besieged 1422. A Parliament in the Kings absence called The birth of Henry the sixt The Dolphin besieged Cosney An. 1422. R. 9. King Henry dieth The Duke of Bedford made Generall of Normandy The Duke of Glocester Protector Ann. 1422 R. 1. The Dolphin proclaimed King Pont Melon surprized by the French An. 1422. R. 3. Reduced by the Earle of Salisbury The league renewed with Burgoine A conspiracy at Paris Preventtd and punished The French defeated Ann. 1422 R. 2. The King of Scots marieth the Duke of Somersets Daughter Crotoy lost and recovered The English are victorious at Vernoyle 1424. The reduction of Vernoyle An. 14. 24. R. 3. The French frighted with the name of Salisbury A jarre betwixt the brothers in England drawes the Regent into Ergland The young King knighted The Regent returnes to France Burgoyne by letter disswades Glocester from his new wife The name of Salisbury a bugbeare to the French 1426. Ponterson taken by the English Mounts retaken 1427. An. 1427. R. 6. The pollicy of the French The death of Salisbury the downfall of the English good fortune Both wind Sun against the English The French every where revolt The Regent defies the French King The Armies on both sides in array An. 1428. R. 7. 1429. Henry the sixt Crowned The constancy of the Lord Barbason Ann. 1429 Reg. 8. Charles attempts Paris But disappointed retreats The Regent desirous to cope with King Charles An. 1430. R. 9. The Earle of Britaine defeated 1430. The Pusil Ioane taken Proceeded against Burned King Henry in person goeth into France King Henry returnes for England after a Truce concluded The Regent having buried the sister of Burgoyne marrieth a second wife An. 1432. R. 11. The Peasants in Normandy rebell The Duke of Burbon receiveth liberty of body out of prison and losse of life all in one day At St. Omers the Dukes of Bedford and Burgoyne meet and depart without conference 1435. The death of the Regent Emulation betwixt the Vncle and Nephew thwart the businesse in France Ann. 1435 R. 12. Callice besieged by the Duke of Burgoyne The Duke of Burgoyne retreats from Callice An. 1437. R. 13. 1437. The death of three great Ladyes The King of Scots murthered Ann. 1439 R. 14. A Parliament at Westminster Roan attempted but with losse to the French An. 1437. R. 16. Ann. 1437 Reg. 15. The Lord Talbot harroweth Piccardy 1438. Famine in England Pestilence in Paris 1439. An. 1439. R. 18. Ponthoys taken by the English Ponthoys succoured The French King braved by the Regent but is patient Treaty for a peace Ann. 1441 Reg. 20. The Duke of Orleance released The Earle of Saint Paul forsaketh the English An. 1442. R. 20. The Castle of Cornhill surprized by a stratagem Vnnaturall dissention betwixt brothers An. 1442. R. 21. Ann. 1442 Reg. 21. King Henry betrothed to the Earle of Arminacks Daughter An. R. 22. A truce agreed upon The Earle of Suffolk transends his Commission An. 1444. R. 22. 23. King Henry marrieth Duke Rayners Daughter 1444. The Regent comes for England An. 1416. R. 24. Glocesiers destruction plotted 1448. The Cardinal of Winchester dies William Wanfleet consecrated Bishop of Winchester An. 1430. R. 26. The truce broken by the English Ardes surprised An. 1449. R. 27. The Duke of Yorke sent into Ireland The English overthrowne An overbold but true language An. 1450. R. 27. Suffolke traduced The Parliament adjourned from Black-fryers to Lecester and then to Westminster Suffolke committed to the Tower A Parliament summoned Mortymer incites the many to insurrection The grievances of the Commons tendred to the Parliament Captaine Mend-all his private petition The two Staffords defeated and slaine The forme of Iacke Cades Warrant The captaine of the rebells slaine The Bishop of Salisbury murthered An. 1452. R. 29. A Parliament The Duke of Yorkes policy to cloake his intention Yorke raiseth forces in Wales The King sends to the Duke of Yorke Yorks answer Yorke dismisseth his army Yorke takes the oath of allegiance Burdeux is reduced Shrowsbury with his fourth sonne and his naturall brother slain at Chattillon 1453. Ann. 1453 R. 30. The Queene delivered of a Sonne Norman the first Lord Maior that went by water to Westminster to take his oath The Queenes Attourney with others slaine in a fray The Duke of Yorke writeth to the King Ann. 1454 R. 33. First battell at St. Albones The Duke of Somerset slaine 1455. Ann. 1455 Reg. 33. The Duke of Yorke conveyeth the K. to London Yorke made Protector of the King The Merchant strangers rifled An invasion attempted by the French Sandwich plundered The Scots make an inroad The Sheriffs of London in trouble for the escape of the Lord Egrimond Ann. 1455 Reg. 33. The Duke of Yorke with the Earles of Salisbury and Warwick betake themselves to their severall strengths The General agreement amongst the Nobilitie by the mediation of the King An. 1449 Strange apparitions An. 1459. R. 34. Sonne against father 1459. Subjects against Soveraigns Father against Sonne A fray An. 1458. R. 34. Three great Carricks taken worth 10000. 2. Battailes fought The Lord Audley slaine The Duke of Yorke flyeth An. 1428. R. 38. A Parliament The Earle of Warwicke with 25000. men taketh the field 3. Battell at Northampton Warwicke possest of the Tower An. 1459. R. 39. The Duke of Yorke puts in claime The Duke of Yorke to be proclaimed heire to the Crowne and Protector 4. Battell at Wakefield Young Rutland butchered The Earle of Salisbury beheaded Ann. 1458 R. 34. 1461. Fift battell at Mortimers crosse Sixt battel second at Saint Albones The Lord Bonvile and Thomas Kiryell beheaded by the Queene contrary to the Kings promise 30. Knights made Prince Edward dubbed Knight The Families of Yorke and Lancaster distinguished by the red Rose and white The Archbishop of Canterbury animated the Duke of Yorke to take upon him the Crowne Ann. 1460 Reg. 1. The Dukes title to the Crowne double An. 1460. R. 2. Edward leaveth London Lord Fitzwalter slaine at Ferry-brig 1461. The Lord Clifford slaine Ann. 1461 Reg. 2. The Earle of Northumberland with 36776. English slaine at Caxton field Edward the 4. Crowned An. 1461. R. 24. An. 1462 R. 2. An. 1642. R. 2. Conquet and Ree taken and pillaged by the Earles of Essex and Kent Sir Ralph Piercy slaine The Earle of Somerset taken prisoner An. 1464 R. 3. King Henry brought prisoner to the Tower The Earle of Warwick sent into France An. 1466 R. 6. Of Thomas Lord Scales of Nucells An. 1466 R. 9. The Lord Stafford forsakes Pembrooke Sir Hen Nevil slaine Ann. 1469 R. 9. King Edward taken prisoner King Edward escapes An. 1470 R. 10. The Lord Wells and Sir Thomas Dymock beheaded Ann. 1470 R. 10. Loose Coatefield Warwick entertained by the French King Visited by Queene Margaret Ioyne inconfederacy against King Edward Prince Edward married to his daughter The Burgonian Fleet dispersed Doctor Goddards Sermon at Pauls crosse King Edward enforced to forsake the land King Edward in danger of Pirates King Edward craveth succour of the Duke of Burgoyne Queene Elizabeth taketh Sanctuary at Westminster Rebells of Kent suppressed by Warwicke King Henry set at libertie A Parliament The Crowne entayled upon Clarence The Queene delivered of a Sonne An. 1471. R. 11. King Edward is admitted into Yorke An. 1471. R. 11. Warwicke entrencheth at Coventry King Edward entreth London An. 1471. R. 10. Warwicke slaine An. 1472 R. 11. Marquesse Mountacute Queene Margaret taken prisoner Prince Edw. slaughtered King Henry murdered Ann. 1472 R. 12. An. 1473. R. 13. A Kings kys to a rich widdow procured 40. where but 20. was expected An. 1474. R. 14. The Duke of Exceter found dead Ann. 1474 R. 4. King Edward writes to the French King * 300. crowns in gold and 30. yards of red velvet The duke of Burgoyn excuseth his breach of promise The Constable repromiseth ayd An. 1474 R. 14. Burgoyne departeth promising speedy returne The policy of the French King King Edward sends an Herald of armes to Lewis * S. Leoger Burgoyne retornes displeased The French Kingliberally rewardeth the good carriage of the English The manner of the internew of the 2 Kings King Edward could not be drawne from ayding the Duke of Brittayne A. 1475. R. 15. King Edward attempteth by a colourable pretence to procure Richmands person to be delivered to him Delivered to the Embassadors Escapeth into Sanctuary An. 1477. R. 17. Clarence drowned An. 1480. R. 22. An. 1483. R. 23. An. 1483. An. 1483. R. 1. An. 1484. R. 1. An. 1484. R. 2. Humphry Duke of Buckirgham slain at St. Albones 1455. Humphry slain at Northampton 38. H. 6. 1460. An. 1484 An. 1484 R. 1. An. 1484. Reg. 2. Richmonds ex hertation Battaile 1. Anno 1455. Dukes 1. Earles 3. Lords 1. Knights 11. Esquires 18. 5641. Battaile 2. Anno 1459. Lord 1. Knights 7. 2411. Knight 1. Battaile 3. Anno 1459. Duke 1. Earle 1. Lord 1. Viscount 1. Knight 1. Lord 1. Battaile 4. Anno 1469. Duke 1. Earles 2. Knights 8. Battaile 5. Anno 1491. Knight 1. Battaile 6. Lord 1. Knights 3. Battaile 7. Anno 1491. Earles 4. Lords 9. Knights 22. 37046. Battaile 7. Anno 1463. Knight 1. 107. Anno 1464. Duke 1. Lords 3. Knights 20. 2024. Battaile 8. Anno 1469. 5009. Earles 3. Lords 3. Knights 11. Battaile 9. Anno 1470. Knights 〈◊〉 10000. Battaile 10. Anno 1471. Earle 1. Marquesse 1. Lords 3. Knights 2. 10000. Battaile 11. Anno praedict A Prince Dukes 2. A Marquesse A Lord Prior An Earle A Baron Knights 20. Esquires 37. 1092. Battaile 12. Anno 1485. King 100. Duke 1. Lord 1. Knights 3. * Knights eldest Sonnes * Of coat-armour and Ancestry
shee went on shore but speedily resorted againe to shipbord and by tempest was beaten to Barwicke Erom whence with the encrease of some few Scots leaving the Prince at Barwicke she with the king her husband marched into the Bishopricke of Durham having by the way in Northumberlaine somewhat more encreased their army To them resorteth the so late reconciled and now newly revolted Duke of Somerset Sir Ralph Peircy and divers of King Henryes welwishers who altogether made shew of a competent army But their disorderly burning and spoyling wheresoever they went whatsoever they could come at lost the goodwill of many and purchased the ill will of more King Edward to be prepared to meet the enemie at every turne makes preparation both by Sea and Land he sends Vicount Mountacute into Northumberland with Commission to raise forces whom King Edward in person followeth with his whole power leasurely but hasts some Companies after the Vicount to prevent any attempt of the Bishopricke men in case they should prove trecherous with these the Vicount marcheth towards King Henry and by the way encountreth the Lord Hungerford at Hegley-More but he with the Lord Rosse upon the first charge ran away leaving Sir Ralph Peircy alone with his owne regiment who there with them died valiantly fighting Mountacute having intelligence that King Henry was encamped in Levels plaine neer the River of Dowell in Hexamshire marcheth thither by night and set upon him in his Campe. The Northerne men with a desperate resolution receive the charge But were in the end with great slaughter overthrowne Henry Bewford Duke of Somerset the Lords Rose Mollins Hungerford Wentworth Hussey and Sir Iohn Finderne Knight with many others are taken prisoners King Henry escaped but very hardly The Duke of Somerset was presently beheaded at Exham he was never married but had a naturall sonne named Charles Somerset who was afterward created Earle of VVorcester The other prisoners were sent to New-Castle and there beheaded Thus was the White Rose in every place dyed red with the blood of the Nobilitie and the red Rose turnd pale with the horror to view the calamities occasioned by this dissention King Edward came to Durham and from thence sent the Earle of VVarwicke and others into Northumberland to reduce such Castles and forts as yet held out for King Henry which effected King Edward marched to Yorke King Henry shifting from place to place is at length discovered and in the manner of a notorious offender with his legges tyde under the horse belly without other company then Doctor Manning Deane of Windsor taken with him is by the Earle of Warwicke brought to the Tower of London a suddaine and strange alteration of estate when he that was the most potent Monark for Dominions that ever England had was not now the Master of a Molehill nor owner of his owne liberty so various are the changes and chances of this transitory life His distressed and disconsolate Queene with her sonne are driven once againe to fly for shelter into France K. Edward to raise some with ruine of others distributeth the Lands and Possessions of those that held with King Henry amongst his owne favorites and followers having the better to palliate his proceeding therein first made Proclamation that whosoever of the contrary faction would come in and submit should be received to grace and restored to their patrimonies King Edward having as it were a breathing from martiall imployments knowing that he was to deale with a people more easily to be drawne then driven addicted his courses altogether to endeer himselfe to their good affections and the better to settle in their minds a good opinion of his after-government he applied himselfe to accomplish those things whereof report had given out his predecessors have beene neglective in And first he began to set the beame even that was to carrie the scale of Iustice in equall point of right and to that end in Michaelmas terme in the second yeare of his raigne three dayes together hee sat publickly with his Iudges in Westminster-Hall on the Kings-bench to acquaint himselfe with the orders of that Court and the proceedings therein and to observe what deserved reformation in that Court either at bench or at barre He likewise ordered the Officers of his Exchequor to take more moderate fees and to be more intentive of their duties for the benefit of the subject then their owne unjust gaine And not under colour of preserving the Kings revenewes to enrich themselues and undor the subjects thereby wronging both King and people Then he complies himselfe to the multitude and publickly with such extraordinary shewes of unusuall congies and complements from a Soveraigne entertaines them That he thereby tyes their pliable tongues to set forth his uncessant commendation drawing out their loves to the largest extent He daily frequentes the Councell Table which he furnished for the most part with such as were most gracious amongst the Citizens and were most facile either to give dispatch or Court holy water to petitioners These he imployes about references and businesses of private consequence whilst misteries of state were intimated only to such whom he selected to be of his more private Cabinet Councell with whom now he adviseth how to encrease his forraine correspondence and advance his estate with some linck of faire alliance with such that might stand him instead and be a comfort or countenance in his proceedings as occasion should fall out For which purpose the fittest meanes is concluded to be some match to be made with France By which all meanes of succour might be withdrawne from his femall persecutor Queene Margaret and assistance drawne to persecute her husband and such as should oppose his Soveraignty For the better effecting whereof the Earle of Warwick is made choice of and imployed by the King into France to treate of a match betwixt King Edward and the Lady Bona daughter to Lewis Duke of Savoy and sister to the Lady Carlote Queene of France Vpon the first proposition this motion was readily embraced and was willingly assented unto on all parts And Mounseir Dampmortyn with some others are incontinently sent into England for the full accomplishment thereof but before his arrivall the game is changed and a new triumph turned For upon the first of May the King had taken to wife the Lady Gray the widdow of Sir Iohn Gray of Groby slaine at the last battaile of Saint Albons a Lancastrian she was daughter of Richard VVoodvile Baron of VVymington and Iaquet daughter of Peter of Luxenborough Earle of Saint Paul the widdow of Iohn Duke of Bedford sometimes Regent of France a sharer with her daughter of troubles to ensue upon their marriage for as the marriage of the mother gave the first cause of distast to the Duke of Burgoyne whose severing after from the English was partly if not principally the overthrow of our Conquest in France so this match of the daughter
