and Office of Surveyour of all the Castles and Lands as well in England as Wales belonging to Prince Edward to hold until he should accomplish his full age And in 37 H. 6. was again constituted one of the Commissioners to meet with those from Scotland at Newcastle upon Cine touching satisfaction for such Injuries as had been committed by the Subjects of either Realm against the other contrary to the Articles of Truce formerly concluded betwixt them This Iohn Vicount Beaumont was summoned to Parliament from 10 H. 6. until 38 H. 6. But in that 38 th year the Duke of Yorke being at Calais and having gotten strength through the aid of the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury sent divers complaints to the King amongst which one was against him calling him their mortal Enemy alleadging that he had misled the King and wrought upon him to consent unto that Act of Parliament made at Coventre against them as also that he had made spoyl of their Lands and Goods And ere long after landing in England gave Battle to the King at Northampton viz 10. Iulii 38 H. 6. where obtaining the Victory this Vicount Beaumont was slain with many other persons of note To whom succeeded William his second Son Henry the eldest Son being dead before and buried in Denington Church in the Diocess of Norwich Which William in right of Elizabeth his Mother Daughter and Heir to William Phelip Lord Bardolfe had also the Title of Lord Bardolfe possessing a large Inheritance as Heir to her and in the same 38 th year of H. 6. made proof of his age as Cousin and Heir to Iohn Lord Bardolf viz. Son and Heir of Elizabeth Daughter and Heir to him the said Iohn viz. that he was born at Edenham in Com. Linc. and Baptized in that Church upon the Feast-day of St. George the Martyr 16 H. 6. the Abbot of Crouland being one of his Godfathers Whereupon he had Livery of his Lands his Homage being respited He first Married Elizabeth Daughter to Richard Scrope Brother to the Lord Scrope of Bolton and secondly Ioane Daughter to Humphrey Duke of Buckingham but adhering firmly to the Lancastrian Interest as his Ancestors had done participated of the hard fate which soon after befel that Family being taken Prisoner at Townton-Field in 1 E. 4. and in the Parliament begun at Westminster 4. Nov. the same year attainted at which time he was seised of the Mannor of Halowton in Com. Leic. Shelforth Stoke Bardolf Gedlyng and Carleton in Com. Nott. Grymesthorpe Aylesthorpe Southorpe Edenbam Hale alias Westhall in Com. Linc. Bolton Perci in Com. Ebor. Loughborough Shepeshed UUhitington Aâ—hvy la Zouche UUhytwyke Bochaston Newton Hokescote Donyngton Harkefeld Rothy Beaumaner and Botesford in Com. Leic. Stowe Bardolf Roungeton Fareswell in Fyncham UUhinbergh Mateshale Erpyngham UUykmere Cantelee Strapeshagh Castre Denyngton Brundishe Ilkelyshale Clopton and Cretyngham in Com. Norf. UUatton and Stone in Com. Hertf. and UUilberham in Com. Cantabr In 14 E. 4. this William Vicount Beaumont taking part with Iohn Earl of Oxford who withdrew himself from Barnet field in 10 E. 4. fleeing first into Scotland and afterwards into France landed with him in Cornwall and assisted him in keeping of St. Hichaels Mount Whereupon the Sheriff of that County offering pardon to the Earls Men who thereupon forsook him he was brought Prisoner with him to the King But in 1 H. 7. the Lancastrian Party long depressed through the favor of King the chief and only remaining Branch of that Illustrious stock being raised again amongst them this William was restored in Parliament begun at UUestminster 7 Nov. in the first year of his Reign After which I have not seen any thing farther of him than that having been summoned to Parliament from 1. until 12 H. 7. inclusive he departed this life without Issue 28 Dec. 24 H. 7 And that Francis Lovel had he been at that time living and not attainted should have been his next Heir viz. Son of Ioane Sister to the said William ¶ From this Noble Family do the Beaumonts of Cole-Orton Grace-dieu and Stoughton in Com. Leic. derive their Descents by Sir Thomas Beaumont Knight a younger Son to Iohn Lord Beaumont and Catherine his Wife Daughter of Everingham Which Thomas being Lord of Basquerville and Captain of Gailliarde was reteined with Iohn Duke of Bedford Regent of France in the Minority of King Henry the 6 th to serve the King in those Wars So likewise did the Beaumonts late of UUednesbury in Com. Staff viz. from Henry the younger Brother to Iohn Vicount Beaumont Gorges 2 Edw. 2. IN 41 H. 3. upon that Expedition made into UUales Raphe de Gorges in order thereto had Summons to be at Bristol well fitted with Horse and Arms within the Octaves of St. Peter ad vincula and in 47 H. 3. was made Governor of Schireburne-Castle Likewise in 50 H. 3. of the Castle at Exeter And the same year as also in 51 H. 3. executed the Sheriffs Office for Devonshire as Fermor of it After which in 54 H. 3. he was signed with the Cross in order to his journey into the Holy Land with Prince Edward But died in 56 H. 3. or before Whereupon Elene his Wife had then Livery of the Mannor of Dene for her support And upon her death in 20 E. 1. Raphe her Son and Heir doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance Which Raphe in 21 E. 1. was Marshal of the Kings Army in Gascoigne and in 22 E. 1. went again into those parts where he obtained such favor from the King that in case he should depart this life before his return his Executors should receive the profits of all his Lands from the time of his death until the end of three years and likewise the free administration of all his Goods for the performance of his Will But in that year Charles Brother to the King of France invading Gascoigne with a great power laid Siege to Râ—sune whereof Iohn de Britania was Governor who forsaking his charge exposed those in the Garrison to the Mercy of the Enemy amongst which this Raphe being one he was carried Prisoner to Paris Nevertheless after this in 25 E. 1. he adventured into Gascoigne And in 28 E. 1. was in the Wars of Scotland so likewise in 31 E. 1. and 32 E. 1. In which 32 year he obtained the Kings Charter for a Market at his Mannor of Lidâ—ton in com Dors. upon the Thursday every week and a Fair yearly upon the Eve Day and Morrow after the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin and for five days then next following In 34 E. 1. he was again in
also betwixt him and the daughter and heir to Frederick Burgrave of Nurenburgh but none of them succeeded About this time also it was that Ioane Queen of Apulâ—â— obtain'd leave of King Henry to adopt this Duke for her son and that the Scots laying siege to the Castle of Roxboroâ—gh he raised an Army and Marcht Northward but they hearing of his approach fled In this year likewise being sent for by the King her sailed with a great power into Normandy and in 7. H. 5. was again retein'd by Indenture to serve him in his wars of France with six Knights One hundred and thirteen men at Armes and Three hundred and sixty Archers In 8 H. 5. being at that time in France he was with the King at the siege of Melon that strong City which endured fourteen weeks and four dayes viz. from the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen until Alâ—hallown-tide ere it rendred and in 9 H. 5. was once more made Lieutenant and Governor of this Realme during the King's abode in France In that year also upon the birth of Prince Henry at Windsore-Castle on the festival of St. Nicholas the Bishop he was one of his Godfathers at the Font and in the Moneth of April next following attended the Queen into Normandy In 10 H. 5. being still in France he was sent to raise the siege of a Walled City belonging to the Duke of Burgundy which the Dolphin with the Earl of Armanack and the Scots had laid thereto who hearing of his approach fled And upon the death of King Henry the Fifth which hapned soon after was left Governor and Lieutenant of Normandy as that King did in his life-time direct In 1 H. 6. the King being then but an Infant he was constituted his chief Counsellor and Protector as also Regent of France where continuing for the Government of that Realm he besieged Crotoy both by Water and Land for four moneths till it rendred About this time the Parisians to divert him whilst in his absence they might bring in Charles the Dolphin who call'd himself King of France advertised him that divers Castles and Fortresses lying near their Territories were replenisht with Enemies who stopt their passage and rob'd their Merchants which would be to their utter ruine if by his help they were not releived But this their Plot being discovered he entred Paris with a great Power before they lookt for him and apprehending the Conspirators put then to Execution and not only so but caused the Castles and Forts adjoyning to that City to be furnished with Englishmen And to avoid all Night-watchers about Parâ—s and the confines thereof took into his possession by assault or composition the Towns of â—rainelle and Braâ—e upon Seine And because two Castles the one called Pacâ—e and the other Couâ—saâ—e were ill Neighbours he sent Sir Iohn Fastolfe great Master of his Houshold with considerable forces to win them In 2 H. 6. besieging the Castle of Yvrie it was given up into his hands And having married Anne daughter to Iohn Duke of Burgundy obtain'd a special Act of Parliament for the making her a free-denizen her Homage being respited until she arrived in England In this year upon the taking of Uernoâ—l by Iohn Duke of Alenzon he marcht thither and giving him Battel obtain'd a signal Victory in which that Duke being taken prisoner Five thousand of the French lost their lives Whereupon he put another garrison into it and return'd to Paris In 4 H. 6. he was constituted Admiral of all England Ireland and Aquitane for the life of Thomas Duke of Exeter but afterwards so long as the King should please And in 5 H. 6. continued still in France In 7 H. 6. he was made Captain of the Town and Castle of Calais and the Marches of Picardy adjacent In 8 H. 6. he call'd a Parliament at Roan in Normandy of the three Estates of that Dutchy wherein he represented to them the happiness which they might enjoy by continuing under the English obeysance And soon after recovered the Town of St. Dennis from the French In 11 H. 6. Anne his wife departing the world whereupon the friendship betwixt him and the Duke of Burgundy began to slacken he buried her at the Celestine's in Paris within the Chapel of Orleans where a noble Tombe of black Marble with her Effigies as a Princess placed thereon was erected for her with this Epitaph Cy gist Noble Dame Madame Anne de Bourgongne Espouse de tres Noble Prince Monseigneur Jean Duo de Bethfort Regent de France fille de tres-noble Prince Jean Duc de Burgongne la quelle trespass a Paris le XIV de Novembre lâ— an MCCCCXXXII And before the end of that year married Iaquette daughter to Peter de Luxemburgh Earl of St. Paul In 12 H. 6. he was again constituted the King's Lieutenant of Calais and the Marches extending into Picardy Flanders and Attois and by his Testament bearing date in the Castle of Roan 10 Sept. An. 1435. 14 H. 6. bequeath'd his body to be buried in the Church of the blessed Virgin at Roan in case he should depart this life in Normandy If in Picardy then in the Church of Nostre Dame at Morivele and if in England in Waltham-Abby in Com. Essex Appointing that such Service Lights and other Ordinances should be performed at his Funeral as for a person of his degree according to the direction of his Executors Bequeathing to Iaquetta his wife all his Lands whereof he was then possessed as well in England as in France excepting the Castle and Lordship of Harapute which he gave to Richard his illegitimate son commonly called The Bastard of Bedford to enjoy during his life only And being a person highly famed for his prudent Government in times of Peace and singular prowess in Warr departed this life in the Castle at Roan upon the Festival of the Exaltation of the Holy-Cross in the year above-mentioned without any lawful issue being then seised of the Castle Mannor and Lordship of St. Briavells with the Forest of Dene in Com. Gloc. of the Mannors of Hoo and Preston in Com. Suss. Totyngbek in Com. Surr. Saldene and Bledlowe in Com. Buck. Bradwell Dangehall and Dangebregge in Com. Essex of the Castle and Honor of Richmund with the Mannors of Gilling Aldeburgh Bowes Forset Danby Multon Thornton Middelton Kneton also of the Castle of Wresel with the Mannors of Helaugh juxta Wighall and Kirk-levyngton in Cleveland all in Com. Ebor. of the Mannor of Bassingburne with the Hundreds of Papworth Flemdiche Haringford Chilford Stane and Padefeld in Com. Cantabr of the Mannor of Fulbroke in Com. Warr. Combe Quarles and Monkeston in Com. South two parts of the Mannors of Ambresbury and Winterburne with the Town of Wilton of the Mannor of
summoned to Parliament in 3 4 Edw. 6. And in 5 Edw. 6. accompanied the Marquess of Northampton and some other Lords in a solemn Ambassie into France as also to present the Order of the Garter to that King and departing this life 20 Febr. An. 1586. 29 Eliz. was buried at Birling leaving issue by Frances his Wife Daughter of Thomas Mannours Earl of Rutland one sole Daughter and Heir called Mary who became the Wife of Sir Thomas Fane of ... Knight and thereupon challenged the title of Baroness Bergavenny against Edward Nevill Son of Edward a younger Brother to this last mentioned Henry by Eleanor his Wife Daughter of Andrew Lord Windsor next Heir-male of this Line unto whom the Castle of Bergavenny was setled both by Testament and Act of Parliament Which Dispute was not determined until 25 May 1 Iac. And then after great Arguments on each part the title of Lord Bergavenny was both by Judgment of the House of Peers and Order of the Lords Commissioners for the Office of Earl Marshal of England decreed for the Heir-male Whereupon to give some satisfaction to the Heir-female the King by his Letters Patents granted the Dignity or Barony of le Despenser to her and to her Heirs Which Edward thus enjoying the title of Lord Bergavenny was one of the Peers who sate in judgment upon the Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay in October next following and departed this life in 31 Eliz. leaving issue by Catherine his Wife Daughter of Sir Iohn Brome of Hatton in Com. Oxon Knight Edward his Son and Successor in this Honor as also three other Sons viz. Francis George and Henry Which Edward took to Wife Rachel Daughter of Iohn Leonard of Knoll in Com. Kanc. Esquire by whom he had issue six Sons viz. Sir Henry Nevill Knight who succeeded him Edward who died unmarried Christopher who took to Wife Mary one of the Daughters and Coheirs of ... Darcy of Tolston Darcy in Com. Essex Esquire Iohn Thomas and Charles who died young and five Daughters viz. Elizabeth the Wife of Sir Iohn Grey Knight eldest Son to the Lord Grey of Groby and afterwards of Sir Iohn Bingley Knight Mary Wife of Sir George Goring of Denny in Com. Suss. Knight afterwards Lord Goring and Earl of Norwich Catherine Wife of Sir Stephen Lessieur of Cheswike in Comit. Middles Knight Frances and Margaret who died unmarried And departing this life 1 Dec. An. 1622. 20 Iac. was buried also at Birling To whom succeeded Henry his Son and Heir who first married Mary Daughter of Thomas Sackvile Earl of Dorset Lord Treasurer of England by whom he had issue Sir Thomas Nevill Knight Which Sir Thomas married Elizabeth Daughter to ... Lord Mordant and died in his Fathers life time leaving no issue surviving he had also issue by her four Daughters viz. Cicely Wife of Sir William Coninsby of Hampton-Court in Com. Heref. Knight Elizabeth who died unmarried Mary Abbess of Pontoise in France and Anne who died also unmarried To his second Wife he wedded Catherine k Daughter to Edward Lord Vaux of Harowden and had issue by her two Sons viz. Iohn and George and three Daughters viz. Catherine first married to Sir Robert Howard Knight a younger Son to Theophilus Earl of Suâ—folk afterwards to Robert Berry of Ludlow in Com. Salop. Gent. Frances yet unmarried and Elizabeth Wife of Thomas Stonore of Stonore in Com. Oxon. Esquire Which Iohn succeeding Henry his Father in this Honor took to Wife Elizabeth Daughter and Coheir of William Chamberlaine of Sherburne Castle in Com. Oxon. Esquire and died 12 Dec. An. 1660. without issue To whom succeeded George his Brother which George married Mary Daughter of Henry Giffard Doctor of Physick and had issue by her one Son called George now Lord Bergavenny and one Daughter called Mary And departed this life ... Iune An. 1666. Nevill Lord Latimer THe first of this Family that bore the title of Lord Latimer was Iohn Nevill Son to Ralph Lord Nevill of Raby by Elizabeth his second Wife Daughter and Heir to William Lord Latimer of Danby for so was he stiled in 1 Hen. 5. by those Covenants with Iohn Lord Lumley to sojourn with him in his House from Wednesday the sixth of December 1 Hen. 5. so long as they should both of them like thereof the Lord Latimer bringing with him as many Gentlemen Yeomen and Grooms as he thought fit paying for himself twenty shillings by the week for every Gentleman two shillings for every Yeoman sixteen pence and every Groom twelve pence And in 4 Hen. 6. was Knighted at Leicester on Whitsunday by the King himself who had then received that honor at the hands of his Uncle the Duke of Bedford This Iohn was summoned to Parliament by the title of Lord Latimer from 5 Hen. 4. till 9 Hen. 6. inclusive and having married Maud Daughter of Thomas Lord Clifford and Widow of Richard Earl of Cambridge departed this life upon Sunday next after the Feast of S. Lucy the Virgin 9 Hen. 6. without issue being then seised of the Mannors of Skampeston Sinâ—ington and Marton super Sevene in Com. Ebor. Stiffoâ—d in Com. Nortumbr Corby in Com. Northampt. Dilwike Bromham Wotton and Ronhale in Com. Bedf. Helpringham Thorpe-Latimer and Skreedington in Com. Linc. leaving Sir Iohn Willougâ—by Knight Son of Elizabeth his Sister his next Heir then thirty years of age But divers of these Lordships whereof he so died seised being for want of issue of his Body Entailed upon Ralph his elder Brother Earl of Westmorland he the said Ralph setled them by Feoffment upon George Nevill one of his Sons by his second Wife Which George was thereupon summoned to Parliament as Lord Latimer the next ensuing year viz. 10 Hen. 6. And in 12 Hen. 6. with Richard Earl of Salisbury his elder Brother and others was made Commissioner to treat with such as the King of Scots should then intrust for redressing of certain injuries committed by the Subjects of each Realm contrary to the Articles of Truce formerly made betwixt both Kingdoms In 13 Hen. 6. this George upon intelligence given to the King that the Scots had raised Forces with purpose to besiege Barwick and other places of strength in the Marches towards Scotland was constituted one of the cheif Commanders of the Kings Forces then raised in the Northern parts for the defence of those places And the same year came to an accord with Maud Countess of Cambridge Widow of Iohn Lord Latimer to this effect viz. That if they should by Advice of their Council grant unto Sir Iohn Willoughby Knight any Lands for the increase of Amity betwixt them all three and avoiding of Sutes for those Lands which were formerly belonging to
of Febr. next ensuing And in 2. E. 4. for the better support of his dignity obtained a Grant in Tail-General of the Mannors of Lynton Letheâ—ey Kirkleventon Tadcastre Poklyngton Scorburgh Nafferton Wandesford Hundmanby Semar and Thrustanby in Com. Ebor. as also of a certain Hostel in Kingston super Hull Likewise of the Mannor of Helagh in the County of the City of York and of all the Lands and Tenements lying in that City which did belong to Henry Earl of Northubmberland Likewise of the Castle and Mannor of Alnwike with its Members and of the Mannors of Benwyke Ruglee Hoghton Lessebury Aylmouth Tughall Biâ—ton Swynhowe â—ewham Chatton Elyngheham Newstede Lukre South-Charleton Christerton Birlyng Fowdon Langeley Biker near Newcastle upon Tine and of the Castle and Mannor of Ovyngham all in Com. Northumb. Moreover of all the Lands in Tyndale called Talbots-Lands also of the Mannors of Calceby Malberthorpe Thedithorpe and Thurthorpe in Com. Linc. of the Mannors of Foston in Com. Leic Iselham in Com. Cantabr Cratfeild in Com. Suff. and of a certain House in the Parish of St. Katherine-Colman London with another in the Parish of St. Ann juxta Aldersgate all which by the attainder of the before-specified Earl of Northumberland in the Parliament begun at Westminster 1. E. 4. came to the Crown After this viz. in 4. E. 4. he had a grant for life of the Mannors of Middelton and Merdene with the Hundred of Middeltone in Com. Cantii of the Mannor and Parke of Ashehurst in Com. Surr. as also of the Castle Town and Lordship of Briavels and Forest of Dene in Com. Gloc. Likewise of the Castle and Lordship of UUodeford and Mannor of UUroxâ—aâ—e in Com. Somerset in Tail-general late Iames Earl of UUiltshire's attainted of the Castle and Lordship of Chester and all the Lands and Royalties thereto belonging to hold during pleasure And of the Mannors of Stoke under Hampden Melton Faucomberge Stratton super le Vosse Faryngton Gorney Inglescombe Midsomer-Norton UUydecombe UUeltone Lavertone with the Moiety of the Mannors of West Harptre and Shipton-malet in Com. Somerset and Ryme in Com. Dorset to hold for life In 5. E. 4. he was constituted Lieutenant of Ireland for the terme of Twenty years And had likewise a Grant for life of a certain place in the parish of St. Andrew in the City of London called The Kings Wardrobe with all the Lands and Rents thereto belonging The like in 8. E. 4. of the Castle and Lordship of Ouenesburg in the Isle of Shepey in Kent But shortly after this viz. in 9. E. 4. Richard Nevill commonly called the stout Earl of Warwick harbouring in his heart much discontent towards King Edward for the reasons I have shewed in my discourse of his Family and discerning that this Duke of Clarence bore no great good will towards the King his Brother so managed the business that he allured him to his partie and the more firmly to knit him to his Interest offered him the Lady Isabell his elder daughter in Marriage with the one half of her Mother's Inheritance Whereupon accompanying him to Calais he there Swore upon the Sacrament to keep his Promise with him and accordingly Married her in the Church of Nostre Dame having obtain'd a Dispensation from Pope Paul the Third by reason that they stood allyed in the second and third and third and fourth degrees of Consanguinity as also in respect that the Mother of this Duke was Godmother to her Which Dispensation beares date a Rome Prid. Id. Martii An. 1468 8 E. 4. Hereupon likewise the better to secure their grand design and the more cordially to oblige this Duke there was another Marriage made in France viz. betwizt Prince Edward son to King Henry the Sixth and Anne the other daughter to the same geat Earl and an Agreement then concluded the King Henry should Reign again and after him Prince Edward and his heirs but in default of such Issue this George Duke of Clarence and his heirs Having therefore thus framed this seeming sure Combination the Earl of 〈◊〉 caused an Insurrection to be made in 〈◊〉 by Sir Robert Welles Knight son and heir to Richard Lord Welles Which proving ansuccessful all that party being utterly vanquisht by the Kings Forces accompanied by this Duke he hasted to Exeter purposing suddenly to got over into France in hope of aid from King Lewes and accordingly landing at Dâ—epe address'd himself to that King then lodging at his Castle of Ambois But during their stay in France a Damsel from England belonging to the Dutchess of Clarence as 't was said landed there with overture from King Edward of a Reconciliation with them and having private discourse with this Duke so wrought upon him that he promised upon his return to stand fair Of which Warwick having no knowledge after he had obtained some aid in those parts accompanied with this Duke took shippin at Harflew and landing at Dartmouth in Com. Devon Proclaimed King Henry Whereat King Edward grew so startled that with the Duke of Glocester his Brother and some few others he hasted into Flanders UUarwick therefore discerning his own strength and Interest to be such again accompanied with the Duke upon the 25 th of October fetcht King Henry out of the Tower and restored him to his Regal Authority and thereupon caused a Parliament to assemble in which so potent he was all Acts made by King Edward were utterly repeal'd and the Crowns of England and France entail'd on King Henry the Sixth and his issue male â— and for default thereof on this George Duke of Clarence and his heirs males It being then and there further declared that he should be next heir to his late Father Richard Duke of York and enjoy all his Lands as if he had been his eldest son at the time of his death Which being done he was associated with Warwick in the Government of the Realm But the scene shortly after altered For King Edward with some considerable forces from the Duke of Burgundy landing in Holdeâ—neâ—s 14 Martii An. 1471. 11 E. 4. marcht up into UUarwickshire Which for allarm'd that great Earl of UUarwick then staying at Coventre in expectation of this Dukes coming to him whith such Forces as he had raised about London as that discerning he made not haste he then began to suspect his fidelity as well he might for through the mediation of Margaret Dutchess of Burgundy their sister a perfect Reconciliation was privately made betwixt the King and him But for a while kept secret so that though after he had heard of his Brothers landing and advance towards London he got what Forces he could together being about Four thousâ—nd strong outwardly pretending that he would joyn with Warwick
and other for defending the Sea Coasts in that Shire And in 33 E. 3. King Iohn of France being then Prisoner in England was one of the persons appointed to remove him from the Castle of Hertford to Somerton Castle in Com. Somers and there to secure him And having had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm in 36 and 37 E. 3. departed this life upon the 20 th of Febr. 41 E. 3. being then seised of the Mannor of Tatâ—hall by the Grant of Sir Raphe de Cromwell Knight and Maud his Wife as also of the Mannors of Tumby Kirkeby super Bayne Sixell Castel-Carlton and Kirketon in Holand leaving Sir Iohn de Tudenham Knight Richard de Lina ... Iohn de Tilney and William de Sutton Rector of the Church of Whitwell his next Heirs all of full age ¶ Of this Family also I presume was Thomas de Kirketon who had Summons to Parliament in 16 E. 3. but never after Clifton 50 Edw. 3. OF this Family seated in Norfolk Roger de Clifton is the first touching whom I find any mention Which Roger being Esquire to Thomas de Cailli Married Margerie his Sister and Heir whereby he had a fair Inheritance her Mother being one of the Sisters and Co-heirs to Robert de Tatshall This Roger had Issue Adam de Clifton and he Constantine de Clifton who died in his life time Father of Iohn Which Iohn in 48 E. 3. as Cosin and Heir to Adam his Grandfather making proof of his age and doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands lying in the Counties of Essex Ebor. Norff. Suff. and Linc. And having been summoned to Parliament from 50 E. 3. until 12 R. 2. inclusive departed this life beyond Sea at Rhodes upon the Festival of St. Laurence the same year being then seised of the third part of the Mannor of Humanby in Com. Ebor. As also of the Mannors of Hylburworth West-Bradenham and Cranewys with the Advousons of the Churches of Hylberworth and Cranewys Likewise jointly with Elizabeth his Wife then surviving of the Castle of Bokerham and Mannor of Babyngle all in Com. Norff. which Castle he held by the service of performing the Office of Boteler at the Kings Coronation leaving Constantine his Son and Heir sixteen years of age Which Constantine making proof o of his age in 17 R. 2. and doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands and had also Summons to Parliament in 17 and 18 R. 2. but never after Wherefore I shall here put a period to my discourse of him Thomas of VVodstoke Earl of Buckingham and Duke of Glocester 1 R. 2. THis Thomas the Sixth Son of King Edward the Third commonly called Thomas of Wodstoke by reason of his Birth there 7 Id. Ian. An. 1355. 29 E. 3. was constituted his Father's Lieutenant here in England during his absence in France upon that Expedition made thither in 33 E. 3. And in 48 E. 3. being to marry Alianore one of the daughters and coheirs of Humphrey de Bohun late Earl of Hereford and Essex then in Minority and in Ward to the King obtain'd towards the better support of them both a grant of Three hundred pounds per annum to be received out of the Exchequer until such time as she should accomplish her full age By reason of which marriage he was shortly after viz. 10 Iunii 50 E. 3. made Constable of England so to continue during the Kings pleasure And in 51 E. 3. had a grant of the custody of the Castles of Brecknoc Huntingdon Caldecote and Neuton with their Members all in Wales Moreover at the Solemnity of King Richard the Second's Coronation he was advanced to the Title of Earl of Buckingham with the grant of a Thousand Marks per annum to be paid out of the Exchequer until provision otherwise of so much in value should be made for him As also of Twenty pounds per annum more out of the issues of the County of Buckingham for the better support of that dignity About the same time likewise he was again made Constable of England Likewise General of those Forces then retein'd to serve the King in his Fleet at Sea And upon the appearance of the French near the Coast of Dovor was with Edmund Earl of Cambridge his Brother in the head of numerous Forces to encounter them in case they should endeavour to come on shore Soon after this having Intelligence that the Spanish-Fleet was come to Scluse he was also one of the chief Commanders in the English Navy then imploy'd against them in vindication of the injuries received by that assistance which they had given to the French the preceding year And though by reason of stormes they could effect nothing at that time Yet soon after they took Eight of their Ships near to the Port of Brest in Britanny In 3 R. 2. he was by Indenture retein'd to serve the King as General for that Expedition then made on the behalf of the Duke of Britanny at that time much oppressed by the French and landing at Calais marcht through France till they came thither In this year Alianore his Wife accomplishing her full age he obtained the custody of all those Castles Mannors and Lands both in England and Wales which upon partition betwixt her and Mary her sister the other daughter and coheir to Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex were allotted to her And in 4 R. 2. upon that dangerous Insurrection of the Commons headed by Iack Straw was sent with a Military power into Essex for the suppressing of them In which year being again imploy'd in the Kings service beyond-Sea he arrived at Calais three dayes before Maudlyâ—-tide in Iuly and coming before St. Omers made divers Knights there Thence he marcht to the siege of Nauntes But after two Moneths stay in expectance of the Duke of Britanny he retreated to the City of Uannes there to refresh his men In 6 R. 2. the Scots having broken the Truce and done much mischief upon the borders he began his march Northwards in Lent with a Thousand Lances and Two thousand Archers and entred Scotland about Easter But that Expedition became unprosperous for want of good Conduct And in 7 R. 2. was joyn'd in Commission with Iohn Duke of Lancaster to treat with the Earl of Flanders and the Inhabitants of that Country for appeasing such differences as then were betwixt the English and the Flemings In all which imployments having merited much in 9 R. 2. bearing the Title of Earl of Buckingham and Essex he was advanced to the dignity of D. of Glocester his Patent bearing date at Westminster 12 Nov. having therewith a grant of a Thousand
he was seised of the Mannors of Langham and Peldon in Com. Essex Bucle parva in Com. Northampt. Colthorp Solbergh parva Smythton Myton super Humber Rymeswell and Beghom in Com. Ebor. and Westwode in the Isle of Axholme in Com. Linc. And in right of Catherine his Wife daughter and heir to Sir Iohn de Wingefeld Knight of the Mannor of Nether-hall in Saxlingham and the Advouson of the Church of Saxlingham-Thorpe as also of two Messuages Four hundred Acres of Land Ten Acres of Meadow Twenty Acres of Pasture and Forty two shillings Rent in Saxlynham Floteman-Neuâ—on Brokedysh and Herleston in Com. Norff. And of the Mannors of Wyngefeld Stradbroke Silham Fresyngfeld Sternefeld and Saxmundham Likewise of the Mannor of Wingefeld called Old-Halle and the Advousons of the Churches of Stradbâ—ok and Saxmundham Also of the Chantry of Wingefeld and of Seven hundred Acres of Land Twenty Acres of Meadow One hundred Acres of Pasture Twenty Acres of Wood One hundred Acres of Heath One hundred Acres of Marish and One hundred shillings Rent in Wingefeld Silham c. leaving Michael his son and heir Twenty one years of age and six moneths and a daughter called Anne married to Gerard de L'isle son of Warine Lord L'isle It is reported of this Michael that he built a goodly House of Brick like a Palace opposite to the West-end of St. Maries Church in Kingston upon Hull with faire Orchards and Gardens and inclosed them with Brick-walls Likewise that he there built three other Houses each whereof had a Tower of Brick viz. two in the midst of the Town and the third upon the Bank of the River Hull I now come to Michael son to the before-speciied Michael This Michael in 15 R. 2. being a Knight having Married Catherine the daughter of Hugh Earl of Stafford and possessing â—o more than the Mannors of Blyburgh and Herpeswell in Com. Linc. and Gresthorpe in Com. Nott. which were setled upon him and her in Marriage in the life time of his Father for their better support procured a grant from the King of Fifty pouâ—ds per annum to be paid out of the Ferme of â—ingston upon Hull for an addition thereto And having so done obtain'd License to travel into Prusia Moreover in 1 H 4. by his humble Petition representing that whereas the Castle Town and Mannor of Eye in Com. Suff. with its members and all the Lordships and Lands thereunto belonging had been given to Michael Earl of Suffolk his father for the better support of his dignity and that by virtue of a Judgment in the Parliament held at Westminster in the 10 th and 11 th of the said King's Reign the same Castle and Lands were seized into the Kings hands As also whereas by an Act of that Parliament held in 21 R. 2. that Judgment being totally annulled restitution ought to have been made of the same Castle and of all other the Lands and Possessions whereof he was then seised And that for as much as in the Parliament held that very year all the Acts in that Parliament of 21 R. 2. were made void He therefore desired Restitution of the said Castle and Lands Unto which Petition due consideration being had and the rather in regard of his acceptable services to the then King upon his first landing in England by the assent of all the Nobles at that time in Parliament assembled he obtained a special grant of them accordingly As also that he and his heirs should be capable of inheriting all other the Lands and Lordships late belonging to the same Earl Michael or of any other his Ancestors And in particular that he and the heirs male of his body should enjoy the same Title of Earl of Suffolk and have the Castle Town and Honor of Eye with its Members and Appurtenances for the better support of his Estate and Honor. And in case he should depart this life without heir male of his body that then the said Town Castle and Honor c. should resort to the next heir male of the body of Michael his Father And in 5 H. 4. upon the death of Richard de lâ—â— Pole his brother without issue was found to be his heir and doing his Homage had Livery of all the Lands whereof he then died seised Moreover in 9 H. 4. he was imployed beyond the Seas in the Kings service So likewise in 11 H. 4. And in 3 H. 5. being by Indenture reteined to serve the King in his Wars of France he declared his Testament 1 Iulii An. 1415. the same year Whereby he bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Church of the Carthusians at Kingston upon Hull betwixt the Tombe of his Father and Mother and the Altar Appointing that no Tombe should be placed over him but a flat Stone in case he should die in those Northern parts And if in any other part of England then to be buried in the Collegiate-Church of Wyngefeld in Com. Suff. on the North-side the Altar of the blessed Virgin To Catherine his Wife he thereby bequeathed a little Book with Tablets of Silver and Gilt as also the Coronet which was the Earl of Stafford's her Father To his son a little Primer which did belong to Iohn de la Pole his Brother constituting the said Catherine his Wife and Edmund his Uncle his Executors And being at the siege of â—arâ—lew soon after died there of a Flux upon Wednesday 14 Sept. next ensuing the Feast of the Holy Cross the same year being then seised of the Mannors of Rymesweâ—â— in Com. Ebor. Causton and Burgh in Com. Norff. as also of the Honor of Eye with the Hundreds of Lodingland Hertâ—smere and Stow and of the Mannors of Westwode Blyburgh Lowystoke Combes Benhale and Ueyses-Mannor in Stratford in Com. Suff. leaving Michael his son and heir Twenty three years of age Who survived him but a while for within a moneth after he was slain in France in that great battel of Agincourt where the English had the Victory upon Friday being the Festival of St. Crisprin and Crispinian and buried at Ewelme in Com. Oxon. being then seised of the Mannor of Rymeswell in Com. Ebor. Causton and Burgh in Com. Norff. As also of the Castle and Mannor of Eye the Hundreds of Lodinglond Hertesmere and Stow Likewise of the Mannors of Combes Benhale Ueyses Mannor in Stratford Westwode and Blyburgh all in Com. Suff. leaving William his Brother and heir-male Nineteen years of age But though he thus died without issue-male he had three daughters who were his heirs-general viz. Catherine Elizabeth and Isabel The benefit of whose Marriages in 4 H. 5. was granted to William Earl of Suffolk their Uncle Of these Catherine being designed for a Nun at Bruâ—iard and accordingly received into that Monastery before she came of age the King
Your Grace which God Knowyth were never malycious and wylfull and that I never thought Treason to Your Highness Your Realme or Posteritye so God helpe me either in word or dede Nevertheles prostrate at Your Magesties feet in what thyng soever I have offendyd I appel to Your Highnes for Mercy Grace and Pardon in such wyse as shall be Your pleasure beseâ—hyng the Almyghty Maker and Redeemer of the World to send Your Magestye continual and long helthe welthe and prosperitye with Nestor's yeares to Reigne and Your dere Son the Princes Grace to prosper reigne and continue long after You. And they that wolde contrary short liffe shame and confusion Wryten with the quaking hand and most sorrowfull Heart of Your most sorrowfull Subject and most hâ—mble Servant and Prysonâ—r this Saturday at Your Tower of London Thomas Cromwelle But notwithstanding all this he was Condâ—mn'd unheard and almost unpittyed whilâ—st he was thus in the Tower and upon the 24 th of Iuly An. 1540. 32 H. 8. being four days after the dissolution of the Parliament which began the 12 th Apr. preceding was brought forth to the Tower-Hill where after his Profession publickly made that he was neither guilty of Treason nor Heresy and that he was no Sacramentary but that he would die in the Catholick Faith his head was cut off Sir Edward Coke in his Iurisdiction of Courts fol. 37. saith That Sir Thomas Gaudy then a grave Judge of the King's Bench after told him That Cromwell was commanded to attend the Chief Justices to know whether a man that was forth-coming as being in prison might be attâ—inted of High Treason by Parliament and not called to answer The Judges answered It was a dâ—ngerous question and that they thought a Parliâ—ment would never do it But being by the express commandement of the King and they pressâ—d by Cromwell to answer directly said That if he was attainted by Parliament it could not be questioned whether the party was called to answer or not But the party against whom this was intended said he was never questioned and the first mâ—n that suffered by that proceeding was the said Cromwell himself Suffering thus I shall take leave to add what is obsâ—rv'd by some for his credit viz. That after the fall of Cardinal Wolsey being chosen a Burgâ—ss for the Parliament he manifested his affâ—ction and gratitude to his old Master by doing him all the good service he could in that Convention and that by his witty Arguments he 〈◊〉 that Bill which was there brought in to atâ—aint him of High Treason answering whatsoever was there at any time laid to his charge or objected against him It is also farther observed of him that in the exercise of his places of his places of Judicature he used much moderation and in his greatest pomp took notice and was thankful to mean persons of his old acquaintance I have seen a Pedegree wherein 't is express'd thâ—t he mâ—rriâ—d a daughter of one William a 〈◊〉 but I suppose it a mistake and that 〈◊〉 married his sister for certain it is that Sir Richard Williams is said to have been his Nephew who being by him preferr'd to the service of King Henry afterwards affâ—â—m'd the Name of Cromwell and about the beginning of May An. 1540. 32 H. 8. upon a great Justing at Westâ—miâ—ster which had been Proclaim'd in France Flanders Scotland and Spain being one of the Challengers was there Knighted and on the fifth day of the same moneth overthrew Mr. Culpeper in the Field Shortly after which he grew in such favour as that in 34 H. 8. he was made one of the Gentlemen of the Privy-Chamber to that King Also in 35 H. 8. constable of Berkley-Castle and Captain of those Horsemen which were then with other Forces sent into France under the command of Sir Iohn Wallop It is very well known that this Sir Richard Cromwell upon the dissolution of the Monasteries obtained all those Lands in Huntingtonshire which did belong to any of them in that County and left issue Sir Henry Cromwell Knight his son and heir who made his chief seat upon the ruines of that at Hinchinbroke which had been a House of Nuns and left issue divers sons of which Sir Oliver Cromwell made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of King Iames was the eldest and Robert another Which Robert was Father of another Oliver the haughtiness of whose spirit exeeding the bounds of his estate exposed him to such wants as that being not well able to support himself here in such a garb as he desired he resolv'd to go for New England and to that end went to Cambridge where being seated he sorted himself with the Nonconformists of those parts expecting by that meanes to receive some advantage amongst those Phanatiques wherewith New England was for the most part peopled But the Troubles here taking their rise before he could well fit himself for that Journey being a person of a subtile and active spirit and in no small esteem with the Puritans he was chosen a Burgess for that Corporation in the late long-Long-Parliament In which unhappy Convention he play'd his game so well as that upon the raising of several Armies by the predominant party there under colour of afferting the Establisht Religion and Laws he put himself in Armes and in short time grew so famous for his valor and military skill as that through the excellent faculty he had in humouring the Phanatiques both in Camp and elsewhere and his success by their bold attempts at length he arrived to be the chief of the Independent-party amongst the Soldiers which soon topt the Presbyterean and gaining farther strength became the Principal Agent in Contriving the Destruction of the late King Charles of Blessed Memory in order to the utter ruine of Monarchy in this Realme Whereupon he advanced himself to the Supreme Power in Government by the Title of Lord Protector But the exact memorial of his Life and Actions being no part of the Subject I now treat of I refer to our publick Historians and come next to the Descendentâ— of the before-specified Thomas Earl of Essex Of these the first in order was Gregorie Cromwell his son and heir Which Gregorie upon the 18 th of December in 32 H. 8. about five moneths after his Father's death being then â—ervant to the King was created a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Cromwell but not distinguisht by any place And having married Elizabeth daughter to Sir Iohn Seameur of Wolf-Hall in Com. Wilts Knight sister to Edward Duke of Somerset and Widow of Sir Anthonie Oughtred Knight died in 5 E. 6. leaving issue by her three sons Henrie Edward and Thomas and two daughters Frances married to Edward Stroude of ... in Com. Devon Esquire and Catherine to Iohn Stroude of ... in Com. Dorset Esquire Which Henrie took to wife Marie
against the Dutch on tuesday 28 Maii An. 1672 He hath also two daughters Diana married to the Baron of Mol in Flanders and Anne to Robert now Earl of Sunderland Francis Lord Verulam Vicount St. Alban 16 Iac. COnsidering that this person was so eminent for his Learning and other great abilities as his excellent works will sufficiently manifest though a short Narrative of his life is already set forth by Doctor William Raleigh his domestique Chaplain I am not willing to omit the taking notice of such particulars as are most memorable of him and therefore shall briefly recount partly from that Narrative and partly from other authorities what I have observed in order thereto As to his Parentage he was the youngest of those two male Children which Sir Nicholas Bacon of Redgrave in com Suff. Knight had by Anne his wife one of the six daughters of Sir Anthony Cooke of Giddy-Hall in com Essex Knight a person much honoured for his Learning and being Tutor to King Edward the Sixth all those Daughters being exquisitely skilled in the Greek and Latine Tongues Which Nicholas having been a diligent Student of the Laws in Grays Inn was made the Kings Attorney in the Court of Wards in 38 H. 8. and upâ—n the death of that King which soon after hapned had his Patent for the same trust renewed by his son and successor King Edward the Sixth In the sixth year of whose Reign he was constituted Treasurer for that Noble Society of Grays-Inn whereof he had been so long a Member And being grown famous for his knowledge was shortly after viz. in 1 Eliz. made Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England and Knighted which Office in his time was by Act of Parliament made equal in authority with the Chancellours What I have otherwise observed of this Sir Nicholas Bacon is that being no friend to the Queen of Scots then Prisoner in England he was privy and assenting to what Hales had publisht in derogation to her title as next and lawful Successor to Queen Elizabeth asserting that of the House of Sufâ—olk before it for which Hales suffered imprisonment and had not Cecill stood his faithful friend so might he nothing being more distastful to Queen Elizabeth then a dispute upon that point Next that in 14 Eliz. upon those Proposals made by the Nobility of Scotland for her enlargement he opposed it alleadging that no security could ballance the danger thereof Lastly that upon his death which hapned in April An. 1579. 21 Eliz. this Character is given of him by the Learned Camden viz. that he was Vir praepingius ingenio acerrimo singulari prudentia summâ— eloquentia tenaci memoriâ— sacris consiliis alterum columen Of persons very corpulent most quick Wit singular Prudence admirable Eloquence special Memory and another pillar to the Privy-Council Whereupon being interred on the South side of the Quire in St. Pauls Cathedral within the City of London he had a noble Monument there erected to his memory with this â—pitaph Hîc Nicolaum ne Beconem conditum existima illum tam diu Britannici Regni seâ—undum columen exitium malis Bonis Asylum caâ—ca quem non extulit ad hunc honorem sors sed Aequitas Fides Doctrina Pietas unica prudentia Neu fortè raptum crede qui unica brevi vitâ perenni emerit duas agit vitam secundam caelites inter animas Fama implet orbem vita quâ—e illi tertia est Hac positum in arâ est corpus olim animi domus Ara dicata sempiternae memoriae Thus much touching the Parentage of this Francis his Birth being at York-House in the Strand upon the twenty second day of Ianuary An. 1560. 2 Eliz. It is observed that in his tender years his pregnancy was such as gave great indication of his future high accomplishments in so much as Queen Eliz. took notice of him and called him the young Lord Keeper also that asking him how old he was though but a Boy he answered that he was two years younger then her Majâ—sties most happy Reign As to his Education he was of Trinitie-Colledge in Cambridge under the tuition of Doctor Iohn Whitgift then Master there but afterwards the renowned Archbishop of Canterbury Where having with great proficiency spent some time he was sent into France with Sir Amias Paulet her Majesties Leiger Ambassador and thence intrusted with a message to the Queen which he performed with much approbation and so returned After this coming from Travail and applying himself to the study of the Common Law he was seated in â—rays-Inn Where in short time he became so highly esteemed for his abilities as that in 30 Eliz. being then but 28 years of age that honorable society chose him for their Lent Reader and in 32 Eliz. was made one of the Clerks of the Council In 42 Eliz. being double Reader in that House and affecting much the ornament thereof he caused that beautiful Grove of â—lmes to be planted in the Walks which yet remain And upon the 23 of Iuly 1 Iac. was Knighted at Whitehal Shortly after which viz. in 2 Iac. he was made one of the Kings Council learned having therewith a Grant of forty pounds per annum fee and in 5 Iac. constituted his Majesties Sollicitor General In 9 Iac. he was made joint Judge with Sir Thomas Vavasor then Knight Marshal of the Knight Marshal's Court then newly â—rected within the Verge of the Kings House and in 11 Iac. 27 Oct. being made Atturney General was sworn of the Privy Council In 14 Iac. he was constituted Lord Keeper of the great Seal 7 Martii being then fifty four years of age At which time the King admonisht him that he should Seal nothing rashly as also that he should judge uprightly and not extend the Royal Prerogative too high After which viz. upon the seventh day of May which was the first day of Easter Term next ensuing he made his solemn proceeding to Westminster hall in this order first the writing Clerks and inferiour Officers belonging to the Court of Chancery Next the Students of the Law Thâ—n the Gentlemen of his own Family After them the Sergeant at Arms and bearer of the Great Seal on foot Then himself on Horseback in a Gown of Purple Satin riding betwixt the Lord Treasurer and Lord Privy Seal Next divers Earls Barons and Privy Councillors Then the Judges of the Court at UUestminster whose place in that proceeding was assigned after the Privy Councellors And when he came into the Court the Lord Treasurer and Lord Privy Seal gave him his Oath the Clerk of the Crown reading it Upon the fourth of Ianuary 16 Iac. he was made Lord Chancellor of England On the eleventh of Iuly next ensuing created Lord Verulam and on the twenty seventh of Ianuary
acknowledge that I am much unsatisfied my self as to that point but having no clearer light to guide me better I have adventured to place them as they are wholly dissavowing any determination of my own therein as to superiority or precedence professing that could I have fixed them with more exactness I had much rather have so done As to the defects in the Matches and Issue of some who have lived or yet live in these times I must attribute it chiefly to the want of such Publick Enteries of them as have formerly that is to say before the beginning of the late unhappy Troubles in Ann. 1640. been made in the Office of Armes as also for lack of that opportunity of address unto such as might have given me better Instruction therein And therefore shall desire that those who are or may be concerned in that kind of whom I am properly to make mention in the other Parts of of this Historical Work now 〈◊〉 for the Press will take some care to cause such Entries to be made as may preserve the memory of them to future times Whereunto having access I may make use of what is most necessary And as to the memorable Actions of those who have lived in these later times if it shall be thought I have not been so Copious in making mention of them as I might I desire it may be considered that the Reign of King James did not afford very much And that the greatest part of King Charles the First 's was calm and peaceable until the prevalent party in that unhappy Long Parliament being tainted with Presbyterean Principles raised such an insurrection as destroyed many Thousands and at length terminated in the horrid murther of that most pious and excellent King Touching the chief Actors wherein it is yet too early to discourse But in the next Age 't is like that those subtile Artifices whereby they first got Power into their bloody Hands and their transcendent Oppressions and Cruelties when they had gained it may be faithfully represented to the life by some more able Pen to the end that Posterity may not be ignorant that it was under the specious pretence of asserting the Established Religion the Laws of the Land and Liberties of the Subjects that they allured the people to their assistance Si enim saith the Monk of Westminster where he puts a Period to his History of that time in which he lived de potentibus vera dicuntur Scripturae commendentur Bella parantur ei Si taceantur vel si bona pro malis annotentur mutilabitur de blandimentis adulationibus falsitationibus graviter Opus totale condemnabitur redarguetur Again whereas it might be expected that I should have ascended much higher in my discourse of some Families than I have done perhaps from the Norman Conquest presuming them to have been Orginally French and that there is some colour for it in regard their names are found in divers Coppies of that Memorial commonly called The Roll of Battail-Abby To this I Answer that there are great Errors or rather Falsâ—ties in most of those Copies by atributing the derivation of many from the French who were not at all of such Extraction but meerly English as by their Surnames taken from several places in this Realm is most evident But such hath been the subtilty of some Monks of old that finding it acceptable unto most to be reputed descendants to those who were Companions with Duke William in that memorable Expedition whereby he became Conqueror of this Realm as that to gratify them but not without their own advantage they inserted their namâ—â— into that antient Catalogue Perhaps also some may think that there is not enough said in honour of their own respective Families comparatively with others To such I Answer that many there have been who though raised to Honour for their personal merits did descend from Ancestors of eminent note in the World for divers Ages yet not Peers of this Realm of whom I could not justly be silent Again no rational person can judge that all men in all times have been alike active in the World therefore of them which lived privately how can we expect to find more than we now discerne of such who are our own Contemporaries Besides as all the parts of the habitable World were Successfully Planted and Peopled And as all Nations had their proper and peculiar times and not their beginnings at one and the self same instant so had every Family its respective time in its deserved Exaltation And as to those whose personal virtues have been conspicuous that they have worthily merited advancement to Honour however the present Age may look upon them with less esteem than such as can derive themselves from a long Descent of noble Ancestors Posterity will assuredly set an higher value on them For Malo tibi Pater sit Thersites dummodo tu sis Eacidi similis Vulcaniaque Arma capessas Quam te Thersiti similem producat Achilles ¶ There is much wanting to this Work I acknowledge that might have been gathered from those magnificent Tombes and other venerable Memorials wherewith the Monasteries of England did plentifully abound had there been sufficient notice taken of them before their fatal dissolution which by their Inscriptions would have clearly ascertained the times of Death places of Sepulture divers Matches many Children and some memorable Actions of the persons there Interred and which through their ruine are now utterly lost the Figures whereof by Prints from Copper-Plates might likewise have been no small ornament thereto But so great a prevalency hath the Evil of Lucre had upon the Hearts of worldly men that occasion was taken in the time of King Henry the eighth to make what secular advantages they could from the miscarriages of others And though the Project at first was to accomplish what they brought to pass at last yet did they not discover those their ravenous intentions untill a proper season For having 〈◊〉 far as could be packed the members of the House of Commons in that notable Parliament begun at Westminster 3 Novemb. 21 Hen. 8. and continued by Prorogation untill the fourteenth of April 27 Hen. 8. As also insinuated to most of the Nobility and other persons of quality what temporal benefit they should acquire by the Dissolution of the Religious Houses after divers subtile practises made use of to effect what they had thus closely designed they suggested to the people That For as much as manifest Sin Vicious Carnal and Abominable living hath been daily used and committed in such little and small Abbies c. Where the Congregation of such Religious persons was under the number of Twelve whereby the Governors of such Houses and their Covents did spoil destroy consume and utterly waste as well those Monasteries c. their Lands c. as the Ornaments of their Churches Goods and Chattels to the high displeasure of Almighty God slander of good Religion
