Belesme he began to flie with the Rear whereupon the King soon obtained an absolute Victory the Duke himself being made prisoner and all his principal adherents Amongst which this Earl being taken by the Britains from whose hands the King and his Friends had much ado to get him was sent prisoner into England there to be secured during his life After which the King causing his Eyes to be put out besâ—owed his Earldom of Moreton upon Stephen of Blois Son of Stephen Earl of Champaine whom he then honored with Knighthood who was after King of England This Earl William built the Castle of Mountacute in Somersetshire and called it by that name from the sharpness of the Hill on which he did set it And likewise Founded a Priory near thereto which he amply endowed annexing it as a Cell to the Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy He also gave to the Abbey of Bec in Normandy his Lordship of Preston in the Rape of Pevensel in Sussex and was buried in the Abbey of Bermondsey in Southwark But when he died I find no mention nor of either Wife or Issue that he had Earls of Arundel and Shrewsbury IT was not long after King William the First commonly called the Conqueror had setled himself here in the Royal Throne but he conferred these Earldoms upon Roger de Montgomery Son to Hugh de Montgomery and Ioscelline his Wife Daughter to Turolf of â—ont-Audomare by Weva Sister to Gunnora Dutchess of Normandy Great Grand-Mother to the Conqueror which still doth manifest the sense he had as well of his Interest as his Affections towards those who were of his Alliance The first account I have of this Roger is That he was Oximensum Vicecomes And after that when Geffrey Mertel Earl of Anjou being a person of an haughty spirit and prosperous in his Military attempts upon his Neighbors had gotten the Castle of â—lencon belonging to William Duke of Normandy which so irritated the Duke that he forthwith laid siege to the Castle of Danfroâ—â— in Anjou Geffrey marching with no small power to raise the same the Duke sent this Roger de Montgomery and William Fitz-Osberne then both gallant young men to discover his strength who meeting with the Earl and representing to him the courage and resolutions of their Duke he furiously threatned that within a day or two he would manifest to the World that the valor of an Anjovin should far surpass that of a Norman arrogantly vaunting what coloured Horse he would ride on and what Ensigns of Arms he would then bear But they with as much disdain magnified Duke William and told him the like of his Horse and Arms and so returning encouraged their party to fight This Roger was with other the cheif Men of Normandy of Counsel with Duke William in order to his Invasion of this Realm and attending him in that signal expedition led the middle part of his Army in that memorable Battle wherein he became Victor and thenceforth King of England After his Coronation he went with him again into Normandy viz. In Lent following and though he was designed Governor there when the King should be absent yet being advertised of some disturbances like to be in England from the Danes and discontented spirits there he brought him back upon his return which was in December following and first advanced him to the Earldom of â—â—â—chester Arundel and soon after to that of Shrewebury Chichester and Arundel being really that of Sussex though the Earls of that Territory are usually denominated of those places in regard of their Residences thereat And to these he also added the Honor of Eye in Suffolk The Character which Ordericus Vitalis gives of him is That he was a very prudent and moderate Man a great lover of Equity and of discreet and modest Persons He had three Clergimen by whose counsels he was always prosperously guided viz. Godebald Odeler and Herbert The Governorship of Shrewsbury he committed to Warine the Bald a Man of small stature but of a great spirit and gave him in marriage his Neice Aimeriâ— By the valor and skilful Conduct of whom he kept the Welsh in aw and that whole Province in Peace The other principal Persons who were under him trusted and employed in his County of Salop were William Pantolf Picold de Sai Corbet and two of his own Sons viz. Roger and Robert by whose wisdom and courage being freely assisted he was as glorious amongst the greatest Nobles as any of them all Upon that great and dangerous breach betwixt the King and his eldest Son Robert Curthâ—se when both of them were in Arms and no small fear by most Men of the consequence thereof this Earl with some few others so far wrought upon the King then at 〈◊〉 by their mild and moderate counsels that he was content to remit the offences of his Son and receive him to his grace and favor Nor did his affections to Robert Curthose any whit abate when the Conqueror died for no sooner had William Rufus assumed the Crown here but he joyned with Odo Earl of Kent â—obert Earl of Moreton and the rest of those Noblemen with purpose to have raised the said Curthose to the Royal Throne and in order thereto marched from Shrewsbury with a great power of the Welsh and others unto the City of Worcester and made great spoil there but by the courage and resolution of the venerable Wolstan then Bishop who was at that time in the Castle a Sally was made cheifly by those of the Bishops retinue which routed this Earl with all the power he had at that time there But so many and so potent were those of the Nobility who then were against the King that he seeing his danger gave out that he would ease them of Taxes alleviate the Laws and give them free liberty of Hunting And riding with this Earl â—oger subtilly told him That he would most willingly quit the Government if he and those others whom the late King had assigned to be his Curators should think it best Adding That they should do what they pleased so that it were not Treason with many other smooth expressions wherewith this Earl was so much captivated that he thenceforth fell off from the rest of his own party Whereupon the King so expeditiously prevailed against Odo and the rest of his then adherents that all of them soon after submitted or fled as in my discourse of the said Odo Earl of Kent will appear The Possessions which this great Earl had in England were of a vast extent as appeareth by the Conquerors Survey by whose bounty he enjoyed them viz. In Wiltshire Three Lordships in Surrey Four
mounted another purposing to avoid his Enemies by swiming the River but being invironed by the Duke of Gloucester on the one side and the Earle of Derby on the other side he threw away his Sword Gantlets and Armor and leaping into the River escaped them In their pursuit of him it is said that his Charriot was taken and in it the Kings Letters appointing him to hast to London with what strength he had expressing that he would there be ready to live and dye with him The Lords therefore being thus powerfull caused the King of summon a Parliament at Westminster Which being done and this Duke amongst others called to make answer to certain Articles of High Treason then and there exhibited against him by the Duke of Gloucester and others not appearing he was forthwith banished and all his possessions confiscated excepting his entailed Lands which only were to remain to his right Heirs Upon this Banishment being likewise attainted Outlawed and Fled beyond-Sea as already hath been observed he was at length stricken by a Wild-Boar in Hunting and died of his hurts at Lovâ—me in anno 1392. 16 Ric. 2. in great distress and penury About three years after which viz. in November ann 1395. 19 R. 2. the King having caused his Body to be brought over into England made a solemne Funeral for him at Colne in Essex being present himself thereat with many of the Bishops but few of the temporal Lords their old hatred towards him being not then abated Dying thus and without issue Alberiâ— de Vere his uncle was in 16 R. 2. by assent of Parliament restored to all those Lands which had been by fine entailed before the attainder of the Duke his Nephew having also the name Title and Honor of Earl of Oxford then granted to him and to the Heirs Male of his Body and thereupon took his seat in Parliament amongst the Peers but being infirm the Office of Lord High Chamberlain of England which he and his Ancestors had long held was in 17 R. 2. bestowed by the King on Iohn Holland Earl of Huntendon to hold for term of life And continuing still weak had speciall Licence to be absent from that Parliament held at Shrewsbury in 21 R. 2. in which the Judgement given in the Parliament of 11 R. 2. against Robert Duke of Ireland his Nephew was revoaked and anulled This Earl Alberic took to Wife Alice the Daughter of Iohn Lord Fitz-Walter by whom he had issue Richard his Son and Successor and Iohn who died unmarried as also a Daughter married to Sir Iohn Fitz-Lewes Knight and departed this life upon S. George his day 1 Hen. 4. leaving Richard his Son and Heir then fourteen years of age being then seised of the Castle and Mannor of Castle-Hengham the Mannors of â—elham parva Bumstede Dodingherst Stanstede Monfichet Fingreth Beaumonds as also the Office of Steward of the whole Forest of Essex Likewise of the Mannors of Badlesmere in â—ent Calmerton in Com. Buck. Magna-Campes Saxton and Swafhaâ—-â—ulbeck in Comit Cantabr And for terme of life by the grant of King Richard of the Honor and Town of Reyleigh and Mannors of Eastwood and Thunderst the reversion to Edward Duke of York and the Heirs Male of his Body leaving Alice his Wife surviving who had for her Dowery an assignation of the Mannors of Badlesmere excepting four hundred acres of Land and Pasture there therein held in Gavel-kind and likewise of the Mannor of Bumstede Beaumond and Eston-Hall in Com. Essex Calverton and Whitchurch in Com. Buck. and fifteen shillings and six pence half peny Rent out of the Mannor of Stansted Montfichet I now come to Richard the succeeding Earl On whose behalf the Commons in Parliament in 1 Hen. 4. did pray that having married Alice the Daughter of the Kings Sister he might be restored to the Office of Chamberlain of England being his due inheritance and taken away by violence by King Richard the second but thereunto the King did not then assent In 2 Hen. 4. it was Enacted by Parliament that if this Richard Earl of Oxford when he came of age should consent that Philippa Dutches of Ireland might enjoy her Dower out of the entailed Lands confirmed and assured to her by Earl Aubery his Father then he should have to him and to his Heirs all those Lands which were the Duke of Ireland's in in Demesn or Reversion and in the Kings hands upon the first day of March preceding This Richard being in his minority at his Fathers death had in 3 H. 4 a grant of an hundred pounds per annum for his maintenance to be received out of the profits of his own Lands And in 8 Hen. 4. upon his assent that the before-specified Dutchess Philippa should enjoy her Dower the King granted to him and his Heirs all those Lands and Tenements which by the forfeiture of Duke Robert came to the Crown excepting such as had been disposed of by himself or King Richard the second And in the Parliament then held made special Livery unto him of all those Lands which she the said Philippa held in Joynture she being then dead as it seems as also of all other Lands whereof Earl Aubrey his Father died seized he being then of full age About this time or not long before Maude Countess of Oxford Widow of E. Thomas and Mother to Robert Duke of Ireland still surviving caused it to be divulged that King Richard 2. was alive and that he would forthwith lay claim to his antient Hoâ—â—r and procured Harts to be made of Silver and gilt which were Badges that King Richard gave to his Friends Souldiers and Servants to be in the Kings name distributed in the Countrey whereby the people might be the sooner allured to rise on his behalf giving it farther out that he was privately kept in Scotland till he could have a fit oportunity to come in with an Army of French and Scots Whereupon she was committed to Prison and her goods confiscated This Maude by her Testament dated at Bentley 20 Ian. anno 1412. 14 H. 4. bequeathed her Body to be buried in the Nunns Church at Brusezard appointing that her Hâ—rse should be covered with black Cloath and and a white cloath in form of a Cross thereon as also three Tapers to burn about it on the day of her funeral viz. two at her Head and the third at her Feet and four Torches besides And gave to those Nunns the Mannor of Wrabnase in pure Almes for the health of her own Soul her Parents Souls and the Souls of all the faithful deceased And having so done departed this life on Wednesday being the Feast of the Conversion of S. Paul the same year leaving
