Tiranidis jugo liberavi civitatem S. P. Q. R. libertatem vindicans pristinae amplitudini splendori restitui You have here viewed Illustrious Prince our first Christian Emperor and his Father fit patterns for imitation Cast your Gracious eyes upon our first Catholick King Lucius and you shall find him Christianity being now established thus Charactered Interea gloriosus ille Britonum Rex Lucius cum intra regnum suum cultum vere fidei magnificatum esse vidisset maximo gaudio fluctuans possessiones territoria quae prius templa Idolorum possidebant in meliorem usum vertens Ecclesiis fidelium permancre concessit quia majorem honorem ipsis impendere debuerat augmentavit illas amplioribus agris mansis omnique libertate sublimavit And a little after Lucius the first Christian King of this Land then called Brittain founded the first Church in London that is to say St. Peters Church upon Cornhill where he setled an Archbishops See making that Church the Metropolis of his Kingdom neither was his zeal and piety confined to that City for you shall find him erecting a goodly Cathedral at Caerlegion in that part of England abusively called Wales which now is known by the name of Monmothshire as also the famous Vniversity of Bangor in the remotest parts thereof This holy King saith my Author granted made and signed many writings Charters and donations for defence maintenance and preservation of Religion as to the Vniversity of Cambridge the School of Shaftsbury with others and when he had done all this Anno 201. Inclitus Britannorum Rex Lucius in bonis actibus assumptus ab hac vita Claudiocesbriae migravit ad Christum in Ecclesia primae sedis sepultus honorifice King Arthur sealed many grants for the advancement of Religion and Learning and by reason of his great victories thrice changed his armorial ensignes at last advancing the cross for my Author saith King Arthur that mighty conquerour and worthy had so great affection and love to this sign that he left his armes which he used before wherein were figured three Dragons another of three crownes or as some say of thirteen and depicted in his shield a cross silver in a field vert and on the first quarter thereof he figured an Image of our B. Lady with her Son in her armes and with this sign he did wonders in Arms. And to this hour we see the Knights of the Noble order of the Garter of which number your Grace the flower of chevaldry is one to bear Argent a plain cross Gules the field signifying pureness of life the cross the blood that Christ shed for this our people whom Trevisa calleth the people of God and the Realm of Gods Land the same ensign did Joseph of Aramathia give unto Arviragus King of Brittain not many years after our Saviours passion Cadwalader the last Brittish Monarch for his armes bore Azure a cross for my fitched Or whole volumes may be compiled of this Subject and the worthy and most Christian acts of your sanctly progenitors But least I should convert an Epistle Dedicatory into History or Chronology I will proceed no further humbly offering up these my weak endeavours before the shrine of your goodness with all integrity beseeching Almighty God that you may if not excel at least equal the most valiant and vertuous of your Royal Progenitors which shall be the daily prayers of Your Royal Highness Most faithful and humble servant PERCY ENDERBY The Duke of York Anarawd King of Northwales Eidwal King of the same Meurick or Meirick Eidwal II. Jago Conan Griffith King of Northwales Owen King of Northwales Jorwerth Son and Heir to Owen married Marret D. to Madoc Prince of Powis Lhewelyn Prince of Northwales Gladis sole Daughter and Heir married to Ralph Lord Mortimer who in her right should have been Prince of Northwales Roger Lord Mortimer Edmund Lord Mortimer Roger Lord Mortimer Earl of March Edmund Lord Mortimer c. Roger Lord Mortimer Edmund Earl of March married Philip D. and H. to Lyonel D. of Clarence Roger Mortimer Earl of March left one only Daughter and Heir married to Richard Earl of Cambridge Richard Duke of York King Edward the Fourth Elizabeth sole daughter and heir married to King Henry the seventh descended from Owen Tudor Margaret eldest daughter to Henry the seventh and in her Issue his Inheretrix was Grandmother to Mary Queen of Scotland France and England Mother to King James King of great Brittain France and Ireland c. Grand-Father to James Duke of York who married Anne daughter to Sir Edward Hyde Baron of Henden and Lord Chancellor of England and hath Issue Charles Duke of Cambridge YORK The City of York anciently called Eboracum is seated upon the river Vre which we call Ouse in the VVest-riding of this County and is the second City of England both for fame and greatness a pleasant large and Stately place all well fortified and beautifully adorned as well with private as publick edifices and rich and populous with all seated on the river Ouse which cutteth it as it were in twain both parts being joyned together with a fair stone-bridge consisting of high and mighty arches a City of great fame in the Roman times and of as eminent reputation in all ages since and in the several turnes and changes which have befallen this Kingdom under the Saxons Danes and Normans hath still preserved its ancient lustre adorned it was with an Archiepiscopal See in the time of the Brittains nor stooped it lower when the Saxons received the Faith Richard the second laying unto it a little Territory on the VVest side thereof made it a county of it self in which the Archbishops of York enjoyed the rights of Palatines and for a further lustre to it Henry the eighth appointed here a councel for the Government of the Northern parts consisting of a Lord President certain Councellors a Secretary and other Officers and yet in none of these hath York been more fortunate then that it adorned so many Princes of the Imperial line of Germany and blood Royal of England with stile and attribute of Dukes and Earls of YORK 1. Otho of Bavaria Earl of York 2. Edmund of Langley fift Son to Edward the third Duke of York 3. Edward Plantagenet Son of Edward of Langley Duke of York 4. Rich. Plantagenet Nephew of Ed. of Langley Duke of York 5. Rich. of Shrewsbury Son of King Edw. Duke of York 6. Henry second Son to King Henry seventh Duke of York after King of England 7. Charles second Son of James King of England 8. James second Son to King CHARLES now Duke of York The Duke of CUMBERLAND It is needless to set down at large the Brittish line of this Heroick and VVarlike Prince Rupertus being sufficient to tell you that he is Son to that Peerless and unparallel'd Princess Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia daughter to James King of great Brittain sister to Charles King of great Brittain
after the Statute of An. 27. 34. H. 8. By the said Statute of 34. Hen. 8. cap. 26. It is furthered ordained that the President and the Councel in the said Dominion and Principality of VVales and the Marches of the same with all Officers Clerks and Incidents thereunto should continue and remain in manner and form as was then formerly used and accustomed And therefore Rowland Lee being Lord President of the Councel of the Marches of Wales at the time of making of the said Statute so continued after the making thereof until his death being in the 34 year of the said King Hen. 8. after whom succeeded in the Office of the said President Richard Samson Bishop of Chichester and after removed to Coventry and Liechfield who continued Lord President until the second year of K. Edw. 6. At what time John Dudley then Earl of VVarwick and after Duke of Northumberland was President of the said Councel who so continued until the 4th year of the said King and after him succeeded Sr. William Herbert Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter and after Earl of Pembrock who continued president until the first year of Queen Mary next succeeded Nicholas Heath Bishop then of Worcester and after Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellour of England and upon removing of the said Archbishop the said William Herbert succeeded again as President of the said Councel until the 6th year of the said Queen Mary at what time followed him Gilbert Brown Bishop of Bath and Wells who continued until the death of the same Queen In the beginning of the late Queen Elizabeth Sr. John Williams Lord Williams of Tame of whom the Lord Norris was descended was appointed President of the said Councel and died the same year and after him succeeded Sr. Henry Sydney Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter whose love to learning and favour to learned men need not here to be spoken he continued Lord President of Wales about 24 years and 6 Moneths he served in Ireland 8 years and 6 moneths being there 3 several times Lord Deputy General in that Countrey During some part of the time of tho abode in Ireland of the said Sr. Hen. Sydney there served as President or Vice-president John Bish of Worcester after Archbishop of Canterbury after this succeeded Hâ—n Earl of Pembrock son in law to Sr. Henry Sydney and father to the honourable Earl of Pembrock and after him Edward Lord Zouch Quare who succeeded The President and Councel of the Marches of Wales The Jurisdiction of the Councel of the Marches of Wales Statutum 34. H. 8. cap. 26. had power and authority to hear and determine by their wisdom and discretions such causes and matters as be or shall be assigned to them by the Kings Majesty and in such manner as shall be so prescribed unto them by Instruction signed by his hand The Councel assisting the Lord Prince consisted of these the chief Justice of Chester together with the three other of the said Justices of VVales who after their Sessions ended are for the most part resident at the Councel and these are ordinary there are divers extraordinaries both Lords and Knights and such others as are learned in the Laws and are to be called to Councel when the Lord President shall think requisite and every such of the Councel