m. 15 A Free state belonging to the Prince of Parma being a most famous city and full of Nobility and Gentry being an University and there is one Colledge only for Noblemens sons to live in and there is likewise a stately Hospitall for Pilgrims and Travellers Then to Burgo San Donim a castle m. 15 Fiorenzuola a castle m. 8 Pontenuro m. 7 Piacenza a city m. 8 Rotofrede m. 6 THis Piacenza is a most beautifull and strâ—ng city in Lombardy and hath a strong castle thereunto belonging and it was founded by the Illustrious Prince Duke Peter Lewis Farnesse Prince of Parma besides it is inhabited with abundance of Nobility and Gentry and very plentifull of all provisions and very cheap From Rotofredo to San Giovanni m. 7 Then to Stradella m. 8 Schiattezzo m. 7 Voghera m. 11 Tortona a city m. 10 Allexandria de la Paglia a city m. 10 Felizzano m. 9 This Felizzano is a castle belonging to the Marquessat of Monferrato Then to Aste a city m. 6 This Aste is a city in Piemont being a very famous and rich city and plentifull of all provisions and belongs to the Duke of Savoy Then to Belloto a town m. 6 Then to Poerino a castle m. 7 Then to Moncaliere a market town m. 7 Turino a city m. 9 Turino is a most faire city being an University and the residence of the Duke of Savoy and runs by it a faire river and it is a very plentifull city and well watered with sweet springs and a very pleasant place Then to Rivolo a castle m. 5 S. Ambrosio a castle m. 9 S. Giogi a town m. 7 Bossolengo a castle m. 2 Susa a market town m. 4 Siges a town m. 4 This place is at the foot of the mountaine Mosinis and here you enter into Dolphinato in France beginning to reckoning by leagues Then to Haron a village l. 2 Susana l. 3 Berenzon l. 2 S. Martino l. 1 S. Crespiate l. 3 Hembron l. 4 Corses l. 4 Talardo l. 4 Sarza l. 4 S. Lazaro l. 2 Emora l. 2 Here begins Provence in France Then to Sadoron l. 2 Saur l. 3 Mormoron l. 3 Carpentras l. 3 Triangue l. 2 Avignon l. 2 THis Avignon is a most faire city and borders upon the river Rodano and at the entrance of this city you passe over one of the stateliest bridges in Christendome this city belongs to the Pope and is governed by a Vice-Legat as Bolonia is Tence you go to Villa nova a league and a halfe distance Then to Sirignach l. 4 Here begings the proper Country of France Then to Bosorza l. 1 Nices l. 2 Occiaio l. 2 Lunel l. 2 Colombier l. 2 Monpellier l. 2 Here was S. Rocho the first Pilgrim borne Gigiam l. 2 Lupiam l. 2 S. Tuberi l. 3 Bezzer l. 3 Campostago l. 2 Here you passe a Ferry Then to Narbona l. 2 Hons l. 2 Franzarm l. 1 Marsaietta l. 1 Tribi l. 2 Carcassona l. 1 Abram l. 3 Pedessora l. 1 Castel novo l. 1 Villa Franca l. 3 Villa Novella l. 1 Vasseggia l. 3 Monginscardo l. 2 Tolose l. 3 THis Tolose is a very great and spacious City being famous for the University that is kept therein with most stately buildings and Churches and amongst the rest is the Church of S. Servino where lyes the bodyes of S. Iacomo the younger and S. Matheo and of San. Tadeo and many other holy Relicks which bodies are put into a silver chest all set with precious stones admirablâ— to behold and in this city is the chief Parliament kept for all the Province of Languedoc being a very Plentifull and cheap place Then to Illa l. 4 Guiron l. 2 Ovicta l. 2 Avos l. 3 Baran l. 5 Monteschio l. 2 Marach l. 2 Malborghet l. 2 Noia l. 2 Molans l. 2 Borgo Alber l. 2 Ortes l. 2 Ponte de Hortes l. 2 Salvatierra l. 3 Zampaleri l. 2 S. Giovan de piede porto l. 3 Roncevaux l. 6 Here you enter into Spaine by Navarre THis Roncevaux is a plaine half a mile every way having hils on every side where Charlemagne King of France and Emperor of Germany fought a battaill with the King of Spaine in which battell the 12 Peares of France were all slaine and much