same vnto them knowing well that if thou accept not the place the king will immediately thrust in some vnwoorthy stranger to their great gréefe and the no lesse dishonor of Almighty God I adiure thée therefore by the bloud of Iesus Christ that thou be content to put thy necke vnder this yoke and to imploy thy talent according to the occasion offered Perswaded thus with much adoo atlast he yéelded The king very readily allowing their choice he was consecrate at Glocester in the church of Saint Oswald by the Archbishop of Yorke Iune 9. 1241. in the presence of the king the Quéene many prelates and other personages of honor He was not more vnwilling to take this honorable burthen then ready and desirous to leaue the same The yéere 1249. he obtained licence of the Pope to resigne this his Bishopricke and about Candlemasse indeede gaue it ouer reseruing onely vnto himselfe for his maintenance during his life thrée Mannors with the appurtenances Houeden Stocton and Esington His successor began a little to wrangle with him about that reseruation but could not infringe it After he had liued a priuate life the space of eight yeeres giuing himselfe altogether to prayer and contemplation about the beginning of February 1257. he departed this world at Stocton He that is desirous to read more of this man in Matthew Paris he shall find often mention of him viz. pag. 768. where he telles how by his meanes especially the king was content to receiue into fauor Walter Marshall to giue him the Earledome of his brother lately deceased againe pag. 988. he maketh a large report of a great controuersie betwéene him and the Abbot of Saint Albones and lastly pag. 848. an incredible tale of his miraculous recouery being desperately sicke of a dropsie ioined with other diseases He lyeth buried in the Cathedrall Church of Durham which together with 〈◊〉 Melscomb Prior he couered with a new roofe the yéere 1242. 38. Walter de Kirkham NO sooner had Nicolas Farnham resigned but the king was in hand with the monks to elect for successor Ethelmare his owne halfe brother They would in no sort condiscend to this request but told him plainely yet in as good tearmes as they could deuise how that his brother was such a one as they could not with a safe conscience commit so great a charge vnto him being as yet very yong and not indued with any competency of learning The king answered that he would keepe the temporalties eight or nine yéeres in his hands and by that time quoth he he will be 〈◊〉 ynough He was not as good as his word for I 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 Walter de Kirkham was consecrate the yéere following 〈◊〉 that place almost eleuen yéeres and died 1260. 39. Robert Stitchell RObert Stitchell succéeded the same yéere He founded the hospitall of Gritham The king had seased vpon all the lands of Simon Mountford Earle of Leicester wheresoeuer But whereas he had something of good value in the Bishopricke of Durham this Bishop chalenged it as due vnto him by the Earles attainder and at last recouering it from the king by law imploied it in the erection of that hospitall He sate fowerteene yeeres and died August 4. 1274. 40. Robert de Insula ANother Robert obtained the place after him Robert de 〈◊〉 He continued in the same nine yéeres and dying Iune 13. 1283. was buried in the Chapterhouse at Durham where he is couered with a stone very curiously wrought 41. Antony Beake BEfore the end of that yéere it séemeth Antony Beake was inuested in the Bishopricke of Durham in which he so flourished as Cardinall 〈◊〉 excepted neuer I thinke any either of his prdecessors or successors came neere him He was woonderfull rich not onely in ready mony but in lands also and temporall renenues For he might dispend yeerely besides that which belonged to his Myter 5000. markes Much of that he had of the Lord 〈◊〉 who thinking so to conueigh it vnto his base sonne 〈◊〉 for that he had no other issue passed it ouer to this Bishop in trust which trust men say he neuer answered The Quéenes house at Eltham was part of that land He built the house and gaue it vnto Elianor Quéene to king Edward the first as also the castle of Sourton beside Yorke vnto the king which likewise he built A man now of this extraordinary welth must not content himselfe with ordinary titles Therefore he procured the Pope to make him Patriarke of Hierusalem and obtained of the king the principality of the Isle of Man which he held during his life The yeere 1294. being Embassador to the Emperor the Archbishop of Yorke Iohn Roman vpon what quarrell I know not excommunicated him It cost him 4000. markes fine and his life in the end He died as it is thought for sorrow See more in Yorke Great sturres there were betweene this man and his couent of Durham He informed the Pope that the Prior there was a 〈◊〉 simple and vnsufficient man to rule that house and procured the gouernment thereof for all matters both spirituall and temporall to be committed vnto him Hereupon he sent certaine officers to execute in his name that new obtained authority which when they came to the monastery were shut out of the gates and not suffred to enter The monkes appealed vnto the Pope and alleaged that the king also had required the hearing of these controuersies betweene the Prior and the Bishop This notwithstanding the Bishops officers made no more adoo but excommunicated Prior Monkes and all for not obeying their authority immediately Herewith the king greatly offended caused these officers to be fined and summoned the Bishop himselfe to appeare before him at a day appointed before which time he gotte him to Rome neuer acquainting the King with his determination The King therefore seised into his hand the Bishops liberties and appointed a new Chauncellor new Iustices and other officers He writ also vnto the Pope in fauor of the Prior who deliuering the 〈◊〉 letters himselfe was adiudged a sober and discrete man whatsoeuer the Bishop had reported of him So he was restored to his place againe but died before he could get home During the time of the Bishops disgrace amongst many other things wherein the liberties of the Bishopricke were 〈◊〉 it is specially to be remembred that the king tooke from him diuers Castles and lands forfait vnto him by Iohn 〈◊〉 king of the Scots and other but 〈◊〉 Beaumout one of his successors recouered them againe by Law These broyles ended he gaue himselfe very much to building The Auncient mannor place at Arkland he did 〈◊〉 He built the great Hall there in which are diuers pillers of blacke marble speckled with white the great Chamber likewise and many other roomes adioyning He also erected that same goodly Chappell there and placed in the same a Deane and Prebendaries alotting the quadrant in the West side of the Castle built likewise by him for their
depriuation of Stephen Gardiner Iohn Poynet Doctor of 〈◊〉 a kentish man borne consecrate Bishop of Rochester April 3. 1549. was translated to Winchester Quéene Mary hauing attained the crown he well knew there was no liuing for him in Englād and therfore fled the realme died at Strausburg in Germany Aprill 11. 1556. being scarce forty yéeres of age A man of great learning whereof he left diuers testimonies in writing workes yet extant both in Latine and English beside the Gréeke and Latin he was very well séene in the Italian and Dutch toong and an excellent Mathematician He gaue vnto king Henry the eight a dyall of his owne 〈◊〉 she wing not onely the hower of the day but also the day of the moneth the signe of the sonne the planetary hower yea the change of the moone the ebbing and flowing of the sea with diuers other things as strange to the great woonder of the king and his owne no lesse commendation He was preferred 〈◊〉 by king Edward in regard of certaine excellent sermons preached before him 61. Iohn White AFter the death of Stephen Gardiner Iohn White Doctor of Diuinity was translated from Lincolne He was borne in the Dioces of Winchester and was Warden of Winchester colledge till he was made Bishop of Lincolne Small time he enioyed his new honor being depriued by parliament in the beginning of her Maiestie that now raigneth 62. Robert Horne IAnuary 16. 1560. Robert Horne borne in the Bishopricke of Durham and in king Edwards daies Deane of the Church of Durham comming then newly out of Germany where he liued all Quéene Maries daies was consecrate Bishop of Winchester He sate well néere twenty yéeres but that and what else I haue to say of him let his Epitaphe declare He lieth vnder a flat marble stone neere the pulpit in the body of the church whereon I finde engrauen these wordes Robertus Horne theologiae doctor eximius quondam Christi causa exul deinde Episcopus Winton pie obijt in Domino Iun. 1. 1580. Episcopatus sui anno 19. 63. Iohn Watson SOone after his death it pleased her Maiestie to bestow the Bishopricke vpon Iohn Watson He lieth buried ouer against his predecessor on the other side of the body of the Church hauing these wordes engrauen vpon the marble stone that couereth him D. Ioannes Watson huius eccclesiae Winton Praebendarius Decanus ac deinde Episcopus 〈◊〉 pater vir optimus praecipue erga inopes 〈◊〉 obijt in Domino Ianuar. 23. anno aetatis suae 63. Episcopatus 4. 1583. 64. Thomas Cooper THomas Cooper Doctor of Diuinity succéeded him being translated from Lincolne He was consecrate Bishop there February 24. 1570. and before that was Deane of Christchurch in Oxford In the Bishopricke of Winchester he continued ten yéeres and departed this life Aprill 29 1594. A man from whose prayses I can hardly temper my pen but I am determined to say nothing of those men whose memory is yet so fresh my reason I haue else where set downe 65. William Wickham HE that succéeded him in Lincolne succéeded him in the Sée of Winchester also William Wickham whose very name I reuerence in memory of William Wickham his famous and woorthy predecessor No Bishop of Winchester euer enioyed that honor so short a time he was translated about our Lady day in the beginning of the yéere 1595. and died of the stone in the bladder or some like disease the 12. day of June following at Winchester house in Southwarke hauing not made water in fowertéene daies before 66. William Day VVIlliam Day Deane of Windsor and 〈◊〉 of Eaton colledge succéeded and holding this place little longer then his predecessor died a few daies before Michaelmas day 1596. 67. Thomas Bilson THomas Bilson Doctor of Diuinity and Warden of Winchester became Bishop of Worceter the yéere 1595. and staying there not past two yéeres was translated to Winchester where he yet liueth The Bishopricke of Winchester is valued in the Queenes bookes at 2491 l. 9 s. 8 d. ob and paid to the Pope for first fruits 12000. ducats The Bishops of Ely SAint Etheldred of whom the Cathedrall Church of Ely hath his name was the daughter of Anna King of the East Augles She was twise maried First vnto Tombert Prince of the South Angles who gaue her the Isle of Ely to her Dower And then he diyng within thrée yéeres to Egfrid king of Northumberland With him she liued twelue yéeres and at last left him and all the pomp and pleasure she might haue liued in to serue God in such sort as she thought was most acceptable vnto him She betooke her vnto her Isle of Ely and whereas Ethelbert king of Kent had long before viz. ann 607. built a Church there by the counsell of Saint Augustine she reedified the same and much increased it the yéere 677. and by the counsell of Wilfrid Archbishop of Yorke but not without the helpe of Aldulph her brother king of the East Angles conuerted it into a Monastery of Nunnes whereof she her selfe became Abbesse This Monastery was vnder her Sexbing 〈◊〉 Werburg and other Abbesses 183. yéeres vntill it was destroyed by Pagans Inguar and Hubba the yéere 890. It lay then waste a great while In the end certaine secular Priests to the number of eight began to inhabite there but were displaced by Ethelwald Bishop of Winchester who bought the whole Island of King Edgar and by his authority placed in their roomes an Abbot and monkes vnto whom he procured many great and notable priuileges Brithnod Prouost of Winchester was appointed the first Abbot ann 970. He is said to haue béene murthered by Elsticha the Quéene of King Edilred causing bodkins to be thrust into his arme holes because like an vnhappy Actaeon he had séene her in a certaine wood busie about sorcery Elfsius was the second Abbot Leofsinus the third Leofricus the fourth and another Leofsinus the 〈◊〉 He by the Kings consent let out the farmes of the monastery in such sort as they should finde the house prouision all the yéere Shalford payed 2. wéekes prouision Stableford 1. Littleberry 2. Triplaw 2. Hawkston 1. Newton 1. Melburne 2. Grantsden 2. Toften 1. Cotnam 1. Wellingham 1. Ditton 2. Horningsey 2. Stenchworth 2. Balsam 2. Cathenho 4. daies prouision and Swansham 3. Spaldwich 2. wéekes prouision Somersham 2. Blunsham 1. Colne 1. Hortherst 1. Drinkston 1. Katsden 2. Hackam 2. Berking 2. Néeding 1. Wederingseat 1. Breckham 2. Pulham 2. Thorp and Dirham 2. Norwald 2. and Feltwell 2. Merham was appointed to carry the rent to a certaine Church in Norfolke and there to intertaine commers and goers to or from the Monastery Wilfricus the sixt Abbot bought the mannor of Bereham for 25. marks of gold In the time of Thurstan the seuenth Abbot the Isle was held by many of the olde Saxon nobility against King William the Conquerer He therefore by the counsell of Walter Bishop of Hereford and other gaue all the Church goods and lands
and died of the palsey at Somersham vpon Saint Paules day Ianuary 25. 1336. He 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a monument of Alabaster that was somtimes a very stately and goodly building but now shamefully defaced as are also al other monuments of the church It standeth east from the lesse Altar in the middle but to the west end of the presbytery 17. Simon Mountacute ABout the middle of March after his death Pope Ben. the 11. translated 〈◊〉 Monntacute from Worcester where he had sate thrée yéeres vnto Ely He began the building of that beautifull Lady Chappell on the north side of the Church and bestowed an infinite deale of mony vpon the same but could not finish it being preuented by death Iohn de 〈◊〉 a monke of Ely as I remember continued that worke and much deale by the contribution of well disposed people ended it at last It is said that in digging thereabout he found a 〈◊〉 of treasure which serued to pay the worke mens wages a great while This Bishop holding his place here little aboue seuen yeeres departed from it and the world June 20. 1344. and was buried in the Chappell afore mentioned 18. Thomas Lysle ALan de Walsingham prior of Ely being then chosen Bishop his election was disanulled and pronounced voide by the pope Clement 5. who 〈◊〉 potestatis without any more adoe thrust into his place Thomas Lysle or Lyld a frier preacher and caused him to be consecrate at Auinion in the moneth of July 1344. He was a doctor of diuinity brought vp in Cambridge and much estéemed for his learning He preached often with great 〈◊〉 and writ diuers works mentioned by Bale Within a 〈◊〉 or two before his death he endured great trouble and 〈◊〉 by the meanes of Blanch Wake 〈◊〉 Marshall the circumstance whereof it shall not be amisse briefly to set downe This Lady had certaine lands néere vnto one or 〈◊〉 of the Bishops houses by reason of which neighbourhoode many controuersies daily arose betwéene them concerning bounds and other such like matters The Bishop was a rough and plaine man hardly brooking such indignities as it is likely a woman of that nobilitie rich and néere of 〈◊〉 vnto the king would be ready enough to offer By reason héereof the Lady conceiued a deadly and inueterate 〈◊〉 against him for wreaking whereof she awaited this 〈◊〉 The Pope at the request of the king or rather the blacke prince his sonne had suffred one Robert 〈◊〉 to be consecrate Bishop of Lichfield a man in many respects very vnwoorthy of that honour This good Bishop was not afraide like another Iohn Baptist to steppe vnto the king and reprehend him for it which he taking very tenderly commanded him in great displeasure to 〈◊〉 his presence The Lady before named thinking it now a fitte time to deale with the Bishop commenced a sute against him the ground and colour whereof was this Certaine lewde persons had fired some housing belonging to the Countesse and being apprehended were content to accuse the Bishop as accessary to this foule fact Whereupon before euer the Bishop heard any thing of the matter at the instance of the Lady and commandement of the king a Nisi prius passed against him and adiudged him to the paiment of 900. l. which presently he was 〈◊〉 to lay downe But estéeming more the discredife then the 〈◊〉 neuer ceased to importune the king till he obtained licence of him to call the Jury and witnesses to a reckoning of their doings The time being come when the matter was to be determined in the 〈◊〉 at Huntington the Countesse 〈◊〉 a meanes to hinder the Bishops procéedings by corrupting the officers who denied him the copie of the former iudgement without which nothing could be done Being much gréeued héerewith he went vnto the king and complained how he was oppressed requesting him as he was the guide and life of the law so he would direct the same according to iustce and not sée him so ouerborne This his speeche was deliuered in somewhat more rough tearmes then beséemed him as the king tooke it at leastwise who making the worst of it accused him to the parliament then assembled Some things the king laid to his charge he denied and extenuated the rest what he might But the king affirmed euery thing vpon his honor and made some mention of witnesses who then durst but take this proofe for good So he was condemned by parliament and this punishment laid vpon him that hereafter he should neuer presume to come in the kings presence Not long after this it happened that his seruants méeting with certaine of the Countesses men in a 〈◊〉 one of her men were slaine Of this murther the Bishop is by and by déemed an accessarie and howsoeuer he knew himselfe giltlesse fearing the successe of this matter would proue but as his other sutes had done he sold all his mooueable goods put the mony into the hands of his trusty friends and hid himselfe It might not serue his turne being absent he was found guiltie by inquest and his temporalties seised into the kings hands Séeing therefore now the woorst as he thought he was content vpon safe conduct to appéere before the king and there desired to be tried by his péeres Whether his request in that point were satisfied or no I cannot tell But certaine it is that by the kings owne mouth sentence was pronounced against him For it was the manner in those daies the king should determine causes of great waight sitting himselfe in open court The matter being growen to this passe he called vpon the Archbishop of Canterbury to 〈◊〉 him such aide as the priuileges of the Church affoorded him he expected belike that he should by force strong arme rescue him in such sort as Adam Tarlton Bishop of Hereford being accused of treason in the daies of this kings father was violently taken from the barre by the Archbishop that then was and other Bishops But this king Edward the 3. was no babe well enough they knew he would take no such iest therefore they aduised him to submit himselfe vnto the kings mercy That he vtterly refused to do and hauing no other hope of succour tooke the benefite of his safeconduct tanquam ad anchoram sacram 〈◊〉 vnto the Pope for helpe and acquainted him with all the circumstances of his trouble from the beginning vnto the end Hereupon his accusers were cited to appéere in the Popes courte and for not 〈◊〉 were excommunicate The Bishop of Lincolne was commanded to denounce this excommunication which he did vnto his great trouble and also that if any of the excommunicate were dead he should cause them to be digged out of their graues and forbid them buriall in holy earth This 〈◊〉 dealing of the Pope mooued the king vnto great 〈◊〉 for diuers of those that were excommunicate were persons of no small account some of them of his priuy 〈◊〉 Proclamation therefore was made throughout the realme that vpon
since his time in honour of him doo beare his coate of armes as the coate of their See viz. G. 3. leopards heads ieasant 3. Flower-deluces O. 45. Richard de Swinfield succéeded Doctor of Diuinity a Kentish man borne a very eloquent man and a great preather He was consecrate March 7. following sate 34. yéeres and died March 15. 1316. He lieth buried on the North side of the North I le aboue the quier as an Elogium witnesseth engrauen vpon a marble that couereth his toombe 46. Adam d'Orleton Doctor of Law borne in Hereford was consecrate September 26. 1317. In the moneth of October 1327. he was translated to Worceter and after that to Winchester Sée Winchester 47. Thomas Charlton Doctor of Lawe and Cannon of Yorke was consecrate by the Popes commandement October 18. 1327 The yéere 1329. he was for a while Treasurer of England He sate 16. yéeres and died Ianuary 11. 1343. He hath a reasonable faire toombe in the North wall of the North crosse I le ouer against the clocke 48. Iohn Trillecke sate 16. yéeres and a halfe 49. Lewes Sherlton or Charlton sate 8. yéeres and died the yéere 1369. He lieth in a faire monument in the North wall of the South I le aboue the quier 50. William Courtney consecrate 1369. sate 5. yéeres 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to London 1375. and afterwards 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 51. Iohn Gilbert Bishop of 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him in 〈◊〉 The yeere 1385. he was sent Ambassador into 〈◊〉 1286. he was made Treasurer of England 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1389. as one deliuereth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is 〈◊〉 he was translated to Saint 〈◊〉 about the 〈◊〉 of the yéere 1389. 52. Iohn 〈◊〉 or Trefrant a Cannon of Saint 〈◊〉 one of the Auditors of the 〈◊〉 in Rome became Bishop of Hereford the yéere 1389. The 〈◊〉 1400. he was sent ambassador to Rome to informe the Pope of the title of 〈◊〉 Henry the fourth 〈◊〉 the crowne He sate Bishop about 〈◊〉 yéeres and a 〈◊〉 died 1404. and lieth buried 〈◊〉 the South wall of the South crosse 〈◊〉 where we sée a faire and costly monument erected for him 53. Robert Mascall being yet very yoong became a 〈◊〉 Carmelite at Ludlow After that he went to Oxford where he so 〈◊〉 in learning and other vertues as he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of all 〈◊〉 King Henry the fourth 〈◊〉 choice of him for his Confessor and 〈◊〉 meanes to preferre him vnto the 〈◊〉 of Hereford He built the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of the white 〈◊〉 at London 〈◊〉 many rich 〈◊〉 vnto that house died there December 21. 1417. and there was 〈◊〉 in a goodly monument of 〈◊〉 He was often Ambassador vnto 〈◊〉 Princes and the yéere 1415. was sent to the Counsell of 〈◊〉 with two other Bishops 54. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Doctor of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 béene 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1420. Sée 〈◊〉 55. Thomas 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was consecrate 1420. 〈◊〉 Bishop 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yéere and thrée 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 was remooued first to 〈◊〉 after that to 〈◊〉 Sée Worceter 56. Thomas 〈◊〉 Abbot of Saint Maries in Yorke 〈◊〉 Bishop 〈◊〉 26. yéeres 57. Richard Beauchamp hauing 〈◊〉 here two yéeres 〈◊〉 thrée moneths was 〈◊〉 to Salisbury an 1450. 58. Reynold Butler Abbot of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 two yeeres and a halfe and was translated to 〈◊〉 April 3. 〈◊〉 59. Iohn Stanbery was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 brought 〈◊〉 in the Uniuersity of Oxford where he proceeded doctor of 〈◊〉 and read the Lecture of that faculty King Henry the sixt called him thence to be the first Prouost of his new 〈◊〉 colledge at 〈◊〉 and moreouer made him this Confessor The yéere 1446. he was elected Bishop of Norwich But 〈◊〉 de la Poole Duke of Suffolke thrust in a chaplaine of his owne notwithstanding this election and so disappointed him Shortly after to wit the yeere 1448. the king found meanes to preferre him to Bangor and fiue yeeres after that to Hereford where he sate one and twenty yeeres He died at Ludlow in the house of the Carmelites May 11. 1474. and was buried in his owne church vpon the North side of the high altar in a too 〈◊〉 be of alabaster A man not only very learned whereof he left many monuments in writing but very wise exceeding well spoken and which is not to be omitted tall of stature and of a very comely presence But I 〈◊〉 his greatest commendation his constant and vnmooueable fidelity vnto his Prince for which being taken prisoner at the battle of Northampton 1460 he was committed to the castle of Warwicke and lay in durance 〈◊〉 long time Upon his toombe are fixed these barbarous verses 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tetra 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Stanbery 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ioannis Doctoralis erat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 o Christe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sordem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bene sedem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mors 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 trux 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Anno M. C. 〈◊〉 L. X. 〈◊〉 bino 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Qui legis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pro 〈◊〉 benigna Vt sint absque mora 〈◊〉 sibigaudia digna 60. Thomas Myllyng being yet very yoong became a 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and then went to Oxford where he 〈◊〉 till he became Doctor of Diuinity hauing in the meane time attayned good knowledge in the Gréeke 〈◊〉 which in those daies was geason Returning then to Westminster he was made Abbot there and shortly after 〈◊〉 vnto the Bishopricke of Hereford by king Edward the fourth vnder whom he was of the priuy counsell and was godfather vnto Prince Edward his eldest sonne He died the yéere 1493. and lieth buried at Westminster in the middle of the chappel of Saint Iohn Baptist where against the North wall there is a fleight monument erected in memory of him 61. Edmund Audeley Bishop of Rochester was 〈◊〉 to Hereford 1493. and thence to Salisbury 1502. Sée Salisbury 62. Hadrian de Castello consecrate 1502. was made 〈◊〉 the next yéere and then translated to Welles 1504. Sée Welles 63. Richard Mayo Chauncellour and Archdeacon of Oxford as also President of Magdalene colledge there for the space of 27. yéeres and Almoner vnto king Henry the 7. the yere 1501. was sent Ambassador into Spaine to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Ladie Katherine to be married vnto Prince Arthur Not long after his returne thence to wit the yéere 1504. he was 〈◊〉 vnto the Bishopricke of 〈◊〉 which he held eleuen yéeres and somewhat more He deceased Aprill 18. 1516. and was buried on the South side of the high altar where there is a goodly toombe erected in memory of him 64. Charles Boothe Doctor of Diuinity Archdeacon of Buckingham and Chauncellour of the Marches of Wales was consecrate 1516. He bestowed great cost in repayring his house at London and sate eighteene yéeres and fiue moneths He lieth entoombed in the North wall of the body of his church 65. Edward Foxe Doctor of Diuinity and 〈◊〉 vnto king Henry the eight was brought vp in Kings
little contribution of the Uniuersity It was begun the yeere 1470. and quite 〈◊〉 1476. Hauing beene at Lincolne nine yéeres he was translated to Yorke and enioyed that honor twenty yeeres lacking one quarter In which time he did many notable things worthy memory At 〈◊〉 where he was borne he founded a colledge by the name of Jesus colledge for a Prouost that should be a preacher fiue priests sixe choristers and thrée schoolemasters one for Grammar one for song and another for writing He finished Lincolne colledge in Oxford left very vnperfect by Bishop Fleming the first founder and added fiue fellowships vnto the same beside those seuen which the founder had ordayned He gaue to the church of Yorke 〈…〉 of that which king Edward had taken away In divers of his houses he built much at White Hall which then belonged to the Bishops of Yorke he built the great kitchin at Southwell the pantry bakehouse and new chambers adioyning to the riâ—â—ers and at Thorp the pantry bakehouâ—â— and chambers on the 〈…〉 He was very carefulll to 〈◊〉 those which either for good seruice or 〈◊〉 might 〈…〉 he greatly 〈…〉 He died of the plagueâ— May 29. 1500. at 〈◊〉 being 76. yeeres of age and was buried in the 〈…〉 of our Lady chappell in a marble tombe which himselfe caused to be built in his life-time 55. Thomas Sauage HIs next 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 was also but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishop of Rochester 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to London the yéere 1493. and soone after Thomas Rotherams death 〈◊〉 Yorke This man was a Gentleman 〈◊〉 and as I take it a knights sonne Not preferred for any 〈◊〉 great learning yet he was a doctor of Law but as it should seeme in regard of seruice He spent his time in a manner altogether either in temporall businesses being a great courtier or else in hunting wherewith he was 〈◊〉 sonablie 〈◊〉 He built much at 〈◊〉 and Scroby and maintained a great number of goodly 〈◊〉 fellowes to attend him Before his time it was alwaies the custome that the Archbishop at his installation should make a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and sumptuous 〈◊〉 This 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a little money 〈◊〉 brake and 〈◊〉 his installation by a deputie in secret manner Hauing béene 7. yéere 〈◊〉 he died at 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 order that his body should be buried at 〈◊〉 but his hart at 〈◊〉 in Cheshire inhere he was borne in a chappell of his owne building which he 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but death 〈◊〉 him 56. Christopher Bambridg CHristopher Bambridge succéeded He was a gentleman likewise of an auncient house borne neere Appleby in 〈◊〉 a doctor of both Lawes first Master of the Rolles then Deane of Yorke consecrate Bishop of Durham in the beginning of the yeere 1507. and the next yeere was translated to Yorke Being Embassador from king Henry the 8. to the Pope the yéere 1510. he was made Cardinall at Rome in the moneth of March. Whether he staied there so long or made a second iorney thither I cannot tell But certaine it is that being there the yeere 1514. hée was poisoned by one Rinaldo de Modena an Italian priest his steward vpon malice and displeasure conceaued for a blow his Master gaue him as the said Rinaldo being executed for that fact confessed at the time of his death So P. Iouius reporteth He died July 14 and was buried there in the church belonging to the English house dedicated to the holy Trinitie 57. Thomas Woolsey THat famous Cardinall Thomas Woolsey of whom we are next to discourse was borne in Ipswich being the sonne of a poore man and as I haue often heard a butcher He was sent to Oxford very yoong was brought vp there in Magdalene Colledge He was first schoolemaster of the Grammer schoole belonging to Magdalene Colledge and preferred to a Benefice in Somersetshire called Lymmyngton by the Marques Dorset vnto whose sonnes he had beene Tutor in Oxford Being there Sir Amyas Pawlet a knight of that country did him a great disgrace setting him in the stocks vpon what occasion I know not Of that iniurie the knight much repented him afterward at what time this poore scholler being aduanced to the high honor of Lorde Chauncellor not onely rebuked him sharpely in words as there was great cause but also made him daunce attendance 5. or 6. yéeres in London vntill by great sute he obtained license of departure His Lord and Patrone the Marques dying he sawe 〈◊〉 without all likelihood of further preferment especially if he should settle himselfe vpon his 〈◊〉 Leauing it therefore and determining to seeke some 〈◊〉 fortune abroad in the world he happened to be entertained of an ancient 〈◊〉 called 〈◊〉 Iohn Naphaunt who 〈◊〉 an office of importance in Callis wherein being very 〈◊〉 himselfe he altogether 〈◊〉 this Woolsey his chaplaine vntill such time as weary of it in regard of his owne weaknesse and impotencie he gaue it ouer But mindfull of 〈◊〉 chaplaines good seruice he 〈◊〉 left him till he had 〈◊〉 meanes to 〈◊〉 him the kings chaplaine Now was 〈◊〉 where he would be Many times he was 〈◊〉 to say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 heard if he could once set but one 〈◊〉 in the Court 〈◊〉 would not doubt but attaine what he 〈◊〉 And to speake but the truth it was not onely his good fortune that exalted 〈◊〉 to that 〈◊〉 greatnesse but much deale his owne 〈◊〉 and many extraordinarie parts in him He was maruellous wittie well learned faire spoken and passing cunning in winning the harts of those whose fauor he affected The first thing he endeuored being now a courtier was 〈◊〉 make himselfe knowne vnto such as were néerest about the king and the man he specially followed was Richard 〈◊〉 Bishop of Winchester vpon whose councell he sawe the 〈◊〉 did most relie He soone perceiued what was in Woolsey at a time wheÌ„ the king bethought him of some witty 〈◊〉 to dispatch certaine affaires with the Emperor mentioned him as a fitte man The king vpon his commendation sent for this chaplaine and committed the busines vnto him The Emperor lay then in the Low Countries whether 〈◊〉 Woolsey made such haste winde and weather fauouring him as within lesse then 4. daies after his dispatch he was backe at the court againe hauing ordered all the kings businesses to his contentment By this time the king sawe 〈◊〉 to be a man méete for imploiment and determined 〈◊〉 to vse him It was not long then before he 〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉 the Deanrie of Lincolne and a little before his death 〈◊〉 him Almoner That wise and excellent Prince being taken away he soone crept so farre into the fauor of the yoong 〈◊〉 as he made him one of his priuie Counsell In which place he so applied himselfe to the 〈◊〉 humor as in short time he possessed him altogether 〈◊〉 very 〈◊〉 and well spoken the rest of that Counsel vsed him many times as their 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 their determinations vnto the king He then hauing this oportunity of perceiuing
they were it was said they were of Deira God grant saith he they may be De ira dei eruti deliuered from the wrath of God and made partaker of his mercies by Christ. Hée procéeded yet further and asked how the king of that countrey was called vnderstanding his name was Elle Alleluia quoth he must néedes be sung in those parts in praise of almightie God Not long after then this good man being made Pope hée tooke especiall care of sending preachers into this land for the conuersion of the same Yet it is not to be denied and it appéereth manifestly by the letters of Saint Gregory himselfe vnto the king and Quéene of France that this care of his was much stirred vp by the forwardnes of some good Saxons that complained vnto him of the negligence of the French priestes who being so néere would neuer take any course for the planting of Christianitie amongst them and therefore praied him that he would send preachers thither He did so made choice of one Augustine a monke of greater vertue then learning vnto whom he appointed fortie other that shoulde accompanie and aide him in this holy worke Being now well onward on their way they enquired of the state of the countrey and manners of the people vnto whom they went and vnderstoode so much of their barbarous and fierce rudenes as they in a manner all vtterly renounced procéeding any farther in the voyage and as it were compelled Augustine to poste backe to Rome there to craue licence of returne Saint Gregorie much grieued with this 〈◊〉 writ his letters vnto them wherein hé vsed many reasons to perswade them in any wise to goe forward whereunto at last they yéelded They arriued at the Iste of Thanet in Kent the yéere 596. nowe iust a thousand yéeres agoe The king of that countrie his name was Ethelbert intertained them with all curtesie the rather as it is to be supposed by the persuasion of his wife Berta that was a Christian There was néere vnto the citie of Canterburie a church built of old by the Romaines and dedicated vnto S. Martin in which the Quéene was woont to pray with Lethardus her Bishop There these men were allowed to preach pray baptise and vse all maner of exercise pertaining to Christian religion The king himselfe all this while gaue them maintenance came often to heare them and at last being throughly conuerted tooke on him the badge of Christ by baptisme all his people quickly following his example He then also appointed vnto Augustine and his companions a house at Stablegate and allotted competent reuenues vnto the same The matter being thus far forward Augustine stept into France and caused himselfe there to be consecrated Archbishop of England by Etherius Archbishop of Arles Presently vpon his returne thence he sent two of his companie vnto Rome Laurence and Peter to aduertise the Pope of their good successe By them when they returned he sent Augustine a pall bookes church-ornaments and other necessaries He sent also presently vnto the king and writ diuers letters some gratulatorie to the king some vnto Augustine exhorting him to diligence in his calling and to take héede least the miracles which God wrought by him for the conuersion of this people should make him proud and lastly others vnto the Archbishop of Arles to thanke him for his good aide and assistance yéelded to these men in this businesse In the meane time Augustine had obtained of the king another church in the midst of the citie built likewise heretofore by the Romaines and dedicated the same vnto our Sauiour Christ. Soone after this good king gaue vnto him also his owne palace and chiefe seate of his kingdome remoouing himselfe vnto Rheaculf called by the Romaines Regulbium now 〈◊〉 And lastly he laid the foundation of a goodly monasterie which he dedicated to S. Peter and S. Paule knowen afterwards by the name of S. Augustines These things being thus ordered he indeuoured to make a concord and agréement betwéene the Saxons and the Welchmen who differed from the Romane church in two things the manner of baptizing and the time of the obseruation of Easter Much paines he tooke to persuade them yea wrought a myracle by healing a blinde man for confirmation of his doctrine as you may read in Beda his Eccl. 〈◊〉 lib. 2. cap. 2. But they woulde by no meanes consent to any such vnion much lesse yéeld any kinde of subiection to that authoritie which he claimed to haue ouer all this Island He gaue not ouer with one repulse but when at the first he could not preuaile he procured a second conference at what time there met him seuen Britaine Bishops and a great number of monks especially of that famous monasterie of Bannachor a place not farre from Chester wherein there liued by the labour of their owne hands 2000. monks These men before they came to the place of meeting appointed thought good to aske the counsell of a certaine Anehorite whom they reputed for a very holie and deuout man and to know of him whether he thought it best for them to yeeld to the directions of Saint Augustine He aduised them if hee were a man of God to take the course he shewed and to follow the same And when they asked how they should discerne whether he were such a one or no he pronounced this saying of our Sauiour Take my yoke vpon you and learne of me for I am meeke and humble of hart If therefore this same Augustine be a méeke and humble minded man it is a great presumption that he beareth the yoke of Christ and offereth the same vnto you But if he be stout and proud he is not of God you may be bold This therefore saith he is my aduire haue a care that he and his companie be first in the place where you meete If then you being the greater number he rise not to doe you reuerence but despise you despise you also him and his counsell Augustine therefore first entered the place with his banner and his crosse with singing procession and great pompe and when the Britayne Bishops came in neuer rose or saluted them at all This they taking verie ill gainsaid him in euery thing told him that as his opinions were allowed by Gregory so had theirs long since by Eleutherius both Bishops of Rome that they had an Archbishop then commorant at Caerlegion him they would obey and none other especially such a one as he was a man vnknowne and a stranger not onely for his person and language but much more for his opinions and strange conceits Augustine much displeased with this short answere prayed them to yéeld vnto him but in thrée things to minister Baptisme and obserue Easter according to the Roman maner to assist him in preaching Christ vnto the Saxons But when they vtterly denied to ioyne with them in any sort he denounced against them the iudgements of God for this 〈◊〉 and assured them
confidently as saith Beda of some great calamitie shortly to fall vpon their nation that they which would not haue peace with their brethren should haue warre with their enimies and should finde death by their swords vnto whom they refused to preach the way of life It came to passe according to his prediction that Edelfride king of Northumbers a Pagan Saxon came against them shortly after with a huge armie ouerthrew them in battaile and slew besides an infinite number of souldiers and men of armes a great many monkes to the number of 1200. that were gathered togither there to fight by praier onely fiftie persons saued themselues by flight Soone after this battaile which some say Augustine liued not to sée he died hauing béene Archbishop 16. yéeres to wit May 25. which day is dedicated to his memorie in our Kalender the yéere 611. or as some deliuer ann 605. He was a man of excéeding tall stature well fauoured and of a very 〈◊〉 countenance His body at first was buried without doores néere the church of his monasterie because the church was not yet finished but afterwards was remooued into the north porch of the said church in which place all the bodies of the Archbishops following were laid vntill Theodore who was first buried in the church because the porch was full Upon the tombe of this our apostle was engrauen this epitaph Hic requiescit Diuus Augustinus Dorobernensis Archiepiscopus qui olim huc a Beato Gregorio Romanae vrbis Pontifice directus a Deo operatione 〈◊〉 suffultus Ethelbertum Regem gentem illius ab Idolorum cultu ad fidem Christi perdoxit Héere resteth the body of S. Augustine the first Archbishop of Dorobernia that was sent into this land by Saint Gregory Bishop of the citie of Rome approoued of God by the working of miracles and that brought Ethelbert the king and his people from the worshipping of idols vnto the faith of Christ. 2. Laurence SAint Augustine before his death had appointed to succéede him one Laurence a Romaine borne a very godly and well learned man He tooke great paines not onely with his owne charge but also in labouring to reduce the Britons of Wales the Scots and Irishmen to one consent in matters of religion It is likely his diligence might haue done good but that he was disturbed by the death of that good king Ethelbert Eadbald his sonne succeeded him in the kingdome who being a vitious yong man was not ashamed to marrie the wife of his late deceased father This and other enormities when Laurence like a good Iohn Baptist doubted not to reprehend him for he first began to fall out with him and afterwards euen with Christian religion which awhile he seemed to like of well inough but now at last vtterly renounced The people as commonly it commeth to passe following the example of their king they likewise returned to the filthie vomite of their abominable idolatrie although the Archbishop like a good Pastor ceased not by earnest exhortations and what other meanes possibly he might to stay them from this horrible relapse Perceiuing at last that his words did no good but rather incited the king to a more desperate hatred of him and religion He determined to follow Mellitus and Iustus into France that as anon you shall haue occasion to reade were lately banished by the wicked sonnes of good Sebert king of the East Saxons The night before the day of his intended departure he caused his bed to be made in the very church of his monasterie where after many teares and sighes he recommended vnto God the miserable state of his poore church and so sel sléepe It seemed vnto him saith Beda that S. Peter came vnto him and first expostulated the matter with him after chid and reprehended him sharply 〈◊〉 purposing to forsake the church committed vnto him and lastly whipped his naked body so terribly as when he waked finding it more then a dreame all his body was gore blood He went immediately vnto the king shewing him his wounds and togither related vnto him the occasion of them This strooke such a terror into the king as by and by he renounced his idols put away his incestuous wife caused himselfe to be baptised and for a farther testimonie and assurance of his vnfained conuersion builded a church in the monastery of S. Peter and dedicated the same vnto the blessed Uirgine Laurence very ioyful of this alteratiō sent presently for Mellitus and 〈◊〉 into France who comming vnto him one of them Iustus Bishop of Rochester he returned vnto his old charge the other he retained with him hoping to finde meanes he also might be restored to his Sée againe In the meane time euen the same yéere that king Eadbald became a Christian himselfe I meane Laurence died and was buried beside Augustine his predecessor 3. Mellitus AT what time the Britaines refused to ioine with Augustine in preaching of Christ he writ vnto S. Gregorie certifying him that the haruest here was great but the labourers very few and therefore requested him to appoint some that might assist him in this worke of the Lord. He did so and sent vnto him Mellitus an Abbot of Rome Iustus Paulinus Rufinianus and others who arriued in England the yéere 601. To leaue the rest vnto their owne places Mellitus about thrée yéeres after was consecrate by him Bishop of London where king Ethelbert built a goodly church and dedicated the same vnto S. Paul The fourth yéere of his consecration he went to Rome to conferre with Boniface the Pope about diuers things and was by him honourably intertained A yeere or two after his returne died both Ethelbert king of Kent and 〈◊〉 that vnder him ruled the East Saxons vnto whose iurisdiction London appertained This Sebert left behinde him thrée wicked sonnes that being neuer baptised came notwithstanding one day vnto the church at Communion time and asked the Bishop what he meant that he deliuered not of that same fine bread vnto them as he was woont to doe vnto their father Saba and did yet vnto the rest of the people He answered that if they would be washed in the water of life as he was and the rest of the people there present then would he 〈◊〉 vnto them of this bread also but otherwise neither was it lawfull for him to deliuer nor them to receiue it This notwithstanding they would haue enforced him and when they could not preuatle were so enraged as they expelled him their dominion hardly holding their hands from doing him violence at that time He being thus exiled went first vnto Laurence the Archbishop of Canterburie and finding him in little better case then himselfe was at London departed into France together with Iustus Bishop of Rochester Being sent for soone after by Laurence as aboue said it happened the same yeere that the said Laurence died and he was appointed to succeede him He was a man of great birth but of greater minde excéeding
otherwise called Cadwyn and Scadwyn He was borne in Mercia A man verie religious and no lesse learned Soone after his consecration there arose a great controuersie betwéene him and the Archbishop of Yorke about the Primacie Wherein Tatwyn preuailed hauing trauailed to Rome in person and receaued his Pall there He sate thrée yéeres died July 30. 734. and was buried at Canterburie Unto this mans time Beda who died the same yéere deduceth his historie the most ancient that England hath woorthie credite 10. Nothelinus HEnry Huntingdon affirmeth one Egbright to haue succéeded Tatwyn I haue not found him mentioned else where and therefore to follow the report of the greater number I will omit him and passe vnto Nothelin He was borne at London of which citie he was Bishop till he was translated to Canterburie Beda acknowledgeth himselfe much beholding to this man for diuers things which vpon his report he inserted into his Ecclesiasticall storie He receaued his Pall at Rome ann 736. and was buried at Canterburie 11. Cuthbert or Cudbrict CVthbert an Englishman of great parentage being Bishop of Hereford the yéere 742. was translated to Canterburie Fiue yéeres after to wit 747. by the counsell of Boniface Bishop of Mentz he called a conuocation at Cliff beside Rochester to reforme the manifold enormities wherewith the Church of England at that time was ouergrowen Our kings forsaking the companie of their owne wiues in those daies delighted altogether in harlots which were for the most part Nunnes Regis ad exemplum totus componitur orbis The rest of the nobilitie therefore following their example trode also the same trace The Bishops also and other of the cleargie that should haue béene a meanes of reforming these faults in others were themselues no lesse faultie spending their times either in contentions and brabbles or else in luxurie and voluptuousnesse hauing no care of studie and seldome or neuer preaching Whereby it came to passe that the whole land was ouerwhelmed with a most darke and palpable mist of ignorance and polluted with all kinde of wickednesse and impietie in all kinde of people Cuthbert therfore endeuouring like a good Pastor by the reformation of these things to turne away the wrath of God which séemed to hang ouer this land and to threaten those plagues which shortly after fell vpon it when the Danes inuaded the same gathered together his cleargie at the place before mentioned and there after long consultation caused certaine Canons to be decréed which are to be séene at large elsewhere This man procured Eadbert king of Kent to command that the bodies of Archbishops deceased hereafter should not be buried at S. Augustines as heretofore but at Christchurch And that he might put his monkes of Christ church as it were in possession of this priuilege he tooke order his death should be concealed vntill his funerals were ended He died ann 758. and was buried according to his owne desire in Christchurch or as one reporteth in a little church néere adioyning which he had built and dedicated vnto S. Iohn Baptist meaning to settle his consistorie there and to make it a place of buriall for himselfe and his successors This church many yéeres after was consumed with fire together with Christchurch it selfe and a great part of the monasterie Christchurch was afterward reedified by Lanfranke 12. Bregwyn BRegwyn was borne of noble parentage amongst the Saxons of Germany whence he trauailed into England for the encrease of knowledge being yet verie yoong After the death of Cuthbert in regard of his modesty integritie and great learning choice was made of him as the fittest man to succéede He tooke euen the like course for his buriall as his predecessour had done He sate onely 3. yéeres 13. Lambert THe monks of S. Augustines taking it very hainously to haue the buriall of their Archbishops discontinued from them began to make their complaint vnto the Pope Now though Christchurch-men had no great reason to doubt of the Pope who had confirmed vnto them this priuilege at the sute of Bregwyn yet to make the matter the more sure they determined to elect Lambert Abbot of Saint Augustines for their Archbishop assuring themselues hée would now be as carnest a defender of their liberties as he had héeretofore béene an oppugner in the behalfe of S. Augustins and so indéed he prooued In his time Offa king of Merria erected a new Archbishopricke at Lichfield and obtained of the Pope authoritie for Eadulfus Bishop there to gouerne the Diocesses of Worcester Legecester Siuancester Hereford Helmhant and Dunwich So that Canterburie had left vnto him for his prouince onely these London Winchester Rochester and Sherborne Some say that Lambert consented vnto this alteration others report that he spared no cost to reduce things to their old estate He sate manie yéeres and perceauing his end to approch tooke order to bée buried in Saint Augustines infringing by that meanes the graunts and priuileges of the monks of Christ-church obtained for the buriall of the Archbishops amongst them He was very honorablie enterred in the Chapter-house of Saint Augustines 14. Athelard or Edelred AThelard was first Abbot of Malmesbury then Bishop of Winchester and lastly made Archbishop an 793. Offa soone after this being dead together with his sonne Egfride Athelard made earnest sute vnto Kenulfe the sonne of Cuthbert then king of Mercia that he would restore vnto the Sée of Canterbury the reuenues and iurisdiction taken from it wrongfully by Offa Hereunto Kenulfus without much adoe readily assented as also Leo the third that was then Pope He sate about an eight or nine yéeres and dying the yéere 806. was buried in Christ church to the great discontentment of the monks of S. Angustines 15. Wlfred VVLfred being a monke of Christchurch in Canterbury was made Archbishop at Rome by Leo the third Except this that the ninth yéere after his consecration he went to Rome about some businesse of his church not recorded I finde no other action of his reported He was buried at Canterburie in his owne church 16. Theologild ALittle while after Wlfred Theologild or Fleogild sometimes Abbot of Canterburie was Archbishop and dying was buried also in Christchurch One named Syred succéeded him but being taken away before he had full possession is not reckoned amongst the Archbishops 17. Celnoth CElnoth that is said to haue béene Deane of the church of Canterburie succéeded Theologild and continued Archb. 38. yéeres His time was excéeding troublesome by reason of the continuall inuasions of the Danes yet no memorie remaineth of any action of his in so long space of so memorable a time He lieth buried in Christchurch in Canterburie 18. Athelredus AThelredus a great diuine sometimes a monke of Christ church in Canterburie and then Bishop of Winchester was Archbishop after Celnoth 18. yéeres In his time all the monasteries of England were destroied by the Danes so as for the space of 90. yéeres after monkerie ceased throughout the realme yea in the
North parts there was not séene any either monke or nunne in two hundred yéeres after viz. vntill about the middle of the raigne of William Conqueror Maried priests euery where inhabited monasteries whence for a long time after with much adoe they were hardly remooued This Athelredus as in a manner all his successors was buried in his church of Christ in Canterburie 19. Plegmund PLegmund the most excellent learned man of his time was borne in the kingdome of Mercia In his youth he first dedicated himselfe vnto a solitarie life and liued an eremite in the Island of Chester which of him as it should séeme was woont to be called Plegmundsham He was taken thence to teach Alfred that was afterward king of England Being chosen Archbishop he trauailed to Rome in person and was there consecrate Soone after his returne to requite belike the curtesie he had found there he tooke great paines in collecting the almes of al men wel disposed through the land which the king sent together with much treasure of his owne vnto the Pope by Athelmus Bishop of Winchester appointing a certaine portion of the same to be conueied vnto Ierusalem Marianus then Pope a little before had gratified the king diuers waies He had granted immunitie of tribute vnto the Saxons schoole at Rome and sent sundrie presents vnto him namely amongst other things a péece of the crosse vpon which our Sauiour was thought to haue suffered death By this contribution his kindnesse was sufficiently requited The most memorable action of this Archbishop is that the yéere 905. he consecrated seuen Bishops in one day By reason of continuall warres all the prouince of the West Saxons had béene without any Bishop seuen yéeres Which Formosus the Pope imputing vnto the negligence of the king sent out an excommunication against him He therfore caused Plegmund the Archbishop to call a conuocation wherein it was ordered that the country of the Gewisses which till that time had but two Bishops one at Winchester another at Shirburne should hereafter haue fiue viz. besides the Sées before named Welles in Sommersetshire Criditon in Deuonshire and Saint Petrocks in Cornwall Unto Winchester was appointed Frithstan to Shirburne Wolstan to Criditon 〈◊〉 and to Saint Petrocks Athelstan Moreouer at the same time were consecrate with them Burnegus Bishop of the South Saxons and Kenulsus Bishop of Dorchester Plegmund sate Archbishop 26. yéeres and dying ann 915. was buried in his owne church 20. Athelmus AThelm that had béene Abbot of Glastonburie and as before is mentioned was appointed the first Bishop of Wels was chosen to succéed Plegmund in Canterburie William of Malmesbury saith that this Archbishop laide the first foundation of the Abbey of Malmesburie but it séemeth to be more ancient then so He sate nine yéeres died ann 924. and was buried with his predecessors 21. Wlfelmus VVLfelm succéeded Athelm first in Wels and then afterwards in Canterburie also He continued there ten yéeres and died ann 934. 22. Odo Seuerus ODo was 〈◊〉 in the countrey of the 〈◊〉 Angles His 〈◊〉 were Danes of great wealth and nobilitis but 〈◊〉 and vtter enimies of Christ and Christian religion insomuch as they disinherited their sonne Odo for kéeping companie with Christians He therefore forsaking his country betooke himselfe to the seruice of a noble man in the court of king Edward the elder named Ethelelm who perceiuing in him a great forwardnesse and excellencie of wit set him to schoole where he profited excéedingly He was not baptised till he was come euen vnto mans estate Soone after his baptisme by the counsel of his Lord and Master he entred into orders and became a Deacon in which office he continued preaching very painfully vntill at last he was made priest Some report that he serued in the wars some while vnder king Edward before he became a cleargie man and it is not vnlikely For after he was Bishop he was thrise in the field did his prince notable seruice He was preferred to the Bishopricke of Wiltshire the Sée whereof was then seated at ramsbury by the special fauour of king Athelston the yéere 920. King Athelston being dead Edmund his brother that succéeded fauouring him no lesse then his brother had done vpon the death of Wlfhelm procured him to be chosen Archbishop A great while Odo refused because he was no monke to take that charge vpon him saying that neuer any man had held that place hetherto but he was a monke Therein he was deceiued For Nothelmus and two or thrée other before him were secular priests not monks But he resolute in this errour and loath to breake the dance was perswaded first to become a monke of Floriake in France and that done accepted of the election He continued Archbishop 24. yéeres in great fauour and authoritie vnder diuers princes Edmund Edward Athelstan and Eadred Towards the latter end of his time Edwyn a yoong Gentleman obtained the crowne with whom he had very ill agréement He caused him to be diuorced from his Quéene some say for consanguinity some alleage other reasons He excommunicated his concubines and causing one of them whom the king doted vnreasonably vpon to be fetcht out of the court by violence burnt her in the forehead with a hot yron banished her into Ireland These things exasperated the king much against him But he was taken away by death soone after and so deliuered from al feare of the kings displeasure He was buried on the south side of the high alter in a tombe built somewhat after the forme of a Pyramis I take it to be the tombe of ieate standing in the grate néere the steps that lead vp to S. Thomas chappell After his death which hapned the yéere 958. Elsinus Bishop of Winchester that could neuer brooke Odo in his life time by bribery corrupt meanes obtained election vnto Canterbury and comming thither spurned at his tombe despitefully vsing these spéeches now at last quoth he thou art dead old dotard and much against thy will hast left thy place vnto a man woorthier of it then thy selfe Our stories report that the next night Odo appéered vnto him in his sléepe threatning a spéedie and fearefull vengeance of this insolency According vnto which prediction it fell out that trauailing to Rome for his pall vpon the Alpes he was so oppressed with cold as he was constrained to put his féete wherewith he had so contumeliously disgraced his deceased predecessor into the bellies of his horses yet at last to die for cold Brithelm Bishop of Wels was then chosen Archbishop a vertuous and méeke man but not very fit for gouernment In regard whereof king Edgar intreated him and he easily condiscended to abide still at his old charge 23. Dunstan VVIth the approbation of all men Dunstan Bishop of London was then elected to this Metropoliticall Sée Of whom I know not how to write that which is deliuered of him is so infinite But I will hold my selfe
which being deliuered he departed into voluntarie exile and bewailed there the miserie of his country vntill such time as king Swanus being dead and Ethelred returning all troubles were appcased So it pleased God to suffer him at last to end his daies in peace the yéere 1020. when he had béene Archbishop about seuen yéeres 29. Agelnothus alias Aethelnotus AGelnothus surnamed The Good was the sonne of an Earle called Agelmare and is said to haue beene Deane of Christchurch in Canterbury which at that time was replenished for the most part with canons wearing the habite and garments of monks but in profession and manner of life differing much from them Therefore when as in that same terrible tithing of the Danes mentioned in the life of Elphege all the monks were slaine except onely fower the canons that were now the greater number gaue vnto their gouernour the name of Deane From this place Agelnoth was taken to be Archbishop Going to Rome to fetch his pall he bought as one reporteth an arme of that blessed father Saint Augustine Bishop of Hippo for an hundred talents of siluer and bestowed it vpon the church of Couentry He sustained great paines and cost in repairing his church and monastery destroied and burnt by the Danes and by his good aduise directed king Knute that fauoured him excéedingly vnto many honourable enterprises He died at last hauing sate Archbishop 17. yéeres and vpward October 29. anno 1038. 30. Eadsin EAdsin was a seculer priest and first chapleine vnto king Harold who preferred him to the Bishopricke of Winchester Thence he was remooued to Canterbury soone after the death of Agelnoth He continued Archbishop almost 12. yéeres All which time he was so oppressed with sicknesse as he could not attend his pastoral charge but was faine to commit the same to another and he made choice of one 〈◊〉 Abbot of Abingdon whom he termed sometimes Vicarium 〈◊〉 sometimes 〈◊〉 and sometimes Archiepiscopi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He discharged not his duty according to the trust reposed in him for he abused much not onely his authoritie but also the goods yea and person also of the Archbishop that committed the same vnto him In regard whereof though 〈◊〉 besought the king and other about him very earnestly that he might succéede him not knowing belike how ill he was vsed so well as they yet they would not condescend thereunto but bestowed vpon him the Bishopricke of Rochester Henry Huntingdon saith he was consecrated Archv. But he is mistaken out of all doubt Edsinus departed this life October 28. 1050. was buried in his owne church and after his death made a Saint 31. Robert surnamed Gemeticensis RObert a Norman succéeded by the fauour of king Edward the Confessor with whom he became acquainted at what time he was exiled into Normandy He preferred him first vnto London and then presently after the death of Eadsin vnto Canterburie This man is said to haue laid the first foundation of the Normans conquest in England perswading the king to make Duke William his heire wherunto when the king had condescended himselfe became the messenger of this good tidings vnto the Duke taking Harold with him peraduenture to that purpose that he might so hamper him with an oth as indéed he did and so barre him from all possibilitie of the kingdome This oth Harold afterward broke but he sped thereafter loosing his life and ill gotten kingdome both togither The Archbishop now assuring himselfe of the fauour not onely of the king present but of him also that was to succeede could not indure that any should beare so great sway as himselfe in court and therefore began to deuise how he might ouerthrow Emma the kings mother who onely séemed to ouertop him He began therefore to beate into the kings head that was a milde soft natured gentleman how hard a hand his mother had held vpon him when he liued in Normandy how likely it was that his brother came to his death by the practise of her and Earle Godwyn and lastly that she vsed the company of Alwyn Bishop of Winchester somwhat more familiarly then an honest woman néeded The king somewhat too rashly crediting these tales without any further examination or debating of the matter seased vpon all his mothers goods and committed her to prison in the Nunry of Warwell banished Earle Godwyn and his sonnes and commanded Alwyn vpon pain of death not to come foorth of the gates of Winchester The Quéene made the best friends she could to be called to her answere But the Archbishop so possessed the king as other tryall of her innocency might not be allowed then this She must walke ouer nine plowshares red hot in the midst of the Cathedrall church of Winchester If either she perfourmed not this kind of purgation or were found any thing at all hurt she and the Bishop both should be estéemed guilty If otherwise the Archbishop was content to submit himselfe to such punishment as they should haue endured To make short the Quéene lead betwéene two Bishops in open sight of all the people perfourmed as all our histories report this hard kind of purgation and so acquit herselfe and Alwyn the Bishop of these crimes obiected The king then greatly bewailing the wrong done to his mother asked her forgiuenes vpon his knées restored both her and the Bishop vnto their goods and former places and lastly to make some satisfaction for his fault committed would needes be whipped by the hands of the Bishops there present and receauing thrée stripes of his mother was by her cléerely forgiuen and the wrong promised for euer héereafter to be forgotten Emma now and the Bishop to shew themselues thankful vnto God for this miraculous deliuerance for a perpetual memorial of the same gaue each of them vnto the monastery of S. Swithun nine Mannors in remembrance of the nine plowshares This gift of theirs the king confirmed and gaue moreouer two Mannors of his owne to wit Meones and Portland Now to returne vnto the Archbishop he doubting of the successe of this matter vnder pretence of sicknesse held himselfe at Douer and assoone as he heard how the world went well knowing England would prooue too hot for him he got him ouer into his owne country to the Abbey of Gemetica where he was brought vp and there ouercome it is like with shame and sorrow within a short time after ended his daies and was buried in the Monastery aforesaid hauing beene Archbishop about the space of two yeeres or scarcely so much 32. Stigand STigand was chaplaine vnto king Edward the Confessor and preferred by him first vnto the Bishopricke of the East Saxons at Helmham 1043. and after vnto Winchester the yeere 1047. He was a man stout and wise inough but very vnlearned as in a manner all the Bishops were of those times and vnreasonable couetous Perceiuing the king highly displeased with Robert the Archbishop he thrust himselfe into his roome not expecting either his death depriuation
or other auoydance without any performance of vsuall ceremonies And whether it were that he mistrusted his title to Canterbury or inercusable couetousnesse I cannot tell certaine it is that he kept Winchester also together with Canterbury euen vntill a little before his death he was forced to forgoe them both Many times he was cited vnto Rome about it but by giftes delayes and one meanes or other he droue it off neuer being able to procure his pall thence so long as king Edward liued William the Conqueror hauing slaine king Harold in the field all England yéelded presently vnto his obedience except onely Kentishmen who following the counsell of Stigand and Egelsin the abbot of S. Augustines gathered al their forces togither at Swanscombe néere Grauesend and there attended the comming of the king who doubted of no such matter euery man holding a gréene bough in his hand whereby it came to passe that he was in the midst of them before he dreamed of any such businesse toward He was greatly amased at the first till he was giuen to vnderstande by Stigand there was no hurt meant vnto him so that he would graunt vnto that contrey their ancient liberties and suffer them to be gouerned by their former customes and lawes called then and til this day Gauelkind These things he easily yeelded vnto vpon this armed intercession and afterward very honourably performed But he conceiued so profound a displeasure against Stigand for it as he neuer ceased till he had reuenged it with the others destruction A while he gaue him very good countenance calling him father méeting him vpon the way when he vnderstood of his repaire toward him and affording him all kinde of gratious and fauourable vsage both in words and behauiour but it lasted not long The first signe of his hidden rancour and hatred towarde him was that he would not suffer himselfe to be crowned by him but made choise of Aldred Archbishop of Yorke for which he alleaged other reasons as that he had not yet receiued his pall c. But the matter was he was loth in that action to acknowledge him for Archbishop Soone after his coronation he departed into Normandy carrying with him Stigand and many English nobles vnder pretence to doe them honour But in truth he stood in doubt least in his absence they should practise somewhat against him And namely Stigand he knew to be a man of a haughty spirit subtile rich gracious and of great power in his countrey Presently vpon his returne certaine Cardinals arriued in England sent from the Pope as legates to redresse as they said certaine enormities and abuses of the English clergy Stigand by and by perceiuing himselfe to be the marke that was specially shot at hid himfelfe a while in Scotland with Alexander Bishop of Lincolne and after in the Isle of Ely At last perceiuing a conuocation to be called at Winchester he came thither and besought the king in regarde of his owne honour and the promise made vnto him at Swanscombe which was not to be offended with him or any other for their attempt at that time to saue him from the calamity he saw growing toward him which he could not impute vnto any thing so probably as his vndeserued displeasure The king answered him with very gentle words that he was so farre from endeuouring to take any reuenge of that or any other matter as he loued him and wished he knew how to protect him from the danger imminent But that which was to be done at that time must be done by the Popes authoritie which he might not countermaund So do what he could he was depriued of his liuings by these legates The causes alleaged against him were these First that he had held Canterbury and Winchester both together which was no very strange thing for Saint Oswald had long before held Worceter with Yorke and S. Dunstan Worceter with London Secondly that he had inuaded the Sée of Canterbury Robert the Archbishop being yet aliue vndepriued And lastly that he presumed to vse the pall of his predecessor Robert left at Canterbury and had neuer receiued any pall but of Pope Benedict at what time he stood excommunicate for simony and other like crimes In the same conuocation many other Prelates were depriued of their promotions as 〈◊〉 Bishop of Helmham brother vnto Stigand diuers abbots and men of meaner places All which was done by the procurement of the king that was desirous to place his countrymen in the roomes of the depriued for the establishment of his new gotten kingdome Poore Stigand being thus depriued as though he had not yet harme inough was also clapt vp presently in prison within the castell of Winchester and very hardly vsed there being scarcely allowed meate inough to hold life and soule together That was thought to be done to force him to confesse where his treasure lay whereof being demaunded he protested with great othes he had no mony at all hoping belike so to procure his liberty the rather and then to make himselfe mery with that he had laid vp against such a déere yéere He died soone after of sorrow and griefe of minde or as other report of voluntary famine 17. yéeres after he first obtained the Archbishopricke After his death a little key was found about his necke the locke whereof being carefully sought out shewed a note or direction of infinite treasures hid vnder ground in diuers places All that the king pursed in his owne coffers The bones of this archbishoply entoombed at this day vpon the top of the north wall of the Presbytery of the church of Winchester in a coffin of lead vpon the north side whereof are written these words Hic iacet Stigandus Archiepiscopus he was depriued ann 1069. and died within the compasse of the same yéere 33. Lanfrank STigand being yet aliue but depriued as is beforesaid Lanfranke was consecrate Archbishop This Lanfrank was borne at Papia in Lumbardy twenty myles from Millayn where being brought vp in learning and now come vnto mans state he determined to trauaile Through France he came into Normandy prouoked by the fame and great reports he had heard of Eluin abbot of Becco Upon the way thitherward it was his hap to be encountred with théeues that spoiled him of all he had bound him and threw him into a thicket where he might haue perished with cold and hunger had not God sent some extraordinary company that way that loosed him hauing laien there onely one night Thence he got him vnto the monastery of Becco and for very want and penury was faine to become a Reader of Logike there vntill he was admitted to the place of a monke Soone after that he was made Prior of Becco whence in regard of his singular wisedome and great knowledge in all good learning that those times could affoord he was called by Duke William to be abbot of S. Stephens in Cane a monastery that the said Duke had founded Now
Stigand being displaced in manner aboue rehearsed the conquerour well knowing how much it behooued him to the establishment of his new erected throne in England to haue a man wise and faithfull in that place made a speciall choice of him as one in all respects most fit and woorthy which being well knowne to all men the Couent at the kings first nomination readily chose him the nobilitie and courtiers willingly assented and receaued him with great applause and lastly the Pope affoorded him his pall with extraordinary fauour It is said at his first comming the Pope rose vp vnto him and mette him telling him he yeelded him that honour not of dutie but in regard of his excellent learning whereof he had heard great fame Thomas Archbishop of Yorke was present the same time together with 〈◊〉 Bishop of Dorchester This Thomas had béene lately consecrated vnto Yorke by Lanfrank and for a certaine time refused to make profession of obedience vnto the See of Canterbury euen vntill by the commandement of the king he was inforced thereunto Now whether it were discontentment and perswasion of a wrong or else enuie at Lanfranks either vertue or good fortune that mooued him hée presently began to make complaint vnto the Pope of a great miury offered vnto his Sée in the demaund of his profession Lanfrank pleaded prescription for his right and offred to make proofe of the same The Pope therefore not willing to trouble himselfe any more with the matter committed the hearing thereof vnto the king who in the yéere 1072. iudged it for Canterbury Sée more of this quarrell in Thomas of Yorke Lanfrank himselfe was consecrated very solemnly at Canterbury all the Bishops in England being present themselues or by their proctors August 29. 1070. Almost 18. yeres he continued Archbishop gouerning his charge laudably and happily till that about the end of his time one action obscured his former praises and furthermore was the cause of many great calamities vnto him It is thought that William the Conqueror left the kingdome of England vnto his yoonger sonne William Rufus at the perswasion especially of this Archbishop who the rather wisht well vnto the yoong prince because he had béene brought vp vnder him in his childhood He is blamed much for putting the eldest sonne Robert from that which might séeme in some sort due vnto him and surely God blessed him not in that action The king thus aduanced by him fel out with him and droue him out of the realme The cause of this displeasure is diuersly reported But most men agree it was none other then this that the king thought him a little too busie in exhorting him to vertue and godlinesse and reprehending his manifold vices Being thus banished he trauatled to Rome and wandred vp and downe many countries till at last by what intercession I finde not he was suffred to come home againe Soone after his return he fell sicke of an ague and so ended his daies Iune 4. 1088. or as Houeden hath May 24. 1089. He was buried at Canterbury in his owne church vnto which he was a great benefactor He bestowed much vpon the fabrike and reparation of the same built much housing for the monkes whose number he increased from 30. to 140. restored the dignities and offices of old belonging to the monastery and recouered vnto the same 25. Mannors that had béene taken from it wrongfully in times past by Odo Bishop of Bayon and earle of Rent Moreouer he built the Archbishops pallace at Canterbury in a manner all he founded two hospitals without the citie of Canterbury and endowed them with competent reuenewes Saint Iohns and Harbaldown He bestowed large mony toward the building of the cathedrall Church of Rochester or rather indéed built it all and did much the particulars I cannot set downe for the abbey of Saint Albons He was a great student writ many learned works and which deserueth especiall remembrance tooke great paines in reforming the Bible the copies whereof were much corrupted throughout England by the negligence of the writers 34. Anselm FOwer yéeres the Sée continued void after the death of Lanfranke and the king pursed the profits thereof In what good moode I knowe not he which was woont to sell all other ecclesiastical promotions as it were by the drum bestowed this Archbishopricke fréely vpon a most woorthy man Anselm abbot of Becco This Anselm was borne at Augusta a city of Burgundy standing at the foot of the Alpes His fathers name was Gundulfe a man of great account in his country and his mothers Hemeberg He came vnto Becco of the like errand as Lanfranke had done mooued thereunto by the great fame of the said Lanfranke and professed himselfe a monke there in the 27. yéere of his age Lanfranke being called away to Cane he was made Prior and soone after Abbot Eluyn the old Abbot being dead In that place he continued 15. yéeres and then was earnestly requested by Hugh Earle of Chester lying very sicke to come into England vnto him to conferre with him and to order certaine affairesof his Hither he came and had much honour done him euery where of all forts of people The king himselfe amongst the rest beside many verball fauours made offer vnto him of the Archbishopricke of Canterbury verily hoping belike that a man giuen to monasticall contemplation and not estéeming worldly pompe would vndoubtedly haue refused the same For it is certaine that after Anselm had accepted the offer pitying belike the spoile and desolation of the church for want of a pastor the king would faine haue retracted his gift and perswaded him with many reasons to leaue it shewing him how the burthen and trouble of the place was greater then he should be able to inoure a man that had spent his time within the wals of a monastery and not experienced in managing of great affaires But he lost his labour Anselm kept fast his hold and was soone after consecrated by Walkelm Bishop of Winchester or as I finde also recorded by Thomas Archbishop of Yorke Decemb. 4. 1093. all the Bishops of the land that could possibly come being present at that solemnity Presently after his consecration the king and he fel out Not long before the king had throwen downe thirty churches to make his new forest néere Winchester This 〈◊〉 reprehended him sharply for and besought him to amend that and other faults as namely his simony his extortion his cruelty c. wherein he daily offended God gréeuously and greatly dishonoured himselfe This admonition of his displeased the king very much but his quarrell in shew was none other then this that asking leaue to go to Rome to fetch his pall he had named Vrban Pope whom the king as yet had not acknowledged for Pope and for so doing accused him of no lesse then high treason After great stirre and much adoe betwéene them about this matter it was determined that all the abbots and Bishops of England should be
called together to iudge of this controuersy They met at Rochingham castell and the matter being proposed by the king for feare or flattery they all assented vnto him and forsooke their Archbishop except onely Gundulphus Bishop of Rochester A while 〈◊〉 indured to liue in continuall seare and disgrace euen vntill he was commanded out of the realme by the king Being at Douer ready to take ship all his carriages were searcht his goodes there and elsewhere soeuer taken from him and sold to the kings vse his temporalties seased and himselfe set aland in France in a manner naked He trauailed presently to Lyons and was sent for thence by the Pope At his first comming to Rome he had all manner of fauour But by that time the king with golden eloquence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him of the cause his entertainment began to wax colder He determined therfore to haue returned to Lyons but was staied by the Pope whose pleasure while he was content to await a while longer the Pope died Soone after him the king died also being chaunceably slain by the glaunce of an arrow as he was hunting in that forest for the making whereof Anselm had reprehended him He was a very vitious man couetous in getting and prodigall in spending the most sacrilegious symonist that euer raigned in England Reioycing in the gain he made that way he would often say Panis Christi panis pinguis His death as some report was miraculously signified vnto Anselme in France A paper was put into the hand of one of his chaplaines no man knew how in which was found written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 occisus est Within a few daies after certaine word was brought of the tyrants death and this notice taken as sent from heauen Henry the first succéeded William Rufus in the kingdome who presently called home Anselme and restored him to his former place The first thing he did at his returne he called a conuocation at London wherein he depriued many prelates of great place for their seuerall offences Guy abbot of 〈◊〉 Eldwyn of Ramsey for symony Geftry of Peterburgh Haymo of Cheswel Egelric of Middleton for not being in orders Richard of Ely Robert of S. Edmunds all abbots for other enormities Diuers canons were agréed vpon in the same conuocation too long to rehearse Some of them tended to the restraining of clergy men from mariage which notwithstanding many maried daily many that came for orders refused vtterly to make profession of chastity as we may sée reported by Girard Archbishop of Yorke in an epistle written by him vnto Anselm in the end of S. Anselmes Epistles The falling out also of Anselm with the king which happened presently after was a great weakning vnto these canons All the time that the Archbishop was absent which was three yéeres the king had disposed of all Bishopricks that fell at his pleasure giuing inuestiture and possession of them by deliuery of the staffe and the ring And in deed the princes in a maner of all christendom had taken this kind of authority vnto themselues euery where about this time Bishops thus appointed demanded consecration of Anselm which he vtterly denied vnto them professing withall that he would neuer receaue or repute them for Bishops that were already cōsecrated by other vpon such election aleaging how it was lately forbidden in a councel held by Pope Vrban 2. that any clerke should take inuestiture of any spiritual preferment at the hand of any king prince or other lay man The king vpon Anselms refusall required Gerard Archbishop of Yorke to giue these Bishops consecration whereunto he readily assented But William Gifford nominated to Winchester stoode so in awe of Anselm as that he durst not accept consecration at Gerards hands This incensed the king woonderfully so as presently he commanded Giffards goods to be confiscate and himselfe banished the Realme Great adoo now there was about this matter throughout the realm some defending the kings right others taking part with the Archbishop In the end the king doubting what might come of it and being loth to giue occasion of tumult considering that himselfe was a stranger borne and that his father by force and much bloudshed had not many yéeres since obtained the rule of this land he determined to send an Ambassador to the Pope togither with the Archbishop so to grow to some reasonable conclusion The Pope Palchalis 2. would not yéeld one iote vnto the king insomuch as when the kings Embassador William Warelwast after Bishop of Excester said he knew the king would rather loose his crowne then this priuilege he answered yea let him loose his head also if he will while I liue he shall neuer appoint Bishop but I will resist him what I may So without dooing any good homeward they came But the king vnderstanding before hand how the world went sent a messenger to forbid Anselm entrance into the realme and presently seised all his goods mooueable and unmooueable into his hands Thrée yéeres more this good man spent in exile all which time he liued with Hugh Archbishop of Lyons At last it pleased God to open this passage of his reconciliation to the king Adela Countesse of Bloys the kings sister fell dangerously sicke in those parts where it chanced the Archbishop to abide He went to visite her and yéelded so great comfort vnto her in that time of her distresse as recouering afterward she neuer ceased importuning her brother vntill she had wrought an agréement betwéene them the conditions whereof were these First that Anselm should be content to consecrate the Bishops alreadie nominated by the king And then that the king should renounce all right to such nomination or inuestiture for the time to come These conditions were allowed by the Pope and the Archbishop restored not onely to his place but to all his goods and fruites gathered in the time of his absence Two yeeres he liued after this his last returne in which time he persecuted married priests very extremely Dunstan Oswald Ethelwald and other enimies to the mariage of clergie men had onely expelled them that out of monasteries that had wiues But Anselm vtterly forbidding them mariage depriued them of their promotions that were maried confiscated their goods vnto the Bishop of the Dioces adiudged them and their wiues adulterers and forced al that entred into orders to vow chastity Halfe the clergy of England at this time were either maried men or the sonnes of maried priests The king therefore pitying the generality of this calamity sought to protect them a while from Anselms seuerity in this point But he I meane Anselm was a little to resolute in all his determinations in so much as he might neuer be perswaded to yéeld one iot in any thing he once intended So notwithstanding the kings inclination to succour so many distressed poore families the canons of the Conuocation before mentioned were generally put in execution throughout England About this time it hapned Gerard Archbishop of
Yorke to decease and a second Thomas to be elected for his successor What adoo there was betwéene him and Anselm about profession of obedience and how it was ended see in the historie of the said Thomas To make an end at last with this Archbishop the yéere 1109. he fell extremely sicke at Saint Edmundsbury and thence got him to Canterbury where he lay languishing a long time and at last departed this life Aprill 21. in the 16. yéere of his gouernment and of his age 76. He was buried at the head of his predecessor Lanfrank in his owne church vpon the building and beautifying whereof he had bestowed very much mony This Archbishop was a man of great learning as his works yet extant testifie and for integrity of life and conuersation admirable That he was more peremptory in diuers of his resolutions then became him and so hote against Clergy mens mariage I impute it but to a blind zeale far from any malicious intent of dooing wrong Undoubtedly notwithstanding these imperfections he was a good and holy man and as woorthy the honor of a Saint as any I thinke that euer was Canonised by the Pope since his time In fauour of him to note that by the way the Pope affoorded vnto his sée this honour that whereas the Archbishop of Canterbury was woont to sit next the Bishop of Saint Ruffine in all generall Councels hereafter his place should be at the Popes right foote and with all vsed these words Includamus hunc in orbe nostro tanquam alterius orbis Papam 35. Rodolphus THe King well remembring how troublesome the authority of Anselme had beene vnto him and knowing it greatly imported him to make choise of some quiet tractable man to succéed in that place tooke foure or fiue yéers deliberation before he would appoint any thereunto He was once resolued vpon one Farecius Abbot of Abindon But vpon what consideration I know not chaunging his determination aduanced Ralfe Bishop of Rochester to that sée This Ralfe or Rodolph was a Norman borne a Monke first of the order of Saint Benet and a disciple of Lanfranke in the Abbay of Cane Then he became Abbot of Say was called thence by Saint Anselm vnto the Bishopricke of Rochester consecrate thereunto August 11. 1108. and remooued to Canterbury in Iune 1114. His pall was very solemnely deliuered vnto him by Anselm Abbot of Saint Sauines nephew vnto Saint Anselm June 27 at Canterbury In this mans time 〈◊〉 obtained consecration of the Pope vnto the Archbishop of Yorke without making the vsuall profession of obediēce About this matter there was long time much adoo This our Archbishop being an aged and sickly man much troubled with the 〈◊〉 and lame in his féete would yet néeds trauaile to Rome in person about this matter Sée the end of this controuersie in Thurstan of Yorke Eight yéeres Ralfe continued Archbishop behauing himselfe well in the place but that he was sometimes wayward and péenish in matters of small moment Generally he was a very affable and courteous man willing to pleasure and not especially noted with any great vice Onely some blame him for being more delighted with iesting 〈◊〉 merry toyes then became the grauitie of his age and place in regard whereof some haue giuen vnto him the surname or rather nickname of 〈◊〉 Thrée yéeres before his decease he was continually held of a palsie whereof at last he died Octob. 20. 1122. and thrée daies after was buried in the middle of the body of Christ church in Canterbury 36. William Corbell VVIlliam Corbel or Corbois was first a secular priest then a monke of the order of Saint Benet and lastly prior of Saint Sythes in 〈◊〉 From thence he was taken to be Archbishop of Canterbury and the Popes legate vpon Candlemas day 1122. This man in the yéere 1126. called a conuocation at Westminster where 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 the Popes legate 〈◊〉 most bitterly against the mariage of priests and was the next night taken in bed with a common strumpet for shame whereof he presently got him away 〈◊〉 all his 〈◊〉 at sixe and seuen neuer taking leaue of any body In this Synode more Canons were 〈◊〉 against the mariage of Clergy men which notwithstanding the Archbishop that in déede was but a weake man not able to restraine them of his time from taking wiues prayed ayd of the King who either set them all to a yéerely pension so many as were maried or else tooke some large summe of present money to beare with them The yéere 1130. Christchurch in Canterbury that had lately béene new built by Lanfranke soone after fell downe a great part of it at least and was quickly repaired by the industry of Eardult the Prior was now I know not by what chaunce all burnt consumed with fire This Archbishop found meanes to repaire it and in Rogation weeke the yéere following did dedicate the same 〈◊〉 solemnely in the presence of the King the Quéene Dauid King of Scottes and a great number of the nobility of both realmes King Henry dying that did prefer him he was content to betray his daughter Mawd the Empresse and contrary to his othe to ioine with Stephen Earle of Bloys whom he crowned with his owne hands but with such feare and terror of conscience as it is noted that the consecrate host fell out 〈◊〉 his hand in the middle of masse by reason of his trembling and fearefull amasednesse Soone after he died viz. the yeere 1136. hauing sate almost 14 yéeres and lieth buries in his owne church the particular place I find not 37. Theobald IN a Conuocation held at London by the commandement of Albert Bishop of Hostia the Popes legate Theobald was chosen Archbishop by the suffragan Bishops of his owne Prouince and consecrate in the same conuocation or synode by the legate afore named He receiued his pall at Rome of Innocentius the second who also indued him and his successors for euer with the title of Legatus natus This Theobald was first a Bendictine monke and then till he was chosen Archbishop Abbot of Becco A man of no great learning but of so gentle and swéete behauiour being very wise withall as he was greatly 〈◊〉 of high and lowe Kings nobles and commons With the Pope he had often much adoe One Sylnester a man infamous for many notorious offences was presented vnto the Abbotship of Saint Augustines in Canterbury whon in respect of his knowen vnworthines the Archbishop 〈◊〉 to admit But the Popes letters came so thicke and thréefold in fauour of him that after many delaies excuses and allegations against him at last he was faine to receiue him There was at the same time one Ieremy prior of that Abbey an olde acquaintance and friend of the Archbishops whom notwithstanding vpon some great occasion it is like the Archbishop 〈◊〉 and remooued from his place In the behalfe of this man also the Pope who neuer was woont to faile where he 〈◊〉 be well
paide for his paines began to stickle and to interpose his authority restoring Ieremy to his place againe till the cause might be heard and determined before him Whereat Theobald though a mild man of nature being excéedingly mooued in a great fury vowed he would neuer exercise any ecclesiasticall iurisdiction so long as Ieremy held that place He therfore seeing the Archbishop so resolute against him and fearing some great inconuenience would fall vpon the monastery by meanes of this businesse and so procure him the hatred of his owne company vpon paiment of 100. markes was content to leaue his place and liued a priuate monke in the same house euer after Now in the third yéere of his consecration it happened a Councell was summoned at Rhemes whereunto he was called Henry therefore Bishop of Winchester King Stephens brother that by vertue of his power 〈◊〉 had often contended with him and euer opposed himselfe against him in the Popes behalfe circumuented this good plaine-meaning man in this fort He dealt first with the Pope in no wise to dispence with his absence and then with his brother the King to forbid his passage and perforce to stay him at home But such were those times as it was safer then to offend the King then the Pope and therefore he resolued to goe and in no wise to giue the Pope such an aduantage against whom he had now twice opposed himselfe already dangerously Go therefore he would but all the difficulty was in getting passasse All the ports of England were laid for him yet so cunningly he handled the matter that ouer the seas he got and was at the Councell in good time The King then following the aduice of his brother the Bishop of Winchester seased vpon his goods and temporalities and banished him the realme He like a tall fellow interdicted the King and the whole 〈◊〉 and taking aduantage of the time which was very troublesome notwithstanding the Kings commaundement came home and liued in Norfolke till by the intercession of certaine Bishops he was restored Afterward he grew into great fauour with the King and was the chiefe meanes of concluding that finall peace at Wallingford betwéene him and Mawd the Empresse In the yeere 1152. he summoned a conuocation at London where the King would haue constrained the Clergy to make 〈◊〉 his sonne King to the disheriting and great iniury of Duke Henry the Empresses sonne The intent was spied before and letters procured from the Pope to forbid the Clergy to meddle in any such matter This notwithstanding the matter was earnestly followed in behalfe of the yoong Prince 〈◊〉 in so much as when they perceiued the businesse was not effected according to their desire they 〈◊〉 them vp in the place where they were gathered together and thought by force and threatning to compell them The greater part séemed to yéeld when Theobald stealing secretly out of the place tooke his barge and rowing downe the Thames got him beyond sea and so by his absence the synode was dissolued His goods by and by were once more confiscate and his temporalties seased into the kings hands But in a short time after king Stephen died and Henry Duke of Normandy surnamed Fitz 〈◊〉 succeeded who restored him immediately to all his possessions 〈◊〉 Under him he passed the rest of his daies quietly in great fauour and estimation with him He departed this life the yéere 1160. when he had sate Archbishop two and twenty yéeres Perceiuing his end to approch he made his will and gaue all his goods vnto the poore or other like good vses Helieth buried in the South part of Saint Thomas chappell in a marble tombe ioyning to the wall 38. Thomas Becket 〈◊〉 the Conquest neuer any English man obtained this Archbishopricke before Thomas Becket He was borne in London his fathers name was Giltert a Merchant his mother was a stranger borne in Syria He was first taught and brought vp during the time of his childhood by the Prior of Merton and seeming towardly was sent to the Uniuersity of Paris Hauing there attained some more learning and also the knowledge of the French tongue he returned and became an officer in some Court about London it is said he was a Justice But waring soone weary of that kind os life he found meanes to get into the seruice of Theobald the Archbishop who quickly espiyng his manifold good parts 〈◊〉 him entierly and sent him into Italy to study the Canon Lawe 〈◊〉 there might be any thing wanting in him 〈◊〉 in a common-wealthes-man for the managing whereof he discerned him then very fit and likely Upon his returne thence he was quickly preferred by the Archbishop vnto the Archdeaconry of Canterbury the Prouostship of 〈◊〉 and the personage of Bromfield The Archbishop then séeing him selfe weake and sickly which made him altogether vnable to looke throughly into the drifts and deuices of Courtyers that in all ages seeke to pray vpon the Church and euer néede some watchfull eye to ouerlooke their practises commended Thomas Becket vnto the King so effectually as he was content first to receiue him into the number of his Chapleines then made him Chauncellor of England and loaded him with all kind of spirituall preferment For Theobald being a wise man well perceiued Becket to be first so 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 so painefull and industrious as the King being yet yoong he 〈◊〉 surely possesse him altogether be able to withstand any endeuours that might be preiudiciall vnto the Church And againe he could not doubt either of his faithfulnesse to him or his stoutnesse in so good a cause of which both he had had long experience In regard hereof he imployed all his indeuours to plant a perfect liking of Thomas Becket in the mind of the King wherein he prospered so well as in a short time no man was so farre in the Kings bookes as he nay no man could doo any thing in a maner with the King but he For the maintaining of this his credit saith one he thought it good to relinquish and forsake by little and little all Priestly either behauior or attyre to affect the pompe and brauery of the Court to liue as other Courtyers to fare daintily to ly long in bed to hawke to hunt to haue many followers c. in so much as some sticked not to say the Chauncellor had forgotten he was an Archdeacon also and blamed him for not liuing like a Clergy man But by this meanes saith he T. Becket was euer at the Kings elbow was partaker of all his counsels and either by notize giuen to the Archbishop or some deuice of his owne otherwise could and did stop any courses that might be preiudiciall to the Church Hauing continued thus in the office of Chauncellor foure or fiue yéeres with the great fauour and liking of the King it hapened Theobald the Archbishop to dye The king little thinking what a snake he nourished in his bosome determined by by to doo
his vtmost indeuor for the aduauncement of him T. Becket vnto the Archbishoppricke Being therefore at that time in Normandy he sent Richard Lucy a counsellor of speciall trust into England with charge to effect these two things first to procure all the Nobles and best of the comminalty to sweare fealty vnto yoong Prince Henry his sonne and then to cause the Monkes of Canterbury to elect Thomas his Chauncellor Archbishop The first he quickly brought to passe the rather by the helpe of the Chauncellor that was ioined in commission with him And in the second also he bestirred him selfe so well as he caused the whole conuocation of the Clergy a wost authenticall kind of election to choose Thomas Becket for their Archbishop no one man gainesaying it except Gilbert Foliot Bishop of London He was consecrate Archbishop vpon Whitsonday being made Priest but iust the day before by the Bishop of Wintchester ann 1162. being not yet full 44. yéeres of age Presently after his consecration he altered all the whole course of his life became so graue so austere and so deuout in all outward shewe as he séemed quite another man Also he resigned his Chauncellorship certifiyng the King by letters who was then in Normandy he could not serue the Church and the Court both at once The King that euer hitherto thought to vse Thomas Becket as a schoole master to instruct and inure his sonne in matters of state and policy was now very sory that he had made him Archbishop séeing he threw off all care of temporall gouernment and considering the hawtinesse of his spirits sore doubted wherunto this strange dealing would growe at the last Another thing the King greatly disliked in him was this that being yet scarcely warme in his seate he began to looke so narrowly into the state of the land belonging to his sée and to challenge withall extremity whatsouer might séeme to pertaine vnto him as he prouoked many of all sorts of people against him who euery where exclaimed with open mouth and made their complaints thicke and thréefold vnto the King saying that hauing some authority and more knowledge in the Lawe vnder colour of defending the rights of his Church he tooke violently from euery man what he list But the maine quarrell betwixt the King and him was this The Cleargy of those times bare them selues so bold vpon the priuileges of the Church whereby in crymes neuer so haynous they claymed to be exempted from the iudgement of temporall courts as dayly infinite outrages were committed by Cleargy men murthers robberies rapes c. which temporall Judges might not meddle withall and in the spirituall courtes they were either not punished or for the most part very lightly For the amendment and preuention of this inconuenience in 〈◊〉 to come the King intended to publish a certaine declaration of the customes of England set downe long since by King Henry the first his grandfather wherein this intollerable and licencious liberty of the Cleargy was somewhat restrained And that it might not be spurned at by any the Archbishop especially he doubted he deuised to send this declaracion vnto the Pope and to craue his allowance of the same But the Archbishop hauing some inkling of the Kings intent before hand had so dealt with the Pope as it was no sooner séene but it was streight reiected Herewith the King was so incensed as after that time he bent himselfe altogether to the diminishing and breaking of all immunities and liberties of the church And the Archbishop was so farre from séeking to pacifie the Kings displeasure as daily he prouoked him more and more The particularities thereof to passe ouer the King thought good to try whether he could put in execution the contents of the foresaid declaration euen in despite of the Archbishop or no. He offered the same vnto all the Clergy gathered togither in a synode who as if they had learned all one lesson told the King seuerally in the same words that they were content to allow it 〈◊〉 ordine 〈◊〉 so farre foorth as they might without 〈◊〉 of their owne coat and calling Onely one man Hilary Bishop of Chichester was content to yéeld vnto it simpliciter and without condition but was so bayted and reuiled for his labour as it is like he often repented it Yet so the matter was handled not long after as first diuers other Bishops were content to yeeld vnto the King in this demaund and at last euen the Archbishop himselfe with all his followers So at a time appointed they met at Clarindon and theresware vnto the obseruation of the articles comprised in that declaration This notwithstanding soone after they disliking that they had done got the Pope to assoile them of this oath But the Archbishop now well assuring himselfe he had so offended the king as there was no abiding for him heere he tooke ship at Kumney intending to auoid the 〈◊〉 but missed of his purpose for he was forced by a contrarie winde to returne to land againe Presently vpon his arriuall he was apprehended and carried prisoner to Northampton where the king then held a Councell and was there accused of extortion periury treason forgery and many other crimes His owne suffragan Bishops though he had appealed vnto the Pope gaue sentence against him and warranted the king they would make proofe of these accusations vnto the Pope The next night after his condemnation he scaped away and once more hasted vnto the sea committed himselfe very desperately vnto a little bad rotten fisher boat and accompanied onely with three seruitors crossedthe sea and got into the low Countries and thence posted to the Pope at Senon who placed him in the monastery of Pontiniac While he there rested himselfe he thundred out excommunications apace against all such as did obserue the articles contayned in the declaration set foorth at Clarindon whereunto himselfe had once sworne The King as fast bestird himselfe in seasing all the goods and temporalties of the Archbishop into his hand He sent also ambassadors vnto the Earle of Flaunders the French King and the Pope praying them in no wise to foster or suffer him in their dominions requesting moreouer of the Pope that he would confirme and allow of the declaration published at Clarindon The Pope made an answere though friuolous saying he would consider of the matter But the French with whom the King of England had amity and a league of friendship at that time he thinking that this agreement betweene him and the Archbishop would bréed some stirre in England presently fell to inuading the King of Englands dominions tooke by assault certaine holds of his in Normandy The Archbishop also about the same time sent out particular excommunications against all the suffragan Bishops of his Prouince The King mightily offended with this excéeding boldnesse of the Archbishop whereunto he well knew he was hartned and animated by the Pope and the French King bethough himselfe how by all
meanes possible he might vere and grieue him First because he knew he delighted much in the monastery of Pontiniac which was an Abbey of Cistercian monkes he signified to all the monkes of that order in his dominions that he would banish them euery one if they would not procure the Archbishop to be thrust out of that monastery which for feare of so great calamity to so many men was effected Then he also droue out of the realme all his kinsfolks friends and professed welwillers of whom he suspected him to be any way aided or comforted Alexander the Pope Thomas Beckets surest card was ferited in much like sort the same time by Friderike 〈◊〉 the Emperor as he himselfe was The King therefore by the counsell of Gilbert Bishop of London determined to ioyns in league with the Emperor if possibly he might that was a professed enimy both to the French King and the Pope To this purpose he sent two ambassadors vnto him perswading him to deals with the Cardinals Lucius the Antipope being then lately dead to set vp another in his roome to whom he promised all his dominions should yéelde obedience The Pope hauing notize of this practise began presentlyto quaile sent the King word he would order all things betwéene the Archbishop and him to his 〈◊〉 liking and that out of hand Now it had hapened a little before that the Pope had graunted vnto the Archbishop a very large licence of excommunicating whom he list in England the King the Queene and a very few other excepted This authority he abused very intemperately at that time when 〈◊〉 matters were thus in hammering betwéene the Pope and 〈◊〉 King in so much as he had marred all if the Pope had not spéedly yeelded a reason thereof to the King By this time the French King the Popes onely Protector against the Emperor began to spy that he was much more cold in the defence of the Archbishop then he had beene and reprehended him sharply for it The Pope therefore not knowing which way to turne him selfe for the satisfiyng of both these potentates neither of which he could safcly offend as things stoode he determined first to labour a reconciliation betweene them and then to make the French King a mediator for the Archbishop This he effected and brought the two Kings together at Paris Thither also came Thomas Becket And sute being made vnto the King in his behalfe that he might returne be restored to his goods and reuenues arising in the time of his absence and lastly vpon his humble submission to the Kings fauour The King answered that for the rest he was contented but faith he the profites of his Archbishopricke since his banishment I can not allow him for that I haue already giuen them to others Mary recompence I will make him for them to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the French King or the Senate of Paris or else of the 〈◊〉 of the Uniuersity Presently the Archbishop was called for who falling downe vpon his knees vsed these words My Lord and soueraigne I doo here commit vnto your owne iudgement the cause and controuersie betwéene vs so farre foorth as I may sauing the honor of 〈◊〉 God The King much offended with that last exception 〈◊〉 honore Dei turned him about vnto the French King and telling him how much he had doone for the Archbishop and how he had vsed him I am quoth he at last so well acquainted with the tricks of this fellow that I can not hope for any good dealing at his hands Sée you not how he goeth about to delude me with this clause sauing the honor of God For whatsoeuer shall displease him he will by and by alleage to be preiudiciall to the honor of Almighty God But this I will say vnto you whereas there haue béene Kings of England many before me whereof some were peraduenture of greater power than I the most part farre lesse and againe many Archbishops before this man holy and notable men Looke what duty was euer perfourmed by the greatest Archbishop that euer was to the weakest and simplest of my predecessours let him yéeld me but that and it shall abundantly content me Hereunto the Archbishop answered cunningly and stoutly ynough that the times were altered his predecessors which could not bring all things to passe at the first dash were content to beare with many things and that as men they fell and omitted their duty oftentimes that which the Church had gotten was by the constancy of good Prelates whose example he would follow thus farre foorth as though he could not augment the priuileges of the Church in his time yet he would neuer consent they should be diminished This answeare being heard all men cryed shame vpon him and generally imputed the fault of these sturs vnto him But this was the issue for that time that they parted without reconciliation The King doubting what might come of these broiles caused his sonne Henry that died soone after to be crowned King in his owne life time so to assure him of the succession Afterwards comming into Fraunce againe they were vpon the point of reconciliation when the casting out of some such word or another as before marred all At length the King and he were made friends but his full restitution deferred till he had behaued himselfe quietly a while at Canterbury which he promised to doo But he was so farre from perfourming that promise as he sent into England before him diuers excommunications which the Pope had graunted out long before and committed to his discretion Amongst other the Archbishop of Yorke the Bishop of London and Salisbury were named in them together with so many as had béene dooers in the coronation of the yoong King which the Archbishop said might not be performed of any but by his appointment The men thus strucken with this holy fire hasted them ouer into Normandy to make their complaint vnto the king who infinitely grieued at this kinde of dealing cursed the time that euer he made him Archbishop or restored him to his place againe adding it was his chaunce euer to do for vnthankefull men otherwise some or other would long ere this haue made this proud priest an example to all such troublesome perturbers of his realme and state It happened amongst other fower knights to be present at this spéech of the kings who gathered thereby they should do a deed very acceptable vnto him if they killed the Archbishop Their names were Reynald Fitz-Vrse Hugh de Mortuill William de Tracy and Richard Briton In this meane time the Archbishop was come to Canterbury and was receiued there with great ioy Thence he went to London and so to Woodstocke where the yoong king then lay But before he could get to the kings presence word was brought him the kings pleasure was he should first go to Canterbury and reuoke those excommunications before he the king would talke with him So he returned againe to Canterbury without seeing the king
