them they only resisted King William the Conquerour when all other Counties submitted and caplâ—ulating with him reserved to themselves and their posterity their antient Customes and Liberties Fifthly Which is the next confideration offered viz. Generally the tenures of the lands in this County are if not the freest yet as free tenures as any in England Sixthly The royal Navy usually riding in the Downes of this County in which County also are those three famous Shipdocks of Deptford Woolwich and Chetham in the two first whereof the principall part of the Royall Navy is usually repaired and in the last the same is usually also repaired and laid up Seventhly Four houses lately belonging to the Kings of England viz. East Greenwich Eltham Otford and Dartford Eighthly The severall good commodities for the use of man with which it is richly furnished and famous for viz. 1. Plenty of Fowl and Fish of all sorts by advantage of the aforesaid Seas and fresh Rivers 2. Fertil lands for feeding cattle of all sorts and more especially those famous levels of Romney and Walland Marsh. 3. The Drapery of this County which hath here continued for above three hundred and twenty years towards which the bowels of this County are well stored with Fullers earth and many fulling mills not far distant from the same 4. The Fruit plentifully sent from hence to the chief City London and places adjacent 5. The great plenty of grain of all sorts growing therein and more especially in the North and East parts of the same 6. The Plenty of wood but more especially in the Weald wherein also are many Iron mills floring with Iron London and the other places adjacent Some Chronologers affirm that King Alfred divided this Nation and among the rest this part thereof into Shires Counties or Provinces but that is controverted by others and alledged that it was so divided shortly after the inhabiting of this Island and in the traâ—â—â— of the time of King Ina which was above 180. years before King Alsred there is â—â—ntion of Shires and so that of King Alfred may as to this purpose be only some plaineâ— deâ—â—ription of the former division And for this County it appeareth by what is before That the same was a distinct Province many hundred years before King Alfred was borne â—ut his subdividing the same into hundreds and them into Boroughs or 〈◊〉 is not denied Before the time of this King Alfred about 1000. years since In the time of Eâ—comberâ— the 7 th King of Kent Honorius Archoâ—shop of Cantâ—rbury divided that â—ingdome into Parishes And 45. Edward the 3. upon occasion of raising a great summe of money for aid of the King for the wars in France by a Parochiall tax throughout England the number of the Parishes therein were examined and in this County sound to be 393. Of so many whereof as are now extant as also of those which have been since added being in all 404. I shall now proceed to treate Alphabetically ACRYSE LIeth towards the South-East part of the County by the River Sâ—oure about one mile and a half towards the South-East distant from Eleham in the Bailiwick of of Stowting Lath of Shipway East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath It was in the Deanry of Eleham and Diocess of Canterbury The liberty of Eleham claymeth over so much thereof as is in the upper half hundred of Loningborough and the liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claymeth over the Mannor of Brandred in this Parish Part thereof is in the hundred of Folkstone and the residue in the hundred of Loningborough The Church standeth in the hundred of Loningborough and was called Saint Martin ADDINGTON LIeth towards the middle of the West part of the County by the river Medway about one mile and a half towards the North West distant from West Malling In the Bailiwick of Hoo Hundred of Larkfeild Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and South division of Justices in that Lath it was in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rothester and the Church was called Saint Margaret ADISHAM ADesham Eadesham Edesham Lieth towards the East end of the County about foure miles and a half towards the East distant from Canterbury In the Bailiwick of Bridge and Peâ—ham Lath of Saint Augustine East Division of the County and Division of Justices in that Lath It was in the Deanry of Bridge Diocess of Canterbury The Mannor of Adisham was in the year 616. given by Ethelbald son of King Ethelbert to Christ-Church Canterbury was antiently a hundred of it self and afterwards comming to King Henry the 8. he 33â— of his Raigne gave the same to that Church and the liberty of the late Dean of the Church aforesaid claymeth over the same but the liberty of Saint Augustine claymeth over the whole Parish the same being in the hundred of Downhamford which belongeth to that Abbey and the Church was called Saint Innocents ALCHAM LIeth towards the South-east part of the County about 3. miles towards the West distant from Davâ—r in the Bailiwick of Stowing Hundre of Folkstone Lath of Shipwayâ— East Division of the County and Division of Justices in that Lath it was in the Deanry of Dovar and Diocess of Canterbury the liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claymeth there and the church was called Saint Authony ALDINGTON ALdintune lieth towards the South-East part of the County about foure miles and a half towards the South-East distant from Ashford in the Bailiwick and Lath of Shipway East Division of the County and Division of Justâ—ces in that â—ath it was in the Deanry of Limpne and Diocess of Canterbury the liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claymeth there But I finde not this Aldington among the Nomina villaram of that liberty But do find that Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury 2 â— Martij 31 â— Henry the 8. by deed inrolled in the Office of augmentations 32. Hen 8. fol. 10 granted that Mannor to that King and King Charles granted the Mannor house and farme lands thereunto to hold of his Mannor of East Greenwich in free Soccage Part of this Parish is in the hundred of Bircholt Franchise and the residue in the hundred of Strete the Church standeth in the hundred of Strete and was called Saint Martin In the time of King Hen. 8. There were two Parsons of this Parish much different for repute Erasmus of Roterodame most eminent for Learning and Richard Master infamous for adhering to Elizabeth Barton of this Parish called the holy Maid of Kent in treasonable practises for which they two and five others were by Parliament 25. Hen. 8. Cap. 12 attainted of Treason and executed at Tiburne in Aprill in that year and six others attainted of misprison of Treason The Archbishops of Canterbury had here a faire seat upon repairing and augmenting whereof Iohn Morton Arch-Bishop in the time of King Henry the 7. bestowed much money In this Parish also
a Faire yearly upon the day of the translation of St. Augustine being the six and twentieth day of May and a Market for Bullocks at Sandway in this Parish upon every Twesday after All-Hollanday being the fiâ—st day of November untill Christmass LEVELAND LIveland lieth towards the East side of the middle of the County about foure miles towards the South distant from Feversham in the Bailiwick and Lath of Scray East division of the County and upper division of Justices in that Lath The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth over the Mannour of Leveland but the liberty of St. Augustine claimeth over the Parish for that it is in the hundred of Feversham which belonged to that Abbey It was in the Deanry of Ospringe and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Laurence LEUSHAM LEvesham lieth at the Northwest side of the County adjoyning to Surrey by the river Ravensborne about three miles and a half towards the Northwest distant from Bromley in the Bailiwick of Sutton Bromley Hundred of Blackheath Lath of Sutton at Hone West division of the County and upper division of Justices in that Lath. It was in the Deanry of Dartford and Diocess of Rochester and the Church was called St. Maries in which Church is or lately was a memoriall of the interment of Hatecliffe Lord Treasurer of Ireland about 140. years since Sir Iohn Merbury Knight founded a Priory in this Parish consisting of black Monks Aliens belonging to the Abbey of Gaunt in Flaunders King Hen. 3. confirmed the same And it was suppressed 2. Hen. 5. The Mannour of Leusham belonged to this Priory At this Parish in the year 1472. a great Spring newly brake out of the earth At Black-â—eath in or neer this Parish are many Trenches and other signes of Campes aâ—tiently pitched there is in truth there were viz. upon Wednesday after Whitson week in the year 1381. here appeared 40000. Horsemen for King Richard the second against Waâ— Tyler Iack Straw and their adherents In the year 1451. Iack Cade that grand Rebell against King Hen. 6. incamped here by the space of a moneth and from hence sent his Traiterous demands or rather commands to that King Here also in the year 1452. King Hen. 6. pitched his Royall Pavillion in his preparation against his Cosen Edward Duke of Yorke afterwards King Edward the 4. Here likewise the Bastard Faulconbridge incamped three dayes against King Edward the 4. And here also in the year 1496. incamped the Lord Audley Flammock and Ioseph the Blacksmith and their adherents in their Rebellion against King Hen. 7. where the King fought and overthrew them slew above 2000. of their companions and took 1500. prisoners and among them the aforesaid Lord Audley Flammock and Ioseph who were all three executed This place hath also antiently been famous for several great and solemn meeting viz. 21. Decemb. 