and the City of Jerusalem from the Turks in Palestine 9. Having formerly written an whole Book of the Holy War An account of our design and particularly of King Richards atchievements therein 1190 I intend here no repetition 1. Onely our design is to give a Catalogue of some of our English Nobility who adventured their persons in the Holy War and whose Male-Posterity is eminently extant at this day I have known an excellent Musician whom no Arguments could perswade to play until hearing a Bungler scrape in the company he snatch'd the Instrument out of his hand in indignation that Musick should be so much abused then turned and played upon it himself My project herein is that giving in an imperfect list of some few noble Families who ingaged themselves in this service It will so offend some eminent Artist hitherto silent in this kinde that out of disdain he will put himself upon so honourable a work deserving a Gentleman who hath Lands Learning and leisure to undertake so costly intricate and large a subject for the honor of our Nation And be it premised that to prevent all cavils about precedency first come first serv'd I shall Marshal them in no other method but as in my studies I have met with the mention of them 10. To begin with the place of my present habitation Anno Regis Rich. prim 1. one Hugh Nevil attended King Richard into the Holy War Anno Dom. 1190 and anciently lieth buried in a Marble Monument Nevil Kill Lion his performance in Palestine in the Church of Waltham Abbey in Essex whereof no remainders at this day This Hugh Nevil being one of the Kings special samiliars slew a Lion in the Holy Land first driving an arrow into his Breast and then running him through with his sword on whom this Verse was made a Mat. Paris Anno Dom 1222. Viribus Hugonis vires periêre Leonis The strength of Hugh A Lion slew If Benaiah the son of Jehoiadah was recounted the fifth amongst Davids worthies for b 2 Sam. 23. 20. killing a Lion in the middest of a pit in the time of snow surely on the same reason this bold and brave Baron Hugh ought to be entred into the Catalogue of the Heroes of his Soveraign But I cannot give credit to c Weavers Fun. Mon. pag. 644. his report who conceiveth that the Atchievement of the man was translated to his Master And that on this occasion King Richard the first got the name of Cordelion or Lions Heart 11. This Hugh Nevil gave the Manor of d Registrum Cart Abbat de Waltham Thorndon to Waltham Abby Ancesters to the Noble numerous Nevils and was Ancester of the Noble and numerous Family of the Nevils to which none in England equal for Honor Wealth and number in the later end of King Henry the sixth though at this day the Lord Abergavenny be the only Baron thereof He gave for his Armes a Cross Saltire or the Cross of S t Andrew probably assuming it in the Holy War For though I confess this is not the proper Cross of Hierusalem yet was it highly esteemed of all those who adventured thither as may appear in that all Knights-Templers make such Saltire Cross with their Thwarted Leggs upon their Monuments 12. Giralde de Talbote succeeds in the second place Giralde de Talbote whence the house of Shrewsbury When Articles were drawn up between our King Richard in his passage to Palestine and Tancred King of Sicily for the mutual observation of many Conditions betwixt them He put in upon their Oaths for his Sureties a Grand-Jury of his principal Subjects then present viz. two Arch-Bishops two Bishops and twenty other of his Prime Nobility expressed in his Letters e R. Hoveden pars poster 〈◊〉 in Rich. primo Patents Besides many other whose names were concealed Of these twenty the aforesaid Girald de Talbote is the first whose Male Issue and Name is extant at this day flourishing in the Right Honourable Family of the Earls of Shrewsbury 13. Next amongst the Royal Jurors as I may term them was Guarrin Fitz-Girald Guarrin Fitz Girald from whom the Earls of Kildare and Barons of Windsor from whom are descended the Fitz Giralds in Ireland where their name is in some places Provincial of whom the Earl of Kildare is chief A memorial of their service in Palestine is preserved in their Armes giving Argent a Cross Saltire Gules Here it must be remembred that the valiant sprightly Gentleman Hickman Lord Windsor is descended from the same f See Camd. Brit. in Berkshire Male Ancestors with the Fitz Giralds as Robert Glover a most exquisite Herald doth demonstrate though according to the fashion of that age altering his old and assuming a new name from Windsor the place of his office and Command This Lord Windsor carrieth the Badg of his Service in his Arms being essentially the same with the Earl of Kildares save that the colours are varied the field Gules and cross Saltire Argent betwixt twelve Crosses crossed OR Which Coat seemingly sursited was conceived in that age the more healthful for the same the more Crossed the more Blessed being the Devotion of those dayes 14. Four other Gentlemen of quality remain mentioned in that Parent A Quaternion more of adventures William de Curcy Father to John the valiant Champion and Conqueror of Ireland Robert de Novo Burgo Hugh le Brain and Amaury de Mountford of all whom formerly in our Alphabetical Comment on Abby Roll. Anno Dom. 1191. Anno Regis Rich. Prim. 2. 15. At the siege of Acres or Ptolemais the Grave General of the Christian Army amongst many Worthies dying there within the compass of one year Ingleram 〈◊〉 his posterity I finde a 〈…〉 pag. 655. Ingelram de Fiennes to be slain from whom the Lord Viscount Say and Seal and the Lord Dacres of the South derive their discent But most visible are the remains of the Holy War in the atchievement of Theophilus Finnes alias Clinton Earl of Lincoln giving in the lower parts of his shield in a field Argent six Crosses crossed Fitchee Sable denoting the stability and firmness of his Ancestors in that service 16. Also at the aforesaid Siege of Acres Radulphus De Alta ripa Radulphus de Alta ripa Arch-Deacon of Colchester ended his life Now although because a Clergy-man he could not then leave any lawful Issue behinde him Yet we may be confident that the Ancient Family De Alta ripa or Dautry still continuing in b Camd. Brit. ibid. Sussex were of his Alliance 17. Before we leave the Siege of Acres let me refresh the Reader with my innocent and give me leave to say provable mistake A mistake freely confest I conceived the Noble Family of the Lord Dacres took their Sir-name from some service there performed confirmed in my conjecture 1. Because the
represent And seeing Sir Thomas More would have his own jests when dying no wonder if he makes others to jeer when dead 6. These two Supplications pressing both together for audience and reception The first Supplication best received that of the Beggars on earth found the best entertainment Whether because it came first which we know is great advantage in Beggars first come first served Or because these Terrestrial beggars were neerer at hand and so best able to manage their own suit whilst those in Purgatory were conceived at a greater distance Or chiefly because their Supplication suggested matter of profit to the King and His Courtiers and such whispers sound loud and commonly meet with attentive ears And as an introduction to the dissolution of all Abbeys spies were sent forth to make strict discovery of mens behaviours therein Indeed the Lord Cromwell Scout-Master-Generall in this designe stayed at the Court whilst his subordinate Emissaries men of as prying eyes as afterwards they proved of gripple hands sent unto him all their intelligence in manner and form as in due time shall ensue The lesser Monasteries bestowed on the King NOW because some moneths were imployed in that service before a perfect account was returned to the Lord Cromwell The suppressing of the smaller Monasteries may here seasonably be inserted For in the twenty seventh of the King's Reign Anno 1539 a motion was made in Parliament A gainfull motion made for the King That to support the King's States and supply His wants all Religious Houses might be conferred on the Crown which were not able clearly to expend above Two hundred pounds a year 2. Some may report Reported by mistake opposed by Bishop Fisher that John Fisher Bishop of Rochester earnestly though pleasently opposed the motion by alledging an Apologue out of Aesope That the Helve of the Axe craved a Handle of the wood of Oaks onely to cut off the Serebowes of the Tree but when it was a complete Instramentall Axe it felled down all the wood Applying it That the grant of these smaller Houses would in fine prove destructive to all the rest But Fisher being now in his grave this could not be spoken in this Parliament which with more probability was formerly urged by him against Cardinal Wolsey in dissolving the forty Houses whereof before 3. This Proposition found little opposition in either Houses Easily passed in Parliament Henry the eighth was a King and His necessities were Tyrants and both suing together for the same thing must not be denied besides the larger thongs they cut out of other mens leather the more intire they preserved their own hide which made the Parliament to ease their own purses by laying the load on those lesser Houses which they accordingly passed to the Crown 4. The Lord Herbert in his a Of Henry 8 pag. 376. Historie complaineth and that justly That this Statute for dissolution of the lesser Monasteries doth begin very bluntly A Preamble of importance restored out of the Records to the Printed Statute without any formall Preamble in the Printed Books they are Published It seemeth that herein he never searched the Record it self otherwise industrious in that kinde to which a solemn Preface is prefixed shewing some Reasons of the dissolution and pious uses to which they were attained In form as followeth The Preamble is this Forasmuch as manifest sin vitious carnall and abominable living is daily used and committed commonly in such little and small Abbeys Priories and other religious houses of Monks Canons and Nuns where the Congregation of such religious persons is under the number of twelve persons whereby the Governours of such religious Houses and their Covent spoile destroy consume and utterly waste as well the Churches Monasteries Priories principall Houses Farms Granges Lands Tenements and Hereditaments as the ornaments of the Churches and their goods and Chattels to the high displeasure of Almighty God slander of good Religion and to the great infamy of the King's Hignesse and the Realm if redresse should not be had thereof And albeit that many continuall Visitations hath been heretofore had by the space of two hundred years and more for an honest and charitable reformation of such unthrifty carnall and abominable living yet neverthelesse little or no amendment is hitherto had but their vitious living shamefully increaseth and augmenteth and by a