king desirous to haue some honest quiet man dealt first with the Couent praying them to make choice of such a one as he might haue cause to like and after made the same request vnto the Bishops The Monkes though mooued thereto would in no wise ioyne with the Bishops but perceiuing the Bishops began indéede to set foote into the matter appealed to Rome Much adoo there was there about it the space of nine monethes At last the Bishops got a mandate wherein the Monkes and they were commaunded to ioyne together The day of election was appointed but the Monkes for curst hart would not come vnto it So the Bishops procéeded and made choice of Baldwin Bishop of Worcester This election the monkes labored mightily to disanul professing that they liked the man elect very well but they must not indure such a president The king therefore who fauoured Baldwin exceedingly wrought so with one party and the other as the Monkes were content to elect him vpon condition he would renounce all benefite of his former election and the Bishops themselues would confesse the same to be void and of no effect All this was done and he receiued into quiet and peaceable possession of this Metropoliticall sée This Baldwin was a poore mans sonne and borne in Excester He was first a schoolemaster then entred into orders and became an Archdeadon his Archdeaconry he voluntarily resigned and intending to forsake the world became a Cistercian or white Monke Hauing liued so a certaine space he was made Abbot of Ford in Deuonshire From thence he was called to the Bishopricke of Worcester consecrate thereunto the yéere 1181. translated to Canterbury in the end of the yéere 1184. and solemnely installed there May 19. 1185. being the first white Monke that euer was Archbishop Giraldus Cambr. describeth the person of the man in this sort He was of complexion somewhat swarthy his countenance simple and like a plaine meaning man but very comely his stature indifferent well made of body but slender timbred For his maners he was modest and sober of such abstinence as fame durst neuer stamp any sinister report vpō him of few words slowe to anger and very studious from his very childhood It is a woonder that a man of this disposition should be so much troubled as he was with the King he alwaies agreed very well But betwéene the Monkes of Canterbury and him there was much and continuall debate The occasion thereof was this The king greatly misliking the insolency of the Monkes thought to wrest from them the preheminence of choosing the Archbishop in time to come by this deuice He gaue direction vnto Baldwin their Archbishop to beginne the foundation of a Colledge at Hackington now called Saint Stephens being distant from Canterbury about halfe a mile This Colledge it was deuised should haue one prebend erected by the king and by euery seuerall Bishop of that prouince of Canterbury one other which should euer be of the gift and patronage of their founders As for the Archbishop the building of the church and other edifices was appointed vnto him for his share which he intended to performe with great magnificence The ende of this foundation was none other then this that it might be a meane of traducing the right of election of the Archbishop a matter greatly importing the king and the whole realme from the monkes men of little learning lesse discretion and smalest experience in matters of gouernment yet very obstinate and altogether wedded to their owne wils to other men in whom the king and the rest of the Bishops as being their patrones might chalenge an interest For the better execution of this plot it was ordained that this colledge should be dedicated vnto Saint Thomas who was now growen so famous throughout the world as euery man thought himselfe happy that could do any thing to his honor In regard hereof they made no doubt but the Pope would soone be intreated to take from Christ vnto whose name the monastery of Canterbury was consecrate all priuiledge of election and to confer the same with many other vpon Saint Thomas that famous martyr The matter was now very forward and growen to good perfection in so much as the foundations were digged stone timber and other prouision laide ready in place for the building when as the subtile monkes suspecting wherunto this great forwardnesse of the king and Bishops tended made their complaint at Rome That notwithanding on went the worke The church partly built was solemnely consecrate and diuers secular priests such Saint Thomas himselfe was instituted and installed into their prebends when the monks that neuer linne laying on load by requests gifts and al maner of importunate sute to disturbe this platforme procured the Pope to set downe an order that this corporation should be dissolued the buildings thereof rased and made euen to the ground Such were the times the Popes pleasure was aneuitable necessity it must be and was performed It happened then soone after that Vrban the Pope died who was a great protector of the monkes cause Gregory the eight succéeded a man with whom Baldwyn might do very much He determined therfore once more to set on foote his former deuise but in another place He procured of the Bishop and Couent of Rochester for exchange of other land a certaine quantity of ground at Lambhith where the Archbishops pallace and house of chiefe residence is now situate Thither he caused to be brought by water all the prouision of stones timber c. that was intended to the building of the colledge at Hackington and began the foundation of a goodly church there which he liued not to finish King Richard the first to expiate the fault of his rebellion disobedience vnto his father determined to carry a great power into the holy land Baldwyn would néedes attend him thither and did so By preaching counsell liberall almes and continuall erample of a most vertuous life he did great good there vntill at last in the siege of the city of Acon being taken with a grieuous sicknesse he died when he had béene Archbishop euen almost seuen yéeres and was buried there He gaue all his goods vnto the soldiers to be diuided amongst them at the discretion of Hubert the Bishop of Salisbury that soone after succeeded him 41. Reginald Fitz-iocelinc PResently after the death of Baldwyn the King dispatched a messenger from Acon with letters wherein he earnestly prayed the monkes to make election of some such man to succéed as he might haue cause to like And the rather to bring the same to passe he wrote vnto the Archbishop of Roan who the Bishop of Ely being then newly displaced gouerned the realme in his absence to cause all the Bishops of the prouince of Canterbury to méete at Canterbury and to take the best course they might for the placing of some fit man in that Sée The monkes who were excéeding ioyfull to heare of the Archbishops death
comfort of the people lastly a notable refuge of all both high and low against all manner of iniury and oppression Faithfull and loyall he was vnto his Prince louing aud very carefull of his Countrey in which he caused many excellent lawes to be established He it was that first deuised our assise of bread our waights measures of wine oyle corne c. Uery valiant he was also and performed many great seruices in the warres the report whereof I leaue vnto the Chronicles His house kéeping they say was such as the expence thereof was thought to be nothing inferior vnto the kings And yet he performed many great workes of inestimable charge Beside the monastery of Derham before mentioned he also founded another for Cistercian Monkes at Wulferhampton but liued not to finish the same he compassed the Tower of London with a strong wall and a déepe moate so as the water inclosed the same quite round which before that time could neuer be brought to passe he encreased the reuenues of his sée uery much adorned it with many sumptuous and stately buildings and lastly procured diuers notable priuileges vnto the same called in olde English Gled Dangeld Hidage Warpon Bloodwhite Childwhite Uillenage c. Now notwithstanding this his great power and riches with the monkes of Canterbury he had as much to doo as other of his predecessors By intreaty and faire meanes he indeuoured to procure their consent for the finishing of the Chappell at Lambhith begun by Baldwin sor without their leaue to goe about it he knew it was to no purpose To this end he sent vnto them the Abbots of Waltam Reading and Chertsey to debate this matter with them The very mention thereof was so odious vnto them as by and by they made a great complaint vnto the Pope not only of this but many other things also especially of his intermedling in ciuill affaires Hereupon the Pope presently enioyned him without farther delay to resigne all his temporall offices which he how loath soeuer was faine to doo As for the matter of the Chappell after it had hung long in the Popes court the parties grew to a composition that vpon condition it were pulled downe it should be lawfull for the Archbishop to build another vpon a new foundation to endue the same with an hundred pound a yéere reuenues and no more and lastly to place in the same twentie Canons or Prebendaries Mary it was conditioned that no Bishops in any wise should be consecrate there no Abbots admitted no orders administed c. After this the rest of his daies he ended in peace King Iohn that had attempted many times to depose his brother King Richard and was alwaies hindered in those practises by the diligence faithfulnesse and wisedome of this worthy Prelate estranged him selfe a while from him and gaue him no countenance But finding at last how ill he might spare him vsed his counsell receiued intertaiment of him which was very royall at Canterbury trusted him with the gouernment of the whole realme at his departure into Normandy and affoorded him many other gratious fauours Hauing béene Archbishop twelue yéeres sauing fower moneths he fell into a kinde of ague vpon the way as he was riding to Rochester to worke an agréement betwéene the Bishop and the monkes there turned into his mannour of Tenham made his will and lying sicke there onely fower daies departed this life He was buried July 13. 1205. in the South wall of the church beside the quier néere Walter Reynald that long after succéeded him 43. Stephen Langton THe king did so reioice at Huberts death as whē it was first reported vnto him me thinks quoth he I am now in déede king of England But had he knowen either how ill he might haue missed him or how great trouble his death would haue caused him he would rather haue said now I begin to loose my kingdome and would little haue estéemed the wealth he left behind him which although it were bequeathed by testament trauelling to Canterbury in his owne person he seased vpon the same and conuerted it all to his owne vse The monkes in like sort reioyced little knowing how great calamity hung ouer their heads and must shortly fall vpon them by reason of his death For they forsooth hasty and desirous to vse their priuiledge of election as also iealous least the libertie of the same should be disturbed by any requeste of the king secretly at midnight made choice of one Reginald their supprior taking an othe of him not to make his election knowen to any till he came to the Popes presence whether he was aduised to high himselfe as fast as he might This othe notwithstanding as soone as he was gotten ouer the feas he bare himselfe euery where as Lord elect not letting to shew the testimoniall of his election to who so demaunded the same This breach of promise so inceused his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against him as presently they determined to become futers to the king for pardon of their fault in choosing without licence as also that now he would permit a new election supposing the old frustrate and made void by the 〈◊〉 of the elect They did so and easily obtained their request but much the rather bicause they made shew of a readinesse in satisfying the kings desire that wished the Archbishopricke vnto Iohn Gray Bishop of Norwich He was then in the North countrey about some businesse of the Kings Being sent for in all haste at his first comming to Canterbury he was solemnely elected and his election published in the church before the king and an infinite number of people These two elections being presented vnto the Pope he determined to make vse of the monkes debate and discouraging each side for the greater part of the monks were then at Rome some of them 〈◊〉 their old election for good others importunately suyng to haue the later confirmed he practised secretly with either of them to be cōtent to choose yet a third man that he would nominate vnto them that was one Stephen Langton a Cardinall of Rome a man in regard of many excellent gifts both of mind and body very fit for the place and no way to be 〈◊〉 if he had orderly obtained the same By birth he was an English man brought vp in the 〈◊〉 of Paris greatly esteemed by the king and all the 〈◊〉 of Fraunce for his singular and rare learning made Chauncellor of Paris and lastly called thence by the Pope to be a Cardinall of Rome Now when by faire means he could not 〈◊〉 with them for they feared the kings displeasure whom they knew to be a hot and violent Prince he began to terrifie them with threatning what by one means or other made them content at last to choose him which done the Pope with his owne hands gaue him consecration at 〈◊〉 June 17. Then well knowing how hainously the king would take this matter he writ letters vnto him swéetned with
many gentle intreaties large praises of the new Archbishop and seasoned now and then with some touches of doubtfull threatning if he should oppose himselfe against that was then done This notwithstanding the king in great indignation banished all the monkes of Canterbury seased vpon their goods and lands and forbid Stephen Langton entrance into the realme The Pope hearing of this sent his mandate vnto thrée Bishops William of London Eustach of Ely and Mauger of Worcester wherein he willed them first to admonish and perswade the king to restore the monkes to their goods and places and to giue the Archbishops possession of his temporalties by a day then if he refused so to do to interdict the whole realme They durst not but obey and finding the king resolute in his determination at the time appointed they published the Popes interdiction and as well foreséeing the great trouble to come as the present danger got them out of the land tegether with 〈◊〉 Bishop of Bathe and Gyles of Hereford The king immediately seased all their goods and temporalties into his hands and moreouer banished all the friends and 〈◊〉 of these Bishops that were likely to yéeld them any comfort or releife During the time of this interdict all seruice ceased throughout the realme except onely Baptisme of children auricular confession and the administration of the sacrament vnto such as lay vpon the point of death The Pope séeing this course preuailed not proceeded to a particular excommunication of the king and not long after depriued him by sentence of all regal authority a thing till that time in no age euer heard of All this while the king esteemed the Popes sword blunt and vnable to wound him till at last he perceiued the French king ready to take aduantage of this sentence and prouiding busily to inuade his dominions His owne people also began to fall from him and to doubt whom in conscience they ought rather to follow their owne 〈◊〉 Prince or a forreine intruder a strange and monstrous ignorance Séeing therefore no other remedy he was faine to yéeld receiued the Archbishop restored the other Bishops the monkes and all the rest banished vnto their goods and reueneues and moreouer was content to resigne his crowne into the Popes hands vpon restitution to assure him by his letters patents a yéerely pension of a thousand markes This done he thought all troubles at an end when the worst of all was yet behind For he bare himselfe so bold vpon the Popes fauour which he had bought deerely as he doubted not to oppresse diuers of his nobility with many and continuall wrongs reuoking all former graunts of priuiledges at his pleasure vpon this point that he had receiued his kingdome from the Pope absolutely free from all entanglement of any priuiledges deriued from the same Heereupon the Barons rebelled the Archb. taking their part and when they doubted least they should not make their party good against the king the Pope stucke so close vnto him they procured Lewis the French kings eldest sonne to inuade the realme Him together with the Archbishop and all the Barons the Pope excommunicated This great hurly burly was appeased suddenly by the kings death who died some say of care sorrow some of surfet and some say he was poysoned by a monke His sonne Henry a Prince often yéeres old was receiued to the kingdome Lewis forsaken the Barons vpon promise of obedience vnto their king absolued by the Popes legate Clergy men were debarred a while from 〈◊〉 absolution that they might compound for the same which they were glad to do All things being thus quieted this our Archbishop called a conuocation at Dsney wherein many things were decreed to be seene for the most part among the principall constitutions Thither came a certaine yoong man that shewing the marks of wounds in his hands feete and side professed himselfe to be no lesse man then Jesus Christ. He brought also two women with him whereof one tooke vpon her to be our Lady the other Mary Magdalen This counterfait Christ for his labour was woorthily crucified and forced to resemble him in the manner of his death whose life and person he had 〈◊〉 immitated and sought to expresse Soone after he translated the bones of S. Thomas Becket from the place where they were first buried in the vndercraft into a goodly sumptuous shrine This was done woonderfull solemnly the king and greatest part of the nobility of all the realme being present During the time of this ceremony all passengers from London to Canterbury were allowed horsemeat at the Arthbishops charge who also caused vessels of wine to runne continually in diuers parts of the city all the day of this translation that who so list might drinke of them This solemnity prooued so chargeable vnto him as neither he nor fower of his successors were able to recouer the debt he cast his Sée and Church into He was Archbishop in all two and twentie yéeres and died July 9. 1228. at his mannor of Slyndon in Sussex from whence his body was conueighed to Canterbury and there buried in the chappell of Saint Michaell This man was admirably learned and writ many notable workes the Catalogue whereof is to be séene in Bale Amongst the rest it is especially to be noted that he first diuided the Bible into Chapters in such sort as we now account them The Archbishops pallace at Canterbury is said to haue béene built in a manner all by this Stephen Langton Moreouer it is deliuered that he bestowed great cost in making a faire horologe in the South crosse isle of the church néere which he lieth buried his monument being situate in a manner iust vnder the altar 44. Richard Magnus VVIthin a fewe daies after the death of Stephen Langton the Monkes with the Kings licence procéeded to election made choice of one Walt. de Hempsham one of their own company presented him vnto the K. who by the aduice of diuers prelates refused to allow of him Which notwithstanding he got him to Rome hoping by one meanes or other to obtaine the Popes confirmation The king hauing notize of his intent sent thither the Bishop of Chester to signifie that he was a man very vnlearned and moreouer infamous for his life and conuersation as namely that he had gotten diuers children vpon a certaine Nunne that his father was hanged for theft and that himselfe had deserued it by taking the part of the rebellious Barons All this would not stay the Pope from giuing him confirmation vntill the kings Ambassadors had promised him a tenth of all spirituall promotions in England to aide him in his wars against the Emperor That being assigned him he straight way pronounced the election voide and by reason of the insufficiency of the elect the right of nomination to be deuolued vnto him selfe by vertue of which title he tooke vpon him at the kings request to name vnto that see Richard the Chauncellor of
Lincolne This Richard was a man very wel learned wise graue well spoken and of good report stout in defending the rights and liberties of the Church and which is not altogither to be neglected of a goodly personage tall straight and well fauoured He was consecrate at Canterbury by Henry Bishop of Rochester in the presence of the king and many of the nobility June 10. 1229. A little while he enioyed that honor to wit two yéeres or there abouts In which time there happened a controuersie betwéene him and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 Earle of Kent concerning some lands of the Earle of Glocester the profits whereof the Archbishop challenged as due vnto him in the minority of the Earle Hubert was a man greatly fauored by the king for his long faithfull seruice vnto his father and him selfe namely for defending the Castle of Douer against Lewis the French man he made him Earle of Kent and chiefe iustice of England He had entred vpon these lands The Archbishop first complained of the wrong vnto the king finding no remedy at his hands excommunicated all the authors of this iniury the king onely excepted and got him to Rome The king vnderstanding thereof dispatched messengers thither also to hinder his procéedings there what might be The Pope notwithstanding delighted much with the eloquence grauity and excellent behauiour of the Archbishop graunted presently all his demandes Little ioy had he of this victory Being thrée daies iourney in his way homewards he fell sicke at the towne of Saint Genuna and there died in the Friery where also he was buried It is 〈◊〉 that soone after his buriall certaine théeues brake open his toombe and thought to haue robbed him of his 〈◊〉 rings c. wherein according to the maner of those times he was buried but that they claue so fast vnto him as by no deuice they could take them from him Beléeue it as you list It shall not be amisse also to note how that in the time of this Archbishop a great number of Italians had possessed them selues of the best benefices of England which being much spited at certaine madde fellowes tooke vpō them by force to thresh out their corne euery where and giue it away vnto the poore to rob and spoile them of their money and other goods It was done so openly and so boldly as it was manifest that some great men were at one end of that businesse The Italians after that time were not so eager vpon Euglish benefices 45. Saint Edmund THe monkes of Canterbury by this time weary of contending with the king soone after the death of the former Archbishop chose of their owne accord Ralfe Neuill Bishop of Chichester aud Chauncellor of England a man very wise and highly in fauour with the king who liking well of this election put him in possession of the temporalties by and by The Pope being requested for his approbation chaunced to inquire of Simon Langton Archdeacon of Canterbury brother vnto Stephen the Archbishop what maner of man this Ralfe Neuill should be who told him that he was a hote fellow stout subtile an olde courtier and very gratious with the king it was much to be doubted therefore he would set the king him together by the eares and cause him to deny the payment of that tribute graunted vnto him by king Iohn This was ynough without more adoo he willed the monkes to choose another neuer alleaging any matter of exceptions against him So to a second election they procéeded and chose one Iohn their Subprior He went to Rome and being examined by certaine Cardinals was adiudged fit ynough for the place Yet the Pope misliked him for his age and perswaded the good old man to forbeare to take vpon him so great a charge in his olde yéeres He yéelded and thereupon a third was elected one Richard Blundy a studient of Oxford Him also the Pope refused because forsooth he held two benefices contrary to the Canons and because it was knowen he had borrowed a great summe of money of Peter Bishop of Winchester wherewith it was thought he féed well the monkes that chose him The Pope then made request vnto such of the monkes as were at Rome to choose Edmund Treasurer of Salisbury a man very wel knowen and indéed famous for his vertue and great learning They neither durst deny the Popes request nor would doo any thing in the matter till they had vnderstood the pleasure of their Prince and conferred with the rest of their brethren He was content to take their silence for a sufficient election and without more adoo sent him the pall into England little thinking of any such matter Both the king and the Couent liking well ynough of the man he was consecrate at Canterbury by Roger Bishop of London ann 1234. He was borne as some say at London and baptised in the same font Thomas Becket his predecessor had beene But other affirme more probably that he was borne at Abingdon in Barkshire sonne vnto one Edward Rich a Merchant his mothers name was Mabell In their elder yéeres they forsooke each other by mutuall consent and betooke them selues to a monasticall life Edmund their sonne they caused to be brought vp in the Uniuersity of Oxford Hauing attained vnto reasonable perfection in the knowledge of Diuinity whereunto his study was chiefely directed he applied himselfe to preaching wherein he tooke great paines namely in the counties of Oxford Glocester and Worcester vntil such time as he was called to the Treasurership of Salisbury Being consecrate Archbishop he presently fell into the kings displeasure by opposing him selfe against the mariage of Elianor the kings sister with Simon Mountfort Earle of Leicester because vponthe death of the Earle Marshal her first husband she had vowed chastity To haue this vow dispensed withall the king procured the Pope to send a Legate into England his name was Otto a Cardinall 〈◊〉 also this good Archbishop offended and that so grieuously by reprehending his monstrous couetousnesse his bribery and extortion as euer after he sought to worke him all the mischiefe he might The monkes of Rochester had presented vnto this Archbishop one Richard de 〈◊〉 demaunding of him consecration vnto the Bishopricke of their Church The Archbishop denied to affoord the same knowing him to be a very vnlearned and vnsufficient man Héereupon the moonks appealed to Rome which the Archbishop vnderstanding of hasted him thither also Otto the Legate endeuoured to stay him at home and failing thereof did his errand so well at Rome as not onely in that sute but an other also which he had against Hugh Earle of Arundell in an other cause of appeale he was ouerthrowne and condemned in a thousand markes charges to his great disgrace and impouerishment Being at Rome he had complained of many great abuses in England and amongst the rest of the long vacacy of Bishoprickes The Pope séemed willing to redresse these things and namely concerning that matter set downe
this order that if any cathedrall Church continued voide aboue sixe monethes it should be lawfull for the Archbishop to conferre it where he list as well as any smaller benefice The procuring of this order cost him a great sum of mony Yet no sooner was his backe turned but the Pope at the kings request reuoked the same Being thus continually vexed thwarted and disgraced he departed into voluntary exile and there bewailing the misery of his countrey spoyled and wasted by the tyranny of the Pope spent the rest of his life in continuall teares Through extreme gréefe and sorrow or as some thinke too much 〈◊〉 he fell first into a consumption and after into a strange kinde of ague Whereupon he thought good to remooue from the Abbey of Pontiniac in Fraunce where he had laien euer since his comming out of England vnto Soissy and there departed this life Nouember 16. 1236. eight yéeres after his first consecration His hart and entrailes were buried at Soissy his body at Pontiniac Within sixe yéeres after his death he was Canonised a Saint by Innocentius who appointed the foresaid day of his death for euer to be kept holy in memory of him Lewes the French king caused his body to be translated to a more honorable place then it was first laid in and bestowed a sumptuous shryne vpon him couered with golde and siluer and richly adorned with many precious stones 46. Boniface THe monks of Canterbury at the instance of the king elected vnto the Archbishopricke Boniface the sonne of Peter Earle of Sauoy and vncle vnto the Quéene a man not greatly to be commended for any thing but the nobility of his stocke and the comelinesse of his person For in other respects he was thought vtterly vnfit and vnwoorthy of that place The king therefore doubting least the Pope would reiect him caused in a manner all the Bishops and Abbots of England to write their letters commendatory in his behalfe and so sent him to Lyons where he quickly obtained consecration at the Popes owne hands At his first entrance into this Sée he found the same indebted by the ouerlashing of his predecessors to the value of 22. thousand marks which he tooke for an occasion of both absenting himselfe from his charge and also of raking money togither by all kinde of meanes Departing therefore into his owne country by felling of woods making leases and other such like meanes he made an infinite deale of money promising to imploy the same and whatsoeuer he could saue by liuing priuately at home in the payment of his churches debt By the same pretence also he induced the Pope to graunt him in Commendam the Bishopricke of Ualentia in Prouence and diuers other spirituall promotions But he gaue himselfe to warring and spent all he could make in hyring of soldiers When therefore notwithstanding all these helpes the debt was neuer the lesse he was glad by bribing the Pope with a great summe of money to procure of him a graunt of the profite of all spirituall preferments that should be void within his prouince for the space of seuen yéeres The king a while spurned at this graunt but in the end halfe for feare of the Pope of whom he stood in great awe and partly by sute and intercession he ratified and allowed of the same Hauing béene many yéeres absent he returned into England the yéere 1250. and tooke vpon him to visite all his Prouince in some extraordinarie manner All men knew it was rather to make mony then for any desire of reformation and that caused it to be taken the more odiously He began first with his owne Dioces which he so hampered with straight vnreasonable orders such as he knew men would rather buy out then endure to obserue that euery one said the monks of Canterbury were 〈◊〉 iustly rewarded for their folly in electing an vnlearned stranger that was more fit and likely to make a souldier then an Archbishop a great deale Comming then to London he tooke a small occasion to deface the Bishop there with 〈◊〉 and reprochfull spéeches and being resisted by the Deane and Chapter of Paules who had appealed from his 〈◊〉 to the Pope he made no more adoo but excommunicated them euery one Going the next day about the same businesse to the Priory of Saint Bartholomewes in Smythfield he was met very honorably by the Subprior and all the Conent in their coapes Telling them by and by he came to visite them one of the company answered him reuerently he was very welcome vnto them but they were sory he came for that purpose wherein they must disappoint him They knew their Bishop whose onely office it was to be a very sufficient man for his place and so long they must not entertaine the 〈◊〉 of any other This answere though gentle inough so enraged this lusty Archbishop as not being able to containe his anger within any bounds of discretion he ranne violently not to him that had spoken but to the Sub-prior that was next him strucke the poore old man downe to the ground kicked him beate and buffeted him pitifully tore his coape from his backe rent it into a number of péeces and when he had done stamped vpon it like a madde man In this conflict it hapned the Archbishop to stumble and fal backward by meanes whereof his apparell loosening in any perceaued a priuy coate vnder the same His seruitors and attendants taking example of their Lord gaue much like intertainment to the rest of the monks as he had giuen to the Sub-prior By this time the Londoners were vp and taking the matter very 〈◊〉 in the behalfe of their Bishop whom this iniury did originally concerne laid such wait for the Archbishop as with much adoo he stole secretly to the Thames side and was conueied by a wherry prouided for him to Lambhith If they could 〈◊〉 met with him they had surely hewen him into 1000. péeces He was no sooner come home but he thundred out his excommunications against not onely the whole Couent of Saint Bartholomew but the Bishop of London also as a fauourer of theirs They all agreeing togither determined to send the Deane of Paules a graue and wise man to Rome and by the letters of certaine Bishops they knew the Pope would credite to aduertise him of this strange disorder The Archbishop vnderstanding heereof followed thither apace and entred Rome with great pompe nothing 〈◊〉 but the King and Quéenes letters which he had brought his nobility and great linage or if all failed his purse should beare him out in this matter well inough But vnderstanding how odiously it was taken by all that heard it how hardly the Pope was informed against him he fell to intreatie of his aduersaries the Deane of Paules and the rest whom partly by faire promises and partly by threates at last he subdued and made them content to stay their complaint That matter being so ended he dealt earnestly with the
Pope to ratifie the dooings of his 〈◊〉 The Bishops of his prouince vnderstanding thereof and knowing how great an inconuenience it would be to them and all their Clergy they made a collection of two pence in the marke out of all spirituall promotions in the Prouince to be expended in sute of lawe against the Archibishop In the meane time the king had written his letters earnestly to the Pope in the Archbishops behalfe which so inchanted him with partialitie as the Bishop of London vtterly despairing of any iustice gaue ouer the matter in the plaine field Onely thus much was obtained that he the Chapter of Paules and the Couent of S. 〈◊〉 should be absolued from their excommunication Soone after this it hapned that the Archbishop the old malice still boyling in his brest taking a small aduantage excommunicated againe the Deane and Chapter of Paules the indignitie whereof so mooued all the Cleargy as they tooke order to méete at Dunstable and there laying their purses togither gathered the sum of fower thousand markes which they determined to bribe the Pope withall so he would deliuer them from the misery of this vnreasonable kinde of Uisitation The Pope tooke their mony and promised them faire And the Archbishoppe séeing no remedie but he must 〈◊〉 clauo pellere by taking the same course fedde him as well on the other side He whose affection was euer woont to be measured according to his rewards so diuided his fauour as he tooke not away from the Archbishoppe all authority of visiting and yet so moderated the same with circumstances as it was like to prooue tolerable inough As soone then as he returned he went forward in his visitation wherein he dealt at the first somewhat mildly but soone falling to his old byas caused euery where such stirs and tumults as it was long after called by the name of the troublous Uisitation At Lincoln he fell out with the Chapter there the Sée being then voide about the gift of prebends and benefices which he chalenged and had euer heretofore in the vacacy belonged vnto them One William Lupus Archdeacon of Lincoln especially resisted him in this matter and appealed vnto the Pope This poore man he so vexed and hurryed with his excommunications and all manner of molestation he could deuise as at last he enforced him to hide himselfe and to steale secretly to Rome where he was so pitied as the Pope was entreated not only to absolue him but to protect him from the violence of Boniface and at last to iudge the controuersie of his side So homewards he got him with assured hope of restoring his church to her auncient priuiledge But being worne out with continual trauel and vexation which he had indured three yéeres vpon the way he died Now while he was abroad in the rest of his prouince his monkes of Christ church in Canterbury had procured of the Pope a Charter of immunity from all visitation This being tendred vnto him at Saint Albons he made no more adoo but cast it in the fire The matter being complained of both to the Pope and the king no redresse could be found The king durst not disgrace him for feare of offending his Quéene to whom he was vncle and the Pope partly for his kinreds sake that were mighty men and his néere neighbours partly because he was his instrument for polling of England and brought him in much money would hardly giue eare vnto any accusation against him This boisterous visitation ended he got him beyond sea and with the money he had scraped togither in the same hired a great number of soldiers to rescue his brother Thomas sometime Earle of Sauoy that was kept in prison by the citizens of 〈◊〉 who could not indure his tyranny In this war he had the Popes Buls and excommunications at commandement to assist him of which hauing spent a great many all his money and no smal number of his soldiers to no purpose with 〈◊〉 and sorrow for his losse and disgrace home he came Toward the later end of his time he waxed more moderate and applied himselfe in some reasonable sort to the gouernment of his church The realme being filled with strangers of the kings blood by his mother side and their attendants that still snatcht vp all places of preferment especially 〈◊〉 He was content to ioine with the rest of the Bishops in a request to the king wherein he besought him to hauc some regard of his owne countriemen among whom he might sinde choice ynough of wise vertuous and learned men The king taking this speech of his in very euill part told him he was content to do as he wished him and because saith he it is indéed great reason that I should fauour woorthy men of my owne nation before any vnwoorthy stranger You and my brother Aethelmar of Winchester men vtterly vnlearned and altens whom I haue preferred for no other respect then kinred or affinity shall do well to giue ouer your places and you shall see I will soone fill them with men you shal take no exceptions against By this and diuers other manifest tokens perceiuing the kings mind to be alienated from him and knowing himselfe very ill beloued of all the commous and clergic in generall waxing weary of England he selled his woods let leases forced from his tenants and others what money he could possibly and hauing gathered great summes by one meanes or other caried it all with him into Sauoy whence he neuer meant to returne againe He liued not long after his arriuall there but deceased in the castle of Saint Helen July 18. 1270. after his first consecration 26. yeeres sixe moneths and sixteene daies and from the time of his first election nine and twenty yeeres He performed three notable things woorthy memory he payed the debt of two and twenty thousand markes that he found his Sée indebted in He built a goodly hospitall at Maidstone called the New workes and indued it with large reuenewes William Courtney long after translated the same into a colledge of secular priests And lastly he finished that most stately hall at Canterbury with the buildings adioining which had onely béene begun by Hubert and little or nothing continued by them that followed but by him at last was throughly perfited 47. Robert Kilwardby Soone after the death of Boniface the Couent of Canterbury by the licence of the king elected William Chillinden their Supprior to succéede him The Pope tooke exceptions against him as an vnsufficient man for the place ex plenitudine potestatis thrust into the same one Robert Kilwardby This Robert was a great Clarke and left many monuments of the same in writing behind him an English man borne brought vp in Paris whence hauing proceeded there Master of Arts he returned and became first a Frier Minor and then Prouinciall of that order here The monkes that many times opposed themselues against their kings and lawfull Princes durst not resist this intruder of
foorth as he would haue one Church allowed vnto them in the City in which with certaine restraints they should practise their ceremonies Unto double beneficed men and non residents he was very hard Diuers elected vnto Bishopricks he reiected hauing no other exception against them Many he compelled to reforme themselues according to the Canons in that behalfe and some that refused to be conformable he finally depriued Abultery he was woont to punish very seuerely He persecuted a Bishop terribly his name is not deliuered for keeping a concubine One Roger Ham a Priest he enioyned to thrée yéeres penance for fornication enioyining him to spend all that time in fasting prayer and pilgrimages to Rome Compostella and Colon and moreouer sequestred the fruites of his benefice during those thrée yéeres appointing them to be giuen vnto the poore Neither 〈◊〉 he thus with men of his owne coate onely There was a certaine knight of 〈◊〉 called Sir Osborn Gifford He had stollen two Nunnes out of the Nunry of Wilton which comming to the Archbishops eares he first excommunicated him and after absolued vpon these conditions first that he should neuer after come within any Nunry or in the company of a Nunne then that thrée Sundaies together he should be whipped in the parish Church of Wilton so likewise in the market and Church of Shaftsbury thrée other daies that he should fast a certaine number of moneths that he should not weare any shirt in thrée yéeres and lastly that he should not any more take vpon him the habite or title of a knight but weare apparrell of a russet colour vntill he had spent thrée yéers in the holy land All this he sware should be performed before he might haue absolution If some of our gentlemen were now and then thus serued they would not be so wanton as they are Thirtéene yéeres and almost a halfe this man continued Archbishop holding all this while his prebend he had first at Lyons which when diuers begged of him he would answere that he might not in any wise spare it for hée looked euery day when being drouen out of England by the king against whom indéede he often very boldly opposed him selfe he should haue no other home to take to For the same cause belike it was annexed vnto the Sée of Canterbury Many succéeding Archbishops enioyed the same a long time after He 〈◊〉 very rich and yet in his life time founded at Wingham a Colledge valued when it was suppressed at fower score and fower pounds of yéerely reuenues and aduanced diuers of his kinred to great possessions whose posterity haue continued in the state of Knightsand Esquiers euen vntill our time He was buried in his owne Church but in what particular place I find not 49. Robert Winchelsey VVHat countreyman Robert Winchelsey should be no man deliuereth But it is certaine he first went to schoole at Canterbury where he was so admired for his towardlinesse and loued for his gentle and modest behauiour being also a very welfauoured childe as euery man would take vpon him euen then to prophecie that he should one day be Archbish. of Canterbury Being ripe for the Uniuersity he was sent to Paris There he procéeded Master of art and before his departure thence was chosen Rector of that Uniuersity Hauing passed through that office which séemeth to be annuall with great commendation of integrity and wisedome he returned into England and comming to Oxford gaue such proofe there of his excellent knowledge in all good learning by preaching disputing c. as they thought good to honour him with the degrée of a Doctor and shortly after made him Chauncellor of their Uniuersity His gouernment there was such as all men easily discerned him fit for a much higher place He made many good and profitable statutes and tooke away diuers fond and pernicious customes to the great honor of the Uniuersity and no lesse aduauncement of good learning His first spirituall promotion was a prebend in Paules church and the Archdeaconry of Esser His Archdeacoury he visited himselfe in person duly euery yeere and did reside vpon his prebend preaching in that cathedral church or some other place almost euery day By reason hereof his manifold good parts he grew so famous as Peckham being dead he was straightway pointed out by the expectation of all men vnto the Archbishopricke The monkes therefore chose him with the kings very good liking great applause of all men It was his chāce to come to Rome while Coelestious was Pope a good vertuous man but so simple as Boniface that succéeded him could perswade him by counterfeiting the voice of an Angell through a trunke in the night to resigne his Papacy and become an Heremite againe as before his election he had beene Not onely this simple Heremite but euen all the prelates and Cardinals there were amased at his woonderfull rare learning the like whereof especially to be ioined with such discretion and wisedome they well assured themselues was no where to be found They were desirous therefore to haue made him a Cardinall so to haue retained him amongst them But he yéelding many reasons why he might not be spared at home obtained at last consecration and hasted him vnto his charge Upon the day of his inthronization it is said he consecrated Bishop of Landaffe one Iohn Monemouth Doctor of Diuinity and bestowed twenty benefices ten of very good value vpon ten Doctors and ten lesse vpon ten Batchelers of Diuinity The Sée being yet voide the king had caused a conuocation to be summoned in which he required one halfe of all ecclesiasticall reueneues for one yéere toward the charge of his wars This intollerable exaction the cleargy not intending to yéeld vnto sent the Deane of Paules William de Montfort with diuers other Prelates vnto the king to craue pardon and to shew how hard it were for them to yéeld to this demaund Being admitted vnto his presence the Deane began his spéech and after a few words fell downe suddenly starke dead Herewith the king nothing mooued sent a knight the next day vnto the conuocation to know whether any of them durst withstand the king in this demaund if there be any such quoth he let him come foorth that I may take order with him as a disturber of the kings peace So no man daring to gainesay it the graunt passed for good The Archbishop now comming home soone after called another Synode wherein his cleargy complained much of the last exaction The Archbishop told them it was more thē they could 〈◊〉 that they had done for that in the late Councell of Lyons it was decréed no cleargy man should pay any thing to any temporall magistrate without the Popes licence that therefore they now set downe for a canon to be kept hereafter inuiolably At that time the king that had had so liberall allowance very lately demaunded nothing But within a yéere or two after hauing spent an infinite deale of
money in the conquest of Scotland he summoned a Parliament at Berwicke wherein when the Temporalty contributed liberally toward the charge of that warre the cleargy alleaging the foresaid canon would graunt no thing The king would not take this for payment And therefore presently he tooke order that all barnes of cleargy men should be locked vp he also made proclamation that from that time forward all cleargy men were excluded from vnder his protection so that hereafter it should be lawfull for any man to sue them but they might not commence sute against any other This constrained them to yéeld and all submitted themselues to allowance of such a proportion as the king liked it was a fift part of their reuenewes except onely the Archv. who would make no other answere vnto the king but this vnder God our vniuersall Lord saith he we haue two other Lords a spirituall Lord the Pope and a temporall Lord the king and though we be to obey both yet rather the spirituall Lord then the temporall When therefore he sawe all the rest inclined to yéeld vsing no other words then this Saluet 〈◊〉 animam suam he rose vp and suddenly departed For this contumacy the king caused all his goods to be seased into his hands and made shew of greater displeasure Shortly after notwithstanding being to make warre in Fraunce before his departure he thought good to receiue the Archbishop to fauour againe but this grace indured for a very little while Presently vpon his returne he laid diuers treasons to his charge as that he had dehorted his subjects in his absence from payment of their subsidies that he had conspired with diuers of his nobility to depriue him of his kingdome and to crowne his sonne Edward c. Whether the Archbishop were guilty of all the crimes obiected against him or no I cannot tell But certaine it is that as guilty he submitted himselfe to the kings mercy and besought him for the same in most humble manner or rather in déede deiected himselfe more basely and lamented his cause more passionately then became a man that were guiltlesse much lesse a prelate that would be esteemed graue learned or wise Notwithstanding this his submission the king commenced a complaint against him at Rome banished him the realme and seased vpon all his goods mooueable and vnmooueable forbidding all his subiects vpon great paine to foster him or yéeld him any manner of intertainment He was in that case he must haue starued for want of sustenance had not the monkes of Canterbury secretly taken him in and aduentured to yéeld him things necessary till they found meanes to shift him beyond sea which the king afterwards vnderstanding seased vpon all their goods and lands turned them all euen fowerscore monks a begging forbid all men to harbour them and kept them in that miserable state till after a certaine space he was content to restore them againe These were the violent courses were taken by Princes in those daies how happy are we that in all peace liberty and assurance quietly enioy our owne without great desert to the contrary Two yéeres the Archbishop continued in exile In which time the king Edward the first died and his sonne Edward the second that was to succeed thinking it conuenient belike at his first entrance to shew all examples of clemency called him home by letters and restored him to all his goods euen euery peny of that which had béene receiued of his temporalties in his absence Hereby it came to passe that he was the richest Archbishop of many that were either before or after him so that his trouble turned him to great good In regard whereof he was woont to say Nihil nocebit aduersitas vbi nulla iniquitas dominatur so often as he talked of his trouble and banishment He was no sooner come home but a new danger encountred him occasioned by his owne woonted boldnesse The yoong king by the counsell of Piers Gaueston a wanton and vicious man banished into Ireland by king Edward the first for corrupting his sonne had committed the Bishop of Couentry to ward at Yorke A conuocation being gathered the Archbishop would not suffer any matter to be debated in the house till the Bishop were set at liberty This the king was content to beare with all at that time afterward he so behaued himselfe as there neuer grew any dislike betwéene them So the rest of his age after his returne from banishment which was sixe yéeres he passed in quietnes and great prosperity and died at last at Oxford May 11. 1313. hauing béene Archbishop about the space of ninetéene yéeres He was a stout prelate and a seuere punisher of sinne He opposed himselfe against Piers Gaueston the Spensers and other corrupters of the yoong king very boldly He enforced Iohn Warren Earle of Surrey to sorsweare the company of a certaine beautifull harlot with the loue of whom he was greatly bewitched And afterwards when notwithstanding his oath he returned to her company againe and got children vpon her he accused him to the Conuocation of adultery and periury both and at last made him to leaue her Such preferments as fell to his disposition he euer bestowed vpon men of excellent learning despising letters and requests of noble men which he estéemed not a rush Many poore schollers he maintained at the Uniuersities with liberall exhibition and vnto all kind of poore people was excéeding bountiful insomuch as therin I thinke he excelled all the Archbishops that euer were either before him or after him Beside the daily fragments of his house he gaue euery Friday and Sunday vnto euery begger that came to his doore a loase of bread of a farthing price which no doubt was bigger then our peny-loafe now And there were vsually euery such almes day in time of dearth to the number of 5000. but in a plentifull 4000. and seldome or neuer vnder which commumbus annis amounted vnto 500. pound a yéere Ouer and aboue this he vsed to giue euery great festiuall day 150. pence to so many poore people to send daily meate drinke and bread vnto such as by reason of age or sicknes were not able to fetch almes at his gate to send money meate apparel c. to such as he thought wanted the same and were ashamed to begge But of all other he was woont to take greatest compassion vpon those that by any misfortune were decaied and had fallen from wealth to poorer estate For these and other vertues the common people would needes estéeme him a Saint and frequented much the place of his buriall Therefore his tombe which was situate beside the altar of S Gregory néere the south wall was afterwards pulled downe His bookes apparell and other mooueables which were but of very small value he gaue all such as they were vnto his church of Canterbury Of all the Archbishops that possessed this Sée before this man which were 48. there was neuer any two that had
one Christian name 50. Walter Raynolds RObert Winchelsey being dead the monks of Canterbury elected for his successour one Thomas Cobham that was Deane of Salisbury and Prebendary of Yorke a man of such vertue and learning as he was commonly called by the name of the good Clerke The king Edward the second was desirous to preferre vnto that place Walter Raynolds Bishop of Worcester whom he fauoured singularly for his assured fidelity and great wisedome Before therefore that the saide Thomas Cobham could get away to Rome the king vnderstanding of his election sent thither in all post haste earnestly requesting the Pope to finde meanes that this Walter might be made Archbishop He glad of such an occasion to exercise the vtmost of his vsurped authority without any more adoo thrust in the said Walter Raynolds into that Sée pretending that he had reserued the gift of the Archbishoprick for that time vnto himselfe before it fell Cobham a while stoode vpon the right of his election but perceauing to how little purpose it was to stirre with so mighty aduersaries as the Pope and the king both at once was content to accept of the Bishopricke of Worcester which the other left This Walter had béene a Courtier a long time Chapleyne first vnto Edward the first and Parson of Wimberton then by Edward the second whose schoolemaster some say he was made Treasurer and Chauncellour of England and preferred to the Bishopricke of Worcester the yéere 1308. The buls of his translation were published in Bowe Church Ianuary 4. 1313. He receaued his pall Febr. 17. following and was installed with great pompe and solemnity April 19. in the presence of the king the Quéene and many nobles The first thing he did after his comming to Canterbury was to take order by giuing pensions and diuers sums of money at Rome that appeales made from him to the court there should finde no fauourable intertainment He precured also eight seuerall Buls containing so many great and extraordinarie priuileges The first gauc him authority of visiting all his prouince so as he should haue procurations euery where and yet his charges borne The second to visite monasteries and all other exempt places The third to absolue and restore to their former state two hundred Cleargy men that had incurred irregularitie The fourth to dispense with the Minoritie of a hundred Clearks and enable them to take spirituall liuings The fifth to absolue a hundred of such as by striking any Cleargy man had fallen into the danger of excommunication The sixt to grant forty pluralities The seuenth to require the gift of any one dignitie or spirituall promotion in any church or college where he should visite The eight to grant pardon of a hundred daies in any place where he should visite preach giue almes or kéepe hospitality Being thus armed he perfourmed his visitation trauailing himselfe in the same till by the Barons wars he was hindered and sent for vnto the Court by the king That warre being ended and execution done vpon diuers of the nobles that had rebelled Adam Tarlton Bishop of Hereford was apprehended and brought to the barre to be arraigned for the like fault All the Bishops of England almost were then at London The Archbishops of Canterbury Yorke and Dublin hearing of it in great haste hied them thither and hauing their crosses borne before them entred the court by violence tooke the prisoner from the barre and carried him away with them Much adoo there was about this matter a good while the stir was not quight ended when the Quéene rising against her husband and setting vp her sonne to 〈◊〉 the kingdome at last procured him to be deposed This our Archb. then shewed himselfe a very weake man He was content a while outwardly to stand with the king as beside the common duty of a subiect he was bound to do by benefites receaued infinite but first vnderhand he aided the Queene with great sums of money and at last vtterly for sooke him his lawfull prince his master his patron that had aduaunced him by so many degrées vnto an estate so honorable It pleased God that 〈◊〉 timorousnesse should be his destruction By the Quéene aforesaid of whom he stood so greatly in awe he was commanded to consecrate one Iames Barkley elected Bishop of Excester He did so but for his labor was so threatned taunted and reuiled by the Pope that saide he had reserued the gift of that Bishoprick vnto himselfe as for griefe and anger togither he died when he had sate Archbishop 13. yéeres 9. moneths and thrée wéekes He was buried in the south wall of Christs church in Canterbury néere the Quier where his tombe is yet to be seene with an inscription which I haue read long since but I thinke is now defaced This man was but meanly learned yet very wise of good gouernment except when for feare and want of courage he neglected his dutie He gaue vnto his Couent the Manour of Caldcote and the wood of Thorlehot 51. Simon Mepham SImon Mepham Doctor of Diuinitie Canon of Chichester Prebendary of Landaff and Parson of Tunstall a Kentish man borne one very well learned as learning went in those daies was then elected by the monks approoued by the king and affoorded consecration by the Pope at Auinion the yéere 1327. The first thing he did at his returne home was that he excommunicated all the authors of the death of Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester as they had well deserued Soone after he began to wrangle with his monks of Canterbury about certaine land They complained them vnto the Pope who sent a Nuncio to Canterbury to heare and determine of this controuersie He condemned the Archbishop in seuen hundred pound charges After this he began to visite his prouince in like sort as his predecessors had done before him The Bishop of Excester Iohn Graundson resisted him for what cause I finde not appealed to Rome and would not suffer him so much as to enter into his Cathedrall Church much lesse to visite in the same These two repulses he tooke so tenderly as being yet scarcely returned home he fell sicke and died October 12. 1333. at Magfield His body was conueighed to Canterbury and laid in a marble fombe vpon the North side of Saint Anselmes chappell He sate Archbishop fiue yéeres and somewhat more 52. Iohn Stratford THe Pope who now tooke vpon him to dispose of all Bishoprickes at his pleasure was content at the kings request to nominate vnto Canterbury Uoid by the death of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iohn Stratford Bishop of Winchester This Iohn Stratford hauing long and to good purpose studied the Canon and ciuill Law was called to the Archdeaconry of Lincolne Being famous for his learning and good gouernment of that iurisdiction Walter the Archbishop made him his principall Officiall and Deane of the Arches and king Edward the second shortly after that appointed him Secretary and so one of his priuy counsell It chaunced he was
Embassadour vnto the Pope at what time the Bishop of Winchester died and he at the request of Walter the Archbishop bestowed that Bishopricke vpon this Iohn Stratford then present with him This was done without the kings priuity who desired to haue preferred vnto that place Robert Baldock his Chauncellor Therefore taking it very ill that either the one should giue or the other dare to take it without his knowledge he was content to giue eare vnto Robert Baldock who plotted many deuises a while how to kéepe him from it and after how to make him weary of it He was consecrate vpon the Sunday called then 〈◊〉 tribulat iustorū which he thought boaded vnto him how in the whole course of his life he should find nothing but continuall trouble It fell out according to that ominous prediction Neuer I thinke any Archb. either before or after him giuing so little cause dooing his indeuour to please was more encombred with vndeserued and often crosses He had no sooner set foote into this Bishopricke of Winchester but the king who at that time was altogether ruled by the said Robert Baldock caused all his goods to be seased and his liuings to be sequestred to his vse Moreouer he caused him to be summoned by certaine strange kind of writs to appeare I know not where and when for feare he was faine to hide himselfe proclamation was made that no man should dare to harbor him or giue him any kind of entertainment by meate lodging or otherwise Hauing endured these miseries the space of a yéere he intreated the Archbishop to be an intercessor vnto the king for him who relating vnto him how dishonorable a thing it was for him to persecute a true subiect so terribly both for an other mans fault and an other mans pleasure too he was soone woonne to receiue the poore Bishop to his grace and laid all the blame of that iniury vpon Robert Baldock Being thus restored he grew dayly more and more into the kings fauour whom he serued both diligently and faithfully to the last hower When all other forsooke him euen Walter the Archbishop of whom he had deserued so notably this good Bishop would neuer be allured vnto the contrary part by any meanes in so much as the Quéene and Roger Mortimer began to deuise how they might make him away This he being certified of hid him selfe and was faine so to hold him selfe close a long time In the ende the king being dead and all his fauourites or partakers either executed or otherwise consumed the Quéene and her sonne king Edward the third wel knowing they had nothing to lay against this man but that he was true and loyall to his Prince they were content not onely to receiue him to their fauour but also to make him Lord Chauncellor of England Simon Mepham the Archbishop being then dead soone after the king was also content to write earnestly vnto the Pope to preferre him vnto that Sée of Canterbury He did so as before I haue said And the monkes thinking it good to make a vertue of necessity they forsooth elected him also About this time it hapened that King Edward the third began to lay claime vnto the crowne of Fraunce and passing the seas with a great power to iustifie his claime he thought good to commit the gouernment of the realme here at home vnto the Archbishop He beside other generall promises of faithfulnes diligence c. In the charge deliuered vnto him assured the king he should want no money to expend in this exploit whereunto all kind of people shewed them selues so willing to yéelde what helpe they possibly might as he tooke vpon him to discerne the king might commaund of them what he list He was not deceiued in this coniecture For no sooner was the king ouer the seas but infinite summes of money were collected with the very good liking of all people This money which all men thought would haue maintained the charge of that warre two or thrée yéeres the king being yoong and so easie to be either mistaken or deceiued was spent in lesse then one yeere The Archbishop meruelling thereat 〈◊〉 the king by letters to remooue from him such as had had the disposing of his treasure for that without imbesilling and falsehood it was impossible so much money should be so soone consumed The king on the other side he put the Archbishop in minde of his promise and called vpon him continually for more money He well knowing how hard it would be to collect any reasonable summe so soone after so liberall contribution as had béene lately yéelded fell to perswading the king to accept reasonable conditions which he heard the French King had offred him and to come home The king either was or seemed to be excéeding angry with this motion yet knowing there was no remedy but he must get him home his money being now spent and his credite amongst the vsurers stretched to the highest pinne He tolde his souldiers on the one side that the Archbishop had betraied him vnto the French king who no doubt had hired him to detaine their pay in his hands and on the other side made his creditors beleeue that the Archbishop had taken vpon him the discharge of all his debt as hauing now gathered money sufficient for that purpose So the discontentment of these people being either alaied or cast vpon the Archbishop it was deuised that for the farther countenance of this plot the king should step ouer into England sodainly and cast into prison the Archbishop togither with the Bishop of Chichester the Chauncelour and the Bishop of Lichfield the Treasurer To London he came secretly in a night caught the two Bishops and sent them to the Tower but the Archbishop by meere chance was gone from Lambhith elsewhether the day before and hauing some inkling afterwards of that was meant vnto him got him to Canterbury and there stood vpon his guard A knight was sent vnto him to require him to make present paiment of a certaine huge sum of mony which the king said he had taken vp of outlandish merchants vpon his the Archbi credit or else to get him ouer the seas immediately vnto them and to yéeld them his body till the debt were satisfied for that so the king had vndertaken he should being animated thereunto by his owne promise Soone after there came certaine messengers from the duke of Brabant desiring to speake with the Archbishop and when he refused to conferre with them cited him by writings to make payment of certaine great summes of money which they alleaged he ought to the Duke for money the king of England had receaued This citation they fixed vpon the high crosse at Canterbury with many ceremonies Now the Archbishop perceauing what a terrible tempest was growing toward him for he was charged not onely with the debt of many thousand pounds more then euer he should be able to make but with horrible treason that might
not onely take away his life but make him odious in his life time and infamous for euer with all posterity He wrote many letters vnto the king wherein he purged himselfe most cléerely of whatsoeuer was obiected and prayed him not to commaund his repaire vnto his presence vntil a parliament were assembled wherein if he were to be charged with any crime he vowed to offer himselfe vnto iustice Understanding then that the king had written diuers discourses against him vnto the Bishop of London the couent of Canterbury and others to the intent they might be publike for defence of his credit he thought it requisite to make his Apology in the pulpit which he did taking this for his text Non pertinuit Principem potentia nemo vieit illum c. Eccles. 48. At last a parliament was summoned whereunto vpon safe conduct he came He was not suffered to come into the parliament house before he had answered to certaine crimes obiected against him in the court of the Exchequer He went thither and receiuing a copy of the articles promised to make answere vnto them The next day comming againe vnto the parliament he was once more forbidden entrance A great number of people flocking about him in the meane time he told them how he had béene summoned to the parliament whereof he was a principall member and now being come was kept out by violence But saith he taking his crosse into his owne hand I will not hence till I either be suffered to come in or heare some cause alleaged why I should not While he stoode there some of the company began to reuile him and to tell him he had betraied the realme c. Unto whom he answered thus The curse of almighty God quoth he of his blessed mother and mine also be vpon the heads of them that informe the king so Amen Amen In the meane time certaine noble men chaunced to come out whom he besought to request the king in his behalfe By their meanes he was at last admitted and being charged with diuers hainous crimes offered to purge himselfe of them and if they might be prooued to submit himselfe vnto iustice Twelue men were chosen to examine this matter viz. fower Prelates the Bishops of London Bathe Hereford and Exceter fower Earles Arundell Salisbury Huntington and Suffolke and lastly fower Barons Henry Percy Thomas Wake Ralfe Basset and Ralfe 〈◊〉 All this was but to make the Archbishop odious with the common people A fault was committed And the king willing the blame therof should lie any where rather then vpon himselfe made al this ado to bleere the peoples eies The matter neuer came to the hearing of these nobles but was so handled that the Archbishop vpon great sute and intreaty of in a maner the whole parliament must be pardoned all that was past and receiued to fauour againe After this he liued certaine yeeres quietly Hauing beene Archbishop about fiftéene yeeres he fell sicke at Magfield and making his will wherein he gaue all he had vnto his seruants died there He was buried in a goodly tombe of alabaster on the South side of the high altar beside the steps of Saint Dunstanes altar He was a very gentle and mercifull man rather to 〈◊〉 then any way rigorous vnto offenders His manner was thrise euery day to giue almes to thirtéene poore people in the morning pence a péece at nine a clocke bread meate and pottage and at noone againe euery one a loafe and a peny He gaue vnto his church of Canterbury a very sumptuous miter and certaine bookes He assigned also vnto the same a pension of fiue pound out of the parsonages of Boughton and Preston appropriated vnto the Abbey of Feuersham and some deliuer that he founded a colledge at Stratford vpon Auon where he was borne 53. Iohn Vfford THe Pope at this time had so farre incroched vpon vs here in England as he would seldome or neuer suffer any orderly election to take place but bestow all Bishoprickes where it pleased him The king Edward the third much discontented herewith writ vnto him very earnestly praying him to forbeare his prouisions and reseruations whereby he robbed patrones of their right and chapters of their elections telling him that the disposition of Bishoprickes belonged of old vnto the king onely that his progenitors at the sute of diuers Popes had giuen that their authority vnto Chapters which if they vsed not he assured himselfe it deuolued againe vnto the first graunter which was the king The copy of this letter is to be seene in Thomas 〈◊〉 and many other After the receit of this letter the Pope would seldome or neuer take vpon to giue any Bishopricke but vnto such as the king made request for But so betwéene the king and the Pope elections were altogither deluded and made frustrate And therefore Simon Mepham being dead whereas the Couent made choice of one Thomas Bradwardin to succéede him the king writing somewhat earnestly to the Pope in fauour of Iohn Vfford he was by and by pronounced Archbishop by the Popes oracle and the other vtterly reiected This Iohn Vfford was sonne vnto the Earle of Suffolke brought vp in Cambridge and made Doctor of Law there promoted first vnto the Deanry of Lincolne then to the Chauncellorship of England and lastly the Archbishopricke He neuer receiued either his pall or consecration Hauing expected the same the space of sixe moneths he died in the time of that great plague that consumed halfe the men of England Iune 7. 1348. His body without any pomp or woonted solemnity was caried to Canterbury and there secretly buried by the North wall beside the wall of Thomas Becket at that place if I mistake not where we sée an olde woodden toombe néere to the toombe of Bishop Warham This man began to build the Archbishops pallace at Maidstone but died before he could bring it to any perfection 54. Thomas Bradwardin THomas Bradwardin of whom somewhat is said before was borne at Hartfield in Sussex and brought vp in the Uniuersity of Oxford where hauing trauayled along time in the study of good learning he procéeded Doctor of Diuinity He was a good Mathematician a great Philosopher and an excellent Diuinc as diuers workes of his not yet perished doo testifie But aboue all he is especially to be commended for his sinceryty of life and conuersation Iohn Stratford the Archbishoppe in regard of these vertues commended him vnto that noble Prince King Edward the third for his Confessor In that office he behaued him selfe so as he deserueth eternal memory for the same He was woont to reprehend the king with great boldnesse for such things as he sawe amisse in him In that long and painfull warre which the king had in Fraunce he neuer would be from him but admonished him often secretly and all his army in learned and most cloquent sermons publikely to take heede they wared not proud and insolent because of the manifold victories God
her selfe a Nunne 〈◊〉 hauing liued so certaine yéeres suddenly married a certaine knight named Eustace Abricourt contrary to her vow and that secretly without asking of banes or dispensation he punished them seuerely for it but suffered them to liue still together and seuered them not Amongst many good déeds he is blamed for selling vnto the Earle of Arundell the right which he had vnto sixe and twenty Déere yéerely out of certaine grounds of his He had for them onely two hundred and forty markes After he had béene Archbishop sixetéene yéeres fower moneths and twelue daies he died Aprill 26. 1366. Kiding to Magfield his horse chaunced to cast him into a meiry poole Wet as he 〈◊〉 he fell a sléepe at his comming thither and waking found himselfe in a palsy whereof within a few daies after he died He bequeathed vnto his church of Canterbury a thousand shéepe his vestments which were al cloth of gold a very sumptuous coape and much plate viz. sixe dozin of siluer dishes sixe salts and fower goodly basons all enchased with his armes He lieth buried in the middle of the body of his church of Canterbury vnder a faire toombe of marble inlaid with brasse whereon is engrauen this Epitaphe Ospes sanctorum decus pie Christe tuorum Coetibus ipsorum prece iung as 〈◊〉 precor horum Simon 〈◊〉 oriens vir bina lege probatus Vt nascens moriens sic nunciacet arcte locatus Arcem qui tenuit 〈◊〉 quondam Pontificatus Clero quique fuit regno toti quoque gratus Princeps pastorum fac Simon Apostolorum Simon vt iste chorum per eos pertingat eorum Mil trecenteno sexageno modo seno Eius septeno pastoratus quoque deno Hic kal. Maij seno rupto carnis nece freno Flos cadit èfoeno coelo peto qui sit amoeno He tooke order to be buried obscurely desiring therein as in all other things to auoid superfluous expence what he might and not estéeming outward pompe 56. Simon Langham AFter the decease of Simon 〈◊〉 the monkes of Canterbury chose William Edindon Bishop of Winchester for Archbishop who refused the place The Pope then with the kings good liking remooued to Canterbury Simon Langham Bishop of Ely and Treasurer of England He was first a monke of Westmin then Prior lastly Abbot there Thence he was elected Bishop of London but before he was consecrate thereunto obtayned Ely where he continued fiue yéeres He receiued his pall by the hands of the Bishop of Bathe in Saint Nicholas chappel at Westminster Nouember 4. 1366. and was inthronized the Lady day following He was Archbishop but a little while viz. two yéeres or little more and therefore did not many things very memorable There was a great strife betwéene the Londoners and their cleargy about tything which he thus composed he tooke order that they should pay their offrings personall tithes and then also for the rest a farthing of euery 10. s̄ rent From Canterbury colledge which his predecessor had founded he sequestred the fruits of the benefice of Pagham and otherwise molested the schollers there intending to displace them all and to put in monkes which in the ende he brought to passe Iohn Wickliffe was one of them that were so displaced and had withstood the Archbishop in this businesse with might and maine By the Popes fauour and the Archbishops power the monkes ouerbore 〈◊〉 and his fellowes If then 〈◊〉 were angry with Pope Archbishoppe monkes and all you cannot maruell But to returne to our Archbishop he sate here onely two yéeres For being made Cardinal of Saint Sixtus by Pope Vrban the fift September 21. 1368. he left his Archbishopricke and went to Rome where shortly after he was made Bishop Cardinall of Preneste by Gregory the eleuenth and held diuers liuings in Commendam as the Archdeaconry and Treasurership of Wels with other He liued there in great estimation about eight yeeres and died July 22. 1376. of the same disease his predecessor had done viz. a palsy wherewith he was suddenly taken as he sate at dinner He was buried first in the church of the Carthusians whose house he had founded at Auinion but after thrée yéeres his bones by his owne appointment while he liued were taken vp and buried a second time at Westminster in a goodly toombe of alabaster It is scarce credible that is reported of his woonderfull bounty and liberality to that monastery I meane Westminster When he was first made Abbot he bestowed all that he had gathered together being monke and prior in paying the debt of the house which was to the valew of two thousand and two hundred markes he discharged it euery whit and diuers other summes of money also that particular monkes did owe whom he tendered and cherished as his owne children neuer taking any thing from them but rather augmenting their portions out of that which was due to himselfe Being Chauncellor and Treasurer he purchased diuers good peices of land and gaue it vnto them When he went out of England he left them bookes to the value of 830. l. and roaps vestments c. estéemed worth 437. l. At his death he bequeathed vnto them all his plate prised at 2700. l. and all his debts any where due they amounted vnto 3954 l. thirteene shillings and fower pence He also sent vnto the said monastery the summe of one thousand markes to buy forty markes a yeere land to increase the portions os fower monks that daily should say masse for the soules of himselfe and his parents To say nothing of the monastery which he built for the Carthusians at Auinion the money that he bestowed onely vpon the Abbey of Westminster one way or other is reckoned by a monke of the same to be no lesse then 10800. l. They caused this Epitaphe to be engrauen vpon his toombe Simon de Langham 〈◊〉 petris hijs tumulatus 〈◊〉 ecclesiae monachus fuerat Prior Abbas Sede vacante fuit electus Londoniensis 〈◊〉 insignis Ely sed postea primas Totius regni magnus Regisque minister Nam Thesaurarius Cancellarius eius Ac Cardinalis in Roma Presbyter iste Postque Praenestinus est factus Episcopus atque Nuncius ex parte Papae transmittitur istuc Orbe dolente pater quem nuncreuocare nequimus Magdalenae festo milleno septuageno Et ter centeno sexto Christi ruit anno Hunc Deus absoluat de cunctis quae male 〈◊〉 Et meritis matris sibi coelica gaudia donet 57. William Wittlesey SImon 〈◊〉 was vncle vnto a yoong man named William Wittlesey whom he caused to be carefully brought vp and directed vnto the study of the Cannon law Hauing procéeded doctor in that faculty his vncle that now was become Archb. sent him to Rome that there he might both sollicite all his causes and also get experience by seeing the practise of that Court. After he had staied there a while he was called home and preferred by his vncle aforesaid vnto the place
of vicar Generall then to the Deanry of the Arches the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon the Parsonages of Croydon and Clyff and lastly the Bishopricke of Rochester From Rochester he was remooued to Worcester his vncle yet liuing and ioying much in this his aduancement the yéere 1 63. Frō thence some say he was translated to London but that I take to be mistaken Simon Sudbury was Bishop of Londō before he came to Worcester and so continued till that after his death he succeded him in Canterbury Thether this man was aduanced by the Popes onely authority presently after Simon Langham was made Cardinall viz. the yéere 1368. At two seuerall synods he preached in Latine very learnedly The later of those sermons he could hardly end for sicknesse where with he had béene so much troubled before as for two yeeres space he was faine to kéepe his chamber almost altogither Not being able to resist the force of this tedious wearing disease any longer he paid the debt of his mortality October 11. 1374. hauing continued in this Sée almost seuen yéeres He was buried ouer-against his vncle betwéene two pillers vnder a faire marble tombe inlaid with brasse which is lately defaced by tearing out the brasse I remember that some sixtéene yéeres since I read the Epitaph engrauen vpon the same This man procured the Uniuersitie of Oxford to be exempt from the iurisdiction of the Bishop of Lincolne and al authority of gouerning the same to be committed vnto the Chauncellour and Proctors 58. Simon Sudbury PResently after the death of William Wittlesey the monks of Canterbury elected for their Archbishop a certaine Cardinall that was an Englishman borne but throughly Italianate hauing lead his life in a manner altogither at Rome I take it his name was Adam Easton The king with this choice of theirs was so gréeuously offended as he determined to banish them the monks I meane out of the realme and to confiscate their goods Gregory the 11. that then was Pope though he fauoured his Cardinall to shield the poore monkes from the danger of such a tempest was content to refuse this election and to bestow the Archbishopricke by way of prouision vpon Simon Sudbury Bishop of London whom he knew the king liked well inough This Simon was the sonne of a gentleman named Nigellus Tibold so that his true name was Simon Tibold But he was borne at Sudbury a towne of Suffolke in the parish of S. George and of that 〈◊〉 tooke his name according to the manner of many cleargy men in those daies He was alwaies brought vp at schoole and being yet very yoong was sent by his father beyond the seas to study the canon lawe and hauing procéeded Doctor of that faculty became houshold Chaplein vnto Pope Innocent and one of the Judges or Auditors of his Kota The said Pope by way of prouision thrust him first into the Chancellorship of Salisbury and then afterward viz. the yéere 1364. into the Bishopricke of London He receiued the bulles of his translation thence June 6. 1375. Two synods or conuocations were held in his time at both which he preached in Latin very learnedly Sixe yeeres one month and ten daies he gouerned the Sée of Canterbury laudably and at last was most vnwoorthily slaine or rather wickedly murthered by a company of villanous rebels By the instigation of one Iohn Ball a seditions malcontent and hypocriticall preacher the baser sort of the commons arose in diuers parts of the realme and intending to destroy all gentlemen lawyers cleargymen and whosoeuer were of any account either for their riches linage or authority in the common wealth came vp to London appointing for their leaders Wat Tyler Iacke Straw Iohn Lister Robert Westhrom c. The king vnderstanding of their comming sent vnto them to know the cause of their repaire in so great numbers They answered they were to impart vnto him certaine matters greatly importing the state of the common wealth which if he would vnderstand he should spéedily resort vnto them The king hauing receiued this saury answere began to consult with his friends whether he were best to goe to them or not The greater number 〈◊〉 him to goe But the Archbishop and Sir Robert Hales Treasurer of England 〈◊〉 him saying it was a thing not onely 〈◊〉 and shamefull for a Prince to be commanded by such rascals but also dangerous vnto his person to commit himselfe to a route of seditious people that hauing once broken the bands of all duty and alleageance feared no more to violate the sacred maiesty of their annointed prince then to wrong their neighbours of farre meaner condition of whom they had already slaine spoiled and robbed an infinite number for wich cause they thought it more safe for the king more honorable and euery way more expedient to gather some power together spéedily and to set vpon them who being yet vnprouided of armour destitute of good leaders and without all skill or experience of warlike affaires would soone be dispersed and ouerthrowen This spéech of theirs I know not by what tell-tales was carried vnto the rebels who sware by and by they would haue off the heads of these cruell counsellers So in all haste to the Tower they came where the court then lay requiring with great outcries the Archbishop and the said Sir Robert Hales to be deliuered vnto them The Archbishop hauing heard some inckling of their intent the day before had spent all that might in prayer and iust when they called for him was saying of masse in the chappell of the Tower That ended and hearing of their comming Let vs now go saith he vnto his men Surely it is best to dye séeing to liue it can be no pleasure With that in came these murtherous rebels crying where is the Traytour where is the Traytor He answered I am the Archbishop whom I thinke you seeke but no Traytor With great violence then they drew him out of the chappell and caried him to the Tower hill Séeing there nothing but swords and weapons and hearing nothing but Kill kill away with the Traytor c. Yet he was not so 〈◊〉 but with great 〈◊〉 he could go about to perswade them not to imbrue their hands in the bloud of their Archbishop their chiefe 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 offended them to his knowledge nor 〈◊〉 so cruell a death at their hands assuring them that all the 〈◊〉 would be interdicted for it that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be punished 〈◊〉 or last by the temporal Law and lastly that though both these failed God the iust Iudge would 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 in this or the world to come if not both He was a man admirably wise and excéeding well spoken But these varlets were so egerly bent as the very songs of the Syrens would nothing haue mooued them at all from their intended course Séeing therefore nothing but death before his face with comfortable words forgiuing the executioner that scarce euer requested him so to doo with a very
chéerefull countenance he knéeled downe and yéelded him selfe vnto their fury Once he was stricken in the necke so weakely as that notwithstanding he knéeled still vpright and putting his hand vp to the wound he vsed these words a ha it is the hand of God He had not remoued his hand from the place when a second stroke cut of his fingers ends and felled him to the ground With much adoo hauing hacked and hewen his necke with eight blowes they got off his head This horrible murther was committed vpon Fryday June 14. 1381. all which day and a part of the next his body lay there headlesse no man daring to offer it buriall as for his head they nayled his hood vpon it and so fixing it vpon a poale set it on London bridge Sir Robert Hales and a great many of others that day tasted of the same cup the Archbishop had done Thus ended this noble Prelate his daies who though he were very wise learned eloquent liberall mercifull and for his age and place reuerend yet might it not deliuer him from the rage of this beast with many heads the multitude then which being once incensed there is no brute beast more cruell more outragious more vnreasonable How this monstrous tumult was appeased at the last and the Authors of the same punished according to their demerites the Chronicles at large declare To passe it ouer the body of this our Archb. after all sturres ended was caried to Canterbury there honorably enterred vpon the Southside of the altar of S. Dunstane a little aboue the toombe of Bishop Stratford Being yet Bishop of London he builded the vpper end of Saint Gregories Church at Sudbury and in the place where his fathers house stoode founded a goodly Colledge which he furnished with secular Clearks and other Ministers At the time of the suppression thereof it was valued at one hundred twentie two pounds eightéene shilllings lands by the yéere After his translation to Canterbury he built the West gate of the City and all the wal from that gate vnto Norgate commonly called by the name of the long wal A great worke no lesse necessary and profitable vnto the City then costly and chargeable vnto the builder 55. William Courtney SOone after the lamentable death of Simon Sudbury the monkes of Canterbury elected for their Archbishop William Courtney Bishop of London and the Pope knowing nothing of their election about the same time bestowed the Archbishopricke vpon him by way of prouision He was the sonne of Hugh Courtney Earle of Deuonshire in his youth studied the Canon Lawe and had no sooner entred into orders but he was quickly loaded with spirituall liuing ynough as a prebend in Wels an other in Exceter a third in Yorke beside benefices with cure innow The yeere 1369. he was consecrate Bishop of Hereford sate there flue yéers a halfe and then remooued to London at what tune Simon Sudbury was made Archbishop Thomas Walsingham addeth to these former honours that the yéere 1378. he was made Cardinall I find no mention of it elsewhere and therefore doubt much of it The bulles of his translation to Canterbury were published in Christchurch there Ianuary 9. 1381. Hauing then receiued his temporalties of the King and done his homage he went to Lambhith Thither came vnto him a monke sent from the Couent and Prior of Canterbury to deliuer him his crosse which he did in the Chappell of Lambhith vsing these words Reuerend father I am the messenger of the great King that doth require and commaund you to take on you the gouernment of his Church to loue and defend the same In token whereof I deliuer you this his ensigne Soone after he receiued his pall and then being throughly setled began his Metropoliticall visitation which he entended to performe in euery Dioces of his prouince Hauing passed quietly through Rochester Chichester Bathe and Worceter at Exceter he found some resistance as well as Simon Mepham his predecessor had done After the time of his first inhibition he prorogued diuers times the day of his visitation and when he had sate was not so ha sty in graunting a relaxation of the inhibition as they would haue him Hereby it came to passe that the Bishop and his Archdeacons were suspended from their iurisdiction longer as it seemed vnto them then they ought and not disposed to await the Archbishops pleasure any longer rushed into their iurisdictions againe his visitation nothing neere finished commaunding all men vpon paine of excommunication to repaire vnto their woonted ordinaries for proofe of wils administrations institutions or any other such like occasions This commaundement published in many places of the Dioces the Archbishop pronounced to be void and required all men in these and the like cases to repaire vnto him and none other Hereupon the Bishop appealed to Rome and the Archbishop cited diuers of the Bishops officers to appeare before him His apparator named Peter Hill had also in his bosome a citation for the Bishop himselfe It hapened that some of the Bishops followers méeting this gentle soumer at Tapsham beate him wel and thriftily and after forced him to eate the citation war paper and all This fact was very preiudiciall to the Bishop of Exceters cause For it incensed the king against him in so much as though a while he did prosecute his aupcale at Rome diligently he sawe himselfe so ouerborne by the king he was like to doo no good at all and therefore resolued to make his peace with the Archbishop vpon reasonable conditions which he easily obtained But they that had abused his Apparator were put to terrible penance in diuers parts of the realme and were faine to performe the same One William Byd a Doctor of the Arches had giuen counsell vnto the Bishop in this cause For so dooing he was displaced and vpon that occasion an othe was ordained of this Archbishop that euery Aduocate of that Court should take at his admission This visitation ended the Archbishop proceeded to the Dioces of Salisbury where he likewise found some resistance The Bishop there had procured apriuiledge from Pope Boniface Vrban the 6. being lately dead that it should not be lawfull for any Metropolitane to visite him or his Dioces by vertue of any authority granted from Pope Vrbane The Archbishop that was a great Lawyer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he had 〈◊〉 of himselfe as being 〈◊〉 to visite without the Popes licence and therefore procéeded 〈◊〉 notwithstanding that vaine priuilege 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Bishop with excommunications aud 〈◊〉 censures as he was 〈◊〉 to yeeld at last and cry peccani Since that time our Archbishops haue 〈◊〉 quietly all 〈◊〉 of their 〈◊〉 without resistance Towars the latter end of his time he procured a licence of the Pope to gather 〈◊〉 pence of the pound in all Ecclesiasticall preferments within his prouince The Bishop of Lincolne refused to make this collection in his Dioces and appealed vnto the Pope That appeale
yet depending the Archbishop died Iuly 31. 1396. at Maidstone when he had sate 12. yéers lacking one moneth The old worke at Maidstone first built by Boniface his predecessor for an Hospitall he pulled downe and building it after a more stately manner translated it into a Colledge of secular priests which at the time of the suppression was valued at one hundred thirty nine pounds seuen shillings fixe pence by the yéere The church of Mepham quite fallen downe he repaired againe and built certaine almes houses néere it for the vse of poore people Toward the reparation of the body of his Church and cloysters he gaue 1000. marks He gaue also vnto the same Church a certaine image of siluer waighing one hundred and thréescore pounds 〈◊〉 vestments thirtéene coapes of great value besides a number of bookes He lieth buried vpon the South side of Thomas Beckets shrine at the féete of the blacke Prince in a goodly toombe of Alabaster 60. Thomas Arundell BY the Popes prouision Thomas Arondell Archbishop of Yorke was remooued to Canterbury about Christmas after William Courtneyes death His bulles were published at Canterbury Ianuary 11. Soone after his crosse was deliuered vnto him at Westminster by Henry Chillinden the Prior of Canterbury with 〈◊〉 solemnity in the presence of the king and many nobles February 10. following he receiued his pall 〈◊〉 the 19. of the same moneth he was inthronised at Canterbury with great pomp He was sonne vnto Robert Earle of Arundell and Warren first Bishop of Ely then of Yorke Sée more of him there He was scarce warme in his seate when by the kings displeasure he was dispossessed of the same In the second yéere of his translation a parliament was held at London The king there accused the Duke of Glocester the Earle of Arundell that was the Archbishops brother and diuers other of high treason Now because cleargy men were forbidden by the Canons to be present at any triall or iudgement vpon life and death the matter being once proposed all the Bishops departed the house as their maner was in like cases The Archbishop being absent vpon this occasion was condemned togither with his brother of high treason for which his brother was presently executed and he commaunded within forty daies to depart the realme vpon paine of death He thus banished got him to Rome and found such fauour with the Pope as first he was content to write earnestly vnto the king for his restitution and when he could do no good that way he translated him to the Archbishopricke of Saint Andrewes in Scotland intending to heape so much ecclesiasticall liuing vpon him by benefices c. in England as he should be able to liue in state honorable ynough The king vnderstanding of his intent writ a maruellous sharpe letter vnto the Pope telling him plainly he must repute him for his enimy if he yéelded any maner of succour vnto him whom he knew too well to hate him deadly That letter so wrought with the Pope as after that time he neuer indeuoured to prefer him farther and moreouer at the kings request made Roger Walden Deane of Yorke and treasurer of England Archbishop He was consecrate inthronised c. held Synods and did all things belonging vnto that place the space of two yéeres It hapened in the meane time that the king Richard the second wos deposed or at least inforced to resigne his crowne vnto Henry Duke of Lancaster that after possessed the same by the name of king Henry the fourth Boniface the Pope vnderstanding then of the fall of king Richard pronounced the said Roger to be an intruder and vsurper of the Archbishopricke and by his omnipotent bulles restored Thomas Arundell vnto the same againe As for Roger Walden that was now a Bishop without a Bishopricke for it is Character indelebilis he liued so a while til at last by the kind endeuor of the Archb. his charitable aduersary he was promoted vnto the Bishopricke of London which he enioyed but a short time being taken away by death within one yere after About a twelue moneth after the Archbishops restitution a conuocation was held at London whether the king sent the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland that told the cleargy they came from the king but not of that errand that courtiers were woont to be sent for to that place they came not for money but onely to signifie the kings harty and fauorable goodwill vnto them and to request their daily prayers for him and the good estate of the realme This new broome with swéeping so cleane at the first was so worne out vnto the stumpes in a yéere or two as not contented with a bare tenth the next conuocation after he was very angry that a more liberall allowance was not made vnto him and began to hearken vnto the sacrilegious motions of certaine impious politicians that intending to cast the burthen of all subsidies and other kind of tributes vpon the cleargy letted not to say openly in the parliament house how the laity was not able to yéeld any thing vnto the kings coffers for that the cleargy had all the wealth of the land in their hands And therefore the king must either take from them their temporalties or else lay all the burthen vpon them that onely were able to beare it The Archbishop that was vndoubtedly a woorthy prelate wise and very stout rose vp and prooued by manifest arguments that the contributions of the Cleargy were after the proportion of their ability much more liberall then the subsidies or other paiments of the temporalty in many respects For saith he we pay the tenth of our liuings oftener then they pay fifteenths and though we serue not in the warres our selues our seruants and tenants do neither are we altogither idle in as much as we pray daily for the king and the realme as well in time of peace as war The prolocutor of the parliament house at that time was a knight called Sir Iohn Cleyn that hauing béene a cleargyman sometimes without any dispensation forsooke the calling became a soldier This prophane Apostata was not ashamed to say it was no matter for their praiers so the king might haue their mony I sée now quoth the Arch. whither the fortune of this realme tendeth the prayers of the church being despised which should appease the wrath of God iustly kindled against vs by the daily monstrous iniquities of our age Perceauing then that the king who at his first comming to the crowne had made many open and publike protestations of his loue to the church and his intent to defend and protect the same to the vtmost that he I say began to harken somewhat too patiently to these wicked motions he turned him toward him and making lowe obeisance humbly besought him it would please his maiesty to remember those gratious and most honorable spéeches wherein he had often signified his resolute determination of protecting the church from all iniury
as also his othe taken to the same purpose at the time of his coronation the danger and dishonour of breaking the same and lastly that he should feare to offend him by whom kings raigne and before whose tribunall all princes and monarchs neuer so great must one day come to be iudged The king seemed to be somewhat mooued with these words and desiring the Archbishop to take his place againe well quoth he howsoeuer I doe otherwise I will leaue the church in as good estate as I found it The Archbishop then turning him about vnto the proloquutor and certaine other knights of the lower house that accompanied him You it was faith he and such as you are that perswaded the last king to take into his hands all such celles in England as appertained vnto any religious houses of Fraunce or Normandy assuring him it would so stuffe his coffers as he could not want in many yéeres after and there is no question but the land belonging to such celles was woorth an infinite summe of mony Howbeit it is certaine and well inough knowne that within one yéere after he had taken that course he was not the value of halfe a marke the richer and how he thriued afterwarde otherwise I néede not tell you After that time there were no other attempts against the church in his daies But the clergy were so terrified with that wauering doubtfulnesse of the king as they durst not but grant him a tenth euery yéere after and though there were no other occasion the Archbishop was faine to call a conuocation euen for that purpose His end being as some report it was very miserable his tongue swelled so big in his mouth as he was able neither to eate drinke nor speake in many dayes before his death and died at last of hunger about the end of Ianuary 1413. when he had sate one moneth aboue 17. yéeres He lyeth buried on the North side of the body of Christchurch in Canterbury at the West end whereof toward the North he built a faire spire stéeple called to this day by the name of Arundell steeple and bestowed a goodly ring of fiue belles vpon the same the first of them he dedicated to the holy trinity the second to the blessed virgin the third to the Angel Gabriell the fourth to Saint Blase and the fift to Saint Iohn the Euangelist 61. Henry Chichley AFter the death of Thomas Arundell Henry Chichley Bishop of Saint Dauids was elected by the Couent of Canterbury to succéeds him Now though many Lawes had béene made against the Popes vsurped authority in bestowing Ecclesiasticall preferments by way of prouiston Yet durst not this man consent vnto this election so made but committed the matter vnto the Popes determination who first pronounced the election of the monkes void and then bestowed the Archbishopricke vpon him This Henry Chichley was borne at Highamferrys in Northamptonshire brought vp in New Colledge in Oxford where he procéeded Doctor of Law and first preferred vnto the Chauncellorship of Salisbury Hauing beene imployed much in Embassages and other businesses of the king wherein he euer behaued himselfe wisely and to the kings great good liking by his meanes he was made first Bishop of Saint Dauids and then Archbishop He receiued his pall at the hands of the Bishop of Winchester the 29. of July 1414. and bought of the king the fruites of the vacacy which was halfe a yéere for sixe hundred markes The yéere 1428. he was made Cardinall of Saint Eusebius the Popes Legate but refused to exercise his power Legatiue further then he was authorised thereunto by the king He was a man happy enioying alwaies his princes fauour wealth honour and all kinde of prosperity many yéeres wise in gouerning his Sée laudably bountifull in bestowing his goods to the behoofe of the common wealth and lastly stout and seuere in due administration of iustice In the towne of Nigham ferrys where he was borne he founded a goodly college for secular priests which he endowed with large reuenues He built also in the same towne an hospital for poore people which he likewise endowed liberally and his brethren Robert and Wil. Chichley citizens of London his executors gaue much land vnto the same These two foundations finished he began two other at Oxford one called Bernard College now knowne by the name of Saint Johns college and All Soules college which yet continueth in such state as he left the same one of the fairest and seemeliest of our Uniuersity He bestowed much money in repairing the library at Canterbury and then replenished the same with a number of goodly bookes He gaue vnto his Church many rich ornaments and iewels of great price and built a great part of the Tower called Oxford Tower in the said Church William Molash Prior there that I may take any occasion to record so good a déede the yéere 1430. furnished that Tower with a goodly bell called to this day Bell Dunstan The 〈◊〉 of that bell at the lowest brim is two yards and somewhat more But to returne to Henry Chichley no Archbishop euer enioied that honor so long as he did in 500. yeeres before him He sate 29. yéeres and dying Aprill 12. 1443. was laid in a very faire toombe built by him selfe in his life time standing vpon the North side of the Presbitery On it I find engrauen this Epitaph Hic 〈◊〉 Henr. Chicheley Ll. Doctor quondam Cancellarius Sarum qui anno septimo Henr. 4. Regisad Gregorium Papam 12. in Ambassiata transmissus in ciuitate Sanensi per manus 〈◊〉 Papae in Episcopum 〈◊〉 consecratus est Hic etiam Henricus anno 2. Henr. 5. Regis in 〈◊〉 sancta ecclesia in Archiepiscopum postulatus a 〈◊〉 Papa 23. ad eandem translatus qui obijt anno dom 1443. mensis Apr. die 12. Coetus sanctornm concorditer iste precetur Vt Deus ipsorum meritis sibi propiciatur 62. Iohn Stafford EVgenius 4. the Pope of his absolute authority translated then from Bathe and Wels Iohn Stafford lately also made Cardinall as I finde reported at leastwise He was sonne vnto the Earle of Stafford borne at Hooke in Dorsetshire in the parish of Abbots bury and brought vp in Oxford where also he procéeded Doctor of lawe A while he practised in the Arches euen vntill Henry Chichley the Archbishoppe made him his vicar generall there By his fauour also he obtayned the Deanry of Saint Martins in London and the prebend of Milton in the church of Lincoln King Henry the fifth a little before his death began to fauour him much found meanes to preferre him first to the Deanry of Wels then a prebend in the church of Salisbury and afterward made him one of his priuy counsell first kéeper of the priuy seale and in the ende Treasurer of England This renowmed king being taken away by vntimely death though he found not his passage so cléere yet he still went forward in the way of preferment and obtained
of Pope Martin the fifth the Bishopricke of Bathe and Wels the yéere 1425. Eightéene yéere he continued in that Sée and August 23. 1443. was remooued to Canterbury In the meane time viz. the yéere 1431. in February he was made Chauncellor of England and held that place which you shall hardly finde any other man to haue done eightéene yéeres euen vntill the yéere 1449. Waxing weary then of so painefull a place it is likely he resigned voluntarily the same He sate Archbishop almost nine yéeres Holding a conuocation at London the yéere 1452. he fell sicke and thereupon departed to Maidstone where shortly after he died viz. July 6. He lieth buried at Canterbury in the place called the Martyrdom vnder a flat marble stone whereupon I finde written this bald Epitaphe Quis fuit enuclees quem celas saxea moles Stafford Antistes fuerat dictusque Ioannes Qua sedit sede marmor quaeso simul ede Pridem Bathoniae regnitotius inde Primas egregius Pro praesule funde precatus Aureolam gratus huic det de virgine natus Sée more of this man in Bathe and Wels. 63. Iohn Kemp. THe funerall rites and exequies of Iohn Stafford being performed the monkes with the kings licence procéeded to election of a new Archbishop and made choice of Iohn 〈◊〉 Archbishop of Yorke The Pope would not allow of the monkes election but yet not daring to put any other into the place of his owne good nature he bestowed it vpon the same man that they had chosen He receiued his crosse September 24. 1452. at London and his pall the next day at Fulham by the hands of Thomas Kemp the Bishop of London his nephew Dec. 11. following he was inthronized with great pomp and solemnity This Archbishop was born at Wye in Rent Being Doctor of lawe he was made first Archdeacon of Durham then Deane of the Arches and Wicar generall vnto the Archbishop The yéere 1418. he was rōsecrate Bishop of Rochester remooued thence to Chichester 1422. from Chichester to London the same yéere and from London to Yorke 1425. Dec. 28. 1439. he was made Cardinal of Saint Balbine and afterwards being Archbishop of Canterbury was remooued to the title of S. Kusine These his preferments are briefly expressed in this verse Bis primas ter praeses bis cardine functus He continued not at Canterbury aboue a yéere and a halfe but died a very old man March 22. 1453. In his life time he conuerted the parish church of Wye where he was borne into a colledge in which he placed secular priests to attend diuine seruice to teach the youth of the parish Their gouernor was called a Prebendary This college at the time of the suppression was valued at fowerscore and thirtéene pound two shillings by the yéere He was also a benefactor vnto our Uniuersity of Oxford He died very rich and in his life time aduanced diuers of his kinred to great wealth some to the dignity of knighthood whose posterity continue yet of great worship and reputation His body was buried in a séemely monument on the South side of the prerbytery a little aboue the Archbishops Sée Of him read more in Yorke 65. Iohn Moorton IOhn Moorton was borne at Béere or Bery in 〈◊〉 and brought vp a while in the Uniuersitie of Oxford where hauing spent some time in the study of the Ciuill and Canon law he procéeded Doctor of that faculty and then became a Doctor of the Arches By reason of his practise there the Archbishop his predecessor Thomas Bourchier got knowledge of his manifold good parts his great learning in the law his wisedome discretion and other vertues which he not onely rewarded by preferring him to much good spirituall liuing but also commended him vnto the king who made him of his priuy Counsell In all those miseries and afflictions which that good king endured he euer stucke fast vnto him by no meanes would be drawne to forsake him when all the world in a manner betooke them vnto his victorious aduersary This so notable loialty and faithfulnesse king Edward himselfe honored so much in him as king Henry being dead he neuer ceased to allure him vnto his seruice hauing woone him sware him of his Counsell and trusted him with his greatest secrets assuring himselfe belike that he that had béene so faithfull vnto his aduersary in so great 〈◊〉 would no doubt be as faithfull vnto him in the like case if occasion should serue After many yéeres tryall of him and diuers other preferments whereunto he aduanced him he procured him to be elected vnto the Bishopricke of Ely the yéere 1474. Not long after his consecration to that Sée it hapned king Edward to die who not reposing greater trust in any one then in this Bishop made him one of his executors The Duke of Yorke therefore his vnnaturall brother intending by the destruction of his children to make a passage for himselfe vnto the crowne and knowing how watchfull an eie this man caried ouer them as also how impossible it was to corrupt him and draw him to be a partner in his wicked confort accused him of many great and vnlikely treasons for which he committed him to the Tower The innocency of the man would not suffer him to lie there long Not being able to stampe vpon him any probality of such matter as he laid to his charge he tooke him thence deliuered him to the kéeping of the Duke of Buckingham who at that time lay for the most part at that castle of Brecknock in Wales This Duke was the onely instrument of displacing the children of king Edward from the crowne and procured the same to be most vniustly set vpon the head of their wicked vncle the Duke of Yorke before mentioned who was appointed Protectour of them the realme These lambs committed vnto the kéeping of such a woolfe were soone deuoured being not onely despoiled of the rule and gouernment of the kingdome which descended vnto them by inheritance but of their liues 〈◊〉 which were violently taken from them by smoothering the poore innocent children betwéene fetherbeds Now whether it were the detestation of this abhominable murther which the duke of Buckingham pretended or the vnthankfulnesse of the tyrant in not gratifying him according to his expectation which is the opinion of most men or the enuie of his so great aduancement whereof he thought himselfe better woorthy which also is likely enough certaine it is that he quickly began to grow malcontent and being egged on by the Bishop his ghest entred at last into a conspiracie against him plotted the remoouing of him and endeuoured to match the Earle of Richmond heire of the house of Lancaster with the eldest daughter of king Edward that her brethren being made away was now out of all question heire of the house of Yorke so to throwe downe headlong the tyrant from the throwne which he vsurped to restore it to them to whom of right it appertained
