partial Reflections CHAP. XIX Of the Number of Modern Shires or Counties in England And why the WORTHIES in this Work are digested County-wayes I Say Modern not meaning to meddle with those antiquated ones which long since have lost their Names and bounds as Winchelcomb-shire united to Gloucester-shire Howdon-Shire annexed to York-shire and Hexham-Shire to Northumberland As little do we intend to touch on those small Tracts of Ground the County of Poole and the like being but the extended Limits and Liberties of some Incorporations We add Shires or Counties using the words promiscuously as the same in sense I confess I have heard some Criticks making this distinction betwixt them that such are Shires which take their Denomination from some principal Town as Cambridgeshire Oxford-shire c. Whilest the rest not wearing the Name of any Town are to be reputed Counties as Norfolk Suffolk c. But we need not go into Wales to confute their Curiosity where we meet Merioneth-shire and Glamorgan-shire but no Towns so termed seeing Devon-shire doth discompose this their English Conceit I say English Shires and Counties being both Comitatus in Latine Of these there be nine and thirty at this day which by the thirteen in Wales are made up fifty two England largely taken having one for every Week in the year Here let me tender this for a real Truth which may seem a Paradoxe that there is a County in England which from the Conquest till the year 1607 when Mr. Camdens last Latine Britannia was set forth never had Count or Earl thereof as hereby may appear In his Conclusion of Bark-shire Immediately it followeth Haec de Bark shire quae hactenus Comitis honore insignivit neminem In hujus Comitatus complexu sunt Parochiae 140. Now this may seem the more strange because Comes and Comitatus are relative But under favour I humbly conceive that though Bark shire never had any Titular Honourary or Hereditary Earl till the year 1620. when Francis Lord Norris was created first Earl thereof yet had it in the Saxons time when it was first modelled into a Shire an Officiary Count whose Deputy was termed Vice-comes as unto this day Why the Worthies in this Work are digested County-ways First this Method of Marshalling them is new and therefore I hope neverthelesse acceptable Secondly it is as informative to our judgements to order them by Counties according to their place as by Centuries so oft done before according to the time seeing WHERE is as essential as WHEN to a mans being Yea both in some sort may be said to be jure divino understand it ordered by Gods immediate providence and therefore are coupled together by the Apostle Acts 17. 26. And hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation If of their habitation in general then more especially of the most important place of their Nativity The Spirit of God in Scripture taketh signal notice hereof The Lord shall count when he writes up the people That this man was born there Philip was of Bethsaida the City of Andrew and Peter and all know how St. Paul got his best Liberty where he saw the first light in Tarsus a City of Cilicia When Augustus Câ—…ar issued out a decree to taxe the whole World it was ordered therein that every own should go into his own City as the most compendious way to prevent confusion and effectually to advance the businesse I find the same to expedite this work by methodizing the Worthies therein according to the respective places of their Nativities If some conceive it a pleasant sight in the City of London to behold the Natives of the several Shires after the hearing of a Sermon passe in a decent equipage to some Hall there to dine together for the continuance and increase of Love and Amity amongst them Surely this Spectacle will not seem unpleasant to ingenuous Eyes to see the Heroes of every particular County modelled in a body together and marching under the Banners of their several Eminencies Here may you behold how each County is Innated with a particular Genius inclining the Natives thereof to be dexterous some in one profession some in another one carrying away the credit for Souldiers another for Seamen another for Lawyers another for Divines c. as I could easily instance but that I will not forestall the Readers Observation seeing some love not a Rose of anothers gathering but delight to pluck it themselves Here also one may see how the same County was not always equally fruitful in the production of worthy persons but as Trees are observed to have their bearing and barren years So Shires have their rise and fall in affording famous persons one age being more fertile then another as by annexing the dates to their several Worthies will appear In a word my serious desire is to set a noble emulation between the several Counties which should acquit themselves most eminent in their memorable off spring Nor let a smaller Shire be disheartned herein to contest with another larger in extent and and more populous in persons seeing Viri do not always hold out in proportion to Homines Thus we find the Tribe of Simeon more numerous than any in Israel Judah and Dan only excepted as which at their coming out of Egypt afforded no fewer than fifty nine thousand and three hundred Yet that Tribe did not yeild Prince Preist Prophet or any remarkable person Apocrypha Judith only excepted Multi gregarii pauci egregii and Multitude with Amplitude is never the true Standard of Eminency as the judicious Reader by perusing and comparing our County Catalogues will quickly perceive A Case of Concernment propounded and submitted to the Equity of the Reader It is this Many Families time out of mind have been certainly fixed in eminent Seats in their respective Counties where the Ashes of their Ancestors sleep in quiet and their Names are known with honour Now possibly it may happen that the chief Mother of that Family travelling in her Travel by the way side or by some other Casualty as visit of a friend c. May there be delivered of the Heir of her Family The Question is whether this Child shall be reputed the Native of that place where his Mother accidentally touched or where his Father and the Father of his Fathers have landed for many Generations On the one side it seemeth unreasonable to any man according to his Historical conscience that such a casual case should carry away the Sole credit of his Nativity This allowed tota Anglia Londinizabit a Moiety almost of the Eminent Persons in this Modern age will be found born in that City as the Inn-general of the Gentry and Nobility of this Nation Whether many come to prosecute Law-Suits to see and to be seen and on a hundred other occasions among which I will not name saving of house-keeping in the Countrey One Instance of many I find
of such who secretly design their overthrow whom they openly embrace Hengsten down well ywrought Is worth London town dear ybought The truth hereof none can confirm or confute seeing under-ground-wealth is a Nemo scit and vast may the treasure be of Tinne in this Down Sure I am that the gainfull plenty of metall formerly afforded in this place is now fallen to a scantsaving-scarcity But to make the Proverbe true it is possible that the Cornish Diamonds found therein may be pure and orient as better concocted in the bowells thereof For though crafty not to say dishonest Chapmen put the best grain in the top and worst in the bottome of their sack such is the integrity of nature that the coursest in this kind are higher and the purest still the lowest Tru-ru Triveth eu Ombdina geveth try-ru Which is to say Trâ—…u consisteth of three streets and it shall in time be said Here Truru stood I trust the men of this town are too wise to give credit to such predictions which may justly prove true to the superstitious believers thereof Let them serve God and defie the Devil with all his Pseudo-prophesies Like to this is another fond observation presaging some sad success to this Town because ru ru which in English is Woe Woe is twice in the Cornish name thereof But let the men of Truru but practice the first syllable in the name of their town and they may be safe and secure from any danger in the second He doth sail into Cornwall without a Bark This is an Italian Proverb where it passeth for a description or derision rather of such a Man who is wronged by his Wises disloyalty I wonder the Italians should take such pains to travail so far to fetch this expression having both the Name and Matter nearer home Name Having the field Cornetus Campus in agro falisco called Corneto at this day And a people called Corni in Latium with the Cornicti montes near Tiber not to speak of its two Promontories tearmed by good Authors Cornua duo Italiae the two Horns of Italy Matter Keeping their wives under restraint as generally full of Jealousie which if just I much bemoan the Gaolers if not I more pity their Prisoners Whereas in our Cornwall the Wives liberty is the due reward of their Chastity and the Cause of their husbands comfortable confidence therein He is to be summoned before the Mayor of Halgaver This is a joculary and imaginary Court wherewith men make merriment to themselves presenting such Persons as go Slovenly in their Attire untrussed wanting a spur c. Where judgement in formal terms is given against them and executed more to the scorn then hurt of the persons But enough hereof least I be summoned thither my self When Dudman and Ramehead meet These are two forelands well known to Sailers well nigh twenty miles asunder and the Proverbe passeth for the Periphrasis of an impossibility However these two Points have since met together though not in position in possession of the same owner Sir Pierce Edgecombe enjoying one in his own the other in right of his wife Saints SAINT KIBY was son to Solomon Duke of Cornwall whom severall inducements moved to travail First because A Prophet hath the least Honour in his own Country Secondly because Britain at that time was infected with Arianisme Thirdly because he had read so much of the works and heard more of the worth of Saint Hilary Bishop of Poicteers in France This main motive made him address himself to that worthy Father with whom he lived fifty years and afterwards saith learned Leyland was by him made Bishop of the Isle of Anglesey Pardon me Reader if suspending my belief herein seeing surely that holy and humble French Saint would not pretend to any Metropoliticall power in appointing a Bishop in Britain More probable it is that Saint Hilary made him a Bishop at large sine titulo whereof there are some precedents in Antiquity However into Wales he went and there converted the Northern parts thereof to and confirmed the rest in Christianity A Three-fold memoriall is in the Isle of Anglesey extant at this day One of his Master in Point Hilary another of himself in Caer-Guiby and a third of both in Holyhead He florished about the year of our Lord 380. URSULA daughter to Dinoth Duke of Cornwall was born in this County This is she who se life is loaden with such Anticronismes and Improbabilities that it is questionable whether this fable was ever founded in a truth or hath any thing in History for its Original This Ursula is said to have carried over out of Britain eleven thousand Maids of prime quality besides threescore thousand of meaner rank seventy one thousand in all a prodigious number to be married to so many in little Britain in France Preposterous in my mind to proffer themselves and it had argued more modesty if their Husbands had fetcht them hence But blame them not who paid so dear for their Adventures All shipp'd from London some of them were drowned in their Passage the rest slain by the Hunnes of Colen say some at Rome say others by King Attila under Gratian the Emperour Mendacium Aequabile observing equall Temper of untruth in time place and person However there is a Church at Colen dedicated to their Memories where the Virgin Earth let the reporter have the Whetstone will digest no other body no not the Corps of an Infant newly Baptised as good a Maid I believe as the best of them but will vomit it up in the night time again as if they had never been buried This Massacre is reported to have happened in the year of our Lord 383. SAINT MELIORUS was onely son of Melianus Duke of this County who being secretly made a Christian was so maliced by Rinaldus his Pagan-brother-in-law that he first cut off his right-hand and then his left-legg no reason of this transposed method of cruelty save cruelty and at last his head about the year 411. whose body being buried in some old Church in this County by the miracles reported to be done thereat procured the reputation of a Saint to his memory Prelates WILLIAM de GREN-VIL was born of a worshipfull family in this County and became Canon of York Dean of Chichester Chancellour of England under K. Edward the first and Arch-bishop of York But the worst was two years his Confirmation was deferred untill he had paid nine thousand fiveh undred marks Let him thank the Pope who gave him the odd five hundred not mounting it to even ten thousand Besides he had this favour not as many others to be consecrated by a Proxy but the very hands of P. Clement the fifth This paiment reduced him to such poverty he was relieved by the Clergy of his Province by way of Benevolence This not doing the deed to make him a Saver he was fain to crave another help
in Sussex thence removed into this County I find this remarkable passage recorded of Henry de Perpoint who flourished in those parts in the beginning of King Edward the First Claus. 8 Edvardi 1. membrana tertia in dorso in Tur. Londin Memorandum quod Henricus de 〈◊〉 die Lunae in 〈◊〉 Octab. Sancti Michaelis venit in 〈◊〉 apud Lincolâ—…iam publicè dixit quod sigillum suum amisit protestabatur quod si aliquod instrumentum cum sigillo illo post tempus illud inveniretur consignatum illud nullius esse valoris vel momenti Memorand That Henry de 〈◊〉 on Munday the day after the Octaves of St. Michael came into the Chancery at Lincoln and said publickly that he had lost his Seal and protested that if any instrument were found sealed with that Seal after that time the same should be of no value or effect He appeareth a person of prime quality that great prejudice might arise by the false use of his true Seal if found by a dishonest person so that so solemn a protest was conceived necessary for the prevention thereof Robert Perpoint a Descendent from this Henry was by King Edward the third summoned as a Baron to Parliament but died as I am informed before he sate therein which hindered the honour of Peerage from descending to his posterity But this Robert Perpoint was Robert the younger in distinction from his Name-sakeAncestor who lived in great dignity under King Edward the Third as by the following Record will appear Claus. 49 Hon. 3. in dorso memb 6. Rex Priori S. Johannis Jerusalem in Anglia salutem Cum dilectus fidelis noster Robertus de Petroponte qui fidei nostrae Edwardi primogentâ—…i nostri hactenus constanter adhaesit in conflictu habito apud Lewes captus esset ab inimicis nostris detentus in prisona Hugonis le Despenser donec per septingentas marcas finem fecisset cum eodem pro â—…edemptione sua unde Walerandus de Munceaus se praefato Hugoni pro praedicto Roberto obligavit per quandam chartam de feoffamento scripta obligatoria inter ipsos confecta quae vobis liberata fuerant custodienda ut dicitur Nos ipsorum Roberti Walerandi indempnitatt prospicere eidem Roberto gratiam facere volentes specialem vobis mandamus firmiter injungentes quod cartas scripta praedicta eidem Roberto Walerando vel eorum alteri sine morae dispendio deliberari faciatis nos inde versus vos servabimus indempnes In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium 15. die Octobris The King to the Prior of St. John Jerusalem in England greeting Whereas our beloved and faithful Robert Perpoint who hitherto hath constantly adher'd to our trust and of our first born Edward was taken by our enemies in a skirmish at Lewes and kept in the prison of Hugh le Dispenser untill by seven hundred marks he had made an end with him for his ransoming whereupon Walerand of Munceaus bound himself to the forenamed Hugh for the foresaid Robert by a certain charter of feoffment and obligatory writings made betwixt them which as is said were delivered to you to be kept We willing to provide for the safety of the said Robert and Walerand and to do a special favour to the same Robert do command you firmly injoyning that ye cause the foresaid charters and writings without any delay to be delivered to the same Robert and Walerand or to one of them and we shall thenceforth save you harmless Witness the King at Westminster the 15. day of October Whoso seriously considereth how much the Mark and how little the Silver of our Land was in that Age will conclude seven hundred marks a ransom more proportionable for a Prince than private person The best was that was not paid in effect which by command from the King was restored again The Farewell There is in this County a small Market Town called Blithe which my Author will have so named à jucunditate from the mirth and good fellowship of the Inhabitants therein If so I desire that both the name and the thing may be extended all over the Shire as being confident that an Ounce of mirth with the same degree of grace will serve God more and more acceptably than a pound of sorrow OXFORD-SHIRE hath Bark-shire divided first by the Isis then by the Thames on the South Glocester-shire on the West Buckingham-shire on the East Warwick and Northampton Shires on the North. It aboundeth with all things necessary for mans life and I understand that Hunters and Falconers are no where better pleas'd Nor needeth there more pregnant proof of plenty in this place than that lately Oxford was for some years together a Court a Garrison and an University during which time it was well furnished with provisions on reasonable rates Natural Commodities Fallow Deer And why of these in Oxford shire why not rather in Northampton-shire where there be the most or in York shire where there be the greatest Parks in England It is because John Rous of Warwick telleth me that at Woodstock in this County was the most ancient Park in the whole Land encompassed with a Stone-wall by King Henry the First Let us premise a line or two concerning Parks the case before we come to wha t is contained therein 1. The word Parcus appears in Varro derivd no doubt à parcendo to spare or save for a place wherein such Cattle are preserved 2. There is mention once or twice in Dooms-day Book of Parcus silvestris bestiarum which proveth Parks in England before the Conquest 3. Probably such ancient Parks to keep J. Rous in credit and countenance were onely paled and Woodstock the first that was walled about 4. Parks are since so multiplyed that there be more in England than in all Europe besides The Deer therein when living raise the stomachs of Gentlemen with their sport and when dead allay them again with their flesh The fat of Venison is conceived to be but I would not have Deer-stealers hear it of all flesh the most vigorous nourishment especially if attended with that essential addition which Virgil coupleth therewith Implentur veteris Bacchi pinguisque ferinae Old Wine did their thirst allay fat Venison hunger But Deer are daily diminished in England since the Gentry are necessitated into thrift and forced to turn their pleasure into profit Jam seges est ubi Parcus erat and since the sale of Bucks hath become ordinary I believe in proâ—…ess of time the best stored Park will be found in a Cooks shop in London Wood. Plenty hereof doâ—…h more hath grown in this County being daily diminished And indeed the Woods therein are put to too hard a task in their daily duty viz. To find fewel and timber for all the houses in and many out of the Shire and they cannot hold out if not seasonably relieved by Pit-cole found
bad success He exhorted them to be Pious to God Dutifull to their King Piâ—…full to all Captives to be Carefull in making Faithfull in keeping articles with their enemies After the death of Strafford he was made Arch-bishop of Canterbury and at Avenion where the Pope then resided received his Consecration Here he was accounted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 somewhat Clownish by the Romish Court partly because he could not mode it with the Italians but chiefly because money being the generall Turn-key to Preferment in that place he was meeâ—…ly advanced for his merit But that which most recommended his memory to posterity is that worthy book he made de Causâ Dei wherein speaking of Pelagius he complaineth in his second Book that Totus paenè mundus ut timeo doleo post hunc abiit erroribus ejus faveâ—… I fear and lament that almost the whole world runs after him and favours his errors Bradwardine therefore undertook to be Champion for Grace and Gods cause against such who were not defensores sed deceptores sed inflatores sed praecipitatores liberi arbitrâ—… as Augustine calleth them and as the same Father saith of Cicero dum liberos homines esse volunt faciunt sacrilegos He died at Lambâ—…th in October Anno Dom. 1349. THOMAS ARUNDELL was the fourth Arch-bishop of Canterbury who was born in this County Son he was to Robert Brother to Richard Fitz-Alen both Earls of Arundâ—…ll Herein he standeth alone by himself that the Name Arundell speaks him both Nobleman and Clergy-man the Title of his fathers honor and place of his own birth meeting both in the Castle of Arâ—…ell It was â—…ither his Nobility or Ability or Both which in him did supplere aetatem qualifying him to be Bishop of Ely at twenty two years of age He was afterwards Archbishop of York and at last of Canterbury 1396. and three severall times Lord Chancellor of England viz. In the Tenth of Richard the second 1386. in the Fifteenth of Richard the second 1391. the Eleventh of Henry the fourth 1410. By King Richard the second when his Brother the Earl of Arundell was beheaded this Thomas was banished the land Let him thank his Orders for saving his Life the Tonsure of his hair for the keeping of his Head who otherwise had been sent the same path aâ—… pase with his Brother Returning in the First of K. Henry the fourth he was restored to his Arch-bishoprick Such who commend his Courage for being the Churches Champion when a powerfull Party in Parliament pushed at the Revenues thereof condemn his Cruelty to the Wicklevites being the first who persecuted them with Fire and Fagot As for the manner of his death we will neither carelesly wink at it nor curiously stare on it but may with a serious look solemnly behold it He who had stop'd the mouths of so many servants of God from preaching his Word was himself famished to Death by a swelling in his Throat But seeing we bear in our Bodies the seeds of all Sicknesses as of all sins in our souls it is not good to be over-bold and buisie in our censures on such Casualties He died February 20. 1413. and lieth buried in his Cathedral at Canterbury HENRY BURWASH so named saith my Author which is enough for my discharge from Burwash a Town in this County He was one of Noble Alliance And when this is said all is said to his Commendation being otherwise neither good for Church nor State Soveraign nor Subjects Covetous Ambitious Rebellious Injurious Say not what makes he here then amongst the worthies for though neither Ethically nor Theologically yet Historically he was remarkable affording something for our Information though not Imitation He was recommended by his kinsman Bâ—…rtholomew de Badilismer Baron of Leeds in Kent to K. Edward the second who preferred him Bishop of Lincoln It was not long be fore falling into the Kings displeasure his Temporalities were seized on and afterwards on his submission restored Here in stead of new Gratitude retayning his old Grudge he was most forward to assist the Queen in the deposing of her husband He was twice L. Treasurer once Châ—…ncellor and once sent over Ambassador to the Duke of Bavaria He died Anno Domini 1340. Such as mind to be merry may read the pleasant Story of his apparition being condemned after Death to be viridis viridarius a green â—…rester because in his life time he had violently inclosed other mens Grounds into his Park Surely such Fictions keep up the best Park of Popery Purgatory whereby their fairest Game and greatest Gaine is preserved Since the Reformation WILLIAM BARLOW D. D. My industry hath not been wanting in Qaest of the place of his Nativity but all in vain Seeing therefore I cannot fix his character on his Cradle I am resolved rather then omit him to fasten it on his Coffin this County where in he had his last preferment A man he was of much Motion and Promotion First I find him Canon Regular of Sâ—… 〈◊〉 in Essex and then Prior of Bisham in Barkshire Then preferred by K. Henry the eighth Bishop of St. Asaph and consecrated Febr. 22. 1535. Translated thence the April following to St. Davids remaining 13. years in that See In the Third of King Edward the sixth he was removed to the Bishoprick of Bath and Wells Flying the Land in the Reign of Queen Mary he became Superintendent of the English Congregation at Embden Coming back into England by Q. Elizabeth he was advanced Bishop of Chichester It is a Riddle why he chose rather to enter into new First-fruits and begin at Chichester then return to Bath a better Bishoprick Some suggest that he was loth to go back to Bath having formerly consented to the Expilation of that Bishoprick whilst others make his consent to signify nothing seeing impowred Sacriledge is not so mannerly as to ask any By your leave He had a numerous and prosperous female-Issue as appeareth by the Epitaph on his Wifes Monument in a Church in Hant-shire though one shall get no credit in translating them Hic Agathae tumulus Barloi Praesulis inde Exulis inde iterum Praesulis Uxor erat Prole beata fuit plena annis quinque suarum Praesulibus vidit Praesulis ipsa datas Barlows Wife Agathe doth here remain Bishop then Exile Bishop then again So long she lived so well his Children sped She saw five Bishops her five daughters wed Having sate about ten years in his See he peaceably ended his Life Dec. 10. 1569. WILLIAM JUXTON was born at Chichester in this County bred Fellow in Saint Johns-colledge in Oxford where he proceeded Bachelour of Law very young but very able for that degree and afterwards became Doctor in the same Faculty and President of the Colledge One in whom Nature hath not Omitted but Grace hath Ordered the Tetrarch Humour of Choler being Admirably Master of his Pen and his Passion for his Abilities
the most marvellous It groweth ordinarily fifteen foot in length yea I read of one four and twenty foot long which may be true because as there are Giants amongst men so there are Giants amongst Giants which even exceed them in proportion The place whereon it groweth is low lying some Winters under water having hills round about it and a spacious sheep common adjoyning The soyl whereof by every hasty showre is brought down into this little medow which makes it so incredibly fruitfull This Grasse being built so many stories high from knot to knot lyeth matted on the ground whence it is cut up with sickles and bound into sheaves It is both Hay and Provender the joint-like knots whereof will fat swine Some conceive that the seed thereof transplanted would prosper plentifully though not to the same degree of Length in other places from whose judgement other husband-men dissent conceiving it so peculiar to this place that Ground and Grass must be removed both together Or else it mrst be set in a Parellel'd position for all the particuler advantages aforesaid which England will hardly afford So that nature may seem mutually to have made this Plant and this Place one for another Proverbs It is done secundum usum Sarum This Proverb coming out of the Church hath since inlarged it self into a civil use It began on this occasion Many Offices or forms of service were used in severall Churches in England as the Office of York Hereford Bangor c. which caused a deal of Confusion in Gods Worship untill Osmond Bishop of Sarum about the year of our Lord 1090. made that Ordinall or Office which was generally received all over England so that Churches thence forward easily understood one another all speaking the same words in their Liturgy It is now applyed to those persons which do and Actions which are formally and solemnly done in so Regular a way by Authentick Precedents and Paterns of unquestionable Authority that no just exception can be taken thereat Princes MARGARET PLANTAGENET Daughter to George Duke of Clarence and Isabel Nevile Eldest Daughter and Co-heir of Richard Nevile Earl of Warwick was born August 14. 1473. at Farrley-Castle in this County Reader I pray thee let her pass for a Princesse because Daughter to a Duke Neece to two Kings Edward the fourth and Richard the third Mother to Cardinal Reginale Poole But chiefly because she was the last liver of all that Royall Race which from their birth wore the names of Plantagenets By Sir Richard Poole a Knight of Wales and Cozen-Jerman to King Henry the seventh she had divers children whereof Henry Lord Mountague was the eldest he was Accused of Treason and this Lady his Mother Charged to be Privy thereunto by King Henry the eighth who as his father was something too slow was somewhat too quick in discovering Treasons as soon as if not before they were On the Scaffold as she stood she would not gratify the Executioner with a Prostrate Posture of her body Some beheld this her action as an argument of an erected soul disdaining pulingly to submit to an infamous death showing her mind free though her body might be forc'd and that also it was a demonstration of her innocence But others condemn'd it as a needless and unseasonable animosity in her who though suppos'd innocent before man for this fact must grant her self guilty before God whose Justice was the supreme Judge condemning her Besides it was indiscreet to contend where it was impossible to prevail there being no guard against the edge of such an axe but patience and it is ill for a soul to goe recking with anger out of this world Here happened an unequall contest betwixt Weakness and Strength Age and Youth Nakedness and Weapons Nobility and Baseness a Princess and an Executioner who at last draging her by the hair gray with age may truly be said to have took off her head seeing she would neither give it him nor forgive him the doing thereof Thus dyed this Lady Margaret Heir to the name and stout nature of Margaret Dutchess of Burgundy her Aunt and God-mother whose spirits were better proportioned to her Extraction then Estate for though by special Patent she was created Countess of Sarisbury she was restored but to a small part of the inheritance she was born unto She suffered in 23. year of the raign of K. Henry the eighth JANE SEYMORE Daughter to Sir John Seymoure Knight honourably descended from the Lords Beauchamps was as by all concurring probabilities is collected born at Wulfall in this County and after was married to King Henry the eight It is currantly traditioned that at her first coming to Court Queen Anne Bollen espying a Jewell pendant about her neck snatched thereat desirous to see the other unwilling to show it and causually hurt her hand with her own violence but it greived her heart more when she perceived it the Kings Picture by himself bestowed upon her who from this day forward dated her own declining and the others ascending in her husbands affection It appeareth plainly by a passage in the Act of Parliament that the King was not onely invited to his marriage by his own affections but by the Humble Petition and intercession of most of the Nobles of his Realme moved thereunto as well by the conveniency of her years as in respect that by her Excellent Beauty and Pureness of Flesh and Bloud I speak the very words of the Act it self she was apt God willing to Conceive Issue And so it proved accordingly This Queen dyed some days after the birth of Prince Edward her son on whom this Epitaph Phoenix Jana jacet nato Phoenice dolendum Saecula Phoenices nulla tulisse duas Soon as her Phoenix Bud was blown Root-Phoenix Jane did wither Sad that no age a brace had shown Of Phoenixes together Of all the Wives of King Henry she only had the happiness to dye in his full favour the 14. of Octob. 1337. and is buried in the quire of Windsor Chappel the King continuing in real mourning for her even all the Festival of Christmas Saints ADELME Son to Kenred Nephew to Ina King of the West-Saxons was bred in Forraign parts and returning home was Abbot of Malmesbury Thirty years a Person Memorable on severall Accounts 1. He was the first Englishman who ever wrote in Latine 2. He was the first that ever brought Poetry into England 3. The first Bishop of the See of Sherburn Bede giveth him a large commendation for his Learning the rather because he wrot a book for the reducing the Britons to observe Easter according to the Church of Rome Impudent Monkes have much abused his Memory with Shameless lyes and amongst the rest with a Wooden Miracle that a Carpenter having cut a Beam for his Church too short he by his Prayers stretched it out to the full proportion To this I may add another lye as clear as the Sun it self on whose
years together assistant to the English Arch Priest demeaning himself commendably therein he wrote many books and one whose title made me the more to mind it Vitam Martyrium D. Margaretae Clithoroae Now whether this D. be for Domina or Diva for Lady or Saint or both I know not I take her for some Gentlewoman in the North which for some practises in the maintenance of her own Religion was obnoxious to and felt the severity of our Laws This Mush was living in these parts Anno 1612. Benefactors to the Publick THOMAS SCOT was born at Roâ—…heram no obscure market in this County waving his paternall name he took that of Roâ—…heram from the place of his Nativity This I observe the rather because he was according to my exactest enquiry the last Clergy-man of note with such an assumed Surname which Custome began now to grow out of fashion and Clergy-men like other men to be called by the name of their fathers He was first Fellow of Kings-colledge afterwards Master of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge and Chancellour of that University here he built on his proper cost saving something help'd by the Scholars the fair gate of the School with fair walks on each side and a Library on the East thereof Many have mistaken this for the performance of King Richard the third meerly because his Crest the Boar is set up therein Whereas the truth is that Rotheram having felt the sharp Tuskes of that Boar when imprisoned by the aforesaid King for resigning the Great Seal of England to Queen Elizabeth the relict of King Edward the fourth advanced his Armes thereon meerly to engratiate himself He went thorough many Church preferments being successively Provost of Beverly Bishop of Rochester Lincoln and lastly Arch-bishop of York nor less was was his share in Civil honour first Keeper of the Privy Seal and last Lord Chancellour of England Many were his Benefactions to the Publique of which none more remarkable then his founding five Fellowships in Lincoln colledge in Oxford He deceased in the 76. year of his age at Cawood of the plague Anno Domini 1500. JOHN ALCOCKE was born at Beverly in this County where he built a Chappell and founded a Chantry for his parents He was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge and at last became Bishop of Ely his prudence appeared in that he was preferred Lord Chancellour of England by King Henry the seventh a Prince of an excellent palate to tast mens Abilities and a Dunce was no dish for his diet His piety is praised by the pen of J. Bale which though generally bitter drops nothing but honey on Alcocks Memory commending him for a most mortified man Given to Learning and Piety from his Child-hood growing from grace to grace so that in his age none in England was higher for holiness He turned the old Nunnery of Saint Radigund into a new Colledge called Jesus in Cambridge surely had Malcolm King of Scots first founder of that Nunnery survived to see this alteration it would have rejoyced his heart to behold Leudness and Laziness turned out for Industry and Piety to be put in their place This Alcock died October 1. 1500. And had Saintship gone as much by merit as favour he deserved one as well as his name-sake Saint John his predecessor in that See Since the Reformation The extent of this large Province and the distance of my Habitation from it have disabled me to express my desires suitable to the merit thereof in this Topick of Modern Benefactors which I must leave to the Topographers thereof hereafter to uspply my defaults with their diligence But let me forget my self when I doe not remember the worthy charitable Master ....... Harrison inhabitant of the Populous Town of Leeds so famous for the Cloath made therein Methinks I hear that great Town accosting him in the Language of the Children of the Prophets to Elisha Behold now the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us The Church could scarce hold half the inhabitants till this worthy gentleman provided them another So that now the men of Leeds may say with Isaack Rehoboth God hath made room for us He accepted of no assistance in the building of that fair Fabrick but what he fully paid for so that he may be owned the sole Founder thereof But all his Charity could not secure him from sequestration in our Troublesome Times All I will adde is this as he hath built a House for God may God in Scripture Phrase build a House for him I mean make him fruitfull and fortunate in his posterity Memorable Persons PAULINUS DE LEEDS born in this County where there be three Towns of that name in one Wapentake It is uncertain in which of these he was born and the matter is of no great concernment One so free from Simony and far from buying a Bishoprick that when a Bishoprick bought him he refused to accept it For when King Henry the second chose him Bishop of Carlisle and promised to increase the Revenue of that Church with three hundred mark yearly rent besides the grant of two Church livings and two Mannors near to Carlisle on the condition that this Paulinus would accept the place all this would not work him to imbrace so wealthy an offer The reasons of his refusall are rendred by no Author but must be presumed very weighty to overpoise such rich proffers on which account let none envy his name a Room in this my Catalogue He flourished about the year of our Lord 1186. WILLIAM DE LA POLE born at Ravensrode in this County was for wealth and skill in Merchandize inferiour to none in England he made his abode at Kingston upon Hull and was the first Mayor of that Town When K. Edward the third was at Antwâ—…rp and much necessitated for money no shame for a Prince always in War to be sometimes in want this William lent him many thousand pounds of gold In recompence whereof the King made him his Valect equivalent to what afterward was called Gentleman of the Bed-chamber and Lord Chief-Baron of his Exchequer with many other honours Amongst which this was one that he should be reputed a Banneret not that he was really made one seeing the flourishing of a Banner over his head in the field before or after a fight was a ceremony essentiall thereunto but he had the same precedency conferred upon him I find not the exact date of his death but conjecture it to be about the year 1350. Lord Mayor Name Father Place Company Time 1 William Eastfield William Eastfield Tickell Mercer 1429 2 John Ward Richard Ward Howdon Grocer 1484 3 William White William White Tickhill Draper 1489 4 John Rudstone Robert Rudstone Hatton Draper 1528 5 Ralph Dodmer Henry Dodmer Pickering leigh Mercer 1529 6 William Roch John Roch Wixley Draper 1540 7 Richard Dobbes Robert Dobbes Baitby Skinner 1551 8 William Hewet Edmund Hewet Wales
Gods grace may prove sober Christians and eminent in their generations The last Port to which I traffiqued for intelligence towards our insuing Work was by making my addresses by letters and otherwise to the nearest Relations of those whose Lifes I have written Such applications have sometimes proved chargable but if my weak pains shall find preferment that is acceptance from the judicious Reader my care and cost is forgotten and shall never come under computation Here I cannot but condemn the carelessness not to say ingratitude of those I am safe whilst containing my self in general terms who can give no better account of the Place where their fathers or grand-fathers were born then the child unborn so that sometimes we have been more beholden to strangers for our instructions herein then to their nearest Kindred And although some will say Sons are more comfortably concerned to know the time of their Fathers death then place of their birth yet I could almost wish that a moderate fine were imposed on such heirs whose Fathers were born before them and yet they know not where they were born However this I must gratefully confess I have met with many who could not never with any who would not furnish me with information herein It is observable that men born an hundred years since and upwards have their nativities fixed with more assurance then those born some eighty years since Mens eyes see worst in the Twilight in that intervale after the Sun is set and natural light ended and before candles are set up and artificial light begun In such a crepusculum oftime those Writers lived who fall short of the history of Bale and Leland yet go before the memory of any alive which unhappy insterstice hath often perplexed us and may easier be complained of then amended To conclude should I present all with Books who courteously have conduced to my instruction the whole Impression would not suffice But I remember the no less civil then politick invitation of Judah to the Tribe of Simeon Come up with me into my Lot to Conquer the Cananites and I likewise will go with thee into thy Lot if such who have lent me theirs shall have occasion to borrow mine assistance my Pains Brains and Books are no more mine then theirs to command which besides my prayers for them and thanks to them is all my ability in requital can perform CHAP. XXIII A double Division of the English Gentry 1. According to the Nation whence they were extracted 2. According to the Profession whereby they were advanced THis discourse I tender the Reader as a preparative to dispose him for the better observing and distinguishing of our English Gentry in our ensuing Lives and Catalogue of Sheriffs We begin with the Britains the Aborigines or Native Inhabitants of the South of this Island but long since expelled by the Saxons into the West thereof None then remaining in some since returning into our Land of whom hereafter We confess the Romans Conquered our Country planted Colonies and kept Garrisons therein but their descendants are not by any character discernable from the British Indeed if any be found able to speak Latine naturally without learning it we may safely conclude him of Roman Extraction Mean time it is rather a pretty conceit then a solid notion of that great Antiquary who from the allusion of the name collecteth the noble family of the Cecils more truly Sytsilts descended from the Cecilii a Senatorian Family in Rome The Saxons succeed whose Of-spring at this day are the main bulk and body of the English though not Gentry Nation I may call them the whole cloath thereof though it be garded here and there with some great ones of foreign Extraction These Saxons though pitifully depressed by the Conquerour by Gods goodness King Henry the first favour their own patience and diligence put together the plankes of their Shiprack'd Estates and aferwards recovered a competent condition The Danes never acquired in this Land a long and peaceable possession thereof living here rather as Inroders then Inhabitants the cause that so few families distinguishable by their Surnames are descended from them extant in our age Amongst which few the respected Stock of the Denizes often Sheriffs in Devon and Gloustershire appear the principal As for Fitz-Hardinge the younger son of the King of Denmark and direct ancestour of the Truly Honourable George Lord Berkeley he came in long since when he accompanied the Conquerour I must confess that at this day there passeth a Tradition among some of the Common People that such names which Terminate in Son as Johnson Tomson Nicolson Davison Saunderson are of Danish Origination But this fond opinion is long since conâ—…uted by Vestegan that ingenious and industrious Antiquary Yea he urgeth this as an argument which much prevaileth with me why those Surnames were not derived from the Danes because they had no such name in use amongst them as John Thomas Nicholas David Alexander from whence they should be deduced Yea he further addeth that it is more probable that they made the Childs name by adjecting the syllable Son to the Appellation of the Father a custome which is usual even at this time amongst the Vulgar sort of the Dutch Yet is there not remaining any sign thereof amongst the names of our Age which probably might have been Canutson Ericson Gormoson Heraldson Rofolson c. The Normans or French under the Conquerour swarmed in England so that then they became the only visible Gentry in this Nation and still continue more then a Moity thereof several Catalogues of their Names I have so largely exemplifyed in my Church-history that some have taxed me for tediousness therein and I will not adde an new obstinacy to my old error But besides these we have some Surnames of good Families in England now extant which though French are not by any diligence to be recovered in the lists of such as came over with the Conquerour and therefore we suppose them to have remained of those Gentlemen and others which from Henault attended Queen Isabel wife unto King Edward the second Of this sort was Deureux Mollineux Darcy Coniers Longchamp Henage Savage Danvers with many more Of the British or Welsh after their expulsion hence by the Saxons some signal persons have returned again and by the Kings Grant Matches Purchases c. have fixed themselves in fair possessions in England especially since the beginning of the reign of their Country-man King Henry the seventh rewarding the valour of many contributing to his Victory in the battle of Bosworth Of the Welsh now re-estated in England and often Sheriffs therein some retain their old Surnames as the Griffins in Northamptonshire the Griffiths and Vaughans in Yorkshire some have assumed New ones as the Caradocks now known by the new Name of the Newtons in Somersetshire Many Scotch long before the Union of the two Kingdomes under King James seated themselves
in this Land flying hither for succour from their Civil Wars and surely it was against their mind if they all went back again Distress at Sea hath driven others in as the Stewards High-sheriffs in Cambridgeshire As other accidents have occasioned the coming in of the Scrimpshires an hundred years since High sheriffs in Staffordshire more lately the Nappers in Bedfordshire and before both the Scots of Scots-hall in Kent I much admire that never an eminent Irish native grew in England to any greatness so many English having prospered in that Country But it seems we love to live there where we may Command and they care not to come where they must Obey Our great distance from Italy always in Position and since the Reformation in Religion hath caused that few or none of that Nation have so incorporated with the English as to have found Families therein Yet have we a sprinkling of Italian Protestants Castilian a valiant Gentleman of Berkshire The Bassanoes excellent Painters and Musicians in Essex which came over into England under King Henry the eight and since in the raign of Queen Elizabeth Sir Horatio Palavicine Receiver of the Popes Revenues landed in Cambridgeshire and the Caesars aliàs Dalmarii still flourishing in Hartfordshire in Worshipful Estates though I never find any of these performing the office of Sheriff The High-Dutch of the Hans Towns antiently much conversed in our Land known by the name of Easterlings invited hither by the large priviledges our Kings conferred upon them so that the Steel-yard proved the Gold-yard unto them But these Merchants moved round in their own Sphere matching amongst themselves without mingling with our Nation Onely we may presume that the Easterlings corruptly called Stradlings formerly Sheriffs in Wiltshire and still famous in Glamorganshire with the Westphalings lately Sheriffs of Oxfordshire were originally of German Extraction The Low Country-men frighted by Duke D'Alvas Tyranny flocked hither under King Edward the sixth fixing themselves in London Norwich Canterbury and Sandwich But these confined themselves to their own Church discipline and for ought I can find advanced not forward by eminent Matches into our Nation Yet I behold the worthy Family of De la Fountain in Lecestershire as of Belgian Original and have read how the ancestours of Sir Simon D'us in Suffolk came hither under King Henry the eight from the Dunasti or D'us in Gelderland As for the Spaniards though their King Philip matched with our Queen Mary but few of any eminence now extant if I well remember derive their Pedigrees from them This I impute to the shortness of their Reign and the ensuing change of Religions Probable it is we might have had more Natives of that Kingdome to have setled and flourished in our Nation had he obtained a marriage with Queen Elizabeth of Blessed Memory which some relate he much endeavoured As for Portugal few of that Nation have as yet fixed their habitations and advanced Families to any visible height in our Land But it may please God hereafter we may have a happy occasion to invite some of that Nation to reside and raise Families in England Mean time the May's who have been Sheriffs in Sussex are all whom I can call to mind of the Portugal Race and they not without a Mixture of Jewish Extraction Come we now to the second Division of our Gentry according to the Professions whereby they have been advanced And here to prevent unjust misprision be it premised that such professions Found most of them gentlemen being the though perchance Younger Sons of wealthy Fathers able to give them liberal education They were lighted before as to their Gentility but now set up in a higher Candlestick by such professions which made a visible and conspicuous accession of Wealth and Dignity almost to the ecclipsing their former condition Thus all behold Isis increased in name and water after its conjunction with Thame at Dorchester whilst few take notice of the first Fountain thereof many miles more Westward in Gloucestershire The Study of the Common-law hath advanced most antient extant Families in our Land It seems they purchased good Titles made sure Setlements and entailed Thrift with their Lands on their posterity A prime person of that profession hath prevented my pains and given in a List of such principal Families I say principal many being omitted by him in so Copious a subject Miraculous the mortality in Egypt where there was not a House wherein there was not one dead But I hope it will be allowed Marvellous that there is not a generous and numerous House in England wherein there is not one though generally no first Born but a Younger Brother antiently or at this day Living Thriving and Flourishing by the Study of the Law Especially if to them what in Justice ought be added those who have raised themselves in Courts relating to the Law The City hath produced more then the Law in number and some as broad in Wealth but not so high in Honour nor long lasting in time who like Land-floods soon come and soon gone have been dried up before the third Generation Yet many of these have continued in a certain channel and carried a Constant stream as will plainly appear in the sequel of our Worthies The Church before the Reformation advanced many Families For though Bishops might not marry they preferred their Brothers Sons to great Estates As the Kemps in Kent Peckhams in Sussex Wickham in Hampshire Meltons in Yorkshire Since the Reformation some have raised Families to a Knightly and Worshipful Estate Hutton Bilson Dove Neil c. But for Sheriffs I take notice of Sandys in Worcester and Cambridgeshire Westphaling in Herefordshire Elmar in Suffolk Rud in Carmarthenshire c. Sure I am there was a generation of People of the last Age which thought they would level all Clergy-men or any descendants from them with the ground Yea had not Gods arme been stretched out in their preservation they had become a prey to their enemies violence and what they had designed to themselves and in some manner effected had ere this been time perfectly compleated As for the inferiour Clergy it is well if their narrow maintenance will enable them to leave a livelihood to their little ones I find but one Robert Johnson by name attaining such an estate that his Grand-son was pricked Sheriff of a County but declined the place by pleading himself a Deacon and by the favour of Arch-bishop Laud. The Study of the Civil-Law hath preferr'd but few The most eminent in that faculty before the Reformation being persons in Orders prohibited marriage However since the Reformation there are some Worshipful Families which have been raised by the Study in this Faculty Yet have our wars which perhaps might have been advocated for in Turks and Pagans who bid defiance to all humanity but utterly mis-beseeming Christians been a main cause of the moulting of many Eminent and Worthy persons of this Profession Nor
prophecy or this prophetical menace to be not above six score yeares old and of Popish extraction since the Reformation It whispereth more then it dare speak out and points at more then it dares whisper and fain would intimate to credulous persons as if the blessed Virgin offended with the English for abolishing her Adoration watcheth an opportunity of Revenge on this Nation And when her day being the five and twentieth of March and first of the Gregorian year chanceth to fall on the day of Christs Resurrection then being as it were fortified by her Sons assistance some signal judgment is intended to our State and Church-men especially Such Coincidence hath hap'ned just fifteen times since the Conquest as Elias Ashmole Esquire my worthy friend and Learned Mathematician hath exactly computed it and we will examine by our Chronicles whether on such yeares any signal fatalities befell England A. D. Anno Reg. D. L. G. N. Signal Disasters 1095 W. Rufus 8. G 13 K. Rufus made a fruitless invasion of Wales 1106 H. first 6. G 5 K. Hen. subdueth Normandy and D. Robert his Brother 1117 H. first 17. G 16 He forbiddeth the Popes Legate to enter England 1190 R. first 2. G 13 K. Richard conquereth Cyprus in his way to Palestine 1201 K. John 2. G 5 The French invade Normandy 1212 K. John 13. G 16 K. John resigneth his Kingdom to the Pope 1285 Ed. first 13. G 13 Nothing remarkable but Peace and Plenty 1296 Ed. first 24. AG 5 War begun with Scotland which ended in Victory 1380 R. second 4. AG 13 The Scots do much harm to us at Peryth Fair. 1459 H. sixth 38. G 16 Lancastrians worsted by the Yorkists in fight 1543 H. eighth 34. G 5 K. Henry entred Scotland and burnt Edenburgh Hitherto this Proverb hath had but intermitting truth at the most seeing no constancy in sad casualties But the sting will some say is in the taile thereof and I behold this Proverb born in this following year 1554 Q. Mary 2. G 16 Q. Mary setteth up Popery and Martyreth Protestants 1627 Charles 3. G 13 The unprosperous Voyage to the Isle of Rees 1638 Charles 14. G 5 The first cloud of trouble in Scotland 1649 Â G 16 The first complete year of the English Common-wealth or Tyranny rather which since blessed be God is returned to a Monarchy The concurrence of these two dayes doth not return till the year 1722. and let the next generation look to the effects thereof I have done my part in shewing remitting to the Reader the censuring of these occurrences Sure I am so sinfull a Nation deserves that every year should be fatal unto it But it matters not though our Lady falls in our Lords lap whilst our Lord sits at his Fathers right hand if to him we make our addresses by serious repentance When HEMPE is Spun England is Done Though this Proverb hath a different Stamp yet I look on it as Coined by the same Mint Master with the former and even of the same Age. It is faced with a Literal but would be Lined with a Mysticall sense When Hemp is Spun that is when all that necessary Commodity is imployed that there is no more left for Sailes and Cordage England whose strength consists in Shipping would be reduced to a Doleful Condition But know under HEMPE are Couched the Initial Letters of Henry the 8. Edward the 6. Mary Philip and Elizabeth as if with the Life of the last the Happiness of England should expire which time hath confuted Yet to keep this Proverb in Countenance it may pretend to some Truth because then England with the Addition of Scotland lost its name in Great Brittain by Royal Proclamation When the Black Fleet of NORVVAY is come and gone ENGLAND Build Houses of Lime and Stone For after Wars you shall have none There is a Larger Edition hereof though this be large enough for us and more then we can well understand Some make it fulfilled in the eighty eight when the Spanish-Fleet was beaten the Sur-name of whose King as a Learned Author doth observe was NORVVAY Others conceive it called the Black Fleet of Norway because it was never black not dismall to others but wofull to its own Apprehension till beaten by the English and forced into those Coasts according to the English Historian They betook themselves to Flight leaving Scotland on the West and bending towards Norway ill advised But that necessity urged and God had Infatuated their Councells to put their shaken and battered bottoms into those Black and Dangerous Seas I observe this the rather because I believe Mr. Speed in this his Writing was so far from having a Reflexion on that I Question whether ever I had heard of this Prophecy It is true that afterwards England built houses of Lime and Stone and our most handsome and Artificiall Buildings though formerly far greater and stronger bear their date from the defeating of the Spanish Fleet. As for the Remainder After Wars you shall have none We find it false as to our Civil Wars by our woful Experience And whether it be true or false as to Forreign Invasions hereafter we care not at all as beholding this prediction either made by the wild fancy of one foolish man and then why should this many wise men attend thereunto or else by him who alwaies either speaks what is false or what is true with an intent to deceive So that we will not be ellated with good or dejected with bad success of his fore-telling England is the ringing Island Thus it is commonly call'd by Foreigners as having greater moe and more tuneable Bells than any one County in Christendom Italy it self not excepted though Nola be there and Bells so called thence because first founded therein Yea it seems our Land is much affected with the love of them and loth to have them carryed hence into forreign parts whereof take this eminent instance When Arthur Bulkley the covetous Bishop of Bangor in the Reign of King Henry the eighth had sacrilegiously sold the five fair Bels of his Cathedral to be transported beyond the Seas and went down himself to see them shipp'd they suddenly sunk down with the Vessell in the Haven and the Bishop fell instantly blind and so continued to the day of his death Nought else have I to observe of our English Bells save that in the memory of man they were never known so long free from the sad sound of Funerals of general infection God make us sensible of and thankfull for the same When the sand feeds the clay England cryes Well a-day But when the clay feeds the sand it is merry with England As Nottingham-shire is divided into two parts the sand and the clay all England falls under the same Dicotomie yet so as the sand hardly amounteth to the Fifth part thereof Now a wet year which drowneth and chilleth the clay makes the sandy ground most fruitfull with corn and
Spaniards themselves coming over hither acquit themselves as good Trencher-men as any so that it seems want not temperance makes them so abstemious at home All amounts not to any just defence excess being an ill expression of our thankfullness to God for his goodness Nor need we with the Egyptians to serve up at the last course a dead mans head to mind us of our mortality seeing a Feast well considered is but a Charnel house of foul Fish and Flesh and those few shell-fish that are not kill'd to our hands are kill'd by our teeth It is vaine therefore to expect that dead food should alwaies preserve life in the feeders thereupon Long beards heartless painted-hoods witless Gay-coats graceless make England thriftless Though this hath more of Libell than Proverb therein and is stark false in it self yet it will truely acquaint us with the habits of the English in that Age. Long-beards heartless Our English did use nutrire comam both on their Head and beards concieving it made them more amiable to their friends and terrible to their foes Painted-hoods witless Their hoods were stained with a kind of colour in a middle way betwixt dying and painting whence Painters-stainers have their name a Mystery vehemently suspected to be lost in our Age. Hoods served that Age for Caps Gay-coats graceless Gallantry began then to be fashionable in England and perchance those who here taxed them therewith would have been as gay themselves had their Land been as rich and able to maintain them This sing-song was made on the English by the Scots after they were flush'd with Victory over us in the Reign of King Edward the Second Never was the Battle at Cannae so fatal to the Romans as that at Sterling to the Nobility of England and the Scots puffed up with their Victory fixed those opprobrious Epithets of heartless witless graceless upon us For the first we appeal to themselves whether Englishmen have not good hearts and with their long beards long swords For the second we appeal to the World whether the wit of our Nation hath not appeared as considerable as theirs in their Writings and Doings For the third we appeal to God the onely Searcher of hearts and trier of true grace As for the fourth thriftless I omit it because it sinks of it self as a superstructure on a foundred and sailing foundation All that I will adde is this that the grave sage and reduced Scotish-men in this Age are not bound to take notice of such expressions made by their Ancestors seeing when Nations are at hostile defiance they will mutually endeavour each others disgrace He that England will win Must with Ireland first begin This Proverb importeth that great designs must be managed gradatim not only by degrees but due method England it seems is too great a morsel for a forreign foe to be chopped up at once and therefore it must orderly be attempted and Ireland be first assaulted Some have conceived but it is but a conceit all things being in the bosom of Divine Providence that had the Spanish Armado in eighty eight fallen upon Ireland when the well affected therein were few and ill provided they would have given a better account of their service to him who sent them To rectify which errour the King of Spain sent afterward John de Aquila into Ireland but with what success is sufficiently known And if any foreign Enemy hath a desire to try the truth of this Proverb at his own peril both England and Ireland lie for Climate in the same posture they were before In England a bussâ—…l of March dust is woâ—…th a Kingâ—… randsom Not so in Southern sandy Counties where a dry March is as destructive as here it is beneficial How much a Kings randsom amounteth unto England knows by dear experience when paying one hundred thousand pounds to redeem Richard the first which was shared between the German Emperour and Leopoldus Duke of Austria Indeed a general good redounds to our Land by a dry March for if our clay-grounds be over-drowned in that moneth they recover not their distemper that year However this Proverb presumeth seasonable showers in April following or otherwise March dust will be turned into May-ashes to the burning up of grass and grain so easily can God blast the most probable fruitfulness England a good Land and a bad People This is a French Proverb and we are glad that they being so much Admirers and Magnifiers of their own will allow any goodness to another Country This maketh the wonder the less that they have so much endeavoured to get a share in this good Country by their former frequent invasions thereof though they could never since the Conquest peaceably posseâ—…s a hundred yards thereof for twenty hours whilst we for a long time have enjoyed large Territories in France But this Proverb hath a design to raise up the Land to throw down the People graceing it to disgrace them We English-men are or-should be ready humbly to confess our faults before God and no less truly then sadly to say of our selves Ah sinfull Nation However before men we will not acknowledge a visible badness above other Nations And the plain truth is both France and England have need to mend seeing God hath formerly justly made them by sharpe Wars alternately to whip one another The High-Dutch Pilgrims when they beg do sing the French-men whine and cry the Spaniards curse swear and blaspheme the Irish and English steal This is a Spanish Proverb and I suspect too much truth is suggested therein the rather because the Spaniards therein spare not themselves but unpartially report their own black Character If any ask why the Italians are not here mentioned seeing surely their Pilgrims have also their peculiar humours know that Rome and Loretta the staples of Pilgrimages being both in Italy the Italians very seldom being frugal in their Superstition go out of their own Country Whereas stealing is charged on our English it is confess'd that our poor people are observed light-fingered and therefore our Lawes are so heavy making low Felony highly Penal to restrain that Vice most to which our Pezantry is most addicted I wish my Country more true Piety then to take such tedious and useless journeys but if they will go I wish them more honesty then to steal and the people by whom they pass more Charity than to tempt them to stealth by denying them necessaries in their journey Princes JOHN Eldest Son of King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor was born at Windsor before his Fathers voyage into Syria His short life will not bear a long Character dying in his infancy 1273. the last year of the Reign of King Henry the 3d. and was buryed August the 8. in Westminster under a Marble Tomb in-laid with his Picture in an Arch over it ELEANOR Eldest Daughter to King Edward the first and Queen Eleanor was born at Windsor Anno Dom. 1266. She was afterwards
Hethe Ioâ—…an Potter Iohan. Grecell Will. Bocher de Henlow Will. Hâ—…le de Chitingdon Iohan. Halle Will. Ludsopp Iohan. Conquest de Houghton Stephani Cruker Tho. Rokeston Will. Lancelein Hen. de Lye â—…o Ragon Iohan. Mepurshale Iohan. Fitz Iohan. Pekke junioris Hugonis Billingdou Tho. Pekke Will. Pekke Iohan. Glove junioris Hungry Time hath made a Glutton â—…eal on this Catalogue of Gentry and hath left but a very little morsell for manners remaining so few of these are found extant in this â—…hire and fewer continuing in a Gentile Equipage Amongst whom I must not forget the Family of the Blundels whereof Sir Edward Blundell behaved himself right valiantly in the unfortunate expedition to the Isle of Ree Sheriffs of Bedford and Buckingham-shire HEN. II. Anno 1 Rich. Basset Albertus de Veer Rob. Carun Anno 2 Henriâ—… de Essex constituit Simonem Fitz. Petre Vicecomitem for 4 years Anno 6 Gal. filius Radulph Anno 7 Rich. filâ—…us Oâ—…rti for 3 years Anno 10 Hug. de la Legâ—… Rich. filius Osberti for 6 years Anno 16 David Archidea Will filius Rich. Anno 17 Will. filius Rich. David Arch. for 3 years Anno 20 Will. filius Rich. for 6 years Anno 26 Will. Rufus for 7 years Anno 33 Will. Rufus Oger filius Ogeri pro dimad Anni RICH. I. Anno 1 Will. Rufus for 6 years Anno 7 Simon de Belchampe for 3 years Anno 10 Will. de Albeny Rob. Braybrook JOHAN R. Anno 1 Will. de Albeny Anno 2 Galf. filius Petri Rob. de Braybrook for 4 years Anno 6 Rob. de Braybrook Rob. filius Hemer Anno 7 Rob. Rober. Anno 8 Rob. filius Hemeri Anno 9 â—…dem Anno 10 Rob. de Braybrook for 3 years Anno 13 Rob. de Braybrook Hen. filius ejus Anno 14 Hen. Braybrook Rob. Pater ejus Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Hen. Braybrook Anno 17 Idem HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Fulco de Breantel Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Ful. de Breantel Rad. de Bray for 4 years Anno 8 Ful. de Breantel Anno 9 Walt. de Pateshull de Accestane for 4 years Anno 13 Steph. de Wegrave Will de Martiwaste Anno 14 Steph. de Segne Anno 15 Steph. de Segne Rich. de Atteneston for 3 years Anno 18 Steph. de Segne Joh. Ulecot Anno 19 Radus filius Reginald Anno 20 Will. de Bello Campo Ric. de Porchhalt Anno 21 Will. de Bello Campo Anno 22 Reginald de Albo Monasterio Anno 23 Rob. de Hega Anno 24 Pauâ—…us Penire Anno 25 Idem Anno 26 Joh. â—…rumband Anno 27 Will. Holdwell for 7 years Anno 34 Alex. de Hammeden for 3 years Anno 37 Nul Tile Com. in Rotulo Anno 38 Simon de Glendon Anno 39 Idem Anno 40 Rob. le Savage Rich. le Savage filius Johan Anno 41 Rob. de Tottenhall Anno 42 Idem Anno 43 Alex. de Hamden for 4 years Anno 47 Alex. de Hamden Simon de Pateshill for 5 years Anno 52 Edw. filius Regis Primogenitus Anno 53 Idem Anno 54 Edw. filius primo genitus Barthol de Towen Subvic ejus for 3 years EDW. I. Anno 1 Thomas de Bray Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Hugo de Stapleford for 4 years Anno 7 Johan de Chedney for 4 years Anno 11 Radul de Goldington for 3 years Anno 14 Will. de Boyvill for 3 years Anno 17 Will. de Tarrevill Anno 18 Joh. de Popham Anno 19 Idem Anno 20 Will. de Turrevill for 5 years Anno 25 Sim. de Bradenham Anno 26 Walter deMolesworth for 10 years EDW. II. Anno 1 Gil. de Holme Wal. de Molesworth Anno 2 Will. Merre for 4 years Anno 6 Walt. de Molesworth Joh. de Pabenham for 3 years Anno 9 Joh. de la Hay Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Joh. de la Hay Rog. de Tirringham Anno 12 Phil. de Aylesbury Rich. de Cave Anno 13 Rich. de Cave Ingilran de Berenger Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Ingelramus Berenger Anno 16 Anno 17 Rog. de Tiringham Anno 18 Rog. de Tiringham Joh. de la Hay Anno 19 Johan de la Hay Phil. de Aylesbury EDW. III. Anno 1 Johan de la Mareschall Phil. de Aylesbury Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Joh. de Mareschall Anno 4 Phil. de Aylesbury for 3 years Anno 7 Nul Titl Com. in Rotulo Anno 8 Rad. de Wedon Anno 9 Idem Anno 10 Rich. Ward Anno 11 Rad. de Wedon Anno 12 Nich. de Passelow Will Aloton Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Nich. Passelow Anno 15 Ger. de Braybrook Anno 16 Henric. Chalfhunt Gerrard de Braybrook Anno 17 Joh. Aygnell Hen. Chalfhunt Anno 18 Hen. Chalfhunt Joh. Wignell Anno 19 Tho. de Swinford Anno 20 Idem Anno 21 Will. Croyser Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Tho. Fernibrand Anno 24 Idem Anno 25 Joh. Chastilion Tho. Fernibrand Anno 26 Joh. Chastilion Anno 27 Ger. de Braybrook Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Pet. de Salford GerBraybrook Anno 30 Pet. de Salford Anno 31 Joh. de Hampden Hug. Chastilion Anno 32 Joh. de Hampden Anno 33 Idem Anno 34 Pet. de Salford Anno 35 Joh. de Hampden Anno 36 Pet. de Salford for 4 years Anno 40 Joh. de Aylesbury for 6 years Anno 46 Johan Chyne Anno 47 Johan Ragoun Anno 48 Johan Aylesbury Anno 49 Johan de Arden Anno 50 Johan de Broughton Anno 51 Johan de Ollueyge Henry II. 1 RICHARDUS BASSET ALBERICUS DE VEER The Catalogue of the Sheriffs of Cambridge and Huntington-shires as also of Essex and Hartford-shire beginneth with the same names so that â—…ix Counties but all lying together were under their inspection None need to question but that this Albericus de Veer was the very same with him who by Maud the Empress was made the first Earl of Oxford of whom hereafter this year in Cambridge-shire Mean time we take notice of an Usterosis beholding R. Basset though first named as his Under-Sheriff 2. HENRY de ESSEX He is too well known in our English Chronicles being Baron of Raleigh in Essex and Hereditary Standard-bearer of England It happened in the reign of this King there was a fierce battle fought in Flint-shire at Coleshull betwixt the English and Welch wherein this Henry de Essex Animum Signum simul abjecit betwixt Traitor and Coward cast away both his Courage and Banner together occasioning a great over-throw of English But he that had the baseness to doe had the boldness to deny the doing of so foul a fact untill he was challenged in combate by Robert de Momford a Knight Eye-witness thereof and by him overcome in a Duell Whereupon his large inheritance was confiscated to the King and he himself partly thrust partly going into a Convent hid his head in
