being despoil'd by Sueno King of Danemark about the Year of our Lord 1013. 4. Shirburn 't is pleasantly seated on an hanging Hill and is the most remarkable and best frequented Town in all this Country it gaineth exceedingly by Clothing Anno Dom. 704. an Episcopal Seat was Erected in this place by Aldeme the First Bishop there Consecrated it was afterwards remov'd to Sarisburg Shirburn being kept in reserve for a retiring place 5. Winburn a fair Town seated on a piece of an Hill between Two Rivers 't is large in Compass replenished with Inhabitants but few fair Buildings except that its Church claims our observation upon the account of the Sepulchre of Ethelred King of the West Saxons who lieth there Interr'd however it retaineth even to this day divers tokens of the Majesty of the Romans Somersetshire Belgae COmitatus Somersettensis is bounded on the North with the Severn Sea on the West it confineth on Devonshire on the South it bordereth first upon Devonshire and then upon Dorsetshire on the East it hath Wiltshire and North-East a part of Glocestershire It is a large and wealthy Region the Soil of which is very rich yielding exceeding plenty of Corn and Pasture 't is very Populous and sufficiently furnished with commodious Ports and Havens The Principal Towns are these 1. Taunton a proper Town pleasantly situated 't is reputed to be one of the Eyes of the Shire 2. Bridgewater a great and populous Market-Town agreeably situated near the Banks of the Severn Sea and is by some thought to have been so called from the Bridge and Water which is near it 3. Bruiton a Town memorable for little else than that the Noble Family of the Mohuns is here Entomb'd unless we mention the late extraordinary Processions which the Women of the Town made on the Conclusion of the late Peace Near this place was Founded the Abbey of Glastenbury fetching its original even from Joseph of Arimathea who Enterr'd the Body of our Saviour In the first Age of the Primitive Church very Holy Men applied themselves diligently to the Service of God in this place who were maintained by an Allowance from Kings they Instructing Youth in Religion and in the Liberal Sciences these Men embrac'd a Solitary Life that they might the more quietly study the Scriptures till at length Dunstan a Man of a subtle Wit when he had once by an Opinion of his Holiness and Learning wound himself into an Acquaintance with Princes he brought in the Benedictine Monks he being made Abbot of the Convent after that he had obtain'd from the hands of many good Princes a Royal Revenue When they had flourished 600 Years they were dispossessed by King Henry the VIIIth the Monastry being raz'd even to the ground nothing now but the Ruines appearing of it Arthur the Brittish Worthy is thought to have been Buried in this place 4. St. Philips Norton a large great Market-Town so nam'd from a Church Consecrated to St. Philip. 5. Welles a Town so nam'd from the Springs found in it like as Susa in Persia Croia in Dalmatia and 〈◊〉 in Macedonia for multitude of Inhabitants and for stately Buildings it justly challengeth the Preheminence of this Province It hath a noble Market-place sustain'd with Columns as also a stately Church and Colledge Endowed with many rich Livings and Revenues the Church throughout is very beautiful but especially the Frontespiece thereof at the West end is a Master-piece the Cloysters adjoining to it are likewise very fair and spacious 6. Bath an ancient City so called from the Baths in it beautified throughout with very fair and noble Buildings for the receipt of Strangers 't is seated in a low plain environ'd about with Hills of an equal height out of which certain pleasant Streams of fresh River Water continually descend into the City to the advantage and comfort of the Citizens within the City Three Springs of Hot Water boil up of a Blewish or Sea Colour sending up from them thin Vapours and a kind of strong Scent by reason that the Water is drill'd and strain'd through Veins of Brimstone and a clammy kind of Earth called Bitumen which Springs are very Medicinable and of great Virtue to Cure Bodies overcharg'd with Corrupt Humours for they open the Pores resolve attenuate digest consume and draw forth Superfluities and at the same time strongly heal and dry the whole Habit of the Body In the Reign of Henry the Ist A. D. 1110. Johannes de Villula being Elected Bishop of this place translated his See to Bath since which time the Two Sees growing into one the Bishop beareth the Title of both and is called the Bishop of Bath and Wells 7. Bristol this City standeth partly in Somersetshire and partly in Glocestershire it is sufficiently defended both by Art and Nature being situated on the meeting of the Frome and Avon not far from the influx of the Severn into the Ocean a City exceeding Populous and exceeding Cleanly there being Sinks made under ground for the conveyance of all the filth and nastiness into the Rivers It hath Twenty Churches reckoning the Cathedral and that of Ratliff into the Number the Cathedral was first Built by Robert Fitz-Harding Son to one of the Kings of Danemark An. Dom. 1248. and honoured with a Bishops See by King Henry the VIIIth Anno Dom. 1542. The principal Building next the Church is an ancient Castle of such great strength that Maud the Emperess having taken King Stephen Prisoner thought this the safest place to secure him in 't is furnished with all things necessary for Man's Life that next after London and York of all the Cities of England it may justly challenge the chief place 't is so commodiously seated for Trade and Traffick that the Haven admitteth Ships with full Sail into the very bosome of the City which hath drawn People of many Countries thither the Citizens are for the most part rich Merchants who Traffick all over Europe and make Voyages even to the remotest known parts of America Wiltshire Belgae IN Latin Wintonia is enclos'd with Somersetshire on the West Barkshire and Hampshire on the East on the North with Glocestershire and on the South with Dorsetshire and a part of Hampshire 'T is a Midland Region plentiful in all things and for its variety pleasant and delightful The Principal Towns are these 1. Malmsbury a fair Town famous for Clothing not far from hence dwelt Aldeme a very Learned Man he was the first of the English Nation that wrote in Latin and the first that taught Englishmen the measures of a Latin Verse Primus ego in patriam mecum modo vita supersit Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas Geer Lib. 3. 2. Chipenham a large Town of great note for a Market kept there 't is pleasantly seated on the River Avon 3. Edindon a small Town remarkable for Clothing here King Alfred in a memorable Battel most fortunately Vanquished the Danes reducing them to such Extremities that they all