cursed custome so grown and infested that a great multitude of the religious persons in such small Houses do rather choose to rove abroad in Apostasie than to conform themselves to the observation of good Religion so that without such small Houses be utterly suppressed and the Religion therein committed to the great and honourable Monasteries of Religion in this Realm where they may be compelled to live religioussly for reformation of their lives there can else be no redresse nor reformation in that behalf In consideration whereof the King 's most royall Majesty being Supreme head in earth under God of the Church of England daily studying and devising the increase advancement and exaltation of true doctrine and virtue in the said Church to the onely glory and honour of God and the totall extirping and destruction of vice and sin having knowledge that the premises be true as well by the compts of his late visitations as by sundry credible informations considering also that divers and great solemn Monasteries of this Realm wherein thanks be to God Religion is right well kept and observed be destitute of such full numbers of religious persons as they ought and may keep have thought good that a plain Declaration should be made of the premises as well to the Lords spirituall and Temporall as to other His loving Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament assembled WHEREUPON the said Lords and Commons by a great deliberation finally be resolved That it is and shall be much more to the pleasure of Almighty God and for the honour of this His Realm that the possessions of such small religious Houses not being spent spoiled and wasted for increase of maintenance of sin should be used and converted to better uses and the unthrifty religious persons so spending the same to be compelled to reform their lives And hereupon most humbly desire the King's Highnesse that it may be enacted by authority of this present Parliament That His Majesty shall have to Him and to Hit Heirs for ever all and singular such Monasteries His Majesty shall have and enjoy c. As it foloweth in the printed b Cap. 28. Statute In this Preamble two principles are laid down of infallible truth Two principles which must not be questioned and posterity must not be so presumptuous as to question them 1. The smallest Convents were the greatest sinners and they who had the least lands led the leudest lives 2. It was harder to reform little Covents than those that were greater It seems such small Houses like little fishes could not be caught with the
Abbey Nor must it be forgotten that a Text X pierced through with a dash is fixed in the navill of the Crosse Now though I have read * Accidence of Armes Letters to be little honourable in Armes this cannot be disgracefull partly because Church-Heraldrie moveth in a sphere by it self partly because this was the Letter of Letters as the received character to signifie Christus 9. S. Augustines in Canterbury gave Sable a Cross-Argent Of S. Augustine 10. Crosse we now the Thames Of Gloucester where Westward we first fall on S. Peters in Gloucester whose Dedication to that Apostle sufficiently rendreth a reason for the Armes thereof viz AZure two Crosse Keyes or two Keyes Saltire Or. 11. Teuxbury gave Gules Of Teuxbury a Cross of an antick form Or a border Argent 12. I will not adventure on the blazoning of the Armes of Winchcombe having much conformity therein with Mortimers Coat but leave the Reader to satisfie his own eyes in the inspection thereof Of Winchcomb 13. I should be thankfull to him who would inform me of the Armes of Cirencester Of Cirencesâ—er which hitherto I cannot procure 14. * S. Maryes in Coventry had no Armes in their Seale as my good friend Mr. Dugdale informed me St. Albans gave Azure a Cross Saltire Or. Of S. Albanâ— 15. Westminster-Abbey gave Azure a Cross flurt betwixt five Marteletts Or and this I humbly conceive were antiently the entire Armes of that Abbey being in effect the same with those of King Edward the Confessour the first Founder thereof But afterwards their Conventuall Seale was augmented with the Armes of France and England on a Chiefe Or betwixt two Roses Gules plainly relating to King Henry the seventh enlarging their Church with his Chappell 16. The Prior of St. John of Jerusalem gave Gules a Cross Argent Of S. Johns of Jerusalem which the Lord Priot sometimes a Thus Sir Tho. Tressam impayled with but before his own Coate and b Thus Sir Tho. Dockwray sometimes bare it in a Chiefe about it 17. The Armes of Waltham Abbey in Essex appear at this day neither in glass wood Of Waltham nor stone in or about the Town or Church thereof At last we have recovered them Unus home nobis out of a faire Deed of Robert Fullers the last Abbot though not certain of the mettall and colours viz Gules as I conjecture two Angels can they be lesse than Or with their hands such we finde of them in c Mat. 4. 6. Scripture holding betwixt them a Cross Argent brought hither faith our d Gamd. Brit in Essex Antiquary by miracle out of the West whence Waltham hath the addition of Holy Cross 18. The Arms of S. Johns in Colchester Of Colchester I leave to the eye of the Reader 19. Burie gave Azure three Crowns Or Of Bury The Armes of the Kings of the East-Angles assumed in the memory of King Edmund to whom this Abbey was dedicated martyred by the Danes when his Crown of Gold thorough a Crown of Thorns or Arrows rather was turned into a Crown of Glory 20. St. Benet's in the Holme Of S. Benets in Norfolke gave Sable a Pastorall Staffe Argent picked below and reflexed above intimating the Abbots Episcopal Jurisdiction in his own precincts betwixt two Crowns-Or pointing at England and Norway the two Kingdomes of Canutus the Founder thereof The aforesaid Staffe was infulated that is adorned with an holy Lace or Label carelesly hanging down or cast a crosse such with which their Mitres used formerly to be fastned 21. Thorney-Abbey in Cambridge shire gave Azure three Crosses crossed fitchee Of Thorny betwixt three Pastoral Staves Or. 22. Ramsey in Huntingdon-shire gave Or three Rams Heads couped Argent Of Ramsey 〈◊〉 Bend Azure The rest of the Rams must be supposed in the blue Sea the Fennes appearing such when overflown Besides such changes were common here whereof Melibaeus complaineth in the Marishes * Virgil. Eâ— log 9. of Mantua Non bene ripae Creditur ipse Aries etiam nunc vellera siccat There is no trusting to the foundring bank The Ramme still dries his fleece so lately dank But since the draining of the Fennes hath I hope secured their Cattell from casualties 23. The very name of Peterborough unlocks the reason why that Abbey gave Gules Of Peterborough two crosse Keyes betwixt four Crosses crossed fitchee Or. 24. Crowland Abbey gave quarterly three call them long Knives Of Crowland or short Swords bladed Argent hasted or pomelled or Azure three Whips stringed and knotted Or the second like the third the fourth like the first Instruments of cruelty relating to their Monks massacred by the Danes Anno 870. Ingulphus pag. 866. whereof their Historian gives us this account That first they were examinati tortured see there the Whips and then exanimati killed see there the Swords But if any will have those Whips to relate to the Whip of S. Bartholomew the most remarkable Relique of that Monastery I will not appose 25. The Armes of Evesham Abbey in Worcester-shire Of Evesham I cannot recover but possibly may before the conclusion of this Work 26. Shrewsbury gave Azure Of Shrewsbury a Lyon Rampant over a Pastorall-staffe Bendwayes so that both the ends thereof are plainly discovered 27. Crosse we now North of Trent Of Selby where onely two remain Selby founded by William the Conquerour which gave Sable three Swans Argent membred Or alluding as I believe to the depressed scituation of the place where the neighbouring River of Ouse affordeth such Birds in abundance 28. St. Maryes in Yorke gave Argent a Crosse Of Yorke Gules and a Key in the first Quarter of the same In the midst of the Crosse a King in a circle in his Robes of state with his Scepter and Mound Yet hath he onely a ducall Cap and no Crown on his head I humbly conceive under favour of better judgments this King-Dukes picture to relate partly to King VVilliam Rufus partly to Alan Duke of Britain and Richmond the principall Co-Founders of that Monastery The Lord Darcy his Extraction justly vindicated AMongst the principal persons who suffred for their zeale in defending of Abbeys was the lately mentioned Thomas Lord a vide supra pag. 313. parag 5. Darcy A causlesse aspersion grounded on passion whose extraction I finde foully aspersed by the pen of that passionate Prince K. Henry the eighth for when the Rebels boasted of the many Noblemen who sided with them in confutation thereof King Henry returned a Letter to them interlined with His own hand wherein this passage b Speeds Châ—â— in his 1 â—dit pag. 776. Others as the Lord Marney and Darcy are but mean scarce well-born Gentlemen and yet of no great Lands till they were promoted by Us and so made Knights It cannot be denied but that K. Henry too much consulted
free Soc. to be held as of the Manour of East Greenwich sine reditu  George Bridges Lord Shandois St. Edmunds-Bury in Suffolke Q. o 2 parte rot 13. Elizabeth in the second year of her Reign Feb. 14. Iohn Eye Esquire of the payment of four hundred pound in free Soccage to be held as of the Queens Manour of East Greenwich sine reditu   St. Albans in Hertfordshire Q. p 4 part rot 52. Elizabeth in the sixt of her Reign May 6. Christopher Smith Esq Thomas Broughton Gent. of the payment for it and other lands in the Grant of 1703 li. 1s 4d in free and common Soccage sine reditu   Hitherto we have proceeded on the most authentick authority out of Records And although we are confident of the truth of such as follow yet wanting the like assurance in the Dates Tenures and Considerations we thought fit to rank them by themselves 2. battel-Battel-Abbey in Sussex was bestowed by King Henry the eighth on Sir Anthony Browne Knight of the Garter and Master of His Majesties Horse enjoyed by his heir-male in a direct line at this day 3. thorney-Thorney-Abbey in Cambridge-shire was conferred by King Henry the eighth on Iohn Lord Russell and is possessed by his Abnepos William Earle of Bedford in a lineall descent 4. S. Iohn's Priory in Coventry was given by King Henry the eighth to Hales Esquire Clerk of the Hanaper at this day in possession of one of his name and lineage 5. Eversham-Abbey in Worcester-shire I finde not to whom first granted but by a long Lease it was in the possession of one Mr. Andrewes father and son whose Grandchilde living now at Berkhampsteed in Hertford shire hath better thrived by God's blessing on his own industry than his Father and Grandfather did with Evesham-Abbey The sale of the stones whereof he imputeth a cause of their ill successe Lately it