extraordinary learned in the Laws when they are called and do serve there they are allowed their diet for them and their men and 6 s. and 8 d. per diem during the time of their attendance The Officers there serving to the administration of Justice as I am informed are these Sr. John Dodridge fol. 54. The Clerks of the Councel The Clerk of the Signet The Register All which were granted to one man by the late Queen Elizabeth And are Executed by his Deputy The Examiner The Remembrancer The Receiver of the Fines The Atturney The Solicitor The Porter To whose custody such Delinquents as deserve to suffer restraint of liberty are committed c. Two Messengers and a Sergeant at Armes And thus much briefly touching the Antient and Modern Estate and Government of the Principality of VVales and of the Marches of the same Next followeth to be considered according to the former Order proposed the Antient and Modern Officers of the said Principality serving the Lord Prince and what Fees Sallary were allowed unto them The Antient Officers their Names and Fees Collected out of divers Ancient Accounts were these following in North Wales The Justice of North VVales whose antient fee was uncertain but yet for the most part yearly his fee was 50 l. Howbeit I find that Sr. VVilliam Standley Knight to whom K. Hen. 7th gave the Office of Justice of North VVales for his life had the yearly fee of 133 l 8 s. 8 d. d. a. 1. Hen. 7. But this seemeth to have been of favour Chamberlain Auditor The Chamberlain of North Wales whose antient fee was yearly 20 l. The Auditor of North Wales viz. Chester and Flint the antient fee was 10 l. yearly with allowance of 10 s. per diem while he was in executing this Office and finishing the account 10 l. Countrouller Atturney The Countrouller of all Pleas Fines Amercements and Redemptions or Ransoms his yearly fee was 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. b. The Atturney of North Wales viz. of the Counties of Carnarvon Merioneth and Anglesey his yearly fee was 56 s. 8 d. Surveyor The Supervisor or Surveyor of the Castles Mannors Lands Tenements and Hereditaments of the Prince of North Wales his yearly fee was 10 l. Constable The Constable of the Castle of Carnarvon his fee was uncertain sometimes 60 l. and sometimes but 40 l. Captain The Captain of the Town of Carnarvon his fee was yearly 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. d. and sometimes one man had both the Offices of Constable of the Castle and Captain of the Town having 60 l. yearly for both the Offices 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. Souldiers There were allowed sometime unto the said Constable and Captain 24 Souldiers for the safe custody of the Castle and Town and every of them was allowed 4 d. per diem amounting in the whole unto 146 l. by the year 146 l. Porter Constable The Porter of the Gates of the said Town of Carnarvon whose fee was yearly 3 l. 10 s. The Constable of the Castle of Conwey his fee was yearly sometimes 40 l. and sometimes 50 l. Captain The Captain of the Town of Conwey had for his yearly fee 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. and most commonly he that was Constable of the Castle was also Captain of the Town 12 l. 3 s. 4 d Souldiers There were also allowed to the said Constable and Captain 24 Souldiers for the safe custody of the said Town and Castle and every of them was allowed 4 d. per diem amounting yearly to 146 l. Porter Constable The Keeper and Porter of
the Stewards whose original came out of Wales from Henry VII who descended from Owen Tewdor ut ante who descended from Blethin King of Powis Gruffith ap Conan King of Northwales Jestin Lord of Glamorgan Meyric King of Gwent Cadeth King of Southwales Anarawd King of Northwales and from Cadwalader last King of the Brittains thus Henry the seventh married Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward the IV. who was son of Richard Plantagenes Duke of York descended from Richard Plantagenet of Conesbourgh Earle of Cambridge by Anne his wife sister and co-heir of Edmund Mortimer the fift Earle of March who was son and heir of Rog. Mortimer fourth E. of March who succeeded Edmund Montimer the third Earle of March who was heir unto Roger Mortimer Grandchild to Roger Mortimer first Earle of March and son to Edmund Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who died in the Castle of Ludlow and was buried in the Abbey of Wigmore whose Father was Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who was created the first Earl of the Marches of Wales in the second year of King Edward III. at a Parliament held at Salisbury c. he was son to Edmund Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who was son to Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore and by right of inheritance Prince of Wales for he was son to Ralph Lord Mortimer of Wigmore and Gladys his wife who was daughter and heir her brother David being dead to Lhewelin ap Iorwerth Prince of Northwales from this Gladys her brother being dead sans Issue as I said thus descendeth from Cadwalader Gladys daughter and heir to Lhewelyn who was the son of Iorwerth the son of Owen Gwineth the son to Gruffith the son to Conan the son to Iago the son to Edwal the son to Meyric the son of Edwal Voel the son of Anarawd the son of Rodery Mawr the son of Esylht the daughter and sole heir of Conan Tindaythwy the son of Roderick Molwynoc the son of Edwal Ywrich the son of Cadwalader the last King of the Brittains what transactions have happened while this prince had the stile of that Principality I will forbear to speak or relate in this place and only give you a copy of the Charter used at the Creation of the Princes of Wales Here should have been the Picture The Kings Charter for the Creating of the Princes of Wales HENRY by the grace of God King of England and of France Lord of Ireland c. To all Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Dukes Earles Barons Iustices Viscounts Governours Ministers and to all our Bayliffs and Faithful subjects Greeting out of the excellency of Royal preheminence like as beames from the Sun so do inferiour honours proceed neither doth the integrity of Royal lustre and brightnesse by the natural disposition of light affording light from light feel any losse or detriment by such borrowed light yea the royal scepter is also much the more extolled and regal throne exalted by how much the more Nobles Preheminencies and Honors are under the power and command thereof And this worthy consideration allureth and induceth us which desire the encrease of the name and honour of our first begotten and best beloved son Edward in whom we behold and see our selves to be honoured and our royal house also and our people subject to us hoping by the grace of God by conjecture taken of his gracious future proceedings to be the more honourably strengthened that we may with honour prevent and with abundant grace prosecute him who in reputation of us is deemed the same person with us wherefore by Councel and consent of the Prelates Dukes Earles Viscounts and Barons of our Kingdom being in our present Parliament we have made and created and by these presents make and create him the said Edward Prince of Wales and Earle of Chester and unto the said Edward we give and grant and by this Charter-have confirmed the Name Stile Title State Dignity and honour of the said Principality and County And him of the said Principality and County that be may therein in governing rule and in ruling direct and defend we by a Garland upon his head by a ring of gold upon his finger and a verge of Gold have according unto the manner invested him To have and to hold the same unto him and his heirs the Kings of England for ever wherefore we will and straitly command for us and our heirs that Edward our son aforesaid shall have the name stile title state dignity and honour of the principality of Wales and county of Chester aforesaid unto him and his heirs the Kings of England aforesaid for ever these being witnesses the reverend Fathers John Cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England our Chancellour and William Archbishop of York Primate of England Thomas Bishop of London John Bishop of Lincolne William Bishop of Norwich our most well beloved Cosens Richard Duke of York Humphry Duke of Buckingham our well beloved Cosens Richard Earle of VVarwick Richard Earle of Salisbury John Earle of Wiltshire and our beloved and faithful Ralph Cromwel Chamberlain of our house VVilliam Faulconbridge and John Stourton Knights Dated at our Pallace at VVestminster the 15 day of March in the year of our reign 32. By the King himself and his Councel Things required unto the Creation of the Prince of Wales First an honourable habit viz. a Robe of purple Velvet having in it about 18 elles more or lesse garnished about with a fringe of gold and lined with Ermines A Surcote or Inner garment having in it about 14 elles of Velvet of like colour fringe and fur Laces Buttons and Tassells as they call them ornaments made of purple silk and gold A girdle of silk also to gird his inner gown A sword with a scabbord made of purple silk and gold garnished with the like girdle he is girt withal thereby shewing himself to be Duke of Cornwal by birth and not by Creation A cap of the same Velvet that his robe is of furred with Ermines with laces and a button the tassels on the crown thereof made of Venice gold A garland or a little coronet of gold to be put on his head together with his cap. A long golden verge or rod betokening his government a ring of gold also to be put on the third finger of his left hand whereby he declareth his marriage made with Equity and Justice All these things were almost with royal sumptuousness prepared for Edward son to King Henry VIII to have been created Prince of Wales but prevented by his fathers death he was crowned King sixt of that name yet the forme with the rights and ceremonies belonging to the investing of the Prince into the Principality of Wales you may perceive by what is above set down FINIS
