Country Martyrs Grievous the persecution in this County under John Christopherson the Bishop thereof Such his Havock in burning poor Procestants in one year that had he sat long in that See and continued after that rate there needed no Iron-mills to rarify the Woods of this County which this BONNER junior would have done of himself I confess the Papists admire him as a most able and profound Divine which mindeth me of an Epigran made by one who being a Suitor to a surly and scornâ—…ull Mistris after he had largely praised her rare parts and Divine perfections concluded She hath too much Divinity for me Oh! that she had some more Humanity The same may this Diocess say of Christopherson who though carrying much of Christ in his Surname did bear nothing of him in his Nature no meekness mildness or mercy being addicted wholly to cruelty and destruction burning no fewer then ten in one fire in Lewes and seventeen others at several Times in sundry Places Cardinals HERBERT de BOSHAM was born at Bosham a goodly mannor in this County which Earl Godwin craftily kissed out of the Arch-bishop of Canterbary and being a good Scholar he was a Manubus I mean to write not to fight for him unto Thomas Becket Arch-bishop of Canterbury He was present at his Murder-martyring and hâ—…d the discretion to make no resistance lest he had been sent the same way with his Master However amongst many other books he wrote the story of his Mâ—…sters death Going over into Italy he was by Pope Alexander the third mâ—…de Arch bishop of Beneventum and in the Month of December 1178. created Cardinal but by what title it is unknown as also is the exact date of his death Prelates JOHN PECKHAM born of obscure Parents in this County bred when a boy in Lewes When a Youth a Franciscan in Oxford when a Young man in Paris when a Man he lived in Lyons where he became Canon when a Grave-man in Rome there made Auditor of causes in that Court when an Old man in Canterbury preferred against his will except out of cunning he would seem Courted into what he Coveted by the Popes plenary power to be Arch bishop thereof Peckham believed the Pope invited him freely to that place when soon after he was called upon to pay a sad reckoning no less then four thousand marks A worthy man he was in his place who neither feared the Laytie nor flattered the Clergy unpartially imposing on both if appearing Pecant most severe penance he was a great punisher of Pluralists and injoyner of Residence His Canons place at Lyons he not only kept during his life but left it to his successours who held it in Commendam some hundred years afterwards Loth they were to part with it as a safe retreating place in case our English Kings should banish them the Realme Besides it was a Convenient Inn for them to Lodge at as almost in the Mid-way of their journey betwixt Canterbury and Rome He sate Arch-bishop almost fourteen years built and endowed a Colledge at Wing ham yet left a great estate to his Kindred I believe his wealth well gotten because the land purchased therewith hath lasted so long in the Linage of his Allies in this and the next County even to our age he died Anno Dom. 1294. ROBERT WINCHELSEY Although Bishop Godwin saith ubi natus traditur opinor à nemine yet considering the custome of the Clergy in that age none can doubt his birth in this County except any should deny Winchelsey to be therein He was bred in the neighbouring Shire of Kent where he was such a proficient in Grammer Learning all did foretell that he then the Arch-Scholar in the School in due time would be Arch-bishop of the See of Canterbury He was afterwards admitted in Merton-colledge in Oxford went thence to Paris where he took the degree of Master of Arts and became Rector perchance no more then a Regent amongst Us of that University returning to Oxford he there proceeded Doctor of Divinity and became Chancellour thereof successively Canon of Pauls Arch-Deacon of Essex and Arch bishop of Canterbury He went to Rome to procure his Pall of Pope Celestine This is that Celestine formerly an Eremite whom a Cardinal afterward his Successor by the Name of Boniface the eighth perswaded by a voice through a hollow-trunk to resign his Popedome and return into the wilderness which he did accordingly Herein his Holiness did trust the Spirit before he did try it contrary to the counsel of the Apostle But this Pope appearing Fallible in his Chamber if in his Chair and consulâ—…ing his Conclave of Cardinalls no doubt would not have been deceived He easily obtained his Pall and refused a Cardinals Cap offer'd unto him returning to Canterbury he was there solemnly inthroned and on the same day Consecrated one Bishop bestowed 12. rich Benefices on 12. Doctors and 12. meaner Livings on as many Bachelors in Divinity Confiding in the Canon of the Councel of Lions which forbad the Clergy to pay any taxes to Princes without the consent of the Pope he created much molestation to himself King Edward the first useing him very harshly till at last he overcame all with his patience For the main he was a worthy Prelate excellent Preacher being Learned himself he loved and preferred Learned men Prodigious his Hospitality being reported that Sundays and Fridays he fed no fewer then four Thousand men when corn was cheap and five Thousand when it was dear and because it shall not be said but my Belief can be as Large as his Bounty I give credit thereunto Otherwise it seemeth suspicious as a mock-imitation of those self same Numbers of Persons which Christ at two severall times miraculously fed with Loafes and Fishes His Charity went home to them which could not come to it sending to such who were Absented by their Impotencies After his Death happening Anno Domini 1313. he was accounted though not the Popes the Poor-mans Saint Bountifull men will always be Canonized in the Calender of Beggers Poor-people repairing in Flocks to the place of his buriall and superstitiously praying unto him and they could best tell whether they found as much Benefit from his Tomb when dead as at his Table when living THOMAS BRADWARDINE was descended of an ancient family at Bradwardine in Hereford-shire who removing thence had setled themselves for three generations in this County where this Thomas was born in or near the City of Chichester He was bred Fellow of Merton-colledge in Oxford where he became a most exquisite Mathematician and deep Divine being commonly called Doctor Profundus He was Confessor to King Edward the third and some impute our great Conquest in France not so much to the Prowesse of that King as to the Prayers of this his Chaplain He constantly preach'd in the Camp Industry to Officers Obedience to Common-souldiers Humility to all in good Patience in
must be more in it to give him that denomination seeing many had that office besides himself He was a great Scholar and deep Divine it being reported to his no small praise That he conformed his Divinity to Scripture and not to the rules of Philosophy He flourished under King Edward the third anno 1350. WILLIAM CAXTON born in that Town a noted stage betwixt Roiston and Huntington Bale beginneth very coldly in his commendation by whom he is charactered Vir non omnino stupidus aut ignavia torpens but we understand the language of his Liptote the rather â—…ecause he proceedeth to praise his Diligence and Learning He had most of his Education beyond the Seas living 30. years in the Court of Margaret Dutchesse of Burgundy Sister to King Edward the fourth whence I conclude him an Anti-Lancastrian in his affection He continued Polychronicon beginning where Trevisa ended unto the end of King Edward the fourth with good judgment and Fidelity And yet when he writeth that King Richard the second left in his Treasury Money and Jewells to the value of seven hundred thousand pounds I cannot credit him it is so contrary to the received Character of that Kings Riotous Prodigality Caxton carefully collected and printed all Chaucers works and on many accounts deserved well of Posterity when he died about the year 1486. Since the Reformation RICHARD HULOET was born at Wishich in this County and brought up in good learning He wrote a book called the English and Latine A B C and dedicated the same to Thomas Goowrich Bishop of Ely and Chancellor of England Some will condemn him of Indiscretion in presenting so low a subject to so high a person as if he would teach the Greatest States-man in the land to spell aright Others will excuse him his book being though of low of generall use for the Common people who then began to betake themselves to reading long neglected in the land so that many who had one foot in their grave had their hand on their primer But I believe that his book whereof I could never recover a sight though entitled an A B C related not to Literall reading but rather to some Elementall grounds of Religion He flourished Anno Domini 1552. JOHN RICHARDSON was born of honest parentage at Linton in this County bred first Fellow of Emanuell then Master of Saint Peters and at last of Trinity-colledge in Cambridge and was Regius Professor in that University Such who represent him a dull and heavy man in his parts may be confuted with this instance An extraordinary Act in Divinity was kept at Cambridge before King James wherein Doctor John Davenant was Answerer and Doctor Richardson amongst others the opposers The Question was maintained in the negative concerning the excommunicating of Kings Doctor Richardson vigorously pressed the practice of Saint Ambrose excommunicating of the Emperour Theodosius insomuch that the King in some passion returned profecto fuit hoc ab Ambrosio insolentissimè factum To whom Doctor Richardson rejoyned responsum vere Regium Alexandro dignum hoc non est argumenta dissolvere sed desecare And so sitting down he desisted from any further dispute He was employed one of the Translators of the Bible and was a most excellent linguist whose death happened Anno Dom. 1621. ANDREW WILLET D. D. was born at Ely in this County bred Fellow of Christs-colledge in Cambridge He afterwards succeeded his father in the Parsonage of Barley in Hertford shire and became Prebendary of Ely He confuted their cavill who make children the cause of covetousness in Clergy-men being bountifull above his ability notwithstanding his numerous issue No less admirable his industry appearing in his Synopsiâ—… Comments and Commentaâ—…ies insomuch that one considering his Polygraphy said merrily that he must write whilst he slept it being unpossible that he should do so much when waking Sure I am he wrote not sleepily nor oscitantèr but what was solid in it self and profitable for others A casuall fall from his horse in the high-way near Hodsden breaking his leg accelerated his death It seems that Gods promise to his children to keep them in all their ways that they dash not their foot against the stone 'T is as other Temporall promises to be taken with a Tacit clause of revocation viz. if Gods wisdome doth