the toppe of all felicitie was in one day consumed with fire and became vnto beholders a most miserable dolefull spectacle of ruine and desolation of which Seneca in a certaine consolatorie Epistle of his to Liberalis a cittizen of Lions writeth as followeth Vnius noctis incendium totum strauit vrbem vt vna scilicet nox interfuerit inter vrbem maximam nullam tant a fuit incendij vis celeritas In this cittie flourished an Academie of great fame and celebritie which hath sent forth into the worlde many excellent men renowned for their great learning holinesse of life as Irenius and Eucherius both Archbishops of Lions and Primates and Metropolitanes of Fraunce which dignitie belongeth vnto this Cittie though in the yeare 1306. the Archbishop alienated from himselfe the gouernment thereof receiuing for the same a yearely pension or annuitie We reade of most barbarous and tirannicall cruelties exercised on the professors of the Christian faith in this Cittie during the raigne of Marcus Antonius the Romaine Emperour in the yeare of our saluation 175. in which persecution dyed 19000. Martyrs Angiers ANiou in times past an Earledome and in the yeare 1350. enobled with the title of a Dukedome is a Region in Fraunce of no great circumference but full of goodly riuers forrests and mountaines therefore for aboundance and fertilitie not inferior to any countrey neere thereunto It is confined on the East side thereof with Tourraine and Vendosme on the West with Britannie on the South with Poictou and on the North with the Earledomes of Maine Laualle the Metropolis of this Dukedome is an ancient citie called by Ptolomey Iuliomagus now named of the Angeuines Angiers A publike vniuersitie was in this cittie instituted and erected by Lewes the 2. about that time that Rupertus Phaltsgraue of Rheine founded Heilderberge in Germany which was about the yeare 1346. Others will haue it to be founded in the yeare 1362. at which time Casimere erected Cracow in Polonia Henry Valoise Duke of Aniou brother to King Charles the 9. not long since with much industrious care laboured to augment restore the same the which good worke that he the better might performe hee with great munificence inuited thither sundry excellently learned schollers among the which was Frauncis Baldewin who therein to his eternall praise and euerlasting memory did establish the profession of the Ciuill law Of this city Dukedome in our country chronicles is often mention made as of a territorie which long was annexed to the English crowne and alienated by King Henry the 6. in the 22. yeare of his raigne in the yeare of our Lord 1444. at the mariage solemnized betweene him and Margaret daughter to Reyner King of Sicily and Hierusalem Auignion AVignion is an ancient cittie of Prouuence situated on the banke of Rhodanus wherein is an Vniuersitie of long continuance which then began first to flourish and be famous in other nations when the Bishops of Rome were therein resident We reade in the histories of the Church that Pope Iohn the 22. transferred the seate Apostolique from Rome vnto this citie after whom it remained there 74. yeares or thereabout Likewise we reade that after the decease of Benedictus the 11. when Clement the sift was declared Pope in the yeare 1305. the Apostolike seat was againe translated from Rome to Auignion and from thence afterward in the yeare 1376. returned againe to Rome at the instance and entreatie of Saint Katharine Nunne of Sitnna The cittie and church of Auignion are at this day immediately subiected to the Popes or Bishoppes of Rome who first became Lordes thereof by meanes of a certain Neapolitane Queene who being indebted to the church of Rome resigned this cittie to the Bishops thereof and his successors for euer Paulus Castrensis by sundrie learned works he wrote did much enable this Vniuersitie Andraeas Alciatus comming into Fraunce was hired as himselfe in an oration he made to the schollers of Pauia confesseth for 600. crownes to be a publike reader in this Vniuersitie Orleance ORleance is a rich and plentifull Cittie placed on the banke of the riuer Ligeris now called Loire Some auncient Hystoriographers write that the foundation of this Cittie was laide by Aurelian the Emperour in the yeare 276. and from him was called Aurelia which name vnto this day it retaineth In this Cittie was erected an vniuersitie by Philip le Beau King of France in the yeare from our Sauiours natiuitie 1312. wherein the ciuill Law is with such learning and admiration professed that this Academie hath beene often of graue and learned writers entituled the Nurse or Mother thereof It enioyeth the same priuiledges with Thoulouse This citie among many other hath not escaped the taste of those miserable calamities inflicted vppon Fraunce by the furie of the late ciuill warres Bourges BOurges is a citie in Fraunce of great same rich spatious and much frequented It is seated in a pleasant and fruitfull countrey replenished with all kind of graine hearbes wines beastes fishes and fowles and whatsoeuer els is necessary for the vse of man Concerning the first originall of this citie and the etimologie of the worde Bituriges there are sundrie strange opinions Ioannes Callamaeus in his treatise de origine Biturigum saith that in the yeare from the begining of the world 1791. the foundation of this citie was laide by one Gomer descended from Noah who in honor remembrance of his great grandfather called the inhabitants of that countrey Ogyges But as it often commeth to passe that words by long continuance and custome are corrupted from Bytogyges they were called Bituriges Others there are that say it was called Byturis quasi Biturris from two ancient towers which they affirme to haue beene in this citie erected by two brethren which there together raigned one of which towers if we giue credite to antiquitie is that which remaineth yet to bee seene built in forme round of a great circuite without within of a huge capacitie and is made at this day a castle of most inuincible strength To confirme this opinion they recite an old verse of an ancient Grammarian Turribus à binis inde vocor Bituris In this cittie is a most glorious resplendishing vniuersitie an other Pernassus a place of such fame and excellencie and of all learned authors so much admired that whensoeuer they haue occasion to write thereof they call it the ornament of letters habitation of the Muses It was many yeares since founded by a certaine Duke of Burges but after in continuance of time falling to decay and being almost vtterly extinct it was againe restored and brought vnto his former glorie perfection by sundry kings of France It was authorized and endued with many great priuiledges and high prerogatiues by Pope Paulus the 2. of that name In this Academie is a Diuinitie Schoole wherein Theologie is
