King Edw. 4. and lyeth buried under a fair Monument in the Cathedral of VVorcester Edmund Dudley Esq was Son to John Dudley Esq second Son to John Sutton first Baron of Dudley though he was slandered by some as being the Son of a Carpenter He Married the Daughter and Heir of the Visc Lisle Being bred in the Study of the Laws he was made one of Puisne Judges and wrote an excellent book Entitled the Tree of the Common VVealth He was employed by K. Henry 7. to put his Penal Statutes in Execution which he did with severity cruelty and extortion K. Henry 8. resigned this Dudley and Sir Richard Empson his Partner to Justice so that they were made a Peace-Offering to popular anger 1510 being Executed at Tower-Hill Sir Thomas Bromley Knight was an 1. Mary made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench holding his place hardly a year Souldiers Jo. Bromley Esq branched from the Bromleys in Shropshire was born at Bromley He recovered the English Standard which was taken by the French at the battle near Corby in France In reward of his Valour King Henry 5. whose Arms he had followed in France made him a Knight Batchelor Captain of Dampfront and great Constable of Bossevile le Ross in France and granted by Letters Patent 40 pounds in Land a year to him and his Heirs Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier having on the same account conferred on him a yearly Pension of 40 pound during his life Sir John dyed about the middle of the Reign of Hen. 6. John Dudley Duke of Northumberland Son to Edward Dudley Esq and would willingly be reputed of this County a descendant from the Lord Dudley therein He was a proper wise and valiant Man and generally till his last project prosperous But he was also notoriously wanton intolerably ambitious a constant dissembler prodigiously profuse so that he had sunk his Estate had he not met with a seasonable support of Abbey-Land King Henry 8. first Knighted him then Created him Visc Lisle Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland Under Queen Mary he contrived the setling of the Crown on Queen Jane his Daughter in Law for which Treason he was Executed an 1. Mary much bemoaned by Martial Men whom he had formerly endeared in his good service in the French and Scotish Wars He left two Sons who survived to great Honour Ambrose Earl of Warwick Heir to all that was good and Robert Earl of Leicester Heir to all that was great in his Father The Bagnols or Bagenhalts were formerly a Family of such remark in this County that before the Reign of Hen. 8. there scarce passed an ancient Evidence which is not attested by one of that Name And having for a time sunk into a low condition was afterwards restored to their genuine Lustre when Ralph and Nicholas Sons to John Bagnol of Newcastle in this County were both Knighted for their good service the one in Mussleborough Field the other in Ireland Their Sons Samuel and Henry were for their Martial merit advanced to the same degree Seamen William Minors Son to Richard Gent. of Hallenbury-Hall was born at Vttoxater who afterwards coming to London became so prosperous a Mariner that he hath safely returned eleven times from the East-Indies and now peaceably enjoyeth what he painfully hath gotten living in or near Hartford at this present year 1660. Writers John Stafford a Franciscan born in Stafford wrote a Latine History of England about 1380. W. de Lichfield D. D. and Rector of All-hallowes the Great in Thames-street London a Learned and Godly Man wrote many Books one Entituled The complaint of God unto sinful men There were found in his Study after his death 3083 Sermons of his own Writing He dyed an 1447. and was buried in the Quire of his own Church Robert Whittington born at Lichfield was an indifferent but conceited Grammarian He coped with W. Lillie and others in comparison of whom he was but a crackling Thorn Since the Reformation Henry Stafford Baron of Stafford was Son to Edw. Duke of Buckingham beheaded under K. Hen. 8. The Barony descended unforfeited to this Henry placed here not as a trans but a Cis-Reformation-man for translating the Book of Dr. Fox Bishop of Hereford a favourer of Luther into English Of the difference of the Power Ecclesiastical and Secular He dyed 1558 some Months before the beginning of Q. Elizabeth Sampson Erderswik Esq born at Sandon of Ancient and Worshipful Extraction was a Gentleman accomplished with all Noble Qualities Affability Devotion and Learning Being a great Antiquary he began a description Eâ—tituled a View of Stafford-shire an 1â—93 which hath directed me in matters of difficulty relating to 〈◊〉 County He repaired and new glazed the Church of Sandon wherein he Erected a Monument for himself with his Statue in Stone and lyeth now Interred dying April 11 1603. Of him Mr. Cambden sayes Venerandae Antiquitatis fuit Cultor Maximus Thomas Allen descended from Allanus de Buckenhole Lord of Buckenhole in the Reign of Edw. 2. was bred in Glocester-Hall in Oxford a most excellent Mathematician where he succeeded to the skill and scandal of Frier Bacon as accounted a Conjurer He was much in favour with Robert Earl of Leicester His Writings are detained in some private hands He dyed towards the end of K. James Edward Leigh of Rushwel-Hall Esq alive wrote Critica Sacâ—a with many other worthy Works which will make his judicious Industry known to Posterity Elias Ashmole Esq alive born in Litchfield a great Antiquary Chymist Herauld Mathematician John Lightfoot D. D. alive hath deserved well of the Churches of England for his exact insight in Hebrew and Rabbinical Learning Romish Exile Writers W. Gifford an extract of the Family of Chillington was a man of much motion Being bred in Oxford he went over to Lovain where he became B. D. whence going to Paris he was highly prized by H. Duke of Guise who made him Arch-Bishop of Rhemes and the Cardinal his Brother who gave him a Pension of 200 Crowns a year He became afterwards Dean of St. Pet. the Isle in Rome then Rector of the University of Rhemes and at last a Benedictine at Delaware in Lorain He founded a Convent for English Monks at St. Mallower in France and another at Paris for those of the same Profession He was alive 1611. Benefactors to the Publick Sir Stephen Jennings Lord Mayor of London built a fair School at Wolver-Hampton Another being erected by Mr. Tho. Allen at Vtceter Martin Noel Esq born in Stafford bred Scrivener in London built and largely endowed an Hospital in the Town of his Nativity the first considerable Fabrick of that kind in this County Memorable Persons Tho. Tarlton born at Condover in Shropshire Here he was in the Field keeping his Fathers Swine when a Servant of Robert Earl of Leicester passing this way was so highly pleased with his odd Answers that he brought him to Court where he became the most famous Jester
