the third Dynasty when the Succession seems so clear and so certain an Epocha as the Building of Rome to deduce their accounts from their Chronology be yet uncertain for several of their best Historians make no scruple to confess That no certain account can be given of Rome which was 25 Years after the Olympiads and but 752 Ante Christum till the Regisugium which was 268 Years Ante Christum 384. A fair account then we are like to expect concerning the first rise of our own Nation after so many revolutions of Ages wherein Truth seems as it were more and more to have withdrawn her self from us which to trace out we must again return to the Romans who are the best able to satisfy us in this case This is most certain that the account of Times before the Romans either in Italy Germany Old Gallia or Brittain is scarce sit to be discoursed of under any other Head than that of Impostures not that I think that these Nations had lain in a perpetual sleep till the Romans rous'd them with their Swords and waken'd them as I may say into some kind of Civility but that they had no certain uniform way of conveying the Transactions of their own and former times to the view of Posterity On which account we may very justly reject all those pretended Successions of Gomer and Brute as Fabulous as also that this Island was Inhabited by Giants with a great many other I know not what pretty Stories adapted to the Ignorance of those times However all Historians agree in this That it is highly probable that the first Inhabitants of this Island were Originally descended from the ancient Gauls that part of the World being long Inhabited before this which is sufficiently apparent from the resemblance of their Government Manners Conditions Buildings Habits and the Community of their Language which is the surest proof a Nations Original As for its Name the most probable Conjecture is That it was termed Brittain from Brit which in the ancient Brittish Language signifies Painted and the word Tain which denotes a Nation agreeable to the Custom of the ancient Brittains who used to discolour and paint their Bodies that in their Wars they might seem more Terrible to their Enemies We are inform'd by Julius Caesar in his Commentaries That it was Governed at first by several petty Rulers and Princes of different Interests and Counsels He Landed in Brittain A. M. 3095. or thereabouts but was repuls'd by Câ—ssibelan a Bold and Warlike Prince who was Chosen King or rather Generalissimo by the Unanimous Consent of the other Roytelets to repel the common Enemy He afterwards made several Inroads into it but without any great Success he in the end being forc'd to leave it to the Government of its own Kings Augustus Tiberius and Caligula seemed with good Advice to have neglected it but in the Reign of the Emperor Claudius Plautius the Praetor and after him Ostorius subdued a great part of it Nero being Emperor Suetonius his Lieutenant gained a memorable Victory over Bonduce the Wife of Prasutagus King of the Iceni After which time the Romans still gaining ground the Island was at last totally Conquered in the Reign of the Emperor Domitian and by his Command first made a Province under Agricola who much about that time subdu'd Scotland and Ireland The Romans after they had kept it in Subjection several Hundred Years were upon the Northern Nations sacking Rome under the Command of Alaricus King of the Goths and Vandals recalled by the Emperor Honorius at which time Brittain being left in a manner naked and destitute of help the Picts and Scots presently invade it The Brittains after they had repelled them for several Years being at length much weakned they Counsel their King Vortigern to call the Saxons to their Assistance by whose Aid under the Commands of their Captains Hengist and Horsa they overcame their Enemies in a pitch'd Battel near Stamford in Lincolnshire They rewarded the Saxons for this Victory first with the Isle of Thanet and afterwards with the whole County of Kent who growing daily more Powerful dispossessed at length their Benefactors of their Native Habitations so that in the Reign of Cadwallader the last of the Brittish Kings they were compleat Masters of the whole Island parcelling it out into seven Kingdoms generally called the Saxons Heptarchy The Saxon Kings striving amongst themselves for Sovereignty were at last after they had Ruled separately 129 Years reduced under subjection by Egbert King of the West-Saxons A. C. 818. who caused this Land to be called England by a Parliament held at Winchester From Egbert England continued under the Government of its own Kings till the Year 1017 which was 199 Years about which time Edmund surnamed Ironside being Murther'd the Danes having for a long time infessed our Coasts hoping to succeed as the Saxons before them had done Canutus King of Denmark seiz'd into his hands the Regal Government The Danish Kings having Rul'd England 29 Years Edward the Confessor the Brother of Edmund Ironside succeeded in the Kingdom A. C. 1046. who out of the Saxon Mercian and Danish Laws Compil'd one Universal Body of the Law from whence our Common Law is thought to have its Original He Reigned 20 Years and died A. C. 1066. to whom succeeded Harold who having Reigned near a Year was slain in a pitch'd Battel near Hastings in Sussex A. C. 1067. by William the Conqueror from whom begins the most exact Computation of the Kings of England Thus much I thought necessary to give the Reader some insight into the first Ages of our Nation which I have endeavoured to perform in as concise a manner as the Subject could possibly admit of I shall now proceed in the Description of England as it stands divided by King Alfred into Shires or Counties which I have placed in that order as they are afterwards Treated of beginning with the Learned Cambden First in the furthest Western Parts and so from thence pass over the other Countries in order imitating herein as he judiciously Observes Strabo Ptolomy and others the most ancient Geographers who always begin their Descriptions in the Western Countries as being first from the first Meridian The Shires of England are generally computed to be 39 to which if we add 13 more in Wales reckoning the Isle of Anglesey to be one the whole makes 52. 6 of which were first Ordained in the Reign of Edward the First A. C. 1280. the rest were constituted in the Reign of Henry the VIIIth by a Parliamentary Authority An. Dom. 1510. The Names of the Shires in England Cornwall Devonshire Dorsetshire Somersetshire Wiltshire Hampshire Barkshire Surrey Sussex Kent Glocestershire Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire Bedfordshire Hartfordshire Middlesex Essex Suffolk Norfolk Cambridgeshire Huntingtonshire Northamptonshire Leicestershire Rutlandshire Lincolnshire Nottinghamshire Darbyshire Warwickshire Worcestershire Staffordshire Shropshire Cheshire Herefordshire Radnorshire Brecknockshire Monmouthshire Glamorganshire Caermarthenshire
adorn'd with Meadows Corn-Fields and Groves which afford a delightful Prospect The Principal Towns are these 1. Chichester a City well Inhabited having very fair and regular Buildings the Streets crossing one another exactly in the middle in which is erected a fair Stone Market-place supported with Pillars round about it hath a very stately Cathedral the Bishop's See is kept here 't is encompass'd almost round with the Lavant which falls not far off into the Sea it was Built by Cissa King of the South-Saxons A. C. 514. 2. Arundel a good frequented Market-Town memorable for a magnificent strong Castle Built near it belonging to the Earl of Arundel 3. Lewis a fair Town seated upon a rising Ground which for its greatness and multitude of Inhabitants is reputed one of the Chiefest Towns in all this County famous it is for the bloody Battel between King Henry the IIId and his unruly Barons An. 1263. in which the King lost the day upon Prince Edward his Son 's pursuing a Troop of the Enemy too far which he had first routed by his Valour 4. Hastings one of the Cinque-Ports the Landing-place of the Normans famous for the overthrow of King Harold in the Fields adjoining 't is Inhabited by a War-like People who are Skilful Sailors 't is well stor'd with Barks it serving both the Country and London in Fish which they have here in great Plenty 5. Winchelsey 't is situated on an high Hill very steep on that side which looketh towards the Sea it was enclos'd with a Rampier and afterwards with very strong Walls but it no sooner began to flourish but it was unfortunately Sack'd by the French and Spaniards it beareth now only the countenance of a fair Town it having lost its chiefest Beauty upon the Seas leaving it 6. Rhye it lay for a good while unknown in former Ages but upon the decay of Winchelsey it began to flourish it was Wall'd about by King Edward the IIId and had then a very commodious Haven it being an usual passage from hence to Normandy it is now in a manner deserted by the Sea yet notwithstanding it hath