and to ioyne in one these two noble houses whose contention had wasted away almost all the nobility of the land How this deuice was debated betwéene the Duke and the Bishop euery Chronicle reporteth To let that passe when the Bishop sawe the Duke had waded so farre in the matter as step backe he could not and séeing how he was able to do the Earle of Richmond better seruice elsewhere then where he was he found a meanes to slip away in a night disguised neuer making his host the Duke acquainted with his departure And first he gat him into his Isle of Ely but not daring to stay there long he tooke ship and sailed into Flaunders It pleased God that as the Duke had béene a partner with the tyrant in his offence so he should be a partner also with him in the punishment For being destitute of the aduise of this wise prelate or rather I may say destitute of the assistance of God that had determined to reuenge his disloyalty vnto his naturall prince he fell soone after into the hands of his enimy the vsurping king that cut off his head and was within a short space after ouerthrowne himselfe and slame in the field by the noble Earle of Richmond who tooke vpon him the gouernment of our land by the name of king Henry the 7. He calling home this our Bishop made him Chauncellour of England and Thomas 〈◊〉 the Archbishop dying he found meanes that the monks of Canterbury elected him for successour and the Pope not only confirmed and allowed readily of their choice but also within fewe yéeres after to wit September 20. 1493. created him Cardinall of Saint Arastasia Thirtéene yéeres he enioyed quietly the Archbishopricke and died at last the yéere 1500. At his first comming he laid a great imposition vpon the Cleargy of his prouince forcing them by the Popes authority to contribute so largely toward the charges of his translation as of his owne Dioces onely which is one of the least in England he receaued 354 pound The yéere before he died with great charge he procured Anselme one of his predecessors to be Canonized a Saint He bequeathed in a manner all he had either vnto good vses or vnto such of his seruants as he had yet beene able to do nothing for He gaue vnto the king a Portuis to the Quéene a Psalter to the Lady Margaret his God daughter a cup of gold and forty pound in money to the church of Ely his miter and his crosse Unto his 〈◊〉 and other friendes he gaue nothing as hauing preferred them sufficiently in his life time His executors he bound by oath to maintaine sufficiently twenty poore schollers at Oxford and ten at Cambridge for the space of twenty yéeres after his decease He bestowed great summes in repairing and augmenting his houses at Bnoll Maydstone Alington parke Charing Ford 〈◊〉 and Canterbury and built while he liued a sumptuous chappell in the vndercrofte or vault which is vnder the quier He lieth buried in the saide chappell vnder a marble stone Howbeit a goodly 〈◊〉 is erected in 〈◊〉 of him vpon the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the chappell Sée more of him in Ely 66. Henry Deane BIshop Moorton being dead the monks of Canterbury chose Thomas Langton Bishop of Winchester for their Archbishop But he died of the plague before his translation could be perfited Then they elected Henry Deane Bishop of 〈◊〉 At what time Perkin Warbeck began to shew himselfe in the likenesse of Richard the yoong Duke of Yorke king Edwards second sonne this Henry Deane was Abbot of Lanthony King Henry the seuenth that knew him to be a wise and 〈◊〉 man made him Chauncelour of Ireland where this counterseit Duke began first to play his part By his care and diligence he was driuen out of Ireland and forced to 〈◊〉 into Scotland The rather in regard of this good seruice the king procured him to be elected vnto the Bishoprick of Bangor which by reason that Bishops had laien from it a long time holding euer some 〈◊〉 or other spirituall liuing in Commendam whereupon they liued was horribly wasted and spoiled But this man comming thither tooke great pains in recouering diuers parcels of land that by the incrochment of other for want of looking to 〈◊〉 woone from his Sée Amongst other things a certaine Island betwéene Holy-head and Anglesey called 〈◊〉 i. Moylr 〈◊〉 or the Island of Seales was vniustly detained from him by the possessors thereof He euicted the same 〈◊〉 in law and yet was faine afterwards to bring a great power of armed men thither to driue the inhabitants by force out of the same His church and pallace had béene burned and destroied long before in the time of Henry the 4. by Owen Glendowr that famous rebell He bestowed much money in repairing them but before he was able to bring theÌ„ to any perfection he was called away thence to Salisbury Being yet very destrous the worke should go forward he left vnto his successour a Myter and a Crosyer of good value vpon condition he should finish those buildings After he had béene a few monethes at 〈◊〉 the Archbishop dying he was preferred vnto Canterbury His pall was sent vnto him by Hadrian de Castello the Popes Secretary that after was Bishop of Hereford and Wels and deliuered by the Bishop of Couentry with these words Ad honorem Dei omnipotentis B. Mariae Virginis ac Bb. Petri Pauli Apostolorum D. N. Alexandri Pp. sexti S. Romanae Ecclesiae nec non Cantuariensis Ecclesiae tibi commissae tradimus pallium de corpore B. Petri sumptum plenitudinem viz. Pontificalis officij vt vtaris eo infra ecclesiam tuam certis diebus qui exprimuntur in priuilegijs ei ab Apostolica sede concessis Hauing receaued his pall he was to take his oath vnto the Pope which once for all it shall not be amisse to set downe Ego Henticus Archiep. Cantuariensis ab hac hora in antea fidelis obediens ero B. Petro sanctaeque Apostolicae Romanae Ecclesiae Domino meo D. Alexandro Pp. 6. suisque successoribus Canonice intrantibus Non ero in consilio aut concensu vel facto vt vitam perdant vel membrum seu capiantur mala captione Consilium vero quod mihi credituri sunt per se aut nuntios ad eorum damâ—â—â—â— me sciente nemini pandam Papatum Rom. regalia S. Petri adiutor ero eis ad retinendum defendendum saluo ordine meo contra omnem hominem Legatum sedis Apostolicae in eundo redeundo honorificè tractabo in suis necessitatibus adiuuabo vocatus ad Synodum veniam nisi prepeditus fuero Canonica praepeditione Apostolorum limina Rom. curia existente citra Alpes singulis annis vltra vero montes singulis biennijs visitabo aut per me aut per meum nuntium nisi Apostolica absoluar licentia Possessiones vero ad mensam mei Archiepiscopatus pertinentes
non vendam neque donabo neque impignerabo neque de nouo infeudabo velaliquo modo alienabo in consulto Rom. Pontifice sicut me Deus admuet c. With what ceremony the crosse was woont to be deliuered sée before in William Courtney pag. 104. This Archbishop died February 15. 1502. the second yéere after his translation at Lambhith His body was conueighed to Feuersam by water conducted with 33. watermen all apparelled in blacke a great number of tapers burning day and night in the boate and from thence was caried to Canterbury where it was buried in the middle of the place called the martyrdome vnder a faire marble stone inlaid with brasse He bequeathed to his Church a siluer image of 51. ounces waight and appointed 500. l. to be bestowed in his funerals He built the most part of Otford house and made the yron worke vpon the coping of Rochester bridge 67. William Warham VVIlliam Warham a gentleman of an ancient house was borne in Hamshire brought vp in the Colledge of Winchester and chosen thence to New Colledge in Oxford where he procéeded Doctor of Law Intending then to vse and put in practice the knowledge he had gotten at the Uniuersity he became an aduocate or Doctor of the Arches and soone after Master of the Rolles While he was in that office King Henry the seuenth sent him Embassador to the Duke of Burgundy to perswade him that he should not beléeue the false reports of his Duchesse and to signifie how notably she had abused him and all the world in setting vp two counterfeits against him Lambert that made himselfe the Earle of Warwicke who was then to be séene in the Tower safe ynough and Perkin Warbeck whom she had taught to name him selfe Richard Duke of Yorke that was certainly knowen to haue béene murthered by his wicked vncle long before In this businesse he behaued himselfe so wisely as the king greatly commended him for the same and the Bishopricke of London happening to be void soone after his returne home he procured him to be elected thereunto He had not beene Bishop there two whole yéeres when Henry Deane the Archbishop died to whose place also by the kings speciall indeuour he was aduaunced He was inthronised March 9. 1504. with woonderfull great solemnity The day before his comming to Canterbury the Duke of Buckingham that was his high steward came thither attended with seuen score horse to sée all things in a readinesse The said Duke had also the office of chiefe Butler and therefore being vnable to doo the duties of both he deputed Sir George Bourchier vnto the Butlership Him selfe tooke great paines to sée that nothing might be wanting requisite for the performance of this ceremony in most magnificent manner The next day which was Sunday he met the Archbishop ouer against Saint Andrewes Church and dooing low obeysance vnto him went before him to Christ church At the great gate néere the market place the Prior and Couent receiued him honorably and caried him to the Church whether he went from Saint Andrewes Church barefoote said masse there and was placed in his throne after the accustomed manner From Church he was attended by the Duke as he was thetherward The cheere at dinner was as great as for money it might be made Before the first messe the Duke him selfe came ridinginto the hall vpon a great horse bare headed with his white staffe in his hand and when the first dish was set on the table made obeysance by bowing of his body Hauing so done he betooke him to his chamber where was prouision made for him according to his state With the Archbishop sate the Earle of Esser the Bishop of Man the Lord Aburgauenny the Lord Brooke the Prior of Canterbury and the Abbot of Saint Augustines The Duke at his table was accompanied with the Lord 〈◊〉 Sir Edward Poynings the chiefe Justice of England named Phineux Sir Wilham Scot Sir Thomas Kemp and others A great many other guests were serued in other places noble men and knights at one table Doctors of Diuinity and Law at another and Gentlemen of the country at a third besides an infinite number of meaner calling placed by them selues according to their seuerall degrées But to let passe these matters and to come vnto his gouernement all the time of King Henry the seuenth vnder whom he liued Archbishop some thrée yéeres he enioyed all manner of prosperity being in so great fauor with his Prince as no man greater He dying and his sonne Bing Henry the eight succeeding Cardinall Wolsey that was then but Almosuer and Deaue of Lincolne diued so cunningly into the bosome of the yong king as by and by he ouertopped the Archbishop and quickly wound him out of all authority First by the kings meanes he got from him the Chauncellorship of England Then being Cardinall and the Popes Legate a latere by speciall commisson he set vp a new court called Curia 〈◊〉 vnder colour whereof he drewe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of iurisdiction throughout England into his owne hands and appointed Officials Registers c. in 〈◊〉 Dioces who tooke vp all causes and suffered other 〈◊〉 to whom the iurisdiction of right appertained to sitte still without either regard or profit This deiection of the Archbishop wherein men estéemed him for the time very vnhapy fell out to his great good the others immoderate greatnesse was the cause of his destruction At what time the K. 〈◊〉 to be diuorced from his first wife D. Catherine she 〈◊〉 choice of this our Archb. Nicholas West Bish. of Ely two lawyers and of I. Fisher 〈◊〉 of Rochester and Henry Standish Bishop of Assaph Doctors of Diuinity to assist and direct her in that sute they did so and behaued themselues in such sort as neither the king had cause to be offended with their ouerforwardnes nor she to blame their stacknes or negligēce But the Cardinall that was ioined with Cardinall Campeius in commission wherein they were authorised by the Pope to examine the circumstances of that cause he I say being more slacke in his procéedings then the king expected he should so incensed him against him as shortly after he was content first to take the aduantage of a Premunire against him then to cause him to be arrested of high treason whereof sée more in Yorke Soone after the Cardinals death there was a conuocation held wherein the cleargy was aduertised that they all had fallen into apremunire by yéelding vnto the Cardinals power legantine neuer allowed by the king They determined therefore to redéeme the penalty they had incurred with the paiment of 118. thousand pounds whereof the prouince of Yorke should pay eightéene thousand and Canterbury the rest which was 100000. l. When this gift was to haue béene presented they were certified that the king would not accept of the same except they declared in a Canon that he was supreame head of the church Long this matter was hammering But at last they
of Thomas Beckets chappell 70. Matthew Parker MAtthew Parker was borne at Norwich August 6. 1504. and brought vp by his mother for his father died he being but twelue yéeres of age in the Uniuersity of Cambridge He was first a Bible clerke of Corpus-Christ College there and afterwards fellow His first preferment was the Deanry of Stoke which he obtained by the fauor of Queene Anne Bulleyn whose Chaplaine he was That Colledge though he resisted it what he might was suppressed in the first yeere of King Edward the sixt After the death of that noble Lady King Henry her husband tooke him for his Chapleme in which place he also serued King Edward his sonne By these two Princes he was preferred vnto many other good Ecclesiasticall promotions as a Prebend in Ely by King Henry the eight the Mastership of Corpus christi Colledge where he was brought vp by the election of the fellowes but commandement of the same king and lastly the Deanry of Lincolne with the prebend of Coldingham giuen him by king Edward the sixt Besides these liuings he had also the Parsonage of Landbeach foure miles from Cambridge by the gift of the Colledge whereof he was Master These liuings he quietly enioyed till the second yeere of Queene Mary at what time for being married he was depriued and liued poorely all the time of her raigne That terrible fire being extinguished that consumed so many zealous and learned men and the Archbishopricke left void by the death of Cardinall Poole this Matthew Parker then Doctor of Diuinity sometimes Deane of Lincolne and Master of Corpus-christi Colledge in Cambridge as afore said was thought méetest for that high place and preserment He was consecrate thereunto December 17. 1559. held the same fifteene yéeres 〈◊〉 moneths and deceased Maye 17. 1575. being 72. yéeres of age He founded a Grammer Schoole at Rochdale in Lancashire Unto Corpus christi Colledge in Cambridge where he was brought vp he procured thirtéene schollerships built the inward Library and two faire chambers in the same Moreouer he gaue to the Library of that Colledge a great number of Bookés some printed other written but very rare and much to be estéemed for their value and antiquity He gaue them also thrée hundred and ten ounces of plate double guilt the perpetuall patronage of S. Mary Abchurch in London land for the maintenance of two fellowes aboue the ordinary number a leasse for seuentéene yéeres worth fourtéene pounds eight shillings de claro and one hundred pounds to mainetaine a fire in the Hall there from Allhallowentide till Candlemas He tooke order for the preaching of fire Sermons yéerely in the Rogation weeke in fiue seuerall Churches in Norfolke Unto the City of Norwich where he was borne he gaue a Bason and Ewer double guilt weighing one hundred seuenty three ounces and fifty shillings yee ely reuenew to be deuided among poore people of the same City Unto Gunnell and Caius Colledge a pot double guilt of fifty sixe ounces together with a neast of goblets and certaine bookes To Trinity Hall a Scholers place a Cuppe waighing fifty thrée ounces a neast of goblets and bookes likewise To the Uniuersity fifty written bookes of great value and fifty printed And otherwise bestowed much money vnto charitable vses not necessary particularly to be remembred Upon the reparation of his pallace at Canterbury which was now greatly derayed he bestowed one thousand foure hūdred pound At Lambhith also he repaired and built much to his great charge But aboue any thing I may not forget his great care of preseruing antiquities vnto which his care we are beholding for most of our ancient histories that but for him were euen vpon the point vtterly to perish He lyeth buried in the Chà ppell belonging to his house at Lambhith vnder a faire marble stone 71. Edmund Gryndall IN the moneth of February following Edmund Gryndall Archbishop of Yorke was translated to Canterbury This man was borne at Saint Bees in Cumberland fellow first then 〈◊〉 of Penbroke Hall in Cambridge of which 〈◊〉 he was for one yeere one of the Proctors A while he was chaplame vnto Master 〈◊〉 Bishop of London who preferred him vnto the seruice of king Edward the sixt In the end of which kings raigne there was an intent that the said Bishop should haue beene remooued to Durham and it was thought that Master Gryndall should succeede him in London But the death of that good king disturbed the progresse of this platforme and in steed of the expected honourable aduauncement forced him to a voluntary exile in Germany where he liued all the raigne of Quéene Mary She dying our now gratious Princesse happily succéeding he was appointed vnto the gouernment so long before intended elected thereunto July 26. 1559. and enioyed the same about eleuen yeeres viz. vntill May 20. 1570. at what time he was remooued to Yorke There he sate almost sixe yeeres and as before is mentioned was once more translated to Canterbury Two yeeres before his death he became blind and died at Croydon where also he was buried July 6. 1583. being 64. yéeres of age hauing continued Archbishop seuen yéeres and almost a halfe In the place where he was borne he founded a frée schoole which he endowed with thirty pound land To Quéenes colledge in Oxford he gaue twenty pound lande to maintaine a fellowe and two schollers to be taken out of his said schoole He gaue them also the greatest part of his bookes and 87. ounces of plate besides forty pound debt which he forgaue them To Pembroke Hall in Cambridge he gaue two and twenty pound land for the maintenance of a Gréeke lecture of a fellow and two schollers to be likewise taken out of his schoole To 〈◊〉 he also gaue some bookes and forty ounces of plate To Magdalen colledge in Cambridge he gaue fiue pound land for one fellow to be taken from his schoole To Christs colledge there fiue and forty ounces of plate To eight little almeshouses in Croydon fifty pound to be bestowed in land for their reliefe and lastly to the city of Canterbury an hundred pound to be imployed vpon a stocke to set the poore on worke 72. Iohn Whitegift SOone after the death of Edmund Gryndall Iohn Whitegift Doctor of Diuinity Bishop of Worcester was appointed to succéede him and his translation confirmed September 23. following He was borne at Grymsby in Lincolnshire brought vp a while vnder Master Bradford in Penbroke Hall and afterwards became fellow of Peter house in Cambridge The yéere 1567. he procéeded Doctor of Diuinity and being chosen Master of Pembroke Hall within the compasse of the same yéere was called to the gouernement of Trinity colledge In the meane time he had béene reader of both the diuinity lectures first the Lady Margarets after the Quéenes Ten yéeres he continued Master of Trinity colledge in which space he was twice Uicechauncellour and the yéere 1573. by the gift of her Maiestie whose chaplaine he was
became Deane of Lincoln In the beginning then of the yéere 1577. he was aduaunced vnto the Bishopricke of Worcester in September following had the gouernment of the Principality of Wales committed vnto him and held the same two yeeres and a halfe euen all the time that Sir Henry Sydney the President liued in Ireland as Lord Deputy Sixe yéeres and almost a halfe he had beene at Worcester whē he was called vnto the metropolitical Sée of Canterbury which he yet holdeth Upon Candlemas day 1585. he was sworne of her Maiesties priuy counsell God graunt him long and happily to enioy these honorable places to his glory and the good of his Church Amen The Archbishopricke of Canterbury is valued in the Queenes bookes at 3093 l. 18. s. 8. d. ob farthing and was woont to pay to the Pope 1000. ducats at euery income besides 5000. for his pall The old corporation of Prior and Couent of Christchurch being dissolued king Henry the eight made a new of a Deane and 12. Prebendaries The names of the Deanes I haue thought not amisse here to set downe 1. Nicolas Wotton Doctor of Lawe 2. Thomas Godwyn Doctor of Diuinity 1566. 3. Richard Rogers Bishop of Douer 1584. 4. Thomas Neuyll Doctor of Diuinity 1597. The Bishops of London AT what time Christian religion was first publikely receaued in this Island there were established in the same 28. Sées or Cathedrall churches whereof thrée were Archbishopricks Yorke whose prouince was Scotland and the North of England Caerlegion now called Caerleon vpon Usk to which the Churches of Wales were subiect and lastly London that had iurisdiction ouer the rest of England To speake of the Archbishops of London with whom onely we haue now to do there is not any precise Catalogue or continuate history deliuered of them Some I finde mentioned Sparsim in our histories their names I will set downe and the Reader must content him selfe with them 1. Thean It is said he built Saint Peters church in Cornhill with the helpe of one Cyran chiefe butler vnto king Lucius and made it his Metropoliticall Sée 2. Eluanus is named the second Archbishop He built a Library néere vnto the same church and conuerted many of the Druydes to Christian religion 3. Cadar 4. Obinus 5. Conan 6. Paladius 7. Stephan 8. Iltut 9. Theodwyn or Dedwyn 10. Thedred 11. Hillary 12. Guiteline 13. Restitutus he was present at the Counsell of Arles in Fraunce the yéere 326. vnder Constantius the sonne of Constantine the great and subscribed vitto the Decrées of the same Counsell which he brought ouer with him One Decrée amongst the rest was that if a Deacon at the time of his ordering did protest he intended to mary it should be lawfull for him so to do Restitutus himselfe was maried 14. Fastidius Gennadius in his Catalogue illustrium virorum mentioneth him by the name of Fastidius Britanniarum Episcopus and commendeth certaine works of his 15. Vodinus he was slaine ann 436. by the procurement of Hengist first king of the Saxons for reprehending king Vortigers vnlawfull mariage with Rowen Hengists daughter his Quéene and lawfull wife being yet aliue After the comming in of the Saxons the succession of Archbishops was stil continued in London for the space of thrée hundreth yeeres but secretly euen vntill the time that Saint Gregory sent Augustine hither I finde onely one of them named viz. 15. 〈◊〉 that being first Bishop of Glocester forsooke it and tooke the charge of London vpon him the yéere 553. 1. Mellitus SAint Augustine hauing established his Metrapoliticall See at Canterbury for that it was the seate of the king of Kent who commanded the kings of the East and South Saxons as his vassals and holding their kingdomes at his pleasure He thought good to appoint a Bishop at London and he made choice of Mellitus whom he consecrated ann 604. This Mellitus conuerted vnto the faith of Christ Sebert king of East Saxons who soone after built the church of Westminster and dedicated it to Saint Peter In his time also Ethelbert king of Kent built the Cathedrall church of Saint Paule that being often increased by Erkenwald and other was burnt at last downe to the ground some 500. yéeres after and built a new in that stately forme it now hath by Mauritius Bishop of London and his successors King Ethelbert moreouer gaue Tillingham and other lands vnto this church Of Mellitus sée more in Canterbury whether he was translated 2. Ceadda AFter the departure of Mellitus the Church of London was long without a Pastor euen vntill that Sigebert obtaining the kingdome of the East Saxons by the perswasion of Oswy king of Northumberland he became a Christian and procured Ceadda a vertuous and Godly priest to be consecrate Bishop of his countrey That charge he attended painfully many yéeres At last building a Monastery in the North country called Lestinghen the same was scarcely finished when the infection of the plague being brought thither tooke away not onely this Bishop the founder but almost all the monks that were now newly placed in the same Of this man Beda writeth much in his Eccl. historie Lib. 3. cap. 22. 23. He was buried in the foresaid Monastery of Lestinghen 3. Wina ABout the time that Ceadda died it hapned Kenwalchus K. of the West Saxons to fall out with Wina the Bishop of his countrey insomuch as he forced him to flie vnto Wlfher king of Mercia of whom being now destitute of liuing he bought for money the Bishopricke of London Sée more in Winchester 4. Erkenwald VVIna being dead Erkenwald the sonne of Offa king of East Saxons a very deuout and vertuous man became Bishop of London His owne patrimony he bestowed in building of two monasteries one for monkes at Chertsey another for Nunnes at Barking making Edelburg his sister the first Abbesse there He conuerted vnto the faith of Christ Sebba king of the East Saxons He bestowed much vpon building in his Cathedrall church of Saint Paule encreased much the reuenues of the same and obtained for it of diuers princes many notable and important priuileges Hauing sate 11. yéeres he died about the yéere of our Lord 685. and after his death was honoured for a Saint His body was laied in a very sumptuous shryne which not many yéeres since stoode in the East part of the church aboue the high altar After Erkenwald sate these in order successiuely 5. Waldhere of him Beda maketh mention Hist. eccles lib. 4. cap. 11. 6. Ingwald this man liued in the time of Beda and died 744. 7. 〈◊〉 8. Wighed 9. Eadbright 10. Eadgar 11. Kenwalch 12. Eadbald 13. Hecbert or Heathobert He died the yéere 802. 14. Osmund or Oswyn he liued 833. 15. Ethelnoth 16. Ceolbert 17. Renulf or Ceorolf 18. Swithulf he liued the yéere 851. 19. Eadstan liued 860. 20. Wulfsius 21. Ethelward 22. Elstan he died an 898. or as Asserius saith an 900. 23. Theodred surnamed the Good His body was laid in a
high toombe by the window of the vault or vndercroft now called if I mistake not Saint Faiths church 24. Wulstan 25. Brithelm he died the yéere 958. 26. Dunstan See more of him in Canterbury 27. Alfstan he liued 966. and 996. 28. Wulfstan 29. Albun he taught the children of king Ethelred and carried them into Normandy the yéere 1013. 30. Alwy 31. Elfward before he was Bishop Abbot of Eueshain being Bishop held still his Abbotship in Commendam waxing olde he intended to resigne his Bishopricke and returning thither againe to spend the rest of his daies there but the monkes refused to receiue him whereupon he tooke from them many bookes and rich ornaments that he had sent thither yea some also that other men had bestowed and gaue them vnto the Abbey of Kanisey where he lieth buried He died Iuly 25. ann 1044. 32. Robert he was translated to Canterbury 1050. Sée more there 33. William BY what meanes I know not Spearheafocus Abbot of Abingdon set foote into the Bishopricke of London Robert being translated But the king displaced him would not suffer him to be consecrate and bestowed the same vpon one William that was a Norman as his predecessor was and came into the realme with Quéene Emma his I meane the Confessors mother Unto this man the city of London acknoledgeth it selfe greatly beholding for that king William the Conquerour by his meanes instant sute graunted vnto them all kind of liberties in as ample manner as they enioyed them in the time of his predecessor In thankfulnesse hereof the citizens haue caused to be engrauen this Epitaphe vpon his graue which is in the middle of the body of his church Guilielmo viro sapientia vitae sanctitate claro qui primum Diuo Edwardo Regi Confessori familiaris nuper in Episcopum Londinensem erectus nec multo post apud inuictissimum Principem Guilielmum Angliae Regem eius nominis primum ob prudentiam fidemque singularem in consilium adhibitus amplistima huic vrbi celeberrimae priuilegia ab eodem impetrauit Senatus populusque Londinensis benè merenti posuit Sedit Episcopus ann 20. Decessit an a Christo nato 1070. Haec tibi clare pater posuerunt marmora clues Praemia non meritis aequiparanda tuis Namque sibi populus te Londinensis amicum Sensit huic vrbi non leue praesidium Reddita libertas duce te donataque multis Te duce resfuerat publica muneribus Diuitias genus formam breuis opprimit hora Haec tua sed pietas benefacta manent 34. Hugh d' Oriuall AFter the death of Bishop William the Conquerour aduaunced vnto this Sée one Hugh d' Oriuall a Norman Within a short space after his preferment he fell into a leprosie for cure whereof by the counsell of phisitions he was gelded It little auailed him that notwithstanding he continued a leper all his life and so died Ianuary 12. ann 1085. 35. Mauritius MAuritius Chaplaine and Chauncellor to the Conqueror was consecrate Bishop of London the yéere 1087. A man not of the best report for his life but famous for his memorable endeuour of building Paules Church in London It happened the yéere 1086. the whole City of London in a manner to be consumed with fire The Cathedrall church amongst the rest going to wrack Maurice the yéere following which was the first yéere of his consecration intending to reedifie the same laid the foundation of so huge a plot as all men thought it would neuer be finished The same fire destroyed a great Castle standing in that place where Robert Killwardby Archbishop of Canterbury did afterwards build the Blacke Friers The ruines of this castle the K. was content should be imployed vpon Paules Church He gaue also vnto the Bishop and his successors for euer the Castle of Scortford with the Appurtenances Notwithstanding these and many other helps this Bishop dooing his vtmost endeuor for the aduancement of this noble worke in twenty yéeres that he sate was not able to bring it to any perfection He deceased September 26. 1107. 36. Richard Beauveys RIchard Beauveys sirnamed Rufus by some for difference I thinke of his nephew of the same name that afterward succéeded him was consecrate vnto the Sée of London at Pagham the yéere 1108. He purchased diuers whole stréetes and much housing néere to his Cathedrall Church all which he pulled downe and leauing the ground vnbuilt for a Cemitery or Churchyard enclosed the same with a wall which yet for the most part remaineth but so couered with houses as it cannot be séene but here and there This man sitting as his 〈◊〉 did twenty yéeres and employing all his reuenewes vpon this fabrike almost all his time was nothing néere able to finish it Toward his latter end waxing weary of that tedious worke he gaue it ouer and endeuoured the foundation of a Monastery at Saint Osythes in Essex which place he procured giuing Ladsworth in exchange for it Diuers times he was about to resigne his Bishopricke that he might become a regular Chanon in his owne new built Monastery and that the rather because being taken with a desperate and irrecouerable palsey he wel knew his time to be short But he deferred so long the execution of this intent from day to day that he was surprised by death before he could performe it viz. Ianuary 16 1127. 37. Gilbertus Vniuersalis A Canon of Lyons was then preferred to this Sée one Gilbert surnamed Vniuersalis vir probus grandaevus saith Florent Wigorn avery aged but a very good man Other report of him that he was a very couetous man and a very rich man but a very learned man It séemeth he was a man of some note in those daies Saint Barnard writeth diuers Epistles vnto him He died the yéere 1133. trauayling toward Rome 38. Robertus de Sigillo AFter the death of Bishop Gilbert one 〈◊〉 Abbot of 〈◊〉 nephew to Saint Anselme was elected Bishop of London and had his election confirmed at Rome But presently such exceptions were taken against him as thereupon he was not onely stayed from consecration but depriued also of his Abbotship His electors were William the Deane of 〈◊〉 Ralfe Langford and Richard 〈◊〉 the same I beleeue that afterwards was Bishop The King who very much mistiked this election hauing made request for some other amongst other effects of his displeasure caused the wiues of these Canons as Bale reporteth to be imprisoned and otherwise shainefully intreated True it is that a little before this time euen vntill Anselme was Archbishop many Clergy men had wiues But he so farre foorth restrained them as if any were maried afterwards they were very fewe and durst not in any wise be acknowen of it By reason of the 〈◊〉 that were about this election the Sée continued void a long time The yeere 1140. Mawde the Empresse hauing taken King Stephen prisoner came to London and finding the Bishopricke void caused one Robert de
Sigillo a monke of Reading or as others say Archdeacon of London to be elected and consecrate Bishop Within a yeere or two after he was taken prisoner at Fullham by 〈◊〉 de Mandeuill a captaine of king Stephens who ye may be sure could ill brooke any man that the Empresse fauoured He sate Bishop about ten yeeres 39. Richard Beauveys THe yéere 1151. Richard Beauveys Archdeacon of Middlesex and nephew vnto the former Richard Beauveys became Bishop He died ann 1162. 40. Gilbert Foliot GIlbert Foliot was first Abbot of Glocester as M. Westm. hath but Bale affirmeth he was Abbot of Leycester and not of Glocester The yéere 1149. he was consecrate Bishop of Hereford continued in that Sée almost twelue yeeres and in 1161. vpon the kings speciall request he was translated to London In all the stirres betwéene Thomas Becket and the king he stucke vnto the king very faithfully and was partaker of all his counsels Mat. Paris reporteth a strange thing of him beléeue it if you list that one night comming from the king after long conference concerning the businesse betwéene the King and the Archbishop as he lay musing of those things in his bed a terrible and an vnknowen voice sounded these words in his eares O Gilberte 〈◊〉 dum reuoluis tot tot Deus 〈◊〉 est Ascarot Taking it to be the deuill he answered boldly Mentiris Daemon Deus 〈◊〉 est Deus Sabaoth At what time the King banished certaine fauorites of the Archbishop that were Clergy men he commaunded this Bishop to receiue the fruites of their liuings into his hand For obeying the authority of his Prince herein the Archbishop excommunicated him And presently vpon the death of the said Archbishop the Pope excommunicated him also but affirming by othe he was not guilty of the murther he was absolued He died February 18. 1187. It séemeth he was not onely wise but for those times very learned He writ diuers bookes mentioned by Bale I finde in Polycraticus a note concerning him that because it expresseth very well an humour much raigning now a daies I thinke not vnnecessary to offer vnto the Reader euen as I find it Venerabilis Pater c. The reuerend father Gilbert Bishop of Hereford would sometimes discourse vnto me saith he a certaine guise of Cloyster men the experience whereof he found in him selfe When first he entred into the Monastery hote with the fire newly kindled in him he was woont to blame very much the sluggishnesse of his gouernors Being preferred him selfe he was still moued with 〈◊〉 toward his equals but spared not his betters He became first a Prior taking part then with Priors he would complaine of Abbots Afterwards being made an Abbot fauouring his fellow Abbots he ceased not to reprehend Bishops And lastly when he was a Bishop himselfe he began to see how much more easie a thing it is to find faults then to mend them I thinke not saith he that this Bishop was to be esteemed enuious but being a wise man he expressed pretily an affection as it were naturally engraffed in euery man and was the more willing to take that kind of fault vpon him selfe that he might be the better heard of others Ioan. Sarisb Polycrat lib. 7. cap. 24. A very wise and reuerend Bishop now deceased in my hearing hath often acknowledged the like humour in him selfe before his preferments and therefore adiudged it the rather to be borne withall in other men 41. Richard Fitz-neale NIgellus Bishop of Ely that was nephew to Roger Bishop of Salisbury had a sonne named Richard for whom he bought of King Henry the second the Treasurership of England and payed for the same 400. markes He held that office almost all the raigne of the said king and was so good a husband in it as that at the kings death his treasure 〈◊〉 vnto 100000. markes In the latter end of his raigne he found meanes to preferre him vnto the Bishopricke of London whereunto he was consecrate December 31. 1189. He bestowed much vpon the building of his Church and other edifices belonging to his See sate there about nine yeeres and died September 10. 1198. 42. William de Sancta Maria. VVIlliam de Sancta Maria succéeded a Canon of Paules and sometimes secretary to king Richard the first He was consecrate June 22. 1199. This Bishop was one of them that interdicted the whole realme and excommunicated king Iohn by the commaundement of the Pope They all indured fiue yéeres banishment for their labours as elsewhere is more at large declared He resigned his Bishopricke Ianuary 26. 1221. 43. Eustachius de Fauconbridge EVstachius de Fauconbridge was elected vnto the Sée of London February 25. following and then vpon Saint Markes day consecrate at Westminster The next yéere a great controuersie was ended by arbitrators betweene him and his Cathedrall church of Saint Paule on the one part and the Abbey of Westminster on the other The arbitrators were the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishop of Winchester and Sarum Thomas Prior of Merton and Richard of Dunstaple Their order was that the Abbey of Westminster should be exempt from the iurisdiction of the Bishop of London that the church of Stanes should euer hereafter belong to Westminster the mannor and church of Sunbery vnto the Cathedrall church of Paules This Eustache had béene one of the kings Iustices Chauncellour of the exchequer Treasurer of England and twise Embassador into Fraunce He was a great benefactor vnto his Cathedrall church in which he lyeth intoombed in a faire monument of marble standing in the South wall of the East ende of the churchurch He died October 31. 1228. 44. Rogerus Niger ROger in our histories surnamed Niger Archdeacon of Colchester was chosen Bishop the yéere 1228. soone after the death of Eustachius and consecrate by loceline Bishop of Bathe Iune 10. following being Trinity Sunday togither with Richard Archbishop of Canterbury and Hugh Bishop of Ely This Roger saith M. Paris was a very reuerend man religious learned painefull in preaching eloquent a great house-kéeper of very gentle and curteous behauiour Whereunto he might haue added that he was also stout and very couragious One Rustandus the Popes Nuntio being earnest in a conuocation for setting forward a certaine prolling deuise to scrape vp money for his Master he not onely withstood him openly but cryed out vpon the vnreasonable and shamelesse couetousnes of the court of Rome and was the onely meanes of staying the course of that exaction For reuenge hereof not long after they began to frame an accusation against him at Rome alleaging matters altogither false and friuolous It forced him to trauell thither and cost him great summes of money before he could rid his hands of that brabble The yéere 1233. Walter Mauclerke Bishop of Carlile taking ship to passe ouer the seas was hindered by some of the kings officers for that he had no licence to depart the realme These officers for so doing he excommunicated and
riding straight vnto the court certified the king what he had done and there renewed the same sentence againe About the same time the king gaue commandement for the apprehending of Hubert de Burgo Earle of Kent who hauing sudden notice thereof at midnight got him vp and fled into a church in Esser They to whom the businesse was committed finding him vpon his knées before the high altar with the sacrament in one hand and a crosse in the other caried him away neuertheles vnto the Tower of London The Bishop taking this to be a great violence and wrong offered vnto holy church would neuer leaue the king that was indéed a Prince religious ynough vntill he had caused the Earle to be caried vnto the place whence he was taken It is thought it was a meanes of sauing the Earles life For though order was taken he should not scape thence yet it gaue the kings wrath a time to coole and himselfe leysure to make proofe of his innocency By reason whereof he was afterward restored to the kings fauour and former places of honour This Bishop died at his mannor of Bishops hall in the parish of Stupenheath on Michaelmas day 1241. or as some report I thinke vntruly October 3. 1243. and was buried in his owne church where Matthew Paris saies diuers miracles were wrought at his toombe It standeth in the enter close or North wall of the Presbytery a little aboue the quire where is to be read this Epitaphe Ecclesiae quondam Praeful praesentis in anno M. bis C. quater X. iacet hic Rogerus humatus Huius erat manibus domino locus iste dicatus Christe suis precibus veniam des tolle reatus 45. Fulco Basset ABout Christmas following Fulco Basset Deane of Yorke was elected vnto the Sée of London but not consecrate vntill October 9. 1244. for that the king who earnestly desired to haue remooued Peter Bishop of Hereford vnto London misliked greatly their choice This our Fulco was a gentleman of a grcat house but a second brother After he had entred orders his elder brother and the onely sonne of that brother died within the compasse of a yéere leauing the inheritance vnto him Our histories blame him for not being forward ynough in the cause of the Barons that is for being too true vnto his Prince Otherwise they giue him the praise of a good man a discréet and vigilant pastor Questionlesse he was a man stout and no lesse couragious then his predecessor The yéere 1255. Rustandus the Popes legate held a connocation at London in which when he went about to lay an importable exaction vpon the cleargy and it was knowen the king was hired to winke at it this Bishop rose vp and openly professed that he would suffer his head to be chopped off before he would consent vnto so shamefull and vnreasonable oppression of the church Yea when the king stormed at this his resistance and reuiled him saying that neither he nor any of his name was euer true vnto him threatning moreouer that he would finde meanes to plague him for it In the presence of some that he knew would tell the king of it he sticked not to say a spéech I confesse not commendable but bold and couragious My Bishopricke indéed my myter and crosier the king and the Pope may take away from me though vniustly but my helmet and sword I hope they shall not He died of the plague at London the yéere 1258. and was buried in his owne church vpon Saint Urbans day 46. Henry de Wingham HEnry de Wingham Chauncellor of England chamberlaine of Gascoigne Deane of Tottenhall and S. Martins hauing béene twice Embassador into Fraunce was chosen Bishop of Winchester the yéere 1258. but refused to accept of that place Sée why in Ethelmare of Winchester The yéere following the like offer being made for London he neuer made bones of it and was consecrate about Midsommer the same yéere A small time he enioyed that preferment being taken away by death July 13. 1261. He lyeth intoombed in the South wall neere to the monument of Bishop Fauconbridge 47. Kichard Talbot SOone after the death of Henry Wingham Richard Talbot was elected and confirmed Bishop of London whether consecrate or no I can not tel Certaine it is he died vpon Michaelinas day the yéere following viz. 1262. 48. Henry de Sandwich BEfore the ende of that yéere Henry de Sandwich was consecrate Bishop So London had thrée Bishops in one yéere This man was excommunicate by Ottobonus the Popes legate as he had well deserued for taking part with the rebellious Barons against their Prince He died September 16. 1273. 49. Iohn de 〈◊〉 IOhn de Chishull Deane of Paules sometimes Archdeacon of London hauing béene first Kéeper of the great seale and then Treasurer of England was consecrate Aprill 29. 1274. He died February 10. 1279. 50. Richard de Grauesend RIchard de Grauesend Archdeacon of Northhampton was consecrate Bishop of London at Couentry August 12. 1280. He died at Fulham December 9. 1303. and was buried at London 51. Ralfe de Baldocke BY the consent of the whole Chapter Ralfe Baldocke was then chosen Bishoppe vpon Saint Matthias day following Howbeit he might not haue consecration till the Pope had confirmed the election for that thrée Canons lately depriued from their Prebends by the Archbishop being excluded from the election had appealed from the same vnto the Pope By the commandement of the Pope Clement 5. he was consecrate at Lyons Ianuary 30. 1305 by the hands of one Petrus Hispanus a Cardinall He was very well learned and amongst other things he writ as Bale recordeth an history or Chronicle of England in the Latine toong In his life time he gaue two hundred markes toward the building of the new worke of the chappell on the East end of his church now called the Lady chappell and in his will bequeathed much toward the finishing of the same And here by the way it shall not be amisse to note that in digging the foundation of this building there were found more then an hundred heads of cattell as oxen kine c. which séemeth to confirme the opinion of those that thinke the Temple of Iupiter was situate in that place before the planting of Christian religion tooke away those Idolatrous sacrifices This Bishop died at Stell July 24. 1313. and lieth buried vnder a flat marble in the said chappell 52. Gilbert Segraue GIlbert Segraue borne in Leicester shire and brought vp in Oxford was a man very well learned and left diuers good monuments of his knowledge behinde him He was consecrate Bishop of London Nouember 25. 1313. and sate about thrée yéeres 53. Richard Newport RIchard Newport was consecrate Bishop of London March 26. 1317. and died August 24. 1318. 54. Stephen Grauesend STephen Grauesend was consecrate Ianuary 14. following and sate about twenty yéeres 55. Richard Byntworth or Wentworth RIchard Byntworth had his election confirmed May 23. 1338. was
was buried betwéene the two pillers next vnto the stéeple on the north side of the body of the church vnder a marble stone ouer which was built a kinde of tombe or chappell of wood that by the burning of the stéeple was also consumed and quight defaced June 4. 1561. 75. Cuthbert Tonstall CVthbert Tonstall Doctor of Lawe Master of the Rolles and kéeper of the priuy Seale succéeded Richard Fitz-Iames in the Bishopricke of London and was translated to Durham March 25. 1530. Sée more of him in Durham 76. Iohn Stokesley IOhn Stokesley was inthronized July 19. 1530. and departed this life September 8. 1539. He lieth buried in the Lady Chappell vnder a marble inlaid with brasse 77. Edmund Boner EEmund Boner Doctor of Law and Archdeacon of Leycester sometimes Master of the Cardinals faculties had the Bishopricke of Hereford bestowed vpon him at what time he was out of the realme Embassador vnto the Pope from king Henry the eight for renouncing his authority here in England Soone after his returne hauing yet scarcely entred vpon Hereford he was called to London elected October 20. 1539. and installed Aprill 3. 1540. How butcherly he behaued himselfe in that place I referre you vnto the report of Master Foxe He was depriued October 1. 1549. restored by Quéene Mary August 5. 1553. and lastly displaced againe by authority of Parliament May 30. 1559. He died in the Marshalsea September 5. 1569. 78. Nicolas Ridley AFter the first displacing of Bishop Boner Nicholas Ridley Bishop of Rochester was translated to London and installed there Aprill 12. 1550. He was a gentleman of an ancient house borne in the Bishopricke of Durham brought vp in Pembrooke Hall in Cambridge where he proceeded Doctor of Diuinity consecrate Bishop of Rochester September 25. 1547. remooued to London as before is mentioned and lastly died for the constant profession of his faith October 16. 1555. the historie whereof and his whole life ye may read in Master Foxe more at large 79. Edmund Grindall BIshop Boner being the second time depriued Edmund Grindall was elected July 26. following consecrate December 1. 1559. translated to Yorke May 20. 1570. and after to Canterbury Sée more of him in Canterbury 80. Edwyn Sands EDwyn Sands Bishop of Worcester was confirmed Bishop of London July 13. 1570. He sate there about the space of sixe yeeres and was translated to Yorke Sée more in Yorke 81. Iohn Elmer IOhn Elmer Doctor of Diuinity and Archdeacon of Lincolne succéeded He sate almost eightéen yéeres died at Fulham June 3. 1594 and was buried toward the North side of the East part of the church aboue the high altar 82. Richard Fletcher THe Sée of Bristow hauing béene void many yéeres Richard Fletcher Doctor of Diuinity Deane of Peterborough and one of her Maiesties chaplaines was consecrate thereunto in December 1589. translated thence to Worcester in February 1593. and in the ende of the yéere 1594. to London He died suddenly in his house at London being to sée to well sicke and dead in one quarter of an hower June 15. 1596. and was buried in his owne Cathedrall church 83. Richard Bancroft RIchard Bancroft Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate the eight of May 1597. This Bishopricke is valued in the Queenes bookes at 1119 l. 8 s. 4 d. and yeelded the Pope from euery Bishop at his first entrance 3000. florens The Bishops of Winchester THE Cathedrall Church of Winchester according to a report that I finde was first built and erected by King Lucius who abolishing Paganisike embraced Christ the first yere of his raigne being the yéere of our Lord 180. and placing monks in the same alotted for their mainteynance large reuenewes which heretofore had belonged for the most part vnto the Flamines and other heathen priests This Church as the same Author saith was hallowed and dedicated vnto the honor of our Sauiour October 29. 189. by Faganus and Damianus Bishops About the space of 100. yéeres the Church of Christ had peace in this land viz. vntill the raigne of Dioclesian who endeuouring to roote out Christian Religion not onely killed the professors of the same but also pulled downe all Churches and Temples any where consecrate vnto the exercise thereof Amongst the rest this of Winchester at that time went to wracke the buildings thereof being ruinated and made euen with the ground and the monkes and all the officers belonging vnto it either slaine or enforced to fly for the present time and yet afterward to deny Christ. This happened Ann. 289. Not long after the death of this cruell tyrant to wit the yeere 309. it was againe reedified and that with such woonderfull for wardnesse and zeale as within one yeere and thirty daies both it and all the edifices belonging vnto it as chambers and other buildings for the monkes and officers were quite finished in very séemely and conuenient manner The 15. day of March following it was againe hallowed and dedicated vnto the honor and memory of Amphibalus that had suffred death for Christ in the late persecution by Constans Bish as my Author saith of Winchester at the request of Deadatus Abbot of this new erected Monastery 200. yéers and vpward it then continued in the same state to wit vntill the yéere 319. at which time Cerdick the first king of the West Saxons being a Pagan conuerted the Church into the temple of Dagon slew chased away all the monks and ministers of the same Thus much for the first foundation of this Church and the estate of the 〈◊〉 vntill the comming of the Saxons Now let vs procéede vnto the discourse of the Bishops whose faries and succession after this time had neuer any notable interruption or discontinuance 1. Birnius THe Prouince or kingdome of the Gewisses or West Saxons containing the West part of England was goucrned along time by one Bishop that was called the Bishop of the West Saxons This Countrey after the Saxons inuaded the same receiued first the faith of Christ in the time of King Kinigilsus by the preaching of Byroius the first Bishop who being a very zealous and deuout man obtained leaue of Honorus the Pope of Rome to aduenture himselfe in preaching Christ vnto Infidels And his promise was to trauaile vnto the most Sauage and Barbarous people in the furthermost part of this I le that amongst them he might sowe the séedes of the Gospell whereupon he was consecrated Bishop by Asterius then Bishop of Genoa But comming thither and finding the countrey of the Gewisses where he first arriued to be altogether Pagans and without any knowledge of Christianity he determined to go no farther to séeke that which euen there he had already met withall It pleased God so to blesse his labours that in a short time not onely great numbers of the common people and many of the nobles but euen Kingilsus the king himselfe beléeued in Christ and tooke on them the badge and cognisance of Christianity by Baptisme Oswald the king of
Northumberland was present at what time Kinigilsus receiued this Sacrament and was his Godfather being afterwards to become his sonne by the mariage of his daughter These two Kings appointed vnto Birnius the City of Dorchester for his Cathedrall Sée where spending his time in preaching aud other pastorall offices not without great an inestimable profit he died about the yeere 650. 15. yéeres after his first comming into this Countrey was buried there in his owne Church 2. Agilbertus IN the meane time it had fallen out that Kinigilsus dying kenwalchus his sonne raigned in his stéede who refusing the offer of the kingdome of heauen by refusing Christ lost also soone after his earthly kingdome He had maried the daughter of Penda king of Mercia or Mid-England vpon what occasion I know not putting her away married another For this cause Penda tooke armes against him and forced him out of his kingdome Then for succour he fled vnto Anna king of Esser a good man and very religious in whose court he liued the space of thrée yéeres and there was first brought vnto the faith of Christ. By the helpe of this good Prince he also was restored to his kingdome againe His father had pulled downe the temple of Dagon and begun the building of a very faire church in Winchester but was taken away by death before he could finish it and for maintenance of the ministers of the same had alotted al the countrey round about within seuen mile of the city This building Kenwalchus finished and not onely ratified the foresaid gift of his father but also himselfe bestowed vpon the same church the mannours of Downton Alresford and Wordiam Soone after the conuersion of Kenwalchus one Agilbertus a Frenchman borne that had spent a great time in Ireland in preaching the Gospell there came into this countrey ann 650. and of his owne accord tooke great paines in instructing the people The king being giuen to vnderstaud of his learning and painefulnesse prayed him to accept the pastorall charge of his Countrey whereunto he agréed and continued in the same a long time 3. Wina AT last it came to passe that the King misliking his spéech and vtterance as not being able to deliuer his minde but in broken and very bad English caused an other 〈◊〉 to be ordained one Wina a French man likewise but one that could speake very good English and diuiding his Countrey into two parts alotted the one vnto Agilbert who held his Episcopall Sée as before is said at Dorchester And the other vnto this same Wini appointing vnto him for his Sée the City of Winchester This matter Agilbert taking very grieuously the rather for that it was done altogether without either his consent or knowledge returned in a great chafe into his owne countrey where soone after he was made Bishop of Paris So Wini or Wina was the first Bishop of Winchester of whom some vainely suppose the City to haue taken his name He lyeth entoombed in the North part of the Presbitery vpon the top of a wall where is to be seene this inscription Hic iacent 〈◊〉 Wini Episcopi Not long after the departure of Agilbert the king I know not for what cause fell into great mislike of Wina and droue him out of his countrey who flying vnto Wulfhere king of Mercia or Mid-England bought of him for money as it is said the Bishopricke of London being the first Simonist that is mentioned in our histories 4. Elentherius THe West Saxons were then a long time without a Bishop In which meane space Kenwalchus perceiuing all things to go against the haire with him and nothing to prosper vnder his hand but crosses and mischaunces to come thicke one in the necke of another began to consider with him selfe how that by neglecting religion he first lost his kingdome and no sooner embraced Christ but he was restored to his crowne againe and therefore perswaded himselfe that his negligence in appointing a Pastor that might looke vnto the seruice of God was the cause why his worldly affaires had no better successe Hereupon he sent an Embassador into France vnto Agilbert to excuse the wrong heretofore done vnto him with all earnestnes to perswade him to returne vnto his former charge there againe This though Agilbert refused to do alleaging that he was bound by promise not to forsake the place he now held yet that he might shew his readines to gratifie the king in what he might he sent ouer with the Embassador a priest named Elentherius his owne nephew that might if so it pleased him be ordained Pastor and Bishop of that countrey testifying that for his owne part he thought him not vnworthy of the place He was honorably receiued of the king and his people and at their request consecrate Bishop by Theodorus then Archbishop of Canterbury He continued Bishop seuen yéeres 5. Headda AFter Elentherius succéeded Headda a very holy and vertuous man but one that profited more his charge in example of good life cōuersation then in often preaching vnto them for as it should seeme very learned he was not Yet if Beda say true God approued his gouernment by the testimony of many miracles 6. Daniell HE dying in the yéere 704. or as some deliuer 705. after he had sate somewhat aboue thirty yéeres it seemed good to Ina then king of the West Saxons to diuide the prouince into two parts whereof the one he committed vnto a kinsman of his owne called Aldelmus commaunding him to make Sherborne his Sée and vnto the other was ordained Daniell who following the steps of his predecessors continued at Winchester This man sate 43. yeeres and at last perceiuing himselfe vnable to gouerne by reason of old age he resigned his Bishopriche an 741. and became a monke at Meldune or Malmesbury where he lieth buried 7. Humfridus HVmfridus then gouerned this Sée for the space of eight yéeres and died an 756. 8. Kinehardus AFter him came Kinehardus of whom I finde nothing recorded 9. Hathelardus ANd after him Athelardus or Hathelardus Abbot of Meldune who the yéere 794. was translated to the Metropoliticall Sée of Canterbury Sée more in Canterbury Then these 10. Egbaldus 11. Dudda 12. Kineberthus 13. 〈◊〉 14. Wightheinus 15. Herefridus slaine of the Danes in battell ann 834. 16. Edmundus ANd Helmstanus of whom likewise little or nothing is deliuered but that he lieth buried vpon the North wall of the presbytery togither with one of his successors Kenulphus as these verses there written do shew Pontifices haec capsa duos tenet incineratos Primus Helstanus huic successorque Kenulphus ABout this time many suppose Athelwulf or Athulf that was king of the West Saxons twenty yéeres to haue béene first Bishop of Winchester by the space of seuen yeeres Others report that he was a Cardinall of Rome also Neither of these can well be true Certaine it is that being in orders viz. a Subdeacon by the dispensation of
Pope Leo he was taken out of the monastery of Winchester to be king and that is all I finde of this matter worthy credit 18. Swithunus AFter him succéeded Swithunus the opinion of whose holines hath procured him the reputation of a Saint How miraculously he made whole a basket of egges that were all broken and some other things scarce woorth the rehearsall who so list may read them in Matthew Westminster in his report of the yeere 862. at what time as he writeth this Bishop died and according to his owne appointment was buried in the Church-yard Some I know not how truely make him Chauncellor of England Whatsoeuer his holines was his learning questionlesse was great in respect whereof Egbert king of the West Saxons committed vnto his gonernment that same Ethelwolfe his yoonger sonne that of a Subdeacon in the church of Winchester was afterward made king as before is declared 19. Adferthus ADferthus succéeded him in this Bishopricke a man saith Florilegus sufficiently learned and that a while discréetly and wisely gouerned this See 20. Dumbertus DVmbertus the successor of Adferthus died in the yéere 879. and left his Bishopricke vnto Denewulsus 21. Denewulsus THis Denewulsus as the fame goeth was sometimes a hogheard and dwelt in the place where the Abbey of Athelney in Sommersetshire was afterward builded It happened at that time king Alfred that famous king of the West Saxons to be so néere followed of the Danes that sought nothing more than his life as being abandoned of all his followers He knew no better or more likely course for his safety then dissembling his estate to deliuer himselfe for a time into the seruice of this hogheard dwelling in a place at that time almost inaccessible so of very little or no resort So long he continued there as his Master and Dame were almost weary of his seruice wherein he was not so ready as a man should that had had education accordingly Of her it is particularly deliuered that when the King let certaine Cakes burne that she had set him to toast she reprehended him sharply as an vnprofitable seruant in these words Vere quos cernis panes girare moraris Cum nimium gaudes hos manducare calentes These cakes that now to toast thou makest no hast When they are ready thou wilt eate too fast At last it sell out that the kings friends gathering themselues together he ioyned himselfe vnto them and his subiectes that now a great while thought him dead resorted vnto him in so great numbers as setting vpon the Danes he ouerthrew them and in a short time not onely brought them vnder his obedience but also reduced in a manner the whole Realme of England into one Monarchy Hauing thus recouered the peaceable possession of his crowne he was not vnmindfull of his olde Master in whom perceiuing an excellent sharpnesse of wit he caused him though it were now late being a man growen to study and hauing obtained some competency of learning he preferred him to the Bishopricke of Winchester Moreouer that he might shew himself thankfull vnto God aswell as man in the place where this hogheard dwelt he builte a stately Monastery the wals whereof are yet partly standing 22. Athelmus OF Athelmus that succéeded this onely is recorded that the yéere 888. he traueyled to Rome to cary thither the almes of king Alfred I find not mention of this man any where but in Matth. Westm. Bertulsus HE also reporteth that one Bertulsus Bishop of Winchester ann 897. was appointed a Gardian of the realme amongst many others by king Alfred to defend it against the Danes Elsewhere I find him not mentioned 23. Frithstane CErtaine it is that in the yéere 905. one Frithstane was consecrate with six other Bishops by Plegmund Archbishop of Canterbury at the commaundement of king Edmund the elder the occasion whereof is elsewhere set downe He was a man highly estéemed of for his learning but much morefor his great vertue and holinosse He sate a long time and at last resigned procuring one Brinstan to be his successor ann 931. the next yéere after he died viz. 932. 24. Brinstan Brinstan as is said became Bishop ann 931. and died thrée yéeres after viz. 934. 25. Elphegus Calvus HE died in the yéere 946. Of these thrée Bishops diuers miracles are reported in histories which néede not to be rehearsed 26. Elfsinus alias Alfsins HE sate till the yéeres 958. and then by bribery and great summes of money procured himselfe to be 〈◊〉 to the Sée of Canterbury of which preferment he had 〈◊〉 ioye Sée Cant. 27. Brithelmus He sate about fiue yéeres For ann 963. he died 27. Ethelwald EThelwald Abbot of Abindon continued Bishop ninetéene yéeres and died 984. Angust 1. How Brinstan his predecessor appeared vnto him challenging the honor of a Saint c. Sée Matth. Westminster in ann 965. he was a great patron of monkes and no lesse enimy vnto maried priests At his first comming 〈◊〉 expelled them out of the olde Monastery to place monks In the yéere 867. the Danes had slaine all the monkes they could finde in Winchester From which time secular priests inhabited the same being authorized by the king so to doo till the yéere 971. a company of monkes were brought from Abingdon of the Bishops old acquaintance it is like to shoulder them out of the doores Not contented thus to haue replenished his owne Church with monkes hauing bought the Isle of Ely he played the like rex in that Church not yet Cathedrall turning a long eight honest Priests into the world with their wiues and children to put in monkes And then at Thorney he built new or at leastwise repaired an old Monastery that had layen waste many yéeres I may not let passe one commendable action of this bishop that in time of a great dearth brake all the plats belonging to his Church and gaue it to the poore saying that the Church might in good time hereafter againe be prouided of ornaments necessary but the poore perished for want of foode could not be recouered 29. Elphegus ELphegus Abbot of Bathe succéeded him an honest and learned man He was translated to Canterbury ann 1006. sée more of him in Cant. 30. Kenulphus alias Elsius THis man againe is infamous for simony and aspiring by corrupt meanes to this place He was Abbot of Peterborough and hauing enioyed his deare bought preferment litle more then one yéere was called from it by death Euen so it fell out with Elsius for Canterbury to make the old saying true ill gotten goods seldome prosper Kenulphus died ann 1008. And lyeth buried in his owne Church as before is mentioned 31. Brithwold BRithwold whom Matth. Westm. séemeth to call Elthelwold was Bishop after Kenulphus It is written of him that one night being late at his prayers he chaunced to thinke of the lowe ebbe of the bloud royall of England which now was almost all consumed and brought to nothing In the middest of this
cogitation falling a sléepe it séemed vnto him he sawe Saint Peter crowning yoong Prince Edward that liued in exile at that time in Normandy and furthermore to shew how he should raigne 24. yéers and die at the last without issue This Bishop then as he thought asked him who should raigne next whereunto this answere was made The Kingdome of England is Gods Kingdome and he shall prouide a King for it This dreame reported by very Auncient writers and falling out iust according to the prediction may be an example vnto vs not altogether to neglect and despise the admonition of dreames which often fall out strangely This Bishop whether Brithwold or Ethelwold died the yéere 1015. 32. Elsinus or Eadsinus ELsinus or Ealsinus otherwise called Eadsinus was first Chaplaine vnto King Harald and by him preferred to the Bishopricke of Winchester from whence the yéere 1038. he was translated to Canterbury sée more of him in Cant. 33. Alwynus HE was of very great authority with Emma the kings mother that fauoured him so much as many suspected them for liuing ill together Robert the Archbishop of Canterbury acquainted the king with this rumor Whereupon the king presently imprisoned Alwyn and dealt little better with his mother with whom also he was otherwise offended for allowing him so scantly in time of his minority She séemed to purge her selfe by miracle offring to walke vpon nine plow shares red hotte to prooue her innocency which shée is said to haue performed and so was restored to the fauour of her sonne againe Alwyn also was set at liberty and Robert the Archbishop their accuser whether for shame or feare I cannot tell was glad to get him out of the realme What else is to be deliuered of this Bishop this his Epitaphe containeth Hic iacet Alwyni corpus qui munera nobis Contulit egregia 〈◊〉 Christe rogamus Obijt anno 1047. He lieth entoombed vpon the North wall of the Presbytery in Winchester with 〈◊〉 of his predecessors before mentioned Sée more of him in Robert Archbishop of Canter bury 34. Stigandus HE was chaplaine vnto Edward the Confessor and by him preferred to the Bishopricke of Elmham whence that Sée was shortly remooued to Norwich 1043. In the short time he staied there not past fower yéeres he had much adoo with one Grinketell that by money found meanes to cast out Stigand and placed himselfe He could not kéepe his hold long For Stigand quietly recouered it againe and held it till that the yéere 1047. he was translated to Winchester from whence also he was remooued to Canterbury in the yéere 1052. But whether he 〈◊〉 his title to Canterbury Robert the former Archbishop being yet aliue or whether insatiable couetousnes prouoked him thereunto I can not tell he retained still Winchester notwithstanding his preferment to Canterbury which was the cause of his vndoing at last For the Conqueror who came into this realme while he was Archbishop being desirous to place his owne countrey men in all roomes of speciall authority and besides hauing a priuate grudge at Stigand for forcing him to yéeld Kentish men their ancient liberties whereof sée more in Canterbury procured him to be depriued of both his Bishopricks vpon this point that he had contrary to the lawe held them both together He lieth intoombed at Winchester with Wyni the first Bishop inclosed as it séemeth to me with him in the same coffin vpon the North side thereof is written Hiciacet Stigandus Archiepiscopus He was depriued an 1069. and died a prisoner in the castle of Winchester soone after 35. Walkelyn SOone after the depriuation of Stigand Walkelyn a chaplaine of the kings was consecrate Bishop of Winchester viz. an 1070. He fauoured not monkes but displaced them where he might and put in secular priests in their roomes He died Ianuary 3. 1097. So he continued Bishop 27 yéeres In his time to wit the yéere 1079. the Cathedrall church of Winchester that now standeth began first to be built 36. William Giffard AT this time lay Princes euery where tooke vpon them to bestowe Bishoprickes giuing inuestiture and possession of them by deliuering the ring and the crosier Pope Gregory the seuenth first withstood Henry the Emperour in this case and made him at last glad to yéeld vnto canonicall elections King Henry the first taking vnto himselfe the like authority placed diuers of his chaplaines in Bishoprickes without election commanding the Archbishop to consecrate them Amongst diuers other he appointed this William Giffard Bishop of Winchester and required Anselme the Archbishop to consecrate him Anselme vtterly denied to afford consecration either vnto him or any other in the like case The king sent then vnto Girard Archbishop of Yorke whom he found nothing strange But Giffard saith Matthew Westminster timens rigorem Sancti Anselm spernit consecrationem eius stood so much in awe of Saint Anselme as he durst not but reiect the offer of the others consecration The king angry hitherto with the Archbishop onely was now much more incensed against this Giffard and in great displeasure banished him the realme In the ende the king and the Archbishop grew to this agréement that the gifts of the king already passed should be ratified and his clerkes nominated to Bishoprickes haue consecration vpon promise that hereafter he should not disturbe canonicall elections and vtterly renounce his pretended priuiledge So after much adoo he was consecrate together with diuers other an 1107. He sate 21. yéeres and dying Ianuary 25. 1128. was buried at Winchester in his owne church howbeit I sée no memoriall of him there at all 37. Henry de Bloys THis man was brother vnto king Stephen first Abbot of Bermondsey then of Glastonbury and Nouember 17. 1129. consecrated Bishop of Winchester yet not preferred to these places for fauour onely and regard of his nobility for he was very learned He writ many things both in prose and verse if Bale say true and amongst the rest one booke extant conteining an history of the finding of king Arthurs bones in the abbey of Glastonbury at what time himselfe was Abbot and a speciall dooer in that action If in all the stures and contentions betwixt his brother and Maud the Empresse concerning the kingdome he stucke close vnto his brother it is no great maruaile Yet true it is that his brother being taken prisoner by the Empresse ann 1141. he accursed and excommunicate all those that stoode against her whom no man doubted to be the true inheretrice of the crowne By his meanes notwithstanding his brother recocouered quickly his liberty and kingdome In the meane time the Empresse being iealous of the Bishop came sodainly to Winchester and the Bishop doubting her comming to be to no other end but to surprise him went out at one gate as she entred at another Within a fewe daies hauing gotten force about him he returned to Winchester in an vnhappy houre For whether by his direction or no it is not certaine but by
his company out of all question the city was fired the greatest part thereof being burnt downe to the ground togither with the Nunnery the Monastery of Saint Grimbald and more then 20. other Churches some say 40. This hapned vpon the 2. day of August 1141. Soone after his men burnt and spoiled the Nunnery of Warwell and himselfe returning to Winch. tooke off from the crosse that was burnt in the new Monastery 500. l. of siluer 30. marke of gold thrée crownes with so many seates of fine Arabike gold set with precious stones All this he put in his owne purse Now to remember his good déedes also you shall vnderstand that he founded that woorthy Hospitall of Saint Crosse néere Winchester In which place some thing had beene built long before to some such good vse But it was destroied by the Danes and quite ruinated til this Bishop reedified it or rather laide new foundations in the same place ann 1132. and endowed it with the reuenew it now hath He also built the castell of Farnham destroied afterward by king Henry the 3. but reedified by the Bishops of Winch. He was a man as of great bloud so of a great and high minde He contended often with the Archbishop of Canterbury for superiority vnder colour that he was the Popes legate a latere and as some deliuer a Cardinall Matthew Westm. reporteth that he obtained of Pope Lucius the title of an Archbishop receauing from him a pall and authority ouer seuen churches But what or which they were I finde not In the 47. yéere of his consecration he fell sicke dangerously whereof the king Henry the 2. hearing came to visite him But he was so farre from yeelding the king thanks for this great grace as he gaue him no lookes but frowning nor spéeches but very sharpe and curst reprehending him with very bitter words as the causer of Thomas Beckets death Yet such was the great méekenesse of this prince as he not onely tooke very patiently this reproofe but long after thought much of the same And surely no great maruell The memory of a dying mans words abideth long How much more of a Bishop a graue wise and ancient prelate He departed this life August 6. 1171. where he was buried I know not 38. Richard Tocline alias More AFter the death of the former Bishop the Sée stood void thrée yéeres many other Churches likewise at the same time stoode long voide At last the yéere 1173. by the instance of two Cardinals the king granted licence of frée election vnto them all Unto Winchester was then chosen Richard Tocline Archdeacon of Poitiers by some called More by other Richard de Iuelcester He was consecrate at Lambhith the yéere following viz. 1174. togither with thrée other Bishops Geffery of Ely Robert of Herford and Iohn of Chichester He died December 22. 1187. or as his Epitaph hath 1189. He lieth entombed in the north wall of the Presbytery iust vnder Wina where is ingrauen this that followeth Obijt anno Dom. 1189. Presulis egregij pausant hic membra Ricardi Tocline cui summi gaudio sunto poli 39. Godfridus de Lucy HE was sonne vnto Richard Lucy chiefe Justice of England consecrate Bishop of Winchester Nouember 1. 1189. and died an 1204. so he sate 15. yéeres This man purchased of king Richard the first the mannors of Wergraue and Menes which in times past had belonged vnto his Sée of Winchester but I know not how had béene alienated from the same Moreouer he became a great benefactor vnto the Priory of Westwood in Kent founded by his father 40. Peter de la Roche THis man borne in Poytiers being a knight was consecrate Bishop of Winchester at Rome an 1204. A notable wise prelate and of such authority vnder king Iohn first and Henry the third after as none greater in those times He with two other Bishops viz. Philip his countreyman of Durham and Iohn Gray of Norwich animated king Iohn to withstand the Popes excommunication but they were all faine to cry peccaui at last The yéere 1214. king Iohn made him chiefe Justice of England the nobles of the realme grudging very much that a stranger borne should rule ouer them After the death of king Iohn king Henry being a childe the realme was long gouerned almost altogether by this Bishop For William Earle Marshall dying he was chosen in his roome Protector of the king and realme And afterwards the king being growen to yéeres of discretion relyed altogither vpon his counsell He had a nephew or as some say a sonne named Peter d' Orinall Treasurer of England in maruellous great fauour also with king Henry Yet as court fauours are variable so were they often disgraced and often restored againe to the height of worldly happines I meane the Princes great and entire fauour The yéere 1226 he tooke his voyage to the Holy land and being absent fiue yéeres at his returne was receiued with 〈◊〉 and all signes of great ioy He died June 9. 1238. at Faruham when he had sate Bishop the space of 24. yéeres and was buried according to his owne appointment very meanely and euen obscurely in his owne church In his death saith M. Paris the counsell of England receiued a great wound What good soeuer happened vnto the church either by peace or warre in the Holy land at the comming of the Emperour Fredericke it is specially to be ascribed vnto the wisedome of this Bishop Againe saith he when as discord betwéene the Pope and the Emperour threatned the destruction of the whole church he was the speciall meanes of compounding a peace betwéene them Now of the religious houses he built and being built enriched with reuenewes for their maintenance These be the names Hales of the order of Premonstratenses Tickford of the same order Saleburne of the order of Saint Augustine viz. Canons regular and a goodly hospitall at Portsmouth Againe he remooued the Church of S. Thomas the Martyr in the holy land from a very vnfit place vnto a more conuenient and reformed the statues of the company belonging to the Church causing the Patriark of Hierusalem to take order that whereas they were heretofore méere lay men now they should be vnder the Templers and of their society And lastly he bestowed great cost in fortifying and repayring the Towne of Joppa a notable succour and refuge of the Christians in those parts He made a worthy and memorable will giuing vnto euery of the foresaid places a huge summe of money for the least that he gaue was vnto the house of S. Thomas of Acon vnto which he beaqueathed 500. marks All this notwithstanding he left his Bishopricke very rich his houses furnished and his grounds ready Stocked for his successor Thus farre M. Paris 41. William de Raley THe Sée being thus voide by the death of Peter derupibus the king Henry the 3. dealt very earnestly with the monks of Winchester to choose in his place the Bishop elect of Ualentia
the Quéenes vncle But they were agréed vpon W. de Raley Bishop of Norwich and tooke exceptions against the elect of Ualentia calling him virum sanguinum When the king heard of their intent he was excéeding angry and made great hauocke of the Bishops temporalties swearing he would haue his will at last or they should neuer haue Bishop The monks then séeing him so obstinately set against the Bishop of Norwich determined to alter their purpose and were content to choose Ralfe Neuill Bishop of Chichester the kings Chauncellor wherein they were so farre from contenting him as he was much more incensed against them then before and not against them onely but the new elect also from whom immediately he tooke the great seale and gaue it to another As for the election not without great charges he caused the same to be 〈◊〉 and made void at Rome Much adoo there was for the space of fiue or sixe yéeres about this matter At last the monkes séeing no end and being resolued against the Ualentine they procéeded to election againe and chose according to their first determination the Bishop of Norwich This election was suddenly made and quickly confirmed at Rome Yet the king ceased not to spurne at the same commaunding the Mayor of Winchester to forbid the new Bishop entrance which he did and was by him excommunicate for his labor and the whole City interdicted In the meane time the Bishop fealt the burthen of the Kings displeasure so heauy vpon him in England as he thought good to flie the realme He got him into Fraunce and was honorably receiued of the king there At last by the intercession of Boniface the Archbishop and the Popes earnest letters vnto the King and the Quéene he was restored to the Kings fauor and obtained licence to returne For recompence of this benefite and his fatherly care the Bishop saith Matth. Westm. in thankfulnesse bestowed vpon the Pope 6000. markes which he in good nature tooke euery penny without disdainefull returne of one denier The payment of this money and the charges of his trouble stucke so close vnto him as though he liued very priuately in all his life long he was neuer able to recouer himselfe out of debt He died about the twentith day of September 1249. at Turon whither he had withdrawen himselfe with a very small traine almost a yéere before It is recorded of him that being néere death he had the Sacrament brought vnto him And perceiuing the Priest to enter his chamber with it he cryed out stay good friend let the Lord come no néerer vnto me it is more fit that I be drawen vnto him as a traytor that in many things haue been a traytor vnto him His seruants therefore by his commaundement drew him out of his bed vnto the place where the Priest was and there with teares he receiued the Sacrament and spending much time in prayer afterward he so ended his life when he had béene Bishop about the space of sixe yéeres for he was translated ann 1243. so that the Sée was void fiue yéeres 42. Ethelmarus THe King being certified ef his death sent immediately two of his Chaplaines to Winchester to perswade the monkes to elect Ethelmarus the sonne of Hugh Earle of March and Isabell the Quéene his mother so that he was halfe brother vnto the king a man saith M. Paris in respect of his orders yéeres and learning vtterly vnsufficient By that time they had labored the matter the space of a fortnight the king himselfe came vnto Winchester and in the Chapter house made a most earnest request in the behalfe of his brother The monkes too well remembring what great trouble sorrow they had endured for denying the kings last request some of them beaten and sore wounded many tormented with hunger and laden with chaines in long imprisonment besides continuall charges of sutes and trauaile and knowing wel they should haue no assistance at Rome so long as the Kings purse was better then theirs they resolued though they knew the man most vnfit to gratifie the King and so no man daring to say no with one consent he was elected He had at that time other spirituall liuing equiualent in reuenue to the Archbishopricke of Canterbury which that he might kéepe and yet receiue all the profits of the Bishopricke of Winchester he determined not to be consecrate at all but to hold it by his election and so did indéed for the space of 9. yéeres In the meane time he and the rest of his countreymen with whom the realme was much pestered were growen very odious as well with the nobility as the commons not onely for that their infinite wealth and immoderate preferment was much enuied but much more for their pride and insolency which a man can hardly beare in his owne friend much lesse in an alien and stranger whom men naturally dislike much sooner then their owne Countreymen Amongst the rest this 〈◊〉 bare himselfe so bold vpon the King his brother as he gaue commaundement to his seruants to force a clergy man out of the possession of a benefice whereunto he pretended some right and if he withstood them to draw him out of his possession in contumelious manner The poore man loath to loose his liuing defended it so long til by my Lord Electes men he was slaine himselfe and his people so soare beaten as within few daies one or two of them died This fact and other like brought all the Pictauians into such hatred as the realme 〈◊〉 ready to rise against them which perceiuing to auoid the tēpest growing towards them the yeere 1268. they all 〈◊〉 the realme Ethelmar sent ouer for his treasure whereof he had laide vp great store but much of it came short being intercepted at Douer and taken away from those to whom it was committed The yéere after the departure of the Pictauians viz. 1259. the monkes of Winchester thought good to procéed to the election of a new Bishop And knowing it was to no purpose to make choice of any but such as the king fauoured elected Henry de Wingham then Chauncellor of England But he although he doubted not of the kings fauour in regard that another being elected it might prooue litigious refused to consent vnto their election alleaging his owne vnwoorthines for want of learning The king was content to allow of him condicionally that some stay might be made for a time to sée whether his brother Ethelmar might attaine consecration of the Pope While the king stood vpon these vncertaine tearmes Henry de Wengham became Bishop of London the yéere 1259 2. yéeres after viz. 1261. Ethelmar died He tooke order his hart should be brought to Winchester where it was intoombed in the South wal of the presbytery as this Elogium witnesseth Obijt anno Dom. 1261. Corpus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cor nunc tenet istud 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 morte 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 43. Iohn Gernsey IOhn Gernsey or Iohn of Oxford for so also I find him
called was consecrate Bishop an 1265. at Rome where it is said he paid vnto the Pope 6000. markes for his consecration and so much more vnto Iordanus the Popes Chauncellor Presently vpon his returne he was suspended by Ottobonus the Popes legate for taking part against the king in the Barons wars he enioyed a small time his honor so déerely bought the yéere 1268. he died in Italy and was buried there at Uiterbium 44. Nicholas de Ely RIchard Moore a Doctor of Diuinity was then chosen Bishop But Fryer Peckham at that time Archbishop of Canterbury tooke exception against him for holding of many benefices And said that a man of such conscience as were fit for that place would rather content himselfe with lesse liuing then load himselfe with the cure of so many soules He being refused Nicholas de Ely hauing béene scarcely one yere Bishop of Worcester was called to this church He sate 12. yéeres died an 1290. his body was buried at Wauerly his hart lieth entoombed in the South wall of the Presbytery with this inscription Intus est cor Nicholai Episcop cuius corpus est apud Wauerley One of his name was first Chauncellor then treasurer of England about the yéere 1260. I assure my selfe it was he 45. Iohn de Pontissara ABout this time the Pope began to take vpon him the bestowing of Bishoprickes for the most part euery where This Iohn de Pontissara was placed by him vpon his absolute authority He was a great enimy vnto the monkes of his church whose liuing he much diminished to encrease his owne He died the yéere 1304. hauing sate néere 24. yéeres and lyeth buried in the North wall of the Presbytery His toombe hath this Epitaphe engrauen Defuncti corpus tumulus tenet iste Ioannis Pountes Wintoniae presulis eximij Obijt anno Dom. 1304. 46. Henry Woodloke HEnry Woodloke succéeded him Robert Winchelsey Archbishop of Canterbury being banished the realme by king Edward the first who charged him with treason this Bishop became an intercessor for him and in the request he made to the king in his behalfe chaunced to call him his good Lord which the king tooke so haynously as by and by he caused all the Bishops goods to be confiscate and renounced all protection of him How he recouered the kings fauour againe I finde not Not long after the said king dying by the permission of the foresaid Archbishop he crowned king Edward the second Ianuary 22. 1307. and died an 1316. the 13. yéere of his consecration 47. Iohn Sendall VVAlsingham called this man Iohn Kendall he was Chauncellor of England and died 1320. hauing scarcely sate fower yéeres 48. Reginaldus Asserius THe Pope then thrust in Reginald de Asser his legate the king being very angry that the Pope tooke so much vpon him in these things He was consecrate by the Bishop of London Walter the Archbishop refusing to afford it vnto him sate little aboue two yéeres and died an 1323. 49. Iohn de Stratford IOhn de Stratford Doctor of Law succéeded When he had continued in this seat 10. yeeres an 1333. He was translated to Canterbury Sée more of him in Canterbury 50. Adam Tarlton alias de Orlton ADam de Arlton Doctor of law borne in Hereford was consecrate Bishop of Hereford September 26. 1317. In a parliament holden at London an 1324. he was accused of treason as hauing aided the Mortimers with men and armor against the king When he should haue béene arraigned a thing till that time neuer heard of that a Bishop should be arraigned the Archbishops of Canterbury Yorke and Dublin with their Suffragan Bishops came vnto the barre and violently tooke him away Notwithstanding the accusation being found true his temporalties were seased into the kings hāds vntill such time as the king much deale by his machination and deuise was deposed of his kingdome If he which had béene a Traytor vnto his Prince before after deserued punishment for the same would soone be entreated to ioyne with other in the like attempt it is no maruell No man so forward as he in taking part with Isabel the Quéene against her husband king Edward the second Shée with her sonnes aud army being at Oxford this good Bishop stept vp into the pulpit and there taking for his text these words My head grieueth me he made a long discourse to prooue that an euill head not otherwise to be cured must be taken away Hauing gotten the king into their power he fearing least if the king at any time recouered his liberty and crowne againe they might receiue condigne punishment counselled the Quéene to make him away Whereunto she being as ready and willing as he to haue it done they writ certaine letters vnto the kéepers of the old king signifieng in couert termes what they desired They either not perfectly vnderstanding their meaning or desirous to haue somewhat to shew for their discharge pray them in expresse words to declare vnto them whether they would haue them put the king to death or no. To which question this subtill foxe framed this answere Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est If you set the point betwéene nolite and timere it forbiddeth if betwéene timere and bonum it exhorteth them to the committing of the fact whereupon the king was made away and most pitifully murthered by thrusting a hot spit into his fundament And who then so earnest a persecutor of the murtherers as this Bishop that when diuers of his letters were shewed against him eluded and auoyded them by sophisticall interpretation and vtterly denied that he was any way consenting to that haynous fact How cleanely he excused himselfe I know 〈◊〉 But sure I am he was so farre from receiuing punishment as within two moneths after viz. in Nouember 1327. he was preferred vnto the Bishopricke of Worcester sixe yéeres after that he was translated thence to winchester by the Pope December 1. 1333. at the request of the French king which king Edward taking in very ill part for that the French king and he were enimies deteined from 〈◊〉 his temporalties till that in a parliament at the sute of the whole cleargy he was content to yéeld them vnto him He sate Bishop of Winchester 11. yeeres 7. moneths and 17. daies and being a long time blind before his death departed this life July 18. 1345. 51. William Edendon THe same yeere William Edendon was consecrate Bishop a man in very great fauour with King Edward the third being treasurer of England he caused groats and halfe groats to be coyned the yeere 1350. coyne not séene in England before but they wanted some thing of the iust sterling waight which was the cause that the prices of all things rose then very much And where as many other times the like practise hath béene vsed in so much that fiue shillings hath now scarce so much siluer in it as fiue groats had 300. yéeres since no maruell if things be sold for treble the price
that they were 300. yéere agoe Hereof also it commeth to passe that the Prince and Nobility cannot possible maintaine their estates with their auncient rents and reuenewes which bring in though the wonted tale and number yet not the due waight and quantity of mettall But to returne to William Edendon he was also Chauncellor of England and once elect Archbishop of Canterbury but refused to accept it He founded a Monastery at Edendon where he was borne for a kinde of religious men called Bon-hommes he died ann 1366. when he had béene Bishop almost one and twenty yéeres and lyeth in a very faire toombe of Alabaster on the South side of the entrance into the quier whereon is engrauen this rude Epitaphe Edindon natus Willmus hic est tumulatus Praesul praegratus in Wintonia Cathedratus Qui pertransitis eius memorare velitis 〈◊〉 mitis ausit cum mille peritis Peruigil anglorum fuit adiutor populorum 〈◊〉 egenorum pater protector eorum M. C. tribus 〈◊〉 post LXV sit I. punctum His successor William Wickham sewed his Executors for dilapidations and recouered of them 1662. l. 10. s. besides 1556. head of neate 3876. weathers 4717. ewes 3521. lambes and 127. swyne all which stocke it séemeth belonged vnto the Bishopricke of Winchester at that time 52. William Wickham AT the Kings request William Wickham his Chaplaine principall Secretary and kéeper of the priuy seale soone after Edendons death was both elected by the Prior and couent of Winchester and allowed of by the Pope who now tooke vpon him to haue an interest in the disposition of all our Bishoprickes as elsewhere I haue more at large discoursed This man was the sonne of one Iohn Perot and Sibill his wife for whose place of buriall he erected a Chappell afterwards at Tichfield néere the towne of Wickham in Hampshire In that towne he was borne the yéere of our Lord 1324. and according to the manner of most cleargy men in those times of that towne the place of his birth tooke his sirname I finde also recorded that he was woont to be called sometimes by the name of Long and that as it is probably supposed for no other cause but in regard of his stature which they say was very tall He was brought vp first at Winchester and then at Oxford at the charge of a Gentleman called Nicholas Vnedall or Woodall In these places hauing first passed the rudiments of Grammer he studied Logicke Geometry Arithmetique and the French tongue but principally the Ciuill and Canon lawes In all which as he profited excéedingly for the time he spent in them so there is no doubt he would haue prooued so excellent as men are woont that doo long and painefully imploy good wits to such purposes had he not béene euen as it were violently drawne from them when his abode and continuance in the Uniuersity might séeme most requisite His Patrone and exhibitioner being appointed Constable of Winchester Castle an office of great importance in those daies he would imploy this his yoong scholler as his clarke or secretary and so tooke him from the Uniuersity when he had as yet continued there not fully sixe yéeres How long he liued so vnder him I finde not But certaine it is his seruice was very well liked of him For besides his personage which was tall and excéeding comely not to speake any thing of his learning whereof his Master could make no great vse he writ very faire penned excellently spake no man better By reason whereof he was often imployed in writing letters yea and sometimes in messages also to the Court not onely by his master but by the Bishop that a while vsed to borrow him of his master and at the last drew him to his seruice It happened then after a while king Edward the third to come to Winchester who taking speciall note of the behauiour other good partes of this yoong man would néedes haue him to serue him He imployed him much at the first in surueighing his buildings at Douer Duynborough Henly Windsor Yestanstead and elsewhere In which all other businesses committed to him he behaued himselfe so well as he soone grew into great fauour and high estimation with the king and quickly reaped those fruites that Princes fauours are woont to yéeld many rich and honorable preferments It shall not be amisse to remember how that hauing obtained diuers goodly promotions which he acknowledged to haue receiued rather as rewards of seruice then in regard of any extraordinary desert otherwise he caused to be engrauen in Winchester Tower at Windsor these words This made Wickham Whereof when some complained to the King as a thing derogating from his honor that another should seeme to beare the charge of his buildings and the king in great displeasure reprehended him for it He answered that his meaning was not to ascribe the honor of that building to himselfe but his owne honor of preferments vnto that building Not importing that Wickham made the Tower but that the Tower was the meanes of making Wickham and raising him from base estate vnto those great places of honor he then enioyed He was first Parson of Saint Martins in London then Deane of Saint Martin le graund Archdeacon successiuely of Lincolne Northampton and Buckingham all of the gift of his old acquaintance Iohn Bokingham Bishop of Lincolne with whom Simon Burleigh a knight afterwards of great honor he onely in a manner conuersed during his abode in Oxford Besides these ecclesiasticall preferments the Prouostship of Wels a number of benefices and twelue Prebends in seuerall Churches he held many temporall offices as the Secretaryship the kéeping of the priuy seale the Mastership of wardes the treasurership of the Kings reuenues in Fraunce and diuers other with whose stiles I am not acquainted But the yéerely reuenewes of his spirituall promotions onely according as they were then rated in the Kings bookes amounted vnto 876. l. 13. s. 4. d. He was consecrate Bishop of Winchester the yéere 1367. and was made soone after first treasurer then Chauncellor of England although whether he were treasurer or no I find some doubt made and I dare not 〈◊〉 it too confidently whether he were treasurer or no certaine it is that many yéeres after he was Bishop he was trusted with all the waighty affaires of the realme disposed of the kings treasure and gouerned all things at his will In this greatnesse of his authority the king found two notable commodities one that without his care all thinges were ordred so well as by a wise and trusty seruant they might the other that if any thing fell out amisse wheresoeuer the fault were the king had oportunity to cast all the blame vpon the Bishop of Winchester Now whereas long and continuall warre whereby lightly each party is a looser had consumed not that onely that many victories brought in by the raunsome of two kings and by the spoyle of diuers large
countries which this noble Prince subdued but other huge summes of money also gathered at home by vnusuall subsidies and taxations much grudged at by the commons all which notwithstanding the king was so bare as for the paiment of debts he was constrained to bethinke him first of some new deuice to raise money The Bishops enimies taking the aduantage of this occasion induced the king to be content that a solemne complaint might be framed against him as if by his misgouernement the kings treasure had beene either vainely wasted or falsely imbesilled for that otherwise for sooth it was impossible the king should so be fallen behind hand They charge him therefore with the receite of 1109600. l. which amounteth to more then a million of poundes besides a hundred thousand frankes paied vnto him by Galeace Duke of Millaine For all this they demaund sodainely an account and to set a better colour vpon the matter patch vp a number of other accusations partly vntrue partly friuolous yet sufficient happily to bleare the eies of the common people and diuerting the displeasure of this inconuenience from them on whom otherwise it must haue lighted to deriue it vnto him vpon whom if it fell neuer so heauily it could cast him no lower then that place frō whence the king had first raised him Amongst many enimies that gouernement and enuy had prouoked against him Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster for some other cause néedlesse here to be 〈◊〉 bare vnto him an implacable hatred The King was then old and very impotent the Duke his eldest sonne 〈◊〉 and so gouerning all thinges vnder him The Duke therefore found meanes that William Skipwith Lord chiefe Justice condemned him as guilty of those accusations procured his temporalties to be taken from him and to be bestowed vpon the yoong Prince of Wales and lastly commanded him in the kings name not to come within twenty miles of the Court The yeere 1376. happened vnto him this trouble which I may call the Prologue or 〈◊〉 of the pageant to be plaid the yéere following I meane the Parliament the chiefe end and purpose whereof was a subsidy that this Prelates vexation must make way vnto The Cleargy assembled gréeuing much at the vniust oppression of so woorthy and reuerend a man for his sidelity vnto his Prince his great care of the common good his wisedome and integrity were well inough knowen to such as vnderstoode any thing they vtterly refused to debate of any matter what soeuer till the Bishop of Winchester a principall member of that assembly might be present with them By this meanes licence was obtained for his repaire thither and thither he came glad he might be néere to the meanes of his restitution but whether it were that he wanted money to beare the charge or to the intent to mooue commiseration or that he thought it safest to passe obscurely he that was woont to ride with the greatest traine of any Prelate in England came then very slenderly attended trauelling through by-waies as standing in doubt what snares his enimies might lay for him After two yéeres trouble and the losse of ten thousand markes sustained by reason of the same with much adoo he obtained restitution of his temporalties by the mediation of Alice Piers a gentlewoman that in the last times of king Edward altogether possessed him Returning then vnto Winchester he was receiued into the city with solemne procession and many signes of great ioy Soone after his returne king Edward died and the Duke hoping by reason of the yoong kings nonage to worke some mischiefe vnto this Bishop whom of all mortall men he most hated began to rub vp some of the old accusations with additions of new complaints But the Dukes malice being as well knowen as the Bishops innocency the king thought good to be a meanes of reconciling these two personages and then was easily intreated vnder the broad seale of England to pardon all those supposed offences wherewith the Bishop had heretofore béene charged This tempest thus ouerblowen the rest of his daies he passed in great peace and quietnesse Two yéeres after his restitution he began the foundation of that woorthy monument the colledge commonly called the New colledge in Oxford laying the first stone of the same himselfe March 5. 1379. and dedicating it vnto the honor of God and the blessed virgin Mary Being finished the first warden fellowes all together tooke possession of it Aprill 14. 1386. at thrée of the clocke in the morning The very next yéere he began his other colledge néere Woluesey the Bishops pallace at Winchester laide the first stone of it March 26. 1387. and finished it also in sixe yéeres space so as the Warden and fellowes cntred into the same at thrée of the clocke in the morning March 28. 1393. Beside the charge of these two woorthy foundations he build all the body of his church of Winchester from the quier westward excepting only a little begun by Bishop Edington he procured many priuiledges and liberties vnto his Sée he bestowed 20000. markes in reparation of his house he paid the debts of men imprisoned for that cause to the summe of 2000. l. he mended all the high waies betwéene London and Winchester he purchased vnto his Sée two hundred markes land he forgaue his officers two thousand markes which they owed him he bestowed two hundred pound vpon the church of Windsor he released his tenants of 520. l. due for a reliefe at his incomme he ordayned a Chauntry of fiue priests at Southwyke he kept continually in his house fower twenty poore almesmen he maintained at the Uniuersity fifty schollers for the space of seuen yéeres before the building of his colledge he built a chappell as before is mentioned at Tichfield for the buriall of his parents lastly prouided for himselfe ten yéeres before his death a goodly monument in the body of his church All these charges notwithstanding he bequeathed legacies to the value of 6270. l. left ready money to pay them left his heire 100. l. land and all his houses furnished plentifully with most rich and sumptuons houshold stuffe After all these so memorable actions hauing runne the course of a long a happy and most honorable life he ended his daies in peace the yéere 1404 being full fowerscore yéeres of age and was laid in the toombe so long before prouided for him Upon it I finde engrauen these verses which rather for his honor then any great commendation they deserue I haue thought good to set downe Wilhelmus dictus Wickham iacet hic nece victus Istius ecclesiae praesul reparauit eamque Largus erat dapifer probat hoc cum 〈◊〉 pauper 〈◊〉 pariter regni fuerat bene dexter Hunc docet esse pium fun datio collegiorum Oxoniae primum stat Wintoniaeque secundum Iugiter oretis tumulum quicunque videtis Pro tantis meritis quod sit sibi vita perennis 53. Henry Beauforte THe Pope was now growen to
that height of tyranny that he not onely placed but displaced Bishops at his pleasure And his meanes to do it was by 〈◊〉 them to some other Bishopricke peraduenture of lesse value and peraduenture nothing woorth at all So was Alex. Neuill perforce translated from Yorke to S. Andrewes in Scotland whence wars being at that time betwéene England Scotland he was sure neuer to receiue peny And so he translated Iohn Buckingham from Lincolne to Lichfield a Bishopricke not halfe so good But he choosing rather to haue no bread then but halfe a loafe in a very malecontent humor and great chafe put on a monkes cowle at Canterbury and there liued priuately the rest of his life To his Bishopricke of Lincolne was then preferred Henry Beaufort sonne to Iohn of Gaunt by Katherine Swinford the yéere 1397. He was brought vp for the most part at Aken in Germany where he studied the ciuill and canon law many yéeres and comming home was preferred to Lincolne very yoong He continued there seuen yeres presently vpon the death of W. Wickham was translated to Winch. June 23. 1426. he was made cardinal of S. Eusebius receiued his hat with great solcÌ„nity at Calis the Lady day following A man of great frugality and therefore excéeding rich King Henry the fift in the latter ende of his raigne by great and continuall warres being waxen much behind hand and greatly indebted began to cast a couetous eye vpon the goods of the Church which at that time were growen to the full height and there wanted not many that incited him vnto the spoile of the same This wealthy Prelate best knowen by the name of the rich Cardinall supplyed his want out of his owne purse to diuert him from that sacrilegious course and lent him 20000. pound a great deale of money in those daies He was also valiant and very wise Pope Martin the fift determining to make warre vpon the Bohemians that had renounced al obedience vnto the Sée of Rome made this Cardinall his Legate into that Country and appointed such forces as he could make to be at his commandement Toward the charges of this voyage the Clergy of England gaue a tenth of all their promotions and furnished out 4000. men and more with this power he passed by Fraunce dooing there some seruice for his Prince and Countrey into Bothemia the yéere 1429. There he remained certaine moneths behauing himselfe very valiantly till by the Pope he was discharged In his youth he was wantonly giuen and gate a base daughter named Iane vpon Alice the daughter of Richard Earle of Arundell Her he maried after vnto Ed. Stradling or Easterlling a knight of Wales But this asdone before he entred into orders Toward his latter end he imployed his time altogether either in matters of Counsaile businesse of the common wealth or the seruice of God and the Church committed vnto him Amongst other good déedes it is remembred that he built an hospitall in Winchester which he presently endued with land to the value of 158. l. 13. s. 4. d. of yéerely rent He died Aprill 11. 1447. when he had beene Bishop of Winchester 43. yéeres and from the time of his first consecration 50. yéeres Except Thomas Bourchier that was Bishop 51. yéeres I read of no English man that euer enioyed that honor longer He lyeth buried in a reasonable stately toombe behind the high aulter of his Church at Winchester toward the South the inscription is much defaced of it remaineth onely this Tribularer si nescirem misericordias tuas 54. William Waynflet A Woorthy Prelate succéeded him William Waynflet Prouost of Eaton colledge then lately founded by king Henry the sixt who for his great wisedome and integrity was long Chauncellor of England He was sonne and heire vnto Richard Pattyn a gentleman of an ancient house brother vnto Iohn Pattyn Deane of Chichester and Richard Pattyn that liued at Basâ—o in Darbishire where he left as I haue heard a posterity behinde him It appéereth hereby that his name was not indéed Waynflet but Pattyn It was an ancient custome euen till those daies that cleargy men should take their surname according to the place where they were borne and amongst monkes and fryers it continued till the very suppression of monasteries This William whether Waynflet or Pattyn was brought vp first in Winchester schoole then in New colledge in Oxford His fellowship there he left to become schoolemaster of Winchester but was taken by king Henry the sixt to teach in his new college of Eaton whereof at last he made him as before is said Prouost He continued Bishop many yéeres and would haue done much more good then he did had he not béene hindred by those continuall warres betwéene the houses of Lancaster and Yorke in all which stormes he stucke alwaies vnto his patron and first preferrer king Henry the sixt And after his death king Edward the fourth knowing the faithfull affection and true hart he alwaies bore vnto Henry the sixt his enimy carried euer a hard hand vpon him Time notwithstanding and the reuenewes of that goodly Bishopricke enabled him to the foundation of that excellent and stately colledge in Oxford dedicated vnto Saint Mary Magdalene to the which I thinke the world hath not any one colledge in all perfections comparable He died as I haue béene told August 6. 1486. hauing first séene the house of Lancaster to his great ioy restored againe to the crowne in king Henry the seuenth So that betwéene the consecration of William Wickham and the death of William Waynflet his next successor sauing one it is 119 yéeres A strange thing that thrée men should hold one Bishopricke sixscore yéeres He lieth buried in the North part of the roome beyond the high Aulter ouer against the Cardinall in a very faire toombe the Epitaphe whereof is quite defaced 55. Peter Courtney IN the moneth of Nouember 1477. Peter Courtney the sonne of 〈◊〉 Philip Courtney of Powderham knight and Elizabeth his wife daughter to Walter Lord Hungerford was consecrate Bishop of Exeter whence he was translated to Winchester in the latter end of the yéere 1486. At Exeter he bestowed much money in finishing the North Tower vnto which he gaue a goodly bel called after his name Peter bell He died December the 20. 1491. hauing gouerned the Dioces of Winchester the space of fiue yéeres and was buried in his owne Church whereabouts I know not 56. Thomas Langton THe Bishopricke hauing béene voide somewhat more then one yéere Thomas Langton Bishop of Salisbury was preferred thereunto He was consecrate to Salisbury the yéere 1485 sate Bishop of Winchester seuen yéeres and was remooued to Canterbury but died of the plague an 1500. before his translation was perfited He built a very faire Chappell in the South side of the Lady Chappell in the Cathedrall Church of Winchester in the middle of which Chappell his body resteth in a very sumptuous toombe of Marble This Thomas Langton was some