was Sir William Curteens and I know not to whom his Sonne sold it 6. The Abbey of S. Bennet's in the Holme in Norfolke was never sold Bennet in the Holme changed with the Bishop of Norwich but onely changed in the two and thirtieth of King Henry the eighth with the Bishop of Norwich as appeareth by the printed Statute which affirmeth That the lands setled by the King on the Bishoprick were of a greater yearly value than the Lordships and Manours given to his Grace Which might be so seeing all profit consists not in annuall revenue but much in casualties of Fines Indeed generally Coronets did gain but Miters lose in their exchanges with the Crown 7. S. Maryes in Yorke with Selby S. Maryes in Yorke how disposed the onely Mitred Abbey beyond Trent was kept in the Crown to be the Kings Palace when repairing into those parts Since called the Manour where the Lord President of the Councell in the North held his residence At this day it is in the hands of the States as excepted by name in the Ast for the sale of Kings lands and one was allowed a Fee for the carefull keeping thereof 8. My enquire cannot attain to whom S. Maryes in Shrewsburie was passed As for Augustine's in Canterbury I conceive it never aliened from the Crown reading in my worthy * Will Somner in his Antiq. of Canterbury pag. 60. friend that the remaining ruines thereof are made subject to publick uses And thus we have a perfect account of all the Mitred English-Abbeys The Reader well remembring what we have formerly written at large of S. Iohn's of Ierusalem and Waltham as also of Glocester Peterborough and Westminster advanced into Cathedrals save that the last was afterwards altered into a Collegiate-Church 9. we may observe that the greatest Abbeys founded in Cities were of the least profit Countrey Abbeys largest in profit because so streight-laced with streets and houses round about them that they could not grow to any extraordinary bulk for ground continued thereunto so that the Sites were but Sites as in S. Albans S. Edmunds-Bury Hyde c. Whereas Monasteries in Countrey-Towns let loose at more liberty to dilate themselves had generally a large Manour and ample Demesnes annexed unto them 10. Wise men have informed me Present gaine future losse that had succeeding Princes followed King Henry's pattern generally granting Abbeys only in Capite that such lands though passed gratis from the Crown under small rents would notwithstanding in some part have returned thither again as affording Respit of Homage Reliefs Wardships Fines for alienation for a constant revenue Whereas being afterwards granted in free soccage whilst the tenure onely advanced the present sale the Crown was deprived of much Emolument and more obligation 11. Richard Williams aliàs Cromwell Esquire A solemn Tilting proclaimed to whom Ramsey Abbey was partly given partly sold was one of the five who in the thirty second year of Henry the eighth made the bold challenge at Justs to all comers that would in France Flanders Scotland and Spain Here it was expected that some of our Knights Hospitallers whose House by Act of Parliament was dissolved but a month before should appear valiantly in their vindication if conceiving any injustice offered unto them But they kept themselves close probably not so much for fear of all the Challengers as of one of the Spectatours viz King Henry Himself as sure if Conquerours of the King's anger and others envy if worsted of their own disgrace Besides by the laws of their Order they were not to Tilt against Christians but onely to spend their spears against Pagans and Infidels Lastly the challenge seemed only confined to forraigners 12. This Richard Williams aliàs Cromwell came into the place an Esquire The noble atchievements of Rich. Cromwell but departed a Knight dubbed by the King for his valour clearly carrying away the credit overthrowing Mr. Palmer * Stow in the reign to Hen. 8. pag. 580. in the field at Justs one day and the next serving Mr. Culpepper at Barriers in the same manner Hereupon there goeth a Tradition in the Familie that King Henry highly pleased with his prowesse Formerly said He thou wast My Dick but hereafter shalt be My Diamond and thereat let fall His Diamond-Ring unto him In avowance whereof these Cromwells have ever since given for their Crest a Lyon holding a Diamond-Ring in his Fore-paw 13. Some conceive these Abbey-Lands more unsuccessfull than any other Censure on Abbey-Lands and infectious to the third Generation Yea Papists would perswade us that as Bucephalus cast all his Riders till backed by Alexander his Lord and Master so these skittish-Lands will dismount all that bestride them untill forsooth they be as they hope restored to their proper Owners And this they impute to the curse of their Founders denounced to such who should alienate them from their first institution Others maintain that no certainty can be concluded from such casualties but that all things come to passe alike to all As dye
not legally be conveyed to any Petitioner Ann. Dom. 1604 Ann Reg. Jac. 2 Thus his Majesty manifested his good will and affection to Religion and although this Law could not finally preserve Church-lands to make them immortall yet it prolonged their lives for many yeares together 12. Passe we now into the Convocation The Acts of this Convocation why as 〈…〉 recovered to see what was done there But here the History thereof as I may say is shot betwixt the joynts of the Armor in the intervall after Whitgift's death and before Bancroft's removall to Canterbury so that I can finde the Originall thereof neither in the Office of the Vicar-generall nor in the Registry of London not can I recover it as yet from the Office of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury where most probably it is to be had the Jurisdiction belonging to them in the Vacancy 13. Take this as the result thereof Many Canon made therein Bishop Bancroft sitting President A Book of Canons was compiled not onely being the summe of the Queens Articles Orders of her Commissioners Advertisements Canons of 1571. and 1597. which were in use before but also many more were added the whole number amounting unto 141. Some wise and moderate men supposed so many Lawes were too heavy a burden to be long borne and that it had been enough for the Episcopall party to have triumphed not insulted over their adversaries in so numerous impositions However an Explanation was made in one of the Canons of the use of the Crosse in Baptisme to prevent Scandall and learned Thuanus in his History taketh an especiall notice thereof 14. Motion being made in this Convocation Bishop Rudd why opposing the oath against Simony about framing an Oath against Simony to be taken by all presented to Churchpreferment Bishop Rudde of St. Davids as conscientious as any of his order and free from that fault opposed it chiefly because he thought it unequall that the Patron should not be forced as well as the Clerk to take that Oath Whereupon it was demanded of him whether he would have the King to take that Oath when he presented a Bishop or Dean and hereat the Bishop sate downe in silence 15. About this time the Corporation of Rippon in York-shire The Petition of the Town of Rippon to Queen Anne presented their Petition to Queen Anne on this occasion They had a faire Collegiate Church stately for the structure thereof formerly erected by the Nobility and Gentry of the Vicenage the meanes whereof at the dissolution of Abbies were seized on by the King so that small maintenance was left to the Minister of that populous Parish Now although Edwin Sands Arch-bishop of York with the Earle of Huntinton Lord Burgley and Sheaffield successively Presidents of the North had recommended their Petition to Qu. Elizabeth they obtained nothing but faire unperformed Promises whereupon now the Ripponeers humbly addressed themselves to Queen Anne and hear her answer unto them ANNA R. ANNE by the grace of God Qu. of England Scotland France and Ireland c. To all to whom these presents shall come greeting Whereas there hath been lately exhibited and recommended unto us a frame and plat-forme of a Colledge Generall to be planted and established at Rippon in the County of Yorke for the manifold benefit of both the Borders of England and Scotland Upon the due perusing of the plot aforesaid hereunto annexed and upon signification given of the good liking and approbation of the chief points contained therein by sundry grave learned and religious parties and some other of honourable Place and Estate We have thought good for the ample and perpetuall advancement of Learning and Religion in both the borders of our aforesaid Realmes to condescend to yeild our favour and best furtherance thereunto And for the better encouraging of other honourable and worthy Personages to joyn with us in yeilding their bounty and benevolence thereunto We have and do signifie and assure and by the word of a sacred Princesse and Queen do expresly promise to procure with all convenient speed to and for the yearely better maintenance of the said Colledge All and every of the Requests specified and craved to that end in a small Schedule hereunto annexed In confirmation whereof we have signed these Presents by our hand and name above mentioned and have caused our privy Signet to be set unto the same July 4. Dated at our Honour at Greenwich July 4. An. Dom. 1604. and of our Reigne c. After the sealing thus subscribed Gulielmus Toulerius Secretarius de mandate serenissimae Annae Reginae Angliae Scotiae Franciae Hiberniae 16. Such need never fear successe King James his bountifull grant who have so potent a person to solicite their suite King James being forward of himselfe to advance Learning and Religion and knowing Christs precept Let your Light shine before Men knew also that Rippon was an advantagious place for the fixing thereof As which by its commodious position in the North there would reflect lustre almost equally into England and Scotland Whereupon he founded a Dean and Chapter of seven Prebends allowing them two hundred forty seven pounds a yeare out of his own Crowne-land for their maintenance 17. I am informed These Lands since twice sold that lately the Lands of this Church are by mistake twice sold to severall Purchasers viz. Once under the notion of Dean and Chapters Lands and againe under the property of Kings Lands I hope the Chapâ—men when all is right stated betwixt them will agree amongst themselves on their bargaine Mean time Rippon Church may the better comport with poverty because onely remitted to its former condition 18. The Family of Love or Lust rather at this time The Petition of the Family of Love to King James presented a tedious Petition to King James so that it is questionable whether His Majesty ever graced it with his perusall wherein they endeavoured to cleare themselves from some misrepresentations and by fawning expression to insinuate themselves into his Majesty's good opinion Which here we present To the King 's most excellent MAJESTY JAMES the first by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. MOst gracious and Sveraigne Lord whereas there is published in a Book written by your Highnesse as an instruction to your most noble * * In his Basilicon Doron Sonne whom Almighty God blesse with much Honour Happinesse and Long life of a People that are of a vile Sect among the Anabaptists called the Family of Love who doe hold and maintaine many proud uncharitable unchristian and most absurd Opinions unto whom your Highnesse doth also give the name of Puritans assuming in the said Book that divers of them as Brown Penry and others doe accord with them in their foule Errours heady and phantasticall Opinions which are there set downe at large by Your Majesty