Dutchy was likewise settled upon him notwithstanding the primogeniture of Edward and his heires The Crowne of England was likewise entayled for want of heires males of the body of King Henry upon Duke George and his heires for ever so proclive was the Parliament to give consent to whatsoever by the Earle of Warwicke on the behalfe of King Henry in which Well hee alwayes interwove some threds that might seeme for the strengthening of his Sonne-in-lawes good respect towards him was proposed By which meanes Clarence was kept within the Verge hitherto of the Earle of Warwickes devotion Iasper Earle of Penbrooke and Iohn Earle of Oxford are fully restored to Honour and lands Clarence and Warwicke are made Governours of the King and kingdome and all things both in Parliament Court and Councell consented unto and concluded on as they would propose and appoint The Queene is sent for into France but shee as if appointed not to tast any of the cup of her Husbands fairer fortunes is kept backe by contrary windes so that during the Winter season against the Kings will and her owne desires shee is kept on the other side the Sea Elizabeth Queene to King Edward is in the meane time in the Sanctuary at Westminster delivered of a Sonne christened by the name of Edward Warwicke that nothing might seeme to bee left undone that might conduce to the good of the Common-wealth and advantagious to their proceeding sent divers Companies over to Callice from thence to infest the Duke of Burgoines Dominions And it is not unworthy the observation the peoples levitie that whom as yesterday they had proclaimed Traitour and despightfully traduced That the bruite of his returne into England was no sooner spread but the Earle of Warwickes Cognizance the Beare and the ragged Staffe was worne in every mans cap yea Monsieur Vocleere was contented to surrender his new Patent and accepted of his former deputation now confirmed and weare the Earles Livery which he was pleased to vouchsafe him notwithstanding his former uncivill and unrespective demeanour both towards him and the Ladyes in his company The Duke of Burgoyne being sensible of this storme which was likely to fall upon him both from the French King and the Calliceans if not warily prevented wisely so wrought with the Duke of Clarence That the truce formerly concluded betwixt him and King Edward should in all things bee ratified and confirmed the Kings name only altered to Henry But with this cautionary restriction that no ayde should bee given to his Brother-in-law King Edward And hereof assurance by oath is given Neverthelesse within short time after whither by the Duke or Dutchesses meanes it is doubtfull but by one of theirs Edward was furnished with eighteene tall ships and two thousand Dutchmen and with fifteene thousand Florens of gold Thus furnished hee tooke land at a place called Ravenspur in Yorkshire in which place hee found but cold entertainment Neverthelesse as one that had no other hope left but that little stay hee had taken hold of hee made a wary march to Yorke where likewise hee found no great expression of welcome so that he was enforced most unlike himselfe to make use of the Divels sophistry and by most execrable oathes to winne beliefe the sooner amongst the Inhabitants of Yorke hee seriously vowed according as hee had prepublished in his passage thither That hee only challenged the benefit of his birth-right which was the Inheritance of the Dutchy of Yorke unlawfully with strong hand with-held against him utterly disclaiming any intention hee had to lay any claime to the Crowne of England which hee seemed ingeniously to acknowledge to bee King Henryes indubitable right The Citizens credulitie was such that they upon these protestations and upon taking the Sacrament to use the Citizens fairely and to bee true liegeman to King Henry permitted him entrance which before they utterly denyed him But hee was no sooner entred but that hee gave them a sufficient taste of his intendment which was not to want any thing whereof in that place hee might bee by any meanes furnished And having well refreshed his men and furnished himselfe with what men money and victuals the Citie could affourd him having left a sufficient garrison to keepe the Citie to his owne use Hee marched towards London waging by the way all the souldiers that either threats promises or money could winne or procure The Marquesse Mountacute whose actions and carriage were alwayes reserved and obscure from the vulgar yea so disputable and doubtfull amongst his owne Brothers and Allyes That none but himselfe could expatiate them Hee now when hee had power sufficient to doe it did not impeach King Edwards passage about Pomfret but suffered him to passe by him not fought with for which hee was much condemned by his Brother and deservedly for had Edward beene then but a little shaken hee had dyed at roote Being come to Nottingham divers of the Nobilitie came to him making tender of their service but with this proviso that hee would resolutely take upon him the stile and Title of King and accordingly take his State which hee without much contradiction was contented his former oath to the contrary being no scruple to his conscience to consent unto And as a river running farre from its first rising is still augmented by the accesse of other brookes and waters falling into it so King Enwards Army encreased by marching onward to a great number The Earle of Warwicke upon notice of these proceedings leaving King Henry at London hasted towards his Towne of Warwicke from whence he sent to the Duke of Clarence to advertise him of these occurrences desiring his speedy accesse thither where hee would abide his comming But the Duke lingring out the time and made not that speed that was expected and the businesse in hand required which gave cause of suspition of his tergiversation whereupon Warwicke with his forces withdrew toward Coventry where hee strongly entrencheth and fortifies himselfe whither King Edward followeth him and often provoked him to issue forth But hee wisely not being very confident of his souldiers fidelitie or courage as yet untried refused keeping himselfe close within his Trenches Whereupon King Edward marcheth to VVarwicke perswading himselfe that that course if any thing could would draw the Earle to fight But when that prevailed not hee bent his course towards the Duke of Clarence who with his forces made show to give him battell But when both their Armies were in sight the Duke of Glocester so wrought betweene them that they were both overtly reconciled as they privately were before and their forces were conjoyned The three brothers now by faire promises and liberall offers assayed to win the Earle of VVarwicke to embrace faire offers of favour and reconcilement but hee readier to bee broken then bent in stead of embracing these proffered courtesies upbraided the Duke of Clarence with perjurie and degenerate cowardlinesse returning them answer
Iustice of the Kings bench Belknapp chiefe Iustice of the Cōmon pleace Holt Stil◅urpe Burgh Iustices of the Cōmon-pleas men learned in Court-law to please those in highest place these were charged upon their alleageance particularly to answer these propositions 1. Whether the Statute Ordinance and Commission meaning that granted against the Duke of Suffolke set out the last Parliament did derogate from the royall prerogative of the King 2. How they were to bee punished that did procure that Statute to bee inacted 3. How they were to bee dealt with that provoked the King to consent thereto 4. What punishment did they deserve that compelled the King to yeeld consent 5. What did they merit that resisted the King to exercise his regall authoritie in remitting or releasing any penalties or debts due to him 6. When a Parliament is assembled and the affaires of the State and cause of convoking the Parliament declared and Articles limited by the King upon which only the Lords and Commons should meddle the Lords and Commons will proceed upon other and not those by the King appointed untill the King hath given answer to the other by them propounded whether in this case the King ought to have the rule of the Parliament and so to order the fact that the Lords and Commons upon the Articles limited by the King or that they should first have answer of the King to the Articles by them propounded before they proceed any further 7. Whether may the King at his pleasure dissolve the Parliament and command the Lords and Commons to depart 8. Since the King may at his pleasure remove any Officers and Iustices and punish them for their offences whether may the Lords and Commons without his leave accuse his Officers and Iustices in Parliament yea or no 9. What punishment have they deserved who moved a Parliament that the statute whereby King Edward Carnarvon was deposed should be brought forth by view whereof the last Statute and Commission aforesaid were framed 10. Whether the judgement given in the last Parliament against Michael de la Poole Earle of Suffolke were erroneous and revocable yea or no These propositions which were drawne by the direction of the chiefe Iustice Tresilian to which the afornamed Iustices answer as followeth 1. They did derogate from the Honour of the King because extorted against his will 2. 3. That they deserved to bee punished by death except the King in mercy would remit 4. 5. Worthy to bee punished as Traytours 6. Whosoever resisteth the Kings rule in that point was punishable as a Traytour 7. That the King may at his pleasure dissolve the Parliament and who so afterwards shall presume to proceed against the Kings manifest will as in a Parliament is worthy the punishment of a Traytor 8. That they cannot whosoever doth the contrary deserveth a Traytors punishment 9. Aswell the mover as the bringer of that Statute to the house are worthy the same death 10. And lastly that the said judgement seemed erronious and revocable In witnesse whereof they with Iohn Lockton the Kings Sergeant at Law subscribed and so under their Seales at armes sent it When those hard sentences of death and treason were under generall and large termes thus fastened upon the Lords the King supposed his attempts against them whether by violence or colour of Law sufficiently warranted but his power both wayes as it was terrible against weake resisters so against such mighty defendants was of small force to effect that which he so much affected yet hee did not omit his best endevours and first accounting the Lords as condemned persons hee made division of their lands and goods amongst those he favoured Then hee waged souldiers to bee in readinesse for his assistance and sent the Earle of Northumberland to arrest the Earle of Arundell at his Castle in Rygate where hee then lay but he either upon advertisement or suspition of the Kings intent bandied himselfe so strong that when the Earle of Northumberland came thither to him hee dissembled his intent and left his errand untold The Duke of Gloucester having secret intelligence of the Kings displeasure and of his projects sent the Bishop of London to perswade the King to entertaine a more favourable opinion of him solemnly swearing unto the Bishop that hee never intended any thing against the King either in person or state The Bishop not unskilfull to joyne profitable perswasions with honesty declared to the King that the ground of his displeasure against the Lords was either by false suggestions of their enemies or misconstruction of some of their actions by himselfe Then declared hee how desirous they were of his grace and favour how faithfull and forward they promised to persist in all dutifull service and further intimated how honourable this agreement would bee to the King and how profitable to the kingdome nay which was above both how pleasing it would bee to God and how displeasing to him and dangerous it would be to both sides if these troubles should increase The King by this speech seemed inclinable to attonement But Delapoole a turbulent person against quiet counsell standing neere the King quickly hardned his minde against all impression of friendship by meanes whereof contention arose betwixt the Bishop and the Earle which violently broke out into heate of words The Earle reproched the Lords with the ordinary objection against great men popularitie and ambition sparing no spight of speech but using all rethoricke to aggravate matters against them The Bishop replyed the Earle was thus fiercely bent not upon any necessity of his owne or respect unto the King but only to satisfie his bloody and ambitious humour wherein he was so immoderate that rather then the Lords should not be destroyed he would overwhelme them with the ruines of the State For tumults might bee indeed raysed by men of little courage like himselfe but must bee maintayned by hazard and ended with the losse of the most violent that neither his counsell against what was desired in this cause was to bee followed being the principall firebrand of the disturbance nor his complaints against any man in any thing to bee regarded being himselfe a condemned person and one that held his life and livelihood of the Kings favourable mercy wherewith the King was so exceedingly wroth that hee commanded the Bishop out of his presence The Duke of Gloucester hearing this signifies the danger to the Earles of Arundel Warwicke and Darby inciting them to armes and thereupon they confederate themselves for a common defence For in so doubtfull and suspected peace open warre said they was the better safety The King having intelligence of their courses indevoured to prevent the Lords in joyning their forces and to that end sent some power either to set upon the Earle of Arundel in his lodging or to intercept him in his passage to the Duke But the Earle had marched all night before their comming and so unencountred came to the Duke with whom