and to the great Infamy of the Kings Highness and the Realm c. if redress should not be had thereof So that without such small Houses were utterly suppressed and the Religious persons therein committed to great and honourable Monasteries of Religion where they might be compelled to live Religiously for Reformation of their lives there could no redress nor Reformation be in that behalf In consideration therof therefore for these are the very words of the Act the Kings most Royal Majesty being supreme Head in Earth of the Church of England daily studying and devising the Increase Advancement and Exaltation of true Doctrine and Virtue in the said Church to the only Glory and Honour of God c. Considering also that divers great Monasteries wherein thanks be to God Religion was well kept and observed were destitute of such full numbers of Religious persons as they might keep did think good that a plain Declaration should be made of the premisses Whereupon the Lords and Commons by great deliberation finally resolved that it should be much more to the pleasure of Almighty God and Honour of this Realm that the possessions of such small Religious Houses c. should be converted to better uses c. and thereupon did humbly desire that it might be Enacted that his Majesty should have and enjoy to him and his Heirs for ever all and singular such Monasteries c. to the pleasure of Almighty God and to the Honour and Profit of this Realm But when by this device which I thought not impertinent here to set forth they followed the Chase with quicker speed in Order to the full fruition of all the rest Which they accomplished within less then three years after by Instruments of Surrender from the respective Covents partly through corrupting the chief in each of them with large Pensions during their lives and partly by terror to such as were not plyant Which being affected to secure what was done all possible haste was made not only to demolish those goodly Structures wherein they did inhabit but the totall Fabricks of their very Churches wherein some of the Kings of this Realm and most of the Nobility and other persons of chief Note were honourably Entombed And then to disperse their possessions into sundry Lay-Hands either by free Gift easy purchases or Advantageous Exchanges and this for fear lest they might ever return to be again imployed unto such uses as the Piety of their well-meaning Founders did Originally designe them Nor did this ravenous practise make a stop here but after the Reformation began in the time of King Edward the Sixth which abolished Indulgences Prayers for the Dead and many of those Devices then called Piae Fraudes which had been used in the Church whereby the temporal profit of the Lay-man was thought to be not a little impared they fell to work again under the specious pretence of taking away those things out of other places as were then thought unnecessary and superstitious Whereby such spoil and destruction was made in the Cathedrals Collegiate and Parochial-Churches of the Nation by defacing those Monuments of the Dead where any gain was to be had as that few of them whereon any Portraicture in Brass or Copper or Epitapths in such mettle had been engraved were permitted to remain but were barbarously torne away and sold to common Brasiers and Tinkers In so much as Complaint being made thereof to Queen Elizabeth she issued out two Proclamations the one in the Second year of her Reign and the other in the Fourteenth for putting a restraint to this execrable dealing But alas all too late that mischief being done which could not be repaired Such hath been we see the specious Mask which Covetousness puts on viz. to pretend Purity Sanctity and the Honor of God but under those holy Veiles to perpetrate the greatest Villanies imaginable Consonant whereunto it cannot easily be forgotten what we have seen of this kind acted over again in our own times In which those few Memorials of the dead that were left undestroyed before have been by the horrid rapine of those Holy-pretended Zealots then in Armes throughout all the Cathedrals of this Realm and most Parochial Churches almost totally eradicated With what difficulty length of time and expence the Materials for this Work have been got together there are not many I am sure that can well Iudge And yet I must expect no less than the censure of some who would have it thought that they know much if they do hit upon any thing that I have not seen and perhaps will tax me with negligence or worse for omitting it though it be as unlikely that I should have cognisance thereof as 't is to know what money another man hath in his Pocket Others there are I doubt who will be apt to blame me for representing the piety of antient times in such sort as I have done looking upon it as vain and superstitious But whatsoever the opinion of those may be as to matter of Merit I think it safest to judge the most charitably of all men As it is much satisfaction to my self that after so many years travel and pains I have thus far brought to light the most remarkable Actions of divers worthy men who have long since flourished in this Realm and been famous in their generations which till now for the most part have lain buried in the depth and darkness of Oblivion So it will be to all other I am sure who have any sense or regard for the Honour of their dead Ancestors and likewise encourage some publick Spirits of greater abilities and better Interest to pursue the work thus begun by doing right in due time to those of this Later age touching whom I have made but a brief mention for the reasons before expressed Some perhaps there are who may be doubtfull as to the certainty of divers things which are related in this Historical Work from the Credit of our Chronologists whose usual course hath been to magnifie the eminent Actions of the Worthies in their times with Hyperbolical Encomiums as they did also the Piety of the Religious unto little less than Miracle But if for this respect what is of that kind delivered shall be esteemed meerly fictitious the renowned Enterprises of those elder Ages would be not a little obscured For though to beget the higher Honor to the same of Heroick men those antient Writers the Monks did assume a Poetical liberty in extolling their glorious Exploits somewhat farther than strictly they ought to the end that the greater Veneration should be had to their Memories if for that reason those their Reports shall be totally exploded there is nothing more certain than that much of Truth will be utterly lost As to what I have related which is beyond the memory of those who have been or are my own Contemporaries my Authorities are exactly quoted But as to what hath happened within that time it is upon their credit
notice that the antient Bounds of that Territory known by the name of Northumberland was the whole Tract of England from the River Humber Northwards to Scotland together with Lancashire Westmerland and Cumberland and so it continued during the time that it was governed by Kings being divided into two parts viz. Deira which is that lying betwixt Humber and the River Teise and Bernicia that betwixt Teise and the River Twede But when it began to be governed by Earls or Consuls their Jurisdiction was for the most part restrained to the Banks of Tine and Derwent towards the South Westmerland and Cumberland towards the West Scotland to the North and the Sea to the East as it is at this day so that few of them had to do beyond those Bounds Admitting therefore for truth what hath been said it must be concluded That those two Earls viz. Brithric or Berth and Offere who ruled here in the time of Egfrid King of Northumberland were Ministerial under him only for the whole extent from Humber to Scotland Of which Earls there is cheifly this memorable First That Brithric being sent by King Egfrid into Ireland with an Army notwithstanding that the Irish then were a harmless people and always Friends to the English Nation he miserably wasted that Countrey but were not long unrevenged for the year ensuing Egfrid invading that part of Scotland then inhabited by the Picts though S. Cutbbert earnestly disswaded him therefrom was slain And that Brithric soon after making another in-road upon the Picts to vindicate King Egberts death lost his life The like fate also had Offere who within few years after made another adventure against them for the same cause ¶ From which time until the year 953. I find no mention of any other Earl but then the people submitting to the Dominion of King Edred the West Saxon Monarch to preserve their Countrey from destruction which he had threatned in regard that contrary to their Faith solemnly made to him they had advanced Eiric a Dane to be King of those Northern Parts Osulph was constituted Which Osulph afterwards in the Reign of King Edgar receiving Oslac to be his Companion in the Rule govern'd all the Countrey on the North of Tine leaving Yorkshire and the rest South thereof to Oslac ¶ To Osulph succeeded Waltheof commonly called Waltheof Senior in whose time scil An. 969. Malcolme King of Scotland Son to Kyneth invading Northumberland with a numerous Army and making great devastation there with Fire and Sword advanced to Durham and laid Siege thereto Aldune then governing that Territory betwixt Tine and Teise which was S. Cuthberts Patrimony as Bishop there This Earl Waltheof making no opposition in regard of his extream age which rendred him unfit for Military Services so that for his own safety he was constrained to shut up himself in Bambrough Castle ¶ But Vchtred the Son of this Earl Waltheof being a Person of an active disposition and very valiant discerning that the Scots had thus wasted that Countrey and besieged Durham and that his Father let them alone raised what power he could out of Northumberland and Yorkshire and therewith though much inferior in number to the Enemy flew the greatest part of them so that the King himself with some few were forced to save themselves by â—light And being thus victorious caused the Heads of the cheif of those bold Invaders to be cut off and carried to Durham where he fet them upon Poles round the Walls of that place Whereupon King Ethelred hearing of this most heroick exploit sent forth with for Vchtred and though his Father Earl Waltheof was then living confeâ—ed upon him this Earldom adding the Couâ—ty of York thereto ¶ But afterwards scil in An. 1013. King Edmund Ironside Reigning Swane King of Denmark invading England this Earl Vchtred gave the first example of defection submitting himself to his power and swearing fealty to him Whereupon all the Northern parts of the Land did the like Howbeit after the death of King Swane Canute his Son entred England again with a very great power and at his Landing sent to this Earl Vchtred knowing him to be a person of no small power and therefore solicited his utmost aid with promises that he should enjoy all his Honors and much more Nevertheless Vchtred refused saying That he had already plighted his Faith to King Ethâ—â—red his Liege Lord and Father in Law of whose gift he had enough already and that he would never betray him At length King Ethelred departing this life Cnute by his power took upon him the Dominion here and sent again to Vchtred requiring his attendance on him as his Leige Lord and King Whereupon Vchtred obtaining safe conduct for his going and return went to the Court but as he was passing towards the King through the wicked contrivance of one â—urebrand sirnamed Hold a great Person in that age divers armed Men who lay secretly behind a Traverse rushed in upon him and murthered him with no less than forty of his Attendants who were then at his heels This Earl Vchtred gave great assistance unto Bishop Aldune in his Building of Durham And first took to Wife Eâ—gfrid Daughter of that Bishop with whom he had these Lordships viz. Bermetune Skirningheim Eltune Carltune Heaclif and Heaseldene upon condition that he should maintain her honorably as his Wife so long as she should live but after his Victory over the Scots he grew so elated that he turned her home to her Father who thereupon entred upon those Lordships again and married Sigen Daughter of a rich Citizen called Styr the Son of Vlf who was given unto him by her Father for that he the said Earl Vchtred had killed Thurebrand before-mentioned an utter Enemy to Styr And after this growing highly in favor with King Ethelred in respect of his Military knowledge he obtained Elgiva Daughter of that King for his third Wife by whom he had a Daughter named Aldgitha given in marriage to Maldred the Son of Crinan an eminent Thein in those days and Progenitor to that Noble Family of the Nevills as I shall farther shew in due place Upon this Earl Vchtred's forsaking of Ecgfrid his first Wife Daughter to Bishop Aldune a Theine of Yorkshire called Kilvert Son of Ligulf married her by whom she had issue a Daughter named Sigrid wedded to Arkil Son of Ecgfrid which Arkil had by her a Son called Cospatric who wedded ... Daughter of Dolfin Son of Turfin and had issue Cospatric who was to have fought against Waltheof Son of Elfi But at length Kilvert forsaking his said Wife her Father Bishop Aldune received her again
Tosti possessed in King Edward the Confessors days these are taken notice of in the Conquerors Survey viz. Preston in Agmundernesse with divers Hamlets then thereto belonging Haltune with many Hamlets also belonging unto it Witune and Hougun with divers Villages to them belonging all which I take to be now in Lancashire Walegrit Hamiburg Estrop Broestwic Gretone and Biedun with divers Hamlets respectively to them appertaining in Yorkshire Cosseham and Bradelie in Wiltshire Winesford in Somersetshire Perie in Northamptonshire Bodmescel in Nottinghamshire Fiseburne in Sussex Hannei in Berkshire Begesford in Hartfordshire Nedreham Brickel and Falelie in Buckinghamshire Driffelle and Briâ—tevoldes in Gloucestershire Cotes in Huntingdonshire Holest Rincurde Nonoelle Weringetone and Erneâ—ude in Hantshire Borecome Antune Affetune and Frescewatre in the Isle of Wight and Stoches in Oxfordshire ¶ Upon the expulsion of Earl Tosti as hath been observed Morkar the younger Son to Algar Earl of Chester was by King Edward the Confessor constituted Earl of this Province That he with his Brother Edwyne routed Tosti and Harold Harfagar King of Norway the preceding year upon the Shore of Humber called Lindsey Coast where he had landed and made his Piratical Invasion and afterwards that he with his Brother Edwyne gave Battle to the King of Norway and Tosti upon the Northern side of the River Ouse near York where at the first on-set they had the better of the day hath been already intimated in my Historical Discourse of that Earl I shall therefore now proceed with what I find farther observable concerning him which in brief is this That withdrawing himself from that memorable Battle near Hastings in Sussex wherein King Harold was slain by William Duke of Normandy He with his Brother Earl Edwyne came to London and sollicited the Londoners to make one of them King which not succeeding they carried away their Sister Algitha the Queen and sent her to the City of Chester and thence betook himself with his said Brother to York where Malcolme King of Scots with divers English and Danes were got together as their only place of refuge which so enraged the Conqueror that with fire and sword he did soon after almost destroy that whole City And the year next ensuing carried him over into Normandy together with his Brother Edwyne and many other great Men. That King William restored unto him this Earldom notwithstanding he had cause enough to doubt his fidelity is sure enough Howbeit Morkar being otherwise hindred with great affairs committed the Administration and that part thereof which lieth North of Tine unto Osulph Son to Eadulfe one of the Earls before-mentioned But his heart standing not right to the Norman Conqueror he with his Brother Edwyne privately withdrew themselves from Court under colour of advertisement That the King had a purpose to secure him and broke out in Rebellion And when his Brother Edwyne was murthered by his own followers as I shall shew where I speak particularly of him he with divers other persons disaffected to King William betook himself to the Isle of Ely where after a long Siege he was at length taken and committed to prison yet when King William lay upon his Death-bed was again enlarged by his Commandment But no sooner had King William Rufus got the Crown than he was again imprisoned and at length murthered by some of his own Retinue Of any Wife or Issue that this Earl Morkar had I have seen no Memorial but in King Edward the Confessors time he was possest of these Lands viz. Eâ—sicewall Pickering Wicstun Wartre Drifelt Basewic Poclinton Bretlinton Burtone Welleton with the Hamlets thereto belonging Trectone Walise Olleie Brantone Ovreton Scheltune Foleford Chilnesse Wifornes Wapletone Hornesse and Esintone with divers Hamlets to them respectively belonging in the County of York Nessham Tuange Cuneet Wrdiâ—e Iteshale Caiham and Sudtone in Com. Salop Castretone in Com. Rotel Westone in Northamptonshire Actune and Hâ—iloch in Cheshire Lene in Herefordshire Rolvestune in Staffordshire Broctone and Saltebi in Leicestershire and Cherchebi Chime Bodebi Wellingoure Basingheham Castre Shillingtune Colstewrde Cotes Barewe Stroustune Nort-Stoches Carletune Bredestorp Wes-Bitham Bortone Brune and Stapleford in Lincolnshire Earls of Lincoln IN An. 716. Egga was Earl of this County being then a Witness to the Charter of King Ethelbald granted to the Monks of Crouland Earls of Chester IN An. 716. Leuric or Leofric was Earl of Chester and witness to the Charter of King Ethelbald unto the Monks of Crouland of which Monastery that King was Founder he is there called Comes Leicestriae but the reason is because the City of Chester was altiently termed Vrbs Legionum and for thaâ— respect therefore in that mention made of Leofric Earl of Mercia in King Edward the Confessors time by R. Hoveden where he takes notice of his great munificence to several Religious Houses and in particular to that of S. Werburge the Virgin he saith in Legacestrâ sita which is very well known to be intended of Chester where the Abbey of S. Werburge was and not in Leicester But of this Earl Leuric or Leofric I can say no more than that he had issue Algar the first and he Algar the second and he Leofric the second and he Leofwine Earl of Mercia of whom and his Descendants I have spoken under the title of Mercia Earls of Wiltshire ABout the year of Christ 800. Wicstan or Werstan was Earl of this Province and slain in Battle at Kinemeresford fighting against Earl Edelmund it being the first year of King Egberts Reign ¶ After him scil in An. 886. Aethelhelme was Earl who at that time carried a large sum of Money to Rome which was collected from the people out of the several Diocess of England but in the first year of King Athelwlfs Reign being sent by that King with his Army to encounter the Danes at Port in Hantshire he was slain in that Battle Earles of Mercia OF this Part of England antiently called Mercia and containing the Counties of Gloucester Hereford Worcester Salop Chester Stafford Derby Nottingham Leicester Lincoln Northampton Warwick Oxford Buckingham Huntingdon and half of Bedfordshire These following Persons were heretofore Earls viz. Hugh sirnamed the Great who being Patron of the Priory of â—â—wksbury in Gloucershire buried Brictric King of the West Saxons in the year of Christ 799. in the Chappel of S. Faith the Virgin there who also departing this life in the year 812. lieth buried also in that Monastery ¶ Not long after him was Witlafe Duke or Earl of Mercia scil An. 833. but soon after advanced to the title of King ¶ The next was Ethelred unto whom the City of London upon the Restauration thereof after it had been destroyed by the
for that in so doing he had endeavored to deprive his eldest Son Ethelbald of his Right to succeed him and partly because in his return he had wedded Iudith Daughter to Charles then King of France Earls of Dorset THe first Earl of this Province that I find is Aethelhelme who in the year 838. King Egbert then Reigning after an honorable Victory which he had upon the Danes that then invaded this Land in pursuing them farther than was safe lost his life ¶ The next is Osric or Osred who in the year 845. in the time of King Ethelwolph joyning with Earnulf Earl of Somersetshire and Alstane Bishop of Shireburne encountred the Danes in Battle at Pedredesmuth slew a multitude of them and obtained a signal Victory This is that Osric whom some of our Historians do call Earl of Hantshire ¶ After him scil in the Reign of King Edgar Egelward of whom I have not seen any other memorial than his being Founder of the Abbey of Pershore in Worcestershire Earls of Devon THe first Earl of this County that I read of was Karl who in the year 851. Athewulph being then King of the West Saxons fought valiantly against the Pagan-Danes which did then much infest this Kingdom and obtained a great Victory against them at Winborne in Dorsetshire The next was Odda who in the year 878. King Alfred Reigning was besieged in a certain Castle by those Pagan-Daneâ— After him Edred of whom I find no other mention than that he died in the year 901. a Moneth before the death of King Alured and that he had been a faithful assistant to him in many Battles Then Ordgar in the time of King Edgar of whose beautiful Daughter called Alfrida there is a notable Relation first of her marriage with Ethelwolfe Earl of the East Angles and afterwards with King Edgar himself whereof I shall take notice at large when I come to speak of the said Ethelwolfe Of this Ordgar this is cheifly memorable viz. That he Founded the Abbey of Horton in Dorsetshire which was a Cell to Shireburne and likewise Tavestoke in Devonshire in the year 961. And dying in the year 971. was buried in that Abbey where he had a fair Tomb as also that he had a Son called Edulf of a Giant-like stature and wonderful strength of whom it is reported That coming to Exeter with King Edward Son and Successor to King Edgar and finding the Gates of the City shut up and barred he with his hands and fâ—â—t burst them open and that this Edulf had a Monument also in the same Abbey of Tavestoke in proportion suitable to the immensity of his Bulk This 〈◊〉 is sometimes called Ordulf and by some reported to have been the Founder of that Abbey of Tavestoke After Ordgar a certain Norman Earl called Hugh was made Earl of this County by Queen Emme which Hugh partly by his negligence and partly treachery suffered Sweine King of Denmark to enter Exeter and make great spoil there To him succeeded Ailmâ—â—â— who being also Earl of Cornwal is under the Title of that County spoke of And to him Odo unto whom King Edward the Confâ—ssor gave also the Earldoms of Somerset and Dorset Earls of Kent OF Kent the first Earl whereof I have seen any mention and that upon a memorable occasion was Ealhere viz. A Victory against the Danes in this County in the year of Christ Dccclii Who arriving in the Mouth of Thames with 350 Ships landed a great Army wasted the City of London and foiled Beortulph King of the Mercians in open fight But at length coming to Sandwich were encountred by King Ethelstan Son to Athelwulph the West Saxâ—n King and by the help of this Earl Ealâ—ere after great slaughter totally put to flight nine of their Ships being then also taken About two years after this valiant Earl with the assistance of Wada Earl of Surrey gave them Battle again in the Isle of Shiâ—ey where though at the first onset he had the better of the day yet at last the Danes prevailing he lost his life The next Earl of this County that I meet with was Ceolmund so constituted by King Aelfred in the year of Christ Dcccxcvii to withstand the incursion of those Pagan-Danes which then much infested this Land In the time of King Canutus Godwyne a person of great note in those days and of a most Noble Extraction was Earl viz. Son of Wolnoth Son of Egelmar Son of Egelrick Brother to that great Edric-Streona Earl of Mercia in the days of King Ethelred commonly called the Vnredy In the year 1024. this Earl Godwyne was General of the English Forces in that expedition made by King Canutus with his Army consisting of English and Danes against the Swedes in which he performed most signal service for discerning the King to have great loss in the first days fight he privily assaulted the Enemies Camp in the night following slew a multitude of them and routing the rest compelled Vlfe and Eiglafe Kings of that Nation to peaceable terms But the next thing memorable of him that I have met with was a most perfidious and ignoble Act which much clouded the honor he gained by that brave and heroick exploit the Story whereof is briefly this The year following the death of King Canutus who was in truth no other than an Invader here Aelfred Son to Etheldred late King of England by just Succession having remained in Normandy with Duke Richard his Uncle for a long time made sail hither with Five and twenty Ships full of stout Soldiers to challenge his rightful Inheritance and arriving at Sandwich advanced to Canterbury whereof Earl Godwyne having notice he went and met him and having assured him of his Fidelity feasted with him that Evening But soon after in the night time when Aelfred and his followers were asleep in their Beds at Guilford in Surrey he rushed in upon them with a multitude of armed Men and binding their hands behind them set them on a row causing them all to be beheaded except the tenth man and not satisfied with that decimated them once over again so that â—â—w were left alive After which he bound the Royal Aelfred himself a young Prince of great honor and carried him to the City of London unto Harold Son to Canutus by the power of this Earl then made King who upon sight of him commanded that he should forthwith be carried to the Isle of Ely and his eyes put out which being performed he soon died The substance of this most perfidious action of Earl Godwine doth Simoen Dunelmensis also relate but with instances of greater barbarity taking notice that upon the death of young Aelfred at Ely as is above exprest his Body
so termed as a witness to the Charter of King Edward the Confessor made to the Canons of Waltham in Esseâ— And by the Conquerors Survey is Recorded to have been possessed of these following Towns and Lordships in King Edward the Confessors days viz. Come in Somersetshire Essedene Meletune Ledesdune Borham Pecheham Fredeneste Essedes and Sudtone and Colinge in Kent Ellede in Sussex Baverdone Pinnoch Chenemetone Witeford and Langford in Com. Devon Puteham in Hartfordshire Haltone Dileherst Dodintone and Lechamstede in Buckinghamshire and of Gatone and Codintone in Surrey Others say that he had seven Sons and thus ranked in Seniority viz. Suane Tosti Harold Gurth Elfgare Leofwyne and Wolnoth of all which excepting Elfgare I have already spoke which Elfgare was a Monk at Remes in France The name of this Earl Godwynes Daughter was Eadgith who became Wife to King Edward the Confessor of whom Ingulphus who lived in her time gives a singular Character for her admirable Beauty Humility Sanctity and Learning Adding That when he was a School-Boy and came to Court to see his Father she often meeting him would pose him in his learning and descending from the solidity of Grammar unto the levity of Logick wherein she was excellent would conclude him with the subtilty of her Arguments and frequently send him three or four pieces of Money by a Maid to satisfie for his Diet. Yet so highly was the King incensed against Earl Godwyne her Father that notwithstanding she was so excellently qualified he put her away from him and placed her in the Abbey of Werewell but the next ensuing year he received her again and restored her to her former Dignity Of the before specified Gytha second Wife to Earl Godwyne before mentioned I find that she was possessed of these following Lordships viz. Hertinges Traitone Mâ—râ—done Mundreham Westmestan and Odemanscote in Sussex Cerdenord in Berks Otringtone in Devon as also of Edestoche and Stoches in the County of Buck And that after the death of King Harold her Son she privately fled into France carrying great riches with her but never returned for fear of King William the Conqueror And now to close up my story of this great Earl take here this sharp Character of his from an old Historian Erat inter potentes Angliae omnium potentissimus vir magnarum opum sed astutiae singularis Regum Regnique proditor qui doctus fallere quaelibet dissimulare consuetus facile populum ad cujuslibet factionis inclinabat assensum Amongst the great Men of England he was the most potent of all a Person of great wealth but of especial craft a betrayer of Kings and the Kingdom who being skilful to deceive and accustomed to dissemble every thing could easily seduce the people to joyn with any Faction But to leave the best savor of him I will not omit his Works of Piety to the Cathedral of Canterbury viz. The Towns and Lordships of Stistede and Cogshall in Essex as also of Chich which he had of the gift of King Canutus and bestowed in pure Alms upon the Monks there serving God One thing more viz. a notable passage betwixt Alfwald the last Bishop of â—hâ—reburne and this Earl I cannot well omit This Alfwald was a very devout Man and so much mortified that when others did profusely feast as it was then the usage to do here in England after the coming in of the Danes he would take no other sustenance but Bread and Water A Person he was most highly devoted to the Blessed Virgin and S. Cuthbert of whom it is farther observable That after his death no one could sleep sitting in his Chair but he was terrified with ugly Visions But that of him which relates to this Earl is this That upon some discontent betwixt him and Godwyne and the same not appeased upon a meeting which was appointed for that purpose the Bishop upon his departure saying By S. Mary it shall go evil with him it fell out accordingly the Earl being thenceforth never free from the torture of his Guts until he received this Bishops Benediction Earls of Surrey OF this County Wada was Earl in An. 854. and joyning with Ealbere Earl of Kent in a sharp fight against the Danes in the Isle of Thanet there lost his life Earls of Southampton IN the year 860. Osric was Earl of this Shire King Ethelbyrht then Reigning at which time the Danes having invaded the Land and destroyed the City of Winchester he with the help of Ethelwlf Earl of Berkshire giving them Battle slew and dissipated their whole Army After this scil in the time of King Edgar Aelfegus was Earl of whom there is no other mention than of his death in An. 981. In the time of Canutus Alfelme was also Earl whose Daughter Ailiva was Wife to that King and Mother to Harold his Son and Successor in this Realm Earls of Berrocshire IN the year of Christ 860. Ethelwlf was Earl of this County and upon an Invasion then made by the Pagan-Danes who destroyed the City of Winchester raised the Berkeshire men and joyning with Osric Earl of Hantshire flew and routed all their Forces Ethelbyâ—ht being then King of the Weâ—t Saxons This 〈◊〉 is also sometimes called Eadulf In the year 871. the Danes quitting Norfolk and those parts advanced with their Army unto 〈◊〉 in this County whence two Danish Earls went out with a great power to Forage the Countrey the rest fortifying themselves in the mean while betwixt the Rivers of â—hames and Kâ—nnet But this valiant Eadulfe with his Forces encountring them at Englefeild which is not far from Reading Westwards flew one of those Earls and the greatest part of that their Army putting the rest to flight but within a few days after in another fight with them at Reading he lost his life The next Earl was Suane Son to Godwyne Earl of Kent of whom I have spoke elswhere he being Earl of more Counties Earls of Essex ¶ OF this County the first Earl that I have met with is Brithulfe so constituted by King Aelfred in the year of Christ 897. for defence of the same against the irruptions of the Danes but of him I find no more mention ¶ The next is Brithnoth who being witness to a Charter made by King Ethelred to the Abbey of Tavestock in Devon is there termed Dux In the year of Christ 991. this valiant Earl marching against the Danes who then had invaded the Coast of Suffolk and plundred Ipswich gave to Christ Church in Canterbury these Lordships viz. â—â—â—inges and Ilâ—ege and after the death of Elflede his Wife Heâ—â—ege And encountring those Pagans in open Battle at Maidon in Essex where great slaughter was on both sides the Danes being Victors
any But before I proceed to speak of him as Earl it will not be improper to shew in regard of his Ecclesiastick Profession how he was qualified for such a Temporal imployment take therefore this his Character Odo ille Bajocarum praesul c. This Odo Bishop of Bayeux was well known to be such a person who could best of any undergo both Ecclesiastick and Secular businesses Of his goodness and prudence the Church of Bayeux in the first place gives testimony which he with great wisdom did settle and advance And though he was in years but young yet did he excel the aged in Gravity To all Normandy he was of great use and ornament his prudence and eloquence manifesting themselves not only in Synods wherein the worship of God was handled but in all other disputes touching woâ—â—dly affairs For liberality none like him in all the Realm of France nor was he less praise-worthy for his love of Equity He was no instigator to War nor could he be drawn thereto and therefore much feared by Soldiers But upon great necessity his Counsels in Military affairs were of special avail so far as might consist with the safety of Religion To the King whose Brother he was by the Mother his affections were so great that he could not be severed from him no not in the Camp being constant and faithful always to him The Normans and Britons were most obsequious to him nor were the English so rough but that they esteemed him worthy of their fear reverence and love As to his particular Actings certain it is that he with Geffery Bishop of Constance was present at that memorable Battle with Duke William wherein he was Conqueror and thenceforth King of England and had with him there at that time divers Monks and Secular Clerks who by their devout Prayers and Councils then afforded much assistance in that great and signal conflict And after that Victory having the Castle of Dover which is Clavis Repagulum totius Regni the Lock and Key of the whole Kingdom and this whole County of Kent committed to his charge he was joyned with William Fitz-Osberne a Principal Commander in the Conquerors Army as when I speak of the Earls of Hereford will appear in the Generalship or cheif superintendency of all the Military Forces of the whole Realm as well in Field as Garison Nay he was likewise a Count Palatine and gave Laws as a King having a power over all other Earls and great Men of the Land As also Iusticiarius Angliae id est The Principal Person under the King for administring of Justice throughout the whole Nation which high and eminent Office after him continued till towards the later end of King Henry the Third's Reign as elswhere I have amply shewed being reputed the wisest man in England In Lent after his Coronation the King going into Normandy this Odoâ— was with William Fitz Osberne Custos Angliae in his absence having direction for the building of Castles in all fit places of the Land Being thus seated in Kent and so powerful that no man durst oppose him he possessed himself of divers Lordships belonging to the Archbishoprick of Canterbury which being made known to Lanfranke when he was advanced to that See viz. 5 Will. Conâ— he forthwith made his complaint thereof to the King Who thereupon commanded That the whole County of Kent especially those who were most knowing in the ancient Customs and Usages there should without delay assemble and do right therein Meeting therefore at Pâ—nenden Geffrey Bishop of Constance sate in the Kings stead as Judge who after much dispute past Sentence for Lanfranke viz. That he should enjoy the Lands belonging to his Church as freely as the King himself did enjoy his own Demesn Lands In An. 1074. upon that Rebellious Insurrection of Roger Earl of Hereford and Raphe Earl of Norfolk this Odo with Geffrey Bishop of Constance marched with an Army to suppress them who being then near Cambridgâ— and hearing of this power coming towards them fled privily to Norwich In An. 1078. 13 Conq. Qui tunc â— Rege secundus erat Being the next to the King in authority and greatness he was sent with an Army to wast Northumberland by reason that the Men of those parts in an Insurrection then made there had murthered that good man Walcher Bishop of Durham at 〈◊〉 near Newcastle upon Tine but he there exercised much cruelty and despoiled the Church of Durham of some rich ornaments amongst which was a rare Crosier of Saphire Certain it is that his extraordinary power and wealth made him much forgetful of himself wherewith being highly elated he grew both insolent oppressive and ambitious and the rather for that certain Soothsayers of Rome had foretold who should succeed Hildebrand in the Papacy and that they had found out that after the death of Gregory Odo should be Pope so that he little valued the power and riches of these Western parts unless he might rule there and elswhere at large as Pope Wherefore he sent to Rome and purchased a Palace there linking the friendship of the Senators unto him by great gifts And having adorned it with glorious and costly furniture he drew unto him Hugh Earl of Chester and a great Band of choice Soldiers importuning them to accompany him into Italy with promise of ample rewards Wherewith being allured and desirous to see Foreign parts they soon assented but King William taking notice of this great preparation and apprehending how prejudicial the effect thereof might be to this Kingdom as well as others being then in Normandy hastens for England and upon the way at the Isle of Wight accidently met this his Brother Odo with his pompous Retinue going towards Normandy Whereupon calling all his Nobles together he represented to them how that he had committed the Care and Government of England to this Odo upon his own going into Normandy and told them of the dangerous Insurrections there which occasioned that his journey as also his happy success against them that had so rebelliously disturbed those parts Telling them further that whilest he was thus busied in Normandy this his Brother Odo had grievously oppressed his people in England robbed the Churches of their Lands Revenues and Ornaments seduced those Soldiers who should have been employed in defence of this Realm against the Danes and Irish to pass the Alpes with him And having thus passionately made his complaint commanded the Guards to seise upon him But no one daring to touch him in regard he was a Bishop the King himself laid hands on him Whereupon he said That he was a Clerk and a Minister of God and that he was not to be sentenced by any but the Pope But the King Replied
I neither sentence any Clerk or Bishop but my own Earl whom I made my Vicegerent in my Kingdom resolving That he shall give account of that his trust Whence he carried him into Normandy and in the Castle of Roan kept him prisoner to the end of his Reign which was four years but then was he set at liberty by King William the Second commonly called Rufus and this his Earldom of Kent restored to him Howbeit though he was thus enlarged and favored by K. William Rufus when he discerned that he had not the whole sway in disposing of all things as formerly for William de Karilepho Bishop of Duâ—ham was made Justice of England he fell off from his Allegiance and seduced many others inciting them to set up Robert Curthose in the Royal Throne as a person of a more gentle disposition and who was past his youthful Vanities And in order thereto began an Insurrection in Kent where he burnt divers Towns belonging to the King and Lanfranke then Archbishop carrying the Plunder of them to Rochester bearing an immortal hatred to that Archbishop in regard that by his Councel he had been cast into prison by King William the First with that nice distinction as he was Earl of Kent for as a Clergiman and Bishop it was not justifiable From Rochester he marched to Pevensey in Sussex and betook himself to his Castle there unto which the King presently marched and laid siege but at the end of six weeks being for want of Food forced to render it up he promised by Oath to quit the Realm and never to return until the King should command him as also to deliver up the Castle of Rochester before his departure Howbeit when he came to Rochester with those Soldiers of the Kings unto whom he was to render it he and they were all shut up at Rochester by the Garrison which he had left in that Castle Some were then of opinion that this was done by his own contrivance for there were then in that Castle many gallant Men and almost the whole Nobility of Normandy There was also young Eustace Earl of Bolein and divers Noblemen of Flanders But no sooner was the news hereof brought to the King than that he marched with his Army to Rochester and besieged the City so that within a short space those that were there rendred themselves And Odo losing all his Honor for ever abjured the Kingdom and went into Normandy where being received by Robertâ— Curthose then Duke he had the whole care of that Province committed to him The principal persons who joyned with Odo in this Conspiracy against King William Rufus on the behalf of Robert Curthose were Geffrey Bishop of Constance Robert Earl of Moreton Brother to this Odo Roger Earl of Shreasbury Robert de Molbray Earl of Northumberland and Roger Bigot Robert de Belesmo William de Owe Robert fil Baldwini de Excestre Hugh de Grentmaisnill Bernard Newmarch Roger de Lacy and Ralph de Mortimer But of these Roger Earl of Shrewsbury first fell off Being thus received in Normandy and in such high esteem with Curthose he had the whole Government of that Dukedome committed to his charge and was thereupon made his Counsellor To conclude with the words of mine Author He was Eloquent and magnanimous courtly and to speak according to the World couragious He was a great honorer of Religious Men his Clergy he stoutly defended with his Tongue and Sword and furnished his Church with rich Ornaments as his Buildings Vestments and Plate of Gold and Silver which he gave thereto do testifie In his youth in regard he was Brother to the Duke he was advanced to the Bishoprick of Bayeux in which he sate more then fifty years His carnal affections being sometimes predominant he begot a Natural Son named John who was afterwards by reason of his eloquence and ingenuity of great esteem in the Court of King Henry the First And though he was a person sometimes addicted to Secular Levities yet he had a great regard to Ecclâ—siastick Matters The Church of our Lady at Bayeux he built from the Ground and decked it with divers costly Ornaments In the Church of S. Vigor sometime Bishop of Bayeux which is situate near the Wall of that City he placed Monks and constituted the Religious and Prudent Robert de Tumbalene Prior there who amongst the rest of his learned Works left a short clear and profound Coment upon the Canticles Which Monastery he made a â—ell to the Abbey of Dijon He also sent young Schollars to â—iege and other Cities where he knew the study of Philosophy to flourish and gave them large exhibitions for their support in Learning of which so by him educated were Thomas Archbishop of York and Sampson his Brother Bishop of Worcester William de Ros Abbot of Fiscamp in Normandy Thurstan Abbot of Glasâ—onbury and many other then living So this Bishop Odo though much entangled with worldy cares yet he did many landable things and what he got indirectly be bestowed upon the Church and Poor Howbeit at length leaving the World he took a journey to Rome with Duke Robert his Nephew but died at Palermo in Sâ—câ—ly and had Sepulture in the Church of our Lady there The Lands and Possessions which he had here in England were wonderful great all which were given him by the bounty of King William his Brother for in Kent he had no less than an Hundred eighty four Lordships or the greatest part of them in Essex Thirty nine in Oxfordshire Thirty two in Hartfordshire Twenty three in Buckinghamshire Thirty in Worcestershire Two in Bedfordshire Eight in Northamptonshire Twelve in Nottinghamshire Five in Norfolk Twenty two in Warwickshire Six and in Lincolnshire Seventy six Earl of Cornwal TO this Earldom was Robert Earl of Moreton in Normandy Brother to King William by the Mother shortly after the Conquest advanced and had other great Honors given him in this Realm In the time of King William Rufus taking part with his Brother Odo Earl of Kent in that Insurrection on the behalf of Robert Curthose he held the Castle of Pevensey on that account but so soon as the King laid siege thereto rendered it up to him and made his peace This Earl having had the Standard of Saint Michael carried before him in Battle as the words of his Charter do import under which it is to be presumed he had been prosperous did out of great devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin for the health of his Soul and the Soul of his Wife as also for the Soul of the most glorious King William for those are his expressions give the Monastery of S. Michael at the Mount in Cornwal unto the Monks of S. Michael de Periculo Maris
he was buried in the Priory of S. Andrew at Northampton Whereupon the King gave this of Huntendon to the before specified William King of Scots who immediately delivered it unto David his Brother This last Earl Simon took to Wife Alice sole Daughter and Heir to Gilbert de Gant Earl of Lincoln with whom he enjoyed her Fathers Honor during her time but she dying without issue was buried at Bridlingâ—on in that Monastery of the Foundation of Walter de Gant her Grand-father whereupon it returned to Robert her Uncle Earl of Buckingham THe first Earl of this County after the Conquest was Walter Giffard Son of Osberne de Bolebec and Aveline his Wife Sister to Gunnora Dutchess of Normandy Great Grand-Mother to the Conqueror Who being one of those Noble Normans who accompanying the valiant Duke Wilâ—iam to whom he was thus Allied in his expedition hither courageously assisted him in that great Battle against King Harold whereby he obtained the Crown of England for which respect he became soon after advanced to this Earldom of Buckingham and was one of the principal Persons sent by the King with Remigius Bishop of Lincoln and others at the time of the Conquerors General Survey into Worcestershire and some other Counties to take notice of the Extent and Value of all the Kings and other Mens Lands in those parts The Possessions which he himself had as appears by that Survey being as followeth In Berkshire two Lordships in Wiâ—â—shire one in Somersetshire one in Huntingdonshire one in Cambridgshire five in Oxfordshire nine in Bedfordshire nine in Suffolk three in Norfolk twenty eight and in Buckinghamshire forty eight This Walter gave the Lordship of Blakeham in Suffolk to the Monks of Bec in Normandy which was afterwards made a Cell to that Abbey Afterwards adhering to King William Rufus against Robert Curthose he fortified his Mansions in Normandy on the said Kings behalf and was a cheif Commander in his Army there behaving himself very honorably in that service and persisting therein to the utmost He was likewise one of the Witnesses to those Laws of King Henry the First which he established here at the beginning of His Reign Yet afterwards scil in An. 1102. being the next year he sided with Robert Curthose but the year following departed this life here in England and had Sepulture at the entrance of the Abbey Church of Longavâ—liâ— in Normandy which he Founded and gave divers Lordships and Lands lying in England thereto with this Epitaph upon his Tomb. Stemma Gifardorum Galterius ingenuorum Quae meruit vivens busta sepultus habet Templi Fundator praesentis aedificator Hoe velut in proprio conditus est tumulo Qui se magnificum Patriaeque probavit amicum Dux virtute potens pietate nitens Religiosorum sed praecipue Monachorum Cultor multimodè profuit Ecclesiae His memory continuing in high veneration by all the Cluniac Monks who by their daily Prayers ceased not to commend his Soul to God for those benefits which they had plentifully reaped in Longaville by his Charity This Walter took to Wife Agnes one of the Daughters of Gerard Flaitell Sister to William Bishop of Eureux by whom he left issue Walter his Son who succeeded him in this his Earldom of Buckingham and divers Daughters whereof one viz. Rohais was Wife to Richard Fitz-Gilbert Ancestor to that great Family of Clare ¶ Which second Walter being most faithful to King Henry the First against all those Rebellious attempts that disturbed his quiet gave most high Testimonies of his valor in that notable Battle at Brennevill in An. 1119. against Lewes King of France who was there in person in which fight the French were beaten And though at first he did incline to King Stephen yet he afterwards made his Peace with Geffrey of Anjou Husband to Maud the Empress This Earl Walter in 12 Hen. 2. upon Assessing of the Aid for marrying of the Kings Daughter certified That he had Ninety four Knights Fees and an half De Veteri Feoffamento and one and an half De Novo and with Ermetrude his Wife Founded the Abbey of Nutâ—ey in King Henry the Second's time at his Park of Trendon near Tame in Backinghamshire but dying without issue the Lands of his Barony came to be shared amongst his Relations as it seems For in ... Rich. 1. Richard de Clare Earl of Hertford in respect of his Descent from Rohais Sister of this Earl and Wife of Richard Fitz-Gilbert his Linâ—al Ancestor and William Mareschal Earl of Pembroke in Right of Isabel his Wife Daughter and Heir to Richard Earl of Strigul obtained a confirmation from that King of all the Lands of this Walter Earl of Buckingham both in England and Normandy Of which Lands Richard Earl of Hertford was to have the cheif Seat in England and William Earl of Hemâ—roke and Isabel the head or cheif Seat of those in Normandy the residue both in England and Normandy to be equally divided betwixt them Earl of Albemarle and Holderness THe first who had this Honor conferred upon him was Odo Earl of Champaigne a person nearly allied to King William the Conqueror by Consanguinity being Grand-Son of Maud Daughter to Richard Duke of Normandy Wife of Odo Earl of 〈◊〉 and Chartres This Odo being a valiant young Man and having slain a great person of that Countrey where his Father lived fled to his Kinsman William then Duke of Normandy where by the help of the Archbishop of Roan obtaining the Dukes Sister Adeliza for his Wife He intreated the Archbishop to move the King for some maintenance and told him the cause of forsaking his own Countrey At his request therefore King William gave him the Isle as he calls it of Holderness And to add thereunto the Archbishop himself bestowed on him the City of Albemarle to the intent that in all the expeditions where the Archbishop went in person he should be his Standard-Bearer with Twelve Knights Which Territory of Holderness was given by the same King William unto one Drew le Brever a Fleming who accompanied him hither at the Conquest being a skilful and courageous Man in Arms Whereupon Drew built the Castle of Skypse the strongest Fort on all that side but having afterwards killed a Kinsman of the Kings and therefore constrained to flee for it getting away into Flanders King William bestowed it upon Odo de Campania as hath been said Holderness upon this occasion being given unto Odo and at that time was a barren Countrey bearing no other grain but Oats so soon as his Wife had brought him a Son whom he named Stephen he intreated
