He was well reported of all Men and of the Truth it self He beheld with much Christian Patience those of his Order lose their Votes in Parliament much contempt poured on his Function whilst their Enemies hence concluded their final Extirpation would follow This Bishop was amongst others selected as Confessor to King Charles I. at his Martyrdom He formerly had had experience in the case of the Earl of Strafford that this Bishops Conscience was bottom'd on Piety the Reason that from him he received the Sacrament good Comfort and Counsel just before the perpetration of that horrid Murder a Fact so foule that it alone may confute the Errour of the Pelagians maintaining that all sin cometh by imitation the Vniverse not formerly affording such a precedent as if those Regicides had purposely designed to disprove the observation of Solomon that there is no new thing under the Sun King Charles II. an 1660 preferred him Arch-Bishop of Canterbury which place he worthily graceth at the Writing hereof Acceptus Fruin D. D. President of Magdalen-Colledge in Oxford was by K. Charles I. advanced Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and since by K. Charles II. made Arch-Bishop of York and is now alive This County hath bred 5 Arch-Bishops of Canterbury at this instant claiming for her Natives the two Metropolitans of our Nation Statesmen Tho. Sackvil Son and Heir to Sir Richard Chancellour Sub-Treasurer of the Exchequer and Privy-Councellour to Queen Elizabeth by Winifred his Wife Daughter to Sir Jo. Bruges was bred in Oxford where he became an excellent Poet leaving both Latine and English Poems of his Composing to Posterity Then he became Barrister and afterwards in his Travels was for some time Prisoner at Rome whence returning to the possession of a fair Estate he wasted the greatest part thereof and afterwards being made as is reported to dance attendance on an Alderman of London who had gained great penny-worths by his former purchases of him he was sensible of the incivility and resolving to be no more beholding to Wealthy Pride he turned a thrifty improver of the Remainder of his Estate Others affirm that Queen Elizabeth his Cosin Germ. once removed diverted the torrent of his profusion by her frequent admonitions after which she made him Baron of Buckhurst in this County an 1566. Sent him Ambassadour into France 1571 into the Low Countries 1586. made him Knight of the Garter 1589. and Treasurer of England 1599. He was Chancellour of the University where he entertained Queen Elizabeth with a sumptuous Feast He was a person of so quick dispatch that his Secretaries seldom pleased him Thus having made amends to his house for his mispent time both in encrease of Estate and Honour being created Earl of Dorset by King James He dyed April 19. 1608. Capital Judges Sir Jo. Jeffrey Knight was preferred Secondary Judge of the Common Pleas thence advanced an 19. Elizabeth to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer He left one only Daughter and Heir Married to Sir Edward Montague since Baron of Boughton by whom he had but one Daughter Elizabeth Married to Robert Berty Earl of Linsey Mother to the truly Honourable Montague Earl of Linsey and Lord great Chamberlain of England This worthy Judge dyed an 21. Elizabeth Souldiers The Abbot of Battle after the French had invaded this County during the Non-age of King Richard 2. and the Dotage of his Council and taken the Prior of Lewis Prisoner Fortified Winchelsey effectually against the Enemy who in vain had attempted to storm the place and feared to venture a fair siege suspecting that they should be surrounded on all sides The Monsieurs therefore bid adieu to England and made for France as fast as they could An. Dom. 13 ... Sir W. Pelham Knight of an ancient and wealthy Family at Laughton was by Queen Elizabeth made Lord Chief Justice of Ireland betwixt the death of Sir W. Drury and the coming in of Arthur Gray Lord Lieutenant of Ireland In this juncture of time Desmond began his Rebellion 1579. inviting Sir W. Pelham to side with him who though he could not cure the wound for want of Force yet he kept it clean resigning the same in a recovering condition to the Lord Gray his Successor Afterwards he was Commander of the English Horse in the Low-Countries where he surprised Brabant Sir Anth. Shirley second Son to Sir Thomas set forth from Plimouth May 21. 1596. in a Ship called the Bevis of Southampton attended with six lesser Vessels His design for St. Thome was diverted by a Contagion occasioned by stinking Rain which within six hours after it fell turned to Maggots Turning therefore his course to America he took and kept the City of St Jago two dayes and nights with 280 Men wherein 80 were wounded in the service against 3000 Portugals Hence he made for the Isle of Fuego in the midst whereof was a Mountain Aetna-like always burning and the Wind did drive such a shower of Ashes upon them that one might have wrote his name with his Finger on the upper Deck Whence passing by the Island of Margarita he took St. Martha the Chief Town of Jamaica After much distress and desertion by the other Ships he returned into England Whose youngest Brother Sir Robert Shirley was entred by his Brother Anth. in the Persian Court. Here he performed so great service against the Turks that it drew the envy of the Persian Lords and love of the Ladies among whom one reputed a Kinswoman to the great Sophy was afterwards Married unto him and came over with him into England He much affected to appear in the Persian habit At last having as 't is said given the Persian Ambassadour a box on the ear upon some contest betwixt them they were sent both together into Persia to impeach one another Dr. Gough being joyned in Commission with Sir Robert but Neptune decided the Controversie before they came thither both of them dying on the Seas as I have been informed about the beginning of King Charles I whose eldest Brother Sir Tho. Shirley excited by the Atchievments of his two younger Brethren undertook Sea Voyages into Forreign parts to the great honour of his Nation but small enriching of himself As to the general performances of these three Brethren when Abatement is made for Poetical Embellishments contained in the Comedy made upon them c. the Remainder will speak them Worthies in their Generations Physicians Nich. Hostresham it seems from Horsham in this County a famous Physician wrote many Books amongst which one Contra dolorem Renum thus beginning A Stone is sometimes bred in the Kidneys c. Note this was long before Hops and Beer made therewith accounted by some the Original of the Stone in this Land were commonly used in England 1516. He having flourished 1443. Writers Lawrence Somercote was Can. of Chichester He studied the Law and went to Rome where through the favour of his Brother or Kinsman Robert Somercote Cardinal he was
Lords of the Privy Council at Dublin of whom Bishop Coren a Principal produced a Card for his Commission and was imprisoned for the affront After his enlargement he was very willing to make a reparation by getting the Commission renewed in England but was prevented by the Queens death Bishop Coren conformed with the first to the Reformation of Queen Elizabeth being ever sound in his heart He was for some time Chief Justice and Chancellour of Ireland till he quitted all his Dignities in Exchange for the Bishoprick of Oxford which being attended with more quiet was more welcome to him in his old Age. He dyed 1567. Barnaby Potter was born within the Barony of Kendal 1578. and bred in Queens Colledge in Oxford whereof he became Provost He was Chaplain in Ordinary to Prince Charles being accounted at Court the Penitential Preacher and by King Charles I. was preferred Bishop of Carlile He was commonly called the Puritanical Bishop and they said of him in the time of King James that Organs would blow him out of the Church which I do not believe the rather because he loved Vocal Musick and could bear his own part therein He was a constant Preacher and performer of Family duties of a weak Constitution Melancholly lean and a hard Student He dyed in Honour being the last Bishop that dyed a Member of Parliament 1642. Statesmen Sir Edward Bellingham Knight of an Ancient and Warlike Family was Servant of the Privy Chamber to King Edward 6. who sent him over Deputy of Ireland He first extended the English pale proceeding against the Irishry in a Martial course by breaking the Moors and Connors two Rebellious Sexts He built the Forts of Leix and Offaly to secure his new Acquisition and had setled the English Plantations therein had he not been suddenly revoked before two years were expired His Souldiers never knew whither they went till they were come whither they should go Thus he surprized the rude Earl of Desmond brought him to Dublin reformed him in Civility sometimes making him to kneel an hour together before he knew his Duty till he became a new man in his behaviour This Earl all his Life after highly honoured him and at every Meal would pray to God for good Sir Edward Bellingham When the Deputy returned into England he cleared himself of many faults laid to his charge recovering the King's favour and had been sent over Deputy again save that he excused himself by indisposition of Body and dyed not long after Writers Richard Kendal an excellent Grammarian and Schoolmaster extracted a Quintessence from a vast number of Latine Grammars and boasted like a conceited Pedant that Latine only to be elegant which was made according to his Rules He flourished under Henry 6. Since the Reformation Bernard Son of Edward Gilpin Esquire was born at Kentmire 1517. and bred in Queens Colledge in Oxford He disputed against Mr. Hooper who was afterwards Martyred when indeed he did follow his Argument with his Affections He afterwards became a zealous Protestant He was Rector of Houghton in the North and boarded in his house 24 Scholars the greater number poor mens Sons upon whom he bestowed Meat Drink Cloth and Education He kept a Table for his Parishioners every Sunday from Michaelmas to Easter He commended a Marryed life in Clergy-men himself living and dying a Batchelour He bestowed 500 pounds in the building and endowing of his School He was accounted a Saint in the Judgments of his very Enemies if he had any such Being full of Faith and good works he was put in his Grave as a heap of Wheat in due time swept into the Garner dying March 4. 