not long after the messengers being nowe returned from Rome but the king as he had promised sped him into Normādy wher he warring against his brother Robert brought both him the Countrey of Normandie at last vnder his subiection But first meting with Anselmus at the Abbey of Becke he cōuented agreed with him in al such poyntes as the Archb. required As first that all hys Churches which before were made tributarie vnto King William his brother now should remaine free from al tribute Item that he should require nothing of the sayd Churches or Prouinces in the time of the seate being vacant Moreouer concerning such Priestes Ministers as had geuē money to the king for their company w e their wiues it was agreed that they shoulde surcease from all Ecclesiastical function the space of 3. yeeres and the the king shoulde take no more after such maner Item that all such goodes feuitēs and possessions as had bene taken away before frō the Archbyshoppricke should be restored at his comming againe into England c. This Anselmus the stout champion of Poperie superstition after this victorie gotten vpon the King for the which he so long fought with ioy and triumph faileth into England hauing al his Popish requests obtained Where first he flieth like a Lion vpon the maried Priests contrary to the woorde of God diuorsing and punishing that by mans authority which the eternal and almighty God had coupled Next he looketh to them which did holde any Church by farme vnder the king Against Simonie likewise and against them that married within the 7. degree he proceedeth with his full pontificall authoritie Shortly after as king Henry had finished his warre in Normandy with victory returned againe into England about the 6. yere of his raigne Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury by the permission of the king assembled a great Councell at Westminster in London of the Clergie and Prelates of England In the which by the Byshop of Romes authoritie he so wrought with the king that at length albeit as the storie sayth not without great difficultie it was newly cōfirmed and enacted that no temporall man after that day shoulde make inuesture with crosse or with ring or wyth pastoral hoke In this Councel sondry and diuers iniunetions were geuen forth to priests and Deacons as diuers other sinodall acts also by the same Anselme had bene concluded in other Councels before And because heere falleth in mention of the actes Synodall concluded in the time of this Anselme I thought here good to packe them al in one general heape together as I finde them in Malmesburie and in other sondry authors scatteringly recited The first thing decreed by this Anselme in his synodal Councels was touching the fault of Simonic whereby diuers both Byshops and Abbotes as is aforesayd were at the same time deposed And lay men forbidden to coufer any Ecclesiastical promotion Also it was decreed that no Byshop should beare any office in secular mens businesse or meetings And that such should not go apparelled as the lay mē did but shuld haue their vestures decent and mete for religious persons And that in all places they shoulde neuer goe without some to beare witnes of their conuersation Item that no Archdeaconries should be let out to ferme Item that no Archdeacon should be vnder the degree of a Deacon Item that no archdeacon priest deacon subdeacon colligener nor Chanon should from thence forth mary a wife nor yet keepe her if he had bene maried to one before Item that euery subdeacon being vnder the degree of achanon after the profession of chastitie marrying a wife should be subiect to the same rule They ordeined also that a Priest keeping cōpany with his wife shuld be reputed vnlawful and that he shuld say no Masse and if he said Masse it should not be heard They charged that none were admitted to orders from that time forward from the degree of a subdeacon vnlesse he did professe chastitie That Priestes sonnes shoulde not claime by heritage the benefices of their fathers as the custome had alwaies bene before Item that no spiritual person should sit in any secular office as to be procurators or iudges of bloud Item that Priestes shoulde not resort to tauernes or banquets nor sit drinking by the fire side That the garmentes of Priestes shoulde be of one colour and that their shoes should be decent Item that Monkes or any other of the Clergy if they forsooke their order eyther to come againe or to be excommunicate Itē that mē of the clergy should weare broad crownes Item that no tythes should be geuen but to the church Item that no Churches or prebends shold be bought That no new Chapels shoulde be made without consent of the Byshop That no Church should be hallowed before the necessary prouision were made for the priest and for the Church to be mayntayned That Abbots should set forth no men to warre that they must both sleepe eate in the same house with their monkes vnlesse some great necessitie do let Item that Monkes do inioyne no penaunce to anye man without the knowledge of hys Abbot And that their Abbots may geue no licence therein but onely for suche persons whose charge they haue of soule That no monkes should be Godfathers Nor Nūnes Godmothers That Monkes should haue no Lordships to ferme Item that Monkes should take no Churches but by the Byshop neyther should so spoyle and oppresse the churches geuen to them with their rentes that sufficient were not left for the ministers of the same That priuy contract betwene man and women without witnes should not stand but be frustrate if each party doe goe from the contract Item that such as were long heare of the clergy be so roūded that part of their eare appeare and that their eyes be not couered Item that there be no matrimoniall copulation wtin the vij degree of kindered nor so to cōtinue if they be maryed but the maryage to be broken And if any being priuy to that incest doe not detect the same he to be giltye of the same cryme Item that no funerall or buryenges be without theyr owne Parishe Church so that the priest therof do lose that which to him is due Item that no man vpon any new fangled rashnes do attribute any reuerence or opiniō of holines to dead mens bodyes to fountaynes or to any other thing as the vse hath bene in tyme past without authoritie of the Bishop Item that no buying and selling be vsed hereafter in England of men as of other cartell Item after the restreint of Priests mariage when filthy Sodomitry begā to come in the place therof then were they forced also to make an act for that which was this With a greuous curse we condemne both them that occupy the vngratious vice of sodomitry and
receaue any such at any lay mans hand vnder payne of depriuation 3. That no man shoulde inuade take away or detayne the goodes or possessions of the Churche but that they should remayne firme and perpetuall vnder payne of perpetuall curse 4. That no Bishop or Priest should leaue any ecclesiasticall dignitie or benefice to any by way of inheritance Adding moreouer that for baptisme chrisme anoyling or buriall no mony should be exacted 5. Item that all priests deacons and subdeacons should be vtterly debarred and sequestred from company of their wyues and concubines vnder payne of excluding from al christian communion The actes thus determined were sent estsoones to HeÌ„ricus the Emperor to see and try before that breaking vp of the councell whether he would agree to the canonical elections free consecration and inuesting to spiritual persoÌ„s and to other Actes of the sayd Councell The Emperour maketh aunswer agayne that he would lose nothing that auncient custome of hys progenitours had geueÌ„ him Not withstanding because of the authoritie of the general couÌ„cell he was content to consent to the residue saue only the inuesting of ecclesiasticall function to be taken from hym to that he would neuer agree UpoÌ„ this at the next returne of the Pope to the Councel that Emperour was appoynted to be excommunicated Which thing when diuers of the Councell did not well like and therefore did seperate theÌ„selues from the rest the Pope applying agaynst them the similitude of the 70. disciples which were offended at the Lord when he taught them of eating his flesh and bloud and therefore deuided themselues from him Declaring moreouer to theÌ„ how they which gathered not with hym scattered and they that were not with him were agaynst him by these and such like perswasions reducing them agayne to hys side and so by that Councell Henricus the Emperour was excommunicated It was not long after but the Pope came to Gisortiuin where Henry King of England resorted to him desiring also obtayning of him that he would send henceforth no Legate nor permit any to be sent from Rome to England vnlesse the king himselfe shoulde so require by reason of some occasion of strife which els could not otherwise be decided by his owne bishops at home The cause why the king required this of the Pope was for that certain Romaine legates had bene in England a little before to wiste one Guido and another Romaine named Anselmus and another also called Petrus who had spoyled the realme of great treasure as the customed maner of the Popes proud Legates is woont to do Guliel de pont lib. 1. Also he required of the Pope that he might vse retayne all the customes vsed before of his forefathers in England and in Normandy To these petitions the Pope did easily consent requiring agayne of the king that he would license Thurstinus the Archb. aboue minded no returne with fauour into his realme But that the king vtterly denied vnles he would professe subiectioÌ„ to the church of Cant. as his predecessors had done before and excused himselfe by his othe which he before had made To this the Pope answered againe that he by his authoritie Apostolicall both might and woudâ— also easily dispense with him for his promise or othe Then the king said that he would talke with his 〈◊〉 therof and so send him an answer of his mynd Which aunswere was this That for the loue and request of the Pope hee was content that Thurstinus should receiue his realme and quietly enioy his prelateship vpon this conditioÌ„ that he would as his predecessors did professe his subiection to the church of Canter Otherwise sayd he so long as he was king he should neuer sit Archb. of the church of York And thus ended that meeting betwne the king of englaÌ„d and the Pope for that tyme. The yeare following after that which was an 1120. the foresaid pope Calixtus directeth his letters for Thurstinus to the king and to Radulph Archbish. of Cant. In which epistle by his full power Apostolical he doth interdict both the church of Cant. and the church of Yorke with all the parish churches within the same cities from all divine service from the buriall also of the dead except onely baptising of children and absolution of them that he on dieng vnlesse within a moneth after the receâ—te of the same Thurstinus without any exaction of subiection made were receiued and admitted to the sea of Yorke and that the king likewise should doubtlesse bee excommunicated except he would consent vnto the same WhereupoÌ„ Thurstinus for feare of the Popes curse was immediately sent for reconciled to the king and was placed quietly in his Archiepiscopall see of Yorke It followed not long after within two yeares Radulph Archbishop of Cant. departed in whose see succeeded after him Gulielmus de Turbine About which tyme in the 27. yeare of the kings raigne the gray friers by procuring of the kyng came first into England and had theyr house first at Canterbury About the same season or a little before the kyng called a councel at London where the spiritualtie of England not knowyng to what purpose it was required condescended to the kyng to haue the punishment of maried Priestes by reason of which graunt whereof the spiritualtie afterward much repented the priestes paying a certayne to the kyng were suffred to retayne their wyues still wherby the king gathered no smal summe of mony Rog Houed Guliel Gisburnens At this time beganne first the foundation of the Monastery called Gisburne in Cleueland It was aboue touched how Matild or Maude daughter of king Henry was maried to Henry the 5. Emperor who after the decease of the said Emperor her husband returned about this present time with the Imperiall crown to her father in Normandy bringing with her the hand of S. James For the ioy whereof the king builded the Abbey of Reading where the sayd hand was reposed This Matild was receiued by the sayd councell to be next heyre to the king her father in possession of the English crowne for lacke of issue male And soone after vpon the same was sent ouer to Normandy to mary with Geffrey Plantagenet Erle of Angeow of whoÌ„ came Henry the second who after Stephen was kyng of England And about this tyme was also founded the priorie of Norton in the Prouince of Chester by one William the sonne of Nichelle In the story of Polychron Iornal and Polydorus is declared how the king was troubled greatly with 3. sundry visions appearing vnto him by night The first was of a great multitude of husbandmen of the country which appeared to flie vpon him with their mattocks and instrumeÌ„ts requiring of him his debt which he did owe vnto them In the second he saw a great number of souldiers and harnessed men to come fiercely vpon him In the third he sawe a company of
life commeth therof Also of the vnconsiderate promotion of euill Prelates and of their great negligence in correcting and reformyng the euill demeanour of the people Item of the great wantonnes lasciuiousnes in their seruauts and families concerning their excessiue wearing of apparell Item complaineth also of the outragious and excessiue gaynes that Prelates and other vnder them take for their seale especially of officials scribes such like which geue out the seale they care not how nor wherfore so they may gayne money He complaineth in like maner that prelates be so slack and negligent in looking to the resideÌ„ts in their benefices Farther lamenteth for the rash geuing of benefices to parlons vicars and curates not for any godlines or learning in them but for fauour or friendship or intercession either els for hope of some gayne whereof springeth this great ignorance in the Church After this he noteth in prelates how they wast and expend the goods of the church in supersluities or vpon theyr kinsfolke or other worse wayes which should rather be spent vpon the poore Nextly in the x. chapter he coÌ„plaineth for that through the negligence of men of the church especially of the church of Rome the bookes and monuments of the old Councels also of the new are not to be found which should be reserued and kept in all cathedrall Churches Item that many prelates be so cold in doing their duties Also reprocheth the vnchast and voluptuous demeanor of Ecclesiasticall persons by the example of Storkes whose nature is saith he that if any of their company leauyng his owne mate ioyneth with any other all the rest flieth vpon him whether it be he or she beateth hym and plucketh his fethers off what then sayth he ought good prelates to do to such a person of their company whose filthinesse and corrupt life both defileth so many and stinketh in the whole Church Againe forasmuch as we read in the booke of Esdras lib 2. cap 9 that he purging Israel of strange womeÌ„ began first with the priestes So now likewise in the purging correcting of all sortes of men first the purgation ought to begin with these according as it is written by the prophet Ezechiel Begin first with my sanctuary c. Moreouer how that in the tyme of Phillip kyng of Fraunce the whole Realme was interdited for that the kyng had but one woman in stead of his wife which was not his wife by law And againe â—eyng in these our dayes the king of Portingale hath bene sequestred from his dominion by the authoritie of the church being thought not sufficient to gouerne what then ought to bee sayd to that Prelate which abuseth other mens wiues virgines and Nunnes which also is found vnable insufficient to take vpon him the charge of soules About the yeare of our Lord 1128. the orders of the knights of the Rhodes called Joannites also the order of Templars rose vp After Honorius next in the same vsurpation succeded Pope Innocentius 2. an 1130. But as it was with hys predecessours before hym that at euery mutation of newe Popes came new perturbations and commonly neuer a Pope was elected but some other was set vp against him sometymes 2. sometymes 3. Popes togethey so likewise it happened with this Innocentius for after he was chosen the Romains elected another pope named Anacletus Betwixt these two Popes was much ado and great conflicts through the partaking of Rogerius Duke of Sicile takyng Anacletus part agaynst Innocentius vntil Locharius the Emperour came who rescuing Innocentius droue Rogerius out of Italy Our stories recorde that king Henry was one of the great helpes in setting vp and maintayning this Pope Innocentius against Anacletus Gisburnens Amongst many other things this Pope decreed that whosoeuer did strike a Priest or Clerke beyng shauen he should be excommunicate and not to be absolued but only of the Pope himselfe About the tyme of doyng of these thynges beyng the yeare of our Lord 1135. king Henry being in Normandy as some say by taking there a fall froÌ„ his horse as other say by taking a surfet in eating Lampries fell sicke died after he had raigned ouer the realme of England 35. yeres and odde monethes leauyng for his heyres Matilde the Empresse his daughter with her young sonne Henry to succeed after hym to whom all the Prelates and Nobilitie of the Realme were sworne But contrary to their oth made to Molde in the presence of her father before William the Archbishop of Cant. and the nobles of the realme crowned Stephen Erle of Boloyne and sisters sonne to king Henry vpon S. Stephens day in Christmas weeke Which Archbishop the next yeare after dyed beyng as it was thought iustly punished for his periury And many other lordes which did accordingly went not quite without punishment In like iustice of punishmeÌ„t is numbred also Roger bishop of Salisbury who contrary to his othe beyng a great doer in the coronation of Stephen was apprehended of the same kyng and miserably but iustly extermined A certaine written English story I haue which addeth more and faith that king Stephen hauing many foes in diuers quarters kepyng there holdes and castels agaynst him went then to Oxford tooke the Bishop of Salisbury and put a rope about his necke so led him to the castle of Uice that was his and commanded them to render vp the castle or he would slay and hang their Bishop Which Castle beyng geuen vp the kyng tooke the spoyle thereof The like also he did to the Bishop of Lyncolne named Alexander whom in lyke maner he led in a rope to a Castle of the Bishops that was vpon Trent and bad them deliuer vp the Castle or els he would hang their Lord before the gate Long it was before the castle was geuen vp yet at length the king obtaining it there entred and tooke all the treasure of the Bishop c. Roger Houeden Fabian alleagyng a certayne olde Authors whom I cannot finde referreth a great cause of this periury to one Hugh Bigot Steward sometyme with king Henry Who immediatly after the death of the sayd Henry came into England and before the sayd Archbishop and other Lordes of the land tooke wilfully an othe and sware that he was present a little before the kings death when king Henry admitted for his heyre to be king after him Stephen his nephew for so much as Molde his daughter had discontented him Wherunto the Archbishop with the other Lordes gaue to hasty credence But this Hugh sayth he escaped not vnpunished for he dyed miserably in a short tyme after Ex Fabia Albeit all this may be supposed rather to be wroght not without the practise of Henry bishop of Winchester other Prelates by his settyng on which Henry was brother to King Stephen c. King Stephen THus when king Stephen contrary to his oth
made before to Molde the Empresse had taken vpon hym the crowne as is abouesayd he sware before the Lordes at Oxford that he would not hold the benefices that were voyded and that he would remit the Danegelt with many other things which after he little performed Moreouer because he dread the comming of the Empresse he gaue lisence to his Lordes euery one to build vpon theyr owne ground strong castles or sorcresses as them liked All the tyme of his raigne he was vexed with warres but especially with Dauid King of the Scottes with whom he was at length accorded but yet the Scottish king did hym no homage because he was sworne to Mande the Empresse Notwithstanding yet Henry the eldest sonne to king Dauid did homage to king Stephen But he after repentyng therof entred into Northumberland with a great host burnt and New the people in most cruel wyse neither sparing man woman nor chylde Such as were with chylde they ript the children they tost vpon their speare pointes and laying the priests vpon the altars they mangled and cut them all to pieces after a most terrible maner But by the manhood of the English Lordes and souldiours and through the meanes of Thurstine Archbishop of Yorke they were met withall and slaine a great number of them and Dauid their king cōstrained to geue Henry his sonne hostage for suretie of peace In the meane tyme king Stephen was occupied in the South countreys besieging diuers castles of diuers Bishops other Lordes and tooke them by force and fortified them with his knights and seruants to the entent to withstand the Empresse whose cōming he euer feared About the vi yeare of his raigne Maud the Empresse came into England out of Normandy by the aid of Robert Earle of Gloucester and Ranulph of Chester made strong warre vpon kyng Stephen In the ende whereof the kings partie was chased and himselfe taken prisoner sent to Bristow there to be kept in sure hold The same day whē kyng Stephen should ioyne his battayle It is sayd in a certaine old Chronicle before inyuded that he beyng at the Masse which then the bishop of Lincolne sayd before the kyng as he went to offer vp his taper it brake in two pieces And when the masse was done at what time the kyng should haue bene houseled the Rope whereby the pyxe did hang did breake and the pixe fell down vpon the aultar After this field the Queene king Stephens wyfe lying then in Kent made great labour to the Empresse and her counsail to haue the kyng deliuered and put into some house of religion but could not obtayne Also the Londiners made great sure to the sayd Empresse to haue and to vse agayne S. Edwardes lawes and not the lawes of her father which were more straight and strange to them then the other which when they could not obtayne of her and her counsaile the citizens of London beyng therwith discontented would haue taken the Empresse But she hauing knowledge therof fled priuily from London to Oxford But then the Kentishmen and Londiners taking the kings part ioyned battaile against the Empresse there the foresayd Robert Erle of Glocester and base brother to the Empresse was taken And so by exchange both the King and Erle Robert were deliuered out of prison Then Stephen without delay gatheryng to hym a strong army straightly pursued the foresaid Matild or Mauld with her friendes besieging them in the Castell of Oxford In the siege wherof fell a great snow and frost so hard that a man well laden might passe ouer the water Upon the occasion wherof the Empresse bethinking herself appointed with her friends retinue clothed in white shectes so issuing out by a postern gate went vpō the I se ouer Thames and so escaped to Wallingford After this the king the castle beyng gotten when he found not the Empresse was much displeased and molested the countrey about diuer's wayes In conclusion he pursued the empresse her company so hard that he caused them to flee the realme which was the vi yeare of his raigne The second yeare after this which was the viii yeare of his raigne there was a parliament kept at Londō Unto the which all the Bishops of the Realise resorted and there denoūced the kyng accursed and all them with him that did any hurt to the Church or to any minister therof Wherupon the king began somwhat to amend his conditions for a certain space but afterward as my story sayth was as euil as he was before but what the causes were myne author maketh no relation therof c. To returne agayne to the story the Empresse compesled as is sayd to flee the realme returned againe into Normandy to Geffrey Plantagenet her husband Who after he had valiantly wonne and defended the Duchy of Normandy agaynst the puissance of king Steuen a long tyme ended his lyfe leauing Henry his sonne to succeed him in that dukedom In the meane while Robert Earle of Gloucester and the Earle of Chester who were strong of people had diuers conflictes with the king In so much that at a battayle at Wilton betwene them the king was well nere taken but yet escaped with much payne It was not long after but Eustace sonne to king Stephen who had maried the French kings sister made war vpon duke Henry of Normādy but preuailed not Soone after the sayd Henry Duke of Normandy in the quarell of his mother Maude with a great puissance entred into England and at the first wan the castle of Mahnesbury then the Tower of London and afterward the towne of Notingham with other holdes and castles as of Walynford and other mo Thus betwene him and the king were foughten many battayles to the great annoyaunce of the realme During which tyme Eustace the kings sonne departeth Upon the occasion wherof the king caused Theobald which succeeded next after W. above mentioned Archbishop of Canterbury to make meanes for the Duke for peace which vpon this condition betwene them was concluded that Steuen during his life tyme should holde the kingdome and Henry in the meane tyme to bee proclaimed heyre apparant in the chiefe cities throughout the Realme These things thus concluded Duke Henry taketh his iourney into Normandy king Steuen and hys sonne William bringing him on his way where William the kings sonne taking vp his horse before his father had a fall and brake his leg and so was had to Canterbury The same yere king Stephen about October as some say for sorow ended his life after he had raigned 19. yeres periuredly As Theobald succeeded after William Archbishop of Canterb. so in Yorke after Thurstine succeeded William which was called S. William of Yorke who was poysoned in his chalice by his chaplaines In the tyme of this kyng which was the xvi yeare of his raigne Theobaldus Archbishop of Cant. and Legate to
the bishops and of the clergie which I maintaine be right why be they set against me Why do they reprehēd me For if that I appealed to him before whome either it was not lawfull or els not expedient for me to do what seeme they by this but either to blame me causelesse or els to distrust your equity For me to be conuicted before your holinesse it had bene a double confusion Or wherein haue I deserued to be persecuted of them for whose cause I haue set my selfe to stande in their behalfe And if they had willed I had preuailed but it is ill with the head when he is left of his members and forsaken as if the eyes shoulde take the toung to speake against the head If they had had eyes to haue foresene the matter they might vnderstand themselues to speake their owne destruction and that the Princes did vse their helpe but to their owne seruitude And what so great cause of hatred had they against me to procure their owne vndoing in vndoing of me So while they neglected spirituall things in steade of temporall they haue lost them both What shoulde I speake more of this that I repugning them and appealing to your audience yet notwithstanding they durst presume to stand in iudgement and condemnation against me as children against their father Yea and not against me onely but against the vniuersall Church of God conspiring together with the Prince being with me offended And this suspection might also as well pertaine to you holy father But to this they will say that they owe their duety and seruice vnto the king as their Lord to whom they are bound vpon their allegeance To whom I answer that to him they stand bound bodely to me spiritually But to whom ought they rather to stand bound then to themselues And were it not better to sustaine the losse of corporall then of spirituall things But here they wil say againe at this time the Prince was not to be prouoked Howe subtily do these men dispute for their owne bondage Yea they themselues prouoke him by their owne excesse ministring wings vnto him to fight against them for he woulde haue rested if they had resisted And when is constancie more to be required then in persecution Be not a mans chiefe frendes most tried in persecution If they geue ouer still how shall they obtaine the victorie Sometime they must needes resist Condescend therefore holy father to my exile and persecution And remember that I also once was a great man in the time when it was and now for your sake thus iniuriously I am intreated Vse your rigour and restraine them by whose instigation the name of this persecution began And let none of these things be imputed to the king who rather is to be counted the repairer then the author of this businesse Besides this Epistle sent vnto the Pope he wryteth also an other letter sent to the King in Latine the tenour whereof he that is disposed to read may peruse in our former edition with the notes adioyned withall Besides which Epistle to the king in Latin he sent also one or two mo to the said king Henry the second much after the like rate sort The one thus beginning Loqui de Deo liberae mentis est valdè quietae Indè est quòd loquar ad Dominum meum vtinam ad omnes pacificum c. which Epistle for that I woulde not ouercharge the volume of these Hystories with too much matter superfluous I thought hore to omit The other he sent afterward wherof the wordes be these ¶ An other letter of Becket Archbishop of Canterburie sent to the king TO his Lorde and frende Henry by the grace of God king of England Duke of Normandy Aquitane Earle of Angeow Thomas by the same grace humble minister of the church of Cāterburie sometime his temporally but now more his in the Lord health and true repentaunce with amendement I haue long looked for that the Lord would looke vpon you and that you would conuert and repent departing from your peruerse way and cutte off from you your wicked and peruerse counsellours by whose instinction as it is thought you are fallen into that deepe wherof the Psalme speaketh A sinner when he commeth to the depth of mischiefes is without all care or feare And albeit we haue hetherto quietly suffred and borne considering and earnestly looking if there woulde any messenger come that woulde say Your soueraigne Lorde the king which nowe a long time hath erred and ben deceiued and led euen to the destruction of the church through Gods mercy with aboundant humility doth now againe make speede for the deliueraunce of the Church and to make satisfaction and amendement Yet notwithstanding we cease not day by day continually to call vpon almightie God with most humble deuotion that that which we haue long desired for you and by you we may speedely obtaine with aboundant effect And this is one poynte that the care of the Church of Canterburie whereunto God hath presently appoynted vs albeit vnworthy you being K. doeth specially constraine me in that as yet we are deteined in exile to write vnto your maiestie letters commonitorie exhortatorie and of correction But I woulde to God they were fully able to correct least that I be to great a cloker of your outragies if there be any as in deede there are for the which we are not a litle sorie I meane specially of them which are done by you in euery place about the Church of God and the Ecclesiasticall persons without any reuerence either of dignitie or person and least also that I appeare negligent to the great danger of my soule for without doubt hee beareth the offence of him which doth commit any offence who neglecteth to correct that which an other ought to amend For it is written not onely they which doe commit euill but also they which consent therunto are coūted partakers of the same For they verely do cōsent which when they both might and ought doe not resist or at the least reproue For the errour which is not resisted is alowed and the truth whē it is not defended is oppressed neither doth it lacke a priuie note of society in him which ceaseth to withstand a manifest mischief 2 For like as most noble Prince a small Citie doeth not diminish the prerogatiue of so mighty a kingdome as your is so your royal power ought not to oppresse or chaunge the measure of the religious dispensatiō For it is prouided alwaies by the lawes that al iudgemēts agaynst Priests should proceede by the determination of Priestes For whatsoeuer Byshoppes they are albeit that they do erre as other men do not exceeding in any poynt contrary to the religion of faith they 3 ought not nor can in any case be iudged of the seculare power Truely it is the parte of a good and religious Prince to repaire the ruinous Churches to builde
my predecessors before me were much both better and greater then I and of them euery one for his time although he did not extirpe and cut off all yet something they did plucke vp and correct which seemed aduerse repugnant against Gods honor For if they had taken altogether away no such occasion then had bene left for any man to raise 〈◊〉 fire of temptation now against vs as is nowe raised to proue vs with all that we being so proued with them might also be crowned with them being likewise partakers of praise and reward as we are of their labour and trauaile And though some of them haue bene slacke or exceeded in their duetie doing in that we are not bounde to follow their example Peter when he denied Christ we therfore rebuke him but whē he resisted the rage of Nero therin we cōmēd him And therfore because he could not finde in his cōscience to cōsent vnto that he ought in no wise to dissemble neither did he by reason thereof he lost his life By such like oppressions the church hath alwaies growne Our forefathers predecessors because they would not dissemble the name honor of Christ therfore they suffred And shall I to haue the fauour of one man suffer the honor of Christ to be supprest The nobles standing by hearing him thus speake were greatly agreeued with him noting in him both arrogancy wilfulnes in perturbing and refusing suche an honest offer of agreemēt But specially one among the rest was most agreeued who their openly protested that seing the Archbishop so refused the counsaile and request of both the kingdome he was not worthye to haue the helpe of eyther of them but as the kingdome of Englande had reiected so the kingdome of Fraunce shoulde not entertayne him Alanus Herbertus and certayne other of his Chaplaines that committed to story the doynges of Becket doe record whether truely or no I cannot say that the French king sending for him as one much sorrowing and lamenting the wordes that he had spoken at the cōming of Becket did prostrate hymselfe at his feete confessing his fault in geuing counsel to him in such a cause pertayning to the honor of God to relent therein to yeld to the pleasure of mā wherfore declaring his repentance he desired to be absolued thereof So that after this the French king and Becket were great frendes together in so much that kyng Henry sending to the king to entreate him and desire him that he would not support nor maintayn his enemy within his Realme the French king vtterly denyed the kinges requeste taking part rather with the Archbishop then with him Besides these quarrels and grudges betwixt the kyng and the Archbishop aboue mentioned there followed yet moreouer an other which was this Shortly after this cōmunication recited betweene the king and Becket the K. of England returning againe frō Normandy to England which was the yeare of our Lord 1170. and the 16. yeare of his raigne about Midsomer kept his court of Parliament at Westminster In the which Parliament he through the assent both of the Clergy and the Lordes temporall caused hys sonne Henry to be crowned king Which coronation was done by the hands of Robert Archb. of York with the assistāce of other bishops ministring to the same as Gilb. of Londō Goceline of Salisbury Hugo of Duresme and Gualter of Rochester By reason whereof Becket of Cant. beyng there neither mentioned nor called for took no little displeasure and so did Lodouike the French king hearing that Margaret hys daughter was not also crowned with her husband Whereupon he gathering a great army forthwith marched into Normādy But the matter was soone cōpassed by the king of England who sending hys sonne to him in Normandy intreated there and concluded peace with him promising that his sonne should be crowned agayne then hys daughter to be crowned also But the Archb. not ceasing his displeasure and emulatiō sent vnto the Pope complaining of these four bishops especially of the Archb. of Yorke who durst be so bold in his absence without his knowledge or his licence to intermedle to crowne the king being a matter proper and peculiar to his iurisdiction At the instaunce of whom the P. sent downe the sentnce of excommunication against the B. of London The other 3. bishops with the Archb. of York he suspended whose sentence and letters thereof for auoyding prolixitie I here omit Besides these foresayd bishops excommunicated diuers other clerks also of the court he cited to appeare before him by vertue of his large commission whiche he gate from the Pope to whō they were bound to obey by reason of their benefices And some he commanded in vertue of obediēce to appeare in payne of forfeting their order and benefices Of which whē neyther sort would appeare he cursed thē openly And also some lay men of the court the kings familiars some as intruders and violent withholders of Church goodes he accursed as Richard Lucy and Iocelin Balliot and Rafe Brocke which tooke bels and goods that belonged to the Church of Caunterburye and Hugh Sainctcleare and Thomas the sonne of Bernard and all that should hereafter take any church goodes without hys consent so that almost all the court was accursed eyther by the name or as pertakers This being done the Archb. of Yorke with the foresaid bishops resorted to the king with a greuous cōplaint declaring how miserably their case stood and what they had sustayned for fulfilling his commaundement The kyng hearing this was highly moued as no maruell was But what remedy The tyme of the ruine of the Pope was not yet come and what Prince then might withstand the iniurious violence of that Romish potestate In the meane season the Frenche King for his parte his clergy and courtiers stackt no occasion to incite and sollicite Alexander the Pope agaynst the king of England to excōmunicate him also seeking thereby and thinking to haue some vauntage agaynst the realme Neither was the king ignorant of thes which made him more ready to apply to some agreement of reconciliation At length cōmeth downe from the Pope two Legates the Archb. of Rhotomage and the Byshop of Nauerne with direction and full commission eyther to driue the king to be reconciled or to be interdicted by the popes cēsures out of the church The king vnderstanding himselfe to be in greater straites then he coulde auoyde at length through the mediation of the Frenche king and of other Prelates and great Princes was content to yeld to peace and reconciliation with the Archbishop whome he receaued both to hys fauour and also permitted and graunted him free returne to his Church agayne Concerning hys possessions and landes of the Churche of Canterburye although Becket made great labour therefore yet the king being then in Normandy would not graunt him before he should repayre to England to see how he would there agree with
and ordained the king with 400. great shippes taketh hys iourney to Irelande where he subdued in short tyme the whole land vnto hym which at that tyme was gouerned vnder diuers kings to the number of v. Of whome foure submitted themselues vnto the sayd kyng Henry onely the fifth who was the kyng of Ionacta denyed to be subdued keeping him in woodes and Marishes In the meane season while the king was thus occupied in Ireland the two Cardinals that were sent from the Pope Thedinus and Albertus were come to NormaÌ„dy Unto whom the king the next yeare following resorted about the month of October an 1172. But before during the time of the kinges being in Ireland the Bish. of London and Ioceline v. of Salisbury had sent to Rome and procured their absolution from the pope The K. returning out of Ireland by Wales into England from thence to Normandy there made his purgation before the Popes legates as touching the death of the foresayd Becket to the which he sware he was neither ayding or consenting but onely that he spoke rigorous wordes against hym for that his knightes would not auenge him against the sayd Thomas For the which cause this penaunce was ouioyned him vnder his othe First that he should send so much to the holy lande as would find two C. knightes or souldiours for the defence of that land Also that froÌ„ Christmas day next folowing he should set forth hys owne person to light for the holy land that space of 3. yeares together vnlesse he should be otherwise dispesed withall by the Pope Item that if he would make hys iorney into Spaine as hys present necessitie did require there he to fight agaynst the Saracens And as long tyme as he shuld there abide so long space might he take in prolonging his iorney toward Ierusalem Item yâ— hee should not hinder nor cause to be hindred by hym any appellations made to the Pope of Rome Item that neyther he nor hys sonne should depart or disseuer from pope Alexander or from his catholicke successors so long as they should recount him or his sonne for kinges catholike Item that the goodes and possessions taken from the Church of Caunterbury should be restored agayne fully and amply as they stode the yeare before Thom. Becket departed the realme and that free libertie should be grauÌ„to all such as were outlawed for Beckets cause to returne agayne Item that the foresayd customes decrees by him established against the Church should be extinct and repelled such onely except that concerned his own person c besides other secret fastinges and almes enioyned hym All these former conditions the king with his sonne did both agree vnto debasing himselfe in such sorte of submission before the two Cardinals by the occasion wherof the Cardinall took no little glory vsing thys verse of the Psalme Qui respicit terram facit eam tremere qui tangit montes fumigant That is which looketh vpon the earth and maketh it to tremble which toucheth the hilles and they smoke c. Moreouer it is meÌ„tioned in histories of the sayd king that a little after William king of Scots with hys army had made a rode into the realme he returning out of Normandy into England came first to Caunterbury who by the way so soone as he came to the sight of Beckets church lighting of his horse and putting of hys shoes went barefoote to his tombe whose steppes were found bloudy through the roughnes of the stones And not onely that but also receaued further penance by euery moÌ„ke of the cloyster certayn discipline of a rod. By whiche so great deiection of the K. if it were true thou mayest see the blind and lamentable superstition and ignorance of those daies If it were pretensed as might so be in tyme of warre to get the hartes of the people yet mayest thou learned Reader see what slauery kinges and Princes were brought into at that tyme vnder the popes Clergy The same yeare as Houeden writeth which was 1174. the whole citty of Caunterbury was almost al consumed with fire and the sayd minster Church cleane burnt The next yeare insuing which was 1175. a conuocation of Bishops was holden at Westminster by Rich. archbishop of Cant. In which conuenticle all the byshops Abbots of the prouince of Canterbury and of Yorke being present determined as it had done a little before in king Henry 1 dayes an 1113. about the obedience that Yorke should doe to Caunterbury That is whether the Archb. of Yorke might beare hys Crosse in the diocesse of Cant. or not whereof something was touched before in the former processe of this history Also about the Bishopricke of Lincolne of Chichister of Worcester of Herford whether these churches were vnder the iurisdiction of the see of Yorke or not c. Upon these and other like matters rose such controuersie betweene these 2. seas that the one appealed the other to the presence of the Bishop of Rome In these and suche causes like howe much better had it bene if the supremacy had remayned more nere in the kinges handes at home whereby not onely much labour trauell had bene saued but also the great and wasâ—full expences bestowed at Rome might with muche more fruite and thanke haue beene conuerted to their cures and flockes committed vnto theÌ„ and also percase their cause no lesse indifferently heard at least more speedely might haue bene decided but to the purpose again In this coÌ„trouersie diuerse of that bishop of Yorks clergy such as were of Gloucester belong to the church of S. Oswald were excoÌ„municate by the Archb. of Cant. because they being sommoned refused to appeare before hym c. At length the same yeare which was 1175. there was a Cardinall sent downe from Rome by the kinges procurement who studyed to set a peace betwene the two archbishops Whereupon this way of agreement was takeÌ„ by the meanes of the king at Winchester that as touching the church of S. Oswald at Glocester the Archbishop of Canterb. should cease of hys clayme therof molesting the see of Yorke no more therein Also should absolue agayne the Clerkes thereof whom he had excommunicated before And as concerning the bearing of the crosse and all other matters it was referred to the Archbishop of Rhotomage and of other Bishops in Fraunce so that for fiue yeares a league or truce was taken betwixt them till they should haue a full determination of their cause The next yeare following the foresayd king Henry the 2. deuiding the realme of England into 6. partes ordeyned vpon ouery part 3. Iustices of assise The circuit or limitation of which Iustices was thus disposed The first vpon Northfolke Suffolke Cantebridshire HuntenduÌ„shire Bedfordshyre Buckinghamshire Essex Hertfordshire 2. Vpon Lincolnshire Notinghamshire Darbishire Stamfordshyre Warwickshire Northamptonshire Leicestershire 3. Upon Kent Surrey Southamptonshyre Southsaxe Barkeshire Oxfordshire 4.
taken vp refuseth to take the second complayning of the Arch. of York as one preiudicial to his sea So while the one wold not rise the other part not sit down rose no small contention betweene them two The archb of Canterb. claymed the vpper seate by the preheminence of hys church Contrary the archb of York alledged for hym the old decree of Gregory wherof meÌ„tion is made before pag. 118. By which this order was taken betweene the 2. Metropolitanes of Canterbury and York that which of them two should be first in electioÌ„ he should haue the preheminence in dignitie goe before the other Thus they contending to and fro waxed so warme in wordes that at last they turned to hote blowes Now strong the Archbishop of Yorke was in reason and argument I cannot tell but the Archbish. of Cant was stronger at the armes end whose seruauntes beeing moe in number like valiaunt men not suffering their maister to take such a foyle so preuailed agaynst York sitting on the right hand of the Cardinall that they pluckt him downe from the hand to the foote of the Cardinall vpon the ground treading trampling vpon him with their feete that maruel it was he escaped with life His Casule Chimer and Rochet were all to be rent and torne from his backe Here no reason woulde take place no debating would serue no praying could be heard such clamour and tumulte was there in the house among them much like to the tumulte which Uirgill describeth Ac veluti in magno populo cum saepe coorta est Seditio saeuitque animis ignobile vulgus Iamque faces saxa volant furor arma ministrat Now as the first part of this description doth well agree so some peraduenture will looke agayne that according to the latter part also of the same my Lord Cardinall with sagenesse and grauitie after the maner of the olde Romaynes standyng vp should haue ceased and aleyed the disturbaunce according to that whiche followeth in the Poete Tum pietate grauem meritis si fortè virum quem Conspexêre silent arrectifque auribus astant Ille regit mentes dictis pectora mulcet c. But what did the noble Romaine Cardinall Like a pretty man of hys handes but a pretier man of hys seete standing vp in the midst seing the house in such a broyle committed himselfe to flight and as Houedenus writeth abscondit se a facie illorum The next day after the Archbishop of Yorke bringeth to the Cardinall his Rochet to beare witnes what iniury and violence he had sustayned appealing and citing vp the Archbishop of Caunterbury with certayne of hys men to the Bishop of Rome And thus the holy counsell the same day it was begon brake vp and was dissolued Under the raygne of this K. Henry the 2. the dominion and crowne of England extended so farre as hath not bene seene in this realme before him whome histories recorde to possesse vnder hys rule and iurisdictioÌ„ first Scotland to whom William king of Scots with all the lords temporall and spiritual did homage both for them and for their successors the seale where of remayneth in the kyngs treasury as also Ireland England Normandy Aquitane Gaunt c. vnto the mouÌ„taynes of Pireney which be in the vttermost partes of the great Ocean in the Brittish sea being also protector of Fraunce to whom Phillip the French king yelded both himselfe and Realme wholy to his gouernaunce an 1181. Moreouer he was offred also to be the king of Ierusalem by the Patriarch maister of the hospital there who then being distressed by the Soldane brought him the keyes of their Citty desiring hys ayd agaynst the infidels which offer he theÌ„ refused alledging the great charge which he had at home the rebellioÌ„ of hys sonnes which might happen in hys absence ¶ And here the olde historyes finde a great fault with the king for hys refusall declaring that to be the cause of Gods plagues which after ensued vpon him by his children as the Patriarche in hys Oration beyng offended with the king prophecied should so happen to him for the same cause Which story if it be true it may be a lesson to good Princes not to deny their necessary helpe to their distressed neighbors especially the cause appertayning vnto God The wisedome discretion manhood and riches of thys Prince was so spred and renoumed through all quarters that messages came from Emanuell Emperour of Constantinople Fredericke Emperour of Rome and William Archbishop of Treuer in Almayne Duke of Saxon and from the Earle of Flaunders and also from the French K. vpon determination of great questions and strifes to aske councell determination therof of this K. Henry as of one most wise and scholemayster of al wisedome iustice to haue solutioÌ„ of their questions doubts Moreouer Alphonsus king of Castile and Sauncius king of Nauerue being in strife for certayne Castels and other possessions submitted them of their free accord and by their othe to abide the award of this king Henry who made 〈…〉 whereby it is to be 〈…〉 resort as to they arbitrer 〈…〉 to any 〈…〉 the acres of this 〈…〉 kish writers 〈◊〉 Among many other thinges 〈…〉 this one is to be 〈…〉 35. yeares and hauing such warres with his enemies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 upon his subiectes put any 〈…〉 vpon the spiritualty first unites and appropriations 〈◊〉 benefices 〈…〉 And yet his treasure 〈…〉 chard his sonne 〈…〉 safid pound 〈…〉 furniture Of the which 〈…〉 thousand pound came do him by the death of 〈…〉 who had practiced a 〈…〉 〈…〉 dyed within 〈…〉 haue all his goods And shortly after the Archbishop 〈◊〉 and the king had all his goods 〈…〉 to eleuen thousand pound beside plate 〈…〉 But as there is no felicityeâ—â— or wealth in this mortall world so perfect which is not darkenes 〈…〉 of incombraunce and aduersity So it happened to this king the among his other 〈◊〉 successours this incommodity followed him withal that his sonnes rebelled stood in armor agaynst him taking the part of the 〈◊〉 king against theyr father First 〈◊〉 coronation of Henry his sonne whom the Father ioyned with him as king he being both Father and king tooke vpon him that notwithstanding as but a steward and set downe the first dish as Shower vnto his sonne renouncing the name of a king At what time the foresayd Archbishop of Yorke sitting on the right hand of the young king sayd sir ye haue great cause this day to ioy For there is no Prince in the world that hath such an officer this day c. And the yong king disdayning his wordes said my father is not dishonored in this doing For I am a king and a Queenes sonne and so is not he And not onely this but after he also persecuted his father And so in his youth wheÌ„ he had raigned but a few yeares dyed teaching vs
Rome Pope Iohn had his eyes put out and so put to death Pope Gregory restored Vii electours of themperors ordayned in Germany and who they be Ex Chronico Martini King Egelred Anno. 979. The life of Egelred Anno. 981. The coronation of Egelred The prophecie of Dunstane as monkishe storyes geue it The Danes recoursed to England Houeden lib. continuationum London coÌ„sumed with fire The king warred against the Byshop of Rochester An. 990. The bloudy flixe and hote feuers reigned in this land The death of Dunstane Ethelgarus Elfricus Siricius Elphegus Archb. of Canterb. An. 995. The Byshops sea of Dyrham London besieged of the Danes The Dane spoyled the land Great tribute leuied of the Englishmen Danegelt The sorrowfull affliction of the English nation What disseÌ„tion and discorde doth amoÌ„g the nobles in a realme The pride and wretchednes of the Danes toward the Englishmen Lord Dane Lurdaine Anno. 1000. Henrie Archidiat lib. 6. The first ioyning betweene the Norm and Englishe men King Egelred marieth Emma the Dukes daughter of Normandy Richard Duke of Normandy The Danes by secret coÌ„mission slayne in euery towne of England Suanus K. of Denmarke ariueth in England Exeter beat down Norwiche spoyled and wasted by the Danes Anno. 1004. A tribute payd to the Danes of xxx M. pound to haue peace The persecution of Turkillus a Dane Euill counsell about a king what hurt it doth The second returne of Suanus into England The persecution of Suanus king of Danes Caunterbury besieged Treason of a false Deacon Caunterbury takeÌ„ and brent The tything of the Monkes of Caunterbury A cruell murther of the Danes Elphegus the Archb. of CauÌ„t stoned to death Anno. 1013. King Egelred driuen 〈…〉 I le of Wigâ—â— from then 〈◊〉 Normandy The vertue of Christen mens prayer The death and end of Suanus The Abbey of S. Edmundelburie builded King Egelred returneth into England Canutus cutteth of the noses and handes of hys pledges Canutus taketh Westsaxon A lessen for all Iudges and Iustices Brybes Euill Iudges worse in a common wealth then bloudy enemies Wicked officers Agaynst wicked Iudges A wicked Iudge deposed and depriued by the king Anno. 1016. Edmund Ironside sunne of Egelred king Canutus sonne of Swanus king The battayles betweene Edmundus and Canutus A witty oration to stay bloud betweene 2. armyes Two 〈◊〉 fight 〈◊〉 to hand The 〈◊〉 murtherd king Edmund Two soâ—ne of Edmund Yâ—onside Flattery 〈◊〉 fidelity 〈◊〉 vntrueth in English Lordes False vnfaythfulnes and vnconstant mobilitie in Englishe Lordes and rewarded Duke Edrike the false traytor and murtherer of 〈◊〉 king worthely rewarded for hys wicked falshode The end of pernicious traytours The brother of Edmund Yronside banished reconciled and lastly slayne Edmund and Edward two sonnes of Edmund Yronside sent out to be slayne Canutus K. of Denmarke Canutus maryeth Emma wife before of Egelred Lawes of K. Edgar Hâ—rold Harefoot K. of EnglaÌ„d a Dane Anno. 1039. Hardecknout king last of the Danes that reigned in England Erle Godwyn The miserable wretchednes of Godwyn agaynst the Normands The Normandes tythed and yet the tenthes retithed agayn Alfredus sonne of Egelred right heyre of the crowne tormented with cruell death The cause expended why God suffered this land to be conquered by the Normandes Example of Gods righteous iudgement The death of K. Hardeknout The sonnes of Erle Godwyn The story of Alfred repeated Taken out of the english story or chronicle compiled of certayne englishe Clerkes Alfred of Alâ—red sonne of K. Egelred Ex historia ignati autoriâ— Gunilda wife to Henricus the Emperour Canutus went to Rome The hospitall builde at Rome for English pâ—â—grimes Rome shote confirmed by Canutus The Cathedral Churche of Wintchest inritched by Canutus S. Benets in Norfolke builded Bury Abbey turned to Monkes Flatterers and clawbackes about Princes Canutus chargeth the sea to stand backe but it would not be A lesson notable for kinges and Princes God onely the king of all kings and Lord of Lordes The kinges crowne put on a roode Kinges of England haue as much right in causes spirituall as temporall Certaine lawes of K. Canutus for the ordering of matters ecclesiasticall Adultresse woman to loose their eares and noses Anno. 104â— King Edward the conâ—ellour England aâ—flicted by the Danes the space of 255. yeares K. Edward crowned Holy king Edward a virgine iâ— maryage Methe iâ— Greeke signifieth drâ—kennes Aceasation of the Archbish. against Emma the kinges mother False accusation purged by hote yron A straunge thing if it were true and without false conueyance Great snow and mortalitie in England Variaunce betweene the king and Godwyn Godwyn with hys v. sonnes outlawed Godwyn reconciled to the king vpon pledges geuen William D. of Normandy came into England to king Edward Marianus Scotus wheÌ„ he liued The end and death of vngodly Godwyn Ex lorna Malmesberiensi Polydor. Fabiano alijs Gods iust punishment vpon Godwyn for the murthering of Alphred Periurie plagued Edward the outlawe sonne of Edmund Yronside sent for to England Anno. 1056. The death of Edward sonne of Edmond Yronside William Duke of Normandy admitted heyre to the crowne The enuy and discorde of brethren Vngracious children of a wicked father A place of Polydorus Virg. examined Harold taken of the Normands Harold promiseth Duke William to marry hys daughter and to keepe the realme for hys behoofe Erle Leofricus euer true and faythfull to hys prince How Couentry was made free Godina wife to Leofricus The Abby of Couentry builded by Leofricus Edward the outlaw Edgar Edeling Margaret Queene of Scottes Matilde Queene of England Dauid King of Scots The death of King Edward Westminster repayred Guliel Malmesber Ex lornalen Ex Historia Richardi 2. iussu composita The lawes of K. Edward Ex Mathaeo pariensi William Conquerour sworne to K. Edwardes lawes yet went from it Ex libro Reg. antiquorum in praetorio Londinensi The office of a king described in the lawes of K. Edward A king the vicare of God in earth The limits of the kingdome of England how farre they doe extend The office of a king farther described 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 king 〈◊〉 to haue 〈…〉 iecâ—ion Anno. 1066. Harold 〈◊〉 K. of Saxons Harold king of Denmarke and Tostius slayne The Pope sendeth a banner to Duke W. vpon bone vâ—age into England Duke William landeth at Hâ—stinges Three causes why Duke William entred England Three conditions offered to Harold by D. William The fight betweene Harold and Duke William K. Harold slayne The consanguinitie betweene K. Edward and William Conquerour Murther iustly recompensed Archbishops of Caunterb Liningus Egelmothus Robertus Stigandus The decay of the Church Pope Siluester 2. Siluester the. 2 a soule sorcerer Ioannes Stella Platina Petrus Praemostratensis Nancleâ—us Antoninus Robertus Barnus Ioannes Baleus Ex Ioan Stella An admonition for sorcerers and wicked coniuâ—ers The feast of all soules brouâ—ht into the church Benedictus the 9. Gregorius the 6. A constitution no pope to be chosen but by the
pontif Lib. 4. Ex Roger. Ho 〈◊〉 Eabia c. Anno. 1116. Assemble of the nobles at Salisbury Thurstine refuseth to professe subiection to the Arch. of Cant. Thurstine promiseth to renounce hys archbishopricke Anno. 1118. Pope Calixtus breaketh promise with the king Thurstine sacred archbishop of Yorke by the Pope agaynst the kinges minde Concision Rhemense Actes of the councell of Rhemes The Actes sent to the Emperour The Emperour agreeth not to the popes inuesting The councell deuided Ex Rog. Houed Henry the Emperour excommunicated Agreed that England shoulde haue no other Legate from Rome but onely the Archb. of Cant. England spoyld by the popes legates All the custome of the Realme graunted of the pope Anno. 1120. The popes letter to the King The king compelled to receaue Thurstinus for feare of the popes curse Thurstinus restored Anno. 1122. Wil. Archb. of Cant. The gray Friers first came into England Anno. 1125. Priestes payd for their wiues Ex Roger. Houed El Guliel GisburneÌ„si Ex Henrie Hunting lib. 7. The Abbey of Gilburne bailded S. la ues hand Reading Abbey fouÌ„ded Matilde daughter of K. Henry heyre to the crowne Geffry PlaÌ„tagenet Henry 2. borne of Matilde the Empresse Anno. 1130. The priorie of Norton founded Three terrible visioÌ„s of the king Three vowes made of King Henry Anno. 1131. Danegelt released The Church relieued Iustice rightly administred Bishoprike of Carlile newly erected by king Henry The Citie and Paules Church of London burned Honorius the 2. Mathaeus Partsiensis A romishe statute concerning priestes wiues and Concubines Mariage forbid to the seuenth degree The Popes Legate geuing preceptes of chastitie was found with an harlot Lotharius Emperour Arnulphus Martyred at Rome The history of Arnulphus Arnulphus Martyr Ex Tretimio A booke called Tripartitum written 400. yeares agoe Number of holy dayes Curious singing in Cathedrall Churches The world ouercharged with begging Religions Promotion of euill prelates Supersluitie of apparell in Bishops families Byshops seales abused to get mony Non residentes in benefices Rash bestowing of benefices Wastefull spending of the Church goods Old bookes of Councels lost by the negligence of the clerkes The vnchaste lyfe of priestes condemned by the nature of the storkes Amendment of lyfe ought first to begin with the priestes The realme of Fraunce interdited King of Portingale deposed The Knights of the Rhodes and Templars Pope 〈◊〉 centius the second Hurly 〈◊〉 betweene Popes The pope curse proclaymed agaynst 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 any priest The death of K. Henry Anno. 1135. Periury iustly punished Ex Chris. Anglico in certi autâ—ris The Bishop of Sarum and of Lincolne takeâ— prisoners of the king and led with ropes about their neckes Roger. â—eued in 〈◊〉 Steph. Ex Fabian In vita Step. Anno. 1136. K. Stephen Building of Castles in England The cruelty of the Scots agaynst the Englishe man Anno. 1140. Maude the Empresse came into England agaynst Steuen King SteueÌ„â—ken prisoner What it is for princes to be hard and straite to their subjectes K. Stephen and Robert Erle of Glocester deliuered by exchaunge Ex incerti autoris chronise The decease of Geffry Plantagenet Henry Duke of Normandy Henry entereth into England Theobalde Archbishop of Cant. Peace betwene king Steuen and Duke Henry concluded The death of K. Steuen S. William of Yorke Gracianns the compiler of the popes decrees Petrus Lombardus maister of the sentence Petrus Comestet Hugo de sancto Victore Bernardus Clareualensis Hildegare Ioannes detemporibus The fewes crucified a christen body at Norwich The order of the Gilbertines The Lordes prayer and the Creede in Englishe Matthaeus Pariensis lib. Chron. 4. Steuen king of England Cursing with booke bell and candle Anno. 1138. Pope Lucius the ij warring agaynst the Senators Spirituall excommunication abused in temporall causes Hadrianus a Pope an Englishman Anno. 1154. King Henry the second Thomas Becket chauncellor of England Anno. 〈◊〉 Gerhardus Dulcinus Preaches agaynst Antichrist of Rome Ex 〈◊〉 Gisbaron si Anno. 11â—â— Fredericus Barbarosa Emperor The pope displeased that the Emperour did not held his right stirrup The Emperour holdeth the Popes stirrup The Popes old practice in setting Princes together by the eares War more gaynefull to the Pope then peace Warre stirred vp by the Pope The pope driuen to entreate for peace The godly proceedings of Frederick the Emperour agaynst the pope A letter of Pope Hadrian to the Emperour Fredericke The Emperours name before the Popes A seditious and proud letter of the pope to the Bishops of Germany Well bragged and like a Pope Scripture well wrasted Ex Radenuico in appendice Frisingensis See the ambitious presumption of a proude priest Note here a couragious hart in a valiaunt Emperour An example for all princes to follow Note The order of Erenuâ—â— Anno. 1159. The saying and iudgement of P. Adrianus of the papall sea The popes rather successors to Romulus then to Peter Pope Alexander the third Alexander curseth the Emperour Anno. 1164. Volateran â—ken with a â—tradiction Concilium 〈◊〉 The clergie â—ounde to â—he vowe of â—hastitie Papiâ—tes are not so much in pro 〈◊〉 chastitie as in desining chastitie Tho. Becket Archb. at Cant. Becket no martyr Herberturde busebam Ioan. Charnot A lanus Abbot of Tenchbury Gulselmus Cantuariensis Tho. Becked described What commeth of blinde zeale destitute of right knowledge The life of Tho. Becket Polydorus mistaketh the mother of Becket Ex Roberto Criâ—eladensi Ex Florilego 〈…〉 The 〈◊〉 of vanâ—â— recited betweene 〈◊〉 king 〈◊〉 Archb. The kings custome Out of an Englishe Chronicâ—â— as it appearreth 〈◊〉 en cured Frenchâ—â— Erle â—â—lord 〈◊〉 The lawes of Claredoun Beckets additioÌ„ Saluo ordine suo The Bishop of Chichester The stubberne wilfulnes of T. Becket T. Becket relenteth to the king Becket yeldeth to the king Saluo ordine left out in the composition Becket repenteth of hys good deede A letter of pope Alexander to T. Becket Becket enterprising agaynst the king◠〈◊〉 to flye out of the realme Becket taunted of the king Ex Rogero Houed prâ— parte historia continuas a post Bedam The kinge to be the Pope Legate The ceâ—sty dissimulation of the Pope The popes secret letters to Becket More then an C. murthers done by the clergye Guliel Neuburg lib. 2. ca. 16. Becket cited to Northampton The Archbish. condemned in the Councell of NorthamtoÌ„ in the loâ—â—e of all hys moueables Becket required to geue an accompt The verdite of Winchester The counsell of the Bishop of London Canterbury Winchester Chichester Moderate counsell Lincolne Exceter Worcester Becket the Archbishop replyeth agaynst the Byshops A great â—â—ielle growen in the church because that Byshop may noâ—â—â— aboue 〈◊〉 and prince Becket destitute and forsaken Becket 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 nes when he should appeale A masse of S. Steuen 〈◊〉 saue hym from hys enemies Becket answere to the Bishops â—â—câ—â—t appealeth to Rome London appealeth from the Archbish. A masse to charme away persecutors Becket caryeth with hym the sacrament going
his Castels The B of Ely clotheth himself in a womans apparell A Fisherman taketh the B. of Ely to be a woman The B. of Ely in a womans apparell found to be a man Bayted of women by the Seas side Cast in a darke cellar in stead of a prison Set at libertie by Iohn Earle of Morton The B of Ely giueth lx markes to be receiued with procession The Bish. of Ely complayneth to the King and the Pope The letter of Pope Celestine in the behalfe of the Bish. of Ely his Legate The B. of Ely bold vpon the Popes fauour The names of many which stoode against the B. of Ely appointed to be excommunicated The Bish of Ely complayneth to the king of the Earle of Morton his brother Anno. 1192. Strife betweene the B. of Ely the Archb. of Roan Pope Celestine standeth in excuse of the Bish. of Ely The Bish. of Ely with the kinges letters commeth again into England What discord doth The french king returneth from Palestina Ann. 1193. K Richard returneth from Palestina Confederacy of the French 〈◊〉 and Earle Iohn against king Richard Earle Iohn besieged aâ— Wyndsore Anno. 1195. Ex Chroâ—â—â— cui titulus Eulogium The iust punishment 〈◊〉 God vpon the Dukeâ— Austrige An. 1196. The answer of k. Richard to his brother Anno. 1197. 3. daughters of the king â—oted He that all would haue shall all forgoe Couetous greedines plagued The death of k. Richard the first K. Richard forgeueth him that killed him Ex bibliotheca Cariensi Ex Gualtero Hemyngford monacho Gisburâ—ensi Vaine feare of purgatory Ex Iornal Gisburnensi alijs Monks put ouâ— and secular priestes receiued King Iohn Arthur of Britayne A communication betweene the king of england and the French king Marlage in the 3. degree forbidden by the pope Anno. 1200. Anno. 1202. Nat. Paretti in vita Ioannis Regis Arthur Anno. 1203. Normandy lost and gotten by the French meÌ„ Anno. 1205. Striuing for the election of the Archb. of Cant. Anno. 1206. Prelates of the Church had theÌ„ money inough belike that they could keepe play at Rome against their prince Which thing caused the princes after to seeke such meanes to cut them short Anno. 1207. Disseâ—â—â— among the Monâ—es 〈◊〉 Cant 〈◊〉 the elecâ—â—â— of the 〈◊〉 The pride and tyranâ—â— of the Pope Stephen Langton made archb of Canterbury The king doth expostulate with the Pope 〈◊〉 consecrating Stephen Langton Archb. of Cant. The Popes letters ansâ—â—â—ng K. John It is pity but this Pope should be honoured of kinges and princes A pitifull case that a king cannot constitute an archb within his owne realme who him most liketh Note the proceedings of this ambitious pope Tho. Becket he meaneth Princes must be subiect to the pope Foure byshops appointed to interdict the realme England interdicted by the pope Discipline of the church abused for priuate reuenge The inconsiderate stoutnes of the prelates against the king Stephen LaÌ„ghton stout against his kyng The king moued against the Archb. Langton Two legates sent from the Pope Restitution required of the king Sentence of the popes curse pronounced against the king The Pope author of rebellion and disobedience of subiectes towardes their prince Like master lyke man Pandolph worse aiâ— then hurt The Poâ—â— great curse The iust punishment of God vpon disobedient subiecteâ— The Pope founde a murtherer Anno. 1212. French shipâ— takeÌ„ by englishmen Peter the false Prophet The false prophet fouÌ„d a lyar The false prophet proueâ— a lyer of K. Iohn The false prophet hanged K. Iohn submitteth him selfe to the Pope K. Iohn entreateth for peace with the Pope K Iohn submitteth himselfe and resigneth his crowne The draught of instrument â—bligatory where in king Iohn resigneth his kyngdome to the Popes hand Christ was offâ—red a kingdom and would none of it but the Pope dâ—th not refuse it The vnreasonablenes of the clergy against their naturall Prince Anno. 1215. The councell of Lateran holden by pope Innocent The Pope to haue iurisdictioÌ„ of all Churches Ioánes Scotus Transubâ—â—â—tiation 〈◊〉 brought Mariage of priestes forbidden by Pope Inoâ—cent Stephen Langhton suspended out of the Church Appeale to the generaâ—l councell Ann. 1215. The discord betwene the nobles and the kyng Gualo Cardinall sent into EnglaÌ„d The French kyng and his sonne reasoning about England Prelates and priâ—stes conspiring against the kyng Anno. 1216. Walter Gray Archb. of York Gualo the popes Legate Radul Niger cap. 43. 44. The popes curse laught to scorn Pandulphus the Popes collector made bishop of Norwich Mat. Paris Radul Niger cap. 47. The great prouidence of God for the helpe of Englande Pope Innocent the third dyeth K. Iohn poysoned by a Monke Ex Chronico cui titulus Eulogium Ex Math. Paris The saying of K. Iohn deryding the Masse Ex Caxtono lib. 7. Woebeâ—â— you that 〈◊〉 good euiâ—l and euill good SimoÌ„ Monâ—â— absolued oâ— his Abbot for poysoning hiâ—â—ing The 〈◊〉 dyeth 〈◊〉 own 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 of K. 〈◊〉 A 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 K. 〈◊〉 ried 〈◊〉 ceter 〈◊〉 12â—â— The wordâ— K. Iohn Another description of kyng Iohns death Ex histor Gâ—alt Hemyngford â—isburnensi â—he first â—aior of LoÌ„â—on 〈◊〉 Henry the 〈◊〉 rd â—â—e issue of 〈◊〉 g Iohn 〈◊〉 example 〈◊〉 worthy 〈◊〉 faithfull â—nsailour 〈◊〉 oration â—he Earle shall for 〈◊〉 ng kyng 〈◊〉 ty 〈◊〉 ly said 〈◊〉 you per 〈◊〉 ed him 〈◊〉 ersecu 〈◊〉 ye were 〈◊〉 true maÌ„ 〈◊〉 ur own 〈◊〉 al king 〈◊〉 well 〈◊〉 Eng 〈◊〉 cry out 〈◊〉 urblind 〈◊〉 es and 〈◊〉 s on 〈◊〉 Chron. 〈◊〉 Gis 〈◊〉 K. Henry the 3. crowned Berkhamstead and Hartford taken by Lewes Lincolne taken by Lewes Anno. 1217. This Eustace some say he was a Spanyard A noble victory by Gods grace giueÌ„ to K. Iohns sonne Ex Math. Parisiensi Lewes the freÌ„ch kings sonne â—â—â—uen out of Englande The answere of the French king concerning his sonne Lewes Ex Florilego An admonition to Englishmen not to admit foreine rulers into the realme It is a bad wind that bloweth no man profit Money coÌ„ming into the Pope and Cardinall Hugo B. of Lincolne redemeth his Bishopricke for a 1000. marks Ex Mat. Paris in vita Reg. Henri 3. Pope innocent the third Pope Honorius the third The effect of the letter of Pope Honorius the 3. to king Henry the 3. Ex parisien A straunge tale of pope Honorius if it be true Ex Abbate Vrsperg in Chronico An. 1218. K. Henry â—firmed 〈◊〉 liberties â—â—â—ted by 〈◊〉 Iohn Two â—â—â—lings of â—â—ry plâ—â—â—â— land grâ—â—ted to 〈◊〉 Henry Tâ—â—â— Becket â—â—â—ned Ex histor D. Scales W. Marshal dieth and was buried at the Teâ—ple Anno. 1219. Aliens comaundeâ— out of Eâ—â—lande Faukes de Breut â—â—â—leth a 〈◊〉 king Heâ—â—â— Ex Parâ—ens Anno. 1220. K. Henry crowned 〈◊〉 second 〈◊〉 at Wesâ—â—â—ster Pope Innocentius The deedes and decrees of pope Innocent 3. Almerieus condemned Ioachim Ab bas condemned Priuate riches brought in Bell and caÌ„dle before the sacrameÌ„t Canon of the masse
the Cardinall The Card. a deceauer of the king a briber The Card. purchaseth a pardon against his premuniri Prelates holde one with an other Malice burst out Paules steepleset on fire by lightning Anno. 1445 The death of Henry Chichesley Archb. of Cant. The builâ—ing of Alsolne Colledge and Barnard Colledge in Oxforde Anno. 1447 The storie death of Humfrey Duke of Gloucester Duke Humfrey coÌ„mâ—nded for his learning Petrus de Monte. De Virtutum et Vitrorum differentia ad D. Humfredum Lapiscastellius De compatatione Audiorum etrei militarus ad D. D. Humfredum A false miracle espied Dissimulatâ—on wel punished Commen-dation of Duke Hum-frey The good Duke of Glocester Polyd. Hist lib. 23 Halâ— in 25. Hâ—n 6. The enemies to the Duke of Glocester The malicious working of the cardinall against the Duke of Glocester W. De la Pole Duke of Suffolke the cause of the Duke of Glocesters death The vnprofitable mariage betweene K. Hen. 6. and Queene Margaret Queene Margaret mortall enemy to the Duke of Glocester The malice of a woman A snare to catch the innocent Anno. 1447. A parliament at Bery The cruel death or martyrdome of the good Duke of Glocester The iudgement of god vpon theÌ„ which persecuted the Duke of Glocester Anno. 1448. The death of the Cardinall and maner of the same The wordes of the Cardinall of Winchester at his deâ—th Will. Wanflet Bishop of Wint. Magdalen Colledge in Oxford builded Gods punishment vpon the Marques of Suffolke The 〈◊〉 glory of mans 〈◊〉 foâ—gethâ—â—g himselfe in honour The commons vncoÌ„ stant The Duke of Suffolke accuâ—ed by the coÌ„monâ— The Duke of Suffolke againe accused Example of Gods iudgement and of bloud reuenged The Duke of Suffolke beheaded Publicam instâ—umentum nomine Regis An instru ment by the thing against the admitting the Popes legate Anno. 1450. The arte of printing inuented Ex Tipographia per Matsheum Iudiâ—em Carmen Anâ— Campani Printing camâ— of God Printing likened to the giftes of tongues The time considered when Printing was founde Double confusiâ—â— vpon the Pope by printing The fruit profite of printing Good counsaile to the Pope So preached the vicar of CroydeÌ„ in K. Henry the 8. dayes at Paules crosse saying that either we must roote out printing or else printing will roote out v 8. Triple commodity by printing When Gunnes were first inuented Anno. 1458. The losing of Constantinople The tirannie of the Turke toward his owne men The cowardnes of Duke Iustinian The Emperour of CoÌ„stantinople flaine CoÌ„staÌ„tinople wonne of the Turkes The bloudy victory of the Turkes The horrible in aÌ„ny of the Turkes Constantinople called new Rome A warning to all Christendome by Constantinople The story of Reinold Pecocke The citatioÌ„ of the Arch. Tho. Bowcher alias Bourâ—chet Pecocke appeareth at Lambeth before the Archb. Great labour to reduce Pecocke from his opinioÌ„s The retractation of B. Pecocke Ex regist His Articles The articles of Reynolde Pecocke mentioned by Thomas Gascoigne Ex Tho. Gascoig lib. De Dictionario Theolog part 3. B. Pecocke deteyned in prison Polydoâ—e noted Eugenius warred against Sâ—ortia and diuers other Pope Fâ—â—â—x Pope Nicholas 5. Emperours are but kinges of Romaines before they be crowned by the Pope Ex Platina de vitis The example of Idolatrie punished The fruit of Idolatry Mat. Palmerius a Florentine martyr Toling of Aues S. Edmund of Cant. canonised Pope Pius 2. Promotion choketh religion The Prouerbes of Pius Mariage of priestes allowed by Aeneas Syluius Ex epist. 54. Pii sâ—cund ad Gasparum Schlick The way to exclude schisme is concord of princâ—s The Popes Clergie wil not abyde the fyre eyther for prince or pope The breath of this pestilent seate corrupteth all that sit in it whatsoeuer they were before Aeneas Syluius now puffed vp with worldly pompe and glorie impugneth the trueth whiche he did before both know and professe Dâ—scord betwene Pope Pius the Archbishop of Mentz Anno. 1458. Pope Paulus 2. Ex Stanislao Rutheno Vide Cent. 8. Bal. The feast of the conception and presentation of our Lady Beades brought in Wesellus Groningensis The pope licenseth the whole familie of a certaine Cardinall to play the Sodomites three monethes in the yeare Pope Innocentius 8. 8. men and 6. we men condemned of heresie by Pope Innocentius 8. George king of Boheme condemned of heresie Mischieues to England after the death of the Duke of Glocester Angeow Main Normandy and Gascoyne recoueâ—ed of the Frenchmen Iacke Cade The Duke of Yorke agaâ—â—st kyng Henry Anno. 1459. The Northern men intended the subuersion of London Ex historia manuscripta cui titulus Scala mundi London rescued by prince Edw. Anno. 1461. The title of Edward to the crowne proued at Paules crosse K. Edward taketh possession of the crown The fierce and cruell battaile betweene king Henry 6. K. Edward 4. King Henry 6. conquered Barwicke geuen to the Scottes by K. Henry 6. The title of the house of Yorke Rich. Plantagenet Ex Scala mundi Leaden Hall bilded The Standard in Chepe The Conduite in Fletstrete New gate builded The Colledge of Eton and the kings Colledge in Cambridge founded The king reiecteth the popes Bulles Ex Getuslo codic cuâ— initium Nomâ—na custodum c. et ex Fabiano Example of Gods rodde and iudgement Anno. 1461. King Edward 4. Queene Margaret fledde the lande Anno. 1462. K. Edward sitteth his own person in the kings bench iudging Anno. 1463. K. Henry 6. againe repulsed in the battaile of Exham K. Henry 6. taken arested committed to the Tower Anno. 1465. The kyngs lodeine mariage with Queene Elizabeth The first falling out betweene K. Edwarde the Earle of Warwick Conspiracie against king Edward K. Edward take prisoner by the Earle of Warwicke The rebellion in Lincolnshire repressed The Earle of Warwicke and the Duke of Clarence fly into Fraunce The Earle of Warwick the Duke of Clarence returne into England The receiuing of the Earle of Warwicke into England K. Henry againe proclaymed kyng The inconstant leuitie of the people of England The constant hart and â—â—nth of the Lord Hastinges K. Edward forsaken of his people in his neede The weake state of king Edward Whether godly simplicitie or mans policie be stronger The double case of these two kings considered K. Edward taketh the Washes God prouideth K. Edward taketh shipping K. Edward near taken of the Esterlings God againe prouideth K. Edward deliuered from the Esterlinges Charles Duke of Burgoyne K. Edwardes brother in law Queene Elizabeth taketh sanctuary Prince Edward borne in sanctuary K. Henry 6. brought out of the tower K. Henry restored again to his kingdome K. Edward returneth againe into England K. Edward onely with 2000. souldiours commeth to Rauenspurre alias Rauensport The dissembling policy of king Edward K. Edward commeth to Yorke K. Edward repelled by the citizens of Yorke K. Edward chaungeth his title The gentle and fayre wordes of K. Edward Two conditions put to K.