very many Fishing Vessels so that it serveth London with variety of Fish Thus far Sussex which together with Surrey was the Habitation of the Regni in the time of the Brittains and was afterwards the Kingdom of the South-Saxons but in the 306th Year after the beginning of it it came under the Dominion of the West-Saxons Kent Cangi IN Latin Cantium 't is bounded on the North by Essex on the East by the Channel it hath Sussex on the South and Surrey on the West to confine upon it 't is every where full of Meadows Pastures and Corn-Fields abounding wonderfully in Apple-Trees and Cherry-Trees which being brought out of Corasus a City of Tontus by Lucullus into Italy in the 608th Year after the Building of Rome and the 120th Year after that translated from thence into Brittain which was 24 Years ante Christum The Principal Towns are these 1. Deptford a Town where the King's Ships are usually Built and such as are decay'd Repair'd there is also a Storehouse and College erected here for the use of the Navy 't is remarkable for the Monument of Sir Francis Drake's Ship which by the Command of Queen Elizabeth was drawn on shore in this place the Carkass of it is yet to be seen 2. Greenwich a very beautiful Town but especially in respect of the King's House which Humphrey Duke of Glocester Built and nam'd Placence 't is likewise particularly famous for the Birth of Queen Elizabeth 3. Eltham a fair well Built Town formerly the retiring place of the Kings of Kent 4. Sevenoke in this place Sir William Sevenoke an Alderman of London being a Foundling and brought up here and therefore so namâ—d built in grateful remembrance an Hospital and School he liv'd in the Reign of King Henry the Vth. 5. Dartford a large great Market-Town well frequented and well Watered here King Edward the IIId Built a Nunnery which King Henry the VIIIth converted into a House for himself and his Successors 6. Gravesend a Town as well known as any in England for the usual passage by Water between it and London King Henry the VIIIth when he Fortified the Sea-Coast rais'd two Platforms here and two other on the side of Essex opposite to it 7. Tunbridge a Town well Inhabited famous in old time for a fair large Castle fenc'd with a River and deep Ditches which Richard Lord of Briony Built there the very Ruins of it at this time manifestly declare the greatness of it 8. Maidstone the largest and most beautiful Town in all this Shire most commodiously seated for publick Business one of the two common Prisons of all this County is appointed here its Inhabitants are particularly noted for their Manufacture in Thread 9. Rochester a City seated on the River Medway but of no greatness in former times called Durobrivis but afterwards Roffa 't is honoured with a Bishop's See and is the Second City for Antiquity in all this Island 10. Chetham the Station of the Royal Navy where our Kings have always one ready for any Service whatever it was Built with exceeding great Cost by the Command of Queen Elizabeth who for the defence thereof raised a Castelet by the River side Our Ships in this place to the dishonour of our Nation were burnt by the Dutch A. C. 1667. 11. Queensborough a Port-Town well Inhabited it hath Westward in the Front a very fine strong Castle Built by Edward the IIId 12. Feversham a Town very commodiously situated the most plentiful part of all this Country lying round about it it hath a little Creek sit for bringing in and exporting Commodities so that at this day it flourisheth among the neighbouring Towns 13. Canterbury an ancient City famous in the time of the Romans 't is neither very great nor very small it has little or nothing in it worth Observation besides the Cathedral famous it is in regard of St. Augustine its first Archbishop who is here Interr'd 14. Isle of Tanet a very pleasant fruitful place its Inhabitants are very Industrious getting their Living both by Sea and Land they being both Fishermen and Plowmen Husbandmen and Mariners they are always ready appointed for both Elements they in a manner going round and keeping a circle in these their Labours 15. Sandwich one of the Cinque-Ports 't is on the North and West sides Fortified with walls and on the other parts fenc'd with a Rampier River and Ditch The Haven upon the account of the Sands choaking it and a Ship of Burthen's being accidentally sunk in the Channel is not deep enough for any Tall Vessels 16. Sandon Deal Walmer Three neighbouring Castles Built by King Henry VIII 't is generally reported that Julius Caesar Landed first at this place 17. Dover 't is seated on the Sea-shore where the passage is shortest into France for that cause Fortified with a strong and impregnable Castle
Swore in a set form of Oath made for that purpose immediately to depart from England 4. Trubridge a fair Market-Town of great repute for the great number of Clothiers which Inhabit it it sheweth the remains of a Castle belonging to the Dutchy of Lancashire 5. Werminster a Town very remarkable for a great Corn Market which is kept Weekly here and exceedingly much frequented it being almost incredible to relate what great numbers of people resort to it 6. Wilton formerly the head Town of the whole Shire 't is a place well watered but is now fallen to decay through the Bishop of Salisbury's turning away the passage that lay through it into the West Country 7. Salisbury Sorbiodunum or Sarum a City well Inhabited seated on the River Avon which watereth every Street of it 't is plentiful in all things but especially in Fish 't is adorned with a very stately Market-place wherein standeth their Common-Hall made of Timber a very Beautiful Building It is particularly famous for its Minster which has Three hundred sixty five Windows Twelve Gates and as many great and small Pillars as there are Hours in a Year nor is its Cloyster for largeness or Workmanship inferior to any in England 8. Marlborough a fair large Town pleasantly situated and well frequented in this Town King Henry the IIId held a Parliament N. B. Toward the North about 6 Miles from Salisbury is to be seen an huge and monstrous piece of work Insana Substructio for in the circuit of a Ditch there are erected in form of a Crown in three ranks one within another certain large mighty unwrought Stones whereof some are Twenty eight foot high and Seven broad which are so artificially or rather wonderfully plac'd one upon another that the whole frame seemeth to hang 't is much wonder'd at both from whence they were brought the Country affording none such as also by what means they were set up Some have thought them to be no Natural Stones but Artificially made of pure Sand and of some unctious matter incorporated together Pliny tells us that the Sand of Putcoli covered over with Water becometh forthwith a very Stone which if true our Conjecture is the more probable it seeming to confirm what Historians tell us That they were erected by the Britans in Memory of Ambrosius Aurelianus who was Slain here by the Saxons as he was Fighting manfully for the Defence of his Country Hampshire IN Latin Hamptonia is bounded on the West with Dorsetshire and Wiltshire on the South with the Brittish Channel on the East it hath Sussex and Surrey and on the North Barkshire 'T is a small Province fruitful in Corn furnished with well grown Woods abounding with Pasture and for Sea Commodities rich and happy The Principal Towns are these 1. Ringwood a Town in ancient times of great Fame but now little better than other good frequented Market-Towns 2. Christ-Church a Town so named from a Church therein Dedicated to Christ 't is seated between two Rivers it was Fortified in old time with a Castle and Beautified with an ancient Church and Twelve Prebendaries endowed with considerable Rents and Revenues which continued in great repute till the time of King Henry the VIIIth 3. Southampton a Town so named from its situation 't is situated in a very commodious place between two Rivers for a great number of fair Built Houses much renown'd for Inhabitants and concourse of Merchants Wealthy fenced round with a double Ditch strong Walls and Turrets standing thick between for the defence of the Haven it hath a strong Castle of square Stone cast up upon a Mount of great heighth several of the Roman Emperors Coins are now and then digged up here which sufficiently shew the Antiiquity of this place Memorable it is for that Canutus the Puissant King of England and of Denmark rebuked a Sycophant in this Town who flattered him That all things in the Realm were at his Command He ordered his Chair to be set upon the Shore when the Sea began to flow and then in the presence of many he said unto the Sea as it flowed Thou are part of my Dominions and the ground on which I sit is mine neither was there ever any that durst Disobey my Commands and escape Unpunished wherefore I charge thee that thou come not upon my Land neither wet the Cloaths and Body of thy Lord but the Sea flowing on still without any Reverence of his Person wet his Feet then he retiring back said Let all the Inhabitants of the World know That vain and frivolous is the Power of Kings and that none is worthy of so sacred a Name but He to whose Command the Heaven Earth and Sea by bond of an everlasting Law are Subject and Obedient after which he never put his Crown upon his head 4. Alrefford a fair Town standing on the bank of the River Alre it hath a very spacious Market-place built by Lucy Bishop of Winchester An. Dom. 1220. 