without the Isle to his soldiers After seuen yéeres resistance the Saxon gentlemen some vpon promise of pardon submitted them selues others betaking themselues to flight the place was deliuered into the possession of the Conqueror 〈◊〉 Reges plectuntur Achimi For the fault of these noble men the poore monkes must be punished to be restored to their lands and to enioy their Auncient priuileges quietly they were faine to giue the king 1000. marks For making which money they were constrained to sell all the platc and siluer that was in their Church The king also fearefull least from the same place the like trouble might happen vnto him hereafter appointed them to maintaine a garrison of 40. soldiers which they did vntill such time as himselfe called them away to imploy them else where which was fiue yéeres after Theodwinus was the eight Abbot Godfry the ninth and Simon the tenth After whose death the place stoode voide seuen yéeres Richard the sonne of the Earle Gilbert was then made Abbot 1. Heruaeus BY this time the reuenues of the monastery were growne to be very great Their yéerely receit was not so little as 1400. l. which summe contained then more mettall and would goe farther in those daies then 6000. l. of our money Of that 1400. l. the Abbot allowed scarce 300. vnto the monks conuerting the rest vnto his own vse This Richard therefore if his minde were any thing so great as his linage could not but disdaine to liue vnder the iurisdiction of the Bishop of Lincolne to whose Dioces Cambridgeshire at that time appertained But he had reasonable pretences for his ambition He caused the king to be told that the Dioces of Lincolne was too large for one mans gouernment that Ely were a fit place for an Episcopall Sée c. These reasons amplified with golden Rhetoricke so perswaded the king as he not onely consented himselfe that this monastery should be conuerted into a Cathedrall Church and the Abbot made a Bishop but also procured the Pope to confirme and allow of the same After that Richard the Abbot had with great paines and more cost beaten this bush a great while the birde that he had so long and earnestly thirsted after fell to another mans share Himselfe was taken away by death when the matter was growen to good perfection and ready to be finished The Bishop of Lincolne a while hindred the procéeding of this businesse but his mouth was stopt with thrée Mannors which the king being liberall of another mans purse was content to bestow vpon him such as héeretofore belonged vnto the monastery of Ely viz. Spaldwich Bickleswoorth and Bokeden these were giuen to the Sée of Lyncolne in recompence of the losse the Bishop sustained by exempting of Cambridgshire from his iurisdiction And that the reuenues of the new Bishop might notwithstanding this gift be no lesse then the Abbots were but rather greater they diuised to diminish the number of monks which were then 70. and to draw them downe vnto 40. Richard the 11. and last Abbot being thus taken away when he would most gladly haue liued King Henry the first with the consent of the monks appointed this Bishopricke vnto one Heruaeus that had beene Bishop of Bangor and agréeing ill with the Welchmen was faine to leaue his Bishopricke there and séeke abroad for somewhat elsewhere He was translated the yeere 1109. sate 22. yéeres and died August the 30. 1131. 2. Nigellus THe Sée hauing béene voide then two yéere Nigellus Treasurer of England and Nephew vnto Roger Bishop of Salisbury was placed therein May the 28. 1133. He was receaued with such ioy into his city of Ely that all the stréete where he should passe was hanged with curtaines carpets and tapestry the monks and clergy of his Church meeting him with procession By reason of his imployment in matters of state and Counsell he could not attend his pastorall charge and therefore committed the managing gouernment of his Bishoprick vnto one Ranulphus somtime a monk of Glastonbury that had now cast away his cowle a couetous wicked man For his faithfulnes vnto his patrone and first preferrer king Henry this Nigellus is much to be commended When as Stephen Earle of Bloys contrary to his oath and promise to king Henry the first his vncle vsurped the crowne due to Maude the Empresse king Henries daughter This Bishop could neuer be induced to forsake her but most constantly stucke vnto her and endured much for her sake Sée more heereof in the life of Roger Bishop of Salisbury Notwithstanding those his great troubles he found meanes to erect an hospitall for Regular Cannons in that place where Saint Iohns Colledge in Cambridge now standeth the foundation of which house was afterwards twise altered first by Hugh Norwold his successor who placed therein a certaine number of schollers to cohabite with the Cannons giuing allowance for their maintenance and afterwards by Margaret Countesse of Richmond and Darby who new built it partly in her life time and partly by her executors after her death endowing it with in a manner all the reuenues it possesseth and raising it vnto that beautie and perfection which now it hath This man was Bishop 36. 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 29. day of May 1169. hauing long before séene the issue of his Lord and first patrone King Henry restored to the crowne in Henry the 2. He is saide 〈◊〉 haue bene buried before the alter of Saint Crosse in his owne church Sée more of him in the discourse of Richard his sonne that was Bishop of London 3. Galfridus Rydall AFter his death the Dioces of Ely continued without a Bishop fiue yéeres The yéere 1174. Geoffry Rydell or Rydall Archdeacon of Canterbury was consecrate Bishop a very lofty and high minded man called therefore commonly the proud Bishop of Ely He bestowed great 〈◊〉 vpon the building of the new worke of his Cathedrall church toward the West and vpon the stéeple which he built 〈◊〉 vnto the battlements He died intestate at Winchester the 21. day of August 1189. a fower daies before the 〈◊〉 of king Richard the first leauing in his coffers great 〈◊〉 of ready money viz. 3060. marks of siluer and 205. marks of gold All which the king was content to take vnto 〈◊〉 tò helpe to beare the charges of his coronation He sate Bishop 14. yéeres 10. moneths and 14. daies 4. William Langchamp THe last day of December the same yéere William Langeshamp Chauncellor of England was consecrate Bishop of Ely One greatly fauoured by King Richard the first and a man very worthy of that fauour for many 〈◊〉 parts in him had not those his vertues béene matched and ouermatched with as many great and notorious 〈◊〉 When the king tooke that his famous voyage to 〈◊〉 he made this Bishop Chauncellor before chiefe Iustice of the South part of England and Protector of the Realme in his absence And least he should want any Authority that might be giuen him he procured
the Pope to make him his Legate the obtaining whereof notwithstanding the Kings request cost him 1000. l. of ready money It is a true saying Magistratus indicat virum the man that in base fortune séemed to all men not onely wise but vertuous and humble ynough being raised vnto this height of power and authority as being either drunken and infatuate with too much and sodaine prosperity or amased with the brightnesse of his owne good fortune began presently to do many things not onely vntowardly and vndiscréetly but very arrogantly and insolently sauouring aswell of vnconscionable couetousnesse and cruelty as lacke of wisedome and policy in so great a gouernor requisite That which in our histories is most blamed and most odiously mentioned I finde no such great fault withall that calling a conuoctiou by vertue of his power Legantine at the suggestion and intreaty of Hugh Nouaunt Bishop of Chester he displaced the monkes of Couentrée put in secular Priests in their roomes Officers appointed by the king himselfe he discharged Geoffry Archbishop of Yorke the kings bastard brother at his first arriuall in England after his consecration he caused to be apprehended and drawne from the very Aulter of the Church of Saint Martins in Douer vnto prison Iohn the Kings brother and afterwards king him selfe he sought to kéepe vnder and disgrace by all meanes possible being iealous as he said least the king dying without issue he should defraude Arthur his elder brother of the kingdome and whether vnto his brother now king he would continue loyall hauing power to inuade his kingdome for certaine he wist not True it is that Iohn the kings brother began to take some what more vpon him then néeded and being 〈◊〉 a reason of some of his doings made no other answere but this I know not whether my brother Richard be aliue or not Whereunto the Chauncellor replied if he be liuing it were vntruth to take his kingdome from him if he be dead Arthur the eldest brother must enioy the same Now he that feared not to deale thus with the kings owne brother no maruell if he vsed such of the nobility farre worse that in any sort opposed themselues against him As for the commonalty he not onely gréeued them with continual and néedlesse exactions and tyrannised intollerably ouer them otherwise but offended them much also with his glorious pomp and vnreasonable proud behauiour His maner was to ride with no lesse then 1500. horse and in his trauaile to lodge for the most part at some Monastery or another to their great and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yea there was not any Church in England either 〈◊〉 or Cathedrall vnto which he was not very burdensome some way or other And his officers were such prolling companions bearing themselues bold vpon their masters absolute Authority as there was no sort of people whom they gréeued not by some kinde of extortion Yea saith Matth. Paris all the wealth of the land was come into their hands in so much as scarce any ordinary person had left him a siluer belt to gird him withall any woman either brooche or bracelet any gentleman a ring to weare vpon his finger But the Chauncellor he purchased and bestowed aswell Abbotships benefices and spirituall preferment as temporall offices all that fell where him pleased whereby his sernants and kinred were all growen 〈◊〉 rich Among other his follies it is remembred that he built the outer wall about the Tower of London and spent an infinite deale of money in making a deepe ditch about the same thinking he could haue caused the Riuer of Thames 〈◊〉 go round about it But that coste was bestowed in vaine These and many other his misbehauiours incited the people and Nobility woonderfully against him In so much as he feared greatly least some sedition being raised force would be offered vnto him He thought it therefore no lesse then néedefull in all places of any publike assembly to render reasons openly of his doings which being considered I know not whether he may iustly be thought so blamewoorthy as our Histories for the most part make him Officers placed by the king he said he discharged least the people being gréeued with so many Gouernors would 〈◊〉 that instéede of one king they now were constrained too bey many What reason he yéelded of his dealing with Earle Iohn you heard before For his exactions he said they were but such as the maintenance and incredible charge of so great a warre as the king had then in hand required and lastly for a generall defence he protested he had not taken any course in these or any other matters of importance for which he had not some particular direction from the king These excuses satisfied not men so fully but that infinite complaints were daily made vnto the king against him so that he could doe no lesse then discharge him from his place of protectorship which he did and sent ouer William Archbishop of Roan to succéede him but ioyning some other in Commission with him as finding an inconuenience in giuing so much and absolute authoritie to one man At this newes his enimies greatly reioycing and thinking him a man now easie enough to deale withall they conspire against him and causing a Conuocation to be sommoued they procure him to be excommunicate for the violence done vnto the Archbishop of Yorke and with him all other that were his aiders and ministers in that enterprize As soone as he vnderstood of these things fearing greater dangers he bethought himselfe how he might do to get ouer the seas and knowing that his enimies if they should haue any inkling of his intent would assuredly 〈◊〉 the same or worke him some mischiefe by the way He deuised to disguise himselfe in womans apparell and so went vnto the sea side at Douer muffled with a metyard in his hand and a webbe of cloth vpon his arme There he sate vpon a rocke ready to take shippe when a certaine lewde marriner thinking him to be some strumpet began to dally wantonly with him whereby it came to passe that whereas he was a stranger borne and could speake no English being not able to answere this merry marriner either in words or deedes he supposed him to be a man and called a company of 〈◊〉 who pulling off his kerchiefe and muffler found his crowne and beard shauen and quickly knew him to be that hatefull Chancellour whom so many had so long cursed and feared In great despite they threw him to the ground spitting vpon him beate him sore and drew him along the sands Whereupon a great crie being made the Burgesses of the towne tooke him away from the 〈◊〉 and though his seruants endeuoured to rescue him thrust him into a seller there to kéepe him prisoner till notize might be giuen of this his departure It is a world to sée how he that was a few moneths before honored and reuerenced of all men like an halfe God attended by noble mens sonnes and
gentlemen of great worship whom he matched vnto his néeces and kinswomen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 himselfe happy that he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be well acquainted with his porters and officers was accounted 〈◊〉 small matter This man once downe and standing in 〈◊〉 of his friends help had no man to defend him no man to speake for him no man that mooued a 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 him out of the present calamity and trouble The 〈◊〉 Iohn was 〈◊〉 to haue 〈◊〉 him some farther notable 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Neither was there any man that for his 〈◊〉 sake 〈◊〉 it The Bishops diuers of them his 〈◊〉 regarding notwithstanding his calling and place would not suffer it but causes him to be set at liberty 〈◊〉 not long after he got him ouer into Normandy where he was borne there rested himselfe after all this turmoile till the returne of king Richard with whom he made such faire weather and so 〈◊〉 excused all things obiected against him that in short time he was as greatly in fauor with him as euer heretofore The yéere 1197. he was sent Embassador to the Pope together with the Bishop of Durham and other and falling sicke by the way died at Poytiers the last day of Ianuary one 〈◊〉 aboue seuen yeere after his 〈◊〉 He was buried in a monastery of the order of the 〈◊〉 called 〈◊〉 5. Eustachius THe Sée was then 〈◊〉 one whole yéere 〈◊〉 somwhat more The ninth day of August 〈◊〉 after 〈◊〉 death Eustachius Deane of Salisbury was elected but not 〈◊〉 till the fourth Sunday in Lent the yéere following A man saith Florilogus very well séene aswel in 〈◊〉 as diuine and holy learning He was one of them 〈◊〉 pronounced the Popes excommunication against king 〈◊〉 interdicted the whole Realme For dooing thereof he 〈◊〉 the kings displeasure would lye so heauy vpon him as 〈◊〉 was no 〈◊〉 in the realme and therefore got him 〈◊〉 the seas This fell out the yéere 1208. After 〈◊〉 yéeres 〈◊〉 king Iohn being reconciled to the Pope he 〈◊〉 home 〈◊〉 the yéere 1213. and liued not long after 〈◊〉 sate 〈◊〉 yéeres wanting nine 〈◊〉 and departed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the third day of 〈◊〉 1214. The 〈◊〉 at the West end of the Cathedrall Church was of his building 6. Iohn de Fontibus AFter his death Galfridus de Burgo Archdeacon of Norwich and brother vnto Hubert de Burgo or Burrough Earle of Kent and chiefe Justice of England was elected Bishop of Ely But before the publication of this election one Robert of Yorke was also chosen who held the temporalities of the Bishopricke without consecration and disposed of benefices that fell and all things belonging to the Sée as Bishop for the space of fiue yéeres The Pope at last disanulling both these elections conferred the Bishopricks March 8. 1219. vpon Iohn Abbot of Fountney a iust and vertuous man He was Treasurer of England for flue yeeres and died the yéere 1225. He is said to be buried before the aulter of Saint Andrew 7. Geoffry de Burgo HE being dead Geoffry Burrough before mentioned was againe elected and obtayned consecration which he receiued vpon Saint Peters day the yéere 1225. Of him 〈◊〉 Virgil giueth the same testimony that Matthew Westm. doth of his predecessor Eustachius that he was vir in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 humanis literis eruditus a man well learned both in diuine and prophane literature He gaue two hundred acres of Moore in Wisbich marsh to the augmentation of the priory of Ely He continued Bishop about thrée yéeres and dying the 17. of May 1229. was buried vpon the North side of the Quier 8. Hugh NorWold HVgh Norwold Abbot of Saint 〈◊〉 succéeded him and was consecrate by Ioceline Bishop of Bathe and Wels togither with Richard Archbishop of Canterbury and Roger Bishop of London vpon Trinity sunday 1229. 〈◊〉 the tenth of June This 〈◊〉 is much commended for his house kéeping and liberality vnto the poore which may well séeme strange considering the infinite deale of 〈◊〉 spent by him in building of his church and houses The presbytery of the cathedrall church he raised from the very foundation and built a steeple of wood toward the 〈◊〉 at the West end of the church This noble worke he 〈◊〉 in seuentéene yéeres with the charge of 5350 l. 18 s. 8 d. And the seuentéene daie of September 〈◊〉 he dedicated 〈◊〉 as we commonly call it hallowed the same in the 〈◊〉 of the king Henry the third and his sonne Prince Edward the Bishops of Norwich 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and many other great personages All these and an infinite number of other people of all sorts he feasted many daies togither in his pallace of Ely which he built euery whit out of the ground and couered it with lead In Ditton and other houses belonging to his Sée he also bestowed much money He died at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 9. day of August 1254. being well contented as he professed now to depart the world after he had séene the building 〈◊〉 his church finished which 〈◊〉 so earnestly desired He sate two moneths aboue 25. yéeres and was buried in the 〈◊〉 ytery which he had built 9. William de Kilkenny ABout the middle of October following 〈◊〉 de Kelkenny that then for a time supplied the 〈◊〉 of the Chauncellor of England was elected by the monkes vnto the Sée of Ely and was consecrate the fiftéenth of August beyond the seas He was chaplaine vnto the king a councellor of speciall credit with him and as the 〈◊〉 of Ely reporteth I find it no where els Chancellor of England A goodly man of person well spoken very wise and learned in the lawes He enioyed that preserment a small time being sent Ambassador into Spaine he died there vpon Saint Mathewes day 1256. when he had béene Bishop one yeere one moneth and sixe daies He tooke order his hart should be brought vnto Ely and buried there 10. Hugh Balsam NEwes being brought vnto the Court of the death of William de Kylkeny The king by and by dispatched his letters vnto the Prior and Couent of Ely requiring them in very gratious manner to choose for their Bishop Henry de Wingham his Chauncellor vsing many reasons to perswade them thereunto But they preferring their owne knowledge before the kings cemmendations the 13. day of Nouember made choise of Hugh Balfam or de 〈◊〉 for so also I find him called their Prior one as they perswaded themselues most fitte for the place Hereat the king being greatly displeased refused to accept of their election and caused the woods of the Bishopricke to be cut downe the parks to be spoyled and 〈◊〉 to be made of all things Many times he vrged them to a new election telling them it was not fit that a place of that strength should be committed vnto a simple cloyster man that had neuer béene acquainted with matters of state The new elect therefore got him ouer the sea to Rome hoping there to obtaine that which in England would not be affoorded
him Boniface the Archbishop of Canterbury hearing thereof although hauing diligently sisted and examined him he could take no exception against him yet to gratifie the king writ 〈◊〉 letters to his friends at Roome against him and set vp one Adam de 〈◊〉 to be a countersuter to the Pope for that Bishopricke This Adam was a man of great learning and had written diuers bookes much commended But he was a very aged man and moreouer a fryer minor and therefore one that had renounced the world and all medling in worldly matters which notwithstanding he followed gladly the directions of the Archbishop and was well content to haue béene a Bishop before he died As for Henry Wingham the Chauncellor it is said that he neuer stirred at all in the matter but confessed them both more woorthy of the place then himselfe It is said likewise that the sute in his behalfe was first commenced by the king without his knowledge and that when he saw the king so earnest and deale so violently in it he went vnto him and humbly besought him to let alone the monkes in the course they had begun and to cease farther solliciting of them by his armed and imperious requests for saith he after 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 of God the grace and direction of his holy spirit they haue chosen a man more woorthy then my selfe And God forbid that I should as it were inuade by force that noble Bishopricke and vsurpe the ministery of the same with a 〈◊〉 or cauterised conscience The ende of this sute 〈◊〉 this Henry Wingham was afterward made Bishop of London Sée more of him there Hugh Balsam came home from Rome confirmed by the Pope and was consecrate March 10. 1257. He sate 28. yéeres and thrée moneths In which time he founded a colledge in Cambridge by the name of S. Peters colledge now commonly called Peter house He first began the same being yet Pryor of Ely and finished it in the yéere 1284. He departed this life June 16. 1286. at 〈◊〉 and was buried at Ely before the high Altar by Thomas Englethorp Bishop of Rochester 11. Iohn de Kyrkby AFter him succéeded Iohn de Kyrkby Deane of 〈◊〉 Archdeacon of Couentry and Treasurer of England He was once elected vnto the Sée of 〈◊〉 but the election was 〈◊〉 and disanulled by Fryer Iohn Peckham Archbishop of Canterbury who tooke exception against him for holding many seueral spirituall preferments saying that a man of so good conscience as a Bishop ought to be would rather content himselfe with a little liuing then 〈◊〉 himselfe with so many charges He was consecrate 〈◊〉 Ely at Paris the 26. or as other report the 29. of 〈◊〉 1286. And sitting Bishop of Ely but thrée yéeres and 〈◊〉 moneths died March 26. 1290. He was buried in his 〈◊〉 church by Ralph Walpoole Bishop of Norwich that 〈◊〉 succéeded him on the North part of the quier before the altar of Saint John Baptist. 12. William de Luda THe fourth day of May following was elected William 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Deane of Saint Martins Archdeacon of Durham and Treasurer of the kings house He sate seuen yoeres and 〈◊〉 buried in the South part of the church betweene two pillers at the entrance into the old Lady chappell This Bishop gaue the mannor of Oldburne with the appurtenances vnto his Sée vpon condition that his next successor should 〈◊〉 1000. marks to prouide maintenance for thrée chaplaines to serue in the chappell there 13. Ralph Walpoole 〈◊〉 adoo there was now about the election of a new Bishop The couent could not agrée within themselues one part and the greater made choice of Iohn their Pryor the rest of Iohn Langton Chauncellor of England This election being examined before the Archbishop and iudgement by him giuen for the Pryor the Chauncellour appealed vnto the Pope trauelled to Rome in his own person The Pryor hearing of his iourney 〈◊〉 him after as fast as he might neither was he long behinde him although many blocks were cast in his way Being there they were 〈◊〉 to resigne all their interest into the Popes hand He then in fauour of the couent set downe this order that they should be at liberty Notwithstanding these elections to choose againe so they chose any one Abbot in England except thrée to wit of Westminster Bury and Saint Augustines they belike were not in the Popes fauour The Proctors of the couent they would not agrée to this order so fauourable for them Wherefore the Pope being very angry vpon his owne absolute authority remoued Ralph Walpoole from Norwich vnto Ely gaue Norwich vnto the Pryor and least the Chancellor should altogether loose his labor he made him Archdeacon of Canterbury in the place of Richard Feringes that was then appointed by him Archbishop of 〈◊〉 This Ralph Walpoole was consecrat Bishop of Norwich in the beginning of the yéere 1288. and sate there 11. yéeres At Ely he continued scarce 3. yéeres but died March 22. in the beginning of the yéere 1302. He was buried in the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 before the 〈◊〉 altar 14. Robert Orford THis time they agréed better and with one 〈◊〉 chose Robert 〈◊〉 their Prior vpon the 14. day of Aprill ensuing He sate somewhat more then 7. yéeres and ended his life at Dunham Ianuary 21. 1309. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 buried in the pauement aforesaid néere R. Walpoole his predecessour 15. Iohn de Keeton AFter him followed Iohn de Keeton Almoner vnto the Church of Ely he sate likewise 7. yéeres and dying May the 14. 1316. was buried also in the same pauement 16. Iohn Hotham VVIthin the compasse of the same yéere a chapleyne of the kings named Iohn Hotham or Hothun was made Bishop of Ely and the next yéere viz. 1317. Chauncellour of England A man wise and vertuous 〈◊〉 very vnlearned He continued in that office two yéeres and 〈◊〉 giuing it ouer was made Treasurer That place also he resigned within a twelue moneth and betooke himselfe altogither to the gouernment of his church In his time the 〈◊〉 in a night fell downe vpon the quier making a most horrible and 〈◊〉 noise This stéeple now called the Lanterne 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and built it in such order as now we sée it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of worke both for cost and workmanship singular It stoode him in 2406. l. 16. s. 11. d. The new building also of the Presbytery not so fully finished by Hugh Northwould but that somewhat might séeme to be wanting he 〈◊〉 in euery point bestowing vpon the same the summe of 2034. l. 12. s. 〈◊〉 d. ob as a writing yet to be séene vpon the north wall of the said Presbytery witnesseth So that vpon the very fabricke and building of the church he spent 4441. l. 9. s. 7. d. ob farthing Besides which this woorthy Benefactour gaue vnto his Couent the Mannour of Holbourne with sixe tenements belonging to the same and to his church a chalice and two crewets of pure gold very costly wrought He sate almost 20. yeeres
paine of death no man should héereafter be so hardy as to bring into the realme any kinde of writing from the Popes court Some notwithstanding contrary to this prohibition deliuered letters to the Bishop of Rochester then Treasurer of England from the Pope concerning this matter and fearing the woorst had armed themselues This 〈◊〉 they shrunke away and fled but were soone after 〈◊〉 and diuersly punished some dismembred other faire and well hanged The Pope hearing of this was so incensed that he wrote a very sharpe letter vnto the king breathing out terrible threats against him if he did not presently reconcile himselfe vnto the Bishop and cause full amends to be made him for all the losse he had sustained either by the Countesse or him in these troubles The king was too wise either to doe all he required or vtterly to despise his authority The 〈◊〉 he knew was not for his honor nor so farre had this tyrant incroched vpon the authority of princes the other for his 〈◊〉 Warned by the examples of king Iohn Henry the emperour and other he thought good not to exasperate him too 〈◊〉 and so was content to yéeld vnto somewhat But before the matter could grow to a full conclusion it was otherwise ended by God who tooke away the Bishop by death He deceased at Auinion June 23. 1361. and was there buried 〈◊〉 béen Bishop euen almost 17. yéeres 19. Simon Laugham INnocentius translated then Reginald Bryan Bishop of Worcester vnto Ely But he died before he could take benefit of the Popes gift Iohn Buckingham afterward Bishop of Lincolne was then chosen and was reiected by the Pope who preferred to this Sée Simon Laugham Abbot of Westminster He continued here but fiue yeeres being in that space first Treasurer then Chauncellor of England and was remooued to Canterbury Of his translation some merry fellow made these verses Laetentur 〈◊〉 quia Simon transit ab Ely Cuius in aduentum flent in Kent 〈◊〉 centum Sée more of him in Canterbury 20. Iohn Barnet AT what time Simon Laugham was translated to Canterbury Iohn Barnet was remooued from Bathe to succeede him in Ely He was first consecrate Bishop of Worcester 1362. and staying there but one yéere obtayned Bathe 1363. and lastly Ely 1366. He was Treasurer of England Being a very old man before his comming to Ely he liued there notwithstanding sixe yéeres in which tune he bestowed the making of fower windowes two in the South side and two in the North side of the Presbytery He died June 7. 1379. at Bishops 〈◊〉 lieth buried vpon the south side of the high altar in which place there is to be soone a goodly toombe monstrously defaced the head of the image being broken off I take that to be Barnets toombe 21. Thomas Arundell AFter the death of Iohn Barnet the king writ earnestly vnto the couent to choose Iohn Woodrone his confessor But they elected Henry Wakefield Treasurer of the kings house This election was made voide by the Pope who placed of his owne authority as I 〈◊〉 deliuered Thomas Arundell Archdeacon of Taunton sonne vnto Robert 〈◊〉 of Arundell and Warren being an aged gentleman of two and twenty yéeres old and as yet but a Subdeacon How be it some report that order being taken by parliament about this time for the ratifying of capitular elections and stopping the iniurious prouisions of the Pope that this Thomas 〈◊〉 was chosen orderly and consecrate at Otford by the Archbishop William Witlesey Aprill 6. 1375. Hauing 〈◊〉 there sowertéene yéeres thrée moneths and eightéene 〈◊〉 he was translated to Yorke and after to Canterbury He left for an implement of his house at Ely a woonderfull sumptuous and costly table decked with gold and precious stones It belonged first vnto the king of Spaine and was sold to this Bishop by the Blacke Prince for 300. markes He also bestowed the building of the great gate house in the house at Holburne Sée more of him in Yorke and Caterbury 22. Iohn Fordham THe Sée had béene void but fowertéene daies when Iohn Fordham Bishop of Durham was translated to Ely by the Pope He was first Deane of Wels consecrate Bishop of Durham May 29. 1381. and inthronized there in September 1382. He was Treasurer of England and to his great griefe was displaced from that office the yéere 1386. and Iohn Gilbert Bishop of Hereford made treasurer Seuen yéeres he continued at Durham and September 27. 1388. was by the authority of the Pope translated to Ely in which Sée he sate seuen and thirty yéeres two moneths and 24. daies He died Nouember 19. 1425. and lieth buried in the West part of the Lady chappell It appéereth by this reckoning that he was Bishop in all from the time of his first consecration 46. yéeres and vpward Sée more of him in Durham 23. Philip Morgan THe king then and manie noble men commended vnto the couent William 〈◊〉 doctor of law the kings confessor and kéeper of the priuie Seale who was after Bishop of Lincolne But they chose Peter their Prior. That election being disliked at home by the Archbishop he was fame to seeke vnto the Pope whose manner was litle or nothing to regard elections but to bestow any Bishoprick or other preferment that fell according to his owne pleasure if it were not filled before the auoidance might come to his knowledge According to this custome hauing no respect of the election of the couent of his owne authoritie he thrust in Phillip Morgan into this Bishopricke This man being doctor of law was consecrate Bishop of worcester 1419. and soone after 〈◊〉 death viz. before the end of the yeere 1425. remoued as is aforesaid vnto Ely He was a very wise man gouerned there with great commendation nine yeeres sixe moneths and fower daies And departed this life at Bishops 〈◊〉 October 25. 1434. He was buried at charter house in London 24. Lewes Lushborough PResently after his death the Monks elected Robert Fitz hugh Bishop of london who died before his translation could be perfected The king then writ for Thomas Rodburne Bishop of saint 〈◊〉 which notwithstanding they make choise of another to wit Thomas Bourchier Bishop of worcester whose election the Pope confirmed but the king vtterly refused to restore to him the temporalties of that see And so for feare of a premunire he durst not receiue the popes bulles of confirmation but renounced all his interest by this election The king then appointed this Bishopricke vnto Lewes Lushbrough Archbishoppe of Roan Cardinall and Chauncellor both of Fraunce and Normandy that was some way I know not how kinne vnto him By his meanes a dispensation was gotten of the Pope to hold Ely in commendam with his Archbishopricke He enioyed it sixe yéeres and sixe monethes and then died at Hatfild Septem 18. 1443. He is said to haue bene buried betwéene two marble pillers beside the altar of reliques 25. Thomas Bourchier THomas Bourchier being now once more chosen without
any great difficultie obtained full confirmation March 12. following He was brother vnto Henrie Earle of Esser forst deane of saint Martins then consecrate Bishop of worcester 1435. and sate there eight yéeres Here he continued ten yéeres fiue monethes and twelue daies and was then remoued to Canterbury Sée more of him in Canterbury 26. William Gray THe Sée hauing béene voide onely 14. daies Pope Nicholas the 5. vpon an especiall 〈◊〉 he had of William Gray doctor of Diuinity placed him in the same This William was a gentleman very well borne to 〈◊〉 of the noble and auncient house of the Lord Gray of 〈◊〉 whose friends perceiuing in him a notable 〈◊〉 and sharpnesse of witte dedicated him vnto learning He was brought vp in Baylioll Colledge in Oxford Hauing spent much time there profitably and to very good purpose 〈◊〉 the study as well of Diuinitie as Philosophy he passed ouer the seas and trauailed into Italy where he frequented much the lectures of one Guarinus of Uerona a great learned man in those daies Following thus his study and profiting exceedingly therein he grew very famous and no 〈◊〉 for to see a gentleman of great linage hauing maintenance at will to become very learned especially in Diuinity is in déede a woonder and seldome séene He writ many things both before and after his preferment whereof I thinke nothing now remaineth Neither was he a simple 〈◊〉 and a bookeman onely King Henry the 6. perceiuing him not onlylearned but very discrete no lesse industrious appointed him his Proctor for the following of all his businesse in the Popes court By this occasion hauing often recourse vnto the Pope his great learning and other excellent parts were soone 〈◊〉 by him and woorthily rewarded with this Bishopricke It was impossible such a man should not be imploted in State matters The yeere 1469. he was made Treasurer of England by king Edward the 4. 24. yeeres two moneths and 21. daies he was Bishop of this Sée In which meane space he bestowed great sums of money vpon building of the steeple at the west end of his Church and at his death which hapned at Downham August 4. 1478. he bequeathed many goodly ornaments vnto the same his church in which he was buried betweene two marble pillers 27. Iohn Moorton A Happie and memorable man succéeded him Iohn Moorton doctor of law from whose wisedome and deuise sprung that blessed coniunction of the two noble houses of Lancaster and Yorke after so many yeeres war betwéene them This man was borne at Berry néere Blandford in Dorsetshire first parson of S. Dunstans in London and prebendary of S. Decumans in 〈◊〉 as my selfe also sometimes was then Master of the Rolles lord Chauncellor of England August 9. 1478. viz. within 〈◊〉 daies after the death of Bishop Gray he was elect Bishop of Ely where he continued about eight yéeres and the yeere 1486. was translated to Canterbury Being yet Bishop of Ely he bestowed great cost vpon his house at Hatfild At 〈◊〉 castell likewise all the building of brick was of his charge As also that new leame that he caused to be made for more conuentent cariage to his towne which they say serueth now to smale purpose and many complaine that the course of the riuer Nine into the sea by Clowcrosse is very much hindred thereby See more of him in Canterbury 28. Iohn Alcock AFter the translation of Iohn Morton the Sée was void as one saith thrée yéeres Howbeit I finde that Iohn Alcock doctor of Law and Bishop of Worcester was preferred therevnto the yéere 1486. A man of admirable temperance for his life and behauiour vnspotted and from a childe so earnestly giuen to the study not onely of learning but of all vertue and godlinesse as in those daies neuer any man bare a greater opinion and reputation of holinesse He liued all his life time most soberly and chastly resisting the temptations of the flesh and subduing them by fasting studie praier other such good meanes abhorring as 〈◊〉 all foode that was likely to stir him vp vnto wantonnes He was borne at Beuerley in Yorkeshire first Deane of Saint Stephens in Westminster and Master of the Rolles consecrate Bishop of Rochester 1471. translated first to Worcester 1476. and then to Ely as I said 1486. about which time he was for a while Lord Chauncellour of England by the appointment of that prudent and most excellent prince king Henry the 7. Being yet at Worcester he founded a 〈◊〉 at kingstone vpon Hul built a chappel vpon the south side of the parish church where his parents were buried and 〈◊〉 a Chauntrey there He built moreouer from the very foundation that stately hall in the pallace of Ely togither with the gallerie and in almost euery house belonging to his Bishopricke bestowed very great cost Lastly he was the author of a goodly Colledge in Cambridge now called 〈◊〉 Colledge it was first a Monastery of Nunnes dedicated to Saint Radegund and being fallen greatly in decay the goods and ornaments of the church wasted the lands diminished and the Nunnes themselues hauing for saken it insomuch as onely two were left where of one was determined to be gone shortly the other but an infant This good Bishop obtained licence of K. Henry the 7. to conuert that same to a college wherin he placed a master 6. fellowes a certain number of schollers since augmented by other benefactors and dedicated the same vnto the honor of that holy Trinity the blessed Uirgin S. Iohn the 〈◊〉 and S. Radegund what was not expended vpon these buildings or to other good purposes of like profite he bestowed in hospitality and house keeping euery whit Hauing sate 14. yeeres and somewhat more he was taken out of this life to that place where no doubt he findeth the reward of his doings viz. vpon the first day of October 1500. He lieth buried in a chappell of his owne building on the North side of the Presbytery where is to be seene a very goodly sumptuous toombe erected in memory of him which by the barbarous and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of some body is pittifully defaced the head of the Image being broken off the compartiment and other buildings torne downe 29. Richard Redman ONe whole yéere the Bishopricke had béene voide after Alcockes death when as Richard Redman Doctor of Diuinity first Bishop of Saint Assaph then of Exeter was translated thence vnto Ely He sate there but thrée yéeres and an halfe and dying was buried betweene two pillers on the North side of the presbytery where we sée a very stately toombe of frée stone well built He was very liberall vnto the poore His manner they say was in trauelling to giue vnto euery poore person that demaunded almes of him a piece of money sixe pence at least and least many should loose it for want of knowledge of his being in towne at his comming to any place he would cause a bell to ring to giue notice
thereof vnto the poore No doubt but he that bestowed thus much in publike bestowed also very much in priuate that all the world knew not of 30. Iames Stanley IAmes Stanley Doctor of Duinity and brother vnto the Earle of Darby succeeded him Other good I finde none reported of him but rather much euill He was made Bishop the yeere 1506. and enioyed that preferment eight yeeres and a halfe of which time he spent very little or none at Ely But liued all the sommer time at Somer sham kéeping company much there with a certaine woman in very 〈◊〉 me 〈◊〉 and all the winter he would be with his brother in Darbyshire So drownd in pleasures he passed his time without doing any one thing woorthy commendation or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 31. Nicholas West IN the moneth of October 1515. Nicholas West Doctor of Diuinity became Bishop of Ely He 〈◊〉 borne néere Fulham being the sonne of one Iohn West a baker This Bishop as I finde noted kept daily in his house an hundred seruants of which to the one halfe he gaue yéerely 〈◊〉 markes wages and the rest forty shillings euery one being allowed fower yards of cloath for his winter liuery to make him a gowne and three yards and a halfe for a coat to weare insommer Daily he gaue at his gate warme meate and drinke to two hundred poore folke and moreouer in 〈◊〉 of dearth distributed diuers summes of money vnto the poore He gouerned the Dioces of Ely seuentéene yéeres and sixe moneths At last falling into the kings displeasure for some matter concerning his first marriage the griefe 〈◊〉 as it is thought cast him into a disease which being the woorse able to sustaine because of a fistula that he had néere his fundament He yéelded vnto the necessity of Nature Aprill 6. 1533. He lieth buried in a chappell very sumptuously built by himselfe in the South east part of the Presbytery of Ely 32. Thomas Gooderich AYéere and 14. daies the Sée of Ely was voide after the death of B West In which time I finde that 〈◊〉 Nicholas Hawkins Doctor of Law was elect vnto the same It is like he died before he could be consecrate for he neuer enioyed it I am sure The 20. day of Aprill 1534. Thomas Gooderich Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate and sate 20. daies aboue 20. yéeres He built a faire gallery in the North side of the pallace of Ely and otherwise in that house bestowed much cost He died at Somersham of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tenth of May 1554. and lieth buried almost in the middle of the Presbytery More would be said of him but I had rather you should heare it in other mens words then mine For I now grow néere the time of which I meane to speake little as iudging it neither safe to reprehend nor séemely to praise though truely those men whose memoryare fresh and diuers their friends liuing This therefore that I finde written vpon his toombe I will impart vnto you and concerning hun no more Thomas Goodricus annis plus minus 20. huius 〈◊〉 Episcopus hocloco 〈◊〉 est Duobus Angliae 〈◊〉 regibus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 foris 〈◊〉 apud exteros principes saepe legatus 〈◊〉 quidem cum 〈◊〉 Edwardo eius nominis sexto aliquandiu 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 magnus tandem factus Angliae Cancellarius Chariorne 〈◊〉 propter singularem prudentiam an 〈◊〉 populo propter integritatem abstmentiam fuerit ad 〈◊〉 est per quam difficile In English thus Thomas Goodrich for 20. yéeres Bishop of this Church 〈◊〉 buried in this place A man very acceptable vnto two noble kings of this realme in many actions both concerning the church and common wealth For abroad he was often imployed in embassages to forraine Princes and at home after he bad béene of the priuy Councell a while vnto king Edward the sixt of that name he was made at last high Chancellor of England Whether he were more déere vnto his Prince for his singular wisedome or more beloued of the commonalty for his integrity and abstinence it is euen very hard to say He died the 10. of May 1554. 33. Thomas Thirlby AT what time it pleased king Henry the eight to make the church of Westminster a cathedrall Sée he appointed for the first Bishop of the same who also was the last Thomas Thirlby Doctor of Diuinity The yéere 1550. he was 〈…〉 by 〈…〉 vnto the Bishopricke of Ely but also 〈◊〉 of her priuy Councell After her death 〈…〉 the reformation intended by our grand 〈…〉 Elizabeth he was committed to the tower 〈…〉 from his Bishoprick by act of parlilament Hauing 〈◊〉 a time of imprisonment neither very sharpe nor very long his friends easily obtayned licence for him and the late secretary Boxall to liue in the Archbishops house where they had also the company of Bishop Tonstall till such time as he died The Archbishop intreated them all most kindly as considering no doubt the variablenes of this mutable world how possible it was for God that so lately had set him vp to cast him downe as he had done those men He liued in this sort the space of 10. yeres and vpwards taking more pleasure I assure my selfe in this time of his imprisonment for so some men will needes estéeme it then euer heretofore in the middest and fullest streame of his highest honors He departed this life at Lambhith August 26. 1570. and lieth buried in the middle of the chauncell there at the head of Bishop Tunstall vnder a marble stone 34. Richard Coxe BIshop 〈◊〉 being remooued from his place by 〈◊〉 as is before said Richard Coxe Doctor of Diuinity was appointed thereunto by her Maiesty that now 〈◊〉 and was consecrate December 21. 1559. He was borne in Buckingham shire in king Edwards daies Chauncellor of the University of Oxford Deane of Westminster and Christchurch in Oxford 〈◊〉 vnto the saide king Almosner vnto him and as Bale also reporteth of his priuy Councell All 〈◊〉 Maries time he liued in Germany He was Bishop of Ely seuen moneths aboue 21. yéeres and departed this life July 22. 1581. He lieth buried 〈◊〉 Bishop Goodrich vnder a marble stone vpon which though much of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 these 〈◊〉 Vita 〈◊〉 vale 〈◊〉 vita 〈◊〉 Corpus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Interra Christi gallus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Da Christe in coelis te sine fine sonem 35. Martyn 〈◊〉 THe Sée hauing continued voide almost 20. yéeres it pleased her Maiesty at last to appoint vnto the same Martyn Heton Doctor of Diuinity and Deane of Winchester who was consecrate in the end of the yere 1599. long and happily may he well enioy the 〈◊〉 The valuation of this Bishoprick in the Exchequer is 2134 l. 18 s. 5 d. halfe farthing and the third part of a farthing in the Popes bookes 7000. ducats The Bishops of Lincolne THe Bishop of that Dioces whereof Lincolne is now the Sée sate 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 a place distant from Oxford about 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
〈◊〉 was all that countrey which now belongeth vnto the Bishops of Winchester Lincolne Salisbury Oxford Bristow Wels Lichfield 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 and he notwithstanding that he gouerned also the Mercians or Saxons of Mid-England who for a while had not any Bishop peculiar vnto themselues he I say 〈◊〉 called the Bishop of the West Saxons Birinus was the first Bishop of this so large a territory Of him sée more in Winchester The second was Agilbert a French man In his time Kenwalchus king of the West Saxons caused this huge 〈◊〉 to be diuided into two parts the one of which he left vnto Agilbert vnto the other he caused one Wina to be consecrate appointing Winchester to be his Sée and all the West countrey his iurisdiction After Agilbert there was no other Bishop of Dorchester a long time He departing into France Wina and his successors Bishops of Winchester gouerned that Sée also or part of it at least For it happened not long after that Oswy king of Mercia erected an Episcopall 〈◊〉 at Lichfield and placed one Diuma in the same He had all Mid-England for his Dioces so had sixe or seuen of his successors butill the yéere 678. at what time a Bishop was 〈◊〉 at Sidnacester one Eadhead He dying within one yéere Ethelwine succéeded Then these Edgar Kinebert Beda calleth him Embert and acknowledgeth himselfe much holpen by him in the 〈◊〉 of his Ecclesiasticall historie He dyed 733. 733. Alwigh 751. Ealdulf he died ann 764. 764. Ceolulf he died 787. 787. Ealdulf After Ealdulf the Sée continued void many yéeres The yéere 872. Brightred became Bishop In the meane time viz. the yéere 737. another Sée was erected at Legecester now called Leicester but soone after remooued to Dorchester and one Tota made Bishop there Then these Edbertus consecrate ann 764. Werenbert He died 768. Vuwona suceeded him as hath Florilegus Other put him before Werenbert He liued ann 806. 〈◊〉 He died 851. Aldred consecrate 861. or rather as Matth. West reporteth ann 851. The yéere 873. he was depriued of his Bishopricke 〈◊〉 consecrate 873. Halard by king Alfred appointed one of the Guardians of the realme to defend it against the irruption of the Danes ann 897. Kenulfus or rather 〈◊〉 consecrate ann 905. together with sixe other Bishops by 〈◊〉 the Archbishop 〈◊〉 vnto him the Dioces of Sidnamcester was also committed which had now continued void almost fourscore yéeres and his See for both established againe at Dorchester He was a great benefactor to the Abbey Ramsey and died the yéere 959. Ailnoth consecrate 960. 〈◊〉 or Aeswy 〈◊〉 Eadnoth slaine by the Danes in battell 1016. Eadheric he died 1034. and was buried at Ramsey Eadnoth He built the Church of our Lady in Stowe and died the yéere 1050. Vlf. He was a Norman brought into England by Emma the Quéene of king Ethelred sister to Richard Duke of Normandy She commended him vnto her sonne Saint Edward and found meanes vpon the death of Eadnoth to aduaunce him though a man very vnlearned vnto this Bishopricke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1052. He and all the 〈◊〉 that through the 〈◊〉 of Quéene Emma possessed the chiefe places of 〈◊〉 in all the realme were compelled to depart the land This man amongst the rest going to the Councell of Uercels to complaine vnto the Pope of his wrongfull vanishment 〈◊〉 farre soorth bewrayed his owne weakenesse and insufficiency as the Pope was determined to haue displaced him 〈◊〉 his Bishoprick vntill with giftes and golden eloquence 〈◊〉 perswaded him to winke at his imperfections It seemeth 〈◊〉 died the yéere following 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 was consecrate the yéere 1053. 〈◊〉 1067. and was buried in his Cathedrall Church of Dor chester 1. Remingius de Feschamp THe last Bishop of Dorchester and first of Lincolne was 〈◊〉 a monke of Feschamp that as Bale noseth was the sonne of a priest Unto this man William the Conquerour for diuers good seruices done vnto him had promised long before a Bishopricke in England 〈◊〉 it should please God to send him 〈◊〉 He was as good as his word and the yéere 1070. preferred him to Dorchester voide by the death of the former Bishop The consideration of this gift comming to the Popes eare he woulde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it symony and as a 〈◊〉 actually depriued him of his Bishopricke But at the request of Lanfrank the Archbishop of Canterbury he restored him to his ring and crosyer againe Soone after his first preferment he began to build at Dorchester and intended great matters there But order being taken in a Conuocation at London by the kings procurement that Episcopall sées euery where should be remoued from obscure townes to greater cities he diuerted the course of his liberality from Dorchester to Lincolne Lincolne at that time saith William Malmsburie was one of the most populous cities of England of great resort and traffique both by sea and land Remigius therefore thinking it a fit place for a Cathedrall church bought certaine ground vpon the top of the hill neere the castle then lately built by William the conquerour and began the foundation of a goodly church The Archbishop of Yorke endcuoured to hinder the execution of this worthie designement by laying challenge to the iurisdiction of that country This allegation though friuolous was a meane of some charge vnto the Bishop who not without gifts was faine to worke the king to be a meanes of cleering that title 〈◊〉 fabrike of the church being now finished and 21. prebends founded in the same al which he furnished with Incumbents very wel esteemed of both for learning and conuersation He made great prouision for the dedication of this his new church procuring all the Bishops of England by the kings authoritie to be summoned thereunto The rest came at the time appointed which was May 9. 1092. Onely Robert Bishop of Hereford absented him selfe foreseeing by his skill in Astrology as Bale and other affirme that Remigius could not liue vnto the day prefixed which also he foretold long before It fell out according vnto his prediction that 〈◊〉 died two daies before the time appointed for this great solemnity He was buried in that his owne new built church This Remigius was a man though of so high and noble a mind yet so vnreasonable low of stature as hardly hée might attaine vnto the pitch and reputation of a dwarfe So as it séemed nature had framed him in that sort to shew how possible it was that an excellent mind might dwell in a deformed and miserable body Besides this worthy foundation at Lincoln he reedified the church and Abbey at 〈◊〉 as also the Abbey of Bardney By his perswasion king William the conquerour erected the Abbeyes of Cane in Normandy and Battell in Susser vpon the very place where he had ouerthrowne king Harold in battell and so made a passage vnto the conquest of the whole 〈◊〉 The superstitious and credulous posterity ascribe diuers miracles vnto the holinesse of this Bishop wrought not in his
life time but many yéeres after his death 2. Robert Bloett IT happened soone after the death of 〈◊〉 the king William Rufus to fall dangerously sick at Glocester And thinking he should die began seriously to repent him of his dissolute and vicious life forepassed Especially he shewed great griefe for his Simony and sacrilegious oppression of the church and Cleargy men In this good moode he bestowed the Archbishopricke of Canterbury hauing kept it voide fower yéeres vpon Saint Anselm and Lincolne vpon Robert Bloet or Bluet his Chauncellor When he recouered he much repented his repentance wished they were in his hands againe and tell to his old practises as 〈◊〉 as euer heretofore This Robert Bloet was a man passing wise liberall 〈◊〉 curteous and very personable but vnlearned light of behauiour and much giuen to lust Bale reporteth he had a sonne named Simon base borne no doubt whom he made Deane of Lincolne He dedicated his church bestowed very much in furnishing the same with ornaments requisite Unto the 21. Prebends founded by his predecessor he added 21. more and very largely endued or as some deliuer founded the Abbey of Eynsham besides Oxford vnto the which monastery he remooued the monkes of Stow. Againe he bestowed the mannor of Charlton vpon the monkes of Bermondsey and gaue vnto the king 500 l. or as H. Huntingdon hath 5000. to cléere the title that the Archbishop of Yorke laid vnto the iurisdiction of his Sée He was consecrate the yeere 1092. sate almost 30. yéeres and died at last suddenly Ianuary 10. 1122. Riding by the kings side talking with him neere Woodstocke he shranke downe spéechlesse and being caried to his lodging died in a manner presently His bowels were buried at Eynsham his body was conueghed to Lincolne and there in his owne church solemnely interred Upon his toombe was engrauen this Epitaphe Pontificum Robertus honor quem fama superstes Perpetuare dabit non obiturus obit Hic humilis diues res mira potens pius vltor Compatiens mitis cum pateretur erat Noluit esse sui Dominus studuit pater esse Semper in aduersis murus arma suis. In decima Iani mendacis somnia mundi Liquit euigilans vera perenne vidit 3. Alexander ROger that famous Bishop of Salisbury was now so great a man with the king Henry the first as being able to do with him what he list he easily entreated him to bestow the Bishopricke of Lincolne vpon one Alexander his owne brothers sonne a Norman borne whom not long before he had made Archdeacon of Salisbury and chiefe Justice of England He was consecrate at Canterbury July 22. 1123. The next yéere after his Cathedrall church so lately built and yet scarcely finished was burnt and horribly defaced by casuall fire This man repayred it againe and added vnto it a speciall ornament a goodly vault of stone which before it had not and therefore was the more subiect vnto fire He also increased the number of his Prebends purchased vnto his church certaine mannors and other lands But his chiefe delight was in building of castels wherein he imitated his vncle the Bishop of Salisbury This humor was the vndoing of them both To leaue the other vnto his owne place Alexander built a stately castle at Banbury another at Newarke and a third at Sleford William Parâ—â—s reporteth that he also founded two monasteries but what or where I finde not These castles were such eie-sores vnto king Stephen as they prouoked him to picke a quarrell otherwise vnto the Bishops to clappe them vp in prison where the other died and to bereaue them at once of these munitions and all their treasure whereof they had hoorded vp great store They that kept the castle of Newarke refused to deliuer it at the kings summons till such time as the Bishop intreated them to yéeld signifying and it was true indeede that the king had sworne he should nether eate nor drinke before he had possession of the castle Hereupon they set open the gates vnto the king and then with much adoo hauing lyen by it certaine moneths he was at last released of his imprisonment After that 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 himselfe wholy to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his church performed that which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 made it simply the most beautifull church of England at that time He was thrice at Rome to wit the 〈◊〉 1142. and 1144. where he behaued himselfe so as he pleased both the king and the Pope very well The first time he was 〈◊〉 the Pope gaue him authority to call a 〈◊〉 as his 〈◊〉 and especially 〈◊〉 vnto him the redresse of certaine 〈◊〉 for the effecting whereof he caused 〈◊〉 canons to be made very necessary for those times A third iourney he made vnto the Pope lying then in Fraunce in the moneth of August 1147. where through immoderate heat of the weather during the time of his trauell he fell 〈◊〉 and with much 〈◊〉 getting home not long after his returne he died hauing sate Bishop about the space of 24. yéeres I 〈◊〉 in Henry Huntingdon certaine verses written in commendation of him which I thinke not amisse here to be inserted Splendor Alexandri non tam renitescit honore Quam per eum renitescit honor flos namque virorum Dando tenere 〈◊〉 thesauros cogit honoris Et gratis dare festinans ne danda rogentur Quod nondum dederit nondum se credit habere O decus ô moruoo directio quo veniente Certa fides hilaris clementia cauta potestas Lene 〈◊〉 doctrina placens correctio dulcis Libercasque decens venêre pudorque facetus Lincoliae gens magna prius nunc maxima semper Talis ille diu sit nobis tutor honoris 4. Robert de Chisuey AFter Alexander succéeded Robert Archdeacon of Leycester surnamed by some de Chisuey or Chisueto by others de Taueto Querceto or Euerceto for so diuersly I finde him called a very yoong man He was consecrate in September 1147. and died Ianuary 8. 1167. This man added one Prebend vnto those that were founded by his predecessors purchased a house for himselfe and his successors 〈◊〉 vnto the temple at London and built the Bishops pallace at Lincolne in a manner all He left his Sée indebted vnto one Aaron a Iew the summe of 300 l. a great deale of money in those daies and his successors were faine to see it discharged long after 5. Geoffry Plantagenet THe Sée of Lincolne continued then void after the death of the said Robert almost seuenteene 〈◊〉 in so much as all men were of opinion there should neuer be any more Bishop there A certaine conuert of Tame reputed a very holy man and halfe a prophet in regard of many things he had strangely foretold this man I say had giuen out that the said Robert lately deceased should be the last Bishop of Lincolne This prediction of his many men 〈◊〉 when not long after the
death of the Bishop before mentioned they saw Geoffry king Henry the second his base sonne and Archdeacon of Lincoln elected vnto that Sée But he contenting himselfe with the large reuenewes of that rich Bishoprick neuer sought consecration well knowing he might so sheare the fleece though he listed not to take the charge of feeding the sheepe Seuen yeeres he reaped the fruits of that See by colour of his election and then by his fathers commaundement resigned all his interest in the same became an entire courtier for eight yéeres more at last returning to the church againe became Archbishop of Yorke See more of him there 6. Walter de Constantijs ABout the latter ende of the yéere 1183. when all men now assured themselues the prophecy of that conuert of Tame must needes fall out true Walter de Constantijs Archdeacon of Oxford was elect and consecrate Bishop of Lincolne He was very fearefull to accept of the election thinking assuredly he might not liue to be Bishop in regard of that vaine and false prophecy before mentioned Being yet scarce warme in his seate the Archbishopricke of 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 vnto him a place of much higher dignity but of lesse reuenues then Lincoln a great deale 〈◊〉 the power and force of ambition that could prouoke this man notably 〈◊〉 to forsake riches and content him selfe with 〈◊〉 place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lesse wealth but a litle more honorable He was translated to 〈◊〉 the next yeere after his comming to Lincolne viz. 1184. 7. Saint Hugh TWo yéeres after the departure of Walter to Koan the Sée of Lincolne continued void Upon Saint Matthewes day 1186. one Hugh the first Prior of the Charterhouse monkes at Witteham in Somersetshire was consecrate Bishop of the said Church This Hugh who by his integrity of life and conuersation and the opinion of diuers myracles wrought by him hath purchased vnto himselfe the honour and reputation of a Saint was borne in a City of Burgundy called Gratianopolis By the aduise and direction of his Father who hauing buried his wife had made himselfe a regular Channon he also entred the same profession being yet very yoong But waring elder he betooke him selfe afterwards vnto the straight and seuere orders of the Carthusians or Charterhouse monkes as we commonly call them In that kind of life he not only obserued all things requisite by the rule of their order but so farre surmounted the same in performing much more then it required as he grew very famous farre and néere for his extraordinary abstinence and austerity of life It chaunced the report thereof to come vnto the eares of king Henry the second who building a house for Carthusian monkes at Witteham aboue mentioned thought good to send Reginald Bishop of Bathe into Burgundy to intreate this holy man to accept the place of the Prior of this new foundation With much adoo he assented and came ouer with the Bishop The king who for the opinion he had of his holinesse vsed often priuately to conferre with him remembring how great wrong he had done the Church of Lincolne in so long kéeping it without a Bishop determined to make amends by giuing them a good one at last and procured this Hugh before he vnderstood of any such thing toward to be elected Bishop of that Sée He gouerned very stoutly and with great seuerity yet so as he was more reuerenced and loued then feared His excommunications were very terrible vnto all men and the rather for that it was noted as I find deliuered some notable calamity otherwise did lightly follow them His Church of Lincolne he caused to be all new built from the foundation a great and memorable worke and not possible to be performed by him without infinite helpe Moreouer he gaue vnto the King 1000. markes to acquite him and his successors from the yeerely payment of a Mantell of Sables wherewith by an auncient custome they were woont euery newyeares tide to present him The yeere 1200. he would néedes make a voyage to Carthusia the chiefe and originall house of their order In his returne home he fell sicke of a quartane ague at London and there died Nouember 17. 1200. His body was presently conueighed to Lincolne hapened to be brought thither at a time when king Iohn of England and William king of Scots were mette there with an infinite number of the nobility of both realmes The two kings for the great reuerence they bare vnto his holynesse would needes set their shoulders vnto the beere and helped to cary his coarse from the gates of the City vntill it came to the Church doore There it was receiued by the Prelates caried into the quire and the funer all rites being ended buried in the body of the East part of the Church aboue the high Aulter neere the aulter of Saint Iohn Baptist. The yeere 1220. 〈◊〉 was Canonised at Rome and his body being taken vp October 7. 1282. was placed in a siluer shrine Who so listeth to read the miracles that are ascribed vnto him may find them in Matth. Paris that describeth his life at large in his report of the yeere 1200. Amongst many things omitted for breuity I can not let passe one thing which I finde elsewhere deliuered concerning him how that comming to Godstowe a house of Nunnes neere Oxford and seeing a hearse in the middle of the quire couered with silke tapers burning round about it he asked who was buried there Understanding then it was that faire Rosamond the Concubine of king Henry the second who at her intreaty had done much for that house and in regard of those fauours was 〈◊〉 that honours 〈…〉 her body to be digged Vp immediately aâ—â— buried in the Church yard saying it was a placâ— a great deale tâ—o good for a harlot and it should be an example to other women to terrifie them from such a wicked and filthy kind of life 8. William de Bleys VVIlliam de Bleys 〈◊〉 and Canon of the Church of 〈◊〉 was elected Bishop of the same Church the yéere 1201. but not consecrate till 〈◊〉 day 1203. He died vpon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1206. 9. Hugh de Wels. HVgh 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and sometimes 〈◊〉 of England 〈◊〉 the yéere 1209 at what time king Iohn 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 Stephen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Archbishop of 〈◊〉 whereof sée more in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this the elect of 〈◊〉 to repaire 〈◊〉 the Archbishop of Roan for consecration 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 of the King he got vnto Stephen Langton and of him was consecrate The king hearing of it 〈◊〉 vpon his 〈◊〉 and kept him 〈◊〉 from them till the yéere 1213. This Bishop and Ioceline of 〈◊〉 laying their purses together 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 hospitall at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more thereof 〈◊〉 the life of the said Ioceline 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 in his Church of Lincolne I haue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a 〈◊〉 made by him 1211. in which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 great 〈◊〉 to his friends 〈◊〉 kinred he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5000. markes He 〈◊〉 long
after to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 7. 1234. 〈◊〉 then he was 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church 10. Robert Grosse-teste IUne 11. following to wit the yéere 1235. Robert Grossetest or Grosthead Archdeacon of Leycester was consecrate Bishop of Lincolne A man famous for his excellent learning and vertues otherwise He was borne in Suffolke of very meane or rather base parentage In his youth according vnto the maner of all students in those times he trauelled into Fraunce partly to increase his knowledge in other learning but especially to attaine the French toong which was then almost as common here as the English At his returne he was made Archdeacon of Leycester and afterwards as before is mentioned Bishop of Lincolne In his time the tyranny of the Pope was now growen to the full height and 〈◊〉 What for appeales vnto Rome bribes at Rome no iurisdiction here could punish any fault neuer so 〈◊〉 No iurisdiction or other preferment was likely to fall but the Popes reseruation would take it vp before hand and bestow it at last vpon some stranger happily a childe that would neuer come néere it all his life long The yéere 1252. notice being taken of this matter the spiritual promotions of strangers within this realme were found to amount vnto the summe of 70000. markes by the yéere whereas the kings yeerely reuenewes at that time came not to the third part of that summe At these and other intollerable abuses he repining very much thought good in person to go to Rome acquaint that Pope with his grieues He did so was heard with saire promises dismissed But when at his return he found no maner of redresse of those things he complained he feared not to write vnto the Pope a very sharpe Satyricall letter shewing how farre he had degenerated from the holinesse of his predecessors and exhorting him earnestly to reforme the monstrous enormities that flowing from Rome as from a corrupt and poysoned fountaine infected the whole Church This Epistle if any man desire to sée it is to be found in Matth. Paris The Pope hauing read it grew into great choller and breathing out many threats intended some terrible reuenge of this so intollerable a reproch as he tooke it vntill such time as one Gyles a Cardinall of Spaine 〈◊〉 vnto him vsed these words Holy father it shall not doo well in my opinion to take any hard or extreme course against this man It is but too true that he hath written He is 〈◊〉 religion a Catholike as well as we but for life and conuersation so farre 〈◊〉 vs as it is thought Christendome hath not his like Againe he is knowen to to be a great learned man an excellent Philosopher well séene in the Gréeke tongue as well as the Latine a profound Diuine and a diligent preacher These things are well knowen to all the Cleargy both of Fraunce and England We haue no iust matter against him we are not able to touch him yea though we were it 〈◊〉 not wisedome We shall doo well to remember how 〈◊〉 it is quod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 est ventura that there shall one day be a departure and let vs take héede that we giue not the occasion My aduice therefore is that we 〈◊〉 content to winke at this matter and euen let him alone Some say his counsell was followed and the matter passed ouer in silence Howbeit it is also reported and both may be true that afterwards vpon some new quarrell 〈◊〉 he was suspended at Rome excommunicate and horribly persecuted And indéede it is certaine that he would neuer be iuduced to obey any of those monstrous and vnreasonable bulles Of 〈◊〉 discoursing sometimes with his familiars he would very confidently affirme that the Pope was an Heretike yea and Antichrist So Matth. Paris 〈◊〉 Notwithstanding these broyles he was a continuall and diligent Preacher writ bookes to the number of all most 200. l. the Catalogue whereof you may finde in Bale and yet tooke infinite paines in attending matters of gouernment and iurisdiction so farre 〈◊〉 as by the Pope he was not hindred He died at last at his mannour of Buckden October 9. 1253. giuing all his bookes an excellent library vnto the Frier Minors at 〈◊〉 He lyeth buried in the 〈◊〉 South 〈◊〉 of his Cathedrall Church hath a goodly 〈◊〉 of marble with an image of brasse 〈◊〉 it The Pope not 〈◊〉 to persecute him after his death was once of the mind 〈◊〉 digge vp his body againe vntill by the perswasion of 〈◊〉 other his mind was altered But sée the iust iudgement of God vpon this wicked Pope it was Innocent 4. Lying at Naples in his way toward 〈◊〉 the kingdome whereof in hope he had now deuoured this bishop appeared vnto him in the night strake him a great blow vpon the left side which shewed all bloudy in the morning and soone after the Pope died This Bale reporteth out of Ranulfus Fabian and others Matthew Paris ascribeth diuers myracles vnto him doubtteth not to account him a Saint although the Pope ought him not so much goodwill as to affoord him Canonisation Doubtlesse he was an excellent man and deserueth the commendation giuen vnto him by the consent of all writers Not to trouble my selfe with any longer discourse concerning him I will set downe this briefe Elogium of Matthew Paris He was saith he Domini Papae Regis redargutor manifestus Praelatorum correptor Monachorum corrector Presbiterorum director clericorū instructor scholarium sustentator populi predicator incontinentium persecutor scripturarum sedulus perscrutator Romanorum 〈◊〉 contemptor In mensa refectionis corporalis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hilaris 〈◊〉 In mensa vero spirituali deuotus lachrymosus contritus In officio pontificali sedulus venerabilis 〈◊〉 Much more you may reade of him in Master Foxe 11. Henry Lexinton THe King now was very earnest with the Chapter of Lincolne to elect Petet d'Egueblank Bishop of Hereford vnto that their Sée They alleaged he was a stranger vnderstood not the English tongue and was moreouer an euill man not gouerning well the charge already committed vnto him In regard hereof they humbly besought the king to hold them excused and made choice of Henry Lexinton their Deane He was chosen December 30. 1253. consecrate May 17. following died August 8. 1258. was buried at Lincolne in his owne Church The yéere before his death he offred some kind of hard measure vnto the Uniuersity of Oxford by 〈◊〉 certaine liberties that of old belonged vnto it For redresse hereof they were forced to make their complaint vnto the King lying then at Saint Albons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Matthew Paris a 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of their petition and as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bold to 〈◊〉 vnto the king vsing these 〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉 in priuate I beseech your grace euen for Gods sake to haue compassion vpon the Church now tottering and in great danger of vtter subuersion
The 〈◊〉 of Paris the nurse of so many excellent and famous Prelates is now greatly troubled If the Uniuersity of Oxford be disquieted and 〈◊〉 also especially at this time being the second Uniuersity of Christendome and euen an other foundation of the Church it is much to be feared least it cause a generall 〈◊〉 and vtter ruine of the whole Church God forbid 〈◊〉 the King that that should happen especially in my time I will indeuour to preuent it I doubt not he was as good as his word For I find no more mention of any farther stirres This I haue thought good the rather to set downe to shew what was the reputation of our Uniuersity of Oxford in those daies 12. Benedictus Grauesend ANother Deane of Lincolne succéeded him Benedictus Grauesend whom I 〈◊〉 called also Richard Grauesend He was consecrate Nouember 3. 1258. and died December 18. 1279. 13. Oliuer Sutton OLiuer Sutton as Walsingham saith was likewise Deane of 〈◊〉 a very good and 〈◊〉 man He was elected Bishop February 6. 〈◊〉 May 18. 1180. died in the middle of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 prayer Nouember 13. 1299. and lyeth 〈◊〉 in the North Isle of the vpper part of his Church vnder a flat Marble stone 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of Bishop Flemming 14. Iohn d'Aldarby IOhn'D'alderby or D'aderly Chauncellor of Lincolne succéeded the next yéere and died at Stow parke Ianuary 5. 1319. He was buried at Lincolne in the lower South crosse Isle But his 〈◊〉 was taken away for that it was superstitiously frequented by the common people 15. Thomas Beake IAnuary 27. following the Chapter of Lincolne made choice of one Thomas Beake Chauncellor of Lincolne for their Bishop The Archbishop of Canterbury vpon what quarrell I know not reiected this election But at Rome where all things were to be had for money he got it confirmed The yéere 1278. one Thomas Beake Archdeacon of Dorchester was Lord Treasurer of England It may be this was the man And it should seeme he was very old for he sate but a very short time which I take to be the cause that some men make Burwash next successor to D'Alderby Helyeth buried as it séemeth by a note that I haue séene in the highest crosse North Isle 16. Henry Burwash HEnry Burwash was nephew vnto Sir Bartholomew Badilismer Baron of Leedes a man of great authority vnder king Edward the second The king by his meanes dealt earnestly for the preferment of the said Henry vnto the Sée of Lincolne which he obtained and was inthronised there about Christmas 1320. within a yéere or two after he fell into the kings displeasure so far as that his temporalties were seased vpon and detained from him the space of two yéeres The yeere 1224. they were restored vnto him againe and he vnto the kings fauour but the grudge thereof 〈◊〉 so in his stomacke as the Queene rising against her husband séeking to depose him as afterward she did an 1326. no man was so forward to take her part as this Bishop no man so eager against the king his vndoubted true and naturall Prince He was also a very 〈◊〉 and miserable man as Walsingham reporteth Toward the latter end of his time he made a new parke at Tynghurst and inclosed within the same much ground that belonged to diuers poore men his tenants for the which he had many a bitter curse of them After his death it is said he appéered vnto one that had béene one of his gentlemen in the likenes of a kéeper with bow arrowes in his hand a horne by his side and a gréene ierkin on his backe telling him that for the iniurious inclosure of that parke he was appointed to the kéeping of the same and to be tormented there till it were disparked and 〈◊〉 open againe He therefore also besought him to intreate his brethren the Canons of Lincolne that the wrong done by him by their 〈◊〉 meanes might be righted They were so wise as to giue credit vnto this report and sent one of their company named William Bacheler to see it performed He did so hurled abroad the pale filled vp the ditches and caused the poore tenants to be restored vnto their right againe This Bishop died at Gaunt in the ende of December 1340. hauing béene successiuely Treasurer and Chauncellor of England and was buried in the East ende of his Cathedrall church toward the North. At his féete lyeth a brother of his named Robert a knight a great soldier and a sonne of the said Robert called Bartholomew They founded a Grammar schoole in Lincolne and left maintenance for fiue priests and fiue poore schollers 17. Thomas le Becke AFter Henry Burwash it is said that another Thomas Beake succéeded called by some Thomas le Becke and by others Thomas Weke a famous and woorthy Clerke as Walsingham reporteth He lieth buried in the lower crosse Isle When he died or what time he sate I find not 18. Iohn Synwell IOhn Synwell succéeded The yéere 1351. a great controuersie fell out betweene him and the Uniuersity of Oxford about that election of their Chancellor The discourse whereof you may see pag. 133. This ouely I thinke good to note that whereas some writers report this controuersie to haue fallen out in the time of Bishop Buckingham it must needes be they are mistaken for that this Iohn Synwell died not till the yéere 1361. This man if I mistake not built a great chappell of Saint Mary Magdalene without the North wall of the Cathedrall church and lieth buried in the West part or body of the said church 19. Iohn Bokingham IOhn Bokingham kéeper of the priuy Seale by the helpe of his purse and the kings instant request with much adoo shouldred into the Bishopricke of Lincolne the yeere 1362. This man is said to haue beene very vnlearned and it may be so But certaine it is that one Iohn Bokingham liued about those times a Doctor of Diuinity of Oxford a great 〈◊〉 man in scholasticall Diuinity as diuers workes of his yet extant may testifie and for my part I thinke this Bishop to be the man The yeere 1397. the Pope bearing him some grudge translated him perforce from Lincolne vnto 〈◊〉 a Bishopricke not halfe so good For 〈◊〉 hart he would not take it but as though he had rather haue no bread then halfe a loafe forsooke both and became a monke at Canterbury 20. Henry Beaufort HEnry Beaufort became Bishop of Lincolne in his place This man was brother vnto king Henry the fourth and is best knowen by the name of the rich Cardinal He sate here seuen yéees and the yeere 1404. was translated to Winchester Sée more of him in Winchester 21. Philip Repingdon PHilip Repingdon Abbot of Leicester vpon the 〈◊〉 of Henry Beaufort vnto 〈◊〉 was preferred vnto Lincolne This man was sometimes a great follower of Wickliffe and defender of his 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in preaching and open 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but by writing also to which purpose 〈◊〉 of
his 〈◊〉 yet remaine to be séene Afterwards whether it were that time altered his 〈◊〉 or that he was ouercome 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 of trouble or hope of 〈◊〉 he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to recant his opinions at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That done 〈◊〉 Cleargy glad of gaining such a man vnto their party for 〈◊〉 was greatly reputed of for his learning 〈◊〉 vpon him all manner of preferment Being now Bishop of Lincolne the yéere 1408. he was made Cardinall of 〈◊〉 Nereus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He continued in that 〈◊〉 many yeeres and in 〈◊〉 end resigned it He lieth buried vnder a 〈◊〉 stone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grosthead 22. Richard Flemming BIshop Flemming is famous for two things one that 〈◊〉 caused the 〈◊〉 of Wickliffe to be taken vp and 〈◊〉 the yéere 1425. and the other that he founded Lincolne 〈◊〉 in Oxford 1430. When he first attained this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 what time he died I find not He was 〈◊〉 where we sée a high tombe in the North 〈◊〉 in the vpper 〈◊〉 of the church in the 〈◊〉 in which place also Robert Flemming his kinseman Deane of Lincolne lieth buried hard beside him They were bothe great learned men brought vp in Oxford bothe Doctors of Diuinity and writ diuers learned workes 23. William Gray MAy 26. 1426. William Gray was 〈◊〉 Bishop of London 〈◊〉 he was translated to Lincolne the yéere 1431. and 〈◊〉 there about the space of 〈◊〉 yéeres He founded a Colledge at Theale in Hartfordshire for a Master and fower Cannons and made it a cell to Elsing spittle in London 24. William Alnewike THe yéere 1426. William Alnewike doctor of law was consecrate Bishop of Norwich He built there a great window and a goodly faire gate at the west end of the church The yeere 1436. he was remooued vnto Lincolne He was buried in the body or west end of his church This Bishop was confessor to that vertuous king Henry the fist 25. Marmaduke Lumley VVHat time Bishop Alnewike died I finde not but certaine it is that 〈◊〉 Lumley Bishop of Carlioll succeeded him in that Sée He was some times Treasurer of England consecrate vnto Carlioll 1430. sate there 20. yeere was translated hether 1450. and hauing continued heere scarcely one yéere died at London Toward the building of Quéenes colledge in Cambridge of which vniuersity he was sometimes Chauncellour he gaue 200 l. and bestowed vpon the library of that Colledge a great many good bookes 26. Iohn Chedworth IOhn Chedworth succéeded him of whom I finde nothing but that helieth buried vnder a flat stone by Bishop Sutton néere the toombe of Bishop Flemming He was Bishop as I gather about an 18. yeeres 27. Thomas Rotheram THomas Scot alias Rotheram Bishop of Rochester was remooued to Lincolne ann 1471. and thence to Yorke nine yéeres after Sée more ofhim in Yorke 28. Iohn Russell IN the Sée of Lincolne Iohn Russell Doctor of Diuinity and 〈◊〉 of Barkshire succéeded him a wise and 〈◊〉 man A while he was Chauncellor of England by the appointment of Richard Duke of Glocester that afterward vsurped the crowne He hath a reasonable faire toombe in a chappell cast out of the vpper wall of the South part of the Church 29. William Smith THe yéere 1492. William Smith was consecrate Bishop of Couentry Lichfield He ordained there I meane at Lichfield an hospitall for a master two priestes and ten poore men He also founded a frée schoole there for the education of poore mens children and found meanes that king Henry the seuenth bestowed vpon it an Hospitall called Donhal in Chesshyre with 〈◊〉 lands belonging to it At Farmworth where he was borne he bestowed ten pound land for the maintenance of a schoolemaster there Lastly he became founder of a goodly colledge the colledge of Brasennose in Oxford ann 1513. but liued not to finish it in such sort as he intended Hauing sate but onely fower yéeres at Lichfield he was translated to Lincolne and died the yéere before mentioned 1513. He lieth buried in the West part or body of the church This Bishop was the first President of Wales and gouerned that countrey from the 17. yere of king Henry the 7. vntill the fourth yéere of king Henry the 8. at what time he died 30. Thomas Woolsey A Uery little while scarcely one whole yéere Cardinall Woolsey not yet Cardinall was Bishop of Lincoln Thence he was remooued to 〈◊〉 almost the 〈◊〉 of the yéere 1514. Sée more of him in 〈◊〉 31. William Atwater ONe William Atwater succéeded Cardinall Woolsey and sate as it seemeth to me but a very short time He lieth buried in the West end of Lincolne Pinster 32. Iohn Longland IOhn Longland Doctor of Diuinity and Confessor vnto king Henry the 8. vpon the death of William Atwater was aduannced vnto the Bishoprick of Lincolne and enioyed the same a long time being almost all that while Chauncellor of the Uniuersity of Oxford He died the yeere 1547. and is burted néere vnto Bishop Russell in a toombe very like vnto his 33. Henry Holbech HEnry Holbech Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate Bishop of Rochester the yéere 1544. translated to Lincolne 1547. and continued there about 5. yeeres 34. Iohn Tayler IOhn Tayler Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate ann 1552. and within 2. yeeres after viz. in the beginning of Queene 〈◊〉 ratgne was displaced 35. Iohn White IOhn White Doctor also of Diuinity was appointed Bishop of Lincolne by Queene Mary The yéere 1557. He was remooued to Winchester Sée more of him there 36. Thomas Watson VPon the remooue of Doctor White the Bishopricke of Lincoln was bestowed vpon Thomas 〈◊〉 Doctor of Diuinity a very austere or rather a sower and churlish man He was scarce 〈◊〉 in his 〈◊〉 when 〈◊〉 Mary dying he was 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 the same 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 himselfe vnto the happy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yeres 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 about the yéere 1584. 37. Nicholas Bullingham NIcholas Bullingham Doctor of Lawe was consecrate Bishop of 〈◊〉 Ianuary 21. 1559. He sate there 11. yéeres and was translated in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 26. 1570. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of him in 〈◊〉 38. Thomas Cooper THomas Cooper Doctor of Diuinity Deane of 〈◊〉 church in Oxford was consecrate Febr. 24. 1570. 〈◊〉 yéere 1584. he was translated to Winchester 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of him there 39. William Wickham VVIlliam Wickham succéeded Bishop Cooper immediately both in Lincolne and Winchester Sée more of him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 40. William Chaderton VVIlliam 〈◊〉 Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate Bishop of West-Chester continued there 〈◊〉 and in the 〈◊〉 of the yéere 1594. was 〈◊〉 to Lincolne where he yet 〈◊〉 The Bishoprick of Lincolne is valued in the Queenes bookes at 894 l. 18 s. 1 d. ob and paid to the Pope for first 〈◊〉 5000 ducats The Bishops of Couentry and Lichfield 1. Dwyna OSwy king of Mercia or Mid England erected 〈◊〉 Episcopall Sée at Lichfield the yéere 656. and ordained one Diuma or Dwyna Bishop there 2. Cellach CEllach
was the second Bishop of Lichfield He was a Srot as also his predecessor was After a few yéeres giuing ouer his Bishopricke he returned into his owne country 3. Trumhere TRumhere was an Englishman borne but brought vp taught and ordered among the Scots Hée had béene Abbot of Ingethling a monastery built where king Oswyn was slaine 4. Iaruman HE conuerted the East Saxons vnto Christianity againe hauing forsaken it vnder Sighere their king In his time to wit the yéere 666. the Cathedrall church of Lichfield was first founded 5. Cedda THe yéere 669. Cedda was consecrate Archbishop of Yorke in the absence of Wilfride But Wilfride returning he gaue place and liuing a while a monasticall life at 〈◊〉 accepted at last the Bishopricke of Lichfield vnder Wulfnere king of Percia ann 669. He 〈◊〉 to haue béene a godly and very denout man as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Beca his Eccl. hist. lib. 4. cap. 3. where his life and death are at large reported He died March 2. 672. hauing sate there two yéeres and a halfe and was buried at Lichfield 6. Winfride VVInfride a Chaplaine of Ceddaes was then 〈◊〉 Bishop of Lichfield a man vertuous and modest as Beda witnesseth Yet it is said that Theodore the Archbishop of Canterbury depriued him for I know not what disobedience the yéere 674. He returned vnto Catbarne a Monastery built by Cedda vnder whom he had liued in the same heretofore and there lead a very holy life many yéeres after 7. Saxulf VVInfride being displaced it was thought good his Dioces should be diuided into two parts One was allotted vnto Saxulf who continued his 〈◊〉 at Lichfield still the other was committed vnto Eadhead He and his successors of whom you may sée a Catalogue Fol. 1 sate at Sidnacester This Saxulf was the first Abbot of 〈◊〉 now called Peterborough and perswaded Wolfer king of Mercia to the foundation of that Monaster 8. Headda AFter Saxulf the Dioces was once more diuided and a Bishop placed at Leicester His name was Wilfride But he being drouen away thence after a short space Headda that before was Bishop of Lichfield recouered the Iurisdiction againe and gouerned the same in sort as his predecessor had done 9. Aldwyn AFter Headda succéeded Aldwyn that liued in the time of Beda He died the yéere 737. 10. Witta THe Countrey of Mercia was then diuided into thrée Bishoprickes One was continued at Lichfield another was appointed to sit at Leycester and the third at Dorchester Lichfield was giuen to Witta Leicester to Tota and Dorchester to Eadhead Sée more of them in Lincolne Fol. 228. After Witta succeeded these 11. Hemel He died ann 764. 12. Cuthfrid 13. Berthun 14. Aldulf Off a King of Mercia procured the Pope to make this Aldulf an Archbishop and gaue him authority ouer the Sées of Winchester Hereford Legecester Sidnacester Helmham and Dunwich He liued ann 793. Iun. 15. Humbert Matth. Westm. saith this man died the yéere 795. and calleth him Archbishop of Lichfield as he doth also Higbert his successor Howbeit I am out of doubt that Aldwin as he was the first so he was the last Archbishop that euer sate there 16. Herewin He liued ann 833. as appeareth by a Charter in Ingulfus confirmed by him Pag. 488. 17. Higbert 18. Ethelwold He died 858. 19. Humberhtus He died 164. 20. Kenferth or rather Kinebert He died 872. 21. Cumbert 22. Tunbriht or Bumfrith He died 928. By the way now it shall not be amisse to remember that Florentius Wigorn from whom William of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little biffenteth reporteth this order of succession as 〈◊〉 as I can gather 13. Berthun 14. Higbert 15. Aldulf 16. Herewyn 17. Ethelwald 18. Hunberht 19. Cineferth 20. Tunbright That wherein I differ from them I find in Matth. Westminster whom I follow the rather for that he setteth downe not their bare names but their times of consecration now and then yea and their death also After Tunbright without all controuer sie succeeded 23. Ella 24. Alfgar 25. Kinsy He liued ann 966. and 948. 26. Winsy 27. Elseth or Ealfeage 28. Godwyn 29. Leosgar 30. Brithmar He died 1039. 31. Wlsius He died 1054. 32. Leofwyn Abbot of Couentry 33. Peter THis man forsaking Lichfield remooued his 〈◊〉 Sée to Chester the yéere 1055. He was consecrate 1067. died the yéere 1086. and was buried at Chester 34. Robert de Limesey HE was consecrate the yéere 1088. translated his 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 to Couentry 1095. died September 1. 1116. and was buried at Couentry 35. Robert Peche alias Peccam RObert surnamed Peccatum or Peche and sometimes Peccam Chaplame vnto king Henry the first was consecrate 1117. died August 22. 1127. and was buried at Couentry 36. Roger de Clinton THe king then bellowed this Bishopricke vpon Roger de 〈◊〉 that was nephew vnto 〈◊〉 Lord Clinton a man of great account and authority in his time December 21. 1129. he was ordered Priest at Canterbury and consecrate Bishop the day following This man built a great part of the Church of Lichfield increased the number of his Prebends fensed the towne of Lichfield with a ditch and bestowed much vpon the castle there No part of that castle now standeth onely the ditch remayneth to be seene and the place where it stood retaineth the name of Castle field He tooke vpon him the crosse at last went to Jerusalem and died at Antioch Aprill 16. 1148. 37. Walter Durdent VVAlter Durdent Prior of Canterbury succéeded him He was consecrate 1149. died 1161. and was buried at Couentry 38. Richard Peche RIchard Peche was sonne vnto Robert Peche Bishop of Couentry By him he was preferred vnto the Archdeaconry of Couentry and the yeere 1162. succéeded him in his Bishopricke This man in his latter daies tooke on him the habite of a Chanon in the Church of Saint Thomas néere Stafford of which house some name him the founder He was buried there dying the yéere 1181. 39. Girardus Puella OF this man Robertus Montensis writeth thus Magister Girardus cognomento Puella c. Master Gerard surnamed Puella a man of great learning and vertue the yéere 1181. was chosen Bishop of Chester in England That Bishopricke hath thrée Episcopall Sées Chester Couentry and Lichfield He died Ianuary 12. 1184. and was buried at Couentry 40. Hugh Nouaunt THe yéere 1186. Hugh Nouaunt a Norman was consecrate Bishop of Lichfield He bought of king Richard the first the monastery of Couentry for 300. markes 〈◊〉 to place secular priestes in the same he came thither 〈◊〉 a power of armed men the yéere 1190. and when the monkes would not giue place inuading them with fine force chased away some beate and lamed other spoyled their house burnt their charters and euidences c. and then put in secular priests in their roomes Bale reporteth that he could not cary this matter so cléere as that it cost him not some 〈◊〉 In the conflict himselfe was wounded and that in the church iust before the high altar It séemeth he
Louell for what cause I know not that they might be sure to auoyd him as also at the request of Richard Earlé of Cornewall the kings brother elected Roger Molend one to whom the king and the said Earle were both vncles Him the king readily accepted and so March 10. 1257. he was affoorded consecration This man was borne and brought vp altogether beyond the seas 〈◊〉 reason whereof he was vtterly ignorant of the English 〈◊〉 Being therefore called vpon to be resident vpon his Bishopricke the yéere 1283. he made that his excuse but it might not serue his turne Iohn Peckham Archbishop of 〈◊〉 not onely forced him to residence but reprehended him excéeding sharply for his neglect and carelesnes of his charge He sate long and died a very old man the yéere 1295. 47. Walter de Langton THe Pope meaning a good turne vnto Iohn Bokingham Bishop of Lincolne of his absolute authority tooke vpon him to translate him to this Sée from Lincolne which was then worth thrée Lichfields He chose rather to forsake all and became a monke at Canterbury Upon his refusall Water Langton Treasurer of England was preferred thereunto and consecrate December 22 1296. He liued in great authority vnder king Edward the first that fauoured him much But his sonne Edward the second molested and disgraced 〈◊〉 all that euer he might His father dying in the North countrey commaunded this Bishop to couduct his corpse vp to London and when he had so done for reward of his 〈◊〉 he caused sir Iohn Felton Constable of the Tower to arrest him seased vpon all his goods and imprisoned him first in the Tower then in the Castle of Wallingford of which imprisonment he was not released in two yéeres after In his fathers life time he had often reprehended the yoong Prince for his insolent and dissolute behauiour which good admonitions he taking in 〈◊〉 part wronged and disgraced him many waies namely one time he brake downe his parks spoyled and droue away his deere c. The Bishop complained of this outrage vnto the king his father who being greatly displeased therewith committed the Prince his sonne for certaine daies And this was the cause of the grudge betwéene the yong king him About that same time or I thinke a litle sooner viz. the yere 1301. he was accused of certain heinous crimes before the Pope and compelled to answere the accusation at Rome in his owne person Though the proofes brought against him were either none or very slender yet well knowing whom they had in hand Nonerant 〈◊〉 prae 〈◊〉 bouem valde 〈◊〉 saith Matth. 〈◊〉 they were content to detaine him there so long as it forced him to spend an infinite deale of money and yet was neuer a whit the néerer at last For the Pope remitted the hearing of the cause to the Archbishop of Canterbury and yet referred the determination of the same vnto him selfe at last The tempests of those troubles being ouer blowen the rest of his time he liued for ought I find quietly and being happily 〈◊〉 from the Court attended onely the gouernment of his charge Unto his Church of Lichfield he was a wonderfull great benefactor He laid the first foundation of the Lady Chappell there and at his death left order with his Executors for the full finishing of it He compassed the cloyster of Lichfield with a stone wall and bestowed a sumptuous shrine vpon S. Cedda his predecessor with 2000. l. charge He ditched and walled all the Cathedrall church round about made one gate of great strength and maiesty at the West part of the close and another but a lesse on the South part He builded the great bridge beyond the Uineyard at Lichfield ann 1310. He gaue his owne house or pallace vnto the Uicars for their dwelling and built a new for him selfe at the East end of the close He 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being altogether 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 the mannour place of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 at London He 〈◊〉 vnto the high 〈◊〉 at Lichfield 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and two 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 worth 24. l. 〈◊〉 about with 〈◊〉 stones to the value of 200. l. besides many copes 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 price He 〈◊〉 vpon the 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 cup of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a pension of 20. s. by the yeere And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 both vnto them and his Church many charters and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the king He 〈◊〉 at London 〈◊〉 16. 1321. 〈◊〉 was buried in the Lady Chappell which he built 48. Roger Northbrough THe yéere 1313. Roger Northborough then kéeper of the great seale was taken prisoner by the Scots in the battell of 〈◊〉 Being afterwards clerke of the Wardrobe so I find him called and treasurer of England by great sute and the kings often 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 meanes to shoulder into this 〈◊〉 He was consecrate June 27. 1322. sate almost 38. yéeres a very long time and died in the end of the yéere 1359. 49. Robert Stretton SOone after the death of the former Bishop Robert Stretton a Canon of Lichfield by the importunity of the blacke Prince to whom he was Chaplaine was eleccted Bishop there a man very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vnworthy so high a 〈◊〉 in all respects The Pope hauing notize of his 〈◊〉 by speciall mandate prohibited his consecration Here upon the new elect was faine to make repaire vnto Rome The Pope him selfe examined him but was 〈◊〉 earnestly requested by the blacke Prince to 〈◊〉 his sute as 〈◊〉 he could not with 〈◊〉 honesty allow of him yet he was content to leaue him to the 〈◊〉 of the Archbishop of Canterbury The Archbishop would by no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 him any testimony of sufficiency At last 〈◊〉 much adoo he procured the Pope to authorise two other Bishops for the allowance or reiecting of him who they were I can not call to remembrance and they by the excéeding great importunity of the Prince admitted him to consecration which he receiued September 26. 1360. Sée more of this matter in Thomas Lylde Bishop of Ely He sate Bishop here 25. yeeres 50. Walter Skirlawe VVAlter Skirlawe Doctor of Law was consecrate Ianuary 14. 1385. remooued to Bathe and Wels the yéere following and soone after to Durham Sée more of him in Durham 51. Richard Scroope RIchard Scroope Doctor of Lawe brother vnto William Scroope Earle of Wiltshire and Tresurer of England was consecrate August ◠1386. Sate here 10. yéeres and was translated to Yorke His life and lamentable death you may sée there more at large described 52. Iohn Brughill IOhn Brughill a Frier preacher was first Bishop of Landaff and Confessor vnto king Richard the second translated to Lichfield in the moneth of September 1398. and sate there 17. yéeres 53. Iohn Keterich IOhn Keterich a Notary of Rome and Archdencon of Surry was consecrate Bishop of S. Dauids the yéere 1414. and translated thence to this Sée in the moneth of May 1415 The yéere 1417. he was at the Councell of Constance
and was one of the 30. electors that chose Martyn the fift Pope authorised thereunto by the councell together with the Cardinals He sate almost 5. yéeres was translated to Exceter 54. Iames Cary. AUery little while one Iames Cary was Bishop of Couentry and Lichfield He happened to be at Florence with the Pope at what time newes was brought thither of the Bishop of Exceters death and easily obtained that Bishopricke of him being preferred vnto Lichfield but very lately He enioyed neither of these places any long time Neuer comming home to sée either the one or the other he died and was buried there 55. William Haworth WIlliam Haworth Abbot of Saint Albons was conse crate Nouember 28. 1420. and sate 27. yéeres 56. William Boothe WIlliam Boothe was consecrate July 9. 1447. sate 6 yéeres and was translated to Yorke Sée more of him there 57. Nicholas Close NIcholas Close consecrate Bishop of Carlioll 1450. was translated from Carlioll hither the yeere 1452. and died the same yéere 58. Reginald Buller REginald Buller or Butler for so some call him was consecrate Bishop of Hereford the yéere 1450. being Abbot of Glocester before He was translated to Lichfield Aprill 3. 1453. and sate there 6. yéeres 59. Iohn Halse IOhn Halse was consecrate in the moneth of Nouember 1459. sate 32. yéeres and lieth buried at Lichfield 60. William Smith WIlliam Smith was consecrate 1492. sate 4. yéeres and was translated to Lincolne See more there 61. Iohn Arundell IOhn Arundell was consecrate Nouember 6. 1496. and translated to Exceter 1502. See more in Exceter 62. Geoffry Blythe GEoffry Blythe Doctor of Lawe was consecrate September 7. 1503. The yeere 1512. he became Lord President of Walles by the appointment of king Henry the eight and continued in that place till the yeere 1524. at what time it seemes he died The yeere 1523. he was attached for treason but happily acquitted He 〈◊〉 buried at Lichfield 63. Rowland Lee. 〈◊〉 Leigh Doctor of Lawe succéeded A man samons for two things He 〈◊〉 King Henry the eight vnto Quéene Anne Bulleyn which happy marriage was the occasion of that happinesse that we now enioy vnder our noble soueraigne Queene Elizabeth their daughter Againe it is to be remembred of him that being made President of Wales the yéere 1535. in the time of his gouernment and peraduenture partly by his procurement the countrey of Wales was by Parliament incorporated and vnited to the kingdome of England the liberties lawes and other respects made common vnto the Welch with the naturall English This Bishop died Lord President the yeere 1543. and was buried at Shrewsbury 64. Richard Sampson AFter him Richard Sampson Bishop of Chichester became Bishop of Lichfield He was translated March 12 1543. This R. Sampson being a Doctor of Law and Deane of the Chappell writ some what for the kings supremacy and was aunswered by Cochloeus He writ also commentaries vpon the 〈◊〉 and vpon the Epistles to the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 He was consecrate Bishop of 〈◊〉 the yéere 1537. and presently vpon his remooue to this 〈◊〉 made President of Wales In that office he continued till the second yéere of king Edward at what time he began to shew him selfe a 〈◊〉 notwithstanding his 〈◊〉 writing 〈◊〉 against the Pope He died at 〈◊〉 September 25. 1554. 65. Ralf Bane RAlf Bayne Doctor of Diuinity borne in Yorkeshire brought vp in S. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge reader or professor of the 〈◊〉 tongue in Paris was consecrate Bishop of Lichfield soone after the death of the other He 〈◊〉 vpon the Prouerbs of Salomon and dedicated his worke vnto Francis the French king Hauing béene Bishop almost fiue yéeres he died of the stone at London and was buried in Saint Dunstans Church there 66. Thomas Bentham THomas Bentham was consecrate March 24. 1559. 〈◊〉 died February 21. 1578. 67. William Ouerton William Ouerton Doctor of 〈◊〉 succéeded This Bishopricke is valued in the Exchequer at 559. l. 17. s. 2. d. ob farthing and in the Popes bookes at 1733. ducates or Florenes The Bishops of Salisbury 1. Aldelm AFter the death of Headda the fifth Bishop of Winchester it pleased Iua king of the west Saxons to 〈◊〉 his Dioces which before contained all the country of the west Saxons into two parts The one of them he committed vnto Damell allotting vnto him Winchester for his Sée and that Dioces which now doth and euer since hath belonged vnto the same The other part containing the counties of Dorset Somerset Wiltshire Deuon and Cornwall he ordained to be gouerned by a Bishop whose Sée he established at Sherborne and appointed vnto the same one Aldhelme a neere 〈◊〉 of his owne being the sonne of Kenred his brother This Aldhelm spent all his youth in trauaile and hauing visited the most famous vniuersities of Fraunce and Italy became very learned in Poetry especially he was excellent and writ much in Gréeke and Latine prose and verse He delighted much in musicke and was very skilfull in the same But his chiefe study was diuinity in the knowledge whereof no man of his time was comparable to him After his returne he became first a monk and after Abbot of Malmsbury for the space of fower and thirty yéeres The yéere 705. he was consecrate Bishop of Sherborne and that as it séemeth vnto me at Rome For it is remembred that while he staied there for the Popes approbation the same Pope his name was Sergius was charged with getting of a bastard for which fact he was bold to reprehend his holinesse sharpely He writ diuers learned works mentioned by Beda h. 4. c. 19. and died the yéere 709. 2. Fordhere HE liued in the time of Beda who saith he also was a man very well séene in the knowledge of the scriptmes The yéere 738. he attended the Quéene of the west 〈◊〉 vnto Rome After him succeeded these 3. 〈◊〉 4. Ethelnod 5. Denefrith 6. Wilbert He was at Rome with Wlfred Archbishop of Canterbury an 815. 7. Alstane A famous warrier He subdued vnto king Fgbright the kingdomes of Kent and the East Saxons He fought many battailes with the Danes and euer 〈◊〉 had the victory namely at a place in Somersetshire then called Pedredsmouth now Comage he slue a great number of them the yéere 845. King Ethelwlf being at Rome in pilgrimage he set vp his sonne Ethelbald against him and forced the father at his returne to 〈◊〉 his kingdome with his sonne He died the yéere 867. hauing sate Bishop of Sherborne 50. yéeres A man 〈◊〉 wise valiant carefull for the good of his country and 〈◊〉 liberall He augmented the reuenues of his Bishopricke wonderfully 7. Edmund or Heahmund slaine in battell by the 〈◊〉 the yéere 872. at Meredune 8. Etheleage 9. Alssy 10. Asser. This man writ a certaine Chronicle of 〈◊〉 amongst diuers other works wherein he reporteth of him selfe that he was a disciple and scholler of that famous welchman Iohn that hauing studied long in Athens perswaded king Alfred
to institute a vniuersitie at Oxford and him selfe became the first publique 〈◊〉 there He writeth furthermore that he was 〈◊〉 Chauncellor vnto Asser the Archbishop of Saint 〈◊〉 his néere kinsman who both endured great vexation and trouble at the hands of one Hemeyd a mighty man of those parts that tyrannised intollerably ouer the cleargy there By reason thereof waring weary of his office he left his countrey and comming into England to king Alfred became schoolemaster of his children vntill such time as 〈◊〉 Bishop of Sherborne dying he was preferred to his place Unto this man the said king gaue the mannors of Wellington Buckland and Lydyard in Sommersetshyre which since haue come vnto the Bishops of Wels whereof one Buckland yet remaineth vnto that See By his exhortation also that good king did much for the Uniuersity of Oxford alotting diuers stipends vnto the readers and professors there This Bishop died the yéere 883. and was buried at Sherborne 11. 〈◊〉 or Sigelm trauelled into India to the place of Saint Thomas his buriall carried thither the almes or 〈◊〉 of king Alfred and brought home many pretious stones of great price 12. 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 He died 898. After Ethelwald the Sée of Sherborne stoode void seuen yéeres by reason of the Danish wars The yéere 905. Plegmund by the commaundement of king Edward the elder consecrate seuen Bishops in one day as I haue before mentioned in Canterbury elsewhere Thrée of them were appointed to Sees newly erected all taken out of the Dioces of Sherborne One had iurisdiction ouer Cornewall another ouer Deuonshire and a third ouer Sommersetshire Soone after that a fourth was placed in Wiltshire hauing his Sée some say at Ramsvery others say at Sunnyng and some other at Wilton So Sherborn had now left vnto it only Dorsetshire and Barkshire Of the rest we shall speake God willing seuerally in their particular places But these Bishops of Wiltshire because their See at last returned backe againe whence it first sprang I will deliuer them and their succession next after Sherborne Sherborne 13. Werstane He died 918. 〈◊〉 by the Danes in 〈◊〉 14. Ethelbald 15. Sigelm Florilegus mentioneth one Sigelm to haue been slaine by the Danes the yéere 834. I beléeue he 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 934. 16. Alfred He died 940. 17. 〈◊〉 This man was made Abbot of 〈◊〉 by Dunstan then Bishop of London Being 〈◊〉 to the Bishopricke of Sherborne he displaced 〈◊〉 priests and put in monkes It is reported that when he lay a dying he cried out suddenly I sée the 〈◊〉 open and Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God immediately after those wordes giuing vp the ghost an 958. 18. Alfwold He died 978. and was buried at Sherborne 19. Ethelrike 20. Ethelsius 21. Brithwin or Brithwicke He died 1009. 22. Elmer 23. Brinwyn or Birthwyn 24. Elfwold He was a man of great temperance and 〈◊〉 for the which in that luxurious age he was much admired After his death these two Sées 〈◊〉 againe 〈◊〉 and made one Wiltshire 1. Ethelstane He died 920. 2. Odo that became Archbishop of Canterbury the yéere 934. 3. Osulf He died 870. and was buried at 〈◊〉 4. 〈◊〉 He died 981. and was buried at Abondon 5. Alfgar or Wolfgar 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 989. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 7. 〈◊〉 or Aluricius he succéeded his predecessor in Canterbury likewise the yeere 995. 8. Brithwold a monke of Glastonbury a great benefactor of that Abbey as also of the Abbey of Malmesbury He died 1045. and was buried at Glastonbury 9. Herman a Flemming Chaplaine vnto King Edward the Confessor was the last Bishop of this petty Sée He labored to haue his See remoued to Malmsbery and had once obtained it of king Edward the Confessor but by a countersute of the monkes there he was disappointed Uery angry with this repulse he left his Bishopricke and became a monke at Bertine in Fraunce But hearing soone after how that Elfwold Bishop of Sherborn was dead he returned home againe and with much adoo obtained that Sherborne and his Dioces might once more be vnited together againe 1. Herman THe fore named Herman liuing vnto the time of William Conquerour when as he gaue commaundment that all Bishops should remooue their Sees from obscure townes to the fairest cities of their Dioces made choise of Salisbury there laid the foundation of a Church which he liued not to finish Salisbury saith W. of Malmsbury is a place built on the toppe of a hill resembling rather a Castle then a Towne compassed about with a strong wall and well prouided otherwise of all commodities but wanteth water so vnreasonably as a strange kind of merchandise it is there to be sold. This place we now call old Salisbury whereof nothing remaineth at this time but certaine desert ruines How it decaied we shall haue cause hereafter to discourse 2. Osmond OSmond being a knight and a Norman by birth came into England with King William the Conquerour He had béene Captaine of Say in Normandy and by the foresaid king was made Chauncellor of England Earle of 〈◊〉 and after Hermans death Bishop of Salisbury He was a man well learned and passing wise in regard whereof he was alwaies of the 〈◊〉 counsell and might seldome be spared from the Court He continued the building begun by his predecessor and at last finished the same adding vnto it a library which he furnished with many excellent bookes This new Church at olde Salisbury was finished and in an 〈◊〉 hower dedicated very solemnly by the foresaid 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with Walkelin Bishop of Winchester and Iohn of 〈◊〉 the yéere 1092. In an euill hower I say for the very next day after the steple of the same was 〈◊〉 on fire by lightning That he afterwards repaired and furnished his Church with all maner of ornaments At last he departed this life Saterday December 3. 1099. and was buried in his owne 〈◊〉 His bones were after remoued to new Salisbury where they now lye in the middle of the Lady Chappell vnder a Marble stone bearing this onely inscription ANNO. 〈◊〉 Aboue any thing I may not forget that amongst diuers bookes he writ as the life of Saint Aldelme the first Bishop of Sherborne c. he was first Author of the ordinale secundum vsum Sarum It séemeth he was made a Saint 〈◊〉 his death For I find his name in our Calender the foresaid third day of December 3. Roger. KIng Henry the first being yet a priuate man and seruing his brother in his wars in Normandy it chaunced him and his troupe to turne into a Church in the Subburbes of Cane to heare seruice Roger that rich and mighty Bishop of Salisbury that was afterwards serued the cure there at that time for some very poore salary This 〈◊〉 Curate well knowing how to fit the deuotion of soldiers was so 〈◊〉 at his businesse as he had made an ende of his worke before some of the company were aware he had begunne They all