tripled besides Annates and Palles whiche all together are thought to make the totall summe yearely goyng out of Fraunce to the Popes coffers â—f late yeares x. Myriades or MillioÌ„s euery Myriade mountyng to x. thousand crownes Now what hath risen besides in other Realmes and NatioÌ„s let other men coniecture Wherfore if the Gospell send vs to the fruites to know the tree I pray you what is to be thought of the Churche of Rome with these fruites of lyfe Or if we will seeke the Church in length and number of yeares where was this Church of Rome with these qualities then at what tyme the Church of Rome was a persecuted Church not a persecutyng Church And when the Byshops therof did not make Martyrs as these do now but were made Martyrs them selues to the number of xxv in order one after an other Or when the Byshops therof were elected exalted not by factioÌ„s conspiring not by power or partes taking not by money or frendes makyng as they be now but by the free voyces of the people of the Clergy with the consent of the Emperour ioyned with all and not by a few coÌ„spired Cardinals closed vp in a corner as they be now c. ANd yet if there were no other difference in the matter but onely corruptioÌ„ of life all that we would tollerate or els impute to the common fragilitie of man and charge them no further therein then we might charge our selues Now ouer and beside this deformitie of life wherein they are cleane gone froÌ„ the former steppes of the true Church of Rome we haue moreouer to charge them in greater pointes more nearely touchyng the substauntiall ground of the Church as in their iurisdiction presumptuously vsurped in their title falsely grounded and in their doctrine heretically corrupted In all which three pointes this latter pretenced Churche of Rome hath vtter sequestred it selfe from the Image and nature of the auncient and true Church of Rome and haue erected to them selues a new Church of their owne makyng as first vsurping a iurisdiction neuer knowen before to their auncient predecessors For although the Churche of Rome in the old primitiue tyme had his due authoritie and place due vnto that sea among other Patriarchall Churches ouer and vpon such Churches as were within his precinct bordering neare vnto it as appeareth by the Actes of Nicene CouÌ„cell yet the vniuersall fulnesse and plenitude of power in both the regimentes spirituall temporall in deposing dispensing matters of the Church not to him beloÌ„ging in taking Appeales in geuyng elections inuestyng in benefices in exeÌ„pting him selfe from obedience subiection of his ordinary power Magistrate with his coactiue power newly erected in the church of Rome was neuer receaued nor vsed in the old Romane church froÌ„ which they disagree in all their doings For although Victor theÌ„ bishop of Rome an 200. went about to excoÌ„municate the East Churches for the obseruation of Easter day yet neither did he proceede therein neither was permitted by Irenaeus so to doe And although Boniface the first likewise writyng to the Byshops of Carthage required of theÌ„ to send vp their appellatioÌ„s vnto the Church of Rome alledgyng moreouer the decree of Nicene CouÌ„cell for his authoritie The Byshops Clergy of Carthage assemblyng together in a generall CouÌ„cell called the vj. Councell of Carthage to the nuÌ„ber of .217 Byshops after they had perused the decrees in the autentike copies of the foresayd Nicene Councell fouÌ„d no such matter by the sayd Bonifacius alledged made therefore a publike decree that none out of that countrey should make any appeale ouer the sea c. And what maruell if appeales were forbiddeÌ„ them to be made to Rome wheÌ„ as both here in EnglaÌ„d the kyngs of this land would not permit any to Appeale froÌ„ them to Rome before king Henry the ij because of the murther of Thomas Becket beyng thereunto compelled by Pope Alexander the iij. And also in Fraunce the like prohibitions were expressely made by Ludouicus Pius an 1268. which did forbid by a publicke instrument called Pragmatica sanctio all exactions of the Popes court within his Realme Also by kyng Philip named Le bel an 1296. the like was done which not only restrayned all seÌ„dyng or goyng vp of his subiectes to Rome but also that no money armour nor subsidy should be transported out of his Realme The like also after him did king Charles the v. surnamed the Wise and his sonne likewise after him Charles the vj. who also punished as traytours certaine seditious persons for appealyng to Rome The like resistauÌ„ce moreouer was in the sayd countrey of FrauÌ„ce against the Popes reseruatioÌ„s preueÌ„tioÌ„s other like practises of his vsurped iurisdictioÌ„ in the dayes of pope Martin the v. an 1418. Item when kyng Henry the vj. in England and kyng Charles the 7. in FrauÌ„ce did both accord with the Pope in inuesting in collatioÌ„ of benefices yet notwithstandyng the highe Court of Parliament in Fraunce did not admit the same but still maintayned the old libertie customes of the French Church In so much that the Duke of Beâ—hfort came with the kynges letters pateÌ„t to haue the Popes procurations reseruations admitted yet the court of ParliameÌ„t would not agree to the same but the kyngs Procurator generall was fayne to go betwixt them as is to be sene in their Registers an 1425. the fift day of Marche In the dayes of the which kyng Charles the vij was setforth in Fraunce Pragmatica sanâ—tio as they call it agaynst the Annaâ—es reseruations expectatiues and such other proceedyngs of the Popes pretenced iurisdictioÌ„ an 1438. Wherfore what maruell if this iurisdiction of the Popes Court in excommunicatyng in takyng Appeales and geuyng of benefices was not vsed in the old Church of Rome when as in these latter dayes it hath bene so much resisted And what should I speake of the forme and maner of elections now vsed in the Church of Rome cleane coÌ„uerted from the maner of the old Church of their predecessors For first in those auncient dayes when as yet the Church remayned in the Apostles onely a few other Disciples the Apostles then with prayer and imposition of handes elected Byshops Ministers as by the Apostles Iames was made Bishop of Hierusalem Paule in Creta elected Titus and Timothe in Ephesus Also Peter ordayned Linus and Clement in Rome c. After which tyme of the Apostles when the Church began more to multiply the election of Byshops and Ministers stode by the Clergie the people with the consent of the chief Magistrate of the place and so continued during all the tyme of the Primitiue Church till the tyme and after the time of Constantine the 4. Emperour which Emperour as writeth Platina and Sabellic Enead 8. lib. 6. published a law concernyng the election of the Romane Byshop that
same time in battail Of Gallus and Volusianus his sōne Emperours after Decius both slaine by conspiracie of Aemilianus who rose against them both in warre and within three monthes after was slaine himselfe Next to Aemilianus succeded Valerianus and Galianus his sonne of whome Valerianus who was a persecuter of the Christians was taken prisoner of the Persians and there made a ridyng foole of Sapores their king who vsed him for a stoole to leap vp vpon his horse while his sonne Galienus sleepyng at Rome either would not or could not once proferre to reuenge his fathers ignominie For after the taking of Valerian so many Emperors rose vp as were prouinces in the Romaine Monarch At length Galienus also was killed by Aureolus which warred against him It were too long here to speake of Aurelianus an other persecuter slain of his Secretarie Of Tacitus and Florinus his brother of whom the first raigned 6. months and was slaine at Pontus the other raigned two months and was murdred at Tarsis Of Probus who although a good ciuill Emperour yet was he destroied by his souldiers After whom Carus the next emperour was slaine by lightning Next to Carus followed the impious and wicked persecuter Dioclesian with his fellowes Maximian Galerius Maximinus Maxentius and Licinius vnder whom all at one time during the life of Dioclesian the greatest and most grieuous persecution was mooued against the Christians x. yeares together Of which Dioclesian and Maximinian deposed themselues frō the Empire Galerius the chiefest minister of the persecution after his terrible persecutions fell into a wonderfull sicknesse hauing such a sore risen in the neather part of his belly which consumed his priuie members and so did swarme with wormes that being not curable neither by Surgerie nor Phisike he confessed that it happened for his crueltie toward the Christians and so called in his proclamations against them Notwithstanding he not able to sustain as some say the stench of his sore slue himselfe Maximinus in his warre being tormented with payne in his guttes there died Maxentius was vanquished by Constantine and drouned in Tiber. Licinius likewise beyng ouercome by the said Constantine the great was deposed from his Empire and afterward slaine of his souldiours But on the other side after the tyme of Constantine when as the fayth of Christ was receiued into Imperiall seate we read of no Emperour ofter the like sort destroied or molested except it were Iulianus or Basilius which expelled one Zeno was afterward expelled himselfe or Valende besides these we read of no Emperour to come to ruine as the other before mentioned Ex lib hist. tripart And thus haue we in a briefe summe collected out of the Chronicles the vnquiet and miserable state of the Emperours of Rome vntill the tyme of Christian Constantine with the examples no lesse terrible then manifest of Gods seuere iustice vpon them for their contemptuous refusing and persecuting the faith and name of Christ their Lord. Moreouer in much like sort and condition if leisure of tyme or haste of matter would suffer me a little to digresse vnto more lower tymes and to come more nere home the like examples I could also inferre of this our countrey of England concerning the terrible plagues of God against the churlish and vnthankfull refusing or abusing the benefite of his truth First we read how that God stirred vp Gildas to preach to the old Britains and to exhort thē vnto repentance and amendment of life and afore to warne thē of plagues to come if they repented not What auayled it Gildas was laughed to scorne and taken for a false prophet and a malicious preacher the Britains with lusty courages whorish faces and vnrepentant hartes went forth to sinne and to offend the Lord their God What followed God sent in their enemies on euery side destroied them and gaue the land to other nations Not many yeres past God seing idolatry superstition hipocrisie and wicked liuing vsed in this Realme raysed vp that godly learned man Iohn Wickliffe to preach vnto our fathers repentance and to exhort them to amend their liues to forsake their Papistry Idolatry their hypocrisy superstition and to walke in the feare of God His exhortations were not regarded He with his Sermons was despised His bookes and he himself after his death were burnt what followed they slue their right king and set vp three wrong kings on a rowe vnder whom all the noble bloud was slaine vp halfe the commons thereto what in Fraunce with their own sword in fighting among themselues for the crowne and the Cities and townes decayed and the land brought halfe to a wildernes in respect of that it was before O extreme plagues of Gods vengeance Since that tyme euen of late yeares God once againe hauing pitie of this realm of England raised vp his prophets namely William Tindall Thomas Bilney Iohn Frith Doctor Barnes Ierome Garret Anthonie Person with diuers other which both with their writings and sermons earnestly laboured to call vs vnto repentaunce that by this meanes the fierce wrath of God might be turned away from vs. But how were they intreated how were their painfull labours regarded they themselues were condemned and burnt as heretikes and their bookes condemned and burnt as heretical The time shall come saith Christ that whosoeuer killeth you will thinke that he doth God hie good seruice Whether any thing since that tyme hath so chaunced this Realme worthy the name of a plague let the godly wise iudge If God hath deferred his punishment or forgeuē vs these our wicked deedes as I trust he hath let vs not therfore be proud and hie minded but most humbly thanke him for his tender mercies and beware of the like vngodly enterprises hereafter Neither is it here any neede to speake of these our lower and latter tymes which haue ben in king Henry and king Edwards dayes seeing the memory thereof is yet fresh and cannot be forgotten But let this passe of this I am sure that God yet once againe is come on visitation to this church of England yea and that more louingly beneficially then euer he did afore For in this his visitation he hath redressed many abuses and cleansed his church of much vngodlines and superstition and made it a glorious Church if it be compared to the olde forme and state And now how gratefull receiuers we be with what hart study and reuerence we embrace that which he hath giuen that I referre either to thē that see our fruits or to the sequele which peraduenture will declare But this by the way of digression Now to regresse againe to the state of the first former tymes It remaineth that as I haue set foorth the iustice of God vpon these Romain persecutors so now we declare their persecutions raised vp against the people and seruauntes of Christ within the space of 300. yeares after Christ. Which persecutions in
long after Of some writers it was recorded that he was there slayne wyth the forenamed torment and Edward was conueied by some other to his mother Who fearing the treason of Godwine sent him soone ouer the sea to Normady againe This cruell facte of Godwine and his men against the innocent Normandes whether it came of himselfe or of the kings setting on seemeth to me to be the cause why the iustice of God did shortly after reuenge the quarell of these Normands in conquering subduing the english nation by William Conqueror and the Normandes which came with hym For so iust and right it was that as the Normandes comming with a naturall English Prince were murthered of English men so afterwarde the Englishe men shoulde be slaine and conquered by the Normandes comming with a forraine King being none of their naturall countrey Then it followeth in the storie that this king Canute or Hardeknout when he had reigned ij yeres being mery at Lambeth sodainly was striken dombe fell downe to the ground and within 8. daies after died without issue of his body Who was the last that raigned in England of the bloâ—d of the Danes This foresaid Godwine had by the daughter of Canutus his wife but one sonne which was drowned Of hys seconde wife he receiued vj. sonnes to wit Suanus Harold Tostius Wilmotus Sirthe or Surth and Leofricus with one daughter Galled Goditha which after was maried to king Edward the Confessor Concerning the story of this Alfred I find it somthing otherwise reported in our english chronicles that it shuld be after the death of Hardeknout forasmuch as the Earles Barons after his death assembled and made a councell that neuer after any of the Danes bloud should be king of England for the despite that they had done to english meÌ„ For euermore before if the English men and the Danes had happened to mete vpoÌ„ a bridge the english men shuld not so hardy to mooue a foote but stande still till the Dane were passed foorth And moreouer if the English men had not bowed downe their heades to doe reuerence vnto the Danes they should haue bene beaten and defiled For the which despites and villanie they were driuen out of the land after the death of Hardeknout for they had no Lorde that might maintaine them And after this maner auoided the Danes England that they neuer came againe The Erles and Barons by their common assent and counsaile sent vnto Normandy for these two brethren Alphred and Edward intending to crowne Alphred the elder brother to make him king of England And to thys the Earles and Barons made their othe but the Earle Godwine of Westsaxe falsly and traiterously thought to slea these two brethren assoone as they came into Englad to that inteÌ„t to make Harold his sonne king which sonne he had by his wife Hardeknoutes daughter that was a Dane And so this Godwine went priuily to Southampton to meete there with the two brethren at their landing And thus it fell that the messengers that went saith mine author into Normandie found but onely Alphred the elder brother For Edward his younger brother was gone to Hungarie to speake wyth his couâ—in the outlaw which was Edward Ironsides sonne When Alfrede had heard these messengers and perceiued their tidings he thanked God and in all hast sped him to England arriuing at Southampton There Godwin the false traitor hauing knowledge of his comming welcommed receaued him with much ioy preteÌ„ding to lead him vnto London where the Barons waited for to make him king And so they together passed forth towarde London But when they came to Guild downe the traitor coÌ„manded all his men to slea all that were in Alphredes coÌ„pany which came with him from Normandie And after that to take Alphrede to lead him into the Isle of Ely where they shuld put out both his eyes and so they did For they slew all the company that were there to the number of xij Gentlemen which came with Alfrede from Normandie and after that they tooke Alphrede and in the Isle of Ely they executed their commissioÌ„ That done they opened his body tooke out his bowels set a stake into the grounde and fastened an end of his bowels therunto with needles of â—â—on they pricked his teÌ„der body therby causing him to go about the stake till that all his bowels were drawen out And so died this innocent Alphred or Alured being the right heire of the crowne through treason of wicked Godwyne When the Lordes of Englande heard thereof and how Alphred that should haue ben their king was put to death through the false traitor Godwyne they were wonderous wroth and sware betwene God and them that he should die a worse death then did Edrith which betrayed his Lord Edmund Ironside and wold immediatly haue put him to death but that the Traitour fledde thence into Denmarke and there helde him iiij yeares and more and lost all his landes in England An other Latin story I haue bearing no name which saith that this comming in of Alphred the Normandes was in the time of Harold Canutus soÌ„ne And how Godwyne after he pretended great amitie to them sodenly in the night came vpon them at Gilford And after he had tithed the Normandes sent Alfrede to Harold at London who sent him to the Isle of Ely and caused his eyes to be put out And thus much of Canutus and of his sonnes Harold and Hardecanutus Besides these ij sonnes Canutus had also a daughter named Gunilda maried to Henricus the Emperour Of whome some write that she being accused to the emperor of spousebrech and hauing no champion or Knight that woulde fight for her after the maner of that couÌ„trey for trial of her cause a certaine litle dwarf or boy whom she brought with her out of England stirred vp of God fought in her cause against a mighty bigge Germain of a monstrous greatnesse which selâ—e dwarfe cutting â—y chauÌ„ce the sinews of his leg after stroke him to the grouÌ„d and so cut of his head and saued the life of the Queene if it be true that Gulielmus and Fabianus reporteth Of this Canutus it is storied that he folowing muche the superstition of Achelnotus Archbishop of Cant. went on pilgrimage to Rome and there founded an hospital for English pilgrimes He gaue the Pope pretious gifts and burdened the land with an yerely tribute called the Rome shoâ—e he shrined the body of Berinus gaue great lands and ornaments to the Cathedrall Churche of Winchester he builded S. Benets in Northfolk which was before an Hermitage Also S. Edmundes bury which king Ethelstane before ordeined for a Colledge of Priests he turned to an Abbey of monkes of S. Benets order Henricus Archdeacon of Huntyngton Lib. 6. maketh mention of thys Canutus as doeth also Polidorus Lib. 7. That he after his comming from Rome walking vppon a tune by
de Ou. F. Louel S de Troys I. de Artel Iohn de Montebrugg H. de Mounteserel W. Trussebut W. Trussel H. Byset R. Basset R. Molet H. Malouile G. Bonet P. de Bonuile S. de Rouile N. de Norbec I. de Corneux P. de Corbet W. de Mountague S. de Mounfychet I. de Geneuyle H. Gyffard I. de Say T. Gilbard R. de Chalons S. de Chauward H. Feret Hugo Pepard I. de Harecourt H. de Haunsard I. de Lamare P. de Mautreuers G. de Ferron R. de Ferrers I. de Desty W. de Werders H de Borneuyle Iâ—de Saintenys S. de Seucler R. de Gorges E. de Gemere W. de Feus S. de Filberd H. de Turberuyle R. Troblenuer R. de Angon T. de Morer T. de Roteler H. de Spencer R. de Saintpuinten I. de Saint Martin G. de Custan Saint Constantin Saint Leger Saint Med. M. de Cronu de S. Viger S. de Crayel R. de Crenker N. Meyuell I. de Berners S. de Chumli E. de Charers I. de Grey W. de Grangers S de Grangers S. Raubenyn H. Vamgers E. Bertram R. Bygot S. Treoly I. Trigos G. de Feues H. Filiot R. Taperyn S. Talbot H. Santsauer T. de Samford G. de Vandien C. de Vautort G. de Mountague Tho. de Chambernon S. de Montfort R. de Ferneuaux W. de Valence T. Clarel S. de Cleruaus P. de Aubermarle H de Saint Aruant E. de Auganuteys S. de Gant G. de Malearbe H. Mandut W. de Chesun L. de Chandut R Filz vrs B. viconte de Low G. de Cantemere T. de Cantlow R. Breaunce T. de Broxeboof S de Bolebec B Mol de boef I. de Muelis R de Brus. S de Brewes I. de Lylle T. de Bellyle I. de Wateruile G. de Neuyle R. de Neuburgh H. de Burgoyne G de Bourgh S. de Lymoges L de Lyben W. de Helyoun H. de Hildrebron R de Loges S. de Seintlow I de Maubank P. de Saint Malow R. de Leoferne I. de Louotot G. de Dabbeuyle H. de Appetot W. de Percy H. de Lacy G de Quincy E Tracy R de la Souche V. de Somery I. de Saint Iohn T. de Saint Gory P. de Boyly R de Saint Valery P. de Pinkeni S. de Pauely G. de Monthaut T. de Mountchesy R. de Lymozy G. de Lucy I. de Artoys N de Arty P de Grenuyle I. de Greys V. de Cresty F de Courcy T. de Lamar H. de Lymastz I de Monbray G. de Morley S de Gorney R. de Courtenay P. de Gourney R. de Cony I. de la Huse R. de la Huse V de Longeuyle P. Longespye I. Pouchardon R. de la Pomercy I. de Pountz R. de Pontlarge R. Estraunge Tho. Sauage A little aboue mention was made of the Bishops sea of Shireborne translated from thence to Salisbury The first bishop of Salisbury was Hermannus Normand who first began the new church and minster of Salisbury After whom succeded OsmuÌ„dus who finished the worke and replenished the house with great liuing much good singing This Osmundus first began the ordinarie which was called Secundum vsum Sarum an 1076. The occasion whereof was this as I find in an old story booke intituled Eulogium a great contention chanced at Glastenbury betwene Thurstanus the Abbot and his couent in the days of William Conqueror which Thurstanus the sayd William had brought out of Normandy froÌ„ the Abbey of Cadonum and placed him Abbot of Glastenbury The cause of this coÌ„tentious battaile was for that Thurstanus conteinning their Quier seruice then called the vse of S. Bregory coÌ„pelled his monkes to the vse of one WilliaÌ„ a monk of Fiscam in Normandy Wherupon came strife contentions amongst them first in wordes then from words to blowes after blowes then to armor The Abbot with his gard of harnest men fell vpon the monkes draue them to the steps of the high aulter where ii were slayne viii were wounded with shafts swords pikes The monkes then driuen to such a straight narow shift were compelled to defend themselues with fourmes and candlestickes wherwith they did wound certain of the souldiours One monke there was an aged man who in stead of his shield tooke an Image of the Crucifice in his armes for hys defence which image was wouÌ„ded in the brest by one of the bowe men wherby the Monke was saued My story addeth more that the striker incontinent vpon the same fell mad which sauoreth of some monkish addition besides the text This matter being brought before the king the Abbot was sent agayne to Cadonius and the monks by the commaundement of the king were scattered in farre countreys Thus by the occasion hereof Osmundus bishop of Salisbury deuised that ordinary which is called the vse of Sarum and was afterward receiued in a maner through all England Ireland and Wales And thus much for this matter done in the time of this king William Which William after his death by his wife Matildis or Maulde left iii. sonnes Robert Courtley to whom he gaue the Duchie of Normandy William Rufus his secoÌ„d sonne to whom he gaue the kingdome of England And Henry the third sonne to whom he left and gaue treasor and warned William to be to his people louing liberall Robert to be to his people sterne and sturdy In the history called Iornalensis is reported of a certain great man who about this tyme of kyng William was compassed about with Mise and Rattes and flying to the middest of a Riuer yet when that would not serue came to the land agayne and was of them deuoured The Bermaines say that this was a Byshop who dwellyng betwene Colen and Mentz in tyme of famine and dearth hauyng store of corne and grayne would not helpe the pouertie crying to hym for reliefe but rather wyshed hys corne to be eaten of Myse and Rattes Wherefore beyng compassed with Mise and Rattes by the iust iudgement of God to auoyd the annoiance of them he builded a tower in middest of the Riuer of Rheine which yet to this day the Dutchmen call Rattes tower but all that would not helpe for the Rattes and Myse swamme ouer to hym in as great aboundaunce as they did before Of whome at length he was deuoured William Rufus William Rufus the second sonne of William CoÌ„querour beganne his raigue an 1088. And raigned 13. yeares beyng crowned at Westminster by Lanfrancus who after his coronation released out of prison by the request of his father diuers of the English Lords which before had bene in custody It chaunced that at the death of William Conquerour Robert Courtsey his eldest sonne was absent in Almany Who hearing of the death of hys father and how William his yonger brother had taken vpon him the kingdome was therwith greatly amoued in so much that he laid his dukedome to pledge vnto his brother Henry and with that good gathered
vnto him an army and so landed at Hampton to the intent to haue expulsed his brother from the kyngdom But William Rufus hearing thereof sent to him sayre and gentle wordes promising him deditiō and subiection as to the more worthy and elder brother this thing onely requiring that seeyng he was now in place and possession he might enioy it during his life paying to him yerely iii. thousand markes with condition that which of them ouerlyued the other should enioy the kingdome The occasion of this variance betwene these brethren wrought a great dissentiō among the Normaine Lordes and Bishops both in England in Normandy In so much that all the Normain bishops within the realm almost rebelled against the king takyng part with Duke Robert except onely Lanfrancus and Wolstane Bishop of Worcester aboue mentioned an English man who for his vertue and constancie was so wel liked and fauoured of his citizens that emboldned wyth his presence prayer they stoutly maintained the City of Worcester agaynst the siege of their enemies at last vanquished them wyth vtter ruine But Duke Robert at length by the aduise of his counsaile hearing the wordes sent vnto him and wagging his dead thereat as one conceiuing some matter of doubt or doublenes was yet content to assent to all that was desired so returned shortly after into Normandy leauing the bishops and such other in the briers which were in England taking his part against the kyng This Rufus was so ill liked of the Normaines that betwene him and his Lords was oft dissention Wherfore well nere all the Normains tooke part agaynst him so that he was forced of necessitie to drawe to hym the Englishe men Agayne so couetous he was and so unmeasurable in his taskes and takings in selling benefites Abbeys and Bishoprickes that he was hated of all English men In the third yere of this king died Lancfrancus Archbishop of Cant. from whose commendation and worthines as I list not to detract any thing being so greatly magnified of Polidorus his countreyman so neyther doe I see any great cause why to adde any thing therunto This I thinke vnlesse that man had brought with him lesse superstition and more sincere science into Christes Church he might haue kept him in his countrey still haue confuted Berengarius at home After the decease of Lanfranke the sea of Cant. stoode emptie iiii yeares After the counsaile of Lancfrancus aboue mentioned wherin was concluded for translating of Bishops seas from villages into head cities Remigius bishop of Dorchester who as ye heard accompanied Lancfrancus vnto Rome remooued his Bishops sea from Dorchester vnto Lincolne where he builded the minster there situate vpon an hill within the sayd citie of Lincoln The dedication of which church Robert Archbishop of Yorke did resist saying that it was builded within the ground of his precinct But after it had his Romish dedication by Robert Blocet next bishop that followed By the same Remigius also was sounded the cloister or monastery of Stow c. In the iiii yeare of this king great tempest fell in sondry places of England specially at Winchcombe where the steeple was burned with lightning the Church walle brast through the head and right leg of the Crucifixe with the Image of our Lady on the right side of the Crucifixe throwen downe and such a stench left in the Church that none might abide it At London the force of the weather tempest ouerturned vi hundreth houses In which tempest the roofe of Bowe church was whurled vp in the wind and by the vehemence thereof was pitched downe a great deepenes into the ground King William as ye heard an exceding piller or rauener rather of Church goods after he had geuen the Bishoprike of Lincolne to his Chauncellor Robert Bleuet aboue minded began to cauil auouching the sea of Lincoln to belong to the sea of Yorke till the Bishop of Lincolne had pleased him with a great summe of money of v. thousand markes c. And as nothing could come in those dayes without mony from the king so Herbert Lolinga paying to the kyng a peece of money was made bishop of Thetford as he had payd a little before to be Abbot of Ramesey who likewise the same time remouing his sea from Thetford to the Citie of Norwich there erected the Cathedrall Church with the cloister in the said citie of Norwith where he furnished the Monkes with sufficient liuing and rentes of his owne charges besides the Bishops landes Afterward repentyng of his open and manifest simonie he went to Rome where he resigned vnto the Popes hands his bishoprike but so that incontinēt he receiued it againe This Herbert was the sonne of an Abbot called Robert for whō he purchased of the king to be bishop of Winchester wherof runneth these verses Filius est praeful pater Abba Simon vterque Quid non speremus si nummos possideamus Omnia nummus habet quod vultfacit addit aufert Res nimis iniusta nummus fit praeful Abba c. Ye heard a little before of the death of Pope Hildebrād after the tyme of which Hildebrand the Germain Emperors began to loose their authoritie and right in the Popes electiō and in geuing of benefices For next after this Hildebrand came Pope Victor by the setting vp of Matilda and the Duke of Normandy with the faction and retinue of Hildebrand who likewise shewed himselfe stout against the emperor But God gaue the shrewd Low short hornes For Victor beyng poysoned as some say in his chalice late but one yeare and a halfe Notwithstanding the same imitation and example of Hildebrand continued still in thē that followed after And like as the kings of Israel folowed most part the steps of Ieroboam till the tyme of theyr desolation so for the greatest sort all Popes followed the steps and proceedings of this Hildebrand their spirituall Ieroboam in maintaining fals worship and chiefly in vpholding the dignitie of the sea against all rightfull authoritie and the lawful kingdom of Sion In the time of this Victor began the order of the Monkes of Charterhouse through the meanes of one Hugo bishop of Gracionople and of Bruno bishop of Colen Next to Victor sate Urbanus the ii by whom the acts of Hildebrand were confirmed also new decrees enacted against Henricus the Emperour In this time were two Popes at Rome Urbanus and Clemens iii. whome the Emperor set vp Under Pope Urbane came in the white Monkes of Cistercian order by one Stephen Harding a monke of Shireborne an Englishman by whom this order had his beginning in the wildernes of Cistery within the prouince of Burgoyne as witnesseth Cestrensis Other write that this Harding was the ij Abbot of that place that it was first founded by the meanes of one Robert Abbot of Molisine in Cistercium a Forest in Burgundy an 1098.
sinne in hell then in heauen with sinne Which saying and wish of his if it were his may seeme to proceede out of a mynde neither speaking orderly according after the phrase and vnderstanding of the scripture nor yet sufficiently acquainted with the iustification of a christen man Further they report him to be so farre from singularitie that hee should say it was the vice which thrust the angels first out of heauen and man out of paradise Of this Anselme it is moreouer reported that he was so ilwilling to take the Archbishoprike that the kyng had much adoe to thrust it upon him and was so desirous to haue him take it that the Citie of Caunterbury which before Lanfrancus did holde but at the kings good wyll and pleasure he gaue now to Anselme wholy which was about the yere of our Lord 1093. But as desirous as the king was then to place the sayd Anselme so much did he repent it afterward seeking all maner of meane to defeate hym if he might Such strife and contention rose betweene them two for certayne matters the ground and occasion whereof first was this After that Anselmus had bene thus elected to the see of Canterbury before he was fully consecrate the king commoned with him assaying by all gentle maner of wordes to entreat him that such lands possessions of the church of Cant. as the king had geuen and granted to his friends since the death of Lanfrancus they might still enioy the same as their owne lawful possession through his graunt and permission But to this Anselme in no case would agree Wherupon the king conceiuing great displeasure against him did stop his consecration a great season till at length in long proces of time the king enforced by the daily complaintes and desires of his people and subiects for lacke of an Archbishop to moderate the church was constrained to admit and autorise hym vnto them Thus Anselme with much ado takyng his consecration and doyng his homage to the king went to his see of Cant. And not long after the king sailed ouer to Normandy About this time there were two striuing in Rome for the Popedome as is afore touched Urbanus Guibertus Diuers realmes diuersly consenting some to the one some to the other England taking part with theyr kyng was rather enclined to Guibertus called Clemens the 3. but Anselmus did fully go with Urbanus making so hys exception with the king entring to his bishopricke After the king was returned againe from Normandy the Archbishop commeth to him and asketh leaue to goe to Rome to set his palle of Pope Urban which when he could not at the first obtaine he maketh his appeale from the king to the Pope Whereat the king beyng iustly displeased chargeth the Archbishop with breach of his feaultie contrary to his promise made that is if he without his licence would appeale eyther to Urbane or to any other Pope Anselme aunswereth agayne that was to bee referred to some greater councell where it is to be disputed whether this be to breake a mans allegeance to a terrene Prince if he appeale to the vicar of S. Peter And here much arguyng and contending was on both sides The kings reason proceeded thus The custome sayth he from my fathers time hath bene in England that no person should appeale to the Pope without the kings licence He that breaketh the customes of the realme violateth the power and crowne of the kingdom He that violateth and taketh away my crowne is a traitour and enemy against me c. To this Anselme replieth agayne The Lord sayth he easilie discusseth this question briefly teachyng what fidelitic and allegeaunce we ought to geue to the vicar of S. Peter where he sayth thou art Peter and vpon this rocke will I build my church c. And to thee I wyll geue the keyes of the kingdom of heauen and whatsoeuer thou shalt bynde in earth it shall be bound in heauen and whatsoeuer thou loosest in earth shall be loosed in heauen c. Agayne to them all in general he saith he that heareth you heareth me and who despiseth you despiseth me And in an other place he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of myne eie On the other side what duety we owe to the king he sheweth also Geue sayth he to the Emperour what belongeth to the Emperour and to God geue that to God belongeth Wherefore in such things as belong to God I will yeld and must yeld by good right and duetie my obedience to the vicar of S. Peter and in such thinges as belong agayne to terrene dignitie of my prince in those I will not deny to him my faithfull helpe and counsell so far as they can extend Thus haue ye the grounded arguments of this Prelate to stand so stifly agaynst his prince wherunto peraduenture was ioyned also some piece of a stubburne hart But in this conclusion none of his fellow bishops durst take his part but were all against him namely William Bishop of Duresine To whom Anselme thus protesteth saying who so euer he were that would presume to proue it any breach of allegeaunce of feaulty to his soueraigne if he appealed to the vicar of S. Peter he was ready to aunswer at all tymes to the contrary the bishop of Duresine aunswering againe that he which would not be ruled by reason must with force be cōstrained c. The king hauing on his part the agreement of the Bishops thought to depriue the Archb. both of his pastorall sea and to expell him out of the realme But he could not performe his purpose for Anselme as he was ready to depart the realme he sayd whensoeuer he went he would take his office and authoritie with him though he tooke nothing els Whereupon that matter was deferred till a longer tyme. In the meane season the king had sent priuily two messengers to Pope Urbane to intreat him to send his pall to the king for him to geue it where he would which messengers by this time were returned againe bringing with them from Rome Gualter bishop of Albane the popes Legate with the pall to be geuē to Anselme This Legate first landing at Douer from thence came priuily vnknowing to Anselme to the king declaring and promising that if Urbane was receyued pope in England whatsoeuer the king required to be obtayned he by his priuiledge from the Apostolicall sea would ratifie and confirme the same saue onely that when the king required of the Legate that Anselme might be remoued the Legate therunto would not agree saying that was vnpossible to be obtained that such a man as he beyng lawfully called should bee expelled without manifest cause In conclusion so it folowed that although he could not obtain his request of the Legate yet the Legate wroght so with the king that Urbane was proclaymed lawfull Pope through all the realme Then were sent to
doings of whom you as a beardles boy of smal knowledge haue not rightly conceiued who in dede despising Princes comandements haue deserued euerlasting reward Wherby is to be noted what difference is to be sent betweene the hose of Princes then and the hose of seruingmen now There is a certaine Chronicle in olde English meter which among other matters speaking of William Rufus declareth him to be so sumptuous excessiue in poinpous apparel that he being not contented with a paire of hose of a lowe price which was iii. shillings caused a paire to be bought of a marke whereupon his chamberlaine procuring a paire much worse then the other before sayd That they costenid a marke and vnneth he them so bought Ye belamy quoth the king these are well bought Appendix Historiae After the tune of this king William the name of kings ceased in the country of Wales among the Britaines since king Ris. who in the raigne of this king the yeare of oure Lorde 1093. was slaine in Wales Ex continuatione Roger. Houeden King Henry the first HEnry first of that name the third sonne of W. Conquerour succeeding his brother Rufus began his raigne in England the yere of our Lord 1100. who tor his knowledge science in the 7. liberal arts was surnamed Clerke or bewclerke In whome may wel appeare howe knowledge and learning doth greatly conduce to the gouernement and administration of any realme or country At the beginning he reformed the state and condition of the clergie released the grieuous paiments reduced againe king Edwards laws with emendation therof he reformed the old and vntrue measures made a measure after the length of his arme he greatly abhorred excesse of meats drinks many things misused before his time he reformed and vsed to vanquish more by counsaile then by sworde Suche persons as were nice and wanton he secluded from hys court This man as appeareth litle fauoured the vsurped power of the Bishop of Rome Soone after he was King he maried Matilde or Maude daughter of Malcolin king of Scots and of Margaret his wife daughter of Edward the Dutlaw as is before specified being a profesied Nunne in Winchester whom notwithstanding wont the popes dispensation he maried by the consent of Anselme By the which Maude he receaued 2. sonnes William and Richard 2. daughters Maude Mary which Maude afterward was maried to Henry the v. Emperour c. In the second yere of his reigne Robert his elder brother Duke of NormaÌ„dy who being occupied in the Christen warres against the Turkes and being elect as yee heard king of Hierusalem hearing of the death of Rufus refused the kingdom therof For the which as is thought he neuer sped wel after Thus the saide Robert leauing of the Lordes busines and returning into Normandy made there his preparation and came ouer into England with a great hoste to chalenge the Crowne But by mediation of the Lordes it was agreed that Robert shoulde haue yearely during his life iij. M. markes as was likewise promised him before by R. Rufus his brother And whether of them ouer liued the other to be others heyre And thus Robert departed again vnto NormaÌ„dy to the great discontentation of his Lords there But in few yeares after the forenamed tribute of iij. M. Markes through the meanes of Queene Maude was released to the King his brother In proces of time variance falling betwene king Henry and the sayd Robert his brother at length Robert in his warre was taken prisonner and brought ouer into England was put into the Castel of Cardise in Wales where he continued as prisoner while he liued In this time as about the iij. yeare of this king the hospitall of S. Bartholomewe in Smithfield was founded by meanes of a minstrell belonging to the King named Rayer And after was finished by Richard Whittyngton Alderman and Maior of London This place of Smithfield was at that day a lay stowe of all ordure or filth the place where the felones other transgressors of the kings lawes were put to execution Diuers strait lawes were by this king prouided especially against theeues and felones that who so were taken in that fault no money should saue him from hanging Item that who so did counterfait false money shoulde haue both his eyes and nether partes of his body cut off Item in the same Councell was decreed an order for Priestes to be sequestred from their wiues whych before were not forbidden according as the wordes of mine author doe purporte whose wordes be these Anselmus prohibuit vxores sacerdotibus Anglorum ante non prohibitas Quod quibusdam mundissimum visum est quibusdam periculosum ne dutrimundicias viribus maiores appeterent in immundicias horribâ—les ad Christiani nominis summum dedecus inciderent c. Hen. Hunt Item it was then decreed that Monkes and Priests should beare no rule ouer lay persons Item it was then decreed concerning broydering of heare and wearing of garments Item that the secrete 〈◊〉 act betwene a yong lad and a yong maid should not stand with other things mo concerning the excommunication of Sodomites c. In the storie of William RuÌ„fus before was declared how Anselmus Archbishop of Canterbury departing out of the realme went vnto the Pope who after the death of King William was sent for againe by the foresayde King Henrie and so returned againe and was at the Councell of the King at Westminster where the king in the presence of the Lordes as well temporall as spiritual ordeined and inuested 2. Bishops Roger Bishop of Salisburie Roger bishop of Hereford During which parliament or couÌ„cel of the king Anselmus in his conuocation deposed and displaced diuers Abbots and other Prelates from their roumes and dignitics eitherfor that they lawfully came not by them or vprightly did not administer the same After this councel and the other before set forth by Anselmus Herbert bishop of Norwich had much adoe with the priests of his diocesse For they would neither leaue their wiues nor yet geue ouer their benefices Whereupon hee wrote to Anselme the Archbishop for counsaile what was to be done therein Which Anselme required him as he did other mo the same time by wryting to perswade the people of Norfolke and Southfolke that as they professed Christianitie they shoulde subdue them as rebels against the church and vtterly to driue both them and their wiues out of the countrey placing Monkes in their rowmes as by the Epistles of the said Anselme doth appeare Whereof certaine parcels shall hereafter by the grace of Christ ensue for the better euidence of this and the other his actes aboue recited The like businesse also had Gerarde the Archbishop of Yorke in depriuing the priestes of his prouince from their wiues which thing with all his excommunications and thundrings he coulde hardly bring about Upon this ruffeling of
Anselme with maried priestes were runing verses made to helpe the matter withall when reason coulde not serue Which verses for the folly therof I thought here to annexe O malè viuentes versus audite sequentes Vxores vestras quas odit summa potestas Linquite propter eum tenuit qui mortetro phaeum Quod si non facitis inferna claustra petetis Christi sponsa iubet ne praesbyter ille ministrer Qui tenet vxorem domini quia perdit amorem Contradicentem fore dicimus insipientem Non ex rancore loquor haec potius sed amore About the end of the third yere of this king which was the computation of our Lord 1103. a variance fell betweene king Henry and Anselme the occasion whereof was this Ye heard a little before how Henry the foresaid king had of his owne authority inuested 2. bishops our Roger which was his Chauncelour bishop of Salisbury and another Roger bishop of Herford Besides them diuers also he invested and diuers other like things tooke he vpon him in the ecclesiastical state which he might lawfully doe Gods worde allowing wel the same but because it was restrained by the bishop of Rome for him so to doe this Anselme swelled fretted and waxed so mad that he woulde neither consent to it neither yet confirme them nor communicate nor talke frēdly with them whome the king had instituted and inuested but opprobriously called them abortiues or children of destruction disdainefully rebuking the gentle king as a defiler of Religion and polluter of their holy ceremonies as witnesseth Polydorus With thys vncomely outrage the King was much displeased as he myght full well and required Gerard the Archbishop of Yorke as he ought him allegeance to consecrate them who wythout delay did so well performing the same saning that one William Gifford to whom the king had geuen the Bishoprike of Winchester refused to take his consecration by the hands of the Archbishop of Yorke For the which cause the King worthely with him offended depriued him both of bishoprike and goods and banished him the realme Moreouer the king required of Anselmus the Archb. of Canterbury to do vnto him homage after the maner of his auncetours as witnesseth Guliel de gestis pontif Anglo Also it was asked of the sayde Anselme whether that yee wold be with the king in geuing inuestures as Lanfrancus his predecessor was with his father To whome Anselme said that he promised not in any time that he would enter into this order to kepe the law or custome of his father as Lanfrancus did Moreouer as cōcerning homage to be done to the King that he refused alledging the Censures of the Popes excommunication whom his councel of Rome a little before had geuen foorth open sentence of excommunication vpon all such lay persons whatsoeuer they were that shoulde from hencefoorth conferre or geue any spirituall promotions also vpon them that receiued them at their hands either yet should consecrate any suche receiuers Moreouer he accursed at them that for benofices or other Ecclesiasticall promotions shoulde subiect themselues vnder the homage or seruice of any great mā king Prince Duke or Erle of the laitie For it was vnseemely sayd the Pope and a thing very execrable that the hands which were conuerted into so high working as was grāted to no Angell that is to create him with their Crosses which created all and to offer vp the same before the sighte of the father for the saluation of the whole world shoulde be brought to such a slauerie as to be subiect to those filthye hands which both day and night are polluted in shamefull touchings robberies and bloudshed c. This decree of Pope Urban Anselmus alleaging for himselfe denyed to subiect himself to the kings homage fearing as he said the Popes excommunication Upō this messengers were sent to Rome on both partes vnto the Pope then paschalis who stoutly standing to the steps and determinations of Urbane his predecessor woulde in no case decide to the kings inuesting In the meane time while there was long disputation on both sides for inuesting the nobles of the realme cōtended that inuestings did belōg to the kings dignity wherfore the King calling for Anselmus againe required him either to do homage to him or els to voide his kingdome To whom Anselmus replying again required the popes letters to be brought forth and according to the tenor thereof so the matter to be decided For now the messēgers were returned from Rome with the Popes answer altogether bearing with Anselmus Then sayde the king what haue I to do with the Popes letters I wil not forgo the liberties of my kingdome for any Pope Thus the contention continued betwene them Anselmus sayeth he would not out of the realme but depart home to his church and there see who wold offer him any violence and so did Not long after message came from the King to Anselme requesting him after a gentle sort to repaire to the Kings presence againe to set an ende of the controuersie begun whereunto Anselme graunted and came Then were newe Ambassadours sent againe to the Pope that he woulde something qualifie and moderate or rather abolish the streitnesse of the Romaine decree before mentioned On the part of Anselmus went two monkes Baldwinus and Alexander On the kings behalfe were sent two bishops Robert bishop of Lichfield and Herbert bishop of Norwich to the kings letters wrytten vnto the Pope containing in forme as followeth Patri venerabili Paschali summo pontifici Henricus dei gratia rex Anglorum Salutem Promotioni vestrae in sedem sanctae Romanae ecclesiae plurimum congaudeo petens vt amicitia quae patri meo cum antecessoribus vestris suit inter nos quoque illibata permaneat Vnde vt dilectio benignitas a me videatur sumere initium beneficium quod ab antecessoribus meis beatus Petrus habuit vobis mitto eosque honores eam obedientiam quam tempore patris mei antecessores vestri in regno Angliae habuerunt tempore meo vt habeatis volo eo videlicet tenore vt dignitatis vsus consuetudines quas pater meus tēpore antecessorum vestrorum in regno Angl. habuit ego tempore vestro in eodem regno meo integrè obtineam Notumque habeat sanctitas vestra quod me viuente deo auxiliante dignitates vsus regni Angl. non minuentur Et si ego quod absit in tanta me deiectione ponerem optimates mei imo totius Angl. populus id nullo modo pateretur Habita igitur charissime pater vtillori deliberatione ita se erga nos moderetur benignitas vestra ne quid inuitus faciam a vestra me cogatis recedore obedientia In English To the reuerende father Paschal the chiefe bishop Henrie by the grace of God king of England greeting For this your promotion into the see of the holy Church of Rome
as I am heartily glad so my request is to you that the friendship and amitie which hath bene tofore betweene my father and your predecessours in times past may now also betwene vs in like manner continue vndeminished And that loue and gentlenes may first beginne of my part heere I sende vnto you that gift that S. Peter had in foretime of my predecessors And likewise the same honors obedience which your predecessours haue had in the realme of England before in the time of my father I will you to haue the same in my time also after this forme I meane and tenour that the vsage and maner of dignitie and such customes which my father hath had in this realme of England in the time of your auncetors I in like ample maner also nowe in your time may fully enioy the same in this the saide realme of England Thus therefore be it knowen to your holines that during this life of mine God almighty abling me to the same these aboue named dignities vsages customes of this realme of England shall in no part be lessoned Yea and if that I as God forbid I should would so much deiect my selfe into such cowardnes yet my Nobles yea the whole people of England in no case would suffer it Wherfore deare father vsing with your selfe a better deliberation in the matter let your gentlenesse so moderate it selfe toward vs least ye compell me which I shall doe against my will to receade and depart vtterly from your obedience At the same terme also be sent an other letter or Epistle to the sayde Pope crauing of him the passe for Girardus Archb. of Yorke the forme wherof here also followeth Reuerendo diligendo patri vniuersali Papae Paschali Henricus dei gratia Rex Anglorum salutem Amor quem plurimum erga vos habeo benignitas quae multum vestros actus exornat c. In English To the reuerend and welbeloued father vniuersall Pope Paschalis Henry by the grace of God king of England greeting The great loue which I beare to you and the no lesse gētlenes in you which not a little beautifieth your doings ministreth to me boldnesse to write And where as I thought to haue reteined still this Gerardus with me and to haue craued your palle for him by letters yet notwithstanding when his desire coulde not otherwise be satisfied but woulde needes present himselfe before your presence by his owne hart to craue of you the same I haue sent him vp vnto you Desiring your benigne fatherhoode in this behalfe that he obtaining the palle at your hands may be sent home again to me And thus requiring the assistance of your prayers I praye the Lord long to conserue your Apostleship This second letter of the king in sending for the Palle was well taken of all the court of Rome which as mine author sayth procured such fauor to Girardus archbishop of Yorke and bringer thereof that no complaint of his aduersaries afterward could hurt him with the Pope Notwithstāding he was accused grieuously for diuers things and specially for not standing to the consecration of Anselitic Archbishop of Cant. Polidorus in his 11. booke of his English history affirmeth that Anselmus also went vp to Rome with Birardus about the same cause But both the premisses and sequele of the story argueth that to be vntrue For what needed the 2. Monks to be sent vp on Anselmus side if he had gone vp himselfe Againe howe coulde the Pope wryte downe by the saide messengers to Anselme if he had there bene himself present For so procedeth the story by the narration of Malmesbury and others After the Ambassadours thus on both sides sent vp to Rome had laboured theyr cause with instante sute one against the other the pope glad to gratifie the king yet loth to graunt his request being against his owne profite and therefore more inclining to Anselmus side sendeth downe his letters to the sayde Anselme signifying that he woulde not repeale the statutes of his holy fathers for one mans pleasure charging him moreouer not only not to yeide in the cause of inuesting but constantly to adheare to the foresaid decreemēt of Pope Urban his predecessor c. Besides this letter to Anselme he directed also an other to the king himselfe which letter mine author saith the king suppressed and did not shewe onely declaring by word of mouth what the ambassadors had saide vnto him from the Pope Which was that he permitted vnto him the licence of Inuesting vpon condition that in other things he would execute the office of a good Prince c. To this also the testunony of the 2. bishops aboue minded did accord which made the matter more probable But the 2. monkes on the other side replied againe bringeth foorth the letter of Anselme to the contrary c. To thē was answered againe that more credite was to be geuen to the degree and testimonie of the Bishops then to theirs And as for monkes they had no suffrage nor testimonie saide they in secular matters and therefore they might hold their peace But this is no secular matter sayd Baldwine abbot of Ramesey Whereunto the nobles again of the kings part answered saying that he was a good man and of such demeanor as they had nothing to say against him neither so woulde if they might but yet both humane and diuine reason taught them so to yelde more credite and confidence to the testimonie of 3. bishops then of 2. monkes Whereby may well appeare that Anselme at that time wēt not with them Then Anselmus seeing the king and his peres how they were set and hearing also the testimonie of the 3. bishops against which he saw he could not preuatle And also hauing the popes seale which he sawe to be so euident on the contrary side made his answer again that he would send to Rome for a more certaintie of truthe Adding moreouer that he neyther would nor durst geue ouer his cause though it should cost him his life to do or proceede against the determination of the Churche of Rome vnlesse he had a perfect warrant of absolution from thence for his discharge Then was it agreed by the king and his nobles that he should not send but go himselfe to Rome And much intreatie was made that he wold take that iorney himself in his owne person to present himselfe to the Pope for the peace of the Church and of his country And so at the length by persuation was content went to Rome and spake with the pope In short time after followeth also the kings Ambassador William Warlwast new elect bishop of Exetor who ther pleading on the kings side for the ancient customes of the realme for the kings right of Inuesting c. First declared howe England of a long continuance had euer bene a prouince peculiar to the Church of Rome and howe it paied dewly
his yerely tribut vnto the same Inferring moreouer how the king as he was of nature very liberall so also of courage a prince stout and valiant Then what a shame wold hee thinke it be to him as it were in deede if hee who in mighte and dignitie farre exceeded all his progenitours should not defend and maintaine the liberties customes by them procured wherefore he desired the Pope to see to the matter so as might stande both with the kings honor and also with his owne profite and aduātage who otherwise no doubt shoulde loose a great peece of money out of the realme vnlesse he did remit some thing of the seueritie of his canons and lawes decretall With these and such other perswasions like to the same effect the court of Rome was well cōtented agreeing that the kings request ought with al fauor to be graunted But the Pope Anselme sate still marking their doings The ambassadour supposing their silence to be halfe a yeelding to him added moreouer and sayd that the king no not for the crowne of his realme would loose the authority of Inuesting or admitting his Prelates within his Dominion Whereunto the proude Pope answering againe brast out in these wordes Nor I sayde he for the price of his heade as thou sayst wil lose the geuing of spirituall promotiōs in Englande and confirming it with an othe before God sayth he I speake it know it for a certaine c. Then it followeth in the storie of Malmesberie with this word of the P. the mindes of the rest were chaunged saying Benedicta fit cordis tui constantia benedicta oris tui loquela The kings attourney also was therewith dashed who notwithstanding yet brought to passe that certaine of the Kinges customes vsed before of his father were released vnto hym At the which tune in the same court was decreed that the king onely which had inuested them being excepted the other which were inuested by the king to be excommunicated the absolution and satisfaction of whome was left to Anselme the archbishop Thus Anselme being dismissed from Rome tooke his iorney toward England But the ambassador pretending to go to S. Nicholas remained behinde to see whether he could winne the popes mind to the kings purpose Which when he saw it would not be he ouertaketh Anselmus by the way at Placentia and opened to him the kings pleasure The king sayth he geueth to you in charge and commaundement that if you will come to England and there behaue your selfe to him as your predecessours did to his father you should be receiued and retained in the Realme accordingly if not you are wise inough sayth he ye know what I meane and what will followe c. And so to these wordes parting from him retourned againe to the King Anselmus remained at Lions a yeare and a halfe writing diuers letters to the King after this effect and wordes as followeth ¶ To his reuerend Lord Henry king of England Anselme Archbishop of Canterburie faithful seruice with prayers Epist. 224. Although ye vnderstand by William Warlwast what we haue done at Rome oyet I shall shortly shewe you that belongeth to me When I came to Rome I declared the cause wherefore I came to the Lorde Pope He answered that he woulde not swarue from the statutes of his predecessours Furthermore he commanded me that I should haue no fellowship with them that receiued inuestings of Churches at your hands after the knowledge of this prohibition except they woulde doe penaunce and forsake that they had receiued without hope of recouerie nor that they shuld not communicate with the other Byshoppes that had consecrated suche menne except they woulde present them selues to the iudgement of the Apostolike sea The foresayde William can be a witnesse of all these things if he will This William when we departed a sonder reconing vp in your behalfe the loue and liberalitie which yee haue had alwayes towardes me warned mee as your Archbyshoppe that I shoulde shewe my selfe such a one that if I would come into Englande that I might be wyth you as my predecessoure was wyth your Father and ye might entreate mee wyth the same honoure and liberalitie that youre father entreated my predecessor By which wordes I vnderstand that except I woulde shewe my selfe suche a one you woulde not haue me come into England For your loue liberalitie I thanke you but that I shoulde be with you as my predecessour was with your father I cannot do it For I dare not do homage to you nor dare communicate with them that take inuestings of Churches at your hands because of the foresaid inhibition made I my selfe hearing it Wherfore I desire you to send me your pleasure herein if it please you whether I may returne into England as I sayde with your peace and power of mine office In the meane while great businesse there was much posting went to and fro betwene the king the archbishop and the Pope but nothing was done for neither woulde the Pope agree to the king neither woulde the King condescende to the Archbishop At last the Archbishop seeing by no meanes he could preuaile against the king thought to reuenge himselfe by excōmunication and so went about the same The king hauing word thereof by the Countesse Adala his sister desireth her to come to him to Normādie and bring Anselmus with her whereupon through the meanes of the Countesse reconcilement was made the archbishop was restored to his former possessions againe Only his returne into England was differred because he would not communicate with those whome the King had inuested So the king tooke his passage ouer into England and Anselme made his abode at the Abbey of Becke Then were ambassadors againe directed vnto Rome W. Warlwast Baldwin aboue named Abbot of Ramesey who at length cōcluded the long controuersy betwene the king the Pope vpon this agreement that the King should take homage of the Bishops elect but shoulde not deale with inuesting them by staffe and ring c. While the Embassadours were thus in their sute at Rome diuers complaintes were daily brought from Englande to Anselme against the Priestes and Chanons who in his absence contrary to the late councel holden at London receiued their wiues vnto their houses againe so were permitted by the king paying him certaine mony for the same Anselme the fore enemie against lawfull mariage agreeued therwith addresseth his letters vnto the King requiring hym to refraine from any more taking of suche exactions declaring moreouer and affirming that the offences of all such Ecclesiasticall ministers must be corrected by the instance of Byshops and not of lay men To this the king answereth gently againe by letters tempering himselfe howe he purposed shortly to come ouer into Normandie and if he had done any thing amisse either in these or other things he would reforme it by his obedience It was