Wainsflet Bishop of Winchester builded Magdalen Colledge hee builded also a great parte of Eaton Colledge before begunne by king Henry the sixt William Smith Bishop of Lincolne during the raigne of king Henry the seauenth layed the foundation of Brasen nose in the yeare 1513. the which hath beene lately by that reuerende olde man Alexander Nowel Deane of S. Paules Church in London much helped increased During the raigne of the saide king Henry the seauenth Richarde Foxe Bishop of Winchester founded Corpus Christi Colledge himselfe hauing before beene a fellow of Pembrooke hall in Cambridge the which colledge of his in the yeare 1516. hee endowed with forty pound eight shillinges two pence yearely rent for euer In the time of king Henry the eight Thomas Wolsey Cardinall of Rome Archbishoppe of Yorke and Lorde high Chancelor of England beganne in sumptuous manner to lay the foundation of a most ample and spatious Colledge but falling into the kinges heauie displeasure before the same could bee brought to perfection the king after his decease enriched the same with many goodly reuenewes annexing thereunto Canterburie colledge which had beene before erected in the time of Edward the 3. by Simon Islep Archbishop of Canterburie This worthy King of famous memory the more to grace adorne the citie erected therein a Bishops sea and out of his treasurie appointed yearely to be paid certaine annuities for the perpetuall maintenance of publique readers in each seuerall schoole In the raigne of Queene Mary Sir Thomas Pope reedified Duresme Colledge which was in former ages erected by Thomas of Hatfield Bishop of Duresme and now by continuance of time exceedingly decayed by which knight the name therof being altered it is now called Trinitie Colledge Not long since Hugh Prise Doctor of the ciuill law hath founded a new colledge which in honour of our Sauiour is knowne by the name of Iesu colledge Many other rare and excellent ornamentes there are wherewith this famous and farre renowned Academie exceedingly is beautified as churches libraries publique schooles and many sumptuous priuate edifices the which to auoid prolixitie I will omit imagining that such triuiall things must of necessitie bee famialiarly knowne to euery learned reader wherefore with this assertion I will finally conclude that more pietie in religion more profoundnesse in learning more strictnes in discipline more integritie in life is not to be found in any one vniuersitie in whatsoeuer part or region of the world Cambridge COncerning the first originall and foundation of the cittie and vniuersitie of Cambridge among the learned searchers of antique lustories two seuerall and discrepant opinions strongly are maintained Iohn Caius in his booke of the antiquity of Cambridge with many arguments laboureth to proue the foundation thereof to haue beene laide and the name deriued from one Cantabar a Prince of Spaine brother to Partholinus King of Ireland and sonne in law to Gurguntius king of Britaine in the yeare 4317. after the worlds first creation which was 539. yeares before our Sauiours natiuitie For proofe of which opinion hee alleadgeth the authoritie of Iohn Lidgat Monke of Berriâ— and scholler to that famous Poet and onely Homer of our English nation Geffrey Chaucer whose verses in old English as I found them written I haue here vnderneath set downe By true record of the Doctor Bede That sometime wrote so mickle with his hand And specially remembring as I reade In his Chronicles made of England Among other things as we shall vnderstand Whom for mine author I dare alleadge Sith the translation and building of Cambridge With him according Aâ—fred the chronicler Seriously who list his bookes for to see Made in the time when he was Thresurer Of Beuerley an old famous cittie Affirme and saine the vniuersitie Of Cambridge and studie first began By their writing as I report can He rehearsing first for commendation By their writing how that old cittie Was strongly walled with towers many one Built and finished with great libertie Notable and famous of great authoritie As their authors according saine the same Of Cantabar taking first his name Like as I find report I can none other This Cantaber time of his liuing To Partholine he was Germane brother Duke in those daies in Ireland a great king Chiefe and principall cause of that building The wall about and towers as they stood Was set and built vpon a large floud Named Cantebro a large broad riuer And after Cante called Cantebro This famous citie this write the Chronicler Was called Cambridge rehearsing eke also In their booke these authors both two Touching the date as I rehearse can Fro thilke time that the world began Foure thousand complete by account cleare And three hundred by computation Ioyned thereto eight and fortie yeare When Cantebro gaue the foundation Of this Cittie and this famous towne And of this noble vniuersitie Set on this riuer which is called Cante And fro the great transmigration Of Kings reckoned in the Bible old Fro Ierusalem to Babilon Two hundred winter thirtie yeares told Thus to write mine author maketh me bold Then Cantebro as it well knoweth At Athens schooled in his youth All wits greatly did apply To haue acquaintance by great affection With folke expert in Philosophie From Athens he brought with him downe Philosophers most soueraigne of renowne Vnto Cambridge plainely this is the cause Anaximander and Anaxagoras With many other mine authors doth fare To Cambridge fast can him speed With Philosophers and let for no cost spare In the schooles to studie and to reede Of whose teaching great profit that gan spread And great increase rose of his doctine Thus of Cambridge the name gan first shine As chiefe schoole and Vniuersitie Vnto this time fro the day it began By cleare report in many a far countrey Vnto the raigne of Cassibelan A worthy prince and full knightly man As saine chronicles who with mighty hand Let Iulius Caesar to arriue in this land Fiue hundreth yeare ful thirty yere twenty Fro Babilons transmigration That Cassibelan raigned in Britaine Which by his notable royall discreation To encrease that studie of great affection I meane of Cambridge the Vniuersitie Franchised with many a libertie By meane of his royall fauor From countries about many a one Diuers schollers by diligent labour Made their resort of great affection To that studie great plentie there came downe To gather fruites of wisedome and science And sundrie flowers of sugred eloquence And as it is put eke in memorie How Iulius Caesar entring this region One Cassibelan after his victorie Tooke with him Clearkes of famous renowne FroÌ„ Cambridge led them â—â— Rome towne Thus by processe remembred heretoforne Cambridge was founded long ere Christ was borne Fiue hundred yere thirty eke nine In this matter ye get no more of me Rehearse I will no more at this time These remembrances haue great authority To be preferd of long antiquitie