1411. The Emperour of Constantinople was here magnificently met by King Hen. 4. In the year 1415. The Mayor and Aldermen of Lâ—ndon and 400. Citizens in red with red and whâ—â—e hoods here meâ— King Hen 5. at his return out of France after his great Battle at Agincourt and from hence conducted him to London Likewise 7. May 1416. The Mayor Aldermen and Citizens of London here met the Emperour Sigismund and conducted him to their King Hen. 5. Also the 28. of Septemb. 1474. The Mayor and Aldermen of London in Scarlet and 500. Citizens in Murrey here met King Edward the 4. at his return from France Upon Monday 27. Septem 1518. The Lord Admirall of France and the Bishop of Paris Embassadours from the King of France with above 1200. Attendants were here met by the Lord Admiral of England from King Hen. 8. with above 500. Gentlemen In the year 1519. Cardinal Campeius Legate from Rome to King Hen. 8. was brought hither by the Gentry of this County and here met and received by the Duke of Norfolk and many of the Gentry and Prelates where in a Tent of cloth of Gold he shifted himself into his Cardinals Robes edged about with most rich Ermin and from hence rode to London And 3. of Ianua 1539. The Lady Anne Cleave was here met with great state from King Hen. 8. In this Parish of Leusham Abraham Colf late Minister of the same in his life time founded two Free-Schools The one for teaching of youth English and the other for teaching them Latine with severall yeerly allowances to the Schoolmasters of the same And also yearly allowance towards the maintenance of some of the said Schollers at the Universities whensoever they should become fit for those places the oversight and government whereof he committed to the Company of Leather-sellers London LID LIeth at the Southside of the County adjoyning to the Sea about two miles and a half towards the southwest distant from new Romney It is a member of the Town and Port of new Romney and incorporated by the name of Bailiff Jurats and Comonalty of the Town of Lid and before that by the name of Barons of the Town of Lid the election of which Bailiff was antiently and still is upon St. Mary Magdalens day being the two and twentieth day of Iuly The liberties of this Town and of the Cinque Ports claim over the sameâ— The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury also claimeth there And the liberty of Wye claimeth over the Borough of Dengemarsh there which was a member of Wye in the time of King William the conquerour It is all in the Bailiwick and Lath of Shipway Hundred of Langport East division of the County and division of Justices of the Corporation aforesaid It was in the Deanry of Limpne and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called All Saints in which is or lately was a memoriall of the interment of the Deerings about 270. years since and of Godfrey above 220. years since A Market is kept here upon every Thursday and a Faire yearly upon the day of St. Anaâ—letus being the thirteenth day of Iuly In the Beach neer Stone end at the East side of this Parish is to be seen a great heap of stones which the Inhabitants call the Tombe of St. Crespin and Crispianus supposed to be buried there Neer the Sea also at the southside of this Parish is a place called Holmestone consisting of Beach and Pibble stones yet Holme trees grow plentifully upon the same LIDDON LIeth towards the East part of the County about three miles and a half towards the Northwest distant from Dovor in the Bailiwick of Stowting East division of the County and division of Justices in the Lath of Shipway Part thereof is in the Hundred of Bewâ—borough and Lath of St. Augustine and the residue in the Hundred of Folkstone and Lath of Shipway The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth there It was all in the Deanry of Dovor and Diocess of Canterbury The Church standeth in the Hundred of Folkestone and was called
East side is about 38. miles But in a straight line the same is but about 31. miles From tâ—ence about to th' end of Cowden being the south side is about 39. miles but in a straight line it is but about 33. miles And from thence about to the aforesaid end of Depâ—ford being the west side is about 24. miles but in a straight line the same is but about 21. miles So the whole circumâ—erence round about this County is about 162. miles but in the straight lines aforesaid the same is but about 136. miles I finde severall derivations of the names of this County viz. of the antient name Cantium and the now name Kent but with submission to better judgments I rather adhere to their opinion that conceive the names to be derived from the scituation of the place viz. in a nook or corner of England antiently called a Kant or Gantel The Inhabitants of this County were sometimes called Eskins which name arose by Eske second King of Kent raigning over them many yeers but his memory vanishing the name also vanished The aire of this County other than the weald and the marshes and places adiacent thereunto is accounted very healthy but the marshes for the most part unhealthy and the weald and places adjoyning to the marshes not generally so healthy as the most part of the rest of the County The commodious scituation of this County may justly compare with if not exceed any other part of the Nation the same being scituate neer but some little distance from London the chief City and the Thames that Soveraign River of Britaine watering the North side thereof about 33. miles in length The German and narrow Seas watering the North East and South sides thereof about 73. miles in length and the River of Rother likewise watering the South side thereof about 11. miles in length It also having severall good rivers and rivuleâ—s in the bowels of the same and more especially towards the West parts thereof Ravensborne watering the same 9. miles Cray 8. miles and Darent 16. miles famous Medway towards the middle spreading it self into severall branches watereth the same about 85. miles and Stoure towards the East parts thereof likewise spreading it self into severall branches watereth the same about 60. miles By which Rivers most of the most eminent places of this County are watered and navigation maintained to the principall of them How far this County is otherwise equall to if not excelling any other County of this Nation I shall offer to the Readers judgement these considerations First Concerning Religion I know that Glastenbury in the County of Somerset doth pretend and not pretend only that about the 31 th year after the death of Christ 12. of the Disciples of the Apostle Philip of which Ioseph of Arimathea was cheif came into this Nation and tendred the knowledge of Christian Religion to Arviragus then King thereof which though he consented not to embrace yet he permitted them to have a Church at this Glastenbury and there began the plantation of Christian Religion in this land which being admitted yet it likewise appeareth That for many years the same had but little successe of enâ—â—â—ale and no King of this Nation embraced the same till King Lucius who raigned about 150. years afterwards and built a Church in Dover Castle in this County for