1583. Aet 66. Richard Mulcaster of ancient Extraction was born in this County or Cumberland and bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge afterwards in Oxford He was chosen the first Master of Merchant Taylors School in London where his Scholars profited so well that the Merchant Taylors intended to fix him as his Desk to their School till death should remove him This he perceived and therefore gave for his Motto Fidelis servus perpetuus Asinus but after 25 years he was made Master of Pauls School Such his Discipline that the Indulgence of Parents rather encreased then mitigated his severity on their offending Children He was Plagosus Orbilius and which quallified the matter unpartial Amongst the many excellent Scholars which he bred Bishop Andrews was most remarkable At last quitting the place he became Parson of Stanford Rivers and dyed about the middle of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth Christopher Potter D. D. Kinsman to Bishop Potter was bred in and Provost of Queens Colledge in Oxford He was Chaplain in Ordinary to King Charles I. and Dean of Worcester one of a sweet nature comely Presence courteous Carriage devout Life and deep Learning He wrote an excellent Book Entituled Charity mistaken answered by a Jesuit against whom Mr. Chillingworth took up the Cudgels He dyed in the beginning of the Civil War Benefactors to the Publick Robert Langton and Miles Spencer Doctors of Law joyntly built a fair School at Appleby Robert was bred in and a Benefactor to Queens Colledge in Oxford owing the Glasing of many Windows therein to his Beneficence on which Windows he caused his Sirname to be made in this manner viz. Long or Lang ton Anne Clyfford sole Daughter and Heir to George Earl of Northumberland Wife to Richard Earl of Dorset then to Philip Earl of Pembrock and Montgomery had her greatest Estate in the North She built and endowed a most beautiful Hospital at Appleby in this County and is still living Memorable Persons Richard Gilpin who was enfeoffed in the Lordship of Kent-mire-hall by the Baron of Kendal for his singular deserts killed the wild Bore that raging in the Mountains adjoyning much endammaged the Country people whence it is that the Gilpins give the Bore in their Arms. Note that in the Reign of King Edward 1. the Hereditary Sherivalty of this County was conferred on the Lord Clifford who married Sibel eldest Daughter to Robert de Vipont Henry Lord Clifford was by Henry 8. an 1525. Created Earl of Cumberland and when Henry the 5th Earl of that Family dyed lately without issue male the Honour of the Hereditary Sherivalty reverted unto Anne the third Daughter of George Clifford the third Earl of Cumberland the Relict of Richard Earl of Dorset and since of Philip Earl of Pembrook and Montgomery by whom she had two Daughters the elder Married to the Earl of Thanet and the younger Married to James Earl of Northampton WILT-SHIRE WIlt-shire hath Glocester-shire on the North Bark-shire and Hamp-shire on the East Dorset-shire on the South and Somerset-shire on the West From North to South it extendeth 39 Miles being in bredth 29. and in circumference 139-miles A pleasant County and of great variety It is plentiful in all English Commodities especially in Wool the Manufacture of Clothing being vigorously pursued and very good Whites made
Rector of Tharfield in Hartford He was an excellent Hebrician He dyed 163. Samuel Ward was born at Haveril where his Father had been a Famous Minister according to his Epitaph Quo si quis scivit scitius Aut si quis docuit doctius At rarus vixit sanctius Et nullus tonuit fortius Grant some of knowledge greater store More Learned some in teaching Yet few in Life did Lighten more None thundered more in Preaching Sam. was bred in Sidn Colledge in Cambridge and became a great Scholar and excellent Preacher Being Minister in Ipswich he gained the Affections of the people by the tender care he had of them yet he had his Foes as well as Friends who complained of him to the High Com. where he met with some molestation He had three Brethren and it was said that these four put together would not make up the abilities of their Father nor were they offended with this Hyperbole One of them lately dead followed the Counsel of the Poet Ridentem dicere verum Quis vetat having in a jesting way delivered much smart truth of the times Sam. dyed 163. Jo. Boise born at Elmeseth bred in Cambridge was of the Quorum in Translating the Bible and whilst Chysostome lives Mr. Boise shall not dye such his learned pains on him in the Edition of Sir H. Savil. He dyed about the beginning of the Civil Wars Romish Exile Writers Robert Southwell wrote many Books and was reputed a dangerous Enemy to the State for which he was Imprisoned and Executed March 3. 1595. Benefactors to the Publick Elizabeth third Daughter of Gilb. Earl of Clare and Wife to Jo. Burgh Earl of Vlster in Ireland had her greatest Honour from Clare in this County She Founded Clare-Hall in Cambridge an 1343. Sir Simon Eyre born at Brandon first an Vpholster then a Draper in London whereof he was Lord Mayor 1445 on his own cost built Leaden-Hall for a common Garner of Corn to the City He left 5000 Marks to charitable uses He dyed Sept. 18. an 1459. and is buried in the Church of St. Mary Woolnoth in Lumbard-Street London Th. Spring the rich Clothier was born I believe at Laveham He built the Carved Chappel of Wainscot on the North side of the Chancel as also the Chappel at the South side of the Church He dyed 1510 and lyeth buried in his own Chappel Since the Reformation W. Coppinger was born at Bucks-hall in this County where his Family flourisheth in good esteem He was bred a Fishmonger in London whereof he became Lord Mayor 1512. He gave the half of his great Estate to pious uses I am sorry to see this Gentleman's ancient Arms substracted in point of honour by the addition of a superfluous Bordure Sir W. Cordal Knight had a fair Estate in Long-Melford and was well descended He became a Barrister Speaker of the Parliament and Privy Counsellour and Master of the Rolls to Queen Mary He founded a fair Almshouse at Melford and left a large allowance to the poor for Diet and Cloaths He continued Master of the Rolls till the day of his death 23 Eliz. Sir Robert Hicham Knight and Serjeant at Law born at or near Nacton purchased the Mannor of Framlingham from the Earl of Suffolk and entered into the same after great and many intervening Obstacles He left a great part of his Estate to pious uses and principally to Pembrook-Hall in Cambridge He dyed a little before the beginning of the Civil Wars Memorable Persons Jo. Cavendish Esq born at Cavendish was servant to Richard 2. when Wat Tyler played Rex in London whom he in assistance of Sir W. Walworth Lord Mayor of London dispatched by giving two or three mortal wounds The beginning of the bustle was that Wat took it mightily in dudgeon that Sir Jo. Newton did not make a mannerly approach to him upon which the said Lord arrested Wat and wounded him with his Dagger Hence the Arms of London were augmented with a Dagger King Richards discretion appeared very much in appeasing the tumult which happened 1381. Sir Th. Cook Knight and Sir W. Capel Knight born the first at Lavenham the later at Stoke-Neyland were bred Drapers in London and were Lord Mayors of the City Sir Will. is reported after a large entertainment for King Henry 7. to have burnt many Bonds in which the King stood obliged to him and at another time to have drank a dissolved Pearl which cost him many hundreds in an Health to the King Sir Th. was in danger of his Life for lending Money in the Reign of K. Edw. 4 Both dyed in Age Honour and Riches these transmitted to their Posterity The Cooks flourishing at Giddy-hall and the Capels at Hadham in Hartford Note Elizabeth Daughter of Sir Will. Capel was Married to Sir W. Pawlet Marquess of VVinchester and Mildred descended from Sir Th. Cook to VV. Cecil Lord Burleigh both their Husbands being Lord Treasurers of England Sir Tho. lyeth buried in the Church of Augustine Friars in London Sir VV. Capel in St. Bartholomews behind the Exchange Noted Sheriffs Q. Eliz. An. 18. Jo. Higham Arm. the ancient Sirname of the Lords Montaign in France was descended from Sir Clem. a Potent Knight 20. Robert Jermin a pious Man and a great Benefactor to Emanuel Colledge and a potent man was Father to Sir Th. Privy Councellor and Lord Chamberlain to King Charles I. Grandfather to Tho. and Hen. Esq the younger of these being Lord Chamberlain to our present Queen Mary and sharing in her Majesties sufferings was by King Charles II. made Baron and Earl of St. Albans 23. Nich. Bacon Mil. was the first Baronet in England 36. Tho. Crofts Arm. was Grandfather to Crofts who was created Baron Crofts by K. Cha. II. Sir Simond Dewes was Grandfather to Adrian descended from the Lords of Kessel in Gelderland who came thence in the time of their Civil Wars in the Reign of Henry 8. He was bred in Cambridge and became a great Antiquary He observed that the Ordinances of the late long Parliament did in Bulk and Number exceed all the Statutes made since the Conquest He dyed about 1653. SURREY SVrrey hath Middlesex on the North Kent on the East Sussex on the South Hant and Bark-shire on the West It is very near a Square of 22 Miles the Skirts whereof are fruitful and the inward parts barren though generally the Air be clear and the ways clean Here is the most and best Fullers Earth digged up near Rygate It is worth four pence a Bushel at the Pit and the Transportation thereof is prohibited The County likewise affords good Trouts and VVall-nuts and the best Box growing about Darking In this Shire there is the best Gardening for Profit King James about the end of his Reign gave 2000 pounds to Sir Francis Crane to build a House at Morelack for setting up a Manufacture of Tapestry and one Francis Klein a German was the designer thereof and united the Italian and Dutch perfections
purchased good Titles made sure Settlements and entail'd Thrift with their Lands on their Posterity Sir Edward Coke hath prevented my Pains and given in a List of such Principal Families 'T is admirable that there is not a great and Numerous House in England wherein there is not one Anciently or at this day Living thriving and flourishing by the Study of the Law Especially if to them be added those who have raised themselves in Courts of Judicature The City hath produced more then the Law in Number and some as broad in Wealth but not so high in Honour nor long lasting in time who like Landfloods soon come and soon gone have been dryed up before this Generation Yet many of these have continued in a certain Channel and carried a constant Stream The Church before the Reformation advanced many Families For tho Bishops might not marry they preferred their Brothers Sons to great Estates as the Kemps in Kent Peckhams in Sussex Wickhams in Hampshire Meltons in Yorkshire Since the Reformation some have raised their Families to a Knightly and Worshipful Estate as Hutton Bilson Dove Neil c. For Sheriffs Sandys in Worcester Cambridgeshire Westphaling in Herefordshire Elmar in Suffolk Rud in Carmarthenshire Of the inferiour Clergy Robert Johnson attain'd such an Estate that his Grandson was Pricked Sheriff of a County but declined the place as being a Deacon The Civil Law hath preferred few The most Eminent in that Faculty before the Reformation being Persons in Orders abstained from Marriage since the Reformation there are Worshipful Families raised thereby The professors of Civil Law were equally Contemned with Gods Ministers during the Civil Wars the Promoters whereof having a constant Pique at all Civility and Order But by the Return of our Brittish Sun those Clouds of Barbarity are dispelled and Regularity of Motion and good Order is introduced into the vast Sphere of his Dominion and the joyful Seasons of Peace and Plenty are by his kindly Influences restored Physick hath promoted more and that since the Reign of King Henry 8. Before whose time there was one a Doctor of Physick Father to Reginald first and last Lord Bray This Faculty hath much flourished the three last fifty years Sir William Buts Doctor Wendy and Doctor Hatcher have raised Worshipful Families thereby Some have rais'd themselves by Sea-service and Letters of Mart. Amongst those most remarkable the Baronets Family of Drakes in Devonshire sometimes Sheriffs there Some have raised themselves by their Attendance at Court here younger Brothers have found their Birth-right Many have advanced themselves by their Valour in Forraign Wars especially in France as the Knolls a Noble Family and the Caveleys often Sheriffs in Cheshire Clothing as it affords Coats to most People so it has given Arms and Gentility to many Families in this Land As on the Springs of High-Sheriffs in Suffolk The Countrey with her two full Breasts of Grasing and Tillage hath raised many Families Some have had two Strings to their Bow As the Chichlies in Cambridgeshire are Descendants from a Lord Major allied also Collaterally to an Arch-bishop of Canterbury We may observe how happy a Liberal Vocation has proved to Younger Brethren with which agree the School-Boys Exposition of these Verses Dat Galenus opes dat Justinianus Honores Cum Genus Species cogitur ire pedes The Study of Physick giveth Wealth The Study of Law giveth Honour When High-birth and Beauty having no other Calling is compelled to go on Foot Barkshire BARKSHIRE hath Wiltshire on the west Hampshire on the South Surrey on the East Oxford and Buckinghamshire on the North. 