place of Comes the ceremony of Creation much at one and the title hereditary the annuity money in their Patent is forty marks And here by the way I cannot but observe one note of Mr. Seldens that John Beaufort Earl of Somerset modestly refused to be made Marquesse of Dorset by Henry the fourth because the title was then so strange and new in the Kingdome The Marquesse is honored with a Coronet of gold flurred the points and flowers of equall height whereas of the Earls the pearled points are much longer then the flowers His Mantle also doubled Ermine as is the Earls also but the Earls is but of four and the Marquesses is of five the doubling of the Viscount is to be understood to be but of Miniver or plain white Fur so is the Barons the Barons of two the Vice-counts of three doublings Of the Duke The Creation Robe of a Duke Where by the way one note is proper to be understood that as he was here created without any Ceremony except the girding with a Sword so in all other degrees of honor where a lesser degree is conferred on a person of a greater there needs nothing but meer Patent without any ceremony of creation But John son to Edward the third being created Duke of Lancaster had a Cap of furre added to the ceremony and succeeding times have had the Sword Crownet and Verge of Gold a Surcoat Mantle and Hood and a Ducal cap doubled Ermin but not indented and is honored with the style of Gratious and Excellent These if they be of Royall line are reputed as Arch-dukes It is also allowed that a Duke tantum shall take place before any Lord that is both Marquesse and Earl but a Duke that is Marquesse or Earl besides shall precede him The Duke Marquesse and Earl at their creation have a sword put over their shoulders which the Vice-count and Baron have not Of the Arch-Duke THis title is of neer relation to the other but not found in any place save in the house of Austria the addition of which word Arch is from the Greek word Archos which is as much as Princeps in Latin So he taketh place of all other Dukes and he is allowed a Surcoat a Mantle and a Hood of Crimson Velvet at his Creation He hath also a Chapeau or Ducal Cap doubled Ermin indented with a Coronet about the same and an arch of Gold with an Orbe and Verge of Gold Of these titles the Duke Marquesse and Earl are esteemed Princely especially the two last These also are allowed to bear their Crests with Helmets the Beaver directly forward whereas a Gentleman Knight and Baron bare them with half the Beaver seen The Creation Robe of the Prince of Wales The Prince THe next and first immediately subordinate to the Crown amongst these radiant Stars is The Prince who in England onely is the Prince of Wales the first-born of the King These in the Saxons time were called Clitons and clitunculi from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Illustrious But since it hath been a title of creation for honor to the rising sun there were none created in the Nation but the King 's eldest son who are in all Nations honored above all other subjects and amongst some as in Spain have been called King 's during the life of their Fathers because of his so neer a relation to the Crown that if the Father dye he is ipso 〈◊〉 Rex there being no interregnum though he be not crowned In a Statute of the second of Henry the fourth it is provided that the Prince may give his honorable Liveries of signes to the Lords or to his meniall Gentry and that the said Lords may wear the same as they wear the Kings Livery and that the Menials of the Prince may wear the same as the King's menials but this hath been since abridged So likewise by a Statute of the 25. of Edward the third chap. 2. it is declared that to compasse or imagine the death of the Kings eldest son and heir is Crimen laesae Majestatis high Treason as also to violate the wife of the King 's eldest son And again see Coke 8. part 28. The Prince shineth with the beams of his Father and is holden to be one person with him Yet doth he acknowledge a reverence not only as to a Father but Soveraign and to that purpose continues that Motto which the Black Prince took up Ick dien I serve He is called Princeps quia principalis in strenuitate post regem saith Sir William Segar The first that we read of in England was Edward eldest son of Henry the third and after him the eldest son of the King hath been ever by Patent and Ceremonies of Instalment created Prince of Wales Earl of Chester and Flint being born Duke of Cornwall The Prince or first born of the King in France is called the Dauphin in Spain l' Infanta There are in other Countries Princes by Creation as the Prince of Piemont the Prince of Orange and many others but these are also now become hereditary and in some Countries all the Royall line are styled Princes When he is created he is presented before the King in Princely Robes who putteth about his neck a Sword bend-wise a Cap and Coronet over his head a Ring on his middle finger a Verge of gold in his hand and his Letters Patents after they are read His Mantle is once more doubled then the Dukes and his Coronet of Crosses and Flowers de Luce and his Cap of State doubled indented The King THe King is the next and in our Nations the highest being subordinate to no sublunary power as those of Spain Portugall and other Kingdoms of Europe and other parts of the world are He is the true Fountain from whence all these Rivulets and swelling Streams of Honor spring He is called Rex from whence the word Rego came and King amongst us from the Saxon word Koning and Kuning To say any thing of the Originall of the Government here were in vain for it is unknown onely I may say that none can produce any thing to assure any Government before it and what I spake in the beginning concerning the first institution of it universally is sufficient Besides these times have said enough to that purpose He hath ever bin of great reverence amongst these Kingdoms of Europe the very Title carrying Divinity in it being of Heavenly institution ordained by God himself the Bond of Peace and the Sword of Justice He is God's Vicegerent and to be obeyed accordingly both in Church and State If good he is a blessing if bad a judgment He is styled Pater Patriae Caput Reipub and for that the protection of his Subjects lies in his breast the Militia is annexed to his Crown and the Sword as well as Scepter put into his hand He hath power of pardoning where the Law