into the Thames on the West 't is bounded by Wiltshire and on the East by Surrey On the West part it hath plenty of Command Fruit but on the East part where it consineth with Surrey the Soil is very barren and unfruitful 1. Farendon a Town seated on a rising ground famous for a Market kept there but in times past for a certain Fort which Robert Earl of Glocester Built and defended against King Stephen who having won it by many bloody Assaults levelled it to the ground so that now it is not to be seen 2. Abington a Populous Town pleasantly seated on the plain of an Hill since the Year 1416. in which King Henry the Vth Built a Bridge over the River and turned the Kings high-way hither to make a shorter passage it began to be so frequented that it is now the chief Town of the whole Shire it is famous for its great Trade in Malt. 3. Wallingford in old time it was compass'd about with Walls it had a very large Castle situate upon the River which was thought to be invincible it was oftentimes Besieged by King Stephen but all in vain This Town was so dispeopled by reason of a grievous Pestilence which happened in the Year 1348 that whereas before it was well Inhabited and had Twelve Churches it can shew now no more than One or Two 4. Newbury a famous Town raised out of the Ruins of Spine which was formerly a place of great repute it is situated in a champion plain being watered throughout with the River Kenet 't is well Inhabited and is very remarkable for its Trade in Clothing 5. Reading a Town famous for fair Streets well built Houses as also for the Riches of the Townsmen and for their Name in making Cloth it hath lost the greatest Ornaments it had viz. a beautiful Church and a most ancient Castle which was razed by King Henry the IId because it was a Refuge for King Stephen's followers 6. Maidenhead a large spacious Town fill'd with good Inns for the reception of Strangers it is well frequented 7. Windsor-Castle 't is situated on an Hill that riseth with a gentle Ascent and enjoyeth a most delightful Prospect round about on the front it overlooketh a spacious Vale behind it arise Hills every where neither rough nor high so that 't is dedicated as one would say to Hunting-Game it was Built by King Henry the Ist An. 1100. and enlarg'd by King Edward the IIId who was Born here 't is in bigness equal to a pretty City Fortified with Ditches and Bulwarks made of Stone in this place King Edward the IIId Instituted the Noble Order of the Garter to increase Virtue and Valour in the Hearts of his Nobility or as some report in honour of the Countess of Salisbury of which Lady the King had formerly been Enamour'd The Garter was given to it in Testimony of that Love and affection wherewith the Knights of it were bound one to another and all of them jointly to the King as Sovereign there are of it Twenty six Knights of which the King of England is always Chief the Ensign is a Blew Garter Buckled on the Left Leg on which these words are Embroider'd Honi Soit qui mal y Pense about their Necks they wear a Blew Ribbond at the end of which hangeth the Image of St. George upon whose Day the Installations of the new Knights are commonly Celebrated THese Regions which I have hitherto Describ'd viz. of the Danmonii Durotriges Belgae Attrebatii when the Saxons Rul'd in Brittain fell to the Kingdom of the West-Saxons who under the Command of their King Egbert United the English Heptarchy into a Monarchy which afterwards through the Cowardise of their Kings soon vanished For after this the Danes brake in upon the Northumbers and though often Vanquished yet being as often Victorious they at last seiz'd on the Monarchy of England which was sometime held by the Danes sometimes by the Saxons till William Duke of Normandy took it from Harold and established the Monarchy which hath ever since continued in a Succession of Twenty eight Princes down to our Gracious Sovereign King William REGNI NEXT unto the Attrebatii Eastward those Regions which we commonly term Surrey Sussex with the Sea-Coast of Hampshire were Inhabited by the Regni Surrey IN Latin Surria is bounded on the West by Barkshire and Hampshire on the South by Sussex on the East by Kent on the North 't is Water'd by the River Thames and by it divided from Middlesex It is a plain and Champion Country yielding Corn and Forage in abundance especially towards the South The Principal Towns are these 1. Farnham a Market-Town so named from the great quantity of Fern growing near it near this place Hâ—nry of 〈◊〉 erected a noble Castle which being afterwards demolished by Henry the IIId was again rebuilt by the Bishops of Winchester 2. Guildford a Market-Town well frequented full of fair Inns in old time it was a Royal Mansion of the English Saxon Kings 3. Kingston a Market-Town well Inhabited famous in old time by reason of a Castle therein belonging to the Clares Earls of Glocester it took its name from a little Town which stood near it in which when England was almost ruined by the Danish Wars Athelstan Edwin and Etheldred were Crowned Kings in the Market-place 4. Richmond a Town very beautiful and glorious in respect of its Buildings famous for the Death of several Kings but in particular of that most Mighty Prince King Edward the IIId Here also Died Ann Wife to King Richard the IId Daughter to the Emperor Charles the IVth who first taught English Women the manner of sitting on Horseback which is now in use whereas before they rode very unseemly astride as Men do Memorable it is likewise for that King Henry the VIIth and Queen Elizabeth of glorious Memory yielded unto Nature in this place 5. Croidon a Market-Town well frequented whose Inhabitants gain to themselves great advantages by selling of Char-Coal 6. Lambeth a Town famous in former times for the Death of Canutus the Hardy King of England who there Revelling with his Lords amidst his Cups yielded up his Breath but at this time 't is much frequented by reason of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Palace which is in this place 7. Southwark the most famous Market-Town and place of Trade in all this Shire 't is so large and populous that it gives place to few Cities in England in the Reign of King Edward the VIth it was annexed to the City of London and is at this day reckoned as a part of it Sussex IN Latin Sussexia is bounded on the West by Hampshire on the North by Surrey and part of Kent on the East by Kent on the South it lieth upon the Brittish Ocean on the Sea-Coast it hath many green Hills of an exceeding heighth called the Downs which standing on a Chalky sort of Mould yield great plenty of Corn the middle part of it is