'T is in Form of a Lute the Belly towards the West the Neck extending to the East In length about forty Miles viz. from Coleshul to Windfor and about twenty Miles in the broadest part Very plentiful of Grass Grain Fish Fowl Wool and Wood c. The Natural Commodities are first Oakes of Trees Barkshire hath abundance in all kinds The Oaks in Windsor-Forrest as all other English Oak are the best 1. for firmness for when entred with Bullet it remaineth firm round about it whilst all the Oak does cowardly split about the passage 2. For convenience of Portage our four principal Forrests lying either on the Sea or Navigable Rivers viz. New-Forrest on the Sea Shire-wood on the Trent Dean on the Severn Windsor-Forrest on the Thames Secondly Bark Whence the Name of this County It is essential for making of good Leather for he that stays for Leather-shooes made without Bark may long time go Bare-foot Thirdly Trouts A dainty Fish being found in the swiftest Streams and on the hardest Gravel Of this kind there are Great and Good in the River of Kennet nigh Hungerford They are best in May and decline with the Buck. After their full growth they decay in goodness tho their Head still thrive Note a Hog-back and little Head is a sign any Fish is in season As for Manufactures the chief is Clothing For the Antiquity of it 1. Cloth is of the same date with the Civility of our Land indeed the Britains went naked which Custom a Beggar continuing gave a reason thereof by saying All my Body is Face 2. Fine narrow Cloth begun about 1. E. III. 3. Broad-cloth wherein the Wealth of England is folded up began in the Reign of Henry 8. Jack of Newbury 't is said was the first that introduced it Minerva was held the Foundress of Weaving so great is the ingenuity thereof For Buildings Windsor-Castle a Royal Seat ever since the Conquest brought to modern Beauty chiefly at the cost of E. 3. It is a Castle for Strength and a Palace for State and hath a Colledge Chappel and Alms-House In this Palace is most remarkable the Hall for Greatness Winchester-Tower for height and the Terrace on the North-side for Pleasure Nor boasteth it so much that it consisteth of two Great Courts as that it contained two Great Kings John of France and David of Scotland Prisoners therein together as also that it was the Seat of the Honourable Order of the Garter Many pleasant Seats are in this County on the Kennet and Thames which seem dutifully to attend at distance on Windsor-Castle as Alder-maston Ingle-field c. For Proverbs One is peculiar to this County viz. The Vicar of Bray will be Vicar of Bray still Bray is a Village here named from the Bibroges ancient British Inhabitants The Vivacious Vicar living under Henry 8. Edward 6. Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth was a Papist then Protestant then Papist then Protestant again He found the Martyrs fire near Windsor too hot for his Temper and being Taxed for a Turn-coat Not so said he for I always kept my Principle to live and dye the Vicar of Bray General Proverb I. When our Lady falls into our Lords lap Then let England beware of a sad Mishap Al. Let the Clergy-man look to his Cap. This Prophecy about 130 years old implies that the Blessed Virgin offended with
Of them was Privy-Councellor to four Sir Th. Smith Knight born in Abbington bred in the University of Oxf. God and himself raised him to the Eminency he attained unto unbefriended with any Extraction Emulating Sir Th. Smith Senior Secretary of State he had equalled him in Preferment if not prevented by Death This Sir Thomas was Master of the Requests and Secretary to King James He died Nov. 28. 1609. and was buried in the Church of Fulham in Middlesex under a Monument erected by his Lady Frances Daughter to William Lord Chandes and since the Countess of Exeter Souldiers Henry Vmpton Knight born at Wadley in this County was Son to Sir Edward Vmpton by Anne the Relick of Jo. Dudley Earl of Warwick and eldest Daughter of Edward Seymor D. of Somerset He was employed by Queen Elizabeth Ambassadour into France where in the Month of May An. 1592. being sensible of some injury offered by the D. of Guise to the Honour of the Queen of England he sent him this Challenge Forasmuch as lately in the Lodging of my Lord Du Mayne and in Publick elsewhere impudently indiscreetly and over boldly you spoke boldly of my Soveraign whose sacred Person here in this County I represent To maintain both by Word and Weapon her Honour which never was called in Question by people of Honesty and Vertue I say you have wickedly lyed by speaking so basely of my Soveraign and you shall do nothing else but lye whensoever you shall dare to tax her Honour Moreover that her Sacred Person being one of the most Complete and Vertuous Princess that lives in this World ought not to be evil spoken of by the Tongue of such a perfidious Traitor to her Law and Country as you are And hereupon I defie you and Challenge your Person to mine with such manner of Arms as you shall like or choose be it either on Horse-back or on Foot Nor would I have you to think any inequality of Person between us I being issued of as great a Race and Noble House everyway as your self So assigning me an indifferent place I will there maintain my Words and the Lie which I gave you and which you should not endure if you have any Courage at all in you If you consent not to meet me hereupon I will hold you and cause you to be generally held for the arrantest Coward and most slanderous Slave that lives in all France I expect your Answer I find not what Answer was returned This Sir Henry dying in the French Kings Camp before Lofear and his Corps brought over was buried in Farrington Church July 8. 1596. He had allowed him a Barrons Heirs because dying Ambassadour Leigier Writers Hugh of Reading quitted his Expectances of a fair Estate and embraced a Monastical life till at last he became Abbot of Reading He is highly commended by the Learned and writ a Book of Questions fetcht from the Scripture Roger of Windsor Chanter of the Convent of S. Albans was the Kings Historian He flourished An. Dom. 1235. Robert Rich Son to Edward and Mabel his Wife Brother of S. Edmund Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was born at Abbington in this County He wrote a Book of the Life Death and Miracles of his Brother and died about the year of our Lord 1250. Richard of Wallingford a Black-Smith's Son was bred at Merton-Colledge in Oxford a Monk at last Abbot of S. Albans where being a good Mathematician especially as to the Mechanick part thereof he made a Clock with much Pain more Cost and most Art Being a Calender as well as Clock shewing the Fixed Stars and Planets the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea c. but my Author did not inform me if the Canonical hours were mark't on the Clock He died An. Dom. 1326. Since the Reformation Henry Bullock probably born in this County where his Name appears in a Worshipful Estate He was bred a Fellow and Doctor of Divinity in Queens-Colledge in Cambridge a general Scholar familiar with Erasmus calling him Bovillum in his Epistles to him At Cardinal Wolsey's instance he wrote against Luther tho otherwise his Affections were biased to the Protestant Party When he died is unknown Will. Twis born at Spene an ancient Roman City bred at New-Colledge in Oxford and there became a General Scholar Good at plain Preaching better at Disputing and best in Living He became Preacher in Spinhamlands Towards his Death he was slighted by Sectaries it being usual for New-lights to neglect those who have born the heat of the Day His Latin Works speak him able in Controversie He was Moderate Prolocutor in the Assembly of Divines And dying in Holborn he was buried at Westminster An. Dom. 164 Will. Lyford born at Peysmer and bred at Magdalen-Coll in Oxf. Proceeded there Batchelour of Divinity 1631. He was also Fellow of that Foundation He was troubled in Conscience for having Resigned his place for Money to his Successour but before his Death he made Restitution He had a comely Countenance and modest Mind a Courteous Carriage and meek Spirit He was afterwards Preacher at Shirburn in Dorsetshire and tho both Pious and Painful he had his share of Obloquie from such factious Persons as could not abide the wholsome Words of sound Doctrine He dyed about 1652 tho his Memory lives in his Learned Works Romish Exile Writers Th. Hyde born at Newbury bred Master of Art in New-Coll in Oxf. was made Canon of Winchester and chief Master of the School there He with Jo. Martial about the beginning of the Reign of Queen Eliz. went beyond the Seas This Hyde is Charactered by one of his own profession to be A Man of upright Life of great Gravity and Severity He wrote a Book of Consolation to his Fellow Exile and dyed An. Dom. 1597. Benefactors to the Publick Alfrede the fourth Son to King Athelwolf born at Wantage An excellent Scholar tho he was past 12 years of Age before he knew one Letter He was a Curious Poet an Excellent Musician a valiant and successful Souldier fighting seven Battles against the Danes in one year at last Conquered them and reduced them to the Profession of Christianity He gave the first Institution or according to others the best Instauration to the University of Oxford A Prince who cannot be Painted to the Life without his Loss no Words reaching his Worth He divided 1. every natural day as to himself into 3 parts viz. 8 hours for his Devotion and 8 for Business and the remainder for Sleep and Refection 2. His Revenues into 3 parts one for War a second for his Court and the third for Pious uses 3. His Land into 32 Shires 4. His Subjects into Hundreds and Tithings consisting of 10 Persons mutually Pledges for their Good Behaviour He left Learning where he found Ignorance Justice where he found Oppression and Peace where he found Destraction And having Reigned 34 years he dyed and was buried at Winchester An. 901. He loved Religion more then
