Wainsflet Bishop of Winchester builded Magdalen Colledge hee builded also a great parte of Eaton Colledge before begunne by king Henry the sixt William Smith Bishop of Lincolne during the raigne of king Henry the seauenth layed the foundation of Brasen nose in the yeare 1513. the which hath beene lately by that reuerende olde man Alexander Nowel Deane of S. Paules Church in London much helped increased During the raigne of the saide king Henry the seauenth Richarde Foxe Bishop of Winchester founded Corpus Christi Colledge himselfe hauing before beene a fellow of Pembrooke hall in Cambridge the which colledge of his in the yeare 1516. hee endowed with forty pound eight shillinges two pence yearely rent for euer In the time of king Henry the eight Thomas Wolsey Cardinall of Rome Archbishoppe of Yorke and Lorde high Chancelor of England beganne in sumptuous manner to lay the foundation of a most ample and spatious Colledge but falling into the kinges heauie displeasure before the same could bee brought to perfection the king after his decease enriched the same with many goodly reuenewes annexing thereunto Canterburie colledge which had beene before erected in the time of Edward the 3. by Simon Islep Archbishop of Canterburie This worthy King of famous memory the more to grace adorne the citie erected therein a Bishops sea and out of his treasurie appointed yearely to be paid certaine annuities for the perpetuall maintenance of publique readers in each seuerall schoole In the raigne of Queene Mary Sir Thomas Pope reedified Duresme Colledge which was in former ages erected by Thomas of Hatfield Bishop of Duresme and now by continuance of time exceedingly decayed by which knight the name therof being altered it is now called Trinitie Colledge Not long since Hugh Prise Doctor of the ciuill law hath founded a new colledge which in honour of our Sauiour is knowne by the name of Iesu colledge Many other rare and excellent ornamentes there are wherewith this famous and farre renowned Academie exceedingly is beautified as churches libraries publique schooles and many sumptuous priuate edifices the which to auoid prolixitie I will omit imagining that such triuiall things must of necessitie bee famialiarly knowne to euery learned reader wherefore with this assertion I will finally conclude that more pietie in religion more profoundnesse in learning more strictnes in discipline more integritie in life is not to be found in any one vniuersitie in whatsoeuer part or region of the world Cambridge COncerning the first originall and foundation of the cittie and vniuersitie of Cambridge among the learned searchers of antique lustories two seuerall and discrepant opinions strongly are maintained Iohn Caius in his booke of the antiquity of Cambridge with many arguments laboureth to proue the foundation thereof to haue beene laide and the name deriued from one Cantabar a Prince of Spaine brother to Partholinus King of Ireland and sonne in law to Gurguntius king of Britaine in the yeare 4317. after the worlds first creation which was 539. yeares before our Sauiours natiuitie For proofe of which opinion hee alleadgeth the authoritie of Iohn Lidgat Monke of Berriâ— and scholler to that famous Poet and onely Homer of our English nation Geffrey Chaucer whose verses in old English as I found them written I haue here vnderneath set downe By true record of the Doctor Bede That sometime wrote so mickle with his hand And specially remembring as I reade In his Chronicles made of England Among other things as we shall vnderstand Whom for mine author I dare alleadge Sith the translation and building of Cambridge With him according Aâ—fred the chronicler Seriously who list his bookes for to see Made in the time when he was Thresurer Of Beuerley an old famous cittie Affirme and saine the vniuersitie Of Cambridge and studie first began By their writing as I report can He rehearsing first for commendation By their writing how that old cittie Was strongly walled with towers many one Built and finished with great libertie Notable and famous of great authoritie As their authors according saine the same Of Cantabar taking first his name Like as I find report I can none other This Cantaber time of his liuing To Partholine he was Germane brother Duke in those daies in Ireland a great king Chiefe and principall cause of that building The wall about and towers as they stood Was set and built vpon a large floud Named Cantebro a large broad riuer And after Cante called Cantebro This famous citie this write the Chronicler Was called Cambridge rehearsing eke also In their booke these authors both two Touching the date as I rehearse can Fro thilke time that the world began Foure thousand complete by account cleare And three hundred by computation Ioyned thereto eight and fortie yeare When Cantebro gaue the foundation Of this Cittie and this famous towne And of this noble vniuersitie Set on this riuer which is called Cante And fro the great transmigration Of Kings reckoned in the Bible old Fro Ierusalem to Babilon Two hundred winter thirtie yeares told Thus to write mine author maketh me bold Then Cantebro as it well knoweth At Athens schooled in his youth All wits greatly did apply To haue acquaintance by great affection With folke expert in Philosophie From Athens he brought with him downe Philosophers most soueraigne of renowne Vnto Cambridge plainely this is the cause Anaximander and Anaxagoras With many other mine authors doth fare To Cambridge fast can him speed With Philosophers and let for no cost spare In the schooles to studie and to reede Of whose teaching great profit that gan spread And great increase rose of his doctine Thus of Cambridge the name gan first shine As chiefe schoole and Vniuersitie Vnto this time fro the day it began By cleare report in many a far countrey Vnto the raigne of Cassibelan A worthy prince and full knightly man As saine chronicles who with mighty hand Let Iulius Caesar to arriue in this land Fiue hundreth yeare ful thirty yere twenty Fro Babilons transmigration That Cassibelan raigned in Britaine Which by his notable royall discreation To encrease that studie of great affection I meane of Cambridge the Vniuersitie Franchised with many a libertie By meane of his royall fauor From countries about many a one Diuers schollers by diligent labour Made their resort of great affection To that studie great plentie there came downe To gather fruites of wisedome and science And sundrie flowers of sugred eloquence And as it is put eke in memorie How Iulius Caesar entring this region One Cassibelan after his victorie Tooke with him Clearkes of famous renowne FroÌ„ Cambridge led them â—â— Rome towne Thus by processe remembred heretoforne Cambridge was founded long ere Christ was borne Fiue hundred yere thirty eke nine In this matter ye get no more of me Rehearse I will no more at this time These remembrances haue great authority To be preferd of long antiquitie