sinibus illis Agricola incurvo terram molitus aratro Exesa inveniet Scabrâ rubigine pila Aut gravibus rassris galeas pulsabit manes Grandiaque essossis mirabitus ossa Sepulchris 4. Colchester a proper fair Town pleasantly seated it is Wall'd about and Beautified with 15 Churches the ancient Coins daily dug out here do shew that it flourished in the time of the Romans The Trade of the Inhabitants consists chiefly in making of Cloth and Bays with other sort of Stuff 5. Harwich a Port-Town not very great but well Peopled Fortified both by Art and Nature 't is Memorable for a Battle at Sea fought between the English and Danes An. Christ 884. 6. Saffron-Walden a fair Market-Town famous for the great Quantity of Saffron which grows there which Commodity was at first brought into England in the Reign of Edward the IIId Suffolk Iceni SUffolcia hath on the West Cambridge on the South the Stour divideth it from Essex on the East it hath the German Sea and on the North Norfolk The Air of this place is thought by some Physicians to be the very best in the whole Island the Soil is fruitful and replenished with all things The Principal Towns are these 1. Bury a very fair beautiful Town remarkable for an Abbey Built by Canutus to Expiate the Sacrilegious Impiety of his Father Suenus against this Church it appears still beautiful even in its very Ruins Near this place was fought a great Battel between Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester and King Henry the IId the Victory falling to the King's Party A. C. 1173. 2. Sudbury formerly the chief Town of this Shire 't is Populous and Wealthy the Inhabitants making great advantages by Clothing 3. Ipswich the principal Town of this Shire well Peopled beautiful in its Buildings has 14 Churches and a very commodious Haven 't is fenc'd with a Rampier it was Sack'd by the Danes An. 991. and again in the Year 1000 yet it perfectly recovered its former Beauty and was the finest Town in England had a very noble Harbour which was most convenient for the Northern and Eastern parts of the World in this state it continued till through the severe Injunctions of Bishop Laud in the Reign of King Charles the First concerning matters in Religion several Thousands of Families were frighted out of Norfolk and Suffolk into new-New-England Norfolk NOrfolcia it is bounded on the East and North by the German Ocean on the West the Ouse divideth it from Cambridge on the South it confineth upon Suffolk The Air is sharp and piercing especially in the Champion and near the Sea upon which account the Spring and Harvest is not so soon here as in other Countries 't is a Champion Country large and spacious abounding with Rivers pleasant Springs good Corn and Pasture The Principal Towns are these 1. Thetford a large Market-Town but thinly Inhabited in times past it was very Populous and besides other tokens of Antiquity it hath still to be seen a great Mount fenc'd with a double Rampier and Fortified in ancient times with Walls it was formerly the Seat of the Kings of the East-Angles and known to the Romans by the Name of Sitomagus 2. Norwich a famous City pleasantly situated on the River Yare which runs thence to Yarmouth lying out in length from South to North a Mile and an half and in breadth about half so much it drawing in it self by little and little at the South end in manner of a Cone in that Circuit it comprehendeth about Thirty Parishes well Walled about with many Turrets and Twelve Gates but it hath in it much waste ground the City suffering great loss both in Wealth and Buildings by Ket's Rebellion in the time of King Edward the Sixth it hath recovered its first blow by the Dutch Manufactures but of the last it still languisheth though at this present it glories in the Beauties of a fair Cathedral the Three Palaces of the Bishops the Dukes of Norfolk and the Earls of Surrey and the ruins of an ancient Castle of the Saxons Building 3. Yarmouth a Port-Town having a very convenient Haven 't is beautifully Built and strongly fenc'd both by Art and Nature 't is almost encompassed with Water on the West side with a River that hath a Draw-bridge over it on the other parts with the Ocean unless Northward where it is firm Land it is defended by a strong Wall which together with the River make a square Form of Four sides somewhat long upon the Wall towards the East a great Mount is cast up on which are planted several pieces of Ordinance 4. Lynn a large Town encompass'd with a deep Trench and Walls for the most part 't is divided by Two small Rivers which have Fifteen Bridges over them 't is of no great Antiquity yet by reason of its Havens Buildings and Merchants 't is the Second Principal Town of this Shire Cambridgeshire CAntabrigia on the East it lieth on Norfolk and Suffolk on the South on Essex and Hertfordshire on the West on Bedford and Huntingtonshire 't is divided into two parts by the River Ouse or Cam. This Province is not so large as some others nor the Air so temperate and pleasant it being infected by the Fens the North part is for the most part Fenny and surcharg'd with Waters but the South is Champion yielding Corn in abundance The Principal Towns are these 1. Cambridge a Town particularly famous for its University which as it is reported was first begun and Founded by Cantaber a Spaniard 375 Years ante Christum as also that Sigebert or Sebert King of the East-Angles restor'd it again An. Dom. 630. Being drstroyed afterwards by the Danes it was for a long time of no account until it reviv'd under the Normans Government at this day it hath Sixteen stately Colleges and Halls which for Buildings Beauty Endowments and Number of Students are so replenished that Oxford excepted the like is hardly to be found in Europe 2. Ely a City not so great as ancient situate in the Isle so nam'd occasioned by the divided Streams of Ner and Ouse with the overflowings of other Rivers turning a great part of this Tract into Fenns and Marshes remarkable for little else but its Cathedral which was erected An. Dom. 1110. in the 10th Year of King Henry the First Huntingtonshire IN Latin Huntingtonia is bounded on the South by Bedfordshire on the West and North by Northamptonshire and on the East by Cambridgeshire The Soil is fruitful yielding Corn in great abundance towards the East where it is Fenny it is very rich and plentiful for the Feeding of Cattel in all the other parts 't is extreamly pleasant on the account of the Woods and Groves with which it aboundeth The Principal Towns are these 1. St. Neets a Market Town so named of one Neutus a Learned and Holy Man who Travelled all his Life-time in Propagating Christianity his Body was translated from Neotstock in Cornwall to this place 2.