of Meux in Berry Sir Adrian Fortescue Porter of Calice came over with Hen 7. by whom he was Created Knight Banneret Sir Hen Fortescue was Lord Chief Justice of Ireland highly esteemed for his many Vertues especially for his Sincerity in so tempting a place Sir Lewis Pollard of Kings Nimet Serj. of Law and one of the Judges of the Kings Bench in the time of H. 8. was a Man of singular Knowledge and worth He had by his Lady Eliz. 11. Sons whereof four were Knighted viz. Sir John of Ford Sir Richard and Sir George All the rest especially John Arch-Deacon of Sarum were well Advanced and 11. Daughters Married to the most Potent Families in this County so that by this Match almost all the Ancient Gentry in this County are allied This Memorable Knight dyed An. 1540. Sir Jo. Doderidge bred in Oxf. a General Scholar was second Justice of the Kings Bench. His Soul consisted of two Essentials Ability and Integrity holding the Scale of Justice with a steady Hand He is Famous for the Expression That as Old and infirm as he was he would go to Tyburn on Foot to see such a Man hang'd that should proffer Money for a place of Judicature it being necessary that those who buy such Offices by whole Sale should sell Justice by Retail to make themselves Savers He was commonly called The Sleeping Judge because he would sit on the Bench with his Eyes shut a Posture of attention He dyed leaving no issue 1628. and was interred in our Lady's Chappel in Exeter This County for Lawyers is next to Norfolk Three Serjeants were made at one time Serj. Glanvil Sen. Dew and Harris of whom it was said One gained One spent and One gave as much as the other Two The Town Tavistock furnisheth the Bar at this time with a Constellation of Pleaders wherein the biggest Stars are Serj. Glanvil and Serjeant Maynard Souldiers Sir Rich. Greenvil Knight lived and was Richly Landed at Bediford He was one of the 12 Peers who Accompanied Rob. Fitz-Haimon in his Famous Expedition against the Welsh and received in his Partage when the Conquered Country was divided good Land at Neath in Glamorganshire But he bestowed all his Military Acquests in Founding and Endowing a Monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary at Neath for Cistertians He afterwards lived at Bediford under the Reign of W. Rufus 1100. and may seem to have Entailed Valour on his Name and still Flourishing Posterity Ja. Lord Audley had his principal Mansion at Barstable Famous for his Valour at the Battle of Poictiers in Fr. where the Black Prince rewarded him with a yearly Pension of 500 Marks which he gave to his four Esquires having as he said received this Honour by their means For which he begged the Prince's Pardon because he gave it away without his License and withal represented to him the Merit of his Esquires and his Resolutions to spend his own Estate in the Prince's Service The Prince Extolling his Bounty as well as Valour raised his former Pension into 1000 Marks This Noble Lord dyed about the beginning of King Rich. 2. Th. Stuckley was a younger Brother of an Ancient and Worshipful Family near Illfracombe One of good parts but great Ambition Having spent his Patrimony and undertaking the Plantation of Florida he blushed not to tell Queen Eliz. That he preferred rather to be Soveraign of a Mole-hill then the highest Subject to the greatest King in Christendom and that he was assured he should be a Prince before his Death I hope said the Queen I shall hear from you when you are Stated in your Principality I will Write unto you quoth Stuckley 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 he went into Ireland where missing the Preferment he expected he went over with a Treacherous Intent into Italy There he wrought himself with incredible Dexterity into the very Bosom of Pope Pius 5. Vaunting that with 3000 Souldiers he could beat all the English out of Ireland The Pope loading him with the Titles of Bar. of Ross Visc Murrough Earl of Wexford Marq. of Lemster furnished him with 800 Souldiers paid by the King of Spain for the Irish Expedition but Stuckley chose rather to Accompany Sebastian King of Portugal with two Moorish Kings into Africa where behaving himself valiantly with his 800 Men in the Battle of Alcaser he was slain An. 1578. In vain he had given good Counsel to these Furious Kings to refresh their faint Souldiers before the Fight for rushing on after their first Landing they buried themselves together in the same Ruin A fatal Fight wherein one Day was slain Three Kings that were and One that would be fain Geo. Monk highly descended Commenced Captain in the Martial Vniversity in the Low Countries noâ— per Salâ—um but from a private Souldier Being Governour of Scotland no Power or Policy of O. C. could fright him thence from which as a Castle he took the Prospect of our English Affairs He perceived that since the Martyrdom of King Charles several sorts of Government like the Sons of Jesse before Samuel passed before the English People but neither God nor our Nation had chosen them He resolved therefore to send for the Heroick David out of a Forraign Field as well assured that the English Loyalty would never be at rest till fixed in the Center thereof He secured Scotland in faithful Hands to have all his Foes before his Face and entreth England with a strong Army in Reputation consisting of excellent Foot but Lean tired Horse compleated by the Wise Conduct of their General The Loyal English did rather Gaze on then pray for him as ignorant of his intentions the private Man as the Apostle observes not knowing how to say Amen to what is spoken in an unknown Language Now began the English to be sensible that they were deluded with the Pretences of Religion and Liberty into Atheisme and Vassalage and therefore Remonstrating their Grievances they refused farther payment of Taxes Lambert cometh forth of Lond. abounding more with outward Advantages then General Monk wanted Dragon-like he breathed out nought but Fire and Fury chiefly against the Church and Clergy But he met with a St. George who struck him neither with Sword nor Spear but gave his Army a mortal wound without wounding it his Souldiers dwindled away and Lambert was too Weak to stop them The Hinder-part of the Parl. plyed the General with many Addresses He returned an Answer neither granting nor denying their desires giving them hope too little to trust yet too much to distrust him He was an absolute Riddle and no Ploughing with his Heifer to Expound him Indeed had he appeared what he was he had never been what he is a Deliverer of his Country But such must be as Dark as Midnight who mean to Atchieve Actions as bright as Noon-day After he had pulled down the