Co-heir to Randolph Blundevill her Brother John Fitz Alan Lord of Clun and Owalstre two Lordships in Wales Isabell D. and Coh after the death of her brothers William and Hugh to William de Albeneio or Albany Richard Fitz Alan Grandchild to John 1. E. of Arundel of that Name Alizan D. to the Marquesse of Sluce in Italy Edmund Fitz Alan E. of Arundell Alice D. of William and Sister and Co-h. of John E. Warren and Surrey Richard Fitz Alan E. of Arundel c. Lord of Yale Bromfield Chirkland and Dinas Bran in Northwales Elinor D. to Henry Plantagenet E. of Lancaster Richard E. of Arundell c. Eliza. D. to William de Bohun E. of Northampton Thomas E. of Arundell c. Beatrix base D. to John King of Portugall Thomus E. of Arundell c. sans Issue so the Lands of the Earldome of Surrey were divided betwixt the Sisters and the Earldome of Arundell fell to John Fitz Alan being entailed John Fitz Alan E. of Arundell Knight of the Garter great Grand-child to John Maud. D. and H. of Robert Lovell and Eliz. his wife D. and Co-h. to Sir Guy Bryan To John Fitz Alan and Elinor his wife sister and Coh of Henry Lord Maltravers Humphrey Earle of Arundell sans Issue William Fitz Alan Uncle and Heir to Humphrey Margaret D. of Richard Woodvile E. Rivers Sister and Co-h. to E. Rich. her Brother William Fitz Alan Earl of Arundell Ame D. of Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland by which Match this Honourable Family also descends from the Welsh Line as in that Pedegree shall appear Henry Lord Maltravers sans Issue Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Mary D. and Co-h. of Henry Fitz Alan Earl of Arundell Philip Howard eldest Son of D. Thomas did assume the Name and Title of Earl of Arundell Anne D. of Thomas Lord Dacres of Gilestand and Sister and H. of George Lord Dacres Thomas Howard Earl of Arundell Alathen D. and Co-h. and at last sole H. to Gilbert Talbot E. of Shrewsbury by which Match the Honourable Family descends from the Welsh Line as in its proper place shall appear Henry Earl of Arundell c. Eliz. D. to Elsme Stewart D. of Lennox by which Match this House again springs from the Welsh blood as the Princely Line of the Stewarts do shew Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Henry Howard second Son Heir apparent Anne Daughter to Edward Marquesse and Earl of Worcester c. by which Conjunction the Welsh Alliance is strengthned NORFOLK is the greatest County of England next to Yorkshire but far more populous then that as comprehending in the whole 660 Parish Churches of which 27 are Market Townes The soyl according to the variety of places is of different nature some fat rank and full of moisture in others very light and sandy yet so that one contributing to the other and the Sea giving help to both it is a very plentifull County for Corn Sheep and Fish It is observed by a great Antiquary of this Kingdome that in this County are 100 Families of ancient Gentry were never attainted of High Treason The Dukes and Earls of Norfolke have been as followeth year 1070 1070. 1 Ralph de Ware Earl of Norfolk 2 Hugh Bigot 3 Roger Bigot 4 Hugh Bigot 5 Roger Bigot 6 Roger Bigot 7 Thomas de Brotherton Son of K. Edw. 1. E. of Norfolk 8 Margaret Daughter of Thomas de Brotherton Duch. of Norfolk 9 Thomas Lord Mowbrey Son of Marg. D. of Norfolke Duke of Norfolk 10 John Mowbrey D. 11 John Mowbrey D. 12 John Mowbrey D. 13 Richard D. of York and Norfolk 14 John Lord Howard Descended from the Lady Marg. Daughter to Thomas Duke of Norfolk 15 Thomas Howard D. Lord Treasurer and Admirall 16 Thomas Howard D. L. Treas 17 Thomas Howard D. of Norfolk 18. Thomas Howard D. of Norfolk 1660. The Duke of Somerset THis Honourable Family hath been Seated formerly in Wales whose Habitation was Penhow in Monmouthshire where I find their Arms cut in stone and depicted in glasse in the Church Windows which Church was Dedicated to St. Maurus from which Name questionlesse that illustrious Family took the Name De S to Mauro and yet to this day there is a Piece of Ground called Park Seymour and to confirm this I judge it not amisse to shew you parcel of an ancient Record The Saturday after the Feast of St. Michael in the full Court of Strigull in the 55. year of Hen. the Son of K. John before William de Walste then Steward of Strigull who ought to have House Bote and Hey-bote in Wentwood The JVRY The Abbot of Tynterne the Prior of Strigull Lord Robertson of Pagan William Bloet William Denford of Creeke Richard de More Robert de St. Maure Bartholomew of More Knights Matthew Denbane Robert de More and John Morbell who say in their Faith that William Lord Bloet ought to have to his House at Langston House Bote by complaint or request Lord William de St. Maure to his House or Castle of Penhow by the same means c. Henry Gray Marquess Dorset and Duke of Suffolk Descended from Sir John Gray Kt. Lord Powis who married Jane Daughter and one of the Heirs of Edward Charleton Lord Powis Son of John of another John Charleton who married Hawis Daugh. and sole Heir of Howel ap Griffith lineally descended from the Princes of Powis Frances D. and Co-h. to Charles Brandon D. of Suffolk and Queen Mary D. to Hen. 7. who by Owen Tudor descended lineally from the Princes of Southwales and from Rees ap Tewdor King of Demetia who died 1090. and was buried at St. Davids Edward de S to Manro Earl of Hertford Joan D. to L. Hen. Piercy E. of Northumberland by which Match this Family is the 3. time descended from Wales Edward Seymour E. of Hertford and Duke of Somerset Katharine D. to Henry Grey and Frances D. and Co-h. to Charles Brandon D. of Suffolk and Mary Queen of France William Seymor Duke of Somerset who married Sister and Co-heir to Robert Earle of Essex Seymor Lord Beauchampe Daughter to the Lord Capell that Loyall and Heroick Spirit who lost his life on the Kings behalf SEYMOR now DUKE of SOMERSET 1660. Somersetshire is a Country of a fertile Soyl both for Corn and Pasture exceeding populous as comprehending in the whole 385 Parish-Churches whereof 33 are Market Towns and furnished also with commodious Havens for Trade and Traffick in the parts towards Wilts it is hilly and stony which places about Mendip especially afford rich veins of Lead the rest of the Country is very fertile abounding with rich Meadows and Pastures it hath formerly been known by the name of Somertonshire but now it is ordinarily called Somersetshire by which name it hath given the Honorary Title of Dukes and Earles of Somerset 1 William de Mohun E. 2 William Longespe E. of Salisbury and Somerset 3 Reynald de Mohun 4 John Beauford eldest Son of John of Gaunt by his 3. wife
Mar. Scel an 163. Bar. Tom. 2. Annal. an eod That King Lucius of Brittain was the Disciple of St. Timothy for which he citeth the Magdeburgians Stumphius and the Annals of Curre in Germany And Naeuclerus with others writeth clearly That one St. Timothy came into Brittain and Lucius King of Brittain and his Kingdome did receive the Faith of Christ from him Mr. Broughton affirmeth That this our glorious Countryman St. Timothy was Son unto the Lady Claudia and Brother to St. Novatus St. Pudentiana and Praxedes Great honour it was for the first Christian King of this Nation the first Christian King in the World to be instructed in the Faith by so Noble a renowned Apostle of his own Nation What were the Impediments in temporal respects which hindred King Lucius from publick profession of Christian Religion wherein he was thus instructed until or near the Papacy of St. Elutherius shall be shewed hereafter This St. Timothy was assisted by St. Marcellus a Britain also and preached here and the Annals of the Archbishops of Trevers say of this Man That Lucius King of Brittain now England was baptized by his preaching The Historie of Tungers speaketh more plainly That this St Marcellus did by his preaching convert Lucius Prince of Brittain with all his Nation to Christ And the same Catalogue of Trevers saith That King Lucius was made a Christian and Baptized by this our Renowned Countryman St. Marcellus When the estate of Ecclesiasticall affairs had taken in Brittain so happy proceeding and effect that both our King and many principall men were thus converted to the Faith of Christ from their former errors and superstitions and so great hope and forwardnesse there was to have that faith publickly professed which they privately embraced and acknowledged for the only Truth many worldly temptations and oppositions did presently arise to hinder these new and untrained Souldiers of Christ to make so bold and open profession of their holy Religion as many holy Martyrs at that time and they themselves not long after did and the glory of that required Divers humane fears and impediments now chancing and hindring of K. Lucius from open profession of Christian Religion in Brittain for as we may probably with many Antiquities affirme that the favourable edicts of divers Emperours and among them Antoninus sirnamed Pius yet Reigning had somewhat encouraged them in temporal respects actually to be baptized in that Religion which their internal understanding and judgement was by many invincible motives and arguments convinced before to be only true so now by like contrary worldly events and letts they were for some time more slow and dull to professe it openly They did perfectly understand that not withstanding the pretended and expected favour from the present Emperour either by his command or permission two holy Popes to omit many other places St. Telesphorus and St. Higinus procurers of their conversion cruelly were put to Death for that Religion even in Rome it self under the Emperours sight within the space of four years or little more by all accounts and because present and home dangers do most terrifie they did see and taste that the present Emperour Antoninus was at this time incensed against the Brittains and had already sent Lollius Vrbicus with forces hither and he had Fought some battles against the