Moone whereupon the Turke diuerted his ordinance from thence the Citizens kept their word In this Citty are yet to be seene the ancient ruines of a goodly Basilique erected by Charles the great in honour of S. Peter Henry the first Duke of Austria founded herein an Abby to the vse of the Scottes Richard the first surnamed Ceur de Lyon king of England being by Lupoldus Duke of Austria taken prisoner about the yeare 1192. in a small village neere to Vienna called Erdpurge as he returned from the holy land was enforced by the sayde Duke if their owne Chronicles be true to enuiron this cittie with a new wall which included the former About that time also was therin an Empory for marchāts constituted wherby the citizens increasing dayly in wealth obtayned of the Emperour Fredericke the 2. liberty and were adorned with the emperiall Armes and numbred among the free towns of the Empire THE VNIVERSITIES of the Low Countries Louaine LOuaine one of the fower townes of the Marquisate of the sacred Empire is the principall and mother of all the townes in Brabant and maketh the first member of the third estate of that Prouince It is builded in figure round contayning fower miles compas within the walles and sixe in circumference without among many other beautifull and sumptuous aedifices therein the church of S. Peter and the publike pallace are wrought with greatest magnificence and most curious arte It was called Louaine as some say from the Dutch word Louen which signifyeth to praise or honor because the Idoll Mars was there helde in time of Paganisme in great honor and estimation This towne is situated neare to the riuer Dele the houses and streetes thereof are not closely compacted together but wide open and scatteringly builte by which meanes there are within the same many fayre gardens valleis mountaines medowes springes and vines the land about this towne is pleasant and fruitefull and the ayre temperate for which cause our auncesters not without great iudgement and discretion chose out this place as most fitte for the habitation of the Muses We finde written in the Chronicles of Colen that Iohn Duke of Brabant obtayned of Pope Martin the fift the approbation of an Vniuersitie in this Cittie that letters and good discipline beganne there publikely to be taught about the yeare 1426. Afterwards Pope Eugenius the 6 licensed therein the profession of Theologie This Academy in processe of time by the bounty and magnificence of Popes Emperours Kinges Cardinals and Bishops whereof some graunted thereto ample priueledges and prerogatiues some erected therein stately and magnificent Colledges others bequethed to the same for the vse of the students goodly landes and legacies is now growne to that higth of glory and celebrity that it worthily hath vsurped the name of a most flourishing Academy and renowned Empery of learning Iohannes Goropius affirmeth that no Vniuersity of Italy France or Germany may with this bee compared for pleasant ayre and delectable walkes And that although Salamanca in Spaine farre excelleth all other Christian Academies in magnificent and sumptuously builded Colledges yet it is farre inferior to Loucine for the delightsome and beautifull situation thereof Pope Adrian the 6. erected in Louaine whereof himselfe had beene Rector and Chancelor a goodly colledge for studentes and professors of Diuinity Charles the fift Emperour of Germany and Philip the second king of Spaine did extend the vttermost of their endeuors to encrease amplifie and a dorne this royall Vniuersity In it are for the vse of the studentes 20 Colledges the principall whereof are fiue Lilium Castrum Porcus Falco Trilingue This Cittie is the first that receiueth and giueth oath to the Prince It was sometimes an Eatledome but in the yeare 1247. Henry the second of that name Earle of Louaine deceasing Henry his successor vsurped the title of Duke of Brabant Douay DOuay is a good and strong town in Flanders Gallicant one mile distant from Cambray It was founded as some write by one Arcanalkus in the yeare of our Lorde 500. it is now a Chasteleny hauing iurisdiction ouer a good country and a great number of villages it is accommodated with many fountaines and adorned with many fayre sumptuous aedifices the manner and forme of building therein is an inuincible argument of the great antiquitie thereof In this Cittie not long since was erected a famous Vniuersitie by Philip late king of Spaine and authorised with the priuiledges of Louaine where Theologie Philosophy and the inferior artes are learnedly professed At Douay is a staple of corne brought thether out of sondry regions wherof as also of diuerse other marchandizes in this cittie is great traffique Leige LEige is a citty fayre and large comprehending within the walles thereof many hils vallies riuers and vine groundes which Philip de Comines Lorde of Argenton accounteth to containe in circuite foure Italian miles and maketh it in circumference equall with Rouen It is situated on the side of the riuer Mouse which entreth into it with 2 branches and maketh therein many pleasant Isles all which are frequented and enhabited Many other little riuers passing