Ensign of Regall Authority was the Scepter which is every where spoken of both in the Scriptures and profane Stories There is another Ensign of their Authority which is a Globe with a Cross in use amongst us ever since Edward the Confessor which is placed in the left hand as is seen in most of their Coyns the Cross denoting his Faith and the Globe his Empire both by Sea and Land as it is said of Justinian who was the first Emperor that ever had it At the Coronation of the Emperor it is carried by the Count Palatine of the Rhine where they call it Pomum Imperiale This power dignity and state hath been enjoyed by the Female sex as heirs descending by the common right of Inheritance and not onely in our parts but many others as at this day in Swethen when there is not the least punctilio of a diminution in respect of the Sex Besides for an addition to the honor of a King there is the same state allowed to a Queen during the life of her husband as to a Queen absolute almost and is allowed a Crown She is called Queen from the Saxon word Cuningine as King from Cuning onely by variation of the gender as it was their manner in such cases She is permitted to sit in State at the King 's right hand and to keep a Court distinct from the King although she be but the daughter of an Earl But this was in the time of King Edgbert prohibited and so for a long time continued by reason of Eadburgh who poysoned her husband King Brithick of the West-Saxons And if she be the daughter of a King Superior to her husband she may retain the dignity of her father's daughter and in this case the daughter hath preceded the mother And although in these latter times our Monarchy hath been reduced under the circumference of one Crown Imperiall no others having any other substitute Governors crowned Yet formerly both Scotland and Ireland had King's distinct whilst they acknowledged homage to the Crown of England as also the isles of Man and Wight The Kings of Man were first subject to the Kings of Norway then to the Crown of England and after to the Kings of Scotland and since again to the Kings of England Dominus hujus Insulae Rex vocatur cui fas est Corona aurea coronari The Lord of the Isle is called King and it is lawfull for him to be crowned with a Crown of gold Henry the second allowed with the same honor Roderig of Conaght to be King paying a homagery Tribute The Lord Beauchamp Earl of Warwick under Henry the sixth was in the like manner crowned King of the Isle of Wight Which is enough in this place as to the Dignity of a King Of the Emperor THe originall of this Title as it was long amongst the Romans denoted onely a Generall of an Army and not till the time of Julius Caesar translated to an honorary Title who being made perpetuall Dictator took also that of Imperator into his Title which hath continued in his Successors untill this day and became Superior to the Title of King that before was but substitute under it being yearly created in January and ended in September Which great change hapned upon the Victory of Caesar against Pompey at the Battle of Pharsalia This Title was onely taken up to supply that of King which had not long before been thrown out by Brutus and was supposed by the Usurper to be yet fresh in their memories and odious amongst them and it was long after before they used the Title of King though their power were as much and the Ceremonies and Ensignes of Regality the same and the Emperor's Throne at Rome was called Sedile regni But at last it grew to be as one and then the Emperor of Rome having subjected under his Jurisdiction many Kingdoms thought it however a title of more eminence and so retained it And though the title has not been so generally appropriated to our Crown yet our Kings have been styled Emperors and this Realm of England called an Empire So have the Kings of Spain and France But it is more peculiarly allowed or assumed by the Emperors of Germany who suppose that they have a right to the government of the whole world This Empire after it was divided to Constantinople and Rome and then again that Constantinople had lost it to the Turks it was removed to Germany and in the reign of Otho the third the Election granted to seven Princes of Germany the Archbishops of Mentz Trevers Cullen the Count Palatine of Rhine the Duke of Saxony the Marquesse Brandenburgh and the King of Bohemia then called Duke of Bohemia He hath had also the Superiority allowed him by all Secular Princes and whereas other Princes of Regall Authority are crowned with but one Crown he is with three the first of Iron which he receives of the Bishop of Cullen at Aquisgrane the second of Silver which he receives at Modena from the Bishop of Millan the third is of Gold wherewith he is crowned at Rome by the Pope And in latter Ages the title of King of the Romans is given to the Heir or him that is made or chosen Heir of the Empire and he is crowned and Jura Regalia given him though not so absolute as not to have a dependence on the Empire See Mr. Selden part 2. chap 1. The Ensignes of his Imperiall Dignity are a Crosse a Launce and a Sword a Scepter a Mond and a Crown and he is styled 〈◊〉 The Emperor of Russia is not Crowned but is adorned with a rich Cap of Purple neither is the Greek Sultan but vested with a mighty rich Tulipant But there though the Emperor have no Diadem yet the Sultanesse is adorned with a Rich Crown or Diadem Thus have I run through all the degrees of Honor and with as much brevity as so copious a Theam would allow of and for matter of precedency I think the method I have taken will save me the labour and I am unwilling to trouble the brains of the Ingenuous Reader with an unnecessary prolixity onely as to Offices of State because I have omitted them altogether I shall set down their places as in Princely Solemnities they are to be disposed In which those of the Crown are to precede all other of the Nobility that are not except the Blood Royall As the Lord Chancellor Lord Treasurer Lord President of the Privy Councel Lord Privy Seal These six also are placed next the Lord Privy Seal thus according to their state of dignity that is If he be a Baron to sit above all Barons if an Earl above all Earls Lord Great Chamberlain of England Lord High Constable of England Lord Marshall of England Lord Admirall of England Lord Great Master or Steward of the King's House Lord Chamberlain of the King's House So the King 's principall Secretary being a
condemns even Parliament-Attainder The things that belongs to Justice and Peace are annexed to the Crown nor can they be separated The Parliament in the behalf of Henry the eighth writ thus to the Pope His Royall Majesty is the Head and the very Soul of us all his Royall Majestie 's cause is the cause of us all derived from the Head upon the Members his griefs and injuries are ours we all suffer equally with him Mr. Camden speaks thus of him The King is the most excellent part of the Common-wealth next unto God he is under no vassallage he takes his investiture from no man he acknowledges no Superior but God In England France Spain Denmark and other Kingdoms they are styled Kings Dei gratia by the grace of God Which hath been an antient custom in these Nations in the same or the like words as in the style of King Ethelbald Ethelbaldus divina dispensatione Rex Merciorum An. 716. Kenulphus Dei misericordia Rex Merciorum Beoredus largiente Dei gratia Rex Merciorum Ego Edwardus Dei gratia Rex Anglorum Ego Wilielmus Dei beneficio Rex Anglorum And the Kings of England since by a Bull from Rome in the time of our obedience to the Pope have been styled Defenders of the Faith and by Act of Parliament of Henry the eighth to whom that Bull was sent had the title of Supream Head of the Church of England annexed As the King of France is styled Rex Francorum Christianissimus the King of Spain Rex Catholicus or Catholica Majestad Catholick Majesty and the Emperor Defender of the Church It is the manner of Kings also to write in the plurall number which is God's own style as Mandamus Volumus Facimus c. And indeed in the Scripture we often find them called gods and in that sense may be styled Divi or Dii quia Dei vicarii Dei voce judicant Mr. Selden speaks thus upon this subject Man as a civill creature was directed to this form of subjection As if the sole observation of Nature had necessarily led the affections of men to this kinde of state Whence it is also that while others of the most curious in Philosophy tells us of Angells and the Supream Heavens being immediately Governed by the