Superstition favoured Learned Men more then Lazie Manks which may be the cause he was not solemnly Sainted with other Saxon Kings who did not so much deserve Since the Reformation Pet. Chapman born at Cokeham bred an Iron-monger in Lond. at his Death bequeathed five pounds a year to two Scholars in Oxford as much to two in Camb. and five Pounds a year to the poor of the Town of his Nativity besides sixty Pounds to the Prisons of Lond. c. The time of his Death is unknown Jo. Kendrick born at Reading bred a Draper in Lond. His State may be compared to the Mustard-seed from a small encreasing to a prodigious bigness If Benefactors were digested as David's Worthies Mr. Kendrick would be if not the last of the first the first of the second three His Charity began at his Kindred proceeded to his Friends and Servants to whom he left large Legacies concluded with the Poor on whom he bestowed above 20000 Pounds Reading and Newbury sharing the deepest therein as appears by his Printed Will He dyed 30 Sept. 1624. and is buried in St. Christophers Lond. to the Curate of which Parish he gave 20 Pounds a year for ever Rich. Wightwick Batchellor of Divinity was Rector of East-Isley in this County His Benefice not very great may appear a Bishoprick by his Bounty to Pembroke-Coll in Oxf. to which he gave 100 Pounds a year for 3 Fellows and 4 Scholars When he dyed is unknown Memorable Persons Tho. Cole commonly called the Rich Clothier of Reading He is reported a Man of vast Wealth maintaining 140 Menial Servants besides 300 poor People whom he set on Work insomuch that his Wains with Cloth filled the High-way from Reading to Lond. to the stopping of King H. I. in his Progress which King gratified Cole with a Standard-yard the length of his Royal-Arm but the Truth is was the Arm of E. I. which was the Adequation of a Yard This whole story is uncertain yet Cole may be accounted Eminent in this kind Jo. Winscombe commonly called Jack of Newbury was indeed the most considerable Clothier England ever beheld He kept 100 Looms in his House each of them managed by a Man and a Boy In the Expedition to Flodden-field against Ja. King of Scotland he marched with 100 of his own Men well Mounted to shew that the Painful in Peace could be Valiant in War He Feasted King Hen. 8 and his first Queen Kath. at his own House yet extant at Newbury the Church of which he built from the Pulpit to the Tower Inclusively He dyed about 1520 some of his Name and Kindred of great Wealth in this County As to the Gentry in this County Will. Fachel or Vachel was right Ancient having an Estate in and about Reading And the Family of the Pusays is so Ancient that they were Lords of Pusay a Village near Faringdon long before the Conquest in the time of King Canutus holding their Lands by the Tenure of Cornage viz. by Winding of a Horn when the Enemies made their Approach which that King gave their Family and which their Posterity still Extant at this day do produce But generally the List of Sheriffs is the most Comprehensive Catalogue of the English Gentry Noted Sheriffs monarch R. I. Will. Briewere of mean Extraction yet he was such a Minion to King Rich. I. that he created him Baron of Odcomb in Somersetshire One Fulk-paynel gave this William the Town of Bridgwater that he might procure for him the King's favour which he had lost Seeing he left no Son partition was made of his Inheritance amongst his Daughters married into the Honourable Families of Breos Wake Mohun La-fert and Percy Phillip Son of Rob. and Alan de Marton joynt Sheriffs in this County Rog. Bishop of Covent Lich. Sher. in this County He was Surnamed de Molend monarch H. 3 aliàs Longespee and was Nephew to King Hen. III. Phil. de la Beach The Seat of this Family was at Aldworth monarch E. 2. where their Statues on their Tombs are yet extant They were most Valiant Men their Male issue was extinct in the next Kings Reign whose Heir General was marryed to the Ancient Family of Whitlock Th. Chaucer sole Son to Geffery Chaucer the Famous Poet monarch H. 4. from whom he inherited fair Lands at Dunning-Castle in this County and at Ewelme in Oxf. He married Maud Daughter and Coheir of Sir Jo. Burwash by whom he had Alice married to Will. de la Pole D. of Suffolk He lyeth buried under a fair Tomb in Ewelme Church with this Inscription Hic jacet Th. Chaucer Armiger quondam Dominus istius villae patronus istius Ecclesiae qui ob 13. Nov. An. Dom. 1434. Matilda uxor ejus quae ob 28. Apr. 1436. Th. Wickham Kinsman and next heir to Will. VVickham that famous Bishop of VVinchester monarch H. 5. who notwithstanding above 6000 pounds bequeath'd in Legacies left to Thomas 600 pound Lands a year As for his Arms viz. Arg. 2 Cheverons S. between 3 Roses G. The most ingenious Sir Isaac VVake conceiveth those Cheverons or Couples in Architecture given him in Relation to the two Colledges he built in Oxford and VVinchester Jo. Gowfere or Golofre monarch H. 6. the first who is Styled Esquire as he was Sheriff This Addition grew afterwards more fashionable for after that Jack Straw one of the Grandfounders of the Levellers was defeated the English Gentry to appear above the Mobile did in all publick Instruments insert their Native or acquired Qualifications Sir Jo. Howard Knight Son to Sir Rob. Howard monarch E. 4. soon after was Created a Baron by Edw. IV. and Duke of Norfolk by King Rich. III. as Kinsman and one of the Heirs of Anne Dutchess of York and Norfolk whose Mother was one of the Daughters of Th. Mowbray Duke of Norfolk Soon after he lost his Life in Bosworth-field in the Quarrel of him who had given him his Honour From him descended the Noble and Numerous Family of the Howards of whom four Earls viz. Arundel Notingham Suffolk and Barkshire and two Barons viz. Mowbray and Estrick sat in the last Parliament of King Ch. I. Verstegan the great Antiquary will have their Name to be Holdward that is Keeper of a Castle or Trust and they have well answered unto their Name Did not Th. Howard Earl of Surrey well Hold his ward by Land when in the Reign of King H. 8. he Conquered the Scots in Floddon-field and took James IV their King Prisoner And did not Charles Howard afterward Earl of Nottingham hold his ward by Sea in 88. when the Armado was defeated Humph. Foster Ar. Afterward Knighted lies Buried in St. Martins in the Fields Lond. with this Inscription Of your Charity pray for the Soul of Sir Humphrey Foster Knight whose body lies buried here in Earth under this Marble Stone who deceased 18 Sept. 1500. On whose Soul Jesu have mercy Amen Robert Harecourt Knight right Ancient is this
of his Estate and gave the King and others what remained thereof not regarding Sir H. Grey his Brother by a 2 d. Venter of Wrest in this County who therefore declined the Honour Thus the Earldom of Kent lay asleep in the Family of the Greys almost 50 years viz. from 15. H. 8 till 13 of Queen Eliz. when she advanced Reginald Grey Grandfather to Sir H. Grey aforesaid who had Recruited himself with Revenues to be Earl of Kent An. 1571. Reginald dying Childless within the year Hen. his Brother the Subject of our present description succeeded to this Honour A Person truly Noble expending the Income of his own Estate and his Ladies Joynture Mary the Relict of Edw. E. of Darby in Hospitality He was a Cordial Protestant on the same Token that being present at the Execution of Queen of Scots when she requested the Nobility there to stand by and see her Death he fearing something of Superstition hardly assented thereunto On the other side he was as far removed from Faction deserving the Character given him by Mr. Cambd. A Person highly Honoured with all the Ornaments of true Nobility He left no Issue except some will behold him in some sort Parent of Sidney-Coll in Camb. as one of the Executors to the Foundress thereof who both proved and improved her Will besides her Personal Benefaction thereunto And being the Surviving Executor he did Perpetuate the Fellowships formerly Temporary according to his Trust He dyed An. 1613. Fr. Cleark Knight born at Eaton-soton in the Lordship called the Paersonage A Noble Benefactor to Sidney-Coll augmenting all the Scholarships of the Foundation and erecting a fair Range of Buildings So skilful he was that he computed to a Brick what was necessary for the finishing thereof He founded four new Fellowships The Gift was felt before the Giver a meer Stranger was seen He dyed An. Dom. 163. Memorable Persons A Woman lived dyed and is buried at Dunstable where is her Epitaph who had 19 Children at 5 Births viz. 3.3.3.5 and 5. Noted Sheriffs The Family of the Blundells whereof Sir Edw. Blundel behaved himself right Valiantly in the Expedition to the Isle of Ree Rich. Basset and Albericus de Veer The last of whom was made monarch M. 2. by Maud the Emp. E. of Oxford And the first was his under-Sheriff in this County Hen. de Essex Bar. de Raleigh in Ess and Hereditary Standard-bearer of England He in the Battle at Coleshul in Flintsh between the English and the Welsh casting away his Courage and Banner together occasioned a great overthrow of the English and was therefore challenged in Combat by Rob. de Momford Knight and by him overcome in Duel His Inheritance was forfeited to the King and he himself made a Honourable Retreat into a Convent and under a Coul betwixt Shame and Sanctity blushed out the Remainder of his Life Dav. Archdeacon whose Ancestors probably having been Ecclesiasticks left him that Surname Rob. Braybrook and Hen. Fil. Hen. Br. and Rob. Pater monarch K. Jo. A loving Reciprocation of Sheriff and under Sheriff betwixt Father and Son Under-Sheriff to his Father that was his Duty Under-Sheriff to his Son that was his Courtesie Indeed I can Name one under-Sheriff to his own Father being a Gent. of right Worthy Extraction and Estate which Son afterwards became Lord Ch. Justice and Treasurer of England Edward Eldest Son to the King A great Honour to this Shire and Buck. where he was Sheriff for five years together monarch H. 3. Yea the Imperial Crown found him in that Office when it fell unto him Barthol de Fowen being under-Sheriff Th. Hoo. A famous Man whom King Hen. 6 made Knight of the Garter and Lord Hoo and Hastings monarch H. 6. He left four Daughters thus Married 1. Anne to Sir Jeffrey Bullen 2. Eleanor to Sir Rich. Carew 3. Jane to Rob. Cople Esquire 4. Eliz. to Sir Jo. Devenish From the first of these was Queen Eliz. descended Some of the issue Male were lately extant in Hartfordshire Jo. Wenlock was returned Knight of the Town of his Principal Residence to the Parl. 12. H. 6. and afterwards created Bar. of Wenlock and Knight of the Garter fought Valiantly and lost his Life in the Battle of Teuxbury He dyed without Issue and his Estate came to E. 4. From his Cousin and Heir-general the Lauleys in Shropshire are descended Sir Jo. St. John Knight Father Son and Grandson were of the same Name and Dignity The Father monarch H. 7. Sheriff in the time of H. 7. was Son to Sir Oliver St. John by Marg. Daughter and Sole Heir to Sir Jo. Beauchamp She was afterwards Married to Jo. D. of Somerset to whom she bare Margaret Mother to King Hen. 7. Will. Gascoine was a younger Brother of Ganthorp-house in Yorkshire and was setled at Cardington in this County by marrying the Inheretrix thereof He was afterwards twice Sheriff under H. 8. Knighted and Comptroller of the House of Cardinal Woolsey A rough-Man preferring rather to profit than please his Master The Prelates Wisdom knowing Thrift to be the Fuell of Magnificence often advised with this his Servant His Name and Estate are Extinct in this County Jo. Mordant Ar. of Ancient Extraction monarch H. 8. married one of the Daughters and Heirs of Hen. Vere of Addington in Northamptonshire By Aged Persons he was remembred by the Name of John of the Woods I was born under the shadow and felt the warmth of them So great a Master was he of Timber in that County besides large Possessions in Essex and elsewhere King Hen. 8. owning him deservedly for a Wise Man created him Bar. Mordant of Turvey Will. Windsor Knight descended from Walt. Fitz Otho Castle keeper of Windsor in the time of Will the Conquerour and was by King H. 8. created Bar. Windsor of Bradenham in Buckinghamshire Ancestor to the present Lord Windsor descended from him by an Heir general so that Hickman is his Surname Fr. Russel Knight Son to Jo. Lord Russel afterwards Earl of Bedford monarch E 6. Succeeding his Father in his Honour so great was his Hospitality that Queen Eliz. was wont to say of him That he made all the Beggars He founded a small School at Wobourn and dying in great Age and Honour was buried at Cheneys 1585. Oliver St. John Ar. By Queen Eliz. made Lord St. John of Bletso in this County and left two Sons who succeeded him to this Honour First John whose only Daughter Anne was married to Will Lord Esfingham was Mother to Eliz. now Count. Dowager of Peterborough his Second Son Oliver blessed with a Numerous Issue and Ancestor to the present Earl of Bullingbrook Will. Dormer Knight was Son to Rob. by Jane Newdigate his Wife monarch Q Ma. He had by Mary Sidney his Wife a Daughter married to the Count of Feria when he came over hither with King Phil. This Count under pretence to visit his Sick Lady remaining here did very earnestly move a Match