that end desired the Lords to come to him into the Tower but they refused that place of meeting upon feare of false measure untill the King permitted them to search diligently and come as strongly as they thought meet then they came to the King well guarded and after a few cold complements and strange salutations they layd before him his proceedings against them at Nottingham his Letters which hee sent to the Duke of Ireland contrary to his word for the raysing of armes against them his agreement with the French King for the yeelding up of Callice and other strong houlds which hee had in possession in those parts with divers other poynts of dishonourable dealing and negligent government What should the King then have done or said all these objections were so evident and evill that there was no place left either for deniall or defence Therefore ingenuously first with silence and patience afterwards with teares and dejected countenance hee confessed his errors And certainely the stiffe stomacks of the Lords more relented to those luke-warme drops then they would have done to his greatest violence A meeting was concluded the next day at Westminster there to treate of these and other necessary affaires of the Realme Then the Duke and the rest of the Lords departed except the Earle of Darby who stayed supper with the King and all that time kept him in his proposed resolution But when he was also gone some of the abusers of the Kings eare suggested that his going thither was neither seemely nor safe and would not only bring to his person present danger and contempt but afterwards abasement and abridgement to his authoritie whereupon the Kings minde turned But the Lords being now nettled feeling the Kings hand weake to governe the raynes became the more violent and sent him word that if hee did vacillate with them and not come according to agreement that they would choose a new King who should bee more respective to his Nobilitie This peremptory message so terrified the King that hee not only went thither but permitted the Lords to take their pleasure they caused him much against his liking to remove out of the Court Nevil Archbishop of Yorke Foord Bishop of Duresme the Bishop of Chichester the Kings Confessor the Lord Souch the Lord Harmyworth Lord Burnell Lord Beamont Sir Alberick Uear Sir Baldwyne Bereford Sir Richard Alderbury Sir Iohn Worth Sir Thomas Clifford and Sir Iohn Lovell taking caution of them for their appearance at the next Sessions of Parliament And certaine Ladies likewise were expelled the Court and went under sureties the Ladyes Mowen Moling Poynings wife to Sir Iohn Worth They put under arrest Simon Burly William Ellingham Iohn Salisbury Thomas Trivet Iames Bernis Nicholas Dagworth and Nicholas Bramber Knights Richard Clifford Iohn Lincolne and Richard Motford Clerkes Iohn Beacham the Kings private Purse-bearer Nicholas Lake Deane of the Chappell and Iohn Blake Barrister were all committed to diyers Prisons to be forth-comming at the next Parliament The Parliament began at London though the King used many meanes to dash or deferre the same to which the Lords came attended with full strength pretending to represse any ryot that might arise but in truth by terror thereof to draw all the mannage of affaires to themselves The assembly continued from Candlemasse untill Whitsontide with great feare of some and hope of others and expectation of all There Tresilian by the Councell of the Lords against the Kings minde was condemned to bee drawne and hanged which judgement was presently executed the like passed against and upon Nicholas Bramber Iohn Salisbury Iames Barnes Iohn Beauchamp and Iohn Blake Robert Belknap Iohn Holt Roger Fulthorpe and William Burgh which last foure were condemned to perpetuall exile though they opposed not but intermedled by constraint to subscribe their opinions against the Lords Sir Simon Burly Captaine of Dover Castle was beheaded for conspiring to deliver the same to the Frenchmen hee was infinitely proud equall to the meanest in vertue but in port and bravery not inferiour to any Duke Divers others were put to death or exile and some as it hapneth when the reines of fury are let loose without any great cause The Earle of Darby promoued no mans punishment but did labour the life and liberty of many insomuch that harsh language did passe betwixt the Duke of Gloucester and him for so doing whereby hee purchased a favourable opinion amongst those of the contrary part There was then also an oath exacted from the King an example without president to stand to the government of the Lords and an Oath of the Subjects to bee loyall to the King The King in taking this oath of the Lords discovered his inward conceit by his overt countenance looking pleasantly on those he favoured and frowningly on others by which untimely discovery he made them more heedfull and himselfe more hatefull which was the occasion that afterward the revenge was prevented which hee so desired and the mischiefe was procured which hee so little feared Lastly a Subsidie was granted and so the King comming as it were to capitulation had allowance of the name of a King and the Lords the authoritie and Majestie so the contention for that time ceased The yeare following the King began to take upon him more libertie and rule and upon extreame disdaine that both his power and pleasure were thus restrained hee bore a hard conceit against the partaking Lords and having assembled them in the Councell chamber he demaunded of the Lords of what yeares they tooke him to bee being answered that hee was somewhat above one and twentie then replied hee I am of lawfull age to make use of any birth-right and to have the regiment in my owne hands and therefore you doe me wrong to hold me still under tutelage as though the condition of a King were harder then that of a subject This the Lords were unwilling to grant and more unable to deny and therefore they either kept silence or spake to little or no purpose Well said the King since I am no longer an infant I here renounce your rule and take upon mee such free administration of the Iustice of thâ—…â—…alme as the Kings thereof my Predecessors heretofore lawfully used And then commanding the Bishop of Ely then Lord Chancellour to resigne the great Seale which received the King put it up and departed out of the Chamber but returning delivered the same to William of Wickam Biâ—… of Winchester thereby constituting him Lord Chancellor other officers he likewise displaced placing others in their room partly to manifest his authoritie partly to satisfie his displeasure he suspended Glocester Warwick others from his privy Councell and tooke in their roomes such as humoured him more but honoured him lesse He 10. Octob. An. Regni sui 11. Created Iohn Beauchamp of Holt Baron of Kedermister by letters Patents before which time all Barons were chosen by Writ it was suggested to the
with the match and truce that he lost all patience exclayming that it was more meet to bee in armes then amitie with the French who being inferiour to the English in courage did ever outreach them in craft and being too weake for warre did oftentimes prevaile by peace That the French Kings Daughter being but a childe was an unmeet match for King Richard aswell for the disparitie of age as for that the King had no issue by his first wife and was not like to have any by this except perhaps in his old age But when the Duke saw his arguments would not availe ought hee suborned the Londoners to make petition to the King that seeing there was peace with France hee would release them of the Subsidie which was granted unto him in the last Parliament in respect of those warres to have beene maintained This suite was by them importunately followed and much perplexed the King untill at length the Duke of Lancaster assured them that the procuring of this peace had spent and lost the King three hundred thousand pounds wherewith they were pacified though not well pleased Guido Earle of Saint Paul was sent by King Charles to visit and salute in his name King Richard and his Queene Isabel To this Earle the King did relate with what fervency Gloucester contended to disturbe the peace betwixt England and France and that because this opinion was not therein followed hee moveth the people to seditious attempts bending himselfe wholly to maintaine discord in his owne countrey rather then not at all he further reported what stiffe strife the Duke in former times had stirred which howsoever they were done yet as they were delivered sounded harsh and odious Whereupon the Earle replied that the Duke was too dangerous a subject to bee permitted to live That greatnesse was never safe if once it grew excessive and bold That the King ought not to affect the poore commendation of Clemency with his owne perill and that it touched him both in honour to revenge the disgrace which hee had by him formerly received and in policie to prevent the dangers which hee had some cause to feare This set such an edge on the Kings displeasure that from thenceforth hee busied his braynes about no one thing more then how to bring the Duke to his end Whereupon hee begun to pry more narrowly into his deportment to watch his words to observe his actions and to interpret them to the worst framing unto himselfe many vaine and needlesse feares often would he to the Dukes of Lancaster and Yorke complaine of the Duke of Glocesters aversnesse in actions and crossenesse in speech whose answer thereunto was that their brother indeed was more vehement then they could commend yet his fiercenesse was joyned with faithfulnesse and his crossenesse proceeded from care lest the Common-wealth should decrease either in honour or possessions and therefore the King had neither cause to feare or dislike him The King seemeth to approve of their answers and tobe satisfied that Gloucester was what they reported him And in the meane time Lancaster and Yorke withdrew themselves to their private houses The Duke of Glocester also went to Plashey in Essex Vpon this accidentall separation the King entred into Councell with Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington his brother by the Mothers side and Thomas Mowbray Earle of Nottingham how the Duke of Glocester might bee suppressed the cruelty which was but wavering nay wanting in the King was soone confirmed by evill advise and being once thereby enclinable to blood hee did not faile either of lewd example of vile action to follow or direction of cruell counsell what to doe The plot is contrived and according thereunto the King and the Earle of Nottingham ryde together into Essex as though they went on hunting When they were in the Forrest the Earle with a selected troope made stay in the Forrest whilst the King with a small and unsuspected trayne came to Plashey and there by the Duke of Gloucester was lovingly entertained and freely feasted pretending action of present returne the King desires the Duke to accompany him to London The Duke supposing that only to bee intended indeed which was in words and show pretended went to horsebacke with the King with a very small company appointing the rest to follow him to London They pleasantly rode together in familiar conference untill they came neere the Earles ambuscadoe and then the King suddenly put spurres to his horse the Duke following easily was suddenly intercepted and stayed and with violence hurryed to the Thames side and there blindfolded unvoluntarily shipped and conveyed to Callice The next day the King did invite the Earle of Warwicke to dinner and gave him gratious countenance but in his returne he was arrested and sent to prison and so a double breach of hospitalitie is committed when feasted by the Duke of Gloucester the host is committed and feasting the Earle of Warwicke the guest is imprisoned In the like manner was the Earle of Arundel and his sonne entrapped and imprisoned In the Isle of Wight the Common-people having notice of the apprehension of these three Noble men whom they only affected were in a great confusion and there then wanted but a head to draw them to commotion every man murmured and daring no further stood wayting for one to lead them the way every one being ready to follow that which any one was loath to begin The Dukes of Lancaster and Yorke upon information of these strong proceedings gathered a strong Army and came there with to London where they were readily received by the Citizens contrary to the Kings expresse command But this seemed to bee a guard to themselves rather then a regard to other The King lay within foure miles of London with a great power of armed men drawne out of Cheshire and VVales and to pacifie the people caused to be proclaimed That the foresaid Lords were not questioned upon any old displeasures but for offences lately committed and for which they should be orderly appealed by the course of Law and receive open and legall tryall in the next parliament presently to begin The like message was sent to London to the Dukes to whom the King made faith for the safety of their persons and indemnitie of their goods and that nothing should be done without their privitie and advise all this was as rashly beleeved as readily given out Whereupon the Dukes dissembled their feares and dissolved their forces in expectancy of what would ensue The Parliament began at London wherein Sir Iohn Bushy Sir VVilliom Bagot and Sir Henry Greene were principall agents for the Kings purpose These were the Kings chiefe Schoolemasters both of cruelty and deceit they were proud ignorant and ambitious and presuming on the Kings favour professed themselves enemies to the antient Nobilitie to the end that being but Mushrumpes lately start up they might become famous by maintaining contention with greater persons At first by
bee adjudged as unworthy as hee seemed unwilling to retaine the Soveraigntie whereupon certaine Articles were ingrossed and publikely read in which was contained how unprofitable he had beene to the Realme how unjust and grievous to the Subjects repugnant both to his oath and honour The principall of which Articles were 1. That hee had wastfully spent the Treasure of the Kealme and had to unworthy persons given the possessions of the Crowne by reason whereof many great and grievous taxes were daily layd upon the Commons 2. That whereas divers Lords aswell spirituall as temporall were by the high Court of Parliament appointed to treate of matters concerning the State of the Kingdome they being busied about the same Commission hee with others of his accomplices went about to appeach them of high Treason 3. That by force and threats hee enforced the Iudges of the Realme at Shrowsbury to condiscend to his way for the destruction of the said Lords That thereupon hee raised warre against Iohn Duke of Lancaster Thomas Earle of Arundell Richard Earle of Warwicke and others contrary to his promise in derogation of the honour of the King That hee caused his fathers owne brother the Duke of Glocester without law to be attached and sent to Callice and there without reason secretly murthered That notwithstanding the Earle of Arundell at his arraignment pleaded his Charter of pardon hee could not bee heard but was shamefully and suddenly put to death That hee assembled certain Lancashire and Cheshire men to make warre upon the foresaid Lords and suffered them to robbe and spoyle without reproofe or prohibition 4. That though hee dissembled and had made Proclamation That the Lords were not attached for any crime of Treason but for oppression done within the Realme yet hee objected against them in the Parliament treason and rebellion 5. That notwithstanding his Pardon granted to them hee enforced divers of the Lords partakers to bee againe intollerably fined to their utter undoing 6. That contrary to his promise in Parliament hee to his great dishonour kept away divers Rowles and Records which by agreement should have beene showne to certaine Commissioners appointed to treate of the affaires of the Common-wealth 7. That hee commanded that no man upon paine of death should entreat for the returne of Henry now Duke of Lancaster 8. That whereas the Realme is immediately holden of God he after he had obtained in Parliament divers Acts for his owne particular ends procured Bulls and heavy censures from Rome to compell his Subjects under heavy censures from Rome to observe and performe them contrary to the Honour and antient priviledge of this kingdome 9. That though the Duke of Lancaster had done his devoyre against the Duke of Norfolke in defence of his quarrell yet hee banished him the land without showing just cause contrarie to equitie and the law of Armes 10. That having under the great Seale given leave to the said Duke of Hereford to make Proxies and Attornies to prosecute and defend his causes The said King after the Dukes departure would not permit any to appeare for him 11. That hee had put out divers high Sheriffes having beene lawfully elected putting into their roomes some of his Favourites subverting the course of the law contrary to his oath and honour 12. Hee borrowed great summes