must be more in it to give him that denomination seeing many had that office besides himself He was a great Scholar and deep Divine it being reported to his no small praise That he conformed his Divinity to Scripture and not to the rules of Philosophy He flourished under King Edward the third anno 1350. WILLIAM CAXTON born in that Town a noted stage betwixt Roiston and Huntington Bale beginneth very coldly in his commendation by whom he is charactered Vir non omnino stupidus aut ignavia torpens but we understand the language of his Liptote the rather â—…ecause he proceedeth to praise his Diligence and Learning He had most of his Education beyond the Seas living 30. years in the Court of Margaret Dutchesse of Burgundy Sister to King Edward the fourth whence I conclude him an Anti-Lancastrian in his affection He continued Polychronicon beginning where Trevisa ended unto the end of King Edward the fourth with good judgment and Fidelity And yet when he writeth that King Richard the second left in his Treasury Money and Jewells to the value of seven hundred thousand pounds I cannot credit him it is so contrary to the received Character of that Kings Riotous Prodigality Caxton carefully collected and printed all Chaucers works and on many accounts deserved well of Posterity when he died about the year 1486. Since the Reformation RICHARD HULOET was born at Wishich in this County and brought up in good learning He wrote a book called the English and Latine A B C and dedicated the same to Thomas Goowrich Bishop of Ely and Chancellor of England Some will condemn him of Indiscretion in presenting so low a subject to so high a person as if he would teach the Greatest States-man in the land to spell aright Others will excuse him his book being though of low of generall use for the Common people who then began to betake themselves to reading long neglected in the land so that many who had one foot in their grave had their hand on their primer But I believe that his book whereof I could never recover a sight though entitled an A B C related not to Literall reading but rather to some Elementall grounds of Religion He flourished Anno Domini 1552. JOHN RICHARDSON was born of honest parentage at Linton in this County bred first Fellow of Emanuell then Master of Saint Peters and at last of Trinity-colledge in Cambridge and was Regius Professor in that University Such who represent him a dull and heavy man in his parts may be confuted with this instance An extraordinary Act in Divinity was kept at Cambridge before King James wherein Doctor John Davenant was Answerer and Doctor Richardson amongst others the opposers The Question was maintained in the negative concerning the excommunicating of Kings Doctor Richardson vigorously pressed the practice of Saint Ambrose excommunicating of the Emperour Theodosius insomuch that the King in some passion returned profecto fuit hoc ab Ambrosio insolentissimè factum To whom Doctor Richardson rejoyned responsum vere Regium Alexandro dignum hoc non est argumenta dissolvere sed desecare And so sitting down he desisted from any further dispute He was employed one of the Translators of the Bible and was a most excellent linguist whose death happened Anno Dom. 1621. ANDREW WILLET D. D. was born at Ely in this County bred Fellow of Christs-colledge in Cambridge He afterwards succeeded his father in the Parsonage of Barley in Hertford shire and became Prebendary of Ely He confuted their cavill who make children the cause of covetousness in Clergy-men being bountifull above his ability notwithstanding his numerous issue No less admirable his industry appearing in his Synopsiâ—… Comments and Commentaâ—…ies insomuch that one considering his Polygraphy said merrily that he must write whilst he slept it being unpossible that he should do so much when waking Sure I am he wrote not sleepily nor oscitantèr but what was solid in it self and profitable for others A casuall fall from his horse in the high-way near Hodsden breaking his leg accelerated his death It seems that Gods promise to his children to keep them in all their ways that they dash not their foot against the stone 'T is as other Temporall promises to be taken with a Tacit clause of revocation viz. if Gods wisdome doth not discover the contrary more for his glory and his childrens good This Doctor died Anno Domini 1621. Sir THOMAS RIDLEY Kt. Dr. of the Laws was born at Ely in this County bred first a scholar in Eaton then Fellow of Kings-colledge in Cambridge He was a general scholar in all kind of learning especially in that which we call melior literatura He afterwards was Chancellor of Winchester and the Vicar generall to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury his memory will never dye whilst his book called the view of the Ecclesiastical Laws is living a book of so much merit that the Common Lawyers notwithstanding the difference betwixt the professions will ingeniously allow a due commendation to his learned performance in that subject He died Anno Domini 1629. on the two and twentieth day of January ARTHUR HILDERSHAM was born at Strechworth in this County descended by his mothers side from the Bloud-Royal being great-great-grand-child to George Duke of Clarence brother to Edward the fourth Yet was he not like the proud Nobles of Tecoa who counted themselves too good to put their hands to Gods work But being bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge he entred into the Ministry How this worthy Divine was first run a ground with poverty and afterwards set a float by Gods Providence how he often alternately lost and recovered his voice being silenced and restored by the Bishops how after many intermediate afflictions this just and upright man had peace at the last is largely reported in my Ecclesiastical History to which except I adde to the truth I can adde nothing on my knowledge remarkable He died Anno Domini 1631. R. PARKER for so is his Christian name defectively written in my Book was born in Ely therefore Place-nameing himself Eliensis was son as I am confident to Master Parker Arch-deacon of Ely to whom that Bishoprick in the long vacancy after the death of Bishop Cox was profered and by him refused tantum opum usuram iniquis conditionibus sibi oblatam respuens Our Parker was bred in and became Fellow of Caius-colledge an excellent Herauld Historian and Antiquary Author of a short plain true and brief Manuscript called Sceletos Cantabrigiensis and yet the bare Bones thereof are Fleshed with much matter and hath furnished me with the Nativities of severall Bishops who were Masters of Colledges I am not of the mind of the Italian from whose Envy God deliver us Polidore Virgil who having first served his own turn with them burnt all the rare English Manuscripts of History he could procure so to raise the valuation of his own works But from my heart I wish some
Scholar-ships to each yearly four pounds 10. To the Colledge of Saint John Baptist in Oxford two Scholar-ships of the same value 11. To Christ-Church Hospital three Hundred pounds 12. To the Church and Poor to buy them Gowns of Wrenbury seventy pounds With other Benefactions Verily I say unto you I have not met a more universall and unpartial Charity to all Objects of want and worth He died about the beginning of the raign of King James JOHN BREWERTON Knight a Branch of that well-spred Tree in this County was bred one of the first Scholars of the foundation in Sidney-colledge and afterwards being brought up in the study of the Common-law he went over into Ireland and at last became the Kings Serjeant therein I say at last for at his coming thither in the tumults of Tirone neither Rex nor Lex neither King nor Serjeant were acknowledged till Loyalty and Civility were by degrees distilled into that Nation He obtained a plentifull Estate and thereof gave well nigh three thousand pounds to Sidney-colledge Now as it is reported of Ulysses returning from his long travail in Forraign Lands that all his family had forgot him so when the news of this Legacy first arrived at the Colledge none then extant therein ever heard of his name so much may the spunge of forty years blot out in this kind onely the written Register of the Colledge faithfully retained his name therein This his gift was a gift indeed purely bestowed on the Colledge as loded with no detrimentall Conditions in the acceptance thereof We read in the Prophet Thou hast increased the Nation and not multiplied their Joy In proportion whereunto we know it is possible that the comfortable condition of a Colledge may not be increased though the number of the Fellows and Scholars therein be augmented superadded Branches sucking out the sap of the Root Whereas the Legacy of this worthy Knight ponebatur in lucro being pure gain and improvement to the Colledge His death happened about the year 1633. JOHN BARNSTON D. D. was born of an ancient Family in this County bred Fellow of Brasen-Nose-Colledge in Oxford afterwards Chaplain to Chancellor Egerton and Residentiary of Salisbury A bountifull House-keeper of a cheerfull spirit and peaceable disposition whereof take this eminent Instance He sate Judge in the Consistory when a Church-warden out of whose house a Chalice was stolen was sued by the Parish to make it good to them because not taken out of the Church-Chest where it ought to have been reposited but out of his private house The Church-warden pleaded that he took it home onely to scoure it which proving ineffectuall he retained it till next morning to boil out the in-laid Rust thereof Well said the Doctor I am sorry that the Cup of Union and Communion should be the cause of difference and discord between you Go home and live lovingly together and I doubt not but that either the Thief out of remorse will restore the same or some other as good will be sent unto you which by the Doctors secret Charity came to pass accordingly He founded an Hebrew Lecture in Brasen-Nose-Colledge and departed in Peace in the beginning of our Wars about the year 1642. Memorable Persons WILLIAM SMITH was born in this County wherein his Surname hath been of signal note for many ages His Genius inclined him to the study of Heraldry wherein he so profitted that Anno he was made Persuivant of Arms. By the name of Rougdragon he wrote a description Geographical and Historicall of this County left it seems in the hands of Raynulph Crew Knight sometimes L. Chief Justice of the Kings Bench and lately set forth by the favour of Mr. Raynulph Crew Grand-child to that worthy Knight the time of his death is to me unknown WILLIAM WEB a native of this County was bred a Master in Arts and aâ—…terwards betook himself to be a Clark of the Mayors Court in Chester It appeareth also he was Under sheriffe to Sir Richard Lee High-sheriffe of this County in the thirteenth year of King James He compiled a description of Cheshire and Chester lately Printed by procurement of that no less Communicative then Judicious Antiquary Sir Simon Archer of Tamworth in Warwickshire I cannot attain the certain date of his death RANDAL CREW Esquire second Son to Sir Clipsby Grand-child to Judge Crew He drew a Map of Cheshire so exactly with his pen that a judicious eye would mistake it for Printing and the Gravers skill and industry could little improve it This Map I have seen and Reader when my eye directs my hand I may write with confidence This hopefull Gentleman went beyond the Seas out of design to render himself by his Travells more useful for his Country where he was Barbarously Assassinated by some French-men and honourably buried with generall lamentation of the English at Paris 1656. Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Hugh Witch Richard Witch Nantwich Mercer 1461 2 Thomas Oldgrave William Oldgrave Knotysford Skinner 1467 3 Edmond Shaw John Shaw Donkenfield Goldsmith 1482 4 James Spencer Robert Spencer Congleton Vintner 1527 5 Thomas Offley William Offley Chester Merchant-Taylor 1556 6 Humfry Weld John Weld Eaton Grocer 1608 7 Thomas Moulson    1634 I am certainly informed that this Moulsonâ—…ounded â—…ounded a fair School in the Town where he was born but am not instructed where this is or what Salary is setled thereon Reader know this that I must confess my self advantaged in the description of this County by Daniel King a native of this County whence it seems he travelled beyond the Seas where he got the Mystery both of Survaying and Engraving So that he hath both drawn and graven the portraicture of many ancient structures now decayed I hope in process of time this Daniel King will out-strip King Edgar erecting more Abbeys in Brâ—…ss then he did in Stone though he be said to have built one for every day in the Year But Cheshire is chiefly beholding to his Pains seeing he hath not only set forth two Descriptions thereof named the Vale Royal of England with the praise to the dead Persons the Authors thereof duly acknowledged but also hath enlivened the same with severall Cuts of Heraldry and Topography on whom we will bestow this Distick Kingus Cestrensi Cestrensis Patria Kingo Lucem Alternatim debet uterque suam Cheshire to King and King to Cheshire owes His light 〈◊〉 doth 〈◊〉 what each Bâ—…stows What is amiss in my Poetry shall be amended in my Prayers for a Blessing on his and all ingenious-mens undertakings Cheshire is one of the 12. pretermitted Counties the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower in the 12. year of K. Henry the sixth Sheriffs HEN. II. Anno 30 Gilbert Pipehard Anno 35 Rich. de Pierpoint RICH. I. Anno 1 RECORDA MANCA JOHAN Anno 1 〈◊〉 Rich. de Burham Anni Incerti HEN. III. Anno 15 Rich. de Sonbach Anno 23 Rich. de
* S. a Falcon rising betweâ—…t 3 Mullets Oâ—… 21 Rich. Gedy ar   22 Io. Moyle ar vir * S. Germains †Or on a Bend G. 3 Millroinds Argent CAR. REG.  * G. a Moyle passant Arg. Anno   1 Tho. Wivell ar   2 Ioh. Trefuses ar  Arg. a Cheveron betw 3 wharrow Spindles S. 3 Io. Rashleigh ar ut prius  4 Geor. He le ar  G. a Bead Losengee Erm. 5   6 Io. Trelawney m. ut prius  7 Ioh. Prideaux ar ut prius  8 Nic. Loure mil. ut prius  9 Cha. Tâ—…evanio a. ut prius  10 Hu. Bosgawen ar  Vert a Bull passant Arg. Arâ—…ed Or in a Cheif Ermin a Rose Gules 11 Io. St. Albin a. ut prius  12 Rich. Buller mil. ut prius  13 Fran Godolpin a. ut prius  14   15 Rich. Trevill ar  Or a Cross engrailed Sa. in the first quarter a Mullâ—…t G. 16 Fran. Willear   17   18   19   20   21   22 Edw. Heile ar ut prius  Edward III. ROGER de PRIDDEAUX My eye cannot be entertained with a more welcome object then to behold an antient Name not onely still continuing to but eminently flourishing in our age On which account I cannot but congratulate the happiness of this Family expecting a daily Accession of Repute from the hopefull branches thereof Edward IV. 10 JOHN ARUNDLE Mil. This worthy Knight was forewarned by what Calker I wot not that he should be slain on the Sands This made him to shun his house at Efford alias Ebbing-ford as too Maritime and remove himself to Trerice his more Inland habitation in this County But he found it true fata viam inveniant for being this year Sheriff and the Earl of Oxford surprizing Mount Michael for the House of Lancaster he was concerned by his Office and Command from the King to endeavour the reducing thereof and lost his life in a skirmish on the sands thereabouts Thus it is just with Heaven to punish mens curiosity in enquiring after credulity in believing of and cowardise in fearing at such prognostications 21 THOMAS GRANVIL Be it entred by way of caveat that there is some difference in the blazoning of the coat of the Granvils or Greenvils What usually are termed therein Rests being the Handles of Spears most honorable in Tilting to break them nearest thereunto are called by some Criticks 〈◊〉 being the necessary appendants to Organs convaying wind unto them If as it seemeth their dubious Form as represented in the Scutcheon doth ex aequo answer to both with me they shall still pass for the Rests of Spears For though I dare not deny but the Greenvils might be good Musitians I am assured they were most valiant Souldiers in all their Generations But the merits of this ancient Family are so many and great that ingrossed they would make one County proud which divided would make two happy I am therefore resolved equally to part what I have to say thereof betwixt Cornwall and Devonshire Richard III. The Reader will take notice that as it is in our Catalogue Richard Duke of Gloucester was High-Sheriff of this County ad terminum vitae a strange Precedent if it may be said to go before which hath nothing to follow after seeing for the last two years he was both King of England and Sheriff of Cornwall We therefore behold all the following persons unto the first of King Henry the seventh but as so many Deputies under him and amongst these we take speciall notice of 2 JAMES TIRREL Mil. This is he so infamous in our English Histories for his activity in murdering the Innocent sons of King Edward the fourth keeping the Keyes of the Tower and standing himself at the foot of the Staires whilst Mr. Forest and J. Dighton stifled them in their Beds I behold this Sir James as an Essex-man though now the prime Officer of this County For King Richard accounted Cornwall the back dore of Rebellion and therefore made this Knight the Porter thereof Indeed it is remote from London and the long sides of this County afford many landing-places objected to Britain in France whence the Usurper always feared and at last felt an Invasion and therefore he appointed him Sheriff to secure the County as obliged unto him by gratitude for favours received and guilt for faults committed This Tirrel was afterwards executed for Treason in the Tower yard in the beginning of King Henry the seventh Henry VII 12 JOHN BASSET This was a busie year indeed in this County when the Cornish Commotion began headed by Flammock a Lawyer and Michael Joseph a Blacksmith at the Town of Bodmin Let none impute it to the neglect of this Sheriff that he suppressed them not seeing besides that they quickly quitted this County and went Eastward it was not the work of Posse Comitatus but Posse Regni to encounter them However after long-running for they marched the breadth of the land from Cornwall to Kent before battle was bid them they were overtaken and overcome at Black-heath 13 PETER EDGCOMBE Mil. The Names of pierce or Peter and Richard have been saith my Author successively varied in this family for six or seven Descents Such Chequering of Christian Names serve Heraulds instead of Stairs whereby they ascend with assurance into the Pedigrees of Gentlemen and I could wish the like alternation of Font-names fashionable in other families For where the Heirs of an House are of the same Name for many generations together it occasioneth much mistake and the most cautious and conscientious Heralds are guilty of making Incestuous Matches confounding the Father for the Son and so reciprocally Queen Elizabeth 4 RICHARD CHAMOND Esq. He received at Gods-hand an extraordinary favour of long life serving in the office of a Justice of Peace almost sixty years He saw above fifty several Judges of the Westerne Circuit was Uncle and Great-uncle to three hundred at least and saw his youngest child above fourty years of age 19 WILLIAN MOHUN He was descended from the ancient Lords of Dunster and Earls of Somerset of which one received a great Papall priviledge whereof largely in my Church History I behold him as Grand-father to John Lord Mohun of Oakehampton descended by a Coheir from the Courtneys Earls of Devonshire and Great-grand-father to the Right Honourable Warwick Lord Mohun 29 ANTHONY ROUSE Esq. Give me leave only to transcribe what I find written of him He employeth himself to a kind and uninterrupted entertainment of such as visit him upon his not sparing inviting or their own occasions who without the self-guilt of an ungrateful wrong must witness that his frankness confirmeth their welcome by whatsoever means provision the fewell of Hospitality can in the best manner supply He was Father to Francis Rouse late Provost of Eaton whose Industry is more commendable then his
20 Fr. Lamplough a. ut prius  21 Ioh. Lamplough ut prius  22 Hen. Curwen ar ut prius  23 Chri. Dacre ar ut prius  24 Wilfr Lawson ar  Per Pale Arg. and S. a Chev. counterchanged 25 Ioh. Dalston ar ut prius  26 Ioh. Midleton ar   27 Geo. Salkeld ar ut prius  28 Ioh. Dalston ar ut prius  29   30 Rich. Louther ar ut prius  31 Hen. Curwen 〈◊〉 ut prius  32 Chr. Pickering ar  Ermin a Lion Rampent Azure Crowned Or. 33 Ioh. Southwike a   34 Will. Musgrave a. ut prius  35 Ger. Louther ar ut prius  36 Ioh. Dalston ar ut prius  37 Lau. Salkeld ar ut prius  38 Chri. Dalston ar ut prius  39 Wilfri Lawson ut prius  40 Tho. Salkeld ar ut prius  41 Ios. Penington ar ut prius  42 Nich. Curwen ar ut prins  43 Will. Orfenâ—…r ar   44 Edm. Dudley ar  Or a Lion rampant duble queve Vert. 45 Will. Hutton ar prim Jac. ut prius  JAC. REX   Anno   1 Will. Hutton ar ut prius  2 Ioh Dalston ar ut prius  3 Chri. Pickeâ—…ing a. ut prius  4 Wilf Lauson m. ut prius  5 Chri. Pickering m. ut prius  6 Hen. Blencow ar  Sable on a Bend 3 Chaplets G. 7 Will. Hutton m ut prius  8 Ios. Penington ar ut prius  9 Chr. Pickering m. ut prius  10 Wilf Lawson m. ut prius  11 Th. Lamplough a. ut prius  12 Edw. Musgrave m. ut prius  13 Rich. Flecher ar Hutton Arg. a Salter engrailed betwixt 4 Roundlets each châ—…rged with a Pheon of the field 14 Will. Musgrave m. ut prius  15 Wil. Hudleston a. ut prius  16 Geo. Dalston ar ut prius  17 Hen. Curwen mi. ut prius  18 Io Lamplough a. ut prius  19 Hen. Fetherston  G. a Chev. betwixt 3 Oestridges feathers 20 Fran. Dudley vid. Admi. Tho. Dudley ar Edw. Dudley ar defund Tho. Lamplough mil. ut prius   ut prius   ut prius  21 Rich. Samford m ut prius  22 Rich. Fletcher m. ut prius  CAR. REG.   Anno   1 Hen. Blencowe m. ut prius  2 Pet. Senhouse ar Scascall Arg. a 〈◊〉 proper 3 Chri. Dalston ar ut prius  4 Will. Layton ar   5 Wilâ—… Musgrave m. ut prius  6 Chr. Richmond a.   7 Leon. Dykes ar  Or 3 Cinquefoils Sable 8 Ioh. Skelton ar ut prius  9 Will. Orfener ar   10 Rich. Barvis ar ut prius  11 Will. Lawson ar   12 Patri Curwen ar ut prius  13 Tho. Dacre 〈◊〉 ut prius  14 Ti. Fetherston 〈◊〉 ut prius  15   16 Chri. Louther ar ut prius  17 Hen. Fletcher bar ut prius  18   19   20   21   22 Hen. Tolson ar ut prius  Edward IV. 16 RICHARD DUKE OF GLOUCESTER He is notoriously known to Posterity without any â—… Comment or Character to describe him In his Armes it is observable that the younger sons of Kings did not use our Common Modern manner of differences by Cressants Mullets Martilets c. but assumed unto themselves some other differencing devices Wonder not that his Difference being a Labell disguised with some additions hath some Allusion to Eldership therein whilst this Richard was but the Third son seeing in his own Ambition he was not onely the Eldest but Onely Child of his Father as appeareth by his Project not long after to Basterdize both his Brethren And now did he begin to cast an Eye on and forecast a way to the Crown by securing himself of this County which is the Back as Northumberland the Fore Door into Scotland In the mean time Cumberland may count it no mean Credit that this Duke was for six years together and at that very time her High-Sheriff when he was made or rather made himself King of England Henry VIII 21 THOMAS WHARTON This must needs be that worthy person whom King Henry the eighth afterwards created first L. Wharton of Wharton in Westmerland and who gave so great a defeat to the Scots at Solemn Moss that their King James the fifth soon after died for sorrow thereof Indeed the Scotish Writers conceiving it more creditable to put their defeat on the account of Anger then of Fear make it rather a Surrender then a Battle as if their Country-men were in effect unwilling to Conquer because unwilling to Fight Such their Disgust taken at Oliver Sentclear a man of Low Birth and High Pride obtruded on them that day by the King for their Generall And to humor their own discontentment they preferred rather to be taken Prisoners by an Enemy then to fight under so distasted a Commander As for the Lord Wharton I have read though not able presently to produce my Author that for this his service his Armes were augmented with an Orle of Lions paws in Saltier Gules on a Border Or. The Farewell I understand two small Manufactures are lately set up therein the one of course Broad-cloath at Cokermouth vended at home The other of Fustians some two years since at Carlile and I wish that the Undertakers may not be disheartned with their small encouragement Such who are ashamed of Contemptible beginnings will never arrive at considerable endings Yea the greatest Giant was though never a Dwarfe once an Infant and the longest line commenced from a little point at the first DERBY-SHIRE DERBY-SHIRE hath York-shire on the North Nottingham-shire on the East Leicester-shire on the South Stafford and Cheshire on the West The River South Darwent falling into Trent runneth through the middle thereof I say South Darwent for I find three more North thereof Darwent which divideth the West from the East riding in Yorkshire Darwent which separateth the Bishoprick of Durham from Northumberland Darwent in Cumberland which falleth into the Irish Ocean These I have seen by Critical Authors written all alike enough to perswade me that Dower the Brittish word for water had some share in their denomination The two extreams of this Shire from North to South extend to thirty eight miles though not fully twenty nine in the broadest part thereof The South and East thereof are very fruitful whilest the North part called the Peak is poor above and rich beneath the ground Yet are there some exceptions therein Witness the fair pasture nigh Haddon belonging to the Earl of Rutland so incredibly battling of Cattel that one proffered to surround it with shillings to purchase it which because to be set side-ways not edge-ways were refused Natural Commodities Lead The best in England not to say Europe
by the waters thereof Princes I find no Prince since the Conquest who saw his first light in this County probably because our English Kings never made any long residence therein Saints St. ALKMUND son to Alred King of Northumberland slain in a Battel on the behalf of Ethelmund Vice-Roy of Worcester pretending to recover Lands against Duke Wolstan who detained them was therefore reputed Saint and Martyr It would pose a good Scholar to clear his Title to the later who lost his life in a quarrel of civil concernment On which account in all Battels betwixt Christians such as are slain on one side may lay claim to Martyr-ship However it befriendeth his Memory that his body translated to Derby was believed to do miracles being there with great veneration interred in a Church called Saint Alkmunds on the right hand as Passengers from the South go over the Bridge whither the Northern people made many Pilgrimages till discomposed by the Reformation What relation Alkmundsbury a Town in Hantingdonshire hath unto Him is to me unknown Martyrs JOAN WAST was a blind Woman in the Town of Derbey and on that account the object of any mans Alms rather than the Subject of his cruelty Besides she was seemingly a silly Soul and indeed an Innocent though no Fool. And what saith our Saviour For judgement am I come into this world that they which see not might see and that they which see might be made blind This poor Woman had a clear apprehension of Gods Truth for the testimony whereof she was condemned and burnt at the Stake by the command of Bishop Baines who as he began with the Extreams Mistress Joyce Lewis one of the best and this Joan Wast one of the basest birth in his Diocess So no doubt had not Queen Mary died he would have made his cruelty meet in persons of a middle condition Cardinals ROGER CURSON was born saith my Author ex nobili quodam Anglorum genere of Worshipful English extraction Now I find none of his sirname out of this County except some branches lately thence derived but in the same two right ancient Families one formerly at Croxton whose heir general in our age was married to the Earl of Dorset the other still flourisheth at in this County which moves me to make this Roger a Native thereof Bred he was first a Scholar in Oxford then a Doctor in Paris and lastly a Cardinal in Rome by the Title of Saint Stephen in Mount Celius When the City of Damiata in Egypt was taken under John Brenn King of Jerusalem our Cardinal Curson was there accompanying Pelagius the Popes Cardinal He wrote many Books and came over into England as the Popes Legate in the raign of King Henry the third The certain time of his death is unknown PHILIP de REPINGDON took no doubt his name and birth from Repingdon commonly contracted and called Repton in this County and I question whether any other in England of the same name He was bred and commenced first Batchelor then Doctor of Divinity in Oxford where he became a great Champion and Assertor of the Doctrine of John VVickliff which caused him much trouble and many strict examinations But alas he became like the seed on stony ground which not having root in it self endured but for a while and withered away in persecution for he solemnly recanted his opinions Novemb. 24. Anno 1383. And to give the better assurance that he was a true Anti-VVickliffite from a Professor he became a persâ—…cutor and afterwards was termed Rampington by those poor people whom he so much molested Then preferment flowed in thick and threefold upon him from a Canon he became Abbot of Leicester and Anno 1400. he was made Chancellor of Oxford 1405. Bishop of Lincoln 1408. by Pope Gregory the twelfth he was created Cardinal of Saint Nerius and Achilleius though that Pope had solemnly sworn he would make no more Cardinals till the Schisme in Rome were ended The best is the Pope being Master of the Oath-Office may give himself a Pardon for his own perjury What moved this Repington willingly to resign his Bishoprick 1420. is to me unknown Prelates WILLIAM GRAY was son to the Lord Gray of Codnor in this County He suffered not his Parts to be depressed by his Nobility but to make his mind the more proportionable he endeavoured to render himself as able as he was honourable He studied first in Baliol Colledge in Oxford then at Ferrara in Italy where he for a long time heard the Lectures of Guarinus of Verona that accomplished Scholar No man was better acquainted with the method of the Court of Rome which made our King appoint him his Procurator therein It is hard to say whether Pope Nicholas the fifth or our King Henry the sixth contributed most to his free Election to the Bishoprick of Eely whilest it 〈◊〉 out of doubt his own deserts concurred most effectually thereunto He sate in that See twenty four years and wrote many Books which the envy of time hath denied to posterity Bishop Godwin by mistake maketh him Chancellor of England whereas indeed he was Lord Treasurer in the ninth of King Edward the fourth Anno 1469. Let me adde he was the last Clergy-man that ever discharged that Office until Bishop Juxton in our days was preferred thereunto He died Aug. 4. 1478. and lies buried between two Marble Pillars in his Church having bestowed much cost in the reparation of the famous Bellfrie thereof Since the Reformation GEORGE COOKE D. D. Brother to Sir John Cooke Secretary of State was born at Trusley in this County bred in Pembroke Hall in Cambridge Afterwards he was beneficed at Bigrave in Hertford-shire where a lean Village consisting of but three Houses maketh a fat Living Hence he was successively made Bishop of Bristol and Hereford A meek grave and quiet man much beloved of such who were subjected to his jurisdiction He was in the same condemnation with the rest of his Brethren for subscribing the PROTEST in Parliament in preservation of their Priviledges The times trod so heavily upon him that though he ever was a thrifty person they not onely bruised the Foot but brake the Body of his Estate so that he had felt want if not relieved by his rich relations dying about the year 1650. States-Men Sir JOHN COOKE younger Brother to Sir Francis Cooke was born at Trusley in the Hundred of Appletree in this County of ancient and Worshipful Parentage allied to the best Family in this County He was bred Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and being chosen Rhetorick Lecturer in the University grew eminent for his Ingenious and Critical Readings in that School on that Subject He then travailed beyond the Seas for some years returning thence rich in foraign Language Observations and Experience Being first related to Sir Fulk Grivell Lord Brook he was thence preferred to be Secretary of the Navy then Master of the
great linage allied to the Earl of Devonshire and no lesse Learning excellently skilled in the Knowledg of both Laws So that at the instant suit of K. Henry the Fifth He was preferred Bishop of Norwich Anno 1413. His person the Inne of his Soul had a fair Sign was highly favoured by his Prince and beloved by the people Yet all this could not prolong his life So that he died of a flux at the siege of Harflew in Normandy in the second year of his Consecration and his Corps brought over was honourably entombed in Westminster Jâ—…AMES CARY was born in this County his name still flourishing nt Cockington therein He was at Rome made Bishop of Lichfield and travailing thence homewards towards England did again light on the Pope at Florâ—…nce just at the news of the vacancy of Exeter and the same See was bestowed on him the more welcome because in his Native County Say not this was a Degradation For though in our time Lichfield is almost twice as good as Exeter â—…xeter then was almost four times as good as Lichfield This appeareth by their valuations of their Income into First-Fruits Exeter paying the Pope six thousand Ducats whilst Lichfield paid onely seventeen hundred at the most But what ever the value of either or both was Cary enjoyed neither of them dying and being buried in Florence Thus though one may have two Cups in his hand yet some intervening accident may so hinder that he may taste of neither He died 1419. JOHN STANBERY was saith Bale out of Leland in Occidentali 〈◊〉 parte natus But the Western parts being a wide Parish thanks to our Authour who hath particularized the place of his Nativity viz. the Farm of Church-hill within the Parish of Bratton or Broad-Town in this County where some of his Name and Kindred remain at this day He was bred a Carmelite in Oxford and bâ—…came generaâ—…ly as learned as any of his Order deserving all the dignity which the â—…niversity did or could confer upon him King Hâ—…n the sixth highly favoured and made him the first Provost of Eaton being much ruled by his advice in ordering that his new Foundation He was by the King designed Bishop of Norwich but William de la Poole Duke of Suffolk See the presumption of a proud Favourite or Minion rather got it from him for his own Chaplain and Stanbery was for to stay his stomack on the poor Bishoprick of Bangor till Anno 1453 he was advanced Bishop of Hereford Leland doth condemn him for his over compliance with the Pope in all his intollerable taxes and others commend him as much for his fidelity to his Master King Hen. whom he deserted not in all his adversity so that this Bishop was taken prisoner in the Battail of Northampton Say not to this Prelate as Eliab to David Why camest thou down hither with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the Wildernesse I know the pride and the malice of thy heart for thou art come down to see the Battail For Stanbery being Confessor to King Henry he was tyed by his Oath to such personal attendance After long durance in Warwick Castle he was set at liberty and dying Anno 1474 was buried in the Convent of Carmelites at Ludlow where his barbarous and tedious Epitaph ill suiting with the Authour of such learned and pithy Books is not worth the inserting PETER COURTNEâ—… son to Sir Phillip Courtney was born at Powderham in this Shire He was first preferred Arch-Deacon then Bishop of â—…xeter expending very much money in finishing the North Tower giving a great called Peter Bell thereunto He was afterwards Anno 1486 translated to Winchester where he sat five years It is much one of so Illustrious Birth should have so obscure a Burial Bishop Godwin conÌ„fessing that he knew not whereabouts in his Church he lyeth interred Since the Reformation JOHN JEWEL bearing the Christian Name of his Father Grandfather and Great Grandfather was born at Buden a Farm possessed more than two hundred years by his Ancestors in the Parish of 〈◊〉 nigh Illfracombe in this County on the 24th of May 1552. His mothers Sirname was Bellamy who with her husband John Jewel lived happily fifty years together in Holy Wedlock and at their death left ten children behind them It may be said of his Sirname Nomen Omen Jewel his Name and Pretious his Vertues So that if the like ambition led us English men which doth Foraigners speciously to render our Sirnames in Greek or Latine he may be termed Johnnes Gemma on better account then Gemma Frisius entituleth himself thereunto He was chiefly bred in the School of Barstable where John Harding afterwards his Antagonist was his School fellow and at 15 years of age was admitted in Merton Collâ—…dge under the tuition of John Parkhurst afterwards Bishop of Norwich Such his sedulity rising alway at 4 of the Clock and not going to bed till 10 that he was never punished for any exercise and but once for absence from Chappel Hence he was removed to Corpus Christi Colledge where he proved an Excellent Poet having all Horace by heart Linguist and Orator Thus having touched at all Humane Arts he landed at Divinity being much assisted by Peter Martyr the Kings Professor therein St. Jerome telleth us that so great was the intimacy betwixt Pamphilius that worthy Martyr a Priest and Eusebius the Bishop of Caesarea ut ab uno alter nomen acceperet that they mutually were sirnamed the one from the other Pamphilius Eusebii and Eusebius Pamphilii No lesse the unity of affections be twixt these two who accordingly might be called Martyrs Jewell and Jewells Martyr as seldome in body and never in mind asunder What eminent changes afterwards befel him in the course of his life how he fled into Germany lived at Zurick returned into England was preferred Bishop of Salisbury wrote learnedly preached painfully lived piously died peaceably Anno Dom. 1572. are largely related in my Ecclesiastical History and I will trouble the Reader with no repetitions JOHN PRIDEAUX was born at Hartford in the West part of this County bred Scholar Fellow and Râ—…ctor of Exeter Colledg in Oxford Canon of Christ-Church and above thirty years Kings Professor in that University An excellent Linguist but so that he would make words wait on his matter chiefly aiming at expressivenesse therein he had a becomming Feâ—…ivity which was Aristotles not St. Pauls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Admirable his memory retaining what ever he had read The Welch have a Proverb in my mind somewhat uncharitable He that hath a good memory giveth few Alms because he keepeth in mind what and to whom he had given before But this Doctor cross'd this Proverb with his constant charity to all in want His learning was admired by Forreigners Sextinus Amma Rivet c. He was not Vindicative in the least degree One intimate with him having assured me that he would
happened hath been shewn to some eminent Lawyers riding that Circuit which are yet alive However no violent impression is intimated in this his peaceable Epitaph on his Monument in Amerie Church Hic jacet Will. Hankford Miles quondam Capitalis Justiciarius Domini R. de Banco qui obiit duodecimo Die Decembris Anno Domini 1422. cujus c. His Figure is portraied kneeling and out of his mouth in a Label these two sentences do proceed 1 Miserere mei Deus secundum magnam misericordiam tuam 2 Beati qui custodiant judicium faciunt justitiam omni tempore No charitable Reader for one unadvised act will condemn his Memory who when living was habited with all requisites for a person of his place Sir JOHN FORTESCUE was born of a right Ancient and Worthy Family in this County first fixed at Wimpstone in this Shire but since prosperously planted in every part thereof They give for their Motto Forte Scutum Salus Ducum and it is observable that they attained eminency in what Profession soever they applyed themselves In the Field In Westminster Hall In the Court. Sir HEN FORTESCUE a valiant and fortunate Commander under King Henry the Fifth in the French Wars by whom he was made Governour of Meux in Berry Sir HEN. FORTESCUE was Lord Chief Justice of Ireland and justly of great esteem for his many vertues especially for his sincerity in so tempting a place Sir JOHN FORTESCUE that wise Privy Councellor Overseer of Queen Elizabeth her Liberal Studies And Chancellor of the Exchequer and Dutchy of Lancaster Sir ADRIAN FORTESCUE Porter of the Town of Calice came over with King Henry the Seventh and effectually assisting him to regain the Crown was by him deservedly created Knight Banneret Sir JOHN FORTESCUE our present Subject Lord Chief Justice and Chancellour of England in the Raign of King Henry the Sixth whose learned Commentaries on the Law make him famous to all posterity  Sir LEWIS POLLARD of Kings Nimet in this County Sergeant of the Law and one of the Justices of the Kings Bench in the time of King Henry the Eighth was a man of singular knowledg and worth who by his Lady Elizabeth had Eleven Sons whereof four attained the honour of Knighthood Sir Hugh Sir John of Ford. Sir Richard Sir George who got his honour in the defence of Bullen All the rest especially John Arch Deacon of Sarum and Canon of Exeter were very well advanced Eleven Daughters married to the most potent Families in this County and most of them Knights So that what is said of Cork in Ireland that all the Inhabitants therein are Kinne by this Match almost all the Ancient Gentry in this County are allied The Portraiture of Sir Lewis and his Lady with their two and twenty Children are set up in a Glasse Window at Nimet-Bishop There is a Tradition continued in this Family that the Lady glassing the Window in her husbands absence at the term in London caused one child more then she then had to be set up presuming having had one and twenty already and usually conceiving at her husbands coming home she should have another child which inserted in expectance came to passe accordingly This memorable Knight died Anno 1540. Sir JOHN DODERIDG Knight was born at ...... in this County bred in Exeter Colledg in Oxford where he became so general a Scholar that it is hard to say whether he was better Artist Divine Civil or Common Lawyer though he fixed on the last for his publick Profession and became second Justice of the Kings Bench. His soul consisted of two Essentials Ability and Integrity holding the Scale of Justice with so steady an hand that neither love nor lucre fear or flattery could bow him on either side It was vehemently suspected that in his time some gave large sums of money to purchase places of Judicature And Sir John is famous for the expression That as old and infirm as he was he would go to Tyburn on foot to see such a man hang'd that should proffer money for a place of that nature For certainly those who buy such Offices by whole sale must sell Justice by retail to make themselves savers He was commonly called the Sleeping Judg because he would sit on the Bench with his eyes shut which was onely a posture of attention to sequester his sight from distracting objects the better to lissen to what was alledged and proved Though he had three Wives successively out of the respectful Families of Germin Bamfield and Culme yet he left no issue behind him He kept a Hospital House at Mount-Radford neer Exeter and dying Anno Domini 1628. the thirteenth day of September after he had been seventeen years a Judg in the seventy third year of his age was interred under a stately Tomb in our Ladys Chappel in Exeter To take my leave of the Devonian Lawyers they in this County seem innated with a Genius to study Law none in England Northfolk alone excepted affording so many Cornwal indeed hath a Famine but Devon-shire makes a Feast of such who by the practice thereof have raised great Estates Three Sergeants were all made at one Callâ—… Sergeant Glanvil the Elder Dew and Harris of whom it was commonly said though I can nor care not to appropriate it respectively One Gained as much as the other two Spent Gave One Town in this Shire Tavistock by name furnisheth the Bar at this present with a Constellation of Pleaders wherein the biggest Stars Sergeant Glanvil who shineth the brighter for being so long eclipsed and Sergeant Maynard the Bench seeming sick with long longing for his sitting thereon As it is the Honour of this County to breed such able Lawyers so is it its happinesse that they have most of their Clients from other Shires and the many Suits tried of this County proceed not so much from the Litigiousnesse as Populousnesse of her Inhabitants Souldiers Sir RICHARD GREENVIL Knight lived and was richly landed at Bediford in this County He was one of the Twelve Peers which accompanied Robert Fitz-Haimon in his expedition against the Welsh when he overthrew Rhese ap Theodore Prince of South-Wales and Justine Lord of Glamorgan and divided the conquered Countrey betwixt those his Assistants This Sir Richard in my apprehension appears somewhat like the Patriarch Abraham For he would have none make him rich but God alone though in his partage good land was at Neath Nidum a City in Antoninus in Glamorgan-shire allotted unto him Indeed Abraham gave the tenth to God in Melchisedeck and restored the rest to the King of Sodom the former proprietary thereof This Knight according to the Devotion of those darker dayes gave all to God erecting and endowing a Monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary at Neath for Cistertians bestowing all his military Acquests on them for their maintenance so that this Convent was valued at 150 li. per. annum at the dissolution Thus having finished and setled this foundation he
strength thereof and wise conduct of their General The Loyal English did rather gaze on than pray for him as ignorant of his intentions and the Apostle observeth that the private man knoweth not how to say Amen to what is spoken in an unknown Language Now the scales began to fall down from the eyes of the English Nation as from Saul when his sight was received sensible that they were deluded with the pretences of Religion and Liberty into Atheisme and Vassallage They had learnt also from the Souldiers whom they so long had quartered to cry out One and All each Shire setting forth a Remonstrance of their grievances and refusing farther payment of Taxes Lambert cometh forth of London abounding with more outward advantages than General Monk wanted Dragon like he breathed out nought but fire and fury chiefly against the Church and Clergy But he met with a Saint George who struck him neither with sword nor spear but gave his Army a mortal wound without wounding it His Souldiers dwindled away and indeed a private person Lambert at last was little more must have a strong and long hand on his own account to hold an whole Army together The Hinder part of the Parliament sitting still at Westminster plied him with many Messengers and Addresses He returned an answer neither granting nor denying their desires giving them hope too little to trust yet too much to distrust him He was an absolute Riddle and no ploughing with his Heifer to expound him Indeed had he appeared what he was he had never been what he is a Deliverer of his Countrey But such must be as dark as midnight who mean to atchieve Actions as bright as Noon-day Then was he put on the unwellcome Office to pluck down the Gates of London though it pleased God that the Odium did not light on him that acted but those who imployed him Hence forward he sided effectually with the City I say the City which if well or ill affected was then able to make us a happy or unhappy Nation Immediately followed that TURN of our TIMES which all the World with wonder doth behold But let us not look so long on second causes as to lose the sight of the Principal Divine Providence Christ on the Crosse said to his Beloved Disciple behold thy Mother and said to her behold thy Sonne Thus was he pleased effectually to speak to the hearts of the English Behold your Soveraign which inspirited them with Loyalty and a longing desire of his presence saying likewise to our Gracious Soveraign Behold thy Subjects which encreased his ardent affection to return and now blessed be God both are met together to their mutual comfort Since the Honours which he first deserved have been conferred upon him compleated with the Title of the Duke of Albemarle and Master of his Majâ—…sties Horse c. Nor must it be forgotten that he carried the Scepter with the Dove thereupon the Emblem of Peace at the Kings Coronation But abler Pens will improve these Short Memoires into a large History Sea-men WILLIAM WILFORD was a Native nigh Plymouth in this County a valiant and successeful Sea-man It happened in the Raign of King Henry the Fourth that the French out of Britain by a sudden Invasion burnt sixteen hundred Houses in Plymouth if there be not a mistake in the figures which I vehemently suspect Sure it was a most sad desolation remembred at this day in the division of Plymouth whereof the one part is called the Britons-side the other the Old-Town But let the French boast their gain when the Game is ended which now was but began This fire enflamed all the English and especially our Wilford with desire of revenge Within a short time he made them to pay besides costs and charges more than sixfold damages by taking forty ships on the Coast of Britains and burning as many at Penarch besides many Towns and Villages for six leagues together I collect the death of this W. Wilford to be about the beginning of the Raign of King Henry the Fifth Sr. HVMPHREY GILBERT or Jilbert or Gislibert was born at Green-way in this County the pleasant Seat of his Family for a long continuance He was famous for his knowledg both by Sea and Land In the year 1569 he valiantly and fortunately served in Ireland Afterwards he led nine Companies to the assistance of the Hollanders In the year 1583 he set forth with five ships to make discoveries in the North of America where he took Sezin and Possession of New-Found-Land according to the Ancient Solemn Ceremony of cutting a Turf for the Crown of England He resolved to adventure himself in his Return in a Vessel of sorty Tun. And with two ships the onely remains of five did make for England In the instant of their winding about I may confidently report what is generally in this County averred and believed A very great Lion not swimming after the manner of a Beast with the motion of his feet nor yet diving sometimes under water and rising again as Porpyces and Dolphins do but rather gliding on the water with his whole body except legs in sight shunned not the ship nor the Marriners who presented themselves in view but turning his head too and fro yawning and gaping wide made a horrible roaring It is conceived no Spectrum or Apparition but a real fish seeing we read that such like a Lion in all lineaments was taken at Sea Anno 1282. and presented to Pope Martin the Fourth Instantly a terrible Tempest did arise and Sir Humphrey said cheerfully to his companions We are as neer Heaven here at Sea as at Land Nor was it long before his ship sunck into the Sea withal therein though the other recovered home like Jobs Messengers to bring the tydings of the destruction of their companions This sad accident happened 158. ....... COCK I am sorry I cannot add his Christian Name and more sorry that I cannot certainly avouch his Nativity in this County though inclined with many motives to believe it being a Cock of the Game indeed For in the Eighty eight Solus Cockus Anglus in sua inter medios hostes navicula cum laude periit And whereas there was not a noble Family in Spain but lost either Son Brother or Nephew in that Fight this Cock was the onely man of note of the English who fighting a Volanteer in his own ship lost his life to save his Queen and Countrey Unus homo nobis pereundo restituit rem Pity it is his memory should ever be forgotten and my Pen is sensible of no higher preferment then when it may be permitted to draw the Curtains about those who have died in the bed of Honour Sir FRANCIS DRAKE Having formerly in my Holy State written his life at large I will forbear any addition and onely present this Tetrastrick made on his Corps when cast out of the Ship wherein he died into the Sea Religio quamvis Romana
Perin in Cornwall The Angel Gabriel was very much beholding to him for instituting an Annual Festival unto Him observed as I humbly conceive only in his own Cathedral or own Diocesse at the most and least people shoâ—…ld complain of the dearnesse of their Devotion he left good Land to defray the cost of that Solemnity He is much blamed for compassing the Mannour of Bishops-Clift to his Church by indirect means to which I can say nothing but only observe that this small City within eighty Years did afford three eminent Prelates whereof two Episcopi in Patria the Natives thereof which will scarcely be paralell'd in any Place of the same proportion He died Anno 12. Writers JOSEPHUS ISCANUS was born at this City anciently called Isca from the River Isk now named Eske running thereby A golden Poâ—…t in a leaden Age so terse and elegant were his Conceipts and expressions This our English Maro had for his Mecenas Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury But I revoke my words and desire to turn Maro into Cornelius Nepos under whose name the Dutch-men have lately printed a Poem made by this Josephus debello Trojano It soundeth much to a Mans honour even to be mistaken for another Man of eminency for though there may be much of error in the mistake there must be something of truth in the error especially with the judicious Yea in such case a general conformity betwixt the Persons is not enough to build the mistake on without some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as here the affinity of phrase and fancy betwixt these two Poets This 〈◊〉 Nepos under whose name the Poems of this Josephus were printed flourished in the time of Tully Indeed I finde not any Poems made by him though having to that purpose perused all Scaliger de Arte 〈◊〉 as a most probable Authour But most sure it is that this Cornâ—…lius was most judicious in that Art because Valerius Catullus dedicated his Poem unto him as best able to pâ—…sse a learned censure thereon this Josephus Iscanus flourished under King John Anno 1210 being Arch-Bishop of Burdeaux I have nothing more to observe of him save what with the Readers pardon I cannot omit viz. that this Josephus alwayes minded me of another Josephus Iscanus I mean Joseph Hall lately Bishop of Exeter a witty Poet when young a painfull Preacher and solid Divine in his middle a patient Sufferer in his old age of whom God willing more in due place WILLIAM of Exeter was born in this City bred a Doctor of Divinity in Oxford and afterwards became 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 in the place of his nativity Now in his age fome Franciscan Friers so praised the perfectiou of Poverty that they touched the Popes Coppy-hold of Inheritance For if Poverty was so essential to Piety Papal pomp and plenty must needs argue prophaneness In confutation hereof this William of Exeter undertook William of Ockam though indeed impar congressus betwixt them for Exeter a fair City did not more exceed Ockam a smal village in Surrey in beauty and building than that Ockam William excelled this Exeter William in parts and Learning however what he wanted in brains he had in a good back to assist him and William of Exeter with John the three and twentieth Pope of Rome was able to undertake any Authour of that age He flourished in the Year of our Lord 1330. under the Raign of King Edward the third Since the Reformation RICHARD MARTYN was born in this City and bred partly in the Court partly in the Inns of Court and at last â—…etook himself to the Study of the Law He was accounted one of the highest Witts of our Age and his Nation King James being much delighted with his facetiousnesse a quality which with other of his Abilities commended him to be chosen Recorder of London He is eminent as for many Speeches so especially for that he made in Parliament in the tenth year of King James when account was taken of Forty Gentlemen in the House which were not twenty and some of them not sixteen years of age Formerly said this Râ—…order Martyn it was the custome of Old men to make Lawes for Young ones But now Nature is invaded and inverted seeing Young men enact Lawes to govern their Fathers He had an excellent Pen and wrote very much and the more the pitty that they are suppressed from publick use his death happened about the year 1616. WILLIAM MARTIN Kinsman to the aforesaid Recorder was born in this City and bred a Student in the Lawes of the Land He wrote a short and clear of the Kings of England since the conquest I have been credlbly informed that King James took some exceptions at a Passage therein sounding either to the derogation of his own Family or of the Scotch Nation which he took so tenderly that Mr. Martin was brought into trouble for the same and though he wethered out the Kings displeasure and was reconciled to his Majesty yet he never râ—…covered his former chearfulnesse It seems that a Princes Anger is a disease which though cured is not cured grief for the same being conceived to hasten his death which happened about the year 1616. WILLIAM TUCKER was born in this City bred fellow of New-Colledge in Oxford and after became Doctor in Divinity Canon of Sarisbury Arch-deacon of Barnstable and Dean of Lichfield The purity of his Latine Pen procured his preferment writing and dedicating a Book to Queen Elizabeth de Charismate of our Kings of England their gracious healing the Evil being the best that I have seen on that Subject vindicating such cures from all imposture unlawfull Magick and from some French Writers bold usurpations who lay claim to it as originally belonging to their Kings alone Whereas under correction I conceive that the word Soveraign which properly importeth the Supream Majesty doth also in our English Tongue in a secondary sence signiâ—…ie what is cordial to cure and heal Diseases or sores ever since such sanative power hath been annexed to the Crown of England This Doctor may be said to have worn half a Miter seeing his Congee de-lire was signed if not sent to elect him Bishop of Glocester but afterwards by Order fâ—…om King James it was revoked on what occasion I list not to enquire I conjecture the date of his death was much about the Year 1617. JOHN BARKHAM born in this City was bred in Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford whereof he was Fellow Chaplain afterwards to Archbishop Bancroft and Parson of Bocking in Essex Much his Modesty and no lesse his Learning who though never the publique Parent of any was the carefull Nurse of many Books who otherwise had expired in their Infancy had not his care preserved them He set forth D. Crackenchorp his Posthume Book against Spalato and was helpfull to John Speed in the composing of his English History yea he wrote the whole Life of the Raign of King John which is the King of all the
places and at a place called Somervill near to Chappel which by the landing place as ye come from Altferrâ—… to Chesil is in great abundance It is an assured remedy for the Yellow Jaundice openeth the obstructions of the Spleen c. Buildings The Houses of the Gentry herein are built rather to be lived in than to be looked on very low in their scituation for warmth and other conveniencies Indeed the rhime holds generally true of the English structures The North for Greatness the East for Health The South for Neatness the West for Wealth However amongst the Houses in this County Lullworth Castle and Sherburn-Lodge are most eminent escaping pretty well in the late war so that they have cause neither to brag nor complain Proverbs As much a kin as Lenson-hill to Pilsen-pen That is no kin at all It is spoke of such who have vicinity of habitation or neighbourhood without the least degree of consanguinity or affinity betwixt them For these are two high hills the first wholy the other partly in the Parish of Broad Windsor whereof once I was Minister Yet Reader I assure thee that Sea-Men make the nearest Relation betwixt them calling the one the Cow the other the Calf in which forms it seems they appear first to their fancies being eminent Sea-marks to such as sail along these Coasts And although there be many Hills interposing betwixt these and the Sea which seem higher to a land Traveller yet these surmount them all so incompetent a Judge and so untrue a Surveyor is an ordinary eye of the Altitude of such places Stab'd with a Byrdport Dagger That is hang'd or executed at the Gallowes The best if not the most Hemp for the quantity of ground growing about Byrdport a Market Town in this County And hence it is that there is an ancient Statute though now disused and neglected that the Cable Ropes for the Navy Royal were to be made there abouts as affording the best Tackling for that purpose Dorset-shire Dorsers Dorsers are Peds or Panniers carried on the backs of Horses on which Haglers use to ride and carry their Commodities It seems this homely but most useful implement was either first found out or is most generally used in this County where Fish-Jobbers bring up their Fish in such contrivances above an hundred miles from Lime to London Saints EDWARD son to Edgar King of England was in his Child-hood bred under the cruel correction of Elfrida his Mother-in-law who used for small faults to whip him with Wax-Candles In so much that it is reported it made such an impression in this young Princes memory that when a man he could not endure the sight of Wax-Candles But Edward afterwards outgrew his Mothers tuition and succeeded his Father in his Throne However such her ambition that advantaged with the others easiness of nature She managed most matter of State leaving her Son in-law little more than the bare title of Soveraign Not contented herewith and to derive the Scepter to her own Son Ethelred caused him to be stab'd at Corfe Castle in this County coming in a civil visit unto her His hidden â—…ody being miraculously discovered was first buried at Warham and thence removed to Shaftsbury which Town for a time was termed Saint Edwards from his interment His murder hapned about the year of our Lord 978. Cardinals JOHN MORTON was born at Saint Andrews Milborne in this County of a right Worshipful Family still extant therein He was bred in Oxford and after many mediate preferments made Bishop of Ely Anno 1578. Not long after when many groaned under the Tyranny of King Richard the third this Prelate first found out the design of marrying Elizabeth eldest daughter to Edward the fourth of the House of York to Henry Earl of Richmond the last who was left of the line of Lancaster Indeed the Earls title to the Crown was not enough to make a countenance therewith much less a claim thereto but as the Lady had a Title and wanted a man to manage it the Earl was man enough to manage any design but wanted a Title and pursuing this advice by Gods blessing he gained the Crown by the name of Henry the seventh In expression of his gratitude he made this Bishop Chancellor of England and afterwards Arch-Bishop of Canterbury He was a great instrument in advancing a voluntary Contribution to the King through the Land perswading Prodigals to part with their money because they did spend it most and the Covetous because they might spare it best So making both extreams to meet in one medium to supply the Kings necessities who though prodigiously rich may be said always to need because never-satisfied This Bishop with vast cost cut a new Channel in the Fennes for the publick good but it neither answered his expectation nor expence He was magnificent in his buildings and bountiful to poor Scholars enjoyning his Executors to maintain twenty poor Scholars in Oxford and ten in Cambridge twenty years after his death which hapned in October 1500. Prelates JOHN STAFFORD Son to Humphrey Stafford sixth Earl of Stafford was born at Hooke in this County then a most stately House belonging to this Family and bred a Doctor of the Laws in Oxford he was afterwards Dean of the Arches and Dean of Saint Martins This was a fair Colledge near Aldersgate in London founded Anno 1056. by Ingelricus and Edvardus his Brother priviledged by our Kings of England with great immunities the cause of many and high contests betwixt this Colledge and the City of London Afterwards he was made Bishop of Wells and for eighteen years a continuance hardly to be parallel'd was Chancellor of England At last he was advanced Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and no Prelate his Peer in Biâ—…th and preâ—…erment hath either less good or less evil recorded of him He died at Maidstone 1452. and lies buried in Canterbury ROBERT MORTON was Brothers Son to Cardinal Morton of whom before whose Father had a fair Habitation at Saint Andrews Milborne in this County His relation to so good an Uncle mixed with his own merits preferred him to the Bishoprick of Worcester Of whom we have little more than the date of his consecration 1486. and of his Death 1497. He lieth buried in the body of Saint Pauls Church in London JAMES TURBERVIL or De turbida villa was born of a worshipful Family who long have lived in great account in this County â—… First a Monk but afterwards brought up in New-Colledge in Oxford He was consecrated Bishop of Exeter 1556. and deserved right well of that See When he entred thereon it was most true what his Successor therein since said That the Bishop of Exeter was a Baron but a Bare one so miserably that Cathedral had been pilled and polled But Bishop Turbervil recovered some lost lands which Bishop Voysey had vezed and particularly obtained of Queen Mary the â—…estitution of the fair Manor of
of his estate to pious uses viz. For the building of Alms-Houses in Pool 333 l. For the relief of poore Prisoners neither Atheists nor 〈◊〉 each man at the sum of twenty Nobles 150 l. For poor Preachers allowing to each man ten pound 100 l. To decaied Artificers charged with wife and children 100 l. To the Merchant Adventurers for the relief of old and support of young freemen 400 l. To Christs Hospital 500l To erect Alms-Houses in and about London 600 l. For a weekly dole of bread to the poor 200 l. For the maintaining of two Scholars in each University intrusting the Leather-sellers with the managing thereof 400 l. I have only gathered the greatest clusters of his Charity which the top boughs thereof did produce purposely concealing the smaller bunches of his bounty growing on the under branches He died Anno Dom. 1601. and lieth buried in Christ-Church in London Memorable Persons THOMAS de la LYND a Gentleman of a fair Estate in this County killed a white Hart in Blackmore Forrest which King Henry the third by expresse will had reserved for his own chase Hereupon a mulct was imposed upon him and the whole County as accessary for not opposing him which is paid called White-Hart Silver to this day into the Exchequer My self hath paid a share for the sauce who never tasted any of the meat so that it seems Kings Venison is sooner eaten than digested Let the Latine Proverb Albo gallo c. in Dorset-shire be turned into Albo cervo ne manum admoliaris ARTHUR GREGORY of Lyme in this County had the admirable Art of Forcing the Seal of a Letter yet so invisibly that it still appeared a Virgin to the exactest beholder Secretary Walsingham made great use of him about the Pacquets which passed from Forraign parts to Mary Queen of Scotland He had a pension paid unto him for his good service out of the Exchequer and died at Lyme about the beginning of the reign of King James WILLIAM ENGLEBERT born at Sherborne was an incomparable Ingeneere and much used in the Eighty eight Queen Elizabeth an excellent House-wife of her Treasure allowed him a pension of one hundred Marks per annum which was paid him until the day of his death He requested of King Iames his Privy Councel leave to serve Foreign Princes and States long peace rendring him useless in England proffering to wave his Pension on that condition but they utterly denied him licence to depart who lived and died in Westminster about the year 1634. The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth William Bishop of Bath and Wells Chancellor of England Commissioners to take the Oaths William de Botreaux Chivaler  John Chedyok Knight Knights for the Shire  William Turbervill Knights for the Shire  Humf. Stafford Chiv Ioh. Newburgh sen. Radulph Bush Iohan. Latymer Iohan. Neburgh jun. Williel Bronning Roberti Frampton Nicholai Latymer Walteri Gonis Thome Manston Iohan. Cammel Iohan. Frantleroy Henrici Sherard Will. Anketill Iohan. Hering Iohan. Carent Roberti Turbervile Richardi Fitton Iohannis Mone Iohannis Peterel Rich. Strode Iohannis de la Lynde Roberti Rempston Will. Gerrard Will. Godwyn Will. Dakcombe Roberti Savage Roberti Bannet Edw. Stone Roberti Larkestoke Iohannis Frampton de Dorchester Rogeri Rochford Iohannis Stampford Roberti Hymerford Stephani Russel Henrici Russel Roberti Tredosa Willi. Chetil Walt. Hayngstrigge Ioh. Talbot Simonis Talbot Richardi Byle Williel Hornsbow Radulphi Belton Iohannis Phillippe Thome Anketill Willielmi Clavil de Ferne Willielmi Morton de Chestesbury Willielmi Cole Willielmi Bontley Iohan. Butt Rogeri Grogge de Lyme Willielmi Warner de Pole Roberti Bertram de Dorchester Tho. Tinam de Lyme Rob. Abbot de Melcombe Regis Richardi Kaynell Iohan. Hillary de Shirborn Iohan. Scryveyn de Shirborn Sheriffs of Dorset and Somerset Shires HEN. II. Anno 1 Warinus Anno 2 Rich. de Raddona Anno 3 Warinus de Lisoris Rich. de Raddona Anno 4 Anno 5 Rich. de Raddona Warinus de Lisoris Anno 6 Anno 7 Warinus de Lisoris Anno 8 Idem Anno 9 Robertus de Bello Campo Anno 10 Gilbertus Percy Anno 11 Rich. de Raddon Gilb. de Percy Anno 12 Rob. de Pucherel for four years Anno 16 Alud de Lincolne for six years Anno 22 Rob. de Bello Campo for seven years Anno 29 Will. de Bendenger Anno 30 Idem Anno 31 Rob. filius Pag. Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Idem RICH. I. Anno 1 Hugo Bardulph Anno 2 Rob. Anno 3 Willielmus de Chahaignes Rad. de Chahaignes for 4. years Anno 7 Will. Chahaignes Walt. de Giffardus Anno 8 Anno 9 Will. de Chaignes Pet. de Schidemore Anno 10 Will. de Cahaignes Reg. JOHAN Anno 1 Pet. de Schidemore Anno 2 Rob. Belet Hen. de Stokes Anno 3 Hubert de Burge Alanus de Wigton Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Will. de Monte Acuto for four years Anno 10 Will. Briewre Rad. de Brey Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 Will. Mallet sive Malet for four years Anno 16 Rich. de Marisco Rog. de Pealton HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Pet. de Malo Lacu Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Rog. de Forda Ralph Clericus Anno 6 Rog. de Forda Ralph Clericus Anno 7 Sheriffs of Dorset-Shire Radus Germein Ermegundus de Wenham Sheriffs of Somerset-Shire Rob. de Ford. Rich. Abbas de Michelem Anno 8 Sheriffs of Dorset-Shire Radus Germin Rich. Episcopus Saresb. Gilbert de Staplebigg Sheriffs of Somerset-Shire Johan Russel Radus Russel Joscelin Bathon Episcopus Lucas Rupel Anno 9 Sheriffs of Dorset-Shire Ricus Episcopus Saresb. Gilbert de Staplebig Sheriffs of Somerset-Shire Joscelin Bathon Episcopus Lucas Russel Anno 10 Sheriffs of Dorset-Shire Rich. Episcopus Saresb. Gilbert de Staplebigg Sheriffs of Somerset-Shire Joscelin Bathon Episcopus Will. de Schorewell Anno 11 Will. filius Henerici Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Tho. de Cirencester Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Idem Hen. de Campo Florido Anno 16 Tho. de Cirencester Hen. de Campo Florido Anno 17 Tho. de Cirencester Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Idem Hen. de Campo Florido Anno 20 Tho. de Cirencester Hen. de Campo Florido Anno 21 Tho. de Cirencester Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Idem Anno 24 Jordan Oliver Anno 25 Hugo de Vinon for six years Anno 31 Hugo de Vinon Barth Peach for four years Anno 35 Hen. de Derleg Anno 36 Elias de Cabian Anno 37 Idem Anno 38 Idem Anno 39 Idem Walterus de Burges Anno 40 Steph. de Hasseton Anno 41 Idem Anno 42 Walt. de Burges Anno 43 Williel Everard Humf. Chaehet Will. Lecombe Clericus Anno 44 Phil. de Cerve Anno 45 Idem Anno 46 Johan Basset Anno 46 Johan Basset Hen. Aultun Anno 47 Phil. Basset Hen. Aulton for five years Anno 53 Tho. de