Maker of all things of the Planets and other Stars being ruled by the Sun and the separated Souls and the Aire being subject to the Moon they add together that upon Earth Kings are in like sort of Government as if naturall reason had first ordained them on earth by an unavoidable imitation of the Creator's providence used in that institution of Government in the Ayr Starrs and Heaven Neither do the antientest Gentiles speak of those elder times than with clear supposition of Monarchy even in the Infancy of the world And though divers of the chiefest States of the old Grecians were in their most flourishing times Democracies or Optimacies yet the more antient States there were in every place Monarchies as is expresly noted by Pausanias They are honored in all salutations not onely with kissing the hand but bowing the knee also in acknowledgment of their superiority to all Some are of opinion that this kind of Salutation came first to Rome from the old customes of the Asiatick Kingdoms For when the Persians meet you may know whether they be equall or not for in salutation they kisse each other but if one be somewhat inferior they kisse onely the cheek but if one be more ignoble he falls down adoring the other and passing by one another he turns his back as unworthy to look him in the face that is so much above him in honor The Ceremonies at his Coronation are many and in England more than any other Countries As the annoynting with Oyl the sacred Consecration which is to no other Kings but France Sicily and Jerusalem and his Crown fell on his head with many Religious Ceremonies which Spain Portugall Aragon and Navar c. have not besides the Ensignes of Regality which are a Ring to signifie his faithfulnesse a Bracelet for good works a Scepter for Justice a Sword for vengeance Purple 〈◊〉 to attract reverence and a Diadem triumphant to blazon his glory The Ceremony of Anointing every one almost understands to have been an Institution as old as the Law of God almost for though we find no speciall command in the Law delivered for it yet we find examples of it in a continued succession from God's own people and that with the holy Oyl with which none by the command in the Law were to be anoynted but the Priest which Oyl never wasted And that this hath been no Innovation among us is proved by Mr. Selden who makes it appear to be of above a thousand years standing before it was either in the Empire or France Though they have had it in France a long time and they say by divine Institution 〈◊〉 upon us for their authority the Miracle of a Dove that brought a Vial of holy Oyl from Heaven to anoynt King Clovis the first about five hundred years since Christ which Oyle they say hath never wasted It was the saying of Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury Inunguntur Reges in Capite etiam Pectore Brachiis quod 〈◊〉 ficat gloriam sanctitatem fortitudinem Kings are annointed on the Head to signifie their glory on the Breast to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their sanctity on their Arms to 〈◊〉 their power He is Crowned with an Imperiall Crown the Crown set on his head by the Archbishop of Canterbury a Prerogative to that See as it is in Spain to Toledo in France to Rheims and in Swethen to Upsalia But this Imperiall Crown hath not been long in use among us though our Kings have have had Imperiall Commands as over Scotland Ireland Man and other 〈◊〉 yet of Ireland they were but Lords untill the 33 year of Henry the eighth he being notwithstanding as absolute a Monarch over it when he was but Lord of Ireland as when he was styled King The Crowns formerly were but the same in a manner with that of an Earl now Neither is it to be found that any such thing as a Diadem was in use at all till the time of Constantine 〈◊〉 Great the distinction before being some kind of Chaplet or which is most certain a white silk Fillet about the brows which was an ordinary way to distinguish them as I have my self seen Statues of the Emperor with such a kind of Fillet about the head From whence is that which we read that Alexander the Great took off his white Diadem to cure the madness of Seleucus The first that was Crowned with this kind of Imperiall Crown floryed and arched was Henry the third say some but others Henry the first and indeed it is left disputable to me so by me to others However it is very probable and plain that the antientest
And there are commonly two Pursevants extraordinary whose names I finde to have varved therefore I name them not The Office of Garter was first instituted by Henry the fifth and though the other received Ordination long before yet is honored with the precedency and hath the prehemimency in all Charters and Assemblies Creations of Nobility and honorable processions especially all concernments of the order of the Garter either in Elections or Funerals The other of Clarenceux and Norroy by 〈◊〉 have power Clarenceux over all England on this side 〈◊〉 Norry beyond to enter into all Churches Castles Houses and any other places to survey and review all Arms Recognizances and Crests to make visitations and to register the pedegrees and marriages of the Nobility and Gentry and at their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or upon suit in their Office to punish with disgrace and 〈◊〉 all such as shall intrude so much upon Honor as to usurp other mens Atchievements or phansie to themselves new against the law of Armes to reverse and 〈◊〉 them and to make infamous by 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 or Sessions all such as 〈◊〉 unduly take upon them the title of Esquire or Gentleman and such as shall use or wear mourning Apparell as Gown Hoods c. contrary to the Order limited in the time of Henry the seventh and to 〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉 and other Artificers in the setting 〈◊〉 of Arms. In the execution of which commission they have power to command all Justices Sheriffes Mayors Baliffs and other officers and subiects to be aiding and assisting to them And if upon summons any Knight Esquire or Gentleman do refuse to come and appear before him and give an account of their Arms and Gentility they have power in their respective Provinces to summon them by a Suppaena of what penalty they think sit before the Earl Marshal of England for their 〈◊〉 therein And they have the ordering of all Funerals of the Gentry within their respective Province from a Baron downwards taking other Heralds in their courses with them As also the ordering of all Combats Lists and Triumphs with the Fees belonging to them And they have for stipend out of the Exchequer 100 marks a piece annuity The six Heralds are all in equall degree only preceding according to the seniority of their creation their Patents being under the 〈◊〉 Seal of England and their annual stipend is forty marks besides theirs profits and Fees The 〈◊〉 have their Patents in like 〈◊〉 a stipend of twenty pound per annum out of the Exchequer but those extraordinary have neither Patent nor Fee The Arms of the Office is Arg. a Crosse 〈◊〉 between four 〈◊〉 Azure The whole Company are subordinate unto the High Constable or Earl Marshall of England and by him every of them is at his first entry commended to the King by a Bill signed with his hand Which done the King signes the same and so it passes the Privy Seal and broad Seal and that once obtained they are to be 〈◊〉 and created by the King himself or the Earl Martiall in 〈◊〉 following A King