born at and a Monk in Girway now Yarrow the most General Scholar of that Age expounded almost all the Bible Translated the Psalms and New-Testament into English and lived a Comment upon those Words Shining as a Light in the World c. Phil. 2.15 Credible Authors report he never went out of his Coll. tho both Cambridge and Rome pretend to his Habitation He dyed An. 734. and his Corps was removed to Durham Confessors Jo. Wickliffe published Opinions distasteful to the Church of Rome and wrote 200 Volumns besides his Translation of the Bible into English Having suffered much Persecution from the Popish Clergy after a long Exile he return'd in safety and dyed at his Living at Lutterworth in Leicestershier An. 1387. His Bones were taken up and burnt 42 years after his Death Prelates I shall begin with four Nevils of Honourable Extraction 1. Ralph Nevil born at Raby Lord Chanc. under King Hen. 3. and Bishop of Chichester 1223. built a fair House for himself and his Successors in Chancery-lane in Lond. which House is since called from the Earl of Lincoln once possessor therereof Lincolns-Inn He was chosen afterwards Arch-bishop of Cant. but the Pope stopped his Consecration as being apt to dissuade King Hen. from paying the Pension granted to his Holiness by King John Then being elected Bishop of Winch. he was obstructed by the King He built St. Michaels Chapple without the East-gate of Chichester and dyed at Lond. 1244. 2. Alex Nevil 3 d. Son of Ralph Lord Nevil born at Raby was Arch-bishop of York where he beautified Cawood Castle Being Loyal to R. 2. he was forced for Protection to flee to Pope Vrban who Translated him to St. Andrews in Scotland But this Nevil chose rather to be Minister at Lovaine where he dyed 3. Rob. Nevil sixth Son of Ralph first Earl of Westmerland by Joan his Wife Daughter of Jo. of Gaunt was Bishop of Sarisbury An. 6. Hen. 6. 1427. He founded a Convent at Sunning in Barkshire From Sarisbury he was Translated to Durham where he built the Exchequer at the Castle-gate and added in allusion to his 2 Bishopricks 2 Annulets to his Arms. He dyed An. 1457. 4. Geo. Nevil fourth Son to Rich. Earl of Salisbury was born at Middleham and consecrated Bishop of Exeter when he was not as yet 20 years of Age and five years after was made Lord Chancellor of England and aftewards Arch-bishop of York making a prodigious Feast at his Installing yet at last falling into the displeasure of E. 4. he was slenderly dieted not to say Famished in the Castle of Calis for after his enlargement he dyed Heart-broken at Blyth and was buried in the Cathedral of York 476. There was another Nevil Brother to Alexander who was chosen Bishop of Ely but dyed before Consecration Since the Reformation Rob. Horn bred in St. Johns 〈…〉 E. 6. made Dean of Durham 〈…〉 he became head of the Episcopal 〈…〉 in Germ. Returning into England 〈…〉 of Winch. 1560. A worthy Man 〈…〉 Papists and Sectaries who sported 〈…〉 and twitted his Person as Dwarfâ—◠〈…〉 Case when they were not able to find 〈…〉 Jewel Whatever his Mould might 〈…〉 of good Metal as being of a Sprightâ—u◠〈…〉 Wit He dyed 1589. Jo. Cosen was born in Norwich one 〈…〉 are sufficiently made known in his 〈…〉 Great his Constancy in Religion thâ— he was â—â—â—â—der'd by some silly people as declining 〈…〉 Religion As for his urging of some 〈…〉 made his Purgation effectually clearing himself from the least Imputation of any Fault yea whilst in France he was the Atlas of the Prot. Religion supporting the same with his Piety and Learning and daily adding Proselytes not of the meanest Rank thereunto Since the Kings Restauration he was preferred Bishop of Durham When some Propositions of the Pope in favour of Protestants were made mention of by one in his presence he said We thank him not at all for which God hath always allowed us in his Word for he would grant it so long as it stood with his Policy and take it away so soon as it stood with his Power Civilians Rob. Cosen Dr. of Law was born at Hartly Poole His Father a Person of Quality a valiant Captain in Mussâ—lborough field was drowned in the River Tweed Richard at 12 years of Age was admitted into Tâ—â—n Coll. in Camb. He became a General Scholar Geometrician Musitian Physician Divine but chiefly Civil and Canon Lawyer He was Chancellor of Worcester then Dean of the Arches He defended the High Commission and Oath ex Officio against a Book called the Abstract which one observed was abstracted from all Wit Learning and Charity Some laid to his Charge that he gave many Blank Licences for Marriage whereas there was but one which a Fugitive Servant stole from the Register He had according to his Wish a sweet and quiet departure and his laâ—â— Words to his Friends were Remember your Mortality and eternal Life He gave 40 l. to the building of a Chamber in Trin. Coll. and 15 l. a year for the maintainance of two Scholarships therein On him these Verses were made by the University of Camb. Magna deos inter lis est exorta creatas Horum qui lites Dirimit ille deest Cosinum petiere Dii Componere tantus Lites quod vere jure peritus erat Writers Jo. of Darlington Confessor to Hen. 3. and Archbishop of Dublin and Collector of the Pope's Peter-pence through Ireland wrote many Books and dyed in Lond. 1284. Will. Siveyar in lat Severus born at Shinkley was Son to a Sive-maker was Bishop of Carlile 1496. and Translated to Durham He dyed An. 1505. Note Sir Empson was also the Son of a Sive-maker and his Contemporary Since the Reformation Th. Jackson bred in Oxf. where falling into the River he was taken up for dead by some Fisher-men who were rewarded with a Revenue during his life He was chosen President of Corp. Christi-Coll where he dyed 1640. He was a Pious Man profound Writer and painful Preacher Sam. Ward born at Bishops-Middleham Mr. of Sidney-Coll in Camb. was imprisoned in the late times before which he was counted a Puritan and Popish whilst those days lasted yet was he a true Protestant at all times He dyed An. 1643. Memorable Persons Anth. Lord Gray Earl of Kent Son of Geo. Gray Esquire was born at Branspath He studied Divinity and became Rector of Burbach in Leicestershire And upon the Death of Hen. Earl of Kent his Kinsman the Inheritance and Honour descended upon him Yet after that he abated nothing in the constancy of his Preaching but improved that accession of Greatness to make his Goodness the more Illustrious When Summoned as a Peer to Parl. he excused himself by reason the indisposition of his Age. By Magdal Puresoy his Wife he had Hen. the 9 th Earl of Kent He dyed An. 164 In this County the Bishop is Sheriff Paramount whose Deputy never accounts in the Exchequer but makes up his Audit to