a power pulled down all the Houses and flew those who refused to submit The King of France therefore hearing what he had done sent summons to him to appear at his Court but he obeyed it not saying he had done no more then his duty Whereupon that King in great wrath caused an Edict for his Banishment to be published But so soon as he heard thereof he betook himself to the Castle of Monpesade which was well fortified where he was out of all danger The King therefore by his Messengers required that he should be delivered up and proceeded against according to the usage of that Realm But so soon as the King of England heard thereof he would not endure that for so just an act so brave a Souldier should have any molestation And the year following renewed his Commission for the government of that Dutchy though he held it not long after but leaving it he was the year following made Constable of Dovor Castle and Warden of the Cinqueports and in 20 E. 2. constituted Governor of the Isles of Garnsey Ieresey Serke and Aureny In 1 E. 3. he was in that expedition then made into Scotland And in 7 Edw. 3. again in Scotland upon the Kings service Moreover in 8 Edw. 3. he was constituted Justice of North-Wales And having been a good benefactor to the Canons of Launde of his Ancestors foundation those Canons in 16 Edw. 3. founded a perpetual Chantry for one Priest to celebrate divine service daily in their Conventual Church for the health of his Soul and the Soul of Ioane his Wife Daughter of Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick This Ralph died 25 Febr. 17 Edw 3. leaving Ralph his Grandson viz. Son of Ralph who died in his lifetime Ann. scil 1333. 7 E. 3. his next Heir then eight years of age Which Ralph in 29 Edw. 3. making proof of his age and doing his Homage had Livery of his Lands and the same year went again into Gascoigne So also in 33 Edw. 3. In 34 Edw. 3. he served the King again in his Warrs of France and Normandy and in 35 E. 3. travailed into the Holy-Land In 39 Edw. 3. he was in another Expedition then made into Gascoign And in 40 E. 3. was of the retinue of Prince Edward with his Army in those parts In 42 and 43 E. 3. he continued also there And in 46 and 47 Edw. 3. was again in the Kings service in that Countrey So likewise in 1 Ric. 2. And in 2 Ric. 2. coming back underwent great perill at Sea by Tempest In 3 Ric. 2. he was again in that expedition then made into France under Thomas of Wodstoke Earl of Buckingham for the assistance of the Duke of Britanny then much oppressed by the French Moreover in 4 R. 2. he was again in France and in the retinue of that Earl Wherein he served with two hundred men at Armes and two hundred Archers himself with nine Knights being part of the number where he rode with his Banner displaid And in 7 Ric. 2. made his Testament at London whereby he bequeathed his body to be buried in the Cathedral-Church of Lichfield if he should fortune to die in England and an hundred marks to be bestowed on his Funeral To that Cathedral he then gave two hundred marks for the yearly keeping of his Obit there as also two hundred marks more for the amortizing of Lands in Tamworth Wynecote and Pakyngton with a Mill called Wykford-Mill to the Monks of Canewell Moreover to the Abbot and Covent of Lavenden in Com. Buck. two hundred marks for amortizing the Mannor of Wardyngton to to that House To the Friers Augustines at Atherston five hundred marks for the repairing their House and Church To the Gray-Friers at Northampton two hundred marks for repair of their Church Cloyster and Refectory To the White-Friers at Coventre three hundred pounds To the Hospital of our Lady of Bethlem without Bishopsgate in London two hundred marks Appointing that his whole stock of Chattel upon all his Lordships and Lands should be distributed to his poor Tenants according to the discretion of his Executors Howbeit after this he lived some few years and in 9 Ric. 2. went with Iohn Duke of Lancaster and a great power into Spain for the recovery of the inheritance of Constance his Wife unto the Kingdom of Castile And in 10 Ric. 2. was reteined to serve the King in his Army which he raised that year for the defence of this Realm It is reported by one of our Historians that about this time King Richard discerning his Uncle the Duke of Gloucester and many of the Nobility to be much discontented at his Government in regard they saw that the Duke of Ireland and some others swayed all according to their pleasures so that the ruin of the whole Kingdome was in danger and that they therefore designed the removal of that Duke and his complices from the King by power he sent for the Lord Mayor of London to try whether the Citizens would stick to him against his Uncle and those of that party but was answered that the Citizens would not fight against them that were friends to him and the Kingdom And that this Lord Basset standing by then told the King that his life and estate had been ever ready at his service in the ways of truth and righteousness as also that if he should now be drawn into the Field they should be so still but added that he would not adventure a broken head for the Duke of Ireland Having thus given as large an account of this active person as I can I now come to his last Testament bearing date on Sunday next after the Feast of St. Hillary Anno. 1389. 13 Ric. 2. whereby he likewise bequeathed his body to be buried in the Cathedral Church of Litchfield near the Altar of St. Nicholas By this Testament he gave two hundred pounds over and above certain Tenements in Litchfield and Walshall unto the Priory of Canwell for the augmenting that Covent with five more Monks and to find one Priest perpetually to pray for his Soul and the Souls of his Ancestors at the same Altar of St. Nicholas and keeping his Obit with certain Lights as also to make a Wall towards the water and a new Belfrey And ordained the foundation of four more Chanteries where Prayers should be said for his Soul for ever viz. at Bethlem without Bishopsgate two In the Chappel of our Lady situate in the Church-Yard at Olney in Com. Buck. one and in the new Chappel built by himself at Colston Basset in Com. Notting one more for effecting of all which he gave two hundred pounds Moreover he ordained that the person whomsoever it should be that should first bear his Sirname and Armes according to the appointment of his last
Marks per Annum And in 22 E. 4. the like from the Abbot and Covent of Merevale in Com. Warr. of all their Lordships and Lands with the Fee of xx Marks per Annum Comines who knew him well reporteth That he was a Person of singular Wisdom and Virtue in great Authority with his Master and not without cause having ever serv'd him faithfully And making mention of the Bounty of the then King of France to King Edward the Fourth's Officers saith That he gave to this Lord Hastings at one time a Present of Plate to the value of Ten thousand Marks Moreover he saith That this Lord Hastings was long laboured ere he could be won to be the King of France his Pensioner and that he himself was the onely Man that wrought him thereto Instancing That he first woâ— him to the Friendship of the Duke of Burgundy whom he served and that he advertised the King of France thereof saying That he would in like manner make him his Friend and Pensioner Adding That he thereupon began his Friendship by Letters Whereupon that King gave him a Pension of Two thousand Crowns per Annum which was double to what he had from the Duke of Burgundy And that upon the Payment thereof he not onely refused to give any Acquittance but to give him three Lines in Writing to testifie the Receipt of the Money saying Put it here it being in Gold into my Sleeve for other Testimonial you get none of me for no Man shall say That King Edward's Lord Chamberlain hath been Pensioner to the French King nor that my Acquittances be found in his Chamber of Accompts He further saith That the King of France more esteem'd him than all the King of Englands other Servants and that his Pension was ever paid without Acquittance And now besides all this to make a farther manifestation of his Greatness in that King's time I shall here exhibit a Catalogue of the Names of such Persons of Note as were retain'd to serve him both in Peace and War during their respective Lives as I find them extracted from the very Indentures themselves in an ancient Roll in the Custody of this present Earl of Huntington his Lineal Descendent ¶ The Names of such Persons as by Indenture of their own Free Wills and mere Motions Covenanted Belafte and faithfully Promised to Aid and Assist the Right Honourable William Lord Hastings and his Part to take against all Persons within this Realm of England during their Lives as well in Peace as Wars their Allegiance to the King's Majesty His Heirs and Successors onely reserved and excepted with so many able Persons as every of them might well make to be Furnished and Arrayed at the Costs and Charges of the said Lord For the which the said Lord promised them to be their good and true Lord in all things reasonable and them to Aid and Succour in all their Rightful Causes so far forth as Law Equity and Conscience required Anno Edwardâ— Quarti decimo quarto Iohn Blount Lord Mountjoye Henry Lord Grey of Codnor William Trussell Knight Bryan Stapleton Knight Walter Gryffith Knight Robert Tailboys Knight Iohn Gryselye Knight Simon Mountfort Knight Thomas Stathom Knight Nicholas Longford Knight Robert Harecourt Knight Thomas Chaworth Esq Iohn Harecourt Esq Iohn Aston Esq Iohn Bonington Esq Rauffe Longforth Esq William Langhton Esq Iohn Thyrley Esq Thomas Cokyn Son and Heir of Iohn Cokyn Esq Iohn Danvers Esq Thomas Greene Esq Richard Boughton Esq Philip Leche Esq Iohn Sacheverell Son of Raufe Sacheverell Esq Hugh Perchall Esq Maurice Barkley Esq Iohn Curson Son and Heir of Thomas Curson Esq Iohn Stanley Esq Nicholas Knevington Esq William Nevill of Rolston Esq William Palmer Esq William Moton Esq Thomas Entwisell Esq Nicholas Kniveton Esq Thomas Staunton Esq Raufe Vernon Esq Henry Longeford Esq Thomas Meverell the Elder Esq Thomas Meverell junior Esq Nicholas Meverell Esq Rauf Shirley Esq Richard Savile Esq Thomas Curson of Croxall Esq Iames Blount Esq William Gryffith of North-Wales Esq Raufe Delves Esq Iohn Babington Esq Iohn Staunton Esq Iohn Cokeyn of Ashburne Esq Thomas Danvers Esq Iohn Gryffin Esq Humfrey Bradburne Esq Henry Columbell Esq Gerves Clifton Esq William Basset Esabque Nich. Montgomerie Esq Robert Leigh of Adlington Esq Raufe Poole of Radborne Esq Robert Slyngesby Esq Robert Eyre of Peelye Esq Thomas Greslye Esq Iohn Wistoe Esq Henry Vernon Esq Son and Heir of William Vernon Knight Raufe Sacheverell Esq Roger Draycote Esq Iohn Turvile Esq Iohn Miners Esq Henry Willâ—ghby Esq ¶ Nich. Agard Gent. Henry Columbell of Darley Gent. Raufe Agard Son and Heir of Iohn Agard Gent. Roger Brabason Gent. Robert Bradshaw Gent. Richard Eyre Gent. Iohn Agard Gent. Iohn Thyrkild Gent. Henry Eyre Gent. William Staunton Gent. William Dethick Gent. Laurence Loe Gent. Humphrey Stanley Gent. Iohn Knyveton of Vnderwood in Com. Derb. Gent. Iasper Rostyn Gent. Reinold Leigh Son of Robert Leigh of Adlington Raufe Fitz-Herbert Gent. William Woodford Gent. Nicholas Ruggeley Gent. Thomas Ruggeley Gent. In toto Two Lords Nine Knights Fifty eight Esquires and Twenty Gentlemen But King Edward's Death which hapned within few years after altered the Scene For having then a new Game to play wherein the Duke of Gloucester had the chief Hand though he was the first who gave that Duke advertisement of King Edward's Death Gloucester being then in Yorkshire yet not complying with him in the destruction of his Nephews as the Duke of Buckingham and some others did he was soon destroy'd himself by that Monster whose sole aim was his own Advancement to the Throne Certain it is that the Queen I mean the Wise of King Edward bore a private grudge towards this Lord Hastings in regard she saw he was so powerful with the King but chiefly for that she suspected him to be a Favourer and Furtherer of his wanton doings with light Women Nor did her Kindred at all brook him by reason he got the Office of Captain of Calais which had been formerly promised to the Lord Rivers the Queen's Brother And therefore upon the death of King Edward he joyn'd with the Duke of Buckingham in the removal of all those of that Kindred from the young King Edward the Fifth and in his Journey towards London at Northampton was of Counsel with the Duke of Gloucester in his taking away the Lord Rivers the Queens Brother and Sir Richard Grey the Queens Son and sending them to Pontfract Castle where shortly after they were basely murthered And so little did he doubt of the Duke of Gloucester's Favour towards himself as that upon the meeting of the Lords when the King got to London he assured them of the Duke of Gloucester's Fidelity affirming That Rivers and Grey were under Arrest for Matters attempted against the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham And when the Lord Stanley began to distrust the Duke of Gloucester he used all the Arguments he could to satisfie him that
Iaques whence he went to Bayone whereupon all that he had in Gallicia was again recovered by the French in fifteen days After this the King of Castâ—le sent to him to Treat of a Marriage betwixt his own Son and his Daughter And at the request of the Duke of Berry a Truce was made by him in the parts of Tholouse and â—vergue In 11 R. 2. he had commission to Treat of Peace with the King of Spaine and the same year was constituted Lieutenant of the Dutchy of Aquitane In 12 R. 2. during his absence he obtained divers priviledges in his Dutchy of Lancaster viz. for a Chancery Court there and to have Writs for that Office under his own Seal as also Justices for Pleas of the Crown as well as other with all Royalties belonging to a County-Palatine in as ample manner as the Earls of Chester ever had Likewise for an Exchequer with Barons and other necessary Officers and power to make Justices-Itinerant for pleas of the Forest c. Besides Câ—istance his Wife there was Catherine his Daughter by her as also his two other Daughters by Blanch his first Wife viz. Philippa then unmarried and Elizabeth Countess of Pembroke who had left her young Husband behind in England by reason whereof he caused a Divorce betwixt himself and her and Married the Sister of the Earl of March which Elizabeth had been formerly Wedded to Sir Iohn Holand but his Daughter Philippa he Married to the King of Portugal and Catherine to the King of Spaine Whereupon that King making agreement with him he came back into England in November An. 1389. 