Secretary Iohn Cheeke one of his Schoolmasters Henry Dudley and Henry Nevill were made Knights and that which perhaps it had bin happy if it had never bin Sir Robert Dudley one of the Duke of Northumberlands sons the same who was afterward the great Earle of Leicester was sworne one of the six orninary Gentlemen of the Kings Chamber for after his comming into a place so neere about him the King enjoyed his health but a while The aspiring thoughts of the Duke of Northumberland were now growne up to be put in execution He was advanced in title of honour equall with the highest in authority and power above the highest he had placed his politicke Sonne neere about the Kings person the next thing was to remove the Duke of Somerset out of the way and for this also he had prepared instruments Sir Thomas Palmer Crane Hamond Cecill and others who brought severall accusations against the Duke some trenching upon the King and Kingdome but one specially against the Duke of Northumberlands person whose practises when the Duke of Somerset found and had cause to feare he went one day Armed into the Duke of Northumberlands Chamber with a purpose to kill him but finding him in his bed and being received with much kinde complement by him his heart relenâ—ed and thereupon came away without any thing done at his comming out one of his company asked him if he had done the deed who answered No then said he you are your selfe undone and indeed it so fell out for when all other Accusations were refelled this onely stucke by him and could not be denyed and so on the first of December he was arraigned at Westminster where the Lord William Paâ—let Marquesse of Winchester and Lord Treasurour sat as high Steward of England and with him Peeres to the number of seven and twenty the Dukes of Suffolke and Northumberland the Marquesse of Northampton the Earles of Derby Bedford Huntington Rutland Bathe Sussex Worcester Pembrooke and Hertâ—ord the Barons Aburgaveuy Audeley Wharton Evers Laâ—ymer Borough Zouth Stafford Wentworth Darcye Sturton Windsor Cromwell Cobham and Bray The Lords being set the Inditâ—ments were read in number five containing a charge for raising men in the North parts of the Realme and at his house for assembling men to kill the Duke of Northumberland for resisting his Attacâ—ment for raising London for assaulting the Lords and devising their deaths To all which he pleaded Not guilty and made a satisfactory Answer to every point though the Kings learned Councell pâ—essed them hard against him This done the Lords went together where exception was taken by some â—s a thing unfit that the Duke of Northumberland the Marquesse of Northampton and the Earle of Pembrooke should be of the Jurie seeing the prisoner was chiefely charged with practises against them But to this the Lawyers made answâ—r that a Peere of the Realm might not be challenged so after much variation of opinions the prisoner was acquiâ—t of Treasor but by most voyees found guilty of Felony and that by a Statute lately by his owne pâ—ocuremeâ—t made That if any should attempt to kill a Privie Councellour although the Fact were not done yet it should be Felonie and be punished with death But upon his being acquit of Treason tâ—e Axe of the Tower was presently laid downe which mâ—de people conceive he had beene acquitted of all who thereupon for joy gave so great a shout that it was heard as farre as Charing-Crosse but the Duke was little the better for being acquitted of Treason seeing he was found guilty of Felonie and had Judgement to dye It is thought by some he might have saved his life if he had demanded his Clergie but it is rather thought that in that Statute Clergie wâ—s denied Two moneths after his condemnation much against the Kings will Hee was brought to the Tower-Hill to execution wherâ— bâ—ing â—scended the Scaffold hee entred into a Speech wherein though he justified himselfe for any matter tending to the hurt of the King or Kingdome yet he confessed he was justly by the Law brought to thâ—â— dâ—â—â—h and thanked God that had given him so large a time of repentance speâ—ially that he had opened his eyes to see cleerely the light of the Gospell and going on in his Speech a sudden noyse arose of some crying away â—way which made some thinke a Pardon had beene come but was indeede the voyce of some that had beene warned to be at the Execution and were come somewhat late but the tumult being appeased the Duke went on with his Speech and at last commending his soule to God with a counâ—enance not shewing a signe of feare or perturbation onely his cheekes a little redder then they use â—o be he peaceably laid downe his head upon the blocke and in a moment with one stroke of the Axe had it strucken off The death of this Duke made the Duke of Northumberland more odious to the people then he was before and there were some that dipped Hâ—ndkerchiffes in his blood and kept them to upbraide the Duke of Northumberland withall when he came himselfe afterward to the like end After execution of the Duke Sir Ralph Vane and Sir Miles Partridge were