abundantly the want they had sustained In the beginning of his Reign he cut off something from the severity of the Laws and he erected new Tribunals for the use of his subjects and he first commanded the Lions to be kept alive in the Tower of London which custom is continued to this day He brought the Clergy under the Magistrate though Thomas Becket stood stifly against it who for that was banished and received into favour again by the Intercession of the Pope and the King of France but when he would not yield to the Kings pleasure he was miserably butcherd by four Souldiers of horse but after his death he was consecrated for a Saint Henry also being wrapt up with the love of luxury and of whores had his Wife alwaies his enemy which he at last imprisoned because she had suborned her Sons to Rebel The French King sent him a Catalogue of all those Rebels that conspired his death and when first of all he saw the Name of his younger sonne John he sunk down half dead with grief and the affliction increasing he died of it being above threescore years old and had ruled the Kingdom of England thirty five years RICHARD the first King of England Anno 1189. THis King was Crown'd at Westminster the 3d of Septemb. Ano 1189. namely on that day which was notable for an accidentall slaughter of the Jews whose insolence he abundantly restrained by giving licence to weed out that odious kinde of men He was famous for benefits toward his Mother and Brother receiving her as it were into society of the Government with him and augmenting the other with six Counties at once He sent Adela that was long before betrothed to him yet as his Fathers Concubine back again into her Country but not without a reward of her Virginity and in her place that he might not with an incestuous Wedlock defile his Fathers Bed he took to Wife Berengaria the Daughter of Garsias King of Navar. Now at last he resolved to perform his expedition long intended for the holy Land Collecting every way great Treasures and selling Priviledges Demeans Immunities and Cities London it self being scarce left out of the sale For the time of his absence he trusted the Kingdom of England to Hugh Baldulph Bishop of Durrham and to William Prunellus and William Longe Scampius Chancellor of the Kingdom dividing to each his part He set Robert Earl of Leicester a man of Integrity over Normandy and Aquitan Yet to prevent the Ambition of his Brother John he was minded to send him away for Normandy but his Mother interceding for him and becoming surety for his fidelity he was left in England Lastly appointing Arthur his Brother Jeffreys Sonne to be his successour in case he should die in this Expedition he entred upon his Voyage Richard thus armed with five thousand Horse and thirty thousand Foot goes forward on his Journey He went by Land through France to Marseilles with some choice Souldiers to wait in that City for his Fleet and to Embarque himself there but the winde being long troublesom it came too late wherefore being impatient of delaies he hired Ships and takes his Passage for Messana whither Philip King of France was gone with his Navy before At last also arrived the English Fleet They are received by Tancred King of Sicily with a great shew of courtesie but he by reason of some old quarrel was not friends with Richard and laid snares for Richard and for all the English and by a confederacy of the Citizens shut him and all the English Souldiers out of the Town Richard offended with this affront drew up his Souldiers against the City and easily became Master of it and had made a great slaughter on the King and the Citizens had he not pacified Richard by paying the Dowry which he had unjustly detained from Joan Richard his Sister who was married to William King of Sicily deceased and had also espoused his Daughter to Arthur Nephew to Richard Philip King of France first set sail and came to Prole mais which City the Christians had a long time besieged with those he adjoyned himself and his Forces Richard after that wayed Anchor with a 190 Ships and 50 Gallies But by a contrary winde he is driven into Cyprus which Island when he was kept from landing by the Inhabitants he invaded by force of Arms and became Master of it and leaving Richard Canvil and Robert Turnham in it with a sufficient Garrison he also sailed toward Ptolemais which City after it had been besieged two years was delivered up to the Christians by Saladin Other Cities also he became Master of all which he neglected only Joppa he made a Garrison of In the mean while Guido Lusinianus invades Tyre and with it he takes upon him the Title of King of Jerusalem which he afterwards changed for the Kingdom of Cyprus And hence it was that the Kings of England for a long time were called Kings of Jerusalem But Philip envying this Glory of Richard and emulating him because he could not equal his vertue forsaking the Warre sail'd back for France leaving the business to Odo Duke of Burgundy to wage Warre with Saladine in his absence Yet Richard would not let him depart till he had taken his Oath to attempt nothing against the Dominions of Richard in his absence But he was no sooner got home but against right and equity he invaded Normandy with which injury Richard being offended and much weakned by the departure of Odo with his Forces Richard resolves homewards making Peace with Saladine upon unjust Tearms His Navy sailing homewards he went by Land through Dalmatia and Germany at last he came to Vienna where being unknown he desired to be concealed at last being discovered by Leopoldus Archduke of Austria who was angry with the English for the injury was done him in the taking of Ptolemais he was cast into Prison and was sent to the Emperour who demanded him and after a hard Captivity he was forced to Redeem his Liberty with a mighty Ransom which injury afterwards cost the Emperour his Life and Leopoldus first the breaking and lastly the losing his Leg. But he after four years returned to his Kingdom He found his Kingdom full of troubles and contentions for William Longoscampius Bishop of Ely who in the Kings absence managed as it were the whole Government being unaccustomed with so great an Office though he had otherwise enough to do of his own business grew insolent and over-proud Hence arose a Controversie between him and Duke John the Kings Brother the King took his Brothers part whereupon he was put out of his Authority the Archbishop of Roan being put in his place When therefore he could no louger make resistance in the Kingdom he bethought himself to make an escape beyond Sea disguised in womans apparel but being discovered the Women did punish him sufficiently by deriding him for counterfeiting his Sex and so being much
espoused to Lionel whilst she came out of France by Sea to her Husband was taken in the way whom he was forced to redeem at a great ransom promising also to Edward continual Homage and granting his Brother David to the English who was highly esteemed by Edward But Lionels obedience lasted not above three years for his Wife Eleoner being dead he breaks forth into new rebellions Also David forgetting the great love of King Edward to him fell off presently to his Brother and so with joynt Forces they enter England and did some mischief to Edward both wonderfully inflamed by a false Prophesie of Merlin whereby the Crown of Brutus was promised to Lionel But the Battell being set Lionel was killed by a private Souldier and his Head was brought to the King who caused it to be fastned on a pole and to be Crowned with joy and set up on the Tower of London The lot of David was like to his Brothers who being taken in Wales was drawn with a Horse to the place of execution and there beheaded and his Head set by his Brothers and his four quarters were sent to the four principall Cities of England So Edward revenged the Rebellion of the Welsh and the death of Alphonsus his first born who was killed in the same Battell But a greater cloud hung over his head from Scotland For Alexander the third King of Scotland whilst he rode the Great Horse fell with him and so died leaving his Daughter Margaret to inherit but she shortly after her Father died also leaving the Kingdom to ten Corrivals who strove for it Edward was chosen Umpire by them all to search their Titles but he reduced all their pretences to two especially namely John Bayly and Robert Bruse who with equal right affected the Kingdom whilst the matter sticks between them Edward sets on Bruse promising to him the Kingdom of Scotland for ever so he would do him Homage for it But Bruse refused it preferring his Countries Liberty before his own Honour but Baily yielded to those conditions and so gained the Kingdom of Scotland but the ill will of all his Country men Envy against him increased for refusing justice upon the death of the Earl of Fife who was slain for Baily exempted Albermeth that slew him from punishment whereupon Baily was cited to appear before Edwards Tribunal was forced to plead his cause He was angry for this disgrace and returns to his Kingdom and afterwards denied Homage to Edward and proclaimed Warre making a Covenant with the French King Hence arose the cause of a most bloody Warre between the two Nations which lasted for 300 years only some feigned cessations passing between Armies are Mustered on both sides and the English giving the first onset on the Scotch slew abundance of them and won many Cities and Castles by which loss Brusius was constrained to beg for Peace which was granted but he himself was carried Captive into England and being afterwards set at liberty he ended his daies in France expecting in vain the restitution of his goods And so Edward returned for England leaving after him John Varamius Earl of Sussex his Embassador and Hugh Chrysingamius his Treasurer to take care of the Scotch business But a little after this the Scotch when the King was gone into France making head against the Kings Ministers having William Valla for their Captain they killed Hugh Chrysingamius and with him 6000 English But the King came back for England commanded that his Court should be held at York and presently levying an Army he assaulted the Scotch afresh at Fonkirk and though he himself were dismounted from his Horse that was frighted with the hollow of the enemy and was dangerously wounded two ribs being broken in his body yet he made a great slaughter amongst them 40000 Horse and Foot of them being slain Only Vallas with a small handfull of men escaped by flight from the fury of the enemy All the Noble mens goods are made forfeit to the English and they were all made Tributaries and to swear the third time to be true to King Edward But the false Scot kept his word but a very short time for Brusius the Son of Robert being made King in a Turbulent manner new commotions arise for he fearing the power of John Cuminus caused him wickedly to be murdered in the Temple of Dumfrise When Edward heard this he was wonderfully incensed Presently having raised a gallant Army he marcheth into Scotland not meaning to cease till he had brought down the usurper of that Kingdom The Earl of Pembreke who was marched before with his Brigade lighting suddenly on Bruse destroyed all his men from whose hands the King himself hardly escaped he led a dishonourable llfe in Caves Dens and Crags of Mountains seeking his fortune in other matters His Brothers falling into the power of the enemy were put to extream tortures as Traytors The King fierce with the madness of Revenge spared no mans life but slew all he met withall The Earl of Athol also though he were of the Kings blood was sent to London and hanged there so and by such like waies were the followers of Bruse punished Yet Bruse though he wanted almost any to follow him did not give out but collecting a handfull of souldiers he sets upon the Earl of Pembroke suddenly and put him to the worst with great loss and slaughter and he drove the Earl of Glocester into the Castle of Ayrs and besieged him there untill Edward coming to his relief he was forced to fly to his old sculking holes In the mean time a new Warre breaks forth with the French King Philip the Fair by a controversie between the subjects of either King and arising from pretended injury for Kings that envy one the other do easily break into open hatred The King of England also was justly angry and sought all occasions of wrong greedily by reason that Henry his Cousin Son to Richard the Emperour was killed by the Earl Montfrots Son at which wickedness the French connived In a fight at Sea first a great destruction was brought upon the French at the entrance of the River Sion and elsewhere And Edward when a day was appointed for him as a stipendiary to plead his cause before King Philip he refused to appear and the Homage he did willingly before he now refused to do whereupon a great Army being raised Philip enters upon the Territories of Edward in France by force of Arms. The King of England by the assistance of neighbour Princes the Earl of Flanders the Duke of Brabant and others to which was joyned â—he help that came from Adolphus of Nassaw the Roman Emperour who had promised it presently marched against the King of France but finding the French divided into parts and defrauded of the assistance promised them by the Emperour when he had held his Winter Quarters at Gaunt not without murmuring of the Citizens and great want amongst his Souldiers at the beginning
disgraced he fled into Normandy to complain to King Richard and when he had complained of the injury done him he sought in vain for his lost dignity Also Philip King of France invaded Normandy with an Army as he had promised He sought to draw John the Kings Brother to his side but could not his Mother Eleoner disswading him But though he openly did nothing to his Brothers prejudice yet privately a false rumour being spread of the Kings death through England he endeavours to wrest the Kingdom from him whereby afterwards he lost all the favour he had with his Brother together with his Honour The King after this goes against King Philip with a great Navy and first he freed the City Vernowle and afterwards Vandosme from his Leauger so hastily that the French man leaving for fear all his Baggage ran away At last a Peace being made between both they are forced to abstain from Warre though against their wils In the mean while his Kingdom was tossed with various commotions First by Theeves the chief whereof being killed that faction was easily suppressed Secondly by a greater commotion from the Jews arising from one that had forsworn the superstition of his Ancestors for the rest of the Jews being offended at it who continued in their errour could hardly tolerate their converted Brother they meet him in the high-way and fine him sorely whence first grew a Faction then a Tumult and slaughter of the Jews every where Nor was this rage shut up in one Town but passing the bounds it went first to Stamfort then to Lincoln then to York where the Jews flying into a Castle killing first their Wives and Children most barbarously and casting their dead bodies out of the windows on the enemies heads putting fire to Gun-powder they were almost all blown up a cruel example of their stubbornness Lastly It is a question whether the King were more angry with the commotion or with the punishment of Covetousness whereby he found an end for all his troubles A certain Souldier who received wages from King Richard had found a mighty Treasure and fearing least the King should demand it he went to Lemosin and hid it in the Town of Calacum when the Towns men prolonged to let the King come in he laid siege to it whereby receiving a wound in his Arm he died shortly after of it having won the City but not found the Treasure He was of a reasonable Stature of a pleasant and gracefull countenance he was commendable in manners famous more for his Vertues than Vices sparing of Tribute but very cunning to raise Money He was the first that subjected the City of London to Aldermen and Sheriffs blotting out the Name of Potent Earls JOHN the first King of England Anno 1201. RIchard being dead John invades the Kingdom by right of Anticipation shutting out his Cousin Arthur to whom the succession was due by right of Inheritance and also by the prerogative of his age for Arthur was not yet over thirteen years old Also trusting to his Bribes for he had robbed those Treasures his Brother had compiled he entred the Government of his own accord not caring any thing for the envy of his subjects his friends in England not a little helping him The first Tempest was depending from his Cousin Arthur whose Kingdom he had not only taken from him but also had drawn the Dukedom of Normandy to himself leaving only the Dukedom of Anion to the childe Also his Mother Constance finding her self too weak for the English flies to the French King and craves aid of him who promised not only to restore all Normandy but all England also to Arthur and received the young man into his protection Wherefore Philip listing an Army first made good the Duchy of Aniou to Arthur and then he invaded Normandy But John sailing into Normandy upbraids Philip with his perfidiousness because he had foully broken the Peace he had made with his Brother Richard Yet they went not to Arms for while they discourse and each defends his right they agreed on fifty daies cessation of Arms Baldwin Earl of Flanders being against it who therefore forsaking Philip made his Peace with the