was very wild and venturous witness his playing at Dice with Henry the second King of France from whom he won a Diamond of great worth at a Cast And being demanded by the King what shift he would have made to repair himself in case he had lost the cast I have said young Chency in an hyperbolical brave SHEEPS TAILS enough in Kent with their Wool to buy a better Diamond then this His reduced Age afforded the befitting fruits of Gravity and Wisdome and this Lord deceased without Issue As for Sir Francis Cheney Sheriff for this present year we formerly observed the distinct Armes of his Family This worthy Knight was father to Charles Cheney Esq. who by his exquisite Travelling hath Naturalized foreign perfections into himself and is exemplarily happy in a vertuous Lady Jane Daughter to the truly Noble William Marquis of New-castle and by her of hopefull Posterity The Farewell On serious consideration I was at a loss to wish to this County what it wanted God and the Kings of England have so favoured it with naturall perfections and civil priviledges In avowance of the latter it sheweth more Burrow-towns sending Burgesses no fewer then twelve to the Parliament then any Shire though thrice as big lying in the Kingdome of Mercia Now seeing at the instant writing hereof the generall News of the Nation is of a Parliament to be called after his Majesties Coronation my prayers shall be that the Freehoulders of this County shall amongst many therein so qualified chuse good Servants to God Subjects to the King Patriots to the County effectually to advance a happiness to the Church and Common-wealth CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE CAMBRIDGE-SHRE hath Lincoln shire on the North Northfolk and Suffold on the East Essex and Hartford-shire on the South Huntington and Bedford-shires on the West being in length thirty five in breadth not fully twenty miles The Tables therein as well furnished as any the South-part affording bread and beer and the North the Isle of Ely meat thereunto So good the grain growing here that it out-selleth others some pence in the Bushel The North-part of this County is lately much improved by drayning though the poorest sort of people will not be sensible thereof Tell them of the great benefit to the publick because where a Pike or Duck fed formerly now a Bullock or Sheep is fatted they will be ready to return that if they be taken in taking that Bullock or Sheep the rich Owner â—…indicteth them for Felons whereas that Pike or Duck were their own goods only for their pains of catching of them So impossible it is that the best project though perfectly performed should please all interests and affections It happened in the year 1657. upon the dissolution of the great Snow their banks were assaulted above their strength of resistance to the great loss of much Cattle Corn and some Christians But soon after the seasonable industry of the Undertakers did recover all by degrees and confute their jealousies who suspected the relapsing of these lands into their former condition This Northern part is called the Isle of Eelie which one will have so named from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fenny or Marish-ground But our Saxon Ancestors were not so good Grecians and it is plain that plenty of Eels gave it its denomination Here I hope I shall not trespass on gravity in mentioning a passage observed by the Reverend Professour of Oxford Doctor Prideaux referring the Reader to him for the Authours attesting the same When the Priests in this part of the County would still retain their wives in despight of whatever the Pope and Monks could doe to the contrary their wives and children were miraculously turned all into Eels surely the greater into Congers the less into Griggs whence it had the name of EELY I understand him a LIE of EELS No doubt the first founder of so damnable an untruth hath long since received his reward However for this cause we take first notice amongst this Counties Naturall Commodities Of Eels Which though they be found in all Shires in England yet are most properly treated of here as most first and best the Courts of the Kings of England being thence therewith anciently supplyed I will not ingage in the controversy whether they be bred by generation as other fish or aequivocally out of Putrefaction or both ways which is most probable Seeing some have adventured to know the distinguishing marks betwixt the one and other I know the Silver Eels are generally preferred and I could wish they loved men but as well as men love them that I my self might be comprised within the compass of that desire They are observed to be never out of season whilst other fishes have their set times and the biggest Eels are ever esteemed the best I know not whether the Italian proverb be here worth the remembring Give Eels without wine to your Enemies Hares Though these are found in all Counties yet because lately there was in this Shire an Hare-park nigh New-market preserved for the Kings game let them here be particularly mentioned Some prefer their sport in hunting before their flesh for eating as accounting it melancholick meat and hard to be digested though others think all the hardness is how to come by it All the might of this silly creature is in the flight thereof and remember the answer which a school-boy returned in a latine distick being demanded the reason why Hares where so fearfull Cur metuunt lepores Terrestris nempe marinus Aethereus quod sit tartareusque canis Whether or no they change their sex every year as some have reported let Huntsmen decide These late years of our civil wars have been very destructive unto them and no wonder if no law hath been given to hares when so little hath been observed toward men Saffron Though plenty hereof in this County yet because I conceive it first planted in Essex we thither refer our description thereof Willows A sad Tree whereof such who have lost their love make their mourning garlands and we know what Exiles hung up their Harps upon such dolefull Supporters The twiggs hereof are Physick to drive out the folly of children This Tree delighteth in moist places and is triumphant in the Isle of Ely where the roots strengthen their Banks and lop affords fuell for their fire It groweth incredibly fast it being a by-word in this County that the profit by Willows will buy the Owner a Horse before that by other Trees will pay for his Saddle Let me adde that if green Ash may burn before a Queen withered Willows may be allowed to burn before a Lady Manufactures Paper Expect not I should by way of Preface enumerate the several inventions whereby the ancients did communicate and continue their Notions to Posterity First by writing in Leaves of Trees still remembred when we call such a Scantling of Paper a Folio or Leafe Hence from Leaves men proceeded to the
Brigges ar ut prius  4 5 Ioh. Denton ar ut prius  5 6 Rich. Fines ar ut prius  REG. ELIZA   Anno   1 Edw. Ashfeld ar   2 Edw. Fabian ar   3 Ioh. Doyle ar  Or 2 Bendlets Az. 4 Hen. Norys ar ut prius  5 Ric. Wenman ar  Quarterly Gules Az. a Cross Patence Or. 6 Ioh. Croker ar Tame P. Ox. Argent on a Cheveron Engrailed Gules between 3 Crows as many Mullets Or pierced 7 Tho. Stafford ar ut prius  8 Christ. Brome   Henry IV. 2 THOMAS CHAUCER He was sole son to Geffery Chaucer that famous Poet from whom he inherited fair lands at Dunnington-Castle in this County and at Ewelme in Oxfordshire He married Maud daughter and coheir of Sir John Burwash by whom he had one only daughter named Alice married unto William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk He lyeth buried under a fair tomb in Ewelme Church with this inscription Hic jacet Thomas Chaucer Armiger quondam Dominus istius villae Patronus istius Ecclesiae qui obiit 18. die Mensis Novembris Anno Dom. 1434. Matilda uxor ejus quae obiit 28. mensis Aprilis Anno Domini 1436. Henry V. 1 THOMAS WIKHAM I behold him as kinsman and next heir to William Wykham that famous Bishop of Winchester to whom the Bishop left notwithstanding above six thousand pounds bequeathed by him in legacies for the discharge whereof he left ready mony one hundred pound lands a year As for his Arms viz. Argent two Cheverons Sable between three Roses Gules a most ingenious Oxfordian conceiveth those Cheverons alià s Couples in Architecture given him in relation to the two Colledges he built the one in Oxford the other in Winchester It will be no sin to suspect this no original of but a post-nate-allusion to his Armes who was whatever is told to the contrary though his parents were impoverished of a Knightly extraction But if it was his assigned and not hereditary Coat it will be long enough ere the Heraulds Office grant another to any upon the like occasion Henry VI. JOHANES GOWFRE Ar. No doubt the same with him who 2 do Hen. 5 nti was written John Golofre He is the first person who is styled Esquire though surely all who were before him were if not Knights Esquires at the least And afterwards this addition grew more and more fashionable in the Reign of King Henry the sixth For after that â—…ack Straw one of the grand founders of the Levellers was defeated the English Gentry to appear above the common sort of people did in all publick instruments insert theit Native or acquired Qualifications Edward IV. 8 JOHN HOWARD Miles He was son to Sir Robert Howard and soon after was created a Baron by this King and Duke of Northfolk by King Richard the third as Kinsman and one of the Heirs of Anne Dutchess of York and Northfolk whose Mother was one of the Daughters of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Northfolk Soon after he lost his life in his quarrell who gave him his honour in Bosworth field From him descended the Noble and Numerous family of the Howards of whom I told four Earls and two Barons sitting in the last Parliament of King Charles I have nothing else for the present to observe of this Name save that a great Antiquary will have it originally to be Holdward L. and D. being omitted for the easier pronunciation which signifieth the Keeper of any Castle Hold or Trust committed unto them wherein they have well answered unto their Name Did not Thomas Howard Earl of Surry well hold his ward by Land when in the reign of King Henry the eighth he conquered the Scots in Flodden-field and took James the fourth their King Prisoner And did not Charles Howard afterwards Earl of Nottingham hold his ward by Sea in 88. when the Armado was defeated But hereof God willing hereafter 15 HUMPHRY FOSTER Ar. This must be he consent of times avowing it who was afterwards Knighted and lyeth buried in Saint Martinâ—… in the Fields London with the following inscription Of your charity pray for the soul of Sir Humphery Foster Knight whose body lyeth buried here in earth under this Marble-stone which deceased the 18. day of the Month of September 1500. on whose Soul sesu have mercy Amen Henâ—…y VII 8 ROBERT HARECOURT Miles Right ancient is this family in France having read in a French Herauld who wrote in the reign of King Edward the sixth that it flourished therein eight hundred years as by a Genealogy drawn by him should appear Of this Family for both give the same Coat at this day viz. Gâ—…les two Barrs Or a younger branch coming over at the Conquest fixed it self in the Norman Infancy at Staunton Harecourt in Oxfordshire And I find that in the reign of King â—…ohn Richard de Harecourt of Staunton aforesaid marrying Orabella daughter of Saer de Quincy Earl of Winchester had the rich manor of Bosworth in Leicester-shire bestowed on him for his wifes portion I cannot exactly distinguish the several Harecourts contemporaries in this County and Sheriffs thereof so as to assign them their severall habitations but am confident that this Robert Harecourt Sheriffe in the reign of King Henry the seventh was the same person whom King Edward the fourth made Knight of the Garter From him lineally descended the valiant Knight Sir Simon Harecourt lately slain in the wars against the Rebells in Ireland whose Son a hopefull Gentleman enjoys the Manor of Staunton at this day 15 JOHN BASKET He was an Esquire of Remark and martiall activity in his younger days who in some years after removed to Devenish in Dorsetshire to whom King Henry the eighth going over into France committed the care of that County as by his following Letter will appear Henry VIII By the King Trusty and Well-beloved We greet you well And whereas we at this time have written as well to the Sheriff of that Our Shire as also to the Justices of Our Peace within Our said Shire Commanding and straightly Charging that as well the said Sheriffs as the said Justices endeavour them for the keeping of Our Peace and the entertainment of Our Subjects in good quiet and restfullness durying the time of Our journey into the parties of beyond the Sea to the which We entend to dispose us about the latter end of this present month of May And forasmuch also as We have for your great ease spared you of your aettendance upon Us in Our said journey and left you at home to doe Us service in keeping of Our Peace and good Rule amongst Our said Subjects We Will thereforâ—… and Command you that dureing the time of Our said absence out of this Our Realme ye have a speciall over-sight regard and respect as well to the Sheriff as to the said Justice how and in what diligence they do and execute
of the same Hand under the new name of a Subsidie Indeed it was pity that the Father of the Diocess should want any thing which his Sons could contribute unto Him He highly favoured the Templars though more pitying then profiting them as persons so stiffly opposed by the Pope and Philip King of France that there was more fear of his being suppressed by their Foes then hope of their being supported by his Friendship He was present in the Councel of Vienna on the same token that therein he had his place assigned next the Arch-bishop of Triers and that I assure you was very high as beneath the lowest Elector and above Wortzbury or Herbipolis and other German Prelates who also were Temporal Princes But now he is gone and his pompe with him dying at Cawood 1315. and buried in the Chappel of Saint Nicholas leaving the reputation of an able Statesman and no ill Scholar behind him MICHAEL TREGURY was born in this County and bred in the University of Oxford where he attained to such eminency that he was commended to King Henry the fifth fit to be a forraign Professor This King Henry desiring to Conquer France as well by Arts as Armes knowing that learning made Civil Persons and Loyall 〈◊〉 reflected on the City of Cane honoured with the Ashes of his Ancestors in Normandy and resolved to advance it an University which he did Anno 1418. placing this Michael the first Professor in the Colledge of his Royal Erection Hence King Henry the sixth preferred him Arch bishop of Dublin in Ireland wherein he continued 22. years deceasing December 21. 1471. and is buried in the Church of Saint Patrick in Dublin I am sorry to see the Author of so many learned books disgraced on his Monument with so barbarous an Epitaph Praesul Metropolis Michael hic Dubliniensis Marmore Tumbatus pro me Christum flagitetis Allowing him thirty years old when Professor at Cane he must be extreamly aged at his departure JOHN ARUNDLE was born of right ancient Parentage of Lanhearn in this County bred in the University of Oxford and was by King Henry the seventh preferred Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield anno 1496. thence translated to his Native Diocese of Exeter 1501. Impute it to the shortness of his continuance in that See that so little is left of his Memory not enough to feed much less Feast the Pen of an Historian He dyed at London anno 1503. and lyeth buryed saith my Author in St. Clements not acquainting us whether Clements East cheap or Clements Danes but I conclude it is the latter because the Bishops of Exeter had their Inne or City-house now converted into Essex-house within that Parish Capital Judges and Writers on the Law There passeth a pleasant Tradition in this County how there standeth a man of great strength and stature with a black Bil in his hand at Polston-bridge the first entrance into Cornwall as you pass towards Launceston where the Assizes are holden ready to knock down all the Lawyers that should offer to plant themselves in that County But in earnest few of that profession have here grown up to any supereminent height of Learning Livelyhood or Authority Whether because of the far distance of this County from the Supremer Courts or because of the multiplicity of petty ones nearer hand pertaining to the Dutchy Stannerie's and other Franchises enabling Atturneys and the like of small reading to serve the peoples turne and so cutting the profit from better-studyed Counsellers Some conceive that Sir Robert Tresillian chief Justice of the Kings-Bench in the fifth of King Richard the Second to be this Country-man though producing no other evidence save Tre the initial syllable of his Surname as a badge of Cornish extraction However we have purposely omitted him in this our Catalogue partly because not claimed by Mr. Carew in his Survey for their Countryman partly because no Worthy as justly executed by Act of Parliament for pronouncing their Acts revocable at the Kings pleasure As for one Cornish man though neither Writer nor actual Judge his worth commands us to remember him namely WILLIAM NOY born in this County was bred in Lincolns-Inn a most sedulous Student constantly conversant with ancient Records verifying his Anagram WILLIAM NOY I Moyl in Law He was for mâ—…ny years the stoutest Champion for the Subjects Liberty untill King Charles entertained him to be his Attorney after which time I read this Character of him in an History written by an ingenious Gentleman He became so servilely addicted to the Prerogative as by Ferretting old penall Statutes and devising new exactions he became for the small time he enjoyed that power the most pestilent Vexation to the subjects that this latter age produced However others behold his Actions with a more favourable eye as done in the pursuance of the place he had undertaken who by his Oath and Office was to improve his utmost power to advance the profit of his Master Thus I see that after their Deaths the Memories of the best Lawyers may turn Clients yea and sue too in forma Pauperis needing the good word of the Charitable Survivors to plead in their behalf He dyed anno Domini 163. Let me add this passage from his mouth that was present thereat The Goldsmiths of London had and in due time may have a Custom once a year to weigh Gold in the Star-Chamber in the presence of the Privy Councill and the Kings Attourney This solemn weighing by a word of art they call the Pixe and make use of so exact scales therein that the Master of the Company affirmed that they would turn with the two hundereth part of a grain I should be loath said the Attorney Noy standing by that all my actions should be weighed in those Scales With whom I concur in relation of the same to my self And therefore seeing the Ballance of the Sanctuary held in Gods hand are far more exact what need have we of his mercy and Christs merits to make us Passable in Gods presence Souldiers King ARTHUR Son to Uther-Pendragon was born in Tintagel-Castle in this County and proved afterward Monarch of Great Britain He may fitly be termed the British Hercules in three respects 1. For his illegitimate birth both being Bastards begotten on other mens wives and yet their Mothers honest women deluded the one by Miracle the other by Art-Magick of Merlin in others personating their husbands 2. Painfull life one famous for his twelve labours the other for his twelve victories against the Saxons and both of them had been greater had they been made less and the reports of them reduced within compass of probability 3. Violent and wofull death our Arthurs being as lamentable and more honourable not caused by Feminine Jealousie but Masculine Treachery being murdered by Mordred near the place where he was born As though no other place on Britains spacious earth Were
Leke ar Sutton Arg. on a saltire engrailed Sab. 9. Annulets Or. 15 Humf. Bradborn   16 Germ. Pole ar   17 Ioh. Manners ar Haddon Or two Bars Az. on a Chief quarterly 2 flower de lys of France and a Lion of 〈◊〉 18 Fran. Wortley ar * York shire  19 Will. Basset ar †  20 Godf. Fuliamb ar * Walton * Arg. a Bend with 3 Besants betwixt 6 Martlets Gul. 21 Tho. Cockain mil. ut prius  22 Ioh. Zouch mil. ut prius †Or 3 Piles Gul. a Canton Er. 23 Ioh. Harper ar †Calke â— S. a Bend bet 6. scallops Or. 24 Hen. Cavendish ar* Chatswo †Arg. a Lion rampant within a border engrailed S able 25 Fran. Curson ar †Kedlifton  26 Ioh. Vernon ar *  * Sable 3 Bucks Heads cabosed Arg. attired Or. 27 Tho. Cockayn mil. ut prius  28 Fran. Leake ar ut prius †Arg. on a bend Sab. 3. Popingais Or collered Vert. 29 Will. Kniveton ar Mircaston  30 Ioh. Manners ar ut prius * Arg. frettee Sab. a canton G. 31 Godf. Fuliamb ar ut prius  32 Humf. Dethick ar  Arg. a Fesse Varrâ—… Or and Gul. bet 3. water bougets Sa. 33 Tho. Gresley ar †Greisly C.  34 Will. Basset ar ut prius †Varry Ermin and Gules 35 Fran. Cockain ar ut prius  36 Ioh. Rodes ar Balbrough Arg. a Lion passant bend-ways Gul. dotfessed Ermin betw 37 Will. Cavendish ar ut prius  38 Geo. Curson ar ut prius 3. Acorns Azure 39 Ioh Manners ar ut prius  40 Hen. Sacheverel ar  Arg. a saltire Az. 5. water Bougets Argeet 41 Io. Willoughby ar* Riseley  42 Edw Cockain ar ut prius * Or on two Bars Gul. 3. water Bougets Argent 43 Pet. Frechvile ar ut prius  44 Fran Fitz-Herbert Norbury Argent a Chies Varry Or and Gules a 〈◊〉 Sable 45 Tho. Gresley mil. ut prius  JACOBUS   Anno   1 Tho. Gresley mil â—…t prius  2 Fran. Leake mil. â—…t prius  3 Ioh. Harper mil. ut prius  4 Hen Willoughby a ut prius  5 Rich Harpeâ—… ar ut prius  6 Hen. Cavendish ar ut prius  7 Ioh. Curson ar ut prius  8 Tho. Burdet ar  Az on 2 〈◊〉 Or 6. Martlets Gules 9 Geo. Fulwood mil.   10 Heâ—… Leigh mil.  Gul. a Cross engrailed in the first quarter a Lozenge Arg. 11 Tho. 〈◊〉 mil. *   12 Will Knivâ—…ton bar ut prius * Gul. on a Bend Argent 3. 13 Ioh. Bullock ar  Crosses patee Sable 14 Hen. Agard ar   15 Fran. Munday ar   16 Rog. Manners mil. ut prius  17 Godf. Tacker ar   18 Ioh. Milward ar  Erm. on a fess Gules 3. plates 19 Tho. Eyre ar   20 Iacinth Sacheverel  Argent on a Saltyre Azure 5. water Bougets of the field 21 〈◊〉 Kniveton m. ut prius  22 Ioh. Fitz-Herbert ut prius  CAROL I.   Anno   1 Hen. Harper ar ut prius  2 Ioh Fitz Herb. mil. ut prius  3 Edw. Vernon mil. ut prius  4 Tâ—…o Burton ar   5 Ioh. Stanhope mil. ut prius  6 Fran. Bradshaw ar   7 Humf. Oakeover ar   8 Ioh. Manners ar ut prius  9 Fran. Foliamb bâ—…r ut prius  10 Ioh. Gell. ar   11 Ioh. Millward ar ut prius  12 Ioh. Harpur mil. ut prius  13 Ioh. Harpur bar ut prius  14 Ioh. Curson bar ut prius  15 Ioh. Agard ar   16   17 Ioh. Harpur bar ut prius  18   19   20 Edw. Cooke bar  Partee per 〈◊〉 Gules and Azure 3. Eagles Argent 21   22 Mich Bartonar   Hen. VIII 18. JOHN VERNON Arm. Indeed I meet with many Vernons in this Catalogue of Sheriffs Henry John c. but cannot find him I seek for viz. Sir George Vernon of Haddon in this County I assign my self this reason that he never executed that Office because it was beneath a Prince to be a Sheriff and such his vast revenues and retinue that in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth he was called the King of the Peak This Sir George left two Daughters Coheirs Elizabeth married to Sir John Manners Ancestor to the present Earl of Rutland and Margaret to Sir Thomas Stanley younger Son of the House of Derby deriving a vast Inheritance to their Husbands How this Sir John this year Sheriff stood to him related is to me unknown sure I am some of his surname and alliance still flourish in this and the neighbouring Counties where they have a fair Estate Yet will they remember their Motto Ver non semper floret so ill it is to trust in the fading Spring of humane felicity The Farewell I understand that it is fashionable in this County for Adventurers to begin a Mine with this solemn expression For the Grace of God and what I there can find By the grace of God understanding good success otherwise saving Grace is not to be sought for by mining of Earth but mounting up to Heaven by Faith and Repentance This their expression I approve the Earth being the Lords and the fulness thereof both beneath and above ground belongeth unto him I have read that the Vicars in that Country doe receive every tenth Dish of Oar for their due being obliged thereby to pray heartily for the Miners Now though no such place or profit belongeth unto me yet treating of this subject I conceive my selfe bound if not in Conscience in Courtesie to wish these Work-men a good speed in their lawful endeavours whilest they only undermine the Earth and not their Neighbours right by fraudulent practices May their Lot prove a Prize unto them that they may gain at the least no Blank to lose thereby Particularly may Divine Providence fecure the Persons of their Labourers from Damps and other casualties which have happened to many when the Earth though cruel to kill was courteous to bury them by the same mischance DEVON-SHIRE DEVON-SHIRE hath the Narrow Sea on the South the Severn on the North Cornwal on the West Dovset and Somerset-Shire on the East A goodly Province the second in England for greatnesse clear in view without measuring as bearing a square of fifty miles Some part thereof as the South-Hams is so fruitful it needs no art some so barren as Dart-more it will hardly be bettered by art but generally though not running of it self it answers to the spur of industry No Shire showes more industrious or so many Husbandmen who by Marle blew and white Chalk Lime Sea-sand Compost Sope-ashes Rags and what not make the ground both to take and keep a moderate fruitfulnesse so that Virgil if now alive might make additions to his Georgicks
Perin in Cornwall The Angel Gabriel was very much beholding to him for instituting an Annual Festival unto Him observed as I humbly conceive only in his own Cathedral or own Diocesse at the most and least people shoâ—…ld complain of the dearnesse of their Devotion he left good Land to defray the cost of that Solemnity He is much blamed for compassing the Mannour of Bishops-Clift to his Church by indirect means to which I can say nothing but only observe that this small City within eighty Years did afford three eminent Prelates whereof two Episcopi in Patria the Natives thereof which will scarcely be paralell'd in any Place of the same proportion He died Anno 12. Writers JOSEPHUS ISCANUS was born at this City anciently called Isca from the River Isk now named Eske running thereby A golden Poâ—…t in a leaden Age so terse and elegant were his Conceipts and expressions This our English Maro had for his Mecenas Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury But I revoke my words and desire to turn Maro into Cornelius Nepos under whose name the Dutch-men have lately printed a Poem made by this Josephus debello Trojano It soundeth much to a Mans honour even to be mistaken for another Man of eminency for though there may be much of error in the mistake there must be something of truth in the error especially with the judicious Yea in such case a general conformity betwixt the Persons is not enough to build the mistake on without some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as here the affinity of phrase and fancy betwixt these two Poets This 〈◊〉 Nepos under whose name the Poems of this Josephus were printed flourished in the time of Tully Indeed I finde not any Poems made by him though having to that purpose perused all Scaliger de Arte 〈◊〉 as a most probable Authour But most sure it is that this Cornâ—…lius was most judicious in that Art because Valerius Catullus dedicated his Poem unto him as best able to pâ—…sse a learned censure thereon this Josephus Iscanus flourished under King John Anno 1210 being Arch-Bishop of Burdeaux I have nothing more to observe of him save what with the Readers pardon I cannot omit viz. that this Josephus alwayes minded me of another Josephus Iscanus I mean Joseph Hall lately Bishop of Exeter a witty Poet when young a painfull Preacher and solid Divine in his middle a patient Sufferer in his old age of whom God willing more in due place WILLIAM of Exeter was born in this City bred a Doctor of Divinity in Oxford and afterwards became 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 in the place of his nativity Now in his age fome Franciscan Friers so praised the perfectiou of Poverty that they touched the Popes Coppy-hold of Inheritance For if Poverty was so essential to Piety Papal pomp and plenty must needs argue prophaneness In confutation hereof this William of Exeter undertook William of Ockam though indeed impar congressus betwixt them for Exeter a fair City did not more exceed Ockam a smal village in Surrey in beauty and building than that Ockam William excelled this Exeter William in parts and Learning however what he wanted in brains he had in a good back to assist him and William of Exeter with John the three and twentieth Pope of Rome was able to undertake any Authour of that age He flourished in the Year of our Lord 1330. under the Raign of King Edward the third Since the Reformation RICHARD MARTYN was born in this City and bred partly in the Court partly in the Inns of Court and at last â—…etook himself to the Study of the Law He was accounted one of the highest Witts of our Age and his Nation King James being much delighted with his facetiousnesse a quality which with other of his Abilities commended him to be chosen Recorder of London He is eminent as for many Speeches so especially for that he made in Parliament in the tenth year of King James when account was taken of Forty Gentlemen in the House which were not twenty and some of them not sixteen years of age Formerly said this Râ—…order Martyn it was the custome of Old men to make Lawes for Young ones But now Nature is invaded and inverted seeing Young men enact Lawes to govern their Fathers He had an excellent Pen and wrote very much and the more the pitty that they are suppressed from publick use his death happened about the year 1616. WILLIAM MARTIN Kinsman to the aforesaid Recorder was born in this City and bred a Student in the Lawes of the Land He wrote a short and clear of the Kings of England since the conquest I have been credlbly informed that King James took some exceptions at a Passage therein sounding either to the derogation of his own Family or of the Scotch Nation which he took so tenderly that Mr. Martin was brought into trouble for the same and though he wethered out the Kings displeasure and was reconciled to his Majesty yet he never râ—…covered his former chearfulnesse It seems that a Princes Anger is a disease which though cured is not cured grief for the same being conceived to hasten his death which happened about the year 1616. WILLIAM TUCKER was born in this City bred fellow of New-Colledge in Oxford and after became Doctor in Divinity Canon of Sarisbury Arch-deacon of Barnstable and Dean of Lichfield The purity of his Latine Pen procured his preferment writing and dedicating a Book to Queen Elizabeth de Charismate of our Kings of England their gracious healing the Evil being the best that I have seen on that Subject vindicating such cures from all imposture unlawfull Magick and from some French Writers bold usurpations who lay claim to it as originally belonging to their Kings alone Whereas under correction I conceive that the word Soveraign which properly importeth the Supream Majesty doth also in our English Tongue in a secondary sence signiâ—…ie what is cordial to cure and heal Diseases or sores ever since such sanative power hath been annexed to the Crown of England This Doctor may be said to have worn half a Miter seeing his Congee de-lire was signed if not sent to elect him Bishop of Glocester but afterwards by Order fâ—…om King James it was revoked on what occasion I list not to enquire I conjecture the date of his death was much about the Year 1617. JOHN BARKHAM born in this City was bred in Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford whereof he was Fellow Chaplain afterwards to Archbishop Bancroft and Parson of Bocking in Essex Much his Modesty and no lesse his Learning who though never the publique Parent of any was the carefull Nurse of many Books who otherwise had expired in their Infancy had not his care preserved them He set forth D. Crackenchorp his Posthume Book against Spalato and was helpfull to John Speed in the composing of his English History yea he wrote the whole Life of the Raign of King John which is the King of all the
Râ—…ward 〈◊〉 a Feild 〈◊〉 more safe and no less honourable in my Opinion Sir Ralph was of the second sort and the last which survived in England of that Order Yet was he little in stature tall not in person but performance Queen Eliz. made him Chanceâ—…our of the Dutchy During his last Embassie in Scotland his house at Standon in Herâ—…forashire was built by his Steward in his absence far greater then himself desired so that he never joyed therein and died soon after Anno 1587. in the 80 year of his age Howâ—…ver it hath been often filled with good Company and they feasted with great chear by the Hereditary Hospitality therein I must not forget how when this Knight attended his Master the Lord Cromwel at Rome before the English renounced the Papal power a â—…ardon wâ—…s granted not by his own but a Servants procuring for the Sins of that Famiâ—…y for three immediate Generations expiring in R. Sadlier Esquire lately dead which was extant but lately lost oâ—… displaced amongst their Records and though no use was made thereof much mirth was made therewith Capital Judges and Writers on the Law Sir THOMAS FROVVICK Knight was born at Elinge in this County son to Thomas Frowick Esquire By his Wife who was Daughter and Heire to Sir John Sturgeon Knight giving for his Armes Azure three Sturgeons Or under a fret Gules bred in the study of our Municipal Law wherein he attained to such eminency that he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas on the 39 of September in the 18 year of the Reign of King Henry the seventh Four years he sate in his place accounted the Oracle of Law in his Age though one of the youngest men that ever enjoyed that Office He is reported to have dyed floridâ juventute before full forty years old and lyeth buryed with Joane his Wife in the Church of Finchley in this County the Circumscription about his Monument being defaced onely we understand that his death hapned on the seventeenth of October 1506. He left a large Estate to his two Daughters whereof Elah the Eldest was married to Sir John Spelman one of the Justices of the Kings Bench Grand-Father to Sir Henry that Renowned Knight Sir WILLIAM STAMFORD Knight was of Staffordian extraction Robert his Grand-Father living at Rowley in that County But William his Father was a Merchant in London and purchased Lands at Hadley in Middlesex where Sir William was born August 22. 1509. He was bred to the study of our Municipal Lawes attaining so much eminence therein that he was preferred one of the Judges of the Common Pleas His most learned Book of the Pleas of the Crown hath made him for ever famous amongst men of his own profession There is a Spirit of Retraction of one to his native Country which made him purchase Lands and his son settle himself again in Staffordshire this worthy Judge died August 28 and was buried at Hadley in this Shire in the last year of the Reign of Queen Mary 1558. Writers JOHN ACTON I find no fewer then seventeen Actons in England so called as I conceive Originally from Ake in Saxon an Oake wherewith antiently no doubt those Townes were well stored But I behold the place nigh London as the Paramount Acton amongst them Our Iohn was bred Doctor of the Laws in Oxford and afterwards became Canon of Lincolne being very able in his own faculty He wrote a learned Comment on the Ecclesiasticall Constitutions of Otho and Ottob one both Cardinalls and Legats to the Pope in England and flourished under King Edward the First Anno 1290. RALPH ACTON was bred in the University of Oxford where he attained saith my Author Magisterium Theologicum and as I understand Magister in Theologiâ is a Doctor in Divinity so Doctor in Artibus is a Master of Arts. This is reported to his eternall Commendation Evangelium regni Dei fervore non modico praedicabat in medijs Romanarum Superstitionum Tenebris And though somtimes his tongue lisped with the Siboleth of the superstition of that age yet generally he uttered much pretious truth in those dangerous days and flourished under King Edward the second Anno 1320. ROGER TVVIFORD I find eleven Towns so named in England probably from the confluence of two fords thereabouts and two in this County He was bred an Augustinian Friar studied in both Universities and became a Doctor in Divinity In his declining age he applyed himself to the reading of the Scripture and the Fathers and became a painfull and profitable Preacher I find him not fixed in any one place who is charactered Concionum propalator per Dioecesin Norvicensem an Itinerant no Errant Preacher through the Diocess of Norwich He was commonly called GOODLUâ—…K and Good-Luck have he with his honour because he brought good success to others and consequently his own welcome with him whithersoever he went which made all Places and Persons Ambitious and Covetous of his presence He flourished about the year of our Lord 1390. ROBERT HOVVNSLOVV was born in this County at Hownslow a Village well known for the Road through and the Heath besides it He was a Fryar of the Order of the Holy Trinity which chiefly imployed themselves for the redemption of Captives Indeed Locusts generally were the devourers of all food yet one kind of Locusts were themselves wholesome though course food whereon Iohn Baptist had his common repast Thus Fryers I confess generally were the Pests of the places they lived in but to give this order their due much good did redound from their endeavours For this Robert being their Provinciall for England Scotland and Ireland rich people by him were affectionately exhorted their Almes industriously collected such collections carefully preserved till they could be securely transmitted and thereby the liberty of many Christian Captives effectually procured He wrote also many Synodall sermons and Epistles of confequence to severall persons of quality to stir up their liberality He flourished sayes Pitseus Anno Dom. 1430. a most remarkable year by our foresaid Author assigned either for the flourishing or for the Funeralls of eleven famous writers yet so as our Robert is dux gregis and leads all the rest all Contemporaries whereas otherwise for two or three eminent persons to light on the same year is a faire proportion through all his book De illustribus Angliae scriptoribus Since the Reformation WILLIAM GOUGE Born at Stratford-Bow in this County bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge where he was not once absent from publique service morning and evening the space of nine years together He read fifteen Chapters in the Bible everyday and was afterwards Minister of Blackfryers in London He never took a journey meerly for pleasure in all his Life he preached so long till it was a greater difficulty for him to go up into the Pulpit then either to make or preach a Sermon and dyed aged seventy nine years leaving