not discover the contrary more for his glory and his childrens good This Doctor died Anno Domini 1621. Sir THOMAS RIDLEY Kt. Dr. of the Laws was born at Ely in this County bred first a scholar in Eaton then Fellow of Kings-colledge in Cambridge He was a general scholar in all kind of learning especially in that which we call melior literatura He afterwards was Chancellor of Winchester and the Vicar generall to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury his memory will never dye whilst his book called the view of the Ecclesiastical Laws is living a book of so much merit that the Common Lawyers notwithstanding the difference betwixt the professions will ingeniously allow a due commendation to his learned performance in that subject He died Anno Domini 1629. on the two and twentieth day of January ARTHUR HILDERSHAM was born at Strechworth in this County descended by his mothers side from the Bloud-Royal being great-great-grand-child to George Duke of Clarence brother to Edward the fourth Yet was he not like the proud Nobles of Tecoa who counted themselves too good to put their hands to Gods work But being bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge he entred into the Ministry How this worthy Divine was first run a ground with poverty and afterwards set a float by Gods Providence how he often alternately lost and recovered his voice being silenced and restored by the Bishops how after many intermediate afflictions this just and upright man had peace at the last is largely reported in my Ecclesiastical History to which except I adde to the truth I can adde nothing on my knowledge remarkable He died Anno Domini 1631. R. PARKER for so is his Christian name defectively written in my Book was born in Ely therefore Place-nameing himself Eliensis was son as I am confident to Master Parker Arch-deacon of Ely to whom that Bishoprick in the long vacancy after the death of Bishop Cox was profered and by him refused tantum opum usuram iniquis conditionibus sibi oblatam respuens Our Parker was bred in and became Fellow of Caius-colledge an excellent Herauld Historian and Antiquary Author of a short plain true and brief Manuscript called Sceletos Cantabrigiensis and yet the bare Bones thereof are Fleshed with much matter and hath furnished me with the Nativities of severall Bishops who were Masters of Colledges I am not of the mind of the Italian from whose Envy God deliver us Polidore Virgil who having first served his own turn with them burnt all the rare English Manuscripts of History he could procure so to raise the valuation of his own works But from my heart I wish some
of the same Hand under the new name of a Subsidie Indeed it was pity that the Father of the Diocess should want any thing which his Sons could contribute unto Him He highly favoured the Templars though more pitying then profiting them as persons so stiffly opposed by the Pope and Philip King of France that there was more fear of his being suppressed by their Foes then hope of their being supported by his Friendship He was present in the Councel of Vienna on the same token that therein he had his place assigned next the Arch-bishop of Triers and that I assure you was very high as beneath the lowest Elector and above Wortzbury or Herbipolis and other German Prelates who also were Temporal Princes But now he is gone and his pompe with him dying at Cawood 1315. and buried in the Chappel of Saint Nicholas leaving the reputation of an able Statesman and no ill Scholar behind him MICHAEL TREGURY was born in this County and bred in the University of Oxford where he attained to such eminency that he was commended to King Henry the fifth fit to be a forraign Professor This King Henry desiring to Conquer France as well by Arts as Armes knowing that learning made Civil Persons and Loyall 〈◊〉 reflected on the City of Cane honoured with the Ashes of his Ancestors in Normandy and resolved to advance it an University which he did Anno 1418. placing this Michael the first Professor in the Colledge of his Royal Erection Hence King Henry the sixth preferred him Arch bishop of Dublin in Ireland wherein he continued 22. years deceasing December 21. 1471. and is buried in the Church of Saint Patrick in Dublin I am sorry to see the Author of so many learned books disgraced on his Monument with so barbarous an Epitaph Praesul Metropolis Michael hic Dubliniensis Marmore Tumbatus pro me Christum flagitetis Allowing him thirty years old when Professor at Cane he must be extreamly aged at his departure JOHN ARUNDLE was born of right ancient Parentage of Lanhearn in this County bred in the University of Oxford and was by King Henry the seventh preferred Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield anno 1496. thence translated to his Native Diocese of Exeter 1501. Impute it to the shortness of his continuance in that See that so little is left of his Memory not enough to feed much less Feast the Pen of an Historian He dyed at London anno 1503. and lyeth buryed saith my Author in St. Clements not acquainting us whether Clements East cheap or Clements Danes but I conclude it is the latter because the Bishops of Exeter had their Inne or City-house now converted into Essex-house within that Parish Capital Judges and Writers on the Law There passeth a pleasant Tradition in this County how there standeth a man of great strength and stature with a black Bil in his hand at Polston-bridge the first entrance into Cornwall as you pass towards Launceston where the Assizes are holden ready to knock down all the Lawyers that should offer to plant themselves in that County But in earnest few of that profession have here grown up to any supereminent height of Learning Livelyhood or Authority Whether because of the far distance of this County from the Supremer Courts or because of the multiplicity of petty ones nearer hand pertaining to the Dutchy Stannerie's and other Franchises enabling Atturneys and the like of small reading to serve the peoples turne and so cutting the profit from better-studyed Counsellers Some conceive that Sir Robert Tresillian chief Justice of the Kings-Bench in the fifth of King Richard the Second to be this Country-man though producing no other evidence save Tre the initial syllable of his Surname as a badge of Cornish extraction However we have purposely omitted him in this our Catalogue partly because not claimed by Mr. Carew in his Survey for their Countryman partly because no Worthy as justly executed by Act of Parliament for pronouncing their Acts revocable at the Kings pleasure As for one Cornish man though neither Writer nor actual Judge his worth commands us to remember him namely WILLIAM NOY born in this County was bred in Lincolns-Inn a most sedulous Student constantly conversant with ancient Records verifying his Anagram WILLIAM NOY I Moyl in Law He was for mâ—…ny years the stoutest Champion for the Subjects Liberty untill King Charles entertained him to be his Attorney after which time I read this Character of him in an History written by an ingenious Gentleman He became so servilely addicted to the Prerogative as by Ferretting old penall Statutes and devising new exactions he became for the small time he enjoyed that power the most pestilent Vexation to the subjects that this latter age produced However others behold his Actions with a more favourable eye as done in the pursuance of the place he had undertaken who by his Oath and Office was to improve his utmost power to advance the profit of his Master Thus I see that after their Deaths the Memories of the best Lawyers may turn Clients yea and sue too in forma Pauperis needing the good word of the Charitable Survivors to plead in their behalf He dyed anno Domini 163. Let me add this passage from his mouth that was present thereat The Goldsmiths of London had and in due time may have a Custom once a year to weigh Gold in the Star-Chamber in the presence of the Privy Councill and the Kings Attourney This solemn weighing by a word of art they call the Pixe and make use of so exact scales therein that the Master of the Company affirmed that they would turn with the two hundereth part of a grain I should be loath said the Attorney Noy standing by that all my actions should be weighed in those Scales With whom I concur in relation of the same to my self And therefore seeing the Ballance of the Sanctuary held in Gods hand are far more exact what need have we of his mercy and Christs merits to make us Passable in Gods presence Souldiers King ARTHUR Son to Uther-Pendragon was born in Tintagel-Castle in this County and proved afterward Monarch of Great Britain He may fitly be termed the British Hercules in three respects 1. For his illegitimate birth both being Bastards begotten on other mens wives and yet their Mothers honest women deluded the one by Miracle the other by Art-Magick of Merlin in others personating their husbands 2. Painfull life one famous for his twelve labours the other for his twelve victories against the Saxons and both of them had been greater had they been made less and the reports of them reduced within compass of probability 3. Violent and wofull death our Arthurs being as lamentable and more honourable not caused by Feminine Jealousie but Masculine Treachery being murdered by Mordred near the place where he was born As though no other place on Britains spacious earth Were