of Arms is brought into the King 〈◊〉 Lord Marshall led between a King and a Herald or two Heralds in their Coats the other Heralds 〈◊〉 Pursevants going before in their Coats carrying the severall necessary instruments to 〈◊〉 used on 〈◊〉 the Coat of Arms wherewith 〈◊〉 new King is to be invested another 〈◊〉 Crown another the Patent another he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 another the Book and Sword another the Book where his Oath is received all making severall 〈◊〉 and then he kneels down with those two that led him one of which holds the Book and 〈◊〉 whereon he swears the other speaks his Oath then his Patent is read and at the word Creamus and Investimus his Coat is put on and at non violante nomine c. the the water is poured on his head and then he is perfect There is belonging to this Office a Register Marshal and other officers and servants and amongst those Painters called Heralds-Painters every King of Arms hath power to Commission one whom he pleases as appropriate to his businesse and so much for Heralds And thus much for Heraldry The Names of the several Houses and Innes of Court Chancery and other Hostels in and about the City of LONDON Two called Serjeants Inne 1. In 〈◊〉 2. In Chancery lane The two Temples Inner Temple Middle Temple Lyncolns Inne Grays Inne Innes of Chancery Davies Inne Furnivals Inne Bernards Inne Staple Inne Cliffords Inne Clements Inne New Inne Lyons Inne Chesters or Strond Inne The six Clerks Office or Inne Cursiters Inne The Rolls Doctors Commons Gresham Colledge The Exhequer Office Osbournes Office St. Kather. by the Tower The Inns of Court and Chancery in their order FIrst it is to be understood the four Colledges or Innes of Court may be tearmed Collegia Jurisconsultorum that is Colledges of Lawyers The Romans did call such houses Diversoria ordained to entertain strangers which in our English are called Inns and have been acknowledged with us in England to be the residing houses of the Noblest Peers viz. Oxford Inn Warwick Inn Ely Inn and now called Oxford house Warwick house and Ely house Somewhat according to the French whose houses of Nobility in Paris are called Hostels in Latine Hospitium in English Inns. In London and thereabouts there are fourteen two Serjeants Innes four Innes of Court and eight Innes of Chancery The most antient Inne of Court and wherein Serjeants of Law had their first residence was sometimes over against Saint Andrews Church in Holborn and was known by the name of Serjeants Inne which afterwards came to be the Scroop's who then were have since continued Barons of this land and it was called Scroops Iune which is called by another name the possession being likewise altered out of that Family And although the Innes of the Serjeants be somwhat antient for time as also of modern age too yet it must be granted that in respect of some others they must be respected but of a noval foundation Yet forasmuch as they are receptacles and lodging places of the most reverend Judges and grave Barons of the Exchequer and other Judge in Office and Serjeants at Law they are by way of decency to be reckoned in the first rank That Hostel or Inne which now is commonly called Serjeants Inne in Fleetstreet was sometime a Messuage appertaining unto the Dean and Prebends of York And afterwards purchased by the Judges and Serjeants at Law that lived in the Reign of King Henry the eighth for a place of residence for them in Tearm time And that other called Serjeants Inne in Chancery lane was somtimes a Mesluage belonging unto the Bishops of See of Ely as appeareth by Records In these said Houses or Innes of Court commonly called Serjeants Inne the reverend Judges of this land and the Serjeants at Law have for many years lived and have been lodged within the same Being in very deed although
Bordures here is exemplified nine distinct In the first is a Bordure counter-compounded Or and Gules the second a Bordure Purflew of Vayre the third quarterly composed of Ermin and Checky Or and Azure the fourth Gobbonated Or and Sables the fifth Sables Entoyre of eight Bezants the sixth Or a Bordure Gules charged with three Bendlets Sables the seventh Azure Enaleuron of eight Martlets Or the eighth quarterly the first Gules Enurney of three Lyoncels passant guardant Or the second Azure Verdoy of as many Flowerdelis the third as the second the fourth as the first which with a Field Argent was the Coat-Armor of Henry Courtney Earl of Devonshire Marquesse of Exon. This may be blazoned short by England and France The ninth is a Bordure Gules Diapred Entoyre Enurney Enaleuron and Verdoy This kind of Bordure may be of any two or other set number of these also Now to the intent that Coat-Armor might descend to the Posterity with safety and free from dissention of strife Distinctions were invented which I have here set down to the number Nine By which differences the Bearer is understood of what degree or line of Consanguinity he is if he be of the second third or fourth House and what brother of that House by charging his Coat with the difference appertaining and if a younger brother of a younger House then by charging the difference of the House with difference of Line of Fraternity There being so much care taken for the preserving the honor of the entire Coats that the eldest son of the first House during the life of his father so of the rest cannot bear it without his distinction and for this reason hath the Nephew of the first the father being dead been always preferred before the Uncle of the second c. and taketh place before him By the way also we are to take notice that if all the brethren die without issue and leave sisters behind as they are co-inheritors of the Lands and Estare so shall they be of the Coat-Armor also without any distinction at all to either of them because by them the name of the House cannot be preserved they being all reckoned but as one Heir Again if they be not heirs they are not admitted to the bearing of the Coat-Armor for saith Sir John Fern Arma non transeunt ad agnatos affines Yet their husbands are admitted to adjoyn the Arms of their wives families in the sinister side of their Escutcheons with their own but if they have none of their own then not at all Now there is none of those signs but are sometimes born in Arms as Charges of the Coat but when they are distinctions it is easily known by their singularity either of place position or diminutive proportion A The Dexter chief B The precise middle chief C The Sinister chief D The Honor point E The Fesse point F TheNombril point G The Dexter Base H The precise middle Base I The Sinister Base 1 Invecked 2 Ingrayled 3 Wavy 4 Nebule 5 Embattaild or Crenelle 6 Indented 7 Dancette Of these lines the two first differ onely in this that the points of the ingrailed line are turned into the field and the other contrary into the ordinary that those lines do make The two last are both one secundùm quale onely differing secundùm quantum the one being onely wider and deeper then the other And when any of these Ordinaries are drawn withthese lines the Blazoner is to say A Bend Chief Pale or what it is Invecked Ingrayled Wavy or the like But if plain then onely to name the Ordinary with its colours according to the following examples 1 A Crosse. 