Huntington the principal Town of all this Country 't is seated on the River Ouse somewhat high stretching its self out in length Northward it is adorn'd with Four Churches and by the River near unto the Bridge the Mount and Plot of an ancient Castle is yet to be seen 3. Godmanchester a very great ancient Country Town situate in an open ground of a light Mould and bending to the Sun 't is reported in former times that the Inhabitants received King James the First in his Progress this way with a Hundred and eighty Plows brought forth in a Rustical kind of Triumph 4. St. Ives a fair Town so named from Ivo a Persian Bishop who about the Year 600 Travelled through England Preach'd diligently the Word of God especially to this Town wherein he Died. 5. Kimbolton a fair beautiful Castle formerly the seat of the Mandevils but now in Possession of the Staffords Northamptonshire Coritani IN Latin Northamptonia 't is situated in the very midst of England on the East 't is bounded by Bedford and Huntingtonshire on the South by Buckingham and Oxfordshire on the West it hath Warwickshire and on the North Rutland and Lincolnshire The Air is temperate and healthful the Soil rich and fruitful and so plenteously Peopled that from some ascents you may see 30 Churches at the same time The Prinicipal Towns are these 1. Northampton a fair beautiful Town Built for the most part of Stone 't is Wall'd about except on the West where it is defended with a River from the Walls you have a goodly prospect every way to a wide and spacious plain Country it was Fortified heretofore with a very strong Castle and seated in so excellent an Air that once the Students of Cambridge purposed to remove the University to this place famous it is for a Battel fought between the House of York and Lancaster in which the House of York prevailing King Henry the VIth was taken Prisoner and conveyed to London 2. Peterborough a City seated in the very Angle of this Shire famous in old time for a Monastery which is since converted into a Cathedral the Building of which is truly Magnificent the Forefront carrieth a majesty with it and the Cloysters are exceeding large in the Glass Windows is represented the History of Wolpher the Founder who being most averse from Christianity Murther'd Wolphald and Rufin his own Sons because they had Devoted themselves to Christ In the Cathedral lieth Buried Catherine the Repudiated Queen of King Henry the VIIIth Mary Queen of Scots was also at first Buried here but was afterwards removed to Westminster by the Command of King James the Ist 3. Rockingham Castle it was Built by William the Conqueror Fortified with a Rampier and Bulwarks and a double range of Battlements 't is situate on the side of an Hill within a Forest Leicestershire IN Latin Leicestria is bounded on the East by Lincolnshire and Rutlandshire on the North by Nottinghamshire and Darbyshire it hath Warwickshire on the West and on the South Northamptonshire The Air is gentle mild and temperate giving Appetite both to Rest and Labour the Commodities of the Soil are Corn Cattel and Coals of which the Inhabitants have great plenty The Principal Towns are these 1. Bosworth an ancient Market-Town memorable for the Victory which Henry Earl of Richmond who was afterwards Henry the VIIth obtained over the Usurper Richard the IIId the Tyrant and most of his Commanders being there slain 2. Leicester a fair Town beautiful in its Buildings and of great Antiquity 't was fenc'd with a very strong Wall which was raz'd in the Reign of Henry the IId it has in it a stately Church and Hospital Built by Henry the First Duke of Lancaster 3. Loughborough a fair beautiful Town which for its Buildings and pleasant Woods challengeth the second place in all this Shire 4. Dunnington a fair ancient Castle Built by the Earls of Leicester it belongs now to the King Rutlandshire IN Latin Rutlandia 't is environ'd with Leicestershire unless it be on the South where it lieth on the River Welland and on the East where it toucheth on Lincolnshire the Air is both healthful and delightful subject neither to extremity of Heat or Cold the Soil is so rich that for Corn and Tillage this small County giveth place to none The Principal Town is Okcham a Town remarkable only for the Ruins of an old decayed Castle Built in the Normans time formerly the Seat of the Ferrers but afterwards it was given by Henry the VIIIth to Thomas Cromwell whom he advanced to the highest Dignities Lincolnshire IN Latin Lincolnia is bounded on the West by Rutlandshire and Nottinghamshire on the North it reacheth to Humber an arm of the Sea on the East it hath the German Ocean and on the South it is divided from Northamptonshire by the River Wellâ—nd The Air upon the East and South part is thick and foggy by reason of the Fenns but in other places very moderate and pleasing the Soil upon the West and North is very Fertile but towards the East and South Fenny Brakish and Barren yet for Fowl and Fish it exceeds any other in the Realm The Principal Towns are these 1. Crowland a Town of good Note it stands amidst most deep Fenns and muddy Waters it is so shut up and divided round about from all entrance that there is no access unto it unless it be on the North-East side and that by narrow Cawseys 't is seated altogether like Venice it hath three Streets divided from each other by Water-courses between planted thick with Willows and raised upon Posts pitch'd and driven down into the standing Waters having over them a Triangular Bridge of admirable Workmanship about the Town the ground is so rotten and moorish that a Man may thrust a Pole directly down Thirty Foot deep however the Town is well Inhabited the Inhabitants making great advantages by taking Fish and catching of Water-Fowl which is so great in the Month of August that they will spread a Net and at once draw Three thousand Wild Ducks together 2. Spalding a Town situate upon the same River being enclosed round with Riverets and Drains yet is infinitely a fairer Town than a Man could possibly expect to find among such Slabs and Water-plashes 3. Boston a famous Town standing on both sides the River Witham 't is well frequented upon the account of its commodious Haven the Market-place is fair and large the Church great and beautiful the Steeple of it rising up to a mighty heighth doth as it were salute all Travellers and give direction to the Sailors a Staple of Wool is settled here which enriches it very much 4. Stanford a Town well Peopled of good resort Endowed with several immunities it was formerly Wall'd about but is at this day beautified with Seven Churches and a very fair Hospital 5. Grantham a Town well frequented adorn'd with a very fair Church and a Free School Built by Richard Fox Bishop