English and takes Counsel by what means when the Truce was ended they should wage Warre with the French But when John was free from the care of Warre he strikes hand with Philip upon unjust terms and Baldwin hating his sluggishness joyned with the French once more and restored the Warre of Jerusalem The English man was glad and returns for his Countrey yet was very ill received by the Nobility which hated those base conditions John now free from Warre turns all his care to Pole his subjects and to follow his pleasures Also he deprived his Brother Jeffrey Archbishop of York of all his fortune because he dehorted him from such injury Then going into Normandy he Divorced his Wife Avis and married Isabell Daughter and Heir to the Earl of Engolesme She was Crown'd at Canterbury But the oppression and violence of King John prevailed so farre also his base luxury not without murder and man-slaughter for he destroyed Matilda a beautifull Maid causing her to drink poyson because she would not yield to his intreaty to be corrupted by him and William Brause with his Wife for speaking something freely he killed with famine taking all their Estate from them But when he asked Subsidy all the Nobility as one man denied to follow him forth to Warres unless he would remove the heavy Imposts and free them from those cursed injuries Yet he went afterwards into Normandy and then to Paris with his Wife where they are to outward appearance friendly received by King Philip. But Hugh Earl of Marsh to whom Isabella the Kings Wife was first betrothed being angry with the King for taking his Wife from him joyned with Arthur and make a new Warre Philip took their part and so joyntly those of Tours first then they of Aniou invade and they take the Town Mirabellum with Eleoner the Grandmother to Arthur who had fled thither for security which was notwithstanding received by Arthur with great piety and obedience John reproves King Philip for his falseness and began to think seriously of revenge and coming suddenly and unlooked for upon the Forces of the Enemy destroyed them with a great slaughter taking those Captive which could not run away amongst whom was Arthur who shortly after died in prison of hunger on going to make an escape was drowned in the River or as it is vulgarly thought he died of grief and sorrow His Sister Eleoner died the same way shortly after All Commotions are not extinguished with Arthur but Warre springing out from Warre now here now there arise new causes of disagreement For Constance Mother to Arthur complaining to Philip of her Sonne Arthurs death she easily instigated him to a just revenge who was of his own accord the greatest enemy to John He presently sends his Heralds to
small Summe of money from the Londoners by threats and violence And then turning to the Nobility he asked a Subsidy of them in vain and he found his Church-men as backward with whom he could do little or nothing Then enterprizing an Expedition to the holy Land to free the King of France he called an Assembly of his Bishops and Peers from whom when he could not obtain one mite of money being like a mad man he drove them all out of the Chamber The Bishop of Ely for that injury was excepted against by him At last some help was afforded him whereupon he was forced to confirm solemnly Magna Charta but that money which he had appointed for the holy Warre was quickly wasted partly by gifts partly by banquetting and other frauds invented for his own destruction Also he had upon a vain hope redeemed the Kingdomes of Sicily for his son Edmund paying a great summe of money to the Pope In the interim the Welsh vexed with great injuries fall away from the Prince and to suppresse these and reduce them to obedience he stood in need of a new supply of money which at last by neat devices and inventions he wrung from them In the mean while Richard Earl of Cornwall the Kings brother at the suit of the Princes of Germany is chosen King of the Romans but shortly when he grew insolent with importunate oppressions and revenges he was put out of the place and returned for England a poor Emperour who went out a rich Earl But Henry that he might make up that money which the Pope had wiped him of by a vain boast of the Kingdom of Sicily he asks once more a Subsidy from his Nobles who refusing stifly and the King pressing for it they fall to odds afterwards calling a new Parliament which the Lords had procured for the safety of the Kingdom he was compelled by Oath and his Son also to confirm it At which time it was Enacted that the Kings Brother with the men of Poictiers that remained in England should presently depart the Kingdom But a contagious pestilence arising either naturally or by some venom these strangers scattered when they departed Many of the Nobility died whereupon many were put to death out of bare suspicion some are cast into prison and some are banished Nor did less evils for this afflict the English for they that had the charge of correcting the errors of others did with all cruelty weed up the miserable English that now so many Lords as there were so many Tyrants there were and the servants were grown like their Masters And that they might stirre up the envy of the subjects against the King they cast all the fault upon him which he endeavoured to free himself from by his publick Writ but all in vain when he was compelled in a solemn Parliament to give that power he had given to twenty four chosen men before to the Earls Montfort and of Glocester and to Spencer taking an Oath to confirm it unto them In the mean while Richard King of the Romans being landed in England Henry growing bolder by the return of his Brother though he were poor first demands a discharge of his Oath from the Pope then he opposed himself against the insolency of the Nobility He flies to help from the French King who is chosen Umpire between Henry and his Nobles to end the controversie but when he did nothing they break forth on all sides into open Warre The Count of Leicester drives forth the Earl of Glocester and storms his Castle and laid a great fine upon the Citizens Then he took the Fort at Worcester and afterwards the Isle of Ely and the Castle of Windsor But the King fearing least he should come so farre as London thought it concerned him to make peace with him They agreed at last on these conditions That all the Castles should be delivered up to the Lords and all strangers at a day appointed should forthwith depart the Kingdom only those excepted who had a Licence given them to stay But the King calling a new Parliament he drew some of the Nobility especially his own sonnes to his party to whom John Comminus Bayly Robert Bruse and others from Scotland joyn'd themselves with these being not a little confirmed he denounceth Warre against the Earls of Leicester and Glocester who did not at all excuse themselves who seeing the King daily increase in Forces levying a sudden but farre less Army oppose the King and here fraud supplied the parts of vertue for setting their Banners behinde without Souldiers they made a shew of a greater Army than they had And fortune helped a good cause for the Kings Forces being dispersed the greatest part of them was oppressed and slain the rest saved themselves by flight But the King the Prince and Earl of Cornwall and his Sonne Henry and all the Scotch Nobility fell into the enemies hands There had been an end of the King and his fortune least a contention arising between the Earls of Leicester and Glocester had given cause to a hot contest and afterwards to a sharp Warre where Leicester being too weak yet fell valiantly with wonderfull glory By the same fortune Simon and Guide Montforts the Sonnes of the Earl of Leicester were banished one into Italy the other into France where afterwards they gave their name to most illustrious families Also their Mother a gallant woman being gone a little before into France ended her life in a Nunnery A new contention being risen amongst the Nobles they sound the Trumpet to Battell again also the Welsh who had helped Earl Monifort are remanded to be slain But peace being confirmed on all sides this trouble abated without blood Rest now obtained at home Edward Prince of Wales at the request of the French King goes forth toward the Warre in Palestina but Richard once King of the Romans died in the mean time whom Henry himself followed shortly after whilst he studied to repair the losses he sustained by Warre EDWARD the first King of England Anno 1272. WHen Henry died Edward staied in Palestina being intent about the holy Warre where he underwent a grievous danger having received three wounds from his adversary with a poisoned weapon But he was cured by the wonderfull piety of his wife who with her mouth in time sucked out the venom from the wounds In his way being made more certain of his Fathers death he came at last over-land into his Country and was inaugurated King At the beginning of his Reign he used the Nobility well but he to abate the insolence of the Clergy commanded their wealth to be brought into his Exchequer and he afflicted them by other means and so drew upon him their envy The Welsh whose custom it was on all occasions to make new Commotions now afresh under their Leader Lionel rise up against Edward and rage with wonderfull pride but this tempest soon vanished for Eleoner the Daughter of Simon Monifort
others also Nor did the Queen do lesse at Bristol killing Hugh Father to Spencer who was ninety years old causing him to be dragged to Execution pulling his heart out alive Then she sent part of her Army to finde out the King Henry Earl of Lancaster being the chief and Rice Paulinus a Welshman who because he knew every passage of the Countrey exactly he lead the Earl to the Monastery of Neth where the King hid himself where presently both he with Spencer Robert Baldoch and Simon Redyng is delivered into the hands of his Enemies and is left to the Custody of the Earl of Leicester who entertained him with all respect as it was fit a captive King should be But Edmund Earl of Arundel John Daniel and Thomas Micheldem are beheaded at the request of Mortimer But Spencer who was now Earl of Glocester is now with Simon Redyng drawn to Execution and being first hanged they were afterwards beheaded and quartered and their Heads set up on London Bridge the quarters were sent to the chief Cities but Baldoch was famished to death in prison Then a Parliament is called wherein they consulted to depose the King and to Crown the Prince his Sonne Edward But he being farre more Religious than his Mother would not accept the Crown unlesse his Father would resign it willingly Some are sent to perswade this miserable King and the unhappy man did yeeld easily to it A day is set for the delivering up his Title and Edward cloathed in black comes into the Chamber where they were gathered together that should receive his Abdication but he scarce saw the provision made for his renunciation but he sunk down half dead in a swound and with much ado being refreshed by the Earl of Leicester and the Bishop of Winchester he came to himself But when he heard the cause of the Assembly he answered That as it was displeasing to him that his Subjects were so much offended at him so he was well pleased that they had made his Son Edward King in his stead and so the Solemnities being rightly performed the business was at last accomplished Then an allowance being granted to Edward he remained in the Custody of the Earl of Leicester and was well used Also so great a stipend was granted to the Queen-Mother that there was scarce any thing left for the King and Queen Nor was the furious woman yet pleased but went about to infringe the Liberty her Husband enjoyed with the Earl of Leicester and by the counsel of Adam Torleton Bishop of Hereford power is granted to two Knights Thomas Gorney and John Matrevers to carry the King to some other place They hewed him filthily cutting his hair most ridiculously and his heard also that he might not be known at last they brought him to Barclay-Castle After he had lost his Kingdom they consult concerning his Life First They thought by unwholsome food to destroy him then by filthy stinks of carcases and lastly by poyson but neither prevailed Then the Letters of the Bishop of Hereford the most wicked Counsellour were sent to his Keepers by which he checks them heavily for dealing so well with him that was not fit to be so kindly used adding in the end Doe not fear to kill Edward 't is good which was interpreted by them as they pleased who thereupon fell upon the miserable King in his Bed and strive with the Blankets to strangle him Nor were they content with this but they thrust a hot Iron into his Fundament and so burned his Bowels a most hideous Example of Cruelty and destroyed him in a dolefull manner But these Parricides when they looked for a Reward for their Villany they received a just Reward of it For being called in question for their Lives they were banished Afterwards Gorney lost his Head Matrevers after a long banishment at last died miserably This King was of an excellent Stature of Body wonderfull strong but too much given to drunkenness and so not secret of his Counsels he was immoderate toward those he loved For Love if it be with Moderation is a most noble affection of the soul and if that be wanting it is the worst passion of all the rest He was more unhappy than unfortunate He exceeded all in Chastity for he left no Bastards behinde him In Moderation for he used no unjust wayes to pole his Subjects of their Moneys As his Subjects hated him in his life time so his memory was dear unto them after his Death EDWARD the third King of England and France Anno 1328. HIs Father being deposed Edward was saluted King sirnamed Windsor not yet having passed his fifteenth year and therefore he had Governours that should Rule the Kingdome in his Name But the chief Power remain'd in the Queen and Mortimer either the Nobility winking at it or allowing it The first care was to fall upon the Scotch for Robert Bruise despising the young King entred the Borders of England with his Army whereupon an Army is raised joyning those of the hanse Towns which the Queen brought with her But when divers people hardly could be held together in respect of the diversity of their Manners there grew in a short time a great discord between both Nations so nothing succeeding well they came back again and afterwards the English consented to base Conditions of Peace A Marriage being contracted between David Prince of Scotland and Joan Sister to Edward Also Edward Married his Wife that was promised him Philippa the Earl of Hannonia's Daughter being yet in their Nonage Then the Souldiers of Hannonia who caused the Discord are sent home And Edmund Earl of Kent accused of Treason because he had endeavoured to restore the Kingdom to his Brother Edward was condemned and lost his Head But the great Revenues of the Queen which she had drawn to her self by a Grant of Parliament were restrained to a thousand per annum and she was imprisoned in a Castle and Mortimer being convicted of Adultery with her and being taken in the act was presently hanged In the mean while Philip the Fair King of France died and the Kingdom was devolved to his Sonnes Henry Lewis and Charls the Fair who all reigned in their turns but Charls dying without an Heir-male lawfull Succession failed in him Edward who was of kinne by the Sister of Charles who was the Daughter to Philip the Fair supposing that the Kingdom fell by descent to him found Philip Valesius Brother to Philip the Fair to be his enemy for women by the common rule of France are excluded by the Salique Law Wherefore Philip was prefer'd before Edward and the King of England was forced to do him Homage for the Lands he possessed in France But these things gave cause afterwards for a grievous Warre and a sharp Contention In the mean time Edward Baily Son to John affecting the Kingdom of Scotland descending from his Ancestors Robert Bruse being now dead made Warre upon the Scots and by a