For which by record all clearkes saine the same Ofheresie Cambridge bare neuer blame But sundry other Historiographers there are which imagining this antiquitie to be somewhat too far fetched affirme that the vniuersitie of Cambridge was long since erected in the time of Sigebert king of England sixe hundred and thirtie yeares after our Sauiors incarnation Moreouer they auerre that the name of this cittie was not deriued from that Cantaber but rather froÌ„ a bridge builded ouer the riuer Came passing by the towne Which opinion seemeth not absurd because this riuer being in former ages knowne by the name of Grant old writers affirme that the cittie was in the Saxon tongue commonly called Grantbridge Whensoeuer this cittie first was founded or by whom soeuer the vniuersitie was first erected which matter I will referre to the discussion of more learned antiquaries since mine intent is onely to set downe such schooles colledges as the same at this day doth containe most certainely true it is for the antiquitie and worthinesse thereof it may at this time worthily contend with the most ancient flourishing vniuersities of the world In Cambridge besides many other sumptuous and fairely builded edifices as publique schooles for lectures churches and such like there are at this day to be seene 15. goodly Halles and Colledges In the yeare of our redemption 1284. during the raigne of king Edward the first Hugh Balsham the 15. Bishop of Ely builded Saint Peters colledge commonly called Peter-house in a place where before had beene two ostles of schollers of exceeding great antiquitie The which colledge at this day maintaineth one maister 15. fellowes fiâ—e Bibleclearkes and eight poore schollers Clare hall was first founded by one Richard Badew at that time Chancellor of the vniuersitie and was by him named Vniuersity hall howbeit afterward by the assistance of Gualler Thaxted maister of the same hall not without the assent of the said R. Badew it was Ann. 1347. 21. yeares after the foundation thereof resigned to the Lady Elizabeth de Burgo widdow sometime the wife of Iohn de Burgo or Burgh Earle of Vlster in Ireland daughter to Gilbert Clare carle of Gloster The which Lady by the licence of K. Edward the 3. established finished the same changing the name therof willed that for euer after it should in memory of her family from whence she was descended be called Clare Hall In the yeare from our Sauiors incarnation 1347. the Lady Mary of S. Paule wife to Adomarus de Valentia Earle of Pembroke obtained licence of K. Edw. the 3. whose kinswoman she was to lay in Cambridge the foundation of a colledge for the which she bought 2. mesuages named it Pembroke Hall It sustameth at this present 1. maister 24. fellowes 7. Bibleclearks Edmond Gunuiel parson of Terington in Norfolke in the 22. yeare of king Edward the 3. obtained a licence at the suite of Sir Gualter de Manney to erect a colledge in Cambridge in a place where old houses dayly ready to fall did stand the which he with his money purchased This Edmond Gunuiel hauing at his decease great store of coine coÌ„mitted it to the fidelity trust of William BatemaÌ„ Bishop of Norwich to finish bring to perfection the work which he in his life had begun whose will the Bishop most faithfully did execute and not sparing his owne coâ—ers did much augment and increase the same Long after in our time Iohn Caius a wise and learned professor in the arte of Phisicke hath made the same more ample and more famous as well by adding new buildings thereunto as by increasing the number of students therein In so much that by the Queeues letters pattents it was granted him to be written accounted a founder thereof and the house to be called Gunuiel Caius colledge The fraternitie and guilde of Corpus Christi and of blessed Mary in Cambridge Henry Duke of Lancaster being at that time Alderman of the same Guild founded Corpus Christi colledge in the 24. yere of the raign of K. Edward the 3. obtaining licence of the same king to appropriate vnto this colledge for euer the aduouson of S. Bennets church standing before their gate William Bateman Bishop of Norwich in the yeare of our Lord God 1353. founded in Cambridge a colledge for studentes of the law and enduing the same with lands and possessions in honour of the blessed Trinity would haue it called Trinitie Hall of Norwich by the rents and reuenewes whereof are at this day maintained one maister ten fellowes as many Bible clearks King Henry the 6. a man in his life time much giuen to deuotion and alwaies enclined to do good in the 19. yeare of his raigne laid in Cambridge the foundation of a goodly colledge in honor of our blessed Ladie S. Nicholas the which then consisted of one maister and 12. schollers Not long after in the 21. yeare of his raigne altering the forme of his first foundation he changed the name of Maister into a Prouost much increased the number of studentes King Edwarde the fourth by authoritie of the parliament in great displeasure withdrew from this colledge so much land as his Predecessor by the same authoritie had procured but being at last with dayly intreatinges perswaded and ouercome with importunitie restored againe vnto the same the yearely value of â—00 markes on condition that they would account him for their founder and that in his name all their suites and writinges should be made This Colledge as appeareth by sondry euident signes king Henry once had purposed to make one of the most beautifullest houses in this land the platforme whereof who so desireth more particularly to know he shall find the same in M. Stowes Chronicle in the life of Henry the sixt at large described Queene Margaret wife to Henry the 6. and daughter to Rheiner king of Sicilie and Ierusalem began first to lay the foundation of Queenes Colledge and obtayned licence of the king to purchase for the same landes and rentes to the valew of two hundred poundes by the yeare but leauing the same vnperfect Queene Elizabeth wife to Ed. the 4. obtayning licence of the K. brought the same to a perfect end this Colledge standeth in the parish of S. Botolph in a common grounde called Goosegreene which was to that vse purchased by one Andrew Ducket with money which he did get by begging of well disposed people Katherine Hall was founded by one Robert Woodlarke Doctor of Diuinity and Prouost of Kinges Colledge in Cambridge in the honour of S. Katherine Virgin and Martyr in the yeare 1475. the which king Edwarde the 4. did allow for him and his successors and by his letters Patentes did confirme it to endure for euer therein at this day are sustained and nourished one Maister six fellowes and one Bible clearke Iesu Colledge was of old time a Monastery of religious women