and bound himselfe for repayment but no peny thereof payed 13. That hee layd taxations upon his Subjects at his pleasure consuming the Treasure in idle expences but not paying the poore subject for his owne viands 14. That hee affirmed all the Law lay in his head and brest by which phreneticall conceit divers of the Nobilitie were destroyed and the poore Commons fleeced 15. That hee procured by his Solicitors in the Parliament an Act to bee established that no Act of Parliament should bee more prejudiciall to him then it was to his Predecessors through which proviso hee did what he list and not what the law did allow 16. That for his ends hee would keep Sheriffes of shires longer then two or one yeare in the office 17. That hee put out divers Knights and Burgesses legally elected and put others of his owne choice in their roomes to serve his owne turne 18. That hee had spies and informers in every Countrey to heare and observe the words and demeanours of the people And if any reproved his loose and licentious courses they were convented and grievously fined 19. The spiritualitie objected against him that at his going into Ireland hee squeesed out many summes of money besides jewels and Plate without Law or Custome contrary to his oath at his Coronation That divers Lords and Iustices being sworne to speake the truth in divers things concerning the honour and safetie of the Realme and profit of the King hee did so threaten them that no man would or durst deliver the truth 20. That without the assent of the Peeres hee carried the Iewels and Plate of this Kingdome into Ireland to the great impoverishing of the Realme many of them being there lost 21. That hee caused all remembrances of the great exactions and extortions by him used and safely deposited amongst the Parliamentary Records to bee privily imbeazeled and carried away 22. That in all his Letters to the Pope and other Princes his stile was cunning and obscure that neither they nor his owne Subjects were certaine of his true meaning 23. That hee forgetfully affirmed that all the lives of his Subjects were in his hands to dispose at his pleasure 24. That hee contrary to the great Charter of England procured divers able men to appeale aged people upon matters determinable at Common law in the Marshalls Court because in that Court there is no tryall but by battaile whereby such Appealers knowing their insufficiencie submitted themselves to his mercie whom he at his pleasure unreasonably fined 25. That hee devised strange formes of oathes contrary to law and enforced divers his subjects to take and observe the same and to that end bound them by Recognizance to the great hinderance of many poore men and the dishonour of God 26. That where the Chancelour upon good grounds denyed a Prohibition to a certaine person moving for the same yet hee granted it to the same persons under the privie Seale with a grievous paine if not obeyed 27. That hee banished the Archbishop of Canterbury without just cause or judgement and kept him with armed men in the Parliament Chamber 28. That hee granted all his goods to his successors conditionally that he should maintaine all the Statutes made Anno 21. at Shrousbury and the 22. yeare of his Raigne at Coventrie 29. That upon the first convention of the Bishop of Canterbury he cunningly perswaded the Archbishop to make no answer for hee would bee his warrant perswading him to decline the Parliament And so without answer hee was condemned to be exiled and his goods seized on foure other Articles in behalfe of the Bishops were layed against him by whose
of Westminster that imployed his studies not as others to cloke their idlenesse and sloth under pretext of Religion making a seeming show of sanctitie and a solide practice of gaine and promotion but to enable himselfe for counsell and direction in publicke affaires who for the generall opinion of his wisdome and integritie was in good credit with King Richard and had accompanied him in his last expedition into Ireland This Abbot calling to minde a speech of King Henries when hee was but Earle of Darby that Princes had too little and religious men too much knowing the saying to be too true for at that time the riches of the Clergie was growne so great that they were beheld by the eyes of envy and withall observing the generall passages in those times tended to the abridging of the regular power wherein lest Avarice should appeare open-faced pollicie was pretended and the excesse thought dangerous both to the King and Clergie as likely to cause want in the one and wantonnesse in the other and that thereupon in Parliament divers bills were formerly put up in King Richards time to represse the increase of Religious possessions and that inquisition and redresse might bee had against such of the Clergie as under licence to purchase ten pounds did purchase fortie and more per annum and against such Ecclesiasticall persons as caused their villanies to marry free women inheritable whereby their lands might come to those religious persons possession And that it was there likewise moved that the King should seize into his hands all temporall livings of Religious houses as being rather a burden then benefit to religion And that upon these and such like Petitions the Archbishops of Canterbury and Yorke in behalfe of the Clergie of their Provinces were often-times enforced to make their solemne protestations in Parliament That if any thing were attempted in restraint of the libertie of the Church they would in no wise assent but utterly disclaime the same which protestations were respectively enrolled So that now partly upon love to King Richard and partly upon feare lest King Henry would be as ready to invade as he was to inveigh against the riches of the Church This Abbot blew the first coles and brought fewell to the fire of this Confederacie Hee invited to his house upon a solemne feast day in Michaelmasse terme those that hee had sounded to bee most sound to his purpose The chiefe of which were such as in the Parliament before had in some sortbeene touched in reputation although by pardon and reconciliation the harme did seeme to bee closed up Their names were Iohn Holland Duke of Exceter Thomas Holland his brothers sonne Duke of Surry Edward Duke of Aumerle Iohn Mountacute Earle of Sarum Hugh Spencer Earle of Glocester Iohn Bishop of Carlile Sir Thomas Blunt and Magitalon one of King Richards Chaplaines who in feature and favour so resembled King Richard that hee was afterwards affirmed to bee him indeed After dinner they withdrew themselves into a private Chamber to Councell where the Duke of Exceter who was mainly bent to restore or revenge the cause of his Deposed brother declared to the rest the alleageance they had sworne to King Richard the honours and preferments whereunto they were by him advanced That they were therefore bound both in conscience by the one and kindnesse by the other to take his part against all men That King Henry contrary to both had dispoyled him of his royall dignitie and unjustly possessed himselfe thereof whilst they stood looking on and shewed neither the obedience of subjects nor love of friends That King Henry by violent invading fraudulently insinuating himselfe into the kingdome of his sole Soveraigne was but a tyrant and an usurper and such an one as it was lawfull for any one at any time by any meanes to throw downe without respect whether hee bee good or evill for it is lawfull for no man under the pretence and show of goodnesse to draw Soveraigntie to himselfe That the examples of best governed Common-wealths did not only permit this action but highly honoured the actor with Statues and Garlands and also rewarded them with titles of Nobilitie and all the wealth of the suppressed Tyrant and lesse hee could not esteeme King Henry that this enterprise would bee very profitable to the republicke by extinguishing those warres that the Scots menaced the French prepared for and the Welchmen had already begun upon this quarrell That hee did not distrust but it might bee accomplished by open hostilitie but hee thought it more sure for him and safe for the Common-wealth to put first in practise some secret policie And to that purpose it was proposed and approved that a solemne justs should bee notified to bee kept at Oxford in Christmasse holy-dayes betweene him and twentie more on his part and the Earle of Salisbury and twenty more on his part to which King Henry should bee invited And wen hee was therein observed to bee most intentive hee should suddenly be surprized by such which without suspition might at that time bee assembled both for number and preparation sufficient for the exploit And thereby King Richard presently restored to libertie and State This devise was at once uttered and approved and so resolving on the enterprise they tooke a solemne oath of faith and secrecie to the houre of death each to other And an Indenture Sextipartite was likewise made betwixt the Lords wherein they bound themselves respectively each to other to doe the best of their devoyre for the destruction of the one and delivery of the other King which was interchangeably subscribed sealed and delivered They likewise concluded what forces should bee gathered where and by whom they should bee ordered and placed and to whose trust the execution of this exploit should bee committed In pursuance hereof the Duke of Exceter came to the King at Windsor and desired that hee would vouchsafe to honour with his presence the martiall exercise that was intended betwixt him and the Earle of Sarum at Oxford and bee pleased to bee Iudge of their performance if any controversie should arise The King perswading himselfe that that was really intended which was so formally pretended easily yeelded to his request whereupon the Duke with the rest of the Confederates did disperse themselves and according to direction made their preparations and furnished themselves with all things necessary for the accomplishment of their plot and at the time agreed upon addressed themselves to Oxford well accompanied with horse and foot where they all meet except the Duke of Aumerle The King hearing of their departure determined the day following to follow according to promise and appointment The Duke of Aumerles absence gave just cause of doubt to the rest of his complices and to bee ascertained of the cause of his stay they send a Post unto him but before his arrivall the Duke was departed from his house towards Oxford but by the way went to
round about The Scots under the leading of Archibald Dowglasse about the number of twenty thousand with barbarous crueltie entred into Northumberland making havocke by the way but at a place called Homildon they were encountred by the English under the leading of Henry Lord Piercy surnamed Hotspur and George Earle of March on holy-rood day in harvest who put them to flight and tooke prisoners after the slaughter of ten thousand of them five hundred whereof Mordack Earle of Fife the sonne of the Generall who in the fight lost one of his eyes Thomas Earle Murry Robert Earle of Angus the Earles of Atholl and Mentits were chiefe and amongst the slaine were Sir Iohn Swinton Sir Adam Gordon Sir Iohn Leviston Sir Alexander Ramsey of Dalehowsey and twenty three other Knights Piercy having put his prisoners in safe keeping entred Tividale wasting all in the way and there besieged the Castle of Cockclawes of which Sir Iohn Greenlow was Captaine who upon condition that if hee were not relieved within three moneths compounded to surrender the Castle The first two moneths were past and no reskue nor likelihood thereof appeared But before the expiration of the third moneth the souldiers were sent for to attend the King in his expedition as before against Glendour and so they raised the siege and departed with a plentifull bootie The French King to backe Glendour in his trayterous designes not so much for love of him as hatred to King Henry sent twelve hundred men of qualitie to bee Captaines and Commanders to those rebellious disorderly troopes but the windes were so contrary and the violence of the storme such that they lost twelve of their best ships with their fraught and the rest with great difficultie returned to France The English deriding the whilst the French Kings ill successe whose enterprises though they threatned much yet they alwayes vanished to nothing The report whereof so exasperated his resolutions that forthwith hee sent into Wales twelve thousand men who safely landed and joyned with the Welch But upon notice of the English Armies approach suspecting their owne strength or their partakers fidelitie amazed and heartlesse they ran to their shippes and without any service done disgracefully turned home King Henryes Embassadours lately sent into Britaine for the Lady Iane de Navar Dutchesse of Britaine the relict of Iohn de Mountford surnamed the Conqueror with whom the King by procurators had contracted matrimony in the beginning of February returned with her in safetie The King met her at Winchester where the seventh of February the Mariage was solemnized In the meane time Valerian Earle of St. Pauls out of a malitious hatred to King Henry with seventeene hundred men of warre from Harâ—…ew landed in the Isle of Wight where burning two Villages and some few Cottages in token of triumph hee made some Knights But hearing the people of the Island to have assembled hee hasted to his shippes and retired About that time Iohn Earle of Cleremont the heire of Bourbon wonne from the English the Castles of Saint Peter and Saint Mary and the new Castle The Lord de la Bret wonne the Castle of Calafyn of great consequence for the honour of England to bee questioned The Piercies Earles of Northumberland and Worcester with Henry Hotspur which in the initiation of King Henryes attempts had beene both advisers and coadjutors about this time began to turne retrograde to obedience their reason was for that the King not only refused at their request to redeeme their kinsman Mortimer from Glendours slavery though often by them and their friends to that purpose solicited But likewise contrary to the law of the field and Martiall custome as they pretended had challenged as of right pertaining to him all such prisoners as by their martiall prowesse had beene taken of the Scots either at Homeldon or Nesbyt of which they formerly whether of curtesie or duty by them it was disputable only had delivered unto him Morduk the Duke of Albanyes sonne Neverthelesse they came to the King at Windsor where of purpose to prove him they required that either by ransome or otherwise hee would procure the liberty and inlargement of their cousin german Edmond Mortymer â—…avishly shackled and abused as they affirmed for being true to him The King made answer That the Earle of March was not taken prisoner in defence of his Title nor in his service but willingly suffered himselfe to bee taken because he would not withstand the attempts of the Traytor Owen and his Complices and therefore neither would relieve nor ransome him Whereupon Henry Hotspur brake forth and in passion said The heire of the Realme is bereaved of his right and the robber will not allow him part of his owne for his redemption and therewith the Piercies departed the Kings presence and presently procured Mortymers delivery and to adde more waight to King Henrye's displeasure they entred into a league offensive and defensive with Glendour And by their Proxies in the house of the Archdeacon of Bangor they agreed upon a tripartite Indenture under their hands and seales respectively to bee made to divide the Kingdome into three parts whereby all England from Severne and Trent South and Eastward was assigned for the portion of the Earle of March all Wales and the lands beyond Severne Westward were assigned to bee the portion of Owen Glendour and all the remainder of land from Trent Northward to bee allotted to Lord Piercy This was devised or advised say some by Glendour whom they would make a Southsayer by occasion of a Prophesie as though King Henrie was the Mowldwarpe cursed of Gods owne mouth and they three must bee the Lyon the Dragon and the Wolfe which should divide the land among them But the event proved those blinde fantasticall dreames of the Welch Southsayers to bee Deviationes non divinationes In the meane time King Henry not acquainted with these Conspiracies caused a Proclamation to bee made intimating thereby that the Earle of March had voluntarily caused himselfe to bee taken prisoner That the Rebells having him in their custody and company might pretend some colour wherewith to varnish such conspiracies as secretly they had complotted and contrived against his Crowne and him And therefore his discretion for his safetie advised him not to hearken to any motion for his being redeemed Hereupon the Piercies assisted with a company of Scots whom they by setting their Scottish Prisoners at libertie had procured drew to their partie the Earle of Stafford and Richard Scroope Archbishop of Yorke brother to the beheaded Earle of Salisbury and many others and with them purposed to joyne with the Captaine of the Welch And to set the better glosse to their treasonable attempts they framed by way of accusation certaine Articles against the King which they published and to this effect sent them unto him in writing Articles against King Henry 1. IN primis That when hee returned from his Exilement hee made faith only
