of a sumptuous and stately house which Edward the last Duke of Buckingham was in hand to build in the yeare of our Lord as the engraving doth purport 1511. when he had taken downe an ancient house which Hugh Audeley E. of Glocester had formerly built seven miles from hence Avon sheading it selfe into Severn running crosse before it maketh a division betweene Glocestershire and Sommersetshire and not farre from the banke thereof Pucle-Church appeareth being in times past a towne or Manour of the Kings called Pucle-Kerkes wherein Edmund King of England whiles he interposed himselfe betweene his Sewer and one Leove a most vilanous wretch for to part and end certaine quarrels betweene them was thrust through the body and so lost his life Nere bordering upon this place are two townes Winterburne which had for their Lords the Bradstons amongst whom S. Thomas was summoned amongst the Barons in the time of King Edward the Third From whom the Vicounts Montacute the Barons of Wentworth c. fetch their descent Acton which gave name to the house of the Actons Knights whose heire being married unto Nicolas Points Knight in K. Edward the second his daies left the same to their off-spring Derham a little towne in the Saxons tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where Ceaulin the Saxon slew three Princes or chiefe Lords of the Britans Commeail Condidan and Fariemeiol with others whom he likewise put to the sword and dispossessed the Britans of that countrie for ever There remaine yet in that place huge rampieâ—s and trenches as fortifications of their campes and other most apparent monuments here and there of so great a war This was the chiefe seat of the Barony of Iames de novo Mercatu who begat three daughters wedded to Nicholas de Moelis Iohn de Boteraux and Ralph Russell one of whose posterity enriched by matching with the heire of the ancient family of Gorges assumed unto them the name of Gorges But from Ralph Russell the heire this Deorham descended to the family of Venis Above these is Sodbury knowne by the familie of Walsh and neighbours thereunto are Wike-ware the ancient seat of the familie De-la-ware Woton under Edge which yet remembreth the slaughter of Sir Thomas Talbot Vicount Lisle heere slaine in the time of King Edward the Fourth in an encounter with the Lord Barkley about possessions since which time have continued suites betweene their posterity untill now lately they were finally compounded More Northward I had sight of Durisley reputed the ancientest habitation of the Barkleyes hereupon stiled Barkleis of Duresley who built here a Castle now more than ruinous and were accounted founders of the Abbey of Kings-wood thereby for Cistertian Monkes derived from Tintern whom Maud the Empresse greatly enriched The males of this house failed in the time of King Richard the Second and the heire generall was married to Cantelow Within one mile of this where the river Cam lately spoken of springeth is Vleigh a seat also of the Barkeleis descended from the Barons Barkeley stiled of Vleigh and Stoke Giffard who were found coheires to I. Baron Boutetort descended from the Baron Zouch of Richards Castles alias Mortimer and the Somerus Lords of Dueley Beverston Castle not farre of Eastward appertained also to the name of Barkeleies but in former times to the Gournois and Ab-Adam a Baron in the time of King Edward the First Hitherto have we cursorily passed over the principall places in this Shire situate beyond and upon Severn and not far from his banke Now proceede we forward to the East part which I said riseth up with hilles to wit Cotteswold which of woulds and Cotes that is hils and Sheepfolds tooke that name For mountaines and hils without woods the Englishmen in old time termed Woulds whence it is that an Old Glossary interpreteth Alpes Italie The Woulds of Italie In these Woulds there feed in great numbers flockes of sheepe long necked and square of bulke and bone by reason as it is commonly thought of the weally and hilly situation of their pasturage whose wool being most fine and soft is had in passing great account among all nations Vnder the side of these hils and among them are to be seene as it were in a row neighbouring together these places following of more antiquity than the rest beginning at the North-east end of them Campden commonly Camden a mercat towne well peopled and of good resort where as Iohn Castoreus writeth all the Kings of Saxon bloud assembled in the yeare of Salvation 689. and consulted in common about making war upon the Britans In William the Conquerours time this Weston and Biselay were in the possession of Hugh Earle of Chester and from his posterity came at last by Nicolaa de Albeniaco an inherice to the ancient Earles of Arundel unto Roger de Somery Neere unto it standeth the said Weston a place now to bee remembred in regard of a faire house which maketh a goodly shew a farre off built by Ralph Sheldon for him and his Posterity Hales in late time a most flourishing Abbay built by Richard Earle of Cornwall and King of Romanes who was there buried with his Wife Sanchia daughter to the Earle of Province and deserving commendation for breeding up of Alexander of Hales a great Clerke and so deepely learned above all others in that subtile and deepe Divinity of the Schoole men as he carryed away the sirname of Doctor Irrefragabilis that is the Doctor ungain-said as he that could not be gain-said Sudley in times past Sudlengh a very faire Castle the seat not long since of Sir Thomas Seimor Baron Seimor of Sudley and Admirall of England attainted in the time of king Edward the Sixth and afterward of Sir John Bruges whom Queene Mary created Baron Chandos of Sudley because he derived his pedegree from the ancient family of Chandos out of which there flourished in the raigne of Edward the third Sir John Chandos a famous Baneret Vicount of Saint Saviours L of Caumont and Kerkitoâ— in France a martiall man and for military Prowesse every way most renowned But in old time certaine Noblemen here dwelt and of it had their addition de Sudley descended of a right ancient English Race to wit from Gorda K. Aetheldreds daughter whose son Ralph Medantinus Earle of Hereford begat Harold L. of Sudley whose progeny flourished here a long time untill for default of issue male the daughter and heire matched in marriage with Sir William Butler of the family of Wem and brought him a sonne named Thomas and he begat Ralph Lord Treasurer of England created by king Henry the Sixth Baron of Sudley with a fee of 200. markes yearely who repaired this castle and enlarged it with new buildings His sisters and coheires were married unto the houses of Northbury and Belkâ—ape and by their posterity the possessions in short time were divided into
menaces and censures were sent out from the Bishop of Rome against these Archbishops For these Monkes were in bodily feare least this would bee their utter undoing and a prejudice unto them in the Elections of the Archbishops Neither were these blustering stormes allaied untill the said Church newly begunne was laid levell with the ground Adjoyning hard to this is the most famous mercate towne and place of trade in all this shire which at this day they call The Burrough of Southwarke in Saxon speech 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is the Southworke or building because it standeth South over against London the Suburbs whereof it may seeme in some sort to bee but so large it is and populous that it gives place to few Cities of England having beene as it were a corporation by it selfe it had in our fathers daies Bayliffes but in the reigne of King Edward the Sixth it was annexed to the Citie of London and is at this day taken for a member as it were of it and therefore when wee are come to London wee will speake more at large thereof Beneath this Burrough the Tamis forsaketh Surry the East bound whereof passeth in a manner directly downe from hence Southward neere unto Lagham which had their Parliamentarie Barons called Saint Iohn de Lagham in the reigne of Edward the First whose Inheritance came at length by an heire generall to Iohn Leddiard and some-what lower in the very angle well neere where it bendeth to Southsex and Kent stands Streborow Castle the seate in ancient time of Lord Cobham who of it were called of Sterborow where the issue proceeding from the bodies of Iohn Cobham Lord of Cobham and Cowling and the daughter of Hugh Nevil flourished a long time in glory and dignitie For Reginald Cobham in King Edward the thirds daies being created Knight of the Garter was Admirall of the sea-coasts from Tamis mouth West-ward But Thomas the last male of that line wedded the Lady Anne daughter to Humfrey the Duke of Buckingham of whom he begat one onely daughter named Anne married unto Edward Burgh who derived his pedigree from the Percies and Earles of Athole whose sonne Thomas made by King Henry the Eighth Baron Burgh left a sonne behind him named William And his sonne Thomas a great favourer of learning and Lord Governour of Briell Queeene Elizabeth made Knight of the Garter and Lord Deputy of Ireland where hee honourably ended his life pursuing the rebels As touching Dame Eleanor Cobham descended out of this family the wife of Humfrey Duke of Glocester whose reputation had a flawe I referre you to the English Historie if you please Now are wee to reckon up the Earles of this shire William Rufus King of England made William de Warrena who had married his sister the first Earle of Surrey For in that Charter of his by which hee founded the Priory of Lewis thus wee read Donavi c. that is I have given and granted c. For the life and health of my Lord King William who brought mee into England and for the health of my Lady Queene Mawd my wives mother and for the life and health of my Lord King William her sonne after whose comming into England I made this charter who also created me Earle of Surry c. whose sonne William succeeded and married the daughter of Hugh Earle of Vermandois whereupon his posteritie as some suppose used the Armes of Vermandois vz. Chequy Or and Azure His sonne VVilliam dying in the Holy-land about the yeare 1148. had issue a daughter onely who adorned first William King Stephens sonne and afterward Hamelin the base sonne of Gefferey Plantagenet Earle of Anjou both her husbands with the same title But whereas her former husband died without issue William her sonne by Hamelin was Earle of Surry whose posterie assuming unto them the name of Warrens bare the same title This William espoused the eldest daughter and a coheire of William Marescall Earle of Pembroch the widow of Hugh Bigod who bare unto him Iohn who slew Alan de la Zouch in presence of the Judges of the Realme This Iohn of Alice the daughter of Hugh le Brune halfe sister by the mothers side of King Henry the third begat William who died before his father and hee of Ioan Vere the Earle of Oxfords daughter begat Iohn Posthumus borne after his decease and the last Earle of this house who was stiled as I have seene in the circumscription of his seale Earle of Warren of Surry and of Strathern in Scotland Lord of Bromfield and of Yale and Count-palatine But hee dying without lawfull issue in the twelfth yeare of Edward the thirds raigne Alice his sister and heire wedded unto Edmund Earle of Arundell by her marriage brought this honour of Surrey into the house of Arundells For Richard their sonne who married in the house of Lancaster after his father was wickedly beheaded for siding with his Soveraigne King Edward the Second by the malignant envie of the Queene was both Earle of Arundell and Surrey and left both Earledomes to Richard his sonne who contrary-wise lost his head for siding against his soveraigne King Richard the Second But Thomas his sonne to repaire his fathers dishonour lost his life for his Prince and country in France leaving his sisters his heires for the lands not entailed who were married to Thomas Mowbraie Duke of Norfolke c. to Sir Powland Lenthall and Sir William Beauchampe Lord of Abergeveny After by the Mowbraies the title of Surrey came at length to the Howards Howbeit in the meane while after the execution of Richard Earle of Arundell King Richard the Second bestowed the title of Duke of Surry upon Thomas Holland Earle of Kent which honour he enjoyed not long For while hee combined with others by privie conspiracies to restore the same King Richard to his libertie and kingdome the conspiracie was not carried so secretly but contrary to his expectation brake forth and came to light then fled hee and by the people of Cirencester was intercepted and cut shorter by the head After him Thomas Beaufort Chancellour to the King if we give credit to Thomas Walsingham bare this dignity For in the yeare of our Lord as hee saith 1410. The Lord Thomas Beaufort Earle of Surrey left this world Now let Walsingham in this point make good that which he writeth for in the Kings Records there is no such thing found but onely this that Thomas Beaufort about that time was made Lord Chancellour But certaine it is and that out of the Records of the Kingdome that King Henry the Sixth in the nine and twentie yeare of his raigne created Iohn Mowbray the sonne of Iohn Duke of Norfolke Earle Warren and of Surry And Richard second sonne of King Edward the Fourth having married the heire of Mowbray received all the titles due to the Mowbraies by creation from his father Afterward King Richard the Third having dispatched the
it selfe into a channell yet often times it overfloweth the low lands about it to no small detriment Not farre from the said mere Furle sheweth it selfe a principall mansion of the Gages who advanced their estate by the marriage of one of the heires of Saint Clare Princes favour and Court Offices The shore next openeth it selfe at Cuckmere which yet affordeth no commodious haven though it be fed with a fresh which insulateth Michelham where Gilbert de Aquila founded a Priory for black Chanons And then at East-bourn the shore ariseth into so high a Promontory called of the beach Beachy-points and Beau-cliffe for the faire shew being interchangeably compounded with rowe of chalke and flint that it is esteemed the highest cliffe of all the South coast of England As hitherto from Arundell and beyond the countrey along the coast for a great breadth mounteth up into high hilles called the Downes which for rich fertilitie giveth place to few valleys and plaines so now it falleth into such a low levell and marsh that the people think it hath been over-flowed by the sea They call it Pevensey Marsh of Pevensey the next towne adjoyning which lieth in the plaine somewhat within the land upon a small river which often times overlaieth the lands adjacent In the old English Saxon Language it was walled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Norman speech Pevensell now commonly Pemsey It hath had a meane haven and a faire large castle in the ruinous walles whereof remaine great bricks such as the Britans used which is some argument of the antiquitie thereof It belonged in the Conquerours time to Robert Earle of Moriton halfe brother by the mothers side to the Conquerour and then had fiftie and six Burgesses After the attainder of his Sonne William Earle of Moriton it came to King Henrie the First by Escheat In the composition betweene Stephen and King Henrie the second both towne and castle with whatsoever Richard de Aquila had of the Honor of Pevensey which after his name was called Honor de Aquila and Baronia de Aquila or of the Eagle was assigned to William Sonne to K. Stephen But he surrendred it with Norwich into King Henrie the Seconds hand in the yeere 1158 when he restored to him all such Lands as Stephen was seased of before hee usurped the crowne of England After some yeeres King Henrie the third over-favouring forrainers granted the Honor de Aquila which had fallen to the crowne by Escheat for that Gilbert de Aquila had passed into Normandie against the Kings good will to Peter Earle of Savoy the Queenes uncle But he fearing the envie of the English against forrainers relinquished it to the King and so at length it came to the Dutchy of Lancaster Inward from Pevensey is seated Herst in a Parke among the woods which name also it hath of the woody situation For the ancient English-men called a wood 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This was immediately after the Normans entry into England the seat of certaine noble gentlemen who of that place were a good while named de Herst untill William the sonne of Walleran de Herst tooke unto him the name Monceaux of the place haply where he was borne an usuall thing in that age whereupon that name also was adnexed unto this place which ever since was of the Lord termed Herst Monceaux From whose Posteritie by heire generall it descended haereditarily to the Fienes These Fienes called likewise Fenis and Fienles derive their pedigree from Ingelram de Fienes who had wedded the heire of Pharumuse of Boloigne of the house of the Earles of Boloigne in France About the time of King Edward the Second Sir Iohn Fienes married the heire of Monceaux his sonne William married one of the heires of the Lord Say his sonne likewise the heire of Batisford whose sonne Sir Roger Fienes married the daughter of Holland and in the first yeare of King Henrie the Sixt built of bricke the large faire uniforme convenient house heere Castle-like within a deepe moate The said King Henrie the Sixt Accepted declared and reputed Sir Richard Fienis sonne of the said Sir Roger to be Baron of Dacre And the same tittle King Edward the fourth chosen Arbitratour and Umpire betweene him Sir Humfrey Dacre awarded confirmed to the said S. Richard Fienis and to the heires of his bodie lawfully begotten for that he had married Ioane the cousin and next heire of Thomas Baron Dacre and to have praecedence before the L. Dacre of Gilesland heire male of the family Since which time the heires lineally descending from him being enriched by one of the heires of the Lord Fitz-Hugh have enjoyed the honor of Baron Dacre untill that very lately George Fienis Lord Dacre sonne to the unfortunate Thomas Lord Dacre died without issue whose onely sister and heire Margaret Sampson Lennard Esquire a man both vertuous and courteous tooke to wife and by her hath faire issue In whose behalfe it was published declared and adjudged by the Lords Cōmissioners for Martiall causes in the second yeere of the raigne of King Iames with his privity and assent Royall That the said Margaret ought to beare have and enjoy the name state degree title stile honor place and precedency of the Baronie of Dacre to have and to hold to her and the issue of her bodie in as full and ample manner as any of her ancestors enjoied the same And that her children may and shall have take and enjoy the place and precedence respectively as the children of her ancestors Barons Dacre have formerly had and enjoyed Now to returne to the Sea-coast about three miles from Pevensey is Beckes-hill a place much frequented by Saint Richard Bishop of Chichester and where he died Vnder this is Bulver-hith in an open shore with a rooflesse Church not so named of a bulles hide which cut into thongs by William the Conquerour reached to Battaile as they fable for it had that name before his comming But heere he arrived with his whole fleete landed his armie and having cast a rampier before his campe set fire on all his ships that their onely hope might be in manhood and their safety in victorie And so after two daies marched to Hastings then to an hill neere Nenfeld now called Standard hill because as they say he there pitched his Standard and from thence two miles farther where in a plaine the Kingdome of England was put upon the hazard and chance of a battaile and the English-Saxon Empire came to a full period and finall end For there King Harold in the yeere of our Lord 1066. the day before the Ides of October albeit his forces were much weakened in a former fight with the Danes and his soldiers wearied besides with a long journey from beyond Yorke encountred him in a place named Epiton When the Normans had sounded the Battaile first the skirmish continued for a pretty while with shot of arrowes
slaughter of them when at Lapis Tituli for so is that place named in Ninnius which we now call Stouar almost in the same sense and haven certainely it was hee put them to flight and forced them with all the speed they might to take their Pinnaces In which place also he gave commandement saith he that himselfe should bee buried to represse thereby as he thought the furious outrages of the English Saxons in like sort as Scipio Africanus did who commanded that his tombe should bee so set as that it might looke toward Africa supposing that his verie tombe would be a terror to the Carthaginians Here also at VVipped fleet so called of VVipped the Saxon there slaine Hengest discomfited the Britaines and put them to flight after hee had sore tired them with sundry conflicts S. Austine our Apostle as they call him many yeares after landed in this Isle unto whose blessing the credulous Clergie ascribed the plentifull fertility of the country and the Monke Gotceline cried out in this manner O the land of Tenet happy by reason of her fertilitie but most happy for receiving and entertaining so many Divine in-commers bringing God with them or rather so many heavenly citizens Egbert the third King of the Kentishmen to pacifie dame Domneva a devout Lady whom before time he had exceedingly much wronged granted here a faire piece of land wherein she errected a Monastery for 70. veiled virgins the prioresse whereof was Mildred for her holinesse canonized a Saint and the Kings of Kent bestowed many faire possessions upon it but Withred especially who that I may note the antiquitie and manner of livery of Seisin in that age out of the very forme of his owne Donation For the full complement of his confirmation thereof laied upon the holy altar a turfe of that ground which he gave at Humantun Heere afterward sundry times arrived the Danes who piteously empoverished this Island by robbings and pillages and also polluted this Monasterie of Domneva with all kind of cruelty that it flourished not againe before the Normans government Heere also landed Lewis of France who called in by the tumultuous Barons of England against King Iohn published by their instigation a pretended right to the Crowne of England For that whereas King Iohn for his notorious treason against King Richard his brother absent in the Holy-land was by his Peeres lawfully condemned and therefore after the death of King Richard the right of the Crowne was devolved to the Queene of Castile sister to the said King Richard and that shee and her heires had conveied over their right to the said Lewis and his wife her daughter Also that King Iohn had forfeited his Kingdome both by the murther of his Nephew Arthur whereof he was found guilty by his Peeres in France and also by subjecting his Kingdomes which were alwaies free to the Pope as much as in him lay contrary to his oath at his Coronation and that without the consent of the Peeres of the Realme c. Which I leave to Historians with the successe of his expedition least I might seeme to digresse extraordinarily Neither must I passe over heere in silence that which maketh for the singular praise of the inhabitants of Tenet those especially which dwell by the roads or harbours of Margate Ramsgate and Brodstear For they are passing industrious and as if they were Amphibii that is both land creatures and sea creatures get their living both by sea and land as one would say with both these elements they be Fisher-men and Plough-men as well Husband-men as Mariners and they that hold the plough-taile in earing the ground the same hold the helme in steering the ship According to the season of the yeare they knit nets they fish for Cods Herrings Mackarels c. they saile and carry forth Merchandise The same againe dung and mannure their grounds Plough Sow harrow reape their Corne and they inne it Men most ready and well appointed both for sea and land and thus goe they round and keepe a circle in these their labours Futhermore whereas that otherwhiles there happen shipwrackes heere for there lie full against the shore those dangerous flats shallowes shelves and sands so much feared of Sailers which they use to call The Goodwinsands The Brakes The four-foots The whitdick c. these men are wont to bestir themselves lustily in recovering both ships men and Merchandize endangered At the mouth of Wantsum Southward which men thinke hath changed his channell over against the Isle stood a City which Ptolomee calleth RHVTVPIAN Tacitus PORTVS TRVTVLENSIS for Rhutupensis if Beatus Renanus conjectureth truely Antonine RHITVPIS PORTVS Ammianus Marcellinus RHVTVPIAH STATIO that is the Road of Rhutupiae Orosius THE HAVEN and City of Rhutubus the old English-Saxons as Beda witnesseth Reptacesler others Ruptimuth Alfred of Beverly nameth it Richberge we at this day Richborow Thus hath time sported in varying of one and the same name Whence this name should arise it is not for certaine knowen But seeing the places neere unto it as Sandwich and Sandiby have their denomination of Sandi I considering also that Rhyd Tufith in the British-tongue betokeneth a sandy fourd I would willingly if I durst derive it from thence This City seemed to have beene seated on the descent of an hill the Castle there stood overlooking from an higher place the Ocean which is now so farre excluded by reason of sandy residence inbealched with the tides that it comes hardly within a mile of it Right famous and of great name was this City while the Romans ruled here From hence was the usual passing out of Britan to France and the Neatherlands at it the Roman fleets arrived here it was that Lupicinus sent by Constantius the Emperour into Britaine for to represse the rodes and invasions of Scots and Picts both landed the Heruli and Batavians and Maesian regiments Heere also Theodosius the father of Theodosius the Emperour to whom as Symmachus witnesseth the Senate decreed for pacifying Britan armed Statues on horse-backe arrived with his Herculij Iovij Victores Fidentes for these were names of Roman regiments Afterwards when the Saxon Pirates impeached entercourse of merchants and infested our coasts with continuall piracies the Second Legion Augusta which being remooved by the Emperour Claudius out of Germany had remained many yeares in Garrison at Isea Silurum in Wales was translattd hither and had a Provost of their owne heere under the great Lieutenant and Count of the Saxon shore Which Provostship happily that Clemens Maximus bare who being heere in Britan by the soldiers saluted Emperour slew Gratian the lawfull Emperour and was afterwards himselfe slaine by Theodosius at Aquileia For this Maximus it was whom Ausonius in the verses of Aquileia called the Rhutupine robber Maximus armigeri quondam sub nomine lixae Faelix quae tanti spectatrix laeta triumphi Fudisti Ausonio Rhutupinum Marte latronem
William who enjoyed it a short time dying also without issue So by Amice the second daughter of the forenamed Earle William married to Richard de Clare Earle of Hertford this Earledome descended to Gilbert her sonne who was stiled Earle of Glocester and Hertford and mightily enriched his house by marrying one of the heires of William Marshall Earle of Pembroch His sonne and successour Richard in the beginning of the Barons warres against king Henry the Third ended his life leaving Gilbert his sonne to succeed him who powerfully and prudently swaied much in the said wars as he inclined to them or the king He obnoxious to King Edward the First surrendred his lands unto him and received them againe by marrying Joane the Kings Daughter sirnamed of Acres in the Holy-land because shee was there borne to his second Wife who bare unto him Gilbert Clare last Earle of Glocester of this sirname slaine in the flower of his youth in Scotland at the battaile of Sterling in the 6. yeare of K. Edward the second Howbeit while this Gilbert the third was in minority Sir Ralph de Mont-hermer who by a secret contract had espoused his mother the Kings daughter for which he incurred the kings high displeasure and a short imprisonment but after reconciled was summoned to Parliaments by the name of Earle of Glocester and Hertford But when Gilbert was out of his minority he was summoned amongst the Barons by the name of Sir Ralph de Mont-hermer as long as he lived which I note more willingly for the rarenesse of the example After the death of Gilbert the third without children Sir Hugh Le De-Spenser commonly named Spenser the younger was by writers called Earle of Glocester because he had married the eldest sister of the said Gilbert the third But after that he was by the Queene and Nobles of the Realme hanged for hatred they bare to K. Edward the 2. whose minion he was Sir Hugh Audley who had matched in marriage with the second sister through the favour of King Edward the Third received this honour After his death King Richard the Second erected this Earledome into a Dukedome and so it had three Dukes and one Earle betweene and unto them all it prooved Equus Sejanus that is Fatall to give them their fall Thomas of Woodstocke youngest sonne to King Edward the Third was the first Duke of Glocester advanced to that high honour by the said King Richard the Second and shortly after by him subverted For when he busily plotted great matters the King tooke order that he should be conveyed secretly in all haste to Calis where with a featherbed cast upon him he was smouthered having before under his owne band confessed as it stands upon Record in the Parliament Rols that he by vertue of a Patent which hee had wrested from the King tooke upon him the Kings regall authority that he came armed into the Kings presence reviled him consulted with learned about renouncing his allegiance and devised to depose the King for which being now dead he was by authority of Parliament attainted and condemned of high Treason When hee was thus dispatched the same King conferred the Title of Earle of Glocester upon Thomas Le De-Spenser in the right of his Great Grand-mother who within a while after sped no better than his great Grand-father Sir Hugh For by King Henry the fourth he was violently displaced shamefully degraded and at Briston by the peoples fury beheaded After some yeares King Henry the Fifth created his brother Humfrey the second Duke of Glocester who stiled himselfe the first yeare of King Henry the Sixth as I have seene in an Instrument of his Humfrey by the Grace of God sonne brother and Uncle to Kings Duke of Glocester Earle of Henault Holland Zeland and Penbroch Lord of Friesland Great Chamberlaine of the Kingdome of England Protector and Defender of the same Kingdome and Church of England A man that had right well deserved of the common wealth and of learning but through the fraudulent practise and malignant envie of the Queene brought to his end at Saint Edmunds Bury The third and last Duke was Richard brother to King Edward the Fourth who afterwards having most wickedly murdred his Nephewes usurped the Kingdome by the name of King Richard the third and after two yeares lost both it and his life in a pitched field finding by experience that power gotten by wicked meanes is never long lasting Concerning this last Duke of Glocester and his first entry to the Crowne give me leave for a while to play the part of an Historiographer which I will speedily give over againe as not well able to act it When this Richard Duke of Glocester being now proclaimed Protector of the Kingdome had under his command his tender two Nephewes Edward the Fifth King of England and Richard Duke of Yorke he retriving after the Kingdome for himselfe by profuse liberality and bounty to very many by passing great gravitie tempered with singular affabilitie by deepe wisdome by ministring justice indifferently and by close devises wonne wholly to him all mens hearts but the Lawyers especially to serve his turne So shortly he effected that in the name of all the States of the Realme there should be exhibited unto him a supplication wherein they most earnestly besought him for the publike Weale of the Kingdome to take upon him the Crowne to uphold his Countrey and the common-weale now shrinking and downe falling not to suffer it to runne headlong into utter desolation by reason that both lawes of nature and the authority of positive lawes and the laudable customes and liberties of England wherein every Englishman is an inheritor were subverted and trampled under foote through civill wars rapines murthers extortions oppressions and all sorts of misery But especially ever since that King Edward the fourth his brother bewitched by sorcerie and amorous potions fell in fancie with Dame Elizabeth Greie widdow whom he married without the assent of his Nobles without solemne publication of Banes secretly in a profane place and not in the face of the Church contrary to the law of Gods Church and commendable custome of the Church of England and which was worse having before time by a precontract espoused Dame Aeleanor Butler daughter to the old Earle of Shrewsburie whereby most sure and certaine it was that the foresaid matrimony was unlawfull and therewith the children of them begotten illegitimate and so unable to inherite or claime the Crowne Moreover considering that George Duke of Clarence the second brother of King Edward the Fourth was by authority of Parliament convicted and attainted of high treason thereupon his children disabled and debarred from all right succession evident it was to every man that Richard himselfe remained the sole and undoubted heire to the Crowne Of whom they assured themselves that being borne in England he would seriously provide for the good of England neither could they make any doubt of his
and the Monastery Most renowned it is for that Church the Hall of Iustice and the Kings Palace This Church is famous especially by reason of the Inauguration and Sepulture of the Kings of England Sulcard writeth that there stood sometimes a Temple of Apollo in that place and that in the dayes of Antoninus Pius Emperor of Rome it fell downe with an Earth-quake Out of the remaines whereof Sebert King of the East-Saxons erected another to Saint Peter which beeing by the Danes overthrowne Bishoppe Dunstane reedified and granted it to some few Monkes But afterwards King Edward surnamed the Confessour with the tenth penny of all his revenewes built it new for to be his owne sepulture and a Monastery for Benedictine Monkes endowing it with Livings and Lands lying dispersed in diverse parts of England But listen what an Historian faith who then lived The devout King destined unto God that place both for that it was nere unto the famous and wealthy Citty of London and also had a pleasant situation amongst fruitfull fields and greene grounds lying round about it and withall the principall River running hard by bringing in from all parts of the world great variety of Wares and Merchandize of all sorts to the Citty adjoyning But chiefly for the love of the chiefe Apostle whom he reverenced with a speciall and singular affection He made choise to have a place there for his owne Sepulchre and thereupon commanded that of the tenths of all his Rents the worke of a noble edifice should bee gone in hand with such as might beseeme the Prince of the Apostles To the end that he might procure the propitious favour of the Lord after he should finish the course of this transitory Life both in regard of his devout Piety and also of his free oblation of Lands and Ornaments wherewith hee purposed to endow and enrich the same According therefore to the Kings commandement the worke nobly beganne and happily proceeded forward neither the charges already disbursed or to bee disbursed are weighed and regarded so that it may bee presented in the end unto God and Saint Peter worth their acceptation The forme of that ancient building read if you please out of an old Manuscript booke The principall plot or ground-worke of the building supported with most lofty Arches is cast round with a foure square worke and semblable joynts But the compasse of the whole with a double Arch of stone on both sides is enclosed with joynd-worke firmely knit and united together every way Moreover the Crosse of the Church which was to compasse the midde Quire of those that chaunted unto the Lord and with a two-fold supportance that it had on either side to uphold and beare the lofty toppe of the Tower in the midst simply riseth at first with a low and strong Arch then mounteth it higher with many winding Staires artificially ascending with a number of steps But afterward with a single wall it reacheth up to the roofe of Timber well and surely covered with Lead But after an hundred and threescore yeeres King Henry the Third subverted this fabricke of King Edwards and built from the very foundation a new Church of very faire workemanship supported with sundry rowes of Marble pillars and the Rowfe covered over with sheets of Lead a peece of worke that cost fifty yeeres labour in building which Church the Abbots enlarged very much toward the West end and King Henry the Seventh for the buriall of himselfe and his children adjoyned thereto in the East end a Chappell of admirable artificiall elegancy The wonder of the World Leland calleth it for a man would say that all the curious and exquisite worke that can bee devised is there compacted wherein is to bee seene his owne most stately magnificall Monument all of solide and massie Copper This Church when the Monkes were driven thence from time to time was altered to and fro with sundry changes First of all it had a Deane and Prebendaries soone after one Bishop and no more namely T. Thurlebey who having wasted the Church Patrimony surrendred it to the spoile of Courtiers and shortly after were the Monks with their Abbot set in possession againe by Queene Mary and when they also within a while after were by authority of Parliament cast out the most gracious Prince Queene Elizabeth converted it into a Collegiat Church or rather into a Seminary and nurse-garden of the Church appointed twelve Prebendaries there and as many old Soldiers past service for Almes-men fourty Scholers who in their due time are preferred to the Universities and from thence sent foorth into the Church and Common-weale c. Over these she placed D. Bill Deane whose successour was D. Gabriel Goodman a right good man indeede and of singular integrity an especiall Patron of my studies Within this Church are entombed that I may note them also according to their dignity and time wherein they died Sebert the first of that name and first Christian King of the East-Saxons Harold the bastard son of Canutus the Dane King of England S. Edward King and Confessour with his wife Edith Maud wife to King Henry the First the daughter of Malcolme King of Scots King Henry the Third and his son King Edward the First with Aeleonor his wife daughter to Ferdinandâ— the first King of Castile and of Leon. King Edward the Third and Philippa of Henault his wife King Richard the Second and his wife Anne sister to Wenzelaus the Emperor King Henry the Fifth with Catharine his wife daughter to Charles the Sixt king of France Anne wife to king Richard the Third daughter to Richard Nevill Earle of Warwicke king Henry the Seventh with his wife Elizabeth daughter to king Edward the Fourth and his mother Margaret Countesse of Richmond king Edward the Sixth Anne of Cleve the fourth wife of king Henry the Eighth Queene Mary And whom we are not to speake of without praise The Love and Joy of England Queene ELIZABETH of Sacred memory our late Soveraigne and most gratious Lady a Prince matchlesse for her heroicke Vertues Wiâ—edome and Magnanimity above that Sexe rare knowledge and skill in the Tongues is here intombed in a sumptuous and stately Monument which king Iames of a pious minde erected to her memory But alas how litle is that Monument in regard of so Noble and worthy a Lady Who of her selfe is her owne Monument and that right magnificent For how great SHE was RELIGION REFORMED PEACE WELL GROUNDED MONEY REDUCED TO THE TRUE VALUE A NAVY PASSING WELL FURNISHED IN READINES HONOUR AT SEA RESTORED REBELLION EXTINGVISHED ENGLAND FOR THE SPACE OF XLIIII YEERS MOST WISELY GOVERNED ENRICHED AND FORTIFIED SCOTLAND FREED FROM THE FRENCH FRANCE RELIEVED NETHERLANDS SUPPORTED SPAINE AWED IRELAND QUIETED AND THE WHOLE GLOBE OF THE EARTH TWICE SAYLED ROUND ABOUT may with praise and admiraration testifie one day unto all Posterity and succeeding ages Of Dukes and Earles degree there ly here buried Edmund Earle of