Brittains as both our own and the Roman Historians testifie And to maintain and foster these conceived and ingendred humane fears and impressions to live and continue longer then Antoninus was like to live now being old and long time Emperour when he came first to the Empire by the Adoption of Adrian he was commanded or directed by him that Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Act. St. Praxed per St. Pastor Vsuard Ado. Peter Catal. l. 5. c. 58. Baron Tom. 2. An. 164. whom from his Infancy he had trayned up in the Gentiles Superstitions should succeed him in the Empire when he was but eight years of Age he was put by Adrian into the Colledge of the Salii most superstitious Priest of Mars and was made Priest and chief Ruler of the Southsayers So that there could be little hope but this man so superstitiously brought up and such a maker and unmaker of their sacrifices and an enchanter would still continue the same and professe himself an enemy to all Impugners of such proceedings such as all Christians were which he performed when he came to be Emperor raising a general persecution against Christians which to omit but as it concerned this Kingdome and the Christians thereof the holy house of our glorious Countreywoman St. Praxedes in Rome which until then both in the time of St. Novatus her brother her holy parents St. Pudens and St. Claudia Baron Tom. 2. an 166. Sabinella or Priscilla and likely before as under her parents also Christian Brittains had been a safe refuge and as a sanctuary for persecuted Christians was now cruelly ransacked and tweny two holy Martyrs together with the sacred Priest St. Simitrius most barbarously without tryal question judgement presently put to death of which blessed company we may not but think divers of this Country to have been and St. Timothy himself returning from hence to Rome Julius Capil Marc. Aurel. was there Martyred if we may believe Matthew of Westminster his computation Ibid. Virgil. in Hist Angl. l 2. p. 42. These and such were the worldly temptations which allured King Lucius and many Noble Brittains to be more timerous and lingering to professe the Christian faith with such constancy openly as inwardly they firmly believed and honoured until the Emperour himself convicted by the written Apologies and Miracles wrought by Christians was enforced to yield the honour to Christ and abstain from persecution and many of his noble Pagans embraced the Christian Religion Tertul. Apol. c. 6. Euseb Eccle. Hist l. 5. c. 5. Math. West an 174. and this I take to be the chiefest occasion of mistaking in some Historian or their Scribes setting down so many and several times when King Lucius received the Faith of Christ or professed it many saying it was in the year of Christ 156. others in the year 164. others 165. as William of Malmesbury with others Henry of Hartford in the year 169. and others in other and later times All which be true if we speak of the Religion of Christ which he held and believed from the very first of these assigned times but for his and his Nobles publick profession thereof and the Kingdome generally receiving it with building of Churches placing of Christian Bishops and Priests in them abandoning the superstitious rites of pagan Gentils we must expect a later date in the time of Pope Elutherius And this holy Pope had long before he was Pope the often occasion of K. Lucius others here writing sending to Rome about this publick work might occasion some error in the Titles of Letters to Elutherius when he was not yet Pope but
his See from Caerlegion to Menevia which ever since of him is called St. Davids a place neither pleasant fertile or safe for as Girald Cam. reporteth of it it is neither furnished with Wood watered with Rivers beautified with Meadows nor inriched with any kind of fruitful soil affording plentifully nothing but Rocks and barren Hills vehement Windes and Tempests and lastly dangers and injuries whereunto solitary places near unto the Sea are subject by Pirates and otherwise It seemeth he misliked the frequency of people at Caerlegion as a means to withdraw him from contemplation whereunto that he might be the more free he made choice of this place for his See rather than for any fitness otherwise St. David liv'd 146 years built 12 Monasteries He sate long viz. 65. years and died at the last Anno 642. having first built 12. Monasteries in the Countrey thereabout being now 146 year of age as Bale out of the Brittish Histories reporteth he was buried in his own Cathedral Church and many hundred years after Canonized a Saint by Pope Calixtus the second many things are reported of him which I leave unspoken of referring those that are desirous of further satisfaction to Mr. Porter who writeth his life at large and Laurentius Surius although I doubt not but God afforded many Miracles in the infancy of his Church yea and daily yet doth neither therefore would I be so peremptory in derogating too much from such reports as we see no reason why they may not be true Of him they say that his Birth was foretold 30 years before hand That he was alwayes attended by an Angel that kept him company That he bestowed upon the waters at Bath that extraordinary heat they have and to report no more That upon a time preaching to a great multitude of people at Brevy the plain ground grew up so high in their sight and encreased under feet to a pretty hillock After St. David sate successively these as Giraldus setteth them down 2 Cenauc 3 Eliud or Teilau 4 Ceven 5 Morwal 6 Haerunen or Haernurier 7 Edward 8 Gurnuen 9 Leudiuord 10 Gorwyst 11 Gorgan 12 Cledauc 13 Anian 14 Elvoed 15 Ethelmen 16 Elanc 17 Malsced 18 Sadermen 19 Catellus 20 Sulhiathnay 21 Noais 22 Etwoll 23 Asser 24 Arthuael A certain antiquity belonging to the Church of St. David reporteth a Catalogue somewhat differing from this of Giraldus to wit this that followeth 1. St. David 2 Eliud 3 Kenea 4 Mornael 5 Haenurier 6 Elnaeth 7 Gurnel 8 Leudywyth 9 Gorwist 10 Gorgan 11 Cledaucke 12 Eynaen 13 Eludgeth 14 Eldunen 15 Elnaeth 16 Maelsdhwyth 17 Madenew 18 Catulus 19 Sylnay 20 Namys 21 Sathveney 22 Doythwall 23 Asser 24 Alhuael 25 Sampson Of these forenamed Bishops until Sampson there remaineth no memorial but their names only 7 Suffragans under St. Davids In this time the See of St. David had 7 Bishops Suffragans subject unto it as the afore Antiquity declareth viz. Exceter Bathe Hereford Landaff Banger St. Asaph and Fernes in Ireland while he was Bishop it happened the people of all that Countrey were wonderfully vexed with the Jaundice so that great numbers of them died daily of that disease By the importtnity of his Clergy and Disciples he was induced to fly the Countrey and sailed into Brittain where the Bishoprick of Dola being void he was straight way elected unto the same He brought thither with him the Archiepiscopal Pall of St. David and used it during his life as did also his Successors for many years until they were compelled by the Pope at the sute of the Archbishop of Turon to leave it and make profession of obedience unto him as in former times By this occasion it fell out that the Successors of Sampson in St. Davids what for want of their Pall or for poverty or negligence or some other occasion lost their title of Archbishop and to this day never recovered the same Howbeit they used all Authority belonging to an Archbishop by consecrating of other Bishops c. neither ever did they make profession of subjection unto Canterbury until the time of K. Hen. I. of England whereof formerly and more hereafter After Sampson succeeded these 26 Rucline 27 Rodherch 28 Elguni 29 Lunuerd or Lywarch 30 Nergu or Vergu 31 Sulhidir or Sulhidu 32 Eneuris 33 Morgeneu This man saith Giraldus of all the Bishops of St. Davids presumed first to eat flesh which none of them had ever done before for punishment of which hainous offence he supposeth it fell out that afterwards he was murdered by Pirates reporting withal how that after his death he appeared to a Bishop in Ireland using these words Quia carnes comedi caro factus sum For eating of flesh I am become nothing but flesh 34 Nathan 35 Jevan he continued Bishop but onely one night 36 Argustel 37 Morgenueth 38 Ervyn or Hernnu a godly and learned man died anno 1038. 39 Tramerin or Carmerin 40 Joseph 41 Bleithud he died the year 1070. 42 Sulghein he forsook his Bishoprick the year 1070. 43 Abraham the year 1078. or thereabouts St. Davids was spoiled and destroyed by strangers and Abraham the Bishop what through grief or sickness died whereupon Sulghein was constrained to re-assume his Bishoprick which notwithstanding he resigned again about the year 1085 and 1088 died being 80 years of age the godliest and wisest man and the greatest Clerk in all Wales so saith the Chronicle of him 44 After him a son of his called Rythmarch succeded as the Chronicle delivereth and died about the year 1100. 45 Wylfrid he died 1115 this is he whom the Chronicle stileth Griffri 46 Bernard a Norman of whom before 47 David Fitz Girald Archdeacon of Cardigan succeeded he died the year 1176. 48 Peter or Peirs a Benedictine Monk Prior of Wenloch was consecrated the same year this Cathedral Church dedicated to St. Andrew and St. David had been oftentimes formerly destroyed by Danes other Pirates and in his time was almost quite ruinated he bestowed much in re-edifying the same and may in some sort be said to have built the church which now standeth 48. Geffry Prior of Lanthony a Religious house in Monmothshire very ancient of which I will take occasion in the end of this work to speak when I shall God willing give an account by way of supplement of all the Monasteries throughout VVales a Regular Canon was prefered to this See by the means of Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury 49. Silvester Giraldus was born in Pembrockshire neer Tinby of very noble parentage being neer of kin to the Princes of Wales a very comely and personable man of body and for his mind witty discreet studious vertuous and well given In his youth he travelled over most part of Christendom At Paris he read publickly in the English Colledge with great commendation returning home he grew in great esteem with K. Henry the II. and became Secretary unto his son John with whom he went into Ireland and
