in the time of the Romans The Records of this County speake but of one Monasterie founded in it which was built by Thomas the sonne of Gospatrick neere to the Riuer Loder where is a Spring that diuers times a day both ebbes and flowes And there are also a row of stones set equidistant reaching a mile in fashion of Piramides wherof some of them are nine and some thirteene or fourteene foot high which are supposed to be the memorable monument of some notable act performed in that place In the Riuer Can neere Kendale are two such violent Water-falls where in the descent it makes such a noise that the Inhabitants adioyning can thereby fore-iudge of the weather for if that which is North from them sound cleare and loud they expect faire weather but if that on the South doe so they then looke for and finde the contrary The Aire is cold and sharpe but very healthfullâ— and the Soile also but barren and vnfruitfull Their chiefest commodities consist vpon Cloathing WESTMOR LAND Lancashire THis in the Saxon language was called Loncasderscyre which we call Lancâ—shirâ— and The County Palatine of Lancaster It is bounded on the East with Darby-shire on the West with the Irish Seas Cheshire confines it on the South and Westmorland Camberland and Yorke-shire border on the North. The full length of it is from Hallwood South to Brathey North 57 miles and the widenesse betweene Denton East and Formby neere Altmouth West 31 miles making the measure of the whole compasse to containe about 170 miles The diuision is into six Hundreds containing besides many Chapels of ease 36 Parishes so large and populous as the like are not in any other part of the Land In this County are interspersed 33 Riuers where ouer a man may passe by 24 Bridges and one Chase and 30 Parkes And for concourse of people for trade and traffique in this Shire are seated fifteene faire Market Townes whereof that of greatest account is the Shire-Towne Lancaster which is most pleasantly situate on the South side of the Riuer Lâ—n and is adorned with a faire Church a strong Castle and a stately Bridge Ciuilly and orderly doth a Maior yeerely chosen out of twelue of his Brethren with the assistance of two Bailâ—ffes 24 Burgesses two Chamberlaines and a Recorder gouerne this Towne where the Eleuation of the Pole is 54. 18. and the Longitude 21. 36. The ancient Inhabitants of this County were also the Brigantes of whom I haue spoken in other former Shires and whom the Emperour Claudius subiugated to the Romans But afterwards was this County made part of Northumberlands Kingdome till the Danes and after them the Normans conquered it In this Shire Manchester is notable for the Church Colledge and Market-place And Riblechester sometimes the seat of the Romans for that it was once held to be the richest Towne in all Christendome Here also neere Furnesse Fills is Wynander-mere being very deepe and ten miles in length accounted for the greatest standing water in all this Land and yet is all paued with stone in the bottome This County is also famous for the foure Henries viz. the Fourth Fifth Sixth and Seuenth which descending from Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster were all afterwards renowmed Kings of England Diuers Castles and foure Religious Houses are now suppressed that sometimes adorned this County The Aire is here healthfull though cold and searching And the Soile though not so fertile as in other places yet produceth large Cattell good Corne with Grasse Ilax Cole and almost all other necessary commodities LANCASHIRE Ches-shire THis Shire which we call the County Palatine of Chester was by the Saxons both called and written Cestenscire and is diuided from Darby Stafford-shires on the East by the Riuers of Goit Dane and Mercey and on the West by Dee from Denbygh On the Northside lies Lancashire and the South is confined with Flint and Shrop-shire It containeth in length from East to West 47. miles and at the broadest betweene North and South 26. which causeth the measure of the whole circumference to contain about 142. miles This County is diuided into 7. HuÌ„dreds which containe in them besides 38. Chapels of ease 86. Parish Churches It hath also in it one Citie one Bishopricke and is watered with 9. Riuers ouer which men doe passe by 19. Bridges Two Forests and 18. Parkes are also in this Shire And for traffique and commerce amongst the Inhabitants there are dispersed in conuenient places 15. Market Townes the chiefe whereof is the faire and famous Citie of Chester of which the whole Countie carries the name and was sometimes the strong Fort of Ostorius who was Claudius the Emperours Lieu-tenant It is pleasantly situate on the North side of the Riuer Dee ouer which a faire and strong stone Bridge built on 8. arches and beautified two faire gates at each end giue passage to the Towne which is incircled with a high and strong wall containing besides seuen Towers and three Posternes foure faire Gates at the foure Cardinall points of the Compasse On the North side of this Citie Earle Leofrick built the Minster which by Hugh the first Normaine Earle of Chester was afterward both repaired and fairely beautified And in it as we haue it by tradition Henry the fourth Emperour of Almane after he had there a long â—ime led a Hermits life was interred and on the South side stands the Castle incompassed with a circular wall This Citie was first ruined by the Northumberland King Egfrid who there slew 1200. Monkes and afterwards by the Danes but by Edelsteda was both reedified and beautified In this Citie King Edgar was towed from Saint Iohns to his Palace by eight other Kings who did him homage and himselfe as Supreme steered the Helme And Henry the seuenth made it a Countie of it selfe which is now gouerned by an annually elected Maior two Sheriffes foure and twenty Aldermen and a Recorder It hath had in it diuers Religious houses which time hath now transformed to ruines The Pole is there eleuated 53. 15. of Latitude and the Longitude 21. 27. This Shire hath beene fortified with eight other Castles and as many famous Religious Houses which were suppressed by King Henry the eight The Aire in this Countie is both pleasant and healthfull the Soile fat rich and fruitfull bringing abundance both of profit and pleasure to the Inhabitants And for Commodities it yeelds plentifull store of Corne Cattell Fowle Fish Salt Mines Metalls White-meats and most of all other necessary and vsefull commodities CHESSHIRE Shropshire THis Shire by the old Saxons was written and termed Sciripscyre which at this day we call Shropshire It is bordered vpon on the East with Stafford-shire on the West with Denbigh and Montgomery Radnor Hereford and Worcester-shires doe bound vpon the South and the County Palatine of Chester on the North. From Wooferton South to Ouer neere Trent on the North which is the full length it containes 34 miles and at
The abridgment of Camden's BritanÌ„ia With The Maps of the seuerall Shires of England and Wales EUCLIDE PTOLEMIE Printed by Iohn Bill Printer to the Kings most excellent Maiestie 1626. TO HIS MOST SACRED MAJESTIE SIR THe Diuine Power that inspired the breath of life into man infused the life of Authoritie into the King This inspiration maketh man the image of God that other maketh the King in particular the Lieutenant of God And therefore humane right no sooner stileth one with the name of a King but diuine Heraldrie graceth him with the title of a mortall God thereby intimating that it is his chiefest glory within the sphaere of his Royaltie to imitate the singular gouernment of that power whose Substitute he is and with whose name he is honoured Now the vnparalleled excellencie of diuine gouernment ouer the world is grounded vpon that distinct knowledge which the Creator hath of the nature condition and vse of all creatures subiect to his gouernment And surely the readiest way for an earthly Potentate to make his gouernment exactly analogicall to that Jdea will be by getting an accurate knowledge of the nature and qualitie of the Land and People ouer which God hath made him his Lieutenant generall But the Metropolis and the Royall Throne require such frequencie of the Soueraignes presence that such knowledge cannot be gotten by his owne obseruations Our Maps therefore especially being ioyned with discreet obseruations as they are delightfull unto all are especially vsefull vnto the King for by this meanes though residing in his Princely Seat he may as the eye from the head contemplate with much delight and profit the remotest Territories of his Kingdomes And because affaires of a higher nature take vp the principal