13 R. 2. with much Treasure for it s said that he had forty seven Mules laden with Chests full of Gold for his second payment and divers great Men of Spaine as Pledges for the yearly payment of sixteen thousand Marks for his life and in case his Wife should survive him she to have twelve thousand Marks yearly In his return from those parts he releived Breâ—t in Britanny then Besieged by the French Being thus come home by the consent of the Lords and Commons then assembled in Parliament 2 Martii the same year he was Created Duke of Aquitane by putting a Cap upon his Head and giving him a Rod of Gold to hold it of the King as of the Realm of France In An. 1390 14 R. 2. he had a great and noble Hunting in Leicester-Forest and all the Parks thereabouts divers eminent persons then accompanying him And in 15 R. 2. being constituted Lieutenant of Picardy went thither for the defence of those parts In the same year also being the chief of the Commissioners appointed to Treat of Peace with the French he concluded the same for one whole year Moreover the next ensuing year he was sent again as one of the Ambassadors to Treat of Peace with them and coming to the King of France at Amiens agreed with him for a Truce by the space of two years Whereupon after seventeen days stay there he returned accompanied by the Bishop of Durham the Earl of Rutland Son to the Duke of Yorke with a thousand Horse bravely appointed In 17 R. 2. he was again sent into France to Treat of Peace with the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy Unkles to the King of France In the time of whose absence Constance his Wife died and was buried at Leicester with great Solemnity upon the Sunday next after the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul About this time he was again constituted the Kings Lieutenant of Picardy as also joyned in Commission with Edmund Duke of Yorke to ratifie the Truce betwixt England and France which was agreed on for four years the Scots being also included therein In 18 R. 2. he obtained a Charter for divers Priviledges in his Hundreds of Gallow and Brothercrosse in Com. Norff. viz. Fines Amerciaments and Redemptions of his own Tenants as also year day and Waste Felons goods Return of Writs c. And in Autumne the same year went into Aquitane with a great power for the subduing of that Country But in 19 R. 2. after he had spent a vast summe of Money to gain the affections of the Inhabitants of those parts having been made Duke of Aquitane as is before observed the people rejected him Whereupon being recalled he came back and repaired to the King then at Laâ—gle where he kept his Christmass But though in shew he had an honorable reception he did not find it cordial he therefore hasted to Lincolne where his old Friend Catherine Swinford lay and Married her on the Octaves of the Epiphany whereat there was no little admiration in regard of her low birth After which he attended the King into France being with him at Guynes upon the meeting then had with the King of that Realm In 20 R. 2. he was again made Lieutenant of Picardy and shortly after that went again into Gascoine In which year the Parliament then convening at London he procured an Act for the legitimation of those children which he had begot on Catherine Swineford the Widdow of Sir Hugh Swineford Knight and Daughter to Sir Paen Roet Knight alias Guyen King of Arms which Children were these viz. Iohn sirnamed Beaufort afterwards Earl of Somerset Henry Bishop of Winchester and Cardinal as also Lord Chancelor of England Thomas Earl of Dorseâ— and afterwards Duke of Eâ—eter Ioane first married to Sir Robert Ferrers of Oversley and afterwards to Raphe Earl of Westmorland In 21 R. 2. he had a special Commission to raise three hundred Men at Arms and six hundred Archers and to bring them to the next Parliament to be held at Westminster for the Kings Guard And in 22 R. 2. was constituted Lieutenant in the Marches towards Scotland from the beginning of the Truce betwixt both Realms for twenty eight years Before the end of which year he departed this life some say at his Castle of Leicester others at Ely House in Holburne and was honorably buried on the Northside of the Quire of St. Pauls Cathedral in London with Constance his second Wife where they had a noble Monument which was utterly destroyed in the time of the late usurpation Shortly after which Raphe Earl of Westmorland and Thomas Earl of Worcester with other his Executors procured Licence to found a Chantry there of two Priests to celebrate Divine Service for the health of his Soul as also for the Soul of Constance his Wife and all the faithful deceased But Catherine Swinford his third Wife surviving him departed this life upon the tenth day of May in the year 1403. 4 H. 4. and lyeth buried under a fair Tombe of Marble in the Quire of the Cathedral
New Bigging to become bound in Ten thousand Marks for the rendring himself prisoner at a certain day in case he did not pay the Ransome then agreed on Of which payment making not performance the King upon complaint commanded Henry de Perci Earl of Northumberland Roger Lord Clifford and Raphe Lord Greystoke to bring him personally to his Presence and to find sufficient security for the indempnifying of those his sureties Nevertheless he neglected so to do by reason whereof the said Iohn de Nevill of Baby was constrain'd to pay the Ransome which was a Thousand Marks Whereupon making complaint to the King in 5 R. 2. he sent his Precept to the Sheriff of Westmorland to levy that sum upon the Goods and Lands of this Thomas as also to Arrest him and keep him in prison untill he should make full repayment thereof the Money having been paid by Nevill to the Earl of March whose Prisoner he was This is all that I have to say of him other than that his summons to Parliament was from 24 E. 3. until 47 E. 3. inclusive and that his Descendents being persons of great note in those parts do continue there to this day Benhale 34. Edw. 3. IN 10 E. 3. Robert de Benhale was in that Expedition then made into France Likewise in 12 E. 3. in that into Flanders And in 34 E. 3. had summons to Parliament amongst the Barons of this Realm but never after Edmund de Langele Earl of Cambridge 36 Edw. 3. EDmund the Fifth son of King Edward the Third born Edmund at the King's Mannor-house of Langele in Com. Hertf. An. 1341. 15 E. 3. and baptized by Michael then Abbot of St. Albans took thereupon his Surname from that place And in 21 E. 3. being then but six years of age had a Grant from the King his Father in special tail of all the Castles Mannors and Lands beyond Tâ—ent formerly belonging to Iohn de Warren Earl of Surrey but in regard of his Minority Quen Philippa his Mother received the Profits of them for the maintenance and education of him and other her younger children From which time till 36 E. 3. I have not seen any farther mention of him but then the Parliament sitting though he was at that time in Treland he was created Earl of Cambridge his Patent bearing date 13 Nov. And in 37 E. 3. obtain'd a Grant in Fee of the Castle Mannor and Town of Stanford as also of the Mannor of Grantham both in Com. Linc. In 38 E. 3. it appeares that he should have married Margaret heir to the Earl of Flanders but for neerness of blood the Pope being sent to for his Dispensation therein and Charles the Fifth then King of France craftily hindring it she became the wife to Philip Duke of Burgundy Brother to that King Notwithstanding which it appeares that in 39 E. 3. which was the next ensuing year Sir Nicholas de Tamworth Knight and Iohn Wyn Esquire were sent by King Edward to all the Nobles and other his Friends beyond the Seas to sollicit their help for the expelling those Strangers who had invaded the Counties of Burgundy Nevere and Reth of right belonging to the Countess of Flanders and her son which were to return unto this Edmund and to the Dutchess of Burgundy daughter to the same Earl of Flanders in regard of that Matrimonial Contract made betwixt them as the Record apparently doth manifest In 42 E. 3. Peace being then made with France this Edmund was one of those who on the behalf of the King his Father made Oath for the performance of the Articles then agreed on Also in 43 E. 3. being sent with the Earl of Pembroke and others in aid of the Black Prince then in Normandy he was at the siege of Bourdelf and having taken it Marcht to the Castle of Roche sur yone Moreover after this upon winning the Garrison of Bell-Perch he led away the Duke of Bourbon's Mother and all that were therein And then joyn'd with the Duke of Lancaster his Brother at Bergerath to keep the Frontiers against the French In 44 E. 3. he still continued in those Wars and in 46 E. 3. upon the taking of Lymoges by the Black Prince with the Earl of Pembroke and Sir Guischard de Angle he entred and did much slaughter there After which he attended the King in that Expedition design'd for the rescuing of Thouars but therein being crossed by contrary Windes nothing was attempted Before the end of that year therefore he returned with Iohn Duke of Lancaster his Brother at which time they brought with them the two daughters of Don Pedro King of Castile viz. Constance and Isabell which Isallell shortly became his wife In 47 E. 3. he was retein'd by Indenture to serve the King for one whole year in his fleet at Sea with Two hundred and fifty Men at Armes Two hundred and fifty Archers thirty Knights and Two hundred and twenty Esquires and in 48 E. 3. was joyn'd in Commission by the King his Father with Iohn Duke of Britanny in the Lieutenancy of France and all other Forreign parts Whereupon he â—ailed into Britanny and had the Town of St. Mathews on the Sea-coast with the Castles of Brest and Orrey rendred to him After which they besieg'd Kemperle wherein most of the chief Men of Britanny at that time were and had taken it but that a certain Knight brought them Newes of a Truce betwixt England and France with command from King Edward that they should leave the siege and return home speedily In 50 E. 3. he was made Constable of Dovor-Castle and Warden of the Cinque-ports And in 1 R. 2. in which year he was again retein'd to serve the King in his Fleet at Sea for a quarter of that year with One hundred Men at Armes and One hundred Archers whereof himself and one Banneret to be part of the number twelve Knights and the rest Esquires Froisard saith that upon the appearance of the French near to the Coast of England about that time this Edmund and Thomas of Wodstoke his Brother were at Dovor in the head of an hundred thousand men with Banners display'd In 2 R. 2. he was again in the King's Fleet at Sea And in 4 R. 2. was one of the Principal Commanders in that great Army then sent into Portugall Whereupon he obtain'd a Grant from the King that whereas by reason of his former services and in that voyage to Portugall he had contracted divers Debts his Executors should therefore reteine the profits of all his Lands for one whole year after his death as also receive that sum of Five hundred Marks which had been granted by King Edward the Third to be paid yearly unto him
your most perfidiously betraying this innocent young Gentleman into the hands of bloody Butchers to be destroy'd and murthered therefore all that love you whereof I am one cannot but infinitely grieve to see that your sometime great reputation should now be stained with such a perfidious blot Whereunto the Duke replied Hold thy peace my dear John there is no such danger at all for King Edward resolves to make him his Son in Law But to this he suddenly returned Believe me Most Illustrious Duke he is already very near death and if you permit him to be carryed one step out of your Dominion no Mortal Man can preserve him from it At which pathetical expressions the Duke being not a little troubled not at all suspecting that King Edward would deal thus forthwith dispatcht Peter Landose his chief Treasurer to St. Malos to bring this Earl back Who hasting thither detained the Embassadours with a long speech until his Servants had convey'd him to a Sanctuary in that City which could not be violated and thence conducted him with safety back again After which he continued secure in those parts during the whole time of King Edward's Reign But when King Richard had attain'd the Crown the like danger as before in short space befell him for Thomas Hutton being then sent Embassador into Britanny with money and good oratory obtain'd a promise from the Dâ—ke that he should be strictly restrain'd as King Edward had formerly desired High time indeed it was that King Richard should look to his own station for besides the general odium which that cruel murther acted upon his Brothers Sons had brought upon him from all good Men the Duke of Buckingham the chiefest instrument for raising him to that height growing not a little discontented so far disclosed himself to Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely then in the nature of a Prisoner with him at Brecknocke-castle in Wales as that they there projected the pulling him down by the bringing in of this Earlâ— and linking him in Marriage with Elizabeth the eldest Daughter to King Edward by which means those long divided interests of York and Lancaster which had been the occasion of such bloudshed and misery to this Realm might be knit together and all animosities betwixt the favourers of either side be happily quieted Which being thus auspiciously design'd Reginald Bray a trusty servant to the Lady Margaret Mother to this Earl then the Wife of Thomas Lord Stanley was sent for thither by the Bishop and thence imploy'd back to acquaint her therewith Whereupon by the help of one Lewis a Welchman who as a Physitian had recourse to them both unsuspected she imparted it to Queen Elizabeth the Widdow of King Edward Both of them therefore concurring therein they privately by the same Reginald communicated the business to such of the Nobility and others as were deemed well-wishers thereto resolving to imploy Christopher Vrswike the Lady Margarets Priest into Britanny there to impart the same to her Son But before Vrswike began his journey altering her mind she dispatch Hugh Conway thither upon that errand with a large sum of money Who declaring to him what was intended advised him to land in Wales where he should find ready aid on his behalf Whereupon discovering the whole to the Duke of Britanny notwithstanding all the sollicitation of King Richard by Hutton he promised him his aid Thus far from Polydore But our other Historians do somewhat vary from him herein and tell us that when King Richard first understood from his Embassador Hutton that the Duke of Britanny did not only refuse to keep this Earl as a prisoner but promised to supply him with Men Money and all necessaries for his landing here he rigg'd and sent out divers men of war to scoure the Seas betwixt this and that Coast. Nevertheless that this Earl having got together five thousand stout Briâ—ons and forty Ships well fitted set â—ail for England upon the 12 of October which by a violent Tempest happening that night were all dispersed and that about Noon the next day the Tempest ceasing that Ship wherein this Earl himself was approached the Haven of Poole in Dorsetshire where he found the Shore full of Souldiers to oppose his arrival Also that upon his putting forth a Boat to enquire the cause of their appearance in that warlike posture they answered as they were instructed with purpose to entrap him that they were thither sent by the Duke of Buckingham to receive him and to conduct him to his Camp he being with a mighty Army not far off so that joining their Forces they might fall upon King Richard Whereas in truth Buckingham was but a little before beheaded at Salisbury But that this Earl suspecting the fraud seeing none of his own Ships in view hoised fail and diverting his course landed in Normandy whence he sent Embassadors to Charles the 8. King of France with desire of safe-conduct back into Britanny through his Territories Which he readily granted and not only so but furnish'd him with a large sum of money to defray the expence of so long a journey Whereupon he â—archt by land thither sâ—nding his Ships to meet him there Into which parts he was no sooner comâ— but he had tidings that the Duke of Buckingham had lost his Head and that the Marquiss Dorset with other of the English Nobles who were his friends having been there to look him were return'd to Uannes Notwithstanding which iâ—l news of Buckingham's death despairing not at all in his purposed adventure he went to Rhemes and sent some of his servants to the Marquiss Dorset and those his friends then there to conduct them to him Being therefore thus happily met together again where they staid the Festival of our Saviours Nativity he went to the chief Church of that City and there taking a solemn Oath that soon after his attaining the Crown of this Realm he would marry the Lady Elizabeth Daughter to King Edward the 4. they all did Homage to him and swore Fealty as if he had been already Crowned King Vowing to adventure both Life and Fortune with him against King Richard All which he communicated to the Duke of Britanny desiring his aid with more Forces and to land him in his own Countrey whereunto most of the English Nobles were desirous he should come assuring him that what sums of money he had already borrowed of him or might do should be faithfully repaid whereupon the Duke promised to supply him King Richard therefore hearing of these preparations seised upon divers who were friends to this Earl and put them to death some at London and some at Exeter causing also a Sessions to be kept at Exeter wherein many others were indicted of High Treason and soon