Castle of the Kings which in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth was repaired out of the Ruins of a Roman Fort 't is adorn'd with a fair Church and a beautiful Market-place 6. Carlisle a City commodiously and pleasantly seated 't is guarded on the North with the Channel of Eden on the East with Deterill on the West with Caud besides these natural Fences 't is Fortified with strong Walls of Stone with a Castle and Cittadel in fashion it lieth out somewhat long running out from West to East on the West side standeth the Castle repair'd by King Richard the Third in the midst of the City standeth the Cathedral Church the upper-part of which being the newer is very artificially and curiously wrought but the nether part is much more ancient That this City flourished in the times of the Romans divers tokens of Antiquity now and then digged up there and the famous mention of it in those days do sufficiently prove The Picts Wall THrough the higher part of Cumberland shooteth that famous Wall which was the limit of the Roman Province for when the Romans had enlarg'd their Empire even so far beyond their Wishes that the unwieldiness thereof began to be of its self fearfully suspected the Emperors thought it the safest way to limit the same with certain bounds In this Islaâ—d therefore the Romans when they perceived that the further parts of Brittain lying Northward were Cold of a rough and barren Soil and Inhabited by the Caledonians Britons and barbarous Nations in subduing which they were sure to take much pains and reap very small Profit built at several times divers Fences as well to bound as to defend the Province the first Wall or Fence is thought to have been raised by Julius Agricola it being made of Turfs between Edenborough and Dunbritton Frith the second Fence was by the River Tine where a Stone Wall Fight Foot broad and Twelve Foot high was Built being an Hundred Miles long reaching from the German Sea to the Irish Ocean It was begun by the command of Adrian the Emperor and was finished by Severus who hereupon was stiled Britannicus Some report that this Wall was only of Turfs and that the Stone Wall was erected afterwards by the Romans when they left Brittain Lollius Urbicus Lieutenant of Brittain under the Emperor Antoninus Pius enlarged the bounds again as far as to the first Frontier Fence that was raised by Agricola The first that was ever blamed for neglecting these limits was Constantine the Great for he it was that was the first and principal cause that the state of the Empire ran to ruin however this admirable work could not divert the tempestuous storms of Foregin Enemies for when the Romans retired out of Brittain the Picts and Scots aâ—â—â—ulting the Wall broke down the Fences with their Engines and over-ran Brittain being then disarm'd and shaken with Civil Broils and most miserably afflicted with extream Famine Northumberland Ottadini IN Latin Northumbria it lieth enclosed in fashion of a Triangle but not with equal sides the South side is shut in with Darwent running into Tine and with the River Tine its self where it confineth on the Bishoprick of Durham the German Sea beateth on the East side on the West it hath Cumberland on the North it fronteth Scotland with the River Tweed which was the ancient limit of both Kingdoms The Air must needs be subtle and piercing these Northern parts being very much exposed to extremity of Weather The Soil is neither rich nor fruitful it having neither fertility of ground for Corn or Cattel the most part of it being rough and in every place hard to be Manured The Principal Towns are these 1. Newcastle the Principal Town in all these parts ennobled by a notable Haven which the River Tine makes it being of that depth that it beareth very Tall Ships and so defendeth them that they can neither be easily toss'd with Tempestâ— nor driven upon the Shelves and Rocks 't is situate on the rising of an 〈◊〉 very uneven on the North bank of the River which hath a fair Bridge over it on the left hand standeth the Castle and on the right the Market-place and the better part of the Town it was Built by Robert the Son of William the Conqueror and named by him Newcastle the Buildings are beautiful it is adorn'd with Five Churches the Inhabitants are extream Wealthy partly by intercourse of Traffick with the Germans and partly by carrying out Seacoals both into Foreign Countries and also into other parts of England it was Fortified with very strong 〈◊〉 having Eight Gates in the Reign of King Edward the First Before the Conquest it was called Monkchester it having been in possession of the Monks and Chester being added which signifying a Bulwark or place of defence Shews that in ancient time it had been a place of Fortification It was taken by the Scots An. 1642. who enter'd England in an Hostile manner under pretence of delivering a Petition to King Charles the First 2. Tinmouth a very ancient and strong Castle on the East and Northside 't is impossible to be enter'd by reason of a mighty high Rock hanging over the Sea and in other places such is the heighth of it that it needs but small defence 3. Morpeth a famous little Town situate on the North bank of the River Wentsbeck on the South bank standeth the Church and the Castle by it all beset with Trees this Town An. Dom. 1215. was set on Fire by its own Inhabitants out of spite and malice to King John Near this place was Born John Duns called Scotus because he was descended of Scottish Blood who being brought up in Merton College in Oxford became wonderfully Learned in Logick and in the intricate Divinity of those times yet as one still doubtful and unresolv'd he overcast the truth of Religion with mists of obscurity and with so profound and admirable Subtilty he wrote many Books in a dark and rude Stile that he deserved the title of the Subtle Doctor and after his own Name he erected a new Sect of Scolists but he Died pitifully for being taken with an Apoplexy and over-hastily Buried for Dead whilst upon the return of Life Nature was about to discuss the violence of the Disease he endeavouring in vain by a lamentable noise to call for help after he had a long time knock'd his Head against the Gravestone he dash'd out his own Brains and at last yielded up his vital Breath 4. Barwick the utmost Town in England and the strongest Hold in all Brittain 't is situated between two most mighty Kingdoms as Pliny has reported of Palmyra in Syria it was the first thing always that both Nations took care of whenever they were at discord it having had different fortunes being one time under the power of the Scots and another time of the English Our Kings have oftentimes Fortified and Fenc'd it with new Works but especially Queen Elizabeth who enclos'd
A DESCRIPTION Of all the Shires Cities and Towns c. IN ENGLAND Anglia Rediviva Being a full DESCRIPTION Of all the Shires Cities Principal Towns and Rivers in ENGLAND With some useful Observations concerning what is most Remarkable whether in relation to their Antiquity Situation Buildings Traffick or Inhabitants To which is Prefix'd A short Account of the first Origine of our Nation of its being Conquer'd by the Romans As also the occasion of the Saxons and Danes first entring England Collected from the best Historians By Mr. DUNSTAR Vincit amor Patriae Virg. London Printed for T. Bennet at the Half Moon in St. Paul's Church-yard C. Coningsby at the Turk's Head in Fleetstreet and D. Midwinter and T. Leigh at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church-yard 1699. To the HONOURED Sir Thomas Twisden In the County of Kent BARONET SIR THE desire I always had to serve You encouraged me to prefix Your Name to this following Treatise Which being Collected from the best of our English Historians whose Writings You have frequently conversed with I presum'd that what was here so compendiously Digested would revive in Your Mind some remarkable Observations not unworthy Your remembrance You have here SIR a short view both of the ancient and present state of England as also an account of the most memorable Battels annex'd to the places near which they were Fought I have spar'd for no Pains and Industry to make it Perfect I being earnestly desirous that it might in some