successfull fight or else helped by the Forces of Edward brought almost the whole Nation under him whilst David a young King trifled the time away in France and so doing Homage to the King of England he held it as from him in Chief In the said time the Isle of Man is Conquered by William Montacute Earl of Salisbury who therefore was honoured with the Title of King of Man Edward now come to age by the Instigation of Robert Atrebas who was fled out of France into England intends a Warre with France making a Confederacy with the Dukes and Earls of Gelderland Gulic Cleave and the Hanse Towns and of Brabant The French also foreseeing this Tempest made friendship with the Bishop of Leige John King of Bobemia the Earl of Lutzenburg the Palatine Albertus Otho of the House of Austrich and Amesius Earl of Genoa Wherefore Edward sail'd into Flanders bearing the Title of the King of France those of Flanders being the cause of it and then he entred the Borders of France Philip also invaded Aquitan and though the Armies of both Kings were in sight one of the other and ready to fall on yet they both departed without fighting Edward in the mean while to see to his business at home returned for England leaving William Montacute and the Earl of Suffolk to take care of the Warre both of them behaved themselves valiantly yet were taken and brought to Paris But Edward supposing it was in vain to stay at the report of this news provided for his return for France and finding a strong Navy of King Philips in the Haven of Sluse he collecting a great Fleet set upon the French and utterly destroyed their Navy killing then 30000 French with those that were drowned and came to their ends other waies Then he laid siege to Tourney which Town was so well defended by the Duke of Burgundy and the Earl of Armeniac that his whole Army being dispersed he lost about 4000 men Edward was much enraged with this loss and challenged Philip to fight a Duel with him but the business came not so farre because it was taken up Yet the befieging of Turney was no whit neglected and Philip did what he could to free the City but Robert King of Sicily interceding and especially Joan Valois Philips sister there is a cessation made for two years In the interim the Scots that were enemies to Bayly's Government calling their King David out of France they make Warre upon Edward and invading Northumberland with a strong Army they miserably destroy all by fire and sword sparing no sex nor condition But at the sudden approach of William Montaente they are afflicted with some loss and being frighted at the coming of Edward sounding a retreat they returned for Scotland but Edward following their Armies overtook them and wearying them with some light skirmishes he forced them to a cessation for two years John Earl Montfort whilst he strives to make good his Title to Britany is taken by King Philip but his Wife seeking help from King Edward easily procured it Mary the Kings Daughter being espoused to the Earls Son the care of that expedition was first committed to Gualter Mani a valiant Gentleman and then to Robert Atrebas In the mean time Baily being driven out of his Kingdom of Scotland and by Edward made Governour of Barwick tels Edward that the Scots had not kept their Covenants whereupon Edward moves suddenly with an Army against the Scots but there was nothing done but the cessation of Arms renewed In the interim Robert Atrebas with Gualter Mani and some other Nobles after a great tempest and Sea-fight arrived at a Town of Britain which is commonly called Vannes and going on Land set on the City that was a Garrison in a Hostile manner and suddenly became Masters of it but by the desperate violence of some of the Nobility the French wan it again and wounded Robert whereof he died shortly after in England But Edward himself moving into Britany laid a new siege to the Vannes and John Duke of Normandy coming suddenly they both make themselves ready for Battell but by the intercession of Pope Clement the sixt Truce was made for some few moneths yet it lasted not who was the cause of it is uncertain they again prepare for their Arms by which means Henry of Lancaster subdued many Towns in Guyan and in other Provinces and then he removed to Burdeaux for his Winter Quarters Philip that he might not lose his Countrey by sloth levying a great Army regained Miremontium a Franc Town and Engolesm But when Lancaster was too weak for the great Army of Philip Edward came to his assistance with more Forces bringing with him his Sonne Prince of Wales that was yet in his Nonage for he was scarce 15 years old that he might be trained up in the Warres who presently took many Towns and then he marched toward Picardy and Pontium and he either vanquished or destroyed all places in the way Then he passed over Somes a wonderfull example of his Valour the enemy looking on and he discomfited Gondemar more by fear than force In the mean time Philip stay'd with his Army at the Temple of St Germans and being enraged with so great a loss of his men sets Edward a day to sight with him in Battell he had pitched his Camp at Cressen expecting with his Ensignes Philip his enemy The Armies both meet and the Trumpets sound to Battell wherein appeared the wonderfull courage of Edwards both Father and Sonne that day the English got the Victory and the French were routed and ruined the King hardly escaped himself and there were found slain about 30000 men the chief whereof were John King of Bohemia Charles Alencon and other chief Nobles 1500. Another loss fell after this Victory upon the Archbishop of Roan who lost about 7000 Souldiers Nor was this the end of their Victories for it went successively in England against the Scots in the Kings absence their King David with the greatest Noble men were taken prisoners and 15000 Souldiers were slain in the fight and the rest were dispersed Nor did the General Thomas Dagovort fight with less good fortune in Britanie for the Countess of Montfort the principal of the French Nobility being taken and killed Edward being more high by so many and great Victories neglecting Amiens and the Town of Abbas he laid siege to Calais that was of great moment and most convenient for the English affairs whilst Lancaster over-ran all Guyan vanquished those of Xanton and Poictiers and being loaded with the spoil he returned to Burdeaux In the mean while Philip going about to relieve those of Calais drew near with his Forces and when he had in vain provoked Edward to Battell having done nothing he returns toward Paris So they of Calais being out of hopes of relief began to treat for Conditions and it was agreed upon on both sides that six of the principall Citizens should come with
them that they would help their Lord not to get the Kingdom but his ancient Inheritance and so taking a solemn Oath that he would attempt nothing against King Henry toward getting the Crown he was admitted to enter within their Wals. But shortly after it appeared more clearly what his intention was for great ones use to pretend Religion to serve their turns which they make light of that with the greatest perjury they may compass what they desire He presently put a Garrison to secure the Town for himself and then hearing that the enemy made no great haste he marches to Nottingham to whom many Noble men came when they saw him fortified with a strong Army The very Duke of Clarence distrusting Henries side under a pretence of a Parley with his Brother came willingly to joyn with him Warwick also was solicited to fall off but he stuck fast to King Henry Then Edward in full confidence of his Army came up to London The Citizens were all frighted hearing that the Duke of Clarence was revolted and the people presently ran to meet Edward and with a great applause saluted him for their King Sommerset and the rest that followed Henry shift for themselves by flight leaving Henry in a Bishops Palace who was presently taken by Edward and committed to his former custody Then giving a generall pardon he won all the peoples hearts Warwick in the mean while mustering a gallant Army leads them to London and finding that Henry was cast into prison he stopt at St Albons Edward presently goes against him with a mighty power of men which augmented daily by the coming of more forces when both Armies came in sight at the break of day the Trumpets sound to Battell They fight stoutly on both sides Edward with more men Henry with more vertue yet Valour is vanquished by Force Warwick when he despaired of the Victory rid into the midst of the enemy and died gallantly with his Brother the Marquess ten thousand are slain Sommerset with Oxford flies into Wales The Earl of Exceter takes asylum at Westminster Edward like a Conquerour with King Henry for he brought him along with him enters London In the mean while the fame was that Queen Margaret was landed in England with a great Army and was corroborated for Warre by the Earl of Sommerset Devonshire Pembroke and others that joyned with her Wherefore Edward being sure to meet the enemy every where removes to Oxford with his Army At length he pursues Margaret whilst she thought to march into Wales and she by the unexpected coming of Pembroke which was very material taking counsel with Sommerset what to do gave him Battell the fight was fought at Teucksbury and the dispute was long and doubtfull at last Edward prevailed and all Margarets men almost were killed The Earl of Devonshire and Sommerset's Brother and many Nobles were slain Margaret Prince Edward the Duke of Sommerset and others about twenty Knights were taken and all of them except the Queen and Prince Edward were beheaded in two daies But Edward when he was brought to confer with the King and he answered more boldly than was convenient he was most cruelly slain by the standers by George Duke of Clarence Richard Duke of Glecester Thomas Gray Marquess of Dorset and William Hastings The Queen afterwards was set free for a Ransom and sailed into France and lived alwaies a sorrowfull and languishing life Edward having thus got the Victory comes in Triumph to London In the interim Faulconbridge Sonne to the Earl of Kent who was made Admiral of the Sea by Warwick when he had long plaid the Pirate coming into Kent raised a great force of Kentish men and entred into Londou But the Maior of the City raising an Army fell suddenly upon him and took all his booty from him chasing him away and killing many of his men Faulconbridge was taken afterwards and his head cut off Pembroke when he saw all was lost shifting away from the snares that were laid for his life and being more at ease by the death of Wagham who lay in wait for him with Henry his Nephew by his Brother Earl of Richmond and some few of his new friends arrived in France Edward that all things for the future might be more calm tamed the audacionsness of the Kentish men who had last taken up Arms against him partly by punishment partly by threats Also King Henry that he might give no occasion to new risings was killed in the Tower by the Duke of Glocester his Body was buried with no pomp but the Parricides and the Authors of his death as it shall be rehearsed were afterwards punished for murdering him He had reigned thirty eight years and six moneths he had an honest minde a comely personage and was more like a Saint than a King Edward to blot out all the footsteps of Rebellion cast George Archbishop of York into prison who was afterwards set at liberty yet died of grief of minde Also he cast the Earl of Oxford into prison where he kept him twelve years Others in other places were either captivated or put to death Then that the Rebels might not fly away to neighbour Nations he made Truce with James King of Scotland for twenty years The Earls of Pembroke and Richmond escaped into France where they were courteously entertained by the Duke of Brittain But afterwards when as Edward required that they should be delivered up to him and could not prevail they were kept more carefully by the Duke Then a Parliament being called Henries Decrees were nulled and Edwards confirmed and those that were banished their Country for his sake as enemies are called home again and the Kings Exchequer being extreamly wasted Subsidies are requested In the interim Warre burning between Lewis the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy to whom many Princes of France joyned themselves abhorring the manners of Lewis that were grievous to them Edward himself that he might not be wanting to assist his friend that he was bound unto for so many courtesies provided an Army and a Fleet and sailed to Callis Charles was presently with him and congratulates his Victory over the Rebels and invites him that was willing to enter upon a new Warre But Lewis being mightily afraid of two such potent enemies sent Embassadours to Edward The two Kings held a large Conference who met at Pictuigny where a League was made for many yeares 70000 Duccats being paid to Edward for his charges and 50000 to be paid yearly and Elizabeth Daughter to Edward was married to Charles Sonne to Lewis And so Peace being agreed upon Charles and Luxenburg that joyned with him in the Warre being not a little vexed at it Edward came first to Callis and from thence to England Luxenburg was afterwards taken in fight and lost his Head at Paris Edward though he had settled Peace at home and abroad yet thinking nothing safe enough for him whilst Henry Earl of Richmond was alive whose
Florus Anglicus OR AN EXACT HISTORY OF England FROM THE RAIGN OF William the Conquerour to the Death of the Late KING By Lambert Wood Gent. LONDON Printed for Simon Miller at the Starre in St Pauls Church-yard 1657.6 The History of England TO THE READER FRIENDLY READER THou hast here a short Compendium of the Affaires of England yet written with so much Care and Diligence that there is nothing almost that is wanting in it but circumstances or things not usefull By this means I suppose I have spared the Reader both labour and time For what will it profit a man to spend his Age in searching out of that which he may have represented to him at an instant You may with one glance of your Eye runne over all the Writings and Pains taken by many Authours And that nothing might be wanting I have drawn forth the History from the very Infancy of it even unto the Death of CHARLES the First not following my own Advice but directed by the Testimony of them who setting aside all Envy were Reall and Eye-Witnesses of this Tragedy I have offered no Violence to the Truth by siding with any part If I loved the one I did not hate the other And if perhaps any Man which in Novelties is much desired by his future Experience shall bring forth the hidden Causes of things to the clearer Light I will not refuse to give Credit to it so farre is it from me from believing my own Report before the Relation of other Men. That which pleased me I think shall not be distastefull unto thee And I hope to reap the fruit of my Labours in it your kinde Acceptance which if I may obtain I aim at nothing else Judge moderately of the Style and censure it courteously It will not cause your Admiration shining forth in a Scholastick Brightnesse it will not retard curious Eyes with the Elegancie of words and glorying in the wittie choise of Sentences What can I say more It must be excused The desire of Praise could not carry me aloft who want Wings for it Moderate things please me when I can reach no higher Only I abhorre the envy of Detractors and the quarrelling of carping Momus Having premised thus much I shall remain A true Friend to my Countrey Lambert Wood. Courteous Reader These Books following are printed and sold by Simon Miller at the Starre in St Pauls Church-yard near the West end Folio The Civil Warres of Spain in the Raign of Charles the fifth Emperour of Germany and King of that Nation wherein our late unhappy Differences are parallel'd in many particulars The History of this Iron-Age with the Original and Causes of all Warres and Commotions that have happened throughout Europe from the Year 1500 to this present Quarto Abrahams Faith or the good old Religion proving the Doctrine of the Church of England to be the only true Faith of Gods Elect by J. Nicholson Minister of the Gospel Mr Boltons Directions The Anatomy of Mortality by George Strode Mr Ainsworth on the Canticles Mr Paul Baynes Diocesans Trial. The Supream Power of Christian States Vindicated from the Insolent Pretences of Gulielmus Apollonii by E. Gralle Politique and Military Observations of Civil and Military Governments The Birth Increase Decay of Monarchies the Carriage of Princes Magistrates Commanders and Favourites by D.P. Esq Mr Pinchin his meritorious Price of Christs Redemption Astrology Theologized shewing what Nature and Influence the Starres and Planets have over men and how the same may be diverted and avoided Octavo The Reconciler of the Bible A View of the Jewish Religion with their Rites Customs and Ceremonies Edward Waterhouse Esquire his Discourse of Piety and Charity A short View and Defence of the Reformation of the Church of England by King Edward and Queen Elizabeth wherein her Doctrine Liturgy and Discipline are considered and preferred before all others Mr Peter du Moulin His Antidote against Popery published on purpose to prevent the delusions of the Priests and Jesuites being seasonable for these times Herberts Devotions or a Companion for a Christian containing Meditations and Prayers usefull upon all occasions Mr Knowls His Rudiments of the Hebrew Tongue A Book of Schemes or Figures of Heaven ready set for every four Minutes of time The Poor mans Physician and Chyrurgeon Florus Anglicus or an exact History of England from the beginning to the death of the Late King Duodecimo Dr Smiths Practice of Physick Grammar Warre Posselius Apothegms Fuciculus Florum Crashaws Visions Robinsons Essayes The Christian Souldier his Combate with the three Arch-enemies of Man-kind the World the Flesh and the Devil together with his Conquest and Crown Vicessimo quarto The New-Testament The third Part of the Bible Playes The Ball. The Conspiracy The Tragedy of Chamlet Example Gamester Dukes Mistresse THE CONTENTS COncerning the first Kings of the Britans 1 Of the first Norman King 9 William the Second 16 Henry the First 20 Stephen King of England 25 Henry the Second 33 Richard the First 38 John the First 45 Henry the Third 53 Edward the First 64 Edward the Second 71 Edward the Third 85 Richard the Second 100 Henry the Fourth 115 Henry the Fifth 122 Henry the Sixth 131 Edward the Fourth 149 Edward the Fifth and Richard the Third 161 Henry the Seventh 172 Henry the Eighth 182 Edward the Sixth 200 Queen Mary 206 Queen Elizabeth 214 King James 223 King Charles the First 230 AN Exact History OF ENGLAND Concerning the first Kings of the Britans BRitany of old was subject not to one but to divers Kings The Names of four of them are called by Caesar Cingelarix Carvilius Taximagalus and Segonax whereupon the Conquest of the Romans over them was more sure though it were longer in doing for whilst they fought all severally they are generally overcome Yet the Britans did ever now and then make some resistance hardly submitting their necks to anothers Government Amongst whom for her Noble enterprise Vaodicia the Queen was most remarkable who with her two daughters Virgins having formerly been forced by the Roman Souldiery in revenge for her chastity abused raised a mighty Army and over-threw the Enemy with a great slaughter yet the fortune of the Warre changing afterwards she escaped bondage provided for her by drinking poyson This Island was subject to the Roman Government five hundred years but discord creeping in at home they left this place of their own accord which they had won with so much labour yet they took such Britans along with them which they thought most fit for Warre part whereof were slain in the Warre part were consumed with hunger and want and part of them transported themselves into that place in France for their safety which from them is called Britany The Picts and Scots they strive to enter upon the Countrey thus forsaken whom to resist they chose Vortigernus Earl of Cornwall for their King and implored the help of the Saxons or Anglo Saxons a Warlick Nation in