blood sheed on all sides Then to Ponte del Paradiso l. 4 Risogna l. 1 Pampalona a great city and the head of the kingdome of Navarre l. 3 Ponte della ruina l. 5 Lustella l. 4 Orivola l. 2 Larco del Re l. 2 Vincas l. 4 Grogno l. 1 Nanaretta l. 2 Naxera l. 3 S. Domingo de Scalzada l. 4 Grignoto l. 3 Bersecrato l. 3 Villa Franca l. 3 Villa Nova l. 4 Burgos l. 4 This is a most famous city wherein there is a most devout Monastery a very stately Hospital and one of the three Crucifixes made by Nicodemus Then to Fornello l. 2 Fontana l. 3 Castro Soris l. 2 Ponte de Mulla l. 2 Formezza leg. 3 Carion leg 3 Cascadeggia leg. 4 San Giovanni leg. 2 San Fongon leg. 2 Brunello leg. 4 Mausilia leg. 4 Lion de Spagna leg. 3 San Michele leg. 2 Ponte del Acqua leg. 4 Storga leg. 3 Ravanella Montagna leg. 5 Villa nova leg. 4 Sette Moluij leg. 2 Ponserrado leg. 3 Cacanellus leg. 3 Villa Franca leg. 3 Salvaterra leg. 2 Mala fava Montagna leg. 4 Tre Castelli leg. 6 Villa nova leg. 4 Ponte Demin leg. 4 St. Jacomo Novello leg. 4 St. Luner leg. 4 Rozza leg. 3 Compostella leg. 3 This City of Compostella is in the Kingdome of Gallicia in Spain where there is a most fair Church built all with Marble dedicated to St. Iames the great an Apostle and Patron of Spain wherein his body lies and great Indulgences and Pardons are granted to all those that visit the said Church and abundance of Relicks rich set in Silver and Gold which are shown to all that comes to see that place And there is a Pillar of Brasse wherein that Pilgrimes-staffe is kept which St. Iacomâ— used to carry with him when he preached up and down the world which all Pilgrims may touch Likewise there is the Crosse which he carryed about him when he went about to preach Likewise there is a bell which did ring out of it self when he did work that miracle concerning the Cock and Hen which miracle was done at San Domingo de la Calzada and the Cock and Hen are kept there till this day And this is the third Pilgrimage in the world none exceeding saving Rome and Ierusalem And there is a stately Hospitall where Pilgrims and travellers have exceeding good entertainment for meat drink and longing for the space of three dayes The neerest Road-way betwixt Rome and Venice First to Prima Porta miles 7 Then to Castel novo m. 8 Rignano Castello m. 7 Civita Castellava a city m. 7 Before you come to the City of Castellana you passe by the foot of the Mountain of St.
a city m. 18 Thence to London as in Cockermouth way above From Shrewsâ—ury to the city of Coventry and London First to Watling street m. 6 Thence to Shefuaâ— m. 5 Thence to Wolverhampton m. 8 Thence to Bremicham m. 10 Thence to Meriden m 10 Thence to the city of Coventâ—y miles 4 Thence to London as before in Lancaster way From Coventry to Oxford First to Southam m. 14 Then to Banbury m. 10 Thence to Woodstock m. 14 Here is a fair place and Park of the kings From Bristow a city and bishoprick to the Vniversity of Oxford First to Tadbury m. 10 Thence to Cicester m. 12 Thence to Farington m. 14 Thence to Oxford m. 6 From the city of Bristow to Shrewsbury First to Aufer m. 8 Thence to Monmouth m. 10 Thence to the city of Hereford and a bishoprick m. 12 Thence to Lempster m. 12 Thence to Ludlow m. 8 Thence to Shrewsbury m. 20 From Southampton to London First to Twiford m. 8 Thence to Alford m. 8 Thence to Alton m. 7 Thence to Farnam m. 7 Thence to Gilford m 7 Thence to Rippley m. 5 Thence to Cobham m. 5 Thence to Kingston m. 5 Thence to London m. 10 From the city of Chichester a bishoprick to London Go first to Midhurst m. 7 Thence to Chidingford m. 10 Thence to Gilford m. 8 Thence to London as in Southampton way From York to Shrewsbury First to Wetherby m. 7 Thence to Otely m. 12 Thence to Bradford m. 6 Thence to Halifax m. 6 Thence to Blackstonedge