manner Merit Your Favour and Esteem which being once gain'd would be a great means in engaging others who are ambitious of emulating Your Example to receive it kindly How happy I have been in this Performance the Reader can best determine this I am sure of That if Learning and Sense Wit and Humour join'd with an Address that is every way becoming and agreable are accomplishments fit to recommend a Gentleman All those who know You and those who are to know You will applaud my Judgment in chusing You for my Patron Be pleased then SIR to afford a kind Reception to these my first Offerings let the fulness of my Joy for Your safe return amongst us plead in my behalf and make an atonement for the Faults You will here meet with Give me leave to hope that this short Description of Your own Country which cannot but be very dear unto You may find some place among those excellent Remarks which You have so lately made Abroad SIR since the greatness of Your Quality forbids me to come near You as a Friend Permit me to Subscribe my self with all imaginable sincerity SIR Your most Humble Servant S. DUNSTAR Anglia Rediviva UNDER the Title of ENGLAND we comprehend the better part of one of the best and greatest Islands of the whole Earth which together with that of Scotland is generally term'd both by Ancient and Modern Writers Great Brittain or Albion It is bounded on the North with the Hyperborean Ocean on the West with the Vergivian or Western Ocean which parts it from Ireland on the South it is divided from France with the English Channel and on the East it is separated from Germany Belgium and Danemark with the Brittish or as some call it the German Ocean It is in length from Berwick in the North to the Isle of Wight in the South 375 Miles whereof 73 make a Degree and from Dover in the East to the Lands-end in the West about 328 in compass 1300. In shape it is Triangular it having Three Promontories shooting out into divers parts viz. the Cape of St. Burien in Cornwall the Foreland of Kent and the Point of Catness in Scotland it contains according to Mr. Morden's computation near 30 Millions of Acres being about the 1 1000 part of the Globe and the 1 â—33 part of the Habitable World It s Air is Temperate the Cold in Winter being neither so extream nor the Heat in Summer so vexatiously scorching as in some parts of the World which have either a more Southern or Northern Scituation The whole Country is exceeding Fruitful 't is Bless'd with all the Commodities of Heaven and Earth it has Corn in abundance it is rich in Pasture it hath innumerable quantities of Cattel plenty of Wild and Tame Fowl and variety of all sorts of Fish The People are Bold and Warlike very Tenacious of their Liberty of a Generous and Noble Disposition see what the Ingenious Mr. 〈◊〉 says of them in his late Poem See in the Ocean yon fair Western Isle Whose Three sharp Points th' insulting Waves divide See with what beauteous Rivers 't is suppli'd How rich the happy Fields thro' where they glide Well knew the Old Phoenicians that blest place Enur'd to Pain there lives an hardy Race Daring as Virtues self for Conquest made Peace but their Recreation War their Trade Jealous of Liberty they Chains refuse Fair Death before Inglorious Life they chuse Force cannot bend but Kindness may improve And mildly melt their generous warmth to Love Book the 3d. C. 1147. As concerning its Name and its First Inhabitants Historians have left us in so great an uncertainty that we scarce know what to resolve on but we need not wonder at so great an Obscurity if we consider that the First Inhabitants of Countries had other Cares to employ their Thoughts than to deliver their Beginnings to Posterity and possibly had they been never so willing so to do they could not have effected it seeing their Life was so uncultivated and void of all Literature that it was almost impossible for them to preserve the Memory of things and to make over the same to succeeding Ages Besides their Druides and Bardi who Rehearsed and Sung the Actions of their Heroes not only like other Heathen Priests Monopolized that little Learning they had wholly to themselves and were by this means the only Persons suppos'd to be able to give an account of what was past thought it not lawful to Write any thing Nor indeed have we any better account of ancient times even in those Civiliz'd parts of the World wherein Learning chiefly flourished when a profound Ignorance overspread the face of Greece its self as well as other Nations for if we would take the pains to enquire strictly into the matter we shall there find as much darkness and obscurity as to their Original as in these our European Parts What Fabulous Stories would the subtle Greeks impose upon us if we had the Faith to believe them Who as a Learned Father of our Church affirms had not learn'd to speak plain truth till the World was about 3173 Years old for so it was when the Olympiads began If we would enquire further into the Succession of the Latins and would take the trouble to examine the two first Dynasties the first before Aeneas's coming into Italy and the second of the Aeneadae after fo certainly it will be sufficient ground to question the account of times before if in
't is situated on the East Bank of the Severn and from the same is Walled triangularly about extending in Circuit One thousand six hundred and fifty Paces in which are made Seven Gates for entrance and Five Watch-Towers for its defence it hath suffered much damage both by War and Fire but seems now to have recovered its former Beauty it hath a stately Cathedral in the midst of which lieth Interred the Body of King John under a Monument of White Marble The Reputation it now hath ariseth from its Inhabitants who are both Numerous and Wealthy by their Trade in Clothing Near this place Cromwell the Usurper gave King Charles the Second's Forces a terrible overthrow wherein he slew Three thousand five hundred and fifty among which were Duke Hamilton and General Forbes and took Five thousand Prisoners this happened June 13 An. 1651. Staffordshire IN Latin Staffordia hath on the East Warwickshire and Derbyshire on the South Worcestershire on the West Shropshire and on the North Cheshire The Air is Healthful but very sharp towards the North in which place the Soil is not so fruitful as in the Southern parts The Principal Towns are these 1. Stafford the principal Town of this County it was Built by Edward the Confessor and Incorporated by King John and upon the East and South part was Walled and Trench'd by the Barons of the place the rest from the East to North was secured by a large Pool of Water which now is become fair Meadow Grounds it hath Four Gates opening to the Four Winds it is adorn'd with a very beautiful Castle of its Name which adds not a little to the Beauty of the place 2. Stone a fair Market-Town famous for a Church Consecrated to the Memorial of the Death of Wolfald and Rusin Sons to Wolfer King of the Mercians who were slain by their Father because they had embrac'd Christianity 3. Lichfield a fair large City situated in a Plain divided into two parts by a Pool of Water which notwithstanding are join'd into one by means of two Bridges made over it which have sluces to let out the Water the South part consists of divers Streets hath in it a School and Hospital Founded for the Relief of the Poor the other part is beautified with a stately Cathedral encompass'd with a strong Wall adorn'd with the Bishop's Palace and fair Houses