whereby the English were provoked to conspire together and so in one night they killed all the Danes through the whole Island and quencht so great a fire with the blood of the Authors of it Swain King of Denmark being urged with this great slaughter of his subjects invades England with a mighty Army He puts Ethelrede to flight and brought the whole Land under his obedience and by his death he passed it over to his Sonne Canatus who fought with Ethelrede who came back again with his Son Edmundus upon a changeable fortune and left his two Sons to succeed him Harald his bastard and Canutus the Bold but when they were dead the Kingdom returned again unto the English who shook off the Danish Yoke and Edward Sonne to Ethelred was made King Now it was that England began to take breath but as it commonly fals out idleness became the ruine of many The lazy Priests for the most part being at ease took care of all things but their Office The people being more dissolute with Luxury grew contemptible by sluggish dulness Learning decaied the Commonwealth wasted with divers Vices Pride and Negligence had made a ready path for their Ruine Of the first Norman King WILLIAM the Conquerour Anno 1067. EDward the Confessor last dead whilst he lived in Normandy had promised after his decease the Kingdom of England to William Duke of Normandy as he was his Kinsman and near of Blood yet that William was a bastard Sonne of Robert King of Normandy begot on a Countrey Maid But Harold the Sonne of Godwin Earl of Kent a bold man and a good Souldier possessed himself by force of the Kingdom during the Interregnum not waiting for the consent of the Nobility though his Brother Tosto strove against him all he could and made Warre with him but at York he lost his life in a pitched Battell In the mean while William Duke of Normandy depending on his right raising an Army came for England to the South Saxons Harold hearing of his arrivall though his Souldiers were tired with a late fight sets up his Standard against his new guest William Not farre from Hastings they fought a sore Battel but fortune turning against the English Harold driven forward with a Warlike fury riding into the midst of the Enemies and fighting valiantly was slain and a great number of his men were slain with him William the Conquerour presently brings his Conquering Banners to London and is proclaimed King by the people that remained having got a Kingdom by a lawfull Victory which as he said was given him by God This King which is the use for Conquerours to do abolishing forthwith all the Customs of the English Nation and the greatest part of their Laws brought in immediatly his own Countrey fashions and commanded that all Causes whatsoever should be pleaded in French And excluding all the English that had born Arms against him out of their Patrimonies he disposed of all their Demeans Lands Fields and the rest of their Goods amongst his Souldiers for a reward of their Victory but reserving to himself the direct Principality and Homage held to Himself and his Heirs as a tenure from the Crown so that none but the King should be the right and true Lord of any thing Also he caused a seal to be made for himself wherein was engraved By this acknowledge William of Normandy to be your Patron but on the other side was engraven By this seal you must know that the same is King of England Having thus subdued the power of the Laity he turns himself to the Clergy and made an Edict that no English Monk should be capable of any secular Dignity disdaining the facilness of Canutus who was formerly King who had continued the honours entire to the people whom he had subdued by which lenity the inhabitants growing bold after his death easily expelled forreigners and recovered their former Liberty Then he appeased the approaching Warre of the Danes by giving them money that he might enjoy it peaceably upon any rate And hence it was that the English were in no fear at all of the Danes that formerly so much infested them yet they were not so free from troubles but that here or there there were some tumults amongst the people that were hardly suppressed and overcome but the windy faction was soon dispersed The greatest matter was the Rebellion of his Sonne Robert in Normandy because it was most against Nature This Sonne at the instigation of Philip King of France demanded this Dukedome of his Father as his proper right and without more words enters upon Normandy by force of Arms. It is true his Father had promised him this Territory but the Son was weary of delay nor would he longer forbear from the Government he hoped for The King hearing of his Sons Enterprize suddenly goes against him with a gallant Army They meet in Battel the Son unhorses his Father and wounds him in the Arm. But when he knew his Fathers voice alighting from his own horse he raised his Father from the ground and kneeling down before him craved pardon for his boldness which he obtained presently his Father embracing him in his Arms. However he seemed thus to have appeased his Fathers wrath yet God never suffering such faults to go unpunished he had no good luck ever after William by such clemency was miraculously eminent in other cases raising not a few of his adversaries a rare example to the greatest Dignities as if he endeavoured by his gentleness to mitigate their fierce spirits and to calm their rebellious mindes that they might be eminent in their duty to their Benefactor as he was in bestowing benefits on his enemies and should blush to deny obedience unto him whom they had offended without danger Having conquered therefore the Rebels partly by good turns partly by the Sword he at length endeavours to enlarge his Kingdom bringing Walâ—s under his command and causing Malcom King of Scots to do him Homage and so adding new Countries he rewarded England for the Crown they granted to him Yet least the frowardness of his newly conquered subjects should grow insolent he laid upon them Taxes and Tributes that were not very light and for the honour of his own Country he made the Laws to be debated in the French tongue and be bridled the haughtiness of the Monks Only the men of Kent held their old Customs For the King upon a certain time journying toward Dover was handsomly circumvented by the Inhabitants of Kent carrying boughs cut down from the trees and they would not let him depart untill he had granted them the enjoyment of their Antient Customs Also he was indulgent to the Londoners to let them enjoy the priviledges they had in the time of Edward the Confessor but he forbad the Nobility from hunting of Deer reserving those sports for himself only He disposed no less of Church affairs composing a difference between the Archbishops of Canterbury and York for
look into the faults of the Clergy and reserved to himself the punishing of them neglecting the Bishop of Rome Last of all being much given to hunting he was unhappily slain by an arrow that rebounded from the back of a Stag. The foreshewing signs of his unhappy end being foreseen but not regarded HENRY the first King of England Anno 1101. HEnry the first succeeded his Brother born of William in England not a Duke but a King Who in the absence of his elder Brother Robert either invaded the Kingdom or procured it with money or obtained it by the favour of the people for he was more Learned than all his Brothers and was so much the more dear to the people He made good the Kingdom he had got with fraud by good deeds gentleness and just punishments He every where preferred Learned men for places in the Church he removed such as were unlearned and unworthy from their places He mitigated the more severe Laws and abolished hard Customs He granted the Nobility free leave to Hunt and with his bounty he so won the hearts of all And because he knew that the Scotch were his ill-willers he made peace with them and to binde the League the faster he took Maud the sister of King Edgar to be his Wife That which hapned to his Father and to his Brothers hapned to him to have the first success of Warre from his own kindred Namely the Bishop of Durrham being the first mover of it whom he had cast into prison for exacting too great Tributes who had escaped his Keepers by reason of their neglect his Brother Robert Duke of Normandy is stirred up to wage Warre with Henry and to recover his right Robert was now ready in England with an Army and the day for the Battel was appointed when as the Heralds were sent up and down at last peace is agreed upon 20000 Franks being granted yearly to Robert and hopes of succession should he out live his Brother Henry This danger scarce dispelled another fals upon the neck of it For Robert Bellamy Earl of Shrewsbury for no other cause but envy inviting the Welsh to his aid makes Warre against the King But this stopped him not for raising an Army suddenly he put the Welsh to flight he intercepted Robert and confiscating all his Goods sent him into banishment For to punish Traitors with death was not yet the fashion The third tempest arose from William Earl of Mortane and of Cornwall the Kings Uncle he being angry with his Cosen for denying him the County of Kent endeavours by treachery to draw the Shire unto himself but his Treason being discovered for one County that he thought to win he lost two Henry that was hitherto on the defensive part now takes up Arms willingly against his Brother Robert being offended at some scoff of his and levying an Army he entred Normandy and became Master of it all scarce leaving so much as Roan to his Brother and so he retreated for England Robert had made triall of his severity and was resolved to make proof of his levity whereupon he follows after his Brother into England and very submissive desires pardon for his sawciness But Henry either offended with the now fresh injury of his Brother or else affecting the Dukedom of Normandy neglected the praiers of his Brother Robert being impatient of this scorn returns for Normandy and once more raising an Army attempts a Warre against his Brother but he coming successfully upon Robert with a sufficient force providently suppressed the mischief in the birth but not without blood and he carried his Brother Captive into England and putting out his eyes he held him prisoner to the day of his death By this success he grew Magnificent whence arose envy against him For Fulck Duke of Aniou Baldwin Earl of Flanders and Lewis sirnamed the Gross King of France entring a League with joynt forces they endeavour to restore to William the Sonne of Robert the Land of his Grandfather Henry presently transports his Forces into Normandy and encountring the Battel put the French to flight and after that he had diversly made triall of fortune in fine Peace is confirmed between the Duke of Aniou and Henry which is confirmed by Marriage between William the Kings Son and the said Dukes Daughter After this Peace followed between both these Kings the Dukedom of Normandy being granted to William the Son of Henry doing Homage for it And thus by continuance of time all the first-born Sonnes of the Kings of England are styled Dukes of Normandy But Charles Earl of Flanders being wickedly slain at Brussels leaving no other Heir William the Sonne of Robert who was the next right Heir to it for that he was from the blood of Maud Daughter to Baldwin and Wife to William the Conquerour was elevated to this Dignity who growing insolent with this prosperity endeavours to recover Normandy his Patrimony by his Grandfather which he brought to pass with no great difficulty by assistance of the French King but receiving a wound in one of his hands which was very smal and afterwards rankling he lost both his life and Patrimony by it Peace being confirmed abroad yet Henry was tossed at home with civil commotions Wales being entred into a Conspiracy whereupon he pursuing the Rebels erring in his passage he fell into a straight place and redeemed yet not without danger a thousand sheep and oxen from them And these were the Warres he had both at home and abroad He seldom or never Taxed the Land He made none but good Laws He was the first that ordained the convening of the several Orders which is now called a Parliament He punished Theeves and false Coiners with severe justice He diminished the power of the Pope in his Dominions and such suits as were decided in England he forbad to be called back to Rome without his cognizance thereof the Pope not speaking any thing against it But a greater Controversie arose concerning Ecclesiastical Promotions both of them standing stoutly for his own Interest But the King not regarding the Pope held in his own hands the power of disposing and confirming Offices If he were over luxunious yet he was noble in his choice not loving every one in extreams He had no lawfully begotten Sons but he had many bastards whereupon he endeavoured by all means to establish the Government in Maude and her Daughters but all in vain Stephen succeeding who was born from Adela Daughter to William the Conquerour excluding Maude his Wife and Daughter which first married Henry the fourth the Roman Emperour and he being dead she was married to Jeffrey Plantagenet the Sonne of Fulc the Duke of Aniou At last by reason of some quarrel with the Duke of Aniou he fell into grief of mind whence followed a great weakness of his body by over-eating of Eels and thence he fell into a burning Feaver and so died after he had reigned 35 years being the last of the
John and sets him a day of hearing to appear before him as one that ought him Homage But John refusing he entred his Territories by Arms and in short time he subdued all Normandy as it were in the face of John who staied sluggishly at Roan and afterwards doing nothing he returned into England the Nobility gnashing their teeth at it in vain To this may be added the second and third loss for Eleconer the Kings Mother died who did the Kingdom as much good by her vertues as the King did mischief by his vices Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury followed her who was another Ornament of the Kingdom And now John seemed to be in possibility to recover his loss so his subjects would bring Subsidies to help him to wage Warre which they strove who should do it most So he marcheth toward Portsmouth and suddenly set sail not waiting for the Noblemen that came after him but he had no sooner left the shore but he presently returned and upbraiding the Nobility because they followed him not with sluggishness and disobedience he fined them with a vast summe of money and so being the richer by his double Usury neglecting the War he returned home Philip in the mean while that he might expell all the English out of his Kingdom takes Chinon by force and he had quickly put an end to the Warre unless Guido the Husband of Constance falling off from Philip had joyned with John by whose help he levied a new Army whereby he took Mountalbans a Town otherwise impregnable with wonderfull celerity in fifteen daies and after that storming Aniou he gave the Plunder to his Souldiers rasing the Wals of the Town but he repented it afterwards and perchance because he was born in that City he built it again more firm and beautifull than it was And now Philip and John were in Arms now on this side now on that the Army expected the word to fall on and nothing but blood and slaughter was to be expected but at the Intercession of friends a Cessation was granted for two years John therefore returns for England but upon his return he enters the borders of the Scotch and kils multitudes of them and brought King Alexander to his obedience and those Irish that he found to have revolted he sailed with his Fleet thither and easily brought them under So he made the Rebel Welsh upon his return become Subjects taking eight and twenty Noble-mens children for pledges which when the Welsh rose again he commanded to kill them all So much prevails unadvised desire of wrong though sometimes it may oppose good examples to unsatisfied cruelty and so John was more cruel and valiant against none than toward his own Subjects He returned afterward into France that as we