m. 6 Thence to Rochadale m. 6 Thence to Manchester m. 8 Thence to Norwich m. 16 Thence to Bâ—estonwood m. 6 and so forwards From London to Winsor by Branford m. 19. Winsor Castle is a stately palace of the Kings where he installs all the Knights of the Garter and there are maintained 12. poor Gentlemen or souldiers which are called the poor Kâ—ighâ—s of Winsor having good allowance as the old souldiers of the Charter-house and rather better a mile off is Eaton Colledge the Nursery of Humanity and thence they go to Oxford and Cambridge as Westminster schollers do Winsor is a brave place and hath great store of Parks and a brave forrest about it and you may go to it by Kingston which is 10 miles from London and two miles beyond it is Hampton Court a stately palace of his Majâ—sties worth ones sight and five milâ—s beyond is Oatlands another house of pleasure of his Majesties and thence you may go to Winsor which is some 7 or 8 miles further In the way from London to Dover I would not have the stranger neglect the sight of the Kings Navie and the great ship there being not the like in the world which â—leet lyes at Chattam two miles from the city of Rochester and Dover Castle is worth the viewing and thence you may go over seas to France Much more might have been said but because of brevity sake I omit it Vale FINIS Imprimatur THO. WYKES MARCH 23. 1639. Here is a stately Pallace and a magnificent Church anciently belonging to the Duke thereof but of late is falne to the Church Note that a German league is 4. English miles Padoua the famousest Vniversity in all Italy for Physitians * The last generall Councell was kept at Trent * Vienna where the Emperor of Germany keeps his court The mount of Tarara is dangerous to pass for feare of theeves * Perona the last city in France * The first ciâ—y in the entry of Flanders * The Court of Flanders * A city in Flanders * The chiefe city in the kingdome of Aragon in Spaiâ—e * One of the chiefest Cities in Spaine for traffick for all Nations The best horses in Spain * The chiefest city of the Kingdome Portugall * Chief city of the kingdom of Navar * The Duke of Sayoys Court * The great robbing place in France * Or Luer * Nanze in Britany a Sea-port Fabulous stories of the Lady of Loreto
THE EVROPEAN MERCURY Describing the High-wayes and Stages from place to place through the most remarkable parts of Christendome With a Catalogue of the principall Fairs Marts and Markets thorowout the same By I. W. Gent Usefull for all Gentlemen who delight in seeing forraign Countries and instructing Merchants where to meet with their conveniences for trade London Printed by I. R. for H. Twyfords and are to be sold at the three Daggers in Fleet-street neer the Inner Temple gate 1641. To the WORSHIPFVLL Robert Tracy Esq Coronet of Horsemen to the Right Honorable Edward Viscount Conoway Lord Generall of the Horse SIR AS your worth is known in many parts here at home so from many parts abroad MERCVRY is come to be known of you It was the prime praise of Vlisses that he had seen many Cities and known the manners or mindes of many men If there be any true content and pleasure of the minde here on earth it is gained in travell and the view of variety of places beside those brave spirits that love to see the world abroad are of another mould than our dull drones that keep their homes and their hives and except smoked out will scarce flye over to the next field when the other imitating the celestiall bodies as Lipsius saith Gaudent motu delight in motion and bring home the sweet honey of Experience whereby they become most usefull above any other to their King and Country I shall not need to touch the manifold use of Travell or relate that unto you which you know above many others being as one said of