hanged at the Tower-hill Sir Michael Stanhope and Sir Thomas Arundell were there beheaded After the Dukes condemnation it was thought fit to have something done for averting the Kings minde from taking thought and to that end one George Ferrers a Gentleman of Lincolnes-Inne was appointed in the christmas-Christmas-time to be Lord of Misrule who so carried himselfe that he gave great delight to many and some to the King but not in proportion to his heavinesse About this time was a call of seven Serjeants at Law who kept their Feast at Grayes-Inne of whom Master Robert Brooke Recorder of London was the first and the next Master Dyer who was chosen Speaker the next Parliâ—ment About this time also the Lord Paget was committed to the Tower â—or what cause is not certaine and being a Knight of the Order his Garder was taken from him by Garter king at Armes upon this pretence that he was said to be no Gentleman either by Father or Mother and the Garter was then bestowed on the Earle of Warwicke the Duke of Norâ—humâ—erlands eldest Sonne and the Lord Rich Lord Chancellour was put off from his Place and the Seal then delivered to Doctor Thomas Goodricke Bishop of Elye About this time also three great Ships were set forth at the Kings charge for discovery of a passage to the East Indies by the North Seas the chiefe Pilot and directour in this Voyage was one Sebastian Gabato an Englishman borne at Bristow but the son of a Genoway these Ships at the last arrived in the Countrey of Muscovia but not without losse of their Captain Sir Hugh Willoughby who being tossed and driven by tempest was afterward found in his Ship frozen to death and all his people At this time alâ—o the Duke of Suffolks three
75 Philip Commines a knight of Flanders writ the lives of Lewis Charles the Eighth Kings of France wherein he handles many passages betweene them and the Kings of England their contemporaries Of the Moderne These 76 Richard Grafton a Citizen of London writ a Chronicle from the beginning of the world to the beginning of the Reign of Queene Elizabeth in whose time he lived 77 Raphaell Holinshed a Minister writ a large Chronicle from the Conquest to the yeare 1577. and was continued by others to the yeare 1586. 78 Doctor Goodwin Bishop of Hereford writ the Lives of King Henry the eight King Edward the sixth and Queen Mary lived in the time of Qu. Elizabeth 79 Doctor Heyward writ the History of the first Kings William the Conquerour William Rufus and Henry the first also the Reigne of King Henry the fourth and Edward the sixth and lived to the time of King James 80 Samuel Daniel writ a Chronicle of the Kings of England to the end of King Edward the third and is continued by John Trussell to the beginning of King Henry the seventh 81 Sir Francis Bacon Viscount Viscount S. Albans hath written a History of the Reigne of King Henry the seventh in a most elegant stile and lived in the time of King James 82 John Fox writ three large Volumes of the Acts and Monuments of the Church particularly treating of the English Martyrs in the Reignes of King Henry the eighth and Queene Mary and lived in the time of Queene Elizabeth 83 Thomas Cowper Bishop of Winchester writ Chronicle Notes of all Nations specially of England from the beginning of the world to his owne time and lived in the time of Queene Elizabeth 84 William Camden King at Armes writ the life of Queene Elizabeth and a Description of Britaine and lived in the time of King James 85 William Martin Esquire writ the Reignes of the Kings of England from William the Conquerour to the end of King Henry the eighth to which was afterward added the Reignes of King Edward the sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth 86 Francis Biondi an Italian Gentleman and of the Privy Chamber to King Charles hath written in the Italian tongue the Civill Warres between the two Houses of Lancaster and Yorke from King Richard the second to King Henry the seventh Translated elegantly into English by Henry Earle of Monmouth now living 87 Henry Isaacson a Londoner hath written a Chronology of all kingdoms from the beginning of the world to the yeare 1630. being the fifth yeare of King Charles his Reigne 88 Nicholas Harpsefield Arch-deacon of Canterbury hath written a Chronicle of all the Bishops of England to which Edmund Campian the Iesuite made an Addition 89 John Stow Citizen of London writ a Chronicle from Brute to the end of Qu. Elizabeth and is continued to this present time being the 18. yeare of King Charles by Edmund Howe 's a Londoner 90 John Speed a Londoner writ the Story of Britaine from the first beginning to the yeare 1605. being the second yeare of King James 91 William Abington Esquire hath written the Reign of King Edward the fourth in a very fine stile and is yet living 92 Thomas Fuller Batchelour of Divinity and Prebendary of Sarum hath written the Holy Warre in very fine language wherein he relates the Acts of our Kings of England in the Holy Land and is now living 93 Andre du Chesne a Frenchman Geographer to the King of France hath written the History of