Lancaster second son of K. Henry the third and his wife Aveline de fortibus Countesse of Albemarle William and Audomar of Valence of the family of Lusignian Earles of Pembroch Alphonsus Iohn and other children of King Edward the First Iohn of Eltham Earle of Cornwall son to K. Edward the second Thomas of Woodstocke Duke of Glocester the yongest son of K. Edward the third with other of his children Aeleanor daughter and heire of Humfrey Bohun Earle of Hereford and of Essex wife to Thomas of Woodstocke the yong daughter of Edward the fourth and K. Henry the seventh Henry a childe two months old son of K. Henry the eight Sophia the daughter of K. Iames who died as it were in the very first day-dawning of her age Phillippa Mohun Dutches of Yorke Lewis Vicount Robsert of Henault in right of his wife Lord Bourchier Anne the yong daughter and heire of Iohn Mowbray Duke of Norfolke promised in marriage unto Richard Duke of Yorke yonger son to K. Edward the fourth Sir Giles Daubency Lord Chamberlaine to king Henry the Seventh and his wife of the house of the Arundels in Cornwall I. Vicount Wells Francis Brandon Dutches of Suffolke Mary her daughter Margaret Douglasse Countesse of Lennox grandmother to Iames King of Britaine with Charles her son Winifrid Bruges Marchionesse of Winchester Anne Stanhop Dutches of Somerset and Iane her daughter Anne Cecill Countesse of Oxford daughter to the L. Burghley Lord high Treasurer of England with Mildred Burghley her mother Elizabeth Berkeley Countesse of Ormund Francis Sidney Countesse of Sussex Iames Butler Vicount Thurles son and heire to the Earle of Ormond Besides these Humfrey Lord Bourchier of Cromwall Sir Humfrey Bourchier son and heire to the Lord Bourchier of Berners both slaine at Bernet field Sir Nicholas Carew Baron Carew Baronesse Powisse T. Lord Wentworth Thomas Lord Wharton Iohn Lord Russell Sir T. Bromley Lord Chancellour of England Douglas Howard daughter and heire generall of H. Vicount Howard of Bindon wife to Sir Arthur Gorges Elizabeth daughter and heire of Edward Earle of Rutland wife to William Cecill Sir Iohn Puckering Lord Keeper of the great Seale of England Francis Howard Countesse of Hertford Henrie and George Cary the father and sonne Barons of Hunsdon both Lords Chamberlaines to Queene Elizabeth the heart of Anne Sophia the tender daughter of Christopher Harley Count Beaumont Embassadour from the king of France in England bestowed within a small guilt Urne over a Pyramid Sir Charles Blunt Earle of Devonshire Lord Lieutenant Generall of Ireland And whom in no wise wee must forget the Prince of English Poets Geoffry Chauer as also he that for pregnant wit and an excellent gift in Poetry of all English Poets came neerest unto him Edmund Spencer Beside many others of the Clergy and Gentlemen of quality There was also another College or Free-chapell hard by consisting of a Deane and twelve Chanons dedicated to Saint Stephen which King Edward the Third in his princely Magnificence repaired with curious workmanship and endowed with faire possessions so as he may seeme to have built it new what time as he had with his victories overrun and subdued al France recalling to minde as we read the Charter of the foundation and pondering in a due weight of devout consideration the exceeding benefits of Christ whereby of his owne sweet mercy and pity he preventeth us in all occasions delivering us although without all desert from sundry perils and defending us gloriously with his powerfull right hand against the violent assaults of our adversaries with victorious successes and in other tribulations and perplexities wherein wee have exceeding much beene encombred by comforting us and by applying and in-powering remedies upon us beyond all hope and expectation There was adjoyning hereto a Palace the ancient habitation of the Kings of England from the time of King Edward the Confessor which in the Raigne of king Henry the Eighth was burnt by casuall fire to the ground A very large stately and sumptuous Palace this was and in that age for building incomparable with a vawmurâ— and bulwarks for defence The remaines whereof are the Chamber wherein the King the Nobles with the Counsellers and Officers of State doe assemble at the high Court of Parliament and the next unto it wherein anciently they were wont to beginne the Parliaments knowne by the name of Saint Edwards painted chamber because the tradition holdeth that the said king Edward therein dyed But how sinfull an Act how bloudy how foule how hainous horrible hideous and odious both to God and man certaine brute and savage beasts in mens shape enterprised of late by the device of that Arch Traitour Robert Catesby with undermining and placing a mighty deale of gunpowder under these Edifices against their Prince their Country and all the States of the Kingdome and that under an abominable pretence of Religion my very heart quaketh to remember and mention nay amazed it is and astonied but to thinke onely into what inevitable darknesse confusion and wofull miseries they had suddenly in the twinckling of an eye plunged this most flourishing Realme and Common wealth But that which an ancient Poet in a smaller matter wrote we may in this with griefe of minde utter Excidat illa dies aevo nè postera credant Secula nos certè taceamus obruta multa Nocte tegi propriae patiamur crimina gentis That cursed day forgotten be no future age beleeve That this was true let us also at least wise now that live Conceale the same and suffer such Designes of our owne Nation Hidden to be and buried quite in darknesse of oblivion Adjoyning unto this is the Whitehall wherein at this day the Court of Requests is kept Beneath this is that Hall which of all other is the greatest and the very Praetorium or Hall of Justice for all England In this are the Judiciall Courts namely The Kings Bench the Common Pleas and The Chancery And in places neere thereabout The Star-Chamber the Exchequer Court of Ward and Court of the Dâ—teby of Lancaster c. In which at certaine set times wee call them Tearmes yearely causes are heard and tryed whereas before king Henry the Third his dayes the Court of common Law and principall Justice was unsetled and alwaies followed the kings Court But he in the Magna Charta made a law in these words Let not the Common Pleas folâ—ow our Court but bee holden in some certaine place Which notwithstanding some expound thus That the Common Pleas from thenceforth bee handled in a Court of the owne by it selfe a part and not in the Kings Bench as before This Judgement Hall which we now have king Richard the Second built out of the ground as appeareth by his Armes engraven in the stone-worke and many arched beames when he had plucked downe the former old Hall that king William Rufus in the same place had built before and made it his
Afterwards Herveie the Abbot comming of the Norman bloud compassed it round about with a wall whereof there remaine still some few Reliques and Abbot Newport walled the Abbay The Bishop of Rome endowed it with very great immunities and among other things granted That the said place should bee subject to no Bishop in any matter and in matters lawfull depend upon the pleasure and direction of the Archbishop Which is yet observed at this day And now by this time the Monkes abounding in wealth erected a new Church of a sumptuous and stately building enlarging it every day more than other with new workes and whiles they laid the foundation of a new Chappell in the Reigne of Edward the First There were found as Eversden a Monke of this place writeth The walles of a certaine old Church built round so as that the Altar stood as it were in the mids and we verily thinke saith he it was that which was first built to Saint Edmunds service But what manner of Towne this was and how great the Abbay also was while it stood heare Leland speake who saw it standing The Sunne saith hee hath not seene either a City more finely seated so delicately standeth it upon the easie ascent or hanging of an hill and a little River runneth downe on the East side thereof or a goodlier Abbay whether a man indifferently consider either the endowment with Revenewes or the largenesse or the incomparable magnificence thereof A man that saw the Abbay would say verily it were a Citie so many Gates there are in it and some of brasse so many Towres and a most stately Church Upon which attend three others also standing gloriously in one and the same Churchyard all of passing fine and curious Workmanship If you demand how great the wealth of this Abbay was a man could hardly tell and namely how many gifts and oblations were hung upon the Tombe alone of Saint Edmund and besides there came in out of lands and Revenewes a thousand five hundered and three score pounds of old rent by the yeare If I should relate the broiles severally that from time to time arose betweene the Townesmen and the Monkes who by their Steward governed the Townesmen and with how great rage they fell together by the eares purposedly to kill one another my relation would seeme incredible But as great a peece of worke as this was so long in building and still encreasing and as much riches as they gathered together for so many yeares with S. Edmunds shrine and the monuments of Alan Rufus Earle of Britaine and Richmond Sir Thomas of Brotherton sonne to King Edward the first Earle of Norfolke and Marshall of England Thomas of Beaufor Duke of Excester W. Earle of Stafford Marie Queene Dowager of France Daughter to King Henry the Seaventh and many other worthie personages there Entombed were by King Henry the Eighth utterly overthrowne What time as at one clappe hee suppressed all Monasteries perswaded thereto by such as under a goodly pretense of reforming religion preferred their private respects and their owne enriching before the honour of Prince and Country yea and before the Glory of God himselfe And yet there remaineth still lying along the carcasse as one would say of that auncient monument altogether deformed but for ruines I assure you they make a faire and goodly shew which who soever beholdeth hee may both wonder thereat and withall take pity thereof England also that I may note this also by the way if ever else it had losse by the death of any Man sustained here one of the greatest For that father in deede of his Country Humfrey Duke of Glocester a due observer of Iustice and who had furnished his noble witte with the better and deeper kinde of studies after hee had under King Henry the Sixth governed the Kingdome five and twenty yeares with great commendation so that neither good men had cause to complaine of nor evill to finde fault with was here in Saint Saviours Hospitall brought to his end by the spightfull envy of Margaret of Lorain Who seeing her husband King Henry the Sixth to bee a man of a silly simple minde and faint hearted to the end shee might draw into her owne hands the managing of the State devised and plotted this wicked deed but to her owne losse and this Realme in the highest degree For Normandy and Aquitane were thereby shortly after lost and Warres more then civill enkindled in England Nere unto this Saint Edmunds Bury is Rushbroke to be seene the habitation of the worshipfull Family of the Iermins Knights and not farre from thence Ikesworth where there stood an auncient Priory founded by Gilbert Blund a man of great nobility and Lord of Ikesworth whose issue male by the right line ended in William that in King Henry the Third his dayes was slaine in the battell at Lewis and left two sisters his Heires Agnes wife to William de Creketot and Roise wedded to Robert de Valoniis Afterward both here at Haulsted neere by Rougham and else-where the Family of Drury which signifieth in old English A Pretious jewell hath beene of great respect and good note especially since they married with the heires of Fressil and Saxham More Northward is Saint Genovefs Fernham in this regard memorable for that Richard Lucy Lord chiefe Justice of England tooke Prisoner there in a pight fielde Robert Earle of Leicester making foule worke and havocke here and withall put to the sword above ten thousand Flemings whom hee had levied and sent forth to the depopulation of his Country Here hard by I had the sight of two very faire houses the one built by the Kitsons Knights at Hengrave the possession in times past of Edmund de Hengrave a most renowned Lawyer under King Edward the First the other at Culfurth erected by Sir Nicolas Bacon Knight sonne unto that Sir Nicolas Bacon Lord Keeper of the great Seale of England who for his singular wisedome and most sound judgement was right worthily esteemed one of the two Supporters of this Kingdome in his time And not farre off standeth Lidgate a small Village yet in this respect not to be passed over in silence because it brought into the World Iohn Lidgate the Monke whose witte may seeme to have beene framed and shapen by the very Muses themselves so brightly re-shine in his English verses all the pleasant graces and elegancies of speech according to that age Thus much for the more memorable places on the West side of Suffolke On the South side wee saw the river Stour which immediately from the very spring head spreadeth a great Mere called Stourmeer but soone after drawing it selfe within the bankes runneth first by Clare a noble Village which had a Castle but now decayed and gave name to the right noble Family of the Clares descended from Earle Gislebert the Norman and the title of Dukedome unto Leonel King
which he had overrunne by robbing and ransacking From hence Breton speedeth it selfe by Higham whence the family of Higham is so named to Stour which joyntly in one streame runne not farre from Bentley where the Talmachs of a celebrate ancient house flourished for a long time and after a few miles neere unto Arwerton the house long since of the family of the Bacons who held this Manour and Brome by conducting all the footemen of Suffolke and Norfolke from S. Edmunds dike in the warres of Wales Now it belongeth to the Parkers haereditarily who by the Fathers side derive their descent from the Barons Morley and by the Mothers from the Calthrops a Family sometime of great account in these parts Beneath this Stour falleth into the Ocean and at the very mouth thereof the river Orwell or Gipping dischargeth it selfe together with it This River springeth up in the very navell or centre as one would say of this shire out of two fountaines the one neere to Wulpet the other by Gipping a small Village Wulpet is a Mercat towne and soundeth as much as The Wolves pit if wee may beleeve Nubrigensis who hath told as prety and formall a tale of this place as is that fable called the TRUE NARRATION of Lucian namely how two little Boyes forsooth of a greene colour and of Satyrs kinde after they had made a long journey by passages under the ground from out of another world from the Antipodes and Saint Martins Land came up heere of whom if you would know more repayre to the Author himselfe where you shall finde such matter as will make you laugh your fill if you have a laughing spleene I wote not whether I were best to relate here into what a vaine hope of finding gold at Norton hard by a certaine credulous desire of having enticed and allured king Henry the Eight but the digging and undermining there sufficiently shew it although I say nothing But between Gipping and Wulpet upon an high hill remain the tokens of Hawhglee an ancient Castle taking up much about two Acres of ground Some affirme this to have beene called Hagoneth Castle which belonged to Ralph le Broc and that in the yeere 1173. it was by Robert Earle of Leicester won and overthrowne in the intestine warre betweene king Henry the Second and his unkindely disloyall sonne Upon the same River are seene two little Mercat Townes Stow and Needham and not farre from the banke Hemingston in which Baldwin Le Pettour marke his name well held certaine lands by Serjeanty the words I have out of an old booke for which on Christmasse day every yeere before our soveraigne Lord the King of England he should performe one Saltus one Suffletus and one Bumbulus or as wee read elsewhere his tenour was per saltum sufflum pettum that is if I understand these tearmes aright That hee should daunce puffe up his cheekes making therewith a sound and besides let a cracke downeward Such was the plaine and jolly mirth of those times And observed it is that unto this Foe the Manour of Langhall belonged Neere unto the mouth of this river we saw Ipswich in times past Gippwich a faire towne resembling a Citty situate in a ground somewhat low which is the eye as it were of this shire as having an Haven commodious enough fenced in times past with a trench and rampire of good trade and stored with wares well peopled and full of Inhabitants adorned with foureteene Churches and with goodly large and stately edifices I say nothing of foure religious houses now overturned and that sumptuous and magnificent Colledge which Cardinall Wolsey a Butchers sonne of this place here began to build whose vast minde reached alwayes at things too high The body politike or corporation of this towne consisteth as I was enformed of twelve Burgesses Portmen they terme them out of whom are chosen yeerely for the head Magistrates two Baillives and as many Justices out of foure and twenty others As touching the Antiquity thereof so farre as ever I could observe the name of it was not heard of before the Danish invasion whereof it smarted For in the yeere of salvation 991. the Danes sacked and spoyled it and all the Sea coast with so great cruelty that Siritius Archbishop of Canterbury and the Nobles of England thought it the safest and best course they could take to redeeme and buy their peace of them for the summe of ten thousand pounds Neverthelesse within nine yeeres they made spoyle of this towne againe and presently thereupon the Englishmen valiantly encountred them in the field but through the cowardly running away of one man alone named Turkill as writeth Henry of Huntingdon for in matter of warre things of small weight otherwise are of right great moment and sway very much our men were put to flight and let the victory slip out of their hands In the reigne of S. Edward as we finde in the Survey booke of England out of this towne Queene Edeva had two parts and Earle Guert a third part and Burgesses there were eight hundred paying custome to the King But after the Normans had possessed themselves of England they erected a pile or Castle here which Hugh Bigod defended for a good while against Stephen the usurping King of England but surrendred it in the end This fort is now quite gone so as there remaine not so much as the ruines thereof Some say it was in the parish of Westfield hard by where is to be seene the rubbish of a Castle and where old Gipwic as men say stood in times past I thinke verely it was then demolished when K. Henry the second laied Waleton Castle neer unto it even with the ground For it was a place of refuge for Rebels and here landed those three thousand Flemings whom the nobles of Englād had called in against him what time as he unadvisedly hee had made Prince Henry his sonne King and of equall power with himselfe and the young man knowing no meane would bee in the highest place or none set upon a furious desire of the Kingdome most unnaturally waged warre against his owne father Albeit these Castles are now cleane decaied and gone yet this Shore is defended sufficiently with an huge banke they call it Langerston that for two miles or thereabout in length lyeth forth into the maine Sea as hee saith not without great danger and terrour of such as saile that way howbeit the same serveth very well for Fishermen to dry their fishes and after a sort is a defence unto that spatious and wide Haven of Orwell And thus much for the South part of this Shire From hence the curving Shore for all this East part lyeth full against the Sea shooting forth Northward straight-way openeth it selfe to the Deben a Riveret having his spring-head neere unto Mendelesham unto which Towne the Lord of the place H. Fitz Otho Master
of England erected Kings Colledge in the yeere 1441. whereunto he joyned a Chappell which may rightly be counted one of the fairest buildings of the whole world His wife Margaret of Anjou in the yeere 1443. built Queenes Colledge Robert Woodlarke Professor of Divinity in the yeere 1459. S. Katharines Hall Iohn Alcocke Bishop of Ely in the yeere 1497. was the founder of Iesus Colledge Lady Margaret Countesse of Richmond mother to King Henry the Seaventh about the yeere 1506. erected Christs Colledge and S. Iohns enlarged now in goodly manner with new buildings Sir Thomas Audley Lord Chancellour of England in the yeere 1542. built Maudlen Colledge which Sir Christopher Wray Lord chiefe Justice of England hath lately bewtified with new buildings and endowed with great possessions And that most puissant King Henry the Eight in the yeere of our salvation 1546. made Trinity Colledge of three others to wit of S. Michaels House or Colledge which Herveie Stanton in the reigne of Edward the Second built of Kings Hall founded by King Edward the Third and of Fishwicks Hostell Which Colledge that the Students might inhabite more pleasantly is now repaired nay rather new built with that magnificence by the carefull direction of Thomas Nevill Doctor of Divinity Master of the said Colledge and Deane of Canterbury that it is become a Colledge for stately greatnesse for uniforme building and beauty of the roomes scarce inferiour to any other in Christendome and he himselfe may bee accounted in the judgement even of the greatest Philosopher Truly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for bestowing so great cost in publike and not in his owne private uses Also wherein I congratulate our Age and our selves in the behalfe of good learning that honourable and prudent man Sir Walter Mildmay knight one of the Privy Counsell to Queene Elizabeth who founded a new Colledge in the honour of Emanuel and Lady Francis Sidneie Countesse of Sussex in her last will gave a Legacy of 5000. pounds to the building of a Colledge that should be called Sidney-Sussex which is now fully finished I let passe here litle Monasteries and Religious houses because they were of small note unlesse it were Barnewell Abbey which Sir Paine Peverell a worthy and valiant warriour Standard-bearer to Robert Duke of Normandy in the holy War against Infidels translated in the reigne of Henry the first from S. Giles Church where Picot the Sheriffe had ordained secular Priests unto this place and brought into it thirty Monkes for that himselfe at that time was thirty yeeres of Age. The reason of that name Barnewell you may read if it please you out of the private History of that place in these words Sir Payne Peverell obtained of King Henry the First a certaine plot of ground without the Burgh of Cambridge Out of the very midst of that place there sprung up certaine Fountaines very pure and lively which in English they called Barnewell in those daies as one would say the wels of Barnes that is Children For that Boyes and Youthes meeting once a yeare there on the Even of Saint Iohn Baptists Nativity after the English manner exercised themselves in wrestling and other sports and pastimes befitting their age yea and merrily applauded one another with songs and minstralsie Whence it came that for the number of Boyes and Girles running thither and there playing grew to be a custome that on the suddaine a multitude of buyers and sellers repaired thither Neither was Cambridge albeit it was consecrated to the Muses altogether free from the furies of Mars For when the Danes robbed and spoyled up and downe many times they wintered here and in the yeere of Redemption 1010. when Sueno the Dane by most cruell and terrible tyranny bare downe all before him they spared not the honour of the place nor the Muses which we read that Sylla yet did at Athens but pittifully burnt and defaced it all Neverthelesse at the first comming in of the Normans it was sufficiently peopled For thus we read in the Domesday booke of King William the Conquerour The Burrough of Grentbridge is divided into tenne Wards and hath 387. Mansion houses But eighteene houses were destroyed for building of the Castle what time as the said King William the First determined to over-awe the English every where whom lately hee had conquered with Castles as it were with bridles of servitude Afterwards in the Barons warre it sustained great losse by the out-lawed Barons out of the Isle of Ely therefore Henry the Third to represse their outrages caused a deepe ditch to be cast on the East side which is still called Kings ditch Here happily there is a secret expectation of some that I should give mine opinion as touching the antiquity of this University But I will bee no dealer in this case For I meane not to make comparison betweene these two most flourishing Universities of ours to whom I know none equall Howbeit I feare me they have builded Castles in the Ayre and thrust upon us devices of their owne braines who extolling the antiquity thereof farre above any probability of truth have written that this Cantaber of Spaine streight after Rome was built and many yeeres before the Nativity of Christ erected this University True and certaine it is that whensoever it was first ordained it was a seat of learning about the time of King Henry the First For thus wee read in an old Additament of Peter Blessensis unto Ingulph Abbot Ioffred sent ouer to his Manour of Cotenham neere Cambridge Gislebert his fellow Monke and professour of Divinity with three other Monkes who following him into England being throughly furnished with Philosophicall Theoremes and other primitive sciences repaired dayly to Cambridge and having hired a certaine publike Barne made open profession of their sciences and in short space of time drew together a great number of Schollers But in the second yeere after their comming the number of their Scholars grew so great as well from out of the whole Country as the Towne that the biggest house and barne that was or any Church whatsoever sufficed not to receive them all Whereupon sorting themselves apart in severall places and taking the Vniversity of Orleance for their paterne earely in the morning Monke Odo a singular Grammarian and Satyricall Poet read Grammer unto Boyes and those of the younger sort assigned unto him according to the Doctrine of Priscian and of Remigius upon him At one of the clocke Terricus a most witty and subtile Sophister taught the elder sort of young men Aristotles Logicke after the Introductions of Porphyrie and the Comments of Averroes At three of the clocke Monke William read a Lecture in Tullies Rhetoricke and Quintilians Flores But the great Master Gislebert upon every Sunday and Holy-dayes preached GODS Word unto the People And thus out of this little Fountaine which grew to bee a great River wee see how the Citty of GOD now is become enriched and
which King Henry the First gave unto the Church of Lincolne for amends of a losse when hee erected the Bishopricke of Ely taken out of the Diocesse of Lincolne as I have before shewed But where the River Nen entreth into this Shire it runneth fast by Elton the seat of the ancient Family of the Sapcots where is a private Chappell of singular workemanship and most artificiall glasse windowes erected by Lady Elizabeth Dinham the widow of Baron Fitz-warin married into the said Family But a little higher there stood a little City more ancient than all these neere unto Walmsford which Henry of Huntingdon calleth Caer Dorm and Dormeceaster upon the River Nen and reporteth to have beene utterly rased before his time This was doubtlesse that DUROBRIVAE that is The River passage that Antonine the Emperour speaketh of and now in the very same sense is called Dornford neere unto Chesterton which beside peeces of ancient Coine daily found in it sheweth apparant tokens of a City overthrowne For to it there leadeth directly from Huntingdon a Roman Portway and a little above Stilton which in times past was called Stichilton it is seene with an high banke and in an ancient Saxon Charter termed Ermingstreat This Street now runneth here through the middest of a foure square Fort the North side whereof was fensed with Wals all the other sides with a Rampire of earth onely Neere unto which were digged up not long since Cofins or Sepulchres of stone in the ground of R. Bevill of an ancient house in this Shire Some verily thinke that this City tooke up both bankes of the River and there bee of opinion that the little Village Câ—ster standing upon the other banke was parcell thereof Surely to this opinion of theirs maketh much the testimony of an ancient story which sheweth that there was a place by Nen called Dormund-caster in which when Kinneburga had built a little Monastery it began to be called first Kinneburge-caster and afterwards short Caster This Kinneburga the most Christian daughter of the Pagan King Penda and wife to Alfred King of the Northumbrians changed her Princely State into the service of Christ if I may use the words of an ancient Writer and governed this Monastery of her owne as Prioresse or mother of the Nunnes there Which afterwards about the yeare of Salvation 1010. by the furious Danes was made levell with the ground But where this River is ready to leave this County it passeth hard by an ancient house called Bottle-bridge so is it now termed short for Botolph-bridge which the Draitons and Lovets brought from R. Gimels by hereditary succession into the Family of the Shirleies And to this house adjoyneth Overton now corruptly called Orton which being by felony forfait and confiscate Neele Lovetoft redeemed againe of King John and the said Noeles sister and coheire being wedded unto Hubert alià s Robert de Brounford brought him children who assumed unto them the sirname of Lovetoft This County of Huntingdon when the English-Saxons Empire began now to decline had Siward an Earle by Office and not inheritance For as yet there were no Earles in England by inheritance but the Rulers of Provinces after the custome of that age were termed Earles with addition of the Earledome of this or that Province whereof they had the rule for the time as this Siward whiles he governed this County was called Earle of Huntingdon whereas afterwards being Ruler of Northumberland they named him Earle of Northumberland He had a sonne named Waldeof who under the Title of Earle had likewise the government of this Province standing in favour as he did with William the Conquerour whose Niece Judith by his sister of the mothers side hee had married but by him beheaded for entring into a conspiracy against him The eldest daughter of this Waldeof as William Gemiticensis reporteth Simon de Senlys or S. Liz tooke to wife together with the Earldome of Huntingdon and of her begat a sonne named Simon But after that the said Simon was dead David brother to Maud the Holy Queene of England who afterwards became King of Scots married his wife by whom hee had a sonne named Henry But in processe of time as fortune and Princes favour varied one while the Scots another while the Sent Lizes enjoyed this dignity First Henry the sonne of David aforesaid then Simon S. Liz sonne of Simon the first after him Malcolm King of Scots sonne to Earle Henry and after his death Simon Sent Liz the third who dying without issue William King of Scots and brother to Malcolm succeeded for so wrote he that then lived Raphe de Diceto in the yeare 1185. When Simon saith hee the sonne of Earle Simon was departed without children the King restored the Earldome of Huntingdon with the Pertinences unto William King of the Scots Then his brother David and Davids sonne John sirnamed Scot Earle of Chester who dying without issue and Alexander the third that had married the daughter of our King Henry the Third having for a time borne this Title the Scots by occasion of incident warres lost that honour and with it a very faire inheritance in England A good while after King Edward the Third created Sir William Clinton Earle of Huntingdon who dyed issuelesse And in his roome there was placed by King Richard the Second Guiseard of Engolisme a Gascoine who was his Governour in his minority and after his death succeeded Iohn Holland Iohn his sonne who was stiled Duke of Excester Earle of Huntingdon and Ivory Lord of Sparre Admirall of England and Ireland Lieutenant of Aquitane and Constable of the Towre of London and his sonne likewise Henry successively who were Dukes also of Excester This is that very same Henry Duke of Excester whom Philip Comines as himselfe witnesseth saw begging bare foote in the Low Countries whiles he stood firme and fast unto the house of Lancaster albeit he had married King Edward the Fourth his owne sister Then Thomas Grey who became afterward Marquesse Dorset a little while enjoyed that honour Also it is evident out of the Records that William Herbert Earle of Pembroch brought in againe the Charter of creation whereby his father was made Earle of Pembroch into the Chancery for to be cancelled and that King Edward the Fourth in the seventeenth of his Raigne created him Earle of Huntingdon at such time as he granted the Title of Pembroch to the Prince his sonne Afterward King Henry the Eighth conferred that honour upon George Lord Hastings after whom succeeded his sonne Francis and after him likewise his sonne Henry a right honourable Personage commended both for true Nobility and Piety But whereas hee dyed without issue his brother Sir George Hastings succeeded and after him his Grandchilde Henry by his sonne who at this day enjoyeth the said honour In this little Shire are numbered Parishes 78. CORITANI NOw must wee passe on to
solemne investure and a kisse in full Parliament upon his eldest Sonne who gloriously bare the name of King Henry the Fifth His Sonne King Henry the Sixth who at his Fathers death was an Infant in the cradle conferred likewise this honour which he never had himselfe upon his young Sonne Edward whose unhappie fortune it was to have his braines dashed out cruelly by the faction of Yorke being taken prisoner at Tewkesbury field Not long after King Edward the Fourth having obtained the Crowne created Edward his young Sonne Prince of Wales who was afterwards in the lineall succession of Kings Edward the Fifth of that name And within a while after his Unkle King Richard the Third who made him away ordained in his roome Edward his owne Sonne whom King Edward the Fourth had before made Earle of Salisburie but he died quickly after Then King Henrie the Seventh created his eldest sonne Arthur Prince of Wales and when he was dead Henrie his other Sonne well knowne in the world by the name of King Henrie the Eighth Every one of these had the Principality of Wales given unto them by the foresaid solemne investure and delivery of a Patent To hold to themselves and their Heires Kings of England For Kings would not bereave themselves of so excellent an occasion to doe well by their Eldest Sonnes but thought it very good policie by so great a benefit to oblige them when they pleased Queene Mary Queene Elizabeth and King Edward the Children of King Henrie the Eighth although they never had investure nor Patent yet were commonly named in their order Princes of Wales For at that time Wales was by authoritie of Parliament so annexed and united to the Kingdome of England that both of them were governed vnder the same Law or that you may reade it abridged out of the Act of Parliament The Kings Country or dominion of Wales shall stand and continue for ever incorporated united and annexed to and with the Realme of England and all and singular person and persons borne and to be borne in the said Principalitie Country or Dominion of Wales shall have enioy and inherit all and singular freedomes liberties rights priviledges and Lawes within this Realme and other the Kings Dominions as other the Kings Subiects naturally borne within the same have enioy and inherit and the Lawes Ordinances and Statutes of the Realme of England for ever and none other shall he had used practised and executed in the said Country or Dominion of Wales and every part thereof in like manner forme and order as they be and shall be in this Realme and in such like manner and forme as heereafter shall be further established and ordained This Act and the calme command of King Henrie the Seventh preparing way for it effected that in a short time which the violent power of other Kings armes and especially of Henrie the Fourth with extreame rigour also of Lawes could not draw on in many yeeres For ever sithence the British Nation hath continued as faithfully and dutifully in their Loyall Allegiance to the Crowne of England as any other part of the Realme whatsoever Now am I to returne out of Wales into England and must goe unto the Brigantes BRIGANTES BRITAINE which hitherto hath as it were launched out with huge Promontories looking on the one side toward Germanie on the other side toward Ireland now as if it were afraid of the Sea violently inrushing upon it withdraweth it selfe farther in and by making larger separations of lands retireth backe gathered into a farre narrower breadth For it is not past one hundred miles broad from coast to coast which on both sides passe on in a maner with straight and direct shores Northward as farre as to Scotland All this part well neere of the Island while the Romane Empire stood upright and flourished in Britaine was inhabited by the BRIGANTES For Plinie writeth that they dwelt from the East Sea to the West A nation this was right valiant populous withall and of especiall note among ancient Authors who all doe name them BRIGANTES unlesse it be Stephanus onely in his booke Of Cities who called them BRIGAE in which place that which he wrote of them is defective at this day in the bookes by reason that the sentence is imperfect If I should thinke that these were called Brigantes of Briga which in the ancient Spanish tongue signified A Citie I should not satisfie my selfe seeing it appeareth for certaine out of Strabo that it is a meere Spanish word If I were of opinion with Goropius that out of the Low Dutch tongue they were termed Brigantes as one would say Free-hands should I not obtrude upon you his dreames for dainties Howsoever the case standeth our Britanes or Welsh-men if they see any of a bad disposition and audaciously playing lawlesse and lewde parts use to say of them by way of a common merry quippe Wharret Brigans that is They play the Brigants And the French-men at this day alluding as it seemeth to the ancient language of the Gaules usually terme such lewde fellowes Brigans like as Pirats Ships Brigantins But whether the force of the word was such in old time in the Gaules or Britanes language or whether our Brigantes were such like men I dare not determine Yet if my memory faile me not Strabo calleth the Brigantes a people about Alpes Grassatores that is Robbers and Iulius a Belgian a young man of desperate boldnesse who counted power authority honestie and vertue to be nothing but naked names is in Tacitus surnamed Briganticus With which kinde of vice our old Brigantes may seeme to have been tainted when they so robbed and spoiled the neighbour inhabitants that the Emperour Antoninus Pius for this cause tooke away a great part of their Country from them as Pausanias witnesseth who writeth thus of them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Antoninus Pius cut the Brigantes in Britaine short of a great part of their Country because they began to take armes and in hostile maner to invade Genunia a Region subject to the Romanes Neither will any I hope take this as a reproach Surely I should seeme farre unlike my selfe if I fell now to taxe ignominiously any private person much lesse a Nation Neither was this counted a reproachfull imputation in that warlike age when all Nations reckoned that their right which they could winne or hold by might and dint of sword Roberies saith Caesar among the Germans are not noted with infamie such I meane as are committed without the borders of every State and they allow the practise thereof to exercise their youth withall and to keepe them from idlenesse And for a reason not unlike the Paeones among the Greekes are so called quia Percussores that is because they were cutters The Quadi among the Germans and the Chaldaei likewise are reported to have gotten those names because they used to robbe and kill Now in that Florianus Del-Campe a Spaniard hath
of the river Annan which lost all the glorie and beautie it had by the English warre in the reigne of Edward the sixth In this territorie the Ionstons are men of greatest name a kinred even bred to warre betweene whom and the Maxwels there hath beene professed an open enmitie over long even to deadly feud and blood-shed which Maxwels by right from their ancestours have the rule of this Seneschalsie for so it is accounted This vale Eadgar King of Scots after hee was restored to his kingdome by auxiliarie forces out of England gave in consideration and reward of good service unto Robert Bruse or Brus Lord of Cliveland in Yorke-shire who with the good favour of the King bestowed it upon Robert his younger sonne when himselfe would not serve the King of Scots in his warres From him flowered the Bruses Lords of Annandale of whom Robert Brus married Isabel the daughter of William King of Scots by the daughter of Robert Avenall his sonne likewise Robert the third of the name wedded the daughter of David Earle of Huntington and of Gariosh whose sonne Robert surname The Noble when the issue of Alexander the third King of Scots sailed challenged in his mothers right the Kingdome of Scotland before Edward the first King of England as the direct and superiour Lord of the Kingdome of Scotland so the English give it out or an honourable Arbitratour for to say the Scots as being neerer in proximitie in degree and blood to King Alexander the third and Margaret daughter to the King of Norway although bee were the sonne by a second sister who soon after resigning up his own right granted and gave over to his son Robert Brus Earle of Carrick and to his heires I speak out of the verie originall all the right and claime which he had or might have to the Kingdome of Scotland But the action and suit went with John Balliol who sued for his right us descended of the eldest sister although in a degree farther off and sentence was given in these words For that the person more remote in the second degree descending in the first line is to bee preferred before a nâ—â—erer in a second line in the succession of an inheritance that cannot be parted How beit the said Robert sonne to the Earle of Carrick by his own vertue at length recovered the Kingdome unto himself and established it to his posteritie A Prince who as he flourished notably in regard of the glorious ornaments of his noble acts so he triumphed as happily with invincible fortitude and courage over fortune that so often crossed him NIDISDALL CLose unto Annandale on the West side lyeth NIDISDALE suficiently with corne-fields and pastures so named of the river Nid which in Ptolomee is wrongly written NOBIUS for NODIUS or NIDIUS of which name there bee other rivers in Britaine full of shallow foords and muddie shelves like as this NID is also It springeth out of the Lake Logh-Cure by which flourished CORDA a towne of the Selgova He taketh his course first by Sauqhuera Castle of the Creightons who a long time kept a great port as enjoying the dignitie of the Barons of Sauqhuer and the authoritie besides of hereditarie Sheriffs of Nidisdale then by Morton which gave title of Earle to some of the family of Douglas out of which others of that surname have their mansion and abiding at Drumlanrig by the same river neere unto the mouth whereof standeth Danfreys betweene two hills the most flourishing towne of this tract which hath to shew also an old Castle in it famous for making of woollen clothes and remarkable for the murder of John Commin the mightiest man for manred and retinew in all Scotland whom Roberts Brus for feare he should foreclose his way to the kingdome ranne quite through with his sword in the Church and soon obtained his pardon from the Pope for committing that murder in a sacred place Neerer unto the mouth Solway a little village retaineth still somewhat of the old name of Selgova Upon the verie mouth is situate Caer Laverock which Prolomee I supposed called CARBANTORIGUM accounted an imprenable sort when King Edward the first accompanied with the floure of English Nobilitie besieged and hardly wonne it but now it is a weake dwelling house of the Barons of Maxwell who being men of an ancient and noble linage were a long time Wardens of these West matches and of late advanced by marriage with the daughter one of the heires of the Earle of Morton whereby John Lord Maxwell was declared Earle of Morson as also by the daughter and heire of Hereis Lord Toricles whom I a younger sonne took to wife and obtained by the title of Baron Hereis Moreover in this vale by the Lake side lyeth Glencarn whence the Cunninghams of whom I am to write more in place convenient bare a long time the title of Earle This Nidisdale together with Annandale nourisheth a warlike kind of men who have beene infamous for robberies and depredations for they dwell upon Solway Frish a fourdable arme of the sea at low waters through which they made many times outrodes into England for to fetch in booties and in which the inhabitants thereabout on both sides with pleasant pastime and delightfull sight on horse-backe with speares hunt Salmons whereof there is abundance What manner of cattailestealers these be that inhabite these vales in the marches of both kingdomes John Lesley himselfe a Scottish man and Bishop of Rosse will tell you in these words They go forth in the night by troops out of there own borders through desart by-waies and many winding crankes All the day time they refresh their burses and recreate their owne strength in lurking places appointed before band until they be come thither as length in the dark night where they would be When they have laid hold of a bootie back again they returne home likewise by night through blinde waies onely and fetching many a compasse about The more skilfull any leader or guide is to passe through those wild desarts crooked turnings and steep downe-falls in the thickest mists and deepest darknesse hee is held in greaâ—â—ter reputation as one of an excelling wit And so craftie and 〈◊〉 these are that seldome or never they forgo their bootie and suffer it to be taken out of their hands unlesse it happen otherwhiles that they be caught by their adversaries following continually after and tracing them directly by their footing according as quick-senting Slugh-bounds doe lead them But say they be taken so faire spoken they are and eloquen so manie sugred words they have at will sweetly to plead for them that they are able to move the Iudges and adversaries both he they never so austere and severe if not to mercie yet to admiration amd some commiseration withall NOVANTES GALLOWAY FRom Nidisdale as you goe on Westward the NOVANTES inhabited in the vales all that tract which