5. Winchester Wintonia formerly the Seat-Royal of the Kings of the West-Saxons a City adorn'd with several Magnificent Churches as also with a Bishop's See it hath been oftentimes defaced both by Fire and other Misfortunes but it seems now perfectly to have recovered its self Edward the IIId appointed in this place a Mart for Wool and Cloth which was generally called the Staple it is well Peopled hath plenty of Water and containeth about a Mile and an half in Circuit within the Walls as concerning the round Table in the Hall of this City vainly fancied by some to have been King Arthur's any man that vieweth it well may easily perceive that it is not so ancient This City slourished in the time of the Romans in which the Emperors of Rome seem to have had their Houses of Weaving and Embroidering peculiar to their own Persons and Uses 6. Portsmouth a Port Town strongly Fortified both with a Wall and Block-Houses a Garison being continually kept in Pay for the defence of it 't is situated on the very mouth of the Haven and is always but especially in time of War well frequented as being more favourable and better affected to Mars and Neptune than to Mercury 7. Basingstoak a Market-Town well frequented situated on the descent of an Hill on the North side of which standeth a very fair Chappel Consecrated to the Holy Ghost by William the first Lord Sands who was Buried there Isle of Wight VEcta Insula it belongeth to and is opposite to Southampton from East to West it stretcheth out near 20 Miles in length and spreadeth in the midst where it is broadest 12 Miles the place of greatest repute is 1. Newport the chief Market-Town of the whole Isle it hath several Castles and Block-houses for its defence Barkshire Attrebates IN Latin Barcheria on the North part 't is sever'd from Oxfordshire and afterwards from Buckinghamshire by the River Isis on the South it beareth towards Hampshire where the River Kenet cutteth through it till it runs
very bountiful especially towards the North that being Watered by the River The Principal Towns are these 1. Bedford a Town more famous for its Antiquity than for its Beauty it having sustain'd great damages both in the Wars between King Stephen and Maud the Emperess as well as in the unhappy Dissentions between King John and his unruly Barons the River Ouse divides it into two parts but it is join'd together by a Stone Bridge 2. Dunstable a Town seated in a Chalky Ground well Inhabited and full of Inns it hath Tour Streets answering to the Four parts of the World in every one of which is a Pond of standing Water for the use of the Inhabitants Hertfordshire HErtfordia hath on the West Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire on the South Middlesex on the East Essex and on the North Cambridgeshire The Air is sweet and healthful being seated in a Climate neither too Hot nor too Cold the Soil is pleasant and delightful yielding abundance of Corn Cattel Wood and Grass being destitute of nothing which either affords Profit or Pleasure to Mankind which are more augmented by the many Rivers which arise in it and run through it The Principal Towns are these 1. Royston a Town of late days very famous and much frequented for Malt as also for a Corn-Market which is Weekly held there 2. Hatfield a fair large Town in the upper part of which stands a pleasant Seat belonging to the Earl of Salisbury 3. Hertford it was formerly the Principal Town of the whole Shire but is now fallen to decay 4. Ware a pleasant Town well Water'd and much frequented famous in old time for a Tournament instituted there by the Earl of Pembroke who was unfortunately kill'd by a fall from his Horse They were first instituted A. C. 934. and grew not out of use till the happy days of King James the First 5. Bishop-Stortford a large well frequented Town fenc'd in old times by a Castle 6. St. Albans the Verulamium of the Romans a very ancient Town and well Peopled some old Coins are here oftentimes digged up which are thought by some to be Stamp'd before the coming in of the Romans Near this place Ostorius the Emperor Claudius's Lieutenant is thought to have subdued the Valiant Briton Caractacus Famous it is likewise for Two Memorable Battels Fought between the House of York and Lancaster first Richard Duke of York Anno 1455. gave the Lancastrians a great overthrow took King Henry the VIth Prisoner and slew a great many Honourable Persons Four Years after the Lancastrians under the Conduct of Queen Margaret won the Field put the House of York to Flight and restor'd the King to his former Liberty 7. Barnet a fair Market-Town famous for a great Beast-Market kept there but more renown'd it is for a memorable Battel Fought April the 14th An. 1471. between the Houses of York and Lancaster wherein the Victory happily fell to King Edward the IVth Richard Nevill the great Earl of Warwick being there slain Middlesex Trinobantes MIddlesexia 't is sever'd from Buckinghamshire on the West by the River 〈◊〉 on the North from Hertfordshire by a known crooked Limit from Essex on the East by the River Lea and from Surrey and Kent on the South by the Thames 'T is seated in a pleasant Vale having some Hills around it of a good ascent from whose tops the prospect of the whole is seen like to Zoar in Egypt or rather like a Paradise and Garden of God The Principal Towns are these 1. Uxbridge a Town of late Years very full of Inns and pleasantly situated 2. Stanes a fair beautiful Town near which the Baronage of England assembled together in great Numbers to exact their Liberties of King John A. C. 1215. 3. Hampton-Court a Royal Palace of the Kings of admirable Magnificence Built by Cardinal Wolsey it was enlarg'd and finish'd by King Henry the VIIIth it containeth within it Five Inner Courts 4. Fulham a Town particularly famous for the Palace of the Bishop of London 5. Chelsey a Town of very fair Buildings but chiefly remarkable on the account of the College Erected for the Maintenance of ancient Soldiers it was finished in the Reign of the late King James 6. LONDON the Seat of our Brittish Empire and the Chiefest for Traffick in the World Seated in an excellent Air upon the River Thames its Buildings are Fair and Stately the Streets Spacious it has scarcely any Rival in Europe famous it is for its Magnificent Cathedral thought to be in former times the Temple of Diana but it is now Consecrated to St. Paul London-Stone is thought to have been fix'd for a Mile-Mark such as was in the Market-place of Rome from which was taken the dimension of all Journeys every way 't is thought to be plac'd in the midst of the City LONDON was formerly Wall'd about by Constantine the Great at the request of his Mother Helena but at this time its chief Strength consists not so much in its Wall as in the great Number of its Inhabitant 7. Westminster is a City of its self and has its peculiar Magistrates and Privileges it was formerly more than a Mile distant from London but it is now join'd close to it famous it is for the Abbey the Hall of Justice and the King 's Royal Palace In the place where the Abbey now stand there was formerly a Temple Consecrated to Apollo out of the Ruins of which this present Abbey was Built by King Edward the Third a Work that cost Fifty Years Labour in Building Which Church the Abbots afterwards very much enlarg'd towards the West end and King Henry the Seventh adjoin'd thereto at the East end a Chappel of admirable Elegancy wherein is to be seen his own most stately Monument of solid and massy Copper Essex ESSEXIA on the North the River Stour divideth it from Suffolk on the East it has the Ocean on the South the Thames separateth it from Kent on the West the Lea divideth it from Middlesex and the Stour from Hertfordshire The Air is temperate and pleasant but towards the Waters somewhat Aguish the Soil is rich and fruitful being in some parts so very fertile that after Three Years Glebe of Saffron the Land for Eighteen more will yield plenty of Barley without either Dunging or Manuring the Earth The Principal Towns are these 1. Leyton a fair beautiful Market-Town 2. Chelmsford a fair large Town thought to be the old Canonium of the Romans 't is situated in the midst of the Shire between two Rivers which join themselves together near this place the Assizes of the County are kept here 3. Maldon an ancient Town called formerly Camolodunum famous for Bonduca or Boadicias Victory over the Romons 70000 being slain in this place its Antiquity is apparent from the Coins Helmets and Bones which were dug up in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth to which we may apapply these Verses of Virgil Geor. Lib. 1. 493. Scilicet tempus veniet cum