Conway Castle and Office of Governour of that Town And about the end of August won the Castle of Harlow by assault it being one of the strongest Forts throughout all Wales Shortly after which he was made choice of for one of the Knights Companions of the most noble Order of the Garter Whereunto I shall add what I find farther memorable of him from a certain Manuscript Book in the Custody of Edward now Lord Herbert of Chirbury viz. Vpon the advancing of William Herbert to be Earl of Pembroke and his Instalment at Windsore King Edward the Fourth commanded the said Earl and Sir Richard his Brother to take their surnames after their first Progenitor Herbert Fits Roy and to forgo the Brittish manner whose usage is to call every man by Father Grandfather's and Great-Grandfather's name And in regard the English Heralds were ignorant of the Welch Descents the King was pleased under his great Seal unto Yvan ap Kytherch ap Evan Llhoyd of Cardiganshire Esq to summon before him at the Castle of Pembroke the eldest Heralds and Bards in South-Wales to certifie the Linage and stock of the said Earl and his Brother which was accordingly done the twelfth day of August An. 1462. by Howel ap David ap Evan ap Rice Evan Brecva Evan Deuliun and Howell Swerdwall the chief men of skill in Pedegrees in all South-Wales Who being led by warrant of old Dâ—ctors-Books Records of Court Barons Histories and Wars of Princes Books of Remembrances found in the antient Abbies of Strata Florida Books of Pedegrees of Howell Morthey of Castle Dolwyn Esq the Roll of Morgan the Abbot and several other Books and Warrants of Authority as also by the Evidences of this Earl they presented to his Majesty their Certificate in four several languages Brittish Latine English and French viz. The said Honourable Earl is named William Herbert a Noble Knight Son of Sir William Son of Thomas Son of Guillim Son of Jenkyn Son of Adam Son of Reginald Son of Peter Son of Herbert the Son of Herbert a Noble Lord descended of the Royal blood of the Crown of England for he was Son natural to King Henry the first Son of William commonly called the Conquerour But in Iuly the next ensuing year 9 E. 4. upon that Insurrection in the North on the behalf of the Lancastrians made by Sir Iohn Coniers Knight Robert Hillyard who call'd himself Robin of Riddesdale and others to the numbeâ— of twenty thousand he was sent by the King with eighteen thousand Welchmen Humphrey Stafford Earl of Devonshire having also six thousand good Archers to assist who meeting at Banbury in Com. Oxon. in order to an encounter with the Enemy at that time not many miles distant and there falling at difference for lodging Devonshire forsook him in discontent so that this Earl adventuring Battel with those Northern Men at a place called Danes-moorâ— near Edgcote in Northamptonshire about three miles from Banbury upon the 26. of Iuly was there utterly vanquisht and taken prisoner five hundred of his Men being slain upon the place Whence being carried to Northampton with Richard his Brother he was there together with Richard Widvile Lord Rivers and Iohn his Son beheaded by the command of George Duke of Clarence and Nevill Earl of Warwick who both of them not long before had revolted from King Edward to the other side But others varying this relation in some circumstances do say that this Earl did the more readily obey the Kings command in marching against these Northern Men thus risen on the behalf of the Earl of Warwick to revenge himself against that Earl in regard he had been his only hindrance in obteining the wardship of the Lord Bonvile's Daughter and Heir for his eldest Son and that being accompanied with his Brother Sir Richard Herbert a valiant Knight and above six or seven thousand Welchmen well furnish'd he advanced forwards to encounter with them Also that to assist him with Archers Humphrey Lord Stafford of Southwike then named but not created Earl of Devonshire by King Edward was sent in hope that he would serve valiantly in that quarel who had with him eight hundred Archers Likewise that when these two Lords were met on Coâ—swould and heard that those Northern-Men were on their way to Northampton the Lord Stafford and Sir Richard Herbert with two thousand Welchmen well horsed rode forth before the main Army to see the order of the Enemy and at length under a wood side espying them passing forward suddainly fell on their Reer but that the Northern Men turning about put the Welch to a total rout and took many of them prisoners and thereupon retreated towards Warwick to look for aid of the Earl who being then newly come from Calais with his Son in Law the Duke of Clarence was raising Men in aid of his Friends and Kindred Moreover that at that time also King Edward was busy in raising Men to the aid of this Earl of Pembroke but that before either partie receiv'd succour from their friends or Partakers both these Armies met by chance in a fair plain by Edgcote where there are three Hills not of equal bigness lying almost in a triangle Of which the Welch got that towards the West hoping to have recovered the East-Hill also the Northern Men encamping on the South-Hill But the difference which hapned betwixt this Earl and the Lord Stafford at Banbury as hath been noted causing the Lord Stafford with his Men to forsake him he lost the day and being taken suffered death at Northampton as before is observed Nevertheless before he suffered death with his own hand-writing he made his Testament bearing date the very day following that Battel 27 Julii out of which I have thought fit here to exhibite some part as I find it on record In nomine Iesu. Item I to be buried in the Priory of Bergavenny undre charge bytwene my Faders Toumbe and the Chancell And the cost that should hâ—ve be at Tynterne to be sett upon the Chancell as my Confessor c. shall say and you my Wife and Brother Thomas Herbert c. And Wyfe that ye remember your promise to me to take the ordre of Wydowhood as ye may be the better Mayster of your owne to performe my wylle and to helpe my Children as I love and trust you c. And that C. Tonne of ... be yeven to make the Cloyster of Tynterne c. and xxl. to the Grayfreres where my Body shall lygh and that my Body be sent for home in alle hast secretely by Mr. Leisone and certain Freres with him c. To Dr. Leisone ten marks a yere to singe for my soule during his life c. Item to two Prestes to be found to syng afore the Trinitie at Lanteliowe for my soule and for all there soules slayn in the felde for two yere c. Item that my Almâ—shouse have as much livelode
of the Earls and their Descendants as had their first Advancements before the end of King Henry the Thirds Reign and to all others who held their Honors or Baronies by Tenure as antiently The second to those whose Original hath been viz. of Earls by Creation and Barons by Summons to Parliament before the Eleventh year of King Richard the Second's Reign And the third to those and their posterity who have had their Creations by Patent as most Barons had or by Writ of Summons from that time viz. 11 Rich. 2. till this present age the Dukes Marquesses and Viscounts being herein likewise included and reserved to their proper times and places As also to observe That whereas antiently the Titles of both Earls and Barons were local as from their cheif places of residence of later times they are become meerly Titular The Earls and those of superior Degrees having for the most part nothing to do in those Counties or Places nor some of the Barons but take their Titles of Honor according to their own fancy sometimes of Places whereof they are not owners and sometimes of an old extinct Family whereunto they stand not at all allied And though we have little from our Publick Records relating to those eminent Persons who had usually the title of Earls and sometimes in their Military capacity of Dukes before the Norman Conquest Yet have I taken notice of them from such of our old Historians who have made any mention of their memorable Actions which indeed is but very little by reason that Literature was in those days at a low ebb in regard of the frequent Wars and Troubles which the Saxon Kings had one with another and in defending themselves from those Pagan Danes who making so many invasions upon them by the space of some hundreds of years burnt and destroyed their cheifest Monasteries wherein whatsoever they had of Historical or other Learning was choicely preserved Certain it is that under those Kings there were some who had the Title of Thanes a Dignity equal to that of Baron after the Conquest though of these and but few neither farther then meerly their Names is there much for the Reasons before noted to be found But after Duke William of Normandy had by his Conquest here obtained the Crown of this Realm making a general distribution of the greatest part thereof amongst his Friends and Followers he advanced some of them to the Dignity and Title of Earls others to that of Barons as our old Poet Robert of Glocester taketh notice But King William then therefore abouten a two yeere Went ayen to Normandy from whence he com ere As in the furst yeer that he fong this Kingdome And sone ayen to Englonde on Seynt Nicholas day he come And Knygtes of beyond the See and other Men also He gave hem londes in Englonde that he lygtly come to And yut her Eyres holdeth on londe many â—on And disherede kynde Men that he helde his foon The most deel of hege Men that in Englonde ben Been come of Normans as ye now seen c. And Erles and Barons that he made here also Though that thei come noght with good rygt thereto Of those Earls which were before the Norman Conquest and for some time after it is observable That they were not Titular but Officiary that is to say in the nature of Vice-Roys or Lieutenants to the King in their respective Counties their chief residence being for the most part in the Principal Town of the Shire whereupon they had vulgarly their Denomination from thence Likewise that though the antient Earls of Sussex had their Seat at Arundel Castle and for that reason were commonly called Earls of Arundel there is nothing more certain then that they were Earls of that County as Ferrers was of Derbishire though sometimes called Earl of Tutbury in regard that Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire was his cheif Seat And Gilbert Strongbow Earl of Pembroke though somtimes called Earl of Sâ—riguil by reason that he had his cheif residence at Striguil Castle near Cheâ—stow in Monmouthshire Furthermore that these Officiary Earls usually sate in the County Court as Iudges most matters of moment being then determined before them and Fines not seldom levied as I have elswhere shewed As to the form and manner of advancing such to the Title and Dignity of Earls who were so honored in those days it was not always alike Some there were though not many who had the same conferred upon them by Charter of which Geffrey Mandevill Earl of Essex by Maud the Empress was the first whereof there is now remaining any authentick testimony the rest for the most part being invested with that Honor per Cincturam Cingulo Comitatus Whereupon the Sheriff had command to make Livery unto them of the Tertium Denarium de placitis Comitatus ut sit inde Comes as were usually the words of the Precept The third penny of the Pleas of the County that thereupon he might be Earl thereof that is to say Of the Fines and Forein Emoluments which antiently belonged to the Earl the King having the other two parts according to the Laws of King Edward the Confessor viz. Rex habebit C sol Consul Comitatus L ta qui tertium habebit Denarium de Forisfacturis For certain it is that until he had the Livery of the Tertium Denarium he was not fully invested with the Earldom as by this instance amongst many is evident viz. Rex cinxit Thomam de Warwic cingulo Comitatus Warwic mandatum est Vicecomiti Warw. quod eidem Comiti habere faciat id quod habere debet nomine Comits Warwici de quo praedecessores sui Comites Warwici seisiti fuerunt tanquam ad eos pertinente nomine Comitatus Warwici And that this was the meaning of that Precept to the Sheriff which bears date at Tewksbury 24 Martii 27 Hen. 3. viz. That he should thereby be vested with the Earldom may seem from what an old Annalist addeth to the mention of making this Thomas Knight at Whitsontide the King then solemnising that Festival at Glocester with Roger Bigod and Hugh de Vere the one Earl of Norfolk the other of Oxford scil Willielm Longespe accingitur gladio militari sed non fit Comes Sarum But as to the original of this Title of Earl the Form of Investiture Creation Releifs c. considering that our great Selden hath so accurately and learnedly discoursed thereon I shall say no more Touching the Title of Baron as it hath been here antiently used and understood however some have made sundry ghesses at the Etymology of the word which originally with the Germans signified Vir id est a Man Plain it is that with us it meaneth a Freeman or rather a Freeholder whereupon those who were the Kings cheif Tenants id est his principal Freeholders had the title of Barones Majores And as they thus holding of the King