noblemen of his time died and was buryed at Mynot Mynot he had by his wife Angharat the daughter of Owen Gwyneth Prince of Northwales a son called Madoc who succeeded his father in that part of Powis called Powis Vadoc And prince Rees wone the Castle of Dinevowr and Owen his son died a Stratta florida or Stratflar and shortly after Maelgon his other son escaped out of prison where his Father had kept him long time Lhanhayaden castle won But the Lord Rees got the Castle of Lhanhayaden and the Country about At which time Gruffith ap Cadogan died In this year Roderike the son of Owen Gwyneth by the help of Gothrick King of Man entred the Isle of Môn and reduced it under his subjection bâ—â— before the End of the Year the sons of his brother Conan chased him out of the Isle and got it to themselves And at this time Maelgon laid sieg to the Castle of Strat-Meiric and wan it Stratmeiâ—c castle takeâ— Also Howell surnamed Saer that is to say the Saxon or English because he had served in England son to the said Prince Rees got the Castle of Gwys by surprise and took Philip de Gwys his wife and his two sons Prisoners therein Gwys castle surprised but because he had more Castles then he could well defend he determined to dismantle the Castle of Lhanhayaden whereof the Flemmings having notice gathered all their power and came thither the day appointed to raise the Castle and fiercely assaulted the men of Howel and Maelgon and put many of them to the sword the rest escaping by flight neverthelesse shortly after they gathered new forces and came thither again and demolished the Castle without any impeachment Lhanhayaden castle destroyed Upon this Anarawd another son of Prince Rees moved with filthy ambition and covetousness of lands took his two brethren Howel and Madoc prisoners under pretext of friendship and put out both their eyes year 1194 In the year 1194 Maelgon the son of Prince Rees gave his brother Anarâwd the Castle of Stratmeiric for his prisoners whom he set at liberty then Rees himself did re-edifie the Castle of Rayader Gwy and his own sons laid wait for him and took their father prisoner fearing least he would revenge their cruel and unnatural deeds The sons imprison the father but by means of Howel who was blind he escaped out of prison and took the Castle of Dynevowr which Maelgon kept and destroyed it also the sons of Cadwalhon wan the castle of Rayader Gwy and fortified it for themselves At this time Lhewelin the son of Jorwerth Drwyndwn who was the eldest son of Owen Gwineth prince of Northwales remembring his right and title to his inheritance in Northwales although his father had been dis-inherited by his brother David called together his friends by his mother which was Marred daughter of Madoc ap Meredyth P. of Powis also drew to his side his cosens the sons of Conan ap Owen Gwineth then challenged the rule of Northwales and entered the country to whom the people willingly yielded and took him for their Lord and so without bloodshed he received all Northwales into his protection and tuition except three castles which his Uncle David kept by force of Englishmen in whom was all his trust having married Emma daughter of Jeffrie Plantagenet Earle of Ancow and Cevoman or Maine and Maud the Empresse and sister to King Henrie the second and thus David lost his land and Lewelin got his birthright 1194. Quarterly G. and Or 4. Lions passâ—guar counterchang Lhewelin or Leoline magnus After that Lhewelin or Leoline the great as Mr. Mills call him the son of Jorwerth Mr. Mill f. 306 had gotten the principality of Northwales Roger Mortimer came against him with great forces to Melyenith and built the castle of Cimaron and so brought that country under his command Cimaron castle built and chased away the two sons of Cadwalhon ap Madoc Lords of that place About the same time Rees and Meredith the sons of Prince Rees being two valiant Gentlemen gathered together a company of Madcaps or Hectors as we now call such hair-baind fellows and came to Dinevowr and got the Castle from their Fathers Garrison and after that exployt they went to Cantred Bachan where the whole Country received them gently and delivered the castle to their hands which much displeased their father who laid privy wait for them and by treason of their own men who were afraid any further to incense their Lord and Prince they were taken and brought to their father who presently secured them Caermarthyn destroyed The year ensuing Prince Rees listed a gallant army and laid seige to the town and castle of Caermarthyn and in short time wan them both spoyling and destroying the same and then returned with great plunder Clun Castle fired by P. Rees After which conquest he conducted the same forces to the Marshes before the Castle of Clun which after a long siege and many a fierc assault he got and burned it and from thence he marched to the Castle of Radnor and likewise wan it to the defence wherof caâ—â— Roger Mortimer and Hugh de Says with a strong army of Normans and English but Reâ—â— who had won the Castle determined not immure his men within the walls but boldly like a worthy Prince came into the plain besides before the town and gave them battail where his men although for the most part unarmed and not accustomed to field discipline declared that they descended of Brittish blood A brave resolution of the Welsh and a famous victory against the English whose title the Noble Roman Emperours did so much desire as a token of manhood and worthinesse chosing rather to dye with honour in the defence of their Country then to live with shame and did so worthily behave themselves that their enemies forsook the field with great losse of their men whom Rees pursued till the benefit of the night shadowed them with her darknesse and forthwith he laid siege to the Castle of Paine in Elvel and got it Thither came William de Bruse the owner thereof Payne Castle taken The Archb. of Cant. led an army against the Welsh Matth. Park pag. 138. and made peace with Rees from whom he received the same Castle again Not long after the Archbishop of Canterbury whom Richard who was then King of England had substituted his Lieutenant in England came with a huge power towards VVales and laid siege to the Castle of Gwenwinwin at the pool but the garrison defended the hold so manfully that he lost many of his men but could do no good for the Welshmen made him know that it was better and more secure to be in a pulpit then a pavilion and that the miter and helmet fitted not the same head yet the Martial Prelate would not so be bafled but sent for Miners and set them on work to
undermine the walls which when the garrison discovered and knowing that their enemies were three to one they were content to yield up the Castle upon condition that they might depart with their armes freely whichafter the Archbishop took suffering them to pass quietly fortifying the Castle strongly to the Kings use and placing therein a garrison for defence thereof departed into England But immediately VVenwinwin or Gwenwinwin begirt it again and in short space reduced it upon the same conditions that his men had surrendred it and kept the same to his own use P. Rees dieth Hol. p. 534. The next year after the fourth of May Rees the son of Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodore P. of Southwales died the only hope and stay of all that part of VVales as he that brought them out of the thraldom and bondage of strangers and set them at liberty and had defended them divers times in the field manfully Mr. Powel Fol. 249. daunting the pride and courage of their cruel enemies whom he did either chase out of the land or compelled by force to live quietly at home The Encomiums of prince Rees woe to that cruel destiny that spoyled the miserable land of her defence and shield who as he descended of noble and princely blood so he passed all other in commendable qualities and laudable vertues of the mind He was the overthower of the mighty the setter up of the weak the overturner of the holds the separater of troopes the scatterer of his foes among whom he appeared as a wild bore among the whelps or a Lyon that for anger beateth his tail to the ground See more of him in Polychronicon and Grafton The Kings of England descend from this P. Rees This Prince had many sons and daughters as Gruffith who succeeded his father Cadwalhon Maelgon Meredyth Rees and of his daughters one called Gwenlhian was marryed co Ednivet Vachan who was ancestor of Owen Theodore or Tudor that married Queen Katharine the widow of K. Henry the fifth and the rest were marryed to other Lords in the country After the death of Rees Gruffith his son subdueth all the country to himself and enjoyed it in peace untill Maelgon his brother whome his father had dis-inherited made league with Gwinwynwyn the son of Owen Civelioc Lord of Powis who both together levied forces and came suddainly upon Gruffith and slaying many of his people took him prisoner and so recovered all the Country of Caerdigan with the Castle Thus Maelgon having taken his brother sent him to be imprisoned with Gwinwynwyn who in despite delivered him to the English Then Gwenwynwyn gathered his power and entred Arustlie and subdued the same to himself About this time there was a great war in Northwales for the late Prince David ap Owen came with a great army as well English as Welsh purposing to recover the land again but Lhewelin his Nephew who was the lawful heir and then in possession thereof came boldly and met him Powis Wenwynwyn why so called add gave him battail and putting his people to flight took him prisoner and secured him by which means he injoyed his country in quiet tranquillity Towards the end of this year Owen Cyvelioc