Hermogenes Senex in ipsa juventute endued with vertuous and many excellent parts above your years I dare not be over tedious or troublesome onely I desire you would be pleased to entertain our MERCVRY with no other respect and good will than he in all love and duty tenders himself and his service unto you Your most devoted and obliged James Wadsworth To the Right Honoroble Noble and Worshipfull the Nobility and Gentry of England addicted to History or Travell R. Honorable I Intreate you to accept of this Dedication it being for the good of all those that have travelled or desire to travell for the one it will instruct and to the other it will be necessary for the helpe of his memory Look not on the smalnesse of the gift but on the good will and affection wherewith I have translated it out of Italian into English hereunto having also added many notes and observations of my last travels which I made these last two yeeres through Spaine Italy and France The work I dare not say deserves your protection it being a greater token of Nobility in you to patronize with your greatnes that which is mean in it selfe than only to be favourable where merit may challenge liberality yet the work is necessary for all this Kingdome rich or poore traveller or not traveller wherein they may al benefit themselves it serving for a guide to those that go abroad and a Map for those at home So I humbly take my leave desiring the Almighty to blesse and prosper you and conclude with this Spanish Adage or Proverbe Lo que mata auno sana a otro and say to the Critique that shall condemne that which he cannot mend himselfe That which is one mans meat is another mans poyson Let the more judicious judge vale Your Honors in all service J. W. The Translator to the Reader HAving in my last travels at Venice found a Book in Italian descrying tâ—e publique roade wayes through the principallest parts of Europe composed by three brethren of the most Illustrious Marquesse of Cravesana in Italy I thought good by the advice of some Noble personages to translate it into English adding thereunto mine owne experience for the generall good of this my native Countrey and because the Reader should not mistake any thing in it I have here set downe some few observations and directions for his more easier understanding of it Imprimis let him note that the stages beginning at Rome and continuing thence to Bruxells or Paris you must take them backward beginning at Bruxells or Paris and so to Rome Item note that there is in many places put nowne 8 miles for 9 and the like is done in leagues and in other places 9 miles for 8 the reason is that it is not yet decided among them whether it be 8 or 9 miles and so of the leagues for some say one thing some another as some will say it is 8 long miles and others will say it is 9 short miles wherefore this needs not trouble the traveller there never being in a dayes journey above a mile or two different in their opinions Item note that every Towne is written in his owne naturall language and after the Italian Pronounciation which is the easiest for the English to pâ—onounce or learne As for Example Sivill a City in Spaine the Italian write it Siguilla and the Spaniard Sevilla and so Madril the Italian writeth it Madrith and the Spaniard Madrid I shall not here need to treat of the manifold and excellent use of Travaile to understanding spirits who as Lipsius truly saith like the heavenly Spheares delight in motion whiâ—est the others tanquam affixi suo solo love to keepe their station who knowetâ— not how the greatest Philosophers as Aristotle Plato and the rest with the best Mathematicians and Physitians and in a word the most usefull to their Countrey have beene travellers So intreating the Reader to pardon what he shall see aâ—isse