Provost of Kings Colledge in Cambridge Which he reteined with the Bishoprick of Chichester to which he was consecrated 1543. A most pertinacious Papist who though he had made some kind of Recantation in a Sermon as I find it entred in king Edward the Sixth his own Diary yet either the same was not satisfactory or else he relapsed into his errours again for which he was deprived under the said king and restored again by Queen Mary He died Anno Dom. 1556. Prelats since the Reformation WILLIAM DAY was brother to the aforesaid George Day I find no great difference betwixt their age seeing George Day was admitted in Kings Colledge Anno 1538. VVilliam Day was admitted in the same Colledge Anno 1545. Yet was there more than forty years betwixt the dates of their deaths George Day died very young Bishop of Chichester Anno Dom. 1556. VVilliam Day died very old Bishop of VVinchester Anno 1596. But not so great was the difference betwixt their Vivacity as distance betwixt their Opinions the former being a Rigid Papist the later a Zealous Protestant Who requesting of his Brother some Money to buy Books therewith and other necessaries was returned with this denial That he thought it not fit to spend the goods of the Church on him who was an enemy of the Church However this William found the words of Solomon true And there is a friend who is nearer than a Brother not wanting those who supplyed his necessities He was Proctor of Cambridge 1558 and afterwards was made by Queen Elizabeth who highly esteemed him for his Learning and Religion Provost of Eton and Dean of Windsor two fair preferments parted with Thames but united in his person The Bishoprick of Winchester he enjoyed scarcely a whole year and dyed as aforesaid 1596. Statesmen Sir THOMAS BROMLEY was borne at Bromley in this County of a right ancient Family I assure you bred in the Inner Temple and Generall Solicitor to Queen Elizabeth He afterwards succeeded Sir Nicholas Bacon in the Dignity of Lord Chancellor Aprill 25. 1579. Now although it was difficult to come after Sir Nicholas Bacon and not to come after him Yet such was Sir Thomas his Learning and Integrity being charactred by my Authors Virjuris prudentia insignis That Court was not sensible of any considerable alteration He possessed his place about nine years dying Anno 1587 not being 60 years old Hereby the pregnancie of his parts do appear seeing by proportion of time he was made the Queens Solicitor before he was 40 and Lord Chancellor before he was 50 years old Learning in Law may seem to run in the veins of that name which since had a Baron of the Exchequer of his Alliance Sir CLEMENT EDMONDS was born at Shrawardine in this County and bred Fellow in All-Souls Colledge in Oxford being generally skilled in all Arts and Sciences Witness his faithfull Translations of and learned Illustrations on Caesars Commentaries Say not that Comment on Commentary was false Heraldry seeing it is so worthy a work that the Authour thereof may pass for an eminent instance to what perfection of Theorie they may attain in matter of War who were not acquainted with the Practick part thereof being only once employed by Queen Elizabeth with a dispatch to Sir Francis Vere which occasioned his presence at the Battail at Newport For he doth so smartly discusse pro and con and seriously decide many Martiall Controversies that his judgement therein is praised by the best Military Masters King Iames taking notice of his Abilities made him Clerke of the Council and Knighted him And he was at last preferred Secretary of State in the vacancy of that place but prevented by Death acted not therein He died Anno 16. and lies buried at Preston in Northamptonshire where he purchased a fair Estate which his Grandchilde doth possess at this day Capitall Judges and Writers on the Law EDMUND PLOWDEN was borne at Plowden in this County one who excellently deserved of our Municipall Law in his learned Writings thereon but consult his ensuing Epitaph which will give a more perfect account of him Conditur in hoc Tumulo corpus Edmundi Plowden Armigeri Claris ortus Parentibus apud Plowden in Comitatu Salop. natus est à pueritia in literarum studio liberaliter est educatus in provectiore vero aetate Legibus juris prudentiae operam dedit Senex jam factus annum aetatis suae agens 67. Mundo valedicens in Christo Jesu sanctè obdormivit die sexto mensis Februar Anno Domini 1584. I have rather inserted this Epitaph inscribed on his Monument on the North side of the East end of the Quire of Temple Church in London because it hath escaped but by what casualty I cannot conjecture Master Stow in his Survey of London We must add a few words out of the Character Mr. Camden gives of him Vitae integritate inter homines suae professionis nulli secundus And how excellent a medly is made when honesty and ability meet in a man of his Profession Nor must we forget how he was Treasurer for the Honourable Society of the Middle-Temple Anno 1572. when their magnificent Hall was builded He being a great advancer thereof Sir JOHN WALTER son to Edmund Walter Chief Justice of South-Wales was born at Ludlow in this County and bred a Student of our Common-Laws wherein he atteined to great Learning so that he became when a Pleader eminent when a Judge more eminent when no Judge most eminent 1 Pleader The Character that Learned James Thuanus gives of Christopher Thuanus his Father being an Advocate of the Civil Law and afterwards a Senator of Paris is exactly agreeable to this Worthy Knight Ut bonos a calumniatoribus tenuiores a potentioribus doctos ab ignorantibus opprimi non pateretur That he fuffered not good men to be born down by slanderers poor men by more potent Learned men by the ignorant 2 Judge Who as when ascending the Bench entering into a new temper was most passionate as Sir John most patient as Judge Walter and great his gravity in that place When Judge Denham his most upright and worthy Associate in the Western Circuit once said unto him My Lord you are not merry Merry enough return'd the other for a Judge 3 No Judge Being outed of his place when Chief Baron of the Exchequer about the Illegality of the Loan as I take it He was a grand Benefactor though I know not the just proportion to Jesus Colledge in Oxford and died Anno 1630. in the Parish of the Savoy bequeathing 20 l. to the Poor thereof EDWARD LITLETON born at Mounslow in this County was the eldest son to Sir Edward Littleton one of the Justices of the Marches and Chief Justice of North-Wales He was bred in Christ-Church in Oxford where he proceeded Batchelor of Arts and afterward one of the Justices of North-Wales Recorder of London
 16 Ioh. Agard arm   17 Ed. Mosely Bar.  Sable on a Cheveron betwixt 3 Mallets Argent as many Mullets Gules 18   19 Simon* Rudgeley   20  * Argent on a Chevâ—… Sable 3 Mullets of the first 21   22 Th. Kynnersley armiger  Azure 〈◊〉 de crosses croslet a lion rampant Argent RICHARD the Second 1 BRIAN CORNWAL He 〈◊〉 also this year Sheriff of Shrop-shire so that the two adjacent Counties were under his inspection 4 ROGER de WIRLEY When I observe how this Gentleman is fixed in his Generation I cannot satisfie my self whether he lived nearer unto his Ancestor Roberâ—… de Wirley who flourished in this County under King Henry the 2d if not before or whether he approached nearer unto his Descendent Sâ—… John Wirley that learned Knight now living at Hampsteade In my Arithmetick he is equally distanced from them both HENRY the Sixth 12 THOMAS STANLEY His true name was Audley For after that Adam youngest Brother to James Lord 〈◊〉 had married the daughter and heir of Henry de Stanley William their son assumed the sir-name of Stanley transmitted it to his posterity As for this Thomas Stanley till I be clearly convinced to the contrary he shall pass with me for the same person whom King Henry the Sixth made Lord Stanley Knight of the Garter Lord Deputy of Ireland and Lord Chamberlain of his Household and father unto Thomas Stanley whom King Henry the Seventh created the first Earle of Derby 34 JOHN DELVES Esq. He is the last of that Ancient Family appearing in this Catalogue who were fixed in this County in the reign of King Edward the Third This Sir John Delves for he was afterwards Knighted left one daughter and sole heir called Helene married unto Sir Robert Sheffield Knight and Recorder of London Ancestor unto the present Earl of Moulgrave EDWARD the Fourth 1 WALTER WROTESLEY He was lineally descended from Sâ—… Hugh Wrotesley one of the first Founder of the most Noble Order of the Garter HENRY the Eighth 28 JOHN DUDLEY I had thought his Ambition had been too high to come under the Roof of such an Office and discharge the place of a Sheriff But know that as yet Sir John Dudley was but Sir John Dudley a Plain but powerful Knight who not long afterwards viz. the 38th of King Henry the Eighth was created Viscount Lisley and then Earl of Warwick in the first of King Edward the sixth and in the fifth of the said King Duke of Northumberland However now he waited at Assizes on the Itinerant Judges who afterwards made all the Judges of the Land Justice Hales alone excepted attend on him and dance after the Pipe of his pleasure when the Instrument was drawn up Testament I can hardly term it whereby the two Sisters of King Edward the sixth were dis-inherited King CHARLES 3 WILLIAM BOWYER Knight Thomas Bowyer his Ancestor from whom he is lineally descended did in the reign of King Richard the Second marry Katharine daughter and heir of Robert Knipersley of Knipersley in this County with whom he had a fair Inheritance The Bowyers of Sussex invited thither some 200 years since by an Earl of Northumberland are a younger Branch from these in Stafford-shire BATTLES At Hopton Heath in this County in March 1643 a fierce fight happened betwixt the Kings and Parliaments Forces on a ground full of Cony-borroughs therefore affording ill footing for the Horse But an equal disadvantage on both sides is no disadvantage on either The Royalists may be said to have got the Day and lost the Sun which made it I mean the truly Loyal and Valiant Spencer Earl of Northampton though still surviving as in his grateful memory so in his Noble and Numerous Issue no less deservedly honoured by others then mutually loving amongst themselves The Farewel To take our Vale of Stafford-shire I wish that the Pit-coal wherewith it aboundeth may seasonably and safely be burnt in their Chimnies and not have their burning antedated before they be digg'd out the Bowels of the Earth The rather because I have read how in the year 1622 there was found a Coal-mine actually on fire between Willingsworth and Weddesbury in this County I find not by what casualty this English Aetna was kindled nor how long it did continue And although such combustions be not so terrible here as in the South of Italy where the sulphureous matter more inrageth the fury of the fire yet it could not but cause much fright and fear to the people thereabouts SUFFOLK hath Norfolk on the North divided with the Rivers of Little Ouse and Waveny Cambridge-shire on the West the German Ocean on the East and Essex parted with the River Stoure on the South thereof From East to West it stretcheth fourty five miles though the general breadth be but twenty saving by the Sea-side where it runneth out more by the advantage of a Corner The Air thereof generally is sweet and by the best Physicians esteemed the best in England often prescribing the Receit thereof to the Consumptionish-Patients I say generally sweet there being a smal parcel nigh the Sea-side not so excellent which may seem left there by Nature on purpose to advance the purity of the rest Naturall Commodities Cheese Most excellent are made herein whereof the finest are very thin as intended not for food but digestion I remember when living in Cambridge the Cheese of this County was preferred as the best If any say that Scholars palates are incompetent Judges whose hungry appetites make course Diet seem delicates unto them let them know that Pantaleon the Learned Dutch Physician counted them equal at least with them of Parma in Italy Butter For Quantity and Quality this County doth excel and venteth it at London and elsewhere The Child not yet come to and the old Man who is past the use of Teeth eateth no softer the Poor Man no cheaper in this Shire the Rich no wholesomer food I mean in the morning It was half of our Saviours Bill of Fare in his Infancy Butter and Hony shall he eat It is of a Cordial or if I may say Antidotal Nature The story is well known of a Wife which desiring to be a Widow incorporated Poison in the Butter whereon her Husband had his principal repast The poor man finding himself strangely affected repaired to a Physician who by some Symptomes suspecting poison demanded of his Patient which was his chiefest Diet. The sick man told him that he fed most constantly on Butter Eat Butter still return'd the Physician which hitherto hath saved your Life for it corrected the poison that neither the malignity thereof nor the malice of the wife could have their full operation Manufactures Cloathing Here it will not be amiss to insert a passage which I meet with in an Industrious Antiquary as relating to the present subject The Manufacture of Cloathing in this
the Chancellour by Act of Parliament We have begun our Catalogue of Chancellours at Sir Thomas More before whose time that place was generally discharged by Clergy men entered in our Book under the Title of Eminent Prelates If any demand why such Clergy-men who have been Lord Chancellours are not rather ranked under the Title of Statesmen than under the Topick of Prelates Let such know that seeing Episcopacy is challenged to be jure Divino and the Chancellours place confessed to be of Humane Institution I conceive them most properly placed and to their best advantage If any ask why the Lord Chancellours who meddle so much in matters of Law are not rather digested under the Title of Lawyers then under that of Statesmen Let such know it is done because some Chancellours were never Lawyers ex professo studying the Laws of the Land for their intended Function taking them only in order to their own private accomplishment Whereof Sir Christopher Hatton was an eminent instance As we begin our Catalogue with Sir Thomas More we close it with Sir Thomas Coventry it being hard toâ—…ay whether the Former were more Witty and Facetious or the Later more Wise and Judicious Lord Treasurers Kings without Treasure will not be suitably obeyed and Treasure without a Treasurer will not be safely preserved Hence it was that the Crowns and Scepters of Kings were made of gold not only because it is the most pure and precious of metalls but to show that wealth doth effectually evidence and maintain the strength and state of Majesty We may therefore observe not only in prophane but holy writ not only in Old but New Testnment signal notice taken of those who were over the Treasury in which great place of Trust the Eunuch served Candace Queen of Ethiopia The Office of Lord Treasurers was ever beheld as a Place of great charge and profit One well skilled in the Perquisits thereof being demanded what he conceived the yearly value of the place was worth made this Return That it might be worth some thousands of pounds to him who after death would go instantly to Heaven twice as much to him who would go to Purgatory and a Nemo Scit to him who would adventure to go to a worse place But the plain truth is He that is a Bad Husband for himself will never be a good one for his Soveraign and therefore no wonder if they have advanced fair Estates to themselves whose Office was so Advantagious and they so judicious and prudent persons without any prejudice to their Master and for ought I know Injury to his Subjects We have begun our Catalogue at William Lord Powlett Marquess of Winchester For although before him here and there Lay-Lords were Intrusted with that Office Yet generally they were Bishops and so anticipated under our Topick of Eminent Prelates and blame me not if in this particular I have made the Lustrè of the Lords Spiritual to Eclipse the Lords Temporal drowning their Civil Office in their Ecclesiastical Employment We close our Catalogue of Lord Treasurers with Francis Lord Cottington Secretaries of State There were but two of these at once in the Kings time whereof the one was styled the Principal Secretary the other the Secretary of Estate Some have said that the first in the Senioritie of Admition was accounted the Principall but the Exceptions in this kind being as many as the Regularities the Younger being often brought over the head of the elder to be Principal Their chiefnesse was Penes Regis Arbitrium Nor was the one confined to Forreign Negotiations the other to domestick businesse as some have believed but promiscuously ordered all affaires though the Genius of some Secretaries did incline them most to forreign Transactions Their Power was on the matter alike and Petitioners might make their Applications indifferently to either though most addressed themselves to him in whom they had the greatest Interest Their Salaries were some Two hundred pounds a piece and five hundred pounds a piece more for Intelligence and Secret Service Before the Reformation Clergy-men who almost were all things were generally Secretaries of Estate as Oliver King Secretary to Edward 4. Edward 5. and Henry the 7. and those came under our Pen in the Notion of Eminent Prelates We therefore begin our Catalogue of Secretaries from Sir Thomas Cromwell in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth because from him until our Time a continued Series of Lay-men haâ—…e discharged that Office We â—…onclude our Secretaries of State with Sir John Cook who perceiving his aged body not so fit for such Active times resigned his Place about the beginning of the Long Parliament though surviving some years after in a private condition We will for the more safety follow the Pattern of so wise a States-man and where he gave over his Office we will give over writing of those Officers for fear we tread too neere on the Toes of the Times and touch too much on our Modern distempers Amiralls or Admiralls Much difference there is about the Original of this word whilst most probable their Opinion who make it of Eastern Extraction borrowed by the Christians from the Saracens These derive it from Amir in Arabick a Prince and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Belonging to the Sea in the Greek Language such mixture being precedented in other words Besides seeing the Sultans Dominions in the Time of the Holy War extended from Sinus Arabius to the North Eastern part of the Midland-Sea where a barbarous kind of Greek was spoken by many Amirall thus compounded was significatively comprehensive of his Jurisdiction Admirall is but a Depraving of Amirall in vulgar mouths However it will never be beaten out of the Heads of the Common sort that seeing the Sea is Scene of Wonders something of Wonderment hath incorporated it self in this Word and that it hath a Glimps Cast or Eye of Admiration therein Our English Kings following the Precedent of the Politick Romans who very seldome entrusted places of great importance especially during life in a single person as also that they might gratifie more and trust less divided the Over-sight of sea-matters betwixt a Triumvirate of Amiralls and like wary Merchants ventured the charge in several bottoms for the more Safety 1. The North Amirall 2. The South Amirall 3. The West Amirall His jurisdiction reached from the Mouth of Thames to the outmost Orcades though often opposed by the Scots and had Yarmouth for his prime Residence His Bounds stretched from the Thames Mouth to the Lands end having his station generally at Portsmouth His power extended from the lands end to the Hebrides having Ireland under his Inspection Milford Haven the chief Stable for his Wooden Horses I find that Richard Fitz-alin Earl of Arundell was by King Richard the second made the first Amirall of all England yet so that if Three Co-Admiralls were restored as formerly his Charter expired John Vere Earl of Oxford was the sirst of Hen. the seventh
could it be expected that the Professors of humane laws should have been allowed favour during our unnatural Dissentions the promoters thereof having a constant pique at whatever bore but the resemblance of Order and Civility when the true dispensers of Gods Laws yea the Law of God yea God himself was vilified and contemned The best is that as Divine Providence hath in his mercy been pleased to restore our Soveraign so with him we have received both our ancient Laws and Liberties And now it begins to beâ—… fair weather again as with this so with all other necessary and useful Vocations which in due time may repair their decayed fortunes Physick hath promoted many more and that since the reign of King Henry the eighth Indeed before his time I find a Doctor of Physick Father to Reginald first and last Lord Bray But this Faculty hath flourished much the three last fifty years it being true of Physick what is said of Sylla suos divitiis explevit Sir William Butts Physician to King Henry the eight Doctor Thomas Wendy and Doctor Hatcher to Queen Elizaheth raised worshipful and wealthy Families in Norfolk Cambridge and Lincolnshire having born the office of Sheriff in their respective Counties Some have raised themselves by Sea service and Letters of Mart especially in the reign of Queen Elizabeth when we had war with the Spaniard But such Estates as flowing so have ebb'd with the tide seldome of long continuance Such Prises have been observed best to prosper whose Takers had least of private revenge and most of publick service therein Amongst these most remarkable the Baronets Family of Drakes in Devonshire sometimes Sheriffs of that County Some have raised themselves by their attendance at Court rewarded by the Kings Favour Court where many have carried away more for bringing the less to it Here some Younger Brothers have found their lost Birth-right mending their pace to Wealth though they started late by their Nativity But I only generally point at without touching them that I may not fore-stall the Reader whose pains may be pleasant unto him in his own discovery thereof Many have advanced themselves by their Valour in forreign Wars especially in France as the Knolls a noble Family and the â—…aveleys often Sheriffs in Cheshire so that Mars in this sense may be said to be the father of Plutus his Steel weapons procuring to his followers the more acceptable mettals of Gold and Silver But the worst is where foreign Wars have raised one our late Civil ones have ruined ten Families Some may object that as they have destroyed so they have raised many Families which before in themselves were mean and contemptible to high Titles and large Possessions All I shall return in answer thereunto is that as most alive saw them rise per saltum by unwarrantable means to such a pitch of preferment so there is but few alive but may if not willingly and willfully blind see them deservedly thrown down with disgrace and contempt to their former mean and despicable condition Clothing as it hath given garments to Millions of people hath conferred Coats of Armes and Gentility therewith on many Families in this Land As on the Springs High-sheriffs of Suffolk The Country with her two full breasts Grasing and Tillage hath raised many Families * Josephus rendreth a reason as weak in it self as wide from the truth why Abells Sacrifice was preferred before Cains viz. Because Abell fairly took what nature freely tendred in the increase of his Cattle whilst Cain violently wounded the Earth with his ploughing But Saint Paul teacheth use better Doctrine that faith caused the reception of the one and unbelief the rejection of the other Surely both Callings are equally acceptable to God who hath so blessed their indeavours that thereby many have gained estates inabling them to serve Sheriffs of their County But I forbear to instance them least what was the honour of their Ancestours to raise such Families be counted in this Captious Age to be a dishonour to their Posterity to be raised by so plain though honest and necessary an employment Some the surer to hit the mark of Wealth have had two strings to their Bow a complication of prefessions concurring to their advancement Thus the Chichlies in Cambridgeshire are descendants from a Lord Mayor allied also Collaterally to an Archbishop of Canterbury On the main we may observe how happy a liberal at least lawful Vocation hath proved to Younger Brethren whereby Ephraim hath out-grown Manasse the Younger out-stript the Heir of the Family I knew a School-Boy not above twelve years old and utterly ignorant in all Logical terms who was commanded to English the following Distick Dat Galenus opes dat Justinianus Honores Cum Genus Species cogitur ire pedes Onely they favoured the Boy so far to inform him that Galenus did signifie the Profession of Physick Justinianus of Law on which ground he thus proceeded Galenus the Study of Physick dat giveth Opes Wealth Justinianus the Study of Law dat giveth Honores honour Cum When Genus high Birth Species and Beauty having no other calling saith the Boy to maintain them Cogitur is compel'd ire Pedes to go on Foot To prevent such foot-travailing it is good to be mounted on a gainful Vocation to carry one out of the mire on all occasions CHAP. XXIV Some General Exceptions against the Style and Matter of the AUTHOR prevented Exception 1. You usurp the Style of Princes speaking often in the plural come we now passe we now proceed we now c. Which is false Grammar from a Single ill Ethicks from a private person Answer First I appeal to any exercised in reading of Books whether the same be not used in other Authors Secondly We in such cases includeth the Writer and Reader it being presumed that the Eye of the one goeth along with the pen of the other Thirdly It also compriseth all other Writers out of whom any thing is transcribed and their Names quoted in the Margin Let me add to Gods Glory my Friends credit and my own comfort that our We is comprehensive of all my worthy Friends who by their pains or purses have been contributive to my weak Endevours Exception 2. The Worthies of England being your Subject you have mingled many Unworthies among them rather Notorious then Notable except in the same sense wherein Barrabas is termed Notable in the Gospel Answer Such persons are so few their Number is not considerable Secondly they are so Eminent in their Generations that their Omission would make a maim in History Thirdly how bad soever their Morals their Naturals and Artificials were transcendent and the Oracle like Wisdome of wicked Achitophel found praise from the Pen of the Holy Spirit Lastly the worst of such men have a black line serving pro Nigro carbone prefixed to their Name for distinction sake Exception 3. You might better have omitted the mention of some Modern persons reputed Malignants
of them Naturall Commodities Oakes It was given in instruction to the Spies sent to search the Land of Canaan that amongst other enquiries they should take particular notice Whether there be Wood therein or not An important question the rather because at that time the Israelites were in Arabia the Desert where they saw not a tree in many moneths travaile in so much that it is Recorded for a wonder that in Elim were seventy Palm trees and now knew the worth of wood by wanting it But Bark-shire affordeth abundance of trees of all kinds though her Oakes in Windsor-Forest for the present come onely under our commendation First for their firmness whereof our Ships are made The Oake in other Kingdoms may be called cowardly as riving and splitting round about the passage of the bullet fearing as it were the force thereof whilst our English as heart of Oake indeed though entred with bullet remaineth firm round about it Secondly for the conveniencie of Portage The wealth of a covetous man wanting an heart to make use thereof may not unfitly be compared to the Oakes and Firre-trees good and plentifull indeed in the High-lands in Scotland but growing on such unaccessible mountains no Strength or Art can render them usefull nature in this kind having given them full coffers but no key to unlock them Whereas so indulgent is Divine Providence to England that our four principal Forests lie either on the Sea or Navigable Rivers viz. New-Forest on the Sea Shirewood on the Trent Dean on the Severne and this Windsor-Forest on the Thames and I could wish more care were taken for preserving the Timber therein Bark The very name of this Shire justly intitles us here to handle this Commodity though common to other Counties because Bark-shire as some will have it was so called from a stripped or Bark-bared-Oake to which signal place the people repaired in time of trouble to make their generall defence It is essential for making good Leather though lately one hath propounded a way to tanne it solid and saleable without the help thereof on condition and good reason too he may be allowed reasonable profit for so rare an invention But many think that he that waits for dead mens shooes and he that stays for Leather-shooes made without bark may both of them go a long time bare-foot Trouts This is a pleasant and wholesom Fish as whose feeding is pure and cleanly in the swiftest streams and on the hardest gravell Good and great of this kind are found in the River of Kennet nigh Hungerford though not so big as that which Gesner affirmes taken in the Leman-lake being three cubits in length They are in their perfection in the moneth of May and yearly decline with the Buck. Being come to his full growth he decays in goodness not greatness and thrives in his head till his death Note by the way that an hog-back and little head is a sign that any fish is in season Other commodities of This return in other Counties where they may be mentioned with more conveniencie The Manufactures Clothing It is plyed therein and because we meet with the best of our Manufactures in the first of our Shires a word of the Antiquity thereof 1. Cloth sure is of the same date with Civility in this Land Indeed the ancient Brittains are reported to go naked clothed onely with colours painted custom making them insensible of cold with the beggar who being demanded how he could go naked returned all my body is face But no sooner had the Romans reduced this Island but cloth though course such as would hide and heat was here generally made and used 2. Fine Cloth though narrow for persons of worth at home to wear and for forreign Exportation began in England about the beginning of the Reign of King Edward the Third Before which time our Statutes take no Cognizance of Clothing as inconsiderable Wooll being transported in specie and needing no Rules to regulate it save what prudence dictated to private Husbands with their own families 3. Broad Cloth wherein the wealth of our Nation is folded up made with broad loomes two men attending each of them began here in the Reign of King Henry the eighth And I have been informed that Jack of Newberry was the first that introduced it into this County Well may the Poets feign Minerva the Goddess of Wit and the Foundress of Weaving so great is the ingenuity thereof The Buildings Windsor Castle was a Royal seat ever since the Conquest but brought to the modern Beauty chiefly at the cost of King Edward the Third It is a Castle for Strength a Palace for State and hath in it a Colledge for Learning a Chappel for Devotion and an Almes-house of decayed Gentlemen for Charity In this Palace most remarkeable the Hall for greatness Winchester-Tower for height and the Terrace on the North-side for pleasure where a dull eye may travaile twenty miles in a moment Nor boasteth so much that it consisteth of two great Courts as that it conteined two Great Kings John of France and David of Scotland Prisoners therein together as also that it was the seat of the Honourable Order of the Garter Many neat Houses and pleasant seats there be in this County both on the Kennet and Thames which seem dutifully to attend at distance on Windsor Castle as Aldermaston Inglefield c. most sweet in their situations Proverbs I meet with but one in this County but either so narrow that they stretch not beyond the bounds thereof or else so broad that all other Counties equally share in the cause and usage of them Wherefore seeing this is the first English Shire in the Alphabetical Order to avoid a Vacuity we will here insert such Proverbs wherein England or English-men are by express mention concerned But first we will dispatch that sole Proverb of this County viz. The Vicar of Bray will be Vicar of Bray still Bray a Village well known in this County so called from the BIBROCES a kind of ancient Britons Inhabiting thereabouts The Vivacious Vicar hereof living under King Henry the 8. King Edward the 6. Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth was first a Papist then a Protestant then a Papist then a Protestant again He had seen some Martyrs burnt two miles off at Windsor and found this fire too hot for his tender temper This Vicar being taxed by one for being a Turn-coat and an unconstant Changeling Not so said he for I alwaies kept my Principle which is this to live and die the Vicar of Bray Such many now adayes who though they cannot turn the wind will turn their Mils and set them so that wheresoever it bloweth their Grist shall certainly be grinded Proceed we now to the Proverbs General of England When our Lady falls in our Lords lap Then let England beware a sad clap Then let England beware a mishap aliàs Then let the Clergy-man look to his cap. I behold this proverbial
 4 Edw. Stanley bar ut prius  5 Tho. Leigh esq ut prius  6 Pet. Dutron esq ut prius  7 Tho. Stanley esq ut prius  8 Ric. Brereton es ut prius  9 Edw. Fitton esq ut prius  10 Pet. Venables ut prius  11 Tho. Ashton bar ut prius  12 Will. Leigh esq ut prius  13 Tho. 〈◊〉 bar DuddingtoÌ„ Arg. a Cheveron 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or betwixt 3 Gadds of stteel S. 14 Tho. Cholmley ut prius  15 Phil. Manwaring ut prius  16 Tho. Powell bar Berkenhad Sable 3 Roses Arg. 17 Ioh. Billot esq  Arg. on a Chief G. 3 Cinque foils of the Field 18 Hug. Calvely k. ut prius  19 Tho. Leigh esq ut prius  20 Ri. Gravenor ba. ut prius  21 Rob. Totton esq Winthaw Quarterly Arg. G. 4 Crescents counter changed 22 Hen. Brood esq   Reader if thou discoverest any difference in the Method betwixt this and the other Catalogue of Sheriffs impute it to this cause that whilst I fetched the Rest from the Fountain in the Exchequer I took these out of the Cestern I mean the Printed Book of Vale-royal I presume that the Sheriff who is last named continued in that Office all that Intervale of years till his Successor here nominated entred thereon The Reader may with the more confidence relie on their Armes imparted unto me by Mr. Daniel King who to me really verifieth his own Anagram DANIEL KING I KIND ANGEL And indeed he hath been a Tutelar one to me gratifying me with whatsoever I had need to use and he had ability to bestow Henry III. 56 HUGH de HATTON King William the Conquerer bestowed Lands on one of his Name and Ancestors at Hatton in this County From him is Lineally descended that Learned and Religious witness his pious meditations on the Psalmes Sir Christopher Hatton Knight of the Bath created by King Charles the first Baron Hatton of Kerby in Northampton-shire The Original of this grant of the Conquerors is still in this Lords Possession preserved in our Civil Wars with great care and difficulty by his vertuous Lady On the same token that her Lord patiently digested the plundring of his Library and other Rarities when hearing the welcome tidings from his Lady that the said Record was safely secured Queen Mary 3 Sir HUGH CHOLMLY or CHOLMONDELEIGH This worthy person bought his Knight-hood in the field at Leigh in Scotland He was five times High-sheriffe of this County and sometimes of Flintshire and for many years one of the two sole deputies Leiutenants thereof For a good space he was Vice-President of the Marches of Walles under the Right Honorable Sir Henry Sidney Knight conceive it during his abscence in Ireland For Fifty years together he was esteemed a Father of his Country and dying Anno 157. was buried in the Church of Mallpasse under a Tombe of Allabaster with great lamentation of all sorts of people had it not mitigated their Mourning that he left a Son of his own name Heir to his Vertues and Estate 2 JOHN SAVAGE Ar. I behold him as the direct Ancestor unto Sir Thomas Savage Kt. and Baronet Created by K. Charles the first Baron Savage of Rock savage in this County This Lord a very prudent States-man married Elizabeth eldest Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Lord Darcy of Chich Viscount Colchester and Earl of Rivers Honours entailed on his Posterity and now injoyed by the Right Honorable Thomas Savage Earl Rivers The Battles Rowton heath 1645. Sept. 24. His Majesty being informed that Colonel Jones had seized the Suburbs and Strong Church of St. Johns in Chester advanced Northward for the relief thereof Poins one of the Parliaments Generalls pursued his Majesty At Rowton-heath within 3. miles of Chester the K. Army made an Halt whilst his Majesty with some prime persons marched into the City Next day a fierce Fight happened on the Heath betwixt the Kings and Poinses Forces the latter going off with the greater loss Judicious Persons conceive that had the Royalists pursued this Single Enemy as yet unrecruited with additional strength they had finally worsted him which Fatall omission opportunities admit of no after-games proved their overthrow For next day Col. Jones drew out his men into the field so that the Royalists being charged on the Heath in Front and Rear were put to the worst the whole body of whose Army had Wings without Legs Horse without Foot whilst the Parliament was powerfull in both Immediatly after a considerable Party of Horse the Lord Byron Governour of the City being loth to part with any Foot as kept to secure the Kings person came out of Chester too late to succour their defeated Friends and too soon to engage themselves Here fell the Youngest of the three Noble Brethren who lost their lives in the King service Bernard Stuart Earl of Leichfield never sufficiently to be lamented The Farewell To take my leave of Cheshire I could wish that some of their hospitality were planted in the South that it might bring forth fruit therein and in exchange I could desire that some of our Southern delicacies might prosperously grow in their gardens and Quinces particularly being not more pleasant to the palate then restorative of the health as accounted a great cordiall The rather because a native of this County in his description thereof could not remember he ever saw Quince growing therein CHESTER is a fair City on the North-east side of the River Dee so ancient that the first founder thereof is forgotten much beholding to the Earls of Chester and others for Increase and Ornaments The Walls thereof were lately in good repair especially betwixt the New-tower and the Water-gate For I find how Anno 1569. there was a personal fight in this City betwixt the two Sheriffs thereof viz. Richard Massey and Peter Lycherband who shall keep peace if aged Officers break it who deservedly were fined for the forfeiting of their gravity to repair that part of the Wall It seems it is more honour to be keeper of a gate in Chester then a whole City elsewhere seeing Eastgate therein was committed to the câ—…ody formerly of the Earl of Oxford Bridgegate to the Earl of Shrewsbury Watergate to the Earl of Daâ—…by and Northgate to the Mayor of the City It is built in the form of a Quadrant and is almost a just Square the four Cardinal Streets thereof as I may call them meeting in the middle of the City at a place called the Pentise which affordeth a Pleasant Prospect at once into all Four Here is a property of building peculiar to the City called the Rows being Galleries wherein Passengers go dry without coming into the Streets having Shops on both sides and underneath The fashion whereof is somewhat hard to conceive it is therefore worth their pains who have Money and Leasure to make their own Eyes the Expounders of the manner thereof The
assertorem Vindicem acerrimum Quippe quia non solum nascenti huic Furori nec dum omnibus manifesto optimis Consiliis fortis in Curia Senator restiteret Sed insinuante se latius veneno crescente foerocia Domâ—…m ad suos reversus fortior Miles in Agro suo Somersetensi vicini partibus omni ope manu iniquissimam causam oppugnaverit in Arce praesertim Sherbornianâ sub Auspiciis Marchionis Hertfordiae egregiam operam navaverit Mox ulterius progressus pollenti in Devonia factionis Tyrannide munitissima Civiâ—…ate in foedus illecta jam undique bonis Subditis perniciem minante ipse penè in illa Regione Hospes contracto è Cornubia milite primoribus statim impetum eorum repressit jacentésque afflictas nostras partes mirifica virtute recreavit Et licet summis necessitatibus conflictanti exigua pars negocii â—…ostes erant tantum abâ—…uit ut vel illis vel istis succumberet ut contra copiis auctiores bellico apparatu instructissimos saepiùs signis collatis in aciedemicans semper superior excesserit Testis Lanestonia Saltash Bradock aliaque obscura olim nomina loca nunc Victoriis illius perduellium cladibus nobilitata Vix etiam ab his respiraverat cum novus belli furor lassas jam ferè continuis praeliis luxatas vires numerocissimo exercitu adortus uberiorem triumphandi dedit materiam Cum ille in Campis Strattoniae in difficillimas licet angustias redactus inops militaris instrumenti consumpto jam pulvere tormentario armatos inermis vallo munitos intectus sola causa virtute animatus ita retudit concidit castris exuit ut totam belli molem cum ipsis authoribus profâ—…igavit Quicquid fugae illius residuum erat inter Urbis unius Moenia eaque arcta obsi deonâ—… astricta concluso Qua quidem pugna memorabili praeter quod miserum Popellum Jugo intolerabili levaverat Sedes suas expulsis Ecclesias Pastoribus Pacem omnibus Firmamentum Pacis obsequium pristinum restituerit Et jam sequenti armorum nostrorum faelicitati qua partes Regni Occidentales maturius ad officium verum Dominum redierunt viam aperuisse momentum ingens extitisse libentissime profitemur In hac opera lau dabili cum praefatus Radulphus perstet adhuc invicto animo industria indefessa nullo arduo quantumvis labore periculo excusatus cumque mille Argumentis testatum fecerit Honorem salutemque nostram sibi omni fortuna captio potiorem nos virum fortissimum optimeque affectum animum benigno studio prosequi amplius demereri volentes hunc praeconio merito ornandum propriori ad nos gradu extollendum censuimus Sciatis igitur nos de gratia nostra speciali 〈◊〉 ex certa scientia mero motu praefatum Radulphum Hopton ad statum gradum stilum Dignitatem Titulum Honorem Baronis Hopton de Stratton in Comitatu nostro Cornubiae c. In cujus rei testimonium has Literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes Teste meipso apud Oxon. Quarto die Septembris Anno Regni nostri decimo nono This Honour determined in this Lord dying Issuless at Bruges in Flanders since which time King Charles the second hath conferred the Title of Baron of Stratton on Sir John Berkeley younger Sonto Sir Maurice Berkeley of Bruiton in Somerset-shire This was he who was one of the first four Tetrarchs or Joint-managers in chief of Marshall matters in Cornwall this is he who was so highly Instrumentall in the reducing of Exeter being afterwards deservedly appointed the Governour How since he hath shared in his Majesties sufferings beyond the Seas is sufficiently known As for the generall disarming and disbanding of the Parliament Army in this County Anno 1644. It was a Conquest without a Battle on this occasion I have seen the Head bow down to take a Thorne out of the Foot Such the proportion of Cornwall to England and such was the Condescention of the King to come into this County Essex followed him with all his Forces till he pen'd himself in a narrow Place or rather large Pound so that he was surrounded on all Sides with the Sea and the Kings Souldiers Hereupon Essex with some prime Commanders shipped himself for Plimouth thence for London whither also their Horse forced their Passage without considerable loss under the Conduct of Sir William Belfore whom the Kings Horse did sequi non assequi follow but not overtake The Foot left behind submitted to the King on such conditions as are generally known His Majesty earnestly endeavouring by the Enemies own confession the exact observing of Articles which if some unruly Royalist did violate Souldiers will hardly wear bad Cloaths whilst their Foes being in their Power have better on their Backs it was not so much an Offering as returning of an Injury some of them having formerly felt the same Usage on the like occasion The Parliament Foot did not depose their Disaffections with their Armes soon resuming or rather retayning their former Principles which made them adde new Armes to their old inclinations in the second Battle at Newbury The Farewell Being now to part with this County I wish it all happiness and particularly that Flaws or Flaughs may either never come thither or quickly depart thence Which being a kind of English Hericano hath little civility therein as throwing down some houses more trees and making more waste with the blast thereof And may the same Divine Providence which is their 〈◊〉 be also Neptune unto it to secure this County from the fury of Water as well as from the fierceness of the Wind that their LIONESS may never get a LION unto it so to propagate Inundations betwixt them And now to wish an Honour to this Dutchy and therewith a happiness both to It and all England the strength of my weak prayers twisted with many Millions more proceeding from Loyall hearts in this Land shall never be wanting that God would be pleased to bestow a Duke of Cornwall of the loines of our Gracious Soveraign to be possessed of the vertues and to be Heir Apparent to the Lands of his Father A Duke presumed in Law to be of full age to all purposes and intents the first minute of his birth which happy minute God in due time send for the comfort of our Nation CUMBERLAND CUMBERLAND hath Scotland on the North Northumberland and Westmerland on the East Lancashire on the South and the Irishâ—… sea on the West It is not unlike a Half Moon in the form thereof which from its Tips North and South may be allowed to be somewhat more then 40. miles though East and West it spreadeth not above 26. miles The soyl though generally hard and exacting much toyl to improve it is pleasant with the Varieties and profitable with these Naturall Commodities Pearls These are found commonly by the river Irt where Mussels as