She was youngest Daughter and Child to Ralph Earl of Westmerland who had one and twenty and exceeded her Sisters in honour being married to Richard Duke of York She saw her Husband kill'd in battel George Duke of Clarence her second Son cruelly murdered Edward her eldest son cut off by his own intemperance in the prime of his years his two sons butchered by their Uncle Richard who himself not long after was slain at the bartel of Bosworth She was blessed with three Sons who lived to have issue each born in a several Kingdom Edward at Bourdeaux in France George at Dublin in Ireland Richard at Fotheringhay in England She saw her own reputation murdered publickly at Pâ—…uls-Cross by the procurement of her youngest son Richard taxing his eldest Brother for illegitimate She beheld her eldest Son Edward King of England and enriched with a numerous posterity  Yet our Chronicles do not charge her with elation in her good or dejection in her ill success an argument of an even and steady soul in all alterations Indeed she survived to see Elizabeth her grand child married to King Henry the seventh but little comfort accrued to her by that conjunction the party of the Yorkists were so depressed by him She lived five and thirty years a widow and died in the tenth year of King Henry the seventh 1495. and was buried by her Husband in the Quire of the Collegiate Church of Fotheringhay in Northampton-shire which Quire being demolished in the days of King Henry the eighth their bodies lay in the Church-yard without any Monument until Queen Elizabeth coming thither in Progress gave order that they should be interred in the Church and two Tombs to be erected over them Hereupon their bodies lapped in Lead were removed from their plain Graves and their Coffins opened The Duchess Cicely had about her neck hanging in a Silver Ribband a Pardon from Rome which penned in a very fine Roman Hand was as fair and fresh to be read as if it had been written but yesterday But alas most mean are their Monuments made of Plaister wrought with a Trowell and no doubt there was much daubing therein the Queen paying for a Tomb proportionable to their Personages The best is the memory of this Cicely hath a better and more lasting Monument who was a bountiful Benefactress to Queens Colledge in Cambridge Saints BEDE And because some Nations measure the worth of the person by the length of the name take his addition Venerable He was born at Girwy now called Yarrow in this Bishoprick bred under Saint John of Beverly and afterwards a Monk in the Town of his Nativity He was the most general Scholar of that age Let a Sophister begin with his Axioms a Batchelor of Art proceed to his Metaphysicks a Master to his Mathematicks and a Divine conclude with his Controversies and Comments on Scripture and they shall find him better in all than any Christian Writer in that age in any of those Arts and Sciences He expounded almost all the Bible translated the Psalms and New Testament into English and lived a Comment on those Words of the * Apostle shining as a light in the world in the midst of a crooked and perverse Generation He was no gadder abroad credible Authors avouching that he never went out of his Cell though both Cambridge and Rome pretend to his habitation Yet his Corps after his death which happened Anno 734. took a journey or rather were removed to Durham and there enshrined Confessors JOHN WICKLIFFE It is a great honour to this small County that it produced the last maintainer of Religion before the general decay thereof understand me Learned Bede and the firm restorer thereof I mean this Wickliff the subject of our present discourse True it is His Nativity cannot be demonstrated in this Bishoprick but if such a scientia media might be allowed to man which is beneath certainty and above conjecture such should I call our perswasion that Wickliff was born therein First all confess him a Northern man by extraction Secondly the Antiquary allows an ancient Family of the Wickliffs in this County whose Heir general by her match brought much wealth and honour to the Brakenburies of Celaby Thirdly there are at this day in these parts of the name and alliance who continue a just claim of their kindred unto him Now he was bred in Oxford some say in Baliol others more truly in Merton Colledge and afterwards published opinions distasteful to the Church of Rome writing no fewer than two hundred Volumns of all which largely in our Ecclesiastical History besides his translating of the whole Bible into English He suffered much persecution from the Popish Clergy Yet after long exile he by the favour of God and good Friends returned in safety and died in quietness at his living at Lutterworth in Leicestershire Anno 1387. the last of December whose bones were taken up and burnt 42. years after his death Disdain not Reader to learn something by my mistake I conceive that Mr. Fox in his Acts and Monuments had entred the Names of our English Martyrs and Confessors in his Kalender on that very day whereon they died Since I observe he observeth a Method of his own fancy concealing the reasons thereof to himself as on the perusing of his Catalogue will appear Thus VVickliff dying December the last is by him placed January the second probably out of a design to grace the new year with a good beginning though it had been more true and in my weak judgement as honourable for VVickliff to have brought up the rear of the old as to lead the front of the new year in his Kalender Prelates The Nevills We will begin with a Quaternion of Nevils presenting them in Parallels and giving them their Precedency before other Prelates some their Seniors in time because of their Honourable Extraction All four were born in this Bishoprick as I am informed by my worthy Friend Mr. Charles Nevil Vice-Provost of Kings in Cambridge one as knowing 〈◊〉 Universal Heraldry as in his own Colledge in our English Nobility as in his own Chamber in the ancient fair and far branched Family of the Nevils as in his own Study RALPH NEVIL was born at Raby in this Bishoprick was Lord Chancellour under King Henry the third none discharging that Office with greater integrity and more general commendation and Bishop of Chichester 1223. He built a fair House from the ground in Chancery Lane for himselfe and successors for an Inne where they might repose themselves when their occasions brought them up to London How this House was afterwards aliened and came into the possession of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln from whom it is called Lincolns Inne at this day I know not Sure I am that Mr. Mountague late Bishop of Chichester intended to lay claim therunto in right of his see But alas he was likely to follow a cold scent
after so many years distance and a colder suit being to encounter a Corporation of Learned Lawyers so long in the peaceable possession thereof Bishop Nevil was afterwards canonically chosen by the Monks and confirmed hy King Henry the third Arch-bishop of Canterbury being so far from rejoycing thereat that he never gave any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or reward for their good news to the two Monks which brought him tidings nor would allow any thing toward the discharging their costly journey to Rome foreseeing perchance that the Pope would stop his Consecration For some informed his Holiness that this Ralph was a Prelate of High Birth haughty Stomach great Courtship gracious with the King and a person probable to disswade him from paying the Pension promised by his Father K. Iohn to the Court of Rome then no wonder if his Consecration was stopped theron But was it not both an honor happiness to our Nevil thus to be crost with the hands of his Holiness himself yea it seems that no Crosier save only that of Chichester would fit his hand being afterwards elected Bish. of Winchester then obstructed by the K. who formerly so highly favor'd him He built a Chappell without the east gate of Chichester dedicated to S. Michael and having merited much of his own Cathedral died at London 1244. ALEX. NEVIL third Son of Ralph Lord Nevil was born at Raby became first Canon then Arch-Bishop of York where he beautified and fortified the Castle of Cawood with many Turrets He was highly in Honour with King Richard the second as much in hatred with the party opposing him These designed to imprison him putting Prelates to death not yet in fashion in the Castle of Rochester had not our Alexander prevented them by his flight to Pope Urban to Rome who partly out of pity that he might have something for his support and more out of policy that York might be in his own disposal upon the removal of this Arch-Bishop translated him to Saint Andrews in Scotland and so dismissed him with his Benediction Wonder not that this Nevil was loth to go out of the Popes blessing into a cold Sun who could not accept this his new Arch Bishoprick in point of credit profit or safety 1. Credit For this his translation was a Post-Ferment seeing the Arch-Bishoprick of Saint Andrews was subjected in that age unto York 2. Profit The Revenues being far worse than those of York 3. Safety Scotland then bearing an Antipathy to all English and especially to the Nevils redoubted for their victorious valour in those northern parts and being in open hostility against them Indeed half a loaf is better than no bread but this his new translation was rather a stone than half a loaf not filling his Belly yet breaking his Teeth if feeding thereon This made him preferre the Pastorall Charge of a Parish Church in Lovaine before his Arch-noBishoprick where he died in the fifth year of his Exile and was buried there in the Convent of the Carmelites ROB. NEVIL sixth Son of Ralph first Earl of Westmerland by Joane his second VVife Daughter of Iohn of Gaunt bred in the University of Oxford and Provost of Beverly was preferred Bishop of Sarisbury in the sixth of King Henry the sixth 1427. During his continuance therein he was principal Founder of a Convent at Sunning in Berkshire anciently the Bishops See of that Diocess valued at the dissolution saith Bishop Godwin at 682 l. 14 s. 7 d. ob which I rather observe because the estimation thereof is omitted in my and I suspect all other Speeds Catalogue of Religious Houses From Sarisbury he was translated to Durham where he built a place called the Exchequer at the Castle gate and gave in allusion of his two Bishopricks which he successively enjoyed two Annulets innected in his Paternal Coat He died Anno Dom. 1457. GEO. NEVIL fourth Son of Rich. Nevil Earl of Salisbury was born at Midleham in this Bishoprick bred in Baliol Colledge in Oxford consecrated Bishop of Exeter when he was not as yet twenty years of age so that in the race not of age but youth he clearly beat Tho. Arundel who at twenty two was made Bishop of Ely Some say this was contrary not only to the Canon Law but Canonical Scripture S. Paul forbidding such a Neophyte or Novice admission into that Office as if because Rich. the make-King Earl of Warwick was in a manner above Law this his Brother also must be above Canons His Friends do plead that Nobility and Ability supplyed age in him seeing five years after at 25. he was made Lord Chancellor of England and discharged it to his great commendation He was afterwards made Arch-bishop of York famous for the prodigious Feast at his Installing wherein besides Flesh Fish and Fowle so many strange Dishes of Gellies And yet amongst all this service I meet not with these two But the inverted Proverb found truth in him One GluttonMeal makes many hungry ones for some years after falling into the displeasure of King Edward the fourth he was flenderly dyetted not to say famished in the Castle of Calis and being at last restored by the Intercession of his Friends died heart-broken at Blyth and was buried in the Cathedral of York 1476. Besides these there was another Nevil Brother to Alexander aforesaid chosen Bishop of Ely but death or some other intervening accident hindered his Consecration Since the Reformation ROBERT HORN was born in this Bishoprick bred in Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge Going thence under the raign of King Edward the sixth he was advanced Dean of Durham In the Marian days he fled into Germany and fixing at Frankford became the head of the Episcopal party as in my Ecclesiastical History at large doth appear Returning into England he was made Bishop of VVinchester Feb. 16. 1560. A worthy man but constantly ground betwixt two opposite parties Papists and Sectaries Both of these in their Pamphlets sported with his name as hard in Nature and crooked in Conditions not being pleased to take notice how Horn in Scripture importeth Power Preferment and Safety both twitted his person as dwarfish and deformed to which I can say nothing none alive remembring him save that such taunts though commonly called ad Hominem are indeed ad Deum and though shot at Man does glance at Him who made us and not we our selves Besides it shews their malice runs low for might though high for spight who carp at the Case when they cannot find fault with the Jewel For my part I mind not the Mould wherein but the Metal whereof he was made and lissen to Mr. Cambden his Character of him Valido foecundo ingenio of a sprightful and fruitful wit He died in Southwark June 1. 1589. and lyeth buried in his own Cathedral near to the Pulpit And now Reader I crave leave to present thee with the Character of one who I confess falls not under my Pen
Doctor Jackson Head of Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford observed the like wind about the same time as ominous and presaging our civil dissentions The Wonders This Shire affordeth none properly so called unless some conceive the bones reducible thereunto digged out of this County at the Ness near Harwich which with their bigness and length amazed the beholders I cannot see how such can maintain them to be the bones of men who must confess that according to the proportion of the doors and roofs of antient building either as extant or read of they must Ingredi incedere proni go in Stooping not to say Lye along Except the Avouchers be as Incurious of their Credit as the Travellor was who affirming that he saw Bees as big as Dogs and yet their Hives of our ordinary size and being demanded what shift they made to get in Let them said he look to that More probable it is that those were bones of Elephants store whereof were brought over into England by the Emperour Claudius Indeed some Sciolists will boast to distinguish bones of Beasts from Men by their Porosity which the learned deride as an undifferencing difference Indeed when a Scull may be produced of such magnitude which by its form is secured from mistake as appropriate to man alone then the wonder will begin indeed Till which time I behold these Shanks and Thigh bâ—…nes pretended to Men to be of Elephants To these Wonders it will not be amiss to adde the ensuing relation written by the Pen of Master Thomas Smith of Sewarstone in the Parish of Waltham Abby a discreet person not long since deceased It so fell out that I served Sir Edward Denny towards the latter end of the raign of Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory who lived in the Abbey of Waltham-Crosse in the County of Essex which at that time lay in ruinous heaps and then Sir Edward began slowly now and then to make even and re-edify some of that Chaos In doing whereof Tomkins his Gardner came to discover among other things a fair Marble Stone the Cover of a Tombe hewed out in hard Stone This Cover with some help he removed from off the Tombe which having done there appeared to the view of the Gardner and Master Baker Minister of the Town who died long since and to my self and Master Henry Knagg Sir Edwards Bayliffe the Anatomy of a Man lying in the Tombe abovesaid onely the Bones remaining Bone to his Bone not one Bone dislocated In observation whereof we wondred to see the Bones still remaining in such due order and no Dust or other Filth besides them to be seen in the Tomb We could not conceive that it had been an Anatomy of Bones only laid at first into the Tomb yet if it had been the whole Carcass of a Man what became of his Flesh and Entrals for as I have said above the Tomb was clean from all Filth and Dust besides the Bones This when we had all well observed I told them that if they did but touch any part thereof that all would fall asunder for I had onely heard somewhat formerly of the like accident Tryall was made and so it came to pass For my own part I am perswaded that as the Flesh of this Anatomy to us became invisible so likewise would the Bones have been in some longer continuance of time O what is Man then which vanisheth thus away like unto Smoak or Vapour and is no more seen Whosoever thou art that shalt read this passage thou mayst find cause of humility sufficient Proverbs Essex Miles These are cryed up for very long understand it Comparatively to those in the Neighbouring County of Middlesex otherwise the Northern Parts will give Essex odds and measure Miles therewith The truth is this good way and a good horse shorten Miles and the want of either but both especially prolong them in any Country whatsoever Essex Stiles See the Proverbs in Suffolk Essex Calves A learned Authour telleth us that Italy was so called quasi vitalae because the best Calves were bred therein Sure this will be condemned as a far fetched and forced Deduction but if true Essex may better pretend to the Name of Italy producing Calves of the fattest fairest and finest flesh in England and consequently in all Europe and let the Butchers in Eastcheap be appealed unto as the most Competent Judges therein Sure it is a Cumberland-cow may be bought for the Price of an Essex-calfe in the beginning of the Year Let me adde that it argueth the goodness of Flesh in this County and that great gain was got formerly by the Sale thereof because that so many stately monuments were erected antiently therein for Butchers inscribed Carnifices in their Epitaphs in Cogshall Chelmsford Church and elsewhere made of Marble inlaid with Brass befitting saith my Author a more eminent man whereby it appears that these of that trade have in this County been richer or at least prouder then in other places The Weavers Beef of Colchester These are Sprats caught hereabouts and brought hither in incredible abundance whereon the poor Weavers numerous in this City make much of their repast Cutting Rands Rumps Surloyns Chines and all Joynts of Beef out of them as lasting in season well nigh a quarter of a year They are the Minums of the Sea and their cheapness is the worst thing well considered the best which can be said of them Were they as dear they would be as toothsome being altogether as wholesome as Anchovies for then their price would give a high gust unto them in the judgement of Pallat Men. True it is that within these last sixteen years better Men then Weavers have been glad of worse meat then Sprats and thankfull to God if they could get it in the City of Colchester Jeering Coxhall How much truth herein I am as unable to tell as loth to believe Sure I am that no Town in England of its bigness afforded more Martyrs in the raign of Queen Mary who did not jeer or jeast with the fire but seriously suffered themselves to be sacrificed for the testimony of a good Conscience If since they have acquired a jeering quality it is time to leave it seeing it is better to stand in pain till our legs be weary then sit with ease in the chair of the scorners He may fetch a flitch of Bacon from Dunmoe This proverb dependeth on a custome practiced in the Priory of Dunmow which was founded saith Speed by Juga a noble Lady Anno IIII. for black Nuns But it seems afterwards the property thereof was altered into a Male-Monastery the mortified men wherein were mirthfull sometimes as hereby may appear Any person from any part of England coming hither and humbly kneeling on two stones at the Church-door which are yet to be seen before the Prior or Convent might demand at his own pleasure a Gammon or Flitch of Bacon upon the solemn taking of the ensuing
oath You shall swear by the custome of our confession That you never made any nuptiall transgression Since you were married man and wife By houshold brawles or contentious strife Or otherwise in bed or at bord Offended each other in deed or word Or since the Parish-Clerk said Amen Wished your selves unmarried agen Or in a twelve-moneth and a day Repented not in thought any way But continued true and in desire As when you joyn'd hands in holy Quire If to these conditions without all fear Of your own accord you will freely swear A Gammon of Bacon you shall receive And bear it hence with love and good leave For this is our custome at Dunmow well known Though the sport be ours the Bacons your own It appeareth in an old book on record that Richard Wright of Badesnorth in Norfolk in the twentieth third of Henry the sixth when John Canon was Prior that Stephen Samuel of Little-Easton in Essex the seventh of Edward the fourth when Roger Rullcot was Prior and that Thomas Lee of Coxhall in Essex the second of Henry the eight when John Taylor was Prior demanded their Bacon on the premisses and receiv'd it accordingly Princes HENRY FITZ-ROY naturall son to King Henry the eight Here we confess our Trespass against our own Rules who confined our selves to the Legitimate Issue of Kings presuming that the worth of this Henry will make amends for our breach of order herein He was begotten on the Body of the Lady Talbois and born at Blackmore-Mannor in this County Anno 1519. being afterwards Created Earl of Noâ—…tingham and Duke of Richmond He confuted their Etymology who deduced Bastard from the Dutch words boes and art that is an abject Nature and verifyed their deduction deriving it from besteaerd that is the best disposition Such was his forwardness in all Martiall Activities with his knowledge in all Arts and Sciences Learned Leland dedicating a book unto him He married Mary daughter to Thomas Duke of Norfolk and dying Anno 1536. in the seventeenth year of his age was buried at Framlingham in Suffolk with great lamentation Saints Saint HELEN was born at Colchester in this County daughter to Coel King thereof as all our British Authors unanimously doe report She was Mother of Constantine the first Christian Emperour and is famous to all ages for finding out Christ's Cross on Mount Calvary Hence it is that in memoriall hereof the City of Colchester giveth for its Arms a Cross enragled between four Crowns A scandal is raised on her name that she was Stabularia A Stableress whereof one rendreth this witty râ—…ason because her Father was Comes Stabuli an high office equivalent to the Constable in France unto the Emperour Others more truly make her so nick named by Pagan malice for her officious devotion in finding out the Stable of Christs Nativity Heathen pens have much aspersed her calling her 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whose tongues are no slander seeing the Disciple is not above his Master More was I moved when first finding thispassage in Paulinus the pious Bishop of Nola Paulin. Epist. 11. ad Severum This englished ad verbum Prompto filii Imperatoris adsensu mater Augusta patefactis ad opera sancta thesauris toto abusa fisco est She being Mother Emperess the treasuries being set open to pious works by the ready consent of her Son the Emperor she wholly abused the exchequer I wondred to see Paulinus charging such abuses upon her being a person so prodigiously charitable that he is said to have sold himself to redeem a widows son from captivity but consulting the best of Orators I find abuti sometimes fixing no fault and importing no more then uti so that abusing the Exchequer signifieth no more then a full free usage thereof She died at Rome being eighty years of age Anno Domini 337. Saint CONSTANTINE son to the aforesaid Saint Helen was born also at Colchester one sufficiently known to all posterity by the meer mentioning of him My pen shall now do penance with its silence to expiate its tediousness in describing his character in our Ecclesiasticall History He died Anno Domini 339. Saint Ethelburgh Hildetha Theorithoid Edilburge Wolfhild Sister to Erkenwald Bishop of London was by him appointed first Abbess of the Nunnery of Barking in this County by him built and endowed Here she led a very austere life and obtained the veneration of a Saint after her death which happened 676. Sister to St. Ethelburgh aforesaid succeeded her in the government of the said Nunnery for the term of four and twenty years so that she died very aged with the reputation of a Saint Anno 700. The first of whose name soundeth Greek the second Saxon was in this respect inferior to the two former because no Abbess but onely a Nun of Barking Yet did she equall them in some sort in the holiness of her life and her memory may go a breast with them in the Classis of Sts. She died 678. Wife to Ina K. of the West-Saxons by the consent of her husband who went a Pilgrim to Rome became a Nun at Barking after her death Anno 740. room was made for her memory amongst the rank of Saints Afterwards Barking Nunnery destroyed by the Danes was rebuilt by King Edgar Daughter to Wulfhelme E. of the West-Saxons born after the 18. year of her Mothers barrenness was by King Edgar made Abbess of Barking which was the first Nunnery of England the richest valued at above 1000l of year rent at the dissolution and the fruit fullest of Saints as by this parallel doth appear St. Wolfhild died Anno 989. Saint OSITH She was daughter to the King of the East-Angles and wife to Suthred last King of East-Saxons by whose consent forsaking the world she was veiled and at last became Abbess of a Monastery of her own founding at Chich in this County untill the Danes infesting these fea-coasts cut off her head in hatred of Religion Yet this her head after it was cut off was carried by Saint Osith oh wonder oh lie three furlongs and then she fell down and died The same mutatis mutandis is told of Saint Dionys in France Saint Winefride in Wales and others such being the barrenness of Monkish invention that unable to furnish their severall Saints with variety of fictions their tired fancie is fain to make the same miracle serve many Saints She was martyred about the year of our Lord 870. Saint NEOTS why Sir-named Adulphius I know not was born saith Bale either in Essex or Kent but Pitz. who wrote sixty years after him saith positively he was born in Essex It seemeth he met with some evidence to sway down the even beam to preponderate on the side of this County Waving the pleasures of the world he lived long an Eâ—…emite in Cornwell and then leaving his solitary life he became a painfull and profitable Preacher of the
Heraldry in that age from that well noted Town in this County In process of time he became Abâ—…ot of Westminster for twenty four years He was so high in favour with King Hâ—…nry the third that he made him one ' of his speciall Councellours Chief Baron of the Exchequer â—…nd for a short time Lord Treasurer of England He died Anno. 1246. buried in Westminster-Church whose marble tombe before the middle of the Altar was afterwards pulled down probably because taking up too much room by Frier Combe Sacriâ—…t of the House who laid a plain marble stone over him with an Epitaph too tedious and barbarous to be transcribed JOHN de CHESILL There are two Villages so called in this County where the North-west corner thereof closeth with Cambridge-shire I will not define in which this John was born time having left us nothing of his actions saving the many preferments thorough which he passed being Dean of Saint Pauls successively Arch-Deacon and Bishop of London and twice Chancellor of England viz. Anno Domini 1264. in the 48. of King Henry the third viz. Anno Domini 1268. in the 53. of King Henry the third He was afterward also Lord Treasurer of England and died Anno Domini 1279. in the seventh year of the raign of King Edward the first JOHN of WALTHAM was so named from the place of his nativity and attained to be a prudent man and most expert in government of the State so that he became Master of the Rolls Keeper of the Privy Seal and Anno 1388. was consecrated Bishop of Salisbury But he miss'd his mark and met with one who both matched and mastered him when refusing to be visited by Courtney Arch-bishop of Canterbury on the criticisme that Pope Urbane the sixth who granted Courtney his Commission was lately dead till the Arch-bishop excommunicated him into more knowledge and humility teaching him that his Visitations had a self-support without assistance of Papal power cast in onely by the way of religious complement This John of Waltham was afterwards made Lord Treasurer and Richard the second had such an affection for him that dying in his Office he caused him to be buried though many muttered thereat amongst the Kings and next to King Edward the first in Westminster His death happened 1395. ROGER WALDEN taking his Name from his Birth in that Eminent Market-Town in this County was as considerable as any man in his Age for the alternation of his fortune First he was the son of a poor man yet by his Industry and Ability attained to be Dean of York Treasurer of Calis Secretary to the King and Treasurer of England Afterwards when Thomas Arundell Arch-bishop of Canterbury fell into the disfavour of King Richard the second and was banished the land this Roger was by the King made Arch-bishop of Canterbury and acted to all purposes and intents calling of Synods and discharging of all other offices However he is beheld as a Cypher in that See because holding it by Sequestration whilst Arandell the true Incumbent was alive who returning in the first of King Henry the fourth resumed his Arch-Bishoprick And now Roger Walden was reduced to Roger Walden and as poor as at his first beginning For though all maintained that the Character of a Bishop was indelable this Roger found that a Bishoprick was delable having nothing whereon to subsist untill Arch-bishop Arundell nobly reflecting upon his Worth or Want or Both procured him to be made Bishop of London But he enjoyed that place onely so long as to be a testimony to all posterity of Arundell his Civility unto him dying before the year was expired 1404. He may be compared to one so Jaw-fallen with over long â—…asting thaâ—…â—…e cannot eat meat when brought unto him and his spirits were so depressed with his former ill fortunes that he could not enjoy himself in his new unexpected happiness Why he was buried rather in Saint Bartholomews in Smithfiâ—…ld then his own Cathedrall Church is too hard for me to resolve Since the Reformation RICHARD HOWLAND was born at Newport-Pâ—…nds in this County first Hellow of Peterhouse then chosen 1575. Master of Magdalen and next year Master of Saint Johns-Colledge in Cambridge He was twice Vice-chancellor of the University in the year 1584. he was Consecrated Bishop of Peterborough in which place he continued sixteen years and died in June 1600. JOHN JEGON was born in this County at Coxhall Fellow first of Queens then Master of Bennet-colledge in Cambridge and three times Vice-chancellour of the University A most serious man and grave governour yet withall of a most faceâ—…ious disposition so that it was hard to say whether his counsel was more grateful for the soundness oâ—… his company more acceptable for the pleasâ—…ess thereof Take one eminent instance of his â—…genuity Whilst Master of the Colledge he chanced to punish all the Under-graduates therein for some generall offence and the penalty was put upon their Heads in the Buttery And because that he disdained to convert the money to any private use it was expended in new whiteing the Hall of the Colledge Whereupon a scholar hung up these verses on the Skreen Doctor Jegon Bennet-colledge Master Brake the Scholars head and gave the walls a plaister But the Doctor had not the readiness of his parts any whit impaired by his age for perusing the paper ex tempore he subscribed Knew I but the Wagg that writ these verses in a Bravery I would commend him for his Wit but whip him for his Knavery Queen Elizabeth designed him but King James confirmed him Bishop of Norwich where if some in his Diocess have since bestowed harsh language on his memory the wonder is not great seeing he was a somewhat severe presser of Conformity and dyed Anno Domini 1618. SAMUEL HARESNET was born at Colchester in the Parish of Saint Butolph bred first Scholar then Fellow then Master of Pembrock-hall in Cambridge A man of grâ—…t learning strong parts and stout spirit He was Bishop first of Chichester then of Norwich and at last Arch-bishop of York and one of the Privy Councill of King Charles the 2. last dignities being procured by Thomas Earl of Arundell who much favoured him and committed his younger son to his Education Dying unmarried he was the better enabled for Publick and Pious uses and at Chigwell in this County the place of his first Church-preferment he built and endowed a fair Grammer School He conditionally bequeathed his Library to Colchester where he was born as by this passage in his Will may appear Item I give to the Bayliffs and Corporation of the Town of Colchester all my Library of Books provided that they provide a decent room to set them up in that the Clergy of the Town of Colchester and other Divines may have free access for the reading and studying of them I presume the Town corresponding with his desire the Legacy took due effect
their own Country Well it were if this good old custome were resumed for if where God hath given Talents men would give but Pounds I mean encourage hopefull Abilities with helpfull Maintenance able persons would never be wanting and poor men with great parts would not be excluded the Line of preferment This Sir Thomas was afterwards Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth and a grand benefactor to both Universities as I have formerly declared at large He died Anno Domini 1577. THOMAS HOWARD wherever born is justly reputed of this County wherein he had his first honour and last habitation He was second son to Thomas last Duke of Norfolk but eldest by his wife Margaret sole heir to Thomas Lord Audley Queen Elizabeth made him Baron of Audley and Knight of the Garter and King James who beheld his father a State-Martyr for the Queen of â—…ots in the first of his raign advanced him Lord Chamberlain and Earl of Suffolk and in the twelfth of his raign July 12. Lord Treasurer of England He was also Chancellour of Cambridge loving and beloved of the University When at his first coming to Cambridge Master Francis Nethersole Orator of the University made a Latine Speech unto him this Lord returned though I understand not Latine I know the Sence of your Oration is to tell me that I am wellcome to you which I believe verily thank you for it heartily and will serve you faithfully in any thing within my power Doctor Hasnet the Vice-chancellour laying hold on the Handle of so fair a Proffer requested him to be pleased to Entertain the King at Cambridge a Favour which the University could never compass from their former great and wealthy Chancellours I will do it saith the Lord in the best manner I may with the speediest conveniency Nor was he worse then his word giving his Majesty not long after so Magnificent a Treatment in the University as cost him five thousands pounds and upwards Hence it was that after his death Thomas his second son Earl of Bark-shire not suing for it not knowing of it was chosen to succeed him losing the place as some suspected not for lack of voices but fair counting them He died at Audley end Anno Domini 1626. being Grand-father to the right Honourable James Earl of Suffolk RICHARD WESTON I behold him son to Sir Jerome Weston Sheriff of this County in the one and fourtieth of Queen Elizabeth and cannot meet with any of his relations to rectifie me if erronious In his youth he impaired his estate to improve himself with publique accomplishment but came off both a saver and a gainer at the last when made Chancellor of the Exchequer and afterwards upon the remove of the Earl of Marlburrough July 15. in the fourth of King Charles Lord Treasurer of England But I hear the Cocks crow proclaiming the dawning day being now come within the ken of many alive and when mens memories do arise it is time for History to haste to bed Let me onely be a Datary to tell the Reader that this Lord was Created Earl of Portland February 17. in the eight of King Charles and died Anno Domini 163. being father to the right Honorable Jerome now Earl of Portland Capitall Judges Sir JOHN BRAMSTONE Knight was born at Maldon in this County bred up in the Middle-Temple in the study of the Common-law wherein he attained to such eminency that he was by King Charles made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench One of deep learning solid judgement integrity of life gravity of behaviour in a word accomplished with all qualities requisite for a Person of his place and profession One instance of his integrity I must not forget effectually relating to the Foundation wherein I was bred Serjeant Bruerton of whom formerly bequeathed by Will to Sidney-colledge well nigh three thousand pounds but for haste or some other accident so imperfectly done that as Doctor Samuel Ward informed me the gife was invalid in the Rigour of the Law Now Judge Bramstone who married the Serjeants Widdow gave himself much trouble gave himself indeed doing all things gratis for the speedy payment of the money to a Farthing and the legal setling thereof on the Colledge according to the true intention of the dead He deserved to live in better times the delivering his judgement on the Kings side in the case of Ship â—…oney cost him much trouble The posting Press would not be perswaded to stay till I had received farther instructions from the most Hopefull sons of this worthy Judge who died about the year 1646. Souldiers ROBERT FITZ-WALTER It is observable what I read in my Author that in the raign of King John there were three most eminent Knights in the land 〈◊〉 for their prowess viz. Robert Fitz-Roger Richard Mont-Fâ—…chet and this Robert Fitz-Walter Two of which three a fair proportion fall to be natives of this County This Robert was born at Woodham-walters and behaved himself right 〈◊〉 on all occasions highly beloved by King Richard the first and King John untill the later banished him the land because he would not prostitute his daughter to his pleasure But worth will not long want a Master the French-King joyfully entertained him till King John recalled him back again on this occasion five-five-years truce being concluded betwixt the two Crowns of England and France an English-man challenged any of the French to just a course or two on horse-back with him whom Fitz-Walter then oâ—… the French party undertook and at the first course with his great spear fell'd horse and man to the ground Thus then and ever since English-men generally can be worsted by none but English-men Hereupon the King next day sent for him restored his lands with license for him to repair his Castles and particularly Bainards-castle in London which he did accordingly He was styled of the common-people The Marshall of Gods Army and Holy-Church He died Anno Domini 1234. and lieth buried in the Priory of Little-Dunmow Sir JOHN HAWKEWOOD Knight Son to Gilbert Hawkewood Tanner was born in Sible heningham This John was first bound an apprentice to a Taylor in the City of London but soon turned his needle into a sword and thimble into a shield being pressed in the service of King Edward the third for his French Wars who rewarded his valour with Knighthood Now that mean men bred in manuall and mechanick trades may arrive at great skill in Martiall performances this Hawkewood though an eminent is not the onely instance of our English nation The heat of the French Wars being much remitted he went into Italy and served the City of Florence which as yet was a Free State Such Republiques preferred forrainers rather then natives for their Generalls because when the service was ended it was but disbursing their pay and then disbanding their power by cashering their Commission such Forraigners having no advantage to continue their
without the Brittleness thereof soon Ripe and long Lasting in his Perfections He Commenced Doctor in Physick and was Physician to Queen Elizabeth who Stamped on him many Marks of her Favour besides an Annuall Pension to encourage his Studies He addicted himself to Chemistry attaining to great exactness therein One saith of him that he was Stoicall but not Cynicall which I understand Reserv'd but not Morose never married purposely to be more beneficiall to his Brethren Such his Loyalty to the Queen that as if unwilling to survive he dyed in the same year with her 1603. His Stature was Tall Câ—…plexion Cheerfull an Happiness not ordinary in so hard a Student and retired a Person He lyeth buried in Trinity Church in Colchester under a plain Monument Mahomets Tombe at Mecha is said strangely to hang up attracted by some invisible Load-stone but the Memory of this Doctor will never fall to the ground which his incomparable Book De Magnete will support to Eternity Writers GERVASE of TILBURY born at that Village in this County since famous for a Câ—…mpe against the Spaniards in 88. is reported Nephew to King Henry the second But though Nepos be taken in the Latitude thereof to signify Son to Brother Sister or Child I cannot make it out by the Door and am loth to suspect his coming in by the Window This Gervase may be said by his Nativity to stand but on one foot and that on tip toes in England being born on the Sea side at the mouth of Thames and therefore no wonder if he quickly convayed himself over into Forraign Parts He became Courtier and favorite to his Kinsman Otho the fourth Emperour who conferred on him the Marshal-ship of the Arch-bishoprick of Arles which proveth the Imperiall Power in this Age over some parts of Province an office which he excellently discharged Though his person was wholly conversant in Forraign Aire his Pen was chiefly resident on English Earth writing a Chronicle of our Land and also adding illustrations to Gâ—…ffrey Monmouth He flourished Anno 1210. under King John ADAM of BARKING no mean market in this County was so termed from the Town of his Nativity Wonder not that being born in the East of England he went West-ward as far as Sherborn where he was a Benedictine for his education it being as usuall in that age for Monkes as in ours for Husbandmen to change their soil for the seed that their grain may give the greater encrease He was a good Preacher and learned Writer and surely would have soared higher if not weighed down with the ignorance of the age he lived in whose death happened Anno 1216. RALPH of COGSHALL in this County was first Canon of Barnewell nigh Cambridge and afterwards turn'd a Cistertian Monke He was a man Incredibilis frugalitatis parsimoniae but withall of great learning and abilities These qualities commended him to be Abbot of Cogshall the sixth in order after the first foundation thereof where he spent all his spare hours in writing of Chronicles and especially of additions to Radulphus Niger Afflicted in health he resigned his place and died a private person about the year 1230. ROGER of WALTHAM was so called from the place of his Nativity I confess there be many Walthams in England and three in Essex but as in Herauldry the plain Coat speaks the bearer thereof to be the best of the house whiles the younger Brethren give their Armes with differences so I presume that Waltham here without any other addition of Much Waltham Wood-Waltham c. is the Chief in that kind viz. Waltham in this County within twelve Miles of London eminent in that Age for a wealthy Abby The merit of this Roger being saith Bale tersè nitidè eleganter eruditus endeared him to Fulke Basset Bishop of London who preferred him Canon of Saint Pauls He wrot many worthy works flourishing under King Henry the third Anno Domini 1250. JOHN GODARD wherever born had his best being at Cogshall in this County where he became a Cistercian Monke Great was his skill in Arithmetick and Mathematicks a Science which had lain long asleep in the World and now first began to open it's eyes again He wrot many certain Treatises thereof and dedicated them unto Ralph Abbot of Cogshall He flourished Anno Dom. 1250. AUBREY de VERE extracted from the right Honorable Earls of Oxford was born saith my Authors in Bonaclea Villa Trenovantum Three miles srom Saint Osith by which direction we find it to be Great Bentley in this County Now although a witty Gentleman saith that Noble-men have seldome any thing in Print save their Cloths yet this Aubrey so applyed his studies that he wrote a Learned Book of the Eucharist In his old age he became an Augustinian of Saint Osiths preferring that before other places both because of the pleasant retireness thereof and because his kindred were great Benefactors to that Covent witness their Donation de septem Libratis terrae thereunto This Aubrey the most learned of all Honorable Persons in that Age Flourished Anno Domini 1250. THOMAS MALDON was born at Maldon no mean Market Town in this County anciently a City of the Romans called Camulodunum He was afterwards bred in the University of Cambridge where he Commenced Doctor of Divinity and got great reputation for his Learning being a Quick Disputant Eloquent Preacher Solid in Defining Subtle in Distinguishing Clear in Expressing Hence he was chosen Prior of his own Monastery in Maldon where he commendably discharged his place till the day of his death which happened 1404. THOMAS WALDENSIS was son to John and Maud Netter who declining the Surname of his Parents took it from Walden the noted place in this County of his Nativity so much are they mistaken that maintain that this Waldensis his name was Vuedale and that he was born in Hant-shire In some sort he may be termed Anti-Waldensis being the most professed Enemy to the Wicklevites who for the main revived and maintained the Doctrine of the Waldenses Being bred a Carmelite in London and Doctor of Divinity in Oxford he became a great Champion of yet Vassall to the Pope witness his sordid Complement consisting of a conjunction or rather confusion and misapplication of the words of Ruth to Naomi and David to Goliah Perge Domine Papa perge quò cupis ego tecum ubicunque volueris nec deseram in Authoritate Dominorum meorum incedam in armis eorum pugnabo He was in high esteem with three succeeding Kings of England and might have changed his Coul into what English Miter he pleased but refused it Under King Henry the fourth he was sent a solemn Embassadour 1410. about taking away the Schismâ—… and advancing an Union in the Church and pleaded most eloquently before the Pope and Segismund the Emperour He was Confâ—…ssor and Privy Councellour to King Henry the fifth who died in his
Bosome and whom he taxed for too much lenity to the Wicklevites so that we behold the Breath of Waldensis as the Bellows which Blew up the Coals for the burning of those Poor Christians in England under King Henry the sixth he was employed to provide at Paris all necessaries for his solemn Coronation and dying in his journey thether Anno 1430. was buried at Roan He was 16 years Provinciall of his Order throughout all England and wrot many books against the Wicklevites Bale citeth four all sorraign Authors which make him solemnly Sainted whilst Pitzeus more truly and modestly onely affirmeth that he died non sine sanctitatis opinione Indeed as the Pagans had their Lares and Penates Dii Minorum Gentium so possibly this Thomas though not publickly Canonized might pass for a Saint of the lesser Size in some particular places Since the Reformation THOMAS TUSSâ—…R was born at Riven-hall in this County of an ancient family since extinct if his own pen may be believed Whâ—…lst as yet a Boy he lived in many Schools Wallingford Sâ—…int Pauls Eaton whence he went to Tâ—…inity hall in Cambridge when a Man in Stafford-shire Suffolk Northfolk Cambridge-shire London and where not so that this Stone of Sisiphus could gather no Moss He was successively a Musitian School master Servingman Husbandman Grasier Poet more skilfull in all then thriving in any Vâ—…cation He traded at large in Oxen Sheep Dairies Grain of all kinds to no profit Whether he bought or sold he lost and when a Renter impoverished himself and never inriched his Landlord Yet hath he laid down excellent Rules in his Book of Husbandry and Houswifery so that the Observer thereof must be rich in his own dâ—…fence He spread his Bread with all sorts of Butter yet none would stick thereon Yet I hear no man to charge him with any vicious extravagancy or visible carelâ—…ssness imputing his ill success to some occult cause in Gods counsel Thus our English 〈◊〉 might say with the Poet Monitis sum minor ipse meis None being better at the Theory or worse at the Practise of Husbandry I match him with Thomas 〈◊〉 yard they being mark'd alike in their Poeticall parts living in the same time and 〈◊〉 alike in their Estates both low enough I assure you I cannot find the certain date of his death but collect it to be about 1580. FRANCIS QUARLES Esquire son to James Quarles Esquire was born at Sâ—…wards in the Parish of Ruâ—…ford in this County where his son as I am inform'd hath an Estate in expectancy He was bred in Cambridge and going over into Ireland became Secretary to the Reverend James Usher Arch-bishop of Armagh He was a most excellent Poet and had a mind by assed to devotion Had he been contemporary with Plato that great back-friend to Poets he would not onely have allowed him to live but advanced him to an office in his Common wealth Some Poets if debarr'd proâ—…ess want oness and Satyricalness that they may neither abuse God themselves nor their neighbours have their tongues cut out in effect Others onely trade in wit at the second hand being all for translations nothing for invention Our Qâ—…arles was free from the fâ—…ts of the first as if he had drank of Jordan in stead oâ—… Helicon and slept on mount Olivet for his Pernassus and was happy in his own invention His visible Poetry I mean his Emblems is excellent caâ—…ching therein the eye and fancy at one draught so that he hath out Aleiated therein in some mens judgement His Verses on Job are done to the life so that the Reader may see his sores and through theâ—… the anguish of his soul. The troubles of Ireland where his lossâ—…s were great forced his return hither bearing his crosses with great patience so thaâ—… according to the advice of Saint Hierome Verba vertebat in opera and practiced the Job he had described dying about the year 1643. JOSEPH MEDE was born in this County a little east of Bishop-Startford Men in â—…cripture generally are notified by their Fathers as Johnadab the Son of Rechab Simon the Son of Jona Some few are described by their Sons as Simon of Cyren the Father of Alexander and Rufus wherein it is presumed that their Sons were most eminent and their Branches not known by the Root but the Root by the Branches Such the case here where the Parents obscure in themselves may hereafter be known for having Joseph Mede to their Son He was bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge where he attained to great Learning by his own industry R. was Shiboleth unto him which he could not easily pronounce so that a set-speech cost him the double pains to another man being to fit words as well to his Mouth as his Matter Yet by his Industry and Observation He so conquered his Imperfection that though in private discourse he often smiled out his stammering into silence yet chusing his words he made many an excellent Sermon without any considerable Hesitation The first fruits of his Eminent Studies was a written Treatise de sanctitate Relativa which he presented to Bishop Andrews who besteded him with the Kings favour when his election into his Fellow-ship met with some opposition He afterwards became an Excellent Linguist Curious Mathematician Exact Text-man happy in makeing Scripture to expound it self by Parallel places He was charitable to poor people with his Almes and to all people with his candid censure Of one who constantly kept his Cell so he called his Chamber none Travailed oftener and farther over all Christendome For things past he was a Perfect Historian for things present a Judicious Novilant and for things to come a Prudentiall not to say Propheticall Conjecturer To his private friends he would often insist on the place of Scripture Judges 3. 30. and the land had a rest Four score years which was the longest term of Peace which he ever observed the Church of God to enjoy after which many troubles did ensue And seeing the same lease of Halcion days was expired in England since the first of Queen Elizabeth he grievously suspected some strange Concussion in Church and State which came to pass accordingly I confess his Memory hath suffered much in many mens Judgements for being so great a Fauter of the fancifull opinion of the Millenaries Yet none can deny but that much is found in the Ancient fathers tending that way Besides I dare boldy say that the furious Factors for the fift Monarchy hath driven that Nail which Master Mede did first enter farther then he ever intended it and doing it with such violence that they split the truths round about it Thus when ignorance begins to build on that Foundation which learning hath laid no wonder if there be no Uniformity in such a Mungrell Fabrick He died in the fifty third year of his age Anno Domini 1638. leaving the Main of his Estate to the Colledge about the value of 300l a large
of Foulness rented in part by two of my credible Parishoners who attested it having paid dear for the truth thereof wheâ—… an Army of Mice nesting in Ant-hills as Conies in Burroughs shaved off the grass at the bare roots which withering to dung was infectious to Cattle The March following numberless flocks of Owls from all parts flew thither and destroyed them which otherwise had ruined the Country if continuing another year Thus though great the distance betwixt a Man and a Mouse the meanest may become formidable to the mightiest creature by their multitudes and this may render the punishment of the Philistines more clearly to our apprehensions at the same time pestered with Mice in their barns and pained with emerods in their bodies GLOUCESTER-SHIRE GLOUCESTER-SHIRE hath Worcester and Warwick-shire on the North Oxford and Wilt-shire on the East Somerset-shire on the South Hereford-shire with the River Wye on the West extending from her South to North Avon 48. miles but lessened in her broadest part from East to West to twenty eight The Severne runneth through it entring this County as a River encreasing in it to an Eastuary and becometh little lesse than a Sea before it departs out of it Some affirm that this County was anciently like the land of Gerar wherein Isaac sowed and reaped an hundred fold the greatest proportion of encrease which the good ground in the Parable brought fourth But the same men seem to insinuate that this Shire tired out with its over fruitfulnesse hath become barren in these later times True it is as Lions are said to be tamed by watching not suffering them to take any sleep so the most generous and vigorus land will in time be imbarrened when always pinched with the Plough and not permitted to slumber at all and lie fallow some competent time otherwise with moderate respite and manuring some Tillage in this County is as fruitful as in any other place As for Pasturage I have heard it reported from credible persons that such the fruitfulness of the land nigh Slimbrige that in Spring time let it be bit bare to the roots a Wand laid along therein over night will be covered with new-grown grasse by the next morning Natural Commodities Tobacco This lately grew in this County but now may not It was first planted about Winchcomb and many got great estates thereby notwithstanding the great care and cost in planting replanting transplanting watering snailing suckering topping cropping sweating drying making and rowling it But it hath been prohibited of late by Act of Parliament as hindering our English Plantation in the West Indies abating the Revenues of the State in Customs and Impost and spoiling much of our good ground which might be employed for Corn or Cattel As for the praise of Tobacco with the vertues thereof they may better be performed by the Pens of such Writers whose pallates have tasted of the same Oak England hath the best in the World not for finenesse but firmnesse Indeed Out-landish Oaks have a smaller grain and therefore fitter for Wainscot and whilest they make the best linings our English Oak is the substantial out-side The best in England is in Dean Forrest in this County and most serviceable for Shipping so tough that when it is dry it is said to be as hard as Iron I have read that in the reign of Queen Elizabeth the Spaniard sent an Embassador over purposely to get this wood destroyed by private practices and cunning contrivances who had he effected his Embassie deserved a good reward at his return It is suspicious if not timely prevented carelesness and waste will gratifie the Spaniard with what then he could not accomplish Steele It is Eldest Brother of Iron extracted from the same Oare differing from it not in kind but degree of purity as being the first running thereof It is more hard and brittle whilest Iron is softer and tougher useful for the making of English Knives Sitâ—…es Sisers Shears c. but fine edges cannot be made thereof as Lancets for letting of blood Incision Knives Dissecting Knives Razors c. I have been informed that Sir Bafil Brooke the great Steele-maker in this County his Patent to prohibit the importing of Forraign Steele was revoked on this account because that no Artist could make the aforesaid Instruments of English Steele but must have it from Damascus Spain Flanders c. As for Iron though plentiful in this it may be treated of in another County with more conveniency Manufactures Cloathing As good as any in England for finenesse and colour is wrought in this County where the Cloathiers have a double advantage First plenty of the best Wooll growing therein on Cots wold-Hills so that whereas Cloathiers in some Counties fetch their Wooll far off with great cost it is here but the removing it from the Backs of the Sheep into their Works Houses Secondly they have the benefit of an excellent water for colouring their Cloath being the sweet Rivolet of Strowd which arising about Branfield runneth crofs this Shire into the Severn Now no rational man will deny Occult qualities of perfection in some above other waters whereby Spanish Steele non natura sed tinctura becomes more tough than ours in England as the best Reds a colour which always carried somewhat of Magistracy therein are died in Strowd water Hence it is that this Shire hath afforded many wealthy Cloathiers whereof some may seem in their Loomes to have interwoven their own names into the Cloaths called Webs-cloath and Clutterbucks after the names of the first Makers of them for many years after Mustard The best in England to take no larger compasse is made at Tewksberry in this County It is very wholesome for the clearing of the Head moderately taken and I believe very few have ever surfeited thereof because not granted time but demanded present payment for the penalty of excesse turning Democritus himself presently to Heraclitâ—… as the Husband-man Poetdoth observe Seque lacessenti fletum factura sinapis It is generally used in England and the Jest is well known of two Serving-men contesting about Superiority My Master saith the one spends more in Mustard than thine does in Beefe whereunto the other returned the more sawcy men his followers But seriously this should raise our gratitude to God for the plentiful provisions of Flesh and Fish spent in this Land when Mustard a meer complement to both amounteth to more thousands of pounds by the year than will be believed Wine This formerly grew in this County but now doth not witness the many places therein still called Vineyards whereof one most eminent nigh Gloucester the palace of the Bishop and it appears by ancient Records that some Towns in this Shire paid Rent-Wines in great proportions so that England though it doth not ferre vinum is ferax vini capable especially in a hot Summer to produce it to good perfection But in later ages this commodity hath been disused
fortnight in stocks in the Bishop of Londons Cole house with Irons upon him chained again by Sir Thomas More to a post two nights cruelly handled for a seven-night at Fulham scourged for a fortnight in the Tower and at last sent to a second Tree of Truth I mean to the Stake Whereat he was burned in Smithfield April 30. 1532. Here Mr. Fox reports a passage which I cannot with credit insert or omit but take it as I find it When his Armes and Legs were half consumed in the fire he spake these words O â—…e Papists behold ye look for miracles and here now you may see a miracle for in this fire I feel no more pain than if I were in a Bed of Downe but it is to me as sweet as a Bed of Roses Soft and sweet both to please the touch and smell a double wonder I believe it might be a falshood but no lye in the Author reporting it who possibly might be abused in his intelligence Secondly it is possible that this good man feeling so much pain before might through Gods goodnesse have none at his death Thirdly this story may be kept on the deck to counterpoise the scales against that of Father Briant a Popish Priest who reported himself cruelly racked in the Tower and yet se nihil quicquam doloris sensisse That he felt not any pain at all Lastly though our Saviour juâ—…ly taxeth those who were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 slow in heart to believe such things as were revealed in the Scripture yet neither God nor Man wâ—…ll be offended with the incredulous in such reports attested onely with Humane suspicious Authority Prelates TIDEMAN de WINCHCOMBE was born in this County at the Market Town formerly famous for a rich Abbey now for plenty of Poore therein He was preferred first Abbot of Benle then Bishop of Landaffe and lastly of Worcester by King Richard the second his importunity to the Pope notwithstanding one John Green was fairly elected thereunto This Tideman was the Kings Physician and very well skilled in that Faculty Be it observed by the way that I am dayly more confirmed in my opinion that till the last two hundred years Physick in England was not a distinct profession from Divinity and the same persons Physicians and Confessors to Princes Say not these Functions were inconsistent the former uâ—…ually departing the later commonly coming to dying men for the several Professions did not justle but succeed one another so that when Potion did end Unction did begin A practice continued by Popish Priests in England at this day gaining commodity and concealment by being such Pluralists in their profession having the most best and last privacy with their Patients This Tideman died Anno Dom. 1400. JOHN CHEDWORTH was born in this County and bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge being the third Scholar that came thereinto by election from Eaton Schoole though some I confesse for a short time make him admitted into Merton Colledge in Oxford He afterwards was the third Provost of Kings Colledge possessing the place six years till at last he was elected Bishop of Lincoln He was joyned in Commission by King Henry the sixth with Bishop Wainfliet of Winchester to revise and regulate the Statutes of Eaton and Kings Colledges He sate Bishop about eighteen years and dying 1471. lies buried in his own Cathedral under a Marble Monument JOHN CARPENTER was as my Author rationally collecteth born at Westbury in this County bred in Oriall Colledge in Oxford whereof he became Provost and Chancellor of the University thence preferred Prefect of Saint Anthonies in London and at last Bishop of Worcester He was so indulgent to Westbury the place of his Nativity that of a mean he made it a magnificent Convent more like a Castle than a Colledge walling it about with Turrets and making a stately Gate-house thereunto He had an humorous intent to style Himself and Successors in imitation of Bath and Wells Bishops of Worcester and VVestbury which Title though running cleverly on the tongues end never came in request because therein Impar conjunctio the matching of a Collegiate and Cathedral Church together He died Anno Dom. 1475 and was buried in his Native Town of VVestbury His Tomb since his Death I will use my Authors words hoping their ignorance if alive understands no Latine A stolidis quibusdam nebulonibus pudendum in morem mutulatur As for the Colledge of VVestbury it is the inheritance of the Right VVorshipful and Hospital House-keeper Ralph Sadler Esq and was in these Civil Broils unhappily burnt down though those who esteemed themselves judicious in war apprehended neither necessity thereof noâ—… advantage thereby THOMAS RUTHAL born at Cicester in this County bred in Cambridge where he commenced Doctor of the Laws was by King Henry the Seventh for his great Abilities preferred to be Bishop of Durham King Henry the Eighth made him of his Privy Councel notwithstanding the hatred which Cardinal VVolsey bare unto him It happened King Henry employed him as a politick person to draw up a Breviate of the State of the Land which he did and got it fairly transcribed But it fell out that in stead thereof he deceived with the likenesse of the cover and binding presented the King with a Book containing an Inventory of his own Estate amounting to an inviduous and almost incredible summe of One hundred thousand pounds VVolsey glad of this mistake told the King he knew now where a masse of money was in case he needed it This broke Ruthall his heart who had paid the third part of the cost of making the Bridge of New-Castle over Tyne and intended many more Benefactions had not death 1523. on this unexpected occasion surprised him Since the Reformation EDWARD FOX was born in Duresley in this County bred first in Eaton then in Kings Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was chosen Provost which place he kept until his death He was afterwards Almoner to King Henry the Eighth He first brought Doctor Cranmer to the knowledge of the King which Doctor first brought the King to the knowledge of himself how he stood in matter of marriage with the Widow of his Brother This Doctor Fox was after Bishop of Hereford and was saith my Author Reformationis Ecclesiasticae illius tempore coeptae clanculum fautor Let me adde he was the principal pillar of the Reformation as to the managery of the Politick and Prudential part thereof being of more activity and no less ability then Cranmer himself Martin Bucer dedicated unto him his Comment on the Gospels yea this Bishop wrote many Books whereof that De differentia utriusque potestatis was his Master-piece He was employed by the King on several Embassies into France and Germany and died to the great loss of Gods Church May 8. 1538. States-men Sir RALPH BUTLER Knight of the Garter and Lord Sudeley in this County was Lord Treasurer of England
hoc breve Teste meipso apud Clypston quinto die Marâ—…it An Regni nostri Nono In obedience to the Kings command this Sheriff vigorously prosecuted the design and made his Return accordingly on the same token that it thus began Nulla est Civitas in Comitat. Gloucest There is no City in the County of Gloucester Whence we collect that Gloucester in that age though the seat of a miâ—…red Abby had not the reputation of a City untill it was made an Episcopal See by K. Hen. 8. The like Letters were sent to all other Sheriffs in England and their Returns made into the Exchequer where it is a kind of Dooms-day-Book junior but commonly passeth under the name of Nomina Villarum I have by me a Transcript of so much as concerneth Gloucester-shire the reason why this Letter is here exemplified communicated unto me with other rarities advancing this Subject by my worthy Friend Mr. Smith of Nibley It must not be omitted that though the aforesaid Catalogue of Nomina Villarum was begun in this year and a considerable progresse made therein yet some unexpressed obstacles retarding it was not in all particulars completed until 20 years after as by this passage therein may be demonstrated Bertona Regis juxta Gloucester ibidem Hundâ—…idum Hundr Margarettae Reginae Angliae Now this Margaret Queen of England Daughter to Philip the Hardy King of France and second Wife to this King Edward the First was not married unto him until the 27 of her Husbands reign Anno 1299. Edw. III. 5 THO. BERKELEY de COBBERLEY He is commended in our Histories for his civil usage of K. Edw. 2. when pâ—…isoner at Berkeley Castle at this day one of the seats of that right ancient Famiiy And right ancient it is indeed they being descended from Robert Fitz-Harding derived from the Kings of Denmark as appeareth by an Inscription on the Colledge-Gate at Bristol Rex Henricus secundus Dominus Robertus filius Hardingi filii Regis Daciae hujus Monasterii primi Fundatores extiterunt This Robert was entirely beloved of this King by whose means his Son Maurice married the Daughter of the Lord of Berkeley whereby his posterity retained the name of Berkeley Many were their Mansions in this County amongst which Cobberley accrued unto them by matching with the Heir of Chandos Their services in the Holy War alluded unto by the Crosses in their Arms and may seem to be their Benefactions whereof in my Church History signified by the Mitre in their Crest Of this Family was descended William Lord Berkeley who was honoured by King Edward the fourth with the Title of Viscount Berkeley created by K. Rich. 3. Earle of Nottingham and in the right of his Wife Daughter of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk Henry the sâ—…venth made him Marquess Berkeley and Marshal of England He died without Issue At this day there flourisheth many Noble stems sprung thereof though George Lord Berkeley Baron Berkeley Lord Mowbray Segrave Bruce be the top Branch of this Family One who hath been so signally bountiful in promoting these and all other my weak endeavours that I deserve to be dumb if ever I forget to return him publick thanks for the same 43. JOHN POINTS Remarkable the Antiquity of this Name and Family still continuing in Knightly degree in this County for I read in Dooms-day-Book Drugo filius Ponz tenet de Rege Frantone Ibi decem Hide Geldant de hoc Manerio And again Walterus filius Ponz tenet de Rege Lete Ibi decem Hide Geldant I behold them as the Ancestors of their Family till I shall be informed to the contrary though I confess they were not seated at Acton in this County until the days of King Edward the second when Sir Nicholas Points married the Daughter and Heir of Acton transmitting the same to his posterity Sheriffs Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Tho. Bradwell   2 Johan Tracy TodingtoÌ„ Or a scallop Sab. betw two Bends Gules 3 Radulph Waleys * Sodbury  4 Tho. Bradewell  * Azure 6. Mullets Or. 5 Joh. de Thorp mil.  Argent a Fess Nebule Sable betw 3. Trefoiles Gules 6 Tho. Fitz Nichol.   7 Radus Waleys ut prius  8 Tho. Berkeley Cobberley Gules a Cheveron betwixt ten Crosses formee Argent 9 Tho. Burgg †  10 Tho. Bradewell ut prius †Azure three flower de lys Ermine 11 Tho. Berkeley ut prins  12 Laur. Seabrooke   13 Tho Burgg ut prius  14 Maur. de Russell Derham Argent on a Chief Gules 3. Bezants 15 Hen. de la River   16 Joh. de Berkeley ut prius  17 Gilbertus Denis  Gules a Bend ingrailed Az. betw 3. Leopards heads Or â—…essant flower de lis of the 2d 18 Will. Tracy ut prius  19 Maur. Russel ut prius  20 Rob. Poyns Acton Barry of eight Or and Gul. 21 Johan Berkeley ut prius  22 Johan Bronings   HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Hen de la River   2 Maur. Russel ut prius  2 Rob Sommerville   3 Rob Whittington  Gules a Fess checkee Or and Argent 4 Wil. Beauchamp m   5 Idem   6 Johan Grendore  Per pale Or and Vert 12. guttees or drops counterchanged 7 Maur. Russel ut prius  8 Rob. Whittington ut prius  9 Rich. Mawrdin   10 Alex. Clivedon   11 Will. Wallwine  Gules a Bend within a Bâ—…rder Ermine 12 Joh. Grendore mil. ut prius  HEN. V.   Anno   1 Will. Beauchamp Powkes  2 Joh. Berkley mil. ut prius  3 Joh. Grevel Campden Or on a Cross engrailed within the like border Sab. ten Annulets of the First with a Mullet of five poynts in the Dexter Quarter 4 Idem ut prius  5 Will. Tracy ut prius  6 Will. Bishopeston   7 Joh. Brugg arm ut prius  8 Joh. Willecots   9 Idem   HEN. VI.   Anno   1 Joh. Panfote  Gules 3 Lions Rampant Arg. 2 Joh. Blacket mil.   3 Steph. Hatfild mil.   4 Joh. Grevil arm ut prius  5 Joh. Panfote ut prius  6 Guido Whittington ut prius  7 Rob. Andrew  Sab. a Saltire engrailed Ermin on a Chief Or 3. flower de lys of the First 8 Egidius Brigge *   9 Maur. Berkeley mil ut prius  10 Steph. Hatfield  * Arg. on a Cross Sab. a Leopards head Or. 11 Joh. Towerton   12 Cuido Whittington ut prius  13 Joh Panfote ut prius  4 Maur. Berkeley mil ut prius  15 Idem ut prius  16 Joh. Beauchamp m.   17 Will. Stafford Thornb Or a Cheveron Gules 18 Joh. Stourton mil.  Sable a Bend Or between 3.