father to Matthew Earle of Lennox who having sustained sundrie troubles in France and Scotland found fortune more friendly to him in England through the favour of King Henrie the eighth considering that hee bestowed upon him in marriage his Neice with faire lands By the meanes of this happie marriage were brought into the world Henrie and Charles Henrie by Marie Queene of Scots had issue JAMES the sixth King of Britain by the propitious grace of the eternall God borne in a most auspicate and lucky houre to knit and unite in one bodie of an Empire the whole Island of Britaine divided as well in it selfe as it was heretofore from the rest of the world and as we hope and pray to lay a most sure foundation of an everlasting securitie for our heires and the posteritie As for Charles he had issue one onely daughter Arbella who above her sexe hath so embraced the studies of the best literature that therein shee hath profited and proceeded with singular commendation and is comparable with the excellent Ladies of old time When Charles was dead after that the Earledome of Lennox whereof he stood enfeoffed was revoked by Parliamentarie authoritie in the yeere of our Lord 1579. and his Unkle by the fathers side Robert Bishop of Cathanes had some while enjoyed this title in lieu whereof he received at the Kings hands the honour of the Earle of March King James the sixth conferred the honourable title of Duke of Lennox upon Esme Steward sonne to John Lord D'Aubigny younger brother to Mathew aforesaid Earle of Lennox which Lodowic Esme his son at this day honourably enjoieth For since the time of Charles the sixth there were of this line Lords of Aubigny in France the said Robert before named and Bernard or Eberard under Charles the eighth Lewis the twelfth who is commended with great praise unto posteritie by P. Iovius for his noble acts most valerously exploited in the warre of Naples a most firme and trustie companion of King Henrie the seventh when he entred into England Who used for his Emprese or devise a Lion betweene buckles with this Mot DISTANTIA JUNGIT for that by his meanes the Kingdomes of France and of Scotland severed and dis-joined so farre in distance were by a straighter league of friendship conjoyned like as Robert Steward Lord D'Aubigny of the same race who was Marshall of France under King Lewis the eleventh for the same cause used the royall Armes of France with buckles Or in a border Gueules which the Earles and Dukes of Lennox have ever since borne quarterly with the Armes of Steward STIRLING Sheriffdome UPon Lennox North-eastward bordereth the territorie of STERLING so named of the principall towne therein for fruitfull soile and numbers of Gentlemen in it second to no province of Scotland Here is that narrow land or streight by which Dunbritton Frith and Edenborrough Frith that I may use the termes of this our age piercing farre into the land out of the West and East Seas are divided asunder that they meet not the one with the other Which thing Iulius Agricola who marched hitherto and beyond first observed and fortified this space betweene with garrisons so as all the part of Britaine in this side was then in possession of the Romans and the enemies removed and driven as it were into another Island in so much as Tacitus judged right truely There was no other bound or limit of Britaine to bee sought for Neither verily in the time ensuing did either the VALOUR of Armies or the GLORIE of the Romane name which scarcely could be stayed set out the marches of the Empire in this part of the world farther although with inâ—odes they other whiles molested and endammaged them But after this glorious expedition of Agricola when himselfe was called backe Britaine as faith Tacitus became for-let neither was the possession kept still thus farre for the Caledonian Britans drave the Romans backe as farre as to the river Tine in so much as Hadrian who came into Britaine in person about the fortieth yeere after and reformed many things in it went no farther forward but gave commandement that the GOD TERMINUS which was wont to give ground unto none should retire backward out of this place like as in the East on this side Euphrates Hence it is that S. Augustine wrote in this wise God TERMINUS who gave not place to Iupiter yeelded unto the will of Hadrianus yeelded to the rashnesse of Iulian yeelded to the necessitie of Iovian In so much as Hadrian had enough to doe for to make a wall of turfe between the rivers Tine and Esk well neere an hundred miles Southward on this side Edenborrough Frith But Antoninus Pius who being adopted by Hadrian bare his name stiled thereupon TITUS AELIUS HADRIANUS ANTONINUS PIUS under the conduct of Lollius Urbicus whom he had sent hither Lievtenant repelled the Northern enemies backe againe beyond BODOTRIA or Edenborrough Forth and that by raising another wall of turfe namely besides that of Hadrianus as Capitolinus writeth Which wall that it was reared in this verie place whereof I now speake and not by Severus as it is commonly thought I will produce no other witnesses than two ancient Inscriptions digged up here of which the one fastned in the wall of an house at Cader sheweth how the second Legion Augusta set up the wall for the space of three miles and more the other now in the house of the Earle Marshall at Dunotyr which implieth that a band of the twentieth Legion Victrix raised the said wall three miles long But see here the verie inscriptions themselves as Servatius Riheley a Gentleman of Silesia who curiously travailed these countries copied them out for mee IMP. CAESARI T. AELIO HADRIANO ANTONINO AUG PIO P. P. VEXILLATIO LEG XX. VAL. VIC F. PER. MIL. P. III. IMP. CAES. TIT. IO AELIO HADRIANO ANTON AUG PIO PP LEG II. AUG PER. M. P. III. D. CIXVIS At Cadir where this latter inscription is extant there is another stone also erected by the second Legion Augusta wherein within a Laurell garland supported by two little images resembling victorie are these letters LEG II AVG. FEC And in a village called Miniabruch out of a Ministers house there was removed this inscription into a Gentlemans house which is there new built out of the ground D. M. C. JULI MARCELLINI PRAEF COH I. HAMIOR But when the Northerne nations in the reigne of Commodus having passed once over this wall had made much wast and spoile in the countrey the Emperour Severus as I have alreadie said repaired this wall of Hadrian Howbeit afterwards the Romans brought eftsoones the countrey lying betweene under their subjection For Ninius hath recorded that Carausius under Diocletian strengthened this wall another time and fortified it with seven castles Lastly the Romanes fensed this place when Theodosius the younger was Emperour under the conduct of Gallio of Ravenna Now saith Bede they
shooteth into the deepe sea and is to bee seene a farre off Hard by South Eske voideth it selfe into the Ocean which river flowing amaine out of a lake passeth by Finnevim Castle well knowne by reason of the Lindeseies Earles of Crawford keeping residence there of whom I have alreadie written Then upon the said river standeth Brechin which King David the first adorned with a Bishops See and at the very mouth thereof Mont-rose as one would say the Mount of Roses a towne in times past called Celurca risen by the fall of another towne bearing the same name which is seated betweene the two Eskes and imparteth the title of Earle to the family of the Grahams Concerning which towne Ionston hath these verses CELURCA five MONS ROSARUM Aureolis urbs picta rosis mons molliter urbi Imminet hinc urbi nomina facta canunt At veteres perhibent quondam dixisse Celurcam Nomine sic prisco nobilitata novo est Et prisca atque nova insignis virtute virumque Ingeniis patriae qui perperere decus MONT-ROSE With Roses gay the towne is deckt an easie Mount withall Stands neere the same and hence they say MONT-ROSE folke did it call In former times by ancient name Celurca men it knew Ennobled thus you see it is by name both old and new Both old and new renowne it hath for prowesse and for wit Of men that have their countrey grac'd and honour won to it Not farre from hence is Boschain belonging to the Barons of Ogiluy of very ancient nobilitie lineally descended from Alexander Sheriffe of Angus who was slaine in the bloodie battaile at Harley against the Mac Donald of the out Isles As touching the Earles of Angus Gilchrist of Angus renowned for his brave exploits under King Malcolm the fourth was the first Earle of Angus that I read of About the yeere 1242. Iohn Comin was Earle of Angus who died in France and his widow haply inheritrice to the Earldome was married to Sir Gilbert Umfranvill an Englishman For both hee and his heires successively after him were summoned to the Parliaments in England untill the third yeere of King Richard the second by the title of Earles of Angus Howbeit the Lawyers of England refused in their Brieves and instruments to acknowledge him Earle for that Angus was not within the kingdome of England untill hee had brought forth openly in the face of the Court the Kings writ and warrant wherein he was summoned to the Parliament by the name of Earle of Angus In the reigne of David Brus Thomas Stewart was Earle of Angus who by a suddaine surprise won Barwicke and streightwaies lost it yea and within a while after died miserably in prison at Dunbritton But the Douglasses men of haughtie mindes and invincible hearts from the time of King Robert the third have beene Earles of Angus after that George Douglasse had taken to wife the Kings daughter reputed the chiefe and principall Earles of Scotland and to whom this office belongeth to carrie the regall Crown before the Kings at all the solemne assemblies of the kingdome The sixth Earle of Angus out of this stocke was Archebald who espoused Margaret daughter to Henrie the seventh K. of England and mother to James the fifth King of Scots by whom he had issue Margaret wife to Matthew Stewart Earle of Lennox who after her brothers decease that died childlesse willingly resigned up her right and interest in this Earldome unto Sir David Douglasse of Peteindreich her unkles sonne by the fathers side and that with the consent of her husband and sonnes to the end that she might binde the surer unto her selfe by the linke also of a beneficiall demerite that family which otherwise in bloud was most neere what time as Henrie her son went about to wed Marie the Queen by which marriage King JAMES our Soveraigne the mightie Monarch of great Britaine was happily borne to the good of all Britaine MERNIS THese regions were in Ptolomees time inhabited by the VERNICONES the same perhaps that the VECTURIONES mentioned by Marcellinus But this their name is now quite gone unlesse wee would imagine some little peece thereof to remaine in Mernis For many times in common speech of the British tongue V. turneth into M. This small province Mernis abutting upon the German Ocean and of a rich and battle soile lieth very well as a plaine and levell Champion But the most memorable place therein is Dunnotyr a Castle advanced upon an high and unaccessible rocke whence it looketh downe to the underflowing sea well fensed with strong walls and turrets which hath beene a long time the habitation of the Keiths of an ancient and verie noble stock who by the guidance of their vertue became hereditarie Earles Mareschals of the kingdome of Scotland and Sheriffes of this province In a porch or gallerie here is to bee seene that ancient inscription which I mentioned even now of a companie belonging to the twentieth legion the letters whereof the right noble and honourable Earle now living a great lover of antiquitie caused to be guilded Somewhat farther from the sea standeth Fordon graced in some sort and commendable in regard of John de Fordon who being borne here diligently and with great paines compiled Scoti Chronicon that is The Scottish Chronicle unto whose laborious studies the Scottish Historiographers are very much indebted but more glorious and renowned in old time for the reliques of St. Palladius bestowed and shrined sometime as is verily thought in this place who in the yeere 431. was by Pope Caelestinas appointed the Apostle of the Scottish nation MARRIA or MAR. FRom the sea in the mediterranean or inland parts above Mernis MAR enlargeth it selfe and runneth forward threescore miles or thereabout where it lieth broadest Westwards it swelleth up with mountaines unlesse it bee where the rivers Dee which Ptolomee calleth DIVA and Done make way for themselves and enfertile the fields Upon the bank of Done Kildrummy standeth as a faire ornament to the countrey being the ancient seat of the Earles of Marre and not farre distant from it the habitation of the Barons Forbois who being issued from a noble and ancient stocke assumed this surname whereas before time they were called Bois after that the heire of that family had manfully killed a savage and cruell Beare But at the very mouth of this river there be two townes that give greater ornament which of the said mouth that in the British tongue they call Aber borrowing one name are divided asunder by one little field lying betweene the hithermore of them which standeth neerer to Dee mouth is much ennobled by an Episcopall dignitie which King David the first translated hither from Murthlake a little village by faire houses of the Canons an Hospitall for poore people and a free Grammar schoole which William Elphinston Bishop of the place in the yeere 1480. consecrated to the training up
standing in a docke neere the Tamis to the outside of the keele whereof a number of such little birds without life and feathers stuck close Yet would I gladly thinke that the generation of these birds was not out of the logges of wood but from the very Ocean which the Poets tearmed the Father of all things A mightie masse likewise of Amber as bigge as the bodie of an horse was not many yeeres since cast upon this shore The learned call it Succinum Glessum and Chryso-Electrum and Sotacus supposed that it was a certaine juice or liquor which distilleth out of trees in Britain and runneth downe into the sea and is therein hardned Tacitus also was of the same opinion when he wrote thus I can verily beleeve that like as there be trees in the secret and inward parts of the East which sweat out frankincense and balme so in the Ilands and other countries of the West there bee woods and groves of a more fattie and firme substance which melting by the hot beames of the Sunne approching so neere runneth into the sea hard by and by force of tempest floateth up to the shores against it But Serapio and the Philosophers of later times write that it ariseth out of a certain clammie and bituminous earth under the sea and by the sea side and that the billowes and tempests cast up part thereof a land and fishes devoure the rest But I digresse extravagantly I will into my way againe and since I acknowledge my fault let my confession purchase pardon In the reigne of King Alexander the second Alexander Comin rose up to the honour of Earle of Buquhan who married the daughter and one of the heires of Roger de Quincie Earle of Winchester in England and his Niece by a sonne brought the same title unto Henrie de Beaumont her husband for he in King Edward the third his daies had his place in the Parliament of England by the name of Earl of Buquhan Afterwards Alexander Stewart sonne to King Robert the second was Earle of this place unto whom succeeded John a younger sonne of Robert Duke of Albanie who arriving in France with seven thousand Scottishmen to aide Charles the seventh King of France bare himselfe valiantly and performed singular good service against the Englishmen and that with so great commendation as having victoriously slaine Thomas Duke of Clarence brother to Henrie the fifth King of England at Baugie and discomfited the English he was made Constable of France But in the third yeere following when the fortune of warre turned hee with other most valiant Knights to wit Archibald Douglasse Earle of Wigton and Duke of Touraine c. was vanquished at Vernoil by the English and there slain Whom notwithstanding as that Poet said aeternum memorabit Gallia cives Grata suos titulos quae dedit tumulos France thankfully will ay recount as citizens of her owne On whom both titles glorious and tombes she hath bestowne Certes whereas under the K.K. Charles the sixth and seventh France was preserved and Aquitain recovered by thrusting out the English the Frenchmen cannot chuse but acknowledge themselves much beholden to the fidelitie and fortitude of the Scottish But afterwards King James the first gave the Earldome of Buquhan unto George of Dunbar moved thereto upon pitie and commiseration because hee had deprived him before of the Earldom of March by authority of Parliament for his fathers crime and not long after James the sonne of James Stewart of Lorn surnamed the Black Knight whom he had by Q. Joan sister to the Duke of Somerset and widdow to King James the first obtained this honour and left it to his posteritie but for default not long since of heires male it came by a daughter married to Robert Douglas a younger brother of Douglas of Lochlevin to the family of the Douglasses From Buquhan as the shore bendeth backward and turneth full into the North lieth Boena and Bamff a small Sherifdome also Ajuza a little territorie of no especiall account and Rothamay castle the dwelling place of the Barons of Salton surnamed Abernethy Beneath these lieth Strath-bolgy that is the vale by Bolgy the habitation in times past of the Earls of Athol who of it assumed their surname but now the principall seat of Marquesse Huntly For this title K. James the sixth conferred upon George Gordon Earle Huntly Lord Gordon and Badzeneth a man of great honour and reputation for his ancient noblenesse of birth and the multitude of his dependants and followers whose ancesters descended from the Setons by Parliamentarie authoritie took the name of Gordon when as Sir Alexander Seton had taken to wife the daughter of Sir Iohn Gordon Knight by whom he had a large and rich inheritance and received the honour of the Earle of Huntly at the hands of King James the second in the yeere 1449. MORAVIA or MURRAY THe VACOMAGI remembred by Ptolomee anciently inhabited on the further side of Crantz-baine-mountain which as it were in a continued range by hills hanging one by another driveth out his ridge with many a winding as far as to Murray frith where now lieth Murray in Latin Moravia celebrated for the fertilitie pleasant site and commoditie of fruitfull trees By this Province Spey a famous river maketh his issue into the sea wherein he lodgeth when hee hath watered Rothes Castle whence the family of the Lesleys tooke the title of Earle ever since that K. James the second conferred the honour of Earle of Rothes upon Sir George Lesley Concerning this Spey our Poet Necham hath thus written Spey loca mutantis praeceps agitator arenae Inconstans certas nescit habere vias Officium lintris corbis subit hunc regit audax Cursus labentis nauta fluenta sequens Spey raising heaps of sand amaine that shift oft times their place Inconstant he doth change eftsoones and keeps no certaine race A panier serves here for a boat some ventrous swaine it guides Who followeth still the rivers course while downe the streame it glides The river LOXA mentioned by Ptolomee which now is called Losse hideth himselfe in the sea hard by neere unto which Elgina appeareth in which and in Forres adjoining I. of Dunbar of Cumnock descended from the stock of the Earles of March hath his jurisdiction as Sheriff by inheritance But where it is now readie to enter into the sea he findeth a more plaine and soft soile and spreadeth abroad into a Meere full of swans wherein the herbe Olorina plentifully groweth hee hath Spiny Castle standing upon it whereof now the first Baron is Alexander of the linage of the Lindseys like as Kinlosse also a neighbour by sometime a famous Monasterie some call it Kill-flos of certaine flowers miraculously there springing up on a sudden when the carkase of King Duff murdred and hidden in the same place was found hath also for the Lord thereof Edward Brus M. of the Rolls in
after he had killed and drowned in the river Moin about three thousand of them A happy victory this was and of great consequence both for the present future times whereby the rebellion together with the title of Mac-William was extinguished Donell Gormy and Alexander Carrough the sons of Iames Mac-Conel and those Ilanders who most of all had plagued Ireland were slaine These occurrents have I briefly set down out of my Annales impertinent though they be to my intended purpose which for their worthinesse ought more at large to be penned by some Historiographer THE COUNTY OF SLEGO SOmewhat higher lieth the county of Slego a plenteous and battle country for feeding and raising of cattell wholly also coasting upon the sea Betweene it and Ulster Northward runneth the river TROBIS which Ptolomee calleth RAVIUS as an out-let of the Lake Erne it is severed from the neighbour counties Le Trim and Roscoman by the comberous Curlew hills and the river Suc divideth it in twaine In some place hereabout Ptolomee setteth the city NAGNATA but what city it was it passeth my wit to find out He hath placed also the river LIBNIUS in this tract which through the retchlesnesse of the transcribers I reduced even now from out of exile to Dublin his owne city But that place which Ptolomee here pointeth out is now called THE BAY OF SLEGO a rode full of harbours under Slego the principall place of this county where standeth a castle the seat at this day of the Sept of O-Conor who of it take their addition of Slego and fetch their pedegree as they say themselves from that Rotherick O-Conor Dun who being a great man and of much puissance bare himselfe as Monarch of Ireland what time as the English entred first into Ireland hardly yeelded himselfe unto King Henry the second although in words he professed submission and oftentimes raising tumults as an author without name of that age writeth used ever and anon to cry out and say That these words following of Adrian the Pope in his Patent or Charter made unto the King of England were prejudiciall unto him Enter you into that Iland and execute whatsoever shall concerne the glory of God and the salvation of that land and let the people of the said land receive you and honour you as their Lord untill such time as Pope Alexander the third by a new Bull or Charter of his had confirmed in like manner unto the Kings of England their right to Ireland for then became he more tractable and condescended unto more equall conditions as I shall shew anon After these O Conors the greatest men of name in this territory are O Don O Haris O Ghar and Mac-Donagh THE COUNTY OF LE-TRIM THe County of Slego Eastward is enclosed with Breany the possession of the ancient family of O-Rorck which drew their descent from Rotherick Monarch of Ireland whom they by contraction which they take pleasure in terme Rorck untill that Brien O Rorck Lord of Breany and Minterolise fed with vaine hopes by Pope Sixtus Quintus and the King of Spaine had persidiously cast off his allegeance to Queene Elizabeth and taken armes who being streightwaies chased into Scotland and sent backe into England suffered for his inconsiderate rashnesse due punishment upon the gallowes and his lands were adjudged to the Crown This Breany by Iohn Perot Lord Deputie was made a county and of the chiefe towne called Le-Trim which riseth up throughout with hills full of ranke grasse yet not so as that it should be altogether true which Solinus reporteth of Ireland namely that it is so full of forage that unlesse cattell were kept other whiles from grasing their fulnesse would endanger them And so much cattell it feedeth that within the little circuit which it hath it may reckon at one time above a hundred and twenty thousand head of beasts In this standeth Achonry Bishopricke united now to the See of Elphin And Shannon the Soveraigne of all rivers in Ireland hath here his spring-head which being one while narrower and another while broader with divers turning and winding reaches that he makes washeth and watereth of either side as I have said many a country The principall families be O Rorck O Murreies Mac Lochleims Mac Glanchies and Mac Granelles all meere and stark Irish. Whereas Iohn Burgh sonne to Richard the Earle of Clan-Ricards was created by Queene Elizabeth Baron Le-Trim who was afterward slaine by his envious concurrents I cannot say whether he had that title of this Le-Trim or of some other place in this kingdome THE COUNTY OF ROSCOMAN UNder the county of Letrim Southward lieth ROSCOMAN ordained to be a county by Henry Sidney Lord Deputy lying out a good length but narrow closed up between the two rivers Suc Westward and Shanon Eastward and on the North side bounded with Curlew mountaines A territory it is for the most part plaine fruitfull feeding many herds of cattell and with meane husbandry and tillage yeeldeth plenty of corne Where it beareth Northward the steepe mountaines of Curlew perke up aloft and those impassable untill by the carefull industry of George Bingham there was a way cut out which Curlews not long since became more notorious for the disastrous death of Sir Coniers Clifford and by his default for the slaughter with him of most valiant and experienced souldiers In this county are reckoned foure Baronies Under Curlew hills by the river Shanon the Baronie of Boyle first commeth in view where was founded in times past a famous Abbey in the yeere 1152. together with the Abbey of Beatitude and Mac Dermot ruleth all there as Lord then by the river Suc lieth the Baronie Balin Tober where O Conor Dun is of the greatest command and upon it joineth Elphen an Episcopall See Somewhat lower is Roscoman the Baronie of O Conor Roo that is Conor the red wherein is seated the chiefe towne of the whole countie sensed in times past with a castle by Robert Ufford Lord Justice of Ireland but all the houses are mean and thatched and more Southward Athlone the Baronie of the O Kellies so named of the head towne which hath a castle and ward in it also a most beautifull bridge of hewen stone which to the great terrour of seditious rebels Queen Elizabeth in our memory appointing Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland overseer thereof caused to be built with a purpose to constitute in that place as most fit of all others in Ireland to represse seditions the seat of residence for the Lords Deputies and thus much for the Counties of Conaght LORDS OF CONAGHT AS for the Lords of Conaght wee finde it recorded in the Irish histories that Turlogh O Mor O Conor ruled absolutely in old time this countrey and divided it wholly betweene his two sonnes Cahel and Brien But at the Englishmens first arrivall into Ireland Rothericke bare rule who stiled himselfe Monarch of Ireland yet being put in feare with
on every side but his enterprise was made frustrate through the valour of the souldiers there in garrison and William Sarfield Maior of Dublin who went forth against him with the very floure of choice Citizens Howbeit the neighbour Countries round about he harried and spoiled in all manner of hostility Then Sir Henry Sidney the Deputy to restraine and bridle the boldnesse of the man came himselfe in person with an army into the field against him and by politicke forecast sent before Edward Randolph an old approved and renowned Coronell with seven ensignes of foot-men and a cornet of horsemen by sea into the North side of Ireland who encamped at Derry by Logh-foil that he might charge upon the backe of the Rebels Which hee fearing came thither speedily with all the power and forces that hee had to remove him But Randolph in a pitcht field gave him battell and there manfully fighting with honour lost his life in his Countries service but gave him withall such an overthrow that never after he was able to make head againe and being elsewhere in light skirmishes foiled and by little and little forsaken of his owne followers hee was minded with an halter tyed about his necke humbly to beseech the Lord Deputy his protection and mercy But being by his Secretarie perswaded first to try the friendship of the Scots who under the conduct of Alexander Oge that is the younger held their standing Summer Campe in Claneboy having sent before hand Surley Boy Alexanders brother whom hee had kept prisoner a long time to prepare the way hee came unto them with the wife of O-Donell whom hee kept was kindely welcommed and admitted with some few into a tent where after they had beene in their cups they brake out into a brawle about Iames Mac-Conell Alexanders brother whom Shan had slaine and also about the honesty of Iames his sister whom Shan had married and cast off by which time Alexander Oge and his brother Mac-Gillaspic being hot set upon revenge after a signall given with their drawn swords set upon Shan and with many a wound hacked and hewed him to death whereby the Province recovered after grievous oppressions and warre the benefits of wished peace Within a while after a Parliament was holden at Dublin where by the authority of all the States of the Realme there assembled Shan was attainted and all the Seigniories lands and goods which hee and his followers had were invested in Queene Elizabeth her heires and successours And a law was enacted that from that day forward no man should assume unto him the name and title of O-Neale And yet shortly after Turlogh Leinigh a brothers sonne of Con-Mor O-Neale aforesaid tooke it upon him by a popular election being a man farre stept in yeeres and therefore more calme and quiet and so much the rather because hee stood in feare of Shan O-Neals sonnes and Hugh Baron of Dunganon the sonne of Matthew although he had given unto the said Hugh his daughter in marriage whom hee notwithstanding quickly after did cast off and repudiate taking another wife This Turlogh being most obsequious and dutifull unto the Queene of England put the English to no trouble at all but hee molested O-Donell his neighbour and the Scots of the Ilands and in an encounter slew Alexander Oge who had killed Shan O-Neale Hugh the sonne of Matthew commonly called Baron of Dunganon who had lived a long time one while concealed in his owne countrey other whiles in England in the retinue of Noble men began now to put himselfe forth and to raise himself out of that obscure condition when Elizabeth had given him command of a company of horsemen in the warre against the Earle of Desmond then in rebellion and assigned to him a pension of a thousand Markes by the yeere In that warre hee acquitted himselfe valiantly in all places against the rebells and at length exhibited a supplication in the Parliament house That by vertue of letters patents granted unto his Grandfather by King Henry the eighth he might be admitted to the title and place of the Earle of Tir-Oen and settled in his ancestours inheritance The title and place of Earle of Tir-Oen was presently granted but as touching the inheritance considering that upon the forfaiture and attainture of Shan O-Neale the Kings of England were invested therein the matter was referred unto Queene Elizabeth who most bountifully granted the same to him for his faithfull service performed and to be performed Yet so as that the country should be first surveied and laied out into severall divisions one or two places fit for garisons reserved and namely the fort at Blackwater that good order might be taken for the maintenance of the sons of Shan and Turlogh and that he should not be permitted to have any authority at all against the noblemen his neighbours without the county of Tir-Oen These conditions he most willingly accepted and rendred very great thanks accordingly promising to perform whatsoever he was able with diligence authority study and endevour in regard of so great benefits received and verily he failed not in his promise nor omitted any duty that might be expected from a most loiall subject A body he had able to endure travell watching and fasting his industry was singular his courage in warre great and answerable to the most important affaires good skill he had in martiall feats and a profound wit and deep reach to dissemble and carry his businesse closely in so much as even then some there were who gave this prediction of him That he was born either to the exceeding good or as great hurt of Ireland And such proofes he made of his valour and fidelity that Turlogh Leinigh at the Queenes intercession resigned up unto him his government upon certaine conditions After whose decease he usurped unto himselfe the title of O-Neal which by law was a capitall crime but excused himselfe colourably because others should not enter upon the farre and promised solemnely to renounce it quite yet laboured hee most earnestly that hee might not be urged thereunto by any oath Not long after when that most puissant Armada of Spaine which had in vaine given the attempt upon England was put to flight many ships in their returne homeward were cast away and lost in the Vergivian sea and many of the Spaniards after shipwracke were cast on shore some of whom Tir-Oen is reported to have entertained and lodged yea and to have consulted and complotted with them about entring into a secret confederacy with the King of Spaine For which practice Hugh Ne Gaveloc that is to say Hugh in the fetters sirnamed so because he had been kept so long in fetters a base sonne of Shan O-Neal informed against him and that upon no light but pregnant presumptions whom the Earle afterward intercepted and commanded to bee strangled but hardly could he finde any one that for the reverent regard of the O-Neals blood would lay
fire and set all in a flame in Mounster they returned backe loaden with rich booties The Earle by this time in his letters to the King of Spaine faileth not to resound his owne victories with full mouth and therewith beseecheth him not to give eare and beleeve if happily hee should heare any Englishmen report that he desired peace for why hee had hardened his heart against all conditions of peace were they never so indifferent and would most firmely keep his faithfull promise made unto the said King Yet in this while wrought he meanes of intercession by letters and messengers eft-soones sent unto the Earle of Ormond but all colourably about a submission and his demands withall were most unreasonable In this desperate estate stood Ireland when Queene Elizabeth chose Robert Earle of Essex then glorious for the winning of Cadis in Spaine in regard of his approved wisedome fortitude and fidelity Lievtenant and Governour generall of Ireland to repaire the detriments and losses there sustained with most large and ample authority added in his Commission To make an end of the war and that which by importunity as it were hee wrested from her To remit and pardon all crimes even of high treason which alwaies in the Patents of every Lord Deputy were thus in these very words before time restrained All treasons and treacheries touching our own person our heires and successours excepted And verily with good and provident forecast he obtained the authority to pardon crimes of this kinde considering that Lawyers doe resolve and set downe That all Rebellions whatsoever touch the Princes person There was committed to his charge as great an army as he required roially furnished and provided and such as Ireland had never seen the like before that is sixteene thousand footmen and thirteene hundred horsemen which number was made up after twenty thousand compleat And he had speciall charge given him without regard of all other Rebells whatsoever to bend the whole puissance and force of the war upon the Arch-Rebell the Earle of Tir-Oen as the head of all the rest and with all speed to presse hard upon him with garrisons planted at Lough-Foile and Bala-Shanon a thing that himselfe had alwaies thought most important and in accusatory tearms charged and challenged the former Deputies for their neglect in that behalfe Thus he honourably accompanied with the flower of Noble gallants and well wishing acclamations of the common people yet with a strange thunder-clap in a cleare sun-shine day hee setteth forward from London toward the end of March and being sore tossed and rejected with an adverse tempest at length arrived in Ireland Where having after the manner received the sword presently contrary to his charge and commission by the advice of some of the Councell of State there who too much regarded their owne particular he neglecting the Arch-rebell advanced forward with all his power against petty Rebels in Mounster and having taken Cahir a castle of Thomas Butlers Baron of Cahir into which being environed about with the river Showr certaine seditious persons had betaken themselves and driven away a number of cattell he made himselfe terrible to all the country farre and wide and dispersed the Rebels every way into woods and forrests Yet in this while he received no small foile and overthrow by the cowardise of some who served under Sir Henry Harrington whom he punished very severely by martiall discipline Neither returned he before the latter end of July with his souldiers wearied sickly and their number more than a man would beleeve diminished When upon his returne he understood that the Queene was displeased at this expedition of his so costly and yet damageable and that she urged still a journey into Ulster against the Earle and no other in his missives unto her Majesty he transferred all the fault from himselfe upon the Councell of Ireland unto whom for their manifold experience in the affaires of Ireland he could not choose but condescend promising and protesting most faithfully to set forward with all speed into Ulster Scarce were these letters delivered when he dispatcheth others after them wherein he signifieth that upon necessity he must turne his journey aside into Ophaly neere to Dublin against the O-Conors and the O-Moils who were there risen and in armes whom he quickly and fortunately vanquished with light skirmishes Now returning and having taken a review of his army he found it so weakened and impaired that by his letters subscribed with the hands of the Councellers of Ireland hee craved a new supply of a thousand souldiers for his expedition into Ulster which he promised to undertake speedily with solemne protestations Being now fully resolved to turne the whole warre upon Ulster hee commanded Sir Coniers Clifford Governour of Conaght to goe with certain bands lightly appointed toward Bellike to the end that the Earles forces might bee distracted one way whiles he himselfe set upon him another way Clifford forthwith putting himselfe on his journy with a power of 1500. commanded his souldiers out-toiled with travelling so farre and having but small store of gun-powder to passe over the mountaines of Curlew And when they had gotten over the most part of them the Rebels under the leading of O-Rorke assailed them on the sudden The English easily at the first caused them to recule and marched on forward in their journey but when the enemies perceived once that they were at a default already for gun-powder they charged them afresh and for that they were tired with so long a march and not able to make resistance put them to flight slew many of them and among the rest Clifford himselfe together with Sir Alexander Ratcliffe of Ordsall Mean while that supply which the Lord Lievtenant required was levied in England and transported some few daies after hee gave the Queene to understand by other letters that hee could for this yeere performe no more than with a thousand and three hundred footmen and three hundred horse goe to the frontiers of Ulster Thither came hee about the thirteenth day of September before whom the Earle with his forces two daies together from the hills made a Bravado and shewed himselfe and in the end sending Hagan before he requested the Lievtenant that they might parlie together which hee refused to doe answering that if the Earle would talke with him he should finde him the next morrow in the head of his troopes On which day after a light skirmish made a horseman from out of the Earles troopes with a loud voice delivered as a message that the Earle was not willing to fight but to parly with the L. Lievtenant yet in no wise at that instant The day following as the Lord Leivtenant was marching forward Hagan meeteth him who declareth that the Earle humbly desired to have the Queenes mercy and peace and besought withall that he might have but audience for a while which if he would grant then would he with all reverence and observance