the Pope did hold a councell at London In the which councel first began new found appellatiōs from councels to the Pope found out by Henry Bishop of wint For as the wordes of myne author doe recorde In Anglla namq̄ appellationes in vsu non erant donec eas Henricus Wint. Episcopus dum legatus esset malo suo crudeliter intrusit In eodem namq̄ concilio ad Rom. pontificis audientiam ter appellatū est c. That is For appellations before were not in vse in England till Henry Bishop of Winchester being thē the Popes Legate brought them cruelty in to his own hurt For in that Councell thrise appeale was made to the Bishop of Rome In the tyme of king Stephen died Gracianus a mōke of Bononie who compiled the booke called the Popes decrees Also his brother Petrus Lambardus bishop of Paris which is called the maister of Sentences compiled his foure bookes of the sentence These two brethren were the greatest doers in finding out and stablishing this blynde opinion of the sacrament that the only simnitude of bread and wyne remayned but not the substaunce of them and this they call the spirituall vnderstandyng of the mysterie And therefore no meruail if the sunne in those dayes were seene blacke and dimme Some also affirme that Petrus Comestor writer of the Scholasticall history was the third brother to these aboue named In the same tyme and raigne of the said king Stephen was also Hugo surnamed De sancto victore About the which tyme as Polychronicon reciteth liued and died Bernardus Clareuallensis The author of the history called Iornalensis maketh also mention of Hildegare the Nūne and propheresse in Almaine to liue in the same age Concerning whose prophesie agaynst the Friers hereafter by the grace of Christ more shal be said when we come to recite the order and nūber of Friers and religious men crept into the Church of Christ. We read moreouer of one named Ioannes de temporibus which by the affirmaunce of most of our olde histories lyued 361. yeares seruaunt once to Carolus Magnus and in the raigne of Stephen king of England dyed Polychron lib 7. Continuator Henr. Hunt Iornalens in vita Steph. Nicol. Triuet c. In the dayes also of this king and by him was builded the Abbey of Feuersham where his sonne he were buried He builded the monastery of Finerneys of Fomitance the castle of Walingford with a number of other Castles mo During the tyme of the sayd kyng Stephen the yeare of our Lord 1144. the miserable Iewes crucified a child in the Citie of Norwich N. Triuet alij Much about the same tyme came vp the order of the Gilbertines by one Gilbert sonne to Jacoline a knight of Lincolnshire c. Mention hath bene made before of certayne English Councels holden in the tyme of this kyng where it was in one of them vnder Theolbald the Archbishop of Canterbury decreed that bishops should lyue more discretely should reach their flocke more diligently that readyng of scriptures should be frequented more vsually in Abbeys that Priests should not be rulers of worldly matters and that they should learne and teach the Lordes prayer and Creede in English Malmesb. Matth. Parisiensis writeth how Stephen king of England in these dayes reserued to himselfe the right and authoritie of bestowyng of spirituall liuyngs and inuestyng Prelates an 1133. At which tyme also Lotharius the Emperour began to do the lyke in recouering agayne the right priuiledge taken away from Henricus his predecessor had not Bernardus geuen him contrary counsaile Here came into the Church the maner of cursing with booke bell and candle deuised in the Councell of London holden by William bishop of Winchester vnder Pope Celestinus which succeeded after Innocentius an 1144. Also Lotharius succeeded in the Imperiall crowne Conradus the nephew of Henricus the v. afore mentioned an 1138. which only amongst many Emperors is not found to receiue the crowne at the Popes hand In the dayes of this Emperor who raigned 15. yeres were diuers Popes as Celestinus 2. Lucius the 2. Eugenius the 3. at which time the Romaines went about to recouer agayne their former olde maner of chusing theyr Consuls and Senators But the Popes thē being in their ruffe in no case would abide it wherupon rose many commotions with much ciuile warre amongest them In so much that Pope Lucius sending for ayde to the Emperour and he otherwise letted at that tyme could not come armed his souldiours thinking to inuade them or els to destroy them in their Senate house But this comming to their knowledge before the people was all in aray and so much add was amongst them Pope Lucius beyng also amongst thē in the fight wel pelted with stones blowes liued not long after Likewise Pope Eugenius after him an 1145. pursuing the Romains for the same matter first did curse them with excommunicatiō After when he saw that would not serue he came with his host and so compelled them at length to seeke his peace and to take his cōditions which were these That they should abolish theyr Consuls and take such Senators as he by his Papall authoritie should assigne them Then followed Anastacius the 4. after him Hadrianus 4. an Englishman by his name called Breakespere belonging once to S. Albōs This Hadrianus kept great stirre in like sort with the citizens of Rome for abolishyng their consuls and Senate cursing excommunicating and warring agaynst them with all power he could make to the tyme he remooued the Consuls out of their office and brought them all vnder his subiection The lyke businesse and cage he also styrred vp against Apulia and especially against the Empire blustering and thundering agaynst Friderieus the Emperour as the Lord graunting you shall heare anone after we haue prosecuted such matter as necessarily appertayneth first to the continuation of our English story King Henry the second HEnry the secōd of that name the sonne of Jeffrey Plantagenet and of Maude the Empresse and daughter of king Henry the first beganne his raigne after king Stephen and continued 35. yeares The first yeare of his raign he subdued Ireland and not long after Thomas Becket was made by him Lord Chauncellour of England This king cast downe diuers Castles which were erected in the time of king Stephen He went into the North partes where he subdued William king of Scotland who at that tyme held a great part of Northumberland vnto new Castell vpon Tyne and ioyned Scotland to his owne kingdome from the South Ocenm to the North Iles of Orchades Also he put vnder his dominion the kingdome of Wales and there let to fall downe many great wooodes and made the wayes playne So that by his great manhood and policie the seignorie of England was much augmēted with the addition of Scotland Ireland the Iles Orchades
him wrought by signs making a crosse and looking vp with his eies wagging hys lips meaning that he shoulde pray and manfully to stand to the crosse In the meane time commeth to him Bartlemew B. of Excetor desiring him to haue regard and compassion of himself and also of them or els they were all like to perish for the hatred of him for there commeth out saith he a precept from the king that he shal be taken suffer for an open rebel that heereafter taketh your part It is sayde moreouer that Iocelinus B. of Salisburie and William B. of Norwich are to be had to the place of execution for their resisting and making intercession for the B. of Canterbury When he had thus saide the Archbyshop looking vppon the sayde Bishop of Exceter auoide hence from me sayth he thou vnderstandest not neither doest sauor those things that be of God The Byshop and Prelates then going aside by themselues from the other nobles the king so permitting them to do tooke couÌ„sel together what was to be done Here the matter stoode in a doubtful perplexitie for either must they incur the daungerous indignation of the king or els with the Nobles they must procede in condemnation against the archbishop for resisting the kings sanctions which thing neither they themselues did fauor In this straight necessitie they deuising what way to take at length agreed vppon this that they with a common assent shoulde cite the Archb. to the sea of Rome vppon periurie And that they should oblige and bind themselues to the king with a sure promise to work their diligence in deposing the Archbish. vpon this condition that the King should promise their safetie discharge them from the peril of that iudgement which was toward them So all the bishops obliging theÌ„ selues thus to the king went foorth to the Archbishop of whom one speaking for the rest which was Hillarie Bishop of Chichester had these wordes Once you haue bene our Archbishop and so long we were bound to your obedience but nowe for asmuch as you once swearing your fidelitie to the king do resist him neglecting his iniunctions and ordinaunces concerning and appertaining to his terrene honor and dignitie we here pronounce you periured neither be we bounde to geue obedience to an Archbishop thus being periured But putting ourselues and all ours in the popes protectioÌ„ do cite you vp to his presence And vpon the same assigned him his day and time to appeare The Archbishop aunswering againe said he heard him wel inough And vpon this sendeth vp to Rome in al hast to the pope signifying to him by letters the whole matter how and wherefore and by whome he was cited To whom the Pope directed againe his letters of comfort as he had done diuers before the copie whereof here insueth Alexander Pope to Thomas Archb. of Canterburie YOur brotherly letters which you directed to vs such other matters which your messenger by word of mouth hath signified vnto vs we haue diligently heard the reading therof therby fully vnderstand the grieuous vexations and dolorous griefes wherewith your minde is daily encombred by reason wherof we hearing and vnderstanding are not a litle disquieted in our spirit for your sake in whose prosperities we do both gladly reioyce no lesse do sorrow in your aduersities as for our most deare brother You therefore as a constant and wise man remember wyth your selfe that which is written The Apostles departed away reioysing from the face of the Councel c. With like pacience doe you also sustaine that mans molestations and let not your spirite be troubled therein more then needeth but receaue in your selfe consolation that we also together with you may be comforted in the Lord who hath preserued you to the corroboration of his Catholike and Christen veritie in this distresse of necessitie and from whome also it hath pleased him to wipe away the blotte of such things which haue bene vnorderly of you coÌ„mitted heere to punish the same through sundrie afflictions whereby in the strait iudgement of God they might not be called to accouÌ„t here after But hencefoorth let not this much grieue you neither let your hart be so deiect or timerous in the matter for that you are cited vp to the Apostolike sea which to vs is both gratefull and accepted And this we wil you that if they which haue cited you shall chaunce to come draw not you backe but folow the appele if ye please and spare not all doubt and delay set aparte for the authoritie of the Church tendring this your constancie may not do that which may put you either in feare or doubt But our diligence shal be withall labour and studie to conserue the right and preheminence God willing of that Church committed to you so muche as in vs lieth sauing our iustice and equitie as to one whom in working for the Church we finde to be both a constant and a valiant champion Further this I brotherly require you to repaire vnto â—he Church of Canterburie and reteining but a fewe Clerkes about you such onely as serue your necessitie make no excurses out as litle as you can in that countrey but in this especially I thought to premonish you that in no case neither for fear or any aduersitie whatsoeuer may happen yee be brought to renounce and geue vp the right and dignity of your Church Written at Sene the vij before the Kalendes of Nouember As the Archbyshop was thus cited vp to Rome sitting with his crosse waiting in the Court neither geuing place to the kâ—ngs request nor abashed with the clamor of the whole court against him calling him traitour on euery side neither following the aduertisement of his fellow Bishops at length the king by certaine Earles and Barons sent commandement to him Robert Earl of Lecester doing the message that he should without delay come render a full accompt of all things that he had receiued as the profites and reuenues of the Realme in the time he was Chauncelor and especially for the 30000. Markes for the which he was accoÌ„ptable to the king To whom the archbishop aunswereth againe the king knew how oft he had made his reckening of those things which nowe were required of him Farther and besides Henry his sonne and heire of his realme with all his Barons and also Richard Lucie chief Iustice of England told him that he was free and quit to God and to holy Church from al receipts and computations and from al secular exactions on the kings behalfe And so he taking thus his discharge at their haÌ„ds entred into his office and therefore other accompt besides this he would make none When this word was brought to the king he required his Barons to do the law vppon him Who so doing iudged him to be apprehended laide in prison This done the king sendeth to him Reignalde Earle of Cornewall Deuonshire and
vse of the spirituall sword are aboue the persons of them which haue the temporall sworde Besides these letters of the Archbyshoppe sent to the king the Pope also in the same cause wryteth to the king beginning after this sort Alexander Papa ad Henricum regé Et naturali ratione forma iuris dictante prouidentiam tuam credimus edoctam fuisse quòd quanto quis ab aliquo maiora suscepisse dignoscitur tanto ei obnoxior magis obligatus tenetur c. The whole tenour of the letter as 〈◊〉 wrote it to the king I would heere expresse but for treating of the time straightnesse of rowme hauing so many things els in this storie by the grace of Christ to be comprehended But the letter tendeth to this effect to exhort and charge the king to shew fauour to Thomas Becket Where in the processe of the Epistle it followeth in these wordes Ea propter seueritatem tuam per Apostolica scripta rogamus monemus exhortamur in domino nec non in remessionem peccatorum ex parte dei omnipotentis beati Petri principis Apostolorum antoritate nostra iniungimus vt memoratum Archiepiscopum pro deo ecclesia sua honore tuo nec non totius regni tui in gratiam fauorem tuum recipias c. That is therfore we desire you monish and exhort your honor by these our Apostolical wrytings and also enioyne you vpoÌ„ the remission of your sinnes in the behalfe of almighty God and of S. Peter Prince of the Apostles by our authoritie that you will receiue againe the foresayde Archb. into your fauour and grace for the honour of God his Church and of your owne Realme c. Thus you heard the Popes intreating letter nowe here is an other letter sent vnto the foresaid king wherein he doth manace him as in the tenor thereof here followeth Bishop Alexander seruant of the seruants of God to king Henry king of England health and blessing Apostolicall HOw fatherly and gently we haue oft times entreated and exhorted both by Legates and letters your princely honour to be reconciled againe with our reuerend brother Thomas Archb. of Cant. so that he and his may be restored againe to their Churches and otheâ— possessions to them appertaining your wisdome is not ignorant seeing it is notified and spred almost throughout all Christendome For so much therefore as hetherto we coulde not preuaile with you neither moue nor stirre your minde with faire and gentle wordes it lamenteth vs not a little so to be frustrate and deceiued of the hope and expectation which we had conceiued of you Especially seing we loue you so dearely as our owne dearely beloued sonne in the Lorde and vnderstanding so great ieopardie to hang ouer you But forasmuch as it written Cry out and cease not lift vp thy voice like a trumpe and declare to my people their wickednesse and their sinnes to the house of Iacob Also for as much as it is in Salomon commaunded that the sluggish person should be stoned with the dung of Oxen we haue thought good therefore not to forbeare or supporte your stubburnes any longer against iustice and saluation Neither that the mouth of the foresaid Archbishop shoulde be stopped from hencefoorth any more but that he may freely prosecute the charge of his office and duetie to reuenge with the sworde of Ecclesiasticall discipline the iniuries both of himselfe and of his Church committed to his charge And here I haue sent vnto you two Legates Petrus de ponte dei and Bernardus de Corilio to admonish you of the same But if ye wil neither by vs be aduertised nor geue eare to them in obeying it is to be feared doubtles least such things as they shall declare to you from vs in our behalfe may happen fal vpon you Datch at Beneuent the 9. day before the kalends of Iune To aunswer these letters againe there was an other certain wryting drawne out directed to the Pope made by some of the Clergy as it seemeth but not without consent of the king as by the title may appeare inueying and disprouing the misbehauior of the Archbishop The tenor whereof here followeth and beginneth thus An answere to the Pope TIme nowe requireth more to seeke helpe then to make complaints For so it is nowe that the holy mother Churche our sinnes deseruing the same lieth in a dangerous case of great decay which is like to ensue except the present mercy of the Lord support her Such is the wickednes now of schismatikes that the father of fathers Pope Alexander for the defence of his faith and for the loue of righteousnes is banished out of his countrey not able to keepe free residence in his owne proper see by reason of the induratâ— heart of Fredericke the Pharao Farther and besides the Church also of Canterburie is miserably impaired and blemished as well in the spirituall as in the temporall estate much like vnto the ship in the Sea being destitute of their guide to fled in the floudes and wrasteling wiâ—h the windes while the pastor being absent from his prouince dâ—re not there remain through the power of the king Who being ouer wise to the ieoperdie both of himselfe his Churche and vs also hath brought and intangled vs likewise with himselfe in the same partaking of his punishments and labours not considering howe we ought to forbeare and not to resist superior powers And also sheweth himselfe to vs vnkinde which with al our affections bear the burden with him of his afflictions not ceasing yet to persecute vs which stand in the same condemnation with him For betwixt him and our soueraigne prince king of Englande arose a certaine matter of contention wherupon they were both agreed that a day shoulde be appoynted to haue the controuersie discussed by equitie and iustice The day being come the king commaunded all the Archbyshops Bishops and other prelates of the Church to be called in a great and solemne frequencie so that the greater and more generall this councell was the more manifest the detection of this stubburne malice should appeare and be espied At the day therefore aboue mentioned this troubler of the realme and of the Church presenteth himselfe in the sight of our Catholicke king who not trusting the qualitie and condition of his cause armeth him with the armour of the crosse as one which should be brought to the presence of a tyrant By reason whereof the kings maiestie being something agreeued yet because hee would be deliuered from all suspition committeth the matter to the hearing of the Bishops This done it rested in the bishops to decide and cease this contention and to set agreement betweene them remouing all occasion of dissention Which thing they going about commeth in this foresayd Archbishop forbidding and commaunding that no man proceede in any sentence of hym before the king This being signified to the kings hearing his minde was greuously prouoked
some lawfull canonicall â—â—peehment The palace of the Apostles onery thied yeare I shall visiâ—e either by myselfe or my messenger except other wise being licensed by the sea Apostolicke All such possessioâ—s as beloÌ„g to the table and dyet of my Bishopricke I shall neither sell nor geue nor lay to morgage nor lesse out or â—â—â—due away by any maner of meanes without that consent knowledge of the Byshop of Rome so God help me and the holie Gospels of God A note vpon the same ¶ Hereby thou hast by the way gentle Reader to note and consider among other thinges which here may be vnderstand that since the time the othe began to be layd and must vpoÌ„ Byshops all generall CouÌ„cels began to loose they robery For how could any freedome remayn for men to speake theyr knowledge in redresse of things being by their othe so bound to the Pope to speake nothing but on his side to maintayne the Papacy and the church of Rome in all times and places Coniecture by thy selfe Christen Reader what is more hereby to be considered BEsides this it was also decreed in the sayd Councell at Rome of 310. Byshops by pope Alexander that no maÌ„ should haue any spirituall promotion except he were of lawful age and born in wedlock That no parish Church should be voyd aboue 6. moneths That none within orders should meddle with temporall busines That priests should haue but one benefice And that the Bishop should be charged to finde the priest a liuing till he be promoted That open vsurers should not coÌ„municate at Easter â—or be buried within the Churchyard That nothing should be taken for ministring Sacraments or burying Item that euery cathedrall church should haue a master to teach children freely without taking any thing for the same In this councell the vow of chastitye was obstruded layd vpon Priestes Thomas Becket also and Bernard were canonised for Saintes During the raigne and time of this king Henry the second the City of Norwich was destroyd and burnt by the men of Flaunders Also the town of Lecester Notingham wasted and the Burgeses slayne by the Earle of Ferers The towne of Barwick destroyd by the Scots The king of Scottes was taken in warre by Englishmen an 1174. The towne of Huntington taken and burned The towne of Canterbury by casualty of fire burnt with all the Churches specially with the Trinity church where Becket was worshipped an eod The yeare of our Lord. 1170 Willia king of Scots with Dauid his brother and all the Barons of the realm did homage to the king of England Ireland made subiect to England Decreed in a councell in Normandy that no boyes or childreÌ„ should posses any benefice A couÌ„cell of Lateran was holdeÌ„ at Rome where were 33. articles coÌ„cluded an 1179. The French king came in pilgriâ—nage to Thomas Becket the king of England meeting him by the way an 1184. After the death of Richard Archbishoppe of Caunterbury who followed after Thomas Becket succeeded Baldwinus who of a Cistercian monk being made a byshop is sayd neuer to eat flesh in his life To whom a certein poore woman bare lean meeting him in the street desired to know of him whether it were true that was sayd of him that he neuer eat flesh Which thing when he had affirmed to be true Nay sayth she that is false for ye haue eaten my flesh vnto the bone For I had but one cow wherewith I was sustayned and that hath your Deanes taken from me True true sayd the Bishop and thou shalt haue an other Cow as good as that c. Iornalens Moreouer in the raigne of the sayd king Henry about the yeare of our Lord. 1178. I find in the story of Rog. Noueden and other that in the city of Tholouse was a great multitude of men and womeÌ„ whom the popes Commissioners to wit Peter Cardinal of S. Crisogoim and the Popes Legate with the Archbishops of Narbone Byturiensis Reginald Bishop of Bathe Iohn Bishoppe of Pictauia Henry Abbot ClareualleÌ„sis c. did persecute condeÌ„ne for hereticks Of whom some were scourged naked some chased away some compelled to abiure Concerning whose articles opinions I haue no firme grouÌ„d to make any certain relation for so much as I see the Papistes many times so false in their quareling accusatioÌ„s vntruly collecting mens sayinges not as they ment meanings not as they sayd but wresting and deprauing simple meÌ„s assertions after such a subtle sort as they iust themselues to take them But this I finde how one of the sayd commissioners or Inquisitors Henry the Abbot in a certaine letter of his writ thus of them Nam panem sanctum vitae aeternae sacerdotis ministerio in verbo Domini consecratum non esse corpus Domini nouo dogmate contendebat asserere That is After a new 〈◊〉 he affirmed that the holy bread of eternall life 〈◊〉 by the ministery of the Priest was not the body of the 〈◊〉 In the time of this Alexander Sprung vp the doctrine and name of them which were then 〈◊〉 Pauperes de Lugduno which of one waldus a chiefe Seâ—â—tour in Lyons were named Wilden â—item Leonishae Infabbatati about the yeare of our Lord 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 us writeth an 1170. Not long before this time as is exprest aboue rose â—â— Gratianus maister of the decrees Petrus Lombardus maiâ—â—er of the sentence both archâ—ilers of all papistry After whom followed also two as cuill â— worse then they Franciâ—eus and Domiâ—cus maintayning blinde hypocrisie no lesse theÌ„ the other maintayned proud prelacy As these labored one way by superstition and worldly aduauÌ„ cement to corrupt the sincerity of Religion So it pleased Christ the contrary way laboring against these to cause vp therfore the sayd MaldeÌ„sians against he pride and hypocrisy of the other Thus we neuer see any great corruptioÌ„ in the church but that some sparkle yet of the true light of the Gospell by Gods prouidence doth remayne Whatsoeuer Doctor Augustinus Remerius Siluius Cranzius with other in their popish histories do write of them defaming them through misreport and accusing them to Magistrates as disobedient to orders rebels to the Catholick church and contemners of the virgin Mary yee they that cary iudgement indifferent rather trusting trueth then wauerâ—ng with times in weying their Articles shall finde it otherwise that they mayntayned nothing els but the same doctrine which is now defended in the Church And yet I suppose not contrary but as they did with the Articles of Wickliffe and Hus so the Papists did in like maner with their articles also in gathering and wrasting them otherwise then they were ment The history of the Valdenses concerning their originall and doctrine with their persecutions THe first originall of these Valdenses came of one Waldus a man both of great substance and no lesse calling in the City of Lyons the occasion whereof is declared of diuers writers
mentioned it appeareth by their writings whereof I will recite some of their words which towardes the end be these Quis enim est solus ille peregrinus qui condemnationem haereticoruÌ„ Valdensium ignoret a longe retro annis factam tam famosam taÌ„ publicam tot tantis laboribus expensis sudoribus fidelium insecutam tot mortibus ipsorum infidelium solemniter damnatorum publiceque punitorum tam fortiter sigillatam c. That is Who is such a straunger that knoweth not the condemnation of Ualdenses the heretickes done and past so many yeres ago so famous so publick followed vpon so great labours expences and trauayle of the faythfull and sealed with so many deathes of these Infidelles so solemnelye being condemned and openlye punished Whereby we may see persecution to be no newe thing in the Churche of Christe when Antechrist so long before euen 300. yeares began to rage agaynst these UaldeÌ„ses In Bohemia likewise after that the same called by the name of Thaborites as Siluius recordeth suffred no little trouble But neuer persecution was stirred vp against them or any other people more terrible then was in these latter yeares in Fraunce by the French king an 1545. which lamentable story is described in Sleidan and hereafter in the proces of this booke as we come to the order of yeares shall be set forth by the grace of Christ more at large In the which persecution is declared in one towne Cabriera to be slayne by the Captayne of Sathan Minerius eight huÌ„dred persons at once without respect of women or children of any age Of whome 40. women and most of them great with childe thrust into a barne and the windowes kept with pikes and so fire set to them were all consumed Besides in a caue not farre from the towne Mussium to the number of xxv persons with smoke and fire were the same time destroyed At Merindolum the same tyraunt seing all the rest were fled away finding one yong man caused him to be tyed to an Oliue tree to be destroyed with tormentes most cruelly with much other persecution as may appeare hereafter in the history translated out of Sleidan into English But to returne agayne to higher times from whence we digressed Besides that Rinerius aboue mentioned speaketh of one in the towne of Cheron a glouer which was brought in this time to examinatioÌ„ suffred There is also an olde Monument of proces wherein appeareth 443. brought to examinatioÌ„ in Pomerania Marchia and places there about about the yeare of our Lord 1391. And thus much touching the originall doctrine and the lamentable persecutions of the Ualdenses who as is declared first began about the time of this king Henry the second Other incidences happening in the raigne of this Henry the second COncerning the first origine of WaldeÌ„ses springing in the daies of this king is sufficiently hetherto declared Now remayneth in like order of time to story also such other incidencies as chaunced vnder the raigne of the sayd king not vnworthy to be obserued keeping the order of yâ— time so neare as we may as authors do geue vnto vs. Mary the daughter of king Stephen being the Abbes of Ramessey was maryed in this kinges dayes to Mathew Earle of Bolon which maryage Thomas Becket did worke agaynst and did dissolue by reason whereof he procured him great displeasure with the sayd Earle c. an 1161. Ex Chronico Bibliothecae Cariensis The same yeare a certayne childe was crucified of the Iewes in the towne of Glocester an 1161. Iornalens After the same maner the wicked Iewes had crucified an other child befoâ—e in the City of Norwich in the dayes of Kyng Stephen an 1145. A collection was gathered through all England and Fraunce two pence of euery pound for the succour of the East Christians agaynst the Turkes an 1167. Ex eodem Babilon was taken and destroyed and neuer since repayred by Almaricus king of Hierusalem an 1170. Ex vetusto manuscripto exemplari historiae Cariensis An. 1173. almost all England was diseased with the cough Ex vetusto Chron. acephalo About which yeare also William king of Scots was taken in battayle and imprisoned in England Great warre happened in Palestina wherein the City of Ierusalem with the crosse and the king of the City other of the temple was taken of the Sarasines and most part of the Christians there either slayne or taken Cruell murther and slaughter there was vsed by the Turke who caused all the chief of the ChristiaÌ„s to be brought forth and beheaded before his face In so much that Pope Urbanus the iii. for sorrow dyed Gregory the viii next pope after him liued not 2 monethes TheÌ„ in the dayes of pope Clement iii. newes and sorrow growing dayly for the losse of Palestina and destruction of the Christians K. Henry of England Phillip the french king the duke of Burgundy the Earle of Flaunders the Earle of Campania with diuers other Christian Princes with a generall consent vpon S. Georges day tooke the marke of the crosse vpon theÌ„ promising together to take their voyage into the holy land At which tyme the storyes say the king of England receiued first the redde crosse the French king tooke the white crosse the Earle of Flaunders the greene crosse so other princes diuersly diuers coulors therby to be discerned euery one by his proper crosse But king Henry after the three yeres were expired in which he promised to performe his voyage sent to the Pope for further delay of his promise offering for the same to erect three Monasteries Which thing he thus performed In the Church of Waltham he thrust out the seculer Priestes and set in Monkes for them Secondly he repayred agayne brought in the Nunnes of Amesbury which before were excluded for theyr incontinent life And thus performed he his promise made before to the Pope an 1173. The king of Scots did his homage and alleageauÌ„ce to the King of England and to his sonne and to his chiefe Lordes promising that all the Earles and BaroÌ„s of scotland should do the like with theyr posterity Item all the Byshops and Abbots of the Church of Scotland promised subiection and submission to the Archbishop of Yorke an 1175. Nic. Triuet The custome was in this realme that if any had killed any Clerke or Priest he was not to be punished with the temporall sword but onely excommunicate seÌ„t to Rome for the Popes grace and absolution Which custome in the dayes of this king began first to be altered by the procurement of Richard Archbishop of Caunterbury an 1176. Triuet London bridge first began to be made of stone by one Peter Priest of Colechurch an 1176. Ex Chron. cuius initiuÌ„ In diebus sanctis regis Edouardi c. ex Bibliot Cariensi S. William of Paris was slain of the Iewes on
maūdy thursday wherefore the Iewes were burned he coūted a Saint an 1177. Ireland subdued to the crowne of England by thys king an 1177. Ex varijs Chron. Under the raigne of the sayd king Henry about the 25 yeare of his raigne Ludouicus the frenchking by the vision of Thomas Becket appearing to him in his dreame promising to him the recouery of his sonne if he would resort to him at Canterbury made his iourney into England to visite S. Thomas at Caunterbury with Phillip Earle of Flaunders where he offered a rich cup of golde with other pretious iewels a 100. vessels of wine yearely to be geuen to the Couent of the church of Caūterbury notwithstanding the sayd Phillip in his return from England taking his iourney to Paris to visite S. Deuis in the same his pilgrimage was strickē with such colde that he fell into a palsey and was benumbed of the right side of his body an 1178. Iornalensis alij Stephanus Episcopus Redomonsis was wont to make many rimes and gaudish prose to delite the eares of the multitude to whom a litle before his death this verse was founded in his care Desine ludere temerè nitere properè surgere de puluere an 1178. Nic. Triuet Albingenses denyed transustantiation in the Sacrament of Christes body and bloud about the city of Tholouse also that matrimony was not a Sacrament c. an 1178 ibidem King Henry separated himselfe from his wife Alionor and held her many yeares in prison as some think for the loue of Rosamūde Which semeth to me to be the cause why God afterward stirred all his sonnes vp to warre agaynst him and to worke him much sorrow an 1179. Nic. Triuet Notwithstanding the sayd Alionor was shortly after reconciled to him S. Frideswide was translated vnto Oxford an 1179. An. 1180. There came to the councell of Pope Alexander one Pisanus Burgundio a man very cunning both in Brecke and Latin which brought and presented to the counsell the Homelyes of Chrisostome vpon the Gospell of S. Iohn translated out of Greeke into Latin and sayd that he translated likewise a great part of his exposition vpon Genesis saying moreouer that the sayd Chrisostome had made expositions in Greeke vpon the whole olde testament and also the new an 1180. The Monkes of Charterhouse first entred into this land an 1180. An. 1181. Richard Pech Byshopp of Couentry before his death renounced his bishoprick and became a Chanō in the Church of S. Thomas by Stafford Ex Chronico peruetusto cui initium In diebus sanctis Regis c. About the latter time of this king Henry one Hugo whō men were wont to call S. Hugh of Lincolne borne in Burgundy and Prior of the Monks of Charterhouse was preferred by the king to the Bishopricke of Lincoln who after his death is said to do great miracles and therfore was counted a Saynt an 1186. Flores Hist. Baldwinns Archbyshop of Caunterbury began the building of his new house and Church of Lambeth but by the letters of pope Clement 3. he was forbid to proceed in the building thereof an 1187. Triuet I do finde likewise in the foresaid written Chronicle remaining in the hands of one Williā Cary Citizen of Lōdō that this forenamed king Henry the 2. gaue to the court and church of Rome for the death of Becket 40. thousand markes of siluer And 5. thousand marks of gold an 1187. Mention was made a little aboue of Amalrike king of Ierusalē which destroyed Babylon so that it was neuer after to this day restored but lyeth wast and desolate wherein was fulfilled that which in the Prophets in so many places was threatened to Babylō before This Amalrike had a sonne named Baldwin a daughter called Sibilla Baldwine from the beginning of his raigne was a Leoper and had the falling sickenesse being not able for feeblenesse of body although valiaunt in hart and stomacke to satisfy that function Sibilla his sister was first maried to one Willermus Marques of Moūt Ferrat by whom she had a sonne called also Balwinus After him she was maried to another husband named Guido de Liziniaco Earle of Ioppe and of Ascalon Upon this befell that the foresaid Baldwine the Leoper sonne of Amalricus being thus feeble infirme as is sayd called his nobles together with his mother the Patriarche declaring to thē his inability and by the consentes of them committed the vnder gouernement of the City to Guido the husband of Sibilla his sister But he being found insufficiēt or els not lucky in the gouerning thereof the office was translated to another named Raimundus Earle of Tripolis In the meane time the Soldan with his Sarasins mightely preuayled agaynst the Christiās ouerran the countrey of Palestina In which meane time Baldwine the king departed Whereby the kingdome fell next to Baldwinus the sonne of Sibilla by her first husband Willermus The which Baldwinus being but fiue yeares olde was put to custody of Raimundus aforesayd Who also in his minority before he came to his crowne dyed whereby the next succession by dissent fell to Sibilla the wife of Guido aboue mentioned To whom the pieres and nobles ioyning together in coūsell offred to the sayde Sibilla as to the lawfull heyre to the crowne to be theyr Queene with this condition that she should sequester from her by solemne deuorsement the foresayd Guido her husband But she refused the kingdōe offered to her on that condition till at last the Magistrats with the nobles ingenerall graunted vnto her by theyr othes confirmed the same that whomesoeuer she woulde choose to be her husband all they would take and obey as theyr king Also Guido her husband with like petition among the rest humbly requested her that the kingdom not for his sake or for his priuate losse might be destitute of gouernement At length she with teares consenting to theyr entreaty was contented and solemnely was crowned theyr Queene who after the maner agayne receiued theyr fidelity by theyr othe Whereupon Guido without all hope both of wife and kingdome departed home quietly to his owne This done the Queene assembling her states and prelates together entred talke with thē about the choosing of the king according to that which they had promised and sworne vnto her and to obey him as theyr king whom she would name to be her husbande Thus while they were all in great expectation wayting euery man whome she would nominate The Queene with a loud voyce sayd to Guido that stood amongst them Guido my Lord I choose thee for my husbād and yelding my selfe and my kingdome vnto you openly I protest you to be the king At these words al the assembly being amased wondred that one simple woman so wisely had beguiled so many wise men And worthy no doubt was she to be commended and extolled for her singuler vertue
wrote a sharpe and thundering letter to the Archb. bishops and prelates of England commanding them by his authority Apostolical that for so much as the iniuries done to his Legate did redounde to the contumelie of the whole mother church of Rome they should not faile therfore but with seuere censures of the Church that is wyth booke bell and candle procede as wel against the foresayd Iohn Erle of Morton as also all other who so euer had or should attempt any violence or iniury against the sayd his legate B. of Ely with no lesse seuerity then if the sayd iniury should be offred to the person of the Pope himselfe or any other of his brethren the Cardinals c. The bishop of Ely the popes Legate bearing himselfe bold vpon the fauour and letters of the Pope which tooke his part writeth to Henry B. of Lincolne charging requiring that he in vertue of obedience shoulde execute the Popes sentence mandate in excommunicating all such as were offenders in that behalfe there reciteth the names of diuers against whome he should procede as the Archb. of Roan yâ— B. of Wint. W. Mareschal Geffrey Peterson Bruer and Bardoâ—f the Earle of Salisbury the Earle of Mellent Gilbert Basset the Archdeacon oâ— Oxforde and especially Hugh B. of Couentry Also M. Benet Steuen Ridle Chancelor to Erle Iohn the kings brother to the which Earle he reserued a further day of respite before he should be excommunicate with a number of other moe beside these Howbeit the saide B. of Ely could finde none to execute this commandement of the Pope Then they with a generall consent wrote againe to K. Richard complaining of the intollerable abuses of the sayd B. his Chauncellor In like sort the sayd Chancelor also complaining of them wrote his letters to the king signifying how Earle Iohn his brother went about to vsurpe his kingdome woulde also shortly set the crowne vpon his owne heade vnles he made the more spede homeward The king then was busie in repulsing the Saladine and prepared to lay siege against Hierusalem and got Sclauonia with diuers other townes from the Saracens which was in the yere of our Lord 1192. hauing diuers conflicts in yâ— meane space with the Saladine and euer put him to the worse As the king thus was preparing to lay his siege against Ierusalem the Saladine glad to fall to some composition with the king sent vnto him that if he would restore to him againe Sclauonia in as good state as it was when he tooke it hee would graunt to him and to all Christians in the lande of Ierusalem truce for 3. yeres and offred himselfe thereunto to be sworn The king seeing the Duke of Burgundy and the frenchmen to shrinke from him and his owne men to decay and also his mony health to diminish but especially for that he vnderstode by the B. of Ely his Chancelor the French king to set vp Iohn hys brother to possesse his kingdome being counsailed thereto by the Templaries tooke the truce offred of the Saracens so began to draw homeward In this meane while much grudge and strife increased more and more betwene the B. of Ely and the archbishop of Roan aboue specified in so much that the Archb. being excommunicate sent vp his Clerkes to Pope Celestine to complaine of the Bishop But the Pope euer stoode in his purgatioÌ„ At last he sent two of his Cardinals to wit Ottomannus Bishop of Hostia and Iordanus de fossa noua to breake the strife betwene the B. of Ely and the Archbishop of Roan After this king Richard being taken and in the custody of Henry the Emperor the B. of Ely resorting to him was sent by him into England to Alinor his mother and other nobles Who then returning into England againe not as Chauncelour nor as Legate as he sayde but as â— simple plaine Bishop so by that meanes was receiued Ex Matt. Paris Et ex alijs incerti nominis manuscriptis codicibus But of this vaine glorious prelate inough too much Nowe to returne againe to Richarde concerning whose worthy actes done abroad in getting of Cyprus Achon Ptolemaida in pacifying Ioppe c. partly is spoken of before Many other valiant famous actes were by him and the French king atchieued and mo should haue bene had not those two kings falling into discord disseuered theÌ„ selues by reason whereof Philip the French king returned home againe wythin short space Who being retourned againe eftsones inuaded the couÌ„try of Normandy exciting also Iohn the brother of king Richard to take on him the kingdome of England in his brothers absence Who then made league vpon the same with the French king and did homage vnto him which was about the fourth yere of king Richard Who then being in Syria hearing thereof made peace with the Turkes for 3. yeres And not long after king Richard the next spring following returned also Who in hys returne driuen by distresse of weather about the parties of Histria in a towne called Synaca was there taken by Limpold duke of the same country and so sold to the Emperor for 60000. markes Who for no small ioy thereof writeth to Phillip the French king these letters here following The letter of the Emperour to Phillip the French king concerning the taking of king Richard HEnricus dei gratia Romanorum Imperator semper Augustus dilecto speciali amico suo Philippo illustri FrancoruÌ„ Regi salutem sincerae dilectionis affectum Quoniam Imperatoria celsitudo non dubitat regalem magnificentiam tuam laetiorem effici de vniuersis quibus omnipotentia creatoris nostri nos ipsos Rom. imperiuÌ„ honorauerit exaltauerit nobilitati tuae tenore praesentium declarare duximus quòd inimicus imperij nostri turbator regni tui Rex Angliae quum esset in transeundo mare ad partes suas reuersurus accidit vt ventus rupta naui sua in qua ipse erat induceret eum in partes Histriae ad locum qui est inter Aquileiam Venetias Vbi Rex Dei permissione passus naufragium cum paucis euasit Quidam itaque fidelis noster comes Maynardus de Gooxce populus regionis illius audito quòd in terra erat considerato diligentiùs qualem nominatus Rex in terra promissionis proditionem traditionem perditionis suae cumulum exercuerat insecuti sunt intendentes eum captiuare Ipso autem rege in fugam conuerso ceperunt de suis octo milites Postmodum processit Rex ad Burgum in Archiepiscopatu Salseburgensi qui vocatur Frisorum vbi Fridericus de Betesow rege cum tribus tantùm versus Austriam properante noctu sex milites de suis cepit Delectus autem consanguineus noster Limpoldus Dux Austriae obseruata strata saepe dictum Regem iuxta Denam in villa vicinori in domo despecta captiuauit
author came afterward to passe and were testified of the same Honorius being pope afterward in his publike sermons at Rome All which I graunt may be and yet notwtstanding this fabulous narration may be a piece of the popes old practises subtilly inuented to driue men forth to IerusaleÌ„ to fight c. Againe after Honorius when he had gouerned x. yeres followed Gregorius the ix Whiche two popes were in the tyme of this king Henry 3. and of Fredericke the Emperour of whome we mynde Christ willing farther to touch after that we shall haue prosecuted more concerning the histoâ—â— of kyng Henry and matters of England After that it so pleased the mercifull prouidence of almighty God to worke this great mercy vpon the stock of K. Iohn which notwithstanding the vnkinde prelates with their false prophetes had declared before that neuer none should succeed in the throne after that K. and also vnto the whole common wealth of the realme in deliuering them froÌ„ the daÌ„gerous seruice of Ludouike the foresayd FreÌ„ch men After their departure the next yeare following anno 1218. which was the third of this kyngs raigne the Archbyshop S. Lancton and the bishops Erles and Barons resorted to LondoÌ„ vnto the kyng at Michaelmas next following and there held a great parliament wherein were confirmed and grauÌ„ted by the king all yâ— franchises which were made geueÌ„ by K. Iohn his father at Ronemedow and them he confirmed and ratified by his charter whiche long tyme after sayth my author vnto hys dayes did continue and were holden in England For the which cause by the nobles and the commons was geuen grauÌ„ted agayn vnto the K. ij shillinges for euery plow laÌ„d through England And Hubert of Burgh was made chiefe Iustice of Englad of whose troubles more is to be said hereafter And this was the third yeare of K. Henry and 50. yeare after the death of Tho. Becket wherefore the said Becket the same yeare or next following was takeÌ„ vp and shryned for a new S. made of an old rebell Thether came such resort of people of England and of Fraunce that the country of Kent was not sufficient to sustaine them Ex histor De Scales About the same tyme Isabell the kinges mother was maryed to the Earle of March. And William Marshall the good Erle dyed whiche was the gouernour of that king and the realme not without great lamentation of the people of England Then was the king committed to the gouernment of Peter B. of Winchester This noble Erle left behinde him v. sonnes and v. daughters The yere next insuing an 1219. It was ordeined and proclaimed through all the laÌ„d that all aliens foreiners should depart the realme and not to return to the same agayn onely such excepted as vsed trafick or trade of marchaundise vnder the kings safe conduct This proclamation was thought chiefly to be set forth for the cause to auoid out of the land Faukes de Breute Phillip de Markes Engelardus de Ciconia William Erle Albemarke Robert de veteri ponte Brihenne de insula Hugo de Bailluel Robert de Gaugi with diuers other straungers mo which kept castles and holdes of the kinges agaynst his will Of whom the foresayd Faukes was the principal who fortefied held the castle of bedford which he had by that gift of K. Iohn with might and strength against the K. and his power nere the space of 3. monthes Moreouer he went about to apprehend the kings iustices at Dunstable but they being warned therof escaped all except Henry Braibrocke whom he imprisoned in the said castle The K. hearing therof coÌ„sulting with his clergy and nobles made his power against the same Which after long siege and some slaughter at length he obteined it hanged almost all that were within to the nuÌ„ber of 97 which was as Parisiens writeth about the 7. or 8. yere of his raigne Faukes the same time was in wales who hearing of the taking of the castle conueyed himselfe to the church of CoueÌ„try At length submitting himselfe to the kings mercy vpon consideration of his seruice done before to the kings father was committed to the custody of Eustace bishop of London and afterward being depriued of all his goods possessions tenements within the realme was forced to perpetuall banishment neuer to returne to England agayne Here by the way I finde it noted in Parisiens that after this foresayd Faukes had spoyled and rased the church of S. Paule in Bedford for the building vp of his Castle the Abbase of Heluestue hearing thereof caused the sword to be taken from the Image of S. Paule standing in the Church so long as he remayned vnpunished Afterward she hearing him to be coÌ„mitted to the custody of S. Paule in LondoÌ„ caused the sword to be put into the hands of the Image agayne Mat. Parisiens in vita Henr. 3. About this yeare the young king the second time was crowned agayne at Westminster about which time begaÌ„ the new building of our Ladye Churche at Westminster Shortly after Gualo the Legate was called home againe to Kome For the holy Father as Math. Pariens reporteth being sicke of a spiritual dropsie thought this Gualo hauing so large occupying in england to be able somewhat to cure his disease And so that Legate returned with all hys bagges well stuffed leauing Pandulphe behynde hâ—m to supply that Baliwike of hys great graundfather the Pope The lyfe and Actes of pope Innocentius the 3. are partly described before how he intruded StepheÌ„ LanghtoÌ„ against the kings wil into the archbishopricke of Canterbury stirring vp also 64. Monkes of the same Church of Canterbury priuily to work agaynst the king Moreouer how he did excommunicate the sayd kyng as a publike enemy of the Church so long as the sayd King withstoode his tirannical doyngs putting hym and his whole kingdome vnder interdiction for the space of 5. yeares and 3. monthes And at length deposed and depriued hym from hys scepter keeping it in his owne handes for v. dayes Now he absolued hys subiectes from their due obedience subiectioÌ„ vnto hym Now he gaue away his kingdoÌ„es possessions vnto Lewes the Frenche kyngs sonne commaunding the sayd Lewes to spoyle hym both of landes lyfe Whereupon the K. being forsakeÌ„ of hys nobles prelates commons was enforced agaynst hys will to submit himself and sware obedience vnto the P. paying vnto him a yearely tribute of a M. markes by yeare for receauing hys kyngdome agayne wherby both he his succescessors after him were vassals afterward vnto the P. And these were the Apostolicall actes of this holy Vicar in the realme of England Moreouer he condemned Almericus a worthy learned man a byshop for an hereticke for teaching holding agaynst images Also he condemned the doctrine of Ioachim Abbas whoÌ„ we spake of before for heritical This pope brought first into the church the paying
you the Church the king and the kingdome from that miserable yoke of seruitude that you doe not intermedle or take any part concerning such exactions or rentes to be required or geuen to the sayd Romaynes Letting you to vnderstand for trueth that in case you shall which God forbid be found culpable herein not onely your goodes and possessions shall be in daunger of burning but also in your persons shall incurre the same perill and punishmēt as shall the sayd Romish oppressors themselues Thus fare ye well ¶ Thus much I thought here to insert and notifie cōcerning this matter for that not onely the greedy and auaritious gredines of the Romish church might the more euidently vnto al Englishmen appeare but that they may learne by this example how worthy they be so to be serued plagued with their owne rod which before would take no part with their naturall king agaynst forreine power of whom now they are scourged To make the story more playne In the raygne of thys Henry the third who succeding as is said after king Iohn his father raygned sixe and fifty yeares came diuers Legates from Rome to Englande First Cardinall Otho sent from the Pope with letters to the king lyke as other letters also were sent to other places for exactions of money The king opening the letters and perceiuing the contentes aunswered that he alone coulde say nothing in the matter which concerned all the clergye and commons of the whole Realme Not long after a Councell was called at Westminster where the letters beyng opened the forme was this Petimus imprimis ab omnibus Ecclesijs Cathedralibus duas nobis praebendas exhiberi vnam de portione Episcopi alteram de capitulo Et similiter de Coenobijs vbi diuersae sunt portiones Abbatis conuentus a conuentibus quantum pertinet ad vnum Monachum aequali facta distributione honorum suorum ab Abbate tantundem That is We require to be geuen vnto vs first of all Cathedrall Churches two Prebendes one for the Byshops part one other for the Chapter And likewise of Monasteryes where be diuers portions one for the Abbot an other for the Couent Of y◠Couent so much as appertayneth to one Monke y◠portion of the goods beyng proportionly deuided Of the Abbot likewise as muche The cause why he required these prehendes was this It hath bene sayth he an old slaunder and a great complaynt agaynst the Church of Rome to be noted of insatiable couetousnes which as ye knowe is the roote of all mischiefe and al by reason that causes be wont commonly not to be handeled nor to proceed in the Church of Rome without great giftes and expense of mony Wherof seyng the pouerty of the Churche is the cause and why it is so slaundered and ill spoken of it is therefore conuenient that you as naturall children should succour your mother For vnlesse we should receaue of you and of other good men as you are we shoulde then lacke necessaryes for our lyfe whiche were a great dishonour to our dignitie c. When those petitions and causes of the Legate were propounded in the foresayde assembly at Westminster on the Popes behalfe the Bishops Prelates of the realme beyng present aunswere was made by the mouth of maister Iohn Bedford on this wise that the matter there proponed by the Lord Legate in especiall concerning the kyng of England but in generall it touched all the archbishops with their Suffraganes the Byshops and al the prelates of the realm Wherfore seing both the king by reason of his sickenes is absent and the Archbishop of Caunterbury with diuers other Bishops also were not there therefore in the absence of them they had nothing to say in the matter neyther could they so doe without preiudice of thē which were lacking And so the assembly for that tyme brake vp Not long after the sayd Otho Cardinall De carcere Tulliano comming agayne from Rome cum autentico plenariae potestatis indicted an other Councell at London caused all Prelates Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors and other of the clergy to be warned vnto the same Councell to be had in the Church of S. Paules at London about the feast of S. Martin the pretence of whiche Councell was for redresse of matters concerning benefices and religion but the chiefe principal was to hunt for money For putting them in feare and in hope some to lose some to obtein spirituall promotiōs at hys hand he thought gayn would rise thereby and so it did For in the meane time as Parisiensis in vita Henrici 3. writeth diuers pretious rewardes were offered him in Palfreis in rich plate and iewels in costly and sumptuous garments richly furred in coyne in vitals c. In so much that onely the bishop of Wintchester as the story reporteth hearing that he woulde winter at London sent him L. fat Oxen an C. come of pure wheat 8. tunne of chosen wine toward hys house keeping Likewise other byshops also for their part offred vnto the Cardinals boxe after their habilitie The time of the Councell drawing nye the Cardinall commanded at the West end of Paules Churche an high solēne throne to be prepared rising vp with a glorious scaffold vpon mighty and substantiall stages strongly builded and of a great height Thus agaynst y◠day assigned came the sayd archbishops Bishops Abbotes and other of the prelacy both farre and neare throughout al England weried and vexed with the winters iorny bringing their letters procuratory Who being together assembled the Cardinall beginneth his sermon But before we come to y◠sermon there happened a great discord betweene the 2. archbishops of Caunterbury and of Yorke for sitting at the right hand and left hand of the glorious Cardinal for the which the one appealed agaynst the other The Cardinall to pacifie the strife betwene thē both so that he would not derogate from eyther of them brought forth a certayne Bull of the Pope in the middest of which Bull was pictured the figure of the crosse On the right side of the crosse stoode the image of S. Paule and on the left side S. Peter Loe saith the Cardinall holding open the Bull with the crosse here you see S. Peter on the left hand of the crosse and S. Paul on the right side and yet is there betwene these two no cōtention For both are of equall glory And yet S. Peter for the prerogatiue of his keyes for the preheminence of his Apostleship and Cathedral dignitie seemeth most worthy to be placed on the right side But yet because S. Paul beleued on Christ when he saw him not therfore hath he the right hand of the Crosse for blessed be they sayth Christ which beleue and see not c. And from that tyme forth the Archbishop of Canterbury inioyed the right hand the archbishop of Yorke the left Wherein yet this Cardinall is more to be