Shires of Wales but those Two also beyond the Severn viz. Herefordshire and Monmouthshire which are now reckoned among the Counties of England according to Ptolomy the Silures inhabited the South part called by one Name Dehubarth but now Herefordshire Radnorshire Brecknockshire Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire The Inhabitants are generally impatient of Servitude very Valiant and given to War Herefordia is bounded on the East with Worcestershire and Glocestershire on the South with Monmouthshire on the West with Radnor and Brecknockshires and on the North with Shropshire This Counties Climate is healthful and temperate and the Soil so fertile for Corn and Cattel that no place in England yieldeth more The Principal Towns are these 1. Hereford the principal City of this Shire seated on the Banks of the River Wye in the middle of most flourishing Meadows and no less plentiful Corn-Fields it was raised out of the ruins of the ancient Ariconium 't is encompass'd almost round with Rivers it was Walled about in the Reign of Henry the First who Founded in this place a most beautiful Cathedral Church 2. Lemster a Town famous for exceeding fine Wool Radnorshire IN Latin Radnora hath on the North Montgomeryshire on the East Herefordshire on the South Brecknockshire on the West where 〈◊〉 groweth very narrow Cardiganshire The Air of this Province is very sharp and Cold and the Soil lean and barren its riches consists chiefly in the brood of Cattel The Principal Towns are these 1. Radnor the principal Town of this Shire fair Built after the manner of the Country with thatch'd Houses in times past it was fenc'd with a Wall and Castle which are now grown to decay 2. Prestan a Market-Town so fair and beautiful that it in a manner putteth down Radnor it is of late Years wonderfully frequented 3. Knighton a Town scarce inferior to Prestian near this place is King Offa's admirable Ditch reaching from Dee Mouth up to Wy Mouth by this Town for the space of Fourscore and ten Miles made by him to separate the Brittons from his Englishmen Brecknockshire IN Latin Brechinia is bounded on the East with Herefordshire on the South with Monmouth and Glamorganshires on the West with Caermardhenshire and on the North with Radnorshire The Air is very Temperate the whole County is full of Hills and uneven for Travelling but the Soil is very fertile yielding in the Vallies both plenty of Corn and Pasture The Principal Town is 1. Brecknock the Shire-Town seated in the very heart of the Country its Walls are strong and of good repair it hath Three Gates for entrance with Ten Towers for its defence on the West side it hath a stately Castle that it was Inhabited in the Romans time is evident from the Coins of the Roman Emperors oftentimes digged up here Monmouthshire IN Latin Monumethia is bounded on the North by the River Munow that separateth it from Herefordshire on the East the River Wye divideth it from Glocestershire on the West the River Remney severeth it from Glamorganshire on the South 't is bounded by the Severn Sea The Air is healthful and clear the Soil is Hilly Woody Rich and in all places very Fruitful The Principal Towns are these 1. Monmouth the chief Town of this Province 't is encompassed almost round with the Rivers Munow and Wye on the North side where it is not defended with Rivers it was formerly Fortified with a Wall and Ditch 2. Chepstow a Town situate on the side of an Hill rising from the very River Fortified round about with a Wall of a large Circuit it hath a very fair Castle situate over the River Wye the Town generally speaking is of good resort 3. Abergevenny a Town well frequented Fortified with Walls and a Castle which of all the Castles in Wales as Giraldus says has been most defam'd on the account of Treason 4. Newport a Town lately Built not unknown upon the account of its Castle and the Commodiousness of its Harbour Glamorganshire IN Latin Glamorgania on the South it has the Severn Sea on the East Monmouthshire on the North Brecknockshire and on the West Caermardhenshire The Air is temperate and giveth more content to the Mind than the Soil doth fruit or ease to Travellers The Principal Towns are these 1. Cardiffe a proper fair Town having a commodious Haven Fortified by a strong Wall and Castle by Fitz-Haimon memorable it is for that Robert Curthouse William the Conqueror's Eldest Son being quite put by his hopes of the Crown of England and depriv'd of both his Eyes by his Brother King Henry the First lived until he was an Old Man in this Castle 2. Cowbridge a fair Market-Town well frequented 3. Landaffe a small City and of as small reputation situate somewhat low but adorn'd with a Bishops's See and a Cathedral Consecrated to St. Gelean Bishop of the place West-Wales Caermardhenshire Dimetae IN Latin Maredunum is limited on the East with Glamorganshire and Brecknockshire on the West with Pembrokeshire on the North 't is severed from Cardiganshire by the River Tovy and on the South it hath the Ocean The Air is pleasant and delightful the Soil being not so full of Hills as its neighbouring Counties is therefore much better for Corn and Pasturage The Principal Town is Caermardhen the chief Town of this County compass'd about with Brick Walls part of which is yet standing upon the River Tovy which is able to bear small Ships although there be now a Bar of Sand cast up against the mouth of it 't is pleasant for its Woods and Meadows and venerable for its Antiquity memorable it is for the Birth of the Sage Merlin Pembrokeshire IN Latin Pembrocia the Sea presseth upon every side of this County unless it be on the East where Caermardhenshire and on the North where a part of Cardiganshire boundeth upon it The Air is passing temperate and the Soil very fruitful The Principal Towns are these 1. Tenby a fair Town strongly Walled towards the Land it looketh into the Sea from a dry Cliff famous it is for its commodious Roads for Ships and for an abundance of Fish taken there 2. Milford-Haven than which there is not another in all Europe either nobler or safer there are reckoned within it Sixteen Creeks Five Bays and Thirteen Roads known every one by its several name 't is particularly famous for the arrival of King Henry the Seventh who released England from the Domestick Calamities and Civil Miseries it then groan'd under 3. Pembroke the principal Town of this Shire it standeth on the East Creek of Milford-Haven it was formerly Fortified with Walls and a Castle which are now decayed 4. Haverford situate in the Demy Island of this County by the Welsh called Ross by the English Little England beyond Wales by reason of the English Tongue there spoken it is a Town the best Traded and frequented of all South-Wales it was Fortified with a Rampier and Wall on the North side by the Earls of
produceth such numbers of Cattel of such large proportion that even Spain can scarce afford the like The Principal Towns are these 1. Manchester a very beautiful Town far excelling all others round about it 't is of good resort and is famous for Clothing the Market-place is large and spacious 't is also adorn'd with a very fair Church and College Founded by Thomas Lord Delaware it was in former times called Mancunium and was made a Fort and Station of the Romans 2. Riblechester though it be at present but a small Town yet by Tradition it hath had the repute of the richest Town in Christendom and is reported to have been the Seat of the Romans which the many Monuments of their Antiquities Statues Pieces of Coin and other several Inscriptions digged up from time to time by the Inhabitants may give us sufficient persuasion to believe 3. Warrington a fair Market-Town known by reason of the Lords thereof sirnam'd the Butlers who obtain'd of Edward the First the liberty of a Market for it 4. 