Moone whereupon the Turke diuerted his ordinance from thence the Citizens kept their word In this Citty are yet to be seene the ancient ruines of a goodly Basilique erected by Charles the great in honour of S. Peter Henry the first Duke of Austria founded herein an Abby to the vse of the Scottes Richard the first surnamed Ceur de Lyon king of England being by Lupoldus Duke of Austria taken prisoner about the yeare 1192. in a small village neere to Vienna called Erdpurge as he returned from the holy land was enforced by the sayde Duke if their owne Chronicles be true to enuiron this cittie with a new wall which included the former About that time also was therin an Empory for marchāts constituted wherby the citizens increasing dayly in wealth obtayned of the Emperour Fredericke the 2. liberty and were adorned with the emperiall Armes and numbred among the free towns of the Empire THE VNIVERSITIES of the Low Countries Louaine LOuaine one of the fower townes of the Marquisate of the sacred Empire is the principall and mother of all the townes in Brabant and maketh the first member of the third estate of that Prouince It is builded in figure round contayning fower miles compas within the walles and sixe in circumference without among many other beautifull and sumptuous aedifices therein the church of S. Peter and the publike pallace are wrought with greatest magnificence and most curious arte It was called Louaine as some say from the Dutch word Louen which signifyeth to praise or honor because the Idoll Mars was there helde in time of Paganisme in great honor and estimation This towne is situated neare to the riuer Dele the houses and streetes thereof are not closely compacted together but wide open and scatteringly builte by which meanes there are within the same many fayre gardens valleis mountaines medowes springes and vines the land about this towne is pleasant and fruitefull and the ayre temperate for which cause our auncesters not without great iudgement and discretion chose out this place as most fitte for the habitation of the Muses We finde written in the Chronicles of Colen that Iohn Duke of Brabant obtayned of Pope Martin the fift the approbation of an Vniuersitie in this Cittie that letters and good discipline beganne there publikely to be taught about the yeare 1426. Afterwards Pope Eugenius the 6 licensed therein the profession of Theologie This Academy in processe of time by the bounty and magnificence of Popes Emperours Kinges Cardinals and Bishops whereof some graunted thereto ample priueledges and prerogatiues some erected therein stately and magnificent Colledges others bequethed to the same for the vse of the students goodly landes and legacies is now growne to that higth of glory and celebrity that it worthily hath vsurped the name of a most flourishing Academy and renowned Empery of learning Iohannes Goropius affirmeth that no Vniuersity of Italy France or Germany may with this bee compared for pleasant ayre and delectable walkes And that although Salamanca in Spaine farre excelleth all other Christian Academies in magnificent and sumptuously builded Colledges yet it is farre inferior to Loucine for the delightsome and beautifull situation thereof Pope Adrian the 6. erected in Louaine whereof himselfe had beene Rector and Chancelor a goodly colledge for studentes and professors of Diuinity Charles the fift Emperour of Germany and Philip the second king of Spaine did extend the vttermost of their endeuors to encrease amplifie and a dorne this royall Vniuersity In it are for the vse of the studentes 20 Colledges the principall whereof are fiue Lilium Castrum Porcus Falco Trilingue This Cittie is the first that receiueth and giueth oath to the Prince It was sometimes an Eatledome but in the yeare 1247. Henry the second of that name Earle of Louaine deceasing Henry his successor vsurped the title of Duke of Brabant Douay DOuay is a good and strong town in Flanders Gallicant one mile distant from Cambray It was founded as some write by one Arcanalkus in the yeare of our Lorde 500. it is now a Chasteleny hauing iurisdiction ouer a good country and a great number of villages it is accommodated with many fountaines and adorned with many fayre sumptuous aedifices the manner and forme of building therein is an inuincible argument of the great antiquitie thereof In this Cittie not long since was erected a famous Vniuersitie by Philip late king of Spaine and authorised with the priuiledges of Louaine where Theologie Philosophy and the inferior artes are learnedly professed At Douay is a staple of corne brought thether out of sondry regions wherof as also of diuerse other marchandizes in this cittie is great traffique Leige LEige is a citty fayre and large comprehending within the walles thereof many hils vallies riuers and vine groundes which Philip de Comines Lorde of Argenton accounteth to containe in circuite foure Italian miles and maketh it in circumference equall with Rouen It is situated on the side of the riuer Mouse which entreth into it with 2 branches and maketh therein many pleasant Isles all which are frequented and enhabited Many other little riuers passing through this towne doe clense the streetes thereof namely the Leige from which riuer the cittie is thought to haue receiued her name Also three litle brookes Vte Vese Ambluar all three replenished with exceeding store of excelēt fish especialy Vte wherin are taken certaine delicate fishes named by the inhabitants Vtins these people speake a kinde of barbarous French and are of the Frenchmen called Ligeois of the Germans Lutticherne and Luicknarren Leige is a cittie imperiall but their tenure is onely to furnish the Emperour with some few men at armes in his wars against the Turke The Bishop thereof is Lord spirituall both of the towne and countrie but the people haue so large priueledges that they liue almost in perfect liberty and freedome Their appeales spirituall go to Collen The Archbishop thereof is their Primate and from thence to Rome Their temporall appeales goe to the Emperiall chamber at Spire In this Citie flourished in times passed a most famous and renowned Academie wherein as Hubert Thomas writeth were studentes at one time the children of 9. kings 24. Dukes 29. Earles besides the sons of many Barons and gentlemen This worthy vniuersitie by the iniurie of time often subuersion of the citie it is at this day decaied and almost vtterly extinguished onely some triuiall schooles for the institution of youth in the inferior studies are there remayning In this cittie are 8. collegiall Churches the Canons whereof are inestimable rich and held of the citizens in great reuerence and reputation especially the Canons of the Collegiall Church of S. Lambert the patron of the towne who are ioyned with the Bishop in gouernment of the state and haue so great libertie that they may at pleasure giue ouer their places and marrie before they haue taken the