commended then the other Cardinall Hugo mentioned a little before pag. 208. whiche in the like contention betwene these Archbishops ran his way Thus the controuersie ceased and composed betweene these two Otho the Cardinall sitting aloft betweene these 2. archbishops beginneth his sermon taking the theame of the Prophet In medio sedis in circuitu eius quatuor animalia plena oculis ante retro c. That is In the midst of the seat and in the circuit about the seate were foure beastes full of eyes before and behind c. Upon this theme the Cardinall proceeded in hys sermō sitting like a God in the middest He compared thē about him to that foure beastes about the seate declaring how they ought to haue eyes both before behind that is that they must be prouident in disposing of secular thinges and circumspect in spiritual matters continuing ioyning wisely things past with thinges to come this was the greatest effect of this Clerkly Sermon That done he geueth forth certayne statutes for odering of Churches as for the dedication of temples for seuen sacramentes for geuing of orders for ferming of benefices collations and resignations of benefices and vicarages priestes apparell single life for eating of flesh in religious houses for archdeacons bishops proctors and such other lyke matters But the chiefest intent of all his proceeding was this that they should be vigilant prouident and circumspect with all their eyes both before and behynd to fil the popes pouch as appeared not onely by this but all theyr other trauailes besides Insomuch that the kyng dreading the displeasures of his commons for the doyngs of the Legate willed hym to repayre home to Rome agayne but yet could not so be rid of him For he receiuing now commaundementes from the Pope applyed hys haruest still glening and raking what soeuer he might scrape writing and sending to Byshops and archdeacons in this forme and tenour OTto miseratione diuina c. discreto viro N. Episcopo vel N. Archidiacono sal Cum necesse habeamus de mandato summi pontificis moram trahere in Englia longiorem nec possimus proprijs stipendijs militare discretionem vestram qua fungimur autoritate rogamus vt procurationes vobis debitas in Episcopatu vel Archidiaconatu vestro colligi faciatis nostro nomine diligenter eas quà m citius poteritis nobis transmissuri contradictores per censuram Ecclesiasticam compescendo Prouiso quòd quaelibet procuratio summam 4. mercarum aliquatenus non excedat vbi vna Ecclesia non sufficiet ad procurationem huiusmodi habendam duae pariter vnam soluant Datum Lond. 15. Kal. Mar Pont. D. Grego Papae 9. And moreouer note agayn the wicked cursed traines of these Romish rakehels who to picke simple mens purses first send out their Friers and preachers to stirre vp in al places and countryes men to go fight against the Turks Whom when they haue once bound with a vowe signe them with the crosse thē send they their bulles to release them both of their labour and their vow for mony As by theyr owne stile of writing is here to be seene thus proceeding N. Episcopus dilectis in Christo filijs omnibus Archidiaconis per Diocesim suam constitutis sal Literas Domini Legati suscepimus in haec verba Otto miseratione diuina c. Cum sicut intelleximus nonnulli cruce signati regni Angliae qui sunt inhabiles ad pugnandum ad sedem Apostolicam accedant vt ibidem a voto crucis absolui valeant nos nuper recipimus a summo pontifice in mandatis vt tales non solùm absoluere verùm ad redimenda vota sua compellere debeamus volentes eorum parcere laboribus expensis fraternitatem vestram qua fungimur monemus quatenus partem praedictam a summo pontifice nobis concessam faciatis in nostris diocesibus sine mora qualibet publicari vt prefati cruce signati ad nos accedere valeant beneficiū super his iuxa formam nobis traditam accepturi Datum Londini xv kal. Marc. Pont D N. Papae Grego 9. The cause why the pope was so greedy needy of mony was this because he had mortall hatred waged continuall battaile the same time against the good Emperour Fredericke the 2. who had to wife king Iohns daughter and sister to this king Henry thee 3. whose name was Isabell And therefore because the popes warre could not be susteined without charges that made the pope the more portimate to take vp mony in all places but especially in Englād Insomuch that he shamed not to require the fifth part of euery ecclesiasticall mans liuing as Parifiensis writeth And not onely that but also the sayde Pope Gregory conuenting with the Citizens of Rome so agreed with them that if they would ioyne with him in vanquishing that foresayd Fredericke he would and so did graūt vnto thē that all the benefices in England which were or should be vacant namely pertayning to religious houses shuold be bestowed at their owne will commaundement to their children kinsfolkes Whereupon it followeth in the forenamed history vnde infra paucos dies misit D. Papa sacra praecepta sua Domino Cant. Archiep. Eliensi Lincol. Salisb. Episcopis vt trecentis Romanis in primis beneficijs vacantibus prouiderent scientes se suspensos a beneficiorum collatione donec tot competenter prouideretur That is The Pope sent in commaundement to the Archbishop of Cant. and 4. other Byshops that prouision shoulde be made for 3. hundred Romanes in the chiefest best benefices in all Englād at the next voydance So that the foresayd Aarchb and byshops should be suspēded in the meane time frō all collation or gift of the benefite vntill these foresayd 3. hundred were prouided for-whereupon the Archb. the same tyme seeing the vnreasonable oppression of the Church of Englād left the realme and went into Fraūce Agayne marke an other as much or more easie sleight of the pope in procuring mony he sēt one Petrus Rubeus the same tyme with a new deuise which was this not to work anything openly but priuily to go betwixt Bishop and Bishop Abbot and Abbot c. telling in theyr eares such a Byshop such an Abbot hath geuen so muche and so much vnto the Popes holines trusting that you also will not be behinde for your part c. By the meanes whereof it is incredible to thinke what a masse of money was made out of the Realme vnto the pope At length the foresayd bishops Abbots and Archdeacons feeling their owne smart came to the king whose father before they did resist with their humble suite lamētably complaining of the vnmeasurable exactions of y◠pope and especially agaynst Petrus Rubeus and hys fellowe Otto the Legate desiring the K. that seing the matter toncheth not themselues alone but the whole church and seing
with the Legate and by subtile meanes brought it so to passe that the whole tenthes was gathered and paide to the inestimable damage sayth Pariens both of the Ecclesiasticall and Temporall state The meanes whereof sayeth the authour was this The Legate shewing to the prelates his procuratory letters to collect and gather vp all the foresayde tenthes in the name and authoritie of the Pope declared moreouer full authoritie to him graunted by the vertue of hys commission to excommunicate all such and to interdicte their Churches who soeuer did gainstand or go contrary to the said collection Whereupon by the said vertue legantine he sendeth to euery shire his Proctors to gather the Popes money or els to excommunicate them which denied to pay and for so much as the present nede of the pope required present help without delay he sendeth moreouer to the byshops prelates of the Realme in paine of interdiction foorthwith to procure and send to him either of theyr owne or by loue or vsance or by what meanes so euer so much money in all post spede for the present vse of the pope And after to take vp agayne the said money of the tenthes of euery singular person by the right taxing of their goodes Upon this the Prelates to auoide the daunger hauing no other remedy were driuen to sel their chalices cruets copes iewels and other church plate and some to lay to morgage such things as they had some also to borowe vpon vsance to make the money which was required Moreouer the sayd Stephen the Popes chaplaine as reporteth Paris brought with hym into England for the same purpose such bankers and vsurers who lending out their money vpon great vsurie did vnreasonably pinch the English people which marchant vsurers were then called Caursini Briefly suche straight exaction was then vppon the poore English men that not onely theyr present goodes were valued and taxed but also the corne yet growing in the field against the next haruest was tithed c. Only the Earle of Chester named Ranulphus stood stoutly against the Pope suffring none within his dominion either lay man or clearke to yeld any tenths to the popes proctors Ex Math. Paris pag. 74. And thys was the end of the strife betwene the Monkes of Caunterbury the king for the election of their Archbyshop which was about the yeare of our Lord 1229. In the which yere was finished the new Church of CoueÌ„try by Alexander bishop of the sayd Citie and partly by the helpe of the king which Church Richard his predecessor bishop before him of Couentrie had begon The French men about thys time againe prepared themselues towarde Prouince to warre against the foresayde Reimundus Earle of Tholouse and to expulse him out of his possessions And hearing that he was in his Castle of Saracene they made thither all their power thinking there to enclose and compasse him about but the erle being priuie of their conspired purpose set for them by the way appointing certaine bushments in woodes not so secretly as strongly there to waite and receiue the comming of the Frenchmen and to geue them their welcome Thus when the French were entred the woode the Earle wyth his traine of wel armed and able warriors sodenly did flie vppon them vnwares and gaue them a bitter meeting so that in that conflict 500. of the French soldiors were taken and many slaine Of their seruitures to the nuÌ„ber of 2000. men with their armor were takeÌ„ Of whom some lost their eyes some their noses some their eares some their legs and so sent home The rest were caried away prisoners into the castel And to be brief saith the history thrise the same sommer were the FrenchmeÌ„ discomfited put to flight taken and imprisoned by the foresayd Reimundus the godly erle Ex Paris pag. 69. Wherin is to be sene and to be praised the gracious protection of the Lorde our God against the furious papists which is glorious alwaies in hys saints ¶ The same yeare the king being at Portesmouth had assembled together all his Nobility Earles Barons and knightes of England with such an armye of horsemen and footemen as hath not ben lightly sene thinking to recouer againe the Countrey of Normandie of Gaunt and other possessioÌ„s which king Iohn his father before had lost But when the captaines and marshals of the fielde should take shipping there were not halfe ships enough to receiue the host Wherupon the king was vehemently inflamed with anger laying all the fault to Hubert the Lorde chiefe Iustice who vnder the King had all the gouernement of the Realme calling him olde traitour charging him that hee should be the let of his voyage as he was before when hee toke of the French Duene 5000. markes to stay the kings iourney into Normandy In so much the rage of the king was so kindled against him ytdrawing his sword he made at him to runne him through had not the Earle of Chester Ranulph stopt the king Hubert withdrew himselfe away till the kings rage was past This was about the time of Michaelmas at which time arriued Henry Earle of Normandie in the hauen of Portesmouth in the month of Detoâ— Who shuld haue conducted the king vpon his allegeance othe into Normandie But he with other of the kings armie counsailed the king not to take that voyage toward winter but rather to defer it to the Easter next following wherwith the king was staid and well contented and paciâ—ied againe with Hubert the Iustice. c. Ex Mat. Paris Fabian recordeth this yeare the liberties and fraunchise of the Citie of London to be confirmed by the king and to enerich of the shriues to be graunted two clerkes and two officers without moe Ex Fabia Then followed the yeare 1230. In which vpon the day of the conuersion of S. Paule as sayeth Paris as a great multitude of people for solemnitie of the day were congregate in the Temple of S. Paule the Bishop then being at hys Masse a sodaine darkenes with such thicknesse of clouds fell in the aire that vnneth one man might see an other in the Church After that followed cracks of thunder lightning so terrible leauing such a sent in the Church that the people loking for doomes day thought no lesse but that the steeple and whole Church woulde haue falne vppon theyr heads In so much that they running out of the church as people amased fell downe together by thousands as men amased not knowing for the time where they were onely the Bishop his Deacon stood still at their masse holding the aulter fast Ex Paris Of the death of Steuen Langton of the troublesome election of the next Archbishop also of the costly chargeable bringing in of Richard to succede in the roume which did cost the whole realme of England the tenths of al their moueables sufficient hath bene declared before Thys Richard being
kings hart was confirmed and he receiued Ex Mat. Parisiens fol. 164. 240. After the death of Stephen Langhton Archb. of Canterbury ye heard before how the monks had elected walter a Monke of Launterbury But the king to stop that election sent vp his Proctors M. Alexander stanes and M. Henry Sandford bishop of Rochester to the Pope to euacuate that election and to place Richard Chauncellor of Lincolne Which Proctors perceiuing at first the Pope and Cardinals how hard vnwillingly they were therunto considering how all thinges might be bought for mony rather then the king shoulde fayle of his purpose they promised on the kinges behalfe to the pope for mainteining his warres agaynst Fredericke the Emperour a disme or tenth part of all the moueables in the Realme of England and of Ireland At the contemplation of which mony the Pope estsoones thinking to passe with the king began to pick quarrels with the foresayd Gualter for not answering rightly to his questions about Christes descēding to hell making of Christes body on the aulter the weeping of Rachell for her children she being dead before about the sentence of excommunication and certain causes of Matrimony His aunsweres wherunto when they were not to the Popes mind he was therefore put backe and the kings man preferred which cost the whole realm of England and Ireland the tenth part of their moueable goods By reason whereof what money was raysed to the Popes Gazophylacium I leaue to the estimation of the Reader an 1229. Ex Mat. Paris fol. 71. And yet for all this the sayd Richard the costly Archbishop of Caunterbury within lesse then two yeres after falling out with the king about the castle and Lordshippe of Tunbridge went and complayned of him to the Pope In the trauers whereof it cost the king a great piece of mony besides and yet mist he his purpose In the which iourney the sayd Archbishop in his returne homeward by the way departed an 1231. Of the like dissentiō ye heard before betwene the king and the couent of Durham for not choosing M. Lucas the kinges Chaplaine About the sute whereof when much money was bestowed on both sides welfauoredly the pope defeiting thē both admitted neither M. William nor M. Lucas but or deined the Byshop of Sarum to be theyr byshop an 1228 Ex Paris Betwene the Monks of Couentry and the canons of Liechfield rose another like quarell which of them should haue the superior voyce in chusing their bishop In which sute after much mony bestowed in the court of Rome the pope to requallify agayn ech part with some retribution for their mony receiued tooke this order indifferētly betwene them that each part by course should haue the choosing of their bishop an 1228. Ex. Paris fol. 68. What busines fell likewise betweene Edmund Archb. of Caunterbury and the Monkes of Rochester about the electiō of Richard Wēdour to be theyr bishop And what was the end first the Archbishop was sayne to trauel◠himselfe to the Pope and so did the Couent also send their Proctors Who be like being better moued weyed downe the cause so that the good Archbishoppe in that cause agaynst the Monkes and partly in an other cause agaynst the Earle of Arundell was condemned of the Pope in a thousand Markes Whereof the greatest part no doubly redounded to the Popes coffers an 1238. Math Parisiensis fol. 114. After the returning of the sayd Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury agayne from Rome it chaunced that the Monkes of Canterbury had elected theyr Prior without his assent for the which he did excommunicate the monks and euacuate theyr election Not long after this the popes exactours went about to extort from the churchmen the fift part of theyr goods to the Popes vse fighting then agaynst the Emperour This cruell exaction being a great while resisted by the Prelates and Clergy at length the foresayd Archb. thinking therby to get the victory agaynst the monks was contented to graunt to the sayd exaction adding moreouer of his own for an ouerplus 800. marks whereupon the rest of the Clergy was fayne to follow after and contribute to the popes exactors an 1240. Ex Mat. Paris fol. 132. b. In the church of Lincolne whose sea before the conquest was in Dorkester and afterward by williā Rufus translated from thence to Lincolne rose a greuous contētiō beweene Rob. Grosted then bishop and the canons of the cathedrall church about theyr visitation whether the bishop should visire them or the Deane which matter being put to arbiters could not so be composed before the B. and the chapter after theyr appeale made to the Pope went both to Rome and there after they had well wasted theyr purses they receiued at length their aunswere but payd full sweetly for it an 1239. Paris fol. 119. At what time the Canons of chichester had elected Robert Passelew to their bishop at the kings request the Archb. with certein other bishops taking part against the kings chaplaine repelled him and set vp Richard Wirch Upon this what sending and going there was to Rome and what mony bestowed about the matter as wel of the kings part as bishops read the story thereof in Mat. Paris fol. 182. 184. 186. Robert Grosted bishop of Lincolne of whom relation was made before hauing a great care howe to bring the priuiledged orders of religious houses within his precinct vnder his subiectiō and discipline went to Rome there with great labor much effusion of mony as the story sayth procured of the pope a mandate wereby all such religious orders were commaunded to be vnder his power and obedience Not long after the Monkes not abyding that who could soone wey downe the Bishop with mony sent theyr factors to the Pope who with their golden eloquence so perswaded him and stirred affections in such sort that soone they purchased themselues freedome from their ordinary Bishop wherof Robert Grosted hauing intelligence made vp to Rome and there complayning to the pope declared how he was disappoynted and confounded in his purpose contrary to promises and assurance made to him before Unto whom Pope Innocent looking with a sterne countenaunce made this aunswere agayne Brother sayd he what is that to thee Thou hast deliuered and discharged thine owne soule It hath pleased vs to shew fauor vnto them Is thine eie euill that I am good And thus was the Bishop sent away with a flea in his care murmuring with himself yet not so softly but that the Pope heard him say these words O mony mony what canst not thou do in the court of Rome Wherwith the Pope being somewhat pinched gaue this aunswere agayne D ye Englishmen Englishmen of all men most wretched For all your seeking is how ye may consume deuour one an other c. anno 1250. Ex. Math. Parisiensi fol. 230. It happened moreouer the same yeare that the sayd Robert Grosted
iniuries and wrongs receiued in his Realme through the auarice of the court of Rome directeth to pope Innocent 4. this letter in tenor as foloweth The kinges letter to Pope Innocent 4. SAnctis in Christo pat ac Domino Innocentio Dei gratia summo pontifici Henr. eadem gratia Rex Angliae c. Salutem pedum oscula beatorum c. To the most holy father in Christ Lord Innocēt by the grace of God chiefe Bishop Henry by the same grace king of England c. greeting and kissinges of his blessed feet The more deout obsequious the sonne sheweth himselfe in obeying the fathers will the more fauor and supportation doth he deserue to finde at his fathers handes agayn This therefore I write for that where as both we and our realme haue euer and in all things bene hetherto at the deuotion and commaundement of your fatherhood and that although in some certayne affayres of ours and of our kingdome we haue found your fatherly fauour and grace sometimes propice vnto vs yet in some thinges agayne as in prouisions geuen graunted to your clerkes of forreine nations both we and our kingdome haue felt no small detriment By reason of which prouisions the Church of England is so sore charged and burdened that not onely the Patrones of Churches to whome the donations thereof do appertayne are defrauded of their right but also many other good workes of Charity thereby doe decay for that such benefices which haue bene mercifully bestowed vpon religious houses to their sustentation are now wasted and consumed by your prouisions Wherefore for so much as your sea Apostolicke ought to be fauourable to all that be petitioners to the same so that no persō be wronged in that which is his right we thought therfore to be suters to your fatherhood most humbly beseeching your holines that you will desist and surcease for a time from suche prouisions to be exacted In the meane seasō it may please your fatherhood we beseech you that our lawes and libertles which you may rightly repute none other but your owne you will receiue to your tuition to be cōserued whole and sound nor to suffer the same by any sinister suggestion in your Court to be violated and infringed Neither let your holynesse be any whit mooued therefore with vs if in Iome such cases as these be we do or shall hereafter resist the tenour of your commaundementes forasmuch as the complayntes of such which dayly call vpon vs do necessarily enforce vs thereunto which ought by the charge of this our office and kingly dignity committed so vs of almighty God to forese that no man in that which is theyr right be iniuried but truely to minister iustice to euery one in that which duely to him appertayneth This letter was sent the 28. yeare of the kinges raign Ex Parisiens fol. 172. A man would thinke that this so gentle and obedient letter of the king to the Pope would haue wrought some good effect in his Apostolicall brest to withdraw his prouisions and to haue tendered the kings so reasonable and honest request but how litle all this preuayled to stop hys insatiable gredines and vntollerable extortions oppressions the sequele well declareth For besides that shortlye after the Pope sent M. Martine with blanks being bulled for contribution of 10000. Marks in all haste to be payd also euen immediatly vpon the receiuing of this letter it followeth in mine author that the sayd pope Innocēt the 4. after all this great submission of the king and so manifold benefits and payments yerely out of this Realme receiued was not ashamed to take of David prince of north Wales 500. markes by yeare to set him agaynst the king of England and exempted him from his feairy and obedience due to his owne liege Lord and king to whom both he and all other welchmen had sworn theyr subiection before as by the seales and obligations as wel of that Dauid himselfe as other welch Lordes in this behalfe doth appeare In Mat. Paris fol. 172. Neither did M. Martinus in the meane while sleepe his busines in making vp his market for the popes mony of 10000 markes but still was calling vpon the prelates and clergy Who first excusing themselues by the absēce of the king and the Archb. of Cant. afterward being called agayne by new letters made theyr aunswere by the Deane of Paules their Prolocutor First that the pouerty of the Realme would not suffer them to consent therto Item where as they had geuen before a coutribution to Cardinal Otho for paying of the Popes debts knew the said mony to be employed to no such end as it was demaunded for more cause they had now to misdoubt least this contribution in his hands which was a much more inferiour messenger thē the Cardinall would come to the same or a worse effect Item if they should now agree to a new contributiō they feared least it would grow to a custom seing that one action twise done maketh a custome Item for so much as a generall councell is shortly loked for where euery Prelate of the Realme must needes bestow both his trauell and expeuses and also his presēce to the Pope if the Prelates now should be bound to thys rare they were not able to abide this burthen Item seing it is alleadged that the mother Church of Rome is so farre in debt reason and right it were that the mother so oppressed should be sustayned of all her deuout children meeting together in the generall councel wheras by helpes of many more relief might come thē by one nation alone Item last of al they alledged that for feare of the Emperour and his threatnings they durst not consent to the sayd contribution While these thinges were thus in talke betweene the Popes priest and the clergy of England cōmeth in Iohn Marshall and other messengers from the king commaūding in the kings name that no Bishop that held his Baronage of the king should infest his leseode to the court of Rome which they ought onely to him c. Ex Parisiens fol. 139. anno 1243. Not long after this in the yeare of our Lord. 1245. the whole nobility of the Realme by generall cōsent and not without the kings knowledge also caused all the Portes by the Seaside to be laid that no messēger with the popes letters and Guls from Rome should be permitted to enter the Realme Whereupon some were taken at Douer and there stayd Notwithstanding when complaint therof was brought to the king by M. Martinus the Popes legate there was no remedy but the king must needs cause these letters to be restored agayne and executed to the full effect fol. 185. Then the king vpon aduise caused a view to be taken through euery shyre in England to what sūme the whole reuenues of the Romains and Italians amouted which by the Popes authority went out of England
subiect In the which Parliament time was prefixed for taking their iourney which shoulde be after the feast of S. Iohn Baptist the next yeare insuing Also they that were croysed were sworne to persist in their purpose and sentence of the popes great curse denouÌ„ced to all them that went from the same Parisiens fol. 211. Furthermore for the better speede in his iourny the king through al his realme caused it to be proclaimed that if any marchaÌ„t or other had bene iniured at any time by the kings exactours either by oppression or borowing of money let him bring foorth his bil shewing how or wherein and he should be recompensed At which time William Longspatha a worthy warriour with the Bishop of Worcester and certain other great men in the Realme of England mooued with the example of the Frenchmen prepared themselues likewise to the same iourney The next yere after thys ensuing which was 1248. the French king yet still remaining in hys purposed iourney Lady Blanche hys mother also the Byshop of Paris hys brother with the Lordes of his counsaile other nobles and his speciall frends aduertised him with great perswasions to alter hys minde touching that so aduenturous and so daungerous a iourney for that his vow sayd they was vnaduisedly made and in time of his sicknesse when hys minde was not perfectly stablished and what ieoperdies might happen at home it was vncertaine the king of England being on the one side the Emperor on the other side and the Pictauians in the middest so fugitiue and vnstable and as concerning his vow the pope shuld frendly dispense with him considering the necessitie of his realme and weakenesse of his body Besides all thys his mother vppon her blessing required him hys brethren of all loues desired him to stay at home and not in his person to adueÌ„ture other might be sent in his roume with no lesse furniture to atchieue that enterprise and to discharge him of his vow especially seeing at the making thereof his senses were feeble hys body weake and reason through sicknesse and very death almost decaied To whome the K. againe for so much sayde he as you say that for feeblenes of my senses I tooke this vow vpon me loe therfore as you here wil me I lay downe the crosse that I tooke and putting his hand to his shoulder tare of the badge of the crosse saying to the Byshop here syr I resigne to you the crosse wherew t I was signed At the sight wherof there was no smal reioysing to all that were there present To whome the king then both altering his countenance and hys speach thus spake My frendes sayde he whatsoeuer I was then in my sicknes now I thaÌ„ke god I am of perfect sense and reason souÌ„d and now I require my crosse again to be restored vnto me Saying moreouer that no bread shuld come in his head before he were recognised again with the same crosse as he was before At the hearing whereof al there present were astonied supposing that God had some great matter to worke and so mooued no moe questions vnto him Upon this drewe nie the feast of Iohn Baptist which was the time set for the setting foorth And nowe being in a readines the king in few dayes after was entring his iorney But yet one thing lacked For the King perceiuing the mortal variance betwene the pope and good Frederick the Emperour thought best first before his going to haue that matter appeased wherby his way both might be safer through the Emperours countries and also lesse ieoperdy at home after hys departure and therefore vpon the same tooke first his way to Lyons where the Pope was partly to take his leaue but most especially to make recoÌ„cilement betwene the Emperour and the Pope Where is to be noted by the way that as touching the good Emperour there was no lette nor staie Who rather sought all meanes how to compasse the popes fauor neuer could obteine it In so much that before he shuld be excommunicated in the Councel of Lyons he not onely answered sufficiently by Thadeus his atturney discharging himselfe against whatsoeuer crimes or obiections could be brought against him but so farre humbled himselfe to the Pope and the Councell that for all detriments damages losses or wrongs done of hys part what amendes soeuer the Pope could or would require he would recompence it to the vttermost This would not be taken Furthermore if the Pope hee sayde coulde not abide his tarying in his owne dominions and Empire he wold goe fight against the Saracens and Turkes neuer to returne into Europe againe offering there to recouer lands kingdomes whatsoeuer did at any time belong to Christendome so that the Pope onely would be contented that Henry his sonne which was then nephew to king Henry here in England should be Emperour after him Neither could this be admitted Then he offered for trueth of hys promise to put in the French king and the king of England to be his Suerties or els for triall of his cause to stand to their award and arbitrement Neither would that be graunted At least he desired that he might come himselfe and answere before the councell But the proude Pope in no case would abide that saying that he did not yet finde himselfe so ready and meete for Martyrdome to haue hym to come thether to the Councell for if he did he would depart himselfe c. Ex Math. Paris fol. 187. An. 1245. This obstinate rancor and deuiâ—ish malice of pope Innocent and hys predecessour against that valiant Emperor and against the Grecians what disturbance and mischiefe it wrought to the whole Churche what strength it gaue to the Saraceus and Tartarians howe it empaired Christian concorde and weakened all Christen lands not only the host of the French king did finde shortly after but christendome euen to this day may and doth feele and rue Neither can in stories be founde any greater cause which first made the Turks so strong to get so much grouÌ„d oner christendom as they haue then the pestileÌ„t working of this pope in deposing excommunicating this worthy Emperour For as there was neuer no Emperour of long time which more victoriously preuailed in bridling and keping vnder these enemies of Christ or would haue done more against them then the said Fred. if he might haue ben suffered so after the deposing excommunicating of him when the French king neither woulde abide at home as he was counselled neither was yet able wtout the help of other to withstand the force and multitude of the sayd SaraceÌ„s and Tartarians being now ioyned together neither yet could the Emperour be suffered by the pope to rescue the king it followed thereof that the good king being taken prisoner all his army destroied the Turkes thereupon got such a hand and such a courage against the Christians that euer since
1255. in the month of August Ex Gualt Gisburn At length the childe being sought found by the mother being cast in a pit 32. of those abhominable Iewes were put to executioÌ„ wherof Mathew Paris reciteth a long storie The same or like fact was also intended by the like Iewes at Norwich 20. yeres before vpon a certaine childe whom they had first circumcised deteined a whole yere in custodie intending to crucifie him for the which the Iewes were sent vp to the tower of LoÌ„don of whom 18. were hanged the rest remained long in prison Ex Cestrens lib. 7. Of this wicked Iewish people I find also in the boke of Flor. hist. that about this yere of our Lord 1255. they began first to be expelled out of Fraunce by the commaundement of the French king being then in Palestina warring against the Turkes By the occasion that it was obiected then by the Turke against him and other Christian princes for the reteining the Iewes amoÌ„gst theÌ„ which did crucify our sauiour and warring agaynst them which did not crucifye him Ex Flor. Hist Of these Iewes moreouer king Henry the same yere 1255. exacted to be geuen vnto him 8000. markes in paine of hanging Who being much agreued therwith complayning that the king went about their destruction desired leaue to be geuen theÌ„ of the king that they might depart the realm neuer to returne agayne But the king committed the doing of that matter vnto Earle Richard his brother to enforce them to pay the mony whether they would or no. Moreouer of the same Iewes mention is made in the story intituled EulogiuÌ„ Of the Iewes in Northhampton who had amoÌ„g theÌ„selues prepared wilde fire to burn the city of LondoÌ„ For the which diuers of theÌ„ were takeÌ„ burned in the time of Lent in the said city of NorthhamptoÌ„ which was 2. yeres before about the yere of our Lord. 1253. Ex Eulogio And for so much as mention here is made of the Iewes I cannot omit what some English storyes write of a certaine Iew who not long after this time about the yeare of our Lord. 1257. fell into a priuy at â—uekesbury vpon a Sabboth day which for the great reuerence he had to his holy Sabboth would not suffer himselfe to be plucked out And so Lord Richarde Earle of Glocester hearing thereof would not suffer him to be drawne out on sonday for reuerence of the holy day And thus the wretched superstitious Iew remaining there till Monday was found dead in the dong And to note the blinde superstitioÌ„ of that time not only among the Iewes but also among the christians to omit diuers other storyes as of Walter Gray Archbish. of Yorke who comming vp to the ParliameÌ„t at LondoÌ„ an 1255. with vnordinate fasting did so ouercharge nature pyned himselfe as the story meÌ„tioneth did so drye vp hys braine that he losing therby all appetite of stomack going to Fulham there within 3. dayes died as in the compiler of Flor. Hist. is both storyed and reprehended Let this also be adioyned which the forenamed author and in the same yere is recorded of one named Peter Chaceporce who diyng in FrauÌ„ce an 1255. left in bequest of his testameÌ„t 600. marks for lands to be purchased to the house of MertoÌ„ for God to be serued there perpetually pro anima eius omnium fideliuÌ„ i for his soules health and all faythfull soules As who would say Christian fayth were not the ordinary meanes sufficient to saluation of faythfull soules without the quire seruice of the Monkes of Merton Ye haue heard it often complained before how the vsurped power of the Pope hath violeÌ„tly and presumptuously encroched vpon the Church of England in geuing conferring benefices and prebends to his Italians and strangers to the great damage and ruine of Christes flock manifold waies This violent iniury oppression of the Pope as by no lawfull and gentle meanes could be reformed so by occasion meanes inordinate about this time it began somwhat to be brideled The matter whereof was this as it is in the collector of Flor. Hist. recited In the dayes of the raigne of this king 44. The Byshop of London named Fulco had geuen a certaine prebende in the Church of S. Paul to one master Rustandus the Popes messenger heere in Englande Who entring into the profession of the graâ—e friers shortly after dying on the other side of the sea the Pope immediatly conferred the sayd prebend to one of his specials a like straunger as the other was before About the same instant it befel that the bishop also of London deceased wherby the byshoprick now vacant fell into the kings handes Who hearing of the death of the forenamed Rustandus gaue the sayd prebendship geuen of the Pope before to one Iohn Crakehale his vnder treasurer Who with all solemnitie tooke his installation vnknowing as yet that it was bestowed of the Pope before It was not loÌ„g after as time grew but this being noised at Rome forthwith commeth downe a certaine Proctor named Iohn Gras wyth the Popes embulled letters to receaue the collation of the benefice by his commission procuratory geuen by the Pope wherin Iohn Crakehale had bene already installed as is aforesaide by the kings donation This matter comming in trauise before Boniface Archbishop of Cant. hee inquiring and searching which donation was the first finding the popes graunt to be the former gaue sentence with him against the king so that in conclusion the Romane clearke had the aduauntage of the benefice although the other had long enioyed the possession therof before Thus the popes man being preferred and the Englishman excluded after the partie had bene inuested stalled after the vse and maner hee as thinking to be in sure possession of his place attempted with the rest to enter the Chapter house but was not permitted so to do wherupon the popes clerke geuing place to force and number went toward the archbishop to complaine This being knowne certaine recluses pursued him and so being compassed about one in the thicknesse of the throng being neuer after knowne sodenly rushing vpon him a â—itle aboue his eies so pareth of his head yâ— he fell downe dead The same also was done to an other of his felowes in fleing away This hainous murder being famed abroad strait inquirie therof was made but the deede doer could not be knowen Although great suspition was laide vpon Crakhale the kings Chaplein yet no proofe could be brought But moste men thought yâ— bloudy fact to be done by certaine ruffians or other light persons about the City or the Court disdaining belike that the Romanes were so enriched wyth Englishmens liuings by whome neyther came relief to any Englishman nor any godly instruction to the flocke of Christ. And therefore because they sawe the Church and realme of England in such subiection and
Basset which before was appoynted to worke that feat wyth mattockes and other instruments of yron and men prepared for the nonce neare to the monasterie of S. Andrewe did vndermine the wall of the Citie And by this meanes the wal fel downe lightly and there was made a great plaine so that in one forefront there might haue gone together on a row 40. horsemen And of this subteltie the alian Monkes that were there were thought to be the workers because they made way and entraunce for them that came in But when they that passed by saw this the kings banners were erected ready to enter in There was a great howling made the noise of the people came to the eares of the Barons they made speede to resist them but it was all in vaine because they were already preuēted of a great cōpany of their enemies But Simon Mountfort the yōger after he had valiantly fought a while in the middest of his enemies wyth Peter Mountfort and a fewe that were with him when Edward the kings sonne came was by his commaundement taken and led away prisoner But the clearks of the vniuersitie of Oxforde which vniuersitie by the Barons commandement was trāslated thether did worke against the kings men more hurte then the other Barons wyth their slings long bowes and crossebowes for they had a banner by themselues and that was set vp a hie against the king Where withall the king being greatly moued sware at his entring in that they should al be hanged Which when they hard many of them shaued their crownes they that were able ran away as fast as they coulde And when the king entred the Citie many fled in their armour into the Castell other left their horse and harnesse and ranne into churches and a few were slain and those were of the common people But there was not much bloudshed because all things were done as vppon a sodaine When the Citie was at the length set in a quiet the king commaunded his othe to be executed vpon the Clarkes But his counsellers said vnto him This be farre from thee O king for the sonnes of thy Nobles and of other great men of thy kingdome were there gathered together into the Vniuersitie whome if thou wouldest cause to be hanged or slaine euen they that nowe take thy parte would rise vp against thee not suffering to the vttermost of their powers the bloud of their sonnes and kinsfolkes to be shed And so the king was pacified and his wrath against the Clerks was stayed In the same day after little more then an houre the kings host assaulted the Castell and the new hold keepers were afraide for that they had not victuals other things necessary for their resistance therfore they sent immediatly messengers vnto the King and yeelded themselues to the kings mercy There were taken that day these Knights Barons vnder wrytten Lord William de Ferrers Lorde Peter Mountfort cōpanion of the sayd Simon de Moūtforte the yonger Lord Baldwyn de wake Lorde Adam de Newmarche Lord Roger Bertram Lord Simon the sonne of Simon a valiaunt warriour which first erected hys banner against the king Lorde Berengarius de waterwile Lord Hugo Bubiam Lord Thomas Maunsell Lord Roger Botemlam Nicolas wake Lord Robert de Newton Lord Philip de Driby Brimbald de Pauncefoote All these afore hand did the king take prisonners and many more of whom he committed some to the Lord Nicolas of Hauersam to be kept in the same Castle well defēsed some he led away with him and some he sent to diuers Castels and appointed Simon Mountfort to be cast into windfore Castell And all these things as touching the taking of Northampton were done on the Sabboth day in passion weeke being the thyrd of Aprill in the yeare of our Lord. 1264. And the king went forward euen to Notingham burning and wasting the manners of the Lords and others his enemies and there he gathered together his nobles and greatly increased hys number When this ill lucke was tolde of them that there were run away to the Earle Simon whiche was comming towardes Northampton with a great hoste he was in a great rage yet was not discouraged But immediatly going to London caused a chariot to be made him after the maner of lytters or couches wherein he might ride as though he were sicke for he fayned himselfe to be feeble and weake whereas he was in deede a stout and valiaunt warriour And there gathered to him other noble men that were cōfederate with him Earles and Barōs euery one bringing with them their seuerall armies And preparing their ingynes of woode they went to besiege Rochester for the Earle of Worcester in the kynges behalfe kept both the towne and castell When they had gotten the first gate and the bridge they were partly wounded and compelled to retire and there that valiant knight Roger de la Bourne was wounded and very il handled And whilest they continued siege there a while it was told them that the kyng was comming toward London with a mighty host And they sayd one to an other if the king at hys cōming should take London we shall be shut in as it were in a straight corner Let vs therefore returne to London that we may keep in safety both the place and the people Therefore appointing certaine persons to keepe the siege they returned to London At the length when the king came they went forth with the Citizens to meere him not with floures and palmes in their handes but swordes and speares The K. shunned them and after he had the Castell of Kingston which was the Erle of Glocesters he went from thence to Rochester where after he had killed a few he brake that siege and from thence the king went to Tunbridge And the towne and Castell now being geuen vp to him he tooke there the Countesse of Glocester put her into an Abbey not to be kept in hold but to goe at libertye whether she would And he left for the custody of the Castell and City a great part of his hoast to the number of aboue xx picked out ensignes for that it was commonly said that the Earle of Glocester would come out of hād to assault them Which being done he continued on his iourney to Winchester where he receiued to peace the seamen of the hauē townes And three dayes alter vpon the sonday following he came to the towne of Lewes and was receaued into the Abbey and his sonne Edward into the Castell Then the Barons sent letters to the king the 12. day of May the tenor wherof followeth TO theyr most excellent Lord Henry by the grace of God king of England Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitania hys Barons and other his faythfull subiectes being willing to keep their othe and fidelitie to God and him send greeting and due obedidience with honour and reuerence Whereas by many
experimentes it is manifest that some of your graces assistaunces haue reported to your maiesty many lyes of vs working mischiefe as much as in them lyeth not onely agaynst vs but agaynst you also and your whole Realme Be it knowne to your highnes that we haue bene alwayes willing to defend the health and sauegarde of your person with all our power and fealty due to your grace purposing to vexe to the vttermost of our power and estate not onely our ill willers but also your enemies and the enemies of your whole Realme If it be your good pleasure geue no credite to theÌ„ we shall be alwayes found your faithfull And we the Earle of Leiceister and Gilbert of Clare at request of the other for vs them haue put to our seales These letters being read and heard there was a counsell called and the king writ back to them and specially to the two Earles of Leicester and Glocester in maner and forme following HEnry by the grace of God king of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Aquitanie c. To Simon Mountfort and Gilbert de Clare and their confederates For as much as by the warre generall disquietnes by your meanes raised vp in our whole realme and also the burninges and other hurtfull enormities it appeareth manifestly that you keepe not your fidelitie to vs ward nor care any thing for our health or safety And for that ye haue inorderly greued our nobles and other our faythfull subiectes sticking faythfully and constantly to vs as you haue certified vs we accounting their losse as our owne and their enemies as ours And seing these my aforesayd faithfull subiects for the keeping of their fidelitie do assist vs manfully and faythfully agaynst your vnfaithfulnes we therefore care not for your fidelitie or loue but defie you as our and their enemies Witnes myselfe at lewes the day yeare abouesayd Also Richard king of Almaine and Lord Edward the sonne of king Henry writ also to the Barons in this wife Richard by the the grace of God king of the Romaynes alwayes Augustus and Edward the eldest sonne of the noble king of England al the other Barons and nobles constantly and faythfully in hart deede cleauing to the foresayd king of England to Simon Mountfort and Gilbert de Clare and to all and singuler other their adherents in their conspiracie By your letters whiche you sent to our Lord the noble king of England we haue vnderstanding that you defie vs although before any such word your defiaunce towardes vs was apparant inough by your cruell persecution in burning our possessions and spoyling our goodes we therefore geue you to witte that we all and euery one of vs as your enemies doe defie you all as our open enemies And farther that we will not cease where soeuer it shall lye in our power to the vttermost of our force and might to subuert your persons and all that you haue As touching that you laye to our charge that we geue neyther faythfull nor good counsell to our Lord the king you say not the truth And if your Lord Simon Mountfort or Gilbert de Clare will affirme the same in our Lord the kinges court we are ready to get safe conduit for you to come to the sayd Court to try and declare the truth of our innocency and the falsehood of you both as forsworne traytors by some man equall with you in nobilitie and stocke All we are contayned with the seales of the aforesayd Lordes the Lord Richard and the Lord Edward Dated the day aforesayd Both which letters beyng read they drew neare to the king for they were not farre distant from the place whiche is called Lewes And for that there wanted to the Kinges store prouision for their horses it was coÌ„manded them on tewsday to go forth to seeke for hay and prouender Which when they were gone forth were preuented most of them of their enemies and killed but the residue returning saw their enemies comming very early on that wednesday morning and making outcries stirred vp the king his hoste to arme themselues Then the Barons comming to the full playne descended there and girding trunming their horses made fit their harnies to them And there the Earle Simon made the Earle of Glocester and Robert Deuer and many other new knightes which being done he deuided and distincted his host into foure seueral battails And he appointed noble men to guide gouern euery battaile And ouer that first battayle were ordayned Captaines Henry Mountfort the eldest sonne of the Earle Simon Buidd his brother Lord Iohn de Bruch the younger Lord Humfry de Boun. Ouer the second battaile Lord Gilbert Clare Earle of Glocester Lord Iohn the sonne of Lord S. Iohn and Lord William of Mouncherisi And ouer the third in whiche the Londiners were at their request the Lord Nicholas Segraue was assigned Which required also very instanntly that they might haue that first stroke in the battayle at the aduenture come what come woulde But ouer the fourth battayle the Earle himselfe was captayne with the Lord Thomas of Pilnestone In that meane season came forth the kinges host preparing themselues to the field in three battayles of whiche Edward the kynges sonne led the first with the Earle of Warwicke and Malence the kings brother and the secoÌ„d the king of Alinaine guided with hys sonne Henry but the king with hys nobles guided the third And the fourth legion the king appoynted not by reason that he had left many of hys chiefe souldiours behinde him to keepe the Castell and towne of Tunebridge agaynst the Earle of Glocester And the most part of the kinges army were but young men for the king thought not that his BaroÌ„s had bene come so nigh hand Theyr armes being on both sides set in aray order they exhorted one an other on eyther party to fight valiantly after they buckled together the battaile was great many horsemen were ouerthrown euen in a moment But by and by Edward the kings sonne with his band as a fierce young gentlemen valiant knight fell vpon his enemies with such force that he compelled them to reâ—ule backe a great way so that the hinmost thinking by reason of their geuing backe that the foremost were slayne ran many away of them and taking water to passe ouer were almost threescore souldiours drowned a few of the being slaine all the rest fled Straight way the Londiners whiche had asked the first fight knowing not howe the battaile went tooke them to theyr hecles Whom Edward pursued with his band killing the himmost of them by the space of two or three miles For hee hated them because they had rebelled agaynst his father and disgraced his mother wheÌ„ she was caryed by barge vpon the Temse froÌ„ the tower to Windsore as is aboue touched pag. 000. Whilest that Prince Edward was thus in the chase of the LoÌ„doners who had the
the city by the Barons and Citizens for the space of 40. dayes And Octobonus the Legate who for feare was fled into the Tower they narowly layd for that he shoulde not escape At length by the intreaty of the Earle of Gloucester and other Earles that were his friendes both the Barons and Cittizens were pardoned and admitted to the kinges fauour And 4. Byshops and 8. other noble men were chosen such as were at Couentry first nominated that they should order and dispose all matters betweene the King and suche as had lost theyr inheritaunce as also the forme of theyr peace and raunsome And proclamation was made vppon the feast of all Sainctes of perfect peace and record throughout al the Realme The 52. yeare of this king Henries raigue 8. daies after the feast of S. Martin he held a parliament at Marlberge in the yeare of our Lord aboue recited where by the aduise of wise and discrete men with all the consentes of the nobles he ordeined and enacted diuers good and profitable statutes for the reformation and bettering of the state of the realme execution of common iustice which are called the statutes of Marleberge The same yeare vpon S. Gregoryes day Octobonus the Legate called a Councell at London where were fine Archbishops and a great number of Byshops Abbots other Prelates which Councell also within three dayes brake vp agayne The same yeare vpon S. Iohns day the Baptist Edward the kinges sonne diuers other noble men of England took vpon thē the crosse by the legates hands at Northhampton to the reliefe of the holy land and the subuersion of the enemies of the crosse of Christ which done the legate that same yeare wēt out of England not purposing after that to returne agayne This holy Legate sayth mine author whiche might well bee resembled to Lynx the monstrous beast whose quicke sight penetrateth euery thing enrolled to perpetuall memorye the valuation of all the churches in the realme of England so narowly as by any meanes possible be might enquire the certainty thereof The same was he that made all the Cathedral Conuentuall Churches to pay pencions so that those Churches whiche gaue not the vacancie of their benefices to their Clerkes and straungers should pay vnto them a certein yearly pencion during the vacācy of the benefices which they should haue The same yeare died Pope Clement 4. after whose death the Church of Rome was two yeares vacant then was chosen an archdeacon Cardinall whose name was Theardus as hee was taking hys iourny into the holy lande and called hym Gregory the 10. Then also dyd Edmunde Earle of Lancaster and Leicester and seconde sonne of king Henry take to wife the Earle of Albemark his daughter and the Niece of y◠Earle of Gloucester at whiche maryage was the king and the Queene and all the Nobilitie of England The same yeare was the body of S. Edward the king Confessour by Walter Gifford Archbishop of Yorke and other Bishops intombed in a new rich Schrine of golde and siluer beset with precious stones in the presēce of Hēry the king of Englād In which yeare also fel great rayne and inundation of waters suche as hath not lightly bene seene which increased and continued the space of 40. dayes and more The same yeare died Walter de Lawile Bishop of Sarum the third day before the nones of Ianuary After whō succeeded Robert of Northampton the Deane of the same Church And because the see of Cant. was then vacant he was confirmed by the Chapter of Canterbury whiche Chapter had alwayes the iurisdiction in spirituall causes during the vacancy of that see in as ample maner as the Byshop hymselfe had beyng aliue After thys the Byshop elect comming thither thinking to haue had hys consecration was notwithstanding put backe for two causes one was for that there was present then no more but one Byshop the other was for that all the other Bishops had appealed that he might not be consecrated to their preiudice that is by the authoritie of the Chapter of Cant. saying that they would not be vnder the obedience of the monks After this solempne Messengers were for this cause sent to the Cardinals of Rome for that then that see of Rome was vacant who receiued aunswere that during the vacation of that see the confirmation and consecration of the Byshop elect pertayned to the foresayd Chapter of Caunterbury The same yeare also was the Lord Henry the sonne heyre of the Lord Richard king of Almayne and brother to king Henry 2. slayne at Uiterbium in a certayne Chappel hearing Masse by the Lord Simō and Buido the sonnes of the Lord Simon Mountfort Earle of Leister During this kinges raigne there was made a great generall expedition of diuers and sondry Christian princes to Ierusalem taking vpon them the Lords character that is the Crosse among whome was also Edward the kings sonne one to the which expeditiō was graunted him a subsidie throughout al the realme And the month of May the yeare of our Lord. 1270. or as sayth Florilogus an 1269. he set forward on his iourny About the time when Prince Edward was preparing his iourny toward Asia Boniface the Archbishop of Canterbury ended his life in the country of Sebaudia goyng belike to Rome or comming thence After whose death the Monks of Canterbury proceeding to a new election grāted by the king agreed vppon the Prior of their house named Adam Chelendene But the king his sonne Prince Edward consenting and speaking in the behalfe of Robert Burnell theyr Chauncellour did sollicite the matter with the Monkes partly intreating partly threatning them to chuse the said Robert to be Archbishop Notwithstanding the Monkes being stoute woulde neyther relent to their curteous request nor yet bow to theyr boystrous threates but constantly persisting in their former election appealed from the king and prince to the Pope Prince Edward being now on his iourny and seing himselfe thus frustrated of the Monkes writeth backe to the king his father deuoutly praying and beseching in no wise to admit the election of the foresayd Monks And so passing to Douer with Hēry the sonne of Rich. his vncle king of Romanes with their wiues tooke their passage in the month of August After this the Prior thus elected as is foretold but not admitted by the king to be Archbishop went vp to Rome In the meane tyme the Monkes in the absence of their elect ordayned one Geoffrey Pomenall to be theyr Official who seing himself aduaunced to that dignity bearing belike some old grudge agaynst the Prior of Douer caused him to be cited vp to appeare in the Chapter house of Canterbury The Prior of Douer seing this citation to be preiudiciall to him and to the Church of Douer whereas the Monkes of Cant. haue no such iurisdiction the see of
and determination of the matter was committed to the iudgement of king Edward of England who after sufficient proofe made to the Scottes and firme euidence brought out of all the ancient historyes both of England and Scotland testifying from tyme to tyme that he was chief head and soueraigne of the Realme of Scotland first by necessitie of the law and by al theyr consentes tooke full possession of the same And that bone adiudged the right of the Crown to John Bailol who descended of the daughter of Dauid Earle of Huntington brother to Dauid King of Scotland in the dayes of Kyng Henry the second This Erle Dauid had three daughters Isabell maried to Robert Brusse Margaret to Allen Earle of Galeway had Ellen to Henry Lord Hastinges AlleÌ„ Earle of Galeway had ElleÌ„ maried to Roger Quincy Erle of Winchester Constable of Scotland Doruagile maried to John Bailol father to Edward king of Scots When these thinges were thus finished in Scotlande and Syr Iohn Bailol as most rightfull inheritour had receaued the crowne of Scotland at the handes of kyng Edward thankefully for the same in the presence of the Barony of England and of Scotland did vnto the sayd king Edward his homage and sware to him fealty the Scottes with theyr new king returned into Scotland and Kyng Edward remoued agayne to England But not long after the falsenes of this Scotishe Kyng soone appeared Who repenting him of his homage done vntruely for sook his former othe promise and made war against king Edward through the counsaile of the Abbot of Menros Wherfore the king with a great host sped hym into Scotland in processe laid siege to the towne of Berwicke which the Scots did egerly defend not onely to the discomfiture but also to the decision of the kinges and hys English host But in conclusion the English men preuayled and wan the towne where were slayne of the Scottes the number of 25. thousand And while the king was there busied in winning other holds about the same he sent part of his host to Dunbarre where the EnglishmeÌ„ agayn had the victory and slue of the Scottes xx thousand Gis burne sayth but x. thousand so that very few were lost of the English company The king with a great nuÌ„ber of prisoners returning into his realm shortly after sped him ouer vnto FlauÌ„ders where he sustayned great trouble by the French kyng till truce for certayne space was betweene them concluded But in the meane while that K. Edward was thus occupyed beyond the Seas the French king resorting to his practised maner set the Scottes secretly agaynst the Englishmen to keep the king at home Which Scots makyng themselues a Captaine named WilliaÌ„ Waleis warred vpon the borders of NorthumberlaÌ„d where they dyd much burt At length the king returning from Burdeaux into England shortly vpon the same tooke hys iourny into Scotland Where meeting at Yorke with hys host marched into the Realme of Scotlande winning as he went townes and Castles till at length comming to the towne of Frankyrch on Mary Magdalens day he met with the power of Scotland and had with them a fore sight but through Gods prouidence the victory fel to the right cause of Englishmen so that of the Scottes were slayne in the field as it is of diuers writers affirmed ouer the number of xxxii thousand and of Englishmen but barely xxviii persons Whereupon the king agayn taking possession and feairy of the whole land returned home And yet the false vntroth of the Scots would not thus be ruled but rose vp in a new broyle so that the kyng was enforced to make his power agayn the yeare folowing into Scotland where he to suppressed the rebellion of that Lords and of the commons that they swearing to the kings allegiaunce presented themselues by great companyes put them wholy in the kings grace and mercy so that the king thinking himselfe to be in peaceable possession in a great surety of the land caused to be sworne vnto hym the rulers of the boroughes citties and townes with other officers of the land and so returned vnto Barwicke and so into England and lastly to Westminster These martiall affayres betwene England and Scotland although they appertayne not greatly to the purpose of our story Ecclesiastical yet so much by the way I thought briefly to touch whereby the better it might be vnderstanded by these premisses that whiche followeth in the sequele hereof As the Scottes were thus warring and ragyng agaynst the king and saw they could not make theyr party good they sent priuily to Pope Boniface for hysayde and counsaile who immediatly sendeth downe his precept to the K. to this effect that he should hereafter succease to disquiet or molest the Scottes for that they were a people exempt and properly pertaining to hys Chappell And therfore it could not otherwise be but that the Citty of Ierusalem must needs defend hys own Citizens as the mount Syon mayntayn such as trust in the Lord. c. Whereunto the king briefly maketh aunswere agayne swearing with anothe that he would to his vttermost keepe defend that which was hys right euideÌ„tly known to all the world c. Thus the Scots bearing themselues bold vpon the popes message also confederating themselues with the French meÌ„ passed ouer that yeare The next yeare after that whiche was 29. of the kinges raigne the sayd Pope Boniface directeth hys letters agayn to the kyng wherein he doth veÌ„dicate the kingdome of Scotland to be proper to the Church of Rome not subiect to the king of England And therfore it was agaynst God against iustice and also preindiciall to the Churche of Rome for hym to haue or hold dominion vpon the same which he proued by these reasons First that when king Henry the father of this Kyng receiued ayd of Alexander king of Scots in his warres agaynst Simon Mountfort he recognised acknowledged in his letters patents that he receaued the same of king Alexander not of any duety but of speciall fauour Item when the sayd king Alexander comming to England did homage to the sayd kyng Henry he did it not as king of Scotland but onely for certayne landes of Lyndal and Penreth lying in England Item where the sayd king Alexander left behynd hym Margaret his heyre being â—ece to the king of England and yet vnder age yet the tuition of the sayd Margaret was committed not to the K. of England but to certain Lords of Scotland deputed to the same Moreouer when any legacie was directed down from Rome to the Realme of England for collecting oftenthes or other causes the sayd legacie tooke no place in the realm of Scotland and might well he resisted as it was in kyng Alexander hys dayes except an other speciall commission touching the realme of Scotland were ioined wall Wherby it appeareth these to be two seueral dominions and not