with Gylly Cavinelagh Obugill and Mac-Derley King of Oresgael with the principall men of Kineoil Conail And many of the army of the said Justice were drowned as they passed over the water of Fin Northward and among them in the rescuing of a prey there were slaine Atarmanudaboge Sir W. Brit Sherif of Conacth and the young knight his brother And afterward the said army spoiled the country and left the Seigniorie of Kineoil Conail to Rory O-Coner for that time There was another expedition also by the said Justice into Tirconnell and great spoiles made and O-Canamayu was expelled out of Kenoilgain he left the territory of Kenail Conail with Gorry Mac-Donald O-Donnel There was another expedition also by the said Justice into Tireogaine against O-Neale but he gave pledges for the preservation of his countrey There was another expedition by the said Justice in Leinster against the Irishry whom he pitifully outraged and spoiled their land In another expedition also the said Justice destroied Kenoilgain and all Ulster in despite of O-Neale tarrying three nights at Tullaghoge MCCXLIII Hugh Lacy Earle of Ulster died and is buried at Crag-fergous in the covent of the Friers Minours leaving a daughter his heire whom Walter Burk who was Earle of Ulster espoused In the same yeere died Lord Girald Fitz-Moris and Richard Burk MCCXLVI An earthquake over all the West about 9. of the clocke MCCXLVIII Sir John Fitz-Gefferey knight came Lord Justice into Ireland MCCL. Lewis King of France and William Long Espee with many other are taken prisoners by the Saracens In Ireland Maccanewey a sonne of Beliol was slaine in Leys as he well deserved MCCLI. The Lord Henry Lacie was borne Likewise upon Christmas day Alexander King of Scotland a childe eleven yeeres old espoused at Yorke Margaret the King of Englands daughter MCCLV Alan de la Zouch is made Lord Justice and commeth into Ireland MCCLVII The Lord Moris or Maurice Fitz-Gerald deceaseth MCCLIX Stephen Long Espee commeth Lord Justice of Ireland The Greene castle in Ulster is throwne downe Likewise William Dene is made Lord Justice of Ireland MCCLXI The Lord John Fitz-Thomas and the Lord Maurice his son are slaine in Desmund by Mac-Karthy likewise William Dene Lord Justice of Ireland dejected after whom succeeded in the same yeere Sir Richard Capell MCCLXII Richard Clare Earle of Glocester died Item Martin Maundevile left this life the morrow after Saint Bennets day MCCLXIV Maurice Fitz Gerald and Maurice Fitz Maurice took prisoners Rich. Capell the Lord Theobald Botiller and the Lord John Cogan at Tristel-Dermot MCCLXVII David Barrie is made Lord Justice of Ireland MCCLXVIII Comin Maurice Fitz Maurice is drowned Item Lord Robert Ufford is made Lord Justice of Ireland MCCLXIX The castle of Roscomon is founded Richard of Excester is made Lord Justice MCCLXX The Lord James Audeley came Lord Justice into Ireland MCCLXXI Henry the Kings sonne of Almain is slaine in the Court of Rome The same yeere reigned the plague famine and the sword and most in Meth. Item Nicholas de Verdon and his brother John are slain Walter Burk or de Burgo Earle of Ulster died MCCLXXII The Lord James Audeley Justice of Ireland was killed with a fall from his horse in Twomond after whom succeeded Lord Maurice Fitz-Maurice in the office of chiefe Justice MCCLXXIII The Lord Geffrey Genevile returned out of the holy land and is made Justice of Ireland MCCLXXIV Edward the sonne of King Henrie by the hands of Robert Kelwarby a Frier of the order of Preaching Friers and Archbishop of Canterburie upon S. Magnus the Martyrs day in the Church of Westminster was anointed K. of England and crowned in the presence of the Lords and Nobles of all England whose protestation and oath was in this forme I Edward son and heire to King Henrie professe protest and promise before God and his Angels from this time forward to keep without respect the law justice and peace unto the holy Church of God and the people subject unto me so far forth as we can devise by the counsell of our liege and loiall ministers also to exhibite condigne and canonicall honour unto the Bishops of Gods Church to preserve inviolably whatsoever hath bin bestowed by Emperors and Kings upon the Church committed unto them and to yeeld due honour unto Abbats the Lords vessels according to the advise of our lieges c. So help me God and the holy Gospels of the Lord. In the same yeer died the Lord Iohn Verdon likewise the Lord Thomas Clare came into Ireland Item William Fitz-Roger Prior of the Hospitalers with many others are taken prisoners at Glyndelory and more there slaine MCCLXXV The castle of Roscoman is erected againe In the same yeere Moydagh was taken prisoner at Norragh by Sir Walter Faunte MCCLXXVI Robert Ufford is made Lord Justice of Ireland the second time Geffrey Genevile gave place and departed MCCLXXVII O-Brene is slaine MCCLXXVIII The Lord David Barry died Likewise the Lord John Cogan MCCLXXIX The Lord Robert Ufford entred into England and appointed in his roome Frier Robert Fulborne Bishop of Waterford in whose time the money was changed likewise the Round table was holden at Kenilworth by the Lord Roger Mortimer MCCLXXX Robert Ufford returned out of England Lord Justice as before Also the wife of Robert Ufford deceased MCCLXXXI Adam Cusack the younger slew William Barret and many others in Connaght Item Frier Stephen Fulborne is made Justice of Ireland Item the Lord Robert Ufford returned into England MCCLXXXII Moritagh and Arte Mac-Murgh his brother are slaine at Arclowe on the Even of Saint Marie Maudlen Likewise the Lord Roger Mortimer died MCCLXXXIII The citie of Dublin was in part burnt and the Belfray of Saint Trinitie Church in Dublin the third day before the Nones of Januarie MCCLXXXIIII The castle of Ley was taken and burnt by the Potentates or Lords of Offaly the morrow after Saint Barnabe the Apostle his day Alphonsus the Kings sonne twelve yeeres old changed his life MCCLXXXV The Lord Theobald Botiller died the sixth day before the Kalends of October in the castle of Arclowe and was buried there in the covent of the Friers preachers Item Girald Fitz-Maurice was taken prisoner by his own Irish in Offalie and Richard Petit and Saint Doget with many other and a great overthrow was given at Rathode with much slaughter MCCLXXXVI Norragh and Arstoll with other townes were one after another continually burnt by Philip Stanton the 16. day before the Calends of December In these daies Alianor Queen of England mother of King Edward tooke the mantle and the ring at Ambresburie upon the day of Saint Thomas his translation having her dower in the kingdome of England confirmed by the Pope to be possessed for ever Likewise Calwagh is taken prisoner at Kildare The Lord Thomas Clare departed this life MCCLXXXVII Stephen Fulborn Archbishop of Tuam died after whom there succeeded in the office of Lord chiefe Justice for a time John
the Citie of Burdeaux with other Cities lying round about it which by the sedition of the Frenchmen had been at any time alienated from Edward King of England were restored unto him againe upon St. Andrewes even by the industrie of the L. Hastings MCCCIII The Earle of Ulster to wit Richard Bourk and Sir Eustace Pover entred Scotland with a puissant armie but after that the Earle himselfe had first made thirtie three Knights in the Castle of Dublin hee passed over into Scotland to aide the King of England Item Gerald the sonne and heire of Sir Iohn Fitz-Thomas departed out of this world In the same yeere Pope Boniface excommunicated the King and Queene of France and their children Hee renewed also all the priviledges granted at any time unto the Universitie of Paris and straight after the Pope was taken prisoner and kept as it were in prison three whole daies And soone after the Pope died likewise the Countesse of Ulster deceased Also Wulfrane Wellesly and Sir Robert Percivell were slaine the 11. day before the Calends of November MCCCIIII A great part of Dublin was burnt to wit the Bridge street with a good part of the Key and the Church of the Friers Preachers and the Church of the Monks with no small part of the Monasterie about the Ides of June to wit on the Feast day of S. Medard Also the first stone of the Friers Preachers Quire in Dublin was laid by Eustace Lord Pover on the Feast of S. Agatha Virgin Likewise after the Feast of the Purification of the blessed Virgin Marie the King of France invaded Flanders againe in proper person with a puissant armie Then bare he himselfe bravely in the war and fought manfully so long untill two or three horses of service were slaine under him but at last he lost his cap that under his helmet was put upon his head which the Flemings taking up carried by way of scornfull derision upon a lance as a banner and in all the famous Faires of Flanders put it out at the high window of some place or stately house like the signe of an Inne or Taverne and shewed it in token of victorie MCCCV Jordan Comyn with his complices slew Moritagh O-Conghir King of Offalie and Calwagh his whole brother and certain others in the Court of Sir Piers Brymgeham at Carrick in Carbrey likewise Sir Gilbert Sutton Seneschal of Weisford was slaine by the Irish neere unto a village or House of Haymund Grace which Haymund verily in the said skirmish manfully carried himselfe but stoutly escaped Item in Scotland the Lord Robert Brus Earle of Carricke forgetting his oath made to the King of England slew Sir John Rede Comyn within the cloisture of the Friers Minors of Dunfrese and soone after caused himselfe to be crowned King of Scotland by the hands of two Bishops to wit of S. Andrewes and of Glasco in the towne of Scone to the confusion of himselfe and of many others MCCCVI A great discomfiture was made in Offaly neere unto the Castle of Gesbill on the Ides of Aprill upon O-Conghor by O-Dympcies in which was slaine O-Dympcey Leader of the Regans with a great traine accompanying him Also O-Brene King of Towmond died Item Donald Oge Mac Carthy slew Donald Ruff that is the Red King of Desmund Item a lamentable defeature fell upon the part of Piers Brymegham the fourth day before the Calends of May in the Marches of Meth. Item Balymore in Leinster was burnt by the Irish where at the same time Henry Calfe was slaine and there arose war betweene the English and the Irish in Leinster for which cause there was assembled a great armie from divers parts of Ireland to bridle the malice of the Irish in Leinster in which expedition Sir Tho. Mandevil Knight and a brave warriour had a great conflict with the Irish neere to Clenfell in which conflict he behaved himselfe valiantly untill his horse of service was slaine and won much praise and honour by saving many a man and himselfe also Item M. Thomas Cantock Chancellour of Ireland was consecrated Bishop of Ymelasen in the Church of the holy Trinitie at Dublin with great honour at whose consecration were present the Elders of all Ireland where there was so sumptuous and so great a feast made first unto the rich and afterwards to the poore as the like had never been heard of before in Ireland Item Richard Feringes Archbishop of Dublindied in the Vigile of Saint Luke after whom succeeded Master Richard Haverings who occupied the Archbishoprick almost five yeeres by Apostolicall dispensation Who also resigned up his Archbishoprick after whom succeeded John Leth. The occasion and cause of his giving over as the Arch-deacon of Dublin of good memorie his Nephew hath reported was this for that one night hee dreamed that a certaine Monster heavier than the whole world stood eminently aloft upon his brest from the weight whereof he chose rather to be delivered than alone to have all the goods of the world but when he wakened hee thought with himselfe this was nothing else but the Church of Dublin the fruits whereof hee received and tooke no paines for the same As soone as hee could therefore he came unto the Lord the Pope of whom hee was much beloved and there renounced and gave over the Archbishopricke For hee had as the same Archdeacon avouched fatter benefices and livings than the Archbishopricke came unto Item Edward King of England in the feast of Pentecost that is Whitsontide made Edward his son Knight in London at which feast were dubbed about 400. Knights and the said Edward of Caernarvan newly knighted made threescore Knights of those abovesaid and kept his feast in London at the New Temple and his father gave unto him the Dutchy of Aquitaine Item the same yeere in the feast of Saint Potentiana the Bishop of Winchester and the Bishop of Worcester by commandement from the Lord the Pope excommunicated Robert Brus the pretended King of Scotland and his confederates for the death of Iohn Rede Comyn In the same yeere upon S. Boniface his day Aumarde Valence Earle of Pembroch and Lord Guy Earle ............ slew many Scots and the Lord Robert Brus was defeated without the town of S. Iohns And the same yeere about the feast of the Nativitie of St. Iohn Baptist King Edward went toward Scotland by water from Newarke to Lincolne Item the same yeere the Earle of Asceles and the Lord Simon Freysell and the Countesse of Carricke the pretended Queene of Scotland daughter of the Earle of Ulster were taken prisoners The Earle of Asceles and the Lord Simon Freysell were first torne and mangled As for the Countesse she remained with the King in great honour but the rest died miserably in Scotland Item about the feast of the Purification of the blessed Virgin Marie two brethren of Robert Brus professing pyracie went out of their gallies a land to prey and were taken with sixteen Scots besides and those two themselves
the said Earle having an oath tendered unto him swore upon the Sacrament that hee would never worke or procure by himselfe or by any of his friends and followers harme or grievance upon the occasion of his apprehension unto the Citizens of Dublin but that which himselfe might by order of law obtaine or get against the offenders or transgressours in that behalfe and thereupon hee had time and day untill the feast of the Nativitie of S. John Baptist at which day he came not Also in the same yeere Corne and other victuals were exceeding deere A Cranok of wheat was sold for three and twenty shillings and wine for eight denires and the whole land in maner was wasted by the Scots and Ulster-men yea many house-holders and such as had sustained and relieved a number of folk were driven to begge and a number were famished So great also was the death and dearth together that the poore were pined with famine and many died At the same time came messengers to Dublin out of England with grants of pardon which they had at their will and pleasure but before their comming the foresaid Earle was delivered And at the feast of Pentecost Mortimer the Lord chiefe Justice took his journy towards Tredagh and from thence to Trim and sent his letters for the Lacies to repaire unto him who contemptuously refused to come And afterwards Sir Hugh Crofts Knight was sent unto the Lacies to treat about a peace who by them was slain the more the pity And after that Mortimer L. Justice assembled his army against the Lacies who seized upon their goods cattell and treasure and brought them to finall destruction slew many of their men and chased them into the parts of Connaght And it was said that Sir Walter Lacie went forth as farre as to Ulster to seeke Brus. Item in the towne of St. Cinere in Flanders about the feast of Pentecost the Lord Aumar Valence and his sonne were taken prisoners and conveied into Almaini And the same yeere on Munday after the feast of the nativitie of S. John Baptist the Potentates of Ireland assembled themselves to the Parliament at Dublin and there was the Earle of Ulster enlarged who tooke his oath and found mainprisers or sureties to answer the writs of law and to pursue the Kings enemies both Irish and Scots Item upon the day of the Saints Pnocesse and Martinian Sir Iohn Atly encountred at sea Thomas Dover a right strong thiefe and took him and about forty of his men well armed he slew and his head he brought with him to Dublin Also upon the day of the translation of S. Thomas Sir Nicholas Bolscot came out of England with newes that two Cardinals were come from the Court of Rome into England to treat concerning a peace and they brought a Bull to excommunicate all the troublers of the peace of the Lord the King of England Likewise the Thursday next before the feast of St. Margaret Hugh and Walter Lacie were proclaimed seducers and felons to the King because they had advanced their banner against the peace of the Lord King of England More on the sunday following the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice of Ireland took his journey to Tredagh with all his souldiers At the same time the Ulster-men raised a bootie neere unto Tredagh and the men of Tredagh went out and fetched the bootie backe againe where was slaine Miles Cogan with his brother and sixe other great Lords of Ulster were taken prisoners and brought to the castle of Dublin And afterwards Mortimer the Lord Justice assembled his army against O-Fervill and commanded the Mal-passe to be cut downe and destroied all his houses and afterwards the said O-Fervil rendred himselfe to the peace and put in hostages Also the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice tooke his journey toward Clony and made an inquisition or inquest as touching Sir Iohn Blound to wit White of Rathregan which inquest accused the said Iohn whereupon he was of necessity to fine for two hundred marks and afterward on sunday after the feast of the nativity of blessed Marie the said Mortimer with a great power marched against the Irish of O-Mayl and came to Glinsely where many were slaine both of Irish and English but the Irish went away with the worst and soone after came O-brynn and rendred himselfe to the peace of the King And Roger Mortimer with his company came to the castle of Dublin And upon the day of Simon and Jude the Apostles the Archbales had peace by mainprise of the Earle of Kildare And at the feast of Saint Hilary following there was a Parliament holden at Lincolne about a treaty of peace betweene the Lord King of England and the Earle of Lancaster and between the Scots and the Scots continued in peace and by reason of that Parliament the Archbishop of Dublin and the Earle of Ulster staied in England by the Kings commandement And about the feast of the Epiphany there came newes to Dublin that Sir Hugh Canon the Kings Justice in his bench was slaine by Andrew Bermingham between Naas and Castle-Martin Item at the feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin Mary there came the Popes Buls so that Alexander de Bicknor was confirmed and consecrated Archbishop of Dublin and those Buls were read and published in the Church of the holy Trinity And at the same time was read another Bull that the Lord Pope ordained peace between the Lord King of England and the Lord Robert Brus King of Scotland for two yeeres to which time the said Brus refused to condescend and agree These things passed about the feast of St. Valentine Item the sunday following came the Lord Roger Mortimer to Dublin and dubbed Iohn Mortimer Knight with foure of his fellowes and the same day Mortimer kept a great feast in the castle of Dublin Item at the same time a great slaughter was made of Irishmen in Conaght through a quarrell betweene two Lords of Princes there and slaine there were of both sides about foure thousand men and afterwards there was taken great revenge upon the men of Ulster who in the time that the Scots spoiled and preaded in Ireland had done much harme and eate flesh in Lent not of necessity therefore much tribulation came upon them insomuch that they did eat one another so that often thousand there remained about 300. and no more who escaped in maner all for to be punished And here appeared the vengeance of God Item it was reported of a truth that some of the foresaid evill doers were so hunger-starved that in Church-yards they tooke the bodies out of their graves and in their skuls boiled the flesh and fed thereupon yea and women did eat their owne children for starke hunger MCCCXVIII In the Quindene of Easter newes out of England arrived in Ireland that the towne of Berwicke was betraied and taken by the Scots and afterwards in the same yeere Master Walter Islep the Kings Treasurer in Ireland landed and
Isle Lodhus So obtained Olave the kindgome of the Isles MCCXXXVII On the twelfth Calends of June died Olave the sonne of Godred King of Man in S. Patricks Iland and was buried in the Abbey of Russin He reigned eleven yeeres two by his brothers life and nine after his death Harold his sonne succeeded him being 14. yeeres of age and reigned 12. yeeres In the first yeere of his reigne he made a journey to the Ilands and appointed Loglen his cousin Custos of Man In the Autumne following Harald sent three sonnes of Nell namely Dufgald Thorquill Mormore and his friend Ioseph to Man for to consult about affaires On the 25. day therefore they meet at Tingull and by occasion of a certaine envious quarrell that arose between the sonnes of Nell and Loglen there was a sore fight on both sides wherein were slaine Dufgald Mormore and the foresaid Joseph In the spring ensuing King Harald came to the Isle of Man and Loglen as he fled toward Wales perished by Shipwracke with Godred Olaves sonne his foster child and pupill with 40. others MCCXXXVIII Gospatricke and Gillescrist the sonne of Mac-Kerthac came from the King of Norway into Man who by force kept Harald out of Man and tooke tributes to the Kings behoofe of Norway because he refused to come unto the King of Norwaies Court. MCCXL Gospatric died and is buried in the Abbey of Russin MCCXXXIX Harald went unto the King of Norway who after two yeeres confirmed unto him his heires and successours under his seale all the Ilands which his predecessours had possessed MCCXLII Harald returned out of Norway to Man and being by the inhabitants honourably received had peace with the Kings of England and of Scotland Harald like as his father before him was by the King of England dubbed Knight and after he had been rewarded with many gifts returned home The same yeere he was sent for by the King of Norway and married his daughter And in the yeere 1249. as he returned homeward with his wife and Laurence King elect of Man and many other Nobles and Gentlemen he was drowned in a tempest neere unto the coasts of Radland MCCXLIX Reginald the sonne of Olave and brother to Harald began his reigne the day before the Nones of May and on the thirtieth day thereof was slaine by one Yvar a Knight and his company in a medow neere unto the Holy Trinity Church on the South side and lieth buried in the Church of Saint Mary of Russin At that time Alexander King of Scots rigged and brought together many ships meaning to subdue the Iland and in the I le Kerwaray he died of an ague Harald the sonne of Godred Don usurped the name of King in the Ilands all the Nobles of Harald King Olaves sonne hee banished and placed in their stead all the Princes and Peeres that were fled from the said Harald MCCL. Harald the sonne of Godred Don being by missives sent for went unto the King of Norway who kept him in prison because he had unjustly intruded himselfe into the kingdome The same yeere there arrived at Roghalwaght Magnus the son of Olave and John the sonne of Dugald who named himselfe King but the people of Man taking it to the heart that Magnus was not nominated would not suffer them to land there many of them therefore were cast away and perished by shipwracke MCCLII Magnus the sonne of Olave came to Man and was made King The next yeere he went to the King of Norway and stayed there a yeere MCCLIV Haco King of Norway ordained Magnus Olaves sonne King of the Isles and confirmed the same unto him and his heires and by name unto his brother Harald MCCLVI. Magnus King of Man went into England and was knighted by the King of England MCCLVII The church of S. Maries of Russin was dedicated by Richard of Sodore MCCLX Haco King of Norway came unto the parts of Scotland and without any exploit done turned to the Orkneys where at Kirwas he ended his daies and lyeth enterred at Bergh MCCLXV Magnus Olaves sonne King of Man and of the Ilands departed this life at the Castle of Russin and was buried in the Church of S. Mary de Russin MCCLXVI The kingdome of the Ilands was translated by reason of Alexander King of Scots That which followeth was written in another hand and of a later character MCCLXX The seventh day of October a navy set out by Alexander King of Scots arrived at Roghalwath and the next morrow before sun rising a battaile was fought between the people of Man and the Scots in which were slain of the Manksmen 537. whereupon a certaine versifier played thus upon the number L. decies X. ter penta duo cecidere Mannica gens de te damna futura cave L. Ten times told X. thrice with five beside and twaine Ware future harmes I reed of thy folke Man were slaine MCCCXIII Robert King of Scots besieged the Castle of Russin which Dingawy Dowyll held against him but in the end the King won the castle MCCCXVI On the Ascension day Richard le Mandevile and his brethren with other Potentates of Ireland arrived at Ramaldwath requesting to be furnished with victuals and silver for that they had been robbed by the enemies warring upon them continually Now when the commonality of the country had made answer that they would not give them any they advanced forward against those of Man with two troops or squadrons untill they were come as far as to the side of Warthfell hill in a field wherein John Mandevile remained and there in a fought battell the Irish vanquished the Manksmen spoiled the Iland and rifled the Abbey of Russin and after they had continued in the Iland one whole moneth they returned home with their ships fraught with pillage Thus endeth the Chronicle of the K.K. of Man The Processe or course of the Historie following I will now continue summarily out of other Writers WHen Alexander the third King of Scots had gotten into his hands the Westerne Ilands partly by way of conquest and in part for ready money paid unto the King of Norway hee attempted the I le of Man also as one of that number and through the valiant prowesse of Alexander Stewart brought it under his dominion yea and placed there a petty King or Prince with this condition that hee should be ready alwaies at his command to serve with ten ships in his warres at sea Howbeit Mary the daughter of Reginald King of Man who was become the Liege-man of John King of England entred her suit for the Iland before the King of England but answer was made unto her that shee should demand it of the King of Scots for that he then held it in possession And yet her grand-child John Waldebeof for the said Mary married into the house of Waldebeofe sued for his ancient right in Parliament holden in the 33. yeere of King Edward the first before the K. of England as the superiour
for all England right happy For it brought forth to us Queene Elizabeth a most gracious and excellent Prince worthy of superlative praise for her most wise and politique government of the Common-wealth and for her heroicke vertues farre above that sexe But when the said Thomas Bullen overcome with the griefe and sorrow that hee tooke for the infortunate fall and death of his children he ended his daies without issue this title lay still untill that King Edward the Sixth conferred it upon William Powlet Lord Saint Iohn whom soone after hee made Marquesse of Winchester and Lord Treasurer of England in whose family it remaineth at this day This Countie containeth in it Parishes 304. HANTSHIRE NExt to Wilshire is that Country which sometimes the Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and is now commonly named Hantshire of which one part that beareth farther within the land belonged no doubt to the Belgae the other which lieth upon the sea appertained without question to the Regni an ancient people of Britaine On the West it hath Dorsetshire and Wilshire on the South the Ocean to bound it on the East it joyneth to Sussex and Surrie and on the North it bordereth upon Barkshire A small province it is fruitfull in corne furnished in some places with pleasant woods standing thicke and well growne rich in plenteous pasture and for all commodities of sea most wealthy and happie It is thought that it was with the first brought under subjection to the Romans For our Histories report that Vespasian subdued it and very probable reasons there are inducing us to beleeve the same For Dio witnesseth that Plautius and Vespasian when they were sent by the Emperour Claudius against the Britaines did give the attempt upon this Island with an armie divided into three parts least if they should have ventured to land in one place onely they might have beene driven backe from the shore Suetonius also writeth that in this expedition Vespasian fought thirtie battailes with the enemie and subdued the Isle of Wight which lieth against this country and two other right puissant nations with it For which his victories as also for passing over the Ocean so safely Valerius Flaccus speaketh unto Vespasian himselfe as one more fortunate than Iulius Caesar in this manner Tuque O Pelagi cui major aperti Fama Caledonius post quam tua Carbasa vexit Oceanus Fhrigios prius indignatus Iülos And thou for Seas discoverie whose fame did more appeare Since that thy ships with sailes full spred in Northren Ocean were Which skorn'd before of Phrygian line the Julii to beare And of the very same Vespasian Appolonius Collatius Novariensis the Poet versified thus Ille quidem nuper faelici Marte Britannos Fuderat He verily of late by happy flight Had won the field and Britains put to flight But how in this war Titus delivered Vespasian his father when he was very streightly besieged by the Britans and how at the same time likewise an adder grasped him about and yet never hurt him which he tooke as a lucky foretoken of his Empire you may learne out of Dio and Forcatulus I for my part to come to my purpose beginning at the West side of this province will make my perambulation along the sea-coast and the rivers that runne into the Ocean and after that survey the more in-land parts thereof HAMSHIRE OLIM PARS BELGARVM A long the East banke of this river in this Shire King William of Normandie pulled downe all the townes villages houses and Churches farre and neere cast out the poore Inhabitants and when he had so done brought all within thirty miles compasse or there about into a forrest and harbour for wild beasts which the Englishmen in those daies termed Ytene and we now call New forrest Of which Act of his Gwalter Maps who lived immediately after wrote thus The Conquerour tooke away land both from God and men to dedicate the same unto wild beasts and Dogs-game in which space he threw downe sixe and thirtie-Mother-Churches and drave all the people thereto belonging quite away And this did he either that the Normans might have safer and more secure arrivall in England for it lieth over against Normandie in case after that all his wars were thought ended any new dangerous tempest should arise in this Island against him or for the pleasure which he tooke in hunting or else to scrape and rape money to himselfe by what meanes soever he could For being better affected and more favourable to beasts than to men he imposed verie heavie fines and penalties yea and other more grievous punishments upon those that should meddle with his game But Gods just judgement not long after followed this so unreasonable and cruell act of the King For Richard his second sonne and William Rufus King of England another sonne of his perished both in this Forrest William by chance shot through with an arrow by Walter Tirell the other blasted with a pestilent aire Henrie likewise his Grand-child by Robert his eldest sonne whiles hee hotely pursued his game in this Chase was hanged amongst the boughes and so died that wee may learne thereby How even childrens children beare the punishment of their Fathers sonnes There goe commonly abroad certaine verses that Iohn White Bishop of Winchester made of this Forrest Which although they falsly make William Rufus to have ordained the same yet because they are well liked of many I am likewise well content heere to set them downe Templa adimit Divis fora civibus arva colonis Rufus instituit Beaulensi in rure forestam Rex cervum insequitur Regem vindicta Tirellus Non bene provisum transfixit acumine ferri From God and Saint King Rus did Churches take From Citizens town-court and mercate place From Farmer lands New forrest for to make In Beaulew tract where whiles the King in chase Pursues the Hart just vengeance comes apace And King pursues Tirrell him seeing not Unawares him slew with dint of arrow shot He calleth it Beauley tract for that King Iohn built hard by a pretty Monasterie for the pleasant scituation called Beaulieu which continued ever unto our Fathers memorie of great fame as being an unviolated sanctuarie and a safe refuge for all that fled to it in so much that in times past our people heere thought it unlawfull and an hainous offence by force to take from thence any persons whatsoever were they thought never so wicked murtherers or traitours so that our Ancestors when they erected such Sanctuaries or Temples as they terme them of Mercie every where throughout England seemed rather to have proposed unto themselves Romulus to imitate than Moses who commanded that wilfull murtherers should bee plucked from the Altar and put to death and for them onely appointed Sanctuarie who by meere chance had killed any man But least the sea coast for so long a tract as that forrest is heere should lie without defence all open
sitten since Wina whom the said Kenelwalch ordained the first Bishop there Many Bishops some renowned for their wealth and honourable port and some for holinesse of life But among other Saint Swithin continueth yet of greatest fame not so much for his sanctitie as for the raine which usually falleth about the Feast of his translation in Iuly by reason the Sunne then Cosmically with Praesepe and Aselli noted by ancient writers to be rainie constellations and not for his weeping or other weeping Saints Margaret the Virgine and Mary Magdalen whose feasts are shortly after as some superstitiously-credulous have believed This by the way pardon me I pray you for I digresse licentiously Thus Bishops of Winchester have beene anciently by a certaine peculiar prerogative that they have Chancellours to the Archbishop of Canterbury and for long time now Prelates to the order of the Garter and they have from time to time to their great cost reedified the Church and by name Edington and Walkelin but Wickham especially who built all the West part thereof downe from the quire after a new kind of worke I assure you most sumptuously In the midst of which building is to be seene his owne tombe of decent modestie betweene two pillars And these Bishops have ever and anon consecrated it to new Patrons and Saints as to Saint Amphibalus Saint Peter Saint Swithin and last of all to the holy Trinitie by which name it is knowne at this day The English Saxons also had this Church in great honour for the sepulture of certaine Saints and Kings there whose bones Richard Fox the Bishop gathered and shrining them in certaine little gilded coffers placed them orderly with their severall Inscriptions in the top of that wall which encloseth the upper part of the quire and they called it in times past 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is The old Minster for difference from another more lately built which was named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is The new Minster which Elfred founded and for the building of houses of office belonging to the same purchase of the Bishop a plot of ground and for every foot of it paid him downe a marke after the publike weight This monasterie as also that other the older was built for married Priests who afterwards upon I know not what miracle of a Crosse that spoke and disliked their marriage were thrust out by Dunstane Archbishop of Canterbury and Monkes put in their place The walls of these two monasteries stood so neere and close together that the voices of those that sung in the one troubled the chaunting of the other whereupon there arose grudge and heart-burning betweene these Monkes which afterwards brake out into open enmities By occasion whereof and because at this new monasterie there gathered and stood much water which from the Westerne gate came downe thither along the current of the streets and cast forth from it an unwholsome aire the Minster Church two hundred yeares after the first foundation of it was removed into the Suburbs of the citie on the North part which they call Hide Where by the permission of King Henry the First the Monks built a most stately and beautifull monasterie which a few yeares after by the craftie practice of Henrie de Blois Bishoppe of Winchester as the private historie of this place witnesseth was pitiously burnt In which fire that Crosse also was consumed which Canutus the Dane gave and upon which as old writings beare record he bestowed as much as his owne yeares revenewes of all England came unto The monasterie neverthelesse was raised up againe and grew by little and little to wonderfull greatnesse as the very ruines thereof even at this day doe shew untill that generall subversion and finall period of our monasteries For then was this monasterie demolished and into that other of the holy Trinitie which is the Cathedrall Church when the monkes were thrust out were brought in their stead a Deane twelve Prebendaries and there placed At the East side of this Cathedrall Church standeth the Bishops palace called Wolvesey a right goodly thing and sumptuous which being towred and compassed almost round with the streame of a prety river reacheth even to the Citie walls and in the South-suburbes just over against it beholdeth a faire Colledge which William Wickham Bishop of this See the greatest father and Patron of all Englishmen of good literature and whose praise for ever to the worlds end will continue built for a Schoole and thereto dedicated it out of which both for Church and Common-wealth there riseth a most plentiful increase of right learned men For in this Colledge one warden ten fellowes two Schoole-masters and threescore and ten schollers with divers others are plentifully maintained There have beene also in this Citie other faire and goodly buildings for very many were here consecrated to religion which I list not now to recount since time and avarice hath made an end of them Onely that Nunnery or monasterie of vailed Virgins which Elfwida the wife of King Elfred founded I will not overpasse seeing it was a most famous thing as the remainder of it now doth shew and for that out of it King Henrie the First tooke to wife Mawde the daughter of Malcolne King of Scots by whom the Royall bloud of the ancient Kings of England became united to the Normans and he therefore wonne much love of the English nation For neiphew shee was in the second degree of descent unto Edmund Iron-side by his sonne Edward the Banished A woman as adorned with all other vertues meet for a Queene so especially inflamed with an incredible love of true pietie and godlinesse Whereupon was this Tetrastich made in her commendation Prospera non laetam fecêre nec asperae tristem Aspera risus ei prospera terror erant Non decor effecit fragilem non sceptra superbam Sola potens humilis sola pudica decens No prosp'rous state did make her glad Nor adverse chances made her sad If fortune frown'd she then did smile If fortune frown'd she feard the while If beauty tempted she yet said nay No pride she tooke in scepters sway Shee onely high her selfe debas'd A lady onely faire and chast Concerning Sir Guy of Warwick of whom there goe so many prety tales who in single fight overcame here that Danish giant and Golias Colbrand and of Waltheof Earle of Huntingdon that was here beheaded where afterwards stood Saint Giles chappell as also of that excellent Hospital of Saint Crosse there adjoyning founded by Henry of Blois bother to King Stephen and Bishop of this City and augmented by Henry Beauford Cardinall I need not to speake seeing every man may read of them in the common Chronicles As touching the Earles of Winchester to say nothing of Clyto the Saxon whom the Normans deprived of his ancient honour King Iohn created Saier Quincy Earle of Winchester who used for his armes a military belt