of his time longer Descriptions are not for the purpose the more compendious so as accurate are most sutable to the calling of a King Vpon these grounds most dread Soueraigne am I bold humbly to present these small Chorographicall Descriptions vnto the greatnesse of your Maiestie Their compendiousnesse will free them from being thought troublesome or tedious to your Maiestie and their exactnesse I trust will gaine them acceptation Howsoeuer shadowes they are of your Royaltie and therefore they desire that they as doth that Body which they represent may safely repose themselues vnder the wings of your Soueraigntie To which he commends them and his loyall seruice who is Your Sacred Maiesties most humble and most faithfull deuoted Subiect and Seruant IOHN BIL To the Reader OF all morall knowledge the knowing of our selues of all Mathematicall the knowledge of our owne Countrey is the most vsefull and profitable Yet had most men rather spend themselues and their precious houres in the most difficult trifles in the world than once to enter into themselues And most Students in Geographie take more delight to contemplate the remotest and most barbarous Countries of the earth than lightly to examine the Descriptions of their owne So that as if like those Lamij in Plutarch they had eyes abroad and inclosed them in boxes in their owne homes they are accurate in the Descriptions of the smallest village in a forraine Kingdome when they scarce know how the Metropolis of their owâ—e Country is situated The excuses that are ordinary for this common neglect are either that accurate Descriptions are wanting or that they are so voluminous that they are preiudiciall both to time and purse But behold courteous Reader thou hast here exhibited vnto thee such exquisite compendious Surueyes of thine owne natiue Countrey as will at once take away these excuses and ease thee of this double grieuance The Country described both in regard of Commodities wherewith it is fraught and places of note wherewith it is graced is a perfect epitome of the World these Maps and Descriptions are a compleat epitome of it and therefore in a double regard worthy thy perusall And because no Maps can be rightly vnderstood without some insight in the generall termes or notions of Geographie I haue prefixed a compendious Delineation of the same If thou readest them and profitest by them I haue the principall of my desire If thou doest both with a candid approbation of the Labour I haue it with Interest A DELINEATION OF the vniuersall Notions of Geographie GEographie is a Science which teacheth the description distinction and dimension of the Earth and according to the common diuision is either generall or speciall or as some of our late Geographers haue more fitly diuided it it is either Sphaericall or Topographicall The Generall or Sphaericall part of this Science is that which setteth forth the naturall constitution of the Terrestriall Globe The Terrestriall Globe is a round body comprehended within the superficies of earth and water and situated in respect of the other Globes or Starres of the world according to Ptolemy and Tycho Brahe in the Center but according to Copernicus betweene the Orbes of MARS and VENVS The parts whereof it consisteth are either Reall Imaginarie Reall are such as agree to the Terrestriall Globe by nature Imaginarie are such as agree to it by vertue of our vnderstanding The Reall parts of the Inferiour Globe are Earth Water The Imaginarie parts are certaine lines which are not but for the better vnderstanding of this Science are supposed to be in the Earth These are either Straight Circular and of this kinde is only one viz. the Axell The Axell is a strait line passing thorow the middest or center of the Earth the extremest points whereof are termed Poles the North point is called the Articke Pole and the South the Antarticke The Circular Lines are diuided into the Greater Lesser The Greater Circles are such as diuide the Globe into two equall parts each whereof containeth in it 360 Degrees euery Degree being 60 miles so that the Earth by this computation is 21600 English miles about and almost 7000 miles thorow The Greater Circles are three in number Meridian Horizon Aequator And these are either Mutable viz. Immutable as the Aequator with the mutation of the place as Meridian Horizon The Meridian is a Circle drawne by the Poles of the world and the verticall point of the place Of these though the number set downe in the Artificiall Globe at the most be but 180 are there to be supposed in the Reall Globe as many as there are Zeniths or verticall points from East to West So places distant East and West haue diuers Meridians and in this respect it is called a Mutable Circle but places different directly North and South haue the same Among these one is of speciall note and use which Geographers commonly call the first and chiefe Meridian The first Meridian is that from which the longitude of places from West to East is reckoned This Meridian according to Ptolemie and the Ancients passeth thorow the Canary Ilands but according to our latter Artists vpon better reasons thorow the Azores The Horizon is a Circle comprehending al that space of
released Anno 1202 43 H. 3. Normandy was lost by King Iohn and the title thereto released Anno 1258 11 E. 1. Wales was subdued Anno 1283 19 E. 3. The order of the Garter deuised Anno 1344 14 E. 3. England first quartered the Armes of France Anno 1339 21 E. 3. Calice was wonne in Anno 1346 5 Mariae Calice was lost Anno 1557 5 H. 5. Normandy was wonne in Anno 1416 8 H. 5. King Henry the fifth was proclaimed heire Apparant and Regent of France in Anno 1419 10 H. 6. Henry the sixth was crowned King of France in the Citie of Paris Anno 1431 27 H. 6. France was lost in Anno 1449 28 H. 6. Normandy was lost in Anno 1449 31 H. 6. Acuitaine c. were lost in Anno 1453 4 R. 2. Wat Tylors Rebellion Anno 1380 29 H. 6. Iack Cades Rebellion Anno 1450 4 H. 8. Nauarre surprised by the Spaniards Anno 1512 At the time of the first dissoluing of Religious Houses in ENGLAND there were ARchbishopricks and Bishopricks 21 Deanries 11 Archdeaconries 60 Dignities and Prebends in Cathedrall Churches 364 Benefices 8803 Religious Houses 65 Hospitalls 110 Colledges 96 Chauntries and free Chappell 's 2374 Their Rates were per annum 320180 In the Prouince of Canterbury  Dioceses Parish-Churches Churches appropriated In the Diocese Of Canterbury 257 140 Of London 623 189 Of Winchester 362 131 Of Couentrey and Lichfield 557 250 Of Salisburie 248 109 Of Baâ—h and Wellâ— 388 160 Of Lincolne 1255 577 Of Peterborough 293 91 Of Exeter 604 239 Of Glocester 267 125 Of Hereford 313 166 Of Norwich 1121 385 Of Elie 141 75 Of Rochester 98 36 Of Chichester 250 112 Of Oxford 195 88 Of Worcester 241 76 Of Eristol 236 64 Of S. Dauids 308 120 Of Bangor 107 36 Of Llandeffe 177 98 Of S. Asaph 121 19 Peculiar in the Prouince of Canterbury 57 14 The summe of the Prouince of Canterbury 8219 3303 In the Prouince of Yorke In the Diocese Of Yorke 581 336 Of Durham 135 87 Of Chester 256 101 Of Carlisle 93 18 The summe of the Prouince of Yorke 1065 592 The totall summe in both Prouinces 9284 3845 Shires in ENGLAND COrnwall Deuonshire Dorcetshire Somersetshire Wiltshire Hampshire Barkshire Surrey Sussex Kent Middlesex Essex Hartfordshire Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire Glocestershire Worcestershire Warwickshire Northamptonshire Bedfordshire Huntingtonshire Cambridgeshire Suffolke Northfolke Lincolneshire Rutlandshire Leicestershire Staffordshire Darbishire Nottinghamshire Yorkeshire Durham Bishoprick Northumberland Cumberland Westmerland Lancaster Cheshire Shropshire Herefordshire Shires in Wales RAdnorshire Brecknocksh Monmouthsh Glamorganshire Carmardenshire Pembrookeshire Cardiganshire Montgomerishire Merionethshire Carnaruanshire Anglesey Denbighshire Flintshire THE MAPS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SEVERALL SHIRES OF ENGLAND AND WALES Deuon-shire DEuon-shire which the Cornish-Britaines named Deuinan and the Welsh-Britaines Duffneint signifying low Valleys abbutteth on the West vpon Cornwall being diuided from it by the Riuer Tamar On the South and North sides it is walled with the Sea and on the East with Sommerset-shire The Dimension being from Canshere North to Salcombe South 55. Miles and from Thornecombe East to Hartland-point West 54. Miles the compasse being about 200. Miles It is diuided into 33. Hundreds wherein are contained 394. Parish Churches and it is interspersed with 29. Riuers being fitted with 166. Bridges It hath the foundations of 9. notable Religious Houses and Monasteries which now remaine but ruines It is well traded with 37. Market Townes for commerce the principall whereof is the famous Citie of Exeter which is seated vpon the Riuer Ex and thereof hath the name but by Ptolomy it was called Isea and by the Welsh Pencaer It is very pleasant situated on the rising of a Hill adorned with stately buildings and is plentifully furnished with all kinde of prouision as well for pleasure as necessary vse It was compassed about by King Athalstane with a circular wall except on the side towards the Riuer Ex where it is built in a strait line and is beautified with faire Battlements diuers Towers and 6. Gates for passage On the East side of this Citie stands the Castle which in former times was the resident seat of the West-Saxon Kings In it also are many faire Churches but the chiefe is Saint Peters the Cathedrall which was made a Bishops Sea by Edward the Confessor It is gouerned by a Maior 24. Brethren and a Recorder hauing Latitude 50. 