Egmund Leland for a reason immediately following nameth him William of Stamford but Egremont is the Orthography of his name from a small Market-town yet a Barony of the late Earls of Sussex in this Shire where he was born Quitting this cold Country he took his Progress into the South and fixing himself at Stamford became an Augustinian Eremite and proceeded Doctor of Divinity Going beyond the Seas he was by the Pope made Episcopus Pissinensiâ—… some poor pitifull Bishoprick so that one would scarce trouble himself to find it out to have the profit thereâ—…f and therewith held the Suffragane-ship under Henry Beaufort Bishop of Lincoln Indeed that voluminous Diocess a full fourth part of England before Eli Peterborough and Oxford were cantoned out of it required a Co-adjutor Many are the learned works written by him and seeing he is Doubly qualified I thought fitter to repose him under the Topick of Writers then of Prelates being confident that he got more credit by his Books then profit by his Bishoprick He flourished under King Richard the second anno 1390. JOHN SKELTON was a younger branch of the Skeltons of Skelton in this County I crave leave of the Reader hitherto not having full instructions and preserving the undoubted Title of this County unto him to defer his character to Norfolk where he was Beneficed at Diss therein Since the Reformation RICHARD CRAKENTHORP D. D. was descended of an Ancient Family in this County as appeareth by their frequent being Sheriffs thereof He was bred Fellow of Queens-colledge in Oxford and afterwards in the first of King James went over Chaplain to the Lord Evers sent Embassadour to the King of Denmark and other prime Princes of Germany Here by use he got an easiness in the Latine tongue and correspondency with several persons of eminent Learning He was an excellent Logiciaâ—… witness his work in that kind and became Chaplain in Ordinary to King James Rector of Black-Notley in Essex greater preferments expecting him had not his death prevented it Pliny observeth that Posthume Children born after the death of their Father and Caesars understand such who are cut out of the womb of their Mother prove very happy in success What reason soever Naturalists assign hereof Divines justly impute it to Gods goodness graciously remembring those Orphans which cannot remember their own Parents The Observation may be applyed to the Books of this worthy Doctor set forth after his death one called Vigilius Dormità ns in defence of the Emperour Justinian and a generall Councill held by him Anno 553. set forth by his Brother George Crakenthorp the other being an answer to the Manifesto of the Arch-bishop of Spalato set forth by that Learned Antiquary Dr. John Barkham and both of these Books finding an universall and gratefull reception among the Learned and Religious I cannot certainly fix the date of his death and be it here solemnly entred that Westmerland shall be unprejudiced if he were born as a most credible person hath informed me at NewBiggin in this County SALKELD was a branch of a Right Worshipfull Family in this County bred a Divine beyond the Seas but whether 〈◊〉 or Secular Priest I know not Coming over into England to Angle for Proselites it seems his Line broke and he was cast into prison Hence he was brought out and presented to K. James by whose Arguments and a Benefice bestowed on him in Somersetshire he became a Protestant This he used in all companies to boast of that he was a Royall Convert Nobisque dedit solatia victor And was it not a Noble thing Thus to be conquer'd by a King Indeed His Majesty in some of his works styleth him the Learned Salkeld which the other much vaunted of often telling it to such who well knew it before for fear they might forget it His preaching was none of the best and he retained some Popish though not Opinions Fancies to the day of his death I have heard much of his discourse more of his own praise then to his own praise in my judgement But his true character may be taken out of the Book he wrot of Angells He died about the year 1638. GERARD LANGBAIN D. D. was born at Kirk-Banton in this County bred first Fellow in then Provost of Queens-colledge in Oxford A skilfull Antiquary ingenious industrious and judicious in â—…is Writings as by his Works will appear Who so shall read over the History of thâ—… Councill of Trent translâ—…ted out of Italian by Sir Nathaniel Brent will conceive it so compleat a Narration of all the concernments in that Council that nothing of consequence can be added thereunto Yet this his mistake will be confuted by perusing the Works set forth by Doctor Langbain of the dissent of the Gallican Churches from severall conclusions in that Council As his Brain was the Mother of some so was it the Midwife to other good books which he procured to be published Especially a book made by Sir John Cheeke concerning Rebellion and Loyalty seasonably reprinted in the beginning of our Civil Wars But alas such then was the noise of mens Animosities that the Still voice of Truth could not be heard amongst them More Excellent Tracts were expected from him particularly an Edition of Brian Twine with Additions concerning the Antiquity of Oxford when God was pleased almost in the midst of his days to put an end to his life Anno 1657. Benefactors to the Publick ROBERT EAGLESFIELD born in this County was a pious and learned man according to the rate of that age Chaplain and Confessor to Philippa Queen to King Ed ward the third He founded a fair Colledge in Oxford by the name of Queens-colledge for a Provost and twelve Fellows whom he ordered to sit in the Hall in purpura and that they should be attended on more Curiali He appointed that those of Cumberland and Westmerland should be proper for perferment in his Foundation rendring this reason why he reflected most on those Northern Counties Propter insolitam vastitatem melioris literaturae infrequentiam But prevented by death he finished not his intentions leaving onely to the Colledge the Mannor of Renwick in this County with the impropriation of Burgh under Stanmore and which I assure you was considerable most excellent Statutes To shew himself both Courtier and Scholar he ordered that in the Hall they should speak either Latine or French He bequeathed his Colledge to the honorary Patronage of the Queens of England and his Sur-name is still extant in this County in persons of quality but how to him related to me unknown He dyed about the year of our Lord 1370. Memorable Persons MAUD the Daughter of Thomas Lord Lucy Sister and Heir of Anthony Lord Lucy and Baron of Cokermouth the Widow of Gilbert Humfrevile Earl of Angus was the second Wife of Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland Who when she saw that she should dye without Issue gave to Earl Henry her husband the Castle and Honour of
returned to his own Patrimony at Bediford in this County where he lived in great repute 1100. under the Raign of King William Rufus and may seem to have â—…ntailed Hereditary Valour on his Name and still flourishing Posterity JAMES Lord AUDLEY is challenged by several Counties Stafford-shire Herefordshire Dorsetshire c. And that with almost equal probability to be their Native But my Authour well verst in the Antiquities of this Shire clearly adjudgeth his birth thereunto Avouching the Castle of Barstable the place of his principal Mansion and Inhabitance This is that Lord Audley so famous for his valiant service in France at the Battail of Poictiers where the Black Prince rewarded him with a yearly Pension of 500 Marks which presently the Lord Audley gave as freely to his four Esquires having as he said received this Honour by their means The news of this Largesse being quickly brought to the Prince his Ears he questioned the Lord whether he conceived his Gift not worthy his esteem as beneath his acceptance To whom the Lord replyed Thâ—…se Squires have done me long and faithful service and now especially in this Battail without whose assistance I being a single man could have done little Besides The fair Estate left mebâ—… my Ancestors enableth me freely to serve your Highnesse whereas these my men may stand in need of some support onely I crave your pardon forâ—…giving it away without your licence The Prince highly pleased thereat praised his Bounty as much as his Valour and doubled his former Pension into a thousand Marks This noble Lord by my computation died about the beginning of the Raign of King Richard the Second THOMAS STUâ—…LEY Were he alive he would be highly offended to be ranked under any other Topick than that of Princes whose memory must now be content and thankful too that we will afford it a place amongst our Souldiers He was a younger brother of an ancient wealthy and worshipful Family nigh Illfracombe in this County being one of good parts but valued the lesse by others because over-prized by himself Having prodigally mis-spent his Patrimony he entred on several projects the issue general of all decaied estates and first pitched on the peopleing of Florida then newly found out in the West Indies So confident his ambition that he blushed not to tell Queen Elizabeth that he preferred rather to be Soveraign of a Mole-hill than the highest Subject to the greatest King in Christendome adding moreover that he was assured he should be a Prince before his death I hope said Queen Elizabeth I shall hear from you when you are stated in your Principality I will write unto you quoth Stukely In what Language said the Queen He returned In the Stile of Princes To our dear Sister His fair project of Florida being blasted for lack of money to pursue it he went over into Ireland where he was frustrate of the preferment he expected and met such Physick that turned his Feaver into Frensie For hereafter resolving treacherously to attempt what he could not loyally atchieve he went over into Italy It is incredible how quickly he wrought himself thorough the notice into the favour through the Court into the Chamber yea Closet yea bosome of Pope Pius Quintus so that some wise men thought his Holinesse did forfeit a parcel of his infallibility in giving credit to such a Glorioso vaunting that with three thousand souldiers he would beat all the English out of Ireland The Pope finding it cheaper to fill Stuckleys swelling sails with aiery Titles than real Gifts created him Baron of Ross Viscount Murrough Earl of Wexford Marquesse of Lemster and then furnished this Title-top-heavy General with eight hundred souldiers paid by the King of Spain for the Irish Expedition In passage thereunto Stuckley lands at Portugal just when Sebastian the King thereof with two Moorish Kings were undertaking of a voyage into Affrica Stuckly scorning to attend is perswaded to accompany them Some thought he wholly quitted his Irish design partly because loath to be pent up in an Island the Continent of Affrica affording more elbow-room for his Atchievements partly because so mutable his mind he ever loved the last project as Mothers the youngest child best Others conceive he took this Affrican in order to his Irish design such his confidence of Conquest that his Break-fast on the Turks would the better enable him to dine on the English in Ireland Landing in Affrica Stuckley gave counsil which was safe seasonable and necessary namely that for two or three dayes they should refresh their land Souldiers whereof some were sick and some were weak by reason of their tempestuous passage This would not be heard so furious was Don Sebastion to engage as if he would pluck up the bays of Victory out of the ground before they were grown up and so in the Battail of Alcaser their Army was wholly defeated Where Stuckley lost his life A fatal fight where in one day was slain Three Kings that were and One that would be fain This Battail was fought Anno 1578. Where Stuckley with his eight hundred men behaved himself most valiantly till over-powered with multitude I hope it will be no offence next to this Bubble of Emptinesse and Meteor of Ostentation to place a precious Pearl and Magazine of secret merit whom we come to describe GEORGE MONCK Some will say he being and long may he be alive belongs not to your Pen according to your Premised Rules But know he is too High to come under the Roof of my Regulations whose merit may make Laws for me to observe Besides it is better that I should be censured than he not commended Passe we by his High Birth whereof hereafter and â—…ard breeding in the Low-Countreys not commencing a Captain per saltum as many in our Civil Wars but proceeding by degrees from a private Souldier in that Martial University Passe we also by his Imployment in Ireland and Imprisonment in England for the King his Sea service against the Dutch Posting to speak of his last performancâ—… which should I be silent would speak of it selfe Being made Governour of Scotland no power or policy of O. C. could fright or flatter him thence Scotland was his Castle from the top whereof he â—…ook the true prospect of our English affairs He perceived that since the Martyrdom of King Charls several sorts of Goverment like the Sons of Jesse before Samuel pafsed before the English People but neither God nor our Nation had chosen them He resolved therefore to send for despised David out of a Forreign Field as well assured that the English Loyalty would never be at rest till fixed in the center thereof He secured Scotland in faithfull hands to have all his Foes before his 〈◊〉 and leave none behind his back He entreth England with excellent Foot but his Horse so lean that they seemed tired at their first setting forth The chiefest strength of his Army consisted in the Reputation of the
Per Cheveron Arg. and purple a Lion Rampant counterchanged 10 Edw Gyles 〈◊〉   11 George Smith miles   12 John Specot miles ut prius  13 John Gefford arm  Sab. 3 Lozenges in Fess 〈◊〉 14 George Southcoate ut prius  15 Thomas Heale ar ut prius  16 Warâ—… Heale 〈◊〉 ut prius  17 Christ Savoâ—… y miles   18 〈◊〉 Heale 〈◊〉 ut prius  19 Edmond Parker ar ut prius  20 Edm. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ut prius  21 Henry Tottle arm  Azure on a bend Argent cottised Or. a Lion passant Sa. 22 Simon Leach   King CHARLES I.   〈◊〉   1 〈◊〉 Fry armig Yarty Vert 3 Horses in pale cur arg 2 John Northcoate A.  Arg. 3 Croslets bendwaise 〈◊〉 3 Waler Young arm   4 Henry Rouswel mil. Fordabbey  5 John Davy armiger  Arg. a Cheveron Sab. 〈◊〉 3 Mullets Gules peirced 6 Henry Ashford arm Ashforde Arg. three Pine-apples Vert twixt 2 Cheveronels Sable 5 Edward 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Anery â—…arty per Cheverons Azu and Erm â—… Stags heads cabos 〈◊〉 8 〈◊〉 Drake Bar. Buckland Sab. a Fess. 〈◊〉 between the 2 pole Starrs Arg. alias a 〈◊〉 wings elevated 〈◊〉 Ermine a Lion passant Gules ut prius 9 â—…ohn 〈◊〉 ar ut prius  10 Thomas Drew miles   11 Thomas Heale Ba. Fleet  12 Dennys Roll 〈◊〉 ut prius  13 Thomas VVise arm ut prius  14 John Poole 〈◊〉 ut prius  15 Nichol 〈◊〉 m Oxon Or 2 Barrs Gules 16 Nicholas Putt 〈◊〉 Arg. a Lion rampant impounded within a Muscle Sable Richard Collums a  Azure a Cheveron Ermine bebetwixt 3 Pellicans vulning themselvs Or. 17 Edmond 〈◊〉 ut prius  18 Henry Careye ut prius  19 John Acland armi ut prius  20 Richard Greenvile ut prius  21 Francis Drake miles ut prius  22   RICHARD II. 1. JOHN DAMEREL Throwely in Dartmore his chief 〈◊〉 came to his Family by match with the eldest Daughter and coheir of 〈◊〉 who married AVIS sole Heir to Sr. William le Prouze in the raign of K. Edward the second her Two younger Sisters being married to North-coat and Wibery amongst whom a great Inheritance was divided And by Writ of Particion sued out in the 14 of K. Edward the third * Throwley fell to the share of Damerel HENRY VII 2. RICHARD EDGECOMB He was a Knight and memorable in his Generation For being zealous in the Cause of Henry Earl of Richmond afterwards K. Henry the 7. he was in the time of K. Richard the 3. so hotly persued and narrowly searched for that he was forced to hide himself in his thick Woods at his House at 〈◊〉 in Cornwal Here extremity taught him a suddain Policy to put a stone in his cap and tumble the same into the water whilest these Rangers were fast at his heels who looking down after the noise and seeing his cap swimming thereon supposed that he had desperately 〈◊〉 himself and deluded by this honest fraud gave over their farther persuit leaving him at liberty to shift over into Britain Nor was his gratitude lesse than his ingenuity who in remembrance of his delivery after his return built a Chappel lately extant in the place where he lurked and lived in great repute with Prince and People King Henry the seventh rewarded his Loyalty by bestowing the Castle of Totnes in this Countyupon him EDWARD VI. 1. PETER CAREW Miles This active Gentleman had much adoe to expedite himself and save his life being imprisoned for his compliance with Sr. Thomas Wyate Afterwards he did signal service in the Irish Warrs This Memorial remaineth for him Viro Nobilissimo D. PETRO CAREW Equiti Aurato Est hoc structum Monumentum Qui obiit Rosae in Laginiâ Hyberniae 27 Novembris Sepultus autem Waterfordiae 15 Decembris 1575. Terra Cadavâ—…r habet The rest of the Epitaph is not legible Queen ELIZABETH 11. ROBERT DENNIS Miles This worthy Knight Anno 1592. erected a fair Almes-House in the Suburbs of Exeter for 12 poor Aged Men allowing to each a plot of ground for an Herber and 12 Pence weekly This Family so ancient in this County deriving its Name and Original from the DANES is now extinct the Heir-general being married into the House of the ROLLES 45. AMIAS BAMPFIELD Arm. Right ancient and worthy his extraction especially since one of his Ancestors married one of the Daughters and Co-heirs of the Lord Semaur or de sancto Mauro whereby a fair Inheritance at South-Molton in this County accrewed into this Family in which Church this Amias with his Father lyeth interred and their joynt-Epitaph will acquaint us with the numerosity of their Issue then living or dead Twelve of Seventeen are not of Fifteen are Eleven Proceeding from this stock praise be to God in Heaven However Pottimore near Exeter is their prime Habitation and hath been ever since the time of K. Edward the first witnesse this Inscription on a Monument in that Church Hic â—…acet Joh. Bampfield Agnes Uxorejus Pater Mater Will Bampfield qui hanc Ecclesiae Maximam Campanam fieri fecerunt 1310. As for Sr. Coplestone Bampfield now Sheriffe of this County and so cordial to the Kings Cause in the worst of times he doth by his Vertues add a New Lustre to his ancient extraction King CHARLES 12 DENNIS ROLLS Arm. His Mother was Coheir to Sr. Thomas Dennis Knight of right ancient extraction As for this worthy Esquire I remember the old Sentence Praestat nulla quam pauca dicere de Carthagine on which account I forbear further praise of him He was the last of his House not in the sence wherein Salust is called altimus suae domus because he lavished away all his Lands in Luxury but God denyed his Male-Issue to attain to Mans estate The Farewell I am most credibly informed that a Rock lately so lately that as yet it is not named hath been discovered by an Hamburger being Master of a ship who made the first report thereof on his own Oath and the oaths of all in his company to the Corporation of Seamen at the Trinity-house nigh London It lyeth one league off from the START in Devonshire It is more then suspicious that many hundreds have here had their silent Deaths never landing to relate the cause of their destruction For it is very dangerous for a Ship that draweth above eleven or twelve foot water if it should chance to strike upon it at a low water with an indifferent Sea It is the more dangerous because Picked the form thereof so that if you chance to heave one cast upon it the next cast shall be no less than fourteen or fifteen fathome water I am sorry if the Discoverer hereof met not with a proportionable Reward understanding that he had made a better Bargain if he had addressed himself first to the Dutch most
places and at a place called Somervill near to Chappel which by the landing place as ye come from Altferrâ—… to Chesil is in great abundance It is an assured remedy for the Yellow Jaundice openeth the obstructions of the Spleen c. Buildings The Houses of the Gentry herein are built rather to be lived in than to be looked on very low in their scituation for warmth and other conveniencies Indeed the rhime holds generally true of the English structures The North for Greatness the East for Health The South for Neatness the West for Wealth However amongst the Houses in this County Lullworth Castle and Sherburn-Lodge are most eminent escaping pretty well in the late war so that they have cause neither to brag nor complain Proverbs As much a kin as Lenson-hill to Pilsen-pen That is no kin at all It is spoke of such who have vicinity of habitation or neighbourhood without the least degree of consanguinity or affinity betwixt them For these are two high hills the first wholy the other partly in the Parish of Broad Windsor whereof once I was Minister Yet Reader I assure thee that Sea-Men make the nearest Relation betwixt them calling the one the Cow the other the Calf in which forms it seems they appear first to their fancies being eminent Sea-marks to such as sail along these Coasts And although there be many Hills interposing betwixt these and the Sea which seem higher to a land Traveller yet these surmount them all so incompetent a Judge and so untrue a Surveyor is an ordinary eye of the Altitude of such places Stab'd with a Byrdport Dagger That is hang'd or executed at the Gallowes The best if not the most Hemp for the quantity of ground growing about Byrdport a Market Town in this County And hence it is that there is an ancient Statute though now disused and neglected that the Cable Ropes for the Navy Royal were to be made there abouts as affording the best Tackling for that purpose Dorset-shire Dorsers Dorsers are Peds or Panniers carried on the backs of Horses on which Haglers use to ride and carry their Commodities It seems this homely but most useful implement was either first found out or is most generally used in this County where Fish-Jobbers bring up their Fish in such contrivances above an hundred miles from Lime to London Saints EDWARD son to Edgar King of England was in his Child-hood bred under the cruel correction of Elfrida his Mother-in-law who used for small faults to whip him with Wax-Candles In so much that it is reported it made such an impression in this young Princes memory that when a man he could not endure the sight of Wax-Candles But Edward afterwards outgrew his Mothers tuition and succeeded his Father in his Throne However such her ambition that advantaged with the others easiness of nature She managed most matter of State leaving her Son in-law little more than the bare title of Soveraign Not contented herewith and to derive the Scepter to her own Son Ethelred caused him to be stab'd at Corfe Castle in this County coming in a civil visit unto her His hidden â—…ody being miraculously discovered was first buried at Warham and thence removed to Shaftsbury which Town for a time was termed Saint Edwards from his interment His murder hapned about the year of our Lord 978. Cardinals JOHN MORTON was born at Saint Andrews Milborne in this County of a right Worshipful Family still extant therein He was bred in Oxford and after many mediate preferments made Bishop of Ely Anno 1578. Not long after when many groaned under the Tyranny of King Richard the third this Prelate first found out the design of marrying Elizabeth eldest daughter to Edward the fourth of the House of York to Henry Earl of Richmond the last who was left of the line of Lancaster Indeed the Earls title to the Crown was not enough to make a countenance therewith much less a claim thereto but as the Lady had a Title and wanted a man to manage it the Earl was man enough to manage any design but wanted a Title and pursuing this advice by Gods blessing he gained the Crown by the name of Henry the seventh In expression of his gratitude he made this Bishop Chancellor of England and afterwards Arch-Bishop of Canterbury He was a great instrument in advancing a voluntary Contribution to the King through the Land perswading Prodigals to part with their money because they did spend it most and the Covetous because they might spare it best So making both extreams to meet in one medium to supply the Kings necessities who though prodigiously rich may be said always to need because never-satisfied This Bishop with vast cost cut a new Channel in the Fennes for the publick good but it neither answered his expectation nor expence He was magnificent in his buildings and bountiful to poor Scholars enjoyning his Executors to maintain twenty poor Scholars in Oxford and ten in Cambridge twenty years after his death which hapned in October 1500. Prelates JOHN STAFFORD Son to Humphrey Stafford sixth Earl of Stafford was born at Hooke in this County then a most stately House belonging to this Family and bred a Doctor of the Laws in Oxford he was afterwards Dean of the Arches and Dean of Saint Martins This was a fair Colledge near Aldersgate in London founded Anno 1056. by Ingelricus and Edvardus his Brother priviledged by our Kings of England with great immunities the cause of many and high contests betwixt this Colledge and the City of London Afterwards he was made Bishop of Wells and for eighteen years a continuance hardly to be parallel'd was Chancellor of England At last he was advanced Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and no Prelate his Peer in Biâ—…th and preâ—…erment hath either less good or less evil recorded of him He died at Maidstone 1452. and lies buried in Canterbury ROBERT MORTON was Brothers Son to Cardinal Morton of whom before whose Father had a fair Habitation at Saint Andrews Milborne in this County His relation to so good an Uncle mixed with his own merits preferred him to the Bishoprick of Worcester Of whom we have little more than the date of his consecration 1486. and of his Death 1497. He lieth buried in the body of Saint Pauls Church in London JAMES TURBERVIL or De turbida villa was born of a worshipful Family who long have lived in great account in this County â—… First a Monk but afterwards brought up in New-Colledge in Oxford He was consecrated Bishop of Exeter 1556. and deserved right well of that See When he entred thereon it was most true what his Successor therein since said That the Bishop of Exeter was a Baron but a Bare one so miserably that Cathedral had been pilled and polled But Bishop Turbervil recovered some lost lands which Bishop Voysey had vezed and particularly obtained of Queen Mary the â—…estitution of the fair Manor of
Heraldry in that age from that well noted Town in this County In process of time he became Abâ—…ot of Westminster for twenty four years He was so high in favour with King Hâ—…nry the third that he made him one ' of his speciall Councellours Chief Baron of the Exchequer â—…nd for a short time Lord Treasurer of England He died Anno. 1246. buried in Westminster-Church whose marble tombe before the middle of the Altar was afterwards pulled down probably because taking up too much room by Frier Combe Sacriâ—…t of the House who laid a plain marble stone over him with an Epitaph too tedious and barbarous to be transcribed JOHN de CHESILL There are two Villages so called in this County where the North-west corner thereof closeth with Cambridge-shire I will not define in which this John was born time having left us nothing of his actions saving the many preferments thorough which he passed being Dean of Saint Pauls successively Arch-Deacon and Bishop of London and twice Chancellor of England viz. Anno Domini 1264. in the 48. of King Henry the third viz. Anno Domini 1268. in the 53. of King Henry the third He was afterward also Lord Treasurer of England and died Anno Domini 1279. in the seventh year of the raign of King Edward the first JOHN of WALTHAM was so named from the place of his nativity and attained to be a prudent man and most expert in government of the State so that he became Master of the Rolls Keeper of the Privy Seal and Anno 1388. was consecrated Bishop of Salisbury But he miss'd his mark and met with one who both matched and mastered him when refusing to be visited by Courtney Arch-bishop of Canterbury on the criticisme that Pope Urbane the sixth who granted Courtney his Commission was lately dead till the Arch-bishop excommunicated him into more knowledge and humility teaching him that his Visitations had a self-support without assistance of Papal power cast in onely by the way of religious complement This John of Waltham was afterwards made Lord Treasurer and Richard the second had such an affection for him that dying in his Office he caused him to be buried though many muttered thereat amongst the Kings and next to King Edward the first in Westminster His death happened 1395. ROGER WALDEN taking his Name from his Birth in that Eminent Market-Town in this County was as considerable as any man in his Age for the alternation of his fortune First he was the son of a poor man yet by his Industry and Ability attained to be Dean of York Treasurer of Calis Secretary to the King and Treasurer of England Afterwards when Thomas Arundell Arch-bishop of Canterbury fell into the disfavour of King Richard the second and was banished the land this Roger was by the King made Arch-bishop of Canterbury and acted to all purposes and intents calling of Synods and discharging of all other offices However he is beheld as a Cypher in that See because holding it by Sequestration whilst Arandell the true Incumbent was alive who returning in the first of King Henry the fourth resumed his Arch-Bishoprick And now Roger Walden was reduced to Roger Walden and as poor as at his first beginning For though all maintained that the Character of a Bishop was indelable this Roger found that a Bishoprick was delable having nothing whereon to subsist untill Arch-bishop Arundell nobly reflecting upon his Worth or Want or Both procured him to be made Bishop of London But he enjoyed that place onely so long as to be a testimony to all posterity of Arundell his Civility unto him dying before the year was expired 1404. He may be compared to one so Jaw-fallen with over long â—…asting thaâ—…â—…e cannot eat meat when brought unto him and his spirits were so depressed with his former ill fortunes that he could not enjoy himself in his new unexpected happiness Why he was buried rather in Saint Bartholomews in Smithfiâ—…ld then his own Cathedrall Church is too hard for me to resolve Since the Reformation RICHARD HOWLAND was born at Newport-Pâ—…nds in this County first Hellow of Peterhouse then chosen 1575. Master of Magdalen and next year Master of Saint Johns-Colledge in Cambridge He was twice Vice-chancellor of the University in the year 1584. he was Consecrated Bishop of Peterborough in which place he continued sixteen years and died in June 1600. JOHN JEGON was born in this County at Coxhall Fellow first of Queens then Master of Bennet-colledge in Cambridge and three times Vice-chancellour of the University A most serious man and grave governour yet withall of a most faceâ—…ious disposition so that it was hard to say whether his counsel was more grateful for the soundness oâ—… his company more acceptable for the pleasâ—…ess thereof Take one eminent instance of his â—…genuity Whilst Master of the Colledge he chanced to punish all the Under-graduates therein for some generall offence and the penalty was put upon their Heads in the Buttery And because that he disdained to convert the money to any private use it was expended in new whiteing the Hall of the Colledge Whereupon a scholar hung up these verses on the Skreen Doctor Jegon Bennet-colledge Master Brake the Scholars head and gave the walls a plaister But the Doctor had not the readiness of his parts any whit impaired by his age for perusing the paper ex tempore he subscribed Knew I but the Wagg that writ these verses in a Bravery I would commend him for his Wit but whip him for his Knavery Queen Elizabeth designed him but King James confirmed him Bishop of Norwich where if some in his Diocess have since bestowed harsh language on his memory the wonder is not great seeing he was a somewhat severe presser of Conformity and dyed Anno Domini 1618. SAMUEL HARESNET was born at Colchester in the Parish of Saint Butolph bred first Scholar then Fellow then Master of Pembrock-hall in Cambridge A man of grâ—…t learning strong parts and stout spirit He was Bishop first of Chichester then of Norwich and at last Arch-bishop of York and one of the Privy Councill of King Charles the 2. last dignities being procured by Thomas Earl of Arundell who much favoured him and committed his younger son to his Education Dying unmarried he was the better enabled for Publick and Pious uses and at Chigwell in this County the place of his first Church-preferment he built and endowed a fair Grammer School He conditionally bequeathed his Library to Colchester where he was born as by this passage in his Will may appear Item I give to the Bayliffs and Corporation of the Town of Colchester all my Library of Books provided that they provide a decent room to set them up in that the Clergy of the Town of Colchester and other Divines may have free access for the reading and studying of them I presume the Town corresponding with his desire the Legacy took due effect
their own Country Well it were if this good old custome were resumed for if where God hath given Talents men would give but Pounds I mean encourage hopefull Abilities with helpfull Maintenance able persons would never be wanting and poor men with great parts would not be excluded the Line of preferment This Sir Thomas was afterwards Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth and a grand benefactor to both Universities as I have formerly declared at large He died Anno Domini 1577. THOMAS HOWARD wherever born is justly reputed of this County wherein he had his first honour and last habitation He was second son to Thomas last Duke of Norfolk but eldest by his wife Margaret sole heir to Thomas Lord Audley Queen Elizabeth made him Baron of Audley and Knight of the Garter and King James who beheld his father a State-Martyr for the Queen of â—…ots in the first of his raign advanced him Lord Chamberlain and Earl of Suffolk and in the twelfth of his raign July 12. Lord Treasurer of England He was also Chancellour of Cambridge loving and beloved of the University When at his first coming to Cambridge Master Francis Nethersole Orator of the University made a Latine Speech unto him this Lord returned though I understand not Latine I know the Sence of your Oration is to tell me that I am wellcome to you which I believe verily thank you for it heartily and will serve you faithfully in any thing within my power Doctor Hasnet the Vice-chancellour laying hold on the Handle of so fair a Proffer requested him to be pleased to Entertain the King at Cambridge a Favour which the University could never compass from their former great and wealthy Chancellours I will do it saith the Lord in the best manner I may with the speediest conveniency Nor was he worse then his word giving his Majesty not long after so Magnificent a Treatment in the University as cost him five thousands pounds and upwards Hence it was that after his death Thomas his second son Earl of Bark-shire not suing for it not knowing of it was chosen to succeed him losing the place as some suspected not for lack of voices but fair counting them He died at Audley end Anno Domini 1626. being Grand-father to the right Honourable James Earl of Suffolk RICHARD WESTON I behold him son to Sir Jerome Weston Sheriff of this County in the one and fourtieth of Queen Elizabeth and cannot meet with any of his relations to rectifie me if erronious In his youth he impaired his estate to improve himself with publique accomplishment but came off both a saver and a gainer at the last when made Chancellor of the Exchequer and afterwards upon the remove of the Earl of Marlburrough July 15. in the fourth of King Charles Lord Treasurer of England But I hear the Cocks crow proclaiming the dawning day being now come within the ken of many alive and when mens memories do arise it is time for History to haste to bed Let me onely be a Datary to tell the Reader that this Lord was Created Earl of Portland February 17. in the eight of King Charles and died Anno Domini 163. being father to the right Honorable Jerome now Earl of Portland Capitall Judges Sir JOHN BRAMSTONE Knight was born at Maldon in this County bred up in the Middle-Temple in the study of the Common-law wherein he attained to such eminency that he was by King Charles made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench One of deep learning solid judgement integrity of life gravity of behaviour in a word accomplished with all qualities requisite for a Person of his place and profession One instance of his integrity I must not forget effectually relating to the Foundation wherein I was bred Serjeant Bruerton of whom formerly bequeathed by Will to Sidney-colledge well nigh three thousand pounds but for haste or some other accident so imperfectly done that as Doctor Samuel Ward informed me the gife was invalid in the Rigour of the Law Now Judge Bramstone who married the Serjeants Widdow gave himself much trouble gave himself indeed doing all things gratis for the speedy payment of the money to a Farthing and the legal setling thereof on the Colledge according to the true intention of the dead He deserved to live in better times the delivering his judgement on the Kings side in the case of Ship â—…oney cost him much trouble The posting Press would not be perswaded to stay till I had received farther instructions from the most Hopefull sons of this worthy Judge who died about the year 1646. Souldiers ROBERT FITZ-WALTER It is observable what I read in my Author that in the raign of King John there were three most eminent Knights in the land 〈◊〉 for their prowess viz. Robert Fitz-Roger Richard Mont-Fâ—…chet and this Robert Fitz-Walter Two of which three a fair proportion fall to be natives of this County This Robert was born at Woodham-walters and behaved himself right 〈◊〉 on all occasions highly beloved by King Richard the first and King John untill the later banished him the land because he would not prostitute his daughter to his pleasure But worth will not long want a Master the french-French-King joyfully entertained him till King John recalled him back again on this occasion five-years truce being concluded betwixt the two Crowns of England and France an English-man challenged any of the French to just a course or two on horse-back with him whom Fitz-Walter then oâ—… the French party undertook and at the first course with his great spear fell'd horse and man to the ground Thus then and ever since English-men generally can be worsted by none but English-men Hereupon the King next day sent for him restored his lands with license for him to repair his Castles and particularly Bainards-castle in London which he did accordingly He was styled of the common-people The Marshall of Gods Army and Holy-Church He died Anno Domini 1234. and lieth buried in the Priory of Little-Dunmow Sir JOHN HAWKEWOOD Knight Son to Gilbert Hawkewood Tanner was born in Sible heningham This John was first bound an apprentice to a Taylor in the City of London but soon turned his needle into a sword and thimble into a shield being pressed in the service of King Edward the third for his French Wars who rewarded his valour with Knighthood Now that mean men bred in manuall and mechanick trades may arrive at great skill in Martiall performances this Hawkewood though an eminent is not the onely instance of our English nation The heat of the French Wars being much remitted he went into Italy and served the City of Florence which as yet was a Free State Such Republiques preferred forrainers rather then natives for their Generalls because when the service was ended it was but disbursing their pay and then disbanding their power by cashering their Commission such Forraigners having no advantage to continue their