the people thereabout if in point of Profit their tongues would not cross their hearts as this New-Forrest did Whereof hereafter Natural Commodities Red Deer Great store of these were lately in New Forrest so called because Newly made by K. William the Conqueror Otherwise ten years hence it will be six hundred years old Indeed as Augustus Câ—…sar is said to have said of Herod King of Judaea that it was better to be his Hog than his Childe So was it most true of that King William that it was better to have been his Stag than his Subject the one being by him spared and preserved the other ruined and destroyed Such was the Vastation he made of Townes in this County to make room for his game And it is worth our observing the opposition betwixt the Characters of K. EDGAR K. WILLIAM Templa Deo Templis Monachos Monachis dedit agros Templa adimit Divis fora Civibus arva Colonis And now was the South-West of this County made a Forest indeed if as an Antiquary hath observed a Forest be so called quia foris est because it is set open and abroad The Stags therein were stately creatures jealous revengeful insomuch that I have been credibly inform'd that a Stag unable for the present to master another who had taken his Hinde from him waited his opportunity till his enemy had weakned himself with his wantonness and then kill'd him Their Flesh may well be good whose very Horns are accounted Cordial Besides there is a concave in the neck of a green-headed Stag when above his first crossing wherein are many worms some 2. inches in length very useful in Physick and therefore carefully put up by Sir Theodore Mayerne and other skilful Physicians But I beleive there be few Stags now in New-Forest fewer Harts and not any Harts-Royal as escaping the chase of a King though in time there may be some again Hony Although this Countie affordeth not such Lakes of Honey as some Authors relate found in hollow Trees in Muscovy nor yieldeth Combes equal to that which Pliny reporteth seen in Germany eight foot long yet produceth it plenty of this necessary and profitable Commoditie Indeed Hantshire hath the worst and best Hony in England worst on the Heath hardly worth five pound the Barrel best in the Champian where the same quantity will well nigh be sold for twice as much And it is generally observed the finer the Wheat and Wooll both which very good in this County the purer the Hony of that place Hony is useful for many purposes especially that Hony which is the lowest in any Vessel For it is an old and true rule the best Oyle is in the top the best Wine in the middle and the best Hony in the bottome It openeth Obstructions cleareth the Breast and Lights from those humors which fall from the head loosneth the belly with many other soveraign qualities too many to be reckoned up in a Winters day However we may observe three degrees or kinds rather of Hony 1. Virgin Hony which is the purest of a late Swarm which never bred Bees 2. Chaste Hony for so I may term all the rest which is not Sophisticated with any addition 3. Harlot Hony as which is adulterated with Meal and other trash mingled therewith Of the first and second sort I understand the Counsel of Salomon My Sonne eat Hony for it is good good absolutely in the substance though there may be excess in the quantitie thereof Wax This is the Cask where Hony is the Liquour and being yellow by Nature is by Art made white red and green which I take to be the dearest colours especially when appendant on Parchment Wax is good by Day and by Night when it affordeth light for Sight the clearest for Smell the sweetest for Touch the cleanliest Useful in Law to seal Instruments and in Physick to mollifie Sinewes ripen and dissolve Ulcers c. Yea the Ground and Foundation of all Cere-cloath so called from Cera is made of Waxe Hoggs Hantshire Hoggs are allowed by all for the best Bacon being our English Westphalian and which well ordered hath deceived the most judicious Pallats Here the Swine feed in the Forrest on plenty of Acorns Mens meat in the golden Hogs food in this iron Age which going out lean return home fat without either care or cost of their Owners Nothing but fulness stinteth their feeding on the Mast falling from the Trees where also they lodge at liberty not pent up as in other places to stacks of Pease which some assign the reason of the fineness of their flesh which though not all Glorre where no bancks of lean can be seen for the Deluge of fat is no less delicious to the taste and more wholsome for the stomack Swines-flesh by the way is observed most nutritive of mens bodies because of its assimilation thereunto Yet was the eating thereof forbidden to the Jewes whereof this Reason may be rendred besides the absolute Will of the Law-giver because in hot countries Mens bodies are subject to the Meastes and Leprosies who have their greatest repast on Swines-flesh For the Climate of Canaan was all the year long as hot as England betwixt May and Michael-mass and it is penal for any Butchers with us in that Term to kill any Pork in the Publick Shambles As for the Manufacture of Clothing in this County diffused throughout the same such as deny the goodness of Hant-shire Cloath and have occasion to wear it will be convinced of its true worth by the price which they must pay for it The Buildings The Cathedral in Winchester yeildeth to none in England for venerable magnificence It could not be Opus unius saeculi perfected by the contributive endeavours of several successive Bishops whereof some lie most sumptuously interred in their Chappel-like-Monuments On the walls of the Quire on each side the dust of the Saxon-Kings and ancient Bishops of this Church were decently Intombed many hundred years after by Richard Fox Bishop of this See till in the beginning of our Civil Wars they were barbarously thrown down by the Souldiers Josephus reports what some hardly believe how Herod took many talents of Treasure out of the Sepulchre of David sure I am they met with no such wealth here in this Mine of Mortality amongst the ashes which did none any injurie and therefore why Malice should scratch out that which did not bite it is to me unknown As for Civil Structures Basing built by the first Marquess of Winchester was the greatest of any Subjects House in England yea larger than most Eagles have not the biggest Nests of all Birds of the Kings Palaces The Motto Love Loyaltie was often written in every window thereof and was well practised in it when for resistance on that account it was lately levelled to the Ground Next Basing Bramsell built by the last Lord Zouch in a bleak and barren place was a stately
Here a Spanish Merchants Daughter Mary de la Barrera by name fell in love with him and became his Wife worth to him in Barrs of Gold and Silver two Thousand five hundred Pounds besides Jewells of great price Returning into England he lived with great comfort and credit therein so that it may truly be said of him He had been unâ—…one if by the cruelty of his Enemies he had not been undone Writers LAMFRID of Winchester was bred a Benedictine therein Congregationis Giribenne saith my Authour wherein I am not ashamed to confess my ignorance Such his Learning in those Dayes that he got the general name of Doctor Eximius though his few works still extant answer not the proportion of so high a Title He flourished anno 980. WOLSTANUS of Winchester bred a Benedictine therein attained to the reputation of a great Scholar I listen attentively to the words of VV. Malmsbury who could ken a Learned man giving him this Caracter Vir fuit eruditus homo etiam bonae vitae castigatae eloquentiae But it seemeth his Eloquence was confined to Poetry my Author observing that Oratione soluta nunquam politè scripsit He flourished anno 1000. JOHN of HIDE was a Monk in the famous ABBY of Hide in the Suburbs of Winchester and became a competent Historian according to the rate of those times writing certain Homilies a Book of the Patience of Job and the Story of his own Convent He flourished anno 1284. JOHN of Basingstoak so called from a fair Market Town in this Coâ—…nty where he was born We have a double Demonstration of his signal worth first because Robert Grosthead that pious and learned Bishop who would not advance any thing which was under eminency preferred him Arch-deacon of Leicester secondly The Pens of Bale and Pitz diametrically opposite one to the other meet both in his commendation Being bred first in Oxford then in Paris thence he travailed into Athens Athens as yet was Athens not routed by Turkish Tyranny where he heard the Learned Lecturs of one Constantina a Noble Woman not fully Twenty Years old of the abstruse Mysteries of Nature Coming home he brought back many precious Books and had good skill in the Greek Tongue whereof he wrote a GRAMMAR and is justly reputed the first restorer thereof in England He was the Author of many worthy works and died Anno 1252. on whom M. Paris bestoweth this Eulogy Vir in trivio quatrivio ad plenum eruditus JOHN of HIDE was a Monk in the Famous Abby of Hide in the Suburbs of Winchester and became a competent Historian according to the rate of those times writing certain Homilies a book of the Patience of Job and the Story of his own Covent He flourished Anno 1284. WILLIAM ALTON a Native of a known Market-Town in this County was a Dominican or Preaching Frier famous even amongst Forreiners for his Sermons and sound judgement avouching the Virgin Mary tainted with Original Corruption He flourished Anno 1330. WILLIAM LILLIâ—… was born at Odiam a Market-Town in this County and travelled in his youth as far as Jerusalem In his return he stayed at Rhodes and studied Greek which will seem strange to some Rhodes not being Rhodes in that Age except casually some great Critick was there seeing otherwise to find Elegant in Modern Greek sowred with long continuance is as impossible as to draw good Wine out of a vessel of Vinegar Hence he went to Rome where he heard John Sulpitius and Pomponius Sabinus great Masters of Latine in those dayes After his Return Dean Collet made him the first Master of St. Pauls School which place he commendably discharged for 15. years Here he made his Latine Grammar which this great School-Master modestly submitted to the correction of Erasmus and therefore such who will not take it on the single bond of Lillie may trust on the security of Erasmus Some charge it for surfeiting with variety of examples who would have had him onely to set down the bare Rules as best for Childrens remembrance But they may know that such who learnt Grammar in Lillies time were not School-boyes but School-men I mean arrived at mens Estate Many since have altered and bettered his Grammar and amongst them my worthy Friend Dr. Charles Scarborough calculating his short clear and true Rules for the Meridian of his own son which in due time may serve for general use Our Lillie died of the plague and was buried in the Porch of Saint Pauls Anno Dom. 1522. Since the Reformation MICHAâ—… RENEGER was born in this County and bred Fellow in Magdalen-Colledge in Oxford where he gained great credit for his skill in Learning and Languages He wrote a Book in the Defence of Ministers marriage THOMAS STERNHOLD was born in this County and was afterwards a servant to King Henry the Eighth I find him a Legatee in his Will thus mentioned Item To THOMAS STERNHOLD Groome of our Robes a hundred Mark He was afterwards saith my Author ab intimo cubiculo to King Edward the Sixth Though I am not satisfied whether thereby he meant Gentleman of his Privie-Chamber or Groom of his Bed-Chamber He was a principal instrument of Translating of the Psalmes into English-Meeter The first twentie six and seven and thirty in all being by him performed Yet had he other assistance in that work Many a bitter scoffe hath since been past on their endeavours by some Wits which might have been better imployed Some have miscalled these their Translations Geneva Gigs and which is the worst Father or Mother rather the Expression on our Virgin Queen as falsly as other things have been charged upon her Some have not sticked to say that David hath been as much persecuted by bungling Translators as by Saul himself Some have made Libellous verses in abuse of them and no wonder if Songs were made on the Translators of the Psalms seeing Drunkards made them on David the Author thereof But let these Translations be beheld by unpartial eyes and they will be allowed to go in Equipage with the best Poems in that age However it were to be wisht that some bald Rimes therein were bettered till which time such as sing them must endeavour to amend them by singing them with Understanding heads and Gratious hearts whereby that which is but bad Meter on Earth will be made good Musick in Heaven As for our Thomas Sternhold it was happy for him that he died before his good Master Anno 1549. in the moneth of August So probably preventing much persecution which would have hapned unto him if surviving in the Reign of Queen Mary DAVID WHITEHEAD where born to me unknown is here placed Because I find a worshipful and ancient Family of his Name in this County He was bred a Batchelour of Divinity in Oxford and flying into Germany in the Reign of Queen Mary was in high esteem at Franckford
c. Which many think meerly made by a conceited Brain on design to puzzle Intellects to create sense by their Ingenuity and Industry which was never intended therein For I am clearly of his opinion who said Qui ea scribit legi quae non vult intelligi debet negligi I have nothing else to observe of this Richard White save that after he had successively married two Wives He was made a Priest by the special dispensation of Pope Clement the eight and that he was alive at Doway 1611. JOHN PITS was born in this County nigh the Market Town of Aulton witness his words in Vicinio cujus Oppidi natus sum ego Son he was to Henry Pits and Elizabeth his Wife Sister to Nicholas Sanders It is hard to say whether his hands took more pains in writing or feet in travelling if the List of his Laborious Life be perused whereby he will appear a very aged person At 11. years of Age he went to the school of Winchester 11 Seven years he staid there until chosen unto New-Colledge 18 Two years he lived in Oxford and then went beyond the Seas 20 One year he stayed and studied in the Colledge of Rhemes 21 Thence going to Rome he lived 7. years there in the English-Colledge and was ordained Priest 28 Returning to Rhemes two yeares he there taught Rhetorick and Greek 30 Then lived in Lorrain and in Triers two years 32 Three years at Ingolstad in Bavaria where he was made D. D. 35 Made Canon of Verdun in Lorrain and lived there two years 37 Then for twelve years he was Confessor to the Dutches of Cleve 49 Here he wrote many Volumes of several Subjects one of the Apostolical men another of the Kings and Bishops in England but because he survived not to see them set forth He was as good as his word mecum morientur sepelientur with him they died and were buried Onely that his book is brought to light which is Intituled de Illustribus Angliae Scriptoribus a Subject formerly handled by many so that some stick not to say J. Leland is the industrious BEE working all J. Bale is the angry WASP stinging  J. Pits is the idle DRONE stealing  For my part I have made much use of his endeavours to help me with many Writers especially with such English Papists as have been since the Reformation Nor will I pay him with rayling from whose pen I have borrowed much information Some wonder at his invectiveness I wonder more that he inveigheth so little and seeing he was sisters son to blackmouth'd Sanders it is much that he doth not more Avunculize in his bitterness against Protestants After the death of Anthonia Dutches of Cleve he returned the third time into Lorrain where the Bishop of Toul who formerly had been his Scholar gave him the Deanary of Liverdune a place of good credit and revenue where quietly he reposed himself for the remainder of his life for many years and dying Anno 1616. was there buried Benefactors to the Publick Besides Bishop Wickham of whom before who alone may pass for Ten I meet with none of grand remark before the Reformation since it besides many of meaner note I find Two of signal Charity Sir WILLIAM DODDINGTON Knight High Sheriffe of this County in the Third of King James kept a bountiful House at Bremer therein Succeeding to an unexpected Estate he had the words of David frequent in his mouth What am I or what is my Fathers House that thou hast brought me hitherto Having a godly jealousie that some former Dysasters in his Family had been caused by Gods displeasure on his Ancestors for holding so many Impropriations he freely and fully restored them to the Church setling them as firmly as Law could devise to a greater yearly value than many will believe or any imitate Yet was he a man of Mourning or son of Affliction all the dayes of his life No sooner had he seen Herbert his eldest son a most hopeful Gentleman married to a considerable Co-heir in Somer set-shire but he beheld him snatcht away by an untimely death What Tragedies have since happened in his household is generally known All these he bare with Saint-like Patience hearing the Rod that is understanding and obeying it and him who appointed it In a word God the skilful Lapidary polished him with sharp Instruments that he then did glister as a Pearle here who now shineth as a Starre in Heaven He died about the year of our Lord 1638. JOSEPH DIGGONS Esquire was of Dutch extraction whose Father was a Sea-man of Trinity-House but had his longest Habitation in this County in a house of his own building at Whetham in the Parish of Lisse He was bred a Fellow-Commoner of Clare-hall in Cambridge and afterwards became a Barrester in the Temple By his Will he gave to Clare hall where none knew his Face nor remembred his Name save the Worthy Master Dr. Pask all his Estate in Land of very improveable Rents to the Value of One Hundred and Thirty Pounds per annum for the founding of Fellowships and Scholarships at the discretion of the Master and Fellows He made Mr. Pickering an Attourney of Clements-Inn living at Oldham in this County an Overseer of his Will who faithfully gave the Colledge notice thereof and was very usefull and assistant to them in the settling of the Lands aforesaid Mr. Diggons died anno 1658. Memorable Persons We must not forget ONE better known to me by his Invention than his Name who dwelling at Stockbridge in this County made so artificial a Plough that by the help of Engins and some Contrivances it might be drawn by Doggs and managed by one Man who would plough in one day well nigh an Acre of the Light Ground in this County This Plough I saw some thirty Years since at Stockbridge aforesaid But the â—…roject was not taking beheld rather as pretty than profitable though in the judgment of Wise Men this Groundwork might have been built upon and Invention much improved by the skilfull in Mathematicks For I have heard that some Polititians are back Friends how justly I know not to such Projects which if accomplish'd invite the Land to a Losse the fewer Poor being thereby set awork that being the best way of Tillage which imployeth most about it to keep them from stealing and starving So that it would not be beneficiall to State might a Plough be drawn by Butterflies as which would draw the greater Burden on the Common wealth to devise other wayes for the Maintenance of the Poor The mentioning of these plow 〈◊〉 Doggs mindeth me one Rarity attracteth another of other Doggs in this County more usefull for the Common-wealth meeting with this Passage in a * Modern Authour It is reported that about Portsmouth is a Race of small Doggs like Beagles that they use their to hunt Moles which they hunt as their proper natural Game If this be true
and Gaping Chincks the Heraulds of its downfall deeming with my self that I discovered as Physicians in our Bodies do cadaverosam faciem ruinosam therein But it rejoyced me when coming there this last year to find it so well amended by the soveraign medicine of Gold or Silver charitably applyed by its good Bishop I wish all Cathedrals in England sick of the same distemper as quick and happy a recovery HARTFORD-SHIRE is so called from Hartford the chief Town therein as Hartford so termed from the Ford of Harts a Hart Couchant in the waters being the Armes thereof Which convinceth me that HART not HERTFORD-SHIRE is the Orthography of this County It hath Essex on the East Middlesex on the South Buckingham shire on the West Bedford and Cambridge shire on the North thereof It might be allowed a Square of 20. miles save that the Angular Insinuations of other Counties prejudice the Entireness thereof I have been informed from an ancient â—…stice therein that one cannot be so advantagiously placed in any part of this Shire but that he may recover another County within the riding of five miles It is the garden of England for delight and men commonly say that such who buy a house in Hartfordshire pay two years purchase for the aire thereof It falls short in Fruitfulness of ESSEX adjoyning thereunto to which it was also annexed under one Sheriff and one Eschetor till after the Reign of King Edward the Third And Paynfull Norden writes a bold Truth For deep feedings or Sheep pastures I take notice of few and those especially about Knebworth To speak of the Soyle as indeed it is most generally for my part I take it but a barren Countrey in respect of some other Shires Indeed this Forrestie-Ground would willingly bear nothing so well as a Crop of Wood. But seeing Custome is another Nature it hath for many years been contented to bring forth good Grain perswaded thereunto by the Industrious Husbandman Surely no County can shew so fair a Bunch of Berries for so they term the fair Habitations of Gentlemen of remark which are called Places Courts Halls and Mannors in other Shires This County affording no peculiar Commodity nor Manufacture We may safely proceed to other Observations when first we have given the due commendation to the Horses of this Shire Their Teames of Horses oft times deservedly advanced from the Cart to the Coach are kept in excellent equipage much alike in colour and stature fat and fair such is their care in dressing and well-feeding them I could name the place and person Reader be not offended with an innocent digression who brought his servant with a Warrant before a Justice of Peace for stealing his grain The man brought his five horses tailed together along with him alledging for himself That if he were the Theefe these were the Receivers and so escaped The Buildings THEOBALDS did carry away the credit built by Sir William beautified by Sir Robert Cecil his Son both Lord Treasurers of England The last exchanged it too wise to do it to his Losse with King James for Hatfield-house which King deceased therein March 27. 1625. Yea This House may be said to decease about its grand Climacterical some sixty three years from the finishing thereof taken down to the ground for the better partage among the Soldiery Anno 1651. and from the seat of a Monarch is now become a little Common-wealth so many intire Tenements like Splinters have flown out of the Materials thereof Thus our Fathers saw it built we behold it unbuilt and whether our Children shall see it re-built he only knows who hath written There is a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together Hatfield-house was first the Bishops of Ely then the Kings afterwards by exchange the Earls of Salisbury For Situation Building Contrivance Prospect Air and all accommodations inferiour to none in England Within a little mile thereof lyeth a place called the Vineyard where nature by the Midwifery of Art is delivered of much pleasure So that the Reader must be a Seer before he can understand the perfection thereof Had this place been in Graecia or nigh Rome where the luxuriant fancies of the Poets being subject-bound improve a Tree into a Grove a Grove into a Forrest a Brook into a River and a Pond into a Lake I say had this Vineyard been there it had disinherited Tempe of its honour and hence the Poets would have dated all their delights as from a Little Paradise and Staple-place of earthly pleasure Medicinal Waters One hath lately been discovered neer Barnet in a Common as generally sanative springs are found in such places as if nature therein intimated her intention designing them for publique profit not private employment it is conceived to run thorough veines of Alome by the taste thereof It coagulateth milk and the curd thereof is an excellent plaister for any green wounds besides several other operations But as Alexander was wont to applaud Achilles not as the most valiant but the most fortunate of men having Homer to trumpet forth his actions so are these waters much advantaged with the vicinitie of London whose Citizens proclame the praise thereof And indeed London in this kind is stately attended having three Medicinal Waters within one dayes Journy thereof The Catalogue of the Cures done by this Spring amounteth to a great number in so much that there is hope in process of time the Water rising here will repaire the blood shed hard by and save as many lives as were lost in the fatal Battel at Barnet betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster Hartford-shire Proverbs HARTFORD-SHIRE Clubs and clouted shoon Some will wonder how this Shire lying so near to London the Staple of English Civilitie should be guiltie of so much Rusticalness But the finest Cloth must have a List and the pure Pesants are of as course a thread in this County as in any other place Yet though some may smile at their clownishness let none laugh at their Industry the rather because the high-shoon of the Tenant payes for the Spanish-Leather-Boots of the Landlord HARTFORD-SHIRE Hedge-Hogs Plenty of Hedge-Hogs are found in this High woodland-County where too often they suck the Kine though the Dayry-maid conne them small thanks for sparing their pains in milking them A creature alwayes in his posture of defence carrying a Stand of Pikes on his back so that if as well victualled as armed he may hold out a seige against any equal opposition If this Proverb containeth any further reflection on the People in this County as therein taxed for covetousness and their constant nudling on the Earth I will not so understand it as hoping and believing this to be a false Application WARE and WADES-Mill are worth all LONDON This I assure you is a Master-piece of the Vulgar wits in this County wherewith they endeavour to amuse Travellers as if WARE a thorough-fare-Market and
preferred rather to be Adrian the fourth then Nicholas the third He held his place four years eight moneths and eight and twenty dayes and Anno 1158. as he was drinking was choakt with a Fly Which in the large Territory of St. Peters patrimony had no place but his Throat to get into But since a Flye stopt his Breath fear shall stop my Mouth not to make uncharitable Conclusions from such Casualties Cardinal BOSO confessed by all an English-man is not placed in this County out of any certainty but of pure Charity not knowing where elswhere with any Probability to dispose him But seeing he was Nephew to the late named Nicholas or Pope Adrian we have some shadow and pretence to make him of the same County This is sure his Unckle made him Cardinal in the Moneth of December 1155. and he was a great Change-Church in Rome being successively 1. Cardinal Deacon of Sts. Cosma Damiam 2. Cardinal Priest of St. Crosses of Jerusalem 3. Cardin. Pr. of St. Prudentiana 4. Cardin. Pr. of Pastor He was more than Instrumental in making Alexander the third Pope with the suffrages of 19. Cardinals who at last clearly carried it against his Anti-Pope Victor the fourth This Boso dyed Anno Dom. 1180. Prelates RICHARD de WARE for this is his true name as appears in his Epitaph though some pretending his honour but prejudicing the Truth thereby sirname him Warren He was made Abbot of Westminster 1260 and twenty years after Treasurer of England under King Edward the first This Richard going to Rome brought thence certain Work-men and rich Purphury And for the rest hear my Author By whom and whereof he made the rare Pavement to be seen at Westminster before the Communion Table containing the Discourse of the whole World which is at this day most Beautiful a thing of that Singularity Curiousnesse and Rarenesse that England hath not the like again See Readers what an Enemy Ignorance is to Art How often have I trampled on that Pavement so far from admiring as not observing it And since upon serious Survey it will not in my Eyes answer this Character of Curiosity However I will not add malice to my Ignorance qualities which too often are Companions to disparage what I do not understand but I take it on the trust of others more skilful for a Master-peece of Art This Richard dyed on the second of December 1283 the 12. of King Edward the first and lyeth buryed under the foresaid Pavement RALPH BALDOCK So called from the Place of his Nativity A MoungrelMarket in this County was bred in Merton Colledge in Oxford One not unlearned and who wrote an History of England which Leland at London did once behold King Edward the first much prised and preferred him Bishop of London He gave two hundred pounds whilst living and left more when dead to repair the East part of St. Pauls on the same token that upon occasion of clearing the Foundation an incredible number of Heads of Oxen were found buried in the Ground alledged as an argument by some to prove That anciently a Temple of Diana Such who object that heads of Stagges had been more proper for her the Goddesse of the Game may first satisfie us Whether any Creatures ferae Naturae as which they could not certainly compass at all seasons were usually offered for Sacrifices This Ralph dyed July the 24. 1313. Being buryed under a Marble Stone in St. Maries Chappel in his Cathedral JOHN BARNET had his Name and Nativity from a Market-Town in this County sufficiently known by the Road passing thorough it He was first by the Pope preferred 1361. to be Bishop of Worcester and afterwards was translated to Bath and Wells Say not this was a Retrograde motion and Barnet degraded in point of profit by such a Removal For though Worcester is the better Bishoprick in our age in those dayes Bath and Wells before the Revenues thereof were reformed under King Edward the sixth was the richer preferment Hence he was translated to Ely and for 6. years was Lord Treasurer of England He dyed at Bishops Hatfield June 7. 1373. and was buried there on the South-fide of the high Altar under a Monument now miserably defaced by some Sacrilegious Executioner who hath beheaded the Statue lying thereon THOMAS RUDBURNE no doubt according to the fashion of those dayes took his Name from Rudburne a Village within four miles from St. Albans He was bred in Oxford and Proctor thereof Anno 1402. and Chancellour 1420. An excellent Scholar and skilful Mathematician of a meek and mild temper though at one time a little tart against the Wic-livites which procured him much love with great persons He was Warden of Merton Colledge in Oxford and built the Tower over the Colledge Gate He wrote a Chronicle of England and was preferred Bishop of St. Davids He flourished Anno Domini 1419. though the date of his Death be unknown Reader I cannot satisfie my self that any Bishop since the Reformation was a Native of this County and therefore proceed to another Subject Statesmen Sir EDVVARD WATERHOUSE Knight was born at Helmsted-bury in this County of an ancient and worshipful Family deriving their discent lineally from Sir Gilbert VVaterhouse of Kyrton in Low Lindsey in the County of Lincoln in the time of King Henry the third As for our Sir Edward his Parents were John Waterhouse Esquire a man of much fidelity and Sageness Auditor many years to King Henry the Eighth of whom he obtained after a great entertainment for him in his house the grant of a Weekly Market for the Town of Helmsted Margaret Turner of the ancient house of Blunts-Hall in Suffolk and Cannons in Hartfordshire The King at his Departure honoured the Children of the said John Waterhouse being brought before him with his praise and encouragement gave a Benjamins portion of Dignation to this Edward foretelling by his Royal Augury That he would be the Crown of them all and a man of great Honour and Wisdome fit for the Service of Princes It pleased God afterwards to second the word of the King so that the sprouts of his hopeful youth only pointed at the growth and greatness of his honourable age For being but twelve years old he went to Oxford where for some years he glistered in the Oratorick and Poëtick Sphear until he addicted himself to conversation and observance of State affairs wherein his great proficiency commended him to the favour of three principal patrons One was Walter Devereux Earl of Essex who made him his bosome-friend and the said Earl lying on his death-bed took his leave of him with many kisses Oh my Ned said he farewell thou art the faithfullest and friendliest Gentleman that ever I knew In testimony of his true affection to the dead Father in his living Son this Gentleman is thought to have penned that most judicious and elegant Epistle recorded in Holinsheds History pag.
with the stones It fixeth no fault in the Fruit the Expression being merely Metaphorical wherein the folly of such is taxed who associate themselves equal in expence with others in higher dignity and estate till they be loosers at last and well laughed at for their pains Saint-Foine SAINT-FOINE or Holy-hay Superstition may seem in the name but I assure you there is nothing but good husbandry in the sowing thereof as being found to be a great Fertilizer of Barren-ground It is otherwise called Polygala which I may English much Milk as causing the Cattle to give abundance thereof Some call it the small clover Grass and it prospereth best in the worst ground It was first fetcht out of France from about Paris and since is sown in divers places in England but especially in Cobham-Park in this County where it thriveth extraordinary well on dry chalky banks where nothing else will grow If it prospereth not equally in other dry places it is justly to be imputed to some errour in the managing thereof as that the ground was not well prepared or made fine enough that the seed was too sparing or else old and decayed that cattle cropt it the first year c. It will last but seven years by which time the native grasse of England will prevail over this Foreigner if it be not sown again Trouts We have treated of this Fish before and confesse this repetition had been a breach of the Fundamental Laws premised to this Book were it not also an addition Kent affording Trouts at a Town called Forditch nigh Canterbury differing from all others in many considerables 1. Greatness many of them being in bignesse near to a Salmon 2. Colour cutting white as others do red when best in season 3. Cunning onely one of them being ever caught with an Angle whereas other Trouts are easily tickled into taking and flaâ—…tered into their destruction 4. Abode remaining nine moneths in the Sea and three in the fresh water They observe their coming up thereinto almost to a day and the men of Forditch observe them as exactly whom they catch with nets and other devices Weld or Wold Know Reader that I borrow my Orthographie hereof if it be so from the Dyers themselves This is a little seed sown in this County some fourty years since when first it was brought into England with Barley the growth whereof it doth not hinder in any degree For when the barley is mowed down in Harvest then this Weld or Wold first peeps out of the Earth where it groweth till the May following when it is gathered And thus Husband-men with one sowing reap two Crops yet so as it taketh up their ground for two years The use hereof is for the dying of the best Yellow It hath some times been so low as at four pounds a Load which containeth fifteen hundred weight and somtimes so dear that it was worth fifteen pounds betwixt which prices it hath its constant motion and now is in the Aequator betwixt both worth seven pounds ten shillings It was first sown in this County and since in Northfolk and in other places Madder This is very useful for Dyers for making of Redds and Violets It is a Weed whose root onely is useful for dying whilest the leaves only of Woade are serviceable for that purpose and there are three kinds thereof 1. Crop-Madder worth betwixt 4. and 5. l. the hundred 1. Umber-Owe  betwixt 3. and 4. l.  3. Pipe or Fat-Madder  about 1. l. 10. s.  Some two years since this was sown by Sir Nicholas Crispe at Debtford I hope will have good success first because it groweth in Zeland in the same if not a more Northern Latitude Secondly because wild-Madder growes here in abundance and why may not Tame Madder if Cicurated by Art Lastly because as good as any grew some thirty years since at Barn-Elms in Surrey though it quit not Cost through some Error in the first Planter thereof which now we hope will be rectified Flaxe I am informed by such who should know that no County in England sends better or more to London Yet doth not our whole Land afford the tenth part of what is spent therein so that we are fain to fetch it from Flanders France yea as far as Aegypt it selfe It may seem strange that our Soile kindlie for that seed the use whereof and profit thereby so great yet so little care is taken for the planting thereof which well husbanded would find linen for the rich and living for the poor Many would never be indicted Spinsters were they Spinsters indeed nor come to so publick and shameful punishments if painfully imployed in that Vocation When a Spider is found upon our clothes we use to say some money is coming towards us The Moral is this such who imitate the industry of that contemptible creature which taketh hold with her hands and is in Kings Palaces may by Gods blessing weave themselves into wealth and procure a plentiful estate Manufactures Though clothing whereof we have spoken before be diffused through many Shires of England yet is it as vigorously applyed here as in any other place and Kentish cloth at the present keepeth up the credit thereof as high as ever before Thread I place this the last because the least of Manufactures Thread being counted a thing so inconsiderable Abraham said to the King of Sodom that he would take nothing from a Thread to a Shoe latchet That is nothing at all It seems this Hebrew Proverb surrounded the Universe beginning at a Thread a contemptible thing and after the incircling of all things more precious ended where it begun at a Shoe-latchet as mean as Thread in valuation But though one Thread be little worth many together prove useful and profitable and some thousand of pounds are sent yearly over out of England to buy that Commodity My Author telleth me that Thread is onely made I understand him out of London at Maidstone in this County where well nigh a hundred hands are imployed about it I believe a thousand might be occupied in the same work and many idle women who now onely spin Street-thread going tatling about with tales might procure if set at work a comfortable lively-hood thereby The Buildings The Cathedral of Rotchester is low and little proportional to the Revenews thereof Yet hath it though no Magnificence a venerable aspect of Antiquity therein The King hath besides other three fair Palaces in this Shire Greenwich with a pleasant medlay prospect of City Country Water and Land Eltham not altogether so wholsome and Otford which Arch-Bishop VVarham did so enlarge and adorne with Building that Cranmer his Successor was in some sort forced to exchange it with King Henry the Eighth on no gainful conditions To lesson the Clergy to content themselves with Decency without sumptuousness lest it awaken Envy and in fine they prove loosers thereby COBHAM the House of the late
A fright of his Mother is generally reported to have accelerated or rather antedated his nativity The Popish Priests belonging to the Queen stood ready watching to snatch the Royal Babe to their superstitious baptisme but the tender care of King Charles did out vigil their watchfullness commanding Doctor Web His next Chaplain in attendance to Christen it according to the Church of England This done within few houres he expired and lyes buried at Westminster Saints EALPHAGE born of good parentage had his education during his youth in Glocestershire then he became a Monk at Glastenbury But that place not sufficiently suiting the severity of his solitary soul removing thence he built himself a Hut at Bath which smal Cel in process of time the longest line proceedeth from a little point at first proved the beautiful Priory in that place Hence by Dunstan he was preferred Bishop of Winchester continuing therein twenty two years And at last became Bishop of Canterbury It happeneth that the cruel Danes seizing on that City put it under Decimation Start not loyal reader at the word if in the late Tyranny of the times thou thy self hast been against all right and reason Decimated in thy Purse as now the poor Citizens of Canterbury were in their Persons For the Danes under pretence of Tribute detained Saved the tenth part of the Citizens alive amounting unto eight hundred and four Destroyed the other nine parts no fewer than seven thousand two hundred thirty six As for Arch-Bishop Alphage they demanded of him a greater summe than he could pay or procure whose wealth consisted chieâ—…y in his Piety no currant Coin with the Pagan Danes So that after seven moneths imprisonment they barbarously murthered him near Greenwich about the year 1013. His Corps was first buried in Saint Pauls and then removed by the command of King Canutus to Canterbury Impudent Monks have almost as much wronged his memory as the Danes did his Person farcing his life with such abominable lies that thereby the very truth therein is rendred suspected AGELNOTH Son to Count Agelmar was a Calendred Saint in this County being Elected Archbishop of Canterbury from being Dean over the Canons in that Convent This is the first time I find the Dignity of Decanus or Dean in England so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ten having it seemeth at the first Inspection just over that Number though since an Heteroclite in England as either over fewer but Six in Norwich Bristol c. or many more in other Cathedrals He was so pious in his Life that he was commonly called the GOOD And here one may justly wonder God having two Grand Epithets OPTIMUS and MAXIMUS most give the former the go-by and strive onely for the latter to be the Greatest though Greatnesse without Goodnesse is both Destructive to him that hath it and Dangerous to all others about him Going to Rome to get his Pall from the Pope by him he was courteously entertained and deserved his welcome who gave him saith my Author for the Arm of Saint Augustine Bishop of Hippo one hundred Talents of Silver and one Talent of Gold citing Bishop Godwin for his author But indeed that Bishop though reporting the hundred Talents of Silver mentioneth not at all that of Gold Perchance Mr. Weaver had lately read still obversing his fancy how Pharaoh K. of Egypt having taken away King Jehoahash condemned the land in An Hundred Talents of Silver and A Talent of Gold and to me it is a double wonder First that this Archbishop would give Secondly that he could give living in a harraged Land wherein so much Misery and little Money so vast a sum However this mindeth me of a passage in Saint Augustine speaking of the Reliques of the deceased Si tamen Martyrum if so they be of Martyrs and let me chuse the words of this Father on this Father Si tamen Augustini If this were the arm of Saint Augustine and not of some other Ordinary not to say Infamous person Well were one as good a Mathematician as He who collected the Stature of Hercules from the length of his Foot it were easie to proportion the Price of Saint Augustines whole body from this valuation of his arme And now having so dearly bought it let him dispose thereof as he pleaseth and let no man grudge if he gave it to Coventry rather than Canterbury He expended much in repairing or rather renewing of his Cathedral of Canterbury lately destroyed by the Danes assisted therein by the bounty of King Canutus who at the instance and by the advice of this Prelate did many worthy works Our Agelnoth after he had set 17. years in his See died October 29. in the year 1038. Martyrs WILLIAM WHITE was born in this County and entering into Orders became a great maintainer of the Opinions of Wicliffe He was the first married Priest in England since the Popes solemn prohibition thereof I find Johan his wife commended for her modesty and patience and that she was conjux talidigna marito Indeed she shared very deep in her husbands sufferings hardly coming off with her life at the last For he though leaving his living as unsafe to hold still kept his calling and preached about all the Eastern parts of the Land The same mouth which commanded the Disciples in time of Peace Goe not from house to house so to avoid the censure of Levity advised them also when ye are persecuted in one City fly to another so to provide for their own security Such the constant practice of this W. VVhite who was as a Partridge dayly on the wing removing from place to place At last he was seised on at Norwich by VVilliam Alnwick the cruel Bishop thereof and charged with 30 Articles for which he was condemned and burnt at Norwich in September 1428. He was the Protomartyr of all born in this County and had not five before him in all England who suffered merely for Religion without any mixture of matter of State charged upon them As for MARIAN Martyrs we meet with many in this County though not to be charged on Cardinal Pool Arch-bishop of Canterbury further then his bare permission thereof It is observed of Bears that they love to kill their own Prey and except forced by Famine will not feed on what was dead before Such a Bear was bloody Bonner who was all for the quick and not for the dead whilest clean contrary Cardinal Pool let the living alone and vented his spleen onely on the dead whom he could wrong but not hurt burning the bones of Martin Bucer and Paulus Phagius at Cambridge Such Martyrs therefore as suffered in this Shire were either by the cruelty of Griffin Bishop of Rochester or of Thornton Suffragan of Dover Confessors SIMON FISH Esquire was born in this County bred a Lawyer in Graies-Inn London Here he acted that part in a Tragedy wherein the pride
of Cardinal Wolsey was personated and wherewith that Prelate was so offended that Fish was fain to fly and live two years beyond the Seas There he made and thence sent over into England a small but sharp Treatise called The Supplication of Beggars termed by Master Fox a Libel understand him a little Book Otherwise prizing and praising it for a Master-piece of Wit-learning and Religion discovering the Superstition of that age This by Queen Anna Bollen was presented to King Henry the Eighth who therewith was so highly affected that he sent for the Author home and favoured him in great proportion However many nets were laid by the Popish party against him especially by Sir Thomas More his implacable Enemy yet Fish had the happinesse to escape the hands of Men and to fall into the hand of God more immediately Dying of the Plague 1531. and lieth buried at St. Dunstan in London Sir JAM HALES was born did live was richly landed in this county one of the Justices of the Common-Pleas a man of most signal Integrity When the rest of the Judges frighted at the frowns of the Duke of Northumberland subscribed the disinheriting of the Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth he onely refused as against both Law and Conscience Yet afterwards in the first of Queen Mary he fell into the displeasure of Bishop Gardiner which like Juniper coals once kindled hardly quenched for urging the observation of some Lawes of King Edward the Sixth For this he was imprisoned hardly used and so threatned by his Keeper that he endeavoured to have killed himself which being after let at liberty he afterwards effected drowning himself in a small water near his house fear and melancholly so much prevailing upon him Mr. Fox concludeth the sad Poem of his final estate with this Distich Cū nihil ipse vides propria quin labe laboret Tu tua fac cures caetera mitte Deo Seing nought thou ◅eest but faling in the best Mind thy own matters leave God the rest We must look on his foul Deed with anger and yet with pity on the doer thereof Frown on the one and weep for the other For seeing he had led a right godly life and had suffered so much on the account of his Conscience I hope that his station in this place will not be cavilled at by any charitable persons He died Anno Dom. 1555. Cardinals JOHN KEMP son to Thomas Grand-child to Sir John Kemp Nephew to Sir Roger Kemp both Knights was born at Wie in this County where he built a fair Colledge for Seculars bred also in Merton Colledge in Oxford successively Bishop of Rochester Chichester and London afterwards Arch-Bishop of York and Canterbury Cardinal first by the Title of Saint Balbine then of Saint Rufine in Rome all his preferments are comprehended in the old following verse Bis Primas ter Praesul erat ◅is Cardine functus He had another honour to make up the Distich being twice Lord Chancellour of England so that I may add Et dixit Legem bis Cancellari us Anglis Such are mistaken who report him the first raiser of his Family to a Knightly degree which he found in that Equipage as is aforesaid though he left it much improved in Estate by his bounty and some of his name and bloud flourish in Kent at this day He died a very old man March the 22. Anno 1453. RICHARD CLIFFORD His Nativity may bear some debate Herefordshire pretending unto him But because Robert Clifford was his brother in the first of King Henry the Fourth High Sheriff of this County and richly landed therein I adjudge him a Cantian and assign Bobbing as the most probable place of his birth His worth preferred him Bishop of London 1407. and he was sent by King Henry the Fourth as his Embassadour to the Council of Constance I could hold my hand from ranking him under the Topick of Cardinals confident that no ingenious person would take exception thereat For first he was one in Merit and Desert Secondly in general Desire and Designation Thirdly though no actual Cardinal he acted as a Cardinal when joyned to their Conclave to see fair play amongst them at the choosing of a new Pope Yea some mentioned him for the place who counting it more credit to make than be a Pope first nominated Cardinal Columna and he clearly carried it by the name of Martin During his abode at Constance he preached a Latine Sermon before the Emperour and Pope He answered his name de clivo forti or of the strong Rock indeed viz. Davids being a most pious person returning home he lived in good esteem with Prince and People until his death which happened 1421. being buried nigh the present Monument of Sr. Christopher Hatton Prelates RALPH of MAYDENSTAN I presume this the ancient Orthography of Maydston a noted Town in this County the rather because I met with no other place in England offering in sound or syllables thereunto An Author giveth him this short but thick commendation Vir magnae literaturae in Theologia Nominatissimus Insomuch that in the Reign of King Henry the Third 1234. He was preferred Bishop of Hereford This Prelate bought of one Mount-hault a Noble-man a fair house in and the Patronage of St. Mary Mount-hault commonly but corruptly called Mount-haw in London leaving both to his successours in the See of Hereford Know Reader that all English Bishops in that age had Palaces in London for their conveniency wherein they resided and kept great Hospitality during their attendance in Parliament Now although the School-men generally hold that Episcopacy is Apex consummatae Religionis then which Nihil amplius Nothing higher or holyer in this life and though many Friers have been preferred Bishops as a progressive motion both in Dignity and Sanctity Yet our Ralph was of a different judgement herein This made him in the year 1239. turn his Miter into a Coule and become a Franciscan first at Oxford then at Glocester where he died about the year 1244. HENRY de WINGHAM a well known Town in this County was by K. Henry the Third preferred Chancellour both of England and Gascony Dean both of Totten-Hall quaere where this place is and Saint Martins and twice Embassadour into France It happened that one Ethelmar wom-brother to King Henry the Third was then Bishop of Winchester A person who properly comes not under my pen First for his Foreign nativity Secondly so much as he was English he was an UNWORTHY wanting Age Ability and Orders to qualifie him in that place Hereupon the Monks of Winchester indeavouring to eject him chose Wingham a man of Merit and Might in the Court to be their Bishop which honour he wisely refused fearing to incur the Kings displeasure It was not long before his Modesty and Discretion were rewarded with a peaceable in sted of that litigious Bishoprick when chosen to London 1259. But he enjoyed his See
not full two years dying July 13. 1261. And was buried in his own Cathedral HENRY of SANDWICH Archdeacon of Oxford was consecrated Bishop of London 1263. He took part with the seditious Barons against King Henry the Third for which he was deservedly excommunicated by Othobon the Popes Legate Going to Rome it cost him well nigh an Apprenticeship of Patience dancing attendance almost seven years before he could gain his Absolution Which obtained he returned home and dying September 16. 1273. was buried in his own Church of St. Pauls RICHARD of GRAVES-END Arch Deacon of Northampton was after Fulk Lovel had freely refused it Consecrated at Coventry Bishop of London Anno 1282. He was the first Founder of a Covent of Carmelites at Maldon in Essex and dying at Fulham 1303. was buried in his own Cathedral SIMON MEPHAM was born at Mepham in this County He was bred in Merton-Golledge in Oxford he was a good Scholar as those dayes went chosen by the Monk of Cant. approved by King Edward the Third and consecrated by the command of the Pope Archbishop of Cant. He is only Famous for two things his expensive suit with the Moncks of Canterbury wherein at last he got the better though it cost seven hundred pounds in the Court of Rome Secondly his magnificent Visitation in person of the Dioceses South of Thames till he was resisted by Grandison Bishop of Exeter This affâ—…ont did half break Mephams heart and the Pope siding with the Bishop against him brake the other half thereof hastning his death which happened Anno Dommini 1333. HAYMO of HITHE was born therein a small Town on the Sea-side Hithe in old English signifying a Landing place as Queen-Hithe Garlick-Hithe c. in London He was made Bishop of Rochester in the Twelfth of King Edward the Secondto whom he was Confessour I believe him Owner of good temporal means First because he made so much building on a mean Bishoprick erecting the great Hall and fair Frontispice at his Palace in Halling and repairing all the rooms thereof not forgeting the Town of his Nativity where he erected and endowed the Hospital of Saint Bartholomew for ten poor people Secondly because in his old age he lived on his own Estate resigning his Bishoprick which the charitable conceive done not out of Discontent but Defire of retirement to compose himself the better for his Dissolution which happened about the year 1355. JOHN of SHEPEY Prior of Rochester succeeded Haymo aforesaid in the same See and for some time was Treasurer of England His death happened Anno Domini 1360. WILLIAM READ I place him in this County with confidence having clearly conquered all suspicions to the contrary First because of his Name then flourishing at Read in Marden in this County Secondly because the Provost-place of WinghamColledge therein was his first publick preferment To which I may adde that he was bred Fellow of Merton-Colledge abounding with Cantians since a Bishop in Kent was Founder thereof and he merited much of that Foundation not onely building a fair Library therein but furnishing it with books and Astronomical Tables of his own making which they say are still to be seen therein with his lively picture inserted In his reduced age he applied himself to Divinity and by King Edward the Third was preferred Bishop of Chichester Retaining his Mathematical Impressions he commendably expressed them in Architecture erecting a Castle Egregii operis saith my Author at Amberley in Sussex His death happened Anno Dom. 1385. THOMAS KEMP brothers son to John Kemp Archbishop of Canterbury was born of a Knightly Family in this County bred in Oxford whereof he became Proctor Anno 1437. By Papal provision he was made Bishop of London Consecrated by his Uncle at York-House now White-Hall and sate in his See fourty years from the Twenty eighth of Henry the Sixth till the Fifth of Henry the Seventh so that he saw the wars between Lancaster and York begun continued concluded and the two Roses tied together in one Royâ—…l Posie I know not whether his benefactions were adequate to his long possessing of so wealthy a place finding him to have curiously arched and leaded the Divinitie Schools in Oxford and built the Crosse nigh the Church of St. Pauls as it stood in our memories but lately demolished though guilty of no other Superstition save accommodating the Preacher and some about him with convenient places Me thinks though Idle Crosses standing onely for shew were published for offenders this usefull one which did such service might have been spared but all is Fish which comes to the Net of Sacriledge This Bishop died Anno Dom. 1489. JAMES GOLDWELL was born at Great Chart in this County bred in All-Souls-Colledge in Oxford promoted first to be Dean of Salisbury and Secretary to King Edward the Fourth and at last made Bishop of Norwich He not onely repaired the Church at Great Chart where he was born but also founded a Chappel on the South-side thereof where his picture is in the East-window with his Rebus viz. a GoldenWell in every Quarry of the same He died Anno Dom. 1498. THOMAS GOLDWELL was born at Goldwell in the Parish of Great Chart in this County where his Family had long flourished till lately alienated He was by Queen Mary preferred Bishop of Saint Davids and as a Volunteer quitted the Land in the First of Queen Elizabeth Going to Rome he made a deal of do to do just nothing prevailing by much importunity with the Pope to procure large Indulgencies for such who superstitiously were in Pilgrimage to and offered at the Well of Saint Winifrid in his Diocesse The obscurity of his death denieth us the exact date thereof Reader I am sensible how imperfect my list is of the Bishops in this County The rather because I have heard from my worthy friend and excellent Historian Mr. Fisher Fellow of Merton-Col that this his native shire of Kent had twelve Bishops at one time whilst I can hardly make up twelve Bishops at all times before the Reformation But my defects will be perfectly supplyed by such who shall Topographically treat of this subject in relation to this County alone Since the Reformation JOHN POYNET was born in this County bred say some in Kings-Colledge in Cambridge Sure I am he was none of the Foundation therein because not appearing in Master Hatcher his exact Manuscript Catalogue a Bale is rather to be believed herein making him to be brought up in Queens Colledge in the same University But where ever he had his Education he arrived at admirable Learning being an exact Grecian and most expert Mathematician He presented King Henry the 8. with a Horologium which I might English Dial Clock or watch save that it is epitheted Sciotericum observing the shadow of the Sun and therein shewing not only the hours but dayes of the Month change of the Moon ebbing and flowing
opinion which entred into the World with great disadvantages For first none will be acquainted with strangers at the first sight as persons generally suspected as if to be unknown were part of being guilty Secondly the Grandees of this Profession were of the opposite judgement heavy enough without any Argument to overlay and so to stifle any Infant opinion by their Authority But Truth though it may be questioned for a Vagrant carrieth a Passport along with it for its own vindication Such have since shaken friendly hands with Doctor Harvey which at first tilted Pens against him And amongst the rest Riolanus that learned Physician if not Ambabus ulnis with one Arm at the least doth embrace his opinion and partly consent thereunto This Doctor though living a Batchelor may be said to have left three hopeful Sons to posterity his Books 1. De circulatione sanguinis which I may call his Son and Heir the Doctor living to see it at full age and generally received 2. De generatione as yet in its minority but I assure you growing up apace into publick credit 3. De Ovo as yet in the nonage thereof but infants may be men in due time It must not be forgotten that this Doctor had made a good progresse to lay down a Practice of Physick conformable to his Thesis of the Circulation of Blood but was plundered of his Papers in our Civil War Unhappy dissentions which not onely murdered many then alive but may be said by this call it mischief or mischante to have destroyed more not yet born whose Diseases might have been either prevented or removed if his worthy pains had come forth into the Publick And I charitably presume that grateful posterity will acknowledge the improvements of this opinion as Superstructures on his Foundation and thankfully pay the fruit to his memory who watered planted not to say made the root of this discovery He hath since been a second Linaore and great Benefactor to the Colledge of Physicians in London where his Statue stands with this Inscription GULIELMO HARVEO VIRO Monumentis suis immortali Hoc insuper Coll. Med. London posuit Qui enim Sanguin motum Ut Animal ortum dedit Meruit esse Stator perpetuus He died in the eightieth year of his Age June 3. Anno Dom. 1657. Writers JOHN of KENT so called because born in this County after he had studied at home with good proficiency went over into France where he became Canon in the Church of Saint Maries in Angiers But afterwards being weary of worldly wealth he quitted that place and turned a Franciscan Fryer and by Pope Innocent the fourth he was sent a joynt Legate into England He flourished in the year of our Lord 1248. HAIMO of FEVERSHAM both had his first breath at and fetched his name from Feversham in this County When a man he left the land and repairing to Paris applied his studies so effectually that Leland saith he was inter Aristotelicos Aristotelissimus He became a Franciscan in the Church of Saint Dennis it self and returning into England was elected Provincial of his Order Afterwards he was called to reside in Rome for his advice where quitting his Provincialship to his Successor he was chosen General of the Franciscans Surely he had much real or reputed merit being so highly prized by the Italians who generally do as much undervalue us English as they over-admire themselves Speculum honestatis the Glasse of honesty â—…aith one was the title given unto him though dark and false this Glasse if Bale may be believed who taxeth him for being an Inquisitor after and Persecutor of good people especially when imployed by the Pope into Grecia Lying on his Death-bed at Anagnia in Italy the Pope in person came to visit him which was no small honour unto him but all would not prolong his life which he ended Anno 1260. Having first at the command of Pope Alexander the fourth corrected and amended the Roman Breviary SIMON STOCK was born in this County and when but twelve years of Age went into the Woods whereof this Shire then afforded plenty and became a Hermite This Christian Diogenes had for his Tub the Stock of a hollow Tree whence he fetched his name and abating his Sex was like the Nymphs called Hama-druides which were the properties of Oak Trees Here he had saith Leland Water for his Nectar and wild Fruits for his Ambrosia One may admire how this man here met with Learning except by Inspiration and except Books as at the Original were written on Barks of Trees where with he conversed yet the University of Oxford would force a Batchelor of Divinity-ship upon him and many are the superstitious writings he lèft to posterity Reader behold here how the Roaring Lyon hath translated himself into a Mimical Ape endeavouring a mock Parallel betwixt this Simon and Simeon in the Gospell Old Simeon had a Revelation that he should not die till he had seen our Saviour come in the Flesh. This Simon aged 80. years had a Revelation that before his death he should behold a holy Order of Carmelites come out of Syria which fell out accordingly At their arrival in England our Simon quitted his Oak and advanced forward to meet them as of whom though he had no sight he had a vision before which is probably as true as that he was fed seven years with Manna in Mount Carmel He was chosen the General Governour of their Order all over Europe and died in the hundred year of his age Anno Dom. 1265. and was buried at Burdeaux in France THOMAS HASHLWOOD I find the name very ancient in a worshipful Family in Northampton-shire and professe not only my inclination but propensity to gain him for the credit of my Native Country But that needs not to be and I ought not to make it rich with the wrong of others Indeed I find a Haselwood Transposition makes no Mutation in Suffolk and another in Northumberland but their vast distance from the Monastery of Leeds in this County wherein our Haselwood was bred an Augustinian Fryer with some other insinuations too long to report prevail with me to fix him in this place He was an excellent Scholar himself and a fortunate School-master to teach others and became a faithful and painful Historian Bale out of William Botiner an industrious Collector of Antiquities assigneth him to flourish under King Edward the second 1321. but Mr. Weaver light on a Manuscript of his making in Sir Robert Cottons Library wherein he particularly speaks of the Atchievements of Edward the black Prince which I here thought fit to exemplifie Edwardus filius Edw. 3. primogenitus Princeps Walliae fortunatissimus miles in bello audacissimus inter validissima bella gesta militaria magnifice ab eodem peracta Johannem Regem Franciae apud Poyteizes debellavit pluribus tam nobilibus quam aliis de dicto regno captis
went from thy flock astray Yet thou good Lord vouchsafe thy Lamb to win Home to thy Fold and hold thy Lamb therein That at the day when Goats and Lambs shall sever Of thy choice Lambs Lamb may be one for ever The exact time of his death I cannot meet with but by proportion I conjecture it to be about 1580. FRANCES SIDNEY Daughter of Sir William Sister to Sir Henry Lord Deputy of Ireland and President of Wales Aunt to the renowned Sir Philip Sidney was born and probably at Pensherst the ancient seat of the Sidneys in this County A Lady endowed with many Virtues signally charitable expending much in large Benefactions to the Publick She bestowed on the Abby Church of Westminster a salary of twenty pounds per annum for a Divinity Lecture and founded Sidney Sussex Colledge in Cambridge of which largely in my Church-History She was Relict of Thomas Ratcliff the third Earl of Sussex This worthy Lady died Childless unlesse such Learned Persons who received their Breeding in her Foundation may be termed her Issue on the ninth day of May Anno 1588. as appeareth by her Epitaph Sir FRANCIS NETHERSOLE Knight born at Nethersole in this County was bred Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and afterwards became Orator of the University Hence he was preferred to be Embassador to the Princes of the Union and Secretary to the Lady Elizabeth Queen of 〈◊〉 it is hard to say whether he was more remarkable for his doings or sufferings in her behalf He married Lucy eldest Daughter of Sir Henry Goodyear of Polesworth in Warwick 〈◊〉 by whose encouragement being free of himself to any good design he hath founded and endowed a very fair School at Polesworth aforesaid and is still living Memorable Persons SIMON Son of William Lynch Gent. was born at Groves in the Parish of Staple in this County Decemb. 9. 1562. But see more of his Character under this Title in Essex where his Life and death were better known MARY WATERS was born at Lenham in this County and how abundantly intituled to Memorability the ensuing Epitaph in Markeshall Church in Essex will sufficiently discover Here lieth the Body of Mary Waters the Daughter and Co-heir of Robert Waters of Lenham in Kent Esquire wife of Robert Honywood of Charing in Kent Esquire her only Husband who had at her decease lawfully descended from her Three hundred sixty seven Children sixteen of her own body one hundred and fourteen Grand-children two hundred twenty eight in the third Generation and nine in the fourth She lived a most pious life and in a Christian manner died here at Markeshall in the ninety third year of her age and in the forty fourth year of her Widowhood the eleventh of May 1620. Thus she had a Child for every day in the though Leap year and one over Here we may observe that generally the highest in Honour do not spread the broadest in posterity For time was when all the Earls in England and those then seventeen in number had not put together so many Sons and Daughters as one of them had viz. Edward Somerset Earle of Worcester And yet of both Sexes he never had but * thirteen But to return to Mistresse Waters she since hath been much out-stript in point of fruitfulnesse by one still surviving and therefore this worthy Matrone in my mind is more memorable on another account viz. for patient weathering out the tempest of a troubled conscience whereon a remarkable story dependeth Being much afflicted in mind many Ministers repaired to her and amongst the rest Reverend Mr. John Fox than whom no more happy an instrument to set the joynts of a broken spirit All his counsels proved ineffectual insomuch that in the agony of her soul having a Venice-glass in her hand she brake forth into this expression I am as surely damn'd as this glasse is broken which she immediately threw with violence to the ground Here happened a wonder the glasse rebounded again and was taken up whole and entire I confesse it is possible though difficult so casually to throw as brittle a substance that lighting on the edges it may be preserved but happening immediately in that juncture of time it seemed little lesse than miraculous However the Gentlewoman took no comfort thereat as some have reported and more have believed but continued a great time after short is long to people in pain in her former disconsolate condition without any amendment Until at last God the great Clock-keeper of Time who findeth out the fittest minutes for his own mercies suddenly shot comfort like lightning into her soul which once entred ever remained therein God doth no palliate cures what he heals it holds so that she led the remainder of her life in spiritual gladnesse This she her self told to the Reverend father Thomas Morton Bishop of Duresme from whose mouth I have received this relation In the days of Queen Mary she used to visit the Prisons and to comfort and relieve the Confessors therein She was present at the burning of Mr. Bradford in Smithfield and resolved to see the end of his suffering though so great the presse of people that her shooes were trodden off and she forced thereby to go barefoot from Smithfield to Saint Martins before she could furnish her self with a new pair for her money Her dissolution happened as is aforesaid Anno 1620. NICHOLAS WOOD was born at Halingborne in this County being a Landed man and a true Labourer He was afflicted with a Disease called Boulimia or Caninus Apetitus insomuch that he would devour at one meal what was provided for twenty men eat a whole Hog at a sitting and at another time thirty dozen of Pigeons whilest others make mirth at his malady Let us raise our gratitude to the goodness of God especially when he giveth us appetite enough for our meat and yet meat too much for our appetite whereas this painful man spent all his estate to provide Provant for his belly and died very poor about the year 1630. We will conclude this Topick of Memorable Persons with a blanck mention of him whose name hitherto I cannot exactly attain being an Ingenuous Yeoman in this County who hath two Ploughs fastened together so finely that he plougheth two furrows at once one under another and so stirreth up the Land twelve or fourteen Inches deep which in so deep ground is very good Scholars know that Hen-dia-duo is a very thrifty Figure in Rhetorick and how advantagious the improvement of this device of a Twinne-Plough may be to posterity I leave to the skilful in Husbandry to consider Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1. Will. Sevenock William Rumshed Sevenock Grocer 1418 2. Thomas Hill William Hill Hillstone Grocer 1484 3. Rich. Chawry William Chawry Westram Salter 1494 4. Andrew Jud. John Jud. Tonbridge Skinner 1550 4. John Rivers Richard Rivers Pensherst Grocer 1573 6. Edw. Osburne Richard Osburne Ashford Clothworker
as when perceiving his old Palace at Otford to want water he struck his staff into the dry ground still called Saint Thomas his well whence water runneth plentifully to serve that house lately re-built unto this day Others spightful as when because a Smith dwelling in that Town had clogged his Horse he ordered that no Smith afterwards should thrive within that Parish But he who shall go about seriously to confute these Tales is as very a Fool as he was somewhat else who first impudently invented and vented them Prelates STEPHEN LANGTON Here we are at a perfect losse for the place of his birth his surname affording us so much direction in effect it is none at all Inopes nos copia fecit finding no fewer than twelve Langtons though none very near to this place which makes us fly to our marginal refuge herein Stephen born in England was bred in Paris where he became one of the greatest Scholars of the Christian world in his age He was afterwards consecrated Cardinal of Saint Chrysogone and then by Papal power intruded Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in defiance of all opposition which King John could make against him Many are his learned Works writing Comments on all the Old and on some of the New Testament He was the first that divided the whole Bible into Chapters as Robert Stephens a French-man that curious Critick and painful Printer so ne six score years since first subdivided into Verses A worthy Work making Scripture more managable in mens memories and the passages therein the sooner to be turned to as any person who is â—…ooner found out in the most populous City if methodized into Streets and Houses with signs to which the Figures affixed do fitly allude Say not this was a presumption incurring the curse denounced to such who adde to Scripture it being no Addition but an Illustration thereof Besides God set the first pattern to mens industry herein seeing the distinction of some Verses may be said to be Jure Divino as those in the Lamentations and elsewhere which are Alphabetically modelled As causless their complaint who cavil at the inequality of Chapters the eighth of the first of Kings being sixty six the last of Malachy but six verses seeing the entireness of the sense is the standard of their length or shortness It is confessed some few Chapters end and others begin obruptly and yet it is questionable whether the ateration thereof would prove advantageous seeing the reforming of a small fault with a great change doth often hurt more than amend and such alterations would discompose Millions of Quotations in excellent Authors conformed to the aforesaid received divisions Here it must not be concealed that notwithstanding this general tradition of Langtons chaptering the Bible some learned men make that design of far ancienter date and particularly that able Antiquary Sir Henry Spelman This I am confident of that Stephen Langton did something much material in order thereunto and the Improver is usually called the Inventor by a complemental mistake However though I believe Langton well employed in dividing the Bible he was ill busâ—…ed in rending asunder the Church and Kingdom of England reducing King Iohn to sad extremities He died and was buried at Canterbury Anno Dom. 1228. Souldiers WILLIAM PRUDE Esquire vulgarly called Proud was born in this City where his stock have continued for some hundreds of years bred a Souldier in the Low Countreys where he attained to be Lieutenant Colonel He was slain Iuly 12. 1632. at the siege of Mastrich His body which I assure you was no usual honour was brought over into England and buried in the Cathedral of Canterbury in Saint Michaels Chappel on the South side of the Quire with this Inscription on his Monument Stand Souldiers ere you march by way of charge Take an example here that may enlarge Your minds to noble Action Here in peace Rests one whose Life was War whose rich encrease Of Fame and Honour from his Valour grew Unbegg'd unbought for what he won he drew By just desert having in service been A Souldier till near sixty from sixteen Years of his active Life continually Fearless of Death yet still prepar'd to die In his Religious Thoughts for midd'st all harmes He bare as much of Piety as Armes Now Souldiers on and fear not to intrude The Gates of Death by th' example of this Prude He married Mary Daughter of Sir Adam Sprackling Knight and had Issue by her four Sons and three Daughters to whose memory his surviving Son Searles Prude hath erected this Monument Writers OSBERN of CANTERBURY so called because there he had his first birth or best Being as Chanter of the Cathedral Church therein An admirable Musitian which quality endeared him though an Englishman to Lankfrank the Lordly Lombard and Arch-Bishop of Canterbury He was the English Jubal as to the curiosity thereof in our Churches An Art which never any spake against who understood it otherwise Apollo is in a sad case if Midas his ears must be his Judges However in Divine Service all Musick ought to be tuned to edification that all who hear may understand it otherwise it may tend to delight not devotion and true zeal cannot be raised where knowledge is depressed This Osbern wrote the life of Saint Dunstan in pure Latine according to that age flourishing under William the Conquerer Anno 1070. SIMON LANGTON was by his Brother Stephen Langton the Arch-Bishop preferred Arch-Deacon of Canterbury who Carne sanguine revelante saith the Record made the place much better both to him and his successors in revenue and jurisdiction A troublesome man he was and on his Brothers score a great adversary to King Iohn even after that King had altered his Copy and became of a fierce Foe a Son-Servant to the Pope by resigning his Crown unto him But our Simon could not knock off when he should having contracted such an habit of hatred against K. Iohn that he could not depose it though commanded under the pain of excommunication This caused him to trudge to the Court of Rome where he found little favour For such who will be the Popes white Boyes must watchfully observe his signals and not only charge when he chargeth but retreat when he retreateth This Simon beside others wrote a Book of the penitence of Magdalene in relation it seems to himself though she found more favour in the Court of Heaven than he at Rome He died Anno Dom. 12 Benefactors to the Publick JOHN EASDAY was Alderman and Mayor of this City Anno 1585. He found the Walls thereof much ruined and being a man but of an indifferent estate began the reparation thereof at Ridingate and therein proceeded so far as his name is inscribed on the Wall whose exemplary endeavours have since met with some to commend none to imitate them THOMAS NEVILE born in this City of most honourable extraction as his name is enough to notifie