said he might repair the wals of Aniou when those of Poictou revolted to him But Lewis the sonne of Philip mustering an Army presently not only mastered and punished the Rebels but also put all Johns Army to flight and destroyed them taking the chief Nobility by which losse he was brought to desperation yet making peace he returned for England to vex his Subjects and to pour forth all his malice on the innocent In the mean time the Nobility of England because they could obtain from the King no release of their burdens conspiring together wage warre against him The King when he was too weak for them attempted to proceed by subtilty and calling the Nobility together granted them their requests But afterwards being discharged by the Pope from his promises he takes up armes against them and spoiling almost all England he threw down the Castles and Forts of all the Conspirators every where There was a Bull sent from the Pope against all the Nobility that disobeyed his Commands The Nobility being too weak for the King in Arms they commit an unjust and hainous wickednesse calling in the sonne of the French King to their assistance and promising obedience to him as to their King He stayed not but sailed for England with a Navy of six hundred ships The conspired Nobility joyn'd with him and so joyning their forces they came for London where Lewis with a fair speech wone the Citizens to his side Also the Scotch entred England with a mighty Army destroying all things in the way whereby Lewis as also by the other Forces being strengthned overruns all England with ease John in the mean time least he should seem to do nothing gathering together a great many vagabonds spoils miserably the Lands of his Subjects at last in the passing of some Rivers not a few of his followers being drown'd and being overweakned for want of help falling thereby into grief of minde and so into a Feaver he died within a few dayes Great controversies arose between the King and the Pope during his Raign in Church-matters about the choice of some Bishops The Pope got the upper-hand and made the King do him homage after that the businesse of the Church had stood still six years and three moneths He was immoderate in blasphemies and execrations Also he is thought to have sought aid from Mirammula King of Africa whilest he was in his troubles promising to him the Kingdom of England if he conquer'd and to renounce the Christian Faith He was sad and dark of countenance he was tall and fat sluggish and idle of Nature he seldome conquered the enemy but by force being inconstant in adverse fortune he was easily dejected He was false in his promises burdensom to his Subjects troublesom to his neighbours and hated of all HENRY the third King of England Anno 1517. AFter Johns decease his first born sonne Henry not yet passed nine years old obtain'd the Kingdom not without some controversie of the Nobles Some of the Nobility falling off to him who a little before had made a defection and swear to King Lewis yet Lewis with those that followed him from London with an Army of twenty thousand men wone many Towns till at last he came to the Castle at Lincoln which a certain noble woman did manly defend and caused him to stop and an Army of the English coming on in the mean time he was repulsed and conquered Many of the English Nobility being taken that stood with him besides the Count of Perch who preferred an honourable death before a dishonourable life yet he did not despair but sent for new forces out of France which were all almost destroyed in a fight at Sea By these misfortunes he was forced to take Conditions whereby there were granted to King Lewis in respect of his charge he had been at a hundred and five thousand franks he renouncing all Right to the Kingdom of England and promising faithfully to prevail with his Father to restore all the Provinces in France that belonged to the English But the King restored to the Rebel Nobility all the Lands that belonged unto them and so Lewis leaving England set sail at Dover for France having waged war unhappily in
nothing on but their shirts with Halters about their necks and submit themselves to King Edward all the rest to have free pardon These though they did most humbly upon their knees crave for pardon yet were condemned to be hanged but at the Queens request they were set at liberty and sent away with money to defray their charges as they went The King and Queen enter the City in Triumph they command the old inhabitants to leave the City and kept the place stocked with English families The French strive to regain by craft what they had lost by Valour for Godfry Charnus the Governour of St Odomar had corrupted with money Almeric Papiensis which Edward had made Captain of Calais to deliver up the City but the matter being disclosed Almeric is called for into England who coming and confessing his fault at last he obtained pardon but upon that condition that he should deceive the French of their expectation and deliver them up to the hands of the English At the time appointed came Charnus and brought the Gold with him he had promised but he was circumvented by Edwards Forces yet he stoutly defended himself and made work enough for Edward and his Sonne both that were present untill all were slain that he brought with him and he with a Cavalier of Ribomantium who had twice dismounted Edward but at last was vanquished by him was taken prisoner But the business succeeded more happily for the English got the Castle of Gnyan by bribing the Governour and so plaid the French the same trick Philip the French King now died leaving his Sonne John Heir of the Kingdom also Humbert Prince of Dauphine died who left the same successour and from that time the first born of the French King is called the Dolphine But when the Treaties of Peace began succeeded not Edward Prince of Wales is sent again into France who over-running Aquitan Septimania Tolonse Narbon Bourges heavy with the spoil came back to Bourdeaux Edward no less on the other part vexed France with new Forces also he set Lancaster to assist the King of Navarre who also Conquered many Castles and Cities wherefore the French man raising what force he could first laies hold on Normandy and recovered many Towns there and had won all the Province unlesse he had been diverted by the insolency of Edward Prince of Wales who came against him but when Edward was too weak for the French Army he soon retreated to Bourdeaux The French followed him and forced him to fight not willing to forbear the hopes he had of the Victory although Legates came from the Pope and submissively desired peace But the Prince of Wales scorning the base conditions sent him by the French namely That he should yield himself and his Army to the mercy of the French made himself ready to fight and making choice of some places that were Vineyards and over-grown with briars that he might avoid the violence of the Horse there he planted his Bow-men who easily troubled the Horsemen that came improvidently to offend them and so began the Battell and following their success they dispersed and routed all the French Army presently King John himself with his younger Sonne Philip and an innumerable Nobility of France were taken prisoners seven thousand were slain amongst whom were many chief Noble men The rest with three Sons of the King escaped by flight The King of France though he were captivated was used with all respect by Prince Edward and when he had wintred with him at Bourdeaux at the beginning of the spring he is brought into England and is entertained richly by King Edward who being content with one Captive King he released David King of Scotland at the request of Queen Joan sister to Edward when he had lived in England eleven years first paying his Ransom that he had promised But by the intercession of some Cardinals there was a Treaty of Peace between both Kings And John being now weary of his stay in England easily yielded to those conditions which Edward propounded But his eldest Sonne the Dolphin Prince and the Counsel of France were not content with them saying they were heavy and unjust Whereupon Edward impatient of delays attempts to make good by Arms that he could not obtain in Peace He leaving the charge of the Kingdom to his younger Sonne Thomas with 1100 Ships and the Flowr of the Nobility of England sails to Calais where he divided his Army into three parts The first Body he trusted with the Prince of Wales the second to Lancaster the third he kept for himself Then over-running Picardy he wan many Towns till he sat down with his Army before the Wals of Paris waiting in vain for the coming of the Dolphin wherefore he retreated toward Lions But in the way he was overtaken with so great a tempest in the year 1360 that being mightily frighted he made a vow to make peace with the French and not long after it was confirmed at Lyons In which conditions the French King was also included with his Sonne and is released from his Captivity and great part of France with a vast summe of Money is granted to Edward but the French King the next year the cause why is not certain came for England and after he had languished long he died there Edward about this time instituted the Order of Knights of the Garter with great solemnity The fame of the Prince of Wales was now spread through the world wherefore if any were oppressed with injury or wronged by their enemies they fled to him for to be their Protector and to revenge their wrongs Amongst the rest Peter King of Castile was restored again to his Kingdom who returned him very small thanks for his labour for Peter refused to pay the Souldiers their wages they deserved The Prince got nothing by it but grief of minde and body if you set aside the fame and glory he acquired of his great vertue The Souldiers in the interim being enraged for lack of their Pay that they might not want necessary provision over-run all the Territories round about and commit rapine in all places where they came whereupon the inhabitants complain to the King of France therefore the French King sets the Prince a day to give an account of this insolence He denied to come unless he came armed with 60000 Souldiers so this controversie brake forth into open Warre and they on both sides take by force many Towns and abundance of men are slain the English for the most part having the best of it conquering the Towns of Burdeaux and Belloperch where they took the Mother of the Duke of Borbon and the Queen of France About this time Philippa Queen of England died yet her death put no stop to the English proceedings in France For the Earl of Pembroke falling upon the people of Aniou wan many Towns and when he endeavoured to take and spoil the French Navy by the industry of the Earl of
Sant-Paul he was frustrated and so he returned for Callis plundering all in the way In the mean time the men of Angiers and Bourges wasted the borders of the Prince of Wales which when he endeavoured to oppose receiving news of Lemoges taken making hast thither he wan it again killing all every where but observing the Valour of three Centurions who by their Gallantry checked his Conquering sword for their sakes he spared the City and the Lives of all the inhabitants that were left David King of Scots died in the mean time leaving no heir besides his Cousin Robert Stuart who succeeded him and was Crowned at Scone Robert Canolns was now sent into France with a great Army behaved himself more boldly than fortunately for he was circumvented by Bertrand Gesquinus and lost the greatest part of his men Edward Prince of Wales the most famous for his Valour and Chivalry died at Burdeaux about this time and Gualter Mani a valiant Captain died at London Also the Earl of Pembroke who had married his Daughter being now Governour of Guyan when he was going to his charge of Government was taken by the Spaniards and carried into Spain All those possessions which the Prince of Wales had won followed and were recovered again by Charles the fifth King of France so that the chance of Warre now began manifestly to alter Edward indeed went thither with mighty forces but by a contrary Tempest he lost his labour and Lancaster was carefull of his business but did nothing prevail Edward when he had lost together with his hopes he conceived of his Sonne Edward all the fruits almost of his travell in France fell into so great grief of minde and body that he died about ten moneths after the Prince of Wales when he had reigned fifty years He was the most valiant of all the Kings a comely person excellent for the gifts of his body and minde living as one may say after his death having had a Wife and a Sonne that were incomparable RICHARD the second King of England and France Anno 1378. RIchard sirnamed of Burdeaux the Sonne of Edward the Black Prince of Wales appointed to succeed by Edward his Grandfather came to the Crown after his death not yet being past eleven years of age Wherefore he had Governours assigned to him John Duke of Lancaster and Edmund Earl of Cambridge his Uncles by his Fathers side The Scotch and French taking occasion to win from him by reason of his Nonage provide Armies for invasion The French Conquer the City Rye and being encouraged by their success they fall upon the Isle of Wight and spoil all with fire and sword wresting from the Inhabitants great summes of Money and so spoiling all the Frontiers of England they are enriched with a vast prey The Scotch take the Castle of Barwick but by the Valour of the people of Northumberland and Nottingham the Fort is recovered and all the Scots killed Also Hugh Calverley Governour of Callis burn'd 26 Ships of France in the Harbour of Bononia casting fire amongst them So John Philpot Citizen of London preparing a Fleet at his own charge took all the Ships of Mercerus a notable Rover who plaid the Pirate on the borders of England and rob'd all the English Merchants Ships When he returned in stead of a reward he is accused of high Treason because he had fitted his Navy without the Kings knowledge he defended his cause so well that he not only excused what he did but is famous for it unto this day The King said That publick actions may be privately traduced yet they may not be publickly examined since Authority would in such a case commit a fault and in place of an errour raise a tumult and since the loss is generall and common every one affords weapons for revenge and though it were against reason to exceed the Commission yet it cannot be held a criminal matter to engage for it with hazard of ones life With good and bad fortune they laboured much on both sides The Scotch waste with fire Rupisburg but the Earl of Northumberland entring Scotland spoil'd the Territories of Merchia with sword and flame likewise The Northern English attempting to invade Scotland also are unhappily slain And afterwards the Duke of Lancaster with Buckingham Warwick Stafford and others the chief of the Nobility arrive in Britain with a great Fleet thinking to lay siege to St Malos but finding the Garrison too strong they return home again The Scotch in the mean while setting scaling ladders to the Castle of Barwick overcame it in the night and killed Robert Baynton Governour of it But the Earl of Northumberland coming suddenly with an Army regain'd the Castle after he had beleaguerd it two daies William Montacute the Kings Embassadour at Callis was successfull in his business both by Sea and Land But John Clark was as unfortunate though he behaved himself valiantly being conquered and taken by the enemy both he and his Ships And so here and elsewhere they strove with doubtfull fortune In the mean while Thomas Cartonius is accused for Treason by John Ansler that he had for money given up to the French the Castle of St Saviour Cartonius denying the fact is challenged by Ansler to fight a Duel with him wherein Carton though he were farre stronger in Limbs and force than Ansler is killed by him At the beginning of the fourth year of King Richard's Raign the Earl of Buckingham was sent with others and a small Army into France to assist the Duke of Brittain but the French King dying about that time Peace was confirmed between the new King and the Duke But the Spanish and the French Galleys did wonderfully spoil the Sea-Towns of England at that time and many Towns were either plunder'd or consumed by fire so laden with the prey they returned home The Kentish men by reason of the deadly burden of Tributes grew mad and are enraged with an implacable hatred against the Nobility taking all occasions they could finde for the basest dregs of men commonly being uncapable of honour themselves which they cannot sustain are envious against those that are They report that Wat Tyler was the Author of it who killed the Collector of Tribute that behaved himself arrogantly with his own staff that he took from him To whom other seditious fellows and whole Provinces joyned themselves This tumultuary Faction increased mightily came to London with his Army and kils first of all Richard Lyon a London Doctor with an Ax. And putting his Head on the top of his Spear carries it for a Trophie of his valour Then all of them the next day runne to Lancaster-Hall and set it on fire they take away the rich Hangings and throw them into the Thames carefully looking to it that no man should keep any thing for himself and when one covetous fellow had hid a silver Cup in his bosome they take the man and threw him into the fire alive with the Cup.