for his Motto Dilexi decorem domus tuae Domine I have loved the beauty of thy House ô Lord and sometimes Credite operibus Trust their works Now although some may like his Almes better then his Trumpet Charity will make the most favourable construction thereof Being 96. years of age he resigned his Bishoprick and died in the same year Anno Dom. 1536. JOHN WHITE was born in this County of a worshipful House began on the floor and mounted up to the roof of Spiritual Dignitie in this Diocess First Scholar in VVinchester then Fellow of New-colledge in Oxford then Master of VVinchester-School then VVarden of that Colledge and at last taking Lincoln Bishoprick in his passage Bishop of VVinchester all composed in this Distick Me puero Custos Ludi paulo ante Magister VITUS hac demum Praesul in Urbe fuit I may call the latter a Golden Verse for it cost this VVhite many an Angel to make it true entring into his Bishoprick on this condition to pay to Cardinal Pole a yearly Pension of a thousand pounds Now though this was no better then Simony yet the Prelats Pride was so far above his Covetousness and his Covetousness so farre above his Conscience that he swallowed it without any regreet He was a tolerable Poet and wrote an Elegy on the Eucharist to prove the corporal presence and confute Peter Martyr the first and last I believe who brought controversial Divinity into Verses He preached the Funeral Sermon of Queen Mary or if you will of publique Popery in England praising Her so beyond all measure and slighting Queen Elizabeth without any cause that he justly incurr'd Her displeasure This cost him deprivation and imprisonment straiter then others of his Order though freer than any Protestant had under Popish Persecutours until his death which hap'ned at London about the year 1560. Since the Reformation THOMAS BILSON was born in the City of Winchester bred first Scholar in Winchester-School then taking New-Colledge in his passage School-master thereof afterwards Warden of the Colledge and at last taking Worcester in his way Bishop of Winchester As reverend and learned a Prelate as England ever afforded witness his worthy Works Of the perpetual Government of Christs Church and of Christs Descent into Hell not Ad 1. Patiendum to Suffer which was concluded on the Cross with it is finished Nor 2. Praedicandum to Preach useless where his Auditory was all the forlorn hope Neither 3. Liberandum to Free any Pardon never coming after Execution But 4. Possidendum to take possession of Hell which he had conquered And 5. Triumphandum to Triumph which is most honourable in Hostico in the Enemies own Country The New Translation of the Bible was by King James his command ultimately committed to his and Dr. Smiths Bishop of Gloueester perusal who put the compleating hand thereunto His pious departure out of this life hapned 1618. HENRY COTTON was born at Warblington in this County being a younger son unto Sir Richard Cotton Knight and privy Councellor to King Edward the Sixth Queen whilest yet but Lady Elizabeth being then but twelve years of age was his God-mother He was bred in Magdalen Colledge in Oxford and was by the Queen preferred Bishop of Salisbury When she pleasantly said That formerly she had blessed many of her God-sons but now her God-son should bless her Reflecting on the Solemnity of Episcopal Benediction He was consecrated November the 12. 1598. at which time William Cotton of another Family was made Bishop of Exeter The Queen merrily saying alluding to the plenty of clothing in those parts that she hoped that now she had well Cottoned the West By his wife whose name was Patience he had nineteen children and died May the 7. 1615. ARTHUR LAKES was born in the Parish of Saint Michael in the Town of Southampton bred first in VVinchester-School then Fellow of New-Colledge In his own nature he preferred the fruitfulness of the Vine and fatness of the Olive painfulness in a private Parish before the government of the Trees had not immediate Providence without his suit and seeking preferred him successively Warden of New-Colledge Prefect of Saint Crosses nigh VVinchester Dean of VVorcester Bishop of Bath and VVells He continued the same in his Rochet what he was in his Scholars-gown and lived a real comment upon Saint Pauls character of a Bishop 1. Blameless Such as hated his Order could not cast any aspersion upon him 2. The Husband of one VVife He took not that lawful Liberty but led a single Life honouring Matrimony in his brethren who embraced it 3. Vigilant Examining Canonically in his own person all those whom he ordained 4 Sober of good behaviour Such his austerity in diet from his University-Commons to his dying day that he generally fed but on one and that no daintie dish and fasted four times a week from supper 5. Given to Hospitality When Master of Saint Crosses he encreased the allowance of the poor-Brethren in diet and otherwise When Bishop he kept 50. servants in his Family not so much for state or attendance on his Person but pure charity in regard of their private need 6. Apt to teach the Living with his pious Sermons in his Cathedral and neighbouring Parishes and Posterity with those learned Writings he hath left behinde him 7. Not given to VVine His abstemiousness herein was remarkable 8. No striker not given to filthy lucre He never fouled his fingers with the least touch of Gehazi's reward freely preferring desert 9. One that ruleth well his own House The rankness of House-keeping brake not out into any Riot and a Chapter was constantly read every Meal by one kept for that purpose Every night besides Cathedral and Chappel-Prayers he prayed in his own Person with his Family in his Dining-room In a word his Intellectuals had such predominancy of his Sensuals or rather Grace so ruled in both that the Man in him being subordinate to the Christian he lived a pattern of Piety I have read of one Arthur Faunt a Jesuite who entring into Orders renounced his Christian name because forsooth never Legendary Saint thereof and assumed that of Laurence This gracious Arthur was not so superstitiously scrupulous and if none before may pass for the first Saint of his name dying in the fifty ninth year of his age Anno Domini 1602. States-men RICHARD RICH Knight was in the words of my Author A Gentleman well descended and allied in this County Bred in the Temple in the study of our Common Law and afterwards became Sollicitor to King Henry the eighth His Deposition on Oath upon words spoken to him in the Tower was the sharpest evidence to cut off the head of Sir Thomas More He was under Cromwel a lesser hammerto knock down Abbeys most of the Grants of which Lands going through his hands no wonder if some stuck upon his fingers Under King Edward the Sixth he
the erection of Convents and such would be sure to chuse the best for men of their own Profession Sure I am it would set all England hard to show in so short a distance so pleasant a Park as Waybridge so â—…air a Meadow as Portsholme and so fruitful a Town for Tillage as Godmanchester all three within so many miles in this County No peculiar Commodity or Manufacture save with others equally intercommoning appearing in this County let us proceed The Buildings KIMBOLTON Castle This being part of the jointure of Queen Katharine Dowager was chosen by her to retire thereunto as neither too neer to London to see what she would not nor so far off but that she might hear what she desired Here she wept out the Remnant of her widdowhood while her husband was yet alive in her devotions This Castle came afterwards by gift to the Wingfields from them by sale to the Montagues Henry late Earle of Manchester sparing no cost which might add to the beauty thereof HINCHING-BROOKE once a Nunnery and which I am confident will ever be a Religious house whilst it relateth to the truly Noble Edward Montague Earl of Sandwich the owner thereof It sheweth one of the Magnificent roomes which is to be beheld in our Nation VVe must not forget the House and Chappel in litle Godding the inheritance of Master Ferrer which lately made a great Noise all over England Here three Numerous female families all from one Grand-Mother lived together in a strict discipline of devotion They rise at midnight to Prayers and other people most complained thereof whose heads I dare say never ak't for want of sleep Sure I am strangers by them were entertained poore people were relieved their Children instructed to read whilest their own Needles were emploied in learned and pious work to binde Bibles Whereof one most exactly done was presented to King Charles But their society was beheld by some as an Nunneryâ—…uspecting â—…uspecting that there was a Pope Ioane therein which causeless Cavill afterwards confuted it selfe when all the younger of those Virgins practised the Precept of St. Paul to marry bear Children and guide their houses Medicinal Waters There is an Obscure Village in this County neare St. Neots called Haile-weston whose very name Soundeth something of sanativeness therein so much may the Adding of what is no Letter alter the meaning of a Word for 1. Aile Signifieth a Sore or Hurt with complaining the effect thereof 2 Haile having an affinity with Heile the Saxon Idol for Esculapius Importeth a cure or Medicine to a Maladie Now in the afore-said Village there be two Fountaine-lets which are not farre asunder 1. One sweet conceived good to help the dimness of the eyes 2 The other in a manner salt esteemed sovereign against the Scabs and Leprosie What saith St. James Doth a Fountain send forth at the same Place sweet Water and bitter meaning in an Ordinary way without Miracle Now although these different Waters flow from several Fountains Yet seeing they are so near together it may justly be advanced to the Reputation of a Wonder Proverbs This is the way to BEGGARS BUSH It is spoken of such who use dissolute and improvident courses which tend to poverty Beggars Bush being a tree notoriously known on the left hand of London road from Huntington to Caxton I have heard how King James being in progress in these parts with Sir Francis Bacon the Lord Chancellour and having heard that morning how Sir Francis had prodigiously rewarded a mean man for a small present Sir Francis said He you will quickly come to beggars bush and I may even goe along with you if both be so bountifull RAMSEY the Rich This was the Cresus or Croessus of all our English Abbies For having but sixty Monks to maintaine therein the Revenues thereof according to the standard of those times amounted unto Seven Thousand pounds a year which in proportion was a hundred pound for every Monk and a thousand for their Abbot Yet at the dissolution of Monasteries the Income of this Abby was reckoned but at One thousand nine hundred eighty three pounds by the year whereby it plainly appears how much the Revenues were under rated in those valuations But how soon is Crassus made Codrus and Ramsey the Rich become Ramsey the Poor The wealth of the Town relative with the Abby was dissolved therewith and moe the Mendicants since in Ramsey than the Monks were before However now there is great hope that Ramsey after the two extremes of Wealth and Want will at last be fixed in a comfortable mediocrity the wish of Agur being granted unto him give me neither poverty nor riches especially since it is lately erected or rather restored to the Dignity of a Market-Town And surely the convenient scituation thereof since the draining of the Fens doth advantage it to be a Staple-place for the sale of fat and lean Cattle Saints ELFLED daughter of Ethelwold Earl of East-Angles Founder of the Monastery of Ramsey in this County was preferr'd Abbess of Ramsey confirm'd by K. Edgar therein She is reported to excel in austerity and holiness of life When her Steward complained unto her that she had exhausted her coffers with the profuseness of her Charity she with her prayers presently recruited them to their former fulness VVhen her candle as she read the Lesson casually went out there came such a brightness from the Fingers of her right hand that it inlightned the whole Quire which is as true as the New Lights to which our modern Sectaries do pretend the one having Miracles the other Revelations at their fingers-ends She died Anno Dom. 992. being buried in the Lady-Church at Ramsey with high veneration Prelates VVILLIAM de VVHITLESEY no printed Author mentioning the Place of his birth and breeding He was placed by us in this County finding Whitlesey a Town therein so memorable for the Mere and presuming that this William did follow suit with the best of his Cote in that age sirnamed from the places of their Nativity Mr. Parker I tell you my story and my stories-man an industrious Antiquary collecteth out of the Records of the Church of Ely that after the resignation of Ralph de Holbeach William de Whitlesey Arch-deacon of Huntington 1340. was admitted third Master of Peter-House in Cambridge Yet hath he left more signal Testimony of his affection to Oxford which he freed from the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Lincolne allowing the Scholars leave to choose their own Chancellour He was Kinsman to Simon Islip Archbishop of Canterbury who made him Vicar General Dean of the Arches and successively he was preferred Bishop of Rochester Worcester London Archbishop of Canterbury An excellent Scholar an eloquent Preacher and his last Sermon most remarkable to the Convocation on this Text Veritas liberabit vos The truth shall make you free It seems by the story that in his Sermon
saved is a penny gained the preserver of books is a Mate for the Compiler of them Learned Leland looks on this ◅ong as a Benefactor to posterity in that he saved many Hebrew books of the Noble Library of Ramsey Say not such preserving was purloyning because those books belonged to the King seeing no conscience need to scruple such a nicety Books though so precious that nothing was worth them being in that juncture of time counted worth nothing Never such a Massacre of good Authours some few only escaping to bring tidings of the Destruction of the rest Seeing this Yong is inserted by Bale and omitted by Pits I collect him to savour of the Reformation As for such who confound him with Iohn Yong many years after Master of Pembrook-Hall they are confuted by the different dates assigned unto them this being his Senior 30 years as flourishing Anno Dom. 1520. JOHN WHITE brother to Francis White Bishop of Ely was born at Saint Neots in this County bred in Caius Colledge in Cambridge wherein he commenced Master of Arts. He did not continue long in the University but the University continued long in him so that he may be said to have carried Cambridge with him into Lancashire so hard and constant in his study when he was presented Vicar of Eccles therein Afterwards Sir Iohn Crofts a Suffolk Knight being informed of his abilities and pittying his remote living on no plentiful Benefice called him into the South and was the occasion that King Iames took cognizance of his worth making him his Chaplain in Ordinary It was now but the third moneth of his attendance at Court when he sickned at London in Lumbard-street dyed and was buried in the Church of S. Mary Woolnoth 1615. without any other Monuments save what his learned works have left to posterity which all whohave either learning piety or Ingenuity do yea must most highly cōmend Sir ROBERT COTTON Knight and Baronet son to Iohn Cotton Esquire was born at Cunnington in this County discended by the Bruces from the bloud Royall of Scotland He was bred in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge where when a youth He discovered his inclination to the studie of Antiquity they must Spring early who would sprout high in that knowledge and afterwards attained to such eminency that sure I am he had no Superiour if any his equal in the skill thereof But that which rendred him deservedly to the praise of present and future times yea the wonder of our own and forreign Nations was his collection of his Library in Westminster equally famous for 1. Rarity having so many Manuscript Originals or else copies so exactly Transcribed th◅t Reader I must confesse he must have more skill then I have to distinguish them 2. Variety He that beholdeth their number would admire they should be rare and he that considereth their rarity will more admire at their number 3. Method Some Libraries are labyrinths not for the multitude but confusion of Volumes where a stranger seeking for a book may quickly loose himself whereas these are so exactly methodized under the heads of the twelve Roman Emperours that it is harder for one to misse then to hit any Author he desireth But what addeth a luster to all the rest is the favourable accesse thereunto for such as bring any competency of skill with them and leave thankfulness behind them Some Antiquaries are so jealous of their books as if every hand which toucheth wo◅ld ravish them whereas here no such suspition of ingenious persons And here give me leave to register my self amongst the meanest of those who through the favour of Sir Thomas Cotton inheriting as well the courtesie as estate of his Father Sir Robert have had admittance into that worthy treasury Yea most true it is what one saith That the grandest Antiquaries have here fetcht their materials Omnis ab illo Et Camdene tua Seldeni gloria crevit Camden to him to him doth Selden owe Their Glory what they got from him did grow I have heard that there was a design driven on in the Popes Conclave after the death of Sir Robert to compasse this Library to be added to that in Rome which if so what a Vatican had there been within the Vatican by the accession thereof But blessed be God the Project did miscarry to the honour of our Nation and advantage of the Protestant Religion For therein are contained many privaties of Princes and transactions of State insomuch that I have been informed that the Fountains have been fain to fetch water from the stream and the Secretaries of State and Clerks of the Council glad from hence to borrow back again many Originals which being lost by casualty or negligence of Officers have here been recovered and preserved He was a man of a publick spirit it being his principal endevour in all Parliaments wherein he served so often That the prerogative and priviledge might run in their due channel and in truth he did cleave the pin betwixt the Soveraign and the Subject He was wont to say That he himself had the least share in himself whilest his Country and Friends had the greatest interest in him He died at his house in Westminster May the 6. Anno Domini 1631. in the 61. year of his Age though one may truely say his age was adequate to the continuance of the ◅reation such was his exact skill in all antiquity By Elizabeth daughter and co-heire of William Brocas Esquire he had onely one son Sir Thomas now living who by Margaret daughter to the Lord William Howard Grandchild to Thomas Duke of Norfolke hath one son Iohn Cotton Esquire and two daughters Lucie and Francis The Opera posthuma of this worthy Knight are lately set forth in one Volume to the great profit of posterity STEPHEN MARSHALL was born at God-Manchester in this County and bred a Batchellour of Arts in Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge Thence he went very early a Reaper in Gods Harvest yet not before he had well sharpned his Sickle for that service He became Minister at Finchfield in Essex and after many years discontinuance came up to Cambridge to take the degree of Batchelour of Divinity where he performed his exercise with general applause In the late long lasting Parliament no man was more gracious with the principal Members thereof He was their Trumpet by whom they sounded their solemn Fasts preaching more publick Sermons on that occasion then any foure of his Function In their Sickness he was their Confessor in their Assembly their Councellour in their Treaties their Chaplain in their Disputations their Champion He was of so supple a soul that he brake not a joynt yea sprained not a Sinew in all the alteration of times and his friends put all on the account not of his unconstancy but prudence who in his own practice as they conceive Reconciled the various Lections of Saint Pauls precept serving the Lord and the Times And although some severely
that is Give all kind kind signifying a Child in the low Dutch This practice as it appeares in Tacitus was derived to our Saxons from the ancient Germans Teutonibus priscis patrios succedit in agros Mascula stirps omnis ne foret ulla potens 'Mongst the old Teuch lest one o'retop his breed To his Sire's land doth every son succeed It appeareth that in the eighteenth year of King Henry the sixth there were not above fourty persons in Kent but all their land was held in this tenure But on the petition of divers Gentlemen this custome was altered by Act of Parliament in the 31. of King Henry the eighth and Kentish-lands for the most part reduced to an uniformitie with the rest in England DOVER-COURT All speakers and no hearers There is a Village in Essex not far from Harwich called Dover-Court formerly famous for a Rood burnt in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth But I take it here to be taken for some Tumultuous Court kept at Dover the Consluence of many Blustering Sea-men who are not easily ordered into awful attention The Proverb is applyed to such irregular conferences wherein the People are all Tongue and no Eares parallel to the Latine Proverb Cyclopum Respublica being thus charactered that therein 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Father to the Bough The Son to the Plough That is though the Father be executed for his Offence the Son shall neverthelesse succeed to his Inheritance In this County if a Tenant in Fee-simple of Lands in Gavel-kind commit Felony and suffer the judgement of Death therefore the Prince shall have all his Chattels for a forfeiture But as touching the Land he shall neither have the Escheat of it though it be immediately holden of himself nor the Day year and Wast if it be holden of any other for in that case the Heir notwithstanding the offence of his Ancestor shall enter immediately and enjoy the lands after the same Customes and services by which they were holden before In assurance whereof the former Proverb is become Currant in this County But this Rule holdeth in case of Felony and of Murther onely and not in case of Treason nor peradventure in Piracy and other Felonies made by Statutes of later times because the custome cannot take hold of that which then was not in being It holdeth moreover in case where the offender is justiced by Order of Law and not where he withdraws himself after the fault coÌ„mitted and will not abide his lawful trial TENTERDENS Steeple is the Cause of the Breacâ—… in Goodwyn Sands It is used Commonly in derision of such who being demanded to render a reason of some inportant Accident assign Non causam pro causa or a Ridiculous and improbable cause thereof and hereon a story depends When the Vicinage in Kent met to consult about the Inundation of Goodwyn sands and what might be the Cause thereof an Old man imputed it to the building of Tenterden Steeple in this County for those sands said he were firme Lands before that steeple was built which ever since were overflown with Sea-water Hereupon all heartily laughed at his unlogical Reason making that the effect in Nature which was only the consequent in time not flowing from but following after the building of that steeple But One story is good till another is heard Though this be all whereon this Proverb is generally grounded I met since with a * supplement thereunto It is this Time out of mind mony was constantly collected out of this County to fence the East bancks thereof against the eruption of the Seas And such Sums were deposited in the hands of the Bishop of Rochester But because the Sea had been very quiet for many years without any encroachings The Bishop commuted that money to the building of a Steeple and endowing of a Church in Tenterden By this diversion of the Collection for the maintenance of the Banks the Sea afterwards brake in upon Goodwyn Sands And now the old man had told a rational tale had he found but the due favour to finish it And thus sometimes that is causelesly accounted ignorance in the speaker which is nothing but impatience in the Auditors unwilling to attend the end of the discourse A Jack of Dover I find the first mention of this Proverb in our English Ennius Chaucer in his Proeme to the Cook And many a Jack of Dover he had sold Which had been two times hot and two times cold This is no Fallacy but good Policy in an houshould to lengthen out the Provision thereof and though lesse toothsome may be wholsome enough But what is no false Logick in a Family is false Ethicks in an Inn or Cooks-shop to make the abused Guest to pay after the rate of New and Fresh for meat at the second and third hand Parallel to this is the Latine Proverb crambe bis cocta crambe being a kind of Colewort which with vinegar being raw is good boiled better twice boiled noysome to the Palat and nauceous to the stomach Both Proverbs are appliable to such who grate the ears of their Auditors with ungratefull Tautologies of what is worthlesse in it selse tolerable as once uttered in the notion of Novelty but abominable if repeated for the tediousnesse thereof Princes JOHN of ELTHAM Second Son to King Edward the Second by Isabell his Queen was born at Eltham in this County He was afterwards created Earle of Cornwal A spritely Gentleman and who would have given greater evidence of abilities if not prevented by death in the prime of his age He dyed in Scotland in the tenth yeare of the reign of King Edward the Third Be it observed that hitherto the younger Sons to our English Kings were never advanced Higher than Earls Thus Richard Second son to King Iohn never had higher English Honour then the Earle of Cornwel though at the same time he were King of the Romans But this Iohn of Eltham was the last Son of an English King who dyed a plain Earl the Title of Duke coming aâ—…erwards into fashion Hence it was that all the younger Sons of Kings were from this time forwards Created Dukes except expiring in their infancy BRIDGET of ELTHAM fourth Daughter of K Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Q. was born at Eltham in this County Observing her three eldest Sisters not over happy in their husbands she resolved to wed a Monastical life and no whit ambitious of the place of an Abbess became an ordinary votary in the Nunnery at Dartford in this County founded by K. Edward the 3. The time of her death is uncertain but this is certain that her dissolution hapned some competent time before the dissolution of that Nunnerie EDMUND youngest Son to King Henry the 7. and Elizabeth his Queen bearing the name of his Grand-father Edmund of Haddam was born at Greenwich in this County 1495. He was by his Father created Duke of Somerset and he dyed before he was full
of Cardinal Wolsey was personated and wherewith that Prelate was so offended that Fish was fain to fly and live two years beyond the Seas There he made and thence sent over into England a small but sharp Treatise called The Supplication of Beggars termed by Master Fox a Libel understand him a little Book Otherwise prizing and praising it for a Master-piece of Wit-learning and Religion discovering the Superstition of that age This by Queen Anna Bollen was presented to King Henry the Eighth who therewith was so highly affected that he sent for the Author home and favoured him in great proportion However many nets were laid by the Popish party against him especially by Sir Thomas More his implacable Enemy yet Fish had the happinesse to escape the hands of Men and to fall into the hand of God more immediately Dying of the Plague 1531. and lieth buried at St. Dunstan in London Sir JAM HALES was born did live was richly landed in this county one of the Justices of the Common-Pleas a man of most signal Integrity When the rest of the Judges frighted at the frowns of the Duke of Northumberland subscribed the disinheriting of the Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth he onely refused as against both Law and Conscience Yet afterwards in the first of Queen Mary he fell into the displeasure of Bishop Gardiner which like Juniper coals once kindled hardly quenched for urging the observation of some Lawes of King Edward the Sixth For this he was imprisoned hardly used and so threatned by his Keeper that he endeavoured to have killed himself which being after let at liberty he afterwards effected drowning himself in a small water near his house fear and melancholly so much prevailing upon him Mr. Fox concludeth the sad Poem of his final estate with this Distich Cū nihil ipse vides propria quin labe laboret Tu tua fac cures caetera mitte Deo Seing nought thou ◅eest but faling in the best Mind thy own matters leave God the rest We must look on his foul Deed with anger and yet with pity on the doer thereof Frown on the one and weep for the other For seeing he had led a right godly life and had suffered so much on the account of his Conscience I hope that his station in this place will not be cavilled at by any charitable persons He died Anno Dom. 1555. Cardinals JOHN KEMP son to Thomas Grand-child to Sir John Kemp Nephew to Sir Roger Kemp both Knights was born at Wie in this County where he built a fair Colledge for Seculars bred also in Merton Colledge in Oxford successively Bishop of Rochester Chichester and London afterwards Arch-Bishop of York and Canterbury Cardinal first by the Title of Saint Balbine then of Saint Rufine in Rome all his preferments are comprehended in the old following verse Bis Primas ter Praesul erat ◅is Cardine functus He had another honour to make up the Distich being twice Lord Chancellour of England so that I may add Et dixit Legem bis Cancellari us Anglis Such are mistaken who report him the first raiser of his Family to a Knightly degree which he found in that Equipage as is aforesaid though he left it much improved in Estate by his bounty and some of his name and bloud flourish in Kent at this day He died a very old man March the 22. Anno 1453. RICHARD CLIFFORD His Nativity may bear some debate Herefordshire pretending unto him But because Robert Clifford was his brother in the first of King Henry the Fourth High Sheriff of this County and richly landed therein I adjudge him a Cantian and assign Bobbing as the most probable place of his birth His worth preferred him Bishop of London 1407. and he was sent by King Henry the Fourth as his Embassadour to the Council of Constance I could hold my hand from ranking him under the Topick of Cardinals confident that no ingenious person would take exception thereat For first he was one in Merit and Desert Secondly in general Desire and Designation Thirdly though no actual Cardinal he acted as a Cardinal when joyned to their Conclave to see fair play amongst them at the choosing of a new Pope Yea some mentioned him for the place who counting it more credit to make than be a Pope first nominated Cardinal Columna and he clearly carried it by the name of Martin During his abode at Constance he preached a Latine Sermon before the Emperour and Pope He answered his name de clivo forti or of the strong Rock indeed viz. Davids being a most pious person returning home he lived in good esteem with Prince and People until his death which happened 1421. being buried nigh the present Monument of Sr. Christopher Hatton Prelates RALPH of MAYDENSTAN I presume this the ancient Orthography of Maydston a noted Town in this County the rather because I met with no other place in England offering in sound or syllables thereunto An Author giveth him this short but thick commendation Vir magnae literaturae in Theologia Nominatissimus Insomuch that in the Reign of King Henry the Third 1234. He was preferred Bishop of Hereford This Prelate bought of one Mount-hault a Noble-man a fair house in and the Patronage of St. Mary Mount-hault commonly but corruptly called Mount-haw in London leaving both to his successours in the See of Hereford Know Reader that all English Bishops in that age had Palaces in London for their conveniency wherein they resided and kept great Hospitality during their attendance in Parliament Now although the School-men generally hold that Episcopacy is Apex consummatae Religionis then which Nihil amplius Nothing higher or holyer in this life and though many Friers have been preferred Bishops as a progressive motion both in Dignity and Sanctity Yet our Ralph was of a different judgement herein This made him in the year 1239. turn his Miter into a Coule and become a Franciscan first at Oxford then at Glocester where he died about the year 1244. HENRY de WINGHAM a well known Town in this County was by K. Henry the Third preferred Chancellour both of England and Gascony Dean both of Totten-Hall quaere where this place is and Saint Martins and twice Embassadour into France It happened that one Ethelmar wom-brother to King Henry the Third was then Bishop of Winchester A person who properly comes not under my pen First for his Foreign nativity Secondly so much as he was English he was an UNWORTHY wanting Age Ability and Orders to qualifie him in that place Hereupon the Monks of Winchester indeavouring to eject him chose Wingham a man of Merit and Might in the Court to be their Bishop which honour he wisely refused fearing to incur the Kings displeasure It was not long before his Modesty and Discretion were rewarded with a peaceable in sted of that litigious Bishoprick when chosen to London 1259. But he enjoyed his See
Sir VVilliam was made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of King Richard the Third He married one of the Daughters and Co-heirs of Thomas Butler Earl of Ormond by whom besides four Daughters married into the Worshipful and Wealthy Families of Shelton Calthrop Clere and Sackvil he had Sir Tho. Boleyn Earle of VViltshire of whom hereafter 10. JOH PEACH Arm. This year Perkin VVarbeck landed at Sandwich in this County with a power of all Nations contemptible not in their number or courage but nature and fortune to be feared as well of Friends as Enemies as fitter to spoil a coast than recover a country Sheriff Peach knighted this year for his good service with the Kentish Gentry acquitted themselves so valiant and vigilant that Perkin shâ—…unk his horns back again into the shell of his ships About 150. of his men being taken and brought up by this Sheriff to London some were executed there the rest on the Sea Coasts of Kent and the neighbouring Counties for Sea-marks to teach Perkin's people to avoid such dangerous shoars Henry the Eighth 5 JOH NORTON Mil. He was one of the Captains who in the beginning of the Raign of King Henry the eight went over with the 1500. Archers under the conduct of Sir Edward Poynings to assist Margaret Dutchesse of Savoy Daughter to Maximillian the Emperour and Governesse of the Low-Countries against the incursions of the Duke of Guelders where this Sir John was knighted by Charles young Prince of Castile and afterwards Emperor He lieth buried in Milton Church having this written on his Monument Pray for the souls of Sir John Norton Knight and Dame Joane his Wife one of the Daughters and Heirs of John Norwood Esq who died Febr. 8. 1534. 7. THOMAS CHEYNEY Arm. He was afterward knighted by King Henry the Eighth and was a spriteful Gentleman living and dying in great honour and estimation a Favourite and Privy Counsellor to four successive Kings and Queens in the greatest â—…urn of times England ever beheld as by this his Epitaph in Minster Church in the Isle of Shepey will appear Hic jacet Dominus Thomas Cheyney inclitissimi ordinis Garterii Miles Guarduanus quinque Portuum ac Thesaurarius Hospitii Henrici octavi ac Edwardi sexti Regum Reginaeque Mariae ac Elizabethae ac eorum in secretis Consiliarius qui obiit mensis Decembris Anno Dom. M. D.L.IX ac Reg. Reginae Eliz. primo 11. JOHN WILTSHIRE Mil. He was Controller of the Town and Marches of Calis Anno 21. of King Henry the Seventh He founded a fair Chappel in the Parish of Stone wherein he lieth entombed with this Inscription Here lieth the bodies of Sir John Wiltshire Knight and of Dame Margaret his Wife which Sir John died 28. Decemb. 1526. And Margaret died of Bridget his sole Daughter and Heir was married to Sir Richard VVingfield Knight of the Garter of whom formerly in Cambridge-shire 12. JOHN ROPER Arm. All the memorial I find of him is this Inscription in the Church of Eltham Pray for the soul of Dame Margery Roper late VVife of John Roper Esquire Daughter and one of the Heirs of John Tattersall Esquire who died Febr. 2. 1518. Probably she got the addition of Dame being Wife but to an Esquire by some immediate Court-attendance on Katharine first Wife to King Henry the Eighth King James 3. MOILE FINCH Mil. This worthy Knight married Elizabeth sole Daughter and Heir to Sir Thomas Heneage Vice Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth and Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster She in her Widowhood by the special favour of King James was honoured Vicounâ—…ess Maidston unprecedented save by One for this hundred years and afterwards by the great Grace of King Charles the First created Countesse of VVinchelsey both Honors being entailed on the Issue-male of her Body to which her Grand-Child the Right Honourable Heneage lately gone Embassador to Constantinople doth succeed The Farewell Having already insisted on the Courage of the Kentish-men and shown how in former Ages the leading of the Van-guard was intrusted unto their magnanimity we shall conclude our Description of this Shire praying that they may have an accession of Loyalty unto their Courage not that the Natives of Kent have acquitted themselves less Loyal than those of other Shires but seeing the one will not suffer them to be idle the other may guide them to expend their Ability for Gods glory the defence of his Majesty and maintenance of true Religion CANTERBURY CANTERBURY is a right ancient City and whilest the Saxon Hâ—…ptar chy flourished was the chief seat of the Kings of Kent Here Thomas Becket had his death Edward surnamed the Black Prince and King Henry the Fourth their Interment The Metropolitan Dignity first conferred by Gregory the Great on London was for the Honour of Augustine afterwards bestowed on this City It is much commended by William of Malmesbury for its pleasant scituation being surrounded with a fertile soil well wooded and commodiously watered by the River Stoure from whence it is said to have had its name Durwhern in British a swift River It is happy in the vicinity of the Sea which affordeth plenty of good Fish Buildings CHRIST CHURCH First dedicated and after 300. years intermission to Saint Thomas Becket restored to the honour of our Saviour is a stately structure being the performance of several successive Arch-Bishops It is much adorned with glasse Windows Here they will tell you of a foraign Embassador who proffered a vast price to transport the East Window of the Quire beyond the Seas Yet Artists who commend the Colours condemn the Figures therein as wherein proportion is not exactly observed According to the Maxime Pictures are the Books painted windows were in the time of Popery the Library of Lay men and after the Conquest grew in general use in England It is much suspected Aneyling of Glass which answereth to Dying in grain in Drapery especially of Yellow is lost in our age as to the perfection thereof Anciently Colours were so incorporated in Windows that both of them lasted and faded together Whereas our modern Painting being rather on than in the Glass is fixed so faintly that it often changeth and sometimes falleth away Now though some being only for the innocent White are equal enemies to the painting of Windows as Faces conceiving the one as great a Pander to superstition as the other to wantonnesse Yet others of as much zeal and more knowledge allow the Historical uses of them in Churches Proverbs Canterbury-Tales So Chaucer calleth his Book being a collection of several Tales pretended to be told by Pilgrims in their passage to the Shrine of Saint Thomas in Canterbury But since that time Canterbury-Tales are parallel to Fabulae Milestae which are Charactered Nec verae nec verisimiles meerly made to marre precious time and please fanciful people Such are the many miracles of Thomas Becket some helpful though but narrow as only for private conveniency
Tâ—…rtius Edwardus dilexit hunc ut amicus Fortia qui gessit Gallos Navaros que repressit Sic cum recessit morte feriente decessit Anno Milleno trecento septuageno Atque his junge duo sic perit omnis homoÌ„ His Monument is not extant at this day and it is pity that so good a Sword did not light on a better Pen and that Pallas so much honoured by him in her Military relation did not more assist in his Epitaph in her Poetical capacity Sr. WILLIAM MOLINEUX junior Knight descendant from the former flourished under K. Henry the eighth being a man of great command in this County bringing the considerable strength thereof to the seasonable succour of the Duke of Norfolk with whom he performed signal service in Flodden-Field It is confesâ—…ed on all sides that the Scots lost the Day by not keeping their Ranks but not agreed on the cause thereof Bucanan who commonly makes the too much Courage of his Countrymen the cause of their being conquered imputes it to their indiscreet pursuing of the English routed at the first Others say they did not break their Ranks but they were broken unable to endure the Lancashire Archers and so forced to sunder themselves In this Battail the Scotch King and chiefest Gentry were slain the English loosing scarce any of the Scâ—…ts scarce any but of prime note The King afterwards wrote his gratulatory Letter to Sr. William Molinâ—…ux in forme following Trusty and Welbeloved We greet you well and understand as well by the Report of Our Right Trusâ—…y Cousin and Counsellor the Duke of Norfolk as otherwise what acceptable serviâ—…e You amongst others lately did unto us by your valiant towardnesse in the assisting of Our said Cousin against our great Enemy the late King of Scots and how couragiously you as a very hearty loving Servant acquitted your self for the overthrow of the said late King and distressing of his malice and power to our great Honour and the advancing of your no little Fame and praise For which We have good cause to favour and thank you and so we full heartily do and assured may you be that VVe shall in such effectual wise remember your said service in any your Reasonable Pursuits as you shall have cause to think the same Rightwell imployed to your comfort and weal hereafter Given under our Signet at our Castle at Windsore the 27 of November It appears by our Authour that thâ—… like Letters mutatis mutandis were sent unto Sr. Edward Stanley and some other men of principal note in Lancashire and Cheshire I have nothing more to observe save that these two worthy Sr. VVilliams were Ancestors unto the truly Honourable the Lord Molineux Viscount Marybourgh in Ireland lately deceased Writers HUGH of MANCHESTER was saith my Authour when Adolescens a youth a Dominican but when Juvenis a young man he changed his Copy and turned a Franciscan Say not he degraded himself choosing a later order then he left for it seems that amongst them the last is counted the best as of a more refined perfection He was a great scholar and highly esteemed in that age for his severity and discretion An Imposter happened at this time pretending himself first blind then cured at the Tomb of King Henry the Third so to get coine to himself and credit to the dead King But our Hugh discovered the cheat and Writing a Book De 〈◊〉 Diliriis Dedicated it to King Edward the First who kindly accepted thereof preferring that his Fathers memory should appear to posterity with his true face 〈◊〉 painted with such false miracles This Hugh with another Franciscan was imployed by the same King to Philip King of France to demand such Lands as he detained from him in Aquitain Such who object that sitter men than Friers might have been found for that service consider not how in that Age such mortified men were presumed the most proper Persons peaceably to compremise differences between the greatest Princes This Embassie was undertaken Anno Dom. 1294. RICHARD ULVERSTON was born in this County at Ulverston a well-known Market in Loynsâ—…ay-Hundred A great Antiquary ambitious of all Learned Mens acquaintance complained that he knew him not so well as he desired He was bred in Oxford and wrote a Book intituled the Articles of Faith or the Creed of the Church this lay latent a good while till John Stanberry Bishop of Hereford rescued it from the Moaths some Thirty Years after the Authours death and bestowed a double Light upon it one in producing it into the Publick the other illustrating it with a Commentary he wrote thereon Say not this was false Herâ—…ldry but true Humility to see a Bishop commenting which is not usual on the Book of a Priest Bale concludeth all thus longum Non doctrina potest obscuro carcere claudi noâ—… will Worth Long be confin'd but make its own way forth The Time and Place of his Death are equally uncertain but by probability about 1434. under the Reign of King Henry the sixt THOMAS PENKETH so was his true name though wrested by some Latinists into Penâ—…hettus and miswritten Penthy and Penker by some English taken from a Village in this County He was bred an Augustinian in Warrington and a Doctor of Divinity in Oxford a deep Scotist and of so great a memory that Foreiners amongst whom he lived report of him that had all the Books of Scotus been lost he could easily have restored every word of them He was called to be Professor at Padua and returning into England became Provincial of his Order But his last act stained his former life who promoted the bastardizing of the Issue of K. Edward the 4th and as Dr. Shaw ushered his Flattery held up the train of the Usurper's Praises in a Sermon at St. Pauls in preaching whereof he who had formerly forfeited his Honesty lost his* Voice a proper punishment for a Parasite His Disgrace had some influence on his Order which then verticall and numerous â—…ayly 〈◊〉 in England to their Dissolution This Thomas dyed and was buryed in London 1487. JOHN STANDISH Short mention shall serve him who might have been left out wâ—…thout losse He was Nephew to Henry Standish Bishop of St. Asaph of no mean Family in this County One would suspect him â—…ot the same Man called by Pale a scurrillous Fool and admired by pitâ—… for piety and learning jealous lest another man should be more wise to Salvation than himself he wrote a Book against the Translation of Scripture into English and presented it to the Parliament His death happened seasonably for his own safety 1556. a little before the Death of Queen Mary Since the Reformation THOMAS LEAVER was born in this County where his Family and Name still remains at two Villages called Leaver at this day He was bred Fellow and Batchelour of Divinity oâ—… St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was chosen Master