the Reign of H. 8. Since the Reformation Rob. Brassy born at Bunbury i. e. Boniface-bury bred D. D. in Kings Coll. in Camb. whereof he was Provost Being Learned and Stout he Publickly protested against the Visitors of the University in the Reign of Queen Ma. as to his own Colledge thereby taking off the Edge of these Persecuting Commissioners When many Doctors of Camb. were resolved to sell their Right in Stâ—rbridge-fair for a Trifle to the Towns-men he dashed their designs which Manly Opposition prevented the Vice-Chancellours holding the Stirrup to the Mayor He dyed An. Dom. 1558. and lies buried on the South-side of the Chapple Geo. Palin born at Wrenbury was bred a Merchant in London free of the Company of Girdlers We may call his Benefactions the Golden-gridle of Charity for with our Saviour he went about doing good To Wrenbury he gave 200 pounds to purchase Lands for the relief of the poor For building an Alms-house in and about London 900 pounds To St. Johns Coll. in Camb. 300 l. To the Hospital of St. Th. in Southwark 50 l. To the Preachers at Pauls-Cross 200 l. Toward a Chime in Bow-Church 100 l. To six Prisons in and about London 60 l. To Brason nose-Coll in Oxf. two Scholarships to each yearly 4 l. To the Coll. of St. Jo. Bap. in Oxf. 2 Scholarships of the same value To Christ-Church-Hospital 300 l. To the Church and Poor of Wrenbury to buy them Gowns 70 l. c. He dyed about the beginning of the Reign of King Ja. Jo. Brereton Knight a Branch of that well spred-tree in this County one of the first Scholars of the Foundation of Sidney-Coll then having studied the Law went into Ireland and was at last made the Kings Serjeant therein Having got a good Estate he gave well nigh 3000 l. to Sidney-Coll after 40 years absence A pure Gift because 't was loaded with no Detrimental Conditions in the acceptance He dyed about the year 1633. Jo. Barnston D. D. born of an Ancient Family a Fellow of Brason-nose Coll. in Oxf. and Chapl. to Chanc. Egerton Being Judge of the Consistory when a Church-Warden was Sued for a Chalice stoln out of his House not the proper place of Custody Well said the Doctor I am sorry the Cup of Vnion should be the cause of difference among you I doubt not but either the Thief will out of Remorse restore it or some other as good will be sent unto you and according by his secret Charity the Doctor provided another He founded an Hebrew Lecture in Brasen-nose-Coll and dyed An. 1642. Memorable Persons Will. Smith an Ancient Surname in this County was made Pursuivant of Arms by the Name of Raugaragon He wrote a Geographical and Historical Description of this County set forth by Mr. Crew Will. Web. M. A. was Clerk of the Mayors Court in Chester and under-Sheriff in this County 13. Jac. He compiled a Descripton of Cheshire and Chestern Randel Crew Esquire second Son to Sir Clisby who was Son to Judge Crew drew an exact Map of Cheshire with his Pen which the Gravers skill could but little improve He went beyond the Seas where he was Assassinated by some French-men and honourably buried with general Lamentation of the English at Paris 1656. Noted Sheriffs An. 56. Hugh de Hatton monarch H. 3. whose Ancestors had Lands at Hatton in this County by the Grant of Will the Conq. From him is Lineally descended the Learned and Religious Sir Christ Hatton Knight of the Bath who set forth Pious Meditations on the Psalms created by King Ch. I. Bar. of Hatton in Kerby in Northamp The Original of the Conquerors Grant is in this Lords Possession and was preserved in the Civil-Wars tho his Library was then Plundred 3. Sr. Hugh Cholmly or Cholmondesly bought his Knighthood in the Field at Leigh in Scotland monarch Q. Ma. He was five times High-Sheriff of this County and sometimes of Flint-sh and for many years one of the two Dep. Lieutenants thereof He was President of the Marches of Wales under the Right honourable Sir Hen. Sidney Knight He was esteemed for 50 years a Father of his Country and dying An. 157 was buried in the Church of Malpass under a Tomb of Alabaster leaving a Son Heir to his Vertues and Estate Jo. Savage direct Anchestor to Sir Th. Savage Knight and Bar. created by King Ch. I. Baron Savage of Rock Savage in this County This Lord. a great Statesman married Eliz. Eldest Daughter and Coheir of Th. Lord Darcy of Chich. Viscount Colchester and E. of Rivers Honours entailed on his Posterity and now enjoyed by the Right Honourable Th. Savage E. of Rivers Battles Rowton-heath 1645. Sep. 24. His Majesty being informed that Col. Jones had seized the Suburbs and strong Church of St. Johns in Chester Marched Northward for the relief thereof Poins a Parliament-General pursued his Majesty At Rowton-heath within three Miles of Chester the Kings Army made a halt whilst his Majesty with some Prime Persons marched into the City Next day a fierce Fight hapned on the Heath betwixt the Kings and Poins's Forces the latter going off with the greater loss 'T was conceived that had the Royalists pursued the Single Enemy before they were recruited they had finally worsted him which Fatal Omission oppertunities omitting of no after-games proved their overthrow For next day Col. Jones drew out his Men into the Field so that the Royalists being charged on the Heath in Front and Rear and having no Foot were defeated before a considerable party of Horse designed for their Relief were sent from Chester who came too soon to engage themselves as they came too late to Succour their Friends Here fell the youngest of the three Noble Brethren who lost their Lives in the King's Service Bernard Steward Earl of Liechfield Chester CHester is a fair City on the North-side of the River Dee so Ancient that the first Founder thereof is forgotten much beholden to the Earls of Chester for Encrease and Ornaments The Walls thereof were lately in good repair especially betwixt the New-Tower and the Water-gate For An. 1569. a Personal Fight hap'ning betwixt the two Sheriffs thereof Rich. Massey and Pet. Lycherband they were fined to mend that part of the Wall The East-gate was committed formerly to the Custody of the Earl of Oxford Bride-gate to the Earl of Shrewsbury Water-gate to the Earl of Darby and North-gate to the Mayor of the City which is built in form of a Quadrant having four Streets that meet in the middle thereof affording a Pleasant Prospect Here under the Rows or Galleries a kind of Building peculiar to this City the Passengers may walk dry in wet Weather without coming into the Streets As for Buildings St. Werburges Church is a fair Structure whereof the Tower begun 1508. is unfinished built long before the Conquest and being ruined was repaired by Hugh Lupus first Earl It was afterwards made by King Hen. 8. one of his five Royal Bishopricks Oxf.
of Th. E. of Rutland Then the Stone Tower built by William Lord Hastings at Ashby de la Zouch hath something Monarchical in Height Strength and Workmanship above the ordinary Aristocracy of Fabricks Also the Fair Palace built at Broadgate by Th. Grey Marq. of Dorset challengeth the preheminence above the rest As for Wonders There is a Village in this County called Charleton Curly and all that are born therein have an harsh and ratling kind of Speech and cannot well pronounce the Letter R. Which in all probability proceeds from a peculiar Intemperature of the Elements in that place There was a Fellow of Trin. Coll. likely a Native of Charleton composed a Speech of competent length without any R therein which he could not pronounce his Speech having no Room for ERROURS seeing there was an errour in his Speech Proverbs 1. Bean-belly Leicester-shire for Plenty 'T is a merry saying Shake a Leicester-shire Yeoman by the Collar and you shall hear the Beans rattle in his Belly tho at the same time they may have good Silver ringing in their Pockets 2. If Bever have a Cap You Churles of the Vale look to that That is when Clouds hang over Bever-Castle it is a signe of much Rain c. Princes Jane Grey eldest Daughter of Hen. D. of Suff. by Fr. Bandon eldest Daughter to Mary second Sister to K. Hen. 8. was born at Broadgate near Leicester She lived many pious but few pleasant days whose Soul was never out of the Non-age of Afflictions till death made her of full years to inherit Happiness Whilst a Child her Father 's was to her an House of Correction nor did she write Woman sooner than she did subscribe Wife and in obedience to her Parents was unfortunately matched to the Lord Guilford Dudley a pious Gentleman but Son to an Ambitious Father She was Proclaimed but never Crowned Queen living in the Tower longer a Captive than a Queen Her Family by snatching at a Crown which â—as not lost a Coronet which was their own She suffered on Tower-hill 1554 5 Feb. 12. Kath. Grey 2 d. Daughter to Henry D. of Suffolk was married to the Lord Herbert Son to the Earl of Pembroke who knowing the Case altered with that Family brake the Marriage quite off Thus she became a Heraclita or Lady of Lamentation The Roses of whose cheeks looked very wan and pale tho they wanted not for watering Afterward Ed. Seymour E. of Hertford married her privately without the Queens Licence and concealed it till her pregnancy discovered it The English Proverb It is good to be near a Kin to land holdeth in private Patrimonies not Titles to Crowns Q. Elizabeth beheld her with a jealous eye unwilling she should match either Forreign Prince English Peer or any person whatsoever The E. of Hartford being fined 15000 l. was imprisoned with his Lady in the Tower and severely forbidden her company By bribing the Keeper he bought what was his own his Wives Embraces and had by her a surviving Son Edw. Ancestor to the Right Honorable the D. of Som. She died Jan. 26. a Prisoner in the Tower 1567 after 9 years Durance therein Whose Sister Mary Grey the Youngest Frighted with the infelicity of her two elder Sisters forgot her Honour to remember her Safety and married one whom She could love and none need fear Martin Kayes of Kent Esq Serjeant Porter and died without Issue 20 Ap. 1578. Martyrs Hugh Latimer born at Thurcaston in his first Sermon before King Ed. 6. declared his own Pedigree to this effect My Father was a Yeoman who had a Farm of 3 or 4l a year kept 100 Sheep and six Servants and my Mother milked 30 Kine He did find the King an HARNESS which I remember I buckled on with himself and his Horse when he went to Black-heath field He kept me to School or else I had not been able to Preach before the King's Majesty now He married my Sisters with 5l a piece so that he brought them up in Godliness and the fear of God He kept Hospitality for poor Neighbours and some alms and all this did he of the same Farm where he that now hath it payeth 16l p. an and more and is not able to do any thing for his Prince for himself nor for his Children or give a cup of Drink to the Poor He was bred in Cambridg and converted under God by Mr. Bliney from a violent Papist to a zealous Protestant He was afterwards made Bishop of Worc. and 4 years after outed for refusing to subscribe the 6. Art He onely of the Bishops of the new Learning in the time of H. 8. urged that two Abbeys at the least in every Diocess of considerable Revenues might be preserved for the maintenance of Learned Men therein And swiming a good while against the stream he was at last carried away with the Current He was Martyred at Oxford 1555. Prelates Gilb. Segrave born at Segrave and bred in Oxford succeeded a Kinsman who on his death-Bed recommended him in the Provost's place of St. Sepulâ—hers in York and afterwards was Bishop of Londdon He died 1317. Walt. de Langton born at West-Langton made by E. 1. Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and Treas of English He lost the Favor of E. 2. for reproving him when as yet but Prince for his debauchery and tho he never wholly regained that Princes good Will 't is said the surplusage of the People's affection to him did fill up that blank Prodigious his bounty in building and endowing his Cathedral He died 1321 and was buried in the Chappel of St. Ma. of his own erection Rog. de Martival Son of Sir Aukitell Mar. whose Arms were Ar. a cinque-foil S. was born at Nowsley He was First Arch-Deacon of Leic. then Dean of Linc. and at last Bishop of Salisbury in the Reign of E. 2. 1315. He was the last heir male of his Race and Founded a Colledge at Nowsley for a Warden and certain Brethren His Estate descended to Joyce-de Mart. his Sister married to Sir Ralph Hastings lineal Ancestor to the now Earl of Hunt and the Hazleriggs are at this day Possessors of the Mannor of Newsley He died 1329. Rob. Wivil well descended born at Stanton Wivil was made Bishop of Salisbury 1329. tho both a Dunce and a Dwarfe He impleaded William Montague E. of Salisbury in a Writ of Right for the Castle of Salisbury and it had been tried by a Combat of their two Champions had not the King interposed and ordered that the Bishop should pay 2500 marks for the quiet Possession of the Castle Since the Reformation Joseph Hall born at Ashby de la Zouch and bred in Em. Colledg in Cambridg maintained there with a Flourishing wit That the World groweth Old He was Minister at Halsted in Suffolk where his Little Catechisme did much good He became D. D. and was at the Synod of Dort and was preferred first Dean of Worc. then Bishop of Ex. then of Norwich then of