daily out of the Nonage of their Years and Vassallâ—…ge of their Errours He died in Dublin Robert Usher soon after Bishop of Kildare preached his Funeral Sermon on that Text Behold a true Israelite wherein there is no guile shewing how he was truly a Nathaniel Gods Gift and a Carpenter a Wise Builder of Gods House until the Dissolution of his Own Tabernacle about the year 1636. Benefactors to the Publick PETER BLUNDELL of Tiverton in this County was a Clothier by his Profession and through Gods Blessing on his Endeavours therein raised unto himself a fair Estate Nor was he more painful and industrious in gaining then Pious aud Prudent in disposing thereof erecting a fair Free-School in the Town of his Nativity By his Will he bequeathed thereto a competent maintenance together with conveniency of Lodging for a Master and Usher And lest such whose Genius did encline and Parts furnish them for a further Progresse in Learning should through want of a Comfortable Subsistency be stopped or disheartned he bestowed two Scholarships and as many Fellowships on Sidney Colledge in Cambridge carefully providing that the Scholars bred in his School at Tiverton should be elected into the same I cannot attain to a certainty in the Time of his Death though it be thought to have happened about the year 1596. WILLIAM BURGOIN Esquire must not be forgotten finding this his Epitaph on his Marble Stone in the Church of Arlington Here lies Will. Burgoin a Squire by discent Whose death in this World many People lament The Rich for his love The Poor for his Almes The Wise for his Knowledge The Sick for his Balmes Grace he did love and Vice conroul Earth hath his body and Heaven his Soul He died on the Twelfth day of August in the Morning 1623. as the Inscription on his said Tomb doth inform us Memorable Persons HENRY de LA POMERAY lived at and was Lord of Berry-Pomeray in this County This Henry taking heart at the imprisonment of Richard the First by Leopaldus Duke of Austria surprized and expulsed the Monkes out of Michaels-Mount in Cornwal that there he might be a petty Prince by himself But being ascertained of his Soveraignes inlargement and fearing deserved death to prevent it he laid violent hands on himself as Roger Hoveden doth report But the Descendants from this Pomeray make a different relation of this accident affirming that a Serjeant at Armes of the Kings came to his Castle at Berry-Pomeray and there received kind entertainment for certain dayes together and at his departure was gratified with a liberal reward In counter-change whereof he then and no sooner revealing his long concealed errand flatly arrested his Host to make his immediate appearance before the King to answer a capital crime Which unexpected and ill carried Message the Gentleman took in such despight that with his Dagger he stabbed the Messenger to the heart Then despairing of pardon in so superlative an offence he abandoned his home and got himself to his Sister abiding in the Island of Mount-Michael in Cornwal Here he bequeathed a large portion of his land to the religious people dwelling there to pray for the redeeming of his soul and lastly that the remainder of his estate might descend to his heir he caused himself to be let blood unto death JOHN de BEIGNY Knight lived Lord of Ege-Lifford in this County who having been a great Travailer and Souldier in his youth retired home married and had three Sons in his reduced Age. Of these the third put himself on Forraign Action in the War against the Saracens in Spain whereof Fame made a large report to his Fathers great contentmâ—…nt which made him the more patiently dispence with his absence But after that death had bereft him of his two elder Sons he was often heard to say Oh that I might but once embrace my Son I would be contented to die presently His Son soon after returning unexpectedly the old man instantly expired with an extasie of Joy An English Father I see can be as passionate as the Italian Mother which died for Joy after the return of her Son from the Battail of 〈◊〉 Thus if all our randome desires should hit the Mark and if Heaven should alwayes take us at our word in our wishes we should be tamed with our Wild prayers granted unâ—…ous us and be drowned in the Deluge of our own Passions This Knight as I take it flourished under King Edward the Third CHILD Whose Christian Name is unknown was a Gentleman the last of his Family being of ancient extraction at Plimstock in this County and great Possessions It happened that he hunting in Dart-More lost both his Company and way in a bitter Snow Having killed his Horse he crept into his hot bowels for warmâ—…h and wrote this with his bloud He that findes and brings meto my Tombe The Land of Plimstock shall be his doom That nâ—…ght he was frozen to death and being first found by the Monkes of Tavâ—…stock they with all possible speed hasted to interre him in their own Abby His own 〈◊〉 of Plimstock hearing thereof stood at the Ford of the River to take his Body from them But they must rise early yea not sleep at all who over-reach Monkes in matter of profit For they cast a slight Bridge over the River whereby they carried over the Corps and interred it In avowance whereof the Bridge a more Premeditate Structure I believe in the place of the former Extempore Passage is called Guils Bridge to this day And know Reader all in the Vicinage will be highly offended with such who either deny or doubt the credit of this common Tradition And sure it is that the Abbot of Tavistock got that rich Manor into his Possession The exact Daâ—…e of this Childs Death I cannot attain NICHOLAS ANDREW TREMAINE were Twins and younger Sons to Thomas Tremaine of 〈◊〉 in this County Esquire Had they preceded Hypocrates in time posterity would have presumed them the sympathising Twins whereof he maketh so large mention Such their likenesse in all lineaments they could not be distinguished but by their several habits which when they were pleased on private confederacy to exchange for disport they occasioned more mirthful mistakes than ever were acted in the Amphitruo of Plautus They felt like pain though at distance and without any intelligence given they equally desired to walk travail sit sleep eat drink together as many credible Gentry of the Vicinage by relation from their Father will attest In this they differred that at New-haven in France the one was a Captain of a Troop the other but a private Souldier Here they were both slain 1564 death being pitiful to kill them together to prevent the lingering languishing of the Surviver Lord-Mayors Never one of this Office was a Devon-shire man by birth on my best enquiry Whereof some assigne these reasons 1 The Distance of the Place whose Western part is removed from London Two
own faults charging him with those Temptations wherein we our selves are always chiefly and sometimes solely guilty When the reading of the Book of sports on the Lâ—…rds day was pressed upon him he refused the same as not comporting with his Conscience and willingly resigned his benefice living afterwards on his temporal means and preaching gratis in neighbouring Congregations He died Anno Dom. 165 Benefactors to the Publick KATHARINE CLYVEDON better known by the name of Dame KATHARINE BERKLEY was Daughter unto Sir John Clyvedon richly landed in this County She was first married to Sir Peter Le Veale and after to Thomas third of that Christian name Baron of Berkley whom she survived living a constant Widow for four and twenty years great her Inâ—…eritance augmented with a large Joynture and yet she expended the profits thereof in Hospitality and prous â—…es amongst which the Founding of the fair Schoole of Wootton-under-edge was most remarkable I have sometimes wondered with my self to see the vast Donations which the Family of the Berkleys bestowed on Monaâ—…eries So that there was no Religious House with in twenty-miles of their Castle besides others at greater distance which did not plentifully partake of their Liberality All these now are lost and extinct whilest the endowment of Wootton Schoole doth still continue whereof I render this private reason to my own thoughts Because Monks were not of Gods planting whilest-teaching of Youth is Iure Divino by a positive precept Teach a Child in the Trade of his Youth and he will remember 〈◊〉 when â—…e is old I behold Wootton Schoole as of great Seniority after Winchester but before Eaton in standing Iohn Smith late of Nibley Esquire was efâ—…ctually instrumental in recovering the Lands to this Schoolâ—… which since hath been happy in good School Masters as they in pregnant Scholars This Lady died March 13. 1385. and is buried by her Husband in Berkley Church in a Monument grated about with Iron Bars Sir WILLIAM HAMPTON son to Iohn Hampton was born at Minchen Hampton in this County bred after a Fish-mâ—…nger in London where he â—…ved so well that he became Lord Mayor thereof Anno 1472. He was the first that set up Stocks in every Ward for the punishment oâ—… Vagaâ—…s and Sâ—…mpets on which account I enter him a publick Benefactor For an House of Correction is a kind of Alms-House it being as charitable a work to reclaim the wicked as to reâ—…ieve the wanting and were it not for Prisons all the Land would be but a Prison Since the Râ—…formation THOMAS BELL born in this County was twice Mayor of the City of Gloucester and raised his estate by Gods blessing on his Industry and Ingenuity being one of the first that brought the trade of Capping into the City Hereby he got great wealth sufficient to maintain the degree of Knighthood which King Henry the eight as I take it bestowed on him He bought from the Crown Black-Friers by the South gate in this City and reformed the ruines thereof into a beautiful house for himself and hard by it erected an Alms-house and endowed it with competent Revenues His Daughter and sole Heir brought a fair Estate into the Families of Dennis This Sir Thomas died in the beginning of the raign of Queen Elizabeth EDWARD PALMER Esquire Uncle to Sir Thomas Overbury was born at Limington in this County where his Ancestry had continued ever since the Conquest Of his breeding I can give no exact account for as the growing of Vegetables towards perfection is insensible so for want of particular information I cannot trace his Gradual motions but find him at last answering the Character given by Mr. Cambden A curious and a diligent Antiquary Great his store of Coins Greek and Roman in Gold Silver and Brasse and greater his skill in them His plentiful Estate afforded him opportunity to put forward the ingenuity impressed in him by nature for the publick good resolving to erect an Academy in Virginia in order whereunto he purchased an â—…sland called Palmers Island unto this day but in pursuance thereof was at many thousand pounds expence some instruments employed therein not discharging their trust reposed in them with corresponding fidelity he was transplanted to another world leaving to posterity the memorial of his worthy but unfinished intentions He married one of his own name and neighbourhood the Daughter of Palmers of Compton Schorfin Esquire Palmero Palmera nobit sic nubilis Amnis Auctior adjunctis Nobilitatis aquis By her he had many Children but most of them desceased amongst whom Muriel married to Michael Rutter of this County Esquire inheriting her Fathers parts and piety left a perfumed Memory to all the Neighbourhood This Edward Palmer died at London about the year 1625. HUGH PIRRY was born in Wootton under-edge a known Market Town in this County bred a Merchant in London whereof he was Sheriff Anno Dom. 1632. He brought the best Servant that ever hath or will come to the Town of Wootton I mean the Water which in his life time on his own cost he derived thither to the great benefit of the Inhabitants He had read how Job had warmed the poor with the Fleece of his Sheep and observed what sheep Job had left he lost and what he had laid out was left him that wooll onely remaining his which he had expended on the poor Master Pirry therefore resolved on pious uses but prevented by death bequeathed a thousand pounds and upwards for the building and endowing of a fair Alms-House in Woâ—…on aforesaid which is persormed accordingly God hath since visibly blessed him in his fair posterity four Daughters the eldest married to the Lord Fitz Williams of Northampton the second to Sir of Glamorgan the third to Sir Robert Beâ—…wes of Lancaster and the youngest the Relict of Viscount Camden's second son to Sir William Fermoure of Northampton-shire He died Anno Dom. 163 Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Will. Hampton John Hampton Minchen HamptoÌ„ Fish-monger 1472 2 John Brug or Bruges Thomas Brug or Bruges Dymmock Draper 1520 3 Leon. Holliday William Holliday Redborough Merchant Taylor 1605 4 Richard Ven. WottoÌ„ under-edg 5 Thomas Viner Thomas Viner Gold-smith 1653 The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth The Keeper of the Spiritualties of the Bishoprick of Worcester sede vacante Commissioners for taking the oaths James de Berkeley James Greyndore Knights for the Shire Robert Stanshaw Knights for the Shire Guidonis Whitington Richardi Norman Iohannis Hurtesley Thome Hoke Johannis Joce Johannis Anne Johannis Panncefote Chivaler Johannis Cassy Edwardi Brugge Rob. Whitington Willielmi Boteler Willielmi Moryn Johannis Stoughâ—…on Roberti Vobe Johannis Morvan Clementis de Mitton Johannis Moryn Johannis Sâ—…ll Willielmi Penâ—…ock Johan Gifford Chivaler Reginaldi Machyn Walteri Frâ—…sh Thome Sloughter Nicholai Eynesham Radulphi Bottiller Chivaler Johannis Grennell Baldewini Rouse Willielmi Somervile Johannis