45. degrees and Longitude degrees 20. 39. This Shire hath many hills and dales hauing store of woods And though the soile be somewhat fruitfull of it selfe yet it is very much amended by the industry of the Inhabitants with the sand that they feâ—ch from the Sea side The Aire is sharp and healthfull the commodities are generally Wooll Cloth Kearsies Lead Corne and Cattell with abundance of Fish and Fowle This Countrey hath many fitter Hauens for intercourse of ships than Cornwall whereof Totnes Plimouth and Dartmouth are accounted the most famous In Exmore in this Shire are sandy stones set in diuers formes some circular and some triangle wise which are said to be the ancient memorable markes of Victories obtained there by the Romans Saxons and Danes And at a place called Hubstow not farre from the mouth of Tawe in the yeare of Christ 879. was the Dane Hubba who in many places persecuted the English encountred slaine and buried DEVON SHIRE Dorset-shire DOrset-shirs the Inhabitants wherof by Ptolomy were called Durotriges by the Britâ—ines Dur-Gwgr and by the English Saxons Dor-Seddar It hath Sommerset and Wilt-shires on the North Deuâ—n-shire and another part of Sommerset-shire on the West Hamp-shire on the East and the Brittish Seas on the South It is extended in length 44. Miles in bredth 24. and makes his circumference about 150. Miles It is shared into fiue diuisions viz Sherborne Bridport Shastâ—r Dorchâ—â—tâ—r and Blanford and these are subdiuided into 34. Hundreds which containe in them 248. Parish Churches It is interlaced with the currents of many cleare and fresh-water Springs hauing 4. Riuers and 24. Bridges in former times hath beene guarded with 8. strong Castles which time hath now almost quite deuoured It hath entercourse and trastique with 8. Market Townes the principall whereof is Dorchester which in the Itinerarium of Antoninus was called Durnouaria signifying the Ferry it is seated on the South side of the Riuer Frome and Fosse-way the Romane Cawsy In times past this Towne was walled and much greater than it is but by the Danes who quite rased downe the walles it was brought low and of a lesse quantitie It is now gouerned by two Bayliffes one Alderman and a Recorder The height of the Pole being there 50. 38. degrees for Latitude and the Longitude 21. 51. degrees Not farre from this Towne on the South side is a small plot of ground raised some 30. paces higher than the rest of the Plaine and compassed about with 5. Trenches containing 10. Acres in quantitie and is called by the Country people The Maydâ—
Castle hauing entrance into it but only at the East West sides it is now tilled and beareth Corne but it is thought in times past to haue beene some fort of defence for the Roman Garisons The soile of this Country is very fruitfull producing many necessary commodities the Aire very wholsome and the situation most pâ—easâ—â—t both for Champion and Woods hauing in it 2. Forrests 12. Parks and one Chase The chiefe commoditie being here Wood Wooll and Corne. This Shire hath also beene beautified with many faire Monasterieâ— and Religious Houses which are now transformed to heaps of Ruines like that old decayed Castle of Badburg which was inuironed with a triple Trench and had beene sometime the seat of the West-Saxon Kings DORSET SHIRE Sommerset-shire SOmmerset-shire is so called of an ancient Towne named Sommerton which in former ages was the chiefest and most famous in all the County It is bounded with Deuon and Dorset-shires on the South the Seuerne Sea on the North Wilt-shire and Glocester-shire on the East and North-east and Deuon-shire on the West The length of it from Brackley East to Oure West being 55. Miles and bredth from Chard South to Porshut-point North about 40. Miles the whole circuit containing much vpon 204. Miles It is diuided into 42. Hundreds wherein are 305. Parish Churches It is furnished with commodious Hauens and Ports hauing 9. Riuers and 45. Bridges It is strengthened with 4. Castles and hath beene fairely adorned with many Religious Houses whereof the Abbey of Glastenburg was of greatest note both for quantitie and quality the antiquitie whereof was deduced from Ioseph of Arimathea whole body as the report goes was there interred So likewise was Witham Nunnery erected by King Henry the 3. and Hinton which were afterwards the first and second Houses of Carthusian Monkes that euer were in England but now with diuers other like they lie pressed with their owne ruines This County is traffiqued with 24. Market Townes and 3. famous Cities namely Bristow Bath and Wells the first whereof though vnequall in bignesse to some others in England yet for beautie and pleasant situation will hardly yeeld vnto any The next is Bath so called from the Hot-Bathes and medicinable springs which to the exceeding comfort and wonderfull cures of infinite diseased persons of all sorts by Gods prouidence doe there continually boyle and bubble vp The third is Wells which as some hold hath the name from certaine Wells which there spring up insomuch as in former times that Sea hath beene called Fontanensis Ecclesia It is gouerned by a Maior 7. Magistrates 16. Burgesses and a Recorder The Latitude being there 51. 12. degrees and the Longitude 21. 36. degrees This County as it is most delightfull in Summer the Aire being mild temperate and pleasant yet is it as myry moist and wet in Winter insomuch as it is then exceeding troublesome for Trauellers But the soile is most fruitfull and fertile yeelding in abundance most of our necessary commodities yet chiefly doth it excell for the goodnesse of Corne and fatnesse of Cattell wherein it exceedeth the most of our other Prouinces Neither is it without rich Mines of Lead which haue beene and are very gainfull to the County and at Saint Vincents Rocke are gotten great store of Diamonds which for beautie and luster doe parallel the best but are defectiue in the hardnesse In this Shire haue beene fought many bloudy battells as that neere Pen when King Canutus was pursued by Edmond named Ironside and that which was performed by Ealstaw Bishop of Sherborne vpon the Danes neare to Bridge-water with diuers others SOMERSET SHIRE Wilt-shire WIltshire which the old English-Saxons called Wilsetta hath Barkeshire on the East Glocester and Somersetshires on the West Glocestershire alone on the North and Dorset and Hampshire on the South The length from Burgate South to Ingl sham North being about 40. miles and the bredth from the Shire-stones in the West to Buttermer East which is the broadest part of the Shire spreadeth 29. miles making the compasse of the whole Shire much vpon 140. miles This County is diuided into 29. Hundreds wherein are 304. Parish Churches and it is well watered and irriguated with 5. Riuers ouer which is conuenient passage by 31. Bridges It hath beene fortified also with 8. Castles of strength viz. Malmesbury Castlecombe Lacocke The Deuises Lurgishall Warder-Castle Salisbury and Marlingsborough It is traffiqued for commerce with 21. Market Townes the chiefe whereof is the Citie of Salisburie which in time past was placed some what higher than it is now but was changed to a farre fitter place where it is plentifully accommodated with pleasant Riuerets of fresh running water passing thorow many of the streets It is adorned with many beautifull buildings hauing a most sumptuous Cathedrall Church wherein are as many doores as there are moneths as many windowes as there are dayes as many marble pillaâ—s as there be houres in the yeare This Church was begun by Richard Poore a Bishop being 40. yeares before it was finished And as my selfe haue read in an ancient Record yet remaining in the Treasurie there amongst all the workmen that were at the building thereof he that had the greatest wages had but three halfe pence a day and found himselfe This Citie is placed for Latitude 51. 