it and yet so clear that light will pass through it No Mechanick Trade but hath some Utensils made thereof and even now I recruit my pen with Ink from a Vessel of the same Yea it is useful cap-a-pe from Combs to shooing-horns What shall I speak of the many gardens made of horns to garnish houses I mean artificial flowers of all colours And besides what is spent in England many thousand weight are shaven down into leaves for Lanthorns and sent over daily into France In a word the very Shavings of Horn are profitable sold by the Sack and sent many miles from London for the manuring of ground No wonder then that the Horners are an ancient corporation though why they and the Bottle-makers were formerly united into one company passeth my skill to conjecture The best horns in all England and freest to work without Flaws are what are brought out of this County to London the shop-general of English Industry The Manufactures Fustians These anciently were creditable wearing in England for persons of the primest quality finding the Knight in Chaucer thus habited Of Fustian he weared a Gippon All besmottred with his Haubergion But it seems they were all Forreign Commodities as may appear by their modern names 1. Jen Fustians which I conceive so called from Jen a City in Saxony 2. Ausburgh Fustians made in that famous City in Swevia 3. Millaine Fustians brought over hither out of Lumbardy These retain their old names at this day though these several sorts are made in this County whose Inhabitants buying the Cotton Wool or Yarne coming from beyond the Sea make it here into Fustians to the good employment of the Poor and great improvement of the Rich therein serving mean people for their out 〈◊〉 and their betters for the Lineings of their garments Bolton is the staple-place for this commodity being brought thither from all parts of the County As for Manchester the Cottons thereof carry away the credit in our Nation and so they did an hundred and fifty years agoe For when learned Leland on the cost of King Henry the Eighth with his Guide travailed Lancashire he called Manchester the fairest and quickest Town in this County and sure I am it hath lost neither spruceness nor spirits since that time Other Commodities made in Manchester are so small in themselves and various in their kinds they will fill the shop of an Haberdasher of small wares being therefore too many for me to reckon up or remember it will be the safest way to wrap them all together in some Manchester-Tickin and to fasten them with the Pinns to prevent their falling out and scattering or tye them with the Tape and also because sure bind sure find to bind them about with points and 〈◊〉 all made in the same place The Buildings MANCHESTER a Collegiate as well as a Parochial Church is a great ornament to this County The Quire thereof though but small is exceeding beautiful and for Woodwork an excellent peice of Artifice The Wonders About VViggin and elsewhere in this County men go a Fishing with spades and Mathooks more likely one would think to catch Moles then Fishes with such Instruments First they pierce the Turffie ground and under it meet with a black and deadish water and in it small Fishes do swim Surely these Pisces Fossiles or subterranean Fishes must needs be unwholesome the rather because an unctuous matter is found about them Let them be thankful to God in the first place who need not such meat to feed upon And next them let those be thankful which have such meat to seed upon when they need it Proverbs Lancashire fair Women I believe that the God of nature having given fair complections to the Women in this County Art may save her pains not to say her sinnes in endeavouring to better them But let the Females of this County know that though in the Old Testament express notice be taken of the beauty of many Women Sarah Rebekah Rachel 〈◊〉 Thamar Abishag Esther yet in the New Testament no mention is made at all of the fairness of any Woman not because they wanted but because Grace is chief Gospel-beauty Elizabeths unblameableness the Virgin Maries ponâ—…ering Gods word the Canaanitish Womans faith Mary Magdalens charity Lydia her attention to Pauls Preaching these soul-piercing Perfections are far â—…etter than skin-deep Fairness It is written upon a Wall in Rome RIBCHESTER was as rich as any Town in Christendome And why on a Wall Indeed the Italians have a Proverb A wall is the fools paper whereon they scribble their Fancies 〈◊〉 not to be overcurious in examining hereof we suppose some Monumental Wall in Rome as a Register whereon the names of principal Places were inscribed then subjected to the Roman Empire and probably this Ribchester anciently was some eminent Colony as by pieces of Coins and Coluâ—…s there dayly digged out doth appear However at this day it is not so much as a Mercate Town but whether decaied by age or destroyed by accident is uncertain Here Reader give me leave the Historian must not devour the Divine in me so as to debar me from spiritual Reflections What saith S. * Paul We have here no continuing City and no wonder seing Mortal Men are the Efficient Moldring Buildings the Material and Mutable Laws the formal cause thereof And yet S. Paul was as well stocked with Cities as any man alive having three which in some sort he might call his own Tarsus where he was born * Jerusalem where he was bred at the feet of Gamaliel and Rome whereby he received the Priviledg of Freedome all which he waved as nothing worth because of no abiding and continuance Martyrs JOHN ROGERS was born in this County and bred in the University of Cambridge a very able Linguist and General Scholar He was first a Zealous Papist till his eyes being opened he detested all Superstition and went beyond * Seas to VVitenberg where some years after Tyndal he translated the Bible from Genesis till the Revelation comparing it with the Original coming to England he presented it in a fair Volumne to King Henry the 〈◊〉 prefixing a Dedicatory Epistle and subscribing himself those dangerous dayes required a Disguise under the name of Thomas Matthew And now Reader that is unriddled unto me which hath pusled me for some Years for I finde that K. James in the Instructions which he gave to the Translators of the Bible enjoyned them to 〈◊〉 the former Translations of 1. Tindal 2. Matthews 3. Coverdale 4. 〈◊〉 5. Geneva Now at last I understand who this Matthews was though unsatisfied still in VVhitchurch believing his Book never publickly printed but remaining a Manuscript in the Kings Library Yet this present could not procure Mr. Rogers his security who it seems for fear of the 6 Articles was fain to fly again beyond Seas
us should 〈◊〉 the others Funerall-Sermon But see a strange change God to whom belongs the 〈◊〉 from death was pleased with the Patriarch Jacob blessing his 〈◊〉 wittingly to guide his hands 〈◊〉 reaching out death to the living and life to the dying So that Dr. Felton recovered and not only performed that last office to his Friend Dr. Fenton but also survived him more than ten years and dyed Bishop of 〈◊〉 Roger Fenton dyed in the fiftieth Year of his age anno Dom. 1615. buryed in his own Church under a Monument made at the expence of the Parish ROBERT BOITON was born at Blackborne in this County on Whit sunday 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Year as infamous for the Massacre of many Protestants in France so for the 〈◊〉 of some eminent in England His Parents having a narrow Estate struggled with their necessities to give him liberal Education and he was bred first in 〈◊〉 then in Brazen-nose Colledge in Oxford He had Isocrates his six Marks or Properties of a good Scholar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 His want of means proved an advancement unto him For 〈◊〉 having whence to buy Books he borrowed the best Authours of his Tutor read over abridged into Note-books and returned them He was as able to express himself in Latine or Greek as English and that Stylo Imperatorio He was chosen one of the Disputants before King James at his first coming to the University and performed it with great applause Thus far I have followed my Authour mentioned in the Margine but now must depart from him a little in one particular Though Mr. Boltons parents were not overflowing with wealth they had a competent Estate as I am informed by credible intelligence wherin their Family had comfortably continued long time in good repute Sr. Angustine Nicholls presented him to the Rectory of Broughton in Northamptonshire sending him his Presentation unexspectedly from his Chamber in Sergeants â—…nn where D. King Bishop of London being accidentally present thanked the Judge for his good choice but told him withall that he had deprived the University of a singular Ornament Besides his constant Preaching he hath left behinde him many usefull Books the Witnesses of his Piety and Learning and dyed in the 59th Year of his age December 17. 1631. JOHN WEEVER was born at in this County bred in Queens Colledge in Cambridge under Dr. John Person his worthy Tutor He was very industrious in the Studie of Antiquity and composed a usefull Book of Funeral Monuments in the Diocesse of Canterbury Rochester London and Norwich He dyed in London in the fifty sixth Year of his age and was Buried in St. James Clerken-well where he appointed this Epitaph for himself Lancashire gave me Breath And Cambridge Education Middlesex gave we Death And this Church my Humation And Christ to me hath given A place with him in Heaven The certain date of his Death I cannot attain but by Proportion I collect it to be about the Year of our Lord 1634. RALPH CUDVVORTH D. D. the second Son of Ralph Cudworth of Wernith-hall near Manchester Esquire Chief Lord of Ouldham was bred Fellow of Emanuel-colledge in Cambridge A most excellent preacher who continued and finished some imperfect works of Mr. Perkins and after his Decease supplyed his place in St. Andrews in Cambridge He was at last presented by the Colledge to the parish of Auler in Somersetshire Anno 163. LAWRENCE CHADERTON was born at Chaderton in this County of ancient and wealthy Parentage but much nuzled up in Popish Superstition He was intended for a Lawyer and in order thereunto brought up some time in the Inns of Court till he changed his profession and admitted himself in Christs Colledge in Cambridge His Father hearing that he had altered his place studies and Religion sent him a Poke with a groat therein for him to go a begging therewith disinheriting him of â—…hat fair estate which otherwise had descended upon him But God who taketh men up when their Fathers and Mothers forsake them provided him a comfortable subsistance when chosen Fellow of the Colledge He was for many years Lecturer at St. Clements in 〈◊〉 with great profit to his Auditors afterwards made by the Founder first Master of Emanuel He was chosen by the Non-Conformists to be one of their four Representatives in Hampton-court conference and was afterwards employed one of the Translators of the Bible He had a plain but effectual way of Preaching It happened that he visiting 〈◊〉 friends preached in this his Native Countrey where the Word of God as in the dayes of Samuell was very pretious And concluded his Sermon which was of two hours continuance at least with words to this effect That he would no longer trespasse upon their Patience Whereupon all the Auditory cryed out wonder not if hungry people craved more meat for God 〈◊〉 Sir Go on go on Hereaâ—… Mr. Chaderton was surprised into a longer Discourse beyond his expectation in Satisfaction of their importunity and though on a sudden performed it to their contentment and his commendation Thus constant Preachers like good house keepers can never be taken so unprovided but that though they make not a plentiful Feast they can give wholsome food at a short warning He commenced Dr. in Divinity when Frederick Prince Palatine who married the Lady Elizabeth came to Cambridge What is said of Mount Caucasus that it was never seen without Snowe on the Top was true of this Reverend Father whom none of our Fathers generation knew in the Universitie before he was gray headed yet he never used Spectacles till the day of his death being Ninety four years of age He was not disheartned with that common saying he that resigneth his place before his death buryeth himself alive but put off his Clothes long before he went to bed divested himself of the Master-ship of Emanuel Colledge that so he might see a worthy successor in his life time The blessing which befell Job was in some sort appliable unto him he saw his Successors to the fourth generation I mean Doctor Presson and after his Death Doctor Sancroft and after his death Doctor Holesworth who preached his Funeral Sermon Anno 1640. about the Ninety fourth year of his age GEORGE WALKER was born at Hauxhead in Fournifells of Religious Parents Being visited when a child with the Small-poxe and the standers by expecting his dissolution he started up out of a Trance with this ejaculation Lord take me not away till I have shewed forth thy praises which made his Parents devote him to the Ministery after his recovery He was bred B. D. in St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge where he attained to be well skilled in the Oriental Tongues an excellent Logician and Divine Mr. Foster formerly his Tutor resigned unto him his living of St. John the Evangelist London wherein Mr. Walker continued the painful Preacher well nigh fourty years refusing higher preferment often profered him Dr. Felton the
same morning he was elected Bishop of Ely made him his Chaplain and Dr. Featly chose him his second in one of his Disputations against Father Fisher yea Mr. Walker alone had many encounters with the subtillest of the Jesuitical party He was a man of an holy life humble heart and bountiful hand who deserved well of Sion Colledge Library and by his example and perswasion advanced about a thousand pounds towards the maintenance of preaching-Ministers in this his Native County He ever wrote all his Sermons though making no other use of his Notes in the Pulpit than keeping them in his pocket being wont to say that he thought he should be out if he had them not about him His Sermons since printed against the prophanation of the Sabboth and other practises and opinions procured him much trouble and two years Imprisonment till he was released by the Parliament He dyed in the seventy year of his Age Anno Dom. 1651. Romish Exile Writers EDWARD RISHTON was born in this * County and bred some short time in Oxford till he fled over to Doway where he was made Master of Arts. Hence he removed to Rome and having studyed Divinity four years in the English Colledge there was ordained Preist 1580. Then was he sent over into England to gain Proselites in prosecution whereof he was taken and kept Prisoner three years Yet was the Severity of the State so mercifull unto him as to spare his Life and only condemn him to Banishment He was carried over into France whence he went to the University of Pontmuss in Loraine to plye his Studies During his abode there the place was infected with the Plague Here Rishton forâ—…ate the Physicians Rule Citâ—… Procul Longe Tarde flye away soon live away far sâ—…ay away long come again slowly For he remained so long in the Town till he carried away the infection with him and going thence dyed at St. Manhow 1585. I presume no Ingenuous Papist will be censorious on our Painful Munster Learned Junius Godly Greenham all dying of the Pestilence seeing the most conscientious of their own Perswasion subject to the same and indeed neither Love nor Hatred can be collected from such Casualties THOMAS WORTHINGTON was born in this * County of a Gentile Family was bred in the English Colledge at Doway where he proceeded Bachelour in Divinity and a little before the Eighty Eight was sent over into England as an Harvinger for the Spanish Invasion to prepare his Party thereunto Here he was caught and cast into the Tower of London yet found such favour that he escaped with his life being banished beyond the Seas At Triers he commenced Doctor in Divinity and in process of time was made President of the English Colledge at Rhemes When after long expectation the Old Testament came out in English at Rhemes permitted with some cautions for our Lay-Catholicks to read this Worthington wrote his notes thereupon which few Protestants have seen and fewer have regarded He was alive in 1611. but how long after is to me unknown If not the same which for his vivaciousness is improbable there was a Father Worthington certainly his Kinsman and Countryman very busie to promote the Catholick cause in England about the beginning of King Charles He Dining some thirty years since with a Person of Honour in this Land at whose Table I have often eaten was very obstreperous in arguing the case for Transubstantiation and the Ubiquitariness of Christs body Suppose said he Christ were here To whom the Noble Master of the House who till then was silent returned If you were away I beleive he would be here Worthington perceiving his Room more wellcome then his Company embraced the next opportunity of Departure ANDERTON whose christian name I cannot recover was born in this County and brought up at Blackborne School therein and as I have been informed he was bred in Christs Colledge in Cambridge where for his Eloquence he was commonly called Golden Mouth Anderton afterwards he went beyond the Seas and became a Popish preist and one of the learnedst amongst them This is he who improving himself on the poverty of Mr. Robert Bolton sometimes his School-Fellow but then not fixed in his Religion and Fellow of Brazenose colledge perswaded him to be reconciled to the Church of Rome and go over with him to the English Seminary promising him gold enough a good argument to allure an unstable mind to popery and they both appointed â—… meeting But it pleased the God of Heaven who holdeth both an Hour-glass and reed in his hand to measure both time and place so to order the matter that though Mr. Bolton came Mr. Anderton came not accordingly So that Rome lost and England gain'd an able Instrument But now I have lost J. Pitz to guide me and therefore it is time to knock off having no direction for the date of his Death Benefactors to the publick WILLIAM SMITH was born at * Farmeworth in this County bred Fellow in Pembroke hall in Cambridge and at last by King Henry the Eighth preferred Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry That Politick Prince to ease and honour his Native Country of Wales erected a Court of Presidency conformable to the Parliaments of France in the Marshes thereof and made this Bishop first President those Parts lying partly in his Diocesse He discharged the place with singular Integrity and general contentment retaining that Office till the day of his Death when he was removed to be Bishop of Lincoln A good name is an Ointment poured out saith Solomon and this man wheresoever he went may be followed by the perfume of charity he left behind him 1. At Lichfield he founded an Hospital for a Master two preists and ten poor people 2. In the same place he founded a School procuring from King Henry the seventh that the Hospital of Downholl in Cheshire with the Lands there unto belonging should be bestowed upon it Say not this was Robbing the Spittle or at the best Robbing Peter to pay Paul seeing we may presume so charitable a Prelate would do nothing unjust though at this distance of time we cannot clear the particulars of his proceedings At Farmeworth where he was born he founded a school allowing ten pounds annually in that age no mean salary for the Master thereof The University of Oxford discreetly chose him Oxford being in his Diocesse of Lincoln their Chancellour and lost nothing thereby for he proved a more loving Nephew than Son so bountiful to his Aunt Oxford that therein he founded Brazen Nosecolledge but dyed 1513 before his Foundation was finished Molineux a famous preacher about Henry the Eigths time descended of the house of Sefton in the County of Lancaster builded the Church at Sefton anew and houses for Schools about the Church-yard and made the great Wall about Magdalen Colledge in Oxford EDVVARD HALSALL in the County of Lancaster Esquire sometimes Chamberlain of the Exchequer at Chester
to interpret them The Farewell Being now to take my leave of this County it is needless to wish it a Friday Market the Leap-day therein and it is strange there should be none in so spacious a Shire presuming that defect supplied in the Vicinage Rather I wish that the Leprosy may never return into this County but if it should return we carry the seeds of all sins in our Souls sicknesses in our Bodies I desire that the Lands may also without prejudice to any returne to the Hospital of Burton Lazars in this Shire if not intire yet in such a proportion as may comfortably maintain the Lepers therein LINCOLNE-SHIRE This County in Fashion is like a bended Bowe the Sea making the Back the Rivers Welland and Humber the two horns thereof whiles Trent hangeth down from the latter like a broken string as being somewhat of the Shortest Such persecute the Metaphor too much who compare the River Witham whose Current is crooked unto the Arrow crossing the middle thereof It extendeth 60. Miles from South to North not above 40. in the middle and broadest part thereof Being too Volluminous to be managed entire is divided into three parts each of them corrival in quantity with some smaller Shires Holland on the South-East Kesteven on the South-West and Lindley on the North to them both Holland that is Hoyland or Hayland from the plenty of Hay growing therein may seem the Reflection of the opposite Holland in the Neatherlands with which it Sympathyzed in the Fruitfulness lowe and wet Scituation Here the Brakishnesse of the Water and the Grossenesse of the Ayre is recompenced by the Goodnesse of the Earth abounding with Deries and Pasture And as God hath to use the * Apostles phrase tempered the body together not making it all Eye or all Ear Nonsense that the Whole should be but One sense but assigning each Member the proper office thereof so the same Providence hath so wisely blended the Benefits of this County that take Collective Lincolne-shire and it is Defective in Nothing Natural Commodities Pikes They are found plentifully in this Shire being the Fresh-Water-Wolves and therefore an old pond-pike is a dish of more State than Profit to the Owners seeing a Pikes belly is a little Fishpond where lesser of all sorts have been contained Sir Francis Bacon alloweth it Though Tyrants generally be short-lived the Surviver of all Fresh-water-Fish attaining to forty years and some beyond the Seas have trebled that term The Flesh thereof must needs be fine and wholsome if it be true what is affirmed that in some sort it cheweth the Cud and yet the less and middle size Pikes are preferred for Sweetnesse before those that are greater It breedeth but once whilest other Fishes do often in a year such the providence of Nature preventing their more multiplying least the Waters should not afford Subjects enough for their Tyranny For want of other Fish they will feed one on another yâ—…a what is four footed shall be Fish with them if it once come to their jawes biteing sometimes for cruelty and revenge as well as for hunger and because we have publickly professed that to delight as well as to inform is our aim in this Book let the ensuing story though unwarranted with a cited Authour find the Readers acceptance A Cub-Foxe drinking out of the River Arnus in Italy had his head seised on by a mighty Pike so that neither could free themselves but were ingrapled together In this contest a young man runs into the water takes them out both alive and carrieth them to the Duke of Florence whose palace was hard by The Porter would not admit him without promising of sharing his full half in what the Duke should give him To which he hopelesse otherwise of entrance condescended The Duke highly affected with the Rarity was in giving him a good reward which the other refused desiring his Highnesse would appoint one of his Guard to give him an hundred Lashes that so his Porter might have fifty according to his composition And here my Intelligence leaveth me how much farther the jest was followed But to return to our English Pikes wherein this County is eminent especially in that River which runneth by Lincolne whence grew this Proverb Witham Pike England hath nene like And hence it is that Mr. Drayton maketh this River Poetizing in her praises always concluding them Thus to her Proper Song The Burden still she bare Yet for my dainty Pikes I am without compare I have done with these Pikes when I have observed if I mistake not a great mistake in Mr. Stow affirming that Pickrels were brought over as no Natives of our Land into England at the same time with Carps and both about the beginning of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth Now if Pickrels be the deminatives of Pikes as Jacks of Pickrels which none I conceive will deny they were here many hundred years since and probably of the same Seniority with the Rivers of England For I find in the Bill of Fare made at the Prodigious Feast at the Installing of George Nevil Arch-bishop of York Anno 466 that there was spent three hundred Lupi Fluviatiles that is River Pikes at that Entertainment Now seeing all are children before they are men and Pikes Pickrels at the first Pickrels were more anciently in England then that Author affirmeth them Wild-foule Lincoln-shire may be termed the Aviary of England for the Wild-foule therein Remarkable for their 1. Plenty So that sometimes in the Month of August three thousand Mallards with Birds of that kind have been caught at one Draught so large and strong their Nets and the like must be the Readers belief 2. Variety No man no not Gesmar himself being able to give them their proper names except one had gotten Adam his Nomenclator of Creatures 3. Deliciousnesse Wild-foule being more dainty and digestable then Tame of the same kind as spending their Grossie humours with their Activity and constant Motion in Flying Now as the Eagle is called Jovis Ales so here they have a Bird which is called the Kings Bird namely Knuts sent for hither out of Denmark at the charge and for the use of Knut or Kanutus King of England If the plenty of Birds have since been drained with the Fenns in this County what Lincoln-shire lacks in her former Foul is supplyed in Flesh more Mutton and Beef and a large First makes amends for a lesse second Coursâ—… But amongst all Birds we must not forget Dotterells This is Avis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Mirthmaking Bird so ridiculoussy Mimical that he is easily caught or rather catcheth himself by his over-Active imitation There is a sort of Apes in India caught by the Natives thereof after this manner They dress a little Boy in his Sight undresse him again leave all the Childs apparel behind them in the place and then depart a competent distance The Ape presently attiâ—…eth
himself in the same garments till the Childs Cloaths become his Chains putting off his Feet by putting on his Shoos not able to run to any purpose and so is soon taken The same Humour otherwise persued betrayeth the Dotterells As the Fowler stretcheth forth his Arms and Legs going towards the Bird the Bird extendeth his Legs and Wings approaching the Fowler till surprised in the Net But it is observed that the Foolisher the Fowl or Fish Woodcocks Dotterels â—…odsheads c. the Finer the Flesh thereof Feathers It is Pity to part Lancashire Ticking lately spoken of and Lincoln-shire Feathers making so good Beds together I cannot find the first beginning of Feather-Beds the Latine word Pulvinar for a Cusheon Pillowe or Bolster sheweth that the Entrals of such Utensils amongst the Romans were made but of Dust and our English plain Proverb De Puerperis they are in the Straw shows Feather-Beds to be of no ancient use amongst the Common sort of our Nation and Beds of Down the Cream of Feathers are more Modern then they The Feathers of this County are very good though not so soft as such as are imported from Bardeaux in France and although a Feather passeth for the Emblem of Lightnesse it self they are heavy enough in their Prises to such as buy any Quantity and daily grow Dearer Pippins With these we will close the Stomach of the Reader being concluded most cordial by Physicians some conceive them to be of not above a hundred years seniority in England However they thrive best and prove biggest not Kentish excepted in this County particularly in Holland and about Kirton therein whence they have acquired addition of Kirton Pippins a wholsome and delicious Apple and I am informed that Pippins graffed on a Pippin stock are called Renates bettered in their generous Nature by such double extraction Fleet-Hounds In Latine called PETRONII or Petrunculi from Petra a Rock either because their Feet are sound and solid and therefore named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Xenophon or from the hard and rocky ground whereon they were accustomed to hunt These with much certainty of scent and quicknesse of feet will run down a Hare in a short time Janus Ulitius a Dutchman some 15 years since came into England though a man of the Gown employed in publick affairs for Diversion he went down into this County to spend one Winter where conversing with some young Gentlemen he hunted twice a Week with so great content that the season otherwise unpleasant was past before he perceived how it went Hear him expressing himself sed Petrunculi illi qui vestigiis eorum non minus celeriter quam sagaciter instant haud facile trihorio minus leporem aliquem defatigant ut in Lincolniensi montium aequijugi tractu aliquoties ipse vidi and yet I assure you the Hares in this County on Ancaster-Heath do though lesser far exceed in swiftnesse and subtilty of Doubling those of the Vallyes and Plains Such a Petronius or Fleet-hound is two Hounds in Effect Sed premit Inventas non inventura Latentes Illa feras quae Petroniis bene Gloria constat To the Petronian both the praise is due Quickly to find and nimbly to persue Grey-Hounds In Latin termed VELTRAGA or VERTRAGUS or VERTAGUS derived it seems from the Dutch Word VELT a Field and RACH or BRACH a Dog and of how high esteem the former and these were amongst the Ancients the Reader may infer from the old Burgundian Law Siquis Canem Veltraum aut Segutium vel Petrunculum praesumpserit involare jubemus ut convictus coram omni populo posteriora ipsius osculetur Martial speaking of these Greyhounds thus expresseth himself Non sibi sed Domino venatur Vertragus acer Illaesum Leporem qui tibi dente feret For 's Master not Himself doth Greyhound toyl Whose Teeth to thee return the unhurt spoyl I have no more to observe of these Greyhounds save that they are so called being otherwise of all Colours because originally imployed in the Hunting of Grays that is Brocks and Badgers Mas-Tiffes Known to the Romans by the name of Molossi from Molossia a County in Epirus whence the fiercest in that kind were fetched at first before better were brought out of Brittain Gratius an Ancient Poet Contemporary with Virgil writing his Cynegeticon or Poem of Hunting giveth great praise to our English Mastiffes highly commending their Valour only taxing them that they are not handsomly made Haec una est Catulis jactura Britannis The Brittish Whelps no blemish know But that they are not shap'd for show Which thing is nothing in my mind seeing beauty is no whit material to a Souldier This County breedeth choice Mastiffes for the Bull and Bear and the sport is much affected therein especially about Stamford whereof hereafter What remaineth concerning Mastiffes is referred to the same Topick in Somerset-shire Thus the three kinds of ancient hunting which distinctly require fleetnesse scent and strength are compleatly performed in this County by a Breed therein which are answerably qualified This I have inserted because as to my Native Country in general so to this here in particular I would not willingly do lesse right then what a Stranger hath done thereunto Before we come to Catalogue the Worthies of this County it is observable that as it equalled other Shires in all ages so it went beyond it self in one generation viz. in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth when it had Natives thereof 1. Edward Clinton Lord Admiral 2. William Cecil Lord Treasurer 3 Sir Edmund Anderson Lord Chief Justice 4. John Whitgift Arch-bishop of Canterbury 5. Peregrine Bartu Lord General in France 6. Tho. Wilson Dr. of Law and Secretary of State All Countrymen and Contemporaries Thus Sea and Land Church and Camp Sword and Mace Gospel and Law were stored with prime Officers out of this County Nor must it be forgotten though born in the same Shire they were utterly unrelated in Kindred and raised themselves independently as to any mutual assistance by Gods Blessing the Queens favour and their own deserts The Buildings Here the complaint of the Prophet taketh no place taxing men to live in Ceeled Pallaces whilst the Temple of God lay wast No County affording worse Houses or better Churches It addeth to the Wonder that seeing in this soft County a Diamond is as soon found as a Flint their Churches are built of Pollished Stones no Natives but Naturalized by importation from forreign parts I hope the Inhabitants of this Shire will endevour to disprove the old Proverb the nearer to the Church the further from God because they have substituted a better in the room thereof viz. The further from stone the better the Churches As for the Cathedral of Lincoln whose Floor is higher then the Roof of many Churches it is a magnificent Structure proportionable to the Amplitude of the Diocesse This I dare boldly say that no Diocesse in Christendome affordeth two such Rivers viz.
same name doth rise But such nominal Proverbs take the advantage of all manner of Spelling as due unto them It is applyed to such people as are not overstock'd with acutenesse The best is all men are bound to be honest but not to be witty Grantham Gruel Nine Grits and a Gallon of Water Gruel though homely is wholsome Spoon-meat Physick for the Sick and food for persons in health Water is the Matter Grits the Form thereof giving the being thereunto Now Gruel thus imperfectly mix'd is Wash rather which one will have little heart to eat and get as little heart thereby The Proverb is appliable to those who in their Speeches or Actions multiply what is superfluous or at best less necessary either wholly omitting or lesse regarding the Essentials thereof They held together as the Men of Marham when they lost their Common Some understand it Ironically that is they were divided with several Factions which Proverb Mutato Nomine is used in other Counties Yea long since Virgil said the same in effect of the Men of Mantua when they lost their Lands to the Souldiers of Augustus En quo Discordia Cives Perduxit miseros En queîs consevimus Agros See Townsmen what we by our Jars are grown And see for whom we have our Tillage sown Indeed when a Common Danger calls for a Union against a General Enemy for any then to prosecute their Personal Quarrels and Private Grudges is a Folly always observed often reproved sometimes confessed but seldome Reformed Others use this Proverb only as an expression of ill Successe when men strive to no purpose though Plotting and Practising together to the utmost of their power being finally foiled in their undertakings Princes HENRY eldest surviving Son of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster was born at the Castle of Bullingbrook in this County and bred according to the Discipline of those days in Camp and Court in both which he proved a good proficient By Nature he was made more to command then obey being ambitious cholerick and withal couragious cunning to catch careful to keep and industrious to improve all advantages Being netled with some injuries received from King Richard the second he complotted with a good party of the Nobility to depose him Miscarriages in his Government many by miâ—…managing more by the missucceeding of matters exposed him to just Exception besides his own Debauchery and how easily is a dissolute Government dissolved Having by the Murther of King Richard atcheived the Government to himself he reigned with much difficulty and opposition Though his Father was a great Patron He was a great Persecutor of the Wickliffites though not so much out of hatred to them as Love to himself thereby to be ingratiated with the Clergy then Potent in the Land When Duke he wore on his Head an Antick Hood which he cast not off when King so that his Picture is generally known by the Crown superadded thereon Lying on his Death-bed he was rather querulous then penitent much complaining of his Sufferings in keeping nothing bewayling his sin in getting the Crown Fire and Faggot was first kindled in his Reign in England to burn pardon the Prolepsis poor Protestants and happy had it been had they been quenched at his Death which happened Anno Dom. 1413. This Henry was the only Prince born in this Connty since the Conquest though a good Authour by mistake entituleth this County to another an ancienter Henry Yet so that he giveth him with one hand to it in his Book of Maps and takes him away with the other in his Chronicle J. Speed in his Description of Lincolne-sh Parag. 7. J. Speed in his Chronicle in the life of W. 〈◊〉 Pag. 436. This Shire triumpheth in the Births of Beaucleark K. Henry the first whom Selby brought forth Henry Fourth and Youngest Son of King William was born at Selby in York-Shire I believe Mr. Speed the Chronocler before Mr. Speed the Chorographer because therein concurring with other Authors Besides consult the Alphabetical Index of his Map and there is no Selby in this Shire we have therefore placed King Henry the First in York-shire and thought fit to enter this observation not to reprove others but least I be reproved my self Saints Here I make no mention of St. Botolph because there is no Constat though very much Probability of his English Nativity who lived at and gave the name to Botolphs Town corruptly Boston in this County GILBERT DE SEMPRINGHAM There born in this County was of noble extraction Joceline his Father being a Knight to whom he was eldest Son and Heir to a great Estate In Body he was very deformed but of subtile wit and great courage Travelling over into France there he got good Learning and obtained leave from the Pope to be Founder of those Epicoene and Hermaphrodite Convents wherein Monks and Nuns lived together as under one Roof but with partitions betwixt them Sure it was to him a comfort and credit which is confidently related by credible Authors to see 13. Convents 700. Monks 1100. Nuns Women out-superstition Men of his order being aged one hundred and six years He appointed the fair Convent at Sempringham his own rich Inheritance to be mother and prime residence of his new erected order He dyed anno 1189. HUGH was a Child born and living in Lincoln who by the impious Jews was stoln from his Parents and in Derision of Christ and Christianity to keep their cruel hands in ure by them crucified being about Nine years old Thus he lost his Life but got a Saintship thereby and some afterwards perswaded themselves that they got their cures at his Shrine in Lincoln However this made up the measure of the Sins of the Jews in England for which not long after they were ejected the land or which is the truer unwillingly willing they departed themselves And whilst they retain their old manners may they never return especially in this Giddy and unsettled age for fear more Christians fall sick of Judaisme then Jews recover in Christianity This Hugh was martyred Anno Dom. 1255. on the 27. of July Martyrs ANNE ASKEVVE Daughter of Sir William Askewe Knight was born at Kelsey in this County of her Piety and Patience when first wracked in the Tower then burnt in Smithfield I have largely treated in my Church History She went to Heaven in a Chariot of Fire July 16. 1546. Cardinals ROBERT SOMMERCOT There are two Villages North and South Sommercot in this 〈◊〉 and to my notice no where else in England fromone of which I presume he took his Nativity and Name Yet because Bale affirmeth Lawrence Sommercot his Brother or Kinsman born in the South of England we have affixed our Note of Dubitation But out of doubt it is he was a right learned man to whom Matthew Paris gives this short but thick commendation viz. Vir fuit discretus circumspectus omnibus amabilis merito gratiosus
rich three capital crimes in a Clergyman They plundered his Carriages taking ten thousand marks a Mine of Money in that age from him and then to secure their Riot and Felony by murder and high treason dragged him as he was Officiating from the High Altar And although they regarded difference of place no more then a Wolf is concerned whether he killeth a Lamb in the Fold or Field yet they brought him out of the Church to a Hill hard by and there barbarously murdered Him and tore his bloody Shirt in peices and left his stripped body stark naked in the place Sic concussa cadit Populari MITRA Tumultu Protegat optamus nunc DIADEMA Deus By Peoples fury MITRE thus cast down We pray henceforward God preserve the CROWN This his Massacre happened June 29. 1450. when he had sate almost twelve years in the See of Sarisbury RICHARD FOX was born at Grantham in this County as the Fellows of his Foundation in Oxford have informed me Such who make it their only argument to prove his Birth at Grantham because he therein erected a fair Free School may on the same Reason conclude him born at Tanton in Sommerset shire where he also founded a goodly Grammar School But what shall I say Ubique nascitur qui Orbi nascitur he may be said to be born every where who with Fox was born for the publick and general good He was very instrumental in bringing King Henry the Seventh to the Crown who afterwards well rewarded him for the same That politick Prince though he could go alone as well as any King in Europe yet for the more state in matters of Moment he leaned principally on the Shoulders of two prime Prelates having Archbishop Morton for his Right and this Fox for his left Supporter whom at last he made Bishop of Winchester He was bred first in Cambridge where he was President of Pembroke-hall and gave Hangings thereunto with a Fox woven therein and afterwards in Oxford where he founded the fair Colledge of Corpus Christi allowing per annum to it 401. l. 8. s. 11. d. which since hath been the Nursery of so many eminent Scholars He expended much Money in Beautifying his Cathedral in Winchester and methodically disposed the Bodies of the Saxon Kings and Bishops dispersedly buryed in this Church in decent Tombs erected by him on the Walls on each side the Quire which some Souldiers to showe their Spleen at once against Crowns and Miters valiantly fighting against the Dust of the dead have since barbarously demolished Twenty seven years he sate Bishop of this See till he was stark blind with age All thought him to dye to soon one only excepted who conceived him to live too long viz. Thomas Wolsey who gaped for his Bishoprick and endevoured to render him to the Displeasure of K. Henry the Eigth whose Malice this Bishop though blind discovered and in some measure defeated He dyed anno Domini 1528. and lyes buryed in his own Cathedral Since the Reformation THOMAS GOODRICH was Son of Edward Goodrich and Jane his Wife of Kirby in this County as appeareth by the York-shire Visitation of Heralds in which County the Allies of this Bishop seated themselves and flourish at this day He was bred in the University of Cambridge D. D. say some of Law say others in my opinion more probable because frequently imployed in so many Embassies to Forraign Princes and at last made by King Henry the Eighth Bishop of Ely wherein he continued above tweney years and by King Edward the Sixth Lord Chancellour of England Nor will it be amisse to insert and translate this Distick made upon him Et Bonus Dives bene junctus optimus Ordo Praecedit Bonitas pone sequuntur Opes Both Good and Rich well joyn'd best rank'd indeed For Grace goes first and next doth Wealth succeed I find one Pen â—…pirting Ink upon him which is usual in his Writings speaking to this effect that if he had ability enough he had not too much to discharge his Office I behold him as one well inclined to the protestant Religion and after his Resignation of the Chancellors place to Stephen Gardiner his Death was very seasonable for his own Safety May 10. 1554 In the first of Queen Mary whilst as yet no great Violence was used to Protestants JOHN WHITGIFT was born at Grimsby in this County successively bred in Queens Pembroke-hall Peter-house and Trinity Colledge in Cambridge Master of the Later Bishop of Worcester and Arch bishop of Canterbury But I have largely written his life in my Ecclesiastical History and may truly say with him who constantly returned to all Inquirers Nil novi novi I can make no new addition thereunto only since I met with this Anagram Joannes Whitegifteus Non vi egit favet Jhesus Indeed he was far from Violence and his politick patience was blessed in a high proportion he dyed anno 1603. Feb. 29. JOHN STILL D. D. was born at Grantham in this County and bred first Fellow of Christs then Master of St. Iohns and afterwards of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge where I have read in the Register this commendation of him that he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nec Collegio gravis aut onorosus He was one of a venerable presence no lesse famous for a preacher then a Disputant Finding his own Strength he did not stick to warn such as he disputed with in their own arguments to take heed to their Answers like a perfect Fencer that will tell aforehand in what Button he will give his Venew When towards the end of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth there was an unsucceeding motion of a Dyet or meeting which should have been in Germany for composing of matters of Religion Doctor Still was chosen for Cambridge and Doctor Humfred for Oxford to oppose all comers for the defence of the English Church Anno 1592. being then the second time Vice-chancelour of Cambridge he was consecrated Bishop of Bath and Wells and defeated all causelesse suspition of Symoniacal compliance coming clearly thereunto without the least scandal to his person or losse to the place In his days God opened the bosome of the Earth Mendip Hills affording great store of Lead wherewith and with his own providence which is a constant Mine of Wealth he raised a great estate and layed the Foundation of three Families leaving to each of them a considerable Revenue in a Worshipful condition He gave five hundred pounds for the building of an Almes-house in the City of Wells and dying February 26. 1607. lies buryed in his own Cathedrall under a neat Tomb of Alabaster MARTIN FOTHERBY D. D. was born at Great Grimsby in this County of a good Family as appeareth by his Epitaph on his Monument in the Church of Allhallows Lumbard street London He was bred Fellow of Trinity-colledge in Cambridge and became afterwards one and twenty years Prebendary of Canterbury then he was preferred by
King Iames Bishop of Salisbury He dyed in his calling having begun to put in print an excellent book against Atheists most useful for our age wherein their sin so aboundeth His Death happened March 11. 1619. not two full years after his Consecration Statesmen EDVVARD FINES Lord Clinton Knight of the Garter was Lord Admiral of England for more then thirty years a Wise Valiant and Fortunate Gentleman The Masterpeice of his service was in Mustleborough Field in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth and the Battail against the Scots Some will wonder what a Fish should do on dry Land what use of an Admiral in a Land fight But know the English kept themselves close to the shore under the shelter of their ships and whilst their Arrows could do little their spears lesse their swords nothing against the Scots who appeared like a hedge of Steel so well armed and closed together the great Ordnance from their ships at first did all making such destruction in the Scottish army that though some may call it a Land-fight it was first a Victory from the sea and then but an Execution on the Land By Queen Elizabeth who honoured her honours by bestowing them sparingly he was created Earl of Lincoln May 4. 1574. and indeed he had breadth to his height a proportionable estate chiefly in this County to support his Dignity being one of those who besides his paternal Inheritance had much increased his estate He dyed January the sixteenth 1585. and lyeth buryed at Windsor in a private chappel under a stately Monument which Elizabeth his third Wife Daughter to the Earl of Kildare erected in his Remembrance THOMAS WILSON Doctor of Laws was born in this County bred Fellow of Kings-Colledge in Cambridge and afterwards was Tutor in the same University to Henry and Charles Brandons successively Dukes of Suffolk Hard shift he made to conceal himself in the Reign of Queen Mary Under Queen Elizabeth he was made Master of the Hospital of St. Katharines nigh the Tower of London upon the same Token that he took down the Quire which my Author saith allow him a little Hyperbole was as great as the Quire at St. Pauls I am loth to believe it done out of Covetousnesse to gain by the materials thereof but would rather conceive it so run to Ruin that it was past repairing He at last became Secretary of State to Q. Elizabeth for four years together It argues his ability for the place because he was put into it Seeing in those active times under so judicious a Queen weaknesse might despair to be employed in such an office He dyed anno dom 15. THOMAS Lord BURGE or BOROUâ—…H Son to William Lord Burge Grandson to Thomas Lord Burge created Baron by King Henry the Eight was born in his Fathers Fair house at Gainsborough in this County His first publick appearing was when he was sent Embassador into Scotland anno 1593. to excuse Bothwell his lurking in England to advise the speedy suppressing of the Spanish Faction and to advance an effectual association of the Protestants in that Kingdome for their Kings defence which was done accordingly Now when Sir William Russel Lord Deputy of Ireland was recalled this Lord Tho. Burgh was substituted in his room anno 1597. Mr. Camden doth thus character him Vir acer animi plenus â—…ed nullis fere castrorum rudimentis But where there is the stock of Valour with an able brain Experience will soon be graffed upon it It was first thought fit to make a Months Truce with Tyrone which cessation like a Damm made their mutual animosities for the present swell higher and when removed for the future run the fiercer The Lord Deputy the Truce expired streightly besieged the Fort of Blackwater the only Receptacle of the Rebells in those parts I mean besides their Woods and Bogs the Key of the County of Tyrone This Fort he took by Force and presently followed a bloody Battle wherein the English paid dear for their Victory loosing many worthy men and amongst them two that were Foster brothers Fratres Collactanei to the Earl of Kildare who so layed this losse to his heart amongst the Irish Foster brethren are loved above the Sons of their fathers that he dyed soon after Tyrons credit now lay a bleeding when to stanch it he rebesieged Blackwater and the Lord Deputy whilst indevouring to relieve it was struck with untimely death before he had continued a whole year in his place All I will add is this that it brake the heart of Valiant Sir John Norris who had promised the Deputies place unto himself as due to his deserts when this Lord Burgh was superinduced into that Office His Relict Lady famous for her Charity and skill in Chirurgery lived long in Westminster and dyed very aged some twenty years since WILLIAM CECIL Know Reader before I go farther something must be premised concerning his position in this Topick Virgil was prophane in his flattery to Augustus Caesar profering him his free choice after his death to be â—…anked amongst what heathen Gods he pleased so that he might take his place either amongst those of the Land which had the oversight of Men and Cities or the Sea-Gods commanding in the Ocean or the Skye-Gods and become a new Constellation therein But without the least adulation we are bound to profer this worthy Peer his own election whether he will be pleased to repose himself under Benefactors to the Publick all England in that age being beholden to his bounty as well as the poor in Standford for whom he erected a fair Bead-house acknowledging under God and the Queen their prosperity the fruit of his prudence Or else he may rest himself under the title of Lawyers being long bred in the Inns of Court and more learned in our Municipal-Law then many who made it their sole profession However for the present we lodge this English Nestor for wisdome and vivacitie under the notion of States-men being Secretarie and Lord-Treasurer for above thirty years together Having formerly written his life at large it will be enough here to observe that he was born at Bourn in this County being son to Richard Cecil Esq of the Robes to King Henry the eighth and a Legatee in his Will and Jane his Wife of whom hereafter He was in his age Moderator Aulae steering the Court at his pleasure and whilst the Earl of Leichester would indure no equall and Sussex no superiour therein he by siding with neither served himself with both Incredible was the kindness which Queen Elizabeth had for him or rather for her self in him being sensible that he was so able a Minister of State Coming once to visit him being sick of the Goute at Burley house in the Strand and being much heightned with her Head Attire then in fashion the Lords Servant who conducted her thorow the door May your Highness said he be pleased to stoop the Queen
For being with some other by this General for want of provisions left on land after many miseries they came to Mexico and he continued a Prisoner twenty three years viz Two years in Mexico one year in the Contractation-House in Civil another in the Inquisition-House in Triana twelve years in the Gallies four years with the Cross of St. Andrew on his back in the Everlasting-Prison and three years a drudge to Hernando de Soria to so high a summ did the Inventorie of his sufferings amount So much of his patience now see the end which the Lord made with him Whil'st enslaved to the aforesaid Hervando he was sent to Sea in a Flemish which was afterward taken by an English ship called the Galeon-Dudley and so was he safely landed at Portsmouth Decemb. the second 1590. And I believe lived not long after Sir WILLIAM MOUNSON Knight was extracted of an Antient Family in this Shire and was from his youth bred in Sea-Service wherein he attained to Great Perfection Queen Elizabeth having cleared Ireland of the Spanish Forces and desiring carefully to prevent a Relapse altered the Scaene of the War from Ireland to Spaine from Defending to Invading Sir Richard Leveson was Admiral our Sir William Vice-Admiral Anno 1602. These without drawing a Sword Killed Trading quite on the Coasts of Portugal no Vessels daring to goe in or out of their Harbours They had Intelligence of a Caract ready to land in Sisimbria which was of 1600 Tun richly laden out of the East-Indies and resolved to assault it though it seemed placed in an Invincible Posture Of it self it was a Gyant in Comparison to our Pigmy Ships and had in her three hundred Spanish Gentlemen the Marquess de Sancta Cruce lay hard by with thirteen Ships and all were secured under the Command of a Strong and well fortified Castle But nothing is Impossible to Mars valour and Gods blessing thereon After a â—…aire dispute which lasted for some houres with Sillogismes of fire and sword the Caract was Conquered the wealth taken therein amounting to the value of Ten Hundred Thousand Crownes of Portugal Account But though the Goods gotten therein might be valued the Good gained thereby was Inestimable for henceforward they beheld the English with admiring eyes and quitted their thoughts of Invasion This worthy Knight dyed about the mid'st of the Reign of King Iames. Writers This County hath afforded many partly because so large in it self partly because abounding with so many Monasteries whereof two Mitred ones Crowland and Bardney the Seminaries of many Learned men Not to speak of the Cathedral of Lincoln and Embrio University of Stamford wherein many had their Education Wherefore to pass by Faelix Crowlandensis Kimbertus Lindesius and others all of them not affording so much true History as will fill a hollow quill therewith we take notice of some principal ones and begin with GILBERT of HOLLAND He took his name not as others from a single Town but a great part of ground the third part of this Tripartite County which in my apprehension argues his Diligence in preaching thereabouts But quitting his Native Land he was invited by the famous St. Bernard to go to and live with him at Clarvaulx in Burgundy where he became his Scholar Some will prize a Crum of Forreign Praise before a Loafe of English commendation as subject to partiality to their own Countrymen Let such hear how Abbot Trithemius the German commendeth our Gilbert Vir erat in Scripturis Divinis Studiosus egregie doctus ingenio subtilis clarus eloquio The Poets feigâ—… that Hercules for a time supplyed the place of wearied Atlas in supporting the Heavens so our Gilbert was frequently substitute to St. Bernard continuing his Sermons where the other brake â—…ff from those words in lectulo meo per noctes c. unto the end of the book being forty six Sermons in style scarce discernable from St. Bernards He flourished anno Dom. 1200. and was buryed at Gistreaux in France ROGER of CROULAND was bred a Benedictine Monk therein and afterwards became Abbot of Friskney in this County He was the seventh man in order who wrote the Life of Thomas Becket Some will say his six elder Brethren left his Pen but a pitiful portion to whom it was impossible to present the Reader with any remarkable Novelty in so trite a subject But know that the pretended miracles of Becket daily multiplying the last Writer had the most matter in that kind He divided his book into seven Volumes and was full fifteen years in making of it from the last of King Richard the first to the fourteenth of King Iohn But whether this Elephantine Birth answered that proportion of time in the performance thereof let others decide He flourished anno Domini 1214. ELIASDE TREKINGHAM was born in this County at a Village so called as by the sequents will appear Ingulphus relateth that in the year of our Lord 870. in the Month of September Count Algar with others bid battle to the Danes in Kesteven a Third part of this County and worsted them killing three of their Kings whom the Danes buryed in a Village therein formerly called Laundon but after Trekingham Nor do I know any place to which the same name on the like accident can be applied except it be Alcaser in Africa where anno 1578. Sebastian the Portugal and two other Morish Kings were killed in one Battle I confess no such place as Trekingham appeareth at this day in any Catalogue of English Towns Whence I conclude it either a Parish some years since depoulated or never but a Churchlesse Village This Elias was a Monk of Peterborough Doctor of Divinity in Oxford a Learned man and great Lover of History writing himself a Chronicle from the year of our Lord 626 till 1270. at what time it is probable he deceased HUGO KIRKSTED was born at that well known Town in this County being bred a Benedictine-Cistercian-Bernardine A Cistercian is a Reformed Benedictine a Bernardine is a Reformed Cistercian so that our Hugh may charitably be presumed Pure as twice Refined He consulted one Serlo an aged man and one of his own Order and they both clubbing their pains and brains together made a Chronicle of the Cistercians from their first coming into England anno 1131. when Walter de Espeke founded their first Abby at Rivaax in York-shire Our Hugh did write Serlo did indict being almost an hundred years old so that his Memory was a perfect Chronicle of all remarkable Passages from the Beginning of his Order Our Hugo flourished anno Domini 1220. WILLIAM LIDLINGTON was born say some at that Village in Cambridge-shire at a Village so named in this County say others with whom I concur because he had his Education at Stamford He was by profession a Carmelite and became the Fifth Provincial of his Order in England Monasteries being multiplyed in that age Gerardus a Frenchman Master General
given to their stipend by William Cecil Lord Treasurer but it seems that since some Intervening accident hath hindered it from taking the true effect JANE CECIL Wife to Richard Cecil Esquire and co-heire to the worshipfull Families of Ekington and Wallcot was born in this County and lived the maine of her life therein Job speaking of parents deceased His Sons saith he come to honour and he knoweth it not but God gave this good woman so long a life abating but little of an hundred years that she knew the preferment of her Son William â—…ecil for many years in her life Lord Treasurer of England I say she knew it and saw it and joyed at it and was thankfull to God for it for well may we conclude her gratitude to God from her Charity to man At her own charges Anno 1561. She Leded and Paved the Friday Market Cross in Stamford Besides fifty pound given to the Poor and many other Benefactions Her last Will was made Anno Dom. 1588. But she survived some time after and lies buried in the same Vault with her Son in St. Martins in Stamford GEORGE TRIGG Gentleman was as I collect a Native of this County he gave Anno Dom. 1586 four hundred pounds to be lent out for ever upon good security without Interest to Poor young Trads-men and Artificers in Stamford He also bestowed a Tenement upon the Parson and Poor of St. Johns in the same Town RICHARD SUTTON Esquire was born at Knaith in this County bred a Souldier in his Youth and was somwhat of Pay-Master by his place much mony therefore passing through some did lawfully stick on his fingers which became the bottom of his future Estate He was afterward a Merchant in London and gained great Wealth therein Such who charge him with Purblindness in his soul looking too close on the earth do themselves acquit him from Oppression that though Tenax he was not Rapax not Guilty of Covetousness but Parcimony Indeed there was a Merchant his Comrage whose name I will Conceal except the great Estate he left doth discover it with whom he had Company in Common but their Charges were severall to themselves when his friend in Travell called for two Faggots Mr. Sutton called for one when his friend for half a pint of Wine Mr. Sutton for a Gill under-spending him a Moity at last Mr. Sutton hearing of his friends death and that he left but fifty thousand pounds Estate I thought said â—…e he would dye no Rich man who made such needless expences Indeed Mr. Suttons Estate doubled his and he bestowed it all on Charter-House or Suttons Hospitall This is the Master-peice of Protestant English Charity designed in his life Compleated after his death Begun Continued and finished with Buildings and Endowments Sinâ—… Causa Socia soly at his Charges Wherein Mr. Sutton appears peerless in all Christendom on an equall Standart and Valuation of Revenue As for the Canker of Popish Malice endeavouring to fret this fair Flower we have returned plentifull Answers to their Cavells in our Ecclesiasticall History Mr. Sutton died Anno Dom. 1611. ROBERT JOHNSON was born at Stamford whereof Maurice his Father had been chiefe Magistrate He was bred in Cambridge and entring into the Ministry he was beneficed at Luffenham in Rutland at what time that little County was at a great losse for the education of the Children therein and Mr. Johnson endeavoured a remedy thereof He had a rare faculty in requesting of others into his own desire and with his arguments could surprise a Miser into charity He effectually moved those of the Vicinage to contribute to the building and endowing of Schools Money or Money worth Stones Timber Carriage c. not flighting the smalest guift especially if proportionable to the Givers Estate Hereby finding none he left as many Free Schools in Rutland as there were Market Towns therein One at Oakeham another at Uppingham well faced with buildings and lined with endowments Hitherto he was only a Nurse to the Charity of others erecting the Schools aforesaid as my Author observeth who afterwards proved a fruitful parent in his own person becoming a considerable Benefactor to Emanuel and Sidney Colledges in Cambridge And though never dignified higher then Archdeacon of Leicester he left an Estate of one thousand pounds per Annum which descended to his posterity He dyed about the year of our Lord 1616. FRANCES WRAY Daughter to Sir Chichester Wray Lord chief Justice was born at Glentworth in this County and married first unto Sir George St. Paul of this County and afterwards to Robert Rich first Earl of Warwick of that Sirname She was a Pious Lady much devoted to charitable actions though I am not perfectly instructed in the particulars of her Benefactions Only I am sure Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge hath tasted largely of her Liberality who dyed in the beginning of the Reign of King Charles Memorable Persons JAMES YORKE a Blacksmith of Lincolne and an excellent Workman in his Profession Insomuch that if Pegasus himself would wear shoes this man alone is fit to make them contriving them so thin and light as that they would be no burthen to him But he is a Servant as well of Apollo as Vulcan turning his Stiddy into a Study having lately set forth a Book of Heraldry called the Union of Honour containing the Arms of the English Nobility and the Gentry of Lincolne-shire And although there be some mistakes no hand so steady as alwayes to hit the Nail on the head yet is it of singular use and industriously performed being set forth Anno 1640. Lord Maiors  Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Stockton Richard Stockton Bratoft Mercer 1470. 2 Nicholas Aldwin Richard Aldwin Spalding Mercer 1499. 3 William Rennington Robert Rennington Bostone Fishmonger 1500. 4 William Forman William Forman Gainsborough Haberdasher 1538. 5 Henry Hoberthorn Christ. Hoberthorn Waddingworth Merchant-Tay 1546. 6 Henry Amcoates William Amcoates Astrap Fishmonger 1548. 7 John Langley Robert Langley Althrope Goldsmith 1576. 8 Iohn Allot Richard Allot Limbergh Fishmonger 1590. 9 Nicholas Raynton Robert Raynton Highington Haberdasher 1632. The Names of the Gentrie of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth William Bishop of Lincoln Commissioners Lion de Welles Chivaler  Thomas Meres Knights of the Shire  Patricius Skipwith Knights of the Shire  Johannis Willoughby militis Roberti Ros militis Humfridi Littelbery armig Phillippi Tilney armigeri Johannis Copuldik armig Richardi Laund armigeri Willielmi Braunche armig Richardi Pynchebek Richardi Welby Richardi Benynington Willielmi Goding de Boston Gilberti Haltoft Will. Hughbert de Doning VVill. Quadring de Tofte Iohan. Pawlyn de Frampton VVill. VValcote de Spaldyng Thom. Overton de Swynshed Hug. Dandison de VVrangle Roberti Hughson de Boston Rich. Whiteb. de Gosberkirk Ioh. Docking de VVhaploade Will. Calowe de Holbetch Will. â—…awode de Whaploade Nich. Gyomer de
Râ—…ward 〈◊〉 a Feild 〈◊〉 more safe and no less honourable in my Opinion Sir Ralph was of the second sort and the last which survived in England of that Order Yet was he little in stature tall not in person but performance Queen Eliz. made him Chanceâ—…our of the Dutchy During his last Embassie in Scotland his house at Standon in Herâ—…forashire was built by his Steward in his absence far greater then himself desired so that he never joyed therein and died soon after Anno 1587. in the 80 year of his age Howâ—…ver it hath been often filled with good Company and they feasted with great chear by the Hereditary Hospitality therein I must not forget how when this Knight attended his Master the Lord Cromwel at Rome before the English renounced the Papal power a â—…ardon wâ—…s granted not by his own but a Servants procuring for the Sins of that Famiâ—…y for three immediate Generations expiring in R. Sadlier Esquire lately dead which was extant but lately lost oâ—… displaced amongst their Records and though no use was made thereof much mirth was made therewith Capital Judges and Writers on the Law Sir THOMAS FROVVICK Knight was born at Elinge in this County son to Thomas Frowick Esquire By his Wife who was Daughter and Heire to Sir John Sturgeon Knight giving for his Armes Azure three Sturgeons Or under a fret Gules bred in the study of our Municipal Law wherein he attained to such eminency that he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas on the 39 of September in the 18 year of the Reign of King Henry the seventh Four years he sate in his place accounted the Oracle of Law in his Age though one of the youngest men that ever enjoyed that Office He is reported to have dyed floridâ juventute before full forty years old and lyeth buryed with Joane his Wife in the Church of Finchley in this County the Circumscription about his Monument being defaced onely we understand that his death hapned on the seventeenth of October 1506. He left a large Estate to his two Daughters whereof Elah the Eldest was married to Sir John Spelman one of the Justices of the Kings Bench Grand-Father to Sir Henry that Renowned Knight Sir WILLIAM STAMFORD Knight was of Staffordian extraction Robert his Grand-Father living at Rowley in that County But William his Father was a Merchant in London and purchased Lands at Hadley in Middlesex where Sir William was born August 22. 1509. He was bred to the study of our Municipal Lawes attaining so much eminence therein that he was preferred one of the Judges of the Common Pleas His most learned Book of the Pleas of the Crown hath made him for ever famous amongst men of his own profession There is a Spirit of Retraction of one to his native Country which made him purchase Lands and his son settle himself again in Staffordshire this worthy Judge died August 28 and was buried at Hadley in this Shire in the last year of the Reign of Queen Mary 1558. Writers JOHN ACTON I find no fewer then seventeen Actons in England so called as I conceive Originally from Ake in Saxon an Oake wherewith antiently no doubt those Townes were well stored But I behold the place nigh London as the Paramount Acton amongst them Our Iohn was bred Doctor of the Laws in Oxford and afterwards became Canon of Lincolne being very able in his own faculty He wrote a learned Comment on the Ecclesiasticall Constitutions of Otho and Ottob one both Cardinalls and Legats to the Pope in England and flourished under King Edward the First Anno 1290. RALPH ACTON was bred in the University of Oxford where he attained saith my Author Magisterium Theologicum and as I understand Magister in Theologiâ is a Doctor in Divinity so Doctor in Artibus is a Master of Arts. This is reported to his eternall Commendation Evangelium regni Dei fervore non modico praedicabat in medijs Romanarum Superstitionum Tenebris And though somtimes his tongue lisped with the Siboleth of the superstition of that age yet generally he uttered much pretious truth in those dangerous days and flourished under King Edward the second Anno 1320. ROGER TVVIFORD I find eleven Towns so named in England probably from the confluence of two fords thereabouts and two in this County He was bred an Augustinian Friar studied in both Universities and became a Doctor in Divinity In his declining age he applyed himself to the reading of the Scripture and the Fathers and became a painfull and profitable Preacher I find him not fixed in any one place who is charactered Concionum propalator per Dioecesin Norvicensem an Itinerant no Errant Preacher through the Diocess of Norwich He was commonly called GOODLUâ—…K and Good-Luck have he with his honour because he brought good success to others and consequently his own welcome with him whithersoever he went which made all Places and Persons Ambitious and Covetous of his presence He flourished about the year of our Lord 1390. ROBERT HOVVNSLOVV was born in this County at Hownslow a Village well known for the Road through and the Heath besides it He was a Fryar of the Order of the Holy Trinity which chiefly imployed themselves for the redemption of Captives Indeed Locusts generally were the devourers of all food yet one kind of Locusts were themselves wholesome though course food whereon Iohn Baptist had his common repast Thus Fryers I confess generally were the Pests of the places they lived in but to give this order their due much good did redound from their endeavours For this Robert being their Provinciall for England Scotland and Ireland rich people by him were affectionately exhorted their Almes industriously collected such collections carefully preserved till they could be securely transmitted and thereby the liberty of many Christian Captives effectually procured He wrote also many Synodall sermons and Epistles of confequence to severall persons of quality to stir up their liberality He flourished sayes Pitseus Anno Dom. 1430. a most remarkable year by our foresaid Author assigned either for the flourishing or for the Funeralls of eleven famous writers yet so as our Robert is dux gregis and leads all the rest all Contemporaries whereas otherwise for two or three eminent persons to light on the same year is a faire proportion through all his book De illustribus Angliae scriptoribus Since the Reformation WILLIAM GOUGE Born at Stratford-Bow in this County bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge where he was not once absent from publique service morning and evening the space of nine years together He read fifteen Chapters in the Bible everyday and was afterwards Minister of Blackfryers in London He never took a journey meerly for pleasure in all his Life he preached so long till it was a greater difficulty for him to go up into the Pulpit then either to make or preach a Sermon and dyed aged seventy nine years leaving
ready for hearing being finally determined Whereon a Rhythmer When More some years had Chancelor been â—…o more suits did remain The same shall never more be seen Till More be there again Falling into the Kings displeasure for not complying with him about the Queens divorce he seasonably resigned his Chancellours Place and retired to his House in Chelsey chiefly imploying himself in writing against those who were reputed Hereticks And yet it is observed to his Credit by his great friend Erasmus that whilest he was Lord Chancellor no Protestant was put to death and it appears by some passages in his Utopia that it was against his mind that any should lose their Lives for their Consciences He rather soyled his Fingers then dirtied his hands in the matter of the holy Maid of Kent and well wiped it off again But his refusing or rather not accepting the Oath of Supremacy stuck by him for which he was 16. Months imprisoned in the Tower bearing his afflictions with remarkable patience He was wont to say that his natural temper was so tender that he could not indure a philip But a supernatural Principle we see can countermand yea help natural imperfections In his time as till our Memory Tower Prisoners were not dyetâ—…d on their own but on the Kings charges The Lieutenant of the Tower providing their Fare for them And when the Lieutenant said that he was sorry that Commons were no better I like said Sir Thomas Your Dyet very well and if I dislike it I pray turn me out of Dores Not long after he was beheaded on Tower hill 153. He left not above one hundred pounds a year Estate perfectly hating Covetousnesse as may appear by his refusing of four or five thousand pounds offered him by the Clergy Among his Latin Books his Utopia beareth the Bell containing the Idea of a compleat Common-wealth in an Imaginary Island but pretended to be lately discovered in America and that so lively counterfeited that many at the reading thereof mistook it for a real truth Insomuch that many great Learned men as Budeus and Johannes Paludanus upon a fervent zeal wished that some excellent Divines might be sent thither to preach Christs Gospel yea there were here amongst us at home sundry good men and Learned Divines very desirous to undertake the Voyage to bring the People to the Faith of Christ whose manners they did so well like By his only Son Mr. John More he had five Grandchildren Thomas and Augustin born in his Life time who proved zealous Romanists Edward Thomas and Bartholomew born after his Death were firm Protestants and Thomas a married Minister of the Church of England MARGARET MORE Excuse me Reader for placing a Lady among Men and Learned Statesmen The Reason is because of her 〈◊〉 affection to her Father from whom she would not willingly be parted and for me shall not be either living or dead She was born in Bucklers-bury in London at her Fathers house therein and attained to that Skill in all Learning and Languages that she became the miracle of her age Forreigners took such notice hereof that Erasmus hath dedicated some Epistles unto her No Woman that could speak so well did speak so little Whose Secresie was such that her Father entrusted her with his most important Affairs Such was her skill in the Fathers that she corrected a depraved place in St. Cyprian for whereas it was corruptly writen she amended it Nisi vos sinceritatis Nervos sinceritatis Yea she translated Eusebius out of Greek but it was never printed because I. Christopherson had done it so exactly before She was married to William Roper of Eltham in Kent Esquire one of a bountiful heart and plentiful Estate When her Fathers head was set up on London Bridge it being suspected it would be cast into the Thames to make room for divers others then suffering for denying the Kings Supremacy she bought the head and kept it for a Relique which some called affection others religion others Superstition in her for which she was questioned before the Council and for some short time imprisoned until she had buryed it and how long she her self survived afterwards is to me unknown THOMAS WRIOTHESLEY Knight of the Garter was born in Barbican Son to William Wriothesley York Herauld and Grandchild to John VVriothesley descended from an heir general of the ancient Family of the Dunsterviles King of Arms. He was bred in the University of Cambridge and if any make a doubt thereof it is cleared by the passage of Mr. Ascams Letter unto him writing in the behalf of the University when he was Lord Chancellour Quamobrem Academia cum omni literarum ratione ad te unum conversa Cui uni quam universis aliis se chariorem intelligit partim tibi ut alumno suo cum authoritate imperat partim ut patrono summo demisse humiliter supplicat c. He afterwards effectually applyed his Studies in our municipal Law wherein he attained to great eminency He was by King Henry the Eighth created Baron of Titchborne at Hampton Court January the first 1543. and in the next year about the beginning of May by the said King made Chancelor of England But in the first of King Edward the Sixth he was removed from that place because a conscienciously Rigorous Romanist though in some reparation he was advanced to be Earl of Southampton He dyed at his House called Lincolns place in Holborn 1550. the 30. of Iuly and lyes buryed at St. Andrews in Holborn WILLIAM PAGET Knight was born in this City of honest Parents who gave him pious and learned education whereby he was enabled to work out his own advancement Privy-Councellour to 4 successive princes which though of different perswasions agreed all in this to make much of an able and trusty Minister of State 1. King Henry the Eighth made him his Secretary and imployed him Embassador to Ch. the Emperor and Francis King of France 2. King Edward the Sixth made him Chancellor of the Dutchy Comptroller of his Houshold and created him Baron of Beaudesert 3. Queen Mary made him â—…eeper of her privy Seal 4. Queen Elizabeth dispenced with his attendance at Court in favour to his great Age and highly respected him Indeed Duke Dudley in the dayes of King Edward ignominiously took from him the Garter of the Order quarrelling that by his extraction he was not qualified for the same Bur if all be true which is reported of this Dukes Parentage he of all men was most unfit to be active in such an imployment But no wonder if his Pride wrongfully snatched a Garter from a Subject whose Ambition endevoured to deprive two Princes of a Crown This was restored unto him by Queen Mary and that with Ceremony and all solemn accents of honour as to a person who by his prudence had merited much of the Nation He dyed very old anno 1563 and his Corps as