Woodvill or Wydevill born at Grafton bred in then Chanc. of Oxford was made B. of Salisbury 1482. His Memory is supported rather by the Buttresses of his great Relations than the Foundation of his own Deserts For he was Son to Jaquet Dutchess of Bedford and Rich. Wydevill Earl of Rivers Brother to Elizabeth Queen of England and Brother in Law to Edward 4. Heart-broken with grief with the Tragedies he beheld in his own Family caused by the Cruelty of King Richard 3. he died about 1484. Since the Reformation Ja. Montague Son to Sir Rich. Knight was born at Boughton bred in Christ-college in Cambridge was after Mr. of Sidney-college which he freed from a debt of 20 l. yearly payable to Trin. College He expended 100 Marks to bring running water into the Kings-ditch in Cambridge He was afterwards Bishop of Bath and Wells then of Winchester being highly in favour with King James whose Works he translated into Latin He died 1618 and lyeth buried in the Church of Bath Fr. Godwin Son to Th. Bishop of Bath and Wells was born at Hanningham 1561. and became D. D. in Christs-Church in Oxford Sub-Dean of Exeter and afterwards Bishop of Landaffe An. 40 Eliz. 1601. He was a good Man grave Divine skilfull Mathematician pure Latinist and incomparable Historian to whose painful Endeavors the whole Church Militant is much beholding He was translated by King James to Hereford and died in the Reign of King Charles An. 162 Jo. Owen born at Burton Latimers where his Father was Minister was bred in Jesus-College in Cambridg where he commenced D. D. and was Chaplain to King Charles whilst he was a Prince King Charles being troubled with 2 Competitors advanced this modest Doctor to the Bishoprick of St. Asaph to end the contest He outlived his Vote in Parliament and survived to see all Contempt cast on his Order which he bare with Moderation and died 164 ... Rob. Skinner D. D. born at Pisford and bred in Oxford became a Preacher in London and Dean of Hence he was preferred Bishop of Brist then of Oxford and is still and long may he be living Statesmen Sir Christopher Hatton born at Holdenby of an ancient Family was beloved of the Queen for his handsom Dancing better for his Proper Person and best of all for his Abilities The Queen at last preferred him Lord Chancellor of England He by his Power and Prudence convinced some sullen Serjeants who thought him not throughly learned in the Laws of their Errours and his own Abilities His Zeal for the Discipline of the Church of England gave the first being to a scandalous report that he was Popishly affected It brake his heart that the Queen rigorously demanded the present Payment of some Arrears and falling into a mortal Disease he could not be recovered by the Queens broth 's which some affirm her Majesty brought to him with her own hands He died 1591. and was buried in the Quire of St. Paules Sir W. Fitz-Williams born at Milton married the Sister of Sir Henry Sidney Lord Dep. of Ireland where himself was 5 times Dep. and when Walt. Earl of Essex was sent over Governour of Vlster he took his Commission from this Sir W. then Lord Dep. He was Serviceable towards the reduction of that Kingdom in raising a Composition in Munster and in setling the Possessions of the Lords and Tenants in Monohan His Vigilancy was most conspicuous in 88. when the routed Armado in its return dared not to land in Ireland except against their Wills when driven by tempest when they found the Shore worse than the Sea unto them Some impute the Irish Rebellion which afterwards brake out to this Deputies Severity in imprisoning suspected Persons for concealed Spanish Goods tho this gave only the Irish a Mantle for their intended Wickedness He died An. 15. Sir Isaack Wake honorably descended was bred in Oxford where he was Orator of the Univ. He was afterwards Secretary to Sir Dudley Charleton Secretary of State and from his was advanced into the Kings service and employed Ambassadour to Venice where he neglected his own Commodity to attend his Majesties Imployment the reason that he died only rich to his own Conscience He was afterwards appointed Leiger for France and designed Secretary of State had not Death prevented him at Paris He was accomplished with all Qualifications requisite for publick Employment King Charles allowed the Expences for his Funeral and at his Majesties Command his Corps was brought over to England and buried in the Castle of Dover An. 16 Capital Judges and Writers on the Law Martin de Pateshull was made Justice of the Common Pleas An. 1. H. 3. He was 4th Dean of St. Pauls Sir Tho. Billing dwelt at Ashwell was made Chief Justice of the Kings Bench An. 6. E 4. Whose Lands have since by the Lovils descended to the Shirlies He married for his 2d Wife Mary Daughter and Heir of Robert Nosenham of Conington in Hunt the Relict of W. Cotten whose Issue possess her Inheritance at this day and she lyeth entombed in Westminster Sir W. Catesbye whose Family flourished at Ashby St. Leger was advanced by W. Lord Hastings into the Notice and Favour of Richard 3. tho ill requiting it when betraying him who caused his Preferment He was a man well Learned in the Laws of the Land and sure great pity it was that he had not had more Truth or less Wit He was eminently all Officers in every Court of Judicature Witness the Libell which Collingborn made and which cost him his Life for the same The Rat and the Cat and Lovel the Dog Do Govern all England under the Hog He died probably before the end of R. 3. Sir Richard Empson another Catesbye was eminent for having odious for abusing his skill in the Law active for his Prince injurious to the People He was Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster and from a Sieve-maker's Son at Towceter in this County where he was born came to sift the Estates of the wealthiest Men in England For Henry 7. vexed that he had refused Columbus his proffer whereby the West Indies fortunately discovered fell to Ferd. King of Spain resolved to discover Indies in England and to this purpose made Empson Promoter General to press the Penal Statutes all over the Land Impowred hereby this prolling Knight did grind the faces of the Rich and Poor bringing the grist thereof to the K. and keeping the Toll thereof to himself whereby he advanced a vast Estate which now with himself is reduced to nothing He united the Houses of York and Lanc. in the Kings Coffers taking notice of no person for his good service but making all equally obnoxious to Forfeitures This Empson scoffingly demanding of a Judicial Astrologer in Warw. When the Sun would change Even then said the Astrologer when such a wicked Lawyer as you go to Heaven In the beginning of H. 8. he was beheaded 1510. Edw. Mountague born at Brigstock was made