1238. Ran. Cistrensis l. ult c. 34. T. Walsingham in Hypodigm Nenstriae Oxford took up his Lodging in the Abbey of Osney To him the Scholars in Oxford sent a Present of Victuals before dinner and after dinner came to tender their attendance unto him The Porter being an Italian demanded their business who answered him that they came to wait on the Lord Legate promising themselves a courteous Reception having read in b Prov. 18. 16. Ill requited Scripture A man's gift maketh room for him though here contrary to expectation they were not received Call it not Clownishness in the Porter because bred in the Court of Rome but carefulnesse for the safety of his Master 13. But whilst the Porter held the Doore in a dubious posture betwixt open and shut the Scholars forced their entrance In this juncture of time it unluckily happened that a poor Irish Priest begged an Almes in whose face the Clark of the Kitchin cast scalding-water taken out of the Caldron A Welsh Clerk beholding this bent his Bow by this time the Scholars had got VVeapons and shot the Clark of the Kitchin stark dead on the place 14. This Man thus killed The Legate's Brother kill'd by the Scholars of Oxford was much more then his plain place promised him to be as no meaner then the Brother of the Legate himself who being suspicious O how jealous is guiltinesse that he might find Italy in England and fearing to be poisoned appointed his Brother to over-see all food for his own eating And now the three Nations of Irish Welsh and English fell down-right on the Italians The Legate fearing as they came from the same VVombe to be sent to the same Grave with his Brother Anno Dom. 1238 secured himself fast locked up in the Tower of Osney Church Anno Regis Henrici 3. 22. and there â—at still and quiet all attired in his Canonicall Cope 15. But he it seems The Legate flies to the King trusted not so much to his Canonicall Cope as the Sable Mantle of Night under the Protection whereof he got out with a Guide to make his escape not without danger of drowning in the dark being five times to crosse the River then swelling with late rain as much as the Scholars with anger He made Fordes where he found none all known passages being way-laid and heard the Scholars following after railing on and calling him Vsurer Simoniack Deceiver of the Prince Oppressour of the people c. whilst the Legate wisely turned his Tongue into Heeles spurring with might and main to Abington where the Court then lay Hither he came being out of all breath and Patience so that entring the King's presence his Tears and Sighs were fain to relieve his Tongue not able otherwise to expresse his Miseries whom the King did most affectionatly compassionate 16. And now Woe to the poor Clergy of Oxford Oxford in a sad condition when both temporall and spirituall Armes are prepared against them Next day the King sent the Earle Warren with Forces against them and a double Commission Eripere arripere to deliver the remainder of the Italians little better then besieged in Osney Abbey and to seize on the Scholars of whom thirty with one Othe Legista forward it seems in the Fray against the Legate his Name-sake were taken Prisoners and sent like Felons bound in Carts to VValling ford-prison and other places of Restraint 17. Nor was the Legate lazy the while Interdicted by the Legate but summoning such Bishops as were nearest him interdicted the Vniversity of Oxford and excommunicated all such as were partakers in the Tumult which were not the young fry of Scholars but Clerks in Order and many of them Beneficed and now deprived of the profit of their Livings 18. From Abington the Legate removed to London Who returns to London lodging at Durham-house in the Strand the King commanding the Major of London to keep him as the Apple of his eye with watch and ward constantly about him Hither he assembled the Bishops of the Land to consider and consult about Reparation for so high an Affront 19. The Bishops pleaded hard for the Vniversity of Oxford as being the place wherein most of them had their Education The Bishops interecede for the University They alledged it was Secunda Ecclesia a second Church being the Nursery of Learning and Religion They pleaded also that the Churlishnesse of the Porter let in this sad Accident increased by the Indiscretion of those in his own Family adding also that the Clerks of Oxford had deeply smarted by their long Durance and Sufferings for their fault therein 20. Mollified with the Premisses All are reconciled the Legate at last was over-intreated to pardon the Clergy of Oxford on their solemn Submission which was thus performed They went from S t. Paul's in London to Durham-house in the Strand no short Italian but an English long Mile all on foot the Bishops of England for the more State of the Businesse accompanying them as partly accessary to their fault for pleading in their behalf When they came to the Bishop of Carlile's now VVorcester house the Scholars went the rest of their way bare-foot sine Capis Mantulis which some understand without Capes or Cloaks And thus the great Legate at last was really reconciled unto them 21. The mention of the house of the Bishop of Carlile Bishops ancient Innes in London minds me how anciently every Bishop as all principall Abbots had a House belonging to their See commonly called their Inne for them to lodge in when their occasions summoned them to London Not to mention those which still retain their Names as VVinchester Durham Ely c. We will only observe such which are swallowed up into other Houses conceiving it charitable to rescue their Memory from Oblivion House Salisbury S t. Davids Chichester Exeter Bath and Wells Landaf VVorcester Lichfi Convent Carlile Norwich York Hereford Place Fleet-street North of Bride wel Chancery lane By Temple-bar Strand Strand Strand Strand Strand Strand VVestminster Old Fish-street hill Built by Ralph Nevil Bishop of Chichester Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter Walter Lancton Bishop of Chester Ralph de Maydenction B p. of Heref. Turned into Dorcet House Small Tenements Lincolns Inne Essex House Arundel House Somerset House Somerset House Somerset House VVorcester House York House VVhite-hall A Sugar-maker ' s House I question whether the Bishop of Rochester whose Country-House at Brumlay is so nigh had ever a House in the City Let others recover the rest from Oblivion a hard task I believe they are so drowned in private Houses O let us secure to our selves a Luke 16. 9. everlasting habitations A valiant offer seing here no abiding mansion 22. Come we now to present the Reader with another offer of the Kings I fear it was not much more to represse Papal oppression b Pat. 25. of Henry the third mem
installed Priors some voted as Barons in Parliament whereof formerly as the Prior of Canterbury and Coventrie But when the Abbot was Superintendent there the person termed Prior was his subordinate who in his absence in mitred Abbeys by courtesie was saluted the Lord Prior. 3. Secondly The Sub-Prior the Sub-Prior as Hugo Balciam Sub-Prior of Elie Founder of Peter-House Quaere whether any complement descended so low as to Lord the Sub-Prior in the absence of the Prior and Abbot As for the third Prior and fourth Prior for such Diminutives c In the subscri of the Chron. of the August of Cant. p. 2294. appear they come not within the suspition of so much favour 4. Thirdly The Secretary the Secretary who was the Register Auditour and Chancellour of the Covent it being proper to his place to write and return Letters and manage the most learned employments in the Monastery 5. With him the Camerarius The Chamberlain or Chamberlain may seem to contest for precedency as keeping the keyes of the Treasury issuing out and receiving in all considerable summes of money in which notion the Chamberlaine of London holdeth his name 6. Fiftly The Cellerer the Cellarius or Cellerarius a Place of more power and profit than the name may seem to import He was the Burser who bought in all provisions and appointed the pittances for the severall Monks and in some Houses he was d John Brakeland Secundus Pater in Monasterio as in the Abbey of Burie where a large part of the Buildings was assigned for his Residence and Lands for his Maintenance These Cellerers were brave blades much affecting Secular gallantry For I finde it e Burchard inde Index Gâ—s 8. Gal. complained of that they used to swagger with their swords by their sides like lay-Gentlemen 7. The remaining Officers are best reckoned up by the Canonical rooms as I may term them in an Abbey The Gate-house each giving denomination to him who had the inspection thereof I begin with the Gate-house and its relative the Porter an office I assure you of some trust in an Abbey to know what guests and when especially at the postern are to be admitted thereunto The Refectory 8. The next room is the Refectorium and Refectorius the f Chron. August Cant. p. 2294. Controller thereof It was the Hall wherein the Monks dined together and sometimes the Abbot on great solemnities graced them with his presence when he had g In Vitis p. 141. Vastellum that is not common bread but vastell bread h See Glossarie of Will. Somner or simnels for his diet 9. Adjoyning to it was the Locutorium The Parlour or Parlour because there leave was given for the Monks to discourse who were enjoyned silence elsewhere Thus we read how Paul the fourteenth Abbot of S. Albans made it penal for any to talk in the Cloister Church Refectory or Dormitory 10. The Oriol Oriolium i In Vitis p. 100. or the Oriol was the next room Why so called some of the name-sake Colledge in Oxford are best able to satisfie Sure I am that small excursion out of Gentlemen's Halls in Dorcetshire respect it East or West is commonly called an Orial The use hereof is known for Monks who were in latitudine morbi rather distempered than diseased to dine therein it being cruelty to thrust such into the Infirmarie where they might have died with the conceit of the sicknesse of others 11. Dormitorium The Dormitorie the Dormitorie where