the exercise of Christian Religion from whence may be inferred that that Religion was the embraced here But most part of the Nation revolting fâ—om that Religion and becoming Pagans till the year 596. In the time of the Heptarchy Augustine the Monk was sent from Pope Gregory to convert this Naâ—ion to the Christian faith and first landed in this County and converted and baptised many of the people of the same and likewise converted Ethelbert then King thereof who upon Whitsunday in the year 597. was by him here baptised was the first Christian Saxon King and this County was the first County that generally received the Christian faith afterwards Edwin King of the Northumbers Marrying from hence Edelburg Daughter of the said King Ethelbert Paulinus afterwards Bishop of Rochester went from hence with her into her husbands Kingdome for the conversion of the people thereof where in some part he prevailed but in the year 633. Edwin being slain that people revolted from that Religion and Paulinus was forced to returne again hither and Christian Religion was again as it were confined to this County Nor were succession of Christian Bishops in this Nation other than of Canterbury and Rochester both in this County for many years afterwards and instrumentally from thence sprang the after-conversion of the rest of the Nation to the Christian faith But the coÌ„version of the West Saxons with in whose Dominion Glastenbury was was not till about 40. years after the conversion of this County At which time Kingils their King was converted and baptised by Byrinus an Italian Bishop This County as before appeareth had in it two Bishops Seas one whereof viz. Canterbury was the Primate and Metropolitan of all England And his Church very anciently called the Nurse and Metropolis of the same By which and by what is hereafter said may be collected thâ—t the rise of that common proverbe Kent and Christendome was not as vulgarly mistaken that Kent was conceived diffinct from Christendome but that it was famous as Kent and famous as Christendome Secondly Concerning the ancient dignity and considerableness of this County In the time of Iulius Caesar about 1700. years since it was in Four petty Kingdomes governed by Four Kings viz. Cingetorix Cavilius Taximagulus and Segonax Afterwards King Vortigern about 1200. years since set over the same a Guorong or Vice-Roy Afterwards this was the first of the Kingdomes of the Heptarchy and no one County of England had a King of it self but this whose Kingdome began about the year 455. and continued about 372. years in the succession of 17. Kings By that learned Antiquary Mr. Camden it is called the key of England and in it is Four of the Cinque portes of this Nation viz. Sandwich Dover New Romney and Hith as also that famous Castle of Dover the confiderableness whereof Phillip King of France well weighing when in the time of King Hen. 3. Lewes his son had took divers townes and fortes in England and hearing that he could not take this Castle the same being valiantly defended by Hubert de Burgh protested that then his son had not one foot of land in England Thirdly The civility of the people still treading in the steps of their Ancestors who in the time of the aforesaid Iulius Caesar were by him accounted and so stiled the most civilized people of all this Nation Fourthly For the ancient valour of the people of this County they claime and are allowed the front in Battailes And they onely of all England obteyned and reteyne the name of VNCONQVERED For as if all the antient English valour were remaining in
of the same and the said Constable afterwards made the work on the hanger of the hill there and also made eight chief Captains or Lieutenant Governours of this Castle whose names do follow and to them such Knights fees were assigned and for the same they warded in this Castle yearly as followeth viz. Sir William of Albrance otherwise Albrank had one and twenty Knights fees and warded twenty eight weeks Sir William of Arsick had eighteen Knights fees and warded twenty four weeks Sir Fulbert of Dovor had fifteen Knights fees and warded twenty weeks Sir Iefferey Peverell had fourteen Knights fees and warded twenty weeks Sir William Mamouth had twenty foure Knights fees and warded thirty two weeks Sir Robert Porth had twelve Knights fees and warded twenty four weeks Sir Hugh Crevequer had five Knights fees and warded twenty foure weeks And Sir Adam Fitzwilllams had six Knights fees and warded twenty four weeks And by this means there were alwayes 1000. men in the same for the Guard thereof which Guard was so kept for fear of the Danes and by reason of the distrust which that King had of the men of this County and these Captains built and repaired their severall Towers in this Castle King Iohn afterwards recompenced the heire of Fynes for the same and took it into his hands and afterwards in the time of King Hen. 3. this personall service of Castle-guard was turned into a contributory payment of money towards guarding the Castle and sworne Warders were appointed for that service and in those dayes there belonged to the same many Souldiers both Horse and foot and therefore the Arches Vaults and Barbicans were made there for them to issue out at This Castle afterwards fell again to decay but in the times of King Hen. 4. King Edw. 4. and Queen Elizabeth much cost was bestowed in repair thereof and more especially in the time of King Edw. 4. In the same is a Church founded by King Lucius otherwise Lucius Coilus above 1400 years since in which Sir Robert Asheton who was a person of great honour Constable of this Castle and gave the best Bell of that Church to the same was above 270. years since interred as was also Henry Earle of Northampton Lord Warden of the Cinque Poâ—ts above forty years since In this Castle were also antiently two Chappels a Colledge of Chanons severall streets of houses and Markets kept The Colledge aforesaid is said to have been begun in the time of the said King Lucius but more certain it is that Eadbald King of Kent erected the same and it was afterwards removed from thence by King Withred into the Towne There were antiently in this Castle a Commissary who held his Court there and these other Officers viz. a Lieutenant Marshall learned Steward Clerke of the Excheâ—quer Gentleman Porter four Yeomen Porters a Serjant at armes Boder Serjant of the Admiralty being antiently the Marshal's Deputy Serjants to arrest a Serjant of the Artillery a Serjant to serve process from the Castle-gate Court an Armorer Smith Plummer Carpenter two Warrenners and a Priest whose house there was called Cocklecoe all which had particular salaries and in the same also was an Exchecquer Office In this Castle likewise antiently was to be seen a Tower called Caesar's Tower afterwards the Kings lodgings excellent for workmanship and very high a spaâ—ious Hall called King Arthur's Hall with a faire gallery or entry great Pipes and Caâ—kes bound with iron hoopes wherein was liquor supposed to be wine which by long lying became as thick as Treackle and would cleave like Bird-lime Salt congealed together as hard as stone Cross-Bowes long Bowes and Arrowes to the same to which was fastened Brass in stead of feathers and the same were of such bigness aâ— not fit to be used by any men of this or late ages severall deep wells sounding places and vaults under ground and a curiously engraven brass peece of Ordnance â—eer twenty four foot long called the Basilisco reported to be given to King Hen. 8. by the Emperour This Castle esteemed the most important Castle of England and key of the same was valiantly defended by Hubert de Burgh Constable thereof against Lewes sonne of Phillip King of France who besieged the same 22 â— Iulij 1216. and continued the siege 〈…〉 Octob. following about which 〈◊〉 the same was raised and 6. Aprill 1580. by reason of an 〈…〉 happening a peece of the 〈…〉 Castle standeth and a peece of the wall of the 〈…〉 the Sea Now as touching the Townâ— which shortly after the coming of King William the Conquerour was much defaced by fire and afterwards in the year 1295. was again spoyled and part thereof burned by the French I find that in the time of King Edward the Confessor the Townesmen were called Burgesses and it is conceived that they were antiently incorporated by the name of Mayor and Commonalty out of which Commonalty the Mayor was chosen and then the Mayor out of the Commonalty chose