prince of higher Powis died and left his territories to Gwenwinwin his son after whom that part of Powis was called Powis Gwenwinwin for a difference from the other called Powis Vadoc which was in the possession of the Lords of Bromfield At this time also dyed Owen the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield and Brichtyr the son of Howel ap Jevaf likewise Maelgon the son of Cadwalhon ap Madoc Lord of Melienyth Not long after Traherne Vachan a man of great power in the Country of Brecknock as he came to Lancors to speak with William Bruse Lord thereof was suddainly taken A cruel murther and by the Lords command tyed to a horse tail and drawn through the town of Aberhodny or Brecknock to the gallows and there beheaded and his body hanged up by the feet three dayes This cruelty shewed upon no just cause caused his brother wife and Children to avoid the Country The year ensuing Maelgon the son of Prince Rees after he had imprisoned his elder brother got his Castles of Aberteini and Stratmeiric also the youngest son of P. Rees wan the Castle of Dinevowr from the Normans The Summer following Gwenwinwin intending to extend the limits of VVales to the old Meers gathered a great army and laid siege first to the Castle of Paine in Eluel which was of the possessions of VVilliam de Bruse making a Proclamation that as soon as he had won the Castle he would burn all the whole Country to Severne without mercy in revenge of the murder of Traherne Vachan his Cosen but because he had not Engins and Miners he lay three weeks at the Castle whilst the murderer sent to England for aid whereupon Jeffrie Fitz Peter Lord Chief Justice of England raised forces and joyning with him all the Lords Marchers came to raise the seige And because Fortunes in battails are various and uncertain he sent first Gwenwinwin to have a treaty of peace concluded but he and his adherents would by no means condescend thereunto but answered that they would that journey revenge their old wrongs The Welsh still made instruments to one anothers ruine Whereupon the English Lords did first enlarge Gruffith the son of Prince Rees of Southwales whom they knew to be an enemy to Gwenwynwyn which Gruffith gathered a great power and joyned with the English Lords and so they came towards the Castle against whom Gwenwinwin advanced very stoutly and there began a cruel fight with much slaughter on either side but at the last the English carryed the victory and Gwenwynwyn lost most of his men among whom were Anarawd son of Eneon Owen ap Cadwalhon Richard ap Jestin and Robert ap Howel also Meredith ap Conan was then taken prisoner with divers others Matthew Paris saith that this battail was fought before Mauds Castle and that of the Welshmen were then slain 3700. 3700 Welshmen slain A. Lhoyd Mat. Paris pag 259. and after this victory the English Lords returned with great honour And forthwith Gruffith son to P. Rees recovered by force and favour of the people all his land except the two Castles Aberteini and Stratmeiric which his brother Maelgon by the aid of Gwenwinwin had wrongfully taken from him This his brother Maelgon fearing his displeasure took a solemn Oath before both noble and religious men which endeavoured to make peace betwixt them that if his brother Gruffith would give him pledges for assurance of his own person he would deliver him by a Day the Castle of Aberteini whereupon Gruffith did so Perjury never prospers but as soon as Maelgon got the pledges he fortified the Castle and manned it to his own use and sent the pledges to Gwenwinvvin who hated Gruffith to death there to be kept in
intending to deceive them who went about to do the like by him when the Enemies therefore came to the place where the Ambuscado was Haâ—m watch haâ—m catch the Earl Marshals army gave a great shout and so set upon their Enemies being unprovided and suddainly put them all to flight putting to the sword an infinite number of them as well Poictavians as others John of Monmoth himself escaped by flight whose Country with the villages buildings and all that he had therein the Earl Marshall did spoil and plunder leaving nothing but what fire and sword could not destroy and so full fraught with spoil returned home Salop taken by P. Lhewelyn Afterward in the week of Epiphanie Lhewelyn P. of VVales together with the Earl Marshall joyning their forces and entering the Kings land destroyed all with fire and sword from the confines of Wales unto the town of Salop which they also took and burnt a great part thereof enriching themselves with the plunder of the Country The King of England being all this while with the Bishop of Winchester â—t Glocester The K. careless of his honour little regarding war who for want of sufficient strength durst not meet his enemies in the field but being ashamed of the matter departed towards Winchester leaving the marches to be destroyed by the Enemies as any man might imagine The same year Richard Marshall Earl of Pembrock by councel of Geffrey de Marisco went with an army to Ireland where he was slain in fight by treason of his own Men after whom his brother Gilbert succeeded in the Inheritance Mr. Brook reporteth the story thus that whilst he with Lhewelyn was thus busied against the King word was brought him that Morice Fitz Girald and other Irish had sacked his Countries and Lands in Ireland Mr. Brook Alias Yorke fol. 270. upon the hearing whereof he hasted thither with fifteen Knights to encounter with his Enemies and joyned battail with them upon Saturday the first of April 1234. and fought eleven hours untill his horse was slain under him And then he falling to the ground one of the Irish perceiving his back part ill-armed lifted up his Habergeon and thrust a knife into his back up to the halft giving him his deadly wound and then brought him to a Castle of his own named Kilkenny which the said Morice had taken a little before from him where he died fifteen dayes after without issue What K. Hen. cannot do by the sword he thinks to do by the word In that year the King sent the Archbishop of Canterbury with the Bishops of Rochester and Chester to intreat with Lhewelyn to make peace with the King but they returned without doing any good Mathew Paris saith that the King going at this time to meet Edmond Archbishop of Canterbury and other Bishops which he had sent to conclude a peace with Lhewelyn Prince of Wales came to VVoodstock where being certifi'd of the death of the E. Marshall by certain messengers which came from Ireland he fell into great weeping and sorrow for the death of so valiant a Knight affirming withall that he had not left his Peer behind him in the Realm From thence he went to Glocester where the said Archbishop and Bishops coming unto him declared the treatice and form of peace taken between him and the said Lhewelyn The Welsh constant to their confederates in concluding of peace yet nevertheless upon this condition that the Noblemen of England which were confederates with the said Lhewelyn and by evill councel were exiled should first be reconciled to the King whereby the said peace might be more firm and stable Moreover the Archbishop said that with much ado they had brought the matter to that pass adding sometimes threatnings on the Kings behalfe with his Clergy To the which threatnings the said Lhewelyn is reported to have answered that he more regarded the Kings almes-deeds and his holy behaviour then he did fear the war of all his Clergy Then the King who wished peace with all his heart caused by his letters all the Nobles that were outlawes to be called again unto him to Glocester and Sunday before Ascension day next following to have their pardons and to receive their Inheritance Osculum paâ—â—â— which the King had seised into his own hands then Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent came to the King and obtained his favour whom the King reverently embraced and kissed Prince Lhewelyn also this year set Gruffith his Son at liberty whom he had kept in prison six years for his disobedience and this year Cadwalhon ap Maelgon dyed and the next year Owen the Son of Gruffith ap Rees being a Noble Gentleman and very well beloved was buried by his brother Rees at Stratflur The year after Madoc the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of the lower Powis or Bromfield Chirk and Pale a Man very just and mercifull dyed and was buried very honourably at the Abbey Lhan Egwest or Vale Crucis which he had built and left behind him a son named Gruffith to inherit his Lands also Owen ap Meredyth ap Rotpert ap Cydewen departed out of this World Marchan Castle The same year Gilbert Earl of Pembrock by treason got the Castle of Morgan ap Howel called Marchan and fortified it very strong for fear of the Prince The next spring Joan the daughter of King John Princess of VVales was buried upon the Sea-shore within the Isle of Anglesey at Lhanvaes as her pleasure was Lhewelyn builds a Fryery at Lhanvaes over his Wives Sepulchre where the Prince did build a house of barefooted Fryers over her grave In the year 1237. Lhewelyn Prince of VVales called all the Lords and Barons of VVales if any such title as Baron was amongst them it being altogether Norman as I conceive before him to Stratflur and there every one of them swore to be faithfull subjects and did homage to David P. Lhewelyns son An Act of a discreet Prince At this time Lhewelyn being impotent by reason of a palsey which had taken him and sore urged and disquieted by his son Gruffith sent Embassadours to the King to signifie unto him that forasmuch as his years were now well near spent The Prince of Wales whom power could not compel voluntarily submits himself he was desirous to lead the rest of his dayes in peace and quietness and therefore purposed now to submit himself to the government and protection of the King of England and that he would hold his lands of him promising withal that whensoever the King should stand in need of his aid he would be ready to help him with men and money to the utmost of his power There were sent as Mediators in this behalf the Bishops of Hereford and Chester who travelled about the same with the good liking of many of the Nobles of Wales although some openly opposed it and in no case would except of any such peace Then the said David