business prosperously for the Duke of Burgundy and being highly rewarded they went back for their Country the Warre being as then not ended between the Burgundian and the Duke of Orleans But he knowing that the hearts of the English were therefore set against him requesting their assistance obtained it from King Henry but when there was a scattered report that they were both agreed the auxilliary English staying by the Loyre expected their wages which when they could not obtain they being incensed plundered a Town that was hard by called Bellilocum and the Monastery and after that being called away by the Duke of Clarence they march toward Gasconye for the Duke of Orleans and plunden all as they go along and when the Duke of Orleans had paid them their wages they were pacified and returned for England But Henry now for a good while having ended his Civil Warre and intending an expedition for Palestina preparing a Fleet for that purpose died very suddenly at Westminster when he had reigned about 14 years About the time of his death James Stuart the eldest Sonne of Robert for David was dead whilst he was taking a voyage into France was taken by the English and was brought to London being exceedingly entertained by the King but his Father supposing his Sonne was now lost died for meer grief and sorrow shortly after whom his Brother Robert succeeded in the Throne HENRY the fifth King of England and France Anno 1413. THis King was inaugurated with a wonderfull applause and desire of the Lords and Commons and he not willing to disappoint his subjects of the hope they conceived of him gave presently a sign of his excellent Government sending away from him those ministers of lascivious youth amongst whom he had been formerly bred and least by sluggishness his valiant heart should languish he sets his whole care how to recover his right in France having narrowly looked into it First he sent Heraulds and demanded his Kingdom from King Charles promising to Marry his Daughter and threatning also that if Charles would not do it he would come with an Army and take his Patrimony by force Charles laughed at his Embassadours whereby he so enraged the minde of Henry that he presently mustering a mighty Army with about 1200 Ships he sails into France first he besieged Harflet and in a few daies compelled it to yield Then passing to Somma at the Temple of Maxentius the enemy met him wherefore he pitched his Tents But when he saw the enemy not very greedy to fight he skirmished lightly and so passed on to Callis The French man in the mean time when it came into his minde sent Heraulds to Henry to challenge him to fight who was not unwilling to accept it he dismissed them with rewards and passing over a River presently news came that the enemy was at hand wherefore he hastily makes himself ready for the Battell though he were farre inferiour in forces they presently fall on but Henry joyning industry to his vertue giving such a violent charge that after a terrible fight on both sides he put the French at last to their heels He himself being in the midst of the enemies forces dismounted the Duke of Alenson who was presently slain by the English souldiers they had so many prisoners that they farre exceeded the Conquerours wherefore he commanded to kill them all least they should rise against them that had subdued them There was a wonderfull multitude of Dukes Earls and Lords that were destroyed and not above 600 of the English wanting amongst which one was the Duke of York This Battell was fought at Dagincourt which gave a good omen to great Victories afterwards Henry by this Victory cast such a terrour on the French that Lewis the Dolphin taking grief of minde died shortly after Such was the constancy of Henries heart that he forbad his souldiers on pain of death to sing any scurrilous songs in derogation of the French but rather to sing Psalmes and Hymns to the glory of God In that time Sigismund the Emperour came to England to treat of Peace between the French and the English nor was Henry slow in the business but when the French in the interim besieged Harflet he was so angry that no man afterwards durst mention peace and presently sending the Duke of Bedford to raife the siege with the Earl of Marsh Oxford and other Earls and 200 Ships he fought a bloody Battell at Sea at Harflet Haven with Borbon the French Admiral wherein the English wan the day sinking 500 Ships of the French and so freed the Town But Caesar finding the perfidiousness of the French did not only forbear ever after to make mention of any peace but made a firm League with the English against all opposers and so returned back into Germany The French in the mean time not to be idle hired some great Ships of Genoa and besieging the Haven of Harflet endeavoured to hinder all relief from the Town But the Earl of Huntington coming suddenly upon them after a fierce fight dispersed them and vanquished the rest He took the Duke of Borbon a Bastard and so returned Conquerour for England Then the King with his chief Nobility sailed into Normandy and Conquered the Fort Tucha whilst the Earl of Salisbury wan Albervill which place the King gave freely to him and his heirs After that he wan Caen which City when the Towns men defended with great obstinacy he made mines secretly through which the most forward of the souldiery entred the City the Duke of Clarence leading them on and setting on the Guard put them all to flight and so the whole Army found entrance some of the principall for their perversness were put to death and the plunder of the City was given to the Souldiers The Governour had not yet yielded the Fort but when the King sware he would spare none if they continued resolute at last he gave it up The French in the mean while being in Civil broils all things went with the English as they pleased He sent the Duke of Clarence to besiege the Town of Bayon which he quickly wan whilst he staid at Caen he restored to the people of Lyons a mighty mass of Treasure that was found in the Castle which the frighted people had brought thither upon condition that they should be constant in their obedience for the future This was a pattern of his wonderfull piety Then he removed to Corfen and in three daies won the Town Then he subdued Argentanians after that Alencon then Falesia and so returned Victor to Caen. He had almost the like success at Sea vanquishing many Ships of the enemy but his own Fleet was tossed long in a tempest whilst he strove to sail to South-hampton yet he lost but two Ships In the mean while the Earl of Warwick and Talbot conquer the Castle of Dumfrise and Clarentius mastered Curton and many other Towns Then the King laies siege to Roan and at last
by famine he forced the obstinate Citizens to submit which Town being the chief was an example for the rest to follow so that shortly he wan all Normandy which was lost by the carelesness of his Predecessors The Duke of Burgundy finding all the English desired to succeed thought it concerned him to procure peace between both Kings and at last he obtained a meeting between Henry and the French Queen for the King was fallen into his usuall doting yet there was nothing enacted The Queen had brought her most beautifull Daughter Katharine that she might ensnare the Kings minde with her allurements nor was it in vain for Henry when he saw her was wonderfully taken with her and when they departed doing nothing the King laid a charge on the Duke of Burgundy that unless all he asked together with the Kings Daughter were granted him he would by force take from the Duke his Dukedom and from the King his Kingdom They were so frighted with these threats that they fell to a new Parly But the Dolphin by reason of this newly conceived hatred and burning with former envy commanded the Duke of Burgundy to be killed basely not long after though he begged his life from him on his knees and so the slaughter of the Duke of Orleance committed before by Burgundy was expiated Nor is peace yet concluded untill the French were forced to it by a further loss A meeting was appointed at Trecas and there was Katherine betrothed to Henry and the right of succession was confirmed to him after the death of Charles whereupon all the Nobility of France swear to be Loyall to him and so the Salique Law in France was broken The Dolphin who had not consented to these conditions is made Warre against by the Kings of France and England and divers Towns that took part with him are conquered and when as he came not upon his citation to appear at Paris before the Marble Table as they call it upon the day appointed he was banished Henry also using his Authority commanded Money to be coyned with the Arms of France and England which he called the Soveraign Then leaving the Duke of Clarence Governour of France and Normandy he returned for England But Clarence making an expedition against Aniou and spoyling them as he came back laden with the prey he was betraied in his passage by one Andrew Fogosus and though he fought valiantly yet was he slain by the Duke of Alenson with the chief Nobility and 2000 English men The Earls of Sommerset and of Suffolk and other Lords were taken prisoners The King to revenge his Brothers death lands in France with a mighty Army and freed Chartres from a siege of the Dolphin for when he heard of the Kings approach he retreated to Towrs whilst the Scotch King with the Duke of Glocester conquer Drocas Henry pursues the Dolphin from place to place yet could not overtake him though he took all Towns in his way so that he joyned in a short time all the Island of France to the rest In the interim the Queen was delivered of a Sonne at Windsor who was Christned Henry of whom King Henry spake as a Prophet Good God saith he I Henry of Monmouth shall have but a short Reign and shall prevail much but Henry of Windsor shall Reign long and shall lose all but the will of God be done About that time the Dolphin had besieged those of Narbon Henry marches quickly thither to free them and making too much haste he took a Feaver by over-heating himself wherefore he was forced to stay but the Duke of Bedford was dispatcht who not only freed them of Narbon but also drove the Dolphin towards Aquitan who from thence in mockery was called King of Aquitan But a flux of the belly coming upon Henries disease which increased every day he was carried to Boy de Vincennois where within a few daies he died Christianly Anno 1421. first giving to his Brother the Duke of Bedford the Title of Regent of Normandy and France and his other Brother the Duke of Glocester he made Governour of England He was not yet over 36 years old and so he died in the top and flower of his age and honour having reigned nine years and five moneths The most famous Conquerour of all the Kings and best beloved of his subjects that he was so lamented of them which is not usuall that they could not forbear to weep for him The Doctrine of Wytcliff was eminent in this Kings reign for which John Huss and Hierom of Prague were at Casars command afterwards burnt alive HENRY the sixth King of England and of France Anno 1422. HEnry of Windsor the sole Heir of Henry the fifth obtained the Kingdom after his Fathers death being nine moneths old who when he came to years was not like to his Father either for Vertue or Fortune He was proclaimed King at Paris by the Authority of the Duke of Bedford all the Lords of the Kingdom swearing fidelity to him But King Charles the sixth dying a little after Henry his Sonne Charlis the seventh hoped to regain by Valour and Industry what the French had lost by cowardise First he wan the Pont Malanus which City by Montacute his vertue was again won from him Then they fought with a doubtfull success at Crepan where about 2000 French were slain amongst whom were many Nobles and the Town was taken But Charles overcame many of the English driving a great Herd of Cattell toward Normandy and took the prey from them and freed the Temple of St Michel from a siege Then the chance of Warre being altered he is again put to the worst at Vernols But the fidelity of the men of Orleans was notable who levelling their Suburbs with the ground held play with the Earl of Salisbury a most valiant Commander who had beleaguerd them and when they were almost famished and were ready to yield themselves to the Duke of Burgundy Salisbury disdaining the honour should be taken from him refused the conditions but he whilst he was not wary enough in viewing the sciâ—uation of the City was slain with a bullet from the Walls In the interim the Duke of Glocester did not a little stain his Honour marrying Jacoba the Countess of Holland which had formerly married to John Duke of Brabant but she being surprized by craft was brought back to her Husband but again disguising her self in mans apparell she escaped into Holland and there she waged Warre against her Husband and when she was too weak for him and the Pope would not grant her a Divorce the Duke of Glocester rejected her and she afterwards married to Francus Borsely a Dutch Knight but he being cast into prison by the Duke of Burgundy she afterwards led a miserable life In the mean time the English were often fortunate in Battell against the French and recovered divers Towns but those of Orleans having help as it were from God brought to them did not