the King to give him some Land which would bear Wheat whereby he might the better nourish his Nephew the King therefore granted unto him the Lordship of 〈◊〉 in Lincolnshire Others making mention of this gift unto Odo call it Comitatum Holderness The County or Earldom of Holderness which contains a large part of Yorkshire on the North-East side thereof But of this Earl Odo I have not seen any more of note than that he was a partaker with Robert de Molbray Earl of Northumberland and those other Conspirators in Anno 1096. 9 Wil. Rufi for the pulling down King William Rufus and advancing Stephen his Aunts Son who was afterwards King to the Crown of this Realm for which he was imprisoned And that he with Stephen his Son gave to the Abbey of S. Maries at York the Mannor of Hornshay with the Church as also Maâ—â—am with the Fishing belonging thereto and Thorpe near adjoyning The Lordships whereof he was possest as appears by the Conquerors Survey were only these viz. Simpling Scerdatre Belestede Herchestede Guthulnesford Helmele Clopetune Burg Depebec Bulges Mungaden Beâ—mele Cloptune and Brantestune in Suffolk This Countess also then holding Barle and Scidmehau in Esseâ— for Holdeness was not given him till after that Survey This Odo left issue Stephen his Successor in that Honor as also a Daughter called Iudith married to Waltheof Earl of Northumberland and Huntingdon Which Stephen carried the title of Earl of Albemarle and stood firm to King William Rufus against Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy But when Curthose finding himself not able to contend with his Brother Rufus made peace with him taking upon him the Cross in that famous expedition to the Holy Land in which Godfrey Duke of Lorrain and divers Christian Princes were gone before this Earl Stephen accompanied him And the year following upon the Conjunction of the Christian Forces behaved himself courageously in that great Battle wherein Coberan was General of the Turkish Army near Antioch Hugh the Great Earl of Uermandois leading the Van of the Christians the Earl of Flanders with Robert de Frison the Middle Part Robert Curthose and this our Stephen the Rear And on the Fourth Calends of Iuly obtained a glorious Victory with spoils of extraordinary value He also continued Loyal to King Henry the First for a time but a length joyned with Hugh de Gornay and others against him in order to the restoring of Curthose to all his Fathers Honors and to that end fortified the Monastery of the Holy Trinity situate upon the Mount at Roan After which when Hugh de Gornay and the rest made their peace with the King he stood out single but at length seeing his danger by the approach of the Kings Army then submitting with all humility had his liberty and quiet But in An. 1129. 27 Hen. 1. he broke out again adhering to Lewes then King of France and the cheif Nobility of that Realm for the advancing of William Son to Robert Curthose to the Crown who was a gallant young Man bold and valiant but banished by King Henry Howbeit their endeavors therein came to nothing so powerful in Wealth and Friends was King Henry grown For of those that thus adventured some lost their lives some were imprisoned and some disherited so that what became of this our Stephen I can give no account I shall therefore close up this my Story of him with that great Work of Piety viz. The Foundation of the Monastery of â—lbemarle in Normandy begun by Adcliza his Mother Daughter to King William the Conqueror as I have already observed who had formerly given the Church of S. Martin built by his Ancestors near to the Castle at Albemarle unto the Monks of S. Lucian at Belvace Therefore to perfect so good a Work this Earl Stephen added divers Lands and Tithes in France with these Churches and Tithes in England viz. Pagle now Paul Pâ—eston Eschecheling Wisornewic Wogle Frohingeham Mapleton Tonestall Esington Bâ—â—stall Chinlesâ— Chaingâ—ham and the Tithes of his Castle at Aldebourge all in Yorkshire as I take it and in Lincoinshire these viz. Carâ—enton Wilesby Barow Grosseby Audâ—lby and Bilham Not forgetting his munificence to the Abbey of S. Maries at Yoâ—k for he gave unto it Fulford with the whole Soke belonging thereto and Fostune as also in Hâ—epâ—tune 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 two Carucates of Land in Acastre five Bovates in the other Fulford eleven Bovates in Choâ—nton two Carucates Flaxtone eleven Bovates in Fulford three Carucates and in Aâ—waldethorp one Carucate Nor his pious Donation made to the Monastery of S. Martins de Champ in the Suburbs of 〈◊〉 of the Churches of Arenis for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Hawise his Wife Raphe de Mortimer and Milisent his Wife Father and Mother of her the said Hawise of whose Inheritance it was With which Hawise he had in marriage the Towns of â—â—orston and â—â—rrow and left issue by her three Sons William his Successor sirnamed le Grosse Stephen and Ingelram and four Daughters the first ... married to the Vidam of Pynkeney the second to the Vidam of Uerberay the third to Bertran de Brikebet all French and Normans and the fourth to William de Romare and after his death to Peter de Brus both great Men in England ¶ Which Earl William le Grosse was a person of no small note in his time whether we look upon him in reference to his Secular Actions or those tending to his Souls health as then was taught For as to the first being then a gallant young Man Iuvenis tunc strenuissimus in armis multum excercitatus habens secum tam de ponciis quà m de Morinis milites plurimos non minus astutiâ militari quà m animi virtute praestantes He was the cheif of these great Peers that gave Battle to the Scots at North Alverton in An. 1138. when David their King had invaded the North with a mighty Army challenging Northumberland for his Son Henry in right of Maud Daughter and Heir to Earl Waltheof Wife of David and Mother to the said Henry as under the title of Huntendon I have more at large shewed having under his command many stout and expert Soldiers the rest being these as followeth viz. Walter de Gant Robert de Brus Roger de Mulbray Walter Espec William de Percy Bernard de Bailloi Richard de Cursi William Fossard Robert de Estoteville Ilbert de Lacy William Peverell with the Power of Nottinghamshire Robert Ferrers with those of Derbishire and Geffrey Hanselyn who all encamping near that place scil North Alverton on the Octaves of the Assumption of our Blessed Lady where the venerable Thurstan then Archbishop of York had caused
pleased he advanced him as he list By which means he got an incredible proportion of wealth But in the height of all this glory another Earl seduced his wife which brought exceeding vexation and trouble of mind to him in his age At last therefore after much grief mortal infirmities seising on him being required by his Confessor that he should make restitution of whatsoever he had got by Force or Fraud from any Man and to bewail that sin with tears He answered If I so do what shall I leave my Sons To whom his Confessor replied Let them be content with their ancient Inheritance and with what you have justly acquired and quit the rest otherwise your Soul will go to Hell No quoth he I will give them all and they shall do Works of Mercy for the health of my Soul But notwithstanding this sharp Character his own Works of Piety were not few nor small For he rebuilt the Church of our Lady in his Castle at Leicester for the health of the Souls of King William the Conqueror of Queen Maud his Wife as also for the Souls of King William Rufus King Henry the First and Maud his Wife with their Children Likewise for the Souls of Roger de Bellomont his Father and of Adelina Wife of the said Roger. Moreover for the health of his own Soul and the Soul of Elizabeth his Wife as also of the Souls of all his Children and for the Soul of Henry Earl of Warwick his Brother the Soul of Albreda his Sister Abbess of ... and the Souls of all the faithful deceased In which Church he placed a Dean and Canons and for their maintenance besides all that had anciently belonged thereto he gave unto them six Carucates of Land lying nigh the North Bridge with eight dwelling Houses and in another part three Virgates and three Ox-gangs as also Six pound yearly Rent issuing out of that City And in the Suburbs thereof confirmed to them the Churches of Alhallows S. Peters and S. Martins which Ralph Boteler had bestowed on them in augmentation of their Prebends And farther gave them the Churches of Lileburne with the Lands and Tithes thereto appertaining as also three pound yearly Rent out of the Revenues of that Lordship He likewise bestowed on them three Carucates and one Yard Land with a Mill at the North Bridge for cloathing of the sick people in their charge So that they had all the Churches in Leicester except S. Margarets which was a Prebend of Lincoln with five Carucates of Land on the North side of the Town and all the Churches of the Soke of Shepesheved and Halso Moreover he Founded the Hospital of Brackley in Com. North. And besides all this gave to the Priory of Lenton in Com. Nott. the Church of Winchingstone with three Yard Land and three Toffs and Croffs thereto belonging To the Abbey of Preaux in France the Foundation whereof was begun by Humphrey de Vetulis his Grand-father and perfected with large endowments by Roger de Bellomont his Father he gave the Church and Tithes of Charlenton the Mannor of Postbiry as also the Mannor of Tostes in Norfolk which afterwards became a Cell to that Foreign Monastery and likewise the Tenth of all his Rents and Revenues in Newbery This great Earl wedded Isabel by some called Elizabeth Daughter to Hugh Earl of Uermandoâ—s by whom he left issue Robert his Successor in this Earldom of Leicester and Waleran who succeeded him in that of Mellent both Twins likewise another Son called Hugh sirnamed Pauper Earl of Bedford and divers Daughters whereof one viz. Elizabeth was a Concubine to King Henry the First But at length became a Monk in the Abbey of Preaux and departing this life upon the Nones of Iune An. 1318. 18 Henâ— 1. was there buried all but his heart which was sent to Brackley and there kept in Salt Of his Son Waleran who after him enjoyed the Earldom of Mellent as hath been said with all his Land in Normandy the substance of what I have observed is That in 23 〈◊〉 1. deserting the King and manning his Castles against him the King burnt his Town of Brion all but the Castle So likewise Pont-Audomare except the Castle which held out seven weeks siege Likewise that he was taken prisoner in fight near Burgh-Turold 7 Kal. April 14 Hen. 1. and kept in durance full five years and that being set at liberty he was not trusted with any of his Castles Moreover that adhering to King Stephen against Maud the Empress with whom he was in the Battle of Lincoln 6 Steph. he shared in that unhappy success which the King then had Next that in 10 Steph. he took upon him the Cross and went to Ierusalem on Pilgrimage After this that King Stephen fell in dislike with him and in the Fifteenth of His Reign took from him by Assault the City of Worcester which he had given him and reduced it to Ashes And that about two years after he was taken prisoner by his Nephew Robert de Montfort and shut up in the Castle of Orbec where his own Soldiers endeavored his rescue by a siege but in vain So that he could not obtain his liberty till he had rendred the Castle of Montfort unto him Furthermore that he was betrothed unto a Daughter of King Stephens when she was but two years old And lastly that he left issue a Son called Robert Earl of Mellent who was excommunicated by the Pope for adhering to Iohn Earl of Moreton against Richard his Brother King of England Of Hugh the youngest Son of this Robert Earl of Leicester to whom King Stephen gave the Earldom of Bedford with the Daughter of Milo de Beauchamp upon the expulsion of Milo Being a person remiss and negligent himself and committing the custody of that Castle to Milo he fell from the dignity of an Earl to the state of a Knight and in the end to miserable poverty ¶ I come now to Robert called Bossu the eldest Son to this last mentioned Robert who after him enjoyed this Earldom of Leicester and all his Lands in England This Robert stoutly adhered to King Henry the First upon all occasions and was with him at his death in An. 1135. at the Castle of Lions in France Betwixt this Earl and Roger de Toney a great Man in Normandy was such animosity as that at length it broke out into open hostility and thereupon burning and destruction of Toneys Houses and wasting his Lands Being in Normandy with King Stephen in An. 1137. 2 Steph. and hearing of those troubles which then grew in England he attended him thither In An. 1139. 4 Steph. he was one of those that rose up against Roger Bishop of Saresbury that
de Meschines THis William being Brother to Ranulph the first of that name Earl of Chester enjoyed by the gift of King William the Conqueror all that part of the County of Cumberland lying betwixt the Rivers of Dudene and â—arwent commonly called â—oupland It is elswhere said that it was by the gift of King Henry the First And had issue a Son called Ranulph who died in his life time as it seems as also a Daughter called Cecily married to Robert de Romely Lord of Skipton in Craven Which Robert and Cecily were Founders of a certain Religious House in those parts called Emesey for Canons Regular of S. Augustine afterwards translated to â—oâ—ton and had issue two Sons Ranulph and Matthew who both died issuless and one Daughter called Alice Wife of William Fitz-Duncan Earl of Murref in Scotland Nephew to Malcolm King of that Realm Which William Fitz-Duncan hast issue by her one Son called William who died young and three Daughters viz. Cecily first married to Alexander Fitz-Gerald and afterwards to William le Grossâ— Earl of Albemaâ—â—e to whom she brought the Honor of Skipton being her Purparty of the Inheritance Secondly Amabil the Wife of Reginald de Lucy who had the Honor of Egremond as her Purparty And Alice first married to Gilbert Piparâ— who had with her all Aspatrick with the Barony of Allerdaie and Liberty of Cockeâ—â—â—â— and afterwards to Robert de Courtney but died without issue But I return to William de Meschines of whom the substance of what I find memorable is That he Founded the little Monastery of S. Bega commonly called S. Bees in Coupland which was a Ceil to that of S. Mary at York and gave to the Monks of S. Werburg at Cheâ—ter the Church of Dâ—â—sato in North Wales And of Cecily his Wife that for the health of the Soul of William de Meâ—chines her Husband as also the Souls of Ranulph and Matthew her Sons she gave to the Canons of Emeâ—ey her whole Lordship of Châ—ldewicâ— with the Mill and Soke thereof likewise that of â—â—â—â—esdon and also those at â—arwood with the Sute thereto Moreover of 〈◊〉 de Romely their Daughter for so she was called though Wife of William Fitz-Duncan that in 1 Hen. 2. she translated the Canons of Emeâ—ey to â—olâ—on and gave to the Monks of Fountaines in Com. Ebor. the moity of her Mill at 〈◊〉 and a Toft in 〈◊〉 Likewise that she gave to the Monks at Pontefract one Carucate of Land and an House in Broctune for the health of the Soul of William Fitz-Duncan her Husband and all her Ancestors Souls As also free Chase in all her Lands and Woods within her Fee with liberty to Hunt and take all manner of Wild Beasts there Furthermore that she bestowed on them the tenth of all the Deer taken within her own Lands and Chases in â—raven As also a certain peece of Ground in each of her Lordships for to make a Grange for their Tithes with Common of Pasture for their Cattle together with her own in all her Woods Moors and Fields during the whole time of Autumn And being Lady of Skipton Castle ordained That the perpetual Chaplain celebrating Divine Service every day in the Chappel there should in augmentation of his maintenance receive for every Twelve weeks one Quarter of Wheat and Thirteen shilling four pence yearly upon Christmass day for his Robe out of the Rents of that Castle and Mannor Vesci AMongst other the valiant Normans that assisted Duke William in his Conquest of England were Robert and â—vo de Vesci as may seem from those favors which both of them obtained from his munificent hand For Robert at the time of the General Survey was found to possess the Lordships of 〈◊〉 in Com. Northam 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in com Warr. Helpericham 〈◊〉 Branâ—une Rosby Suaniton Steveninges and Hechinton in Com. Lincoln And Morton Scenton Cleveliord Godmundelay Sancton Torp Basurd Cliburne and Newton in Com. Leic. As to the Parentage of Eustace Fitz-Iohn all I have seen is That he was Nephew and Heir to Serio de Burgh the Founder of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Castle in Com. 〈◊〉 And that Iohn his Father was 〈◊〉 Monoâ—ulus in regard he had but one eye For as much therefore as those who afterwards bore the name of Vesci are thus lineally descended from this Eustace I shall here take notice of what is most memorable touching him An old Historian who lived in that time saith That he was one of the cheifest Peers of England and of intimate familiarity with King Henry the First as also a Person of great Wisdom and singular Judgment in Counsels Which character of him is not like to be fictitious in regard he had such vast Possessions bestowed on him by that King viz. The Mill at Warnet also Bodele and Spilsham with their Appurtenances and all the Fee of Ralph de Gaugi id est Ellingham Docford Elwike and Heyton Likewise Neeforton with its Appurtenances and Morton and Burgton with theirs which did belong to Walter Fitz-Eld and Eylam his Brother together with Winton Caldebeck and Ravenstandale and all the Fee and Service of Payne de Mesnilwarine Moreover all those Eleven Carucates of Land and the Service of Serlo de Burgh viz. In the two Steinleys four Carucates in Branton four in Cayton one in Sothsack one in Killinghale one in Burton six and in Walington two Likewise divers Lands and Tenements in the City of York and whatsoever he held of David King of Scotland or of Earl Henry his Son as well in Demesn as in Knights Fees Also what he held of the Archbishop of Yoâ—k and of his Fee as well in Demesn as in Knights Fees Furthermore all that he held of the Fee of the Bishop of Duresm viz. Weltesale and Landmot with the two â—hiltons and the Fee and Service of Geffrey Escoland and Richard Fitz-Pain with whatsoever else he held of the same Bishop and of the Fee of the Earl of Richmund Likewise Ellerton and all the Fee and Service of Thorfine the Son of Robert de Manefield Also Canefield with the Appurtenances and whatever else he held of that Earls Fee Moreover all that he held of the Fee of Roger de Moubray as well in Demesn as otherwise and also of William Fossard and of his Fee of William Paganel and his Fee and of the Earl of Albemarie and his viz. in Nid three Carucates in Newton one in Hewike two and in Weffwike four Likewise whatâ—oever he held of the Fee of Roger de Clere viz. Brompton with its Appurtenances and of the Fee of Gilbert de Gant viz. Parteney with its Appurtenances as also of the Fee of the Abbess of Barking and Earl of Chester Whatsoever likewise he held in Heungeby with all
reason of the good service which this Iohn Constable of Chester had done in the Holy Land For the same Earl Ranulph who was likewise Earl of Lincoln as in my Discourse of him is shewed by a formal Charter under his Seal granted the Earldom of Lincoln id est All that he could grant thereof unto Hawise his Sister To the end she might be Countess and that her heirs might also enjoy it Of which Grant the King did so far allow as that at her request he conferred the same Honor upon this Iohn de Lacy Constable of â—hâ—ster and the heirs of his Body by the same Margaret her Daughter as by his Charter dated at Northampton 23 Novemb. 17 Hen. 3. appeareth as also the same annual sum of Twenty pound which Ranulph late Earl of Chester and Lincoln did receive in lieu of the Tertium Denarium of that County in the name of the Earldom of Lincoln Howbeit before the end of this year scil 17 Hen. 3. upon that great difference then hapning betwixt the King and Richard Earl Marshal wherein divers of the Nobles adhered to that Earl This Iohn Earl of Lincoln partly in consideration of this favor but cheifly for that he was corrupted with Money by Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester who gave unto him and to Iohn Scot Earl of Chester a thousand marks fell off from this Earl and joyned with the King In 18 Hen. 3. for the sum of a thousand marks he obtained the Wardship and Marriage of Roger the Brother and Heir to Nigel de Moubray and the same year was constituted Governor of the Castle of Blankminster Morâ—over in Anno 1237. 21 Hen. 3. upon the meeting of that great Council of all the Prelates of England by appointment of Otto the Popes Legate he was one of those whom the King sent to prohibite the Legate from establishing any thing derogatory to his Crown and Dignity Likewise upon Advertisement to the Legate that divers persons nobly descended who enjoyed Pluralities of Ecclesiastical Benefices had laid wait to do him mischief he was sent together with the Earl Marshal and the Earl of Leicester and a multitude of the Kings Houshold well armed to guard him to and from that Council And in the same year had a Grant of the Sheriffalty of Cheshire being then also constituted Governor of the Castle of Cheâ—â—er as also of that on the Rock commonly called Beeston Castle And likewise had another Grant conditional viz. That in case the King could not attract the Earl of March to his service by the Marriage of Richard de Clare with a Daughter of the same Earl before the Feast of S. Hillary then next ensuing that then this Iohn should have the Marriage of the same Richard for his eldest Daughter for which Grant he promised Five thousand marks whereof the King acquitted to him Two thousand whereupon he married her her name being Maud. Which Marriage being consummated by the King without the consent of the Baronage raised high discontent in Richard Earl of Clare the Father of the same Richard and likewise in most of the English Nobles This Earl Iohn had Return of all the Kings Writs throughout the Wapentakes of Staincross and Osâ—â—od-Cross in Com. Ebor. And this farther Priviledge That all Merchants-Strangers coming by Water to the Town of Ponâ—fract should be free from Payment of any Toll And in 24 Hen. 3. exercised the Sheriffs Office again in Cheshire but died before the end of that year viz. Upon S. Mary Magdalens day leaving Margaret his Wife surviving who had the Mannors of Ingoldemers Choresby Houton and Seggebrock assigned by the King for her maintenance until her Dowry out of his Lands should be set forth Which Margaret afterwards married to William Mareschal Earl of Pembroke By this Margaret he left issue one Son viz. Edmund and two Daughters which two Daughters in 27 Hen. 3. were sent for to Windsor there to be educated with the Kings own Daughters And departing this life upon the Feast day of S. Mary Magdalen An. 1240. 24 Hen. 3. was buried in the Abbey of Stanlaw with this Epitaph on his Tomb. Egregii Comitis an haec est Tumba Johannis Hostibus immitis cunctis dum vixerat annis Iure suum Comitem luget Lincolnia mitem Quem plangunt unum Cestrensia castra tribunum Anglia flet ritè tali caruisse Quirite Et Stanlaw bonum dolet amisisse Patronum Christo devotus miles fuit undique notus Wallia quem Scotus tenuit mundus quoque totus Gallus Hispanus Normannus Brito quoque Danus Almannus gnarus Bello Lumbardus avarus Indus obscenus gentilis atrox Saracenus Aethiopes fusci Graeci Babylonia Tusci Rex Soldanus omnis populusque profanus Hunc cum cernebant armatum corde tremebant Vicit eum vermis qui victor erat in armis Sic vincemus Pro quo dicendo precemur Vltima censura cum venerit illa futura I. Comes à dirâ— servetur Iudicis irâ Which Edmund his Son and Successor in 31 Hen. 3. took to Wife an outlandish Lady from the parts of Savoy brought over purposely for him by the procurement of Peter de Savoy Uncle to the Queen which occasioned much discontent from the Nobles of England And in 35 Hen. 3. obtained a Charter for Free Warren in all his Demesn Lands of these following Lordships viz. Pontfract Rowel Ledes Berwick Secroft Bradford Alemanebiry Wridlesford Oltone Carleton Lofthous Helmeshal Alreton Snaithe Stanbiry Manningham Slaitburne Castelford Methelay Grenlington Houghton Herdewike Braford in Bouland Swilington Farnelegh and Backshelf in Com. Ebor. Dunington in Com. Liecest Wadeho in Com. Northam Wydnes Cliderho Chatteburne Dounum Hyghtenbull Wurtheston Padiham Brunley Brereclive Parva-Merlesden Cromington Peulton Caune Magna-Merchesden Apelton Upton and Totington in Com. Lanc. Moreover he had Wreck of Sea throughout all his Lordships in Com. Linc. He then also obtained another Charter from King Henry the Third for a weekly Market every Wednesday at Tanshelf within his Lordship of Pontfract and a Faiâ— yearly for three days viz. On the Eve day and morrow after the Feast of the Holy Trinity In An. 1256. 40 Hen. 3. this Edmund having formerly in Gascoigne treated with William Longespe about a Marriage betwixt Henry his Son and Margaret Daughter of the said William did then viz. on Friday before Christmas day Seal unto certain Covenants in order to those Nuptials viz. That she the said Margaret should have in Frank-marriage the Lordships of Burnecesire and Middleton and that she in consideration thereof should be endowed of the Mannors of Skippeys and Scales with their Appurtenances And for the Kings License thereto whereby it appears that she was eldest of the Daughters and Heirs to William Longespe he gave ten
Richmund and Derby by Reginald Bray her trusty instrument for bringing in of Henry Earl of Richmund afterwards King by the name of Henry the seventh who seeing Henry Duke of Buckingham one of the chief in that designe he so unhappily surprized before it could take effect got with other wellwishers to it into Britanny And after that succesful day at Bosworth where King Richard being slain the Crown was set on that victorious Henries Head he was made one of his chief Councellors Constable of the Castle at Bristol Master of the Mint and upon the twelfth day of March the same year advanced to the dignity of a Baron Moreover in 2 Hen. 7. he was retained by Indenture to serve the King in his Fleet at Sea with three hundred and fifty Souldiers in four Ships for the space of six weeks from the twentieth day of February And in 3 Henr. 7. constituted one of the Chamberlains of the Kings Exchequer In 4 Henric. 7. being then Governor of Calais he was sent into Flanders with three thousand Souldiers to the aid of Maximilian the Emperour there being a Rebellion then raised in those parts where he had a notable Skirmish with the Enemy near Dixmew in which he slew many took divers prisoners and returned with much Booty And in 7 Hen. 7. was imployed as Embassador with Richard Fox then Bishop of Exeter for reconciling all matters betwixt King Henry and the French In 9 H. 7. he was made Justice-Itinerant of all the Kings Forests on the south of Trent Sir Reginald Bray being his associate And upon the fall of Sir William Stanley in 10 H. 7. constituted Lord Chamberlain of the Kings Houshold In 12 Hen. 7. being prepared to march as General with an Army into Scotland to vindicate those injuries which King Henry had received thence having of his own retinue five Lances fifteen Demi-lances two hundred fifty four Archers and Bills for two hundred and fifty Souldiers six Lances twelve Demi-lances seventy one Archers and Bills for three hundred Souldiers and seven Lances four Demi-lances five hundred forty four Archers and Bills for three hundred and sixteen Souldiers he was prevented from that expedition by the Rebellion of the Cornish-men who were headed by Iames Lord Audley and had his share in the honor of that victory over them at Black-Heaâ—h in Kent which was then through the happy conduct of the Kings forces under the command of Thomas Earl of Surrey so successfully obtained And the next year following was in the head of that Army against those forces near Tanton in Com. Somers which were newly landed in Cornwall on the behalf of Perkin Warbeck where they were utterly vanquished In 19 Hen. 7. he was made Constable of the Castle of Bridgwater And by his Testament bearing date the 19 Maii 23 H. 7. bequeathing his Body to be buried in the Abby of S. Peter at Westminster appointed that his Feoffees would stand seised of and in his mannors of Wynderstow in Comit. Willts and Grychell-Gover in Com. Dorset of the yearly value of twenty six pound thirteen shillings and four pence to the intent that with the issues of the same there should be three Priests suâ—ained perpetually to sing for his Soul and the Souls of his Father and Mother viz. two in the Church where he was to be buried and the third in the Parish Church of South-Pederton in Com. Somerset where divers of his ancestors lay interred every of them to have for his Salary ten Marks Sterling And to Elizabeth his wife Daughter to Sir Iohn Arundel of Lanhern in Cornwall Knight he gave an hundred Marks worth of Plate He died at London 28 Maii 23 H. 7. and lieth buried in the Chapel of S. Paid within the Abby Church of Westminster as by the Epitaph on his Monument there appeareth Leaving issue Henry his only son and one daughter called Cecelie married to Iohn Bouchier Lord Fitz-Warren afterwards Earl of Bathe Which Henry in 6 Hen. 8. had a special livery of all the Lands whereof his said Father died seised And was created Earl of Bridgewater upon the nineteenth day of Iuly 30 H. 8. at the Kings Mannor house of Ocking being the second who had the title of some eminent City or Town But this Henry though wedded to Catherine daughter of Thomas Duke of Norfolk died without issue William de Albini Pincerna THis William de Albini son of Roger de Albini by Amicia his wife and elder brother to that famous Nigel de Albini whose posterity assumed the sirname of Moubray as I have elsewhere shewed coming first hither with William Duke of Normandy at his Conquest of England and being much aiding to him in that service had divers Lands in Norfolk and other place conferred upon him whereupon he ejected several persons out of their possessions amongst which one Edwyne a Dane who first came hither with King Knute was by him dispossessed of the Lordships of Snetsham Sharneburne and Stanho in that County Edwyne therefore with some others who suffered in like sort went to King William and told him that neither before his entrance nor since his Conquest they had ever acted or conspired against him but lived inoffensively as they were ready to prove Upon which complaint the King forthwith caused enquiry to be made through the whole Realm and commanded that those who had lived peacably should have restitution of their Lands so seized on to enjoy as freely as they had done before and thenceforth to be called Drenges And in pursuance of that his Command appointed that this William de Albini then his Butler and William de Warren his Forester should restore unto Edwyne all those Lands which they had thus taken from him But notwithstanding this Mandate all he could get at present was only three hundred Acres of Land and three Folds in Snetesham and after that four hundred Acres of Land and four Folds in Stanho to be held of him by certain services As also four hundred Acres of Land and as many Folds in Sharneburne from William de Warren Howbeit ere long the King having sent Edwyne into Normandy for his Bastard Daughter there begotten before the Conquest of England gave her in marriage to Asceur his Son from which time the said Edwyne had protection so long as he lived To this William de Albini and his heirs was the Lordship of Bokenham also given by King William the first to hold by the service of being Butler to the Kings of England on the day of their Coronation For which respect he was afterwards stiled in divers Charters Pincerna Henrici Regis Anglorum This William de Albini founded the Abby of Wymundham in Norfolk and gave to the Monks of Rochester the Tithes of
First and likewise a Ratification of the Lordships of Eresham Walesham Alvergate and Aclay Notwithstanding which favors in 19 Hen. 2. he took part with Robert Earl of Leicester in that disloyal Insurrection then began by him adhering to young Henry whom King Henry had Crowned in his Rebellious practises against his Father and received from him a Grant of the whole Honor of Eye in Suffolk as also the custody of the Castle at Norwich And the better to support himself therein received the French and Flemings into all his Castles But in these his extravagant enterprises he thrived not long for the King prevailing demolished his Castle at Walton and advanced towards his other places of strength at Franâ—ngham and Bungey wherein having no more than Five hundred Soldiers many of which discerning their danger fled away despairing also of any farther supply he made his peace with the King for a Fine of a thousand marks and rendring those Castles with much difficulty obtained leave from the King that the Flemings might return into their own Countrey Not long after this he went into the Holy Land with the Earl of Flanders and died in An. 1177. 23 Hen. 2. Whereupon the King seised upon all his Treasure and retained it in his hands ¶ To this Hugh succeeded Roger his Son and Heir whom King Richard the First by his Charter dated at Westminster 27 Nov. in the first year of His Reign did again constitute Earl of Norfolk as fully as Hugh his Father enjoyed that Honor in the time of King Henry the Second And moreover rendred to him his Office of Steward to hold as freely as Roger his Grandfather or Hugh his Father held the same He likewise ratified unto him those Lordships of Eresham Walesham Alvergate and Aclay And restored and confirmed unto him all the Lands of Aubrey de Insulâ— beyond Humber and on this side Humber id est Setrington and Holebrock with their Appurtenances and specially those Lands which did not any service to Belvoir Castle in the time of King Henry the First Moreover within the compass of the same year he made him one of his Ambassadors to Philip King of France for obtaining Aid towards the recovery of the Holy Land But for this favor from the King of enjoying the Earldom of Norfolk and that Hugh his Brother should not have Livery of any Lands which were his Fathers except by judgment of the Kings Court and his Peers he gave no less than a thousand marks to the King Shortly after this viz. in 3 Rich. 1. he was one of the Sureties for William de Longcamp Bishop of Ely then Chancellor to the King for performance of those Articles of Peace which were then concluded on betwixt Iohn Earl of Noreton and that Bishop King Richard then being in the Holy Land And when tidings were brought into England that King Richard was made captive in Almaine he received command from the same Bishop who was then newly returned from those parts to go back with him thither Moreover after the return of King Richard from his captivity 6 Rich. 1. he attended him with the rest of the Nobles in that great Council then held at Nottingham And at his second Coronation was one of those Four Earls that carried the Silken Canopy over his head In 2 Ioh. he was sent together with Philip Bishop of Durham with Letters of safe conduct unto William King of Scotland to require his speedy repair unto Lincoln where the King then held his Parliament to do his homage to King Iohn And in 15 Ioh. attended him into Poictou But afterwards scil in 17 Ioh. taking part with the Rebellious Barons was one of those that met together in an hostile manner first at Stamford and next at Brackley and discerning their own power exacted from him those strict Covenants whereby the Government was put into the hands of Twenty five of their party himself being one for which unparallel'd insolence he was with the rest of his complices excommunicated by Pope Innocent the Third In 5 H. 3. there being a determination made in the great Council then held at Oxford of that dispute which had in former times been raised betwixt the Earl of Leicester and this Earl Roger concerning the Stewardship of the Kings Houshold command was given to Ranulph Earl of Chester who had then the custody of the Earldom of Leicester that he should render unto this Earl Roger what was then remaining of the Ten Knights Fees belonging thereto In which fifth year of King Henry the Third he died as it seems for Hugh his Son had then Livery of his Lands performing his homage Another Son he had called William unto whom Robert de Sutton gave in Frank-Marriage with Margaret his Daughter all his Lands in Sutton and Bures with the Advowson of the Church as also the Serjeanty of the Hundred of Berstaple and Suit of all his Lands at Langedon with the Advowson of that Church which Grant was confirmed by King Iohn in the Eleventh of His Reign He had also a Daughter called Margery Wife of William de Hastings Son of William and had by the gift of her Father the Mannor of Little Bradley in Frank-Marriage But I return to Hugh In 7 Hen. 3. this Earl Hugh being with the Kings Army in Wales had Scutage levied upon all his Tenants that held of him by Military service in the Counties of Norfolk Suffolk York Essex and Leicester But of him I can say no more than that he took to Wife Maud the eldest Daughter of William Mareschal Earl of Pembroke by whom he had issue Roger who succeeded him in his Honors as also Hugh a younger Son who in 41 Hen. 3. was by the then prevalent power of the Barons made Justice of England And that departing this life in An. 1225. 9 Hen. 3. Alexander King of Scotland for the sum of Five hundred marks obtained the Wardship of Roger his Son and Heir Which Roger had formerly married Isabel Sister to the same King Alexander scil in 9 Hen. 3. In 17 Hen. 3. the King celebrating the Feast of Pentecost at Slocester girt this Roger with the Sword of Knighthood But soon after he was one of those that adhered to Richard Mareschal Earl of Pembroke in his Rebellious Actings In 18 Hen. 3. he had Livery of Framelingham Castle by the Kings special Precept In 21 Hen. 3. there being great animosities betwixt the Nobles of England a Tourneament was held at Blithe in Nottinghamshire where those of the South sided against them of the North In which Tourneament they falling to hostility the Southern Lords had the better of the day But in that Action none behaved himself more bravely than
of divers Noblemen that difference was thus finally accorded viz. That there should be three Priests maintained to celebrate Divine Service for ever for the health of the Soul of this murthered Ralph at some certain place near to his Grave Which Priests were thereupon setled accordingly at Langley in that County The next ensuing year viz. 9 Rich. 2. having obtained License to travel he undertook a Pilgrimage to the holy Sepulcher of our Lord at Ierâ—alem and in order thereto upon the sixth of April declared his Testament whereby he bequcathed his Body to be buried in the Priory of Stone near to the Grave of his Wife in case he should die in England appointing six large Tapers to be placed about his Herse and four Morters of Wax but that no Horse or Arms should be offered at his Funeral nor that any Prayers should be thereat except by Ecclesiastical Persons with his Allies and Friends Also that one hundred poor Men should be cloathed in White with a Cross behind and before on their Garments each of them carrying a Torch as well on the Vespers as on the Funeral day Likewise That Five hundred Masses should be celebrated for the Souls of his Father and Mother his Wife Himself and all his good doers as also of all Christians within one year after his deccase Moreover that within the compass of the year after his decease there should be celebrated for the Souls before mentioned Fifty Masses Trentals of S. Gregory by the most fitting persons that could be found Of which Testament he constituted Overseers his Cosin the Archbishop of Canterbury viz. William Courtney his Brother the Earl of Warwick the Lord Nevil the Earl of Suffolk and Sir William Beauchamp Knight to each of whom he gave a Cup with the Cover gilt And by his last Will bearing date at Iernemuth upon the fifteenth day of the same Moneth of April appointed that his Daughter Ioane should be well and fitly married and that out of the profits of his Lands in the hands of his Feoffce his three Sons William Edmund and Hugh should have each of them One hundred pound per annum during their respective lives Also that Thomas his Son should have his Coat of Male d'Astere of Naples and his Helmet made at Bourdeaux with a Camail d'Astere as also his Sword made at Turenne which Sir Raufe Ferrers gave him And that there should be three Priests ordained to celebrate Divine Service for the health of his Soul near to the place of his Burial for the term of three years next after his decease And after this upon the Twenty first of September next ensuing being then at Rhodes upon his return from Ierusalem by a Codicil there made he bequeathed to his Sister Roos a Gold Ring with a little Diamond to Margaret de Nevil his Daughter a large Gold Ring with a great Diamond set therein to Katherine de Pole his Daughter a Fermail of Knots to Ioane his Daughter a Golden Fermail with an Heart and to his Sister Cherleton a large Gold Ring with a Karrect Unto which Codicil Sir William Arundel and Sir Richard Ludlow Knights were witnesses And upon the Twenty fifth day of the same Moneth of September being still at Rhodes making a farther Declaration of his Testament gave to Iohn Hinkley his Esquire Twenty pounds and to Robert Corbert his Chamberlain Ten pounds unto which his usual Seal viz. his Helm was affixed After which viz. the next day following being the Twenty sixth of September he died there whereupon his Corps was brought over into England by the same Iohn Hinkley his Esquire and buried with his Ancestors before the High Altar at Stone leaving issue by the Lady Philippa his Wife Daughter of Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Thomas his Son and Heir at that time Eighteen years of age as also four other Sons viz. Thomas William Edmund and Hugh Which Hugh afterwards bore the title of Lord Bourchier in right of his Wife as I shall farther shew anon and three Daughters viz. Margaret married to Ralph Lord Nevill the first Earl of Westmerland Catherine to Michael the Son of Michael de lâ— Pole To which Katherine in respect of the low estate of him the said Michael King Richard the Second gave Fifty pounds per annum out of the Fee-Farm of Kingston upon Hull to make up One hundred pound per annum which was Covenanted by her Husbands Father to be setled upon her Ioane to Thomas Holland Earl of Kent and ... to Iohn Lord Ferrers of Chartley. This last mentioned Earl Hugh was at the time of his death seised of the Borough of Petersfield with the Hamlets thereunto belonging viz. Mapel-Derham Westone Nutstead and Sheet in Com. Southampt Of the Mannors of Cornhampton and Burbach the Hamlet of Up-Clatford the Borough of Bedewind the Mannor of Wexcomb the Hundred of Kinewardeston and the Mannors of Orcham and Knowle in Com. Wilts Of the Mannors of Blechingle Ocham and Burgham in Com. Surr. Of the Castle and Mannor of Aungre with the Mannor of Horsham in Com. Essex Of two parts of the Mannor of Calilond in Com. Cornub. Of the Mannor of Thornbury with its Members viz. Oldely Kington Morton Falefeld and Mars with the Mannors of Rendcumbe and Estington all in Com. Glocest. Of the Castle and Town of Newport with its Members as also of the Mannor and Lordship of Maghun with the Forest in the Marches of Wales Of the Mannor and Hundred of Rothwel Whiston Glapthorne with the Villages of Southwike Piriho Tansover Glapthorne and Cotherstoke in Com. Northampt. Of the Castle and Mannor of Tunbridge with its Members viz. The Mannors of Dacheherst Hado and Bradstead as also of the Mannor of Eaâ—ding all in Com. Cantii Of the Mannors of Little Brickhil and Easington with the Advowsons of the Abbey of Nutley and Priory of Newenton-Longevile in Com. Buck. Of the Mannors of Wawens-Wotton and Tiesho in Com. Warr. Of the Advowsons of the Priories of Huntingdon and S. Neots in Com. Hunt Of the Castle of Caus and three parts of the Mannor of Caus in Com. Salop. And of the Castle of Stafford with its Members in Com. Staff I now come to Thomas his Son and Successor in his Honors This Thomas the same year his Father died and a little before his decease by reason of an Invasion then threatned from the French was by Indenture retained to serve the King for the present defence of the Realm And afterwards viz. in 13 Rich. 2. again retained for term of life taking in time of War so much Wages as by the Kings Council and his own should be reasonably thought fit So likewise in times of Peace the King thereupon pardoning him the Sum of Three thousand marks wherein he was indebted to him for his Marriage The next year following viz. in 14 Rich. 2.
〈◊〉 the last of Ianuary in the same year appâ—arâ—th In 2 Edw. 2. he was in another expedition into Scotland And in that year was one of those great men who took part with Thomas Earl of Lancaster and conspired the death of Piers de Gavaston the great favorite of that time for the better recovery of the peoples liberties In 3 Edw. 2. he was the principal pâ—rson sent by the King from York with a sufficient strength for guarding the Marches of Scotland And in 5 Edw. 2. had restitution of the Constableship of England which the King had for some reasons seized into his own hands Furthermore in 6 Edw. 2. he was the cheif person in Commission to continue a Treaty begun at Marâ—â—yate with Lodowick Earl of Eureux the Bishop of Poâ—ctou and others concerning certain matters of great moment touching the King himself and some of the great Noblemen of England which treaty was to continue at Loâ—don but neither the Commissioners nor their retinue to lodge in the City But after this viz. in 7 Edw. 2. being in that fatal Battle of Strâ—vâ—â—g in Scotland and the English Army routed he was taken Prisoner in the flight near unto the Castle of Botheville yet had his liberty soon after by exchange for the Wife of Robert de Brus who had been long Captive in England In 8 Edw. 2. he was with the Earl of Lancaster and other of his party at the beheading of Piers Gavaston near Waâ—wick In 9 Ed. 2. he was again in Scotland In 11 E. 2 he received command to send two hundred Foot-Souldiers out of his Territories of Brecknock Penkenâ—lyn and Cantredsclyfe in Wales to be at Newcastle on the morrow after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy-Cross to march into Scotland And in the same year had a grant from the King of the Castle of Buelte in Ireland with the Lands thereto belonging In which year he entertained Sir Peter de Ouvedale Knight by Indenture to serve him during life and to receive Livery of Robes and ... as his other Batchelours as also bouche of Court with Hay and Oats for four Horses and Wages for four Groomes in time of peace whensoever he should come to Court by his command But in times of Warr and for Tourney Hay and Oatâ—s for eight Horses and Wages for eight Groomes with satisfaction for such Horses and Arms as he should lose in War in his service In 12 Edw. 2. he was again in the Kings service in Scotland So also in 13 Ed. 2. In 14 Edw. 2. the King having intelligence that he was raising forces in the Marches of Wales against Hugh le Despencer the younger for those reasons which I have in my discourse of William de Braose expressed sent him a peremptory command to forbear which he obeyed not but forthwith joyned with Thomas Earl of Lancaster in that great Insurrection then by him made and when others forsooke him stuck to him firmly the particulars whereof I referr to the Story of that Earl and having forced the King by terror to assent to those their insolent actings he published the Edict in Westminster-Hall for the banishment of Hugh despenceâ— the elder And the next year following sâ—il 14 Edw. 2. joyned with Roger Mortimer and others in the wasting his Lands in Wales But soon after this the Scene altered for the King getting power so fiercely pursued these potent Rebells and all their adherents that at Burrough-Brigg in Yorkshire he utterly defeated them where this Earl endeavoring to pass the Bridge was by a Souldier who lurked underneath run through the Body with a Lance 16 Martii ann 1321 15 Ed. 2. and buried at the Friers-Preachers in York He had to Wife Elizabeth one of King Edward the firsts Daughters Widow of Iohn Earl of Holland Which Elizabeth had in joynture the Barony of Essex By whom he had issue six Sons viz. Humphrey who died young Iohn Humphrey Edward William afterwards Earl of Northampton and Aeneas And four Daughters viz. Margaret who died young Alianâ—â— Margaret the Wife of Hugh de Courtney Son and Heir to Hugh de Courtney the first Earl of Devâ—n of that name and Isabel who died in her Childhood Which Edward de Bohun in 4 Edw. 3. had a grant from the King of the Lordships of 〈◊〉 and Sende in Wiltshire part of the Lands of Hugh le Despencer Earl of Winâ—hester and forfeited by his attainder to hold to himsâ—â—â—â— and the Heirs male of his Body lawfully begotten But of him I have seen no more than that in â— Edw 3 he was sent together with some of the English Nobles as Embassador into Scotland to be present at the Parliament of Edwâ—rd Baillol then King of that Realm and that he died without issue To this last Humphrey succeeded Iohn de Bohun his Son and Heir in these Earldoms of Hereford and Essex and Constable-ship of England who was made Knight of the Bathe upon the twentieth of Ianuary 20 E. 2. and then had by the special command of Prince Edward his Robes for that Solemnity allowed unto him out of the Kings Ward-robe as for an Earl After which being girt with the Sword of Knighthood together with the King himself upon the Eve of the 〈◊〉 of our Lady 1 Edw. 3. by Iohn Brother to the Earl of Henault he went into Scotland in that expedition made the same year And in 9 E. 3. was again in Scotland in K. Edwards service This Iohn first took to Wife Alice Daughter of Edmund Earl of Arundell for the making of which match a special Dispensation was by the Kings special endeavor procured from the Pope to the end it might be a means to qualifie those great animoâ—ities which then were betwixt both those families which Alice soon after died and was buried at Waldene He afterwards wedded Margaret the Daughter of Ralph Lord Basset but having no issue by either of them departed this life at Kirkby-Thure in Westmorland upon the Feast day of S. Fabian and Sebastian in ann 1335. 9 Edw. 3. and was buried at Stratford near London the Lands whereof he was found to die seized of being as followeth viz. a certain Tenement called Blanch-Appelton in the City of London the Mannor of Wokesey in Com. Wiltes Whytenhurst in Comit. Glouc. the Castles of Hay Brecknock Caldecote and Huntington in the Marches of Wales the Mannor of Agmondesham in Com. Buck. Northamstede in Comit. Hartf Enefeild in Com. Midd. Farnham Dunmaw Fobbyng Querndon Badewe and Depeden in Comitat. Essex Hatfeild and Brometho in Com. ... Kenebauton with the Castle and Honor in Huntendonshire Waldene Great-Waltham and Plessets with the Castle in Essex also and the Lordship of Donne in Middlesex which he held joyntly
28 Iulii Anno 1562. 4 Eliz. bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Church of â—arles-Colne departing this life the same year To whom succeeded Edward his Son and Heir who in 29 Eliz. was one of the Peers by special Commission appointed to try Mary Queen of Scots then Prisoner in England for her life And in Anno 1588. 31 Eliz. one of the chief persons in the Queens Fleet imployed against the great Navy of Spaniards then threatning an Invasion which thereupon was dissipated and destroyed by the English Forces Which Earl Edward had two Wives viz. Anne Daughter to William Cecil Lord Burghley Lord Treasurer of England on whom he begat three Daughters viz. Elizabeth married to William Earl of Derby Bridget to Francis Lord Norris of Ricot afterwards created Earl of Berkshire and Susan to Philip Herbert Earl of Montgomery And to his second Wife Elizabeth Daughter of Thomas Trentham of Rouceter in Com. Staff Esq one of the Maids of Honor to Q. Eliz. by whom he had issue one Son called Henâ—y This Edward being an intire friend to Thomas Duke of Norfolk when he discerned his Life in danger upon what was laid to his charge touching the Q. of Scots whereof our Historians of that time do give some account earnestly interceded with the Lord Treasurer Burghley his Wives Father and one of the chiefest States-men of that time for the preserving him from destruction but prevailing not grew so highly incensed against Burghley knowing it was in his power to save him that in great indignation he said he would do all he could to ruin his Daughter and accordingly not only forsook her Bed but sold and consumed that great Inheritance descended to him from his Ancestors leaving very little for Henry his Son and Successor And died 24 Iunii An. 1604. 2 Iac. Which Henry married Diana the second Daughter to William Cecill Earl of Exeter and died at the Seige of Breda in the Netherlands in ann 1625. without issue Whereupon Robert Vere Son and Heir of Hugh Son and Heir of Aubery by Margaret the Daughter of Iohn Spring of Lanham in Com. Suff. who was the second Son to Iohn the fifth of that name Earl of Oxfoâ—d after the death of this E. Henry was in the Parliament held at Westminster Ann. 2 Car. 1. restored to this title of Earl of Oxford Much dispute there was in that Parliament between this Robert and Robert then Lord Willoughby of Eresby touching this title of Earl as also touching the Titles of Lord Bulbeck Sanford and Badlesmere and Office of Lord Great Chamberlain of England this Robert making claim to them all as Heir male of the Family and Robert Lord Willoughby as Son and Heir to Mary the sole Heir female But at length after Councel on each part divers times heard and the Authority of Records and antient Evidences produced first the Title of Earl was Clearly adjudged to this Robert de Vere and the Titles of Lord Bulbeck Sanford and Badlesmere descending to the Heirs female to be in the Kings disposal by reason that Iohn the fourth E. of Oxfoâ—d having three Sisters his Heirs the Honor could not be divided But as to the Office of Lord Great Chamberlain it was referred to the Judges then attending in Parliament to consider thereof and make report upon these two points first whether that Robert E. of Oxford who made the entail thereof temp R. 2. upon the Heir male were at that time seised of it or not Secondly admitting that he was then whether such an Office might be conveyed by way of limiting of uses Upon which Reference there being only five Judges then attending in Parliament and the rest in their Circuits 3 of them viz. Justice Doderidge Yelverton and Baron Trevor declared their opinions for the Heir General and gave their Reasons for the same but the other two viz. the Lord cheif Justice Crew and Sir John Walter Lord Cheif Baron for the Heir male The major part therefore thus declaring the Lords voted accordingly whereupon Robert Lord Willoughby was admitted into the House 13 Apr. 2 Car. 1. with his Staff of that Office and took his place above all the Barons according to the Act of Parliament of 31 Hen. S. cap. 10. And Robert de Vere having received his Writ of Summons dated 14 April the same year came into the Parliament the day next following and had his place next to the Earl of Arundell This Robert took to Wife Beatrix van Hemmema of Freezland and was slain at the Seige of Maestricht ann ... By which Hemmema he had issue three Sons viz. Aubrey who succeeded him in his Honors as also Horace and Francis who died young And likewise three Daughters Mary Magdalen and Susan who all died young This last mentioned Aubrey took to Wife Anne one of the two Daughters and Coheirs of Paul Viscount Banning which Anne died without issue And shortly after the Restauration of our present Sovereign King Charles the second being elected one of the Knights of the most noble Order of the Garter was made Lord Lieutenant of the County of Essex and one of his Majesties most honorable Privy-Councel After which he married Diana Daughter to George Kirke one of the Grooms of the Bed-Chamber to King Charles the first of blessed memory Mandevill UPon the first arrival here of Duke William the Norman amongst other his Companions in that signal Expedition there was a famous Souldier called Geffrey de Magnavil assuming that surname from the Town of Magnavill which he then possessed This Geffrey fighting courageously in that Battle against King Harold where Duke William was victorious hewed down his Adversaries on every side for which great service he was aptly rewarded with divers fair Lordships by the Conquerors Gift as may appear from what he enjoyed at the time of the general Survey viz. in Berkshire four in Suffolk twenty six in Middlesex seven in Surrey one in Oxfordshire three in Cambridgshire nine in Hertfordshire nineteen in Northamptonshirâ— seven in Warwickshire two and in Essex forty whereof Waldene was one which afterwards became the cheif seat of his Descendants This Geffrey was by King William made Constable of the Tower of London which trust he held during all his time And for the Souls health of Athelaise his first Wife by whom he had his Children and good estate of himself and Leceline his second Wife with the consent of that King founded a Monastery for Benedictine Monks at Hurley in Berkshire whereunto he gave the whole Lordship of Hurley and the Woods adjoyning thereto as also the Church of Waltham and divers other Lands Osmund then Bishop of Salisbury dedicating the same Which House became a Cell to that great Abby of S. Peter at Westminster To this Geffrey succeeded