five parts which were used in Cathedrals many years after his death the certain date whereof I cannot attain JOHN DOULAND was as I have most cause to believe born in this City sure I am he had his longest life and best livelyhood therein being Servant in the Chappel to Queen Elizabeth and King James He was the rarest Musician that his Age did behold Having travailed beyond the Seas and compounded English with Forreign Skill in that faculty it is questionable whether he excell'd in Vocal or Instrumental Musick A chearful Person he was passing his days in lawful meriment truly answering the Anagram made of him JOHANNES DOULANDUS ANNOS LUDENDO HAUSI Christian the fourth K. of Denmark coming over into England requested him of K. James who unwillingly willing parted with him Many years he lived as I am credibly informed in the Danish Court in great favour and plenty generally imployed to entertain such English Persons of quality as came thither I cannot confidently avouch his death at Denmark but believe it more probably then their assertion who report him returned and dying in England about the year 1615. Benefactors to the Publique JAMES PALMER B. D. was born in this City and bred in Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge The Company of Carpenters in London gave him an exhibition towards his maintenance there or lent it him rather For since his bounty hath repaid them the Principle with plentiful consideration He was afterwards for many years the constant Preacher of Saint Bridgets in Fleetstreet the onely Church preferment he enjoyed I perceive thus craft and cruelty may raise a quick and great but plain frugallity especially if vivacious will advance a better and surer estate Though sequestred in these times what he had formerly gained in his place he hath since bestowed in building and endowing over against the New Chappel in Westminster a fair Almes-house for twelve poor people besides this many and great have his gifts been to Ministers poor widdows and wonder not Reader if they be unknown to me which were unknown to his own left-hand all this he did in his life time O it giveth the best light when one carrieth his Lant-horn before him The surest way that ones Will shall be performed is to see it performed Yea I may say that his poor people in his Almes-house are in some sort provided for not onely from head to foot but also from body to soul he constantly preaching to them twice a week He dyed Anno 1659. Memorable Persons EDMOND DOUBLEDAY Esquire was of a tall and proper person and lived in this City Nor had this large case a little jewell this long body a lazy soul whose activity and valour was adequate to his strength and greatness whereof he gave this eminent testimony When Sir Thomas Knevet was sent November 4. 1605. by King James to search the Cellar beneath the Parliament-house with very few for the more privacy to attend him he took Master Doubleday with him Here they found Gui Faux with his dark-lant-horn in the dead of the night providing for the death of many the next morning He was newly come out of the Divels Closset so I may fitly term the inward room where the powder lay and the train was to be laid into the outward part of the Cellar Faux beginning to bussel Master Doubleday instantly ordered him at his pleasure up with his heels and there with the Traytor lay the Treason flat along the floor by Gods goodness detected defeated Faux vowed and though he was a false Traitor herein I do believe him that had he been in the inner room he would have blown up himself and all the company therein Thus it is pleasant musick to hear disarmed malice threaten when it cannot strike Master Doubleday lived many years after deservedly loved and respected and died about the year of our Lord 1618. The Farewell Seeing the well-being yea being of this City consisteth in the Kings Court and in the Courts of Justice I congratulate the happy return of the one praying for the long continuance of the other yea may the Lawyers in Westminster-hall never again plead in their Armour as they did in the time of Wyats rebellion but in their peaceable Gowns and Legal Formalities Nor doth this Wish onely extend to the Weal of Westminster but all England For no such dearth in a Land as what is caused from a drought of Justice therein For if judgement do not run down as Waters and righteousness as a mighty Stream Injustice like an Ocean will drown all with its inundation NOR FOLK hath the German Ocean on the North and East thereof Suffolk severed by the river Waveny on the South-side Cambridge-shire parted by the river Ouse and a small part of Lincoln shire on the West it extendeth full 50. miles from East to West but from North to South stretcheth not above thirty miles All England may be carved out of Norfolk represented therein not onely to the kind but degree thereof Here are Fens and Heaths and Light and Deep and Sand and Clay-ground and Meddows and Pasture and Arable and Woody and generally woodless land so gratefull is this Shire with the variety thereof Thus as in many men though perchance this or that part may justly be cavelled at yet all put together complete a proper person so Norfolk collectively taken hath a sufficient result of pleasure and profit that being supplied in one part which is defective in another This County hath the most Churches of any in England six hundred and sixty and though the poorest Livings yet by some occult quallity of their good husbandry and Gods blessing thereon the richest Clergy-men Nor can there be given a greater demonstration of the wealth and populousness of this County than that in the late Act for an Assessment upon England at the rate of sixty thousand pounds by the Month for three Months Norfolk with the City of Norwich is rated at three thousand two hundred sixty six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence the highest proportion of any Shire in England And though Norfolk hath little cause to please and less to pride it self in so dear purchased pre-eminence yet it cannot but account it a credit to see it self not undervalued Natural Commodities It shareth plentifully in all English Commodities and aboundeth with the best and most Rabbits These are an Army of natural Pioners whence men have learned cuniculos agere the Art of undermining They thrive best on barren ground and grow fattest in the hardest frosts Their flesh is fine and wholesome If Scotish-men tax our language as improper and smile at our wing of a Rabbit let us laugh at their shoulder of a Capon Their skins were formerly much used when furs were in fashion till of late our Citizens of Romans are turned Grecians have laid down their grave gowns and took up their light cloaks men generally disliking all habits though emblemes of honour if also badges of age Their rich
happiness Writers RALPH FRESBOURNE was born in this County bred a Souldier Scholar Travailer being a man of great estate and at last turn'd a Frier He attended Richard Earl of Cornwall and King of the Romans into the Holy-land Here he came acquainted with the Friers living on Mount Carmel which were then much molested with the inrodes of Pagans Our Ralph pitying their condition and much taken with their sanctity and as some say miracles brought them over with him into England and built them an house at Holme nigh Alnwick in Northumberland In loco Carmelo Syriae non dissimili saith my Author In a place not unlike to Carmel in Syria Thus pence are like shillings and as Carmel had an Hill with the river Kishon running under it a Forrest beside it and the Mid-land-Sea some three miles from it so this had the river Alne a Park adjoyning and the German-Sea at the same distance But Northumberland was but a cold Carmel for these Friers who soon got themselves warmer nests in Kent Essex London and where not Multiplying more in England then in any other Country as Mantuan observeth and hath not ill expressed Cur apud Anglorum populos ita creverit audi Anglicus in Syrias veniens exercitus olim Achonem Tyrii positam prope litora ponti Quae priùs occurrit subit is oppresserat armis Hear why that they so much in England thriv'd th' English earst in Palestine arriv'd The City Acon on the shore of Tyre As next at hand with arms did soon acquire And after some verses interpos'd Ista duces tanta intuiti miracula secum In patriam duxere viros quibus arma negabant In laribus sedem Assyriâ—… templa domosque Construxere novas Pauc is it a fâ—…ruit annis Relligio quasi virga solo depact a feraci Et veluti palmes robur translata recepit The Captains seeing so great wonders wrought These Friers with them into England brought What war deni'd at home they here anew Churches and Houses built In years but few Increasing twig-like set by happy band Or tree transplanted to a fruitful land This Ralph wrote Books of pious exhortations and Epistles and after he had been fourteen years provincial of his own Order died and was buried at Holme aforesaid Anno Domini 1274. JOHANNES SCOTUS We have formerly asserted the very Scociety of this Scotus his nativity to belong to England and have answered the objections to the contrary He was born at Dunston a village in the Parish of Emildon in this County as appeareth by a writing in a book of his in Merton-colledge wherein he was bred He was a Franciscan by Order and of such nimble and solid parts that he got the title of Doctor subtilis Hitherto all School-men were like the world before the building of Babel of one language and of one speech agreeing together in their opinions which hereafter were divided into two Regâ—…ments or Armies rather of Thomists and Scotists under their several Generals opposing one another Scotus was a great stickler against the Thomists for that sinful opinion that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin which if so how came she to rejoyce in God her Saviour He read the Sentences