Assistants for his year who were sworne for that purpose and that from thence the word Iurat now common to the Magistrates in the Cinque Ports was derived and in the Raigne of King Edward the first this Corporation was stiled Mayor and Commonalty The antient and yet time of election of the Mayor was and is yearly in the afternoon of the ninth day of September being the next day after the day of the Nativity of St. Mary antiently in St. Peter's Church but that Church decaying it was afterwards and still is in St. Maries Church The Towne at the first beginning of the same to flourish began to be much builded on the South-west-side thereof whereas before the stopping of the haven by King Arviâ—agus as is before set forth the Towne was under the Castle the Market at a place called Vpmarket and the housâ—s were where the closes of a house called the Horse shoo the Garnet-close Pigeon-house and gardens late weâ—e 〈◊〉 Towne was walle I and gated as folâ—oweth viz. fro◠〈◊〉 place called Maunsfield's corner to Peer gate from the 〈◊〉 to Vpâ—all from thence to Cow-gate from thence 〈…〉 and from thence along St. Maries Church-yard to the River The gâ—tes were in number ten the names whereof were 1. Eâ—t-Brook gate which stood neer Maunsfield's corner undeâ— the Eâ—st Cliff 2. St. Helâ—â— gate next to the former towards the South-west 〈◊〉 Copthall otherwise Moorehall and St. Hâ—llenâ— Cross. 3. The Postern otherwise Fisher's gate next to the last neer the Bridge made by Mr. Garret in his Majoralty 4. Butchery gate which opened towards the South and by which in antient time the fiâ—th was carried to the Sea 5. Snar gate which was towards the South west where sometimes was Pennile's bench and is still so called but is now made like a Platforme paved with stone where Merchants usually resort each day between eleven one and over the entry into the same the Custome house is built 6. Severus gate South
North-East distant from New Romney in the Bailiwick and Lath of Shipway Hundred of Worth East division of the County and division of Justices of the Corporation of Romney Marsh the liberty whereof claimeth over the same The liberty of St. Augustine also claimeth there It was in the Deanâ—y of Limpue and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Peter and Paul At this Parish the Courts for the Corporation of 〈◊〉 Marsh as also the Court called the Lath for the Lords of Romney Marsh are usually holden in the meeting place of the aforesaid Corporation which 〈…〉 about 100. years since and called New-Hall Romney Marsh is reputed to contain of it self 24000. Acres but that with Walland and Guldford Marshes are reputed to contain 44200. Acres Laws for Government of Romney Marsh were made by that Venerable Judge Henry of Bath Associating to him Nicholas of Handlâ— and Aâ—ldred of Dene upon Saturday next after the Navity of St. Mary in the 42 th year of King Henry the third the Sheriff of Kent assisting from which laws all England receive directions for Sewers In the time of that King it was governed by men called the Twenty foure Jurors of Romney Marsh chosen by the commonalâ—y there which was confirmed 2 â— Septemb. 36 â— of that King at Romney The admeasurement was taken 42 â— Hen. 3. and Iohn of Lovetâ—t and Henry of Apledoreseild by Commission of 15 â— Novemb. 16 â— Edward 1. did 5 â— December following sit as Justices of Sewers there but were opposed by the 24. Jurors the opposition allowed by those Justices and a common Bailiffe agreed to be chosen William of Walleyns and his Fâ—llows upon Monday after St. Mildred 2 â— Edw. 2. at Newchurch made Ordinances of Sewers saving the former so made by Bath and Lovetot Thomas of Lodelowe Robert Belknap and Tho. Culpeper 33 â— Edw. 3. were Commissioners by a Commission of 7 â— February that year and the meeting of the Lords of Romney Marsh by themselves or their Atturneyes was ordained to be here or at Newchurch or other meet place fifteen dayes after Michaelmass yearly and it was called the Principall assembly but the same is now usually here yearly upon Thursday in Whitson week King Edward the 4. at the beginning of his Raigne granted a Charter to Romney Marsh to be a Corporation of Bailiff Jurats and Commonalty of which you may read more in Mr. Lambards Perambulation in Romney DITTON DIctone Dictum lyeth towards the middle of the County about two miles and a half towards the Northeast distant from West Malling in the Bailiwick of Hoo Hundred of Larkfeild Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and South division of Justices in that Lath. It was in the Deanry of Mâ—lling and Diocess of Rochester and the Church was called St. Peter This Parish ought antiently to have contributed towards the repair of the fifth Peere or Arch of Rochester Bridge DODDINGTON LIeth towards the middle of the North side of the County about foure miles towards the North-east distant from Leneham in the Bailiwick and Lath of Scray Hundred of Tenham East division of the County and Upper division of Justices in that Lath the liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth there It was in the Deanry of Ospring and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Iohn Baptist. DOVOR THis in one of the Cinque Ports and lieth at the east part of the County adjoyning to the Sea about five miles towards the North-east distant from Folkstone in the Bailiwick of Stowâ—ing Lath of St. Augustine East division of the county Incorporated by the name of Mayor Jurats and Commonalty of the Town and Port of Dovor and before that by the name of Barons of the Town and Port of Dovor and in the division of the Justices of that Town and Port the liberties of which Corporation and of the Cinque Ports claime over the same There have been seven Churches in this Town all which were in the Deanry of Dovor and Diocess of Canterbury And five of them viz. St. Iohn St. Nicholas St. Peter St. Martins Le Grand St. Martins the lesse are demolished So that at this present there are but two Parishes Churches here viz. one which is called St. Maries and the other St. Iames the Apostle otherwise St. Iames of Warden-down which Church of St. Maries was built by the Prior and Covent of St. Martins and by them given to the Town but the Advowson thereof was given to Hubert de Burgh founder of the Meason de Dieu to which he afterwards gave the same The said Church of St. Iames was antiently belonging to the Castle of Dovor and in the same the Courts of Chancery and Admiralty for the Cinque Ports the two antient Townes and their members are still usually holden A Market is kept in this Town every Wednesday and Saturday and a Faire yearly upon St. Martins day being the eleventh day of November which holdeth nine dayes Now in respect that several others and more especially Mr. Camden in his Britâ—nia fol. 344. And Mr. 〈◊〉 in his Perambulation in Dovor have written so largely of this Town and of the Churches and old Religious Houses therein and of the Castle lying above the same I had thoughts of forbearing inlargement thereupon yet for that I find not severall things touching the same there fully set down find also some other things omitted I shall therefore therein give the Reader some further account And first touching that which is of most dignity the Castle The same in the time of Cassibelanus Governour of Britain about 1700. years since was by the command of Iulius Caesar built according to the Romane order to keep the Britains in subjection and thereupon was called Caesars Castle and the Romans Court and so continued for about 80. years at which time the same being in decay Arviragus King of Britain having possessed it reedified inlarged the same fortified it against the Romanes calling it Ledonnegio and he stopped the antient Haven whereby the name of the place was afterwards called De à Fore or stopt before or stop out and since by contraction Dovor yet I finde by others the name to be derived from the British word Dufyrrâ—ae signifying a place steep and upright as the â—cituation of the same is and by others Dur or Dour the common name among the Britains for all Waters touching which I leave the Reader to his election This Castle after falling to decay was repaired by Withred King of Kent about 950. years since and at the coming in of King William the Conquerour was on the behalf of King Harold kept against him by Stephen Ashborneham a Baron and Alan of Evering his Lieurenant but the same being taken by the Conquerour they were both beheaded and afterwards that King made Iohn Lord Fynes his kinsman Constable thereof by inheritance gave him very many Knights fees for his better mainteyning