〈◊〉 a good well frequented Town famous for it Antiquity but more famous for a convenient passage from this place to Ireland 5. Ormeskirk a Market-Town remarkable for the Sepulchres of the Stanleys the Earls of Darby 6. Preston a Town of good resort so named from the Religious Men dwelling in it 7. Lancaster it was formerly the chief Town of this Shire but at this day it is neither well peopled nor much frequented most of its Inhabitants are given to Husbandry the Territory round about being well Manur'd lying open fresh and fair and not void of Woods Roman Coins are often digged up here and here they say was the plot of ground in which the ancient Town was planted which was destroyed by the Scots An. Dom. 1â—â—2 't is sufficiently famous in our English Annals for those Noble Persons who have successively born the Title of Earls and Dukes of it the greatest Princes for Revenues of any Subjects in Christendom Westmorland IN Latin Westmoria is bounded on the West and North with Cumberland on the East with Yorkshire and the Bishoprick of Durham and on the South with Lancashire The Air is sharp and piercing purging its self from Mists and Vapours but the Soil for the generality is so unfertile that it can hardly be brought to any fruitfulness by the industry and painful labour of the Husbandman The Principal Towns are these 1. Appleby a Town pleasantly seated encompass'd for the most part with the River Eden but it is at present so slenderly Inhabited and the Buildings so rude and simple that were it not for its Antiquity it deserveth not to be accounted the Shire-Town and to have the Assizes kept in the Castle which is the common Goal for Malefactors in short all the beauty lies in one broad Street which from North to South riseth with an easy ascent of an Hill in the upper part standeth the Castle in the lower the Church and by that a very good School Founded by Robert Langton and Miles Spenser Doctors of Law 2. Kirkby Lonsdale a Town situate on the East side of this Shire the tract of Land lying about it being called Lonsdale it hath a very good frequented Market all the People round about repair hither on Sundays to Church 3. Kirkby Stephen a fair Market-Town of good resort 4. Kendall situate in a Dale on the River Can from whence it had its Name it is the chief Town in Westmorland having two long fair broad Streets crossing one another it is of great Trade and Resort and for the diligent and industrious practice of the Inhabitants so excels the rest that in regard thereof it carrieth a super-eminent Name above them and hath great Vent and Traffick for her Woollen Cloaths through all the parts of England Famous it is for giving the Title of Earl to John Duke of Bedford Regent of France in the time of King Henry the Sixth Cumberland IN Latin Cumbria on the North boundeth on Scotland on the South and West the Irish Sea beateth upon it and Eastward above Westmorlanâ— it confineth on Northumberland It s ancient Inhabitants though known to the Romans by the name of Brigantes were the natural Britons who called themselves 〈◊〉 The Air is piercing and of a sharp temperature and would be more biting were it not that the high Hills oppose and break off the Northern Storms and dissolve the falling Snows The Province is very rich the Vales smile with Corn and the Hills with Pasture the Sea affords plenty of Fish and the Land is overspread with variety of Fowls The Principal Towns are these 1. Keswick a little Town seated in a very pleasant Soil being compass'd about with Hills King Edward the Third ordained a Market in this place by the procurement of Sir Thomas Darwentwater the Lord of it Famous it was in times past for its Copper-Mines it being at this day much Inhabited by Mineral Men who have here their Smelting house by Darwent-side which with its foâ—ible Stream and their ingenious Inventions serveth them in stead for easy Bellows-works Hammer-works Forge-works and Sawing of Boards not without admiration of such as behold it 2. Cokermouth a rich frequented Market-Town seated in a Valley between two Hills its Buildings are fair and beautiful upon one of the Hills standeth the Church on the other a very strong Castle the Gate whereof carrieth in the Front the Arms of the Percus 3. Papcastle an ancient Castle but at this present almost ruinated however memorable it is in that for a great number of Monuments it layeth claim to a Roman Antiquity among which was found a large Vessel of Greenish Stone engraven with little Images which serveth now for a Sacrarium Regenerationis in St. Brigids Church hard by Several Authors tell us that Fonts were adorn'd with Pictures of Holy Men to the end that such as were Baptized might have before their Eyes the Pictures of those Men whose deeds they were to imitate so saith Pontius Paulinus for in the first Plantation of Christianity among the Gentiles such only as were of full Age after they had been Instructed in the Principles of the Christian Religion were admitted to Baptism and that but twice in the year viz. at Easter and Whitsontide except on urgent occasions at which times they which were to be Baptized were attired in White Garments Exorcised and Exsuffled with sundry Ceremonies which I leave to the Learned in Christian Antiquities 4. Solway-Frith within this very Frith where the Salt-waters ebb and flow the English and Scots by report of the Inhabitants fought with their Fleets at full Sea and with their Horse and Footmen at the ebb which seems no less marvellous than that which Pliny reported not without wonder of the like place in Caramania this Arm of the Sea is called Solway-Frith from Solway a Town of Scotland bordering upon it 5. Penrith a little Town of an indifferent Trade Fortified on the West side with a
into the Thames on the West 't is bounded by Wiltshire and on the East by Surrey On the West part it hath plenty of Command Fruit but on the East part where it consineth with Surrey the Soil is very barren and unfruitful 1. Farendon a Town seated on a rising ground famous for a Market kept there but in times past for a certain Fort which Robert Earl of Glocester Built and defended against King Stephen who having won it by many bloody Assaults levelled it to the ground so that now it is not to be seen 2. Abington a Populous Town pleasantly seated on the plain of an Hill since the Year 1416. in which King Henry the Vth Built a Bridge over the River and turned the Kings high-way hither to make a shorter passage it began to be so frequented that it is now the chief Town of the whole Shire it is famous for its great Trade in Malt. 3. Wallingford in old time it was compass'd about with Walls it had a very large Castle situate upon the River which was thought to be invincible it was oftentimes Besieged by King Stephen but all in vain This Town was so dispeopled by reason of a grievous Pestilence which happened in the Year 1348 that whereas before it was well Inhabited and had Twelve Churches it can shew now no more than One or Two 4. Newbury a famous Town raised out of the Ruins of Spine which was formerly a place of great repute it is situated in a champion plain being watered throughout with the River Kenet 't is well Inhabited and is very remarkable for its Trade in Clothing 5. Reading a Town famous for fair Streets well built Houses as also for the Riches of the Townsmen and for their Name in making Cloth it hath lost the greatest Ornaments it had viz. a beautiful Church and a most ancient Castle which was razed by King Henry the IId because it was a Refuge for King Stephen's followers 6. Maidenhead a large spacious Town fill'd with good Inns for the reception of Strangers it is well frequented 7. Windsor-Castle 't is situated on an Hill that riseth with a gentle Ascent and enjoyeth a most delightful Prospect round about on the front it overlooketh a spacious Vale behind it arise Hills every where neither rough nor high so that 't is dedicated as one would say to Hunting-Game it was Built by King Henry the Ist An. 1100. and enlarg'd by King Edward the IIId who was Born here 't is in bigness equal to a pretty City Fortified with Ditches and Bulwarks made of Stone in this place King Edward the IIId Instituted the Noble Order of the Garter to increase Virtue and Valour in the Hearts of his Nobility or as some report in honour of the Countess of Salisbury of which Lady the King had formerly been Enamour'd The Garter was given to it in Testimony of that Love and affection wherewith the Knights of it were bound one to another and all of them jointly to the King as Sovereign there are of it Twenty six Knights of which the King of England is always Chief the Ensign is a Blew Garter Buckled on the Left Leg on which these words are Embroider'd Honi Soit qui mal y Pense about their Necks they wear a Blew Ribbond at the end of which hangeth the Image of St. George upon whose Day the Installations of the new Knights are commonly Celebrated THese Regions which I have hitherto Describ'd viz. of the Danmonii Durotriges Belgae Attrebatii when the Saxons Rul'd in Brittain fell to the Kingdom of the West-Saxons who under the Command of their King Egbert United the English Heptarchy into a Monarchy which afterwards through the Cowardise of their Kings soon vanished For after this the Danes brake in upon the Northumbers and though often Vanquished yet being as often Victorious they at last seiz'd on the Monarchy of England which was sometime held by the Danes sometimes by the Saxons till William Duke of Normandy took it from Harold and established the Monarchy which hath ever since continued in a Succession of Twenty eight Princes down to our Gracious Sovereign King William REGNI NEXT unto the Attrebatii Eastward those Regions which we commonly term Surrey Sussex with the Sea-Coast of Hampshire were Inhabited by the Regni Surrey IN Latin Surria is bounded on the West by Barkshire and Hampshire on the South by Sussex on the East by Kent on the North 't is Water'd by the River Thames and by it divided from Middlesex It is a plain and Champion Country yielding Corn and Forage in abundance