the Parliament by the name of William Beauchamp de Saint Amando flourished among other Barons like as his sonne Richard who left no issue lawfully begotten Kenet keeping on his course downward from thence betweene Hemsted Marshall which sometimes was held by the rod of Marshalsee and appertained to the Mareschals of England where S. Thomas Parry Treasurer of Queene Elizabeths houshold built a very proper house and Benham Valence in a Parke so called because it belonged to William de Valencia Earle of Pembroch But Queen Elizabeth gave it to Iohn Baptista Castilion a Piemontes of her privie chamber for faithfull service in her dangers So the river passeth on to that old town Spinae wherof Antonine made mention which retaining still the name is at this day called Spene but now in steed of a towne it is a very little village standing scarce a mile off from Newbury a famous towne that arose and had beginning out of the ruins of it For Newbury with us is as much to say as the Newburgh in respect no doubt of that more ancient place of habitation which is quite decayed and gone and hath left the name also in a peece of Newburie it selfe which is called Spinham Lands And if nothing else yet this verily might prove that Newburie sprang out of Spine because the inhabitants of Newbury acknowledge the village Spene as their mother although in comparison of Spene it be passing faire and goodly as well for buildings as furniture become rich also by clothing and very well seated in a champian plaine having the river Kenet to water it This towne at the time that the Normans conquered England fell to Ernulph de Hesdin Earle of Perch whose successour Thomas Earle of Perch being slaine at the siege of Lincolne the Bishop of Chalons his heire sold it unto William Marescall Earle of Pembroke who also held the Manour of Hempsted hard by whereof I have spoken and his successors also Mareschals of England untill that Roger Bigod for his obstinacie lost his honor and possessions both which notwithstanding by intreaty he obtained againe for his life time Kenet passeth on hence and taketh into him Lamborn a little river which at the head and spring thereof imparteth his name to a small mercate towne that in old time by vertue of King Aelfreds testament belonged unto his cousin Alfrith and afterward to the Fitz Warens who of King Henrie the Third obtained libertie of holding a mercate but now appertaineth unto the Essexes Knights A familie that fetcheth their pedigree from William Essex Vnder-treasurer of England under King Edward the Fourth from those who in times past carried the same surname flourished as men of very great fame in Essex From thence he runneth under Dennington which others call Dunnington a little castle but a fine and proper one situate with a faire prospect upon the brow of a prety hill full of groves and which inwardly for the most part letteth in all the light Built they say it was by Sir Richard de Abberbury Knight who also under it founded for poore people a Gods-house Afterward it was the residence of Chaucer then of the Dela Poles and in our fathers daies of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolke Kenet having now finished a long course by Aldermaston which King Henrie the First gave unto Robert Achard From whose posterity by the Delamares it came at length in right of marriage to the Fosters a familie of Knights degree falleth at the last into Tamis presently after it hath with his winding branches compassed a great part of Reading This towne Reading called in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Rhea that is The River or of the British word Redin that signifieth Fearne which groweth heere in great plentie excelleth at this day all other townes of this shire in faire streets and goodly houses for wealth also of the Townsmen and their name in making of cloth although it hath lost the greatest ornaments it had to wit a beautifull Church and a most ancient Castle For this the Danes kept as their hold so Asserius writeth when they made a rampier betweene Kenet and Tamis and into this they retired themselves for safety when at Inglefield a village neere unto it which gave name to an ancient familie they were by King Aethelwolfe discomfited and put to flight But King Henrie the Second so rased it because it was a place of refuge for King Stephens followers that nothing now remaineth of it but the bare name in the next street Nigh whereunto King Henrie the First having plucked downe a little Nunnerie that Queene Alfrith had founded in former times to make satisfaction for her wicked deeds built for Monks a stately and sumptuous Abbay and enriched it with great revenewes Which Prince to speake out of his very Charter of the foundation Because three Abbaies in the Realme of England were in old time for their sinnes destroied to wit Reading Chelseie and Leonminster which a long time were held in Lay mens hands by the advise of the Bishops built a new Monasterie of Reading and gave unto it Reading Chelseie and Leonminster In this Abbay was the founder himselfe King Henrie buried with his wife both vailed and crowned for that shee had beene a Queene and a professed Nunne and with them their daughter Mawde as witnesseth the private Historie of this place although some report that she was enterred at Becc in Normandie This Mawde as well as that Lacedemonian Ladie Lampido whom Plinie maketh mention of was a Kings daughter a Kings wife and a Kings mother that is to say daughter of this Henrie the First King of England wife of Henrie the Fourth Emperour of Almaine and mother to Henrie the Second King of England Concerning which matter have you here a Distichon engraven on her tombe and the same verily in my judgment conceived in some gracious aspect of the Muses Magna ortu majorque viro sed maxima partu Hîc jacet Henrici filia sponsa parens The daughter wife the mother eke of Henrie lieth heere Much blest by birth by marriage more but most by issue deere And well might she be counted greatest by her issue For Henrie the Second her sonne as Iohn of Salisburie who lived in those daies wrote was the best and most vertuous King of Britaine the most fortunate Duke of Normandie and Aquitain and as well for valiant exploits as for excellent vertues highly renowned How courageous how magnificent how wise and modest he was even from his tender yeeres envy it selfe can neither conceale nor dissemble seeing that his acts bee fresh and conspicuous seeing also that he hath extended forward and held on in a continued traine the titles of his vertue from the bounds of Britaine unto the marches of Spaine And in another place of the same King Henrie the Second the most mighty King that ever was of Britaine shewed his
fought with good successe and slew all the valiantest men amongst them Yet did hee little or no good to his native country the Danes evermore renewing their forces still as they were overthrowne like unto that serpent Hydra A little from the fountaines where this river springeth standeth Gatton which now is scarce a small village though in times past it hath beene a famous towne To prove the antiquitie thereof it sheweth Roman coines digged forth of the ground and sendeth unto the Parliament two Burgesses Lower than it is seated Rhie-gat which if a man interpret according to our ancient language is as much as the Rivers course in a vale running out farre into the East called Holmesdale the Inhabitants whereof for that once or twice they vanquished the Danes as they wasted the country are wont in their owne praise to chaunt this Rythme The vale of Holmesdall Never wonne ne never shall This Rhie-gate carrying a greater shew for largenesse than faire buildings hath on the South-side a Parke thicke sette with faire groves wherein the right Noble Charles Earle of Nottingham Baron of Effingham and Lord Admirall of England hath a house where the Earles of Warren and Southrey had founded a prety Monasterie On the East side standeth a Castle mounted aloft now forlorne and for age ready to fall built by the same Earles and of the vale wherein it standeth commonly called Holmecastle under which I saw a wonderfull vault carried under the ground of arch-worke over head hollowed with great labour out of a soft gritte and crombling stone such as the whole hill standeth of These Earles of Warren as wee finde in the Offices or inquisitions held it in chiefe of the King in their Baronie from the conquest of England Hence runneth this river downe by Bechworth Castle for which Sir Thomas Browne obtained of King Henry the Sixth the libertie of holding a Faire For it is the habitation of the Brownes Knights out of which family since our grand-father can remember when Sir Anthony Browne had married Lady Lucie the fourth daughter of Iohn Nevil Marquesse Mont-a-cute Queene Mary honoured his sonnes sonne with the title of Vicount Mont-a-cute Some few miles from hence Westward Effingham sheweth it selfe the possession not long since of William Howard son to that Noble Thomas Duke of Norfolke that triumphed over the Scots who being created by Queene Mary Baron Howard of Effingham made Lord High-Admirall of England was first Lord Chamberlain unto Queene Elizabeth of most happy memorie and then Lord privie Seale whose sonne Charles now flourisheth Lord great Admirall of England whom in the yeare of our Lord 1597. the same Queene Elizabeth honoured also with the title of Earle of Nottingham of whom more in my Annales but now returne we to the river The Mole now being come as farre as Whitehill whereon the Box tree groweth in great plenty at the foote thereof hideth himselfe or rather is swallowed up and thereof the place is called the Swallow but after a mile or two neere unto Letherhed bridge boyling up and breaking forth taketh joy to spring out againe So that the Inhabitants of this tract may boast as well as the Spaniards that they have a bridge which feedeth many flockes of sheepe For this is a common by-word most rife in the Spaniards mouthes as touching the place where their river Anas now called Guadiana hideth himselfe for ten miles together Thus our Mole rising up a fresh hasteneth faire and softly by Stoke Dabernoun so named of the ancient possessors the Dabernouns gentlemen of great good note afterward by inheritance from them the possession of the Lord Bray and by Aesher sometimes a retyring place belonging to the Bishops of Winchester And then very neare Molesey whereunto it giveth name sheddeth himselfe into the Tamis After Tamis hath taken unto him the Mole hee carrieth his streame Northwardly and runneth fast by Kingstone called in times past Moreford as some will have it a very good mercate towne for the bignesse and well frequented well knowne also in old time by reason of a Castle there belonging to the Clares Earles of Glocester Which towne had beginning from a little towne more ancient then it of the same name standing upon a flat ground and subject to the inundation of Tamis In which when England was almost ruinated by the Danish warres Athelstan Edwin and Etheldred were crowned Kings upon an open stage in the Market place and of these Kings heere crowned it came to be named Kingstone as one would say The Kings Towne Tamis now turning his course directly Northward visiteth another place which the Kings chose for themselves sometimes to sojourne at which of the shining brightnesse they call Shene but now it is named Richmond wherein the most mighty Prince King Edward the Third when he had lived sufficiently both to glory and nature died with sorrow that hee conceived for the death of that most valiant and Martiall prince his sonne which sorrow pierced so deepe and stucke so neere him and all England beside that it farre exceeded all comfort And verily at this time if ever else England had a good cause to grieve For within one yeare after it lost the true praise of military prowesse and of accomplished vertue For both of them by bearing their victorious armes throughout all France struke so great a terrour wheresoever they came that as the father might most worthily with King Antiochus carrie the name of Thunder-bolt so his sonne with Pyrrhus deserved to bee named the Eagle Heere also departed Anne wife to King Richard the Second sister of the Emperour Wenzelaus and daughter to the Emperour Charles the fourth who first taught English women the manner of sitting on horsebacke which now is used whereas before time they rode very unseemely astride like as men doe Whose death also her passionate husband tooke so to the heart that he altogether neglected the said house and could not abide it Howbeit King Henry the Fifth readorned it with new buildings and in Shene a pretty village hard by he joyned thereto a little religious house of Carthusian Monks which he called The house of Iesu of Bethelem But in the raigne of Henry the seventh this Princely place was with a woefull sudden fire consumed almost to ashes Howbeit rising up againe forthwith farre more beautifull and glorious as it were a Phaenix out of her owne ashes by the meanes of the same King Henry it tooke this new name Richmond of the title hee bare being Earle of Richmond before he obtained the Crowne of England Scarce had that Noble King Henry the Seventh finished this new worke when in this place he yeilded unto nature and ended his life through whose care vigilancy policy and forecasting wisedome for time to come the State and common-weale of England hath to this day stood established and invincible From hence likewise his sonnes daughter Queene
a great summe of money and pledges withall of his loyalty that it might not be overthrowne and rased Not farre thence from the banke you may see Mettingham where upon a plaine Sir Iohn sirnamed De Norwich Lord of the place built a foure square Castle and a Colledge within it whose daughter and in the end the Heire of the same Family Robert de Vfford aforesaid Earle of Suffolke tooke to Wife with a goodly Inheritance Now Waveney drawing neerer unto the Sea whiles hee striveth in vaine to make himselfe a twofold issue into the Ocean the one together with the River Yare and the other by the meere Luthing maketh a pretty big Demy Isle or Biland which some name Lovingland others more truely Luthingland of Luthing the lake spreading in length and bredth which beginning at the Ocean Shore is discharged into the River Yare At the entrance whereof standeth upon the Sea Lestoffe a narrow and little Towne and at the issue of it Gorlston where I saw the towre steeple of a small suppressed Friery which standeth the Sailers in good stead for a marke Within the land hard by Yare is situate Somerley towne the habitation in ancient time of Fitz Osbert from whom it is come lineally to the worshipfull ancient family of the Iernegans Knights of high esteeme in these parts farther up into the land where Yare and Waveney meet in one streame there flourished Cnobersburg that is as Bede interprereth it Cnobers City we call it at this day Burgh-Castle Which as Bede saith was a most pleasant Castle by reason of woods and Sea together wherein a Monastery was built by Fursaey a holy Scot by whose perswasion Sigebert King of the East-Angles became a Monke and resigned up his Kingdome who afterwards being drawne against his will out of this Monastery to encourage his people in battaile against the Mercians together with his company lost his life In that place now there are only ruinous wals in forme as it were foure square built of flint stone and British Bricke but all overgrown with briers and bushes among which otherwhiles are Romane peeces of coines gotten forth So that it may seeme to have been one of those fortifications that the Romans placed upon the River Y are to represse the piracies of the Saxons or rather that it was the ancient GARIANONUM it selfe where the Stablesian Horsemen had their Station and kepe Ward at the declination of the Romane Empire in Brittaine Suffolke hath had Earles and Dukes out of sundry families There bee of the later writers who report that the Glanvils in times past were honoured with this title But seeing they ground upon no certain authority whereas men may easily mistake and I have found nothing of them in the publike records of the Kingdome they must pardon me if I beleeve them not untill they produce more certainty Yet in the meane while I confesse that the family of the Glanvils in this tract was of right good note and high reputation Neither have I hitherto learned by witnesses of credite that any one was entituled Earle of this Province severally before the daies of King Edward the Third who created Sir Robert Vfford Earle of Suffolke a man much renowned both in peace and warre the sonne of Sir Robert Vfford Steward of the Kings house under King Edward the Second by Cecily de Valoniis Lady of Orford After him succeeded his sonne William who having foure sonnes that were taken away by untimely death during his life died himselfe suddenly in the Parliament house as he was about to report the minde of the Commonalty And then Sir Robert Willoughby Roger Lord Scales and Henrie Ferrars of Groby the next of his blood and his Heires divided the Inheritance betweene them Afterward King Richard the Second promoted Michael De-la-Pole to this Title and made him L. Chancellor of England Who as Thomas Walsingham writeth imployed himselfe more in trafficke and Merchandise as having beene a Merchant and a Merchants sonne than in martiall matters For he was the sonne of William De-la-pole that first Maior of Kyngston upon Hull and for his wealthy Estate adorned by King Edward the Third with the dignity of a Baneret But when as in the prosperous confluence of so many advancements the mans nature was not capable of so great fortunes he was enforced by his adversaries envy to depart out of his Country and so died a banished man His sonne Michael being restored died at the siege of Harflew and againe within one moneth his son Michael was slaine in the battell of Agincourt leaving daughters onely Then William his brother succeeded whom King Henry the sixt so favoured that hee made him also Earle of Penbroke and then Marquesse of Suffolke to him and the heires males of his body And that both hee and the heires of his body should carry the golden rod having a Dove in the top thereof on the Coronation day of the King of England and the like rod or verge Yuory at the Coronation of the Queenes of England And afterwards hee advanced the same William for his great service and deserts to the honour and title of Duke of Suffolke Certes hee was an excellent man in those dayes famous and of great worth For whereas his father and three brethren had in the French wars lost their lives for their Country he as we finde in the Parliament Rols of the 28. of King Henry the Sixth in the same war served full 34. yeeres For seventeene yeeres together he never returned home from warfare being once taken prisoner when he was as yet no better than a private Knight hee paid downe for his ransome twenty thousand pounds of our English mony hee was of the Kings privy Counsell 15. yeeres and a Knight of the Order of the Garter 30. Hereupon as he stood in especiall grace and favour with his Prince so he incurred therefore the greater envy of the common people and some emulatours being grievously charged with treason and misprisions And therefore called before the King and Lords of the Parliament after he had answered the Articles objected referred himselfe to the Kings order Whereupon the Chancellor by the Kings commandement pronounced that whereas the Duke did not put himselfe upon his Peeres the King touching the Articles of treason would be doubtfull and as for the Articles of misprision not as a Judge by advice of the Lords but as one to whose order the Duke had submitted himselfe did banish him the realme and all other his dominions for five yeeres But when he was embarked for France he was by his adversaries intercepted upon the sea and beheaded He left a son nam'd Iohn De-la-Pole who wedded K. Edward the fourth his sister and of her begate Iohn Earle of Lincolne by K. Richard the Third proclaimed heire apparant of the Crowne whose ambitious minde puffed up and giddy therewith could not containe it selfe but soone after brake out
of Hereford for uttering inconsiderately certaine reprochfull and derogatory words against the king And when they were to fight a combat at the very barre and entry of the Lists by the voice of an Herauld it was proclaimed in the kings name That both of them should be banished Lancaster for ten yeares and Mowbray for ever who afterwards ended his life at Venice leaving two sonnes behind him in England Of which Thomas Earle Marshall and of Nottingham for no other Title used hee was beheaded for seditious plotting against Henry of Lancaster who now had possessed himselfe of the Crowne by the name of King Henry the Fourth But his brother and heire John who through the favour of King Henry the Fifth was raised up and for certaine yeares after called onely Earle Marshall and of Nottingham at last in the very beginning of Henry the Sixth his Raigne By authority of Parliament and by vertue of the Patent granted by King Richard the Second was declared Duke of Norfolke as being the sonne of Thomas Duke of Norfolke his father and heire to Thomas his brother After him succeeded John his sonne who died in the first yeare of Edward the Fourth and after him likewise John his sonne who whiles his father lived was created by King Henry the Sixth Earle of Surry and of Warren Whose onely daughter Anne Richard Duke of Yorke the young sonne of King Edward the Fourth tooke to wife and together with her received of his father the Titles of Duke of Norfolke Earle Marshall Earle of Warren and Nottingham But after that he and his wife both were made away in their tender yeares Richard the Third King of England conferred this Title of the Duke of Norfolke and the dignity of Earle Marshall upon John Lord Howard who was found next cozen in bloud and one of the heires to the said Anne Dutchesse of Yorke and Norfolke as whose mother was one of the daughters of that first Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke and who in the time of King Edward the Fourth was summoned a Baron to the Parliament This John lost his life at Bosworth field fighting valiantly in the quarrell of King Richard against King Henry the Seventh His sonne Thomas who being by King Richard the Third created Earle of Surry and by King Henry the Seventh made Lord Treasurer was by King Henry the Eighth restored to the Title of Duke of Norfolke and his sonne the same day created Earle of Surry after that by his conduct James the fourth King of the Scots was slaine and the Scottish power vanquished at Branxton In memoriall of which Victory the said King granted to him and his heires males for ever that they should beare in the midst of the Bend in the Howards Armes the whole halfe of the upper part of a Lion Geules pierced through the mouth with an arrow in the due colours of the Armes of the King of Scots I translate it verbatim out of the Patent After him succeeded his sonne Thomas as well in his honours as in the Office of Lord Treasurer of England and lived to the time of Queene Mary tossed to and fro betweene the reciprocall ebbes and flowes of fortune whose grand sonne Thomas by his sonne Henry the first of the English Nobility that did illustrate his high birth with the beauty of learning being attainted for purposing a marriage with Mary the Queene of Scots lost his life in the yeare of our Lord 1572. and was the last Duke of Norfolke Since which time his off-spring lay for a good while halfe dead but now watered and revived with the vitall dew of King James reflourisheth very freshly In this Province there be Parish Churches about 660. CAMBRIDGE Comitatus quem olim ICENI Insederunt CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE called in the English-Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lyeth more inward and stretched out in length Northward On the East it butteth upon Northfolke and Suffolke on the South upon the East-Saxons or Essexe and Hertfordshire on the West upon Bedford and Huntingdon shires and Northward upon Lincoln-shire being divided into two parts by the river Ouse which crosseth it over-thwart from West to East The lower and South-part is better manured and therefore more plentifull being some-what a plaine yet not altogether levell for the most part or all of it rather save onely where it bringeth forth saffron is laid out into corne fields and yeeldeth plentifully the best barly of which steeped in water and lying wet therein untill it spurt againe then after the said sprout is full come dried and parched over a Kill they make store of mault By venting and sending out whereof into the neighbor-countries the Inhabitants raise very great gaine The farther and Northerne part because it is Fennish ground by reason of the many flouds that the rivers cause and so dispersed into Islands is called The Isle of Ely a tract passing greene fresh and gay by reason of most plenteous pastures howbeit after a sort hollow by occasion of the water that in some places secretly entreth in yea and otherwhile when it overfloweth surroundeth most part of it Along the West side of the lower part runneth one of the two highwayes made by the Romans Ely booke calleth it Ermingstreet which passeth forth right to Hâ—ntingdon through Roiston that standeth in the very edge and entry of the Shire a towne well knowne yet but of late built whereof I have already spoken also by Caxton in times past the seate of the Barony of Stephen de Eschalâ—ers and from whose Posterity in the reigne of King Henry the Third it descended to the Frevills and from them by the Burgoins to the Iermins Neither is Gamlinghay far distant from hence where dwelt the Avenells whose Inheritance came by marriage to the ancient Family of Saint George out of which there flourished many Knights since the time of King Henry the First at Hatley which of them is called Hatley Saint George Above Caxton before mentioned is Eltesley where was in elder Ages a Religious house of Holy Virgines among whom was celebrated the incertaine memory of Saint Pandionia the daughter of a Scottish King as the tradition is But long since they were translated to Hinchinbroke And againe above Eltesley was the Priory of Swasey founded for blacke Monkes by Alan la Zouch brother to the Vicount of Rohan in the Lesser Britaine and was the common Sepulture a long time for the Family of Zouch More Westward a little river runneth through the middle of this part which issuing downe out of Ashwel hastneth from South to North with many turnings to joyn it selfe with the Ouse running by Shengay where be the goodliest medows of this Shire a Commandery in old time of the Knights Templars which Shengay Sibyl the daughter of Roger Mont-gomery Earle of Shrewsbury and wife of I. de Raines gave unto them in the yeere 1130. nor farre from Burne Castle in ancient times the Barony of
Castle named Humel before time into a Monastery called Finisheved Their issue male failed about two hundred yeares since but of their heires the eldest was wedded unto Sir Iohn Goldington the second to Sir Laurence Pabenham and the third to Sir William Bernak all right worthy Knights Heere also is to bee seene Apthorp the seat of a most worthy knight Sir Anthony Mildmay whose father Sir Walter Mildmay late one of Queene Elizabeths Privie Counsell for his vertue wisdome piety and bounty to learning and learned men by founding Emanuel College in Cambridge hath worthily deserved to bee registred among the best men in this our age Hard by standeth Thornhaugh sometimes belonging to the Family De Sancto Medardo contracted into Semarâ— and now to the right honorable Sir William Russell sonne to Francis Earle of Bedford descended from Semare whom King James for his vertues and faithfull service in Ireland whiles hee was Lord Deputy there advanced to the Dignity of Baron Russell of Thornhaugh Neither is the Towne Welledon to bee passed over in silence considering that it went in old time for a Barony which by Mawde the Daughter and heire of Geffrey de Ridell who together with King Henry the First his sonne was drowned did descend to Richard Basset sonne of Ralph Basset Lord Justice of England in whose race it continued unto King Henry the Fourth his dayes For then by the females it accrued to the Kneveis and Alesburies Welland being past Haringworth goeth to visit Colliweston where Lady Margaret Countesse of Richmond King Henry the Seaventh his mother built a goodly faire and stately house Under which the neighbour inhabitants use to digge great plenty of sclate stones for their buildings From whence Wittering Heath a plaine runneth out farre into the East wherein the people there dwelling report that the Danes long since were discomfited in a memorable battaile and put to flight Now by this time is Welland come to Burghley whereof the most prudent and right honorable Councellour Sir William Cecil Lord high Treasurer of England yea a singular treasure and supporter of the same received the Title of Baron Burghley for his great good deserts at the hands of Queene Elizabeth Which Title hee adorned with the lustre of his vertues and beautified this place with magnificent sumptuous buildings adjoyning thereto a large Parke encompassed about with a stone wall of a great circuite Beneath it there are ancient Quarries of stone at Bernack out of which the Abbayes of Peterburgh and of Ramsey were built For heere to write the very words out of the History of Ramsey The toyling strength of the Quarriers is often tried and held to worke yet ever still there remaineth worke for them behinde wherein they being refreshed betweene whiles with rest may bee exercised and kept in ure And thus wee reade in the Charter of king Edward the Confessour In consideration of foure thousand Eeles in Lent the Monkes of Ramsey shall have out of the Territory of Saint Peter so much square astiler stone as they need at Berneck and of rough building stone for wals at Burch Under Berneck that high-way made by the Romanes which the neighbour Inhabitants of the breadth that it carrieth call The forty foot-way from Caster to Stanford cutteth and divideth this Shire and is to bee seene with an high Causey especially by the little Wood of Bernack where it hath a Beacon set upon the very ridge and so runneth forth along by Burghley Park wall toward Stanford Some five miles hence Welland running downe by Maxey Castle belonging sometime to the noble house of Wake and by Peag-Kirk where in the Primitive Church of the English Nation Pega an holy woman who gave name to that place and sister of Saint Guthlak with other Nuns and devout virgins by their life and example gave good documents of piety and chastity commeth to the Fennes so often mentioned And for as much as the banke on the South side thereof is in many places neglected the River lieth sore upon the lands thereabout with great detriment and thus being put out of his owne Chanell that before time went by Spalding he entreth closely into Nen or Aufon and over-chargeth it exceedingly Now the lesse Avon which is the other of the limits as I said of this shire Northward but serveth for a limit onely about five or six miles in length breaking out of the ground at Avon-well by Naseby neere by the Spring-head of Welland runneth Westward by Suleby sometimes an Abbay of Black-Monkes and by Stanford upon Avon the habitation of the Caves Family out of which there is spread a notable off-spring with many branches in all that Tract adjoyning also by Lilborne the seate in times past of the Canvilles Which that it hath beene in old time a Mansion place or Station of the Romans I am induced to thinke by the site thereof hard by one of their Port-waies by the ancient Trenches there and a little piked hill cast up into which when of late dayes some digged in hope of old hid treasure in stead of gold they found coles And when this river being as yet but small is once gone under Dowbridge it leaveth Northampton-shire and entreth Warwick-shire By those coles digged forth from under the said hill what if I should conjecture that this hill was raised up for a limit or bound-marke seeing Siculus Flaccus writeth that either ashes or coles or pot-sherds or broken glasses or bones halfe burnt or lime or plaster were wont to be put under land-markes and limits and S. Augustine writeth thus of coles Is it not a wonderfull thing saith hee whereas considering Coles be so brickle that with the least blow they breake with the least crushing they are crushed yet no time bee it never so long conquereth them in so much as they that pitch Land-markes and limits were wont to couch them underneath to convince any litigious fellow whatsoever that should come never so long time after and avouch that a limit was not there pitched And so much the rather incline I to this my conjecture because they that have written of limits doe write that certaine hillockes or piles of earth which they termed Botontines were set in limits so that I suppose most of these mounts and round hils which we every where see and call Burrowes were for this purpose raised and that ashes coles pot-sherds c. may be found under them if they were digged downe a good depth into the earth The first Earle that this County had to my knowledge was Waldeof sonne of that warlike Siward who being also Earle of Huntingdon for his disloyall treachery unto William the Conquerour lost his head leaving two daughters onely behinde him by Iudith the Conquerours Niece by a sister of his mothers side Simon de Saint Liz being scornfully rejected by Iudith the mother for that hee was lame-legged married Mawd
place at this day is called Buxton well which being found by experience holsome for the stomach sinewes and the whole body George Earle of Shrewesbury lately beautified with buildings and so they are begunne againe to bee resorted unto by concourse of the greatest Gentlemen and of the Nobility At which time that most unfortunate Lady Mary Queene of Scots bad farewell unto Buxton with this Distichon by a little change of Caesars Verses concerning Feltria in this wise Buxtona a quae calidae celebrabere nomine lymphae Fortè mihi posthac non adeunda vale Buxton that of great name shalt be for hote and holsome baine Farewell for I perhaps shall not thee ever see againe But that these hote waters were knowne in old time The Port-way or High paved Street named Bath-gate reaching for seven miles together from hence unto Burgh a little Village doth manifestly shew Neere unto this Burgh there standeth upon the top of an hill an old Castle sometimes belonging to the Peverels called The Castle in the Peake and in Latin De Alto Pecco which King Edward the Third together with a Manour and an Honour gave unto his sonne John Duke of Lancaster what time as hee surrendered the Earledome of Richmond into the Kings hands Under which there is a Cave or hole within the ground called saving your reverence The Devils Arse that gapeth with a wide mouth and hath in it many turnings and retyring roomes wherein forsooth Gervase of Tilbury whether for wane of knowing trueth or upon a delight hee had in fabling hath written that a Shepheard saw a very wide and large Country with Riverets and Brookes running heere and there through it and huge Pooles of dead and standing waters Notwithstanding by reason of these and such like fables this Hole is reckoned for one of the wonders of England neither are there wanting the like tales of another Cave but especially of that which is called Elden Hole wherein there is nothing to bee wondred at but that it is of an huge widnesse exceeding steepe and of a mervailous depth But whosoever have written that there should bee certaine tunnels and breathing holes out of which windes doe issue they are much deceived Neither doe these Verses of Alexander Necham which hee wrote as touching the Mervailes of England agree to any of these two holes Est specus Aeolijs ventis obnoxia semper Impetus è gemino maximus ore venit Cogitur injectum velamen adire supernas Partes descensum impedit aura potens A Cave to strong Aeolian windes alwaies enthral'd there is From two-fold tunnell maine great blasts arise and never misse A cloth or garment cast therein by force aloft is sent A mighty breath or powrfull puffe doth hinder all descent But all the memorable matters in this high and rough stony little Country one hath comprised in these foure Verses Mira alto Pecco tria sunt barathrum specus antrum Commoda tot plumbum gramen ovile pecus Tot speciosa simul sunt Castrum Balnea Chatsworth Plura sed occurrunt quae speciosa minùs There are in High Peake Wonders three A deepe Hole Cave and Den Commodities as many bee Lead Grasse and Sheepe in pen. And Beauties three there are withall A Castle Bath Chatsworth With places more yet meet you shall That are of meaner worth To these Wonders may be added a wonderfull Well in the Peake Forest not farre from Buxtons which ordinarily ebbeth and floweth foure times in the space of one houre or thereabout keeping his just Tides and I know not whether Tideswell a Mercate Towne heereby hath his name thereof The Peverels who I have said before were Lords of Nottingham are also reported to have beene Lords of Darby Afterward King Richard the First gave and confirmed unto his brother John the Counties and Castles of Nottingham Lancaster Darby c. with the honours thereto belonging with the honour also of Peverell After him these were Earles of Derby out of the family of Ferrars so far as I am able to gather out of the Registers of Tutbury Merivall and Burton Monasteries William Ferrars sonne to the Daughter and heire of Peverell whom King John with his owne hand as we finde in an ancient Charter invested Earle of Darby William his sonne who bruised with a fall out of his Coach died in the yeere 1254. And this Williams sonne Robert who in the Civill Warre lost this Title and a great estate by forfeiture in such sort as that none of his posterity although they lived in great port and reputation were ever restored to that honor againe But most of this Roberts possessions K. Henry the Third passed over unto Edmund his owne younger son and King Edward the Third I write out of the very originall Record by authority and advise of the Parliament ordained Henry of Lancaster the sonne of Henry Earle of Lancaster Earle of Darby to him and his heires and withall assigned unto him a thousand markes yeerely during the life of his father Henry Earle of Lancaster From that time this Title was united to the line of Lancaster untill King Henry the Seventh bestowed the same upon Thomas Lord Stanley who before had wedded Margaret the Kings mother to him and the heires males of his body He had for his successour his Grandsonne Thomas begotten by George his sonne of Ioan the heire of the Lord Strange of Knocking this Thomas had by the sister of George Earle of Huntingdon Edward the third Earle of this Family highly commended for hospitality and affability who by the Lady Dorothy Daughter to the first Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke begat Henry the fourth Earle efts-once honourably employed who left by Lady Margaret Daughter of Henry Earle of Cumberland Ferdinand and William successively Earles of Darby Ferdinand dyed in strange manner in the flower of his youth leaving by Margaret his Wife Daughter of Sir John Spenser of Althorp three Daughters Anne marryed to Grey Bruges Lord Chandos Francis Wife to Sir Iohn Egerton and Elizabeth Wife to Henry Earle of Huntingdon William the sixth Earle now enjoyeth that Honour having issue by Elizabeth Daughter to Edward late Earle of Oxford ANd thus much of the Counties of Nottingham and Darby of which they inhabited a part who in Bedes time were called Mercij Aquilonares that is The Northern Mercians for that they dwelt beyond the Trent Northward and they held as hee saith The land of seven thousand Families This County holdeth in it Parishes 106. CORNAVII HAving now travailed in order through the Countries of the ancient CORITANI I am to survey the Regions confining which in ancient time the people called CORNABII or CORNAVII inhabited The derivation or Etymologie of whose name let others sift out As for my selfe I could draw the force and signification of that word to this and that diversly but seeing none of them doth aptly answere to the nature of the place or disposition of the people
I chuse rather to reject them than heere to propound them According therefore to my purpose I will severally runne over those Provinces which after Ptolomees description the CORNAVII seeme to have possessed that is to say Warwick-shire Worcester-shire Stafford-shire Shrop-shire and Cheshire In which there remaineth no footing at this day of the name Cornavij although this name continued even untill the declining State of the Romane Empire For certaine Companies and Regiments of the CORNAVII served in pay under the later Emperours as wee may see in the Booke of Notitia Provinciarum WARWICI Comitatus a cor nauiis olim inha bitatus WARWICK-SHIRE THe County of WARVVICK which the old English Saxons as well as wee called WARVVICK-SHIRE being bounded on the East side with Northampton-shire Leicestershire and the Watling-street Way which I spake of on the South with Oxford-shire and Glocestershire on the West for the greatest part with Worcester-shire and on the North side with Stafford-shire is divided into two parts the Feldon and Woodland that is into a plaine Champian and a woody Country which parts the River Avon running crookedly from North-East to South-West doth after a sort sever one from the other The Feldon lyeth on this side Avon Southward a plaine Champian Countrey and being rich in Corne and greene grasse yeeldeth a right goodly and pleasant prospect to them that looke downe upon it from an Hill which they call Edge-hill Where this hill endeth nere unto Wormington we saw a round Fort or military fense cast up of a good bignesse which as others of that kinde wee may well thinke to have beene made for the present and not long to continue by occasion of some enemies that in times past were ready to invade those parts Of the redy Soile heere come the names of Rodway and Rodley yea and a great part of the very Vale is thereupon termed The Vale of Red-horse of the shape of an Horse cut out in a red hill by the Country people hard by Pillerton In this part the places worth naming are Shipston and Kinton the one in times past a Mercate of Sheepe the other of Kine whereupon they gat those names also Compton in the Hole so called for that it lyeth hidden in a Valley under the Hilles yet hath it delights and pleasures about it and from thence a noble Family hath taken the name out of which the most excellent Prince Queene Elizabeth advanced Sir Henry Compton to the honour of a Baron in the yeere of our Redemption 1572. Likewise Wormeleighton so highly commended and notorious for good Sheepe-pasture but now much more notable since that King James created that right worshipfull Sir Robert Spenser of whom I have already spoken Baron Spenser of Wormeleighton Moreover Shugbury where the stones called Astroites resembling little Starres are found which the Lords of the place sirnamed thereupon Shugbury have long shewed in their Coat Armour Southam a Mercate Towne well knowne as also Leamington so called of Leame a small Brooke that wandereth through this part of the Shire where there boyleth out a spring of salt water and Utrhindon now Long Ichingdon and Harbury Neither verily are these two places memorable for any other cause but for that Fremund sonne to King Offa was betwixt them villanously in times past slaine by those that forelayed him a man of great renowne and singular Piety to God ward unto whom nothing else procured envie and evill will but because in an unhappy time hee had by happy Conduct quelled the audacious Courage of his enemies Which Death of his notwithstanding turned to his greater Glorie For beeing buryed at his Fathers Palace now called Off-Church hee liveth yet unto Posterity as who beeing raunged in the Catalogue of our Saints hath among the multitude received Divine Honours and whose life is by an ancient Writer set out in a good Poeme out of which let it bee no offence to put downe these few Verses following touching the Murderer who upon an ambitious desire of a Kingdome slew him Non speraâ—s vivo Fremundo regis honore Optato se posse frui molitur in ejus Immeritam tacitò mortem gladióque profanus Irruit exerto servus Dominà jacentis Tale nihil veritum saevo caput amput at ictu Talis apud Wydford Fremendum palma coronat Dum simul sontes occîdit occidit insons Past hope whiles Fremund liv'd to speed of wished regalty All secret and unworthy meanes he plots to make him dye With naked sword prophane slave he assaileth cowardly His Lord unwares and as he lay beheads him cruelly At Wydford thus Prince Fremund did this glorious crowne attaine Whiles slaying guilty folke at once himselfe is guiltlesse slaine Thus much of the Feldon or Champion part which that ancient Fosse-way a thing that would not bee overpassed cutteth overthwart the ridge whereof is seene in pastures lying now out of the way neere unto Chesterton the habitation of that ancient Family of the Peitoes out of which was that William Peito a Franciscane Frier whom Paul the Fourth Pope of Rome of stomach to worke Cardinall Pole displeasure would you thinke these heavenly Wights were so wrathfull created though in vaine Cardinall and â—egate of England having recalled Cardinall Pole to Rome before to bee accused and charged as suspected corrupt in Religion But Queene Mary albeit shee were most affectionately devoted to the Church of Rome interposed or rather opposed her selfe so that Peito was forbidden to enter into England and the power Legantine left entire and whole to Cardinall Pole Heere I wote not whether it would bee materiall to relate how in the Raigne of Edward the Fourth certaine Writers in Bookes of purpose penned made complaint of Covetousnesse how that she having assembled heere about flockes of Sheepe as a puissant power of armed forces besieged many Villages well peopled drave out the Husbandmen wonne the said Villages destroyed rased and depopulated them in such miserable sort heereabout that one of the said Writers a learned man in those daies cryed out with the Poet in these termes Quid facerent hostes capta crudeliùs urbe What could more cruelly be done By enemies to Cities wonne But nere unto the River Avon where carrying as yet but a small streame he closely entereth into this County first offereth it selfe Rugby having a Mercat in it standing chiefely of a number of Butchers Then Newenham Regis that is Kings Newenham standing upon the other side of the River where three fountaines walme out of the ground streined as it should seeme through a veine of Alum the water whereof carrying both colour and taste of milke is reported to cure the stone Certes it procureth urine abundantly greene wounds it quickly closeth up and healeth being drunke with salt it looseth and with sugar bindeth the belly After it Bagginton which had a Castle to it and belonged sometime to the Bagottes as noble a