Roger de Moubray his Father formerly made to the Monks of Kirby in Warwickshire And gave to the Hospital of Burton-Lazers in Com. Leicest the Tith of all the Meat and Drink spent in his House wheresoever he should reside Likewise to the Canons of St Mary Overie in Southwark he gave the Church of Benstede with the Churches of Wudemarstone and Berges thereunto appertaining which Churches he had in marriage with Mabel his Wife After all which being signed with the Cross he took a journey to the Holy-Land 3 Ric. 1. but died before his arival there upon the Greek Sea where his Corps being put into a Coffin with an Inscription thereon to declare whom it contained was cast into the Ocean leaving issue by Mabel his Wife Daughter to the Earl of Clare four sons viz. William Robert Philip and Roger Of which Robert I finde that he took to Wife a Countess in Scotland who had a fair Inheritance there from whom descended the Moubrays of that Kingdom And of Roger that in 5 Ioh. he obtained a grant from the King of the Mannors of Swansham Fuleburne and Coâ—tesey which were the Lands of Alan de Roan ¶ This William in 6 Ric. 1. paying an hundred pound for his Relief had livery of his Lands and the same year accounted fourscore and eight pounds upon the Scutage then levied for the Kings redemption being one of the pledges upon that Kings enlargement for payment of the remainder of his Ransom And was one of the principle Barons touching whose affection to Iohn Duke of Normandy upon the death of King Richard the first there grew most doubt but coming to Northampton upon the summons of Hubert Archpishop of Canterbury William Marshal and Geffrey Fitz-Piers Justice of England swore Fealty to him on condition that he should render to every man his right And in 1 Ioh. had exemption from the Scutage of two Marks then levied upon every Knights Fee This William was the Man with whom William de Stutevill had so much and long Contest for those great possessions forfeited by Robert Fronteboef his ancestor who took part with Robert Curthose against King Henry the first all which were given to Nigel de Albini his Great-grandfather as I have already shewed for though there was an Agreement made in K. Henry the seconds time betwixt Robert de Shutevill who then laid claim to that Barony of Robert Fronteboef his Grandfather and Roger de Moubray Grandfather to this William whereupon Stutevill had Kirkby Mâ—resheved for nine Knights Fees by way of compensation to quit his Fathers claim yet in regard there was no confirmation of that accord in the Kings Court Stutevill commenced new Suites against this William whereupon he gave the King two thousand Marks that he might have equal right done him according to the custom of the Realm which Suites were at length determined by King Iohn and his great Councel in this manner viz. that Stutevill should relinquish his claim to that Barony of Fronteboef and in consideration thereof this William de Moubray should pass unto him nine Knights Fees and twelve pounds Rent All which being done they were made friends at Lue a House belonging to the Bishop of Lincoln in the Province of Lindsey on the Sunday called Septuagessima in 2 Ioh. But after this viz. in 17 Ioh. being constituted Governor of the Castle at York the same year he took part with those Barons who put themselves in Arms and required the confirmation of their Liberties and became a party to the Covenants then made between them and the King whereof I shall make farther mention in my discourse of Robert Fitz-Walter the Ring-leader of them and moreover one of those twenty five and his Brother Roger another who swore to the performance of that Charter then granted by the King at Runnimede which in regard it was by force extorted caused the King to refuse the observance thereof as also to fortify divers Castles and raise what power he could for his own aid whereupon he sent Messengers to the Pope by whom he represented to his Holiness how he had been dealt with the Pope therefore much resenting this complaint by his special Bull made void that Charter Which caused the Barons again to Arm and strengthen themselves by all wayes imaginable the Pope the better to back the King with his assistance thundred out Excommunications against them first in general and afterwards by special names amongst whom this William de Moubray was particularly specified Neither did the fury of this William and the rest of his party determine with the Life of King Iohn which hapned in the eighteenth year of his Reign wherein that Excommunication was so denounced but began to shew it self a fresh in the first year of young K. Henry the third whereupon that heroick William Marshal then Governor of the King and Kingdom advanced against them so prosperously that in the Battle of Lincoln their forces being utterly vanquished this William with many more were taken Prisoners and his Lands bestowed on William Marshal the younger for his better support but in consideration of the Lordship of Benestede in Surry given by him to Hubert de Burgh then Justice of England he soon redeemed all which in case he had not done would shortly after have been free to him for the same year upon that Agreement made 3 Id. Sept. with Lewes King of France whom the Barons had called in to their aid it was concluded that they and all that had affisted them should repossess their their Lands and Inheritances so that from that time there was if not an hearty yet an outward reconciliation betwixt the King and those that so lately were most forward in Armes against him in so much as amongst divers great men who attended the King in his Army to the Seige of Bitham Castle in Lincolnshire this William de Moubray was one and thereupon had Scutage from those that held of him by Military service towards the support of the charge which he underwent in that expedition This William upon the death of his Brother Roger had Livery of his Lands paying the Releif due for the same But more I cannot say of him Than that he Founded a Chappel at Threske dedicated to S. Nicholas and therein a Chantry wherein by a Composition made with the Monks of Newburgh it was agreed That the Bell should be rung though it were not a Parochial Chapple at the celebration of Mass whensoever he or any of his heirs should be present as also on the Festival of S. Nicholas and the Obits of his Ancestors After which he departed this life in the Isle of Axholme and was buried in the Abbey of Newburgh of his
of Land at his Lordship of Thornbury in Gloucestershire And that in 10 Hen. 8. by the Covenants betwixt him and Margaret Countess of Salisbury for the Marriage of Henry his Son and Heir with Vrsula Poole Daughter of that Countess by Sir Richard Poole Kt. her Husband it appears that the Mannors of Somerton Chedsey â—oneyate Yarlington and Shipton in Com. Somerset as also the Mannors of Stokenham Yalmeton Pyworthy Woneford and Clifte S. Mary with the appurtenances two hundred Messuages three hundred Cottages two thousand Acres of Land one thousand Acres of Meadow two thousand Acres of pasture five hundred Acres of Wood and fifty pounds in Rent in Stokenham Yalmeton Pyworthy Woueford and Clift S. Mary in Comitat. Devon were setled by the said Margaret upon them the said Henry and Vrsula and the Heirs of their two bodies lawfully begotten But after this about two years viz. in 12 Henr. 8. though he liked not of that profuse expence which was occasioned cheifly by Cardinal Wolsey at that magnificent Enterview of King Henry the eighth and Francis the first of France betwixt 〈◊〉 and â—rdres he sitted himself in a greater splendor than any other Noble man and being prepared for the journey before the King was ready went to see some of his Lands in Kent Where finding his Tenants somewhat clamorous against Charles Knevet his Steward there for exacting upon them he discharged him of his imployment Which peice of Justice so farr irritated Knevet as that he became principally instrumental in his ruine For growing about this time viz. 13 Hen. 8. eminent for his high Blood and ample Revenue he drew on himself a dangerous suspition of aspiring higher which jealousie was fomented by the Cardinal who dissafected him for some words he had cast forth yet could not have overthrown him had not some indiscretion of his own concurred As for Knevet he watched his opportunity and finding that the Duke began to be weakned in two of his cheif Friends and Allies viz. Henry Earl of Northumberland whose Daughter he had married and Thomas Earl of Surry who had married his Daughter viz. Northumberland for claiming certain Wards which after close commitment he was forced to relinquish and Surry for drawing his Daggar at the Cardinal on some occasion being sent away upon an honorable imployment upon private discourse with the Cardinal discovered to him sundry particulars of this Dukes life viz. that he had said if King Henry died without issue how he would punish the Cardinal Moreover that he had treated with one Hopkins a Carthusian Monk of Hinton touching some prediction about the succession of the Crown Likewise the Hopkins should say to the Earl of Westmoriand this Dukes Son in law that if ought but good came to the King the Duke of Buckingham was next in Blood to the Crown the K. having then no issue Also that he told Knevet if he had been committed to the Tower whereof he was in some danger by occasion of Sir Wilâ—iam Bulmer he would have so wrought that the principal doers thereof should have had no great cause of rejoycing for he would have plaid the part which his Father intended to have put in practise at Salisbury against K. Richard the third who made earnest sute to have come into the Kings presence which had he obtained he would have stab'd him with his Dagger and that in speaking these words he maliciously laid hold on his Dagger swearing that if he were so evil used he would do his best to accomplish his purpose Likewise that being in speech with George Lord Bergavenny he should say that if the King died he would have the rule of the Realm in spight of whosoever said the contrary And swore that if the Lord Bergavenny revealed this he would fight with him These were the principal things charged against him But upon his Indictment and Trial by his Peers he denied all alledging that what he was charged with was false conspired and forged Whereupon Knevet and others being produced against him and deposing to what was alledged in the Articles he had sentence of death pronounced against him by the Duke of Norfolk then High Steward Whereunto he replied thus My Lord of Norfolk you have said as a Traitor should be said to but I was never any I nothing maligne you for what you have done to me but the Eternal God forgive you my Death I shall never sue to the King for life though he be a gracious Prince and more grace may come from him than I desire And so I desire you and all my fellows to pray for me Whereupon he was Beheaded on Tower-hill 17 Maii anno 1521 13 Hen. 8. Nevertheless the Tragedy ended not so for though the Lord Bergavenny after a few months imprisonment was through the Kings favor enlarged yet Hopkins after a serious repentance that he had been Author of so much mischeif died of Greif Being thus put to death he was buried in the Church of the Friers-Augustines near Broadstreet in the City of London leaving issue by Alianore his Wife Daughter to Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland one Son called Henry and three Daughters viz. Eliz. married to Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Katherine to Ralph Nevill Earl of Westmorland and Mary to George Nevill Lord Bergavenny Which Elianore by her Testament bearing date 24 Iunii ann 1528 20 Hen. 8. appointed her Heart to be buried in the Church of the Gray-Friers within the City of London before the Image of S. Francis and her body in the Church of the Whit-Friers at Bristol if she should happen to decease in those parts But after execution thus done upon this Duke viz. in the Parliament begun 15 Apr. 14 Hen. 8. though there then passed an Act for his Attainder yet there was likewise an Act for the restitution in blood of Henry his eldest Son but not to his Honors and Lands Nevertheless the King out of his special grace and favor by his Letters Patents bearing date 25 Sept. in the same fourteenth year did grant to the same Henry and Vrsula his Wife Daughter of Sir Richard Pole Knight by Margaret his Wife Daughter to George Duke of Clarence the Mannors of Norton in the Moores Tillington Eyton Church-Eyton Wood-Eyton Dorlastone Forbrigge Bradwelle Dâ—dyngton Pakynton Blyminhull Holdych near New-Castle Tentynshull and Barlaston in Com. Staff with the Advowsons of the Churches to the same belonging As also the Mannors Tenements and Rents of Menlefeâ—id and Crystelton in Câ—m Cestr. with the Advowsons of the Churches thereunto belonging Likewise all the Lands Tenements Rents and Services in Briggenoâ—th in Com. Salop. with all and singular the Castles Lordships Mannors and Lands in the same County of 〈◊〉 and South-Wales together with the 〈◊〉 of Hay Hope Aston-â—â—gers 〈◊〉 Parke Myniterley Mannor 〈◊〉 Bâ—rgh Worthyn-Mannor 〈…〉