and gently to correct the errors if he finde any I rest vale Your devout friend to do his Countrey and Country-men service I. W. Quicupis Europae Lector percurrere fines A patria tut as minus ire vias Dux hic noster erit paruus miâ—i Crede liâ—ellus Quem tibi conquiras aere perexiguo Thou that wouldst knowledge and experience gaine By travelling France Italy Spain With other parts be Mercury thy guide And censure when his Journall thou hast try'd This winged Poste that leadeth to all parts Will guide thee to most Fayres Staples and Marts To Academes the nurseries of Arts The goodly Townes of Florence Rome and Naples That when thou art returned thou maist say Thankes to thy guide and never grudge his pay Stage from Paris to London by the way of Dover FRom Paris to Saint Dennis being Leagues 2. I could relate the populousnesse and magnificence of the most stately Citie of France Paris but that it is most accurately set forth by many Authors likewise I could set forth the particulars of the Abby of Saint Dennis where the Kings of France doe lye intumb'd and treate of the reliques and riches thereof but that divers able Authors have already performed the same From S. Dennis to S. Cleare 2. Stag leg. 5. From St Cleare to Cleeremoone 3. Stages leg. 7. From Cleeremoone to Bretalia 3. Stages leg. 7. From Bretalia to
Amiens 3 Stages leg. 7. From Amiens to Abervile 4. Stages leg. 10. From Ab. to Mountrell 4 Stages leg. 10. From Mount to Bulloine 3 Stages leg. 7. From Bull to Callis 3 Stages leg. 7. From Callis to Dover by Sea m. 22. From Dover to Canterbury m. 14. From Canterbury to Settingborow m. 12. From Settingborow to Rochester m. 12. From Rochest to Dertford m. 12. From Dertford to London m. 12. From Paris to London by the way of Rye From Paris to Pontwaize 3 Stages leg. 7. From Pontw to Mennie 3 Stages leg. 7. From Mannie to Eque 3 Stages leg. 7. From Eque to Rhoan leg. 6. From Rhoan to Tote leg. 6. From Tote to Deepe leg. 6. From Deepe in Normandy by Sea to Rye leg. 30. From Rye to the Redhouse m. 18. From the Redhouse to Cheapstead m. 18. From Cheapstead to London m. 18. The Preface to the Reader OBserve diligent Reader thou that wouldest travell and desirest to know the Road way through all Christendome that in this small volume I have described and named the most part of all the stages now in use throughout most parts of the world commonly called in Italian Posta per posta viz. that is to say from stage to stage and from place to place with the distance of the miles from the one to the other with the names of the Cities Lordships Castles Markets towns and Innes where the postouses are kept in Italy and out of Italy France Spaine Portugall Flanders Vienna and Germany Kingdome of Naples Messina Puglia and the land of Otranto and divers other parts in Italy and Christendome beginning at the City of Rome and from thence from place to place as this Booke doth set forth whereunto is added an Index or Table for the Reader or curious Traveller with more ease to finde out the said places which is a thing very pleasant for those that desires to know the Road-wâ—yes thorowout Christendome and much more pâ—ofitable and necessary for him that shall make use hereof in his travell as also by the reading hereof he shall finde divers remarkable notes and observations of the chief and principall Cities of Italy and other Countreyes THE STAGES AND POSTS FROM ROME TO BOLONIABY THE WAY OF SIENA AND FLORENCE Note Reader that the Originall of this Book being fiâ—st Printed in Italian begins the Stages from Rome to all other places Therefore now we begin at Rome FRom Rome to Isola the first Stage which is but an Inn M. 9. From thence to Baccano a Village m. 7. Then to Mounterosia Vi lage m. 6. Ronciglione a Castle m. 8. Viterbo a Citie m. 