at Redclinch of an Ancient Family was by Hen. 8. made Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench He sate one of the Assistants when Sir Thomas More was Arraigned for refusing the Oath of Supremacy and was shrewdly put to it to save his own Conscience and not incurr the Kings displeasure declaring himself upon demand in these words My Lords all by St. Gillian I must needs confess that if the Act of Parliament be not unlawful then the Indictment is not in my Conscience insufficient He dyed An. 30. Hen. 8. and his Family doth still flourish at Lewson in Dorsetshire Sir Jo. descended from his Brother Alured has strongly encouraged my weak Endeavours Jo. Portman Knight of Worshipful Extraction at Portmans-Orchard was An. 2. Mary made Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench in which Office it seems he dyed A Baron of his Name and Lineage flourisheth at this day with a plentiful Estate Dav. Brook Knight born at Glassenbury Son to Jo. Brook Esq Serjeant at Law to Hen. 8. was an 1. Mary made Chief Bar. of the Exchequer He Married Katharine Daughter of Jo. Lord Chandois but dyed without Issue James Dier Knight born at Roundhill an 1. Elizabeth was made Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas continuing therein 24 years At the Tryal of the Duke of Norfolk an 1572. This Judge declared that Duke could have no Councill assigned him for matter of Fact and that the Council of Humphry Stafford in the Reign of Hen. 7. which was pleaded by the Duke had been granted only as to point of Law His Reports evidence his great Abilities He dyed an 25. Eliz. though Married without Issue There is a house of a Baronet descended from his Elder Brother at great Stoughton in Hunt Sir Jo. Popham of most ancient descent was born at Huntworth when a Youth he was stout and well skilled at Sword and Buckler and wild enough in his Recreations Afterwards he applyed himself to a more profitable Fencing the Study of the Common Laws wherein he became Eminent He was preferred the Queens Attorney and afterwards Lord Chief Justice of England He deposed upon his Oath in open Court at the Tryal of the Earl of Essex an 1600. that he had been violently detained at the Earls house by his Military men there Assembled which some conceived tantamount to an Imprisonment Note the rarity of the Precedent He cut asunder the Knot of Northern Robbers and others with the Sword of Justice He represented effectually to King James the inconvenience of frequent Pardons He used exemplary severity against Male-Factors shunning the dangerous Rock of Cruel Mercy whereby the Lives of many Thousands were preserved He dyed 16. Souldiers Jo. Courcy Baron of Stoke-Courcy was the first Englishman who invaded and subdued Vlster in Ireland therefore Created Earl thereof He was afterwards surprized by Hugh Lacy corrival for his Title sent over into England and imprisoned by King John in the Tower of London Sometime after he was commanded by the King to fight a French man in decision of a Controversie about the Title of a French Castle the King of France being Present but the Monsieur being informed that Courcy was a monstrous Eater and concluding his Courage to be proportionable to his Stomach wisely declined the Combat The English Champion was fain to give proof of his strength another way in the presence of the two Kings sundring a Steel Helmet at one blow into two pieces and striking the Sword so deep into the Block whereon the Helmet lay that none but himself could pull it out again being observed to look sternly before and in the giving of the blow he was demanded why he looked so exceeding fierce Had I said he missed my blow I would have killed the Kings and all in the place This was in no wise displeasing to the Kings being highly in good humour both because they were confident Courcy now was not so ill natur'd as his words did import and also because the words appeared to be some necessary Evaporations of that violent Ferment of his Blood which had produced in him a propensity to give an Vniversal demonstration of his Strength by making the deepest Impression on the strongest Mettal or otherwise leaving no reserve of Spirits to actuate the Organs of his Speech for any Expression of his Allegiance at that time yet by that great Action he seems to have declared himself in a most eminent manner the Kings Man and to have antedated the performance of that Homage which the Lord Courcy Baron of Ringrom the second of Ireland was of course bound to do Hence it is that these Barons claimed a priviledge after their first Obeisance to be covered in the Kings Presence His Devotion was equal to his Valour being a great Founder and endower of Religious houses yet he turn'd the Church of the Holy Trinity in Down into the Church of St. Pat. for which 't is said he was condemned never to return into Ireland though attempting it 15 several times but repelled with soul weather He dyed in France about 1210. Math. Gournay was born at Stoke under Hambden where his Family hath flourished since the Conquest and there built both a Castle and a Colledge He was the Honour of his house In the Reign of Edw. 3. he fought at the Siege of Algier and Benemazin against the Saracens at Ingen Poictiers Sluce and Cressy against the French and at Nazaran under the Black Prince in Spain His Armour was beheld by Martial men with much civil veneration with whom his faithful Buckler was a Relique of esteem He dyed in Peace Aged 96 years about the beginning of Rich. 2. and was buried in the Church of Stoke Seamen Sir Amias Preston of an Ancient Family at Cricket an 88. seized on the Admiral of the Galiasses wherein the Governour with most of his Men were burnt or killed An. 1595 he took the Isle of Puerto Santo and the Isle of Cochi surprized the Fort and Town of Coro sack'd the City of St. Jago put to ransom the Town of Cumana and entred Jamaica all in the West-Indies and returned home safely He sent a Challenge to Sir Walter Raleigh then Privy Councellor which was by him refused Sir Walter having a Wife and Children and a fair Estate and Sir Amias being a private and single Person though of good Quality Besides Sir Walter condemned those for ill Honours where the Hangman gives the Garland These two Knights were afterwards reconciled and Sir Amias dyed about the beginning of the Reign of King James Writers Gildas the Wise was born in Bath He was also sirnamed the Querulous because the little we have of his Writing is only an Historical Complaint against the sins and sufferings of the Age he lived in calling the Clergy Mountains of Malice the Britans generally the Ink or stain of the Age. Dr. Gerard Vossius does by a mistake attribute the Comedy of Aulularia in Plautus to this Gildas He dyed about 570. Maurice Somerset born in Sommerset-shire
