Topographie Againe euery part and place of the earth is considered either in it selfe according to its adiuncts In it selfe and so it is Continent Iland A Continent is a great quantitie of land in which many kingdomes and principalities are conioyned together none of them being separated from the rest by any Sea An Island quasi an eie of land called in Latine Insula quasi in salo is a part of land compassed and enuironed round about with waters of which Great Britaine and Iapan are the most spacious These againe are obseruable parts both of Continents and Islands Peninsula Isthmus Promontorium Peninsula quasi pene Insula is a tract of land which being compassed almost round with waters is ioyned by some little necke or Isthmus to the firme land as Peloponesus in Greece An Isthmus is a narrow peece of land which ioyneth the Peninsula to the Continent or greater Islands as the straights of Dariene and Corinth Promontorium is a high mountaine shooting it selfe much farther into the Sea than the Adiacent land The extremest point or nooke hereof is called a Cape as Cape-verde in Africa c. The adiuncts of a place are either such as respect the earth it selfe the heauens Those that agree to a place in respect of the earth are three in number viz. 1 The magnitude or extent of a Country 2 The bounds and limits 3 The qualitie 1 The magnitude comprehendeth the length and bredth of any place The length of a place is measured East and West what figure soeuer the place is of the bredth thereof North and South It is to be obserued that those places that are vnder the Aequinoctiall haue no bredth because that the measuring of latitude is begunne from this circle 2 The bounds of a Country is a line terminating it round about and distinguishing it from the bordering lands or waters 3 The qualitie of a place is the naturall temper and disposition thereof A place in regard of the heauens is either East West North. South Those places are properly said to be Northerne which lie betwixt the Aequinoctiall and the Arctick Pole Those Southerne which are betwixt the Aequinoctiall and the Antarcticke Pole Those places likewise are said to be Easterne which lie in the Easterne Haemisphaere terminated by the first Meridian which passeth thorow the Azores and those the Westerne which lie within the Haemisphaere which lieth Westernly of the same Meridian And thus much of the vniuersall Notions of Geography A TIPE OF ENGLAND OF ENGLAND THis farre famoused Kingdome is bordered on the North with Scotland on the South with the British Sea on the East with the German Ocean and on the West with the Hybernian Seas It is situate in the temperate Zâ—ne and eighth Climate watered with a multitude of Crystall streames Currents and Nauigable Riuers the banks whereof are crowned with Flowrie Meadowes the Meadowes replenished with abundance of Cattell and accosted with all manner of fertile fields of all manner of Corne and Graine and besides all these affords many other both Commodities and Rarities which hereafter are particularly expressed in their proper places This kingdome was first inhabited by some Colonies which transplanted themselues from the neighbouring coasts of France Lower Germanie as the affinity of their Language Policie Religion and Manners doe vnquestionably proue being the ofspring of Gomer of Iaphets progenie as their owne appellation doth witnesse calling themselues Komery who possessed and gouerned this Iland aboue one thousand yeares About fifty foure yeares before the Natiuitie of our Lord and Sauiour Iulius Caesar entred this land which within one hundred and fifty yeares after was subiugated by the Romans vnder whose commands they liued till the 430 yeare after Christ when the Roman Empire declining was forced to call home their Garrisons and hauing before exhausted the strength of this Kingdome left it a prey to the enemie whereupon the Picts assaulting this land thus disfurnished weakned they were compelled to craue the aid of the Saxons and Anglies a warlike nation inhabiting neare the confines of Denmarke who being ariued chased away their enemies and allured with the temperature fertilitie and pleasantnesse of the Country flowing in great numbers expelled the Britaines or Komeros that would not liue vnder their lawes and subiection and so held it till the yeare 1066. when William the Conquerour with his Normans subdued them whose successors haue continually enioyed it to this present time It was anciently diuided by the Romans into three parts Britanniam primam from the South parts to Trent Maximam Caesariensem from thence Northward and Britanniam secundam which we call Wales After by the Saxons it was diuided into an Heptarchie which at last reduced to a Monarchie was by Elfred diuided into Shires Wapentakes and Tithings with Iustices and Sheriffes appointed for ministring of iustice which partly confirmed partly altered by William the Conquerour was at last diuided into 39 Shires of the English with the addition of 13 of Wales In which are at this present two famous Vniuersities the Seminaries of vertue and learning 26 Bishopricks 641 Market Towees 186 Castles 9725 Parish Churches 555 Riuers 956 