5. and for Longitude 22. 35. Not farre from this but somewhat higher stands old Salisburie which was anciently the seat of the Romans but now is transformed to ruines This County is decked with many faire edifices and in times past hath had the foundations of many Monasteries and Religious Houses whereof that at Malmesburie was of great note for William the Monke of Malmesburie who with great industrie recorded the historie of this our Land and another at Ambresburie where Queene Eleanor wife to King Henry the Third spent her widowhood as a Nunne besides diuers others which would be here too tedious to recite This Shire is both pleasant and fertile being situate in a temperate clime and most wholesome The North part commonly called North-Wiltshire is both hillie and wooddie which besides many other delectable Riuerets is watered with the famous Riuer Isis But the South being not so hillie thorow which passe the Riuers Wâ—ly Adder and Alton is inriched most plentifully with grasse and corne And the middle part situate betweene them both very leuell and euen called Salisbury Plaines whereon doe graze an infinite number of sleecie sheepe At a little village in this County called Calne Ann. Dom. 977. was assembled a Synod about the mariages of the Clergie where by the sudden breaking of the floore of the roome wherein they were very many both of the Nobles Prelates and Commons were slaine and sore hurt but Dunstan the President was only vntouched WILT SHIRE Hamp-shire THis Shire by the Saxons was called Handerchyr hauing his North side butting vpon Barkshire his East vpon Survey Sussex with the Brittish Seas bounding his South side and
Dorset and Wilt shires with the I le of Wight opposing his West The length of this County from Bascomb South to Blaâ—kwater North containeth 54. Miles the bredth from Petersfield East to Tedworth West about 29. or 30. Miles making about 155. the whole circumference It is diuided into 37. Hundreds wherein are contained 253. parish Churches It is watered with 4. Riuers ouer which for passage are 31. Bridges and it is commodiously furnished with faire Hauens for ships as at Southampton Portsmouth Tichfield and Hamble c. It is fortified with diuers strong Castles as at Southampton Calshot Hurst Saint Andrewes Porchester Worth and the South Castle with diuers other places of strength which are situate on the Sea coast for defence of the County Besides at Winchester Malwood and Odiam which are seated within Land Marker Townes for commerce are in this Shire 18. wherof the Citie of Winchester is the chiefe which by the Britans was called Caer Gwent by the Romans Venta Belgarum and the Saxons Windanearder it was built by Rudbudibras before our Sauiours natiuitie 900. yeares and after it had beene twice consumed by fire in the time of the Saxons was reedified the walls raised and made the chiefe seat of the West-Saxon Kings and the Metropolitane Sea of their Bishops wherein were crowned Egbert and Elfred and Henry 3. was borne In the time of King Edward 3. this Citie was made the staple for Cloth and Wooll and in the Cathedrall Church of this Citie haue diuers English Kings beene interred The situation of this City is in a bottome vnder hills very pleasant and fruitfull hauing the Castle on the one side and the Riuer on the other the walls which ingirt it containing neare two English Miles hauing 6. Gates for entrance and 7. Churches within it besides the Cathedrall but heretofore it hath beene adorned with many others which now remaine nothing but Ruines The graduation of this Citie for Latitude is 51. 5. and for Longitude 23. 10. The next to this in this Shire is the Towne of Southampton from which the whole Shire hath the name it is both beautifull and rich walled with a strong stone wall wherein are 7. gates and 29. Towers and two faire Hauens for ships 5. Churches and an Hospitall and on the West side of this Towne standeth a fairâ— strong double walled Castle vpon the Top of a very faire high hill making a most delightfull prospect both by Sea and Land The aire in this Shire is very temperate though sometimes somewhat foggy which proceeds from the Seas adioyning to it and the Riuers passing thorow it which notwithstanding doe store the Countrey with plentie of fish And for the soile it is both rich and pleasant producing plenty of Corne Cattell Woods and Pasture bountifully storing the Inhabitants with Woolls Cloths Iron and almost all kinde of profitable commodities both by Sea and Land HANT SHIRE Barke-shire THe English Saxons called this Shire Berrocscyre which on the North is diuided from Buckingham and Oxford-shires by the Riuer of Thames on the South it butteth on Hamp-shire the East is bounded with Surrey and the West with Wilt-shire and Glocester-shire The length from Inglesham West to old Windsor in the East being about 40. Miles and the bredth from Inkpen South to Wightham North 24. Miles maketh the compasse much vpon 120. Miles This County is parted in 20. Hundreds which containe in them 140. Parish Churches It is interlaced with 3. Riuers which for conuenient passage haue 7. Bridges 13. Market Townes are also dispersed in it for the commoditie commerce of the Inhabitants whereof Reading is the chiefe where the Danes An. 866. setled and fortified themselues But it was built by King Henry 1. who adorned it both with a faire Monasterie and strong Castle which the first Henry raised and the 2. Henry razed and turned to Ruines The Latitude here is 51. 31. degrees and Longitude 23. 34 In this Shire is seated that famous and stately Castle of Windsor which sometimes did belong to the Abbot of Westm till William the Conquerour by composition obtained it and made it his Regall Palace In it was borne King Edward 3 who afterwards held there as his prisoners Iohn King of France and Dauid King of Scots In this Castle is also celebrated the famous and memorable institution of that most honourable order of the Garter and in the Chappell thereof lie interred the bodies of K. Henry 6. Edward 4. and Henry 8. Wallingford Watham in the East and Sinodum in the North in this Shire were all places of residence for the Romans as appeareth by their moneys which very often are found in those places And Mr Stow writeth that at Finchamsted in the yeare of grace 1100. did a wonderfull spring boyle vp for the space of 15. dayes sending forth streames of bloud This County is adorned with many faire and stately buildings 6. faire Castles 3. of his Maiesties houses and in times past had diuers Religious houses and Monasteries at Aâ—â—â—gton Reading Bysham Bromhall Hernly Hamme and Wallingford The aire is pleasant temperate and wholsome the soyle bringing plenty of Corne and pasturage yeelding an abundance of increase especially in the Vale of Whâ—â—ehorse But generally the whole County both for profit and pleasure producing Corne and Cattell with woods waters and very delightfull prospects is inferiour for the quantitie to no other Shire in England BARKE SHIRE Surrey SVrrey was called by the Saxons Suthrea and by Beda Suthri It is bounded on the North with the Counties of Buckingham and Middlesex and diuided from them by the River of Thames Sussex and Hampshire inclose it on the South Kent on the East and Hampshire and Barkshire on the West This Shire is as it were square in forme yet the length extending from Frensham to Redrith containeth 34. miles and the bredth from Aufold Southward to the Thames by Stanes Northward is 22. miles which makes the Shires circuit about 112. miles It is diuided into 13. Hundreds which containe in them 140. Parish Churches and 8. Market Townes for traffique and commerce In this County is no Citie nor great Towne and yet may it compare with any for faire buildings and stately houses whereof 5. are his Maiesties magnificent Palaces Ptolemy affirmeth that in this County an ancient people called the Regni had their residence and after that Ella with the South-Saxons made it their Kingdome At Lambeth which was founded by Archbishop Baldwin and is now a Palace for the Archbishops of Canterburie and famous for being the seat of the Metropolitans of England Canutus died who was the last King of the Danes And at Kingston in this County were crowned King Athelstan Edwin and Ethelred And at the ancient Towne of Guildford whose Pole for Latitude is eleuated 51. 15. and Longitude 24.59 was seated the royall Palace of the English-Saxon Kings This Shire hath beene adorned with the foundations of many faire and rich Religious Houses as at