before it was acted In the acting of a Tragedy he had formerly written of R. 3. Jo. Palmer afterward Dean of Peterborough who personated K. Rich. therein had his head so possessed with a Prince-like Humor that ever after he did what he then acted in his prâ—digal Expences Dr. Legg bequeathed 600 l. for the building of the East-Part of his College He died An. 1607. Northamptonshire NOrthampton-shire a long narrow Inland County stretched from the N. E. to S. W. bordereth on 9 several Counties viz. on the E. Camb. Hunt on the W. Warwick-shire on the N. Linc. Rutl. and Leic. on the S. Bedford Buckingham and Oxford It is a fruitful and populous County as any in England Here there is very little Wast Ground so that this Shire is an Apple without Core or Rind All the Rivers therein are bred there which argues the elevation of the Ground The Language of the Inhabitants is very proper There is a Heath in this County nigh to Stamford which hath variety of very rare Plants growing upon it The Natural Commodities besides Grass Corn c. are Salt-Peter most whereof is found in Dove-Houses and most Dove-houses in this great Corn-County Then Pigeons in Hebrew Jonah which comes from a Root which signifies to spoil and destroy They are thought to be the Causers of Dearth and are indeed devouring Innocents This Shire needs no Manufactures yet the Town of Northampton may be said to stand chiefly on other Mens Leggs where if not the best the most and cheapest Boots and Stockins are bought in England Upon Trial of the Cloth Manufacture in this County their Cloth ran very course tho their Wool be fine Among Buildings the Cathedral of St. Peter challengeth the precedency of all in England for a Majestick Western Front of Columel-work The Cloysters of this Cathedral were lately pulled down to repair the Body thereof As for civil Structures Holdenby-House built by Sir Christopher Hatton once a stately Structure is now demolished Next Burleigh-House nigh Stamford built by W. Lord Cecil is a House of great State and Magnificence Withorpe built by Th. Cecil E. of Exeter to retire to as he pleasantly said out of the Dust whilst his great House of Burleigh was a sweeping Castle-Ashbey the Noble Mansion of the E. of Northampton was most beautiful before a casual Fire deformed part thereof Besides these there be many others no County in England yielding more Noblemen no Noblemen in England having fairer Habitations The Wonder of this Shire is that within the Demesnes of Baughton the Barony of the Right Honorable Edward Lord Montague there is a Spring which is conceived to turn Wood into Stone As for Medicinal Waters Wellinborough-Well was very famous in the daies of Queen Mary who lay many weeks thereat Proverbs I. The Mayor of Northampton opens Oysters with his Dagger This Town being 80 miles from the Sa Sea-Fish may be presumed stale therein II. He that must eat a buttered Faggot let him go to Northampton Because it is the dearest Town in England for fuel Princes Elizabeth Daughter of Sir Richard Woodvill by the Lady Jaquet his Wife formerly the Relict of Jo. D. of Bedford was born at grafton-Grafton-Honour She was Widow to Sir Jo. Grey who lost his life for the House of Lancaster and petitioned King Edward to take off the sequestration from her Joynture She afterwards became the Royal consort of that King tho it was not long before the Tempest of his lust drove him to another Shore which had a greater share in his Affections This Lady lived to see the Death of her Husband Murder of her 2 Sons and the rest of her Children and tho her Daugh. was afterwards married to H. 7. that King was not over dutiful to her nor over-loving to her Daughter She died An. 14 She finished Queens College in Cambridge where I had my first breeding begun by Queen Marg. Wife to Henry 6 an implacable Enemy to her Husband so that the 2 Houses of York and Lancaster had their first Amity in that Foundation Rich. Plantagenet Crook-back Son to Rich. D. of York was born at Fothinghay Castle Valour and Eloquence met in his Person He compassed the Crown by Cruelty and the Killing of his Nephews the 2 Sons of Edward 4. When King he made good Laws He lost the Crown and his life in the Battle of Bosworth An. 1435. having performed in the Fight all the Offices of a Wise General and Valiant Souldier He knew it was all one for him to die as to survive success Kath. D. to Sir Th. Par and last Wife to Henry 8. was probably born in this County See Westmerland Saints Werburgh D. to Wolpher Prince of Merica was a Nun at Ely whence returning to Wedon formerly her Father's Palace she turn'd that place into a Monastery She had also Juridiction over the Monastery of Trekinghan in Linc. where she was buried the Gates of which place are fabulously reported to have open'd of themselves when the Men of Hamburge which was also within her Jurisdiction came for her Corps to bury it according to the direction given in her Will. 'T was presumed that Werburgh al. Wardburgh would prove a Tutelary Patroness of the Town or place which possessed her body Some have reported that she hath driven awry all Geese from Weden that they shall destroy no Grain thereabout She died An. 675. her body was afterward translated to Chester where H. Lupus built the Monastery of St. Werburghs converted into a Cathedral by Henry 8. Martyrs Jo. Curd a Shoemaker burnt in Northampton An. 1557. whose Blood was not chargeable on the Bishop but his bloody Arch-Deacons account Cardinal Henry Chichley born at Higham-Ferrers is said to have been made Cardinal by the Title of St. Eusebius Prelates Rich. and Adam of Northampton were both Bishops in Ireland the former Consecrated Bishop of Fernose 1282. died 1304. The later Consecrated 1322. died 1346. having first seen his Cathedral burnt by the Rebels W. le Zouch Son to Lord Zouch was born at Haringwort from Dean he became Arch-Bishop of York to whose care Edward 3. going into France committed the care of the North. This Arch-Bishop soon after bid Battle to David King of Scots at Durham on St. Luke's Eve whereon the Scotch King found such a Fast that he had little list to feast the day following being routed and taken Prisoner Hence a Poet of that Age Est Pater invictus sicco de Stipite dictus Zouch in French signifying the dry stump of a stick However his Family flourished as a Green-tree till withered in our memory when Edward the last Lord Zouch died without Issue male in the beg of King Charles This Prelate began a beautiful Chappel on the South-side of his Cathedrial He died and was buried before the Altar of St. Edmond 1352. Rob. Braybrooke was made Bishop of London 1381. and afterward Chancellour of England He died 1404. and was buried in the Chappel of St. Mary Lionell
King Edw. 4. and lyeth buried under a fair Monument in the Cathedral of VVorcester Edmund Dudley Esq was Son to John Dudley Esq second Son to John Sutton first Baron of Dudley though he was slandered by some as being the Son of a Carpenter He Married the Daughter and Heir of the Visc Lisle Being bred in the Study of the Laws he was made one of Puisne Judges and wrote an excellent book Entitled the Tree of the Common VVealth He was employed by K. Henry 7. to put his Penal Statutes in Execution which he did with severity cruelty and extortion K. Henry 8. resigned this Dudley and Sir Richard Empson his Partner to Justice so that they were made a Peace-Offering to popular anger 1510 being Executed at Tower-Hill Sir Thomas Bromley Knight was an 1. Mary made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench holding his place hardly a year Souldiers Jo. Bromley Esq branched from the Bromleys in Shropshire was born at Bromley He recovered the English Standard which was taken by the French at the battle near Corby in France In reward of his Valour King Henry 5. whose Arms he had followed in France made him a Knight Batchelor Captain of Dampfront and great Constable of Bossevile le Ross in France and granted by Letters Patent 40 pounds in Land a year to him and his Heirs Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier having on the same account conferred on him a yearly Pension of 40 pound during his life Sir John dyed about the middle of the Reign of Hen. 6. John Dudley Duke of Northumberland Son to Edward Dudley Esq and would willingly be reputed of this County a descendant from the Lord Dudley therein He was a proper wise and valiant Man and generally till his last project prosperous But he was also notoriously wanton intolerably ambitious a constant dissembler prodigiously profuse so that he had sunk his Estate had he not met with a seasonable support of Abbey-Land King Henry 8. first Knighted him then Created him Visc Lisle Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland Under Queen Mary he contrived the setling of the Crown on Queen Jane his Daughter in Law for which Treason he was Executed an 1. Mary much bemoaned by Martial Men whom he had formerly endeared in his good service in the French and Scotish Wars He left two Sons who survived to great Honour Ambrose Earl of Warwick Heir to all that was good and Robert Earl of Leicester Heir to all that was great in his Father The Bagnols or Bagenhalts were formerly a Family of such remark in this County that before the Reign of Hen. 8. there scarce passed an ancient Evidence which is not attested by one of that Name And having for a time sunk into a low condition was afterwards restored to their genuine Lustre when Ralph and Nicholas Sons to John Bagnol of Newcastle in this County were both Knighted for their good service the one in Mussleborough Field the other in Ireland Their Sons Samuel and Henry were for their Martial merit advanced to the same degree Seamen William Minors Son to Richard Gent. of Hallenbury-Hall was born at Vttoxater who afterwards coming to London became so prosperous a Mariner that he hath safely returned eleven times from the East-Indies and now peaceably enjoyeth what he painfully hath gotten living in or near Hartford at this present year 1660. Writers John Stafford a Franciscan born in Stafford wrote a Latine History of England about 1380. W. de Lichfield D. D. and Rector of All-hallowes the Great in Thames-street London a Learned and Godly Man wrote many Books one Entituled The complaint of God unto sinful men There were found in his Study after his death 3083 Sermons of his own Writing He dyed an 1447. and was buried in the Quire of his own Church