they all slept together it being ordered in the Councel k Sub Ludov. Imp. Au. 816. cap. 134. of Aquisgrane Nisi in Dormitorio cum caeteris absque causae inevitabili nemo dormire praesumpserit 12. Lavatorium succeeds The Laundry generally called the Laundrey where their clothes were washed Haply it was also the place such in the West-side of Westminster-cloysters where all the Monks at the Conduit washed their hands there being as much good fellowship in washing as eating together 13. Scriptorium remains a room where the Chartularius was busied in writing especially employed in the transcribing of these Books Their 1. Ordinals containing the Rubrick of their Missal and Directorie of their Priests in Service 2. Consuetudinals presenting the antient customs of their Covents 3. Troparies 4. Collectaries wherein the Ecclesiastical Collects were fairly written 14. Next this the Librarie The Library which most great Abbeys had exactly furnished with variety of choice Manuscripts 15. All is marred if the Kitchin be omitted The Kitchin so essential a requisite in an Abbey with the Larder and Pantrey the necessary suburbs thereof 16. Come we now their Abbey-Church The severall parts in the Church where we first meet their 1. Cloisters consecrated ground as appeares by their solemne Sepultures therein 2. Navis Ecclesiae or Body of the Church 3. Gradatorium a distance containing the ascent out of the former into the Quire 4. Presbyterium or the Quire on the right side whereof was the Stall of the Abbot and his on the lefe side the Prior and his moiety of Monks who alternately chaunted the Responsals in the Service 5. Vestiarium the Vestiarie where their Copes and Clothes were deposited 6. A Vaulta l In Vitis pag. 225. a Vault being an arched-room over part of the Church which in some Abbeys as S. Albans was used to enlarge their Dormitorie where the Monks had twelve beds for their repose 7. Concameratio being an arched-room betwixt the East-end of the Church and the m In Viâ—â—s pag. 521. High Altar so that in Procession they might surround the same founding their fancie on n Psal 26. 6. David's expression and so will I compass thine Altar O Lord. As for the other Rooms of the Church Cerarium where their wax candles were kept Campanile their Steeple Polyandrium the Church-yard and sometime the Charnel-house let such be consulted with who have written large Volumes on this subject who will also inform them of the Dignities and Duties of the Praecentor Sacrist Sub-sacrist Capellane Ostiarie Vestiarie Ceroferarie c. belonging thereunto The remaining Rooms of an Abbey stood a distance from the main structure thereof To begin with the best first Eleëmosynaria or the Almorie being a building neer or within the Abbey wherein poor and impotent persons did live maintained by their Charity 17. Secondly The Centurie Sanctuarium of the Centurie wherein Debtours taking refuge from their Creditours Malefactours from the Judge lived the more the pity in all security 18. Thirdly The Firmorie Infirmarium or the Firmorie the Curatour whereof Infirmarius wherein persons down-right sick trouble to others and troubled by others if lodging in the Dormitorie had the benefit of Physick and attendance private to themselves No Lent or Fasting-dayes came ever the threshold of this roome Sicknesse being a Dispensation for the eating of Flesh It was punishable for any to eate therein
His Graces late promotion had Subverted the Faith of CHRIST as they thought which is the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishops of Rochester Salisbury S. Davids and Dublin 3. This Lincoln shire Commotion being quickly suppressed and a right understanding begotten betwixt the King and His Subjects the Rebellious humour removed into Yorkâ—shire where no fewer than fifty thousand saith Sanders were assembled in a body under Robert Aske a mean Gentleman their Captain and one Diamond though a knave of another suit who termed himself the Earl of Poverty yet this distemper also was seasonably cured by the King's pardon and their submission till soon after a great part of them fell into a relapse of Rebellion carrying in their Ensignes the five wounds of our Saviour the Chalice wiâ—h the Hoste and the Name of JESUS betwixt them who being vanquished by the King's forces under the command of the Earle of Shrewesbury were condignely executed for the same 4. Indeed Sanders Excused by Sanders unjustly to whom it is as naturall to defame as for a stone to descend complaineth That the King executed those whom formerly He had pardoned for the same offence contrary to Gods proceedings with whom peccata remissa non recurrunt yea contrary to equity and all common justice but our Chronicles make it plain that they ran on the score of a new Rebellion their faults specifically not numerically the same and justly suffered for their offences therein 5. Thomas Lord Darcy and the Lord Hussey first and last Baron of his Family were beheaded on this account The first of these being much bemoaned both for what he had been a marshall man of merit by sea and land and for what he was decaied being almost eighty with old age insomuch that there goeth a Tradition that he had the King's Pardon in his pocket and slept the while the sentence of condemnation was passed on him and then produced it too late such it seems were the rigorous proceedings against him Ask and Diamond were executed in this Rebellion Persons executed and so also were six Abbots namely of Sanley Barling Gerviaus Whaley Rivers with the Prior of Berlington besides many Gentlemen of prime account whereof these the chief Robert Constable Thomas Piercy Francis Bigot Nicholas Musgrave Nicholas Temple Stephen Hamilton Thomas Gilby William Lomley John Bulmar and his Wife However some pity may seem proper to these persons as ignorantly zealous and grieved to behold the destruction of the old Religion before they had received any competent instruction for a new And thus was there a rout of the most antient of the Northern Gentlemen of the Romish perswasion who in the next Generation had scarcely rallied themselves again but they were routed the second time in the Rebellion of the Earls of Northuâ—berland and Westmerland The return of the Visitors of Abbeys BY this time the Instruments imployed by the Lord Cromwell The return of the L. Cromwells agents to make discovery of the vitious lives of Monks and Fryers were all returned in their persons or in their intelligence sent unto him They were men who well understood the Message they went on and would not come back without a satisfactory answer to him that sent them knowing themselves were likely to be no losers thereby And now they had sound out water enough to drive the mill besides what ran by a sufficient detection to effect the businesse Of these some were put in Commission to visit Abbeys others moving in a lower but no lesse needful sphere of activity 2. Of these Commissioners the principal were Rich Layton The principall Commissioners The Legh William Peters Doctors of the Law a L. Herbert in the Life of Hen. 8. p 398. Doctor John London Dean of Wallingford Of the three former I can say nothing but finde the later though imployed to còrrect others no great Saint himself For afterwards he was publickly b Fex Acts Mon p. 1221 where is a picture thereof Their two-edged sword convicted of perjury and adjudged to ride with his face to the Horse-tale at Windosor and Ockingham with papers about his head which was done accordingly 3. Their power was partly Inquisitive to search into the former lives of religious persons partly Impositive to enjoyn them stricter rules for their future observation It is hard to say whether their eyes were more prying for what was past or hands more heavy for the time to come and most true it is that betwixt both many Monks formerly lazie in were now weary of their present profession 4. Some counted their Convents Monks weâ—ry of their lives their Prisons being thus confined for once out of the house without lawful cause and leave obtained and never in again It was a fine thing when they might but sad case when they must live in their Monasteries the Eighty six Articles of the Visitors looking with Janus partly backward partly forward did so vex them that many who had hopes of others subsistence cast off the Couls and Vails and quitted their Convents The second sort of insinuating Emissaries THese Visitors were succeeded with a second sort of publick Agents Others undone by their own dissentions but working in a more private way encouraging the members in Monasteries to impeach one another for seeing there was seldome such general agreement in any great Convent but that factions were found and parties did appear therein these Emissaries made an advantageous use thereof No Abbey could have been so soon destroyed but by cunning setting it against it self and secret fomenting of their own divisions Whereupon many being accused did recriminate their Accusers and hopelesse to recover their own innocency pleased themselves by plunging others in the like guiltinesse Others being conscious to themselves prevented accusing by confessing their faults and those very foul ones Insomuch that some have so much charity as to conceive that they made themselves worse than they were though it was a needlesse work for a Black-Moore to besoot his own face 2. Yea A charitable censure some hold that as Witches long-tortured with watching and fasting and pinched when but ready to nod are contented causlessly to accuse themselves to be eased of the present pain so some of these poor souls frighted with menaces and fearing what might be the successe acknowledged all and more than all against themselves the truth whereof none on earth can decide Soliciting and tempting Emissaries complained of by the Papists THe Papists doe heavily complain how justly God alone knoweth that a third sort of Agents were imployed A devilish design if true to practise on the chastity of the Nuns so to surprize them into wantonness Some young Gallants were on disigne sent to some Covents with fair faces flattering tongues store of gold and good cloathes youth wit wantonness and what else might work on the weaker sex These having with much craft scrued themselves into the affections of Nuns and brought them to