delinquency in our Civil Wars STAFFORD-SHIRE STafford-shire hath Cheshire on the North-West Darby-shire on the East and North-East Warwick-shire and Worcester-shire on the South and Shrop-shire on the West It lyeth from North to South in form of a Lozenge in length 40 and in breadth 26 Miles A most pleasant and fruitful County wherein Beau-desert is the beautiful Barony of the Lord Paget The best Alabaster in England is found about Castle-Hay in this County The great Manufacture here is Nails As for Buildings the neat Church of Lichfield was ruined in the Civil Wars 'T is said of the Close of Lichfield that the Plague which long had raged therein did abate at the first shooting of a Cannon at the siege thereof Of Civil Buildings Tutbury-Castle is a stately Structure affording a large and brave Prospect It was formerly the Seat of the Lord Ferrars Earl of Derby and was forfeited to Hen. 3. by Robert de Ferrars Earl of Darby who had sided with Simon Mumford against that King because he did not advance a Fine of 5000 pounds at the time appointed The English Clergy willing to relieve Jo. the Son of this Earl Robert were commanded to the contrary under the paâ—n of the Popes Curse Tutbury was annexed to the Dutchy of Lancaster and some small matter was restored to John Dudley Castle high and pleasantly seated and in the Reign of King Edw. 6. well built was adorned by John Dudley Duke of Northumberland who claiming the Title thereof had thrust out John Sutton Lord Dudley a weak man and entangled with Debts who therefore got the Name of Lord Quondam But after the Execution of that Duke Queen Mary restored Edward the Son of the aforesaid poor Lord. Proverbs I. In April Doves Flood is worth a Kings good Dove is a River parting this and Derby-shire much batling the Meadows thereof II. Wotton under Weaver where God came never Though it is probable that Wotton is a dismal place covered with Hills from the light of the Sun yet this Proverb set off with such a dark ground does the more plainly discover its own profane Complexion Saints There was a Grand Massacre committed by the Pagans under Dioclesian on the Christians in Britain and elsewhere particularly in the place where Lichfield now standeth whose names and numbers are utterly unknown St. Bertelin a Brittan of Noble Birth lived an Eremite in the Woods near Stafford anciently called Bithiney Wolfadus and Ruffinus loving in their Lives in their Death they were not divided They were Murdered by their Bloody Father the Pagan King of Mercia There is the Chappel of Burnweston built in a Woody place whither Ruffinus had fled for a while from his Fathers fury Cardinals Reginald Pole born at Stoverton-Castle 1500 was second Son to Sir Richard Knight of the Garter and nearly related to King Henry 7. His Mother Margaret Countess of Salisbury was Neice to King Edw. 4. and Daughter to George Duke of Clarence He was bred in Corpus-Christi Colledge in Oxford preferred afterwards Dean of Exeter King Henry 8. allowing him a Pension sent him beyond the Seas He studied at Padua conversed much with the Patricians of Venice and in fine became a perfect Italian and could not be prevailed upon by the King or his Friends to return to England whereupon his Pension was withdrawn Living afterwards in a Venetian Monastery he attain'd great Credit for his Eloquence Learning and good Life It was not long before he was made Deacon Cardinal by the Title of St. Mary in Cosmedin by Pope Paul 3. who sent him Ambassadour to the Emperour and the French King to incite them to War against K. Hen. 8. Afterwards he retired to Viterbo in Italy where his House was the Sanctuary of Lutherans and he himself became a Racking but no through paced Protestant Insomuch that being appointed one of the three Presidents of the Council of Trent he endeavoured to have Justification determined by Faith alone During his living at Viterbo he was taxed for begetting a Bastard which Pasquil Published in Verses affixed to his Pillar That Blade being made all of Tongue and Teeth would not stick to tell where the Pope trod his Holy Sandals awry Yet he had some Relation to the Beast in the Apocalyps in that under the Name of Pasquil there has been a successive Corporation of Satyrists After the death of Paul 3. Pole was at midnight in the Conclave chosen to succeed him the refusal whereof under the notion of a deed of darkness was by the Italians lookt upon as a piece of dulness in our Cardinal Next day expecting a re-Election he saw Julius 3. his professed Enemy 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 His Youthful Books are full of the Flowers of Rhetorick whilst those of his old Age are dry and dull He dyed few hours after Q. Mary November 17. 1558. Prelates Edmund Stafford Brother to Ralph first Earl of Stafford and Son to Edmund Baron of Stafford was by King Rich. 2. preferred Bishop of Exeter and under King Henry 4. was Chancellor of England He added two Fellowships to Stapletons-Inn in Oxford first named by him Exeter-Colledge and setled Lands for the maintenance and made good Statutes for the good order of the same He dyed 1419 and was buried in his own Cathedral W. Dudley Son of John Baron Dudley of Dudley-Castle in this County and bred in Vniver Colledge in Oxford became Dean of Windsor and afterwards Bishop of Durham He dyed at London 1483 and was buried in VVestminster Edmund Audley Son to the Lord Audley of Heyley in this County whose Sirname was Touchet was bred in Oxford where he built the Quire of St. Maries adorning it with a Musical Organ He was preferred Bishop of Rochester then of Hereford and at last of Salisbury He dyed at Ramsbury 1624 and was buried in his own Cathedral in a Chappel of excellent Artifice of his own Erection Lawyers Sir Thomas Littleton Knight was Son to Thomas VVestcote Esq and Elizabeth Littleton his Wife He was bred in the Study of the Laws in the Inner Temple and became Serjeant and Steward of the Court of the Marshal-sea of the Kings Houshold to Henry 6. By Edw. 4. an 6 reg he was made one of the Judges of the Common-Pleas and an 15. reg Created Kt. of the Bath He deserved as well of our Common as Justinian of the Civil Law whose Book of Tenures is counted Oraculous in that kind Commented upon by the Learned Sir Edward Coke He Married Joan Daughter and Coheir of W. Boerly of Bromsecraft Castle in Salop by whom he had three Sons Founders of three Families still flourishing 1. William fixed at Frankley in this County where his Posterity is eminently extant 2. Richard whose Issue remain at Pillerton-Hall in Shropshire 3. Thomas whose Linage continues in Worcestershire This Reverend Judge dyed an 21. of