worke also a fragment of an Altar with this Inscription engraven in great capitall letters three inches long erected by Haterianus the Lieutenant Generall of Augustus and Propretour of the Province Cilicia The next yeere following hard by was this Table also gotten out of the ground which prooveth that the foresaid Image was the personage of Diana and that her Temple was repaired by Titus Flavius Posthumius Varus an old souldier haply of a Band of the second Legion T. FL. POSTUMIUS VARUS V. C. LEG TEMPL DIANAE RESTITUIT Also a votive Altar out of which GETA the name of Caesar may seeme then to have beene rased what time as he was made away by his brother Antonine Bassianus and proclaimed an Enemy yet so as by the tract of the letters it is in some sort apparent PRO SALUTE AUGG. N. N. SEVERI ET ANTONINI ET GETAE CAES. P. SALTIENUS P. F. MAECIA THALAMUS HADRI PRAEF LEG II. AUG C. VAMPEIANO ET LUCILIAN This most beautifull Altar also though maimed and dismembred was there found which I thinke is thus to be made up Also these fragments 7. VECILIANA VIII 7. VALER MAXSIMI Moreover a little before the comming in of the English Saxons There was a Schoole heere of 200. Philosophers who being skilfull in Astronomy and all other Arts diligently observed the course and motion of the Starres as wrote Alexander Elsebiensis a rare Author and hard to be found out of whom Thomas James of Oxford a learned man and a true lover of Bookes who wholly addicted to learning and now laboriously searching the Libraries of England to the publique good purposeth that God blesse his labour which will be to the great benefit of all Students hath copied out very many notes for me In the Raigne of Henry the Second what time Giraldus wrote it seemeth that this City was of good strength For Yrwith of Caer Leon a courageous and hardy Britan defended it a great while against the English untill he was vanquished by the King and so disseized of the possession thereof But now that it may serve for an ensample that as well Cities have fatall periods of their flourishing state as men of their lives it is decaied and become a very small Towne which in times past was of that greatnesse and reaching out so farre in length on both sides of the River that Saint Julians an house of the late Sir William Herbert Knight was by report sometime within the very City where Saint Julius the Martyrs Church stood which now is much about a mile out of the Towne Also out of the ruines thereof a little beneath at the mouth of Vske grew up Newport which Giraldus nameth in Latine Novus Burgus a Towne of later time built and not unknowne by reason of the Castle and commodiousnesse of the Harbour in which place there was in times past some one of these Roman High wayes or Streets whereof Necham hath made mention in these Verses Intrat auget aquas Sabrini fluminis Osca Praceps testis erit Julia Strata mihi Vske into Severn headlong runnes and makes his streame to swell Witnesse with me is Julia Street that knoweth it full well This Julia Strata was no doubt some Port-high way and if we may be allowed to make a conjecture what great absurdity were it to say that it was cast up and made by Julius Frâ—ntinus the vanquisher of the Silures There creepeth saith Giraldus in the bounds of this New-burgh or Newport a little River named Nant Pencarn which cannot bee waded and passed over but at certaine Fourds not so much for any depth that the water is of as for the hollownesse of the Chanell and the easie mudde in the bottome and it had of old a Fourd named Rydpencarn that is The Fourd under the top of a Rocke Which when Henry the Second King of England chanced at a venture to passe over even then when it was almost growne out of remembrance the Welshmen who were over credulous in beleeving of Prophesies as if now all had beene sure on the Kings side and themselves hopelesse of all helpe were quite out of heart and hope of good successe because Merlin Silvester the British Apollo had prophesied that then the Welshmens power should bee brought under when a stout Prince with a freckled face and such a one was King Henry the Second should passe over that Foord Under the Saxons Heptarchy this Region was subject to the mountaine Welshmen whom the English called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who notwithstanding as the ancient lawes doe shew were under the command of the West Saxons But at the first comming in of the Normans the Lords Merchers most grievously plagued and annoyed them but especially Hamelin Balun of whom I spake Hugh Lacy Walter and Gilbert both sirnamed of the house of Clare Miles of Glocester Robert Chandos Pain Fitz-Iohn Richard Fitz Punt and Brien of Wallingford unto whom after that the Kings had once given whatsoever they could get and hold in this tract by subduing the Welsh some of these before named by little and little reduced under their subjection the upper part of this Shire which they called Over-went others the lower part which they termed Nether-went And this Shire is not accounted among the Shires of Wales This Shire containeth Parish Churches 127. GLAMORGAN-SHIRE THE last Country of the Silures was that I thinke which wee at this day call GLAMORGAN-SHIRE the Britans Morganuc Glath-Morgan and Glad Vorganuc that is The Region of Morganuc so named as most suppose of one Morgan a Prince as others thinke of Morgan an Abbay But if I derived it from Mor which in the British tongue signifieth The Sea I know not verily whether I should dally with the trueth or no Howbeit I have observed that a Towne in little Britaine standing upon the Sea-coast now called Morlais was of Ptolomee and the ancient Gaules tearmed Vorganium or Morganium for M. and V. consonant are often changed one for another in this tongue and whence I pray you but from the sea And this our Morganuc also lieth upon the sea for stretching out directly more in length than it spreadeth in bredth on the South side it is accoasted with the Severn sea But where it looketh toward the Land it hath on the East side Monmouth-shire on the North Brechnock-shire and on the West Caermarden-shire bordering upon it The North part by reason of the Mountaines is rough and unpleasant which as they bend downe Southward by little and little become more milde and of better soile and at the foote of them there stretcheth forth a Plaine open to the South-Sunne in that position of situation which Cato judged to bee the best and for the which Plinie so highly commendeth Italie For this part of the Country is most pleasant and fruitfull beautified also on every side with a number of Townes Jestine a great Lord in the Raigne of William Rufus
the publike records of the Kingdome were buried a daughter of King Iohn a sonne of the King of the Danes the bodies also of the Lord Clifford and of other Lords Knights and Squires who in the time of the noble and renowned Kings of England were slaine in the Warres against the Welsh The next Towne in name to Beau-Marish is Newburg called in British Rossur standing ten miles off Westward which having been a long time greatly annoyed with heaps of sand driven in by the Sea complaineth that it hath lost much of the former state that it had Aber-fraw is not farre from hence which is now but an obscure and meane Towne yet in times past it excelled all the rest farre in worth and dignity as having been the Royall seat of the Kings of Guineth or North-Wales And in the utmost Promontorie Westward which wee call Holy-head there standeth a little poore Towne in British Caer-Guby so named of Kibie a right holy man and a disciple of Saint Hilarie of Poitiers who therein devoted himselfe to the service of God and from whence there is an usuall passage over into Ireland All the rest of this Island is well bespred with Villages which because they have in them nothing materially memorable I will crosse over into the Continent and view Denbigh-shire In this County there are reckoned Parishes 74. DENBIGH Comitatus pars Olim ORDOVICVM DENBIGH-SHIRE ON this side of the River Conwey DENBIGH-SHIRE in Welsh Sire Denbigh retyreth more within the Country from the Sea and shooteth Eastward in one place as farre as to the River Dee On the North North-West first the Sea for a small space and then Flint-shire on the West Merionith and Montgomery-shires on the East Cheshire and Shropp-shire encompasse it The West part is barraine the middle where it lyeth flat in a Valley most fruitfull The East side when it is once past the Valley hath not Nature so favourable unto it but next unto Dee it findeth her farre more kinde The West part but that it is somewhat more plentifull and pleasant toward the sea side is but heere and there inhabited and mounteth up more with bare and hungry hils but yet the painfull diligence and witty industry of the husbandmen hath begunne a good while since to overcome this leannesse of the soile where the hilles settle any thing flattish as in other parts of Wales likewise For after they have with a broad kinde of spade pared away the upper coat as it were or sord of the earth into certaine turfes they pile them up artificially on heapes put fire to them and burne them to ashes which being throwne upon the ground so pared and flayed causeth the hungry barrainnesse thereof so to fructifie that the fields bring forth a kinde of Rhie or Amel corne in such abundance as it is incredible Neither is this a new devise thus to burne the ground but very ancient as we may see in Virgil and Horace Among these Hilles there is a place commonly called Cerigy Drudion that is The stones of the Druidae and certaine little columnes or pillars are seene at Yvoellas with inscriptions in them of strange Characters which some imagine to have beene erected by the Druides and not farre from Clocainog this inscription is read in a stone AMILLIN TOVISATOC By the Vale side where these mountaines beginne now to wax thinner upon the hanging of a rocke standeth Denbigh called of our Britans by a more ancient name Cled Fryn-yn Ross that is A rough hill in Ross for so they call that part of the Shire which King Edward the First gave with other faire lands and possessions to David the brother of Lhewellin But when he soone after being found guilty of high treason was beheaded Henry Lacy Earle of Lincolne obtained it by the grant of the said King Edward and he fortified it with a wall about not large in circuit but strong and on the South side with a proper Castle strengthned with high Towres In the well whereof after that his onely sonne fortuned to be drowned the most sorrowfull father conceived such griefe that he gave over the worke and left it unfinished And after his death the Towne with the rest of the possessions descended unto the house of Lancaster by his daughter Alice who survived From whom notwithstanding it came first through the liberality of King Edward the Second when the said house was dejected unto Hugh Spenser Earle of Winchester then to Roger Mortimer by covenant and composition with King Edward the Third and the said Mortimers Armes are to be seene upon the chiefe gate But after that he was executed it with the Cantreds of Ross and Riewinoc c. were granted to William Montacute after Earle of Salisbury for supprising of Mortimer and shortly after it was restored unto the Mortimers and by them at length descended to the Family of Yorke At which time they of the House of Lancaster for the malice they bare unto Edward the Fourth who was of the family of Yorke did much hurt unto it And then either because the inhabitants like not the steepe situation thereof for the carriage up and downe was very incommodious or by reason that it wanted water they remooved downe from thence by little and little so as that this ancient Towne hath now few or none dwelling in it But a new one farre bigger than it sprung up at the very foote of the hill which is so well peopled and inhabited that by reason that the Church is not able to receive the multitude they beganne to build a new one in the place where the old Towne stood partly at the charges of their Lord Robert Earle of Leicester and partly with the money which they have gathered of many well disposed throughout England For the said Robert in the yeere 1564. was created by Queene Elizabeth Baron of Deubigh to him and the heires of his body lawfully begotten Neither is there any one Barony in all England that hath more Gentlemen holding thereof in fee and by service Now are we come into the very heart of the shire where Nature having removed the hils out of the way on both sides to shew what she could doe in a rough country hath spred beneath them a most beautifull pleasant vale reaching 17. miles in length from South to North and five miles or thereabout in bredth which lyeth open only toward the sea and the cleering North winde otherwise environed it is on every side with high hilles and those from the East side as it were embatled For such is the wonderfull workmanship of nature that the tops of these mountaines resemble in fashion the battlement of walles Among which the highest is Moilenlly on the top whereof I saw a warlike fense with trench and rampire also a little fountaine of cleere water This vale for wholsomenesse fruitfulnesse and pleasantnesse excelleth The colour and complexion of the Inhabitants is healthy their
place might still remaine entire In honour of Saint Oswald King they built a Chappell there And another in praise of him wrote in that unlearned age not unlearnedly thus Quis fuit Alcides quis Caesar Iulius aut quis Magnus Alexander Alcides se superasse Fertur Alexander mundum sed Iulius hostem Se simul Oswaldus mundum vicit hostem What was to Oswald Hercules What Iulius Caesar what Great Alexander Hercules is named much for that Himselfe he won Xander the world Iulius made foes to flye Oswald at once conquer'd himselfe the world and enemy Beneath Saint Oswalds both Tines meet in one after that South-Tine which keepeth just pace in parallel as it were with the wall about two miles from it hath passed by Langley Castle where sometimes under King John Sir Adam de Tindale had his Barony which afterwards came to Sir Nicolas Bolteby and of late belonged to the Percies and at Aidon runneth under the woodden weake bridge and shaking through the violence of the streame Tine by this time being now broader and broader continueth his course in one channell apace toward the Ocean by Hexham which Bede calleth Hangustald but the old English-Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That this was named in the Romans time AXLELODUNUM where the first Cohort of the Spaniards had their station both the name implieth the high situation upon an hill answerable to the name when as the ancient Britans called an hill Dunum But as touching this heare what Richard Prior of this place saith who flourished 500. yeeres agoe Not farre from the river Tine Southward there standeth a towne now in these dayes verily but of meane bignesse and slenderly inhabited but in times past as the remaines of antiquity do beare witnesse very large and stately This place of the little river Hextold running downe by it and swelling otherwhiles like unto a flood with a swift streame is name Hextoldesham which town Etheldreda the wife of King Egfrid gave unto Saint Wilfrid in the yeere 675. that hee should exalt it with an Episcopall See who built there a Church that for the artificiall frame and passing beauty went beyond all the Minsters in England Take with you also that which William of Malmesbury wrote This was Crown-land when Wilfrid the Bishop exchanged with Queen Etheldreda other lands It was wonderfull to see what buildings were erected there with mighty high walls and how they were set out contrived with divers turning in out by winding staires all polished and garnished by the curious workmanship of Masons and Pargetters whom the hope of his liberality had allured from Rome so that these buildings carried a shew of the Romanes stately magnificence and stood very long struggling with time The foresaid King Egfrid placed an Episcopall See in this little City But that dignity after the eighth Bishop vanished cleane away whilest the Danish warres were at the hottest And so ever since it was counted onely a manour or Township belonging to the Archibishops of Yorke before the exchange made with King Henry the eighth wherby they resigned up their right This place was also renowned by reason of that bloudy battaile wherein John Nevill Marquesse Montacute encountred the leaders of the Lancastrian Faction with much courage and with greater successe put them to flight and therefore was created Earle of Northumberland by King Edward the fourth But now all the glory that it hath is in that ancient Abbey a part whereof is converted into a faire dwelling house belonging to Sir John Foster Knight As for the Church it standeth whole and sound save that the West end onely thereof is pulled downe and I assure you a right stately and sumptuous building it is within the quire whereof is to be seene an ancient tombe of a noble-man of that warlike family of the Umfranvils as appeareth by his Escutcheon of Armes lying with his legges acrosse After which fashion in those dayes were they onely enterred that I may note so much by the way who tooke upon them the crosse and were marked with the badge of the crosse for sacred warfare to recover the Holy land from the Mahometans and Turkes Hard by the East end also of this Church upon the brow of an hill are erected two most strong bulwarks of free stone which belong as I have heard unto the Archbishop of Yorke From hence we went Eastward and came to Dilston a mansion house of the Ratcliffes In old evidence it is found written Divelstone of a little river running into Tine which Bede called Divelesburn where as he writeth Oswald having the faith of Christ for his armour and defence in a set battaile slew Cedwalla the Britan that wicked and horrible Tyrant who had already slaine two Kings of Northumberland and depopulated the country all over On the other banke of Tine lieth CURIA OTTADINORUM whereof Ptolomee maketh mention it may seeme by the distance thereof to bee CORSTOPITUM in Antonine called at this day of the bridg Corbridge in Hovedons Annals Corobridge and in Henry of Huntingdon Cure It can shew nothing now but a Church and a little tower hard by which the Vicars of the Church built and wherein they dwell Howbeit there remaine still sundry reliques of antique worke among which King John searched for ancient treasure supposed to have beene buried there But he was overtaken in his owne vanity and deceived of his great expectation no lesse than Nero when hee searched for the hidden wealth of Dido at Carthage For nothing found hee but stones signed with brasse iron and lead But whoso shall see the heap of rubbish that lieth thereby and is called Colecester will soon say it was some hold of a Romane garrison Forward still upon the same banke wee saw Biwell a proper faire castle which in the reigne of King John was the Barony of Sir Hugh Balliol for which he did owe to the Ward of Newcastle upon Tine thirty Knights service Beneath this Castle there is a very goodly Weare for the catching of Salmons and two solid piles of most firme stone which in times past supported the bridge stand up in the midst of the river From hence Tine running underneath looketh up to Prudhow Castle in ancient bookes written Prodhow situate very pleasantly upon the ridge of an hill This may I ghesse to have beene PROTOLITIA which also is called PROCOLITIA the station of the first band of the Batavians till time tell me more and instruct mee better But it is famous in this regard that in King Henry the second his dayes it valiantly gave the check unto William King of Scots laying siege unto it when as William of Newborrough writeth hee had taken great paines to no purpose to his losse and hurt Afterwards it belonged to the Umfranvils men of great estimation among whom Sir Gilbert Umfranvill flourishing in the profession of armes in right of his wife attained the title of Earle
it became wholly under the Scots dominion about the yeere of our salvation 960. what time the English Empire sore shaken with the Danish wars lay as it were gasping and dying How also as an old booke Of the division of Scotland in the Library of the right honourable Lord Burghley late high Treasurer of England sheweth Whiles Indulph reigned the town of Eden was voided and abandoned to the Scots unto this present day as what variable changes of reciprocall fortune it hath felt from time to time the Historiographers doe relate and out of them ye are to be enformed Meane while read if you please these verses of that most worthy man Master I. Jonston in praise of Edenborrow Monte sub acclivi Zephyri procurrit in auras Hinc arx celsa illinc Regia clara nitet Inter utramque patet sublimibus ardua tectis Urbs armis animis clara frequensque viris Nobile Scotorum caput pars maxima regni Penè etiam gentis integra regna suae Rarae artes opes quod mens optaverit aut hîc Invenias aut non Scotia tota dabit Compositum hîc populum videas sanctum que Senatum Sanctáque cum puro lumine jura Dei An quisquam Arctoi extremo in limite mundi Aut haec aut paria his cernere posse putet Dic hospes postquà m externas lustraveris urbes Haec cernens oculis credis an ipse tuis Under the rising of an hill Westward there shoots one way A castle high on th' other side the Kings house gorgeous gay Betweene them both the citie stands tall buildings shew it well For armes for courage much renown'd much people therein dwell The Scots head citie large and faire the kingdomes greatest part Nay even the nations kingdome whole well neere by just desart Rare arts and riches what ones minde can wish is therein found Or else it will not gotten be throughout all Scottish ground A civill people here a man may see a Senate grave Gods holy lawes with purest light of Preachers here ye have In parts remote of Northren clime would any person weene That ever these or such like things might possibly be seene Say Travailer now after that thou forraine towne hast knowne Beholding this beleevest thou these eyes that are thine owne A mile from hence lyeth Leth a most commodious haven hard upon the river Leth which when Dessey the Frenchman for the securitie of Edenborrow had fortified by reason of manie men repairing thither within a short time from a meane village it grew to be a bigge towne Againe when Francis the second King of France had taken to wife Marie the Queene of Scots the Frenchmen who in hope and conceit had already devoured Scotland and began now to gape for England in the yeere 1560. strengthened it with more fortifications But Elizabeth Queene of England solicited by the Nobles of Scotland that embraced the reformed religion to side with them by her puissance and wisdome effected that both they returned into France and these their fortifications were laied levell with the ground and Scotland ever since hath been freed from the French Where this Forth groweth more and more narrow it had in the middest of it the citie Caer-Guidi as Bede noteth which now may seeme to be the Island named Inch-Keith Whether this were that VICTORIA which Ptolomee mentioneth I will not stand to prove although a man may beleeve that the Romans turned this Guidh into Victoria as well as the Isle Guith or Wight into Victesis or Vecta certes seeing both these Islands bee dissevered from the shore the same reason of the name will hold well in both languages For Ninius hath taught us that Guith in the British tongue betokeneth a separation More within upon the same Forth is situate Abercorn in Bedes time a famous Monasterie which now by the gracious favour of King James the sixth giveth unto James Hamilton the title of the Earle of Abercorn And fast beside it standeth Blacknesse Castle and beneath it Southward the ancient citie LINDUM whereof Ptolomee maketh mention which the better learned as yet call Linlithquo commonly Lithquo beautified and set out with a verie faire house of the Kings a goodly Church and a fishfull lake of which lake it may seeme to have assumed that name for Lin as I have already shewed in the British tongue soundeth as much as a Lake A Sheriffe it had in times past by inheritance out of the family of the Hamiltons of Peyle and now in our dayes it hath for the first Earle Sir Alexander Levingston whom King James the sixth raised from the dignitie of a Baron wherein his Ancestours had flourished a long time to the honour of an Earle like as within a while after he promoted Mark Ker Baron of Newbottle aforesaid to the title of Earle of Lothien SELGOVAE BEneath the GADENI toward the South and West where now are the small territories of Lidesdale Eusdale Eskdale Annandale and Nidesdale so called of little rivers running through them which all lose themselves in Solway Frith dwelt in ancient times the SELGOVAE the reliques of whose name seeme unto mee whether unto others I know not to remaine in that name Solway In Lidesdale there riseth aloft Armitage so called because it was in times past dedicated to a solitarie life now it is a very strong Castle which belonged to the Hepburns who draw their originall from a certaine Englishman a prisoner whom the Earle of March for delivering him out of a danger greatly enriched These were Earles of Bothwell and a long time by the right of inheritance Admirals of Scotland But by a filter of James Earle of Bothwel the last of the Hepburns married unto John Prior of Coldingham base sonne to King James the fifth who begat too too many bastards the title and inheritance both came unto his son Hard by is Brakensey the habitation of the warlike family of Baclugh surnamed Scot beside many little piles or sorts of militarie men everie where In Eusdale I would deeme by the affinite of the name that old UZBLLUM mentioned by Ptolomee stood by the river Euse. In Eskdale some are of opinion that the HORESTI dwelt into whose borders Iulius Agricola when he had subdued the Britans inhabiting this tract brought the Roman armie especially if we read Horesci in stead of Horesti For Ar-Esc in the British tongue betokeneth a place by the river Eske As for Aesica in Eskdale I have spoken of it before in England and there is no cause wherefore I should iterate the same ANNANDALE UNto this on the West side adjoyneth ANNANDALE that is The vale by the river Annan into which the accesse by land is very difficult The places of greater note herein are these a castle by Lough-Mahan three parts whereof are environed with water and strongly walled and the towne Annandale at the very mouth almost
England of the Kings Majesties Privie Counsell whom King James the sixth created Baron Brus of Kinlosse Thus much for the shore More inward where now standeth Bean Castle thought to bee BANATIA that Ptolomee mentioneth there was found in the yeere 1460. a vessell of marble artificially engraven and full of Roman coine Hard by is Nardin or Narne an hereditable Sherifdome of the Cambels of Lorne where there stood within a Biland a fortresse of a mightie heighth built with wonderfull bulwarks and in times past defended by the Danish forces against the Scottish A little off is Logh-Nesse a very great Lake as reaching out 23. miles in length the Water whereof is so warme that even in this cold and frozen climate it never freezeth from which by a verie small Isthim or partition of hils the Logh Lutea or Louthea which by Aber letteth it selfe forth into the West sea is divided Neere unto these Loghs there stood in old time two notable fortifications the one named Innernesse the other Innerlothea according to the names of the said Loghs Innernes hath for Sheriffe thereof by right of inheritance the Marquesse Huntly who is of great command hereabout But have here what M. Jonston hath written jointly of these two INNERNESSUS INNERLOTHEA Imperii veteris duo propugnacula quondam Primâ—que regali moenia structa manu Turribus oppositis adverso in limine spectat Haec Zephyrum Solis illa orientis equos Amnibus hinc atque hinc cincta utraque piscibus amnes Faecundi haec portu perpete tuta patet Haec fuit at jacet heu jam nunc sine nomine tellus Hospita quae Regum est hospita facta feris Altera spirat adhuc tenuis sufflamina vitae Quae dabit fati turbine victa manus Dic ubi nunc Carthago potens ubi Martia Roma Trojáque immensae ditis opes Asiae Quid mireris enim mortalia cedere fatis Corpora cùm videas oppida posse mori INNERNESSE AND INNERLOTHEA Two mightie forts and holds these were in ancient kingdomes daies The first wall'd fences as they say that hand of Kings did raise Affront with towres oppos'd they stand for one of them regards The Westerne winde but th' other looks the Sun-rising towards On both sides they their rivers have and rivers full of fish One hath an haven frequented aye and safe as heart can wish Such was it once but now alas to wast and desart fields Is turn'd and that which lodged Kings to wild beasts harbour yeelds The other yet draw's breath though deepe and shewes that it doth live But over match'd to destinie at length doth bucklers give What 's now become of Carthage great where is that martiall Rome Where Troy of wealthie Asia the riches all and some No marvaile now that mortall wights to death be subject why Because you plainly see that Townes and Cities great may dye Under the reigne of Robert Brus Thomas Randolph his sisters sonne who in his Countries behalfe undertooke exceeding great paines and most grievous quarrels was highly renowned by the title of Earle of Murray Under King Robert the Second John of Dunbarre tooke to wife the Kings daughter to make amends for her devirgination received this Earldome of Murray with her in marriage Under King James the second William Creichton Chancelour of the Realme and Archebald Douglas grew to great variance and eagre contention about this Earledome when as against the lawes and ancient customes Douglas who had married the younger daughter of James of Dunbar Earle of Murray was preferred to the Earldom before Creighton who had wedded the elder and that through the powerfull authoritie that William Earle Douglasse had with the King which was so great that he advanced not onely him to the Earldom of Murray but also another brother to the Earldome of Ormund and made two cousins of his Earles the one of Angus and the other of Morton But this greatnesse of his not to be trusted upon because it was excessive turned soone after to his owne confusion Under King James the fifth his own brother whom he appointed his Vicegerent in the government of the Kingdome enjoied this honour and within our remembrance James the base sonne of King James the fifth received this honour of Queene Mary his sister but he requited her basely when conspiring with some few of the Nobilitie he deposed her from her Royall estate and kingdome a foule president and prejudiciall to all Kings and Princes Which notwithstanding was revenged for shortly after hee was shot through with a bullet His onely daughter brought this title unto her husband Sir James Stewart of Downe who was also of the blood royall from the Dukes of Albany who being slain by his concurrents left his sonne James to succeed him in this honour LOQHUABRE WHatsoever beyond the Nesse bendeth to the West coast and adjoineth to the Lake Aber is thereupon called Loghuabre that is in the ancient tongue of the Britans The mouth of the Lakes as what lieth toward the North is commonly called Rosse Loqhuabre is full of fresh pastures and woods neither is without yron mines but not so free in yeeld of corne but for most fishfull pooles and rivers scarce inferiour to any country thereabout At Logh-Lothey Innerlothey fensed with a fort and well frequented with Merchants was of great name and importance in times past but being razed by the piracies and warres of Danes and Norwegians it hath lien for these many ages so forlet that there remaineth scarce any shew of it which those verses that I alledged even now doe imply Loqhuabre hath had so farre as I have read no Earles but about the yeere of our salvation 1050. there was a Thane over it of great fame and much spoken of named Banqhuo whom Macbeth the bastard when with murder bloodshed he had usurped the crowne being fearfull and suspicious caused to bee made away for that he had learned by a Prophesie of certaine wise women that his posteritie when the line of Macbeth was expired and extinct should one day obtaine the Kingdome and by a long successive descent reigne in Scotland Which verily hath fallen out accordingly For Fleanch the sonne of Banqhuo who unknowne in the darke escaped the traines laid for him â—led into Wales where for a time hee kept himselfe close and having taken to wife Nesta the daughter of Griffith ap Lewellin Prince of North-wales begat Walter who returning into Scotland with so great fame of his fortitude repressed the rebellion of the Ilanders and with as great wisdome managed the Kings revenewes in this tract that the King made him Seneschall whom they commonly call Stewart of the whole Kingdome of Scotland Whereupon this name of Office imposed the surname Stewart unto his posteritie who spreading throughout all parts of Scotland into a number of noble branches after many honours heaped upon them have flourished a long
Kilmacduoc Mage Enachdun De Celaiar De Rosconmon Clonfers Achad or Achonry Lade or Killaleth De Conany De Kilmunduach Elphin MOMONIA or MOUNSTER MOMONIA in Irish Mown and in ordinarie construction of speech Wown in English Mounster lieth Southward open to the Vergivian sea separated in some place from Connaght by the river Siney or Shanon and elsewhere from Lemster by the river Neor In times past it was divided into many parts as Towoun that is North Mounster Deswoun that is South Mounster Hier woun that is West Mounster Mean woun that is Middle Mounster and Urwoun that is The Front of Mounster but at this day into two parts that is into West Mounster and South Mounster In the West Mounster there dwelt in old time the LUCENI the VELABRI and UTERINI in the South the OUDIAE or VODIAE and the CORIONDI but at this day it is distinguished into seven Counties Kerry Desmund Corke Limiric Tipperary Holy Crosse and Waterford Where Ireland lieth out most Westward and treanding toward the Cantabrian Ocean looketh afarre off Southwest with a large interspace to Gallitia in Spaine there inhabited in old time the VELABRI and LUCENI as Orosius writeth The LUCENI of Ireland who may seeme to have had their name and beginning from the LUCENSII of Gallitia in the opposite coast of Spaine and of whose name some reliques still remain in the Barony of Lyxnaw were seated as I suppose in the Countie of Kerry and in Conoglogh hard by upon the banke of the river Shanon THE COUNTIE OF KERRY THe Countie of Kerry neere unto the mouth of Shanon runneth forth like a little tongue into the sea beaten on with barking billowes on both sides a country mounting aloft with wooddy wild and solitarie mountaines between which there lye many vallies in some places garnished with corn-fields in others beset also thicke with woods This is reputed a Countie Palatine and the Earles of Desmond had in it the dignitie and priviledges of a Count-Palatine and that by the bountifull gift of K. Edward the third who granted unto them all Regall liberties except foure pleas namely of Burning Rape Forstall and Treasure trouue with the profit growing de Croccis reserved for the Kings of England But through the licentious iniquitie of the men who neither would nor knew how to use this libertie it became of late a very sinke of mischiefes and a common receptacle for rebels In the entrance into this countrie there is a territorie called Clan-Moris of one Moris descended from the stocke of Raimund le Grosse whose heires successively were called the Barons of Lixnaw A little river now namelesse which the situation in some sort implieth to be DUR in Ptolomee cutteth through the midst of this running by Trayley a small towne laid now in manner desolate where the Earles of Desmund had an house Hard by standeth Ardart where the Bishop called of Ardefert a poore one God wot hath his poore See In the farthest point well neere of this where it maketh a promontorie there sheweth it selfe on the one side Dingle a commodious port on the other side Smerwic Sound a road for ships for so they tearme it short in steed of S. Mary-wic at which of late when Girald Earle of Desmund a man notorious for deep treacherie to his Prince and countrey wickedly wasted Mounster with continuall harrying and raising booties out of the fields there arrived certaine companies of Italians and Spaniards sent under-hand to aide him from Pope Gregorie the thirteenth and the King of Spaine who here fortifying a place which they called Fort del Ore made their bragging bravadoes and thundred out many a terrible threat But the most noble and martiall Baron Arthur Lord Grey Lord Deputie with his very comming and first onset that he made upon them decided the matter and ended the quarrell For immediately they yeelded themselves and the most part of them were put to the sword which was in policie thought the wisest and safest course considering in what ticklish tearmes the state of this Realme then stood and how the rebels in every place were up in armes And the Earle of Desmund himselfe at length in his fearefull flight being forced to take the woods hard by for his refuge was soone after in a poore cottage by a souldier or two rushing in upon him first wounded and afterwards being knowne cut shorter by the head and so paid worthily for his perfidious treason and the wasting of his countrey Here some man happily would thinke it not correspondent to the gravity of this worke if I should but relate what a ridiculous opinion hathfully possessed the minds of a number of the Irishry yea and perswaded them verily to beleeve that he who in that barbarous Pharoh and out cry of the Souldiers which with great straining of their voice they use to set up when they joine battaile doth not cry and hout as the rest doe is suddenly caught up from the ground and carried as it were flying in the aire into these desert vallies out of any country of Ireland whatsoever where he eateth grasse lappeth water knoweth not in what state he is good or bad hath some use of reason but not of speech but shall be caught at length with the help of hounds and the hunters and brought home to their owne homes DESMONIA or DESMOND BEneath those ancient LUCENI lieth DESMOND stretched out farre and wide toward the South called in Irish Deswown in Latine Desmonia inhabited in ancient times by the VELLABRI and IBERNI which in some copies are written UTERINI As for these VELABRI they may seeme so named of ABER that is salt water washes for that they dwelt upon such Friths divided one from another by many and those notable armes of the sea running betweene whence also the Artabri and Cantabri in Spaine had their denomination Among these armes of the sea three promontories beside Kerry aforesaid with crooked and winding shoares run out into the Southwest and those the inhabitants tearmed in old time Hierwoun that is West-Mounster The first of them betweene Dingle bay and the river Mair is named Clan-Car and hath a castle built at Dunkeran by the Carews of England In this dwelt Donald Mac Carty More a Lord of the Irish blood who in the yeere 1566. resigned up unto Queen Elizabeths hands his possessions and lands and tooke them againe of her to hold the same after the English manner by fee doing homage and fealtie And at the same time he was 〈◊〉 created Baron of Valentia an Island adjoining and Earle of Clan-car A man in this tract of great name and power a most deadly foe in times past of the Fitz-Giralds who disseized his ancestours Kings as hee stifly avoucheth of Desmond of their ancient seat and habitation But long enjoied not hee this honour and having but one onely daughter legitimate he matched her in marriage with Florence Mac Carty and