through this towne doe clense the streetes thereof namely the Leige from which riuer the cittie is thought to haue receiued her name Also three litle brookes Vte Vese Ambluar all three replenished with exceeding store of excelēt fish especialy Vte wherin are taken certaine delicate fishes named by the inhabitants Vtins these people speake a kinde of barbarous French and are of the Frenchmen called Ligeois of the Germans Lutticherne and Luicknarren Leige is a cittie imperiall but their tenure is onely to furnish the Emperour with some few men at armes in his wars against the Turke The Bishop thereof is Lord spirituall both of the towne and countrie but the people haue so large priueledges that they liue almost in perfect liberty and freedome Their appeales spirituall go to Collen The Archbishop thereof is their Primate and from thence to Rome Their temporall appeales goe to the Emperiall chamber at Spire In this Citie flourished in times passed a most famous and renowned Academie wherein as Hubert Thomas writeth were studentes at one time the children of 9. kings 24. Dukes 29. Earles besides the sons of many Barons and gentlemen This worthy vniuersitie by the iniurie of time often subuersion of the citie it is at this day decaied and almost vtterly extinguished onely some triuiall schooles for the institution of youth in the inferior studies are there remayning In this cittie are 8. collegiall Churches the Canons whereof are inestimable rich and held of the citizens in great reuerence and reputation especially the Canons of the Collegiall Church of S. Lambert the patron of the towne who are ioyned with the Bishop in gouernment of the state and haue so great libertie that they may at pleasure giue ouer their places and marrie before they haue taken the
order of priesthood into this societie can no man be admitted that is not a gentleman or a Doctor or licentiate In this Church of Saint Lambert among diuers other rich iewels and reliques is to be seene a great image of Saint George on horsebacke all of pure gold which Charles Duke of Burgundie gaue for amendes of his rough handling this citie when he wan it by force Also in this towne are foure rich Abbeyes hauing euerie one a goodly librarie the principall whereof is the Abbey of S. Laurence there are three Nunneries and all the foure orders of Fryers some of the which haue two couentes There are 32. parish churches so many other chappels monasteries and hospitals within and without the towne that the whole number of Churches amounteth in all to one hundred Further in this citie are 32. companies which haue so great authoritie in the gouernment of the state that without their consent nothing can bee concluded or agreed on Ernestus Duke of Bauaria and Archbishop of Colen is at this day Bishop of that Sea The Bishopricke of Leige was first erected by Hubert sonne to Bertrand Duke of Aquitaine who being at Rome was made by the Pope Bishop of Maestricht in the place of Saint Lambert whome the people of Maestricht had murthered in the yeare 710. But he being come to take possession of this citie so much detested the inhabitants thereof for the foresaid impious and most haynous murther that he transported his Episcopall Sea to Liege and there built the Church of Saint Lambert and the Colledge afore mentioned all which he did with Pope Constantines consent about the yeare 713. and here at Liege he died and was after canonized for a Saint Since whome are numbred 57. Bishops of Leige The Bishop is chosen by the Chapter of S. Lambert confirmed by the people and lastly approued by the Pope He is not onely a Bishop but also a Prince of the Empire Duke of Buillon Marquesse of Francimont and Earle of Lootes and Hasbaine The reuenews of this Bishopricke are aboue 30000. Duckats by the yeare besides the beneuolence of his sâ—biectes which is a matter of no small importance if he vse them well and his spirituall iurisdiction and an infinite number of Prebends benefices and offices which he bestoweth at his pleasure Leiden LEiden is one of the sixe capitall Townes of Holland and chiefe of Rheineland situate in a flat and low countrey full of ditches and channels is beautified with many pleafant medows gardens arbors walks round about it Within it are enclosed 31. Ilands from one of the which to the other men go by boates and ouer and aboue these there are nine or ten other Ilands from the one of the which to the other bridges are built to passe ouer so that in this Towne are 145. bridges whereof 104. are of stone and the rest of wood In this Citie was erected an vniuersitie about the yeare 1564. by William late Prince of Orenge who was in the yeare 1584. suddenly slaine with a pistoll This Academie doth at this day exceedingly flourish and therein are with liberall stipendes maintained sundry learned professors of the liberall sciences In Leiden is a strong Castle which was said to bee founded by Hengist returning from the conquest of England and therein is a notable Well from whence the ancient family of Wassenar taketh name This Cittie hath vnder it 49. Boroughes and villages the most part whereof once a weeke bring all their good victuailes to sell in the towne which causeth it to abound with all thinges arising of the earth It hath also great plentie of fish both sea fish and fresh water fish and of water fowle beyonde all measure The women are excellently faire and the aire passing holsome But a little league from Leiden is the famous abbey of Reinsburge consisting of Nunnes all of noble houses the Abbesse whereof hath iurisdiction spirituall and temporall and the Abbey is endowed with so great reuenewes that euerie day aboue 2000. persons come thither to receiue reliefe Another such like Abbey of Ladies is also neere to Leiden called Terlee In all these Monasteries of Ladies and gentlewomen they may vntill they be entred into profession come forth and marrie and ordinarily they liue there many yeares before they professe themselues obseruing notwithstanding in the meane time their rules and orders very duely soberly and