thrice over in his solemn Lectures once at Oxford again at Paris and last at Colen where he died or was kill'd rather because falling into a strong fit of an Apoplexy he was interred whilst yet alive as afterwards did appear Small amends were made for his hasty burial with an handsome monument erected over him at the cost of his Order otherwise whether as Scot Scholar or Franciscan he had little wealth of his own in the Quire before the High Altar On his Monument are inscribed the names of fifteen Franciscans viz. three Popes and two Cardinals on the top and ten Doctors whereof six English on the sides thereof all his Contemporaries as I conceive He died Anno Dom. 1308. Benefactors to the Publick STEPHEN BROWN Grocer son of John Brown was born at Newcaste upon Tine in this County afterwards Knighted and made Lord Mayor of London 1438. In which year happened a great and general famine caused much by unseasonable weather but more by some Huckstering Husbandmen who properly may be termed Knaves in grain insomuch that wheat was sold for three shillings a bushel intollerable according to the standard of those times and poor people were forced to make bread of fern roots But this Sir Stephen Brown sent certain ships to Dantz whose seasonable return with Rye suddenly sunk grain to reasonable rates whereby many a languishing life was preserved He is beheld one of the first Merchants who in want of Corn shewed the Londoners the way to the Barn-door I mean into Spruseland prompted by charity not covetousness to this his Adventure He may be said that since his death he hath often relieved the City on the like occasion because as Symmachus well observeth Author est bonorum sequentium qui bonum relinquit exemplum ROBERT WOODLARKE was born saith my Author at Wakerly in this County True it is in my late Church History I have challenged him for Northamptonshire Because there is no VVakerly in Northumberland Because there is a VVakerly in Northamptonshire But on second thoughts I resige him clear to this County loth to higgle for a letter or two misprinted perchance in the name of a Town This VVoodlarke was the last of the first Original Fellows and third Provost of Kings-colledge in Cambridge He bought three tenements in Miln-street and by a Mortmain procured from King Edward the fourth erected of them a small Colledge by the name of Saint Katharines-hall As is the man so is his strength great matters cannot be expected from so private a person who never attained to any Prelatical preferment who was bountiful to his Foundation to the utmost of his ability Herein he stands alone without any to accompany him being the first and last who was Master of one Colledge and at the same time Founder of another This his Zoar hath since met with many worthy Benefactours who have advanced it to be considerable both in buildings and revenues The date of his death I cannot with any certainty affix Memorable Persons MACHELL VIVAN is a Scotish-man by his birth but because beneficed in this County so many years shall by the Readers leave pass for an English-man so far as to be here inserted The rather because he will minister to the present and future ages just matter of admiration as by the perusing of the ensuing letter from my credible friend well know in London where his surviving Father was not long since the Prime Magistrate thereof will appear There is an acquaintance of mine and a friend of yours who certified me of your desire of being satisfied of the truth of that relation I made concerning the old Minister in the North. It fortuned in my journey to
Provost of Kings Colledge in Cambridge Which he reteined with the Bishoprick of Chichester to which he was consecrated 1543. A most pertinacious Papist who though he had made some kind of Recantation in a Sermon as I find it entred in king Edward the Sixth his own Diary yet either the same was not satisfactory or else he relapsed into his errours again for which he was deprived under the said king and restored again by Queen Mary He died Anno Dom. 1556. Prelats since the Reformation WILLIAM DAY was brother to the aforesaid George Day I find no great difference betwixt their age seeing George Day was admitted in Kings Colledge Anno 1538. VVilliam Day was admitted in the same Colledge Anno 1545. Yet was there more than forty years betwixt the dates of their deaths George Day died very young Bishop of Chichester Anno Dom. 1556. VVilliam Day died very old Bishop of VVinchester Anno 1596. But not so great was the difference betwixt their Vivacity as distance betwixt their Opinions the former being a Rigid Papist the later a Zealous Protestant Who requesting of his Brother some Money to buy Books therewith and other necessaries was returned with this denial That he thought it not fit to spend the goods of the Church on him who was an enemy of the Church However this William found the words of Solomon true And there is a friend who is nearer than a Brother not wanting those who supplyed his necessities He was Proctor of Cambridge 1558 and afterwards was made by Queen Elizabeth who highly esteemed him for his Learning and Religion Provost of Eton and Dean of Windsor two fair preferments parted with Thames but united in his person The Bishoprick of Winchester he enjoyed scarcely a whole year and dyed as aforesaid 1596. Statesmen Sir THOMAS BROMLEY was borne at Bromley in this County of a right ancient Family I assure you bred in the Inner Temple and Generall Solicitor to Queen Elizabeth He afterwards succeeded Sir Nicholas Bacon in the Dignity of Lord Chancellor Aprill 25. 1579. Now although it was difficult to come after Sir Nicholas Bacon and not to come after him Yet such was Sir Thomas his Learning and Integrity being charactred by my Authors Virjuris prudentia insignis That Court was not sensible of any considerable alteration He possessed his place about nine years dying Anno 1587 not being 60 years old Hereby the pregnancie of his parts do appear seeing by proportion of time he was made the Queens Solicitor before he was 40 and Lord Chancellor before he was 50 years old Learning in Law may seem to run in the veins of that name which since had a Baron of the Exchequer of his Alliance Sir CLEMENT EDMONDS was born at Shrawardine in this County and bred Fellow in All-Souls Colledge in Oxford being generally skilled in all Arts and Sciences Witness his faithfull Translations of and learned Illustrations on Caesars Commentaries Say not that Comment on Commentary was false Heraldry seeing it is so worthy a work that the Authour thereof may pass for an eminent instance to what perfection of Theorie they may attain in matter of War who were not acquainted with the Practick part thereof being only once employed by Queen Elizabeth with a dispatch to Sir Francis Vere which occasioned his presence at the Battail at Newport For he doth so smartly discusse pro and con and seriously decide many Martiall Controversies that his judgement therein is praised by the best Military Masters King Iames taking notice of his Abilities made him Clerke of the Council and Knighted him And he was at last preferred Secretary of State in the vacancy of that place but prevented by Death acted not therein He died Anno 16. and lies buried at Preston in Northamptonshire where he purchased a fair Estate which his Grandchilde doth possess at this day Capitall Judges and Writers on the Law EDMUND PLOWDEN was borne at Plowden in this County one who excellently deserved of our Municipall Law in his learned Writings thereon but consult his ensuing Epitaph which will give a more perfect account of him Conditur in hoc Tumulo corpus Edmundi Plowden Armigeri Claris ortus Parentibus apud Plowden in Comitatu Salop. natus est à pueritia in literarum studio liberaliter est educatus in provectiore vero aetate Legibus juris prudentiae operam dedit Senex jam factus annum aetatis suae agens 67. Mundo valedicens in Christo Jesu sanctè obdormivit die sexto mensis Februar Anno Domini 1584. I have rather inserted this Epitaph inscribed on his Monument on the North side of the East end of the Quire of Temple Church in London because it hath escaped but by what casualty I cannot conjecture Master Stow in his Survey of London We must add a few words out of the Character Mr. Camden gives of him Vitae integritate inter homines suae professionis nulli secundus And how excellent a medly is made when honesty and ability meet in a man of his Profession Nor must we forget how he was Treasurer for the Honourable Society of the Middle-Temple Anno 1572. when their magnificent Hall was builded He being a great advancer thereof Sir JOHN WALTER son to Edmund Walter Chief Justice of South-Wales was born at Ludlow in this County and bred a Student of our Common-Laws wherein he atteined to great Learning so that he became when a Pleader eminent when a Judge more eminent when no Judge most eminent 1 Pleader The Character that Learned James Thuanus gives of Christopher Thuanus his Father being an Advocate of the Civil Law and afterwards a Senator of Paris is exactly agreeable to this Worthy Knight Ut bonos a calumniatoribus tenuiores a potentioribus doctos ab ignorantibus opprimi non pateretur That he fuffered not good men to be born down by slanderers poor men by more potent Learned men by the ignorant 2 Judge Who as when ascending the Bench entering into a new temper was most passionate as Sir John most patient as Judge Walter and great his gravity in that place When Judge Denham his most upright and worthy Associate in the Western Circuit once said unto him My Lord you are not merry Merry enough return'd the other for a Judge 3 No Judge Being outed of his place when Chief Baron of the Exchequer about the Illegality of the Loan as I take it He was a grand Benefactor though I know not the just proportion to Jesus Colledge in Oxford and died Anno 1630. in the Parish of the Savoy bequeathing 20 l. to the Poor thereof EDWARD LITLETON born at Mounslow in this County was the eldest son to Sir Edward Littleton one of the Justices of the Marches and Chief Justice of North-Wales He was bred in Christ-Church in Oxford where he proceeded Batchelor of Arts and afterward one of the Justices of North-Wales Recorder of London