the phrase of them is â—…ade bootie of a silver Pix out of the Church hee not only caused the same to bec restored but the souldier also to bee hanged which due justice at that time done kept the rest from offending in that kind and provoked the people under hand to relieve his men with necessaries The French King hearing that King Henry had past the River Soame assembled his Councell whereof thirtie five appearing to the point in question thirtie of them advised that the English should not depart without being fought with but five whereof the Dolphin was none were of a contrary opinion and though they assented not yet by the major voyces enforced to consent Montjoy the French King at Armes was sent to defie the King of England as an enemy to France and to tell him hee should bee fought with King Henryes answer was hee was unwilling to provoke battaile yet too confident in God to feare it by whose good leave hee would proceed in his journey and if the French or any other would oppose him if hee could not finde his way hee would make it or his Sword should faile him and so suffered the Herald being well rewarded to depart King Henry having notice that hee must of force passe another River in his way over which there was but one passable Bridge hee commanded certaine troopes of horse to goe thither on the spurre and some foot Companies to speed thither to second them and to make good the same untill the Army should come When the horse came thither they found the French very busie in breaking downe the bridge but perceiving the approach of the English they left their worke and fled the passage being cleered upon the two twentieth of Octob. the King of England passed over with his Army The Duke of Yorke that lead the reareward sent word to the King that his skowtes had discovered the enemy to come on apace whereupon hee made a stand and gave direction to the Officers what course to take to acquaint their souldiers that to flye would but cause a lingring death for their flight would bee out of the pan into the fire there being no place of refuge neere and the way thither if any were was altogether unknowne And so mounting on horsebacke hee road from place to place assuring them of his resolution to live and die with them and so with his word and countenance hee so encouraged his men that they were generally resolved to conquer and dye and accordingly prepared themselves reconciling themselves to God by confession and receiving the Sacrament and lastly embracing each other with constant protestations to bee firme and faithfull one to the other so upon Friday the five and twentieth of October being derayned in order of battell they attended the signall to begin The Constable of France divided his Companyes into three battailes In the first were placed eight thousand men at armes foure thousand Archers and fifteene hundred Crossebowes the wings consisting of two thousand two hundred men at armes this battaile was led by himselfe the Dukes of Orleance and Burbon the Earles of Ewe Richmond and Vandosme the Lord Dampier the Admirall of France the Marshall Bouciqualle others 2. The middle battaile wherein were more men at armes was commanded by the Dukes of Barre and Alanson and by the Earles of Vawmont Salings Blamont Grantpee and Rusey 3. In the rereward were all the remainder of the French forces and guided by the Earles of Marle Dampmortyne Fauconbridge and the Lord Lonray Captaine of Ards. The Frenchmen thus ordered consisting of sixfold the number of the English thought of nothing but the booty they should get In the meane time King Henry having made choice of a peece of ground halfe fenced on his backe with the Village wherein they had encamped the night before on both sides having strong hedges and ditches began there to order his Battailes But first hee appointed an ambush of two hundred bold Archers which should upon a watch-word given make a whole flight upon the flancke of the enemyes horse The Vantgard consisting of Archers only was conducted by the Duke of Yorke who out of a brave and heroick courage had made entreatie for that place with him were the Lords Beamont Willoughby and Fanhop The maine battaile was led by the King in person which consisted of Bill-men and some Bowmen With him were the Duke of Glocester his brother the Earle Marshall Oxford and Suffolke The reareward was led by Thomas Duke of Exceter the Kings Vncle consisting of all sorts of weapons the Horsemen as wings guarded the Companies on both sides The King to prevent the fury of the French Cavalery by the direction of the Duke of Yorke appointed divers Stakes shod with iron at both ends of six foot long to bee pitched behind the Archers and appointed the Pioners to attend to remove them as occasion and direction gave order These things thus ordered publike prayers were humbly made and the onset was expected which was presently performed by the French horsmen who gave on with a furious bravado but Sir Walter Orpington who was thereunto appointed giving the signall the English gave a great showte whereupon according to direction the Bowmen behind the hedges sent forth such a showre of Arrowes that the French horse thereby galled were so unruly that their riders could not force them to give against the ditch to come at those that were beyond the ditch Whereupon the Vantguard of the English taking advantage of their disorder made forward and powred another volly of arrowes among them by meanes whereof the horse thorowly gald either cast their riders or through their unrulinesse so opened their ranckes that the right Wing of the English horse gave in so manly that the French horse disorderly retiring broke the aray of their foot who were miserably trod downe and disrancked with their owne Company by this the two hundred Bowmen having emptied their quivers flung away their Bowes and with their swords fell upon the enemy and wresting from them their owne weapons made a great slaughter among them and putting the voward to flight they adventured upon the middle battaile which the French horsmen taking in scorne to be charged with so small a company bravely gave on Whereupon the English made show of retiring but when they came where the Bowmen were Impaled with the armed stakes they made a stand and as the horsmen were thereby gored they were ready to helpe them forward with a pat on the pate with a browne Bill to their last home whereby their maine battaile was broken and disordered when presently the King with his maine battell gave on with that resolution that himselfe in person charged the Duke of Alanson by whom hee was in his carere wel-nie unhorsed but afterward hee having slaine two of the Dukes men that were neerer to him then the Duke hee charged the Duke againe and with his sword
the space of five miles round spoyled whatsoever might helpe or advantage the English hee himselfe undertaking the defence of the great Fort built upon the East-bridge from whence making a French bravado in show more then a man at first hee retired weaker indeed then a woman with losse of many his souldiers to the Towne leaving the English in possession of the Fort. From an high Tower in this Bulwarcke out of a window therein the besiegers observed the passages of the Townesmen about two moneths after the siege began the noble Duke of Salisbury thinking to informe himselfe of the state of the Towne unhappily looking out of this Window with Sir Thomas Gargrave a great shot from the Towne striking the barres of the Window the splinters whereof were driven into his head and face of which wound within eight dayes after hee dyed Hee married Elianor Daughter of Thomas Holland Earle of Kent by whom hee had issue only Anne married to Richard Nevill one of the younger sonnes of Ralph Nevill Earle of Westmerland hee had a base sonne named Iohn This Earles death was a second weakening of the young Kings expected triumphs for two limmes of his budding tree of carefull protection and thriving direction are lopt off by death and a third began to bee putrified The Earle of Suffolke succeedeth in the charge of the siege who finding necessaries wanting sendeth Sir Iohn Falstaffe for supplies the Regent furnisheth him speedily and in his returne the Lord de la Brets nine thousand strong endevours to intercept him but being discovered Sir Iohn resolved to abide the charge placeth his carriages behind the horse next and the foot before lyning his Bowes with Bill-men pitching stakes behind the Archers who having loosed their first volley retired behind the stakes on which the French forgetting their former defeats that way ranne and gored their horses and were forced to light against their wills with a knocke on the crowne with a brown Bill layed on with a strong arme by which their Voward being disordered the battell made a stand which Sir Iohn perceiving cryeth out Saint George they flye which was no sooner spoken then it proved true for there with they fled and in the fight and chace the French lost two thousand five hundred men with the Lords de la Brets and William Steward and eleven hundred were taken prisoners with whom and a rich booty they came to the Campe before Orleace Hereof the besieged having notice hopelesse of helpe from the French King they offered to submit themselves to the protection of the Duke of Burgoyne who was contented to accept them upon the Regents consent This motion pleased many of the Councell of warre but the Generall and the rest more considerate did mislike it Whereupon the Generall returned this answer That since the King his Master had bestowed so long time and exhausted so much Treasure and spent so much victuals besides the uncomparable losse of the Earle of Salisbury slaine there hee could not but thinke it would much redound to his owne dishonour and the disparagement of the renowne of the kingdome of England If now the besieged were driven to that extremity that they were not able to subsist of themselves that any other then those that had beaten the bush should have the birds Then made the besieged meanes to the Duke of Alanson who used such diligence that taking advantage of too much slacknesse of watch in the Campe being secured as they thought from danger of sally from within or approach of enemy from without hee furnished the Towne both with fresh provision and forces under the coverture of a dark most tempestuous night which put such fresh spirit into the citizens that they made a brave salout and by fine force carried the Bulwarcke upon the bridge and another Fort and slew sixe hundred English and adventured upon the Bastile in which the Lord Talbot commanded who not being used to be coopt up valiantly issued out and bravely repulsed them backe with great slaughter and confusion into the Towne But the next day the Earle of Suffolke left the siege and dispersed his Army to their severall places of garrison and in his returne the Lord Talbot surprized the Towne and Castle of Lavall But now the wheele of fortune began to turne and disasters and disgraces fell hudling one upon the necke of another on the English part And first the Duke of Alanson having raised a great power tooke by assault the towne of Iargeux and therein the Earle of Suffolke and one of his brothers and slew Sir Alexander Pole another of their brothers and many other Prisoners in cold blood because of the contention among the French to whom the Prisoners did belong Then the Lords Talbot Scales and Hungerford with five thousand men going to fortifie the towne of Meum were encountred by the said Duke and Arthure of Britaine and three and twenty thousand men who fiercely assayled them The English Lords for a time endured the shocke and enterchanged some blowes but opprest with multitude the three Lords are taken prisoners all sore wounded twelve hundred of their company slaine the residue hardly escaping to Meum where they used their best forces to fortifie themselves against future assaults These disasters were seconded by the perfidious surrender of many Townes and strong holds to the French King who now encouraged by these good successes marched into Champaigne where by Composition hee tooke the chiefe Citie thereof Troyes Chaltons rebelleth and enforceth their Captaine to yeeld it up by whose example the Citizens of Reme do the like wherein the French King is a new Proclaimed there with accustomed Ceremonies annointed and crowned and is thereby furthered with the voluntary submission of many Townes Castles strong holds who from every part sent their subjective messages unto him The Duke of Bedford with tenne thousand English besides Normans marched out of Paris sending Letters of defiance to the French King affirming therein that hee contrary to the accord betwixt King Henry the fifth and King Charles Father to him that was but an usurper by the instigation of a feminine divell had taken upon him the Title and dignitie of King of France and by deceitfull and unjust meanes had surreptitiously stolne not conquered and kept divers Cities and places of import belonging to the Crowne of England for legall proofe whereof by stroke of battaile hee was come into that part and thereby would justifie his Chartelâ—… true and cause just leaving allowance to his enemy to make choice of the place and in the same hee should bee sure of battaile The new King howsoever perplexed set a good countenance on the matter and told the Harrold that hee would sooner seeke his Master then his Master should need to seeke him and without further answer dismissed him The Regent thereupon maketh towards him and making choice of an indifferent place encampeth in sight of the French And though