religiously Copenhagen in Denmarke IN the mouth or entrance of the Sounde called by Latine writers Sâ—nus Venedicus which diuideth the two kingdomes of Denmarke and Sweden lyeth an Iland named Selandia wherein are many strong townes and Castles and among the rest Coppenhagen the feare of the King and Metropolis of the Realme In this Citie was erected an vniuersitie by Christian Earle of Oldenburge in the yeare of saluation 1478. after he had gained the Regall Diademe For the which he obtained at the hands of Pope Sixtus the 4. the priuiledges of Bonònia This Academie was afterward augmented and enlarged by King Christian the third in the yeare 1498. and after him Fredericke the second in the yeare 1549. We reade that in the time of King Erec the sonne of Siwardus Anscharius Bishop of Hamburge caused the Gospell to be preached in Denmarke which the inhabitants for a short time seemed willingly to embrace but their King deceasing they againe returned as a dogge to his vomit to their infideâ—ity and Paganisme wherein they liued vntill the raigne of Swenotto father to Canutus the great so called because hee vanquished held in subiection fiue kingdomes namely Sweden Norway England Denmarke and Normandie About those times Poppo a religious man comming into the Countrey againe instructed them in the principles and rudiments of Christian religion which from that time vntill this day they haue retained The Vniuersities of Italie Rome ALllearned historiographers do with one common consent agree that Rome was so named from Romulus the sonne of Numitor Rhea Siluia who layed thereof the first foundation How the inhabitants thereof in processe of time by warlike chiualry dilated their Empire dominion ouer al the westerne world whosoeuer is desirous to know I must refer him to the learned Decades of Titus Liuius and sundry other ancient writers who haue alreadie filled the world with whole volumes of Romaine histories It being a matter of greater import then wel can be conteined in the breuitie of my vndertaken taske Wherefore although I find recorded in auncient hystories that the Romaines foreseeing the great vtilitie that would ensue by nourishing the artes receiued into their citie in the first infancie of their greatnesse with singular admiration the profession of learned sciences and that therein hath flourished a renowned Academie of long continuance erected 700. yeares before our Sauiours incarnation yet mine onely intent and purpose is to write of such patrones and benefactors as haue promoted and furthered the same and such priuiledges as haue thereunto beene graunted since it
as haue attained to any perfection in the Artes. Bononia ALthough all the learned writers of antique histories do with one consenting opinion agree that the Vniuersitie of Bononia is of long continuance and was first founded when Theodosius swayed the scepter of the Romaine Empire yet in what yeare of our Sauiours natiuitie or the said Emperours raigne it should bee instituted they are of discrepant and sundry opinions The originall of this controuersie seemeth to proceede from hence because there haue beene two Theodosii possessed of the imperiall Diadem For from the selfe same cause haue many profound and iudiciall antiquaries fallen into more pernicious and daungerous errours Baldus the learned pillar of the law affirmeth that this Academie was in most flourishing estate 1000. yeares before his time Others write that it was first priuiledged by Theodosius the yonger which as in those Chronicles which containe the greatest likelihood of verity we may reade was elected Emperor about the yeare of our Lord 420. and raigned 27. yeares For testimony whereof they alleadge this publike Charter of his Whereas the manners of men health and warre such like are all gouerned and preserued by the best disciplines least all good artes and principles of learning should decay we Theodosius by the grace of God Emperour of the Romaines euer Augustus moued with the commodiousnesse and fertilitie of the place hauing 25. Monthes taken sounde and deliberate aduise thereon sitting in our seate of Maiestie a generall Councell of Christians being assembled in the presence of Coelestine high Bishoppe of Rome twelue Cardinalles Archbishoppes and Bishops innumerable and sundrie other Dukes and Princes of diuers degrees and callinges Baldwin Earle of Flaunders and Gualter Earle of Poictiers Embassadors the one representing the person of the King of Fraunce the other of the King of England sitting the whole Colledge of an hundred Senators doe by this inuiolable Acte ordaine and decree that Bononia shall for euer hereafter be a place of exercise for all learned sciences and a perpetuall seate and habitation for the Muses Moreouer wee will that all determinate and finitiue sentences pronounced by such Iudges as haue not beene students in this vniuersitie the space of at least fiue yeares shall be voide and of none effect Also if any shall proceed Maister of Artes and receiue the booke of any other then the Archdeacon of Bononia although the most learned Artistes shall doe and approue the same yet by our royall authoritie wee depriue him of all degree and dignitie If any man bee so bold or hardie iniuriously to offend any student going or comming from this Vniuersitie he shall be punished with death which if the President shall neglect to execute our will is that hee incurre the same penaltie This Copie of our sacred ordinance constitution signed with our imperiall seale and written with the hand of Cicero our Notarie we grant deliuer to the perpetual memorie thereof to Petronius Bishop of Bononia descended from the Constantinopolitane Emperors at his earnest entreatie and request to bee kept and executed to the vttermost of his power Giuen at Rome in the Capitoll in the yeare of our Lord 423. the 11. day of May. How great authoritie this Academie enioyed in former ages we may imagine when Pope Gregorie the ninth Pope Boniface the 8. Pope Iohn the 23. writing sundrie learned treaties did dedicate them all to this vniuersitie