tedious and superfluous wherefore I will conclude with Salicet though the last yet not the least of such learned writers as haue from hence proceeded this Salicet was by a strange and wonderfull vision animated to write his Commentaries vppon Iustinian for sitting on a time in his study in great solitarines he heard a certaine heauenly voice crying vnto him arise arise and at length he awakened when looking about there appeared vnto him a most beautifull Queene holding in her left hand a scepter in her right hand Iustinians booke whome followed a reuerende assembly of learned Lawyers of them he demaunded what Queene this might bee who aunswered that shee was the Lawe her selfe and grieuously seemed to lament that her selfe together with the workes of those which followed her should by the fraudulent or vnskilfull handling of vpstart and ignorant writers be so shamefully corrupted wherefore they sayd it belonged vnto him who onely was worthy to vndertake a taske so honorable as well to reforme those abused Commentaries as also to write some newly of his owne promising that they would continually assist his labour and inuention by whose perswasion being moued he presently applyed his minde to write and absolue these learned Commentaries vppon Iustinian so much admited for their worthines and singularity Finally although this Vniuersity by the magnificence and priuiledges of sondry Popes Emperours Kinges and Princes seemed already to haue aspired to the heigth of all felicity yet least any thing shoulde be wanting to the fulnes of her glory the Emperour Charles the fift receyuing in this Cittie at the handes of Pope Clement the Emperiall Diadem adorned the same with many great and royall prerogatiues Ferrara SOme are of opinion that Fredericke the Emperour being highly displeased with the Bononians for fauoring Pope Alexanders side by whome he was excommunicated and his territories interdicted in hatred and despight of them erected a new Vniuersity in Ferrara But Volaterranus writeth that Salicet was in the yeare of Christs Natiuity 1316. sent for by Albertus Duke of Ferrara to institute a common schoole in this Cittie which was afterwarde confirmed and priuiledged by Pope Boniface the eight and exceedingly augmented by the bounty and liberality of the succeeding Princes of Este. Angelus Aretinus a learned professor of the Ciuill lawe writeth vnto the Duke of Ferrara in the proeme of his imperiall institutions in this manner When you had established in this your noble and most flourishing cittie a receptacle for learned arts and liberal sciences with how great desire and diligence you did labour to haue me brought hether being not moued thereunto by any fame or brute of mee that beeing but slender and obscure but rather by the singular loue and affection wherewith you alwayes haue embraced such as affect the Muses not onely my selfe doe well perceiue but all men easily doe vnderstand Wherfore reuoluing these things in my mind how that I to vndertake the office of a Reader was sent for by such so great a prince in whom the cleare brightnes of vertue and honesty is most resplendishing I feared least if I should not giue some manifest testimony of my duty and deuotion towardes you I meane of Aretines zeale and affection to the thrice noble and renowned family of Est I iustly might bee reckoned in the number of the most vngratefull men for euen as your selfe is the first which hath restored vnto this decaying Vniuersity her former place and dignity so these my labors laying open the first natiuity and infancie of the lawes ought to bee to your selfe onely consecrated c. Marry worthy writers and professors haue sucked sweete milke from the Muses breastes in this renowned Nursery as Felinus Sandaeus the Interpreter of the Canon law Andraeus Alciatus Theodorus Gaza Caelius Caleagninus Baptista Gnauinus Nicolaus Leonicenus Peter Bembus his maister and many others Millan MIllan is a fayre and beautiful Citie in Lumbardy seated at the foote of the Alpes which for the great and spatious circumference thereof is by the Italians graced with this Epithite la grand Pope Alexander the fift a learned Father writeth that Millan is situated in the most cleare temperate wholesome ayre of Christendome and that the first Reuealer of Christian misteries therein was S. Barnabas the Apostle The writer of the Commentaries vppon Bartholus the Lawyer affirmeth that Millan hath by long and ancient custome enioyed a free and publike Vniuersity Many excellent and worthy Schollers haue issued from hence to the incredible benefite of our Christian Church and commonwealth Demetrius Cydonius borne in Thessalonica forsaking his natiue Countrie came to Millan where he studied first the Latine tongue and afterwardes Diuinity during which time he turned out of Latine into Greek the learned Bookes of S. Thomas of Aâ—uine that euen the Grecians themselues might reape some commoditie out of the sacred workes of so holy a man two goodly ornaments of this Cittie were S. Ambrose and S. Augustine and of latter time Uierome Cardanus that great Mathematician and learned Doctor of Phisicke Out of the fellowship of Doctors in Millan Pope Pius the fourth because hee once was one of the number granted that the Auditor of the Wheele and an Aduocate in the consistorie should perpetually be elected Leander sayeth that in the Colledge of Fryers praedicantes is a fayre and well furnished Library Pauia THe Vniuersitie in Pauia is thought to haue beene crected by Charles the great not long after Paris for this Emperour â—â—alously affecting the propagation of christian religion seâ—t vnto this cittie one of those priestes which came to him into France out of England from venerable Bede crying out in all places that they carried about them Wisedom to sell at which time begâ—nne the first institution of this Academie Rochus de Curte a graue professor of the Canon law whose learned commentaries are in all places receiued with great applause and admiration in an Epistle of his to Iohn Syluanus Chancelor of Millan nameth Pauia to be a most happie and flourishing Vniuersitie Curtius writing to Iafredus praesident of Millan thou sayeth he hast vndertaken the charge not onely of preseruing but also of augmenting the tottering estate of the Pauian Academy so that by thy onely helpe and assistance it now most worthily is and may be called the most enobled and resplendishing Seminaty of good letters in this our Christian world thou prouidest for the teachers and professors of liberall sciences large and princely pensions thou by thy great bounty and singular magnificence doest attract and draw hither the most ripe and ready wittes of christendome the better to adorne this royall Vniuersitie In this place did Baldus reade his extreme and latest lectures for here he died and was buried in the couent of the Fryers Minorites Many and most grieuous damages did this Academy of late time endure when the cittie was by Frances