five parts which were used in Cathedrals many years after his death the certain date whereof I cannot attain JOHN DOULAND was as I have most cause to believe born in this City sure I am he had his longest life and best livelyhood therein being Servant in the Chappel to Queen Elizabeth and King James He was the rarest Musician that his Age did behold Having travailed beyond the Seas and compounded English with Forreign Skill in that faculty it is questionable whether he excell'd in Vocal or Instrumental Musick A chearful Person he was passing his days in lawful meriment truly answering the Anagram made of him JOHANNES DOULANDUS ANNOS LUDENDO HAUSI Christian the fourth K. of Denmark coming over into England requested him of K. James who unwillingly willing parted with him Many years he lived as I am credibly informed in the Danish Court in great favour and plenty generally imployed to entertain such English Persons of quality as came thither I cannot confidently avouch his death at Denmark but believe it more probably then their assertion who report him returned and dying in England about the year 1615. Benefactors to the Publique JAMES PALMER B. D. was born in this City and bred in Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge The Company of Carpenters in London gave him an exhibition towards his maintenance there or lent it him rather For since his bounty hath repaid them the Principle with plentiful consideration He was afterwards for many years the constant Preacher of Saint Bridgets in Fleetstreet the onely Church preferment he enjoyed I perceive thus craft and cruelty may raise a quick and great but plain frugallity especially if vivacious will advance a better and surer estate Though sequestred in these times what he had formerly gained in his place he hath since bestowed in building and endowing over against the New Chappel in Westminster a fair Almes-house for twelve poor people besides this many and great have his gifts been to Ministers poor widdows and wonder not Reader if they be unknown to me which were unknown to his own left-hand all this he did in his life time O it giveth the best light when one carrieth his Lant-horn before him The surest way that ones Will shall be performed is to see it performed Yea I may say that his poor people in his Almes-house are in some sort provided for not onely from head to foot but also from body to soul he constantly preaching to them twice a week He dyed Anno 1659. Memorable Persons EDMOND DOUBLEDAY Esquire was of a tall and proper person and lived in this City Nor had this large case a little jewell this long body a lazy soul whose activity and valour was adequate to his strength and greatness whereof he gave this eminent testimony When Sir Thomas Knevet was sent November 4. 1605. by King James to search the Cellar beneath the Parliament-house with very few for the more privacy to attend him he took Master Doubleday with him Here they found Gui Faux with his dark-lant-horn in the dead of the night providing for the death of many the next morning He was newly come out of the Divels Closset so I may fitly term the inward room where the powder lay and the train was to be laid into the outward part of the Cellar Faux beginning to bussel Master Doubleday instantly ordered him at his pleasure up with his heels and there with the Traytor lay the Treason flat along the floor by Gods goodness detected defeated Faux vowed and though he was a false Traitor herein I do believe him that had he been in the inner room he would have blown up himself and all the company therein Thus it is pleasant musick to hear disarmed malice threaten when it cannot strike Master Doubleday lived many years after deservedly loved and respected and died about the year of our Lord 1618. The Farewell Seeing the well-being yea being of this City consisteth in the Kings Court and in the Courts of Justice I congratulate the happy return of the one praying for the long continuance of the other yea may the Lawyers in Westminster-hall never again plead in their Armour as they did in the time of Wyats rebellion but in their peaceable Gowns and Legal Formalities Nor doth this Wish onely extend to the Weal of Westminster but all England For no such dearth in a Land as what is caused from a drought of Justice therein For if judgement do not run down as Waters and righteousness as a mighty Stream Injustice like an Ocean will drown all with its inundation NOR FOLK hath the German Ocean on the North and East thereof Suffolk severed by the river Waveny on the South-side Cambridge-shire parted by the river Ouse and a small part of Lincoln shire on the West it extendeth full 50. miles from East to West but from North to South stretcheth not above thirty miles All England may be carved out of Norfolk represented therein not onely to the kind but degree thereof Here are Fens and Heaths and Light and Deep and Sand and Clay-ground and Meddows and Pasture and Arable and Woody and generally woodless land so gratefull is this Shire with the variety thereof Thus as in many men though perchance this or that part may justly be cavelled at yet all put together complete a proper person so Norfolk collectively taken hath a sufficient result of pleasure and profit that being supplied in one part which is defective in another This County hath the most Churches of any in England six hundred and sixty and though the poorest Livings yet by some occult quallity of their good husbandry and Gods blessing thereon the richest Clergy-men Nor can there be given a greater demonstration of the wealth and populousness of this County than that in the late Act for an Assessment upon England at the rate of sixty thousand pounds by the Month for three Months Norfolk with the City of Norwich is rated at three thousand two hundred sixty six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence the highest proportion of any Shire in England And though Norfolk hath little cause to please and less to pride it self in so dear purchased pre-eminence yet it cannot but account it a credit to see it self not undervalued Natural Commodities It shareth plentifully in all English Commodities and aboundeth with the best and most Rabbits These are an Army of natural Pioners whence men have learned cuniculos agere the Art of undermining They thrive best on barren ground and grow fattest in the hardest frosts Their flesh is fine and wholesome If Scotish-men tax our language as improper and smile at our wing of a Rabbit let us laugh at their shoulder of a Capon Their skins were formerly much used when furs were in fashion till of late our Citizens of Romans are turned Grecians have laid down their grave gowns and took up their light cloaks men generally disliking all habits though emblemes of honour if also badges of age Their rich
from VVolstan de Paston who three years after the Conquest came into England to VVilliam Earl of Glandwill were all interred at Paston He lest rich revenues to John Paston Esquire his eldest son who married Margaret daughter and heir of John Mautby and no mean Estate to VVilliam his second surviving son who married Anne daughter to Edmond Duke of Somerset Sir EDWARD COKE Knight son of Robert Coke Esquire and of VVinefred Knightly his wife was born at Mileham in this County bred when ten years of age at Norwich-school and thence removed to Trinity-colledge in Cambridge After four years continuance there he was admitted into Cliffords-Inn-London and the year following entered a Studient of the Municipal-law in the Inner-Temple Such his proficiency therein that at the end of six years exceeding early in that strict age he was callâ—…d to the Bar and soon after for three years chosen Reader in Lyons-Inn Here his learned Lectures so spred forth his fame that crouds of Clients sued to him for his counsel and his own suit was the sooner granted when tendering his affections in order to marriage unto Briget daughter and Co-heir of John Paston Esquire She was afterwards his incomparable wife whose Portion moderately estimated Viis modis amounted unto thirty thousand pounds her vertues not falling under valuation and she enriched her husband with ten children Then began preferment to press upon him the City of Norwich chusing him Recorder the County of Norfolk their Knight to Parliament the Queen her Speaker therein as also successively her Solicitor and Attorney King James honoured him with Knighthood and made him Chief Justice first of the Common-Pleas then of the Kings-Bench Thus beginning on a good bottome left him by his father marrying a wife of extraordinary wealth having at the first great and gainful practice afterwards many and profitable Offices being provident to chuse good penny-worths in purchases leading a thrifty life living to a great age during flourishing and peaceable times born as much after the Persecution under Queen Mary as dying before our Civil Wars no wonder if he advanced a fair estate so that all his sons might seem elder brethren by the large possessions left unto them Some falsly character him a back-friend to the Church and Clergy being a grand benefactour to the Church of Norwich who gratefully under their publique seal honoured him with the ensuing testimony Edwardus Coke Armiger saepius in multis difficillimis negotiis Ecclesiae nostrae auxiliatus est nuper eandem contra Templorum Helluones qui dominia maneria haereditamenta nostra devorare sub titulo obscuro Concelatum dicunt sponte suâ nobis insciis sine mercede ullâ legittimè tutatus est atque eandem suam nostri defensionem in perpetuam tantaerei memoriam quam posterorum si opus fuerit magna cum industria scriptis redegit nostrae Ecclesiae donavit As for the many Benefices in his own Patronage he freely gave them to worthy men being wont to say in his Law-language that he would have Church-livings pass by Livery and Seisin not Bargain and Sale Five sorts of people he used to fore-design to misery and poverty Chemists Monopolizers Concelers Promoters and Rythming Poets For three things he would give God solemn thanks that he never gave his body to physick nor his heart to cruelty nor his hand to corruption In three things he did much applaud his own success in his fair fortune with his wife in his happy study of the laws and in his free coming by all his Offices nec prece nec pretio neither begging nor bribing for preferment His parts were admirable he had a deep judgment faithful memory active fancy and the jewel of his mind was put into a fair case a beautiful body with a comely countenance a case which he did wipe and keep clean delighting in good cloaths well worne and being wont to say that the outward neatness of our bodies might be a Monitor of purity to our souls In his pleadings discourse and judgements he declined all Circumlocutions usually saying The matter lies in a little room In all places callings and jurisdictions he commended modesty and sobriety within their boundaries saying If a River swells beyond its Banks it loseth its own Channel If any adverse party crossed him he would patiently reply If another punisheth me I will not punish my self In the highest Term of business he made Vacation to himself at his Table and would never be perswaded privately to retract what he had publikely adjudged professing he was a Judge in a Court and not in a Chamber He was wont to say No wise man would do that in prosperity whereof he should repent in adversity He gave for his Motto Prudens qui Patiens and his practise was accordingly especially after he fell into the disfavor of King James The cause hereof the Reader may find in our English Chronicles whilst we behold how he employed himself when retired to a private life when he did frui suo infortunio and improv'd his loss to his advantage He triumphed in his own innocency that he had done nothing illegally calling to mind the Motto which he gave in his rings when made Serjeant Lex est tutissima Cassis The Law is the safest Helmet And now he had leisure to peruse what formerly he had written even thirty books with his own hand most pleasing himself with a Manual which he called his Vade mecum from whence at one view he took a prospect of his life pass'd having noted therein most remarkables His most learned and laborious works on the Laws will last to be admired by the judicious posterity whilst â—…ame hath a trumpet left her and any breath to blow therein His judgement lately passed for an Oracle in Law and if since the credit thereof hath causelesly been questioned the wonder is not great If the Prophet himself living in an incredulous age found â—…ause to complain Who hath believed our Report it need not seem strange that our licentious times have afforded some to shake the authenticalness of the Reports of any earthly Judge He constantly had prayers said in his own house and charitably relieved the poor with his constant almes The foundation of Suttous-hospital when indeed but a foundation had been ruined before it was raised and crush'd by some Courtiers in the hatching thereof had not his great care preserved the same The Free-school at Thetford was supported in its being by his assistance and he founded a School on his own cost at Godwick in this County It must not be forgotten that Doctor Whitgift afterwards Arch-bishop of Canterbury was his Tutor who sent unto his Puple when the Queens Atturney a fair New Testament with this message He had now studied Common-law enough let him hereafter study the Law of God Let me adde to this that when he was under a cloud at Court and outed of his Judges place
Convent of Blackney and afterwards studied first in Oxford then in Paris one remarkable on many accounts First for the Dwarfishness of his stature Scalpellum calami atramentum charta libellus His Pen-knife Pen Ink-horn one sheet of Paper and any of his books would amount to his full height As for all the books of his own making put together their burden were more then his body could bear Secondly for his high spirit in his low body Indeed his soul had but a small Diocess to visit and therefore might the better attend the effectual informing thereof I have heard it delivered by a learned Doctor in Physick at the Anatomy lecture in London who a little before had been present at the Emboweling and and Embalming of Duke Hamilton and the Lord Capel that the heart of the former was the largest the latter the least he had ever beheld inferring hence that contracted spirits act with the greatest vigorousness Thirdly for his high title wherewith he was generally termed the resolute Doctor Two sorts of people he equally disliked Scepticks who are of none and unconstant people who are successively of all opinions and whilst others turned about like the Wheel he was as fixed as the Axletree in his own judgement Yet this his resoluteness was not attended with censuring of such who were of another Opinion where equal probability on either side allowed a latitude to dissent He groaped after more light then he saw saw more than he durst speak of spake of more then he was thanked for by those of his superstitioâ—…s Order amongst whom saith Bale neither before nor after arose the like for learning and religion Most agree in the time of his death Anno 1346. though dissenting in the place of his burial assigning Blackney Norwich London the several places of his Interment JOHN GOLTON born at Tirington in this County was Chaplain to William Bateman Bishop of Norwich and first Master by the appointment of the Founder of Gonvil-hall in Cambridge Leland allows him a man plus quam mediocriter doctus bonus for which good qualities King Henry the fourth advanced him Arch-bishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland He was imployed to the Court of Rome in the heavy schisme betwixt Pope Urban the sixth and Clement the seventh which occasioned his writing of his learned treatise De causa Schismatis and because knowing the cause conduceth little to the cure without applying the remedy he wrote another book De Remediis ejusdem It seemeth he resigned his Arch-bishoprick somewhat before his death which happened in the year of our Lord 1404. ALAN of LYNNE was born in that famous Mart-town in this County and brought up in the University of Cambridge where he proceeded Doctor of Divinity and afterwards became a Carmelite in the Town of his nativity Great his diligence in reading many and voluminous Authors and no less his desire that others with him should reap the fruit of his industry to which end he made Indexes of the many Writers he perused An Index is a necessary implement and no impediment of a book except in the same sense wherein the Carriages of an Army are termed Impedimenta Without this a large Author is but a labyrinth without a clue to direct the Reader therein I confess there is a lazy kind of learning which is onely Indical when Scholars like adders which onely bite the horse heels nibble but at the Tables which are calces librorum neglecting the body of the book But though the idle deserve no Crutches let not a staff be used by them but on them pity it is the weary should be denied the benefit thereof and industrious Scholars prohibited the accommodation of an Index most used by those who most pretend to contemn it To return to our Alan his Herculean labour in this kind doth plainly appear to me who find it such a toil and trouble to make but an Index of the Indexes he had made of the Authors following 1 Aegidius 2 Alcuinus 3 Ambrosius 4 Anselmus 5 Aquinas 6 Augustinus 7 Baconthorpe 8 Basil 9 Bede 10 Belethus Bles. 11 Bernard 12 Berthorius 13 Cassianus 14 Cassiodorus 15 Chrysostome 16 Cyril 17 Damascen 18 Gerard. Laodic 19 Gilbert 20 Gorham 21 Gregory 22 Haymo 23 Hierome 24 Hilary 25 Hugo 26 Josephus 27 Neckam 28 Origen 29 Pamph. Eusebius 30 Phil. Ribot 31 Raban 32 Remigius 33 Richard All these I. Bale professeth himself to have seen in the Carmelites Library at Norwich acknowledging many more which he saw not Now although it be a just and general complaint that Indexes for the most part are Heteroclites I mean either redundant in what is needless or defective in what is needful yet the Collections of this Alan were allowed very complete He flourished Anno 1420. and was buried at Lynne in the Convent of Carmelites WILLIAM WELLS was born saith Pitz. at Wells the Cathedral See in Somerset-shire wherein no doubt he is mistaken For be it reported to any indifferent judgement that seeing this VVilliam had his constant converse in this County living and dying an Augustinian in his Covent at Lynne and seeing there is a VVells no mean Market-Town in this Shire with more probability he may be made to owe his nativity and name to Norfolk He was for twenty years Provincial of his Order in England Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge an industrious man and good writer abate only the Siboleth of Barbarisme the fault of the age he lived in He died and was buried at Lynne 1421. JOHN THORPE was born in a Village so called in this County bred a Carmelite at Norwich and Doctor at Cambridge Logick was his Master-piece and this Dedalus wrote a book intituled the Labyrinth of Sophismes and another called the Rule of Consequences for which he got the title of Doctor Ingeniosus This minds me of a Prognosticating Distick on the Physiognomies of two children Hic erit Ingenuus non Ingeniosus at ille Ingeniosus erit non erit Ingenuus The later of these characters agreeth with our Thorpe who had a pound of wit for a dram of good nature being of a cruel disposition and a violent persecutor of William White and other godly Wickliffites He died Anno Domini 1440. and lieth buried at Norwich His name causeth me to remember his Name-sake of modern times lately deceased even Mr. John Thorpe B. D. and Fellow of Queens-colledge in Cambridge my ever honored Tutor not so much beneath him in Logick as above him in the skill of Divinity and an Holy conversation JOHN SKELTON is placed in this County on a double probability First because an ancient family of his name is eminently known long fixed therein Secondly because he was beneficed at Dis a Market-town in Norfolk He usually styled himself and that Nemine contradicente for ought I find the Kings Orator and Poet Laureat We need go no further for a testimony of his learning than to Erasmus styling
happiness Writers RALPH FRESBOURNE was born in this County bred a Souldier Scholar Travailer being a man of great estate and at last turn'd a Frier He attended Richard Earl of Cornwall and King of the Romans into the Holy-land Here he came acquainted with the Friers living on Mount Carmel which were then much molested with the inrodes of Pagans Our Ralph pitying their condition and much taken with their sanctity and as some say miracles brought them over with him into England and built them an house at Holme nigh Alnwick in Northumberland In loco Carmelo Syriae non dissimili saith my Author In a place not unlike to Carmel in Syria Thus pence are like shillings and as Carmel had an Hill with the river Kishon running under it a Forrest beside it and the Mid-land-Sea some three miles from it so this had the river Alne a Park adjoyning and the German-Sea at the same distance But Northumberland was but a cold Carmel for these Friers who soon got themselves warmer nests in Kent Essex London and where not Multiplying more in England then in any other Country as Mantuan observeth and hath not ill expressed Cur apud Anglorum populos ita creverit audi Anglicus in Syrias veniens exercitus olim Achonem Tyrii positam prope litora ponti Quae priùs occurrit subit is oppresserat armis Hear why that they so much in England thriv'd th' English earst in Palestine arriv'd The City Acon on the shore of Tyre As next at hand with arms did soon acquire And after some verses interpos'd Ista duces tanta intuiti miracula secum In patriam duxere viros quibus arma negabant In laribus sedem Assyriâ—… templa domosque Construxere novas Pauc is it a fâ—…ruit annis Relligio quasi virga solo depact a feraci Et veluti palmes robur translata recepit The Captains seeing so great wonders wrought These Friers with them into England brought What war deni'd at home they here anew Churches and Houses built In years but few Increasing twig-like set by happy band Or tree transplanted to a fruitful land This Ralph wrote Books of pious exhortations and Epistles and after he had been fourteen years provincial of his own Order died and was buried at Holme aforesaid Anno Domini 1274. JOHANNES SCOTUS We have formerly asserted the very Scociety of this Scotus his nativity to belong to England and have answered the objections to the contrary He was born at Dunston a village in the Parish of Emildon in this County as appeareth by a writing in a book of his in Merton-colledge wherein he was bred He was a Franciscan by Order and of such nimble and solid parts that he got the title of Doctor subtilis Hitherto all School-men were like the world before the building of Babel of one language and of one speech agreeing together in their opinions which hereafter were divided into two Regâ—…ments or Armies rather of Thomists and Scotists under their several Generals opposing one another Scotus was a great stickler against the Thomists for that sinful opinion that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin which if so how came she to rejoyce in God her Saviour He read the Sentences thrice over in his solemn Lectures once at Oxford again at Paris and last at Colen where he died or was kill'd rather because falling into a strong fit of an Apoplexy he was interred whilst yet alive as afterwards did appear Small amends were made for his hasty burial with an handsome monument erected over him at the cost of his Order otherwise whether as Scot Scholar or Franciscan he had little wealth of his own in the Quire before the High Altar On his Monument are inscribed the names of fifteen Franciscans viz. three Popes and two Cardinals on the top and ten Doctors whereof six English on the sides thereof all his Contemporaries as I conceive He died Anno Dom. 1308. Benefactors to the Publick STEPHEN BROWN Grocer son of John Brown was born at Newcaste upon Tine in this County afterwards Knighted and made Lord Mayor of London 1438. In which year happened a great and general famine caused much by unseasonable weather but more by some Huckstering Husbandmen who properly may be termed Knaves in grain insomuch that wheat was sold for three shillings a bushel intollerable according to the standard of those times and poor people were forced to make bread of fern roots But this Sir Stephen Brown sent certain ships to Dantz whose seasonable return with Rye suddenly sunk grain to reasonable rates whereby many a languishing life was preserved He is beheld one of the first Merchants who in want of Corn shewed the Londoners the way to the Barn-door I mean into Spruseland prompted by charity not covetousness to this his Adventure He may be said that since his death he hath often relieved the City on the like occasion because as Symmachus well observeth Author est bonorum sequentium qui bonum relinquit exemplum ROBERT WOODLARKE was born saith my Author at Wakerly in this County True it is in my late Church History I have challenged him for Northamptonshire Because there is no VVakerly in Northumberland Because there is a VVakerly in Northamptonshire But on second thoughts I resige him clear to this County loth to higgle for a letter or two misprinted perchance in the name of a Town This VVoodlarke was the last of the first Original Fellows and third Provost of Kings-colledge in Cambridge He bought three tenements in Miln-street and by a Mortmain procured from King Edward the fourth erected of them a small Colledge by the name of Saint Katharines-hall As is the man so is his strength great matters cannot be expected from so private a person who never attained to any Prelatical preferment who was bountiful to his Foundation to the utmost of his ability Herein he stands alone without any to accompany him being the first and last who was Master of one Colledge and at the same time Founder of another This his Zoar hath since met with many worthy Benefactours who have advanced it to be considerable both in buildings and revenues The date of his death I cannot with any certainty affix Memorable Persons MACHELL VIVAN is a Scotish-man by his birth but because beneficed in this County so many years shall by the Readers leave pass for an English-man so far as to be here inserted The rather because he will minister to the present and future ages just matter of admiration as by the perusing of the ensuing letter from my credible friend well know in London where his surviving Father was not long since the Prime Magistrate thereof will appear There is an acquaintance of mine and a friend of yours who certified me of your desire of being satisfied of the truth of that relation I made concerning the old Minister in the North. It fortuned in my journey to
their Consciences As wise as a man of Gotham It passeth publickly for the Periphrasis of a Fool and an hundred Fopperies are feigned and fathered on the Town-folk of Gotham a Village in this County Here two things may be observed 1. Men in all Ages have made themselves merry with singling out some place and fixing the staple of stupidity and stolidity therein Thus the Phrygians were accounted the fools of all Asia and the Anvils of other mens wits to work upon serò sapiunt Phryges Phryx nisi ictus non sapit In Grecia take a single City and then Abdera in Thracia carried it away for Dull-heads Abderitanae pectora plebis habes But for a whole Countrey commend us to the Boetians for Block-heads and Baeotium ingcnium is notoriously known In Germany auris Baetava is taken by the Poet for a dull Ear which hath no skill in witty conceits 2. These places thus generally sleighted and scoffed at afforded some as witty and wise persons as the world produced Thus Plutarch himself saith Erasmus was a Baeotian and Erasmus a Batavian or Hollander and therefore his own copy-hold being touch'd in the Proverb he expoundeth auris Batava a grave and severe Ear. But to return to Gotham it doth breed as wise people as any which causelesly laugh at their simplicity Sure I am Mr. William de Gotham fifth Master of Michael-house in Cambridge Anno 1336. and twice Chancellor of the University was as grave a Governor as that Age did afford And Gotham is a goodly large Lordship where the ancient and right well respected Family of St. Andrews have flourished some hundreds of years till of late the name is extinct in and lands divided betwixt Female co-heirs matched unto very worshipful persons The little Smith of Nottingham Who doth the work that no man can England hath afforded many rare workmen in this kind whereof he may seem an Apprentice to Vulcan and inferiour onely to his Master in making the invisible Net who made a Lock and Key with a Chain of ten links which a Flea could draw But what this little Smith and great workman was and when he lived I know not and have cause to suspect that this of Nottingham is a periphrasis of Nemo Ou T is or a person who never was And the Proverb by way of Sarcasm is applied to such who being conceited of their own skill pretend to the atchieving of impossibilities Martyrs I meet with none within this County either before or in the Marian dayes imputing the later to the mild temper of Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York and Diocesan thereof Yet find we a Martyr though not in this yet of this County as a Native thereof here following THOMAS CRANMER was born at Arse lackton Speed calls it Astackton in this County and being bred in Jesus college in Cambridge became Archbishop of Canterbury and at last after some intermediate failings valiantly suffered for the Truth at Oxford An. Dom. 1556. March 22. Two hungry meals saith our English Proverb makes the third a gluttâ—…n This may also be inverted Two glutton meals require the third an hungry one fasting being then necessary lest Nature be surcharged If the Reader hath formerly perused Mr. Fox his Acts and Monuments and my Ecclesiastical History Cranmer his story is so largely related in those two books there is danger of his surfet if I should not now be short and sparing therein onely one memorable passage omitted by Mr. Fox and that 's a wonder I must here insert out of an excellent Author After his whole body was reduced into ashes his heart was found intire and untouch'd Which is justly alledged as an argument of his cordial integrity to the truth though fear too much and too often prevailed on his outward actions So that what the Holy Spirit recorâ—…eth of King Asa was true of him Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his dayes though good man he was guilty of many and great imperfections The like to this of Cranmer is reported of Zuinglius Quòd cadavere flammis ab hostibus tradito cor exuri non potuerit His foes making this a sign of the obduration and hardness of his heart his friends of the sincerity thereof And thus saith my moderate and learned Author Adeo turbat is odio aut amore animis ut fit in religionis dissensionibus pro se quisque omnia superstitiosè interpretatur Their minds being so disturbed with hatred or love as it comes to pass in dissentions of Religion every one interprets all things superstitiously for his own advantage The best is our Religion wherein it differs from Romish Errors hath better demonstration for the truth thereof than those Topical and Osier accidents lyable to be bent on either side according to mens fancies and affections Prelates since the Reformation WILLIAM CHAPPELL was born at Lexington in this County and bred a Fellow in Christs college in Cambridge where he was remarkable for the strictness of his Conversation No one Tutor in our memory bred more and better Pupils so exact his care in their Education He was a most subtile Disputant equally excellent with the Sword and the Shield to reply or answer He was chosen Provost of Trinity college in Dublin and afterwards Bishop of Corke and Rosse Frighted with the Rebellion in Ireland he came over into England where he rather exchanged than eased his condition such the wofulness of our civil wars He dyed Anno 1649. and parted his Estate almost equally betwixt his own Kindred and distressed Ministers his charity not impairing his duty and his duty not prejudicing his charity Capital Judges Sir JOHN MARKHAM descended of an ancient Family was born at Markham in this County and brought up in the Municipal Law till being Knighted by Edward the Fourth he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench in the place of Sir John Fortescue These I may call the two Chief Justices of the Chief Justices for their signal integrity For though the one of them favoured the House of Lancaster the other of York in the Titles to the â—…rown both of them favoured the House of Justice in matters betwixt party and party It happened that Sir Thomas Cooke late Lord Mayor of London one of vast wealth was cast before hand at the Court where the Lord Rivers and the rest of the Queens Kindred had pre-devoured his Estate and was onely for Formalities sake to be condemned in Guild-hall by extraordinary Commissioners in Oyer and Terminer whereof Sir John Markham was not the meanest The Fact for which he was arraigned was for lending money to Margaret the Wife of King Henry the Sixth this he denyed and the single testimony of one Haukins tortured on the Rack was produced against him Judge Markham directed the jury as it was his place and no partiality in point of Law to do to find it onely Misprision of treason whereby Sir Thomas
Henry the sixth and afterwards to King Richard the third 1. Her Husband being killed at Barnet fight all her land by Act of Parliament was setled on her two Daughters as if she had been dead in Nature 2. Being attainted on her Husbands score she was forced to flye to the Sanctuary at Beauly in Hant-shire 3. Hence she got her self privately into the North and there lived a long time in a mean condition 4. Her want was increased after the death of her two daughters who may be presumed formerly to have secretly supplyed her I am not certainly informed when a full period was put by death to these her sad calamities Saints St. FRIDESWIDE was born in the City of Oxford being daughter to Didan the Duke thereof It happened that one Algarus a noble young man sollicited her to yield to his lust from whom she miraculously escaped he being of a sudden struck blind If so she had better success than as good a Virgin the daughter to a greater and better father I mean Thamar daughter of King David not so strangely secured from the lust of her brother She was afterward made Abbess of a Monastery erected by her father in the same City which since is become part of Christ-church where her body lyeth buried It happened in the first of Queen Elizabeth that the Scholars of Oxford took up the body of the wife of Peter Martyr who formerly had been disgracefully buried in a dunghill and interred it in the Tomb with the dust of St. Frideswide Sanders addeth that they wrote this Inscription which he calleth Impium Epitaphium Hic requiescit Religio cum â—…uperstitione though the words being capable of a favourable sense on his side he need not have been so angry However we will rub up our old Poetry and bestow another upon them In tumulo fuerat Petri quae Martyris uxor Hic cum Frideswida virgine jure jacet Virginis intactae nihilum cum cedat honori Conjugis in thalamo non temerata fides Si facer Angligenis cultus mutetur at absit Ossa suum â—…ervent mutua tuta locum Intom'd with Frideswide deem'd a Sainted maid The Wife of Peter Martyr here is laid And reason good for Women chaste in mind The best of Virgins come no whit behind Should Popery return which God forefend Their blended dust each other would deâ—…end Yet was there more than eight hundred years betwixt their several deaths Saint Frideswide dying Anno 739. and is remembred in the Romish Calendar on the nineteenth day of October St. EDWOLD was younger Brother to St. Edmund King of the East-Angles so cruelly martyred by the Danes and after his death that Kingdom not onely descended to him by right but also by his Subjects importunity was pressed upon him But he declined both preferring rather a sollitary life and heavenly contemplation In pursuance whereof he retired to Dorcester in this County and to a Monastery called Corn-house therein where he was interred and had in great veneration for his reputed miracles after his death which happened Anno Dom. 871. St. EDWARD the CONFESSOR was born at I slip in this County and became afterwards King of England sitting on the Throne for many years with much peace and prosperity Famous for the first founding of Westminster Abby and many other worthy aâ—…hievements By Bale he is called Edvardus simplex which may signifie either shallow or single but in what sense soever he gave it we take it in the later Sole and single he lived and dyed never carnally conversing with St. Edith his Queen which is beheld by different persons according to their different judgments coloured eyes make coloured objects some pitying him for defect or natural Impotence others condemning him as affecting singelness for want of Conjugal affection others applauding it as an high pâ—…ece of 〈◊〉 and perfection Sure I am it opened a dore for forreign Competitors and occasioned the Conquest of this Nation He dyed Anno Dom. 1065. and lyeth buryed in Westminster Abby Cardinals ROBERT PULLEN or Pullain or Pulley or Puley or Bullen or Pully for thus variously is he found written Thus the same name passing many mouths seems in some sort to be declined into several Cases whereas indeed it still remaineth one and the same word though differently spelled and pronounced In his youth â—…e studied at Paris whence he came over into England in the reign of King Henry the Fiâ—…st when learning ran very low in Oxford the university there being first much afflâ—…cted by Herald the Dane afterwards almost extinguished by the cruelty of â—…he Conqueror Our Pullen improved his utmost power with the King and Prelates for the restoring thereof and by his praying preaching and publick reading gave a great advancement thereunto Remarkable is his character in the Chronicle of Osny Robertus Pulenius scriptur as divin as quae in Anglia obsolverant apud Oxoniam legere câ—…pit Robert Pullen began to read at Oxford the holy scriptures which were grown out of fashion in England The fame of his leâ—…rning commended him beyond the Seas and it is remarkable that whereas it is usual with Popes in policy to unravel what such weaved who were before them three successive Popes continued their love to and increased honours upon him 1. Innocent courteously sent for him to Rome 2. Celestine created him Cardinal of St. Eusebius Anno 1144. 3. Lucius the second made him Chancellor of the Church of Rome He lived at Rome in great respect and although the certain date of his death cannot be collected it happened about the year of our Lord 1150. THOMAS JOYCE or Jorce a Dominican proceeded Doctor of Divinity in Oxford and living there he became Provincial of his Order both of England and Wales From this place without ever having any other preferment Pope Clement the fifth created him Cardinal of St. Sabine though some conceive he wanted breadth proportionable to such an height of dignity having no other revenue to maintain it Cardinals being accounted Kings fellow in that Age. Others admire at the contradiction betwixt Fryers pâ—…ofession and practice that persons so low should be so high so poor so rich which makes the same men to 〈◊〉 that so chaste might be so wanton He is remarkable on this account that he had six brethren all Dominicans I will not listen to their compaâ—…ison who resemble them to the seven sons of Sceva which were Exorcists but may term them a week of brethren whereof this Rubricated Cardinal was the Dominical letter There want not those who conceive great vertue in the youngest son of these seven and that his Touch was able to cure the Popes Evil. This Thomas as he had for the most time lived in Oxford so his Corps by his own desire were buried in his Convent therein He flourished Anno Dom. 1310. Prelates HERBERT LOSING was born in Oxford his father being an Abbot
of their utter failing Medicinal Waters BATH is well known all England and Europe over far more useful and wholesome though not so stately as Dioclesian his Bath in Rome the fairest amongst 856 in that City made onely for pleasure and delicacy beautified with an infinite of Marble Pillars not for support but ostentation so that Salmuth saith fourteen thousand men were imployed for some years in building thereof Our Baths-waters consist of 1 Bitumen which hath the predominancy sovereign to discuss glutinate dissolve open obstructions c. 2 Niter which dilateth the Bitumen making the solution the better and water the clearer It clenseth and purgeth both by Stool and â—…rine cutteth and dissolveth gross Humours 3 Sulphur In regard whereof they dry resolve mollifie attract and are good for Uterine effects proceeding from cold and windy Humours But how thesâ—… Waters come by their great heat is rather controverted than concluded amongst the Learned Some impute it to Wind or Airy Exhalations included in the Bowels of the Earth which by their agitation and attrition upon Rocks and narrow passages gather Heat and impart it to the Waters Others ascribe it to the heat of the Sun whose Beams piercing through the Pores of the Earth warm the Waters and therefore anciently were called Aquae Solis both because dedicated to and made by the Sun Others attribute it to quick-lime which we see doth readily heat any water cast upon it and kindleth any combustible substance put therein Others referre it to a Subterranean fire kindled in the bowels of the Earth and actually burning upon Sulpher and Bitumen Others impute the heat which is not destructive but generative joyned with moisture to the fermentation of several minerals It is the safer to relate all than reject any of these Opinions each having both their Opposers and Defenders They are used also inwardly in Broths Beere Juleps c. with good effect And although some mislike it because they will not mixe Medicaments with Aliments yet such practice beginneth to prevail The worst I wish these waters is that they were handsomly roofed over as the most eminent Bathes in Christendome are which besides that it would procure great benefit to weak persons would gain more respect hither in Winter Time or more early in the Spring or more late in the Fall The Right Honourable James Earle of Marleborough undertook to cover the Crosse-Bath at his own charge and may others follow his resolution it being but fit that where God hath freely given the Jewel Men bestow a Case upon it Proverbs VVhere should I be bore else thâ—…n in Tonton Deane This is a parcel of Ground round about Tonton very pleasant and populous as conteining many Parishes and so fruitful to use their Phrase with the Zun and Zoil alone that it needs no manuring at all The Peasantry therein are as Rude as Rich and so highly conceited of their good Country God make them worthy thereof that they conceive it a disparagement to be born in any other place as if it were eminently all England The Beggars of Bath Many in that place some natives there others repairing thither from all parts of the Land the Poor for Alms the pained for ease Whither should Fowl flock in an hard frost but to the Barn-door Here all the two seasons the general confluence of Gentry Indeed Laws are daily made to restrain Beggars and daily broke by the connivence of those who make them it being impossible when the hungry Belly barks and bowels sound to keep the tongue silent And although Oil of whip be the proper plaister for the cramp of lazinesse yet some pity is due to impotent persons In a word seeing there is the Lazars-Bath in this City I doubt not but many a good Lazarus the true object of Charity may beg therein Saints DUNSTAN was born in the Town of Glassenbury in this County He afterwards was Abbot thereof Bishop of London VVorcester Archbishop of Canterbury and at last for his promoting of Monkery reputed a Saint I can add nothing to but must subtract something from what I have written of him in my Church History True it is he was the first Abbot of England not in time but in honour Glassenbury being the Proto-Abbaty then and many years after till Pope Adrian advanced St. Albans above it But whereas it followeth in my Book That the title of Abbot till his time was unknown in England I admire by what casualty it crept in confess it a foul mistake and desire the Reader with his Pen to delete it More I have not to say of Dunstan save that he died Anno Dom. 988. and his skill in Smithery was so great that the Gold-smiths in London are incorporated by the Name of the Company of St. Dunstans Martyrs JONH HOOPER was born in this County bred first in Oxford then beyond the Seas A great Scholar and Linguist but suffering under the notion of a proud man onely in their Judgments who were un-acquainted with him Returning in the reign of king Edward the Sixth he was elected Bishop of Glocester but for a time scrupuled the acceptance thereof on a double account First because he refused to take an Oath tendered unto him This Oath I conceived to have been the Oath of Canonical obedience but since owing my information to my Worthy Friend the Learned Dr. John Hacket I confess it the Oath of Supremacy which Hooper refused not out of lack of Loyalty but store of Conscience For the Oath of Supremacy as then modelled was more than the Oath of Supremacy injoyning the receivers thereof conformity to the Kings commands in what alterations soever he should afterwards make in Religion Which implicite and unlimited obedience Learned Casuists allow onely due to God himself Besides the Oath concluded with So help me God and all his Angels and Saints So that Hooper had just cause to scruple the Oath and was the occasion of the future reforming whilst the King dispensed with his present taking thereof The second thing he boggled at was the wearing of some Episcopal habiliments but at last it seemeth consented thereunto and was Consecrated Bishop of Glocester His adversaries will say that the refusing of One is the way to get Two Bishopricks seeing afterward he held Worcester in Commendam therewith But be it known that as our Hooper had double dignity he had treble diligence painfully preaching Gods Word piously living as he preach'd and patiently dying as he liv'd being martyred at Glocester Anno 155 He was the onely native of this Shire suffering for the testimony of the Truth and on this account we may honour the memory of Gilbert Bourn Bishop of Bath and Wells in the reign of Queen Mary who persecuted no Protestants in his Diocese to Death seeing it cannot be proved that one Lush was ever burnt though by him condemned I mention Bishop Bourn here the more willingly because I can no where recover the certainty
of his Nativity Prelates JOCELINE of WELLS Bishop Godwin was convinced by such evidences as he had seen that he was both born and bred in Welles becomming afterwards the Bishop thereof Now whereas his Predecessors stiled themselves Bishops of Glaston especially for some few years after their first Consecration He first fixed on the Title of Bath and Wells and transmitted it to all his Successors In his time the Monks of Glassenbury being very desirous to be only subjected to their own Abbot purchased their Exemption by parting with four fair Mannors to the See of Wells This Joceline after his return from his five years Exile in France banished with Archbishop Langton on the same account of obstinacy against King John layed out himself wholely on the beautifying and enriching of his Cathedral He erected some new Prebends and to the use of the Chapter appropiated many Churches increasing the revenues of the Dignities so fitter called than Profits so mean then their maintenance and to the Episcopal See he gave three Mannors of great value He with Hugo Bishop of Lincoln was the joynt Founder of the Hospital of St. Johns in Wells and on his own sole cost built two very fair Chappels one at VVokey the other at VVells But the Church of VVells was the Master-piece of his Works not so much repaired as rebuilt by him and well might he therein have been afforded a quiet repose And yet some have plundered his Tomb of his Effigies in Brasse being so rudely rent off it hath not only defaced his Monument but even hazarded the ruin thereof He sat Bishop which was very remarkable more than thirty seven years God to Square his great undertakings giving him a long life to his large heart and died 1242. FULKE of SAMFORD was born in this County but in which of the Samfords there being four of that name therein none elsewhere in England is hard and not necessary to decide He was first preferred Treasurer of St. Pauls in London and then by Papal Bull declared Archbishop of Dublin 1256. Mr. Paris calleth him Fulk Basset by mistake He died in his Mannor of Finglas 1271 and was buried in the Church of St. Patrick in the Chappel of St. Maries which likely was erected by him JOHN of SAMFORD It is pity to part Brethren He was first Dean of St. Patrick in Dublin preferred probably by his Brother and for a time Eschaetor of all Ireland Indeed the Office doth male audire sound ill to ignorant eares partly because the vicinity thereof to a worse word Esquire and Squire are known to be the same partly because some by abusing that Office have rendred it odious to people which in it self was necessary and honourable For the name Eschaetor cometh from the French word Escheoir which signifieth to Happen or Fall out and He by his place is to search into any Profit accrewing to the Crown by casualty by the condemnation of Malefactors Persons dying without an Heir or leaving him in minority c. and whereas every County in England hath an Eschaetor This John of Samford being Eschaetor General of Ireland his place must be presumed of great Trust from the King and Profit to himself He was Canonically chosen and by King Edward the first confirmed Archbishop of Dublin 1284 mediately succeeding John de Derlington interposed his Brothet Fulke therein and I cannot readily remember the like Instance in any other See For a time he was Chief Justice of Ireland and thence was sent with Anthâ—… Bishop of Durham Embasâ—…adour to the Emperour whence returning he died at London 1294. and had his Body carried over into Ireland an Argument that he was well respected and buried in the Tomb of his Brother in the Church of St. Patricks THOMAS BECKINTON was born at Beckinton in this County bred in New-Colledge Doctor in the Laws and Dean of the Arches till by King Henry the Sixth he was advanced Bishop of Bath and VVelles A good 1 States-man having written a Judicious Book to prove the Kings of England to the Crown of France notwithstanding the pretenced Salique-Law 2 Church-man in the then notion of the Word professing in his Will that he had spent six thousand Marks in the repairing and adorning of his Palaces 3 Towns-man besides a Legacy given to the Town where he was born he built at VVells where he lived a fair Conduit in the Market-place 4 Subject alwayes loyal to King Henry the Sixth even in the lowest condition 5 Kinsman plentifully providing for his alliance with Leases without the least prejudice to the Church 6 Master bequeathing five pounds a piece to his chief five Marks a piece to his meaner Servants and fourty shillings a piece to his Boys 7 Man He gave for his Rebus in allusion to his Name a burning Beacon to which he answered in his Nature being a burning and a shining light Witnesse his many benefactions to VVells Church and the Vicars therein VVinchester New Merton but chiefly Lincoln-Colledg in Oxford being little lesse than a second Founder thereof A Beacon we know is so called from Beckoning that is making signs or giving notice to the next Beacon This bright Beacon doth nod and give hints of bounty to future ages but it is to befeared it will be long before his signs will be observed understood imitated Nor was it the least part of his prudence that being obnoxious to King Edward the Fourth in his life time he procured the confirmation of his Will under the broad Seal of England and died January the 14 1464. RICHARD FITZ-JAMES Doctor at Law was born at Redlinch in this County of right ancient and worshipful extraction bred at Merton Colledge in Oxford whereof he became Warden much meriting of that place wherein he built most beautiful Lodgings expending also much on the repair of St. Maries in Oxford He was preferred Bishop first of Rochester next of Chichester last of London He was esteemed an excellent Scholar and wrote some Books which if they ever appeared in publick never descended to posterity He cannot be excused for being over busie with fire and faggot in persecuting the poor Servants of God in his Diocess He deceased Anno 1512. lyeth buried in his Cathedral having contributed much to the adorning thereof in a Chappel-like Tomb built it seems of Timber which was burnt down when the steeple of St. Pauls was set on fire Anno 1561. This Bishop was brother to Judg Fitz-James Lord Chief Justice who with their mutual support much strengthned one another in Church and State To the Reader I cannot recover any native of this County who was a Bishop since the Reformation save only John Hooper of whom formerly in the Catalogue of Martyrs States-men Sir AMIAS POULET Son to Sir Hugh grand-Child to Sir Amias Poulet who put Cardinal Wolsey then but a Schoolmaster in the Stockes was born at Hinton Saint George in this County He was Chancelor
heirs the Patent whereof is extant in the Tower and exemplified in my Author He appears to me no more than a plain Knight or a Knight Batchelour But were it in the power of my Pen to create a Banneret he should for the Reason premised have that Honour affixed to his Memory who as we conjecture died about the middle of the reign of King Henry the Sixth JOHN DUDLEY Duke of Northumberland where born uncertain was son to Edward Dudley Esq. of whom hereafter and would willingly be reputed of this County a Descendent from the Lord Dudley therein whose memory we will gratifie so far as to believe it He lived long under King Henry the Eighth who much favoured him and the Servant much resembled his Master in the equal contemperament of Vertue and Vices so evenly matched that it is hard to say which got the Mastery in either of them This John was proper in person comely in carriage wise in advising valiant in adventuring and generally till his last project prosperous in success But he was also notoriously wanton intollerably ambitious a constant dissembler prodigeously profuse so that he had sunk his Estate had it not met with a seasonable support of Abbey Land he being one of those who well warmed himself with the chipps which fell from the felling of Monasteriâ—…s King Henry the 8th first Knighted then created him Vicount Lisle Earle of Warwick and Duke of Norâ—…humberland And under Queen Mary he made himself almost King of England though not in Title in power by contriving the settling of the Crown on Queen Jane his daughâ—…er in Law till successe failed him therein And no wonder if that design missed the mark which besides many rubbs it met with at hand was thrown against the general bias of English affection For this his treasonable practises he was executed in the First of Queen Mary much bemoaned by some Martial men whom he had formerly indeared in his good service in the French and Scotish Wars He left two sons who survived to great Honour Ambrose Earl of Warwick heir to all that was good and Robert Earl of Leicester heir to all that was great in their Father The BAGNOLS Something must be premised of their Name and extraction The Bagenhalts commonly called Bagnols were formerly a Family of such remark in this County that before the reign of King Henry the Eighth there scarce passed an Ancient piece of evidence which is not attested by one of that Name But see the uncertainty of all humane things it afterwards sunck down to use my Authours language into a Plebean Condition But the sparks of their gentle Bloud though covered for a time under a mean estate have since blazed again with their own worth and valour when Ralph and Nicholas sons to John Bagnol of Newcastle in this County were both Knighted for their good service the one in Mustle-Borough fight the otherin Ireland Yea as if their courage had been hereditary Their sons Samuel and Henry were for their Martial merit advanced to the same degree Sea-men WILLIAM MINORS Reader I remember how in the Case of the Ship-money the Judges delivered it for Law that England being an Island the very Middle-land-Shires therein are all to be accounted as Maritime Sure I am the Genius even of Land-lock-Counties acteth the Natives with a Maritime dexterity The English generally may be resembled to Ducklings which though hatched under a Hen yet naturally delight to dabble in the Water I mean though born and bred in In-Land places where neither their Infancy nor Childhood ever beheld Ship or Boat yet have they a great Inclinatioâ—… and Aptnesse to Sea-service And the present subject of our Pen is a pregnant proof thereof This William son to Richard Minors Gent. of Hallenbury-Hall was born at Uttoxater in this County who afterwads coming to London became so prosperous a Mariner that he hath safely returned eleven times from the East-Iudies whereas in the dayes of our GrandFathers such as came thence twice were beheld as Rarities thrice as Wonders four times as Miracles Much herein under Divine Providence is to be attributed to the Make of our English Ships now built more advantageous for sailing than in former Ages Besides the oftner they go the nearer they shape their Course use being the mother of Perfectnesse Yet whilst others wonder at his happiness in returning so often I as much commend his moderation in going no oftner to the East-Indies More men know how to get enough than when they have gotten enough which causeth their Coveteousness to increase with their wealth Mr. Minors having advanced a competent Estate quitted the water to live on the land and now peaceably enjoyeth what he painfully hath gotten and is living in or near Hartford at this present year 1660. Writers JOHN STAFFORD born in the Shire-Town of this County was bred a Franciscan No contemptible Philosopher and Divine but considerable Historian who wrote a Latin History of Englands affaires Authors are at an absolute loss when he lived and are fain by degrees to screw themselves into a general notice thereof He must be since the year 1226 when the Franciscans first fixed themselves in our Land He must be before John Ross who flourished Anno 1480 under Edward the Fourth and maketh honourable mention of him Therefore with proportion and probability he is collected to have written about 1380. WILLIAM de LICHFIELD so termed from the place of his Nativity applied himself to a study of Divinity whereof he became Doctor and afterwards Rector of All-hallowes the Great in Thames-street London He was generally beloved for his great Learning and godly liâ—…e He wrote many Books both Moral and Divine in Prose and Verse one intituled The complaint of God unto sinful Men. There were found in his Study after his death Three thousand four score and three Sermons of his own writing He died Anno Dom. 1447. being buried under a defaced Monument in the Quire of his own Church ROBERT WHITTINGTON born at Lichfield was no mean Grammarian Indeed he might have been greater if he would have been less Pride prompting him to cope with his Conquerors whom he mistook for his Match The first of these was Will. Lillie though there was as great difference betwixt these two Grammarians as betwixta Verb defective and one perfect in all the Requisites thereof The two other were William Horman and Alderedge both eminent in the Latin Tongue But some will carp at the best who cannot mend the worst line in a Picture the humour of our Whittington who flourished 1530. Since the Reformation HENRY STAFFORD Baron of Stafford in this County was son unto Edward Duke of Buckingham attainted and beheaded under King Henry the Eighth This our Henry though loosing his Top and Top-Gallant his Earledom and Dukedome in the tempest of the Kings displeasure yet still he kept his Keel his Barony of Stafford The less he possessed of his
notice of his parts and perfections allowing him Festivum ingenium ad quodcunque deflexum having a subtile and supple Wit so that he could be what he would be a great Master of Defence in the Schools both to guard and hit Bale saith he saw his Works in Cambridge fairly written in four great Volumes Weary with his long Race beyond the seas he returned at last to the place whence he started and retiring to his Convent whereof he was Ruler at Ipswich died there January 22 1448. JOHN of BURY was an Augustinian in Clare Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge Provincial of his Order thorough England and Ireland no mean Scholar and a great opposer of Reginald Peakock and all other Wicklevites He flourished Anno 1460. THOMAS SCROOPE was born at Bradley in this County but extracted from the Lord Scroop in York-shire who rolled through many professions 1 He was a Benedictine but found that Order too loose for his conscience 2 A Carmelite of Norwich as a stricter profession 3 An Anchorite the dungeon of the prison of Carmelitisme wherein he lived twenty years 4 Dispensed with by the Pope he became Bishop of Drummore in Ireland 5 Quiâ—…ing his Bishoprick he returned to his solitary life yet so that once a week he used to walk on his bare â—…eet and preach the Decalogue in the Villages round about He lived to be extreamly aged for about the year 1425 cloathed in sack-cloath and girt with an iron chain he used to cry out in the streets That new Jerusalem the Bride of the Lamb was shortly to come down from Heaven prepared for her Spouse Revel 21 and that with great joy he saw the same in the spirit Thomas Waldensis the great Anti-Wicklevite was much offended thereat protesting it was a scandal and disgrace to the Church However our Scroope long out-lived him and died aged well nigh 100 years Non sine sanctitatis opinione say both Bale and 〈◊〉 And it is a wonder they meet in the same opinion He was buried at 〈◊〉 in this County Anno 1491. Since the Reformation RICHARD SIRS was born in the edge of this County yet so that Essex seemeth to have no share in him nigh Sudbury and was bred a Fellow of St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge He proved afterwards a most profitable Preacher to the Honourable Society of Grais-Inn whence he was chosen Master of St. Katharine-hall in Cambridge He found the House in a mean condition the Wheel of St. Katharine having stood still not to say gone backwards for some years together he left it replenished with Scholars beautified with Buildings better endowed with Revenues He was most eminent for that grace which is most worth yet cost the least to keep it viz. Christian humility Of all points of Divinity he most frequently pressed that of Christs Incarnation and if the Angels desired to pry into that Mystery no wonder if this Angelical Man had a longing to look therein A Learned Divine imputed this good Doctors great humility to his much meditating on that point of Christs humiliation when he took our flesh upon him If it be true what some hold in Physick that Omne par nutrit suum par that the Vitals of our Body are most strengthned by feeding on such Meat as are likest unto them I see no absurdity to maintain that Mens souls improve most in those graces whereon they have most constant meditation whereof this worthy Doctor was an eminent instance He died in the 58th year of his Age Anno Domini 1631. WILLIAM ALABLASTER was born at Hadley in this County and by marriage was Nephew to Doctor John Still Bishop of Bath and Wells He was bred Fellow in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge A most rare Poet as any our Age or Nation hath produced witnesse his Tragedy of Roxama admirably acted in that Colledge and so pathetically that a Gentle-woman present thereat Reader I had it from an Author whose credit it is sin with me to suspect at the hearing of the last words thereof sequar sequar so hideously pronounced fell distracted and never after fully recovered her senses He attended Chaplain in Calis-voyage on Robert Earl of Essex where he was so affected with the beauty of Popish Churches and the Venerable respect the Papists gave to their Priests that he staggered in his own Religion There wanted not those of the Romish party to force his fall whom they found reeling working on his Ambition who complained of the slownesse of preferment in England which followed not so fast as in due time to overtake his deserts so that soon after he turned a Papist Yet it was not long before he was out of love with that perswasion so that whether because he could not comport with their discipline who would have made him who conceived himself at the top begin again according to their course at the bottom of Humane Learning Or because which I rather charitably beleeve that upon second thoughts he seriously disgusted the Romish superstition he returned into his own Country It was not long before he was made Prebendary of St. Pauls and Rector of the rich Parsonage of Tharfield in Hartford-shire He was an excellent Hebrician and well skilled in Cabalistical Learning witnesse his Clerum in Cambridge when he commenced Doctor in Divinity taking for his Text the first words of the first Book of Chronicles Adam Seth Enos Besides the literal sense as they are proper names of the Patriarchs he mined for a mystical meaning Man is put or placed for pain and trouble How well this agreeth with the Original belongs not to me to enquire This I know it had been hard if not impossible for him to hold on the same rate and reduce the proper names in the Genealogies following to such an Appellativeness as should compose a continued sense He died Anno Domini 163. SAMUEL WARD was born at Haveril in this County where his Father had long been a painful Minister of the place and I remember I have read this Epitaph written on his Monument in the Chancel there which I will endeavour to translate Quo si quis scivit scitiùs Aut si quis docuit doctiùs At rarus vixit sanctiùs Et nullus tonuit fortiùs Grant some of knowledge greater store More Learned some in teaching Yet few in life did lighten more None thundred more in preaching He bred his son Samuel in Cambridge in Sidney Colledge whereof he became Fellow being an excellent Artist Linguist Divine and Preacher He had a sanctified fancy dexterous in designing expressive pictures representing much matter in a little model From Cambridge he was preferred Minister in or rather of Ipswich having a care over and a love from all the Parishes in that populous place Indeed he had a magnifick Vertue as if he had learned it from the Load-stone in whose qualities he was so knowing to attract peoples affections Yet found he foes as well as friends who complained of him to the High
kind in England not to say Europe is digged up nigh Rygate in this County It is worth 4 d. a Bushel at the Pit 16 d. at the Wharfe in London 3 s. at Newbury and Westward twice as dear Double the use thereof in making Cloath to scoure out stains and to thicken it or to use the Trades-mans term to bring it to proof Though the transporting thereof be by Law forbidden yet private profit so prepondereth the publick that Ships ballasted therewith are sent over into Holland where they have such Magazins of this Earth that they are ready on their own rates to furnish us therewith if there should be any occasion And now we are mentioning of Earth near Non-such is a Vein of Potters-Earth much commended in its kind of which Crusibles are made for the melting of Gold and many other necessary Utensils Wall-Nuts As in this County and in Cash-Haulton especially there be excellent Trouts so are there plenty of the best Wall-nuts in the same place as if Nature had observed the Rule of Physick Post Pisces Nuces Some difficulty there is in cracking the Name thereof why Wall-Nuts having no affinity with a VVall whose substantial trees need to borrow nothing thence for their support Nor are they so called because walled with shels which is common to all other Nuts The truth is Gual or VVall to the old Dutch signifieth strange or exotick whence VVelsh that is Foreigners these Nuts being no natives of England or Europe and probably first fetch'd from Persia because called Nux Persique in the French tongue Surely some precious worth is in the Kernels thereof though charged to be somewhat obstructive and stopping of the stomack because provident nature hath wrapped them in so many coverts a thick green one â—…alling off when ripe an hard yellowish and a bitter blackish one As for the timber of the VVall-nut-tree it may be termed an English Shittim-wood for the fineness smoothness and durableness thereof whereof the best Tables with stocks of Guns and other manufactures are made Box. The best which England affords groweth about Darking in this County yet short in goodness of what is imported out of Turky Though the smel and shade thereof be accounted unwholesome not only pretty toys for children but useful tooles for men and especially Mathematical Instruments are made thereof But it is generally used for Combes as also by such as grave Pictures Arms in wood as better because harder than Pear-tree for that purpose For mine own part let me speak it with thankfulness to two good Lords and Patrons it hath not cost me so much in Wood and Timber of all kinds for the last ten years as for Box for one twelve-moneth Manufactures Gardening I mean not such which is only for pleasure whereof Surrey hath more than a share with other shires to feast the sight and smell with flowers and walks whilst the rest of the body is famished but such as is for profit which some seventy years since was first brought into this County before which time great deficiency thereof in England For we fetcht most of our Châ—…ries from Flanders Apples from France and hardly had a Messe of Rath-Ripe pease but from Holland which were dainties for Ladies they came so far and cost so dear Since Gardening hath crept out of Holland to Sandwich in Kent and thence into this County where though they have given six pounds an Aker and upward they have made their Rent lived comfortably and set many people on work Oh the incredible profit by digging of Ground For though it is confess'd that the Plough beats the Spade out of distance for speed almost as much as the Press beats the Pen Yet what the spade wants in the Quantity of the Ground it manureth It recompenceth with the plenty of the Fruit it yeildeth that which is set multiplying a hundred fold more than what is sown 'T is incredible how many poor people in London live thereon so tâ—…at in some seasons Gardens feed more poor people than the Field It may be hoped that in process of time Anis-seeds Cumin-seeds Caraway-seeds yea Rice it self with other Garden VVare now brought from beyond the seas may hereafter grow in our Land enough for it's use especially if some ingenious Gentlemen would encourage the Industrious Gardiners by letting Ground on reasonable rates unto them Tapestry Pass we from Gardening a kind of Tapestry in Earth to Tapestry a kind of Gardening in Cloath The making hereof was either unknown or un-used in England till about the end of the reign of King James when he gave two thousand pounds to Sir Francis Crane to build therewith an House at Morecleark for that purpose Here they only imitated Old Patterns until they had procured one Francis Klein a German to be their Designer This F. Klein was born at Rostock but bred in the Court of the King of Denmark at Coppenhagen To improve his skill he travelled into Italy and lived at Venice and became first known unto Sir Henry VVootton who was the English Lieger there Indeed there is a stiff contest betwixt the Dutch and Italians which should exceed in this Mystery and therefore Klein endeavoured to unite their perfections After his return to Denmark he was invited thence into England by Prince Charles a Virtuoso Judicious in all LiberalMechanical Arts which proceeded on due proportion And though Klein chanced to come over in his absence being then in Spain yet King James gave order for his entertainment allowing him liberal accommodations and sent him back to the King of Denmark with a Letter which for the form thereof I conceive not unworthy to be inserted trans-scribing it with my own hand as followeth out of a Copy compared with the Original Jacobus Dei Gratia magnae Britanniae Franciae Hiberniae Rex fidei Defensor Serenissimo Principi ac Domino Domino Christiano Quarto eadem gratia Daniae Norvegiae Vandalorum Gothorum Regi Duci Slesuici Holsatiae Stormariae Ditmarsiae Comiti in Oldenburg Delmenhorsh Fratri Compatri Consanguineo Affini nostro charissimo salutem felicitatem Serenissimus Princeps Frater Compater Consanguineus Affinis charissimus CUm Franciscus Klein Pictor qui litteras nostras fert in animo habere indicasset si Vestra modo Serenitate volente id fieret filio nostro Principi Walliae operam suam locare accepimus benevolè id a Vestra Serenitate fuisse concessum data non solum illi quamprimum videretur discedendi venia verùm etiam sumptibus erogatis ad iter quo nomine est quod Vestrae Serenitati gratias agamus Et nos quidem certiores facti de illius in Britanniam jam adventu quanquam absente filio nostro satis illi interim de rebus omnibus prospeximus Nunc vero negotiorum causâ in Daniam reversurus tenetur ex pacto quam primum id commode poterit ad nos revenire Quod ut ei per vestram
he was the son of a good King which many men would wish and no child could help The then present Power more of coveteousness than kindness unwilling to maintain him either like or unlike the son of his Father permitted him to depart the Land with scarce tolerable Accommodations and the promise of a never-performed Pension for his future Support A passage I meet with in my worthy Friend concerning this Duke deserveth to be written in letters of Gold In the year 1654 almost as soon as his two Elder Brethren had removed themselves into Flanders he found a strong practise in some of the Queens Court to seduce him to the Church of Rome whose temptations he resisted beyond his years and thereupon was sent for by them into Flanders He had a great appetite to Learning and a quick digestion able to take as much as his Tutors could teach him He fluently could speak many understood more Modern Tongues He was able to express himself in matters of importance presently properly solidly to the admiration of such who trebled his Age. Judicious his Curiosity to inquire into Navigation and other Mathematical Mysteries His Courtesie set a lustre on all and commanded mens Affections to love him His life may be said to have been All in the night of affliction rising by his Birth a little before the setting of his Fathers and setting by his Death a little after the rising of his Brothers peaceable Reign It seems Providence to prevent Excess thought fit to temper the general mirth of England with some mourning With his Name-sake Prince Henry he compleated not twenty years and what was said of the Unkle was as true of the Nephew Fatuos a morte defendit ipsa insulsitas si cui plus caeteris aliquantulum salis insit quod miremini statim putrescit He deceased at Whitehall on Thursday the 13th of September 1660 and was buried though privately solemnly Veris spirantibus lacrymis in the Chappel of King Henry the Seventh Martyrs I meet with few if any in this County being part of the Diocess of Politick Gardiner The Fable is well known of an Ape which having a mind to a Chest-nut lying in the fire made the foot of a Spannel to be his tongs by the proxy whereof he got out the Nut for himself Such the subtlety of Gardiner who minding to murther any poor Protestant and willing to save himself from the scorching of general hatred would put such a person into the fire by the hand of Bonner by whom he was sent for up to London and there destroyed Confessors ELEANOR COBHAM daughter to the Lord Cobham of Sterborough-Castle in this County was afterwards married unto Humphrey Plantaginet Duke of Glocester This is she who when alive was so persecuted for being a Wickliffiâ—…e and for many hainous crimes charged upon her And since her memory hangs still on the file betwixt Confessor and Malefactor But I believe that the voluminous paines of Mr. Fox in vindicating her innocency against the Cavils of Alane Cope and others have so satisfied all indifferent people that they will not grudg her position under this Title Her troubles happened under King Henry the Sixth Anno Domini 14 ... Prelates NICHOLAS of FERNHAM or de Fileceto was born at Fernham in this County and bred a Physician in Oxford Now our Nation esteemeth Physicians little Physick little worth except far fetcht from foreign parts Wherefore this Nicholas to acquire more skill and repute to himself travelled beyond the Seas First he fixed at Paris and there gained great esteem accounted Famosus Anglicus Here he continued until that â—…niversity was in effect dissolved thorough the discords betwixt the Clergy and the Citizens Hence he removed and for some years lived in Bononia Returning home his fame was so great that he became Physician to King Henry the Third The Vivacity and health of this Patient who reigned longer than most men live was an effect of his care Great were the giâ—…ts the King conferred upon him and at last made him Bishop of Chester Wonder not that a Physician should prove a Prelate seeing this Fernham was a general Scholar Besides since the Reformation in the reign of Queen Elizabeth we had J. Coldwel Doctor of Physick a Bishop of Sarum After the Resignation of Chester he accepted of the Bishoprick of Durham This also he surrendred after he had sitten nine years in that See reserving only three Mannors for his maintenance He wrote many Books much esteemed in that Age of the practice in Thysick and use of Herbs and died in a private life 1257. WALTER de MERTON was born at Merton in this County and in the reign of King Henry the Third when Chancellors were chequered in and out three times he discharged that Office 1 Anno 1260 placed in by the King displac'd by the Barons to make room for Nicholas of Ely 2 Anno 1261. when the King counting it no Equity or Conscience that his Lords should obtrude a Chancellor on him restored him to his place continuing therein some three years 3 Anno 1273. when he was replaced in that Office for a short time He was also preferred Bishop of Rochester that a rich Prelate might maintain a poor Bishoprick He founded Merton-Colledge in Oxford which hath produced more famous School-men than all England I had almost said Europe besides He died in the year 1277 in the fifth of King Edward the First THOMAS CRANLEY was in all probability born at and named from Cranley in Blackheath Hundred in this County It confirmeth the conjecture because I can not find any other Village so named in all England Bred he was in Oxford and became the first Warden of New Colledge thence preferred Arch-bishop of Dublin in Ireland Thither he went over 1398 accompanying Thomas Holland Duke of Surrey and Lieutenant of Ireland and in that Kingdom our Cranley was made by King Henry the Fourth Chancellour and by King Henry the Fifth Chief Justice thereof It seems he finding the Irish possessed with a rebellious humour bemoaned himself to the King in a terse Poem of 106 Verses which Leland perused with much pleasure and delight Were he but half so good as some make him he was to be admired Such a Case and such a Jewel such a presence and a Prelate clear in Complexion proper in Stature bountiful in House-keeping and House-repairing a great Clerk deep Divine and excellent Preacher Thus far we have gone along very willingly with our Author but now leave him to go alone by himself unwilling to follow him any farther for fear of a tang of Blasphemy when bespeaking him Thou art fairer than the children of men full of grace are thy lips c. Anno 1417 he returned into England being fourscore years old sickned and died at Faringdon and lieth buried in New-Colledge Chappel and not in Dublin as some have related NICHOLAS WEST was born at Putney in