Petrus Anchoranus calleth Bononia the mother of sciences Pope Clement the 5. in a Councell held at Vienna decreed that beside the studies of all the liberall Arts the Hebrew Arabicke and Chaldean languages should be there publikely deliuered We reade that the Emperour Fredericke the 2. did much damnifie this vniuersitie because it tooke parte against him with the sea Apostolique when he held his warres in Italie The students of this place at what time Pope Martin too seuerely persecuted the Bononians departed from the vniuersity some to one place and some vnto another so that in short time it became a solitarie desarte vntill afterwarde it was by the Popes Eugenius the 4. Nicholaus the 5. and Leo the 11. againe restored Bessarion Patriach of Constantinople when this Academie was by negligence and Ciuill contentions almost vtterly ouerthrowne by sundry meanes endeuoured to repaire the same both by encreasing the yearely pensions and stipendes allowed for the publique Readers and professors and also by building costly and sumptuous edifices for the maintenance reliefe of such schollers as for meere pouertie were constrained to giue ouer their vndertaken course of studies Hierome Osorius that famous Portugall and onely Cicero of this our latter age writeth in his first booke de Gloria that the more to enrich himselfe with learning he was especially moued to seeke out this cittie because in all Italie there was no place for the glory and renowne of letters comparable to Bononia For there saith he doe flourish men in the Greeke and Latine tongues exquisitely learned many there are which excell in all kind of Philosophie many famous for eloquence and Oratorie and many which haue in all the liberall sciences with great admiration long beene conuerâ—ant What shall I speake of the studies of the Canon and Ciuill lawes When such as in Bononia haue professed them haue obtained the supreme principalitie ouer all other that euer haue beene students in that learned facultie c. The excellencie of this Vniuersitie may easily bee gathered out of the learned treaties commentaries written by sundry famous Clearkes whereof some were in this place schollers some professors of learned sciences Iohannes Andreae which of ciuill Lawyers is commonly called the decyder and expounder of doubtfull questions professed in this Academy the law with great fame and estimation and there at length dyed of the pestilence Azo that mirror and bright shining lampe of learning was here also a publique professor of the ciuill law Pope Innocent not disdayning to be his Auditor at what time he wrote that worke of our age so much admired called Summaiuris Herein also taught Bartholus who being but one and twentie yeares of age proceeded Doctor of the ciuill law Accursius that famous and renowned Clearke being forty yeares of age beganne first in this Vniuersity to apply his minde to studie wherein hee so much profited that his name was knowne throughout all the Italian Academies and whereas before there had been alwaies two sects and heresies among the Lawyers they were by him reconciled and brought into one vniforme opinion Socinus likewise was in this place for his great learning so highly esteemed that hee was called the Monarch of the Law and his Schollers often would complayne of nature saying she was too auaritious to hide a witte so excellent and admirable in a body so small deformed and vnfashionable To recite all those renowned wittes that haue in this famous nursery receyued their education and institution were a labour
Academy shall come vnto stay in or returne from the same and send their messengers and baggage eyther thether or from thence to any other place quietly without troble or molestation as to themselues shall seeme best c. The like Charter was to them graunted by king Philip the sixt which Rebulphus rehearseth in this manner We of our especiall grace and from the fulnes of royall authority do expressely forbid all lay men of what condition or calling soeuer and euery priuate person vppon any occasion to disturbe or molest any maister or scholler eyther going to or comming from the Parisian Vniuersity or any other that shall by his oath affirme that hee eyther is or meaneth to bee one of the saide incorporation King Charles the 6. did release and set free all students in Paris from al maner of subsidies taxes impositions of wine corn or whatsoeuer goodes besides they should buy eyther by parcels or by great to serue their necessarie turnes Euen this king Charles not long after taking part with Clement the Antipape against Pope Vrban by apprehending and imprisoning the Rector of this Vniuersitie for publike reciting the saide Popes letters in the schooles did much impayre the happie and florishing estate thereof for the students thinking thereby their priuiledges to bee infringed departed from the Vniuersity and left it in a manner desolate and voide of schollers In like manner wee reade that the Vniuersity was forsaken in the time of king Lewes the holy vnder whose raigne the schollers many outragious iniuries being offered them by the Cittizens complayning that their auncient customes and priuiledges against all law of God and man were violated and abrogated departed in swarmes from thence whereof some thousandes came into England and studied in Oxford wherat the kings charge they were wel prouided for Many likewise are the priuiledges which haue by sondry Popes beene granted to this Vniuersity but to auoide prolixity I will set downe one letter of Pope Innocents written to this Academie We being desirous to doe you an especiall grace and fauour do ordayn and decree that it shall not bee lawfull for any man to pronounce any sentence of excommunication or interdiction against eyther Rector Proctor Maister or Scholler of your Vniuersitie of what degree or facultie soeuer hee be or against any other for any fact concerning the Vniuersitie without especial licence from our sea Apostolike without which if any such sentence shal be pronounced wee will that it be helde as friuolous