2 A Chief 3 A Pale 4 A Bend. 5 a Fesse 6 An Inescutcheon 7 A Cheveron 8 A Saltyr 9 A Barre The last of which Ordinaries may easily be mistaken for the same or at least a diminutive of the fifth but it is not and they are distinguished by the space they possesse in the field and also by this difference the Barre hath liberty all over the field with its diminutions the Fesse onely one proper place These Ordinaries according to Leigh do possesse these proportions of the field Crosse containeth uncharged the fifth part but charged the third the Chief the third part the Pale the third part the Bend the fifth uncharged but charged the third the Fesse the third part the Innescut the fifth part the Chever the fifth part the Saltyr the fifth uncharged but charged the third the Barre the fifth part Of these Ordinaries some have their diminutives as the Barre a Closset a Barralet the Bend both Dexter and Sinister the Dexter hath a Bendlet Garter single and double Cottises and a Ribbon the Sinister Bend a Scarp and a 〈◊〉 a Cheveron hath its Cheveronels And here now I shall desire to be excused for digressing from the method of other men especially Mr. Guillim and first to take notice of some other forms near relating to the Ordinaries for their shape and proportion on which are oftentimes rewards and additions of Honor placed in Coats as also the abatements of Honor for misdemeanor and dishonorable actions that afterwards I may not have any thing to interrupt a methodicall proceeding in the rest The first of which are those on which most commonly additions are given which are these The first is a Bordure spoken of before The second a Quarter The third a Canton The fourth a Gyron The fifth a Pile The sixth two Flasques The seventh two Flanches The eighth two Voyders which saith Leigh is the way of bearing a reward given to a Woman The ninth is Ernoin an Inescutcheon Gules named also a Scutcheon of Pretence On any of these may an addition of Honor be placed according to the pleasure of the Prince or the fancy of the Herald that is left to the designing Which reward remains to the posterity of the Atchiever and none of the descendants of his family but his own line may bear it In which manner I have seen the Arms of a Kingdom given to a private Subject nay and sometimes to a Stranger as in the example of Sir Henry St. George Norroy King of Arms who upon an Embassie into Sweden was honored by the King of the Swethes with the addition of the Arms of Swethen in a Canton The Marquesse of Exeter gave the Arms of England in a Bordure as in the Escutcheon of Bordures is seen in the eighth quarter being given him by Henry the eighth Now the Laws of honor having by a continued succession of time maintained and refined these rules of Nobility for the encouragement of brave and generous spirits So foreseeing the pronenesse of all men being apter to fall and decline from the vertues and bravenesse of their Ancestors and to bury the honor of the deceased Purchasers in the dust than to improve the Talent of Renown Time hath entrusted them with as a correction to such dunghill-spirits there is provided a method
Azure by the Lord Brudenell Of Mechanical things THe last example that I shall insert is of other more ordinary Mechanical things The first is Arg. a Cheveron between three Palmers scrips Sables the tassels and buckles Or by Sir Henry Palmer of Kent The second is Gules a Cheveron between three Irish Broges Or. The third is Sables three Pickaxes Argent by the name of Pigot The fourth is Arg. a fesse between three pheans Sables by the name of Rowdon of Yorkshire The sixth is Sables three bels Arg. by the name of Porter The sixth is Azure three Howboys between as many crosse crosselets Or by the name of Bourden The seventh is Or on a bend Az. three Katherine Wheels Arg. by the name of Rudhall The eighth Az. three levels with their plumets Or by the name of 〈◊〉 The ninth is Arg. three bezants on a chief 〈◊〉 by the name of 〈◊〉 And here we are to take notice that if these roundals are charged in counter-changes as before then they are only called Roundals but if any other 〈◊〉 as in this example they are of a various blazon according to their colors as thus If they are Or then they are called Bezants Argent Plates Sables Pellets Gules Vorteuxes Ligh-tblew Hurts Vert Pomeyes Purpure Golps Teune Oranges Sanguine Gules And thus much I think sufficient to be said of the examples of Charges in Coat-Armor In the next place I am to shew the differences of Helms which distingnish in some part the honor of the bearer in his degree The Crowns and 〈◊〉 differing more particularly the highest degrees of Nobility I shall also exemplifie in the conclusion of this discourse and I hope shall raise in some measure a relation to the old proverb Finis coronat opus Of Helmets THe differences of Helms is always exprest when the Crest is given and by this difference a Gentleman is known in his degree by his hatchment as much as these following examples 〈◊〉 These Helmets are sometimes called cask and timbers by the French Helenum by the Romans Cassidem by the Greeks Galeam a Covering for the head in time of war and our manner of bearing crests on them is from their ancient fancy of adorning their Helmets with some kind of monstrous Device as the Head or mouth of a Lyon the paws or horns of certain beasts to appear more terrible And that which we call Mantle is not as some doe ridiculously suppose the Vestment which they usually had to wear over their atms in War or as some would have it to secure their shield from weather but from this originall that Princes and chief Commanders used to adorn their Helmets according to their qualities with rich buckles studs and circlets of gold garnished with rich and costly stones and on the top or crests of them wreaths of corded 〈◊〉 being the Liveries of their Ladies and Mistrisses as also some curled 〈◊〉 of hair and those Cordons like waving scarfs dangled down behinde them on the Cruppers of their Horses the ends being fairly tasselled and enriched many times with Pearls and precious Stones and thus especially they rid upon dayes of Triumph But in Germany and many other places where the laws of Honour and Armory are severely obsetved a mean Gentleman or new Atchiever is not permitted to bear Helm Mantle or Crest but by special favour The first differs from the 2. in that it is a side standing helmet with the Beaver close which is for all Esquires and Gentlemen The second is the common fashion of Knights which is a helmet standing direct forward with the 〈◊〉 open without guards The third is a side-helmet open-faced guardevisure which is proper for all persons of the Nobility beneath a Duke and above a Knight The fourth is the Helmet of Persons executing Soveraign Authority which is a Helmet which is full forward open-faced guarde-visure which belongeth also to Princes and Dukes In this manner are all Degrees obviously differenced to every mans judgement in all hatchments And if they be above the degree of a Knight that these do not distinguish to particulars then they are also understood by their 〈◊〉 and Crowns Of Crowns and Coronets The first whereof is the Crown of the Empire of Germany which is but little different from that of England in the second which is Emperial too The third is that Coronet of the Prince which is the same with the Kings only the arches mound and crosse wanting The fourth is the Crownet of an Archduke which is the same with a Duke the Arch only added The fifth is a Crownet floral only proper to a Duke The sixth is the Crownet of a Marquesse which differs thus It is of leaves and points the leaves or flowers above the points The seventh is proper