10. Montefiascone an ancient Citie m. 8. St Lawrence a Castle m. 9. Ponte-centino a Vil. m. 8. Paglia a Village m. 9. Scala an Inn m. 8. Torineri a Village m. 8. Lusignano a Castle m. 8. Siena a Citie m. 8. Stagia a Castle m. 9. Tavernelle a Village m. 8. St Cassiano a Castle m. 8. Florence a Citie m. 9. Vaglia or good Fountaine an Inn m. 9. Scarpiera a Castle m. 8. Rifreddo a Village m. 7. Pietra mala a Village m. 7. Lojano a Village m. 8. Pianora a Village m. 8. Bologna the chiefest Citie in Romania in Italy m. 9. Numb. of Stages 24. Another Rode or Post way from Rome to Bollonia through the Province of Romania FIrst to Prima Porta an Inne m. 7. Then to Castelnovo a Castle m. 7. Then to Rignano a Castle m. 7. Then to Civita castellana a Citie m. 9. Here is a Ferry over to passe the River Tibur Then to Otricoli a Castle m. 8. Narni a City m. 7. Terni a City m. 7. Strettura an Inn. m. 8. Proto Castello m. 7. Santo Horatio an Inne m. 8. Ponte centesimo a Village m. 8. Nocera a Citie m. 7. Gualdo a Castle m. 8. Sigillo a Castle m. 7. Lâ— Sceggia a Castle m. 7. Cantiano a Castle m. 8. Aâ—qua lagna a Village m. 8. Urbino a Citie m. 7. Foglia an Inne m. 8. Moâ—tâ—fiore a Castle m. 8. Coriano a Castle m. 8. Rimini a Citie m. 10. Sanignano a Cast. m. 9. Cosena a City m. 10. Furli a Citie m. 10. Faeâ—za a Citie m. 10. Imola a Citie m. 10. Saâ— Nicolo a Castle m. 10. Bologna a Citie m. 9. Number 29. Another Rode from Rome to Trent and Brussels in Flanders by the way of Augusta and Spira two Cities in Germany FIrst to Isola an Inne m. 9. Then to Baccano m. 7. Then to Mounterosi a Village m. 6. Ronciglione a Castle m. 8. Viterbo a Citie m. 10. Montefiascone a Citie m. 8. San Lorenzo a Castle m. 9. Ponte Centino a Village m. 8. Paglia a Village having a River running by it m. 8. Scala an Inne m. 8. Tornieri a Village m. 8. Lusignano a Castle m. 8. Siena a Citie m. 8. Stagia a Castle m. 9. Tavernelle a Village m. 8. St Cassiano a Castle m. 9. Florenâ—a a Citie m. 8. Vaglia or good Fountaine an Inne m. 9. Scarperia a Castle m. 8. Rifredo a Village m. 7. Pietra mala a Village m. 7. Loiano a Village m. 8. Pianora a Village m. 8. Bologna a Citie m. 7. Lavino a Village m. 9. Crocetta a Village m. 10. Bon Porto an Inne m. 9. Here to passe a Ferry Then to San Martino Village m. 8. Concordia a Village m. 9. Alpo an Inne m. 9. Here to passe a Ferry Then to San Benedetto a Priory m. 12. Mantona a most beautifull Citie m. 10. Rover bella a Village m. 12. Castel novo a Castle m. 9. Volarni a Village m. 9. Albo or Alborghetto Vil. m. 10. Rovere a Castle m. 10. Trento a Citie m. 12. This Citie divides Italy and Germany wherof half to Italy and halfe to Germany wherein the Councell of Trent was kept Then to San Michele a Vil. Leg. 2. Egna a Castle l. 2. Bronzollo l. 2. Bolsan and Ket a Towne and a most beautifull place in regard of the scituation l. 3. Vernol or Chelcheles a Villages l. 1. Colmar a Village l. 2. Brenaxon a Citie l. 2. Montifol or Metibolstecia l. 2. Sterzingh a faire Cast. l. 2. Montagna a or Prenner a village leg. 2. Stonack a village leg. 1. Mattera or Semporech an Inne leg. 3. Isporch a city leg. 2. Retuan an Inne leg. 3. Menigen or Parvisi a village leg. 3. Forestan a Castle leg. 3. Larmes a village leg. 3. Esperge or Chiusa an Inne leg. 2. Fiessâ—u a Castle leg. 2. Forstat an Inne leg. 2. Purch a town leg. 1. Tiessen a towne leg. 1. Vilfach a towne leg. 3. Mercausen a towne leg. 3. Augusta or Aspurgh a city leg. 3. Urbach a towne leg. 3. Sepach a towne leg. 3. Gempug a towne leg. 3. â—ligen or Eligen a town l. 2. Eberstat a towne leg. 3. Alestat a Castle leg. 7. Ebarspack a village leg. 2 â—erranc a Towne leg. 2. Consta a Towne leg. 2 Niztigen a towne leg. 3. Cintungh a towne leg. 2. Brussâ—ll a village leg. 3. Renhausen and