York when his Adversary was dead commands his Followers to abstain from fighting and goes with the King to London Then a Parliament was called and he is freed from all fault and made Protector of the King and Kingdome The Earl of Sarisbury was made Chancellour and Warwick Governour of Callis For procuring which places every one was very watchfull But the Queen not enduring the Authority of York she never left urging Buckingham with the Death of his Son and young Sommerset with the Death of his Father and when she had sufficiently incensed them she goes to Greenwich and there she holds a Councel commanding York and his Confederates to renounce their Places But they refused to do it Then with subtilty mingled with flattery she intercepts them and did all the mischief she could but all in vain yet they least they might give cause of greater troubles retire themselves some to one place some to another But sending Messengers one to another they came all to London with their Forces provided and by the Mediation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and others there was an Act of Oblivion granted for all that had been done and Peace was concluded on both sides and all is confirmed with a solemn Shew of Religion Yet they held not long for occasion being taken from a quarrel that happened between one of the Kings and of the Earl of Warwicks Servants they endeavoured to lay hold on Warwick but he fore-seeing the danger with Post-horse makes haste to York to the Duke and to his Father Earl of Sarisbury whom he acquainted with the business but he going on board the Navy that was ready by the shoar for he was Admiral of the Sea made haste to Callis In the mean time Sarisbbury goes to the King with 5000 souldiers that he might acquaint him with the injury done to his Sonne and of the inveterate hatred of the Queen which was now apparent But Audley who at the command of the Queen and of the Duke of Buckingham had raised an Army of 10000 men went against him and was beaten 2400 were slain the rest fled to save themselves York supposing it was in vain to dally any longer raising an Army with the Earls of Sarisbury and of Warwick he provides for Warre but a Treaty being had between both sides and a pardon granted by the King for all faults many forsook the Dukes and all the Counsels of the Conspirators were detected with which York was brought to desparation and fled with his younger Sonne Earl of Rutland first into Wales then into Ireland When the private souldiers had procured pardon the Earls of Marsh Sarisbury and Warwick took their voyage for Callis but some of the principall were put to death and a Parliament being called they were all convinced and condemned for Treason Also Sommerset at the Queens intercession was made Governour of Callis but when he thought to enter upon his Government he was shot at from the Town and was forced to betake himself to some other place The Queen hearing this began to rage and commanded all the Ships that were in Sandwich-Haven to be fitted for Callis But John Dynham for the Earl of Marsh his sake took them all and with Riverius their Admiral brought them to Callis The Earl of Warwick also sail'd into Ireland to York and consulting with him returned safe for Callis Simon Montfort was Warden of the Cinque-ports and guarded all the Inrodes that Warwick might not come into England but he being admonished of it by the Spies he had fastning upon his Navy not yet ready he plundered Sandwich and brought Simon with a great booty to Callis And when he understood that the Kentish men desired his presence he came the second time to Sandwich where the Lord Cobham with a great multitude of the Nobility joyned with him Wherefore being appointed with an Army of 25000 Men be marched presently to London and possessed himself of the Tower whereby he afterwards did the Londoners a great deal of mischief But hearing that his Father the Earl of Sarisbury was coming on he passed over the Thames and joyned with him The King with the Dukes of Buckingham and Sommerset and a well appointed Army marches against them at Northampton he came in sight of the Enemy The Battel began on both sides and they fought vehemently Humphrey Duke of Buckingham with John Talbot the Earl of Shrewsbury Thomas Lord Egremont John Bellomont and others were slain and on one and the other side ten thousand men This was in the year 1460. The Queen escaped with the Duke of Sommerset and his Sonne but the King more mindfull of his prayers than of the Battel was taken and brought prisoner to London Warwick presently got possession of the Tower and Scales the Lieutenant whilest he thought to get away crossing the Thames in a disguise was discovered taken and beheaded The Duke of York receiving Message of this Success leaving Ireland came Post for London where at a solemn meeting he layes open his Right to the Crown of England deriving his Pedigree from Lyonel the third Son of Edward the third the elder brother of John of Gaunt the Father of Henry the fourth the Usurper But he desired not the Kingdom unless his Right were made clear to all men Wherefore a Councel being held the Title of a King is granted to King Henry so long as he lived and York is named to succeed him The Queen all this while mustering an Army in Scotland invades England daily York with his younger Sonne of Rutland and with the Earl of Sarisbury went against her leaving for a Guard to King Henry the Earls of Warwick and Norfolk but he being circumvented by treachery was slain and 3000 of his Souldiers with him nor did she spare the Earl of Rutland a childe of twelve years old though he begged for his life with tears Sarisbury who was taken alive and as many as were taken with him were by the fury of a Woman all beheaded This was the end of Richard Plantaganet Duke of York The Earl of Marsh hearing of his Fathers death managed his business with more vehemency now than before raising an Army of 23000 Men he overcame the Earls of Pembroke and Ormont alive he took Owen Tewdor alive who had married Katharine Mother to Henry the sixth and chopped off his Head But the Queen insulting at the death of the Duke of York marched toward London with her Forces and was met by the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Warwick who durst have given her Battel but by the treachery of their followers that forsook them they were forced to flie for to save themselves King Henry by that Victory came again into the Queens Power But in the mean time Edward Earl of Marsh by the general Vote of all Orders was crowned King according as it was enacted in Parliament and gathering a great Army at Tanton he met the King and the Queen and joyning Battel with them he
alive he writ Letters to the Lieutenant of the Tower Robert Brakenbury that so soon as he could by any means he should destroy the young King Edward and his Brother in the Tower when he refused and delayed he gave that charge to James Tyrel who coming to London in great poverty he stifled the young children cafting pillars upon them The childrens death was divulged Richard not being against it it is wonderfull how great amazement seized on the minds of all men every one lamented the unhappiness of the children and pitied them and they began to speak what hopes they had of him who spared not his own near kindred but shed their blood to say nothing of the Mother and her Daughters Certainly immortall God who will not suffer great sins to go unpunished revenged on the innocent Children the perjury of their Father committed at York and the death of the Duke of Clarence whom he wickedly murdered But the Duke of Buckingham who had taken such pains for Richard began now to detest his horrid wickedness and sell away from him took counsell with the Bishop of Ely who was committed to his custody how to restore Henry Earl of Richmond to whom the Kingdom of right belonged next unto for that he descended from John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster his great Grandfather and to root out Richard a monster of men These therefore disclosed their business to others they presently send away Hugh Conway and Thomas Ranmey into Brittany who should acquaint the Earl of the combination and he should impart it to the Duke of Brittany The Duke though he were much importuned by Richards Letters to keep Henry in prison promised assistance Richard in the mean time who had notice of the consultations of Buckingham sent for him again and again to come unto him but when he refused to come they fall to their Arms on both sides The Duke mustering presently some Welsh forces and others came to Glocester over the River to meet Richard that had a mighty Army with him But the souldiers which he had procured voluntarily rather than for their pay were not very firm but ran from him before he came in sight of the enemy The Duke was now almost left all alone only his Lacky remained with him who was forced to fly to shift for himself and went to Humphrey Baunisters he unmindfull of all former favours delivered him afterwards to Richard who cut off his Head When this was commonly reported all the Conspiratours ran one one way and another another way some to places of refuge some to the Duke of Brittany to the Earl Richard had heard in the mean time that the Duke did not only not hurt the Earl but had resolved to assist him wherefore he presently provides a Fleet that if perhaps the Earl should come he might repulse him every where from the English coasts Henry in the mean time with 40 Ships and 5000 Brittains sailed for England but a tempest arose and scattered his Ships and he almost was quit of all his Forces and was driven to Cornwall where coming on Land when he saw a great Army he retreated to his Shipping again weighed Anchor and saild to Sea And being very pensive when he heard of Buckinghams death void of all counsell he returned again to Brittany in France But by the coming of the Nobility he took heart once more and promised before the Altar to marry Elizabeth Edwards Daughter if the business should succeed to his minde and so afresh an Oath of fidelity was taken by them all Richard in the mean time did rage fiercely against all those that followed the Earl wheresoever he could lay hold on them Thomas Earl of Dorset who had fled to him was banished both by Sea and Land Also he made a Covenant with the Scotch King and confirmed it giving his Sister Anne to the Scotch Kings Sonne Richard in the interim laies new traps for Earl Henry by corrupting the Dukes Treasurer with money But he escaped them the matter being detected by Bishop Morton When the fraud was known to the Duke himself he was so enraged against the Treasurer that he caused this wicked man for that and other wicked deeds to be hanged The Earl Henry was now come into France where the Earl of Oxford escaped from his imprisonment came and joyned with him and promised his faithfull endeavour in all affairs To whom some Noble men that studied at Paris came to assist willingly offering their aid amongst whom was Richard Fox the famousest Scholar in those daies whom the Earl took to be of his Privy-Counsell and when he had gaind the Kingdom afterwards he made him Bâ—shop of Winchester But Richard to hinder Earl Henry's Marriage with Elizabeth partly by flattery partly by fear partly by promises he prevailed so farre with Queen Elizabeth that she should entrust her Daughters with him and should write her Letters to her Sonne the Marquess of Dorset who was near to Earl Henry whereby she should command him to return home without delay leaving the Earls society That all things were now pacified and that her family was received into the Kings favour Richard all this while having gotten the Queens Daughters that he might totally destroy the intention of Henry he thought himself to marry Elizabeth his Brothers Daughter his former Wife also was yet alive But she also when other projects would not suit was taken privately away by poyson In the mean while he tries all means to win Elizabeth to affect him and if he could not obtain her he was resolved to joyn violence to his prayers But he was so much urged with care and forraign fear that he had no time for lust to shew it self In the interim Stanley had a command to Muster an Army but he must not go forth before he had given unto Richard for a pawn and pledge of his fidelity his eldest Sonne the Lord Strange A fame was also spread on purpose that Henry had implored help from the French in vain and that there was no fear of his coming Richard dealt something carelesly and unwisely discharging the Navy he had sent to scour the English Coasts Henry was advertised how things stood and arrived in England with but 2000 souldiers in pay Presently Rice Thomas and John Savage two the most Potent men in Wales having collected some Forces came to joyn with Henry Pembroke with some others did the like Stanley though he wished well yet fearing least his Sonne should be miserably tortured by the King delayed his intention untill some other opportunity Richard all this time was wonderfull sluggish and careless but when he heard of the revolt of his subjects he raised what men he could scrape up and went against Henry He pitched his Tent at Bosworth field when he saw the enemy intended to fight he also made ready his men At last they fall on and fought a sharp Battell on both sides But Stanlâ—y who came later in the heat
a doubtfull and a notable fight he was conquered and slain but his followers were pardoned A great Example of the Kings Mercy In the mean time Warre grew between the French King and the Pope Henry admonished the French man to desist and when he could not prevail with him he proclaimed Warre against him and made a Confederacy with Maximilian the Emperour and with Ferdinand King of Spain The Spaniard had intreated Henry to send an Army into Biscay and joyning his Forces with his that he should make the French work from that part Whereupon presently Thomas Gray Marquess of Dorset is sent thither with other Nobility and 10000 Souldiers he when he came thither did not long wait for the Spaniards assistance For the Duke of Alba took in the mean time by Force the Kingdom of Navarre from the French endeavouring the profit of his own King But the English that they might not seem to do nothing in Guyan subduing some Towns that were not considerable fell into that necessity of provision the Spaniard affording them none that many of them died miserably for hunger contracting also diseases by such unusual diet and the rest break forth into open Rebellion The Lord Howard who had the disposing of all affairs whilst the Marquess was sick hardly escaped from being slain Wherefore he was forced to provide Ships and to bring these sactious people home again Edward Howard Admiral at Sea did wonderfully depopulate Britanny by fire and sword and vanquished the Forces of the Britans in Battel though they farre exceeded those he had and so with his Ships laden with the spoil he sailed towards the Isle of Wight whilst Henry at London recreated himself with Tiltings and other courtly delights In the mean time in France in the Brittish Sea there was almost an equal fight for loss between the English and the French Ships and the Victory was doubtfull After this the English set upon the French Ships very indiscreetly in the very Haven with a great losse to themselves and their Admiral whereby they were forced to sound a retreat and be gone Whereupon the French began to wax more insolent to do mischief on the Coasts of England and to burn some Cities untill by the vigilancy of Howard who was put into the others place they were kept in Henry was resolved to make a Warre indeed with France and sent George Talbot before with the principal Nobility and 8000 Souldiers only to Callis then he sent Charles Sommerset and other Lords with 6000 Souldiers he himself being to come after them When the Admirals met they fell upon Tarvenne with joynt Forces Henry shortly after came to them with 9000 Souldiers and with a great number of Pioneers Also Maximilian the Emperour which was a rare example took Pay under King Henry Yet though he served under the English he was received as an Emperour should be and for the honour of his Majesty Then the French Horse purposing to relieve the City with provision were repulsed by the English the Duke of Longovil being taken and 240 more whereupon a wonderfull fear and despair fell upon the Townsmen so the English pressing them sore they were forced to surrender The Souldiers had leave to depart with their Arms the Wals were laid level with the ground the City excepting the chief Church and the Palace were consumed with fire Then he marched to Tourney and beleaguer'd the City they refusing to yeeld he quickly became Master of it causing the Citizens to take an Oath of fidelity And when he provoked the French to fight and could not make them accept of it because the Winter was now hard by he made Poyning Governour of it and returned himself for England In the mean while the Scotch at the instigation of the French fell upon the English Frontiers Their General was the Lord Humes who with seven or eight thousand men wasted the Borders But Edward Bulmer suddenly came upon him and took all the booty from him he himself hardly escaped six hundred of his men being slain and four hundred taken But James with an Army of sixty thousand men entred the skirts of England who was met by the Earl of Surrey Henry his Deputy in those parts at Bramston with six and twenty thousand men and joyning Battle the English wan the day by their great valour and the Scots lost it by their great confidence James himself with two Earls three Bishops and eight thousand Souldiers was slain no fewer was taken nor was this Victory wan by the English without losse of bloud it was fought in the year 1513. Henry coming out of France made the Earl of Surrey because he had so well managed his business Duke of Norfolk and other Lords who had done good service received Honours as they deserved He gave also to Thomas Wolsey the Bishoprick of Lincoln This man to be often named by us came from a poor parentage to great Honour and at last was made a Cardinal and governed the Commonwealth of England very wisely Pope Julius the second at this time gave to Hâ—â—ry great Honour sending unto him a Cap of Maintenance a Sword and the Title Of the most Christian King which Grace Henry received with Tiltings and other pompous Shews wherein he himself did alwayes bear the principal part In the interim Mary the Kings Sister was espoused to the Prince of Spain but because the Embassadours of Spain made delayes she was betrothed to the French desiring it and having had their fill of Warre But before the matter was published John the Admiral of the French first ruined one Village in England and John Wallop in revenge of this injury burnt one and twenty in France But at last a League was made and they ceased from Warre The French man lived not above three moneths after his Marriage and the lascivious old man being dead Mary by Henries consent was married to the Duke of Suffolk Wolsey about this time was honoured with a Cardinals-Cap and is created by the King Chancellour of England And Cardinal Campeius was sent to Henry to desire assistance to make Warre against the Turk but he lost his labour for that cheat of raising money was grown stale But Matthias the Cardinal being sent by the Emperour Maximilian for the same purpose prevailed at the request of Wolsey At that time Henry was in great danger of his life For as he went a Hawking the Pole broke that he leaped over the Ditches withall and he was almost smoothered in mire and dirt but his Lâ—ckey drew him out in time and saved his life In the mean while a Sedition grew at London between the Citizens and strangers not without blood-shed which was qualified by the death of the Ring-leaders and pardon to the rest Tourney at this time upon Conditions and under colour of Matrimony between the Dolphin and Mary King Henries Daughter is delivered up to the French and Hostages being given a League is confirmed between them Maximilian being dead