subiect vnder one Adding furthermore that the kingdome of Scotland first was conuerted by the reliques of the blessed Apostle S. Peter through the deuine operation of God to the vnity of the Catholicke fayth Wherefore vpon these causes and reasons Pope Boniface in hys letters to the king required him to geue ouer hys clayme and cease his warres agaynst the Scottish nation And to release all such both of the spiritualtie and laytie as he had of them prisoners Also to call home agayne his officers and deputies whiche he had there placed and ordained to the greauance of that nation to the sclaunder of all faythfull people and no lesse preiudice to the Church of Rome And if he would clayme any right or title to the said Realme or any part therof he should send vp his procuratours specially to the same appoynted with all that he could for himselfe alleadge vnto the sea Apostolicke there to receaue what reason and right would require The king after he had receaued these letters of the Pope assembled a councell or Parliament at Lincolne by the aduise of which counsell Parliament he addressed other letters responsall to the Pope agaynes wherein first in al reuerend maner he desireth him not to geue light care to the sinister suggestions of false reportes and imaginers of mischiefe Then he declareth out of old recordes histories frō the first time of the Brittaynes that the realm of Scotland hath alwayes from time to time bene all one to England beginning first with Brutus in the tyme of Dely and Samuell the Prophet which Brutus comming frō Troy to his I le called then Albion after called by hym Britannia had three sonnes Locrinus to whome he gaue the part of the land called then of hym Loegria now Auglia Albanactus his second sonne to whom he gaue Albania nowe called Scotia and hys thyrd sonne Lamber to whome he gaue Cambria now called Wales c. And thus much concerning the first deuision of this I le as in auncient histories is found recorded In whiche matter passing ouer the death of king Humber the actes of Dunwald king of this Realme the deuision of Belyn and Brene the victories of king Arthur we will resort sayth the king to more nearer tymes testified and witnessed by sufficient authors as Marianus Scotus William Malmesbury Roger Abyndon Henry Huntington Radulph de Bizoto and other All which make special declaration geue manifest euidence of the execution of this our right sayth he title of Superioritie euer continued preseued hetherto And first to begin with Edward the Seniour before the conquest sonne to Alurede kyng of England about the yeare of our Lord. 900. it is playne and manifest that he had vnder hys dominion and obedience the king of Scots And here is to be noted that this matter was so notorious and manifest as Maryan the Scot writing that story in those dayes graunteth confesseth and testifieth the same and this dominion continued in that state 23. yeare At whiche tyme Athelstane succeeded in the crowne of England and hauing by battaile cōquered Scotland he made one Constantine king of that party to rule gouerne the country of Scotland vnder him adding this princely word That it was more honour to him to make a king then to be a king 24. yeares after that whiche was the yeare of our Lord 947. Eldred king our progenitour Athelstanus brother took homage of Irise then king of Scots 30. yeares after that whiche was the yeare of our Lorde 977. kyng Edgar our predecessour tooke homage of Kynalde king of Scots Here was a little trouble in England by the death of S Edward kyng and martyr destroyed by the deceite of hys mother in law but yet within memory 40. yeares after the homage done by Kynald to King Edgar that is to say in the yeare of our Lord. 1017. Malcoline the king of Scots did homage to Knute our predecessour After this homage done The Scots vttered some peece of theyr naturall disposition whereupon by warre made by our progenitour S. Edward the confessour 39. yeare after that homage done that is to saye the yeare of our Lord. 1056 Malcoline king of Scots was vanquished and the realme of Scotland geuen to Malcoline his sonne by our sayd progenitour S. Edward vnto whom the sayd Malcoline made homage and fealty Within 40. yeares after that William Conquerour entred this realme whereof he accompted no perfect conquest vntill he had likewise subdued the Scots and therfore in the sayd yeare which was in the yeare of our Lord. 1068 the sayde Malcoline King of Scots did homage to the sayd William Conquerour as hys superiour by Conquest king of England 25. yeares after that which was the yeare of our Lord. 1093. the sayd Malcoline did homage fealty to William Rufus sonne to the sayd William Conquerour and yet after that was for his offences and demerites deposed and hys sonne substitute in hys place who likewise fayled in his duety and therfore was ordained in that estate by the sayd William Rufus Edgar brother to the last Malcoline and sonne to the first who did hys homage and fealty accordingly 7. yeares after that which was in the yeare of our Lorde 1100. the sayd Edgar king of the Scots did homage to Henry the first our progenitour 37 yeare after that Dauid king of Scots did homage to Matilde the Emperatrice as daughter and heyre to Henry the first Wherefore being after required by Stephen then obtayning possession of the Realme to make his homage he refused so to doe because he had before made it to the sayd Matilde and thereupon forbare After whiche Dauids death whiche ensued shortly after the sonne of the sayde Dauid made homage to the sayde Kyng Stephen 14. yeares after that whiche was in the yeare of our Lorde 1150. William king of Scots and Dauid hys brother with all the nobles of Scotland made homage to Henry the second sonne with a reseruation of their duetye to Henry the second hys Father 25 yeares after that which was in the yeare of our Lorde 1175. William kyng of Scotland after much rebellion and resistaunce according to their naturall inclination King Henry the second then beyng in Normandy knowledged finally his errour and made hys peace and composition confimed with hys great Seale and the Seales of the nobilitie of Scotland making therewith his homage and fealtie Within 15. yeares after that which wat the yeare of our Lorde 1190 the sayd William king of Scots came to our Citty of Caunterbury and there dyd homage to our noble progenitour Kyng Richard the first 1124. yeares after that the said William did Homage to our progenitour king Iohn vpon a hill besides Lincolne making his othe vpon the Crosse of Hubert then Archbishop of Canterbury being there present and a merueilous multitude assembled for that purpose 26. yeare after that whiche was in the yeare of our Lorde 1230. Alexander king of Scots maryed
any decrees or statutes shal hereafter be made and set forth contrary to these foresaid articles the same to stand voyd and of no effect for euer Besides these articles also in the same compositiō was conteined that all grudge and displeasure betwene the king and the Barons for not going to Flaunders ceasing the Earles and Barōs might be assured to be receiued againe into the kings fauor These things thus agreed vpon and by mediation of the Prince also confirmed and sealed with the kings seale his father so was all the variance pacified to the great comfort of the people and no lesse strength of the Realme agaynst theyr enemies And most chiefly to the commēdation of the gentle and wise nature of the king Who as he was gentle in promising his reconcilement with his subiectes so no lesse constant was he in keeping that which he had promised After the death of Iohn Peckham Archb. of Canterbury aboue mentioned who in the Parliament had resisted the king in the right of certayne liberties perteing to the crowne touching patronages and such Church matters succeeded Robert Winchelsei with whom also the king had like variance and accused him to the Pope for breaking the peace and tooke part with them that rebelled agaynst the king about vsages and liberties of the Realme Wherefore the king being cited vp to the court of Rome was there suspended by the meanes of the said Archb. directed his letters agayne to the Pope taken out of the parliament rolles where I finde diuers letters of the king to P. Clement agaynst the sayde Robert Archbishop of Canterbury the contentes wherof here followeth videlicet qualiter idem And as this king was troubled in his time with both the Archbishoppes Iohn Peckham and also Rober Winchelsey so it happened to all other kinges for the most part from the time of Lancfrancus that is from Pope Hildebrand that euery king in his time had some busines or other with that see As William Rufus and Henry the first were troubled with Anselmus Hēry the second with Thomas Becket King Richard and all England wyth William Bishop of Elye the Popes Legate King Iohn with Stephē Langthon King Henry the third with Edmund Archbishop called S. Edmūd Polic. lib. 7. Likewise this king Edward the first with Iohn Peckham Robert Winchelsey aforesayd And so other kinges after him with some Prelate or other whereby ye haue to vnderstand how about what time the church of Rome which before time was subiect to kings and Princes began first to take head aboue and agaynst kings and rulers and so haue kept it euer since By this Iohn Peckam afore mentioned was ordayned that no spiritual minister should haue any mo benefices then one which also was decreed by the constitutions of Octo and Octobonus the popes Legats the same time in England About the beginning of this kinges reigne after the decease of of Walter Archbishop of Yorke William Wicewanger succeeding in that sea minding to go on visitatiō came to Duresme to visit the Church and Chapter there But the clergy and the people of the City shoote the gates agaynst him and kept him out wherupon rose no smal disturbance The Archb. let flie his curse of excommunicatiō and interdiction agaynst them The Bishop of Duresme agayne with his clergy despised all his cursinges grounding themselues vpon the constitution of Innocentius the fourth De censibus ex actionibus And so they appealed to Rome saying that he ought not to be receiued there before he had first begon to visit his owne Chapter dioces which he had not done For to say the wordes of the constitutions We ordayne and decree that euery Archbishop that will visite his prouince first must procure to visit hys owne Church City and Dioces c. Among other thinges in this king to be noted that is not to be passed ouer that where complaynt was made to him of his officers as Iustices Maiors Shiriffes Bailiffes Excheters and such other who in their offices abusing themselues extortioned and oppressed the kinges liege people otherwise then was according to the right conscience the sayd king not suffering such misorder to be vnpunished did appoint certain officers or inquisitors to the number of 12. which inquisitiō was called Traibastō or Trailbastoun by meane of which inquisition diners false officers were accused such as were offenders were either remoued from their place or forced to buye agayne their office at the kinges hand to their no small losse and great gayne to the king and much profite to the common wealth In the Chronicle of Robert Amesbury it is recorded of the sayd king that he being at Amesbury to see his mother who was then in that monastery professed there was a certayn man that fained himselfe blind a long time brought to the presence of the sayd Alinore the kinges mother saying how that he had his sight agayne restored at y◠tombe of king Henry her late husband in so much that she was easely perswaded in the miracle to be very true But king Edward her sonne knowing the man a lōg time to be a vile dissembler and a wicked persō vsed to lying and crafty deceiuing disswaded his mother not to geue credite to the vile vagabon declaring that he knew so well of the iustice of his father that if he were aliue he would twise rather pluck out both his eies then once restore him one Notwithstanding the Queene the mother remayning stil in the former fond perswasion would heare or beleue nothing to the contrary but was so in anger with her sonne that she bid him depart his chamber and so he did By the example whereof may easely be conceiued how and after what sort these blinde myracles in those dayes and since haue come vp amōg the blinde superstitious people For had not the king here bene wiser thā the mother no doubt but this would haue bene roong a miracle percase king Henry bene made a Saint But as this was fayned a miracle and false no doubt so in the same author we read of an other maner of miracle sounding more neare the trueth and so much the more likely for that it serued to the conuersion vnto Christian fayth to which vse properly all true myracles do appertayne The myracle was this In the raigne of this king and the latter yere of his raigne Cassanus king of the Tartarians of whome commeth these whome now we call Turkes which fighting agaynst the Souldan king of the Saracens in the plain of Damascus slew of them 100000. of Saracens and agayne at Babilon fighting with the sayd Souldain slew him in the field 200000. of his Saracens calling vpon the helpe of Christ and therupon became Christiā This Cassanus I say had a brother a Pagane who being in loue with the daughter of the king of Armenia a Christian woman
sitting together with the Archbishops other Bishops Before whome the foresayd Iohn Wickliffe according to the maner stode before theÌ„ to know what shold be laid vnto him To whome first spake the Lord Percy bidding him to sit downe saying that he had many things to answer to and therfore had need of some softer seat But the bishop of London cast eftsoones into a fumish chase with those words sayd he should not sit there Neither was it sayd he according to law or reason that he which was cited there to appeare to answere before his ordinary should sit downe during the time of his aunswere but shold staÌ„d Upon these words a fire began to heat kindle betweene them In so much that they began to rate and to reuile one the other that the whole multitude therewith disquieted began to be set on a hurrey Then the Duke taking the Lord Percies part wyth hasty wordes began also to take vp the bishop To whom the Bishops again nothing inferiour in reprochful checks and rebukes did render require not onely to him as good as he brought but also did so far excell him in this rayling arte of scolding that to vse the words of mine author Erubuit Dux quòd non potuit praeualere litigio i. that the Duke blushed and was ashamed because he could not ouerpasse the Bishop in brawling and rayling and therefore fell to playn threatning manasing that bishop that he would bring down the pride not onely of him but also of all the prelacie of Englande And speaking moreouer vnto him Thou sayd he bearest thy self so brag vpon thy parentes which shall not be able to helpe thee They shall haue enough to do to helpe themselues For his parentes were the Earle and countesse of Deuonshire To whom the byshop again aunswered that to be bold to tell truth his confidence was not in his parentes nor in any man els but onely in God in whoÌ„ he trusted Then the Duke softly whispering in the care of him next by him sayd that he woulde rather plucke out the Bishop by the heyre of his head out of the Church then he would take this at his hand This was not spoke so secretly but that the Londiners ouerheard him Wherupon being set in a rage they cryed out saying that they would not suffer theyr bishop so coÌ„temptuously to be abused But rather they woulde loose their liues then that he should so be drawen out by the heyre Thus that councell being broken with scolding and brawling for that day was dissolued before 9. of the cloke And the Duke with the Lord Percy went to the Parliament Where the same day before dinner a bill was put vp in the name of the king by the Lord Thomas Wostock and Lord Henry Percy that the Cittie of London shoulde no more be gouerned by a Mayor but by a Captayne as in times before And that the Marshall of England shold haue al the adoe in taking the Arestes within the said Citty as in other citties beside with other petitions moe tending to the like derogation of the liberties of London which bill being read standeth vp Iohn Philpot Burgesse then for the citâ—y saying to theÌ„ which read the bill that that was neuer seene so before adding moreouer that the Mayor woulde neuer suffer any such things or other arest to be brought into the citty with mo such wordes of like stoutnes The next day following the Londiners assembled theÌ„selues in a councell to consider among them vpon the Bill for chaunging the Mayor and about the office of the Marshall also concerning the iniuries done the day before to theyr Bishop In which meane time they being busy in long consultation of this matter sodenly and vnawares entred in the place two certaine Lordes whether to come to spy or for what other cause the author leaueth it vncertayne the one called Lord Fizwalter the other Lord Guy Brian At the first comming in of theÌ„ the vulgare sort was ready forthwith to flee vppon them as spies had not they made theyr protestation with an othe declaring that their comming in was for no harme toward them And so were compelled by the citizens to sweare to the city their truth and fidelity contrary to the which othe if they shoulde rebell contented to forfeit whatsoeuer goods and possessions they had within the citie This done theÌ„ began the Lord Fizwalter in this wise to perswade and exhort the Citizens first declaring how he was bound and obliged to them and to theyr Citty not for the othe onely now newly receiued but of old and ancient good will from his great graundfathers tyme. Beside other diuers dueties for the which he was chiefly bound to be one of their principall fautors for so muche as what so euer tended to their damage and detriment redounded also no lesse vnto his owne for which cause he coulde not otherwise chuse but that as he did vnderstand to be attempted against the publike profite and liberties of the Cittye he must needs communicate the same to them who vnlesse they with speedy circumspection do occurre and preuent perils that may and are like to ensue it would turne in the end to theyr no small incoÌ„moditie And as there were many other thinges whiche required their vigilant care and diligeÌ„ce so one thing therr was which he could in no wise but admonish them of which was this necessary to be coÌ„sidered of them all how the Lord Marshall Henry Percy in his place within himselfe had one in ward and custody whether with the knowledge or without the knowledge of them he coulde not tell this he coulde tell that the sayd Lord Marshall was not alowed any suche ward or prison in his house within the liberties of the Citty Which thing if it be not seeke to in time the example therof being suffered would in fine breede to such a preiudice vnto their customes and liberties as they shoulde not hereafter when they would reforme the iniurie thereof These words of the Lord Fizwalter were not so soone spoken but they were as soone taken of the rash Citizens who in al hasty fury running to their armour weapons went incontinently to the house of the Lord Percy where breaking vp the gates by violence they tooke out the prisoner burned the stockes wherein he sate in the midst of London Then was the Lord Percy sought for whome sayth the story they woulde doubtlesse haue slayne if they might haue fouÌ„d him With their bils and iauelins al corners and priuy chambers were searched beds hangings torne a sunder But the Lord Percy as God would was then with the Duke whome one Iohn Yper the same day with great instance had desired to dinner The Londiners not finding him at home and supposing that he was wyth the Duke at Sauoy in all hasty heat turned their power thither running as fast as they could to the Dukes house Where also
ought as neare as I can to chuse the best part Wherfore I surely trust that M. I. Wickliffe is one of the number of theÌ„ which are saued The words of Christ moneth me therunto saying Math. 7. Doe ye not iudge that ye be not iudged Luke the 6. Do not condemn ye shal not be condemned and the wordes of the Apostle 1. Cor. 4 Do ye not iudge before the Lord himselfe do come the which shall opeÌ„ those things that are hid in darknes to manifest the priuities of all hartes Secondly the loue and charity which I ought to bear vnto my neighbor louing him as my selfe doth moue me thereunto Luk. 10. Thirdly his good fame report moneth me the which he hath of the good Priests of the vniuersity of Oxford not of the wicked commoÌ„ly of the vulgar sort although not of the couetous proud and luxurious Prelates Fourthly his owne workes writings doe stirre me therunto by the which he goeth about with his whole indeuor to reduce all men vnto the law of Christ specially yâ— clergy that they shoulde forsake the pompe dominion of this world and with the Apostles lead the life of Christ. Fiftly his owne protestations which he doth oftentimes vse in his sentences often repeating the same doth not a litle moue me Sixtlye his earnest desire and affection which he had vnto the law of Christ doth not a litle allure me therunto disputing of the verity therof the which cannot fayle in any one iote or title Whereupon he made a booke of the verity of the holy Scripture approuing euen vnto the vtter most the trueth of Gods law Wherfore it were too foolish a consequeÌ„t to say that because the number of the Prelates and clergy in England Fraunce and Boheme do couÌ„t Iohn Wickeliffe for an hereticke that therfore he is an heretick c. Like as the reason for burning of the bookes for it is written in the first booke of Machabees first chapter that they did burne the books of the Lord tearing them in peeces and whosoeuer was founde to haue kept any bookes of the Testament or will of the Lord or the which obserued and kept the lawe of the Lord they were by the kinges commaundemen put to death If then the burning of these bookes by wicked men did argue or proue the euilnesse of the books theÌ„ was the law of God euill and nought So likewise the burning of S. Gregories bookes and diuers other sayntes and good men should argue proue that they were euill naughty men Wherupon as it doth not folow that because the Bishops Scribes and Phariseis with the elders of the people condemned Christ Iesus as an heretick that therfore he is an heretick So likewise doth it not follow of any other man The Byshops maisters of diuity monkes and prelates condemned thys man as an hereticke Ergo he is an hereticke For this consequeÌ„t is reproued by Iohn Chrisostom which was twise condemned as an hereticke by the Bishops and the whole clergy Likewise S. Gregory in his bookes was condemned by the Cardinals By like proofe also as they affirme M. Iohn Wickliffe to be an hereticke Iohn Duke of LaÌ„caster a man of worthy memory and progenitor of Henry king of Englande should also be an hereticke For the sayd Duke defeÌ„ded fauored and greatly loued M. Iohn Wickliffe Ergo the sayd Duke is or was an hereticke the consequent is good The Minor is well knowne vnto the Englishmen The Maior appeareth in the Canon where it is sayd he which defendeth an hereticke c. But these thinges set apart I demaund of the aduersary whether M. Iohn Wickliffe be damned for euer or no If he say that he is damned because he is an hereticke I propounde this vnto him whether M. Iohn Wickeliffe whiles he liued held any false doctrine coÌ„trary to the holy Scripture If he do affirme it let him then shew what doctrine it is and afterward declare that he held it obstinatly And he shall finde that in his bookes he alwayes wrote most commendable protestations agaynst obstinacye and stifneckednesse And by and by after M. Iohn Stokes in his intimation sayth that M. Iohn Wickliffe in EnglaÌ„d is counted for an hereticke This seemeth also false by the letter testimoniall of the Vniuersity of Oxforde vnto the which there is more credit to be geueÌ„ then vnto him And this shall suffise for this present Now as we haue declared the testimony of the Vniuersity of Oxford of Iohn Hus concerning the praise of Iohn Wickliffe It followeth likewise that we set forth and expresse the contrary censure and iudgementes of his enemies blinded with malicious hatred and corrupt affections against him especially of the Popes Councel gathered at Constance proceeding first in condemning hys bookes then of his articles and afterward burning of his bones The copy of which theyr senteÌ„ce geuen against him by that counsell here foloweth * The sentence geuen by the Councell of Constance in condemning the doctrine and 45. Articles of Iohn Wickliffe THe most holy and sacred councell of CoÌ„stance making and representing the catholick Church for the extirpation of this present schisme and of all other errors and heresies springing and growing vnder the shadow and pretence of the same and for the reformation and amendment of the Church being lawfully congregate and gathered together in the holy Ghost for the perpetuall memory of the time to come We are taught by the acts and historyes of the holy fathers that the catholicke fayth without the which as the holy Apostle S. Paule saith it is vnpossible to please God hath bene alwayes defeÌ„ded by the faythfull and spirituall souldiors of the Church by the shield of fayth agaynst the false worshippers of the same fayth or rather peruerse impugners which through their proud curiosity will seeme to know more and to be wiser then they ought to be for the desire of yâ— glory of the world haue gone about oft times to ouerthrow the same These kindes of warres and battelles haue bene prefigured to vs before in those carnall warres of the Israelites agaynst the Idolatrous people For in those spirituall warres the holy catholick Church through the vertue power of fayth being illustrateâ—â—â— the beames of the heauenly light by the prouideÌ„ce of God and being holpen by the helpe and defence of the Saints holy men hath alway continued immaculate the darcknes of errours as her most cruell enemyes being put to flight â—he hath most gloriously triumphed ouer all But in these our daies the old and vnclean enemy hath raysed vp new coÌ„teÌ„tions strifes that the elect of this world might be knowne whose Prince and captayne in time past was one Iohn Wickliffe a false Christian. Who during his life time taught and sowed very obstinatly many articles coÌ„trary and agaynst the Christian Religion and the Catholicke fayth And the same
suspected of the byshops were the more maliced no doubt therefore of the sayd byshops whiche were the more ready to finde take all occasions to worke agaynst them as by theyr doyng herein may wel appeare For the bishop of Salisbury and archb of Yorke hauing no greater matter agaynst them then was declared with a grieuous complaynt went to the king complayning of the Mayor and Sheriffes of LoÌ„don What trespasse the Mayor and Sheriffes had done as ye haue heard before so may you iudge Now what followed after let vs heare The king incensed not a little w e the complaynt of the Bishops conceined estsoones against the Mayor and Sheriffes and agaynst the whole Cittie of London a great stomache In so muche that the Mayor both the Sheriffes were sent for and remoued from theyr office Syr Edward Darlyngton then was made warden Gouernor of the citie who also for hys gentlenes shewed to the Cittizens was also deposed and an other named syr Baldwyn Radington placed in that roome Moreouer so much grew the kinges displeasure agaynst the City that he also remoued from London the courtes termes to be kept at Yorke that is to say the Chauncery the Eschequer the kinges benche the hamper and the common place where the same conâ—â—â—ued from Midsommer tyll Christenmas to the great decay of the Cittye of London which was an 1393. Thivdly an other great cause whiche purchased the K. much euill will among hys subiectes was the secret murthering of his owne Uncle named T. Woodstocke Duke of Gloucester of whom mention was made before where was declared how the said Duke with the Earle of Arundell the Erle of Warwicke and the Earle of Darby with other were vp in armour agaynst certaine wicked Counsaylours about the king Whereupon the king watching afterward hys time came into Chelsford so to the place neare by where the Duke lay wherwith hys own hands he arested the sayd Duke his Uncle and sent him downe by water immediatly to Calice And there through the kinges commaundement by secret meanes was put to death being strangled vnder a fetherbed the Earle Marshall being then the keeper of Calis Wherby great indignation roâ—e in many mens hartes agaynst the king With the same Duke of Gloucester also about the same time was arested and imprisoned the Erle of Warwicke and the Earle of Arundel who being condemned by parliament were then executed whereby great grudge and great indignation rose in the heartes of many agaynst the king an 1397. Fourthly to omit here the blanke chartes sent ouer all the land by the king and how the king was sayd to let out his realme to ferme Ouer and beside all these aboue premised fell an other matter whiche was the principall occasion of this mischiefe The banishment I meane of HeÌ„ry Erle of Darby and made Duke of Herford a little before being sonne of Iohn of Gaunt the Duke of LaÌ„caster who dyed shortly after the banishment of hys sonne and lieth buryed in the Church of S. Paule in London and the Duke of Northfolke who was before Erle of Notingham and after by this king made Duke of Northfolke the yeare before At which time the king made 5. Dukes a Marques and foure Earles to wit Duke of Herforde whiche was before Earle of Darby Duke of Awmerle which was before Earle of Rutland Duke of Southrey who was before Earle of Kent Duke of Exester whiche was before Erle of Huntington and this Duke of North folke being before Earle of Notinghame as is aforesayd c. The occasion of banishing these foresayd Dukes was this About this present time the Duke of Herforde did appeach the Duke of Northfolke vppon certayne wordes to be spoken against the king Wherupon casting theyr gloues one agaynst the other they appoynted to fight out yâ— quarrell a day being for the same appoynted at Couentry But the king tooke vp the matter in hys owne handes banishing the Duke of Northfolke for euer whiche after dyed at Uenice and the other Duke which was the Duke of Herford for 10. yeares Beside these also was exiled in France Thomas Arunder archbishop of Caunterbury by Acte of Parliament in the same yere for poynts of treason as ye haue heard before expressed page 512. col 2. All which turned to the great inconuenieÌ„ce of this king as in the euent following may appeare These causes and preparatiues thus premised it followed the yeare after which was an 1399. and last yeare of this king that the king vpon certaine affayres to be done tooke hys viage into Ireland In which meane time HeÌ„ry of Bollingbroke Earle of Darby and Duke of Herford and with him the foresayd archbishop Thomas Arundel which before were both exiled returning out of Fraunce to Calice came into England challenging the Dukedome of Lancaster after the death of hys father With â—hem also came the sonne and heyre of the Earle of Arundell beyng yet but yong These together setting out of Calice arriued at Rauenspur in the North. At the knowledge whereof much people gathered vnto them In this meane time as the Duke was houering on the sea to enter the land L. Edmund Duke of York the kings Uncle to whome the king committed the custodye of thys realm hauing intelligence thereof called to him the Byshop of Chichester named Edmund Stafford Chauncellor of the Realme and W. Scroupe Earle of Wiltshyre Lorde Treasurer also I. Busshey W. Bagot Henry Grene and Iohn Ruschell with diuers other consulting with them what was best in that case to be done Who then gaue their aduise whether wilful or vnskilfull it is not knowne but very vnfruitfull that he shold leaue london and go to S. Albons there to wayt for more strength able to encounter with the Duke But as the people out of diuers quarters resorted thether many of them protested that they woulde do nothing to the harme and preiudice of the Duke of LaÌ„caster who they sayd was uniustly expulsed The rest then of the counsayle I. Busshey W. Bagot Henry Grene W. Stroupe Treasurer hearing and vnderstanding how the commons were minded to ioyne with the Duke of Hereford left the Duke of York and the lord Chauncellor and fled to the Castell of Bristow Where is to be vnderstand that these foure were they to whome the common fame ran that the king had let out hys realme to farme and were so hated of the people that it is to be thought that for the hatred of them more then for the king this commotion was among the people As this broyle was in England the noyse therof sounding to the kinges eares being then in Ireland for hastye speed of returning into England left in Ireland both his busines and most of hys ordinance also behinde hym And so passing the seas landed at Milforde hauen not daryng as it seemed to come to London On the contrary side vnto Henry Duke of Herforde being landed
as is sayde in the North came the Earle of Northumberland Lord Henry Percy and Henry his son the Earle of Westmerland Lord Radulph Neuile and other Lordes moe to a great number so that the multitude rose to 60000. able souldiours Who first making towarde the Castle of Bristow tooke the foresayd Busshey Grene Scroupe and Bagot of whom three incontinent were beheaded Bagot escaped away and fled away to Ireland The king in this meane while lying about Wales destitute and desolate without comfort or counsayle who neither durst come to London neyther would any man come to him and perceauing moreouer the commons that were vp in such a great power agaynst hym would rather dye then geue ouer that they had begunne for feare of themselues Seing therforeno other remedy called to him L.T. Percye Earle of Worcester and stewarde of hys household willing him with other of hys family to prouide for themselues in tyme. Who then openly in the hall brake his white rod before them all commaunding euerye man to shift for himselfe Although Fabian and some other say that he did this of hys owne accord contrary to his allegeance The king compassed on euery side with miseryes shifted from place to place the Duke still following him tyll at length being at the Castle of Conewey the king desired to talk with Tho. Arundell archb and the Earle of Northūberland To whom he declared that he woulde resigne vp hys crowne in condition that an honourable liuing might be for hym prouided and life promised to 8. persons such as he would name Which being graunted and ratified but not performed he came to the Castle of Flint where after talke had with the Duke of Lācaster he was brought the same night by the Duke and his armye to Chester And from thence was conueyed secretly into the Tower there to be kept till the next parliament By the way as he came neare to London diuers euil desposed men of the city being warned thereof gathered themselues thinking to haue slayne hym for the great cruelty he had vsed before toward the Citty But by the pollicies of the Mayor and rulers of the Cittie the madnes of the people was stayd Not long after followed the Duke and also began the parliament In which Parliament the Earle of Northumberland with many other Earles and Lords were sent to the king in the Tower to take of him a full resignation according to hys former promise and so they did This done diuers accusations and articles were layd and engrossed agaynst the sayd King to the number of 33. some say 38. which for the matter not greatly materiall in them contayned I ouerpasse And that next yeare after was had to Pomferr Castle and there famished to death King Henry the fourth ANd thus King Richard by common assent being deposed from his rightfull crowne The Duke of Lancaster was led by Thomas Arundell the Archbishop to the feat royall who there standing vp and crossed himselfe on the forehead and the brest spake in wordes as followeth ¶ In the name of God Amen I Henry of Lancaster clayme the Realme of England and the crowne with all the appurtenaunces as I that am descended by right lyne of the bloud comming from that good Lord King Henry the 3. And thorough the right that God of his grace hath sent to me with the helpe of my kinne and of my frendes to recouer the same which was in poynt to be vndone for default of good gouernance and due iustice c. ¶ After which wordes the Archbishop asking the assent of the people being ioyfull of theyr new king took the Duke by the hād placed him in the kingly throne which was an 1399 and shortly after by the foresayd Archbishop he was crowned also for king of England Ex Chron. De Alban The next yeare after followed a Parliament holden at Westminster in which Parliament one will Sautre a good man and a faythfull priest inflamed with zeeale of true Religion required he might be heard for the commoditie of the whole realme But the matter being smelt before by the Byshops they obtayned that the matter should be referred to the conuocation Where the sayd William Sautre being brought before the Byshops and Notaries thereunto appointed the conuocation was differred to the Saterday next ensuing When Saterday was come that is to say the 12. day of February Thomas Arundell Archbishop of Caunterbury in the presence of his Counsayle prouinciall being assembled in the sayd Chapter house agaynst one fyr William Sautre otherwise called Chatris Chaplayne personally then and there appearing by the commaundement of the foresayd archbishop of Caunterbury obiected that the sayd sir William before the Byshop of Norwiche had once renounced and abiured diuers and sondry conclusions heretical and erroneous and that after such abiuration made he publiquely and priuily helde taught preached the same conclusions or els such like disagreeing to the catholique fayth and to the great perill and pernitious example of others And after this he caused such like conclusions holden and preached as is sayd by the sayd Syr William without renunciation then and there to be read vnto the sayd Archbishop by maister Robert Haull Chācellor vnto the sayd byshop in a certayne scrole written in tenour of wordes as followeth Syr William Chatris otherwise called Sautre parish Priest of the Churche S. Scithe the Uirgine in London publiquely and priuily doth holde these conclusions vnder written ¶ In Primis he sayth that he will not worship the crosse on which Christ suffered but onely Christ that suffred vppon the Crosse. 2. Item that he would sooner worship a temporal king then the foresayd wodden crosse 3. Item that he would rather worship the bodyes of the Saintes then the very crosse of Christ on which he hong if it were before him 4. Item that he woulde rather worship a man truely contrite then the crosse of Christ. 5. Item that he is bound rather to worship a man that is predestinate then an aungell of God 6. Item that if any man would visite the monumentes of Peter and Paule or go on Pilgrimage to the Toumbe of S. Thomas or els any whether els for the obtayning of any temporall benefite he is not bounde to keepe hys vowe but that he may distribute the expences of his vowe vpon the almes of the poore 7. Item that euery priest and Deacon is more bound to preach the word of God then to say the canonical houres 8. Item that after the pronouncing of the Sacramental wordes of the body of Christ the bread remayneth of the same nature that it was before neyther doth it cease to be bread To which conclusions or articles being thus read the Archbish. of Caunterb required the same Syr William to aunswere And then the sayd William asked a copy of such articles or conclusions and a competent space to answere vnto the same Whereupon the
Richard againe in the raigne of this king that many yeares after he was rumored to be aliue of them which desired belike that to be true which they knew to be false for the which diuers were executed For the space of sixe or vij yeares together almost no yeare passed without some conspiracy against the king Long it were here to recite the bloud of all such Nobles and other which was spilt in the raigne of this king as the Earle of Kent Earle of Salisbury Earle of Huntington named Iohn Holland c. as writeth the story of S. Albans But the English writers differ something in their names and make mention of 4. Earles of Surrey of Excester of Salisbury and Lord Spenser Earle of Gloucester Ex Lib. cui tit Calendarium Bruti And the next yeare following Syr Ihon Clarendon knight with two of his seruauntes the Priour of Laund with 8. friers were hanged and quartered And after these Henry Percy the younger the Earle of Worcester named Thomas Percy his vncle Lord of Kinderton and L. Richard de Uernoua The Earle of Northumberland scarce escaped with his pardon an 1403. In the which yeare the prison in Cornhill called the tonne was turned into the conduit there now standing To let passe other moe hanged and quartered the same time as Blount knight Benet Kely knight and Thomas Wintersel Esquier Also the same yeare was taken and executed sir Bernard Brokes knight sir Iohn Shilley knight Syr Iohn Mandelyn and William Frierby After all these L. Henry Earle of Northumberland and L. Bardolfe conspiring the kings death were taken in the North and beheaded which was in the 8. yere of this king Henry This ciuil rebellion of so many nobles other against the king declared what grudging heartes the people then bare towarde this king Henry Among whome I cannot pretermit heere also the Archb. of Yorke named Richarde Scrope who with the L. Moubrey Marshal of England gathered a great company in the North countrey against the foresaid king to whom also was adioyned the helpe of L. Bardolfe Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland Ex Chron. D. Albani And to stirre vp the people more willingly to take their partes they collected certaine Articles against the said king to the number of 10. and fastned them vpon the doores of Churches and Monasteries to be read of all men in English Which articles if any be disposed to vnderstand for somuch as the same also containe a great part of the doings betweene king Henry king Richard aforesayde I thought for the better opening of the matter heere vnder to inserte the same in such forme as I founde them in the historie of Scala mundi expressed ¶ Articles set vp on Church doores against king Henry the fourth IN the name of God Amen Before the Lorde Iesus Christ iudge of the quicke and dead c. We A.B.C.D. c. not long sithens became bounde by othe vppon the sacred Euangelicall booke vnto our soueraigne Lorde Richarde late king of England and France in the presente of many prelates potentates and nobilitie of the realme that wee so long as we liued should beare true allegeance and fidelity towardes hym and his heires succeding hym in the kingdom by iust title right and line accordyng to the statutes and custome of this realme of England By vertue wherof we are bound to foresee that no vices or hainous offences arise in the common weale do take effect or wyshed ende but that we ought to geue our selues and our goodes to wtstand the same without feare of sword or death whatsoeuer vpon paine of periurie which paine is euerlasting damnation Wherfore we seing perceiuing diuers horrible crimes and great enormities daily without ceassing to be committed by the children of the deuill and sathans soldiours against the supremacie of the Church of Rome the libertie of the church of England and the lawes of the realme against the person of king Rich. and his heires against the prelates noble men religion and comminaltie and finally against the whole weale publike of the realme of England to the great offence of the maiesty of almighty God and to the prouocation of his iust wrath and veÌ„geance towards the realme and people of the same And fearing also the destruction both of the Churche of Rome and England the ruine of our couÌ„try to be at hand hauing before our eyes the iustice the kingdom of God calling alwaies on the name of Iesus hauing an assured confidence in his clemency mercy and power haue here taken vnto vs certain articles subscribed in forme folowing to be proponed tried and heard before the iust iudge Iesus Christ and the whole world to his honour the deliuery of the church the cleargy and comminalty and to the utility profite of the weale publick But if which God forbid by force feare of violence of wicked persons we shal be cast in prison or by violent death preuented so as in this worlde we shall not be able to proue the saide articles as we would wish then do we apeale to the high celestiall iudge that he may iudge discerne the same in the day of his supreme iudgement 1. ¶ First we depose say except and entend to proue against the Lord Henry Derby sonne of the Lord Iohn of Gaunt late Duke of Lancaster and commonly called king of England himselfe pretending the same although without all right and title thereunto and against his adherents fautours and complices that euer they haue bene are and will be traytors inuaders and destroyers of Gods Church in Rome England Wales and Ireland and of our soueraigne Lord Richard late King of England his heires his kingdom and common wealth as shall hereafter maniâ—estly appeare 2. Secondarely we depose c. against the said Lord HeÌ„ry for that he had conceaued deutied conspired certaine hainous crimes and traiterous offences against his sayd soueraigne Lord Richard his state and dignitie as manifestly did appeare in the contention betwene the said Lord Henry and yâ— Lord Thomas Duke of Northfolke begon at Couentry but not finished throughly Afterwards he was sent in exile by sentence of the said king Richard by the agreement of his father the Lord Iohn Duke of Lancaster by the voice of diuers of the Lords temporall nobilitie of the realme and also by his owne consent there to remaine for a certaine time appointed vnto him by the said Lords and withall he was bound by othe not to returne into EnglaÌ„d before he had obteined fauour grace of the kyng Not long after when the king was departed into Ireland for reformation of that countrey apperteining to the crowne of England but as then rebelling agaynst the same the sayd Lord Henry in the meane time contrary to his oth and fidelitie and long before the time limited vnto him was expired with all his fautours and inuaders secretly entred into the Realme swearing
and protesting before the face of the people that his comming into the Realme in the absence of the king was for none other cause but that he might in humble sort with the loue and fauour of the king and all the Lords spirituall and temporall haue and enioy his lawfull inheritance descending vnto him of right after the death of his father which thing as it pleased all men so cried they Blessed is he that commeth in the name of the Lord But how this blessing afterwards turned into cursing shall appeare in that which followeth and also ye shall vnderstand his horrible and wicked conspiracie against his soueraigne Lord king Richard and diuers other Lords as well spirituall as temporall besides that his manifest periurie shal wel be known and that he remaineth not only foresworne and periured but also excommunicate for that he conspired against his soueraigne Lord our king Wherefore we pronounce him by these presents as well periured as excommunicate 3. Thirdly we depose c. against the said Lord Henry that he the said Lord HeÌ„ry immediatly after his entry into England by crasty and subtile policie caused to be proclaimed openly throughout the Realme that no tenths of the Clergy fiftenes of the people sealing vp of cloth diminution of wooll impost of wine nor other extortioÌ„s or exactions whatsoeuer should hereafter be required or exacted hoping by this meanes to purchase vnto him the voice and fauour of the prelates spiritual the Lords temporall the Marchants comminaltie of the whole Realme After this he tooke by force the kings Castels and fortresses spoiled and deuoured his goodes wheresoeuer he found it crieng hauocke hauocke The kings maiestie subiects as well spirituall as temporal he spoiled and robbed some he tooke captiue and imprisoned them and some he slew put to miserable death wherof many were Bishops prelates Priests and religious men Whereby it is manifest that the said Lord Henry is not only periured in promising swearing that there should be hereafter no more exactioÌ„s paiments or extortions within the realme but also excommunicate for the violence and iniurie done to Prelats and Priests Wherefore by these presents we pronounce him as afore as well periured as excommunicate 4. Fourthly we depose c. against the said Lord Henry that he hearing of the Kings returne from Ireland into Wales rose vp against his soueraigne Lord the king with many thousands of armed men marching forward with al his power towards the Castle of Flint in Wales where he tooke the king held him prisoner and so led him captiue as a traitor vnto Leicester from whence he tooke his iourney towards London misusing the king by the way both he and his with many iniuries and opprobrious coÌ„tumelies and scoffes And in the end committed him to the Tower of London and held a Parliament the king being absent in prison wherein for feare of death he compelled the king to yeeld and resigne vnto him all his right title of the kingdome and crowne of England After which resignation being made the said Lord Henry standing vp in the Parliament house stoutly and proudly before them al said aâ—â—â—med that the kingdome of EnglaÌ„d and crowne of the same with al therunto belonging did pertaine vnto him at that present as of very right and to none other for that the said king Richard by his owne deede was depriued for euer of all the right title interest that euer he had hath or may haue in the same And thus at length by right and wrong he exalted himselfe vnto yâ— throne of the kingdome since which time our commoÌ„ weale neuer florished nor prospered but altogether hath bene void of vertue for that the spiritualtie was so oppressed exercise and warlike practises hath not bin mainteined charitie is waxed cold couetousnes and miserie hath takeÌ„ place finally mercy is taken away vengeance supplieth the rcome Wherby it doth appeare as before is said that yâ— said Lord HeÌ„ry is not only periured false by vsurping the kingdome and dominion belonging to another but also excommunicate for the apprehending vniust imprisoning and depriuing his soueraigne Lord the king of his roiall crowne and dignitie Wherefore as in the articles before we pronounce the said Lord Henry to be excommunicate 5. Fiftly we depose c. against the said Lord Henry that he the same Lord Henry with the rest of his fauourers complices heaping mischief vpon mischief haue coÌ„mitted and brought to passe a most wicked and mischieuous fact yea such as hath not bene heard of at any time before For after that they had taken and imprisoned the king and deposed him by open iniurie against all humane nature yet not coÌ„teÌ„t with this they brought him to Poinfret Castle and there imprisoned him where xv daies nights they vexed him with continuall hunger thirst and cold and finally berest him of life with such a kind of death as neuer before that time was knowen in England but by Gods prouidence it is come to light Who euer heard of such a deed or who euer saw the like of him Wherefore O England arise stand vp auenge the cause the death and iniurie of thy king and prince which if thou do not take this for certaintie that the righteous God will destroy thee by strange inuasions and foreigne power and auenge himselfe on thee for this so horrible an act Whereby doth appeare not only his periurie but also his excommunication most execrable so that as before we pronounce the said Henry not only periured but also excommunicate 6. Sixtly we depose c. against the sayd Lord Henry that after he had attained to the crowne and scepter of the kingdome he caused forthwith to be apprehended diuers Lords spirituall Bishops Abbots Priors and religious men of all orders whom he arested imprisoned bound and against all order brought them before the secular iudges to be examined not sparing the Bishops whose bodies were annointed with sacred oyle nor priests nor religious men but commanded them to be coÌ„demned hanged and beheaded by the temporall law and iudgement notwithstanding the priuiledge of the Church and holie orders which he ought to haue reuerenced and worshipped it he had bin a true and lawfull king for the first and chiefest othe in the coronation of a lawfull king is to defend and keepe inuiolate the liberties and rights of the Church and not to deliuer anie Priest or religious man into the hands of the secular power except for heresie onely and that after his degradation according to the order of the Church Contrary vnto all this hath he done so that it is manifest by this article as afore in the rest that he is both periured and excommunicate 7. Seuenthly we depose c. against the said Lord Henry that not onely he caused to be put to death the Lords spirituall and other Religious men but also diuers of the Lords
peragendo poenam eis pro eorum demeritis iniuâ—gendam iuratos absoluit in forma iuris nunciata eis eorum cuilibet pro modo culpae poena salutari videlicet quòd die dominica tunc proximè sequente praedicti poeniteÌ„tes nudi capita pedes processionem apud ecclesiam collegiatam de Wengham faciendam cum singulis saccis super humeris suis palam portantes plenis videlicet foeno stramine ita quòd stramen foenum huiusmodi ad ora saccorum patentium intuentibus prominerent lentis incessibus procederent humiliter deuote In English IGnorance the mother of error so much hath blinded and deceiued certaine persons to witte Hugh Penny Iohn Forstall Iohn Boy Ihon Wanderton Will. Haywarde and Iohn White tenaunts of the Lord of Wengham that against the comming of the aforesayde Archbishop to hys palace of Canterbury on Palmes Sonday euen the yeare of our Lord 1390 Where they being warned by the baillife to conuey and cary hay strawe and other littour to the aforesayd palace as they were bounde by the tenor of theyr landes which they hold of the sea of Canterbury refusing and disdaining to doe their due seruice as they were accustomed brought their straw and other littor not in cartes and waines openly sufficiently but by peece meale and closely in bagges or sackes in contempt of their Lord and derogation of the right and title of the sea of Canterbury Wherupon they being ascited presented before the archb sitting in iudgement at hys manour of Statewood yelded and submitted themselues to hys Lordshyppes pleasure humbly crauing pardon of their trespasse Then the aforesayd archbishop absolued the aboue named Hugh Penny c. they swearing to obey the lawes and ordinance of holy church and to do the punishment that shuld be appoynted them for their desertes that is that they going laysurely before the procession euery one of them should cary openly on hys shoulder his bagge stuffed with hay and strawe so that the sayd hay and strawe should appeare hanging out the mouthes of the sackes being open * Notes of certaine Parliament matters passed in this kings dayes To proceede now further in the raigne of this king to intreat also some thing of his parliamentes as we haue done of other before first we wil beginne with the Parliament holden in the first yere of hys comming in Moreouer forsomuch as our Catholike papistes will not beleue yet the coÌ„trary but that the iurisdiction of their father the pope hath euer extended throughout all the world as well here in England as in other places here therefore speaking of the Parliaments holden in this kings dayes concerning thys matter I refer them to the Parliament of the sayd king Henry in his first yere holden and to the 27. article of the same Where they may reade in the 10. obiection laid against K. Richard in plaine words how that for asmuch as the crowne of this realme of England and the iurisdiction belonging to the same as also the whole realme it selfe at all times lately past hath ben at such libertie and enioyed such prerogatiue that neyther the Pope nor any other out of the same kingdome ought to intrude himselfe nor intermedle therein it was therefore obiected vnto the forenamed king Richarde the 2. for procuring the letters Apostolical from the Pope to the confirming and coroborating of certaine statutes of hys and that hys censures myght be prosecuted against the breakers thereof Whyche seemed then to the Parliament to tend against the crowne and regall dignitie as also against the statutes liberties of the said thys our realme of England Act. Parl. An. 1. Reg. Henrici 4. Act 27. Furthermore in the second yeare of the saide king thys was in the Parliament required that all such persones as shal be arested by force of the statute made against the Lollardes in the 2. yeare of Henry 4. may be bailed and freely make their purgation That they be arested by none other then by the Sheriffes or such like officers neither that any hauocke be made of their goods The king granted to take aduise therein In the 8. yeare moreouer of thys kings raigne it was likewise propounded in the Parliament that all suche persons as shall procure or sue in the court of Rome any processe touching any benefice collation or presentation of the same shal incurre the paine of the statute of prouisors made in the 13. yeare of Richard 2. whereunto the king granted that the statutes herefore prouided should be obserued Item in the sayde Parliament there it was put vp by petition that the king might enioy halfe the profits of euery parsons benefice who is not resident thereon Therunto the king aunswered that the ordinaries should do theyr duties therein or els he would prouide further remedie to stay their pluralities Item in the sayde Parliament it was required that none do sue to the court of Rome for any benefice but only in the kings courtes ¶ In the next yere folowing which was the 9. of this Kyng an other petition of the Commons was put vp in Parliament against the court of Rome whych I thought good here to expresse as foloweth The Commons do beseeche that forasmuch as diuers prouisors of the benefices of holy Church dwelling in the Court of Rome through their singular couetounes now newly imagined to destroy those that haue bene long time incumbents in diuers their benefics of holy church peaceably some of them by the title of the king some by title ordinary and by the title of other true patroÌ„s therof by coulor of prouisions collations and other grauntes made to the sayd prouisors by the Apostoil of the sayd benefices do pursue processes in the said court by citation made beyond the sea without any citations made within the Realme in deede against the same incumbents whereby many of the said incumbents through such priuy crafty processes and sentences of priuation and inhabilitation haue lost theyr benefices and others put in the places of the saide incumbents before the publication of the same senteÌ„ces they not knowing any thing and many are in great hassarde to lose theyr benefices through such processes to theyr perpetuall destruction and mischiefe and forasmuch as thys mischiefe cannot be holpen wythout an especiall remedy be had by parliament Pleaseth it the king to consider the great mischiefe and daunger that may so come vnto diuers hys subiects without their knowledge through such citations out of the realme and therupon to ordaine by the aduise of the Lords of this present Parliament that none presented be receiued by any ordinarie vnto any benefice of any such incumbent for any cause of priuation or inhabilitation wherof the processe is not founded vpon citation made wythin the realme and also that such incumbents may remaine in all theyr benefices vntil it be prooued by due enquest in the court of the