professed with great sinceritie and profoundnesse there are also continuall dayly exercises of Philosophie Phisicke and the Ciuill law Caen. AN Vniuersitie was erected at Caen in Normandie vpon this occasion Henry the fift king of England who subdued the kingdome of France and left the title to his posterity after many great and glorious conquests atchieued against the French king hee at last bereaued him of Normandy in the yeare 1418. In token and memorie of which victorie as an eternal trophie and monument of his glorie he caused to be laid in Caen the foundation of this vniuersitie Rhemes RHemes is a goodly cittie and the Metropolis of Champaigne wherein not long since was erected an Vniuersitie by the Prince Charles Guise Cardinall of Lorraine Archbishop Duke of Rhemes whose glorie and renowne dayly more and more encreaseth by reason of the arâ—s so learnedly there professed Of this citie was Bishop S. Remigius a man of most holy conuersation and excellently learned as by the Commentaries which he wrote vpon the old new Testament it euidently appeareth He baptized Clodouaeus a mightie and puissant king of Fraunce together with Chrâ—tildis his wife daughter to the king of Burgundie he died in his venerable old age in the yeare 498. Burdeux BVrdeux is the principall or head cittie of Aquitane called by the French men Guienne seated at the mouth of Garomne a mightie riuer issuing out of Languedoc It is a place of incredible antiquitie strongly fortified and beautified with many sumptuous edifices In this citie hath long flourished a most renowned vniuersity commonly called the schoole of Aquitaine where the Artes are publikely taught and professed from whence issued those mirrors of holinesse and learning Seuerinus Maximinus the one Bishop of Colen the other of Tryer both after their deathes canonized for Saintes Vnto this citie also resteth the worlde indebted for the birth education of Ausonius the Homer of these latter times Neere vnto this Citie on the waters side standeth a castle inexpugnable fortified beyond all credite comparison Tholouse IN the extreamest confines of Languedoâ— not farre distant from the Pyrenaean mountaines standeth Tholouse called by antique writers Teotosagum an auncient and goodly cittie built neere to the Riuer Garomne The first foundation whereof is referred to a certaine Trotane It was afterward amplified and enlarged by the Romaines Wee reade that Theodericus King of the Gothes and Thorismonde his sonne finding about this cittie a happie fertile soile enuironed with a sweete and holesome ayre chose the same for their habitation as the place of all France most pleasant and most opulent most fit for the preseruation and augmentation of their Empire whose posterity was afterwarde expelled of the Frenchmen with great difficultie It was raised to an Archbishopricke by Pope Iohn the 22. who also was the first institutor of the Vniuersity therein which as yet was erected not long after Paris so doth it enioy the same priuiledges that heretofore haue beene to Paris granted Saint Saturnine was the first Bishop thereof who afterward being with vnsufferable torments excruciated by the Pagans yeelded his soule into the hands of his Redeemer was in this cittie buried the reliques of whose body are by the inhabitantes often visited with great reuerence and deuotion There was sayde in times past to haue beene in this cittie a Temple wherein was continually reserued in secret vaultes and dungeons vnder ground as Poss donius sayeth 15000. talents of golde which if any man by chance had touched he shortlie after came to some vnfortunate end which was verified in Caepio other Roman captaines from whence proceedeth the prouerbe applyed commonlie to those whose attemptes are euer vnfortunate and without successe Aurum habet Tolosanum The Earle of Tholous is one of the twelue Peeres of France Nismes NIsmes called by Ptolomye Pomponius Mela trabo and other learned searchers of antiquities Nemansus is an antient Citty in Dolphine wherein was lately erected an Vniuersity The soyle in this prouince is of such incredible fertilitie that being with neuer so little labour mannured it bringeth forth sondry kinds of excellent fruites It hath such plentie of figge-trees and bringeth such aboundance of grapes that a greate parte of Europe is with figges and raisins from thence accommodated Mompehers MOns Pessulanus called of Pomponius Mela Mesua of Ptolomye Agathopolis and now vulgarly named Mompeliers is a cittie in Dolphinie not far distant from the Mediterranesea An Vniuersity was therein erected as some writers affirm in the yeare of our Lord 1196. which afterwarde was endued with many priuiledges by Pope Vrban the fift who layed the foundation of a goodlie house called Popes Colledge In times past the profession of Phisicke was there in greatest request but now the schooles of the ciuil law are most vsually frequented much was the Vniuersity augmented and promoted by the bounty and liberality of Henry the second king of France so great is the Rectors authority in this Vniuersity that whensoeuer he hath occasion to walke into the towne the studentes are bound to follow and attend him Henry the first granted to this Academic many royall praerogatiues and founded therein the Kings colledge here also is an other sayre and sumptuous colledge called Duuergier wherein sondry ingenious youthes are ten yeares trayned vp in letters and good discipline Bisanson NEare to the side of Doux or Doubis a small riuer passing through the French Counte and falling into the Sone standeth Bisanson a great goodly and well munited citcie a towne imperial and the Metropolis of eyther Burgundy In the yeare of saluation 1540. by the authority of Pope Iulâ—us the third and the Emperour Charles the 5. a new Vniuersity was therein erected which hath exceedingly since flourished and sent forth many learned and godly labourers into the Church The reuerend father Anthony Peronotus Archbishop of Mechlin was a great benefactor to this Academie who so desireth to know more particularities of this Cittie let him reade the workes of George Bruno and Gilbertus Cognatus Paradinus in whose bookes he shall finde the same at large described Dole IN Burgundy also on the banke of the said riuer Dubis is to bee seene Dola a cittie for strength opulencie and sumptuousnes of buildinges to bee preferred before all other places of Burgundy An Vniuersity is therin of great continuance wherin among many other sciences the ciuill law is most learnedly reade and professed The Vniuersities of Polonia Prussia and Lituania Cracouia WEe reade in the historie of Polonia that Lechus and Zechus two sons of Iauan going to seeke a place of habitation for themselues their posterity Zechus with his people remayned in those territories which now are knowne by the names of Bohemia and Morauia but Lechus proceeding further to the northeast some twelue dayes iorney there seated himselfe and called the region Polonia by reason of the playnenes of the continent being altogether