at the hands of King Henry the sixth the title and honour of Earle of Wiltshire to him and to the heires of his body who being Lord Deputy of Ireland as divers others of this race and Lord Treasurer of England standing attainted by King Edward the fourth was straight waies apprehended and beheaded but his brethren John and Thomas likewise proclaimed traytors kept themselves close out of the way John died at Jerusalem without issue Thomas through the speciall favour of King Henry the seventh was in the end restored to his blood who departed this life in the yeere 1515. leaving behinde him two daughters Anne married to Sir Iames de sancto Leodegano called commonly Sellenger and Margaret unto Sir William Bollein who bare unto him Sir Tho. Bollein whom King Henry the eighth created first Viscount Rochfort afterwards Earle of Wiltshire and of Ormond and afterward took Anne Bollein his daughter to wife who brought forth for England Queene Elizabeth a Prince of most happy memory and with all thankfulnesse to be alwaies remembred by the English and Irish. When Thomas Bollein was dead leaving no issue male Sir Pierce Butler a man of great power in Ireland descended of the Earles race whom Henry the eighth had before time created Earle of Osserie attained also to the title of Ormond and left the same unto his sonne James who had issue by the daughter and heire of James Earle of Desmond a sonne named Thomas Earle of Ormond now living whose faith and loyaltie hath been passing well tried and approved in many troubles and dangerous affaires who also hath joined in marriage his only daughter unto Theobald Butler his brothers son whom King James hath advanced lately to the title of Vicount Tullo Whereas some of the Irish and such as would be thought worthy of credit doe affirme that certaine men in this tract are yeerely turned into Wolves surely I suppose it be a meere fable unlesse haply through that malicious humour of predominant unkind Melancholy they be possessed with the malady that the Physicians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which raiseth and engendereth such like phantasies as that they imagine themselves to bee transformed into Wolves Neither dare I otherwise affirme of those metamorphosed Lycaones in Liveland concerning whom many Writers deliver many and marvellous reports Thus farre as touching the Province of Mounster for the government whereof Queene Elizabeth when shee bethought herselfe most wisely politickly and princely which way she might procure the good and wealth of Ireland ordained a Lord President to be the reformer and punisher of inconsiderate rashnesse the director also and moderator of duty together with one Assistant two learned Lawyers and a Secretary and the first President that shee made was Sir Warham S. Leger Knight a man of great experience in Irish affaires LAGENIA or LEINSTER THe second part of Ireland which the inhabitants call Leighnigh the Britans Lein the English Leinster and Latine writers Lagenia and in the ancient lives of the Saints Lagen lieth all of it on the Sea-side Eastward bounded toward Mounster with the river Neor which notwithstanding in many places it passeth beyond on Connaght side for a good space with Shanon and toward Meath with the peculiar knowne limits The Countrey is fertile and fruitfull the aire most milde and temperate and the people there inhabiting come neerest of all other to the gentle disposition and civill conversation of England their neighbour Iland from whence they are for the most part descended In Ptolomees dayes therein were seated the BRIGANTES MENAPII CAUCI and BLANI and peradventure from these Blani are derived and contracted these later and moderne names Lein Leinigh and Leinster But now it is divided into the Counties of Kilkenny Caterlogh Queenes County Kings County Kildare Weisford and Dublin to say nothing of Wicklo and Fernes which either be already or else are to be laid thereto BRIGANTES or BIRGANTES THe BRIGANTES seeme to have planted themselves betweene the mouth of the river and the confluence of Neor and Barrow which in Ptolomee is called BRIGUS Now because there was an ancient City of the Brigantes in Spaine named BRIGANTIA Florianus del Campo laboureth tooth and naile to fetch these BRIGANTES out of his owne countrey Spaine But if such a conjecture may take place others might with as great probality derive them from the Brigantes of Britaine a nation both neere and also exceeding populous But if that be true which I finde in certaine copies that this people were called BIRGANTES both hee and the other have missed the marke For that these tooke their denomination of the river BIRGUS about which they doe inhabite the very name is almost sufficient to perswade us These BRIGANTES or BIRGANTES whether you will dwelt in the Counties of Kilkenny Ossery and Caterlogh watered all with the river BIRGUS THE COUNTIE OF KILKENNY THe Countie of Kilkenny is bounded West with the countie of Tipperary East with the counties of Weisford and Caterlogh South with the countie of Waterford North with Queenes Countie and Northwest with upper Osserie A countrey that with townes and castles on every side maketh a very goodly shew and for plenty of all things surpasseth the rest Neere unto Osserie the mighty and huge mountaines Sleiew Bloemy which Giraldus calleth Bladinae Montes with their rising toppes mount up to a wonderfull heigth out of the bowels whereof as from their mothers wombe issue the rivers Shour aforenamed Neor and Barrow which running downe in severall chanels before they enter into the Ocean joine hand in hand all together whereupon they in old time tearmed them The three sisters The Neor commonly called also Neure runneth in manner through the midst of Kilkenny county and when it is passed with a forward course by the upper Osserie the first Baron whereof was Barnabas Fitz-Patrick promoted to that honor by King Edward the sixth and hath watered many fortresses on both sides floweth beside Kilkenny which is as much to say as the Cell or Church of Canic which for the sanctimony of his solitary life in this country was highly renowned a proper faire and wealthy Burrough towne this is and far excelling all other midland Boroughs in this Iland divided into the Irish towne and the English towne The Irish towne is as it were the Suburbs and hath in it the said Canicks Church which both gave name unto it and now also affordeth a See unto the Bishop of Osserie But the English towne is nothing so ancient built as I have read by Ranulph the third Earle of Chester and fortified with a wall on the West side by Robert Talbot a Nobleman and with a castle by the Butlers And sure it is that in the division of lands between the daughters of William Mareschal Earle of Penbroch it fell unto the third daughter whom Gilbert Clare Earle of Glocester married Somewhat beneath the same Neore standeth a little walled towne named in English Thomas Towne
next County in order unto Louth Northward is that of ANTRIM so called of Antrim a base townelet of small reckoning at all had it not imparted the name unto the whole countrey which lieth betweene the Bay of Knoc-Fergus Logh Eaugh and the river Ban. This Bay of Knoc-Fergus which Ptolomee tearmeth VINDERIUS took name of a towne situate upon it which the English call Knoc-Fergus the Irish Carig-Fergus that is the Rock of Fergus of that most renowned Fergus who first brought the Scottish out of Ireland into Britaine there drowned This is well inhabited and more frequented than the rest in this coast by reason of the commodious haven although the blockhouses thereto be unfinished having a fortresse pitched upon an high rocke a ward of garrison souldiers to keepe the countrey in awe and good order with an ancient palace converted now into Magazin Hard by it lieth the Nether Clane-Boy which also was the habitation of O-Neales notable for the death of that most lend rebell Shan or Iohn O-Neal who after many robberies and sacriledges committed being in one or two skirmishes under the leading of Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy vanquished and weakened was brought to that exigent that hee was resolved to goe unto the Deputy with an halter about his neck and submissely to crave pardon but being perswaded by his Scribe to seeke first for aide of certaine Scots of the Islands who under the conduct of Alexander Oge had encamped themselves here and preyed in the countrey hee came unto them who gave him friendly entertainment and presently massacred him and all his company in revenge of their kinsfolke whom hee had before slaine By whose death the warre being ended and himselfe with all those that went with him into the field attainted Queene Elizabeth granted this Claneboy unto Walter D' Eureux Earle of Essex who crossed over the seas hither and I wot not whether under a goodly colour of honour for chosen he was Governour of Ulster and Mareschal of Ireland hee was by the politicke practice of some Courtiers finely packed away into a Country alwaies rebellious and untamed But whiles with the expence of a mighty masse of money hee went about to reduce it to good order after hee had beene crossed and tossed with many troubles both at home and abroad in the warres hee was by untimely death taken out of this world leaving unto all good men a wonderfull misse of himselfe and this Country unto the O-Neales and Brian Carragh of the Mac-Conells race who since that time have gone together by the eares and committed many murders one upon another about the soveraignty of this Seigniory Neere unto Knoc-Fergus there is a By-land with a narrow necke as it were annexed to the maine which notwithstanding is called the Isle of Magie taking up foure miles in length and one in bredth wherein as some suppose flourished that Monasterie of Magio so highly praised by Bede whereof I have made mention before in the County of Majo Then the Glinnes that is the Valleys begin at Older-Fleet a bad road for ships and run out a great length upon the sea This country belonged in ancient times to the Bissets Noblemen of Scotland who when upon private grudges and quarrels they had made away Patricke Earle of Athol were banished hither and through the beneficiall favour of Henry the Third King of England received Lands here For John Bisset who died in the beginning of Edward the First his reigne had large possessions heere and under King Edward the Second Hugh Bisset for rebellion lost some of them But in our fathers daies the Highland Irish Scots out of Cantire and the Hebrides under the leading of James Mac-Conell Lord of Cantire in Scotland made an entry upon the same and he laying claime thereto challenged it as descended from the Bissets Howbeit Shan O-Neale having slaine their Captaine easily chased them away Yet returned they and in this tract committed continually robberies and outrages in cruell manner yea and maintained seditious commotions untill that even of late Sir John Perot Lord Deputy of Ireland brought first Donell Goran who together with his brother Alexander was slaine by Sr. Richard Bingham in Conaght and afterward Agnus Mac-Conel the sonnes of James Mac-Conel to that passe that they betooke themselves to the Queene of Englands protection and upon their humble suite received at her hands this county to bee held of her by service under certaine conditions namely to beare armes within Ireland under none other but the Kings of England and to pay yeerely a certain number of cowes and hawkes c. Above this as farre as to the river Bann all the tract is called Rowte the seat of the Mac-Guillies a familie of good reputation in their county which notwithstanding the violence of the Islander Scots and their continuall depredations hath driven them into a narrow corner For Surley Boy that is Charles the Yellow brother unto James Mac-Conel who possessed himselfe of the Glines became also in some sort Lord hereof untill that Sir John Perot Lord Deputy having won Donluse Castle a very strong pile seated upon a rocke that hangeth over the sea and severed from the Land with a deepe ditch dispossessed him and all his Which for all that hee recovered the next yeere following by treason after he had slaine Carie the Captaine thereof who manfully defended himselfe But the Lord Deputy sending against him Captaine Meriman an approved warrior who slew the two sonnes of James Mac-Conell and Alexander this Surley Boys son so coursed him from place to place and drave away his cattell the onely riches he had for hee was able to number of his owne stocke 50000. cowes so that Surley Boy rendred Donluse came to Dublin and in the Cathedrall Church openly made his submission exhibited a supplication craving mercy and afterwards being admitted into the Lord Deputies Great Chamber so soone as he saw the Picture of Queene Elizabeth upon a table once or twice flung away his sword fell downe at her feet and devoted himselfe unto her Majesty Whereupon being received into favour and ranged among the subjects of Ireland he abjured and renounced openly in the Courts of Chancery and Kings Bench all service and allegeance to any forraine Kings whatsoever and he had given unto him by the bounteous liberality of Queene Elizabeth foure territories Toughes they call them lying from the river Boys unto the Bay Don severig Loghill and Balla-monyn with the Constableship of Donluse Castle to him and the heires males of his body to hold of the Kings of England with these conditions That neither hee nor his nor yet his posterity serve in the warres under any forraine Prince without Licence That they keepe their people from all depredations That they furnish and finde twelve horsemen and fortie footmen at their owne charges for fortie daies in time of warre and present unto the Kings of England a
committing it to the keeping of the O-Neals returned home to follow the factions For then Henry O-Neal the sonne of Oen or Eugenius O-Neal espoused the daughter of Thomas Earle of Kildare and his son Con-More that is Con the great married the daughter of Girald Earle of Kildare his mothers brother These supported by the powerfull authority of the Earles of Kildare who verily for many yeeres were Deputies of Ireland carried their heads aloft tyrannizing cruelly upon the people transported with the insolent spirit of pride disdained all the titles of Prince Duke Marquesse and Earles in comparison of the name of O-Neal Con the sonne of Con surnamed Bacco because hee halted succeeded his father in the dignity of O-Neale who cursed all his posterity in case they either learned to speake English or sowed wheat or built houses being sore affraid left by these inducements the English might bee allured to enter againe into their Lands and possessions often saying that language bred conversation and consequenly their confusion that wheat gave sustenance with like effect and by building they should doe but as the crow doth make her nest to be beaten out by the hawke When as the greatnesse of this Con O-Neale became very much suspected of King Henry the Eight and the Kings power having now troden under foot the familie of Kildare in whose rebellion O-Neale had engaged himselfe deepe grew dreadfull to O-Neale also into England he comes and there renouncing the name of O-Neale put his whole estate into the Kings hands which within a while after was granted againe by letters Patent under the great seale of England to hold as in fee together with the title of the Earle of Tir-Oen to him and to Matthew his false reputed sonne and to the heires of their bodies lawfully begotten And Matthew at the same time was created Baron of Dunganon This Matthew being taken untill he was fifteene yeeres old for the sonne of a blacksmith in Dundalk was by the said Smiths wife whom Con had sometime kept as his concubine tendred unto Con as his owne sonne and hee accepting him for his owne sonne in deed rejected John Shan they call him with the rest whom he had begotten on his owne lawfull wife Hereupon Shan seeing a bastard preferred before him so much made of and highly honoured suddenly set his heart wholly against his father and withall burned in such hatred with most bitter malice against Matthew that hee murdered him out of the way and so plagued and vexed his father with injurious indignities whiles he went about to deprive him of his Seigniorie disseized him of his dwelling house and stript him out of all he had that the old man for very thought and griefe of heart pined away and died Straightwayes Shan being chosen proclaimed and inaugured O-Neal by an old shooe cast over his head seized upon his fathers inheritance and with all diligence sought after the sonnes of Matthew that he might be secured from them but they were fled and gone Howbeit Brian the eldest sonne not long after was slaine by Mac-Donel Totan one of the O-Neals race suborned as some give it out by Shan to doe that feat Hugh and Cormack by the meanes and helpe of the English escaped and yet remaine alive Shan having thus gotten all into his owne hands as hee was a man cruell and barbarous began to exercise excessive cruelty over the great men of Ulster and made his vaunt that Mac-Gennys Mac-Guyr Mac-Mahon O Reali O-Hanlon O Cahan Mac-Brien O Hagan O Quin Mac-Canna Mac-Carton and all the Mac-Donels the Galloglasses were his subjects and vassels And when as Sir Henry Sidney Justice for the time being in the absence of the Earle of Sussex Lord Deputy expostulated with him about these points he answered that hee the undoubted and lawfull sonne and heire of Con O-Neale as being borne of his lawfull wife had entred upon his fathers inheritance that Matthew was a Blacke-Smiths sonne of Dundalke and by the said Smith begotten and borne after his mariage with Alison his Wife yet craftily obtruded upon Con as his son thereby to intervert another way and to alienate the inheritance and honour of O-Neale which howsoever he would endure yet none besides of the Sept of O-Neals would ever beare and digest As for the letters Patent of King Henry the eighth they were of no validity considering that Con had no right in that hee surrendred into the Kings hands longer than his owne life neither could he surrender up the same without the consent of the Nobles and people of Ulster by whom hee had beene elected O-Neale Neither were such Patents of any force unlesse there were an undoubted heire apparent of the family authentically signified before by inquisition and the oath of twelve men which in this matter was never certified Also that himselfe was by law both of God and man the true heire as being the first begotten sonne of his father lawfully borne in wedlocke that with the generall assent and consent of Peeres and people he was chosen declared and proclaimed O-Neale according to the ancient law of Tanistry whereby a man at his full yeeres is to be preferred before a boy and an uncle before that nephew whose grandfather survived the father neither had he arrogated unto himselfe any authority over the Peeres or Nobles of Ulster other than his ancesters as hee was able to prove by plaine proofes produced had exercised in times past out of minde most rightfully Howbeit soone after he outraged and overthrew O-Raily in the field tooke Callagh O-Donell Lord of Tir-Conell prisoner and cast him with his children into prison carried away his wife on whom hee begat children in adultery seized upon his fortresses lands and goods and bare himselfe as absolute King of all Ulster But so soone as Thomas Earle of Sussex the Lord Deputy came with a power into the field for to abate this insolency of his hee was strangely terrified and by the perswasion of Girald Earle of Kildare whom Queene Mary had restored to his former estate came into England unto Queene Elizabeth cast himselfe prostrate at her feet in all submissive and humble maner and being received with all curtesie after he had promised his allegeance returned home and for a while in his feeding and apparell conformed himself to all kind of civility he assailed the Scottish and drave them quite out of Ulster slew Iames Mac-Conell their leader kept himself and all his people in good order and the poorer sort he carefully protected from wrongs Howbeit he tyrannized most cruelly and insolently over the Nobility who when they had craved aid of the L. Deputy for to represse his intolerable violence he thereupon growing more outrageous in furious maner with fire and sword drave Mac-Guir Lord of Fermanagh who underhand had accused him out of house and home set fire upon the Metropolitane Church of Armach and burnt it yea and laied siege unto Dundalik
hands upon him For which barbarous and inhumane murdering of his cousin german he was charged in England but the Queene of her royall clemency and for the hope that she had conceived of the Earle craving with repentance forgivenesse of this fault and submitting himselfe to divers good orders for his obedience pardoned him to the great griefe of some good men But this soone after more grieved him yea pricked as it were and sore galled him that the Deputy had suppressed the name of Mac Mahon in the country next adjoyning unto him and withall to abate and weaken the power of that mighty family had divided the country among many He I say hereupon conceived a feare lest the same would befall unto him and other Chieftanes of Ulster At which very time there began some secret grudges and heart burnings to arise between the Earle and Sir Henrie Bagnall the Marshall whose sister the Earle had carried away and married The Earle complained that whatsoever he had with the losse of his blood and painfull travell reduced to the obedience of the Prince the Marshall and not he reaped the fruit and gaine thereof that the Marshall by suborning most base and vile persons as witnesses had falsely brought him into question for high treason had incited Sir William Fitz-Williams then Lord Deputy his deadly enemy by corruptions and bribery to worke his destruction and that he lay in waite to take away his life And in very truth the Deputies information against the Earle found credit in the Court of England untill the said Earle wrote his letters and offred judicially to be tried either in England or in Ireland This is for certain known that much about this time he together with the chiefery or greatest men of Ulster by secret parlees combined in an association that they would defend the Romish religion for Religion now a daies is made the mantle for all rebellion that they would in no wise admit Sheriffes or Garrison souldiers in their Territories and mutually maintain one anothers right yea and withstand all wrongs offered by the English The first Champion thrust forward to sound the alarum was Mac-Gwyr a man of a turbulent spirit he by way of preying all before him maketh a road into Conaght accompanied with Gauran a Priest who being ordeined by the Pope Primate of Ireland commanded him in the name and with the helpe of God to try his fortune and to fight the Lords battell assuring him of most happy successe yet fell it out otherwise for Mac-Gwyr through the valour of Sir Richard Bingham was discomfited and put to flight and the Primate with others slaine Soone after Mac-Gwyr brake out into open rebellion whom the Earle himselfe together with the Marshall in a shew of dutifull attendance pursued and in this service with great commendation of his forwardnesse was wounded in the thigh Howbeit wholly intentive to provide for his own security he intercepteth the sons of Shan O-Neale and makes them sure for doing any harme neither would he by any meanes being requested thereto set them at liberty but minding another matter maketh most grievous complaints of the injuries offered unto him by the Deputy the Marshall and the garrison souldiers which notwithstanding within a while after he carried so covertly that as if he had forgotten all quarels he came under safe conduct unto the Deputy submitted himselfe and after hee had professed all manner of dutifull obedience returned home with great commendation When as now Sir William Fitz Williams the Lord Deputy was revoked home out of Ireland Sir William Russell succeeded in that office Unto him repaired the Earle of his own accord exhibited an humble submission upon his knees to the Lord Deputy wherein he dolefully expressed his great griefe that the Queen had conceived indignation against him as of one undutifull and disloyall Hee acknowledged that the late absenting himselfe from the state was disagreable to his obedience albeit it was occasioned by some hard measures of the late Lord Deputie as though he and the Marshall had combined for his destruction He acknowledged that the Queene advanced him to high title and great livings that she ever upheld him and enabled him that shee who by grace had advanced him was able by her force to subvert him and therefore if he were voide of gratitude yet he could not be so voide of reason as to worke his owne ruine Furthermore he made liberall promises that he would most willingly do whatsoever should be enjoyned him which hee also had promised in his letters sent unto the Lords of the Councell in England and earnestly besought that he might be received into favour againe with the Queene as before time which he had lost not by any desert of his owne but through the forged informations and suggestions of his adversaries At the same time Bagnall the Marshall was present in the place who exhibited articles against the Earle and accused him that hee had underhand suborned and sent Mac-Guir with the Primate above named into Conaght that hee had complotted secretly with Mac-Guir O-Donel and other conspirators and had aided them by Cormac-Mac-Baron the Earles brother and Con the Earles base son and some of his servants in the wasting of Monaghan and besieging of Inis-Kellin and by means drawn away the Captaines of Kilulio and Kilwarny from their loialty and obedience to the Queen Hereupon it was seriously debated among the Councellors of the kingdome whether the Earle should be staied to make his answer or no The Deputy thought good that he should be detained But when it was put to question generally the more part either upon a vaine feare or forward inclination to favour the Earle were instant to have him dismissed the matter to be put off unto a further day of hearing pretending certaine waighty considerations and that the Articles exhibited were without proofe or time Thus the Deputie in a sort was forced to yeeld to the experience of the Councell and the Earle was permitted to depart and his accusers there present had no audience Which troubled and disquieted the Queen not a little considering that his wicked designements and acts were now apparent to every one and the Queene her selfe had given warning afore hand that he should be detained untill he had cleered himselfe of those imputations The Earle being now returned home when he heard that a new supply of souldiers was comming out of England and thirteene hundred besides of old servitors out of the Low-countries who had served in little Britaine under Sir John Norris and that the English entended now to possesse themselves of Balashanon and Belik Castles upon the mouth of Logh-Earn he being privie to himself of his own evill purposes and carrying a guilty conscience on a sudden assaileth the fort at Blackwater by which the entry lay into Tir-Oen his owne country and had it surrendred up unto him And at the very same instant in maner hee wavering in his minde with one
breath as it were by his letters offereth unto the Earle of Kildare his helpe against the wrongs done by the Deputy and withall promiseth the Earle of Ormond Sir Henry Wallop Treasurer of the kingdome to continue firme in his allegeance yea and beseecheth in his letters Sir John Norris appointed Lord Generall that he might be more mildly dealt with nor against his will be driven headlong upon the dangerous rockes of disloialty But these letters unto Norris Bagnall the Marshall intercepted and as the Earle complained afterward suppressed to his greatest prejudice and hurt For immediatly he and his confederates were proclaimed traitors both in Irish and English and pardon offered to all such as had been seduced by false perswasions to take their parts would now relinquish them and submit themselves to the Queen At which time there were accounted to be with the Rebell in Ulster about a thousand horsemen and 6280. footmen and in Conaght 2300. who were all at the Earles command very many of them trained souldiers as who had been exercised in armes ever since that Sir John Perot Lord Deputy had appointed to every Lord and Chieftain of Ulster a certain number to be exercised in their weapons for to resist the Irish Scots of the Islands or else had been employed in the warres of the Low-countries whom he in no provident policie for the future time had caused to be transported thither And verily the English forces were equivalent in numbers which were commanded by Sir John Norris for the Queene had selected him as a man of especiall trust and reputation to be used martially in such journeyes as the Deputie himselfe in person could not undertake in consideration that hee had performed divers honourable services was now President of Mounster and had formerly commanded the Britain companies which were to serve principally in this action Yet atchieved he no memorable exploit by reason of private misconstruction suspicious surmises and dislikes conceived betweene him and the Deputy Onely the time was spent in preying truce-making and frivolous parlies And without doubt the martiall men on both sides were well content to have the war drawne out in length and the Earle fed himselfe every day with hope of succour out of Spaine But among all these parlies that was most memorable which the two Commissioners Sir Henry Wallop Treasurer of that Realme and Sir Robert Gardener chiefe Justice most grave personages and of approved wisdome had with the Earle of Tir-Oen and O-Donell at which they and others of the rebels both laied open their grievances and exhibited also their petitions The Earle complained that Sir Henry Bagnall the Mareschall had cunningly withdrawne unto himselfe the fruit of his labours that with lyes and indirect meanes and subtle fetches he had thrust him out of the Queenes favour and after a sort brought him into disgrace that to his great hinderance and prejudice he had intercepted his letters written unto the Lord Deputy unto Norris and others and still detained and withheld from him his wives portion and herewith he protested that he never negotiated with forrain Princes before he was proclaimed Traitour Now he exhibited his petitions in most humble manner That hee and all his followers might be pardoned for their crimes That they might be restored to their former estates That they might exercise freely their own religion and yet that had been alwaies tolerated That the Mareschall should pay unto him a thousand pounds of lawfull mony of England for the dowry of his wife now deceased That no garrison souldiers Sheriffe or other officer should be appointed within his county and Earledome That the company of fifty horsemen which he had led with the Queenes pay thereunto might be restored unto him and that those who had robbed and spoiled his people might be punished accordingly O-Donell for his part when he had rehearsed his fathers and ancestours fidelity to the Kings of England complained neverthelesse that Captaine Boin was sent from Perot the Lord Deputy with a band of souldiers into his Province under a colour of teaching his people civility who being kindly entertained by his father and having certain townes assigned unto him offered all maner of injurious indignity and rigour unto his father and advanced a certaine bastard to the dignity of O-Donell Also that the said Deputy by sending a Barke secretly intercepted him thrust him innocent man into prison and there unjustly kept him in duresse untill that by the Almighties goodnesse he was delivered Item that the Deputy Fitz Williams laid up fast in close prison for seven yeeres together Sir Owen O-Toole the second man next to O-Donell in this tract notwithstanding he was guiltlesse and sent for upon promise of his safe conduct and that he oppressed his neighbours in Fermanaugh with intolerable wrongs neither could himselfe devise any other meanes for his owne safety and security than to releeve his next neighbours thus vexed and molested Hee likewise made the same request that the Earle did and moreover demanded certaine fortresses and lands in the county of Slego which he challenged to be his inheritance Shan Mat Brian Mac Phelim O-Neal laid downe his complaints That Walter Earle of Essex had wrongfully taken from him the Isle of Magy and Sir Henry Bagnall the Barony of Maughery-Mourn both of them his ancient inheritance That he was himselfe imprisoned untill that by enforcement he had resigned his right unto Bagnall beside other infinite injuries done unto him by the Garrison souldiers of Knoc-Fergus Hugh Mac-Guir made a great matter of the insolent outrages committed by the Garrison souldiers next unto him in driving away his cattell as booties and withall that the Sheriffe who was sent into his Territories had cut off the head of his next kinsman and spurned it under foot Brian Mac-Hugh-Oge Mac Mahon and Ever Mac-Couley came in with these their complaints That over and above other wrongs Sir William Fitz Williams the Deputy for great gifts and presents had settled Hugh Roe in the dignity of Mac-Mahon and soone after for that with banner displaied after the manner of the country he demanded a mulct or fine which hee had imposed hanged him up and granted his inheritance unto strangers thereby to extinguish the name of Mac-Mahon In a word they were petitioners every one severally for the same things that I have above rehersed When some of these their demands were thought reasonable and others againe to be referred unto the Queenes consideration the Commissioners also on the other side proposed certaine Articles unto the Rebells that they should lay downe their armes disperse their forces acknowledge submissively their disloyalties admit Sheriffes in their governments re-edifie the Forts they had defaced suffer the garrisons to live without disturbance make restitution of spoiles taken confesse upon their oath how farre they have dealt with forrain Princes and renounce all forraine aide c. But these seemed so unreasonable to them in their conceit
being now growne insolent that after agreement of a cessation from armes for a short time they departed on all hands whereas the Queene both then and afterwards as well to spare the effusion of blood as to save expence of money was willing enough to condescend unto any conditions of peace that might have stood with the honour of her Majestie The time of cessation once expired Norris unto whom alone by the Queenes commandement the command of the military forces was conferred in the Deputies absence marched with his armie against the Earle Howbeit the Deputie joyned with him and so with great terrour to the rebels went forward as farre as Armach so that the Earle leaving the fort at Blackwater set fire upon the villages all round about and the towne of Dungannon yea and plucked downe a great part of his owne house there who bewailing now his owne estate as quite undone and past all recovery he thought of nothing but how to hide his head when as they had marched so farre they stayed there for default of victuals and having proclaimed the Earle traitour within his owne territorie and placed a garrison in the Church of Armach returned backe In their returne the Earle diligently attendeth and accosteth them a farre off yet they strengthened the garrison at Monaghan and when they were come neere unto Dundalke the Deputy according to the purport of her Majesties Commission rendred the prosecution of the warre unto Norris and after many words passed too and fro betweene them with all the complements of kindnesse and curtesie that might be he retireth to Dublin and providently looketh to the state of Leinster Conaght and Mounster Norris staied in Ulster but atchieved no exploit answerable to the expectation raised of so worthy a Warriour whether it were upon emulation to the Deputy or that Fortune altered and went backward as who in the end is wont to crosse great Commanders or in favour of the Earle unto whom he was as forward in kind affection as the Deputy was estranged from him For Norris seemed to blame the Deputy in some measure for that entertaining an hard opinion of the Earle his resolution was to make no peace with him for he in no wise would be otherwise perswaded but that hee trifled out the time and made delaies for the nonce expecting aide and succour still out of Spaine whereas Norris in the meane while more favourable to him and credulous withall had conceived very good hope to bring the Earle to conditions of peace which hope he working under hand so fed and fomented still in Norris as that he also presented unto him a fained submission subscribed with his owne hand and signed yea and humbly upon his knees craved pardon Yet for all this in the meane time he dealt by his spying Agents and Curreours earnestly and secretly with the King of Spaine what with writing and what with praying to have aide from him so farre forth as that there were secretly sent one or two messengers from the Spaniards to the Rebels with whom it was agreed that in case the King of Spaine sent at the prefixed time a competent Armie able to vanquish the English they would joine their owne forces and if in the meane time he furnished them with munition and provision for warre they would reject all conditions of peace whatsoever To these covenants O Rorke Mac-William and others set to their hands but not the Earle himselfe being providently cautelous and yet no man doubts but his consent was thereto And the letters which the King of Spaine wrote backe full of great promises hee in outward shew of dutifull service sent unto the Deputy and withall relying himselfe upon assured hope of helpe from Spaine started backe from that written submission aforesaid and faithfull promise made to Norris for which Norris through his owne credulty thus deluded and engaged taketh him up in hot and bitter termes as if he had gulled him But he knowing well enough how to temporize and serve the time entreth againe into a parlie with Norris and Fenton the Secretary and so by giving hostages a peace such as it was or rather covenants of agreement was concluded which soone after with the like levitie as before he brake alledging for his reason and excuse that he could not otherwise thinke but hee was deceitfully dealt with because the Deputie and Norris agreed so badly because also the Deputie was discontented with them that in his behalfe travelled with him about peace as though the Deputie desired nothing but warre considering that the troupes of horsemen were supplied out of England the King of Spaines letter abovesaid detained and the Mareschall his most heavie enemie even then was returned with new commission out of England Hereupon therefore hee falleth to harrie and waste the countries confining to burne townes and villages to rouse and drive away booties but within a while pricked with some remorse of conscience for such outrages committed and hearing besides that there was a peace like to be treated between England and Spaine hee sued once againe for a parlie and conditions of peace it yrkes mee to run through all the cloakes of his dissimulation in particular But to be short when he was in any danger of the English in semblance countenance and words from teeth outward he so masked himselfe under the vizard of submission and pretended such repentance for his former misdemeanors that he shifted off and dallied with them still untill they had forslipt the opportunitie of pursuing him and untill of necessity the forces were to be dissolved and withdrawn Againe such was the sloathfull negligence of the Captaines in Ireland the thrifty sparing in England the inbred lenitie of the Queene who wished that these flames of rebellion for warre it was not to be called might be quenched without blood that his faire words and pretences were beleeved yea and hope otherwhiles was offered unto him of pardon lest his peevish pervicacie should be more and more enkindled In the yeere 1597. when as by this time all Ulster throughout beyond Dundalke except seven Castles with wards namely Newry Knoc-Fergus Carlingford Greene Castle Armach Dondrom and Olderfleet yea and in manner all Conaght was revolted Thomas Lord Burrough a man full of courage and politicke withall was sent Lord Deputie into Ireland And about that time Sir Iohn Norris distasting himselfe and the new Deputie ended his life At which time the Earle beseeched by his letters a Cessation of armes and verily it seemed good policie to grant it for a moneth After the moneth expired the Deputie brought his forces together and which was thought to stand with his profit and honour both at his first entry into government aranged them in order of battell against the Earle and albeit hee was welcomed by the Earle with a doubtfull and dangerous peece of service within the space of the Moiry yet made hee way through by his valor and most valiantly won the
expect him at the Foord of the river hard by Balla-Clinch they call it This Foord is not far from Louth the head towne of the County and neere unto the Castle of Gerard Fleming Thither sent the L. Lievtenant before some of purpose to discover the place who found the Earle at the said Foord and he told them that although the river was risen yet might a man be easily heard from one side to the other Hereupon the Lord Lievtenant having bestowed a troupe of horsemen in the next hill there by came downe alone the Earle riding his horse into the water up to the belly in dutifull and reverent sort saluteth the Lievtenant being on the banke side and so with many words passing to and fro betweene them without any witnesses by to heare them they spent almost an houre Then both of them retire unto their companies and Con a base sonne of the Earles following hard after the L. Leivtenant besought him in his fathers name that certaine principall persons of his traine might bee admitted to a conference The L. Lievtenant assented thereto so they were not above six Then forthwith the Earle taking with him his brother Cormoc Mac Gennys Mac Guir Ever Mac Cowley Henry Ovington and O-Quin sheweth himselfe at the Foord Unto them the L. Lievtenant came down accompanied with the Earle of Southampton Sir George Bourchier Sir Warrham St. Leger Sir Henry Danvers Sir Edward Wingfeld and Sir William Constable Knights The Earle saluteth them every one with great courtesie and after some few words between them passed thought good that certaine Commissioners should the next day following treat of peace between whom it was agreed that there should be a trâ—ce from that very day for six weeks and so forward from six weeks to six weeks unto the first of May yet so as it might be free for both sides after fourteen daies warning given aforehand to begin warre afresh And if that any Confederate of the Earles would not yeeld his assent hereto he left him unto the L. Lievtenant to prosecute him at his pleasure Whiles these things were a doing those letters of the Lord Lievtenant which I spake of erewhile were delivered to the Queen by Henrie Cuffe a man very learned but as unfortunate Which when she had perused through and understood thereby that her Lievtenant with so great an armie in so long time and with the expence of so much money had effected just nothing nor would doe ought that yeere shee being highly offended thereat writeth backe againe to himselfe and to the Councellers of Ireland in these termes That his proceeding answered neither her direction nor the worlds expectation that shee could not but marvell much why the Lievtenant by prolonging thus from time to time and by finding meanes still of further delay had lost those excellent opportunities which he had of prosecuting war upon that Arch-rebell considering that himselfe whiles he was in England advised nothing else but to prosecute the Earle himselfe and none but him yea and in his letters otherwhiles seriously promised to doe the same She expostulated wherefore hee had made those unprofitable journeyes even against his owne judgement when it was found into Mounster and Ophaly whereof he had not certified her nor given so much as any notice before they were undertaken which otherwise shee would expressely have countermanded If his armie were now broken weake and much empaired why undertooke hee not the action upon the enemie whiles it was entire strong and complete If the spring had not been a fit season for to make war in Ulster wherefore was the summer wherefore was the autumne neglected what was there no time of the yeere meet for that war Well shee now foresaw that her Kingdome of England must be impoverished beyond all measure by such expences her honour blemished among forrain Princes and the Rebels encouraged by this unfortunate successe yea they that shall pen the Story of this time will deliver unto posterity that she for her part was at great charge to hazzard her Kingdome of Ireland and that he had taken great paines and had left nothing undone to prepare for many purposes which perished without undertaking if now at length he tooke not a course for the maine prosecution of the war In tart termes therefore she admonisheth both him and the Councellers of the Kingdome to look more considerately to the good of the State and not from thence forward to be transported contrary waies by indirect counsell commanding them withall to write into what case they had brought the Kingdome of Ireland and carefully to foresee that all inconveniences from thenceforth might be diligently prevented The Lord Lievtenant startled or rather galled with these letters speedeth in all hast and sooner than any man would have thought into England accompanied with some men of quality and well and early in a morning comming upon the Queene at unwares while she was most private and in her bed chamber presents himselfe upon his knees unto her who after she had welcomed him with a short speech and not with that countenance as heretofore commanded him to withdraw himselfe unto his owne chamber and there to keepe For the Queene was highly offended with him both because hee contrary to her commandement had left his charge so suddenly without her leave and before he had setled the State and also had treated with the Rebels to her dishonour privately and upon equall termes with condition of toleration of Religion and to her diservice when as the Rebels made profit of all cessations and moreover that hee had agreed upon such a cessation as might every fourteenth night be broken whereas it was in his power by the authoritie that he had to make a finall end with the Rebels and to pardon their treason and rebellion What befell him afterwards in England and how it appeared by pregnant presumptions and some evidence that he aimed at other matters than war against Rebels whiles hee could not finde in his heart to remit private distastes for the publike good and relied too much upon popularitie which is alwaies momentany and never fortunate it is impertinent to this place neither take I pleasure so much as to remember the same The said cessation was scarcely once or twice expired when the Earle of Tir-Oen drew his forces together and addresseth himselfe againe to war Unto whom there was sent from the State Sir William Warren to know of him wherefore he brake the Cessation that was made Unto whom in the swelling pride of his heart he haughtily answered That he had not broken the Cessation considering he had given fourteene daies warning before that he ment to renew the warre and that he had just cause to war a fresh for why he understood that the Lord Lievtenant in whom he had reposed all his hope and whole estate was committed in England Neither would he have any thing to doe from thence forth with the Councellours of