cryed out he was the 〈◊〉 Chaplaine for soldiers that might he found Whereupon halfe in iest halfe in earnest the yoong Prince bid him follow him He did so and albeit he was in a manner altogether vnlearned yet being very subtile 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a short time he wound him selfe so fast into the Princes liking as he acquainted him with his most secrete affaires and vsed his counsell in matters of greatest importance Hereby it came to passe that he not onely obtained easily for him selfe the Bishopricke of Salisbury soone after the said Princes aduauncement vnto the crowne but also procured the like or greater preferments for many of his kinred He had a sonne of his owne called Roger 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whom he made Chauncellor of England He had also two nephewes which he made Bishops Alexander of Lincolne and 〈◊〉 of Ely This Nigellus likewise had a sonne called Richard 〈◊〉 that long after became Bishop of London Neither was he so carefull of seruing other mens turnes as that he forgat to feather his owne neast what by the reuenewes of his Bishopricke and his temporall offices for he was Chauncellor of England and otherwise much imployed about the king he gathered together infinite treasures whereof some he bestowed very vainely and the rest that vuhappily he reserued was the cause of hie destruction He built most sumptuously two castles one at Sherborne the other at Deuises cōmonly called that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 foolishly to make them without comparison the goodliest and most magnificent buildings of England Then afterwards somewhat to 〈◊〉 the vanity of this humour he founded two monasteries also but what they were I find not All the time of king Henry he flourished in great honour viz for the space of 30. yéeres I doubt not had ended his daies in the like prosperity if his owne treachery had not prouoked the iustice of God to punish the same with the vengeance of an extraordinary calamity The said king Henry hauing lost his onely sonne and apparant heire Prince William by misfortune vpon the sea and hauing no issue lawfully begotten left to inherite his kingdome but onely Mawde the Empresse He thought good to take an oath of all the nobility wherein they promised to yéeld obedience to her after his death as their soueraigne and to none other This oath our Roger did not onely take himselfe but minister vnto the rest of the nobility for that he was Chauncellor Which notwithstanding forgetting all dueties of religion toward God of thankefulnes toward his patrone and loyalty to his Prince he was the first man the king being dead that fell to plotting 〈◊〉 the aduancement of Stephen vnto the kingdome which 〈◊〉 his perswasiou he first attempted and much deale by his vngratious counsell at last obtained Sée how the saying fell out to be true in him 〈◊〉 consilium consultori 〈◊〉 Within two or three yeeres after his comming to the crowne this vsurping periured king for he also had sworne sworne vnto Mawde the Empresse he I say lacked money for many purposes especially for the compassing of a marriage betweene Enstace his onely sonne and Constantia the French kings sister which he thought would be a great establishment of his new erected throne Now séeing no other readier meane he determined to search the coffers of this old Bishop assuring himselfe there to find that might well serue his turne Being therefore at Oxford he sent for him in very friendly manner praying him to come and affoord him his counsell in matters greatly importing him Such was the estate of the 〈◊〉 at that time that almost euery man stood vpon his gard But the Bishop being an old Foxe and suspitious of what might happen entreated his sonne and the Bishops before named his nephewes to ride with him that vnder the colour of their retinue he might carry strength ynough with him to resist the king if he should indeuour to offer him violence The king at their méeting gaue him very gratious countenance but secretly tooke order that a quarrel should be picked vnto some of his retinue So when he least suspected any such matter his people were set vpon vnder colour they had disappointed some of the kings men of their lodgings and forced to 〈◊〉 The Bishop his sonne nephewes fled also But the 〈◊〉 was made too sure beforehand for them to escape They were all taken except onely the Bishop of Ely that 〈◊〉 him to the castell of Deuises which he found very well provided and determined to hold it against the king Thither he trauelled with all spéed the king I meane carrying his prisoners with him whom he caused to ve very hardly vsed and straightly imprisoned shutting vp the one in an oxestall the other in a 〈◊〉 backe roome more loathsome then the other At his first comming he summoned the castell intending to prooue all meanes rather then he would let this occasion slippe of rifling the same Therefore when no other practise would take successe for he tryed many he set vp a faire paire of gallowes and sware he would hang Roger the Bishops sonne it the castell were not presently deliuered vp vnto him The Bishop of Ely continuing obstinate in his denyall though his vncle of Salisbury had intreated him earnestly to yeeld the halter was now about the yoong mans necke and he euen ready to trusse when his father hnmbly besought the king that he would accept his best endeuour for the effecting of his desire to saue his sonnes life was content to sweare he would neither eate nor drinke before the castell were deliuered vnto him Hereupon the execution of the sonne was staied but it cost the father his life For the Bishop of Ely his nephew notwithstanding what intreaty could be made suffred his vncle to fast three whole daies before he would giue ouer The Bishop of Salisbury being now very aged partly peraduenture by reason of griefe but partly also by reason of so long abstinence fell sicke and died rauing and taking on like a man distract of his wits certaine daies before his departure There was found in that castell of his forty thousand markes of siluer ready coyned beside gold plate and iewels of inestimable price All that the king laide hands vpon and with that money procured indéed the marriage before mentioned to be effected The Bishops sonne was kept long in prison and dealt earnestly withall to renounce the 〈◊〉 and deuote himselfe to the party of the king which he most honestly and constantly refusing with long sute obtayned at last for a great fauour that he might be banished the realme To make an ende now with this Bishop he was elected April 13. 1102. consecrate August 11. 1207. with diuers other and died December 4. 1139. So he was Bishop accounting the time from his first election almost 37. yéeres flourishing all that while in woonderful great prosperity and yet had a miserable and most vnhappyend 4. Ioceline ROger being dead K. Stephen nominated vnto
his place one Philip his Chauncellor But the Popes Legate the cleargy of Salisbury vtterly refusing to receiue him he made sute for the Bishopricke of Bayon and obtained the same After that it séemeth vnto me one Galfridus became Bishop of Sarum But because my proofes are not pregnant and diuers affirme Ioceline to be the next successor of Roger except that same Philip whom no man reckeneth amongst the Bishops of this Sée I will passe him ouer in silence Certaine it is that one Ioceline became Bishop of Salisbury continued so many yéeres died the yéere 1184. He was excommunicate together with the Bishop of London in the cause of Thomas Becket and indured much trouble about him as you may sée more at large in the life of the said Thomas He had a sonne named Reginald Bishop of Bathe and after Archbishop of Canterbury 5. Hubert NOuember 1. 1189. Hubert surnamed Walter 〈◊〉 of Yorke was consecrate Bishop of Sarum He attended King Richard Ceur-de-lyon in his famous voyage to the holy land Hereof sée more in Canterbury whether he was translated the yéere 1193. 6. Robert AFter him sate one Robert of whom I find nothing else recorded 7. Richard Poore RIchard Poore sometimes Deane of Salisbury was consecrate Bishop of Chichester 1215. and remooued to Salisbury the yéere 1217. This Bishop considering the vnconuenient situation of his Cathedrall Sée in a place so 〈◊〉 and bleake as also wearied with the often insolencies and malapert demeanure of the soldiers that garded the Earles Castle forsooke the same and sending for diuers famous workemen from beyond the Seas began the foundation of a new Church in a place then called Meryfield Pandulph the Popes Legate laid the fiue first stones the first for the Pope the second for the King the third for the Earle of Salisbury the fourth for the Countesse and the fist for the Bishop In this worke though he had great helpe of the king and diuers of the nobility yet was he so farre from ending it as 〈◊〉 yeeres after his departure it was scarcely finished The Townsmen of olde Salisbury they likewise remooued their habitation to the same place and left the Castle all alone which hauing béene the seate of the Earles of Salisbury many yéeres was giuen ouer into the Bishops hands about the yeere 1360. and in the time of king Henry the seuenth lette downe so as now except a broken tower or two and some péeces of walles there is nothing of it remaining This good Bishop was translated to Durham the yéere 1228. or as some deliuer 1225. See much more of him there 8. Robert Byngham THe Chapter of Salisbury elected then for their Bishop Robert 〈◊〉 one of their owne company the yeere 1228. and the yéere following he was consecrate at Shaftsbury This man with great diligence set forward the worke begunne by his predecessor yet was not able to finish the same although he sate Bishop well neare 20 yeeres He died Nouember 3. 1246. and left his Church indebted 1700. markes A man of great yeeres great learning and great vertue He lyeth buried vpon one side of the Presbitery and his successor on the other 9. William of Yorke WIlliam of Yorke Prouost of Benerley succéeded A Courtier from his very childhood and better seene in the lawes of the realme which he chiefly studied then in the law of God a great deale Matthew Paris reporteth that he first brought in the custome that Tenaunts should be suters vnto the Courts of their Landlords He departed from these worldly cares the last day of March 1256. hauing taken much paines in finishing the building of his Church and was buried as is aboue said ouer against his predecessor 10. Gyles de Brideport GYles de Brideport or Bridlesford Deane of Wels was consecrate Bishop of Salisbury the yéere 1256. and had licence of the Pope to hold the said 〈◊〉 in Commendam still The new Church of our Lady in newe Salisbury being now quite finished he hallowed or dedicated the same with great solemnity September 30. 1258. in the presence of the King and a great number of Prelates Nobles other great personages all which he feasted very magnificently He lyeth entoombed in a faire monument on the South side of the quire 11. Walter de la Wyle VVAlter de la Wyle succéeded him the yéere 1264. and died 1270. 12. Robert de Wikehampton RObert de Wikehampton Deane of Salisbury was elect by the Chapter of Salisbury soone after the decease of his predecessor and had his election confirmed by the Prior and Couent of Canterbury the Archbishopricke being void The Bishops of the realme thinking it an 〈◊〉 that the Couent should performe that which they perswaded them selues belonged vnto them not onely refused to consecrate the elect but also appealed against this confirmation the Papacy being void vnto the Colledge of Carbinals After three or foure yéeres contention iudgement was given for the elect who thereupon was consecrate the yéere 1274. In his time viz. the yéere 1280. vpon Michaelmasse day the Cathedrall Church vpon what occasion I can not tell was againe new hallowed by Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury He dyed the yeere 1283. 13. Walter Scammell VVIthin the space of fiue yéeres the Church of Salisbury about this time had fiue Bishops accounting the forenamed Robert for one Walter Scammell Deane also of Salisbury was the second He was consecrate the yeere 1284. and died within a yeere or two after 14. Henry de Braundstone THe third was Henry de Braundstone who being consecrate the yéere 1286. sate onely one yéere and then died 15. Laurence de Hawkborne THe fourth Laurence de Hawkborne being consecrate 1287. died within a few daies after his consecration 16. William de Comer LAstly William de Comer became Bishop 1288. and sate scarcely three yéeres 17. Nicolas de Longespe NIcolas de Longespe was sonne I take it vnto William Longespe base sonne of king Henry the second and Earle of Salisbury that lieth buried on the left hand of the entrance into the Lady chappell 〈◊〉 this Earle lying very sicke the Bishop brought the Sacrament He vnderstanding of the Bishops comming met him at the chamber doore halfe naked with a halter about his necke threw himselfe downe prostrate at his féete and would not be taken vp vntill hauing made confession of his sinnes with teares and other 〈◊〉 of woonderfull hearty and sincere 〈◊〉 he had receaued the Sacrament in most deuoute manner Some two or thrée daies after he liued continually bewailing his sinfull life with whole flouds of teares and departed 1226. This Nicolas his whether sonne or 〈◊〉 was consecrate 1291. and dying 1297. was buried 〈◊〉 by him vnder a huge marble stone sometimes inlaid with brasse and adorned with the armes of their house 18. Simon de Gaunt AFter him succéeded Simon de Gaunt a 〈◊〉 borne He was a great Diuine and made many good statutes whereby the church is yet gouerned 19. Roger de Mortiuall Roger
de Mortiuall consecrate 1315 died 1329. 20. Robert Wyuyl AT the request of the Quéene the Pope was content to bestow this Bishopricke vpon Robert Wiuyll a man not onely not furnished with competent giftes of learning but so vnpersonable saith Walsingham as if the Pope had but seene him he would neuer haue cast so high a dignity vpon him He sate a long time to wit flue and forty yeeres and vpward in which it were a great maruaile he should not perfourme some thing memorable About the yéere 1355. he 〈◊〉 William Montacute Earle of Salisbury with a writ of right for the castle of Salisbury The Earle pleaded that he would defend his title by combat Whereupon at a time appointed the Bishop was faine to bring his Champion vnto the 〈◊〉 prouided for this purpose He was clothed all in white sauing that ouer the rest of his apparrell was cast the coate armor of the Bishop After him came one with a staffe and another with his target The Earle likewise brought in his Champion much in like sort and all things were now ready for them to goe together when vpon a sodaine by commaundement of the kings leters the matter was staid for a time Before the second meeting the parties fell to agréement The Bishop gaue vnto the Earle 2500. markes to leaue the castle with his apurtenances vnto him and his successors for euer Beside this he also recouered the chace of Béere and the castle of Sherborne which had beene detained from his Sée euer since king Stephen tooke it violently from Rogre his predecessor for the space of 200. yéeres He died the sixe and fortie yeere of his consecration September 4. 1375. and lieth buried vnder a faire marble stone in the middle of the quire néere the Bishops See On the South side close by him lieth Bishop lewell who as I haue heard desired to lie beside him 21. Ralfe Erghum RAlfe Erghum Doctor of law was consecrate at Brugis in Flaunders December 9. 1375. and was translated to Wels September 14. 1388. Sée more there 22. Iohn Waltham IOhn Waltham Master of the Rolles and kéeper of the prtuy 〈◊〉 succeeded The yeere 1391. he became Treasurer of England and so continued till he died king Richard the second loued him entierly and greatly bewailed his death In token whereof he commaunded that he should be buried in Westminster among the kings many men much enuying him that honour He died the yeere 1395 and lieth iust beside king Edward the first vnder a flat marble the inscription whereof is though partly defaced not yet quite perished How he resisted W. Courtney Archbishop of Canterbury in his visitation and the successe thereof sée more in the said W. Courtney 23. Richard Meltford THe yéere 1388. in the Parliament called the Parliament that wrought woonders the Barones apprehended so many of the kings fauorites as they could come by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to prison The lay 〈…〉 the most part they caused to be executed But the Cleargy men lying by it a while by the next turne of fortunes wheele were not onely set as high as they were before but some of them much higher Amongst the rest Richard Metford a man of 〈◊〉 eminent place otherwise then by the kings fauour was imprisoned a great while in the Castle of Bristow Soone after his inlargement the king found meanes first to aduance him to the Bishopricke of Chichester and then after Bishop 〈◊〉 death to translate him vnto Salisbury where he sate about 12. yéeres and died 1407. 24. Nicholas Bubwith NIcholas Bubwith Bishop of London and Treasurer of England was translated to Salisbury the yéere 1407. and from thence to Wels within the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 yéere Sée more of him in Wels. 25. Robert Halam VPon the remooue of Bishop Bubwith one Robert Halam became Bishop of Sarum Iune 6. 1411. he was made Cardinall He died at the Councell of 〈◊〉 the councell being not yet ended September 4. 1417. 26. Iohn Chaundler AT what time Bishop Halam died Martin the 〈◊〉 was not yet chosen Pope By reason whereof the Papacy being after a sort void and so the Popes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Chapter of Sarum had the liberty of a frée election and chose one Iohn Chaundler who sate Bishop about 10. yéeres 27. Robert Neuill RObert Neuill consecrate 1427. was translated to Durham 1438. 28. William Ayscoth VVIlliam Ayscoth Doctor of Lawe and Clerke of the Counsell was consecrate in the Chappell of Windsor Iuly 20. 1438. The yéere 1450. 〈◊〉 happened the commons to arise in sundry parts of the realme by the stirring of 〈◊〉 Cade naming himselfe Iohn 〈◊〉 A certaine number of lewd persons tenants for the most part to this Bishop intending to ioyne themselues to the rest of that crew came to 〈◊〉 where he was then saying of masse What was their quarrell to him I finde not But certaine it is they drew him from the altar in his albe with his stole about his 〈◊〉 to the top of an 〈◊〉 not far off and there as he 〈◊〉 on his 〈◊〉 praying they 〈◊〉 his head 〈◊〉 him to the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 shirt into a number of pieces tooke euery man a ragge to keepe for a monument of their worthy exploit The day before they had robbed his cariages of 10000. markes in ready money This barbarous murther was committed Iune 29. the yeere aforesaid 29. Richard Beauchamp RIchard 〈◊〉 succeeded He built a beautifull and sumptuous chappel on the South side of the Lady chappell and lieth buried in the same vnder a very faire toombe of marble 30. Leonell Wooduill LEonell Wooduill consecrate the yéere 1482. was sonne to 〈◊〉 Earle 〈◊〉 and brother to 〈◊〉 the Queene of Edward the fourth A neere 〈◊〉 of his hath assured me that Stephen Gardmer Bishop of Winchester was begotten by this man who to couer his fault married his mother vnto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 one of his meanest followers and caused another of better sort to bring vp the childe as it were of almes When or how he left his Bishopricke I finde not 31. Thomas Langton THomas Langton Doctor of Lawe was consecrate 1485. and translated to Winchester 1493. Sée more of him 〈◊〉 32. Iohn Blythe IOhn Blythe was consecrate February 23. 1493. and died August 23. 1499. He lieth buried vpon the backe side of the high altar and hath a faire toombe not standing after the maner of other toombes East and West but ouerthwart the church North and South for which cause some call him the ouerthwart Bishop 33. Henry Deane HEnry Deane Doctor of Diuinity Abbot of Lanthony sometimes Chauncellor of Ireland and then Bishop of Bangor was translated to Salisbury the yeere 1500. and within two yéeres after to Canterbury Sée more of him there 34. Edmund Audeley THe yéere 1480. Edmund Audeley a gentleman of the auncient house of the Lord Audeleys became Bishop of Rochester Thencs he was translated 1493. to 〈◊〉 and from Hereford the yéere 1502. vnto Salisbury He lieth buried in a goodly
chappell built for the purpose on the South side of the high altar where also it séemeth he founded a chauntry for 〈◊〉 to be sung for his soule 35. Laurent Campegius LAurentius Campegius borne in Bononia Bishop of 〈◊〉 and one of the Auditors of the Rota in Rome was made Cardinall of Saint Thomas and after of Saint 〈◊〉 June 27. 1517. The yéere 1524. he became Bishop of Salisbury and died Bishop-Cardinall of Preneste at Rome in the moneth of August 1539. He was buried in our Lady church beyond Tyber 36. Nicholas Shaxston IT should séeme that the said Cardinal might not be suffred to enioy his Bishoprick any longer whē as the Popes authority was abrogated all sute to Rome forbidden The yeere 1535. fower yeeres befere he died Nicholas Shaxston Doctor of Dunnity was consecrate vnto this Sée and sate Bishop fower yeeres He resigned it July 1. 1539. the same day that Bishop Latymer resigned Worceter 37. Iohn Capon IOhn Salcot alias Capon Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate Bishop of Bangor 1534. and translated to Salisbury 1539. He 〈◊〉 buried vpon the South side of the Quire almost behind the Bishops See 38. Iohn Iewell POpe Paule the fourth bearing an olde grudge against Cardinall Poole soone after his aduauncement vnto the Papacy bestowed a Cardinals hat vpon one Peter Petow an obseruant Fryer and a gentleman of an 〈◊〉 house whom he made also his legate a latere ex 〈◊〉 potestatis gaue him the Bishopricke of Salisbury and sent him into England to confront the said Cardinall Poole But Quéene Mary stood so stoutely in defence of her kinsman and the rather for that the knew this course to be taken in despite of her the Pope being all togither addicted vnto the French party as she would not suffer this new legate either to enter the realme as legate or to enioy the Bishopricke the Pope had assigned him While this matter hung thus in question Fryer Peto died first and Queene Mary seene after It pleased then her Majesty that now is to appoint vnto the Bishopricke of Salisbury Iohn Iewell Batcheler of Diuinity He was borne at Berynarber in Deuonshire brought vp in Oxford first in Merton colledge and then in Corpus Christi Thence he fled the yéere 1554. into Germany and after 4. yéeres 〈◊〉 returning was consecrate Bishop of this church Ianuary 21. 1559. Hauing sate here well neere 12. yéeres he died at Monketon Farley Septem 23. 1571. in the 50. yeere of his age and was buried almost in the middle of the quire 39. Edmund Gheast EDmund Gheast Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate Bishop of Rochester Ianuary 21. 1559. translated 〈◊〉 to Salisbury December 24. 1571. died February 28. 1578. the 63. yéere of his age and was buried in the quier vpon the North side of Bishop Wiuyll He writ diuers workes mentioned by Bale in his Centuries 40. Iohn Piers. IOhn Piers Doctor of Diuinity and Deane of Christchurch in Oxford succéeded Bishop Gheast both in Rochester whereunto he was consecrate March 10. 1576 and in Salisbury the yéere 1577. There he sate 11. yéeres continuing all that while the Quéenes Almoner and was translated to Yorke the yéere 1588. 41. Iohn Coldwell THe Sée hauing then continued voide 3. yéeres Iohn Coldwell Doctor of phisicke and Deane of Rochester was consecrate vnto the same December 26. 1591. He died in October 1596. and was laid in the same graue where Bishop Wiuyll had long since beene buried 42. Henry Cotton HEnry Cotton Chaplaine vnto her Maiesty was consecrate togither with the Bishops of Exceter Glocester and Bangor in Nouember 1598. The Bishopricke of Salisbury is valued at 1385 l. 5 s. ob and paide to the Pope at euery exchaunge of the Incumbent 4000. ducats The Bishops of Bathe and Welles WElles that sometimes heretofore was called 〈◊〉 is not a 〈◊〉 of any very great antiquity It seemeth not to haue béene a place of any extraordinary note vntill the yeere 704 at what time 〈◊〉 King of the West Saxons built a Church there and dedicated the same vnto S. Andrew somewhat more then 60. yéeres after Kenulphus King also of the West Saxons gaue vnto the maintenance of the Ministers belonging vnto that Church all the lands néere adioyning The very words of his Charter I haue thought good to set downe for the antiquity and some other things in the same worthy consideration In nomine Domini nostri Iesu Christi Cum constet 〈◊〉 Catholicis recte credentibus in Domino quod tempora huius temporalis vitae longe lateque per orbem 〈◊〉 ac diuersis causis quotidie transeunt nec non 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aegritudine preuenti statim vitam finiendo deserunt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 omnia fugitiua 〈◊〉 beneficia domini sine aliqua tarditate pauperibus hic tribuendo erogemus vt illic 〈◊〉 mercedis in aeterna patria sine fine cum Domino 〈◊〉 accipiamus Quapropter ego Cynewlphus occ Saxonum Rex aliquam terrae partem pro amore Dei pro 〈◊〉 delictorum meorum nec non quod verbo dolendum 〈◊〉 pro aliqua vexatione inimicorum nostrorum Corunbiorum gentis cum consensu Episcoporum atque satraparum 〈◊〉 Dei Apostolo 〈◊〉 ministro Sancto Andreae humiliter ascribendo donabo hoc est 11. manentium prope fluuium qui 〈◊〉 Weluue ad augmentum monasterij quod situm 〈◊〉 iuxta fontem magnum quem vocitant Wielea vt eo diligentius in Ecclesia Sancti Andreae Apostoli deo soli 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 territorijs circumseriptam A mendie de valle quae dicitur Asancumb in occidentali plaga in vnum fontem qui appellatur Diernanwiell deinde in collem quem incolae appellant Dornhil deinde in defertum on picelon dorn tunc vltra flumen Weluue in fontem Holanwielle inde in desertum in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quae est iuxta fontem riuuli quem incolae 〈◊〉 Sealtbroc tunc in eundem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 flumen Welwe 〈◊〉 in ripam 〈◊〉 vsque 〈◊〉 Welwe 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 publicam vsque 〈◊〉 quem vocitant Ellentrow 〈◊〉 in torrentem 〈◊〉 in vadum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per campestria inter duas petrosas vias ad supra nominatum vallem Asancumb Si quis 〈◊〉 infringere vel imminuere ausus sit sciat se coram Christo Sanctis Angelis 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 examine rationem redditurum Scripta est haec Syngrapha ann Dom. incarn 766. Inductione 12. †Ego Cynewlfus Gewisorum Rex hanc meam donationem cum signaculo Sanctae crucis roboraui †Ego Herewaldus Episcopus huius munificentiae cartulam propria manu signaui †Ego Ernchardus Episcopus huic largitati consensi 〈◊〉 1. Plegmund Aldeim ALl this while there was no Cathedrall Church there but onely a Colledge It happened then the yéere 905. that 〈◊〉 Archbishop of Canterbury by the commaundement of the King consecrated seuen Bishops in one day whereof thrée were appointed vnto Sées newly ereded Amongst the rest Aldelm Abbot of Glastonbury was ordained Bishop of Wels
and Somersetshire alotted vnto him for his Dioces He sate here 10. yeeres and after the death of Plegmund was remooued to Canterbury Sée there more of him and this new erection After him followed these 2. Wifelnius who succeeded Aldelm both here and at Canterbury He liued here nine yéeres and there 14. a man saith Pol. Virg. famous as well for vertue as learning Sée more of him in Canterbury 3. Elfeth 4. Wlfhelm 5. Brithelm He was a monke of Glastonbury and became Bishop of Wels the yéere 958. He gaue vnto the Abbey of Glastonbury his nurse the iurisdiction of the Countrey adioyning and made it an Archdeaconry annuall to be bestowed vpon a monke of Glastonbury and he to be elected yéerely by the Couent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the yéere 959. was elected Archbishop of Canterbury Whereof see more in Dunstan of Canterbury He continued Bishop here 15. yéeres and died 973. 6. Kinewardus or Kinewaldus Abbot of Middleton became Bishop of Wels the yéere following sate 11. yéeres and died 985. 7. Sigar He was Abbot of Glastonbury sate also 11. yéeres and died ann 985. 8. Alwyn called by some Adelwyn and by others 〈◊〉 9. Burwold His toombe is to be séene with his 〈◊〉 engrauen vpon the South side of the Quier at Wels. 10. Leoningus translated to Canterbury the yéere 1012. Sée more of him there 11. Ethelwyn expelled his Bishopricke by Brithwyn recouered the same againe from him and shortly after his restitution died 12. Brithwyn who entring into peaceable possession of this Sée presently vpon the decease of Ethelwyn with in 13. daies after died him selfe also 13. 〈◊〉 Abbot of Glattonbury 14. 〈◊〉 whom some name Bodeca He was a Saxon of Germany or as some deliuer borne in 〈◊〉 In his time king Edward the Confessor gaue vnto this Church the mannors of Congresbury and 〈◊〉 He was consecrate the yéere 1031. sate 27. 〈◊〉 7. monethes and seuen daies and was buried vpon the South side of the high Aultar in 〈◊〉 It 〈◊〉 his toombe is the highest of those ancient monuments that we sée vpon the South outside of the Duier 15. Giso Giso a Frenchman of Lorraine borne in a village called Saint Trudo within the territory of Hasban was sent Embassador to Rome by king Edward the Confessor to to be resolued there of certaine doubts concerning matter of religion about the time that 〈◊〉 died Being so absent he was elected Bishop by the Chapter of Wels and receiued consecration at Rome April 4 being Easter day 1059. together with Aldred Archbishop of Yorke and Walter Bishop of Hereford At his returne he found the estate of his Church very miserable Harald the queenes brother that afterwards became for a while king of England being yet a priuate man Qâ—id Domini facient audent qui talia 〈◊〉 Upon what occasion I know not had spoyled the Church of all ornaments chased away the Canons and inuading all the possessions of the same had conuerted them to his owne vse so that the Canons remaining which fled not for seare of this tyrant they were onely fiue they I say were faine to begge their bread The Bishop complaining vnto the King of this outragious hauocke found cold comfort at his hands 〈◊〉 whether it were for feare of Haralds power or his wiues displeasure he caused no restitution at all to be made Onely the Queene was content to giue of her owne Marke and Modesly vnto the Church After the death of king Edward Giso was faine to fly the land till such time as 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 vsurper being vanquished and slaine William the Conqueror was a meane to restore not only him to his place and countrey but his Church also to all that the other had violently taken from it except some small parcels that I know not by what meanes had beene 〈◊〉 vnto the Monastery of Glocester Yet in stead of them also he was pleased to bestow vpon the Church the mannour of Yatton with the Patronage of the benefice there and moreouer caused one Ealsi to restore vnto the same the mannour of 〈◊〉 which long since had beene altenated from it by some 〈◊〉 practise as it should seeme Giso being thus setled tooke great paines in recouering such other things as had béene 〈◊〉 from his church in procuring charters of confirmation for the better assurance of what already they had and procuring such things as séemed to be wanting Namely of one 〈◊〉 a Courtier he found meanes to obtaine the 〈◊〉 of Coonth-Nicolas 〈◊〉 and Lytton Then 〈◊〉 the state of his church so well amended he thought good to augment the number of his Canons and for their better 〈◊〉 built then a cloyster a hall and a dorter or place for their lodging Lastly he appointed one Isaac by the name of a Prouost to be their gouernor Hauing béene Bishop the space of 28. yéeres he departed this life and was buried vpon the North side of that place where the high altar then stoode I take his to be the highest of those olde toombes that lye vpon the outside of the quier toward the North. 16. Iohn de Villula HE that succeeded Iohn de Villula a Frenchman borne in Tours and a phisician heretofore by his profession not content to do nothing toward the amendment of the state of his church vsed all the meanes he might to impaire and diminish the same The cloyster and other buildings 〈◊〉 by Gyso for his canons he pulled downe and in the place where they stoode build a pallace for himselfe and his successors forcing them to séeke dwellings abroad in the towne But the greatest wrong of al other was that neuer acquainting them with it he procured his Episcopall Sée which 〈◊〉 had béene seated at Welles to be remooued to Bathe and whereas all his predecessors had béene knowen by the names of the Bishoppes of Welles hee renouncing Welles entitled himselfe Bishoppe of Bathe which city he bought of the king for fiue hundreth markes and founded in the same a monastary for the receit of his new remooued Episcopall throne This monastery was first built by Offa king of Mercia ann 775. and being destroyed by the Danes who burnt and razed to the ground almost all the monasteries of England was afterwardes an 1010. reedified by Elphegus that at last was Archbishop of Canterbury His building stoode no long time For the yéere 1087. both it and in a manner all the city was consumed and vtterly destroyed by fire in such sort as this Bishop building it a new from the ground and augmenting the reuenues which before were little or nothing vnto a competent proportion may not vnworthily séeme to be the founder and author of the same He had scarcely or indeed not 〈◊〉 it wheÌ„ being a very aged man he was taken away by 〈◊〉 to wit Dec. 29. 1122. hauing sate 34. yeres He was 〈◊〉 in the church himselfe had built 17. Godfry ONe Godfry a Dutchman and chaplaine vnto the Queene was then by her meanes preferred to this See
and consecrate August 20 1123. He was also for a time Chauncellor of England vnder king Henry the first Hauing 〈◊〉 here 12. yeres he died Aug. 16. 1135. was buried at Bathe 18. Robert AFter him succéeded one Robert a monke of Lewes borne in Normandy but by parentage a Flemming In the beginning of his time to wit July 29. 1137. the church of Bathe lately built by Iohn de Villula was againe consumed with fire He reedified it and added whatsoeuer might seeme to haue beene left vnperfect by the other In the stirres betweene Mawd the Empresse and king Stephen he indured much trouble being taken prisener at Bathe and held in captiuity a long time by the king The continuer of Florent 〈◊〉 setteth downe the history thereof at large After his deliuerance he tooke great 〈◊〉 in labouring an agreement between the churches of Wels and Bathe who had now many yeeres contended which of them should be honored with the Episcopall See At last with the good liking of both parties he set downe this order that the Bishops hereafter should be called Bishops of Bathe Wels that each of them should by 〈◊〉 appoint electors the See being voide by whose voyces the Bishop should be chosen that he should be installed in both of these churches Then whereas a kinsman of Iohn de 〈◊〉 being appointed by him Prouost by vertue of that office had withdrawen and conuerted vnto his owne vse in a manner all the reuenues of old belonging to the cannons with great labour and cost at last he procured all that had appertained vnto them to 〈◊〉 restored againe And to take away all occasion of the like vsurpation he thought good to diuide the landes of the church 〈◊〉 two parts whereof the one he assigned vnto the chapter in common out of the rest he allotted to euery cannon a portion by the name of a Prebend He also it was that first 〈◊〉 a Deane to be the President of the chapter and a Subdeane to supply his place in absence a 〈◊〉 to gouerne the quier and a Subchaunter vnder him a Chauncellour to instruct the yoonger sort of Cannons and lastly a Treasurer to looke to the ornaments of the church The Subchauntership togither with the Prouostship an 1547. were taken away and suppressed by act of Parliament to patch vp a Deanry the lands and reuenewes of the Deanry being deuoured by sacrilegious cormorants Moreouer and 〈◊〉 all this whereas our church of Welles at this time was exceeding ruinous and likely euery day to fall to the ground he pulled downe a great part of it and repaired it At last he died hauing sate 29. yeeres and 4. moneths and was buried at Bathe 19. Reginald Fitzioceline 〈◊〉 Sée was then voide eight yéeres eight moneths and fiftéene daies At last Reginald Fitzioceline a 〈◊〉 sonne vnto Ioceline Bishop of Salisbury and by his gift Archdeadon of Salisbury was appointed thereunto being but 33. yeres of age or as one deliuereth but 24. This man by suite obtayned for the Chapter of king Richard the first at what time he set forward in his voyage toward the Holy land ' the mannors of Curry Wrentich and Hatch He founded the hospitall of Saint Iohns in Bathe and certaine Prebends in the church Moreouer he graunted vnto the city of Welles a corporation and many priuiledges which by his gift they enioy to this day The yéere 1191. he was translated to Canterbury Sée more of him there 20. Sauaricus KIng Richard the first being taken prisoner in Germany by Leopold Duke of Austria The Emperor tooke order with him that besides other conditions to be required of the king for his deliuerance he should make him promise to preferre a 〈◊〉 of his the Emperors called 〈◊〉 then Archdeacon of Northampton vnto the Bishopricke of Bathe and Wels moreouer to annexe vnto the same Bishopricke the Abbotship of 〈◊〉 For the better effecting of which purpose 〈◊〉 was content to returne vnto the king the possession of the City of Bathe which his predecessor Iohn de Villula had bought of king 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 These things being brought to passe according to his desire he altered his style and would needes be called Bishop of Glostonbury He was consecrate on Michaelmas day 1192. at Rome and returning into England by Germany was there stayed and left for an hostage in assurance of paiment of the kings raunsome After his deliuery he yet continued there a long time and became Chauncellor vnto the Emperor till that the yeere 1197. the Emperor falling sicke as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 uereth he was sent by him into England to release vnto the king all such moneies as yet remained vnpaid of that wrongfull and vnconscionable raunsome The Emperor then dying before he could returne he thought good to remaine here still vpon his charge In 12. yeeres that he sate Bishop he did not any thing memorable except happily this may seeme worthy remembrance that he impropriated the Parsonages of Ilmister and Longsutton making them Prebends and appointing the one of them alwaies to be alotted vnto the Abbot of Muchelney and the 〈◊〉 to the Abbot of Athelney for the time being The Prebend of 〈◊〉 is vanished together with the Abbey of 〈◊〉 Longsutton Parsonage by the 〈◊〉 of Queene Mary was restored to the Church of Welles and remaineth to this day a part of our possessions This Bishop died August 8. 1205. and was buried at Bathe Concerning him and the great summes he died indebted who so list may reade somewhat in the Decretals of Greg. lib. 3. tit 9. cap. Nouit ille 21. Ioceline de Welles SAuarike being dead the monkes of Glastonbury made importunate sute at Rome to be restored vnto their olde gouernment vnder an Abbot Their importunity gaue occasion of setting downe a decree in the Court of Rome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being void nothing is to be altered in the state of the 〈◊〉 Before the end of the yeere 1205. 〈◊〉 a Canon of 〈◊〉 borne also and brought vp in Welles at leastwise as to me by diuers arguments it seemeth was consecrate vnto this See at Reading The monkes of Glastonbury were by and by dooing with him and after much contention preuailed but so as they were faine to buy their victory at a deare 〈◊〉 allowing vnto the 〈◊〉 of Welles out of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the mannors of 〈◊〉 Pucklechurch 〈◊〉 and Cranmer and the patronage of the beneffces of Winscombe Pucklechurch Ashbery Christ Malford Buckland and Blackford Soone after this composition made he 〈◊〉 faine to fly the realme aad continued in banishment the space of fiue yeeres The cause and mannor thereof you may 〈◊〉 in Stephen Langton of Canterbury After his returne he gaue him selfe altogether to adorning and increasing the 〈◊〉 of his Church He founded diuers Prebends impropriated diuers Parsonages to the 〈◊〉 of his Chapter and gaue them the mannour of Winscombe He allotted reasonable reuencwes to euery of the dignities which before that time had
small profite by their places He appointed bicars to 〈◊〉 the Prebends in dooing the seruice of the Church and laid vnto the Bishopricke the mannors of Congresbury Chedder and 〈◊〉 He also and Hugh Bishop of Lincolne 〈◊〉 their purses together founded the Hospitall of S. Iohns in Welles which being suppressed by act of Parliament 〈◊〉 to the Earle of Southampton he 〈◊〉 it with Bishop Clarke for Dogmersfield Moreouer in building he bestowed inestimable summes of money He built a 〈◊〉 Chappell in 〈◊〉 pallace at Welles and an other at Owky as also many other edifices in the same houses And lastly the Church of Welles it selfe being now ready to fall to the ground notwithstanding the great cost bestowed vpon it by Bishop Robere he pulled downe the greatest part of it to witte all the West ende built it a new from the very foundation and hallowed or dedicated it October 22. 1239. Hauing continued in this Bishopricke 27. yeeres he died at last Nouember 19. 1242. and was 〈◊〉 in the middle of the 〈◊〉 that he had built under a 〈◊〉 toombe of late yeeres monsterously defared 22. Roger. NOtwithstanding the composition lately made by Bishop 〈◊〉 for the order of election the monkes of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 with the Chapter of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 one Roger the Chaunter of SaluÌ„bury for Bishop 〈◊〉 for that a kinsman of the Popes had the aduouson of his 〈◊〉 obtained easily consecration by the Popes meanes September 11. 1244. After long sute in law betweene the two Churches for the righting of this wrong the end was that Welles men must 〈◊〉 vp the wrong and they of Bathe yeeld assurance of performing the composition for the time to come which was done accordingly The Bishop by whose meanes this accord 〈◊〉 made not liuing long after departed this 〈◊〉 Ianuary 13. 1274. hauing sate not past foure monethes above three yéeres He onely of all the 〈◊〉 of this Church for the space of almost 600. yeeres died 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of 6 yeeres after his comming 〈◊〉 which in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath yet neuer happened to any other 〈◊〉 is the 〈◊〉 of our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at Bathe 23. William Bitton or Button THe 〈◊〉 of Bathe according to their promise now at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Chapter of Welles William Button 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and then 〈◊〉 of Welles was with one 〈◊〉 elected This man had much to doo with the monkes of 〈◊〉 concerning those lands which by composition they had yeelded to the See of 〈◊〉 And although the Bishop had sustained great charge in diners of the kings seruices namely and especially in trauayling into the furthermost part of Spaine about his affaires Yet he fauored altogether the part of the monkes and gaue them hâ—s vttermost assistance in their sutes They were ended at by the Bishops death who deceased in the beginning of the yeere 1264. hauing first possessed his brethren and kinsfolkes of all the principall places of our Church of Welles For I finde that about this time there was another William Button his brothers sonne Archdeacon of Welles and after Bishop one Richard Button Chaunter Nicolas Button a brother of the Bishops Treasurer Iohn Button another brother of his Prouost of Coomb and Parson of Ashbery aster whose death one Thomas Button succéeded in the Prouostship and that one Thomas Button whether the same man or no I can not tell was first Archdeacon after William Button aforesaid then Deane of Welles and lastly the yéere 1292. Bishop of Exceter This Thomas Button it was that for the soule of this William Button our Bishop gaue to our Church the bell commonly called the sermon bell as in a French inscription vpon the same bell is yet to be séene He lyeth buried in the middle of our Lady Chappell vnder a Marble toombe 24. Walter Giffard VVAlter Giffard Canon of Welles and a 〈◊〉 laine of the Popes was elected May 22. 1264 and soone after consecrate by the Bishop of 〈◊〉 in the absence of Boniface the Archbishop 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. yeeres he was translated to 〈◊〉 Sée Yorke 25. William Button or Bitton VVIlliam Button 〈◊〉 of Welles and nephew to the former William Button obtained this Bishopricke the yéere 1267. A man so greatly accounted of for his holinesse saith Matthew Paris as when Robert Killwardby Archbishop of Canterbury had licence of the Pope to take consecration at the hand of any Catholique Bishop he made choice of him only in respect of his holinesse He made many good statutes by which our Church is yet gouerned Amongst other things he ordained foure generall Chapter daies in the yeere at which onely times such things should be ordred as might 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It were greatly to be wished that all other Churches were to obserue the same order He deceased in the moneth of Nouember 1274. Many 〈◊〉 people especially such as were troubled with the tooth ake were woont euen of late yeeres to frequent much the place of his 〈◊〉 being without the North side of the 〈◊〉 where we see a Marble stone hauing a 〈◊〉 image grauen vpon it He gaue vnto our Church the mannor of Bicknaller 26. Robert Burnell IN the moneth of Ianuary following Robert Burnell Archdeacon of Yorke and Canon of Welles was elected A man of great power and authoritie in those daies being first Treasurer then Chauncellor of England and alwaies of the 〈◊〉 vnder king Edward the first That gaue him meanes of gathering great wealth which he 〈◊〉 partly in building his houses as namely that goodly hall of the pallace at Welles pulled downe some fifty yeeres since by a 〈◊〉 of the court that for a 〈◊〉 reward of his 〈◊〉 soone after lost his head But his principall care was to inrich his brethren and 〈◊〉 whom he greatly advanced He was much 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 affaires from which he could be so ill spared as the king was content for a 〈◊〉 to let him 〈◊〉 his court of 〈◊〉 at Bristoll Some there be suppose the castle of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 to haue beene built by him at what time he was occasioned to hue in those parts He sate eighteene yeeres and 〈◊〉 burted in the middle of the body of his church vnder a marble stone somewhat below the pulpit 27. William de Marchia THe same yéere that Burnell dicd William de Marchio then Treasurer of England succéeded I haue séene amongst the records of our church of Welles the 〈◊〉 pies of diuers letters vnto the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 king from diuers of the nobility and the cleargy of 〈◊〉 church commending this man so far foorth for his holinesse testified as they write by many miracles as they 〈◊〉 very earnestly for his Canonisation I maruaile much at 〈◊〉 For Matthew of Westminster and Polydor virgill 〈◊〉 grieuously of him as the author of a hainous sacrilege in 〈◊〉 sing the king to spoile all the Churches and Monasteries of England of such plate and mony as lay hoorded vp in them for the paiment of his souldiers It was
Edward the first 〈◊〉 prince that wanted neither wit to deuise nor courage to 〈◊〉 cute such an exploit and to lay the fault vpon another at last Yet likely inough it is that such a fault stamped vpon him how vndeseruedly soeuer might barre him out of the 〈◊〉 Calender who otherwise was not woont to be ouer dainty 〈◊〉 affoording that kind of honour where fees might be 〈◊〉 paid in for it He sate ten yeeres and lieth entoombed in 〈◊〉 South wall néere the Cloister doore In this mans time the Chapter house was built by the contribution of well disposed people a stately and sumptuous worke 28. Walter Haselshaw VVAlter Haselshaw first Deane then Bishop 〈◊〉 Welles sate ten yeeres and lieth buried vnder a huge marble in the body of the church toward the North almost ouer against the pulpit He made many statutes 29. Iohn Drokensford IOhn Drokensford kéeper of the kings Ward-robe succéeded Following the steps of his predecessor 〈◊〉 he bestowed somewhat in increasing the buildings and liberties of his See but much more vpon his 〈◊〉 He had much contention with his Chapter the story whereof is to be seene in the 〈◊〉 booke sate 19. yeeres and lieth buried vnder a reasonable saemcly toombe of free stone in the chappell of Saint Batherme which is vpon the right hand going toward the Lady chappell 30. Ralfc of Shrewsbury VVIth one cōsent of the chapter of Wels the couent of Bathe 〈◊〉 of Shrewsbury was then elected dared to be consecrate a great venture in those daies before the 〈◊〉 had allowed of him His approbation saith 〈◊〉 cost him at last a huge summe of money This man is famous for the first foundation of our 〈◊〉 close in Wels. The memory of which benefit is to be seene erpressed in a 〈◊〉 vpon the wal at the foot of the hall staires In 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to request the Bishop in these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 about the 〈◊〉 we humbly pray Together through 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dwell we may He answereth them thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For your 〈◊〉 deserts do plead I will do that you craue To this purpose established here dwellings shall you haue This picture being now almost worne out at what time of late yeeres the 〈◊〉 by the gratious fauour of her Maiesty had their reuenues confirmed to them being in danger to be spoyled of them by certaine sacrilegious cormorants they likewise caused a picture of excellent workmanship to be drawen 〈◊〉 a memoriall of both the one and the other These buildings being erected toward the maintenance of some hospitality in them he gaue vnto that new Colledge the mannor of 〈◊〉 and allotted them twenty nobles yerely to be paid out of the vicarage of Chew He built moreouer a house for the Queristers and their master He built likewise the church of Winscomb and the court house at Clauerton a great chamber at Cuercrich and much other 〈◊〉 in other of his houses His pallace of Welles he inclosed with an excéeding strong wall and a large mote into which he 〈◊〉 the riuer running hard by He gaue vnto his church 〈◊〉 things of which nothing now remaineth I thinke but a great chest bound with iron in which the Chapter seale is kept Lastly it is to be remembred that with great 〈◊〉 he procured the forest of 〈◊〉 to be disparked Hauing performed these and many other things deseruing perpetual 〈◊〉 he departed this life at Wiuelescomb Aug. 14. 1363. hauing continued Bishop 34. yéeres His body was buried before the high altar vnder a goodly monument of Alabaster compassed about with grates of yron About a 60. yéeres since for what cause I know not it was remooued to the 〈◊〉 side of the presbytery but lost his grates by the way The image of Alabaster that lieth vpon it is said to be very like him 31. Iohn Barnet IOhn Barnet remooued from Worcester succéeded him sate two yéeres and was translated to Ely Sée Ely 32. Iohn Harewell EDward surnamed the Blacke Prince obtayned then of the Pope this Bishopricke for Iohn Harewell a chaplaine of his that was Chauncellour of Gascoigne 〈◊〉 was consecrate at Burdeaur March 7. 1366. by the Archbishop there He contributed the third penny toward the building of the Southwest tower at the ende of the church the Chapter bearing the rest of the charge He paid 100. markes for glasing the window at the West ende of the church 〈◊〉 gaue two great bels the bigest of which being cast fower times since I was of this church now at last serueth for 〈◊〉 greatest of a ring the goodliest for that number being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I thinke in England He died in the moneth of June 1386. hauing sate 19. yéeres and was interred ouer 〈◊〉 Burwold where we sée a toombe of alabaster that séemeth to haue béene a sumptuous piece of worke but is now much defaced 33. Walter Skirlaw VVAlter Skirlaw was translated from Lichfield hether and after two yeeres from hence to Durham See Durham 34. Ralfe Erghum RAlfe Erghum Doctor oslawe was consecrate Bishop of Salisbury at Bruges in Flanders December 9. 1375. From thence he was translated 〈◊〉 September 14. 1388. died Aprill 10. 1401. He impropred to the chapter of Welles the parsonage of Puklechurch and gaue vnto them a certaine house called the George beside certaine plate and church ornaments to the value 140 l. Moreouer he built a colledge at Welles for fowerteene priests at the ende of the lane now called Colledge-lane He lieth buried in the body of the church vpon the North side of that chappell that ioyneth to the great pulpit 35. Henry Bowet THe Bishopricke so void was conferred by the Pope vpon Richard Clifford Archdeacon of Canterbury who being denied his temporalties by the king was faine notwithstanding the Popes prouisory Bulles to giue place vnto Henry Bowet Doctor of law and Canon of Welles that with the kings fauour was lawfully elect thereunto Sée more hereof in Richard Clifford of London To Welles he was consecrate Nouemb. 16. 1401. in Saint Paules church in London the king and all the Nobility being present and was translated to Yorke December 1. 1407. See Yorke 36. Nicolas Bubwith NIcolas Bubwith being Bishop of London and Treasurer of England left both those places for Salisbury which also he was content to forsake to accept Welles within the compasse of one yéere after he was first consecrate to London This man being at the Counsell of Constance was appointed one of those thirty persons that were ioyned with the 〈◊〉 in the election of Pope Martin the fifth He built 〈◊〉 almeshouse vpon the North side of Saint Cuthberts church endowing it with good possessions for the reliefe of many 〈◊〉 persons They were much increased afterwards by 〈◊〉 Storthwayth somewhat also by Bishop Bourne and other So that now it maintaineth 24. poore people He 〈◊〉 vnto our church the parsonage of Bucklaud Abbatis He
built our Library ouer the Cloysters and a little Chappell for morrow masse ouer against the great pulpit In that Chappell built belike for the place of his buriall he founded a Chauntry and dying October 27. 1424. was there enterred 〈◊〉 supposed he was a great benefactor and contributor toward the building of the Northwest tower at the West ende of 〈◊〉 Church which his armes fixed vpon diuers places of 〈◊〉 same doo partly shew It is deliuered also that he gaue 〈◊〉 vnto the Church which I find to be the gift of 〈◊〉 Button the second and not his as before is declared 37. Iohn Stafford BY the Popes gift Iohn Stafford a man very noble 〈◊〉 no lesse learned became Bishop of Welles after Bubwith August 23. 1443. he was aduaunced to Canterbury Sée Canterbury 38. Thomas Bekinton THomas de Bekinton Doctor of Lawe and Deane of the Arches writ a very learned discourse 〈◊〉 of the Law Salique of the Frenchmen An 〈◊〉 very necessary for those times and being as well taken by other as handled by himselfe got him such fauour with that vertuous king Henry the 〈◊〉 as it was a meanes to aduance him first vnto the keeping of the priuy seale and then to this See whereunto he was consecrate in the chappell of Caton October 13. 1443. at what time the foundations of that chappell being but newly laid it was hallowed he 〈◊〉 the first masse in the same This man built the ranke of houses on the North side of the market place at Welles called the New workes He made a 〈◊〉 in the market place bringing the water from Saint Andrewes well He built as to me it least wise seemeth the east side of the cloyster He was a great benefactor to Lincolne College in Oxford and a great builder of his owne houses vpon the repayring and beautifying of which he spent first and last as himselfe professeth in his will 6000. markes Perceiuing himselfe sickely and not like long to continue he made his will and doubting least king Edward the fourth should make it void by picking some quarrell of treason vnto him a thing no doubt easie to be done for that this Bishop had beene alwaies a constant follower of the house of Lancaster with great cost he procured from the said king a confirmation of his will dated Nouember 3. 1464. In it he bequeathed to the church of Wels 20 l. in money fower very sumptuous vestments 400 l. to buy ropes a vessell for holy water of siluer waighing 10 l. Troy a crosse of siluer parcell gilt of the same waight a chaire for the Bishop to vse in the church which yet remayneth and certaine cushions with other ornaments To the church of Bathe he bequeathed a cup a censure and a pare of siluer all waighing 30. ounces beside 30. coapes and other vestments To New colledge in 〈◊〉 where it seemes he was brought vp a siluer crosse of 10 l. waight a faire bible in 4. volumes a siluer bason of 10 l. waight certaine 〈◊〉 and other trifles To Winchester colledge a siluer crosse double gilt waying 9 l. and ten ounces two siluer candlestickes of the same waight and a number of vestments To the hospitall of Saint Batherines in London whereof he had beene master many vestments and 50 l. in money To the church of Sutton Courtney a benefice of his he gaue many vestments 〈◊〉 5 l. in money to be diuided to the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also the like 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which church it is said he was Prebendary and so much more beside certaine vestments to the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 of which place as being borne there most men suppose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his name For my part I thinke not so for I 〈◊〉 swade my selfe his liberality in that case I meane to 〈◊〉 place of his natiuity could not haue béene contayned 〈◊〉 so narrow a scantling But to procéed vnto the Austin Fryers of 〈◊〉 he gaue 20 s̄ and to the Fryer Minors of Bridgewater 20 s̄ To ten priests that should study at Oxeford and dayly say masse for the soules of himselfe his parents and benefactors especially of Humfrey Duke of Glocester William Wickham 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Iohn 〈◊〉 and Walter Thurston 5 l. a piece and to ten poore 〈◊〉 of the same 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 yéeres 10 d. a wéeke To 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the better sort he bequeathed 5 l. a piece 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yeomen fiue markes to euery boy of his household 40 s̄ and to so many of his seruants as were not prouided of abiding places meate drinke and woonted wages 〈◊〉 thrée moneths after his decease To his successor he 〈◊〉 100 l. vpon condition he would accept it in lieu of all dilapidations otherwise willing his executors to spend it in 〈◊〉 against him and lastly vnto his executors he left onely 20 l. a piece requiring them to imploy all the rest of his 〈◊〉 good vses at their discretion They answered very iustly 〈◊〉 trust reposed in them and that with such discretion as wellas 〈◊〉 that I should do them wrong not to remember 〈◊〉 The one was Richard Swanne 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and parson of Yeuelton that heretofore had béene executor after the same sort vnto Richard Praty Bishop of Chichester this man dwelt in the cannonicall house that is néere the market place Another was Hugh Sugar Doctor oflawe and Treasurer of Welles he built the chappell all offrée stone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of wood before adioyning to the great pulpit and dwelt where I now do in the middle house of the thrée that ioyne vpon the Cambray And the third was Iohn Pope Doctor of Diuinity Prebendary of Saint Decumans and parson of Shyre These thrée as I haue béene told by old men lye buried in a ranke together ouer against the great pulpit vnder thrée Marble stones of one fashion The Bishops goods that remained vnbequeathed they bestowed for the most part in building the Uicars close at Welles which had béene begun by Bishop Ralfe long before a sumptuous and beautifull worke This great benefactor of our Church departed this life Ianuary 14. 1464. and was buried in a goodly toombe built by him selfe in his life time situate vpon the South side of the Presbytery 39. Robert Stillington IN the moneth of July next after the death of Bishop Bekinton Robert Stillington Doctor of Law Archdeacon of Taunton first keeper of the priuy seale and then Chauncellor of England was elected to this Sée and consecrate in April following He built that goodly Lady Chappell in the cloysters that was pulled downe by him which destroyed also the great hall of the palace mentioned in Robert Burnell pag. 12. He died a prisoner in the Castle of 〈◊〉 whether he was committed for foure yéeres before his death for what cause I know not in the moneth of October 1487. and was intoombed in the said Chappell but rested not long there For it is reported that diuers olde men who in their youth had not onely séene the 〈◊〉
of his funerals but also the building of his toombe Chappell and all did also see toombe and Chappell destroyed and the bones of the Bishop that built them turned out of the lead in which they were interred Concerning this man many other Bishops of this Church if any desire to vnderstand more I must referre them to a discourse heretofore written by me in Latin of them which is in many mens hands though neuer published 40. Richard Foxe Soone after the death of Bishop Stillington Richard Foxe Bishop of Exceter was appointed his successor and so continuing for thrée yéeres was translated first to Durham and after to Winchester Sée Winchester 41. Oliuer King OLiuer King Doctor of Law and principall Secretary to the king became Bishop of Exceter the yéere 1492. and succeeding him in this Church as well as Exceter was translated hither Nouember 6. 1495. He pulling downe the old Church of the Abbey of Bathe began the foundation of a faire and sumptuous building but at the time of his death left it very vnperfect His successor bestowed some cost on it and William Bird the last Prior there endeuouring what he might by him selfe other to see it finished had euen brought it to perfection when the dissolution of the Abbey had almost ouerthrowen what before was set vp It is great pitty that some good man or other whom God hath enabled vndertaketh not the finishing of it a worke then which I thinke nothings is to be performed with so little cost that were more likely to be pleasing to Almighty God acceptable vnto men memorable with all 〈◊〉 This man sate Bishop eight yéeres and is thought to lye buried at Windsor in a little Chappell vpon the South side of the Quier ouer against which place vpon the enterclose of the Quier I find written vnder the pictures of king Henry the sixt and his sonne king Edward the fourth and Henry the seuenth this that followeth Orate pro domino Olmero King iuris professore ac illustri Edwardi primogeniti Henry Sexti 〈◊〉 Regum Edw. quarti Edw. quinti Henr. 7. principali Secretario 〈◊〉 ordinis Garterij Registrario huius Sancti Collegij Canonicqanno Dom. 1489. postea per dictum illustrillimum Regein Henry 7. ann 1492. ad sedem Exon. commendato 42. Hadrian de Castello POpe Innocent the eight hearing of a certaine dangerous 〈◊〉 raised vp against Iames the third king of Scots thought good to send into Scotland one Hadrian de Castello as a man for his wisedome and other good parts likely to appease those 〈◊〉 Being at London he was certified of the king of Scots death whom his own subiects had 〈◊〉 in battell So resting him selfe a while there he grew into acquaintance with Iohn Moorton the Archbishop of Canterbury He much delighted with his learning and discreete cariage commended him so effectually vnto the king Henry the seuenth as he thought good to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Proctor for the dispatch of all his causes at Rome In that place he behaued him selfe so as the King at 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 of his paines and fidelity was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vnto the Bishopricke of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the yeere 1503. and then the yeere following of this See Pope Alexander the sixt in the meane time a little before his translation hither had made him Cardinall Here he continued 12. yeeres vntill that the yeere 1518. he was depriued of this and all other promotions vpon this occasion A Cardinall of Rome called Alfonso Petruccio consptred with certaine other Cardinals the death of Pope Leo 10. Amongst them this our Hadrian was content to make one mooued thereunto as P. Iouius affirmeth not by any grudge or priuate displeasure but onely by an ambitious 〈◊〉 that surely he should be Pope 〈◊〉 were once dead A certaine witch or wise woman as we call them hauing heretofore foretold him very strangely diuers things that had happened to him selfe other of his friends tooke vpon her to assure him that after the death of Pope Leo it should come to passe that a certaine old man named Hadrian borne of meane parentage preferred onely for his learning wisedome and other good parts should be aduaunced vnto the Papacy These particularities Hadrian was perswaded could agree to none other but him selfe For he being borne at Corneto a poore fisher towne of Hetruria of meane or rather very base parentage onely by vertue and good deserts rose by many degrees vnto the preferments before mentioned The witches prediction fell out true but in an other For Hadrian a Dutchman the sonne of a Erelver of Utright that had beene schoolemaster to Charles the fift 〈◊〉 fell out to be the man that succeeded Leo by the name of 〈◊〉 the sixt What became of this Hadrian afterward or when he died I find not 43. Thomas Woolsey VPon the depriuation of Hadrian Cardinall Woolsey held this Bishopricke in Commendam fower yéeres euen till that resigning it he tooke Durham Sée more of this man in Yorke 44. Iohn Clerke IOhn Clarke Doctor of Diuinity and Master of the 〈◊〉 was consecrate the yéere 1523. A man much emploied 〈◊〉 embassages He died in the end of the yeere 1540. being poisoned as it was supposed in Germany when he went Embassadour to the Duke of Clyue to render a reason of the 〈◊〉 diuorce from the Lady Anne of Cleue his sister He is 〈◊〉 in the Mineries at London 45. William Knight VVIlliam Knight Doctor of Lawe and Archdeacon of Richmund a man likewise much emploied in embassages by king Henry the eight sate sixe yéeres died September 29. 1547. and was buried vnder the great Pulpit which he caused to be built for his toombe In the 〈◊〉 place of Welles there is a goodly crosse erected partly by this man as this inscription engrauen witnesseth Ad honorem 〈◊〉 omnipotentis commodom pauperum mercatum Welliae freqnentantium impensis Gulielmi Knight Episcopi Richardi Wooleman huius ecclesiae Cathedralis olim Decani hic locus erectus est Laus Deo pax viuis requies defunctis Amen Ann. Dom. 1542. 46. William Barlowe VVIlliam Barlowe Doctor of Diuinity sometimes 〈◊〉 Chanon of Saint Osythes hauing béene Bishop of Saint Dauids the space of tenne yéeres or there abouts was translated hether to succéede Bishop Knight and continued here all the daies of R. Edward In the beginning of Queene Mary he was forced to leaue his countrey Bishopricke and all to liue exiled in Germany vntill that by her death the most happy aduauncement of our now Soueraigne he was at once restored to his Countrey and preferred to the Bishoppricke of Chichester There he liued about the space of tenne yeeres and dying the yéere 1569. was buried in his owne Church 47. Gilbert Bourne BIshop Barlow being forced to forsake his Bishopricke here Gilbert Bourne Doctor of Diuinity was appointed thereunto by Queene Mary The nonage of that good king Edward the sixt giuing opportunity to those horrible sacrileges that
robbed the cathedrall churches of England of I dare say the tone halfe of that they possessed had béene an occasion of the vtter ruine and destruction of this See if Bishop Barlow taking aduantage of the death of some men in the 〈◊〉 ende of king Edward and Bishop Bourne making vse of the zeale of Quéene Mary in tendring the state of the church had not béene the meanes of recouering what is now left vnto the same euen the lands of the Bishopricke in a manner euery whit all the land belonging to the Archdeacon of Welles and some land of the Chapter to wit the parsonages of Duluerton and Longsutton And it is supposed that this man had he stoode vp but a little while longer had recouered diuers other possessions to his See that now are thought to be lost irrecouerably He was a benefactor vnto the Uicars close to the almehouse and began the foundation of a certaine colledge in the canonicall house that standeth néere the market place but was hindered by the death of Quéene Mary and his depriuation from finishing it Being displaced for not subscribing according to order he was committed to the custody of master Carey Deane of her Maiesties chappell liued with him many yéeres and died at Sylferton in Deuonshire where he lieth buried September 10. 1569. 48. Gilbert Barkley IT pleased then the Quéenes Maiestie that now is in the beginning of her most happy raigne to nominate vnto this See one Gilbert Barkley borne in Norfolke but descended of the auncient and most honorable house of the Lord Barkley at least wise as the armes assigned vnto him by the Heraulds do seeme to testifie He sate somewhat more then 20. yéeres and growing into a lethargy which diminished much of the vigor and strength as wel of his minde as his body certaine moneths before his decease at last departed this world Nouember 2. 1581. being 80. yéeres of age and was buried vpon the North side of the high altar in his owne church where we sée a hansome monument of frée stone built ouer him 49. Thomas Godwyn THomas Godwyn my déere and most reuerend father was borne at Okingham in Barkshire and brought vp first in the frée schoole there then for a little while vnder one Doctor Layton Deane of Yorke who sent him to Dreford and so long as he liued which was not past a two or thrée yéere exhibited vnto him there He being taken away it pleased God to prouide for him otherwise by raising vp friends that procured him to be chosen fellow of 〈◊〉 colledge Towards the latter ende of king Edwards raigne forsaking that place he tooke on him the teaching of a free schoole at Brackley directing his studies partly to diuinity and partly also to Phisicke the practise whereof in Quéens Maries time when he might not be suffred to teach any longer maintained him his wife and children honestly He receiued orders and his first spirituall preferments at the hand of Bishop Bollingham then of Lincolne after of 〈◊〉 in the beginning of her Maiesties raigne that now is By her gratious appointment he became first Deane of Christchurch in Oxeford in the seuenth then of Canterbury in the ninth yeere of her raigue and lastly Bishop of Bathe and 〈◊〉 being consecrate thereunto September 13. 1584. Hauing sate fixe yéeres two moneths and sixe daies he departed this mortall life Nouember 19. 1590. at Okingham the place where he was borne and there lyeth buried vpon the South side of the chauncell vnder a marble and néere vnto a monument fixed in the wall farre more answerable vnto the ability of him that set it vp then vnto the vertues and deserts of him to whose memory it was erected 50. Iohn Styll THe Sée hauing continued voide two yéeres and somewhat more Iohn Styli Doctor of Diuinity and Master of Trinity college in Cambridge was consecrate therunto in February 1592. He yet liueth in the same This Bishopricke is valued in the Queenes bookes at 533 l. and 15 d. and paid to the Pope for an Income onely 430. slorens although in those daies it were one of the richest Sees of England The Deanry of Welles was first erected in the time of king Stephen about the yéere 1150. as before is deliuered and one Iuo made the first Deane after whom haue succeeded these 2. Richard de Spakeston 1160. 3. Alexander 4. Leonius 1205. 5. Ralph de Lechlade 6. Peter de Ciceter 7. William de Merton 1236. 8. Ioannes Sarracenus 1241. 9. Gyles de Brideport 1255. 10. Edward de la Knoll 1256. 11. Thomas de Button 1284. 12. William Burnell 1292. 13. Walter de Haselshaw 1295. 14. Henry Husee 1302. 15. Iohn de Godeley 1303. 16. Richard de Bury 1333. 17. Wibert de Luttleton elect 1334. 18. Walter de London 1336. 19. Iohn de Carlton William de Camell elect 1361. refused the place 20. Stephen de Penpel 1361. 21. Iohn Fordham 1379. 22. Thomas de Sudbury 1381. 23. Nicolas Slake 1396. 24. Thomas Stanley 1402. 25. Richard Courtney 1409. 26. Walter Metford 1413. 27. Iohn Stafford 28. Iohn Forest. 1425. 29. Nicolas Carent 1448. 30. William Witham 1467. 31. Iohn Gunthorp 1472. 32. William Cosyn 1498. 33. Thomas Winter 1525. 34. Ridhard Woolman 35. Thomas Cromwell 1537. 36. William Fitz-Williams 1540. 37. Iohn Goodman 1548. 38. William Turner 1556. 39. Robert Weston 1566. 40. Valentine Dale 1574. 41. Iohn Herbert 1589. The Bishops of Exceter This discourse following is taken for the most part Verbatim out of Master Iohn Hookers Catalogue of the Bishops of Exceter THe Countries of Deuonshire Cornwall after their conuersion vnto Christian religion were a while vnder the iurisdiction of the Bishop of the West Saxons whose See was established at Dorchester Afterwards Winchester being appointed a Cathedrall Sée about the yéere 660. All the West countrey was alotted to the gouernment of the Bishop of that Church and so continued vnder him till that the yéere 705. Sherborne was made a Cathedrall Church Two hundred yeeres they were subiect vnto the Bishop of Sherborne to wit vntill the yeere 905. At what time Plegmund Archbishop of Canterbury by the commaundement of the king as else where I haue declared more at large erected diuers new Sees namely at Welles in Somersetshire one in Cornewall another and a third in Deuonshire The See of Athelstan the Bishop of Cornwall was for a while S. Petrockes in Bodmyn and afterwards Saint Germanes Werstan Bishop of Deuonshire placed him selfe first at Tawton but soone after remooued to Credyton now called kyrton The successors of Athelstan in the Dioces of Cornwall as I find were these Conanus Ruydocus Aldredus Britwyn Athelstan he liued the yéere 966. Wolfi Woronus Wolocus Stidio Adelredus Burwoldus About the yéere 1040. or soone after Saint Peters church in Exceter was appointed the Sée for both Deuonshire and Cornwall And hath euer since that time so continued NOw to come vnto the particular history of this church you shall vnderstand that
amongst many religious houses erected heretofore in and about the City of Erceter thrée there haue béene sometimes within the seite and circuite of that place which is now called the close of Saint Peters The first of these was a house of Nunnes where the Deanes house the Callander Nay or Uicars close doo now stand The second was a Monastery for monkes supposed to be built by king 〈◊〉 the third sonne of king Ethelwo ph about the yéere 868. And the third was also for monkes to witte of the order of Saint Benet founded by king Athelstan the yéere 932. thereabout where the East parts of the Church now called the Lady chappell standeth Of this foundation thus one writeth Hanc vrbem primus Rex Athelstanus in potestatem Anglorum effugatis Britonibus redactam turribus muniuit moro ex quadratis lapidibus cinxit ac antiquitus vocatum 〈◊〉 nunc Exeter vocari voluit ac ibisedens mansum quoddam de dit ad fundandum monasterium pro monachis Den Sancto Petro famulantibus Now besides the great charges he was at in building He gaue also sufficient lands and reuenewes for their liuing whereof Morkshut and 〈◊〉 be yet remaining and are appertaining to the Treasurer of the said Church But after the time of King Athelstane the Danes with great hostility and cruelty hauing ouerrun this land this City and Church was much infested and troubled for with no lesse cruelty did the Danes pursue the English men and Saxons then did the Saxons before pursue the Britaines And then the monkes not able to endure the same fled and forsooke their house séeking places of refuge and better safety And so was this monastery lest destitute and forsaken for sundry yéeres vntill the time of king Edgar He making a progresse into these West partes to visite Ordogarus Earle of Deuon whose daughter he had maried came to this City ann 986. and pittying their distressed state restored them their house and liuelihoods And appointed 〈◊〉 who afterwards was Bishop To be their Abbot After that they continued together although in great troubles vntill the time of king Swanus the Dane He with a great troupe and Army of his Danes came to this City ann 1019. besieged it and at length hauing taken the same spoyled destroyed and burnt both City and Monastery But yet shortly after it was againe restored For King 〈◊〉 being aduertised of the great cruelties done by his Father 〈◊〉 did at the request of one of his Dukes named 〈◊〉 make restitution vnto Atheiuoldus then Abbot both of lands liuings and priuileges as appeareth by his Charter dated ann 1019. About thirty yeeres after this king Edward the Confessor comming to Exceter by the aduise of Leophricus Bishop of Crediton sometimes Lord Chauncellor of England and of his priuy Councell partly for the better safety of the Bishop and his successors and partly to prouide a more apt place for the monkes translated the Bishops Sée from Crediton to Exceter and sent the monkes to Westminster The Bishop then thus remooued from the old and placed in the new indoweth his new Sée with the lands and liuelihoods of his former Church pulled downe the two monasteries néere adioyning the one of Nunnes the other of monkes and addeth them to his owne Church After Leophricus his successors following his example did euery of them for the most part indeuour the augmentation and increase of their Church some in liuelihoods some in liberties and priuileges some in buildings and some in one thing some in an other ANno 1112. William Warwest the third Bishop of Exceter began to enlarge his cathedrall church which at that time was no bigger then that part which is called the Lady Chappell and laied the foundation of that which is now thequier Anno 1235. or there abouts William Brewer 〈…〉 and a Chapter of 〈◊〉 and twenty prebendaries He appropriated to the Deanery Brampton and Coliton Rawleigh For the prebendaries he purchased lands allotting to 〈◊〉 of them the like portion of fower pound by the yéere Anno 1284. Peter Quiuill Bishop finding the Chauncell of his church to be builded and finished to his hands built the lower part or body of his church from the quier westward He alsos appointed a Chanter and a Subdeane in the church to the one he impropriated Painton and Cudleigh and to the other the parsonage of Cgloshalle in Cornwall Moreouer he impropriated the parsonage of Saint Newlin in Cornwall and of Stoke Gabriell in Deuonshire to the Chancellor of the church for reading of a Diuinity Lecture Anno 1340. Iohn Grandisson Bishop did increase the length of his church from the sont Westward and vaulted the roofe of the whole church so ending and fully finishing the same ABout the yéere of our Lord 1450. Edmund Lacy began to build the Chapter house and George 〈◊〉 finished it The Cloisters were built by the Deane and Chapter Hereby it appeareth that from the first foundation of this church vnder king Athelstane vntill the time that Bishop Graundsone 〈◊〉 the building thereof it was aboue 400. yéeres which notwithstanding so vniformely the same is compact as if by one and the same man it had béene plotted begun continued and ended A Catalogue of the Bishops of Deuonshire VVErstanus called by some Adulphus the first Bishop of Deuonshire was consecrated Bishop of this Dioces an 905. and had his Sée at Bishops Tawton In the yéere following viz. 906. he died and was buried in his owne Church PVtta after the death of Werstanus was elected and consecrate Bishop and had his See at Tawton He tataking his iourney towards Crediton to sée the king or as some say Vsfa the kings licutenant was by the said Vffas men slaine Upon his death the See was remooued to Crediton EAdulphus brother to 〈◊〉 Duke of Deuonshyre and Cornewall and founder of Launceston was consecrated Bishop of Deuonshire but installed at Crediton where he had his See and continued Bishop two and twenty yéeres He died the yéere 934. and was buried in his owne church EThelgarus an 〈◊〉 succéeded Eadulphus This Ethelgarus after he had beene Bishop ten yéeres he died and was buried in his owne church ALgarus an 942. after Ethelgarus was constituted and installed Bishop at Crediton And hauing beene Bishop about ten yeeres died and was buried in his owne Church ALfwoldus as Matthew of Westminster writeth was next Bishop after Algarus and consecrated by the aduise of Dunstane ann 952. He died 972. and was buried in his owne church ALwolfus sate nine yéeres after Alfwoldus and was buried in his owne church SYdemanus Abbot of Saint Peters succéeded In this mans time the Danes ouercame and spoyled the whole countries of Deuonshire and Cornewall burned the towne of Bodwyn and the cathedrall church of Saint Petroks with the Bishops house Whereupon the Bishops See was remooued from thence to S Germans in which place it continued vntill the remoouing and vniting thereof vnto Crediton Sydemannus
in th 12. yéere after his consecration died and was buried at Crediton in his owne church 990. ALfredus whom Dicetus calleth Alfricus abbot of Malmesbury was consecrated Bishop installed at Crediton He was taken for a learned man and wrote two bookes the one intituled de rebus coenobij sui and the other de rerum naturis In his time king Etheldred endowed the Bishopricke of Saint Germans with lands liberties and priuileges The Danes made a fresh 〈◊〉 vpon all Deuonshire and Cornewall burned spoyled the Abbey of Drdolphus at Tauistorke besieged Exceter and being remooued from thence were fought withall at Pynhow about 3. 〈◊〉 from the city and ouerthrowen Alphredus after he had beene Bishop about 9. yeres died an 999. was buried in his owne church ALwolfus as Dicetus writeth was the next Bishop In his time Sweno king of Denmarke by inticement of one Hugh then Earle of Deuonshire came with a great hoste and besieged the city of Exceter tooke it and burned it and with great cruelty vsed the people vntill in the end Almarus Earle of Deuonshire and the gentlemen did yéeld and submit themselues and so obtayned peace This Alwolfus about the 15. yéere of his Bishoprick 1030. died was buried in his owne church LIuyngus procured the county of Cornwall to be added vnto his Dioces he was consecrate 1032. and after became Bishop of Worcester Sée more there The Bishops of Exceter FIrst Leofricus a man descended of the blood and line of Butus brought vp in the land of Lotharingia or Loreine was so well commended not onely for his nobilitie but much more for his wisedome and learning that king Edward the Confessor had him in great fauour and made him first one of the prinie Councell then Chauncellor of England and lastly the Bishopricke of this Dioces being voide he was preferred thereunto By his meanes the Bishops See was remooued from Crediton to this citie of Exceter The yeere 1049. or thereabout king Edward the Confessor comming to Exeter together with his Quéene tooke order that the monks of Saint Peters should be placed at Westminster as before is mentioned and remooued the Episcopall See from Crediton to this citie It is remembred that himselfe taking the Bishop by the right hand and Edeth his Quéene by the left led him vp vnto the Altar of his new church and there placed him in a seate appointed for him This Bishop obtained of the same king much good land and many notable priuileges for his church He made biuers statutes and amongst other things he ordained that all his Canons or Prebendaries should lodge in one chamber and take their diet at one table He appointed them likewise a steward that should prouide them victualls daily and once in the yéere deliuered them new clothes This kinde of gouernment saith William Malmesbury he learned in Lorraine and it is saith he continued by the posterity although by the corruption and luxury of our time somewhat altered and decaied After that he had well and woorthily ruled his church and Diocesse by the space of thrée and twenty yéeres he ended his daies in peace Anno 1073. and was buried in the Cemitory or churchyard of his owne church vnder a simple and a broken marble stone which place by the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his Church is now within the South Tower of the same whereof of late Anno. 1568. A new monument was erected in the memory of so good worthy and notable a personage by the industry of the writer hereof but at the charges of the Deane and Chapter OSbertus or Osbernus a Normaine borne and brother to an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 William was preferred to this Bishoprick the yéere 1074. He was Bishop 30. yéers toward his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blind died 1103. and was buried in his owne Church H. Huntingdon and others that 〈◊〉 him make mention of one Gaufridus Bishop of Erceter about this time but they are mistaken It is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishop of Constantia that ioyned with Odo 〈◊〉 of Kent c. VVIlliam Warewest a Normaine borne and Chaplaine both to the Conqueror and his two sonnes William and Henry a very graue and a wise man hauing béene much imployed in sundry Ambassayes was preferred at last vnto this Bishopricke by king Henry the first and consecrate thereunto in August 1107. together with 〈◊〉 other He first began to enlarge his Church as aboue I haue mentioned obtained from the king Plympton Brampton and Saint Stephens in Exceter Brampton he gaue to his Cathedrall Church and it was afterwards alotted vnto the Deane for a part of the corps of his Deanery Saint Stephens with the Sée belonging to the same he reserued to him selfe and to his successors who thereby are Barons and lords in the Parliament As for Plympton he gaue it vnto a Monastery which he built there for Reguler Cannons In his later daies he became blind which imperfection notwithstanding the king thought good to send him Embassador vnto Pope Paschalis the second and he dispatched the bussnesse commended vnto him to the Kings great 〈◊〉 Not long after his returne hauing small ioy of the world he gaue ouer his Bishopricke became one of the reguler Canons of his owne house at Plympton where he died 1127. and was buried He was Bishop about 20. yéeres RObert Chichester Deane of Sarisbury was consecrated Bishop ann 1128. He was a Gentleman borne very zelous and deuout in his religion according to the manner of those daies He went often in Pilgrimage sometime to Rome sometime to one place sometime to another and euer would bring with him some one relike or other He was also a liberall Contributer to the buildings of his church After that he had continued two and twenty yéeres he died the yéere 1150. and was buried in his owne Church RObert Warewest nephew to William Warewest his predecessor and Deane of Salisbury was consecrate Bishop by Theobaldus Archbishop of Canterbury ann 1150. After that he had occupied this Sée nine yeres or thereabout he died ann 1159. was buried at Plympton by his vncle BArtholomeus Iscanus otherwise Bartholomew of Exceter was consecrated Bishop of Exceter ann 1159. or rather as it séemeth to me 1161. He was called Iscanus of Isca which is one of the ancientest names of this City a meane Citizens sonne but very well learned wrote sundry bookes as of Predestination Fréewill Penance and others He was estéemed also very deuout holy and a painfull Preacher Matthew Paris in his report of the yéere 1161. telleth a long tale of a certaine strange apparition or reuelation which happened vnto him in the countrey as he visited his Dioces He was a great aduersary of Thomas Becket I marueile that any such thing might be credibly reported of him After he had béene Bishop about fourteene yéeres ann 1184. he died but where he died or was buried it appeareth not IOhn the Chaunter of the Cathedrall Church of this City and Subdeane of Sarum was consecrated Bishop
Lordship Thus by policy he purchaseth the mannor of Bishops Clist by a deuise gayneth Cornish wood and by power wresteth the patronage of Sowton from the true ownor This Bishop after he had occupted this See about 23. yeeres died July 22. 1280. and was buried in his owne church in a sumptuous tombe of Alabaster standing vpon the South side of the entrance into the Lady chappell Upon it this Epitaphe following is yet to be séene Olim syncerus pater omni dignus amore Primus Walterus magno 〈◊〉 hic in honore Edidit hic plura 〈◊〉 laude statuta Quae tanquam 〈◊〉 seruant hic omnia tuta Atque hoc collegium quod Glaseney plebs vocat omnis Condidit egregmm pro voce data sibi somnis Quot loca construxit 〈◊〉 quot bona 〈◊〉 Quam sanctam duxit vitam vox dicere quae scit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gens Exomensis Et chorus turbae quod natus in hac fuit vrbe Plus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 festum 〈◊〉 Gabrielis Gaudeat in 〈◊〉 pater iste fidelis PEter Quiuill ann 1281. was consecrated Bishop of Erceter He first instituted a Chaunter and a Subdeane in this Church To the one he impropriated Painton Chidleigh and to the other the rectory of Eglosheyl in Cornewall He was a liberall and a speciall Benefactor to the Hospitall of Saint Iohns in Exceter as well in goods as in liuelyhoods He first began to enlarge and encrease his Church from the Chauncell downewards and layed the foundation thereof In his time ann 1285. Walter Lichlade the first Chaunter was slame in a morning as he came from the morning seruice then called the Mattens which was woont to be said shortly after midnight vpon which occasion the king earne vnto this City and kept his Christmas in the same And thereupon a composition was made betweene the Bishop and the City for inclosing of the Church yard and building of certaine gates there as appeareth by the said composition bearing date in festo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mariae 1286. The king at 〈◊〉 sute of the Earle of Hereford who at his 〈◊〉 here was lodged in the house of the Gray Friers which then was neere the house of Saint Nicholas obtained of the Bishop that they should be remooued from thence to a 〈◊〉 wholesome place without South gate whereof after the kings departure grew some controuersie because the Bishop resused to performe his promise made to the king This man also impropriated the parish of Saint 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉 of Stoke Gabriell and vnited the same to the office of the Chauncellor of the Cathedrall Church that the said Chauncellor should continually read a lecture within the said City of Diuinity or of the Decretals In the eleuenth yeere of his Bishopricke he died being choked in drinking of a 〈◊〉 ann 1292. He was buried in the middle of the Lady Chappell Upon his toombe is written 〈◊〉 tegit Petrum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Franciscanes or Gray Friers of this City imputed his death to his hard dealing with them For whereas he had promised the king to prouide a conuenient place sor them to build their house in and had willed their warden named Deodatus to seeke out and make inquiry for the same yet notwithstanding when he had so doone because the same was in his Sée swaruing from his said promise he vtterly denied to performe the same being diswaded by Peter Kenefield a Dominicane or a blacke Frier and 〈◊〉 vnto the said Bishop For he enuying the good successe of the Franciscanes aduiseth the Bishop that in no wise he 〈◊〉 permit them to enioy the place which they had gotten 〈◊〉 saith he as vnder colour of simplicity they créepe into the harts of the people and hinder vs poore Preachers from our gaines and liuings so be ye sure that if they put foote 〈◊〉 your Liberties they will in time find meanes to be 〈◊〉 from out of your Liberty and iurisdiction The Bishop being soone diswaded vtterly forbiddeth them to build or to doo any thing within his Sée or liberty About two yéeres after the Bishop kept a great feast vpon the Sundaynext before Saint Francis day And among others was present with him one Walter Winborne one of the kings chiefe Justices of the bench who was present when the Bishop at the request of the king made promise to further helpe the Franciscanes He now in their behalfe did put the Bishop in mind thereof and requested him to haue consideration both of his owne promise and their distresse The Bishop misliking this motion waxed angry and did not onely deny to yeeld thereunto but wished himselfe to be choked what day soeuer he did consent vnto it It fortuned that the same weeke and vpon the day of Saint Francis eue the Bishop tooke a certaine Sirope to drinke in too hasty swallowing thereof his breath was stopped and he foorthwith died The Franciscanes hearing thereof made no little adoo about this matter but blased it abroad that Saint Francis wrought this miracle vpon the Bishop because he was so hard against them THomas Bitton Deane of Welles the yere following was elected Bishop and the See of Canterbury being voyd He was consecrated by I. Roman Archbishop of Yorke He left no memoriall of any great things done by him sauing that he continued the building of his church Fourteene yéeres after that he had occupied this See he died September 21. 1307. and was buried vnder a faire Marble inlayed with brasse before the high aultar VVAlter Stapleden a man learned wise and of great parentage was consecrate Bishop of Exceter March 18 1307. The inthronization or installation of Bishops was a Ceremony of great Solemnity in these 〈◊〉 the particularity whereof it shall not be 〈◊〉 once for all to describe in this man At Eastgate he alighted from his horse and went on foote to Saint Peters church All the way where he should passe being laid and couered with black cloth on each hand he was conducted by a gentleman of great 〈◊〉 and Sir Hugh 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉 of this 〈◊〉 went next before him At broade gate he was receaued by his Chapter and Quier in their ornaments with Te Deum and so caried into the church The vsuall Ceremonies being performed there at his pallace a great feast was prepared for the entertainement of such noblemen and other parsonages of account as repaired hither at that time It is incredible how many oxen tunnes of Ale and Wine are said to haue béene vsually spent at this kind of solemnity Euen so much as the whole yéerely reuenue at this time would not suffice to pay for This Bishop was greatly in fauour with king Edward the second who made him first of his priuy Councell then Lord Treasurer of England and imploied him in diuers Embassages of great importance The yéere 1329. he was sent Embassadour to the French king and ioyned in commission with the Quéene for the conclusion of a peace betweene these two princes That
being ordered and brought to passe according to his desire he returned home leauing the Quéene with the French king her brother to perfect and finish the agréement already made She whether weary of her hust and or prouoked by the insolency of the Spencers and other fauorites about the king had long since determined to depose her husband from the kingdome if possibly she might and to set vp her sonne Prince Edward Hauing therefore rid away this Bishop whose loialty and faithfullnesse to his soueraigne she well knew was vnmooueable she began to put in practise the execution of this long plotted designement and in the end to be short exploited the same While these matters were a brewing it happened the king to take his iourney to Bristow and he thought good to commit the gouernment and custody of the citie of London to the fidelity of this Bishop At what time therefore the Quéene began to approach néere vnto the city with her power he required the Maior to send vnto him the keies of the gates The Commons who altogether fauoured the Quéenes party hearing this and perceauing the Bishop purposed to withstand her set vpon him violently drew him into Cheape side and beheaded him there together with Sir Richard Stapleton a Knight his brother Then they caried his body to his house without Temple bar and buried if basely in a heape of sand in the backside of the same house In this sort did this woorthy prelate loose his life in defence of his Prince and that by their meanes who of all other were bound in the strongest bands of duty and alleageance to haue done as he did I meane the Queene and the Prince her sonne They shortly after whether regarding his calling or destring to make semblance of disliking the manner of his death or happily mooued with some remorse of conscience commanded his body to be taken from the place where it was first 〈◊〉 and being conueighed to Exceter with all funerall pompe there to be solemnly enterred He lieth 〈◊〉 vpon the North side of the high Altar in a faire toombe of free stone And his brother before mentioned lieth ouer against him in the North wall of the North Isle This murther was committed October 15 1326. And his funerals were solemnised at Exceter March 28. following The yéere 1316. he erected two houses in Oxford for the better increase and aduancement of learning the one named Hart hall the other Stapledons Inne now called Exceter college in which he placed thirteene fellowes and a Rector whom he appointed to be chosen annually This foundation is much encreased of late yeeres by the liberality of Sir William Peter late principall Secretary and others Moreouer it is to be remembred that he was a speciall benefactor vnto the hospitall of Saint Johns in Exceter to which he impropriated for the releeuing of certaine poore children the Rectory or personage of Ernscombe IAmes Barkley descēded of the noble house of the Lord Burkley was consecrated March 15. anno 1326. by Walter Raynold Archbishop of Canterbury at the commanndement of 〈◊〉 the Queene The Pope very angry here withall did so 〈◊〉 the Archbishop as he died for griefe and anger soone after Neither did the new consecrate Bishop stay long behinde him for he died also the 24. of June following A man reputed very godly and wise He was buried as some say in his owne church but others deliuer that he neuer came hither at all IOhn Grandesson being in Italy with Pope Iohn the 22. after the death of Iohn Barkley he at the kings request bestowed this Bishopricke vpon him and caused him tobe consecrate at Rome October 18. 1327. He was borne and descended of the auncient house of the Grandessons Dukes of Burgundy His Father was named Gilbert the brother of Otho the great Lord Grandesson which Gilbert 〈◊〉 into this Land was well intertained by the king and nobility By meanes of Henry Earle of Lancaster with whom he came into England he maried the Lady 〈◊〉 daughter and one of the heires to Iohn Tregos Lord of the Castle of Ewias néere Hereford East and by her had issue fiue sonnes and foure daughters of which this Bishop was one who was borne in the parish of Aishpertone in the Dioces of Hereford He was from his childhood very studious became earned and wrote diuers bookes one intituled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an other 〈◊〉 minores and a third de vitis sar ctorum He was also very graue wise and politike And thereby grew into such credit with Pope Iohn that he was not onely of his priuy counsell but also his Nuntio or Embassadour in matters of great waight and unportance to the Emperor to the king of Spaine Fraunce England and other the mightiest Princes of Christendome Being on a time sent in an Embassage to king Edward the third he so behaued him selfe that the king neuer ceased vntill he had procured him from the Pope and then he gaue him the Archbeaconry of Nothingham and other great liuings he made him one of the priuy councell and in the end preferred him to his Bishopricke After this some matter of dislike falling out betwéene Pope Clement the sixt and the King he for his approued wisedome was sent in Ambassage to the Pope ann 1343. for an intreaty of a peace and an amity betwéene 〈◊〉 to be had and with such wisedome he did his message that he obtained his purpose and made a reconciliation After his returne home to his Bishopricke he spent his time altogether in adorning and beautifying of his Church or building and erecting some good monument or other He founded the Colledge of S. Mary Otrey and endowed the same with great and goodly liuelihoods He was a liberall Benefactor to the Uicars Chorall of his owne Church as also to the Colledge of Glaseney in Peryn he builded the two last Arches in the West end of his Church vaulted the roofe of all the Church and fully ended the buildings of the same Leauing it in such sort as we sée it at this day Thē also he inriched it with plate and other ornaments of inestimable value Moreouer he built a faire house at Bishops Taingtonwhich he left full furnished vnto his successors and did impropriate vnto the same the Parsonage of Radway to the ende as he setteth downe in his Testament Vt haberent Episcopi locum vbi caput suum 〈◊〉 si forte in manum regis eorum 〈◊〉 caperentur Before his death he made his last Will wherein he gaue such large and bouteous legacies to the Pope Emperor King Queene Archbishop Bishops Colledges Churches and to sundry parsons of high estates and callings that a man would maruell considering his great and chargeable buildings and workes otherwise how and by what meanes he could haue attained to such a masse of wealth and riches He was alwaies very frugall kept no more men or horses about him then necessary and euer despised the vanity of all outward pompe But this it was
not that enabled him to performe these great workes and yet to leaue so much money behind him He procured an order to be taken that all Ecclesiasticall persons of his Diocesse at the time of their deaths should leaue and bequeath their goods to him or to some other in trust towards his chargeable buildings or otherwise to be bestowed in pios vsus at his discretion This was the meanes wherby he grew to this infinite wealth and riches He died July 15. 1369. hauing sate Bishop here almost 42. yeeres and was buried in a Chappell which he built in the wall of the West end of his Church His funerals by his owne commaundement were performed without any mannerof pompe or extraordinary solemnity In so much as he allowed not either his seruants Executors or néerest kinsfolkes any mourning clothes at all See more of him in Simon Mepham of Canterbury THomas Brentingham the kings 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Calis was at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 chosen Bishop of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 He 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and was 〈◊〉 vnto the 〈◊〉 vpon 〈◊〉 1. of March ann 1370. He was a man very well learned expert as well in politique gouernment as ecclesiasticall matters and in both these respects greatly reuerenced and esteemed For which cause at the parliament holden at Westminster in the tenth yéere of king Richard the second he was chosen to be one of the twelue Péeres of the realme vnder the king He was a benefactor to the callenderhay of the Uicars chorall of his owne church supplied in buildings and otherwise what his predecessors had left vndone hauing been Bishop 24. yeres died at Clist the third of December an 1394 was buried in the North side of the body of his owne church in a little chappell standing betwéene two pillers EDmund Stafford brother to Ralph Earle of Stafford was consecrate Bishop of Exceter June 20. 1395. He was Chauncellor of England vnder king Edward the third At the Parliament holden at Westminster the one and twentieth yéere of king Richard the second he being speaker of the higher house made a very learned and pithie oration to proue the absolute authority of a king His theame was Rex vnus erit omnibus and hauing discoursed at large to that purpose did conclude Quod potestas regis esset sibi 〈◊〉 annexa solida and whosoeuer did by any meanes impeach the same Poena legis merito essee plectendus For the 〈◊〉 of good letters he did increase two fellowships in the colledge of Stapledons Iune in Oxford reformed the statutes of the house and altered the name of it calling it Erceter colledge After that he had continued Bishop in much honor about thrée and twenty yéeres he died the fourth of September being the seuenth yéere of king Henry the fift and lyeth buried in his owne church in a very faire tombe of Alabaster vpon the North side of the entrance into the Ladis chappell IAmes Cary Bishop of Lichfield being at Florence when newes was brought to Pope Martyn the fift of Bishop Staffords death was then and there made Bishop of this church an 1419. He inioyed not long this place for he died and was buried there EDmund Laey Bishop of Hereford was translated from thence vnto this church about Easter an 1420. A man very deuont and religious but subiect to 〈◊〉 who carried him to their pleasure Great contentions were betwéene him and the city for liberties which by arbitrement were compounded He built the chapter house in his owne church and was a liberall benefactor vnto the Uicars of Calenderhay Hauing continued in this See 35. yéeres he died 1475. and lyeth buried in the North wall of the presbytery vnder a plaine marble tombe where many miracles are said to haue beene wrought and are ascribed to his helines GEorge Neuill was consecrated Nouemb. 26. an 1455. He finished the chapter house which his predecessor had begun And after that he had beene Bishop about tenne yeeres was remooued to Yorke See more of him in Yorke IOhn Boothe Batcheler of the ciuill Law was consecrated vpon the two and twentith day of February an 1466. He gouerned his church very well and builded as some suppose the Bishops Sée in the quier but being weary of the great troubles which were in this countrey betwéene king Edward the fourth and the Earle of Warwicke he remooued from hence to his house of Horsleigh in Hampshire where he died vpon the first day of Aprill an 1478. lieth buried at Saint Elements in London PEter Courtmay Bishop of Exceter was 〈◊〉 in Nouember an 1477. at Saint Stephans in Westminster He was translated from this church vnto Winchester in the ninth yéere of his being Bishop here 〈◊〉 more in Winchester RIchard Foxe succéeded him and hauing continued Bishop here 6. yéeres he was translated first to Welles and after to Winchester See more in Winchester OLiuer King was consecrate Bishop of this church in February 1492. He also was remooued to Bathe hauing sate here thrée yéeres Sée more in Bathe RIchard Redman Doctor of diuinity and Bishop of Saint Assaph became Bishop of this church from whence he was remooued to Ely in September 1501. See more in Ely IOhn Arundell descended of the ancient and most worshipfull house of the Arundels of Lanherne in Cornewall was translated from 〈◊〉 to this Church in the ende of the yéere 1501. He died at London the yéere 1503. and was buried at Saint Clements church without Temple Barre vpon the South side of the high altar vnder a toombe of marble inlaid with brasse HVgh Oldam was preferred vnto this Bishoprick by the meanes of the Lady Margaret countesse of Richmond whose chaplaine he was A man of more zeale then knowledge and more deuotion then learning somewhat rough in spéeche but in deede and action friendly He was carefull in the sauing and defending of his liberties for which continual sutes were betwéene him and the Abbot of Tauestocke He was also liberall to the Uicars Chorall of his Church and reduced them to the kéeping of commons Towards the maintenance whereof he gaue them certaine reuenewes and impropriated vnto them the rectory of Cornwood Albeit he suere not very well learned yet a great fauourer and a furtherer of learning he was Once he had intended to haue inlarged Exceter colledge in Oxeford as well in building as in reuenewes but being denied a fellowship there which he had earnestly requested in the behalfe of one Atkins he altered his determination and contributed largely toward the foundation of Corpus Christi colledge whereof he is esteemed and worthily the principall benefactor He chanced to dye excommunicate at the sute of the Abbot of Tauistock June 25. 1519. and might not be buried vntill an absolution was procured from Rome He lyeth in a Chappel of his owne building cast out of the vppermost ende of the South wall of the Church where he hath a sumptuous faire monument IOhn 〈◊〉 otherwise Harman succéeded Oldham by the preferment
of K. Henry the eight whose Chaplaine he then was and Deane of his Chappell as also of his Church He was Doctor of the Lawes very well learned wise and in great fauor with the king who sent him sundry times in embassages to forraine Princes He was Lord President of Wales and had the gouernment of the kings onely daughter the Lady Mary Princesse of Wales Of all the Bishops in the land he was accounted the best Courtier and although he were well reported for his learning yet better liked for his courtlike behauior which in the end turned not so much to his credite as to the vtter ruine and spoyle of the Church For of two and twenty Lordships and Mannours which his predecessors had left vnto him of a goodly yéerely reuenew he left but thrée and them also leased out And where he found thirteene houses well furnished he left onely one house bare and without furniture and yet charged with sundry fees and Annuities By these meanes this Bishopricke which sometimes was counted one of the best is now become in temporall lands one of the meanest He was a great fauourer of learned men and especially of Diuines whom he preserred in his Church aboue others He was very bounteous and liberall vnto all men but especially vnto Courtiers vnto his owne kindred and countreymen He bestowed much also as wel paines as cost in building Sutton Coltstil the towne where he was borne in procuriug the same to be incorporate and endeuouring to set vp the making of 〈◊〉 there all which prooued to little purpose as I haue heard In his time after the death of king Henry the eight there was an alteration of religion by king Edward the sixt whereof ensued rebellion and a commotion in this Diocesse which in some part was imputed to this Bishop because he lay farre from his Diocesse and dwelled in his owne countrey Whereupon he resigned the Bishopricke into the kings hands after he had béene Bishop about thirty yéeres and liued by the rents of the temporality of the Bishopricke which when he 〈◊〉 he did reserue vnto himselfe for terme of his owne life After the depriuation of Miles Couerdale in Quéene Maries time he was restored to his Church and for the better setling of the Romish Religion did here stay for a while But his minde was so addided to his owne countrey that he returned thither shortly after and made his onely abode there practising what he could to settle there the making of 〈◊〉 But whether it were that that kind of trade fitteth not that countrey or that God would not blesse a practise founded vpon such horrible sacriledge it fell out in triall to be more chargeable then profitable and so was soone giuen ouer This man being very olde died in a pang at Sutton 〈◊〉 before mentioned the yéere 1555. and was buried there MIles Couerdale after the resignation of Voysye was by king Edward made Bishop of this city and consecrate an 1550. After that he had béene Bishop about 3. yéeres king Edward died then Quéene Mary hauing the crowne the religion was altered and he depriued For a farther discourse of his life and especially his deliuerance out of prison at the sute and importunate request of the king of Denmarke I commend the Reader vnto Master Foxe Of his death onely thus much that not caring to returne to his Bishopricke in the beginning of her Maiestie that now raigneth he setled himselfe at London and there leading a priuate life he died at last a very old man and was buried in Saint Magnus church IAmes Turbeuill a gentleman well borne Bishop Voysey being dead was consecrate an 1556. He was very careful to recouer some part of the lands of his Bishoprick which his predecessor wasted and did obtaine of Queene Mary to him and his successors the seefarme of the mannor of Crediton After that he had beene Bishop about two yeeres Quéene Mary died he was displaced and after lead a priuate life many yeeres VVIlliam Alley reader of Diuinity in the cathedrall church of Saint Paule was consecrate Bishop of Exceter an 1561. He lieth buried vnder a large marble towards the South side of the presbytery VVIlliam Bradbridge Doctor of Diuinity and Deane of Salisbury was consecrate March 18. 1570. He died in a manner suddenly at Newton Ferries June 27. 1578. and was buried in the North side of the high altar neere Bishop Lacy in which place there is a seemely monument of freestone built ouer him IOhn Wolton cannon residensary of the church of Exceter was consecrate in the beginning of Aug. 1579. He sate Bishop almost 14. yéeres died March 13. 1593. and lieth buried toward the Southside of the presbytery néer theplace where we see a monument of touch and free stone erected vnto the memory of him GEruase Babington Doctor of Diuinity and Bishop of Landaffe was translated to this church in February 1594. and hence to Worceter October 4 1597. VVIlliam Coton Doctor of Diuinity and cannon resident of Paules was consecrate in Nouember 1598. This Bishopricke by a new valuation rated in the daies of King Edward the sixt is now esteemed in the Exchequer but at 500 l. yet paid heretofore vnto the Pope after 6000. ducats Foelix first Bishop of Norwich A Catalogue of the Bishops of Norwich collected for the most part out of M. Alexander Neuill his Norwicus by R. T. SIgebert king of the East Angles after the death of Corpwald returning out of Frannce where he liued in banishment and obtayning his kingdome brought with him one Foelix a Burgundian with whom he had liued familiarly during the time of his eryle and made him Bishop of the East Angles which conuerting the people to the faith of Christ had his Sée at Dunwich When he had béene Bishop 17. yéeres he died ann 649. and was buried at Soham now called Some a monastery afterward destroied by the Danes his body was then remooued to Kamsey After him succéeded Thomas which sate fiue yeeres Bonifacius 17. yéeres Bissus after the death of Bonifacius was preferred to this dignity after whose decease the Bishopricke which before was but one was diuided into two the one hauing his Sée at Elmham the other at Dunwich The Bishops of Elmham were 1. Bedwyne 2. Northbertus 3. Headewlacus 4. Neathilferthus 5. Eanferethus 6. Athelwolph 7. Alcarus 8. Sybba 9. Humferthus 10. Humbyrctus 11. Weremundus 12. Wilredus The Bishops of Dunwich were 1. Acceius 2. Astwolfus 3. Aerdredus 4. Cutherinus 5. Aldberthus 6. Eglasius 7. Heardredus 8. Aelphunus 9. Tydferthus 10. Weremundus 11. Wylredus In this estate it remained vnto the time of Humbertus Bishop of Elmham and Wylred Bishop of Dunwich at what time it was restored to the former estate and of two vnited againe into one Athelfus being the first which enioyed the same in the time of king Edwyn and had his Sée at Elmham after whom succéeded 2. Alfridus 3. Theodredus 4. Theodredus 5. Athelstanus 6.