Shene Chertsey Newarke Rigate Merton Wauerley and diuers others And also 8. strong Castles at Brenchingley Goseford Guilford Farnham Rigate Darking Starburg and Addington but of most of them is nought now to be seene but heaps of old ruines This County is seated in a very delectable pleasant and wholesome aire and though it be not large and altogether so commodious as others for profit yet is it pleasurable and healthie yeelding sufficient store of corne fruit and pasture SURREY Middlesex THis County was so called for being seated betweene the East and West Saxons and is bounded on the East by the Riuer Lea where it butteth vpon Essex and on the West by Colne is diuided from Buâ—kingham The Thames parts Surrey from it on the South and Hartford-shire incloseth it on the North. The length from Stratford in the East to Moâ—ehall in the West containes of our English Miles 19. and the bredth from Hampton Court South to South-Mines in the North about 16. measuring the whole circumference about 90. Miles It is distinguished into these 7. Hundreds viz. Edmonton Osulslon Finnesbury Gâ—re Isâ—eworth Spelthorne and Elthorne in all which are contained 73. Parish Churches besides those in London This County though smaller in quantitie than many other is the chiefest of all the Land both for beauty and ability wherein are 2. Cities and is watered with the most famous Riuer of Thames being plentifully stored with Ships of great burthen which continually send out and bring in all manner of wealthy commodities for the abundant enriching of all these his Maiesties Dominions which Riuer carries her course all along the South side of the farre renowned and euer famous Citie of London which for antiquity hath almost worne out her Records yet we reade she was first called Troy-Nouant from Bruâ—e and Ludstone from King Lud by the Britans Londaine by the Saxons London Cearder and now by vs London It is the rich Seat and Royall Chamber of the English Kings whereto from all parts of the world are brought all sorts of commodious Merchandize Shee was first compassed with walls by the first Christian Emperour Constantine the Great wherein besides other passages are now built 7. most Magnificent Gates for entrance and in it with the Suburbs are contained 121. Churches besides the Cathedrall of Saint Paul which as by tradition is receiued was first the Temple of Diana This Cities graduation is 51. 32½ of Latitude and in Longitude 24. 27. It is diuided into 26. wards which by a Lord Maior two Sherifes and 26. Aldermen is most religiously in all good order gouerned In the time of King Iohn was the stone Bridge built ouer the Thames which for strength length bredth and beauty exceeds all others in the world Close adioyning to this London is the Citie of Westminster famous as well for the seats of Iustice as for the rich and stately Sepulchers of many Kings Queenes and other the Nobilitie of England But if I should insist any longer in the particular descriptions of these Cities I should exceed my limits and therefore generally for the County thus It is adorned with very many rich and magnificent edifices whereof 5. are his Maiesties princely Palaces The forme of this Shire is square-like The Aire delightfull pleasant and healthfull and the Soile rich and fruitfull yeelding great plenty of full Corne of all kindes anâ— fat Pasture in abundance MIDDLESSEX Kent THis County of Kent which by Ptolemy and diuers other Writers was called Cantium is bounded on the East with the Germane Sea on the West with Sussex and Surrey on the North with the Riuer of Thames and on the South with the narrow Seas and Sussex It runneth in length from Langley West to Ramsgate East about 53. Miles from Rother South vnto the Northern Isle of Graine about 26. Miles whereby the whole circuit containeth much vpon 160. Miles It is diuided into 5. Lathes and they into 66. Hundreds wherein are counted 398. Parish Churches The Inland of it is watered with 11. faire Riuers ouer which is passage by 14. Bridges and diuers of them are nauigable whereof Medwey which diuideth the Shire in two parts is principall It is fortified with 27. Castles and hath in it 2. Cities 2. Bishops Seas and for commerce and traffique 24. Market Townes bâ—ing besides garnished and fairely adorned with diuers stately and sumptuous buildings whereof 8. of them are his Maiesties Houses The chiefest Citie is Canterbury which is the Metrapolitan and Archbishops Sea It was built 900. yeares before the birth of our Sauiour as we read in the ancient Brittish Histories but afterwaâ—d it became most famous by Austen the Monke his conuerting the Saxons to Christianity and for the Cathedrall Church wherein is the Tombe of Thomas of Becket which in the time of Idolatrie became infinitely rich by superstitious offerings In it was King Iohn with Queene Isabel his wife crowned King Henry the 3. maried and Henry the 4. buried Henry the 3. granted it afterwards priuiledges and Charters Richard the 2. fortified and entrenched it and Archbishop Sudbury walled it The graduation for Latitude being there 50. 18. and the Longitude 25. 41. This Shire is well stored with faire Hauens for ships some of them being strongly fortified as Winchelsey Rumney Sandwich and Douer which with the Castle there is accounted the Locke and Key of the Realme The Inhabitants of this County doe account themselues the freest of any other in England because they were neuer conquered but by Conquering Williâ—m were compounded withall The Christian faith was first planted in this County and as ancient Records doe testifie the fiâ—st Church dedicated to the seruice of Christ was founded in Douer Castle by Lucius the first Christian King of the Brittaines In this Shire haue beene seated 23. Religious Houses which now by time are conuerted to Ruines The Aire of this County is temperate and healthfull though sometimes mist-clouded with vapours from the Sea The East side of the Shire is Hilly but the West more plaine euen wooddy yeelding generally great store of all profitable commodities but is most remarkable for Broad cloths fruits and feedings for Cattell KENT Sussex THis Shire which of vs is called Sussex was written by the Saxons Suthrex sâ—gnifying as if it were their South Kingdome in the time of their Heptarchie It is confined on the North with Surrey and Kent on the West with Hampshire the Brittish Seas ingirting both the East and South It is formed long and narrow stretching in length from West-harting in the West to the Ditch that diuides it from Kent called Kent Ditch 64. Miles but where it is broadest it containes not aboue 20. making the compasse of it about 158. Miles This Shire diuideth it selfe into 6 Rapes viz. Chichester Arundell Bramber Lewes Peuenscy and Hastings and euery of these haue seuerall Hundreds an cunting in all to the number of 65. which containe in them 312. Parish Churches Industrious Mr. Speed also
furthest part South 39. miles and the bredth from Ashridge East to the Forest of Brenwood West 18. miles whereby the whole circuit is about 138 miles The bounds of this Shire are Northampton and Bedfordshires on the North part of Bedford and Hertford-shires on the East Barkeshire on the South and Oxfordshire on the West This Prouince is parted into 8 Hundreds which are furnished with 185 Parish-Churches It is watered with two Riuers which haue 14 Bridges for passage And for conuenient traffique of their commodities it is interspersed with 11 Market Townes whereof the chiefe is Buckingham the Shire-Towne which is situated vpon the Riuer Ouse which compasseth the Towne on all sides but the North. In times past it hath beene fortified by King Edward the elder with Sconces on both sides of the Riuer ouer which are built three faire stone Bridges and vpon a high hill in the middest of the Towne was sometime raised a strong Castle which is now vtterly rased to dustie ruines A Bailiffe with 12 Burgesses doe now very orderly gouerne this Towne where the eleuation of the Pole is 52. 2. and the Longitude 23. 