Bridges 13 Chases 68 Forests and 781 Parkes Tribunalls or Courts of iustice temporall nine viz. Parliament Starchamber Chancerie Kings Bench Exchequer Common pleas Court of Wards Admiraltie and Court of Requests besides Court Leet and Baron Spirituall seuen of Conuocation Synods Audience Arches Prerogatiue Faculties and Peculiar Iurisdictions Rankes of Nobilitie nine that is Dukes Marquesses Earles Viscounts Barons Baronets Knights Esquires and Gentlemen And of Inferiour Ranke or Communaltie three Yeomen Husbandmen and Tradesmen The Battells by Sea and Land since the Conquest fought by the Kings Nobilitie and Commons against forraine inuasions and Domestique and Intestine warres 76. The last and most Admirable being in the Chase of the Spanish Armado Ann. Dom. 1588. ¶ A Table containing the prouisions of the Spanish Armado against ENGLAND in Anno Domini 1588. and Anno ELIZ. REGINae XXX Leaders Prouinces aiding Galliasses and Gallions Ships and Hulks Pinaces and Carauals Great Ordnance Saylers Souldiers Galley-slaues D. Medina Sydonia Portugal 10 2  300 1300 3300  Diego de Mandranae Portugal 4   20 360  888 Io. Martynes de Richaldes Biscaâ— 10  4 250 700 2000  Michael de Oquendo Guiapusco 10  4 310 700 2000  Pedro de Valdez Andolozia 10  1 280 800 2400  Martyn de Vertendona Italie 10   310 800 2000  Diego Floris de Valdez Castile 14  2 380 1700 2400  Iohn Lopez de Medina Medina  23  400 700 3200  Hugo de Moncade Naples 4   200 460 870 1200 Antonio Buccade Mendoza  22  193 574 488  ESPECIALL NOTES worthy of obseruation 13 H. 1. The first Parliament was in Anno 1112 19 H. 2. Ireland was conquered in Anno 1172 4 Ioh. Normandy was lost by King Iohn and the title thereto
Shene Chertsey Newarke Rigate Merton Wauerley and diuers others And also 8. strong Castles at Brenchingley Goseford Guilford Farnham Rigate Darking Starburg and Addington but of most of them is nought now to be seene but heaps of old ruines This County is seated in a very delectable pleasant and wholesome aire and though it be not large and altogether so commodious as others for profit yet is it pleasurable and healthie yeelding sufficient store of corne fruit and pasture SURREY Middlesex THis County was so called for being seated betweene the East and West Saxons and is bounded on the East by the Riuer Lea where it butteth vpon Essex and on the West by Colne is diuided from Buâ—kingham The Thames parts Surrey from it on the South and Hartford-shire incloseth it on the North. The length from Stratford in the East to Moâ—ehall in the West containes of our English Miles 19. and the bredth from Hampton Court South to South-Mines in the North about 16. measuring the whole circumference about 90. Miles It is distinguished into these 7. Hundreds viz. Edmonton Osulslon Finnesbury Gâ—re Isâ—eworth Spelthorne and Elthorne in all which are contained 73. Parish Churches besides those in London This County though smaller in quantitie than many other is the chiefest of all the Land both for beauty and ability wherein are 2. Cities and is watered with the most famous Riuer of Thames being plentifully stored with Ships of great burthen which continually send out and bring in all manner of wealthy commodities for the abundant enriching of all these his Maiesties Dominions which Riuer carries her course all along the South side of the farre renowned and euer famous Citie of London which for antiquity hath almost worne out her Records yet we reade she was first called Troy-Nouant from Bruâ—e and Ludstone from King Lud by the Britans Londaine by the Saxons London Cearder and now by vs London It is the rich Seat and Royall Chamber of the English Kings whereto from all parts of the world are brought all sorts of commodious Merchandize Shee was first compassed with walls by the first Christian Emperour Constantine the Great wherein besides other passages are now built 7. most Magnificent Gates for entrance and in it with the Suburbs are contained 121. Churches besides the Cathedrall of Saint Paul which as by tradition is receiued was first the Temple of Diana This Cities graduation is 51. 32½ of Latitude and in Longitude 24. 27. It is diuided into 26. wards which by a Lord Maior two Sherifes and 26. Aldermen is most religiously in all good order gouerned In the time of King Iohn was the stone Bridge built ouer the Thames which for strength length bredth and beauty exceeds all others in the world Close adioyning to this London is the Citie of Westminster famous as well for the seats of Iustice as for the rich and stately Sepulchers of many Kings Queenes and other the Nobilitie of England But if I should insist any longer in the particular descriptions of these Cities I should exceed my limits and therefore generally for the County thus It is adorned with very many rich and magnificent edifices whereof 5. are his Maiesties princely Palaces The forme of this Shire is square-like The Aire delightfull pleasant and healthfull and the Soile rich and fruitfull yeelding great plenty of full Corne of all kindes anâ— fat Pasture in abundance MIDDLESSEX Kent THis County of Kent which by Ptolemy and diuers other Writers was called Cantium is bounded on the East