Robert Whittington born at Lichfield was an indifferent but conceited Grammarian He coped with W. Lillie and others in comparison of whom he was but a crackling Thorn Since the Reformation Henry Stafford Baron of Stafford was Son to Edw. Duke of Buckingham beheaded under K. Hen. 8. The Barony descended unforfeited to this Henry placed here not as a trans but a Cis-Reformation-man for translating the Book of Dr. Fox Bishop of Hereford a favourer of Luther into English Of the difference of the Power Ecclesiastical and Secular He dyed 1558 some Months before the beginning of Q. Elizabeth Sampson Erderswik Esq born at Sandon of Ancient and Worshipful Extraction was a Gentleman accomplished with all Noble Qualities Affability Devotion and Learning Being a great Antiquary he began a description Eâ—tituled a View of Stafford-shire an 1â—93 which hath directed me in matters of difficulty relating to 〈◊〉 County He repaired and new glazed the Church of Sandon wherein he Erected a Monument for himself with his Statue in Stone and lyeth now Interred dying April 11 1603. Of him Mr. Cambden sayes Venerandae Antiquitatis fuit Cultor Maximus Thomas Allen descended from Allanus de Buckenhole Lord of Buckenhole in the Reign of Edw. 2. was bred in Glocester-Hall in Oxford a most excellent Mathematician where he succeeded to the skill and scandal of Frier Bacon as accounted a Conjurer He was much in favour with Robert Earl of Leicester His Writings are detained in some private hands He dyed towards the end of K. James Edward Leigh of Rushwel-Hall Esq alive wrote Critica Sacâ—a with many other worthy Works which will make his judicious Industry known to Posterity Elias Ashmole Esq alive born in Litchfield a great Antiquary Chymist Herauld Mathematician John Lightfoot D. D. alive hath deserved well of the Churches of England for his exact insight in Hebrew and Rabbinical Learning Romish Exile Writers W. Gifford an extract of the Family of Chillington was a man of much motion Being bred in Oxford he went over to Lovain where he became B. D. whence going to Paris he was highly prized by H. Duke of Guise who made him Arch-Bishop of Rhemes and the Cardinal his Brother who gave him a Pension of 200 Crowns a year He became afterwards Dean of St. Pet. the Isle in Rome then Rector of the University of Rhemes and at last a Benedictine at Delaware in Lorain He founded a Convent for English Monks at St. Mallower in France and another at Paris for those of the same Profession He was alive 1611. Benefactors to the Publick Sir Stephen Jennings Lord Mayor of London built a fair School at Wolver-Hampton Another being erected by Mr. Tho. Allen at Vtceter Martin Noel Esq born in Stafford bred Scrivener in London built and largely endowed an Hospital in the Town of his Nativity the first considerable Fabrick of that kind in this County Memorable Persons Tho. Tarlton born at Condover in Shropshire Here he was in the Field keeping his Fathers Swine when a Servant of Robert Earl of Leicester passing this way was so highly pleased with his odd Answers that he brought him to Court where he became the most famous Jester
most delicious place within a mile of Warwick he wrote the Antiquities of Warwick a Chronicle of the English Kings and a History of the two Universities He was as good at his Pensil as Pen being an excellent Limner He dyed 1491. Since the Reformation W. Perkins born at Marston bred Fellow of Christs-Colledge became Preacher of St. Andrew in Cambridge See of him in my Holy State He dyed 1602. Tho. Drax D. D. born at Stonely and bred in Christs-Colledge in Cambridge was a pious Man and an excellent Preacher He Translated all the Works of Mr. Perkins into Latine He was beneficed nigh Harwich in Essex and dyed 1616. The Family of the Drax flourished a long time at Wood-hall in York-shire and after various Changes hath recovered and encreased its former lustre in Sir James Drax who hath merited much of the English Nation in bringing the Sugars and other Commodities of the Barbadoes to their perfection William Shakespeare born at Stratford was in some sort a Compound of three eminent Poets viz. Martial Ovid and Plautus the Comedian The two first were Charactered in a Verse made by Queen Elizabeth coming into a Grammar School Persius a Crab-staff Bawdy Martial Ovid a fine VVag. Though the Genius of this our Poet was jocular he could be solemn and serious when occasion required as appears by his Tragedies so that He aclitus himself might afford to smile at his Comedies and Democritus scarce forbear to sigh at his Tragedies His Learning being very little Nature seems to have practised her best Rules in his production Many were the witty Combates betwixt him and Benjamin Johnson who like a Spanish Gallion was built far higher in Learning solid but slow in his performances whilst Shakespeare like an English Man of War less in bulk but lighter in Sailing could turn with all Tides tack about and take advantage of all Winds by the quickness of his wit and invention He dyed 16. and was buried at Stratford Michael Drayton born at Athelston was a pious Poet a Temperate man and a good natured Companion He changed his Laurel for a Crown of Glory 1631. and was buried in Westminster-Abbey Sir Fulke Grevil Knight Son to Sir Fulke Senior of Becham Court was bred in Cambridge He came to Court back'd with a fair Estate in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth He was a good Scholar and a great Friend to Learned Men Bishop Overal chiefly owed his preferment to him and Mr. Cambden tasted largely of his Liberality His Studies were most in Poetry and History as his works do witness King James created him Baron Brook of Beauchamp-Court as descended from the sole Daughter and Heir of Edward VVilloughby the last Lord Brook He was murdered 16. by a discontented servant who conceiving himself not soon or well enough rewarded first wounded his Master mortally and afterwards dispatched himself He lyeth buried in Warwick Church under a fair Monument whereon he is styled Servant to Queen Elizabeth Councellour to King James and Friend to Sir Philip Sidney dying unmarried his Barony descended on his Kinsman Robert Grevil Lord Brook Father to the Right Honourable Robert Lord Brook Nich. Byfield bred in Queens Colledge in Oxford entring into the Ministery was invited into Ireland But being wind-bound at Chester and having preached there with great approbation he was chosen Minister in the City being afterwards informed that his going over to Ireland would have been labour in vain He maintained the strict observation of the Lords day against Mr. Breerwood He was afterwards Minister of Isleworth in Middlesex where he Preached for 15 years together twice every Lords day and expounded Scripture every Wednesday and Fryday He dyed of the Stone in his Bladder which being taken out after his death was weighed and measured being 33 ounces and more in length 13 inches and above in measure about the breadth almost 13 inches and about the edge 15 and ½ Being of solid substance to look upon like Flint He was buried at Isleworth Philemon Holland bred in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge a Doctor in Physick and fixed himself in Coventry He was the Translator General of his Age of whom one saith Holland with his Translations doth so fill us He will not let Suetonius be Tranquillus Many of his Books he wrote with one Pen whereon he himself versifies With one sole Pen I writ this Book made of a Grey Goose Quill A Pen it was when I it took and a Pen I leave it still He Translated Cambden's Britannia with many excellent Additions and was himself Translated to a better Life 16 ... Francis Holyoake born at Whitacre was Minister of Southampton He set forth Rider's Dictionary and dyed 16 ... James Cranford born at Coventry and bred in Oxford was beneficed in Northampton-shire afterwards Minister of St. Christophers in London A learned and pious man and a painful Preacher of much Humility Moderation and Charity Having sadly sympathized with the Sufferings of Church and State he dyed 1657. Romish Exile Writers William Bishop Son probably to John a Protestant and Patron of Brails in this County went first to Rhemes then to Rome whence being sent back into England he was siezed on and committed by Secretary Walsingham to the Marshalsey After 3 years beâ—ng banished the Land he became a Doctor of Sorbon Afterwards he returned into England and for nine years laboured in the Popish Harvest And after another visit to his Holiness he returned to his Station till he was imprisoned at London At last being enlarged he went to Paris The Papists cry him up for a Glorious Confessor of the Popish Faith who if any goodness in him should also be a thankful Confessor of the Protestant Charity permitting him twice to depart Prison Benefactors to the Publick Hugh Clapton born at Stratford and bred a Mercer in London whereof he was Lord Mayor 1491. built at Stratford a stately and long Stone Bridge of many Arches over the â—von many other Charities he bestowed and deceased 1496. Since the Reformation Hales Esquire sounded and endowed a fair Grammar School in Coventry the Priory of which he had purchased from King Henry 8. Jo. Lord Harrington born at Combe-Abbey was no less Pious then Noble He began the Fashion of a diary wherein he registred his daily failings Being a wise Accomptant he used that method of Christian Arithmetick in numbering his dayes with such exactness that it seems he had but one day to account for and repent of before his death He was a most bountiful Benefactor to Sidney-Colledge He dyed in his prime and unmarried being the last Male of that Honourable Family as one complains by way of Anagram Johannes Dominus Harringtonius insignis erat Ah! Vnus Honor Domi. He left his two Sisters his Heirs Lucy Married to Edward Earl of Bedford and Anne who by Sir Robert Chichester had a Daughter Anne married to Thomas Earl of Elgin and Mother to Robert Lord Bruce who is at this day Heir apparent to no
Countries fail she plentifully feedeth them with Provision and is said to afford Corn enough to sustain all Wales Nor is she less happy in Cattle then Corn. II. Crogging Crogging The Original of this by word was in dayes of King Henry 2. who had many men slain by the Welsh at Croggen-Castle The English afterwards used it as a Provocative when they had the Welsh at an advantage It is now without cause uttered in disgrace of the Welsh though originally it was expressive of their Honour Prelates Guido de Mona that is of Anglesey was Bishop of St. Davids and Lord Treasurer of England under King Henry 4. though the Parliament moved that no Welshman should be a State Officer in England He dyed 1407. Arthur Bulkley Bishop of Bangor though bred Dr. of the Laws never read or forgot the Chapter de Sacrilegio for he spoyled the Bishoprick and sold the five Bells being so over-officious that he would go down to the Sea to see them Shipped He was suddenly deprived of his sight and dyed 1555. William Glyn D. D. bred in and Master of Queens-Colledge in Oxford was an 2. Mary preferred Bishop of Bangor An excellent Scholar being constant to his own and not cruel to opposite judgments he caused no persecution in his Diocess He dyed an 1. Elizabeth whose Brother Jeffrey Dr. of Laws built and endowed a Free School at Bangor Since the Reformation Rouland Merrick Dr. of Laws was born at Bodingan bred at Oxford where he became Principal of New-Inn-hall and afterwards a Dignitary in the Church of St. Davids He procured the imprisonment of Robert Ferrar his Diocesan in the dayes of King Edward 6. who was afterwards Martyred in the Reign of Queen Mary Mr. Merrick was Consecrated Bishop of Bangor an 2. Elizabeth 1559. He was Father to Sir Gilly Merrick Knight who lost his life for engaging with the Earl of Essex 1600. Lancelot Bulkley was born of a then Right Worshipful since Honourable Family one of whose fair Habitations is near Beumaris He was bred in Brazen-Nose-Colledge in Oxford and afterwards became first Arch-Deacon and then Arch-Bishop of Dublin October 3. 