Albemarie After this scil in An. 1182. 28 Hen. 2. he was sent Ambassador to the Emperor Frederick the Second to qualifie his wrath towards Henry Duke of Saxony And in An. 1188. 33 H. 2. again attended King Henry into France where he skirmished valiantly with William des Barres Dreu de Merlou and other stout Soldiers of that Realm About the same time also he burnt the Town of St. Clere belonging to the King of France and laid wast a pleasant Garden which the King himself had newly caused to be made Moreover at the Coronation of King Richard the First he carried the great Crown of Gold adorned with precious Stones of extraordinary value He was also one of the three Earls which with two Barons were sent to King Philip of France in his Parliament held at St. Dionis to sollicite his assistance in recovery of the Holy Land And upon the going of King Richard thither was in a General Council held at Pipwel in Com. Northampt. joyned in that great Office of Justice of England with Hugh de Pusac Bishop of Durham Being a person cheifly disposed to Military imployments he spent his time for the most part in Normandy where he had the custody of divers Forts and Castles for King Henry Whence he was sent Ambassador into Flanders And to his second Wife married Christian Daughter to Robert Lord Fitz-Walter who after his death was wedded to Reymund de Burgh I now come to his Works of Piety To the Knights Hospitalers he gave his Lordship of Chippenham excepting the Church which belonged to the Monks of Walden and those Lands belonging to the Nuns of Chicksand within the precincts thereof As also five Bucks yearly to be received betwixt the Feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist and S. Michael and five Does betwixt the Feast of S. Michael and Lent out of his Park at Enfield To the Monks of Westminster he gave the Church of Sabrihteswrde in pure Alms to the Monks of Reading certain Lands in Ketenden to the Nuns of Clarkenwell One hundred shillings Rent out of his Mannor of Edelmeton as also the Rents of his improved Lands in Hethle To the Monks of Colne he confirmed two parts of the Tithes of all his Demesns in Roings formerly given to them by Alberic de Vere his Grand-father And was the sole Founder of the Monastery at Stoneley in Com. Huntendon And after all this coming to the Garrison of Rullivale in Normandy he there took an Inventory of his Plate and Goods Which done ere long he declared his Testament whereby he gave to the Monks of Walden the one half of his Lordship of Walden with his Mill and a little Park there and the services of his Tenants as also all the Vestments Books Chalices Vessels and other Ornaments belonging to his Chappel with his great Horse likewise three marks of Gold one hundred pounds in Silver and a Cup of Gold And then drawing near his end having received the Sacrament of Extream Vnction and the Body of our Lord he called together his Kinred and Servants and gave them charge with his hands lifted up on high to convey his Body to Walden in England there to be buried But Henry de Vere his Kinsman standing by told him That the difficulty of the passage was such that it could not be done To whom he replied If you cannot it is because you have no mind to effect what I a dying man desire then take my Heart and carry it thither Soon after which departing this life at Roan in Normandy viz. 18 Cal. Decemb. An. 1190. 2 Rich. 1. without issue his Body was sent to the Abbey of Mortimer in Normandy with much Gold and Silver and there interred in the Chapter-house and his Heart to Walden according to his desire and buried in the Chapter-house of that Monastery This last mentioned Earl William had a Sister called Alice married to Iohn de Lacy Constable of Chester and Lord of Halton She was also called Alice de Vere But it seems she was his Sister by the half Blood for certain it is that Beatrix his Ant viz. his Fathers Sister Wife of William de Say became his Heir of which Beatrix and her Descendants I shall speak in due place Mandevill of Mershwood A Branch of this Family was the same William de Mandevill I presume who in 3 Ioh. gave a Fine of one hundred marks to have a Tryal in the Kings Court upon that Sute which his Father began against Henry de Tilly for the Honor of Merthwood in Com. Dorset But with condition that in case he should recover it then to give five hundred marks Which Barony Robert de Mandevill Son to the same William as it is like did recover For in 13 Ioh. he accounted to the King One hundred eighty three pounds six shillings eight pence five Palfreys and three Norway Goshawks for it This Robert in 2 Hen. 3. with Robert Manduit and William Cumin upon Collection of the first Scutage of that King paid two marks for one Knights Fee in Funtell in Com. Wilts formerly belonging to Gerard Gifford Which Barony of Funtell was resigned up to King Iohn by Andrew Gifford who possessed it by Hereditary Right with the consent of him the said Robert de Mandevill Robert Manduit William Cumin and William de Fontains the right Heirs thereto retaining only the Vavassories And in 38 Hen. 3. upon collection of the Aid for making the Kings eldest Son Knight paid 29 l. for fourteen Knights Fees an half and fourth part belonging to the Honor of Mershwood But in 48 Hen. 3. this Robert for I presume it to be him was in the Battle of Lewes with the Rebellious Barons against the King Howbeit in 49 Hen. 3. by the Mediation of Philip Basset who had been Justice of England about three years before he obtained pardon for that transgression Having seen no more of this Robert I come to Geffrey de Mandevill his Brother I suppose for he was his contemporary This Geffrey in 17 Ioh. was in Arms against the King whereupon his Mannors of Perresfield and Maple Durham in Com. Southamp were seised and first given to Savaric de Maleleone but within few Moneths after to Roger la Zusche Moreover in 18 Ioh. he was in the number of those who were specially excommunicated by the Pope for that transgression This Geffrey held the Lordships of Merthwood and Eddicote in Com. Dorâ—et of the King in capite by Barony and the Service of two Knights in the Kings Army and sold them unto Iohn Gervase and his Heirs reserving twenty pound per annum Rent And in 42 Hen. 3. amongst others
12 Edw. 3. this Iohn attended the King at his own charge in that expedition which he then made beyond the Seas and the next year following was with him in Fâ—anders Where continuing till 14 Edw. 3. he obtained License to transport twelve Sacks of his own Wool for his better support in the Kings service in those parts In 16 Edw. 3. he was again in the Wars of France and having been summoned to Parliament from 10 till 17 Edw. 3. died that year being seised of the Mannor of Scâ—â—perton in Com. Middles And of the Mannors of Dundene Merschton Wellaton the moity of the Mannor of Shapton Malet the Mannors of Hacche Beauchamp Murrifield Stoke-Chirche Schepton Beauchamp and Stoke subtus Hamden all in Com. Somers leaving Iohn his Son and Heir twelve years of age as also Margaret his Widow surviving who had for her Dowry then assigned unto her the Mannors of Dundene and Schepton Beauchamp before mentioned Likewise certain Lands and Rents in Murifield and Sturmister Marshal in Com. Dors. with the moity of the Mannor of Selling near Monk-Horton in Kent The Wardship of which Iohn as to his Lands was committed to Robert de Ferrers and Reginald de Cobham whereof he had Livery in 25 Edw. 3. then making proof of his age This Iohn in 33 Edw. 3. was in that expedition then made into Gaâ—coigne and of the Retinue to Thomas de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick whose Daughter Alice he had married And having been summoned to Parliament from the 25 to the 35 Edw. 3. inclusive departed this life upon the seventh of October in the same thirty fifth year without issue leaving Cecily his Sister forty years of age afterwards married to ... Turbervill and Iohn Meriet the Son of Eleanor his other Sister fifteen years of age his next heirs Margaret his Mother then surviving and holding for term of life in Dower the Mannors of West-Kington in Com. Wilts Shepton Beauchamp Dundene Murifield and Broad Hertshton in Com. Somers Which Margaret died the nineteenth of November following The next ensuing year after the death of which Iohn upon Partition made of the Inheritance divolved to those coheirs Cecily had assigned for her purpart the Mannors of Hacche Shepton Beauchamp Murâ—field the third part of the Mannor of Shepton Malet in Com. Somers Certain Lands in Sturmister Marshal in Com. Dors. The Mannors of Boltbury and Huberton in Com. Devon the Mannors of â—ourton in Com. Buck. Little Haw in Com. Suff. And two parts of the Mannor of Selling in Com. Kanâ— Which Iohn Meriet died in 3 Rich. 2. leaving issue Elizabeth his sole Daughter and Heir married to ... Seymour Redvers BAldwin de Brionis for so he is called by some but by others Baldwin de Molis second Son to Gilbert Crispin Earl of Brion Son of Godfrey Earl of Ewe Natural Son to Richard the first of that name Duke of Normandy Great Grandfather to King William the Conqueror was one of the principal persons of the Laity that won much fame at the Conquest of England Which Baldwin besides this Alliance took to Wife Albreda Neice to King William viz. Daughter of his Aunt And being a person in whom the King did so confide obtained a choice place within the Walls of Eâ—eter whereon to build a Castle seating himself there with other Military Persons to guard that City To this Baldwin the trust of the County of Devon was committed by that King for which respect he was sometimes called Baldwinus Vicecomes but in regard of his cheif residence in Exeter sometimes Baldwinus de Excestre That the Possessions he had by the Conquerors gift were very ample is evident from the General Survey For besides Werne in Dorsetshire Hamâ—ton Apely Portlock and Mundiford in Somertsâ—tshire he had no less then an hundred fifty and nine Lordships in Devonshire and nineteen Houses in Eâ—eter By Albreda his Wife he had issue three Sons viz. Richard Robert and William and three Daughters whereof Adeliza only survived and by a Concubine a Natural Son called Guiger shorn a Monk at Bec in Normandy Of which three Sons Robert who was the second having been constituted Governor of Brâ—on by 〈…〉 Duke of Normandy An. 1090. 3 Wil. 〈◊〉 and afterwards by him required to deliver it up to Roger de 〈◊〉 Father to Robert Earl of Mellent to whom for a great sum of Money Curthose had promised it answered If you will retain it in your own hands as your Father heretofore did I will presently render it to you otherwise I will keep it as mine inheritance as long as I live For it is very well known to all the Inhabitants of this Countrey that old Richard Duke of Normandy gave it with the whole County to Godfrey his Son and that he at his death left it to Giflebert his Son who being barbarously murthered by wicked men his Sons for refuge fied to Baldwin Earl of Flanders Whereupon your Father id est William the Conqueror taking it wholly into his own hands disposed thereof to several persons as he thought good But after a while having wedded the Daughter of the said Earl of Flanders at the request of that Earl he rendred to Baldwin my Father Mola and Sâ—ppo and gave him his Aunts Daughter to Wife and to Richard my Fathers Brother he restored Berefact and Orbeck and lastly by your special favor I do now enjoy this Brion the principal Town of Giâ—lebert my Grandfather Upon Richard the eldest Son did the same King William by reason of such his Alliance bestow the Inheritance of the whole Hoâ—or and Barony of Okehampton in Com. Devon And likewise the Castle of Exeter with the Sheriffalty of the County of Devon which his Father had in consideration of a certain Annual Rent to the King whereupon he was also called Richard Vicecomes This Richard sirnamed also de Redvers being Nephew to William Fitz-Osberne Earl of â—ereford and at length after the death of Williams two Sons Iohn and Richard in the life time of their Father his Heir being highly beloved by King Henry the First was made one of his cheif Counsellors in the first year of His Reign And had by his gift not only Tiverton with the Honor of Plimpton but was by him made Earl of Devon having the Tertium Denarium of the issues of that County which amounted to ten marks the whole Revenue thereof being then thirty marks assigned to him and not long after obtained from the same King the Isle of Wight Whereupon he was stiled Earl of Devon and Lord of the Isle howbeit in regard of his Residence in the City of Exeter he was for the most part called Earl of Exeter He likewise
all things were peaceably accorded in shew but there happening not long after an affray scil in 37 Hen. 6. betwixt a Servant to the King and one of Warwick's followers it gave colour of report that there was a designe to kill the Earl which occasioned him to take his Barge and hast to Calais Thither therefore the young Duke of Somerset was sent as Captain but this Earl would not resigne maintaining himself there with the great Booty he had got at Sea as Admiral no less worth then ten thousand pounds for he had after two dayes fight taken three Carricks of Genoa and two of Spain laden with Merchandize with the loss of about an hundred men of his own and a thousand of theirs After which scil in 38 Hen. 6. he brought over a Band of stout Soldiers from Calais and with them a valiant Commander called Andrew Trollop to a general Rendezvous which the Yorkists had at Ludeford in Herefordshire on the Vigil of the Translation of S. Edward the King where he produced certain persons before the people to swear that the King was deceased causing Mass to be said and Offerings made that they might the less dread to take the Field But Trollop who had served formerly against the French and done notably finding that this Earl and the rest had foul intentions whereas his preservation and honor was the only thing pretended got away privately with a choice sort of men and came in to the King which did so much daunt the Yorkists that they forthwith shifted for themselves this our Earl with his Father passing with difficulty to Calais Whereupon the King calling a Parliament at Coventrie attainted him and the rest of high Treason From Calais therefore they sailed speedily into Ireland to the Duke of York but finding themselves not able to carry on their work in England by strength began to make specious pretences of all fidelity to K. Henry Which feigned shew did not only deceive the ordinary sort of men but even the Archbishop of Canterbury himself and divers other persons of quality so that they were permitted to land in Kent Where the better to delude the people this Earl openly at the Cross in Canterbury swore that they had ever born true Faith and Allegiance to King Henry and thereupon got many to joyn with them giving out that they only desired admission to the King for speech with him Nevertheless when they came to Northampton where his Army was they put themselves in order to fight the Vant-guard being led by this Earl of Warwick in so much as a Bloody Battle ensued upon the nineth of Iuly wherein the King himself was taken and many a gallant man slain Howbeit after this the Queen raised more power in Yorkshire whereof the Duke of York having intelligence soon hasted thither and meeting with the Royalists at Wakefield Ann. 39 H. 6. there felt the reward of his perfidiousness being fatally slain in that Battle Hereupon she advanced towards London where this Earl and his party then in Armes on the behalf of Edward Earl of March Son and Heir to the slain Duke of York then were having the King along with them who endeavoring to stop her passage at St. Alvans were there routed at which time the person of the King was recovered But it was not long after ere the Earles of March and this our Earl of Warwick having by flight escaped made up towards London with a mighty power Which so affrighted the Queen notwithstanding her late success at St. Albans that she again retired with the King and Prince towards the North. Which gave such encouragement to the Yorkists that London received them without opposition so that the Earl of March from this time forwards taking upon him the title was proclaimed King by the name of Edward the Fourth and therupon hasted Northwards against those Forces which King Henry had raised there But at Ferribrigg receiving some loss whereat divers were staggered this Earl to encourage others slew his own Horse in King Edward's presence saying Let him flee that flee will I will tarry with him that will tarry with me and so kissed the Cross of his Sword to confirm that resolution this being the day preceding that great Battle at Touton where King Edward obtained a mighty Victory by the slaughter of many thousands of the adverse party After which there was nothing of Honor Authority and benefit that he who had been so signally instrumental for King Edward did desire but he had it for soon after this he was made Captain of Calais and the Tower of Risebank as also Lieutenant of the Marches there and Governor of the Castle of Guynes which Castle he was obliged by Indenture to keep from the fourth of March 1 Edw. 4. so long as he should live with forty eight men at Armes on Foot himself and his Lieutenant on Horseback and fifty Archers on Foot in consideration whereof himself and his Lieutenant on were to have two shillings per diem his men at Armes eight pence and his Archers six pence He was likewise the same year constituted General Warden of the East-Marches towards Scotland as also Lord great Chamberlain of England for life and Constable of Dover Castle and besides all this Lord high Steward of England Moreover in recompence of his many and great services he obtained a grant in Fee of the Mannor of More end in Northamptonshire as also of the Mannors of Athirston and Fulbroke in Com. Warw. In 2 Edw. 4. he was made Constable of the Castle of Hampnes in the Marches of Picardy to hold by himself or his Deputy for terme of life and to have there one Archer on Horseback and seventeen men at Armes on Foot as also seventeen Archers taking for himself or his Deputy twelve pence by the day for his Archer on Horseback and every man at Armes on Foot eight pence and for every Archer on Foot six pence Certain it is that this great Earl was the chiefest man in England for supporting the House of York as the Duke of Somerset was for that of Lancaster So that Comines saith that he might justly be called King Edwards Father as well for that he trained him up as for the great services he did him for the which that King so highly rewarded him For besides his own Inheritance which was great he had divers goodly Lordships of his gift aswell Crown Lands as Lands forfeited by attainder as also divers great Offices so that I have heard saith he that his Revenues were valued at fourscore thousand Crowns per annum besides his own Inheritance But to proceed shortly after this being sent into France and employed to treat there on the behalf of King Edward touching a Marriage betwixt him
It is also said that after the death of King William the Conqueror this William went again into Apulia and at his return brought with him certain Reliques of St. Nicholas which he gave to the Church of St. Peter at Norum and bestowed thereon likewise the Mannor of Traâ—iton in England with the Church and Mill as also the Tithes of all his Hamlets thereto belonging And lastly that in Ann. 1102. 3 H. 1. upon that great Rebellion of Robert de Belesmo Earl of Shrewsbury against King Henry wherein he had gained Caducan and Gervat the Sons of Rhese Prince of Wales of his side this William was by him disherited of all his Lands in that County for not taking his part and that thereupou applying himself to King Henry who had long discerned him to be a person of a brave Spirit he had a chearful reception and being thereupon made Governor of Stafford-Castle had two hundred Souldiers to attend him in that service so that he did much annoy that rebellious Earl both by his hostile Acts and discovery of his Plots By Leceline his Wife this William had issue four Sons viz. Philip Robert Ivo and Arnulph and dying very aged left his Lands in Noâ—mandy to his Son Philip and those in England to Robert and was buried in the Cloyster of the Abby at Norum The Lands in England whereof he was possessed at the time of the General Survey were twenty nine Lordships all in the County of Salop whereof Wemme being one of the chief he made it his seat all which he held of the before specified Roger de Montgomerie To these his Lands in this Realm succeeded Robert his second Son Philip the eldest enjoying those in Normandy And to Robert Hugh and to Hugh Ivo Which Ivo gave to the Monks of St. Peters Abby at Shrewsbury his Mill at Sutton And to the Monks of Cumbermere Bromhale Spipford and Clive To this Ivo succeeded William his Son and Heir who gave to the Canons of Stone in Com. Staff the third part of all the Tithes of Corn and small Tithes of his Lordship of Cublesdon in Com. Staff and two parts of the Tithes of Hay Orchards and Paunage Which William with Burgia his Wife are said to have been Founders of the Priory at Langele in Comit. Leic. And for the health of his Soul and the Souls of his Ancestors gave to the Nunns of that house the Church of Dalby with six Oxgangs of Land as also the Church of Sumerseby with one Yard-land and the Tofts and Crofts thereto belonging This William taking part with the rebellious Barons was one of those who held Beauboâ—-Castle against King Iohn but at length returning to his due obedience was received into protection I now come to Hugh Brother * of Ivo In 24 Hon. 2. this Hugh Pantulfe was amersed for trespassing in the Kings Forest in Northamptonshire And in 26 H. 2. being constituted Sheriff of Shropshire continued in that trust till 1 Ric. 1. inclusive In 6 Ric. 1. upon collection of the Scutage for the Kings redemption he paid forty shillings for his Knights Fees in Stanâ—â—ordshire Having the Title of a Baron he left issue William his Son and Heir who in 9 Hen. 3. doing his Homage and giving security for the payment of an hundred pounds for his Relief had Livery of his Lands lying in the Counties of Staff Salop. Hereâ— Wigorn. And the next ensuing year obtained the Kings Precept to the Barons of his Exchequer for the discharge of that hundred pounds which he did owe for his Relief it being for five Knights Fees said to have been belonging to Robert de Belemes of the Kings Escheats Betwixt the Lordship of Wemme belonging to this William and the Lordship of Prees belonging to the Bishop of Coventrey and Lichâ—ield there was a perambulation made whereby the bounds of each were stated Which Perambulation so made was confirmed by King Henry the third in the twelfth year of his reign But in 17 Hen. 3. he departed this life whereupon Fulke Fitz-Warine gave six hundred marks for the Wardship of his Lands and Heir with the benefit of her marriage whose name was Maud afterwards married to Ralph Boteler of Oversley in Com. Warw. by means whereof the Lordship of Wemme with the rest of the Lands of her Inheritance came to that Family Newmarch AMongst other the followers of William Duke of Normandy upon his first arrival and Conquest of this Realm Bernard Newmarch was one as it seems for it appears that he was a Witness to one of his Charters granted to the Monks of Battail in Sussex upon his foundation of that Abby That which in the next place I find to be most memorable of him is that after the Conqueror had got full possession of this Realm and aiming at a peceable enjoyment thereof had almost totally disherited the Native English by distribution of their Lands amongst his Normans and other followers which occasioâ—ed a farther confluence of more Aliens hither this whole Realm being too little for their greedy appetites Robert Fitz-Hamon in the time of King William Rufus having Conquered Morganoc in Wales there were divers others who obtained leave to invade the rest of that Countrey amongst which this Bernard was one who undertook the Province of Brecknock and accordingly won all the three Cantereds of that territory After which seating himself there he founded a Priory of Benedictine Monks near to his Castle And for the health of the Soul of King William the Conqueror and his Queen as also for the Soul of King Henry the first and his own Soul with the Souls of his Wife and Children endowing it with Lands and Revenues of a large extent gave it to the Abby Battail which King William had founded in Memory of his Conquest whereupon it became a Cell thereto He was also a munificent Benefactor to the Monks of Gloucester by the gift of the Lordship of Glasebury and the Tithes of his whole demesnes in Brekenny viz. Corn Cattel Cheeâ—â— Venison and Honey Likewise of the Church of Cowerne magna with the Tithe and Glebe of that whole Parish as also of one Hide of Land called Betele But of this Bernard it is farther noted that after the death of King William the Conqueror taking part with Odo Bishop of Baâ—eux and many other of the Nobility against King William Rufus on the behalf of Robert Curthose the elder Son he joyned with Roger de Laci in the invasion of Herefordshire And that he married Nesta alias Agnes Daughter to Griffyn Son of Lewelyn Prince of Waâ—es by whom he had issue a Son
Son and Heir called William Peverell of Essex of whom all I have farther seen is that he confirmed that Grant made to the Monks of Shrewsbury of the Lordships of Wuluriâ—ton Chinardelei and Crugelton by Hamond Peverell his Uncle And that he with his Sister Maud did enfeoff the Ancestors of Hugh Peverell of Sandford in the Lordships of Sandford Haure and Carswell to hold by the service of one Knights Fee Whereupon the Barony of him the said William and Maud fell to the King Peverell of Brunne IN the last place I come to Pain Peverell third Son to Ranulph Peverell before specified This Pain Paverel being an eminent Soldier and highly famed for his martial enterprises was Standard-Bearer to Robert Curthose in the Holy Land and afterwards obtained from King Henry the First the Barony of Brunne in Cambridgeshire which had been forfeited to the Crown by Robert the Soâ— of Picot commonly called Picot Vicecomes for conspiring the death of that King Whereupon procuring a certain portion of Land adjoyning to Cambridge which extendeth from the Highway to the River then known by the name of Barnwell from the clear Springs there flowing he amplified the Foundation of an House for Canons-Regular of S. Augustine in a certain place where a small Oratory built of Wood had been begun by the same Picot near to the Castle of Cambridge and dedicated it to S. Andrew in An. 1112. 13 Hen. 1. But before he had fully perfected it it being intended for thirty Canons he departed this life at London Whereupon his Corps was brought thither and buried before the High Altar To whom succeeded William his Son who ratifying his Fathers Grants added thereto half an Hide of Land in Brunne and gave to the Monks of Thorney two Yard Land in Wilder This William making title to the Church of Bolehirst which the Monks of Thorney had long enjoyed at length met with the Abbot of Thorney at Ketelstan in the presence of David Earl of Huntingdon where the Abbot discoursing with him thereof requested him That for the good of his own Soul and his ancestors Souls he would surcease his Claim Whereupon he condiscended and in testimony thereof delivered a Wand unto the Abbot which friendly favor so much pleased Earl David that he kissed both their hands But not long after this William went to Ierusalem and there died without issue So that his four Sisters became his Heirs betwixt whom his Barony was divided Of these Maud de Dovor the eldest died without issue Alice married to Hamon Peche Roese to ... Harecourt and Asceline to ... Watervile Peverell of London ANother William Peverell there also was called William Peverell of London for the Ferme oâ— whose Lands William de Tresgoz accompted to the King in 5 Steph. And in 33 Hen. 2 upon collection of the Scutage of Galwey the Sheriff of Essex and Herford answered fifty seven pounds nine shillings four pence for the Scutage of the Fees of his Honor De Veteri Feoffamento it being then in the hands of the King Montfichet IT is reported of Gilbert de Montfichet a Roman by Birth and Kinsman to William Duke of Normandy that he ever entertained that Duke in his House when he came to the Court of Rome And being privy to all his Councils especially to that design of King Edward to make him his Successor in the Realm of England he brought with him a great strength and fought stoutly on his behalf in that famous Battle against King Harold as also afterwards agaist those who did not submit For which great services having obtained a Grant of large Possessions he gave to one David a Priest but a Scot by birth whom he specially loved a certain place called Tremhale whereon to build a Church and other Edifices for a Monastery And having so done returned to Rome leaving what he had so got in England to his Son Richard Which Richard when he attained to Mans estate travelled to Rome and being a person of extraordinary strength obtained much fame in casting a stone no Man being able to do the like In memory whereof certain Pillars of Brass were set up to shew the distance From this Richard I now come to William de Montfichet a contemporary with these This William in the time of King William the Conqueror granted to the Monks of Cerasey in Normandy the Church of S. Marculf and Tithes thereto belonging with one Plough-land as also the Church of Foncenis and Tithes with certain Lands in Sotavile Likewise two Boats for great Fish two Salt-works the right Fin of every great Fish with one piece of the small and two Islands lying in the Sea Furthermore in An. 1135. 25 Hen. 1. with the consent of Margaret his Wife Daughter to Gilbert Fitz-Richard of Clare and Gilbert his Son and Heir he Founded the Abby of Stratfordâ— Langton in Com. Essex within the Precincts of his Lordship of West Ham But farther I cannot say of him I therefore come to Gilbert his Son This Gilbert in 3 Hen. 2. stood indebted to the King in the sum of two hundred marks of Silver for two Hawks and two Gir-Falcons And in 12 Hen. 2. upon the Assessment of that Aid for marrying the Kings Daughter certified his Knights Fees to be in number forty eight and a fifth part De Veteri Feoffamento for which in 14 Hen. 2. he paid thirty one pounds ten shillings and nine shillings four pence for what he held De Novo Moreover he Founded the Priory of Ankerwike in Com. Buck. and gave the moity of the Mannor of Ginges in Com. Essex to the Knights Hospitalers as also the Churches of Everton and Ance to the Monks of S. Neots in Com. Hunt To him succeeded Richard unto whom King Henry the Second confirmed the Office of Forester of Essex with the custody of his House at Havering and all other his House in that Forest to enjoy in as ample manner as any of his Ancestors had held the same In 6 Ric. 1. this Richard attended that King in his expedition then made into Normandy And in 2 Ioh. had the like Confirmation of the Forestership of Essex from that King as he had from King Henry the Second For which with the custody of the Castle of Hertford he gave an hundred marks In 3 Ioh. he was made Sheriff of the Counties of Essex and Hertford In which Office he continued till his death which hapned in 5 Ioh. Whereupon the Wardship of his Land and Heir was committed to Roger de Lacy Constable of Chester giving a thousand marks for the same Milisent his Widow then surviving Which Milisent
St. Iohn Baptist together with Sir Philip Barington his fellow Souldier Shortly after which he married Maud the Daughter to Edmund Lord Mortimer of Wigmore viz. 4 Cal. Aug. Ann. 1302. 30 E. 1. And in 3 Edw. 2. performing his Homage had livery of all his Fathers Lands being at that time twenty eight years of age Shortly after which viz. in 4 Edw. 2. he received Summons to fit himself with Horse and Armes and to be at Roxborough in Scotland within a moneth after the Feast of the Nativity of St. Iohn Baptist to march against the Scots And in 6 Edw. 2. was constituted Justice of Ireland having likewise the Lieutenancy of that Realm and the Fee of five hundred pounds per annum then granted to him In which year Maud his Wife departing this World at his Castle of Alveton was honorably buried in the Abby-Church of Crorden before the Altar of St. Benedict upon the Feast day of St. Dennis and his fellow Martyrs Thomas Earl of Lancaster and many other Nobles being present at her Funeral And in 8 Edw 2. being then in Ireland received command to make all possible haste into England with what power he could raise deputing some trusty person in his stead for to rule there in his absence the Scots having then invaded the North of England and advanced almost as far as York and to be at Newcastle upon Tine on the Feast day of the Blessed Virgin well fitted with Horse and Arms to march against them After which viz. the next ensuing year 3 Non. Februar Ann. 1315. he wedded to his second Wife Elizabeth the Daughter of Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester by Ioane of Acres Daughter to King Edward the first Widdow of Richard de Burgh Earl of Ulster the marriage being solemnized at Bristoll This Theobald de Verdon was summoned to Parliament whilest his Father lived viz. in 28 Edw. 1. and afterwards till 9 Edw. 2. inclusive And departing this life at his Castle of Alveton upon Tuesday 6 Cal. Aug. 10 E. 2. was buried in the Abby of Croxden upon the 13 of October following Elizabeth his Widdow being then great with Child and afterwards viz. on the Feast day of St. Benedict delivered of a Daughter named Isabel he being then seized of the Castle of Alveton with its appurtenances in Com. Staff of the Mannors of Newbold and Lutterworth in Com. Leic. Farnham with the Hamlet of Sere in Com. Buck. Stoke Verdon in Comit. Wiltes as also of the Castles and Mannors of Webbeley and Ewyas Laci in Com. Heref. By Maud his first Wife he had issue three Daughters who were Coheirs viz. Ioane then thirteen years of age Elizabeth ten and Margaret seven Which Daughters were afterwards thus married viz. Ioane to Thomas the Son and Heir of Thomas Lord Furnival who died in Childbed 6 Non. Octob Ann. 1334 8 E. 3. being then about thirty years of age whereupon on the 7 Ides of Ianuary following she was honorably interred in the Abby Church of Croxden before the high Altar betwixt Nicholas de Verdon Son to the founder of that Abby and Iohn de Verdon her Great-grandfather by Richard Shepesheved the then Abbot there For on the South side a part before those two Altars were interred Theobald her Grandfather Theobald her Father and Theobald her Son who died an Infant there being present at her Funeral the Abbots of Burton Cumbermere Delacres Hilton and Beauchief with the Priors of Wirksop and Ecclesfield The second Daughter Elizabeth wedded to Bartholomew de Burghersh and Margerie the third first to William le Blunt afterwards to Marcus Husee and lastly to Iohn Crophull By Elizabeth de Burgh his second Wife he had only issue one Daughter called Isabel born after his death and afterwards wedded to Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby Amongst which Daughters the Lands of this great Family being afterwards divided Ioane the eldest had for her purparty the Castle of Alveton with its Members viz. Wotton Stanton Farleye Rammesovere Cotene Bradeleye Spenne Denston Strongshull Shene Wytstone and Bedulf all in Com. Staff Elizabeth the Castle of Emyas Lacie with its appurtenances in Com. Heref and the Mannor of Stoke upon Terne in Com. Salop. Margery the Castle of Webbele in Com. Heref. and the Mannor of Hethe in Comit. Oxon. And Isabel certain Lands in Lodelowe in Com. Salop. as also the Mannor of Balterdeleye in Com. Staff with divers Lands in Bokenhale and Fenton in that County But Elizabeth his second Wife surviving him had for her Dowry an assignation of the Mannors of Newbold Lutterworth and certain Lands in Cotesbache in Com. Leic. the Mannor of Farneham and Hamlet of Sere in Comitat. Buck. as also the Mannor of Braundon with its members and Hamlet of Bretford and likewise forty shillings yearly Rent out of the Mannor of Fleckno in Com. Warw. with the Mannor of Stoke Verdon and certain Lands in Wynelesford in Comitat. Wilts It is observable that this great Lady who held these Lands thus in Dower stiled herself in all those Grants which she made in her Widdowhood Elizabeth de Burgh Lady of Clare retaining the sirname of her first Husband a person of higher dignity then Verdon a custom still continued by great Ladies and yet calling her self Domina de Clare not willing that her paternal name should be forgot By the last Will and Testament of this Elizabeth bearing date 25 Sept. Ann. 1355. 29 Edw. 3. she bequeathed her body to be buried in the Monastery of Nunns called Minoresses without Aldgate in the Suburbs of London and gave a Legacy of an hundred and forty pounds to pray for the Souls of Sir Iohn de Burgh and Sir Theobald de Verdon her former Husbands as also for Sir Roger Damorie her last Husband and all her honest servants which were either dead or should die in her service and this to be done with all possible speed after her decease Moreover she gave an hundred marks to five Souldiers who would be content within seven years next after her decease to make a journey to the Holy-Land for the service of God and destruction of his Enemies And likewise farther bequeathed to those Minoresses without Algate twenty pounds in money with a Relique of Christal a great Chalice of Silver gilt and two Cruets one Vestment of white Cloath of Gold with what belonged thereunto three Clasps with a thousand Pearls and a Robe of Russet with its apurtenances Furthermore to her Daughter Elizabeth Countess of Uister she gave all the debt due from her Son Father to the said Elizabeth at the day of his death To her young Daughter Isabel Bardulf a Cup of Gold To Agnes her Sister a Cross of Silver And to the Countess of Atâ—oll her Daughter two Beds of Tanney And
of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire But soon after taking part with the rebellious Barons was one of those whom the Archbishop of Cantâ—rbury commanded to be excommunicated for their great depredations in 48 Hen. 3. This Iohn being also the same year in the Battel of Lewes against the King and there taken Prisoner was rescued before the end of the Fight After which he tell off from those Barons and fought valiantly against them in the Battel of Evesham where the King was most happily delivered for which respect he obtained pardon for his former misdoings In 55 Hen. 3. Maude Longespe Widow of William Longespe Son of William Earl of Salisbury and Daughter and Heir to Walter de Clifford having by her Letters made a grievous complaint to the King that this Iohn Giffard had taken her by force from her Mannor-house at Kaneford and carried her to his Castle at Brimmesfeild and there kept her in restraint He being thereupon sent for by the King and told what was informed against him denyed the charge saying that he took her not thence against her will and tendred to the King a Fine of Three hundred Marks for marrying her without his license of which the King accepted upon condition that she made no farther complaint In 9 Edw. 1. he obtained a Charter for Free-Warren in all his Lordships of Sherton Aishton Winterborne Giffard Horcheston and Brochton in Com. Wilts Beggeworth Stonehouse Rokhampton Stoke Giffard and Tettebury in Gloucestershire Bilowe and Manitone in Herefordshire Corâ—ham and Columptone in Shropshire and Brenties in the Marches of Wales some of which Lordships he held in right of the said Maude his Wife Moreover in 10 Edw. 1. he was in that expedition then made by Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester against Lewelin Prince of Wales who had then wasted the Lands of Rese ap Meredith at Cardigan and Stradewy for that he had adhered to King Edward And observing that Lewelin marching with his Forces towards Buelth was gone from the body of his Army with a small party he joined with Edmund Mortimer and flew him and having so done sent his head to the King who forthwith caused it to be set upon the Tower of London and crowned with Ivy. In 11 Edw. 1. for the health of his soul and the soul of Maude de Longespe sometime his Wife he founded a Cell for 12 Monks in the Suburbs of Oxford which Monks he brought thither from the Abby of Gloucester whereupon that Cell had the name of Gloucester Hall And in 16 Edw. 1. was in that Expedition then made into Wales In 18 Edw. 1. he was constituted Governour of Dynavore Castle in Wales for term of his life and in 22 Edw. 1. went into Gascoigne in the Kings service In 25 Edw. 1. the King being in Flanders and Prince Edward in his absence made Lieutenant here this Iohn together with the Bishop of London and some other of the Nobility were constituted Governors and Directors at that time to the Prince And the same year upon that reconciliation made betwixt the King and those great men who then stood up for another confirmation of the Great Charter and Charter of the Forest he was one of the Barons who undertook and for more security gave Oath for the indemnity of Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex then Constable of England Roger Bigod Earl of Norfolk Marshal of England and other the principal persons that stickled therein But about two years after scil 27 Edw. 1. he died at Boytone in ... upon the fifth Calends of Iune and was buried at Malmesbury being then seized in his own right of the Mannor of Brimmesfield in Gloucestershire as also of the Town of Buerford and Hamlet of Seynat near to it in Oxfordshire And in right of Maude de Longespe sometime his Wife of the Castle of Corsham and Mannor of Culmynton in Com. Salop. the Castle of Brenthles with its appurtenances the Mannor of Glaseburgh with the Commotes of Pereveen and Ireseyn in Wales leaving Iohn his Son and Heir then thirteen years of age But the Heirs to the said Maud were Margaret Countess of Lincolne her Daughter by William de Longespe her former Husband then thirty years of age Catherine Wife of Nicholas de Aldithele twenty seven Alianore Giffard twenty four and Maud Giffard twenty two years of age her Daughters by this Iohn Which last mentioned Maude in consideration of the great services done by Geffry Genevill and William Genevill his Son was given by the King in Marriage unto the said William Genevill This deceased Iohn was summoned to Parliament from the twenty third until the twenty seventh year of King Edw. 1. Reign inclusive I now come to Iohn his Son and Heir before-mentioned begotten upon Margaret Nevile his third Wife This Iohn being made Knight of the Bath in 31 Edw. 1. was constituted Governor of Drosselan Castle in Wales in 2 E. 2. And in 9 E. 2. Constable of the Castles of Glamorgan and Morgannoâ— In 10 Edw. 2. he had the custody of the Castle of Thlanandevry committed to his charge by reason of the minority of the Heir of Nicholas de Audley And in 11 Edw. 2. was charged with One hundred Foot for his Lands at Iskynnin as also with an hundred more for his Lands in Cantred clogh upon the King's expedition into Scotland Moreover the next ensuing year he was retained to serve the King for his life both in Peace and War for Two hundred Marks per Annum to be paid unto him by the Sheriff of Gloucestershire According to which agreement he marched into Scotland This Iohn was called Iohannes Giffard le Rych and adhering to Thomas Earl of Lancaster with those other of the Nobles who put themselves in Arms in opposition to the two Spensers in King Edw. the second 's time sate in that Parliament wherein those Spensers were banished and afterwards when the King marched with his Army towards Wales plundered some of his Carriages Whereat the King grew so incensed as that in his passage from Cirencester towards Worcester he sent some of his Souldiers to demolish his Castle at Brimmesfeild But this attempt against the Spensers not succeeding he aswell as divers other followed the hard fate of that Earl of Lancaster for being taken with him in the Defeat at Burrâ—ug-brigg in Yorkshire he received judgment by the King and those insolent Spensers to suffer death in his own Country whereupon execution was done accordingly he being drawn and hanged at Gloucester Other there were of this name and some perhaps of this antient Family but when sprung out of it I have not discovered But the first I shall mention is Osbert Giffard who
his Son and Heir Which Iohn taking to Wife Ida the eldest of the four Sisters and Coheirs to William de Odingsells Lord of Maxstoke and other Lands in Com. Warr. and having that Lordship of Maxstoke in her right seated himself there This Iohn before his Marriage with the said Ida resided at Aminton as his Father did being then called Iohn de Clinton junior his Uncle Iohn de Clinton of Coleâ—â—ill being then alive And in 26 Edw. 1. was in that Expedition then made into Scotland So likewise in 28 Edw. 1. Moreover in 29 Edw. 1. he served in the Parliament at Lincoln as one of the Knights for the County of Warwick And the same year had special command amongst divers other great men to attend the King at Barwick upon Twede upon the Feast day of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist to march into Scotland King Edward being at that time there with his Army-royal At which time as a particular badge of the King's favour by Letters Patent dated at Glascow 26 Aug. he obtained a Grant of certain Lands in that Kingdom to the value of forty pounds per Annum which were part of the Possessions of Malcolm Dromoâ—d then in Arms against King Edward Furthermore in 31 Edw. 1. he was again in the Wars of Scotland and in 34 Edw. 1. attended Prince Edward by the King's command into Ponâ—hieu After this scil in 1 Edw. 2. he had the Castle and Honour of Walingford committed to his charge but in 8 Edw. 2. departed this life leaving Issue by Ida his Wife Iohn his Son and Heir then in minority and William a younger Son who afterwards became a person of no little eminency as I shall shew by and by Which Iohn in 6 7 8 and 9 Edw. 3. was summoned to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm and having married Margery the Daughter to Sir William Corbet of Chadsley in Com. Wigorn. Knight had Issue by her Sir Iohn de Clinton Knight his Son and Heir But the story of this Iohn and his Descendents I shall respite for a while and here take notice of William his Uncle whose great Actions and eminent Employments do sufficiently manifest that he may be very well reckoned amongst the chiefest Worthies of that age ¶ This William being a Knight in 17 Edw. 2. was sent in 1 Edw. 3. to conduct Iohn of Henault with his men at Arms into England who then landed at Dober to aid King Edward in his Scotish Wars And in 3 Edw. 3. took to Wife Iulian the Daughter and Heir of Sir Thomas de Leyburnâ— Knight Widow of Iohn Lord Hastings of Bergavenny which match was doubtless a great step to his farther honour For the next year following viz. 23. Oct. he was made Justice of Chester and within less than two months after Governour of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque-Ports Shortly after this being one of those who surprised the great Mortimer at Notingham Castle in 5 Edw. 3. he had summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm which advancement did rather increase his Piety than elate his Mind For being theâ— the King 's domestick servant and familiar having obtained his special Letters to the Pope he went to Rome to procure License from his Holiness to Found a perpetual Chantry in the Parish Church of Maxstoke for ten Priests to celebrate Divine Service there for the good estate of himself and for the health of the Souls of his Parents and all the faithful deceased Which being effected he got the like Lincense from King Edward for the amortizing certain Lands and Rents laying in Maxstoke of twenty pounds per Annum value together with the Advowson of the Church of Maxstoke for the maintenance of those Priests there to celebrate Divine Service daily for the Soul of King Edward the Third after his departure out of this life and for the Souls of his Ancestors as also for the health of his own Soul and the Soul of Iulian his Wife And about five months after setled the number of five Priests for the purposes before-mentioned In 6 Edw. 3. he obtained the King's Charter for a Fair yearly at his Mannor of Eltham in Kent on the Eve day and morrow after the Feast of S. Dionyse And in 7 Edw. 3. was constituted Lord Admiral of the Seas from the mouth of Thames Westwards Moreover the same year he was in the Scotish Wars so likewise in 9 and 10 Edw. 3. in which year he began the foundation of a goodly Monastery for Canons-regular of S. Augustine at Maxstoke before-specified which he amply endowed with fair Possessions And standing high in the King's favour was forthwith raised to the title of Earl of Huntendon as by his Charter of Creation bearing date 16 Martii 11 Edw. 3. doth appear having not only twenty pounds per Annum given him out of the issues of that County for his better support of that dignity pro tertio Donario Comitatus illius as are the words thereof given out of the issues of that Shire to be paid by the Sheriff at the Feast of Easter and Michaelmass yearly but in consideration of his former acceptable services the Grant of a thousand Marks per Annum Land to himself and the Heirs male of his body for ever As also a spâ—â—â—al Precept directed to Richard de Feriby Master of the Wardrobe to account and make satisfaction to him for his Fee and Robes due from the time that he had been retained to serve the said King as a Banneret Soon after which being sent Embassador together with the Bishop of Lincoln and Earl of Salisbury to the King of France to treat of Peace he arrived at Boloin but having advertisement there that King Edward's mind was changed and that their journey might be dangerous they bent towards Henault and there made a League with Lewes Duke of Bavaria who at that time possessed the Kingdom of Almaine without the Popes consent as also with the Count of Solers and others much to the King's advantage and in their return surprised two Flemish Shops loaden with Scots whereof they took two hundred and fifty amongst whom was the Bishop of Glascow and some Noblemens Sons Upon which League so made with the Duke of Bavaria against the King of France they undertook to pay unto him at Dort two thousand seven hundred Florens of Florence or their equivalent value in Sterling money before their return into England This Agreement being made at Colein the fifth day after the Octaves of S. Peter and Paul the Apostles and upon the last day of Iune at Frankford upon a farther Agreement with that Duke whereby he undertook to serve King Edward against all persons excepting the