with the Germane Sea on the West with Sussex and Surrey on the North with the Riuer of Thames and on the South with the narrow Seas and Sussex It runneth in length from Langley West to Ramsgate East about 53. Miles from Rother South vnto the Northern Isle of Graine about 26. Miles whereby the whole circuit containeth much vpon 160. Miles It is diuided into 5. Lathes and they into 66. Hundreds wherein are counted 398. Parish Churches The Inland of it is watered with 11. faire Riuers ouer which is passage by 14. Bridges and diuers of them are nauigable whereof Medwey which diuideth the Shire in two parts is principall It is fortified with 27. Castles and hath in it 2. Cities 2. Bishops Seas and for commerce and traffique 24. Market Townes bâ—ing besides garnished and fairely adorned with diuers stately and sumptuous buildings whereof 8. of them are his Maiesties Houses The chiefest Citie is Canterbury which is the Metrapolitan and Archbishops Sea It was built 900. yeares before the birth of our Sauiour as we read in the ancient Brittish Histories but afterwaâ—d it became most famous by Austen the Monke his conuerting the Saxons to Christianity and for the Cathedrall Church wherein is the Tombe of Thomas of Becket which in the time of Idolatrie became infinitely rich by superstitious offerings In it was King Iohn with Queene Isabel his wife crowned King Henry the 3. maried and Henry the 4. buried Henry the 3. granted it afterwards priuiledges and Charters Richard the 2. fortified and entrenched it and Archbishop Sudbury walled it The graduation for Latitude being there 50. 18. and the Longitude 25. 41. This Shire is well stored with faire Hauens for ships some of them being strongly fortified as Winchelsey Rumney Sandwich and Douer which with the Castle there is accounted the Locke and Key of the Realme The Inhabitants of this County doe account themselues the freest of any other in England because they were neuer conquered but by Conquering Williâ—m were compounded withall The Christian faith was first planted in this County and as ancient Records doe testifie the fiâ—st Church dedicated to the seruice of Christ was founded in Douer Castle by Lucius the first Christian King of the Brittaines In this Shire haue beene seated 23. Religious Houses which now by time are conuerted to Ruines The Aire of this County is temperate and healthfull though sometimes mist-clouded with vapours from the Sea The East side of the Shire is Hilly but the West more plaine euen wooddy yeelding generally great store of all profitable commodities but is most remarkable for Broad cloths fruits and feedings for Cattell KENT Sussex THis Shire which of vs is called Sussex was written by the Saxons Suthrex sâ—gnifying as if it were their South Kingdome in the time of their Heptarchie It is confined on the North with Surrey and Kent on the West with Hampshire the Brittish Seas ingirting both the East and South It is formed long and narrow stretching in length from West-harting in the West to the Ditch that diuides it from Kent called Kent Ditch 64. Miles but where it is broadest it containes not aboue 20. making the compasse of it about 158. Miles This Shire diuideth it selfe into 6 Rapes viz. Chichester Arundell Bramber Lewes Peuenscy and Hastings and euery of these haue seuerall Hundreds an cunting in all to the number of 65. which containe in them 312. Parish Churches Industrious Mr. Speed also
the broadest betweene Tong in the East and Oswestre West 25 making the whole circumference to containe about 134 miles The diuision of this County is shared into 15 Hundreds whose subdiuision into Parishes is 170. It is well watered with 18 Riuers which haue 13 large Bridges for passage And in this Shire are found 7 Forests and 27 Parks In 14 Market Townes haue the Inhabitants commerce and traffique wherof that of most note is the ancient Shire-Towne of Shrewsbury which is both large and wealthie containing many faire Streets adorned with beautifull buildings wherein are many rich and wealthie Inhabitants who honestly attaine thereto by their trading for the most part in Wools Cloth and Freese It is strongly walled hauing a Bulwarke descending from the Castle to the side of Seuerre on the North banke whereof is the Towne most pleasantly situate and for passage on the East and West sides are built two faire Bridges of stone and another entrance on the North ouer which stands the ruinous remainder of the old Castle The gouernment of this Towne is committed to two annually elected Bailiffes with 24 Burgesses and a Recorder The height of the Pole is here 52. 49. and the Longitude 21. 