for the Prebendaries which make together an excellent shew mounting up on high with Three Spires of Stone and indeed for elegant and noble Buildings it giveth place to few Cathedrals 4. Burton a Town famous in regard it yieldeth great store of Alablaster Shropshire IN Latin Salopia hath on the East Staffordshire on the South Worcestershire Herefordshire and Radnorshire on the West Montgomery and Denbighshire and on the North Cheshire The Air is wholsome affording health to the Inhabitants in all Seasons of the Year the Soil is rich and standeth most upon a reddish Clay abounding in Wheat Barley Coals Iron and Woods it is divided into two parts by the River Severn The Principal Towns are these 1. Ludlow a Town more fair than ancient encompassed with a Wall reaching about a Mile in circuit it is defended by a stately strong Castle Built by Roger Montgomery King Henry the VIIIth Ordained in this place the Council of the Marches 2. Bridgnorth a Town seated upon a Rock out of which the ways leading to the upper part of the Town are wrought 't is Fortified with Walls a Ditch a stately Castle and the Severn which between the Rocks runneth down with a very great fall 3. Shrewsbury a Town strongly Fortified both by Art and Nature adorn'd with two fair Churches and other Buildings both Publick and Private almost all the Commodities of Wales do flow to this Town as to a common Mart of both Nations famous it is for the Battel between divers of the Nobility and King Henry the IVth they purposing to advance Edmund Mortimer Earl of March to the Crown as the undoubted apparent Heir of King Richard the IId It was taken by the Parliament Forces raised against King Charles the First An. 1645. 4. Oswestre a little Town enclosed with a Ditch and a Wall and Fortified with a pretty Castle the Inhabitants Traffick much in Welsh Cottons whereof great store is bought and sold here every Week Cheshire IN Latin Cestria hath on the South Shropshire on the East Staffordshire and Darbyshire on the North Lancashire and on the West Denbighshire and Flintshire For Air and Soil it far exceeds its Neighbouring Counties being in my opinion equal to the best the best Cheese in all Europe is made in this place The Inhabitants of this Shire have never been stain'd with the blot of Rebellion whose Loyalty King Richard the IId so much esteem'd that by Authority of Parliament he made the County to be a Principality Stiling himself the Prince of Chester The Principal Towns are these 1. Chester a City Built in form of a Quadrant it is enclos'd with a Wall extending two Miles in compass it hath a Eleven Parish-Churches of which that of St. John's by the North Gate is a most stately Building the Houses are very fair Built and along the chief Streets are Galleries or walking-places having Shops on both sides Memorable it is for that King Edgar sitting in a Barge Kennady King of Scotland Malcolm King of Cumberland Macon King of Man and of the Islands with all the Princes of Wales who were come to do him Homage Working like Watermen at the Oar Rowed him along the River Dee in a triumphant manner to his great glory and the joy of the Beholders this was about the Year 960. 2. Nantwich a Town reputed to be the greatest and fairest Built of all this Shire next to Chester 't is also very famous for the making of Salt 3. Macclesfield a very fair Town giving Name to a Forest near adjoining where Thomas Savage the Archbishop of York Built a Coll in which some of the Family of the Savages lie Entom'd We have now Surveyed the Regions of the Cornavii who with the Coritani Dobuni and Cateuchlani made the Kingdom of the Mercians all the other Kingdoms of the Saxons Heptarchy confined upon it it was much larger than any of the rest but fell at last into the Dominion of the West-Saxons An. 826. after that the Danes had wasted it many Years Herefordshire Silures BEfore I treat of the other parts of England give me leave to turn aside and to visit Wales called in Latin Cambria or Wallia where the ancient Brittains had their abode nor will it be improper it lying adjacent to the Cornavii that it should be spoken of in its due place especially since the Inhabitants are now Incorporated with us into our Commonwealth Wales comprised in times past before the Conquest the whole Country beyond the Severr which in the time of the Romans was Inhabited by the Silures Dimaetae and Ordovices for these held not only the Twelve
term'd The West Riding The East Riding The North Riding West-Riding IS compass'd by the River Ouse with the bound of Lancashire and South limits of the Shire and beareth towards the West and South The Principal Towns are these 1. Sheffield a Town of great repute both for its Inhabitants who are generally Smiths as well as for the many Iron Mines which are found thereabouts 't is Fortified with a strong and ancient Castle 2. Halyfax a famous Town lying from West to East upon the steep descent of an Hill it is not many Years since it took this Name it being formerly called Horton is is so very populous that it is thought to have 12000 Inhabitants 3. Wakefield a great Market-Town well frequented its Buildings are very beautiful famous it is for its Inhabitants getting great store of Wealth by making Cloth nor is it less remarkable for its Bridge upon which King Edward the Fourth erected a beautiful Chappel in memory of those who lost their Lives in Battel his own Father being slain in the Field by those that sided with the House of Lancaster 4. Leeds formerly a House of the Kings but now grown to be a populous rich Town by reason of Clothing 5. Towton a little Country Village which may not be unfitly termed England's Pharsalia famous it is for the Battel between the Houses of York and Lancaster where the Lancastrians received so terrible an overthrow that they left more than 30000 dead upon the place 6. York the second City of England the fairest in all this County it being a singular safeguard and Ornament to all the Northern parts a pleasant place large and stately well fortified and beautifully adorn'd as well with private as publick Buildings rich populous and to its greater dignity it hath a stately Cathedral consecrated to St. Peter and an Archiepiscopal See which beside Twelve Bishopricks in England exercised formerly the Power of a Primate over all the Bishops of Scotland but it hath now but Four within its Diocese viz. the Bishoprick of Durham of Carlisle of Chester and of the Isle of Man Memorable it is for the Death of Severus the Emperor and of Constantine the Father of Constantine the Great East-Riding ON the North and West side 't is bounded with the River Darwent on the South with the Salt Water of Humber and on the East with the German Ocean The Principal Towns are these 1. Beverly a great Town very populous and full of Trade so named from John de Beverly Archbishop of York a Godly and Learned Man who after he had given over his Bishoprick as weary of this World came hither and ended his Life in Contemplation An. Dom. 721. 