Nichnetun Hulme and Notele Sacheling with these Hamlets Subton Camerinton â—orne Hulme Diche Sprotele and Preston Chilnesse in the soke whereof were eleven Hamlets the Mannors of Heldoveston and Hostewic Wilfornesse whereunto also appertained eleven Hamlets the Mannor of Maâ—letone whereunto belonged two Sokes in which were twelvâ— Hamlets Nornesse unto which belonged five Hamlets Csetune also with two Hamlets Esintune with two Hamlets the Mannor of Dimelton the Mannor of Aldenburg in the Soke whereof were fourteen Hamelts Also the Mannors of Chaigeham Okingeham Halcom Niwehusum Rimeswelle Wesham Redmare Holmetone Niwetone Rison â—orpe and Lessele the Mannor of Biworde whereunto belonged three Hamlets and lastly the Mannors of Fotingham Benestone Uireham Chilinge Begun Aâ—gun Burtun Settun Catefos Catenwic Chenecol Ristun Risun Wadsande Haiselle Widfornewic Lambetorp Alverdebi Ulenburg Gagenestad Biletone Prestune Sotecote Dridpol Carlentune Meretone Sprotele Rosse and Wiâ—â—estorp He had also in Leicestershire the Lordships of â—uxetone and hobie and thirty five Lordships in Lincolnshire This Drue de Beverere took to Wife a near Kinswoman to the Conqueror whom having by an unhappy chance Killed he hasted to the King and subtilly concealing the matter told him that he had a great desire to return into Flanders his native Countrey in treating some Money from him which having received he forthwith sailed thither so that when the King heard the truth of the Story he was not to be found Brien Fitz-Count THough it doth not directly appear of what parentage this person was yet forasmuch as he is called Filius Comitis de Insula and that the name of his Mother was Lucia I have adventured to deduce him from that Baldwin de Redvers Earl of Devon and of the Isle of Wight who died in 1 Hen. 2. And chiefly because it is evident that the Wife of the same Baldwin was named Lucia notwithstanding there is no mention in the Story of him of any Sons that he had other then Richard William and Henry As to his parentage by Lucia his Mother certain enough it is that she was Daughter unto Dru de Baladon and that Hamelline her eldest Brother Lord of Over-Went in Wales and founder of the Castle and Priory at Bergavenny died without issue in the time of King William Rufus and gave unto this Brien his Nephew that Castle of Bergavenny and all Over-Went But besides that Honor and Lands which he thus enjoyed by the gift of his Uncle he had great possessions in right of Maud his Wife sole Daughter and Heir to Robert d' Oiley and and Widdow of Milo Crispin viz. the whole Honor of Walingford King Henry the First giving her unto him in marriage with all that her Inheritance after the death of her said Husband Milo Howbeit notwithstanding this favor of King Henry the First it appears That he came â—o a Composition with King Stephen for his more secure enjoyment thereof for in 5 Steph. the Record says That he gave to the King one hundred sixty six pounds for the Office and part of the Lands of Nigell de Oiley That which I find most memorable of this Brien otherwise is That he was one of those who adhered to Maud the Empress against King Stephen For in 4 Steph. upon her landing at Arundel in Sussex Robert Earl of Gâ—ocester her Brother hasted to Walingford Castle the principal Seat of this Brein to acquaint him therewith in which Castle he had a Prison called Cloere-Brien wherein William Martell Sewer to King Stephen was secured after the Battle of Winchester where that King was routed The Author of Gesta Regis Stephani calls this Brien Vir genere clarâ—s dignitate magnificus A person nobly descended and of great dignity and says hearing that Maud the Empress was landed at Arundell and thence got to Bristoil much rejoycing thereat he fortified his Castle at Walingford and ceased not with a multitude of Soldiers to oppose King Stephen To which Castle it being remarkable for its strength she fled for refuge from Oxford when that City was besieged by King Stephen In 7 Steph when that Empress being at Winchester required That as sole Daughter and Heir to King Henry she might be received as Queen and â—overness of this Realm and made Oath to the Bishop That in case he would so accept her he should have the cheif hand in guiding all things of moment and the disposal of the Bishopricks and Abbies This Brien with Robert Earl of â—locester and some others undertook by Oath that she should perform the same After this he was one of those who assisted on her part in the siege of the Castle at Winchester then fortified on the behalf of King Stephen And never ceasing to aid her with all his power when her Army there was routed attended her in her flight to the Castle of Devizes This is all that I can say of him other than that he had two Sons whom being Lepers he placed in the Priory of Bergavenny Founded by Hamelin his Uncle as hath been observed and gave Lands and Tithes thereto for their support And that after this with great devotion that he took upon him the Cross and went to Ierusalem leaving the Inheritance of Overwent and the Castle of Grosmunt to Walter his Kinsman Constable of England Son to Milo de Glocester Earl of hereford and to the said Milo and his Heirs the Castle and whole Honor of Bergavenny to be held of him the said Brien and his Heirs by the service of three Knights Fees All which being observed by King Henry the Second and that he the said Brien together with Maud his Wife did betake themselves to a Religious course of life he seised upon the Honor of Walingford and retained it in his own hands Toni THe first of this Family that came into England was Ralph de Tony Son of Roger by Alice the Daughter of William Fitz-Osberne which Roger was Standard-Bearer of Normandy and Founder of the Abby of Conchis in that Dukedom This Ralph being a great Baron there through the malicious suggestion of some who bore a grudge towards him was expelled thence by Duke William but afterwards by the intercession of Friends being restored to his Paternal Inheritence as also to that Office of Standard Bearer was with him in that memorable Battle against King Harold whereby being Conqueror he thenceforth enjoyed the Crown of this Realm and for his eminent service in that fight became a sharer in those large possessions which were after that Signal Conquest disposed of to his Friends and followers having at the time of the General Survey one Lordship in Berkshire two in Hertfordshire whereof Flamstead where he afterwards made
Tichemershe Hinton juxta Brakele Hulls with the Mannor and Hundred of King's-Sutton in Com. North ton and Broughton in Com. Leic. leaving William his Son and Heir 17 years of age Which William in 4 Hen. 5. was by Indenture retained to serve the King with six men at Arms and eight Archers in his Wars of France and before the end of that year to serve him in his Fleet at Sea with two men at Arms himself accounted and four Archers Moreover in 9 Hen. 5. he was again in those Wars of France and in 1 Hen. 6. doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance by descent both from Iohn Lord Lovell his Father and Maude the Daughter and Heir of Robert de Holand his Grandmother being then twenty four years of age This William was summoned to Parliament from 3 Henry 6. till 33 Henry 6. inclusive and having married Alice one of the Daughters of Sir Iohn Deincourt Knight Sister and Coheir to William Lord Deincourt Widow of Raphe Boteler Lord Sudley performing his Fealty in 2 Hen. 6. had Livery of the Lands of his Inheritance After which viz. in 8 Hen. 6. he was retained by Indenture to serve the King in his Wars of France with twenty nine men at Arms and eighty Archers and in 21 Hen. 6. procured License to deafforest his Woods called Minsterwoods in Com. Oxon. with two Fields thereto adjoyning and to impark them But in 24 Hen. 6. in consideration of his eminent services in Foreign parts as well in the time of King Henry the Fifth as this King as also by reason of his infirmity of body he obtained an especial exemption from coming to Parliament for the whole term of his life Howbeit in 28 Hen. 6. notwithstanding this special Priviledge he was made Constable of Walingford Castle and departed this world upon the 13 th of Iune 33 Hen. 6. leaving Iohn his Son and Heir twenty two years of age Alice his Wife still surviving who the very same year upon the death of Margaret her Sister Wife of Raphe Lord Cromwell without Issue was found to be her next Heir by which means divers fair Lordships and Lands descended to her whereof she had special Livery soon after The Lands whereof this William Lord Lovell died seised were these viz. the Mannors of Ketherhythe and Berâ—undsey in Com. Surr. Wolverhampton in Com. Staff Waltham Parva called Powers-mannor and Burnells in Berle in Com. Hertf. Kesyngdon-Basset in Com. Glouc. Wevilcate called Butlers-Court in Com. ... Mynster-Lovell Dokelyngton Norton-Bruyn and Cheleston in Com. Oxon. Denford in Com. Berks. Elcombe Blackgrove Mighenden Wigtetcote Sulthorpe Whythyll Uffecote Erdescote and Knoke in Com. Wilts The third part of the Chase of Charnewood in Com. Leic. The Mannors of Cranleye and Broughton-Lovell in Com. Buck. The Mannors of Holgate Clee-Saint Margaret Wolstanton Prestes-weston Ardulveston Bollylye Longfeld Uppington Wotton Onebury Welton Sutton Corston Abbeton Ewdon-Burneâ—l Benthall Millingchope Bushbury Longedon Condovere Astewall Hope-Bowdlers Wiggecote Chatwall Smethecote Chelton Acton-Keyner Tasseley Konton Ambâ—ston Pulleleye Kammeshurst Streford-Cantelope Acton-Burnell and Acton-Pigot in Com. Salop. the Borough of Brakele the Hundred of Sutton alias King's-Sutton the Mannors of Pokebroke Duston Tychemershe King's-Sutton and Halls in Com. Northt And of the Inheritance of Alice his Wife of the Mannors of Askeham and Drynghouse within the Liberty of the City of York and Mannor of Baynton in Com. Ebor. of the Mannors of â—â—gges Herdewyke Kotherfeld Somerton the moity of the Mannor of Fringford and fourth part of the Mannor of Stanlake in Com. Oxon. Of the Mannor of Ordton alias Ulverton in Salihull in Com. War Of the Mannors of Shovyndon Est-claydon Bold-claydon Woburne and Fryngford in Com. Buck. as also of the Mannor of 〈◊〉 in Com. Cantii And joyntly with the said Alice of the Castle and Mannor of Wardour and Mannors of Bridesâ—ursh Ubbedon and Wamburghe in Com. Wilts ¶ I now come to Iohn his Son and Heir This Iohn in 34 Hen. 6. then a Knight had Livery of his Lands his Homage being respited And in 38 Hen. 6. in consideration of his good services obtained a Patent from the King to be chief Forester of the Forest of Whichwode in Com. North â—â—â— But before the end of that year the Scene suddenly changed for upon the landing of the Dake of York and those of his party this Iohn Lord Lovell accompanying the Lord Scales and Hungerford to London in hope to gain the Citizens for King Henry failing therein were constrained to flee to the Tower for refuge Soon after which the Yorkists prevailed every where to the total ruine of King Henry and most of his Friends so that of this Iohn I have not afterwards seen any thing further memorable till his death which hapned 9 Ian. 4 Edw. 4. he being then seised of the Mannor of Yoxball in Com. Staff Denford and Pole in Com. Berks. Mynster-Loveil 〈◊〉 Paâ—ve Dukeâ—â—gton Norton-Bryne and the Mannor of Wybâ—scote called 〈◊〉 Court in Com. Oxon. Baynton called Deincourts-Mannor and Wald-Newton upon the Woulds in Com. Ebor. Of the Mannors of Halls Brackley King's-Sutton and Tichemersh in Com. North ton Of the Mannors of Holgore Clee â—S Margaret Wolstanton Prestes-Weston Bollyleye Longford Uppinton Pullileye Wotton Walton Sutton Corston Abeton Edon-â—urnell Beithall Millinchope Bushbury Longedon Cundovere Astwall Hope-Bowdeler Chatwall Smethecote Acton-Keigner Tasseley-Cantelope Acton-Burnell and Stretfeld in Com. Salop. as also of the moity of the Mannor of Askham-Bryan in the County of the City of York leaving Issue Francis his Son and Heir by Ioane his Wife Sister of William Viscount Beaumont his Son and Heir nine years of age Which Francis in 22 Edw. 4. went with Richard Duke of Gloucester then Lieutenant General of the English Army into Scotland and before the end of that year viz. upon the 4 th of Ianuary was advanced to the dignity of Viscount Lovell Moreover being a great Friend and Favourer of King Richard the Third in those his unjust and bloody practices whereby he attained the Crown he was advanced to the office of Lord Chamberlain of his Houshold And being thereupon made Constable of the Castle of Wâ—â—â—ngford had the custody of that Honour as also of the Honour of S. Waleries granted to him and was likewise constituted chief Butler of England And having thus twisted Interests with him adventured himself in Battel for him at Bosworthfield where that King being slain and his Army totally routed he made shift to escape with his life and thence fleeing to S. Iohns at Colchester in Essex took Sanctuary there for a while but deeming that no safe place privily got away to Sir Thomas Broughton's house in Lancashire and there lurked for some months and so into
the Honour of Braeles alias Broeneis and that the same year disobeying the King's Commands as also stubbornly departing the Court without leave the King discharged all his Subjects and in particular those of Cornwall from having any thing to do with him Howbeit soon after through the Mediation of the Bishops of Norwich Winchester and Exeter as also of Hubert de Burgh then Justice of England and some others giving up the Castle of Launceston and the County of Cornwall with all the Homage and Services thereto belonging as fully as King Iohn enjoy'd them at the beginning of the War which he had with his Barons his Peace was then made with a Salvo jure c. saving the Right he pretended to for that Country wherein the King was to do him Justice when he should come of age But that as it seems was never done for certain it is that the King did not arrive to his full age till long after the death of this Henry it being evident that he died about two years after viz. in 6 H. 3. Whereupon Command was given to the Sheriff of Cornwall That he should permit his Executors to enjoy all his Goods and likewise the Rents of all his Lands whereof he was possess'd when he went to Hierusalem for the full Term limited to all those who were signed with the Cross. It is by some thought that this Henry succeeded his Father in the Earldom of Cornwall in regard that King Henry the Third in the first year of his Reign granted to him the County of Cornwall with all its Appurtenances as is above expressed But considering that the Title of Earl was never attributed to him after that time I cannot conceive any thing more passed by that Grant than the Barony or Revenue of that County For `t is observable That in the Patent to Richard Duke of Gloucester by King Edward the Fourth whereby he grants him Castrum Comitatum Honorem Dominium Richmundiae there passed no more than the meer Seignorie otherwise he would not have omitted the Title of Earl thereof amongst his Stiles The like may be noted of Raphe Earl of Westmorland who had Castrum Comitatum Dominium Honorem Richmundiae granted to him by King Henry the Fourth yet never enjoy'd the Title of Earl of Richmund William de Ipre Earl of Kent TOuching the Parentage of this William there is much difference amongst Authors one affirming him to be an illegitimate Son to Philip Earl of Ipre in Flanders begotten on the Daughter of William Laon Viscount of Ipre second Son to Robert sirnamed the Frison Earl of Flanders Another That he was Son to Robert Marquess of the Parts of Picardy Of his memorable Aâ—chievements it appears That in Anno 1127. 28 H. 1. having intelligence that Charles Duke of Flanders upon his coming to Bruges to hear Mass being in the Church there devoutly kneeling was shamefully murthered with most of his Company by Burchard de L'isle and his Souldiers he so highly resented that barbarous Act as that he forthwith laid Siege to the same Castle until Lewes King of France came thither who taking it by Storm threw down all those wicked Man-slayers from a very high Tower Likewise That having opposed William Duke of Flanders who had Besieg'd the Castle of Alost and at length falling into his hands he was committed Prisoner to Amalric de Montford but after a while through the Mediation of Friends had his Enlargement and a fair Reception to Friendship Moreover That in Anno 1137. 