cruell to cast off were sent by their Masters to such Abbeys where they had plentifull food during their lives Now though some of those Corrodies where the property was altered into a set summe of money was solvable out of the Exchequer after the dissolution of Abbeys yet such which continued in kinde was totally extinct and no such Diet hereafter given where both Table and House were overturned The Premisses proved by instance in the Family of the Berkeleys THe Noble Family of the Berkeleys may well give an Abbots Mitre for the Crest of their Armes because so loving their Nation and building them so many Synagogues Hence it was that partly in right of their Auncestors partly by their Matches with the Co-heirs of the Lord Mowbray and Seagrave in the Vacancies they had a right of Nomination of an Abbot in following Foundations Place Founder Order Value 1. St. Augustines in Bristoll 2. Burton Laus in Leicester shire 3. Byland or Bella-Launda in York sh 4. Chancomb in Northhampton shire 5. Combe in Warwick shire 6. Croxton in Leicester shire 7. Edworth in the Isle of Axholme in Lincoln-shire 8. Fountains 9. Kirkby in Leicestershire 10. Newburge in Yorkshire 1. Robert Fitz-Harding whose posterity assumed the name of Berkeley 2. The Lord Mowbray in the Reign of K. Henry the first 3. Robert de Mowbray Gonnora his Mother 4. Hugh de Anaf Kn t in the time of the Conq. whose Son Robert took the name of Chaâ—comb Annabisia his daughter was married to Gilbert Lord Seagrave 7. Tho Mowbray Earl of Notingham in the Reign of K. Rich. the 2. to which the Mowbrays were grand Benefactors 9. Roger de Beller who held this Manour of the Lord Mowbray 1. Black Canons of the Order of S. Victor 2. Leprous people professing the Order of S. Augustine 6. Premonstratentian Monks 7. Carthusians 9. Canons Regular of S. Augustine l. s. d. ob q. 767.15.3.0.0 458.19.11.1.1 7.290.14 178.7.10 0 1 What shall I speak of the small Houses of Longbridge and Tintern in Gloucestershire not mentioned in Speed the Hospitals of S. Katharine and Mary Maudlins neer Bristol the well endowed Schoole of Wotton Underhedge in Glocester shire besides forty Chanteries founded by the Berkeleys yea I have read in a Manuscript belonging unto them no lesse judiciously than industriously composed by Mr. John Smith who did and received many good offices to and from that Family as is mutually confessed that the forenamed Abbeys and others held of the Lord Berkeley at the dissolution no fewer than eighty Knights fees and payed services unto them accordingly all which are now lost to the value of ten thousand pounds within the compasse of few years 2. Nor will it be amisse to insert Rob. Derby last Abbot of Croxton that Robert Derby the last Abbot of Croxton was presented thereunto April 22. the 26 of King Henry the eighth by Thomas the sixt of that name Lord Berkeley the place being void by the death of one Atter cliffe belonging to his presentation by inheritance And in the Record he commandeth the Prior and Convent to receive and obey him as Abbot Ingratitude to their Founders a grand fault in many Abbeys INgratitude is the abridgement of all basenesse If unthankfull all bad a fault never found unattended with other vitiousness This is justly charged on the account of many Abbeys whose stately structures grew so proud as to forget the Rock whence they were Hewen and the Hole of the Pit whence they were digged unthankfull to such Founders who under God had bestowed their maintenance upon them 2. One instance of many Great bounty Vast was the liberality of the Lord Berkeleys to S. Austins in Bristoll leaving themselves in that their large Estate not one Rectory to which they might present a Chaplaine all the Benefices in their numerous Manours being appropriated to this and other Monasteries Now see the Requitall 3. Maurice Ill required the first of that name Lord Berkeley having occasion to make the ditch about his Castle the broader for the better fortifying thereof took in some few feet of ground out of Berkeley Church-yard which Church with the Tithes thereof his Ancestors had conferred on the aforesaid Monastery The Abbot beholding this as a great trespasse or rather as a little sacriledge so prosecuted the aforesaid Lord with Church-censures that he made him in a manner cast the dirt of the ditch in his own face inforcing him to a publick confession of his fault and to give Five shillings rent for ever with some Tithes and Pasture for as many Oxen as would till a Plow-land by the words of his Will Pro emendatione culpa meae de fossato quod feci de Coemiterio de Berkeley circa castellum meum 4. I know it will be pleaded for the Abbot that there is as much right in an inch as in an ell Summum jâ—â— that he was a Fiduciary intrusted to defend the rights of his Covent that Founders Heirs are not priviledged to doe injuries yea they of all persons most improper to take back what their Ancestors have given However the Lords incroachment on the Church-yard being in a manner done in his own defence the thing in it self so small and the merit of his Ancestors so great to that Abbey might have met with that meeknesse which should be in the brests of all Spirituall persons to abate his rigorous prosecution against him 5. Thomas the first Lord Berkeley of that name Another instance of ingratitude found little better usage from the Abbot of S. Austines though he had formerly besides confirmation of many Lands conferred on that Convent pasture for Twenty four Oxen discharging also their Lands lying within certain of his Manours from all Services and Earthly demands onely to remember him and his in their prayers yet did that Abbot and Convent implead him before the Popes Delegates for Tythes of Paunage of his Woods for Tythes of his Fishing and of his Mills The Lord removed the Suit to Common Law as challenging the sole power to regulate Modum Dicimandi And now when all was ready for a Tryall before the Judge irinerant at Gloucester it was compounded by Friends on such Terms as the Abbot in effect gained his desire 6. Indeed A cause of their â—uine so odious and obvious was the unthankfulnesse of some Convents that it is reputed by some the most meritorious Cause of their Dissolution and their doing things without and against the Will of their Founders is instanced in the * For the dissolution of Chanteries Colledges 37 of Hen. 8. cap. 4. An overwise conceit Statute as a main Motive to take them away 7. Some who pretend to a Prometheus wit fondly conceive that the Founders of Abbeys might politickly have prevented their dissolution had they inserted a provision in their Foundations That in case Abbey Lands should be alienated to other uses against or besides the Owners intents then such
the Ignorant with much Veneration Now at the dissolution of Abbeys it was brought up to London and burnt at the Gallows in Smithfield with Fryer Forrest executed for a Traytor 13. A Prophecie was current in the Abbey of Glassenborough Haret Delphinus in ulmo That a Whiting should swim on the top of the Torr thereof which is a steep hill hard by and the credulous Countrey people understood it of an eruption of the Sea which they suspected accordingly It happened that Abbot Whiting the last of Glassenbury was hanged thereon for his Recusancy to Surrender the Abbey and denying the King's Supremacy so swimming in aire and not water and waved with the winde in the place 14. We will close all with the Propheticall Mottoes at leastwise as men since have expounded them of the three last successive Abbots of Glocester Propheticall Mottoes inscribed in Glocester Church because much of modesty and something of piety contained therein 1. Abbot Boulers Memento memento that is as some will have it Remember remember this Abbey must be dissolved 2. Abbot Sebruck Fiat voluntas Domini that is if it must be dissolved the will of the Lord be done 3. Abbot Mauborn Mersos reatâ— suscita Raise up those which are drowned in guiltiness Which some say was accomplished when this Abbey found that favour from King Henry the eighth to be raised into a Bishoprick But I like the Text better than the Coment and there is more humility in their Mottoes than solidity in the Interpretations That many precious Books were embezeled at the dissolution of Abbeys to the irreparable losse of learning THe English Monks were bookish of themselves English Libraries excellently furnished and much inclined to hoord up monuments of learning Britain we know is styled Another world and in this contradistinction though incomparably lesse in quantity acquits it self well in proportion of famous Writers producing almost as many Classical School-men for her Natives as all Europe besides Other excellent Books of forraign Authors were brought hither purchased at dear rates if we consider that the Presse which now runs so incredibly fast was in that Age in her infancie newly able to goe alone there being then few Printed Books in comparison of the many Manuscripts These if carefully collected and methodically compiled would have amounted to a Librarie exceeding that of Ptolomie's for plenty or many Vaticans for choicenesse and rarity Yea had they been transported beyond the seas sent over and sold entire to such who knew their value and would preserve them England's losse had been Europe's gain and the detriment the lesse to Learning in generall Yea many years after the English might have repurchased for pounds what their Grand-fathers sold for fewer pence into forraign parts 2. But alas The miserable martyrdome of innocent Books those Abbeys were now sold to such Chap-men in whom it was questionable whether their ignorance or avarice were greater and they made havock and destruction of all As Broakers in Long-lane when they buy an old suit buy the lineings together with the out-side so it was conceived meet that such as purchased the buildings of Monasteries should in the same grant have the Libraries the stuffing thereof conveyed unto them And now these ignorant owners so long as they might keep a Lieger-book or Terrier by direction thereof to finde such stragling acres as belonged unto them they cared not to preserve any other Monuments The covers of books with curious brasse bosses and claspes intended to protect proved to betray them being the baits of covetousness And so many excellent Authors stripp'd out of their cases were left naked to be burnt or thrown away Thus Esop's cock casually lighting on a pearl preferr'd a grain before it yet he left it as he found it and as he reaped no profit by the pearl it received no damage by him Whereas these cruell Cormorants with their barbarous beaks and greedy claws rent tore and tatter'd these inestimable pieces of Antiquity Who would think that the Fathers should be condemn'd to such servile employment as to be Scavengers to make clean the foulest sink in mens bodies Yea which is worse many an antient manuscript Bible cut in pieces to cover filthy Pamphlets so that a case of Diamond hath been made to keep dirt within it yea the Wisemen of Gotham bound up in the Wisdome of Solomon 3. But hear how John Bale John Bale lamentably bemoaneth thâ—â—massacre a man sufficiently averse from the least shadow of Popery hating all Monkery with a perfect hatred complained hereof to King Edward the sixt a In his Declaration upon Leland's Journall Anno 1549. Covetousnesse was at that time so busie about private commodity that publick Wealth in that most necessary and of respect was not any where regarded A number of them which purchased those