Commission where he met with some molestation He had three Brethren Ministers on the same token that some have said that these four put together would not make up the abilities of their Father Nor were they themselves offended with this Hyperbole to have the Branches lessened to greaten their Root One of them lately dead was benefic'd in Essex and following the counsel of the Poet Ridentem dicere verum Quis vetat What doth forbid but one may smile And also tell the Truth the while hath in a jesting way in some of his Books delivered much Smart-Truth of this present Times Mr. Samuel died 163. JOHN BOISE Born at Elmeseth in this County being son of the Minister thereof He was bred first in Hadley-School then in St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge and was deservedly chosen Fellow thereof Here he as a Volonteer read in his bed a Greek Lecture to such young Scholars who preferred Antelucana studia before their own ease and â—…est He was afterwards of the Quorum in the translating of the Bible and whilst St. Chrysostome lives Mr. Boise shall not die such his learned pains on him in the edition of Sir Henry Savil. Being Parson of Boxworth in Cambridge-shire and Prebendary of Ely he made a quiet End about the beginning of our Warlike disturbances Romish Exile Writers ROBERT SOUTHWEL was born in this County as Pitseus affirmeth who although often mistaken in his locality may be believed herein as professing himself familiarly acquainted with him at Rome But the matter is not much where he was born seeing though cried up by men of his own Profession for his many Books in Verse and Profe he was reputed a dangerous enemy by the State for which he was imprisoned and executed March the 3 1595. Benefactors to the Publick ELIZABETH third daughter of Gilbert Earl of CLARE and wife to John Burgh Earl of Ulster in Ireland I dare not say was born at but surely had her greatest Honor from Clare in this County Blame me not Reader if I be covetous on any account to recover the mention of her Memory who Anno 1343 founded Clare-Hall in Cambridge since augmented by many Benefactors Sir SIMON EYRE son of John Eyre was born at Brandon in this County bred in London first an Upholster then a Draper In which Profession he profited that he was chosen Lord Mayor of the City 1445. On his own cost he built Leaden-Hall for a Common Garner of Corn to the City of squared stone in form as it now sheweth with a fair Chappel in the East side of the Quadrant Over the Porch of which he caused to be written Dextra Domini exaltavit me The Lords right hand hath exalted me He is elsewhere stiled Hoâ—…orandus famosus Mercator He left five thousand Marks a prodigious sum in that age to charitable uses so that if my sight mistake not as I am confident it doth not his bounty like Saul stands higher than any others from the shoulders upwards He departed this life the 18th of September Anno Domini 1459. and is buried in the Church of St. Mary Woolnoth in Lumbard-street London THOMAS SPRING commonly called the Rich Clothier was I believe born I am sure lived and waxed Wealthy at Laneham in this County He built the Carved Chappel of Wainscot in the North-side of the Chancel as also the Chappel at the South-side of the Church This Thomas Spring senior died Anno 1510 and lieth buried under a Monument in the Chappel of his own erection Since the Reformation WILLIAM COPPINGER born at Bucks-Hall in this County where his Family flourisheth at this day in a good esteem He was bred a Fish-monger in London so prospering in his Profession that he became Lord Mayor Anno 1512. He gave the half of his Estate which was very great to pious uses and relieving of the poor His bounty mindeth me of the words of Zacheus to our Saviour Behold Lord the half of my goods I give to the poor and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation I restore him fourefold Demand not of me whether our Coppinger made such plentiful restitution being confident there was no cause thereof seeing he never was one of the Publicans persons universally infamous for extortion Otherwise I confess that that charity which is not bottom'd on Justice is but built on a foundred foundation I am sorry to see this Gentlemans ancient Arms the Epidemical disease of that Age substracted in point of Honour by the addition of a superfluous Bordure Sir WILLIAM CORDAL Knight Where ever he was born he had a fair Estate at Long-Melford in this County and lieth buried in that fair Church under a decent Monument We will translate his Epitaph which will perfectly acquaint us with the great Offices he had and good offices he did to posterity Hic Gulielmus habet requieÌ„ Cordellus avito Stemmate qui clarus clarior ingenio Hic studiis primos consumpsit fortiter annos Mox Causarum strenuus actor er at Tanta illi doctrina inerat facundia tanta Ut Parlamenti publica Lingua foret Postea factus Eques Reginae arcana Mariae Consilia Patriae grande subibat opus Factus est Custos Rotulorum urgente senecta In Christo moriens cepit ad astra viam Pauperibus largus victum vestemque ministrans Insuper Hospitii condidit ille domum Here William Cordal doth in rest remain Great by his birth but greater by his brain Plying his studies hard his youth throughout Of Causes he became a Pleader stout His learning deep such cloquence did vent He was chose Speaker of the Parliament Afterwards Knight Q. Mary did him make And Counsellor State-work to undertake And Master of the Rolls well worn with age Dying in Christ heaven was his utmost stage Diet and clothes to poor he gave at large And a fair Almshouse founded on his charge He was made Master of the Rolls November 5th the Fifth of Queen Mary continuing therein till the day of his death the 23th of Queen Elizabeth Sir ROBERT HICHAM Knight and Serjeant at Law was born if not at near Nacton in this County and was very skilful in our Common-Law By 〈◊〉 practice he got a great Estate and purchased the fair Mannor of Framlingham of the Earl of Suffolk Herein he met with many difficulties knots which would have made another mans Axe turn edge to hew them off so that had he not been one of a sharp Wit strong Brains powerful Friends plentiful Purse and indefatigable Diligence he had never cleared the Title thereof to him and his heirs I am willing to beleeve that gratitude to God who gave him to wade thorough so many Incumbrances and land safely at last on the peaceable possession of his Purchase was the main motive inclining him to leave a great part of his Estate to pious uses and principally to Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge He
this County bred first at Eaton then at Kings-Colledge in Cambridge where when a youth he was a Rakel in grain For something crossing him in the Colledge he could find no other way to work his Revenge than by secret setting on fire the Masters lodgings part whereof he burnt to the ground Immediately after this Incendiary and was it not high time for him left the Colledge and this little Herosâ—…ratus lived for a time in the Country debauched enough for his conversation But they go far who turn not again And in him the Proverb was verified Naughty Boyes sometimes make good Men he seasonably retrenched his wildness turn'd hard Student became an eminent Scholar and most able States-man and after smaller promotions was at last made Bishop of Ely and often employed in forreign Embassies And now hath it been possible he would have quenched the fire he kindled in the Colledge with his own tears and in expression of his penitence became a worthy Benefactor to the house and re-built the masters Lodgings firm and fair from the ground No Bishop of England was better attended with Menial Servants or kept a more bountiful house which made his death so much lamented Anno Dom. 1533. Since the Reformation JOHN PARKâ—…URST was born at Gilford in this County bred first in Magdalen then in Merton-Colledge in Oxford Here it was no small part of praise that he was Tutor yea Mecenas to John Jewel After his discontinuance returning to Oxford it was no small comfort unto him to hear his Pupil read his Learned humanity-Lectures to the Somato Christians Reader I coyn not the word my self but have took it in Payment from a good hand that is to those of Corpus Chrisâ—…i Colledge to which house then Jâ—…wel was removed Hereupon Mr. Parkhurst made this Distich Olim discipulus mihi chare Juelle fuisti Nunc ero discipulus te renuente tuus Dear Jewel Scholar once thou wast to me Now gainst thy will I Scholar turn to thee Indeed he was as good a Poet as any in that Age and delighted to be an AntiEpigrammatist to John VVhite Bishop of VVinchester whom in my opinion he far surpassed both in Phrase and fancy Mr. Parkhurst when leaving Oxford was presented Parson shall I say or Bishop of Cleve in Glocester-shire as which may seem rather a Diocess than a Parish for the rich Revenue thereof But let none envy Beneficium opimum beneficiario optimo A good living to an incumbent who will do good therewith He laid himself out in works of Charity and Hospitality He used to examine the Pockets of such Oxford Scholars as repaired unto him and alwayes recruited them with necessaries so that such who came to him with heavy hearts and light purses departed from him with light hearts and heavy purses But see a sudden alteration King Edward the Sixth dies and then he who formerly entertained others had not a house to hide himself in Parkhurst is forced to post speedily and secretly beyond the Seas where he remained all the reign of Queen Mary and providing for his return in the First of Queen Elizabeth was robbed of that little he had by some Searchers appointed for that purpose Were not these Thieves themselves robbed I mean of their expectation who hoped to enrich themselves by Pillaging an Exile and a Poet It grieved him most of all that he lost the fair Copy of his Epigrams though afterwards with much ado he recovered them from his foul papers These at last he put in print Et juvenilem 〈◊〉 senex edidit without any trespass on his gravity such his Poems being so witty that a young man so harmless that an old man need not be of them ashamed Being returned into England he was by Queen Elizabeth preferred to the Bishoprick of Norwich and was consecrated Sept. the 1 1560. 14 years he sate in that See and died 1574. THOMAS RAVIS was born of worthy Parentage at Maulden in this County bred in Christ-Church in Oxford whereof he was Dean and of which University he was twice Vice-Chancellor Afterwards when many suitors greedily sought the Bishoprick of Glocester then vacant the Lords of the Councel * requested Doct. Ravis to accept thereof As he was not very willing to go â—…hither so after his three years abode there those of Glocester were unwilling he should go thence who in so short a time had gained the good liking of all sorts that some who could scant brook the name of Bishop were content to give or rather to pay him a good Report Anno 1607 he was removed to London and there died on the 14th of December 1609. and lieth buried under a fair Tomb in the wall at the upper end of the North-part of his Cathedral ROBERT ABBOT D. D. was born at Guilford in this County bred in 〈◊〉 Colledge in Oxford whereof he became Principal and Kings Professor of Divinity in that University What is said of the French so graceful is their Garbe that they make any kind of Cloathes become themselves so general was his Learning he made any liberal imployment beseem him Reading VVriting Preaching Opposing Answering and Moderating who could dis-intangle Truth though complicated with errours on all sides He so routed the reasons of Bellarmin the Romish Champion that he never could rally them again Yet Preferment which is ordered in Heaven came down very slowly on this Doctor whereof several Reasons are assigned 1 His Humility affected no high Promotion 2 His Foes traduced him for a Puritan who indeed was a right godly Man and cordiat to the Discipline as Doctrine of the Church of England 3 His Friends were loath to adorn the Church with the spoil of the University and marre a Professor to make a Bishop However preferment at last found him out when he was consecrated B. of Salisbury Decemb. 3. 1615. Herein he equaled the felicity of Suffridus B. of Chichester that being himself a Bishop he saw his brother George at the same time Archbishop of Canterbury Of these two George was the more plausible Preacher Robert the greater Scholar George the abler States-man Robert the deeper Divine Gravity did frown in George and smile in Robert But alas he was hardly warm in his Sâ—…e before cold in his Coffin being one of the â—…ive Bishops which Salisbury saw in six years His death happened Anno 1617. GEORGE ABBOT was born at Guilford in this County being one of that happy Ternion of Brothers whereof two eminent Prelats the third Lord Mayor of London He was bred in Oxford wherein he became Head of University-Colledge a pious man and most excellent Preacher as his Lectures on Jonah do declare He did first creep then run then fly into preferment or rather preferment did fly upon him without his expectation He was never incumbent on any Living with cure of soules but was mounted from a Lecturer to a Dignitary so that he knew well what belong'd to