38. This County in times past hath beene much troubled with many grieuous broiles which caused the Inhabitants to fortifie themselues with diuers walled Townes and 32 strong Castles whereof now most of them are vtterly decayed but that at Ludlow was made by King Henry the Seuenth the Court of his eldest Palace for the Lord President who with diuers Counsellors a Secretary Atturney Sollicitor and foure Iustices of the Welch Counties he appointed in their Termes to plead heare and determine of causes Neere Clune Castle in this Shire is yet remaining the Fort of Caraâ—tacâ—â— a Prince of the Sâ—lures about the yeere of our Lord 53 which was won by P. Ostorius the Româ—n In which Towne of Clune amongst other memorable passages I saw a Pardon for one Iohn Clune Esquire seruant to King Henry the Eighth for reseruation of his name and bloud who accidentally slew one of the Burgesses thereof in the Church-yard which Pardon was granted and signed by Pope Iulian the second and was shewed to mee by mâ— good friend Master Edmund Clunâ— the sonne of Maurice Clunâ— of the same House and Familie â—â— eally descending The Aâ—re in this County is both healthfull and pleasant the Soâ—le rich and fertile yâ—â—lding Wheat Barly Pit-cole Iron and Woods in abundance SHROPSHIRE Hereford-shire THis County which wee call Hereford-shire was named by the Britaines Ereinuc It is bordered vpon on the North with Worcester and Shropshires on the South with Monmouth-shire on the East it is diuided from Glocester-shire by Maluerne Hills and the West is bounded by Brecknock and Radnor-shires The forme of it is circular containing in length from Maluerne Hills on the East to Michael Church West about 26 miles and in bredth from Lanruthell South to Ouer Sapie North 24 miles causing the whole circumference to amount to 102 miles or thereabouts It is diuided into 11 Hundreds and those are subdiuided into 176 Parishes It containes one Citie one Bishopricke thirteene Riuers passable by eleuen Bridges one Chase two Forests and eighteene Parks And for commerce and trade the Inhabitants haue eight Market Townes whereof the principall is the Citie of Hereford which worthy M. Camden is of opinion to haue sprung from the ruines of old Ariconium but is delectably seated amongst pleasant Medowes and plentifull Corne-fields and almost round about encircled with the Riuer of Wye and another on the North side whose name is not knowne It grew first famous for the supposed sanctitie of King Ethelbert who was there entombed after he had beene murthered by King Offaes wife when he came to wooe her daughter and in honour of him did Mildred a petty King of that County build the Cathedrall Church which afterward was consumed by fire but reedified by Bishop Reiuelin and the Towne inclosed in a wall with six Gates and fifteene Towers and is ciuilly gouerned by a Maior yeerely elected out of 13. Citizens and his Brethren whereof foure of the ancientest are Iustices of Peace and a Recorder The Latitude being there 52. 7. ½ and the Longitude 21. 50. In this Citie King Athelstane as Malmesbury reports caused the Lords of Wales to pay an annuall Tribute besides Hawkes and Hounds of twenty pounds of Gold and 300 pounds of Siluer by weight The ancient Inhabitants of this County were the Silures a fierce hardy and valiant people as appeares by their nine yeeres opposition to the Romans And afterwards the Saxons made this County a part of their Mercian Kingdome and Sutton was their Royall Court kept of their great King Offa. Before the Conquest this County was accounted vvith those of Wales against England but when it was ioyned to the English with diuers Castles was it fortified against the Welch for wee reade that in times past it hath beene strengthned with 28 strong and faire Castles most of which are now low buried in the heapes of their owne ruines Of remarkable things in this Shire the Spring called Bone Well neere Richards Castle is famous for Fish-bones and no Fish which though it be cleerely cleansed thereof will shortly after be furnished afresh with the like But the great wonder was the admirable motion of Marcley Hill containing about 26 acres within our owne memorie Anno 1571 which with a great noise remoued it selfe from its owne place and went continually for three dayes together carrying with it sheepe in their coats hedge-rowes and trees and ouerthrowing Kinnaston Chapell and diuers trees turning two high waies neere 100 yards from their vsuall Road and bearing the earth before it the space of 400 yards With very many Religious Houses hath this Shire beene adorned but in the time of King Henry the Eighth were vtterly ruinated as many others in all other Counties The Aire is here pleasent healthfull and temperate and the Soile as fertile and fruitfull as any other in England yeelding Corne Cattell Wooll Wheat and almost all other necessary commodities for the vse of the Inhabitants HEREFORD SHIRE Radnor-shire RAdnor-shire in the British Sire Maiseueth being in forme threesquare is on the South side separated from Brecknok-shire by the Riuer Wy on the North it bordereth vpon Montgomery-shire on the South-east vpon Hereford-shire The East and South parts of this Shire be farre more fruitfull than the rest It hath in it two and fiftie Parishes and three Townes of note the principall whereof is Radnor in British Maiseueth which in times past was firmely fenced with a wall but after that Owen Glendowre had burnt it it began to grow to decay It is probable that this Maiseueth or Radnor was that ancient Citie Magi which Antonine the Emperour calleth Magnos where the Gouernour of the Pacensian Regiment lay in garrison vnder the Lieu-tenant of Britaine in the reigne of Theodosius the younger for