to an Earl which hath points and flowers but the points are above the flowers The eighth is due to a Viscount which is a Circulet or Coronet pearled and neither flowers nor points The last is the form of that Crown which is found to be in fashion in the time of William the Conqueror Which I have inserted to shew the difference betwixt the Crown Imperial of England then and now As to the antiquity of these Crowns or Diadems as notes of Regality I finde not any where a just authority to assure me of their Origination but that there were Crowns long before Tragedies were in use is to me very evident though Sir William Segar is of opinion the use of them came from thence Yet that the use of them in these parts of the World might come from the giving of Crowns in Triumph and Lawrels or Wreaths for Vertue is very probable which was a thing very frequent and of very great antiquity among the Romans and hath continued and been exercised in the Empire since the translation to Germany and that with much Ceremony as in the example of Joannes Crusius his receiving the Laurel as Stratsburgh an 1616. See Mr. Selden his Titles of Honor where it is at large fol. 402. Which custom hath since been in these parts and indeed long before that time were Crowns given to Poets here as witnesse the example in St. Mary Overies Church where one John Gower a Poet in Richard the seconds time hath a Statue crowned with Ivie mixed with Roses but since it is more commonly used of Laurel Though the Crown of Laurel or Bayes was first appropriated to him that triumphed for victory in the field At which time distinctions of Crowns were observed according to the variety of merit As Corona Muralis this was due to him that was first seen upon the Wall of the Enemy Corona Castrensis for him that made a breach in the Castle of the Enemy the first a Crown embattail'd or made with battailment being of Gold the other of Towers And then they had Corona Navalis garnished with Fore-castles for service at Sea made of Gold too Then Corona Ovalis of Myrtle for victory gotten
much honor of all men and maintained out of the Publique Treasury In Rome and most other places they carryed as Ensignes of their Office 〈◊〉 Rods in imitation of the Poeticall fiction of Mercury who is styled the Herald of the Gods those of Rome wreathed with two Serpents and the ancient Druides of wreaths of Vervine imitating the same In France where a long time this office hath been in much honor not only 〈◊〉 St. Dennis the principal King of Arms but the other Heralds and Pursevants are to be of noble 〈◊〉 and Mountjoy to be of three descents as well of his Fathers as of his Mothers side of Noble linage and Coat-Armor Their Office or Colledge is in the Church of St. Anthony the lesse in Paris And they are allowed the priviledge of entrance into any Prince's Court and an injury offered to them is a publique injury in all parts of the world But I do not finde they were in this 〈◊〉 and establishment till the time of Philip de Valloys The revenues of them in France was very great as to Mountjoy in particular 2000. l. Lands in free tenure and 1000 pound per annum stipend as Favin relates And the others 1000 pound per annum stipend besides other profits and they are many besides their priviledges are very great which in the same Author are at large set down in which Author I cannot but observe the ridiculousnesse of their humor in the christening of their Pursevants for they call it christening and the Ceremony is performed with the powring a pot of Wine on their heads they name them at their own pleasure and some they call Plain-way Jolly-heart No-lyar Tell-troth Chearfulnesse Fair-seeming Loftyfoot and the like But to come neerer to our own concernment I think to proceed with the same Office in our own Nation where they are now in lesse esteem I confesse then they have been in former ages yet have ever been honored with messages between Potentates for matter of Honor and Arms. Ceremoniarum Ministri as in the Coronation of Kings and Queens enstalment of Princes and creation of Noble dignities of honor in Triumphs Justs Combats Marriages Christenings Interments and to attend all solemn Assemblies of State and honor and by some of them ought the proclamations of all great matters of State to be promulged causes of Chivalry and Gentility are referred to their care as in the right of bearing of Arms in Shields Scutcheons Targets Banners Penons Coats and such like correcting of Arms in visitations and observing descents and pedigrees of Noblemen and Gentlemen They are the Protonotaries Griffiers and Registers of all acts and proceedings in the Court of the High 〈◊〉 and Lord Marshall of Engiand or of such as have their authority and in their books and Records they are to preserve to perpetuall memory all facts and memorable designments of honor and Arms. They have been long establisht in England but I find not that they were incorporated into a Collegiate Society till Richard the third's time when they were incorporated by Charter and placed at Coleharbor from whence they often removed untill they became setled where now at this time they are placed by the honorable endeavour of that Illustrious family of the Howards formerly Dukes of Norfolk and Earls Marshals of England the house being before called Darby house Which was established to them in the time of King Philip and Queen Mary and in these tearms incorporated by the names of Garter King of Arms of England Clarenceux King of Arms of the South parts and the Heralds and Pursevants for ever and to have and use a common Seal to purchase Lands to sue and be sued by Edward the sixth in his third year granted them many priviledges viz. In these words Forasmuch as sundry records and testimonies of great antiquity and of no lesse credit have now lately reduced to our perfect knowledge the Kings of Armes Heralds and 〈◊〉 of Arms elected as persons vertuous and for their good qualites knowledge and experience to serve in the affairs of the Common-wealth have been alwayes heretofore by Emperors Kings and Princes of Christian Realms upon most worthy and just considerations not only maintained and supported as well with yearly stipends and pensions as daily profits advantages and commodities sufficient to the necessity of the decent and convenient living of them and theirs in honest state Which daily profits advantages and commodities are now lately much decayed to their hindrance especially in this our Realm but also have been by the said Emperors Kings and Princes enriched and adorned time out of mans memory with divers kinds of priviledges liberties and franchises as among others that they and every of them be free exempt quite and discharged not only from subsidies dismes fifths tenths reliefs contributions taxes profits grants benevolences and generally from all other manner of charges as well in time of War as Peace in all such Realms and Dominions wherein they made their demour but also in all Market Towns and all other places from Tolls Fines Customes Impositions and Demands and aswell from Watch and Ward in all Cities Towns and Castles Borroughs and Villages and from the election or appointment to any Office of Mayor Sheriff Bayliffe Constable Scavenger Church-warden or any other publick Office in Citties Towns Castles 〈◊〉 and Villages whatsoever And forasmuch also as we understand all Kings of Arms Heralds c. have alwayes heretofore from the beginning of the Office of Arms enjoyed and do presently