and of no effect From this Vniuersity as from a clearespringing fountaine haue beene deriued many excellent Academies of France and Germany Therein are at this day to be seen an hundred goodly Colledges for the vse of students builded all of costly marble stone Robert brother to king Lewes the holy founded in this Academie in the yeare 2 3. that famous Colledge of the learned Sorbonistes vnto whome all Vniuersities of Europe with one consent giue place as to the greatest Clarks most profound Diuines of Christendome In the yeare 1286. Queene Iohan erected the magnificent and goodly Colledge of Nauarre Francis of Valois king of France did send for sondry learned professors of the Greek and Hebrue tongues vnto whome he allowed liberall exhibitions vnto the which he added afterward being moued thereunto by the counsell and perswasions of William Budye Iohn Bellay two singularly learned men the profession of Phisicke Philosophy and the Mathematikes So great a quantity and proportion of corne and other prouisions necessary for the life of man are from all quarters of the Realme brought into this cittie that there is nothing wanting for the sustenance of so many thousande persons for within this Cittie are sayde to be 500. parishes and 100. Colledges S. Dionisius Areopagâ—ta first taught in this cittie the principles of religion That the Reader may the better conceiue the excellencie of this Cittie I haue annexed hereunto for a conclusion certaine old verses written in commendation thereofby Architremius a Poet of our owne countrie Exoritur tandem locus altera regia Phoebi Parrisius Cyrraea viris Chrysaea metallis Graeca libris Inda studiis Romana Poetis Attica Philosophis mundi rosa balsamus orbis Sidonis ornatu sua mensis suapotu Diues agris foecunda mero mansueta colonis Messe ferax inoperta rubis nemorosa racemis Plena feris fortis domino pia regibus aura Dulcis amaena situ bona quolibet omne venustum Omne bonum si sola bonis fortuna faueret Poictiers POictou is a great and goodly Earledom of France contayning 1200 parishes deuided into three Dioceses or Bishoprickes It hath also within the confines thereof many proud and mighty citties amongst which appeareth that beautifull and far renowned cittie Poictiers seated at the foote of the riuer Claine or Clanus the principall seate and Metropolis of the Earldome for antiquitie and long continuance not inferior to any towne of France second to Paris onely in greatnes power and maiesty therein are yet to this day remayning certaine reliques and monumentes of most incredible continuance as the olde ruines of an ancient Theater Gallienus his pallace and the vaultes of certaine Conduits yet standing called in French Arceaux de Parigne In this Citie hath long flourished a most learned Vniuersitie of great fame and authoritie in degree and preheminence next to Paris We read in the Ecclesiastical histories that S. Hiliary called the Apostle of Aquitaine first reuealed vnto this people the light of the Gospell and became the first Bishop of Poictiers who after many miseries and torments constantly endured for the Catholike faith deceased in the yeare 371. leauing behind him many excellent treatises which do sufficiently testifie his singular wisedome and learning Lions LIons is a rich and plentifull Cittie seated on a little neck or point of land between the two noble riuers Araeris Rhodanus now called Sosne and Rhosne We reade in Plutarch that Lucius Plancus Munatius hauing the conduct of some Romaine soldiers finding in this place the aire to be sweet and healthy the soyle pleasant and fruitfull the riuers so commodious for conueying thither all things necessarie from the territories neere adioyning hee layed here the foundation of this worthy cittie which dayly increasing in wealth and swarming with innumerable multitudes of Matchants grew to be so mighty and populous that Strabo reporteth it to haue beene in his time the most noble and opulent Cittie of all France Narbone onely excepted which in those daies was the most flourishing Emporie of that kingdome this cittie being about that time at the height of her glorie became a seate and habitation of the Romaine Princes who often forsooke Rome the garden of the world and onely paradise of earthly pleasures to recreate themselues therein About which time see how all mortall thinges are subiect to vicissitude and chaunge she seeming to haue aspired to
professed with great sinceritie and profoundnesse there are also continuall dayly exercises of Philosophie Phisicke and the Ciuill law Caen. AN Vniuersitie was erected at Caen in Normandie vpon this occasion Henry the fift king of England who subdued the kingdome of France and left the title to his posterity after many great and glorious conquests atchieued against the French king hee at last bereaued him of Normandy in the yeare 1418. In token and memorie of which victorie as an eternal trophie and monument of his glorie he caused to be laid in Caen the foundation of this vniuersitie Rhemes RHemes is a goodly cittie and the Metropolis of Champaigne wherein not long since was erected an Vniuersitie by the Prince Charles Guise Cardinall of Lorraine Archbishop Duke of Rhemes whose glorie and renowne dayly more and more encreaseth by reason of the arâ—s so learnedly there professed Of this citie was Bishop S. Remigius a man of most holy conuersation and excellently learned as by the Commentaries which he wrote vpon the old new Testament it euidently appeareth He baptized Clodouaeus a mightie and puissant king of Fraunce together with Chrâ—tildis his wife daughter to the king of Burgundie he died in his venerable old age in the yeare 498. Burdeux BVrdeux is the principall or head cittie of Aquitane called by the French men Guienne seated at the mouth of Garomne a mightie riuer issuing out of Languedoc It is a place of incredible antiquitie strongly fortified and beautified with many sumptuous edifices In this citie hath long flourished a most renowned vniuersity commonly called the schoole of Aquitaine where the Artes are