short Character be pitch'd up like a Tent for a time to be taken down when a firmer Fabrick which as I am informed a more able Pen is about shall be erected to his memory He died Anno Domini 1659. Romish Exile Writers NICHOLAS SANDERS was born at Charlewood in this County where his Family still continueth worshipful bred Bachelour of the Laws in New-Colledge Going over beyond the seas he was made D. D. at Rome and afterwards Kings-Professor thereof at Lovain Pity it was he had not more honesty or less Learning being Master of Art in malice not hoping the whole body of his lies should be believed but being confident the least finger thereof finding credit could prove heavy enough to crush any innocence with posterity presuming the rather to write passages without truth because on a subject beyond memory He thought it would much advantage his Cause to call the Church of England Schismatick first in that his libellous Treatise But what said St. Augustine in a Dispute with one of the Donatists Uâ—…rum schismatici nos simus an vos non ego nec tu sed Christus interrogelur ut judicet Ecclesiam suam Indeed the controversie consisting much in matter of fact let Records and Histories be perused and it will appear that our English Kings after many intolerable provocations and intrenchments on their Crown from the Church of Rome at last without the least invading of others conserv'd their own right Partly as Supreme Princes calling together their Clergy by their advice to reform the errours therein partly to protect their subjects from being ruined by the Canons and Constitutions of a foreign power But this subject hath lately been so handled by that Learned Baronet Sir Roger Twysden that as he hath exceeded former he hath saved all future pains therein To return to Sanders it is observeable that he who â—…urfeited with falshoods was famished for lack of food in Ireland We must be sensible but may not be censorious on such actions such deserving to forfeit the eyes of their souls who will not mark so remarkable a judgement which happened Anno Domini 1580. Benefactors to the Publick I meeâ—… with none besides Bishop Merâ—…on of whom I have spoken eminent before the Reformation Since it we find HENRY SMITH who was born at Wandsworth in this County Now Reader before I go any further give me leave to premise and apply a passage in my apprehension not improper in this place Luther Commenting on those words Gen. 1. 21. And God created great Whales rendereth this reason why the creation of Whaleâ—… is specified by name Ne territi magnitudine creâ—… ea spectra esse Lest affrighted with their greatness we should believe them to be â—…nly Visions or Fancies Indeed many simple people who lived where Luther did in an In-land Country three hundred miles from the sea might suspect that Whales as reported with such vast dimentions were rather 〈◊〉 than Realities In like manner being now to relate the Bounty of this Worthy Person I am affraied that our Inâ—…idel Age will not give credit thereunto as conceiving it rather a Romanza or Fiction than a thing really performed because of the prodigious greatness thereof The best is there are thousands in this County can attest the truth herein And such good deeds publickly done are a pregnant proof to convince all Denyers and Doubters thereof This Henry Smith Esq. and Alderman of London gave to buy Lands for a perpetuity for the relief and setting the Poor to work Croidon one thousand pounds In Kingston one thousand pounds Guilford one thousand pounds Darking one thousand pounds In Farnham one thousand pounds Rigate one thousand pounds In Wandsworth to the Poor five hundred Besides many other great and liberal legacies bequeathed to pious uses which I hope by his Executors are as conscionably imployed as by him they were charitably intended He departed this life the 13th of January 1627. in the seventy-ninth year of his Age and lieth buried in the Chancel to Wandsworth Memorable Persons ELIZABETH WESTON We must gain by degrees what knowledge we can get of this eminent Woman who no doubt was 1 Of Gentile Extraction because her Parents bestowed on her so liberal and costly Education 2 A Virgin because she wrote a book of Poetry called Parthâ—…nicon 3 A great Scholar because commended by two grand Criticks 4 She must flourish by proportion of time about 1600. Hear what Janus Dousa saith of her Angla vel Angelica es vel prorsus es Angelus 〈◊〉 Si sexus vetat hoc Angelus est animus Joseph Scaliger praiseth her no less in prose Parthenicon Elizabethae Westoniae Virginis nobilissimae Poetriae florentissimae linguarum plurimarum peritissimae And again speaking to her Penè priùs mihi contigit admirari ingenium tuum quà m nosse It seems her fame was more known in foreign parts than at home And I am 〈◊〉 that for the honour of her Sex and our Nation I can give no better account of her However that her memory may not be harbourless I have lodged her in this County where I find an Ancient and Worshipful Family of the Westons flourishing at Sutton ready to remove her at the first information of the certain place of her Nativity Here we may see how capable the weaker Sex is of Learning if instructed therein Indeed when a Learned Maid was presented to King James for an English rarity because she could speak and write pure Latine Greek and Hebrew the King returned But can she spin However in persons of Birth and quality Learning hath ever been beheld as a rare and commendable accomplishment The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the 12 year of King Henry the Sixth Anno Dom. 1433. Commissioners to take the Oaths H. Bishop of Winchester Cardinal of England Robert de Ponyges Chivaler Joh. Fereby one of the Knights of the Shire Regin Cobham de Lingfeld mil. Joh. Kigele de Walketon mil. Hen. Norbury de StokedeberoÌ„ m. Joh. Leboys de Farnham mil. Joh. Weston de Papeworth arm Th. Winter shul de Wintershul ar Tho. Husele de Southwark arm Johan Corue de Mercham Rob. Skirnde Kingeston Rob. Fitz-Robert de Bernas Joh. Gainsford de Crowherst ar Will. Uvedale de Tichsay arm Nich. Carewe de Bedington Joh. Ardern de Lye armigeri Rog. Elingbrig de Croydon ar Th. Codeington de Codington a. Joh. Yerd de Chayham arm Will. Kygâ—…le de Waweton arm Joh. Burg de Waleton armiger Joh. Merston de Cobbesham arm Will. Otteworth de Parochia Scemortle armiger Arth. Ormesby de Southwark ar Will. Weston de Okeham arm Thomae Stoughton Ade Lene Lord de Southwark ar Will. Godyng de eadem armig Nich. Hogh de eadem Joh. Malton de eadem Joh. Godrick de Bermondsey ar Tho. Kenle de Southwark arm Rob. Stricklond de Walworth Rich. Tyler de Southwark Joh. Hanksmode de eadem Joh. Newedgate de eadem ar Will Sidney
he was successively preferred by King Charles the first Bishop of Hereford and London and for some years Lord Treasurer of England A troublesome place in those times it being expected that he should make much Brick though not altogether without yet with very little Straw allowed unto him Large then the Expences Low the Revenues of the Exchequer Yet those Coffers which he found Empty he left Filling and had left Full had Peace been preserved in the Land and he continued in his Place Such the mildness of his temper that Petitioners for Money when it was not to be had departed well pleased with his denialls they were so civilly Languaged It may justly seem a wonder that whereas few spake well of Bishops at that time and Lord Treasurers at all times are liable to the Complaints of discontented people though both Offices met in this man yet with Demetrius he was well reported of all men and of the truth it self He lived to see much shame and contempt undeservedly poured on his Function and all the while possessed his own soul in patience He beheld those of his Order to lose their votes in Parliament and their insulting enemies hence concluded Loss of speech being a sad Symptom of approching Death that their Final extirpation would follow whose own experience at this day giveth the Lie to their malicious Collection Nor was it the least part of this Prelates Honour that amongst the many worthy Bishops of our Land King Charles the first selected him for his Confessor at his Martyrdome He formerly had had experience in the case of the Earl of Strafford that this Bishops Conscience was bottom'd on Piety not Policy the reason that from him he received the Sacrament good Comfort and Counsell just before he was Murdered I say just before that Royal Martyr was Murdered a Fact so foul that it alone may confute the errour of the Pelagians maintaining that all Sin cometh by imitaâ—…ion the Universe not formerly affording such a Precedent as if those Regicides had purposely designed to disprove the Observation of Solomon that there is No new thing under the Sun King Charles the second Anno Domini 1660. preferred him Arch-bishop of Canterbury which place he worthily graceth at the writing hereof Feb. 1. 1660. ACCEPTUS FRUIN D. D. was born at in this County bred Fellow of Magdalen-colledge in Oxford and afterwards became President thereof and after some mediate preferments was by King Charles the first advanced Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and since by King Charles the second made Arch-bishop of York But the matter whereof Porcellane or China dishes are made must be ripened many years in the earth before it comes to full perfection The Living are not the proper objects of the Historians Pen who may be misinterpreted to flatter even when he falls short of their due Commendation the Reason why I adde no more in the praise of this worthy Prelate As to the Nativities of Arch-bishops one may say of this County many Shires have done worthily but SUSSEX surmounteth them all having bred Five Archbishops of Canterbury and at this instant claiming for her Natives the two Metropolitans of our Nation States-men THOMAS SACKVILL son and heir to Sir Richard Sackvill Chancellour and Sub-Treasurer of the Exchequer and Privy-Counsellour to Queen Elizabeth by Winifred his wife daughter to Sir John Bruges was bred in the University of Oxford where he became an excellent Poet leaving both Latine and English Poems of his composing to posterity Then studied he law in the Temple and took the degree of Barrister afterward he travelled into forraign parts detained for a time a prisoner in Rome whence his liberty was procured for his return into England to possess the vast Inheritance left him by his father whereof in short time by his magnificent prodigality he spent the greatest part till he seasonably began to spare growing neer to the bottom of his Estate The story goes that this young Gentleman coming to an Alderman of London who had gained great Pennyworths by his former purchases of him was made being now in the Wane of his Wealth to wait the coming down of the Alderman so long that his generous humour being sensible of the incivility of such attendance resolved to be no more beholding to Wealthy pride and presently turned a thrifty improver of the remainder of his Estate If this be true I could wish that all Aldermen would State it on the like occasion on condition their noble debtors would but make so good use thereof But others make him the Convert of Queen Elizabeth his Cosin german once removed who by her frequent admonitions diverted the torrent of his profusion Indeed she would not know him till he began to know himself and then heaped places of honour and trust upon him creating him 1. Baron of Buckhurst in this County the reason why we have placed him therein Anno Dom. 1566. 2. Sending him Ambassadour into France Anno 1571. into the Low-countries Anno 1586. 3. Making him Knight of the Order of the Garter Anno 1589. 4. Appointing him Treasurer of England 1599. He was Chancellour of the University of Oxford where he entertained Q. Elizabeth with a most sumptuous feast His elocution was good but inditing better and therefore no wonder if his Secretaries could not please him being a person of so quick dispatch faculties which yet run in the bloud He took a Roll of the names of all Suitors with the date of their first addresses and these in order had their hearing so that a fresh-man could not leap over the head of his senior except in urgent affairs of State Thus having made amends to his house for his mis-spent time both in increase of Estate and Honour being created Earl of Dorset by King James he died on the 19. of April 1608. Capitall Judges Sir JOHN JEFFRY Knight was born in this County as I have been informed It confirmeth me herein because he left a fair Estate in this Shire Judges genebuilding their Nest neer the place where they were Hatched which descended to his Daughter He so profited in the study of our Municipall-Law that he was preferred Secondary Judge of the Common-pleas and thence advanced by Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas Terme the nineteenth of her Reign to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer which place he discharged for the Terme of two years to his great commendation He left one only Daughter and Heir married to Sir Edward Mountague since Baron of Boughton by whom he had but one Daughter Elizabeth married to Robert Barty Earl of Linsey Mother to the truly Honorable Mountague Earl of Linsey and Lord Great Chamberlain of England This worthy Judge died in the 21. of Queen Elizabâ—…h Souldiers The ABBOT of BATTLE He is a pregnant Proof that one may leave no Name and yet a good Memory behind him His Christian or Surname cannot be recovered out of our Chronicles which hitherto
of the Ladies amongst whom one reputed a kins-man to the great Sophy after some Opposition was married unto him She had more of Eb◅ny then Ivory in her Complexion yet amiable enough and very valiant a quality considerable in that Sex in those Countries With her he came over into England and lived many years therein He much affected to appear in forreign Vestes and as if his Clothes were his limbes accounted himself never ready till he had something of the Persian Habit about him At last a Contest happening betwixt him and the Persian Ambassadour to whom some reported Sir Robert gave a Box on the Ear the King sent them both into Persia there mutually to impeach one another and joyned Doctor Go◅gh a Senior Fellow of Trinity-colledge in Cambridge in Commission with Sir Robert In this ◅oyage as I am informed both died on the Seas before the controverted difference was ever heard in the Court of Persia about the beginning of the reign of K. Charles Sir THOMAS SHIRLEY I name him the last though the eldest Son of his Father because last appearing in the world mens Activity not always observing the method of their Register As the Trophies of Miltiades would not suffer Themistocles to sleep so the Atchivements of his two younger brethren gave an Ala◅m unto his spirit He was ashamed to see them Worne like flowers in the Breasts and Bosomes of forreign Princes whilst he himself withered upon the stalk he grew on This made him leave his aged Father and fair Inheritance in this County and to undertake Sea Voyages into forreign parts to the great honour of his Nation but small inriching of himself so that he might say to his Son as Aeneas to Aescanius Disce puer Virtutē ex me verumque Laborem Fortunam ex aliis Virtue and Labour Learn from me thy Father As for success Child Learn from others rather As to the generall performances of these three brethren I know the Affidavit of a Poet carieth but a small cre◅it in the court of History and the Comedy made of them is but a friendly foe to their Memory as suspected more accommodated to please the present spectators then inform posterity However as the belief of Miti◅ when an Inventory of his adopted Sons misde◅nours was brought unto him embraced a middle and moderate way nec omnia credere nec nihil neither to believe all things nor nothing of what was told him so in the list of their Atchivements we may safely pitch on the same proportion and when abatement is made for poeticall embelishments the remainder will speak them Worthies in their generations The certain dates of their respective deaths I cannot attain Physicians NICHOLAS HOSTRESHAM Know Reader I have placed him in this County only on presumption that Horsham in this Shire no such place otherwise in England is contracted for Hostresham He was a learned man a most famous Physician and esteemed highly of all the Nobility of the Land who coveted his company on any conditions It seemeth that he was none of those so pleasing and conformable to the Humor of their Patients as that they press not the true Cure of the Disease and yet none of those who are so Regular in proceeding according to Art for the Disease as that they respect not sufficiently the condition of their Patients but that he was of a Middle Temper and so in effect was two Physicians in one Man Many were the Books he wrote reckoned upby Bale and Pitz amongst which I take especial notice of one contra dolorem renum thus beginning Lapis quandoque generatur in renibus I observe this the rather because his Practise was wholly at home it not appearing that he ever went beyond the Sea and this is contrary unto the confidence of such who have vehemently affirmed that the Stone was never heard of in England untill Hopps and Beer made therewith about the year 1516. began to be commonly used He flourished Anno Domini 1443. Writers LAURENCE SOMERCOTE was born saith Bale in the South-part of the Kingdome But had I am sure his best English preferment in Sussex being Canon of Chichester After his breeding here under his Carefull Parents and Skilfull Masters who taught him Logick and Rhetorick he applied himself to the Study of the Law and attained to great Learning therein Then leaving the Land he went to Rome and repaited to his Brother or Kinsman Robert Somercote Cardinall who it seems procured him to be Sub-Deacon under the Pop◅ He wrote some Books both in Latine and French and flourished in the year of our Lord 1240. JOHN DRITON so is his Surname Englished by Bale And why not as well John Driby a V◅llage in Lincoln-shire seeing no Driton in all England The truth is this in Latine he wrote himself de Arida Vill◅ equivalent with Sicoa villa or Sack-wil a Surname most renowned in this County and because it is added to his Character ex Illustri quadam Angliae familia procre◅s it suiteth well with our conjecturing him this Country-man He was bred according to the Mode of that Age in France and there became at Paris Summus Gymnasii Moderator which howsoever rendred in English soundeth a high place Conferred on a Forreigner In his time was much busling in the University about an Apocrypha Book patched together out of the Dreams of Joachime and Cyril two Monkes which was publickly read and commented on by many Admirers thereof by the name of the Eternall Gospell The Pope who often Curseth where God Blesseth here Blessed where God Cursed and notwithstanding the solemn Commination against such Additions to Scripture favoured them and what a Charitable Christian can scarcely believe damned their Opposers for Hereticks this our Sackwill bestirred himself and with William de Sancto Amore and other pious Men opposed this piece of Imposture Pitz in the Character of this our de Arida Villa treads like a foundred Horse on stones mentioning only that he met with much disturbance without any particulars thereof At last this Eternall Gospell had a Temporal End and with the Serpents of the Aegyptian Inchanters which vanished away this pretended Quint Essence Gospell sunk with shame into silence whilst the other four Gospells with the Serpent of Moses doe last and continue This our Writer flourished 1260. JOHN WINCHELSEY was bred in Oxford and became a great Scholar therein I am not bound to believe Bale in full latitude that he made a Centaur-Divinity out of Poets and Philosophers but this I believe that in his old Age he turned a Franciscan and when Gray became a Green Novice of the Order at Sarisbury Many condemned him that he would enter into such a life when ready to goe out of the world and others of his own Covent commended him who being old was concerned to find out the most compendious way to Heaven The year of his Probation was not ended when he died and was
bestowed should be pleased to provide a fair and firm Fabrick to receive it but now is reposited Bodly within a 〈◊〉 in the matchless Library of Oxford Romish Exil'd Writers GREGORY MARTINE was born at Macfield in this County bred contemporary with Campian Fellow of Saint Johns-colledge in Oxford He was chosen by Thomas Duke of Northfolk to be Tutor to his Son Philip Earl of Arundell and well discharged his trust therein Going afterwards beyond the Seas and living some time in Doway and Rome he fixed at last in the English-colledge at Rhemes where he was Professor of Divinity As he was Papall both in his Christian and Surname so was he deeply dyed with that Religion writing many Books in the defence thereof and one most remarkable intituled A Detection of the corruptions in the English Bible Athaliah did craftily to cry out first Treason Treason when she was the greatest Traitor her self and this Martine conscious of the many and foul corruptions in his own Rhemish translation politickly complained of the Faults in our English Bible He dâ—…ed the 28. of October 1582. and lyeth buried in the Parish Church of St. Stephens in Rhemes THOMAS STAPLETON was born at Henfield in this County as Pitts his familiar friend doth informe us Object not that it is written on his Tomb at Saint Peters at Lovaine Thomas Stapletonus qui Cicestriae in Anglia Nobili loco Natus Chichester there not being taken restrictively for the City but extensively for the Diocess His bare Sirname is sufficient proof of his Gentile Birth Those of his own perswasion please themselves much to observe that this Thomas was born in the same year and month wherein Sir Thomas Moor was beheaded as if Divinè Providence had purposely dropped from Heaven an Acorn in place of the Oake that was â—…ell'd He was bred in New colledge in Oxford and then by the Bishop Christopherson as I take it made Cannon of Chichester which he quickly quitted in the First of Queen Elizabeth Flying beyond the Seas he first fixed at Doway and there commendably performed the Office of Catechist which he discharged to his commendation Reader pardon an Excursion caused by just Grief and Anger Many counting themselfs Protestants in England do slight and neglect that Ordinance of God by which their Religion was set up and gave Credit to it in the first Reformation I mean CATECHISING Did not nor Saviour say even to Saint Peter himself feed my Lambs feed my heep And why Lambs first 1. Because they were Lambs before they were Sheep 2. Because if they be not fed whilst Lambs they could never be Sheep 3. Because Sheâ—…p can in some sort feed themselves but Lambs such their tenderness must either be fed or famished Our Stapleton was excellent at this Lamb-feeding from which Office he was afterwards preferred Kings Professor of Divinity in Lovain and was for fourty years together Dominus ad Oppositum the Undertaker-General against all Protestants Dr. Whitacre Professor in Cambridge experimentally profest that Bellarmine was the fairer and Stapleton the shrewder adversary His preferment in mine Eye was not proportionable to his Merit being no more then Cannon and Master of a Colledge in Lovain Many more admired that Stapleton mist then that Allen got a Cardinals Cap equalling him in Strictness of Life exceeding him in Gentility of Birth and Painfulness of Writing for the Romish Cause Such consider not that Stapletons Ability was drowned with Allens Activity and one Grain of the Statesman is too heavy for a pound of the Student Practical Policy in all Ages beating Pen-pains out of distance in the Race of Preferment Stapleton died and was buried in St. Peters in Lovain Anno 1598. Benefactors to the Publick Reader let not the want of Intelligence in me be mis-interpreted want of munificence in the natives of this County finding but one most eminent and him since the Reformation RICHARD SACKVILL Eldest son of Thomas Earl of Dorcet by Cecilly his Wife had his Barony if not his Birth at Buckhurst in this County A Gentleman of Singular learning in many Sciences and Languages so that the Greek and Latine were as familiar unto him as his own native Tongue Succeeding his father in that Earldom he enjoyed his dignity not a full year as lacking seven Weeks thereof Yet is there no fear that the shortness of his Earlship will make his Name forgotten having erected a Monument which will perpetuate his Memory to all Posterity viz. A Colledge at East-greensted in this County for one and Thirty poor people to serve Almighty God therein Endowing the same with three hundred and thirty pounds a Year out of all his Land in England By Margaret sole daughter to Thomas Duke of Norfolk he left two surviving sons Richard and Edward both Persons of admirable parts successively Earls after him and dying 1608. was buried at Withiham in this County Memorable Persons JOHN PALMER HENRY PALMER THOMAS PALMER Sons unto Edward Palmer Esq. of Angmarine in this County A Town so called as I am informed from Aqua Marina or the water of the sea being within two Miles thereof and probably in former Ages neerer thereunto Their Mother was daughter to one Clement of Wales who for his effectuall assisting of King Henry the seventh from his landing at Milford-haven untill the Battle of Bosworth was brought by him into England and rewarded with good Lands in this and the next County It happened that their Mother being a full fortnight inclusively in Labour was on Whitsunday delivered of John her eldest son on the sunday following of Henry her second son and the sunday next after of Thomas her third son This is that which is commonly called Superfoetation usuall in other Creatures but rare in Women the cause whereof we leave to the disquisition of 〈◊〉 These Three were knighted 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 by King 〈◊〉 the eighth who never laid his sword on his Shoulders who was not a Man so that they appear as remarkable in their sucâ—…esse as their Nativities The truth hereof needeth no other Atrestation then the generall and uncontrolled Tradition of their no lesse worshipfull then Numerous posterity in Sussex and Kent Amongst whom I instance in Sir Roger Palmer aged 80. years lately deceased and 〈◊〉 to our late King averring to me the faith hereof on his Reputation The exact date of these Knights deaths I cannot attain LEONARD 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 in this County being much delighted in gardening mans Original vocation was the 〈◊〉 who brought over into England from beyond the seas Carps and Pippins the one well cook'd delicious the other cordial and restorative For the proof hereof we have his own word and witness and did it it seems about the Fifth year of the reign of King Henry the eighth Anno Dom. 1514. The time of his death is to me unknown WILLIAM WITHERS born at Walsham in this County being a Child of Eleven years old did Anno 1581. lye
King Edward the second regaining his Good will by the intercession of Arch-bishop Mepham and being a Subject not to the Prosperity but person of his Prince he forsooke him not in his greatest Extremity This cost him the Displeasure of the Queen Mother and King Edward the third till at last Converted by his Constancy they turned their frowns into smiles upon him When Arch-bishop of Canterbury he perswaded King Edward the third to invade France promising to supply him with competent provisions for the purpose A promise not so proportionable to his Archiepiscopal Capacity as to him as he had been twice Treasurer of England and skilfull in the collecting and advancing of money so that he furnished the King with great sums at his first setting forth for France These being spent before the year ended the King sends over for a supply Stratford instead of Coin returns Counsell advising him to alter his Officers otherwise if so much was spent at a Breakfast the whole wealth of the land would not suffice him for Dinner Over comes the angry King from whose fury Stratford was forc'd to conceal himself untill publickly passing his purgation in Parliament he was restored to the reputation of his Innocence and rectified in the Kings esteem He built and bountifully endowed a Beautifull Colledge in the Town of his Nativity and having set Archbishop fifteen years dyed Anno 1348. leaving a perfumed memory behind him for his Bounty to his Servants Charity to the Poor Meekness and Moderation to all persons RALPH STRATFORD kinsman to the foresaid Arch-bishop was born in the Town of Stratford on Avon where he built a Chappel to the honour of Saint Thomas He was first Cannon of Saint Pauls and afterwards May 12. 1339. was consecrated at Canterbury Bishop of London During his sitting in that See there happened so grievous a Pestilence in London that hardly the Tenth Person in some places did escape Then each Church-yard was indeed a Polyandrum so that the Dead might seem to Justle one another for room therein Yea the Dead did kill the Living so shallowly were their heaped Corps interred Whereupon this Bishop Charitably bought a Piece of Ground nigh Smithfield It was called No Mans-Land not à parte Ante as formerly without an Owner seeing it had a Proprictary of whom it was legally purchased but de futuro none having a particular interest therein though indeed it was All-Mens-Land as designed and consecrated for the Generall Sepulture of the Deceased This Bishop having continued about 14. years in his See he died at Stepney 1355. ROBERT STRATFORD brother to the Arch-bishop aforesaid was in the reign of King Edward the third made Bishop of Chichester He was at the same time Chancellour of Oxford wherein he was bred and of all England Honorable Offices which sometimes have met in the same Person though never more deservedly then in the Present Enjoyer of them both In his time there was a tough contest betwixt the South and Northern-men in that University They fell from their Pens to their Hands using the contracted fist of Marâ—…ial Logick bloody blows passing betwixt them Th s Bishop did wisely and fortunately bestirre himself an Arbitrator in this Controversy being a proper Person for such a performance born in this County in the very Navil of England so that his Nativity was a Naturall Expedient betwixt them and his Judgement was unpartiall in compremising the difference He was accused to the King for favouring the French with his Brother Archbishop contented patiently to attend till Pregnant Time was delivered of Truth her Daughter and then this Brace of Prelates appeared Brethren in Integrity He died at Allingbourn April 9. 1362. JOHN VESTY alias HARMAN Doctor of Law was born at Sutton Colefield in this County bred in Oxford A most vivacious person if the Date of these Remarks be seriously considered 1. In the twentieth year of King Henry the sixth he was appointed to celebrate the Divine-service in the Free-Chappell of Saint Blase of Sutton aforesaid 2. In the twentie third year of Henry the seventh he was made Vicar of Saint Michaells Church in Coventry 3. Under K. Henry the eighth he was made Dean of the Chappell Royall Tutor to the Lady Mary and President of Wales 4. In the Eleventh of K. Henry the eighth 1519. he was advanced to be Bishop of Exeter Which Bishoprick he destroyed not onely shaving the Hairs with long leases but cutting away the limbs with sales outright in so much that Bishop Hall his successor in that See complaineth in print that the following Bishops were Barons but Bare-ones indeed Some have Confidently affirmed in my hearing that the word to Veize that is in the West to drive away with a Witness had its Originall from his Profligating of the lands of his Bishoprick but I yet demurre to the truth thereof He robbed his own Cathedrall to pay a Parish Church Sutton in this County where he was born wheron he bestowed many Benefactions and built fifty one houses To inrich this his Native Town he brought out of Devonshire many Clothiers with Desire and Hope to fix the Manufacture of Cloathing there All in vaine for as Bishop Godwin observeth Non omnis fert omnia tellus Which though true conjunctively that all Countrys put together bring forth all things to be Mutually bartered by a Reciprocation of Trade is false disjunctively no one place affording all Commodities so that the Cloath-workers here had their pains for their labour and sold for their lost It seems though he brought out of Devon-shire the Fiddle and Fiddlestick he brought not the Rosen therewith to make Good Musick and every Country is innated with a Peculiar Genius and is left handed to those trades which are against their Inclinations He quitted his Bishoprick not worth keeping in the reign of King Edward the sixth and no wonder he resumed it not in the reign of Queen Mary the Bone not being worth the taking the Marrow being knocked out before He died being 103. years old in the reign of Q. Mary and was buried in his Native Town with his Statue Mitred and Vested Since the Reformation JOHN BIRD was born in the City of Coventry bred a Carmelite at Oxford and became afterwards the 31. the head-game and last Provinciall of his Order He Preached some smart Sermons before King Henry the eighth against the Primacy of the Pope for which he was preferred saith Bishop Godwin to be successively Bishop of Ossery in Ireland Bangor in Wales and Chester in England To the two last we concur but dissent to the former because John Bale contemporary with this John Bird and also Bishop of Ossery who therefore must be presumed skilfull in his Predecessors in that See nameth him not Bishop of Ossery but Episcopum Pennecensem in Hiberniâ the same Bale saith of him Audivi eum ad Papismi vomitum reversum I have heard that in the reign of Queen Mâ—…ry he returned to
Yet such additions discoverable in the former part with Asterisks in the Margent with some Antiquaries obtain not equal Authenticalness with the rest This eminent Translator was Translated to a better life Anno Dom. 16 ... FRANCIS HOLYOAKE latining himself de sacra Quâ—…rcu and Minister of Southam born at Witacre in this County He set forth that staple Book which School-boys called Riders Dictionary This Rider did Borrow to say no worse both his Sâ—…ddle and Bridle from Thomas Thomatius who being bred Fellow of Kings-colledge in Cambridge set forth that Dictionary known by his Name then which Men have not a Better and Truer Children no Plainer and Briefer But Rider after Thomas his death set forth his Dictioâ—…ary the same in effect under his own Name the property thereof being but little disguised with any Additions Such Plageary ship ill becometh Authors or Printers and the Dove being the Crest of the Stationers Armes should mind them not like Rooks to filch copies one from an other The Executors of Thomas Thomaâ—…us entring an Action against Rider occasioned him in his own defence to make those Numerous Additions to his Dictionary that it seems to differ rather in Kind then Degree from his first Edition I am forced to place this Child â—…ather with his Guardian then Father I mean to mention this Dictionary rather under the name of Master Holyoake then Rider both because the residence of the latter is wholly unknown unto me and because Mr. Holyoakâ—… added many as his learned Son hath since more wonders thereunto This Master Holyoake died Anno Dom. 16 ... JAMES CRANFORD was born at Coventry in this County where his father was a Divine and School-Master of great note bred in Oxford beneficed in Northampton shire and afterwards removed to London to Saint Châ—…istophers A painfull Preacher an exact Linguist subtill Disputant Orthodox in his Judgement sound against Sectaries well acquainted with the Fathers not unknown to the School-men and familiar with the Modern Divines Much his Humility being James the less in his own esteeme and therefore ought to be the Greater in Ours He had as I may say a Broad-chested Soul favourable to such who differed from him His Moderation increased with his Age Charity with his Moderation and had a kindness for all such who had any goodness in themselves He had many choise books and not like to those who may lose themselves in their own libraries being Owners not Masters of their books therein had his books at such command as the Captain has his Souldiers so that he could make them at pleasure goe or come and do what he desired This lame and loyall Mephibosheth as I may terme him sadly sympathizing with the sufferings of Church and State He died rather infirme then old Anno 1657. Romish Exile Wâ—…iters WILLIAM BISHOP was born in this County saith my Auther ex Nobili Familia Enquiring after his Surname in this Shire I find one John Bishop Gentleman Patron of Brails in this County who died Anno 1601. Aged 92. Being a Protestant as appeareth by his Epitaph who according to Proportion of time might in all Probability be his father the rather because he is said Parentes ampli Patrimonii spem reliquisse to have left his Parents and the hope of a fair Inheritance Reader a word by the way of the word Nobilis which soundeth high in English ears where Barons youngest children are the lowest step of Nobility whilst Nobilis from the Pen of a foraigner generally importeth no more then an ordinary Gentleman It is not long since my weakness was imployed to draw up in Latin a Testimoniall for a high German who indeed was of honourable extraction and according to direction I was advised to style him Generosissimum ac Nobilissimum For Generosus which runneth so low in England in Saxony doth carry it clear as the more honourable Epithet Thus Words like Counters stand for more or less according to Custome Yea Latine words are bowed in their Modern senses according to the acception of severall Places This Bishop leaving the Land went first to Rhemes then to Rome where he was made Priest and being sent back into England met with variety of success 1. Being seized on He was brought before Secretary Walsingham and by him committed to the Marshalsey 2. After three years being bâ—…nished the Realm he became a Doctor of Sorbâ—… 3. He returned into England and for nine years laboured in the Popish Harvest 4. By their Clergy he was imployed a Messenger to Rome about some affairs of importance 5. His business dispatch'd he returned the third time into England and after eight years industry therein to advance his own Cause was caught and cast into Prison at London where he remained about the year 1612. 6. Soon after he procured his Enlargement and Anno 1615. lived at Paris in Collegio Atrebatensi Men of his Perswasion cry him up for a most Glorious Confessor of theâ—… Popish faith who if any goodness in him should also be a Thankfull Confessor of the Protestant Charity permitting him twice to depart Prison on hope of his amendment though so Active an Instrument against our Religion No such courtesy of Papists to Protestants Vestigia nulla retrorsum No return especially the second time out of durance The first disease being dangerous but deadly their Relaps into a Prison but perchance this William Bishop found the more favour because our Church men accounting it toâ—… much severity to take away both his Credit and his Life both to Conquer and Kill him seeing this Priest whilst in Prison was often worsted though his Party bragged of victory both by Tongues and Pens in Disputings and Writings of severall Protestants amongst whom Robert Abbot afterwards Bishop of Salisbury gave him the most fatall Defeat The certain date of his death is to me unknown Benefactors to the Publick HUGH CLOPTON was born at Stratford a fair Market Town in this County bred a Mercer in London and at last Lord Mayor thereof Anno 1491. Rememâ—…g 〈◊〉 his Native Town stood on Avon a River in Summer and little Sea in Winter â—…oublesome for Travellers to pass over he in liew of the former inconventent 〈◊〉 built a stately and long Stone-bridge of many Arches over the Channel and Overflowings thereof I behold this Bridge more usefull though less costly then what Caligula made termed by Suetonius novum inauditum spectaculi genus reaching from Putzol to Bauly three miles and a quarter This was only a Pageant-bridge for Pompe set up to be soon taken down whereof Lipsius said well Laudem immenso operi vanitas detraâ—…it But our Cloptons Bridge remaineth at this day even when the Colledge in the same Town built by Arch-bishop Stratford is as to the intended use thereof quite vanished away Indeed Bridges are the most lasting Benefactions all Men being concerned in their continuance lest by destâ—…oying of them they destroy themselves not knowing
Rayes they report he hung his Veâ—…ment which miraculously supported it to the great admiration of the beholders Coming to Rome to be Consecrated Bishop of Sherburn he reproved Pope Sergius his fatherhood for being a father indeed to a Base Child then newly born And returning home he lived in great Esteem untill the day of his death which happened Anno Dom. 709. His Corps being brought to Malmesbury were there Inshrined and had in great Veneration who having his longest abode whilst living and last when dead in this County is probably presumed a Native thereof EDITH Naturall daughter of King Edger by the Lady Wolfhild was Abbess of Wilton wherein she demeaned her self with such Devotion that her Memory obtained the reputation of Saint-ship And yet an Author telleth us that being more curious in her attire then beseemed her profession Bishop Ethelwold sharply reproved her who answered him roundly That God regarded the Heart more then the Garment and that Sins might be covered as well under Rags as Robes One reporteth that after the slaughter of her brother Edward holy Dunstan had a design to make her Queen of England the Vail of her head it seems would not hinder the Crown so to defeat Ethelred the lawfull Heir had she not declined the proffer partly on Pious partly Politick diswasions She died Anno Dom. 984. and is buried in the Church of Dioness at Wilton of her own building she is commonly called Saint Edith the younger to distinguish her from Saint Edith her Aunt of whom before Martyrs It plainly appeareth that about the year of our Lord 1503. there was a persecution of Protestants give me leave so to Antedate their name in this County under Edmund Audley Bishop of Salisbury as by computation of time will appear Yet I find but one man Richard Smart by name the more remarkable because but once and that scentingly mentioned by Mr. Fox burnt at Salisbury for reading a book called Wicliffs Wicket to one Thomas Stillman afterwards burnt in Smithfield But under cruel Bishop Capon Wiltshire afforded these Marian Martyrs Name Vocation Residence Martyred in Anno John Spicer Free-Mason    William Coberly Taylor Kevel Salisbury 1556 Apr. John Maundrell Husbandman    Confessors Name Vocation Residence Persecuted in Anno John Hunt Husbandman Marleborough Salisbury 1558 Richard White Husbandman    These both being condemned to die were little less then miraculously preserved as will appear hereafter ALICE COBERLY must not be omitted wife to William Coberly forenamed charitably presuming on her repentance though she failed in her Constancy on this occasion The Jaylors wife of Salisbury heating a key fire hot and laying it in the grasse spake to this Alice to bring it in to her in doing whereof she pitiously burnt her hand and cryed out thereat O said the other if thou canst not abide the burning of a key how wilt thou indure thy whole body to be burnt at the stake Whereat the said Alice revoked her opinion I can neither excuse the Cruelty of the one though surely doing it not out of a Persecuting but Carnall preserving intention nor the Cowardliness of the other For she might have hoped that her whole body encountering the flame with a Christian resolution and confidence of Divine support in the Testimony of the truth would have found lesse pain then her hand felt from the suddain surprize of the fire wherein the unexpectedness added if not to the pain to the fright thereof This sure I am that some condemn her shrinking for a burnt hand who would have done so themselves for a scratched finger Cardinals WALTER WINTERBURN was born at Sarisbury in this County and bred a Dominican-fryer He was an excellent Scholar in all Studies suitable to his age when a Youth a good Poet and Orator when a Man an acute Philosopher Aristotelicarum doctrinarum heluo saith he who otherwise scarce giveth him a good word when an Old-man a deep Controvertial Divine and Skilfull Casuist a quality which commended him to be Confessor to King Edward the first Now news being brought to Pope Benedict the eleventh that William Maklesfield Provincial of the Dominicans and designed Cardinall of Saint Sabin was dead and buried at London before his Cap could be brought to him he appointed this Walter to be heir to his Honour The worst is as Medlers are never ripe till they are rotten so few are thought fit to be Cardinals but such as are extreamly in years Maklesfield had all his body buried and our Winterburn had one foot in the grave being seventy nine years of age before he was summoned to that dignity However over he went with all hast into Italy and though coming thither too late to have a sight of Pope Benedict the eleventh came soon enough to give a suffrage at the choice of Clement the fift This Walter his Cardinals Cap was never a whit the worse for wearing enjoying it but a year In his return home he died and was buried at Genua but afterwards his Corps were brought over and Re-interred most solemnly in London Anno 1305. ROBERT HALAM was saith my Author Regio sanguine Angliae natus born of the bloud Royal of England though how or which way he doth not acquaint us But we envy not his high Extraction whilst it seems accompanied with other Eminences He was bred in Oxford and afterwards became Chancelour thereof 1403. From being Arch-deacon of Canterbury he was preferred Bishop of Salisbury On the sixt of June 1411. he was made Cardinal though his particular title is not expressed It argueth his Abilities that he was one of them who was sent to represent the English Clergy both in the Council of Pisa and Constance in which last service he dyed Anno Dom. 1417. in Gotleby Castle Prelates JOANNES SARISBURIENSIS was born at and so named from old Sarum in this County though I have heard of some of the Salisburies in Denby shire who Essay to assert him to their Family as who would not recover so eminent a person Leland saith that he seeth in him Omnem 〈◊〉 Orbem all the World or if you will the whole Circle of Learning Bale saith that he was one of the first who since Theodorus Arch-bishop of Canterbury living five hundred years before him oh the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Barbarisme in England indeavoured to restore the learned languages to their Originall Purity being a good Latinist Grecian Musician Mathematician Philosopher Divine and what not What learning he could not find at home he did fetch from abroad travelling into France and Italy companion to T. Becket in his Exile but no partner in his protervity against his Prince for which he sharply reproved him He was highly in favour with Pope Eugenius the third and Adrian the fourth and yet no author in that age hath so pungent passages against the Pride and Covetousness of the Court
precious extraction to King James reputed a great preserver of health and prolonger of life He is conceived by such helps to have added to his vigorous vivacity though I think a merry heart whereof he had a great measure was his best Elixar to that purpose He died exceeding aged Anno Dom. 164. JOHN BUCKRIDGE was born at Dracot nigh Marleborough in this County and bred under Master Mullcaster in Merchant-Taylors school from whence he was sent to Saint Johns-colledge in Oxford where from a Fellow he became Doctor of Divinity and President thereof He afterwards succeeded Doctor Lancelot Andrews in the Vicaridge of Saint Giles Criplegate in which Cure they lived one and twenty years a piece and indeed great was the Intimacy betwixt these two learned Prelates On the ninth of June 1611. he was Consecrated Bishop of Rochester and afterwards set forth a learned Book in opposition of John Fisher De potestate papae in Temporalibus of which my Author doth affirm Johannem itaque Roffensem habemus quem Johanni Roffensi opponamus Fishero Buckerigium cujus argumentis si quid ego video ne à mille quidem Fisheris unquam respondebitur He was afterwards preferred Bishop of Ely and having Preached the Funerall Sermon of Bishop Andrews extant in Print at the end of his works survived him not a full year dying Anno Dom. 163. He was decently Interred by his own appointment in the Parish-church of Bromly in Kent the Manner thereof belonged to the Bishoprick of Rotchester States-men EDWARD SEIMOR and THOMAS SEIMOR both Sons of Sir John Seimor of Wolfull Knight in this County I joyn them together because whilst they were united in affection they were invinsible but when devided easily overthrown by their enemies Edward Seimor Duke of Sommerset Lord Protector and Treasurer of England being the Elder Brother succeeded to a fair Paternal inheritance He was a valiant Souldier for Land-service fortunate and generally beloved by Martiall men He was of an open nature free from jealousie and dissembling affable to all People He married Anne Daughter of Sir Edward Stanhop knight a Lady of a high mind and haughty undaunted spirit Thomas Seimor the Younger Brother was made Barron of Sudley by offices and the favours of his Nephew K. Edward the sixth obtained a great Estate He was well experienced in Sea affairs and made Lord Admirall of England He lay at a close posture being of a reserved Nature and was more cunning in his Carriage He married Queen Katharine Parr the Widdow of King Henry the eighth Very great the Animosities betwixt their Wives the Dutchess refusing to bear the Queens Train and in effect justled with her for Precedence so that what betwixt the Train of the Queen and long Gown of the Dutchess they raised so much dust at the Court as at last put out the eyes of both their husbands and occasioned their Executions as we have largely declared in our Ecclesiasticall History The Lord Thomas Anno 154. The Lord Edward Anno 154. Thus the two best Bullworks of the safety of King Edward the sixth being demolished to the ground Duke Dudley had the advantage the nearer to approach and assault the Kings Person and to practice his destruction as is vehemently suspected Sir OLIVER SAINT JOHN Knight Lord Grandison c. was born of an ancient and honourable family whose prime seat was at Lediard-Tregoze in this County He was bred in the warrs from his youth and at last by King James was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland and vigorously pursued the principles of his Predecessours for the civilizing thereof Indeed the Lord Mountjoy reduced that Country to obedience the Lord Chichester to some civility and this Lord Grandison first advanced it to considerable profit to his Master I confess T. Walsingham writeth that Ireland afforded unto Edward the third thirty thousand pound a year paid into His Exchequer but it appears by the Irish-records which are rather to be believed that it was rather a burden and the constant revenue thereof beneath the third part of that proportion But now the Kingdome being peaceably settled the income thereof turned to good account so that Ireland called by my Author the Land of Ire for the constant broiles therein for 400. years was now become the Land of Concord Being re-called into England he lived many years in great repute and dying without issue left his Honour to his Sisters son by Sir Edward Villiers but the main of his estate to his Brothers son Sir John Saint John Knight and Baronet Sir JAMES LEY Knight and Baronet son of Henry Ley Esquire one of great Ancestry who on his own cost with his men valiantly served King Henry the eighth at the siedge of Bullen was born at Tafant in this County Being his fathers sixth son and so in probability barred of his inheritance he indeavoured to make himself an Heir by his Education applying his book in Brasen-nose-colledge and afterwards studying the Laws of the Land in Lincolns-Inn wherein such his proficiency King James made him Lord Chief Justice in Ireland Here he practised the charge King James gave him at his going over yea what his own tender Conscience gave himself namely Not to build his Estate on the ruines of a miserable Nation but aiming by the unpartial execution of Justice not to enrich himself but civilize the People he made a good Progress therein But the King would no longer lose him out of his own Land and therefore recalled him home about the time when his fathers inheritance by the death of his five elder brethren descended upon him It was not long before Offices and Honour flowed in fast upon him being made by King James King Charles 1. Aturney of the Court of Wards 2. Chief Justice of the Upper Bench 18. of his raign Jan. 29. 3. Lord Treasurer of England in the 22. of his raign Decemb. 22. 4. Baron Ley of Ley in Devonshire the last of the same Month. 1. Earl of Marleburg in this County immediately after the Kings Coronation 2. Lord President of the Councell in which place he died Anno Domini 1629. He was a person of great gravity ability and integrity and as the Caspian Sea is observed neither to ebb nor flow so his mind did not rise or fall but continued the same constancy in all conditions Sir FRANCIS COTTINGTON Knight was born nigh Meer in this County and bred when a youth under Sir ........ Stafford He lived so long in Spain till he made the garbe and gravity of that Nation become his and become him He raised himself by his naturall strength without any artificial advantage having his parts above his learning his experience above his parts his industry above his experience and some will say his success above all so that at the last he became Chancellour of the Exchequer Baron of Hanworth in Middlesex and upon the resignation of Doctor Juxon Lord Treasurer of England gaining also
fell down and bruised himself to death But that Simon did it by the Black our Oliver by the White Art he being supported by ill spirits this by meer ingenuity which made him the more to be pitied He wrot some books of Astrology and died Anno Dom. 1060. five years before the Norman Invasion and so saw not his own prediction prevented by death performed It being the fate of such Folk Ut sint Oculati foras caecutiant Domi. That when they are quick sighted to know what shall betide to others they are blind to behold what will befall to themselves WILLIAM quitting his own name of SUMMERSET assumed that of MALMESBURY because there he had if not born his best Preferment Indeed he was a Duallist in that Convent and if a Pluralist no ingenious person would have envied him being Canter of that Church and Library-Keeper therein Let me adde and LibraryMaker too for so may we call his History of the Saxon Kings and Bishops before the Conquest and after it untill his own time An History to be honoured both for the Truth and Method thereof if any fustiness be found in his Writings it comes not from the Grape but from the Cask the smack of Superstition in his books is not to be imputed to his person but to the Age wherein he lived and dyed viz. Anno Dom. 1142. and was buried in Malmesbury ROBERT CANUTUS His Surname might justly perswade us to suspect him a Dane but that Bale doth assure him born at Cricklade in this County and further proceedeth thus in the desciption of the place Leland in the life of great King Alfred informs us that during the flourishing of the glory of the Britains before the University of Oxford was founded two Scholars were famous both for Eloquence and Learning the one called Greeklade where the Greek the other Latinlade where the Latine tongue was professed since corruptly colled Cricklade and Lechlade at this day Having so good security I presumed to Print the same in my Church-History and am not as yet ashamed thereof But since my Worthy Friend Doctor Heylyn whose Relations living thereabouts gave him the opportunity of more exactness thus reporteth it that Cricklade was the place for the Profession of Greek Lechlade for Physick and Latine a small village small indeed for I never saw it in any Map hard by the place where Latin was professed But to proceed our Canute went hence to Oxford and there became Chief of the Canons of Saint Fridswith He gathered the best flowers out of Plinie his Naturall History and composing it into a Garland as he calleth it dedicated the book to King Henry the second He wrot â—…so his Comments on the greater part of the Old and New Testament and flourished Anno 1170. RICHARD of the DIVISES A word of the place of his nativity The Vies or Devises is the best and biggest Town for trading Salisbury being a City in this Shire so called because antiently divided betwixt the King and the Bishop of Salisbury as Mine-Thine corruptly called Minden a City in Westphalia had its Name from such a partition Now because the Devises carrieth much of strange conceipts in the common sound thereof and because Stone-henge is generally reputed a wonder Country-People who live far off in our Land misapprehend them distanced more then 12. miles to be near together Our Richard born in this Town was bred a Benedictine in Winchster where his Learning and Industry rendred him to the respect of all in that Age. He wrot a History of the raign of King Richard the first under whom he flourished and an Epitome of the British affaires dedicating them both to Robert Prior of Winchester His History 〈◊〉 could never see but at the second hand as cited by others the rarity thereof making it no piece for the Shop of a Stationer but a Property for a publick Library His death was about the year 1200. GODWIN of SALISBURY Chanter of that Church and what ever was his skill in Musick following the precepts of Saint Paul he made melody in his heart having his mind given much to Meditation which is the Chewing of the Cud of the food of the soul turning it into Clean and Wholsome Nourishment He wrot beside other works a book of Meditations dedicating the same to one Ramulia or rather Ranilda an Anchoress and most incomparable woman saith my Author the more remarkable to me because this is the first and last mention I find of her memory This Godwin flourished about the year of our Lord 1256. JOHN of WILTON Senior was bred an Augustinian Friar and after he had stored himself with home-bred Learning went over into France and studied at Paris Here he became a subtile Disputant insomuch that John Baconthorp that Staple School-man not onely highly praiseth him but also useth his authority in his JOHN of WILTON Junior was bred a Benedictine Monke in Westminster He was Elegant in the Latine tongue praeter ejus aetatis sortem He wrot Metricall Meditations in imitation of Saint Bernard and one Book highly prized by many intituled Horologium sapientiae english it as you please the Clock or Diall of Wisdome Arguments I meet not with any man in that age better stock'd with Sermons on all occasions having written his Summer his Winter his Lent his Holy-day Sermons He flourished under King Edward the second Anno 1310. He was a great Allegory-Monke and great his dexterity in such Figurative conceits He flourished some fifty years after his Namesake under King Edward the third Reader I confess there be eleven Wiltons in England and therefore will not absolutely avouch the Nativities of these two Johns in this County However because Wilton which denominateth this Shire is the best and biggest amongst the Towns so called I presume them placed here with the most Probability JOHM CHYLMARK was born at that Village well know in Daworth Hundred and bred Fellow of Merton-colledge in Oxford He was a diligent searcher into the mysteries of Nature an acute Phylosopher and Disputant but most remarkable was his skill in Mathematicks being accounted the Archemedes of that age having written many Tractates in that Faculty which carry with them a very good regard at this day He flourished under King Richard the second Anno 1390. THOMAS of WILTON D. D. was for his Learning and Abilities made first Chancellour and then Dean of Saint Pauls in London in his time in the raign of King Edward the fourth happened a tough contest betwixt the Prelats and the Friars the latter pretending to poverty and taxing the Bishops for their pompe and plenty Our Wilton politickly opposed the Friars Now as the onely way for to withdraw Hanniball from his invasive war in Italy was by recalling him to defend his own Country near Carthage so Wilton wisely wrought a diversion putting the Friars from accusing the Bishops to excuse themselves For although an Old Gown a
expressing her intention to confer it on Watson the foresaid Earl requested the contrary acquainting the Queen with the passage betwixt them how otherwise it would be two hundred pounds out of his way Nay then said the Queen Watson shall have it he being more worthy thereof who will give two hundred to decline then he who will give two thousand pounds to attain it I confess such who have read so much of the Corruption of the Earl of Leicester and heard so little of the Integrity of Watson will hardly credit this story which I am ready to believe and the rather because of this his Epitaph written on his Marble Monument in the Church of Saint Mary Overies D. Johannes Watson hujus Ecclesiâ—… Winton Praebendarius Decanus 〈◊〉 deinde Episcopus prudentissimus pater vir optimus praecipuè erga inopes misericors obiit in Domino January 23. anno â—…tatis 63. Episcopatus quarto 1583. Nothing else have I to observe save that there were three Watsons Bishops in the raign of Queen Elizabeth Thomas of Lincoln our John of Winchester and Anthony of Chichester though I believe little allied together States-men Sir THOMAS COVENTRY Knight was born at Croone in this County Eldest Son to Sir Thomas Coventry Knight one of the Justices of the Common Pleas. He was bred in the Inner Temple a student of the Laws and in the year 1618. was Treasurer of the said Temple and Atturney Generall to King James He was afterwards made Lord keeper of the Great Seal of England the first day of November in the first year of King Charles He was by the same King Created in the fourth of his raign April 10. Baron Coventry of Alesborough in this County An ingenious Gentleman in his History giveth him this Character in relation to his Keeper-ship that he injoyed that dignity fifteen years if it was not more proper to say that dignity enjoyed him This latter age affording none better qualified for the place Adding that he knew enough and acted conformable to his knowledge so that Captious Maliâ—…e â—…nds mute to blemish his fame To which we will only adde some few operative words taken out of his Patent when he was Created Baron Nos igitur in personâ Prâ—…dilecti per quam fidelis 〈◊〉 â—…stri Thomae Coventry Militis custodis magni sigilli nostri Angliae gratissima dignissima servitiâ—… quae idem consiliarius noster tam Prâ—…charissimo Patri 〈◊〉 Jacobo Regi 〈◊〉 Memoriae per multos anâ—…s quam nobis ab ipsis Râ—…gni nostri primis auspiciis fidelissimè prudentissimè praestitit impendit indiesque impendere non desistit nec non 〈◊〉 prudentiam strenuitatem dexteritatem integriâ—…tem industriam 〈◊〉 nos nostram coronam animo benigno regali intime recolentes constantiam fidelitatem ipsiâ—… Thomae Coventry Militis c. In cujus rei c. T. R. apud Westm. decimo diâ—… Aprilis Anno regni Regis Caroli 4. He died about the beginning of January 1639. before our Civill distempers began so that it is hard to say whether his Honourable Life or Seasonable Death was the greater favour which God bestow'd upon him I must not forget that it hath been observed that never Lord Keeper made fewer Orders which afterwards were Reversed then this Lord Coventry which some ascribe to his Discretion grounding most of his Orders on the Consent and Comprimise of the parties themselves interested therein whose hands so tyed up by their own Act were the more willing to be quiet for the future Writers on the Law Sir THOMAS LITLETON Knight Reader the Nimiety of my Cautiousness loath to prejudice the seeming right of any made me to bestow part of his Character on Staffordshire who since am convinced that he wholly and solely belongeth to this Shire as born at Frankley therein and I request the Reader to rectify some mistakes I formerly wrot by that which followeth He was a man remarkable in many respects First for his Extraction he was Son to Thomas Wescot Esquire and Elizabeth Litleton his wife who being a Double Inheritrix by her Father to the Litletons Mother to the Quatremains indented with Husband that her Heritable Issue should assume her Surname Say not her Husband might say Accepi dotem cognomen perdidi seeing it was done before his marriage by his free consent Besides we find even in Scripture it self Joab being constantly named the son of his Mother Zeruiah Secondly for his happiness that two great Kings had a great Sympathy to him who had an Antipathy each to other Henry the sixth whose Serjeant he was and rod Judge of the Northern circuit and Edward the fourth who made him a Judge and in his raign he rod the Northamptonshire Circuit Thirdly for his Exquisite skill in the Laws witness his Book of Tenures which though writ about two hundred years since yet at this day retaineth an Authentical reputation Insomuch that when in the raign of King James it came in question upon a Demuâ—…rer in Law whether the release to one Trespasser should be available or no to his Companion Sir Henry Hubbard and Judges Warberton Winch and Nicols his Companions gave Judgement according to the opinion of our Litleton and openly said that They would not have HIS CASE disputed or questioned Lastly for his happy posterity having left three families signally fixed and flourishing in this and the neighboring Counties of Stafford and Salop. And one saith very truely that these Quarter the Armes of many Matches after the best manner of quartering them other are scarce half-half-quartering them viz. they possess at this day good land on the same account Indeed the Lord Coke observeth that our Lawyers seldome dye either without Wills or Heirs For the first I believe it for our Common Lawyers will not have their Estates come under the Arbitrary dispose of a Civilian Judge of the Prerogative and therefore wisely prevent it For the second the Observation as qualified which Seldome may pass otherwise our Grand-fathers can remember Sir James Dier Lord Chief Justice and Periam Lord Chief Baron both dying without Issue His Book of Tenures hath since been Commented on by Sir Edward Coke his most Judicious Pen. Dic mihi num Textus vel Commentatio prestat Dicam ego tam Textus quam Commentatio prestat He died in the 21. year of King Edward the fourth and lyeth buried in the Cathedrall of Worcester having formerly constituted Doctor Alcock his faithfull friend and then Bishop of Worcestor Supervisor of his Will who saw it performed to all criticall particulars Souldiers RICHARD BEAUCHAMP Earl of Warwick was born at the Maâ—…or-house of Salwape in this County January the 28. 1381. King Richard the second and Richard Scroope then Bishop of Coventry afterwards Arch-bishop of York were his Godfathers A person so redoubted for Marshall Atchievements that the poeticall fictions of Hercules his labours found in him a reall
the Chequer and afterwards Treasurer of England and twice Embassadour to the King of France He deserved right well of his own Cathedrall and dying October 31. 1228. was buried under a Marble Tombe on the South-side of the Presbytery WILLIAM de MELTON was born in this County wherein are four villages so named and preferred therein Provost of Beverly and Canon then Arch-bishop of York He went to Avinion there to procure his Consecration I say to Avinion whither then the Court was removed from Rome and continued about threescore and ten years on the same token that those remaining at Rome almost starved for want of employment called this the seventy years captivity of Babilon Consecrated after two years tedious Attendance he returned into England and fell to finish the fair fabrick of his Cathedrall which John Roman had began expending seven hundred Marks therein His life was free from Scandall signall for his Chastity Charity Fasting and Praying He strained up his Tenants so as to make good Musick therewith but not break the string and surely Church-lands were intended though not equally yet mutually for the comfortable support both of Landlord and Tenants Being unwilling that the Infamy of Infidell should be fixed upon him according to the Apostles Doctrine for not providing for his family he bought three Mannors in this County from the Arch-bishop of Roan with the Popes Confirmation and setled them on his Brothers Son whose Descendant William Melton was High-sheriff of this County in the Fiftieth of King Edward the third There is a Place in York as well as in London called the Old-baly herein more remarkable then that in London that Arch-bishop Melton compassed it about with a great Wall He bestowed also much cost in adorning Feretrum English it the Bear or the Coffin of Saint William a Person purposely omitted by my Pen because no assurance of his English Extraction Arch-bishop Melton dyed after he had sate two and twenty years in his See Anno Domini 1340. Entombed in the Body of his Church nigh the Font whereby I collect him buried below in the Bottom of the Church that Instrument of Christian Initiation antiently advancing but a little above the Entrance into the Church HENRY WAKEFEILD is here placed with Assurance there being three Towns of that name in and none out of this County Indeed his is an Episcopall Name which might mind him of his Office the Diocess of Worcester to which he was preferred Anno 1375. by King Edward the third being his Field and he by his place to Wake or watch over it Nor hear I of any complaints to the contrary but that he was very vigilant in his Place He was also for one year Lord Treasurer of England Dying March 11. 1394. he lyeth covered in his own Church Ingenti marmore and let none grudge him the greatness of his Grave-stone if two foot larger then ordinary who made the Body of this his Church two Arches longer Westward then he found it besides a fair Porch added thereunto RICHARD SCROOPE son to the Lord Scroope of Bolton in this County brother to William Earl of Wilt-shire was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge attaining to be a man of great learning and unblamable life Nor was it so much his high extraction as his own Abilities causing him to be preferred Bishop first of Coventry and Lichfield then Arch-bishop of York Being netled with the news of his Earl-brothers Beheading he conjoyned with the Earl of Northumberland the Earl Marshall Lord Bardolph and others against King Henry the fourth as an Usurper and Invader of the Liberties of Church and State The Earl of Westmerland in outward deportment complied with him and seemed to approve a Writing wherein his main intentions were comprised so to Trepan him into his destruction Toling him on till it was too late for him either to advance or retreat the King with his Army being at Pontfract Bishop Godwin saith it doth not appear that he desired to be tried by his Peers and I believe it will appear that nothing was then Calmly or Judiciously transacted but all being done in an hurry of heat and by Martiall Authority The Executioner had five strokes at his Neck before he could sunder it from his Body Imputable not to his Cruelty but Ignorance it not being to be expected that one nigh York should be so dextrous in that trade as those at London His beheading happened Anno 1405. STEPHEN PATRINGTON was born in the Village so called in the East-riding of this County He was bred a Carmelite and Doctor of Divinity in Oxford and the three and twentieth Provinciall of his Order through out England for fifteen years It is incredible saith Leland what Multitudes of People crowded to his Sermons till his Fame preferred him Chaplain and Confessour to King Henry the fifth He was deputed of the King Commissioner at Oxford to enquire after and make Process against the Poor Wicklevites and as he was busyed in that employment he was advanced to the Bishoprick of Saint Davids Hence he was sent over to the Councill of Constance and therein saith Walsingham gave great Testimony of his ability Returning into England he was made Bishop of Chichester but dying before his Translation was finished 1417. was buried in White-fryars in Fleetstreet WILLIAM PEIRCY was Son to Henry Peircy second Earl of Northumberland of that Name and Eleanour Nevill his Wife Indeed the Son of a Publique Woman conversing with many men cannot have his Father certainly assigned and therefore is commonly called Filius Populi As a base child in the Point of his Father is subject to a shamâ—…full so is the Nativity of this Prelate as to the Place thereof attended with an Honorable Uncertainty whose Noble Father had so many houses in the Northern Parts that his Son may be termed a Native of North-England but placed in this County because Topliffe is the Principall and most Antient seat of this Family He was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge whereof he was Chancellour and had a younger Brother George Peircy a Clerk also though attaining no higher preferment then a Prebend in Beverly Our William was made Bishop of Carlile 1452. Master Mills erroneously maketh him afterwards Bishop of Wells and it is enough to detect the mistake without disgracing the Mistaker He died in his See of Carlile 1462. CUTHBERT TONSTALL was born at Hatchforth in Richmond-shire in this County of a most Worshipfull Family whose chief seat at Tonstall Thurland not far off and bred in the University of Cambridge to which he was in books a great Benefactor He was afterwards Bishop of London and at last of Durham A great Grecian Orator Mathematician Civilian Divine and to wrap up all in a word a fast friend to Erasmus In the raign of King Henry the eight he publiquely confuted the papall supremacy in a learned Sermon with various and solid arguments preached on
and a fire Not kindled before by others pains as often thou hast wanted brains Indeed some men are better Nurses then Mothers of a Poem good onely to feed and foster the Fancies of others whereas Master Sandys was altogether as dexterous at Inventing as Translating and his own Poems as spritefull vigorous and masculine He lived to be a very aged man whom I saw in the Savoy Anno 1641. having a youthfull soul in a decayed body and I believe he dyed soon after JOHN SALTMARSH was extracted from a right antient but decayed family in this County and I am informed that Sir Thomas Metham his kinsman bountifully contributed to his education he was bred in Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge Returning into this his Native Country was very great with Sir John Hotham the Elder He was one of a fine and active fancy no contemptible Poet and a good Preacher as by some of his profitable Printed Sermons doth appear Be it charitably imputed to the information of his Judgment and Conscience that of a zealous observer he became a violent oppresser of Bishops and Ceremonies He wrote a book against my Sermon of Reformation taxing me for many points of Popery therein I defended my self in a book called Truth maintained and challenged him to an answer who appeared in the field no more rendring this reason thereof that he would not shoot his arrows against a dead mark being informed that I was dead at Exeter I have no cause to be angry with fame but rather to thank her for so good a Lye May I make this true use of that false report to dye daily See how Providence hath crossed it the dead reported man is still living the then living man dead and seeing I survive to goe over his grave I will tread the more gently on the mold thereof using that civility on him which I received from him He died in or about Windsor as he was Riding to and fro in the Parliament Army of a Burning Feaver venting on his death-bed strange expressions apprehended by some of his party as extaticall yea propheticall raptures whilst others accounted them no wonder if outrages in the City when the enemy hath possessed the Castle commanding it to the acuteness of his disease which had seized his intellectualls His death happened about the year 1650. JEREMIAH WHITACRE was born at Wakefield in this County bred Master of Arts in Sidney-colledge and after became School-master of Okeham then Minister of Stretton in Râ—…and He was chosen to be one of the Members of the late Assembly wherein he behaved himself with great moderation at last he was Preacher at St. Mary Magdalens Bermonsey well discharging his duty being a solid Divine and a man made up of Piety to God pity to poor men and Patience in himself He had much use of the last being visited with many and most acute diseases I see Gods love or hatred cannot be conjectured much less concluded from outward accidents this mercifull man meeting with merciless afflictions I have sometimes wondered with my self why Satan the Magazeen of Malice who needeth no man to teach him mischief having Job in his power did not put him on the rack of the Stone Gout Collick or Strangury as in the height most exquisite torments but onely be-ulcered him on his Skin and outside of his body And under correction to better judgments I conceive this might be some cause thereof Being to spare his life the Devill durst not inflict on him these mortall maladyes for fear to exceed his commission who possibly for all his cunning might mistake in the exact proportioning of the pain to Jobs ability to bear it and therefore was forced to confine his malice to externall pain dolefull but not deadly in its own nature Sure I am this good Jeremiah was tormented with Gout Stone and one ulcer in his bladder another in his kidneys all which he endured with admirable and exemplary patience though God of his goodness grant that if it may stand with his will no cause be given that so sad a Copy be transcribed Thus God for reasons best known unto himself sent many and the most cruell Bayliffes to arrest him to pay his debt to nature though he always was ready willingly to tender the same at their single summons His liberality knew no bottome but an empty purse so bountifull he was to all in want He was buried on the 6. of June Anno 1654. in his own Parish in Southwarke much lamented Master Simon Ash preaching his Funerall Sermon to which the Reader is referred for his further satisfaction I understand some sermons are extant of his preaching Let me but adde this Distick and I have done Whites ambo Whitehead Whitgift Whitakerus uterque Vulnera Romano quanta dedere papae Romish Exile Writers JOHN YOUNG was born in this County His life appeareth to me patched up of unsuiting peices as delivered by severall Authors A Judicious Antiquary seldome mistaken will have him a Monke of Ramsey therein confounding him with his Name-sake many years more antient An other will have him bred Doctor of Divinity in Trinity-colledge in Cambridge though that Foundation suppose him admitted the first day thereof affordeth not Seniority enough to write Doctor before the raign of Queen Mary except we understand him bred in some of the Hostles afterwards united thereunto So that I rather concurre herein with the forenamed Antiquary that he was Fellow of Saint Johns-colledge in that University It is agreed that at the first he was at the least a Parcell-Protestant translating into English the Book of Arch bishop Cranmer of the Sacrament But afterwards he came off with a witness being a Zealous Papist and great Antagonist of Mart. Bucer and indeed as able a Disputant as any of his Party He was Vice-Chancellour of Cambridge Anno 1554. Master of Pembroke hall Kings-Professor of Divinity and Rector of Land-beach nigh Cambridge but lost all his preferment in the first of Queen Elizabeth Surely more then Ordinary Obstinacy appeared in him because not onely deprived but imprisoned And in my judgment more probably surprised before he went then after his return from forraign parts He died under restraint in England 1579. JOHN MUSH was born in this County bred first in the English-colledge at Doway and then ran his course of Philosophy in their Colledge at Rome Afterwards being made Priest he was sent over into England to gaine People to his own perswasion which he did without and within the Prison for 20. years together but at last he got his liberty In his time the Romish Ship in England did spring a dangerous Leak almost to the sinking thereof in the Schisme betwixt the Priests and the Jesuits Mush appeared very active and happy in the stopping thereof and was by the English Popish Clergy sent to Rome to compose the controversie behaving himself very wisely in that service Returning into his own Country he was for fourteen