Algarus 7. Alwynus 8. Alfricus he died 1038. 9. Alyfreius 10. Stigandus AFter that Alfreius was dead Stigandus 〈◊〉 him He enioying the place but a short time was depriued 11. Grinketellus THe like happened to Grinketellus which being conuicted to haue vsed vnlawfull meanes in obtaining this dignity was likewise depriued and Stigandus restored vnto it againe This Stigandus was after Bishop of Winchester and Archbishop of Canterbury See more of him in Canterbury 12. Egelmare STigandus being so preferred found a meanes also to procure the Bishopricke of the East Saxons vnto Egelmare his brother All these vntill the time of William the conquerour had their Sées at Elmham Arfastus the first Bishop of Thetford KIng William the first substituted his Chapleine Arfastus in the place of Eglemarus by whose aduise the Sée was translated from Elmham to Thetford William Herbert last of Thetford and first Bishop of Norwich NExt after him William Herbert obtained this dignity A man very famous for his excellent learning He was borne at Oxford His father was Robert is de Losinge Abbot of Winchester This Herbertus being Pryor of the Monastery of Fiscanum in Normandy came into England at the request of William Rufus and liuing in the Court for a time behaued himselfe in such sort that he was not onely entierly beloued of the king but obtained many great gists at his hands In so much that within the space of thrée yéeres he had so feathered his nest that he bought for his Father the Abbacy of Winchester and for himselfe this Bishopricke paying to the king for the same as it is reported the summe of 1900 l. For satisfaction of which Symony this pennance was enioyned him by 〈◊〉 the Pope that he should erect diuers Churches and 〈◊〉 as hereafter it is declared He translated the See from Thetford to Norwich and built there the Cathedrall Church at his owne charges laying the first stone of the foundation with his own hands as this elogium declareth which he caused to be ingrauen vpon the Wall 〈◊〉 primum hums temph 〈◊〉 dominus Herebertus posuit in nomine patris 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sancti Amen This Church he dedicated to the blessed Trinity endowing it with great lands and possessions bookes and all other necessaries Hauing finished it according to his mind he then determineth to build an house for himselfe for as yet he had none in Norwich the See being so lately remoued from Thetford and therefore on the North side of the Church he founded a stately pallace Againe he built fine Churches one ouer against the Cathedrall Church on the other side of the Riuer called Saint 〈◊〉 another at Norwich also another at Elmham a fourth at Lynne and a fist at Yermouth He departed this life July 22. in the yeere of our Lord 1119. And was buried in his Cathedrall church of Norwich by the high Aulter 2. Euerard HErbert being dead Euerard Archdeacon of Salisbury was consecrate Bishop of Norwich June 12. 1121. which dignity although he enioyed a long space yet time the deuourer of all things hath left nothing of him to our remembrance but that when he had gouerned his Church 29. yeeres he ended this life October 15. 1150. 3. William Turbus AFter him succéeded William Turbus a Norman by birth being in his youth a monke in Norwich and afterwards Prior there In his time the Cathedrall Church of Norwich was burned by casuall fire He died in the 25. yeere of his consecration the 17. of Ianuary 4. Iohannes Oxoniensis IN the yéere of our Lord 1270. Iohn of Oxford Deane of Salisbury was elect Bishop of Norwich This man finished the Church which Herbert being preuented by death had left vnperfected He builded diuers Hospitals for impotent diseased people He founded Trinity Church at 〈◊〉 and reedified diuers houses which were by fire 〈◊〉 He died the 26. yéere of his consecration June 2. 1200. and was buried neere to the high Aulter In his time the Cathedrall Church was againe defaced with fire in the second yeere of king Iohn 5. Iohannes de Grey IOhn de Grey was nert preferred to this place He was a man well seene in the Lawes of the realme wise and of great integrity In regard hereof King Iohn was very desirous to haue made him Archbishop of Canterbury Sée more of that matter in Stephen Langton of Canterbury He built that goodly hall at Gaywood and the rest of the housing adioyning Sate about 14. yeeres died néere Poytiers in his returne from Rome Nouember 1. 1214. and was buried in his owne Church 6. Pandulfus AFter the death of Iohn de Grey the Sée was 〈◊〉 for the space of seuen yéeres after which time 〈◊〉 the Popes Legate was elected to the same by the Cotent He was consecrate at Rome by Honorius the Pope ann 1222. and died the fift yéere of his consecration the 17. of August After his death the Sée was void againe for the space of thrée yéeres 7. Thomas de Blundeuill THomas de Blundeuill an officer of the Exchequer was then preferred vnto the Bishopricke of Norwich by the meanes of Hubert de Burgo that famous chiefe Justice of England and consecrate December 20. 1226. He died August 16. 1236. 8. Radulphus AFter Bishop Blundeuill William Raleigh is said to haue succeeded immediately But Matthew Westminster witnesseth that one Radulphus was consecrate October 28. 1236. and died the yéere following 9. William de Raleigh THe Bishopricke was then voyd by the space almost of 3. yeeres The couent had chosen orderly for their pastor Symon the Prior of their Church a graue and Reuerend man not iustly to be excepted against yet it pleased the King to mislike him and easily procured their election to be 〈◊〉 A Cannon of Paules William de Raleigh at last obtained the same 1239. Within a short time after the Monkes of Winchester required him for their Bishop and at last after many great 〈◊〉 obtained him the King all that euer he might resisting the same Sée more of him in Winchester Walter de Sufield WAlter de Sufield succéeded a man highly commended for his excellent learning He founded the hospitall of Saint Giles in Norwich indowing it with lands and great possessions He built also the chappell of our 〈◊〉 in the cathedrall church and in the same chappell was afterward buried Moreouer it is remembred of him that in a time of great dearth he sold his plate and distributed the money euery whit vnto the poore He was consecrate the yéere 1244. and died May 18. 1257. at Colchester but was buried as aboue said in which place diuers miracles are reported to haue béene wrought and are ascribed to his holinesse 11. Simon de Wanton SImon de Wanton the kings chaplaine and one of his Justices was consecrate Bishop of Norwich March 10. 1257. When he had sate 8. yéeres he died and was buried by his predecessor This man obtayned licence of the Pope to hold all his former liuings in
Commendam for sower yéeres 12. Rogerus de Skerwyng ROgerus de Skerwyng was the next Bishop of Norwich being preferred thereunto an 1265. In his time there was a dangerous sedition raysed betweene the citizens of Norwich and the monks of the Cathedral church the history whereof is briefly this In a faire that was kept before the gates of the priory there happened a fray in which some seruants of the couent flew certaine citizens A Jury being empanncied hereupon found them guilty and the officers tooke order for the apprehending of the murtherers if they might be met withall The monkes greatly offended herewith first excommunicated the citizens then shutting the gates not onely prepared themselues to defence but also began to offend the other shooting at the passengers first and afterward issuing out of their gates killing diuers persons and spoyling many houses The citizens greatly incensed herewith fired the gates entred the monastery and after a long conflict a great number being flaine on both sides preuayled rifled the priory and set fire on the same in diuers places at once This fire consumed not onely the celles and offices of the monkes but the almes house also the steeple and greatest part of the cathedrall church The king hearing of this tumult king Henry the third with all speede posted thither and caused diuers citizens to be hanged drawen and quartered Amongst the rest that were executed a woman that first carried fire to the gates was burned The monkes for their part appealed to Rome and so handled the matter that they not onely escaped punishment but also forced the citizens to pay them 3000. markes after 500. markes a yeere towarde the reparation of their church and to present them with a Pare of gold of seuen pound waight This end was made by king Edward the first his father being now dead at the request and solicitation of the Bishop who died an 1278. hauing sate 13. yeeres 13. William Middleton AFter him succéeded William Middleton Archdeacon of Canterbury He reedified the church being so destroyed and prophaned in the time of Bishop Roger and hallowed the same in the presence of the king and many of his nobles In the 11. yeere of his consecration he departed this life the last of August 1288. 14. Radulphus de Walpoole IN his roome Randulph de Walpoole was elected by the monkes and consecrated 1288. When he had gouerned with great commendation the space of 11 yeeres he was by Boniface the Pope translated to Ely and liued scarce three yeeres after his translation See more in Ely 5. Iohn Salmon THe Pope hauing translated Radulph to Ely placed in the See of Norwich one Iohn Salmon Pryor of Ely The yéere 1319. he became Lord Chauncellor 〈◊〉 England and continued so about 〈◊〉 yéeres This Bishop built the great hall and the chappell in the Bishops pallace 〈◊〉 a chappell at the West ende of the church in which he ordayned fower priests to 〈◊〉 masse continually He died in the monastery of Folkstan an 1325. July 6. 16. Gulielmus Ayerminus IT is reported by some that after the death of Bishop Salmon Robert Baldooke king Edwards Chauncellor was elected by the monkes and receiued his temporalties the yéere 1325. But it seemeth likelier which other affirme that he renounced his election of his owne accord William 〈◊〉 by the Popes authority was then placed in this Sée and made Chauncellor by the king He gaue two hundred pound for order to be taken that two monkes the cellerers of the couent should alwaies sing masse for his soule Hauing sate almost 11. yeres he died March 27. at 〈◊〉 neere London 17. Anthony de Beck AFter him Anthony de Beck Doctor of Diuinity 〈◊〉 to the court of Rome obtayned this dignity at the Popes hands This man behaued himselfe so imperiously in the place that he bereaued the monkes of diuers auncient long enioyed priuiledges suffring them to do nothing but what seemed good vnto him plucking downe and preferring amongst them whom he listed Neither could he onely be content thus to tyrannize ouer them but 〈◊〉 to haue his acctions reformed or called in question by any others He openly withstood Robert Winchesley Archbishop of Canterbury in his visitation affrming that he would not answer to those things which were obiected against him vnlesse it were at that court of Rome This boysterous and vnruly 〈◊〉 purchased him such hatred of all men that at the last he was poysoned by some of his owne seruants 18. Gulielmus Bateman VVIlliam Bateman Doctor of the Ciuill Lawe borne at Norwich and Archdeacon of the same was next elected Bishop by the 〈◊〉 consent of the whole Couent a man of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so great constancy that he could not by any meanes be brought to Impaire and diminish the priuileges and liberties of his church although he were oftentimes by many of the nobility 〈◊〉 thereunto alway to the vttermost of his power resisting and punishing the sacrilegious drifts of them which attempted the same Amongst the rest it is remembred that the Lord Morly hauing killed certaine deere in one of his parkes and ill intreated his kéepers he forced the noble man to cary a burning Taper in his hand through the streetes of Norwich vnto the high Altar Though the king became an earnest intercessor for him yea mingling sometimes threates with requests nothing could mooue the Bishop from following his determined course Furthermore whereas the estate of his Bishopricke was very litigious before his time he neuer rested vntill he had rid it from all 〈◊〉 and contention obtaining also of Pope Clement all the fruits and reuenues of the vacant churches in Norwich which he left vnto his successors He builded Trinity hall in Cambridge giuing certaine lands for the maintainance thereof and prouoking other mē to imitate his good example he perswaded one Gonwell to found another hall in the same vniuersity which of late at the costs and charges of Iohn Caius a learned Phisition hath béene very much enlarged At what time king Edward the third laid claime first vnto the crowne of Fraunce he made choise of this Bishop to informe the Pope of his title In this voiage he died at Auinion the yéere 1354. In this mans time happened that great plague memorable in all our histories whereof as some doubt not to affirme there died so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In the city of Norwich there died 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the number of 57104. persons 〈◊〉 the first of Ianuary and the first of July 1348. 19. Thomas Percy HEnry Duke of Lancaster bearing a great affect on 〈◊〉 Thomas Percy brother to the Earle of Nortumberland 〈◊〉 of the Pope for the Monks refused him that this dignity 〈◊〉 be vestowed vpon him This 〈◊〉 gaue vnto the repairing of the church which in his time was greatly defaced with a violent tempest the some of 〈◊〉 hundred markes and obtained of the rest of the cleargy a great 〈◊〉 to the same purpose He departed this
〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 yéere of his consecration and 〈◊〉 to the Chaunter of the church of Norwich a house and certaine lands lying within the Lordship of 〈◊〉 Caerlton 〈◊〉 Granthorp and 〈◊〉 vpon condition he should procure masse daily to be said for his 〈◊〉 20. Henricus Spencer THe 〈◊〉 of his death swiftly flying beyond the Seas came vnto the eares of one Spencer A Gentleman greatly estéemed for his valour and skill in Martiall 〈◊〉 that serued the Pope at that time in his warres Of him with small intreaty be obtained this dignity for a brother of his named Henry a man of his own profession which of a soldier being made a bishop came into England March 16. 1370. was consecrate in his owne Church by the Archdeacon of Norwich Changing then his vesture but no his conditions in what manner of life he spent his youth in the same he most delighted euen in his 〈◊〉 yéeres And being a better Butcher then a Shepheard he procured the Popes authority for leauying an Army which not with standing the kings commaundement to the contrary 〈◊〉 transported into the Low 〈◊〉 And after that he has 〈◊〉 7000. 〈◊〉 an Army of 30. thousand and burnt the townes of 〈◊〉 Dunkyrke Newport with certaine others he returned againe into England where shortly after occasion was giuen of employing his valure at home to better purpose The yeere 1381. the commons of this realme arose in diuers parts and appointed them selues Captaines as Wat Tyler Iacke 〈◊〉 c. And amongst the rest the Commons of Suffolke and Norfolke made one Iohn Lyster their Leader a dier of Norwich and called him the king of the Commons This fellow endeuouring to ioyne his power with the rest that were now at London conducting them thither ward By the way they determined to haue surprised William Vfford Earle of Suffolke and hauing him to vse his name for the setting forward of their diuelish intents Missing of him they seased vpon all the knights they could find made them sweare to assist them One there was named sir Robert Sale that seeming to 〈◊〉 their dooings had his braines stricken out by one of his owne bondmen Amongst the rest that terrified by his example were glad to dissemble sir Stephen Hales a comely Gentleman was chosen to be the caruer forsooth of this goodly king But to proceede being now on their way they determined to send in a message vnto the king two knights sir W. Morley and sir Iohn Brewes with three Arch-rebels These happened to be encountred with their Bishop at a towne called 〈◊〉 not far from New market Being at his mannor of Burle neere Ockam Castle he heard of this 〈◊〉 determined to ride thither where he vnderstood they were assembled At what time he came to 〈◊〉 he had in his company but onely eight speares and a few Archers Notwithstanding the weaknesse of his forces he boldly inquired of the knights whether any of the kings traitors were there They dissembled a while for scare but after told him plainely that two notorious Rebels were at the Inne and the third was gone into the towne to take order for their dinner These he presently layed hold vpon and without more adoo cut off their heads which he caused to be set vpon poales at New market Thence he hasted toward Northwalsham where he vnderstoode the rebels had determined to make some stay By the way diuers Gentlemen that had hid themselues ioyned with him so that by that time he 〈◊〉 there he had a reasonable company 〈◊〉 him with that company such as it was he set vpon them who had 〈◊〉 themselues with trenches and 〈◊〉 very 〈◊〉 The Bishop for his part recouering the 〈◊〉 rode into the very midst of them and 〈◊〉 him selfe so manfully as if it had beene an action agréeble vnto his calling had deserued great commendation By his courage especially the victory in the end was atchieued The king Iohn 〈◊〉 and the rest of the chiefetaines were saine to leane their heads behind them and the whole Countrey reduced to a 〈◊〉 obedience Now to procéede vnto his other actions there was great contention betwéene him and his monkes for the space of fiftéene yéeres they being too weake for him at last were glad to giue him 400. markes to enioy their 〈◊〉 in like sort as heretofore they had done He sate Bishop 〈◊〉 37. yéeres and died 1406. 21. Alexander ALexander Prior of Norwich was elected Bishop by the monkes but the king so misliked their choise as he not onely kept him from his dignity but also imprisoned him at Winsor almost a whole yéere after his election At the 〈◊〉 of Thomas Arondell Archbishop of Canterbury and 〈◊〉 other of the Nobility he was released set at liberty and afforded consecration ann 1408. He sate sixe yéeres and was buried in our Ladies Chappell at the féete of Walter Surfield 22. Richard Courtney AT the earnest sute of king Henry the 〈◊〉 Richard Courtney Channcellor of the Uniuersity of Oxford a 〈◊〉 famous for his excellent knowledge in both Lawes was chosen by the Couent and consecrated at Canterbury by the Archbishop in the presence of the King and many of the Nobles A man of great nobility great learning and 〈◊〉 vertue very personable also much fauoured by the king and no lesse beloued among the common people He died of a 〈◊〉 in Normandy in the second yéere after his consecration ann 1415. his body being brought into England was honorably interred at Westminster 23. Iohn Wakering IOhn Wakering that for his life learning and wisedome was esteemed nothing inferior to his predecessor being kéeper of the 〈◊〉 seale was elected by the Couent and consecrated Bishop of Norwich by Henry Chichley Archbishop of Canterbury ann 1416. In his time the Counsell of Constance was holden vnto the which this Bishop with many other were sent out of England by the King In that charge he so behaued him selfe that he obtained great commendation for the same He built the Cloyster which is now to be seene in the Bishops pallace pauing the same with stones of diuers colours And hauing gouerned his charge with great praise he died and was buried in the Cathedrall Church before the Aulter of Saint George 24. William 〈◊〉 ANno 1426. William 〈◊〉 Doctor of the lawes was elected Bishop and consecrated at Saint Paules church in London by the Archbishop of Canterbury and in the 10. yéere of his 〈◊〉 was translated to Lincolne Sée more of him there 25. Thomas Browne THomas Browne Bishop of Rochester being at the 〈◊〉 of Basill had the Bishopricke of Norwich cast vpon him before euer he vnderstood of any such intent toward In his time the citizens of Norwich harboring their old grudge in their enuious mindes attempted many things against the church but such was the singular wisedome and courage of this Bishop that all their enterprises came to none effect He died when he had bene Bishop nine yéeres Anno 1445. 26. Gualter
Hart. AFter him succéeded Walter Hart Doctor of 〈◊〉 by whose wisedome and discretion the malitious humours of the malecontent 〈◊〉 before 〈◊〉 wel 〈◊〉 were now altogether extinguished He 〈◊〉 the church and during his life maintained 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at Cambridge with all things necessary for them at his owne charges He departed this life the sixth of May. 1472. in the 26. yéere of his Consecration and was buried in his church of Norwich néere vnto the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 27. Iames Goldwell THis man 〈◊〉 25. yéeres Of him otherwise there 〈◊〉 no remembrance 28. Thomas Ian. This man died the first yéere of his consecration 29. Richard Nyx AFter the decease of Ian Richard Nyx 〈◊〉 of whom I finde little woorth the rehearsing He hath the report of a vicious and dissolute liuer was blinde long before his death sate 36. yéeres and died an 1536. 30. William Rugge NExt vnto Nyx William Rugge was preferred vnto this dignity he sate Bishop 14. yéeres deceased an 〈◊〉 31. Thomas Thyrlbey RVgge being dead Thomas Thyrlbey Doctor of Law the first and last Bishop of Westminster was remoued from thence vnto Norwich He sate about 4. yeeres and the yeere 1554. was translated to Ely See more in Ely 32. Iohn Hopton THyrlbev being 〈◊〉 to Ely Iohn Hopton was elected Bishop of Norwich he sate 4. yeeres and died the same yeere that Queene Mary did for griefe as it is supposed 33. Thomas Parkhurst AFter him T. Parkhorst succéeded which by the prouidence of God being preserued from many great dangers and afflictions which he suffered in the daies of Quéene Mary was by our gratious Soueraigne Queene Elizabeth preferred vnto this place consecrate September 1. 1560. He died an 1574. hauing sate Bishop almost 15. yeeres 34. Edmund Freake MArch 9. 1571. Edmund Freake Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate Bishop of Rochester Thence presently vpon the death of Bishop Parkhurst he was remooued to Norwich and thence also the yéere 1584. vnto Worceter where he died about the 20. of March 1590. and 〈◊〉 buried vpon the South side of the body of the church there vnder a seemely monument néere the wall 35. Edmund Scambler EDmund Scambler houshold 〈◊〉 a while vnto the Archbishop was consecrate Bishop of Peterbourough Ianuary 16. an 1560. vpon the translation of Bishop Freake he was preferred vnto Norwich 36. William Redman William Redman Archdeacon of Canterbury 〈◊〉 The value of this Bishopricke in the Queenes bookes is 899 l. 8 s. 7 d. farthing and was 〈◊〉 at Rome in 5000. ducats The Bishops of Worceter WVlfher the first Christian king of Mercia being dead Ethelred his brother succéeded him in the kingdome He by the perswasion of Osher gouernor of Wiccia diuided his countrey which till that time had neuer had more then one Bishop into 5 parts or Diocesses which he appointed vnto fiue Bishoprickes whereof one was Lichfield erected 4. new Cathedral Sées one at Dorchester another at Leicester another at Sidnacester and the fourth at Worceter And for the first Bishop of Worceter choice was made of one Tatfrith a man of great learning who died before he could be consecrate After his decease Boselus was chosen and consecrate by Theodore Archbishop of Canterbury This was done as our histories deliuer for the most part the yéere 679. 1. After 〈◊〉 before mentioned these succéeded 2. 〈◊〉 consecrate 692. 3. Saint 〈◊〉 consecrate 〈◊〉 This man went to Rome with Offa king of Mercia there got licence of Constantine the Pope to build a monastery in Worceter and so did the same that is now the cathedrall church 4. 〈◊〉 consecrate 717. This man liued in the time of Beda 5. Mylredus 〈◊〉 reporteth one Deuehertus to haue béene Bishop of Worceter the yéere 766. but I thinke it an error 6. Weremundus 7. Tilherus 8. Eathoredus He gaue I comb vnto his church 9. Deuebertus 10. Eadbertus or Hubertus He gaue Croley 11. Alwyn or 〈◊〉 He built the chappell of Saint Andrew at Kimesey 868. 12. Werebertus called by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 was consecrate vpon 〈◊〉 being June 7. 872. He was greatly estéemed of king Alfred for his singular learning and translated at his request the Dialogues of Saint Gregory into the Saxon or English 〈◊〉 13. Wilferth He died an 911. 14. 〈◊〉 Abbot of Barkley 15. Kinewold he gaue Odingley vnto his Church 16. Saint Dunstan 〈◊〉 to London 958. and afterward to Canterbury Sée more of him there 17. Saint Oswald The yeere 971. he became afterward of Yorke and yet held Worceter still in Commendam till his death Concerning him and his two next successors See more in Yorke 18. Aldulf was also Archbishop of Yorke 19. Wulstan he likewise held Yorke 〈◊〉 like sort He is by some surnamed or rather I thinke nicknamed Reprobus 20. Leofsius he died at 〈◊〉 Aug. 19. 1033. 〈◊〉 was buried at Worceter 21. 〈◊〉 Abbot of Parshore the sonne of 〈◊〉 sister his predecessor He died December 20. 1038. 22. 〈◊〉 first a monke of Winchester and after 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 nephew vnto Brithwaldus Bishop of Saint Germans in Cornewall was consecrate Bishop of Crediton or Deuonshire 1032. He was greatly in fauour with king 〈◊〉 and attended him in his pilgrimage to Rome After his vncles death he procured Saint Germans to be vnited vnto his Sée and as it séemeth vnto me held not onely both them but Worceter also to which he was preferred 1038. vntill his death The yéere 1040. he was accused for procuring or consenting vnto the death of Alfred the eldest 〈◊〉 of king 〈◊〉 Some say he purged himselfe of that accusation others say he was depriued of his liuings as 〈◊〉 guilty and returning to 〈◊〉 died there But I take the third report to be truest to wit that he was once displaced and afterwards vpon better examination of the cause restored againe He died 1046. at which time euen iust when he gaue vp the Ghost there was such a horrible 〈◊〉 of thunder and lightning as men thought the day of doome had béene come He was buried at Tauestocke vnto which monastery he had béene a great benefactor 23. Aldred the yeere 1060. was translated to Yorke Sée more of him there 24. Saint Wulstan Alfred being constrained to giue ouer Worceter before he might obtaine the Popes approbation for Yorke as in Yorke you may see more at large he determined at his departure to fleece it and then to foyst in some simple fellow into that roome such a one as might seeme likely to swallow his gudgyn quietly He esteemed Wulstan Pryor of Worceter such a one and the king graunting free licence to choose whom they liked best he easily procured the consent of the cleargy and commonalty of the Dioces for his election This plot neuer so cunningly layde had not the successe that was expected For 〈◊〉 prooued nothing so tractable as he thought yéelded not to all that he demaunded and yet neuer synne wrangling and complayning vntill partly in his time partly in his
successors he had recouered againe whatsoeuer was taken from his Sée Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury assisted very fauourably his cause vrgens aemulum 〈◊〉 potentiae saith W. Malmbury the rather no doubt saith he because he thought it best in policy to weakē the see of York what he might that contended with him in authority greatnes This Wulstan was borneat Hichenton in Warwickshire His Father and Mother whose names were Eatstan and 〈◊〉 long before their death seuered them selues by mutuall consent and lead a Monasticall life Then as though heauen were not to be entred without a monks cowle they not onely caused 〈◊〉 sonne to be taught and brought vp in the Monastery of Peterborough but also exhorted him earnestly especially his Mother in any wise to become a monke He did so followed their direction professed himselfe a monke at Worceter vnder Brittegus his predecessor He was by by much admired for the straight life he led and for the opinion men had of his holinesse so estéemed as no preferment might 〈◊〉 whereof he was capable but immediately it was cast vpon him He was first made 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Treasurer of the Church after 〈◊〉 there the 〈◊〉 of Glocester and lastly Bishop of that 〈◊〉 It is said he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 consent vnto his election 〈◊〉 time protesting he had rather lay his head vpon a 〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉 off then to take so great a 〈◊〉 vpon him No man could perswade him to 〈◊〉 vntill that one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him sharply for his backwardnes 〈◊〉 him he offended God much in the same His excuse was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 learning And certaine it is that his defect that way was so notable as in the time of 〈◊〉 Conquerour 〈◊〉 all English Prelates were sifted to the 〈◊〉 he was called 〈◊〉 question for insufficiency and had beene depriued as it is thought at least wise if he had not beene found somewhat more sufficient then was expected He was consecrate September 8. 1062 by Aldred Archbishop of Yorke 〈◊〉 being then suspended But that he might acquite him selfe from vsurpation of any right belonging to Canterbury he not onely required him to make his othe of profession vnto Canterbury but also renounced all right of pretended iurisdiction vnto the Dioces of Worceter acknowledging the same to belong not to Yorke as some of his predecessors had 〈◊〉 but to Canterbury as to the Metropolitane of the same New to come vnto his gouernment we are to remember especially two things memorable of him One the building of the Cathedrall church which he raised from the foundation At what time it was come vnto such perfection as that the monkes forsaking their old habitation 〈◊〉 them selues vnto this new built the other Fabrike whereof 〈◊〉 was Author as in Yorke you may read more at large was pulled down Which Wulstan seeing burst out into teares and being demaunded a reason thereof by some that told him he had rather cause to reioyce Our predecessors saith he whose monuments we deface rather I doubt to set vp the 〈◊〉 of our vaine glory then to glorifie God they indeed quoth he were not acquainted with such stately buildings but euery place was a Church sufficient for them to offer them selues a reasonable holy and liuely sacrifice vnto God We contrariwise are double diligent in laying heapes of stones so to frame a materiall Temple but are too too negligent in setting forward the building of that liuely Temple the Church of God The other thing that I determined to mention is a notable testimony of his 〈◊〉 fidelity vnto his Prince All most all the Nobility of England rebelled against the king William 〈◊〉 the first yeere of his 〈◊〉 Certaine of them Roger Earle of Mount-gomery 〈◊〉 Newmarket Roger Lacy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and other attempted to take the City of Worceter This Bishop not onely 〈◊〉 them and by continuall 〈◊〉 in preaching and otherwise contained them in very 〈◊〉 obedience but also arming such a number of people as the City 〈◊〉 affoord caused them to 〈◊〉 out and set vpon the 〈◊〉 whom they 〈◊〉 killing and taking a number of them prisoners He died being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yeeres of age 1095. Ianuary 19. which day afterwards 〈◊〉 being 〈◊〉 was made a holy day appointed vnto the celebration of his memory He was buried in his owne Church 〈◊〉 the Church being burnt his 〈◊〉 onely escaped the violence of the fire how he appeared vnto his old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bishop of 〈◊〉 being at Creeklade at the 〈◊〉 of his death 〈◊〉 the same vnto him and many things more strange if any man desire to read them let him 〈◊〉 them in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and other that discourse them at large This for my part I thinke 〈◊〉 if not too much 25. 〈◊〉 a Canon of Bayon was consecrate Bishop of Worcester at Canterbury June 15. 〈◊〉 A man well learned very eloquent a great house keeper He tooke away 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the monkes that 〈◊〉 had placed there and died afterwards at that place May 5. 1112. He was buried in the body of his Church 〈◊〉 before the roodlost He had an elder brother named 〈◊〉 then Archbishop of York and a sonne that afterwards was 〈◊〉 Archbishop there Of them and some other matter 〈◊〉 him see more in Yorke Soone after his death to wit May 20. 〈◊〉 the Cathedrall Church 〈◊〉 and City of Worceter were burnt and quite 〈◊〉 with casuall 〈◊〉 One monke three seruants of the Monastery and 〈◊〉 townesmen perished in that fire 26. Theulphus a Canon of Bayon likewise was elected Bishop of Worceter December 28. 1113. but not 〈◊〉 vntill Iune 27. 1115. He died at his mannor of 〈◊〉 October 21. 1123. and was buryed hard by 〈◊〉 his predecessor in that place I doubt not where vpon one Marble lying iust before the 〈◊〉 doore we see the defaced images of two Bishops 27. Simon Chaplaine and Chauncellor vnto Quéene Adelicia the second wife of King Henry the first was consecrate May 23. 1125. He was liberall according to the proportion of his ability affable and very courteons 28. Alured After Symon W. 〈◊〉 that liued in those daies placeth Alured for his next successor 〈◊〉 some put Iohn 〈◊〉 before him and Florent Wigorn leaueth him quite out of the reckening 29. Iohn Pagham He gaue Bibery vnto the Abbey of 〈◊〉 and the mannor of Elme Bishop vnto his owne See 30. Roger sonne vnto the Earle of Glocester died August 9. 1179. at Tours in Fraunce and was buryed there 31. Baldwyn Abbot of Ford consecrate 1181. was translated to Canterbury 1184. Sée more there 32. William de Northale consecrate September 21. 1186. died 1190. 33. Robert a Canon of Lincolne sonne vnto William Fitz-Ralf Seneschall of Normandy became Bishop of Worceter 1191. and died the yeere following 34. Henry Abbot of Glastonbury was made Bishop of Worceter that Sanarike Bishop of Bathe and Wels 〈◊〉 vnite that Abbey to his Sée Sée more of that matter in Wels. He
died 1195. 35. Iohn de Constantijs Deane of Roane was consecrate at Stratford October 20. 1196. He died the yéere 1198. 36. Mangere Deane of Yorke and Chaplaine vnto king Richard the first was consecrate 1200. He was one of them that excommunicated king Iohn and interdicted the 〈◊〉 at the Popes commaundement the yéere 1208. Thereupon he was faine to flie the 〈◊〉 and died at Pontiniac in France 1212. the yéere before the rest of his brethren were called home 37. Walter Gray Bishop of Lichfield was translated hether 1214. and 1216. to Yorke See more of him there 38. 〈◊〉 sometimes a Monke and after Prior of Worceter succeeded He remoued the body of Saint Wulstan into a sumptuous shrine and the church being now throughly repaired since the burning of it in Bishop Sampson time he hallowed the same very solemply dedicating it vnto the honour of the blessed virgin Saint Peter Saint Oswald and Saint 〈◊〉 This was done 1218. in which yeere also he died 39. William de 〈◊〉 Archdeacon of Buckingham was consecrate October 7. 1218. He gaue vnto the Prior and Couent Wyke with the 〈◊〉 as also the parsonage of Sobbury and died the yeere 〈◊〉 40. Walter de 〈◊〉 the sonne of William Lord 〈◊〉 succeeded 1237. A man as of great birth so of no lesse stomack and courage He often opposed himselfe against the couetous practises and shifting deuises of the Pope and his officers The first yeere of his preferment Otto the Popes Legate at a Conuocation sought to take order for the 〈◊〉 of such as enioyed any benefices against law not beeing dispensed withall thinking belike it would prouoke many to the purchase of dispensations they cared not at what rate He counselled the Legate to take farther aduise of the Pope before he proceeded too far in this matter saying there were many of great birth whom it concerned and they were either old such hauing liued long in very worshipfull state to 〈◊〉 them now so lowe he thought it very hard or else they were yong and lusty and had rather venture their lines in any desperate course then suffer their liuing to be deminished I speake this quoth he by mine owne experience At what time it was mine owne case I was of the same minde Hauing said thus much he put on his Myter and sate him down againe Other were about to second him when the Legate seeing no good was to be doone in this matter bid them trouble themselues no farther the Bishop of Worceters aduice was good and he was determined for this time to follow it Another time to witte the yéere 1255. 〈◊〉 another legate demaunded of the cleargy of England a huge summe of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 not onely bought the kings consent thereunto but dealing priuately with many priuate 〈◊〉 men promising some and threatning other had made a very 〈◊〉 canuasse The matter being proposed when no man opening his mouth the 〈◊〉 assured himselfe the game was gatten this Bishop suddenly rose vp and exclaimed 〈◊〉 against this horrible exaction saying at last he would suffer himselfe to be hanged rather then he would euer consent vnto it Other then following his example this impudent 〈◊〉 was sent away with a sleeuelesse answere The yeere 1257. he was sent ambassador into Fraunce The yéere 1254. he tooke great paines to worke a peace betwéene the king and the Barons in whose behalfe when he had offered the king conditions as he thought most reasonable which might not be accepted he addicted himselfe vnto their party 〈◊〉 them to fight valiantly in the cause and promised heauen very confidently to them that should dye in defence of the 〈◊〉 For this he was after iustly excommunicated by the Popes legate He died February 5. 1267. at what time repenting much this fault of disobedience vnto his Prince he humbly 〈◊〉 and receiued absolution from that excommunication 41. Nicolas de Ely was consecrate in the beginning of the yéere 1268. and translated to Winchester before the 〈◊〉 of the same yéere Sée more in Winchester 42. Godfry Giffard succéeded He beautified the pillers of the East part of the church by enterlacing little pillers 〈◊〉 marble which he fastened with rings of copper guilt 〈◊〉 died 1304. hauing sate Bishop 34. yéeres fower moneths 〈◊〉 daies 43. William de Geynsborough Doctor of Diuinity was the 26. reader of Diuinity of his order in Oxeford Thence he trauelled to Rome and became Lector sacri palatij 〈◊〉 the Pope bestowed vpon him this Bishopricke He was a great learned man accounted in those times and writ much 44. Walter Reynald sometime schoolemaster vnto king Edward the second first Treasurer then Chauncellor of England became Bishop of Worceter 1308. and was 〈◊〉 to the Archbishoprick of Canterbury 1313. Sée more there 45. Walter 〈◊〉 succéeded 46. Thomas 〈◊〉 Doctor of Diusnity Cannon and Subdeane of Salisbury was elected Archbishop of Canterbury 〈◊〉 Hauing contended a while with the aboue named Walter 〈◊〉 whereof see more in Canterbury he was glad in the end to accept of this Bishopricke into which he entred March 31. 1317. He was a great learned man writ much and was moreouer so honest and vertuous a man as he was commonly called by the name of the good Clerke He lieth buried as one deliuereth in the North I le of the body of his church which Ile he caused all to be vaulted 〈◊〉 at his owne charge I should gesse by some shadow of the 〈◊〉 armes yet to be 〈◊〉 that his toombe is that which we see vpon the south side of the chappell standing on the North side of the body of the church 47. Adam de Orleton Doctor of Lawe was consecrate Bishop of Hereford September 26. 1317. translated to Worceter in Nouember 1327. and then December 1. 1333. vnto Winchester See more there 48. 〈◊〉 Mont-acute cousecrate 1333. was by the Pope translated to Ely 1336. See Ely 49. Thomas 〈◊〉 consecrate 1337. 50. Wulstan de 〈◊〉 Prior of Worceter consecrate 1338. He built the Priors great hall and the bridge of Brandsford vpon Twede two 〈◊〉 aboue Powike 51. Iohn Thorsby Bishop of Saint Dauids was translated to Worceter 1349. and in October 1352. from thence to Yorke See Yorke 52. Reginald Bryan consecrate Bishop of Saint Dauids 1349. the yéere 1352. was translated hither He was by the Pepes gift translated to Ely the yeere 1361. but died before his translation might be perfected by acceptance He lyeth buried by the North wall of a little chappell vpon the North side of the body of the Church as I gather at least wise by his armes engrauen vpon a faire toombe there 53. Dauid consecrate 1361. 54. Iohn Barnet Treasurer of England was consecrate 1362. 〈◊〉 hence to Welles 1363. and 〈◊〉 to Ely 1366. Sée Ely 55. William Wittlesey nephew vnto Simon Islip Archbishop of Canterbury was first Bishop of Rochester 〈◊〉 to Worceter 1363. and then the yéere 1368. to Canterbury Sée more of him there 56. William de Lynne
consecrate Bishop of 〈◊〉 the yéere 1462. was translated hither 1368. This 〈◊〉 taking horse to ride vnto the Parliament the yéere 1375. was sodainly surprised with an Apoplexy whereof he 〈◊〉 soone after 57. Henry Wakefield became bishop of 〈◊〉 1375. and the yéere following Treasurer of England He made the body of his Church longer by adding two Arches 〈◊〉 it built the North Porch and died March 11. 1394. the 20. yéere after his consecration He lyeth buried vnder a great Marble in the middle of the body of his Church toward the West end 58. Tidemannus de Winchcombe Bale reporteth one William Badby Doctor of Diuinity Consessor 〈◊〉 Iohn of Gaunt Duke of 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 béene Bishop of Worceter about the yéere 1380. It can not be true and therefore I omitte him Certaine it is that Tydemannus de Winchcomb a monke and the kings 〈◊〉 was thrust into this Sée by the Pope at the kings earnest request notwithstanding that one Iohn Greene was lawfully elect thereunto the yéere 1395. Thomas Walsingham calleth this man 〈◊〉 I doubt not Robert Tideman It should seeme vnto me that this man was for a little while Bishop of Landaff before his preferment to Worceter Sée Landaff 59. Richard Clifford Archdeacon of Canterbury was consecrate 1401. and translated to London 1407. See London 60. Thomas Peuerell a Gentleman of an 〈◊〉 house borne in Suffolke and brought vp in Oxford where he procéeded Doctor of Diuinity was first a Carmelite 〈◊〉 made Bishop of 〈◊〉 in Ireland by king Richard the 〈◊〉 at his vnfortunate being there 1398. 〈◊〉 thence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1399. and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Worceter 1407. 〈◊〉 sate Bishop ten yéeres died March 1. 1417. and was buried in his owne Church 61. Philip Morgan Doctor of law was consecrate the yéere 1419. and translated vnto Ely in the end of the yéere 1425. See Ely 62. Thomas Pulton was consecrate Bishop of Hereford 1420. staying there but one yeere and three monethes was remooued to Chichester 1422. and lastly the yeere 1426. became Bishop of Worceter He died at Rome and was buried there 63. Thomas 〈◊〉 succéeded The yéere 1435. soone after his 〈◊〉 to Worceter he was elected vnto Ely but 〈◊〉 not accept of the same Long after at another 〈◊〉 he was againe chosen to wit 1443. and enioyed that place till the yéere 1454. at what time he was remooued to Canterbury See more in Ely and Canterbury 64. Iohn Carpenter This man had so great affection vnto Westbury a place néere Bristow as he not onely bestowed exceeding great cost vpon the colledge there and chose it for his place of buriall but also intended as I find reported to haue honoured it with a part of his 〈◊〉 and to haue taken vpon him the name of the Bishop of Worceter and Westbury There had bene an old colledge in that place long before He pulled it downe and in the new building 〈◊〉 it very much compassing it about with a strong wall embatteled adding a 〈◊〉 gate with diuers towers more like vnto a castle then a colledge and lastly bestowed much good land for augmenting the reuenew of the same One that hauing beene long a merchant of Bristow in the later ende of his life became Deane of this colledge built the church of Ratcliff neere Bristow a notable worke and lieth buried in the same But to returne to our Bishop who also built the 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 he died at Bishops Northweeke and was buried as before said at Westbury 65. Iohn 〈◊〉 Bishop of Rochester was translated to Worceter 1476. and thence to Ely Sée Ely 66. Robert Moorton nephew to Iohn Moorton Archbishop of Canterbury succéeded He lieth buried in the body of Saint Paules church in London 67. Iohn Gygles or de Lilijs an Italian borne in 〈◊〉 succéeded him 68. Syluester Gigles nephew vnto Iohn Gigles 〈◊〉 his vncle 69. Iolius Medices a Cardinall of Rome nephew vnto the Pope Leo 10. and afterwards Pope himselfe by the name of Clement the seuenth was Bishop of Worceter a little while in the yéere 1522. in which yéere he both accepted and resigned this Bishopricke 70. Hieronymus de Nugutijs an Italian also obtained this Bishopricke by the resignation of 〈◊〉 and enioyed it many yeeres 71. Hugh Latimer borne in Leicetershire and brought vp in Cambridge became Bishop of Worceter 1535. The yéere 1539. except he would yéeld a wicked and dissembling consent vnto the sixe Articles there was no remedy but 〈◊〉 must resigne his Bishopricke He resigned togither with 〈◊〉 Shaxton Bishop of Salisbury July 1. afterwards to wit October 16. 1555. sealed the doctrine which he had long preached with his blood ending his life in the fire for the circumstances whereof as also of his whole life and actions I refer you to Master Foxe 72. Iohn Bell Doctor of Lawe and Archdeacon of Gloceter succéeded he was of the kings counsell in the cause of his diuorce from Quéene Katherine He 〈◊〉 buried at Clarkenwell by London on the North side of the East end of the chancell vnder a marble stone whereon is fixed this Epitaph Contegit hoc marmor Doctorem nomine Bellum Qui belle rexit praesulis officium Moribus ingenio vitae probitate vigebat Laudato cunctis cultus eloquio Ann. 1556. Aug. 11. 73. Nicolas Heath Bishop of Rochester was translated to Worceter 1543. and displaced October 10. 1551. Queene Mary restored him againe in the beginning of her raigne made him first Lord President of Wales then Archbishop of Yorke the yéere 1553. and lastly Lord Chauncellor of England See Yorke 74. Iohn Hooper held Gloceter in Commendam Sée Gloceter 75. Richard Pates as it should séeme by a report that I finde became Bishop of Worceter about the yeere 1534. and being sent beyond the seas in 〈◊〉 refused to returne Whereupon his Bishopricke was bestowed vpon M. Latymer Certaine it is that he subscribed to the Councel of Trent by the name of Rich. Patus Wigorn Epis. Queene Mary least she should seeme to do him wrong hauing appointed Heath to the Archbishoprick of Yorke restored him to Worceter 76. Edwyn Sandes translated from London hither and hence to Yorke 77. Nicolas Bullingham translated from Lincolne 78. Iohn 〈◊〉 translated to Canterbury Sée Canterbury 79. Edmund Freake translated from Norwich died in the end of the yéere 1590. about the 20. of March Sée Norwich 80. Richard Fletcher translated from Bristoll to Worceter and from Worceter to London 81. Thomas 〈◊〉 translated to Winchester 82. Geruase Babington Bishop first of Landaff then of Exceter and lastly translated hither an 1597. This Bishopricke is now valued at 1049 l. 17 s. 3 d. ob farthing In the Popes bookes at 2000. ducats The Bishops of Hereford AN Episcopall Sée was first established at Hereford and Putta made the first Bishop there the yeere 680. After him these 2. Tirhtellus 3. Torteras 4. Wastold alias Walstod He began the making of a sumptuous crosse which his successor finished 5. 〈◊〉 onsecrate 736 was
translated to Canterbury 740. He bestowed a goodly monument 〈◊〉 his predecessors and caused this Epitaph to be engrauen vpon the same Qui quondam extiterant famosi altique per orbem Corpora 〈◊〉 hominum hic marmor obumbrans Tumbaque mirifico 〈◊〉 fabricata 〈◊〉 Desuper exalto 〈◊〉 cum colmine 〈◊〉 Hos ego Cuthbertus sacri successor honoris Inclusi titulis exornauique 〈◊〉 Pontifices ex his ternos sancta infula cinxit Nomina sunt quorum Walstoldus Torhere Tirtill Regulus est quartus Milfrith 〈◊〉 coniuge pulchra Quenburga senis haec extitit ordine quinta Sextus preterca est 〈◊〉 filius Offrith 6. Podda 7. Ecca 8. Cedda He died 857. 9. Albertus 10. Esna died 885. 11. Celmund 12. Vtellus 13. Wlfhard 14. Benna 15. Edulf 16. Cuthwulf 17. 〈◊〉 18. 〈◊〉 19. Cunemund 20. Edgar 21. 〈◊〉 22. Wlfhelm 23. Alfrike 24. Athulf 25. Ethelstan 13. yéeres before his death he was blinde and gouerned by a deputy He builded the Cathedral Church of Hereford from the ground died at his mannor of Bosanbirig February 10. 1055. and was buried in his owne church 26. 〈◊〉 chaplaine vnto Duke Harald succéeded him Mat. Westminster giueth this testimony of him that he was vndoubtedly Deitamulus in omni religione perfectus ecclesiarum amator pauperum recreator viduarum orphanorum defensor oppressorum subuertor virginitatis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 king of Wales hauing ouerthrowen the forces of the English men about two miles from Hereford immediately assaulted the city tooke it slew the Bishop and seuen of the Cannons that denied him entrance into the church and held it against him spoyled it of all the reliques and ornaments that were portable and lastly fired both church city and all This Bishop being yet scarce warme in his seat was thus slaine June 16 1056. when he had béene Bishop but onely twelue weekes and 4. daies 27. Walter After the death of Leofgar the Sée continued voyd fower yéeres and was gouerned by Aldred Bishop of Worceter He being translated thence to Yorke Walter borne in Lorraine and chaplaine to Queene Edith was consecrate at Rome by the Pope the yeere 1060. His ende was much more vnhappy then his 〈◊〉 He chaunced to fall in loue with a certaine comely woman that he met in the stréete A long time he contended with this vile and 〈◊〉 affection and he thought he had quenched the same when a small occasion renewed it to his destruction Hauing certaine linnen to cut out this woman was commended to him for a very cunning seamster He sent for her and his old 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 desire easily kindling by this little sparke he 〈◊〉 errands to 〈◊〉 his men out of the way while he set vpon her first with words and they not preuayling by force She resisted what she might but finding him too strong for her thrust her sheeres into his belly and gaue him his deaths wound This W. Malmesbury telleth by hearsay of an vncertaine relation adding moreouer that the king being desirous it should be esteemed false forbid the report of it No other 〈◊〉 liuing néere those times maketh any 〈◊〉 of this so memorable an accident and therefore it is possible to be vntrue 28. Robert surnamed Lozing was also borne in 〈◊〉 had trauailed and read in diuers Uniuersities beyond the seas and being much fauoured by William the Conqueror for his manifold good parts especially his learning was preferred by him vnto the Bishopricke of Hereford whereunto he was consecrate December 29. 1079. This man was well séene in diuers kinds of good learning but in the Mathematiques he was excellent and writ diuers discourses in that kind much admired in those daies There was a great league of friendship betwéene him and Saint VVulstan who certified him of his owne death in a dreame as our stories report called him to his buriall and assured him he might not stay long after It fell out true for within halfe a yéere after 〈◊〉 other he deceased June 26. 1095. Now he foresaw the death of 〈◊〉 Bishop of Lincolne by Astrology and therefore refused to come to the dedication of his new church I haue related in Lincolne Sée Lincolne He built his church of Hereford anew following the platforme of the church of 〈◊〉 or Aquisgraue and lieth buried in the fame by the Northwall a little aboue the chappell of Bishop Stanbery as the inscription at least wise importeth For my part I am 〈◊〉 that he rather 〈◊〉 in that toombe which is ascribed to Bishop Raynelm for that the Image of the same holdeth the signe of the church in his hand which me thinkes argueth the builder of the church to be in that place enterred 29. Gerard nephew vnto VValkelin Bishop of Winchester succéeded Uery shortly after his comming to Hereford he was remooued to Yorke Sée Yorke 30. Rainelmus King Henry the first bestowed then this Bishopricke vpon one Roger his Larderer Within a day or two after not yet consecrate he fell sicke at London and being loth to die before he were a complete Bishop earnestly requested 〈◊〉 the Archbishop to affoorde him consecration which foolish demand he could not but laugh at and answered with silence Much against his will he died vnbishopped twelue daies after his nomination He being dead the king gaue this Bishopricke intended to him vnto 〈◊〉 the Queenes Chauncellor He receiued it as the maner had then long beene at the kings hands and was inuested into it by the deliuery of the ring and the crosier Anselm the Archbishop refused to consecrate him and diuers other that obtayned their preferments in like manner as in his life you may read more at large He was so farre from importuning him in this matter as being now perswaded his election to be vnsufficient he renounced the same deliuering againe into the kings hand the ring and crosier that he had receiued Herewith the king was so offended as presently he banished him the realme After much adoo betweene the king and 〈◊〉 a reconciliation at last was wrought and this man consecrate with diuers other the yeere 1107. He was very vertuous deuout and of good report except onely for his housekeeping wherein he was not so liberall as his neighbours wished him He died October 28. 1115. of the gout wherewith he was much tormented long before his death and was entoombed in the out side of the South partition of the Presbytery if haply his toombe be not mistaken for Bishop Roberts and Roberts for his 31. Geoffry de Clyue Chaplaine to king Henry the first was consecrate December 26. 1115. A man of great temperance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 well his houses and 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 belonging to his Sée into a 〈◊〉 good order being much wasted and 〈◊〉 in the time of his predecessors He 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vnto the 〈◊〉 and left much wealth 〈◊〉 him which better might haue béene bestowed vpon them He died February 3. 1119. and was laid in the North wall a little aboue Robert his predecessor 32.