their Chapels of his Fee viz. Eglosbrek Connarton Eglâ—â—â—eil Eglessant Egâ—oseraweyn with the Chapel of Bonnarton the Church of Melidan and Chapel of â—â—rmoch Also the Church of Esâ—removille in Normandy with its Appurtenances and acquitted the Monks of S. Peters at Gloucester of Toll in Bristoll â—â—erdiff Newport and all other his Lands and likewise the Church of S. â—â—thlake at Hereford from Toll throughout all his Lands in Wales as also the Monks of Goldcliff from Toll throughout all his Lands in England and Wales viz. Bristoll Caerdiff Newport Caerleon and Chepstow This Earl married Hawyse the Daughter of Robert sirnamed Bossu Earl of Leicester and had Issue by her a Son called Robert who died in his life-time and was buried in the Monastery of Chaynsham which he founded in memory of him as also three Daughters viz. Mabell married to ... Earl of Evereux in Normandy Amice to Richard de Clare Earl of Hertford and Isabell And to the end his Inheritance should not be divided amongst Females he constituted Iohn a younger Son to King Henry the Second his Heir After which viz. upon S. Clement's night Anno 1173. 20 Hen. 2. departing this life he was buried at Chaynesham before-specified But being thus dead King Henry the Second retained this Earldom in his own hands for six years and in the last year of his Reign giving Isabell the youngest of those three Daughters above-mentioned in Marriage to his Son Iohn bestowed it on him which he accordingly held all the space of his Brother King Richard the First 's Reign within which time he built the long Bridge at Tewksbury and gave the whole Toll of his Market there for the repair thereof Howbeit for this Marriage in regard they were of kin viz. in the third degree of consanguinity Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury put all his Lands under an Interdict for which Iohn complained to the Pope's Legate and Bishops by reason the Archbishop had so done after an Appeal to the Apostolick See whereupon the Legate ratified the Appeal and released the Interdict but having no Children by her after he came to the Crown he procured a Divorce from her yet held the Honour of Gloucester still with the Castle Borough Berton and Hundred of Bristoll Whereupon Geffrey de Mandevill Earl of Essex took her to Wife and after his death Hubert de Burgh Justice of England neither of them having Issue by her When she was dead Almaric Son to the Earl of Evereux by Mabell the eldest Daughter of Earl William had this Earldom of Gloucester for a short space Which Almaric in Anno 1200. 2 Iohn by the command of King Iohn quitted all his right in Evereux and the City of Evereux to Philip King of France in the presence of both Kings in lieu whereof King Iohn gave him an equivalent exchange and wedded the Daughter of Hugh de Gornai having with her in Frank-marriage by the gift of her Father the Mannor of Horstan but dying also without Issue by her the Inheritance of this great Honour totally devolved to Amice the Wife of Richard de Clare by reason whereof her Posterity afterwards enjoyed the title of Earls of Gloucester as I have in due place fully shewed Earls of Hereford OF this County the first who had the title of Earl after the Conquest was Milo commonly called Miles by Parentage Son to Walter Constable of England and Emme his Wife one of the Daughters of Dru de Baladon Sister to Hameline de Balun a person of great note in that time Which Hameline with his two Brothers Gwynok and Winebald came into England with King William the Conqueror and being the first Lord of Over-went in Com. Monmouth founded the Castle of Bergavenny in that place where a certain Giant called Agros had sometime built a Fortress but dying without Issue left that Territory unto his Nephew Brien Son to the Earl of the Isle commonly called Brien Fitz-Count or Brien de Walingford by Lucia his Sister Which Brien held it all the time of King William Rufus and leaving two Sons who were both Lepers put them into the Priory of Bergavenny giving for their maintenance divers Lands Churches and Tithes belonging to that great Lordship and afterwards taking upon him the Cross and going to Hierusalem left the same to the before-mentioned Walter his Nephew then Constable of England Touching which office of Constable as it then stood I take it to have been the same as Captain of the Guard in after-times for he was then called Princeps militiae domûs Regiae Moreover it is farther observable of this Walter that he founded the Castle of Gloucester upon his own Demesn Lands also that he built the Castles of Bristoll Rochester and Tower of London Likewise that he had the custody of that at Gloucester and also of the Castle of Hereford Furthermore that he gave the moity of his Lordship of Bernytone to the Canons of Lanthony in Wales and that in his age taking upon him the habit of a Canon-regular at Lanthony he died in that Monastery and was buried in the Chapter-house there Having said thus much of his Ancestors I proceed To this Milo being a Servant in Court to King Henry the First and one of his chief Counsellors as also an expert Souldier that King gave in marriage Sibyll the eldest Daughter to Bernard de Newmach Lord of Brecknock begotten on Nesta the Daughter of Griffin ap Leweline together with the Honour of Brecknock So likewise all his Fathers Lands held in Capite with the office of Constable of his Court as by his Charter dated at Roan appeareth It is said of this Milo that upon the death of King Henry the First expecting through the interest he had with Maud his sole Daughter and Heir to attain to the Earldom of Hereford he subtilly used all his power on her behalf and went with some strength to his Castle at Gloucester where she then was and fetcht her with honour thence But King Stephen notwithstanding this carried himself obsequiously towards him as it seems for it is most manifest that from him he obtained a restitution in Fee of the whole Honour of Gloucester with the custody of the Tower and Castle there which he had held as his Patrimony in the time of King Henry the First and likewise the Barony of Brecknock with all those Offices and Lands whereof he was possessed in the time of that King But notwithstanding this in 4 Steph. Maud the Empress landing in this Realm he fell off from the King and repairing to her at Bristoll
whereupon in 2 Hen. 3. the King directed his Precept to the Sheriff of Cumberland to give him Possession of the Mannors of Seureby 〈◊〉 and Hup-Buttesby which had been formerly granted to him by King Iohn until he should recover his own Lands in Normandy And in 8 H. 3. discharged him from payment for two Knights Fees in Northumberland upon collecting of the Scutage of Montgomery moreover in 10 Hen. 3. he granted him a Mercate at his Mannor of Bowelton in Com. Northumb This is that Robert two Founded the Castles of Helmessey alias Hamlake in Yorkshire and of Werke in Northumberland and married Isabell Daughter of William sirnamed Leo King of Scotland by whom he had Issue two Sons William and Robert unto which William he gave that his Castle of Helmestey as also the Patronage of the Monasteries of Kirkham Rievault and Wardon and to Robert the Castle of Werke with a Barony in Scotland to be held of the said William his Brother by military service And having confirmed to the Knights Templars the Lordship of Riâ—stan which his Father gave unto them and moreover bestowed upon them the Town of Braunceby he himself became one of that Order in which habit departing this life in 11 Hen. 3. he was buried at London in the Temple-Church there William his Son and Heir being then of full age who doing his Homage and giving security for the payment of an hundred pounds for his Relief had Livery of his Lands This William taking part with his Father and the other Rebellious Barons against King Iohn was made prisoner for what he then acted but for a Fine of thirty Marks again released in 16 Ioh. and the next ensuing year had Letters of Protection for his safe coming to the King howbeit flying out in 18 Ioh. he was constrained to compound for his redemption at an higher rate viz. five hundred Marks for the payment whereof his Son and Nephew were made Hostages and he thereupon sent to the Pope's Legate for Absolution Nevertheless as soon as he discerned an opportunity he flew out again joyning â—â—â—h the rest of the Rebellious Barons on the behalf of Lewes Son to the King of France who gave Battel to King Henry the Third at Lincoln in the first year of his Reign and was there taken prisoner but he did not not long continue in restraint for within four months after command was given to Robert de Vipount to deliver him up to Robert de Ros his Father forasmuch as Roger le Bigod Earl of Norfolk the Earl Ferrers Peter Fitz-Herbert and ... Harecourt had obliged themselves by their own Lands that in case he should be put to his redemption they would acquit him unless he were discharged by vertue of those Articles of Peace that were made betwixt King Henry the Third and Lewes of France in the presence of William Marshall Earl of Pembroke and others After which time he stood firm to the King for in the third year of his Reign he was with him in his Army at Newarke Likewise in 5 Hen. 3. he accounted for two hundred and sixteen pounds and one Mark which he had received to the King's use for redemption of prisoners and in 14 Hen. 3. was in Britanny in his service In 25. Hen. 3. he together with Agatha Trusbut gave a Fine of fifty pounds as a Relief due for those Lands which descended to them by Inheritance upon the death of Hillaria Trusbut Sister to Rose who was Grand-mother to this William In 26 Hen. 3. being with the King in Gascoign and having no competent support for longer continuance in his service there he freely offered his Lands in Pawn to the King in case he would supply him with money there which the King refused to do Whereupon being necessitated to return thence the King commanded his Lands to be seised which injurious act was so much resented by Richard Earl of Cornwall the King's Brother and some other of the Nobles that they all forsook the King and came back into England In 29 Hen. 3. he accounted iv l. xij s. vj d. for his Lands in Lincolnshire upon that Aid then collected for marrying of the King 's eldest Daughter viz. for four Fees an half and the eighth part and forty shillings for two Fees in Northumberland And likewise in Yorkshire xj l. xij s. vj d. for five Fees a fourth and twenty fifth part As also for three Fees and a third part of the Fee of Trusbus and two Fees an eighth and twelfth part of the moity of the Fees of Wartre And moreover two Marks and an half for the moity of the Fees of Hillaria Trusbut whose Heir he was which were required in Lincolnshire And in 31 Hen. 3. did his Homage as Cousin and Heir to Agatha Trusbut above-mentioned for one Knights Fee which she held of the King in Lincolnshire and paying the Relief for the same had Livery thereof Moreover in 32 Hen. 3. he paid an hundred pounds Relief for the moity of the Barony of Trusbut as Heir to the same Agatha In 37 Hen. 3. he offered his service to the King to attend him into Gascoigne and in 38 Hen. 3. gave nine pounds five shillings Aid for his Fees in Lincolnshire at the making of the King 's eldest Son Knight viz. for four Fees an half and an eighth part so also for two Knights Fees in Northumberland In 42 Hen. 3. upon the restraint of Alexander the Third King of Scots by his own Subjects this William and Robert his Son had summons to march with other of the Northern Barons into Scotland with Horse and Arms for his deliverance and the same year had summons with others to come to Chester on the Monday next preceeding the Feast of S. Iohn Baptist to march against Lewelin Prince of Wales who had then made divers inroades upon the Marches And departing this life before the end of that year lest Issue by Lucia his Wife daughter to Reginald Fitz-piers of Blewleveny in Wales Robert his Son and Heir and was buried in the midst of the Quire of Kirkham Priory before the high Altar Which Robert married Isabell the Daughter and Heir to William de Albini Lord of Belvoir long before his Father's death whilst she was in Ward to the King as it seems by that Mandate bearing date at Windsore 17 Maii 28 Hen. 3. directed to Bernard de Savay and Hugh Giffard for delivering her unto the said Robert her Husband but not without a round composition as I guess for it appears that both he and his Wife in 32 Hen. 3. were debtors to the King in no less than the sum of 3285 l. xiij s. iv d. and a Palfrey of which sum the
Marks per Annum And in 22 E. 4. the like from the Abbot and Covent of Merevale in Com. Warr. of all their Lordships and Lands with the Fee of xx Marks per Annum Comines who knew him well reporteth That he was a Person of singular Wisdom and Virtue in great Authority with his Master and not without cause having ever serv'd him faithfully And making mention of the Bounty of the then King of France to King Edward the Fourth's Officers saith That he gave to this Lord Hastings at one time a Present of Plate to the value of Ten thousand Marks Moreover he saith That this Lord Hastings was long laboured ere he could be won to be the King of France his Pensioner and that he himself was the onely Man that wrought him thereto Instancing That he first woâ— him to the Friendship of the Duke of Burgundy whom he served and that he advertised the King of France thereof saying That he would in like manner make him his Friend and Pensioner Adding That he thereupon began his Friendship by Letters Whereupon that King gave him a Pension of Two thousand Crowns per Annum which was double to what he had from the Duke of Burgundy And that upon the Payment thereof he not onely refused to give any Acquittance but to give him three Lines in Writing to testifie the Receipt of the Money saying Put it here it being in Gold into my Sleeve for other Testimonial you get none of me for no Man shall say That King Edward's Lord Chamberlain hath been Pensioner to the French King nor that my Acquittances be found in his Chamber of Accompts He further saith That the King of France more esteem'd him than all the King of Englands other Servants and that his Pension was ever paid without Acquittance And now besides all this to make a farther manifestation of his Greatness in that King's time I shall here exhibit a Catalogue of the Names of such Persons of Note as were retain'd to serve him both in Peace and War during their respective Lives as I find them extracted from the very Indentures themselves in an ancient Roll in the Custody of this present Earl of Huntington his Lineal Descendent ¶ The Names of such Persons as by Indenture of their own Free Wills and mere Motions Covenanted Belafte and faithfully Promised to Aid and Assist the Right Honourable William Lord Hastings and his Part to take against all Persons within this Realm of England during their Lives as well in Peace as Wars their Allegiance to the King's Majesty His Heirs and Successors onely reserved and excepted with so many able Persons as every of them might well make to be Furnished and Arrayed at the Costs and Charges of the said Lord For the which the said Lord promised them to be their good and true Lord in all things reasonable and them to Aid and Succour in all their Rightful Causes so far forth as Law Equity and Conscience required Anno Edwardâ— Quarti decimo quarto Iohn Blount Lord Mountjoye Henry Lord Grey of Codnor William Trussell Knight Bryan Stapleton Knight Walter Gryffith Knight Robert Tailboys Knight Iohn Gryselye Knight Simon Mountfort Knight Thomas Stathom Knight Nicholas Longford Knight Robert Harecourt Knight Thomas Chaworth Esq Iohn Harecourt Esq Iohn Aston Esq Iohn Bonington Esq Rauffe Longforth Esq William Langhton Esq Iohn Thyrley Esq Thomas Cokyn Son and Heir of Iohn Cokyn Esq Iohn Danvers Esq Thomas Greene Esq Richard Boughton Esq Philip Leche Esq Iohn Sacheverell Son of Raufe Sacheverell Esq Hugh Perchall Esq Maurice Barkley Esq Iohn Curson Son and Heir of Thomas Curson Esq Iohn Stanley Esq Nicholas Knevington Esq William Nevill of Rolston Esq William Palmer Esq William Moton Esq Thomas Entwisell Esq Nicholas Kniveton Esq Thomas Staunton Esq Raufe Vernon Esq Henry Longeford Esq Thomas Meverell the Elder Esq Thomas Meverell junior Esq Nicholas Meverell Esq Rauf Shirley Esq Richard Savile Esq Thomas Curson of Croxall Esq Iames Blount Esq William Gryffith of North-Wales Esq Raufe Delves Esq Iohn Babington Esq Iohn Staunton Esq Iohn Cokeyn of Ashburne Esq Thomas Danvers Esq Iohn Gryffin Esq Humfrey Bradburne Esq Henry Columbell Esq Gerves Clifton Esq William Basset Esabque Nich. Montgomerie Esq Robert Leigh of Adlington Esq Raufe Poole of Radborne Esq Robert Slyngesby Esq Robert Eyre of Peelye Esq Thomas Greslye Esq Iohn Wistoe Esq Henry Vernon Esq Son and Heir of William Vernon Knight Raufe Sacheverell Esq Roger Draycote Esq Iohn Turvile Esq Iohn Miners Esq Henry Willâ—ghby Esq ¶ Nich. Agard Gent. Henry Columbell of Darley Gent. Raufe Agard Son and Heir of Iohn Agard Gent. Roger Brabason Gent. Robert Bradshaw Gent. Richard Eyre Gent. Iohn Agard Gent. Iohn Thyrkild Gent. Henry Eyre Gent. William Staunton Gent. William Dethick Gent. Laurence Loe Gent. Humphrey Stanley Gent. Iohn Knyveton of Vnderwood in Com. Derb. Gent. Iasper Rostyn Gent. Reinold Leigh Son of Robert Leigh of Adlington Raufe Fitz-Herbert Gent. William Woodford Gent. Nicholas Ruggeley Gent. Thomas Ruggeley Gent. In toto Two Lords Nine Knights Fifty eight Esquires and Twenty Gentlemen But King Edward's Death which hapned within few years after altered the Scene For having then a new Game to play wherein the Duke of Gloucester had the chief Hand though he was the first who gave that Duke advertisement of King Edward's Death Gloucester being then in Yorkshire yet not complying with him in the destruction of his Nephews as the Duke of Buckingham and some others did he was soon destroy'd himself by that Monster whose sole aim was his own Advancement to the Throne Certain it is that the Queen I mean the Wise of King Edward bore a private grudge towards this Lord Hastings in regard she saw he was so powerful with the King but chiefly for that she suspected him to be a Favourer and Furtherer of his wanton doings with light Women Nor did her Kindred at all brook him by reason he got the Office of Captain of Calais which had been formerly promised to the Lord Rivers the Queen's Brother And therefore upon the death of King Edward he joyn'd with the Duke of Buckingham in the removal of all those of that Kindred from the young King Edward the Fifth and in his Journey towards London at Northampton was of Counsel with the Duke of Gloucester in his taking away the Lord Rivers the Queens Brother and Sir Richard Grey the Queens Son and sending them to Pontfract Castle where shortly after they were basely murthered And so little did he doubt of the Duke of Gloucester's Favour towards himself as that upon the meeting of the Lords when the King got to London he assured them of the Duke of Gloucester's Fidelity affirming That Rivers and Grey were under Arrest for Matters attempted against the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham And when the Lord Stanley began to distrust the Duke of Gloucester he used all the Arguments he could to satisfie him that
make mention in regard they preceded his Military Actions in point of Time Howbeit when I consider how gloriously he behav'd himself in that memorable Fight against the Scots near North-Alberton in Yorkshire commonly called the Battel of the Standard which hapned in the year of Christ 1138. 3 Steph. I do no less admire his Valour than his Piety But of that famous Encounter and the Occasion thereof having said something already in the Life of William le Gross Earl of Albemarle I shall here onely take notice of his particular Actings And first That he who is called by R. Hoveden Procerum egregius with Thurstan Archbishop of Yorke did incite all the Noblemen of England living beyond Humber to put themselves in Arms for resistance of the Scots who had then Invaded the North of this Realm with a mighty Host and that being of Stature taller by the Head than all others as also had in great Veneration both for his Age and Wisdom ascending a Device which was made about the Standard he did by an elegant Oration encourage the whole English Army to fight putting them in mind of the famous Exploits which had been done of old by the Valour of their Ancestors in Forein Parts and in particular against the Scottish Nation assuring them That to vindicate the vile Profanations which that barbarous People had made in all Holy Places where they came St. Michael and his Angels and St. Peter with the Apostles whose Churches were by them made Stables would fight yea That the Martyrs with their glorious Company whose Altars they had defiled would lead them on Likewise That the Sacred Virgins would intercede for them by their devout Prayers and That Christ himself would take up his Shield and rise up to their Aid And having ended his Speech turned himself to the Earl of Albemarle and gave him his Hand saying I faithfully promise you That I will Conquer the Scots this day or lose my Life by them Which courageous Expression did put such spirit into all the Noblemen there that each of them made the like Vow to other And to take away all opportunity of Flight sent their Horses to a large distance resolving to fight on foot and conquer or to lose their Lives Whereupon soon ensued a glorious Victory to the English Nor was he meerly a Soldier but Learned in the Laws as it seems for he was a Iustice Itinerant together with Eustace Fitz-Iohn a great Baron in the North shortly after the beginning of King Stephen's Reign In his youthful years he took to Wife a certain Lady nam'd Adeline and by her had a Son callâ—d Walter a comely Person who took such great delight in swift Horses that on a time spurring his Courser to run past his strength he occasioned him to stumble hard by the Stone-cross at Frithby near Kirkham in Yorkshire by means whereof the Horse fell and broke his Rider's Neck to the great grief of this our famous Walter Especk his Father who thus bereâ—t of Issue and in no small care how to dispose of his Estate consulting with William his Uncle then Rector of the Church of Garton was by him advised to make Christ his heir unto part of it Which he accordingly did by Founding those three Monasteries before-mentioned But after this till his Death which hapned in the year 1153. 18 Steph. I have observed no more of him than that two years before he became a Monk in that Abby of Riebaulx so Founded by him as hath been said and that he was there buried upon the seventh Ides of March the same year leaving the Remainder of his Possessions unto his three Sisters viz. Hawise the Wife of William de Buscie Albredae of Nicholas de Trailly and Adeline of Peter de Ros unto which Adeline he especially gave the Patronage of those Abbies of Kirkham and Riebaulx Dunstanvill THe first mention I find of this Family is in the time of King Henry the First Reginald de Dunstanvill then giving the Church of Winterburn in Com. Wiltes to the Monks of Lewes in Com. Suss. After whose death Adelina de L'isle his Wife surviving for the health of the Soul of him the said Reginald her late Husband gave the Lordship of Polton to the Abby of Tewksbury To this Reginald succeeded Robert de Dunstanvill Which Robert in 2 H. 2. had a Grant from the King of the Lordship of Heghtredesbury in Com. Wiltes And in 10 H. 2. was one of the Peers who then undertook that the King should maintain the Laws and Customs of the Realm But all that I have further seen of him is That he gave the Church of Bercham and Chappel of Greteham to the Monks of Lewes in Com. Suss. To him succeeded Walter de Dunstanvill who married Vrsula one of the Daughters and Coheirs to Reginald Earl of Cornwall in whose Right he had the Lordship of Ideshale in Com. Salop. In 2 R. 1. this Walter gave C Marks Fine for Livery of the Mannors of Cumbe Colerne and Wili in Com. Wilts but died in 8 R. 1. or before for in that year Will. de S. Marie-church accounted xxi l. iv s. for xxi Knights Fees and a fifth part which was for his Scutage and in 2 Ioh. Thomas Basset and Alan his Brother offered a Fine to the King of five hundred Marks for the Wardship of his Land and Heir but obtain'd it not as it seems for the next ensuing year Gilbert Basset for six hundred Marks paid to the King had the same Wardship To this Walter succeeded another Walter who in 15 Ioh. attended the King into Pâ—ictou and in 16 Ioh. procured his Charter for a Weekly Market at his Mannor of Hetredesbury in Com. Wilts upon the Wednesdy and a Fair Yearly on the Eve and Day of the Invention of the Holy Cross. This Walter gave his Mannor of Winterburne to Alan Basset Geffrey Fitz-Piers Earl of Essex and Will. Mareschall Earl of Pembroke being Witnesses to the Grant And having been in Arms against King Iohn in 1 H. 3. had Letters of Safe-conduct to come to the King to make his Composition Which being compleated the next ensuing year command was given to the Sheriffs of the Counties of Salop. Cantab. Wiltes and Surr. for restitution of his Lands seised into the King's Hands for that Transgression This Walter gave to the Canons of Wombrugge in Com. Salop. the Mannor of Lens Aynulf in Com. Salop. and two Mills in Ideshale with the Sute which his Tenants of that Mannor did owe thereto and departed this Life in 25 H. 3. Whereupon Walter his Son doing his Homage and giving Security for the Payment of C l. for his Relief had Livery of his Lands And in 41 H. 3. as one of the
in his Life-time as it seems for Iohn the third Son became his Heir being then in Minority Whereupon Alexander King of Scotland in 4 H. 3. obtain'd a Grant from the King of the Honour of Huntendon with the Castle and Town of Fotheringhay saâ—ing the Right of this Son and Heir of Earl David Of which Son and Heir Ranulph Earl of Chester his Uncle having the Tution obtain'd an Annuity of xl l. out of the Lordships of Bramton and Alâ—mundburie for his Maintenance But in 11 H. 3. this Iohn accomplishing his full Age and doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands And in 20 H. 3. obtain'd a Grant from the King of ten Bucks and ten Does out of the Forest of Rokingham in Com. Northampt. to store his Park at Fotheringhay I should now come to his Marriage and what else is memorable of him but having already taken notice thereof in my Discourse of him as Earl of Chester I need not here to say any more Reginald Earl of Cornwall THis Reginald was one of the illegitimate Sons of King Henry the First begotten as `t is generally believed on the Daughter of Robert Corbet and sirnamed de Dunstanvill In 3 Steph. he was a stout Adherer to Maud the Empress against King Stephen but afterwards falling off was in Anno 1140. 5 Steph. made Earl of Cornwall by that King Howbeit after this being surprised in Cornwall at a certain Castle then in the Power of the King by one William Fitz-Richard a Person of a Noble Extraction and ample Fortune in those Parts violating his Faith to that King he married the Daughter of this William and thereupon reduced that whole Country to his Will grievously oppressing all the King's Party and not sparing what was Sacred insomuch as he underwent the Sentence of Excommunication for so doing by the Bishop of Exeter The King therefore hearing of these his Rebellious Practises marcht suddenly thither with a powerful Army and recovering those strong Holds by him gained committed them to the trust of Earl Alan of Richmund After this scil in 6 Steph. he was in that fatal Battel of Lincolne against King Stephen But ere long the Tide turning by the Success which the King had in taking the Castle of Forandune in Com. Berks. which Robert Earl of Gloucester had built on the behalf of the Empress being by her sent with Overtures of Peace to the King he was taken by Philip a younger Son to that Earl who had revolted to the King's Side After which time I find no more mention of him till 2 H. 2. that he had the Lordship of Meleburne in Com. Somerset given him by King Henry as also the Mannors of Karswill and Depeford with the Hundreds In 10 H. 2. he endeavoured for the King's Honour as `t is said a Reconciliation betwixt King Henry and Thomas Becket then Archbishop of Canterbury Which not taking effect he was the next year sent to visit him in his Sickness and after that to acquaint him with the Judgment given against him Furthermore upon the levying of that Aid in 12 H. 2. for Marrying the King's Daughter he certified his Knights Fees to be CCXV and a third part in Cornwall and Devonshire for which in 14 H. 2. he paid CCXV Marks iv s. v d. besides Lix l. vi s. viii d. for the Knights Fees of Richard de Redvers Earl of Devon Moreover in 19 H. 2. upon that Rebellion of Robert Earl of Leicester on the behalf of young Henry the King's Son he marcht against him with the Earl of Gloucester to St. Edmundsbury and the year following joyn'd with Richard de Luci at that time Justice of England in the Siege of Leicester then held out by the Forces of that Earl which Town they took though not the Castle This Earl Reginald for the health of the Soul of King Henry his Father gave to the Monks in the Isle of Sully all the Wreck of Sea hapning upon that Island excepting Whales and any whole Ship And departing this Life at Certesâ—y in Anno 1175. 21 H. 2. was buried at Reading leaving Issue four Daughters viz. ... married to Richard de Redvers Lord of the Isle of Wiht Maud to Robert Earl of Mellent Vrsula to Walter de Dunstanvill and Sarah to the Viscount of Limoges who had in Frank-marriage with her the moytie of the Mannor of Thiwernhy in Cornwall He also left Issue two Sons but Illegitimate the one called Henry Fitz. Count begotten on the Body of Beatrix de Vaus Lady of Torre and Karswell Which Henry through the Bounty of King Henry the Second had a Grant of the whole County of Cornwall as also of the Mannors of Bradeâ—eth and Oâ—â—ord with other Lands in Com. Devon and the Lordship of Karswell by the gift of Beatrix his Mother The other Son was called William Upon the death of this Reginald the King retain'd the Earldom of Cornwâ—ll in his own Hands and likewise all his Lands in England and Wales for the use of Iohn his own Son afterwards King excepting a small Proportion to his Daughters before-mentioned I come now to Henry the elder of his illegitimate Sons in regard he was a Person of Note in his time This Henry by the Name of Henry Fitz-Count had in 4 Ioh. an Assignation of xxl. current Money of Anjou for his Support in that King's Service at Roan and about that time gave twelve hundred Marks for the Lands of William de Traci which Lands Hugh de Curtenai and Henry de Traci afterwards enjoy'd In 17 Ieh this Henry had from the King a Grant of the whole County of Cornwall with the Dâ—mesns and all other its Appurtenances to Farm until the Realm should be in peace and the King clearly satisfied whether he ought to hold it by right of Inheritance or as part of the Demesn of the Crown And being then made Constable of the Castle at Lanceston rendred up the Government of the Castle of Porcestre which he had formerly held Moreover by the assent of that King he held the Town and Castle of Totneis as also the Mannors of Corneworth and Lodeswell which Reginald de Braose formerly had by the Grant of King Henry the Second And 1 H. 3. obtain'd another Grant of the County of Cornwall with all its Appurtenances to hold in as full and ample manner as Reginald Earl of Cornwall held it and not to be disseis'd thereof but by Judgment of the King 's Court. In 4 H. 3. it appears that he stood indebted to the King in five hundred ninety seven Pounds and one Mark which was due by him to King Iohn for
was his Inheritance from his Father as hath been said notwithstanding that Fine paid by him for it to King Richard the First he was constrain'd in 11 Ioh. to give to that King CCCC Marks more and two great Horses which Lordship the Record says was formerly belonging to Robert his Uncle In 13 Ioh. his Mother Hawyse being then dead he undertook to pay Twelve hundred Marks more that he might receive the Homages for the Honour of Okehampton then in the King's Hands and that he might have to Wife Mary the Daughter to the Earl of Devonsh And the next year following to be acquitted of that Debt covenanted to serve the King with xx Men at Arms for the term of one whole year to commence on the Octaves of St. Iohn Baptist at his own proper Costs wheresoever the King should appoint In 16 Ioh. this Robert was made Governour of the Castle of Brugges vulg Bruggenorth in Com. Salop. And in 17 Ioh. constituted Sheriff of Oxford shire and Governour of Oxford-Castle In 18 Ioh. having the City of Eâ—eter in his power by Right of Descent from Hawyse his Mother divers of the Barons being then in Arms against the King he had liberty to take in William de Briwere who had married his Wife 's other Sister and all his Strength in case he thought his own Forces with the Aid of the Citizens should be too weak for the defence thereof In 1 H. 3. he had Livery of the Bailiwick of Devonsh which Henry Son to Reginald Earl of Cornwall then held And notwithstanding the Hereditary Right of Hawyse his Mother to the Sheriffalty of Devonsh accepted of the King 's Grant thereof in 2 H. 3. Nor did he hold it any longer than till the ninth year of his Reign the King himself then taking it into his own hands Which Hawyse died in 4 H. 3. whereupon he had Livery of all the Lands of her Inheritance lying in the Counties of Devon Dorset and Somerset But in 16 H. 3. the King thinking it not safe for himself that the Castles of England should be out of his own Power in regard there was then no good accordance betwixt him and divers of the Barons took also this at Exeter into his Hands and committed the Custody of it to Peter de Rievaulx a Person then in no small esteem with him To the Monks of Forde this Robert was ever a Friend and so much delighted in that Abby that he call'd it The fairest Feather in his Train glorying much in his Patronage thereof But more of him I cannot say than that he died at his Mannor at Ywerne in Dorsetsh upon the seventh Calends of August Anno MCCXLII 26 H. 3. and was buried with great Funeral-pomp in the Quire at Forde above-mention'd where a stately Tomb with his Image thereon in Armour was afterwards erected to his Memory and on the Circumference thereof this Epitaph Hic jacet ingenui de Courtney gleba Roberti Militis egregii virtutum laude referti Quem genuit strenuus Reginaldus Courtoniensis Qui procer eximius fuerat tunc Devoniensis Leaving Issue by Mary his Wife Daughter and at length sole Heir to William de Revers Earl of Devon Iohn de Courtney his Son and Heir who in 27 H. 3. which was the next year following paying C Marks for his Relief and doing his Homage had Livery of all his Lands Which Iohn in 29 H. 3. upon the Marriage of the King 's eldest Daughter paid Ninety two Pounds fifteen Shillings to the Aid then leviâ—d for those Ninety two Knights Fees and a third part of his Grandmothers Inheritance And in 30 H. 3. gave a Fine to the King of Two thousand and five hundred Marks for the Wardship of the Heirs of Iohn de Nevill and the Benefit of their Marriages and Lands till they should be of full age In 37 H. 3. he attended the King into Gascoine And in 38 H. 3. upon levying the Aid for making the King 's eldest Son Knight paid Two hundred and five Pounds ten Shillings for those Ninety two Knights Fees and three Parts belonging to the Honour of Okehampton In 41 H. 3. he had Summons with others to be at Bristoll upon the Octaves of St. Peter well furnish'd with Horse and Arms to attend the King into Wales for the defence of those Parts against the Power of Lewelin ap Griffin then in Arms there In 42 H. 3. he had the like Command to be at Chester on Munday next preceding the Feast of St. Iohn Baptist for preventing the Hostile Incursions of the Welch And in 43 H. 3. upon levying the Scutage of Wales answered for the same number of Knights Fees as is before express'd In 45 H. 3. he had a Grant of a Mercate upon the Wednesday every Week at his Mannor of Ywerne Courtney in Com. Dorset and two Fairs yearly one on the Eve Day and Morrow after the Invention of the Holy Cross and the other the Eve Day and Morrow after the Exaltation thereof And in 46 H. 3. was made Constable of the Castle of Iotneis in Com. Devon Touching his Works of Piety all that I have seen is That in 19 H. 3. for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Emme his Wife and all his Ancestors Souls he gave to the Knights-Templars all his Lands in East-Hyrst viz. Lx Acres and quitted unto them all his Right of Common which he had in their Woods at West-Hyrst It is reported of this Iohn That returning on a time from beyond-Sea there hapned in the night so great a Tempest that the Mariners expected nothing but Shipwrack Which discerning he bade them take Courage and labour hard one Hour For then quoth he will be the time that my Monks of Forde do rise by whose devont Prayers we shall be preserv'd from this Danger And that one of the Company answered There could be no hope of help from them in regard they were at that present all asleep in their Beds To which 't is said he reply'd Though many of them sleep I am sure some of them are waking and being sensible of this hideous Storm do fervently pray for my Deliverance And that when the Pilot heard him thus confident said Are we to regard this frivolous Talk being immediately to perish this Earl much astonish'd held up his Hands and said O merciful God vouchsafe to hear those devout Monks who now pray for me and me with them and bring us safe to our desired Port. And that upon this Expression the Tempest forthwith ceasing they were all brought safe to Land Moreover That after his arrival calling to mind this extraordinary Deliverance by the help of their Prayers he was a great Benefactor to them And departing this Life upon the fifth Nones of May Anno MCCLXXIII 1
on her Hâ—arse each vveighing xx l. Likevvise That upon the day of her Funeral there should be distributed to a thousand poor people xxv Marks viz. to each of them iv d. And xii l. x s. for to sing three thousand Masses with all speed after her death for the health of her soul and all Christian-souls Furthermore she gave to two honest Priests to sing Masses and to say a Trental of Gregory by the space of one whole year for her soul and all Christian-souls xii l. And to fourscore poor Mâ—n and Women Bedridden xxvi l. xiii s. iv d. viz. to each of them vi s. viii d. Also to the Prior and Covent of Bustlesham to maintain one Chanon Priest and one Secular Priest perpetually at her Altar and Tomb to bâ— made on the South-side of the Qâ—ire of that Church opposite to the Tomb of her Lord and Husband to pray for her Soul and for the Souls of such others as were named upon Agreement made betwixt them Four hundred Marks And lastly For to make and furnish an Altar and new Tomb for her self and her Son in the South-side of the same Qâ—â—re at Bustlesham opposite to that of her Husband C Marks And departed this Life upon the Morrow after the Feast of St. Hillary next following scil 2 H. 5. leaving Philippa Dutchess of Yorke her younger Sister and Richard Lord Strange of Knockin Son of Mâ—ude her other Sister then deceased her next Heirs ¶ I should next proceed with Sir Iohn de Montacute Nephew and Heir as also Successor in his Honour to the last Earl But forasmuch as Sir Iohn de Montacute his Father was a Person of great Note in his time I shall first take notice of what is memorable of him This Sir Iohn de Montacute Brother to Earl William was in the Wars of France in 20 E. 3. the famous Battle of Cressy hapning at that time So likewise in 21 E. 3. And in 34 E. 3. retain'd by Indenture to serve the King in Gasâ—oine with six Horses In 43 E. 3. he was again in those Wars of France and of the Retinue with Iohn Duke of Lancaster And in 46 E. 3. being then called Iohannes Montacute le piere miles was in the King's Fleet at Sea of the Retinue with William his Brother Earl of Saâ—isbury In 1 R. 2. being then a Banneret he was again retain'd to serve the King with Lx Men at Arms and Lx Archers himself of the number one other Banneret five Knights and the rest Eâ—quires And in 5 R. 2. being Steward of the Kingâ— Houshold was sent to Calais in his Service being then assigned to conduct Queen Anne Wite to King Richard then newly married and coming into England with all State and Honour to the King In 8 R. 2. he was by Indenture retain'd to serve in the Scottish-Wars the King himself then advancing in Person thither And by his Testament bearing date upon the twentieth day of March Anno 1388. 12 R. 2. bequeath'd his Body to be buried in the Cathedral Church of Saâ—iscury betwixt two Pillars but in case he should die in London then in St. Pauls near to the Font wherein he was Baptized Appointing That a Black Cloth of Woollen should be laid over his Body and about as also within his Herse and to cover the Ground Cloth of Russet and White to be distributed to poor People after his Burial viz. as much as might make every poor Man a Coat and a Hood Likewise That upon the day of his Funeral there should be five Tapers each weighing twenty Pound placed about his Herse and four Morters each of ten Pound weight And that twenty four poor Men cloathed in White or Russet should bear those twenty four Torches Moreover That no Painting should be about the same Herse other than one Banner of the Arms of England and four other Banners viz. two of the Arms of Montagu and two with the Arms of Monthermer placed by the five Tapers Also That there should be a plain Tomb made for him with the Image of a Knight thereon and Arms of Montagu having an Helmet under his Head To Iohn and Thomas his Sons he gave two Pots gilt marked with the Arms of Sir Iohn de Grandison To his Daughter Alianore a gilt Cup of the best sort To Richard his Son as also to Sibyll Catherine and Margaret his Daughters each of them a Cup with an Ewer To Alianore his Daughter the Crown which his Wife had in her Custody To the said Sibyll his Daughter a Nun xx l. and to the Prioress and Nuns of Ambresbury xx l. to pray for his Soul Also to Margaret his Daughter a Nun likewise xx l. Sterling And to the Abbess and Nuns of Berkyng xx l. to pray for his Soul And lastly to his Sons Iohn and Richard all his Armor Spears and Swords to be shared betwixt them Having married Margaret the Daughter and Heir to Thomas de Monthermer he held in her Right the Mannors of Stokenhamme Yalhampton Pyworthy Okford and Lantyan with divers Knights Fees and was summon'd to Parliament among the Barons of this Realm from 31 E. 3. until 13 R. 2. inclusive but departed this Life xxv Febr. the same year being then seised of the Mannor of Hermere in the Towns of Gosfelde Bocking and Finchincfelde in Com. Essex of the Mannor of Wonforde in Com. Devon Werke super Twede with the Castle in Com. Northumbr and of the Mannors of Warblinton and Hounton in Com. Suthampt. leaving Sir Iohn de Montacute Knight his Son and Heir at that time xxxix years of age Who doing his Homage shortly afterwards had Livery of all those Lands In 15 R. 2. this Sir Iohn de Montacute obtained Licence from the King to travel into Prusta having of his Retinue ten Servants with ten Horses And in 18 R. 2. upon the death of Margaret his Mother who died upon the twenty fourth of March the same year and held during her Life the Mannors of Warblinton and Hunton in Com. Suthampt. Erlestoke in Com. Wiltes Mohermers lying in the Towns of Gosfelde Bocking and Finchingfelde in Com. Essex Lanveyr and Walsche-Bykenore in the Marches of Wales Werke upon Twede in Com. Northumbr Lantyan in Com. Cornub. Stokenhamme the Borough of Chedelyngton the Hundred of Colrygge the Mannor of Yalampton the Borough of la Nasse with the Mannors of Pyworthy and Okforde in Com. Devon doing his Homage had Livery of all her Lands Before the end of this eighteenth year with the Duke of Gloucester the Earls of March Arundeil and Rutland he was sent into Ireland Moreover he had Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm from 16 R. 2. until the twentieth of that King's Reign that he came to be Earl And in 20 R. 2. having Licence to
of this Realm of England I do not take upon me to discourse and therefore shall descend to Hubert de Burgh Brothers Son to the before-specified William Fitz-Aldelme if our best Genealogists are not mistaken a Person of eminent Note in his time Of this Hubert the first mention I find is That he was Servant to King Richard the First as also to King Iohn being sent by him from Koan in the first year of his Reign to treat of a Marriage for him with a Daughter to the King of Portugall And had such great estimation from that King that in 3 of his Reign being Lord Chamberlain of his Houshold he was constituted Warden of the Marches of Wales and had C Soldiers to attend him in those Parts The same year likewise he had Command from the King to fortifie Dunster-Castle in Com. Somerset and was made Sheriff of Cornwall as also Governour of Landstaneton-Castle in that County So likewise of Dovor-Castle in Kent And in 4 Ioâ— when King Philip of France had possess'd himself of all Normandy with Eustace Bishop of Ely he was sent Embassador to treat with him for the Restitution thereof For the Counties of Dorset and Somerset he executed the Sheriff's Office in the third fourth fifth and sixth years of King Iohn For Hereford-shire as long For Berkshire the one half of the fourth year and the whole fifth and sixth And for Lincolnshire for the fourth part of the tenth year to the end of the fifteenth Moreover in 13 Ioh. upon Collection of the Scutage of Scotland he answered for xiv Knights Fees and a fourth part de veteri Feoffamento for the Honour of Wirmegay and a fourth part de novo having married the Widow of Dodo Bardolf Lord of that Barony as I shall shew by and by As also for two Fees which did belong to Robert Fitz-Roger of the Inheritance of his Wife the Heir of William de Norwiz In 16 Ioh. he was Seneschal of Poictou and the next ensuing year when divers of the Barons rose in Arms against the King was constituted one of the Commissioners to treat with them at Kunnimede near Stanes in Com. Berks. where the King granted to the People what had been so eagerly contended for by those Barons as is manifest by the two famous Charters of Liberties called Magna Charta and Charta de Forestâ— then and there Sealed And for the great estimation he had of this Hubert's Merits advanc'd him to that eminent Office of Iustice of England at the same time and place in the presence of the Earls Warren Ferrers and others of the Nobility viz. upon the fifteenth day of June the same year for then do those Charters bear date Soon after which viz upon the twenty fifth of the same Month he was constituted Sheriff of the Counties of Kent and Surrey and Governour of the Castle at Canterbury and within five days following Constable of Dobor-Castle Moreover upon the nineteenth of July he was made Sheriff of the County of Hereford and Governour of that Castle as also of the Castles of Norwich and Oxford Furthermore upon the thirteenth of August the Custody of the Honour of Keileigh was committed to his Trust. In October also he obtain'd a Grant of the Lordship and Hundred of Hou in Kent part of the Possessions of Robert Bardolf and upon the nineteenth of November next ensuing was again constituted one of the Commissioners to treat with Richard Earl of Clare and others then substituted by the Barons in the Church aâ— Grith in Kent touching a Peace betwixt the King and them In 1â— Ioh. upon the Landing of Lewes of France whom the Barons had then call'd in the King being necessitated to â—lee first to Guilford and afterwards to Winchester having the Castle of Dovor still in his Charge he stoutly defended it against him though he had no more than Cxl Soldiers besides his own Servants killing many of the French so that they were constrain'd to draw farther off with their Engines and Tents And as he stood firm to King Iohn in his greatest Distresses so did he to King Henry the Third his Son and Successor then of tender age For when Lewes besieged Dovor-Castle and desiring to speak with him told him That King Iohn being dead he had no obligation to hold it against him promising in case he would give it up to enrich him with great Honours and advance him to be the Chief of his Council he stoutly answered That though the King his Master was dead he had left both Sons and Daughters who ought to succeed him and that he would say more to him when he had spoke with his Fellow-soldiers in the Castle Which he soon did absolutely refusing by so doing to incur the guilt of Treason Whereupon Lewes and the Barons quitted that Siege and return'd to London with purpose to beleaguer other lesser Forts in sundry Parts of the Realm And soon after this when Eustace le Moyne an eminent Person in France with ten more Lords came with a great Fleet in aid of Lewes this Hubert having but eight Ships encountred him at Sea took him Prisoner and cut off his Head In this first year of Henry the Third he had Livery of the Mannor of Walden in Essex as part of the Dowrie of Isabell Countess of Gloucester then his Wife as also of the Mannors of Lessinton Westburg and Stocke in Com. Nott. part of the Lands of Doun Bardolf which had been formerly given to him by King Iohn And in 4 H. 3. upon the death of William Mareschall Earl of Pembroke who had been Governour of the King and Kingdom the King being then but xiv years of age succeeded him in that Trust. Moreover soon after this viz. in 5 H. 3. the Court being then at Yorke he took to Wife Margaret the Sister of the King of Scotland the King himself with divers of the Nobility being then present the Archbishop of Canterbury then joyning their Hands together In this year he supprest a great and dangerous Insurrection in London begun by one Constantine a Chief Man in that City And in 8 H. 3. was constituted Governour of the Castles of Arundell and Rochester Howbeit the next year following discontents growing betwixt the King and many of the Barons the King then keeping his Christmass at Northampton the Earl of Chester and those of that discontented Party being then at Leicester they signified to the King That unless he did forbear to require their Castles and to hearken to the Counsels of this Hubert who then carried himself higher than any Nobleman of England they would all rise up against him
Virgin As also a Priory at Shouldham in Com. Norff. of the Gilbertine-Order which he amply endow'd with Lands and good Revenues and bequeath'd his Body to be buried therein in case he should depart this Life in England But before the end of that fourteenth year of King Iohn's Reign he died and was buried at Shouldham accordingly with this Character by our Historian viz. That he was a Person of great Power and Authority and that he departed this Life upon the second day of October to the general loss of the whole Realm being a firm Pillar thereof generous skilful in the Laws rich in Money and every thing else and allied to all the Great Men of England either in Blood or Friendship so that the King feared him above all Mortals for it was be saith M. Paris that ruled the Reins of Government so that after his death the Realm was like a Ship in a Tempest without a Pilot. By the before-specified Beatrice his Wife he had Issue three Sons viz. Geffrey his immediate Successor William Successor to him as also Henry then Dean of Wolverhampton and Maude married to Henry de Bohun Earl of Hereford And by Aveline his Second Wife Iohn Fitz-Piers Lord of Berkhamstede in Com. Hertf. and Justice of Ireland About two years after the death of this Geffrey Fitz-Piers Earl of Essex viz. in 16 Ioh. Geffrey Son of that Geffrey de Say who had formerly laid claim to the Lands of William de Mandevill the first Earl of Essex offered the King Fifteen thousand Marks to have the like Seisin of them as Geffrey de Say his Father had when King Richard the First dispossess'd him thereof Whereupon the King commanded Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester to advise with the Bishop of Norwich R. de Marisco and William Briwer what should be done therein But that Business was as it seems prosecuted no further for Geffrey Fitz-Piers otherwise called Mandevill succeeded his Father in all those Lands Of which Geffrey the first mention I have met with is in 14 Ioh. where it doth appear That he gave to the King Fifty Marks and one Palfrey to have Restoration of his Lands which were seiz'd on for neglecting to attend the King into Ireland And in 15 Ioh. doing his Homage had Livery of the whole Barony of the before-specified Earl William de Mandevill In this fifteenth year having the Title of Earl of Essex the King gave him to Wife Isabell Countess of Gloucester third Daughter and Coheir to William Earl of Gloucester Which Isabel had first been married to the same King Iohn but after he had Reigned one year repudiated upon pretence of Barrenness the King retaining in his hand part of her Inheritance viz. the Honour of Gloucester the Castle of Bristoll with the Borough as also the Hundred and Barton About the same time also he gave the King a Fine of Twenty thousand Marks for her the said Isabell with all her Lands and Fees except the Castle of Bristoll and Chases thereto belonging Whereof Five thousand Marks were to be paid before the King 's going into Poictou Five thousand more at Easter ensuing and Five thousand at Michaelmass In this year likewise this Geffrey having the Custody of the Tower of London receiv'd Command to deliver it up to W. Archdeacon of Huntendon Moreover in 16 Ioh. he paid an hundred ninety six Pounds thirteen Shillings and four Pence for Ninety seven Fees and a third part upon Collection of the Scutage of Poictou And in 17 Ioh. had Seisin of all the Liberties belonging to the Honour of Gloucester of the Inheritance of Isabell his Wife as amply as William Earl of Gloucester her Father enjoy'd them having then the Title of Earl of Gloucester But soon after adhering to the Barons who then were in Arms against the King he underwent the Sentence of Excommunication from the Pope and was one of the Chief of those insolent Lords as also a Party to those Rebellious Covenants framed by them and imposed upon the King whereby they assum'd the whole Sway of the Realm into their own power as in my Discourse of Robert Fitz-Walter is more fully shew'd About which time holding a Tournament at London wherein those Soldiers who accompanied Lewes of France into England were it hapned that a Frenchman bending his Lance towards this Earl wounded him so mortally as that he soon died of that hurt Whereupon he was buried in the Priory of the Holy Trinity in the Suburbs of London but leaving no Issue Isabell his Wife then surviving him who afterwards was wedded to Hubert de Burgh Justice of England To this last-mention'd Geffrey succeeded William his Brother and Heir who at that time also adhered to those Rebellious Barons And in 18 Ioh. when Lewes of France was by them brought in with purpose that he should be made King all the Southern-Counties yielding to him except the Castles of Dovor and Windeshore he with Robert Fitz-Walter and William de Huntingfeild march'd with a great Power into Essex and Suffolk to subjugate those Counties unto him And stood so stoutly to that desperate Party that after the death of King Iohn when many fell from them and return'd to obedience he was one of those who assisted Lewes in the Siege of Berkhamsted-Castle which the King's Forces then held whence a Party fallying out took much of their Baggage and amongst other things the Banner of this Earl William But after this a peaceable Reconciliation being made betwixt King Henry the Third and those Barons the Twenty thousand Marks covenanted by Geffrey his Brother to be paid as is before-express'd being not brought in 4 H. 3. he acknowledg'd himself Debtor for the same And in 7 H. 3. being in the Wars of Wales had Scutage from all his Tenants who held of him by Military Service This Earl William gave to the Canons of the Holy Trinity in the Suburbs of London certain Lands in Selegheford as also one Hide of Land and an half in Brambelghe and forty Cart-load of Faggots yearly out of his Woods at Eneâ—eld But in Anno 1227. 11 H. 3. being then in the flower of his Youth he departed this Life viz. 6 Id. Ion. and was buried at Shouldham having not had any Wife or Issue Upon whose death Iohn the Son of Geffrey Fitz-Piers late Earl of Essex by Aveline his second Wife being then the next surviving Heir-male gave to the King a Fine of CCC Marks for those Lands which were his Fathers and did by Hereditary Right belong to him whereof this last Earl William died seised Whereupon command was given to the Sheriffs of Essex Butks Hunt Wilts Devon Norff.