founded a Free-school in Halstall and endowed it with competent Revenue for the maintenance of a Schoolmaster there for ever When this party lived I cannot as yet recover THOMAS WEST was younger Brother to the Lord De la Ware and Parson of Manchester On whom the Barony was devolved his Brother dying Issuelesse The Pope allowed him to marry for the Continuance of so honourable a Family upon condition that he would build a Colledge for such a number of preists fellows under a Warden as the Bishops of Durham and Lichfield should think fit which he did accordingly in Manchester The Endowment of this collegiate and parochiall church were the Gleabe and Tithes of the parsonage of that parish and besides them scarce any other considerable Revenue I say the Gleab esteemed about 800. Acres of that County half as much more as the statute Measure Besides a considerable part of the Town commonly called the Deans Gate corruptly for St Dionise Gate to whom with the Virgin Mary and St. George Manchester Church was dedicated built upon the Gleab-Land belonging to the Church As for the Tythes of the Parish they lye in two and thirty Hamblets wherewith the Collegiats were to be maintained which were one Warden and four Fellows The integrated and incorporate Rector unto whom the parsonage was appropriated There were also two Chaplains Singing-men Queristers and Organists This Colledge hath passed many Dissolutions and refoundations But was lately dissolved and the Lands thereof sold by the late Act for Sale of Dean and Chapters Lands Some skilful in the Gospel much bemoaning it and some learned in the Law conceiving That being but the Gleab of that Rectory it came not within the compasse of that Act but blessed be God it since hath reverted to its former Condition Since the Reformation JOHN SMITH was born at ......... in this County bred in Magdalen Câ—…ll in Cambridge Whereof he became Fellow and Proctor of the University when past Sixty years of age when the Prevaricators gave him this Homonyous Salute Ave Pater This man could not fidle could not Tune himself to be pleasant and plausible to all Companies but He could and did make that little Coll. great wherein he had his Education The Poets fain how Bachus by reason of his Mother Semyles her untimely death was taken out of his Mothers Womb and sewed into the thigh of Jupiter his Father where he was bred untill the full time of his Nativity A Fiction which finds a Morall in this Magdalen Coll. Whos 's Mother may be said to decease before the Infant was fit to be borne and that Mr. Smith performed the rest of the Parents part thereunto Indeed Ed. Stafford Duke of Buckingham the first founder thereof gave it little more than a Name The Lord Audley bestowed on it a new name with little buildings and lesse Indowment Magnificent Dr. Nevil for a Time was Mr. thereof but according to the fashion of the World the rich shall still have more his affections were all for Trinity Coll. to which he was after removed Onely Mr. Smith by his long life and thrifty living by what he gave to and what he saved for the Colledge so Improved the Condition thereof that though he left it Lateritium as he found it yet what he found poor and empty he left rich and full of Scholars Nor must we forget his painfulnesse when with Dr. Gouge he sollicited the Suit called Magdalen Colledge Case Nor yet his Patience when he lay so long in the Fleet for refusing to submit to an Order of Chancery fearing their cause would be prejudiced thereby so that he may be called the Confessor of the Colledge from inconsiderable Income He raised by his carefulnesse considerable profit to the Fellows of that house and by observing the Statutes brought the Colledge into such Reputation for Learning That yearly it afforded one or more Eminent scholars In a word he was a true servant to the Colledge all his life and at his Death to which he bequeathed all he had six hundred pounds at least and dyed Anno. Dom. 163. GEORGE CLARKE Haberdasher a plain honest man just temperate and â—…ugal And according to his understanding which in the Worlds esteem was not great devout a daily frequenter of the Prayers in the Colledge Church and the Hearer of Sermons there Not long before the breaking forth of our civil dissentions dying without issue he made the Poor his Heir and did give them one hundred pounds per annum in good lands lying in a place called Crompsall within a Mile from Manchester I have not yet attained the certain Date of his Death HUMPHREY CHETHAM third Son of Henry Chetham of Crompsall Gentleman is thought on just ground to descend from Sir Jeffrey Chetham of Chetham a man of much Remark in former dayes and some old Writings in the hands of Worshipful persons not far remote from the place do evidence as much but the said Sir Geffrey falling in troublesome times into the Kings Displeasure his Family in effect was long since ruinated But it seems his Posterity was unwilling to fly far from their old though destroyed Nest and got themselves a handsome habitation at Crompsall hard by where James elder Brother of this Humphrey Chetham did reside The younger Brethren George Humphrey and Ralph betook themselves to the Trading of this County dealing in Manchester commodities sent up to London And Humphrey signally improved himself in piety and outward prosperity He was a diligent Reader of the Scriptures and of the Works of sound Divines a Respecter of such Ministers which he accounted truely godly upright sober discreet and sincere He was High-Sheriffe of this County 1635. discharging the place with great Honour Insomuch that very good Gentlemen of Birth and Estate did wear his Cloth at the Assize to testifie their unfeigned affection to him and two of them of the same profession with himâ—…elf have since been Sheriffs of the County Grudge not Reader to go through so long a Porch for I assure thee it leads unto a fair Pallace to as great a Masterpiece of Bounty as our age hath afforded This Mr. Chetham by his Will bearing Date the 16. of January 1651. gave 7000. l. to buy a Fee-simple estate of 420. l. for ever for the Education of forty poor Children in Manchester at School from about 6. till 14. years of age when they are to be bound out Apprentizes They must be the Children of poor but honest Parents no bastards nor diseased at the time wherein they are chosen not lame or blind in regard the Town of Manchester hath ample means already if so employed for the maintenance of such Impotents Indeed he intended it for a Seminary of Religion and Ingenuity where the aforesaid Boyes were to have Diet Lodging Apparel and Instruction He gave a 1000. l. for Books to a Library and a 100. l. to prepare a place for them He bequeathed 200. l. to buy Books such
returned For your Masters sake I will stoop but not for the King of Spains This worthy Patriot departed this life in the seventy seventh year of his Age August the 4th 1598. Capitall Judges Sr. WILLIAM de SKIPVVITH was bred in the study of the Laws profiting so well therein that he was made in Trinity Terme Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer in the thirty fifth continuing therein untill the fortieth of the Reign of King Edward the third I meet not with any thing memorable of him in our English Histories except this may pass for a thing remarkable that at the importunity of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster this Sr. William condemned William Wichkam Bish. of Winchester of Crimes rather powerfully objected then plainly proved against him whereupon the Bishops Temporalls were taken from him and he denied access within twenty miles of the Kings Court. I confess there is a Village in the East riding of Yorkshire called SKIPWITH but I have no assurance of this Judge his Nativity therein though ready to remove him thither upon clearer information Sr. WILLIAM SKIPVVITH Junior He was inferior to the former in place whom I behold as a Puisne Judge but herein remarkable to all posterity That he would not complie neither for the importunity of King Richard the second nor the example of his fellow Judges in the 10th year of that Kings Reign to allow that the King by his own power might rescinde an Act of Parliament Solus inter impios mansit integer Gulielmus Skipwith * Miles Clarus ideo apud Posteros And * shined the brighter for living in the midst of a crooked Generation bowed with fear and favour into Corruption I know well that the Collar of S. S. S. or Esses worn about the necks of Judges and other persons of Honor is wreathed into that form whence it receiveth its name Chiefly from Sanctus Simon Simplicius an uncorrupted Judge in the Primitive Times May I move that every fourth link thereof when worn may mind them of this SKIPVVITH so upright in his judgment in a matter of the highest importance Having no certainty of his Nativity I place him in this County where his name at Ormesby hath flourished ever since his time in a very worshipfull equipage Sr. WILLIAM HUSEâ—… Knight was born as I have cause to believe in this County where his name and Familie flourish in a right worshipfull equipage He was bred in the study of our Municipall Law and attained to such eminencie therein that by King Edward the fourth in the one and twentieth of his Reign he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. King HENRY the seventh who in point of policy was onely directed by himself in point of Law was chiefly ruled by this Judge especially in this question of importance It hapned that in his first Parliament many Members thereof were returned who being formerly of this Kings partie were attainted and thereby not legal to sit in Parliament being disabled in the highest degree it being incongruous that they should make Laws for others who themselves were not Inlawed The King not a little troubled therewith remitted it as a case in Law to the Judges The Judges assembled in the Exchequer Chamber agreed all with Sr. VVilliam Husee their Speaker to the King upon this Grave and safe opinion mixed with Law and convenience that the Knights and Burgesses attainted by the course of Law should forbear to come into the House till a Law were passed for the reversall of their attainders which was done accordingly When at the same time it was incidently moved in their Consultation what should be done for the King himself who likewise was attainted the rest unanimously agreed with Sr. VVilliam Husee that the Crown takes away all defects and stops in blood and that by the Assumption thereof the fountain was cleared from all attainders and Corruptions He died in Trinity Term in the tenth year of King Henry the 7th Sr. EDMUND ANDERSON Knight was born a younger brother of a Gentile extract at Flixborough in this County and bred in the Inner Temple I have been informed that his Father left him 1000 l. for his portion which this our Sr. Edmund multiplyed into many by his great proficiency in the Common Law being made in the twenty fourth of Queen Elizabeth Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. When Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star Chamber for the business of the Queen of Scots Judge Anderson said of him that therein he had done * justum non juste and so acquitting him of all malice censured him with the rest for his indiscretion When H. â—…uff was arraigned about the Rising of the Earl of Essex and when Sr. Edward Coke the Queens Solicitor opposed him and the other answered Syllogistically our Anderson sitting there as Judge of Law not Logick checked both Pleader and Prisoner ob stolidos Syllogismos for their foolish Syllogismes appointing the former to press the Statute of King Edward the third His stern countenance well became his place being a great promoter of the established Church-discipline and very severe against all Brownists when he met them in his Circuit He dyed in the third of King James leaving great Estates to several sons of whom I behold Sr. Francis Anderson of Euworth in Bedfordshire the eldest whose son Sr. John by a second Wife Audrey Butler Neece to the Duke of Buckingham and afterwards married to the Lord Dunsmore in VVarwickshire was according to some conditions in his Patent to succeed his Father in Law in that honour if surviving him This I thought fit to insert to vindicate his memory from oblâ—…vion who being an hopefull Gentleman my fellow Colleague in Sidney Colledge was taken away in the prime of his youth Souldiers Sr. FREDERICK TILNEY Knight had his chief Residence at Bostone in this County He was a man of mighty stature and strength above the Proportion of ordinary persons He attended King Richard the first Anno Dom. 1190. to the Seidge of Acon in the Holy Land where his Atcheivements were such that he struk terror into the Infidels Returning home in safety he lived and died at Terington nigh Tilney in Norfolk where the measure of his incredible stature was for many 〈◊〉 preserved Sixteen Knights flourished from him successively in the Male line till at last their Heir generall being married to the Duke of Norfolk put a period to the Lustre of that ancient family PEREGRINE BERTY Lord Willoughby Son of Richard Berty and Katharine Dutchess of Suffolk Reader I crave a dispensation that I may with thy good leave trespass on the Premised Laws of this Book his name speaking his foraign Nativity born nigh Hidleberg in the Palatinate Indeed I am loath to omit so worthy a Person Our Histories fully report his valiant Atcheivements in France and the Netherlands and how at last he was made Governour of
Navar called Mortileto de Vilenos who had accused him of Treason to the King and Realm In which combat the Navarois was overcome and afterwards hang'd for his false accusation HENRY the Fourth 2. JOHN ROCHFORD Miles The same no doubt with him who was Sheriff in the 15. of K. Richard the Second I confesse there was a Knightly Family of this Name at Rochford in Essex who gave for their Arms Argent a Lyon Rampant Sable langued armed and crowned Gules quartered at this day by the Lord Rochford Earl of Dover by the Butlers and Bollons descended from them But I behold this Lincolnshire Knight of another Family and different Arms quartered by the Earl of Moulgrave whence I collect his heir matched into that Family Consent of time and other circumstances argue him the same with Sir John Rochford whom Bale maketh to flourish under King Henry the Fourth commending him for his noble birth great learning large travail through France and Italy and worthy pains in translating Iosephus his Antiquities Polychronicon and other good Authors into English RICHARD the Third 2. ROâ—…ERT DIMOCK Miles This Sir Robert Dimock at the Coronation of King Henry the Seventh came on horse back into VVestminster Hall where the King dined and casting his Gauntlet on the Ground challenged any who durst Question the Kings right to the Crown King Henry being pleased to dissemble himself a stranger to that Ceremony demanded of a stander by what that Knight said to whom the party returned He challengeth any man to fight with him who dares deny your Highnesse to be the lawful K. of England If he will not fight with such a one said the King I will And so sate down to dinner HENRY the Seventh 9. JOHN HUSEE This was undoubtedly the same person whom King Henry the Eigth afterwards created the first and last Baron Husee of Sleford who ingaging himself against the King with the rebellious Commons anno 1537 was justly beheaded and saw that honour begun and ended in his own person HENRY the Eighth 16. THOMAS BURGE Miles He was honourably descended from the Heir General of the Lord Cobham of Sterbury in Surry and was few years after created Baron Burge or Burough by King Henry the Eigth His Grandchild Thomas Lord Burge Deputy of Ireland and Knight of the Garter of whom before left no Issue Male nor plentiful Estate only four Daughters Elizabeth married to Sir George Brook Frances to the ancient Family of Copinger in Suffolk Anna Wife to Sir Drue Drury and Katharine married to ..... Knivet of Norfolk Mother to Sir John Knivet Knight of the Bath at the last Installment so that the honour which could not conveniently be divided was here determined King CHARLES 9. JERVASIUS SCROOP Miles He ingaged with his Majesty in Edge-hill-fight where he received twenty six wounds and was left on the ground amongst the dead Next day his Son Adrian obtained leave from the King to find and fetch off his Fathers Corps and his hopes pretended no higher then to a decent Interment thereof Hearty seeking makes happy finding Indeed some more commendedthe affection than the judgement of the Young Gentleman conceiving such a search in vain amongst many naked bodies with wounds disguised from themselves and where pale Death had confounded all complexions together However he having some general hint of the place where his Father fell did light upon his body which had some heat left therein This heat was with rubbing within few Minutes improved into motion that motion within some hours into sense that sense within a day into speech that speech within certain Weeks into a perfect recovery living more then ten years after a Monument of Gods mercy and his Sons affection He always after carried his Arme in a Scarfe and loss of blood made him look very pale as a Messenger come from the Grave to advise the Living to prepare for Death The effect of his Story I received from his own mouth in Lincolne-colledge The Farewel It is vain to wish the same Successe to every Husband man in this Shire as he had who some seven score years since at Harlaxton in this County found an Helmet of Gold as he was Plowing in the Field Besides in Treasure Trove the least share falleth to him who first finds it But this I not only heartily wish but certainly promise to all such who industriously attend Tillage in this County or else where that thereby they shall find though not gold in specie yet what is gold worth and may quickly be commuted into it great plenty of good grain the same which Solomon foretold He that tilleth his Land shall have Plenty of Bread IT is in effect but the Suburbs at large of London replenished with the retyring houses of the Gentry and Citizens thereof besides many Pallaces of Noble-men and three lately Royal Mansions Wherefore much measure cannot be expected of so fine ware The cause why this County is so small scarce extending East and West to 18 miles in length and not exceeding North and South 12 in the bredth thereof It hath Hertford-shire on the North Buckingham-shire on the West Essex parted with Ley on the East Kent and Surrey severed by the Thames on the South The ayr generally is most healtful especially about High-Gate where the expert Inhabitants report that divers that have been long visited with sickness not curable by Physick have in short time recovered by that sweet salutary ayr Natural Commodities Wheate The best in England groweth in the Vale lying South of Harrow-the-Hill nigh Hessen where providence for the present hath fixed my habitation so that the Kings bread was formerly made of the fine flower thereof Hence it was that Queen Elizabeth received no Composition money from the Villages thereabouts but took her Wheat in kinde for her own Pastry and Bake-house There is an obscure Village hereabouts called Perivale which my Author will have more truly termed Purevale an Honour I assure you unknown to the Inhabitants thereof because of the cleerness of the Corn growing therein though the Purity thereof is much subject to be humbled with the Mildew whereof hereafter Tamarisk It hath not more affinity in sound with Tamarind then sympathy in extraction both originally Arabick general similitude in leaves and operation onely Tamarind in England is an annual dying at the approach of Winter whil'st Tamarisk lasteth many years It was first brought over by Bishop Grindal out of Switzerland where he was exile under Queen Mary and planted in his Garden at Fulham in this County where the soile being moist and Fenny well complied with the nature of this Plant which since is removed and thriveth well in many other places Yet it groweth not up to be Timber as in Arabia though often to that substance that Cups of great size are made thereof Dioscorides saith it is good for the Tooth-ach as what is not and yet indeed
England to the great prejudice of English Artisans which caused the insurrection in London on ill May-day Anno Dom. 1517. Nor was the City onely but Country Villages for four miles about filled with French fashions and infections The Proverb is applied to such who contemning the custome of their own Country make themselves more ridiculous by affecting forraign humours and habits Princes EDVVARD sole surviving Son of King Henry the eight and Jane his Wife was born at Hampton Court in this County Anno Dom. 1537. He succeeded his Father in the Kingdome and was most eminent in his Generation seeing the Kings of England fall under a five-fold division 1. Visibly Vicious given over to dissolutenesse and debauchery as King Edward the second 2. Potius extra vitia quà m cum virtutibus Rather free from Vice then fraught with Virtue as King Henry the third 3. In quibus aequali temperamento magnae virtutes inerant nec minora vitia In whom Vices and Virtues were so equally matched it was hard to decide which got the Mastery as in King Henry the eight 4 Whose good qualities beat their bad ones quite out of distance of Competition as in King Edward the first 5 Whose Virtues were so resplendent no faults humane frailties excepted appeared in them as in this King Edward He died July 5. 1553. and pity it is that he who deserved the best should have no monument erected to his memory indeed a brass Altar of excellent workmanship under which he was buried I will not say sacrificed with an untimely death by the treachery of others did formerly supply the place of his Tombe which since is abolished under the notion of superstition Guesse the goodness of his head and heart by the following letters written to Barnaby Fitz-Patrick Gentleman of his Bedchamber and brought up with him copyed out from the Originalls by the Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armagh and bestowed upon me Say not they are but of narrow and personal concernment seeing they are sprinkled with some passages of the Publique Neither object them written by a Child seeing he had more man in him than any of his Age. Besides Epistles are the calmest communicating truth to Posterity presenting History unto us in her night cloths with a true face of things though not in so fine a dress as in other kindes of writings EDVVARD We have received your Letters of the eighth of this present moneth whereby we understand how you are well entertained for which we are right glad and also how you have been once to goe on Pilgrimage For which cause we have thought good to Advertise you that hereafter if any such chance happen you shall desire leave to goe to Mr. Pickering or to Paris for your business And if that will not serve to declare to some man of Estimation with whom you are best acquainted that as you are loth to offend the French King because you have been so favourably used so with safe conâ—…cience you cannot do any such thing being brought up with me and bound to obey my Laws Also that you had Commandment from me to the Contrary yet if you be vehemently procured you may go as waiting on the King not as intending to the abuse nor willingly seeing the Ceremonies and so you look on the Masse But in the mean season regard the Scripture or some good Book and give no reverence to the Masse at all Furthermore remember when you may conveniently be absent from the Court to tarry with Sir William Pickering to be instructed by him how to use your self For Women as far forth as you may avoid their Company Yet if the French King command you you may some time Dance so measure be your meane else apply your self to Riding Shooting Tennis or such honest games not forgetting some times when you have leisure your learning cheifly reading of the Scriptures This I write not doubting but you would have done though I had not written but to spur you on your exchange of 1200 Crowns you shall receive either monthly or quarterly by Bartholomew Campaignes Factor in Paris He hath warrant to receive it by here and hath written to his Factors to deliver it you there we have signed your Bill for wages of the Chamber which Fitzwilliams hath likewise we have sent a Letter into Ireland to our Deputy that he shall take Surrender of your Fathers Lands and to make again other Letters Patent that those Lands shall be to him you and your Heirs lawfully begotten for ever adjoyning thereunto two religious Houses you spake for Thus fare you well from Westminster the 20 of December 1551. Mr. BARNABY I have of late sent you a Letter from Bartholmew Campaigne for your payment by the French Embassadors Pacquet I doubt not but your good nature shall profitably and Wisely receive the Kings Majesties Letter to you Fatherly of a Child Comfortably of your Soveraign Lord and most wisely of so young a Prince And so I beseech you that you will think wheresoever you go you carry with you a Demonstration of the Kings Majesty coming a Latere Suo and bred up in Learning and Manners with him with your conservation and modesty let me therefore believe the good reports of the King to be true and let them perceive what the King is when one brought up with him Habeat Virtutis tam Clarum Specimen This I write boldly as one that in you willeth our Masters honour and credit and I pray you use me as one that loveth you in plain termes Scribled in hast from Westminster the 22 of December 1551. Yours to use and have W. Cecill To the KINGS MAIESTY According to my bounden Duty I most humbly thank your Highness for your gratious Letters of the 20 of December lamenting nothing but that I am not able by any meanes nor cannot deserve any thing of the goodness your Highness hath shewed towards me And as for the avoiding of the company of the Ladies I will assure your Highness I will not come into their Company unless I do wait upon the French King As for the Letter your Majesty hath granted my Father for the assurance of his Lands I thank your Highness most humbly confessing my self as much bound to you as a Subject to his Soveraign for the same As for such simple news as is here I thought good to certifie your Majesty It did happen that a certain Saint standing in a blind corner of the Street where my Lord Admirall lay was broken in the night-time when my Lord was here which the French men did think to have been done by the English-men and the English-men did think it to have been done by some French-men of spite because the English-men lay in that street and now since that time they have prepared another Saint which they call our Ladie of Silver because the French King that dead is made her once of clean Silver and afterwards was stoln like as she hath been divers times both stolen
I remember are buryed in Lichfield and not in the Vault under the Church of Drayton in Middlesex where the rest of that Family I cannot say lye as whose Coffins are erected but are very compleatly reposed in a peculiar posture which I meet not with elsewhere the horrour of a Vault being much abated with the Lightnesse and Sweetnesse thereof THOMAS WENTVVORTH was born his Mother coming casually to London in Chancery Lane in the Parish of St. Dunstans in the West Yet no reason Yorkshire should be deprived of the honour of him whose Ancestors long flourished in great esteem at VVent-worth-VVoodhouse in that County He was bred in St. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge and afterwards became a Champion Patriot on all occasions He might seem to have a casting voice in the House of Commons for where he was pleased to dispose his Yea or Nay there went the affirmative or negative It was not long before the Court gained him from the Country and then Honours and Offices were heaped on him created Baron and Viscount Wentworth Earl of Strafford and Lord Deputy of Ireland When he went over into Ireland all will confesse he laid down to himself this noble foundation vigorously to endevour the Reduction of the Irish to perfect obedience to the King and profit to the Exchequer But many do deny the Superstructure which he built thereon was done by legal line and Plummet A Parliament was called in England and many Crimes were by prime persons of England Scotland and Ireland charged upon him He fenced skilfully for his Life and his Grand-guard was this that though confessing some Misdemeanors all proved against him amounted not to Treason And indeed Number cannot create a new kind so that many Trespasses cannot make a Riot many Riots one Treason no more then many Frogs can make one Toad But here the Dâ—…stinction of Acumulative and Constructive Treason was coyned and caused his Destruction Yet his Adversaries politickly brake off the Edge of the Axe which cut off his head by providing his Condemnation should not passe into Precedent to Posterity so that his Death was remarkable but not exemplary Happy had it been if as it made no Precedent on Earth so no Remembrance thereof had been kept in Heaven Some hours before his Suffering he fell fast asleep alledged by his friends as an Evidence of the Clearnesse of his Conscience and hardly to be parallel'd save in St. Peter in a dead sleep the Night before he was to dye condemned by Herod His death happened 1641. He hath an eternal Monument in the matchlesse Meditations of King Charles the First and an everlasting Epitaph in that weighty Character * there given him I looked upon my Lord of Strafford as a Gentleman whose abilites might make a Prince rather afraid than ashamed in the greatest Affairs of State c. God alone can revive the dead all that Princes can perform is to honour their Memory and Posterity as our Gracious Soveraign King Charles hath made his worthy Son Knight of the Garter LYONEL CRANFIELD Son to Randal Cranfield Citizen and Martha his Wife Daughter to the Lady Dennis of Gloucester-shire who by her will which I have perused bequeathed a fair estate unto her was born in Bassing-hall street and bred a Merchant much conversant in the Custome-House He may be said to have been his own Tutor and his own University King Iames being highly affected with the clear brief strong yea and profitable sense he spake preferred him Lord Treasurer 1621. Baron of Cranfield and Earl of Middlesex Under him it began to be young flood in the Exchequer wherein there was a very low Ebb when he entred on that Office and he possessed his Treasurers place some four years till he fell into the Duke of Bucks the best of Friends and worst of Foes displeasure Some say this Lord who rose cheifly by the Duke whose near Kinswoman he married endevoured to stand without yea in some cases for the Kings profit against him which Independency and opposition that Duke would not endure Flaws may soon be found and easily be made Breaches in great Officers who being active in many cannot be exact in all matters However this Lord by losing his Office saved himself departing from his Treasurers place which in that age was hard to keep Insomuch that one asking what was good to preserve Life was answered Get to be Lord Treasurer of England for they never do dye in their place which indeed was true for four Successions Retiring to his magnificent House at Copt-hall he there enjoyed himself contentedly entertained his friends bountifully neighbours hospitably poor charitably He was a proper person of comely presence chearful yet grave countenance and surely a solid and wise man And though their Soul be the fattest who only suck the sweet Milk they are the healthfullest who to use the Latine Phrase have tasted of both the Breasts of fortune He dyed as I collect anno 1644 and lyeth interred in a stately Monument in the Abby at Westminster Writers on the Law FLETA or FLEET We have spoken formerly of the Fleet as a Prison but here it importeth a person disguised under that name who it seems being committed to the Fleet therein wrote a Book of the Common Laws of England and other Antiquities There is some difference concerning the Time when this Learned Book of Fleta was set forth but it may be demonstrated done before the fourteenth of the Reign of King Edward the Third for he saith that it is no Murder except it be proved that the Party slain was English and no Stranger whereas this was altered in the fourteenth year of the said King when the killing of any though a Forreigner living under the Kings protection out of prepensed Malice was made Murder He seemeth to have lived about the End of King Edward the Second and beginning of King Edward the Third Seeing in that Juncture of Time two Kings in effect were in being the Father in right the Son in might a small contempt might cause a confinement to that place and as Loyal ubjects be within it as without it Sure it is that notwithstanding the confinement of the Author his Book hath had a good passage and is reputed Law to posterity CHRISTOPHER St. GERMAN Reader wipe thine eyes and let mine smart if thou readest not what richly deserves thine observation seeing he was a person remarkable for his Gentility Piety Chastity Charity Ability Industry and Vivacity 1. Gentility descended from a right ancient Family born as I have cause to believe in London and bred in the Inner Temple in the Study of our Laws 2. Piety he carried Saint in his nature as well as in his Surname constantly reading and expounding every night to his Family a Chapter in the Bible 3. Chastity living and dying unmarried without the least spot on his Reputation 4. Charity giving consilia and auxilia to all his People gratis
whence I conclude him an obscure person and this Lady rather married then match'd such the distance betwixt their degrees Probably this Cecily consulting her comfort more then her credit did it of design so to be beneath the jealousie of King Henry the seventh She left no children and the date of her death is uncertain CHARLES the second son to King Charles the first of Blessed Memory and Mary youngest daughter to Henry the fourth King of France was born at Saint James's May 29. 1630. Great was the general rejoycing thereat The University of Oxford congratulated his birth with printed Poems and it was taken ill though causelesly by some that Cambridge did not do the like for then the Wits of the University were sadly distracted into several Counties by reason of the plague therein And I remember Cambridge modestly excused herself in their Poem made the year after at the birth of the Lady Mary and it will not be amiss to insert and translate one Tetrastick made by my worthy friend Quod fuit ad nixus Academia muta priores 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Carolus aegra fuit Spe veniente novâ si tunc tacuisset amores Non tantùm morbo digna sed illa mori Prince Charles forgive me that my silent quill Joy'd not thy birth alas sore sick was I. New hopes now come had I been silent still I should deserve both to be sick and die His birth was accompanied with two notable accidents in the heavens The star Venus was visible all day long as sometime it falls out neer her greatest Elongation And two dayâ—… after there was an Ecclipse of the Sun about eleven digits observed by the greatest Mathematicians And now Reader give me leave to be silent my self and present thee with the expressions of a most ingenious Gentleman To behold this babe heaven it self seemed to open one Eye more then ordinary Such Asterisks and Celelestial Signatures affixt to times so remarkable as this usually are 〈◊〉 prophetically hinting and pointing out somewhat future of eminent contingency Yea such have since been the occurrences in the life of this pious Prince that rightly considered they will appear not onely eminent above the common standard of actions but full of miracle and amazement He was on the 1. of January 1650. at Scoon Crowned King of Scotland Being before invaded by an Army under the conduct of O. C. Soon after quitting that Kingdome he marched for England and on the 3. of September 1651. nigh Worcester was fought and lost the day though he to use my Authors expression acted beyond the expectation of his friends and to the great applause of his very enemies Narrow search was made after his person yea a thousand pounds a bait his politique enemies made sure would have been bit at promised to such who should betray him Yet God whose Angels â—… were his Life-guard miraculously preserving him out of the hands of his enemies he safely passed over into France to the Queen his mother During his continuance beyond the Seas great were the proffers tendered unto him if forsaking the Protestant Religion but alas as soon might the impotent waves remove the most sturdy rocks as they once unfix him such his constancy whom neither the frowns of his afflictions nor smiles of secular advantages could make to warp from his first principles At length his piety and Patience were rewarded by God with a happy restitution to his undoubted Dominions and he after a long and tedious exile landed at Dover May 25. 1660. to the great joy of his three Kingdomes A Prince whose vertues I should injure if endeavouring their contraction within so narrow a scantling And yet I cannot pass over that wherein he so much resembleth the King of Heaven whose Vicegerent he is I mean his merciful disposition doing good unto those who spightfully used and persecuted him And now it is my hearty prayer that God who appeared so wonderful in his Restauration would continue still Gracious to us in his Preservation confounding the plots of his adversaries that upon him and his posterity the Crown may flourish forever MARY eldest daughter of King Charles the first and Queen Mary was born at Saint James's November 4. 1631. When her royal father out of his paternal love began to cast about for a fitting confort this Peerless Princess though tender in years rich in piety and wisdome made it her humble request she might be match'd as well in her religion as affection which happened answerable to her desires For not long after a marriage treated betwixt her and Count William of Nassau eldest son to Henry Prince of Orange was concluded and this royal pair wedded accordingly May 2. 1641. The February following having at Dover taken her leave of the King her Father the last time she ever saw him on earth she embarked for and within few days landed in Holland His Majesties affairs in England daily growing worse and worse at length the sad news of his horrid murder arrived at her eares this was seconded with the loss of her husband the Prince of Orange who deceased October 8. 1650. Yet such her signal patience that she underwent the weight of so many heavy afflictions sufficient to break the back of a mean Christian with a courage far surpassing the weakness of her sex But amidst these her calamities God was pleased to remember mercy blessing her the November ensuing with a hopeful son The complexion of the times being altered in England she came over to congratulate the happiness of her Brother his miraculous restitution When behold sickness arrests this royal Princess no bail being found by physick to defer the execution of her death which happened 1660. On the 31. of December following she was honourably though privately interred at Westminster in the Chappel of King Henry the seventh and no eye so dry but willingly afforded a tear to bemoan the loss of so worthy a Princess JAMES third son of King Charles and Queen Mary October was 13. 1633. born at Saint James's He was commonly stiled Duke of York though not solemnly created until January 27. 1643. At the rendition of Oxford he was taken Prisoner and some two years after through the assistance of one Colonel Bamfield made his escape landing safe in Holland Hence he went for France where he so prudently deported himself that he soon gained the favour and honour of the whole Court Yea such was this Princes valour and prowess that before arrived at the age of one and twenty years he was made Leiutenant General of the Forces of the King of France a thing which sounds highly to the esteem of this Duke being a sufficient argument as well of his Policy as Magnanimity seeing a wise head is equally required warily to consult as a stout heart resolutely to act for the due performance of that office This trust he discharged to the admiration of all atchieving so many Noble and Heroick exploits which rendred