colledge in Cambridge often Ambassador in Germany Italy and elsewhere and became Bishop of Hereford the yéere 1535. A man very well learned and secretly a fauourer of religion M. 〈◊〉 doth dedicate his commentary vpon the Euangelists vnto him Himselfe also writ diuers bookes yet extant He sate onely two yeeres and seuen moneths But where he died or was buried I finde not 66. Edmund Boner hauing béene Bishop of Hereford only 7. moneths was 〈◊〉 to London See London 67. Iohn Skyp Doctor of Diuinity and Archdeacon of Dorset became Bishop of Hereford 1539. sate 4. moneths aboue 12. yeeres died at London in time of a Parliament and was buried in the church of Saint Mary Mont-hault 68. Iohn Harley sometime fellow of Magdalene colledge in Oxford was displaced by Quéene Mary and died soone after 69. Robert Parsew alias Warbington succéeded 70. Iohn Scory late Bishop of Chichester was appointed vnto this Sée by the Queenes Maiesty that now is in the beginning of her raigne He died in the beginning of the yéere 1585. 71. Herbert Westfayling Doctor of Diuinity and Cannon of Christchurch in Oxford was consecrate Decemb. 12. 1585. The Bishopricke of Hereford is valued in the Exchecquer at 768 l. 10 s. 10 d. ob farthing and yeelded the Pope for first fruits 1800. florens The Bishops of Chichester 1. WIlfride Archbishop of Yorke being banished by Egfride king of Northumberland as in Yorke you may reade more at large he thought good to occupy his talent by preaching the word of God amongst the South Saxons 〈◊〉 the king of that country a little before his comming had receaued the faith of Christ by the perswas on of Wlfhere king of Mercia He willing to increase his owne knowledge and 〈◊〉 that his subiects should be directed the way of saluation made very much of Wilfride and assigned him an habitation in Seolsey a place all compassed about with the sea except one way All that land containing eighty seuen housholds this king gaue vnto Wilfride for his maintainance He built a Monastery there and established his Cathedrall Sée in the same Now it pleased God 〈◊〉 blesse his labours as in a short time great numbers of the people being conuerted embraced Christian religion And a day being appointed for their Baptisme they had no sooner 〈◊〉 the same but immediately it rained plentifully the want whereof had caused a dearth the space of thrée yéeres before and that so great as not onely many died daily for hunger but great numbers ioyning hand in hand forty or fifty in a company threw themselues headlong into the sea choosing rather to die then to indure that torment of hunger any longer Thus it pleased God at once to deliuer these men from temporall death by famine and euerlasting destruction that their ignorance threatned vnto them Neither was this all the good that Wilfride did vnto them Their sea and riuers abounding with great store of good fish which they knew not how to take he taught them and caused great store to be caught wherewith many poore people were greatly relieued Hauing staid fiue yéeres there he was called home into his owne countrey againe and restored to his Archbishopricke of Yorke 2. Eadbert After his departure Sussex was gouerned by the Bishops of Winchester vntill the yéere 711. at what time Eadbert was consecrate Bishop of Seolsey which place before that he gouerned as Abbot 3. Eolla he being dead the Sée stood voyde vntill after the death of Beda 4. Sigga or Sigelm alias Sigfridus 5. Alubrith 6. Osa alias Bosa 7. Giselher 8. Tota 9. Wighthun 10. 〈◊〉 11. Beornege Matthew Westminster maketh mention of one Camelec Bishop of the South Saxons that as he saith was taken prisoner of the Danes the yéere 915. and afterwards redeemed with the price of 40 l. sterling by king Edward the elder 12. Coenred 13. Gutheard he died 960. 14. Alfred he died 970. 15. Eadelm 16. Ethelgar Abbot of the new Abbey at Winchester consecrate May 6. 980. translated to Canterbury 988. 17. Ordbright 18. Elmar he died 1019. 19. Ethelrike he died 1038. Nouember 5. 20. Grinketell being depriued of the Bishoprick of the East Angles for Symony obtayned this 1039. 21. Heca Chaplayne vnto king Edward the Confessor consecrate 1047. he died 1057. 22. Agelrike a man singularly commended for his skill in the lawes and customes of the realme was appointed by William the Conqueror to assist Gosfrid Bishop of Constantia in iudging a great controuersie betwéene Lanfranke the Archbishop and Odo Earle of Kent the kings brother concerning title of diuers landes and because being a very aged man he was vnable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from Chichester vnto Pikenden hoath in Kent where the whole County in a manner were assembled about this matter he was brought thither in a wagon or chariot In a 〈◊〉 holden at Windsor he was 〈◊〉 and that as Florent Wigorn. supposeth 〈◊〉 the yéere 1070. and imprisoned at Marleborough 1. Stigand chaplaine vnto the Conqueror translated his Sée from Seolsey an obscure place at that time and now caten vp with the sea that euery high water 〈◊〉 it vnto Chichester in old time called 〈◊〉 so he was the first Bishop of Chichester He died an 1087. 2. William 3. Ralfe A man of very high 〈◊〉 and no lesse high of minde He stoode very stoutly in defence of 〈◊〉 the Archbishop in so much as when the king William Rufus threatned him for the same he offered him his ring and crosier saying it should better become him to leaue his place then his duety Neither could he euer be induced to forsake the said Archbishop vntill he séemed to forsake his owne cause by flying the country After that when the king was content to winke at the mariage of many Priests in the realme vnto whom the Archbishop was a grieuous and heauy aduersary and receiued of them yéerely a great summe of money for defending them against the austerity of the other I meane Anselme this Bishop resisted the collection of that money in his Dioces calling it the tribute of fornication and when notwithstanding his resistance it was paied he interdicted his owne Dioces commanding the Church doores euery where to be stopped vp with thornes The king a wise and gentle Prince Henry the first whether not vouchsafing to contend with him or taking his well meaning in good part was not onely content to pardon this disobedience but also bestowed the money so gathered in his Dioces vpon him saying it was a poore Bishopricke and néeded such helpes And certaine it is that before the comming of this man it was indéede excéeding poore He increased it wonderfully and yet notwithstanding built his Cathedrall Church of Chichester from the ground It was scarcely finished when as May the fift 1114. it was quite defaced and a great part of the City consumed with casuall fire He found meanes to repaire it againe being helped much with the liberality of the king and some other This Bishop sate many yéeres
the certaine time I know not and drawing toward his end deliuered vnto the poore with his owne hands whatsoeuer he had in the world leauing him selfe scarce clothes to couer him He was euer a great almes man and notwithstanding his great building a great house keeper also Neither was he lesse carefull of the spirituall Temple of Christ then the materiall he was a very painefull Preacher yéerely visiting his whole Dioces preaching in euery place thrice reprehending and punishing sinne seuerely and lastly performing such other pastorall duties as he thought vnto his charge might belong 4. Seffridus Abbot of Glastonbury was brother vnto Ralfe Archbishop of Canterbury He was consecrate Aprill 12. 1125. 5. Hilarius This man onely of all the Bishops in England was content absolutely to allow of the declaration after published at Clarindon without mention of that odious clause saluo ordine fuo but was shrewdly bayted of his brethren for his labor as in the life of Thomas Becket you may read more at large 6. Iohn de Greenford Deane of Chichester was elected the yéere 1173. consecrate 1174. and died 1180. 7. Seffridus the second succéeded In his time to witte October 19. 1187. the Cathedrall Church together with the whole City was once more consumed with casuall fire The Church and his owne palace he both reedified in very good sort 8. Simon de Welles was elected Bishop December 22. ann 1198. 9. Richard Poore Deane of Salisbury was consecrate 1215. translated to Salisbury 1117. and after to Durham Sée Durham 10. Ralfe first Officiall then Prior of Norwich succéeded him in Chichester He gaue to the Church a Windmill in Bishopstone and died 1222. 11. Ralfe Neuil al. de Noua villa was elected Nouember 1. 1222. and consecrate the yéere following being then lately made Chauncellor of England by the consent and good liking of the whole realme for the great opinion they had of his vprightnesse and sincerity whereof indéede he yéelded such proofe in the execution of that office as neuer any man held the same with greater commendation About the yeere 1230. he was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury but was so farre from 〈◊〉 that dignity corruptly as he refused to giue the monkes money to pay for their charges in certifying this election vnto the Pope Now he missed it see Canterbury in the life of S. Edmund After that he was elect Bishop of Winchester See the successe thereof in William de Raleigh of Winchester He died February 1. 1244. at London in that house which is now knowen by the name of Lincolnes Inne He built it from the ground to be a house of receite for himselfe and his successors when they should come to London After his time I know not by what meanes it came to the possession of Henry Lacy Earle of Lincolne who somwhat enlarged it and left it the name it now hath This Bishop moreouer builded a Chappell and dedicated it to Saint Michaell without the East gate of Chichester and was otherwise a great Benefactor vnto his owne Church 12. Richard de la Wich After the death of Ralf Neuil the Canons of Chichester to curry fauour with the king chose a Chaplaine of his for their Bishop one Robert Passelew a man wise inough and one that had done the king much good seruice but so vnlearned as the Bishops of the realme 〈◊〉 much to be ioyned with him procured his election to be disanulled and Richard de Wiche to be chosen This Richard de Wiche was borne at Wiche in Worcetershire of which place he tooke his surname and was brought vp in the vniuersities of Oxford first and Paris afterward Being come to mans state he trauailed to Bononia where hauing studied the Canon Law seuen yéeres he became publique reader of the same After that he spent some time at Orleans in France and then returning home was made Chauncellour vnto Saint Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury as also of the vniuersity of Oxford He was consecrate by the Pope him selfe at Lyons 1245. and so gouerned the charge committed to him as all men greatly reuerenced him not onely for his great learning but much more for his diligence in preaching his manifold vertues and aboue all his integrity of life and conuersation In regard of these things as also of many miracles that are fathered vpon him he was canonised and made a Saint some seuen yéeres after his death He deceased Aprill 2. 1253. the ninth yeere after his consecration and of his age the fifty sixt He was buried in his owne church and the yeere 1276 his body was remooued from the first place of buriall and laid in a sumptnous shrine 13. Iohn Clypping a Canon of Chichester succéeded him This man amongst other things gaue vnto his church the Mannour of Drungwick vpon which he built much at his owne cost euen all the Mannour house there 14. Stephen Of whom I find nothing but this that he was excommunicate the yéere 1265. for taking part with the Barons against the king 15. Gilbertus de Sancto Leofardo died the yéere 1305. He was saith Matthew Westminster a father of the fatherlesse a comforter of mourners a defender of widdowes a releeuer of the poore a helper of the distressed and a diligent visiter of the sick especially the poore vnto whom he resorted more often then vnto the rich He ascribeth also diuers miracles vnto him beléeue him as you list He raised from the foundation the Chappell of Saint Mary 16. Iohn de Langton sometimes Chauncellor of England builded a costly window in the south part of the church This Bishop or at least he that was Bishop of Chichester the yéere 1315. excommunicated the Earle Warren for adultery whereupon the Earle came vnto him with armed men and made shew of some intent to lay violent hands vpon him The Bishops men perceiuing it set vpon them and by their Masters commaundement put both the Earle and his men in prison 17. Robert Stratford Archdeacon of Canterbury Channcellor of the Uniuersity of Oxford and Lord Chauncellor of England at what time he was preferred to the Bishopricke of Chichester made suite he might with the kings good fauor giue ouer his office which was graunted him but not long after it was layd vpon him againe He died the yéere 1361. 18. William de Lenne alias 〈◊〉 Doctor of law and Deane of Chichester was translated to Worceter 1368. See Worceter 19. William Reade was sometimes fellow of Perton colledge in Oxford where he gaue himselfe most part vnto the study of that Mathematikes that to so good purpose as he hath the reputation of the most excellent Mathematician of his age In his riper yéeres he fell to Diuinity and 〈◊〉 Doctor in that faculty He built the castle of Amberly from the ground left his picture many tables and Astronomicall instruments to Merton colledge where I heare they are yet kept 20. Thomas Rushooke a Fryer preacher Doctor of Diuinity and Confessor vnto the king was first
Bishop of Landaff and the time certaine I know not afterward remooued thence to Chichester He was drouen away from the 〈◊〉 by the Barons and his goods confiscate by Parliament in March 1388. 21. Richard Mitford was translated to Salisbury the yéere 1395. Sée Salisbury 22. Robert Waldby was translated from Dublin 1395 and from Chichester to Yorke the yéere following 〈◊〉 Yorke 23. Robert Reade a Fryer preacher became Bishop of Carlioll 1396. by the Popes gift who notwihstanding 〈◊〉 one William Stirkland was elected lawfully bestowed 〈◊〉 place vpon him at the kings request In the ende of the 〈◊〉 yéere he was translated to Chichester 24. Roger Packinton 25. Henry Ware Doctor of Law 26. Iohn Kemp Bishop of Rochester translated 〈◊〉 1422. and hence to London the same yéere afterwards to Yorke and Canterbury Sée Canterbury 27. Thomas Poldon first Bishop of Hereford was translated hence to Worceter 1426. Sée Worceter 28. Iohn Rickingale Doctor of Diuinity 29. Simon Sidenham Doctor of Law 30. Richard Praty 31. Adam Molins Doctor of Law and sometimes Clarke of the Councell being Bishop of Chichester had the kéeping of the priuy seale committed to him He was slaine at Portsmouth by Mariners suborned thereunto by Richard Duke of Yorke Iune 9. 1449. He gaue to the high Altar certaine rich clothes of crimosin veluet 32. Reginald Peacocke was borne in Wales brought vp in Oriall colledge in Oxford where he proceeded Doctor of Diuinity became Chaplayne vnto 〈◊〉 Duke of 〈◊〉 vncle and Protector of king Henry the sixt and was preferred by him vnto the Bishopricke of Saint Assaph from whence the yeere 1450. he was translated to Chichester He was a great defender of the doctrine of 〈◊〉 which he was constrained to recant at Paules crosse December 4. 1457. had his bookes burnt there before his face that notwithstanding he was depriued of his Bishopricke hauing a certaine pension assigned to maintaine him in an Abbey and soone after died 33. Iohn 〈◊〉 Doctor of Phisicke succéeded one of that name became Bishop of Lichfield the yeere 1496. It could not well be he although I finde somwhat to induce me to thinke so 34. Edward Story Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate Bishop of Carltoll October 14. 1468. sate there nine yeeres and was translated hether the yeere 1477. He built the new crosse in the market place 35. Richard 〈◊〉 was translated from Rochester 1504. and remooued hence to London 1506. See London 36. Robert Sherborne was translated from Saint Dauids 1508. He sate Bishop of Chichester 28. yeeres and died August 21. 1536. being 96 yeeres of age A man very wise often employed in Ambassages by king Henry the 7. a great housekeeper a great almes-man bestowed much money in 〈◊〉 his church and increased the number of the Ministers belonging thereunto 37. Richard Sampson Doctor of Law consecrate 1536. was translated to Lichfield 1543. March 12. See Lichfield 38. George Day Doctor of Diuinity consecrate 1543. was depriued October 10. 1551. restored by Quéen 〈◊〉 1553. and died Aug. 2. 1556. 39. Iohn Scory Bacheler of Dininity was 〈◊〉 1551. displaced by Queene Mary and afterwards 〈◊〉 by Queene Elizabeth vnto the Sée of Hereford 40. Iohn Christopherson Doctor of Diuinity 〈◊〉 of Trinity colledge in Cambridge and Deane of Norwich was appointed Bishop of Chichester by Quéene Mary some after the death of Day He was borne in Lancashire and brought vp in Saint Johns colledge in Cambridge Aman very learned whereof he hath left many testimonies behinde him He was depriued by acte of Parliament in the beginning of the happy raigne of our now Queene Elizabeth 41. William Barlow Doctor of Diuinity sometimes Bishop of Saint Dauids and after of Welles was 〈◊〉 Bishop of Chichester December 20. 1559. and sate 〈◊〉 about ten yéeres See Welles 42. Richard 〈◊〉 Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate May 20. 1570. and after translated to Salisbury 43. Thomas Bickley Doctor of Dininity 〈◊〉 of Merton colledge in Oxford was consecrate about the beginning of the yeere 1585. He was borne at Stow in Buckingham shire brought vp in Magdalene colledge where he was first Chorister then one of the Demies and lastly fellow In Quéene Maries time he was faine to forsake not onely his fellowship but the realme also Most part of her raigne he liued in Fraunce at Paris and Orleans In the beginning of her Maiesties raigne returning home he became 〈◊〉 vnto the Archbishop of Canterbury Matth. Parker by whose meanes he was preferred vnto the 〈◊〉 of Merton colledge Thomas Bentam Bishop of Lichfield his old acquaintance in Magdalene colledge and his 〈◊〉 in exile bestowed vpon him moreouer the Archdeacomy of Stafford and a Preuend in Lichfield Hauing gouerned the said colledge twenty yéeres he was called to the 〈◊〉 of Chichester where he sate 11. yéeres He died at Aldingburne Aprill 30. 1596. being well néere 90. yéeres of age and was honorably enterred in his Cathedrall Church of Chichester He bequeathed vnto Merton colledge in Oxford 100 l. to Magdalene colledge 40 l. and diuers other summes of money to diuers other good vses 44. Anthony Watson Deane of Bristow and one of her Maiesties chaplaines was consecrate the yeere 1596. The Bishopricke of Chichester is valued in the Queenes bookes at 677 l. 15 d. in the Popes bookes at 333. ducats The Bishops of Rochester SAint Augustine hauing laid some 〈◊〉 foundation of Christian religion at Canterbury for the farther propagation of the same thought good to crdaine Bishops vnto other cities neere adioyning and therefore in one 〈◊〉 consecrated two viz. 〈◊〉 to London and 〈◊〉 a Romaine to 〈◊〉 This was the yeere 604. About seuen yéeres after he was faine to flie the realme together with Melhtus Bishop of London as in his life you may 〈◊〉 more at large The yeere 622. he was translated to Canterbury See Canterbury 1. Iustus therefore was the first Bishop of Rochester 2. Romanus was the second Trauailing to Rome 〈◊〉 a message betwéene Iustus the Archbishop and Honorius 〈◊〉 Pope he was drowned by the way 3. Paulinus the first Archbishop of Yorke being forced thence by persecution was content to take charge of Rochester as in Yorke it shall be declared sate there thirteene yeeres and died October 10. 644. He was buried in the church of Saint Andrew which Echelbert the good king of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the ground 4. Ithamar was then made Bishop of Rochester an 〈◊〉 by birth and education yet nothing inferior either in life or learning vnto any of his predeccssors He was the first Bishop of our nation I meane the first Englishman 5. 〈◊〉 After his death the See continued long voyde 6. Putta at last was consecrate thereunto by 〈◊〉 Archb. of Canterbury He was a very good man but very simple and altogether vnexpert in worldly matters Waxing therfore soone weary of his Bishoprick he was halfe 〈◊〉 to leaue it when Edilred king of Mercia burning his church and city resolued and setled him in that determination So he went
into Mercia where he accepted the charge of a parish church vnder Saxulf Bishop there mending his liuing by teaching a song schoole for he was a great and cunning Musitian In that kinde of life he spent the rest of his time and could neuer abide to heare of returning to his Bishopricke 7. Quichelmus or Gulielmus so Beda calleth him a little while after his ordination left his Bishoprick also being forced thereunto by want and pouerty 8. Gebmundus or Godwyndus accepted it and held it during his life 9. Tobias an Englishman succeeded He was brought vp vnder Theodore Archbishop of Canterbury and Hadrian Abbot of Saint Augustines A great learned man a paynefull Preacher and so well seene both in the Latin and Greeke toongs as he spake them no lesse readily then his own mother language He died the yeere 726. and was buried in his owne church 10. Aldulfus 11. Dun or Duna 12. Eardulf Oâ—â—a king of Mercia gaue vnto him and his successors Freindsbury by the name of Ellingham about the yeere 77â— Ecgbert a king of Kent gaue him certaine land within the Castle of Rochester the yeere 763. And Ethelbert an other king of Kent gaue him Woldham ann 759. 13. Diora vnto him the foresaid Ecgbert that seemeth to haue beene but some petty king for it could uot be Egbert the fourth Christened king that liued 100. yeeres before these times he I say gaue to this Diora 10. ploughlands in Halling together with certaine Deanes in the Weald or common wood 14. Weremund He died the yeere 800. 15. Beornmod He died 804. 16. Tadnoth 17. Bedenoth 18. Godwyn the first It is here to be acknowledged that the series or Catalogue of the Bishops of Rochester from Beornmod to Siward euen for the space of eight score yeeres is but very maymed and vnperfect William 〈◊〉 affoordeth vs for all the time betweene Beda and the Conquest 330. yéeres but nine Bishops 〈◊〉 Wigorn mentioneth one more only A Catalogue remaining in the Church of Rochester inserteth at once seuen other vnto which I must néedes adde this first Godwyn that was vndoubtedly Bishop of Rochester the yéeres 833. and 851. as appeareth 〈◊〉 in two Charters the one of Withlaf and the other of 〈◊〉 kings of Mercia bearing that date and confirmed 〈◊〉 him Both of them are exemplified in Ingulphus And therefore I should doo ill not to allow him a place although whether this be his due place and order or no I am not able 〈◊〉 to say 19. Cutherwulf 20. Swithulf appointed one of the Gardians of the realme to defend it against the Danes ann 897. which yéere he died as Asserius reporteth 21. Buiricus 22. Cheolmond 23. Chineferth 24. Burrhicus Unto him Edmund the brother of King Athelstane gaue the towne of Malling by the name of thrée plough lands in Mealings ann 945. 25. Alfstane 26. Godwyne 2. 27. Godwyne 3. One of these confirmed a Charter of King Edgar exemplified in Ingulphus ann 966. One of them also as I 〈◊〉 noted confirmed a charter concerning Wulfrunhampton 〈◊〉 the yeere 996. Againe it is deliuered by Florentius Wigorn that Godwyn Bishop of Rochester was taken prisoner by the Danes the yeere 1011. And therefore whereas Matthew Westminster and others report that king Ethelrede 〈◊〉 the Bishop of Rochester in that his owne City a long time the yéere 983. and that being warned by Saint Dunstane he should take héede least he prouoked against him Saint Andrew Patron of that Church yet he would not depart 〈◊〉 till he had wrong from the Bishop 100. l. we néede not make any great doubt but the Bishop so raunsomed was called Godwyn although I find not his name any where set down It should seeme then that the See being become very poore what through the particular troubles of these men and the generall calanuties of the times after their decease it stoode void a long time viz. vntill the yeere 1058. 28. 〈◊〉 Abbot of Abingdon was then consecrate Upon what occasion he was preferred to Rochester you may sée in Eadsine of Canterbury pag. 25. He died saith William Malmsbury at Abingdon the yeere 1067. a few daies after the Conquest of England by the Normans Howbeit it is mamfest that the yeere 1072 he liued aud was present at that Synod gathered together about Whitsontide begun at Winchester and ended at Windsore as in the third books of the same William de 〈◊〉 ye may perceiue Whensoeuer he died certaine it is he left behind him a miserable poore Church destitute of all things necessary It had not aboue foure Canons which liued very hardly and that for the most part by the almes of such well disposed people as tooke compassion of their pouerty 29. Arnostus Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury intending to reduce this Church to some better order consecrated Bishop vnto this See one Arnostus a monke of Becco a man well knowen vnto him He liued not to performe any great matter Within a yeere after his preferment he died 30. Gundulph a monke likewise was placed in his roome by the meanes of the said Lanfranke who also caused him to take into his church not secular priests as hitherto had beene accustomed but monkes This Bishop was a man not greatly learned but wise and very industrious For he handled the matter so as he procured not onely his church to be new built but also the reuenewes to be increased to that height as at the time of his death it did and was able to maintaine fifty monkes some say 60. He was very much helped in these things by Lanfrank that beside diuers summes of ready money which he contributed bought a certaine mannor called Heddre and gaue it to the church of Rochester Morcouer wheras Odo Earle of Kent had incroched vpon diuers laÌ„ds possessions belonging to the Sées both of Canterbury and Rochester by law they recouered them from him 〈◊〉 vnto Rochester were restored by the meanes of 〈◊〉 at the suite of Gundolph and by the iudgement of 〈◊〉 Bishop of Constantia together with Egelrike Bishop of Chichester these mannors Dettiyng Stoce Preston Daniton and diuers other parcels This triall was held vpon 〈◊〉 hothe where all the County were assembled at the kings commaundement to giue in euidence Afterward he 〈◊〉 a Nunry at Malling and the hospitalt of Saint Barthelomews in Chettham Moreouer he built a great part of the castle of Rochester namely the great Tower which yet standeth In recompence of that charge amounting to 〈◊〉 pound the king bestowed a mannor vpon his See 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 March 7. 1107. 31. Ralf Abbot of Say was consecrate August 11. 1108. The yéere 1114. he was translated to Canterbury Sée Canterbury 32. Earnulph was a Frenchman brought vp a while vnder Lanfranke at Becco and after became a monke at Beauueys Lanfranke vnderstanding that he liued very 〈◊〉 at Beauueys vpon what occasion I finde not knowing him to be a man of excellent good parts aduised him to come to him into England
occasion saith William Malmsbury and the rest of our Histories the Kings of England tooke a conceite that it was not safe for any Prince to enter Oxford in so much as euery one being loath to venture the tryall of it in himselfe it was euer auoyded by them till the time that King Henry the third prooued it altogether vaine by his owne experience In this place Didan by the intreaty of his daughter built a Monastery for Nunnes and appointed her the Abbesse It happened then obout the yéere of grace 847. in the time of King Egelred that certaine Danes flying into this Monastery to saue their liues from the bloody cruelty of the English pursuing them when otherwise they could not 〈◊〉 gotten out the Monastery was 〈◊〉 and they all burnt in the same But it was reedified shortly after by the said king and further enriched with diuers possessions This notwithstanding soone after it sell into wonderfull great decay so as no body caring to inhabite the same it was giuen by William the Conqneror vnto the Abbey of Abingdon for a Cell or remoouing house They not 〈◊〉 estéeming it were content that Roger Bishop of Salisbury their Ordinary should confirme it vnto one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chaplaine vnto king Henry the first a man wise learned and religious that tooke vpon him to place Regular 〈◊〉 in the same He did so the yéere 1110. became 〈◊〉 of this new or rather renewed Monastery himselfe tooke-other vnto him repayred in very good sort the ruinous 〈◊〉 and by the fauour of King Henry the first recouered 〈◊〉 it what lands soeuer had béene giuen heretofore vnto the Nunnes In this state then it continued vntill that 〈◊〉 Woolsey gotte licence to conuert it into a Colledge 1524. calling it by the name of the Cardinals Colledge 〈◊〉 leauing it vnperfect it pleased King Henry the eight of 〈◊〉 memory to giue it a foundation by the name of Collegium 〈◊〉 exfundatione Regis Henrici Octaui and moreuer made it the Sée of a new erected Cathedrall Church placing in it not onely a Bishop but also a Deane 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 and other officers besides 100. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that he appointed to be maintained in the same of 〈◊〉 number my selfe some times was one 1. Robert King THis new erected Episcopall Sée was first established in the Abbey of Osney where Robert King the last Abbot of the same house and the first Bishop of Oxford had his Installation the yéere 1541. About fiue yéeres after to wit an 1546. it was remooued vnto Christchurch then commonly called the Cardinals colledge This Robert King being yet Abbot of Osney was consecrate a titulary Bishop by the name of Episcopus Roanensis which is a Sée in the Prouince of the Archbishopricke of Athens He was translated from this imaginary Bishopricke to Oxford the yéere 1541. as before is mensioned taken away by death December 4. 1557. and is entoombed on the North side of the East end of the quier in his owne church where is this Epitaphe to be seene Hic 〈◊〉 Robertus King S. Theologiae professor prioous Episcopus Oxon. quiobijt 4. die Decemb. 1557. 2. Hugh Curwyn HVgh Curwyn or Coren Doctor of Law first Archdeacon of Oxford and Deane of Hereford then Archbishop of Dublyn and Lord Chauncellor of Ireland was translated from thence to Oxford a place of lesse honor but more quiet October 14. 1567. Hauing sate there little more then a yeere he died at Swynbrooke néere to Burford and was buried in the parish church there Nouember 1. 1568. 3. Iohn Vnderhyll AFter his death the Bishopricke continued voyde many yéeres At last it pleased her Maiestie to bestow it vpon a chaplaine of her owne Iohn Vnderhyll doctor of diuinity and Rector of Lincolne colledge in Oxford He was consecrate thereunto in December 1589. died in the beginning of May 1592. and was buried in the middle of the quier of his Cathedrall church toward the vpper end This Bishoprick of Oxford is valued at 354 l 16 s 3 d. farthing The Bishops of Glocester OSrike king of Northumberland founded a Nunry in the city of 〈◊〉 about the yeere of our Lord 700. Kineburg Eadburg and Eua Quéenes of Mercia were Abbesses of this monastery one after another It was destroyed by the Danes and lay wasle vntill that Aldred Archbishop of Yorke began to reedifie the same about the yéere 1060. replenished it with monkes and erected from the very foundation that goodly church which is now the 〈◊〉 Sée of that Dioces Being giuen into the hands of king Henry the eight by Parliament it pleased him to alot the 〈◊〉 of it vnto the mayntenance of a Bishop a Deane sixe Prebendaries and other ministers 1. Iohn Wakeman Abbot of Teuksbury was the first Bishop of this new erection He prouided a toombe for his place of buriall at Teuksbury in the North side of a little chappell standing Southeast from the high altar Part of it yet 〈◊〉 But his body lyeth at Worthington where he died a house belonging vnto the Bishopricke of Glocester 2. Iohn Hooper Bishop of Worceter held Glocester in Commendam with Worceter by the licence of king Edward the sixt His life actions and Heroicall end are written at large by Master Foxe 3. Iames Brookes Doctor of Diuinity and Master of Baylioll colledge in Oxford succéeded him 4. Richard Cheyney Bacheler of Diuinity was consecrate April 19. 1562. He died the yéere 1578. Both he and his predecessor lye buried in one vault with Abbot Parker the 〈◊〉 Abbot His toombe standeth in a little chappell on the North side of the Presbytery almost ouer against the Bishops Sée 5. Iohn Bullingham Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate September 3. 1581. the Sée hauing beene voyd almost three yeeres He died about the 20. day of May. 1598. 6. Godfry Goldsborough Doctor of Diuinity and Archdeacon of Worceter was consecrate Nouemb. 19. 1598. The Bishopricke of Glocester is valued in the Queenes bookes at 315 l. 17 s. 2 d. The Bishops of Peterborough IN the middle of the riuer of 〈◊〉 which runneth by the south side 〈◊〉 Peterborough there is a whirlpoole of infinite depth that by reason of springs continually arising there in the coldest winter was yet neuer quite frozen ouer This place in 〈◊〉 time was called Medefwell and the towne adioyning taking name of it Medeswell 〈◊〉 or Medeshamstead Peada the sonne of Penda the first Christian king of Mercia began the foundation of a monastery there the yéere 656. but was taken away by the treachery of his wife before he could bring it to any perfection Wolpher his brother was so farre from endeuouring to finish this worke as being an obstinate Pagane he put to death 〈◊〉 and Ruffyn two of his owne sonnes for no other cause then this that they were Christians Afterwards notwithstanding it pleased God so to touch his heart as of a persecuting Saul 〈◊〉 became a good Paul and in token of his griefe and sorrow for his cruelty to his
sonnes determined to builde vp this monastery in the most magnificent and stately manner he could 〈◊〉 which indéed he performed being very much holpen in the same by the contribution of Ethelred his brother as also of Kineburg and Kineswith his sisters who as W. 〈◊〉 deliuereth doo there ly buried This Monastery he dedicated vnto Saint Peter and appointed one Saxulf by whose perswasion he tooke in hand this worke to be the first 〈◊〉 of the same He afterwards became Bishop of Lichfield Two hundred yéeres after the first foundation and somewhat more it flourished in wealth and great prosperity to 〈◊〉 vntill the comming of the Danes who slew the Monkes and vtterly destroyed all those sumptuous buildings erected by Wolpher Hauing then layen desolate 109. yéeres Ethelwold Bishop of Winchester a great Patron of Monkery reedified it He had begun a new Oundale at Northampton in Northampton shire when by chaunce comming to this place he thought good to omitte that former and to bestow his cost here So he made a parish church of his building at Oundale and reedified this decayed Monastery of Medeshamstead In digging vp some of the old foundations it is remembred there were found stones of such huge greatnesse as eight yoke of Oren were scarce able to draw one of them away King Edgar holp the Bishop much in this foundation and Aldulf that was Chauncellor vnto the said king partly for deuotion partly for malcontentment and greefe that he had layen vpon his onely child and so 〈◊〉 him in his sleepe bestowed all his substance vpon it and betaking himselfe vnto a monasticall life became Abbot there After him Kenulfus another Abbot compassed about this Monastery with a strong Wall about the yéere of our Lord 1000. And then saith W. Malmsbury because it bare the shew of a towne or burrough it began to leaue the old name and to be called altogether Burgh or Burrough and sometimes because it was dedicated vnto Saint Peter Peterburrough Through the liberality of diuers Benefactors it grew to that greatnesse of wealth and possessions as all the Countrey round about belonged vnto it In that state it continued till that fatall day of all our Monasteries at what time it pleased King Henry the eight to conuert the same into a Cathedrall Church and to imploy the reuenewes vpon the maintenance of a Bishop a Deane 6. Prebendaries and other Ministers necessary for the celebration of Diuine seruice Northamtonshire and Kutlandshire were taken from Lincolne and appointed the Dioces of this newe crected Sée 1. Iohn Chambers IOhn Chambers the last Abbot of Peterborough was the first Bishop 2. Dauid Poole DAuid Poole Doctor of Law Deane of the Arches and sometimes Chauncellor of the Dioces of Lichfield 3. Edmund Scambler EDmund Scambler was consecrate Ianuary 16. 1560. and the yéere 1584. remooued to Norwich Sée Norwich 4. Richard Howland RIchard Howland Doctor of Diuinity and Master of Saint Iohns Colledge in Cambridge succéeded He died in the moneth of Iune 1600. 5. Thomas Doue THomas Doue Deane of Norwich and Chaplaine to her Maiesty was consecrate in the end of the yéere 1600. This Bishoprick is valued in the Exchecquer at 414 l. 19 s. 11 d. The Bishops of Bristoll RObert surnamed Fitz-Harding because his father that was sonne vnto the king of Denmarke was called Harding this Robert I say being a citizen of Bristoll and sometimes Maior there founded the monastery of Saint Augustines néere vnto the said city and placed Channons in the same the yere 1148. being the 14. yere of king Stephen This foundation was afterwards confirmed and augmented by king Henry the second who so greatly fauoured the author of the same as he preferred him to the marriage of the daughter and sole heire of the Lord Barkley Of them are descended all the Lord Barkleys since that time And many of them as challenging an interest in this foundation of their auncestors haue chosen the church there for the place of their buriall In that church it pleased king Henry the eight to erect an Episcopall Sée and to conuert the reuenues of the same vnto the maintenance of a Bishop a Deane sixe Prebendaries and other officers The Dioces of this Bishopricke is the city of Bristoll and the county of Dorset 1. Paul Bush. PAul Bush Prouinciall of the 〈◊〉 was the first Bishop of Bristoll a man well learned both in diuinity and phisicke as his workes yet extant may testifie written in both kindes some in prose some in verse In the beginning of Quéene Maries raigne he was depriued for being maried and died vnhappily a few daies before her He lieth entoombed on the North side of the quier ouer against the Bishops See in a séemely monument thus inscribed Hiciacet D. Paulus Bush primus huius ecclesiae Episcopus qui obijt 11. die Octob. an dom 1558. aetatis suae 68. cuius animae c. 2. Iohn Holyman IOhn Holyman was appointed Bishoppe of Bristoll by Quéene Mary his predecessor yet liuing and died about the same time that he did 3. Richard Cheyny RIchard Chey 〈◊〉 consecrate Bishop of Glocester Apr. 19. 1562. was allowed to how Bristoll in 〈◊〉 with Glocester and so did for the space of 16. yéeres viz. vntill his death which happened the yéere 1578. 4. Iohn Bullingham Iohn Bullingham succéeded him in both these Bishopricks 5. Richard Fletcher RIchard 〈◊〉 doctor of diuinity and Deane of 〈◊〉 was consecrate Bishop of Bristoll Bishop Bullingham yet liuing in December 1589. When as the Sée had stoode voyde otherwise then as it was held by Commendam 31. yeres In the end of the yéere 1593. he was translated to Worceter and soone after to London Sée London Bristoll is valued at 383 l. 8 s. 4 d. The Bishops of S. Dauids THe British histories doo all report that in this Island at the first planting of Christian religion here there were established 28. Episcopall Sees as in Saint Aug. of Canterbury I haue before declared Of these 28. three were Archbishoprickes London York and Carlegion or Caerlheon vpon Usk in Monmouthshire At Carleon which was then a great and populous City in the time of King Arthur sate 〈◊〉 the sonne of Eurdila a gentlewoman of great birth but who was his father it was neuer knowen He was a man of excellent learning and singular integrity in regard whereof when first he had taken great paines many yéeres as well in teaching and reading vnto his schollers whereof he had a great number as in preaching vnto the people he was appointed first Bishop of Landaff and hauing stayed there no long time was made Archbishop of all Wales by Germanus and 〈◊〉 two Bishops of Fraunce that were intreated by 〈◊〉 Ambrosius king of Britaine to come ouer and yeelde their best helpe for extinguishing the 〈◊〉 heresie that had then taken great roote in this Countrey Vther 〈◊〉 being dead he crowned Vther Pendragon and afterward that great Arthar king of this Island and waring old resigned his Bishopricke
vnto Dauid a disciple of his He died and was buried in the Isle of Enlhi now called Bardsey where he lead a solitary life many yeeres Nouember 14. ann 612. His bones were afterwards remooued to Landaff by 〈◊〉 Bishop there May 7. 1120. 1. Saint Dauid DAuid before named was vncle vnto king Arthur 〈◊〉 son of Xantus a Prince of Wales begotten vpon one Melearia a Nunne A man very learned eloquent 〈◊〉 incredible austerity of life and conuersation He was also very tall of stature and of a comely personage By his diligence 〈◊〉 was quite rooted out and many earnest professors of the same conuerted vnto the truth With the consent of king Arthur he remooued his Sée from Caerlegion to 〈◊〉 which euer since of him is called of the Welch Twy Dewi and of vs Saint Dauids A place neither pleasant fertile or 〈◊〉 For as Giraldus Cambr. reporteth of it it is neither furnished with wood watered with riuers beautified with medowes nor inriched with any kind of fruitfull 〈◊〉 affoording plentifully nothing but rockes and barren hils vehement winds and tempests and lastly the dangers and iniuries whereunto solitary places néere the Sea are subiect by Pyrates and otherwise It séemeth he 〈◊〉 the frequency of people at 〈◊〉 as a meanes to withdraw him from contemplation whereunto that he might be more free he made choice of this place for his Sée rather then for any fitnesse of the same otherwise He sate long to witte 65. yéeres and died at last ann 642. hauing first built 12. Monasteries in the Countrey thereabout being now 146. yéeres of age as Bale out of the British histories reporteth He was buried in his owne Cathedrall Church and many hundreth yéeres after Canonised a Saint by Pope Calixtus the second Many things are reported of him incredible therefore not worth rehearsing although I doubt not but God affoorded many miracles to the first infancy of our Church neither therefore would I be so peremptory in derogating too much from such reports as we sée no reason why they may not be true Of him they say that his birth was foretold 〈◊〉 yéeres before hand that he was alwaies attended by an Angell that kept him company that he bestowed vpon the waters at 〈◊〉 that extraordinary heate they haue and to repeat no more for this is much more then any discrete man will beléeue that vpon a time preaching to a great multitude of people at Breuy the plaine ground grew vp in their sight and increased vnder his féete vnto a pretty hillocke After Saint Dauidsate successiuely these as Giraldus setteth them downe 2. Cenanc 3. Eliud or Teilau 4. Ceneu 5. Morwal 6. Haerunen or Haernurier 7. Elwaed 8. Gurnuen 9. Lendiuord 10. Gorwyst 11. Gorgan 12. Cledaue 13. Anian 14. Eluoed 15. Ethelmen 16. Elanc 17. Malscoed 18. Sadermen 19. Catellus 20. Sulhaithnay 21. Nonis 22. Etwall 23. Asser. 24. Arthuael Acertaine antiquity belonging vnto the Church of Saint Dauid reporteth a Catalogue somewhat different from this of Giraldus to wit this that followeth 1. Saint Dauid 2. Eliud 3. Theliaus 4. Kenea 5. Morwal 6. Haernurier 7. Eluaeth 8. Gurnel 9. Lendywyth 10. Gorwist 11. Gorgan 12. Cledaucke 13. Eynaen 14. Eludgeth 15. Eldunen 16. Eluaeth 17. Maelsehwyth 18. Madenew 19. Catulus 20. Syluay 21. Namys 22. Sathueney 23. Doythwall 24. Asser. 25. Athuael 26. Sampson Of these forenamed Bishops vntill Sampson there 〈◊〉 no memoriall but their names onely In his time the Sée of Saint Dauid had seuen Bishops Suffragans 〈◊〉 vnto it as the foresaid antiquity declareth to wit Exceter Bathe Hereford Landaff Bangor Saint Assaph Fernes in Ireland While he was Bishop it happened the people of all that countrey were woonderfully vexed with the Iaundise so as great numbers of them died daily of that disease By the 〈◊〉 of his cleargy and disciples he was induced to fly the countrey and sayled into Britaine where the Bishopricke of Dola being void he was straight way 〈◊〉 vnto the same He had brought thither with him the Archiepiscopall pall of Saint Dauid and vsed it during his life as did also his successors for many yéeres vntill they were 〈◊〉 by the Pope atthe suite of the Archbishop of 〈◊〉 to leaue it and make profession of obedience vnto him 〈◊〉 former times By this occasion it fell out that she successors of Sampson in Saint Dauids what for want of their pall or for pouerty or negligence or by some other occasion lost their title of Archbishop and to this day neuer recouered the same Howbeit they vsed all authority belonging to an Archbishop by consecrating of other Bishops c. Neither euer did they make profession of subiection vnto Canterbury vntil the time of Henry the 1. king of England whereof we shal speak more hereafter After Sampson succeeded these 26. Rucline 27. Rodherch 28. Elguin 29. Lunuerd or Lywarch 30. Nergu or Vergw 31. 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 32. Eneuris 33. Morgeneu This man saith Giraldus of all the Bishops of S. Dauids presumed first to eate flesh which none of them had euer done before him For punishment of which haynous offence he supposeth it fel out that afterwards he was murthered of Pirates reporting withall how that after his death he appoored to a Bishop in Ireland vsing these words Quia carnes comedi caro factus sum For eating of flesh I am now become nothing but flesh 34. 〈◊〉 35. Ieuan He continued Bishop one onely night 36. Argustell 37. Morgenueth 38. Eruyn or Hernnn a godly and learned man died an 1038. 39. Trameriu or Carmerin 40. Ioseph 41. Bleithud He died the 〈◊〉 1070. 42. Sulghein He for sooke his Bishopricke the yéere 1076. 43. Abraham The yere 1078. or therabout S. 〈◊〉 was spoyled and destroyed by strangers and Abraham the Bishop what through 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was constrained to 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 notwithstanding he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 about the 〈◊〉 1085. and 1088. died being 80. yéeres of age the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 man and the greatest Clerke in al 〈◊〉 so saith the 〈◊〉 Chronicle of him 44. After him a sonne of his called Rythmarch succéeded as the Chronicle of Wales deliuereth and died about the yéere 1100. the godliest wisest and greatest Clerks that had beene heere in 〈◊〉 many yeeres before sauing his father saith the Chronicle who had brought him vp and a great number of learned disciples 45. Wylfred He died the yéere 1115. It séemeth the 〈◊〉 Chronicle calleth him Griffri 46. Bernard a Norman Chaplaine vnto king Henry the first and Chauncellour to his Queene was 〈◊〉 by the Archbishop of Canterbury July 12. 1115. not 〈◊〉 by the Clergie of Wales as hitherto had béene 〈◊〉 but forced vpon them by the king that had then newly conquered Wales This man being in great 〈◊〉 with the king and 〈◊〉 vpon the goodnesse of his 〈◊〉 beg in to take on him the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and caused his 〈◊〉 somtimes in Wales to be 〈◊〉 before him After long 〈◊〉 and
much money spent in this cause 〈◊〉 him and the Archbishop of Canterbury Bernard had preuailed at the 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 had not two 〈◊〉 witnesses deposed a flat 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 of the Pope Giraldus aforesaid doubteth not confidently to 〈◊〉 that the power and wealth of the Archbishops of Canterbury hath ouerborne the poore Bishops of Saint Dauids in this matter without all right This Bishop saith Giraldus was a man in some other respects praise woorthy but vnreasonable proud and ambitious as most of the Englishmen were that in those times were thrust into Welch Bishopricks Againe he was a very euill husband vnto his Church 〈◊〉 diuers landes and letting others for the tenth peny of that his predecessors made of them so thinking to make a way by gratifying of Courtiers vnto some better Bishopricke in England He was deceaued of his expectation Hauing béene Bishop of Saint Dauids about the space of 33. yéeres he died ann 1148. 46. Dauid Fitz-gerald Archdeacon of Cardigan succéeded He died the yéere 1176. 47. Peter or Piers so the Welch Chronicle calleth him a Benedictine monke Prior of Wenlock was consecrated the same yéere His Cathedrall Church dedicated vnto Saint Andrew and Saint Dauid had beene often destroyed in former times by Danes and other pyrats and in his time was almost quite 〈◊〉 He bestowed much in reedifying of the same and may in sonie sort be said to haue built the church which now standeth 48. 〈◊〉 Prior of Lanthony aregular Chanon was preserred to this See by the meanes of Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury 49. 〈◊〉 Giraldus was borne in Pembrooke shire néere Tynby of very noble parentage being neere of kinne vnto the Princes of Wales a very comely and personable man of body and for his minde wittie discrete studious vertuous and well giuen In his youth he trauailed ouer most part of Christendome At Paris he read publikely in the English Colledge with great commendation Returning home he grew into great estimation with king Henry the 2. and became Secretary vnto his sonne Iohn with whom he went into Ireland and being there writ a description of the countrey as he did also of England and Wales Some affir me he was Archdeacon of Landaff of Brecknock and Saint Dauids he was for certaine Being elect vnto this See an 1199. he made challenge vnto the title of an Archbishop at Rome which controuersie how it was debated and ended yee may read at large in R. Houeden his report of the yeere aforesaid He was once accused oftreason but happily acquitted liued till he was 70. yéeres of age and vpward and dying was buried in his owne church He writ many bookes the Catalogue whereof yee may finde in Bale 50. 〈◊〉 or Edward was consecrate 1215. 51. Alselmus 52. Thomas Archdeacon of Lincolne a Welchman and a great 〈◊〉 forsaking other good preferments accepted of this Bishopricks being a miserable poore thing at that 〈◊〉 the yeere 1247. 53. Richard Carren 54. Thomas Beck He founded two colleges one at 〈◊〉 and another at Llan dewy breuy 55. Dauid Martyn 56. Henry Gower He built the Bishops pallace at Saint Dauids and died the yeere 1347. 57. Iohn Theresby or Thorsby translated to 〈◊〉 1349. and thence to Yorke 1352. 58. Reginald Brian translated likewise to Worceter 1352. 59. Thomas Fastocke died the yéere 1361. 60. Adam Houghton founded a colledge néere to the Cathedrall church of S. Dauid He was Chauncellour of England for a time about the yéere 1376. 61. Iohn Gilbert Bishop of Bangor was translated 〈◊〉 Hereford 1376. and thence hither 1389. Sée Hereford 62. Guido de Mona died the yéere 1407. who while 〈◊〉 liued saith Walsingham was a cause of much mischiefe 63. Henry 〈◊〉 was consecrated at Siena by the Popes owne hands Iune 12. 1409. sate 5 yeeres and was translated to Canterbury Sée Canterbury 64. Iohn Keterich or Catarick sometimes Archdeacon of Surrey was translated hence to Couentry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the yéere 1415. and after to Oxceter 65. Stephen Patrington a Iacobine Fryer as one 〈◊〉 or rather a Carmelite as an other saith being at the Counsell of Constance was by the Pope translated to Chichester in December 1417. as the records of Saint Dauids 〈◊〉 affirme Howbeit other say and I take it to be true that he refused to accept of the Popes gift 66. Benet Nicols Bishop of Bangor succéeded him 67. Thomas Rodburne a man of great learning was brought vp in Oxford and became first 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 then Bishop of Saint Dauids He write diuers 〈◊〉 amongst the rest an history or Chronicle The yéere 1434. the king 〈◊〉 to translate him to Ely but could not effect it 67. William Lynwood Doctor of Law was first Chauncellor to the Archbishop of Canterbury then kéeper of the priuy seale hauing beene first imployed in Embassages to the kings of Spaine Portugall and other Princes He writ much Amongst other his works he is famous for putting in order such Prouinciall constitutions as had beene made by the Archbishops of Canterbury from the time of Stephen Langton vnto Henry 〈◊〉 He florished about the yéere 1440. but iust what time he became Bishop or when he died I can not tell He lyeth buried at Saint Stephens in Westminster 68. Iohn Longton died within 15. dayes after his consecration 69. Iohn de le Beere 70. Robert Tully a monke of Glocester This man I take to be him that by the name of Robert 〈◊〉 is said to haue beene translated to Chichester the yéere 1508. 71. Richard Martyn 72. Thomas Langton 73. Hugh Pauy He impropred to the Uicars Chorall of Saint Dauids the Church of Llan Saint Fred. 74. Iohn Morgan died in the Priory of Caermerthin and was buried in his owne Church 75. 〈◊〉 Vaughan built a new Chappell in his church of Saint Dauid 76. Richard Rawlyns 77. William Barlowe translated to Welles hauing safe here 10. yéeres about the yéere 1548. and after to Chichester See Welles 78. Robert Farrar ended his life in the fire for profession of his faith the history whereof and of his whole life are to be read in Master Foxe 79. Henry Morgan died December 23. 1559. 80. Thomas Yong staying here but a very short time was translated to Yorke February 25. 1561. See Yorke 81. Richard Dauyes Bishop of Saint Assaph 82. Marmaduke Middleton Bishop of Waterford in Ireland 83. Anthony Rudde Doctor of Diuinity borne in Yorkshire brought vp in Cambridge hauing béene for the space of 9. yéeres Deane of Glocester was consecrate Iune 9. 〈◊〉 The Bishopricke of Saint Dauids is valued in the 〈◊〉 at 426 l. 22 d. ob and in the 〈◊〉 bookes at 1500. ducates The Bishops of Landaff THe Cathedrall church of Landaff is reported to haue beene first built in the time of king 〈◊〉 about the yéere of Christ 180. But I perceiue not that any Bishop sate there before 〈◊〉 that by 〈◊〉 Bishop of Altisiodore Lupus of Trecasia two Bishops of Fraunce was remooued to the Archbishoprick of
Caerleon Of that occasion of their double iourney into these parts for they were twice héere of 〈◊〉 whom former ages haue made a Saint see more in the beginning of Saint Dauids So we must account Saint 〈◊〉 the first Bishop of Landaff not that I deny any other to haue sate there before him but because he is the first whose name is remembred And it is probable he had no predecessors because the memory of all his successors is so carefully preserued 2. Saint 〈◊〉 alias 〈◊〉 the second Bishop was very nobly borne and brought vp vnder Dubritius his predecessor and 〈◊〉 together with Saint Dauid I finde deliuered that soone after his comming to this Bishopricke he was constrained by a strange disease raigning in those parts to flie into Fraunce whence after a season he returned againe bringing home with him in three ships his countrimen that had fled with him vpon the same occasion He was afterward slaine in the church of Llan Delio Fechan by a certaine noble man called 〈◊〉 His cathedral church where it séemeth he was buried hath euer since borne his name Unto it in the time of this man and his successors many kings of England and princes of Wales haue giuen much land and granted diuers notable priuiledge Amongst which these are accounted the chiefest benefactors King Iddon the sonne of Inyr gwent gaue Lanarth with all the lands there that belonged héeretofore to Saint Dubritius He gaue also Llanteilian porth halawg with the territorie vnto the same belonging Maredudd that son of Rein K. of west Wales gaue 3. 〈◊〉 Aircol Lawhir the sonne of Tryfan K. of west Wales gaue diuers lands Cadwgawn a king was also a great benefactour as were all these that follow Meuric king of Morganwg Tewdric or Theodorike a king Morgant king of Morganwg Augustus king of Brecheiniawc Iddug the sonne of 〈◊〉 a king Morgant king of Glewissig Ithael a king King 's of Erging Gwrwodius Cinuin Gwrgant Noble men of Wales called in euidences by the name of kings Clodri Lluddgwallawn Clydiawe Nogwy Hywell Gruffydd ap Owen Rys king of Glewissig kings of Gwent Arthmael Rhrodri kings of Morgannwc Rydderch Iestinap Gwrgant Caradock Gruffydd ap Llewelin king of all Wales 3. Oudoceus or Odoceus succéeded Saint Telian He was also very nobly borne and after his death reputed a Saint as was also his predecessor He died Iuly 2. the yéere I find not 4. Vbelwinus alias Vbelwin 5. 〈◊〉 6. Elgistil 7. Lunapeius 8. Gomergwinus alias Gomergius 9. Argwistil 10. Goruanus alias Guruan 11. Gwydlonius alias Gwodloiw 12. Edilbinus alias Edilbin 13. Grecielus 14. Berthgwynus 15. Trichanus alias Trycan 16. Eluogus 17. Cadgwaret 18. 〈◊〉 19. 〈◊〉 20. Pater 21. Gulfridus alias 〈◊〉 22. Nuth Nudd 23. 〈◊〉 alias 〈◊〉 He died an 927. 24. Libiauth Libiauch He died an 929. 25. Gogwanus was consecrate by 〈◊〉 Archbishop of Canterbury 982. So it seemeth this See was long void 26. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 27. 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 chosen by the kings cleargy and people of the countrey was 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 Archbishop of Canterbury 993 he died an 1022. 28. 〈◊〉 was consecrate by 〈◊〉 Archbishop of Canterbury Octob. 1. 1022. He died at Rome the yere 1046. 29. Herewald was consecrate at London by Stigand the Archbishop of Canterbury in Whitson weeke 1056. He died March 6. 1103. being 100. yeeres of age and hauing continued in this Bishopricke 48. yeeres 30. 〈◊〉 Archdeacon of Landaff was consecrate together with diuers other Bishops August 10. 1108. being then but 32. yeeree of age At his first comming he found his Bishopricke in very poore and miserable estate The church ruinated euen almost to the ground in the time of the late warres vnder 〈◊〉 Conqueror the reuenues of themselues small and yet so ill husbanded by the negligence of his predecessors as they could now scarcely maintaine two chanons beside the Bishop whereas there were woont to be 24. Complaining hereof to the Pope Calixtus the second at what time he was at the counsell of Rhemes viz. the yeere 1119. he affoorded him his letters to the king as also to the Archbishop of Canterbury and to the cleargy and gentlemen of his owne Dioces earnestly praying them to yeelde him their best 〈◊〉 for the reformation of his church so 〈◊〉 The Archbishop the rather to draw on the liberality of men in contributing toward the new building of the church tooke vpon him to release the fourth part of all penance 〈◊〉 vnto such as should bestow any thing toward the 〈◊〉 By this meanes no doubt hauing gathered great 〈◊〉 of money he began the building of that church which now standeth April 14. 1120. and hauing finished it built a new also all the housing belonging to it Then next endeuouring to recouer the lands lost or alienated from his See he chalenged diuers parcels withheld by Barnard bishop of Saint 〈◊〉 and Richard Bishop of Hereford and moreouer complayned that they had vsurped vpon the iurisdiction of these places Gwhyr Cedwely Cantref Bychan Ystrad Yw 〈◊〉 Upon depositiō of 6. witnesses that al these were of that Dioces of Landaff they were so adiudged by the Popes 〈◊〉 sentence who also writ vnto the king and Archbishop 〈◊〉 restore that right vnto the Bishop of Landaff and to 〈◊〉 to yéeld obedience to him and his successors as their Diocesan Howbeit how it commeth to passe I know not those places are now and long haue beene estéemed part of the Dioces of Saint Dauids and part of Hereford and none of them of Landaff This Bishop died beyond the 〈◊〉 trauelling betwéene this and Rome an 1133. 31. 〈◊〉 that succéeded had a daughter married to Iorwerth ap Owen ap Caradocke Lord of Caerlheon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a great and mighty man in those parts He died 〈◊〉 1141. 32. 〈◊〉 died 1153. 33. Nicolas ap 〈◊〉 died 1183. 34. William de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 35. Henry Prior of 〈◊〉 was the founder of 14. 〈◊〉 in the Church of Landaff He died 1218. 36. William Pryor of 〈◊〉 died Ianuary 28. an 1229. 37. Elis de Radnor died May 6. 1240. 38. William de Burgo chaplaine vnto king Henry the 3. was consecrate the yéere 1244. and died Iune 11. 〈◊〉 hauing liued blind 7. yéeres before his death 39 Iohn 〈◊〉 Ware Abbot of Margan died about the end of Iune 1253. 40. 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 died Ianuary 9. 1265. 41. 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 died in the ende of March 1287. and lyeth 〈◊〉 vnder a Marble engrauen in the East end of the Church of Landaff toward the North Wall 42. 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate February 10. 1296. at Canterbury and died Aprill 8. 1323. He lyeth in the midst of the East ende of the Church elsewhere commonly called the Lady Chappell vnder a flat Marble hauing a French inscription now somewhat defaced 43. Iohn de 〈◊〉 a Frier Preacher was consecrate at Rome and came to his Dioces of Landaff vpon the 〈◊〉 of Trinity Sunday 1223. He died at
〈◊〉 Ianuary 2. 1346. and was buried at 〈◊〉 44. Iohn Paschall Doctor of Diuinity a Carmelite of Ipswich was a gentleman borne in 〈◊〉 of a family yet remaining there and brought vp in the Uniuersity of Cambridge By William 〈◊〉 Bishop of Norwich was made a Titulary Bishop and his Suffragan by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 From that imaginary See he was translated by the Pope to Landaff ann 1347. died 1361. and was buried at Landaff He was a man of great learning for those times and left diuers monuments thereof in writing behind him 45. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Frier Minor 46. Thomas 〈◊〉 a Frier Preacher and Doctor of Diuinity was translated to Chichester 47. William de 〈◊〉 made Bishop of Bethlehem by the Pope was translated first to Landaff and after viz. the yéere 1389. to Rochester See more of him there 48. 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 was a Doctor of Diuinity and Monke of Bury where being knowen for a man of a very pragmaticall and 〈◊〉 humour that he might not trouble them at home the Couent thought good to maintaine him at Rome for the dispatch of their ordinary businesses there taking first a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of him neuer to seeke any office or 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 house without 〈◊〉 priuity and direction This othe notwithstanding when shortly after it fell out that the Abbot died he found meanes that the Pope should by his omnipotent bulles intitle him to that Abbotship whereunto the Couent with the kings good 〈◊〉 had now already elected another man far more meete 〈◊〉 Iohn 〈◊〉 For this bad kind of dealing as also bicause those prouisory bulles had heretofore béen forbidden by Act 〈◊〉 Parliament he was committed to the Tower and there 〈◊〉 prisoner a long time Neither durst the Pope yéelde him any assistance for the iustifying of his owne gift bicause there was then an Antipope whom if the Cleargy of England should haue béene induced to follow as by the kings 〈◊〉 easily they might it must néedes haue béene to his great preiudice and hinderance At the first therefore the Pope was determined to haue made him a Bishop in Ireland and whether he did or no I well know not But this is certaine that the yéere 1389. Thomas Brinton Bishop of Rochester 〈◊〉 the Pope with the kings good liking translated the Bishop of Landaffe to Rochester and gaue Landaff to this Brumfield 49. Tydemannus Abbot of Beaulien succéeded Brumfield and if I mistake not was that Tydemannus de 〈◊〉 that ann 1395. became Bishop of Worceter 50. Andrew Barret Doctor of Law 51. Iohn Burghyll a Frier preacher being Bishop 〈◊〉 Landaff and Confessor vnto the king was translated vnto Lichfield in September 1398. 52. Thomas Peuerell a Carmelite and Doctor of Diuinity was first Bishop of Ossery in Ireland 〈◊〉 thence to Landaff 1399. and thence to Worceter 1407. See Worceter 53. Iohn la Zouche a Frier minor and doctor of Diuinitie It should séeme that this man built either a 〈◊〉 part or else happily all of the house at Mathern néere Chepstow the onely house that is nowe left the Bishop to put his head in His armes fixed in diuers places of the wals and windowes to my iudgement import so much 54. Iohn Wellys was likewise a Minorite and doctor of Diuinitie 55. Nicolas Ashby Prior of Westminster 56. Iohn Hunden a Minorite doctor of Diuinitie and Prior of kings Langley 57. Iohn Marshall doctor of Diuinitie sometime fellow of Merton colledge in Oxford was consecrated 1479. and was I take it translated to London the 〈◊〉 1489. 58. Iohn Ingleby sometime Prior of Shéene a Carthusian 59. Iohn Smyth doctor of Diuinitie died October 16. 1511. and was buried at Christ church in London in the chappell of all Saints on the north side of the altar 60. Miles 〈◊〉 sometimes 〈◊〉 to the Abbey of Abingdon and afterwards Abbot of Eynesham 61. George de Attigua a Spaniard a Frier preacher and doctor of Diuinitie was consecrated March 8. 1516. 62. Robert Holgate doctor of Diuinitie was consecrated March 25. 1537. and ann 1544. was translated to Yorke See Yorke 63. Anthony Kitchen alias Dunstan doctor of Diuinity and sometimes Abbot of Eynesham was consecrated May 3. 1545. and enduring all the tempestuous changes that hapned in the meane time continued till the 5. yeere of her Maiestie that now reigneth viz. the yeere 〈◊〉 and then died hauing first so impouerished the Bishopricke by vnreasonable demises of whatsoeuer was demisable as there was no great cause he should be so loth to leaue it 64. 〈◊〉 Iones Bacheler of Law was consecrated May 5. 1556. 65. William Blethyn Batcheler of Law was consecrate Aprill 17. 1575. 66. Geruale Babington Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate Aug. 29. 1591. in February 1594. translated to Exceter and afterward to Worceter 67. William Morgan Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate Iuly 20. 1595. and translated to Saint Assaph September 16. 1601. This Bishopricke is valued in the Exchecquer at 154 l. 14 s. 1 d. and paid to the Pope for first fruits 700. ducats For want of some instructions I can not as yet set downe a perfect Catalogue of the Bishops of Bangor and Saint Assaph And therefore leauing them till some other occasion I must now passe vnto the Prouince of Yorke which contayneth besides Yorke the Metropolitane Church three other Sees Durham Carliol and Chester The Archbishops of Yorke 1. Paulinus NOt to say any thing of the manifold Testimonies of very credible authors who witnesse that the Faith of Christ was receiued in diuers particular places of this Island presently after the ascension of Christ or at least while the Apostles yet liued it can not be denied but 〈◊〉 Bishop of Rome At the request of Lucius then K. of Britaine sent 〈◊〉 Faganus and other learned Preachers to sowe the seede of the Gospell here about the yéere of our Lord 180. And it should séeme which our histories also witnesse That God so farre foorth blessed 〈◊〉 labours That they not onely conuerted many vnto the faith of Christ themselues but also left a posterity of other which with like painfulnesse continued the same doctrine in this Island till by diuers tyrants they were in diuers places oppressed and consumed Notwithstanding whether it were that the Church by them planted had many notable wanes intermissions or rather eclipses in which the light of heauenly doctrine was altogether darkened by great persecution and so no Ecclesiasticall history preserued or whether the same being preserued was destroyed by persecutors scarcely any mention remaineth of any of their Bishops 〈◊〉 of London there are remembred 15. Archbishops and of Yorke 〈◊〉 The first of these and the first Archbishop that euer Yorke had was one named 〈◊〉 appointed by the foresaid king Lucius Againe I find it reported that king 〈◊〉 made one 〈◊〉 Archbishop there And lastly that Tadiacus was the last Archbishop before the comming of the Saxons When they had gotten possession of this Realme the Britons that were the old inhabitants being
in great numbers It is said that for 36. daies together he neuer rested one moment but either instructed the people by preaching that flocked continually about him or else imparted Christ vnto them in Baptisme which he ministred in the open fieldes and riuers churches being not yet built King Edwyn against the time of his owne Baptisme had caused a little church to be erected of boords in the city of Yorke and dedicated the same to Saint Peter Afterward he layd the foundation of a very stately building round about the woodden church which he being taken away by vntimely death his successor 〈◊〉 finished Sedwall king of Wales and 〈◊〉 of Mercia or Mid-England came against this good king and God in his secret iudgement permitting the same ouerthrew him in the field and slue him The countrey by reason hereof being full of trouble Paulinus that saw he might not with safety abide any longer there sixe yeeres after his comming thither returned by water into Kent againe and there was intreated to take on him the gouernment of the See of Rochester then voyd He sate 13. yeeres and October 10. 644. was called away to receiue the glorious reward of his blessed labours 19. yeeres two moneths and 21. daies after his first consecration He was a man of a tall stature as Beda describeth him a little stooping blacke haired leane faced his nose thinne and hooked of a countenance both terrible and very reuerend He was buried after his death in his Cathedrall Church of Rochester 2. Cedda AFter the departure of Paulinus the Church of Yorke was twenty some say thirty yeeres without a Pastor by reason of the continuall warres and other troubles that happened by the persecution of Pagans 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Colonanus and Tuda succeeding one another in the Bishopricke of Lindisfarne gouerned all Northumberland as well as they could during the time of this troublesome vacacie At last Egfrid king of Northumberland appointed one Wilfrid vnto the Sée of Yorke sending him to Agelbert Bishop of Paris sometime of Winchester to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of him where Wilfrid staying very long and not giuing any hope of spéedy returne the same 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a very holy man without all right vnto the same to thrust 〈◊〉 into the place due to Wilfrid Pauing carefully attended that charge not pertaining to him the space of thrée yéeres he was admonished by Theodorus Archbishop of Canterbury 〈◊〉 he was not rightly and lawfully called to that Sée 〈◊〉 he presently forsooke it and was made by meanes of the same Theodorus Bishop of Lichfield 3. Wilfridus THis Wilfrid was borne in the North 〈◊〉 of meane parentage The time of his childhood he 〈◊〉 in his Fathers house being vntaught vntill he 〈◊〉 14. yéeres of age at what time not sustayning the frowardnes of his stepmother he went abroad to séeke his fortune as they say And first he light vpon certaine Courtiers that had been beholding vnto his Father for diuers 〈◊〉 By 〈◊〉 he was presented vnto the Quéene as child for wit and beauty not vnfit to doo her seruice She by questioning 〈◊〉 the inclination of the boye that he was desirous to 〈◊〉 a scholler Therefore the sent him to one Cedda that of a Councellor and 〈◊〉 to the king had 〈◊〉 a Monke at Lindisfarne By him he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being very sharp witted profited wonderfully vnder him At that time there was a great contention in the Church about the obseruation of Easter whereof this youth being desirous to be fully informed determined to go to Rome and study there a while By meanes of Eanfled the Quéene 〈◊〉 and Ercombert king of kent he was furnished for this voyage and sent along with one or two other In the way he fell acquainted with 〈◊〉 Archbishop of Lyons who made very much of him stayed him with him a time to the great increase of his knowledge Continuing then no long time at Rome in his returne homeward he was ordered by the Archbishop of Lyons aforesaid who also adopted him to be his sonne He meant not to haue returned into his owne Countrey but that this Archbishop was taken from him being 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 the Quéene that had cruelly staine 9. other Bishops before Presently vpon his returne home king Egfrid gaue him a house and maintenance and many uoblemen admiting much his learning and eloquence bestowed diuers things vpō him At last with great applause liking of all men he was chosen bishop sent into Fraunce where he was consecrate by 12. other Bishops for he refused to take consecration at the hands of the Scottish bishops that were counsed schisinatiques in not agreeing with the Church of Rome concerning the time and obseruation of Easter Beyond the Seas he stayed somewhat longer then he needed being delighted with the company of many learned men of that countrie and when he would haue returned by tempest of weather he was driuen into far countries where he wandred a long time Comming home and finding another man in his place he liued a while a priuate life In which meane space he was often inuited by 〈◊〉 king of Merce-land vnto the Bishopricke of Lichfield In the end Cedda being remooued as before is said he setled himselfe at Yarke and hosced Cedda to Lichfield Then the first thing he went about was to finish his cathedrall church left vnperfect by 〈◊〉 and since his departure very much decaied for the roofe was fallen and the walles in many places ruinous this his church I say he repaired and finished mending the walles couering it with leade glasing the windowes and moreouer beautified the same with many goodly ornaments He was so greatly beloued of all men for his gentlenesse 〈◊〉 and liberality as many men liuing but more at their death especially cleargie men would put their goods and children into his hands the one assuring themselues of a 〈◊〉 kéeper the other of a discréete and conscionable 〈◊〉 Hereby it came to passe that in short time he became exceeding rich hauing many seruitors to attend vpon him and great store of plate and other houshould 〈◊〉 very sumptuous The report whereof comming to the eares of Theodore Archbishop of Canterbury it put him in mind of the greatnesse of that dioces and the ability of the country to maintaine more Bishops Wherefore he went about to appoint two or thrée 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 VVilfride obstinately 〈◊〉 and the other ceased not to 〈◊〉 very earnestly he appealed vnto the Pope and went vnto him in person Some report I thinke vntruly that he went 〈◊〉 to perswade the Quéene to forsake her husband and 〈◊〉 take her selfe to a monastery and that the king being greatly displeased herewith first sought to diminish his authority by making more Bishops and afterward made diners 〈◊〉 vnto the Pope against him séeking to haue him 〈◊〉 Whosoeuer caused it certaine it is that to the 〈◊〉 he trauailed In passing of the sea he was driuen by a 〈◊〉 winde into Frizia and
〈◊〉 there all winter preaching the gospell neuer hard of in that country before vnto the king and people whom before his Departure he conuerted vnto Christ. The Pope was then at the Counsell of 〈◊〉 where both by him and his counsell it was ordered that the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 of Yorke should not be altered without 〈◊〉 owne consent But Egfride the king so 〈◊〉 Theodores deuise as Wilfride at his returne 〈◊〉 he must either yéeld vnto it or forsake the country Herein me thinkes he was to blame Not induring to take a repulse in a matter he had trauailed so much in He rather chose to 〈◊〉 Bishopricke country and all and to liue in pouerty and 〈◊〉 He went into Sussex and there 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 the people of that country vnto the 〈◊〉 of Christ became their first Bishop and laid the foundations of a Cathedrall church the Sée being afterward remooued to Chichester Sée 〈◊〉 hereof in Chichester After ten yéeres banishment king Egfrid dying Alfrid that succéeded him sent for Wilfride and desired him to returne to his Sée of Yorke which he did But after fiue yéeres the king fell out with him and 〈◊〉 him to Rome againe There purging himselfe of all the accusations laid against him by the king he obtained the 〈◊〉 letters in fauour of him by meanes whereof and 〈◊〉 of many friends with much a doo at last he was restored 〈◊〉 more vnto his first charge in which after this his last 〈◊〉 he liued peaceably the space of sower yeeres and 〈◊〉 then being seuenty sixe yéeres of age October the 〈◊〉 the yéere 711. forty fiue yéeres after his first consecration He was buried in the monastery of Rippon which himselfe built many other things are at large reported of him by Beda lib. 5. cap. 20. Amongst the rest his Epitaphe there set downe I thought good to insert Wilfridus 〈◊〉 magnus requiescit corpore praesul Hane domino qui aulam ductus pietatis amore Fecit eximio 〈◊〉 nomine Petri Cui claues coeli Christus dedit arbiter orbis Atque auro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ostro Quinetiam sublime crucis radiante metallo Hic posuit trophaeum nee non quatuor auro Scribi Euangelij praecepit in ordine libros Ac thecam è rutilo his condignam condidit auro Paschalis qui etiam solemnia tempora 〈◊〉 Catholiciad iustum correxit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quem statuere patres dubioque errore remoto Certa suae genti ostendit modermina ritus Inque locis 〈◊〉 monachorum examina crebra Colligit ac monitis cauit quae regula patrum Sedulus instituit multisque domique forisque Iactatus nimium per tempora longa periclis 〈◊〉 ternos postquam egit episcopos annos Transijt gaudens caelestia regna petiuit Dona Iesu Grex vt pastoris calle sequatur Sée more of this Wilfride in Theodore of Canterbury 4. Bosa AFter the first departure of Wilfrid from Yorke Theodore procéeding in his intended platforme diuided his Dioces into 4. placing one Eata at Hagustald whom afterward he remooued to Lindissarne another of his new erections appointing Tumbert to succéede him in the Prouince of the Pictes Trumwyn and lastly in the ancient Sée of York Bosa At the returne of Wilfrid 〈◊〉 was faine to giue place as also Iohn that had succéeded Eata dead in the mean time Wilfrid being expelled the second time they were both restored Before then the second restitution of Wilfrid Bosa died and Iohn succéeded him This Iohn Wilfrid would not displace 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the report of a very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 man He 〈◊〉 ten 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 and dying was the first Archbishop that was buried in 〈◊〉 5. Iohn THis Iohn called afterward Saint Iohn of Beuerley was a gentleman borne of a very good house brought vp first vnder Hilda that 〈◊〉 Abbesse then vnder Theodore the first Archbishop of Canterbury who also preferred him to the Bishopricke of 〈◊〉 He alwaies had the reputation of a wonderfull holy man and Beda reporteth many miracles done by him lib. 5. cap. 2. 3. 4. 5. and 6. as the curing of diuers folkes desperately sicke by prayer opening the mouth of a dumb man c. which things either they were true or Beda was much to blame For he not onely liued in his time and Dioces But knew him and receiued the order of priesthood at his hand Waxing very old and hauing béene a Bishop now 33. yéeres 8. monethes and 13. daies with the consent of his Cleargy he resigned and procured another Wilfred his Chaplaine to be consecrate in his roome After which he liued priuately at Beuerley in the Colledge there built and founded by himselfe for Priests and dying the seuenth day of May the yéere 721. was buried in the Porch of the Church belonging to that Colledge In a 〈◊〉 held at London the yéere 1416. the foresaid day of his death was appointed to be kept holy day yéerly in memorial of him Amongst many priuileges granted by diuers kings vnto the Colledge of Beuerly for his sake it is remembred that King Athelstan made it a Sanctuary and placed a certaine chaire of stone in the church there vpon which he caused this inscription to be engrauen Haec sedea lapidea dicitur Freedstoole 1. 〈◊〉 Cathedra ad quam reus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 omnimodam habet 〈◊〉 This chaire of stone is called Fréedstoole that is the stoole of feéedome vnto which who so commeth hath all manner of security 6. Wilfridus 2. THe forefaid Wilfride sate 11. yéeres and died the yéere 731 7. Egbert AFter him sucéeded Egbert the brother of king Eadbert he sate 36. yeeres and died ann 767. This man byhis owne wisedome and the authority of his brother amended greatly the state of his Church and Sée He procured the Archepiscopall pall to be restored to his Church againe and erected a famous Library in Yorke which he stored plentifully with an infinite number of excellent bookes This Library is honorably mētioned by Flaccus Albinus or Alcuinus sometime kéeper of the same but then schoolemaster vnto Charles the great in an Epistle to the Church of England in these words Date 〈◊〉 eruditionis 〈◊〉 quales in patria mea Anglia per industriam magistrimei Egberti habui 〈◊〉 vobis aliquos expueris nostris vt excipiant inde necessaria reuehant in 〈◊〉 flores Britanniae non sit tantum in Eboraco hortus conclusus sed etiam in Turome emissiones Paradisi c. Neither was this man onely a fauorer of learning in other but himselfe also was very learned and writ many things a Catalogue whereof you may sée in Bale He was buried at Yorke by his brother the King in the Church Porch 8. Coena alias Albertus ALbert called by Florentius Coena sate after Egbertus 7. yéeres and died at Chester 9. Eanbaldus COEna yet liuing whether he resigned or tooke him to him for a Coadiutor it appeareth not Eanbald being an old man was
consecrate Archbishop and liued af ter his consecration 17. yéeres He was buried in his owne Church 10. Eanbaldus 2. ANother Eanbaldus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Priest of the Church of Yorke In the yéere 798. he called a Synod or 〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉 in which he caused diuers things 〈◊〉 to be reformed What time he died or how long he sate I find not 11. Wulsius A Little time Wulsius enioyed his honour and died the yéere 831. 12. Wimundus WImundus succéeded Wulsius and sate 17. yéeres He died as Matthew Westminster reporteth the yéere 854. 13. Wilferus AFter him Wilferus was Archbishop a long time 46. yéeres and vpwards The yéere 873. his 〈◊〉 droue him out of the countrey together with Egbert their king who went vnto Burrhede king of Mercia and of him were honorably intertained till that the yéere following king Egbert died and by the helpe of king Ricsinus his successor Wulferus was called home againe He deceased about the yéere of our Lord 900. or as Matthew Westminster hath it whose computation I 〈◊〉 very vncertaine 895. In his time the Danes made such hauocke in the North countrey as a great while after the Archbishopricke was little worth and was faine to be mended often times with the Commendam of Worcester 14. Ethelbalde Then followed these Ethelbald 15. Redwarde And after him Redward of whom nothing is recorded 16. Wulstanus BY the fauour of the king Athelstan Wulstanus was then preferred to this Sée In whose time the same king gaue vnto the Church of Yorke Agmundernes which he bought of the Danes This Bishop was conuict of a haynous crime forgetting the dutifull affection that he ought to beare vnto Edred his king for Athelstane his brothers sake that preferred him forgetting his oath and allegiance vnto the same king being his naturall Prince yea forgetting that he was either an Englishman or a Christian He was not ashamed to leane vnto the Danes and sauour them a heathen people and such as sought not onely to destroy his countrey but also to roote out Christian Religion For this treason deseruing a thousand deaths he was onely committed to prison the yéere 952. and a yeere after inlarged againe This is the report of William Malmesbury Matthew Westminster saith he was punished in this fort for killing diuers citizens of Thetford in reuenge of the death of one Adelm an Abbot whom they had slaine and 〈◊〉 without cause two yeeres after his enlargement he died vpon Saint Stephens day the yeere 955. He was buried at a place called Undalum Except it be Owndlc in Northhampton shire how it is now termed I cannot gesse 17. Oskitell OSkitell then succéeded a man of good life and well learned who gouerned his Sée laudably 16. yeeres and died the yéere 971. 18. Athelwold NExt followed Athelwold that hauing as it were a taste onely of this honour was quickly weary of it and after a very short time gaue it ouer choosing rather to liue obscurely so he might liue quietly 19. Oswald WIthin the compasse of one yéere viz. the yéere 971. Yorke had three Archbishoppes Oskitell that 〈◊〉 Athelwold that resigned and this Oswald He was néere of kinne vnto Oskitell his predecessor but 〈◊〉 vnto Odo Archbishop of Canterbury being his brothers 〈◊〉 By his 〈◊〉 he was made first Chanon of Winchester after 〈◊〉 for at that time the Cathedrall Church of Winchester had no monkes but maintained a company of secular priests whereof many were married men Perceiuing the 〈◊〉 onely were now in 〈◊〉 and other cleargy men little 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 of his vncle 〈◊〉 his place in Winchester and trauelled to Floriake in Fraunce where he became a monke Hauing continued there some 〈◊〉 or fire yéeres his vncle writ often very importunatly vnto him to come home but could neuer preuaile till he sent him word of his last sicknesse whereof soone after 〈◊〉 died Oswald then destrous to haue séene him once more made 〈◊〉 into England but came too late the old Archbishop was 〈◊〉 first Oskitell then his other kinsman gaue him entertainement till that by the meanes of Saint Dunstan he was preferred to the Bishoprick of Worceter viz. the yéere 960. two yéeres after his arriual in England He built there the church dedicated to the blessed virgine Mary hard by the church of Saint Peter and placed monkes in the same to the ende that the priests of Saint Peters church being continually disgraced by the people that very much reuerenced the monkes might become a weary of their places He was not deceiued of his expectation the people flocked all vnto the monkes and left the priests of S. Peters alone Partly for shame partly for griefe thereof being per aduenture molested otherwise the most of them departed thēce that rest were faine to take coules vnto them become monks The Sée of Yorke being voide King Edgar carefull to place a fit man in the North country which was then very rude and barbarous and thinking none so fit as Oswald made offer of the same vnto him and when he séemed loth to forsake Worceter was content he should hold bothe This man was the first founder of the Abbey of Ramsey in the Isle of Ely and a very liberal benefactor vnto the Abbey of Floriake where he was brought vp A great patrone of Monks and a terrible persecutor of married priests whereof there were many in those daies He died at Worceter sodainely hauing washed the féete of certaine poore men as daily he accustomed After which knéeling downe to say certaine praiers without any sicknesse precedent he gaue vp the ghost William 〈◊〉 who reporthis addeth that the day before his death he told diuers of his friends that he should die He was very learned and left some testimonies thereof in writing not yet perished for the integrity also of his life rōuersation he was much reuerenced The greatest fault I finde in him is that he was very earnest in setting foorth that doctrine of diuels that debarreth men of lawfull marriage The time of his departure was February 27 an 992. 32. yéeres after his first consecration when he had inioyed Yorke 22. yéeres He was buried at Worceter in the church himselfe had built Many miracles are reported to haue béen done at his tombe in regard whereof the posterity would néedes make him a Saint 20. Aldulfe ALdulfe Abbot of Peterborough succéeded Oswald in both his Sees viz of Yorke and Worceter a holy and reuerend man saith 〈◊〉 and one that striued with his predecessor in liberality toward the monastery of Floriake He died May 6. 1002. and was buried in Saint Maries church at Worceter 21. Wulstan 2. ANother Wulstan then by the fauour of king Knute held also both the said Sees of Yorke and Worceter for which cause Malmesbury findeth great fault with him that in Aldulf and Oswald liked it well ynough And all the exceptions he takes against him is this That he was not of so holy a profession as
they that is he was not a monke Hauing béene Archbishop 20. yéeres he died the yéere 1023. and was buried at Ely 22. Alfricus Puttoc ONe Leoffius then obtayned Worceter Alfricus Puttoc 〈◊〉 of Winchester being made Archbishop of Yorke He was very angry with Worceter men for not admitting him to that Sée also which thrée of his predecessors had held in Commendam before him And in reuenge of this repulse caused Hardeknute the king with whom he could do much At a time when they had béen somwhat backwards in payments to be made vnto him to fire that goodly city He is blamed also for another barbarous part of the same king that caused the dead body of his owne brother Harold to be digged vp beheaded then cast into the Thames This they say was done by Alfricus the Archbishops councell He bestowed much money vpon the colledge of Beuerley first in a new sumptuous shrine for the body of Saint Iohn his predecessor and then in purchasing lands to increase the reuenewes thereof viz. some at Milton other at 〈◊〉 and againe at 〈◊〉 He died at Southwell the yéere 1051. and was buried at Peterborough 23. Kinsius AChaplaine of king Edward the Confessor one Kinsius succeeded Alfrike He built very much at Beuerley to wit the Hall the Church and diuers other edisices gaue many bookes and ornaments to Shyrestone and other churches of his Dioces sate 10. yéeres died at Yorke 1059. December 22. and was buried at Peterborough where he had sometimes lined a monke 24. Aldredus THe Sée of Yorke falling void by the death of Kinsius Aldredus that being first a Monke of Winchester then Abbot of Tauestock was consecrate Bishop of Worceter the yeere 1046. making his way by money and bribes liberally bestowed amongst Courtiers found a meanes to 〈◊〉 and abuse the simplicity of king Edward the Confessor and by alleadging the example of his predecessors that had held Worceter in commendam with Yorke obtained licence of him to hold them both wherein so holy a man as 〈◊〉 Edward me thinkes should haue beene more precise Hauing preuailed thus farre he went to Rome for his pall together with the Earle 〈◊〉 brother to the Quéene Giso after Bishop of Welles and Walter of Hereford The Pope at that time was Nic. the second a great enimy to simony which in this age began to grow very rise Whether he had heard somwhat of Aldredes bribing in obtaining this preferment or whether he fisht it out by strict examination which is deliuered he not onely refused to establish him in his Archbishopricke but also depriued him of the Bishopricke he had before Homewards they came together in one company but with diuers affections Gilo and Walter ioyfull for the honor newly done vnto them for being found men not onely learned 〈◊〉 of good conuersation and not culpable of any corruption They were consecrate at Rome with all fauor and honor that might be 〈◊〉 the Earle peasiue for his friend whose bribes he had receiued to the others ouerthrow and lastly Aldred almost desperate for so great a calamity as was fallen vpon him Sée the power of Almighty God that not onely raiseth as it were in a moment from the bottome of misery vnto the toppe of happinesse But also doth it by such meanes oftentimes as we thinke more likely to cast vs down farther then to relieue vs any thing at all This iolly company trauailing from Rome toward the Alpes by the way were encountred with a company of good fellowes in a happy hower for Aldred that spoyled them of all they had about them leauing them neither horse nor money nor any thing money worth but their apparrell So there was no remedy but backe to Rome they must againe to furnish them a new for their iourney There Tosti with open mouth exclaimed against the Pope saying there was no reason that farre remote nations should sogreatly stand in awe of his excōmunications which théeues and robbers cared not a halfpenny for but contemned openly and derided euen vnder his derided that amongst poore Priests he would play Rex but let rebellious varlets doo what they list If by his meanes quoth he our goods be not restored to vs againe let him giue vs leaue to say that by his fault and misgouernment we haue lost them and we hope that our King will haue such consideration of vs as in the end this iniury if he heare of it shall prooue a greater losse to the Pope then to vs. For my part I will not faile to certifie him of the truth and to 〈◊〉 him daily for recompence which out of the tribute the Pope hath of England will soone be made And except he 〈◊〉 it better why he should haue any at all I see not Partly by meanes of these threats partly in commiseration and pitie partly by importunity of suite Aldred at last obtained his Archbishopricke had his pall giuen him vpon condition that he should leaue Worceter Into which Sée at his returne he wrought 〈◊〉 but hampered him so as heretained almost all the commodity to himselfe leauing Wulstan only 12. mannors to maintaine his state In defence of which dealing he alledged that the lands possessions of the Archbishopricke were so wasted and spoyled by the Danes and other in the time of Wulfere as since that they yéelded little or no profit It could not be altogether true For Alfrike and Kinsius as before you heard built and purchased much hauing no commendam at all This Aldred likewise built much A Hall for the Cannons to dine in together at Yorke and another at Southwell At Beuerley the Hall begun by his predecessors left vnperfect he finished the Presbytery there he raised frō the very foundation as also a goodly church at Glocester euen the same which is now the Cathedrall Church This likewise is commended in him that whereas the Cleargy of those times were very vndecently appareled nothing differing from Lay men he brought all the ministery of his prouince to an vniforme and séemely kinde of habit Not many yéeres after his returne king Edward the Confessor died and Harold inuading the dignity royall no way 〈◊〉 vnto him was crowned by Aldred Wallian the Conqueror also refusing to receiue the Crowne at Stigands hands whom he called the vsurper of Canterbury desired him to performe that solemnity which he did requiring first an oath of him to defend the Church minister iustice and amongst other things to vse English men as fauorably as Normans This oath it séemed vnto Aldred the king had broken and therefore like a couragious Prelate he stucke not to thunder out an excommunication against him saying that now worthily he had cursed whom once vnworthily he had blessed This bold pranke being reported vnto the king incensed him very much at first but thinking better of it he determined to giue faire words a while and so sent some to entreat for his absolution These messengers came too late for the
Bishop being troubled much in mind after the performance of that action and either amased with feare of what might happen after it or ouercome with gréefe and repentance of that he had done neuer could be mery after and so by conceit was cast into a disease whereof he died September 11. 1069. This is the report of W. Malmesbury others say namely Florentius Wigorne that he was so grieued with the comming in of a Nauy of the Danes as he prayed to God to take him out of this life that he might not sée the slaughter and spoyle which he thought they would make And that this griefe was the cause of his death He was more reuerenced afterward then while he liued a great deale No English man succéeded him in many yéeres after And the Normans being odious vnto the people they gladly reprehended all their actions comparing them with such English Bishops as they could remember made most fauorable report of them One thing also encreased his credite much Vrsus Earle of Worceter had built a Castle there to some preiudice of the monks in so much as the ditch of the said Castle empaired a little of the Church yard Aldred went vnto the Earle hauing before admonished him to right the wrong and hauing demaunded of him whether it were done by his appointment which he could not deny looking 〈◊〉 vpon 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vrse Haue thou Gods 〈◊〉 and mine and of all 〈◊〉 heads except thou 〈◊〉 away this castle and know thou assuredly that thy posterity shall not inherite the land 〈◊〉 inheritance of Saint Mary This his 〈◊〉 seemed to take effect for 〈◊〉 died 〈◊〉 after and Roger his sonne a very small time enioying his fathers honour lost the same and was saine to flye the realme for killing an officer of the kings Thus much for Aldred who after his death was buried in his owne church 25. Thomas THe king then appointed Thomas a Channon of Bayon to be his successor a Norman by birth but he was brought vp altogither in the schooles of the Saxons in Fraunce except a little time he spent in Spaine He was the sonne of a priest a married priest I take it and brother vnto Sampson Bishop of Worceter whose sonne Thomas succéeded afterwards this Thomas in this Sée of Yorke A man very learned gentle both in countenance and words of a very swéete and amiable behauiour chaste and which is not to be despised of a goodly personage being in his youth beautifull in his latter time well coloured and his haire both head and beard as white as snow At his first entrance he had some what to do with Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury vnto whom he would not make profession of obediencē neuer as he alledged before that time required And indéed before the comming of William the Conqueror saith one the two Metropolitanes of England were not onely in authority dignity and office but also in number of suffragane Bishops 〈◊〉 But at this time saith he they of Canterbury 〈◊〉 the new king that Yorke ought to be subiect vnto their Sée and that it was for the good and safety of the king that the church thereof should be obedient principally vnto one for that otherwise one might set the crowne vpon one mans 〈◊〉 and the other doe as much for some body else This 〈◊〉 is more at large debated in Canterbury The ende for that time was that Thomas ouerborne by the Archbishop of Canterbury Lanfranke and the king who fauoured him was faine to appeale vnto Rome both of them being there in person before the Pope they fell as commonly it happeneth in like cases from the chiefe point into by matters and articling one against another What Thomas laide against Lanfranke I find not And all that Lanfranke had to say against him was that he was a priests son 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that the king for his faithfull seruice had promised him a Bishopricke before his comming into England These were so great matters in the Popes iudgement as Thomas must be depriued of his ring and crosier and not restored to them but by the entreaty of Lanfranke As for the matter of Primacy he left it to the iudgment of the king and Bishops of England who forced Thomas to yeeld Comming then to Yorke he found that estate of his whole Dioces the city church especially most miserable The Danes before mentioned comming toward Yorke the Normans that held the castle thought good to burne certaine houses neere the castle least they might be a furtherance vnto the enemy This vngentle fire would not be entreated to stay iust where they would haue it but procéeding farther then his commission destroyed the monastery and church of Saint Peter and in fine the whole city Before the fire was out the Danes came and tooke both city and castle by force putting to the sword all the Normans they found there to the number of 3000 sauing none aliue but one William Mallet his wife children and a few other Soone after the destruction of this goodly city the king came into these parts with a puissant army against the Danes not ceasing to make all manner of spoile as if he had béene in the enemies countrey So betwéene the Danes and the Normans such hauocke was made as all the land from the great riuer of Humber vnto the riuer of Tine lay waste and not inhabited by any man for the space of nine yeeres after In the church of Yorke there were onely thrée Chanons left the rest being all either dead or fled away they had left vnto them neither house to put their heads in nor any good meanes how to line and maintaine themselues All these faults this industrious Bishop endeuoured to amend First he new couered and repaired his church as well as he might to serue the turne for a time But afterwards he pulled downe all the old building and erected from the very foundation a new to wit the Minster that now standeth His channons dispersed abroad he called home againe and tooke order they should be reasonably prouided for He built them a hall and a dorter and appointed one of them to be the Prouost and gouernour of the rest Also he bestowed certaine mannors and lands vpon them and caused other to be restored that had béen taken from them The church then hauing continued in this state a good while I know not by whose aduise the Archbishop thought good to diuide the land of Saint Peters church into Prebends and so to allot a particular portion vnto euery channon whereas before they liued together vpon the common charges of the church at one table much in like sort as fellowes of houses do now in the Uniuersities At the same time also he appointed a Deane a Treasurer and a chanter and also for the Chauncellorship it was founded of him before The church newly built by him he furnished with books and all kind of ornaments necessary
but his speciall care was to furnish the same and the rest of his Dioces with learned and honest men with whom he was woont continually to conferre and reason sometime with one and sometime with another partly for his owne exercise and partly to sée what was in them and to raise them vp to a diligence in increasing their knowledge Himselfe was very learned and writ diuers things both in prose and verse He was also a very good musition and could not onely sing but play very well vpon the organs and did set many songs Hauing crowned king Henry the first August 5. 1100. with the helpe of Maurice Bishop of London because Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury liued then in banishment the 18. of Nouember following being sunday he died at Rippon and was buried at Yorke in the Minster himselfe had built next vnto Aldred his predecessor 26. Gerard. AFter the death of Thomas Gerard nephew vnto Walkenlin Bishop of Winchester and Chauncellor of England vnder William the Conquerour and Rofus his sonne hauing beene Bishop of Heresord no long time he was elected vnto Yorke but obtayned not confirmation a great while For he refused to make profession of obedience vnto Canterbury till being commaunded by the Popes letters he performed the same He sate Archbishop seuen yéeres and almost sixe moneths and died suddenly in his garden at Southwell at a time when no body was with him He was a good benefactor vnto the Church of Yorke for he was a meanes vnto the king to bestow the Church of Laxton vpon the Chapter and himselfe hauing obtayued of him the Churches of Dryfield Kilne Pockington and Burgh he gaue them all likewise to the Chapter This notwithstanding after his death they would not suffer him bying so suddenly to be buried within their church hardly in the churchyard So he was laide at the entrance of the church porch But Thomas his successor not suffering such an indignity to be offered vnto an Archbishop remooued his bones into the Church afterward and caused them to be honorably intoombed He was a man of great learning and for eloquence admirable but somewhat too eager against married Priests whom by no meanes he could abide Bale chargeth him with forcery and coniuration because forsooth that after his death there was found in his chamber a volume of 〈◊〉 who writ of Astrology indéed but of coniuration nothing that euer I heard 27. Thomas 2. A Second Thomas succéeded a Chaplain of the kings nephew vnto the former Thomas and sonne vnto Sampson Bishop of Worceter Euen as his predecessor he was very loath to make his profession vnto Caterbury Being called vpon by Anselme the Archbishop He made many 〈◊〉 Wherefore Anselme lying very 〈◊〉 and perceiuing his end to be néere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all the Bishops of England commanding them not to consecrate him before he had made his 〈◊〉 laying a terrible curse and 〈◊〉 vpon whosoeuer 〈◊〉 doo it The king after 〈◊〉 death 〈◊〉 the Bishop of Worceter whose sonne he was to consecrate him But he answered that he would not haue the curse of Father 〈◊〉 for any worldly good So in the end being perswaded to yéeld as other had done before him consecration was afforded vnto him and performed by his Father 〈◊〉 the foresaid Bishop of 〈◊〉 or as other report by the Bishop of London Iune 27. 1108. This man erected 〈◊〉 newe 〈◊〉 in his Church of Yorke he placed 〈◊〉 reguler at 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 parcels of land vnto the Colledge of 〈◊〉 and purchased of the king the like liberties priuileges for them that the 〈◊〉 of Yorke 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He sate little aboue 5. yéeres and died I thinke I 〈◊〉 say 〈◊〉 Martyr Lying dangerously 〈◊〉 he was aduertised by the 〈◊〉 the nature of his disease to be such as if he vsed the company of a woman he neede not doubt of his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 otherwise nothing was to be looked for but death He 〈◊〉 rather to 〈◊〉 then to 〈◊〉 so high and sacred a calling with so soule and haynous an 〈◊〉 So he ended his life February 19. 1114. and was buried beside the former Thomas his vncle 28. Thurstan THomas the Archbishop being taken away as before I haue declared Thurstan a Cannon of Paules and the Kings Chaplaine was chosen to succéed him He when he could by no meanes obtaine consecration of Ralph Archbishop of Canterbury without making profession of subiection 〈◊〉 and forsooke the 〈◊〉 of his election Yet remembring himselfe at last he went to Rome to plead his cause before the Pope and obtained letters to the king and Archbishop of Canterbury in commendation of his cause These letters preuailing nothing with the Archbishop that would be wonne by no meanes and Thurstan continuing as obstinate in his resolution The Sée remained void along time At last it fell out that a Counsell was summoned to be held at 〈◊〉 Thurstan crauing leaue of the king to goe thither could not obtaine it before he had promised that he would not receiue consecration there Which promise notwithstanding so well he followed his businesse that before the comming ouer of other English Bishops to the Counsell he was a Bishop ready consecrate as well as they and that by the hand of the Pope himselfe So he and he only I thinke of all the Archbishops of York since the Conquest neuer made profession of subiection to the Metropoliticall See of Canterbury The King hearing of this dealing was very greatly offended with Thurstan and for bad him England Neither could the Pope méeting with the King at Gisors and intreating for him so pacifie his displeasure as that he would suffer him to returne After fiue yeeres banishment the Pope writ a very sharpe letter vnto the king signifying that he would excommunicate both him and the Archbishop of Canterbury also if Thurstan were any longer kept from his See and charge Hereupon he was called home and soone after reconciled vnto the King This man is much praysed first for his learning then for his great wisedome and discretion and lastly for his industry and diligence his care and painefulnesse in well gouerning the charge committed to him He was a very kinde man to his Cannons vnto whom amongst other things he affoorded this priuiledge that the yeerely profite of their prebends being deuided into thrée parts it should be lawfull for any Canon to bequeath two parts of the yéere next ensuing his death alotting the third vnto the Fabricke that is toward the reparation of the church This order he set downe not onely at Yorke but at Beuerley also at Southwell at Rippon and at Glocester all which were colledges founded by Archbishops of Yorke Moreouer it is to be remembred that he either founded a 〈◊〉 or renued and repaired eight monasteries In the latter end of his time to wit June 4. 1137. a lamentable chaunce befell his church and city By casuall fire Saint Peters church in Yorke Saint Maries without the walles a
histories are written He was wont to say that Thurstan neuer did a worse deede then in erecting the Monastery of Fountney And that it may 〈◊〉 he faigned not this mislike you shall find in Newbridg lib. 3. cap. 5. That a certaine religious man comming vnto him when he lay vpon his death bed requested him to confirme certaine graunts made vnto their house to whom he answered you see my friend I am now vpon the point of death it is no time to dissemble I feare God and in regard thereof refraine to satisfie your request which I protest I can not doo with a good conscience A strange doctrine in those daies but being a wise man and learned he must néedes discerne that the monkes of his time were so farre swarued and degenerate from the holinesse of those first excellent men of the primitiue Church as they resembled rather any other kinde of people then those whom they pretended in profession to succeed These men the monkes I meane to be reuenged vpon him haue stamped vpon him two notable faults one that he preferred whipping boyes vnto the chiefe dignities of the Church wherein were it true no body can excuse him The other thing they lay to his charge is manifestly false They say he was miserably couetous and how doo they prooue it Because forsooth he left a certaine deale of ready money behind him Surely in my same made no haste to receiue consecration as knowing better how to sheare his shéepe then to feed them which he knew he might do without consecration as well as with it Seuen yéeres he held the Bishoprick after that sort and at length by the perswasion of his father desirous to haue his sonne néere about him as some say or perceiuing him vnfit to make a cleargy man as other say He resigned his interest in the church of Lincolne and got him to the court where he was made Lord Chanucellour of England and held that office about eight yéeres viz. vntill the yéere 1189. at what time his father died Many Bishoprickes at that time were void and had béene some of them a long time as Yorke now ten yeeres and Lincolne seuenteene King Richard therefore vnderstanding the people murmured and grudged much at these long vacations and knowing also it imported him to see his brother prouided for he thought to stop two gaps with one bush and at once to furnish Yorke with an Archbishop and his brother with a liuing So he writ his letters vnto the chapter of Yorke in his brothers behalfe who not without some difficulty elected him He was consecrate at Tours in Fraunce in the moneth of August 1191. Presently after his consecration comming ouer into England he was imprisoned by 〈◊〉 Bishop of Ely the Chauncellour being drawen from the very altar of Saint Martins church in 〈◊〉 but he was quickly set at liberty againe And the proude Chauncellour 〈◊〉 repented him of his rashnesse and folly being excommunicate for the same and otherwise hardly ynough vsed as you may see more at large in his life This man prooued a better Bishop then was expected gouerning his Prouince if not somewhat too stoutely according to the courage 〈◊〉 in a man of so high birth and nobility very well and 〈◊〉 He is praysed much for his temperance 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 both of conntenance and behauiour All the time of his brother 〈◊〉 expecting the wrong done vnto him by the Bishop of Ely he liued quietly without 〈◊〉 or complaint of any Betweene him and king Iohn who was his brother also there was much adoe In the second yeere of his raigne he commaunded the Sheriffe of Yorkeshire to seise vpon all the goods and lands of the Archbishop and his seisure to returne into the exchecquer which was done accordingly whereupon the said Archbishop excommunicated not onely the Sherisie that had done him this violence but all those in generall that were the authors of the same and that had béene any meanes to stirre vp the kings indignation against him The cause of this trouble is diuersly reported some say that he hindered the kings officers in gathering a kind of taxe through his 〈◊〉 others that he refused to saile into Norwandy with him when he went to make a marriage for his neice and to conclude a league with the French king Whether one of these were the cause or both or none I can not tell But certaine it is that one whole yéere his temporalities were detained from him his mooueable goods neuer restored and yet moreouer he was saine to pay a thousand pound sterling for his restitution This was a greater wound then that it might easily be cured Sixe or 7. yéeres after it brake out againe to wit an 1207. King Iohn then being at Winchester required such of the cleargy Nobility as were there present to consent that payment should be made vnto him of the thirtéenth shilling of all the mooueable goods in England This motion no man gainesaid but Geffrye the Archb. his brother After this whether it were he were guilty of some greater attempt or that he vnderstood his brother to be gréeuously offended with him for withstanding this his desire well perceiuing England was too hote for him secretly he auoyded the Realme excommunicating before his departure such of his iurisdiction as either had paied the said taxe or should hereafter pay it He liued then in banishment 5. yéeres euen vntill he was called to his long home by death which was the yéere 1213. So he continued Archbishop somewhat more then 21. yéeres 33. Walter Gray THe Sée was void after the death of Geffry the space of foure yéeres In the meane space Symon de Langton brother vnto Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canterbury was elected by the Chapter of Yorke But king Iohn being lately become tributary vnto the church of Rome 〈◊〉 found meanes to Cassire and disanull that election If the old quarrell betwéene the Archbishop and him stucke yet some thing in his stomacke I maruell not but he alledged that he thought it dangerous and very inconuenient the whole Church of England should be ruled by two brethren one at Canterbury in the South an other at Yorke in the North. He laboured then very earnestly to haue Walter Gray his Counsellor remooued from Worceter to Yorke The channons there refused him for want of learning as they said but at last they were content to accept him in regard forsooth of his singular temperance and chastity they seemed to be perswaded that he had continued till that time a pure maide The matter was they durst do no other but yeeld and then thought good to make a vertue of necessity This man was first Bishop of Chester consecrate the yéere 1210. translated thence to Worceter 1214. and lastly the yéere 1216 to Yorke but vpon such conditions as I thinke he had béene better to haue staid at Worceter still The Pope would haue no lesse then 10000 l. for wresting him into the Archbishoprick
for that gathering of which mony he was faine to be so thrifty as in all our histories he is infamous for a miserable couetous wretch for proofe whereof I will recount vnto you a strange report of M. 〈◊〉 The yéere 1234. there was great dearth scarcity of corne and by reason that the dearth had continued then thrée yeeres mortality of people also as well by pestilence as famine Amongst many rich men that were nothing mooued with compassion toward the poore dayly perishing for want of reliefe this Archbishop is especially noted that he had fiue yéeres corne in store and would not thresh it out Being told at last by his officers that it was much to be feared it was consumed by mice or some other way much the woorse for so long standing he 〈◊〉 them to deliuer it to the husbandmen that dwelt in his mannors vpon condition they should pay as much new corne for it after haruest They intending to doe as he commanded went about to take downe a great mow of corne he had at Rippon And first comming toward it they saw the heads of many serpents snakes 〈◊〉 and other venemous creatures pearing out at the ends of the sheaues This being told vnto the Archbishop he sent his steward and diuers of good credit to enquire the truth thereof who seeing that which the other had seene enforced notwithstanding certaine poore men to go vp vnto the top of it with ladders They were scarcely 〈◊〉 when they saw a blacke smoake rise out of the corne and felt a most toathsome 〈◊〉 which compelled them withall hast possible to get thē downe againe Moreouer they all heard an vnknowen voice saying vnto them Let the corne alone for the Archb. and all he hath is the diuels possession To make short they were faine to build a wal about it and then to set it on fire fearing least such an infinite deale of venemous creatures might infect and poyson or at least greatly annoy the whole countrey The credit of this report I leaue vnto the Readers discretion Matthew Westminster commendeth the man greatly for his wisedome in gouerment and his loyall 〈◊〉 vnto his Prince and that he deserued this commendation I account it no slender proofe that Quéene Elianore to whom her husband king Henry the third had committed the charge of the realme trauelling into Fraunce she I say hauing occasion to crosse the seas to conferre with her husband committed the rule and gouernment of the same vnto this Archbishop It was in the yéere 1253. at what time he being a very aged man and sickely was excéeding loath to take it vpon him He sate Archbishop aboue 39. yéeres in which space he did many things to the good and benefit both of his Sée and church The mannor of Thorpe he purchased and the church of the same both which he gaue vnto his Sée He erected many Chauntries in diuers places He gaue vnto his church 32. wonderful sumptuous coapes and left a goodly stocke of cattle vnto his successors procuring the king to confirme the gift and to take order that euery Archbishop should be bound to leaue it as he found it He bought vnto his Sée the house now called White Hall and heretofore Yorke place Hubert de Burgo Earle of Kent built it and gaue it vn-the Fryer preachers in London who sold it vnto this Archbishop In the time of Cardinall Woolsies disgrace the king required it of him he either for feare or els hope of currying a little fauor with the king that way yéelded by by He died at last on May day 1255. was buried in S. Peters church 34. Sewall VVHen the king heard of his death he determined not to suffer his place to be filled ouer hastily All other Bishopricks of England saith he haue bene in my hands heretofore but this neuer Therefore I must be aduised how I let it passe out of my fingers The Chapter after a conuenient space made choise of Sewall their Deane a man modest vertuous and learned being well seene not onely in diuinity but in law also and much other good learning Diuers of his writings remaine and are remembred by Bale in his centuries He was a diligent hearer of Edmund of Abenden after Archbishop of Canterbury and canonized a Saint at what time he read the diuinity lecture in Oxford This Saint 〈◊〉 as Matthew Paris reporteth would often tell his scholler Sewall that out of all question he should die a Martyr Now far foorth this prediction fell out true you shall heare anon Now the king not liking this spéede of the Chapter men as not being for his profit hindred the new elect what he might and for want of better matter alleaged against him that he was a bastard and so by the Cannons vncapeable of that honour It was true enough and how he salued that soare I cannot tell A dispensation belike from Rome where all things were then to be had for mony tooke away that obstacle I find he was consecrate by the suffragan Bishops of his owne prouince Iuly 23. 1256 a yeere and almost three moneths 〈◊〉 the death of his predecessor His Deanery being thus void the Pope tooke vpon him to bestow the same vpon one Iordan a stranger that vnderstood 〈◊〉 one word of English and otherwise 〈◊〉 vnworthy of that goodly preferment This Iordan doubting least in taking possession he might happily be resisted came into the church of Yorke at dinner time and inquiring of one whom by chance he found then at his praiers which was the Deanes stall Caused two of his owne company to deliuer him possession thereof This being done though in hugger mugger was quickly brought vnto the Archbishops eares who grieued infinitely at the same and sought by all meanes possible to disannull and make voide the Popes gift The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 church men were so amazed with this strange and 〈◊〉 course strange in those daies but afterwards too common as they knew not what to do or say It seemed most 〈◊〉 and detestable vnto them that so high a dignity and an office of such importance in place and authoritie next vnto the Archbishop should be conferred vpon a base obscure and contemptible fellow But they stood so in awe of the Popes tyranny whereunto the king had subiected and as it were prostrate himselfe that they durst not make any profession of mislike About the same time the Pope sent a commandement into England that 300. of the next benefices that fel should he bestowed vpon certaine Italians that he named men ignorant of the English toong and though otherwise perhaps worthy the places appointed them which is greatly to be doubted yet in that respect most vnfit to haue cure of soules committed vnto them In this iniurious course our Sewall couragiously withstood him and not onely by word and letter sharpely reprehended him but also in deeds resisted this his tyranny vtterly refusing to admit either Iordan vnto the Deanry or any