3. Wherefore after his death he was Canonized by Pope Vrban the 4th As for their Report that the Wiches or Salt Pits in this County were miraculously procured by the Prayers of this Holy Man their unsavoury lie hath not a grain of probability to season it it appearing by antient Authors that Salt-water flowed there time out of Mind before sweet Milk was given by Mother or Nurse to this St. Richard Cardinals Jo. Cumin bred a Monk at Eversham in this County was by the Kings procurement chosen Arch-Bishop of Dublin and afterwards by Pope Lucius created Cardinal of St. Vellit in Italy Hugh of Evesham so applyed himself to the Study of Physick that he became the Phenix in that Faculty great was his skill in the Mathematicks and Astrology Having satisfied Pope Martin the 4th in some matters of great difficulty he was by his Holiness made Cardinal of St. Laurence 1280. Seven years after he was poysoned though Cicaonius to palliate the business said he dyed of the Plague Prelates Wulstan of Brandsford was Prior of Worcester and built a most beautiful Hall in his Convent Hence he was preferred Bishop of Worcester 1338. He was Verus Pontifex in the Grammatical Notation thereof building a fair Bridge at Brandsford over the River Teme He dyed 1349. Jo. Lowe an Augustine Friar in Wich was presented to St Asaph and afterwards made Bishop of Rochester He preserved many Manuscripts and bestowed them on the Magnificent Library which he furnished at St. Augustines in London which Library vanished away at the dissolution with the fine Steeple of that Church one person who shall be Nameless imbezelling both Books and Buildings to his private profit Edmund Bonner alias Savage was Son of Jo. Savage Priest Son to Sir Jo. Knight of the Garter and Privy Councellour to King Henry 7. His Mother Concubine to this Priest was sent out of Cheshire to cover her shame and lay down her Burden at Elmley in this County where this bouncing Babe Bonner was born Being Dr. of Laws he was employed by King Henry 8. in several Embassies beyond the Seas at which time he was Bonner was not Bonner being as yet meek and a great Cromwelite Not long after he was Consecrated Bishop of London Under King Edward 6. being deputed to Preach publickly concerning the Reformation his frigid and faint Expressions concerning the same occasioned his deprivation and Imprisonment Then it was when one jearingly saluted him Good morrow Bishop Quondam that Bonner as tartly returned Good morrow Knave semper Being restored under Queen Mary he caused the death of twice as many Martyrs as all the Bishops in England besides justly occasioning these Verses made upon him No Body speaking to Bonner All call thee Cruel and the Spunge of Blood But Bonner I say thou art mild and good Under Queen Elizabeth he was deprived and secured in his Castle I mean the Marshalsea in Southwark for as that Prison kept him from doing hurt to others it kept others from doing hurt to him being so Universally odious he had been stoned in the Streets if at Liberty The Oath being tendred to him by Horn then Bishop of Winchester he pleaded for himself that Horn was no lawful Bishop which occasioned the ensuing Parliament to confirm him and the rest of his Order to all purposes and intents After ten years Imprisonment he dyed 1569. and was buried in the Church-yard of St. George in Southwark But enough of this Herostratus who burnt so many living Temples of the Holy Ghost yet let me add one thing that being a very Corpulent Man a Constitution that argues rather a Plethorie then a Cacochymie or ill humour he seems by his cruelty to have done violence to his own disposition seeing the temper of the Mind commonly followes that of the Body But Quid non Religio potuit suadere Malorum Since the Reformation Jo. Watson born at Bengeworth was Prebendary then Dean and afterwards Bishop of Winchester 'T is said he being 60 years of Age proffered the Earl of Leicester 200 l. to be excused from the Bishoprick which the Queen understanding Nay then said she Watson shall have it he being more worthy thereof who will give 200 l. to decline then he who will give 2000 l. to attain it There were three Watsons Bishops in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth Thomas of Lincoln our Jo. of Winchester and Anthony of Chichester He dyed 15. and was buried in the Church of St. Mary Overies Statesmen Sir Thomas Coventry Knight born at Croone was eldest Son to Sir Thomas Knight one of the Justices of the Common Pleas. He was bred in and Treasurer of the Inner Temple 1618. Being first Attorney General to King James he was afterwards made Lord Keeper of the Great Seal November an 1. Car. I. by whom he was created an 4. Reg. Baron Coventry of Alesborough in this County He enjoyed the dignity of Lord Keeper fifteen years if it was not more proper to say that dignity enjoyed him This latter Age affording none better qualified for the place The Patent whereby he was created Baron makes mention of his most worthy Services to King James and King Charles I. his Prudence Courage Dexterity Integrity and Industry manifested towards the King and his Crown He dyed January 1639. before the Civil Wars Never Lord Keeper made fewer Orders which were afterwards reversed His being firmly grounded on the consent of the Parties Writers on the Law Sir Thomas Littleton Knight born in Frankley was Son of Thomas Wescot Esquire and Elizabeth Littleton his Wife and two great Kings had a great Sympathy to him who had an Antipathy each to other Henry 6. whose Serjeant he was and rode Judge of the Northern Circuit and Edward 4. who made him a Judge and in his Reign he rode the Northampton Circuit His Book of Tenures witnesseth his deep skill in the Laws and retains at this day an Authentical Reputation Insomuch that when in the Reign of King James it came in question upon a Demurrer in Law whether a Release to one Trespasser should be available or no to his Companion Sir Henry Hubbard and Judges Warberton Winch and Nicols his Companions gave judgment according to the opinion of our Littleton and openly said That they would not have his Case disputed or questioned He left three Families signally flourishing in this and the Neighbouring Counties of Stafford and Salop. This Judge and the Judicious Lord Coke who Commented on his Tenures were the two great Luminaries of the Law of England He dyed an 21. Edward 4. and lyeth buried in the Cathedral of Worcester See more of him in Stafford-shire Souldiers Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick born at the Mannor house of Salwape Jan. 28. 1381. was a person so redoubted for Martial Atchievments that Hercules his Labours found in him a real performance 1. Being hardly 22 years old an 5. Henry 4. at the Queens Coronation he Justed and Challenged all Comers 2. He bid Battle to