engratiated he not only supplanted him from the place but procured it for himselfe to the no little hart-burning of the Duke of Yorke and his friends but hee had wit in his anger and rested silent The towne of Mauns according to the agreement is not given up The King of France prepares to besiege it but upon the motion of the Marquesse order is given for the present surrender thereof now no man in grace with the King but hee none can have any favour from the Queene but by him the extent of his power over-reacheth all the Councell hee gets of the King the Wardship of the body and lands of the Countesse of Warwicke and of the Lady Margaret sole Daughter and heire of Iohn Duke of Somerset afterward Mother to King Henry the seventh The Kings facile nature and flexible condition was the occasion that many enormities encreased and many things made worse that might have beene better if observed and stopt in the beginning The Duke of Glocester for his moderation and provident care in all things stiled good and for his paines in delivery of his mind honest is an eye-sore to an ambitious minion and an imperious woman shee will no longer admit any curbe to her vast desires of empery shee is as well able to advise the King as all his Councell to what purpose then needeth a Protector The Duke of Glocester must therefore bee removed and excluded not only from command but Councell and to adde to affliction shee permitted if not procured divers sinisterly affected to informe against him whereof the new Marquesse and the Duke of Buckingham were not the most backward and the Cardinall Bishop of Winchester and Archbishop of Yorke would not bee much behind one objection was made against him that he had caused divers persons to be executed contrary to the judgement of the Court denounced and against the law of the land in these cases provided his too much zeale of execution of justice if zeale in that point may be justly termed a crime made him subject to be censured to have perpetrated a criminall offence But to avoid tumultuary partakings for he was generally well esteemed howsoever by purblind observers deemed worthy taxe it was concluded by those that maligned his sincere and just proceedings that hee should without any publicke denuntiation of his offence bee privately convicted and condemned to which end a Parliament by the procurement of his enemies unwitting to the King is called at Bury to which the Duke of Glocester resorting is on the second day of the Session by the Lord Beamond then high Constable abetted by the Duke of Buckingham arrested and put to Ward all his followers without exception sequestred from him whereof thirty two are committed to severall prisons the next day after his commitment hee is found in his bed murthered yet shewed the same day being the foure and twentieth day of February publickly making show as though hee had dyed of an impostume but all indifferent persons that saw his corps could not but deeme he dyed of an unnaturall cause his corpes were the same day conveyed to Saint Albones and there buried five of his meniriall servants Sir ROGER CHAMBERLAIN Knight MIDDLETON HERBERT ARTZIS Esquire and IOHN NEEDHAM Gentlemen were condemned to bee drawne hanged and quartered But the Marquesse of SVFFOLKE to make a show to the world of his having no finger in the businesse brought their pardon and delivered it at their proposed place of execution some criticall observers have affirmed the stile of Gloucester as ominous and make instance of Hugh Spencer Thomas of Woodstock and this Duke Humphry but it may be well collected that this Dukes death gave a prodigious presage of the ensewing Calamitie of the Common-wealth sometimes in quenching of smoke men burne their fingers in the fire so the Queene casting to preserue her husbands honor and her owne regalitie in making away this honest Duke affected that which discretion should have most labored to prevent which was the decay of the house of Lancaster which was vnlikely to have chanced if this Duke had lived For his primogeniture would haue kept backe the Duke of Yorkes claime to the Crowne this Richards father being but the fift sonne of Edward the third Humphry Plantagenet was the fourth sonne of Edward the third Duke of Gloucester Earle of Hennault Holland Zeland and Pembroke Lord of Frisia great Chamberlaine of England he married two wives Iaquet from whom he was divorced and Elianor daughter of Reginald Lord Cobham by whom before marrage he had a daughter called Antigona married to Henry Gray Lord of Tanckervile but no issue legitimate The new Marquesse of Suffolk by the great fauour of the King But more desire of the Queene is created Duke of Suffolk which brought him within the compasse of Contempt of the Kings surviving Vncle The Duke of Yorke who now beginning to sucke the venome of his kinswoman the Lady Cobhams sorcery and awakened with his brothers losse her disgrace and his owne disrepute having by consanguinitie and affinity a faire meanes to draw a partie observing that they onely sat at the stearne that were vnable yea vnworthy to use the oare of the common-wealth and that all affares of state were meerly managed by the Queene and her fauourite the Duke of Suffolk the King being as a Cipher but at their pleasure to make a number did amongst his familiars privily whisper his title and right to the Crowne and afarre off as in a landskip to make a show of desire to see the flourishing encrease of the white Rose And so politikly carried his intent that all things were provided to further his proiect ere his purpose was published during this plotting Henry Bewford the rich Cardinall Bishop of Winchester takes his leave of this world and leaves more riches behind him then either good deeds or glorious name he was more noble in blood then notable in learning of high looke and haughty stomacke constant in nothing more then malice and mischiefe and that chiefly employed against good Duke Humphry his desires were insatiable for mony still coveting more but misimploying nothing in expence for he only horded to make others rich and himselfe poore what his ends were except he was perswaded never to dye no living man did know and had he desired to have measured his greatnesse by his goodnesse he had never been administrator to his owne good name for that dyed long before him without which we leave him to be seconded in the Bishopricke of Winchester by a more deserving Prelate which was William Wanfleet so stiled of the place he was borne in but his name was Pattern of the worshipfull family whereof he was descended The fifth of August following dieth Iohn Holland Duke of Exceter Earle of Huntington and Iuory in Normandy Lord of Sparr Leivetenant generall of the Dutchy of Aquitaine Admirall of England and Constable of the Tower of London he married
in Sussex Surry and Wilshire but were soone appeased without much hurt done only the Wilshire men upon the nine and twenteth day of Iune drew William Askots Bishop of Salisbury from the high altar celebrating Masse in Edington Church in his albe with his stole about his necke to the top of the hill and their inhumanly murdered him Their rage having blinded their reason banisht humanitie and drowned all pitty they stripped him naked every one of his tenants striving to have a peece of his bloody shirt not as others to have the relikes of the Martyr to celebrate his memory but as glorying in their owne villany they having the day before robbed his carriage and taken the sum of ten thousand marks The French King taking hold of these disorders in England winneth out of their hands all whatsoever was in their possession in France no succour though often and earnestly by writing and Messengers required being sent unto them so that England at this time suffred a totall eclipse of glory in France They every day loosing more or lesse untill they had nothing left in France to loose but the Towne of Callice and the Castles of Hames and Gnynes so that King Henry the Fifts propheticke declaration that what Henry of Monmouth got in France Henry of Windsor should lose was now verified The Duke of Somerset having so well discharged his place of Regency that hee had lost but few men but consumed much Treasure and kept never a Towne commeth into England and at a Parliament which began at Westminster the sixt of November was put under arrest upon notice whereof the commons of London despoiled his house at Black-fryers and ransacked the same making havocke of all things untill Proclamation was made on pain of death that no man should meddle with any the Dukes houses or stuffe and one for disobeying the Proclamation was beheaded at the Standard in Cheape The Duke of Yorke under pretence of comming to this Parliament came out of Ireland and at London had private conference with Iohn Duke of Norfolke Richard Earle of Salisbury the Earle of Devon and other his assured Friends where it was resolved to keepe the chiefe purpose the pretence to the Crowne secret and only make shew of his endevours to bee bent to remove those from the Councell of the King that had so dishonoured the Realme and wasted the revenewes of the Crowne in losing so many good Townes in France and doing nothing worthy their place or credit they held about the King whereof the Duke of Somerset must bee the chiefe man to bee instanced and the rather for that hee was in great contempt of the Commons and was the only hee that opposed the Duke of Yorke in all things The Duke having layed the foundation of this his so long intended enterprise sent divers Letters unto the King wherein hee intimated the many unworthy proceedings plotted against him by his enemies whereby they had well-nie if hot altogether withdrawne his Majesties affection from him and though hee were and was ready to lay downe his life at the Kings command as a testimony of his ever to continue loyalty yet by their secret and dishonourable practises they had besmeared his honour with suspition of his integrity which was a griefe unutterable and an injury unsupportable That his patience abused might turne to furie neverthelesse his only request was to know his accuser and either to have libertie to defie him and make good his challenge by the law of Armes or bee permitted to take that course for the reparation of his Honour as was appertaining to his condition and birth To this the King maketh answer that hee would take his complaint of wrongs into consideration and endevour to give him faire satisfaction but withall somewhat blames him for the death of the Bishop of Chester by his meanes suspected to bee slaughtered and of dangerous speeches uttered by his servants tending to rebellion concluding that notwithstanding any thing said or done to the contrary he did take and esteeme him as a faithfull subject and a loving kinsman The Duke of Yorke not herewith satisfied intending at once both to promulgate his protestation and display his colours departeth into Wales and there levieth men making his colour for the good of the Common-wealth and the removing the bad Councellers that sought the ruine of his subjects from the Kings Councell Newes hereof being brought the King with the Duke of Somerset now enlarged with an Army marched towards Wales whereof the Duke of Yorke having notice by his Scoutes which way the King came by a contrarie way marched towards LONDON but having from thence received advertisements that hee would bee prohibited entrance hee past the River Thames at Kingstone bridge and marched into Kent expecting there to find many friends at least partakers and encamped upon Burnt heath The King in his pursuit came to Blackheath and there pitcht his Tents From whence the King sent the Bishops of Winchester and Ely the Lord Rivers and Richard Andrews the keeper of the Privie Seale to know the cause of this Commotion and to make offer of reconcilement if the Dukes Demaunds were consonant to reason The Duke made answer that there was nothing intended that might bee prejudiciall to the Kings person his Crowne or Dignitie nor to the hinderance of any good man but to remove certaine blood-suckers evill disposed persons oppressours of the poore and infamous impostors from about the King but especially Edmond Duke of Somerset whom if the King would bee but pleased to commit to Ward untill by a legall tryall in Parliament hee might receive judgement of such treasonable crimes as should then and there bee proved against him that then he would not only dismisse his Army but come unto his presence as a true and loyall subject in dutie was bound so to doe and to tender him all befitting service Hereupon the Duke of Somerset is committed to prison the Duke of Yorke dismisseth his Army and commeth in person to the King where finding the Duke of Somerset in the Presence hee chargeth him with Treason The Duke of Somerset denieth the accusation and recriminates the Duke of Yorke to have conspired the death of the King and the usurpation of the Crowne The King removeth to London and the Duke of Yorke as a prisoner rode before the King but the Duke of Somerset at liberty which ministred much occasion of heart-burning amongst the friends of Yorke The King calleth a Councell at Westminster where the Dukes are earnest in accusing each other Somerset instantly craved of the Councell that the Duke of Yorke might by compulsion or otherwise bee made to confesse his Conspiracy and to doome him to condigne punishment and his children taken as enemies to their country as the only meanes to represse the so much to bee feared civill dissention This hee with great show of vehemency urged but not how true soever to
the army had altogether quitted France and were returned into England and a generall peace for nineyeers wherin Burgoine and Brittaine are included if they will accept thereof The way made the easier for the compassing this so profitable a conclusion by Lewis his offring to every Saint a Candle for he distributeth sixteene thousand crownes amongst King Edwards Councellors and favorites two thoutwo thousand Crownes to Hastings the Kings Chamberlaine and to the Lord Howard Sir Iohn Cheney Sir Arthur Chauenger or Sellinger and Mountgomery theresidue besides great store of Plate and jewels distributed amongst inferior officers of the Court. The motives that induced King Edward the sooner to condesend to this accord were 1 The vacillation and instabiltie of the Duke of Burgoyne and the Constable they never performing any the agreements really concluded on 2 The extremitie of winter approching the present want of fodder and the not having any strong place or fort to shelter the souldier in The impossiblitie of raising any more great forces for reliefe if necessitie should require to be seconded the late Civill warres having almost eaten out the most and best souldiers in England 4 The emptinesse of the Treasury and alwayes of supply being taken off The Duke of Glocester onely whose braines were busie at worke about great designes the easie compassing whereof hee deemed unpossible in case the warres with France were not pursued opposed this accord neverthelesse it proceeded and notice therof is presently sent to the Duke of Burgoyne who thereupon onely with fifteene hundred horse posts to the English Campe At his first arrivall he discovers his inward passion by his outward countenance But he came to late too prevent what was done King Edward perswades him to enter into the peace according to the reservation But Charles reprocheth K. Edward for entring into such a truce saying that K. Edwards predecessors had with their armies performed many brave notable exploites upon the French purchased thereby fame and reputation and that he had brought his souldiers but to show them the Country returne as they came adding therwithall That to make it appeare to the world that he was able without the helpe of the English to subsist of himself he disclaimed any benefit by that truce or any other reconciliation with the French untill three months after the English had remained in their owne Country But when King Edward not well pleased with this French bravado retorted unto him the base and forgetfull neglect both on the Constables part and his of not being their words Masters The Duke in a great snuffe returnes to Luxenburg from whence he came For the better confirmation