enjoy all and singular the priviledges liberties and franchises aforesaid with many other in all Christian Realms without any disturbance 〈◊〉 or molestation We therefore considering the same and earnestly minding as well the advancement of the said Office of Arms as the quiet and honest supportance of our Servants and Ministers thereof do of our speciall Grace certain knowledge and meer motion by the advice and consent of our most dearly beloved Uncle Edward Duke of Somerset and our Protector of our Realms and Dominions and Subjects and of the rest of our Councel by these 〈◊〉 not only confesse and generally approve give grant and confirm to the said Kings Heralds c. and to every of them and their successors for ever for us and our Successors all and singular the premises before recited although here not recited as have been of honorable antiquity upon just 〈◊〉 to them granted by Emperors Kings and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 right famous memory heretofore But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 especially by these presents pardon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 utterly for us and our heires release the said Kings of Arms Heralds c. aswell all 〈◊〉 sums of money and demands whatsoever 〈◊〉 assessed c. The Officers are thus distinguished Kings of Arms Garter General indefinite Of the south p. of Eng. Beyond Trent northw 〈◊〉 Norroy Heralds York sometimes styled Dukes of Arms. 〈◊〉 Windsor Lancaste Richmond Chester Pursevants Portcullis  Blewmantle  Raugh dragon  〈◊〉 croixe Â
several by distance of place yet held to be but one entire Society or Confraternity by the name of Brethren The Arms of these two Innes of Judges and Serjeants First Gules two Garbs in Saltyre Or bands Azure The Second Or an Ibis proper which is a bird neer the colour of a Jay Next to the two Serjeants Innes in order are the four Innes of Court that is to say Inner Temple Middle Temple Lyncolns Inne Grayes Innne And first of the two houses or Societies which are called by the name of Temples or the Templars Inne The Middle Temple beareth for distinction Argent on a plain crosse Gules the holy Lamb 〈◊〉 The said two Temples or the Templars Inne are of any other of the Innes of Court the the most renowned and famous for antiquity They were at the prime and in their original but one entire foundationand body But in processe of time became divided at first founded by a religious and devout Order of Souldiers called Templarii that is to say Templars Which Knights within the Kingdome of England purchased to themselves certain Lands in Fleetstreet bordering upon the shore of the River Thames and thereon wit hin a short time built a large Edifice and withall a round Synagogue like unto a Chappel or Temple as it is now standing and was by Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem Anno Dom. 1185. dedicated to the service of God In which place these Templars by the space of one hundred years lived in great honor and opulency enjoying large possessions and those situate in the best places of the Realm the like they had in other places the Prelate of which Order was ever a Baron of England Now after the suppression of these Knights Templars their Colledge or Hostel came to the hands of Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster who being attainted for Disloyalty and Treason the same became invested to the Crown And afterwards the Earls Hugo le Dispencer Earl of Chester obtained the possession of the same house who for the like transgression was justly attained also and then it came to Damare de Valence Earl of Pembrook the Lusignian family in France who lodged therein but for a small season so that in the reign of Edward the third the Sages and worthy professors of the Common Laws of this Realm obtained a long lease of this house for 10. l. per annum A third part whereof called the outward Temple one Doctor Stapleton Bishop of Exeter in the dayes of King Edward the second procured for a residing Mansion to him and his successors Bishops of that See and it was called Exeter Inne And so continued untill the dayes of Queen Mary when the Lord Paget her principal Secretary of State and obtained the said third part called Exeter house to him and his heirs and did re-edifie the same After whom the said house or the third part of the said Templars house came to Thomas late Duke of Norfolk and was by him conveyed to Sir Robert Dudley Knight al. Sutton Earl of Lieoester who bequeathed the same to Sir Robert Dudley Knight his Son and lately came by purchase to Robert Devoreux late Earl of Essex that dyed in the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth and it is called to this day Essex house And not to omit what is written touching the antiquity of the Coat of Arms belonging to this house it is warranted by the same was and yet is to be seen purtraicted in an old Manuscript written many years since concerning the foundation of that Order and which Manuscript now is or of late was in the custody of the Right Honorable Lord William Howard a lover of Nobility and honorable Arms. It is to be understood that before the Order of Knight Templars assumed to themselves the said Coat Armour they now wear that they did embrace as to them appropriate this Ensign A Horse galloping with two Men on his back The which Ensign was usually engraven on their Signet or Common Seal It hath been conjectured that the significancy thereof was that the Originall of this Order began in poverty and want So that when they were to undertake any expedition of Christian service they were enforced for want of ability to ride two of them upon one horse But it is more truly conceited that the same was rather an 〈◊〉 of Love and Charity and was a true Hieroglyphick of an ingenious disposition and of a 〈◊〉 kindnesse used amongst noble and free-hearted Souldiers whereof none were of greater note then this Order Who being professed 〈◊〉 and honorable spirits when they should come to the rescue of a Christian Souldier who might happen to be wounded or sick and comfortlesse in the field they would relieve him and set him behinde one of them upon his own horse and by that means conveigh him to some place of safety where they should likewise take some speedy course for his relief Neither was this work of Chariy only practised by the Christian Knights in those ages but it was used by the very Infidels and Pagans who also usually were exercised in the same works of Charity as may be observed and read out of the famous and renowned Poet Ariosto who relates that Reginaldo and Fernand two Knights Charlemaine did fight together and each of them was mortally wounded and therefore they agreed to adjourne the Combate till another day And that during the space of the Parly Reginaldo's Palfrey strayed away and could not be found whereupon Fer nand proffered Reginaldo a part of his horse to ride upon and willed him to mount up behind him with assurance he would convey him safe to the place he desired which Reginaldo accepted and Fernand performed This History is writ by Ariosto in the Italian language and not unworthy observation to this intent The Knights Templars took their originall about the year of Grace 〈◊〉 and upon this occasion many Noble men who were religiously bent obliged themselves by speciall vows to serve Christ as regular Cannons in Chastity and Obedience and to renounce their own proper will for ever The first of that Order was Hugo Paganus and Godfrido de Sancto Hadomaro Their habit was prescribed by Pope Honorius to be a white habit and after by order from Pope Eugenio these Knights had their first habitation appointed them by Baldwin King of Jerusalem neer unto the holy Temple there they were ever after saluted by the names of Knights Templars This Order in processe of time did grow so universally great that many great 〈◊〉 and Townes of Christendome received their Order of the Knights Templars as well in this our Nation as in other parts where they enjoyed fair revenewes and large possessions for in England this University called the Temple was the feat and habitation of divers Knights of that Order But it hath of late by the Princely donation of King James our late Soveraign been confirmed to the professors of the Common Law under the great Seal of England The Society of