themselves together they so moved David the Lord of Denbigh to be at unity with prince Lhewelin and to take pitty upon their affliction and misery that he being agreed with his brother became their Captain year 1281 This reconciliation consisted chiefly in this that David should never after serve the King of England as he had done before but become his utter enemy who laid siege to the castle of Hawarden and took Roger Clifford a noble Knight slaying all that resisted The Welsh impatient of servitude and after spoyling all the country he with his brother the prince laid siege to the Castle of Ruthlan the King hearing of this hasted thither with a great army to raise the siege whereupon the prince retreated with his army Seek to recover their liberty Aberystwyth castle built by the King taken Godwin in Canterbury fol. 77. Also the same time Rees the son of Maelgon and Gruffith ap Meredith ap Owen which other noble men of Southwales tooâ— the castle of Aberystwyth and divers other castles in the Country spoyling and plundering all the Kings people that inhabited thereabouts Therefore the King sent the Archbishop of Canterbury to confer with the prince and his brethren but he returned without doing any good so that he denounced an excommunication this Archbishops name was Jehn Beckham who as B. Godwin saith took great pains in labouring a peace between K. Edw. l. and prince Lhewelin of Wales unto whom he went in person and travailed long with him but all in vain Articles sent from the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury to be intimated to Lhewelin Prince of Wales and to the People of the same Country 1 Because we came to those parts for the spiritual and temporal health of them whom we have ever loved well as divers of them have known 2. That we came contrary to the will of the Lord our King whom our said coming as is said doth much offend 3 That we desire beseech them for the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ that they would come to an unity with the English people and to the peace of our Lord the King which we intend to procure them as well as we can 4. We will them to understand that we cannot long tarry in those quarters 5. We would that they considered that after our parting out of the Country they shall not perhaps find any that will so tender the preferring of their cause as we would do if it pleased God with our mortal life we might procure them an honest stable and firm peace 6. That if they do contemn our petition and labour we do intend forthwith to signifie their stubbournesse to the high Bishop and the Court of Rome for the enormity that many wayes happeneth by occasion of this discord this day 7. Let them know that unlesse they do quickly agree to a peace that war shall be aggravated against them which they shall not be able to sustain for the Kings power encreaseth daily 8. Let them understand that the realm of England is under the special protection of the See Apostolick and the See of Rome loveth it better then any other kingdom 9. That the said See of Rome will not in any wise see the state of the Realm of England quaile being under a special protection 10. That we much lament to hear that the Welshmen be more cruel then Saracens for the Saracens when they take christians they keep them to be redeemed for money but they say that the Welshmen by and by do kill all they take and are only delighted with blood and some time cause to be killed them whose ransom they have received 11. That whereas they were ever wont to be esteemed and to reverence God and Ecclesiastical persons they seem much to revolt from that devotion moving sedition and war and committing slaughter and burning in the holy time which is a great injury to God wherein no man can excuse them 12. We desire That as true Christians they would repent for they cannot long continue their begun discord if they had sworn it 13. We will That they signifie unto us how they will or can amend the trouble of the Kings peace and the hurt of the Common-wealth 14. That they signifie unto us How peace and concord may be established for in vain were it to form peace to be daily violated 15. If they say That their Laws or Covenants be not observed that they do signifie unto us what those be 16. That granting it That they were injured as they say which we in no wayes do know they which were Judges in the cause might so have signified to the Kings Majesty 17. That unless they will now come to peace they shall be resisted by decree and censure of the Church The Answer of Prince Lhewelyn to the above-written Articles To the most Reverend Father in Christ the Lord John by Gods grace Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England his humble and devote son Lhewelyn Prince of Wales and Lord of Snowdon sendeth Greeting With all Reverend Submission and Honour we yield our most humble and hearty thanks unto your Fatherhood for the great and grievous pains which at this present for the love of us and our Nation you have sustained and so much the more we are beholden unto you for that besides the Kings pleasure you would venture to come to us In that you request us to come to the Kings peace we would have your Holiness to know That we are most ready and willing to the same so that our Lord the King will duely and truely observe and keep towards us and ours Moreover although we would be glad of your continuance in Wales yet we hope there shall not be any delay in us but that peace which of all things we most desire and wish for may be forthwith established and rather by your travel and procurement than by any other mens so that it shall not be needful to complain unto the Pope of our wilfulness neither do we despise your Fatherhoods requests and painful travel but with all hearty reverence according to our duty do accept the the same neither yet shall it be needful for the Lord the King to use any force against us seeing we are ready to obey him in all things our Rights and Laws as aforesaid reserved And although the Kingdom of England be under the special protection of the See of Rome and with special love regarded by the same yet when the Lord the Pope with the Court of Rome shall understand of the great dammages which are done unto us by the Englishmen to wit The Articles of the peace concluded and sworn unto violated and broken the robbing and burning of Churches the murthering of Ecclesiastical persons as well religious as secular the slaughter of women great with child the children sucking at their mothers breasts the destroying of Hospitals and Houses of Religion killing the men and women professed in the Holy Places and even before
for the said Oxe 3 s. 4 d. 6. Item Two servants of one named YBongan were spoiled of 2 l. for that they took a Thief that robbed them by night and yet the Thief was delivered 7. Item Eneon ap Ithel was taken beaten and spoiled of two Oxen price 24 s. and 2 d. for this cause onely That the said Oxen went from one street to another in the Town 8. Item Guyan Maystran was spoiled of his money because a certain Merchant of Ardudwy owed them certain things and yet the said Merchant was not of their Baliwicke The Griefs of Grono ap Heilyn 1. A Tenant of Grono ap Heilyn was called to the Kings Court without any cause Then Grono came at the day appointed to defend his Tenant and demanded justice for him or the Law which the men of his Countrey did use All this being denied the said Tenant was condemned in 27 l. 1 d. ob which caused the said Grono to go to London for justice which was promised him but he could never have any where he spent in his journy 15 marks 2. A certain Gentleman was slain who had fostered the son of Grono ap Heilyn and he that killed him was taken and brought to Ruthlan Castle then the said Grono and the kindred of him that was slain asked justice but some of them were imprisoned and the Killer discharged Then Grono went again to London for justice which the King did promise him but he never had any but spent 20 Marks 3. The third time Grono was fain to go to London for justice in the premises where he spent 18 Marks 6 s. 6 d. And then likewise the King promised him that he should have justice but when he certainly believed to have justice Reginald Grey came into the Countrey and said openly that he had all doings in that Countrey by the Kings Charters and took away all the Baliwikes which the King had given to the said Grono and sold them at his pleasure Then the said Grono asked justice of the said Reginald but he could not be heard 4. The said Grono took to Farm for 4 years of Godfrey Marliney Maynan and Lhyffayn then Robert Cruquer came with his Horses and Armes to get the said land by force and for that Grono would not suffer him to have the said lands before his years were out he was called to the Law and then the said Reginald Grey came with 24 Horses to take the said Grono And for that that day they could not have their purpose they called Grono the next day to Ruthlan and then Grono had councel not to go to Ruthlan Then they called him again to answer at Caerwys but the said Grono durst not go thither but by the conduct of the Bishop of St. Asaph for that Reginald Grey was there and his men in Harness 5. For these griefs for the which he could get no justice but labour and expences of 54 Marks and more and for that he durst not in his own person go to the Court he sent Letters one to the King another to his brother Lhewelyn to signifie to the King that he should lose all the favour of the Countrey if he kept no promise with them and so it came to pass because the men of Ros and Englefield could get no justice the King neglecting the correction of these things lost the whole Countrey Humbly