well neere in Ireland which the Rebells had fortified and blocked up with pallisadoes and fences with stakes pitched into the ground with hurdles joyned together and stones in the midst and turfes of earth betwixt the hills woods and bogges quite overthwart on both sides with great skill and greater industry yea and manned the place with a number of souldiers Besides these difficulties in his way the weather also was passing rigorous by reason of much raine that fell continually for certaine daies together whereby the rivers swelling high and overflowing their banks were altogether unpassable But when the waters were fallen the English courageously brake through those pallisadoes or senses aforesaid and having beaten backe their enemies and overcome all difficulties the Lord Deputy placed a garrison eight miles from Armagh for at Armagh the Rebells had eaten up and consumed all which in memory of Sir Iohn Norris under whom he had his first rudiments in the profession of Armes he commanded to be called Mount-Norris over which he made Captaine E. Blany a stout and valiant Gentleman who afterwards in this part like as Sir Henry Docwra in the other troubled the Rebells sore and withall kept them forcibly in awe In his returne that I may passe over with silence the skuffling skirmishes which happened every day the Rebells in the passe neere unto Carlingford where they had stopped up the way in a memorable overthrow were discomfited and put to fearefull flight Some few daies after the Lord Deputy because hee would lose no time entred in the very middest of winter the Glynnes that is the vallies in Leinster a secure receptacle of Rebells where having wasted the countrey he brought Donell Spanioh Phelim Mac-Feogh and that tumultuous and pernicious Sept of the O Tools unto submission and tooke hostages of them Afterward hee went as farre as Fereall and drave Tirell the most approved warriour of all the Rebells out of his own holds or as they call it Fastnesses a place full of bogges and beset thicke with bushes into Ulster Now by this time by fetching many a compasse was he come victorious in every place as farre as to the frontier of Ulster which he entred and first having slaine the two sonnes of Ever Mac Cowley he laied the territory of Fernes wast and sent out Sir Richard Morison to spoile the Fues In Breany he placed a garrison by the conduct of Sir Oliver Lambard and turning downe to Tredagh hee received into his protection and mercy such of the principall Rebels as submitted themselves namely Turlogh Mac-Henry a great man and Potentate in Fues Ever Mac Cowly O-Hanlan who glorieth in this that by inheritance hee is Standard-bearer to the Kings of Ulster and many of the Mac-Mahons and O-Realies who delivered up for hostages their dearest friends and kinsfolke The spring now approaching before all the forces were assembled and come together the Lord Deputy marcheth to Moyery where by cutting down the woods he made the way passable and there erected a fort out of Lecall he expelled the Mac-Genisses who usurped lands there and reduced all the Rebels fortresses and holds about Armagh to his obedience Armagh also he fortified with a garrison And so farre went he forward that hee removed the Earle from Black-water who had very artificially encamped himselfe there and purposed somewhat lower to set up a sort About which time many signified unto him by letters for certainty that which he had heard before bruited by a common rumour still more and more encreased namely that the Sparniards were arrived in Mounster So that now he was of necessity to desist and give over this prosecution in Ulster and Ireland was to be defended not so much from inward rebellion as from forraine enemies And yet lest what he had already recovered should be lost againe after he had strengthened the garrisons he speedily posteth into Mounster journeying continually with one or two companies of horse commanding the Captaines of the footmen to follow hard after For whiles he was earnestly busied about the warre in Ulster the Earle and his assiociates the Rebels of Mounsters by their Agents a certaine Spaniard elect Archbishop of Dublin by the Pope the Bishop of Clonfort the Bishop of Killaloe and Archer a Jesuite had obtained at length with praying intreating and earnest beseeching at the King of Spaines hand that succour should bee sent into Mounster to the Rebels under the conduct of Don John D' Aquila upon assured hope conceived that all Mounster would shortly revolt and the titular Earle of Desmond and Florens Mac-Carty joyne great aides unto them But Sir George Carew the Lord President of Mounster had providently before intercepted them and sent them over into England Thus D' Aquila arrived at Kinsale in Mounster with two thousand Spaniards old souldiers and certaine Irish fugitives the last day of October and straightwaies having published a writing wherein hee gloriously stileth himselfe with this title MASTER Generall and Captaine of the Catholick King in the warre of God for holding and keeping the Faith in Ireland endevoureth to make the world beleeve That Queene Elizabeth by the definitive sentences of the Popes was deprived of her kingdomes and her subjects absolved and freed from their oath of allegeance and that hee and his men were come to deliver them out of the devils clawes and the English tyrannie And verily with this goodly pretence he drew a number of lewd and wicked persons to band and side with him The Lord Deputie having gathered together all the Companies of souldiers that he could prepareth himselfe to the siege and Sir Richard Levison the Vice-Admirall sent out of England with one or two of the Queenes ships to impeach all accesse fore-closeth the haven The English when they had now encamped themselves began from land and sea to thunder with their ordnance upon the towne and more straightly to beleaguer it round about which siege notwithstanding was by and by not so forcibly urged for that on the one side Levison with the sea souldiers was sent before against two thousand Spaniards newly landed at Bere-haven Baltimor and Castle Haven of whose ships hee sunke five on the other side the President of Mounster at the same time was dispatched with certaine troupes to get the start of O-Donell who was now approaching that hee should not joyne with that new supplie of the Spaniards But hee when as now all the Country was over frozen had by speedie journeyes in the night through blind by-waies gotten to those Spaniards newly arrived and was not so much as once seene Some few daies after the Earle of Tir-Oen also himselfe came with O-Rork Raimund Burk Mac-Mahon Randall Mac-Surley Tirell the Baron of Lixnaw and the most select and choice of all the Rebels unto whom when Alphonso O Campo the leader of the new-come Spaniards had joyned his forces they mustered themselves sixe thousand footmen and five hundred horse strong in a confident hope of victory
Princes regall authority by daunting the lâ—wlesse insolency recovered and within a while after a secure peace throughout the Iland firmely established The morrow after the Lord Deputy commanded Captaine Bodley the Trench-master who both in the fortifications and also in the battell had manfully borne himselfe to finish the Mount begun and to raise bankes and rampires neerer unto the enemy about which when there had beene six dayes spent D' Aquila in his letters sent by his Drum Major to the Deputy craved that some Gentlemâ—n of credit might be sent into the towne with whom he might parly For this purpose was Sir William Godolphin chosen Unto whom D' Aquila signifieth that he had found the Lord Deputy although he were his most eager enemy yet an honourable person the Irish of no valour rude and uncivill yea and that which he sore feared perfidious and false That he was sent from the King of Spaine his Master to aide two Earles and now he doubted whether there were any such in Rerum Natura considering that one tempestuous pusse of warre had blown the one of them into Spaine the other into the North so as they were no more to be seene Willing therefore he was to treat about a peace that might be good for English and not hurtfull to Spaniards albeit he wanted nothing requisite to the holding out of a siege and expected every day out of Spaine fresh supplies to finde the English worke and trouble enough To bee briefe being as they were on both sides distressed and weary of siege they grew to this agreement upon the second day of January That the Spaniards should yeeld up Kinsale the Forts and Castle at Baltimore Beâ—â—haven and Castle Haven unto the Lord Deputy and so depart with life with goods and their Banners displaied that the Englishmen should allow them shipping paying the full price therefore wherein they might at two severall passages faile over into Spaine Also if they hapned in their returne homeward to arrive at any Port in England that they might be kindly entertained and in the meane time whiles they remained in Ireland waiting for windes have all necessaries for sustenance ministred unto them for their ready mony These things thus concluded the Spaniards after certaine daies fitted with a good gale of winde set faile from the coast of Ireland with dishonour as having their companies much impaired and weake Meane while the Earle of Tir-Oen in fearefull flight got him away making as great journeyes as possibly he could through unknown by-waies and recovered his lurking holes in Ulster after he had lost most of his men whom the rivers risen and running violently by reason of Winter flouds had swallowed up And afterwards hee could not take his rest without care no not so much as breath without feare whiles carrying an evill and burthened conscience he dreaded the due reward of his deserts and distrusted every one insomuch as hee sought from day to day new blind corners and the same straightwaies he abandoned The Deputy to refresh his wearied souldiers bestoweth them abroad in garrisons and after he had setled the State in Mounster returneth to Dublin And when the winter season was past hee by a gentle and easie march thereby to spread a greater terrour all abroad returneth into Ulster with an army well appointed that he might with Forts and garrisons planted round about belay the Rebels on every side as it were within net and toile When he was come as far as to Black-water hee transported his army upon floats and having found a Foord unknowne before beneath the old Fort he erected a Fort upon the very banke which after his owne Christian name he called Charle-mont At which time the Earle of Tir-Oen being affrighted set fire on his owne house at Dunganon Then marcheth the Deputy forward from thence to Dunganon and after hee had encamped himselfe so soone as Sir Henry Docwra was come unto him from Logh-foile with his company he sent out his souldiers every way Then might you have seene the corn-fields spoiled the villages on every side and houses so many as they could descry set on fire and burned and booties out of all parts harried The Forts in Logh-Crew Logh-Reogh and Mogher Lecowe where Sir Iohn Barkley a most valiant martiall man was shot through with a bullet were yeelded up hee planted a garrison at Logh-Eaugh or Logh-Sidney which after the title of his owne honour he named Mont-joy and gave unto Sir Arthur Chichester who by the demerit of his vertue is now Lord Deputy of Ireland the charge and command thereof another likewise at Monaghan which hee committed unto Sir Christopher St. Laurence who being leaders of great experience and greater courage what with often sallies and what with traverse journies made too and fro so coursed and crossed the rebels that they seeing themselves environed with garrisons planted round about them and every day hemmed in and penned in more streightly that now like wilde beasts of a rascall kinde they must seeke holes and lurk among the thickets in forrests and woods most of them changed their copie and as their fortune so their fidelity altered and every one of them began secretly to submit themselves to the Deputy striving a vie who should be first muttering and complaining closely of Tir-Oen that he had engaged the ruine of the whole nation for his own private discontentments that this war was only necessary to him but most pernicious to them neither was the Earle ignorant that both the force and fidelity also of his people and followers was now sore shaken he determined therefore to prevent the worst as being weary of misery and calamity and yet in some hope also of life which sometimes overmatch the stoutest By most submissive letters therefore sent now and then to the Queen wherein with earnest praiers and teares he besought pardon for his fault casting himselfe downe in humble and lowly wise and she observed in him such tokens of true repentance that as she was a most milde and mercifull Prince shee gave authority unto the L. Deputy to take him to mercy and favour in case he earnestly craved it And crave it he did when hee had heard so much from these that affected and loved him continually by the most earnest mediation of Arth Mac Baron his brother and others and being often rejected at length in the moneth of February after he had promised absolutely and without any condition to submit his life and all that he had unto the Queene the Deputy who had some intelligence out of the Court in England from his inward friends that the Queene now farre stept in yeeres was dangerously sicke condescended that the Earle might repaire unto Mellifont and thither forthwith came he out of his lurking holes in all speed accompanied with one or two and no more Being admitted into the chamber of presence where the L. Deputy with a number of martiall men about him was set in a chaire
of estate in the very entry of the place he in poore and foule array with a dejected countenance bewraying his forlorne estate falleth downe upon his knees and when hee had so kneeled a while the Lord Deputy signified unto him that hee should approach neerer whereupon he rose up and after he had stepped in lowly maner some few paces forward he kneeled downe againe and cast himselfe prostrate like a most humble suppliant He acknowledgeth his sinne to God and fault unto his most gracious Prince and soveraigne Lady Queene Elizabeth in whose royall clemency and mercy lay the onely hope that he had now remaining to whose pleasure he submitteth wholly and absolutely his life and whole estate He most demisely beseecheth that whose bountifull favour in times past and mighty power now of late he had felt and found he might now have experience of her mercifull lenity and that he might be for ever the example of her Princely clemency For neither was his age as yet so unserviceable nor his body so much disabled ne yet his courage so daunted but that by his valiant and faithfull service in her behalf he could expiate and make satisfaction for this most disloiall rebellion And yet to extenuate his crime he began to say that through the malicious envy of some he had bin very hardly and unreasonably deali with As he was enforcing this point further the Deputy interrupted him and cut off his speech and after a few words delivered with great authority which in a martiall man doth stand in stead of eloquence to this effect that there was no excuse to be made for so grievous and hainous a crime with few other words he commanded him to withdraw himselfe and the next day carried him away with him toward Dublin purposing to bring him from thence into England before Queene Elisabeth that shee might determine at her pleasure what to doe with him But in this meane time that most excellent Princesse a little after that she had intelligence that nothing might be wanting to the accomplishment of her glory how this rebellion was extinguished which had not a little disquieted her departed godly and peaceably out of this transitory life into the eternall Thus the warre of Ireland or the rebellion rather of the Earle of Tir-Oen begun upon private grudges and quarrels intermedled with ambition cherished at first by contempt and sparing of charges out of England spred over all Ireland under the colourable pretence of restoring libertie and Romish Religion continued by untoward emulation of the English and covetousnesse of the old souldiers protracted by the subtill wiles and fanied submissions of the Earle by the most cumbrous and disadvantageous difficulty of the countrey and by a desperate kinde of people saving themselves more by good footmanship than their valour confirmed through the light credulity of some and the secret favour of others that were in place of authority heartned with one or two fortunate encounters fed and somented with Spanish money and Spanish supplies in the eighth yeere after it first brake out under the happy direction of Queen Elisabeth of sacred memorie and the fortunate conduct of the Lord Deputy Sir Charles Blunt Baron of Mont-joy whom afterwards in regard hereof King Iames created Earle of Devonshire was most happily dispatched and firme peace as we hope for ever established THE MANERS OF THE IRISHRY BOTH OF OLD AND OF LATER TIMES THe place requireth now that I should adde somewhat of the manners of this people and that verily will I doe as touching their ancient behaviour out of ancient Historiographers and concerning the latter out of a moderne writer both learned and diligent who hath set downe these matters most exactly As concerning the Irish of ancient times when as they were as all other nations beside in this tract barbarous and savage thus much have old authors recorded Strabo in his fourth booke of Ireland saith I can deliver nothing for certaine but that the inhabitants thereof are more rude than the Britans as who both feed upon mans flesh and also devoure exceeding muth meat yea and they thinke it a point of honesty to eat the bodies of their dead parents and wantonly to have company not onely with other mens wives but even with their owne mothers and sisters Which things verily we relate so as having no witnesses hereof that be of sufficient credit Certes the report goes that the manner of the Scythians is to eat mans flesh and it is recorded of the Gaules Spaniards and many more besides that by occasion of urgent necessity and extremities of siege that they have done the same Pomponius Mela in his third book writeth thus The inhabitants are uncivill ignorant of all vertues and utterly voide of religion Solinus in the 24. chapter When they have atchieved any victory the blood of those that are slaine they first drinke and then besmeare their faces with it Right and wrong is all one with them A woman lying in childbed if she have at any time brought forth a man childe laieth the first meat she gives it upon her husbands sword and with the very point thereof putteth it softly into the infants mouth in hansell as it were of the nourishment it shall have hereafter and with certaine heathenish vowes wisheth That it may dye no otherwise than in warre and by the sword They that endevour to be more handsome and civill than the rest make their sword handles gay with the teeth of great Whales and such sea monsters for they be as white as Ivory And why the men take a principall pride and glory in the keeping of their weapons faire and bright But these fashions savour of greater antiquity Their conditions of the middle time Giraldus Cambrensis hath here and there treated of and out of him others But now for their later demeanour take them here with you out of that foresaid Moderne writer a studious and painefull man and that in his owne words who as I collect was named I. Good brought up in Oxford by profession and calling a Priest and who about the yeere of our Lord 1566. taught the Schoole at Limiricke But first I will briefely premise according to my promise made even now somewhat as touching the manner of the jurisdiction that is used among the meere Irish out of others Their great men and Potentates whose names have the fourth vowell O put before them as a mark of preheminence excellency as O-Neal O-Rork O-Donel c. and many of the rest to whose name Mac is prefixed have peculiar rights and priviledges of their owne whereby they domineere and Lord it most proudly and what with tributes exactions paiments and impositions upon their subjects for their souldiers Galloglasses Kernes and horsemen whom they are to finde and maintaine they so prey upon their goods and estates and oppresse them at their owne pleasure that the condition of all those which live under them is most miserable and
the French Gallies gave the attempt to invade it but with the losse of many of his men had the foile and desisted from his enterprise As touching the Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction they were under the Bishop of Constance in Normandy untill that hee in our remembrance refused to abjure the Popes authority in England as our Bishops doe Since which time they were by Queene Elizabeth severed from the Diocesse of Constance and united for ever to the Diocesse of Winchester so as the Bishop of Winchester and his successours execute every thing appertaining to the Episcopall jurisdiction yet their Ecclesiasticall discipline is conformable to the Church of Geneva which the French Ministers have brought in As for the civill customes of these Ilands I could now note some of them out of the Kings records namely How King Iohn instituted twelve Coroners sworn to keepe the pleas and rights belonging to the Crowne and granted for the security of the Ilanders that the Bailiffe henceforth by advice of the Coroners might plead without writ of a new disseisin made within the yeere of the death of any ancestours and predecessours within a yeere of dowry likewise within a yeere c. Moreover that the said Iuries may not delay their judgements beyond the tearme of one yeere likewise that in Customes and other things they should be dealt withall as naturall inborn inhabitants and not as strangers or forrainers But these points I think good to leave unto others who may search more curiously into particulars Generally the customes of Normandy take place here in most cases Touching Serke a little Iland that lieth betweene these above named walled about as it were with mighty steepe rockes in which I. de S. Owen of Iarsey whose antiquity of descent some avouch I know not upon what credit and authority from before Saint Owens time by commission from Queene Elizabeth and for his owne commodity as the report goeth made a plantation whereas before time it lay desolate As touching Iethow which for the use of the Governour of Garnsey serveth in steed of a parke to feed cattell to keepe Deere conies and phesants as also touching Arme which being larger than the other was first a solitary place for Regular Chanons and after for the Franciscan Friers seeing they are not mentioned by the old writers I have no reason to speake much of them After these upon the same coast LIGA whereof Antonine maketh mention shooteth up his head which retaineth the name still and is now called Ligon Then lye there spread and scattered seven Ilands termed by Antonine SIADAE of the number for Saith in the British tongue betokeneth seven which the Frenchmen at this day terme Le set Isles And I suppose these Siades to be corruptly called Hiadatae by Strabo for from these as hee saith it is not a daies sailing into the Iland of Britaine From these SIADAE to BARSA whereof Antonine also hath made mention there is the distance of seven furlongs The Frenchmen call it the Isle de Bas and the English Basepole For the Britans tearme that Bas which is shallow and the Mariners by sounding finde the sea in this place to bee more ebbe and shallow as which lieth not above seven or eight fathomes deepe whereas along all the shore beside the sea carrieth 12.18 and twenty fathoms of water as we may see in their Hydrographicall cards Howbeit betweene these Ilands and Foy in Cornwall this our British sea as Mariners have observed is of a mighty depth which they measure to be in the channell fifty eight fathoms deepe or thereabout From hence I will now cut over to the coasts of our owne Britaine and keeping along the shore as I passe by Ideston Moushole and Longships which be rather infamous and dangerous rocks than Ilands at the very utmost point of Cornwall lieth Antonines LISIA now called of them that dwell thereby Lethowsow but of others The Gulfe seene onely at a low water when the tide is returned I take this to be that Lisia which ancient writers doe mention because Lis as I have heard among our Britans in Wales signifieth the same For Lis◠soundeth as much as to make a noise with a great rumbling or roaring such as commonly we heare in Whirlepits and in that place the current or tide of the Ocean striveth amaine with a mighty noise both Northward and Eastward to get out as being restrained and pent in betweene Cornwall and the Ilands which Antonine calleth SIGDELES Sulpitius Severus SILLINAE Solinus SILURES Englishmen Silly the low country Sea-men Sorlings and the ancient Greeke writers tearme HESPERIDES and CASSITERIDES For Dionisius Alexandrinu◠named them Hesperides of their Westerne situation in these verses 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which Priscian translated thus Sed summam contra Sacram cognomine dicunt Quam caput Europae sunt stanni pondere plenae Hesperides populus tenuit quas fortis Iberi Which may be englished thus Now just beneath that Isle which Sacred High And head of Europe men are wont to call The Ilands nam'd Hesperides do lie And those well stor'd with Tin a rich metall But would ye know the people then note well The glorious wealthy Spaniards therein dwell These also Festus Avienus in his poeme entituled Orae Maritimae that is The sea coasts called Ostrymnides touching which he inserted these verses as they are found in the Paris edition and the notes upon the same In quo insulae sese exerunt Oestrymnides Laxe jacentes metallo divites Stanni at que plumbi multa vis his gentis est Superbus animus efficax solertia Negotiandi cura jugis omnibus Nolusque cumbis turbidum late fretum Et belluosi gurgitem Oceani secant Non hi carinas quippe pinu texere Facere morem non abiete ut usus est Curvant phasello sed rei ad miraculum Navigia junctis semper aptant pellibus Corioque vastum saepe per currunt salum Wherein the Isles Oestrymnides doe spread And shew themselves broad lying all about In metals rich as well of tin as lead The people strong their stomacks high and stout Active and quicke fresh merchants all throughout No troublous waves in Frith or Ocean maine Of monsters full with ships cut they in twaine For why no skill at all have they to frame Of Pine tree keels for barke or gallion Nor know they how to make oares to the same Of fyrre or maple wood where sailes are none As others use But which is wonder one Of stitched hides they all their vessels make And oft through sea in leather voiage take Like vessels unto which were used in this our sea in the yeere of salvation 914. For we read of certaine devout men that in a Carab or carogh made of two tanned hides onely and an halfe sailed out of Ireland into Cornwall Afterwards also of the said Ilands the
676 b Denbigh made a shire 677 e Depford 326 c Depenbach 603 c Deping 534 c Derlington 737 d Derwen a river 752 d Derwent a river 553 b Derwent fells 767 a Deorhirst 360 a Deorham or Derham 364 Dercoma 20 Derechel 21 Dereham 482 a Derchefu 21 Dert a river 201 d Dertinton 201 â— Dertmore 201 d Dertmouth 202 c Despencer a noble family 322 b Hugh le Despencer 267 c Despensers Barons 636 a Devi a river 258 Devy Bishop of Saint Davids 226 Deverril why so called 245 Dewsborrough 693 a Devonshire Earles 207 c Despotae 164 Dianaes chamber 426 a Digbies an ancient race 525 e Sir Everard Digby 525 f Alane de Dinant Baron of Burton 510 a Dimetae 647 Dimocks a worshipfull familie 535 f. 541 c Dimocks the Kings champions 541 c Dilston a town 808 b Dinevor Castle 649 â— Dinleys or Dingleys a familie 578 b Dishmarch 690 e Ditches or fore-senses in Cambridge shire 490 a Dinhams a family 395 f. 207 b or Dinants Aul. Didius Lievtenant in Britain 48 Dicalidones or Deucalidones rather why so called 117 Dignities ecclesiasticall how many in England 161 Diamonds in Cornwall 186 Diamonds or Diamants neere Bristoll 239 a. b Dictum 669 f Diganwy ibid. Diocesses under every severall Bishop 160 161 Disce or Dis a towne 472 e Distentâ—ns Gentlemen 766 f Disart Castle 680 b Dive a family 399 â— De Divisis a Monastery 513 e Division of Countries threefold 154 Divils or Devilsburne a river 808 b Divils or Devils dike 459 490 c Divils or Devils 609 c Divils or Devils bolts 701 b Divona 17 Divitiacus a mighty Prince 34 Dobuni 354. whence so named ibid. Dodo or Dudo an English Saxon 581 359 c Dod of S. Quintins a writer 142 Dodington 607 e Dogs of Britaine 263 d. 126. of Scotland S. Dogmael or S. Tehwell 654 d D'oilyes of Hoch Horton Barons 375 b Dologethle 665 e Dolphins 164 Doomesday booke 153 Domitian tormented with envie 61 Don or Dune a river 689 d S Donats Castle 643 e Dor a river 176 d Dormceaster 501 e Dormers knights 395 f. 396 a Dornford 501 e K. Dorne his pence 212 b Dorchester 384 b. 212 c Dorsetshire 209 Dorset Marquesses and Earles 217 c Dotterell a bird 443 c Dove or dow a river 587 b Dover 344 b Dover Castle ibid. Dovy a river 665 Dowbridge upon Watlingstreet 408 d Dowgate or dourgate in London 423 e Downes 313 d Downham 494 c Draicot a towne in Staffordshire and a family 587 e Dragons in Banners 195 Sir Francis Drake 200 e. where born ibid. his navigation ibid. Draiton 419 c Draiton in Shropshire 594 b Draiton Beauchamp 394 f Draiton Basset 581 f Draiton in Northamptonshire 510 b Drax a village 707 e Driby a towne and family 542 c Driffield 711 d Droit-wich or Durtwich 574 e Dropping well 700 a Druidae 4 12 13 14 the Etymologie of their name 14 Druidae in Britain did service in war 49. they held one God 68 Druidae seated in Anglesey 671 d Drumbough castle 775 c Druries a family 461 e Drystocke 325 e Duddensand 754 f Dudden a river 581 c Ambrose Dudley Earle of Warwicke 571 a Iohn Dudley Earle of Warwicke beheaded ibid. Dudleys 280 e Iohn Dudley duke of Northumberland his stile and demeanor 821 e f Rob. Dudley Earle of Leicester 524 b Dulcitius a redoubted captaine 80 Dulverton 220 c Duina first Bishop of Lichfield 585 d Duglesse a riveret 749 c Dun a notorious theefe 402 d Dunbriton frith 56 Dunham 610 c Dunmaw 444 e Dunnington 521 f. 567 c Dunstable 402 a. the crosse there ibid. Dunster castle 220 d Dunstan Abbot 227 d Dunstan putteth downe married Priests 576 b. 243 d Dunstaburg 813 e Dunsley 718 d Dunseavill 243 Dunum 21 247 Dunwich 466 c. a Bishops See ibid. Dunus Sinus 718 d Iohn Duns alias Scotus 814 b Durobrivae 501 e Dur and Dour beginnings and terminations of places what they signifie 209 d Durham citie 739 e Durham Colledge in Oxford founded 381 f. reedified 383 Durham Bishopricke a County Palatine 736 a Dursley 364 c Durance an house of the Wroths 437 e Durocobrivae 413 e Durnovaria what it signifieth 212 â— Durosiponte 491 d Durotriges whence derived 209 Dû what colour 26 Dutton a place and worthy family 602 f Dwr 20 Dux Britanniae 76 Dux or Duke what title of honor 164. under a Count or Comes ib. Dux and Comes the same ibid. Dux or Duke a title of charge ib. a title of honour 165 Dukes investure or creation ibid. Dukes hereditary ibid. E EAdburga a Lady professed religions 395 c Eadburton a towne ibid. Eadelmton or Edmunton 437 d King Eadgar stiled Monarch of whole Albion his triumph 605 b K. Eadgar the peaceable 130 a Eadred stiled King of Great Britain 139 a Ealburg 701 e Ealdermen 164 Ealphage a learned Priest married 201 b Ealpheg Archbishop of Canterbury executed 326 d Earle what title of honour 165 Earles by office 502 c Earles or Eorles hereditary 166 Earles how created ibid. Earle Apostolicall 239 e Earle Imperiall ibid. Earles Coln 450 d Earles dike 714 d Earth 155 Earth turning wood into stone 401 e Earth a rampier in Cornwall 189 Easton Nesse 467 a East-riding 709 East-Angles 456 458 Eaton in Bedfordshire 401 a Earth by divers occasions altered 1 Eatons what they be 63 Eaye 467 f Saint Ebba an holy virgin 743 a Ebchester ib. Ebissa 128 Eboracum or Eburacum that is Yorke why so called 702 d Eccles 478 e Eccleshall 584 c Ecclesiasticall livings hereditarie 595 f Echingham Baron 320 Eclipses of the Sunne in Aries disasterous to Shrewsbury 598 a Edelfleda or Elfleda a noble Ladie 610 d Eden a river 776 760 c Edenborgh frith 56 Edgecombs 193 Edge an hill 561 b Edgar Eathling or Aethling 146 Edindon 244 e Edith virgin a Saint 582 b Edith King Eadgars daughter 246 d Edith a Lady professed 395 c Edmund of Langley his devise and presage 510 Edmund Crouchbacke King of Sicily deluded by the Pope 756 b K. Edmunds martyrdome 467 Saint Edmund a most Christian King and martyr 460 c S. Edmunds liberty 459 c S. Edmunds bury ibid. S. Edmunds dike 490 f Edmund King of England piteously slaine 364 a K. Edmund Ironside 143 Edmund of Woodstocke Earle of Kent 353 a Edrick Streona 595 d Edrick Sylvaticus 624 e K. Edward the Confessour where borne 377 a Edward Confessour 143 b Edward Earle of Warwicke beheaded 670 e Edward the First King of England his praises 776 a Edwardston 463 a K. Edward the Second entombed 361 a. murdered 363 b K. Edward the Third his vertues 297 d. a most renowned Prince 278 Edwin the Prince made away by his brother Athelstan 213 e Egbert calleth his kingdom England 138. vanquisheth the Danes 143 Effingham 296 f Egelricke a wealthy Bishop of Durham 742 Egertons whence descended 603 Egleston 736 e Egremond an arch-rebell 724 d Egremont castle 766 a The Eight 360 b Eimot a river 762
d Ela Countesse of Salisbury 244 a Queene Elizabeth an excellent Prince 256 f. her vertues 292. 297. 298. her tombe 430. b Ellandunum 446. d Elen a river 769. c Elden hole 557. e Elenborough 769. c Elephants bones found in Britain 447. c Ellen hall 584. c Eliot his conceit of the name of Britaine 5 Ellesmer a Baronie 592. a Sir Th. Egerton Baron Ellesmer ibid. North Elmham a Bishops See 466. d Elmeley 650. e Elmesley 722. d Elmet a territory 694. e Elmore 362. b Elesly 485. d Elnemouth 769. c Eleutherus Pope 67 Elrich roade 532 Elsing 482. a Eltham 327 Eston 501. e Elvan 67 Elwy a river 679. d Emildon 814. b Emme Mother to King Edward Confessor cleereth her selfe of incontinency 211 Enderbies 401 Hugh Enermeve of Deping 533 Englishmen converted become zealous Christians 137. Studious in Liberall Sciences ib. Enfield 437 English names what they signifie and imply 139 Engelrame de Coucy first Earle of Bedford 402. f England 138 English Saxons returne into Germany ibid. brought thither military knowledge learning and religion ibid. Engins to assault in old time 400 England full of vices 143 England divided into Counties or Shires by Aelfred 138 Little England beyond Wales 652 English men whence they tooke name 138 Englishmen the guard of the Emperors of Constantinople 154 English tongue of what continuance 133 English Maior 681. e Entweissel name of a place and Gentlemen 746. a Equites Aurati that is Knights whereupon so called 174 Erdburrow 522 Erdessey 620. e Erdeswick 583. e Eriry mountaines 667. d Ernald Bois or de Bosco 396. b Erewash a river 555. c Eryngum in Cornwal 186 Escrick 707. â— Eske a river 765. â— 781. c Eslinton 813. c Espringolds 400. d Eresby 541. e Ermin-streete 64 or Erming-street 485. c. 501. f Erminsul or Irmunsull 64 Esquires what degree of Gentry 176 Esquires of five sorts ibid. Steph. de Eschalers a Baron 485. â— Essex 439 Essex Earles 453 Essex Cheeses 443. c Essexes Knight 283. f Henry de Essex became a Monk 681. d Essex a family 443. a Essendum 18 Essendon 526. d Esterford or East-Sturford 446 Ester or Easter celebrated on the Lords day onely 118 Eston aliâs Estanues ad turrim 444. e Eston Nesson 506. c Estotovils an honourable family 533. b Estre aliâs Plaisy 445. a Ethered vanquished and slaine 550. e Esturmies or Sturmies 254. f Ethelbert an insufficient King 143 Ethelbert King Martyr 618. e Etocetum 582. e Ethelbury 728. d K. Etheldred a vertuous Prince 216. b. his tombe ibid. Ethelward a writer 130 Covesham Evesham or Eisham 577. e Eudo Sewer to K. Henry the first 459. e Eudo a noble Norman 541. d Evel a towne 221. b Evelmouth 225. d Evenlode a river 376. b Vale of Eisham or Evesham 577 Ever or Eure a towne 394. b Evers Barons ibid. e Everingham a Baron 550. d Evers Barons whence descended 453. b Evers of Axholm 813. b Evers noble Barons 738. e Ewelme or Newelme 388. c Ewias 631. c Ewias Castle 617. d Eustach de Hach a Baron 246. b Eustow aliâs Helenstow 40â— a Exchequer Court 177.178 Ex a river 203. b Exceter Colledge in Oxford 381 Exceter 203. f Exceter Dukes 205. d Exceter Marquesse 206. a Exceter Earle ibid. a Exminster ibid. b Exmore 203. c Eythorp in Buckingham-shire 395. f F. OF Faculties the Court 181 Fairefax a family of gentlemen 692 b. 723. d Falco or Falques Brent a faithlesse men 400. c. 812. b Falcons of the best kind 644. b Falkesley bridge 582. a d Falemouth 189 Fanhop Baron 401. d Farendon 279. e Farmors Knights 506. e Fastineog 666. a Fastidius a Bishop of Britaine 84 Faulconbergs Barons 714. a Faustus a good sonne of a bad father 642. c Fawey 190 Fawsley 508 Faux what it signifieth 692 Fekenham Forest 574. f Feldings Knights 519. f Fenwick Hall 809. d Fenwicks a family ibid. Ferrars Barons of Grooby 520. f Henrie Ferrars of Baddisley a gentleman well descended and as well seene in Antiquities 568. d Rob. Ferrars how enterred 569 Lords Ferrars of Chartley 584. f Fernham Roiall 394. d Fernham why so called 294. e Fetherston Haugh 799. e Fetherstons a family ibid. Fettiplaces a family 220. â— 281. Feversham 334. d Fieldon a part of Warwick-shire 561. b. 223. a Feldon 561. b Fenis or Fienlesse 223. a. 316. b Fienes Barons Dacres 813. b Sir Richard Fienes or Fenis Baron Say and Sele 376. f The File 753. a File what it signifieth 715. a Files ibid. Filioll 217. c Finborrow 607. b Finchdale 742. a Firr trees found in Axelholm 544. b Fisburgings 819. c A Fish poole or Mere by Saint Albans dried up 411. c Fishes with one eye a peece 667 Fishgard 654. c Fish pond foreshewing the death of Monks 609. c Fittons a family 610 Fitz-Alans Earles of Arundel 309.310.589 f Fits-herberts an ancient family 553. d Sir Anthony Fitz-herbert ibid. a most famous Lawier 359. b Fitz-Hugh Baron 730. d Fitz-Harding Lord of Berkley 362. d Robert Fitz-Haimon slaine 368 Fitz-Teke 406. c Robert Fitz-Stephen the first of Norman race that attempted Ireland by way of Conquest 657. f Rob. Fitz-Walter de Clare 407 Fitz-Walters Barons 446. c Fitz-Walters ensigne-bearers of London 215. d Fitz-Lewis a family 442. e Geffrey Fiz-Peter Earle of Essex 454. b. a worthy Iusticer of England ibid. c Fitz-Stephen a writer 427. b Fitz-Paine Baron 215. d Fitz-Warins 281. b Sir Fulque Fitz-Warin 598. b Fitz-Williams an ancient family 690. a Rich. Fitz-Punt a Norman 618 Henry Fitz-Roy Earle of Nottingham duke of Richmond 551. d Flamborough head 714. â— Flamstead 414. b Flatbury 578. b Plaviâ—s Sanctus 341. d Fleame dike or Flight dike 490 Fleet a riveret in London 423. f Flemings a family 646. e Fleming 202. d. 755. d Flemingston or Flemston a towne 646. e Flemings planted in Wales 654.652 d Flemish high way in Wales 652 Flint shire 679 Flint castle 680. d Flint Earles 681. f Flixton 715. b Flixton or Faelixton 468. b Floddon an hill 816. a Floddon field ibid. Florus a Poet ibid. Flotes a kind of boates 597. b Faelix Bishop of East England 466. c. 480. c Fluor found in Darby shire 557 Foix a family 759 Foliambs a great family 556. b Foliots a familie 575. c 482. a Folkingham 535. a Folkstone 349. b A Font of Brasse in Saint Albans Church 412 d Forcatulus his conceit of the name Britaine 5 Fordington 212. d Ford castle 815. e The Foreland of Kâ—nt 342. d Fornesse 754. â— Fornesse Fels 755. a Sir Iohn Fortescue 396. e Forses or waterfalls 759. f Forefenses 780. the first ibid. the second 790. a. the third ibid. b. the fourth 16. c Forestwhat it is and why so called 293. c Forest lawes ibid. d Forests in Sussex 320. d Fortunie a Tourneament 407. d Fortunate Ilands 4 Forty foot way 511. f. 515. a. 64 Fosse dike 537. f Fosse wad what it is 569. c Fosse a river 702. b