the Wealth of the Land Whereupon he fled to Rome and by false Suggestions procur'd the Pope's Letters for his Institution which were sent by Walescho a Gray Frier who Landed at Dovor The Barons grew so incensed that they forthwith sent Hugh Bigot then Justice of England thither to inquire by what Authority he was suffered to come on Shore who went to this Richard then Constable of the Castle and said Have you been trusted by the People of England as a faithful Warden of the Ports and suffered this Person to Land without our knowledge to the manifest violation of your Oath We think you not onely unworthy of this Place any longer but to be farther question'd for so great a Transgression tending to the Publick damage of the whole Realm And hereupon took the Custody of that Castle and of all the Ports into his own Hands This Richard married Lucia the Daughter and Heir to the same Iohn de Humez whose Possessions in Com. Leic. were given unto him in 17 Ioh. as above is observ'd and had with her certain Lands in Norfolk But adhering to the Barrons in those great Contests which then were betwixt the King and them and being with young Simon Montfort Son to that great Rebel Simon Earl of Leicester at Kenilworth when he was upon his march out of the North to meet with his Father and the Army then by him raised which was advanc'd from the West near Worcester was with Iohn his Son and divers other of the Rebellious Barons surprised in the Night-time by a Party sent out from Prince Edward's Army and had his Lands thereupon extended But both of them by virtue of that Decree called Dictum de Kenilworth were admitted to their Fines for that Offence After which viz. in 56 H. 3. his said Son Iohn died seised of these Lordships viz. Schiringham in Com. Norff. Thurrâ—ck in Essex one Knights Fee in Eiâ—â—esford another in ... and half a Knights Fee in Hoo all in Kent Likewise of the Mannors of Radâ—live and Toâ—neton in Com. Nott. Evynton in Com. Leic. Newbottle in Com. Northampt. and of certain Lands in Barton in Com. Ebor. leaving Henry his Son and Heir xvii years of age Which Henry being in the King's Army in Wales in 10 E. 1. had Scutage from all his Tenants in the Counties of Norfolk Suffolk Kent Essex Leicester Notingham and Derby that held of him by Military Service And in 22 E. 1. amongst other Great Men had Summons upon the eighth of Iune to repair forthwith to the King to consult about the urgent Affairs of the Realm as also to be at Portsmouth upon the first of September next ensuing well accoutred with Horse and Arms to attend the King in his Expedition into Gascoigne In 23 E. 1. he was still in the King's Service in Gascoigne So also in 25 E. 1. In 29 E. 1. he was in the Wars of Scotland and of Prince Edward's Retinue So likewise in 31 E. 1. And in 34 E. 1. being there again was of the Retinue to Adomare de Valence This Henry gave to the Canons of Nutley in Com. Buck. for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Alianore his Wife one Cottage in Shiringham in Com. Norff. And in 1 Edw. 2. was one of those Barrons who by a special Instrument under their Hands and Seals dated at Boloigne ult Ian. oblig'd themselves with their Lives and Estates to defend that King his Crown and Dignity against all Power whatsoever But in 2 E. 2. he departed this Life leaving Issue two Sons viz. Richard and Nicholas unto which Nicholas he gave the Mannor of Barton in Ridale in Com. Ebor. from whom it descended to Edmund his Son and Heir and from Edmund to Thomas and from Thomas to Raphe Which Raphe being of full age in 21 H. 6. and then doing his Homage had Livery thereof But I return to Richard the eldest Son This Richard had Livery of his Lands in 2 E. 2. the same year his Father died and in 4 E. 2. was employ'd in the King's Service in Scotland In 6 E. 2. he was Seneschal of Gascoine and in 8 E. 2. obtain'd the Wardship of Raphe the Son and Heir of Richard Basset then deceased for the Sum of Eight hundred Pounds He also receiv'd Command about the same time to advance with Horse and Arms to Newcastle upon Tine and other Parts of the Marches of Scotland for the King's Service In 12 E. 2. he was again in the Wars of Scotland So also in 13 E. 2. being then of the Retinue with Thomas of Brotherton Earl of Norfolk In 17 E. 2. he was constituted Steward of the Dutchy of Aquitane and the next ensuing year sent with Nicholas his Brother and many other Great Men with an Army to seise that Dutchy into the King's Hands by reason that the King of France refused to do Homage for it unto King Edward In 19 E. 2. he was made Constable of Notingham-Castle and again in 1 E. 3. In which year he was sent to the Marches of Scotland upon the King's Service In 4 E. 3. he obtain'd a Charter for a Market every Week upon the Fryday at his Mannor of Thurrok in Essex and a Fair yearly upon the Eve and Day of the Feast of St. Peter and Paul Likewise for another market upon the Tuesday every Week at his Mannor of Elefourd in Kent and a Fair every year upon the Eve and Feast-day of the same Apostles Peter and Paul As also a Market every Week upon the Thursday at his Mannor of Shiringham and a Fair yearly on the Eve and Day of the Ascension of our Lord together with Free-warren throughout all his Demesn-Lands in Thurrok and Eillesford in Kent Newbottle in Com. Northampt. Evynton in Com. Leic. Barton upon Trent in Com. Nott. and Codenoure in Com. Derb. And in 7 E. 3. had Summons to attend the King at Newcastle upon Tine on Trinity-Sunday well accoutred with Horse and Arms and thence to march with him against the Scots But by reason of his debility of Body at that time had then a special Dispensation to spare his Service In 8 E. 3. he had another Charter from the King of Free-warren in all his Demesn-Lands within his Mannors of Upton and Tonewell in Com. Suthampt. as also a Market on the Thursday every Week at his Mannor of Deneby in Com. Derb. with a Fair yearly on the Eve and Day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin But in 9 E. 3. he died being then seised of the Mannor of Aylesford in Kent of the Mannor and Castle of Codenoure in Com. Derb. of the Mannor of Evyngton in Com. Leic. Shiringham in Com. Norff. and Thurrok in Essex leaving Iohn
his eldest Son with some other Persons as Hostages for the Remainder the King at the humble Suit of Reginald seeing no other means for his Enlargement gave way thereto authorising Sire William de Roos Sire Richard de Grey Sire William de Willughby Sire William le Zouche and Sire Hugh Huls as also Iohn Harvey William Vaus Iohn Lee Iohn Langeford Thomas Payne and Iohn Elnestow and every of them to treat with Owen and his Council and to conclude with him in what they should conceive most expedient to be done for his Redemption Whereupon they consenting to give that Sâ—m for his deliverance the King gave Licence to Robert Braybroke Bishop of London as also to Sire Gerard Braybroke the Father and Sire Gerard the Son then Feoffees of divers Lordships for this Reginald to sell the Mannor of Hertelegh in Kent towards the raising of that Sum. And for the better enabling him to pay so great a Fine was pleased to grant That whereas it was enacted That all such Persons who were Owners of Lands in Ireland and did not there reside should for such their neglect forfeit two parts of the Profits of them to the King that notwithstanding this Act he should forfeit nothing for his Non-residence there during the term of six years then next ensuing This is the same Reginald who had the great Contest in the Court of Chivalry with Sire Edward de Hastings touching the Title of Lord Hastings and bearing the entire Arms of Iohn de Hastings late Earl of Pembroke unto whom he was Heir as hath been observed Which Cause coming to a definitive Sentence in 11 H. 4. the Right and Title to the said Name and Arms was adjudged to him and his Heirs as Lord Hastings and Sir Edward de Hastings thenceforth prohibited to bear them was sentenc'd to pay such Costs of Suit as should be appointed by the Court. After this viz. in 4 H. 5. he was retain'd by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of France And the same year serv'd him in his Fleet at Sea In 9 H. 5. he was again retain'd to serve him in his Wars beyond-Sea for half a year with six Men at Arms himself accounted one and eighteen Archers mounted according to their respective Conditions taking per diem for himself two Shillings and for each of his Men at Arms Twelve Pence with the accustomed Reward and Six Pence apiece for his Archers As also to have the benefit of all Prisoners they should take excepting Kings Princes or any of the Royal Blood and especially Charles the Dâ—â—phin of Viennois or any one that murthered Iohn Duke of Burgeyne or were consenting thereto And in 3 H. 6. was in like sort retain'd to serve the King in his Wars of France under the Command of Iohn Duke of Bedford the King's Uncle then Regent of France with twenty Men at Arms and sixty Archers on Horseback for the like Wages This Reginald had two Wives viz. Margaret the Daughter of William Lord Ros and Ioane Daughter and Heir to William Lord Astley By the first of them he had Issue Sir Iohn Grâ—y Knight who in 13 R. 2. serv'd the King in his French Wars Which Iohn departing this Life whilst his Father lived left Issue Edmund and Thomas Which Thomas being a Knight in 28 H. 6. was advanc'd to the Dignity of Baron of Rugemont-Grey in Com. ... And having in 38 H. 6. obtain'd the Stewardship of the Lordships of Wendover and Whaddon in Com. Buck. forfeited to the King had in farther consideration of his special Services in those Wars which King Henry underwent with his Adversariâ—s of the House of Yorke a Grant of Forty Pounds per annum out of those Lordships above-mentioned But for this his Fidelity to the House of Lancaster he paid dear for in 1 E. 4. he was with many others of that Party attainted in Parliament being then seised of the Mannor of Langton in Com. Ebor. and Merton in Com. Westmerl leaving no Issue for ought I have seen By his second Wife the said Reginald had Issue three Sons viz. Edward who married Elizabeth the Daughter and Heir to Henry Lord Ferrers of Groby of whom and his Descendents I shall speak by and by Iohn Grey of Barwell in Com. Leic. and Robert Grey of Enfeild in Com. Stâ—ff And died in 19 H. 6. leaving Edmund his Grandson viz. Son of Iohn his eldest Son who died in his Life-time his next Heir Which Edmund the same year in consideration of his special Services to that King perform'd in Aquitane and other Parts beyond Sea as also in the Realm of England by attendance on his Person to his very great expence and for a Fine of Three hundred Pounds paid into the Exchequer as well in satisfaction of the Profits of his Lands which belong'd to the King from the death of the said Reginald as the Relief thereupon had a special Licence to enter upon all his Castles Lordships and Lands not onely in England Wales and the Marches of Wales but those in Ireland and the Town of Calais without any Inquisition to be taken after the death of his said Grandfather or other Livery of them This Edmund having a fair Estate in Bedfordshire did not a little augment it by the addition of Anthill and certain other Lands of the Lord Fanhope But how he came by them let us hear In the time of the Civil War betwixt King Henry the Sixth and King Edward the Fourth there was a Battel fought saith Leland without the South-Suburbs of Northampton The Lord Fanhope took totally King Henry's part The Lord Grey of Ruthyn did the same in countenance but a little afore the Field he practised with King Edward Other saying that he had a Title to the Lord Fanâ—ope's Lands at Antehill and thereabout or depraving him with false Accusations so wrought with King Edward that he with all his strong Band of Walschemen fell to King Edward's part upon promise that if Edward wan the Field he should have Antehille and such Lands as Fanhope had there Edward wan the Field and Gray obtained Antehille cum pertinentiis c. So far my Author That he had great esteem from King Edward is plain enough for upon the twenty fourth of June in 3 E. 4. he made him Lord Treasurer of England and within two years following viz. 3 Maii 5 E. 4. using then the Titles of Lord and Baron of Hastings Weysford and Ruthyn created him Earl of Kent and to the Heirs-male of his Body After which viz. in 11 E. 4. he was one of those Pâ—ers who upon the third of July King Edward having again recovered the Crown subscrib'd and gave their Oaths of Fealty to Prince Edward the King's Son And after the death of King Edward obtain'd from King Richard the Third a
appropriated to his College of Astley to the intent that the Dean of that College and his Brethren should specially pray for the Souls of King Edward the Fourth Queen Elizabeth his Wife Mother to this Marquess as also for his Fathers his own his Wifes Soul and all Christian Souls He also Willed That his Son and Heir apparent should after his Decease have and enjoy his Mannors of Groby Bradgate Rotby Newton Ansty Cobentre Glenfeild with all the Members to them appertaining as also the Mannor of Higham in Com. Leic. with Winchester Fee and the Mannors of Graâ—ton Hertwelle Ashehenne Rooâ—e Wyke Hâ—mund Wyke Dive Stoke upon Tearne Wuttâ—n under Wyvor Broughton Astley the Lee 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Lee Bancors and Levisham with all his 〈◊〉 in Calais And that Cecilie his Wife should have the Mannor of Astâ—â—â— with its Appurtenances Likewise for the performance of his Legacies and that every of his Daughters unmarried might have a thousand Pounds the Revenues and Profits of his Mannors of Lutterworth Creke Clay-Coton Willougâ—oâ— Waterlesse Wedyngton Trelawne Tregewell Trewardreth Colrige West-Kington and Leysthorp should be received by his Executors And That if the Lord Ferrers who had then married Mary his Daughter should die before Carnal Copulation or disagree to the Marriage then that Thousand Pounds to return And lastly That all Covenants betwixt the Lord Dudley and him for the Marriage of his Son and Hâ—ir to Cecilie his Daughter should be in all points perform'd By this Cecilie his Wife who was Daughter and Heir to William Lord Bonvile and afterwards married to Henry Earl of Wiltshire he had Issue seven Sons viz. Edward and Anthony who died young Thomas who succeeded him in his Honours Richard Iohn and Leonard and George a Clergy-man and eight Daughters Dorothy first married to Robert Willoughby Lord Broke and afterwards to William Blount Lord Montjoy Cecilie to Iohn Sutton Lord Dudley Eleanor to Iohn Arundell of Lanherne in Cornwall Esq Elizabeth to Gerald Fitz Gerald Earl of Kildare in Ireland Mary to Walter Devereux Lord Ferrers of Chartley afterwards created Viscount Hereford Margaret to Richard Wake of Blisworth in Com. Northampt. Esq Bridget died young and Anne to Richard Clement And departed this Life 20 Sept. 17 H 7. Shortly after which viz. 18 Nov. 18 H. 7. Thomas his Son and Heir had Livery of his Lands Which Thomas in 3 H. 8. was General of that Army sent about the beginning of May into Spaine consisting of Ten thousand Men whereof Five thousand were Archers who besides their Bows and Arrows carried Halberts which they pitched in the Ground till their Arrows were shot and then took up again to do Execution on the Enemy wherein were also his three Brothers with the Lord Thomas Howard Son and Heir to the Earl of Surrey the Lords Brooke Willoughby and Ferrers Which Army arriv'd at Passage a Port in Guipuscoa and though design'd to joyn with the Forces of Ferdinand the Emperor to invade Guyenne a Territory belonging to the King of France yet being landed and the Emperor proposing other Actings from it than were consonant to the Commission and Instructions which the King had given after many of the Soldiers by ill Diet lost and the General himself sick return'd for England about the end of November following without performing any thing of moment In 5 H. 8. this Thomas and four of his Brothers together with the Duke of Suffolk and some other gallant Englishmen upon Proclamation of a Justs at St. Dennis in France which Francis de Valois next Heir to the Crown of France having married Claude eldest Daughter to Lewes the Twelfth by Anne Inheritrix of Bretaigne to give some proof of his Valour had obtain'd leave of the King to be performed went thither and behaved himself so bravely therein that he return'd home with singular Honour In 12 H. 8. at that famous Meeting of King Henry and Francis the First of France between Ardres and Gisnes in Picardy he carried the Sword of Estate before the King of England naked as the Duke of Bourbon did before the King of France And after that was one of the Aiders in those renowned Justs and Tournaments which were held at that time there betwixt the English and French In 14 H. 8. he was sent to Calais to attend the Emperor Charles the Fifth into England which was the time that the Emperor was so magnificently entertain'd by King Henry being himself lodg'd in Black-Friers and his Train in the King's then new-beautified Palace at Bridewell And in 15 H. 8. was together with Sir Thomas Lovel Knight constituted Chief Justice-Itinerant of all the King's Forests and then had a Grant from that King to himself and the Heirs-male of his Body of the Mannors of Wawens-Wotton Sheldon and Lalleford in the County of Warwick part of the Possessions of Edward Duke of Buckingham lately attainted And in 19 H. 8. in exchange from the King the Mannors of Loughborough and Shepesheved in Com. Leic. with the Advousons of the Churches thereto belonging which came to the Crown by the Attainder of Francis Lord Lovell in consideration of the Lordships of Grafton and Hartwell in Com. Northampt. of his own Inheritance And moreover by another Grant obtain'd the Inheritance of Bardon-Park in Com. Leic. In 19 H. 8. Cecilie the Mother of this Marquess then Widow of Henry Earl of Wiltshire by her Testament bearing date the sixth of March bequeath'd her Body to be buried in the Chappel at Astley in the Tomb where the late Lord Marquess her Husband lay And appointed That soon after her death a thousand Masses should be said for her Soul in as convenient haste as might be Moreover That a goodly Tomb should be made in the Chappel of Astley over the Lord Marquess her Husband and another over her self And that her Executors should provide two Priests daily to sing in the said Chappel of Astley by the space of Lxxx years to pray for the Soul of the said Lord Marquess and her own Soul and each of them to have viii l. yearly Stipend for their pains In 21 H. 8. this Marquess being one of the Witnesses produc'd in that Cause of Divorce betwixt King Henry and Queen Katherine his first Wife deposed to the Age of Prince Arthur and for his Abilities as to Carnal Copulation and the same year was one of the Lords who subscrib'd and presented to the King that sharp Complaint contain'd in Forty four Articles against the then Great and Potent Cardinal Wolsey In 22 H. 8. he was one of those English Lords that subscrib'd a Letter to Pope Clement the Seventh whereby they importun'd his allowance of the Divorce before-mentioned And upon the second of June Anno 1530. 22 H. 8. did by his Testament bequeath his Body to be buried in the same Chappel at Astley
In 6 Hen. 3. at the Feast of St. Iames there happening much mischief by a Tumult in the City of London occassioned by an exercise of Wrastling betwixt the Citizens and the Countrey people wherein one Constantine a stout and eminent man of the City was chief he assisted Hubert de Burgh then Justice of England in suppressing that Tumult and caused Constantine with some others to be hanged for that their misdemeanor though he offered fifteen thousand Marks to save his own life In 7 Hen. 3. he received by the hands of the Sheriff of Devon eighteen pounds and half a Mark on the behalf of the Earl of Devons Heir for the third penny of that County And executed the Office of Sheriff for the County of Rutland in 2 Hen. 3. Also for the Counties of Cambridge and Huntendon from 2 Hen. 3. until 7 Hen. 3. and for the Counties of Buckingham Bedford Oxford and Northampton from 2 Hen. 3. till 8 Hen. 3. inclusive In the time of the War betwixt King Iohn and the Barons having the Castle of Bedford given him by that King as hath been already observed he rebuilt it upon anothers Land pulling down a Church there for that purpose and was so oppressive that he possessed himself by violence of the Lands of his own Freeholders and Neighbours especially thirty two in Luiton in Com. Bedf. as also of certain Common-pastures thereabouts Wherefore in Ann. 1224. 8 Hen. 3. Martin de Patshull and other the Kings Justices-Itinerant sitting at Dunstaple and complaint then and there made of his Robberies and Depredations upon many of the Kings good Subjects he was by those Justices â—ined in a great Summe of money Of which having suddain notice he sent out a party of his Souldiers to fetch those Justices and to imprison them in his Castle at Bedford But this designe being made known unto them they hasted away with speed nevertheless one of them they overtook viz. Henry de Braibroke and brought him Prisoner to Bedford where he had barbarous usage The News whereof being brought to the King and his Nobles then at Northampton to consult about the relieving of Poictou he caused the Castle of Bedford to be forthwith besieged William de Breant Brother to this Foâ—ke being then Governor thereof the whole Clergy of the Province of Canterbury sending their assistance for the taking of it And after two moneths time took it by Storm Whereupon the Governor and some others were hanged y for their obstinacy Which so much enraged this Fouke as that having advertisement of the design which Lewes of France then had to make an Invasion here taking advantage of some discontents towards the King from divers of the great men by reason he was so much swayed by the Counsels of Hubert de Burgh at that time Justice of England he encouraged Lewes in that his enterprise vilifying the King for a sottish person and promising that himself with some other of the English Nobles would further the work by raising a flame of War in the midst of the Realm But failing of those whom he expected would have joyned with him he forthwith fled into Wales the King thereupon making seizure of all his possessiâ—ns throughout England Whereof having Advertisement he hasted to the K. then at Eedford and falling down at his feet with all humility craved that in consideration of his former services to his Father and himself he would be merciful unto him Whereupon the King committed him to the custody of Eustace de Fauconbrigge then Bishop of London until judgement should pass upon him Being therefore brought thus low this Distich was made of him Perdidit in mense Fulco tam fervidus ense Omine sub saevo quicquid quaesivit ab aevo But Margaret de Ripariis his Wife then coming to the King in the presence of the Archbishop told him that she never gave her consent to marry him and therefore desired in regard she had been taken by violence in the time of hostility and betrothed to him unwillingly she might be Divorced Shortly after which viz. in March An. 1225. 9 Hen. 3. the King convening his Nobles at Westminster required them to give sentence upon this Traitor Whereupon by reason he had served K. Iohn and himself faithfully for many years they gave judgement that he should not suffer in life or limbe but that he should abjure the Realm for ever In order whereunto William Earl Warren had command for conducting him to the Sea Which being done as he entred the Ship he did with tears desire him to salute the King alledging that whatsoever mischief he had done it was through the incitation of the great men and so with five servants sailed into Normandy Where being Landed he was taken and carried to the King of France with expectation that he should have hanged him in regard he had done much mischief to many of the French in England but finding that he was signed with the Cross they permitted him to go to Rome About this time Otto the Popes Legat being in England humbly besought the King to restore unto Margaret the Wife of this Banished person all his Lands and to receive him again with favor in regard he had so faithfully served in the Wars of him and his Father But thereunto the King answered that being for apparent Treason banished by the whole Clergy and people of England he must observe the Laws Being therefore thus gone she making a composition with the King for his debts by paying of three hundred marks per Annum untill all should be satisfied she had livery of those Lands whereof she had been endowed at the Church door by her former Husband As to the time of his Banishment and departure out of England there is certainly a great mistake by our Historians for manifest it is from a publick Instrument Sealed by him upon St. Bartholomews day viz. 24 Aug. Ann. 1228. 12 Hen. 3. that he was then at London for there it bears date at that time By which he declareth that whereas he had been Excommunicated for imprisoning Henry Braybroke one of the Kings Justices in the Castle of Bedford as also for holding out that Castle against the King and for other disturbances of the Kingdoms peace and afterwards repenting himself craved Absolution giving to the King all the money he then had as also all his Plate Armes Horses Lands and Goods Rents and Possessions whatsoever to dispose of at his pleasure Likewise that having thus obtained Absolution in case the Castles of Plimpton and Stokâ— Cureâ—i were not delivered to the King within fifteen days he would be content to stand still Excommunicate he
Lydneie in Com. Glouc. all belonging to the Earldom of Warwick were setled upon this Iohn during his life though he should have no issue by her he is barely styled Iohn de Plessets But afterwards I presume he took upon him the Title of Earl by reason of a certain clause in that Fine whereby the before-specified William Mauduit and Alice do as much as in them lies confer the same Earldom upon him for life being loath as it seems to use that Attribute till he had made such an agreement with the next Heir that in case he over-lived the said Margery his Countess and had no issue by her he should not lay it aside again For in August following which is the first mention I find of him after that Fine so levied the King in that License he granted to him to down certain Oakes in the Forrest of Dene affords him the Title of Earl of Warwick which after that time upon all occasions he used As there had been extraordinary means used in gaining this great Lady thus to marry with him so there wanted not suspition that being such an Inheritrix she had been strongly sollicited by some and wrought upon to contract her self privately unto another Therefore to make sure work with her estate the King procured her to seal a Bond with a special Deed to boot whereby she obliged her self that if it could justly be proved that she had contracted marriage with any other then all her Lands and Possessions should be forfeited Which advantage being so obtain'd by his Letters Patents bearing date 18 Oâ—ctob 34 of his Reign he granted to him all those Lands to hold during his life in case any such Contract could be proved whereupon a Divorce betwixt them might ensue And in 34 H. 3. gave him the custody of the Castle at the Devâ—â—es in Com. Wilts with all the Lordships thereto belonging and likewise of the Forests of Melkesham and Châ—â—peham out of which there being a Rent of Eighty pounds per annum reserv'd to the Crown he had Twenty five marks thereof yearly allowed to him for the custody of that Castle In 35 H. 3. he was constituted one of the Justices Itinerant to sit at the Tower of London for hearing and determining such pleas as concerned the City of London And in 37 H. 3. obtain'd from the King a special Release of the Wardship of Hugh his Son and Heir by a former Wife in case he should die and leave him in minority And shortly after that a Grant That if the said Margery the Countess should die before him without any issue of her body that all those Lands and Tenements in Hogenarton Katerinton and Bradeham Knights Fees Reliefs c. which formerly did belong to Henry d' Oilly her Uncle should remain unto him the said Iohn during his natural life In this 37 th year of Hen. 3. he again attended the King into Gascoin but before his return from those parts an unhappy disaster befell him For after Truce made there and that he resolved to come for England determing to pass through Normandy in regard he was that Countrey-man by birth he obtained Letters of safe conduct from the King of France and with divers other Noble Persons set forwards on his journey In which lodging at Pontes in Poictou after all free and courteous entertainment outwardly shew'd to them they were suddenly seiz'd on by the Townsmen and cast into prison This was in 38 H. 3 When or how he was released I find not Which ill usage with the great charges he underwent in that service of Gascoin and the debt wherein he did put himself for making Prince Edward Knight occasioned the King to direct his Letters Patents unto all the Tenants of this Earl wherein giving testimony that he did behave himself laudably and valiantly there and had been oppress'd with great expences and wearied with bodily toil he did earnestly exhort and intreat them that they would freely contribute such reasonable supply to him towards the payment of those debts as that they might expect his Royal favour to themselves when fit opportunity should be offered After which upon his return into England viz. in 39 H. 3. he was again made Governour of the Castle at the Devises And in 42 H. 3. joyn'd with the Earls of Glouc. Hereford Albemarl and others in writing to Pope Alexander the Fourth against Ethelmare the Kings half-brother then Elect of UUinchester defiring his Holiness that he might not be admitted to that Bishoprick being a person totally bent to enrich himself by unjust means and a disturber of the Kingdoms tranquility and welfare In this year also he received summons with divers other great men to repair to Chester on Munday next before the Feast of S. Iohn Baptist sufficiently accoutred with Horse and Arms to attend the King in his Welsh Expedition against Lewelin ap Griffith and his complices And in 44 H 3 had the like command to attend the King at Shrewsbury on the Feast-day of the Nativity of our Lady thence to march with him again into UUales Moreover the next ensuing year he had summons to be at London on the morrow after Simon and Iudes day with Horse and Arms c. which hapned about the time that the dispute betwixt the King and his lofty-spirited Barons grew high by reason whereof having had sufficient experience of his fidelity he had the Sherevalty of the Counties of Warwick and Leicester with the Castle of Sauvey in the confines of Leicestershire committed to his trust But he lived not to see the issue of those troubles which growing on more and nore every day occasion'd much bloudshed and misery to this Realm For in the moneth of February 47 H. 3. he fell desperately sick insomuch as the King apprehending his death not far off out of the especial love and affection which he bore towards him as the Patent imports granted that the Executors of his Testament whensoever he should die might freely administer of his goods and Chattels for the fulfilling thereof Moreover declaring that as to such debts which were due from him to the Crown he would require them of his Heirs Soon after which viz. on the 26 th day of the same moneth departing this life he was honourably buried in the Quire of Missenden Abbey in Com. Bucks being then seised of the Mannors of Okenardton Kedelinton and Bradeham in Com. Oxon. which he held by Barony viz. to find two Knights with their four Servants in the Kings Army at his own proper costs for the space of Forty days Leaving issue Hugh de Plessets his Son and Heir by Christian a former Wife Daughter and Heir to Hugh de Sanford at that time Twenty six years of age Which Hugh in April
a higher pitch of Honour by the Kings special Charter bearing date 6 Martii the same year viz. to the title and dignity of Duke of Lancaster Which being done by the General consent of all the Prelates and Peers then sitting in Parliament at Westminster for his life he was invested therewith by the Cincture of a Sword with power to have a Chancery in the County of Lancaster and to issue out Writs there under his own Seal as well touching Pleas of the Crown as any other relating to the Common Laws of this Realm As also to enjoy all other Liberties and Regalities belonging to a County Palatine in as ample manner as the Earl of Chester was known to have within that County About this time likewise he was constituted Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet from the River of Thames Westward And having the same year obtained License to take a journey into Spruse there to fight against the Infidels the King thereby granted that in case he should depart this life before his return his Executors should retain all his Castles Mannors and Lands into their hands untill his debts were discharged In his journey thither being taken in High Almaine he was constrained to give three hundred Scutes of Gold for his liberty Which surprisal of him was made by the Duke of Brunswikes means as it seems the designe thereof being told him when he lay at Coloine But before he came to Spruse hearing that the Christians and Pagans had made a Truce he returned to Coloine and there relating what he had heard of the Duke of Brunâ—wikes purpose said it did not become such a person to deal so with a Stranger in his journey who had never offended him nor intended any thing of ill towards him and that in case he had a mind to meddle with him he should find him ready to perform a Souldiers part Which being told to the Duke of Brunswick he sent him a Letter of challenge Whereunto he return'd answer That he would meet him upon a day appointed to perform in his own person what might justly be requir'd and accordingly rode to Calais with fifty Knights besides others of his retinue In this his passage coming near Gysnes meeting with Sir Iohn Clermont Marshal of France with a large attendance of Men in Arms he was honourably receiv'd by him in the Quind before Christmas and conducted nobly to Heddyng where Sir Iames de Bourbon met him and attended him to Paris at which place he was also received by the Nobility and all other people with high regard The like reception he had by the King of France who sent for him to his Palace as also by his own Kinsman the King of Navar. Much agitation there was before the day of Battel to reconcile them but in vain Upon that day therefore they entred the Lists and having first taken their Oaths as 't is the custom of Duelists to do mounted their Horses for the Combat But it was observed that before they had thus taken their Oaths no man could appear more valiant and Heroick than the Duke of Brunswick seemed to be and that afterwards his countenance chang'd so that he look'd pale and troubled trembling likewise in such sort as that he could not wield his Sword Shield and Lance his Shield also turning aside three times in his taking it up Which being discerned by his friends they advised him to submit himself to the judgment of the King of France in that Quarrel But this our Duke standing cheerfully in his place expecting the Combat said That before he entred the Lists perhaps he might have been perswaded to an agreement but now that he had mounted his Horse and was ready and that the King with his Nobles with an extraordinary confluence of people were there come together it would be an high dishonour to himself and to the whole English Nation to depart without performing what Truth and Justice did require Adding that he would not go out of the Lists neither with dishonour to his Bloud to the King of England nor to his Countrey Whereupon the Duke of Brunswick wholly quitting the quarrel without reservation of his Honour and submitting himself to the Award of the King of France therein the King of France at a great Feast reconciled them And having so done took this our Duke and shewing him divers delightful things offered to give them to him But of those he accepted onely of a Thorn out of the Crown of our Saviour which he brought away and left as a Relick in the Collegiate Church of our Lady at Leicester After which taking his leave of the King of France he returned into England and came to the King at St. Albans where he was received with much joy and honour the King then keeping his Christmas there In this year viz 26 E. 3. he permitted the Canons of Leicester to inclose their Woods and stored them with Deer out of his own Parks and likewise interceeded with the Pope for appropriating the Churches of Humberston and Hungarton to that Abby About this time also he receiv'd special command from the King to keep a strict Guard upon all the Sea-coasts of Lancashire and to arm all those fourty Lanciers which were then raised in his Territories of Monmouth Grosmunt Whitcastel Kedewy Karwathelan and Iskennyn for the publick service In 28 E. 3. he attended the King into France having intelligence that the King of France would give him Battel at S. Omers but when he came thither he found that the French were retreated Shortly after this there being a Truce with the French until Easter he was sent with the Earl of Arundel and others to the Pope then at Avinion to treat of farther Peace with them But the Duke of Bourbon Earl of Arminiak and others who were sent Ambassadors from the French fell off from what they had formerly agreed to upon the Truce concluded at Calais refusing any farther agreement saying That they were prepared to defend their Countrey against the English Requiring that the King of England should first forbear to quarter the Arms of France and that he should do Homage to the King of France for Gascoin But hereunto this our Duke answered That those Arms of France which he bore by the advice of his Liege-men of France he would not relinquish for any mans pleasure And that the King of England should not do Homage to any person over whom by hereditary right from his Mother he claimed superiority At this time of his coming to Avinion viz. on Christmas-Eve he had two hundred Horse in his Train whereof thirty two were covered with Harness At which place he staid six weeks in great honour the Bishops Nobles Citizens and others to the number of two thousand Horse
and Rents to the value of a thousand Marks per annum as the King had Granted to him in special tail he obtained the like Grant viz. in special tail of the Castle Town and Mannor of Eye the Town and Mannor of Hanle and Mannor of Causton in Com. Norff. as also of the Mannor of Benhale with the Hundreds of Hertesmere and Stow in Com. Suff. After which time he was seldome out of some eminent Action for in 12 E. 3. being in that Expedition then made into Flanders in 13 E. 3. he was one of the Marshals of the Hoast when King Edward Besieged Cambray and thence rode to Mount St. Martin and in 16 E. 3. being in the Wars of Britanny with one Banneret fourteen Knights and thirty five Esquires and fifty Archers on Horseback had seventy and seven Sacks of the Kings Wools for his and their Wages in that Service Moreover in 17 E. 3. being again beyond Sea he was employed to the Court of Rome there to Treat in the presence of his Holiness touching an amicable Peace and Accord between King Edward and Philip de Valois or his Ambassadors upon t he differences then depending betwixt them and the same year Marched with Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby to relieve the Castle of Lough-maban then besieged by the Scots In 18 E. 3. 8 Maii he was made Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet from the Mouth of Thames to the Northward and in 19 E. 3. had License for a Market every week on the Thursday at Winterton in Com. Suff. and a Fair yearly on the Eve of St. Mathew the Apostle and eight days following As also for Free-Warren in all his Demesn-Lands at Dedham in Com. Essex In 19 E. 3. he was in the Wars of France and in 20 E. 3. attended the King into those parts for the Relief of Aguillon In 21 E. 3. he was again in those Wars of France and in 22 E. 3. one of them to whom the King gave Harness and other Accoutrements for the Tourneament at Canterbury In 22 E. 3. he was associated with Henry Earl of Lancaster and others to Treat with the Earl of Flanders upon certain differences betwixt the Subjects of England and the Flemings And in 26 E. 3. upon that danger of an Invasion threatned by the French was the chief person assigned to Guard the Coasts of Suffolk and for the arraying of Men there and in Norfolk In 29 E. 3. attending Prince Edward into Gascoigne he joyned with the Earl of Salisbury in leading the Rere-ward of the English Army at which time divers Places were either taken or yielded So likewife in 30 E. 3. in that famous Battle of Poytiers where by his signal Valor and skilful Conduct he gained to himself immortal Fame In 33 E. 3. he attended the King again into France landing with him at â—lais And having been Elected into that Note Society of Knights of the Garter next in fuâ—ession to those who were called the Foundâ—s of that most Noble Order by his Testament baring date on the Festival of the Apostles Iter and Paul in An. 1368. 42 E. 3. bequeated his Body to be buried in the Abby of Caâ—pesse in Com. Suff. under the Arch betwâ—t the Chappel of St. Nicholas and the High Altr and appointed that five square Tapers and for Morters besides Torches should burn abâ—t his Corps at his Funeral To William his eldst Son he bequeathed the Sword wherewith te King girt him when he Created him Earl s also his Bed with the Eagle entire and â—s Summer Vestment poudred with Leopards 〈◊〉 Edmund his Brother a Cup with a cover enchassed with Silver Arms. Appointing that thâ— Lady of Ulster a Minoress should have twenty Marks towards the building at Brusyerd as also a Ring of Gold which was the Dukeâ— her Brother And departed this life upon Sunday next after the Feast of All Saints in 43 E 3. being seised of the Mannors of Dedham and Gestingthorp with the Hundred of Staunford in Com. Essex of the Castle and Town of Dreford and Mannor of Walesham of the Castle Town and Honor of Eye with the Mannors of Thornedene Haghele Benhale Parham Ufford and Combes as also of the Hundreds of Hertismere Stowe and Plounsgate in Com. Suff. And of the Mannors of Costesey Bourghe and Causton in Com. Norff. leaving Issue by Margeret his Wife Daughter of Sir Walter Norwich of Metingham in Com. Suff. Knight William his Son and Heir thirty years of age Robert his eldest Son being dead in his life time and three Daughters viz. Cecilie Married to William Lord Willoughby of Cresby Catherine to to Robert Lord Scales and Margaret to William Lord Ferrers of Groby Which Robert who so died in his life time commonly called Robert de Vfford le Fitz in 11 E. 3. had pardon for Marrying Elizabeth the Widow of William de Latimer without Licence and in 13 E. 3. was with the Earl of Salisbury in the Wars of Flanders Where continuing after the Kings return and too much presuming that they should be able to relieve L'ile then besieged by the French being overmacht by the Enemy he was taken with the same Earl of Salisbury and carried to Paris upon Palm-Sunday where being delivered up to the King he was committed to prison Froisard saith that passing from Ipre to Tournay unto Iaques de Artevile they were taken Prisoners by the Towns-men of L'ile But in 14 E. 3. upon a Truce concluded betwixt both Kings he was enlarged I now return to William Son and Successor to Earl Robert before mentioned This William in 38 and 39 E. 3. had Summons to Parliament which was whilst his Father lived and in 41 E. 3. being a Knight had License to travail beyond Sea Moreover upon his Fathers death in 43 E. 3. doing his Homage he had Livery of his Lands and in 44 E. 3. was in that Expedition then made into France So likewise in 46 E. 3. being then retein'd to serve the King in his Wars in those parts with Eighty Men at Armes whereof Twenty three Knights besides himself Fifty six Esquires and Eighty Archers for one whole year Whereupon they took shipping at Soutâ—hampton and sailed towards Rochel intending to relieve Thouars but after nine weeks tossing at Sea crost with contrary windes return'd In 50 Edw. 3. he was constituted Admiral of the King 's whole Fleet from the Mouth of Thames to the Northwards and in 1 R. 2. was again imploy'd in the Wars of France So likewise in 2 R. 2. And in 4 R. 2. was at Uannes where divers feats of Armes were at that time performed being also assign'd one of the Commissioners to compose the Differences and to make satisfaction for such injuries
also one of the Wardens of the Marches towards Scotland whereupon he entred that Country forty miles spoyled the Market at Fowyke and brought many Prisoners back In 13 R. 2. he had the Castle of Chirburgh in France committed to his charge from the Feast of St. Peter ad vincula until the end of five years and about that time received a special prohibition that he should not exercise any feats of Arms with the French without the leave of Henry de Perci Earl of Northumberland In 14 R. 2. he went again into France and in 16 R. 2. being reteined to serve the King during his whole life he had in consideration thereof a Grant of one hundred pounds per annum out of the Issues of Lincolnshire In this year likewise he was made Constable of Dovor-Castle and Warden of the Cinque-ports and in 19 R. 2. constituted one of the Kings Commissioners to contract Marriage for him with the Lady Isabell eldest Daughter to the King of France As also Warden of the West-Marches towards Scotland And having been summoned to Parliament from 7. until 18 R. 2. inclusive departed this life upon Saturday the Morrow after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady in 20 R. 2. being then seised of the Mannor of Whytewyke and two parts of the Mannor of Shepeshed in Com. Leic. Of the Mannors of Dicheburne Cartyngton Rill North-Charleton and third part of the Mannor of Toggesden in Northumb. of the Mannor of Bruscombe in Com Cantii Edmunton called Wylby-Mannor in Com. Midd. Thoreswaye Lyndewode Welburne the Castle of Folkyngham the Mannors of Edenham Barton Buckminster Hall in Billingburgh Lopingthorpe Hekinton Stenton and Uessci Hall in the City of Lincolne leaving Henry his Son and Heir sixteen years of age Katherine his Wife Daughter to Thomas de Everingham of Laxton in Com. Bott surviving Which Henry in 1 H. 4. received the Honor of Knighthood at the Coronation of that King with many other persons of note by Bathing c. having allowance of Robes for that Solemnity And in 11 H. 4. was constituted one of the Commissioners to Treat with others sent from France upon a firm and lasting Peace betwixt both Realms And having been summoned to Parliament from 5 H. 4. till 1 H. 5. inclusive departed this life on Thursday next after the Feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle being then seised of the Castle and Mannor of Folkyngham and Mannors of Hekynton and Barton upon Humber with the Ferry there as also of the Mannors of Thoresway and Steneton all in Com. Linc. Likewise of the Mannors of Loughborough and Whytewyke with their respective Members in Com. Leic. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir three years of age and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter to William Lord Willoughby of Eresvy surviving Who representing to the King that Iohn her Son and Heir was within age but without any thing for his support obtained an assignation of forty pounds per annum for him during his Minority Which Iohn in 8 H. 6. being reteined to serve the King in his Wars of France with twenty Men at Arms and sixty Archers then atttended q him in his Army to Calais And in 9 H. 6. making proof of his age and performing his Homage had Livery as well of those Lands which Elizabeth his Mother held as of those which Catherine the Wife of Iohn Father to him the said Henry possessed during her life In 14 H. 6. he obtained a Grant to himself and the Heirs Male of his Body of the Earldome of Boloine by Letters Patents dated at Canterbury 27 Iulii being at that time on his journey for the Relief of Calais and reteined by Indenture to serve the King with twenty Men at Arms and eighty eighty Archers In which service he merited so well as for that very respect the King gave him License to grant his Mannors of Barton upon Humber and Steneton in Com. Linc. unto Sir William Phelip Knight and others and to their Heirs for ever And in 18 H. 6. in consideration of his farther Merits and the special Services of his Ancestors advanced him to the Honor and Dignity of a Vicount a Title not till then used in England by the Name of Vicount Beaumont with precedency above all Barons of this Realm and twenty Marks yearly fee out of the Revenues of the County of Lincolne as by Charter bearing date at Readyng 12 Feb. appeareth In 19 H. 6. considering the great loss he had sustained by the death of Elizabeth his Wife Daughter to William Phelip Lord Bardolf and by reason of his continued Services he obtained a Grant of the custody of all the Castles Mannors and Lands which by the death of her the said Elizabeth came to Henry his Son and Heir and in case of his death to William his younger Son with remainder to Ioane his Daughter Moreover in 23 H. 6. he had a farther grant to himself and the Heirs Male of his Body of Place and Precedence above all Vicounts thenceforth to be created as also above the Heirs of all Earles and to take place next and immediately unto Earls in all Parliaments and publick Meetings Furthermore in 24 H. 6. he was made Constable of England and in 25 H. 6. with Sir Raphe Boteler Lord Sudley had the custody of the Isles of Ieresey and Garnesey Serk and Erme during the Minority of Anne the Daughter and Heir to Henry Duke of Warwick In this year he was found to be Brother and Heir to Elizabeth Lady Deincurt Wife to Sir Thomas Nevill Knight being at that time thirty years of age And in 27 H. 6. procured to himself and William then called Lord Bardolf his Son a Charter of divers Priviledges in sundry of his Lordships viz. at Folkynham in Com. Linc. Whytewyk in Com. Leic. and Wyrmgay in Com. Norff. Return of Writs and all Precepts Assise of Bread and Ale Soc Sac Weyf Estrey Felons-goods Treasure-trove Felo's de se Escape Gallows Pillory Wreck of Sea c. In which year Walter Lord Hungerford in consideration of the descent of this Iohn from the Noble Dukes of Lancaster by his last Will and Testament bequeathed unto him a Cup of Silver with a cover as also a Bordure and knop of Gold in which Cup Iohn Duke of Lancaster was often served and used to drink as long as he lived The next ensuing year he was constituted Lord High Chamberlain of England And in 29 H. 6. joyned in Commission with the Bishops of Durham Carlisle and some other eminent persons for Treating with the Ambassadors of Scotland in order to a Peace betwixt both Realms Also in 35 H. 6. in farther consideration of his great and eminent Services he obtained a Grant of the chief Stewardship
in those parts and in 9 H. 5. had the Kings Licence to travail Moreover in 1 H. 6. he was again reteined by Indenture to serve in the Wars of France with three Knights thirty six Men at Arms and two hundred and forty Archers at which time he was associated with Thomas de Poynings to conduct four hundred Men at Arms and twelve hundred Archers unto Iohn Duke of Bedford the Kings Unkle then Regent there And in 2 H. 6 accompanied him at the takeing of Yvrie as also in that great Battle of Uernoil where the English obtained a signal Victory The next ensuing year also discovery being then made that a Gascoign of the Garrison of Alanzon had compacted with the French to betray that place unto them he was sent with Sir Iohn Falstolfe for the prevention thereof whereupon when Charles de Villiers came early in the Morning with two hundred Horse and three hundred foot he slew and took the greatest part of them Soon after this likewise he was with the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk at the Siege of Monns in Champaigne which was then won with other Towns and Castles to the number of thirty six And in 7 H. 6. accompanied the great Cardinal Beaufort in his journey to Bohemia In 10 H. 6 he Besieged the Castle of St. Selerine then bearing the Title of Earl of Uandosme and Beaumont Lord Willoughby of Monblay and Beaumesguil as appears by a safe conduct to him made from Iohn Duke of Beford at that time Regent of France And in 11 H. 6. was sent by the same Duke to recover St. Ualeries which after a short Siege was rendred About that time also he gave Battle to the French in Burgundy where being Victorious he took Loviers in his passage thence And upon that Insurrection of the Normâ—ns marching with the Earl of Aruudel vanquisht them having thenthe command of six thousand Archers and thirteen hundred Horse In 12 H. 6. upon the death of Ioane Dutchess of Yorke Widdow of Sir Henry Bromflet Knight he being then in the Wars of France and doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands which she held in Dower from William Lord Willoughby his Father whose Wife she formerly had been and in 13 H. 6. besides of his own Retinue twenty Men at Arms and sixty Archers with which by Indenture he covenanted to serve the King he commanded all those which were reteined by Sir Bertine Entervesall Knight and joyned with the Lords Talbot and Seales in taking the Towns of St. Dennis and Pontois After the Duke of Bedfords death Edmund Duke of Somerset and Richard Duke of Yorke being made Generals of the English Forces in those parts the French recovering strength he was sent to Paris for the defence of that City which through the assistance from the Duke of Burgundy was Besieged Whereupon having no supply he was constrained to render it after it had been fifteen years in the possession of the English and thence marcht to Râ—an In 20 H. 6. he gave Battle to the French near Amiens and being victorious returned with great Booty to Roan In which year he was made Master of the Kings Hart-Hounds and sent by Richard Duke of Yorke then Regent of France into Anjou where he made great spoil This Robert Lord Willoughby took to Wife Maud the Cosin and Co-heir to Raphe Lord Cromwell and having been summoned to Parliament from 12 H. 4. to 29 H. 6. departed this life upon the Festival of St. Iames the Apostle 30 H. 6. being then seised of the Mannor of Plesley in Com. Derb. and of the Mannors of Hoggesthorpe Wylughby Eresby Ingoldmels Spillesby Hundelby Tofte juxta Boston Heptoft-Hall Stepyng magna and Hamby in Com. Linc. leaving Ioane the Wife of Sir Richard Welles Knight his Daughter and Heir twenty seven years of age Having thus finisht my discourse of this valiant and expert Souldier I shall take leave to add what an old Poet hath said of this Noble Family and especially of him O Holy St. George O very Champion O undefyled and most holy Knight O gemme of Chivalry O very Emeraud stone O Load-star of Loyalty O Diamond most qwyght O Saphir of sadness O Ruby of most right O very Carbuncle O thow Mantase of Ynde Graunt me thy helpe thy comfort for to find I meane to be mediator unto thy great Captain Which is the King of the celestial Paradyse So that I may my Heart and Will constrayne Of mine old Ancestors to follow the gyse And things of rirght ever to enterprise God for to serve the King ever in like case My time to spend in Fayth Peace Truth and Grace For with the Conquest prov'd by old Evidence Sir John de Willughby the valiant Chivalier Did here inhabite this is sooth sentence Whâ—se Arms was Azure an Hermite sable cleere His life in rest continued many a year Holy St. George grant me to do the same Encrease of Honor devoid of sin and shame Of his Descent and of his Worthiness The Armes of Israel his very habitude De nostre Dame saving the difference With Armes of Honor Veâ—enge the Pyakill By Grace Hardines Strength and Mirakyll A Bugle was sâ—ain by myne old ancestry Whose Head powdred Hermyn bears yet memory In later days one Willughby a true Knight Was in Barbary and made discomforture There of the King and took him through his might Whose name was Cane of whom he made rekevyn And with his ransome he did himself enewyn To build Barbican without Creplegate Through help of St. George he was so fortunate Of my old ancestors by helpe of Goddes might By reason of Marriage and lineal Descent A Sarasyn King discumfyt was in Fight Whose Head my Crest shall ever be present Holy St. George with faythfull true intent Exalt myne Honor devoyd all enmmytie To follow the old in Truth and Loyaltie In Agincourt with King Henry the fifte Ld. Robert de Willughby did Acts of grete Honour Six against one but with his Deeds swift He wan the Gre a Mayde was called therefore The Mayd of England in France for evermore Holy St. George bâ— meane that he may stye To syng the Sanctus with the Hierarchy Now holy St. George myne only avower In whom I trust for my protection O very Chevalier of the stourished Flower By whose Hands thy Sword and Shield hast wone Be mediator that she may to her Sone Cause me to heare Râ—x splendens songen on hye Before the Trinitye when that I shall dye A word now of Maud the last Wife of this Robâ—rt Lord Willughby who surviving him had thereupon the Kings Precept to the Sheriff of Lincolnshire for assignation of her Dowrie This Maud afterwards became the Wife of Sir Thomas Nevill Knight a younger Son to Richard Earl of
Lordships of Halstrede Stanstede Manhale Chesterfourd Brenning Little-Fordham Markesale Messings Revenhale Tholeshunt Guynes Tholeshunt Tregos Tholeshunt Chr. Langfourd Meandayces Little-Maldon Great-Maldon Retingdon Lachindon Asshelham Ledetes Râ—iplâ— Pachinhall Wodhalle Grenstede Morton Little-Lanfare Wyfenho Ouesey Totham and Meresey In 8 R. 2. the Dominions of Flanders by the death of Lewes then Earl of that Territory being divolved to the King of England as its superior Lord in respect of his Title to the Realm of France and that the Heir thereof had not tendred his Homage as he ought to have done the King for the better safeguard of the Countrey constituted this Iohn Lord Bourchier chief Governor and Guardian thereof particularly of the Town of Gaunt at the special request of the Flemings and sent considerable Forces to that purpose thither Moreover in 9 R. 2. having been by Indenture reteined to serve the King in fortifying the Town of Calais he was then imployed thither for the safeguard thereof and in 13 R. 2. had farther commands for the Kings Service in France He had also Summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm from 5 R 2. till 1 H. 4. inclusive but being by that time grown aged and infirm he obtained a special exemption from that Service as also for comeing to Councils during the Remainder of his life and died the same year Whereupon Sir Bartholmew de Bourchier Knights his Son and Heir had Livery of his Lands Which Sir Bartholmew had Summons to Parliament from 1 H. 4. until 10 of that Kings Reign inclusive After which it was not long ere that growing infirm and unfit for Action he obtained the like exemption from all attendance at Parliaments or other Councels and from any Military Service in Scotland or beyond the Seas and upon Wednesday 18 Maii 10 H. 4. departing this life was buried at Haulâ—â—eâ— being then seised of the Mannors of Little Bentley Bradefelde Stanstede Langeford Asheldam Onestye Fordham Knypesho in Mayland Lachenden Castle-acre Bourchiers Mannors in Retingdon Tolleshunt Maidon parva Wodhalle Lanfare parva and Grynsted in Com. Essex leaving Elizabeth his Daughter and Heir ten years of age and Idâ—ea his Wife surviving Which Idâ—ea died soon after viz. 12 Sept. 11 H. 4. Elizabeth her Daughter being then Married to Sir Hugh Staffâ—rd Knight who thereupon affirmed the Title of Lord Bourchier having Summons to Parliament by that appellation But this Elizabeth afterwards taking to Husband Sir Lewes Rossbeart Standard-bearer to King H. 5. Knight of the Garter whom she also survived died 1 Iulii 11 H. 6. without Issue and was buried with him in the Chapel of St. Paul within the Abby Church of Westminster being then seised of the Mannors of Ashildam Maldon parva Langford Onesaye Totham magna Toleshunt Fordham parva Stanstede Wodhall Pachinghall Morton Grynstede and Manhale in com Essex Bentley parva and Stanford Rivers with the Advouson of the Priory of Bilegh and Hospital of St Giles of Maldon leaving Henry Bourchier then bearing the Title of Earl of Ewe and Lord Bourchier her next Heir viz. Son of Sir William Bourchier Knight Son of William Brother of Bartholmew Father of her the said Elizabeth her next Heir twenty four years of age But I return Shortly after the death of Bartholmew Lord Bourchier viz. in 12 H. 4. Richard Giffard then Bishop of London with Iohn de Boys and some others obtained License from the King to found a perpetual Chantry for five Priests to celebrate Divine Service in the said Parish Church of Halstede for the Souls of Robert Lord Bourchier and Margaret his Wife Iohn Lord Bourchier and Maud his Wife Bartholmew Lord Bourchier and Margaret and Idonea his Wives their Parents Benefactors and all the faithful deceased Which Chantry was thereupon endowed with six Messuages seven hundred and two Acres of Land twenty nine Acres of Meadow seventy one Acres of Pasture fifty seven Acres of Wood and five pounds thirteen shillings and six pence Rent in Halstede Hengham Sibill Pebemershe Twynsted and Middilton and with the Advouson of the Church of Hengham Sibill. To this Bartholmew thus dying without Issue Male succeeded Sir William Bourchier Knight Son of William younger Brother to the said Bartholmew Which William upon the death of Alianore his Mother Daughter and Heir to Iohn de Louvain had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance his Homage being respited And having obtained from King Henry the Fourth the Grant of an Annuitie of fifty Marks per annum payable out of the Exchequer in 1. H. 5. surrendring that Patent in consideration of his good Services performed and to be performed had a Grant of the like Pension of fifty Marks payable also out of the Exchequer for his life in case the Wars betwixt France and England should continue so long After which viz. in 3 H. 5. he was made Constable of the Tower of London for life being the same year reteyned by Indenture to serve in that Expedition which the King in person them made into Guyen with thirty Men at Arms himself accounted and eighty Archers on Horseback In 4 H. 5. he was again reteyned to serve the King in his Wars of France with forty Men at Arms himself accounted and eighty Archers and to be at Southampton on Munday 22 Iunii there to take Shipping Moreover in 5 H. 5. in consideration of his eminent Services he obtained the custody of the Mannor of Hermanville in Normandy part of the possessions of William de Harmanville Esquire deceased to hold during the minority of Charles the son and heir of the said William being at that time in the French wars as he was also in 7 H. 5. In which year upon the render of Diepe in Normandy he was constituted Governor there and by reason of his farther services in this Realm and in forrein parts had a Grant in special tail bearing date at Mante 10 Iunii of the whole County of Ewe in Normandy paying to the King and his heires at his Castle of Roan in that Dukedome one Gardebrache at the Feast of St. George every year and covenanting that he and his heires should find Ten Men at Armes and Twenty Archers thenceforth to ride with the King and his heires or his Lieutenant in those his present Wars of France This William married Anne the daughter of Thomas of UUodstoke Duke of Glocester sixth son to King Edward the Third Widow of Edmund Earl of Stafford and departed this life in 8 H. 5. being then seised of the Mannor of Estanes at the Tower in Com. Essex and divers other Lands leaving Henry his son and heir as also three other sons viz. Thomas Bishop of Ely afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury William Lord Fitz-warine and Iohn
Title no longer then his Father's life having therewithal a grant of the Castle Town and Lordship of Okham in Com. Rutl. with the Shirevalty of that County sometime belonging to William de Bohun Earl of Northampton in part of satisfaction of Eight hundred Marks per annum intended to him And in 14 R. 2. was constituted Lord Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet to the Northwards So likewise in 15 R. 2. being the same year in the Wars of France As also in Commission with Iohn of Gant Duke of Lancaster and others to Treat of Peace with the French In this year likewise he was made Justice of all the Forests South of Trent and Constable of the Tower of London for life after the death of Thomas Earl of Kent And was with Iohn Duke of Lancaster at the Treaty for Peace then held at Amiens in France In 17 R. 2. he had a Grant of all the Lands which Alianore the Wife of Raphe Lord Basset of Weldon held in Dower until Richard the son and heir of the said Raphe should accomplish his full age And the same year about the Festival of our Ladies Nativity attended the King into Ireland So likewise in 19 R. 2. into France at which time both King 's having an enterview near Ghisnes a Peace was concluded betwixt them and in memory thereof a Chappel at both their costs appointed to be built in the place and called our Lady of Peace In 18 R. 2. he was retein'd to serve the King in another Expedition for Ireland for the one half of that year with Fifty Men at Armes whereof ten to be Knights and an Hundred and fifty Archers on Horseback And in 19 R. 2. was one of the Commissioners appointed as proxie to espouse Isabel the eldest daughter to Charles the Sixth King of France on the behalf of King Richard In 20 R. 2. he was constituted Governor of the Isles of Garnesey and Iercesey for life and obtain'd the like Grant of the Isle of Wiht with the Castle of Caresbroke as also of the whole dominion belonging to that Castle Moreover about that time he was constituted Warden of New-Forest in Com. Southampt and of all the Forests South of Trent Constable of Dovor-Castle and Warden of the Cinque-Ports And in 21 R. 2. Constable of England 12 Iulii By which great Trusts and Benefits it was discernable enough that he was one of the principal persons then in power with that King and stuck at nothing that might satisfie his licentious humour for plain it is that he was not only privy and consenting to that Foul Design for Murthering his Uncle the Duke of Glocester at Calais but sent one of his servants viz. Cock of the Chamber to assist therein Which Barbarous Act was done upon Saturday next after the Feast of St. Bartholmew in 21 R. 2. Wherefore it may very well be thought that for his plotting and furtherance thereof he esteem'd his own Merit very great For immediately thereupon he had a grant bearing date 28 Sept. in tail special of the Mannor of Brustwyke in Holdernesse with the Castle of Skypse and Patronage of the Abby of Meaux in Com. Ebor. As also of the Mannor of Barwe and Patronage of Thornton-Abby in Com. Linc. Likewise of all the Mannors Lands c. in Preston Burton Pidse Bond Brustwyke Esyngton Kylnesee Wythornesee and Cleton late Thomas Duke of Glocesters attainted in the Parliament at Westminster on Monday next after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross the same year Also of the Town of Clone in Com. Salop. with the whole Territory of Clone in the Marches of Wales and of the Hundred of Posselow thereunto annexed late Richard Earl of Arundel's likewise attainted The like Grant he then had of the Mannor of Flamstede in Com. Hertf. with the Chase thereto appertaining late Thomas Earl of Warwick's attainted And before the end of that Moneth viz. 29 Sept. was advanced to the dignity of Duke of Albemarle By which Title he was within five dayes ensuing again made Constable of the Tower of London And in 22 R. 2. constituted General Warden of the West-Marches toward Scotland Likewise joyn'd in Commission with the Bishop of St. Asaph and others to Treat of Peace with the Scots as also retein'd by Indenture to serve the King in Ireland for one whole year with One hundred forty men at Armes that is to say Knights and Esquires Two hundred Archers on Horseback every twenty of the Archers having one Carpenter and one Mason But of that shameful Murther of the Duke of Gloceâ—ter neither the King nor he had much joy For the whole Realm soon after being in no little disturbance the King retired into Ireland this Duke attending him Whence hearing that Henry Duke of Lancaster was landed at Ravenspur he return'd and was with him at Flynt-Castle when that Duke took him thence After which upon King Richard's Deposal in the Parliament held I H. 4. his Title of Duke was taken from him with command that he should never afterwards adhere unto him upon penalty of Treason Nevertheless he was soon after in that Conspiracy with the Dukes of Surrey and Exeter to have kill'd King Henry at Windsor-Castle upon Twelfth-night in Christmass but discovering the Plot had Pardon and shortly after restitution of his Estate Whereupon he became so obsequious to that King as that upon the 28 th of August in the second year of his Reign he was constituted his Lieutenant in the Dutchy of Aquitane bearing then the Title of Earl of Rutland and Corke And in 4 H. 4. which was soon after his Father's death being in Gascoine had Livery of all his Lands with respite for his Homage This Edward married Philippa one of the daughters and heirs to Iohn Lord Mohun and in 7 H. 4. in the Parliament then held was restored to his hereditary Dignity of Duke of Yorke In 13 H. 4. he joyned with Thomas Duke of Clarence and others in ayd of the Duke of Orleans against the Duke of Burgundy and the next ensuing year was imployed in the Wars of France In 2 H. 5. he was constituted Justice of South-UUales and the same year made general Warden of all the East Marches towards Scotland In 3 H. 5. he attended the King in that great Expedition then made into France and in consideration of his vast expences in building and endowing the Collegiate Church of Fotheringhay and in fitting himself to serve the King in that present adventure whereby he had contracted many Debts so that without the Kings assistance he despaired the perfecting that pious work he obtained Licence to enfeoffe Henry de Beaufort Bishop of UUinchester and others of the Mannors of Fasterne Old-UUotton Tokenham Chelworth UUynterborne