30. At Stony Stretford an ancient Towne in this Shire standing vpon the Causey called Watling-street which passeth thorow England is a Crosse built by King Edward the first for a memoriall of Eleanor his Queene because there her dead corps rested as it was brought from Herdby in Lincolne-shire to be buried at Westminster and the like did he doe in euery place where it rested This Shire hath beene strengthned with 4 Castles viz. at Buckingham Newport Launden and Hampsleepe and was also beautified with many Religious Houses which time hath now ruined and conuerted to other vses The Aire in this County is temperate wholesome and pleasant and the Soile by reason of his fatnesse is both rich and fruitfull yeelding Corne Grasse and Marle in abundance The middle part of the Shire being high called the Chilterne Hills hath beene and still is well stored with woods and the Vallies lying plaine are very fruitfull for medowes tillage and pastures feeding infinite numbers of fleecie sheepe BVCKINGHAM SHIRE Oxford-shire THe Histories of our English-Saxons say that the Citie of Oxford deriueth the name from the Foord of Oxen from which Citie the whole County is called Oxfordshire which is enuironed on the North side with Warwicke and Northampton-shires on the East with Buckingham the West with Glocester and the South by Barkshire It containeth in length from Cleydon North-west to Cauersham South-east neere forty miles and in bredth from the aforesaid Cleydon North to Farringdon vpon the Riuer Isis in the South which is the broadest of the Shire almost 26. miles causing the circumference to come neere to 130 miles This County is diuided into 14 Hundreds and they haue 280 Parish Churches contained in them It is interlaced with 3. Riuers which are fitted with 26. Bridges Foure Forests and 9 Parks doe also beautifie this County and for commerce and traffique of commodities there are dispersed 10 Market Townes the chiefe whereof is the faire Citie and euer renowned Vniuersitie of Oxford which for the infinite numbers of most learned reuerend and famous Fathers Doctors Scholers it hath produced and enriched this Kingdome withal hath made it selfe not only glorious in this our Nation but purchased an euer-liuing fame and memorie thorow all the Kingdomes of Christendome This Citie hath beene walled and strongly fortified with a Castle which though time hath now vtterly ruined yet is it adorned with 17 most stately Colleges 8 Halls and many other most beautifull buildings The Pole is there eleuated 51. 47. and the Longitude 23. 15. About six miles from this Citie is seated Woodflocke where King Hen. 2. built a Labyrinth to keepe his faire Concubine Rosamond who was afterward poisoned by the Queene and buried in the Nunnery at Godstow neere thereto adioyning This County is adorned with many faire Mannors and beautifull buildings wherein as by their ruines doth appeare haue beene many stately and richly endowed Religious Houses as Oseney Godstow Tame Burchester Euisham Beuerne and diuers others The Aire in this County is both sweet pleasant and healthfull The Soile rich commodious and fruitfull yeelding to the Inhabitants great plenty of Wood Wooll Cattell Corne Pasture and in a word almost all vsefull commodities in abundance OXFORD SHIRE Glocester-shire GLocestershire in the Saxon tongue was called Gleaucesderschyre fetching the name from the chiefest Towne the Citie of Glocester It is ingirt with Worcester and Warwickeshires on the North Somersetshire on the South Oxford and Wiltshires on the East and Hâ—refordshire on the West The length of it reaching from Bristow vpon Auon South to Clifford vpon Auon North is much vpon 48 miles and the bredth extending from Lechlad East to Preston West 28. which causeth the whole compasse to containe about 138 miles The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Dobuni and in some part the Silures This Prouince is diuided into 30 Hundreds which containe in them 280 Parish-Churches It hath three faire Riuers ouer which a man may passe by 22 Bridges the chiefe whereof is Seuerne which for store of Fish bredth of Channell and swiftnesse of Streame excelleth any other in the Land It is conueniently sprinkled with 25 Market-Townes for trade and traffique whereof two are famous Cities whereof the first and most ancient is Glocester which about the middle of the Shire is situate vpon the Riuer Seuerne It was built by the Romans and was the Garrison Towne for their Colonia Gleuum It hath beene strongly walled on all parts but that towards the Riuer as may appeare by the ruines yet remaining in many places There was the stately Nunnerie built by Osrick King of Northumberland wherein three of the Mercian Queenes succeeded one another being Prioresses The Cathedrall Church first built by Edelsâ—ed King Edward the elders sister was ruinated by the Danes but afterwards reedified and dedicated to S. Peter where King Edward the second who was murdered at Barkley Castle lies intombed The Graduation of the Pole in this Citie is 51. 54. and Longitude 22. 17. The other Citie which standeth but part in this Shire and part in Somersetshire is Bristow seated vpon the two Riuers Froome and Auon and as is formerly said the quantitie excepted for qualitie is parallel to the chiefest in England In the Iland Alney neere Glâ—cester Edmund Iron-side combatted hand to hand with Canutus the Dane And at Barkley Castle King Edward the second had a red hot spit thrust thorow his fundament into his belly The foundations of many Religious Houses haue beene both raised vp and rased downe in this County where the Aire is very pleasant and delectable the Soile being so fruitfull by nature that the very Hedge-rowes of their owne accord bring plenty of excellent fruits and in times past hath yeelded abundance of most pleasant Vines but now it produceth store of Corne Fruits Fâ—ne Wools and Iron
with the German Seas on the South it is seuered from Suffolke with the Riuers of Waueney and the lesser Ouse and on the West it butts vpon Lincolne and Cambridge-shires It stretcheth in length from Yarmouth East to Wiâ—bitch West neere 50 miles and the bredth from Wells to Theâ—ford 30 making the circumference to containe much vpon 242 miles It is diuided into 32 Hundreds and these are subdiuided into 660 Parish-Churches Besides many good Harbours and diuers faire Riuers and Streames interlace this County which are passable by 15 Bridges And for traffique of merchandize and other commodities it is conueniently fitted with 30 Market Townes whereof the fairest is the famous Citie of Norwich which though like others it hath tasted varietie of fortunes yet is it now for beauty and abilitie counted the best next LONDON of any other City in England being delectably placed in a pleasant bottome vpon the Riuer Hierus and yet vpon the ascent of an hill which on the East side mounts so high as to ouerlooke the whole Citie In King Stephens time it was made a Corporation Edward the first fortified it with a wall except on that side next the Riuer and Henry the fourth made it a County and changed the gouernment from foure Bailiffes to a Maior and though many of the ancient Churches and Religious Houses lie now wasted in their owne ruines yet still doth it containe about 30 Parishes On the East side of this County is situate Yarmouth at the mouth of the Riuer Yere from whence it hath the name and by King Henry the Third was walled and made a Corporation It is strongly built and well fortified being the chiefe of the Cinque-ports where about September euery yeere is great fishing for Herrings as the like is not in any part of Europe whereby the Towne for the present and the whole Land with diuers other all the yeere after is both enriched and refreshed Another remarkable Towne in this Shire is Lyn which was made a Corporation by King Iohn who gaue them a Cup which still remaineth there as a memorable testimonie of his bounty but afterwards by King Henry the third was their Charter enlarged and their Bailiffe altered to a Maior by whom with Assistants of twelue Aldermen and a Recorder it is at this day gouerned About Thetford in this County by Hungar and Hubba the Danes was good King Edmund ouerthrowne who afterward was martyred at S. Edmunds Bury By reason of this Shires so neere neighbouring to the Seas the Aire is somewhat sharpe and piercing The Eleuation of the Polâ— being there 52. 46. 1 2. and the Longitude 25. 