superstitious mansions reserved of those Library-books some to serve their jakes some to scour their candlesticks and some to rub their boots some they sold to the Grocers and Sope sellers and some they sent over sea to the Book binders not in small number but at times whole ships full Yea the Universities of this Realme are not all clear in this detestable fact But cursed is that belly which seeketh to be fed with so ungodly gains and so deeply shameth his naturall Countrey I know a Merchant-man which shall at this time be namelesse that bought the contents of two noble Libraries for fourty shillings price a shame it is to be spoken This stuffe hath he occupied instead af gray paper by the space of more than these ten years and yet he hath store enough for as many years to come A prodigious example is this and to be abhorred of all men which love their Nations as they should doe Yea what may bring our Realm to more shame and rebuke than to have it noised abroad that we are despisers of learning I judge this to be true and utter it with heavinesse that neither the Britains under the Romans and Saxons nor yet the English people under the Danes and Normans had ever such damage of their learned monuments as we have seen in our time Our posterity may well curse this wicked fact of our Age this unreasonable spoil of Englands most noble antiquities 4. What soul can be so frozen Learning recelveth an incurable wound by the losse of books as not to melt into anger hereat What heart having the least spark of ingenuiry is not hot at this indignity offered to literature I deny not but that in this heap of Books there was much rubbish Legions of lying Legends good for nothing but fewell whose keeping would have caused the losse of much pretious time in reading them I confesse also there were many volumes full fraught with superstition which notwithstanding might be usefull to learned men except any will deny Apothecaries the priviledge of keeping poison in their shops when they can make antidotes of them But be
Orders have spauned much since our late Civil Warres Protestant confusions multiplying Popish foundations 2. Yet I cannot believe what * Mr. Prin. one reports of two Covents in London Two Covents reported in London set up about the year 1640. One at the Lord Gages neer Queens-street the other at Westminster For finding no person who is properly tearmed the Lord Gage I suspect all the rest And though I confesse Catholicks then arrived at such boldnesse as rather to dare than dread any discovery yet it seemeth improbable any should abide there save onely to wait conveniencie of transportation And so much for English Covents beyond the Seas which discourse let none censure as alien and not pertaining to the History of England For I would willingly be condemned for a needlesse excursion on the condition that they belonged not at all unto us who daily fetch over too much money hence and doe mutually bring back too much mischief hither To whom the Sites of Mitred Abbeys were granted and by whom they are possessed at this day IT were a work almost impossible for our pen to pursue the Lands of each Religious house from the time that they parted from the Crown to the present Owners thereof A possible designe preferred impossible declined Yea such a task when ended were endlesse of no other use than the satisfaction of curiosity As therefore the best Anatomists cannot hunt out the deviations of every petty vein embracing severall courses in sundry bodies but abundantly acquit their skill and industry if truly discovering the trunkveins observing the same chanels in all people Kephalicall Basilicall c. So we conceive our duty discharged to any rationall expectation if instancing onely out of the Originall Records in the Sites of the Mitred Abbeys marking their fluctuation since passed from the Crown into the possession of severall subjects 2. Here I intended to present the Reader with the particulars of all those Owners through whose hands these Mitred Abbeys have passed from those to whom King Henry granted them to those who at this day are possessed thereof A thing with very much difficulty such the frequencies of the exchange collectible out of the severall fines payd at their alienation but having tyred out mine own modesty though not my good friend Mr. John Witt 's officious industry in being beholden to him above my possibility of requitall for perusing so many Records I desisted from so difficult a design Abbey Granted by Unto In consideration Tenure and rent After alien'd to Present owner Tavestock in Devon K. a 1 parte rotulo 29. formerly Osboâ—ns Remembrancers Office Henry the 8 in the 31 of his Reign July 4. Iohn Lord Russel Anne his Wife and their Heires c. of his faithfull service and counsell in Capite by Knights service of cum aliis one Knights see paying 36 li. none but still possessed by their Heirs William Russell Earle of Bedford Middleton in Dorsetshire K. b 1 par rot 95. Henry the 8 in the 31 of his Reign 23 of Febr. Iohn Tregonwell Kn t Doctor of Law of a PensioÌ„ of 40 l. per ann surrendred 1000 l. paid down his good service in Capite by Knights service of the tenth part of a Knights fee paying 12 l. 4s none but still possessed by his Heirs Iohn Tregonwell Esquire Malmesbury in Wilt-sh K. c 7 par râ—t 147. Henry the 8 in the 31 of his Reign William Stampe Gentleman of the payment of 1516 l. 15s 2d ob in Capite by the tenth part of a Knights fee paying 8l 8s ob  Thomas Ioy Esquire Ramsey in Huntingtonshire K. d 2 par rot 293. Henry the 8 in the 31 of his Reign 4 of March. Richard Williams alià s Cromwell Esq of his good service and the payment of 4663l 4s 2d in Capite by the tenth part of a Knights fee paying 29l 16s none possessed by his Heir Sir Oliver Cromwell the most aged Gent. and Knight in England Selby in Yorkshire K. e 1 part rot 140. Henry the 8 in the 32 of his Reign 28 of August Ralph Sadleir of Hackney Knight of 736l paid in Capite by the tenth part of a Knights fee paying 3l 10s 8d  Charles Walmesley Esquire Teuxburie in Glocester shire K. f 2 part rot 26. Henry the 8 in the 36 of his Reign Tho Stroud Wal Earle and Iam Paget of 2283 li. 19s 3d. in capite by the 20th part of a Knights fee paying 1l 18s 0 3 4   Hyde juxta Winton K. g 7 part rot 44 Henry the 8 in the 37 of his Reign 11 of Janu. Rich Bethel Gent. after a Lease of the Lord Wriothesly was expired of 110 li. 17 s. 1d in free Soccage of the King's Manour of Rumsey paying 6l 13s 4d to the Vic. of St. Barthol Wint   S. Johns juxta Colchester K. h 4 part rot 13. Edward the sixt in the first of his Reign June 22. Iohn Dudley Earle of Warwick of his service in Scotland and France whereby he had much impair'd his own estate in Capite cum aliis by service of one Knights fee paying 16s 11. d. ob  Sir Iohn Lucas L d Lucas Cirencester in Glocester shire K. i 1 part rot Edward the sixt in the first of his Reign 19 of August Thomas Lord Seymer high Admiral of his service and kindred being the Kings Uncle in Capite with land in 15 Shires by the service of one Knights fee paying 1l 1s 8d  Sir William Masters Bardney in Lincoln-shire K. k 3 part rot 95. Edw 6. in the second of his Reign Thomas Heneage Katherine his Wife and their Heirs of an exchange for the Manour of overton in Knights service  Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham Glaston in Somerset K. l 3 part rot 17. and againe 4 pars rot 77. Edward the sixt in the 4 th year of his Reign 4 of June Ed Seymer Duke of Somerset of his Petition and the advise of the Counsel to support his dignity in Capite by the 40 th part of a Knights fee sine reditu   Reading in Berkshire K. m Ibidem Edw. the sixt in the 4 th year of his Reign 4 of June Ed Seymer Duke of Somerset of his Petition and the advise of the Counsel to support his dignity in Capite by the 40 th part of a Knights fee sine reditu  Francis Knolles Esquire Crowland in Lincolnshire K. Edward the sixt in the 4 th year of his Reign Decemb. 1. Edw. Fines Knight L d. Clinton and Say high Admiral of England of the exchange of other lands with the Crown to be held in Soccage as of the Kings Manour of Louth by fealty only  till lately in the Crown Winchcomb in Glocestershire K. Edward the sixt in the fift year of his Reign June 24. William Par Marquesse of Northhampton of his faithfulness and valour against the Rebels in Northfolk in
forged leases are countenanced under the pretence of this passing the same 22. As for the number of Recusants which forsook the land at this time A list of persons deprived the prime of them were Henry Lord Morley S r. Francis Inglefield Thomas Shelly and John Gage Esqrs As for the Nuns of Sion and other Votaries wasted over we have formerly treated of them in our History of Abbies Nor were there moe then eighty Rectours of Churches fifty Prebendaries fifteen Masters of Colledges twelve Arch-Deacons twelve Deans with six Abbots and Abbesses deprived at this time of their places thoroughout all England 23. Now the Queen and Her Councell Matthew Parker designed Arch-Bishop his due commendation accounted it high time to supply the Church of Canterbury which hitherto had stood * Counted from Pooles death to Parkers consecration Vacant a yeer Anno Dom. 1559. and three weeks with an Arch-Bishop Anno Regin Eliza. 2. D r. Matthew Parker is appointed for the place borne in Norwich bred in Cambridge Master of Benefactour to Bennet-Colledge there Chaplain to Queen Anne Bollen a relation which next his own merits befriended him with Queen Elizabeth for such high and suddain advancement then to King Henry the eighth Deane of the Colledge of Stoke juxta Clare a learned and religious Divine He confuted that character which one gives of Antiquaries that generally they are either superstitious or supercilious his skill in antiquity being attended with soundnesse of doctrine and humility of manners His Book called Antiquitates Britanicae hath indebted all posterity to his pen. Which work our great a Mr Selden of Tithes cap. 9. pag. 256. Critick cites as written by M r. Joscelin one much employed in the making thereof But we will not set the memories of the Patrone and Chaplaine at variance who loved so well in their lives time nor needeth any Writ of partition to be sued out betwixt them about the authorship of this book though probably one brought the matter the other composure thereof 24. The Queen had formerly sent order to D r. Wotton The Queen Her letter for his consecration Dean of Canterbury an exquisite Civilian July 18. Aug. 1. and therefore one who may be presumed critical in such performances and to the Chapter there to choose Matthew Parker their Arch-Bishop which within fourteen dayes after was by them accordingly performed This done She directeth Her Letters-Patents in manner and forme following Elizabetha b Registrum Parker 1. Iom 1 fol. 3. Dei Gratia c. Reverendis in Christo Patribus Antonio Landavensi Episcopo Will Barlow