how soon for their own safety they may have need to make use thereof Many other Charities he bestowed and deceased Anno 1496. Since the Reformation ............. HALES Esquire He purchased a prime part of the Priory of Coventry Now either out of his own inclination or as a Condition of his Composition with King Henry the eighth or a mixture of both he founded and endowed a fair Grammer-school in Coventry Herein I have seen more abate the Three English schools of the first Magnitude and as well learned Scholars be it spoken that the Master Usâ—…er and Scholars may according to their Proportions divide the praise betwixt them as in any School in England Here is also an Infant which may be an Adult Library when it meeteth with more Benefactors JOHN Lord HARRINGTON son to James Lord Harrington was born at Combe Abby in this County accruing unto him by his Mother Heiress of â—…elway as by a property of that Family lately or still surviving I have on very strict enquiry been certainly enformed He did not count himself priviledged from being Good by being Great and his timely Piety rising early did not soon after go to Bed as some young Saints beheld under an other Notion but contiuned watchfull during his life He was one of the first who began the pious fashion since followed by few of his Quality of a Diary wherein he registred not the Injuries of others done unto him a work of Revenge not Devotion but of his Faâ—…lings and Infirmities toward his Master Thus making even with the God of Heaven by Repentance in Christ at the end of every day he had to use the Expression and Counsell of the Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armagh but one day to repent of before his death He lived out all 〈◊〉 days in the appointment of Divine Providence not half of them according to the course and possibility of Nature not Half a Quarter of them according to the hopes and desires of the Lovers and Honourers of Virtue in this Nation especially of the society in Sidney-colledge in Cambridge whereto he was a most 〈◊〉 Bénefactour He was the last Male of that Honourable Family as one justly complains JOHANES DOMINUS HARRINGTONIUS Anagramma INSIGNIS ERAT AH UNUS HONOR DOMI The Reader is referred for the rest unto his Funerall Sermon preached by Master Stock of London who though he would not to use his own Phrase Gild a Poâ—…sheard understand him Flatter unworthyness yet giveth him his large and due Commendation He died unmarried Anno 161. leaving his two Sisters his Heirs Lucy married to Edward Earl of Bedford and Anne who by Sir Robert Chichester had a daughter Anne married to Thomas Earl of Elgin and Mother to Robert L. Bruce who is at this day Heir Apparent to no small part of the Lands but Actually possessed of a larger of the Vertues of his Honourable Great-uncle Memorable Persons THOMAS UNDERHILL Esquire was born at Neaher-Eatendon in this County It is pity to part him from Elizabeth his wife seeing the Poetical fiction of Philemon and Baucis found in them an Historical performance with improvement * Sed pia Baucis anus parilique aetate Philemon Illâ sunt annis juncti juvenilibus illâ Consenuere casâ paupertatémque ferendo Effecere levem nec iniqua mente ferendam But good old Baucis with Philemon matchd In youthfull years now struck with equal age Made poorness pleasant in their cottage Thatch'd And weight of want with patience diâ—… aswage Whereas this our Warwick-shire-Pair living in a worshipfull equipage and exemplary for their hospitality did teach others not how Poverty might be born but Wealth well used by their Example for the owners and others good The Ovidian-couple appear issueless whereas twenty children viz. tâ—…teen sons and seven daughters were begotten and born by this Thomas and Elizabeth living sixty five years together in marriage Indeed the poeticall-pair somewhat outstrip'd them in the happiness of their death their request being granted them Et quoniam concordes egimus annos Auferà thora duos eadem nec conjugis unquam Busta meae videam nec sim tumulandus ab illa Because we liv'd and lov'd so long together Let 's not behold the funeralls of either May one hour end us both may I not see This my wife buried nor wife bury me However these Underhills deceased in one year she in July he in October following 1603. Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Coventry William Coventry Coventry Mercer 1425 2 John Olney John Olney Coventry Mercer 1446 3 Robert Tate Thomas Tate Coventry Mercer 1488 4 Hugh Clopton John Clopton Stratford upon Avon Mercer 1491 5 John Tate Thomas Tate Coventry 1496 6 William Cockain William Cockain Baddesley Skinner 1619 7 John Warner John Warner Rowington Grocer  The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the 〈◊〉 year of King Henry the sixth 1433. William Bishop of Lincoln Commissioners to take the Oaths Richard Earl of Warwick John Cotes Knights for the shire Nicholas Metley Knights for the shire Radul Nevill mil. Ioh. Colepeper mil. Will. Mounford mil. Edw. Oddingsselles m. Tho. Bâ—…rdet mil. Rich. Otherston Abbatis de Camba Will. Pole Abbatis de Alyncestre Joh. Buggeley Abbatis de Miravalle Edw. Bronâ—…ete de Farnburgh ar Bald. Mountford de Hampton ar Râ—…d Brasebrugg de Kinnesbury ar Will. Lucy de Charlecote ar Tho. Hugford de Emescote ar Tho. Erdington de Erdington ar Rob. Arden de Bromwich ar Will. Pucfrey de Shiford ar Rog. Harewell de Morehall ar Rich. Hyband de Ippesley armig Will. Botoner de Wythybroke Ioh. Midlemore de Eggebaston ar Thome Porter de Escote ar Tho. 〈◊〉 de Tonworth ar Tho. Waryng de eadem ar Rich. Verney ar de Wolverton Tho. Gâ—…ene de Solyhull ar Joh. Chelwyn de Alspath ar Ioh. Waldiene de eadem ar Nich. Ruggeley de Donton ar Will. Holt de Aston ar Rich. Merbroke de Codbarow ar Galf. Allefley d eparva Lalleford Tho. Greswold de Solyhull Tho. Haynton de Napton Will. Parker de Tonworth Edm. Starkey de Stretton Ranul Starky de eadem Will. Derset de Thurlaston Rich. Hall de Stretford Ioh. Mayell de eadem Simon Forster de Althercton Clemen Draper de â—…adem Iohan. Darant de Berston Rog. Mullward de Nuneton Iohan. Omfrey de eadem Iohan. Waryn de eadem Hum. Iacob de Tamworth Tho. Neuton de eadem Math. Smalwode de Sutton Rich. Dalby de Brokhampton Rich. Eton de Warwick Hum. Corbet Iohan. Aleyn de Berford Tho. Iakes de Woner Rog. Clerk de Tatchbrook Rich. Briches de Longedon Will. Reynold de Attilburgh Ioh. Michell majoris civitatis Coventrae Will. Donington unius Ballivorum civitatis Predictae Rob. Southam alterius Ballivorum civitatis Predicte Egidii Alles sley Magistri Gildae Sanctae Trinitatis de Coventrae Lauren. Cook de Coventrae Merchant Rich. Sharp de eadem Merchant Rich. Boton de eadem Fishmonger Ioh. Lychefeld de eadem Grasier
Reader to his Life written at large by Bishop Carlton he was Rector of Houghton in the North consisting of fourteen Villages In his own house he boarded and kept full four and twenty scholars The greater number of his boarders were poor mens sons upon whom he bestowed meat drink and cloth and education in learning He was wont to entertain his Parishioners and strangers at his table not onely at the Christmas time as the custome is but because he had a large and wide Parish a great multitude of people he kept a table for them every Sunday from Michâ—…elmas to Easter He had the Gentlemen the Husbandmen and the Poorer sort set every degree by themselves and as it were ordered in ranks He was wont to commend the married estate in the Clergy howbeit himself lived and dyed a single man He bestowed in the building ordering and establishing of his School and in providing yearly stipends for a School-master and an Usher the full summe of five hundred pounds out of which School he supplied the Church of England with great store of learned men He was carefull to avoid not only all evil doing but even the lightest suspicions thereof And he was accounted a Saint in the judgements of his very enemies if he had any such Being full of faith unfained and of good works he was at the last put into his grave as a heap of wheat in due time swept into the garner He dyed the 4. of March 1583. and in the 66. year of his age RICHARD MULCASTER was born of an ancient extract in the North but whether in this County or Cumberland I find not decided From Eaton-school he went to Cambridge where he was admitted into Kings-colledge 1548. but before he was graduated removed to Oxford Here such his proficiency in learning that by general consent he was chosen the first Master of Merchant-Tailors-School in London which prospered well under his care as by the flourishing of Saint Johns in Oxford doth plainly appear The Merchant-Tailors finding his Scholars so to profit intended to fix Mr. Mulcaster as his Desk to their School till death should remove him This he perceiv'd and therefore gave for his Motto Fidelis servus perpetuus asinus But after twenty five years he procured his freedome or rather exchanged his service being made Master of Pauls-school His method in teaching was this In a morning he would exactly and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 the lessons to his Scholars which done he slept his hour custome made him critical to proportion it in his desk in the School but wo be to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 slept the while Awaking he heard them 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 to pity as soon as he to pardon where he found just fault