Compton Basset and Sevenhampton in Com. Wilts as also of the advouson of the Church of Tokenham and Burrough of UUotton with the Hundreds of Heighworth and Cryklade in the same County of the Mannor of Doghton in Com. Glouc. Ansty with the Advouson of the Church in Com. Hertf. Nassyngton and yarewell with the Castle and Town of Fodringhay in Com. North. of the Castle and Town of Stanford with the Town and Soke of Grantham in Com. Linc. of the Castle and Mannor of Conyngsburgh and Mannors of Braâ—well Clifton Hattefeld Fishlake and Thorne in Com. Ebor. with trust that they should see to the accomplishment of that work As they did though not in his life time for plain it is that the Contract for building of the Church made betwixt the Trustees and the Masons beareth date 24 Sept. 13 H. 6. Shortly after the making of which Feoffment which bears date 5 Aug. he declared his Testament viz. 17 Aug. whereby he bequeathed his Body to be buried in the Church Parochial of that his Colledge of Fotheringhay in the midst of the Quire near the steps under a flat Marble appointing that fifty Marks in half Groates should be given in dole to such poor people as should come to his Funeral To the Lady Philippa his Wife he bequeathed his Bed with Feathers and Leopards and all pertaining thereto And directed that in all Masses and Prayers to be made for him mention should be of King Richard the Second King Henry the Fourth Edmund Duke of Yorke his Father the Lady Isabell his Mother and all other persons departed this life for whom he was in conscience obliged to pray that God would have mercy on them After which he attended the King into France but never returned for in that great Battle of Agincourt fought upon Friday next preceding the Festival of All Saints which hapned upon the 25 th of October he lost his life though the English then obtained a glorious Victory It is said that he desired of King Henry that he might have the fore-ward of the Battle that day and had it and that by much heat and thronging being a fat Man he was smothered to death Whereupon his Corps was afterwards brought to Fotheringhay and there Interred in the body of the Quire under a flat Marble with his Image flat in Brass upon it After which the King returning into England caused his Exequies to be kept at London with great Solemnity upon the first day of December whereat were present divers Bishops and Abbots besides a multitude of other persons of great quality both French and English The Lands whereof he died seised were as followeth viz. the Mannors of Solyhull and Sheldon in Com. War the Honor of Reyleghe with the Mannors of Thunderie Estwode and Hundred of Rochford in Com. Essex the Mannor of Ansty in Com. Hertf. the Mannor of Wendover and Moytie of the Mannor of Horton in Com Buck. the Mannor of Whelnetham in Com. Suff. the Castle and mannor of Stanford the Town and Soke of Grantham with the Mannors of Bondeby Shillingthorpe and Lordship of Harlaston called Brewes Maner in Com. Linc. the mannors of Yelvertoft Nassington yarwell with the Castle and Mannor of Fotheringhay in Com. North. the Mannors of Doughton and Whitington with the Mannor and Hundred of Bertone juxta Bristoll in Com. Glouc. the Mannor Burrough and Lordship of Avene the Mannor and Territory of Neuton Notash and Mannors of Dynas Powys Sully and Peterston in UUales the Castle and Lordship of Ewyas Lacy in Com. Heref. the Isle of UUiht and Castle of Caresbroke with the Wardenship of Newforest as also the Mannors of Chorle UUetone Aysâ—hele and Mapul-Dutwell with the custody of the Forest of Bere in Com. South the Mannors of Somerford Keynes Fasterne Wotton Old-Tokenham Chelesworth UUinterborne Compton Basset Sevenhampton the Burrough and Hundred of Hyworth the Hundred of Crikkelade with the Mannors of UUinterslowe Sherston and Brodeton in Com. Wilts the Town and Mannor of Soureby the Castle and Mannor of Coningesburgh with the Mannors of Braâ—well Clifton Haitefeid Fishlake Thorne and Hathome in Com. Ebor. But he left no Issue so that Richard his Nephew Son to Richard Earl of Cambridge his younger Brother was found to be his next Heir and at that time three years of age After which Philippa his Wife then surviving took to Husband Robert Fitz-Walter This Philippa by the Title of Dutchess of Yorke and Lady of the Isle of UUiht declared her Testament at the Castle of Caresbroke in the same Isle upon St. Gregories day in the year of our Lord 1400 9 H. 6. whereby she bequeathed her Body to be buried in the Abby-Church at UUestminster appointing that at every place where it should rest in the way thither her Exequies should be performed with Dirige over night and before the removal thereof in the morning a Mass of Requiem Also that being brought to UUestminster twenty four poor Men cloathed in short Gowns with Hoods of black should each of them bear a Torch at the Dirige and at the Mass of Requiem on the Morrow and each of them to have twenty pence in Money Moreover that her Herse should be totally covered with black cloth and upon it a curious Herse of Wax in a smal proportion placed upon it And that upon the day of her Funeral six Marks and forty pence should be distributed amongst a thousand poor people so that each might have a penny She likewise ordained that a thousand Diriges should be sung for her upon one day and the morrow after a thousand Masses and this to be done with all the possible speed that might be after her decease for the health of her Soul and all Christian Souls for the performance whereof every Priest to have four pence She likewise bequeathed twenty pounds in Money to buy Russet Cloth for one hundred poor Men and Women each of them a short Gown and Hood Also to two honest Priests to sing Mass and to say the Trental of Gregorie by the space of one whole year for her Soul and all Christian Souls and to fourscore poor Bederyden Men and Women thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence And departed this life shortly after being then seised of the Castle Town and Mannor of Fodringhey with the Mannors of Nassyngton and Yarewell in Com. North. of the Castle and Mannor of Caresbroke with the Mannors of Becombe Freshwater Nylton Whitfelde Panno Thorne and the Forest of Brodwode in the same Isle of the Castle of Conesburgh with the Mannors of Hatfelde and Soureby in Com. Ebor. of the Mannors of Crikkelade Somerford Keynes Sevenhampton Fasterne Compton Basset Wynterborne Cheleworth and Tokkenham with the Burroughs of Hyworth and Wotton in Com. Wiltes of the third part of the Mannors of Thunderle and Estwode with the third part of the Honor Town Fair Market and Park of Reylegh in Com. Essex all which
two Faires the one on the Festival of the Apostles Peter and Paul the other on the Feast day of St. Hugh in Winter And in 18 H. 6. obtained a grant of the Mannors of Neddyng and Ketelberston in Com. Suff. to himself and the heirs of his Body by the before-specified Alice his wife Which Lordships by reason of a former grant to the said Sir Iohn Phelip and her the said Alice and to the issue of their Bodies he dying without issue were at that time in the Crown as parcel of the possessions of Henry Lord Scrope of Masham then attainted Moreover in 21 H. 6. in consideration of his manifold services formerly perform'd and the services of Alice his Wife he obtain'd a Grant to himself and the said Alice and to the issue-male of their two Bodies in case Humphrey Duke of Glocester should happen to die withâ—â— issue of his Body of the Name Title and Honor of Earl of Pembroke and for the better support of the same Honor of the Castle and Lordship of Kilgaran and Commots of Estrelaw Treyne and Seyn-Clare with their Appurtenances As also of the Lordship of Landstephan all in Wales To hold to himself and the said Alice and the Issue-male of their two Bodies but for lack of such issue to revert to the Crown In 22 Hen. 6 th being one of the Embassadors sent into France to treat of Peace betwixt both Realmes he was specially instrumental for accomplishing the Marriage betwixt King Henry and Margaret daughter to Reiner King of Sicily Furthermore in 23 H. 6. in consideration of his great merits he was advanced to the Title of Marquess of Suffolk and to the heirs-male of his body by Cincture with a Sword and putting a Coronet of Gold upon his head with a grant of Thirty five pounds yearly out of the Issues of the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk his Patent bearing date at Eltham 14 Sept. Whereupon he obtained another Grant to himself and the said Alice his wife and to the heirs of their two Bodies of the before-specified Mannors of Neddyng and Kettilberston to hold by the service of carrying a Golden Scepter with a Dove on the head of it upon the Coronation-day of the Kings heirs and successors As also another Scepter of Ivorie with a Golden Dove on the head thereof upon the day of the Coronation of the then Queen and all other Queens of England in time to come At the same time likewise he obtain'd License to hold a Court-Leet of all his Tenants and Inhabitants within the Towns and Lordships of Est Wordlam and West Wordlam in Com. Southampt with Assise of Bread and Ale and divers other Liberties with a Grant of the Wardships of Anne Countess of Warwick and of Margaret sole heir to Iohn Duke of Somerset Being at that time also great Steward of the Kings Houshold he was sent into Sicilie to perform the solemnity of Marriage with Margaret the daughter to the King of that Province as a Proxie on the behalf of King Henry and to conduct her into England Whereupon in the moneth of November the same year with his wife and divers noble persons he began his journey through France to that purpose and at Tours in Tureine honorably espoused her in the Church of St. Martin The same year he was also one of the Embassadors sent with the Arch-bishop of York and Humphrey Duke of Buckingham into France to treat of peace betwixt both Realms And in consideration of his long stay and great expences there upon that occasion and touching that Marriage obtain'd a Grant to himself and the said Alice in case he should depart this life leaving his heir in minority that she the said Alice with his Executors should have the Wardship and Marriage of his heir In 24 Hen. 6. he was again one of the Embassadors sent to treat of Peace with the French And upon his return 2 Iunii in the first Session of that Parliament then heldâ— he openly declared what he had done and thereupon advised that Provisions necessary for a War should be forthwith made left the French discerning an advantage might lay hold thereon and break the Truce The like he did the next day to the Commons desiring that what he had effected for the Publick in that great Embassie might for his discharge be Enrolled in the Records of Parliament Wherein the Lords concurring it was done accordingly Shortly after which being highly in favour with the Queen he was made Lord Chamberlain viz. 24 Febr. And in August following Lord High Admiral of England And obtained the Wardship of the Body and Lands of the Countess of Warwick as also of the Lady Margaret sole daughter and heir to Iohn Beaufort Duke of Somerset afterwards Mother to King Henry the Seventh causing the King to create Iohn de Foix son to Gaston de Foix Earl of Longavile Earl of Kendal Which Iohn had married his Neice And procured Gaston himself and him the said Iohn to be elected Knights of the Garter as also a Grant to him the said Iohn de Foix of a Thousand pounds per annum Furthermore through his great power with the Queen in 26 Hen. 6. bearing at that time the Title of Marquess of Suffolk and Earl of Pembroke he was created Duke of Suffolk and to the heirs-male of his Body with the Fee of Forty pounds per annum out of the Fee-ferme of Ipswich his patent bearing date 2 Iunii Which advancement is reputed to have been for advising the Murther of the Duke of Glocester But soon after this all things succeeding unprosperously both at home and abroad through want of prudence in Government the common sort of people made grievous Exclamations against him laying to his charge whatsoever was amiss and in particular that he was the only cause of the loss of Anjou and Maine and likewise of all Normandy Next that by his contrivance the good Duke of Glocester viz. Humphrey the King's Uncle had been Murthered Moreover that he had devoured the King's Treasure Removed those Counsellors which were good and virtuous and advanced such as were wicked and vicious Likewise that he had wasted the Publick Treasure of the Realm detein'd the Soldiers pay and not sent them fit supply And though the Queen having a sight of the approaching storme caused the Parliament begun at Black-friers in London to be Adjourn'd to Leicester supposing thereby to divert the danger thereof from him and her self yet would it not avail For so few of the Nobility came to Leicester that they were necessitated to Adjourn it back to Westminster Where being met the Commons exhibited divers Articles against him containing matter of Treason and Misprision besides many great Misdemenors Whereupon he was commited to the Tower But within a
of Wingfeld before-mentioned with his Ancestors Of these his Sons Iohn the eldest in 7 E. 4 his Father then living was by a special Charter bearing date 13 Martii in regard of his nearness of blood to that King created Earl of Lincolne with a Grant of twenty pounds per annum out of the Issues of the County of Lincolne And in 1 R. 3. obtained a Grant to himself and the Heirs Male of his Body of the Mannors of Wodhey in Com. Berks. Ros in Com. Ebor. Westbury in Com. Wiltes as also of the reversion of the Lordships of Eydon Thorphill and great Billing in com North. Lawmershe and Colne Wake in Com. Essex and of Basingstoke and Andover in Com. South Which Lordships Thomas Lord Stanley then held for life paying twenty five pound one shilling yearly into the Exchequer Soon after which he had that Title of Earl of Lincolne confirmed to him and the Heirs Male of his Body and in 2 R. 3. was made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland About this time King Richard being much disquieted in mind concluded a League of Amity with the Scots and thereupon had Treaty for a firm Alliance with them by a Marriage betwixt the Duke of Rothsay eldest Son to the the King of Scotland and the Lady Anne de la Pole Daughter to Iohn late Duke of Suffolk by Elizabeth his Wife Sister to King Richard whom he so much favored that he did not only thus endeavor to prefer her Daughter but caused this Iohn Earl of Lincolne her Son after the death of his own Son to be proclaimed Heir apparent to the Crown of England passing by the Daughters of his elder Brother the late King Edward the fourth Being therefore so eminent a branch of the House of Yorke he utterly distasted the Earl of Richmund's attaining the Crown by the name of King Honry the Seventh and therefore got over into Flanders unto Margaret Dutchess of Burgundy his Mothers Sister with design to pull him down and set up one of that House of Yorke and thereupon joyned with her and others in endeavoring to advance Edward Plantaginet Son to George Duke of Clarence And because this Edward was at that time kept Prisoner in the Tower of London having trayned up a youth of his years and stature called Lambert Simnell to personate him he spared for no pains or cost in attempting to effect what he had so designed Resolving in case of success therein to take off the disguise and really to set the Crown on the same Edward Plantaginet as next heir Male of the Royal Stock To which end out of Flanders he came with four thousand stout German Souldiers under the conduct of Martin Swart an expert Commander and first landing in Ireland there caused that counterfeit Simnel to be proclaimed King Thence arrived in Lancashire and so marcht upwards toward Newark upon Trent in Com. Nott. near to which place viz. at Stoke being met by certain Forces which King Henry had raised after a sharp dispute upon the 16 of Iune An. 1487. 2 H. 7. his whole Army was utterly routed and he himself with his principal Confederates there slain I come now to Edmund the Second Son to the before-specified Iohn Duke of Suffolk and younger Brother to this last mentioned Iohn This Edmund in 4 H. 7. accompanied Thomas Earl of Derby and other honorable persons into Flanders in ayde of Maximilian the Emperor against the French And in 8 H. 7. was in that expedition then made by the King himself into France at which time he laid Siege to Boloin Moreover in 12 H. 7. he appeared in Arms with Henry Earl of Essex William Lord Montjoy and others against the Cornish-men who having at that time made a great Insurrection were vanquished at Blackheath in Kent But being a man of a high spirit and valiant and arraigned for killing an ordinary person in his wrath though he received pardon for the fact yet did he so much stomach his being put upon a publick Trial conceiving it a blemish to his Honor as that without any leave he went into Flanders unto Margaret Dutchess of Burgundy his Aunt whence shortly after excusing himself to the King he returned Nevertheless when the Marriage of Prince Arthur and Catherine of Spaine was solemnised at London with great pompe and the minds of both King and people full of joy for those Nuptials he got over again into Flanders with his Brother Richard whether by reason of debt which he had put himself into in order to his appearing at that great solemnity or whether sollicited by his Aunt or instigated by malice against King Henry as a person of the adverse party is hard to say And after some time of continuance there hearing that two of the Courtneys Sons to Edward Earl of Devon and other his Friends were secured in England as persons whose Fidelity the King suspected he travelled into France and Germany and at length coming to Philip Duke of Burgundy was sent back into England and imprisoned in the Tower Where he continued till 4 H. 8. that King Henry purposing an Expedition into France with a very great Army and some scruple arising whether it would be fit for him to go thither in person or not by reason that in case any mishap should befall him in that adventure notwithstanding the succession was undoubtedly in his Sister Margaret Married to Iames the Fourth of Scotland yet it being said that the people were so much affected to the House of York as that they might take this Edmund de la Pole out of the Tower and set him up it was thought fit that he should be dispatched out of the way whereupon they cut off his Head upon the 30 of April 5 H. 8. By Margaret his Wife Daughter of Richard Lord Scrope he left Issue only one Daughter called Anne who became a Nun in the Minoresses without Algate in the Suburbs of London Which Margaret by her Testament whereof the Probate is dated 15 Maii An. 1515. 7 H. 8. bequeathed her Body to be buried in that House of the Minoresses with her husband and gave to the Countess of Oxford her Sister the Image of St. Michael adorned with Pearls and precious Stones The French Writers say that Richard his younger Brother commanded six thousand French at the Siege of Therouene assaulted and taken by King Henry the Eighth so that 't is thought by some that his being in Arms with them might accelerate the loss of this Edmunds life Which Richard was afterwards slain in the Battle of Pavia fighting there on the part of the French FINIS THE BARONAGE OF ENGLAND OR An Historical Account OF THE LIVES and most memorable ACTIONS Of such of Our English Nobility As had their Rise from the Tenth year
the Mothers side he was advanced to the Title of Vicount L'isle 12 Martii 34 H. 8. and the same year made Lord Admiral of England for life being a person very comely and of a Spirit highly aspiring neither wanting skill industry or resolution to attempt great matters as my Author saith For in 36 H. 8. he Landed the King's Army at Leith in Scotland with a Fleet of CC Sail on which place having wasted Edenburgh they also set fire And the same year having scoured the Seas towards Scotland after the King had taken Boloin in France he was left Lieutenant there which he defended against the Daâ—lfin and his Army consisting of fifty two thousand men though the Walls were then much shattered And when the Daulsin had entred the base Town not without slaughter of divers English by a brave Salley he beat out the French again with the loss of above eight hundred of their men then esteemed the best Souldiers in that Realm In 37 H. 8. being Lord Admiral of England Wales and Ireland he was made General of all the King's Forces at Sea against the French where he offered Battail to them which they refused returning with the loss of all their cost Hereupon he landed five thousand men upon their Coast fired Treport and divers Villages thereabouts with the loss of but one man And being one of the Commissioners on the King of England's part by which the Articles of Truce were concluded in the Camp betwixt Ardres and Guisnes 7 Iunii 38 H. 8. he was afterwards sent Ambassador into France for the confirmation of them To say truth quoth Sir Iohn Howard he was the Minion of that time so as few things he attempted but he atchieved with Honour which made him the more proud and ambitious Generally he always increased both in estimation with the King and authority amongst the Nobility but doubtful whether by fatal destiny to the State or whether by his virtues or appearance of virtues as saith the same Author So that King Henry constituted him one of his Sixteen Executors Whereupon finding the Duke of Somerset Protector to the young King Edward the Sixth to be neither a person of great Wisdom or Courage he ambitiously aimed to have the full sway of all himself and therefore insinuating into his Friendship made him a shadow for accomplishing his own ends To which purpose he first obtain'd an increase of Honour being presently Created Earl of Warwick by reason of his descent through his Mother from Margaret the Eldest Daughter and Coheir to Richard Beauchamp sometime Earl of Warwick as also made Lord High Chamberlain of England and soon after a grant of Warwick-Castle with the Mannour and divers other great Lordships and Lands in that County In this first year of E. 6. being made Lieutenant General of that Army then sent into Scotland at which time the Scots were vanquisht at Hucleborough he there dub'd many Knights and was indeed the principal person for military skill and prowess upon whom the management of that War rested In 3 E. 6. he commanded all those Forces sent against Ket and his fellow-Rebells in Norfolk of which having slain about five thousand he took Ket himself and setled all in quiet there In that year also he was again made Admiral of England Ireland and Wales and in 4 E. 6. Lord Steward of the Kings Houshold And being thus elated with these Successes Commands and Trusts his ambitious mind had no bound for he mattered not whom he ruin'd so it tended to the ends he aimed at First therefore he raised discontents betwixt the Protector and the Lord Thomas Seymour his Brother so that soon after that Lord became attainted in Parliament upon pretence that he had conspired his Brother's Death and thereupon lost his Head Then put the Protector on in making such alteration both in State and Religion as that some of the Bishops opposing it were committed to Prison What vast sums did he make a shift to Pocket by despoiling the Church of her Chalices Crosses and an infinite number of consecrated Utensils with the like both of Gold and Silver as also by rich Copes and other Vestments under colour of bringing them into the King's Wardrobe For it was he who led the Protector on to those courses as 't is well known as also by Lands given to maintain Lamps and Lights and for other pious uses Which doings with the ruine of the Cloyster and Charnel at Pauls the Church in the Strand and two Bishops Houses there besides that goodly Church of St. Iohns near Smithfeild all pull'd down to build Somerset-House brought upon the Protector no little hatred and so hastned his ruine That being it which he chiefly aimed at and therefore espying so fair an opportunity wrought upon no less than eighteen of the Privy Council to join with him therein Yet such was his subtility that he accomplisht the work by others being least seen in it himself And because he could not win the Earls of Arundel and Southampton to be fit Instruments for his purpose he found means to discharge them from the Council and confine them to their Houses as also to fine the Earl of Arundel twelve thousand pounds upon suggestion that he had taken away Bolts and Locks at Westm. and given away the King's stuffe when he was Lord Chamberlain Having also been a prime Actor in the Peace made with France he was by way of reward for that service made general Warden of the North with a thousand marks per annum Lands granted unto him and C Horsemen at the King's Charge And in 5 E. 6 accompanied William Marquess of Northampton in his Embassy to the French King Yet all this seeming not enough within a while after viz. in 5 E. 6. he was constituted Earl Marshal of England 20 Apr. and 11 Oct. following Duke of Northumb. As also Warden of all the Marches towards Scotland Being therefore inferior to none of the Nobility in Titles of Honour and superior to all others in Authority and Power he could not restrain his haughty hopes from aspiring to an absolute Command But before he directly discovered his aim it was thought fit that the Duke of Somerset then Protector should be taken away whole credit with the common people though it sufficed not to bear out any bad attempt of his own as my Author observeth yet it was of force to thwart the evil practices of others and therefore Speeches were cast out that he caused himself to be proclaimed King in divers Counties and much more laid to his charge by this Dukes contrivance who when he came to his Tryal was one of his Peers Upon which though they acquitted him of Treason yet they found him guilty of Felony whereupon he had judgment to be
of him in that his Testament he did not at all account himself illegitimate as will be made manifest from what I shall here relate For soon after the death of Queen Elizabeth having Married Alice the Eldest Daughter to Sir Thomas Leigh of Stoneley in Com. War Knight and considering with himself that in Case he made good his Legitimacy not only a good Title to the Earldom of Leicester as Heir to his Father together with other Titles and Dignities would rightfully accrue unto him but also the Castle of Warwick with divers fair Lordships in that County by virtue of an Entail when Ambrose his Uncle was advanced to that Earldom he did by reason of the great Plague at that time in London obtain a Commission from the Archbishop of Canterbury out of the Court of Audience directed to D r Zachary Babington then Chancellor of Litchfeild and others for examining Witnesses to prove his Father's Marriage But no sooner was it discern'd by the Lady Lettice and her Friends that the consequence thereof would much reflect upon her than that they procured Sir Edward Coke Knight the King's Atturney General to exhibite a Bill in the Star-Chamber against him the said Sir Robert and Dame Alice his Lady also against the Lady Douglas Sheffeild for so she was called then Wife of Sir Edward Stafford Knight and against the before-mention'd Sir Thomas Leigh Dr. Zachary Babington ... Drury Henry Frodsham Gent. and others laying to their Charge a Combination and Conspiracy to defame the Lady Lettice and unjustly to intitle himself to those Honours c. And upon the Petition of the Lord Sidney procured a command from the Lords of the Council not only to stop those proceedings at Litchfeild but to bring all the Depositions there taken to remain within the same Court of Star-Chamber in the Council-Chest Nevertheless did they give leave that he should examine Witnesses in that honourable Court in Order to the asserting his Legitimacy Whereupon by testimony upon Oath partly by the said Lady Douglas Sheffeild and partly by divers other persons who were present at her pretended Marriage with this Earl it did appear that she having been first contracted in Cannon-Row within the Liberties of Westminster about two years before was solemnly wedded to him at Aâ—her in Com. Surr. by a lawful Minister according to the Form of Matrimony by Law establisht in the Church of England in the presence of Sir Edward Horsey Knight who gave her in Marriage as also of Robert Sheffeild Esq Dr. Iulio Henry Frodsham and five other persons whose names are there specified and that the Ring wherewith they were so Married was set with five pointed Diamonds and a Table Diamond which had been given to him by the then Earl of Pembroke's Grandfather upon Condition that he should not bestow it upon any but whom he did make his Wife Likewise that the Duke of Norff. was the principal mover of that Marriage but that this Earl pretending a fear of the Queens Indignation in Case it should come to her knowledge made her to Vow not to reveal it till he gave leave whereupon all her Servants were Commanded secrecy therein And it was also farther deposed that within two days after the Birth of this Sir Robert Dudley which hapned at Shene where he was Christened by a Minister sent from Sir Henry Lea having to his Godfathers the Earl of Warwick his Uncle and the same Sir Henry and to his Godmother the Lady Dacres of the South by their Deputies the said Lady Douglass receiv'd a Letter from this Earl which one M rs Erisa then Lady Parker read wherein his Lordship did thank God for the Birth of this his Son who might be their comfort and staff of their old age as are the words of the Letter and Subscribed Your loving Husband Robert Leicester Likewise that the said Lady Douglass was after this served in her Chamber as a Countess until be commanded the contrary for fear the Marriage should be disclosed Other Depositions there were many by several persons some testifying what this Earl had himself expressed in reference to this his Son as of one Owen Iones who averred upon his Oath that attending on the said Sir Robert Dudley at Offington in Com. Suss when he was but ten years of age and at School the Earl of Leicester came to see him and said Owen thou knowst that Robin my Boy is my lawful Son and as I do and have charged thee to keep it secret so I charge thee not to forget it and therefore see thou be careful of him Divers other expressions from this Earl tending to the same purpose were likewise testified by sundry credible persons Likewise what Ambrose Earl of Warwick his Brother had uttered which for brevities sake I omit Also that this Earl of Leicester endeavoured to perswade the Lady Douglas to disclaim the Marriage offering seven hundred pounds per annum in the Close Arbour of the Queens Garden at Grenewich in the presence of Sir Iohn Hâ—baud and George Digby in Case she would so do and upon her refusal terrifying her with protestations that he would never come at her and that she should never have penny from him It seems that she then had the Custody of this her Son for it was deposed that the Earl tendred her a thousand pounds to deliver him unto Sir Edward Horsey Captain of the Isle of Wiht to be there brought up by him and that she refused As to her Marriage with Sir Edward Stafford a person of great honour and sometime imploy'd as Embassador into France she alledg'd that it was to secure her life having had some ill potions given her which occasion'd the loss of her Hair and Nails and repenting said that she had thereby done the greatest wrong that could be to her self and Son But to these Depositions the Star-Chamber gave little Credit esteeming them to be unduly gained as is evident from the Sentence thereupon given by that Honourable Court the tenor whereof I have here exhibited as I find the Minutes thereof drawn up by the then Register there Paschae 3â— Iac. THE Defendant Drury being a man of a mean condition and desperate fortune to the end to insinuate himself into the favour of the Defendant Sir Robert Dudley and to work his own private gain informed the said Sir Robert Dudley that he was the Legitimate Son and Heir of Robert late Earl of Leicester begotten on the Lady Douglas after lawful Marriage and so was to inherit the Honours Mannours and Lands of the late Earls of Warwick and Leicester and told him that one Magdalen Salisbury was present at the Marriage and would justifie the same on her Oath And Sir Robert not giving credit thereto in respect of the said Drurie's condition he by large promises got a Note under Magdalen's Hand to confirm his report and carried it to Sir Robert Dudley and thereupon Sir Robert gave ear unto the business
Life or his Majesties Pardon the Reversion in Fee being in the Lord Privy Seal But it was not long after that Prince Henry affecting it as the most noble and magnificent thing in the Mid-land parts of this Realm made overture by special Agents to Sir Robert Dudley of his desire to obtain his Title thereto by way of purchase Whereupon in consideration of 14500 l. to be paid within the compass of a Twelve-month certain Deeds were sealed bearing date 21 Nov. 9 Iac. an scil 1611. and Fines levyed setling the Inheritance thereof as also of the Mannor and Lands in Kenilworth together with those of Rudfen Balshall and Long Itchington upon the same Prince and his Heirs with condition that he the said Sir Robert should during his life hold and enjoy the Constableship of that Castle by Patent from the Prince But Prince Henry departing this life shortly after there was not above 3000 l. of that sum ever paid and that to a Merchant which broke so that it never came to Sir Robert Dudley's hands Nevertheless Prince Charles as Heir to his Brother held the possession thereof and in 19 Iac. obtain'd a special Act of Parliament to enable the Lady Alice Wife to Sir Robert in regard she had a Jointure therein to alien all her right unto him as if she had been a feme sole Which accordingly she did by her Deed bearing date 4 Maii 19 Iac. in consideration of 4000 l. assigned to her out of the Exchequer and certain other annual payments Upon the departure of Sir Robert Dudley out of England he took with him as is credibly reported ... the Daughter of Sir Robert Southwell of Wood-â—isting in Com. Norff. Kt. a very beautiful Lady in the habit of a Page whom it is said that he Married in Italy And seating himself within the Territories of the great Duke of Tuscany had by reason of his singular Endowments no little esteem in all those parts For by his means it was that Liburne a small and obscure Village not only grew to be a famous Port but adorn'd with excellent Buildings and to be as eminent a Mart as Scala-Franca in Italy is whereunto the English-Merchants do usually repair for Commerce As also that the Fenns and Marshes in those parts have by his contrivance been happily drained His Fame therefore deservedly spreading into Germany he had by Letters-Patents from his Imperial Majestly Ferdinand the second bearing date at Uienna 9 Martii Anno MDCxx the Title of Duke conferred upon him to be used by himself and his Heirs throughout all the Dominions of the sacred Empire Whereupon he was generally called Duke of Northumberland which Title as Iohn his Grandfather bore though forfeited by Atâ—ainder in the first year of Queen Mary So did he whilst he lived and so doth Charles his eldest Son by the Daughter of Sir Robert Southwell That he was a person of statuâ—e tall and comely also strong valiant famous at the excercise of Tilting singularly skill'd in all Mathematick Learning but chiefly in Navigation and Architecture a rare Chymist and of great knowledge in Physick his learned Works do sufficiently manifest Especially that de Arcanis Maris Printed at Florence in an 1646. and since at Uenice in folio adorn'd with Sculpture Also that of Physick call'd Catholicon of no small esteem with the most skillfull in that profession Nor is his memory a little famous for his Invention of that Powder called Cornachine-Powder touching the virtue whereof the Learned Marcus Cornachinus of Pise hath written and endeavoured to shew that all Corporeal Diseases may be safely and suddenly cured thereby Nor is it less remarkable that his merits were so highly esteem'd of by the great Duke of Tuscany as that he allow'd him an yearly Stipend of little less than a thousand pounds sterling Also that he erected a noble Palace in the City of Florence and that his Daughters by the Wife he took thither aâ—e all of them Married to several Princes of the Empire Moreover that he died at a Palace of the Dukes of Florence two or three Italian-Miles distant from that City in or about the year 1650. And that his Body resteth in the Monastery of Nuns at Boldrone except it be removed to the Church of St. Pancrace in Florence where he rais'd a noble Monument for that Wife with purpose to be there interred himself Likewise that he left to his Sons divers curious Mathematical Instruments chiefly of his own Invention of which they making little use have disposed to the great Duke of Tuscany To countenance which Marriage with M rs Southwell it is said that he did alledge his Marriage with the Lady Alice Leigh to be by the Canon-Law Illegal by reason that he had Carnal knowledge of her during the Life of his first Wife ... Sister to M r Thomas Cavendish the famous Navigator But I return to the Lady Alice his second Wife Leaving her thus in England with the five Daughters he had by her viz. Aliza and Douglas who both died unmarried Katherine afterwards Wedded to Sir Richard Leveson Knight of the Bath Frances to Sir Gilbert Kâ—iveton Knight and Anne to Robert Holborne Esq afterwards Knight and Sollicitor General to King Charles the First she received the said sum of four thousand pounds payable from the Exchequer but of her Annuity in like sort granted there was a great Arrear at the beginning of the late unhappy Troubles For the receipt whereof discerning little hopes and considering that her Husband then alive had the Title of a Duke in those Foreign parts where he did reside representing the same to his late Majesty King Charles the First of blessed memory she obtain'd a grant under the Great Seal of England bearing date at Oxford 23 Maii in the twentieth year of his Reign of the Title of a Dutchess during her natural life and likewise that her Daughters should have place and precedence as Children to a person of that Degree a Copy of which Patent I have thought fit here to exhibite CHarles by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. To all Archbishops Dukes Marquesses Earls Viscounts Bishops Barons Knights and all other our loving subjects to whom these our Letters shall come greeting Whereas in or about the beginning of the Reign of our dear Father King James of famous memory there was a Sute commenced in our High-Court of Star-Chamber against Sir Robert Dudley Knight and others for pretending himself to be lawful Heir to the Honours and Lands of the Earldoms of Warwick and Leicester as Son and Heir of the Body of Robert late Earl of Leicester lawfully begotten upon the Lady Douglass his Mother Wife to the said late Earl of Leicester and all Proceedings stayed in the Ecclesiastical Courts in which the said Sute depended for proof of his Legitimation Yet nevertheless did the said Court vouchsafe liberty to the said Sir Robert to examine Witnesses in the
said Court of Star-Chamber in order to the making good of his Legitimacy and divers Witnesses were examined there accordingly Whereupon by full testimony upon Oath partly made by the said Lady Douglasse her self and partly by divers other persons of quality and credit who were present at the Marriage with the said Late Earl of Leicester by a lawful Minister according to the form of Matrimony then by Law established in the Church of England and the said Sir Robert and his Mother owned by the said late Earl of Leicester as his lawful Wife and Son as by many of the said Depositions remaining upon Record in our said Court still appear which we have caused to be perused for our better satisfaction herein But a special Order being made that the said Depositions should be sealed up and no Copies thereof taken without leave did cause him the said Sir Robert to leave this our Kingdom Whereof his Adversaries taking advantage procured a special Privy-Seal to be sent unto him commanding his return into England Which he not obeying because his Honour and Lands were denied unto him all his Lands were therefore seized on to the King our Father's use And not long afterwards Prince Henry our Dear Brother deceased made overture to the said Sir Robert by special Instruments to obtain his Title by purchase of and in Kenilworth Castle in our County of Warwick and his Mannors Parks and Chases belonging to the same which upon a great under-value amounted as we are credibly informed to about fifty thousand pounds but were bought by the said Prince our Brother in consideration of fourteen thousand five hundred pounds and upon his faithful Engagement and promise of his Princely favour unto the said Sir Robert in the said Cause to restore him both in Honours and Fortunes And thereupon certain Deeds were sealed in the ninth year of the Reign of our said Father and Fines also then were levyed setling the Inheritance thereof in the said Prince our Brother and his Heirs But the said Prince our Brother departing this life there was not above three thousand pounds of the said sum of fourteen thousand five hundred pounds ever paid if any at all to the said Sir Robert's hands and we our selves as Heir to the said Prince our Brother came to the possession thereof And it appearing to our Council that the said Alice Lady Dudley Wife of the said Sir Robert had an Estate of Inheritance of and in the same descendable unto her Posterity in the nineteenth year of our said dear Father's Reign an Act of Parliament was passed to enable the said Lady Alice Wife to the said Sir Robert to alien her Estate which she had by the said Sir Robert therein from her children by the said Sir Robert as if she had been a feme sole which accordingly she did in the nineteeth year of our said Father's Reign in consideration of four thousand pounds and further payments yearly to be made by us to her out of our Exchequer and out of the said Castles and Lands which have not been accordingly paid unto her by us for many years to the damage of the said Lady Alice and her Children to a very great value Which Sir Robert setling himself in Italy within the Territories of the great Duke of Tuscany from whom he had extraordinary esteem he was so much favoured by the Emperour Ferdinand the Second as that being a person not only eminent for his great Learning and Blood but for sundry rare endowments as was well known he had by Letters Patents from his Imperial Majesty the Title of a Duke given unto him to be used by himself and his Heirs for ever throughout all the Dominions of the sacred Empire Which Letters Patents have been perused by our late Earl-Marshall and Heralds And Whereas our Dear Father not knowing the truth of the lawful Birth of the said Sir Robert as we piously believe granted away the Titles of the said Earldoms to others which we now hold not fit to call in question nor ravel into our deceased Father's actions especially they having been so long enjoyed by these Families to whom the said Honours were granted which we do not intend to alter And yet we having a very deep sense of the great injuries done to the said Sir Robert Dudley and the Lady Alice Dudley and their Children and that we are of opinion that in Iustice and Equity the possessions so taken from them do rightly belong unto them or full satisfaction for the same And holding our selves in honour and conscience obliged to make them reparation now as far as our present ability will enable us And also taking into our consideration the said great estate which she the said Lady Alice Dudley had in Kenilworth and sold at our desire to us at a very great under-value and yet not perform'd or satisfied to many thousand pounds damage And we also casting our Princely Eye upon the faithful services done unto us by Sir Richard Leveson Knight of the Bath who hath Married the Lady Catherine one of the Daughters of the said Duke by his said Wife the said Lady Alice Dudley and also the great services which Robert Holburne Esq hath done to us by his learned Pen and otherwise which said Robert Holburne hath Married the Lady Anne one other of the Daughters of the said Duke by his said Wife the Lady Alice Dudley we have conceived our selves bound in honour and conscience to give the said Lady Alice and her Children such Honour and Precedencies as is or are due to them in Marriage or blood And therefore we do not only give and grant unto the said Lady Alice Dudley the Title of Dutchess Dudley for her life in England and other our Realms and Dominions with such Precedencies as she might have had if she had lived in the Dominions of the sacred Empire as a mark of our favour unto her and out of our Prerogative Royal which we will not have drawn into dispute But we do also farther grant unto the said Lady Katherine and Lady Anne her Daughters the Places Titles and Precedencies of the said Dukes Daughters as from the time of their said Father's Creation during their respective lives not only in England but in all other our Kingdoms and Dominions as a testimony of our Princely favour and grace unto them conceiving our selves obliged to do much more for them if it were in our power in these unhappy times of distraction And we require all persons of Honour and other our loving Subjects especially our Earl Marshall Heralds and Officers at Arms to take notice of this our Princely pleasure and to govern themselves accordingly and to cause the said places and precedencies to be quietly enjoyed according to this our gratious intention as they do tender our displeasure and will answer the contempt thereof at their Perils And we further command and require that our said Heralds do make entry of this our pleasure and Grant
of xx l. To the said Preacher and his Successors x l. And to the Chantry Priest of Winburne x l. Likewise where King Henry the Sixth of blessed memory did purpose to have ordained in a place in Cambridge then called God's-House Scholars to the number of threescore there to learn and study in all liberal Science in which place was formerly never above the number of four for lack of exhibition She obtained farther Licence and did found in the same place a Colledge called Christ-Colledge consisting of a Master twelve Scholars-Fellows and forty seven Scholars-Disciples there to be perpetually maintained She also appointed that her Executors should cause to be made in the Chappel where her Body was to be Interred a convenient Tomb and one Altar or two in the same Chappel for those two Chantry-Masses there perpetually to be said Likewise that the Hospital of St. Iohns in Cambridge should be dissolved thereof to found a Colledge of secular persons viz. a Master and fifty Scholars with divers Servants and that the said Colledge should be new built and sufficiently endow'd with Lands For the performance of all which things she willed that her Executors should take the Issues and profits of her Lands put in Feoffment in the Counties of Devon Somerset and Northt And having liv'd to see the Coronation of her Grandson King Henry the Eighth departed this life upon the 29 th of Iune in the first year of his Reign Whereupon she had Burial on the South side of that Royal Chappel according to her appointment with this Epitaph upon her Tomb Margaretae Richmondiae septimi Henrici Matri Octâ—vi Aviae quae stipendia constituit tribus hoc Coenobio Monachis Doctori Grammatices apud Wimborne perque Angliam totam divini verbi Praeconi duobus item Interpretibus literarum sacrarum alteri Oxoniae alteri Cantabrigiae ubi Collegia duo Christo Iohanni ejus discipulo struxit Moritur an Domini 1509. tertio Calend. Iulii Having thus brought this great Lady to her Grave I pass on to Henry Earl of Richmund her Son the happy uniter of the long divided Houses of Yorke and Lancaster who was but fifteen Weeks old at his Father's Death in 35 H. 6. as before is observ'd Of this Earl that which I first find memorable is that upon the readeption of the Throne by King Henry the Sixth in an 1470. 10 E. 4. which he enjoy'd not many Months his Uncle Iasper Earl of Pembroke coming into Wales took him from the Wife of William Herbert whom King Edward gaining the Crown had made Earl of Pembroke with which Lady he had been well educated and brought him to London being then scarce ten years of Age unto King Henry and that he looking stedfastly upon him beheld such a Soveraignty in his Countenance that he prophetically said This is he unto whom we and our Adversaries must give place meaning that he should afterwards enjoy the Crown of this Realm But the Tide soon turning the other way through the restoration of King Edward by those Victories which he obtain'd against the Lancastrians first at Barneâ—-field the same year and soon after at Tewksbury Iasper being closely pursued thought it neither saâ—e for himself nor for this Earl his Nephew to stay longer in England and therefore set Sail with him and some other of his Friends from the Port of Tynby in Pembrokeshire with purpose to get into France but by accident landed in Britanny Whereupon he address'd himself to Francis then Duke of that Province and making known the cause of their coming thither humbly besought his Protection which he most readily granted giving them both very honourable entertainment and promising them full freedom to go and return at their pleasure Of all which King Edward having notice and fearing that in time he might again receive some disturbance from thofe of that party he employ'd Dr. Stillington and two other private Messengers to that Duke with offer of large gifts for the delivery of either of these Earls into his Hands But to this he answered that though he could not assent thereto by reason that he had given them Protection he would be sure to take care that King Edward should not receive any damage thence And finding that his detinue of them there would be of such high consequence remov'd their own Servants placing of his own about them to be in the nature of a Guard Notwithstanding all which King Edward was not yet satisfied and therefore once more by his Embassadors attempted that Duke with fresh offers of most ample Rewards in Case he would deliver him up and to the end that those his desires might seem plauâ—ible instructed them to assure him that there was nothing but good intended therein and that he would match him unto some one of his near relations in blood by which means all discords and animosities betwixt those long divided Families of York and Lancaster might be the better reconciled and all antient feuds be utterly extinguished By which smooth Arguments and earnest Importunities with large Gifts to boot the Duke being at length thoroughly wrought upon delivered him up to them but with Letters of Recommendation to King Edward where in he told him he was sure that he had not given up the Sheep to the Wolf but the Son to the Father so great a confidence had he in his sincerity and that he would Marry Elizabeth his eldest Daughter to him Having therefore thus got this young Gentleman into their Clutches away they hasted to the Port of St. Malos thence to hoise Sale for England the sense whereof so afflicted him that he suddenly fell into an high Feaver But it so hapned that an eminent person of that Country called Iohn Chenlet who had much interest with the Duke being in the Country near at hand and hearing of this business became so apprehensive of the unworthiness of the act as that he posted to the Court with all the speed he could and according to his former usage went immediately to the Duke Yet when he came into his presence stood silent with excessive grief Whereat the Duke much wondring asked him the reason of this his dejected condition Whereunto he answered that his sad Countenance was the Messenger of Death Which quoth he would have been much more tolerable had it hapned before this day that I am reserved for such a weight of sorrow as now by your late scarce credible act doth so heavily oppress me and which will certainly bring me to my death and make me live till then most miserably You have had quoth he the reputation of a worthy and virtuous Prince by reason of your former good Deeds but now alas by your favour you seem to have had the least regard thereof that may be in this
after that called a Parliament wherein he attainted this Earl with all other persons who were fled out of the Realm for fear or otherwise as Enemies to him and to their Native Country Likewise foreseeing his future danger he did not only make peace with the Scots but sent over new Embassadors to the Duke of Britanny with ample rewards for the getting this Earl within the limits of his own power if possible or at least to prevail that the Duke would keep him and those of his friends which then were within his Territories in perpetual prison promising that in consideration thereof he should receive the yearly revenue of all their lands in this Realm But the Duke at that time being much out of order by reason of some infirmity Landoise his Treasurer managed all business of State and thereupon for his own private lucre accepted the offer Which being discovered by the Bishop of Ely at that time sojourning in Flanders he imploy'd Vrswyke into Brittanny to hasten this Earl out of those parts Whereupon being then at Uannes he sent immediately to King Charles the 8. desiring his leave to come into France which being granted he hasted his Nobles before to the Duke of Britanny who then lay for change of air near the borders of France under colour of a friendly visit privately giving charge to his Uncle the Earl of Pembroke the Conductor of his company that when they approacht the skirts of Britanny they should presently get into the adjacent parts of France as they accordingly did and so into Anjou where they staid this Earls coming who departed not from Uannes till two dayes after with only five servants in his company as though he had gone to make a private visit to a friend in some small Village no man suspecting that he had absolutely left the Country in regard so many Gentlemen of his followers were still in that City But after he was ridden five miles on his way turning into a solitary wood he put on the Apparel of one of his servants and as a Page rode on so till he came to Angiers By which means he escaped out of the hands of Landose who the fourth day after not knowing of his departure had provided a certain number of Souldiers under colour of serving him to have laid him fast Of which design when the Duke of Britanny heard being not a little displeased he sent for those English Gentlemen which were so left behind at Uannes and gave them money to defray the charge of their journey from thence to Angiers Being therefore thus supplied with his own Retinâ—e he took his journey to King Charles then at Langes upon the River Loyre of whom he had an Honourable reception with promise of aid And thence removed with him to Montargis Where long he had not been but that Iohn Earl of Oxford a trusty friend to the House of Lancaster who had been kept prisoner in the Castle of Hammes in Picardy getting thence by the favour of Sir Iames Blount the Governour repaired to him After this following the King of France to Paris divers English Gentlemen fled thither for fear or being there to study good literature came also and offered their service to him amongst which was Richard Fox afterwards Bishop of Winchester the Castle of Hammes being likewise delivered up to him by Blount Whereupon King Richard caused the Garrison of Calais to be sent to besiege it Which proved of no inconvenience to this Earl the Souldiers within it making their conditions to march out with Bag and Baggage which somewhat increased his Field-forces Having also obtained some few men and certain money for the payment whereof he left Thomas Marquess Dorset and Sir Iohn Vaughan in pledge he went to Roan making preparation at Harâ—lew an Haven at the mouth of Seine for his adventure into England And having soon after received intelligence out of Wales that Sir Ries ap Thomas a person of great interest in those parts and Sir Iohn Savage an expert Commander would engage themselves in his quarrel Also that Reginald Bray had gotten large sums of money for the payment of his Souldiers wishing him to make all possible speed and to land in some part of that Country Accompanied with two thousand Men he set sail from Harflew in the month of August and on the seventh day ensuing arriv'd at Milford-Haven in Pembroke-shire Whence he marcht to Dalle and so to Haverford-West where he had a joyful reception And before he went thence having News that the Town of Pembroke would assist him he marcht to Cardigan where some Welch Gentlemen came to him with all the power they could make Hereupon he sent messengers to the Lady Margaret his Mother as also to the Lord Stanley her Husband to Sir William Stanley his Brother Sir Gilbert Talbot and other his trusty friends signifying to them his intention to pass the Seâ—erue at Shrewsbury and thence directly to advance for London desiring that they would meet him by the way with all their strength In which passage to Shrewsbury Sir Ries ap Thomas whom he had promised to make Governour in chief of all Wales coming in to him with considerable Forces they marcht from Shrewsbury to Newport Where encamping his Men on an Hill near hand Sir Gilbert Talbot brought to him all the Men and Arms that the young Earl of Shrewsburies interest could make which were about two thousand Thence to Stafford where Sir William Stanley fell in with his Men. Next to Litchfield whence the Lord Stanley hearing of his approach had diâ—lodged about two days before and remov'd to Atherston being somewhat fearful to join with him too soon in regard that King Richard being then at Notingham had his Son the Lord Strange in Hostage and hearing of this Earls advance removed to Leicester Passing from Litchfield to Tamworth there came to him Sir Walter Hungerford and Sir Thomas Bourchier Knights with divers other Men of note who forsook their Captain Sir Robert Brakenbury near Stony-Stratford then on his march towards Notingham Being thus at Tamworth to make sure of the Lord Stanley he rode privately from his Army to Atherston and there meeting in a little close consulted with him in what manner to give Battel to King Richard The same day also came to him Sir Iohn Savage with divers other persons of quality King Richard therefore having intelligence of his motions marcht forthwith from Leicester to Bosworth and about two miles South of that Town marshall'd his whole Army for Battel whereof Iohn Duke of Norfolk and Thomas Earl of Surrey his Son led the Van. This Earl therefore hasting up with his Forces and placing
the Castle of Norwich in 11 E. 2. Moreover in 15 E. 2. he was join'd in commission with Iohn de Vauâ— to make choice of two thousand Foot-Souldiers in the Counties of Norf. and Suff. as also to conduct them to Newcastle upon Tine thence to march against the Scots and in 17 E. 2. was in the Wars of Gascoine In 19 E. 2. he was likewise one of the Commissioners for arraying of men in the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk according to the Statute of Winchester and in 20 E. 2. being again appointed one of the Commissioners of Array in the County of Norfolk receiv'd command for the arming of five hundred Men Foot-Souldiers and Archers with Hactoons Bacinets and Gantlets of iron and to conduct them to the Port of Orwell in Suffolk thence to go to Sea against the French but died in 5 E. 3. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir Which Iohn in 10 E. 3. was constituted Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet from the mouth of Thames to the Northward whereupon he had an assignation of 153 l. 7 s. 6 d. for the Wages of himself with his Men at Arms and Archers in that service and in 21 E. 3. obtain'd a grant for a Market every week upon the Friday at his Mannour of Wygenhale in Com. Norf. and one Fair yearly upon the Eve and day of St. Mary Magdalen In which year he was again constituted Admiral of the whole Fleet to the Northwards To this Iohn succeeded Sir Robert Howard Knight who in 2 R. 2. was committed prisoner to the Tower for deteining Margery de Narford from Alice Lady Nevill her Grandmother with whom upon her petition to the King and Council she had been appointed to remain until the Cause of Divorce betwixt her and Iohn de Brewer should be determined in the Court of Rome This Sir Robert died 3 Iulii 12 R. 2. in his Fathers life time leaving Issue by Margaret his Wife Daughter to Robert Lord Scales Iohn his Son and Heir Which Iohn being soon afterwards a Knight was retein'd to serve the King for his life 10 Martii 12 R. 2. and by Margaret his first Wife Daughter and Heir to Sir Iohn Plaiz Knight had Issue Iohn his Son and Heir Which Iohn was also a Knight and dying in his Father life time left Issue Elizabeth his sole Daughter and Heir married to Iohn Earl of Oxford But after the death of the said Margaret Daughter of Sir Iohn Plaiz this Sir Iohn Howard married h to his second Wife Alice the Daughter and Heir of Sir William Tendring Knight and by her had Issue Robert Who being likewise a Knight married Margaret the Daughter and Coheir to Thomas de Moubray Duke of Norfolk but died in his Fathers life time leaving Issue Iohn Whicn Iohn in 31 H. 6. being then a Knight after the regaining of Burdeaux accompanied Iohn Talbot Vicount L'isle to Blay with twenty two thousand Men and soon after marcht with Iohn Earl of Shrewsbury to the relief of Chastillon then besieg'd by the French were that right valiant Earl had the fate to be slain And was made Sheriff of the Counties of Norf. and Suff. in 1. E. 4. as also Constable of the Castle of Norwich and one of the Kings Carvers with the Fee of xl l. per annum for that service to be received out of the Counties of Norf. and Suff. by the hands of the Sheriff for the time being Having likewise in consideration of his great services a grant in special tail of the Mannours of Leyham and Wherstede in Com. Suff. Smetheton-Hall in Com. Essex Dontishe and Donelyshe in Com. Dorset as also of the Mannour of Moyton-Hall in Com. Norf. all which were then in the Crown by the attainder of Iohn Earl of Wiltshire In 2 E. 4. being appointed together with the Lords Faâ—conbridge Clinton and others to keep the Seas having to the number of ten thousand Men in the Fleet he landed with them in Britanny where they took the Town of Conquet with the Isle of Rethe and in 8 E. 4. being then Treasurer of the Kings Houshold obtained a grant of the whole benefit of that which should accrue to the King by Coynage of Money in the City and Tower of London or elsewhere in the Realm of England to enjoy from the first of October the same year so long as he should continue in that office of Treasurer of the Houshold Also the same year with the Lord Scales Dacres and divers other persons of great quality he attended the Lady Margaret the Kings Sister into Flanders where she was solemnly married to the Duke of Burgundy And in 10 E. 4. bearing the title of Lord Howard the Lancastrians then making head again by reason of the revolt of Richard Nevill that stout Earl of Warwick the Duke of Clarence and others at that time getting into France with purpose to return powerfully he was made Captain-General of all the Kings Forces at Sea for resistance of their attempts In 11 E. 4. he was constituted Deputy-Governour of Calais and the marches adjacent unto William Lord Hastings and in 12 E. 4. first summon'd to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm In 13 E. 4. he was joined in Commission with the same Lord Hastings and others to treat with Charles Duke of Burgundy or his Agents at Bruges in Flanders for composing certain differences betwixt the subjects of England and those of that Duke And in 14 E. 4. retein'd by Indenture to serve the King in his Dutchy of Normandy and Realm of France for one whole year with xx Men at Arms and CC. Archers In which year upon the Peace concluded betwixt both Crowns it was covenanted that King Edward after the enterview and receipt of two thousand Crowns should return into England and leave in hostage till he had passed the Seas this Lord Howard and Sir Iohn Cheney Master of the Horse It was also then agreed that a Pension of six thousand Crowns should be divided betwixt the King of Englands principal servants whereof this Lord Howard had part he being at that time appointed one of the Commissioners for setting forth the place for the enterview at Picquigny which was to be upon the xxix of August following It is noted by Comines that the King of France giving great presents to all Embassadors that came to him he bestowed on this Lord Howard over and above his Pension no less than twenty four thousand Crowns in money and plate in two years Nevertheless in all his transactions he behaved himself with such fidelity and prudence as that in farther consideration thereof in 15 E. 4. he obtained a grant in special tail of the Mannours of Prestone Cokeâ—eld Aldam and Mendam in Com.