2 Steph. King Stephen having Wars with Maud the Empress in Normandy and the Countries adjacent standing firm to that King he endeavour'd to give Battel to the Anjovins but that the Normans through envy refusing to assist him he passed the Seine and went to the King who embracing him with those Flemings he brought put his chief affiance in them Furthermore That in Anno 1138. 3 Steph. he marcht into Normandy with Waleran Earl of Mellent there to give assistance to those who were oppressed by the adverse Party and first encountred with Roger de Tonei commonly called Roger de Concâ—is whom â—â—nding too strong for him he thereupon wasted a great part of the Country Also That getting to his assistance Raphe de Parrona with CC Souldiers and other Auxiliaries he designed to march into Anjou And in Anno 1139. 4 Steph. when Roger Bishop of Salisbury who had born a great sway in the time of King Henry the First much favouring the Title of Maud the Empress with his two great Nephews the then Bishops of Lincoln and Ely did much annoy their Neighbours which occasion'd Gâ—aleran Earl of Mellent and Robert his Brother Earl of Leicester to raise a Tumult at Oxford whereby they took that Bishop with Alexander of Lincoln and that the Bishop of Ely escaping fled to the Devires in Com. Wilts then strongly fortified where he did the utmost he could to Man it against the King he was sent thither to take it if possible Having therefore been thus faithful to King Stephen and shew'd such Testimonies of his Valour he was in Anno 1141. being the sixth year of his Reign advanced by him to the Earldom of Kent But before the end of that year King Stephen meeting with his Adversaries at Lincolne and having there all the Strength he could raise divided his Army into three Parts in the Front whereof he placed the Flemings and Britons under the Command of this Earl and Alan de Dinant who encountring the Welch put them to the rout But the Earl of Chester on the other side charging in with his Troops forthwith so disordered the Royallists that they were constrain'd to give ground Whereupon this Earl seeing the Day lost being a Person of great integrity and an expert Souldier fled with purpose to reserve himself for better Times The Victory therefore being thus obtain'd by the Earl of Chester and other the great Champions for the Empress and King Stephen himself with the chief of his Friends made Prisoners she was forthwith acknowledg'd for Sovereign in all Parts of the Realm excepting in Kent where the Queen and this Earl had special Power Which did so highly elate her that she carried things with too high a hand and thereby within a short time lost the Hearts of the People The Queen therefore taking advantage of so fit an Opportunity through the help of the Londoners levied new Forces and by the assistance of this Earl with some other of the Nobles raised another Army which soon after by that signal Victory obtain'd at Winchester where Robert Earl of Gloucester and many others were taken Prisoners turn'd the Scale so that the King was set at liberty It is reported of this Earl That in those times of Hostility betwixt Maud the
a higher pitch of Honour by the Kings special Charter bearing date 6 Martii the same year viz. to the title and dignity of Duke of Lancaster Which being done by the General consent of all the Prelates and Peers then sitting in Parliament at Westminster for his life he was invested therewith by the Cincture of a Sword with power to have a Chancery in the County of Lancaster and to issue out Writs there under his own Seal as well touching Pleas of the Crown as any other relating to the Common Laws of this Realm As also to enjoy all other Liberties and Regalities belonging to a County Palatine in as ample manner as the Earl of Chester was known to have within that County About this time likewise he was constituted Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet from the River of Thames Westward And having the same year obtained License to take a journey into Spruse there to fight against the Infidels the King thereby granted that in case he should depart this life before his return his Executors should retain all his Castles Mannors and Lands into their hands untill his debts were discharged In his journey thither being taken in High Almaine he was constrained to give three hundred Scutes of Gold for his liberty Which surprisal of him was made by the Duke of Brunswikes means as it seems the designe thereof being told him when he lay at Coloine But before he came to Spruse hearing that the Christians and Pagans had made a Truce he returned to Coloine and there relating what he had heard of the Duke of Brunâ—wikes purpose said it did not become such a person to deal so with a Stranger in his journey who had never offended him nor intended any thing of ill towards him and that in case he had a mind to meddle with him he should find him ready to perform a Souldiers part Which being told to the Duke of Brunswick he sent him a Letter of challenge Whereunto he return'd answer That he would meet him upon a day appointed to perform in his own person what might justly be requir'd and accordingly rode to Calais with fifty Knights besides others of his retinue In this his passage coming near Gysnes meeting with Sir Iohn Clermont Marshal of France with a large attendance of Men in Arms he was honourably receiv'd by him in the Quind before Christmas and conducted nobly to Heddyng where Sir Iames de Bourbon met him and attended him to Paris at which place he was also received by the Nobility and all other people with high regard The like reception he had by the King of France who sent for him to his Palace as also by his own Kinsman the King of Navar. Much agitation there was before the day of Battel to reconcile them but in vain Upon that day therefore they entred the Lists and having first taken their Oaths as 't is the custom of Duelists to do mounted their Horses for the Combat But it was observed that before they had thus taken their Oaths no man could appear more valiant and Heroick than the Duke of Brunswick seemed to be and that afterwards his countenance chang'd so that he look'd pale and troubled trembling likewise in such sort as that he could not wield his Sword Shield and Lance his Shield also turning aside three times in his taking it up Which being discerned by his friends they advised him to submit himself to the judgment of the King of France in that Quarrel But this our Duke standing cheerfully in his place expecting the Combat said That before he entred the Lists perhaps he might have been perswaded to an agreement but now that he had mounted his Horse and was ready and that the King with his Nobles with an extraordinary confluence of people were there come together it would be an high dishonour to himself and to the whole English Nation to depart without performing what Truth and Justice did require Adding that he would not go out of the Lists neither with dishonour to his Bloud to the King of England nor to his Countrey Whereupon the Duke of Brunswick wholly quitting the quarrel without reservation of his Honour and submitting himself to the Award of the King of France therein the King of France at a great Feast reconciled them And having so done took this our Duke and shewing him divers delightful things offered to give them to him But of those he accepted onely of a Thorn out of the Crown of our Saviour which he brought away and left as a Relick in the Collegiate Church of our Lady at Leicester After which taking his leave of the King of France he returned into England and came to the King at St. Albans where he was received with much joy and honour the King then keeping his Christmas there In this year viz 26 E. 3. he permitted the Canons of Leicester to inclose their Woods and stored them with Deer out of his own Parks and likewise interceeded with the Pope for appropriating the Churches of Humberston and Hungarton to that Abby About this time also he receiv'd special command from the King to keep a strict Guard upon all the Sea-coasts of Lancashire and to arm all those fourty Lanciers which were then raised in his Territories of Monmouth Grosmunt Whitcastel Kedewy Karwathelan and Iskennyn for the publick service In 28 E. 3. he attended the King into France having intelligence that the King of France would give him Battel at S. Omers but when he came thither he found that the French were retreated Shortly after this there being a Truce with the French until Easter he was sent with the Earl of Arundel and others to the Pope then at Avinion to treat of farther Peace with them But the Duke of Bourbon Earl of Arminiak and others who were sent Ambassadors from the French fell off from what they had formerly agreed to upon the Truce concluded at Calais refusing any farther agreement saying That they were prepared to defend their Countrey against the English Requiring that the King of England should first forbear to quarter the Arms of France and that he should do Homage to the King of France for Gascoin But hereunto this our Duke answered That those Arms of France which he bore by the advice of his Liege-men of France he would not relinquish for any mans pleasure And that the King of England should not do Homage to any person over whom by hereditary right from his Mother he claimed superiority At this time of his coming to Avinion viz. on Christmas-Eve he had two hundred Horse in his Train whereof thirty two were covered with Harness At which place he staid six weeks in great honour the Bishops Nobles Citizens and others to the number of two thousand Horse
called Margaret Wedded to George Longvile of Little Billing in Com. North. Esq Which Edmund in 7 E. 4. being then a Kt. accompanied Iohn Earl of Worcester Deputy to George Duke of Clarence Lieutenant of Ireland into that Realm for the Safe-guard thereof And in 13 E. 4. in consideration of his expences in the Kings Service aswel in this Realm as in Ireland obtain'd the Stewardship of the Mannor of Abâ—rbury in Com. Salop. Then in the Kings disposal by reason of the Minority of George Son and Heir to Iohn Earl of Shrewsbury but died in his Father's life time leaving issue by Ioice his first Wife Sister and Coheir to Iohn Tiptoft Earl of Worcester Iohn his Son and Heir as also four other Sons viz. Arthur Geffrey Thomas and George and a Daughter called Alianore Married to Charles Somerset Earl of Worcester And by Maud his second Wife Daughter of Thomas Lord Clifford two Sons Thomas who married ... Daughter and Coheir to Lancelot Threlkeld of Gerworth and Richard a Clâ—rk As also four Daughters viz. Ioice Married to William Middleton of Stokkelde in Com. Ebor. Esq Margarot to Edward Lord Porcys Alice to Sir Iohn Ratcliffe of Ordsale in Com. Lanc. Knight and Dorothy to Sir Iohn Musgrave Knight Which Iohn in 1 R. 3. obtain'd a grant to himself and the Heirs Male of his Body of the Mannors of Derlaston Bentley Tittesovre Herrwell Paâ—ynton and Newton in the Moors in Com. Staff Bruggenorta in Com. Salop. and 〈◊〉 in Com. War And by his Testament bearing date 17 Aug. an 1487. 2 H. 7. he bequeath'd his Body to be buryed within the Priory of St. Iames at Dudley appointing that a Tomb should be let over his Grave Also that xxiv new Torches should be lighted during the performance of Divine Service at his Funeral Likewise that every Priest or Religious Person coming thereto should have iv d and every Clerk singing iiid. Moreover that xx Marks in money should be disposed in Alms on the same day and on the Morrow to poor people to pray for his Soul and for the Soul of his Wife and all their friends Furthermore that a thousand Masses should be said for him so soon as possible after his Buryal which Masses to cost xvi l xiii s ivd. And having been Summon'd to Parliament from 1 R. 3. till 3 H. 7. died soon after leaving Issue by Cecelie his Wife Daughter of Sir William Willughby Knight Edward his Son and Heir Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter elected shortly after the beginning of King Henry the Eighths Reign and summon'd to Parliament from 7 H. 7. to 21 H. 8. inclusive Which Edward left Issue Iohn his Son and Heir who took to Wife Cecelie one of the Daughters of Thomas Grey Marquess Dorset It is reported by credible Tradition of this Iohn Lord Dudley that being a weak man of understanding whereby he had exposed himself to some wants and so became entangled in the Usurers Bonds Iohn Dudley then Viscont L'isle and Earl of Warwick afterwards Duke of Northumberland thirsting after Dudley-Castle the chief seat of this Family made those Money-Merchants his Instruments to work him out of it which by some Mortgage being at length effected this poor Lord became exposed to the Charity of his Friends for a subsistence and spending the remainder of his life in Visits amongst them was commonly called the Lord Quondam To whom succeeded Edward his Son and Heir who being in that Expedition made into Scotland in 1 E 6. and at that time a Knight was made Governour of Hume-Castle upon the render thereof to the English And found such favour from Queen Mary that by her Letters Patents bearing date 4 Nov. 2 1 Ph. M. she restored unto him and to the Heirs Male of her Body lawfully begotten all those Mannors of Horburne and Smethwick with the Advowson of the Church of Horburne in Com. Staff As also the whole Priory of Dudley and Tiths of Norfeild and Sedgley with divers Messuages and Lands lying in Dudley Tressel and Cradele parcel of the possessions belonging to the same Priory then in the Crown by the attainder of Iohn Duke of Northumberland And by other Letters Patents bearing date 31 Dec. 2 3 Ph. M. gave unto him and to Katherine Bridges Daughter of Sir Iohn Bridges Knight Lord Chandoys of Sudeley one of the Gentlewomen in Ordinary attending on the said Queen and to the Heirs of their two Bodies lawfully begotten and for defult of such Issue to the right Heirs of the said Edward all those Lordships of Sedgley Hymley and Swinford with the Parks of Etingshall Sedgley and Hymley the Hays Forests and Chases of Ashwood and Chaspell and all the Land called Willengesworth in Sedley with divers Lands and Tenements in Hymley Womburne and Swynden in Com. Staff As also by other Letters Patents the whole Castle of Dudley the Park called the Conigre the Park called the old Park of Dudley with divers Messuages and Lands lying in Dudley Rowley and Sedgley in Com. Staff and to the Heirs Male of their two Bodies lawfully begotten all which came to the Crown by the forfeiture of the same Duke of Northumberland He was also by the same Queen made Lieutenant of the Castle at Hampnes in Picardy for life But having no other Issue by the same Katherine than one only Daughter called Anne Married to Thomas Wylmer a Counsellor at Law he afterwards took to Wife Iane Daughter to Edward Earl of Derby and had by her two Sons Edward and Iohn And surviving her lastly Wedded Mary Daughter to William Lord Howard of Essingham This Edward by his Testament bearing date 8 Iulii an 1585. 27 Eliz. bequeath'd his Body to be buried where his Father and Mother were interred and departing this Life in London as it seems upon the fourth of Iuly an 1586. 28 Eliz. was buried in St. Margarets Church at Westm. To whom succeeded Edward his Son and Heir who Married Theodosia the Daughter of Sir Iames Harington Knight and by her had Issue one only Son called Ferdinando made Knight of the Bathe at the Creation of Henry Prince of Wales in an 1610. And three Daughters Mary married to Iames Earl of Hume in Scotland Anne to ... Scombergh a German Father to the famous General Scombergh and Margaret to Sir Miles Hobart Knight of the Bath Which Sir Ferdinando took to Wife Honora the Daughter of Edward Lord Beauchamp Eldest Son to Edward late Earl of Hertford but died 22 Nov. an 1621. in his Fathers Life time leaving Issue one sole Daughter called Frances for whom he had little regard betaking himself wholly to a Concobine on whom he begot divers Children and so far wasted his Estate in the support of her and them that he left not much of that fair Inheritance which