of what was agreed upon and setling of amitie betwixt the two Kings an interview is desired but before the same is effectuated the French King sends unto the English armye an hundred Tun of Gasooyne wine to be drunke out amongst the private soulders and therewith free licence at pleasure for Commanders and Gentlemen of ranke and qualitie to recreate themselues in Amiens where they were freely and fairely entertained by the Burgers at the kings expresse commandement The commanders in chiefe at their returne were well rewarded with jewels and plate for their faire deportment and the orderly carriage of their Souldiers during the aboad there and not without good cause for hadnot their behaviour bin the better the number of those that were there had bin sufficient to have done much mischiefe or made themselves Masters of the town A place of interview of these two Kings is agreed on against the time appointed all things are orderly prepared readily fitted at the charge of the French king by the English Carpenters foure of the bed Chamber on both sides are appoynted to search the contrary end of the roome to prevent traps or instruments of trechery lest any thing might bee pottedor practised to the preujudice of their Masters They returne certifyingl mnia bene the Kings advanace themselves K. Edward being come in sight of the place maketh a stand as being told the omission of any circumstance in point of honour might reflect upon not wisely forecasting all passages of state and knowing to attend the first offer of the ceremony would much take of frō the dignity of his state which although King Lewis perhaps did apprehend yet hee would not stand to straining of curtesie and fearing to loose the faire opportunity to give two blowes with one stone free himselfe from their presence whose breath was to hot for his company weaken therby the arme of an overweening neighbour he gave the K. of England the advantage to come at his pleasure whilst first to the bar appointed for conference And there did attend King Edwards leasure he had in his company Iohn Duke of Bourbon with his brother the Cardinal and was attended with 800. men at armes King Edward comes with his brother the Duke of Clarence Glocester wanting moderation with patience to admit a Court complement in the sight of an army with a French man excused his not comming the Earle of Northumberland the Lords Chamberlaine and Chancellor and at his backe his whole army in battaile aray The kings lovingly embrace each other court cringes complements of courtesie reciprocally passe which finished they with their nobles then present all take their oathes upon the holy Evangelists in all things pro posse to observe the articles of accord concluded on as afore Then all were cōmanded to withdraw themselves whilst the two kings fall into private conference concerning the Dukes of Burgoyne and Britany Lewis leaves not a string untoucht that might make muficke for his profit And having felt the K. of Englands pulse not to beate over strongly on behalfe of his brother in law that on his part he desired but respit until he might receive answer of a message he would send to the D. that if he refused to accept of the benefit of the accord he would leave him to the French K. pleasure he leaves further speech of him earnestly importnes that Britayn might be left out of their articles which K. E. utterly denies affirming that he had found the D. an open hearted opehanded friend to his in his extremity therfore would not now leave him unregarded Lewis observing Ed. countenance in delivery of those words thought it no policie to strain that string any higher but with all curtesie takes his leave giving many kind words some tokens of favour to some noblemen all the officers so departeth yet after he was gone not throughly disgesting the K. of Englands defence of the D. of Britaine he makes a second motion unto him to the former purpose by letter from whom he received this resolute answer that if the French K. desired the friendship of England he should not molest the D. of Britayne for he was resolved in person to come at any time for his defence
he himselfe walked the cleane contrary way The Northern men well rewarded are returned home and the king left at leasure to discover his masked hipocrisie and at liberty to invent and put in practise stratagems of death and murther And as afterwards he ended his time with the best which was his so began he his raigne with the worst which was the death of his two innocent Nephewes The King and the Queene take their progresse into Glocester to visit in his new honour the place of which he bare the name of his old By the way he plotteth the manner of the destruction of the two innocent lambes left behind in the slaughter-house For the execution whereof he sent one of his execrable instruments named Iohn Greene with a letter and instructions to Sir Robert Brackenbury Leiftenant of the Tower a creature of no small credit with him presently upon the sight thereof to take order for the dispatching out of the way those two as he termed them bastard brats But the Lieftenant in this howsoever vehemently suspected as guiltie of other like imployments being honest both detested the businesse and denyed to performe the Command with which answer Greene returned to Warwicke where the King then was to whom he related the Lieftenants answer wherewith the king was doubly perplexed with the discovery of his intention and the refusall by him on whose readinesse hee much presumed before And much discontented he withdrew to his Chamber where after some vent to his passion he made enquiry of some of the pages if any could thinke of a man that to gaine his Soveraignes favour would hazard the losse of a finger or somewhat more whereupon one of the Pages presently gave information of a Knight who to give wing to his ambitious desires which were ever desirous of the Kings imployment would not be scrupulously conscienced nor would stand much upon the hazard of his limmes to doc his Majestie service adding withall that he was now in bed in the next chamber upon this man the K. presently pitcheht And hastely rifing from the close stoole for this Communication was at the time of evacuation a faire closet and a fit season for such counsell he went forth into the pallace Chamber where hee found two brothers Sir Thomas and Sir Iames Tirrell in bed together men of different conditions but equall comlinesse of feature and countenance wherein few in those times did exceed them Sir Iames before by the Page fully described to be the undertaker is singled out and privately conferd withall by the king And to him hee briefly importeth his minde and the meanes to purchase his perpetuall respect and favour The Knight as greedy of the imployment as the King to have it effected out went the Kings expectation in forwardnesse undertakes the performance of whatsoever shal be appointed whereupon the next morning hee is dispatched with letters mandatorie to Sir Robort Brackenbury for present surrender up of his command the keyes of the Tower for a time to the bearer Sir Iames Tirrell which was accordingly done Sir Iames before hand had furnished himselfe with actors for such a filthy tragedy whose names were Miles Forrest and Iohn Dighton a couple of Rake-shames that had beene thoroughly flesht in all villany And had so often offended the law by shedding of blood that the custom thereof had taken away the sence of the sinne so that to cut the throate of a Prince or a Pig was without difference to them These the second night after his having of the keyes of the Tower Sir Iames imployes to smother the two poore innocents in their bed which they did by wrapping hard their pillowes about their heads and stopping their breath with their bed clothes which done they tooke and buried them under the stayres amongst a heape of stones From whence they were after removed in more obscuritie but to a place of Christian buriall by Sir Robert Brackenburyes Chaplaine whose suddaine death which hapned some few dayes after hindered the discovery of the place And thereby gave cause of doubt to some and colour to others by the credulous folly of a few but the inveterate malice of more afterwards to justifie Perkyn Warbecks and others imposturie The tragedy being come to the Catastrophe away poasts Sir Iames having first taken order for the shipping of his agents for the Lowe Countries to the King From whom at first he received gracious countenance good words and great promises But was never afterwards preferred or imployed by the King as perceiving in his lookes some reluctancy for what he had so lately done But scornd and detested by all that knew the imployment abandoned by his owne brother and despicable in his owne thoughts And such is usually the reward of those that pawne their soules to purchase uncertaine preferment for as good Phisitians affect not poyson though skilfully sometimes they make use of it no more doe any the traytor that take advantage of the Treason The King doth now perceive that he is able enough to subsist of himselfe and without Buckinghams ayde or advise powerfull enough to plot and actuate any requirable project And therefore having now freed himselfe from any competitors for the Garland by the murther of his two Nephewes he began by little and little to weane himselfe from Buckingham and withdrawes his former privacy of conference with him And first delayes and then denyes to performe the pact and agreement so solemnly before concluded betwixt them yet publickly washes his face in every company with all showes of Court holy water which the Duke wisely observing one formerly sufficiently acquainted with his disposition Thinking it farre better to be enjoyer but of a small loafe then to have no bread playes with the King at his owne weapon At Glocester taketh occasion with outward show of all formall respect and former integrity to take his leave of the King and so departed the Court But they had no sooner severed themselves but each began to observe the others behaviour and by meanes of interlopers they were known to misconster and misinterpret each others words and actions so that the knot of familiaritie formerly united in treachery was now easily dissolved by Ielouâ—…ie which was the sooner brought about by this occasion After the Dukes arrivall at his Castle of Brecknock he sent for his prisoner Morton Bishop of Ely whom he familiarly entertained and from time to time continued such his kind and respective entertaiment towards him which the wise Bishop observing and withall noting the Dukes haughty heart and ambitious haughtines he thought it good discretion from thence to take his hint to make his wisedome the meanes of his own deliverance though with the Dukes distruction For the Bishop besides his profound learning having often and by alternate proofe of prosperity and adversity gotten experience the mother and mistris of wisdome and thereby could discerne the passages of polliticke and cunning contrivements perceiving the Duke so
over-forward to Cope with his conversation that he would omit no place or time convenient but he would expresse himselfe in a most affectionate manner to be most desirous to injoy it the Bishop at times of conference would so order his Communication that he seemed rather to follow then lead the Duke into any discourse which either concerned the commendation of Henry the sixt or Edward the fourth And would therein so temper his speech that hee would not deliver further or more then what hee was assured the Duke could not well contradict But ever modestly without either arrogating or derogating to the Honor of the one or other But if at any time any passage in their talke intervened that might any way reflect upon the now King hee would make suddaine stoppes saying he had beene fomerly too forgetfull that way and had waded to farre in relation of occurrences in the world more then did become his Coate but now hee was resolved to leave those courses and wholly to apply himselfe to his bookes and beades and meditate on the next world Neverthelesse the Duke after many protestations of secrecy importuned the Bishop but to expresse his opinion of the condition of King Richard and the validity of his tirle to the Crowne of England telling him withall that hee was resolved to entreat and presumed he should obtaine it his faithfull and secret counsell in a busines that neerely concerned him as one upon whose Religious honesty and every way sufficiency hee would altogether rely Adding further that to that end he had procured leave from the then Protector to have the Bishop committed to his courtesie whereby hee might with the more conveniency and safetie conferre with him thereabouts And the Bishop might be assured of more safety and respect then in another place The Bishop gave him many thankes for this his undeserved favour desiring the continuance of them But withall told him that Princes were like fire howsoever at a distance they gave warmth yet kist they would burne the lippes And therefore saith hee I love not to talke of them as being a thing not altogether out of danger For though the words in themselves deserve no reprehension yet are they ever subject to other mens misconstruction or misinterpretation and seldome if at any time passe according to the intention and meaning of the speaker but as they are taken But this added more oyle to the flame of the Dukes desire to be resolved of the Bishops verdict of the before past proceedings and his judgement of occurrences to follow And the more cautious the Bishop was in his relations the more eager and earnest was the Duke to be thoroughly informed of both and at length hee prevayled with his importunitie so farre that one evening after supper sitting privately together the Duke having engaged his honour as swearing by his George and his soule by calling his maker to witnesse that whatsoever at that time the Bishop should deliver unto him should for ever be buried in silence and never goe further The Bishop stood off no longer but demonstrated at large that the late Protectors proceedings were discommendable his Ambition unsufferable his bloody designes intolerable his usurped government tyrannicall and the Honour and quiet of the Kingdome in apparant ieopardie And then with great earneâ—…nes both of speech and gesture he further said Royall Sir I adjure you by the faith you owe to God by the honorable respect you beare to your progeny by your oath made to Saint George the patron of that honorable order of the Garter whereof you are a deserving companion by the true affection you carry to your native Countrey and your due love to vertue and integritie bee not averse but bravely second that faire and honest course that I shall propose unto your grace For thereby tyrannous usurpation may be suppressed Iustice advanced and future peace everlastingly established which God of his infinite bountie will vouchsafe to accomplish if you will with what convenient speed you may procure or provide a fit and undisparagable match for the eldest daughter of King Edward our late King And if with possibilitie it may be obtained let him be such a person as may revnite the long since severed bearings of the red Rose and the White then will all intestine broyles be pacified and every one shall freely enjoy the happy benefit of the now so much desired blessed Concord This speech was not so soone ended but the Duke elevating his eyes to heaven put of his Cappe And sayd To thee oh heavenly father sole giver of every good and perfect gift from the altar of my humblest heart I render all possible praise and thankes for that thou â—…ast given ability through thy gracious spirit to this thy servant to invent a fiaer meanes whereby thy glory may be propagated innocency preserved and inhumanity punished the good quiet of thy people procured and every true patriot have just cause to rejoyce in thee And then putting on his Cap againe he sayd to the Bishop At what time my brother in law for I presume it is not unknowne to you that King Edward and I did marry two sisters left this life I began to revolue with my selfe how little respect or favour after such my marriage I had received at his hands notwithstanding any so neere affinity besides propension of love to doe him all acceptable service and his little humanitie showen to me made me as little reckon of him and lesse of his children Then the old Proverbe comming into mymind That that Realme often rueth where children raigne and women beare sway I could not but be perswaded That much mischiefe and perturbation would betide the whole Kingdome if either the young King were suffred to sway the Scepter or the Queene mother to have the government and the rather for that her brothers and children by a former husband although not extract of very ancient Nobilitie assumed more unto themselves in managing of the state affaires then either the deceased Kings brethren or any other Peere of the Realme whereupon to prevent a further mischiefe I thought it very requisite both for the advancement of the publike good and my owne particular interest to insinuate and partake with the Duke of Glocester whom I then reputed as free from simulation or dissimulation and as tractable without doing injury and iust without showing cruelty as now to my shame I may speake it and to my griefe I have proved him to be a perjured dissembler and a pittilesse tyrant And thereupon I sided with Glocester and by my sole labour and industry without the least suspicion I protest of what after hapned he was at the first Councell held after the death of King Edward procured as partly you my Lord Bishop know to be made Protector both of King and Kingdome whereunto he had no sooner attained but by like policy he got into his custody his two innocent Nephewes the King and the