quondam Bath Well Ep. nunc Cicestrensi electo Joh Scory quondam Cicestrensi Episcopo nunc electo Heâ—esor Miloni Coverdalio quondam Exoniensi Episcopo Johanni Surffaganeo Bedford Johanni Suffraganeo Thetford Johanni Bale Osserensi Episcopo Quatenus vos aut ad minus quatuor vestrûm eundem Matthaeum Parkerum in Archiepiscopum Pastorem Ecclesiae Cathedralis Metropoliticae Christi Cantuariensis praedictae sicut praefertur electum electionemque praedictum confirmare eundem Magistrum Matthaeum Parkerum in Archiepiscopum Pastorem Ecclesiae praedictae consecrare caeteraque omnia singula peragere quae vestro in hac parte editorum provisorum velitis cum effectu c. Dat sexto Decembris Anno secundo Elizabethae But the old Bishop of Landaffe appeared not at the Consecration Dece 6. terrified say the Papists by Bonners threats so as to absent himself which others do not believe For he that feared not the Lion out of the grate would he be frighted with the Lion within the grate If Bonner when at liberty could not deterr him from taking the oath of Supremacy improbable it is that when now detain'd prisoner in the Tower he could disswade him from his obedience to his Soveraigne More likely it is that his absence as also Bishop Bale's and the Suffragans of Thetford was occasioned by their indisposition of body and infirmity of old age 25. But the other four Bishops appeared The manner thereof William Barlow John Scory Miles Coverdal and John Hodgskins by whom Matthew Parker was solemnly consecrated in manner and forme following The East part of the Chappel of c Regist Parker Tom 1. fol. 9. Lambeth was hung with tapestry the floore spred with red cloth chairs and cushions are conveniently placed for the purpose morning prayer being solemnly read by Andrew Peerson the Arch-Bishops Chaplaine Bishop Scory went up into the d Ibid. fol. 10. pulpit and took for his text The e 1 Pet. 5. 1. Elders which are among you I exhort who also am an Elder and a witnesse of the sufferings of Christ c. Sermon ended and the Sacrament administred they proceed to the Consecration the Arch-Bishop had his Rochet on with Hereford and the Suffragan of Bedford Chichester wore a silke cope and Coverdal a plain cloth-gown down to his ancles All things are done conâ—ormable to the book of Ordination Letanie sung the Queens Patent for Parkers consecration audibly read by D r. Vale Dece 17. he is presented the oath of Supremacy tendred to him taken by him hands reverendly imposed on him and all with prayers begun continued concluded In a word though here was no Theatrical pompe to make it a Popish pageant though no sandals gloves ring staffe oyle pall c. were used upon him yet there was ceremony enough to cloth his consecration with decency though not to clog it with superstition 26. This his consecration is avowed most legal The legality of his consecration both according to Canon and Common Law In the latter it was ordered by King Henry a Anno Regin 25. the eighth that an Arch-Bishops should not be consecrated but by an Archbishop and two Bishops or by four Bishops in case an Arch-Bishop was wanting as here it was performed Object not that one of these foure was but a Suffragan seeing such by the b 26. of Henry 8 cap. 14. laws of the land though not able to vote as Barons in Parliament had Episcopal power to all purposes and intents Neither cavill that Coverdale henceforward led a private life being always a Bishop quoad characterem and for the present quoad jâ—es â—itulum Exeter his former Bishoprick being actually void by the deprivation of Turbervile though refusing to be so quoad possessionem As for the canonical part of his consecration six of the most eminent Doctours of that faculty England then afforded gave it under their hands that the same was exactly observed 27. Yet notwithstanding all circumstances so solemnly performed The impudent lie of the Naggs-head some impudent Papists have raised a lie that Matthew Parker was consecrated Ad caput manni At the Naggs-head a tavern in Cheapside Indeed they shew a place therein just against the barr so anciently arched that an active phansie which can make any thing of
on the ninth of March 1588. as appears by the Epitaph on her Monument in Westminster Abbey in which Church she founded a Salarie of twenty pounds a yeare for a Divinity Lecture By her Will dated December the sixt 1588. she left to her Executours Henry Gray Earl of Kent and to her Nephew Sir Iohn afterwards Lord Harrington five thousand pounds besides her goods unbequeathed for the erection of a Colledge and purchasing of competent lands for one Master ten Fellows and twenty Schollers But in case the Legacie would not thereunto extend then the same to goe to the enlarging of Clare Hall for the maintenance of so many Fellows and Schollars therein to enjoy all liberties customes and priviledges with other Fellows and Schollars of that Foundation She appointed Iohn Whitgift Archbishop of Canterbury and Gabriel Goodman Dean of Westminster Overseers of her Will ordering also that Alexander Nowel Dean of S. Pauls should preach her funerall Sermon which no doubt was done accordingly 24. Be it remembred by the way The spight of Index expurgatorius that the lately mentioned Earl of Kent is he on whom Mr. Cambden bestows this deserved commendation Verae Nobilitatis ornamentis a Camdens Brit in the conclusion of Kent Vir longè bonoratissimus But the Index expurgatorius set forth at Madrid by Lewis Sanchez the King's Printer 1612. and truly reprinted at Geneva 1619. dashes these words with a Dele b Prima Classe literae G. thought the character given this Peet most honourable for his parentage and no lesse for his piety will justly remain to his memory when this peevish partial Index shall be purged to nothing 25. These two noble Executours The Colledge Mortmain how procured in pursuance of the Will of this Testatrix according to her desire and direction therein in her name presented Q. Elizabeth a Jewell being like a starre of Rubies and Diamonds with a Rubies in the midst thereof worth an hundred and forty pounds having on the back side an Hand delivering up an Heart unto a Crown At the delivery hereof they humbly requested of Her Highnesse a Mortmaine to found a Colledge Copied out of the words of her Will. which She graciously granted unto them Their next care was to purchase of Trinity Colledge a parcell of ground with some antient buildings thereon formerly called the Franciseans or Gray Fryers procuring the same to be passed unto them in Fee farme by Act of Parliament Ann. Dom. 159-96 and thereon they laid the foundation of this new Colledge Ann. Regi Eliz. 38. 26. We usually observe Infants born in the seventh month A little Babe thank God and good Nurses well batled though poor and pitifull creatures are vitall and with great care and good attendance in time prove proper persons Ovid or his elder Brother the words being dubiously placed may be an instance hereof d De tristibus lib. 4. Eleg. 10. Qui tribus ante quater mensibus ortus erat To such a Partus Septimestris may Sidney Colledge well be resembled so low lean and little at the birth thereof Alas what is 5000 li. to buy the scite build and endow a Colledge therewith As for her unbequeathed goods they answered not expectation and I have heard that some inferiour persons imployed in the sale of her Jewels were out of their own want of skill or of honesty in others much deceived therein Yet such was the worthy care of her honourable Executors that this Benjamin-Colledge the least and last in time and born after as he at the death of its mother thrived in a short time to a competent strength and stature Masters Bishops Benefactours Learn'd Writers Liveings 1. I am Montague first Master of this House and a worthy Benefactour thereof giving much procuing more thereunto 2. Fran Aldridge Fellow of Trin Coll chosen 1608. 3. Sam Ward Fellow of Emmanuel Colledge chosen 1609. of whom largely hereafter 4. Rich Minshul first I am since informed one once a Servant of Bishop Montagu hath given them one in Bedfordshire Master bred in and chosen by the Colledge and much meriting thereof by his providence Iames Montague Bishop of Bath and Wells Anno 1608. afterwards Bishop of Winchester Iohn Bramhall Bishop of London-Derrie in Ireland Henry Earle of Kent who let the Legacy of of 100 l. bequeathed him by the Foundresse go on to the building of the Coll though generally omitted in the Catalogue of their Benefactors Sir Iohn Hart Knight Leonard Smith Citizen of London Peter Blundel of Tiverton Clothier Iohn Freestone Esq Edward Lord Montagu of Boughton Iohn Lord Harrington the younger Lady Lucy his Sister Countesse of Bedford Lady Anne Harrington their Mother George Lord Goringe Iohn Yong D. D. Dean of Winchester Sir Will Wilmore first Pensioner in the Coll Robert Iohnson Archdeacon of Leicester Iohn Harrington Godfr Fuliambe Edward Wray Robert Hadson Francis Combe Esq Paul Micletwait D. D. and Fell of the Coll. Richard Dugard 1. Daniel Dike that faithfull Servant in discovering the deceitfulnesse of mans heart 2. Ier Dike his Brother 3. Sam Ward Minister of Ipswich 4. Tho Gatacre much knowne by his Book of Lots and other works 5. Ier Witaker 6. Tho Adams a noted Preacher in London * The three former were put in by the Foundresse Executors Sunt mihi non potis est dicere dicit erunt 27. As for the bounty of Sir Francis Clerk Sir Fran Clark deservedly accounted a By-Founder it exceedeed the bounds of Benefaction and justly entituled him to be a By-founder The Giver doubled the Gift if we consider First his estate was not great for one of his condition Secondly he had a Daughter and generally it is observed that Parents are most barren and the childlesse most fruitfull in great expressions of Charity Thirdly he was altogether unknown to the Colledge and the Colledge to him surprizing it on a suddain with his bounty so much the more welcome because not expected Yet such his liberality that he not onely built a fair and firm range of twenty chambers from the addition whereof a second Court resulteth to the Colledge but also augmented the Schollarships of the foundation and founded four Fellowships and eight Schollarships more Herein his favour justly reflected on his Countrey-men of Bedford shire preferring them before others to places of his own foundation 28. Nor comes the bounty of Sir John Brereton much behinde him To whom Sir John Brereton not much inferiour He was as I may term him one of the Aborigines of the Colledge one of the first Schollars of the House and afterwards became His Majesties Sergeant for the Kingdome of Ireland At his death he was not unmindfull of this his Mother to whom he bequeathed a large Legacy above two thousand pounds Now whereas some Benefactors in repute are Malefactors in effect giving to Colledges 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 viz such as burden and clog their donations to maintain