be it here to all the worlde that he neuer since varied in any poynt therefro but this is playnly his beliefe that all the sacramentes of the churche be profitable and expedient also to al them that shall be saued taking them after the intent that Christ and hys true church hath ordayned Furthermore he beleeueth that the blessed sacrament of the aulter is verily and truely Christes body in forme of bread After this the bishops and priests were in much great discredite both with the nobilitie and commons partly for that they had so cruelly handled the good Lorde Cobham partly agayn because hys opinion as they thought at that tyme was parfect concerning the sacrament The Prelates feared this to grow to further incōueniēce towards thē both wayes wherfore they drew theyr heads together at the last consented to vse an other practise somewhat cōtrary to that they had done afore They caused it by and by to be blowne abroad by theyr feed seruauntes frends and babling sir Iohns that the sayd Lord Cobham was becomen a good man and had lowly submitted himselfe in all thinges vnto holy Church vtterly 〈◊〉 his opinion concerning the sacrament And thereupon they counterfayted an abiuration in hys name that the people shoulde take no hold of that opinion by any thing they had hearde of him before and to stand so the more in awe of them Cōsidering hym so great a man and by them subdued This is the abiuration say they of sir Iohn Oldcastle knight sometime the Lord Cobham * An Abiuration counterfaited of the Byshoppes IN Deinomiue Amon. I Iohn Oldcastle denounced detected and conuinced of and vpon diuers articles sauoring both heresye and error before the reuerend father in Christ my good Lord Thomas by the permission of God Lord Archbishop of Caunterbury and my lawfull and rightfull iudge in that behalfe expresly graunt and confesse that as cōcerning the estate and power of the most holy father the Pope of Rome of his Archbishops his Bishops and hys other prelates the degrees of the church and the holy Sacramentes of the same specially of the Sacramentes of the aultar of penaunce and other obseruaunces besides of our mother holy Church as Pilgrimages and pardons I affirme I say before the sayd reuerend father Archbishop els where that I being euill seduced by diuers sedicious preachers haue grieuously erred and heretically persisted blasphemously aunswered and obstinately rebelled And therfore I am by the sayd reuerend father before the reuerend fathers in Christ also the bishops of London Winchester and Bangor lawfully condemned for an hereticke Neuertheles yet I now remembring my selfe and coueting by this meane to auoyd that temporall payn which I am worthy to suffer as an hereticke at the assigned 〈◊〉 of my most excellent Christen prince and siege Lord King Henry the 5. now by the grace of God most worthy Kyng both of England and of Fraunce Minding also to prefere the wholesome determination sentence and doctrine of the holy vniuersall Church of Rome before the vnwholesom opinions of my selfe my teachers and my followers I freely willingly deliberately and throughly cōfesse graūt and affirme that the most holy fathers in Christ S. Peter the Apostle and his successors byshops of Rome specially now at this time my most blessed Lord Pope Iohn by the permission of God the xxiii Pope of that name which now haldeth Peters seat and each of them in theyr succession hath full strength and power to be Christes Vicar in earth and the head of the church militant And that by the strēgth of his office what though he be a great sinner and afore knowne of God to be damned he hath full authority and power to rule and gouerne bynde and loose saue and destroy accurse and assoyle all other Christen men And agreeably still vnto this I confesse graunt and affirme all other Archbishops Byshops and Prelates in their prouinces Dioces and Parishes appoynted by the sayd Pope of Rome to assiste him in his doinges or busines by his Decrees Canons or vertue of his office to haue had in times past to haue now at this time and that they ought to haue in time to come authoritye and power to rule and to gouerne binde and loose accurse and assoyle the subiects or people of theyr aforesaid prouinces dioces parishes and that their said subiectes or people ought of right in all things to obey them Furthermore I confesse graunt and affirme that the sayd spirituall fathers as our most holy father the Pope Archbishops Bishops Prelates haue had haue now and ought to haue hereafter authority and power for the estate order and gouernaunce of their subiectes or people to make lawes decrees statutes and constitutions yea and to publishe commaund and compell their sayde subiectes and peoyle to the obseruation of them Moreouer I confesse graunt and affirme that all these foresayd lawes decrees statutes and constitutions made published and commaunded according to the forme of spirituall law all christen people and euery man in himself is straightly bound to obserue meekely to obey according to the diuersity of the foresayd powers As the lawes statuts canons and constitutions of our most holy father the Pope incorporated in his Decrees Decretals Clementines Codes Chartes Rescriptes Sextiles and Extrauagants ouer all the world and as the prouinciall statuts of Archbishopps in their prouinces the Sinodall actes of Bishops in their dioces and the commendable rules customes of prelates in their colledges and Curates in their parishes all Christen people are both bound to obserue also most meekly to obey Ouer besides all thys I Iohn Oldcastle vtterly forsaking and renouncing all the aforesayd errors and heresies and all other errors and heresies like vnto them lay my hand here vpon this booke or holye Euangely of God sweare that I shall neuer more from henceforth holde these aforesayd heresies nor yet any other like vnto them wittinglye Neither shall I geue counsell ayde helpe nor fauor at any time to them that shall holde teach affirme or maintayne the same as God shall helpe me and these holy Euangelies And that I shall from henceforth faythfully obey and inuiolably obserue all the holy lawes statutes Canons and constitutions of all the Popes of Rome Archbishops Bishops and Prelates as are conteyned and determined in their holy Decrees Decretalles Clementines Codes Chartes Rescriptes Sextiles Sumnies papall Extrauagantes statutes prouinciall actes synodall and other ordinary regules and customes cōstituted by them or that shall chaunce hereafter directly to be determined ormade To these and all such other will I my selfe with all power possibly apply Besides all this the penaunce whiche it shall please my sayd reuerend father the Lord Archbishop of Caunterbury hereafter to enioyne me for my sinnes I will meekely obey and faythfully fulfill Finally all my seducers and false teachers and all other besides
com coÌ„paruit Ideo presentibus coronatoribus com predicti vtlagatâ— fuit per quod inquiratur de terra catallis suis. ¶ Notes or considerations vpon the Inditement and Commission aboue prefixed Die Mercurij proximo post festuÌ„ Epiphaniae c. ¶ First here is to be noted considered good reader the day and date of geuing out the Commission then of the Verdict presented by the Iurers which was both in one day that is on the Wednesday next after the Epiphanie in the first yeare of the reigne of kyng Henry 5. which was the x. day of the moneth of Ianuary as the date of the Commission sayth an 1413. after the vse of EnglaÌ„d or after the Romish vse an 1414. So that after the vse euer we count whether it be an 1413. or els an 1414. the Dominicall letter begynning at the first day of Ianuary to chauÌ„ge must needes be G. for the yeare so necessarily make Wednesday next after the Epyphanie to be the x. day of the sayd moneth of Ianuary Thus then this present Wednesday which was the tenth day of the moneth being well noted and borne in minde on the which day both the Commission was directed also the Verdict presented let vs now proceede further in the foresayd Iuditement It foloweth Per SacrameÌ„tum xij iuratorum extitit praesentatum c. ¶ If there had bin true dealing in this the Iurers should haue bene named But it is not like that there was euer any such Inditement found by any Iurers and therefore they did best not to name the Iurours least they would haue denied this Iuditement to be their Acte it foloweth more in proces of the Inditement Et dictum Ioan. Oldcastel Regentem Eiusdem regni constituere c. ¶ If there were no other argument this were sufficient to disproue the manifest vntruth of this surmised Inditement When as the king was not yet gone to Fraunce nor determined to go how could they conspire then to make a Regent For the king went in Iuly folowing vidz the second yeare of his raigne leauing behinde him the Queene his mother in law for Regent whereby it may be gathered that this matter was vntruly entred and stolen into the Records with an antedate or els at the least there appeareth manifest vntruth that they should conspire to make a Regent when a Regent was not thought vpon vnlesse it were all ready run into the heads of the Cleargie who shortly after fearing their temporalities as Caxton saith perswaded the King to make warres in Fraunce This word Regent therefore proceedeth of the secret spirit of the Cleargy and maketh the whole matter very suspicious to be grounded altogether vpon the malice of the Cleargie and their vntrue surmises It foloweth moreouer Quasi gens sine capite in finalem destructionem c. ¶ Now doth this stand with that goeth before that they conspired to make a Regent except you will say that to make a Regent is to be a people without an head It foloweth Cum quam pluribus rebellibus dicti regis ignotis ad numerum viginti millium hominum c. ¶ A straunge matter that they should knowe of the conspiracie of twentie thousand and yet knowe of no moe names of the rebels but the Lord Cobham onely or one or two mo And all the rest were ignoti Priuatim insurgentes c. ¶ This smelleth of the Cleargies owne penning without any great aduise of learned counsaile for otherwise such as had bene herein skilfull would neuer haue put in priuatim insurgentes Die Mercurij proximo post festum Epiphaniae D. anno R.R. praedicto c. ¶ This Wednesday next after the Epiphanie was the x. day of the moneth of Ianuary and the same day when both the conspiracie was put in execution and the same day when the commission was giuen out to enquire also when the fact was by enquirie presented Whereby it may seeme a strange thing that so great a conspiracy knowne beforehand was not suppressed nor enquired of by any commission but ouely by a commission bearing date of the same day vpon which day by the purport of the Inditement the conspiracie should haue bene put in execution by open rebellion as it is aforesayd Praedictum D. nostrum Regemfratres suos videl Thomam Ducem Clarentiae Ioannem de Lancastre Humfredum de Lancastre c. ¶ If the kings learned counsaile had dealt in this Inditement as in case of treason they should haue done if it had bene a matter of truth they would neuer haue handled it so slenderly and wrongly as to name the Dukes of Bedford and of Gloucester Iohn of Lancaster and Dumfrey of Lancaster who were made Dukes in the 13. yeare of the raigne of King Henry the fourth their father as appeareth by Caxtones Chronicle Et ibidem versus campum praedictum modo guerrino arriati proditorie modo insurrectionis contra ligeantias suas equitauerunt ad rebellandum dictum D. nostrum regem c. ¶ This is falsified by plaine euidence of histories And Cope hymselfe confesseth no lesse For he so sayth and confesseth page line That Sir Iohn Oldcastle was not there in person but onely that his consent and good will was there Againe seeing this equitation or riding toward Saint Giles field was vpon the Wednesday next after the feast of Epiphany as in this Inditement and processe of outlawry is aboue testified which was the tenth daye of Ianuary and commission also the same day was charged and the Iewry moreouer impanelled the same daye yet no Iewrer named Item the verdict the same day presented how all these can concurre together and all in one day let the reader after he haue well considered the matter vse his iudgement therin not only whether it be like but also whether it be possible Ouer and beside all this it is to be noted that if thys matter had bene truely and duly handled as touching the reason then had it not bene needefull to haue brought sir Iohn Oldcastle into the Parliament house before the Lords to haue had his iudgement For by the outlawrie if it had bene true he was 〈◊〉 and without ame more adde should hauâ— had iudgement in the Kings Bench as a Traytor But the chiefe Iustice knowing the handling of the matter durst not belike enterprise so far Wherefore iâ— was deuised that he should certifie the record 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 which he did together with the Bishops 〈◊〉 filed to the â—ecord which was verie strange And thereupon the Lords gaue such a iudgement as was not due for a Traytor For that they gaue no iudgement that he should be drawne hanged and set downe aliue and then 〈◊〉 weâ—led and quarâ—ered which is the iudgement of a Traytor And albeit the Parliament might haue attainteâ— him without any more ado And by the same Act of atteinder
Robert Serle Iohn Berne Esquire and other of his neighbours which came vnto his purgation In like maner Iohn Goddesel of Dichingham parchmentmaker was detected and accused vpon the same articles and thereupon brought before the bishop whereas he denying them purged himselfe by his neighbours as Richard Belward before had done being sworne also in lyke maner as he was and so was dismissed and set at libertie vntill the yeare of our Lord 1428. When as he was againe apprehended accused and abiured as shal be more at large declared in the hystorie when we come to that yeare Syr Hugh Pie also chaplaine of Ludney in the dioces of Norwich was likewise accused and brought before the byshop of Norwich the 5. day of Iuly An. 1424. for holding of these opinions following That the people ought not to go on pilgrimage Item that the people ought not to geue almes but only vnto suche as begge at theyr dores Item that the image of the crosse and other images are not to be worshipped And that the said Hugh had cast the crosse of Bromeholde into the fire to be burned which hee tooke from one Iohn welgate of Ludney Which articles as is aforesayde being obiected against him he vtterly denied Wherupon he had a day appoynted to purge himselfe by the witnes of 3. lay men and 3. priests That so done he was sworne as the other before and so dismissed After this in the yeare of our Lorde 1428. king Henry the 6. sent downe most cruel letters of commission vnto I. Exetor and Iacolet Germaine keeper of the castle of Colchester for the apprehending of Sir William White Priest and others suspected of heresies the tenor wherof hereafter ensueth ¶ The copie of the kings letters directed to Iohn Exeter and Iacolet Germaine keeper of the castle of Colchester for the apprehending of Sir William White priest and other as they called them lollards HEnry by the grace of God king of Englande and of Fraunce Lord of Ireland to his well beloued Iohn Exetor and Iacolet Germaine keeper of the castle of Colchester health Ye shall vnderstand that we fully trusting vnto your fidelitye and circumspections haue appoynted you ioyntly and seuerally to take and arrest William White priest and Thomas late chaplaine of Setling in the countie of Norfolke and William Northampton priest and al other whatsoeuer they be that are suspect of heresy or lollardy wheresoeuer they may be founde within the liberties or without and straight way being so taken to send the vnto our next gaile or prison vnto such time as we shall haue taken other order for their deliuery And therefore wee straightly commaunde you that ye diligently attende about the premisses and fulfill the same in forme aforesayde Also we charge and command all and singuler Iustices of peace Maiors Shriues Bailiffes Cunstables and all other our faithfull officers by the tenoure of these presents that they do assist aide and counsaile you euery of you in the execution of the premisses as it shall be comely for them In witnes whereof we haue caused these our letters patentes to be made Witnes my selfe at Westminster the 6. of Iuly the 6. yeare of our raigne By vertue of which commission we finde in olde Monuments that wythin shorte space after Iohn Exeter which was appointed one of the commissioners attached 6. persons in the towne of Bungay in the diocesse of Norwich and committed them to William Day and William Roe Constables of the towne of Bungay to be sent within 10. dayes folowing vnder safe custodie vnto the castle of Norwich Whose names through the antiquity of the monument were so defaced that we coulde not attaine to the perfecte knowledge of them all onely 3. names partlye remained in the booke to be read which were these ¶ Iohn Waddon of Tenterdon in the countie of kent Bartlemewe Monke of Ersham in the countie of Norfolke Corneleader a martyed man William Skuts These 3. were in the custodie of the Duke of Northfolk at hys castle of Fremingham Besides these we also finde in the said old monuments within the diocesse of Norffolke and Suffolke specially in the townes of Beckels Ersham and Ludney a great nuÌ„ber both of men and women to haue bene vexed and caâ—â—e in prison after their abiuration brought to open shame in churches and markets by the bishop of the sayd diocesse called William and hys Chancellour William Bernham Iohn Exceter being the Register therein so that wythin the space of 3. or 4. yeares that is from the yeare 1428. vnto the yeare 1431. about the number of 120. menne and women are examined and sustained great vexatioÌ„ for the profession of the Christian faithe of whome some were onely taken vppon suspition onely for eating of meates prohibited vpon vigil dayes who of their purgation made escaped more easily away and wyth lesse punishment whose names here follow subscribed The names of them that were taken and examined vpon suspition of heresye RObert Skiruing of Harlstone Wiliam Skiruing Iohn Terry of Ersham Iohn Abtre of Ersham Iohn Middleton of Haluergate Iohn Wayde of Ersham Rich. Clarke of Sething Tho. White of Bedingham M. Rob. Beete of Berry Rich. Page of Clipsly The other were more cruelly handled and some of them were put to death and burned of whoÌ„ we do specially finde mention made of these three Father Abraham of Colchester William white Priest Iohn Waddon priest The residue for a great number of good men and women were forced to abiure sustayning such cruell penaunce as pleased then the sayd Bishop and his Chauncellor to lay vpon them The names of which both men and wonneÌ„ here folow together in this briefe Catalogue to be seene IOhn Beuerley Iohn Wardon Iohn Baker Iohn Midleton Iohn Kynget Margery Backster Iohn Skilley Iohn Godhold Thomas Albecke Iohn Pierce Nicholas Canon of Eye Thomas Pye Iohn Mendham Iohn Middleton Thomas Chatris Thomas Wade William Taylor Iohn Cupper vicar of Tunstall Sir Hugh Pye Priest Bartholomew Tatcher Thomas Iames. Iohn Fouling Bertram Cornmonger Thomas Swerdin Alanus Andrew William Wright William Euerden William Taylor Auis the wiâ—e of Thomas Moone and her daughter Richard Fletcher of Beckles Nicholas Belward Thomas Grenemere Iohn Clarke William Bate William Scherming William Osburne Iohn Rene of Beckles Baldwine Cooper of Beckles Iohn Pert. M Mones seruant Rob. Brigs Iohn Finch Iohn Wropham Thomas Mone Isabell Chaplaine of Martham William Masse of Ersham Iohn Goodwine of Ersham Henry Latchcold of Ersham Henry Boode of Ersham Rich Horne of Ersham Iohn Belward senior of Ersham Iohn Belward iunior of Ersham Iohn Spire of Bungay Rob. Colle of Turning The heard of Shepemedow Isabell Dauy of Costes Sibill wife of Iohn Godefell of Dicham Iohn Pyry of Bartham Iohn Baker Margery Wright Thomas Burrell and his wife Iohn Pert. Edm. Archer The Clarke of Ludney Rich Clarke of Sething Katherine the wife of William Wright William Colin of Southcreke Rich King of
had him walke traytour and made him to be set openly in the stockes For though he could haue seene sodenly by miracle the difference betwene diuers colours yet could he not by the sight so sodeinly tell the names of al these coulours except he had known them before no more then the names of all the men that he shuld sodaynly see By this may it be seene howe Duke Humfrey had not onely an head to disserue and disseruer trueth from forged and fayned hipocrisie but study also and dilligence lykewise was in him to reforme that which was amisse And thus much hetherto for the noble prowesse vertues ioyned with the like ornamentes of knowledge literature shining in this Princely duke For the which as he was both loued of the poore commons and wel spoken of all men no les deseruing the same being called the good Duke of Glocester so neither yet wanted hee his enemies and priuy enuiers whether it was through the fatall and vnfortunate lucke of the name of that house which is but a vayn friuolous obseruation of Polydore Halle which followeth hym bringing in the examples of Hugh Speser of Thomas of Woodstock sonne of â— Edward the thyrd of this Duke Humfry and after oâ— king Richard the thyrd Duke likewise of Gloucester or whether it was that yâ— nature of true vertue coÌ„monly is suche that as the flame euer beareth his smoke and the body his shadow foâ— the brightnes of vertue neuer blaseth but hath some disdayne or enuy wayting vpon it or els whether it was rather for some diuorcement from his wife or for some other vice or trespasse done as seemeth most like truth which God as well in dukes houses correcteth as in other inferiour parsons especially where he loueth But howsoeuer the cause is to vs vnknowne this good Duke of Glocester albeit beyng both that kinges sole vncle hauing so many well willers thorough yâ— whol realme yet lacked not hys Sathan lacked not his secret maligners Of whom specially was HeÌ„ry Beuford Cardinal Bish. of Wintchester and Chaunceller of England who of long time disdayning and enuying the rule and authoritie of this Duke first had disposed and appoynted himselfe to remoue the kings person from Eltham vnto Winsor out of the Dukes handes and there to put in such gouernours as him listed After that enteÌ„ding the Dukes death he set men of armes and Archers at the end of London bridge and for barring the hye waye wyth a draw chain set men in chambers sellers and windowes with bowes and arrowes and other weapons to the purposed destructioÌ„ both of the duke his retinue if God had not so disposed to turne his iourny an other way Beside other manifold iniuries and molestations the Ambitious Cardinall seeking by all meanes to be Pope procured such trouble agaynst him that great deuision was thereby in the whole Realme in somuch that all the shops within yâ— city of London were shut in for feare of the fauourers of these two great personages for each part had assembled no small number of people For the pacifying whereof that archbishop of Caunterbury and the Duke of Dumber called the prince of Portingall rode 7. tymes in one day betwene those two aduersaryes Such were then the troubles of this tumultuous diuision within the realme and al by the excitation of this vnquiet Cardinall Ouer and beside this Cardinall afore mentioned an other Capitall enemy to the said Duke was William de la Pole first Earle then Marques at last Duke of Suffolke a man very ill reported of in storyes to be not only that orgaÌ„ instrument of this good mans death but also to be the noyance of the common wealth ruine of the realme For by him and hys onely deuise was first concluded the vnprofitable and vnhonourable mariage betweene the kyng Lady Margaret daughter of the Duke of Angeow where as the king had concluded contracted a mariage before with the daughter of the Earle of Armiâ—â—k vpon conditions so much more profitable and honourable as more conuenient it is for a Prince to mary a wise with riches frends then to take a mayd with nothing disherite himselfe hys realme of old rightes ancient inheritance which so came to passe And all this the good Duke did well foresee declared no lesse but hys counsel would not be taken Wherupon followed first the geuing away the Duchy of Angeow the Citie of Mayne with the whoâ—e Country of Mayne to Reyner Duke of Angeow father of the Damoâ—ell called then K. of Sicile of HierusaleÌ„ hauing therof no peny profite but onely a vayne name to play withal An other sore enemy and mortall plague to this Duke was the Queene her selfe lately before maried to the king Who being of haute stomack and all set vpon glory of wit and wilynes lacking nothing and perceiuing her husband to be simple of wit and easy to be ruled tooke vpon her to rule and gouerne both the king kingdome And because the aduise counsaile of Humfrey duke of Glocester was somewhat a stay that her authoritie and regimeÌ„t could not so fully proceede and partly because the sayd Duke before dyd disagree from that mariage this manly women and couragious Queene ceased not by all imaginations and practises possible to set forwarde his destruction hauing also for her helper herein the Duke of Buckingham c. These being his principall enemies and mortall foes fearing least some commotion might arise if such a Prince so ueare the kinges bloud and so beare to the people of all men so beloued shold be openly executed put to death deuised how to trap him and circumueÌ„t him vnknowing and vnprouided For the more speedy furtherance wherof a Parliament was suÌ„moned to be kept at Bery an 1447. sacre â—rom the citizens of London as William Lindall in his booke of practise writeth Where resorted all the peres of the realme and amongst them the Duke of Gloucester thinking no harme to any man lesse to himselfe Who on the second day of the Sesâ—on was by the Lord Beamonde high Constable then of Englande accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham and other arrested apprehended and put in ward and vpon the same all his seruaunts discharged and put from him of whome 32. of the principall being also vnder arrest were dispersed into diuers prisoÌ„s to the great murmuring and greuance of the people After this arrest thus done and the Duke put in to Warde the night after saith Halle 6. nightes after sayth Fabian and Polychron he was found dead in hys bed the 24. of Febru ary and his body shewed to the Lordes and Commons as though he had bene taken naturally with some sodayne disease And although no wouÌ„d in his body could be seene yet to al indifferent persons it might wel be iudged that he
of the realme onely rest in this For the king now hauing lost his frendly vncle as the stay staffe of his age whiche had brought him vp so faythfully from his youth was now therby the more open to his enemies they more emboldened so set vpon him As appeared first by Iacke Cade the Kentishe Captayne who encamping first in Blackheath afterward aspired to LondoÌ„ and had the spoyle therof the king being driuen into Warwickshyre After the suppressing of Cade ensued not long after the duke of York who being accompanied with 3. Erles set vpon the king next to S. Albons where the king was taken in the field captiue the Duke of York was by ParliameÌ„t declared protector which was in the yeare of our Lord 1453. After this folowed long diuision and mortal warre betwene the two houses of Lancastar and Yorke continuing many yeares At length about the yeare of our Lord 1459. the Duke of Yorke was slayne in battell by the Queene neare to the towne of Wakefield and with him also his sonne Earle of Rutlande By the which Queene also shortly after in the same yeare were discomfited the Earle of Warwicke and Duke of Northfolk to whom the keeping of the king was committed by the Duke of Yorke and so the Queene agayne deliuered her husband After this victory obteined the Northren men aduauÌ„ced not a litle in pride and courage began to take vpon theÌ„ great attemptes not onely to spoyle and robbe Churches and religious houses villages but also were fully enteÌ„ded partly by themselues partly by the inducemeÌ„t of theyr Lords and Captaynes to sacke waste and vtterly to subuert the City of London and to take the spoyle therof and no doubt â—ayth my history woulde haue proceeded in thyr coÌ„ceiued gredy inteÌ„t had not the oportune fauor of God prouided a speedy remedy For as these mischiefes were in bruing sodenly commeth the noble Prince Edward vnto LoÌ„don with a mighty army the 27. day of February who was the sonne and heire to duke of Yorke aboue mentioned accompanyed with the Earle of Warwicke and diuers moe King Henry in the meane time with his victory went vp to York when as Edward being at London caused there to be proclaymed certayn articles concerning his title to the crowne of England which was the 2. day of March. Wherupon the next day following the Lords both teÌ„porall spirituall being asseÌ„bled together the sayd articles were propouÌ„ded and also well approued The fourth day of the sayd moneth of March after a solemne generall procession according to the blinde superstition of those dayes the Bishop of Exceter made a Sermon at Paules Crosse wherin he commended and proued by manifold euideÌ„ces the title of Prince Edward to be iust and lawfull aunswering in the same to all obiections whiche might be to the contrary This matter being thus discussed Prince Edward accompanied with the Lordes spirituall temporall with much concourse of people rode the same day to Westminster Hall and there by the full consent as well of the Lordes as also by the voyce of all the Commons tooke his possession of the Crowne was called K. Edward the fourth These thinges thus accomplished at London as to such a matter apperteined and preparation of money sufficiently being ministred of the people and commons wyth most ready and willing mindes for the necessary furniture of his warres he with the Duke of Northfolke and Earle of Warwicke and Lord Fauconbrige in all speedy wise tooke his iourney toward king Henry who being now at Yorke and forsaken of the Londoners had all his refuge onely reposed in the Northren men When king Edward with his army had past ouer the Riuer of Trent and was commeÌ„ nere to Ferebrig where also the host of king Henry was not far of vpoÌ„ Palm sonday betwene Ferebrig and Tadcaster both the armyes of the Southren and Northren men ioyned together battell And althoughe at the first beginning diuers horsemen of king Edwardes side turned theyr backes and spoyled the king of cariage victuals yet the couragious prince with his Captayne 's little discouraged therewith fiercely and manfully set on theyr aduersaryes The whiche battell on both sides was so cruelly fought that in the same conflict were slayne to the nuÌ„ber as is reported beside men of name of 30000. of the poore commons Notwithstanding the coÌ„quest fell on king Edwardes part so that king Henry hauing lost all was forced to flye into Scotland where also he gaue vp to the Scottes the towne of Barwicke after he had raigned 38. yeares and a halfe The clayme and title of the Duke of Yorke and after him of Edward his sonne put vp to the Lords coÌ„mons wherby they chalenged the crowne to the house of York is thus in the story of Scala mundi word for word as hereunder is conteyned The title of the house of Yorke to the crowne of England EDward the 3. right king of Englande had issue first prince Edward the 2. W. Hatfield 3. Lionell 4. Iohn of Gaunt c. Prince Edward had Richard the 2. which dyed without issue W. Hatfielde dyed without issue Lionel duke of Clarence had issue lawfully begot Phillip his onely daughter and heyre the which was lawfully coupled to Edmund Mortimer Earle of March and had issue law fully begotte Roger Mortimer Eare of March and heyre Whych Roger had issue Edmund Earle of March Roger Anne and Alienor Edmund and Alienor died without issue and the sayd Anne by lawfull matrimonye was coupled vnto Richard Earle of Cambridge the sonne of Edmund of LaÌ„gley who had issue lawfully bare Richard Plantagenet now Duke of Yorke Iohn of Gaunte gate Henry which vnrightfully entreated king Richard then being aliue Edmund Mortimer Earle of Marche sonne of the sayde Philip daughter to Lionell To the which Richard duke of Yorke and sonne to Anne daughter to Roger Mortimer Earle of March sonne and heyre to the sayde Philip daughter and heyre to the sayd Lionel the 3. sonne of king Edward the 3. the right dignity of the crowne apperteyned belonged afore any issue of the sayd Iohn of Gaunt Notwithstanding the sayd title of dignity of the sayde Richard of Yorke the sayd Richard desiring the wealth rest and prosperity of England agreeth and consenteth that king Henry 6. should be had and taken for king of England during his naturall life from thys time without hurt of his title Wherefore the king vnderstanding the sayd title of the sayde duke to be iust lawfull true and sufficient by the aduise and assent of the Lordes spirituall and temporall and the commons in the Parliament and by the authoritye of the same Parliament declareth approueth ratifieth confirmeth accepteth the sayde title for iust good lawfull and true and there unto geueth his assent and agreement of his free will and liberty And ouer that by the sayde aduise and
authority declareth calleth stablisheth affirmeth and reputeth the sayd Richard of Yorke very true and rightfull heyre to the crowne of England and Fraunce and that all other statutes and acts made by any of the Henryes late contrary to this aduise be annulled repelled damned cancelled voyd and of no force or effect The king agreed and consented that the sayd Duke and hys heyres shall after his naturall life enioy the crowne c. Also that all sayinges and doinges agaynst the duke of Yorke shall be hygh treason and all actes of Parliamentes contrary to this principall act be voyd and of none effect c. And thus much for the reign of king Henry the 6. Who now lacked his vncle and protector Duke of Glocester about him But commonly the lacke of such frendes is neuer felt before they be missed In the time of this king was builded the house in Lōdon called Leadē hall foūded by one Simon Eyre Maior once of the sayd City of London an 1445. Also the standard in cheape builded by Iohn Wels an 1442. the Conduite in Fleetstreet by William Castfield an 1438. Item Newgate builded by goods of Rich. Whittington an 1422. Moreouer the sayde Henry 6. founded the Colledge of Eton and another house hauing then the title of S. Nicolas in Cambridge now called the kinges Colege Ex Scal. mundi In the reigne of this Henry 6. it is not be passed ouer in silence which we finde noted in the Parliament rolles how that Lewes Archbishop of Rhoen after the death of the late Bishop of Eley had graūted vnto him by the popes Bulles during his life all the profites of the sayd bishoprick by the name of the administratour of the said Bishopricke Lewes the foresayde Archbishop sheweth his Buls to the king who vtterly reiected his Bulles Notwithstanding for his seruice done in Fraunce the king graunted to hym the administration aforesaid the which to all intents at the petition of the sayd Lewes should be affirmed to bee of as great force as though he were bishop touching profits liberties and hability Neither agayn is here to be ouerpast a certayn tra gicall Acte done betweene Easter and Whitsontide of a false Britone an 1427. Which murdered a good widdow in her bed who had brought him vp of almes without Algate in the suburbes of London and bare away all that she had afterward he tooke succor of holy church at S. Georges in Southwarke but at the last he tooke the crosse forswore the kings land And as he went his way it happened him to come by the same place where he had done that cursed deed and women of the same parish came out with stones and cannell dong and there made an end of him in the hye streete so that he went no further notwithstandinge the Constables and other men also which had hym vnder gouernaunce to conduct him forwarde for there was a great company of them so that they were not able to withstande them Kyng Edward the fourth KIng Edward after his conquest and victorye achieued agaynst king Henry returned again to London where vpon the Uigil of S. Peter and Paul being on Sonday he was crowned king of England raigned 22. yeares albeit not without great disquitnes and much perturbation in his reigne Queene Margaret hearing how her husband was fled into Scotland was also fayne to flye the land and went to her father Duke of Angeow From whence the next yeare following she returned again to renue warre against king Edward with small succor and lesse lucke For being encountred by the Earle of Warwicke about Nouember she was driuen to the seas agayne and by tempest of weather was driuen into Scotland In this yere we read that king Edward in the cause of a certayne widow for rape sate his owne person in Westminster hall vpon his owne Bench discussing her cause Ex Scal. mundi The yeare folowing king Henry issuing out of Scotland with a sufficient power of Scottes and Frenchmen came into the Northcountrey to recouer the crowne vnto whom the Lord Radulph Percy Lord Radulph Grey flying from king Edward did adioyn themselues but the Lord so disposing king Henry with his power was repulsed in the battaile of Exham by the Lord Mountacute having then the rule of the North where the Duke of Somerset Lord Hungerford Lord Rosse with certayne other were taken The Lord Radulph Percy was slayne the residue fled Albeit the history of Scal. mūdi referreth this battel to the yeare 1464. the 15. day of May. In the which moneth of May were beheaded the duke of Somerset Lorde Hungerford Lord Rosse L. Philip Wentworth L. Tho. Husly L. Tho. Findern beside 21. other belonging to the retinue and household of king Hēry 6. Queene Margaret finding no resting place here in England took her progres agayne from whence she came learning in her own country to drinke that drinke which she her selfe had brued here in England And not long after the next yeare an 1465. on the day of S. Peter and Paule king Henry being founde knowne in a wood by one Cantlow as they say was arested by the Earle of Warwicke and at last of a king made prisoner in the tower of London In this meane time king Edward after the motion of mariage for him being made and first the Lady Margaret sister to Iames the 4. K. of Scottes thought vpon but that motion taking no effect afterward the Lady Elizabeth sister to Henry king of Castelle being intended but she being vnder age the Earle of Warwick turning then his legation and voiage to the French king Lewes the II. to obteyne Lady Bona daughter of the duke of Sauoy and sister to Carlot the French Queen and obteining the same had cast fauour vnto one Elizabeth Grey widow of Syr Iohn Grey knight slain before in the battell of S. Albōs daughter to the Duches of Bedford and Lord Riuers and first went about to haue her to his concubine But she as being vnworthy as she sayde to be the wife of such a high personage so thinking her selfe to bee to good to be his concubine in such sort wanne the kings hart that incontinent before the returne of the Earle of Warwicke he maried her at the which mariage were no moe then onely the Duches of Bedford two gentle women the priest clark Upō this so hasty vnlucky mariage ensued no litle trouble to the king much bloudshed to the realme vndoing almost to all her kyndred and finally confusion to the K. Edwardes 2. sonnes which both were declared afterward to be bastards and also depriued of theyr liues For the Earle of Warwicke who had bene the faythfull frend and chiefe maynteiner before of the king at the hearing of this maryage was therwith so greuously moued and chaffed in hys mind that he neuer after sought any thing more then how to worke displeasure to the
enemies ij or iij. dayes and he would follow with all possible speede with a puissaunt army Who accordyng to their cōmaundement defended the Citie with all their power but yet to litle purpose For the Citizens consulting with thēselues for their owne most indēnitie hauing no walles to defend thē thought best to take that way which seemed to thē most sure safe therfore concluded to take part with kyng Edward This was not so soone knowne abroad but the cōminaltie rāue out by heapes to meete kyng Edward to salute him as their king Wheupon the Duke of Somerset with other of kyng Henries Coūsaile hearing therof wonderyng at the sodayne chaunge of the world to shift for themselues fled away left there kyng Henry alone who the same day beyng caused by the Archbyshop of Yorke to ryde about London like a kyng was before night made captiue and reduced agayne to the Tower It was not long after these thyngs thus done at London but the cōming of the Earle of Warwicke was heard of who thinking to preuēt mischiefes with making speede came a litle to late missed of his purpose In the Earles army were Iohn Duke of Exceter Edmūd Earle of Somerset Iohn Earle of Oxford and Marques Moūtacute the Earles brother The Earle had now passed a great part of his iourney whē he hearing newes of the world so chaūged of the captiuitie of king Henry was not a litle thereat appalled in his mynde wherfore he stayd with his army at S. Albons to see what way further to take And for somuch as there was no other remedy but either he must yeld or one conflict must finish the matter he remoued to Barnet x. myles from S. Albons Against him set forth K. Edward well appointed with a strong army of piked able persons with artillerie engines instrumētes meete for the purpose bringing with him also kyng Hēry On Easter euē he came to Barnet there he embattelled himselfe In the mornyng vpon Easter day the battaile begā and fiercely cōtinued almost till noone with murder on ech side much doubtfull till both partes were almost wery with fightyng and murderyng King Edward thē desirous to see an end of or on with a great crew of new fresh souldiours set vpon his weried enemies Wherby the Earles mē although encouraged with wordes of their captaine stoutly fought but they sore woūded weried could not lōg hold out The Earle rushing into the middest of his enemies ventured so farre that he could not be rescued where he was strikē downe slayne and there lay he Marques Mountacute thinkyng to succour his brother whō he saw to be in great ieopardy was likewise ouerthrowne and slaine After that Richard Neuell Earle of Warwike his brother were gone the rest fled many were takē The number of them which were in this field slayne are iudged about x. thousand as Polydore Virgill reciteth Fabian numbreth of them that were slayne but xv hundreth The Duke of Somerset Earle of Oxford thinkyng to flye to Scotland turned to Iasper Earle of Pēbroke in Wales The Duke of Exceter hardly escaped to Westminster there tooke sanctuary For the death of the Earle of Warwike the K. was not so glad as he was sory for the Marques Mountacute whō he tooke to be his frend The corpes of these two were brought to the Church of Paules where they lay open in two coffins two dayes and then were interred Ex Polyd. alijs ¶ In the narration of this Hystory Polydore Virgill whom Hall followeth word for word doth some deale differ from Rob. Fabian Neither doe I doubt but both these had their authors by whō they were directed Notwithstādyng this I maruaile that Polydore writyng of so many thynges which he neuer saw doth not vouchsafe to cite vnto vs those writers of whom he borowed And more do I meruaile or rather lamēt if it be true that I haue heard that he not onely nameth no author vnto vs but also burned an heape of our English stories vnknowen after the finishyng of his in the dayes of kyng Henry the 8. But now to our text agayne All this while yet Queene Margaret with yoūg prince Edward her sonne was scarce come ouer beyng long let with contrary windes who at length in the moneth of Aprill arriuyng at Waymouth in Dorsetshire hearing the sorrowfull tidings of these thinges lately happened to her husbād and to the Earle of Warwike and his brother and of the prosperous successe of K. Edward was so dismayd diquieted and pierced with sorrow seyng all things contrary to her expectatiō so to frame agaynst her that she fared and tooke on with her selfe lamenting her husbād bewayling hir sonne cursing her comming and crieng out of Fortune as though blinde Fortune were she that gouerneth times and tides rewarding iust punishments to vniust deseruings of men and not the secret power and terrible iustice of almighty God Such was then the impaciency of that Queene being not able to beare the vehemency of her passion who rather should haue sorrowed the dolorous death of Duke Humfrey whome before she neglected but now she lacked that her senses failed her spirites were taken her speach decayed and life almost gone she fell to the ground as one that would rather dye then liue In this desolate case Queene Margaret learning now to know her friends frō her foes when it was too late fraught ful of heauines without solace or hope of remedy she with her son her company departed for her next refuge to a Monastery of Monkes called Beaulie in Hainshire there to take sanctuary priuiledge of the house Yet all harts were not sound nor subdued in England especially Edmond Duke of Somerset with Lord Iohn his brother Thomas Courtney Earle of Deuonshire Iasper earle of Pembroke Lord Wenlocke Iohn Longscrother being Prior of the Knights of Rhodes in Saint Iohns These hearing of the Queenes returne with speede resorted to her by whome she being somewhat quickened in her spirits and animated to warre began to take some hart and to follow their counsaile which was in all the whote hast to renew warre against King Edward being now vnprouided by reason his army was now dispersed and chiefest of his souldiours wasted Heere great hope of victory was shewed great promises made Although the Queenes mind was beeing more carefull for the yong Prince then for her selfe to sende him ouer into France before some proofe of triall made yet following the contrary counsaile of them and partly cut off by shortnesse of time which required haste she began with all expedition to gather power Likewise Iasper Earle of Pembroke posted into Wales to do the same King Edward hauing intelligence of all these doings first sendeth out certain light horsemē to espy abroad thorough the West parts what waies his enemies did take In the meane time he
so done and that I wil make good on thy body traytour and therewith geuing a great rap on the boord for a token or watchword one cryed treason without and forthwith the chamber was full of harneysed men The protector then approchyng to the L. Hastinges arrested him as a traytour An other let flye at the Lord Standley who to auoyd the blowe shronke vnder the table or els his head had bene cleft a sonder notwithstanding he receaued such a wounde that the bloud ranne about hys eares There were in that counsaile the same time the Archbishop of Yorke and Doctour Morton Byshop of Ely by whose procurement afterward king Henry the vii was sent for into England and he made archbishop after that of Canterbury these with the Lord Standley diuersly were bestowed in diuers chambers The Lorde Hastinges was commaunded to speede and shriue hym a pace for before dinner the protector sware by S. Paule that he should dye and so incontinently without farther iudgement his head was striken of by whose counsayle the Queenes kindred were at the same time and daye beheaded at Pomfret After this tyrannous murder accomplished the mischienous protectour aspiring still to the crowne to set his deuises forward first through giftes and fayre promises dyd subordinate Doctor Shaw a famous preacher then in Lōdon at Paules Crosse to insinuate to the people that neyther king Edward with his sonnes nor the Duke of Clarence were lawfully begotten nor the very children of the Duke of York but begotten vnlawfully by other persons in adultery on y◠Duches their mother and that he alone was the true and onely lawfull heyre of the Duke of York Moreouer to declare and to signifie to the audience that K. Edward was neuer lawfully maried to the Queene but hys wife before was dame Elizabeth Lucy and so the 2. childrē of king Edward to be base and bastardes and therfore the title of the crown most rightly to pertaine to the Lord protector That this false flatterer and loud lying preacher to serue the protectors humour shamed not most impudently to abuse that holy place that reuerent auditorye the sacred word of God taking for hys theame Adulterae plantationes nō dabūt radices altas c which he most impiously did apply against the innocent children right heyres of this realm Whereupon such grudge and disdayne of the people wyth worldly wonder followed him that for shame of the people crying out of him in few dayes after he pyned way When this sermon would take no effect with the people the protector vnmercifully drowned in ambitiō rested not thus but wtin few dayes after excited the Duke of Buckingham first to breake the matter in couert talke to the Mayor and certayne of the heades of the Cittie picked out for the purpose that done to come to the Guildhall to moue the people by all flattering and lying perswasions to the same which shameles Shaw before had preached before at Paules Crosse. Whiche the Duke with all dilligence and helpes of eloquence being a man both learned and well spoken endeuored to accomplish making to the people a long and artificiall Oration supposing no lesse but that the people allured by his crafty iusinuations would cry king Rich. K. Ric. But there was no king Rich in their mouthes lesse in their hartes Wherupon the Duke looking to the Lord Mayor and asking what the silence ment contrary to the promise of the one the expectation of that other It was then answered of the Mayor that the people peraduenture wel vnderstood him not wherfore the Duke reiterating his narration in other wordes declared agayne that he had done before Likewise the thyrd time he repeted hys Oration againe and agayn Then the commons which be fore stood mute being now in a mase seeing this importunitie began to mutter softly among themselues but yet no king Richard could sound in their lips saue onely that in the nether end of the Hall certayn of the Dukes seruantes with one Nashfield and other belonging to the protector thrusting into the Hall among the prease began sodaynly at mens backes to cry king Richard k. Rich throwing vp theyr cappes whereat the cittizens turning back theyr heades marueiled not a little but sayd nothing The Duke and the Lord Mayor with that side taking this for sufficient testimony incontinent came blowing for hast to the protector then lying at Baynardes Castle Where the matter being made before was now so contriued that forsooth humble petition was made in the name of the whole commons and that with 3 sundry sutes to the humble and simpel protector that he although it was vtterly against his will to take it yet would of his humilitye stoupe so low as to receane the heauy kingdome of England vpon his shoulders At this their tender request and sute of the Lords and commōs made ye must know how the milde Duke seing no other remedy was contented at length to yeld although fore against his will ye must so imagine and to submit himselfe so low as of a protector to be made king not much herein vnlike to our prelates in that Popish churche who when they haue before well compounded for the popes Buls yet must they for maner sake make curtesy and thrise deny that for whiche they so long before haue gaped and so sweetly haue payed for King Richard the third vsurper ANd thus Richard Duke of Gloucester tooke vpon to be made proclaymed king of England the yeare aforesayd an 1483. in the mōth of Iune Who then comming to the Tower by water first made his sonne a childe of x. yeare old prince of Wales Iohn Haward a man of great industry seruice he aduaūced to be Duke of Northfolke Sir Tho. Haward his sonne he ordained Erle of Surry Also William Lord Barckeley was appoynted Earle of Notingham Frances L. Louell was made Uicunt Louell L. Stanley for feare of his sonne was deliuered out of the Tower and made Steward of the kings houshold Likewise the Archbishop of Yorke was set free but Morton Bishop of Ely was committed to the Duke of Buckingham by whome was wrought the first deuise to bring in Henry Erle of Richmond into England and to cōioin mariage betweene Elizabeth king Edwardes daughter and him whereby the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster were vnited together After the kingdome of England was thus allotted to king Rich. the vsurper as in maner aboue remembred he taried not long for hys coronation which was solemnised the month next ensuing the 6. day of Iuly The triumph and solemnitie of this vsurped coronation being finished al thinges to the same appertayning this vnquiet tyraunt yet coulde not thinke himselfe safe so long as yong Edward the right king hys brother were aliue Wherefore the next enterprise which he did set vpon was this how to rid these innocent babes out of
Byshops Chaūcellour which cruelly cōdemned the innocent may offer a terrible spectable to the eyes of all Papisticall persecutours to consider and to take example which the liuing God graunt they may Amen The name of the Towne where she was martyred was as is sayd Chepyngsadbery The name of the woman is not as yet come to my knowledge The name of the Chauncellour who condēned her was called D. Whittington The time of her burnying was in the raigne tyme of K. Henry 7. orderly therfore in this place time to be inserted Wherein is to be noted moreouer the oportunitie of this present history brought to my hands that in such cōuenient season as I was drawyng toward the ende of the foresayd kynges raigne so that it may appeare to them which behold the oportunitie of things not to be without Gods holy wil prouidence that this foresayd example should not lye hid vnremembred but should come to light knowledge and that in such order of placing according as the due course of our story hetherto kept requireth After this godly woman and manly Martyr of Christ was condemned by the wretched Chaūcellour aboue named D. Whittington for the faithfull profession of y◠truth which the Papistes then called heresie and the tyme now come whē she should be brought to the place and paynes of her martyrdome a great concourse of all the multitude both in the towne and countrey about as the maner is in such tymes was gathered to behold her end Among whō was also the foresayd Doct. Whittington the Chauncellour there present to see the execution done Thus this faythfull woman and true seruaunt of God cōstantly persisting in the testimony of the truth committing her cause to the Lord gaue ouer her life to the fire refusing no paynes nor tormentes to keepe her conscience cleare vnreproueable in the day of the Lord. The sacrifice beyng ended the people began to returne homeward commyng from the burning of this blessed Martyr It happened in the meane tyme that as the Catholicke executioners were busie in slaieng this sely lambe at the townes side a certayne Butcher within the towne was as busie in slaieng of a Bull which Bull he had fast bounde in ropes ready to knocke him on the head But the butcher belike not so skilfull in his arte of killing beastes as the Papistes be in murthering Christians as he was lifting his axe to strike the Bull failed in hys stroke and smit a little too low or else how he smit I knowe not This was certayne that the Bull although somewhat greued at the stroke but yet not strooken downe put his strength to the ropes and brake lose from the butcher into the streete the very same tyme as the people were comming in great prease from the burning Who seeing the Bull comming towardes them and supposing him to be wilde as was no other lyke gaue way for the beast euery man shifting for himselfe as well as he might Thus the people geuing backe and making a lane for the Bull he passed through the throng of them touching neither man nor childe till he came where as the Chauncelour was Against whome the Bull as pricked with a sodeine vehemēcie ranne full but with his hornes and taking him vpon the paunch gored him through and through and so killed him immediately carieng his guts and trailing them with his hornes all the streete ouer to the great admiration and wonder of all them that sawe it Although the carnall sence of man be blinde in considering the workes of the Lorde imputing many tymes to blinde chaunce the thyngs which properly pertayne to Gods only praise and prouidence yet in this so straunge and so euident example what man can be so dull or ignorant which seeth not heerein a plaine miracle of Gods mighty power and iudgement both in the punishing of this wretched Chauncelour and also in admonishing all other like persecutours by his example to feare the Lord and to abstaine from the like crueltie Now for the credite of this story least I be sayde vpon mine owne head to commit to story things rashly which I can not iustifie therefore to stop such cauelling mouths I will discharge my selfe with authority I trust sufficient that is with the witnesse of him which both was a Papist and also present the same time at the burning of the woman whose name was Rowland Webbe which Rowland dwelling then in Chippingsadbery had a sonne named Richard Webbe seruant sometime to Maister Latymer who also enduring with him in time of his trouble sixe yeares together was himselfe emprisoned and persecuted for the same cause Vnto the which Richard Webbe being now aged then yong the foresaid Rowland his father to the entent to exhort him from this sect of heresie as he then called it recited to him many times the burning of this woman and withall added the story of the Bull aforesayd which he himselfe did see testifie This Richard Webbe is yet liuing a witnes of his owne fathers wordes and testimonie which I trust may satisfie all indifferent Readers except onely such as thinke no truth to be beleeued but that only which is in their Portues ¶ Verses touching the same Tho. Hatcherus MIra legis quicunque legis portenta nefandi Exitus vt poenas addita poena luat Vera legis Domini cuicunque potentia nota est Vt delinquentes ira seuera premat Saepè fit vt fusus cumuletur sanguine sanguis Saepè fit vt poenis obruatira nouis Omnia sunt Domini dextrae subiecta potenti Qui ciet arbitrio bruta hominesque suo Carnificis taurus luctando corniger ictus Euitans sracto fune repentque fugit Fortè viam quâ turba frequens confluxerat antè Faeminea vt cernat membra perire rogo Taurus ijt fertur quâ confertissima turba Laesus at ex tanta solus vnus erat Solus vnus erat rapidos qui misit in ignes Et miserè paruum sparsit ouile Dei Et quasi consultò ferretur praeterit omnes Cornibus hunc tollit proterit hunc pedibus Ille iacet madido foedatur sanguine corpus Eruta perque vias viscera sparsa iacent Quis non à Domino nutu qui temperat orbem Cogitet haec fieri non repetendo tremat Vitio terribiles comitatur iusta procellas Sera licet certis passibus illa venit And thus much concerning the state of the Churche Wherein is to be vnderstand what stormes and persecutions haue bene raised vp in all quarters against the flocke and congregation of Christ not only by the Turkes but also at home within our selues by the Byshop of Rome and his retinue Where also is to be noted in the daies and reigne of this king Henry the vij how mightely the working of Gods Gospell hath multiplied and increased and what great numbers of men and women haue suffered for the same with vs in England as
with the Sherifte and that the one shall teach them Gods law and the other mans law as ye heard in King Edgars lawes before Many other lawes both Ecclesiasticall and temporall besides these were enacted by these and other Kings heere in England before the Conquest but these be sufficient to geue the vnderstanding Reader to consider how the authority of the Bishops of Rome all this while extended not so farre to prescribe lawes for gouernement of the Church but that Kings and Princes of the Realme as they be now so were then full gouernours heere vnder Christ as well in causes Ecclesiasticall as temporall both in directing orders instituting lawes in calling of Synodes and also in conferring Byshoprickes and benefices without any leaue of the Romish Bishops Thus Odo Dunstane Oswold Ethelwold Aldelinus and Lancfrancus although they fet their palles afterwarde from Rome yet were they made Bishops and Archbishops by Kings only not by Popes And thus stoode the gouernement of this Realme of England all the time before the Conquest till Pope Hildebrand through the setting on of the Saxons began first to bring the Emperour which was Henry 4. vnder foote Then followed the subduing of other Emperours Kings and subiects after that as namely heere in England when Lancfrancus Anselmus and Becket went to complayne of their Kings and gouernours then brought they the Popes iudiciall authority first from Rome ouer this land both ouer Kings and subiects which euer since hath continued till these latter yeares Albeit the sayd Kings of this Realme of England being prudent Princes and seeing right well the ambitious presumption of those Romish Byshops did what they could to shake off the yoke of their supremacie as appeareth by the lawes and Actes of their Parliaments both in king Edward the thirds time King Richard the 2. and King Henry the 4. aboue in their Parliament notes specified yet for feare of other foreine Princes and the blind opinion of their subiectes such was then the calamitie of that time that neither they could nor durst compasse that which faine they would till at last the time of their iniquitie being complete through the Lords wonderfull working theyr pride had a fall as in the next Volume ensuing the Lord so graunting shall by proces of hystorie be declared The Image of the true Catholicke Church of Christ. ¶ The proude primacie of Popes paynted out in Tables in order of their rising vp by little and little from faythfull Byshops and Martyrs to become Lords and gouernours ouer King and kingdomes exalting themselues in the Temple of God aboue all that is called God c. 2. Thessalonians 2. IN the Table of the primitiue Churche aboue described hath bene gentle Reader set forth and exhibited before thine eies the greeuous afflictions and sorowfull tormentes which thorough Gods secret sufferance fell vpon the true Saints and members of Christes Church in that time especially vpon the good Bishops Ministers and teachers of the flocke of whome some were scourged some beheaded some crucified some burned some had their eies put out some one way some another miserably consumed which daies of wofull calamitie cōtinued as is foreshewed neare the space of CCC yeares During which time the deare spouse and elect Church of God being sharply assaulted on euery side had small rest no ioy nor outward safetie in this present world but in much bitternes of hart in continuall teares and mourning vnder the crosse passed ouer their daies being spoiled imprisoned contemned reuiled famished tormented and martired euerywhere who neither durst well tarie at home for feare and dread and much lesse durst come abroade for the enemies but onely by night when they assembled as they might sometimes to sing Psalmes and Hymnes together In all which their dreadfull dangers and sorrowfull afflictions notwithstanding the goodnes of the Lord left them not desolate but the more their outward tribulations did increase the more their inward consolations did abound and the farther off they seemed from the ioyes of this lyfe the more present was the Lorde wyth them wyth grace and fortitude to confirme and reioyce theyr soules And though theyr possessions and riches in this world were lost and spoyled yet were they enriched wyth heauenly giftes and treasures from aboue an hundreth fold Then was true Religion truely felt in hart Then was Christianitie not in outwarde appearance shewed but in inward affection receaued and the true image of the Churche not in outwarde shew pretensed but in her perfect state effectuall Then was the name and feare of God true in hart not in lippes alone dwellyng Fayth then was feruent zeale ardent prayer not swimming in the lippes but groned out to God from the bottome of the spirite Then was no pride in the Church nor laysure to seeke riches nor tyme to keepe them Contention for trifles was then so far from Christians that well were they when they could meete to pray together agaynst the Deuill authour of all dissention Briefly the whole Churche of Christ Iesus wyth all the members thereof the farther it was from the type and shape of this worlde the nearer it was to the blessed respect of Gods fauour and supportation ¶ The first rising of the Byshops of Rome AFter this long tyme of trouble it pleased the Lord at length mercifully to looke vpon the Saints and seruauntes of his sonne to release their captiuitie to release their miserie and to binde vp the old Dragon the Deuill which so long vexed them whereby the Church began to aspire to some more libertie and the Bishops which before were as abiects vtterly contemned of Emperours through the prouidence of God which disposeth all things in his time after his owne willy began now of Emperours to be esteemed and had in price Furthermore as Emperours grew more in deuotion so the Bishops more and more were exalted not only in fauour but also preferred vnto honour in so much that in short space they became not quarter maisters but rather halfe Emperours with Emperours Constantinus the Emperour embrasing Christen Byshops By which words of S. Paul we haue diuers things to vnderstand First that the day of the Lordes cōming was not thē nere at hand Secōdly the Apostle geuing vs a tokē before to know whē that day shall approch biddeth vs looke for an aduersary first to be reuealed Thirdly to shew what aduersary this shal be he expresseth him not to be as a common aduersary suche as were then in his time For although Herode Annas and Cayphas the high Priestes and Pharasyes Tertullus Alexander the Coppersmith Elymas Symō Magus Nero the Emperor in Paules time were great aduersaryes yet here he meaneth another besides these greater thē all the rest not such a one as should be like to Priest King or Emperor but such as farre exceding the estate of all kinges priests and Emperors should be the prince of priests should make kings to