stood for a Divorce of Queen Katharine The Pope in the mean time gave his Judgement for Katharine But Henry who had now Divorced Katharine by the Authority of many Divines and of those at Paris who were as it is supposed corrupted by money married Anne of Boloyne privately and being thereupon angry with the Pope he abolished all his Power over the English Church making it high Treason for any man to preferre the Popes Authority before the Kings or should pay Tribute to him which he had no right unto and caused them to be denied unto him for the future and made it a penalty for their life if any man should maintain the Pope to be the supream Head Then he made all the Churches of England and Ireland take an Oath to him that they should acknowledge him to be Head of the Church next under Christ The Discipline was thus changed but nothing in the Doctrine which he confirmed by a Synod called at London For he put to death many of those that followed Luther and Swinglius So Henry behaved himself in the rest of his life that had the Popes not been unjust against him he would willingly have submitted himself under their power The Pope being offended that he had lost his Authority sending out his Writings or Bull as they called it he Excommunicated Henry King of England but when it was known that it was procured by Queen Katharine it was the less regarded and she shortly after being deprived of friends lost her life for her contumacy In the mean time Sir Thomas More once Chancellour of England and John Fisher Bishop of Rochester who both refused to take the Oath of the Kings Supremacy lost their Heads Henry now using his own Authority invaded the goods of the Church and expelled the Monks out of their Monasteries Nor was he content with that but he cut off the Heads of his second Wife Anne of Boloyne Daughter to Thomas Bolen Earl of Wilshire accusing her for Incest and Adultery together with the Lord Rochsfort her Brother and others that were of the Kings Bed-Chamber Then he married Jane Semare who died afterwards in Childe-birth of Edward the sixth of that name who succeeded King Then he Divorced from him Anne of Cleve newly married and for her sake he beheaded Thomas Cromwell who made the match who was risen from a mean estate to a vast power by the success of Fortune Also Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk had his Head chopt off being charged of Treason because he had privily married Margaret Daughter to the King of Scots and Henries Neece Margaret was first detained then she was set free after that she was married to Matthew Earl of Leven King James his Grandfather In the mean time seditions arose in the North parts of England here and there by reason of the change made of Church Ceremonies some were punished for it some were sent home and some were subdued by force of Arms the troubles were happily asswaged yet not without some danger for it was a matter of great concernment to keep all quiet under new customs Henry now married his fifth Wife Katharine Howard but her he beheaded shortly after with the Lord of Rochsfort condemning her for Lasciviousness At that time Henry had the Title of King of Ireland when as before he was called only Lord of it In the interim Arthur Plantagenet bastard to Edward the fourth is accused of Treason but when he was proved not guilty he was received into the Kings favour but Arthur took so much joy at it that he died the next night of meer rejoycing The Scotch now entring the Frontiers of England and spoiling them compell Henry to take Arms who sent the Duke of Norfolk with an Army into Scotland who ruined many Villages and Houses and not seeing any enemy he returned to Barwick The Scot would not suffer this violence to be unrevenged but musters an Army suddenly and fals into England but his men being scattered and killed the Scot fell into such grief of minde and then into a Feaver that he quickly died of it leaving Mary Stewart his Daughter but eight daies old Heir of the Kingdom Henry to put an end to so great dissentions by the union of these two Nations dealt with the captive Lords to Espouse this Inheritrix of Scotland to his Son Edward who were set at liberty to press the business But by the mediation of the Cardinal of St Andrews this Treaty was made void the Daughter being married to the Dolphin Henry was enraged at this and sent a valiant Army into Scotland and burnt Leeth which pacified his wrath Then he made peace with Charles the fifth the Emperour and he married his sixth Wife Katharine Latimers Widow who was brought in danger of her life upon suspition of the change of her Religion but by her prudence and humility she escaped Now Henry by his Covenant with the Emperour proclaims Warre against the French King and sent an Army unto Callis under the command of John Wallop which joyning with the Forces of Charles besieged the City Landreice But the French making shew of a Battell called the Emperour off from the siege and when he had brought provision into the City he retreated having deluded Charles Then Henry mustering a mighty force sails himself into France and besieging Bononia won the place In the mean time the English Ships which they had taken from the French are filled with provision at London but the English had bad success in their fight in Scotland and Henries men were vanquished by which Victory and new forces they had recruited themselves with from France the Scots grew insolent and invade England But the English by the good success of the Earl of Hereford destroyed an innumerable company of Villages in Scotland and returned home Conquerours though otherwise they sustained a mighty loss by the Scots The Admirall of England with a Fleet did mischief on the coasts of Normandy and destroyed a multitude of the enemy but shortly after there was a Treaty made between the French and the English and the conditions of agreement were that the French should redeem Bononia with eight hundred thousand Crowns In the mean time Thomas Duke of Norfolk and Henry Earl of Surrey his Son are accused of Treason because they had engraven something in their Coats of Arms that seemed to be peculiar to the King and though they did defend their Titles very abundantly yet the Earl lost his Head But the Duke was kept in prison till the Reign of Queen Mary Henry died about this time in the year 1547 when he had reigned 38 years and was 56 years old He was a Prince adorned with all gifts of Nature and in whom had he not too much loved his pleasure there was no defect He was a great favourer of Learning EDWARD the sixth King of England France and Ireland Anno 1547. HENRY dying left his Sonne Edward born of Seymer by his Will to succeed him
Ministers of the Barbarians Pansanius and Cunaus to procure a supply out of the Popes Treasury yet it is supposed that the King knew nothing of it promising if she prevailed that the Catholicks in Ireland should have greater liberty in their Religion But Rosset denied that any such assistance could be granted to any unless to a Catholick Prince as they term it but if the King would abjure the Reformed Religion and cleave to the Church of Rome he promised all assistance but he hating such a sacriledge nothing was done Rosset for this business was in great danger for the English who after they had renounced the Roman Religion hated his name more than the Plague or death it self when they saw that his followers had more freedom and were not ignorant of Rosset who was the Author of it they make a tumultuous head against him that they might tear in pieces this hurtfull instrument of so hatefull superstition but he hardly escaping in disguised apparell hid himself amongst the friends of the Queen Mother Mary de Medicis who at that time was in England and afterwards he escaped all danger by the assistance of John Justinian the Venetian Embassadour and Embarking himself he sailed into Flanders but when he came to Rome Pope Vrban the eighth rewarded his good service with a Cardinals Cap. The Irish in the interim were broke forth into a new Rebellion and the Parliament used all means to finde a remedy for such a mischief And the King being not at quiet caused the Liturgy to be new printed which he imposed upon all the Churches in England and forbad all Ceremonies to be used otherwise than they were in Queen Elizabeths daies In the mean while that no new cause of divisions might be wanting seven Romish Priests are cast into prison and are condemned by the Parliament to suffer death but the French Embassadour pitied their miserable condition and sued to the King for their pardon the King answered he could grant nothing in that business without consent from his Parliament Then it was motioned to the Parliament who presently yielded to it The King when he knew this thought by an importunate anticipation to gain the thanks of that business to himself and of his own accord commands the Priests to be freed from the prison The Parliament was angry at the Kings over-forwardness and changed their former Decree of freedom into a Sentence of condemnation The King he began to urge their discharge and to stand upon it resolving never to leave the business untill the Parliament were met in a full number and should give their finall determination They of their own accord cause one or two of these Monks to be put to death It is wonderfull how great good will of the people they procured to themselves by this deed especially when by their publick Writings they began to infringe the Kings Authority using such sweet words to the people that might win their good liking of it The King in the House of Peers complains of the insolence of the Lower House and by a sharp Speech inveighed against their stubborness saying that he neither could nor would wink at so great affronts Others again complain against the Kings too great Power and desire remedies The King in the mean time strove to put out some from their places of publick employment and to put in others amongst the rest he put out Montjoy from his Lieutenants place of the Tower and put in another that stood fast to his part The Lower House interprets this business as if the King strove to draw all the power of Government to himself and accused this new Lieutenant before the Upper House for a factious person and who was before condemned by the Judges to dye and therefore a man unfit for so weighty an imployment They added farther that this matter could not be without danger for he having the command of the Tower might destroy all the City of London The Upper House answered That unless they would put their sickle into another mans Corn it were wickedness in them to hinder the King in that matter for it was an ancient and received prerogative of the Kings openly refusing their consent Nor was it long ere a multitude of Servants which they call Apprentices and a rabble of other people came to the Hall door crying out and thundring that unless they would remove out of that place the Lieutenant of the Tower who was a Papist a factious a wicked and unworthy man they would turn all upside down and they prevailed by this means so far that both the King and the Lords were forced to consent Nor was this furious multitude of the people content with this but they made a fresh onset to abolish the Government of Bishops and would have them all to be forwarnd the Parliament House for that they were addicted as they pretended to the Church of Rome and to force them to it they runne like furies into Westminster Abbey that was venerable for it's Antiquity and they fall in their rage upon the sacred Garments Organs Sepulchres and spoil all that was either comely for its Ancientness pretious for cost or to be valued for curious Workmanship they hardly spared the Bones and Ashes of the dead their impure purity had hurried them so farre Then they runne to the Kings Court crying urging and thundring out the same things The King had them all go about their business threatning them with severe punishment that refused and least the next day they should terrifie him with greater multitudes he fortified himself with a stronger Guard The Parliament either fearing themselves or because they would not be inferiour to the King require a strong Guard of Souldiers to defend them the Earl of Essex might be the Captain of it The King neither granted nor denied it Then they attempted a new business and that was not usual appointing an extraordinary Assembly in the City that should manage all weighty and great occurrences and this they did without the Kings leave or knowledge And to weaken his Majesty the more or rather to satisfie the insolence of the people they cast twelve Bishops into prison because they went about to maintain their priviledge by the publick Charter That business much troubled the King and all those that loved the publick quiet above all things but they that hoped to finde some good for themselves out of these tossings and tumults did laugh in their sleeves fomenting the troubles and turning every stone untill such time as the Earl of Bristol and his sonne were involved in the same danger Strafford the year before lost his Head to satisfie the people who was a man of a commendable and most approved understanding William Laud Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of England followed him But now they touched his bowels for they began to accuse the Queens Majesty as if she had privately caused the troubles in Ireland and had secretly moved that people that are