deeds in the possession of the late right honorable Gilbert Earl of Shrewbury doth appear Bernards Inne Beareth party per pale indented Ermin and Sab. a Cheveron Gul. fretty This house was in the thirteenth year of the reign of King Henry the sixth a messuage belonging to one John Mackworth then Dean of the Cathedral Church of Lincoln and in that time in the holding of one Lyonel Bernard who next before the conversion thereof into an Inne of Chancery dwelt there And it hath ever since retained the name of Bernards Inne or Bernards house Staple Inne Port de vert un pacquet de doyne Arg. This House was sometimes belonging to the English Merchants of the Staple as it hath been by ancient Tradition held It is of late adorned with a convenient large Garden-plot to walk in and is at this day rightly esteemed for the most ample and beautifull Inne of Chancery within this Academy Clifford's Inne Reareth Checky Or Azure of fesse Gul. within a bordure of the third charged with a Bezanet This House albeit it followeth in an after rank from the former yet it is worthy to be reputed amongst the formest as being in reputation with the best both for conveniency and quiet situation thereof as for worth and good government It was also sometime the dwelling house of Maccoln de Hersey and came to the King for debts and was after sometimes the house of the Lord Clifford as by Inquisition which was taken that year and remaining on Record doth appeare which hath these words Isabella quae fuit Roberti Clifford 〈◊〉 cum pertinent quod Robertus habuit in parochia Sancti Dunstani West ' in suburb Londini c. tenuit illud demisit post mortem dicti Roberti 〈◊〉 de Bancho pro 〈◊〉 l. per annum c. ut pat per Inquisitionem cap. 18. Edwardi 3. post mortem dict Roberti Clifford This House at this day is the Inheritance of that antient and right honorable family of Cliffords Earls of Cumberland for which there is an annual Rent still rendered to the Earles of Cumberland for the time being Clements Inne Beareth Argent Anchor without a stock in pale proper entertaining a C. for Clement into the body thereof This House sometimes was a messuage belonging to the Parish Church of St. Clement Danes from whence it took its denomination neer to this house is that Fountain which is called Clements Well This Anchor is engraven in stone over the gate of the first entrance into the house and is an Hieroglyphick figuring thereby that Pope Clement as he was Pope was reputed Caput Ecclesiae Romanae for the Roman Priesthood or Anchorage of Christendome figured by the Anchor and by the text C. the Sacerdotal dignity Some hold that the device of the Anchor was rather invented upon this reason of the Martyrdome of Pope Clement as Jacobus de Voragia writeth that he received his Martyrdome being bound to a great Anchor and cast into the Sea by the command of the Emperor Trajane New Inne Beareth Vert a Flower-pot Arg. maintaining Jully flowers Gules This house is so called by reason of its then late or new Creation being in the reign of King Henry the seventh therefore the same is not of late a foundation as some imagine which is that the late dissolution of Strond Inne being by the Duke of Somerset Uncle to King Edward the sixth this house in lieu thereof was instituted for the dispersed Gentlemen Professors and Students of the Common Laws of this Realm It is certain that Sir Thomas Moor Knight Lord Chancellor of England in the reign of King Henry the seventh was a fellow student of this Society and in the reign of King Henry the eighth removed his study into that of Lincolns Inne This house was sometimes called by the name of our Ladies Inne for that the Picture of our Lady was pourtraicted at the doore thereof And in the reign of King Edward the fourth was 〈◊〉 by Sir John Fyncaullxe Knight Chief Justice of England or of the Kings Bench or 6. l. per annum wherein he placed Students and practisers of the Common Lawes who before that time had a house in the 〈◊〉 Bayly called St. Georges Inne the passage thereunto was over against St. Sepulchers Church and by some is reputed to be the first and most ancient of all other Innes of Chancery but the same house at this day is converted into severall Tenements and Garden plots Lyons Inne Beareth Checkie Or and Arg a Lyon Saliant Sab. langued and armed Gules This house received its foundation of modern time and lately before the acquiring thereof it was a dwelling house known by the name of the Black Lyon and in the reign of King Henry the seventh was purchased by divers Gentlemen Students and Professors of the common Lawes The first Treasurer of this Society was one John Bidwell The greatest number of this Society are the natives of the West parts viz Devonshire and Cornwall but for the most part Devonshire Gentlemen Chesters Inne or Strond Inne Beareth Azure within a bordure Gules three garbes Or in a bend of the second In the reign of King Henry the eighth this house for that Sir Bevis St. Marrour Knight Duke of Somerset kept there his Court was an Inne of Chancery called Strond Inne and before that time belonged to the Bishop of Chester after to the Bishop of Worcester and unto the Bishop of Landaffe with the Parochiall Church of St. Maries adjoyning thereunto All which were swallowed up in An Dom. 1549. for to build an ample and spacious Edifice to the use of the said Duke the maternall Uncle to King Edward the sixth The Six Clerkes Office otherwise called Riderminster's Inne Beareth Azure two Cheveronels Or between three Bezants Arg. charged with eight pellets This House though it be not saluted by the name of an Inne of Chancery as the others are which are of like name and nature yet is the same more properly to be called an Inne of Chancery then any of the rest for that the Chancery Officers do there reside namely Attourneys commonly called the Six Clerks of the Chancery and are to this day a society of Gentlemen well learned in the Laws These were at the first Sacerdotall and therefore called Clerks And in those days when the Institution of them was first established they were all of them Church-men This house was acquired and gotten for the society by one John Riderminster Esquire a member thereof who in his time was a very skilfull and well Learned man and both faithfull and just as well to his Client as to his friend It was antiently the Inne or the Mansion of the Abbot of Norton in Lincolnshire and since that time it hath been the dwelling-house of one Andrew Hersfleet and is most proper to be called an Inne of Chancery for the Officers of Chancery only reside there the House is situate in Chancery lane where the causes appertaining to