under his Uncle of whom hereafter in Westminster-School then in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge where he Commenced D. D. was successively preferred Prebend of Windsor Dean of Rochester and Bishop of Glocester He lived since but was no friend to the Reformation constantly complaining of the first Reformers amongst whom he noted Ridley as a very Odd Man One being then present My Lord says he He was an Odde Man indeed for all the Popish Party in England could not match him with his equal in Learning and Religion He is the only instance amongst 200 Bishops since Queen Elizabeth who was Popishly affected He was a harmless man hurtful to none but himself pitiful to the Poor hospitable to his Neighbours against the ruining of any of an opposite Judgment and gave the most he left to pious uses He was no contemptible Historian He was made Bishop 1624. and dyed about 1655. in Westminster Writers since the Reformation William Salesbury born in this County where his Family flourisheth at this day composed an English and Weâ—sh Dictionary Printed 1547. He dyed 1560. Benefactors to the Publick since the Reformation Sir Thomas Son of Sir Richard Exmew was born at Rithin and bred in London a Goldsmith and was Lord Mayor thereof 1517. Besides Benefactions in his own Country and to St. Mary Magdalens in Milk-street London where he lyes buried he made the VVater-Conduit by London VVall at Moor-Gate Gabriel Goodman Son of Edward Goodman Esq was born at Rithin afterwards D. D. in St. Johns-Colledge in Cambridge and Dean of VVestminster for forty years The Bible was Translated into VVelsh on his cost He founded a School-house in Rythin with a competent Salary and erected an Almshouse therein for 12 poor people He repaired the House for the Minster there called the VVarden of Rythin furnishing it with Plate c. which were to descend to his Successors He purchased a fair House thereunto at Cheswick in Middlesex where with his own hands he set a fair row of Elmes for a Retiring place to the Masters and Scholars at VVestminster He was made one of the Executors of the Will of our English Nestor the Lord Treasurer Cecil for the disposing of great sums to charitable uses He dyed 1â—01 and is buried in the Collegiate Church of VVestminster whereof he so well deserved as of all England Mr. Cambden performing his perambulation about it on his Expences Sir Hugh Middleton Son of Sir Richard Middleton was born at Denbigh and bred in London This is that worthy Knight who fetcht into London VVater on his own cost more then 24 Miles encountring all the way with an Army of Oppositions grapling with Hills strugling with Rocks fighting with Forests till in defiance of difficulties he had brought his Project to Perfection A potent person and an idle Spectator struck in and by his greatness possessed a Moiety of the profit whilst the Honour thereof will remain Eternally fixed to the Memory of Sir Hugh Middleton Note Robert Earl of Leicester by his bounty advanced the Building of a new Church in Denbigh FLINT-SHIRE FLint-shire named from Flint formerly an eminent place therein hath the Sea on the North Shrop-shire on the South Cheshire on the East and Denbigh-shire on the West The smallest Shire in VVales Flint the Shire-Town is no Market Town no nor St. Asaph a City and Bishops See till made so very late But it is near to Chester the Market General of these parts and besides every Village hath a Market in it self as affording all necessary Commodities This County was Parcel of the County Palatine paying 2000 Marks called a Mize at the Change of every Earl of Chester until the year 1568. For then upon the occasion of one Thomas Radford committed to Prison by the Chamberlain of Chester this County disjoyned it self from the Earldom of Chester and united it self to the Principality though I cannot see how the one or the other could be done without an Act of Parliament Proverbs I. Mwy nag un bw a yro Ynghaer That is More then on Yugh-Bow in Chester Cheshire men have been very famous for Archery It is applyed to such who take other folks Goods for their own being mistaken with the similitude and resemblance Princes Elizabeth the 7th Daughter of King Edward 1. and Queen Lleanor was born at Ruthland Castle where antiently a Parliament was kept an Edward 1. This Princess at 14 years of Age was Married to John first of that Name Earl of Holland Zealand c. and after his death to Humfrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex High Constable of England by whom he had a numerous Issue She dyed 1316. and was buried in the Abby-Church of Saffron-Walden in Essex Saints Congellus or Comgallus is challenged by the Welsh for their Country-Man as being first Abbot of Banchâ—r in this County though Arch-Bishop Vsher makes him the first Abbot of Bangor in the North of Ireland He was one of a pious Life who wrote Learned Epistles and dyed an 600. Aet 85. St. Beno Instructor to St. Wenefride was it seems a good Chirurgeon to a Miracle who when VVenefride was beheaded by the Lustful Caradocus set her Head on again she living 15 years after Asaph born of Right Honourable Parentage was bred at Llan-Elvy under Mungo the Scotch Bishop of that place who had a Convent of 663 Monks almost the number of the Beast whereof 300 being more unlearned then the rest were employed in Husbandry Amongst the rest who attended Divine Service St. Asaph was eminently conspicuous for Piety and Learning insomuch that Mungo in Latine Quentigermu being called into his Country resigned both his Convent and Cathedral to him Here he demeaned himself with such Sanctity that Llan-Elvy was after his death called from him St. Asaph He was an assiduous Preacher having this Speech in his Mouth Such who are against the Preaching of Gods word envy Mans Salvation He is thought by some to have dyed about 569. After which his See was Vacant above 500 years until Jeffrey of Monmouth was placed there Prelates since the Reformation Richard Parry D. D. born at Ruthin was bred in Christs-Church in Oxford whence he was preferred Dean of Bangor and at last Bishop of St. Asaph consecrated December 30. 1604. Bishop Godwin being near to him in time and in his studies desireth to be his equal in other Episcopal Qualities Bishop Parry dyed 16. Souldiers Owen Glendower born in his ancient Patrimony of Glendower-Wye was bred in London a Student of the Common Law till he became a Courtier and Servant to King Richard 2. After whose death being in the wrong side of preferment he retired into Wales where there arose a difference between him and the Lord Gre of Ruthen about a Common which Owen by force recovered from Gre whom he killed Many spur'd his posting Ambition by telling him he was the true Heir to all North-Wales and now or never the time to regain it whereupon he brake into open Rebellion Being