west towards the Peer built by one Severus a Romane 1450. years since 7. Adrians gate afterwards called Vpwall at the hanger of the Hill on the West part above the other gate 8. Common gate being large and going out to the then Common which by usage of driving Cows out of the Town through the same was afterwards called Cow gate 9. St. Martins gate otherwise Monks gate otherwise Postern gate towards the Hill 10. Biggin gate taking the name of the street neere thereunto but antienly called North gate The Colledge before mentioned to be in the Castle was above 950. years since removed thence by Withâ—ed King of Kent into this Town called St. Martins le grand and dedicated to St. Mary and St. Martin and a Church was there also founded which Church King Hen. 1. in the year 1130. gave to Christ-church Canterbury It was the Mother Church and had to it three other Churches viz. St. Martins the lesse St. Nicholas and St. Peter It had in it Cannons and 22 Prebends and the now Market-place was the Church-yard to the same This Church being forsaken by the Monks King Hen. 2. founded another House in this Town called St. Martins Hospitall but afterwards commonly called the New-warke At the end of this Town in the time of King Henry the 3. a large House was founded by Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent for an Hospitall called Meson de Dieu dedicated to the honour of St. Mary and by the said Hubert afterwards given to that King After the suppression this Hospital was by King Hen. 8. and Queen Mary appointed for the Victualâ—ng of the Navy and Offices there built accordingly At the Peer was a small Chappel builded by a Nobleman whose life after shipwrack was there preserved which Chappell was by him dedicated to the honour of St. Mary and afterwards called the Lady of Pities Chappell This Peer at very great charges was made by King Hen. 8. And aâ—terwards repaired by Queen Elizabeth In whose raigne severall acts of Parliament were made towards the reparations thereof and of the harbour there and one act was for that purpose also made in the time of King Iames who incorporated the Governours thereof by the name of the Warden and assistants of the Harbour of Dovâ—r which Warden is the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports for the time being and his Lieutenant and nine others are Assistants there are but two of the Quorum viz. the Lord Warden and his Lieutenant the assistants are ten in number whereof the Major of Dovor for the time being is one So the Number is in all eleaven six make a Session and in vacancy of assistants they new elect at a Session At the West part of the Peeâ—e is a foâ—t called Archliffe Fort where antiently was a house of Knights Templers long since demolished And in the Cliffe under the Castle is a fort called Motes Bulwarke Both which Forts are under the Government of the Castle The Eaâ—le of Northâ—mpton late Lord Warden of the Ciâ—que Ports had granted to him by the King all the Lands from the Peeregate to the Peere and he gave the same to the harbour of Dovor most part thereof was then wast but is since built upon and the builders thereof pay small rents for the same to the Peer A Tower was long since made at the other side of the Câ—stle hill for a light for direction of Ships which Tower was by some called Breden stone and by others but vainely the divels drop of Moâ—ter About two miles towards the North-west distant from this Towne upon the hill was a lâ—ttle Monastery called the Abbey of Bâ—adsole founded by Hugh the first Abbot for White Chanons Premonstraâ—enses and dedicated to St. Radigund which at the suppression was valued at 142 l. 8 s. 9 d. per annum DOWNE LIeth at the West end of the County towards Surrey about four miles towards the North West distant from Westram in the Bailiwick of Sutton Bromley Hundred of Ruxley Lath of Sutton at Hone West Division of the County and upper Division of Justices in that Lath and was in the Diocess of Râ—chester In this Church are or lately were memorials of the interment of Down Esabque of Bederenden buried above 200 years since and of Philipâ—â— and severall Petlies Saint DUNSTANS LIeth towards the North-East side of the County by the River Stoure within one mile towards the West distant from Canterbury in the Bailiwick of Bridge and Petham Hundred of Westgate Lath of Saint Augustine East Division of the County and Division of Justices in that Lath. The Liberty of the late Arch Bishop of Canterbury claymeth over so much thereof as is in the Mannour of Westgate It was in the Deanry and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called Saint Dunstan 〈◊〉 side Chappell or Chancel whereof belonging to the Ropers are interred severall of that Family one above 200. years since and others about 100. years since At the North side of this Church is a little Chappel â—ounded by one Henry of Canterbury in the year 1330. and dedicated to the Holy Trinity The Church was appropriated to the Prior and Covent of Saint Gregory and the Vicarage endowed by Walter Reynold Archbishop of Canterbury 1322. and afterwards in the year 1342. augmented by Iohn of Stratford likewise Archbishop EARITH EArd Earhede Lesnes alià ◠Erith Lieth at the North side of the County adjoyning to the River of Thames about two miles towards the North-West distant from Dartford in the Bailiwick of Sutton Durtford Hundred of Little and Lesness Lath of Sutton at Hoâ—e West Division of the County and upper Division of Justices in that Lath it was in the Deanty of Dartford and Diocess of Rochester and the Church was caâ—led Saint Iohn Baptist in the South Isle whereof is or lately was a fair monument of Elizabeth Countesse of Shrewsbury daughter and heir of Sir Richard Walden Knight Lord of this Towne as also memorials of the interment of severall of that family of Walden and of Stone Criell and Senteler there buried â—00 years since the Mannour was antiently belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury and whoso defireth to read an antient way of Triall of right of Land may in Mr. Lambards Perambulation in Eareth read of such a Tâ—iall at this place At Lesnes otherwise Westwood in this Parish was an Abbey founded in the year 1178. by Richard Lucy Chief Justice and sometimes Protector of England in the absence of King Henry the 2. dedicated to St. Thomas the Martyr for black Cannons of the Order of St. Augustine and at the suppression 17. Hen. 8. valued at 186l 9s 0 d. per annum The foresaid Founder forsook his honours and became a Canon regular in this House and there died in the year 1179. and was sumptuâ—usly intombed in the Quire of the Church of the said House and to this Abbey Godfrey Lucy son of the said Richard and Bishop of Winchester was a great Benefactor Two Faiâ—es
of Hastingligh it was in the Deanry of Eleham and Diocess of Canterbury the Church was called Saint Iames and a Fair is kept here yearly upon the day of Saint Iames being the five and twenty day of Iuly In the year 811. Wolfred Archbishop of Canterbury bought Elmsted of King Kenulphus to the use of his Church ELMSTONE LIeth towards the East end of the County by the river Stour about foure miles towards the north-west distant from Sandwich in the Bailiwick of Bridge and Petham hundred of Preston Lath of Saint Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The Liberty of Saint Augustine claymeth over the Mannour of Elmstone This parish was in the Deanry of Bridge and Diocess of Canterbury ELTHAM LIeth towards the North-West side of the County about two miles and a half towards the South distant from Woolwich in the Bailiwick of Sutton Bromly Hundred of Blackheath Lath of Sutton at Hone West division of the County and upper division of Justices in that Lath it was in the Deanry of Dartford and Diocess of Rochester And the Church was called Saint Iohn Baptist wherein are or lately were memorials of the interment of Roper Morton Pierle and Pashey Here is a house which belonged to the late Kings of England built by Anthony Bâ—ck Patriarch of Ierusalem and by him given to Queen Eleanor wife to King Ed. the 1. But antiently the inherâ—tance of the Veseyes I refer him that desireth to read more touching this house to Mr. Lambards Perambulation in Eltham where he may be