of the said Edward And the next day following was created Duke of Somerset and to the heirs male of his body by the before-specified Anne As also upon the seventeenth of February Earl Marshal of England for life Moreover upon the 12 th of March following he had a Patent for that great Office of Protector and Governor of the King and Realmes And upon the third of November next ensuing a special grant that he should sit alone and be placed at all times as well in the King's presence in Parliament as in his absence upon the midst of the Bench or stool standing next on the right hand the King 's Seat-royal in his Parliament Chamber Shortly after which he was sent into Scotland with Ten thousand foot and Six thousand horse besides Thirteen hundred Pioneers and Artificers and fifteen Brass pieces of Ordnance and on the third of September made an hostile entrance into that Realme the design thereof being to procure a Marriage betwixt King Edward and the young Queen But the Scots refusing the offer gave Battel to the English at Muscâ—eborough where they receiv'd a mighty overthrow In 2 E. 6. by another Patent bearing date 24 Dec. he was again constituted Protector both of the King's person and the whole Realme during his minority Thus have we beheld his Rise Now follows the story of his fall but before I proceed to speak of that I shall take notice of the Character which an eminent Historian gives of him He was a man saith he little esteemed either for Wisdome Personage or Courage in Armes but being in favour with King Henry and by him much imployed was alwayes observed to be both Faithful and Fortunate as well in giving advise as in managing a charge About five years before being Warden of the Marches against Scotland the Invasion of James the Fifth was by his direction encountered and broken at Selome-Mosse where divers of the Scotish Nobility were taken prisoners The next year after he and the Earl of Warwick with an handful of men to speak of fired Lieth and Edenborough and returnâ—d by a leisurely march forty four miles through the body of Scotland The year next ensuing he invaded the Scotish borders wasted Tividale and the Marches and deformed the Country with 〈◊〉 and spoile The year then next following being appointed to view the Fortifications upon the 〈◊〉 of Calais he not only did that but with the hardy approach of Seven thousand Englishmen raised an Army of One and twenty thouâ—â—â—â— French encamped over the River before Boâ—ome 〈◊〉 their Ordnance Carriage Treasure and Tents with the loss only of one man and returning from thence by Land to Guisnes won in his way within 〈◊〉 and rescue of Arde the Castle of Outing commonly called the Red-pile The year next ensuing this he invaded and spoiled Picardy began the Forts of Newhaven 〈◊〉 and Buâ—â—â—ngberge and so well applyed his endeavors that in a few weeks and 〈◊〉 his departure they were made tenable Vpon thâ—se and other the like successes his succeeding 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 esteemed alwayes rather new 〈…〉 his only presence was reputed a a sufficient surety for an Army And yet did he never rise hereby either in haughtiness in himself or contempt of others but remained courteous and affable choosing a course least subject to envy betwixt stiff stubborness and filthy flattery never aspiring higher than to be the second person in State But after all this Honor Greatness and prosperous success in those his high imployments comes now the Tragick part of his life which was short and woful to be spoke of his absolute ruine being both projected and perfected as all our Historians do agree by the subtile artifices of Iohn Vicount L'isle afterwards Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland to make way for his own ambitious and aspiring designs Which when he had so far accomplisht as in all humane probability he fully expected to have reapt the benefit whereat he aimed the like fatal destruction and no less sudden fell deservedly on himself as in its proper place is already sheâ—â—d And now to the matter in the words of my Author This Duke had a Brother called Thomas Lord Seymour of Sudley Lord High Admiral of England of whom I shall more particularly speak by and by Which Thomas was a person of great courage Courtly in fashion in Personage stately in voice magnificent but somewhat empty of Matter Both of them being so well affected to the King that the one might well be term'd his Sword the other his Target The Duke greatest in favour with the People the Lord Sudly most respected by the Nobility both highly esteemed by the King both fortunate alike in their advancements both ruin'd alike by their own vanity and folly Whilst these two Brethren held in amity they were like two Armes the one defending the other and both of them the King But many things did move together to dissolve their love and bring them to ruine first their contrary dispositions the one being tractable and milde the other stiff and impatient of a Superior whereby they lived but in cunning concord as Brothers glued together but not united in grain Much secret envy was borne against them for that their new lustre did dim the light of men honoured with antient Nobility They were openly minded as hasty and soon moved so uncircumspect and easie to be ruin'd By these the knot not only of Love but of Nature between them was dissolv'd so much the more pity for that the first cause proceeded from the pride the haughty hate the unquiet vanity of a Mannish or rather of a Develish woman For the Lord Sudley had taken to wife Katherine Parre Queen Dowager to King Henry the Eighth a woman adorn'd with many excellent virtues especially humility the beauty of all other The Duke had taken to wife Anne Stanhope a woman for many imperfections intolerable but for pride monstrous She was exceeding both subtile and violent in accomplishing her ends for which she spurned over all respects both of Conscience and Shame This woman did bear such invincible hate first against the Queen Dowager for light causes and womens quarrels especially for that she had precedency of place before her being wife to the greatest Peer in the Land next to the Lord Sudley for her sake that albeit the Q. Dowager dyed by Child-birth yet would not her malice either die or decrease but continually she rub'd into the Duke's dull capacity That the Lord Sudley dissenting from him in opinion of Religion sought nothing more than to take away his life as well in regard of the common cause of Religion as thereby haply to attain his place Many other things she boldly feigned being assured of easie belief in her heedless hearers alwayes fearful and suspicious as of feeble spirit but then more than ever by reason of some late opposition against him Her perswasions she cunningly
I triumph beseeching him that his Church in this Realm being now reformed according to the Institution of the antient Primitive the Members thereof may conform their lives to the purity of its received Doctrine More he would have said but a strange Tumult and suddain consternation of the Assembly interrputed him which being passed over he suffered with admirable constancy neither by voice gesture nor contenance shewing himself any way dejected or moved at the apprehention of death That his death was generally lamented is manifest many there were who kept Handkarchefs dipped in his Blood as so many sacred Reliques Amongst the rest a sprightful Dame two years after when the Duke of Northumberland was led captive through the City for his opposition against Queen Mary run to him in the Streets and shaking out her bloody Hankerchief before him said Behold the Blood of that worthy Man that good Vncle of that excellent King which shed by thy treacherous machination now at this instant begins to revenge it self upon thee As for his life saith Godwin he was a pious just Man very zealous in point of Reformation very sollicitous of the Kings safety every way good and careful of the Weal publick only a little tainted with the Epidemique of those times who thought it Religion to reform the Church as well in its exuberancy of means as of superstitious Ceremonies whereof not a few of our Cathedrals to this day complain Thus far Goodwin He had two Wives the first called Katherine Daughter and Co-heir to Sir William Fillol of Woodland in Com. Dors. Knight by whom he had Issue two Sons Edward Seamour of Bery-Pomeric in Com. Devon and Iohn the posterity of which Edward do still remain in thole parts The second Anne Daughter of Sir Edward Stanhope of Shelford in Com. Nott. Knight by whom he had Issue three Sons Edward afterwards Earl of Hertford Henry who Married Ioane Daughter to Thomas Earl of Northumberland and another Edward And six Daughters Anne fifth married to Iohn Dudley commonly called Earl of Warwick eldest Son to Iohn Duke of Northumberland and afterwards to Sir Edward Vmpton Knight of the Bath Margaret and Iane who died unmarried Mary first Wedded to Andrew Rogers eldest Son to Sir Richard Rogers of Brianston in Com. Dors. Knight and after to Sir Henry Payton Knight Catherine died unmarried and Elizabeth who became the second Wife to Sir Richard Knightley of Fausley in Com. North. Knight ¶ I should now go on with the Descendants of this great Duke but considering that Thomas his younger Brother had no Issue shall first take notice of what is most memorable of him In 32 H. 8. upon that triumphal justing at Westminster on May day being then a Knight he was one of the Challengers to all comers from France Flanders Scotland and Spaine And in the Month of Iuly 35 H. 8. accompanied Sir Iohn Wallap as Marshal with six thousand Men which were sent over in aid of the Emperor against the French In which year being one of the Gentlemen of the Kings Privy Chamber he was also constituted Master of the Ordnance for life with the fee of two hundred Marks per annum and eight pence per diem for two servants attending him in that Office And in 37 H. 8. obtained a Grant of a certain Mansion scituate in the Strand without Temple-Bar then called Hampton-Place alias Bath-place parcel of the possessions of William late Earl of Southampton but since coming to the Earls of Arundel for that respect called Arundel-House In 38 H. 8. he was Knight Marshal of thole Foprces sent into France under the conduct of Eeward Earl of Hertford as also one of those whom the King upon his death-bed appointed Assistants to his Executors especially in matters of great consequence and in 1 E. 6. 16 Feb. was advanced to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Seymour of Sudley as also made Lord high Admiral of England But soon after this he fell For having Married Catherine Parr the Widdow of the deceased King great emulation hapned betwixt Anne the Wife of his elder Brother Edward Duke of Somerset at that time Protector of the King and Realm the Duke being a person mild free open and no ways malicious this Thomas then Admiral naturally turbulent fierce and ambitious conceiving himself of the two the fitter for publick Government whereupon presently after the death of King Henry through his own over-weaning conceits he resolved to add a luster to his good parts by Marrying the Lady Elizabeth as yet indeed fearce Marriageable but Protector wisely considering how rash and perillous this Project was frustrated that design And by his after Marriage with Catherine a most beautiful and noble Lady abounding with Wealth befitting her dignity most Men were confident that the gulf of his vast desires would have been satisfied But the Law whereby he was condemned though peradventure enacted by strength of â—action will manifest the contrary Having therefore thus fortified himself with Money and Friends and deeming his Brothers lenity to be 〈◊〉 he began to behold him with the eye of contempt and to cast about how to disposâ—ss him of the Saddle and being of like degree in consanguinity to the King to enjoy the seat himself To the furtherance of which project he held it conducible secretly to villifie and traduce the Protectors actions to corrupt the Kings servants especially if in any degree of favor by fair words and large promises by degrees to assure himself of the Nobility to secure his Castle of Holt with a Magazin of warlick provision but above all to take care for Money the nerves of War and assurance of Peace Tâ—â—se things having been ordered with exact diligence and for supply of coyne the Exchequer mightily pilled he unmasked himself to some of the Nobility signifying his intent of setling himself at the Stern by forcible seising on the Kings person Nay his madness so transported him that to one of them conditionally that his assistance were not wanting to the advancement of his designs he promised that the King should marry his Daughter In the mean time the Queen his Wife being in September 2 E. 6. delivered of a Daughter died in Child Bed but not without suspition of Poyson for after her death he more importunately sought the Lady Elizabeth than ever eagerly endeavoring to procure her consent to a clandestine Marriage as was that with the deceased Queen and not untill after the Nuptials to crave the assent of the King or Lords of the Council But this his project being opportunely discovered and a Parliament assembled he was by the authority thereof committed to the Tower and without any trial condemned Shortly after which the Parliament being on the fourteenth of March An. 1549 3 E. 6. dissolved he was on the sixth day after publickly beheaded having first vehemently protested that he never
the Regent of Flanders to that Duke bearing date 21 Oct. for his free passage And in 16 H. 8. was at the Battel of 〈◊〉 where King Francis of France had the fate to be overthrown and taken prisoner by the Duke of 〈◊〉 In 24 H. 8. he attended the King to Calaiâ— and so to Bâ—loine where King Francis gave great Entertainment to King Henry and he to him at Calais and Sandingfeild After this for divers years I have not seen any farther mention of him so that I presume during that time he was much employ'd beyond the Seas for so it seemes by divers Letters out of Italy and other parts being without any date as was the use in those dayes But in 29 H. 8. being made Comptroller of the Kings Houshold he was sworn of the Privy-Council 8 Nov. and upon the 29 of March following advanced to the title and dignity of a Baron of this Realm Standing therefore thus highly in the favour of that King in 31 H. 8. upon that wonderful dissolution of the greater Monasteries he obtain'd a Grant bearing date 4 Iulii to himself and Anne his wife and to the heirs of their two Bodies lawfully begotten of the whole Site and Circuit of the rich Abby of our Lady and St. Rumon of Tavestoke in Com. Devon As also of the Burrough and Town of Tavestoke and of the Mannors of Hundewyke Morwell and Morwell-Ham Mylton Abbot alias Mylton Legh Lamerton Hole Bren-â—orr UUyke Dabernon Peter-Stavye Ottrew alias Otterye UUhitchurch and Newton with the Hundred of Hurdewyke otherwise called the Hundred of Tavestoke As Also of the Rectory and Vicaridge of Tavestoke Likewise of the Mannor of Antony in Com. Cornub. And of the Burrough of Denbury with the Mannors of Denbury Plymstoke UUorington Cowyke Exwyke Barleigh Olderige Cave-Linch UUhymple Wood-Marston Christenstowe Borington and Cornewode all in Com. Devon and pertaining to the same dissolved Monastery of Tavestoke Also of the Mannor of Hawkewell in Com. Somerset with all the Mines of Tin and Lead in Denbury and Plymstoke the Advousons of the Rectories-Appropriate and not Appropriate and divers other Lands parcel of the dissolved Monastery of Donkiswell in Com. Devon Likewise of the House of the Friers-Preachers in Exeter with the Church c. paying Thirty six pounds per annum to the Court of Augmentation and Two hundred forty eight pounds more for all services And upon the fifteenth of October next ensuing of the Mannor of Cory Fitzpain with the moiety of the Advouson of the Church of Charlton Makerel in Com. Somerset in Fee Also of the Mannor of Abbots Aston in Com. Buck belonging to the dissolved Abby of St. Albans in Com. Hertf. About this time likewise he was made Warden of the Stannaries in Com. Devon and Cornwall And in 32 H. 8. being then Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter was constituted Lord Admiral of England and Ireland 28 Iulii Furthermore upon the establishing a Council in the Western parts of the Realm he was made President of the Counties of Devon Cornwall Dorset and Somerset And in the same thirty second year upon differences betwixt King Henry and King Francis of France was sent over into those parts accompanied with William E. of Southampton and a few Troopes of Northern Horse Monsieur de Vendosâ—â— having then command to raise Forces in Picardy Likewise not long after viz. in 34 H. 8. 3 Dec. he was made Lord Keeper of the King's privy-Seal and in 36 H. 8. Captain-General of the Vant-guard of his Army for that Expedition into France Boloin being then won But some say though by mistake I presume that he led the Reare-ward at that time Which Army was appariled in Blew-Coates guarded with Red with Caps and Hose party-coloured their Caps being fitted to their Head-pieces In 38 H. 8. he was by that King then lying on his Death-Bed appointed one of the Sixteen Councellors to his Son Prince Edward and in 1 E. 6. 17 Febr. constituted Lord High-Steward of England for the 20 th of February being the day of his Coronation Upon that Insurrection in 2 E. 6. occâ—sion'd by the pulling down of Images he was sent with Forces into Devonshire Where attempting to releive the City of Exeter then besieg'd by the Country people he had a sharp skirmish with them at Fennynton-Bridge in which with little loss he slew six hundred releiv'd that City and took to the number of Four thousand prisoners And meriting so highly for his many great services was advanc'd to the dignity of Earl of Bedford upon the nineteenth of Ianuary 3 E. 6. After which the next ensuing year he was one of the four Embassadors sent to Guisnes in France there to meet with the like number from the French to treat of Peace betwixt both Realms And in 5 E. 6. there 〈◊〉 a discovery of some Intentions to transport the Lady Mary the King's Sister from England to Antwerp divers persons being sent with Forces to the Sea-coasts for prevention thereof and some into Essex where she then lay amongst those he had the command of Two hundred men After this upon the death of that King and Coronation of Queen Mary he obtain'd a new Patent bearing date 3 Nov. for that great Office of Lord Privie-Seale and in 2 Mariae was sent into Spain to attend King Philip in order to his Nuptials with her By his Testament he assigned no particular place for his Sepulture appointing only that his Body should be interred in Christian-Burial and gave to the Lord Francis his eldest son his Collar and Robes of the Garter with his Parliament-Robes and departing this life 14 Martii the same year at his House situate betwixt the Hospital call'd the Savoy and Ivy-bridge in the Strand London sometime the Bishop of Carlisles Inne but since re-built by Sir Robert Cecill Principal Secretary of State to Q. Elizabeth and was buried at Cheneys in Com. Buck which Lordship he had in right of Anne his wife daughter and sole heir to Sir Guy Sapcotes Knight leaving issue Francis his son and heir Which Anne surviving him by her Testament bearing date 19 Aug. 5 6 Ph. M. bequeathed to the Lord Edward Russel her Grandson her Mannor of Thornhawe and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten I now come to Francis his son and successor in his Honors At the Coronation of King Edward the Sixth he was one of the Knight of the Bath then made and in 1 Mariae his Father then living with Sir Maurice Berkley Sir William Fitz Williams and Sir Henry Nevill Knight Proclaimed Q. Mary putting themselves in Arms on her behalf as appeareth by Letters from the Lords of the Council then at London who promised to joyn with them if opposition should be made she
sold them And in 31 H. 8. being then a Knight obtained a Grant of the chief Stewardship of the Mannors of Grafton and Hertwell in Com. North. with the keepership of the Parks there as also of the Mannors of Wytham Weston on the Green and Botley in Com. Oxon. And in 38 H. 8. was constituted chief supervisor of all the Swans within the River of Thames and all other waters in England excepting those of the Dutchy of Lancaster Moreover in 36 H. 8. he had a special Patent for reteyning of ten persons Gentlemen and Yeomen in his Houshold and to give Livery Badges to them and in 38 H. 8. another Grant bearing date 2 Ian. of the office of Treasurer of the Court of Augmentation Furthermore in 2 E. 6. he was made Stewâ—rd of all the Lands belonging to Robert then Bishop of Oxford the remainder to Francis his Son with an annual Salary of six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence for that service And upon the death of King Edward the Sixth being one of the first that appeared for Queen Mary in consideration thereof and other his faithful services to that Queen was solemnly created Lord Williams of Came at her Palace of St. Iames 's upon the fifth day of April in the first year of her Reign though his Patent be not enrolled having also his Writ of Summons to the Parliament then siting at Westminster which began by Prorogation upon the second day of that Month where he took his place the same fifth day accordingly After which before the end of that year surrendring his Office of Treasurer of the Court of Augmentation he had a Grant from that Queen of three hundred and twenty pounds per annum in lieu thereof during his life and upon her Marriage with King Philip of Spaine was made Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold to that King Nor had he less favor from Queen Elizabeth being in the first year of her Reign constituted Lord President of her Council in the Principality of Wales and Marches of the same Whereupon he went to Ludlow and there residing by his Testament bearing date 18 Martii the same year bequeathed to his Executors for ever the Inheritance of the impropriate Rectoriâ—s and Parsonages of Brill Oâ—eley Burstall and East-â—eston to found a Freeâ— School in the Town of Tame and with the profits thereof to provide a School-Master and an Usher for ever As also certain Lands in Syâ—enham for the augmentation of the Almes-house in Tame and increase of the maintenance for the poor therein He likewise bequeathed to the Earl of Bedford all his Armor for his own Body and his Bay Courser with the Furniture and Sword pertaining to the same Armor To his Daughters Norris and Wenman each of them one standing Cup with a cover gilt and to his Brother the Lord Wentworth his best Gown â—urred with Sables Of which Testament amongst others he constituted Robert d' Oylie of Merton and William Playce of Lurgyshall in com Buck. his Executors who purchasing other Lands for the support of the same School and Almes house to the yearly value of fifty seven pounds two shillings and five pence enâ—eoffed the Warden and Schollars of New-Colledge in Oxford and their Successors therein to the uses before-mentioned Appointing that the nomination of the Head Schoolmaster should be by the same Robert d' Oylie and William Playce and the Survivor of them but afterwards by the Warden and Scholars of New-Colledge and their Successors for ever And to have yearly for his Stipend the summe of twenty six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence and the Usher thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence to be paid quarterly Which Almes-House to consist of five poor Men and one Woman towards whose maintenance the summe of seven pounds and four shillings yearly was given and a new Gown every fourth year with eight shillings per annum for the keeping of his Tombe Departing this life in the Castle at Ludlow 14 Oct. next ensuing the date of this his Testament he was buried in the midst of the Chancel at Tame where standeth a fair Tombe erected to his memory whereon do lye the Portraitures of himself and one of his Wives in white Marble but with their heads towards the East and on the one side thereof upon a Plate of Brass this Inscription Epitaphium domini Iohannis Williams equitis aurati Baronis à Thame qui obiit xiv die Oct. An. Dom. 1559. Parva tegit cineres Gulielmidis urna Iohannis Null a tegent tanti secula facta viri Quem dotes animi fortunae dotibus ultro Ornavit sortis munere plus meritum Nam potuit virtus meritis si acquirere fortis Munera divitias vir bonus Ecce tulit Tam bonus ut merito cunctis charissimus esset Ordinibus titulis major ille suis. Si quaeris stirpe satus non vilis Equestri Factus eques Procerum post procer unus erat Regum aeri Questor Regali exinde cubili Postremum Cambro praefuit populo The Plate of Brass on the other side being torn away by the Souldiers in the time of the late usurpation This Iohn Lord Williams had two Wives first Elizabeth widdow of Andrew Edmonds of Cresing-Temple in Com. Essex Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Bledlow by Elizabeth his Wife one of the Daughters and Co-heirs of Sir Humphry Starkey Knight chief Baron of the Exchequer Son and Heir of Thomas Bledlow Sheriff of the City of London in An. 1472. 12 E. 4. Which Elizabeth departing this life 25 Oct. An. 1556. 3. 4. Ph. M. was buried in the Chapel at Ricot the chief Mourner at her Funeral being her Daughter Isabel assisted by Mr. Reginald Williams Brother to this Lord Williams By this Elizabeth he had Issue two Sons Henry who Married Anne Daughter to Henry Lord Stafford and Francis but died both of them in his life time and two Daughters Isabell Married to Sir Richard Wenman Knight and Margery to Henry Lord Norris To his second Wife he weded Margery Daughter of Thomas Lord Wentworth by whom he had no Issue Which Margery surviving him afterwards became the Wife of Sir William Darcie Knight and lastly of Sir Iohn Crofts Knight Lord North. 1 Mariae OF this Family I have not seen any thing till 22 H. 8 that Edward North Son to Roger North of Walkringham in Com. Nott. Esquire and Sir Brian Tuke Knight were constituted Clerks of the Parliament Which Office they surrender'd in 32 H. 8. this Edward being then Treasurer of the Court of Augmentation but in 36 H. 8. he was a Knight and Chancellor of that Court. With which King he had such high esteem as that amongst divers of the Nobility and others whom he most trusted being upon his death-bed he
of August the same year confirmed in his office of Master of the Wards In 2 Iac. 20 Aug. he was created Vicount Cranburne at Whitehail being the first of that degree that ever used a Coronet and in 3 Iac. 4 Maii Earl of Salisbury at Greenwich Also 4 Maii 6 Iac. Lord Treasure of England he was likewise Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter and Chancellor of the University of Cambridge And having married Elizabeth daughter of William Brooke Lord Cobham by whom he had issue one son called William and Frances a daughter married to Henry Lord Clifford then son and heir apparent to Francis Earl of Cuâ—berland dyed at Marlborough on sunday 24 Maii An. 1612. 10 Iac. and was buried at Hatfeild in com Hertf. To whom succeeded William his son and heir which William took to Wife Catherine the youngest daughter to Thomas Howard Earl of Suffolk by whom be had issue seaven sons Iames who died young Charles Robert Philip William Algernon and Edward and five daughters Anne wife of Algernon Earl of Northumberland and Elizabeth married to William Earl of Devon David who died unmarried Catherine to Philip Lord L'isle son and heir to Robert Earl of Leicester and Mary to William Lord Sandys Which Charles dying in his life time married Iane daughter and coheir to Iames Maxwell one of the Grooms of the Bedchamber to King Charles the first afterwards made Earl of Derlton in Scotland and by her had issue seven sons viz. Iames who succeeded his Grandfather as also Robert Charles William Edward Henry and George all dead unmarried Likewise five daughters Catherine married to the Earl of Renoule in Scotland Frances Diana Penelope and Elizabeth who all three dyed young This William Earl of Salisbury being Knight of the Garter died the third of December An. 1668. and was buried at Hatfeild before-mentioned To whom succeeded Iames his grandson who married Margaret one of the daughters to Iohn now Earl of Rutland and by her hath issue four sons Iames Robert William and Charles and four daughters Catherine Francis Mary and Margaret Bartu Lord Willoughby of Eresby 22 Eliz. HAving in my discourse of the antient Lords Willoughby already shewed that Catherine the sole Daughter and heir to William the last Lord Willoughby of Ereâ—by first became the fourth wife of Charles Braundon Duke of Suffolk but by him left no surviving issue and afterwards of Richard Bartue Esquire from whom by her a noble off-spring is since descended I shall now take notice of what I have seen most memorable of this Richard As to his Parentage he was son to Thomas Bertu of Berested in Kent Captain of Hurst-Castle in the Isle of Wiht and had his Education first in Corpus Christ Coll. Oxon. of which House he was a Fellow and afterwards under Thomas Wriothesley Earl of Southampton sometime Lord Chancellor of England Being a person singularly accomplisht as may seem by his abilities in the French Italian and Latin Tongues he happily gained the affections of this great Dutchess a Lady most zealous for the Reformation begun in the time of King Edward the sixth Which being discerned by Stephen Gardner after that by Queen Mary he was restored to his Bishoprick of Winchester he was sent for by him in the first year of her Reign and amongst some questions touching his Religion askt Whether the Lady his Wife was now as ready to set up Mass as she had been to pull it down when in her progress she caused a Dog in a Rochet to be carried and called by his name Whereupon having advertisement by his friends that the Bishop meant to call the Dutchess his wife to an account of her Faith and fore-seeing the danger he made means to get the Queens licence to travail beyond sea under colour of looking after such Debts as were due from the Emperor to the late Duke of Suffolk his Ladies former Husband And having obtained it passed the â—eas at Dover about the beginning of Iune the same year leaving her behind who afterwards in Ianuary next ensuing went by five of the clock in the morning from her house in Barbâ—can in the habit of a mean Merchants wife to Lyon-Key taking with her her only daughter an Infant of one years old four of her meanest Men servants viz. one a Greek by birth an Horse-Rider the second a Joyner the third a Brewer the fourth a fool belonging to her Kitching also one Gentlewoman and one Laundress Thence passing to Leigh in Essex she there took Ship and after much tossing by contrary winds and no little danger by searchers landed in Brabant where she apparail'd her self and her women like those of that Country with Hukes And thence with her Husband whom she met there went to Santon in â—leveland Where staying a while and discerning that they were like to be questioned for their Religion by the Bishop of Arras they were necessitated to hast away on foot with the Child and two of the servants to Wesel a Hanse-Town in the Duke of Cleve's Dominion priviledged with a Company of the Still-yard London-Merchants to which place divers Walloons were also fled having for their Minister one Francis Perusel who had formerly received some curtesies in England from this Dutchess But being got thither extreamly weather beaten with rain and going from Inn to Inn for lodging could obtain none by reason he was suspected for a Lance-Knight and she his woman Resolving therefore to get shelter in the Church-Porch and to buy Coals to warm them there they hapned in the way to hear two young men speak Latine of whom in that Language inquiring to some Walloons house they were happily brought to the very house where Mr. Perusel had supped that night and then was In which being kindly entertained they changed Apparel with the good man and his wife and hired a House in that Town having got a protection from the Magistrats for their stay there But being at length known they could not with safety continue longer by reason of the Lord Pagets contrivance with the Duke of Brunswick to surprize them who was topass that way with some Troops for the Arch-Dukes service against the French Of which having private notice by Sir Iohn Mason the English Resident in the Netherlands they suddenly hasted to a Town called Winherm in High-Dutch-land in the Palsgâ—ave's dominion where they staid till their necessaries began to fail But at length in the midst of their despair received Letters from the Palatine of Uilua and the King of Pole who had heard of their distress by a Baron named Iohn Alasco sometime Resident in England with tender of large Curtesies in order to this great journey they consulted with Dr. Barlow afterwards Bishop of Chichester offering to make him their companion therein and thereupon sent
until the French Wars should cease And in An. 1564. 6 Eliz. was made choice of for one of the Knights Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter In 10 Eliz. he was constituted Deputy of Ireland 7 Apr. and being there upon the Rebellion of Shan O Nele had command to march against him which he did with good success In 17 Eliz. he was again made Deputy of Ireland 5 Aug. So likewise in 18 Eliz. To this brief account I shall succinctly point at what Holingshead hath from Edmond Molineux who took particular notice of the most remarkable passages of his life He was saith he from his Infancie bred and brought up in the Princes Court even as a Companion and many times a Bedfellow with him and afterwards when Prince Edward attained the Crown was made principal Gentleman of His Privy-chamber As to his other imployments he was sent Embassador to the French King Henry the Second and at sundry times not long after again into France and sometimes into Scotland Likewise four times made Lord Justice of Ireland and thrice Deputy for that Realm In his first Deputation â—e suppressed the Rebellion of Sâ—an O Nele and set the Head of that Rebâ—â— on the top of the Castle at Dublin In the second he quelled the Insurrection of the Butlâ—rs and in the third the Commotion made by the Earl of 〈◊〉 and his sons Upon his first arrival as Deputy there he put in execution the Laws for abolishing of Coin and Liverie and devised that the remoter Provinces should be Governed by Presidents He also devised the distribution of the Country into Shires for the Currencie of Her Majesties Writs And buile the Bridge of Athlon over that great and swiâ—t River of Shâ—nor He began the Walling and Fortifying of the Town of Carricfergus in Ulster recdified the Town of Atheurie in Conaught strengthned Athlon with Gates and other Fortifications laid the Foundation of the Bridge at Caterâ—ogh made a strong Goale at Molingar and Wall'd it about with Stone for the safe custody of Rebels Theives and other Malefactors He likewise built convenient roomes in the Castle of Dublin for the preservation of the Records of that Realm which before lay neglected causing the Statutes of Ireland to be first publisht in Print And in his passage from Ludlow by Beaudley to Worcener by water taking cold after seven dayes lying sick at the Bishop's Palace there departed this life the fifth day of May An 1586. 28 Eliz. being at that time 57 years of age wanting one moneth and fifteen dayes Whence his corps being convey'd to Penshurst in Kent was there interred the Twentieth day of Iune next following But his Heart was carried back to Ludlow and there buried in the Tombe of his daughter Ambrosia in a little Oratorie of the semi-Collegiate Church there Thus farr Holigsh Having been Lord President of Wales for many years he repaired the Castle at Ludloâ—r then in great decay and erected divers new buildings therein And having married the Lady Mary eldest daughter to Iohn Duke of Northumberland who died upon the ninth of August next ensuing his decease by her had issue three sons Sir Philip Sir Robert and Sir Thomas Sidney all Knights and one surviving daughter called Mary married to Henry Earl of Pembroke Which Sir Philip after Queen Elizabeth had taken the Dutch into her Protection and sent divers Auxiliaries for their service against the Spaniard was made Governor of Flushing a chief Port of Zeland and afterwards being mortally wounded at a Battel near Zutpher in Geiderland upon the 22 th of Sept. An. 1586. 28 Eliz. died at Arnhem upon the sixteenth of October following not many moneths after his Father Whereupon his Corps being convey'd over into England were interred with great honor above the Quire in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in London with no little lamentation of all good men by reason he was a person of extraordinary merit for his great learning and other admirable parts leaving issue by Francis his wife daughter and heir to Sir Francis Walsingham Knight one sole daughter and heir called Elizabeth married to Roger Earl of Rutland Robert his brother succeeding him as next heir male Of whom that which I first find memorable of him is that in An. 1589. 31 Eliz. he was made Governor of Flushing and the Fort called Ramkyns which Queen Elizabeth then had as Cautionary-places by reason of the aid she gave to the Dutch against the Spaniard and in An. 1597. 40 Eliz. being joyn'd in command with Sir Francis Vere over those English Auxiliaries which had been sent against the Spaniard in aid of Prince Maurice of Nassau he shared in the honor of that Victory then obtain'd at Turnholt in Brabant wherein Two thousand Neopolitans and Germans with their General were slain And by Letters Patent bearing date 13 Maii 1 Iac. was advanced to the degree of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Sidney of Penshurst in Kent Upon the 24 th of Iuly the same year it being the day of the King 's and Queen's Coronation he was made Lord Chamberlain to the Queen And upon the Fourth of May 3 Iac. created Vicount L'isle On the 7 th of Iuly An. 1616. 14 Iac. he was installed Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter and upon the second of August 16 Iac. dignified with the Title of Earl of Leicester the Ceremony of his Creation being perform'd in the Hall of the Bishop's Palace at Salisbury This Earl married two wives first Barbara daughter and heir to Iohn Gamage of Coytie in Com. Glamorgan Esquire by whom he had issue three sons Sir William Sidney Knight who died unmarried Henry who died in his infancie and Sir Robert Sidney made Knight of the Bath at the Creation of Henry Prince of 〈◊〉 As also eight daughters Mary married to Sir Robert Wroth of Durance in Com. Mid. Knight Catherine to Sir Lewes Mansel Son to Sir Thomas Mansell of Morgan in Com. Glamorgan Knight Elizabeth died unmarried Philippa wife of Sir Iohn Hobert eldest son of Sir Henry Hobert Knight Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas Bridget and Alice died young Barbara wedded to Thomas Smith of Ostenhanger in Com. Cantii Esquire afterwards made Vicount Strangford in Ireland and Vere who died in her childhood And to his second wife ... widow of Sir Thomas Smith Knight a younger son to Customer Smith He died at Penshurst 13 Iulii An. 1626. 2 Car. 1. and was there buried Robert Sidney now Earl of Leicester hath had issue by the Lady Dorothy his wife daughter to Henry late Earl of Northumberland four sons Philip Robert Algernon and Henry and eight dâ—ughters Dorothy married to Henry Earl of Sunderland Lucie to Sir Iohn Pelham of Laughton in Com. Suss. Bar. Ann
of Foot whâ—â—â—eceived divers wounds in the first Battel of Newberie and other places the other Six Gilbert Gerard Knight slain near Ludlow in Shropshire As also two Uncles Sir Gilbert Gerard Knight at that time Governor of Worcester and Ratcliffe Gerard Lieutenant-Colonel to him Which Ratcliffe had three sons 1. Ratcliffe 2. Iohn afterwards put to death by Cromwell and 3. Sir Gilbert Gerard now Baronet all in the Battel of â—ineton and sundry other sharp encounters during the whole course of those late unhappy Wars In consideration therefore of these his eminent services he was by that King made Lieutenant-general of his Horse and by Letters-Patents bearing date at Oxford 8 Nov. 21 Car. 1. advanced to the degree and dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Gerard of Brandon in Com. Suff. Spenser Earl of Sunderland 1 Iac. OF this Family which do derive their descent from a younger branch of the antient Barons Spenser of whom I have in the first Volume of this Work already spoke was Iohn Spenser Esquire son to Iohn Spenser of Hodenhull in Com. Warr. as it seems Which Iohn having purchased that great Lordship of UUormleighton scituate on the Southern part of that County began the structure of a faire Mannor-House there in 22 H. 7. This last mentioned Iohn married Susan daughter to Sir Richard Knightley of Fausley in Com. Northampt Knight and by her had issue Sir Iohn Spenser Knight who married Catherine the daughter of Thomas Kitson of Hengrave in Com. Suff. Knight And he Sir Iohn Spenser Knight who by Margaret his wife daughter to Robert Catline Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Kings Bench left issue Robert Which Robert being a person of a great Estate was by Letters-patent bearing date 21 Iulii 1 Iac. advanc'd to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Spenser of UUormleighton the ceremony of his Creation being performed at Hampton-Court Shortly after which he was sent to the Duke of UUirtenburgh with the Ensigns of the most noble Order of the Garter And by Margaret his wife daughter and coheir to Francis Willoughby of UUollaton in Com. Nott. Knight had issue four sons Iohn William Richard and Edward As also two daughters Mary married to Sir Richard Anderson Knight and Elizabeth to Sir George Vane Knight And departing this life at UUormleighton 25 Octobris An. 1627. was buried at Brinton in Northamptonshire where he hath a noble Monument erected in his life time for himself and his Lady To whom succeeded in his honor William his second son Iohn the eldest who was made K t of the Bath at the Creation of Charles Prince of UUales in An. 1616. dying in his life time Which William by Penelope his wife daughter to Henry Earl of Southampton had issue three sons Henry Robert and William Spenser of Ashton Hall in Com. Lanc. As also seven daughters viz. Elizabeth first married to Iohn Lord Craven of Ryton in Com. Salop. afterwards to Henry third son of Thomas Earl of Berkshire and lastly to William Lord Crofts Mary died young Anne wedded to Sir Robert Townsend Knight Catherine died unmarried Alice the wife of ... Earl of Drogheda in Ireland Margaret married to Anthony Earl of Shaftesbury and Rachel who died young And departing this life in December An. 1636. was buried also at Brinton Which Henry succeeding him was by the late King Charles the First in respect of his approved Loyalty in the time of the late unhappy Troubles raised to the degree and Title of an Earl by the Title of Earl of Sunderland 8 Iunii in the Nineteenth year of his Reign And being slain in the Battel of Newvery upon the Twentieth of September the same year was also buried at Brinton leaving issue by Dorothy his wife daughter to Robert now Earl of Leicester one onely son called Robert who succeeded him in his honors and two daughters Dorothy married to Sir George Savile of Thornhill in Com. Ebor. Baronet afterwards created Vicount Halifax and Penelope who died unmarried Which Robert now Earl of Sunderland hath married the Lady Anne daughter to George Earl of Bristol George Lord Hume 2 Iac. THis George being a Knight in An. 1601. which was about two years before K. Iames attained the Crown of England and at that time one of the Masters of the Quirie upon the Resignation of the Lord Elphingston then Treasurer of Scotland had that Office conferred upon him which he discharging by Sir Iohn Arnot his Deputy was one of the persons made choice of upon the death of Q. Elizabeth to attend King Iames into England in an 1603. To whom his services were so acceptable as that upon the 7 th of Iuly in the second year of his Reign he advanced him to the dignity of a Baron of this Realm by the Title of Lord Hume of Barwick and having within a short time after created him Earl of Dunbar in Scotland upon the 20 th of May in the 6 th year of his reign installed him Knight of the most noble order of the Garter A person he was as saith the Reverend Archbishop of St. Andrews of deep wit few words and in His Majesties service no less faithful than fortunate The most difficile affairs be compassed without any noise never returning when he was imployed without the work performed that he was sent to do And departed this life at Whitehall in the end of the year 1611. 9 Iac. leaving issue Elizabeth his daughter and heir married to Theophilus Earl of Suffolk Lord Denny E. of Norwich 2 Iac. THe first mention I find of this Family is in 20 H. 7. Edward Denny being then a Clerk in the Exchequer and at that time constituted the Kings Remembrancer To whom succeeded Anthony his son who in 34 H. 8. was one of the Gentlemen of the Kings Privy-Chamber and Groome of the Stole And in 38 H. 8. King Henry then lying on his death-bed when the Physitians discerned apparent symptomes of death near approaching was the person whom they imployed to put him in mind to erect his thoughts to Heaven and bethink himself of his fore-passed life as also to implore the Mercy of Christ. Which he accordingly did though what he said was not then very acceptable but being in fair esteem with that King was constituted one of His Executors and appointed to be of Council to Prince Edward His only son and Successor To this Anthony succeeded Henry his son and heir Who by Honora his wife daughter to William Lord Gray of Wilton had issue one son called Edward and four daughters Anne married to George Goring of Hust Pierpont in Com. Suss. Esq Dorothy to ... Parney of ... in Com. Hertf. Catherine to George Fleetwood of ... in Com. Buck. and Elizabeth who
for that the first Earl Palatine viz. Hugh commonly called Lupus of whom I have already spoke had the County of Chester given him by the Conqueror Tenere ita liberè ad Gladium sicut ipse Willielmus Rex tenebat Angliam per Coronam Being in the Holy Land he was at that famous siege of Damieta Vbi Dux Chistianae Cohortis praestitit gloriosa saith Henry Archdeacon of Huntendon Where being General of the Christian Army he did glorious things Upon his return thence when he was at Sea there hapning a dreadful storm as the same Author affirmeth he asked the Marriners How long it was then to midnight and they told him It was almost two hours Said he then Labor till that time and I trust to God the tempest will cease But when midnight approached the tempest increased so much that the Master of the Ship bad him commend himself to God for they were all like to perish Whereupon he went out of his Cabin and stoutly assisting them the tempest soon asswaged The day following therefore when the Seas were calm and the danger clearly over the Master asked him Why he would not stir to assist them till midnight telling him That his help was then more than all the Marriners in the Ship Quoth he Because my Monks and other devoâ—t people who are of mine and my Ancestors Foundation did then rise to sing Divine Service For that reason therefore did I put confidence in their Prayers and therefore my hope is that God Almighty for their Prayers and Suffrages would give me such strength as I had not before and asâ—wage the tempest as I foretold So soon as he returned from this journey which was about the Calends of April An. 1220. 4 Hen. 3. he began the structure of Chartley Castle in Staffordshire and Beeston Castle in Cheshire and likewise the Abbey of Deulaâ—res for White Monks near Leek in Staffordshire which Monastery he had been incited so to found as saith my Author by the ghost of Earl Ranulph his Grand-Father which appeared to him one night when he was in Bed and bad him go to a place called Cholpesdale within the Territory of Leek and there he should find a certain Chappel antiently built in honor of the Blessed Virgin and found an Abbey of White Monks and endow it adding There shall be joy to thee and many others who shall be saved thereby For there quoth he shall be a Ladder erected by which the Prayers of Angels shall ascend and descend and vows of Men shall be offered to God and they shall give thanks and the name of our Lord shall be called upon in that place by daily Prayers and the sign of this shall be when the Pope doth interdict England But do thou in the mean time go to the Monks of Pulton where Robert Butler hath in my name built an Abbey and thou shalt there be partaker of the Sacrament of the Lord for such Priviledges belong to the servants of the Founders And in the Seventh year of that Interdict thou shalt translate those Monks to the place I have foretold Which Relation being made unto the Lady Clemencia his Wife she said in French Dieu encres id est God increase Whereupon the Earl congratulating her expression said The name of the place shall be Deulaâ—res In which year also he had the custody of the Honor of Leicester conferred upon him The former Testimonies of this Earls loyalty to the King gave great hopes that his obedience would still have continued unshaken Howbeit within four years after it proved otherwise for discontents being raised by divers of the Barons about the Kings not confirming the Charter of Liberties which had been exacted by the predominant power of the Nobility from his Father as also for that he was too much governed by the advise of Hubert de Burgh He with his adherents keeping their Christmass at Leicester sent an insolent and minatory Message to the King then at Northampton viz. That except he would forbear to require his Castles and to hearken unto the Counsels of Hubert de Burgh they would all unanimously rise against him and compel him to be guided by them But to this they received such an answer from the Archbishop of Canterbuâ—y that made them all to startle which was That unless they would on the morrow render the King all his Castles himself and other of the Bishops would excommunicate them every man by name So that understanding also how well the King was provided with Military Forces to deal with them they prudently came to Northampton and submitted themselves unto him Yet were not their hearts so humbled as that they would be quiet in case it lay in their power to stir For in 11 Hen. 3. this haughty spirited Earl with many others taking advantage of the diâ—content that Richard Earl of Cornwal had conceived towards the King touching the Mannor of Berkhaâ—fied which belonged to the Earldom of Cornwal and was given by King Iohn his Father to another put themselves in Arms under colour of assisting that Earl in recovery of his own and sent a peremptory Message to the King requiring That he should do him right and to seal unto them a new Charter of the Forest Liberties instâ—ad of that which he had lately cancelled at Oxford Whereupon the King discerning what mischeif might grow through his withstanding them caused a Convention of the Peers at Northampton 3 Nones of August and made a peaceable Accord with them And having so done to oblige this potent Earl the more granted to him all that part of the Honor of Richmund with the Appurtenances which he formerly had by the gift of King Iohn to hold during his life upon condition That he should not make any Agreement with the Earl of Britanny to whom that part of the Honor did belong so as to yield it up unto him unless he could obtain so much Justice from the King of France as to recover those Lands of his own in Normandy which he lost in the service of King Iohn In 13 Hen. 3. he had a Confirmation from the King of all his Lands betwixt the Rivers of 〈◊〉 and Merse in Lancashire viz. The Town of West Deâ—by with the Wapentake the Borough of Lâ—verpool the Town and Wapentake of Salforâ— and Wapentake of 〈◊〉 in the same County with all Forests Hays Homages and other the Appurtenances Of this stout Earl I farther find that in 14 Hen. 3. he opposed one Stephen a Commissary from the Pope who was sent to gather the Tenths from the Bishops and all Religious Orders prohibiting any person whatsoever within the compass of his Jurisdiction from payment of any thing notwithstanding that all England besides with Ireland and Wales submitted thereto Moreover the same year attending the King in his expedition into Britanny he had his Bond for
the payment of a thousand marks towards his support in the Wars and was one of the principal persons left behind for the defence thereof whence he marched into Anjou and Normandy In both which they took divers places of strength And having setled all things well in those parts returned into England about the Kalends of August the year next following where he was no sooner arrived but that he hasted to the King then in Wales and at that time very busie in building of Maud Castle of whom he was very honorably received Not long after this sâ—il in 16 Hen. 3. the King summoned all his Nobles as well of the Layty as Prelates to meet him at Westminster on the Nones of March where representing his great want of Money occasioned by the Wars he had in France he required a Subâ—idy from them But this Earl then told the King that all the Earls Barons and Knights who held in capite were in person with him in his late expedition and had spent so much in supporting themselves that they returned very poor so that they ought not to contribute to that Subsidy then demanded By means of which answer they had liberty to depart To the Monks of Coventrey he ratified the Recognition and Confirmation made by Earl Ranulph his Grand-father of the Chappel of S. Michael and all the rest viz. Ansty Shulton Wykin Bilney Whitley Pyuley Stoke Stichall Eccleshall Folkeshull Karesley Whaberley Sponne and Bisseley within his Fee in all which he solemnly invested them on the Feast day of S. Abdon and Sennes in Iuly 3 Rich. 1. by his Gold Ring which with his Charter he offered upon the Altar To which Chappel of S. Michael he likewise conferred the Tithes of all his Lands and Possessions in Coventrey and that under the penalty of a Curse upon his Officers Servants and Heirs if they should not make due payment of them accordingly And besides this he gave to those Monks in exchange for one Cart of the two Carts which Earl Ranulph his Grand-father by his Charter granted them to have going to and fro in his Woods twice a day except on Festivals for necessary House-boot Fire-boot and Hey-boot as I have already shewed Cclxxx Acres of Land being part of his Wood and Waste in Eccleshair and Kersley according to xxv Foot to the Perch which Wood and Waste he gave them liberty to inclose reduce into Tillage or otherwise to use for their best commodity And to the Nuns of Polesworth he gave Ten marks per annum out of his Revenues in Coventrey to be paid at Michaelmass and Easter by even portions until he should assign them the like Annuity out of any other particular Lands Which Grant he expresses to be made for the health of his Soul and the Souls of his Ancestors and Successors and of the Soul of Robert Marmion the elder a great Baron of that time This Earl executed the office of Sheriff by his Deputies for the Counties of Salop and Stafford in the Second third fourth fifth seventh and part of the eighth year of King Henry the Third So also for the County of Lancaster in the Third fourth fifth sixth seventh and nineth of Henry the Third And towards the later end of the Sixteenth year of that Kings Reign viz. 50 Cal. Nov. he died at Wallingford after he had governed the County Palatine of Chester above fifty years It is reported â—aith Henry Huntendon of this Earl that when he died a great company in the likeness of Men with a certain potent person hastily passed by an Hermites Cell near Wallingford and that the Hermite asking one of them what they were and whether they went so fast he answered We are Devils and are making speed to the death of Earl Ranulph to the end we may accuse him of his sins Likewise that the Hermites thereupon adjuring the Devil that he should return the same way within thirty days and relate what was become of this Earl He came accordingly and told him That he was for his iniquities condemned to the torments of Hell but that the great Dogs of Deulacres and with them many other did bark so incessantly and fill their habitations with such a noise that their Prince being troubled with it commanded he should be expelled his Dominion who is now saith he become a great enemy to us because their suffrages together with others hath released many Souls from Purgatory His Body was buried at Chester but his Heart at the Abbey of Deulacres so by him Founded as hath been observed Of whose death so soon as news brought to Hubert de Burgh the Messenger telling him that one of his cheifest Enemies was deceased He fetched a great sigh and said God have mercy on his Soul and being then fasting called for his Psalter as he stood before the Cross and ceased not till he had sung it all over for the health thereof But this Earl left no issue which some then thought to be a judgment of God upon him for putting away his first Wife But Clemencia his second Wife survived him and in the same year that he died had Livery of the Mannors of Benington and Limberg in Lincolnshire which were given to her in marriage as also of all the Lands Rents and Services which Bertrice sometime Countess of Chester had in the Lordships of Wadington Normaâ—dy Bentford Dunynton and Hauteburgh in the same County with the Mannor of Reppandon vulgo Repton in Com. Derb. which were assigned to her by the King for her Dowry The names of his four Sisters and their Husbands I have already mentioned but now insomuch as all his Possessions which were very great came to them or their Descendants as his Heirs I must say something more as to the dividing thereof amongst them Of Maud the eldest Wife to David Earl of Huntendon Brother to William King of Scots descended Iohn sirnamed Scot Successor to this Ranulph in the Earldom of Chesteâ— who had for his part Maud his Mother being them dead the whole County of Chester and the Advowson of the Priory of Coventrey But Mabel the Second who married to William de Albany Earl of Arundel was dead before the Earl her Brother and so was William Earl of Arundel her eldest Son Whereupon Hugh de Albany her second Son then Earl of Arundel and in Minority came to share in that great Inheritance unto whom Coventrey was in Partition assigned for his Capital Seat as some Records do testifie But others that the Mannor of Barow was allotted to him for his cheif Mansion and that he had for the present the Mannors of Campden in Glocestershire Olney in Buckinghamshire as also Coventrey until such time as a more perfect and equal Partition should be made amongst them and the next year following an addition of