especially towards the South The Principal Towns are these 1. Farnham a Market-Town so named from the great quantity of Fern growing near it near this place Hâ—nry of 〈◊〉 erected a noble Castle which being afterwards demolished by Henry the IIId was again rebuilt by the Bishops of Winchester 2. Guildford a Market-Town well frequented full of fair Inns in old time it was a Royal Mansion of the English Saxon Kings 3. Kingston a Market-Town well Inhabited famous in old time by reason of a Castle therein belonging to the Clares Earls of Glocester it took its name from a little Town which stood near it in which when England was almost ruined by the Danish Wars Athelstan Edwin and Etheldred were Crowned Kings in the Market-place 4. Richmond a Town very beautiful and glorious in respect of its Buildings famous for the Death of several Kings but in particular of that most Mighty Prince King Edward the IIId Here also Died Ann Wife to King Richard the IId Daughter to the Emperor Charles the IVth who first taught English Women the manner of sitting on Horseback which is now in use whereas before they rode very unseemly astride as Men do Memorable it is likewise for that King Henry the VIIth and Queen Elizabeth of glorious Memory yielded unto Nature in this place 5. Croidon a Market-Town well frequented whose Inhabitants gain to themselves great advantages by selling of Char-Coal 6. Lambeth a Town famous in former times for the Death of Canutus the Hardy King of England who there Revelling with his Lords amidst his Cups yielded up his Breath but at this time 't is much frequented by reason of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Palace which is in this place 7. Southwark the most famous Market-Town and place of Trade in all this Shire 't is so large and populous that it gives place to few Cities in England in the Reign of King Edward the VIth it was annexed to the City of London and is at this day reckoned as a part of it Sussex IN Latin Sussexia is bounded on the West by Hampshire on the North by Surrey and part of Kent on the East by Kent on the South it lieth upon the Brittish Ocean on the Sea-Coast it hath many green Hills of an exceeding heighth called the Downs which standing on a Chalky sort of Mould yield great plenty of Corn the middle part of it is
sinibus illis Agricola incurvo terram molitus aratro Exesa inveniet Scabrâ rubigine pila Aut gravibus rassris galeas pulsabit manes Grandiaque essossis mirabitus ossa Sepulchris 4. Colchester a proper fair Town pleasantly seated it is Wall'd about and Beautified with 15 Churches the ancient Coins daily dug out here do shew that it flourished in the time of the Romans The Trade of the Inhabitants consists chiefly in making of Cloth and Bays with other sort of Stuff 5. Harwich a Port-Town not very great but well Peopled Fortified both by Art and Nature 't is Memorable for a Battle at Sea fought between the English and Danes An. Christ 884. 6. Saffron-Walden a fair Market-Town famous for the great Quantity of Saffron which grows there which Commodity was at first brought into England in the Reign of Edward the IIId Suffolk Iceni SUffolcia hath on the West Cambridge on the South the Stour divideth it from Essex on the East it hath the German Sea and on the North Norfolk The Air of this place is thought by some Physicians to be the very best in the whole Island the Soil is fruitful and replenished with all things The Principal Towns are these 1. Bury a very fair beautiful Town remarkable for an Abbey Built by Canutus to Expiate the Sacrilegious Impiety of his Father Suenus against this Church it appears still beautiful even in its very Ruins Near this place was fought a great Battel between Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester and King Henry the IId the Victory falling to the King's Party A. C. 1173. 2. Sudbury formerly the chief Town of this Shire 't is Populous and Wealthy the Inhabitants making great advantages by Clothing 3. Ipswich the principal Town of this Shire well Peopled beautiful in its Buildings has 14 Churches and a very commodious Haven 't is fenc'd with a Rampier it was Sack'd by the Danes An. 991. and again in the Year 1000 yet it perfectly recovered its former Beauty and was the finest Town in England had a very noble Harbour which was most convenient for the Northern and Eastern parts of the World in this state it continued till through the severe Injunctions of Bishop Laud in the Reign of King Charles the First concerning matters in Religion several Thousands of Families were frighted out of Norfolk and Suffolk into New-England Norfolk NOrfolcia it is bounded on the East and North by the German Ocean on the West the Ouse divideth it from Cambridge on the South it confineth upon Suffolk The Air is sharp and piercing especially in the Champion and near the Sea upon which account the Spring and Harvest is not so soon here as in other Countries 't is a Champion Country large and spacious abounding with Rivers pleasant Springs good Corn and Pasture The Principal Towns are these 1. Thetford a large Market-Town but thinly Inhabited in times past it was very Populous and besides other tokens of Antiquity it hath still to be seen a great Mount fenc'd with a double Rampier and Fortified in ancient times with Walls it was formerly the Seat of the Kings of the East-Angles and known to the Romans by the Name of Sitomagus 2. Norwich a famous City pleasantly situated on the River Yare which runs thence to Yarmouth lying out in length from South to North a Mile and an half and in breadth about half so much it drawing in it self by little and little at the South end in manner of a Cone in that Circuit it comprehendeth about Thirty Parishes well Walled about with many Turrets and Twelve Gates but it hath in it much waste ground the City suffering great loss both in Wealth and Buildings by Ket's Rebellion in the time of King Edward the Sixth it hath recovered its first blow by the Dutch Manufactures but of the last it still languisheth though at this present it glories in the Beauties of a fair Cathedral the Three Palaces of the Bishops the Dukes of Norfolk and the Earls of Surrey and the ruins of an ancient Castle of the Saxons Building 3. Yarmouth a Port-Town having a very convenient Haven 't is beautifully Built and strongly fenc'd both by Art and Nature 't is almost encompassed with Water on the West side with a River that hath a Draw-bridge over it on the other parts with the Ocean unless Northward where it is firm Land it is defended by a strong Wall which together with the River make a square Form of Four sides somewhat long upon the Wall towards the East a great Mount is cast up on which are planted several pieces of Ordinance 4. Lynn a large Town encompass'd with a deep Trench and Walls for the most part 't is divided by Two small Rivers which have Fifteen Bridges over them 't is of no great Antiquity yet by reason of its Havens Buildings and Merchants 't is the Second Principal Town of this Shire Cambridgeshire CAntabrigia on the East it lieth on Norfolk and Suffolk on the South on Essex and Hertfordshire on the West on Bedford and Huntingtonshire 't is divided into two parts by the River Ouse or Cam. This Province is not so large as some others nor the Air so temperate and pleasant it being infected by the Fens the North part is for the most part Fenny and surcharg'd with Waters but the South is Champion yielding Corn in abundance The Principal Towns are these 1. Cambridge a Town particularly famous for its University which as it is reported was first begun and Founded by Cantaber a Spaniard 375 Years ante Christum as also that Sigebert or Sebert King of the East-Angles restor'd it again An. Dom. 630. Being drstroyed afterwards by the Danes it was for a long time of no account until it reviv'd under the Normans Government at this day it hath Sixteen stately Colleges and Halls which for Buildings Beauty Endowments and Number of Students are so replenished that Oxford excepted the like is hardly to be found in Europe 2. Ely a City not so great as ancient situate in the Isle so nam'd occasioned by the divided Streams of Ner and Ouse with the overflowings of other Rivers turning a great part of this Tract into Fenns and Marshes remarkable for little else but its Cathedral which was erected An. Dom. 1110. in the 10th Year of King Henry the First Huntingtonshire IN Latin Huntingtonia is bounded on the South by Bedfordshire on the West and North by Northamptonshire and on the East by Cambridgeshire The Soil is fruitful yielding Corn in great abundance towards the East where it is Fenny it is very rich and plentiful for the Feeding of Cattel in all the other parts 't is extreamly pleasant on the account of the Woods and Groves with which it aboundeth The Principal Towns are these 1. St. Neets a Market Town so named of one Neutus a Learned and Holy Man who Travelled all his Life-time in Propagating Christianity his Body was translated from Neotstock in Cornwall to this place 2.