his birth and education S. Iago GAllicia is a region lying on the northwest side of Spaine and maketh a headland or promontarie farre out into the sea commonlie called Capo de finisterre or the north Cape which seemeth in a manner violentlie to seperate the sea of Bisca from the Isles of Bayona neare to the promontary standeth the cittie of Compostella vulgarly called S. Iago more noble and famous by reason of many pilgrimages made thether by persons of great place and qualitie then for any other matter worth the obseruing therin contayned We read in ancient histories of the church that S. Iames after theascention of our Sauior trauelled into Spain preached the Gospel to the inhabitaÌ„ts therof being as yet Pagans infidels But reaping there smal fruit of his excessiue labour paines by reason of the iniquitie and naughtinesse of those times he returned againe to Hierusalem where at the commandement of Herode being slaine he obtained a glorious crowne of martirdomes Vnto this Saint the Spaniards ascribing their first conuersion caused in honor and remembrance of him a rich and sumptuous temple to be erected in Compostella where his reliques are at this day visited with a wonderfull concourse of people and worshipped with incredible deuotion This Church was by Pope Calixtus the second highly aduanced and honored in the yeare of our Lord 1122. whence it proceedeth that this Church is immediately subiect vnto the Pope and to no other prelate or gouernor The Emperour Charles the great founded herein a goodly Colledge now gruerned after the rule of S. Isidore He also caused this Church to bee accounted among the seates Apostolique where is to bee vnderstood that in Christendome are three seates called Apostolique which before all other places of the worlde the Christian religion hath alwaies held in greater esteeme that is to say S. Peters at Rome S. Iohns at Ephesus and S. Iames at Ceâ—postella This cittie of ancient historiographers was called in time passed Brigantium from whence the Irish nation the Scots in Galloway our Northerne Yorkeshire men called in old authors Brigantes glory boast that they haue receiued the first originall of their race Valladolit ON the East side of Gallicia bordereth the kingdome of Legio which endured the cruell and heauie yoke of seruitude vnder the Sarracens aboue three hundred yeares and was restored vnto libertie in the yeare of grace 1216. by the kinges of Arragon Castile Portugall and Nauarre who assembling a mightie and puissant armie made here against Hilminolmius the king of the Moores returning from Auinion in Fraunce whither hee passed before as a conquerour harrying and spoiling the countrey as hee went with fire and sword and after a sharpe and bloudy battell vanquished his armie and recouered this kingdome In this realme is Valladolit named in olde authors Pintia a cittie though of no great circuite nor spaciousnesse yet of much and long antiquitie It was wont to be numbred among the seuen most auncient vniuersities of Spaine It hath beene long drowned in obscuritie euen vntill the dayes of king Phillip late deceased who because he was there borne did restore vnto it the antique priuiledges and prerogatiues thereto belonging and did his vttermost endeuors to raise it to his former dignitie He there hath lately erected a Colledge for the institution of yong English Gentlemen which haue abandoned their countrey Alcala de Henares VNto the kingdome of Legio is adioyned Caslile an Earledome which was by Ferdinand the third sonne to the Earle of Castile raised to a kingdome in the yeare 1017. vnited to the realme of Legio Among many great and goodly cities in that kingdome Complute which of the Spaniard is commonly called Alcala de Henares is not the meanest An vniuersitie was herein erected and instituted by an Archbishop of Toledo named Franciscus Xinerieâ—sis who was by profession a Franciscan Frier in the yeare 1317. Salamanca IN this kingdome of Castile lyeth that worthy and famous cittie Salamanca situated on the banke of the Riuer Thormes which falleth into the maine Riuer Duero in Portingall Although concerning the first erection and institution of this vniuersitie few writers as saith Sarabellus affirme any thing for certainetie yet are there not wanting some which hold for vndoubted truth that it first was founded in the yeare of Christs in carnation 1404. which in these our daies hath gotten great fame and credite and is well knowne throughout Christendome by reason of diuers and sundry priuiledges wherewith many kings and high Bishoppes of Rome haue liberally adorned the same Pope Clement the sift in a councell held at Vienna made a decree that the Hebrewe Arabicke and Chaldie tongus should in this Academie be continually taught Iohn Goropius affirmeth that for magnificent and sumptuously builded colledges scarce any vniuersitie of Europe may therewith worthely be paragond The which Pope hauing in his court certaine young Gentlemen of Spaine which he desired should bee trained vp in some place where they most might profit in vertue and good literature thought no Academie in Christendome so fit for that purpose as Salamanca because all kind of learning was there by most excellent men with incredible industrie professed In this Academie Pope Adrian the sixt before his Papacie liuing in Spaine tooke great pleasure and delight and after his election he held it in great price and estimation adorning amplifying and authorizing the same with many great and vnusuall prerogatiues Ignatius Loyola first founder of the societie of Iesu was in this vniuersitie a student Saragossa IN the extreamest confines of this kingdome of Castile euen on the banke or shore of the riuer Ebro wherewith it is diuided from Nauarre and Aragon standeth an auncient Cittie called of the Romaines Caesaraugustana or Augusta Caesariae which of the inhabitants is named Saragossa wherein the kings of Arragon are vsually accustomed to be crowned This Church was by Pope Iohn the 22. who was alwaies thereunto exceedingly well affected eleuared to the dignitie of an Archbishopricke by him also were the priuiledges of the vniuersitie restored and ratified Because in this Cittie had beene shed the bloud of many holy Martirs which suffered for the constant profession of the Christian faith during the raigne of those bloudie vnmercifull and impiously tirannous idolaters Datian and Richiouarus whose inexpleble thirst was neuer satiated with the bloude of innocent Christians it is at this day commonly entituled Saragossa the holy Siguença SIguença is also a cittie of Castile lying three daies iourney from Saragossa and three leagues from Medinacoeli wherein is an vniuersitie much frequented but concerning the foundation thereof or donation of the priuiledges thereto I haue not in any author read ought which I dare set downe for certainty Lerida ARragone is that part of Spaine which lyeth at the foote of the Pyraenean mountaine betweene Nauarre and Catallonia and is separated