The king Queene eleuen other Bishops and many nobles being present He died August 27. 1285. hauing continued Archbishop scarcely 6. yeeres 38. Iohn Romano THe 28. of Nouember following viz. 1285. a cannon of Yorke was elected Archbishop and shortly after consecrate at Rome Because his father was a Romane borne he was called by the name of Iohn Romane This man was of base parentage but very learned He built the crosse I le on the North side of the church toward the pallace and a goodly steeple in the middle of the church all at his owne proper costs He built much in the hospitall of Saint Peter and with his owne hands laide the first stone of the great body of the church vpon the South side of the same He liued not to bring that noble worke to any perfection being taken away by death March 15. 1295. when he had continued in that Sée little more than 10 yéeres The yéere before he died he excommunicated Anthony Beake Bishop of Durham being one of the kings Councell and at that time beyond the seas in his seruice Whereat the king being highly displeased the Archbishop thought it his best course to put himselfe to his mercy He did so and was saine to 〈◊〉 the kings fauour with 4000. markes The indignation of a Prince is death saith the Wise man And likely ynough it is that the 〈◊〉 of his displeasure and the trouble that ensued it might soone cause some incurable disease that tooke him away He was buried in his Cathedrall church which with goodly building he had much augmented and beautified 39. Henry Newerk THe Deane of Yorke Henry de Newerk was then chosen Archbishop the seuenth day of May following He was consecrate at home in his owne church about a twelue moneth after to wit in the beginning of the yeere 1297. He had enioyed that honour but two yeeres when by death he was forced to leaue the same 40. Thomas de Corbridg AFter him succéeded Thomas de Corbridge Cannon of Yorke a great learned diuine He denied the king to haue the disposition of a certaine spirituall promotion that fell in his gift wherewith the king was so greatly displeased as he violently tooke from him three Baronies as one saith I thinke he meaneth Mannors appertaining of old vnto his See and detained them so long as this Archbishop liued which was indeede but a short time He sate in all but three yeeres seuen monethes and ten daies Whether it be that few mens minds are so great as to sustaine the burthen of a princes displeasure or that God which promiseth a reward of long life vnto those that 〈◊〉 honour vnto their superiors in his iust iudgement do soonest cut of such as are backward in this duety So surely it hath fallen out for the most part that those Bishops that haue presumed most in opposing themselues against their princes haue least time indured and euer quickly bene taken away whereof I could yeelde infinite examples This Thomas Corbridg died at Lanham the yeere 1303. and was buried at Southwell 41. William de Greenfield HE that then succéeded William de Greenfild was Canon of Yorke and Chauncellour of England vnder king Edward the first A great and wise councellor very eloquent and not vnlearned After his election he was faine to awaite the Popes pleasure two yéeres before he could obtaine consecration which at last he receiued of Pope Clement the fifth anno 1305. But it cost him 9500. markes beside the charge that he was at while he lay in the Popes court a suter By reason of these immoderate expenses he became so bare that at his first returne into England he was faine to make two collections amongst his cleargy in one yeere the first he called a beneuolence the second an aide He was a great fauourer of the templers euery where oppressed in those daies especially by the Pope Philip the french king When he had sate nine yéeres eleuen monethes and two daies he departed this 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 December 13. 1315. and was buried in his cathedrall church in the porch of Saint Nicholas 42. William de Melton SOne after Greenfields death before the end of the yéere 1315. William de Melton Prouost of Beuerly and Canon of Yorke was elected at the instance and earnest request of the king Edward the 2. With the Pope he found no more grace then his predecessor had done vnder two yéeres sute consecration coulde not be had It was at last affoorded him September 25. 1317. at Auinion Almost 23. yéeres hée gouerned the Sée of Yorke and that very woorthily attending diligently not onely the affaires and businesse of his church but also his owne priuate actions indeuoring by chastitie fasting prayer almesdaedes hospitalitie and vertuous behauior like a good pastor to teach and instruct as well by example of life as preaching and doctrine He was very good to his Tenaunts but carefull to preserue and rather to increase then any way to unpaire the state liberties and reuenues of his Church Yet was he not carelesse of the preferment of his seruants and kinred whom as occasion serued he pleasured and aduanced to very good places amongst the rest and by the Popes licence he purchased to a brothers sonne the Mannor of 〈◊〉 Kingsclere and Wentworth which till that time belonged to the Archbishops of Roan He bestowed great cost vpon the shryne of Saint William and finished the west part of the body of his church with the expences of 700. markes He enclosed also a place called the old 〈◊〉 at Yorke with a goodly wall He deceased Aprill 22. or as one deliuereth Aprill 5. 1. 340. at Cawood hauing sate 22. yéeres and almost 7. moneths in which time he had béene successiuely Treasurer and Chauncellor of England His body lieth buried néere the 〈◊〉 in Saint Peters Church 43. William de Zouche VVIlliam de la Souch Deane of Yorke succéeded He had much to doe with one William Kilsby that contended with him two whole yéeres for this Archbishopricke He was consecrate at last by Pope Clement the 6. at Auinion an 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 1346. king Edward going into France left this man his 〈◊〉 heere The Scots taking aduantage of his absence came with a great armie into England At a place called Bewre Parke néere 〈◊〉 crosse they were mette by this Archbishop and diuers of our Nobilitie October 17. where our men so valtantly behaued themselues as the Scots were cuerthrowne two Earles 21. knights and an 〈◊〉 number of other slaine many also taken prisoners and amongst the rest Dauid le 〈◊〉 then king This Bishop a little before his death began the foundation of a Chappell on the south side of the church intending to be buried in the same but being taken away before it could be brought to any perfection he was laied before the altar of Saint Edmund the Confessor He died August 8. 1352. 44. Iohn Thursby THe yéere 1349. Iohn Thursby Bishop of Saint 〈◊〉 was translated
to Worceter and about the middle of October 1352. being then Chauncelor of England to Yorke He was brought vp in Oxford where he was very much esteemed for his learning being a great 〈◊〉 and a very good Canonist He writ diuers things both in English and Latine amongst the rest he published an exposition vpon the ten Commandements in his mother toong which he required all the Clergy men in his Dioces to read diligently vnto their parishioners That worke I haue and keepe as a 〈◊〉 worthy to be esteemed Diuinity books in the English toong were geason in those dates I pray God they be not now too common The yaere he was Cardinall of Saint Sabine by Pope Vrban the 〈◊〉 whom I homas Walsingham repeateth to haue 〈◊〉 an English man In the 10. yéere after his 〈◊〉 he began to build 〈◊〉 the quier of his Cathedrall church laying the first stone himselfe July 29. toward the charge of which work he presently laide downe 100. l. or as some report 500. l. and promised to contribute yéerely 200. markes or as others say 200. l. till it were 〈◊〉 which 〈◊〉 long as he liued he faithfully performed He bestowed great cost in beautifying the Lady chappell with images and pictures of excellent workmanship and 〈◊〉 the bodies of diuers of his predecessors that lay buried else where about the church caused them to be 〈◊〉 in the said chappell in very 〈◊〉 manner leauing a place for 〈◊〉 in the middle thereof where dying Nouember 6. 1373. at Thorp he was 〈◊〉 after solemnly enterred 45. Alexander Neuill VNto this Sée the Pope then appointed Alexander Neuill a Canon of Yorke a man greatly fauoured of king Richard the second which was his destruction Diuers of the nobility malecontent tooke armes against the king caused many whom they misliked to be condemned by parliament some to death some to prison c. Amongst the rest this Archbishop was accused to be one that abused the kings youth by flattery and with whispering tales inticed him against the nobility and for this cause he was condemned to perpetuall prison and appointed vnto the castell of Rochester there to be kept But he foreséeing the tempest that grew 〈◊〉 him fled out of the realme The Pope then Vrbane the 〈◊〉 whether in commiseration thinking to relieue him or else vsing it as a meanes to make his Archbishopricke voide 〈◊〉 he might bestow it translated him from Yorke vnto 〈◊〉 Andrewes in Scotland Howsoeuer it was meant sure it fell out to be a very bad exchaunge for his part Scotland at that time refused to acknowledge Vrbane for Pope and yeelded obedience to the Antipope By meanes whereof Vrbans 〈◊〉 was not of sufficient force to inuest him in Saint Andrewes and yet quite cut him of from Yorke at home Hereby it 〈◊〉 to passe that hauing the reuenues neither of the one nor the other for very want he was 〈◊〉 to become a parish priest and so liued thrae yeere at Louane euen vntill his death He was banished the yéere 1386. liued in 〈◊〉 almost fiue yeres died 1391. and was buried in the church of the Frier Carmelites there This man bestowed much cost in repayring the castle of Cawod building diuers towers and other edifices about the same 46. Thomas Arundell ALexander Neuill being thus displaced vnder presence of preferment to a new place The Pope tooke vpon him to bestow Yorke And least if he should aduance one to it not greatly preferred before the old incumbent might chaunce in time to recouer it from him againe He thought good to bestow it so as benefiting many he might procure so many aduersaries vnto Neuill whereof any one alone might hardly saeme able to withstand him but all these together he knew very well To this end as also to gaine the more in first fruits he called Thomas Arundell from Ely to Yorke translated the Bishops of Durham to Ely Bath to Durham Salisbury to Bath and gaue Salisbury to Iohn Waltham the kings chaplaine a man very gracious with him and keeper of his priuie seale This Thomas Arundell the yéere 1396 was remooued to Canterbury the first that 〈◊〉 was translated from Yorke 〈◊〉 While he was at Yorke he bestowed much in building vpon diuers of his houses and vnto the church he gaue besides many rich ornaments two great Basons of siluer and gilt two great Censers two other Basons of siluer and two Crewettes He gaue to the vse of the Uicars a siluer Cuppe of great waight and a Bowle of siluer very massiue and costly vnto the Canons Being yet Bishop of Ely he was Lord Chauncellor of England and so continued till the yéere 1396. at what time being remooued to Canterbury he gaue ouer immediately that office See more of him in Ely and Canterbury 47. Robert Waldby RObert Waldby Bishop of Chichester succéeded Thomas Arundell in Yorke Being yet a yoong man he followed Edward the blacke Prince into Fraunce where he continued long a student and profited so much as no man in the 〈◊〉 where he liued Tholous might be compared with him for all kinde of learning He was a good Linguist very well séene in Philosophie both naturall and morall in Phyficke and the Canon Law also very eloquent an excellent Preacher and estéemed so profound a Diuine 〈◊〉 he was thought méete to be the Professor of Diuinitie or doctor of the chaire in the said Uniuersitie For these his good gifts he was much fauoured of the blacke Prince first then of king Richard his sonne and by their fauour obtayned first a Bishopricke in Gascoigne as Bale reporteth but by another antiquity that I haue seene he was first Bishop of the Isle of Man and his Epitaph saith he was first Praesul 〈◊〉 From that first preferment whatsoeuer it was he was translated an 1387. to the Archbishopricke of Dublin in Ireland thence to Chichester 1395. and the yéere following became an Archbishop once more viz. of Yorke There he sate not fully three yéeres but he died May 29. 1397. and was buriet in Westminster almost in the middle of the chappell of Saint 〈◊〉 where an Epitaph is to be séene vpon his graue partly 〈◊〉 and otherwise not worth the reciting 48. Richard Scroope RIchard Scroope that succéeded Robet Waldby though a gentleman of great bloud being brother vnto William Scroope that was Earle of Wilshire and Treasurer of England vnder king Richard yet obtained not 〈◊〉 high promotion without desert in regard of many good 〈◊〉 in him For he was incomparably learned saith Thomas Walsingham of singular integrity for his life and conuersation and which is not altogether to be neglected of a goodly and amiable personage He was brought vp in Cambridge and procéeded there first Master of Arte then doctor of Law thence he trauelled throngh Fraunce into Italy and became an aduocate in the Popes Court vntill such time as he was preferred to the Bishopricke of Couentry Lichfield whereunto he was consecrate August 9. 1386 There he
sate tenne yéeres and was translated to Yorke 〈◊〉 Nine yéeres he gouerned that Church landably and is commended as well for his owne priuate manners and behauiour as his publike gouernment His 〈◊〉 was vnhappy and very 〈◊〉 King Henry had lately deposed king Richard by whom this man was preferred and had cansed his brother the Earle of 〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉 at Bristow Whether it were desire to reuenge these wrongs done to his friendes or some other respect I know not certaine it is that the yeere 1405. he ioined with the Earle of Nothumberland the Earle Marshall the Lord Bardolph and other in a conspiracy against king Henry The Earle of Westmerland and Iohn Duke of Lancaster the kings sonne were then in the North countrey when these men began to stirre and gathering what forces they could came against them But finding the other too strong for them they inquire of them in peaceable manner what their intent is in taking armes The Archbishoppe answered that he meant nothing but good vnto the King and the Realme as he would gladly certifie him if hee had secure and safe accesse vnto him And therewithall shewed a writing vnto them containing a reason of his dooing The 〈◊〉 of Westmerland hauing reade this wrting professed to allow of their enterprise and praysed it for honest and reasonable insomuch as meeting with the Archbishop at a Parley after a very fewe speeches they seemed to become friends shaking hands together and drinking to ech other in sight of both their armies The Archbishop now 〈◊〉 of nothing suffered his men to disperse themselues for a time But the Earle contrariwise waxed stronger and stronger and at last seeing himselfe well able to deale with the Archbishop came vpon him sodemly and arrested him little thinking of any such matter The king by this time was come northward as farre as Pomfret Thither the Archbishop and other prisoners arrested with him were also brought and caried with the king backe to Yorke againe or as other deliuer to Thorpe where Sir William Fulford a knight learned in the Lawe sitting on a high stage in the Hall condemned him to be beheaded Presently after iudgement giuen he was set vpon an ill fauored Iade his face toward the horse taile and caried with great scorne and shame to a 〈◊〉 hard by where his head lastly was striken off by a fellow that did his office very ill not being able to dispatch him with lesse then fiue strokes He was executed vpon 〈◊〉 being June 8. 1405. and buried in the east part of the new works of his Church of Yorke in which place as also the 〈◊〉 where he died certaine miracles are said to haue béene done and are ascribed vnto his holinesse It is deliuered also that the king was presently striken with a 〈◊〉 after his death He was the first Bishop that I 〈◊〉 put to death by order of Law No maruell if an execution so 〈◊〉 and extraordinary performed in so odious and 〈◊〉 a manner gaue occasion of many tales and rumours The Pope excommunicated the authors of his death but was easily intreated to absolue them againe 49. Henry Bowett THe space of two yéeres and a halfe the Sée was 〈◊〉 after the death of Richard Scroope the pope had 〈◊〉 placed in the same Robert Halam Chauncellor of the 〈◊〉 of Oxford But vnderstanding that the king was greatly displeased therewith he was content according to the kings desire to gratifie Henry Bowet then Bishop of Bath with this preferment and made Halam Bishop of Salisbury This Henry Bowet was a doctor of Law and first 〈◊〉 Cannon of Wels had trauailed much in Fraunce Italy and was preferred to Bath also at first by the king who fauored him much He was consecrated to that Church Nouember 16. 1401. and translated to Yorke December 1. 1406. About the yéere 1403. he was Treasurer of 〈◊〉 the space of one yéere He continued Archbishop almost 17. yéeres in which time viz. the yéere 1417. it hapned that 〈◊〉 Henry the 5. being absent 〈◊〉 in the conquest of 〈◊〉 the Scots came with a great power into the Realme and besieged Barwicke and the castle of 〈◊〉 This Bishop was then a very aged man and so impotent as he was able neither to goe nor ride yet would he néeds accompanie his countrimen that went against the Scots and caused his men to carrie him in a chaire that so at least by words and exhortation he might do his best though he were not able to fight nay not so much as to stande or go This man is saide to be the greatest housekeeper of any Archbishop that euer sate in Yorke before him For proofe whereof it is alleaged that he spent vsually in his house of Claret wine onely 80. tunnes He departed this life at Cawood October 20. 1423. and was buried in the east part of the Minster of Yorke by the altar of all Saints which himselfe built and furnished sumptuously with all things that might belong vnto it He built also the Hall in the castell of Cawood and the kitchin of the Mannor house of Oteley 50. Iohn Kemp. THe Pope of his owne absolute authority placed then in Yorke Richard 〈◊〉 Bishop of Lincolne Many statutes and lawes had beene made to represse this tyrannicall dealing of the Pope But his excommunications were such terrible bugs as men durst rather offend the lawes of their countrey then come within the compasse of his censures Yet the Deane and chapter of Yorke taking stomack vnto them vsed such aduantage as the lawe would affoorde them and by force kept out the new Archbishop from entring his church Much adoo there was betweene them The euent was that the Pope vnable to make good his gift was saine to returne 〈◊〉 to Lincolne againe and to translate Iohn Kempe Bishop of London a man better fauoured of the Deane and chapter to Yorke This Iohn Kempe was first Bishop of Rochester consecrate the yeere 1418. remooued thence to Chichester 1422. from Chichester to London the same yeere from London to Yorke 1425. when the Sée had beene void 2. yeeres At Yorke he continued almost 28. yeres and in his old age euen one yeere before his death was content to 〈◊〉 once more viz. to Canterbury The 〈◊〉 1449. he was made Cardinall Sanctae Ruffinae and was twise Chauncellor of England See more of him in Canterbury 51. William Boothe HE that 〈◊〉 him William Boothe was sometime a student of the common lawe in Grayes Inne 〈◊〉 a sudden forsaking that course became Chauncellor of the Cathedrall church of Saint Paule in London July 9. 1447. he was consecrate Bishop of Couentry and Lichfield Hauing continued there sixe 〈◊〉 he was 〈◊〉 presently vpon the translation of Iohn Kempe vnto 〈◊〉 He sate 〈◊〉 12. yéeres died at Southwel September 20. and was buried in the chappell of our Lady there nigh to the Archbishops pallace 1464. He bestowed much cost in repairing the pallace of Yorke In the latter
end of his time viz. the yéere 1464. 〈◊〉 Minster of Yorke was burnt I know not by what chance 52. George Neuell RIchard Neuell that great Earle of Warwicke that 〈◊〉 and pulled downe kings at his pleasure aduanced his brother George Neuell vnto great and high placss being 〈◊〉 but a very yoong man By his meanes he was consecrate Bishop of Exceter Nouember 25. 1455. at what time he was not fully 20. yéeres of age The yéere 1460. he was made Lord Chauncellour of England the yoongest Chauncelour I thinke that euer was either before or since his time In that office he continued till the yéere 1464. viz. vntill the mariage of king Edward the 4. In which action the king 〈◊〉 knowing he had giuen cause of offence vnto the Earle of Warwick for it was done whilest that Earle was ambassador in Fraunce and busie in a treatie for a match betweene the king and the French Quéenes sister He thought it necessarie to weaken him what he might and so first remooued this his brother from the office of Chauncelour and bestowed it vpon Robert Stillington Bishop of Bath Notwithstanding this alienation of the king from him the yéere 1466. 〈◊〉 obtained the Archbishopricke of yorke and held the same but with great trouble vntill his death The 〈◊〉 of the dishonour done to the Earle by that 〈◊〉 mariage sticking 〈◊〉 in his mind hauing peraduenture continual occasions of new greeses be made a 〈◊〉 with his brethren to pull downe king Edward that had raigned now almost 9. yeeres and to set vp king Henry the 6. againe who had 〈◊〉 in prison all that while This indeed they performed partly by the help of George Duke of Clarence king Edwards brother And it was the hap of this Archb. to take 〈◊〉 Edward prisoner at 〈◊〉 in Northhampton shire He carried him thence first to 〈◊〉 castell then to 〈◊〉 castell in yorke shire But being of too good a nature to be a good 〈◊〉 vsed him with such curtesie suffering him to walke abroad often to 〈◊〉 with a few 〈◊〉 to attend him as were it by the negligence or vnfaithfulnesse of those that had the charge of him I know not away he escaped being met vpon a plaine where he hunted by a troupe of his friends wasted by them into a place of safety 〈◊〉 halfe a yeere that K. Henry was restored to his crown 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Edward so handled that matter as comming suddenly to London entring that Bishops palace by aposterne gate 〈◊〉 surprised at once king Henry b the Archbishop that had not long before taken him They were both caried thence to the tower of London where that good king was soone after pitifully murthered But the Archbishop vpon the fourth of June following was set at liberty About a yeere after his inlargement he chaunced to be with the king a hunting at Windsor and vpon occasion of the sport they had seene there made relation vnto the king of some extraordinary kinde of game wherewith he was woont to solace himselfe at a house he had built and furnished very 〈◊〉 called the Moore in Hartfordshire The king seeming desirous to be partaker of this sport appointed a day when he would come thither to hunt and make merry with him Hereupon the Archbishop taking his leaue got him home and thinking to 〈◊〉 the king in the best manner it was possible for him he sent for much plate that he had bid during the warres 〈◊〉 his brethren and the king and borrowed also much of his friends The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 brought into the 〈◊〉 the day 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sent for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him all 〈◊〉 set a part to repaire presently vnto him being at 〈◊〉 As sone as he came he was arrested of treason all his plate money and other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the value of 20000 l. were seised vpon for the king and himselfe a long space after was kept prisoner at Calis and Guisnes during which time the king 〈◊〉 vnto himselfe the profits and temporalties of his Bishopricke Amongst other things then taken from him he had a 〈◊〉 of inestimable value by reason of many rich stones wherewith it was adorned that the king brake and made thereof a crowne for himselfe This calamity happened vnto him the yéere 1472. By intercession and intreaty of his friends with much 〈◊〉 he obtayned his liberty the yéere 1476. and a little while 〈◊〉 the same with griefe and anguish of minde as is thought died at Blithlaw comming from Yorke He was buried in the Minster there In this mans time Sixtus the fourth made the Bishop of Saint Andrewes Primate of all Scotland and appointed twelue Bishops to be vnder him that vntill that time were of the Prouince of Yorke The Archbishop 〈◊〉 it what he might But the Pope alledging it was very vnfit that such a 〈◊〉 should be the Metropolitane of Scotland as for the most part by reason of wars was an enemy vnto the same ouerruled it and would needes haue it so 53. Lawrence Boothe THe Bishop of Durham Lawrence Boothe halfe brother vnto William Boothe George Neuils predecessor succéeded them in the Sée of Yorke He was first Master of Penbrooke hall in Cambridge consecrate Bishop of Durham September 25. 1457. and twenty yéeres after vizthe yéere 1477 remooued to Yorke In August 1472. he was made Lord Chancellour and continned in that office two 〈◊〉 This man bought the mannor of Batersey of one Nicolas Stanley and built the house there all which he gaue vnto his Sée He died at Southwell the yéere 1480. when he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Archbishop 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and nine 〈◊〉 and was buried 〈◊〉 his brother 54. Thomas Rotheram alias Scot. THomas Scot otherwise called Rotheram was borne at 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 and according to the manner of religious persons in old time would 〈◊〉 take his surname of the place where he was borne 〈◊〉 such education as the country could afford him being now ripe for the vniuersity and towardly was sent by his friends vnto Cambridge and was chosen fellow of kings colledge in which place he continued till he was called away by preferment King Edward whose Chaplaine he was procured him first the Prouostship of Beuerley made him keeper of his priuy Seale and then Bishop of Rochester the yeere 1467. Staying there scarce fower yeere he remooued to Lincolne anno 1471. The yeere 1474. he was made Lord Chauncellour and continued long in that office euen vntill the raigne of Richard the vsurper at what time or a little before he deliuered the great Seale vnto the 〈◊〉 and is blamed for committing it vnto her of whom he receiued it not and had no right to require it Being yet at Lincolne he bestowed great cost in building the goodly beautifull gate of the schooles at Cambridge the walkes on each side thereof and the new Library that is at the east side of that building which he caused to be done of his owne charge with some very
no fit match for him He was much emploied in embassages both before his preferment and after He sate Archbishop thirtéene yéeres and dying September 13. 1544. was buried in his owne church where is this Epitaphe to be séene engrauen vpon his toombe Edwardus Leus Archiepiscopus Ebor. Theologus eximius atque omni literarum genere longe eruditislimus sapientia vitae sanctitate clarus Euangelicae doctrinae praeconem semper agens pauperibus beneficus omnibus ordinibus iuxta charus magno de se apud omnes desiderio relicto hic sepultus iacet Sedit Archiepiscopus annos paulo minus 13. obijt Ibid. Septaetatis suae anno 62. anno Christi 1544. In English thus Edward Lee Archbishop of Yorke a great diuine and very well séene in all kind of learning famous aswell for wisedome 〈◊〉 vertue and holinesse of life a continuall preacher of the gospell a man very liberall vnto the poore and greatly beloued of all sorts of men who greatly misse and bemoane the want of him lieth buried in this place He deceased September 10. in the sixty two yéere of his age the yéere of our 〈◊〉 1544. 59. Robert Holgate BEfore the end of the same yéere Robert Holgate Doctor of Diuinity was translated from Landaff in 〈◊〉 where he had béene seuen yéeres Bishop vnto Yorke and continued there vntill the beginning of Quéene Mary who caused him to be depriued and that as I take it for 〈◊〉 married 60. Nicolas Heath ABout the yéere 1539. Nicolas Heath a Londoner borne 〈◊〉 of Diuinity and Almoner vnto the king was made Bishop of Rochester Within 〈◊〉 yéeres he was remooued to Worceter the yeere 1551 he was displaced and Master Hooper made Bishop there But Quéene Mary restored him againe in the beginning of her raigne and made him President of Wales Soone after to wit the yere 1553 he was translated to Yorke and vpon the death of Stephen Gardiner made Lord Chauncellor of England These places he held vntill the happy raigne of our Soneraigne the Quéene that now is at what time he thought good to resigne them both and liued afterwards vpon some lands that heretofore he had purchased being much fauoured by her 〈◊〉 in regard of his diligent and faithfull 〈◊〉 for her establishment in the throne royall which her sister Mary being dead no man doubted to be due onely vnto her He did but his 〈◊〉 calling together the nobility and commons in the Parliament then assembled he certified them of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 death and for that he was Lord Chauncellor gaue order for the proclayming of the Lady Elizabeth This it pleased her Maiesty of her gratious clemency to take in so good part as she was content the rather to beare with faults of his otherwise intollerable 61. Thomas Yoong THomas Yoong sometime Bishop of Saint 〈◊〉 was the first Bishop of Yorke in this Quéenes daies He was confirmed therein February 25. 1561. and about the same time made Lord President of the north This man for what cause or purpose I know not pulled downe the great hall in the pallace of Yorke ann 1562. which was sumptuously built by Thomas the elder his predecessor almost 500. yéeres 〈◊〉 He died June 26. 1568. at Sheffield and was buried in the Minster of Yorke 62. Edmund Grindall VPon the depriuation of Edmund Boner Edmund Grindall was appointed vnto the Sée of London whereunto he was elected July 26. 1559. and sate there about 11. yéeres May 22. 1570. he was translated thence to Yorke there he continued till the yéere 1575. at what time he was promoted vnto the Archbishopricke of Canterbury Sée more of him in Canterbury 63. Edwyn Sandes EDwyn Sandes doctor of Diuinitie was Uicechauncellor of the Uniuersitie of Cambridge at what time the Ladie Iane was proclaimed Quéene about which matter he endured much trouble and long imprisonment The historie whereof is reported at large by Master Foxe vnto whom I remit the reader In the beginning of this Quéenes raigne to wit December 21. 1559. he was consecrate Bishop of Worceter and succéeded Edmund Grindall both in London whereunto he was confirmed July 13. 1570. and also in Yorke He continued there Archbishop about 〈◊〉 yéeres and dying August 8. 1588. was buried at Southwell 64. Iohn Piers. IOhn Piers Doctor of Diuinitie being Deane of Christ church in Oxford was made Bishop of Rochester and Almoner the yéere 1576. translated to Salisbury continuing still Almoner the yéere following and vpon the death of Bishop Sands preferred to Yorke This man liued alwaies vnmaried and departed this life September 27. or thereabouts 1594. 65. Mathew Hutton IN the beginning of March following Mathew Hutton doctor of Diuinitie first Deane of Yorke and consecrate Bishop of Durham the yéere 1589. was aduanced to the Metropoliticall See of Yorke and as yet continueth in the same The Bishops of Durham 1. Aidanus THe noble vertuous Prince 〈◊〉 hauing attained the kingdome 〈◊〉 Northumberland the yéere 634. and desirous that his countrimen and 〈◊〉 should not onely be gouerned by the sword for their temporall good but also directed by the word and preaching of the gospell to the euerlasting saluation of their soules he sent his Embassador vnto his neighbours the Scots amongst whom were then many 〈◊〉 and well learned preachers requesting them to send vnto him some good man that might instruct his people in the 〈◊〉 and feare of Christ. To this his most reasonable request they quickly condiscended and sent vnto him first a man that doing his best endeuour a while amongst them and perceauing he could do no good returned shortly into his owne country againe complaining that they were a barbarous and 〈◊〉 people amongst whom he had bene and such as he thought he could not spend his time worse then in séeking to instruct them that séemed neither desirous nor capable of knowledge They that sent him very sory for this tidings and consulting amongst themselues what course were now to be taken it chanced one of them named Aidanus to vse these words It séemeth to me quoth he that this our brother dealt somewhat to roughly with his vnlearned auditors not 〈◊〉 them first with the milke of gentle words and easie doctrine according to the councell of the Apostle vntill such time as they were enabled to digest stronger meat And this I take to be the cause of the ill successe his preaching had amongst them All the rest of the company thought it very probable which he had said and these his words occasioning them to remember besides his learning and godlines his notable discretion and knowen wisedome they agréed all that 〈◊〉 no man was so likely to amend that fault as he that had so quickly found and discerned it in the other and so with one consent ordained him Bishop of Northumbers This Aidanus an humble minded man a louer of silence and pouerty saith William Malmesbury auoiding of purpose the pomp and frequency of Yorke chose for his See a little Island
called Lindisfarne now Holy Island where he and diuers of his successors much deale lead their liues He was Bishop seuenteene yéeres during which time he neglected no duety of a good Pastor trauelling vp and downe the countrey euen on foote to preach the Gospel giuing whatsoeuer he could get vnto the poore and by the example of his owne abstinency chastity 〈◊〉 and all manner of Episcopall vertues instructing aswell as by word and doctrine He departed this life nt August 31. an 651. for griefe as it is to be thought of the death of king Oswald that was traiterously slaine 12. daies before Beda maketh report of diuers miracles to be done by him which who so desireth to read shal find them and many things more concerning him Eccl. hist. lib. 3. c. 3. 5. 1415. 16. and 17. 2. Finan FIunanus sent likewise thither out of Scotland was Bishop of 〈◊〉 after 〈◊〉 the space of ten yéeres He first built a church for his Sée in the Island all of timber and couered it with réede He had much to doe with one Conan and other about the obseruation of Easter which they would haue had him to celebrate according to the manner of the church of Rome He would not be induced by any meanes to any alteration 3. Coleman HIs successor Coleman a Scot also was no lesse obstinate in the same matter After many priuate conflicts the yéere 664. this controuersie was discust in a solemne disputation before the king and all his nobles who adiudged the victorie vnto his aduersaries The 〈…〉 tation is set downe at large by Beda lib. 3 cap. 25. 〈…〉 induring the disgrace of this foyle 〈…〉 ricke and returned into Scotland againe 4. Tuda AMongst diuers that came out of Scotland with Coleman this Tuda was one who hauing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉 for the place by diligent preaching and vertuous behauiour vnder Coleman vpon his departure was chosen to succéede him He was content to reforme the obseruation of 〈◊〉 and to yeelde to some other things which had béene stood much vpon controuerted betwéene the Scots and Saxons Hauing béene Bishop 〈◊〉 one whole yéere he died of the plague anno 665. 5. Eata MAny of the Scots that came with Coleman returning with him the rest chose Eata for their Abbot and 〈◊〉 at Mailros which place king Oswyn gaue vnto them at the request of Coleman This Eata after the death of Tuda was chosen Bishop both of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 and gouerned them iointly the space of 3. yeeres After the ende of which terme he gaue ouer 〈◊〉 vnto one Tumbert But Tumbert being deposed by a Synod gathered at a place called Twiford Cutbert was elected vnto his See of Hagustald Eata then perceiuing that Cutbert had rather be at 〈◊〉 tooke on him once more the gouernment of 〈◊〉 and resigned 〈◊〉 vnto Cutbert 6. S. Cutbert THis Cutbert is said to be descended of the blood royall of the kings of Ireland being sonne of one 〈◊〉 and Sabina his wife that was daughter vnto a king 〈◊〉 He was brought vp in the Abbey of 〈◊〉 first vnder his predecessor Eata and afterwards vnder 〈◊〉 that succéeded Eata there After the death of Boisill he was made Abbot of that Monasterie which he ruled with great care and sinceritie And not content to looke vnto those onely the gouernment of whom was especially committed vnto him He vsed often to trauell into the countrie neere adioyning 〈◊〉 on horsebacke sometimes on foote preaching diligently the word of God instructing the ignorant in the way of life and sharpely reprehending vice where he saw cause And his manner was to frequent especially the most rude and barbarous places to which he thought no body else would resort least the people there being altogether neglected might perish for want of their spirituall foode He was a very personable man well spoken and so mightie in perswading as none that euer he delt withall was able to withstand the force of his words Hauing continued this manner of life at Mailros many yéeres at the importunate request of his old master Eata he was content to leaue the place and to liue once more vnder him at Lindisfarne But affecting much an Eremiticall and solitarie life he refused to liue with the rest of the monks and seated himselfe in the Island of Farne a desert place 9 miles within the sea hauing in it neither house nor water Yet there he made a shift to liue labouring with his owne hands till he was chosen Bishop A great while he refused obstinately to forsake his solitarie life euen vntill the king himself comming ouer vnto him partly by force partly by entreatie iuduced him thereunto So with much adoo he accepted consecration at last and receaued the same at Yorke vpon Easter day at the hande of Theodore Archbishop of Canterbury 6. other Bishops assisting him the yeere 684. in the presence of king Egfride and many of his nobles After he had beene Bishop two yeeres he would needes resigne and returned to his Island againe where seene after he ended his life The day of his departure to wit March 20. is consecrate vnto his memory He was first buried at 〈◊〉 but afterwards remooued to Durham as hereafter shal be declared The myracles that are ascribed vnto him and many other things not vnwoorthy the reading you shall find in the latter end of the 4. Booke of Beda his Ecclesiasticall history 7. Eadbertus ONe yéere after the resignation of Saint Cutbert the church of Lindisfarne was without a Bishop Edbert was then chosen to succeed him He couered his Cathedrall church with lead not onely the roofe which before was thatched with réede but the walles also He sate tenne yéeres and dying May the 6. 698. was buried beside or rather vnder Saint Cutbert his predecessor whose body the monkes had now placed in a shyrne aboue the pauement of the church After Edbert followed in order successiuely these 8. Edferth or Edfride that liued in Beda his time 9. Ethelwood who died the yéere 738. 10. Kenulfus he died 781. 11. Higbald HIgbald sate twelue yéeres and died an 803. In his time the Danes often spoyled the Church and monastery of Lindisfarne so as the Bishop and monkes were faine to forsake it Taking therefore the body of Saint Cutbert with them they determined to seate themselues in Ireland but being often driuen backe by tempest so as attempting diuers times to crosse the seas they could neuer land there they gaue ouer that enterprise and rested themselues sometime in one place sometime in an other during the time of all these Bishops 12. Egbert 13. Egfredus he died an 845. 14. Eaubert he died an 854. 15. Eardulf 16. Cuthard he died an 915. 17. Tilred he died an 927. 18. Withred 19. 〈◊〉 20. 〈◊〉 21. Aldred he died an 968. 22. Alfsius he died an 990. 23. Aldhunus or Aldiuinus ABout the yéere of grace 990. this 〈◊〉 was consecrate Bishop The yeere 995. or nere thereabout
he came to Durham or rather for so is the right name Dunholm which is compounded of two saxon words Dun signifying a hill and Holm an Island in a riuer Before his comming thither it was a place wild and not habitable being all a wood full of thicke bushes and trees sauing onely a little plaine vpon the top of the hil that was woont to be sowed aud is the very place where the church now standeth With the helpe of the country people and 〈◊〉 Earle of Northumberland he cut downe the wood cleansed the place and in short time made it habitable All the people dwelling between the riuers of Theise and Coqued came then and affoorded most readily their best helpe vnto the building of a church there neuer ceasing vntill in the time of this Bishop who principally caused the same it was quite finished He was schoolemaster vnto the children of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Edward that after raigned and is commonly called Edward the Confessor The king their father being driuen out of his kingdome by 〈◊〉 the Dane the yeere 1013 he sent him with 〈◊〉 his wife and his two sonnes before named vnto Richard Duke of Normandy their vncle How seene the Bishop returned I know not but I find that he died within three yéeres after to wit the yeere 1017. hauing continued Bishop almost nine and twenty yeeres 24. Eadmund THrée yéeres after the death of Aldwine the Sée remained voide by reason of the great troubles and continuall warres wherewith the realme was vexed by the Danes At the last God sending a more peaceable time the cleargy of Durham determined to procéede vnto an election As they were conferring about the businesse they had in hand it happened a certaine graue priest to come into the place where they were gathered together and vnderstanding what they were about to say merrily vnto them that they were best choose him These words vsed by him in iest were 〈◊〉 vnto by them in good earnest insomuch as vpon a little deliberation they agréed indéede to elect him for their Bishop and so did Matthew Westminster addeth credite him as you list that the monkes fasting thrée daies and praying vnto Saint Cutbert to shew some token of his approbation or dislike of this election there was a voice heard out of his shrine the priest being at masse that thrée times named Edmond to the Bishopricke He was elected the yéere 1020. But not consecrate in fiue yéeres after He sate alter the time of his consecration 23. yéeres and dying at Glocester anno 1048. was caried thence to his owne church of Durham and there buried William of Malmsbury commendeth him much for his industry in adorning his church and citie with buildings and otherwise 25. Eadred PResently after his death Eadred was made Bishop enioyed that honor a very short time to wit 10. monethes onely and then died 26. Egelric EGelricus a monke or as I finde also reported Abbot of Peterborough succeeded him by the meanes endeuour of Godwyn Earle of Kent He builded a church at Cuneagecester now called Chester vpon the stréete in memorie that the Bishops of Lindisfarne had rested themselues there together with the body of Saint Cutbert 113. yéeres during the time of the Danish warres In digging the foundation of this church he found such an infinite deale of money as after that time not caring for the reuenues of his Bishoprick he resigned the same vnto Egelwyn his brother returned himselfe to the monastery of Peterborough whence he came There he bestowed great cost in building repairing the church monasterie as also in making a cawsie with timber lyme and sande through the fennes betweene Deeping and Spalding a worke very necessary and of infinite charge This cawsie was called after the name of the maker Elrich-rode He resigned the yeere 1056. and hauing led a priuate life now 13 yéeres in his old age to wit the yeere 1069. he was charged I know not how iustly with treason and conspiracie against the Conquerour who drew him out of his cloyster at Peterborough and imprisoned him at Westminster There saith W. Malmsbury by continuall fasting and abundance of teares washing away the guilt of his 〈◊〉 misdéedes he wanne vnto himselfe such reputation of holinesse as the place of his buriall was much trequented after his death He died October 15. 1072. and if I mistake him not for his brother as many of our writers do who confound the historie of these men and attribute diuers actions of the one vnto the other was buried in the chappell of Saint Nicholas in Westminster 27. Egelwyn THis Egelwyn was Bishop at the comming in of the Conquerour against whom he alwaies opposed himselfe At the last séeing himselfe not able to withstande him and fearing to be too neere him he forsooke Durham in the end of the yeere 1069. and caried his clergie with him vnto the church of Lindisfarne But it was not long before they returned againe The king hauing withdrawne his forces out of that countrey and the Bishop belike being taken into fauour about the beginning of Lent the church was furnished againe and the Bishop himselfe entred the same April 6. within two yeeres after which time whether it were the auncient hatred he bore vnto the king that now reboiled in his stomacke or a vaine hope of recouering the libertie of his countrey enthralled vnto the Normans or offence taken at the vnreasonable oppression of the same and especially of clergie men as Stigand and diuers other that were depriued of their Bishoprickes and other promotions He ioyned with certaine English Noble men in a flat rebellion alleaging at first that they feared imprisonment and hard measure but indeed purposing to depose the king and set vp some English man When things succéeded not according to their expectation they were faine to hide themselues in woods and secret places doing great spoile in the countrey till at last they tooke the Isle of Ely which they defended against the kings power a long space In the meane time Egelwyn our Bishop tooke ship and departed as Matt. 〈◊〉 saith into voluntarie exile But William Malmesbury chargeth him with piracie and robberie vpon the sea In the end being taken he was committed to straight prison at Abbingdon where he died the yeere 1071. in winter refusing as Flor. Wigor deliuereth for gréefe and anger to take any sustenance Howbet other thinke his abstinence was of constraint and that he would gladly haue eaten if he could haue gotten meate It is saide he was buried in Saint Nicholas chappell at Westminster But I thinke him mistaken for his brother Agelrike 28. Walter EGelwyn yet liuing but in prison the king caused one Walter borne in Lorraine to be consecrate Bishop He attending more worldly affaires then the charge of his flocke gaue himselfe altogether to temporal busines wherein he wholy occupied himselfe He bought of the king the Earledome of Northumberland and then making himselfe a secular Iudge tooke vpon
slaughter was committed May 14. 1080. The monkes of Yarrow came and fetched away the Bishops body which they found 〈◊〉 naked and coulde hardly know it for the multitude of woundes they caried it to their monastery from whence it was 〈◊〉 to Durham and there buried on the south side of the chapterhouse but secretly for feare of the 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 vp and downe the towne and once assaulted the castell when they could not preuaile there they dispersed themselues and for the most part came to euill and vnhappie endes The king in the meane time hearing of this tumult sent his brother Odo Bishop of Bayon with many of his nobles and a great armie to take punishment of this murther which while they sought to reuenge they brought the whole countrey to desolation Those that were guiltie preuented the danger toward them by 〈◊〉 so as 〈◊〉 of them could be taken Of the rest that staied at home some were vniustly executed and the rest compelled to raunsome themselues to their vtter impouerishing and vndooing This Odo tooke away from the church of Durham at that time certaine ornaments of great value amongst which is especially remembred a certaine crosyer of inestimable price In this Bishops time and by his endenour secular Clerkes were displaced and the church of Durham replenished with monkes the Pope the King and the Archbishop allowing this alteration 29. William Kairlipho THe Sée of Durham hauing béene voide 6 moneths after the death of Walter to wit Nouember 9. following William Kairlipho Abbot of Saint Uincente was elected and receiued consecration at the hands of Thomas Archbishop of Yorke Ianuary 3. following at Glocester the king and almost all the Bishops of the realme being present at that solemnitie The monkes whom he fauoured much for he expelled diuers married priests out of his church of Durham whom Walter was content to beare withall and suffered onely monkes there they praise him for a man of great wisedome learning and vertue Certaine it is that he was very subtile whereby as also by the volubilitie of his toong which he had passing readie at commandement he got very farre into the fauour of the king William the Conqueror and afterward of his sonne William Rufus vnder whom he did euen what he list Unto the later ende of these he prooued very vnthankfull ioyning himselfe with Odo Bishop of Bayon in a rebellious conspiracie against him The rebels being ouerthrowne he was saine for his safegard to shutte himselfe vp within the walles of Durham The king hasting thither by great iourneies besieged 〈◊〉 and after a thort time had the towne yeelded by composition wherein it was conditioned that the Bishop and his companie should depart in safety So he got him beyond the seas and liued in 〈◊〉 three yeeres viz. vntill September 11. 1090. at what time the king comming to Durham receaued him to grace and restored him to his former dignitie that verie day three yeeres that he had departed thence After that time he omitted nothing whereby he might curry fauour with the king euer applying himselfe that way whither he sawe him to 〈◊〉 In all the 〈◊〉 betweene the king and Anselm he was the 〈◊〉 stirrer against the Archbishop hoping belike so to assure himselfe of the kings fauour and if Anselm should be displaced which he endeuored he thought no man so likely then to succeed him as himselfe But he failed in both of these purposes for the kings displeasure was his death He was summoned to appeere before the king at Glocester at a day before which time for griefe as it is thought he fel sicke When he appeered not and it was told the king he was sick he sware by Lukes face 〈◊〉 was his vsuall oath he lied he did but counterfeit he would haue him fetcht with a vengeance It appeered the excuse was true ynough for seene after viz. Ianuary 2. 1095. he died hauing been Bishop fifteene yeeres This man pulling downe to the ground the Church that 〈◊〉 had first built began to erect another far more magnificent but liued not to finish it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Scots Turgot Prior of Durham 〈◊〉 the first 〈◊〉 stones July 30. or as some deliuer Aug. 11. 〈◊〉 It is said that lying vpon his death bed as was thought past memory if not dead diuers Prelates that were in his chamber conferred of the order of his 〈◊〉 and amongst other things appointed the place of his buriall to be in the 〈◊〉 vpon the building whereof he had bestowed so much The supposed dead man ouerheard them and gathering his forces together made shift to breath out these 〈◊〉 It shall not please God saith he that you preiudice the honor of Saint 〈◊〉 by my buriall for 〈◊〉 of wham neuer any of my predecessors would enduret o be laid there Bury you me therefore in the chapter house It was performed accordingly his body was conueighed from Glocester where he died vnto Durham and on the North part of the chapter house there solemnly enterred Within a yeere or two after his first being Bishop he trauelled to Rome and obtayned there licence of Pope Gregorie the seuenth to bring the monkes from Yarrow and Wermouth into the Cathedrall church of Durham He also bestowed vpon them not onely bookes and diuers ornaments for the furnishing of their church but lands and 〈◊〉 in sundry places for the confirmation of all which gifts he procured the charter of William the Conqueror vnder Seale 30. Ranulf Flambard AFter the death of William the Sée of Durham stoode voide thrée yeeres and fower monethes The king at last bestowed it vpon one Ranulf rather for the seruice he had done him then for any speciall seruice he could hope he would doo either to God or his church For he was a very wicked man but such a one as had serued his turne notably He was first Chaplaine vnto Maurice Bishop of London and well 〈◊〉 of him but not so well as that he would let him haue the Deanery falling voide which he taking very ill in a 〈◊〉 left him and by what meanes I know not woond himselfe into the court Being passing subtile and shrewd witted faire spoken and nothing scrupulous but ready to do any thing for preferment It was no hard matter for him to obtaiue any thing of the king William Rufus a very corrupt and vicious prince His first practise was to farme the vacacies of Abbotships and Bishopricks of the king whereby he not onely enriched himselfe but brought great sommes of mony into the kings coffers that neuer were acquainted with that kinde of profite before The king perceiuing him to be a fit instrument for his purposes imploied him daily more and more and at last made him chiefe gouernour of all his realme vnder him so as he had all that authority which now the Lord Treasurer Chauncellor and diuers other officers haue diuided amongst them For it séemes vnto me that few of those offices were
then so precisely distinguished as soone after This authority he abused very impudently not caring whom he offended so he might 〈◊〉 either the king or himselfe Many times when the king gaue commandement for the leuying of a certaine summe of mony amongst his subiects he would require of the commons twise so much whereat the king being very well content would laugh and say that 〈◊〉 was the onely man for his turne who cared not whom he displeased so he might please his Master It was impossible but he should be very odious both vnto the common people and nobility also And no maruaile if many complaints were made vnto the king of him against all which he shut his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 When therefore that way succeeded not some of those his discontent aduersaries determined to wreake their mallice vpon him by killing him They famed a message from the Bishop of London his old Master saying that he was very sick and ready to depart the world that he was wonderfull desirous to speake with him and to the end he might make the better spéede had sent him a barge to 〈◊〉 him vnto his house being then by the water side He suspecting no fraude went with them in great hast attended onely by his secretary and some one or two other they hauing him thus in their clutches caried him not to the appointed staires but rowed 〈◊〉 on say he what he would till they came vnto a ship prouided for him ready to set saile As seene as he perceiued how he was intrapped he cast away his ring or manuel seale and after his great scale whether the broad Seale of England or no I know not into the riuer least they might giue oportunity of forging false graunts and conueyances Then he fel to intreating and perswading but all to no purpose for they were determined he should dye They had appointed two 〈◊〉 to dispatch him either by knocking out his braines or tossing him a liue 〈◊〉 for doing whereof they were promised to haue his clothes These executioners could not agree vpon the diuision of this reward for his gowne was better woorth then all the rest of his apparell While they were reasoning vpon that point it pleased God to raise a terrible and fearefull tempest such as they looked euery minute to die themselues and therefore had no very good leasure to thinke of putting an other man to death Ranulf then omitting no opportunitie of his deliuerance like an other 〈◊〉 by the musicke of his eloquence seeketh to alay their malice and to diswade them from the execution of their bloudie determination laying diligently before them the danger that was like to ensue vnto them by so cruell a murther which could not be hid promising mountaines of golde if they saued his life and lastly wishing them to consider how God by raising this tempest had threatned to reuenge his death and had as it were set the image of his vengeance before their eies Whether it were the feare of God or of man or else the hope of reward that wrought with them of such effect were these his perswasions as first diuers of the companie refused to be pertakers of his murther one of them then stept foorth vowed to defend him to his power so as he would liue or die with him And at length his greatest enimies were so pacified as Gerald the author of this conspiracie was content to set him a land and to conduct him to his owne house But not trusting a reconciled foe assoone as he had so done he got him out of the realme and durst neuer come in England after So by one danger this man escaped another and might well say as Themistocles when banished his countrey he found better entertainment of his enimie the king of Persia then he could haue giuen himselfe at home Perijssem 〈◊〉 perijssem I had indeede béene vtterly vndone had I not béene vpon the point to be vndone Seene after his returne from this braue voyage to wit the yéere 1099. he was consecrate Bishop of Durham in the Cathedrall church of Saint Paule He was scarce warme in his seate when his master the king being slaine by the glance of an arrow as he was a hunting Henry his brother succéeded in the kingdome This prince not able to withstand the importunitie of his nobles and the innumerable complaints daily made against this our Bishop clapt him vp in the Tower But he so enchanted his kéepers with money and 〈◊〉 words as they were content to let him go and to runne away with him themselues Into Normandie he got him in the beginning of February 1101. and did neuer linne buzzing into the eares of Robert Duke of Normandy telling him the kingdome of England was his by right till he prouoked him to attempt the inuasion of this realme but to small purpose as in the Chronicles you may see more at large How long he liued in exile I finde not it seemeth not to be long for he had leisure to bring many great things to passe at home afterwards He raised the walles of the body of his church vnto the roofe he translated the reliques of Saint Cutbert into the new Church and bestowed a shryne vpon him he compassed the 〈◊〉 with a wall he caused a number of houses to be pulled downe that were neere the church and might haue béene either noisome vnto it or dangerous by fire hapning among them he continued diuers banks along the riuer of Were with great charge built the castell of Norham vpon a steepe hill neere the riuer of Tweede the hospitall of kepar the bridge of Frwgewallate and performed same other things woorthie commendations Hauing sate Bishop 29. yéeres or thereabouts he died September 5. 1128. 31. Geoffry Rusus GEoffry surnamed Rufus Chauncellour of England was then preferred vnto the See of Durham in which he sat 13. yéeres and died ann 1141. 32. Will. de Sancta Barbara NExt after him succéeded William de Sancta Barbara Deane of Yorke a 〈◊〉 and very religious man He continued in this Sée 9. yéeres and died 1152. 33. Hugh Pusar HVgh Pusar Pudsey or de Putuaw for thus diuerfly I find him called Treasurer of Yorke and Archdeacon of Winchesier was elected vnto the Sée of Durham after the death of the foresaid William rather in respect of his nobility and greatnesse of bloud then of any speciall worthinesse otherwise For king Stephen was vncle vnto him He was very wise in ordering of temporall matters and 〈◊〉 he was not very learned woonderfull eloquent excéeding couetous and as cunning in gathering money as thirstie and desirous of it Henry Murdac Archbishop of Yorke not onely refused to consecrate him himselfe taking exceptions both against his 〈◊〉 of yéeres and lightnes of behauiour But also sent to Rome to haue a Caueat laid in against him there Eugenius was Pope at that time an old acquaintance of the Archbishops who both were brought vp at Clareual vnder S. Bernard But such was the
good hap of this new elect as a little before his arriuall there I meane at Rome Pope Eugenius was dead and seene after came certaine newes thither of the death of the Archbishop also Anastasius that succeeded Eugenius without much adoo affoorded him consecration Decemb. 30. 1153. He sate Bishop a long time almost 42. yéeres in which time he built diuers houses vpon his mannors out of the ground and bestowed much in repairing of the rest He builte a faire house at Derlington He founded the Priory of Finchall he bought Sadbury of king Richard the first and gaue it vnto his Sée He built the bridge of Eluet and the Galiley at the west end of his Cathedrall church in which he placed the bones of venerable Beda Lastly he built two hospitals one at Allerton an other called Sherburne at the East end of Durham To Sherburne he alotted liberall allowance for the maintenance of 65. poore Lasers and a certaine number of priests Neubrigenses ascribeth this good worke partly vnto other men whom he enforced to become benefactors vnto this foundation being loath to be at the whole charge himselfe At what time king Richard made prouision for his iorney into the Holy land he also tooke on him the crosse and vowed to be one of that companie The king vnderstanding that he had prepared a great masse of money to carry with him perswaded him to stay at home and to afford him his money which if he would do he promised to make him Earle of Northumberland The Bishop long since repenting the vow he had made quickly condiscended to this offer accepted the same The king hauing created him an Earle turned him about vnto the companie and laughing saide he had performed a woonderfull exploit for quoth he of an old Bishop I haue made a yoong Earle Now that he might haue some colourable ercuse of not performing his vow he caused the king to alledge that he might not be spared out of the realme in his absence And to make this the more probable giuing the king 1000. markes he perswaded him with golden Rhetoricke to make him chiefe Justice of England The like Rhetoricke it was that induced the Pope to dispence with his vow vnto which the excuses before alleaged made some way but could neuer haue effected the busines without that helpe At the returne of K Richard from Hierusalem he found him not so fauourable as he expected thinking that he grudged him his Earledome resigned the same into his hands After which notwithstanding he loaded him sore with many grieuous exactions well knowing the Bishops bagges to be notably 〈◊〉 for that he had offered him a great summe of mony for the redemption of his Earledome The king therefore being beyond the seas sent vnto him for this money as condiscending to his request But the old Fox well ynough 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 humbly besought him by letters either to affoord him the Earldome first or else to suffer him to enioy his money quietly Whereupon the king that knew how to vse him in his kinde writ letters vnto him full of reuerend and gratious speeches wishing him to bring vp his money to London and there to receiue the gouernment of the whole realme which he would commit vnto him and the Archbishoppe of Canterbury Being very ioyfull of this fauour toward London he comes about Shrouetyde thinking then to take his farewell of flesh he surffetted vpon the way at Doncaster and finding himselfe sicke returned home to Houeden where he died March 3. being the saturday in cleansing weeke He was 70. yeeres old at the time of his death yet would hardly beléeue his phisitions certifying him a little before he died in what danger he was An old Heremit named 〈◊〉 esteemed of many a very holy man had told him he should be blinde seuen yéeres before his death which said our stories Godricus meant the blindnesse of his minde and he vnderstanding him of the blindnesse of his bodily eies neuer cared to prouide for death assuring himselfe he had that seuen yéeres at least to come Being yet Treasurer of Yorke he begot thrée 〈◊〉 all sonnes the first borne of a gentlewoman of great blood became a soldier the second he made Archdeacon of Durham and loaded him with many other 〈◊〉 promotions which he enioying but one yéere after his fathers death was also taken away himselfe The third whom the old Bishop loued most tenderly of all by his fathers great suit and no lesse expence became Channcellor to the French king He was so vnhappy as to see that his best beloued sonne buried Himselfe departed this world as before is said in the beginning of Lent an 1195. 34. Philip of Poitiers KIng Henry the second fauoured much one Philip borne at Poitiers in Aquitaine for the long acceptable seruice he had done vnto him In reward whereof he besought him to preferre him vnto the Bishopricke of Durham then void The king well knowing he could not doo for him any other way better cheape commended him so effectually vnto the couent as they durst not but choose him He was elected December 30. 1195. The next yéere he was sent Embassador vnto the Pope together with William Longshamp that famous Bishop of Ely who died in the way to Rome-ward There to wit at Rome he was consecrate May 12. 1197. The yeere 1200. he went in pilgrimage to Saint Iames of Compostella He was a great hartner of king Iohn against the Pope aduising him euer to make no reckoning of his excommunications The Pope vnderstanding thereof excommunicated him also together with the king Being not yet absolued he died the yéere 1208. and was buried without the church by the hands of lay men because he stood excommunicate at the time of his death This Bishop by the licence of king Richard the first set vp a Mint at Durham and began to coine mony there the yéere 1196. 35. Richard de Marisco IT séemeth the Sée was long voide after the death of Philip. For Richard de Marisco Lord Chauncellor of England and Archdeacon of Northumberland an old courtier was thrust into this Sée by Gualo the Popes Legate and consecrate by the Archbishop of Yorke the yéere 1217. During the time of the vacacy I find that one Morgan prouost of Beuerley was elected vnto this Bishopricke He was bastard brother vnto king Iohn and begotten vpon the Lady of a knight called Sir Ralf 〈◊〉 or Blewet Exceptions were taken against him that he was a bastard and so by the Canons not capable of ecclesiasticall preferment without speciall dispensation which the Pope being loath to graunt aduised him to call himselfe Blewet and to alledge that he was borne in lawfull wedlocke promising vpon that condition to affoord him consecration But he answered that for any worldly preferment whatsoeuer he would not renounce his father or deny himselfe to be of the bloud royall So he lost his Bishoprick and for ought I find neuer attained other preferment
after This Richard was a very prodigall man and spent so liberally the goods of his church as the monks doubting he would vndoo them and himselfe also went about by course of law to stay him and force him to a moderation of expence But it fell out quite contrary to their expectation For he being wilfully set continued law with them appealing to Rome c. and continued his old course 〈◊〉 vntill his death The yéere 1226. in the beginning of Easter terme he rid vp to London with a troupe of Lawyers attending on him At Peterborough he was entertayned in the Abbey very honorably and going to bed there in very good health was found in the morning by his chamberlaines starke dead He deceased May the first leauing his church 40000. marks indebted A monke of Durham bestowed this ryming Epitaphe vpon him 〈◊〉 qui cupitis Est sedata sitis Qui populos regitis Quod mors immitis Vobis praepositis Quod sumvos eritis laudes pompasque 〈◊〉 si me pensare velitis memores super omnia sitis non parcit honore potitis similis fueram bene scitis ad me currendo venitis 36. Richard Poore THe king earnestly commended one Luke his Chaplaine vnto the Bishopricke of Durham now voide swearing vnto the monkes that were sent to craue a Congé d'lier they should haue no Bishop in 7. yéere after if they would not be content to elect him The couent thinking him vnwoorthy so high a preferment chose one William Scot Archdeacon of Worceter a graue learned man and the kings Chaplaine Howbeit the king offended that his desire was not satisfied refused in great displeasure to ratifie this election And vnderstanding that they sent vnto Rome to intreate the Pope to put him in possession of that Sée he sent likewise his Embassadors the Bishop of Lichfield and the Prior of Lanthony to crosse and hinder that designement which they easily performed within a yéere or two after they chose with the kings good liking Richard Poore Bishop of Salisbury a notable man He was first Deane of Salisburie consecrated Bishop of Chichester the yéere 1215. translated thence to Salisbury 1217. lastly to Durham 1228. Being Bishop of Chichester he purchased vnto that church Amport which he bought of the church of Winchester At 〈◊〉 he is famous for remoouing his Sée from old Salisbury to new Salisbury where he began the building of that stately church Sée more of him in Salisbury He founded a monasterie of Nunnes called the Charnell at Tharent in 〈◊〉 and gaue it vnto the Quéene who chose that for the place of her buriall He builded also a Hospitall for poore people néere the colledge of Uaulx in Salisburie Comming to Durham he had ynough to doe to pay the huge debt of 40000. markes that Richard de Marisco left the landes of his Sée bound for He was a man of rare learning in those times and of notable integritie for his life and conuersation A little before his death perceauing his end to draw neere he caused the people to be called together and going vp into the pulpit made a very godly spéech vnto them desiring them to marke well that his exhortation for he was now shortly to be taken from them The next day he did the like and bidding them farewell praied them if he had offended any to forgiue him and to pray for him The third day he sent for al his particular acquaintance called all his family and seruants before him and distributed vnto them presently by hand such summes of money as either he ought or was willing to bestow vpon them which done and hauing set euery thing in perfect order he tooke his leaue of his friends one after an other and then falling to his prayers when he came vnto these words saith M. Paris In pace 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dormiam requiescam he gaue vp the ghost He died Aprill 15. 1237. and was buried in the Nunnery of Tharent which he had founded 37. Nicholas de Farnham THomas Prior of Durham was chosen Bishop vpon the death of Poore Through the kings backwardnes and dislike that election was cassate and disannulled A long time the monkes had laboured this sute for their Prior and had spent much money in it At last 〈◊〉 they stroue against the streame they gaue it ouer the elect himselfe first yéelding Then chose they Nicholas de Fernham one greatly commended both for his manners and learning This man spent his yoonger yeeres in Oxford and hauing furnished himselfe there with the grounds of all good learning especially Logike and naturall Philosophie he 〈◊〉 beyond the seas and studied Phisicke at Paris and Bononia a great while Returning into his natiue countrey he gaue himselfe much vnto the study of Diuinitie profited therein so well as he was esteemed woorthie to be a Doctor By the counsell of Otto the Legate the Bishop of Carlile and other the king entertained this man into his seruice And first he was as it seemeth vnto me Esquire of his body then 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 her instructer or directer in matters of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 When he had now a long time béene a Courtier it hapned the Sée of Lichfield being voide the monkes of 〈◊〉 very carefull of choosing a sufficient man because they knew their doings woulde be sifted the yéere 1239. elected him whom they knew to be a man learned graue vertuous discréete very wise well spoken which maketh a man somewhat the more gratious tal of stature personable of a goodly presence He thanked them for their good will but considering with himselfe that his title to that Bishopricke was like to prooue litigious for the Chapter of Lichfield pretended a right to the election that time as also the great burthen and charge of the office pastorall refused in any sort to accept of the same The Chapter of Lichfield who had chosen their Deane hearing of this refusall by the exhortation of the same their Deane who resigned his right for their part also elected him Which notwithstanding he persisted in his former determination telling them that he felt the burthen already so heauy of a Benefice or two which he had as he was resolued neuer to accept any greater charge of soules So they were enforced to choose another Understanding within two yeeres after how the Couent of Durham with one consent had also chosen him for their Pastor he likewise refused and that more earnestly now then the last time adding vnto the former reasons this also that if he should accept of this place men would say how the hypocrite had refused a poore Bishopricke vnder colour of conscience to stay for a better In this minde he continued till Robert Grosthead that famous Bishop of Lincolne reprehended him sharpely for this his backwardnesse Séest thou not quoth he how the monks of Durham destitute of that comfort which a good pastor should yéeld them intreate thée with teares to affoord the
habitation He built or repaired with great charges Barnard Castle the Castles of Alnwike part of the L. Vessyes land which he sold afterward to H. Percy Gainsoorth Cuncliff Somerton which he gaue vnto the king and the house at Eltham bestowed as afore said vpon the Quéene Hauing sate Bishop of Durham 28. yéeres he deceased at Eltham March 28. 1311. and was buried in his owne Cathedrall Church 42. Richard Kellow RIchard Kellow 〈◊〉 Bishop fiue yéeres in which short space he bestowed very much in building at Middleham Stocton and Welhall He died the yéere 1316. 43. Lewes Beaumont THe Couent then chose for their Bishop Henry Stamford Pryor of Finchall and sent him to Rome to be confirmed by the Pope But before he could get thither at the importunate suite of the kings of England and France the Pope had giuen that Bishoprick vnto one Lewes Beaumont a French man borne and of the blood royall there He was lame 〈◊〉 both his legs and so vnlearned that he could not read the bulles and other instruments of his consecration When he should haue pronounced this word Metropoliticae not knowing what to make of it though he had studied vpon it and laboured his lesson long before after a litle pause Soyt purdit saies he let it goe for read so passed it ouer In like sort he stumbled at 〈◊〉 aenigmate When he had fumbled about it a while Par Saint Lowys quoth he il n'est pas curtois qui 〈◊〉 parolle ici escrit that is by Saint Lewes he is to blame that writ this word here Not without great cause therefore the Pope was somewhat strait laced in admitting him He obtained consecration so hardly as in fowerteene yeeres he could scarce creepe out of debt Riding to Durham to be installed there he was robbed together with two Cardinals that were then in his company vpon Wiglesden Moore neere Derlington The captaines of this route were named Gilbert Middleton and Walter Selby Not content to take all the treasure of the Cardinals the Bishop and their traine they carried the Bishop prisoner to Morpeth where they constrained him to pay a great ransom Gilbert Middleton was soone after taken at his owne castle of Nitford carried to London and there drawen and hanged in the presents of the Cardinals After this one Sir 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and his brother Robert came with a great company to diuers of the Bishop of Durhams houses in the habits of Fryers and spoyled them leauing nothing but bare wals and did many other notable 〈◊〉 for which they I meane the captaines and diuers of their company were soone after hanged at Yorke This Bishop stood very stoutly in defence of the liberties of his Sée recouered diuers lands taken away from Anthony Beake his predecessor as before is mentioned and procured this sentence to be giuen in the behalf of his church quod Episcopus Dunelmen debet habere 〈◊〉 guerrarum intra libertates sicut Rex extra that the Bishop of Durham is to haue the forfeitures of warre in as ample sort within his owne liberties as the king without He compassed the city of Durham with a wall and built a hall kitchin and chappell at Middleton But before he could quite finish the chappell he died to wit September 22 or as one deliuereth September 28. 1333. He heth buried before the high altar at Durham couered with a marble stone curiously wrought and inlayde with brasse prouided by himselfe in his life time 44. Richard de Bury IN great 〈◊〉 but with no great good spéed the 〈◊〉 of Durham procéeded vnto the election of a new Bishop the old being yet scarcely buried and they made choise of one of their owne company a monke of Durham This election the Archbishop of Yorke confirmed yea the matter grew so forward as the same Archbishop was content to giue him consecration also All this while the kings good will was not sought no nor which was a greater ouersight as the world then went the Popes neither The king therefore not onely refused to deliuer possession of the temporalties vnto this elect but also laboured the Pope ex plenitudine potestatis to conferre the Bishopricke vpon a chaplaine of his named Richard de Bury then Deane of Welles Partly to pleasure the one that requested partly to displeasure the other for not requesting he did so and commaunded the Bishop of Winchester to consecrate him which being performed at Chertsey soone after Christmasse the king presently inuested him in the temporalties belonging to that Sée Now was the monke a Bishop without a Bishopricke Hauing no other home he was faine to returne to his cloyster and therefor very griefe as it is to be supposed within a few daies after died This Richard de Bury was borne at Saint Edmunds Bury in Suffolke whence he tooke his surname for he was the sonne of one Sir Richard Angaruill knight His father died leauing him very yoong and committed him vnto the tuition of Iohn Willoughby a priest his vncle who brought him vp carefully and that for the most part in the Uniuersity of Oxford From thence he was called to teach Edward of Windsor Prince of Wales At what time the said Prince fled into Fraunce with his mother he was principall receiuer of the kings reuenewes in Gascoigne Their money failing he ayded them secretly with a great summe of that he had receiued for the king It had almost cost him his life he was so narrowly pursued by some of the kings friends that got vnderstanding of it as he was glad to hide himselfe in a steeple in Paris the space of seuen daies King Edward the third his scholler being come to the crowne made him first his Coferer then Treasurer of the Wardrobe and keeper of the priuy Seale In this last office he continued fiue yéeres in which space he was twice sent Ambassador vnto the Pope The yeere 1333. he was made Deane of Welles a goodly preferment in those daies better I thinke then the Bishopricke is now He had not enioyed that place one whole yeere when he was consecrate vnto Durham which was December 19. 1333. The yeere following he became Chauncellor and within two yeeres after that Treasurer of England Being Bishop he was often employed in embassages of the greatest importance What time of leysure he had he spent either in prayer or conference with his 〈◊〉 whereof he had many about him those great learned men or else in study wherewith he was woonderfully delighted He writ many things not yet perished Anongst the rest in one worke which he called 〈◊〉 he saith of himselfe 〈◊〉 quodam librorū amore potenter 〈◊〉 abreptū That he was mightily carried away and euen beside himselfe with immoderate loue of bookes and desire of reading And indéed his study was so well furnished as it is thought he had more bookes then all the Bishops in England beside He was much delighted with the company and acquaintance of learned men Many
letters passed betweene him Francis Petrarke and diuers other then famous for learning He had alwaies in his house as before I said many Chaplaines all great 〈◊〉 of which number were T. Bradwardin after Archb. of Canterbury Richard Fitzralph Archb. of Armagh Walter 〈◊〉 I. 〈◊〉 Rob. 〈◊〉 R. Killington Doctors of Diuinity Richard 〈◊〉 and Walter Segraue the one afterward Bishop of London the other of Chichester His manner was at dinner and supper time to haue some good booke read vnto him whereof he would discourse with his Chaplaines a great part of the day following if busines interrupted not his course He was very bountifull vnto the poore Weekely he bestowed for their reliefe 8 quarters of Wheate made into bread beside the offall and fragments of his Tables Riding betweene New-castle and Durham he would giue 8. l. in almes from Durham to Stocton 5. l. from Durham to Aukland 5. marks from Durham to 〈◊〉 5. l. 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 it reported that he founded a Hall in Oxford and 〈◊〉 it with some 〈◊〉 for the maintainance of Students in the same but I thinke it mistaken for that which was done by his next successor Certain it is that he notably furnished a library in that Uniuersity and tooke order that the kéeping thereof should be committed vnto fiue schollers to whom he made a certaine allowance for their labour He also bestowed many sumptuous ornaments on his church of Durham Hauing continued Bishop there 11. yeeres and almost thrée moneths he departed this life at Aukland Aprill 24. 1345. being 58. yéeres of age He lieth buried in the South Angle of his owne church 45. Thomas Hatfield THe Pope had now many yéeres taken vnto himselfe the authority of bestowing all Bishopricks which the king and nobility of this realme being much agréeued with all made diuers lawes and statutes to restore churches and couents to the liberty of their ancient elections When the king therefore had laboured a while in this matter he being destrous of preferring this Hatfield his Secretary vnto Durham a man that he knew the Pope might iustly except against and peraduenture doubting the couent would not choose him was content to request the Pope to giue it vnto him and thereby opened a passage vnto him whereby he entred into possession againe of his woonted vsurpation The Pope glad of this oportunity without any regard or examination of his worthinesse by and by accepted of him And when some of the Cardinalls tooke exceptions against him saying that he was not onely a méere lay man but a fellow of light behauiour and no way fit for that place He answered that if the king of England had requested him for an asse at that time he would not haue denied him This man it was that built Durham colledge in Oxford and purchased certainc lands vnto the same for the maintenance of such monks of Durham as should be thought fit to study there That colledge is now called Trinity Colledge so named by Sir Thomas Pope that bestowed a new foundation vpon the same He built also Durham place in London to receaue himselfe and his successors when they should haue occasion to repaire thither He was consecrate Jul. 10. 1345. and died in the beginning of May 1381. So he sate Bishop six and thirty yéeres lacking onely two moneths 46. Iohn Fordham IIohn Fordham Deane of Welles obtained consecration to the Bishoprick of Durham May 29. 1381. and was inthronised there in September 1382. Seuen yeres he continued in the same and was translated thence to Ely Septemb. 27. 1388. See more of him in Ely 47. Walter Skirlaw IAnuary 14. 1385. Walter Skirlawe Doctor of Law was consecrate Bishop of Lichfield He sate there one yeere and was translated to Welles There also he continued but two yéeres and the yéere 1388. remooued to Durham in the monethe of September The Cloisters of the Monastery there were much deale built at his charges He gaue toward that worke 200. l. in his life time 400. l. in his Will He bestowed also 220. l. in the building of the Diribitory He new built the bridges of Shinkley Yarrow and Aukland and the stéeple of Holme he repaired the Church and the Hall of the mannour there He built a great part of the Lanterne at Yorke where his armes are fixed and raised from the very foundation a faire Chappell at Swyne in Holdernesse where he was borne Lastly he bequeathed in his Testament great summes of money to the Churches that he had gouerned for the buying of ornaments as namely to the Church of Welles the value of 150. l. He fate Bishop of Durham 18. yéeres and died in the beginning of the yéere 1406. 48. Thomas Langley THomas Langley Priest and then Lord 〈◊〉 of England was consecrate Bishop of Durham May 7. 1406. at what time he gaue ouer his 〈◊〉 But a 11. yéeres after to wit the yéere 1417. it was laid vpon him againe and continued in that place about sixe yéeres In the meane time viz. June 6. 1411. he was made Cardinall together with Robert 〈◊〉 Bishop of Salisbury by Pope Iohn 23. This man bestowed the summe of 499. l. 6. s. 7. d. in repayring of that Galily in the West end of his church which was first built by Hugh 〈◊〉 his predecessor He also founded two schooles in the Place-gréen one for Grammar another for Musicke 31. yéeres he continued Bishop here and dying the yéere 1437. was buried as I am informed in the Galily and lyeth entoombed before the Altar there vnder the Table of the Consistory I find noted by the way that about this time to wit betwéene the yéeres 1408 and 1498. was bestowed vpon the Cloyster of Durham the summe of 838. l. 17. s. ob 49. Robert Neuill RObert Neuill was consecrate Bishop of Salisbury the yéere 1427. and translated thence to Durham 1438. He built the Checquer at the castle gate there and died anno 1457. 50. Laurence Boothe LAurence Boothe was consecrate vnto the Sée of Durham September 25. 1457. He built the gate of the colledge at Aukland with the 〈◊〉 adioyning Hauing sate here 20. yeres he was translated to Yorke the yere 1477. Sée more of him in Yorke 51. William Dudley WIlliam Dudley succéeded immediately He was the third sonne of Iohn Dudley alias Sutton the eight Lord Dudley as the Epitaph yet to be séene vpon his toombe doth witnesse He lieth buried in Westminster in the chappell that is South from the toombe of king Edward the third His toombe standeth in the South wall of the said chappell He died an 1483. and sate 6. yeeres 52. Iohn Sherwood IOhn Sherwood became Bishop of Durham 1483. A great learned man an excellent Poet a Grecian and so good a Lawyer as for a certaine time before his preserment to this Bishopricke he was the sollicitor of all king Edward the fourths causes in the court of Rome He brought many copies of diuers rare Gréeke authors out of Italy with him Hauing continued
at Durham about 11. yeeres he died the yeere 1494. 53. Richard Fox RIchard Fox was consecrate Bishop of Exceter an 1486. translated to Bathe and Welles 1491. thence to Durham 1494 and lastly 1502 to Winchester He chaunged the hall of the castle of Durham from better to woorse where there were two seats of regality he made but one Sée more of him in Winchester 54. William Seuerus I Haue heard reported that this man was borne at Shinkley and the son of a poore man there a Syueyer or Syuemaker by his occupation and thence tooke his surname He was first Bishop of Carlile translated to Durham 1502. and enioying that preferment onely two yéeres or there about died an 1505. 55. Christopher Bambridge AFter the death of Bishop Seuere it séemes the Sée was void two yéeres Christopher Bambridge obtayned consecration thereunto the yéere 1507. sate there but one yéere and was remooued to Yorke Sée more of him in Yorke 56. Thomas Ruthall THomas Ruthall was borne at Cicester in Gloucestershire and brought vp in Cambridge where he proceeded Doctor of Law He was preferred to the Bishopricke of Durham by King Henry the seuenth after whose death he was made one of the Priuy Counsell vnto the yoong king Henry the 8. who estéemed greatly of him for his wisedome and learning and imployed him often in Embassages and other businesses of importance Amongst the rest it pleased the king one time to require him to set downe his iudgement in writing concerning the estate of his kingdome in generall and particularly to informe him in certaine things by him specified This discourse the Bishop writ very carefully and caused it to be bound in Uelime guilt and otherwise adorned in the best maner Now you shall vnderstand how that it chaunced him about the same time to set downe a note of his owne priuate estate containing an inuentory not onely of his vtenstles and houshold stuffe in euery of his houses with their value but also of his monyes either owing vnto him or deniers contans ready in his coffers which amounted vnto an infinite treasure no lesse then 100000. l. This account was written in a paper booke of the same fashion and binding that the other was which he had prouided for the king whereby it happened that the king sending Cardinall Wolsey for the other draught that he had so long hefore required of him the Bishop mistaking deliuered that which contained the report of his owne wealth and priuate state This the Cardinall soone espying and willing to doo the Bishop a displeasure for there had béen long and great emulation betwéene them deliuered it as he had receiued it vnto the king shewing how the Bishop had happily mistalien himselfe For now quoth he you see where you may at any time commaund a great masse of money if you néede it As soone as the Bishop vnderstood his owne error the conceite thereof touched him so néere as within a very short time after he died In his time the parish Church of Cicester was built for the greatest part And he promised to contribut much thereunto but preuented by death performed nothing Anne 〈◊〉 his aunt by the mothers side gaue 100. markes toward that worke The Bishop himselfe built the third part of the bridge ouer the Riuer of 〈◊〉 toward the South He also raised from the foundation the goodly dining chamber at Aukland and dying before it might be finished tooke order with one Stranguidge that was his Administrator to perfect it He deceased at London the yeere 1523. and lyeth buried at Westminster almost ouer against the the monument of king Henry the third in a very seemely toombe vpon which are these words to be read Hic iacet Tho. Ruthall Episcopus 〈◊〉 Regis 〈◊〉 Secretarius qui obijt 1524. 57. Thomas Woolsey IMmediately after the death of Bishop Ruthall Cardinall Woolsey resigning Bathe which he held in Commendam with Yorke tooke Durham in steed thereof and held the same about the space of seuen yeeres In the later end of the yeere 1529. he gaue it ouer to haue Winchester which he held little more then one yéere and died Nouember 29. 1530. Sée more of him in Yorke 58. Cutbert Tnnstall IN the Sée of Durham a notable man succéeded him and one no lesse famous for his vertues then the other for his fortune 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishop of London He was borne at Hatchford in Richmond shire and was the base son of one Tunstall a gentleman of a very auncient house It is reported that their first auncestor attended William Conqueror 〈◊〉 his Barbor and being raised by him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fortune in memory of his former estate tooke for his armes S. 3. combes A. But I take this for a fable The speciall vse of armes is to expresse vnto posterity the vertues of such as are raised vnto gentry and not to remember any thing that may be to the disgrace of the bearer and make him lesse honorable Were the first of this race as he is supposed because he was not aduaunced for being a Barbor but for his faithfull and loyall seruice such armes should rather haue béene giuen him as might haue registred that vertue then twighted him with the basenes of his first trade and manner of life Rather therefore should I gesse some other occasion of these armes which as they were born by him may haue many very honorable significations But to leaue his armes speak of himselfe He was a very rare and admirable man in whom I thinke no man will blame or reprehend any thing but his religion There was scarce any kind of good learning in which he was not excellent A very good Grecian well seene in the Hebrew toong a very eloquent Khetorician a passing skilfull Mathematician famous especially for Arithmetike whereof he writ a worke much estéemed a great lawier in that faculty he proceeded Doctor and a profound Diuine as diuers his workes yet extant doo very well testify But his greatest commendation of al is that which I find giuen him by Bale out of 〈◊〉 Thomas Moore that as there was no man more adorned with knowledge and good literature no man more seuere and of greater integrity for his life and manners so there was no man a more swéete and pleasant companion with whom a 〈◊〉 would rather choose to conuerse In regard of these manifold good parts the Archbishop of Canterbury William Warham not onely made him his vicar generall but also commended him so effectually vnto the king as he thought good to employ him in many 〈◊〉 of great waight and diuers temporall offices of no lesse trust He was first Master of the Rolles then as I find recorded kéeper of the 〈◊〉 Seals made Bishop of London the yéere 1521. and translated to Durham March 25. 1530. Being yet at London he bestowed much mony 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Library in Cambridge with good bookes both written and printed He built from 〈◊〉 ground a most beautifull porch or
gatehouse with a chappell annexed thereunto of faire stone in the castle of Durham added to the said castle certaine gates with iron barres and portcullices supported with strong walles on each side He brought water thither with a conduit whereas before time it was serued with well-water He made the gatehouse at Alnewike and built the Tolboothe in the market of Durham all of stone with diuers edifices neere the hinder part of the said Tolboothe which he gaue also to the city of Durham Lastly he repaired with great charge the third part of Tyne bridge Hauing continued in this Sée the space of one and twenty yéeres with great honour December 20. 1551. he was committed vnto the Tower of London and remained prisoner there all the rest of the raigne of king Edward viz. ninetéene moneths In which time amongst many other horrible sacrileges whereunto the nonage of the king gaue oportunity meanes was found that the Bishopricke of Durham should be dissolued by act of Parliament This morsell was ready dished and in certaine hope already swallowed when it pleased God to punish the deuouring couetousnesse of those times by taking away that admirable yong prince king Edward Quéene Mary that succéeded tooke this bit from the trencher of those rauening Atheists by like authority the first yéere of her raigne restored it vnto the former estate that old Bishop both to his liberty the possession of the same Quéene Mary dying for his contumacy disobedience vnto her Maiesty that now raigneth long may she he was iustly depriued of his Bishoprick in the moneth of July 1559. He was then committed vnto the custody of the Archbishop of Canterbury who entertained him most kindly and seemed very glad of his company But he enioyed it a very litle while For within fower monethes after his depriuation viz. Nouember 18. following being eighty fiue yéeres of age he departed this life at Lambhith where he was first consecrate almost forty yeres before His body was buried in the Chauncell of the parish church there and couered with a faire marble stone vpon which is 〈◊〉 this Epithaphe written by Doctor Haddon Anglia Cutbertum Tunstallnm 〈◊〉 requirit Cuius summa domi laus erat atque foris Rhetor Arithmeticus iuris consultus aequis Legatusque fuit 〈◊〉 praesul erat Annorum satur magnorum 〈◊〉 honorum Vertitur in cineres aureus iste senex Iames Pilkinton MArch 2. 1560. Iames Pilkinton Batcheler of diuinity lately come from beyond the seas where he liued all Quéene Maries time was consecrate Bishop and continued in the same Sée about 16. yeres He died an 1576. and lieth entoombed in his owne church before the high altar West from Bishop Beaumont 60. Richard Barnes RIchard Barnes was brought vp in Brasenose colledge in in Oxford first consecrate Bishop Suffragan of Nottingham preferred to Carlile the yéere 1570. and the yeere 1577. translated to Durham where he sate Bishop about 11. yeres 61. Matthew Hutton AFter the death of Bishop Barnes the Sée was void almost two yéeres The yéere 1589. Matthew Hutton doctor of diuinity and Deane of Yorke in which place he had continued 21. yéeres was preferred thereunto He held the same about fiue yéeres and in the ende of the yeere 1594. was translated to Yorke where he yet liueth 62. Tobias Matthew OF him that presently succéeded Tobias Matthew I will say no more but what remayneth in publike records that being doctor of diuinity by many steps of preferment as namely the Archdeaconry of Bathe the Presidentship of Saint Johns colledge in Oxford a Canonry first then the Deanry of Christchurch there and lastly the Deanry of Durham he ascended at last vnto this place which men say he vseth as honorably as he obtayned the same worthily My resolution of onely mentioning those that either themselues or in their posterity yet liue I hold the more willingly in him because it is well knowen to so many as know me I am greatly bonnd vnto him and may be déemed partiall He was consecrate in March 1594. long and happily may he liue in that or such other honorable place as his vertues do deserue This Bishopricke in the Queenes bookes is valued at 1821 l. 17 d. farthing and in the Popes bookes at 9000. ducats Carlile THE City of Carlile called by the Romanes and old Britons Luguballia by Nennius Caer Lualid by the Saxons as Beda writeth Luell by our Chronicles as Roger Houeden and others Carlwel by vs now a daies Carleolum Carlile and Carlioll a city no doubt of great antiquity was wasted and in a manner vtterly destroyed by the Danes about the yéere of our Lord 900. The yéere 1090. it happened the king of England William Rufus to passe that way into Scotland He considering the naturall strenght of the place the pleasantnes of the seat the sertility of the soyle and the necessity of a fortification for defence of the countrey thereabout thought good to 〈◊〉 it and according to this determination about thrée yéeres after not onely raysed againe the wals then flat to the ground in so much as great trées grew in the ruines of them but also bestowed the building of a faire and strong castle in the same and then enpeopled it at first with Dutchmen whom soone after he remooued into Wales and afterwards with English men of the South parts he affoording many great and singular priuiledges vnto them The gouernment of this new erected city as it should séeme was committed vnto a certaine Norman Priest named Walter that came into England with the Conqueror This man being very rich began to build in Carlile a goodly church in the honor of the blessed Uirgin intending to bestow vpon it such possessions as God had endowed him withall for the maintenance of either Prebendaries or some other kinde of religious persons in the same But being taken away by death besore the accomplishment of this so good a purpose Adelwald or 〈◊〉 the first Prior of Saint Oswald in Nostlis and Confesser vnto king Henry the first that then raigned perswaded the said king to employ the land and reuenewes that Walter left behinde him in the foundation of a colledge not of Prebendaries but of Regular Cannons to be annexed vnto the church of our Lady before named He did so and moreouer bestowed vpon the said colledge sixe churches with their chappels to be impropriated vnto the same vse to wit Newcastle Newburne Warkeware Robery Wichingham and Corbridge Of this colledge or monastery thus founded and endowed he appointed the said Adelwald his Confessor to be Pryor Now you shall vnderstand that not onely the iurisdiction spirituall but the renewes and temporalties also of the City of Carlile and all the countrey round about within fiftéene miles belonged in former times vnto the Bishops of 〈◊〉 by the gift of Egfrid king of Northumberland who bestowed all that territory vpon Saint Cutbert the yéere 679. But the Bishops of that Sée being
drouen from place to place by the Danes at what time Carlile was destroyed moreouer all that countrey so wasted as hardly a man was to be found in many miles compasse except here there a few of the Irish. The Archdeacon of Richmond by litle little encroched vpon the iurisdiction of all Cumberland Westmerland and Tiuidate or Aluedale now a long time neglected by the Bishops of 〈◊〉 that in this meane space had seated themselues at Durham It happened therefore somtime after the foundation of this colledge that Thurstan Archbishop of Yorke visiting this part of his Prouince séeing the beauty of the church of Carlile considering how fit it were to be the Sée of a Bishop knowing how little right the Archdeacon of Richmond had vnto the iurisdiction of all those countries yea being willing also peraduenture to haue a Suffragan the more within his Prouince thought good to endeuour the erection of a Bishopricke there The king fauouring much his owne foundation easily condiscended to grace the same with an Episcopall Sée which being established there by the Pope licence was giuen to the Channons to elect for their Bishop whom they list and Cumberland Westmerland with Aluedale appointed to be his Dioces The Bishops of Carlile 1. A Delwald whom most of our writers call Athelwulph the Prior aboue named with one consent of his Cannons was chosen for the first Bishop of this new Cathedrall Church and consecrate at Yorke by his Metropolitane the yéere 1133. How long he held it or when he died I find not 2. Barnard succéeded him It séemeth he died about the yéere 1186. For Roger Houeden reporteth that king Henry the second comming to Carlile at that time procured one 〈◊〉 de Leedes to be elected Bishop and when he vpon what consideration I know not refused to accept the place the king offered him 300. markes of yéerely reuenew for the increase of his liuing there to witte the Churches of Banburge and Scarthburge with the Chappell of Lickhill and two mannours of his owne néere Carlile This notwithstanding he persisted still in his refusall 3. Hugh the third Bishop died the yéere 1223. 4. Walter Malclerke the yéere 1223. was consecrate vnto the Bishopricke of Carlile which he acknowledged to haue obtained by euill and corrupt meanes and therefore resigned the same mooued in conscience so to doo as he alledged June 29. 1246. tooke on him the habite of a Frier preacher at Oxford in which he continued till his death Being Treasurer of England vnder king Henry the third the king vpon a sodaine not onely displaced him from that office but reuoked certaine graunts made vnto him heretofore and charged him with the debt of 100. l. which he acknowledged not For redresse of these wrongs as he tooke them he determined to trauaile to Rome but was staied at the waters side by the kings officers whom Roger Bishop of London excommunicated for the same and riding presently to Worceter where the Court lay renued that excommunication in the Kings presence How he thriued with these businesses afterward I find not But likely ynough it is that these troubles rather made him weary of the world then any such scruple induce him to leaue his Bishopricke He died October 28. 1248. 5. Syluester was elected the yeere 1246. but not consecrate till February 5. 1247. A while he refused to accept of the election alleadging his owne vnworthinesse but at last vpon better deliberation yéelded He was one of them that ioyned with Boniface the Archbishop and Ethelmaire the elect of Winchester in their request to the king that remembring his promise often made hereafter he would not impeach the liberty of elections by interposing his armed requests c. of which matter see more in 〈◊〉 of Canterbury The King acknowledged he had indéede offended that way and that especially quoth he in making meanes for you your selucs that therefore of all other should least find fault with it To this man particularly he vsed these words Ette Syluester 〈◊〉 qui 〈◊〉 Lambeus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 meorum clericulus 〈◊〉 qualiter 〈◊〉 multis Theologis 〈◊〉 reuerendis te in 〈◊〉 sublimani c. I remember saith he how I eralted thée Syluester of Carlile vnto a Bishopricke hauing hankered a long time about the Chauncery and being a petty Chaplame to my Chaplaines preferring thee before many graue and reuerend Diuines c. His conclusion was that if they would giue ouer their places which they had obtained by so vndue meanes he would hereafter forbeare to commend any so vnworthy This was the yéere 〈◊〉 The yeere following May the 〈◊〉 this Bishop riding a horse somwhat too lusty for him was cast and so brused with the fall as he died by and by to wit May 13. 1254. 6 Thomas 〈◊〉 or de Veteri ponte a gentleman of the house of the Viponts that about this time were Lords of Westmerland was chosen soone after 〈◊〉 death notwithstanding that the king made 〈◊〉 request in the behalfe of one Iohn a counceller of his that was Prior of Newborough Hauing enioyed this preferment litle more then one yeere he died in the beginning of October 1256. 7 Robert de 〈◊〉 Chaplaine vnto the Quéene was consecrate by the Bishops of Bathe and Salisbury at Bermondsey beside London Aprill 10. 1258. and sate fowerteene yeeres 8. Ralf a Canon of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1272. sate 〈◊〉 yéeres 9. Iohn de Halton a Canon of Carlile consecrate 1288. sate thirty two yéeres 10. Iohn de Rosse Doctor of Law thrust into this Bishoprick by the Pope without any election was consecrate 1318 and sate thirtéene yéeres 11. Iohn de Kirkby Canon of Carlile and orderly elected there was consecrate 1332. and sate twenty yeeres 12. Gilbert de Welton Doctor of Law made Bishop by the Pope was consecrate 1353. and sate ten yéeres 13. Thomas de Appleby Canon of Carlile elected there was glad to 〈◊〉 the Popes approbation at Rome and then was consecrate 1363. He sate thirty thrée yéeres and died December 5. 1395. 14. Robert Reade a Frier preacher was consecrate at the commaundement of the Pope the request of king Richard the second 1396. notwithstanding that William Stirkland was chosen by the Chapter Hauing sate scarcely one yéere he was translated to Chichester 15. Thomas Merkes a monke of Westminster was likewise thrust into this Bishopricke by the Pope at the Kings request and consecrate 1397. Amongst many vnworthily preferred to Bishoprickes in those daies he vndoubtedly was a man well deseruing that honor for he was both learned and wise but principally to be commended first for his constant and vnmooueable 〈◊〉 vnto his Patrone and preferrer king Richard then for his excellent courage in professing the same when he might safely yea honestly 〈◊〉 haue concealed his affection Some other there were of that Nobility that remembring their duty alleageance when al the world beside forsooke this vnfortunate Prince followed him with their best assistance
euen til that time of his captiuity This man nothing regarding the danger might ensue not onely refused to forsake him when he had forsaken himself but desided him his cause the best he could when he might well perceaue his indeuor might hurt himselfe much without any possibility of helping the other When the 〈◊〉 and vnstable multitude not contented that king Richard had resigned his crowne to saue the head that ware it and their darling Henry 〈◊〉 fourth seated himselfe in his royall throne importuned the Parliament assembled to procéed yet farther against him 〈◊〉 no doubt that to make all sure his life might be taken from him This worthy and memorable Prelate stepping forth doubted not to tell them that there was none amongst them méete to giue iudgement vpon so noble a Prince as King Richard was whom they had taken for their Soueraigne and leige Lord by the space of 22. yéeres and more And procéeding further I assure you quoth he I report his words as I find them in our Chronicles there is not so ranke a traytor nor so errant a théefe nor yet so cruell a murtherer apprehended or detained in prison for his offence but he shall be brought before the Justice to heare iudgement and will you proceede to the iudgement of an annoynted King hearing neither his answere nor excuse I say and will auouch that the Duke of Lancaster whom ye call King hath more trespassed to king Richard and his Realme then king Richard hath done either to him or vs For it is manifest and well knowen that the Duke was banished the Realme by King Richard and his counsell and by the iudgement of his owne Father for the space of 10. yéeres for what cause ye remember well ynough This notwithstanding without licence of R. R. he is returned againe into the realme that is worse hath taken vpon him the name title and 〈◊〉 of R. And therfore I say that you haue done manifest wrong to procéed against R. Richard in any sort without calling him openly to his answere and defence This spéech scarcely ended he was attached by the Earle Marshall and for a time committed to ward in the Abbey of Saint Albones Continuing yet his loyall affection vnto his distressed Master soone after his inlargement he ioyned with the Hollands and other in a conspiracy against King Henry which being bewrayed to the destruction of all the rest he onely was pardoned peraduenture in regard of his calling for it had neuer beene séene hitherto that any Bishop was put to death by order of 〈◊〉 peraduenture in some kinde of fauour and admiration of his faithfull constancy for vertue will be honored euen of her enemies peraduenture also to this ende that by forcing him to liue miserably they might lay a punishment vpon him more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 death which they well saw he despised The Pope who seldome denied the king any request that he might affoord good cheape was easily intreated to translate forsooth this good Bishop from the Sée 〈◊〉 Carlile that yéelded him honorable maintenance vnto Samos in Greece whereof he knew he should neuer receiue one 〈◊〉 profit He was so happy as neither to take benefit of the gift of his enimy nor to be hurt by the masked malice of his counterfeit friend Disdaining as it were to take his life by his gift that tooke away from his Master both life and kingdome he died shortly after his deliuerance so deluding also the mockery of his translation whereby things so falling out he was nothing damnisted 16. William de Stirkland before mentioned was appointed his successor by the Pope at the request of king Henry and consecrate at Cawood by the Archbishop of Yorke August 24. 1400. He died August 30. 1419. 17. Roger Whelpdale Doctor of Diuinity was elected by the Chapter and consecrate at London by the Bishop of Winchester the yéere 1419. He was brought vp in Balioll colledge in Oxford Writ much in Logike Philosophy Diuinity in which as also the Mathematikes and other good learning he was very well séene died in his house at London February 4. 1422. and was buried there in the cathedrall church of Saint Paule His workes I heare remaine yet to be séene in Baylioll colledge library 18. William Barrow Bishop of Bangor was traslated to Carlile 1423. died at Rose castle September 4. 1429. and was buried at Carlile 19. Marmaduke Lumley was chosen by the Chapter consecrate 1430. and hauing sate twenty yéeres was translated to Lincolne 20. Nicolas Close consecrate 1450. sate two yéeres and was remoued to Lichfield 21. William Percy sonne to the Earle of Northumberland was consecrate 1452. and sate ten yéeres 22. Iohn Kyngscote Doctor of the Canon Law was consecrate 1462. and sate onely one yéere 23. Richard Scroope consecrate at Yorke by George Neuill Bishop of Exceter June 24. 1464. sate fower yeeres 24. Edward Storey Doctor of Diuinity consecrate at Westminster by the foresaid George Neuill now Archbishop of Yorke October 14. 1468. sate nine yéeres and was translated to Chichester 25. Richard Prior of Durham consecrate at the Popes commaundement without any election by the hands of his predecessor and sate 18. yeeres 26. William Seuer Abbot of Saint Maryes in Yorke consecrate 1496. was translated to Durham the yeere 1503. 27. Roger Layburne Doctor of Diuinity a gentleman of a very auncient house borne neere Carlile was consecrated in September 1503. and sate there eight yéeres 28. Iohn Penny Doctor of Law consecrate 1511. sate 9. yéeres 29. Iohn Kite a Londoner borne and somtimes the kings Ambassador into Spaine was first consecrate an Archbishop of a Sée in Greece and then made Bishop of Carlile the yéere 1520. He died June 19. 1537. was buried at Stepney beside London in the middle of the Chancell toward the North side where is to be seene a rude Epitaphe vpon the marble that couereth him 30. Robert Aldrich Doctor of Diuinity and Prouost of Kings Colledge in Cambridge was elected Bishop of Carlile July 18. 1537. and soone after consecrate He died at Horne-castle March 5. 1555. 31. Owen Oglethorp Doctor of Diuinity and President of Magdalene colledge in Oxford a gentleman well borne was consecrate 1556. He was so happy as to set the crowne of this realme vpon the head of her Maiesty that now doth long and happily may shee possesse the same He was depriued with diuers other Bishops for withstanding her Maiesties proceedings the yeere 1559. and soone 〈◊〉 died suddenly 32. Iohn Best Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate March 2. 1561 died May 22. 1570. and was buried at Carlile 33. Richard Barnes Bishop of Nottingham Suffragan vnto the Archbishop of Yorke was translated to Carlile July 23. 1570. 〈◊〉 the yéere 1577. was 〈◊〉 thence to Durham 34. Iohn Mey Doctor of 〈◊〉 Master of 〈◊〉 Hall in Cambridge was consecrate by Iohn Elmer Bishop of London 〈◊〉 thereunto by the Archbishop of Yorke September 29. an 1577. He died in the moneth of April 〈◊〉 1598. 35. Henry Robinson Doctor of Diuinity 〈◊〉 of Quéenes colledge in Oxford was consecrate before the ende of the same yéere Carlile paide for first fruits to the Pope 1000. ducats and is now valued to the Queene in 531 l. 4 s. 11 d. ob The Bishops of Chester IN the City of Chester there was of old a Nunry the Church whereof first built by that famous Earle Leofricus and dedicated vnto Saint Werburg being now become very ruinous Hugh Lupus the first Earle of Chester after the Conquest repaired the same the yéere 1094. and by the perswasion of Saint Anselme whom being dangerously sicke he had sent for into Normandy to be his ghostly father replenished it with monkes About the same time or a little before to wit the yéere 1075. Peter Bishop of Lichfield remooued his See thither But his next successor Robert de Lymesey forsaking Chester made choice of Couentry whence not long after the succéeding Bishops returned againe to Lichfield King Henry the eight restored vnto this City that honor and conuerting the Monastery aforesaid into a Cathedrall Church erected a new Bishopricke there appointed the Counties of Chester Lancaster and Richmond to be the Dioces of this new Sée and the same to be estéemed in the Prouince of the Archbishop of Yorke 1. Iohn Byrd THe first Bishop of Chester was Iohn Byrd borne in Couentry and brought vp in Oxford Being Doctor of Diuinity and Prouinciall of the 〈◊〉 he was preferred by King Henry the eight to the Bishopricke of Ossery in Ireland From thence soone after he was remooued first to Bangor and lastly vnto Chester Certaine Sermons preached before the King against the Popes Supremacy were the occasion of his aduauncement In Queene 〈◊〉 daies he was depriued for being maried 2. Iohn Coates BIshop Coates succéeded him His Christen name I take it was Iohn For certaine I can not affirme it He died soone after his preferment in Quéene Maries daies 3. Cutbert Scot. SHe then preferred vnto this Sée one Cutbert Scot who sitting not past two or thrée yéeres in the beginning of the happy raigne of her Maiesty that now is was displaced and for his disobedience committed to the Fléete Thence I know not by what meanes escaping he fled to 〈◊〉 and there died 4. William Downham VVIlliam Downham was Chaplaine vnto her Maiesty before her comming to the Crowne and being preferred by her vnto this Sée continued in the same about twenty yéeres 5. William Chaderton VVIiliam Chaderton Doctor of Diuinity succéeded and was translated to Lincolne the yéere 1595. 6. Hugh Billet HVgh Billet Doctor of Diuinity and Bishop of Bangor sate not fully one yéere He died about Whitsontide ann 1596. 7. Richard Vaughan RIchard Vaughan Doctor of Duinity succéeded Bishop Billet in both those places being translated hither in June 1597. He yet liueth This Bishopricke is valued at 420 l. 20 d. FINIS
at all Soone after his returne thither the fower knights before mentioned arriued at Canterbury to wit vpon Innocents day They comming vnto the Archbishop told him the kings pleasure was he should goe to his sonne and reuerently make offer of doing homage and fealty vnto him for the Barony of his Archbishopricke secondly that he should cause all the strangers he brought into the realme with him to be sworne to his obedience and thirdly that he should retrcat those excommunications which he had caused to be denounced against the instruments of the yoong kings coronation To this 〈◊〉 he answered that neither the king nor any other mortall man should extort from him or any of his by his consent any 〈◊〉 or vnreasonable othe And as for the Bishops and other excommunicate concerning the coronation it was indeede quoth he a thing done in my behalfe and for an iniury offred to my church But it was the Act of the Pope If therefore they will sweare they shall be ready to make me amends at the Popes discretion I will absolue them otherwise not And whatsoeuer you say it was the kings pleasure I should take my best course for the redresse of this abuse by ecclestasticall authority Many other words passed betwéene them the same time they breathing out terrible threats and he continuing still the same man without 〈◊〉 one iotte At last the knights departed giuing the monkes charge in the kings name to see the Archbishop foorth comming and not to suffer him to escape away At euening prayer time the same day they came suddenly into the church with their swords drawen crying Where 's the Traytor Where 's the Traytor The Archbishop who was then going vp the steps toward the quire hearing the noyse turned backe vnto them and euery one of the fower striking mainely at him vpon the third or fourth greice of those stops was slaine His body these knights had determined to haue cast into the sea or else to haue hewen into a thousand pieces but the Prior and the monkes doubting some such thing buried it immediately in the vndercraft whence shortly it was taken vp and laid in a most sumptuous shrine in the East end of the church The Pope hearing of this massacre excommunicated immediately all that were either authors or consenters to the same The king was faine to purge himselfe by othe and yet could not be absolued before he had done certaine strange penance as first that he should pray deuoutly at the tombe of this new Martyr that he should be whipt in the chapter house receiuing of euery monke one lash that he should maintaine 200. soldiers for the space of one yeere at Jerusalem lastly reuoke the declaration published at Clarindon that originally gaue the occasion of this murther All this such were those times the king was faine to performe 39. Richard IN the moneth of February following the death of Thomas Becket which was December 28. 1170. one Robert Abbot of Becco was chosen Archbishop But he liking better a quiet life chose rather to sit 〈◊〉 where he was then to aduenture him selfe in a place subiect to the blasts of such terrible tempests as Thomas Becket was tossed withall The king then dealt earnestly with the Couent of Canterbury to choose some mild and soft spirited man to preuent such broiles as had béene raised by the last Archbishop They followed his direction 〈◊〉 elected one Richard a Benedictine Monke Prior of the Monastery of Saint Martins in Douer who was presently allowed of the king and the Pope and soone after consecrate He was a man very liberall gentle and passing wise So he handled the matter that in all his time he neuer was out either with the Pope or the king The Pope be entertained with often gifts and money the kings fauour he retained by yéelding and 〈◊〉 him selfe to his pleasure This man continued Archbishop about the space of ten or eleuen yeeres In all which time there happened not any thing concerning him woorthy memory except peraduenture the stir betwéen him and the Archbishop of Yorke Roger. The olde quarrell chaunced to be renued betwéene these two Archbishops concerning the Primacy And one Hugocio the Popes Legate comming into England both of them requested him to heare and iudge this controuersie betweene them Upon this and other occasions a Conuocation was summoned at Westminster where was a stately throne prouided for the Legate At the time appointed the Legate came and tooke his place and the Archbishop of Canterbury sate him downe next vnto the Legate vpon the right hand After this in came Roger Archbishop of Yorke and would néedes haue displaced 〈◊〉 to sit aboue him that when the other would not suffer he sate him 〈◊〉 in his lap The other Bishops present amased at this strange behautor of the Archbishop of Yorke cried out all vpon him the Archbishop of Canterburies men by violence drew the other out of his ill chosen place threw him dewne 〈◊〉 his robes almost from his backe trode vpon him beate him and vsed him so despitefully as the Legate whether for shame or for doubt what might happen to him selfe in such a 〈◊〉 got him out and went his way The Archbishop of Yorke all ragged as he was bloudy and 〈◊〉 went to the king who first was exceeding angry but when he heard the truth laught merily at it and said he was well ynough ferued Much adoo there was long after at Rome about this and the old controuersie the ende whereof at last was that much money was spent and neither party euer a whit the néerer The end of this man is thus reported how that being a sléepe at his mannor of Wrotham there séemed to come vnto him a certaine terrible personage demaunding of him who he was whereunto when for feare the Archbishop answered nothing Thou art he quoth the other that hast destroied the goods of the Church and I will destroy thée front of the earth This hauing said he vanished away In the morning betime the Archbishop got him vp and taking his iourney toward Rochester related this fearefull vision vnto a friend of his by the way He had no sooner told the tale but he was 〈◊〉 sodainly with a great cold stifnesse in his limmes so that they had much adoo to get him so farre as Halling a house belonging to the Bishop of Rochester There he tooke his bed and being horribly tormented with the cholike and other gréefes vntill the next day the night following the sixtéenth of February he gaue vp the Ghost ann 1183. His body was caried to Canterbury and honorably interred in the Lady Chappell 40. Baldwin AFter the death of Richard the Archbishop a controuersie grew betwéene the Couent of Christs Church in Canterbury and the Suffragan Bishops of the Prouince of Canterbury who of right ought to choose the Archbishop For it had béene often done by both as in that which I haue before deliuered you may perceiue The