they handes they could not beare that but incoÌ„tinent they put him besides the cushin The like also fell vp on Otho the 4. that folowed after Philip who was suffered no longer then foure yeares to raigne about the yeare of our Lord. 1209. Emperours kissing the Popes feete K. Iohns supplication to the Pope After this Friderick folowed his sonne CoÌ„radus whoÌ„ the foresayd Bishops for his disobedience soone dispatched exciting agaynst him in mortall warre the Lantgraue of Thuring wherby he was at length driuen into his kingdome of Naples and there deceased This Conradus had a sonne called Conradinus duke and prince of Suenia When this Conradinus after the decease of his father came to enioy his kingdome of Naples the sayd Bishops styrred vp against him Charles the french kings brother in such sort that through crafty conueyance both Couradinus which descended of the bloud of so many Emperours also Fridericke Duke of Austria were both takeÌ„ and after much wretched handling in theyr miserable induraunce vnseeming to theyr state at length were both brought vnder the axe by the Popes procurement and so both beheaded And thus ended the imperiall stock of Fridericke the first surnamed Barbarossa The like as happened to Fridericke the Emperor had almost also fallen vpon Philip the French king by Pope Boniface the 8. who because he could not haue his commodityes and reuenewes out of Fraunce after his will sent out his Bulles and letters patents to displace king Philip aforesayd and to possesse Albertus king of Romanes in his rowme And thus hitherto of forreigne storyes Now touching our countrey Princes here in Englande to speake somewhat likewise of them did not Pope Alexander the 3. presumptuously taking vpoÌ„ him where he had nothing to do to intermeddle with the kinges subiectes for the death of Becket the rebell albeit the king sufficiently cleared hym selfe thereof yet notwithstanding did he not wrongfullye bring the sayd king Henry 2. to such penaunce as it pleased him to enioyne also violently constrayne him to sweare obedience to the Sea of Rome pag. 227. The lyke also was shewed before in this story to happen to K. Iohn hys sonne For when the sayd king like a valiaunt Prince had held out the tyranny of those Bishops 7. yeares together were not all the Churches in England barred vp and hys inheritaunce with all his dominions geuen away by pope Innocent 3. to Ludouicus the French king and he afterward compelled to submitt both himselfe and to make hys whole Realme sedotary to the Byshops of Rome moreouer the king himselfe driuen also to surreÌ„der his crowne to Pandulphus the Popes Legate and so continued as a priuate person 5. dayes standing at the popes curtesy whether to receiue it agayne at his handes or no And when the nobles of the realme rose afterwarde agaynst the king for the same was not he then fayne to seeke and sue to the foresayd Pope for succour as by this his owne letter takeÌ„ out of the publicke roles may appeare Kyng Iohns Supplication to Pope Innocent the third REuerendis Domino suo Patri sanctis Innocentio Dei gratia Ioan. eadem gratia R. Angliae c. Cum Comites Barones Angliae nobis deuoti essent antequam nos nostram terram Domino vestro subia cere curassemus ex tunc in nos specialiter ob hoc sicut publice dicunt violenter insurguÌ„t Nos verò praeter Deum vos specialem dominum patronum habentes defensioneÌ„ nostram totius Regni quod vestrum esse credimus vestrae paternitati commissam nos quantum in nobis est curam solicitudinem istam vestrae resignamus dominationi deuotius supplicaÌ„tes quatenus in negotijs nostris quae vestra sunt coÌ„silium auxilium efficax apponatis prout melius videritis expedire latores praesentium c. Teste meipso apud Dour 18. Septemb. 6. Pope Coelestinus 4. crowning the Emperour Henricus 6. with his feete Besides this king Henry 2. and king Iohn his sonne what kinges haue here reigned in Englande since theyr time vntill the raign of king Henry 8. who although they were prudent princes did what they could in prouiding agaynst the proude domination of these Bishoppes were forced at length sore agaynst theyr wils for feare to subiect themselues together with theyr subiects vnder theyr vsurped authority in so much as some of them as Math. Paris writeth by king Henry ye. 3. were sayne to stoupe and kisse their Legates knee ¶ The Image of Antichrist exalting himselfe in the Temple of God aboue all that is named God out of his owne Decrees Decretals Extrauagantes Pontificals c. word for worde as it is out of the sayde bookes here alleaged and quoted Henricus 4. Emperour Waiting 3. dayes vpon Pope Gregory 7. Image of Antichrist Henricus 4. Emperour surrendering his crowne to the Pope Image of Antichrist King Iohn offering his Crowne to Pandulphus Legate K. Henry 2. kissing the knee of the PopÌ„es Legat comming into England Fridericus i. Emperour shent for holding Pope Adrians styrrup on the wrong side The order of the Popes riding the Emperour holding his bridle and kinges going before him Ex Lib. Sacrar Ceremon lib. 1. The P. caried on mens shoulders the Emp. K. going before him Ex li. Sacrar Cer. lib. 1. And to the intent I would all men to see and vnderstaÌ„d that I lacke not witnesses moe besides these if I list to bring them out you shal heare the whole queare of my diuine clergy brought out with a full voyce testifying in my behalfe in their bookes tractations distinctions Titles Gloses and Summaryes as by their owne wordes here followeth Doctors agree in Purgatory A. Antoninus in Summulis Augustinus de Ancho in Decret A stefanus Midorita B. Baptista de Salum sua Baptistiniana Bonauentura C. Campensis lib. Controuersiarum Coclaeus D. Durandus in Speculo Dreido de eccles Scripturis Dogmat. E. Eduardus Peuellus Anglus contra Luthe Ecchius in Enchirid. F. Franciscus Fulgo G. Gabriel Biel. Spica Gaspar Gratianus in Decretis Gerson doctor Illuminatistimus ecclesiastica potestate H. Hugo Cardinalis in postilla Hostiensis Holkot Hosius I. Ioannes Andrea Innocentius Ioan. de Turie Cremata de ecclesia summa L. Lanfrancus contra Wiclef Lilius Historicum Anglus Lapus Laurentius M. Magister Sententiarum N. Nicolaus O. Ockam in Dialogo parte 1. lib. 5. Oytanus P. Petrus de Palude Petrus de Tuaram Petrus de Aliaco Panoâ—â—â—taâ—â—s Alexander de Alec R. Raymundus in SuÌ„ma de Calibus Richardus Rabanus super Math. cap. 16. Rupertus Tuitiensis S. Scotus Doctor Subtilis T. Thomas Aquin. V. Vlricus W. Waldenss … De Sacramentis The Pope say they being the vicare of Iesu Christ throughout the whole worlde in the stead of the liuing God hath that dominion and Lordship which christ here in earth would not haue although he had it in habitu but
woman out of her Monastery came fiue Byshops Dosa Eatha Oâ—â—ford Ioannes Wilfride Hacanos Abington Ioanno at Lincolne Ely Abbey Chertsey Berkyng Peterborough Bardney Glastonbery Camesey Winburne Sealesey Wincombe S. Albones Eusham Ripon Echelinghey S. Shaftesbury Two thinges to be wished in them that first builded Monkishe Monasteries The article of free iustification not knowne Ex Crouiciâ— Gulâ—el Malmesb Lib. â— A bâ—iefe Cataloge of Queenes and Kinges daughters which leauing their estate were made Nunnes Hilda Erchengodâ— Ermenilda â—delberga Etheldreda Werburga Kynreda Kineswida Sexburga Elfrida Mildreda Milburga Milguida Kineburga Elfleda Alfritha Wulfritha Editha Kinges made Monkes Egbert king of the Westsaxons afterward Monarke and king of the whole Realme In this tyme came in the Danes Fill into the North partâ— and were driuen out agaynes Anno. 807. Example what it is to despise other Example of patience Anno. 826. Of this victory went a prouerb Riuuscruore rubuit ruina restitit foetorâ— tabuit This land first called Anglia Anno. 833. Danes now the second tyme entred in this land Anno. 834. Fabian cap. 158. Rog. Houed Lab. 5. cap. 1. England fiue tymâ—s plagued by other natioÌ„s Ex Rog. Houed Lib. 5. Anno. 837. A place in Fabian to be amended Guliel Lib de gestis pont Anglor sayth this Pope was Leo iiij Anno. 844. Priuiledges and temporalties graunted to the Church by king Ethelwulfe Ex Flor. Hist. Pro remis Note the blinde ignoraunce and erroneous teaching in those dayes Peter 〈◊〉 through the whole Realme graunted 〈◊〉 Rome Money bestowed to burne day light Note here the holy and holesome counsailers and doynges of the spiritual Lordes Ludouicus Pius Emperour king of Fraunce Fredericke Byshop of Vtricke Byshop Fridericke openly admonisheâ—h the Emperour at the table Note that were ii Iudithes one the mother of Carolus Caluus the other his daughter whom king Ethelwulfe did marry Fridericke Byshop of Vtricke iudged of some a Martyr Example of the women more ready to reuenge then the man Swithinus Bishop of Winchester Example of a kind scholer to hys scholemayster Monkishe miracles fayned of Swithinus Pope Leo iij. Stephen iiij Pascalis i. Eugenius .ij. Valentinus .j. Gregory iiij A generall Synode at Aquil graue Euerye Church to haue sufficient to finde hys owne Priestes Pretious garmentes of scarlet or other riche colour forbidden men of the Clergy Great families not lawfull for men of the Clergy Ringeâ— and gold in their shoes forbidden The feast of all Sainctes first ordayned Pope Sergius .ij. When the Popes names began the first to be altered Agnus thrise song at the Masse The hoste deuided in three partes Pope Leo the 4. No Byshop by the Popes law to be condemned vnder 72. witnesses The golden crosse first borne before the pope A woman Pope called Ioan. viij The Church of Rome after their Masse of the holy Ghost may erre Pope Benedictus iij. Dirge for the dead Pope Nicolas the first The mariage of priestes begon to be forbiddeÌ„ * Anno. 867. A letter written to Pope Nicolas concerning Priestes not to refrayne from Mariage Priestes Mariage in the olde law permitted in the new law not forbidden The inconuenience of single life The saying of the Apostle let euery one haue hys own wife This Decree is contrary to the Bishops and Prelates in Queene Maryes tyme. More then 6000 heads of infantes found in the Popes more thorough the wicked decree of the single lyfe of priestes Let Priestes note well the saying of Gregory August ad Donatum Note well the saying of Austen August What it is to marry in the Lord. What a virgine is by the diffinition of the Apostle August ad BonifacioÌ„ The absurde saying and contrary during of papistes Gregorius 2. Tim. 3. Inuenitur bee Epistola in vetustis meÌ„branaceis libris testaÌ„et Illyrico in Catologo Memiuit eiusdem Epistola deutas Syluius in sua peregrinatione Germania descriptione Pope Hadrian the second Iohn â— Martine ij Hadrian iij. Steuen v. Ex vetusto exemplo historia Catianâ— W.C. â— The cause of Gods wrath wherâ—by the Realme of England was scouâ—ged by the Danes An other cause rendred why England was scourged of the Danes The first entring of the Dane Ex historia Iornalensi Example what mischiefe commeth by adultery Codrinus king of Denmarke Inguar and Hubba captaynes of the Danes An other cause of the comming of the Danes Lothbroke father to Inguar and Hubba What miserable enuy worketh Murther will out K. Ethelwulphe deceaseth An. 857. King Ethelbald K. Ethelbright An. 867. King Etheâ—dred Yorke buâ—ned by the Danes What discord doth in a commoâ—â—wealth An. 870. S. Edmund king of Eastangles The message of the Danes to K. Edmund The aunswere of K. Edmund The persecution and death of S. Edmund king of the Eastangles K. Edmund Martyr Redyng taken of the Danes Inguar and Hubba slayne Duke Ethelwold slayne Osrike king of Denmark landeth in England Ex Guliel Malmesboriensi Ex historia lornalensi Ex Fabiano alijs Inuocation and prayer profitable in tyme of battayle The Danes ouerthrown at Ashdon Another battayle fought with the Danes Another battayle fought with Danes at Merton What discord and rebellion doth in a realme The death of Etheldred The Abbey of Exceter founded An. 872. Alured K. of England Ex Rog. Houedeno H. Hunting Polychronicon Fabiano Burhered being expulsed hys kingdome went to Rome and there dyed in the Englishe house Rollo a Dane first Duke of Normandy Anno. 879. King Alfrede flyeth into a desert wood Etheling which is to say the I le of Nobles A swineheard made Byshop of Winchester Henr. Hunting lib. 5. de Histor. Angl. Inguar and Hubby slayne A bold aduenture or attempt of king Alfrede ventring himself into the tentes of the Danes Ex Fabiano Gutrum the Prince of the Danes was Christened King Gutrum named Athelstane Norfoâ—â—â— Suffolke geuen to king Gutrum The Nunâ—â— of Shaftesbury builded The Monastery of Etheling The new minster at Winchester besieged 〈◊〉 the Danes An. 892. The Danes driuen from Norfolke The Danes returne agayne to Norfolkeâ— The Danes driuen out of Chester The Danes driuen from Lewes The riuer of Luye deuided in three 3. plagues in England An. 897. The Danes ships taken An. 899. The vertues and godly lyfe of kyng Alfrede described The inclination of nature corrected in K. Alfrede The godly petition of king Alfrede Modwenna King Alured how he deuided hys goodes in two partes Polycron Lib. 5. ca. 1. Guliel lib. de regibus The liberall hart of king Alfrede How well and godly this king spent his tyme The godly lawes of King Alfrede A notable example of thiâ—â—ery and felony banished thys Realme Ex historiâ— lornalensi King Alfrede commended for learning When learning first began to be set vp in England Chester a place of learning The Vniuersitie of Graunchester by Cambridge The vniuersitie of Paris 〈◊〉 began by iiij Rabanus Alcuinus Claudius Ioan. Scotus Sigebert king of Eastangleâ— a scepter of Schooles Two aâ—ncient schooles in
crafty conspiracy of the Cardinals agaynst the Emperour The verse The glose vpon the verse of Hildebrand The Pope proued a double lyer The Pope traytor to the Emperour Great 〈◊〉 stirred vp by the pope O pestiferous hipocrite The Pope prayeth S. Peter to dishonor hys king And S. Peter byndeth the Pope to honour hys king Crocodili lachryma Scripture well applyed A figure called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cuius contrarium verum est Vim faciunt scripturis vt plenitudinem accipiant potestatis Let all Papâ—â—â— marke here well the holines of their holy father As though he were not set vp by you rather then by them The more to blame Emperours to suffer you to be so saucie with them Nego argumentum Confer this clause with the history of the story hereafter following O double hipocrite Guibertus Archbishop depriued The 4. battell betwixt Henry and Rodulph Henricus rectors Rodulphus at hys death repenting The Pope geueth war but God geueth victory Conciliam Brixonse Anno. 1083. No Bishop of Rome to be chosen without the assent of the Emperour Abbas Vrspergensis Henricus Mutius Note here the Pope iudged and deposed of the councell The Pope seeketh succour of hys paramour The first example to fight for remission of sinnes began in Hildebrand Platina Nauclerus Sabellicus Crantzius Benno c. Hildebrand the first author and patrone of all misrule that followed in Popes The death of William Conquerour Pestilence in England and 〈◊〉 of beastes London with the Church of Paules brent Wolstane Byshop of Worcester England peaceable froÌ„ theeâ—â—â— The Abbey of battayle The Abbey of Barmoâ—desay The first byshop of Salisbury Osmund Bishop of Sarum Ordinale ecclesiastici officy SecunduÌ„â—sum Sarum Ex Eulogio historico Lib. 3. The vse and ordinary of Sarum how and when it was deuised Example of Gods iust iudgment vpon a Byshop who being unmercifull to the poore was eaten with rattes and myse Anno. 1088. William Rufus Wolstane Byshop of Worcester Anno. â— 1091. The death of Lanfras cus Archb. of Canterâ— Remigios Byshop of Lincolne Lincolne minster builded Stow Abbey builded Anno. 1092. Wynchecombe steeple brent with lightning Vi. hundreth houses blowne down with wynde The roofe of Bowe Church ouerthrown Robert Bleuet paydv thousand markes for hys Bishoppricke Herbert Losinga Byshop of Norwiche Losinga 1. adulator Norwiche mynster builded by Herbert Pope victor the 3. Pope victor poysoned in his chalice A comparisoÌ„ betwene Hildebrand Pope of Rome and Ieroboam king of Israell The order of Charter monkes began Pope Vrbanus 2. Two Popes in Rome The order of Cistercian or whyte monkes beganne Synodus Romana vel Placentina Synodus Claromantana The viage vnto the holy land The number that went The captaynes of thé whiche went to the holy land Anno. 1096. The actes of the Christians in their viage to win Hierusalem Antioch taken of the Christians Anno. 1098. The slaughter of the Persian infidels Hierusalem conquered by the Christians Ex Henrie li. 7. The king of Englands iudgment agaynst the Pope Ex Math. paris Decrees of pops Vibanus Ioan Stella Nauclerus Dist. 31. Eos qui 15. 9.6 Iuratos 30. q. 8. quod autem Example of Gods rightfull iudgement in punishing cruel murther Anselmus made Archbishop of Cant. The saying of Anselme pondered The vice of singularitie Anselme ill willing to take the Archbishop prick Canterbury first geuen to the Archbishop wholy Strife and contention betweene the king and Anselmus Anselme stopped from hys consecration Anselme consecrated Anselme doth homage to K. William Vrbanus and Clemens striuing for the papacie England fauoured Clemens Anselmus holdeth with Vrbanus Anselme denied leaue to goe to Rome Anselme appealeth from the K. to the Pope Anselme charged for a traytour The kinges argument agaynst Anselme The custome of England from William Conquerours time not to Appeale to the Pope Anselmus reply against the king The reasons of Anselme to proue the popes authority aboue other kings Anselme here ignorauntly calleth the Pope the vicare of S. Peter where the CaÌ„non lawe calleth him but the successour of Peter and vicare of Christ. All the Bishops of the Realme stoode of the kinges side agaynst Anselmus William Byshop of Duresine Gualterâ—â— the Popes legate cummeth to England Anselme could not be remoued by the king The pope taketh this no fault for a subiect to repugne agaynst hys king The stoatnes of Anselme standing agayâ— hys king The maneâ— of bringing in Anselme palle into Cant. An other quarrell of the king against Anselme Anselme agayne appealeth to Rome The king â—â— aunswere to Anselme for hys appealing to Rome The custome of England no prelate or noble man to goe to Rome with out the kinges sending The answer of Anselme to the king Note the bye reasons of Anselm The Byshops left Anselme alone Anselme flying out of England Anselme searched by the kinges officer for letten A fragment or portion of a letter of Anselme to Pope Paschalts Et ex legenda Ans. aut Edmero Ex Epistol Anselm 36. The king would not haue the pope receaued nor appealed vnto in England Anselme complayneth of the K. of hys suffragane Byshops The king contemneth the Popes warning Concilium BaroneÌ„se Anselme and hys successours of Cant. placed at the right foot of the pope in generall councels De processione spiritus sancti The difference betweene the greeke Church and the latine Ex Registro eccles Herefordensis The articles and opinions of the greeke Church differing from the Latine church of Rome My copy here seemed to want somewhat This article seemeth not to be rightly collected out of the Grecians Anselme stout champion agaâ—â—â— the Grecians A letter of Anselme sent to ValtraÌ„ Bishop of Nurenburgh Ex Epiâ— Adsel â—â—â— Bread in the communion to be vnleauened is not necessary Ex Epist. Anselme 327. An other letter Diuersitie of vsages is the Church to be borne with peace rather than to be condemned with offeÌ„ce Diuers customes in the Church hurt nothing Excommunication denounced agaynst the Grecians Excommunication bent agaynst K. William First breake hys head and then geue him a playster Message betweene the K. and the Pope A loude cracke of thunder but without a thunderbolt A bribing mistery handled at Rome Concilium Romanum â—ptimus â—ansidicus â—ummus Actes of the councel of Rome The hardnes or rather rashnes of K. Wil. The saying of K. Wil. how he neuer knew any K. drowned The death of William Rufus Walter Tirrell The new forres+ Example of the iust hand of God reuenging the faultes of Kinges in their posteritie Couetousnes noted in king William A famous example of bribes refused Two bribing monkes both disapoynted Vrbane excommunicated Henry the 4. Emperour Henry the 4. Emperour by 4â— Popes excommunicated Ludouicus erle conspiring and rebellious agaynst the Emperour Anno. 1090. Ex appendica Mariani Scâ—ts Concorde and iust obedience necessary in a common wealth Disobedience punished of God Gal. Iohn Rom. A rayling aunswere to the former
letter of Byshop Waltram Well said when ye are not able to withstand hys wisedome call him a foole Note howe the earle here calleth light darcknes and darcknes light He hath vttered more 〈◊〉 then you are able euer â— aunswereth Whether euery poweâ— is to be obeyed or noâ— Osee. â— If euery power which offendeth on subiectes is to be call out then hath this Earle 〈◊〉 a fayre argument How 〈◊〉 these Papistes describe themselues in their owne colours But Paule iudged the Emperour to be an ordinary power when he appealed to him This is â—â— ly that the Emperour would 〈◊〉 his owne wife a common 〈◊〉 Euill will neuer sayd well A zeale but faâ—â—e from knowledge And when they shall slay you they shall thinke they doe God great seruice Iohn 16. Yea true if he had cópelled you to forsake the name of Christ which hee neuer did Oh how craftely doth Sathan here shape himselfe to an Angell of light Exvetusto chronico Kinges ceased in Wales Anno. 1100. Henry Beuclerk the first king of England What learning doth in a prince Lawes of King Edward reduced The measure of England made after the length of King Henries arme Wanton persons remoued out of the court Ex Math. Paris Flor. Hist Example what it is to leaue of the Lordes busines Duke Robert taken prisoner The hospitall of Bartholomew founded Rayer and Richard Whittington founders of S. Bartholomewes in London Ex Henr. lib. 7. Anselmus The king ordayned and inuested Byshops without the Pope Herbert bishop of Norwich dinorsing hys priestes from their wiues had much a doe Anselmus cruell and fierce agaynst maryed Priestes Ex epist. Ansel. 176. Versus malò feriati ex biblio Ramsey Anno. 1103. A strife betwene K. Henry and Anselme the Archbish. of Cant. Gifford Bishop of Wint. refuseth to be consectrate by the Archbishop of Yorke A strife betwene King Henry and Anselmus Archb. of Cant. Ex Guli lib. 1. de Gestis A. 〈◊〉 Romanes Councel agaynst 〈◊〉 men 〈◊〉 any 〈…〉 Nospirâ—â— person to it vnderloâ—â—ction to 〈◊〉 lay personage Ex lorâ—â—lensis 〈◊〉 others â—ihistoria Anselme resuseth to do homage to his King Messengeâ— sent to Rome Ex Mathâ— Paris Ex Gulâ—â— lib. 1. de gestis 〈◊〉 Ang. The king hath nothing to do with the Pope hys letters Messenger sent agayn to Rome The letter of K. Henry the first vnto the Pope Spoken like a king The â—ing is a point to 〈◊〉 the â—opes obeâ—ince Another â—tter of K. Henry the 〈◊〉 sent to â—he Pope A place of Polydorus Virg. found â—aultie Ex Guliel lib. 1. de â—ont Anglo The pope othe to go agaynst hys owne proâ—it He meaneth beside the two bishops Giâ—ardus whiche made the third Anselme a deuout chaplaine to the Church of Rome Anselme iournieth agâ—yne to Rome The effect of the oration of W. Warlwast at the popes court Ex Galial De gestis pont of â— lib. 1â— Ex Math. Paris lib. 3. A proud aunswere of the pope Excommunication abused Anselme restrayned from comming to England Ex Redulph Londimensi A letter of Anselme to kyng Henry The proude stoutnes of a prelate in a wrong cause Anselme about to excommunicate the king Reconcile â—ent made betweene the king and Anselmus Ambassage to Rome Guliel Malmes lib. 1. de gestis pontisi Priestes receaued their wiues agayne by the Absence of Anselme The faultes of ecclesiasticall ministers long to none but to byshops to correct quod Anselme The K. brought vnder the Archbishop Conditions graunted by the king to Anselm Lawfull matrimony punished Anselme returneth into England Priestes driuen agayne from their wiues Anno. 1106. Exlib 〈◊〉 liel de 〈…〉 lib. 1. c◠〈…〉 Priests 〈◊〉 parres Archbâ— concie 〈◊〉 to be â—â—med Marriaged Priestes forbidâ— Vowe of chastiâ—â— brought in Benefice not to 〈◊〉 hesitate How he was 〈◊〉 Gates â— Lord Châ—â— celerâ— Queen Mariesâ—â— Priestes crownes Tythes Bying of prebendes Building of Chappels Euery Churches finde hys own Priest Abbot to mayntayne no want Monkes admitted in geuing penaunce Monkeâ—â— Godfather nor nunce godmothers Abbey landes Improperptions restreyned Priuy concontractes Rounding Mariage within the 7. degree restrayned Buryinges No holines to be geuen to shrines and places Selling and buying of men Sodometry A flap with a soxe tayle for sodomitry Ranulph Cestrensis lib. 7. Note the preposterous proceding of Anselme in ceasing the vice of Sodomitry Penalties and forfaits agaynst priestes that kept their wiues In the latter dayes shall come false teachers forbidding mariage and eating of meates c. PurificatioÌ„ of priestes that had bene maried K. Henry permitted priestes to haue both churches and wiues Ex Epist Ansel. 77. 377. Pope Paschal hath so decreed it at Rome Ergo prieste must haue no wiues Ex Epist. Ansel. 33. If profite of the Church may come by priestes children what hurt then were it to the church for priestes to haue wiues K. Henry and hys nobles ready to forsake the romishâ— Church A letter of Anselme agaynst priestes receauing agayne their wiues Ex Epist. 37. Priestes excommunicated for receauing agayn their wiues A letter of Anselmus Ex Epist. 255. Whether is more merite for a monke to cause himselfe in the chapter to be whipped or to suffer obediently the whippingeâ— of his Abbot The iudgement or conclusion of Anselme vpon the case False opinion of merite Anno. 1105. Iudges corrupted A terrible example for corrupt iudges to beware Pope Paschalis the 2. The pope tyremâ—â—â— The seuenfold power of the pope Of Antichrist borne and manifest The bishop of Fluenceâ— martyr Sabellicus A councell at Trecas A tragicall history of the Pope Paschalis setting the sonne agaynst the father Ex historia Helmoldâ— The prelates set the sonne agaynst the father A gratefull example of a good and thankefull Duke A naughty sonne of a good father Ex Helmolds â—â— Gorâ—rido Viterbiensi The vnkindnes of a proud prelate Anno. 1106. The Emperour v. yeares with out buriall Anno. 1107. Henricus Emperour Ex Chronico Casionis lib. 3. The pope taken prisoner We raysed vp by the Pope and his papistes Peace concluded betweene the Emperour and the P. Bernardus the Abbot Bernardine monkes came in The Citty of Worcester almost all consumed with fire Mathildis Example of the Lordes iust retribution and iudgement Two popes striuing together Pope Calixtus the 2. The Pope excommunicate 〈◊〉 the Emperour Gregorius brought into Rome 〈…〉 broughten and whea Dist. 76. cap. Ieiunium The order of Monkes PraemonstrateÌ„ses Scripture clerkly applyed of the pope Priestes and ministers compelled to leaue their wiues Anno. 1109. The Bishoprick of Ely first planted Henry first Bishop of Ely Anno. 1110. Trent dyed vp An earthquake Morayne and pestilence Ex Gualthero Gisburnensi Anno. 1113. Wirceter consumed with fire Anno. 1114. Rodulphus Archbishop of Cant. Thurstinus Archbishop of Yorke Dissention betweene Thurstinus of Yorke and Rodolph Archb of Cant. for subiection The letter of Paschalis to K. Henry Ex Gualthero Gisburnensi Ex Gulie De
1000 marks The fift part of all the goods of the clergy granted to the Pope Great expence of money in the court of Rome betweene the B. of Lincoln and the Cathedrall Church Money wast fully bestow ed. Mony comming to the Pope betweene the b. of Lincoln the monks within his Dioces How pretely the Pope can take with both handes Money may doe much at Rome The popes answere to Rob Grosted Iustice peruented by the popes authoritie for money Money comyng to the Pope by the election of Boniface archb of Cant. and of Ethelmare B. of Wint. both straÌ„gers and French men Mariage with Alinore the kings sister a Nunne dispensed by the Pope for money What inconuenience commeth by the Popes dispensations Wilfull periurie mainteined by the Popes dispensations Enormities which spring out of the popes dispensations The miserable impouerishing of the Realme by the popes prouisions and contributions Cardinall Otho Legate in England The receiuing of Otho the popes Legate into the Realm Anno. 1237. Otho the Legate seeketh to come into Scotlande The king of Scottes his answere to Cardinall Otho The 〈◊〉 of Seaâ—â—â— hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 within 〈◊〉 popes Legate Cardinal Otho 〈◊〉 ped 〈◊〉 ing into Sâ—â— land Oppression of the 〈◊〉 of Englâ—â— by Cardiâ—â—â— Otho the popes Legaâ—â— Anno. 1238. The nobles of England writ to Pope Gregory 〈◊〉 collationâ—â— benefices wrasled or of their 〈◊〉 Petrus Rubeus the popes 〈◊〉 All beneâ—â— ced men in England â—â— pelled to geue theâ—â— part of the reuenewes to the pope anno â—â—â—â— Anno. 1240. Excuses of the Clergy why they would not contribute â— the Pope â—oc childreÌ„ of Rome â—laced in benefices in England Edmund Archb. of Cant. deparâ—eth the â—ealme and dyeth in exile Three thousand pounds to the popes â—se Romaynes 23. brought to Englande to be benefited The P. for money releaseth christias of their â—owâ— Mumelius 20 other messenger of the pope An exectable exaction of the pope vpon the house of Peterborough Abbot of Pe terborough thrust out of the popes court The obligation of kyng Iohns tribute to the pope burned The bishops of England put their handes and seales to the popes bill Petrus Rubeus Petrus de Supino the Popes collectors in England A thousand and fiue hundreth markes broughâ— out of Ireland for the Pope M. Martinus aâ— other messenger for the Popes money an 1244. Extortion of the Popes Legate vpon the clergie of Englando Contribution of x. M. markes for the Pope The pope craftely holdeth with the kyng that the king might holde with him Intimation geuen to the king touching the importable oppression of the realme by the Pope K. Henries letter to the Pope The kyng offereth to kisse the Popes feet Damage receiued by the pope in the realme of England The pope prouisions The kinges too much in subiection to the pope Ex Mat. Paris sol 172. The pope setteth Welch men against the king of England Contribution required of the clergie of England for the pope with their excuses and reasons against the same The portes of England layd to stop the popes letters yet all would not serue Siâ—â—e 〈◊〉 land 〈◊〉 yerely 〈◊〉 out of 〈◊〉 landâ—â—â— Pope 〈◊〉 Italia 〈◊〉 M. Martinâ—â— the Popes legate serâ— out of Enâ— land in the deuils 〈◊〉 The pope in displeasure with the king of England * 〈◊〉 lot The 〈◊〉 wordes of the pope against the French 〈◊〉 and king of England Anno. 1245. The supplication of 〈◊〉 Lords and commons of England 〈◊〉 the Pope The superstitious 〈◊〉 ding of neonasterics in England Iniuries receiued in England by the Pope Benefices in â—uglande wickedly giuen a way to Italians Three score thousande markes yerely giuen to Italians out of the church of England Italians receiued more in this land of meer reÌ„ts then did the kings crown Detestable dealings of the popes legate in England Complaint of M. Martin â—he Popes Legate K. HeÌ„ry the â—hird vsed euery day to â—eare 3. masâ—es by note The stout wordes of the Lordes â—o the Pope The suppliâ—ation of the English naâ—ion tooke no place with the Pope The Englishe Ambassadours agreeued with the Pope The Pope in an anger with England The Bishops of England set their seales to the popes tribute Anno. 1246. The pope stirreth Lewes the French king to warre against the K. of Englande Lewes the freÌ„ch kyng refuseth to warre against Englande The first yeares fruites for seuen yeares gathered of all benefices for the Archb. of Cant. The prelates of England charged to find horse and harnes for Popes warres A subtile practise of the pope The popes baite layde for more money A new lawe of the pope to season vpon all the goods of clergie men that die intestate A note of certaine ecclesiasticall persons dying in England worth great substance Sixe thousand marks to be gathered of the clergie of Englande for the Pope The king beginneth to withstand the Pope but durst not holde out The Pope in a chafe The wordes of Ioannes Anglicuâ— Cardinall to the Pope The miserable troubles of christendome Of Spaine he meaneth because the king of Aragone a litle before had cut off the tongue of a certaine B. that did reprehend him Paris fol. 207. Power giuen to the Bish. of Worcester to interdict the land The K. fayne to relent to the Pope 238. Of this diuision read before pag. 282. The Grecians vsed to washe their altar if any latin masse had bene saide vpon them Ex Actâ—s concilâ—â— Lateranâ—â—sis cap. 4. Goods gotten by vsury attached for the Pope Excommunication abused False â—â—â—lutiâ—â— oâ— sinnes Vsurarie prauâ—las Goods 〈◊〉 in dead â— wils for restitution eâ—uâ—ted to the Pope Goods â—â—bequetheâ— in deâ—d 〈◊〉 willes coâ— uerted to war agaiâ—â—â— the Gâ—â—eâ—â— Goods â—â—gotten coâ—uerted 〈◊〉 Pope Abseloâ— for 〈◊〉 An vâ—â—â—â—nable eâ—â— on of the Pope Non 〈◊〉 Three â—â—n thousande poundes â—â—acted of â—â— clergie to â— payde to â—â— Pope A Parliament Letter sent the Pope the name all the eâ—tes com â—altie of â—e realme â—ote fooles â—uâ—ingiuing the â—hurch so â—uch â—he Pope â—â—â—king beâ—â—e EnglaÌ„d â— swimme â—th golde â—â—d siluer The popes â—â—swere aâ—aine to the â—â—ng of England The Pope â—alfe in his promise Note the subtle practise of the pope to get money The Bishop of Lincolnes answere to the Friers the Popes messengers The Abbot of S. Albons maketh great sute to the Pope for the 400. markes that he should pay This Iohannes Anglicus was the more fierce against the Abbot because hee receiued him not with such reuerence as hee thought meete for the popes legate Example howe this Realme of England was oppressed miserably by the Pope The Abbot of AbbingdoÌ„ cited to appeare before the Pope The Abbot of Abingdon condemned in 50. markes for denying of an english benefice to an Italian the Popes nephew A detestable extortion of the pope vsâ—d against the priorie of Binham The Grecians excused purged in parting froÌ„ the Church of Rome The miseries that haue risen in
5. compassed by ciuile dissention for the prerogatiue of election as his father was Henry the 5. resigneth his prerogatiue of election The electioÌ„ gotteâ— to the Byshops of Rome Gratianus fouÌ„d a forger of the Canons Sergius 2. Iohn 6. and Adrian 3. The secoÌ„d fault founde with Gratianus The third fault founde with Gratianus Howe shameles and impudent Gratianus is in forging the decrees The corrupting of many good workes to be feared The election wrasted froÌ„ the Emperour What Rome once catcheth that she keepeth Not without good cause desired they to noâ—el the people in ignoraunce Euery kyng and prince in their seuerall kingdome had also till that time the prerogatiue of election Hispane had the same Fraunce had the same England had the election Germanie had the election Sicilia had the election The death of Constantia the wife of Fredericke A great ouerthrow of the Christians in Egypt Fredericke and the pope made friendes Honâ—â—â— the 〈◊〉 eth 〈◊〉 he put â— practise â— vre agaâ—â— Fredeâ—â—â— Gregoriâ—â— as great an enemy to Fred as Honorius Frederike seth to â—â—e into Asia the popeâ— bidding in pope is angry The caused the slay of the Emperours iourney into Asia The Pope dissembled his grudge The preâ—ration ciâ—â—riage of Fredericke â—â— Ierusalâ—â— and staye thereof The preparation of the Emperours war against the Turke 〈◊〉 slicknes in the Emperours army The Emperour himselfe sicke The Pope excommunicateth the Emperour for staying â—is viage He layeth â—alse accusation to his â—harge The Empeâ—our putâ—eth himâ—â—lfe of those â—imes the â—ope layde â—gainst him â—y his letters â—edicated to â—l Christen â—â—inces The effect of â—he Empeâ—â—urs letters The Empeâ—ours purgaâ—â—on The Empeâ—ours epistle â—eginning â—hus In adâ—irationem â—â— iusticiaÌ„ â—nd agayne â—enate ocuâ—â—s A letter of the Emperour to the king of England abstracted by Mat. Paris Many kingdomes haue experience of the popes practises The Church of Rome the mother of mischief King Iohns submission to the pope blamed by the Emperour Who be the rauening Wolues in sheepes clothing The treasure of the Church belongeth to the pope Christes church was builded in humilitie The popes Church is all sâ—periluitie Ergo the popes Church is not Christes Church An other iourney of the Emperour to Ierusalem The Emperour oppressed by famine and by prayer myraculously relieued A conclusion of a profitable peâ—ce during x. yeares betwene the Turkes and the Christians The articles of the peace agreed vpon The letters of Fredericke to the princes and pope of his successe The Emperour crowned king of Ierusalem The first and secret practise of Pope Gregory â— The Emperour withstandeth the secret 〈◊〉 which the pope had wrought against him â— Ierusalem The second and manâ—â—d treason of the Pope against Fredericke Brennus PaÌ„dolphus Iohannes Columna â— Thomas â— traytor the Popes generalles and leaders of his hoste What meaâ—ing the P. â—â—d to sende â—redericke â— fight aâ—ainst the â—urke â—owe the â—ope chaâ—th fretâ—eth at the â—rosperous â—uccesse of â—he Empeâ—our â—londus reâ—toued that â—ote so â—reatly in â—he Popes â—auour The third practise of P Gregory against the Emperour The P. setteth the sonne against the father as a good father of peace Henry Cesar at the popes intisement putâ—eth from him hâ—s truthe counsailer Ludonicus The Emperour hearing of the popes practises returneth secretly out of Asia Iohn Brennus remoued froÌ„ the siege of Calatia God prospereth Fredericke in all his affaires Fredericke entreateth for the Popes fauour although â—ee haue no nâ—â—de The Pope refuseth a peace with the Emperour The price of the Emperours absolution Vnshamefull Blondus Cuspinianus prâ—tely gudeth the Pope What beneficence the Emperour vseth to haue the Popes friendship which he shall neuer gette A well recempenced good tuâ—ne of the Pope to the Emperour Blondus taken with vntruth The Emperours sonnes no loÌ„ger suborned make manifest rebellion against their father A wicked murtherâ— Henry Cesar for 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 seruice The outraâ—â— of H. Cesar against the Emperour his father The Emperour 14. yeares 〈◊〉 Germany The Pope fearethâ—â— his treason should be spied by the Emperour going into Germanâ—â— Henry Cesar condemned of treason and â—eth in pâ—â—â— Fredericke Austricus proclaymed an open 〈◊〉 my to his father and disherited The Emperour maryeth kyng Iohns daughter of Englande The pope againe beginneth to play his part The Popes embassage to the Emperour The Emperour againe vnto the Pope A secret coÌ„spiracie of the pope against the Emperour The Emperour marcheth into Italie notwitstanding the popes forbidding The Emperour loth to breake the peace of late concluded The pope refuseth to speake with the Emperours Legates The new sentence of proscription against the Emperour The Pope wageth and hyrâ—th 35. Galleyes to spoile the coasts of the Emperor The popes edict against the Emperour Ascendit de mari â—â—tlica bestâ—â— Albertus Behauus the popes one hand The P. threateneth to curse all those that wiâ—h well to the Emperour Otho with diuers other princes of Germany by the popes meane doe forsake the Emperour What great good the oration of Peter de Vineis did in the themperors behalfe The Emperours letter to all prelates to bridle the pope and restraine him of his will MaÌ„ being made of two partes hath two seuâ—rall regiments Gods word and the materiall sworde The Apologie of the Emperor to the popes edict Ascendit de mars c. Antechrist long agone descried to the world by the Emperour The confesion of the Emperours fayth wherof he was accused by the pope The pope vnder pretence of his holines deceiueth simple soules and ignoraÌ„t men The imperiall dignitie spurned at alwayes by the pope The answer of Symonides applyed The Emperor prophesieth of the popes fall The Emperour vtterly reiecteth and the pope and Church of Rome The Emperour calleth a parliament or councell to expresse the popes malice The godly Byshops of Germany are obedient to the kyng and prince The bishops of Germanie excommunicate the popes legate and Cardinall Iouanensis the Byshop a true subiect to his prince The passage of the pope to maintaine the warre against his Lord and maister The pope besiegeth Ferraria The fidelitie of papistes learned by this example The Emperours Gallies chased and one of his ships taken by the pope The Gibellines and Gwelpes from whence they came The pope afraid of the Emperors comming into Italy The Emperour hangeth all the crossed souldiours The Emperour retayneth the Saracens in his warres against the Pope The effect of a letter sent by the Emperour to the princes of Germany No enemy more hurtfull to the Church of God then is the pope The Emperour voweth to remoue the pope and put another more carefull shepheard into the church of God Boiemus relenteth at the Emperours letter The practise of Otho with the pope against the Emperour The Pope rescript â—â—sheth 〈◊〉 matter 〈◊〉 By what meanes Otho attained so great possessions by the Empire his Ancestors The governour of Agrippina reuolteth to the Pope The Emperours great lenitie
excluded out of the land The crowched Friers The knights of S. Iohn called the knightes of the Rodes Templaries burned at Paris to the number of â—â— The order of the Templarie put downe The horrible sect of the Templaries Cistercian Monkes for money redeme their exemptions of the pope The Fryers minorites deceiued of Pope Clement Ex Chron. Thâ— Wals. One thiefe be guileth mother Pope ClemeÌ„t excommunicateth the Venetians for making a duke The pryde and tyranny of Pope Clement 5. FrauÌ„cis Dádulus humbleth him selfe for his countrey Out of Sabellie and is alleaged in the booke named the Image of tyranny The pietie of Dandulus to his countrey Pietie thaÌ„kfully rewarded Rob. Winchelsey returned home from banishment Anno. 1311. The counting of the yeare was in the old time from Michaelmas to the same day againe Ex Chron. The. Wals. The Archb. of Cant excommunicateth the Bish. of Couentry for holdyng with Peter Gaueston Peter Gaueston taken of the nobles The kyng entreateth for Gaueston Guy of Warwike Peter Gaueston againe apprehended by Gwy of Warwike Peter Gaueston beheaded The corpes of Peter Gaueston buryed in the kinges Manor of Langley The Nobles of England cared not for the popes letters The Popes Legates not admitted of the Nobles of England Anno. 1312. The kyng ruled by foreine counsayle Makebates about the kyng Mediation for making peace The king reconciled againe with his nobles Anno. 1313. What diâ—cord doth in a common weale The Scotâ— rebel against the realme of England English men ouercome by the Scottse Pope Clement neuer late in the sea of Rome Ann. 1314. Miserable death and famine in England A description of an horrible famine in the realm of England Ex Chron. Tho. Wals. in vita Edwardâ— 2. The Scottes driuen out of Ireland Anno. 1317. The white battaile of the spiriâ—â—al men in Yorkâ—â—ire The two Spensers Two legates seat from Rome The Popes pillage The Popes legates spoiled of all their yl gotten treasure The Popes curse coÌ„temned of the Scottes The Clergie of Englande denyeth to contribute to the popes legates A prohibition against strange taxes impositions A prohibition for paying the Popes Peter pence Reade before so the liues of king Offa and kyng Adelwulfe The pryde of the Spensers Anno. 1321. That Thomas Earle of Lancaster came of Edmund younger sonne of K. Henry 3.22 of the greatest nobilitie of the realme put to death by the kyng Anno. 1322. The cruell reioysing of the kyng Anno. 1323. The king distressed again in Scot. land Polydoru Virgilius an Itallan wryter of our English stories Anno. 1324. The queene put to her pension The queene sent to F. Ser Prince Eâ— Prince Edward made duke of Aqutaine and Earle of PoÌ„â—at The queene the prince resuse to returne into England The queene the prince proclaymed â—â—â— tours in England The King coâ—spired priuely the death of the Queene and of his sonne Anno. 1325. Prince Edward betrothed to the Erle of Heynawdes daughter The queene returneth to England The landing of the queen Anno. 1326. The k. destitute of help and soldiors The answer of the Londiner to the kyng The liberties of the citie of London in going out to warre The kings proclamation The Queens proclamation The Queenes letter The Bishop of Exeter beheaded of the common at the staderd in Cheâ—pâ— The 〈◊〉 builded in Oxford 2. Colledges Exeter Colleage and Hart hall whose name was Guâ—lter Stapletâ—â— Hugh Spenser the father takeÌ„ and hanged in chayne The king taken in Wales Hugh Spenser the sonne taken and executed A bill exhibited in the parliament house against king Edward the secoÌ„d King Edward deposed by consent of the parliament house and his sonne Edw. chosen kyng Michael house in Cambridge founded Henry StauntoÌ„ founder of Michael house in Cambridge Nicolicus de Lyrd Guilielmus Ocham Tyranny odious to the people A spiritual Bul. called and areâ—ted before a leculat iudge Ex Tho. Walsing The â—ormâ— of wordes when any Bish doeth chalenge the priuiledge of the church against a secular iudge The Bishop rescued by the Clergie The K. proceedeth in iudgement against the B. the priuilegies of the church notwithstanding to the contrary Simon Mepham archb of Cant. Pope Iohn 22. a Monâ—â— Cidercâ—an A new solid heresie Heresy with the Pope to say that Christ the Apostles had no proper poâ—â—eâ—sions here Strife betweene the pope the Emperour Tâ—e Empeâ—â—â—r crowned against the will of the pope Pope Beneâ—â—tus 12. a Monke of Benedictes order Ludouicus the Emperour depriuel and deposed by Pope Benedict 12. A councel at Frankford The Emperours proteâ—â—ation to the councell of Germany Ex Hieroâ— Mario Elex CraÌ„â—â—â— Eâ— Chron. de â— mundi â—lalibus inâ—iâ—ulâ—s Râ—dimentum â—â—â—itiorum Pope Clement 6. The trouble of Ludouick â—he Emp. Heresie of the Popes making obiected against the Emperour The proude heart of the Pope Lewes the Emperour accused by the Pope for an hereticke A good faithfull Archbish. of Mentz Bribers corrupted with mony The pope sowet of discord and bloudshed The pope again stirreth vp war Charles the new Emperor put to flight by the Englishmen Ludouike the right Emperour resigneth vp hys Empyre Ludouike the Emperour impoysoned 1 Iudouicus Emperor martyr Gunterus de Monte Nigro made Emp. Gunterus the right Emperour poysoned The ruine of the Germaine Empire and the first cause thereof The yeare of Iubilei reduced to the L. yeare Pilgrimes in the yeare of Iubilei at Rome The abhominable blasphemous bull of pope Clement The pope commaundeth the Angels O blasphemy of the Pope Ex bulla Clementis Ex ChroÌ„ Wals. in vit Edu 3. The king resistâ—th the pope The tenthes of Church goods giuen to the kyng Anno. 1326. Oriall colledge and S. Mary hal in Oxford builded by K. Ed 2. A story of the commotion betweene the towne and Abbey of Bury Ex latiâ—â— quodam â—sgisâ—râ— The Abnet robbed The Abbot stolne away to Brabante The Abbot restored againe King Edward the 3. Anno. 1327. The defiance of the kyng of Scots The K. and Queene at Yorke with an army of â—000 men readie to meete the K. of Scottes entring the realme The great fraye in Yorke Carlile and new Castle then the keyes of England Northward â—ept with Garisons The Scots priuely passe ouer the riuer of Tine burning and spoyling the countrey all about The kings armie and the Scottes are so neare that eche seeth other The Scots thorough treason escape out of Englande vnfought withall The prouision left in the Scots campe The king returneth to London The mariage of K. Edward solemnised A parliament at Northampton The Ragman role deliuered vp to the Scotâ— The black crosse of Scotland The Bâ—râ—â— geue vp their titles in ScotlaÌ„d A parliament at Salisbury Eâ—rle Henry of Lancaster refuseth to come to the parliamâ—nt The Earle of Kent put to death giltles The Queene with childe by sir Roger Mortimer Sir Roger Mortimer Earle of March. arrained condemned and put to execution The queene put in
Kyng Henry 4. The Lorde Cobham in the begynning fauoured of kyng Henry the 5. The kynges displeasure procured agaynst the L. Cobham by popish prelates The L. Cobham obedient to the kyng The L. Cobham confâ—at in his fayth to the sentence of death The L. Cobham worthy the name of a Martyr The name of a martyr what it signifieth Calumnis Syr Roger ActoÌ„ knight M. Iohn Brown Esquire Iohn Beverley preacher Rob. Fabian proued with an vntruth An vntruth in Alanus Copus Praying and preaching in dicke corners a common thyng in time of persecution Ill will taketh all thinges to worst meaning An other vntruth in Alanus Copus An vnlikely tale The L. Cobham no traytor Alanus Copus pag. 833. lib. â—â— Alanus Copus taken with an other vntruth Ex statuto Reg. Hen 5. an â— cap. 7. The former ediof Acts and Mon. pag 175. The preface or preamble of the statute (A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D (E) E Here it appeareth at whose sute and supplication this statute was set forward as also the cause why AstiteruÌ„t reges Pharosaes (F) F (G) G (H) H (I) I (K) K (L) L (M) M Notes vpon the statute foresaide Prefaces before statutes not to be regarded in triall of truth Statut. an 2 Hen. 5. cap. 11. The preface â—efore the â—tatute DecoÌ„bureÌ„do Ex fetussis astrumeÌ„tis False accusaâ—â— no newes 〈◊〉 Christes â—â—rch Example of Nemesion Martir pag. â—â— Example of Cyprian pag. 69. Example of â—â—â—tine the Martyr Example of somelius â—â—sh of RoÌ„e pag. 65. Lawes and statutes â—ounded â— false 〈◊〉 against the Chritians The persecuting statutes in the primitiue church and of the latter church coÌ„pared Feare hatred causers of persecution Vide supra pag. 48. The matter debared by recordes whether the L. Cobham and sir Roger Acton were traytors or not (A) A Rumors Congregations Insurrections Insurrection of the Lollordes against the king not lykely (B) B A slauÌ„der of the L. Cobham that he inteÌ„ded to destroy Christen fayth Cyprian lib. 4. Epist. 2. (C) C The Lord Cobham falsely slauÌ„dered for intending to destroy the king How vnlyâ—e it is that the L. Cobham did rise against the king Examples what an heard matter it is to rise against the king The nobles against K. Henry 3. The noble against K. Edward 2. The nobles against K Rich. 2. The nobles against K. Henry 4. The insurrection of the L. Cobham against the king iudged by circuÌ„stace A rebellion â—o be of â—0 thousand and yet no countrey to â— knowen â—rom wheÌ„ce they came it is not like Neuer was 〈◊〉 rebellioÌ„ of commons in England but the speciall couÌ„trey from wheÌ„ce they came was noted and knowen (D) D Another false reporte of sir Iohn Oldecastle that he inteÌ„ded to kill all maner of estates in the realme (E) E An hard matter to destroy all policie and lawes of a land Obiection Aunswere Ex originals statut Hen. 4. cap. 15. The reason and cause how chroniclers oft times be deceiued Alanus Copus deceiued by his chroniclers Horat. arâ— Poet. (F) F The body of the statute an 2. Reg Hen. 5. cap. 7. examined (G) G (H) H (I) I (K) K (L) L (M) M Iustice Stanford of the plees of the crowne lib. 1. cap. 33. The first procurers of this statute Practise of prelates to couple treason with heresie Alanus Copus pag. 833. lin 4. The wordes of Commission against the Lord Cobham B Examples of 〈◊〉 falseâ—â— accused â—or treasons A Ouâ— Engliâ—h Chroniclers examined by the wordes of this Commission (B) B (A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D (E) E (F) F (G) G (H) H (A) A The first note concerning the date and day both â—f the Commission of the verdicâ—e of the Iurers concurring on one day (B) B The secoÌ„d note of the names of the Iurers left out (C) C The 3. argumeÌ„t by making a Regent the king being not yet gone ouer (D) D The 5. argumeÌ„t by coÌ„trarietie (E) E The 6. argumeÌ„t by the persons vnknowen (F) F The 7. argumeÌ„t by the vnskilfull penning (G) G The 8. argumeÌ„t by the date and tyme. (H) H The 9. argumeÌ„t by errour and wrong naming the Dukes (I) I The 10. note or argumeÌ„t by the absence of the partie The 11. note or argument The 12. note or argument The L. Coâ— sir R. Actâ—â— c. proued no traitoâ—â— The 13. note or argumeÌ„t Aunswere to the allegation of Fabian Polydore and Hall c. Modestie commended in writers Two things to be obserued iâ— story writers The ground of histories to be coÌ„sidered All thinges not true that be fouÌ„d in stories Wordes without probation are not sufficieÌ„t in story matters Chroniclers how farre and to what effect they serue Histories not rashely to be beleued The testimony of Fabian 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Cobham â—â—â—mined The testimony of Rich. Belward for the L. Cobham Ex Regist. Epise Noruic Witnesses against the L. Cobham 〈◊〉 not togeather Fabian conuict of a manifest vntruth in his story of the L. CobhaÌ„ Fabian part 7. in â—ita Henr. 5. pag. 390. Ex regist Archiep. Cant. The testimony of Polydore examyned 5. Vntruhes of Polydore noted in one story 1. Vntruth 2. Vntruth 3. 4. Vntruth Gopus pag. 833. lin 11. 5. Vntruth An other Vntruth in Polydore noted The testimony of Hall against the L. Cobham examined Cope a carper of storyes where of he hath no skill Aunswerâ— to Ed. Hall Hall raceth out his owne storie writâ—â— against the L. CobhaÌ„ Hal. in â—ita Hen. 5. pag. 2. b. lin 30. Hall in the storie of the L. Cobham sir Roger Acton a greeth not with other stories Vntruth in Hall noted Hall doubtfull in the story of sir R. ActoÌ„ c. Halle no witnes in sir Roger Actons case RepugnauÌ„ce noted in the witnes a-against the L. Cobham sir Roger Acton 1 1. RepugnauÌ„ce in the place 2 2. Repugnaunce in the place Ala. Copus pag. 833. lin 12. 3 3. RepugnauÌ„ce in the yeare 4 4. RepugnauÌ„ce in the month 5 5. Repugâ—auÌ„ce in the day Papistes can â—ot see great â—â—ames in tâ—eir owne eyes which spye small motes in other Popes traytours to their Emperours princes The Popes saintes and confâ—ssours many were traytours R Scrâ—â—◠〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 holy 〈◊〉 Popes coÌ„monly traytours Tho. Lancaster traitor and yet made a Sainâ—t by the Pope EdmuÌ„d Archb. of Cant. rebelled against his prinâ— and yet made a Saint by the Pope Tho. Arundâ—â— a ranck traitour against his king and yet a great piller counted in the popes church Pope Gregory 7 a traytor against the Lords owne body Vide supra pag. 172. Vide supra pag. 383. Religion coÌ„moÌ„ly maketh treasoÌ„ among the papistes AuÌ„swere to the second part of Copes accusatioÌ„ concerning his vntrue charging of the booke of Actes MonuÌ„ The booâ—â— of Actes 〈◊〉 Monum to true if it had pleased god otherwise Vngentelenes noted in Cope The nature of the spider Copuâ— Sycoplianta The Calendare of the Actes and
Martir Men of Amersham burnt in the cheeke for Gods word Anno. 1506. Tho. Chase Martir Tho. Chase brought before the B. Tho. Chase condeÌ„ned to the Bishops prison at Wooburne called little ease A worthy almes of a Bishop The perfect patience constancy of Tho. Chase. Tho. Chase cruelly murthered in the Bishops prison Tho. Chase falsely slauÌ„dered to hang himselfe God bringeth to light the secret murthers of the papistes Math. 10. Luke 12. Tho. Norice Martir Anno. 1507. Elizabeth Sampson Anno. 1508 Laurence Ghest Martir LaureÌ„ce Ghest two yeares in prison at Salisbury Laurence would not be turned for wyfe nor childreÌ„ Laurence died a Martir Witnes to the story A notable storke of a faithfull woman burned in Chippingsadbery D. Whittington Chauncellour a persecutour A faithfull Christian womaÌ„ and Martir burned at Chippingsadbery A comparison betweene butchers and the popes murthering ministers A rare speciall example of the iust punishment of God vpon a persecutour D. Whittington slaine of a Bull. Witnes to the story The state of the commoÌ„ wealth comonly foloweth the state of the church The duetie of princes to defend their subiectes froÌ„ the slaughter of the Church of Rome Ex comenta riis Phil Co minaei De bello Neapolitano lib 3. Vid supra pag. 731. The prophesie of Hierome Sauonarola Note Vide Phil. CominaeuÌ„ de bello Neopol lib. 5. De bello Neopolit lib. 5. Examples of kinges of England which were blessed of God with long prosperitie being enemies to the byshops of Rome Augustus reigned 55 yeares Vide supra pag. 340. Vide supra pag. 352. Vide supra pag. 383. What difference betweene moderat princes and theÌ„ that were persecutors The death of K. Henry 7. Couentry men persecuted I. Blomstone The power of Peter flitteth not to his successours Purgatory denied Images not to be worshipped Richard HeghaÌ„ Merites condemned Images serue rather to be burned then to be worshipped Robert Crowther Against Pilgrimage Iohn Smith The Lordes prayer to be in Englishe Roger Browne Against Pilgrimage Fleshe eating in Lent Against Purgatory and confession auricular Against confessioÌ„ satisfactioÌ„ Thomas Butler Against Purgatory Against merites Iohn Falkes Against Images It is heresie to say a stone is a stone a blocke is a blocke Richar. Hilmin Scripture in Englishe Margery Goyt Against the Sacrament of the Aultar Picus MiraÌ„dula Earle This Thomas LaÌ„ghton was elected Archbysh but died before he was confirmed Ecclesiasticall lawes ordeined by auncient kings of this Realme Ecclesiastical lawes of king Ina. King Alure des lawes K. Edwards lawes K. Ethelstanes lawes K. EdmuÌ„des lawes K. Edgars lawes King Ethelrede lawes King Canutus lawes Kinges of England before the Conguest gouernours as well in causes Ecclesiasticall as temporall WheÌ„ kinges of England came first vnder the Popes subiection The martirdome of good bishops vnder wicked Emperours in the primitiue Church The true riches of the Church described The first rising of the Bishops of Rome A declaration of Saint Paules wordes The Pope matching himselfe euen with God Iohn Patriarch of Constantinople subdued by B. of Rome The Emperours Lieuetenaunt of Rauenna subdued by the Lumbardes and Romaine Byshops Boniface 3. obtained of Phocas to be called vniuersall byshop Pope Zachary putteth downe Childericus the French K. and serteth Pipinus in his place Pipinus and Carolus Magnus set vp by pope Zachachary How the Byshops of Rome came first to be the head Byshops of the Church Donation of Constantine a thing false and forged Pâ—pe Gregory 5. practiseth with the Germains to reduce the Empyre to Germany an 1002. Otho first Germaine Emperour Emperours brought to kisse the popes feete Henricus 4. accursed wayteth at the popes gate 3. daies Rodulphus and at last his owne sonne set vp to fight against him Read before pag. 179. Pope Alexander 3. treadeth vpon the necke of Fredericke Emperour Pope Celestine crowneth Henry 5. Emperour with his feete and with his foote spurneth the crown from his head agayne Warre raysed against Conradus by the Byshops of Rome Ex Auentino The insolencie of Pope Boniface 8. against Philip French kyng The tyrannous iniuries of Byshops of Rome agaynst kings of England Pope Alexander 3. against Kyng Henry 2. Pope Innocent 3. against king Iohn Ex Rotulo patent De anno Regni Reg. Ioannis 8 K. Iohns supplication to Pope Innocent 3 H. Henry 3. kissing the knee of the popes Legat Ex D. Paulo 2. Thess. 2. 186 Ioan Dreido De Dogmatibus vanis Lib. 4. 187 Hugo in Glosa Dist. 40. c. Non Net 188 Glos. in Caus. 11. q. 3. cap. Absis 189 Glosa in c. 11. q. 3. Si. inimicus 190 Hostiensis in cap. Quanto De transl praeb 192 Ex summacasuum fratris Baptistae 192 Ex Citatione Henr. Bulling de fine seculi Orat. Prima Item ex citatione Iacobi Andre ae aduersus Hosliâ—â— Lib 5. Item excitatione Hier. Marij in Actis 2. Diui. 193 Pope Nicolaâ—s Dist. 96. c. Satis 194 1â— q. r. Sacerdotibus 195 12. q. r. FuturaÌ„ 196 Decretal De Transl. epist. c. p. Quanto Thus ye may see it verified that S. Paul prophesieth of the aduersary sitting in the temple as God and boasting himselfe aboue all that is named God c. 2. Thess. 2. 197 Pope Nicolaus Causa 15. q. 6. c. Autoritatem 198 Pope Martin Dist. 14 â— cap. Lector 199 Pope Gregorius Innior 32. q. 7. cap. Quod proposuisti 200 Pope Inno. 4. Sext. Decretal De sententia excom cap. Dilecto 201 Pope Alexander 3. De Decimis cap. Ex parte 202 Pope Nicolaus â—5 q. 6. Autoritatem 203 De elect elect potestate Significasti in Glosa 204 Baptista de Salis. in Summa casuum ex panormitano 205 pope Innoc. 4. De elect Venerabilem 206 Ext. De Iureiurando cap. Venientes Item Dist. De Elect Significasti in Glosa 207 Pope Martinus 5. Extra cap. Regimini Vniuersalis ecclesiae 208 Pope Vibanus 2. Câ—â—â— 23. q. 5. c Excommunicatorum 209 Pope Nicolaus Caus. 25. q. 6. Autoritatem 210 Ibidem 211 Dist. â—2 â— praesbyter 212 pope pelagius Dist. 34 cap. Fratâ—â— tatis 213 Baptista de Salis. fol. 24. q. 1. Quoties Extr. de translat c. Inter 3. q. 6. Quamuis 9. q. 3. Deniq 16. q. 1. Frater 2. q. 6. Ideo Extr. De restitutione cap Cum venissent 7. q. 1. temporis 16. q. 1 Felix 16. q. 1. Et Christus Extr. De vota Ex multa Extr. de statu monachi c Cum ad Extr. De iuramento cap Venientes Extra De iudicio c. At si clerici Extr. de Bigamia c. nuper Extr. de clerico noÌ„ ord ministrante Extr. De corpore vitiatis Dist. 55. Dist. 50. Miror Extr. De sententia excom ca. Cum illorum Extr. De filajs praesbyt c. Is qui. Extr De praebend c. De multa Extr. De elect cap. Cum nobis Extr. De aetate qualit Generalem Dist. 15. per totum 9. q. 3. Per principale De elect cap. VenerabileÌ„ Extr. De officio legati c. Querenti 9. q. 3. Aliorum Extr. De templi ordine c. Cum in Distrib Extr. De vsu palij cap. Ad honorem Extr. De elect c. Dudum Ext. de elec c. venerabileÌ„ Tractatu De censuris Ext. De elect c. Innocuit Extra De religione veneratione Sanct. cap. 1 Extrau De praebendâ—ca De multa Extrau Qui. si sint leg cap. Tanta 9 q. 3. cap. Vltimo Extrau De Sentent re Indie c. In causis Extrau De elect cap. Quod sicut Extrau De restit spo Literas Extrau De praescript c. vlt. De Iudicio c. Nouit Thomas Extrau Qui. si sint legit c. Pervenerabilom Petrus de Palude lib. 4. Secundum Thomam in 4. 9. q. 3. Per principalem Distinct. 40. Si Papa Ibidem Dist. 32. cap. Praeter hoc â— Verum The riches and possessions of the Pope 214. Dist. 96. Constantinus 215. Ex Commentarins Theodorici Niemi quem citat Illyricus in Catalogo restium fol. 228. 216. Dist. 96. Constantinus 217. Antoâ—inus in â—umma Maiore 3. Parte 218. Ex lib. GranominuÌ„ nationis Germanicae Aboue fiftie byshopprickes in Germany Aeneas Syluius 219. Sext Decret De penis cap. Felicis in Glosa Ité De priuilegiâ—s c. Autoritaté in Glosa 220 Pope Bonifacius 8. Ext. De Maio. obed c. Vnam sanctam 221. Ibid. â—Iâ— Monethes Reuelat. xi lii yeares a halfe iij. dayes a halfe Reuelat. xi A time times and halfe a time Reuelat. xij M.CCLX dayes Reuelat. xij The tying losing agayne of Sathan Reuelat. 20.