Master Aylmer sate in the hind part whilst the Searchers drank of the Wine which they saw drawn out of the head or other end thereof Returning into England he was made Arch-Deacon of Lincoln and at last Bishop of London He was happy in a meet Yoke-fellow having a gratious Matron to his wife by whom he had many children and one son to which Arch-bishop Whitgift was Godfather and named him Tob-el that is The Lord is good in memorial of a great deliverance bestowed on this childs mother For when she was cast out of her Coach in London by a Mastiff casually seising upon the Horses she received no harm at all though very near to the time of her Travail Bishop Aylmer was well learned in the Languages a ready Disputant and deep Divine He was eighteen years Bishop of London and dying Anno 1594. in the 73. year of his age had this for part of his Epitaph which Bishop Vaugham sometimes his Chaplain afterwards his Successor made upon him Ter senos Annos Praesul semul Exul idem Bis Pugil in causa religionis erat Eighteen years Bishop and once Banish'd hence And twice a Champion in the Truths defence I understand it thus once a Champion in suffering when an Exile for religion and again in doing when chosen one of the disputants at Westminster against the Popish Bishops Primo Elizabethae except any expound it thus once Champion of the Doctrine against Papists and afterwards against the Discipline of the Non-Confromists none more stoutly opposing or more fouly belibelled of them God blessed him with a great estate the main whereof he left unto Samuel Aylmer his eldest son High-sheriff of Suffolk in the reign of King Charles and amongst his youngest sons all well provided for Doctor Aylmer Rector of Haddam in Hartfordshire was one of the most learned and reverend Divines in his generation JOHN TOWERS was born in this County bred Fellow of Queens-colledge in Cambridge and became Chaplain to William Earl of Northampton who bestowed on him the Benefice of Castle-Ashby in Northampton-shire He was preferred Dean and at last Bishop of Peterborough He was a good actor when he was young and a great sufferour when he was old dying about the year 1650. rich onely in Children and Patience Nothing but sin is a shame in it self and poverty as poverty especially since our Saviour hath sanctified it by suffering it is no disgrace Capital Judges and Writers on the Law RALPH DE-HENGHAM so named from a fair Market-town in this County was made Lord Chief-justice of the Kings-bench in Michaelmas term in the second year of King Edward the first when the King was newly returned from the Holy-land He sate 16. years in that place saving that one Winborne was for a year or two interposed and at the general purging and garbling of the Judges which happened in the 18. year of the aforesaid King when all the Judges except two John de Metingham and Elias de Bekingham were cast out by the Parliament for their corruption fined banished and imprisoned then this Ralph was merced in seven thousand marks for bribery and ejected out of his place Some will say let him wither in silence why do you mention him amongst the Worthies of our Nation I answer Penitence is the second part of Innocence and we find this Ralph after his fine payed made Chief-justice of the Common-pleas sub recipiscendi fiducia under the confidence generally conceived of his amendment He died the next being the 19. year of the raign of King Edward the first he lies buried in the Church of Saint Paul where he hath or had this Epitaph Per versus patet hos Anglorum quod jacet hic flos Legum qui tuta dictavit vera statuta Ex Hengham dictus Radulphus vir benedictus One must charitably believe that he played a good after-game of integrity and if injoying longer life he would have given a clearer testimony thereof WILLIAM PASTON Esq. son of Clement Paston Esq. and Beatrix his wife sister and heir to Jeffry Sommerton Esq. was born at Paston in this County He was learned in the laws of this Realm and first was Serjeant to King Henry the sixth and was after by him preferred second Judge of the Common-pleas I confess having confined our Catalogue to Capital Judges or Writers on the Law he falls not under our method in the strictness thereof But I appeal to the Reader himself whether he would not have been highly offended with me had I in silence passed over a person so deserving his observation He was highly in favour with King Henry the sixth who allowed him besides the ordinary salary assigned to other Judges one hundred and ten marks Reader behold the Standard of money in that age and admire with two Gowns to be taken yearly out of the Exchequer as by the ensuing letters Patents will appear Henricus Dei gratia Rex Angliae Franciae Dominus Hiberniae Omnibus ad quos Praesentes literae pervenerint Salutem Sciatis quod de gratia nostra speciali ut dilectus fidelis noster Willielmus Paston unus Justiti nostrorum de com Banco Statum suum decentius manu tenere expensas quas ipsum in officio pradicto facere oportebit sustinere valeat concessimus ei centum decem marcas percipiendum singulis annis ad scaccarium nostrum ad terminos Pasche Sancti Michaelis per equales Portiones duas robas per annum percipiendum unam videlicet cum Pellura ad festum Natalis Domini aliam cum Limra ad festum Pentecostes ultra feodum consuetum quamdiu ipsum Stare contigerit in officio supradicto In cujus rei Testimonium has literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes teste meipso apud Westminst XV. die Octobris anno regni nostri octavo What Pellura is I understand Furr but what Limra is if rightly written I would willingly learn from another though some are confident it is Taffata I wonder the less at these noble favours conferred on the said William Paston Judge for I find him in grace with the two former Kings being made Serjeant by King Henry the fourth and of â—…is counsel for the Dutchie of Lancaster and in the reign of King Henry the fifth he was in such esteem with Sir John Falstofe Knight that he appointed him one of his Feoffees whom he enabled by a writing under his hand to recover debts from the Executors of King Henry the fifth This William Paston married Agnes daughter and heir of Sir Edmond Berrey by which marriage the Pastons rightly quarter at this day the several Coats of Hetherset Wachesham Craven Gerbredge Hemgrave and Kerdeston and received both advancement in bloud and accession in estate This said VVilliam Paston died at London August 14. 1444. and lies buryed in Norwich so that his corps by a peculiar exception do straggle from the Sepulture of their Ancestors who
22 Tho. Barney ar ut prius  Queen ELIZABETH 18 DRUGO DRURY Arm. This Sir Dru being afterwards Knighted was joyned in Commission with Sir Amias Paulet to keep Mary Queen of Scots and discharged his dangerous trust therein It moveth me not that I find both these Knights branded for Puritans being confident that Nick-name in relation to them both was first pronounced through a Popish mouth causlesly offended at their Religion King CHARLES 5 ROGER TOWNSEND Baronet He was a religious Gentleman expending his soul in piety and charity a lover of God his Service and Servants A grave Divine saith most truly that incroachments on the Church are like breaches of the Seas a thousand to one if they ever return But this worthy Knight may be said to have turn'd the tide restoring Impropriations to the Church to some hundreds in yearly valuation He married Mary daughter and co-heir of Horatio Lord Vere of Tilbury by whom he had Sir Horace who for his worth was deservedly Created a Baron at the Coronation of King Charles the second The Farewell And now being to take my leave of this County I wish the inhabitants thereof may make good use of their so many Churches and cross that pestilent Proverb The nigher to the Church the farther from God substituting another which will be a happy change in the room thereof viz. The more the Churches the more sincere the Devotion NORWICH is as you please either a City in an Orchard or an Orchard in a City so equally are Houses and Trees blendid in it so that the pleasure of the Country and populousness of the City meet here together Yet in this mixture the inhabitants participate nothing of the rusticalness of the one but altogether of the urbanity and civility of the other Natural Commodities Flowers The Dutch brought hither with them not onely their profitable crafts but pleasurable curâ—…osities They were the first who advanced the use and reputation of Flowers in this City A Flower is the best complexioned grass as a Pearl is the best coloured clay and daily it weareth Gods Livery for He cloatheth the Grass in the Field Solomon himself is out-braved therewith as whose gallantry onely was adopted and on him their 's innate and in them In the morning when it groweth up it is a Lecture of Divine Providence In the evening when it is cut down withered it is a Lecture of Humane Mortality Single flowers are observed much sweeter then the double ones poor may be more fragrant in Gods nostrils then the rich and let Florists assign the cause thereof whether because the Sun doth not so much dry the Intricacies of such flowers which are Duplicated Great the Art in meliorating of flowers and the Rose of Roses Rosa Mundi had its first being in this City As Jacob used an ingenious invention to make Laban's cattle speckled or ring-straked so much the skil in making Tulips feathered and variegated with stripes of divers colours In my judgement those flowers carry it clearly which acquit themselves to a double sense sight and smel for though in some thing it may be true Optime quae minime olent yet in flowers besides a negation of an ill the position of a good sent is justly required Manufactures Stuffs It is an ill wind which bloweth no man good even Storms bring VVrecks to the Admiral The cruelty of Duke D'Alva as it blew the Dutch out off their own brought them into this City and with them their Manufactures which the English quickly learned from them until Norwich became the Staple of such Commodities for the whole Land For the nimble wooffe its artificial dancing in several postures about the standing warpe produceth infinite varieties in this kind Expect not I should reckon up their several names because daily increasing and many of them are binominous as which when they begin to tire in sale are quickned with a new name In my child-hood there was one called Stand-far-of the embleme of Hypocrisie which seemed pretty at competent distance but discovered its coursness when nearer to the eye Also Perpetuano so called from the lasting thereof though but a counterfeit of the cloaths of the Israelites which endured in the VVillderness 40. years Satinisco Bombicino Italiano c. Comineus saith that a Favorite must have an handsome name which his Prince may easily call on all occasions so a pretty pleasing name complying with the Byers fancy much befriendeth a Stuffe in the sale thereof By these means Norwich hath beaten Sudbury out of distance in the race of Trading Indeed in the starting the South having the better of the North and Bury or City being before VVich or Vicus a Village Sudbury had the advantage but now Norwich is come first to their Mark The Buildings The Cathedral therein is large and spacious though the roof in the Cloysters be most commended When some twenty years since I was there the top of the Steeple was blown down and an Officer of the Churce told me That the wind had done them much wrong but they meant not to put it up whether the wrong or the steeple he did not declare Amongst private houses the Duke of Norfolks palace is the greatest I ever saw in a City out of London Here a covered Bowling-alley the first I believe of that kind in England on the same token that when Thomas last Duke of Norfolk was taxed for aspiring by marriage of the Q to the Crown of Scotland he protested to Queen Elizabeth that when he was in his Bowling-alley at Norwich he accounted himself as a King in Scotland As for the Bishops Palace it was formerly a very fair structure but lately unleaded and new covered with tyle by the purchasers thereof Whereon a wag not unwittily Thus Palaces are altered we saw John Leyden now Wat Tyler next Jack Straw Indeed there be many thatch'd houses in the City so that Luther if summoned by the Emperour to appear in this place would have altered his expression and said instead of Tyles of the house that if every Straw on the roof of the houses were a Divel notwithstanding he would make his appearance However such thatch is so artificially done even sometimes on their Chancels that it is no eye-sore at all to the City Physicians JOHN GOSLIN born in this City was first Fellow and afterwards Master of Caius-colledge in Cambridge Proctor of the University and twice Vice-chancellour thereof a general Scholar eloquent Latinist a rare Physician in which faculty he was Regius Professor A strict man in keeping and Magistrate in pressing the Statutes of Colledge and University and a severe punisher of the infringers thereof And here courteous Reader let me insert this pleasant passage seeing Cato himself may sometimes smile without offence I remember when this Doctor was last Vice-chancellour it was highly penal for any Scholar to appear in boots as having more of the Gallant then Civil Student therein
justly suspected and I reserve his character to be ranked amongst the Benefactors to the Publique Prelates RICARD of NORTHAMPTON ADAM of NORTHAMPTON We compound them for several reasons First because natives of the same Town Secondly both going over into Ireland there became Bishops of the same See Thirdly because the history of them is single so slender it cannot subsist alone though twisted together it is posible that their memories may support one the other For we have nothing more of them then the dates of their Consecrations and Deaths The former Consecrated Bishop of Fernose October the 13. 1282. dyed Anno 1304. The later Consecrated 1322. died October the 29. 1346. having first seen his Cathedral Church burnt and destroyed by the Rebells WILLIAM le ZOUCH son to Lord Zouch was born at Haringworth in this County as a branch of thar Honorable Family still alive and Critical in their Pedigrees hath credably informed me From Dean he became Arch-bishop of York 1342. King Edward the third going over to France committed the North to the care of this Prelate Soon after David King of Scots with a great Army invaded it he promised himself Cesars success to Come and Conquer See and Subdue The rather because he believed that he floure of the English Chivalry being gone into France onely Priests and Peasants were left behind Our Arch-bishop with such forces as he could suddenly provide bid him Battle at Durham on Saint Lukes Eve whereon the Scotch King found such a fast he had little list to feast the day following being routed and taken Prisoner Hence a Poet of that age Est pater invictus sicco de stipite dictus Zouch in French signifying the dry stump of a stick However his honorable Family flourished as a Green Tree for many years till withered in our memory when Edward the last Lord Zouch dyed without Issue male in the beginning of King Charles To return to our Prelate he began a beautiful Chappel on the South-side of his Cathedral intending to be interred therein But dying before the finishing thereof was buried before the Altar of Saint Edmund 1352. ROBERT BRAYBROOKE was born at a Village in this County well known for the carkase of a Castle therein He was Consecrated Bishop of London January 5. 1381. â—…nd afterwards for six Months was Chancellour of England He dyed 1404. being buried under a Marble-stone in the Chappel of Saint Mary Which is all we can recover of this Prelate and if it be enough to satisfie the Readers hunger he need not leave any thing for manners in the dish LIONELL WYDEVILL or WOODVILL was born at Grafton since called Grafton honor in this County bred in the University of Oxford whereof for a time he was Chancellour then made Bishop of Sarisbury 1482. As he was at first preferred so his memory is still supported from sinking in Silence rather by the Buttresses of his great relations then the foundation of his own deserts For he was Son to Jaquet Dutchess of Bedford and Richard Wydevill E. of Rivers Brother to Elizabeth Q. of England Brother in-law to King Edward the fourth Uncle to King Edward the fiâ—…t and Father say some to Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester Heart-broken with grief with the Tragedies he beheld in his own family caused by the cruelty of King Richard the third he died about the year of our Lord 1484. Since the Reformation JAMES MONTAâ—…UE son to Sir Edward Montague Knight was born at Boughton in this County bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge He was afterwards Master or rather Nursing father to Sidney-colledge For he found it in Bonds to pay 20. Marks per annum to Trinity-colledge for the ground whereon it is built and left it free assigning it a rent for the discharge thereof When the Kings Ditch in Cambridge made to defend it by its Strength did in his time offend it with its Stenche he expended a hundred marks to bring running water into it to the great conveniency of the University He was afterwards Bishop first of Bath and VVells then of VVinchester being highly in favour with King James who did ken a man of merrit as well as any Prince in Christendome He translated the works of King James into Latine and improved his greatness to do good offices therewith He died Anno Domini 1618. and lyeth buried within his fair Monument within his fairer Monument I mean a goodly Tombe in the Church of Bath which oweth its well being and beauty to his Munificence FRANCIS GODWIN son to Thomas Godwin Bishop of Bath and VVells was born at Hanningham in this County bred in Christs-church in Oxford Doctor of Divinity and Sub-Dean of Exeter He was born in the fourth year of the raign of Queen Elizabeth Anno 1561. and in the fortieth year of his age 1601. by her Majesty made Bishop of Landaffe A bishoprick better proportioned to his modesty then merits as which was much impaired by his predecessor so that one did tâ—…uly say A bad Kitching did for ever spoil the good Meat of the Bishops of Landaffe He was a good Man grave Divine skilful Mathematician pure Latinist and incomparable Historian The Church of Landaffe was much beholding to him yea the whole Church of England yea the whole Church Militant yea many now in the Church Triumphant had had their memories utterly lost on Earth if not preserved by his painfull endeavours in his Catalogue of English Bishops I am sorry to see that some have since made so bad use of his good labours who have lighted their Candles from his Torch thereby meerly to discover the faults of our Bishops that their Personal failings may be an argument against the Prelatical function He was translated by King James to the Bishoprick of Hereford and died very aged in the reign of King Charles Anno Domini 162. JOHN OWEN was born at Burton Latimers in this County his father being the worthy and grave Minister thereof He was bred a Fellow in Jesus-colledge in Cambridge where he commenced Doctor of Divinity and was Chaplain to King Charles whilst he was a Prince A modest man who would not own the worth he had in himself and therefore others are the more ingaged to give him his due esteem In the vacancy of the Bishop wrick of Saint Asaff King Charles being much troubled with two Competitours advanced Doctor Owen not thinking thereof as an expedient to end the Contest Indeed his Majesty was mistaken in his birth accounting him a Welch-man but not in his worth seeing he deserved a far better preferment Besides he was though not Ortus oriundus è Wallia and by his father being a Welchman he was related to all the best families in North-wales He out-lived his Vote in Parliament and survived to see all contempt cast on his Order which he bare with much moderation and dyed Anno Dom. 164. ROBERT SKINNER D. D. was born at Pisford in this County where his father was
Esquire of Addington by Isabel his wife sister and at last sole heir to Henry Green of Drayton Esquire of whom formerly This Henry was afterwards Knighted and dying without Issue-male Elizabeth his daughter and co heir was married to John first Lord Mordant to whom she brought Draiton-house in this County and other fair lands as the partage of her portion NICHOLAS VAUX Mil. He was a jolly Gentleman both for Camp and Court a great Reveller good as well in a March as a Masque being Governour of Guines in Picardie whom King Hen. the eight for his Loyalty and Valour Created Baron of Harouden in this County Ancestor to Edward Lord Vaux now living This Sir Nicholas when young was the greatest Gallant of the English-Court no Knight at the marriage of Prince Arthur appearing in so costly an equipage when he wore a gown of purple velvet pight with pieces of gold so thick and massive that it was valued besides the silk and furs at a thousand pounds and the next day wore a Colar of S. S. which weighed as Goldsmiths reported eight hundred pounds of nobles Some will wonder that Empson and Dudley the Royal Promoters then in prime did not catch him by the Collar or pick an hole in his Gown upon the breach of some rusty penal sumptuary Statute the rather because lately the Earl of Oxford was heavily fined for supernumerous attendance But know that King Henry could better bear with 〈◊〉 then greatness in his Subjects especially when such expence cost â—…imself nothing and conduced much to the solemnity of his Sons Nuptials Besides such plate as wrought employed Artizans as massive retain'd its intrinsecal value with little loss either of the owners or Common-wealth HENRY the Eight 1 THOMAS PAR Mil. His former residence was at Kendal-Castle in Westmerland whence he removed into this Country having married Maud one of the daughters and co-heirs of Sir Thomas Green of Green-Norton He was father to Queen Katharine Par which rendereth a probability of her nativity in this County and to William Marquiss of Northampton of whom hereafter 15 WILLIAM FITZ-WILLIAMS Sen. Mil. This must be the person of whom I read this memorable passage in Stows Survey of London Sir William Fitz-Williams the elder being a Merchant-Taylor and servant sometime to Cardinal Wolsey was chosen Alderman of Bread-street-Ward in London Anno 1506. Going afterward to dwell at Milton in Northamptonshire in the fall of the Cardinal his former Master he gave him kind entertainment there at his house in the Country For which deed being called before the King and demanded how he durst entertain so great an Enemy to the State his Answer was that he had not contemptuously or wilfully done it but onely because he had been his Master and partly the means of his greatest fortunes The King was so well pleased with his Answer that saying himself had few such servants immediately Knighted him and afterwards made him a Privy Counsellour But we have formerly spoken of the benefactions of this worthy Knight in the County of Essex whereof he was Sheriffe in the sixth of King Henry the eight 17 WILLIAM PAR Mil. I have cause to be confident that this was he who being Uncle and Lord Chamberlain to Queen Katharine Par was afterwards by King Henry the eight Created Baron Par of Horton Left two daughters onely married into the Families of Tressame and Lane The Reader is requested to distinguish him from his Name-sake Nephew Sheriffe in the 25. of this Kings reign of whom hereafter 21 JOHN CLARKE Mil. I find there was one Sir John Clarke Knight who in the fifth of Henry the eight at the Siege of Terrowane took prisoner Lewis de Orleans Duke of Longevile and Marquiss of Rotueline This Sir John bare for his paternal Coat Argent on a Bend Gules three Swans proper between as many Pellets But afterwards in memory of his service aforesaid by special command from the King his Coat armour was rewarded with a Canton Sinister Azure and thereupon a Demi-ramme mounting Argent armed Or between two Flowers de lices in Chief of the last over all a Batune dexter-ways Argent as being the Arms of the Duke his prisoner and by Martial-law belonging to him He lieth buried in the next County viz. in the Church of Tame in Oxfordshire where his Coat and cause thereof is expressed on his Monument If this be not the same with Sir John Clarke our Sheriffe I am utterly at a loss and desire some others courteous direction All I will adde is this If any demand why this Knight did onely give a parcel and not the entire Arms of the Duke his prisoner a learned Antiquary returns this satisfactory answer That he who â—…aketh a Christian Captive is to give but part of his Arms to mind him of charitable moderation in using his success intimating withall that one taking a Pagan prisoner may justifie the bearing of his whole Coat by the laws of Armory I must not conceal that I have read in a most excellent Manuscript viz. the View of Staffordshire made by Sampson Erderswicke Esquire That one William Stamford in that County had good land given him therein for taking the Duke of Longevile prisoner August the 16. in the fifth of King Henry the eight History will not allow two Dukes of Longevile Captives and yet I have a belief for them both that Sir John Clarke and William Stamford were causae sociae of his Captivity and the King remunerated them both the former with an addition of honour the later with an accession of Estate 23 WILLIAM SPENCER Miles DAVID SISILL Arm. 24 DAVID CECILL Arm. Sir William Spencer dying it seems in his Sherivalty David Sissill supplied the remainder of that and was Sheriffe the next year This David had three times been Alderman of Stamford part whereof called Saint Martins is in this County viz. 1504. 1515. and 1526. and now twice Sheriffe of the County which proves him a person both of Birth Brains and Estate seeing in that age in this County so plentiful of capable persons none were advanced to that office except Esquires at least of much merrit The different spelling of his name is easily answered the one being according to his extraction of the Sitsilts of Alterynnis in Herefordshire the other according to the vulgar pronunciation All I will adde is this that his Grand-child William Cecil afterwards Baron of Burghley and Lord Treasurer of England being born Anno 1521. was just ten years of age in the Sherivalty of this David his Grand-father 25 WILLIAM PAR Mil. He was son to Sir Thomas Par of whom before Ten years after viz. in the 35. year of his reign King Henry the eight having newly married his Sister Queen Katharine Par made him Lord Par of Kendall and Earl of Essex in right of Anne Bourcher his wife King Edward the sixth Created him Marquiss of Northampton Under Queen Mary
in Sussex thence removed into this County I find this remarkable passage recorded of Henry de Perpoint who flourished in those parts in the beginning of King Edward the First Claus. 8 Edvardi 1. membrana tertia in dorso in Tur. Londin Memorandum quod Henricus de 〈◊〉 die Lunae in 〈◊〉 Octab. Sancti Michaelis venit in 〈◊〉 apud Lincolâ—…iam publicè dixit quod sigillum suum amisit protestabatur quod si aliquod instrumentum cum sigillo illo post tempus illud inveniretur consignatum illud nullius esse valoris vel momenti Memorand That Henry de 〈◊〉 on Munday the day after the Octaves of St. Michael came into the Chancery at Lincoln and said publickly that he had lost his Seal and protested that if any instrument were found sealed with that Seal after that time the same should be of no value or effect He appeareth a person of prime quality that great prejudice might arise by the false use of his true Seal if found by a dishonest person so that so solemn a protest was conceived necessary for the prevention thereof Robert Perpoint a Descendent from this Henry was by King Edward the third summoned as a Baron to Parliament but died as I am informed before he sate therein which hindered the honour of Peerage from descending to his posterity But this Robert Perpoint was Robert the younger in distinction from his Name-sakeAncestor who lived in great dignity under King Edward the Third as by the following Record will appear Claus. 49 Hon. 3. in dorso memb 6. Rex Priori S. Johannis Jerusalem in Anglia salutem Cum dilectus fidelis noster Robertus de Petroponte qui fidei nostrae Edwardi primogentâ—…i nostri hactenus constanter adhaesit in conflictu habito apud Lewes captus esset ab inimicis nostris detentus in prisona Hugonis le Despenser donec per septingentas marcas finem fecisset cum eodem pro â—…edemptione sua unde Walerandus de Munceaus se praefato Hugoni pro praedicto Roberto obligavit per quandam chartam de feoffamento scripta obligatoria inter ipsos confecta quae vobis liberata fuerant custodienda ut dicitur Nos ipsorum Roberti Walerandi indempnitatt prospicere eidem Roberto gratiam facere volentes specialem vobis mandamus firmiter injungentes quod cartas scripta praedicta eidem Roberto Walerando vel eorum alteri sine morae dispendio deliberari faciatis nos inde versus vos servabimus indempnes In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium 15. die Octobris The King to the Prior of St. John Jerusalem in England greeting Whereas our beloved and faithful Robert Perpoint who hitherto hath constantly adher'd to our trust and of our first born Edward was taken by our enemies in a skirmish at Lewes and kept in the prison of Hugh le Dispenser untill by seven hundred marks he had made an end with him for his ransoming whereupon Walerand of Munceaus bound himself to the forenamed Hugh for the foresaid Robert by a certain charter of feoffment and obligatory writings made betwixt them which as is said were delivered to you to be kept We willing to provide for the safety of the said Robert and Walerand and to do a special favour to the same Robert do command you firmly injoyning that ye cause the foresaid charters and writings without any delay to be delivered to the same Robert and Walerand or to one of them and we shall thenceforth save you harmless Witness the King at Westminster the 15. day of October Whoso seriously considereth how much the Mark and how little the Silver of our Land was in that Age will conclude seven hundred marks a ransom more proportionable for a Prince than private person The best was that was not paid in effect which by command from the King was restored again The Farewell There is in this County a small Market Town called Blithe which my Author will have so named à jucunditate from the mirth and good fellowship of the Inhabitants therein If so I desire that both the name and the thing may be extended all over the Shire as being confident that an Ounce of mirth with the same degree of grace will serve God more and more acceptably than a pound of sorrow OXFORD-SHIRE hath Bark-shire divided first by the Isis then by the Thames on the South Glocester-shire on the West Buckingham-shire on the East Warwick and Northampton Shires on the North. It aboundeth with all things necessary for mans life and I understand that Hunters and Falconers are no where better pleas'd Nor needeth there more pregnant proof of plenty in this place than that lately Oxford was for some years together a Court a Garrison and an University during which time it was well furnished with provisions on reasonable rates Natural Commodities Fallow Deer And why of these in Oxford shire why not rather in Northampton-shire where there be the most or in York shire where there be the greatest Parks in England It is because John Rous of Warwick telleth me that at Woodstock in this County was the most ancient Park in the whole Land encompassed with a Stone-wall by King Henry the First Let us premise a line or two concerning Parks the case before we come to wha t is contained therein 1. The word Parcus appears in Varro derivd no doubt à parcendo to spare or save for a place wherein such Cattle are preserved 2. There is mention once or twice in Dooms-day Book of Parcus silvestris bestiarum which proveth Parks in England before the Conquest 3. Probably such ancient Parks to keep J. Rous in credit and countenance were onely paled and Woodstock the first that was walled about 4. Parks are since so multiplyed that there be more in England than in all Europe besides The Deer therein when living raise the stomachs of Gentlemen with their sport and when dead allay them again with their flesh The fat of Venison is conceived to be but I would not have Deer-stealers hear it of all flesh the most vigorous nourishment especially if attended with that essential addition which Virgil coupleth therewith Implentur veteris Bacchi pinguisque ferinae Old Wine did their thirst allay fat Venison hunger But Deer are daily diminished in England since the Gentry are necessitated into thrift and forced to turn their pleasure into profit Jam seges est ubi Parcus erat and since the sale of Bucks hath become ordinary I believe in proâ—…ess of time the best stored Park will be found in a Cooks shop in London Wood. Plenty hereof doâ—…h more hath grown in this County being daily diminished And indeed the Woods therein are put to too hard a task in their daily duty viz. To find fewel and timber for all the houses in and many out of the Shire and they cannot hold out if not seasonably relieved by Pit-cole found
could not enter except going sidelong at any ordinary door which gave the occasion to this Proverb But these Verdingales have been disused this fourty years whether because Women were convinced in their consciences of the va◅ity of this or allured in their fancies with the novelty of other fashions I will not determine Chronica si penses cum pugnent Oxonienses Post aliquot mēses volat ira per Angliginenses Mark the Chronicles aright When Oxford Scholars fall to fight Before many months expir'd England will with wa◅ be fir'd I confesse Oxoniensis may import the broils betwixt the Townsmen of Oxford or Towns men and Scholars but I conceive it properly to intend the contests betwixt Scholars and Scholars which were observed predictional as if their animosities were the Index of the Volume of the Land Such who have time may exactly trace the truth hereof through our English Histories Sure I am there were shrewd bickerings betwixt the Southern and Northern men in Oxford in the reign of King Henry the third not long before the bloody War of the Barons did begin The like happened twice under King Richard the second which seemed to be the Van-curreer of the fatal fights betwixt Lancaster and York However this observation holds not negatively all being peaceable in that place and no broils at Oxford sounding the al◅rum to our late civil dissentions Princes RICHARD Son to King Henry the second and Queen Eleanor was the sixth King since the Conquest but second Native of England born in the City of Oxford Anno 1157. Whilest a Prince he was undutiful to his Father or to qualifie the matter over-dutiful to his Mother whose domestick quarrels he always espoused To expia◅e his offence when King he with Philip King of France undertook a voyage to the Holy Land where thorough the Treachery of Templary cowardize of the Greeks diversity of the Climate distance of the place and differences betwixt Christian Princes much time was spent a mass of money expended many lives lost some honour atchieved but little profit produced Going to Palestine he suffered ship-wrack and many mischiefs on the coasts of Cyprus coming for England thorow Germany he was tost with a worse Land-Tempest being in pursuance of an old grudge betwixt them taken prisoner by Leopaldu◅ Duke of Austria Yet this Coeur de Lion or Lion-hearted King for so was he commonly called was no less Lion though now in a Grate than when at liberty abating nothing of his high spirit in his behaviour The Duke did not undervalue this his Royal Prisoner prizing his person at ten years purchase according to the then yearly revenue of the English Crown This ransome of an hundred thousand pounds being paid he came home first reformed himself and then mended many abuses in the Land and had done more had not an unfortunate Arrow shot out of a besieged Castle in France put a period to his life Anno Dom. 1199. EDMUND youngest Son to King Edward the first by Queen Margaret was born at Woodstock Aug. 5. 1301. he was afterwards created Earl of Kent and was Tutor to his Nephew King Edward the third In whose raign falling into the tempest of false injurious and wicked envy he was beheaded for that he never dissembled his natural brotherly affection toward his Brother deposed and went about when he was God wot murdered before not knowing so much to enlarge him out of prison perswaded thereunto by such as covertly practised his destruction He suffered at Winchester the ninteenth of March in the fourth of Edward the third EDWARD Eldest Son of King Edward the third was born at Woodstock in this County and bred under his Father never abler Teacher met with an apter Scholar in Marshal Discipline He was afterwards termed the Black Prince not so called from his complexion which was fair enough save when Sun-burnt in his Spanish expedition nor from his conditions which were courteous the constant attender of Valour but from his atchievements dismal and black as they appeared to the eyes of his enemies whom he constantly overcame But grant him black in himself he had the fairest Lady to his Wife this Land and that age did afford viz. Joane Countess of Salisbury and Kent which though formerly twice a Widow was the third time married unto him This is she whose Ga◅ter which now flourisheth again hath lasted longer than all the Wardrobes of the Kings and Queens in England since the Conquest continued in the Knighthood of that Order This Prince died before his Father at Canterbury in the 46. year of his age Anno Dom. 1376. whose Maiden success attended him to the grave as never foyled in any undertakings Had he survived to old age in all probabilities the Wars between York and Lancaster had been ended before begun I mean prevented in him being a person of merit and spirit and in Seniority before any suspicion of such divisions He left two Sons Edward who died at seven years of age and Richard afterwards King second of that name both born in France and therefore not coming within the compass of our Catalogue THOMAS of Woodstock youngest Son of King Edward the third and Queen Philippa was sirnamed of Woodstock from the place of his Nativity He was afterward Earl of Buckingham and Duke of Gloucester created by his Nephew King Richard the second who summoned him to the Parliament by the Title of the Kings loving Uncle He married Isabel one of the Co-heirs of Humphrey Bohun Earl of Essex in whose right he became Constable of England a dangerous place when it met with an unruly manager thereof But this Thomas was only guilty of ill tempered Loyalty loving the King well but his own humors better rather wilful than hurtful and presuming on the old maxime Patruus est loco Parentis An Uncle is in the place of a Father He observed the King too nearly and checked him too sharply whereupon he was conveyed to Calis and there strangled By whose death King Richard being freed from the causeless fear of an Uncle became exposed to the cunning Plots of his Cousin German Henry Duke of Lancaster who at last deposed him This Thomas founded a fair Colledge at Playsie in Essex where his body was first buried with all Solemnity and afterward translated to Westminster ANNE BEAUCHAMP was born at Cavesham in this County Let her pass for a Princess though not formally reductively seeing so much of History dependeth on her as Elevated Depressed 1. Being Daughter and in fine sole Heir to Richard Beaucamp that most Martial Earl of Warwick 2. Married to Richard Nevil Earl of Sarisbury and Warwick commonly called the make-Make-King and may not she then by a courteous proportion be termed the Make-Queen 3. In her own and Husbands right she was possessed of one hundred and fourteen Manors in several Shires 4. Isabell her eldest daughter was married to George Duke of Clarence and Anne her younger to Edward Prince of Wales son of