of Winchester 6. Lincoln a place in former days of great Strength and Note being one of the best Peopled Cities in all the Saxon Heptarchy and of great Merchandise and Trassick both by Sea and Land it had formerly Fifty Churches but is now much decay'd it having suffered much damage in the Wars of King Stephen and of Henry the IIId with his Barons as also both by Fire and Earthquakes the chief Fame it now hath is for its Minster one of the stateliest Piles in England and perhaps in Christendom high seated on an Hill and from thence discern'd over all the Country The City is seated on the side of an Hill where the River Witham bendeth his course Eastward famous it is in respect that Vortimer the Warlike Briton who often discomfited the Saxon Armies ended his days and was here contrary to his Commandment Buried 7. Wainfleet a Town deservedly remarkable in that it Bred William Wainfleet Bishop of Winchester the Founder of Maudlin College in Oxford Nottinghamshire IN Latin Nottingamia hath on the East Lincolnshire on the North Yorkshire on the West Derbyshire and on the South side Leicestershire The Air is pleasant and healthful the Soil rich and clayey and for Corn and Grass so fruitful that it claims the second place before any other in the Realm The Principal Towns are these 1. Stoke a little Village famous for the Victory obtain'd by King Henry the VIIth against Sir John de la Pool Earl of Lincoln who being by King Richard the IIId declared Heir apparent to the Crown Rebelliously opposed himself against his Sovereign and in this place sighting Manfully both he and most of his Followers lost their lives 2. Nottingham a fair Town seated on the Trent but very high upon an Hill which overlooks it for Buildings fair Streets and a spacious Market-place not giving way to many Cities but of most fame for a Royal and magnificent Castle which for Strength Stateliness and Prospect may justly challenge the Precedency of most in England it is mounted upon an huge steep work on the West side of the City it was Built by William the Conqueror to bridle the English David the IId King of Scots and Roger Mortimer Earl of March were detain'd a long time Prisoners in this Castle Memorable it is for that King Charles the I st first set up his Standard in this place occasion'd on the unhappy Differences between him and his Parliament August 22. 1642. 3. Southwell it is adorn'd with a very beautiful Church Consecrated to the Virgin Mary 't is a Town not very fair to outward view but strong ancient and of great fame the Archbishop of York has a stately Palace in this place Derbyshire IN Latin Darbia hath on the East Nottinghamshire on the South Leicestershire on the West Steffordshire and on the North-side Yorkshire it resembles the Form of a Triangle but not with equal sides The Air is good and healthful and the Soil rich and fertile especially in the South and East Parts The Principal Towns are these 1. Derby a fair Town well traded and resorted situated on the River Darwent which on the East side of it affords to the Eye a pleasant and delightful Prospect running down and carrying a full and chearful Stream under a beautiful Stone-Bridge upon which formerly a fair Chappel was Erected which is now gone to decay it is adorn'd with Five Churches the greatest of which named Alhallows and Dedicated to the Memory of All Saints is peculiarly remarkable for its lofty Spire and the Tomb of the Countess of Shrewsbury 2. Peak so called from its Hills and Mountains from this place we have our Lead and Milstones and the Apothecaries their Antimony 3. Buxton a Town memorable for Nine Water-springs which arise out of a Rock within the compass of Eight Yards Eight of them are Warm but the Ninth is very Cold these run under a very fair square Building of Free-stone and about Sixty Paces off receive another Hot Spring from a Well inclos'd with Four flat Stones called St. Anns near unto which another very Cold Spring bubbles up The Inhabitants report that great Cures have been effected by these Waters and daily experience sheweth that they are good for the Stomach and Sinews and very pleasant to Bathe the Body in The Town is lately adorn'd with very beautiful Buildings Having now Describ'd the Regions of the Coritani we will next survey the Provinces of the Cornavii who if we may believe Ptolomy seem to have Possessed Warwickshire Worcestershire Staffordshire Shropshire and Cheshire Warwickshire Cornavii IN Latin Warwicus hath on the East Northamptonshire and Leicestershire on the South Oxfordshire and Glocestershire on the West Worcestershire and on the North Staffordshire It s Air and Soil are equally desirable the Air is extreamly healthful and the Soil in the South part yieldeth such a plentiful Harvest that the Husbandman smiles to behold his pains so well rewarded The Principal Towns are these 1. Warwick this Town was the ancient Praeciduum of the Romans it standeth on the River Avon upon a steep and high Rock and all the Passages to it are wrought out of the very stone it is yet apparent that it was formerly Fortified with a Wall and Ditches towards the South-West it sheweth a Castle strongly Fortified both by Art and Nature 't was in a good state upon the entrance of the Normans but hath lately suffered much by Fire 2. Henly a pretty Market-Town which had formerly a Castle adjoining to it belonging to the Family of the Montforts 3. Killingworth a beautiful strong Castle encompassed with Parks given by Queen Elizabeth to Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester 4. Bremicham a Town full of Inhabitants resounding always with Hammers and Anvils they being most of them Smiths 5. Coventry a City so called from an old Convent and Religious House which gave Name to it beautified it is with a well-Built Wall large Streets handsome Houses and two fair Churches Dedicated to the Holy Trinity and St. Michael it was formerly the only Mart and City of Trade in all these Parts notwithstanding that it is destitute of all the advantages which a Navigable River might afford it 6. Edgehill a small Village famous for the Battel fought between the Forces of King Charles the I st and those of the Parliament in which both sides claim'd the Victory Worcestershire IN Latin Wigornia hath on the East Warwickshire on the South Glocestershire on the West Herefordshire and Shropshire and on the North Staffordshire The Air of this Shire is temperate and the Soil fertile abounding with Corn Woods Pasture and every thing that is necessary for the Life of Man The Principal Towns are these 1. Kidderminster a fair Town hath a great Market it is well frequented divided into two parts by the River Stour it is adorn'd with a very beautiful Church 2. Worcester the principal City of this Shire it being truly admirable both in respect of its Antiquity and Beauty
Clare 5. St. Davids a small City memorable for little else than that it is adorn'd with a Bishop's See and a fair Church Dedicated to St. Andrew and St. David from this place in a clear day you may see Ireland 6. Newport a Town situate on a steep Cliff where there is a very commodious Harbour and Road for Ships 't is endow'd with several Immunities and Privileges and defended with a Castle Cardiganshire IN Latin Ceretia is bounded on the West by the Sea and on the South by the River Tovy which Separateth it from Caermardhenshire the East and North sides are limited by Brecknockshire and Montgomeryshire The Air is open and somewhat piercing the Soil is Hilly and uneven but more plain towards the Sea than in the East and North parts it hath very little Corn few Woods but Cattel Fish and Fowl in abundance The Principal Towns are these 1. Cardigan the Shire Town situated on a steep Bank strongly Fortified with a Wall and Castle by the Earls of Clare 2. Aberistwith a most populous and plenteous Town near which are found several Veins of Lead We have now describ'd the Counties of the Silures and Dimetae pass we now to the Ordovices the ancient Inhabitants of North-Wales which is now divided into the Counties of Montgomeryshire Merionethshire Caernarvonshire Denbighshire and Flintshire North-Wales Montgomeryshire Ordovices IN Latin Mons Gomericus is bounded on the South with Cardiganshire and Radnorshire on the East with Shropshire on the North with Denbighshire and on the West with Merionethshire The Air is cold and piercing the Soil fruitful especially in the East parts they being watered by the Severn The Principal Towns are these 1. Montgomery a Town seated on the rising of a Rock having a pleasant Plain under it it is defended by a very strong Castle both which were Built by Roger de Montgomery Earl of Shrewsbury 2. Plinlimmon-Hill is particularly famous for its wonderful Heighth and that on the part where it boundeth one side of this Shire it poureth forth the Severn which next to the Thames is the greatest River in all Brrittain Merionethshire IN Latin Mervinia on the West the Sea beateth upon it on the South it is divided by the River Dovy from Cardiganshire on the North it is bounded by Caernarvon and Denbighshires and on the East by part of Denbighshire The Air of this place is neither pleasant nor the Soil profitable The Principal Towns are these 1. Bala a little Town endowed with several Immunities Peopled with few Inhabitants and very rudely Built nevertheless it is the chief Market-Town of these Mountainers 2. Harlech a Market-Town situated in a bleak and barren place it has few Houses and those not curiously Built nor is it famous for any thing unless we make mention of a strong Castle that stands near it commanding the Sea and passage of such as might seek to invade the Coast Caernarvonshire IN Latin Arvonia the North and West sides lie upon the Irish Sea the South is enclos'd with Merionethshire and the East with Denbighshire from which it is severed by the River Conony The Air is sharp and piercing nor is the Soil to be commended much for its fertility The Principal Towns are these 1. Caernarvon a Town so called from its standing over-against the Island Mona 't is encompass'd with a small Circuit of Walls about it but the same is exceeding strong 't is also defended by a stately Castle