from the continent of Castile Valentia with the riuer Ebro In this kingdome are to be seene many faire and well fortified citties among the which is Larida a beautifull towne situated on Cinga a small riuer which keeping his course through this realme disburdeneth himselfe into the Ebra In this cittie flourisheth an Academie of maruellous antiquitie wherein Pope Calixtus the third before hee obtained the Papacie proceeded Doctor of either law who afterward became a publike professor of the ciuill law in the same place Also S. Vincent a Dominican Frier which for his religious and holy life was after his death canonized for a Saint was there made Doctor of Diuinitie We reade of a prouincial counsell of eight Bishops assembled in this citie vnder Anastatius the Emperour Pope Gelasius the first in the yeare of our Lord 494. Huesca OSca or Isca called in the vulgar tongue Huesca is an other goodly cittie of Arragon containing an vniuersitie of most admirable antiquitie which is said to haue beene erected before the comming of Christ as a Nurserie for the institution of noble mens children Lisbone THat part of the continent which coasteth along the Westerne shore betweene the Iles of Bayone and the Promontorie or Cape of Saint Vincent is knowne to vs by the name of Portugall numbred amongst the most wealthie and opulent kingdomes of Europe Through the middest of this region passeth the riuer Tagus or Tayo neere vnto the mouth whereof is seated Lisbone the most faire and flourishing emporie of Portingall the Metropolis of the kingdome the most beautifull and best adorned cittie in the West We reade that Henry Earle of Lorraine a man renowned in feates of armes had in guerdon of many conquestes by him atchieued against the Moores giuen him to wife Tyresia daughter of Alphonsus the 6. king of Castile vnto whome was assigned for her dowrie all that part of Gallicia which now is subiect to the crowne of Portingal Of these princes was borne Alphonsus who first named himselfe king of Portingall This young king nothing degenerating from the vertue of his auncestors ceased not to vexe and wearie out the Moores with continuall warres so that he vanquished and subdued siue kinges of them in memorie whereof the Kings of Portingall beare in their coate of armes euen vntill this day fiue shieldes Azure in field argent He also recouered from them Lisbone and restored it to libertie about the yeare 1110. Since that time what with the fauor munificency of their kinges who haue for the most parte therein continually kept their courts what by the incredible accesse of marchants thither from all nations of the world This cittie is growen to that height of glorie maiestie that she easily surmounteth all other citties whatsoeuer contained in this westerne world A most renowned vniuersitie was by the bountie of their kinges in this citie erected where euen vntill this day the liberall sciences are professed with great sinceritie and profoundnes to the incredible benefite of Christendome There are in this cittie 26. parishes and 20000. mansion houses In the yeare 1531. the 7. Kalendes of Februarie there was a most strange and admirable earthquake throughout all places in Portingall whereby were cast downe to the ground 1050. houses and sixe hundred were there withall so rent and shaken that their fall and ruine dayly was expected This earthquake continued the space of eight dayes causing the ground to shake and tremble at least three or foure times a day in such sort that the inhabitantes were therewith so affrighted and terrified that they were glad to forsake their houses and lie on tops of mountaines in the open aire Coimbra COimbra is also a most pleasant and goodly cittie in Portingall seated neere vnto the riuer Mondego An vniuersitie was therein founded in these latter daies by Iohn the seconde King of Portingall Iacobus Payua Andradius in the Preface of his booke entituled Liber orthodoxarum explicationum writeth of this vniuersitie in this manner Coimbricensis Academia est loci natura amaenissima omni literarum genere clarissima est inqua ipse ab eunte aetate literarum studijâ— incubui non insoeliciter Euora EVora is an ather Cittie of Portugall not to bee contemned it is illustrated with the dignity of a Bishops Sea An Vniuersity was herein lately erected by Henry Cardinal of Portugall a Prelate of worthy memory who was Bishop of that place he was a man endued with aboundant wealth exceedingly affected tothe Muses Maiorica THe Isles of Maiorica and Minorica adioyning so neare to the continent of Spaine that one may with great facility saile from the one to the other in foure or at the most in fiue howers and also being parcelles of the kings dominion I thought it not amisse to annexe this cittie to the other Vniuersities of Spaine Maiorica is the greatest Islande of the two and hath lying on the East side thereof a goodly cittie which is the Metropolis of both Islandes and hath neare adioyning vnto it an ample and most commodious porte The inhabitantes hereof are constrayned to endure many iniurious outrages and most misetable calamities at the handes of the Moores and Saracens their opposite neighbours on the coast of Africa who oftentimes making incursions into this Isle do in an euening fire many of their houses standing neare to the sea and carry away the owners thereof as prisoners to bee for money of their friendes and the kindred redeemed for whose ransome there are continually on all sondayes and holydayes publike collections in their churches The land of these Ilands neare vnto the sea is sweet pleasant and fertile but vp further within â—is sterill ful of craggy rockes vnpleasant and vnprofitable In this Cittie is an antient priuiledged and authorised Vniuersitie where the artes Vniuersall are publikely with great learning professed Among the students of this Academy the memory of Raimundus Lullius is with great admiratioÌ„ retayned because he receyued therein his birth and education insomuch that euen vntill this present time a learned man is there with liberall exhibition entertayned to maintain and teach the doctrine in times passed by Lullius professed I would that the learned Reader should vnderstaÌ„d that although the Spanish Academies are by me briefly runne ouer yet are there not more goodly more opulent nor more in all kindes of learning flourishing Vniuersities in any region of Europe which I am constrayned to setdowne without any exact descriptioÌ„ of them because I neuer could find though I haue therefore made great search and enquiry any author which discourseth of that subiect THE VNIVERSITIES of England Oxford Oxsorde is a fayre and beautifull citty whose situation is in a playne Champion neare to the side of the Thames being enuironed with many pleasing groues wooddy mountains from whence as some writers affirme it was in times passed named Bellositum concerning the Etymologye of the name thereof there