57. The Soile as in some places it is leane and barren so is it in other parts fat and fruitfull but in all places very commodious to the Inhabitants for Marsland is excellent good for Pasture and Flegg for Corne. The West part along the Coast is their Champion and yeeldeth great store of Sheepe Corne and Conies and that part more within Land being more wooddie is their Woodland which is so stored with grasse as it furnisheth the Country with plenty of Cattell and yet is not wanting for Corne or Sheepe And generally all over doth it abound both for Fish and Fowle with many other vsefull commodities NORFOLKE Lincolne-shire THis Shire was called by the Saxons Lincollscyre by the Normans Nicolshire and now vulgarly Lincolne-shire It is a very large County extending in length from Barton vpon Humber in the North to Stanford on the Riuer Nyne in the South 55 miles and in bredth from Newton in the West to Winthorpe in the East 35 miles the whole circuit being about 180 miles It is enuironed on the North with the Riuer Humber on the East with the German Sea on the South it butteth on the Counties of Northampton and Cambridge and on the West vpon Nottingham and Yorke-shires It is diuided into three principall parts Lindsey Kesteuen and Holland Lindsey containing 17 Hundreds Kesteuen 11 and Holland 3 in all 31 Hundreds wherein are 630 Parish-Churches This Shire hath also in it nine Riuers and fifteene Bridges and though on the East and South sides of it by reason of the Fenns the Aire is somewhat foggie yet is it temperate And it is eleuated to the height of 53 degrees This County is somewhat vnsafe for Trauellers for the Sands and Salt waters which in many places make incursions into the Land It is traded with 31 Market Townes whereof the Citie of Lincolne the denomination of the County is the chiefe The antiquitie of the Citie appeareth as well by the still remaining ruines as by the ancient Records In one whereof is read that this Citie had in it 1007 Mansions 900 Burgesses and 12 Lage-men In the Normans time it was the most populous of any City of England and in it did King Edward 3 ordaine his staple for the mart of Wools. Leather and Lead in whose raigne it was adorned with 50 Parish-Churches but now besides the Chathedrall it hath but 15. It is gouerned with a Maior 2 Sheriffes 12 Aldermen and a Recorder It is seated â—n a hill and hath for Longitude 23. 48. and for Latitude 53. 17. This County towards the North and West is very pleasant rich and fertile both for Arable Pasture and Medow and on the South and East it excells all other parts of this Realme for plentie of Fish and Fowle Learned M. Cambden reports that at Harlaxton in this Shire in the time of King Henry the Eighth was plowed vp a Brazen Vessell wherein was an Helmet of gold of a very ancient fashion beset with many pretious stones This Shire hath heretofore beene adorned with many Religious Houses which are now conuerted to ruines And the chiefe commodities of this County are Cattell Corne Fish Fowle Alablaster and Flax. THE COUNTIE OF LINCOLNE Rutland-shire THis Rutland-shire which as some hold beares the name from one Rut that rod about the whole Shire in one day but others affirme it was first so called by the old English Saxons for the re nesse of the earth seeing the word Ruâ— or Roet in their language is as much as 〈◊〉 in ours and for that the naturall soile is indeed so red that it often colours the wooll of the sheepe into a reddish die It iâ— the least of all the rest of the Shires in England which on the East and South by the Riuer Welâ—rd is diuided from Northampton-shire the West side being bordered vpon by L â—caster hâ—â—â— and the North by Lincolne-shire It containes in length from Caldecor South on the Riuer Eâ— to thâ— farthest part North at a little Towne called Thistleton not altogether a dozen miles and from Timwell in the East to Wissenden West which is the broadest part neere vnto nine miles so as the whole County is much about forty miles compasse It is diuided into 5 Hundreds viz. East Allstoe Oâ—â—ham Wâ—anged and Martinsley and these are subdiuided into but 48 Parishes There are foure
for traffique and commerce amongst the Inhabitants is traded with 45 Market Townes whereof the most famous is the ancient and renowmed Citie of Yorke which by Ptolemy was called Brigantium and by the Britaines Caer Effrock It is accounted the second Citie of England and for beautie of building and other ornaments it farre surpasseth all others in the County It is large faire rich and populous being made a Metropolitan Citie by Honorius where King Henry the Eiâ—hth established a Counsell consisting of a Lord President with diuers Counsellors at the Kings pleasure and a Secretary to heare and determine all causes in those Northerne parts In this Citie both liued and died the Emperour Seuerus whose ashes were afterwards carried to Rome and there shriued Here also we reade was sometime seated a Temple dedicated to the Goddesse Bellona And here died the Emperour Constantius surnamed Chlorus who in this citie kept his royall Court It was most famous also for a long time in the English Saxons time till the Danes suppressed and destroyed it yet afterwards it recouered it selfe and by the Citizens was strengthened with a Wall adorned and fortified with Towers and Bulwarkes and is now gouerned by a Lord Maior 12. Aldermen diuers Chamberlaines and a Recorder The latitude being here 54. 3. and the longitude 23. 48. Diuers other faire famous and remarkable Townes are seated in this Prouince as Richmond Hul Halifax and many others whereof I am abridged particularly to discourse by the straightnesse of my limits As also am I restrained from relating of many strange raâ—ities wherewith this County is plentifully stored as the dropping Well at Knausbrough the Giggleswicke springs Saint Wilfrids Needle Constantius his Lamp the Mountaine Coâ—les and Sea-fish stones as also those at Whitby which are formed like wreathed Serpents of all which I must referre you to our former and most famous Historiographers Mr. Camden Mr. Speed and others With very many Abbies Monasteries and Religious houses hath this Shire beene adorned which are now subuerted and vtterly decaied The Aire here though it be more sharp and frigid than in other parts of the land yet is it very healthfull and the Soile though in some places sterile and barren yet in others fat rich and fruitfull so as what is defectiue in one part is supplied by another the whole Continent feeling no want because it is generally sufficiently stored with Corne Cattell Fish Fowle and hath many mines of Copper Lead Cole Stone Allome Coperasse and other rich commodities YORKE SHIRE The Bishopricke of Durham THis Prouince which wee call The Bishopricke of Durham is confined on the East by the German Seas and on the West is parted from Cumberland Westmoreland and Stainesmore by the Riuer Tees Yorke-shire bounds it on the South and Northumberland on the North. It is shaped in the fashion of an Hoscedes Triangle hauing two sides containing much vpon thirty miles a peece and that by the Sea side but about 23 or 24 making the whole circumference to containe neere to 103 miles within which compasse are dispersed 118 Parish-Churches In this Shire are interfluent eleuen Riuers which are passable by twenty Bridges and because the quantitie of the County is but small there is in it but one Citie one Bishopricke and but six Market Townes whereof the chiefest is the ancient Citie of Durham which was called by the Saxons Dun-holm of the word Dun signifying an Hill and Holme an Iland for indeed it is almost circularly ingirt with the Riuer of Were It was at first erected as wee haue it by tradition by the Monkes of Lyndisferne who by Oracle were commanded to doe it And here did William the Conquerour vpon an high hill raise a strong and stately Castle and not only so but made it a County Palatine whereof the Bishops in times past haue had the Royalties of Princes And here was the Tombe of S. Cuthbert whereto King Egfrid Aelfrid Athelstane and others of our English Kings came in Pilgrimage and some of them bare-footed in humble deuotion and to giue great gifts and offerings to the Church in the West part whereof is still remaining the Marble monument of the Reuerend Beda that learned Monke of Wermouth And here is the Pole eleuated 54. 56. ½ and the Longitude 22. 