satisfied at large onely I shall adde that Iohn second sonne of King Edw. 2. was borne there in the year 1315. So also was Bridget the 4th Daughter of King Edward the 4. In the year 1480. Leo King of Armenia came thither to the Court of King Richard 2. And was there nobly entertained King Hen. the 6. in the yeere 1429. kept a royall Christmas there As also did King Edw. the 4. in the year 1482. where 2000. persons were served each day Likewise King Hen. the 8. here also kept his Christmas in the year 1527 EMLEY LIeth towards the North side of the County adjoyning to the Isle of Sheppey about two miles towards the North-east distant from Milton It is an Island of it self in the Bailiwick and Hundred of Milton Lath of Scray East division of the County and upper division of Justices in that Lath. It was in the Deanry of Sittingborne and Diocess of Canterbury EWELL LIeth towards the South-east part of the County by a Rivolet arising neere thereunto about two miles and a half towards the North-west distant from Dovor in the Bailiwick of Stowting Hundred of Bewsborough Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of St. Augustine claimeth over the same It was in the Deanry of Dovor and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Peter and Paul EYNSFORD EInesford Aynsford lieth towards the middle of the West part of the County by the River Darent about foure miles towards the East distant from St. Mary Cray in the Bailiwick of Sutton Dartford Hundred of Axstone Lath of Sutton at Hone West division of the County and upper division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the late Dean of Canterbury claimeth over the Mannour of Eynsford This Parish was in the Deanry of Shoram a peculiar to the late Archbishop of Canterbury But in the Diocess of Rochester The Church was about 480. years since appropriated to Christ-church Canterbury to the use of the Almnery there by Richard Archbishop of Canterbury and in the same are or lately were memorials of the Interment of Donat and Eckisford many years since EYTHORN EYhelthorne lieth towards the East-side of the County abouâ— five miles towards the South-west distant from Sandwich in the Bailiwick and Hundred of Eastry Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The liberties of the late Archbishop of Canterbury and St Augustine claim there and the liberty of the late Dean of Canterbury claimeth in the upper part thereof It was in the Deanry of Sandwich and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Peter and Paul In the year 824 Wolfred Archbishop of Canterbury gave Eythorn to Christchurch Canterbury In exchange for Berham FAIREFIELD LIeth at the South part of the County about four miles and a halfe towards the West distant from New Romney in the Bailiwick and Lath of Shipway Hundred of Aloesbridg East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the late Dean of Canterbury claimeth over the Mannour of Fairefield being given to that Church by King Hen. 8. 33 â— of his Raigne It was in the Deanry of Limpne and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Thomas the Martyr which Church Edmund of Abingdom Archbishop of Canterbury above 420. years since gave to Christ Church Canterbury FANT. ONely a small part thereof is in Kent and the residue is in Sussex That part thereof which is in Kent lieth towards the South part of the County about foure miles towards the South distant from Tunbridge in the Bailiwick of the Lowy of Tunbridge Hundred of Wachlingstone Lath of Ayleâ—ford West division of the County and South division of Justices in that Lath but the Church standeth in Sussex EAST-FARLEY FEarnâ—ge Fernlege Farnleigh lieth towards the middle of the County by the River Medway about two miles towards the South-west distant from Maidstone in the Bailiwick of Eyhorne Hundred of Maidstone Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and East division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of Maidstone claimeth over the same and the liberty of the late Dean of Canterbury claimeth over the Mannour of East-Farley It was in the Deanry of Shoreham a peculiar to the late Archbishop of Canterbury but in the Diocess of Rochester In the year 960. Queen Ediva otherwise Edgiva gave this Farley to Christ Church Canterbury WEST-FARLEY LIeth towards the middle of the County by the River Mâ—dway about three miles towards the South-west distant from Maidstone in the Bailiwick and Hundred of Twyford Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and South division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the 〈◊〉 Dâ—â—n of Canterbury claimeth over the Mannour of West-Farley It was in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester and the Câ—urch was called All Saints In the year 960. Queen Ediva otherwise Edgiva gave this Farley to Christ Church Canterbury and Queen Eleanor wife of King Edward the first gave the Mannour of West-Farley to Christ Church aforesaid The Borsholder of the Borough of West-Farley is chosen at a Court Leet holden for that Mannour and doth not ow service to the Court Leet holden for the Hundred nor do the inhabitants of that Borough ow any service to that Court but at that Court
HORSMANDEN LIeth towards the Southside of the County by the River Medway about one mile and a half towards the Northwest distant from Goudherst in the Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and South division of Justices in that Lath. So much thereof as is in the hundred of Brenchley and Horsmanden is in the Bailiwick of Twyford Other part thereof is in the hundred of Larkefeild and Bailiwick of Hoo. And the residue viz. the Borough of Rugmerhill is in antient Demesne of Aylesford and aforesaid Bailiwick of Hoo It was all in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester The Church standeth in the hundred of Brenchley and Horsmanâ—en and was called St. Margaret A Faire is kept here yearly upon the day of St. Swithin being the fifteenth day of July HORTON-KIRBY LIeth towards the Northside of the County by the River Darent about three miles towards the Southeast distant from Dartford in the Bailiwick of Sutton Dartford hundred of Axstone Lath of Sutton at Hone West division of the County and Upper division of Justices in that Lath. The Liberty of the Dutchy of Lancaster claimeth there and the liberty of the â—ate Dean of Canterbury claimeth over the lands late of Sâ— Anthony Roper in this Parish It was in the Deanry of Dartford and Diocess of Rochester and the Church was called St. Maries One William Kirby was sometimes owner of Horton-Kirby which occasioned the addition of Kirby to Horton the antient name of this Parish to distinguish the same from the other Horton in this County next following MONKS-HORTON LIeth towards the Southeast part of the County by the River Stoure about three miles towards the Northwest distant from Hith in the Bailiwick and Hundred of Stowting Lath of Shipway East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the late Arch-bishop of Canterbury claimeth there It was in the Deanry of Eleham and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Peter In this Parish was a Priory a Cell to Lewes consisting of black Monks of the order of Cluniacs founded by Robert Ver Constable of England son of Bernard Ver to the honour of God the blessed Mary St. Iohn the Evangelist and St. Pancras the Charter of the Foundation is without date but I conceive the same to be in the time of King Hen. 2. The Priory at the suppression 26. Hen. 8. was valued at 95l 12s 2d per annum and the Mannour belonged to the same This Priory occasioned the addition of the word Monkes to Horton the antient name of this Parish to distinguish the same from the Horton last before mentioned HOTH LIeth at the Northside of the County near the sea about five miles and a half towards the Northeast distant from Canterbury in the Bailiwick of Bridge and Petham Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of St. Augustine claimeth over the same for that it is in the Hundred of Blengate which belonged to that Abbey It was in the Deanry of West Beere and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Mary Holy Crosse. HOTHFEILD LIeth towards the middle of the Southeast part of the County by the River Stoure about two miles and a half towards the Northwest distant from Ashford In the Bailiwick of Chart and Longbridge Lath of Scray East division of the County and division