publikely taught and professed from whence issued those mirrors of holinesse and learning Seuerinus Maximinus the one Bishop of Colen the other of Tryer both after their deathes canonized for Saintes Vnto this citie also resteth the worlde indebted for the birth education of Ausonius the Homer of these latter times Neere vnto this Citie on the waters side standeth a castle inexpugnable fortified beyond all credite comparison Tholouse IN the extreamest confines of Languedoâ— not farre distant from the Pyrenaean mountaines standeth Tholouse called by antique writers Teotosagum an auncient and goodly cittie built neere to the Riuer Garomne The first foundation whereof is referred to a certaine Trotane It was afterward amplified and enlarged by the Romaines Wee reade that Theodericus King of the Gothes and Thorismonde his sonne finding about this cittie a happie fertile soile enuironed with a sweete and holesome ayre chose the same for their habitation as the place of all France most pleasant and most opulent most fit for the preseruation and augmentation of their Empire whose posterity was afterwarde expelled of the Frenchmen with great difficultie It was raised to an Archbishopricke by Pope Iohn the 22. who also was the first institutor of the Vniuersity therein which as yet was erected not long after Paris so doth it enioy the same priuiledges that heretofore haue beene to Paris granted Saint Saturnine was the first Bishop thereof who afterward being with vnsufferable torments excruciated by the Pagans yeelded his soule into the hands of his Redeemer was in this cittie buried the reliques of whose body are by the inhabitantes often visited with great reuerence and deuotion There was sayde in times past to haue beene in this cittie a Temple wherein was continually reserued in secret vaultes and dungeons vnder ground as Poss donius sayeth 15000. talents of golde which if any man by chance had touched he shortlie after came to some vnfortunate end which was verified in Caepio other Roman captaines from whence proceedeth the prouerbe applyed commonlie to those whose attemptes are euer vnfortunate and without successe Aurum habet Tolosanum The Earle of Tholous is one of the twelue Peeres of France Nismes NIsmes called by Ptolomye Pomponius Mela trabo and other learned searchers of antiquities Nemansus is an antient Citty in Dolphine wherein was lately erected an Vniuersity The soyle in this prouince is of such incredible fertilitie that being with neuer so little labour mannured it bringeth forth sondry kinds of excellent fruites It hath such plentie of figge-trees and bringeth such aboundance of grapes that a greate parte of Europe is with figges and raisins from thence accommodated Mompehers MOns Pessulanus called of Pomponius Mela Mesua of Ptolomye Agathopolis and now vulgarly named Mompeliers is a cittie in Dolphinie not far distant from the Mediterranesea An Vniuersity was therein erected as some writers affirm in the yeare of our Lord 1196. which afterwarde was endued with many priuiledges by Pope Vrban the fift who layed the foundation of a goodlie house called Popes Colledge In times past the profession of Phisicke was there in greatest request but now the schooles of the ciuil law are most vsually frequented much was the Vniuersity augmented and promoted by the bounty and liberality of Henry the second king of France so great is the Rectors authority in this Vniuersity that whensoeuer he hath occasion to walke into the towne the studentes are bound to follow and attend him Henry the first granted to this Academic many royall praerogatiues and founded therein the Kings colledge here also is an other sayre and sumptuous colledge called Duuergier wherein sondry ingenious youthes are ten yeares trayned vp in letters and good discipline Bisanson NEare to the side of Doux or Doubis a small riuer passing through the French Counte and falling into the Sone standeth Bisanson a great goodly and well munited citcie a towne imperial and the Metropolis of eyther Burgundy In the yeare of saluation 1540. by the authority of Pope Iulâ—us the third and the Emperour Charles the 5. a new Vniuersity was therein erected which hath exceedingly since flourished and sent forth many learned and godly labourers into the Church The reuerend father Anthony Peronotus Archbishop of Mechlin was a great benefactor to this Academie who so desireth to know more particularities of this Cittie let him reade the workes of George Bruno and Gilbertus Cognatus Paradinus in whose bookes he shall finde the same at large described Dole IN Burgundy also on the banke of the said riuer Dubis is to bee seene Dola a cittie for strength opulencie and sumptuousnes of buildinges to bee preferred before all other places of Burgundy An Vniuersity is therin of great continuance wherin among many other sciences the ciuill law is most learnedly reade and professed The Vniuersities of Polonia Prussia and Lituania Cracouia WEe reade in the historie of Polonia that Lechus and Zechus two sons of Iauan going to seeke a place of habitation for themselues their posterity Zechus with his people remayned in those territories which now are knowne by the names of Bohemia and Morauia but Lechus proceeding further to the northeast some twelue dayes iorney there seated himselfe and called the region Polonia by reason of the playnenes of the continent being altogether