54. The Inhabitants of this County in Ptolemies time were the Brigantes whom the Romans conquered and after that by the Saxons was this Shire made a part of the Kingdome of Northumberland which the Danes subdued and was lastly ouercome and possessed by the Normans About a mile from Darlington in this County haue I seene 3 round Ponds of water which the Countrey people call Hell-Kettles which are in forme circular the water alwayes temperately warme and as they say neuer seene to be frozen They likewise affirme them to be bottomelesse because by no meanes they could euer be sounded But of their strange beginning with other particulars of them as also of the salt stones in the Riuer Weere at Batterby considering the strictnesse of my bounds I must referre you to the learned Workes of our euer famous Antiquarie M. Camden With diuers rich Religious Houses hath this County beene beautified which are now defaced and subuerted and with seuen strong Castles was it fortified sed tempus edax rerum The Aire is here sharpe subtile and healthfull and Soile on the East side well stored with Pastures and Arable Grounds but moorish on the South and though other parts be more barren yet are they so well stored with Cole-pits that besides their owne abundant expence they vent so much to other parts as is a constant annuall and exceeding great benefit to the Inhabitants THE BISHOPRICK OF DVRHAM Northumberland THis County was called by the English Saxons North-Humberland and is bounded on the South with the Bishopricke of Dâ—rham on the North with Scotland on the West with part of Scotland and part of Câ—mberland and on the East with the German Sea It is fashioned in a triangular forme containing from the South-East to the South-west about 40 miles and from the South-west to the North point much vpon 60 miles from whence to Wâ—llinton by the Sea Coast 45 miles whereby the whole circumference amounts to the measure of 145 miles or thereabouts In which circuit are included but 46 Parish-Churches Many Riuers ouer which a man may passe by 16 Bridges It hath one Forest in it and eight Parkes And for trade and traffique amongst the Inhabitants there are dispersed in this County but fiue Market Townes whereof the principall is Nowcastle vpon Tine so called of a new Castle built there by Robert the sonne of William the Conquerour but before the Conquest it was called Monke-Chester as a strong defence for Monkes that it seemes were resident there It is now rich and famous and very populous by reason of the plentifull vent of Sea-Coles which from thence are vttered in fâ—rre more abundance thâ—n from any other part or place in
the broadest betweene Tong in the East and Oswestre West 25 making the whole circumference to containe about 134 miles The diuision of this County is shared into 15 Hundreds whose subdiuision into Parishes is 170. It is well watered with 18 Riuers which haue 13 large Bridges for passage And in this Shire are found 7 Forests and 27 Parks In 14 Market Townes haue the Inhabitants commerce and traffique wherof that of most note is the ancient Shire-Towne of Shrewsbury which is both large and wealthie containing many faire Streets adorned with beautifull buildings wherein are many rich and wealthie Inhabitants who honestly attaine thereto by their trading for the most part in Wools Cloth and Freese It is strongly walled hauing a Bulwarke descending from the Castle to the side of Seuerre on the North banke whereof is the Towne most pleasantly situate and for passage on the East and West sides are built two faire Bridges of stone and another entrance on the North ouer which stands the ruinous remainder of the old Castle The gouernment of this Towne is committed to two annually elected Bailiffes with 24 Burgesses and a Recorder The height of the Pole is here 52. 49. and the Longitude 21. 38. This County in times past hath beene much troubled with many grieuous broiles which caused the Inhabitants to fortifie themselues with diuers walled Townes and 32 strong Castles whereof now most of them are vtterly decayed but that at Ludlow was made by King Henry the Seuenth the Court of his eldest Palace for the Lord President who with diuers Counsellors a Secretary Atturney Sollicitor and foure Iustices of the Welch Counties he appointed in their Termes to plead heare and determine of causes Neere Clune Castle in this Shire is yet remaining the Fort of Caraâ—tacâ—â— a Prince of the Sâ—lures about the yeere of our Lord 53 which was won by P. Ostorius the Româ—n In which Towne of Clune amongst other memorable passages I saw a Pardon for one Iohn Clune Esquire seruant to King Henry the Eighth for reseruation of his name and bloud who accidentally slew one of the Burgesses thereof in the Church-yard which Pardon was granted and signed by Pope Iulian the second and was shewed to mee by mâ— good friend Master Edmund Clunâ— the sonne of Maurice Clunâ— of the same House and Familie â—â— eally descending The Aâ—re in this County is both healthfull and pleasant the Soâ—le rich and fertile yâ—â—lding Wheat Barly Pit-cole Iron and Woods in abundance SHROPSHIRE Hereford-shire THis County which wee call Hereford-shire was named by the Britaines Ereinuc It is bordered vpon on the North with Worcester and Shropshires on the South with Monmouth-shire on the East it is diuided from Glocester-shire by Maluerne Hills and the West is bounded by Brecknock and Radnor-shires The forme of it is circular containing in length from Maluerne Hills on the East to Michael Church West about 26 miles and in bredth from Lanruthell South to Ouer Sapie North 24 miles causing the whole circumference to amount to 102 miles or thereabouts It is diuided into 11 Hundreds and those are subdiuided into 176 Parishes It containes one Citie one Bishopricke thirteene Riuers passable by eleuen Bridges one Chase two Forests and eighteene Parks And for commerce and trade the Inhabitants haue eight Market Townes whereof the principall is the Citie of Hereford which worthy M. Camden is of opinion to haue sprung from the ruines of old Ariconium but is delectably seated amongst pleasant Medowes and plentifull Corne-fields and almost round about encircled with the Riuer of Wye and another on the North side whose name is not knowne It grew first famous for the supposed sanctitie of King Ethelbert who was there entombed after he had beene murthered by King Offaes wife when he came to wooe her daughter and in honour of him did Mildred a petty King of that County build the Cathedrall Church which afterward was consumed by fire but reedified by Bishop Reiuelin and the Towne inclosed in a wall with six Gates and fifteene Towers and is ciuilly gouerned by a Maior yeerely elected out of 13. Citizens and his Brethren whereof foure of the ancientest are Iustices of Peace and a Recorder The Latitude being there 52. 7. ½ and the Longitude 21. 50. In this Citie King Athelstane as Malmesbury reports caused the Lords of Wales to pay an annuall Tribute besides Hawkes and Hounds of twenty pounds of Gold and 300 pounds of Siluer by weight The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Silures a fierce hardy and valiant people as appeares by their nine yeeres opposition to the Romans And afterwards the Saxons made this County a part of their Mercian Kingdome and Sutton was their Royall Court kept of their great King Offa. Before the Conquest this County was accounted vvith those of Wales against England but when it was ioyned to the English with diuers Castles was it fortified against the Welch for wee reade that in times past it hath beene strengthned with 28 strong and faire Castles most of which are now low buried in the heapes of their owne ruines Of remarkable things in this Shire the Spring called Bone Well neere Richards Castle is famous for Fish-bones and no Fish which though it be cleerely cleansed thereof will shortly after be furnished afresh with the like But the great wonder was the admirable motion of Marcley Hill containing about 26 acres within our owne memorie Anno 1571 which with a great noise remoued it selfe from its owne place and went continually for three dayes together carrying with it sheepe in their coats hedge-rowes and trees and ouerthrowing Kinnaston Chapell and diuers trees turning two high waies neere 100 yards from their vsuall Road and bearing the earth before it the space of 400 yards With very many Religious Houses hath this Shire beene adorned but in the time of King Henry the Eighth were vtterly ruinated as many others in all other Counties The Aire is here pleasent healthfull and temperate and the Soile as fertile and fruitfull as any other in England yeelding Corne Cattell Wooll Wheat and almost all other necessary commodities for the vse of the Inhabitants HEREFORD SHIRE Radnor-shire RAdnor-shire in the British Sire Maiseueth being in forme threesquare is on the South side separated from Brecknok-shire by the Riuer Wy on the North it bordereth vpon Montgomery-shire on the South-east vpon Hereford-shire The East and South parts of this Shire be farre more fruitfull than the rest It hath in it two and fiftie Parishes and three Townes of note the principall whereof is Radnor in British Maiseueth which in times past was firmely fenced with a wall but after that Owen Glendowre had burnt it it began to grow to decay It is probable that this Maiseueth or Radnor was that ancient Citie Magi which Antonine the Emperour calleth Magnos where the Gouernour of the Pacensian Regiment lay in garrison vnder the Lieu-tenant of Britaine in the reigne of Theodosius the younger for