greatest causes of the realme and was liefetenant of the kings army Who with his brother Toston or Tostius sent by the king against the Welchmen subdued their rebellion But afterward such enuie grewe betwene these ij brethren for that Tostius saw his brother Harold so greatly aduanced in the kings fauour that at Herford the said Tostius slew all his brothers men Whom when he had cut in pieces he poudered their quarters and mangled parts in barrels of salt vinegre wine and other liquors That done he made a power against his brother Harold being king with the aide of certaine Danes and Norgaines and fought a battail with him in the North as after shal follow God willing to be seene So vngratious were these wicked children of Erle Godwin that if they had sene any faire mansion or maner place they woulde slay the owner thereof withall his kinrede and enter the possession thereof themselues At length it came in the minde of this Harolde to saile ouer the sea as Polydore sayth into Normandie to see hys brother Wilnotus as also his cosin Hacus whom the king had sent thither to be kept for pledges as yee heard before Polydore sayth these pledges were Tosto Byornon but that can not be for Tostius was then in England But as Henricus Archdeacon of Huntington sayeth his iourney was into FlaÌ„ders as semeth more like For it is not to be thought that Harold who was a doer in the cruell murther of Alphred and of the Normanes wold venter into Normandy therefore more like it is that his sailing was into Flaunders But as the storie proceedeth he being in the course of his sailing was weather driuen by tempest into the prouince of Pountith where he was taken as a prisoner and sent to Duke William of Normandy To whome he was made to sweare that he in time following shoulde marry his daughter and that after the death of King Edward he should kepe the land of Englande to his behoue according to the will minde of Edward after some writers and so to liue in great honor dignity next vnto him in the realme This promise faithfully made to the Duke Harold returneth into EnglaÌ„d with his cosin Hacus the sonne of his brother Suanus being deliuered vnto him But Wilnotus brother of Harold the duke kepeth stil for performance of the couenaÌ„ts Thus Herold I say returning home sheweth the king al that he had done in the foresayde matters Wherewith the King was well contented Wherby it may be gathered that king Edward was right wel willing that Duke William should reigne after hym and also semeth not vnlike but that he had geuen him his promise therunto before Among all that were true and trusty to king Edward of the english nobility none had like commendatioÌ„ as had Leofricus erle of Mercia and of Chester This Leofricus purchased many great liberties for the towne of CoueÌ„try and made it free of all maner things except onely of horse Which fredom there was obtained by meanes of his wife Godina by riding as the fame goeth after a straÌ„ge maner through the towne This Leofricus with his wife Godina builded also the abbey of Couentrie indued the same with great lands and riches You hearde a little before of the comming ouer of Edward called the outlaw sonne of king Edmund Ironsid whom king Edward had purposed to haue made king after him But soone after his comming ouer he deceased at London This Edwarde had by his wife Agatha a sonne a daughter called Edgar Adelyng Margaret Which Margaret being maried afterward to the king of Scots was the mother of Matild or Maude Quene of England and of Dauid king of Scots c. This vertuous blessed king Edwarde after he had reigned 23. yeres and 7. moneths died and was buried in the monastery of Westminster which he had greatly augmented repaired but afterward was more inlarged after this form which it hath now by Henry the third soÌ„ne of king Iohn They that write the historie of this King heere make mention of a dreame or reuelation that shoulde be shewed to him in time of his sicknes how that because the peeres bishops of the realme were seruantes not of God but of the deuil God wold geue this realm to the haÌ„d of others And the king desired vtteraunce to be geuen him that hee might declare the same to the people whereby they might repent It was answered againe that neither would they so do or yet if they did it should be geuen to an other people But because it is a dreame I let it passe Diuers lawes were before in diuers countreis of this realme vsed as the lawe first of Dunuallo Molinucius with the lawes of Mercia called Mercenelega then the lawes of Westsaxone kinges as of Iue Offa Alfred c. whyche was called Westsaxenelaga The thirde were the lawes of Canutus of Danes called Danelaga Of all these lawes which before were diuersly in certain particuler countreis vsed and receiued this Edward compiled one vniuersal commoÌ„ law for al people through the whole realm which were called R. Edwardes lawes which lawes being gathered out of the best and chiefest of the other lawes were so iust so equall an so seruing the publike profite weale of all esâ—ates that mine authors say the people long after did rebell against their heads and rulers to haue the same lawes againe being taken from them and yet coulde not obtaine them Furthermore I read and find in Math. Paris that when Will. Conquerour at his comming in did sweare to vse practise the same good lawes of Edwarde for the common lawes of this realme afterward being established in his kingdome he forswore himselfe placed his owne lawes in their rowme much worse and obscurer then the other were c. Notwithstanding among the said lawes of Edward and in the first chapter and beginning therof this I finde among the auncient recordes of the Guildhal in London The office of a King with such other appurtenaunces as belong to the realme of Britaine set forth and described in the latine stile which I thought here not vnmete to be expressed in the English tong for them that vnderstande no Latine The tenor and meaning wherof thus followeth ¶ De iure appendijs regni Britannia quod sit officium Regis REx autem quia vicarius summi Regis est ad hoc est constitutus vt regnum terrenum populum domini super omnia sanctam eius veneretur ecclesiam regat ab iniuriosis defendat maleficos ab ea auellat destruat penitus disperdat Quuod nisi fecerit nomen regis non in eo constabit Verùm Papa Ioanne testante nomen regis perdit cui Pipinus Carolus filius eius nec dum reges sed principes sub rege Francorum stultò scripserunt quaerentes si ita
if he would do the other promiseth to bring about that Den. shuld depart w e his army into Germany whereunto the people of Rome also did lykewise mooue him To whom Gregory answered that he was content so to do but vpon condition that the emperor would submit himself to aske pardon to amend hys fault and to promise obedience The Emperour not agreyng to those conditions went to Senas taking Clement new stalled Pope with hym After the returne of the Emperor the foresayd Robert Buiscardus approching w e his souldiours brast in at one of the gates and spoileth the Citie And not long after deliuereth Hildebrand out of his enemies hands and caried him away to Campana where he not long continuyng after dyed in exile Antoninus writeth that Hildebrand as he did lie a dying called to hym one of his chief Cardinals be wailing to him his fault misorder of his spirituall ministery in stirring vp discord warre dissension wherupon he desired the Cardinall to go to the Emperor and desire him of forgeuenes absoluing from the danger of excommunication both him and all his partakers both quicke and dead Thus hast thou gentle Reader the full history of pope Gregory 7. called Hildebrand which I haue laid our more at large desire thee to marke because that frō this Pope it thou marke wel springeth all the occasion of mischiefe of pride pompe stoutnesse presumption tiranny which since that tyme hath raigned in his successours hetherto in the cathedral church of the Romish clergy for here came first the subiectiō of the temporal regiment vnder the spiritual iurisdictiō And Emperors which before were their maisters now are made their vnderlings Also here came in the suppression of priests mariage as is sufficiently declared Here came in moreouer the authoritie of both the swords spiritual secular into spiritual mens hands So that christian magistrates could do nothing in election in geuing bishoprikes or benefices in calling Councels in hearing correcting the excesses of the clergy but only the Pope must do all Yea moreouer no bishop nor Pastor in his owne parish could excommunicate or exercise any discipline amongst his flocke but onely the Pope chalenged that prerogatiue to himselfe Finally here came in the first example to persecute Emperors kings with rebellion excommunication as the clergy themselues hereafter doe testifie and witnes in proceeding against Paschalis Thus these notes beyng well obserued let vs by the grace of Christ now repaire again to our coūtry history of englād About the death of Pope Hildebrād or not long after folowed the death of king William Conqueror in the yere of our Lord 1090. after he had raigned in Englād the space of 21. yeares and 10. moneths The cause of his sicknes and death is said to be this For that Phillip the French king vpon a tyme iesting sayd that king William lay in child bed and nourished his fat belly with this the foresaid william hearing therof aunswered againe and sayd when he should be Churched he would offer a thousand candels to hym in Fraunce wherewithall the kyng should haue litle ioy whereupon king William in the month of Iuly when the corne fruite grapes were most flourishing entered into Fraunce set on fire many Cities and townes in the westside of Fraunce And lastly commyng to the Citie of Meaux where he burning a woman beyng as a recluse in a wall inclosed or as some say two mē Anachorites inclosed was so seruent and furious about the fire that with the heate partly of the fire partly of the tyme of yeare therby he fell into sicknes and dyed vpon the same By the life actes of this king it may appeare true as stories of him report that he was wise but guilefull riche but couetous a faire speaker but a great dissembler glorious in victory strong in armes but rigorous in oppressing whom he ouercame in leuiyng of tasks passing all other In so much that he caused to bee enrolled numbred in his treasury euery hide of land and owner therof what fruit reuenewes surmounted of euery Lordship of euery township castel village field riuer wood within all the realme of England Moreover how many parish Churches how many liuing cattell there were what and how much euery Baron in the realme could dispend what fees were belonging what wages were taken c. The tenour contents of which taskment yet remaineth in rolles After this tasking or nūbring which was the yere before his death folowed an exceding moreine of cattell barennes of the ground with much pestilence and hote feuers amōg the people so that such as escaped the feuer were cōsumed with famine Moreouer at the same season among certain other Cities a great part of the City of London with the church of Paules was wasted with fire an 1085. In hunting and in parkes the foresayd king had such pleasure that in the country of Southhamptō by the space of 36. miles he cast downe churches and Townships and there made the new forest louing his Decre so dearely as though he had bene to them a father making sharp lawes for the increasing thereof vnder payne of loosing both the eyes So hard he was to Englishmen and so fauorable to his owne country that as there was no English Byshop remainyng but onely wolstane of Worcester who beyng commaunded of the king and Lancfrank to resigne vp his staffe partly for inhabilitie partly for lacke of the French tongue refused otherwise to resign it but only to him that gaue it and so went to the tombe of king Edward where he thought to resigne it but was permitted to enioy it stil so likewise in his daies there was almost no English mā that bare office of honour or rule In so much it was half a shame at that tyme to be called an English man Notwithstanding he some deale fauoured the citie of London graunted vnto the Citizens the first charter that euer they had written in the Saxon with greene waxe sealed and conteined in few lynes Among his other conditiōs this in him is noted that so geuen he was to peace and quiet that any maiden being laden with gold or siluer might passe thorough the whole realme without harme or resistance This William in his tyme builded two monasteries one in England at Battail in Suffex where he wan the field against Harold called the abbey of Battail an other beside named Barmōdsey in his countrey of Normandy After the life story of K. William thus briefly described with the acts order of battail betwene him K. Harold although much more might haue bene written of that matter if the booke had come sooner to my hands which afterward I sawe now remaineth in the end of his story to describe the names of such Barons nobles of Normandy which enterd with him into this land as well of them which were embarked
prelates and churchmen threatning him with their bishops staues fiersly approching vpoÌ„ him Wherupon being dismayd in all hast ran tooke his sword to defeÌ„d himself finding there none to strike who afterward asking counsaile concerning these visions was mouthed by one of his pâ—ssitions named Grimbald by repentace almes and amendment of life to make some mends to god and to his countrey whom he offended Which thre vowes thus being made the next yere after he went to England where he being vpon the seas in a great tempest with hys daughter Matild remembred there his iii. vowes And so comming to the land for performance of the same â—irst released vnto the conuitons the Danogelt which his father his brother before had renued Secondly he went to S. Edmondesbury where he shewed great benefites to the churchmen Thirdly he procured iustice to be administred more rightly throughout his realme c. Also he ordayned and erected a new bishoprike at Carlile In the 33. yeare of this kinge raigne as witnesseth a certayne author a great part of the citie of London wyth the Church of S. Paule was burned with fire in Whition weeke After Calixtus whose story and ryme is before discoursed succeeded Pope Honorius ii Notwithstanding that the cardinals had elected another yet he by the means of certain citizens obtained the papacie an 1125. About the second yeare of his induction as is to be red in Math. Paris there was a certaine legate of his called Ioannes-Cremensis sent downe to England from the Pope for the redresse I cannot well tell whoreof But in deede the chiefest purpose of his commyng as of all other after hym in those dayes was to fill their pouches with English money as may further appeare by their procedings This Legate commyng then with the Popes letters directed both into england Scotland after he had well refreshed himselfe in Bishops houses and amongest the Abbotts at length resorted to London where he assembled the whole Clergy together inquired of Priestes concubines otherwise called theyr wiues making there upon a statute in the said Synode of London after this tenor Praesbyteris diaconibus subdiaconibus canonleis vxorum concubinarum omnium omnillo foeminarum concuberniat autoritate Apostolica inhibemus praeter matrem aut sororem vel amitam aut eiusmodi quae omnino careant suspitione Et qui decreti huius violator extiterit confessus vel convictus ruinam-ordinis patiatur Inter consanguineos seu affinitate propinquos vsque ad septimam generationem matrimonia contrahi prohibemus That is vnto priests deacons subdeacons and canons we do vtterly inhibite by authoritie Apostolicall all maner societie and conuersation with all kynde of women except onely their mother sister or Aunt or such whereof can ryse no suspicion And whosoeuer shall be found to violate this decree beyng conuict thereof shall sustaine thereby the losse of all that he hath by his order Moreouer amongst kindred or such as be ioyned in affinitie we forbid matrimony vnto the seuenth generation c. But see how God worketh against such vngodly proceedings The next night after it happened the same Cardinal rufflyng reuellyng wyth his concubines to be apprehended in the same vice wherof he had so straightly geuen out precepts the next day before to the no little slaunder and shame as Math. Paris doth write of the whole clergy Unto this tyme liued Henricus the v. Emperor after he had raigned 20. yeres dying without issue as is before mentioned Next after Henricus the Imperiall crowne came to Lotharius Duke of Saxon. an 1127. Certayne historyes make mention of one Arnulphus in the tyme of this Pope Honorius ii Some say he was Archbish. of Lugduneias Hugo Platina Sabellicus Trithemius sayth he was a priest whose history as it is set forth in Trithemius I will briefly in English expresse About this time sayth he in the dayes of Honorius ii one Arnulphus Priest a man zelous and of great deuotion and a worthy preacher came to Rome which Arnulphus in his preaching rebuked the dissolute and lasciuious losenes incontinencie auarice and immoderate pride of the clergy prouoking all to follow Christ and his Apostles in the pouerty rather and in purenes of lyfe By reason whereof this man was well accepted and highly liked of the nobilitie of Rome for a true disciple of Christ but of the Cardinals and the clergy no lesse hated then fauoured of the other In so much that priuily in the night season they tooke hym and destroyed him This his martyrdome sayth he was reuealed to hym before from God by an Aungell he beyng in the desert wheÌ„ he was sent forth to preach wherupoÌ„ he sayd to them publikely with these words I know sayth he ye seeke my lyfe and know ye will make me away priuisy But why because I preach to you the truth and blame your pryde stoutnesse auarice incontinencie with your vnmeasurable greedines in getting and heaping vp riches therfore be you displeased with me I take here heauen and earth to witnesse that I haue preached to you that I was commaunded of the Lord. But you contemne me and your creator who by his onely sonne hath redemed you And no meruaile if ye seeke my death beyng a sinfull person preaching to you the truth when as if S. Peter were here this day and rebuked your vices which doe so multiply aboue all measure you would not spare him neither And as he was expressing this with a loude voyce he sayd moreouer For my part I am not afrayd to suffer death for the truth sake but this I say to you that God will looke vpon your iniquities and will be reuenged You beyng full of all vnpuritie play the blynd guides to the people committed to you leading them the way to hell A God he is of reuengeaunce Thus the hatred of the Clergy beyng incensed agaynst hym for preaching truth conspired agaynst him and so laying priuy waite for hym tooke hym and drowned him Sabellicus Platina say they hanged hym In the second Tome of the general Councels imprinted at Colen is mentioned a certain booke called Opus tripartitum written as the author supposeth aboue 400. yeres ago either of this Arnulphus or iust about the same tyme. In this booke the writer complaineth of many enormities and abuses in the Church First of the number of holy dayes declaring what occasion of vice groweth thereby accordyng to the common saying of whores and naughty women which say they vauntage more in one holy day then in 50. other dayes besides Item complaineth of the curious singing in cathedral churches whereby many bee occasioned to bestow much good tyme yea many yeres about the same which otherwise they might geue to the learning of better sciences Likewise he complaineth of the rable and multitude of begging Friers and religious men professed womeÌ„ shewyng what great occasion of idle vncomely
resisting their king in like sort if hys cause were maintained so contrariwise if it quailed it shoulde be an example to all other heereafter none to resist his Prince in the like case And so might it redounde not onely to the weakening of the state of the Catholike Churche but also to the derogation of the Popes authoritie Briefly this sentence at length preuailed and so Becket receaueth hys pastorall office of the Popes hand againe with commendation and much fauour But for somuch as he coulde not be well placed in England in the meane while the Pope sendeth him with a monkes habite into the abbay Pontiniak in Fraunce where he remained 2. yeres from thence he remoued to Senon where he abode 5. yeares So the time of his exile continued a 7. yeares in all c. Uppon this the King being certified by his Ambassadours of the Popes aunswere howe his fauoure enclined more to Becket then to him was mooued and woorthely with wrathful displeasure Who vpon the same sailing frō England vnto Normandy directed ouer certain Inunctions against the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterburie as were recited aboue Fol. 207. The contents wherof were declared to be these If any person shal be found to bring from the Pope or from the Archbishop of Canterburie c. Of these and suche other iniunctions Becket specifieth partly in a certaine letter writing to a frend of his in this maner THomas Archbishop of Canterburie to his welbeloued frend c. Be it knowen to your brotherly goodnes that we with al ours heere by Gods grace are safe and in good health Hauing a good hope and trust to your faithfull amitie I charge you and require you that either by the bringer heereof or by some other whome ye know faithfull and trusty to our church of Canterburie and to vs you write with al spede what is done As touching the kings decrees here set out these they be that all hauens and portes shoulde be diligently kept that no letters of the Popes interdict or curse be brought in And if religious men bring them in they shall haue their feete cut off if he be a priest or clearke he shall lose his priuie members If he be a lay man let him be hanged If he be a leper let him be burned And if any bishoppe for feare of the Popes interdict will depart besides his staffe onely in his hand let him haue nothing els Also the kings will is that all scholers and students beyonde the seas shall repaire home or else lose their benefices And if they yet shall remaine still they shall lose the libertie of all returning Further if any such Priests shal be found that for the Popes suspense or interdict wil refuse to sing they shall lose their priuie members In summe all such Priests as shew themselues rebels to the king let them be depriued of their benefices c. Besides these and such like iniunctions it was also set forth by the Kings proclamation An. 1166. that all maner of persons both men and wemen who soeuer were foūd of the kindred of Thomas Becket should be exiled wythout taking any part of their goodes with them and sent to him where he was which was no litle vexatiō to Becket to behold them Moreouer for so much as he then was lying with Gwarine Abbot of Pontiniacke to whome the pope as is aforesaid had cōmended him therefore the king wryting to the same Abbote required him not to retaine the Archbishop of Canterbury in his house for if he did he would driue out of his realme all the monks of his order Whereupon Becket was enforced to remoue from thence and went to Lewes the French King by whome he was placed at Senon and there founde of him the space of fiue yeares as is aboue mentioned In the meane time messengers went daily with letters betwene the king and the pope betwene the Pope againe and him and so betwene the Archbishop and other whereof if the Reader peraduenture shal be desirous to see the copies I thought here to expresse certaine of them to satisfie his desire first beginning w e the Epistle of Becket complaining of his prince to the Pope in maner and forme as foloweth The copie of an Epistle sent of Thomas Becket to Pope Alexander TO your presence and audience I flee moste holy father that you who hath bought the libertie of the Churche with your so great daunger might the rather attend to the same either being the onely or chiefest cause of my persecution vsing and following therein the example of you It grieueth me that the state of the Church should fall to any decay and that the liberties therof should be infringed thorough the auarice of princes For the which cause I thought to resist betime that inconueniencie beginning so to grow And the more I thought my selfe obliged to the same my Prince vnto whome next vnder God I am moste chiefly bound the more boldnesse I tooke to me to withstand his vnrightfull attempts till such that were on the contrary part my aduersaries preuailed working my disquietnesse and incensing him against me Whereupon as the maner is amongst Princes they raised vp against me citations and slaunders to the occasion of my persecution but I had rather to be proscribed then to subscribe Besides this I was also called to iudgement and cited before the king to make answere there as a lay person to secular accomptes where as they whome I most trusted did most forsake me For I saw my fellow brethren the Bishops through the instigation of some ready to my condemnation Wherupon all being set against me I thus oppressed on euery side tooke my refuge to appeale to your goodnesse which casteth off none in their extremities being ready to make my declaration before you that I ought neither to be iudged there in that place nor yet of them For what were that father but to vsurpe to thēselues your right and to bring the spiritualtie vnder the temporaltie Which thing once begon may breede an example to many And therefore so much the more stouter I thought to be in withstanding this matter how much more prone and procliue I saw the way to hurt if they once might see vs to be faint and weake in the same But they will say to me here againe geue to Cesar that which belongeth to Cesar. c. But to answere againe therunto albeit we are boūd to obey our king in most things yet not in such maner of things whereby he is made to be no king neither were they then things belonging to Cesar but to a tyrāt Concerning the which points these Bishops should not for me onely but for themselues haue resisted the king For if the extreme iudgemēt be reserued to him which is able to iudge both body and soul is it not then extreme pride for men there to iudge which iudge but by themselues If the cause of
him agayn with great successe felicitie and long raigne In so much the he beyng yong as he was playing at Chesse with a certayne souldior of his sodainly hauing no occasion geuen rose vp and went his way who was not so soon voyded the place but incontinent fel down a mighty stone from the vawt aboue directly vpon that place where he sate able to haue quashed him in peeces if he had caried neuer so little more In the proseruation of whome as I see the present hand and mighty prouidence of the huing God so in the kinges order agayne I note a fault or error worthy of reprehension For that he receiuing such a liuely benefite at the hand of the liuing Lord going therefore on pilgrimage to walsingham gaue thanks not only to our Lady but rather to a rotten blacke Ibidem Of the gentle nature of this couragious prince sufficient proofe is geuen by this one example that what time he being in hys desport of hauking chaunced sharpoly to rebuke the negligence of one of his gentlemen for what fault I cannot tell about his hauke the gentleman being on the other side of the riuer hearing his manassing wordes was glad as he sayd that the riuer was between them with this answer the couragious bloud of this Prince being moued vppon present hear he leaped straight into the floud both a swift streame and of a dangerous deepnesse and no lesse hard in getting out Notwithstanding either forgetting his owne life or neglecting the daunger present but hauing a good horse ventreth his own death to haue the death of his maÌ„ At length with much difficultie recouering the bank with his sword drawn pursueth his prouoker Who hauing not so good an horse and seeing himselfe in daunger of taking reineth hys horse submitteth his necke vnder hys hande to strike The prince whose feruent stomack the water of the whole riuer could not quench a little submission of his man did so extinct that the quarrel fell his anger ceased and his sword put vp without any stroke geuen And so both returned to theyr game good friendes agayne Auesb. Nich. Triuet In the first beginning of his raigâ—e this Kyng had much adoe in Wales where he had diuers conflictes wyth the welshmen whom at last he subdued cut down theyr woodes suppressed rebellions vanquishing theyr kings Lewline and his brother ordeined his eldest sonne Edward borne in the same Countrey to be Prince of Wales This Lewline Captayne of the welshmen here mentioned rebelling agaynst king Edward asked counsayle by way of coniuration what euent should come vpon his attempt To whom it was tolde that he should goe forward boldly for doubtlesse he should ryde thorough Chepeside at London with a crowne on his head Whiche so came to passe For he being slayne hys head was caried through Chepe with a Crowne of siluer to London bridge whereby men may learne not to seeke nor stick to these vayne prophesies which though they fall true yet are but the traynes of the deuill to deceyue men About this time was a great earthquake and suche a rotte that consumed a great multitude of sheep in the land through the occasion as they say of one scabbed shepe that came out of Spayne The king returning from Wales to England ordred certayne new lawes for the wealth of the realme Among many other this was one that authoritie was geuen to all Maiors Bailiâ—es other officers to see execution and punishment of all Bakers making bread vnder the sise with pillory Of Milners stealing corn with the tumbrel c. And within two yeares after the statute of Mortinayne was first enacted which is to meane that no man should geue vnto the Churche any landes or rentes without a speciall licence of the king About which tyme also being the 7. yeare of his raigne 297. Iewes for mony clipping were put to execution In whiche same yeare began first the foundation of the blacke Friers by Ludgate And the towne of Bosten was greatly wasted the same yeare with fyre The halfepeny and farthinges began first to be coyned the selfe tyme which was the 8. yeare of hys raygne The great conduit in Chepe began the fourth yeare after to be made anno 1248. And the yeare next following the newe worke of the Churche of Westminster begon as is afore premonished in the thyrd yeare of Henry 3. was finished whiche was 66. yeares in edifiyng the Iewes were vtterly banished this Realme of England the same tyme for whiche the commons gaue to the kyng a fifteene anno 1291. After that the country of Wales was brought in a full order and quiet by the hewing downe of the woodes and casting down the old holdes and building of new whiche all was brought to perfect end about the 24. yeare of thys kings reigne then ensued an other broile as great or greater with Scotland to the great disquiet of the king and the realme of England many yeares after This trouble first began by the death of Alexander king of Scots who dyed without issue left aliue behinde him Although Fabiane in that 7. booke of hys Chronicle affirmeth that he left 3. daughters the eldest maryed to sir John Bailol the secoÌ„d to Robert Bruce the thyrd to one Hastinges But this in Fabian is to be corrected as which neyther standeth with it selfe is clearely conuinced by the witnes and history of Rob. Auel bury and also 〈◊〉 Giâ—burne For first if king Alexander had left his eldest daughter marked to Syr Iohn Bailol then what coÌ„trouersie might rule among the Lords about succession needing so diligent and anxious deciding by the king of England Secondly what clayme or title could the king of Norway haue to the crowne of Scotland which was one of the chalengers claiming the sayd crowne in the behalfe of Margaret the nece of the forsayd king Alexander her graunfather if the eldest daughter of the father had heue left aliued Thirdly what can be more playn when by the affirmance of the foresaid story is testified that K. Alexander had 2. wiues Of the second whereof he had no issue Of the first had two Children Alexader which died before his father and Margaret maried to the kyng of Norway whiche died also before her Father of whom came Margaret the â—ece of Alexander and daughter to the king of Norway afore mentioned And the also dyed in the iourny betweene Norway and Scotland the fourth yeare after the decease of her grandfather Wherfore as this matter standeth most cleare so let vs now returning froÌ„ whence we digressed prosecute the rest that foloweth After that AlexaÌ„der thus as is said departed without issue also Margaret his â—iece in Norway was deceased the matter came in a great doubt among the nobles of Scotland especially 12. by name to whome the right of the crowne should next pertayne After much variaunce among parties at length the election
wherfore he was depriued were these That the Pope had no more power to excommunicate any man then hath an other That if it be geuē by any persō to the pope to excōmunicate yet to absolue the same is as much in the power of an other priest as in hys He affirmed moreouer that neyther the king nor any temporall Lord could geue any perpetuity to the church or to any ecclesiasticall person for that when such ecclesiasticall do sinne habitualiter continuing in the same still the temporal powers ought and may meritoriously take away from them that before hath bene bestowed vpon thē And that he proued to haue bene practised before here in England by Williā Rufus which thing sayd he if he did lawfully why may not the same also be practised now if he did it vnlawfully then both the church erre sayth he doth vnlawfully in praying for him But of his assertions more shall follow Christ willing hereafter The story which ascribeth to him these assertions being taken out as I take it of that monastery of S. Albons addeth withall that in his teaching and preaching he was very eloquent but a dissembler saith he and an hipocrite Why he surmiseth him to be an hypocrite the cause was this First because he resorted much to the orders of the begging Friers frequenting and extolling the perfection of their pouerty Secondly because he and his felowes vsually accustomed in their preaching to go baretoote and in simple russet gownes By this I suppose may sufficiently appeare to the indifferent the nature and condition of Wickliffe how far it was frō the ambitiō pride which in the slaundrous pen of Polydore Virgil reporting in his 19. book of him that because he was not preferred to higher honors and dignities of the church conceiuing therfore indignation agaynst the clergy became theyr mortall enemy How true this was he onely knoweth best that rightly shall iudge both y◠one and the other In the meane time by other circūstaunces partes of his life we may also partly cōiecture what is to be thoght of that mā But howsoeuer it was in him either true or false yet it had bene Polidors part either not so intemperatly to haue abused his pen or at least to haue shewed some greater authority and ground of that his report For to follow nothing els but flying fame so rashlye to defame a man whose life he knoweth not is not the part of a faythful story writer But to returne from whēce we digressed Beside these his opinions and assertions aboue recited with other mo which are hereafter to be brought in order He began also then something nearely to touch the matter of the Sacrament prouing that in the sayd Sacrament the accidences of bread remayned not without the subiect or substaunce both by the holy Scriptures and also by the authoritye of the doctors but specially by such as were most aunciēt As for the latter writers that is to say such as haue written vpon that argumēt vnder the thousand yeres since Christes time he vtterly refused saying that after these yeares Sathan was losed set at liberty And that since that time the life of man hath bene most subiect and in danger of errors the simple and playne truth to appeare and consist in the Scriptures wherunto all humam traditions whatsoeuer they be must be referred and specially such as are set forth published now of late yeares This was the cause why he refused the latter writers of decretals leaning only to the Scriptures auncient doctors most stoutly affirming out of them that in the Sacramēt of the body which is celebrate with bread the accidēce not to be present with out the substaunce That is to say that the body of Chryst is not present without the breade as the common sorte of Priestes in those daies did dreame As for his arguments what they were we wyll shortly at more oportunity by Gods grace declare them in an other place But herein the trueth as the Poet speaketh very truely had gotten Iohn Wickeliffe great displeasure and hatred at many mens handes and specially of the Monkes and richest sort of Priestes Albeit through the fauor and supportation of the duke of Lancaster and Lord Henry Percy he persisted hitherto in some meane quiet against their woluish violence eruelty Till at last about the yeare of our Lord. 1376. the Byshops still vrging and inciting their Archbishop Symon Sudberye who before had depriued him and afterward prohibited him also not to stirre any more in those sorts of matters had obteined by processe and order of citation to haue him brought before them Whereunto both place and time for him to appeare after theyr vsuall forme was to him assigned The Duke hauing intelligence that Wickliffe his client should come before the Bishops fearing that he being but one was to weake agaynst such a multitude calleth to him out of the orders of Friers foure Bachelers of Diuinity out of euery order one to ioyne them with Wickliffe also for more surety When the day was come assigned to the said Wickliffe to appeare whiche day was Thursday the 19. of February Iohn Wickliffe accompanied with the foure Friers aforesayd and with them also the Duke of Lancaster and Lord Henry Percy Lord Marshal of England the said Lord Percy also going before them to make rowme and way wherewith wickliffe should come Thus wickliffe through the prouidence of god being sufficiently garded was comming to the place where the Bishops sate whome by the way they animated and exhorted not to feare nor shrink a whit at the company of the bishops there present who were all vnlearned said they in respect of him For so proceede that wordes of my foresaid author whom I follow in this narration neither that he shold dread the concourse of the people whom they would themselues assiste and defend in such sort as he should take no harme With these wordes and with the assistaunce of the nobles wickliffe in hart encouraged approcheth to that church of S. Paule in London where a mayne prease of people was gathered to heare what shold be sayd done Such was there the frequencie and throng of the multitude that the Lordes for all the puissance of the high Marshall vnneth with great difficulty could get way through In so much that the bishop of London whose name was William Courtney seeing the stir that the Lord Marshal kept in the Church among the people speaking to that Lord Perry sayd that if he had knowne before what maistries he would haue kept in the church he would haue stopped hym out from comming there At which wordes of the Byshop the Duke disdayning not a little aunswered to the Byshop agayne and sayd that he woulde keepe such maisterie there though he sayd nay At last after much wrastling they pierced through and came to our Ladies chappell Where the Dukes and Barons were
shall adde hereto seuen folde woundes for your sinnes I shall send amongest you beastes of the field that shall deuour you and your beastes I shall bring you into a field and wayes shuln be desart And if that ye will not receiue lore but wenden agaynst me I will also wenden agaynste you and I shall smite you seuen sithes for your sinnes I shall leade in vpon you sword venger of my couenaunt and vpon the fleen into Cities I shall send pestilence in the middest of you So that tenne women shall bake their bread in one furnace and yeld theÌ„ agayne by wayght and ye shall eat not be fillet If that ye heare me not by these thinges but wenden agaynst me I shall wend in agaynst you in a contrary woodnesse and blame you with seuen plagues for your sinnes so that they shoulen eat the flesh of your sonnes and of your daughters And in so much my soule shall loth you that I shal bring your Cities into wildernesse and your Sanctuaryes I shall make desart ne I shal not ouer that receiue sweet oder of your mouth And I shall disperkle your land and enemies shulen maruell thereon when they shulen inhabite it I shall disperpel you among Heathen and draw my sword after you These vengeaunces and many moe God sayde should fall on them that breake his bidding and dispiseth his lawes and his domes Than sithe Christ become man and bought vs with his hart bloud and has shewed vs so great loue and geuen vs an easy law of the best that euer might be made and to bring vs to the ioy of heauen and we despise it and louen it nought what vengeaunce will be taken here on so long as he has suffered vs and somercifully abidden when he shall come that righteous iudge in the cloudes to deme this worlde Therefore turne we vs to him and leaue sinne that he hates and ouer all thinges mayntayne his lawe that he confirmed with his death For other lawes that men had made shoulde be demed at that day by the iust law of Christ and the maker that them made and then we wonne that long life and that ioy that Paule speaketh of that eye ne see not ne eare heard not ne into mans hart ascended not the blisse and ioy that God hath ordeyned to them that louen him and his lawes Deare worshipfull sirs in this world I beseech you for Christes loue as ye that I trow louen Gods law trouth that in these dayes is greatly borne abacke that they wollen vouchsafe these thinges that I send you written to Gods worship to let them be shewed in the Parliament as your wittes can best conceiue to most worship to our God and to shewing of the trouth and ameÌ„ding of holy Church My conclusions and mine appeale other true matters of Gods law gif any man can finde therein errour falsenesse or default prouet by the law of Christ clearely to christen mens knowledge I shall reuoke my wrong conceit and by Gods law be amendet euer redy to hold with Gods law opeÌ„ly priuely with Gods grace and nothing to holde teach or maynetayne that is contrary to his law Of the proces answeres condemnation of this worthy priest and true seruaunt of Christ WilliaÌ„ Swinderby you haue heard what afterward became vpoÌ„ him I haue not certainly to say or affirme whether he in prisoÌ„ died or whether he escaped theyr handes or whether he was burned there is no certayne relation made This remayneth out of doubt that during the time of K. Richard 2. no great harme was done vnto him Which was to the yeare 1401. at what time K. Richard being wrongfully deposed HeÌ„ry the 4. inuaded the kingdome of England About the beginning of whose reigne we read of a certayn Parliament holden at LondoÌ„ mentioned also of Thomas Walden as is aboue specified in which parliameÌ„t it was decreed that whosoeuer shewed themselues to be fauorers of Wickliffe they should be apprehended who at that time were called Lollards and if so be they did obstinately perseuere in that doctrine they should be deliuered ouer vnto the bishop of the dioces from him should be coÌ„mitted to the correctioÌ„ of the secular magistrate This law sayth the story brought a certaine priest vnto punishmeÌ„t the same yeare who was burned in Smithfielde in the presence of a great number This we haue drawne out of a piece of an old story it is most certaine that there such a Priest was burned for the affirmation of the true faith but it doth not appeare by the story what the Priestes name was Notwithstanding by diuers coniectures it appeareth vnto me that his name was Swinderby that was forced to recant before by the Bishop of Lincolâ—2 Whereby what is to be conicetured by the premisses let other men iudge what they think I haue nothing here of expressely to affirme This is plain for al men to iudge which haue here sene and read his story that if he were burned then the bishops Friers priestes which were the causes thereof haue a great thing to answere to the Lord when he shall come to iudge the quicke and the dead seculum perignem ¶ The story and processe agaynst Walter Brute AFter the story of William Swinderby I thought good and conuenient next to adioyne the actes and doinges of Gualter Brute his ioynte fellow and companion being a lay man and learned brought vpp as it seemeth in the Uniuersitie of Oxforde being there also graduate The tractation of whose discourse as it is something long so therein may appeare diuers thinges worthye to be read and considered First yâ— mighty operation of gods spirit in him his ripe knowledge modest simplicitie his valiant constancie hys learned reactations and manifolde conflictes susteyned aagaynst Gods enemies On the contrary part in hys aduersaryes may appeare might against right mans authoritie agaynst plaine veritie against which they hauing nothing directly to aunswere proceede in condemnation agaynst whom they are able to bring forth no confiâ—ation The chiefest occasion that seemed to stirre vp the heart and zeale of this Walter agaynst the pope was the inâ—pudent pardons and indulgenses of Pope 〈◊〉 graunted to Henry Spenser Bishop of Norwich 〈◊〉 against pope Clement mentioned before pag. 428. Secondly the â—oroÌ„gfull condemnation of the articles and conclusions of William Swinderby the whole order wherof in the processe here following more playnly may appeare The processe had by Bohn Byshop of Hereford agaynst Walter Brute lay man and learned of the dioces of Hereford touching the cause of heresie as they called it set forward by the way of the Byshops office c. at the instruction of certain faithful Christians as he termed them but in deed cruell and false promoters IN the name of God Amen To all maner of faithful christian people that shall see and heare this our preseÌ„t proces Iohn by the sufferance of God bishop of
temporall and nobilitie of the Realme and cheifly those that studied for the preseruatioÌ„ of the commonweale not â—casing as yet to coÌ„tinue his mischeuous enterprise if by Gods prouideÌ„ce it be not preuented that with speed Amongst all other of the Nobilitie these first he put to death the Earle of Salisbury the Earle of Huntington the Earle of Gloucester the Lord Roger Clarendon the kyngs brother with diuers other knights and Esquiers and afterwards the Lord Thomas Percy Earle of Worcester and the Lord Henry Percy sonne and heyre to the Earle of Northunberland the which Lord Henry he not onely slew but to the vttermost of his power againe and againe he caused hym to be slayne For after that he was once put to death and deliuered to the Lord of Furniuale to be buryed who committed his body to holy sepulture with as much honour as might be commending his soule to almighty God with the suffrages of the blessed masse other praiers the said Lord Henry most like a cruel beast still thirsting hys bloud caused his body to be exhumate brought forth againe and to be reposed betwene two milstones in the towne of Shreusbury there to be 〈◊〉 wyth armed men And afterwards to be beheaded anâ— quartered commanding his head and quarters to be caried vnto diuers cities of the kingdome Wherefore for so detestable a fact neuer heard of in any age before we pronounce him as in the former articles excommunicate 8. Eightly we depose c. agaynst the said Lord Henry for that after his atteining to the crowne he willingly ratified allowed and approued a most wicked statute set forth renued in yâ— parliament holden at Winchester The which statute is directly against yâ— Church of Rome the power principalitie therof giuen by our Lord Iesus Christ and vnto blessed S. Peter his successors Bishops of Rome vnto whom belongeth by full authoritie the free disposing of all spirituall promotions as wel superior as inferiour which wicked statute is the cause of many mischiefes vid. of simonie periurie adultery incest misorder disobedience for that many Bishops Abbots priors and prelats we will not say by vertue but rather by errour of this statute haue bestowed yâ— benefices vacant vpoÌ„ yong men rude and vnworthy persons which haue compacted with them for the same so that scarce no one prelate is found that hath not couenanted with the partie promoted for the halfe yearely or at the least the third part of the said benefice so bestowed And by this meanes the said statute is the destruction of the right of S. Peter the Church of Rome and England the Cleargie and vniuersities the mainteuance of wars and the whole common wealth c. 9. Ninthly we say and depose c. against the said Lord Henry that after he had tyrannously taken vpon him the gouernement of the Realme England neuer florished since nor prospered by reason of his continuall exactions of money and oppressions yearely of the cleargie and coÌ„minaltie neither is it knowen how this money so extorted is bestowed when as neither his souldiours nor his gentlemen are payed as yet their wages and fees for their charges and wonderfull toile and labour neither yet the poore countrey people are satisfied for the victuall taken of them And neuertheles the miserable clergie and more miserable comminaltie are forced still to pay by menaces and sharp threatnings Notwithstanding he sware when he first vsurped the crowne that hereafter there should be no such exactions nor vexations neither of the clergie nor lâ—â—tie Wherfore as afore we pronounce him periured c. 10. In the tenth and last article we depose say and openly protest by these presents for our selues all our assistents in the cause of the Church of Rome and England and in the cause of king Richard his heires the clergie and comminaltie of the whole Realme that neither our entention is was nor shall be in word nor deed to offend any state either of the prelats spirituall Lords temporall nor commons of the realme but rather foreseeing the perdition and destruction of this Realme to approch we haue here brought before you certeine articles concerning the destruction of the same to be circumspectlie considered of the whole assembly as well of the Lords spirituall as temporall and the faithfull commons of England beseeching you all in that bowels of Iesus Christ the righteous iudge and for the merits of our blessed Lady the mother of God and of S. George our defender vnder whose displayed banner we wish to liue and die and vnder paine of damnation that ye will be fauourable to vs and our causes which are three in number Wherof the first is that we exalt vnto the kingdome the true lawfull heire and him to crowne in kinglie throne with the diademe of England And secondly that we renoke the weshmen the Irishmen and all other our enimies vnto perpetuall peace and amitie Thirdly and finally that we deliuer and make free our natiue countrey from al exactions extortioÌ„s vniust paiments Beseeching our Lord Iesus Christ to graunt his blessing the remission of their sinnes life euerlasting to all that assist vs to their power in this godly and meritorious worke and vnto all those that are against vs we threaten the curse of almighty God by the authority committed vnto vs by Christ and his holy Church and by these presents we pronounce them excommunicate These Articles being seene and read much concourse of people daily resorted more and more to that archbishop The Earle of Westmerland being then not far off with Iohn the kings sonne hearing of this mustered his souldiours with all the power he was able to make bent toward the Archbishop but seeing his part too weake to encounter with him vseth practise of policie where strength would not serue And first comming to him vnder colour of frendship dissembled laboureth to seeke out the causes of that great stirre To whome the Archbyshop againe answering no hurt to be entended thereby but profit rather to the kyng and common wealth and maintenance of publicke peace but for so much as he stood in great scare and danger of the king he was therefore compelled so to doo And withall shewed vnto him the contents of the Articles aforesaid which when the Earle had read setting a faire face vpon it seemed highly to commend the purpose and doyngs of the Bishop promising moreouer that he would helpe also forward in that quarell to the vttermost of his power And required vpon the same a day to be set when they with equall number of men might meere together in some place appointed to haue farther talke of the matter The Archbishop easilie perswaded was content although much against the counsaile of the Earle Marshall and came Where the Articles being openly published and read the Earle of Westmerland with his companie pretended well to like vpon the same and to ioyne their
called vnto him the Archbishop of Yorke Richard London Henry Winchester Robert Chichester Alexander Norwich the noble prince Edmond the Duke of Yorke Rafe Earle of Westmerland Thomas Beaufort Knight Lord Chancellour of England and the Lord Beamond with other noble men as well spirituall as temporall that stood and sate by whome to name it would be long Before whome the said Iohn Badby was called personallie to answere vnto the Articles premised in the foresaid instrument Who when he came personallie before them the articles were read by the Officiall of the court of Cant. and by the Archb. in the vulgare tong expounded publikely and expresly and the same Articles as he before had spoken and deposed he still held and defended and said that whilest he liued he would neuer retract the same And furthermore he said specially to to be noted that the Lord duke of Yorke personallie there present as is aforesaid and euery man els for the time beeing is of more estimation and reputation then the Sacrament of the aulter by the priest in due forme consecrated And whilest they were thus in his examination the Archbishop considering and waying that he would in no wise be altered and seing moreouer his countenance stout and hart confirmed so that he began to persuade other as it appeared in the same These things considered the Archprelate whē he saw that by his allurements it was not in his power neither by exhortations reasons nor arguments to bring the said Iohn Badbye from his constant truth to his Catholique faith executing and doing the office of his great maister proceeded to confirme and ratifie the former sentence giuen before by the Bishop of Worcester against the said Iohn Badby pronouncing him for an open and publique hereticke And thus shifting their hands of him they deliuered him to the secular power and desired the sayd temporall Lords then and there present verie instantlie that they would not put the same Iohn Badby to death for that his offence nor deliuer him to be punished or put to death in y◠presence of all the Lordsabone recited These things thus done and concluded by the Bishops in the forenoone on the afternoone the Kings writte was not far behind By the force wherof I. Badby still perseuering in his constancie vnto the death was brought into Smithfield and there being put in an emptie barrell was bound with iron chaines fastened to a stake hauing drie wood put about him And as he was thus standing in the pipe or tonne for as yet Cherillus Bull was not in vre among the bishops it happened that the Prince the kings eldest sonne was there present Who shewing some part of the good Samaritane began to endeuour and assay how to saue the life of him whome the hypocriticall Leuites and Phariseis sought to put to death He admonished and counsailed him that hauing respect vnto himselfe he should spedelie withdraw himselfe out of these dangerous Laberinths of opinions adding oftentimes threatnings the which might haue daunted anie mans stomacke Also Courtney at that time Chancellor of Oxford preached vnto him and enformed him of the faith of holie Church In this meane season the Prior of S. Bartlemewes in Smithfield brought with all solemnitie the Sacrament of Gods body with twelue torches borne before and so shewed the Sacrament to the poore man being at the stake And then they demanded of him how he beleeued in it he answering that he knew well it was halowed bread and not gods body And then was the tunne put ouer him and fire put vnto him And when he felt fire he cried mercie calling belike vpon the Lord and so the Prince immediatelie commanded to take awaie the tunne and quench the fire The Prince his commandement being done asked him if he would forsake heresie to take him to the faith of holie Church which thing if he would doo he should haue goods inough promising also vnto him a yearelie stipend out of the kings treasurie so much as should suffice his contentation ¶ The description of the horrible burning of Iohn Badby and how he was vsed at hys death This godly Martyr Iohn Badby hauing thus consummate his testimony and martyrdome in fire the persecuting Bishops yet not herewith contented and thinking themselues as yet eyther not strong inough or els not sharpe enough agaynst tht poore innocent flock of Christ to make all thinges sure and substantiall on theyr side in such sorte as this doctrine of the Gospell nowe springing should be suppressed for euer layd theyr conspiring heads together hauing now a king for theyr own purpose ready to serue theyr turn in all poynts during the time of the same Parliamēt aboue recited yet cōtinuing the foresayd bishops and clergy of the realme exhibited a Bul vnto the kings maiestie subtily declaring what quietnes hath ben mayntayned within this realme by his most noble progenitours who alwayes defended the auncient rites and customes of the Church and enriched the same with large gifts to the honor of God and the realme and contrariwise what trouble and disquietnes was now risen by diuers as they termed them wicked and peruerse men teachinge and preachinge openlye and priuilye acertayne new wicked and hereticall kinde of doctrine contrary to the Catholicke fayth and determination of holye Church whervpon the king alwayes oppressed with blynd ignoraunce by the crafty meanes and subtile pretences of the clergie graunted in the sayd Parliament by consent of the nobilitie assembled a statute to be obserued called Ex officio as followeth The Statute Ex officio That is to say that no man within this Realme or other the kinges maiesties dominions presume or take vpon him to preach priuily or apertly without speciall licence first obteyned of the ordinary of the same place Curates in theyr owne parishe Churches and persons heretofore priuiledged and others admitted by the Canon law onely excepted Nor that any hereafter do preach mayntayne teach informe openly or in secret or make or write any booke contrary to the catholique fayth and determination of the holy Church Nor that any hereafter make anye conuenticles or assemblies or keepe and exercise anye maner of schooles touching this sect wicked doctrin and opinion And further that no man hereafter shall by any meanes fauour anye such preacher any such maker of vnlawfull assemblies or any such booke maker or writer and finally any such teacher informer or stirrer vp of the people And that all and singuler persons hauing anye the sayd bookes writinges or schedules contayning the sayd wicked doctrines and opinions shall within forty dayes after this present proclamation and statute really and effectually deliuer or cause to be deliuered all and singuler the sayd bookes and writinges vnto the ordinary of the same place And if it shall happen anye person or persons of what kinde state or condition soeuer he or they be to doe or attempt anye manner of thing contrarye to this
this present committing the foresayd iniuryes vnto God vnto whom vengeance perteyneth who will also aboundantly reward workers of iniquity will prosecute them more amply before him whom God shall appoynt in the Apostolicke sea to gouerne his holy Churche as the onely and vndoubted Pastour Vnto whom God willing we exhibiting our due reuerence obedience as faythfull children in those things which are lawfull honest and agreeable to reason and the law of God wil make our request and petition that speedy remedy may be prouided for vs our sayde kingdome and Marquesdome vpon the premises according to the law of our Lord Iesus Christ and the institutions of the holy fathers The premises notwithstanding we setting apart all feare and mens ordinances prouided to the contrary will maynetayne and defend the law of our Lord Iesus Christ and the deuout humble and constant preachers thereof euen to the shedding of our bloud Dated at Sternberg in the yeare of our Lord. 1415. vpon S. Wēceslaus day Martyr of our Lord Iesu Christ. Round about the sayd letters there were 54. Seales hanging and their names subscribed whose Seales they were The names of which noble men I thought it good here to annext with all partly for the more credite of that hath bene sayd partly also for examples sake to the intent that our noble men and gentlemen in this our Realme of England now liuing in this cleare light of the Gospell may by their example vnderstand that if they ioyne themselues with the Gospell of Iesus zealouslye and as they should do yet are they neither the first nor the most that so haue done before them if not yet the trueth may here remayne in the story to theyr shame or els to theyr instruction seing so many noble and worthy gentlemen within the small kingdome of Bohemia to be so forward in those so darcke dayes and among so many enemyes 200. yeares agoe to take part with Christ And yet our Gentlemē here in such long cōtinuance of time being so diligētly taught are neyther in number nor in zeale to thē to be compared but will still take part contrary both to Christ and to the example of these nobles whose names they may see read here folowing 1 Alssokabat de Wiscowitz 2 Vlricus de Lhota 2 Ioan de Ksimicz 4 Iossko de sczitowicz 5 Paerdus Zwiranowicz 6 Ioan. de Ziwla 7 Ioā de Reychēberg 8 Wildo Skitzyny 9 Drliko de Biela 10 Kos de Doloylatz 11 Ioan de Simusin 12 Dobessim ' de Tissa 13 Drazko de Aradeck 14 Steph. de Hmodorkat 15 Ioan Dern de Gabonecx 16 Barso dictus Hloder de Zeinicz 17 Ioan Hmrsdorfar 18 Psateska de Wilklek 19 Petrus Mg de Sczitowicy 20 N. Studenica 21 N. Brischell 22 N. de Cromassona 23 Arannisick Donant de Poloniae 24 Ioan. Donant de Poloniae 25 Ioan. de Cziczow 26 Wenceslaus de N. 27 N. de N. 28 N.N. 29 Iosseck de N. 30 Henricus de N. 31 Waczlals de kuck  This noble man did accompanye Hus and with certain horsemen conducte him to Constance 32 Henr. de Zrenowicz 33 Baczko de Cōuald 34 Petr. dictus Nienick de zaltoroldeck 35 Czēko de Mossnow 36 N. 37 Zibilutz de Clezā 38 Ioan. de Peterswald 39 Parsifal de Namyescz 40 Zodoni de Zwietzick 41 Raczeck Zawskalp 42 Ion de Tossawicz 43 Diwa de Spissnia 44 Steffko de Draczdw 45 Issko de Draczdw 46 Odich de Hlud 47 Wosfart de Paulowicz 48 Pirebbor de Tire zenicz 49 Rynard de Tyrczewicz 50 Bohunko de Wratisdow 51 Vlricus de Racdraw 52 Deslaw de Nali 53 Bonesb de Frabenicz 54 Eybl de Roissowan After these things thus declared and discoursed cōcerning the history of Iohn Hus and Hierome of Prage the order of place and countrye next woulde require consequently to infer and comprehend the great troubles perturbations which happened after vpō the death of these men in the coūtry of Boheme but the order of time calleth me backe first to other matters here of our owne country which passed in the meane time with vs in England Which things being taken by the way and finished we will christ willing afterward returne to the tractation hereof to prosecute the troubles and conflictes of the Bohemians with other things beside perteyning to the latter end of the coūcell of constance and chosing of Pope Martin as the order of yeares and time shall require Ye heard before pag. 588. how after the death of Thomas Arundell Archb. of Caunt succeeded Henry Chichesley an 1414. and sate 25. yeres In whose time was much trouble and great affliction of good mē here in England of whom many were compelled to abiure some we burned diuers were driuē to exile Wherof partly now to entreat as we finde them in registers historyes recorded we will first begin with Iohn Claydon Currier of Londō Richard Turming whom Rob. Fabian doth falsly affirm to be burned in the yeare where in Syr Roger Acton and M. Browne suffered who in deed suffered not before the secōd yeare of Henry Chichesley being Archb. of Caunt whiche was an 1413. The history of which Iohn Claydon in the Registers is thus declared The story of Iohn Claydon Currier and of R. Turming Baker THe 17. of August 1415. did personally appeare I. Claydon Currier of London arrested by the Mayor of the sayd City for the suspition of heresy before Henry Archbishop of Caunterbury in Saynt Paules Church whiche Iohn being obiected to him by the Archbishop that in the City of London other places of the prouince of Canterbury he was suspected by diuers godly and learned mē for heresy and to be contrary to the catholick fayth and determinatiō of the church did openly confesse and denyed not but that he had bene for the space of xx yeres suspected both about the City of London also in the prouince of Caunt and specially of the common sort for Lollardy and heresy to be contrary to the catholick fayth and determination of the church of Rome and defamed of the same all the tyme aforesayd In so much that in the time of M. Robert Braybrooke B. of London deceased he was for the space of two yeares commaunded to the prison of Conwey for the foresayd defamation and suspition and for the same cause also he was in prison in the fleete for 3. yeares Out of which prison he in the raigne of King Henry the 4. was brought before Lord Iohn Scarle then Chauncellor to the king there did abiure all heresy and errour And the sayd Iohn Claydon being asked of the sayd Archbishop whither he did abiure the heresye of which he was suspect before any other did confesse that in a Conuocation at London in Paules Church before Thomas Arundell late Archbishop deceased he did abiure all such doctrine which they called heresy and error contrary to the Catholick fayth and determination of the Church and that he had
sought to by pilgrimages neither is it lawfull for Christians to bow theyr knees to them neither to kisse them nor to geue them any maner of reuerence For the which Articles the Archbishoppe with other Bishops and diuers learned commoning together first condemned the bookes as hereticall and burned them in fire and then because they thought the said Iohn Claydon to be forsworne and fallen into heresy the Archbishop did proceed to his definitiue sentence against the said Iohn personally appearing before him in iudgement his coÌ„fessions being read and deposed against him after this maner IN the name of God Amen We Henry by the grace of GOD Archbishop of Caunterbury primate of all England and Legate of the Apostolicke sea in a certayne cause of hereticall prauity of relapse into the same wherupon I. Claidon lay man of the prouince of Caunterbury was detected accused and denounced in the sayd our prouince of Caunterbury publickely defamed as by publick fame and common report notoriously to vs hath bene known first sitting in iudgement seat obseruing all things lawfully required in this behalfe do proceed to the pronouncing of the sentence definitiue in forme as followeth The name of Christ being inuocated onely set before our eies forasmuch as by the actes and thinges enacted producted exhibited and confessed before vs also by diuers signes euidences we haue found the said Iohn Claydon to haue bene and to be publickly and notoriously relapsed agayne into his former heresye heretofore by him abiured according to the merites and desertes of the sayd cause being of vs diligently searched weyed and pondered before to the inteÌ„t that the sayd I. Claidon shall not infect other with his scab by the consent and assent of our reuerend brethreÌ„ Richard Bishop of LoÌ„don Iohn Bishop of Couentry and Liechfield Steuen Bishop of S. Dauids and of other Doctors as well of diuinity as of both lawes and also of other discreet and learned men assisting vs in this behalfe do iudge pronounce and declare the sayd I. Claydon to be relapsed agayne into his heresy which he before did abiure finally and definitiuely appoynting him to be left vnto the secular iudgement and so do leaue him by these presentes Thus Iohn Claidon receiuing his iudgement condemnation of the Archbishop was committed to the secular power and by them vniustly vnlawfully was coÌ„mitted to the fire for that the teÌ„porall magistrate had no such law sufficient for them to burne any suche man for religion condeÌ„ned of the prelats as is aboue sufficiently proued declared pag. 523. But to be short Quo iurè quaque iniuria Iohn Cleydon notwithstanding by the temporall magystrats not loÌ„g aâ—ter was had to smithfield where meekely he was made a burnt offering vnto the Lord. an 1415. The burning of Iohn Claydon and Richard Turming Robert Fabian and other Chronologers which folow him adde also that Richard Turming Baker of whome mention is made before in the examination of Iohn Claydon was likewise the same time burned with him in smithfield Albeit in the Register I finde no sentence of condemnation geuen against the sayd Turming neither yet in the story of S. Albons is there any such metioÌ„ of his burning made but only of the burning of Iohn Claydon aforesaid wherfore the iudgement hereof I leaue free to the reader Notwithstanding concerning the sayd Turming thys is certaine that he was accused vnto the bishops no doubt was in their handes bands What afterward was done with him I refer it vnto the authors The next yeare after the burning of these two aforesaid and also of Iohn Hus being burnt at Constaunce whiche was an 1416. the Prelates of England seing the dayly increase of the Gospell and fearing the ruine of theyr papall kingdome were busily occupied with all theyr counsel and diligence to mayntayne the same Wherefore to make their state and kingdome sure by statutes lawes constitutions and terrour of punishment as Thomas Arundell and other Prelates had done before so the forenamed Henrye Chichesley Archbishop of Canterbury in his conuocation holden at London maketh another constitutioÌ„ as though there had not enough bene made before agaynst the poore Lollardes the coppy and tenor wherof he sendeth abroad to the bishop of London and to other his Suffraganes by them to be put in straight execution conteyning in words as foloweth HEnry by the grace of God Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England and Legate of the chiefest seat to our reuereÌ„d brother in the Lord Richard by the grace of God bishop of London health brotherly loue with continuall increase Lately in our last conuocation in Sayncte Paules Church in London being kept by you and other our brethren and clergy of our prouince we do remember to haue made this order vnderwritten by your consentes When as among many other our cares this ought to be chiefe that by some meanes we take those heretickes whiche like foxes lurke hide theÌ„selues in the Lordes vineyard that the dust of negligeÌ„ce may be vtterly shakeÌ„ from our feete and from the feete of our fellow brethren In thys the sayd conuocation of the Prelats and clergy we haue ordeined and that our fellowe brethren our Suffraganes and Archdeacons of our prouince of Canterbury by theÌ„selues their Officials or Commissaryes in all their iurisdictioÌ„s euery of their charges in theyr country twise euery yere at the least do diligeÌ„tly enquire of such persons as are suspect of heresy And that in euery suche their Archdeaconries in euery parish wherin is reported any hereticks to inhabit they cause three or more of the honestest meÌ„ and best reported of to take their othe vpon the holy Euangelist that if they shall knowe or vnderstand any frequenting either in priuy conueÌ„ticles or els deferring in life or maners froÌ„ the common conuersation of other Catholick men or els that holde any either heresyes or errors or els that haue any suspected bookes in the English tong or that do receiue any such persons suspect of heresyes and errours into theyr houses or that be fauorers of them that are inhabitants in any such place or conuersant with them or els haue any recourse vnto them they make certificats of those persons in writing with all the circumstances wherewith they are suspect vnto the said our Suffraganes or Archdeacons or to theyr Commissaryes so soone with as much speede as possibly they can And that the sayd Archdeacon and euery of their Commissaryes aforesayd do declare the names of all such persons denounced together with all the circuÌ„staÌ„ces of theÌ„ the dioces places secretly vnder theyr seales do send ouer vnto vs the same And that the same diocessans effectually direct forth lawfull proces agaynst them as the quality of the cause requireth that with all diligence they discerne define and execute the same And if perhaps they leaue not such persons
speciall licēce the word of God and that those that do agaynst the same should suffer the ecclesiasticall censurs 8. Item I confesse that priuate religiōs as wel of monks canons and other as also of the begging Friers being allowed by the church of Rome are profitable to the vniuersall church and in no meanes contrary to Gods law but rather founded and authorised thereon 9. Item I promise and sweare vpon these holy Euangelies which I hold here in my hands that I will hēceforth neuer hold affirme nor by any meanes teach any thing cōtrary vnto the premisses either openly or priuately After the setting out of the constitution aforesaid in the dayes of the aboue named Henry Chichesley Arbishop of Caunterbury great inquisition hereupon followed in England and many good men whose harts began to be won to the Gospell were brought to much vexation and caused outwardly to abiure Thus while Christ had the inward hartes of men yet the Catholicke Antichrist would needes possesse their outward bodyes and make them sing after his song In the number of whom being compelled to abiure besides the other aforesayd was also I. Taylor of the parishe of Saynt Michaels at Duerne William Iames maister of Art and Phisition who had long remained in prison and at length after abiuration was licēced with his keper to practise his Phisicke Also Ioh. Dwerf so named for his low stature which was sent by the Duke of Bedford to the foresayd Chichesly and other bishops to be examined before them in the cōuocation there he at length reuolting from his doctrine recanted and did penaunce In like maner Iohn Iourdelay of Lincolnshire well commended in the registers for his learning accused by the priestes of Lincoln for a certayn book which he contrary to the former decree of the bishops did conceale dyd not exhibite vnto thē was therfore enforced to abiure After whō was brought likewise before the Byshops one Katharin Dertford a Spinster who being accused and examined vpon these 3. articles concerning the Sacrament of the popes altar adoration of Images and of pilgrimage answered that she was not able being vnlearned to answere to such high matters neither had she any further skil but only her Creed and x. commaundements and so was she committed to the vicar general of the B. of Wint. for that she was of the same dioces to be kept and further to be examined of the same Ex Regist. Hen. Chichesley At the same sitting was also brought before the sayde Archb. and his fellow bishops by the liuetenant of the Tower the person of Heggely in Lincolneshyre named M. Robert who being long kept in the tower at lēgth by the kinges writte was brought and examined the same tyme vpon the like articles to witte touching the sacrament of their aultar peregrinatiō adoration of images whether it was lawfull for spirituall men to enioy temporall Lordships c. To the which articles he answered saith the Register doublely and mockingly saue onely in the sacramēt he semed something more conformable albeit not yet fully to their contētation Wherfore being committed to the custody and examination of Richard Bishopp of Lincolne where in the end he was also induced to submit himselfe The same likewise did W. Henry of Tenterden being suspected and arested for company keping with thē whom the Bishops called Lollardes and for hauing suspected bookes Besides these diuers other there were also which in the same conuocation were conuented and reuoked theyr opinions as Iohn Galle a Priest of London for hauing a booke in English intituled A booke of the new law Item Richard Monke vicar of Chesham in Lincolnshyre who submitted himselfe likewise In this race and number followed moreouer Bartholomew Cormnonger Nic Hoper seruaunt to the Lord Cobham Tho. Granter with other mo mentioned in the foresayd register Among the rest which were at this time troubled for theyr fayth was one Radulph Mungin priest who for the same doctrine was arested and sent vp by the L. Chancellor of England to the foresayd Arch. and by him committed to Dauid Price Uicar generall to the B. of London Where after he had endured 4. moneths in prison he was by the sayd Dauid presented to the conuocation agaynst whom diuers articles were obiected But for the better explaining of the matter first here is to be noted that during the time of this conuocation prouinciall Pope Martine had sent downe to the Clergye of Englande for a subsidye to be gathered of the Church to mayntayne the Popes warre agaynst the Lolards so the Papistes did terme them of Bohemia Also an other subsidy was demaunded to persecute one Peter Clerke mayster of art of Oxford who flying out of England was at the councell of Basill disputing on the Bohemians side And thirdly an other subsidy was also required to persecute W. Russell Warden of the Gray Friers in London who the same time was fled from England to Rome to mayntayne his opinion before the Pope and there escaped out of prison c. of whom more largely hereafter Christ willing we shall entreat In the meane time marke here the preey shiftes of the Pope to hooke in the English mony by all maner of pretences possible Thus Rafe Mungyn the foresayd examinate appearing before the bishops in the conuocation it was articulated agaynst him first that he should affirme and hold not to be lawfull for any Christian to fight and make warre agaynst the heretickes of Bohemia Item it was to him obiected that he did holde say not to be lawfull for any man to haue propriety of goodes but the same to be cōmon which he expressely denyed that euer he so sayd or affirmed Whereby we haue to obserue how the crafty malice of these aduersaries vseth falsely to collect and surmise of men what they neuer spake wherby to oppresse them wrongfully whom by playne trueth they cannot expugne Moreouer they obiected agaynst him that he shoulde keepe company with Mayster Clarke aforesayde and also that he dispersed in the City of London certayn bookes of Iohn Wickliffe and of Peter Clarke namely the booke Trialogus and the Gospels of Iohn Wickleffe c. He was charged moreouer to haue spoken agaynst the Popes indulgences for that the Pope had no more power to geue indulgences then he had Upon these and other such Articles obiected the sayde Mungyn being asked if he would reuoke aunswered that it seemed to him not iust or meet so to doe whiche dyd not know himself guilty of any heresy Thus he being respited for that time was cōmitted to prison till the next sitting who then being called diuers and sundry times afterward before the Bishops after long inquisition and straight examination made also depositions brought in agaynst him so much as they could search out he notwithstanding styll denyed as before to recant Wherefore the foresayd Henry the Archbishop proceeding to his sentence
the way that he might reigne king alone In the meane time while al this ruffling was in hand what bread sorow the tender harts of these fatherles and friendles children were in what little ioy of them selues what smal ioy of life they had it is not so hard as dolorous for tender harts to vnderstand As the yonger brother lingered in thought and heauines so the prince which was a 11. yeare old was so out of hart and so fraught with feare that he neuer tyed his poyntes nor ioyed good day till the trayterous impictie of their cruell vncle had deliuered thē of their wretchednes whiche was not long in dispatching For after king Richard their vncle first attempting to cōpasse his diuelishe deuise by Robert Brakenbury Constable of the tower and could not winne him to suche a cruell fact to die therefore then he got one Iames Tyrell ioyning with him Iohn Dighton and Miles Forrest to perpetrate this heinous murder Which Dyghton and Forest about midnight entring into their chamber so be wrapped and entangled them amongst the clothes keeping downe the fetherbed and pilowes hard vnto their mournes that within a while they smoothered and stifeled them pitiously in their bed And thus ended these two yong princes their liues thorough the wretched cruelty of these forenamed tormentors who for their detestable and bloudy murder committed escaped not long vnpunished by the iust hand of God For first Miles Forest at S. Martines le grand by peecemeale miserably rotted away Iohn Dighton liued at Callis lōg after so disdained and hated that he was pointed at of all men and there died in great misery Sir Iames Tyrell was beheaded at Tower hill for treason Also King Richard himselfe within a yeare and a halfe after was stayne in the field hacked and hewed of his enemies handes torne and tugged like a curre dogge Furthermore the said iustice of gods hand left not the Duke of Buckingham escape free Whiche was a greate maintainer and setter vp of this butcherly vsurper for les then within a yeare after so God wrought that hee was himselfe beheaded for treason by the sayd king whom he so vniustly before had aduaunced and set vp In the same catologue and order of these wicked doers afore recited we haue also to comprehende two other as well worthy of memoriall as the best or rather as that worst The name of the one was doctour Shawe aboue rehearsed The other doctor Pinkie prouincial of the Austen Friers both famous preachers and both Doctors in diuinitie both of more learning then vertue sayth the story of more same thē learning yet of more learning thē truth Shaw made a Sermon in the prayse of the Protector before hys coronation Pinkie preached after thys coronation Both were so full of tedious flatterye that no good cares coulde abide them Pinkie in his sermon so lost his voyce that he was sayne to leaue of came downe in in the midst Doctour Shaw by his sermon lost his honenesty and soone after his life for very shame of the world so that he neuer durst after that shew his face againe But as for the Fryer he was so farre past shame that the losse therof did little touch him Mention was made a little before of Doctor Morton Bishop at Ely by whose meanes the deuise was first broched for the conioyning the two houses of Yorke Lancaster together This deuise was first broken to the Duke of Buckingham which soone after cost hym his life But that bishop more crafty to saue hymselfe incontinent fled into Brittain Notwithstanding the deuise once being broched was so plausible and tooke such effect that message was sent ouer the sea to Henry Earle of Richmond by his mother and by the Queene mother to the Ladye Elizabeth that if he would make hys returne and promise to marry with the sayd Lady Elizabeth King Edwards daughter he should be receaued To make a longer discourse of thys matter which is sufficiently set forth by S. Tho. More so ornately it needeth not Briefely to contract that in a small compasse of wordes which was not so small a thing in doing after that the Earle Henry with such other banished mē as fled out of Englād at the taking of the Duke of Buckingham had perfect intelligence by his mother and by the Queene and other frends moe out of England how the case of that realm stoode and how it was here purposed by his frendes that is that he should with all conuenient speede hast hys returne ouer into England promising to mary with Ladye Elizabeth he with all diligence as tyme and preparation would serue aduaūced forward his iourny being wel helped and furnished by Fraunces Duke of Britayne and so shipped his mē Albeit his first voyage sped not for that the winds turning contrary by force of weather his ships were disparcled and he repulsed backe into Fraūce agayn His second viage was more prosperous Who taking the seas at Harslet in the moneth of August an 1485. accompanied onely with two thousand men and a smal number of shippes aryued at Milford Hauen in Wales and fyrste came to Dale then to Harford West where he was ioyfully receiued and also by the cōming in of Arnolde Butler and the Pēbroke men was in power encreased Frō thēce he remoued by Cardigan to Shrewsbery then to Newport and so to Stafford from thence to Liechfield his army still more and more augmented Lyke as a great floud by comming in of many small riuers gathereth more aboundaunce of water so to this Earle diuers noble Captaynes and men of power adioyned themselues as Richard Griffith Iohn Morgan Rice ap Thomas thē sir Georg Talbot with the yong Erle of Shrewesbery his warde Sir William Stanley Sir Tho. Burchier and Sir Walter Hungerford knightes At last the said Erle hearing of the kinges comming conducted his whole army to Tam worth King Richard first hearing of the arriuall of the Erle Henry in the partes of Wales after such a slender sort did giue little or no regard vnto it But after vnderstanding that he was come to Lichfield without resistaunce or incombraunce he was sore moued and exceedingly tooke on cursing and crying out against them which had so deceaued him in all post speed sent for Iohn Duke of Northfolke Hen. Erle of Northumberlād Tho. Erle of Surrey with other his frendes of special trust Robert Brakenbury also liesetenaunt of the tower was sent for with Sir Tho. Burchier and Sir Walter Hungerforde with certaine other knightes and Esquiers of whome he partlye misdoubted or had some suspicious gelousy Thus K. Richard after most forceable maner well fortified and accompanied leauing nothing vndone that dilligence could require set forward toward his enemies The Earle by this time was come to Tamworth to whō secretly in the Euening resorted sir Iohn Sauage sir Bryan Sanford sir Simon Digby and many other forsaking
Britaine Poytow and Guyan Also he had in hys rule Normandy Gascoyne Angeow and Chinon also Aluerne and the Citie of Tholous he wan and were to hym subiect Ouer and besides by the title of his wife Elenore daughter to the Erle of Poytow he obtained the mounts Pyraine in Spayne so that we read of none of hys progenitours which had so many countreys vnder hys dominion In England were seene in the firmament two sunnes or as it is in Chronica Chronicorum in Italy appeared thre sunnes by the space of iii. houres in the West and the yere following appeared iii. moones wherof the middle moone had a red crosse ouertwart the face Whereby was tokened by the iudgement of some the great schisme that after fell among the Cardinals for the election of the Bishop of Rome or else rather the businesse betwene Fridericus the Emperour and the Popes wherof partly now incidently occasiō geueth vs to discourse After that I haue first written of Gerhardus and Dulcinus Nauarēsis who in their tyme according to their gift did earnestly labour preach against the church of Rome defending and maintainyng that prayer was not more holy in one place then in an other that the Pope was Antichrist that the Clergy prelates of Rome were reiect and the very whore of Babilon prefigured in the Apocalips c. Peraduenture these had receiued some light of knowledge of the Waldenses Who at length with a great number of their folowers were oppressed and slaine by the Pope And although some inconuenient points of doctrine and dishonesty in their assemblies be agaynst them alledged of some yet these tymes of ours do teach vs sufficiently what credite is to bee geuen to such popish slanders forged rather vpon hatred of true religion then vpon any iudgement of truth Illyricus in his booke De testibus referreth the tyme of these two to the yere of our Lord 1280. but as I find in the story of Robert Guisburn these ii about the yeare of our Lord 1158. brought 30. with them into England who by the king and the Prelates were all burnt in the forehead and so driuen out of the Realme and after as Illyricus writeth were slayne by the Pope And now according to my promise premised the tyme requireth to proceede to the history of Fredericus the first called Barbarossa successor vnto Conradus in the Empire who marched vp to Italy to subdue there certaine rebels The Pope hearing that came with his Clergy to meete him by the way in a towne called Sutrium thinking by him to find ayd against his enemies The Emperor seyng the Bishop lighteth of his horse to receiue hym holdyng the stirrup to the Prelate on the left side when he should haue held it on the right whereat the Pope shewed himselfe somwhat agrieued The Emperor smiling excused himselfe that he was neuer accustomed to holde stirrops And seyng it was done onely of good will and of no duety the lesse matter was what side of the horse he held The next day to make amends agayne to the Bishop the Emperor sending for him receiued him holding the right stirrup to the prelate so all the matter was made whole and he the Popes owne white sonne agayne After this as they were come in and late together Hadrianus the Pope beginneth to declare vnto him how his auncestors before him such as sought to the sea of Rome for the crowne were woont alwayes to leaue behind them some speciall token or monument of their beneuolence for the obtaining thereof as Carolus Magnus in subduing the Lombards Ottho the Berengarians Lotharius the Normands c. Wherfore he required some benefit to proceed likewise from him to the church of Rome in restoring agayne the countrey of Apulia to the Church of Rome Which thing if he would do he for his part againe would do that which appertained to him to do meaning in geuing him the crowne for at the tyme the popes had brought the Emperors to fetch their crowne at their hands Frederike with his princes perceiuing that vnlesse he would of his owne proper costes charges fetch in agayn Apulia out of duke Williams hands he could not speed of the crowne was fayne to promise to all that the Pope required and so the next day after was crowned This done the Emperor returneth into Germany to refresh his army and his other furnitures for the subduing Apulia In the meane while Hadrianus not thinking to be idle first geueth forth censures of excommunication against William duke of Apulia Besides not coutēt with this sendeth also to Emanuel Emperor of Constantinople incensing him to warre against the foresayd William The duke perceiuing this sendeth to the Pope for peace promising to restore to him whatsoeuer he would But the Pope through the malignant counsaile of his Cardinals would grant to no peace thinking to get more by warre The Duke seyng nothing but warre prepareth himselfe with all expedition to the same To be briefe making all his power out of Sicilia he arriueth at Apulia there putteth Emanuell the Emperour to flight This done he proceedeth to the Citie Bonauentuee where the Pope with his Cardinals were looking for victory He planting there his siege so straightly pressed the City that the Pope w e his Cardinals were glad to intreat for peace which they refused before The Duke graunted to their peace vpon certaine conditions that is that neyther hee should inuade such possessions as belonged to Rome and that the Pope should make him king of both Siciles So the matter was concluded and they departed The bishop cōming to Rome was no lesse troubled there about their Consuls and Senators In so much that when his curses and excommunications could not preuayle nor serue hee was sayne to leaue Rome and remoued to Ariminum The Emperor all this while sitting quietly at home began to consider with himselfe how the Pope had extorted from the Emperours his predecessours the inuesting and induyng of prelates how he had pylied and poled all nations by his Legates and also had bene the sower of seditions through all his Empery he began therfore to require of all the bishops of Germany homagium and othe of their allegeance commaunding also the Popes Legates if they came into Germany without his sending for not to be receiued Charging moreouer all his subiectes that none of thē should appeale to Rome Besides this in his letters he set prefixed his name before the popes name Whereupon the Pope beyng not a little offended directed his letters to the foresayd Frederike Emperour after this tenor and forme as foloweth The copy of Hadrianus the Popes letters to Fredericke the Emperour HAdrianus Episcopus seruus seruorum Dei Friderico Imperatori salutem Apostolicam benedictionem Caetera vide in priore aeditione In English Hadrian Bishop seruant of the seruants of God to Friderike Emperour health and Apostolicall