1619. Soon after he was made by King James one of his Privy Counsel in Ireland He dyed about 16. Seamen Madoc Son to Owen Gwineth ap Griffith ap Conan and Brother to Dav. Prince of North-Wales was born probably at Aberfraw then the principal Palace of their Royal residence He 1170. made a Voyage Westward and probably those names of Cape de Breton Norvinberg and Pengwin in part of the Northern America were Reliques of his discovery BRECKNOCK-SHIRE BRecknock-shire hath Radnor-shire on the North Cardigan and Carmarthen-shire on the West Glamorgan-shire on the South Hereford and Monmouth-shire on the East In length 28 and in breadth 20 miles The fruitfulness of the Vallies in this Shire maketh amends for the barrenness of the Mountains Brecknock the chief Town hereof doth at this present time afford the Title of an Earl to James Duke of Ormond the first that ever received that Dignity About 400 years since a Daughter of Gilb. and Maud Becket and Sister to Thomas Becket was by King Henry 2. bestowed in Marriage on one Butler an English Gentleman Him King Henry sent over into Ireland and endeavouring to expiate Beckets blood rewarded him with large Lands so that his Posterity were created Earls of Ormond In this County there is plenty of Otters in Brecknock Meer the Wool whereof is much used in making of Beavers As for Wonders 't is reported by Speed that Cloaks Hats and Staves cast down from the top of an Hill called Mouchy Denny or Cadier Arthur and the North-East Rocks would never fall but were with the air and wind still returned back and blown up again nor would any thing descend save a Stone or some metallin substance When the Meer Lynsavathan within two Miles of Brecknock hath her frozen Ice first broken it yields a thundering noyse and there is a Tradition that where that Meer spreadeth its waters stood a fair City till swallowed up by an Earthquake which is not improbable first because all the Highways of this County do lead thither secondly Ptolemy doth place in this Tract the City Loventrium which Mr. Cambden could not recover and therefore likely to be drown'd in this Pool the rather because Levenny is the name of the River running by it Saints St. Canoch Cadock Sons and Keyne Daughter to Braghan King builder and namer of Brecknock who had 24 Daughters all Saints though only St. Keyne survived flourished about 492. of whom St. Cadock is reported a Martyr and all had in high Veneration amongst the people of South-Wales St. Clintanke was King of Brecknock It happened that a Noble Virgin gave it out That she would never Marry any man except the said King who was so zealous a Christian A Pagan Souldier purposely to defeat her desire killed this King who left behind him the reputation of a Saint Prelates Giles de Bruse born at Brecknock was Son to William de Bruse Baron of Brecknock a prime Peer in his time This Giles became Bishop of Hereford and in the Civil Wars sided with the Nobility against King John on which account he was banished but at length returned and recovered the Kings favour His Paternal Honour and Inheritance was devolved upon him and from him after his death transmitted to his Brother Reginald who Married the Daughter of Leoline Prince of Wales His Effigies on his Tomb in Hereford Church holdeth a Steeple in his hand whence it is concluded that he built the Belfree of that Cathedral He dyed 1215. Since the Reformation Thomas Howel born at Nangamarch bred Fellow of Jesus-Colledge in Oxford became a most meek man and excellent Preacher His Sermons like the waters of Siloah did run softly gliding on with a smooth stream King Charles I. made him Bishop of Bristol He dyed 1646. leaving many Orphan Children behind him I have been told that the Honourable City of Bristol hath taken care for their comfortable Education Statesmen Henry Stafford Duke of Buckingham set up King Richard on the Throne endeavouring afterwards in vain to depose him the King compassing him into his clutches through the treachery of Humphrey Banister the Dukes own Servant the Sheriff siezing him in Shrop-shire where he was digging of a Ditch in a disguise He was beheaded at Sarisbury without any Legal Tryal 1484. Memorable Persons Nesta Daughter to Gruffin Prince of Wales and Wife to Bernard of Newmarch a Noble Norman and Lord by Conquest of this County was an Harlot to a young Gentleman Mahel her Son having got this Stallion into his hands used him very hardly wherewith Nesta being madded came into open Court and on her Oath before King Henry 2. publickly protested that Mahel was none of Newmarch his Son but begotten on her in Adultery This if true spake her dishonesty if false her perjury true or false her Peerless impudency Hereby she disinherited Mahel
hath a Steeple that groweth therein the Bell on a Yeugh-Tree and more Alehouses then Houses Barns c. being used for their Tipling Conventicles I mean good-fellowship Saints AMP. St. Thelian bred under Dubritius Bishop of Landaff was much envied for his Holiness by one of the Commanders of the Picts who harassed his Country That Bravo sent 2 lewd Strumpets supposing by their tempting tricks to entice this Holy Man These Women counterfieting madness whereby they might take the more liberty to themselves of filthy discourse returned distracted indeed not having understanding enough to relate the cause of their sad misfortunes which wrought so much on the Souldier that he received the Faith was Baptized and ever after had a great veneration for this our Saint who afterwards accompanied Sir Dav. Bishop of Menevia to Jerusalem and returning into his own Country by his fervent Prayers freed the same from the Plague wherewith it was then much infested He dyed February 9. about 563. Note that this County abounding with Sheep was not a little beholding to Ludwal their Prince who King Edgar imposing on him a yearly Tribute the presenting him with 300 Wolves did free this County from Wolves MONTGOMERY-SHIRE MOntgomery-shire hath Cardigan and Radnor-shire on the South Shrop-shire on the East Denbigh-shire on the North and Merioneth-shire on the West in this County are many high Hills and many delightful fruitful Vallies Montgomery is the chief Town of the County of which there never was any Earl until the Reign of King James who created Philip Herbert second Son to Henry Earl of Pembrook Baron Herbert of Shurland and Earl of Montgomery There are excellent Horses bred in this County Proverbs I. Y Tair Chiwiorydd In English the 3 Sisters whereby are meant the 3 Rivers of Wye Severn and Rhiddial arising all 3 in this County The Tradition is that these 3 Sisters were to run a race which should be first Married to the Ocean Severn and Wye having a great Journey to go chose their way through soft Meadows and kept on a Travellers pace whilst Rhiddial presuming on her short Journey staid before she went out and then to recover her lost time runs furiously in a distracted manner with her mad stream over all opposition It is applyable to children of the same Parents but of different dispositions and courses of lives so that their Cradles were not so near but their Coffins are as far asunder II. Pywys Paradwys Cymry That is Powis is the Paradise of Wales This Proverb referreth to Teliessen the Author thereof at what time Powis contained all that pleasant Land lying betwixt Wye and Severn III. Gwan di Bawlyn Hafren Hafren fydd hifel cynt That is fix thy Pale with intent to fence out his water in Severn Severn will be as before applyable to such who undertake projects above their power to perform Writers George Herbert born at Montgomery-Castle was bred Fellow in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge and Orator of the University where he made a Speech of the return of Prince Charles out of Spain Waving worldly preferment he served at Gods Altar So pious his Life that as he was a Copy of Primitive he might be a Pattern of Sanctity to Posterity He never mentioned the Name of Jesus but with this Addition my Master next God the Word he loved the Word of God being heard often to protest That he would not part with one leaf thereof for the whole World By his good Example he gained many to the Church He was Preacher at Bemmerton nigh Salisbury where he built a fair House for his Successor and Prebendary at Leighton founded in the Cathedral of Lincoln where he built a fair Church with the assistance of some Friends free Offerings When a Friend of his went about to comfort him with the remembrance thereof as a good work he returned it is a good work if sprinkled with the Blood of Christ He dyed 163. Whose Brother Edward Herbert Son to Sir Richard Herbert Esq and Susan Newport his Wife was born at Montgomery-Castle Knighted by King James who sent him over Ambassadour to France Afterwards King Charles I. created him Baron of Castle-Island in Ireland and some years after Baron Cherbury in this County He was a most excellent Artist and rare Linguist studied both in Books and Men. He wrote a Treatise of the Truth in French extant at this day with great Honour in the Pope's Vatican He Married the Daughter and sole Heir of Sir William Herbert of St. Julians in Monmouth-shire with whom he had a large inheritance both in England and Ireland He dyed in August 1648. and was buried in St. Giles in ths Fields London A fair Monument of his own invention was begun and almost finished in the Church of Montgomery Memorable Persons Hawis Gadarn a Lady of remark sole Daughter and Heir to Owen ap Gruffyth Prince of Powis Wenwinwin was justly Sirnamed Gadarn i. e. Hardy Her 4 Uncles Lhewelyn Jo. Griffith Vaughan and David detained her inheritance from her Give said they a Girl a little Gold and Marry her God and Nature made Land for men to manage Hereupon Hawis complained to King Edward 2. who commiserating her condition consigned his Servant John Charleton born at Apple in Shropshire a Vigorus Knight to Marry her creating him in her Right Baron of Powis Being assisted with the Kings Forces he took three of her Uncles Prisoners about 1320 brought the fourth to a Composition and finally recovered all his Wives Estate procuring also the Lands of her Uncles in default of their Issue Male to be setled on her Julines Herring was born at Flambere-Mayre 1582. His Ancestors for the space of almost 200 years had been in their course chief Officers of Coventry Julines was bred in Sidney-Colledge in Cambridge and became Preacher at Calk in Derby-shire Shrewsbury and Rendbury in Cheshire being one of a Pious Life but disaffected to Church Discipline he was prohibited his Preaching here and called over to Amsterdam where he continued Preacher to the English Congregation some years well respected and dyed 1644. MONMOUTH-SHIRE MOnmouth-shire may be called an English-Welsh County For whereas formerly all Welsh Counties sent but one Knight to Parliament this had the priviledge of two and it is not subject to the Welsh Jurisdiction but to the Governance of the itinerant Judges who ride Oxford Circuit As for Manufactures the best Caps were formerly made at Monmouth where the Cappers Chappel doth still remain The Statute of the 13th of Queen Elizabeth c. 19. Enacting that Caps should be worn by all persons was repealed an 39. Eliz. Princes Henry of Monmouth Son to King Henry 4. by Mary one of the Daughters and Heirs of Humfrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and whom he succeeded on the Throne being the fifth of that Name and began his Reign March 20. an 1413. Being extravagant in his Youth he had been by the King his Father expelled his Council substituting his younger Brother the Duke of