his retinue were upon the way to joyne with the Earle of Richmond Richard Griffith likewise with a band of of brave Welch-men and John Morgan with the like number encreased Earle Henryes forces who with them fairely and easily marched towards Shrowsbury The Earles skowts bring in word that Sir Robert Harbert and Rice ap Thomas were ready with a great power to stop his passage Whereupon hee dispatched messengers with Letters to his Mother and Friends to certifie them of all occurrences since his safe arrivall and to acquaint them with his intention to passe Severne at Shrowsbury and from thence to march directly for London and then prepares himselfe for the encounter And in his march is saluted by Rice ap Thomas who with a valiant crew of souldiers offers their service so as Earle Henry will pledge his faith to performe his promise formerly intimated by Letter which was that after hee had obtained the Crowne Richmond should make and appoint Rice sole governour of Wales which was assented unto and accordingly afterwards performed Sir Gilbert Talbot that evening with all the Earle of Shrowsburyes tenants the Earle himselfe being the Kings Ward with about two thousand well appointed men came and joyned with Richmond The Lord Stanly in the way with 5000. men had taken his lodging at the towne of Leicester But hearing of Earle Henryes march that way he quit the Towne and went to Adderton where hee quartered his men King Richard all this time lay at Nottingham slighting any intelligence that was given him of the Earle of Richmonds proceedings and as it were contemning their weaknesse would often aske of their Courtiers what they thought a poore company of fugitive raskalls were able to doe to impeach his pleasure Although at first hee did neglect to stop their proceedings yet when hee understood that those forces which hee had appointed to impeach their passage had only suffered them uninterupted to passe but were now joyned unto Earle Henry King Richard began when it was somewhat with the latest to looke about him posted directions to the Duke of Norfolke the Earles of Northumberland and Surry with Sir Thomas Brackenbury the Lieutenant of the Tower of London and some others his well-willers with all speed and forces possible to repaire unto him to Lutterworth King Richard is informed by his vaunt-curriors that Richmond was encamped at Liechfield and from thence would remove to Leicester wherefore hee upon the arrivall of his power marched towards his enemies The Earle of Richmond likewise with his forces make towards Tamworth and by rhe way is encountred by Sir Walter Hungerford and some others who had that night withdrawne themselves from King Richards part And they gaue Richmond true information both with the number and order of King Richards army The Earle of Richmond hereupon by night and secretly repayreth to his Father-in-law the Lord Stanley with whom and his Brother having consulted of those things that might conduce most to his better proceedings hee returneth but not without some hazard to his company which he found much encreased and encouraged by the accession of Sir John Savage Sir Bryan Stanford and Sir Simon Digby with their severall Companies of valiant and expert souldiers King Richard tooke the advantage of a large plaine a commodious place neere Bosworth adjoyning to a hill called Anne Beame where hee encamped And observing by his Adversaries manner of approach that they were prepared to give him battaile hee the next morning drew his forces with what convenient speed hee could out of the Campe and put them in order The forward that was led by the Duke of Norfolke which consisted of one thousand two hundred Bow-men flancked with two hundred Curasseires under the conduct of the Earle of Surrey The battaile King Richard led in person which consisted of a thousand Bill-men empaled with two thousand Pike The rereguard was led by Sir Thomas Brackenbury consisting of two thousand mingled weapons with two wings of horse-men containing fifteene hundred all of them cast into square manuples still expecting the Lord Stanleys presence who with two thousand most of them horse-men were not set out of their quarter when the forlorne hope of the Earle of Richmond had begun to skirmish the foot-men under the leading of Sir William Stanley being upon their March were enforced as hee pretended to avoid a myrie bogge that lay betwixt them and the King and to avoyd the danger of being charged before they should have opportunitie to joyne with hime to fetch a compasse about by that meanes casting a mist before the Kings eyes that hee might not palpably perceive their intention to give assistance to the Earle of Richmond For if that should have beene discovered it might have cost the life of little George Stanley The Earle of Richmond very early in the morning had sent unto his Father-in-law desiring his present repaire And the rather for that hee wanted his more able direction to deraigne his battaile But hee was answered from him that no ayde or direction must bee expected from him more then that hee advised him with all possible speed to give the onset and aftet the battaile should bee joyned hee and his Brother would second the battell Earle Henry somewhat staggering at the first at the answer made a vertue of a necessitie and tooke counsell of his owne Commanders And by their advise because the weaknesse of their body should not bee presently discerned for their numbers did but little exceed the halfe of the Kings Their Voward was made very open and thin of which John Earle of Oxford had the leading The Earle of Richmond in person led the battell Sir Gilbert Talbot commanding the right wing and Sir John Savage the leaft whose souldiers being all alike clad in white coates of cloth or frize and hoods of the same by the reflection of the Sonne upon them made them appeare in the view of their Adversaries double their number The rereguard was governed by the Earle of Pembrooke which consisted most of horse and some Pike and blacke Bills King Richard having drawne his chiefe Leaders about him And placing himselfe in that manner as that hee might bee the better heard saith My faithfull friends and fellow souldiers you by whose true policie I at first obtained and by whose as true prowesse I have hitherto defended my Crowne mauger all the rebellious machinations and tumultuarie seditions of my so many Adversaries you by whose Prudence and provident circumspection nothing that might further the prosperitie of this kingdome hath beene omitted nothing might impeach or impaire the honour of it hath beene committed so that without adulation I may say it By your only advise I am what I am And if now by your aide and assistance I doe not this day subsist I shall not bee so fortunate to enjoy as I have beene happy to obtaine But I am confident of your loves and loyalties and thereupon set up my rest What should move this
his teeth with haire on his head and nayles on his fingers and toes with a viperous strength enforcing as it were his passage through his mothers wombe whom afterwards he shamed not to accuse of adultery but as one that then wrought journy-worke with the Divell his manners and qualities seconded the feature and lineaments of his body and members which were much deformed being hooke shouldred splay footed and goggle eyd his countenance sower the composure of his face little and round his complexion swarfie his left arme from his birth drye and and withered Nature supplied these deformities of the body with a strong brayne a quicke apprehension a good memory and a most fluent tongue which he seldome exercised but to the abuse of credulitie And with the sweetnesse of his delivery hee could so prevaile with such whom he ment to worke upon that he would ofentimes as it were infatuate them and enforce their beliefe of his oathes and protestations which were by Saint Paul and wishing God to damne him if hee did not performe his word which at the time of the speaking was no part of his thought sometimes against the hearers knowledge and conscience hee was neither morally honest nor religiously good He usd to make authority the stawking horse to his will and his will the sole commander of his conscience the largenesse whereof could without any scruple swallow murther of brother Nephewes wife and neerest friends nay attempt rape and incest with his owne brothers daughter yet did with artificiall dissimulation so cover his dishonest and abhominable intentions that not many could discover them Who or whatsoever opposed his aspiring pride or profitable pleasure was by his plotting cunningly and covertly taken away or removed Hee was so throughly perfect in the Hypocriticall art of simulation and dissimulation that hee would use most complement and shew greatest signes of love and courtesie to him in the morning whose throat he had taken order to be cut that evening He held it for a maxime in policy that halfe doing in any thing was worse then no doing And therefore whatsoever he once attempted hee went through with it howsoever it seemed to others unnaturall and unchristian He used the instruments of his bloudy plottes as men doe their Candles burne the first out to a snuffe and then having lighted another tread that under foote yet howsoever his birth were proaigious and life monstrous yet his death was not dishonorable For though his cause were bad he fought bravely and dyed fighting leaving behind an ample testimony of his great valour and little grace with the end of his raigne by the sword which he had used for the moving of civill dissention betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster which had beene so long drawne and so often bathed in the blood of Christians was happily sheathed And the passage to concord prepared whilst this poore Island that had beene imbroyled with warre and her companions had leasure to call to minde the many murthers stratagemes slaughters overthrowes and calamities which through their unnaturall division of the two Roses she had sustained and thereby she found that from the time that Richard Duke of Yorke who was slaine in the battaile at Wakefield seeking to anticipate the time allotted unto him by authoritie of the Parliament whereby the Crowne was entayled to him and his issue to gaine the possession thereof and from whence all those praerecited miseries did proceed untill the death of the usurper there were slaine fourescore Princes of the blood royall and twice as many natives of England as were lost in the two conquests of France The dissension that fell was betwixt the house of Yorke descended from Lionel borne at Antwerpe Duke of Clarence second sonne of Edward the third and the house of Lancaster issued from Iohn of Gaunt the third surviving but otherwise fourth sonne of the same King the first giving for his cognizance the white Rose the other the Red. Lionell Duke of Clarence married to his first wife Elizabeth daughter heire of William Burgh Earle of Vlster and to his second wife Violenta of Galens Viscount of Mislaine by his first wife he had issue Philip sole only childe which Philip was married to Edmond Mortimer Earle of March and Vlster who had issue by her 1 Roger March the fourth Earle of March 2 Sir Edmond Mortymer that married the daughter of Owen Glendore 3 Sir Iohn Mortymer beheaded 3. H. 6. 1 Elizabeth married to the Lord Percy stiled Hotspur Philip first married to Iohn Hastings Earle of Pembrook and afterward to Richard Earle of Arundel and lastly to Iohn Lord Saint-Iohn dyed without issue Roger the fourth Earle of March 1387. nominated by King Richard the second successor to the Kingdome of England who married Elianor daughter of Thomas Holland Earle of Kent by whom he had issue two sonnes and two daughters 1 Edmond his eldest sonne who succeeded him in the Earldome 2 Roger died leaving his father 1 Anne who was married to Richard Earle of Cambridge sonne of Edmond of Langley Duke of Yorke 2 Elianor married to Edward Courtney Earle of Devonshire Richard of Conisborough married Anne sister and heire of Edmond Mortymer and had issue Richard Duke of Yorke This Richard was the first mover of the faction against the the house of Lancaster the bearer of the red rose He married Ciceley the daughter of Ralph Nevill first Earle of Westmerland and had issue 1 Henry that dyed before his Father 2 Edward of that name the fourth King of England 3 Edmond Earle of Rutland slaine at Wakefield by the Lord Clifford 4 Iohn that all dyed young 5 William and 6 Thomas 7 George Duke of Clarence murdered as afore 1 Anne the eldest daughter was first married to Henry Holland Duke of Exceter and after to Sir Thomas Sayntleoger 2 Elizabeth married to Iohn de la poole Duke of Suffolke 3 Margaret married to Charles Duke of Burgundy 4 Vrsula never married and thus was the title of Yorke derived Iohn of Gaunt so named of the place where he was borne fourth sonne of King Edward the third married three wives the first 1 Blaunch daughter and coheire of Henry first Duke of Lancaster by whom he had issue 1 Henry Plantagenet borne at Bullingbrooke 1 Philip married to Iohn King of Portingall and 2 Elizabeth married to Iohn Duke of Exceter 2 The second wife was Constance daughter and one of the Coheires of Peter king of Castile by whom he had issue Katherine afterward married to Henry sonne of Iohn the King of Spaine 3 His third wife was Katherine daughter of Payne Ruet aliàs Guyen King of armes and the relict of Sir Otes Swinford knight by whom hee had issue but before marriage 1 Iohn surnamed Beauford Earle of Somerset 2 Henry Bishop of Winchester 3 Thomas Branford Earle of Dorset 1 Iohan Branford first married to Ralph Nevill first Earle of Westmerland and then to Robert Ferrers Lord of Ousley This