sheweth to your Holiness Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of England the Noblemen of Tegengl That when the said Noblemen did their Homage to the Lord Edward King of England the said King promised them to defend them and their Goods and that they should use all kind of Right Priviledge and Jurisdiction which they did use in the time of King Henry by the Grant of the said King whereof they were after spoiled First they were spoiled of their Right and Priviledges and Customs of the Countrey and were compelled to be judged by the Lawes of England whereas the Tenure of that their priviledge was to be judged according to the Laws of Wales at Tref Edwyn at Ruthlan and at Caerwys and the best men of the Countrey were taken because they desired to be judged at Tref Edwyn according to the Tenure of their priviledges by the Laws of Wales 2. Whatsoever one Justice doth his successor doth reverse the same for in Davids case Reginald Grey revoked that which his predecessor confirmed and allowed 3. If he do take any Gentleman of that Countrey he will not let him go upon security which he ought to do 4. If any Gentleman be brought to the Castle of Flint upon a small accusation and his cattel withal they can neither be delivered or have delay until they give the Constable an Oxe and until they pay 3 l. fees to Cynwrick for having of the delay 5. Reginald Grey gave the lands of the men of Merton to the Abbot and Covent of Basingwerk against the Laws of Wales and Custom of the Countrey and contrary to the Form of peace betwixt Lhewelyn and the King that is to say 16 Caratatas terrae 6. The Noble and Best of the Countrey be injured for that the King builded the Castle of Flint upon their ground and the King commanded the Justices to give the men as much good ground or the price but they are spoiled of their lands and have neither other lands nor their money 7. Reginald Grey will not suffer men to cut their own Wood until he have both money and reward and until they pay for it also but permitteth others to cut it down freely which they ought not to do by the Laws and Customs of Wales 8. When the men of Cyrchynan Covenant with the King to give the King half a Meadow upon condition the King should not suffer the Woods to be cut down Howel ap Gruffith being present yet Reginald Grey hath broken the same permitting every man to cut their Woods and spoil them also of their Meadow 9. The same Cynwric ap Grono was taken at Ruthlan and put in prison without any cause at all neither would the Kings Officers deliver him unless he would redeem the gage of a certain woman for the which he was constrained to pay much more than the pawn lay for 10. When the Bailiff of Ruthlan was at a Feast Hicken Lemaile wounded a Gentleman cruelly in the presence of the said Bailiff by occasion of which wound Hicken was condemned in 8 l. and when he which was hurt would have demanded the 8 l. he was put in prison by Hicken 11. The messengers of Reginald Grey attempted an absurdity not heard of and requiring the people of the Countrey to plough his ground and sowe the same and the messengers were Cynwric Says and Hicken Lemayl and the said Cynwric swore openly before the whole company that unless all men should plough Reginald Greys ground they should shortly repent it then the people feared much as in that case any constant man would fear 12. The heirs of
Tegengl bought their Offices for 30 Marks of the King but afterward Reginald Grey spoiled them of their Offices and money contrary to the Laws and Customs of England 13. Seven Gentlemen were wrongfully killed by the Englishmen but as yet the Parents of the Gentlemen can have no amends and though the offenders were taken yet the said Constable let them go without punishment 14. The Constable of Ruthlan kept two of the Kings souldiers in prison for that they took an Englishman who had wounded a man All these things contained in these Articles are contrary to the priviledge liberty and right of the said men and contrary to the Laws and Customs of Wales neither dare the Inhabitants send their Complaints to the King for fear of Reginald Grey which fear any constant man might have because the said Reginald said openly that if he could come by any such their messengers he would cut off their heads as it is certainly told us by one of his Councel further neither tongue can tell nor pen write how cruelly the men of Tegengl have been ordered Humbly complaineth to your Lordship my Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England Lhewelyn ap Gruffith ap Madoc of the Constable of Oswalds Cross the King and of the men of that Town who have spoiled the said Lhewelyn of the third part of a Town called Lhedrot and his fathers house without any Law or Right or Custom of the Countrey Further the said Constable and his Complices have against the Laws and Customs of the Countrey spoiled the said Lhewelyn of his Common and Pasture which he and his predecessors have used time out of mind and further condemned the said Lhewelyn for the said Pasture in 70 Marks And further the King of England granted certain Letters to a Bastard called Gruffith Vachan of Cynlhaeth to law with the said Lhewelyn for his whole Lordship and possessions by the occasion of the which Letters the said Lhewelyn hath spent 200 l. of good money Also the said Constable compelled the said Lhewelyn to send two Gentlemen to him whom when they came to him he caused to be hanged which Gentlemen ought not by right to have been hanged whose parents had rather have given him 300l Afterward the said Constable imprisoned 60. of the Men of the said Lhewelyn no cause alledged but that a certain Page spake a word who could not be delivered out of prison untill every one of them paid 10 s. When the Men of the said Lhewelyn came to the said Town to sell their Oxen the said Constable would cause the beast to be driven to the Castle neither would he restore the beasts nor mony for them Further the said Constable and his men took away the Cattle of the said Lhewelyn from his own ground and did their will with them Further the Kings Justices compelled the said Lhewelyn contrary to the law and custome of Wales to deliver to the Sons of Eneon ap Gruffith a certain Town which both he and his Ancestors ever had held The said Constable took the horse of Lhewelyns Baliffe when the said Baliffe owed him nothing who could never get his horse again nor any satisfaction for it Furthermore when the said Lhewelyn should have gone to a Town called Caerlheon to appear there as he was appointed the Sons of Gruffith ap Gwenwynwyn and the Soldiers of Robert Strange by the Councel of the said Roger took the said Lhewelyn and his Men and imprisoned them to their great damage which the said Lhewelyn would not for 300 l. starling who could by no means be delivered untill they had found sufficient sureties The Archbishop receiving these and other Articles came to the King and requested him to consider these wrongs and to cause amends to be made or at the least excuse the Welshmen having so just cause of grief who answered that the Welshmen were to be excused yet he said he was ever ready to do Justice to all them that complained Whereupon the Archbishop besought the King again that the Welshmen might have free access to his Grace to declare their griefs and to seek remedy the King answered they should freely come and depart if it should seem that by Justice they deserved to depart The Archbishop hearing this went and came to the Prince of Wales in Snowdon that he might move him and his Brother David and the other company to submit themselves whereby he might incline the King to admit them to which after much talke and conference with the Archbishop the Prince answered that he was ready to submit to the King reserving two things that is to say his conscience which he ought to have for the rule and safe-guard of his people and also the decency of his State and calling which answer the Archbishop brought and reported to the King At the which the King said that he would not any other treaty of peace then that the Prince and his people should simply submit themselves But the Archbishop knowing well that the Welshmen would not submit themselves but in form aforesaid or in other form to them tolerable and of them liked requested the King that he might have conference in this matter with all the Noble Englishmen then present who after much conference agreed to all these Articles following The which Articles the Archbishop did send in writing to the Prince by John Wallensis These are to be said to the Prince before his Councel 1. First that the four Cantreds and the Lands by the King given to his Nobles and the Isle of Anglesey we will have no treaty of 2 Item Of the Tenants of the four Cantreds if they will submit themselves he purposeth to do as becometh a Kings Majesty and we verily believe he will deal with them mercifully and to that end we will labour and trust to obtain 3. As touching the Lord Lhewelyn we can have none other answer but that he shall submit himself simply to the King and we believe certainly he will deal mercifully with him and to that end we travail all we can and verily believe to be heard The following are to be said to the Prince in secret 1. First that the Nobility of England have conceived this form of a favourable peace That the Lord Lhewelyn should submit himself to the King and the King should honourably provide for him 1000l starling and some honourable County in England so that the said Lhewelyn would put the King in quiet possession of Snowdon Durum telum necessitas and the King will provide honourably for the daughter of Lhewelyn according to the State and condition of his own blood and to these they hope to perswade the King 2. Item if it happen that Lhewelyn marry a wife and so have by her any heir Male they trust to intreat the King that the same heir Male and his heirs for ever shall have the same 1000l and County 3. Item to the people subject to the said Lhewelyn the