worth the inserting Know then that notwithstanding the literall allusion Shrewsbury affordeth as many meeke Wives as any place of the same proportion Besides a Profitable Shrew well may content a reasonable man the Poets faining Juno chasâ—…e and thrifty qualities which commonly attenda shrewd nature One being demanded How much shrewishnesse may be allowed in a VVife Even so much sayed he as of Hops in Ale Whereof a small quantity maketh it both last the longer in it selfe and taste the better to the owner thereof The Case is altered quoth PLOWDEN This Proverb referreth its originall to Edmund Plowden an eminent Native and great Lawyer of this County though very various the relations of the occasion thereof Some relate it to Plowden his faint pleading at the first for his Client till spurred on with a better Fee which some will say beareth no proportion with the ensuing Character of his Integrity Others refer it to his altering of his Judgement upon the Emergencie of new matter formerly undiscovered It being not Constancie but Obstinacie to persist in an old error when convinced to the contrary by cleer and new Information Some tell it thus That Plowden being of the Romish perswasion some Setters trapanned him pardon the prolepsis to hear Masse But afterwards Plowden understanding that the pretender to Officiate was no Priest but a meer Lay-man on designe to make a discovering Oh! The case is altered quoth Plowden No Priest no Masse As for other meaner Origination of this Proverb I have neither List nor Leasure to attend unto them Princes RICHARD PLANTAGENET second Son to Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Queen was born at Shrewsbury 1472. He was created by his Father Duke of York and affianced to Anne Daughter and Heir to John Mowbray Duke of Norfolk But before the nuptials were solemniz'd his cruel â—…ncle the Duke of Glocester maried him to a grave in the Towre of London The obscurity of his burial gave the advantage to the report that he lived in Perkin Warbeck one of the Idols which put politick King Henry the seventh to some danger and more trouble before he could finally suppresse him GEORGE PLANTAGENET youngest son to Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Queen was born at Shrewsbury He was like Plautus his Solsticial Flower Qui repentinò ortus repentinò occidit dying in the infancie of his infancie Some vainly conceive such conjectures may be safely shot when no body can see whether they hit or misse the mark that had this George surviv'd he would have secured the lives of his two elder Brethren whose â—…ncle Duke Richard durst not cut thorow the three-fold Cable of Royal Issue A vain surmise seeing when Tyrants hands are once wash'd in blood two or three are all one with their cruelty Saints MILBURGH daughter to Meroaldus Prince of Mercia had the fair Mannor of Wenlock in this County given to her by her Father for her portion She quitting all wordly wealth bestowed her Inheritance on the Poor and answered her name of Milburgh which as an Antiquary interpreteth is Good or Gracious to Town and City Living a Virgin she built a Monastery in the same place and departed this life about the year 664. Four hundred years after in the Reign of William the Conquerour her Corps discovered by Miracles wrought thereby were taken up sound and uncorrupted to the admiration of the beholders saith my Authour and surely had I seen the same I would have contributed my share of wondring thereunto This I am sure of that as good a Saint Lazarus by name by the confession of his own Sister did stink when but four dayes buried Her Relicts inshrined at Wenlock remained their in great state till routed in the reign of King Henry the Eighth OSWALD was King of Northumberland who after many fortunate battels fought was vanquished and slain at last by Penda the Pagan King of the Mercians at a place in this County called after his name Oswaldstre now a famous Market-Town in the Marches thereby procuring to his memory the reputation of Saint and Martyr Be pleased Reader to take notice that all battels of this nature though they were quarrels or armed-suits commenced on a civil or temporal account for the extending or defending their Dominions yet were they conceived in that age especially to have a mixture of much Piety and Church-concernment therein because fought against Infidels and so conducing consequentially to the propagation of the Faith the reason that all Kings kill'd in such service atchieved to themselves the veneration of Saints and Martyrs Say not that King Saul might be Sainted on the same account mortally wounded in a pitcht field fought against the Vncircumcised Philistins both because in fine he slew himself and his former life was known to be notoriously wicked Whereas our Oswald was alwayes pious and exceedingly charitable to the Poor His arm cut off it seems from the rest of his body remained said Bede whole and incorrupt kept in a silver Case in S. Peters Church at Bamborough whilest his Corps was first buried at Peterborough and afterwards in the Danish persecution translated to Bergen in Flanders where it still remaineth The fifth of August was in our Kalendar consecrated to his memory save that the Thanks-giving for the defeating of Gowries-Conspiracy made bold to justle him out all the reign of king James His death hapned Anno Domini 635. Confessors This County afforded none as the word is reconfined in our Preface But if it be a little enlarged it bringeth within the compasse thereof THAMAS GATAKER younger son of William Gataker was a branch of an Ancient Family so firmely planted by Divine providence at Gatacre-Hall in this County that they have flourished the owners thereof by an noninterrupted succcession from the time of King Edward the Confessor This Thomas being designed a Student for the Law was brought up in the Temple where in the raign of Queen Mary he was often present at the examination of persecuted people Their hard usage made him pity their persons and admirable patience to approve their opinions This was no sooner perceived by his Parents being of the Old perswasion but instantly they sent him over to Lovain in the Low-Countries to win him to a compliance to the Popish Religion and for his better encouragement setled on him an estate of One hundred pound per annum old Rent All would not do Whereupon his Father recalled him home and revoked his own grant to which his Son did submit as unwilling to oppose the pleasure of his Parents though no such Revocation could take effect without his free consent He afterwards diverted his mind from the most profitable to the most necessary Study from Law to Divinity and finding Friends to breed him in Oxford he became the profitable Pastor of S. Edmonds in Lumbard-street London where he died Anno leaving Thomas Gatakèr his Learned Son of whom formerly heir to
a vain labour according to the Rule in Logick frustra fit per plura quod fieri potest per pauciora But seeing the owner of that House had his harmless humour therein and paid dear no doubt to his Workmen for the same There is no cause that I or any other should find fault therewith The Buildings I have presented the Portraicture of the Church of Lichfield in my Church-History with the due praise of the neatness thereof But now alas the Body thereof is become a very carcase ruined in our late Civil Wars The like Fate is likely to fall on the rest of our Cathedrals if care be not taken for their reparations I have read of Duke d'Alva that he promised Life to some Prisoners but when they petitioned Him for food he returned he would grant them life but no meat by which Criticism of courteous cruelty the poor people were starved If our Cathedrals have only a Bare Being and be not supplied with seasonable repairs the daily â—…ood of a Fabrick soon will they be famished to nothing As for the Close at Lichfield I have been credibly informed that the Plague which long had raged therein at the first shooting of Canon at the Siege thereof did abate imputed by Naturalists to the violent purging of the Air by the Bullets but by Divines to Gods goodness who graciously would not have two Miseries of War and Plague afflict one small Place at the same Time Pass we now to Civil Buildings in this Shire TUTBURY CASTLE is a stately place and I dare take it on the credit of an excellent Witness that it hath a brave and large Prospect to it in it and from it Northward it looks on pleasant Pastures Eastward on sweet Rivers and rich Meadowes Southward on a goodly Forest and many Parks lately no fewer than twelve belonging thereto or holden thereof It was formerly the Seat of the Lord Ferrars Earl of Derby and how it was forfeited to the Crown is worth our observing Robert de Ferrars Earl of Derby siding with Simon Mumford against King Henry the Third was fined at fifty thousand pounds to be paid Pridie Johan Baptist. next following I know not whether more to admire at the suddeness of payment or vastness of the Sum seeing an hundred thousand pounds was the Randsom set by the Emperour on our King Richard the First and it shaked all the Coâ—…ers of England in that Age without the help of Church-plate to make it up Well these Lords following were the security bound for the Earls true payment at the time appointed 1 Henry son to Rich. King of the Romans 2 Will. Valence Earl of Pembroke 3 John de Warren Earl of Surrey 4 Will. Beauchampe Earl of Warwick 5 Sir Roger de Summary 6 Sir Thomas de Clare 7 Sir Robert Waâ—…ond 8 Sir Roger Clifford 9 Sir Hamond le Strange 10 Sir Bartholomew de Sudeley 11 Sir Robert Bruse all being then Barons of the Land But Earl Robert unable to advance the money at the time appointed and unwilling to leave the Lords his Bail under the Kings lash surrendred his Lands and Tutbury Castle amongst the rest to the clear yearly value of three thousand pounds into the Kings hands redeemable when he or his Heirs should pay down on one day fifty thousand pounds which was never performed The English Clergie much pittied John the son of this Earl Robert who presented a petition to the Pope informing his Holiness that the English Clergie were willing to give him money by way of Contribution to redeem his Estate but durst not because commanded to the contrary under the pain of the Popes curse And therefore he craved his Apostolical Indulgence therein Something I find was restored unto him but Tutbury was too sweet a morsel to return being annexed to the Dutchy of Lancaster John of Gaunt built a fair Castle there walled on three sides by Art and the fourth by its natural steepness DUDLEY CASTLE must not be forgotten highly and pleasantly seated and in the reign of King Edward the Sixth well built and adorned by John Dudley Duke of Northumberland whereon a story worth the reporting doth depend The afore-said Duke deriving himself who truly not yet decided from a younger Branch of the Lord Dudley thirsted after this Castle in regard of the name and the honourableness of the House some having avouched that the Barony is annexed to the lawful possession thereof whether by purchase or descent Now finding John Sutton the Lord Dudley Grand-father to the last Baron a weak man exposed to some wants and intangled with many debts he by the help of those Money-Merchants wrought him out of his Castle So that the Poor Lord turned out of doores and left to the charity of his Friends for subsistance was commonly called the Lord Quondam But after the execution of that Duke Queen Mary sympathizing with Edward the son of this poor Lord which Edward had married Katharine Bruges her maid of Honour and sister to the Lord Shandois restored him to the Lands and Honour which justly belonged to his Father Proverbs In April Doves flood Is worth a Kings good DOVE a River parting this and Derby-shire when it overfloweth its Banks in April is the Nilus of Staffordshire much Battling the Meadowes thereof But this River of Dove as overflowing in April feeds the Meadowes with fruitfulness so in May and June choakes the sand grain'd with Grit and Gravel to the great detriment of the owners thereof Wotton under Weaâ—…er Where God came never It is time that this old prophane Proverb should die in mens mouths for ever I confess in common discourse God is said to come to what he doth approve to send to what he only permits and neither to go nor send to what he doth dislike and forbid But this distinction if granted will help nothing to the defending of this prophane Proverb which it seems took it's wicked original from the situation of Wotton so covered with Hills from the light of the Sun a dismal place as report representeth it But were there a place indeed where God came never how many years purchase would guilty consciences give for a small abode therein thereby to escape Divine Justice for their offences Saints Authors do as generally agree about a grand Massacre committed by the Pagans under Dioclesian on the Brittish Christians in the place where Litchfield now standeth I say they as generally agree in the fact as they disagree in the number some making them Two hundred others five others seven And one Author certainly he was no Millenary in his Judgement mounts them to just 999. Indeed many were martyred in those dayes both in Brittain and elsewhere whose names and numbers are utterly unknown so true is the expression of Gregory the Great Ipse sancti Martyres Deo numerabiles nobis arenam multiplicati sunt quia quot sint a nobis comprehendi non possunt novit enim
eos tantum ille qui ut habet Tsalmus 126. numerat multitudinem Stellarum omnibus eis nomina vocat St. BERTELIN was a Britton of a Noble Birth and lead an Eremitical Life in the Woods near Stafford anciently called Bethiney contracted it seems for Bertiliney something of solitariness still remaining in his Memory as being so alone it hath no memorable particulars of his accounts to accompany it WOLFADUS RUFFINUS It was pitty to part them seeing they were loving in their lives and in their death they were not divided They were sons to Wolâ—…erus the Pagan King of Mercia and a Tyrant to boot who hating Christianity and finding these times to profess privately to practice it was so enraged that nothing but their bloud would quench his anger Wolfadus was taken and martyred at Stone in this County Whilst his younger if not twin brother Ruffinus came little more behind him at his death then he started before him at his birth seeking to hid himself in a woody place where since the Chappel of Burnweston hath been built was there by his Herod-father found out and murthered They were by succeding ages rewarded with reputation of Saintâ—…ip This Massacre happened Anno Domini .... Cardinals REGINALD POLE was born at Stoverton Castle in this County Anno 1500. He was second son unto Sr. Richard Pole Knight of the Garter and Frater consobrinus a relation which I cannot make out in reference to him to Henry the Seventh His mother Margaret Countess of Salisbury was Neice to King Edward the Fourth and daughter to Geoâ—…ge Duke of Clarence This Reginald was bred in Corpus-Christi-Colledge in Oxford preferred afterward Dean of Exeter King Henry the Eighth highly favoured and sent him beyond the Seas allowing him a large Pension to live in an equipage suitable to his birth and alliance He studied at Padua conversing there so much with the Patricians of Venice that at last he degenerated into a perfect Italian so that neither love to his Country nor gratitude to the King nor sharp Letters of his Friends nor fear to lose his present nor hopes to get future preferments could perswade him to return into England but that his pensions were withdrawn from him This made him apply his studies the more privately in a Venetian-Monastery where he attained great credit for his Eloquence Learning and good Life Such esteem forreign Grandees had of his great Judgment that Cardinal Sadolet having written a large Book in the praise of Philosophy submitted it wholy to his Censure Pole as highly commended the Work as he much admired that a Cardinal of the Church of Rome would conclude his old age with writing on such a subject applying unto him the Verses of Virgil Est in conspectu Tenedos notissima fama Insula dives opum Priami dum regna manebant Nunc tantum sinus statio male fidacarinis From Troy may th'Ile of Tenedos bespide Much fam'd when Priams kingdom was in pride Now but a Bay where ships in danger ride These far fetch'd lines He thus brought home to the Cardinal that though Philosophy had been in high esteem whilst Paganisme was in the prime thereof yet was it but a bad Harbour for an aged Christian to cast his Anchor therein It was not long before he was made Deacon-Cardinal by the Title of St. Mary in Cosmedin by Pope Paul the Third who sent him on many fruitless and dangerous Embassies to the Emperour and the French King to incite them to War against King Henry the Eighth Afterwards he retired himself to Viterbo in Italy where his House was observed the Sanctuary of Lutherans and he himself became a racking but no thorough-paced Protestant In so much that being appointed one of three Presidents of the Council of Trent he endeavoured but in vain to have Justification determined by Faith alone During his living at Viterbo he carried not himself so cautiously but that he was taxed for begetting a base Child which Pasquil published in Latine and Italian Verses affixed in the season of liberty on his lawless pillar This Pasquil is an Authour eminent on many accounts First for his self-concealement being Noscens omnia notus nemini Secondly for his intelligence who can display the deeds of midnight at high noon as if he hid himself in the holes of their bedstaves knowing who were Cardinals Children better than they knew their Fathers Thirdly for his unpartial boldness He was made all of tongue and teeth biting what e're he touch'd and it bled what e're he bit Yea as if a General Council and Pasquil were only above the Pope he would not stick to tell where he trod his holy Sandals awry Fourthly for his longevity having lived or rather lasted in Rome some hundreds of years whereby he appears no particular person but a successive corporation of Satyrists Lastly for his impunity escaping the Inquifition whereof some assign this reason because hereby the Court of Rome comes to know her faults or rather to know that their faults are known which makes Pasquils converts if not more honest more wary in their behaviour This defamation made not such an impression on Poles credit but that after the death of Paul the Third he was at midnight in the Conclave chosen to succeed him Pole refused it because he would not have his choice a deed of darkness appearing therein not perfectly Italianated in not taking preferment when tendred and the Cardinals beheld his refusal as a deed of dulness Next day expecting a re-election he found new morning new minds and Pole being reprobated Julius the Third his professed enemy was chosen in his place Yet afterwards he became Alterius Orbis Papa when made Arch-bishop of Canterbury by Queen Mary He was a person free from passion whom none could anger out of his ordinary temper His youthful Books were full of the Flowers of Rhetorick whilst the withered stalkes are only found in the Writings of his old Age so dry their style and dull their conceit He died few hours after Queen Mary November the 17 Anno 1558. Prelates EDMUND STAFFORD was Brother to Ralph first Earl of Stafford and consequentially must be son to Edmund Baron Stafford His Nativity is rationally with most probability placed in this County wherein his father though Landed every where had his Prime Seat and largest revenues He was by King Richard the Second preferred Bishop of Exeter and under King Henry the Fourth for a time was Chancellour of England I meet with an Authour who doth make him Bishop first of Rochester then of Exâ—…ter and lastly of York But of the first and last altum silentium in Bishop Godwin whom I rather believe He was a Benefactor to Stapeltons-Inn in Oxford on a three-fold account viz. Of 1 Credit first calling it Exeter Colledge whereby he put an obligation on the Bishop of that See favourably to reflect thereon 2 Profit adding two Fellowships unto it and
Stutvile 〈◊〉 Dallam 〈◊〉 Argent and Gules a Lion rampant Sable Nicol. Bacon miles ut prius  Reg. JACO   Anno   1 〈◊〉 Bacon miles ut prius  2 Edm. Bokemham armiger   〈◊〉 Tho. Playters arm 〈◊〉 Bendy Wavy of six Argent and Azure 4 Antho. Penning ar   Iâ—…oho Wentworth armiger  Sable a Cheveron between 3 Leopaâ—…ds heads Or. 6 Lionel Talmarsh ar ut prius  7 Geo. le Hunt miles   8 Thom. Tilney arm ut prius  9 Calthorp Parker mil. ut prius  10 Martin Stutevil ut prius  11 Rob. Brook miles  AMP. 12 Rob. Barker mil.  Perfess embatt'led Or and Azure 3 martlets counterchanged 13 Tho. Clench arm   14 Lio. Ialmarsh m. B. ut prius Azure a Cheveron Argent 15 Edw. Lewkenor m.   16 Io. Wentworth m. ut prius  17 Hen. North miles  Azure a Lion passant Or between 3 Flower de 〈◊〉 Ar. 18 Will. Spring miles ut prius  19 Will. Wetle arm   20 Rob. Brook arm   21 Nâ—… Bernardiston m ut prius  22 Galf. Pittman arm   Reg. CAROL   1 Sam. Aylemer arm Cleydon Argent a Cross Sable betwixt 4 Cornish 〈◊〉 proper 2 Joha Prescot mil.  S. a Chev. betwixt 3 〈◊〉 Ar. 3 Maur. Barrowe ar  S. 2 swords in Saltire Ar. 〈◊〉 betw 4 flowers de luce Or within a Bordure compone of the second and 〈◊〉 4 Brampt Gourden a. ut prius  5 Hen Hookenham a.   6 Iohan Acton arm   7 Rob. Crane miles Chyston Ar. a Fess betw 3 Cross 〈◊〉 fitchee Gu. 8 Will. * Some miles   9 Edw. Bacon miles ut prius Gules a Cheveron betwixt 3 Mallets Or. 10 Ioha Barker arm ut prius  11 Ioha Rouse miles ut prius  12 Phil. Parker mil. ut prius  13 Ed. Duke armiger Brampton Az a Cheveron betwixt 3 〈◊〉 Argent membred Gules 14 Ioh. Clench arm   15 Sim. Dewes miles Stow-Hall Or 3 Quatersoilâ—…s Gules 16 VVill. Spring arm ut prius  17 Will. 〈◊〉 aâ—…   18 Maur. Barrowe arâ—… ut prius  19   20 Ioha Cotton arm   21   22 Tho. Blosse arm   Queen ELIZABETH 18 JOHN HIGHAM Arm. I find this passage in the Ingenious Michael Lord Montaigne in France in his Essay * of Glory I have no name which is sufficiently mine Of two I have the one common to all my Race yea and also to others There is a Family at Paris and another at Montpellier called Montaigne another in Brittanny and one in Zantoigne surnamed de la Montaigne The removing of one only syllable may so confound our Web as I shall have a share in their Glory and they perhaps a part of my shame And my Ancestors have heretofore been surnamed HEIGHAM or HIQUEM a surname which also belongs to an House well known in England Indeed the Highams so * named from a Village in this County were for I suspect them extinct a right Ancient Family and Sr Clement Heigham Ancestor to this John our Sheriff who was a Potent Knight in his Generation lies buried under a fair Tomb in Thorning-Church in Northfolk 20 ROBERT JERMIN Miles He was a Person of singular Piety a bountiful Benefactor to Emanuel-Colledge and a man of great command in this County He was Father to Sir Tho. Jermin Privy Concellour and Vice-Chamberlain to King Charles the First Grandfather to Thomas and Henry Jermin Esquires The younger of these being Lord Chamberlain to our present Queen Mary and sharing in her Majesties sufferings during her long Exile in France was by King Charles the Second deservedly advanced Baron and Earl of St. Albans 23 NICHOLAS BACON Miles He was son to Sir Nicholas and elder Brother to Sir Francis Bacon both Lord Chancellors of England and afterward by King James in the ninth of his reign on the 22 of May created the first Baronet of England 36 THOMAS CROFTS Armiger He was a Man of Remark in his generation Father to Sir John Crofts Grand-father to .... Crofts who for his Fidelity to his Sovereign during his suffering condition and for several Embassies worthily performed to the King of Poland and other Princes was created Baron Crofts by King Charles the Second CHARLES the First 15 SIMONDS DEWES Miles This Sir Simonds was Grand-child unto Adrian Dâ—…wes descended of the Ancient Stem of Des Ewes Dynasts or Lords of the Dition of Kessel in the Dutchy of Gelderland who came first thence when that Province was wasted with Civil War in the beginning of King Henry the Eighth He was bred in Cambridge as appeared by his printed speech made in the long Parliament wherein he indeavoured to prove it more Ancient than Oxford His Genious addicted him to the study of Antiquity Preferring Rust before Brightness and more conforming his mind to the Garbe of the former than mode of the moderne times He was studious in Roman Coin to discriminate true ones from such as were cast and counterfeit He passed not for Price to procure a choice piece and was no less careful in conserving than curious in culling many rare Records He had plenty of pretious Medals out of which a methodical Architect might contrive a fair Fabrick for the benefit of posterity His Treasury afforded things as well new as old on the token that he much admired that the Ordinances and Orders of the late Long Parliament did in Bulks and number exceed all the Statutes made since the Conquest He was loving to Learned Men to whom he desired to do all good offices and died about the year of our Lord 1653. The Fare-wel To conclude our description of Suffolk I wish that therein Grain of all kinds may be had at so reasonable rates that rich and poor may be contented therewith But if a Famine should happen here let the poor not distrust Divine providence whereof their Grand-fathers had so admirable a testimony 15. When in a general dearth all over England plenty of Pease did grow on the Sea-shore near Dunwiâ—…h never set or sown by humane industry which being gathered in full ripeness much abated the high prices in the Markets and preserved many hundreds of hungry Families from famishing SURREY hath Middlesex divided by the Thames on the North Kent on the East Sussex on the South â—…ant Bark-shires on the West It may be allowed to be a Square besides its Angular expatiation in the South-west of two and twenty miles and is not unproperly compared to a Cynamon-tree whose Bark is far better than the Body thereof For the skirts and borders bounding this Shire are rich and fruitful whilst the ground in the inward parts thereof is very hungry and barren though by reason of the clear Air and clean wayes full of many gentile habitations Naturall Commodities Fullers-Earth The most and best of this
Majestie who will build their Name a Story Higher to Posterity HENRY the Sixth 29. JOHN LEWKENOR He was afterwards knighted by this King and was a Cordial Zealote for the Lancastrian Title at last paying dear for his Affections thereunto For in the Raign of King Edward the Fourth Anno 1471. He with three Thousand others was slain in the Battle at Teuksbury valiantly fighting under Prince Edward Son to King Henry the sixth HENRY the Seventh 12 MATTHEW BROWN Armiger I would be highly thankfull to him Gratitude is the Gold wherewith Schollars honestly discharge their Debts in this kinde who would inform me how Sr. Anthony Brown a younger Branch of this Family stood related to this Sheriffe I mean that Sr. Anthony Standard-bearer of England second Husband to Lucy fourth Daughter to John Nevell Marquess Montacute and Grandfather to Sr. Anthony Brown whom Queen Mary created Viscount Montacute He was a zealous Romanist for which Queen Mary loved him much the more and Queen Elizabeth no whit the less trusting and employing him in Embassies of High Consequence as knowing he embraced his Religion not out of politick Designe but pure Devotion He was direct Ancestour to the Right Honourable the present Viscount Mountacute This Viscount is eminently but not formally a Baron of the Land having a Place and Vote in Parliament by an express clause in his Patent but otherwise no particular Title of a Baron This I observe for the unparallel'd rarity thereof and also to confute the peremptory Position of such who maintain that only actual Barons sit as Peers in Parliament HENRY the Eighth 10 NICHOLAS CAREW Miles He was a jolly Gentleman fit for the favour of King Henry the Eighth who loved active Spirits as could keep pace with him in all Atchievements and made him Knight of the Garter and Master of his Horse This Sr. Nicholas built the fair House or Palaâ—…e rather at Beddington in this County which by the advantage of the Water is a Paradice of Pleasure Tradition in this Family reporteth how King HENRY then at Bowles gave this Knight opprobrious Language betwixt jest and earnest to which the other returned an Answer rather True than Discreet as more consulting therein his own Animosity than Allegiance The King who in this kind would give and not take being no Good Fellow in tart Repartees was so highly offended thereat that Sr. Nicholas fell from the top of his Favour to the bottome of his Displeasure and was bruised to Death thereby This was the true Cause of his Execution though in our Chronicles all is scored on his complying in a Plot with HENRY Marquess of Exeter and HENRY Lord Mountague We must not forget how in the Memory of our Fathers the last of this Surname adopted his near Kinsman a Throck-morton to be his Heir on condition to assume the Name and Armes of Câ—…rew From him is lineally descended Sr. Nicholas Carew Knight who I confidently hope will continue and encrease the Honour of his Ancient Family EDWARD the Sixth 1 THOMAS CARDEN Miles Some five Years before this Knight was improbable to be Sheriffe of this or any other County when cunning Gardiner got him into his clutches within the compass of the six Articles being with a Lady and some others of the Kings Privy Chamber indited for Heresie and for aiding and abetting Anthony Persons burnt at WINSOR as is above mentioned But King HENRY coming to the notice hereof of his special Goodness without the suit of any man defeated their Foes preserved their Lives and confirmed their Pardon ELIZABETHA Regina 20 GEORGE GORING He would do me an High Favour who would satisfie me how Sr. George Goring Knight bred in Sydney Colledge in Cambridge to which he was a Benefactor referred in kindred to this present Sheriffe This our Sr. George was by King Charles the first created Baron of Hurst Per-point in Sussex and after the death of his Mothers Brother Edward Lord Denny Earle of Norwich He is a Phaenix sole and single by himself vestigia sola retrorsum the onely Instance in a Person of Honour who found Pardon for no Offence his Loyalty to his Soveraign Afterwards going beyond the Seas He was happily instrumental in advancing the Peace betwixt Spain and Holland I remember how the Nobility of Bohemia who fided with Frederick Prince Palatine gave for their Motto COMPASSI CONREGNAâ—…IMUS meaning that such who had suffered with him in his Adversity should share with him in his Prosperity when settled in his Kingdome But alas their hopes failed them But blessed be God this Worthy Lord as he patiently bare his part in his Majesties Afflictions so he now partaketh in his Restitution being Captain of his Guard To the Reader May â—…e be pleased to behold this my bâ—…ief Description of 〈◊〉 as a Running Collation to stay his Stomack no set meal to Satiâ—…fie his hunger But to tell him good News I hear that a Plentifull Feast in this kinde is providing for his Entertainment by Edward Bish Esq. a Native of SVRREY intending a particular Survey thereof Now as when the Sun aâ—…iseth the Moon 〈◊〉 down obscurely without any observation so when the pains of this worthy Gentleman shall be publick I am not only contented but desirous that my weak Endeavours without further Noise or Notice should sink in Silence The Farewell I have been credibly 〈◊〉 that one Mr. CLARKE some seven score Years since built at his Charges the Market-House of Faâ—…nham in this County Once repâ—…oving his Workmen for going on so slowly they excused themselves that they were hindred with much people pressing upon them some liking some disliking the Model of the Fabriâ—…k Hereupon Mr. Clarke caused this Distich hardly extant at this day to be written in that House You who do like me give 〈◊〉 to end me You who dislike me give mony to mend me I wish this Advice practised all over this County by those who vent their various Verdicts in praising or reproving 〈◊〉 erected gratis for the General Good SUSSEX SUSSEX hath Surrey on the North Kent on the East the Sea on the South and Hant-shire on the West It is extended along the Sea-side threescore miles in length but is contented with a third of those miles in the breadth thereof A fruitfull County though very durty for the travellers therein so that it may be better measured to its advantage by days-journeys then by miles Hence it is that in the late Order for regulating the wages of Coach-men at such a price a day and distance from London Sussex alone was excepted as wherein shorter way or better pay was allowed Yet the Gentry of this County well content themselves 〈◊〉 the very badness of passage therein as which secureth their provisions at 〈◊〉 prices which if mended Higglers would mount as bajulating them to London It is peculiar to this County that all the rivers and those I assure you are very many have their fountains and falls
I have seen But take his worth as followeth King Richard the second in the beginning of his Reign was in Nonage and his Council some will say in Dotage leaving the Land and Sea to defend themselves whilst they indulged thir private Factions This invited the French to invade this County where they did much mischief Plundering the Thing was known in England before the Name the people thereof and carrying away captive the Prior of Lewes And no wonder if our Abbot was startled therewith seeing it may pass for a Proverb in these parts Ware the Abbot of Battle When the Prior of Lewes is taken Prisoner Wherefore though no Sheriff he got together as well as he might the Posse Comitatus and puting it in as good a posture of defence as the time would permit marched to Winchelsey and fortified it Some condemned him herein it being incongruous for a Clergy-man to turn Souldier They objected also that he ought to have expected Orders from Above doing Rectum but not Rectè for want of a Commission Others commended him to save and preserve being the most proper Performance of a Spirituall Person That in Hostes Publicos omnis Homo Miles That though it be high Treason for any to Fight a Foe in a Set field without Command from the Supreme power yet one may if he can repell a Rout of Armed Thieves invading a Land the first being the fittest Time for such a Purpose the Occasion it self giving though no express an Implicite Commission for the same This Abbot used rather the Shield then the Sword being only on the Defensive side Well the French followed the Abbot and besieged him in the Town of Winchelsey In Bravado they dared him to send out one two three four or more to try the Mastery in fight to be encountred with an equal number But the Abbot refused to retail his men out in such Parcels alledging that he was a spiritual person not to challenge but only defend Then the French let fly their great Guns and I take it to be the first and last time they were ever planted by a Forreign Enemy on the English Continent and then roared so â—…ud that they lost their voice and have been blessed be God silent ever since The Enemy perceiving that the Country came in fast upon them and suspecting they should be surrounded on all sides were fain to make for France as fast as they could leaving the Town of Winchelsey behind them in the same form and fashion wherein they found it I behold this Abbot as the Saver not onely of Suffex but England For as Dogs who have once gotten an Haunt to worry sheep do not leave it off till they meet with their reward So had not these French felt the smart as well as the sweet of the English Plunder our Land and this County especially had never been free from their incursions All this happened in the raign of King Richard the second Anno Domini 13 ... Sir WILLAM PELHAM Knight was a Native of this County whose ancient and wealthy Family hath long flourished at Laughton therein His Prudence in Peace and Valour in War caused Queen Elizabeth to imploy him in Ireland where he was by the Privy Council appointed Lord Chief Justice to govern that Land in the interim betwixt the death of Sir William Drury and the coming in of Arthur Gray Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Say not that he did but stop a Gap for a twelve-month at the most seeing it was such a GAP Destruction had entred in thereat to the final ruine of that Kingdome had not his Providence prevented it For in this juncture of time Desmund began his Rebellion 1579. inviting Sir William to side with him who wisely gave him the Hearing with a Smile into the Bargain And although our Knight for want of force could not cure the wound yet he may be said to have washed and kept it clean resigning it in a recovering condition to the Lord Gray who succeeded him Afterwards he was sent over into the Low-Countries 1586 being Commander of the English Horse therein and my Author saith of him Brabantiam persultabat He leaped-through Brabant Importing Celerity and Success yea as much Conquest as so sudden an expedition was capable of I suspect he survived not long after meeting no more mention of his Martial Activity The Shirleys Their ancient extraction in this County is sufficiently known The last age saw a leash of brethren of this family severally eminent This mindeth me of the Roman Horatii though these expressed themselves in a different kind for the honour of their Country pardon me if reckoning them up not according to their age Sir ANTHONY SHIRLEY second Son to Sir Thomas set forth from Plimouth May the 21. 1596. in a ship called the Bevis of Southampton attended with six lesser vessels His designe for Saint Thome was violently diverted by the contagion they found on the South coast of Africa where the rain did stink as it fell down from the heavens and within six hours did turn into magots This made him turn his course to America where he took and kept the City of Saint Jago two days and nights with two hundred and eighty men whereof eighty were wounded in the service against three thousand Portugalls Hence he made for the Isle of Fuego in the midst whereof a Mountaine Aetna-like always burning and the wind did drive such a shower of ashes upon them that one might have wrote his name with his finger on the upper deck However in this fiery Island they furnished themselves with good water which they much wanted Hence he sailed to the Island of Margarita which to him did not answer its name not finding here the Perl-Dredgers which he expected Nor was his gaine considerable in taking the town of Saint Martha the Isle and chief town of Jamaica whence he sailed more then thirty leagues up the river Rio-dolci where he met with great extremity At last being diseased in person distressed for victuals and deserted by all his other ships he made by New-found-Land to England where he arrived June 15. 1597. Now although some behold his voyage begun with more courage then counsel carried on with more valour then advice and coming off with more honour then profit to himself or the nation the Spaniard being rather frighted then harmed rather braved then frighted therewith yet unpartial judgments who measure not worth by success justly allow it a prime place amongst the probable though not prosperous English Adventures Sir ROBERT SHIRLEY youngest Son to Sir Thomas was by his Brother Anthony entred in the Persian Court. Here he performed great Service against the Turkes and shewed the difference betwixt Persian and English valour the latter having therein as much Courage and more Mercy giving Quarter to Captives who craved it and performing Life to those to whom he promised it These his Actions drew the Envie of the Persian Lords and Love
the vomit of Popery which my charity will not believe Indeed in the first of Queen Mary he was outed of his Bishoprick for being married and all that we can recover of his carriage aâ—…terwards is this passage at the examination of Master Thomas Hauke Martyr When John Bird then very old brought Boner a bottle of Wine and a dish of Apples probably a present unto him for a Ne noceat and therefore not enough to speak him a Papist in his perswasion Bishop Boner desired him to take Haukes into his Chamber and to try if he could convert him whereupon after Boners departure out of the room the quondam Bishop accosted Haukes as followeth I would to God I could do you some good you are a young man and I would not wish you to go to far but learn of the elders to bear somewhat He enforced him no further but being a thorough old man even fell fast asleep All this in my computation amounts but to a passive compliance and is not evidence enough to make him a thorough paced Papist the rather because John Pitts omitteth him in the Catalogue of English-writers which no doubt he would not have done had he any assurance that he had been a radicated Romanist Nothing else have I to observe of him but onely that he was a little man and had a pearl in his eyes and dying 1556. was buried in Chester States men Sir NICHOLAS THROCKMORTON Knight fourth Son of Sir George Throckmorton of Coughton in this County was bred beyond the Seas where he attained to great experience Under Queen Mary he was in Guild-Hall arraigned for Treason compliance with Wyat and by his own warie pleading and the Jurie's upright verdict hardly escaped Queen Elizabeth employed him Her Leiger a long time first in France then in Scotland finding him a most able Minister of State yet got he no great wealth and no wonder being ever of the opposite party to Burleigh Lord Treasurer Chamberlain of the Exchequer and Chief Butler of England were his highest preferments I say Chief Butler which office like an empty covered cup pretendeth to some state but affordeth no considerable profit He died at supper with eating of salates not without suspicion of poison the rather because hapning in the house of one no mean artist in that faculty R. Earl of Leicester His death as it was sudden was seasonable for him and his whose active others will call it turbulent spirit had brought him into such trouble as might have cost him at least the loss of his personal estate He died in the fifty seventh year of his age February the 12. 1570. and lyeth buryed in the South-side of the Chancel of St. Katharine Cree-Church London EDWARD CONWAY Knight Son to Sir John Conway Knight Lord and Owner of Ragleigh in this County This Sir John being a Person of Great skill in Military affaires was made by Robert Earl of Leicester Generall of the English Auxiliaries in the united Provinces Governour of Ostend His Son Sir Edward succeeded to his Fathers Martial skill and valour and twisted therewith peaceable policy in State-affaires so that the Gown and the Sword met in him in most Eminent Proportion and thereupon King James made Him one of the Principal Secretaries of State For these his good services he was by him created Lord Conway of Ragleigh in this County and afterwards by King Charles Viscount Killultagh in the County of Antrim And lastly in the third of King Charles Viscount Conway of Conway in Carnarvanshire England Ireland and Wales mutually embracing themselves in His Honours He dyed January the third Anno 1630. JOHN DIGBY Baron of Sherborn and Earl of Bristol was born in this County a younger Son of an ancient family long flourishâ—…ng at Coleshull therein To pass by his Infancy all Children being alike in their long Coats his Youth gave pregnant hopes of that Eminency which his mature age did produce He didken the Emhassador-Craft as well as any in his age employed by King James in several services to frreign Princes recited in his Patent which I have perused as the main motives of the Honors conferr'd upon him But his managing the Matchless Match with Spain was his Master-piece wherein a Good I mean a Great number of State-Traverses were used on both sides His contest with the Duke of Buckingham is fresh in many mens Memories charges of High Treason mutually flying about But this Lord fearing the Dukes Power as the Duke this Lorâ—…s policy it at last became a Drawn Battail betwixt them yet so that this Earl lost the love of King Charles living many years in his Dis-favour But such as are in a Court-Cloud have commonly the Countries Sun-shine and this Peer during his Eclyps was very Popular with most of the Nation It is seldom seen that a favorite once Broken at Court sets up again for himself the hap rather then happiness of this Lord the King graciously reflecting on him at the beginning of the Long-Parliament as one Best able to give him the safest Counsell in those dangerous Times But how he incensed the Parliament so far as to be excepted Pardon I neither do know nor dare enquire Sure I am after the surrender of Exeter he went over into France where he met with that due respect in forraign which he missed in his Native Country The worst I wish such who causelesly suspect him of Popish inclinations is that I may hear from them but half so many strong Arguments for the Protestant Religion as I have heard from him who was to his commendation a Cordial Champion for the Church of England He dyed in France about the year 1650. Writers WALTER of COVENTRIE was born and bred a Benedictine therein Bale saith he was Immortali vir dignus Memoria and much commended by Leland though not of set purpose but sparsim as occasion is offered He excelled in the two Essential Qualities of an Historian Faith and Method writing truly and orderly onely guilty of Coursness of style This may better be dispenced with in him because Historia est res veritatis non Eloquentiae because bad Latin was a catching disease in that age From the beginning of the Britons he wrote a Chronicle extant in Bennet Colledge Library to his own time He flourished Anno 1217. VINCENT of COVENTRIE was born in the chief City in this shire and bred a Franciscan though Learned Leland mistakes him a Carmelite in the University of Cambridg His order at their first entrance into England looked upon learning as a thing beneath them so totally were they taken up with their Devotion This Vincent was the first who brake the Ice and then others of his order drank of the same water first applyed himself to Academicall studies and became a publick Professor in Cambridge he set a Coppy for the Carmelites therein to imitate who not long after began their publick Lectures in the same place he