The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Mothers prevailed with him as much as the requests of indulgent Fathers rather increasing then mitigating his severity on their offending child In a word he was Plagosus Orbilius though it may be truly said and safely for one out of his School that others have taught as much learning with fewer lashes Yet his sharpness was the better endured because unpartiall and many excellent Scholars were bred under him whereof Bishop Andrews was most remarkable Then quitting that place he was presented to the rich Parsoâ—…ge of Stanfórd-rivers in Essex I have heard from those who have heard him preach that his Sermons were not excellent which to me seems no wonder partly because there is a different discipline in teaching children and men partly because such who make Divinity not the choice of their youth but the refuge of their age seldome attain to eminency therein He died 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth CHRISTOPHER POTTER D. D. kinsman to Bishop Potter of whom before was born in this County 〈◊〉 Fellow of Queens-colledge in Oxford and at last was chosen Provost thereof Chapâ—…in in Ordinary to King Charles and Dean of 〈◊〉 One of a sweet nature â—…mely preâ—…ence courteous carriage devout life and deep learning he wrot an excellent book entituled Charity mistaken containing impregnable truth so that malice may sâ—…arl at but not bite it without breaking its own teeth Yet a railing Jesuit wrote a pretended 〈◊〉 thereof to which the Doctor mâ—…de no return partly because the industrious Bee would not meddle with a 〈◊〉 or Hornet rather partly because Mr. Chillingworth a great Master of defence in School-divinity took up the Cudgells against him This worthy Doctor died in the beginning of our civill distempers Benefactors to the Publique ROBERT LANGTON Doctors of Law MILES SPENCER Doctors of Law It is pity to part them being Natives of this County as I am credibly informed Doctors in the same faculâ—…y and Co-partners in the same Charity the building of a fair School at Appleby The Pregnant Mother of so many Eminent Scholars As for Robert Langton he was bred in and a Benefactor to Queens-â—…edge in Oxford owing the Glaseing of many Windows therein to his Beneficence Witness his Conceit to Communicate his Name to Posterity viz. a Ton the 〈◊〉 or Fancy Generall for all Sirnames in that Termination extended very long beyond an ordinary proportion Lang the Northern man pronounceth it whereby he conceived his Surname completed I shall be thankfull to him who shall enform me of the Dates of their severall deaths ANNE CLYFFORD sole Daughter heir to George Earl of Cumberland Wife first to Richard Earl of Dorset then to Phillip Earl of Pembrokâ—… and Montgomery though born and nursed in Hartfordshire yet because having her greatest Residence and Estate in the North is properly referrable to this County The Proverb is Homo non est ubi animat sed amat One is not to be reputed there where he lives but where he loves on which account this Lady is placed not where she first took life but where she hath left a most lasting Monument of her Love to the Publique This is that most beautifull Hospital Stately Built and Richly Endowed at her sole Cost at Appleby in this County It was conceived a bold and daring part of Thomas Cecill son to Treasurer Burghleigh to enjoyn his Masons and Carpenters not to omit a days Work at the building of Wimbleton house in Surrâ—…y though the Spanish Armado Anno 1588. all that while shot off their Guns whereof some might be heard to the Place But Christianly Valiant is the Charity of this Lady who in this Age wherein there is an Earthquake of Antient Hospitals and as for new ones they are hardly to be seen for New lights I say Couragious this Worthy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who dare found in this Confounding Age wherein so much was demolished and aâ—…ened which was given to God and his Church Long may she live in Wealth and 〈◊〉 exactly to Compleat whatâ—…oever her 〈◊〉 Intentions have 〈◊〉 Mâ—…morable Persons RICHARD GILPIN a Valiant Man in this County was 〈◊〉 offed in the Raign of K. John about the year 1208. in the Lordship of Kent-mire-â—…all by
Professors in Oxford wherein he founded two allowing a liberall salary unto them THOMAS TAYLOR was born at Richmond in this County where his father a bountifull entertainer of people in distress was Recorder of the Town He was afterwards bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge and chose a Fellow thereof This Timothy grave when green entred very young but not raw into the Ministry at 21. years of age and continued in the same at Reading and London for the space of thirty five years His Sermons were generally well studied and he was wont to say That oftimes he satisfied himself the least when he best pleased his people not taking such pains in his preaching His flock was firmly founded and well bottomed on Catechistacall Divinity It being observed that his Auditors stuck close to their principles in this Age wherein so many have reeled into damnable Errors He was a great giver of Alms but without a Trumpet and most strict in his Conversation Zeal for the House of God may be said in some sort to have Consumed him Dying in the fifty six year of his age Anno Domini 1632. comfortably avowing at his death that we serve such a Master Who covereth many imperfâ—…ctions and giveth much wages for a little work NATHANIELL SHUTE was born at Gigleswick in this County Christopher Shute his father being the painfull Vicar thereof He was bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge A most excellent schollar and solid preacher Though nothing of his is extant in Print save a Sermon call'd Carona Charitatis preached at the funerall of Master Fâ—…shbourn But the goodness of the Land of Canaan may as well be guessed from one great bunch of grapes as if the spies had brought whole vineyards along with them Indeed he was a profouâ—…d and profitable preacher for many years together at St. Mildred Poultrey in London One in the University being demanded his judgement of an excellent sermon in Saint Maries returned that It was an uncomfortable sermon leaving no hope of imitation for such as should succeed him In this sense alone I must allow Master Nathaniel Shute an uncomfortable preacher though otherwise a true Barnabas and Son of consolation possessing such as shall follow him in time with a dispair to equall him in eminency He died Anno Domini 1638. when our English skâ—…e was clouded all over and set to rain but before any drops of war fell down amongst us Doctor Holdesworth most excellently preached his Funerall Sermon taking for his text We have this our treasure in earthly vessels JOSIAH SHUTE brother to Nathaniel aforesaid was bred in Trinity colledge in Cambridge and became afterwards Minister of Saint Mary Woolnoâ—…h in London and was Reader I doe say and will maintain it the most Pretious Jewell that was ever shewn or seen in Lumbardstreet All Ministers are Gods Husband mâ—…n but some of them can onely plough in soft ground whose Shares and Coultures will turn Edge in a hard point of Divinity No ground came amiss to Master Shute whether his Text did lead him to controversiall or positive Divinity having a strain without straining for it of native Eloquence he spake that which others studied for He was for many years and that most justly highly esteem'd of his Parish till the beginning of our late Civil Warrs somâ—… began to neglect him distasting wholesome meat well dressed by him merely because their mouths were out of tast by that generall distemper which in his time was but an Ague afterwards turn'd to a feaver and since is turn'd to a Frensy in our Nation I insist hereon the rather for the comfort of such godly Ministers who now suffer in the same nature wherein Mr. Shute did before indeed no servant of God can simply and directly comfort himself in the sufferings of others as which hath something of envy therein yet may he do it consequentially in this respect because thereby he apprehends his own condition herein consistent with Gods love and his own salvation seeing other precious Saints tast with him of the same affliction as many godly Ministers doe now a days whose sickles are now hung up as useless and neglected though before these Civil Warrs they reaped the most in Gods harvest Master Shute dyed Anno Domini 1640. and was buried with great solemnity in his own Church Master Udall preaching his Funerall Sermon since his death his excellent Sermons are set forth on some part of Genesis and pity it is there is no more extant of his worthy indeavours It must not be forgotten how retiring a little before his death into the Country some of his Parishioners came to visit him whom he chearfully entertained with this expression I have taught you my dear flock for above thirty years how to live and now I will shew you in a very short time how to dye He was as good as his word herein for within an Hour he in the presence of some of them was peaceably dissolved Be it also known that besides these two brothers Nathaniel and Josiah fixed in the City of London there were three more bred and brought up in the Ministry viz. Robert preacher at Lyn Thomas Minister for a good time in Chester and Timothy lately if not still alive a preacher in Exeter All great though not equall Lights are set up in fair Candlesticks I mean places of eminency and conveniently distanced one from another for the better dispersing of their Light and good Housewives tell me Old Candles are the best for spending Happy their Father who had his Quiver full with five such Sons he need not be ashamed to see his Enemies in the Gate It is hard to say whether he was more happy in his sons or they in so good a Father and a wary man will crave time to decide the doubt untill the like instance doth return in England GEORGE SANDYS youngest son of Edwin Sandys Arch-bishop of York was born at Bishops-Thorp in this County he proved a most accomplished gentleman and an observant Travailer who went as far as the Sepulchre at Jerusalem and hath spared other mens pains in going thither by bringing the Holy Land home to them so lively is his description thereof with his passage thither and return thence He most elegantly translated Ovid his Metamorphosis into English verse so that as the soul of Aristotle was said to have transmigrated into Thomas Aquinas because rendring his sence so naturally Ovid's genius may seem to have passed into Master Sandys He was a servant but no slave to his subject well knowing that a Translatour is a person in free Custody Custody being bound to give the true sense of the Author he translated Free left at liberty to cloath it in his own expression Nor can that in any degree be applyed to Master Sandys which one rather bitterly then falsly chargeth on an Author whose name I leave to the Readers conjecture We know thou dost well as a Translatour But where things require a genius