2. Hull a Town Founded by King Edward the First which by little and little hath rose to that Dignity that for stately and sumptuous Buildings for strong Blockhouses for well-furnished Ships for store of Merchants and abundance of all things it is become now the most famous Town in all these parts the Inhabitants make a great Trade of Island Fish dried and hardened which they term Stock-Fish whereby they gather a mass of Riches 3. Patrington a Town pleasantly seated having a most delightful Prospect on one side lieth the main Sea on the other the Humber and over-against it the fresh and green Borders of Lincolnshire The Inhabitants glory much on the account of their Antiquity and the commodiousness of their Haven North-Riding OR the North part of this County stretcheth it self Westward 60 Miles together even as far as to Westmorland 't is limited on the one side with Darwent and for a while with the River Ure on the other side with the River Tees running all along by it which on the North Coast separateth it from the Bishoprick of Durham The Principal Towns are these 1. Pickering a large Town belonging to the Dutchy of Lancaster situate upon an Hill and defended by an old Castle to which a great number of small Villages lying round about do appertain 2. Scarborough-Castle is seâ—â—ed on a Rock of a wonderful heighth and bigness which by reason of steep Cliffs is almost inaccessible on every side it was at first Built by William le Grosse Earl of Albermarle which being in process of time fallen down it was afterwards Rebuilt by King Henry the Second here the Hollanders Fish for Herrings demanding first License of the Lord of the Castle 3. Rhidal a pleasant beautiful Market-Town adorn'd with Twenty three Parish-Churches through the midst whereof runneth the River Rhy 4. Malton a large Market-Town well frequented for Corn Horses Fish and Implements of Husbandry here are to be seen the Foundations of an old Castle belonging to the Family of the Vescys 5. Richmond a fair beautiful Town seated on the River Swall it seems to have been formerly Fortified with a Wall whose Gates yet stand in the midst of the Town so that the Suburbs are extended far without the same it is indifferently populous and well frequented the People are most employed in Knitting of Stockings wherewith even the Decrepit and Children get their own Livings Durham IN Latin Dunelmus is bounded on the North by Northumberland on the West where it is more narrow by Westmorland and Cumberland on the South it hath Yorkshire and on the East the German Ocean The Air is sharp and piercing and would be more violent were it not for the Vapours of the German Sea which dissolving the Ice and Snow make the Air more mild and temperate As for the Soil the East part is by far the richest The Principal Towns are these 1. Hartlepool a very large Town of good resort it has a very safe and convenient Harbour for Shipping 2. Durham a noble City seated on high and shap'd in form of an Egg environ'd on all sides but on the North with the River Were 't is Fortified with a Wall its Buildings are beautiful but especially its Cathedral which standing on the South side where the River windeth its self about maketh a solemn and gallant show having an high Tower in the midst anâ— two Spires at the West end Famous it is likewise for its Castle which standeth between two stone Bridges over the River as also for its spacious Market-place and for St. Nicholas's Church which is a beautiful Fabrick Near unto this City at Nevils Cross a sore Battel was Fought between the English and Scots wherein David Bruce King of Scotland with many of his Nobility were taken Prisoners by Queen Philippa Wife to that glorious Prince King Edward the Third who in Person was present in the Field Lancashire IN Latin Lancastria is enclos'd between Yorkshire on the East side and the Irish Sea on the West on the South side where it boundeth on Cheshire it is broader and by degrees the more Northward it goeth where it confineth on Westmorland it is narrower The Air is subtle and piercing not troubled with gross Vapours but the Soil for the most part is lean and barren yet it
1 s. A new Book of Cyphers Containing in general all Names interwoven and reversed by Alphabet being very pleasant for Gentlemen and Ladies and useful for all sorts of Artists as Painters Carvers Engravers Chasers Watchmakers Imbroiderers c. With several other useful and necessary Examples Composed and Engraven after the newest and true Mode By Ben. Rhodes Octavo Price bound 5 s. The Modish Penman or a new Copy-Book containing variety of all the usual Hands now practised in England with a curious Copy of the Greek Alphabets and Joining-hand With Directions whereby any Person may attain to write any of those Hands with little practice Likewise excellent Receipts for making several sorts of Ink and other Curiosities By William Elder In Quarto Price 1 s. A new Sett of Round-hand Copies Alphabetically composed which together with the Alphabets are curiously Engraven and Printed on the Tops of 36 Quarto Pages and Stitch'd up in blew Paper and will supply the want of a Master By William Elder Price 1 s. Likewise the Sett Secretary Hand curiously Engraven in the same manner whereby any Person may attain to the Clerk-like Engrossing of any Writings Deeds c. with Expedition Price 1 s. Also Red Copy-Books and most other Copy-Books to be sold An Exact Table of Interest Simple and Compound shewing the Interest of any Sum for any Number of Days or Years at the Rate of 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 and 10 per Cent. and the amount and present worth of any Sum and the amount and present Worth and Purchase of Annuities Curiously Engraven and Printed on a large Imperial Sheet of Paper Price 1 s. England's Record-Ink which for its Brightness and durable Blackness is fittest for Records or any other Writings and far transcends any yet extant It is Sealed up with the Maker's Name on 't in Sixpenny strong Bottles fit for Carriage being made and sold by the Publisher hereof Books Printed and Sold by D. Midwinter and T. Leigh at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church yard THE Education of Young Gentlewomen written originally in French and from thence made English and improved for a Lady of Quality Twelves 1699. Advice to Young Gentlemen in their several conditions of Life by way of Address from a Father to his Children by the Abbot Goussault with his Sentiments and Maxims upon what passes in Civil Society Printed at Paris 1697. and Translated into English Octavo A compleat Doctrine of the Bones according to the newest and most refined Notions of Anatomy shewing their Nature and Substance c. By Robert Baker Chirurgeon Octavo 1699. Plain and full Instructions to raise all sorts of Fruit-Trees that prosper in England c. the Second Edition with the Addition of Two entire Chapters of Greens and Greenhouses by the Author T. Langford Gent. Octavo 1699. The Lives and Characters of the English Drammatick Poets also an Account of all the Plays that were ever yet Printed in the English Tongue c. first begun by Mr. Langbain improv'd and continued down to this time by a Careful Hand Octavo A Voyage to the East-Indies giving an Account of the Isles of Madagascar and Mascarene of Surat the Coast of Malabar c. Written originally in French by Mr. Dellon M. D. Octavo The Mystery of Phanaticism or the Artifices of Dissenters to support their Schism together with the Evil and Danger of them set forth in several Letters c. By a Divine of the Church of England The Second Edition Octavo The Life of our Blessed Saviour an Heroick Poem c. with above Sixty Cuts The Second Edition Fol. Resolves Moral Divine and Political By Owen Feltham Esquire Fol. Bishop Burnet's History of the Reformation of the Church of England In Two Vol. Fol. Dr. Cave's Lives of the Primitive Fathers In Two Vol. Fol. Bishop Tillotson's Posthumous Sermons In Five Vol. Octavo A. C. 43. A. C. 57. A. C. 82. 4â— A. C. 689.