under K. Henry the seventh Anno 1490. Since the Reformation RICHARD STOCK was born in this City bred Scholar of the house in Saint Johns-Colledge in Cambridge and designed Fellow of sidney though not accepting thereof He was afterwards Minister of All hallows Bredstreet in London by the space of thirty two years till the day of his death Where if in health he omitted not to Preach twice every Lords day with the approbation of all that were Judicious and Religious No Minister in England had his Pulpit supplyed by fewer Strangers Doctor Davenant afterwards Bishop of Sarum whose father was his parishioner was his constant Auditor while lying in London His Preaching was most profitable Converting many and Confirming more in Religion so that appearing with Comfort at the Day of Judgement he might say behold I and the Children that God hath given me He was zealous in his life a great Reformer of prophanations on the Sabbath prevailing with some companies to put off their wonted Festivalls from Mundays to Tuesdays that the Lords-day might not be abused by the preparation for such entertainments Though he preached oft in neighbouring Churches he never neglected his own being wont to protest That it was more Comfortable to him to win one of his own Parish then twenty others Preaching at Saint Pauls Cross when young it was ill taken at his mouth that he reproved the inequality of Rates in the City burdening the Poor to ease the Rich and he was called a Green head for his pains But being put up in his latter days to preach on the Lord Mayors Election and falling on the same subject He told them That a Gray head spake now what a Green-head had said before He dyed Aprill 20. Anno Domini 1626. with a great lamentation of all but especially of his Parishioners Memorable Persons JOHN LEPTON of York Esquire servant to King James undertook for a wager to ride six days together betwixt York and London being sevenscore and ten miles stylo vetere as I may say and performed it accordingly to the greater praise of his strength in acting then his discretion in undertaking it He first set forth from Aldersgate May 20. being Munday Anno Domini 1606. and accomplished his journey every day before it was dark A thing rather memorable then commendable many maintaining that able and active bodies are not to vent themselves in such vain though gainfull ostentation and that it is no better then tempting Divine Providence to lavish their strength and venture their lives except solemnly summoned thereunto by just necessity Lord Mayors Expect not Reader that under this Title I should present thee with a list of the Lord Mayors of this City born therein Onely to make this part conformable to the rest of my book know that I find one Native of this City Lord Mayor of London viz. Name Father Place Company Time 1 Martin Bowes Thomas Bowes York Goldsmith 1545 The Farewell To take our leaveof this Loyall City I desire that some Lucrative Trade may be set up therein to repair her former losses with advantage Mean time I rejoyce that the Archiepiscopat See is restored thereunto not despairing but that in due time if the Supream Authority adjudge it fit the Court of the Presidency of the North may be re-erected therein presuming the Country will be Eased and City Inriched thereby as the Loadstone which will atract much Company and by consequence Commodity thereunto Let me adde I am informed that Sir Thomas Widdrington a person accomplished in all Arts as well as in his own Profession of the Laws hath made great Progress in his Exact Description of this City Nor doe I more congratulate the happiness of York coming under so Able a Pen then Condole my own Infelicity whose unsuccessfull attendance hitherto could not compass speech with this worthy Knight Sure I am when this his work is set forth then indeed YORK SHALL BE what a City most compleatly Illustrated in all the Antiquities and Remarkables thereof FINIS THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES PSAL. 95. 4 5. In his hand are the deep places of the Earth the strength of the Hills is his also The Sea is his and he made it PROV 27. 25 26. The herbs of the Mountains are gathered The Lambs are for thy clothing and the Goats are the price of thy fields A NECESSARY PREFACE TO THE READER IT bare a debate in my serious consideration whether a Totall Omission or Defective Description of this Principality were to be preferred finding my self as Unable to do it Exactly as Unwilling to Pretermit it For First I never was in VVales and all know how necessary 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to accurateness herein Secondly I understand not their Language and cannot go to the Cost nor dare take the State of having an Interpreter King James was wont pleasantly to say that he cared not though he was poor himself so long as his Subjects were Rich as confident he could command their wealth on good conditions and a just occasion But indeed it matters not how meanly skil'd a Writer is so long as he hath Knowing and Communicative Friends my happiness in England who here am quite destitute of such assistance However on the other side a Totall Omission seemed very unhandsome to make a Cypher of this Large Principality Besides England cannot be well described without VVales such the Intimacy of Relation betwixt them three of our English Kings being born and many of Our Prime Atchievments being acted in VVales Wherefore I resolved to endeavour my utmost in the description thereof though sadly sensible in my self that my desires were as high as a Mountain but my performances would fall as low would they were half so fruitfull as the Vallies And here I humbly desire that the many faults by me committed may be like a Ball cast down and deaded on a soft Floor even to be buried in my own weakness to my own shame without the least Ripling or Rebounding to the disgrace of the VVelsh Country or Nation And my hope and desire is that these my weak pains will provoke others of more Ability to substitute a more Exact Description in the room thereof I had rather the Reader should take the name of that worthy Knight from Master Camden then from me who designing to build according to the Italian Mode of Architecture plucked down a good and convenient English-house preposterously destroying the one and never finished the other I hope the Reader will not be so uncharitable I will not say undiscreet but will allow our grains a subsistence till they will willingly vanish at the substitution of another In Doubtfull Nativities of Worthy Persons betwixt England and Wales I have not call'd for a sword to divide the controverted Child betwixt the two Mothers but have wholy resigned it to VVales partly out of desire of quietness not engage in a contest partly because I conceived England might better spare then
Wales is therefore placed in this because the first County thereof Prelates GUIDO de MONA was so sir-named from his Birth-place in Anglesey Some suspect that Filius insulae may be as bad as Filius populi no place being particularized for his birth whiles others conceive this sounding to his greater dignity to be denominated from a whole Island the Village of his nativity being probably obscure long and hard to be pronounced He was afterwards Bishop of Saint Davids and Lord Treasurer of England under King Henry the fourth who highly honoâ—…ed him for when the Parliament moved that no Welsh-man should be a State Officer in England the King excepted the Bishops as confident of their faithful service Indeed T. Wallingham makes this Gui the Author of much trouble but is the lesse to be believed therein because of the known Antipathy betwixt Fryers and Secular 〈◊〉 the former being as faulty in their lafie speculation as the other often offending in the practical over-activity This Bishop died â—…nno 1407. ARTHUR BULKLEY Bishop of Bangor was born either in Cheshire or more probably in this County But it matters not much had he never been born who being bred Doctor of the Laws had either never read or wholly forgotten or wilfully would not remember the Chapter De sacrilegio for he spoyled the Bishoprick and sold the five Bells being so over-officious that he would go down to the Sea to see them shipped which in my mind amounted to a second selling of them We have an English Proverb of him who maketh a detrimental bargain to himself That he may put all the gains gotten thereby into his eye and see nothing the worse But Bishop Bulkley saw much more the worse by what he had gotten being himself suddenly deprived of his sight who had deprived the Tower of Bangor of the tongue thereof Thus having ended his credit before his days and his days before his life and having sate in that See fourteen years he died 1555. WILLIAM GLYN D. D. Was boâ—…n at 〈◊〉 in this County bred in Queens Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was Master until in the second of Queen Mary he was preferred Bishop of Bangor An excellent Scholar and I have been assured by judicious Persons who have seriously perused the solemn Disputations printed in Master Fox betwixt the Papists and Protestants that of the former none pressed his Arguments with more strength and lesse passion than Doctor Glyn though constâ—…t to his own he was not cruel to opposite judgements as appeareth by the appearing of no persecution in his Diocesse and his mild Nature must be allowed at least Causa socia or the fellow-cause thereof He died in the first of Queen Elizabeth and I have been informed that Jeoffry Glyn his Brother Doctor of Laws built and endowed a Free-Schoole at Bangor Since the Reformation ROULAND MERRICK Doctor of Laws was born at Boding án in this County bred in Oxford where he became Principal of New Inne-Hall and afterwards a Dignitary in the Church of Saint Davids Here he with others in the reign of King Edward the sixth violently prosecuted Robert Farrar his Diocesan with intention as they made their boast to pull him from his Bishoprick and bring him into a premunire and prevailed so far that he was imprisâ—…ned This Bishop Farrar was afterwards martyred in the raign of Queen Mary I find not the least appearance that his former adversaries violented any thing against him under that Queen But it is suspicious that advantage against him I say not with their will was grafted on the stock of his former accusation However it is my judgement that they ought to have been I can be so charitable to believe that Dr. Merrick was penitent for his causelesse vexing so good a person Otherwise many more besides my self will proclaim him unworthy to be who had been a Persecutor of a Bishop He was consecrated Bishop of Bangor December 21. in the second of Qâ—…een Elizabeth 1559. and sate six years in his See I have nothing to adde save that he was Father to Sir Gilly Merrick Knight who lost his life for engaging with the Earl of Essex 1600. LANCELOT BULKLEY was born in this County of a then right Worshipful since Honourable Family who have a fair habitation besides others near Beumaris He was bred in Brasen nose Colledg in Oxford and afterwards became first Arch-Deacon then Archbishop in Dublin He was consecrated the third of October 1619. by Christopher Archbishop of Armagh Soon after he was made by King James one of his Privy Councel in Ireland where he lived in good reputation till the day of his death which happened some ten years since Seamen MADOC Son to Owen Gwineth ap Gruffyth ap Conan and brother to David ap Owen Gwineth Prince of North Wales was born probably at Aberfraw in this County now a mean Town then the principal Palace of their royal Residence He made a Sea-voyage westward and by all probability those names of Cape de Breton in Noruinberg Pengwin in part of the northern America for a white Rock and a white headed bird according to the British were reliques of this discovery If so then let the Genoveses and Spaniards demean themselves as younger Brethren and get their Portions in Pensions in those parts paid as well as they may owning us Britons so may the Welsh and English as an united Nation style themselves for the Heirs to whom the solid inheritance of America doth belong for the first discovery thereof The truth is a good Navy with a strong Land-Army therein will make these probabilities of Madoc evident Demonstrations and without these in cases of this kind the strongest Arguments are of no validity This Sea voyage was undertaken by Madoc about the year 1170. The Sheriffs Expect not my description should conform this Principality to England in presenting the respective Sheriffs with their Arms. For as to Heraldry I confesse my self Luscum in Anglia Caecum in Walliâ Besides I question whether out Rules in Blazonry calculated for the East will serve on the West of Severne and suspect that my venial mistakes may meet with mortal anger I am also sensible of the prodigious Antiquity of Welsh Pedegrees so that what Zalmana said of the Israelites slain by him at Tabor Each of them resembleth the children of a King all the Gentry here derive themselves from a Prince at least I quit therefore the Catalogue os Sheriffs to abler Pens and proceed to The Farewell I understand there is in this Island a kind of Allumenous Earth out of which some fifty years since began to make Allum and Copperess until they to use my Authors phrase like unflesht Souldiers gave over their enterprise without further hope because at first they saw it not answer their over-hasty expectations If this Project was sirst founded on rational probability which I have cause to believe I desire the seasonable
Creature of absolute and common Concernment without which we should be burnt with the thirst and buried with the filth of our own bodies GABRIEL GOODMAN Son of Edward Goodman Esq was born at Rythin in thâ—…s County afterwards Doctor of Divinity in Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge and Dean of VVestminster where he was fixed for full forty years though by his own parts and his friends power he might have been what he would have been in the Church of England Abigail said of her Husband Nabal is his name and folly is with him But it may be said of this worthy Dean Goodman was his name and goodness was in his nature as by the ensuing Testimonies will appear 1. The Bible was translated into VVelsh on his cost as by a note in the Preface thereof doth appear 2. He founded a Schoole-house with a competent salary in the Town of his Nativity as also erected and endowed an Almes-House therein for twelve poore people 3. He repaired the House for the Minister there called the Warden of Rythin furnishing it with Plate and other Utensils which were to descend to his Successors 4. He purchased a fair House with Land thereunto at Chiswick in Middlesex where with his own hands he set a fair Row of Elmes now grown up to great beauty and height for a retiring place for the Masters and Scholars at Westminster in the heat of Summer or any time of Infection If these Lands at this Day be not so profitably employed as they were by the Donor piously intended it is safer to bemoan the sad effect than accuse the causers thereof There needs no other Testimony of his Honesty and Ability than that our English Nestor the Lord Treasurer Cecil made him one of the Executors of his Will to dispose of great sums to charitable uses which Trust he most faithfully discharged He died in the year 1601. and is buried in the Collegiate Church of Westminster whereof he so well deserved as of all England Mr. Cambden performing his Perambulation about it on his expences Sir HUGH MIDDLETON Son of Richard Middleton was born at Denbigh in this County and bred in London This is that worthy Knight who hath deserved well of London and in it of all England If those be recounted amongst Davids worthies who breaking through the Army of the Philistines fetcht water from the Well of Bethlehem to satisfie the longing of David founded more on fancy than necessity how meritorious a work did this worthy man perform who to quench the thirst of thousands in the populous City of London fetcht water on his own cost more than 24. miles encountering all the way with an Army of oppositions grapling with Hills strugling with Rocks fighting with Forrests till in defiance of difficulties he had brought his project to perfection But Oh whaâ—… an injury was it unto him that a potent Person and idle Spectator should strike in Reader I could heartily wish it were a falshoâ—…d what I report and by his greatness possess a moity of the profit which the unwearied endeavours of the foresaid Knight had purchased to himself The Farewell I heartily wish this County may find many like Robert Eari of Leicester by his bounty much advancing the building of a new Church in Denbigh who may willingly contribute their Charity for the repairing of all decayed Churches therein Yea may it be happy in faithful and able Ministers that by their pains they may be built up in the Faith of the Lord. FLINT-SHIRE FLINT-SHIRE It taketh the name from Flint formerly an eminent place therein But why Flint was so named will deservedly bear an enquiry the rather because I am informed there is scarce a Flint stone to be found in the whole shire An eminent Antiquary well known in these parts Reader I must carry my Author at my back when I write that which otherwise will not be believed hath informed me it was first called Flit-Town because the people Flitted or removed their habitations from a smal Village hard by to and under a Castle built there by King Edward the first Afterwards it was called Flint Town or Flint to make it more sollid in the prononciation Now although sometimes Liquids are melted out of a word to supple it to turn the better on the tongues end It will hardly be presidented that ever the sturdy Letter N. was on that or any account interjected into the middle of an original word But it is infidelity not to believe what is thus traditioned unto us It hath the Sea on the North Shropshire on the South Cheshire on the East and Denbigh-shire on the west thereof the smallest County in Wales whereof the Natives render this reason That it was not handsomly in the power of King Edward the first who made it a Shire to enlarge the Limits thereof For the English Shires Shropshire and Cheshire he would not discompose and on the Welsh side he could not well extend it without prejudice to the Lord Marchers who had Potestatem vitae necis in the adjacent Territories the King being unwilling to resume and they more unwilling to resign their respective Territories If any ask why so small a parcel of ground was made a Shire let them know that every foot therein in Content was ten in Concernment because it was the passage into North Wales Indeed it may seem strange that Flint the Shire Town is no Market Town no nor Saint Asaph a City qua sedes Episcopi till made so very late But this is the reason partly the vicinity of Chester the Market generaâ—… of these parts partly that every village hath a Market in it self as affording all necessary Commodities Nor must we forget that this County was parcel of the Pallatinate of Chester paying two thousand Marks called a Mize at the change of every Earl of Chester until the year of our Lord 1568. For then upon the occasion of one Thomas Radford committed to prison by the Chamberlain of Chester Flint-shire saith my Author revolted I dare say disjoyned it self from that County Pallatine and united it self to the Principalities of Wales as conceiving the same the more advantagious Proverbs Mwy nag â—…n bwa yro Ynghaer That is more then one Yugh-Bow in Chester Modern use applieth this Proverb to such who seize on other folks goods not with intent to steal but mistaken with the similitude thereof to their own goods But give me leave to conjecture the original hereof seeing Cheshire-men have been so famous for Archery Princes ELIZABETH the seventh Daughter of King Edward the first and Queen Elenor was born at Ruthland Castle in this County a place which some unwarily confound with Rythin Town in Denbigh shire This Castle was anciently of such receipt that the King and his Court were lodged therein yea a Parliament or something equivalent was kept here or hereabouts seeing we have the Statutes of Ruthland on the same token the year erroneously printed in the
Statutes of Ruthland made in the year of King Edward the first This Lady Elizabeth at fourteen years of age was married to John the first of that name Earl of Holland Zealand c. And after his death remarried to Humfreâ—… Bohune Earle of Hereford and Essex High Constable of England by whom he had a numerous issue She died Anno Dom. 1316. and was buried in the Abby-Church of Saffron Walden in Essex Saints CONGELLUS or COMGALLUS I perceive a storm a coming and must provide a shelter against it The omitting this Writer will make Wales angry and the inserting him will make Ireland offended with me whom a good Antiquary makes the first Abbâ—…t of Banchor in this County and a better though living later first Abbot of Bangor nigh Nockfergus in Ireland What is to be done herein When the Controversie was started whether the Isle of Man belonged to England or Ireland it was adjudged to the later because no venomous Creature will live therein But this controverted nativity is not capable of that discrimination Indeed if the difference was betwixt Wales and England my Native Country concerning Congellus we would according to our premised principles freely resign him not daring to be so bold with an outlandish Interest let him stand here so long till better evidence be brought to remove him For if those be beheld as the worst of Felons who steal stragling Children in London streets from their Parents and spirit them over unto forraign Plantations high also is their robbery who deprive Countries of their true Natives as to their Memories after their deaths and dispose them elsewhere at their pleasures As for Congellus it is agreed on all hands that he was one of a pious life who wrote learned Epistles and being aged eighty five years died Anno Dom. 600. St. BENO was instructer to Saint Wenefride committed by her Father to his careful Education now it happened when the head of the said Wenefride was cut off by Cradocus Son to Alane King of North Wales for not yielding to his unlawful lust This Beno miraculously set it on again she living fifteen years after But if the tip of his tongue who first told and the top of his fingers who first wrote this damnable lye had been cut off and had they both been sent to attend their cure at the Shrine of Saint Beno certainly they would have been more wary afterwards how they reported or recorded such improbable untruths ASAPH was born in these parts of right honourable parentage and bred at Llan-Elvy in this County under Kentigernus or Mongo the Scotch Bishop in that place Here the said Kentigerâ—…us had a Convent consisting of 663. Monks whereof 300. being unlearned in the nature of Lay-Brethren were employed abroad in Husbandry as many busied about work at home the rest attended Divine service in the Convent so divided that some were always officiating therein Amongst these Asaph was eminently conspicuous for piety and learning in so much that Kentigernus being called into his own Country resigned both his Convent and Cathedral unto him Here this Bishop demeaned himself with such Sanctity that Llan-Elvy lost its name and after his death was called from him St. Asaph He was an assiduous Preacher having this Speech in his mouth Such who are against the preaching of Gods Word envy mans salvation Bishop Godwin confesseth himself ignorant of the certain time of his death though another not more knowing but more confident assigneth the first of May but with this abatement about 569. I say not out possibly a randome date may hap to hit the mark Here I would be thankful to them who should expound unto me that passage in J. Bale concluding the life of this Saint with these words Primus hic erat qui d Romano Pontifice Unctionem accepit He was the first who received Unction from the Pope of Rome This neither Pits owneth ready enough to steal out of Bale especially to improve what might sound to Papal advantage nor any other Romanist writing his Life whom I have seen so that it seems to me a Note 〈◊〉 scattered After the death of Saint Asaph his See stood void above 500. years until Jeffery of Monmouth was placed therein Prelates since the Reformation RICHARD PARRY D. D. was born at Ruthin in this County bred in Christ Church in Oxford whence he was preferred Dean of Bangor and at last Bishop of Saint Asaph consecrated Decemb. 30. 1604. Bishop Godwin passeth on him this Complement take it in the best derivation of the word from Completio mentis that he desireth being so near unto him in time and his Studies to be his equal in other Episcopal Qualities I crave the Readers leave to forbear any further Character of him Pictures present buildings presumed at great distance very small whilest such things which are supposed near the eye are made in a greater proportion Clean contrary I may sasely write largely on mens lives at far distance whilest as I may say I must make Landskips of those near hand and touch little on them who lived in later times Bishop Parry died Anno Dom. 16. ... Souldiers OWEN GLENDOWER-WYE was born in his ancient Patrimony of Glendower-Wye in this County then bred in London a Student in the Common Law till he became a Courtier and servant to King Richard the second After whose death this Owen being then on the wrong side of preferment retired to this his Native County where there arose a difference betwixt him and his neighbour the Lord Gre of Ruthen about a piece of Common which Owen by force recovered and killed the Lord Gre. There wanted not many to spur his posting Ambition by telling him that he was the true Heir to all North Wales and now or never the time to regain it That the injuries he had already offered the English were above pardon and no way left to secure himself but by committing greater There needeth no Torch to light Tinder where a Spark will do the deed and hereupon Owen brake out into open rebellion The worst was being angry with the King his revenge fell upon God burning down the fair Cathedrals of Bangor and Saint Asaph His destructive nature delighted in doing mischief to others though no good to himself King Henry the fourth found it more facile by far to depose King Richard than subdue this Owen who had taken Roger Mortimer Earl of March and next Heir to the Crown prisoner Writers ELVODUGUS surnamed Probus and no doubt it was true of him what was said of Probus the Emperor he was Vir sui nominis was a Cambrian by birth and this Country-man by habitation for he lived most of his days at Bangor Monachorum in that age the Cambridge and Oxford of all Britain He wrote many Books and particularly a Chronicle of his Nation which the envy of time hath denied to posterity He had many eminent men for his Scholars amongst
prius  14 Nich. Moor ar   The Farewell I understand that in January 1607. part of this County which they call the Moore sustained a great loss by the breaking in of the Severn sea caused by a violent South-west wind continuing for three dayes together I heartily desire the Inhabitants thereof may for the future be secured from all such dangerous inundations water being a good servant but bad master by his Providence who bindeth the sea in a girdle of sands and saith to the waves thereof Thus far shall ye go and no further PEMBROKE-SHIRE is surrounded on all sides with the Sea save on the North-East where it boundeth on Cardigan and East where it butteth on Carmarthen-shire A County abounding with all things necessary for mans livelihood and the East part thereof is the pleasantest place in all VVales which I durst not have said for fear of offence had not Giraldus their own Country-man affirmed it Nor is it less happy in Sea than in Land affording plenty of Fish especially about Tenby therefore commonly called Tenby-y-Piscoid which I rather observe for the vicinity of the British piscoid with the Latine piscosus for fishfull though never any pretended an affinity between the two Languages A part of this Country is peopled by Flemmings placed there by King Henry the first who was no less politick than charitable therein For such Flemmings being driven out of their own Country by an irruption of the Ocean were fixed here to defend the land given them against the Welsh and their Country is called little England beyond Wales This mindeth me of a passage betwixt a Welsh and English man the former boasting Wales in all respects beyond England to whom the other returned he had heard of an England beyond Wales but never of a Wales beyond England Natural Commodities Faulcons Very good are bred in this County of that kind they call Peregrines which very name speaks them to be no Indeginae but Forraigners at first lighting here by some casualty King Henry the second passing hence into Ireland cast off a Norway Goshawk at one of these but the Gos-hawk taken at the source by the Faulcon soon fell down at the Kings foot which performance in this ramage made him yearly afterward send hither for Eyesses These Hawkes Aeries not so called from building in the Air but from the French word Aire an Egge are many in the Rocks in this Shire Buildings For a sacred structure the Cathedral of Saint David is most eminent began by Bishop Peter in the raign of King John and finished by his Successors though having never seen it I can say little thereof But in one respect the roof thereof is higher than any in England and as high as any in Europe if the ancient absolute independent jurisdiction thereof be considered thus stated by an Authentick Author Episcopi Walliae à Menevensi Antistite sunt consecrati ipse similiter ab aliis tanquam suffraganeis est consecratus nulla penitus alii Ecclesiae facta professione vel subjectione The generality of which words must be construed to have reference as well to Rome as to Canterbury Saint Davids acknowledging subjection to neither till the reign of King Henry the first Princes HENRY TUTHAR Son to Edmund Earl of Richmond and Margaret his Lady was born at Pembroke in this County Anno Dom. In the reign of King Henry the sixth he was bred a Child at Court when a young man he lived an Exile in France where he so learned to live of a little that he contracted a habit of frugality which he did not depose till the day of his death Having vanquished King Richard the third in the battel of Bosorsth and married Elizabeth eldest Daughter to King Edward the fourth he reigned King of England by the name of Henry the seventh He is generally esteemed the wisest of our English Kings and yet many conceive that the Lord Bacon writing his life made him much wiser than he was picking more prudence out of his actions than the King himself was privy to therein and not content to allow him politick endeavoured to make him policy it self Yet many thiâ—…k hâ—…s judgemenâ—… 〈◊〉 him when refusing the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Columbus for the discovery of America who might therein have made a secret advenâ—…e without any prejudice to the râ—…putation of his wisdom But such his waâ—…ss he would not tamper with costly Contâ—…s though never â—…o probable to be gainful nor would he hazard a hook of Silver to catch a fish of Gold He was the first King who secretly sought to abaâ—…e the formidable greatness the Parent of many former Rebellions in the English â—…earage lessening their Dependencies countenaâ—…cing the Commons and encouraging the Yeomandry with provisions against Depopulations However â—…ereby he did not free his Successors from fear but only exchanged their care making the Commons who because more numerous less manageble more absolute and able in time to conâ—…est with Soveraignty He survived his Queen by whom he had the true Title to the Crown about five years Some will say that all that time he was King only by the Courtesie of England which I am sure he was loth to acknowledge Others say he held the Crown by Conquest which his Subjects were as unwilling to confess But let none dispute how hâ—… hâ—…ld seeing he held it having Pope Parliament Power Purse Success and some shadow of Succession on his side His greatest fault was grinding his Subjects with grievous exactions he was most magnificent in those Structures he hath left to posterity Amongst wâ—…ich his â—…evotion to God is most seen in two Chappels the one at Cambridge the other at Westminster his charity to the poor in the Hospital of the Savoy his Magnificence to himself in his own Monument of guilded Copper and his vanity to the World in building a Ship called the Great Harry of equal cost saith some with his Chappel which asterwards sunk into the Sea and vanished away in a moment He much imployed Bishops in his service finding them honest and able And here I request the judicious and learned Reader to help me at a dead liâ—… being posed with this passage written in his life by the Lord Verulam He did use to raise Bishops by steps that he might not lose the profits of the First fruits which by that course of gradation was multiplied Now I humbly conceive that the First fruits in the common acception of the word were in that age paid to the Pope and would fain be informed what By-FirstFruits these were the emolument whereof accrued to the Crown This politick King at his Palace of Richmond April 22. 1509. ended his life and was buried in the Magnificent Chappel aforesaid On the same token that he ordered by his last Will and Testament that none save such of the Blood Royal who should descend from his Loyns should be buried in that place
was made Lord Chancellour of England dischargeing his place with Prudence and Equity for the terme of five years Foreseeing he should be outed of his Office being of the Anti-faction to Duke Dudley to prevent stripping he politickly put off his Robes of State resigning his Office Which done no danger of catching cold his own Under-suit was so well lined having gotten a fair Estate about Lees Abbey in Essex whereof he was created Baron He died in the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth being direct Ancestour unto the right Honourable Charles Rich now Earl of VVarwick WILLIAM POWLET where ever born had his largest Estate and highest Honour Baron of Basing and Marquess of VVinchester in this County He was descended from a younger house of the Powlets of Hinton Saint George in Sommersetshire as by the Crescent in his Arms is acknowledged One telleth us that he being a younger brother and having wasted all that was left him came to Court on trust where upon the bare stock of his wit he traffick'd so wisely and prospered so well that he got spent and left more than any Subject since the Conquest Indeed he lived at the time of the dissolution of Abbeys which was the harvest of Estates and it argued idleness if any Courtier had his Barnes empty He was servant to K. Henry the seaventh and for Thirty years together Treasurer to K. Henry the eighth Edward the sixth Qu. Mary and Qu. Elizabeth The 〈◊〉 in some 〈◊〉 owed their Crowns to his Counsel his policy being the principal 〈◊〉 of Duke Dudleys Designe to disinherit them I behold this Lord 〈◊〉 like to aged Adoram so often mentioned in Scripture being over the Tribute in the dayes of K. David all the Reign of K. Solomon untill the first Year of 〈◊〉 And though our Lord Powlet enjoyed his place not so many years yet did he serve more Soveraigns in more mutable times being as he said of himself no 〈◊〉 but an 〈◊〉 Herein the Parallel holds not The honry hairs of Adâ—…m were sent to the Grave by a violent death slain by the people in a 〈◊〉 This Lord had the rare happiness of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 setting in his full splendour having lived 97 years and seen 103 out of his body he dyed anno Domini 1572. Sr. THOMAS LAKES was born in the Parish of St. Michael in the Town of South-Hampton and there bred in Grammer-Learning under Doctor Seravia By several under Offices he was at last deservedly preferred Secretary of Estate to K. James Incredible his dexterity in dispatch who at the same time would indite write discourse more exactly than most men could severally performe them Men resembled him to one of the hips-Royal of Qu. Elizabeth called the Swift-sure such his celerity and solidity in all Affairs No lesse his secresie in concealing and what was credited to his Counsel was alwayes found in the same posture it was left in Add to all these he was a good man and a good mans Brother Dr. Arthur Lakes Bishop of Bath-and Wells King James who allwayes loved what was facile and fluent was highly pleased with his Latine Pen who by practice had made Tullie's phrase his own He was one of the three noble hands who at the Court first led Mr. George Villers into the favour of King James At last he fell for the faults of others into the Kings displeasure being punished for the Offences of one of his nearest Relations and of all them fin'd in the star-chamber he was the only person generally pittied for his suffering yet even then K. James gave him this publick Eulogie in open Court That he was a Minister of State fit to serve the greatest Prince in Europe He was outed his Secretaries place which needed him more than he it having atchieved a fair fortune which he transmitted to posterity How long he lived afterwards in a private life is to me unknown Souldiers BEAVOIS an English man was Earle of South-Hampton in the time of the Conquerer and being unable to comport with his Oppression banded against him with the Fragments of the English men the strength of Hastings the Dane and all the assistance the VVelch could afford In whose Country a Battel was fought near Carcliffe against the Normans anno Domini 1070. wherein Three Nations were conquered by One Beavois being worsted Success depends not on Valour fled to Carlile a long step from Carcliffe And afterwards no mention what became of him This is that Beavois whom the Monks cryed up to be such a man that since it hath been questioned Whether ever such a man I mean whether ever his person was in rerum natura So injurious those are who in the Reports of any mans performances exceed the bounds of probability All I will add is this that the Sword preserved and shewed to be this Beavoises in Arundel Castle is lesser perchance worn with age than that of King Edward the third kept in Westminster-Church Seamen Sr. JOHN WALLOP born in this County of a most ancient and respected Family was directed by his Genius to Sea-service at what time our Coasts were much infested with French-Piracies For there was a Knight of Malta passing in our Chronicles by the name of Prior John more proper by his Profession to be employed against the Turks lately so victorious in Hungary who liv'd by pickeering and undoing many English Merchants But our Sr. John made the French pay more than treble Dammages who with Eight Hundredh Men landed in Normandy burnt One and Twenty Towns with divers Ships in the Havens of Traport Staples c. and safely returned with wealth and Victory Methinks the ancient Armes of the Wallhops appear propheticall herein viz. argent a Bend-unde Sable interpreted by my Authour a wave or sourge of the Sea raised by some turbulent flaw of wind and tempest prognosticating the activity of that Family in Marine Performances ROBERT TOMSON Merchant was born at Andover in this County bred much at Bristol in Sea-Imployments Hence anno 1553. he sailed into Spain and thence two Years after shipped himself for Nova Hispania to make a discovery thereof on the same token that in his passage thither in a Spanish Ship a light like a canâ—…le being nothing else but a Meteor frequent by Sea and Land sell on their main Mast which the Spaniards on their knees worshiped for St. Elmo the Advocate of Saylers He afterwards wrote the Description of New Spain with the City of Mexico giving a good and the first account thereof of any Englishman During his abode many Months in Mexico at dinner he let fall some Discourse against Saint-worship for which he was imprisoned in the holy-House and enjoyned solemn Penance by the Arch-Bishop of Mexico This Tomson being the first reputed Heretick which was ever seen in America on a penitential Scaffold Hence he was sent into Spain and after three Years durance in the Inquisition discharged
Civil War is a vagrant and will trace all corners except they be surrounded with Gyges his ring Surely some eyes in that place besides the Sweet Rivers of Severn and Wye running by them have had Salt Waters flowing from them since the beginning of our late Distractions Lemster bread and Weabley Ale It seems both these are best in their kinds though good in other places of the Land Thus though Palestine was universally termed a Land of Wheat yet the Spirit of God takes signal notice of the wheat of Minnith and Pannag as finer than the rest Yet is there Wheat in England which justleth for pureness with that of Weabley viz. What groweth about Heston in Middlesex yeilding so fine floure that for a long time the Manchet for the Kings of England was made thereof except any will say it is prized the more for the Vicinity to London Saints ETHELBERT was King of the East-Angles and went to Offa King of Mercia to treat of a marriage with his Daughter but Queen Quendred Wife to Offa more ambitious of her own unlawful then her Daughters lawful advancement practised his Death at a Village now called Sutton-Wallis four miles from Hereford His corps was afterwards removed by Milfred a petit Prince of that Country to Hereford where he obtained the reputation of a Saint and Martyr His suffering happened Anno Dom. 793. THOMAS CANTILUPE was of honourable extraction whose Father William Lord Cantilupe had two fair habitations Abergavenny Castle in Monmouth and Harringworth in Northampton-shire which by an Heir-general of that Family afterwards descended to the Lord Zouch He was bred in Oxford whereof at last he became Chancellour and was preferred Bishop of Hereford A charitable man may believe him a person of Holy Life and great Learning But no wise man will credit what Walsingham writes of him That he was never guilty of any mortal sin Going to others say returning from Rome to assert his Church from the encroachment of Peckam Arch-bishop of Canterbury he dyed at a City in Tuscany where his flesh was taken off his Corps and buryed whilst his bones were sent for Reliques into England and enshrined at Hereford Now though different dates be assigned of his death I adhere to Bishop Godwin noting his Dissolution 1282. He was afterwards canonized by Pope John the twenty second and no fewer then four hundred twenty five miracles are registred in that Church reported to be wrought at his Tomb. I say just four hundred twenty five which falls out sewer by five and twenty then the Prophets of Baal and more by five and twenty then the Prophets of the Groves in a middle number betwixt both and all of thâ—…m I beleive honest and true alike Yea it is recorded in his legend that by his Prayers were raised from death to life threescore several persons one and twenty Lepers healed and three and twenty blind and dumb men to have received their sight and speech No wonder then what Mr. Camden observeth that in process of time parum abfuit quin pietatis opinione Regio Martyri Ethelberto praeluxerit He lack'd but little to eclipse the Lustre of Ethelbert the Royal Saint and Martyr formerly buryed as is aforesaid in the same Cathedral Indeed it is given to Superstition alwayes to be fondest of the youngest Saint But long since King Henry the eighth hath put a period to all emulations betwixt their memories The Bishops of Hereford so highly honoured this Thomas that waving their ancient Arms they assumed the paternal Coate of Cantilupe viz. Gules 3 Leopards heads inverted each with a Flower de Luce in his Mouth Or to be successively the Arms of their See This Cantilupe lived the latest of any Englishman who was canonized so that blind zeal may even close her Stomack and make up her Mouth with the Sweet-meats of his memory Martyrs Sir JOHN Son to Sir Thomas OLDCASTLE was a Native of this County whereof he was Sheriff in the seventh of Henry the fourth Lord Cobham in the right of his Wife a right valiant man but great follower of VVickliffe so that he lost his life on that account As his body was hanged and burnt in an unusual posture at Tyburne so his memory hath ever since been in a strange suspense betwixt Malefactour and Martyr Papists charging him with Treason against King Henry the fifth and heading an Army of more then ten thousand men though it wanted nine thousand nine hundred ninety and nine thereof so far as it appears solidly proved But it hath ever been the Practice of the Devil and his instruments angry with Gods Servants for their Religion to accuse them for Sedition perceiving Princes generally more jealous of their own honour then Gods Glory and most careful to cut off such as oppose their power or persons Thus Christ was accused for Disloyalty to Caesar and St. Paul for raifing of Tumults though they as it is plain in the Text either raised themselves or were raised by the Pharisees and Saducees Pauls professed Enemies But I have so worne out the Neb of my Pen in my Church-History about clearing the Innocency of this worthy Knight that I have nothing to add new thereunto Marian Martyrs this Diocess affordeth none such the Moderation of Robert Parfew the Bishop thereof Cardinal ADAM de EASTON We were at a great losse had we but his bare Sirname to direct us to the place of his Nativity seeing scarcely one County in England which hath not one or more Eastons or Eatons the same in effect therein But thanks be to our Author who hath fixed his Birth though but with an ut videtur in this Shire Pretenders to Skill in Palmestry would perswade us that such the Table in whose hands is narrow beneath and broad above are marked out for Poverty in their youth and plenty in their old Age. I will not say such the Signature in the hands of our Adam but sure I am such his successe Mean his birth homely his breeding hard his fare till by his Industry he was advanced Dr. of Divinity in Oxford wherein he became a great Scholar skill'd in Greek and Hebrew rare accomplishments in that age and was very dexterous in all civil Negotiations He was afterwards made Cardinal with the Title of St. Cicilie by Pope Urban against whom Clement the seventh was elected and erected by others Fierce the Fight between Bears and Boars but far fiercer betwixt two Anti-Popes giving no Quarter to the opposite party if brought into their power Urban suspecting Treachery in some of his Cardinals imprisoned seven of them at once and puting five of them into Sacks sunk them into the Sea Oh most barbarous Urbanity Our Adam being the sixth hardly escaped with Life and may be said in some sort put into a Sack though of a larger size I mean a streight Dungeon where he remained half starved for five years together till the
Death of Pope Urban But Pope Boniface his Successour restored him to all his honours and dignities sent him over into England to King Richard the Second with most ample Commendation Returning to Rome he lived there in all plenty and pomp and dyed September the seventeenth 1397. Pity it is so good a Scholar should have so barbarous an Epitaph scarce worth our Translation Artibus iste Pater famosus in omnibus Adam Theologus summus Cardi que-nalis erat Anglia cui patriam titulum dedit ista Beatae Ceciliaeque morsque suprema polum Adam a famous Father in Arts all He was a deep Divine Cardi-and nall Whom England bred S. Cicilie hath given His Title Death at last gave heaven He was interred when dead in the Church of St. Cicilie which intituled him when alive though no happiness an honour which no other English man to my observation of his Order ever Injoyed Prelates JOHN BRETON alià s BRITTON Dâ—… of the Lawes He meriteth a high place in this Catalogue and yet I am at a perfect loss where to fix his Nativity and therefore am forced to my last Refuge as the Marginal Character doth confess He was a famous Lawyer living in the Reign of King Edward the First at whose Commandement and by whose Authority he wrote a learned Book of the LAWES of ENGLAND the Tenor whereof runneth in the Kings name as if it had been penned by himself Take one instance thereof 12. Chapter VVe will that all those who are fourteen years old shall make Oath that they shall be sufficient and Loyall unto Us and that they will be neither Felons nor assenting to Felons and We will that all be c. This Style will seem nothing strange to those who have read Justinian his Institutions which the Emperour assumed unto himself though composed by others It is no small Argument of the Excellency of this Book that notwithstanding the great variation of our Lawes since his time that his work still is in great and general Repute Thus a good face conquereth the disadvantage of old and unfashionable Clothes He was preferred Bishop of Hereford in the Reign of King Henry the Third And although there be some difference betwixt Authors about the time wherein he lived and died some assigning a latter date I confide in Bishop Godwin his Successour in the same See computing his death to happen May 12. in the Third of King Edward the First Anno 1275. ADAM de ORLTON was born in the City of Hereford Proceeding Doctor of Law he became afterwards Bishop in the place of his Nativity This is he so Infamous in History for cutting off the life of King Edward the Second with his Ridling Unpointed Answer Edwardum Regem occidere nolite timere bonum est To kill King Edward you need not to fear it is good It is hard to say which of these two were the Original and which the Translation It being equally probable that the English was Latined as that the Latin was Englished by such Authors as relate this transaction This mindeth me of a meaner passage sic Canibus Catulos which to refresh both the Reader and my self I shall here insert A Schoolmaster being shut out of his School at Christmass came to Composition with his Scholars and thus subscribed the Articles tendred unto him Aequa est conditio non nego quod petitis But being readmitted into his house He called all his Scholars to account for their Rebellion they plead themselves secured by the Act of Oblivion he had signed He calls for the Original and perusing it thus pointed it Aequa est Conditio non Nego quod petitis Thus power in all ages will take the priviledge to construe its own Acts to its own advantage But to return to de Orlton he made much bustling in the Land passing through the Bishopricks of Worcester and Winchester and died at last not much lamented July 18. 1345. JOHN GRANDESSON was born at Ashperton in this County a person remarkable on several accounts For his 1. High Birth his Father Gilbert being a Baron and his Mother Sybill Coheir to the Lord Tregose 2. Great Learning being a good Writer of that age though Bale saith of him that he was Orator animosior quà m facundior 3. High Preferment attaining to be Bishop of Exeter 4. Vivacity sitting Bishop in his See two and fourty years 5. Stout Stomack Resisting Mepham Archbishop of Canterbury vi Armis when he came to visite his Diocess 6. Costly Buildings Arching the Beautifull Roofe of his Cathedrall Building and endowing a rich Colledge of Saint Mary Otterey He was the bettter inabled to do these and other great Benefactions by perswading all the secular Clergy in his Diocess to make him sole Heir to their Estates He died July 15. Anno Domini 1369. THOMAS BRADWARDINE Arch-bishop of Canterbury See him more properly in Sussex RICHARD CLIâ—…FORD Bishop of London See him more conveniently in Kent Since the Reformation MILES SMITH D. D. was born in the City of Hereford which I observe the rather because omitted in his Funeral Sermon His Father was a Fletcher and a man of no mean Estate that Vocation being more in use formerly then in our Age. He was bred first in Brasen-Nose-Colledge then Chaplain of * Christ-Church in Oxford A deep Divine great Linguist who had more then a single share in the last Translation of the Bible as hereby will appear 1. More then fourty Grave Divines were imployed in several places on that work 2. When it had passed their hands it was revised by a dozen select ones 3. This done it was referred to the final Examination of Bish. Bilston and Dr. Smith 4. Doctor Smith at last was injoyned to make the Preface to the Translation as a comely gate to a glorious City which remains under his own hand in the University Library in Oxford Yet was he never heard to speak of the work with any attribution to himself more then the rest He never sought any preferment he had and was wont merrily to say of himself that he was Nullius rei praeterquam Librorum avarus Covetous of nothing but Books King James preferred him Bishop of Glocester 1612. wherein he behaved himself with such meeknesse that in all matters of doubt the byass of his inclination did still hang 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He wrote all his books with his own hand in that faculty not being short of the professours thereof and being seaventy years of age died and was buried in his own Cathedrall 1624. Souldiers ROBERT DEVEREUX Son of Walter Devereux Earle of Essex was born at Nethwood in this County November the tenth 1567. Whilst his Father as yet was onely Viscount of Hereford He was such a Master-piece of Court and Camp and so bright a Light therein that we will observe his morning fore-noon high-noon afternoon and night His morning began at his first coming to Court the gates whereof
to inherit Happiness so severe her Education VVhilest a childe her Father's was to her an House of Correction nor did she write Woman sooner than she did subscribe Wife and in Obedience to her Parents was unfortunately matched to the L. Guilford Dudley yet he was a goodly and for ought I â—…ind to the contrary a Godly Gentleman whose worst fault was that he was Son to an ambitious Father She was proclaimed but never crowned Queen living in the Tower which Place though it hath a double capacity of a Palace and a Prison yet appeared to her chiefly in the later Relation For She was longer a Captive than a Queen therein taking no contentment all the time save what she found in God and a clear Conscience Her Family by snatching at a Crown which was not lost a Coronet which was their own much degraded in Degree and more in Estate I would give in an Inventory of the vast Wealth they then possessed but am loth to grieve her surviving Relations with a List of the Lands lost by her Fathers attainture She suffered on Tower-Hill 〈◊〉 on the twelfth of February KATHARINE GREY was second Daughter to Henry Duke of Suffolk T is pity to part the Sisters that their Memories may mutually condole and comfort one another She was born in the same place and when her Father was in height married to Henry Lord Herbert Son and Heir to the Earl of Pembroke buâ—… the politick old Earl perceiving the case altered and what was the high way to Honour turned into the ready road to Ruin got pardon from Queen Mary and brake the marriage quite off This Heraclita or Lady of Lamentation thus repudiated was seldome seen with dry eyes for some years together sighing out her sorrowful condition so that though the Roses in her Cheeks looked very wan and pale it was not for want of watering Afterward Edward Seymour Earl of Hertford married her privately without the Queens Licence and concealed till her pregnancy discovered it Indeed our English Proverb It is good to be near a kin to Land holdeth in private patrimonies not Titles to Crowns where such Aliances hath created to many much molestation Queen Elizabeth beheld her with a jealous Eye unwilling she should match either Forreign Prince or English Peer but follow the pattern she set her of constant Virginity For their Presumption this Earl was fined fifteen thousand pounds imprisoned with his Lady in the Tower and severely forbidden her company But Love and Money will find or force a passage By bribing the Keeper he bought what was his own his Wifes Embraces and had by her a surviving Son Edward Ancestor to the Right Honourable the Duke of Somerset She dyed January 26. a Prisoner in the Tower 1567. after nine years durance therein MARY GREY the youngest Daughter frighted with the Infelicity of her two Elder Sisters Jane and this Katharine forgot her Honour to remember her Safety and married one whom she could love and none need fear Martin Kayes of Kent Esq. who was a Judge at Court but only of Doubtful casts at Dice being Seâ—…jeant-Porter and died without Issue the 20. of April 1578. Martyrs HUGH LATIMER was born at Thurcaston in this County what his Father was and how qualified for his State take from his own mouth in his first Sermon before King Edward being confident the Reader will not repent his pains in perusing it My Father was a Yeoman and had no Lands of his own onely he had a Farme of three or four Pounds a Year at the uttermost and hereupon he tilled so much as kept halfe a dozen men he had walk for an Hundred Sheep and my Mother milked thiry Kine he was able and did finde the King an HARNESS with himself and his Horse whilest he came unto the Place that he should receive the Kings Wages I can remember I buckled his Harness when he went to Black Heath Field He kept me to School or else I had not been able to have Preached before the Kings Majestie now He married my Sisters with Five Pounds or twenty Nobles a piece so that he brought them up in Godliness and Fear of God He kept Hospitallity for his Poor Neighbours and some Almes He gave to the Poor and all this did he of the same Farme where he that now hath it payeth sixteen pounds by the Year and more and is not able to do any thing for his Prince for himself nor for his Children or give a Cup of Drink to the Poor He was bred in Christ's Colledg in Cambridg and converted under God by Mr. Bilney from a Violent Papist to a Zealous Protestant He was afterwards made Bishop of Worcester and four Years after outed for refusing to subscribe the six Articles How he was martyred at Oxford 1555. is notoriously known Let me add this Appendix to his Memory when the Contest was in the House of Lords in the Raign of K. Henry the Eighth about the giving all Abby Lands to the King There was a Division betwixt the Bishops of the Old and New Learning for by those Names they were distinguished Those of the Old Learning unwillingly willing were contented that the King should make a Resumption of all those Abbies which his Ancestors had founded leaving the rest to continue according to the Intention of their Founders The Bishops of the new Learning were more pliable to the Kings Desires Only Latimer was dissenting earnestly urging that two Abbies at the least in every Diocess of considerable Revenues might be preserved for the Maintenance of Learned men therein Thus swimming a good while against the stream he was at last carried away with the Current Eminent Prelates before the Reformation GILBERT SEGRAVE Born at Segrave in this County was bred in Oxford where he attained to great Learning as the Books written by him do declare The first Preferment I find conferred on him was The Provosts place of St. Sepulchers in York and the occasion how he obtained it is remakable The Pope had formerly bestowed it on his near Kinsman which argueth the good value thereof seeing neither Eagles nor Eagles Birds do feed on Flyes This Kinsman of the Popes lying on his death bed was troubled in Conscience which speakâ—…eth loudest when men begin to be speechlesse and all Sores pain most when nere night that he had undertaken such a Cure of Souls upon him who never was in England nor understood English and therefore requested the Pope his Kinsman that after his Death the Place might be bestowed on some Learned English-man that so his own absence and negligence might in some sort be repaired by the Residence and diligence of his Successor And this Segrave to his great Credit was found the fittest Person for that Performance He was afterwards preferred Bishop of London sitting in that See not full four years dying Anno Dom. 1317. WALTER DE LANGTON was born at VVest-langton in this County He was highly in favour
with King Edward the first under whom he was Bishop of Coventry and Liechfield and Treasurer of England He granted him also Liberty of free Warren in VVest and Thorpe Langton in this County the Patrimoniall inheritance of this Prelate VVith his own innocence and friends assistance at long sailing he weathered out the Tempest of the Popes displeasure Longer did he groan under the undeserved Anger of King Edward the second chiefly because this Bishop sharply reproved him when as yet but Prince for his Debauchery See here the great difference betwixt youth some hopefully some desperately riotous Of the former was Henry the fifth who when King is said to have rewarded and advanced such who had reproved and punished him when Prince Of the latter was King Edward not only wild but mad in his vitiousnesse But our Langton at length was brought saith my Author in Regis Semigratiam into the Kings half favour let me add in populi sesquegratiam and into the peoples favour and half who highly loved and honoured him His tragicomical life had a peaceable end in Plenty and Prosperity He found his Cathedral of Liâ—…hfield mean and left it magnificent and it will appear by the instance of our Langton Josseline of Wells and others that Bishops continuing unremoved in their See have atcheived greater matters then those who have been often translated though to richer Bishopricks Indeed prodigious was his bounty in building and endowing his Cathedral wherein he continued almost 25. years and dying 1321. was buryed in the Chappel of St. Mary of his own erection ROGERDE MARTIVAL Son and Heir of Sir Aukitell de Martivall Kt. who gave for his Arms Argent a Cinque foyle Sable was born at Nowsley in this County He was first Arch-Deacon of Leicester then Dean of Lincoln and at last consecrated Bishop of Salisbury in the Reign of King Edward the Second 1315. Now seeing Bishop Godwin hath nothing more of him save his Name and Date it is charity further to inform Posterity that he was the last heir male of his house and founded a Colledg at Nowsley temp Edw. 1. for a Warden and certain Brethren which in the 24. of Hen. 6. was valued to dispend yearly besides all charges 6. l. 13. 5. 4. d. His estate descended to Joyce de Martivall his Sister married unto Sir Ralph Hastings lineal Ancestor to the now Earl of Huntington As for the Mannor of Nowsley as it came by the mother so it went away with her Daughter into the Family of the Herons and by her Daughter into the Family of the Hazleriggs who at this day are the Possessors thereof This Bishop dyed in the midst of Lent 1329. ROBERT WIVIL was born of worthy and wealthy parentage at Stanton Wivil in this County at the Instance of Philippa Queen to King Edward the Third the Pope Anno 1329. preferred him Bishop of Salisbury It is hard to say whether he were more Dunce or Dwarfe more unlearned or unhansome insomuch that T. Walsingham tells us that had the Pope ever seen him as no doubt he felt him in his large Fees he would never have conferred the Place upon him He sate Bishop more then 45. years and impleaded William Mountague Earl of Salisbury in a Writ of Right for the Castle of Salisbury The Earl chose the Trial by Battell which the Bishop accepted of and both produced their Champions into the Place The Combatant for the Bishop coming forth all clad in white with the bishops own Arms viz. Gules Fretty Varee * a Chief Or empailed no doubt with them of his See on his Surcote Some highly commended the Zeal of the Bishop asserting the Rights of his Church whilest others condemned this in him as a unprelatical act God allowing Duells no competent Deciders of such Differences And moderate men to find out an expedient said he did this not as a Bishop but Baron the best was the matter was taken up by the Kings interposing and the Bishop with 2500. Marks bought of the Earl the quiet possession of the Castle and dyed Anno Dâ—…m 1375. being buryed under a Marble Stone about the middle of the Quire Since the Reformation JOSEPH HALâ—… was born at Ashby De La Zouch in this County where his Father under the Earl of Huntington was Governour or Bayly of the Town So soon almost as Emanuel Colledge was admitted into Cambridge he was admitted into that Colledge within few years after the first foundation thereof He passed all his degrees with great applause First noted in the University for his ingenuous maintaining be it Truth or Paradox that Mundus senescit The World groweth old Yet in some sort his position confuteth his position the wit and quickness whereof did argue an increase rather than a decay of parts in this latter age He was first beneficed by Sir R. Drury at Hallsted in Suffolk and thence removed by Edward Lord Denny afterward Earl of Norwich to Waltham Abbey in Essex Here I must pay the Tribute of my Gratitude to his memory as building upon his foundation beholding my self as his great Grandchild in that place three degrees from him in succession But oh how many from him in ability His little Catechisme hath done great good in that populous parish and I could wish that Ordinance more generally used all over England Being Doctor of Divinity he was sent over by K. James to the Synod of Dort whence only indisposition of body forced him to return before the rest of his Collegues He was preferred first Dean of Worcester then Bishop of Exeter then Bishop of Exeter then Bishop of no place surviving to see his sacred function buryed before his eyes He may be said to have dyed with his pen in his hand whose Writing and Living expired together He was commonly called our English Seneca for the purenesse plainesse and fulnesse of his style Not unhappy at Controversies more happy at Comments very good in his Characters better in his Sermons best of all in his Meditations Nor will it be amiss to transcribe the following passage out of his Will In the name of God Amen I Joseph Hall D.D. not worthy to be called Bishop of Norwich c. First I bequeath my soul c. my body I leave to be interred without any funeral pomp at the Discretion of my Executors with this only monition that I do not hold Gods House a meet Repository for the dead bodies of the greatest Saints He dyed September the 8. Anno Dom. 1656. and was buryed at Hyhem near Norwich Statesmen GEORGE VILLIERS was born at Brooksby in this County 〈◊〉 son to his father Sir George Villiers and second son to his Mother Mary Beaumont Being debarred by his late Nativity from his fathers lands he was happy in his Mothers love maintaining him in France till he returned one of the compleatest Courtiers in Christendom his body and behaviour mutually gracing one another Sir Tho. Lake
Prison to which many are committed for their contempts more for their debts So called it is from a Brook running by as that of Tygris in Armenia from its former Fleetnesse though now it creepeth flow enough not so much for age as the injection of City excrements wherewith it is so obstructed The Proverb is appliable to those who never owed ought or else having run into debt have crept out of it so that now they may defie danger and arrests yea may triumphare in Hostico laugh in the Face of the Serjeants Surely the Threshold of the Fleet so used setteth a good edge on the Knife and a better on the Wearer thereof acting him with a Spirit free from all engagements All goeth down Gutter-lane There is a small Lane inhabited anciently by Gold-beaters leading out of Cheapside East of Foster-lane which Orthography presents to the Reader by the name of Guthurun-Lane from him the once Owner thereof But common people we must speak with the volge and think with the wise call it Guttur Lane pleading for their mispronouncing it that the narrow form thereof is like the Throat or Gullet and such a one would have pleased Apitius the Epicure who wished to himself Tricubitale Guttur The Proverb is appliable to those who spend all in Drunkennesse and Gluttony meer Belly-Gods whom the Philosopher called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I confesse the word both in sound and sense hath some affinity with that of St. Pauls of the Gretians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Idle-bellyes save that our Gastrimargi are far worse so named from the meer madnesse and distraction of their appetite As Lame as St. Giles Criple-gate St. Giles was by â—…irth an Athenian of noble Extraction and great Estate but quitted all for a solitary Life He was visited with a Lamenesse whether natural or casual I know not but the Tradition goes that he desired not to be healed thereof for his greater mortification if so his Judgement differed from all the good Lame-men in the Gospel importunate for ease from their infirmity He is accompted the Patron of Criples and whereas Churches dedicated to other Saints of better Footmanship get the speed of him and come into the City generally Lame St. Giles laggeth behind in the Suburbs as in London Cambridge Salisbury c. Criplegate was so called before the Conquest from Criples begging of Passengers therein And indeed they may prescribe for their Custome ever since the Lame-man begged an Alms of â—…eter and Iohn at the beautiful Gate of the Temple This Proverb may seem guilty of false Herauldry Lamenesse on Lamenesse and in common Discourse is spoken rather merrily then mournfully of such who for some light hurt lagg behind and sometimes is applied to those who out of Lazinesse none so lame as they that will not go counterfeit Infirmity You are all for the Hoistings or Hustings It is spoken of those who by Pride or Passion are mounted or elated to a pitch above the due proportion of their Birth Quality or Estate such as are all in Altitudinibus so that Common persons know not how to behave themselves unto them It cometh from Hustings the Principal and highest Court in London as also in Winchester Lincolne York c. so called from the French word Haulser to raise or lift up The mention of the Hustings a Court so called mindeth me of another Court called the Court of Hall-mote and I am resolved to run the hazard of the Reader 's anger with this my Digression to rectifie a mistake in some and prevent it in others Sir Edward Coke Institut 4. part cap. 9. This is derived of Hall and Mote as much as to say the Hall Court id est Conventus Civium in Aulam Publicam Every Company in London having a Hall wherein they kept their Courts and this Court antiently called Hall-Mote or Folk-Mote With whom verbatim concurreth who would not willingly dissent from him in point of Common-Law the Learned Doctor Cowel in his Interpreter But let all take heed that they confound not this Court with another more Antient and more proper for the cognizance of the Pen of a Divine viz. Haly-Mote Court being a Court derived from Haly which is Holy and Mote a Meeting being an Assembly kept before the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs for the Regulation of the Company of the Bakers in London wherein the Staffe of Bread and therein the Life of the poor is so much concerned formerly kept on the Lords Day whence it took its Name before the Feast of St. Thomas But a Court of Common-Councell 〈◊〉 the 15th 1609. altered that Court until the Thursday before St. Thomas's Day as since by a later act of the same Councel it is Removed unto the Monday before the said Festival The Antient Title of this Court ranne as followeth Curia Sancti-Motus tenta in Guilhaldea Civitatis London coram Majore Vicecomitibus Civitatis London Die Dominico proximo ante Festum St. Thomae Apostoli ad horam sextam ante Meridiem ejusdem Diei secundum Consuetudinem Civitatis London Such who are Learned in the Lawes and are pleased to reflect on the Name of my Author and Worthy Friend on the Margin will not in the least Degree suspect the Truth hereof Before I come to enroll the List of the Worthies of this City I premise the words Londinas and Londinensis as some have curiously stated their Senses according to whose fancy 1. Londinas signifieth one born in London wheresoever he doth live 2. Londinensis  one living in  wheresoever he was born Could this be made a truth this distinction would be very serviceable to me in this work but it will not hold water finding on due enquiry that by the best Criticks both are used promiscuously for anâ—… either born or living in that City save that Londinas answering to the Question Cujas signifieth Persons alone whilst Londinensis importeth either Persons or Things relating to that City as Turris Londinensis Pons Londinensis c. Princes KATHERINE third Daughter of K. Henry the third and Q. Eleanor was born at London Anno Dom. 1252. November the 25th being St. Katherins day whose name was therefore given unto her at the Font by Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury her Uncle and Godfather She dyed in her very Infancy on whom we will presume to bestow this Epitaph Wak't from the wombe she on this world did peep Dislik tit clos'd her eyes fell fast asleep She lyeth interr'd at Westminster in the space betwixt the Chappels of King Edward and St. Bennet JOAN Eldest Daughter and third child of K. Edward the second and Q. Isabel was born in the Tower of London about the year 1316. She was afterward married to David the second K. of Scotland continuing his wife twenty eight yeares This was she as I conceive who was commonly called Joan Make-Peace and we know Blessed are the peace makers improving her power though sometimes
with small successe to do good offices betwixt the two Kingdomes Coming into England to visit her Brother K. Edward the third she deceased here without issue Anno 1357. and lyeth buried in Gray-Friers London It will not be amiss in Reference to her Name here to observe that Joan which is Feminine to John was a frequent name in the Royal Family of England as also amongst Foreign Princes and no wonder seeing we find a worthy woman of that name Benefactresse to our Saviour himself However seeing in later times it hath been counted but a Course and homely name and some Proverbs of Contempt have been cast thereon it hath since been m ollified into Jane sounding finer it seemes to an English eare though this modern name will hardly be found in any English writer three hundred yeares ago KATHERINE youngest Daughter to K. Henry the 7. and Elizabeth his Queen was born in the Tower of London on the 2 day of February Anno Dom. 1503. deceasing few dayes after It is a sad and probably too true an account of an Antient man which is given in his Epitaph Here lies the man was born and cry'd Liv'd sixty yeares fell sick and dy'd What was a bad Character of his aged unprofitablenesse is a good one of this infant Ladies innocence of whom we know nothing save that she sucked fell sick and deceased Only let me adde she was the last Princesse born in the Tower our English Kings hereafter removing their residence to Bridewel and White-hall and using the Tower not so much as a Palace for the State as Prison for the strength thereof ANNA BOLLEN Daughter of the Lord Thomas Bollen Earl of Wiltshire was as some of her Honourable relations still surviving do conjecture born in London and became second Wife to K. Henry 8th Indeed he passionately affected her when but a Lords Daughter but did not marry her till she was a Princesse Created by him Marchionesse of Pembroke partly to make her the more proportionable Match and partly to try how she would become a â—…oronet before she wore a Crown The Papists much disparage her memory malice will lye or must be dumb making all her Wit to consist in Boldnesse her Beauty in a French garb and her Modesty in a Cunning â—…oynesse whereas indeed she was a Lady accomplished in Body was it likely K. Henry would love what was not lovely and Vertuous in Mind and whilst a Favourite of the Kings a Favourer of all good men and great Promoter of the Gospel The Inconstancy of her husbands affections is conceived by most moderate men what else soever was pretended her chiefest crime and cause of her death which happened Anno 1536. KATHERINE HOWARD Daughter to the Lord Edmond Howard son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk was though her father had large lands and houses in many places probably born in London and at last became fifth wife to K. Henry the eighth Such as desire to know the names number and successe of all six may conceive K. Henry thus speaking on his death bed Three Kates two Nans and one dear Jane I wedded One Spanish one Dutch and four English Wives From two I was divorc'd two I beheaded One died in childbed and one me survives Of this Katherine Howard little is reported and yet too much if all be true of her incontinency which cost her her life The greatest good the Land got by this match was a general leave to marry Cousin-Germans formerly prohibited by the Canon and hereafter permitted by the Common-law A door of lawful liberty left open by God in Scripture shut by the Pope for his private profit opened again by the King first for his own admittance this Katherine being Cousin-German to Anna Bollen his former Wife and then for the service of such Subjects as would follow him upon the like occasion This Lady was beheaded Anno Domini 1540. Saints Not to speak of St. Sedd born in this City and afterwards Bishop thereof of whom we find nothing reported save that he was very instrumental to the converting of the Mercians we begin with WULSINE who was born in this City of worthy Parents breeding him up in the Devotion of that age and became a Benedictine Monk till at last by his fast friend St. Dunstan he was preferred first Abbot of Westminster whence he was afterwards removed to be Bishop of Sherburne in Dorsetshire A mighty Champion he was for a Monastical life and therefore could not be quiet till he had driven all the secular priests out of Sherburne and substituted Monks in their room I read not of any Miracle done by him either whilst living or when dead save that in the juncture of both he is said with St. Stephen to have seen Heavens opened c. He had contracted great intimacy with one Egeline a virtuous Knight who died on the same day with him and he injoyned his Monks that they should both be buried in one Grave their joynt death happened January the 8th Anno 985. THOMAS BECKET son to Gilbert Becket Merchant and Maud his wife was born in this City in the place where now Mercers-Chappel is erected I have Reader been so prodigal in the large description of his life in my Ecclesiastical History that I have no new observable left to present you with Onely when I consider of the multitude of vows made by superstitious Pilgrims to his Sbrine where the stones were hallowed with their bended knees I much admire at their Will-worship no vowes appearing in Scripture but what were made to God alone And therefore most impudent is the attempt of those Papists tampering to corrupt Holy Writ in favour of such vowes reading in the Vulgar Latine Prov. 20. 25. Ruina est homini devotare Sanctos post vota retractare Instead of Ruina est homini devorare Sancta post vota retractare It is a snare to a man who often maketh vowes to Saints and after vowes retracteth them It is a snare to a man who devoureth that which is holy and after vowes to make enquiry This Becket was slain as is notoriously known on Innocents-day in his own Church of Canterbury 1170. Martyrs WILLIAM SAUTRE alià s Chatris Parish-Priest of the Church of St. Osiths London was the first Englishman that was put to death by fire for maintaining the opinions of Wicliffe In the Primitive times pardon Reader no impertinent digression such the lenity and tendernesse of the Fathers of the Church towards Hereticks that contenting themselves with condemning their blasphemous opinions they proceeded to no penalty on their persons Yea in after ages when the Christian Emperour would have punisht the furious Donatists with a pecunlary mulct the Holy men of those times so earnestly interceded as to procure the remission And St. Augustine himself who was most zealous in his writing against those Donatists professeth he had rather be himself slain by them than by detecting them be