of Justices in the Lath of Shipway Part thereof is in the hundred of Chart and Longbridge and the residue in the hundred of Calâ—hill The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth there It was in the Deanry of Chaâ—ing and Diocess of Canterbury the Church standeth in the Hundred of Chart and Longbridge and was called St. Maries Alexander Eden a Gentleman of this county here took and killed that execrable Rebell Iack Cade in the year 1450. For which he had 1000. Marks reward from the then King Hen. 6. HOUGHAM LIeth at the southeast side of the county adjoyning to the sea about two miles and a half towards the southwest distant from Dovor In the Bailiwick of Stowting and East division of the County Part thereof is in the liberty of the Cinque Ports and of the Town and Port of Dovor and in the Lath of St. Augustine Othâ—r part thereof is in the Hundred of Bewsborough and Lath of St. Augustine And the residue is in the hundred of Folkestone and Lath of Shipway All this Parish other than what is as before in the liberty of the Cinque Ports is in the division of the Justices in the Lath of St. Augustinâ— â—nd that is in the division of the Justices of the Town and Port of Dovor The Liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury also claimeth in this Parish It was in the Deanry of Dovoâ— and Diocess of Canterbury and Robert of Hougham was sometimes Owner of the same The Church standeth in the hundred of Bewsborough and was called St. Laurence HUCKING LIeth towards the North part of the middle of the County about foure miles and a hâ—lf towardâ— the Northeast distant from Maidstone in the Bailiwick and hundred of Eyhorn Lath of Aylâ—ford West division of the County and East division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the â—aâ—e Dean of Canterbury claimeth there It was in the Deanry of Sutton and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Margaret HUNTON HVntington Huntindune lieth towards the middle of the County by the river Medway about foure miles towards the southwest distant from Maidstone in the Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and south division of Justices in that Lath. So much thereof as is either in the hundred of Larkfeild or Antient Demesne of Aylesford is in the Bailiwick of Hoo. So much thereof as is in the Hundred of Maidstone is in the Bailiwick of Eyhorn and the residue being in the Borough of Hunton is in the Bailiwick and hundred of Twyford which Borough hath a Court Leet of it self where the Botsholder is chosen and the Inhâ—bitants thereof owâ—no service to the Court Leet of the Hundred Onely at that court a Constable of that hundred may be chosen out of this Borough This Parish was in the Deanry of Shoreham a peculiar to the late Aâ—chbishop of Canterbury but in the Diocess of Rochesteâ— The Church standeth in the hundred of Twyfoâ—d 〈◊〉 at the Northside of the Chancel of the same is a Faâ—â— monument of Fane of Buston otherwise Burriâ—estune otherwise Bâ—rgericestune in this Parish At the southsiâ—e of that chancell is a memoriall of the Interment of Clinton a noble Family and Lord of Hunton whose seat called the Courtlâ—dge neer this Church is ruinated but the â—cite thereof and Mote to the same are yet visible and in the south Isle of this Church is a memoriall of the Interment of Head sometimes owner of Buston aforesaid The Mannour of Hunton was antiently belonging to Christ church
of Justâ—ces in that Lath. The liberty oâ— the â—â—te Archbishop of Canterbury claâ—meth there â—nd â—he lâ—â—erty of St. Augustine claimeth over tâ—e Mannoâ—râ—â— of Râ—pole It was in tâ—e Deaâ—ry of Sandwich and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Maries ROCHESTER THis is a City incorporated and lyeth towards the Nâ—â—th side of the County by the river Medway about six miles and a half towards the North distant from Maidstone in the Bailiwick of Hoo Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and division of the Justices of that City The liberty whereof claimeth over the same And the liberty of the late Bishop of Rochester also claimeth over the Precincts of the late Catâ—edral there It was in the Deanry and Diocess of Rochester and the Parish Church was called St. Nicholas A Market is kept here upon every Fryday And two Fairs yearly one upon St. Dunstans day being the 19th day of May and the other upon St. Andrews day being the 30th day of November Here are several things worthy to be inlarged upon viz. the Castle the City the Cathedral and Priory and the Bridge of all which in order And first of the Castle Iulius Caesar about 1700. years since in the time of Cassibelanus Governour of Britain commanded the same to be built according to the Romane order to awe the Britains and the same was called the Castle of Medway but time and tempests utterly decaying the same Oesâ— or Vske King of Kent about 1150. years since caused Hroff one of his chief Councellours and Lord of this place to build a new Castle upon the old foundation and hereupon it took the name of Hroffes Cester About 350 years afterwards Hasting the Dane besieged and much impaired the same And it afterwards lay desolate till the time of King William the Conquerour who caused it to be new built and put 500. souldiers for a guard therein To which work Odo Earle of Kent and brother of that King was a great Beneâ—actor Afterwards in the year 1088. in the time of King W. Rufus That Odo and other Barous held this Castle against him the same being then accounted the strongest and most important Castle of England And his subjects being backward to assist him He proclaimed him to be accounted a Niding which was then a word of high reproach that came not to his assistance whereupon multitudes came and the resistants were forced to yeeld the same to the King And Gunâ—ulphus a Norman then Bishop of Roâ—hester repaired and fortified the same and built the great Tower therein Afterwards in the 17. year of King Iohn the Barons held this Castle against him but he took the same And in the year following Lewes son of Philip King of France likewise took the same And King Hen. 3. afterwards gave it to Guy of Rochford a Pâ—ictovin who was afterwards banished and thereby lost the same Afterwards in the year 1264. Simon Earle of Leicester besiedged the same and won the Bridge and fiâ—st gate and then left the siege Afterwards 5. Rich. 2. the Commons of this County strongly besieged this Castle and by force took a prisoner out of the same And thus this Castle ran to decay and the old walls afterwards fâ—lling King Edw. 4. repaired both the same and the Castle As concerning the City I find it to have been of very great Antiquity but hath had several great misfortunes for about 980. years since the same was wasted by Ethelred King of the Mercians About 200. years afterwards it was assaulted by the Danes who made a stâ—ong Castle before the gate thereof but were chased away by the then King Aelfred About 1â—0 years afterwards it was assaulted and subdued by King Ethelred the West Saxon King Afterwards 7. May 1130. the same was much defaced by fire King Hen. 1. and many of his Nobles then being present at the Consecration of the Cathedral Church there 3. Iune 1137. the same was again almost all consumed with fire The like againe happened there 3. April 1177. So that It continued desolate till the time of King Hen. 3. at which time it was again repaired I finde but one Parish and Church to have been here more than now is and that was called St. Clement which in the time of King Edw. 6. was by Parliament united unto the aforesaid Parish of St. Nicholas I finde also three Mint Houses to have been granted by King Ethelstan about the year 930. to be in this City viz two for the King and one for the Bishop And 8. Decemb. 