for many years by past were of any Eminency but either immediately or mediately were Apprentices unto him He was bred in York school where he was School-fellow with Guy Faux which I note partly to shew that Loyalty and Treason may be educated under the same Roof partly to give a check to the received opinion that Faux was a Fleming no Native English-man He was bred in Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge and chosen Fellow thereof to a Fellowship to which he had no more Propriety then his own Merit before Eight Compâ—…titors for the place equally capable with himself and better befriended Commencing Doctor in Divinity he made his Position which though unusuall was Arbitrary and in his own power on his second Question which much defeated the expectatioâ—… of Doctor Playfere replying upon him with some passion Commosâ—…i mihi stomachum To whom Morton return'd Gratulor tibi Reverende professor de bono tuo stomacho caenabis apud me hac nocte He was successively preferr'd Dean of Gloucester Winchester Bishop of Chester Coventry and Lichfield and Durham The Foundation which he laid of Forraign corre spondency with eminent persons of different perswasions when he attended as Chaplain to the Lord Evers sent by King James Embassadour to the King of Denmark and many Princes of Germany he built upon unto the Day of his Death In the late Long Parliament the displeasure of the House of Commons fell heavy upon him partly for subscribing the Bishops Protestation for their Votes in Parliament partly for refusing to resign the seal of his Bishoprick and baptizing a Daughter of John Earl of Rutland with the sign of the Cross two faults which compounded together in the judgement of honest and wise-men amounted to a High Innocence Yet the Parliament allowed him eight hundred pounds a year a proportion above any of his Brethren for his maintenance But alass the Trumpet of their Charity gave an uncertain sound not assigning by whom or whence this summe should be paid Indeed the severe Votes of the Parliament ever took full effect according to his observation who did Anagram it VOTED OUTED But their mercifull Votes found not so free performance However this good Bishop got a thousand pounds out of Goldsmiths-hall which afforded him his support in his old Age. The Neb of his Pen was unpartially divided into two equall Moyeties the one writing against Faction in defence of three Innocent Ceremonies the other against Superstition witness the Grand Impostor and other worthy works He solemnly proffered unto me pardon me Reader if I desire politiquely to twist my own with his Memory that they may both survive together in these sad times to maintain me to live with him which Courteous Offer as I could not conveniently accept I did thankfully 〈◊〉 Many of the Nobility deservedly honoured him though none more then John Earl of Rutland to whose Kinsman Roger Earl of Rutland he formerly 〈◊〉 been Chaplain But let not two worthy Baronets be forgotten Sir George Savill who so civilly paid him his purchased Annuity of two hundred pounds withall Proffered advantages and Sir Henry Yelveâ—…ton at whose house he dyed aged 95. at Easton-Manduit in Northampton shire 1659. For the rest the Reader is remitted to his life written largely and learnedly by Doctor John Barwick Dean of Durham States-men Sir ROBERT CAR was born in this City on this occasion Thomas Car his father Laird of Furnihurst a man of great lands and power in the South of Scotland was very active for Mary Queen of Scots and on that accompt forced to fly his land came to York Now although he had been a great inroder of England yet for some secret reason of State here he was permitted safe shelter duâ—…ing which time Robert his son was born this was the reason why the said Robert refused to be Naturalized by Act of our Parliament as needless for him born in the English Dominions I have read how his first making at Court was by breaking of his leg at a Tilting in London whereby he came first to the Cognizance of King James Thus a fair starting with advantage in the notice of a Prince is more then half the way in the race to his favour King James reflected on him whose Father was a kind of Confâ—…ssor for the cause of the Queen his Mother besides the Young Gentleman had a handsome person and a conveniency of desert Honors were crowded upon him made Baron Viscount Earl of Sommerset Knight of the Garter Warden of the Cinque-Ports c. He was a well natured man not mischievous with his might doing himself more hurt then any man else For abate one foul fact with the appendance and consequences thereof notoriously known and he will appear deserving no foul Character to posterity but for the same he was banished the Court lived and dyed very privately about the year of our Lord 1638. Writers JOHN WALBYE was born in this City of honest Parentage He was bred an Augustinian Provinciall of his Order and Doctor of Divinity in Oxford A Placentious Person gaining the good-will of all with whom he conversed being also Ingenious Industrious Learned Eloquent Pious and Prudent Pitz writeth that after Alexander Nevell he was Chosen but never Confirmed Arch bishop of York an Honour reserved for Robert his Younger Brother of whom before But Bishop Godwin maketh no mention hereof which rendreth it suspicious The said Pitz maketh him actuall Arch-bishop of Dublin whilst Bale who being an Irish Bishop had the advantage of exacter Intelligence hath no such thing whence we may conclude it a Mistake The rather because this John is allowed by all to have died in this place of his Nativity 1393. Also I will adde this that though sharp at first against the Wickliffites he soon abated his own Edge and though present at a Council kept at Stanford by the King against them was not well pleased with all things transacted therein JOHN ERGHOM was born in this City an Augustinian by his profession Leaving York he went to Oxford where passing thorough the Arts he fixed at last in Divinity proving an admirable Preacher My Author tells me that sometimes he would utter nova inaudita whereat one may well wonder seeing Solomon hath said There is no nâ—…w thing under the Sun The truth is he renewed the custome of expounding Scripture in a typicall way which crouded his Church with Auditors seeing such 〈◊〉 preaching break 's no bones much pleased their fancy and little cross'd or curb'd their corruptions Indeed some but not all Scripture is capable of such comments and because metalls are found in Mountains it is madness to Mine for them in every rich Meadow But in expounding of Scripture when mens inventions out-run the Spirits intentions their swiftness is not to be praised but sawcyness to be punished This Erghom wrote many books and dedicated them to the Earl of Hereford the same with Edward Duke of Buckingham and flourished
find it out and justifie it which conformable to the Sea ebbeâ—…h and floweth twice in four and twenty hours But seeing this is a maritime Shire possibly there may be a more then ordinary communication betwixt it and the Ocean and then the wonder is not so great More credibly it is related that there are in this Shire strange subterranean Vaults conceived the Castles of routed people in the Civil Wars And no wonder seeing David first set up in a defensive posture for himself in the Cave of Adullam so that having no place where he could safely set the sole of his foot above ground all his present help was under the Earth and future hope was above the heavens Martyrs ROBERT FARRAR an English man by biâ—…th but where born unknown was a prime Martyr of this County A man not unlearned but somewhat indiscreet or rather uncomplying which procured him much trouble so that he may be said with Saint Laurence to be broyled on both sides being persecuted both by Protestants and Papists He was preferred to be Bishop of Saint Davids by the Duke of Sommerset then Lord Protector who was put to death not long after Some conceive that the Patrons fall was the Chaplains greatest guilt and encouraged his enemies against him Of these two were afterwards Bishops in the reign of Queen Elizabeth viz. Thomas Young Arch. Bishop of York and Rowland Merrick Bishop of Bangor Souldiers Sir RICE ap THOMAS was never more than a Knight yet little less than a Prince in this his Native County If the Author of Praelia Anglornm may not be believed Ricius Thomas flos Cambro-Britannum King Henry the seventh will himself witness his worth To him lately landed at Milford Haven with contemptible forces this Sir Rice repaired with a considerable accession of choice Souldiers marching with them to Bosworth field where he right valiantly behaved himself That thrifty King according to his cheap course of remuneration rewarding Gown-men in Orders by him most employed with Church Livings and Sword-men with Honour afterwards made Sir Rice Knight of the Order and well might he give him a Garter by whose effectual help he had recovered a Crown Elmelin in this County was one of his principal seats whose name and â—…ture he altered building and calling it New-Castle and I believe it one of the latest Castles in Wales seeing since that time it hath been fashionable to demolish not to erect fortified Houses As he appeared early so he continued long in military action for I find him in the fourth year of King Henry the eighth conductor of five hundred light horse at the pompous and expensive fiege of Therouene where I meet his last mention in our English Chronicles WALTER de DEVEREUX son of Devereâ—…x and Cicely his Wife sole sister to Thomas Bourchier last Earl of Essâ—…x was born in the town of Carmarthen and by Queen Elizabeth in his Maternall Right created Earl of Essex One Martially minded and naturally hating Idlenesse the Rust of the Soul Though time hath silenced the factions and only sounded the Facts of Queen Elizabeths Court no place had more heart-burnings therein and it was a great part of Gods goodness and her prudence that no more hurt was done thereby Many maligned our Earl Tantae ne Animis Aularibus Irae desirous to thrust him on dangerous designs Nor need we consult the Oracle of Apollo to discover his chief Adversary being he was a prime Favourite who loved the Earls nearest relation better than he loved the Earl himself whom he put on the project of Ireland Yet was not our Walter surprised into that service seeing Injuria non fit volenti and being sensible that his roome was more welcome to some than his company at Court he willingly embraced the employment Articles the first and last I believe in that kind are drawn up betwixt the Queen and him who was to maintain such a proportion of Souldiers on his own Cost and to have part of the fair Territory of ClandeBoy in Ulster for the conquering thereof So much for the Bears skin now all the craft will be to catch kill and fley the Bear himself Well to maintain an Army though a very little one is a Soveraigns and no Subjects work too heavy for the support of any private mans estate which cost this Earl first the Mortgaging then the selling out-right his fair Inheritance in Essex Over he goeth into Ireland with a noble company of Kindred and Friends supernumerary volunteers above the proportion of Souldiers agreed upon Sir William Fitz-VVilliams Lord Deputy of Ireland hearing of his coming and suspecting Court jealousie riseth very early or goeth not to bed at all to be ecclipsed by this great Earl sollicits the Queen to maintain him in the full power of his place without any diminution alledging this much to conduce to the Honour of her Majesty whom he represented Hereupon it was Ordered that the Earl should take his Commission from this Lord Deputy which with much importunity and long attendance he hardly obtained and that with no higher Title than Governour of Ulster After many impressions not over successfully made in Ulster he was by the Deputy remanded into the South of Ireland where he spent much time take much in little in my Authors words as to his general performance Nullius bono sed magno suo damno His Friends in the English Court grow few and cold his Foes many and active affronts were plentifully powred upon him on purpose either to drown him in grief or burn him in his own anger From Munster he was sent back into Ulster where he was forbidden to follow his blow and use a Victory he had gotten Yea on a sudden stript out of his Commission and reduced to be a Governour of three hundred men yet his stout Stomach as true tempered Steele bowed without breaking in all these afflictions embracing all changes with the same tenour of constâ—…cy Pâ—…y days in Ireland came very thick moneys out of England very slow his noble Associates began to withdraw common men to mutiny so that the Earl himself was at the last recalled home Not long after he was sent over the second time into Ireland with a loftier Title the length of the Feather makes not the Head the higher of Earl Marshall of Ireland where he fell into a strange looseness not without suspicion of Poyson and he died Anno 1576. His Soul he piously resigned to God his Lands much impaired descended to his Son Robert but ten years of age His Body was brought over and buried in Carmarthen the place of his Nativity and his Widow Lady to say no more was soon re-married to Robert Earl of Leicester Let me adde that he died in the 36 year of his age fatal to his Family his Father and grand-Father dying in the same which year Robert Earl of Essex his Son never attained to and whether it had not been as honourable for
prius  14 Nich. Moor ar   The Farewell I understand that in January 1607. part of this County which they call the Moore sustained a great loss by the breaking in of the Severn sea caused by a violent South-west wind continuing for three dayes together I heartily desire the Inhabitants thereof may for the future be secured from all such dangerous inundations water being a good servant but bad master by his Providence who bindeth the sea in a girdle of sands and saith to the waves thereof Thus far shall ye go and no further PEMBROKE-SHIRE is surrounded on all sides with the Sea save on the North-East where it boundeth on Cardigan and East where it butteth on Carmarthen-shire A County abounding with all things necessary for mans livelihood and the East part thereof is the pleasantest place in all VVales which I durst not have said for fear of offence had not Giraldus their own Country-man affirmed it Nor is it less happy in Sea than in Land affording plenty of Fish especially about Tenby therefore commonly called Tenby-y-Piscoid which I rather observe for the vicinity of the British piscoid with the Latine piscosus for fishfull though never any pretended an affinity between the two Languages A part of this Country is peopled by Flemmings placed there by King Henry the first who was no less politick than charitable therein For such Flemmings being driven out of their own Country by an irruption of the Ocean were fixed here to defend the land given them against the Welsh and their Country is called little England beyond Wales This mindeth me of a passage betwixt a Welsh and English man the former boasting Wales in all respects beyond England to whom the other returned he had heard of an England beyond Wales but never of a Wales beyond England Natural Commodities Faulcons Very good are bred in this County of that kind they call Peregrines which very name speaks them to be no Indeginae but Forraigners at first lighting here by some casualty King Henry the second passing hence into Ireland cast off a Norway Goshawk at one of these but the Gos-hawk taken at the source by the Faulcon soon fell down at the Kings foot which performance in this ramage made him yearly afterward send hither for Eyesses These Hawkes Aeries not so called from building in the Air but from the French word Aire an Egge are many in the Rocks in this Shire Buildings For a sacred structure the Cathedral of Saint David is most eminent began by Bishop Peter in the raign of King John and finished by his Successors though having never seen it I can say little thereof But in one respect the roof thereof is higher than any in England and as high as any in Europe if the ancient absolute independent jurisdiction thereof be considered thus stated by an Authentick Author Episcopi Walliae à Menevensi Antistite sunt consecrati ipse similiter ab aliis tanquam suffraganeis est consecratus nulla penitus alii Ecclesiae facta professione vel subjectione The generality of which words must be construed to have reference as well to Rome as to Canterbury Saint Davids acknowledging subjection to neither till the reign of King Henry the first Princes HENRY TUTHAR Son to Edmund Earl of Richmond and Margaret his Lady was born at Pembroke in this County Anno Dom. In the reign of King Henry the sixth he was bred a Child at Court when a young man he lived an Exile in France where he so learned to live of a little that he contracted a habit of frugality which he did not depose till the day of his death Having vanquished King Richard the third in the battel of Bosorsth and married Elizabeth eldest Daughter to King Edward the fourth he reigned King of England by the name of Henry the seventh He is generally esteemed the wisest of our English Kings and yet many conceive that the Lord Bacon writing his life made him much wiser than he was picking more prudence out of his actions than the King himself was privy to therein and not content to allow him politick endeavoured to make him policy it self Yet many thiâ—…k hâ—…s judgemenâ—… 〈◊〉 him when refusing the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Columbus for the discovery of America who might therein have made a secret advenâ—…e without any prejudice to the râ—…putation of his wisdom But such his waâ—…ss he would not tamper with costly Contâ—…s though never â—…o probable to be gainful nor would he hazard a hook of Silver to catch a fish of Gold He was the first King who secretly sought to abaâ—…e the formidable greatness the Parent of many former Rebellions in the English â—…earage lessening their Dependencies countenaâ—…cing the Commons and encouraging the Yeomandry with provisions against Depopulations However â—…ereby he did not free his Successors from fear but only exchanged their care making the Commons who because more numerous less manageble more absolute and able in time to conâ—…est with Soveraignty He survived his Queen by whom he had the true Title to the Crown about five years Some will say that all that time he was King only by the Courtesie of England which I am sure he was loth to acknowledge Others say he held the Crown by Conquest which his Subjects were as unwilling to confess But let none dispute how hâ—… hâ—…ld seeing he held it having Pope Parliament Power Purse Success and some shadow of Succession on his side His greatest fault was grinding his Subjects with grievous exactions he was most magnificent in those Structures he hath left to posterity Amongst wâ—…ich his â—…evotion to God is most seen in two Chappels the one at Cambridge the other at Westminster his charity to the poor in the Hospital of the Savoy his Magnificence to himself in his own Monument of guilded Copper and his vanity to the World in building a Ship called the Great Harry of equal cost saith some with his Chappel which asterwards sunk into the Sea and vanished away in a moment He much imployed Bishops in his service finding them honest and able And here I request the judicious and learned Reader to help me at a dead liâ—… being posed with this passage written in his life by the Lord Verulam He did use to raise Bishops by steps that he might not lose the profits of the First fruits which by that course of gradation was multiplied Now I humbly conceive that the First fruits in the common acception of the word were in that age paid to the Pope and would fain be informed what By-FirstFruits these were the emolument whereof accrued to the Crown This politick King at his Palace of Richmond April 22. 1509. ended his life and was buried in the Magnificent Chappel aforesaid On the same token that he ordered by his last Will and Testament that none save such of the Blood Royal who should descend from his Loyns should be buried in that place
straitly forbidding any other of what Degree or Quality soever to be interred therein But only the Will of the King of Heaven doth stand inviolable whilest those of the most Potent earthly Princes are subject to be infringed Saints JUSTINIAN was a Noble Briton by birth who with his own inheritance built a Monastery in the Island of Ramsey in this County where many Monks lived happily under his discipline until three of them by the Devils instigation slew this Justinian in haâ—…red of his sanctity about the year of Christ 486. His body was brought with great veneration to Menevia and there interred by Saint David himself and since much famed with supposed Miracles Writers GIRALDUS CAMBRENSIS whose Sir-name say some was Fitz-Girald say others was Barry and I believe the latter because he saith so himself in his Book De vita sua and was born at Tenby in this County His Father His Mother William de Barry an Englishman Angaâ—…eth the daughter of Nesta daughter of Rhese Prince of South-Wales He was Nephew to David the second Bishop of St. Davids by whom he was made Arch-Deacon of Brecknock He was wont to complain that the English did not love him because his Mother was a Welsh-woman and the Welsh did hate him because his Father was an English-man though by his excellent writings he deserved of England well of Wales better and of Ireland best of all making a Topographical description of all three But acting in the last as a Secretary under King John with great industry and expence Yea he was a great Traveller as far as Jerusalem it self and wrote De mirabilibus terrae Sanctae so that he might be styled Geraldus Anglicus Hibernicus Hierosolymitanus though it was his mind and modesty only to be Cambrensis One may justly wonder that having all Dimensions requisite to preferment his birth broad acquaintance deep learning long life living above seventy years he never attained to any considerable Dignity Hear how betwixt grief and anger he expresseth him self concerning his ill success at Court Irreparabili damno duo ferè lustra consumens nihil ab illis preter inanes vexationes 〈◊〉 veris promissa suscepi Indeed for a long timè no Preferment was proffered him above a beggerly Bishoprick in Ireland and at last the See of S. Davids was the highest place he attained Whilest some impute this to His Planet the malignant influence whereof hath blasted men of the most merit Pride some men counting it their due for preferment to court them and that it is enough for them to recive too much to reach after it Profitableness to be employed in meaner places Some having gotten an useful Servant love to wear him out in working and as Gardiners keep their hedges close cut that they may spread the broader maintain them mean that they may be the more industrious Giraldus himself tells us the true reason that he was ever beheld oculo novercali because being a Welsh-man by the surer side and then such the Antipathy of the English they thought no good could come out of Wales Sad that so worthy a man should poenas dare Patriae Matris suae Being at last as we have said made Bishop of Saint Davids he went to Rome and there stickled for an exemption of that his See from Canterbury whereby he highly offended Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury But Giraldus after long debates being rather over-born with Bribes than over-come in Cause returned re infecta died and was buried in his own Cathedral about the year 1215. The Farewell I know not what better to wish this County than that the Marle a great fertilizer of barren ground which it affordeth be daily encreased especially since Corn is in all probability likely to grow scarcer and scarcer that their land through Gods blessing being put in heart therewith may plentifully answer the desires of the Husbandman and hereafter repair the Penury of this with the Abundance for many succeeding years RADNOR-SHIRE RADNOR-SHIRE in British Sire Maiseveth in form three square is bounded on the North-West with Hereford-shire and on the South side separated by the River Wye with Breckneck-shire and on the North part thereof with Montgomery-shire Nature may seem to have chequered this County the East and South parts being fruitful whilest the North and West thereof lying rough and uneven with Mountains can hardly be bettered by the greatest pains and industry of the Husband man Yet is it indifferently well stored with woods and conveniently watered with running Rivers and in some places with standing Meers Mr. Cambden telleth us that there is a place therein termed Melienith from the Mountains thereof being of a Yellowish colour which stretcheth from Offa Dike unto the River Wye which cutteth overthwart the West corner of this Shire where meeting with some stones which impede its motion on a sudden for want of ground to glide on hath a violent downfall which place is termed Raihader Gowy that is the Fall or Flood-gates of Wye Hereupon he supposeth it not improbable that the English men forged that word for the name of this Shire terming it Radnor-shire Princes HENRY of MONMOUTH so called from that well known Town wherein he was born hath his Character fixed here because formerly passed over in its proper place through the posting speed of the Press He was Son to King Henry the fourth by Mary one of the Daughters and Heirs of Humfrey de Bohun Earl of Herefoâ—…d and whom he succeeded on the Throne being the fifth of that name and began his raign March 20. Anno 1413. He cannot be excused from extravagancies in his Youth seeing the King his Father expelled him his Council substituting his younger Brother the Duke of Clarence President in his steed for the same Yet as those bodies prove most healthful which break out in their youth so was his soul the sounder for venting it self in its younger days For no sooner was his Father dead but he reclaimed himself and became a glory to his Country and a constant terror to his Enemies Yea he banished all his idle Companions from Court allowing them a competency for their subsistence When the Lord Chiefe Justice who had secured him when Prince for striking him for the commitment of some of his lewd Companions begg'd his Pardon for the same he not only forgave him but rewarded his Justice for distributing it without fear or partiality In his raign a Supplication was preferred that the Temporal Lands given to pious uses but abusively spent might have been seized to the King This was wisely awarded by Chichley Arch-Bishop of Canterbury by putting the King on the design of recovering France Yea this King by his valour reduced Charles the sixth King of France to such a condition that he in a manner resigned his Kingdom into his hand And here the French men found him as good or rather worse as his promise which he made to
succeed as Illegitimate A strâ—…nge reply â—…o a civil Message and fitting his mouth with whom it was a usual saying That he would have no Prince in his Compagnion but all Subject under his Foot Besides he commanded Sir Edward Carne to lay down the Office of an Embassador and under the pain of the greater Excommunication and confiscation of all his goods not to go out of the City but to take on him the Regiment of the English Hospital therein So that I see not how Queen Elizabeth can be taxed by the Papists for a Schismatick and wilful breach from the Church of Rome being thrust away thence by the Pope himself so barbarously treating her Embassador whilest as yet she had made no alteration in Religion against the Law of Nations though I confess some conceive that the crafty old Knight was such his addiction to Popery well contented with his restraint wherein he died 1561. The Farewell I heartily congratulate the return of the Name and with it of the See to Landaff in this County Sure I am our Civil Wars had deprived it of the better moity of its appellation Land leaving bare aff thereunto I am not Ignorant that Landaff in British is the Church by Taff though that Church I fear will not stand long that hath lost its ground Happy therefore is it that now Landaff may be truly termed Landaff having through Gods goodness and long may it possess them regained its ancient Lands and Revenues MERIONITH-SHIRE MERIONITH-SHIRE in Latine Mervinia hath the Sea on the West side on the South for certain miles together Cardiganshire severed by the River Dony and on the North bounded upon Carnarvon and Denbigh-shire It is extream mountainous yea if true what Giraldus Cambrensis reporteth thereof so high the Hills therein that men may discourse one with the other on the tops thereof and yet hardly meet beneath in the Valley in a days time Yet are not the Mountains altogether useless feeding great numbers of Sheep thereon Mr. Cambden takes especial notice of the beauty and comliness of the Inhabitants of this Shire Nor must it be forgot that there is a place at this day called Le Herbert upon this account When the unhappy difference raged betwixt the Houses of York and Lancaster David ap Jenkin ap Enion a stout and resolute Gentleman who took part with the House of Lancaster valiantly defended the Castle Arleck against King Edward the fourth until Sir William Herbert afterwards Earl of Pembroke with great difficulty made his passage unto it and so furiously stormed it that immediately it was surrendred Wonders There is a Lake in this County called in British Lhin-tegid in English Pimble-mear which may be termed our Leman Lake having the same work of wonder therein though set forth by nature in a less Letter For as Rhodanus running through that French Lake preserveth his stream by it self discernable by the discolouration thereof with the Fishes peculiar thereunto The same is here observed betwixt the River Dee and the water of the Lake so that here is what some cavil at in the Grammar a Conjunction disjunctive Let Philosophers dispute what invisible partition incloseth the one severally from the other I have heard some by way of similitude apply it to such who being casually cast into bad company lie at such a cautious posture of defence that they keep their own innocency entire not maculated with the mixture of their bad manners as rather being in than of their Society We must not forget another strange quality of Pimble-mear viz. It swelleth not with all the Waters and those very many which fall therein by the bordering Mountains whereas a blast of wind will quickly make it mount above the bounds and banks thereof Like some strange dispositions not so much incensed with blows as provoked by words accounted but wind into passion I know not whether it be worth the relating what is known for a truth of a Market Town called Dogelthy in this Shire that 1. The Walls there of are 3. miles high 1. The Mountains which surround it 2. Men come into it over the water but 2. On a fair bridge 3. Go out of it under the water 3. Falling from a Rock and conveyed in a wooden Trough under which Travellers must make shift to pass to drive an Over-shot Mill. 4. The Steeple thereof doth grow therein 4. The Bells if plural hang in an Yeugh tree 5. There are more Ale-houses than houses 5. Tenements are divided into two or more Tipling-houses and Chimnyless Barns used to that purpose This last I had mediately from the mouth of a Judge in his Charge condemning the same Saints Saint THELIAN was of British extraction and placed here until with certainty he câ—…n be removed to another County He was bred under Dubritius Bishop of Landaff by whose Holy care he attained to a competent Learning and exemplary Sanctity Great his acquaintance and intimacy with Saint David Bishop of Menevia In his days the Picts harrassed his Country he was much envied for his Holiness by one of their chief Commanders who sent two lewd Strumpets supposing by their tempting tricks to entrap this holy man These women counterfeiting madness whereby they might assume the more liberty to themselves of filthy discourse returned distracted indeed not having understanding enough to relate the cause of their sad misfortune which wrought so much upon the first design of their practises that he received the Faith and was baptized and ever after had a great veneration and esteem for this our Saint He accompanied Saint David to Jerusalem and returning into his own Country by his fervent Prayers freed the same from the Plague wherewith it was then much infested His death happened February the ninth about the year of our Lord 563. The Farewell This County the inhabitants whereof generally betake themselves to the feeding of Sheep was much beholding to Ludwall their Prince who King Edgar imposing on him as a yearly Tribute the presenting him with three hundred Wolves did in a manner free it from Wolves It is my desire that seeing that ill natured Creature is at this day totally removed out of it that the people wholly lay aside all strife and animosities and give no longer occasion to the Proverb Homo Homini Lupus MONTGOMERY-SHIRE MONTGOMERY-SHIRE is bounded on the South side with Cardigan and Radnor-shire on the East with Shrop-shire on the North with Denbighshire and on the West thereof with Merionith-shire Nature cannot be accused for being a Step-Mother unto this County For although she hath mounted many an high Hill which may probably be presumed not over fruitful yet hath she also sunck many a delightful Valley therein Humility is the common attendant of Greatness accompanied with true worth which plentifully yield all necessaries for mans comfortable subsistance The Chief Town therein stands and bestoweth its Name upon the whole County It never dignified any
with the Title of Earl thereof until the raign of King James who created Philip Herbert second Son to Henry Earl of Pembroke Baron Herbert of Shurland and Earl of Montgomery Natural Commodities Horses How good and swift are bred in this County I may well spare my Commendation and remit the Reader to the Character I find given of them in a good Author From the Gomerian fields Then which in all our Wales there is no Country yields An excellenter Horse so full of Natural fire As one of Phoebus Steeds had been that Stallions Sire Which first their race begun or of th' Asturian kind Which some have held to be begotten by the wind Now after proportionable abatement for his Poetical Hyperbole the remainder is enough to inform us of the good Strain this Shire doth afford Proverbs Y Tair Chiwiorydd In English the Three Sisters being a common By-word to express the three Rivers of 〈◊〉 Severn Rhiddiall arising all three in this County out of the South-west side of Plynnillimmon Hill within few paces one of another but falling into the Sea more miles asunder Severn into the Severn Sea Wye into the Severn Rhiddiall into the Irish Sea The Tradition is that these three sisters were to run a race which should be first married to the Ocean Severn and Wye having a great journey to go chose their way through soft Medows and kept on a Travellers pace whilest Rhiddiall presuming on her short Journey staid before she went out and then to recover her lost time runs furiously in a distracted manner with her mad stream over all opposition The Proverb is applyable to Children of the same Parents issuing out of the same Womb but of different dispositions and embracing several courses of lives in this World so that their Cradles were not so near but their Coffins are as farre asunder Pywys Paradwys Cymry That is Powis is the Paradise of Wales This Proverb referreth to Teliessen the Author thereof at what time Powis had far larger bounds than at this day as containing all the land inter-jacent betwixt Wye and Severn of the pleasantness whereof we have spoken before Gwan dy Bawlyn Hafren Hafren fyà d hifcl cynt That is Fixt thy Pale with intent to sence out his water in Severn Severn will be as before Appliable to such who undertake projects above their power to perform or grapple in vain against Nature which soon returns to its former condition Writers GEORGE HERBERT was born at Montgomery-Castle younger Brother to Edward Lord Herbert of whom immediately bred Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and Orator of the university where he made a speech no less learned than the occasion was welcome of the return of Prince Charles out of Spain He was none of the Nobles of Tâ—…koa who at the building of Jerusalem put not their necks to the work of the Lord but waving worldly preferment chose serving at Gods Altar before State-employment So pious his life that as he was a copy of primitive he might be a pattern of Sanctity to posterity to testifie his independency on all others he never mentioned the name of Jesus Christ but with this addition My Master Next God the Word he loved the Word of God being heard often to protest That he would not part with one leaf thereof for the whole world Remarkable his conformity to Church-Discipline whereby he drew the greater part of his Parishioners to accompany him daily in the publick celebration of Divine Service Yet had he because not desiring no higher preferment than the Benefice of Bemmerton nigh Salisbury where he built a fair house for his Successor and the Prebend of Leighton founded in the Cathedral of Lincoln where he built a fair Church with the assistance of some few Friends free Offerings When a Friend on his death bed went about to comfort him with the remembrance thereof as an especial good work he returned It is a good work if sprinkled with the Blood of Christ. But his Church that unimitable piece of Poetry may out-last this in structure His death hapned Anno Dom. 163 EDWARD HERBERT Son of Richard Herbert Esquire and Susan Newport his Wife was born at Montgomery * Castle in this County Knighted by King James who sent him over Embassador into France Afrerwards King Charls the first created him Baron of Castle Island in Ireland and some years after Baron of Cheirbury in this Counâ—…y he was a most excellent Artist and rare Linguist studied both in Books and Men and himself the Author of two Works most remarkable viz. A Treatise of 〈◊〉 written in French so highly prized beyond the Seas that as I am told it is extant at this day with great Honour in the Popes Vatican He married the Daughter and sole Heir of Sir VVilliam Herbert of Saint Julians in Monmouth-shire with whom he had a large Inheritance both in England and Ireland He died in August Anno Domini 1648. and was buried in Saint Giles in the fields London having designed a fair Monument of his own Invention to be set up for him in the Church of Montgomery according to the Model following upon the ground a Hath pace of fourteen foot square on the midst of which is placed a Dorrick Columne with its rights of Pedestal Basis and Capital fifteen foot in height on the Capital of the Columne is mounted an urn with an Heart Flamboul supported by two Angels The foot of this Columne is attended with four Angels placed on Pedestals at each corner of the said Hath pace two having Torches reverst extinguishing the Motto of Mortality the other two holding up Palmes the Emblems of Victory This Monument hath not hitherto by what obstruction I list not to enquire and I fear will not be finished which hath invited me the rather to this Description that it might be erected in Paper when it was intended in Marble Memorable Persons HAWIS GADARN She was a Lady of remark sole Daughter and Heir to Owen ap Graffyth Prince of that part of Powis called Powis Wenwinwin which taketh up this whole County She was justly as will appear surnamed Gadarn that is the Hardy I confess Hardy sounds better when applyed to men as Philip the Hardy a Prince in France meek and mild being a more proper Epethite for a woman Yet some competent hardiness to comport with troubles mis-becometh not the weaker Sex and indeed if she had not been Hawis the Hardy she had been Hawis the Beggerly She had four Uncles her Fathers Brethren Lhewelyn Iohn Griffith Vachan and David which uncles became her Cosens detaining all her inheritance from her Give said they a Girle a little Gold and marry her God and nature made Land for men to manage Hereupon Hawis comes to Court complains to King Edward the second The mention of her minds me of the Daughter of Zelophehad who pleaded so pathetically for her patrimony before Moses and Joshua The King commiserating her case