after that called a Parliament wherein he attainted this Earl with all other persons who were fled out of the Realm for fear or otherwise as Enemies to him and to their Native Country Likewise foreseeing his future danger he did not only make peace with the Scots but sent over new Embassadors to the Duke of Britanny with ample rewards for the getting this Earl within the limits of his own power if possible or at least to prevail that the Duke would keep him and those of his friends which then were within his Territories in perpetual prison promising that in consideration thereof he should receive the yearly revenue of all their lands in this Realm But the Duke at that time being much out of order by reason of some infirmity Landoise his Treasurer managed all business of State and thereupon for his own private lucre accepted the offer Which being discovered by the Bishop of Ely at that time sojourning in Flanders he imploy'd Vrswyke into Brittanny to hasten this Earl out of those parts Whereupon being then at Uannes he sent immediately to King Charles the 8. desiring his leave to come into France which being granted he hasted his Nobles before to the Duke of Britanny who then lay for change of air near the borders of France under colour of a friendly visit privately giving charge to his Uncle the Earl of Pembroke the Conductor of his company that when they approacht the skirts of Britanny they should presently get into the adjacent parts of France as they accordingly did and so into Anjou where they staid this Earls coming who departed not from Uannes till two dayes after with only five servants in his company as though he had gone to make a private visit to a friend in some small Village no man suspecting that he had absolutely left the Country in regard so many Gentlemen of his followers were still in that City But after he was ridden five miles on his way turning into a solitary wood he put on the Apparel of one of his servants and as a Page rode on so till he came to Angiers By which means he escaped out of the hands of Landose who the fourth day after not knowing of his departure had provided a certain number of Souldiers under colour of serving him to have laid him fast Of which design when the Duke of Britanny heard being not a little displeased he sent for those English Gentlemen which were so left behind at Uannes and gave them money to defray the charge of their journey from thence to Angiers Being therefore thus supplied with his own Retinâ—e he took his journey to King Charles then at Langes upon the River Loyre of whom he had an Honourable reception with promise of aid And thence removed with him to Montargis Where long he had not been but that Iohn Earl of Oxford a trusty friend to the House of Lancaster who had been kept prisoner in the Castle of Hammes in Picardy getting thence by the favour of Sir Iames Blount the Governour repaired to him After this following the King of France to Paris divers English Gentlemen fled thither for fear or being there to study good literature came also and offered their service to him amongst which was Richard Fox afterwards Bishop of Winchester the Castle of Hammes being likewise delivered up to him by Blount Whereupon King Richard caused the Garrison of Calais to be sent to besiege it Which proved of no inconvenience to this Earl the Souldiers within it making their conditions to march out with Bag and Baggage which somewhat increased his Field-forces Having also obtained some few men and certain money for the payment whereof he left Thomas Marquess Dorset and Sir Iohn Vaughan in pledge he went to Roan making preparation at Harâ—lew an Haven at the mouth of Seine for his adventure into England And having soon after received intelligence out of Wales that Sir Ries ap Thomas a person of great interest in those parts and Sir Iohn Savage an expert Commander would engage themselves in his quarrel Also that Reginald Bray had gotten large sums of money for the payment of his Souldiers wishing him to make all possible speed and to land in some part of that Country Accompanied with two thousand Men he set sail from Harflew in the month of August and on the seventh day ensuing arriv'd at Milford-Haven in Pembroke-shire Whence he marcht to Dalle and so to Haverford-West where he had a joyful reception And before he went thence having News that the Town of Pembroke would assist him he marcht to Cardigan where some Welch Gentlemen came to him with all the power they could make Hereupon he sent messengers to the Lady Margaret his Mother as also to the Lord Stanley her Husband to Sir William Stanley his Brother Sir Gilbert Talbot and other his trusty friends signifying to them his intention to pass the Seâ—erue at Shrewsbury and thence directly to advance for London desiring that they would meet him by the way with all their strength In which passage to Shrewsbury Sir Ries ap Thomas whom he had promised to make Governour in chief of all Wales coming in to him with considerable Forces they marcht from Shrewsbury to Newport Where encamping his Men on an Hill near hand Sir Gilbert Talbot brought to him all the Men and Arms that the young Earl of Shrewsburies interest could make which were about two thousand Thence to Stafford where Sir William Stanley fell in with his Men. Next to Litchfield whence the Lord Stanley hearing of his approach had diâ—lodged about two days before and remov'd to Atherston being somewhat fearful to join with him too soon in regard that King Richard being then at Notingham had his Son the Lord Strange in Hostage and hearing of this Earls advance removed to Leicester Passing from Litchfield to Tamworth there came to him Sir Walter Hungerford and Sir Thomas Bourchier Knights with divers other Men of note who forsook their Captain Sir Robert Brakenbury near Stony-Stratford then on his march towards Notingham Being thus at Tamworth to make sure of the Lord Stanley he rode privately from his Army to Atherston and there meeting in a little close consulted with him in what manner to give Battel to King Richard The same day also came to him Sir Iohn Savage with divers other persons of quality King Richard therefore having intelligence of his motions marcht forthwith from Leicester to Bosworth and about two miles South of that Town marshall'd his whole Army for Battel whereof Iohn Duke of Norfolk and Thomas Earl of Surrey his Son led the Van. This Earl therefore hasting up with his Forces and placing
Sir Raphe Vane had two thousand Men in a readiness that Sir Thomas Arundel had assured the Tower that Seymour and Hamond would wait upon him and that all the Horse of the Gens d' armes should be slain Hereunto Mr. Secretary Cecill added that this Duke had sent for him and said That he suspected some ill meaning against him and that thereunto he replied If he were not in fault he might trust to his Innocency if he were he had nothing to say but to lament him Being advertised therefore of these Informations he forthwith defyed the Secretary by his Letter then sent to Sir Thomas Palmer to understand what he had reported of him who denied all that he had said Hereupon after few days coming to the Court somewhat later than usual which was enforced as a suspition against him he was after Dinner apprehended and Sir Raphe Vane being twice sent for fled The day following likewise his Dutchess was sent to the Tower no Man grieveing thereat by reason that her pride and baseness of life overballanced all pity Sir Thomas Palmer being again examined added to his former detection that Gens d'arms upon the Muster day should be assaulted by two thousand Foot under Sir Raphe Vane and by an hundred Horse of this Duke of Somersets besides his Friends which should stand by and besides the idle people which were thought inclinable to take his part that this done he would run through the City and proclaim Liberty and in case his attempt did not succeed he would go to the Isle of Wight or to Poole Crane confessed for the most part as Sir Tho. Palmer had done and farther added that the Lord Paget's House was the place where the Nobility being invited to a Banquet should have lost their Heads and that the Earl of Arundel was made acquainted with the practice by Sir Michael Stanhope also that it had been done but that the greatness of the Enterprise caused delays and sometimes diversity of advice And farther said that this Duke once fayning himself to be sick went to London to assay what friends he could procure But here my Author addeth that Crane who gave this testimony was a Man who having consumed his own estate had armed himself to any mischief Hamond also confessed that the Dukes Chamber at Grenewich had been strongly watched by night Hereupon after a short abode in the Tower he was brought to his Trial at Westminster the Marquiss of Winchester then Lord Treasurer of England sitting as high Steward under a cloth of State on a Bench mounted three degrees the Peers in number twenty seven siting on a bench one step lower which were these The Dukes of Suff. and Northumb. the Marquess of Northampt. the Earls of Derby Bedford Huntington Rutland Bathe Sussex Worcester Pembroke and Vicount Hereford the Barons Bergavenny Audley Wharton Evers Latimer Borough Zouch Stafford Wentworth Darcie Sturton Windsore Cromwell Cobham and Bray The charge against him consisting of five parts 1. Of raising Men in the North parts of the Realm 2. Of assembling Men to kill the Duke of Northumberland 3. Of resisting his Attachment 4. Of killing the Gens d'arms and raising London And fifthly of assaulting the Lords and devising their deaths To which he pleaded not guilty and put himself upon Tryal of his Peers denying that he had ever any intent to raise Men in the North but that upon some bruites apprehending a fear he sent to Sir William Herbert to remain his Friend Saying that he never determined to kill the Duke of Northumberland or any other Lord but spake of it only and determined the contrary And farther said that it had been a mad entreprise with his hundred Men to assail the Gens d'arms consisting of nine hundred when in case he had prevailed it would nothing have availed the pretended purpose and therefore that this being fenceless and absurd must needs discredit other matters which might otherwise have been believed Next that at London he never projected any stir but ever held it a good place for his security And that for having Men in his Chamber at Grenewich 't was manifest he meant no harm because when he might have done it he did it not Moreover against the persons of them whose Examinations were read against him he objected many things desiring they might be brought to his face which in regard he was a person of dignity and estate he deemed to be reasonable speaking much evil against Sir Thomas Palmer and yet in opinion of many far short of the Truth Much it was urged by the Kings learned Council that some of the Crimes charged against him were Treason and the other Felony Nevertheless after many varieties in opinion he was acquit of Treason but by most voices found guilty of Felony whereupon he had judgment to be hanged Which he might have avoided as most of our Historians do say had he required the benefit of his Clergy but upon better enquiry it will be found that he was thus condemned by vertue of a Statute then in force which made the conspiring the death of a Privy Councellor Felony without the benefit of Clergy Judgment therefore thus passing upon him he craved pardon of the Duke of Northumberland Marquess of Northampton and Earl of Pembroke for his ill meaning against them making sute for his Life in pity to his Wife Children and Servants and payment of his Debts Hereupon all means were made use of to divert the Kings thoughts from him as well by Masques Tiltings as other delights and sometimes calling him to serious affairs wherein he took special pleasure Sometimes also instancing to him how dangerous a person he was who having made away his only Brother contrived the death of the chief Nobility And where said they should this mischief have rested would it have raged against all and left the King only untouched verily having been alwayes both cruel and false there would have been no end of his mischief therefore all his submissions must now be taken for counterfeit and dissembled but his Avarice and Ambition once removed the way will be laid open to Vertue and Merit Thus far my Author Sir Iohn Hayward whereunto I shall add what Godwin farther saith That having since his Sentence of death continued two Months in Prison at length the violence of his Enemies notwithstanding the Kings desire to save him drew him to the Scaffold on Tower Hill 24 Ian. An. 1552. 6 E. 6. where having thus spoke to the Beholders he suffered death Being by the Law condemned I here willingly submit my self by exemplary punishment to satisfie its Rigour That God hath been pleased to grant me so long a preparative to my end I humbly thank his eternal goodness but in that he hath been farther pleased to inspire me with the knowledge of his Truth and to make me an instrument for the propagation of the same I can never sufficiently magnify his Mercies In this do I rejoyce in this only do