1251. King Hen. 3. held a Just here As concerning the Cathedral and Priory The same were built by King Ethelbert in the year 600. and dedicated to the honour of God and St. Andrew Endowed with lands called Priest Feilds and Channons were put into the same But the severall devastations aforesaid of the City by the Mercians Danes and West Saxons also caused the decay both of this Church and Priory both which were new builded by the aforesaid Gundulphus being Bishop there about the year 1080. And instead of six Priests at his coming found therein he placed there 60 black Monks of the ord of St. Benedict And translâ—ted into the new Church the bodies of Paulinus a Romane by Birth and others his Predecessors Bishops of that Sea which were buried in the former to which new Church Earnulphus Bishop there in the time of King Hen. 1. was a great Benefactor And to make this Church more famous about the year 1087 The aforesaid Paulinus who had been dead 440. years before was Canonized for a Saint and inshrined in Silver by Lanfranck then Archbishop of Canterbury and many Devotions and Oblations were made to the same But by the aforesaid seveâ—all fires Siege of King Iohn and long contentions and suits beâ—ween Gilbert Glanvill Bishop there and the Monks of the same wherein the Monks were driven to such necessity that they made out the aforesaid Shrine into moâ—ey The aforesaid Church and Priory fell into great decay and diâ—esteem and ran much in debâ— Aâ—terwards in the year 1250 Laurence of St. Martin becoming Bishop of that Sea one William of Hoo being keeâ—er of the Treasury of the Church built 〈◊〉 whole Quire thereof Richard Walden a Monk there built the south Isle Richard Eastgate another Moâ—k began the North Isle And 〈◊〉 William of Axenhâ—m almost finished the same Ieâ—fry of Haddenham Prioâ— theâ—e paid most of the debts and built the Dorter of the Pâ—iory and St. Edmunds Altar in the Church and thus it was again reedified anâ— began to come into esteem and the more to increase the repute thereof whereas one William a Scot was murdered neer this City in his jouâ—ney towards the Holy Land and buried in that Church he was by the aforesaid Bishop Laurence about the year 1256. procured to be Canonized for a Saint to whose Shrine was great resort and gifts and the wealth and repute of this Church was much encreased
from the stocks but more remarkably in this Parish WYE WI Lieth towards the southeast part of the County by the river Stoure about three mlies and a halfe towards the Northeast distant from Ashford in the Bailiwick of Chart and Longbridge Hundred of Wye Lath of Scray East division of the County and division of Justices in the Lath of Shipway The liberâ—y of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth there but the liberty of Wye claimeth over the same where is hâ—ld a Court of Record upon every Monday three weeks for determining all actions both reall personal mixt It was in the Deanry of Bridge and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Gregory and St. Martin which Church was Collegiate so made by Archbishop Iohn Kempe herein after mentioned about 210. years since And in the same is or lately was a memoriall of the interment of Thomas Kempe and Beatrice his wife Father and Mother of the said Archbishop about 230. years since And of one Andrew very antient The Steeple of this Church had antiently a long spire which was fired by lightning to the stone-work King William the Conquerour having oâ—tained victory over King Harold at a place then called Herst in Sussex founded there a Monastery which upon that occasion he named as still it is called Battle And to the same he gave the Mannour of Wye aforesaid by the name of his Royall Mannâ—ur oâ— Wye which then had 22. hundredâ— and a half subject to the same and royall liberties and customs And his grant mentioneth the same to have been of the Demesnes of his Crown which gift King Hen. 1. confirmed And at this Mannour house King Edw. 2. in the first year of his raign kept a royall Christmass The aforesaid Iohn Kempe born in this Parish whose Father was mean though descended from a younger brother of a good Family became Doctor of the Laws Archdeacon of Durham Dean of the Arches Vicar generall to Archbishop Stafford his predecessor in the Sea of Canterbury Bishop of Rochester afterwards of Chichestâ—r afterwards of London and afterwards Archbishop of York twice Lord Chancellour of England and Cardinal of St. Balbin afterwards 11. of Decemb. 1452. Archbishop of Canterbury and Cardinal of St. Rufine and in the time of King Hen. 6. founded here a Colledge of Secular Priests the head whereof was a Prebend These he appointed for divine Service and to teach the youth of that Parish which Colledge at the surrender thereof 36. Hen. 8. was valued at 93l 2s 0d ob per annum Much hath formerly been boasted of a precious fountain in this Parish working miracles touching which I refer them that desire further satisfaction to Mr. Camdens Britannia fol. 335. A Market is kept in this Town upon every Thursday and a faire yearly upon the day of St. Gregory being the 12. day of March. YALDING LIeth towards the middle of the West part of the County by the river Medway about fouâ—e miles towards the south distant from West Malling in the Bailiwick of Twyford Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and south division of Justices in that Lath. Most part thereof is in the Hundred of Tâ—yford and the residue viz. the Borough of Rugmerhill is in the antient 〈◊〉 of Ayleâ—ford So much of this Parish as is held of the Mannour of West Farley is in the Borough of West Farley The Borsholder whereof is chosen at the Court Leet there and so much thereof as is held of the Mannour of Hunton is within the Borough of Hunton and the Boâ—â—hâ—lder thereâ—â—f is châ—sen at the Court Leet there and the inhabitants of neither of these Boroughs ow service to the Court Leet holden for the Hundred of Twyford within which Hundâ—ed they both are But at that Court a Constable for that Hundred may be chosen out of either of these Boroâ—ghs This Parish was all in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester The Church standeth in the Hundred of Twyford and was called St. Peter and Paul A Faire is kept here yearly upon Easter Tuesday And thus having treated of the aforesaid severall Parishes and places in this County of Kent and considering that the City of Canterbury and the County thereof is compassed about with the County of Kent and was formerly parcell of the same as still the Castle there is I though fit likewise to treat something thereof But in respect so much and so fully hâ—th been formerly written of the same and of the said Castle and more especially by the aforesaid Mr. Lambard in his peramâ—ulation of Kent and Mr. William Somner in his antiquities of Canterbury printed in the year 1640. the last whereof hath so elaborately judiciously fully wrote of the same That there is lest but little if anything observable that I know of not there set down I shall therefore only briefly touch upon the same And first of the City which lyeth towards the Northeast part of Kent by the river Sâ—oure about seven miles towards the East distant from Feversham And doubtless is one of the most antient Cities now in the Nation and aâ—tiently called Caergant or the Court of Kenâ—ish-men It is reported by some to have been founded with Winchester in Hampshire and Shaâ—tsbury in Dorseâ—sâ—ire by 〈◊〉 otherwise 〈◊〉 King of Britain almost 2500. years since The truth whereof may be questionable for that it is believed for certain that Shafâ—â—buâ—y was founded by King Alfred many hundred years afterwards But as certain as it is that this City of Canterbury was famous in the time of the Roâ—ane Government here and in the time of Ethelbert King of Kenâ— above 1050. years since This was his chiefe City and place of residence which afterwards was by Aethelâ—stan inriched with seven Mints viz. foure for himself two for the Archbishop and one for the Abbot And for divers Centuries afterwards this City was the chief place of Kent governed by a Pâ—aeâ—ect Porâ—reve Bailiffe or Provest untill that in the year 1449. it came to be governed by a Mayor and so hath â—ver since continued And in the year 1461. it was made a County of it self It is an antient Corporation antiently a Hundred and within the division of the Justices of the same A Market is kept here upon every Wednesday and Saterday Twenty Churches were anciently in this City and the Suburbs thereof seventeen whereof viz. St. Alphage St. Andrew St. Mary Bredman St. Mary Breeden Holy Cross Westgate â—t George St. Margaret St. Mary Magdalen St. Mary Noâ—â—hgâ—te St. Mildred St. Peter All-saints St. Mary Castle St. Edmund St. Iohn St. Mary Queeningate and St. Michael were in the City And the other three viz. St. Dunstan St. Martin and St. Paul were in the Suburbs All which Parishes were in the Deâ—nry and Diocess of Canterbury and are still in being except St. Mary Castle St. Edmund St. Iohn St. Mary Queeningate and St. Michael which are demolished The liberty of the late Dean of