which takes up the whole West side of it the Buildings are beautiful and the Inhabitants much commended for their courtesy who think it a point of their glory that King Edward the First Founded their Town and that King Edward the Second the first Prince of Wales was Born there it was formerly much resorted to for the Chancery and Exchequer of the Princes of North-Wales 2. Bangor a City seated on the Menai a branch of the Irish Sea remarkable for little else than that it is adorn'd with a Bishop's See and a fair Cathedral Consecrated to Daniel who was sometime Bishop of the place it was defaced by Owen Glendower and afterwards re-edified by Henry Dean An. Dom. 1496. Isle of Anglesey or Mona 'T IS sever'd from Brittain with the small narrow strait of Menai and on all parts besides it is beaten upon by the Irish Sea 't is in length 20 Miles and in breadth 17. It s Principal Town is Beaumarish Built by Edward the First on the East side of the Isle on a Marish ground it was so named from the pleasantness of its situation other Towns there are such as Newburg Aberfraw which have nothing in them remarkable The Druids formerly Inhabited this place 't was attempted by Suetonius and brought under the Power of the Romans by Agricola Denbighshire IN Latin Denbiga on the North-North-West it has first the Sea for a small space and then Flintshire on the West the Sea on the South Merionethshire and Montgomeryshire and on the East Cheshire and Shropshire The Air is pleasant and wholsome the Soil is barren towards the West part yet in the middle where it lieth flat with a Valley it is very fruitful The Principal Towns are these 1. Denbigh the Shire Town Fortified with a strong Wall and Castle and strengthned with high Towers by Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln 't is well frequented and is deservedly reputed the most beautiful place in all North-Wales especially since it was made by King Henry the Eighth the Head Town of a County before which time it was also of great resort as being the Head Town of the Barony of Denbigh conceiv'd to be one of the goodliest Territories in England having more Gentlemen holding of it than any other 2. Ruthin a very great Market-Town full of Inhabitants and well replenished with Buildings particularly famous not long since for a stately Castle Built by Roger Grey in the Reign of King Edward the First Flintshire IN Latin Flintum is bounded on the North with an Arm of the Irish Sea on the East with Cheshire and on the other parts with Denbighshire The Air is healthful and temperate without any Foggy Clouds and Fenny Vapours the Soil bringeth forth plenty of Coâ—â— and Pasture The Principal Town is St. Asaph a very ancient City but at present it is neither remarkable for its Buildings nor the Church for its Beauty 't is honoured with a Bishop's See it took its name from Asaph a very devout pious Man and was Founded in the Year of our Redemption 560 by Kentigern Bishop of Glascow who fled hither out of Scotland Yorkshire Brigantes IN Latin Eboracum on the North side it hath the Bishoprick of Durham which the River Tees with a continued course separateth from it on the East it is bounded by the German Ocean on the South it is enclos'd first with Cheshire and Darbyshire afterwards with Nottinghamshire and then with Lincolnshire on the West it hath Lancashire and Westmorland the whole Shire is divided into Three parts which are
Castle of the Kings which in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth was repaired out of the Ruins of a Roman Fort 't is adorn'd with a fair Church and a beautiful Market-place 6. Carlisle a City commodiously and pleasantly seated 't is guarded on the North with the Channel of Eden on the East with Deterill on the West with Caud besides these natural Fences 't is Fortified with strong Walls of Stone with a Castle and Cittadel in fashion it lieth out somewhat long running out from West to East on the West side standeth the Castle repair'd by King Richard the Third in the midst of the City standeth the Cathedral Church the upper-part of which being the newer is very artificially and curiously wrought but the nether part is much more ancient That this City flourished in the times of the Romans divers tokens of Antiquity now and then digged up there and the famous mention of it in those days do sufficiently prove The Picts Wall THrough the higher part of Cumberland shooteth that famous Wall which was the limit of the Roman Province for when the Romans had enlarg'd their Empire even so far beyond their Wishes that the unwieldiness thereof began to be of its self fearfully suspected the Emperors thought it the safest way to limit the same with certain bounds In this Islaâ—d therefore the Romans when they perceived that the further parts of Brittain lying Northward were Cold of a rough and barren Soil and Inhabited by the Caledonians Britons and barbarous Nations in subduing which they were sure to take much pains and reap very small Profit built at several times divers Fences as well to bound as to defend the Province the first Wall or Fence is thought to have been raised by Julius Agricola it being made of Turfs between Edenborough and Dunbritton Frith the second Fence was by the River Tine where a Stone Wall Fight Foot broad and Twelve Foot high was Built being an Hundred Miles long reaching from the German Sea to the Irish Ocean It was begun by the command of Adrian the Emperor and was finished by Severus who hereupon was stiled Britannicus Some report that this Wall was only of Turfs and that the Stone Wall was erected afterwards by the Romans when they left Brittain Lollius Urbicus Lieutenant of Brittain under the Emperor Antoninus Pius enlarged the bounds again as far as to the first Frontier Fence that was raised by Agricola The first that was ever blamed for neglecting these limits was Constantine the Great for he it was that was the first and principal cause that the state of the Empire ran to ruin however this admirable work could not divert the tempestuous storms of Foregin Enemies for when the Romans retired out of Brittain the Picts and Scots aâ—â—â—ulting the Wall broke down the Fences with their Engines and over-ran Brittain being then disarm'd and shaken with Civil Broils and most miserably afflicted with extream Famine Northumberland Ottadini IN Latin Northumbria it lieth enclosed in fashion of a Triangle but not with equal sides the South side is shut in with Darwent running into Tine and with the River Tine its self where it confineth on the Bishoprick of Durham the German Sea beateth on the East side on the West it hath Cumberland on the North it fronteth Scotland with the River Tweed which was the ancient limit of both Kingdoms The Air must needs be subtle and piercing these Northern parts being very much exposed to extremity of Weather The Soil is neither rich nor fruitful it having neither fertility of ground for Corn or Cattel the most part of it being rough and in every place hard to be Manured The Principal Towns are these 1. Newcastle the Principal Town in all these parts ennobled by a notable Haven which the River Tine makes it being of that depth that it beareth very Tall Ships and so defendeth them that they can neither be easily toss'd with Tempestâ— nor driven upon the Shelves and Rocks 't is situate on the rising of an 〈◊〉 very uneven on the North bank of the River which hath a fair Bridge over it on the left hand standeth the Castle and on the right the Market-place and the better part of the Town it was Built by Robert the Son of William the Conqueror and named by him Newcastle the Buildings are beautiful it is adorn'd with Five Churches the Inhabitants are extream Wealthy partly by intercourse of Traffick with the Germans and partly by carrying out Seacoals both into Foreign Countries and also into other parts of England it was Fortified with very strong 〈◊〉 having Eight Gates in the Reign of King Edward the First Before the Conquest it was called Monkchester it having been in possession of the Monks and Chester being added which signifying a Bulwark or place of defence Shews that in ancient time it had been a place of Fortification It was taken by the Scots An. 1642. who enter'd England in an Hostile manner under pretence of delivering a Petition to King Charles the First 2. Tinmouth a very ancient and strong Castle on the East and Northside 't is impossible to be enter'd by reason of a mighty high Rock hanging over the Sea and in other places such is the heighth of it that it needs but small defence 3. Morpeth a famous little Town situate on the North bank of the River Wentsbeck on the South bank standeth the Church and the Castle by it all beset with Trees this Town An. Dom. 1215. was set on Fire by its own Inhabitants out of spite and malice to King John Near this place was Born John Duns called Scotus because he was descended of Scottish Blood who being brought up in Merton College in Oxford became wonderfully Learned in Logick and in the intricate Divinity of those times yet as one still doubtful and unresolv'd he overcast the truth of Religion with mists of obscurity and with so profound and admirable Subtilty he wrote many Books in a dark and rude Stile that he deserved the title of the Subtle Doctor and after his own Name he erected a new Sect of Scolists but he Died pitifully for being taken with an Apoplexy and over-hastily Buried for Dead whilst upon the return of Life Nature was about to discuss the violence of the Disease he endeavouring in vain by a lamentable noise to call for help after he had a long time knock'd his Head against the Gravestone he dash'd out his own Brains and at last yielded up his vital Breath 4. Barwick the utmost Town in England and the strongest Hold in all Brittain 't is situated between two most mighty Kingdoms as Pliny has reported of Palmyra in Syria it was the first thing always that both Nations took care of whenever they were at discord it having had different fortunes being one time under the power of the Scots and another time of the English Our Kings have oftentimes Fortified and Fenc'd it with new Works but especially Queen Elizabeth who enclos'd