For which by record all clearkes saine the same Ofheresie Cambridge bare neuer blame But sundry other Historiographers there are which imagining this antiquitie to be somewhat too far fetched affirme that the vniuersitie of Cambridge was long since erected in the time of Sigebert king of England sixe hundred and thirtie yeares after our Sauiors incarnation Moreouer they auerre that the name of this cittie was not deriued from that Cantaber but rather froÌ„ a bridge builded ouer the riuer Came passing by the towne Which opinion seemeth not absurd because this riuer being in former ages knowne by the name of Grant old writers affirme that the cittie was in the Saxon tongue commonly called Grantbridge Whensoeuer this cittie first was founded or by whom soeuer the vniuersitie was first erected which matter I will referre to the discussion of more learned antiquaries since mine intent is onely to set downe such schooles colledges as the same at this day doth containe most certainely true it is for the antiquitie and worthinesse thereof it may at this time worthily contend with the most ancient flourishing vniuersities of the world In Cambridge besides many other sumptuous and fairely builded edifices as publique schooles for lectures churches and such like there are at this day to be seene 15. goodly Halles and Colledges In the yeare of our redemption 1284. during the raigne of king Edward the first Hugh Balsham the 15. Bishop of Ely builded Saint Peters colledge commonly called Peter-house in a place where before had beene two ostles of schollers of exceeding great antiquitie The which colledge at this day maintaineth one maister 15. fellowes fiâ—e Bibleclearkes and eight poore schollers Clare hall was first founded by one Richard Badew at that time Chancellor of the vniuersitie and was by him named Vniuersity hall howbeit afterward by the assistance of Gualler Thaxted maister of the same hall not without the assent of the said R. Badew it was Ann. 1347. 21. yeares after the foundation thereof resigned to the Lady Elizabeth de Burgo widdow sometime the wife of Iohn de Burgo or Burgh Earle of Vlster in Ireland daughter to Gilbert Clare carle of Gloster The which Lady by the licence of K. Edward the 3. established finished the same changing the name therof willed that for euer after it should in memory of her family from whence she was descended be called Clare Hall In the yeare from our Sauiors incarnation 1347. the Lady Mary of S. Paule wife to Adomarus de Valentia Earle of Pembroke obtained licence of K. Edw. the 3. whose kinswoman she was to lay in Cambridge the foundation of a colledge for the which she bought 2. mesuages named it Pembroke Hall It sustameth at this present 1. maister 24. fellowes 7. Bibleclearks Edmond Gunuiel parson of Terington in Norfolke in the 22. yeare of king Edward the 3. obtained a licence at the suite of Sir Gualter de Manney to erect a colledge in Cambridge in a place where old houses dayly ready to fall did stand the which he with his money purchased This Edmond Gunuiel hauing at his decease great store of coine coÌ„mitted it to the fidelity trust of William BatemaÌ„ Bishop of Norwich to finish bring to perfection the work which he in his life had begun whose will the Bishop most faithfully did execute and not sparing his owne coâ—ers did much augment and increase the same Long after in our time Iohn Caius a wise and learned professor in the arte of Phisicke hath made the same more ample and more famous as well by adding new buildings thereunto as by increasing the number of students therein In so much that by the Queeues letters pattents it was granted him to be written accounted a founder thereof and the house to be called Gunuiel Caius colledge The fraternitie and guilde of Corpus Christi and of blessed Mary in Cambridge Henry Duke of Lancaster being at that time Alderman of the same Guild founded Corpus Christi colledge in the 24. yere of the raign of K. Edward the 3. obtaining licence of the same king to appropriate vnto this colledge for euer the aduouson of S. Bennets church standing before their gate William Bateman Bishop of Norwich in the yeare of our Lord God 1353. founded in Cambridge a colledge for studentes of the law and enduing the same with lands and possessions in honour of the blessed Trinity would haue it called Trinitie Hall of Norwich by the rents and reuenewes whereof are at this day maintained one maister ten fellowes as many Bible clearks King Henry the 6. a man in his life time much giuen to deuotion and alwaies enclined to do good in the 19. yeare of his raigne laid in Cambridge the foundation of a goodly colledge in honor of our blessed Ladie S. Nicholas the which then consisted of one maister and 12. schollers Not long after in the 21. yeare of his raigne altering the forme of his first foundation he changed the name of Maister into a Prouost much increased the number of studentes King Edwarde the fourth by authoritie of the parliament in great displeasure withdrew from this colledge so much land as his Predecessor by the same authoritie had procured but being at last with dayly intreatinges perswaded and ouercome with importunitie restored againe vnto the same the yearely value of â—00 markes on condition that they would account him for their founder and that in his name all their suites and writinges should be made This Colledge as appeareth by sondry euident signes king Henry once had purposed to make one of the most beautifullest houses in this land the platforme whereof who so desireth more particularly to know he shall find the same in M. Stowes Chronicle in the life of Henry the sixt at large described Queene Margaret wife to Henry the 6. and daughter to Rheiner king of Sicilie and Ierusalem began first to lay the foundation of Queenes Colledge and obtayned licence of the king to purchase for the same landes and rentes to the valew of two hundred poundes by the yeare but leauing the same vnperfect Queene Elizabeth wife to Ed. the 4. obtayning licence of the K. brought the same to a perfect end this Colledge standeth in the parish of S. Botolph in a common grounde called Goosegreene which was to that vse purchased by one Andrew Ducket with money which he did get by begging of well disposed people Katherine Hall was founded by one Robert Woodlarke Doctor of Diuinity and Prouost of Kinges Colledge in Cambridge in the honour of S. Katherine Virgin and Martyr in the yeare 1475. the which king Edwarde the 4. did allow for him and his successors and by his letters Patentes did confirme it to endure for euer therein at this day are sustained and nourished one Maister six fellowes and one Bible clearke Iesu Colledge was of old time a Monastery of religious women