England Scotland Ireland from their first beginnings to the seventeenth yeare of our present Soveraigne Lord King Charles The end of the Catalogue of Authors A CHRONICLE OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND from the time of the Romans Government unto the Raigne of King CHARLES Of the first knowne times of this Island ALthough we begin the Aera of our Computation from William called the Conquerour as though he were the first King of our English Nation Yet before him were many other excellent Kings and their Acts perhaps as worthy to bee knowne if they could be knowne But seeing after ages can know nothing of former times but what is Recorded by writing It hath followed that as the first Writers were Poets So the first writings have been Fictions and nothing is delivered to Posterity of the most ancient times but very Fables Such as is the story of Albina of whom they say this Island was called Albion though others say ab albis rupibus of the white cliffes that shee should beâ— the eldest of the two and thirty daughters of Dioclesian King of Syria such as never was who being marryed to two and thirty Kings in one night killed all their husbands for which fact they were put in a shippe themselves alone without any Pyloâ— so to try their adventure and by chance arrived in this Island of whom Gyants were begotten And if you like not of this then have you the story of Albion the sonne of Neptune of whom the Island tooke its name But when these are exploded there followes another with great Attestation and yet as very a Fable as these namely the story of the Trojan Brute of whom the Island they say was called Britaine though many other causes are given of the name as likewise the story of Brutes cosin Corinaeus of whom they say the Country of Cornwall had its name to whom it was given for overcomming the Giant Gogmagog and that Brute having three sonnes Lectrine Albanact and Camber he gave at his death to his eldest sonne Locrine all the land on this side Humber and called it Loâ—gria to his second sonne Albanact all the land beyond Humber of whom it was called Albania now Scotland and to his youngest sonne Camber all the land beyond the river of Severne of whom it was called Cambria now Wales with other such stuffe which may please children but not riper Judgements and were first broached by Geoffry Archdeacon of Monmouth for which all the Writers of his time cryed shame upon him and yet can scarce keepe many at this day from giving credit to his Fictions And when we are once gotten out of Fables and come to some truth yet that truth is delivered in such slender draughts and such broken pieces that very small benefit can be gotten by the knowing it and was not till the time of Iulius Caesar a thousand yeares after the Fable of Brute at which time the Island was yet but in manner of a Village being without Walls as having no shipping which are indeed the true Wals of an Island but onely certaine small vessels made of boards and wicker And as they had no ships for defence without So neither had they any Forts for defence within scarce any houses but such as were made of stakes and boughes of trees fastned together Neither was it yet come to be a Kingdome but was Governed by a number of petty Rulers So as Kent onely had in it as Caesar calleth them foure Kings
will exercise his Ecclesiasticall authoritie and proceed to Excommunication of his Officers though not of himselfe Queen or children The King answers and sends his Letter to the Bishop of London charging the Arch-bishop to be the câ—â—se of all this disturbance having beene the man that first set him upon the warre with France assuring him he should want no money and now had beene the hinderance that monies given him by Parliament were not duly levied and after many remonstrances to such purpose concludes that if he desisted not from his reâ—â—llions obstinacie he would use his Temporall authority and prooceed 〈…〉 as against a Rebell But this difference betweene them was not long after upon the Arch-bishops submission reconciled And indeed the great account which this King made of Clergy men may appeare by his imploying almost none but Clergy men in all his Offices of accountâ— Simon â—â—â—gham Arch-bishop of Canterbury was Chancellour of England William Wickam Arch-deacon of Lincolne keeper of the Privy Seale David Willer Parson of Somerâ—â—â—â— Master of the Rolles ten Beneficed Priests Civilians Masters of the Chancery William Mulse Deane of Saint Martins le Grand chiefe Chamberlaine of the 〈◊〉 Receiver and keeper of the Kings Treasure and Jewelsâ— Willâ—am Aâ—â—â—y Arch-deacon of Northampton Chancellour of the Exchequerâ— William Diâ—htâ—◠〈◊〉 of Saint Marâ—ins Clerke of the Privy Sealeâ— Richard Chesterfield Pâ—ebâ—nd 〈…〉 Stephensâ— Treasurer of the Kings house Henry Snatcâ— Parson of 〈…〉 of the Kings Wardrobe Iohn Nâ—wâ—ham Parson of Fenâ—y-staâ—â—on one of the 〈◊〉 of the Exchâ—quer Iohn â—ouseby Parson of 〈◊〉 Surveyor and 〈◊〉 of the Kings workes Thomas Brittingham Parson of Asby Treasurer 〈…〉 King for the parts of Guisnes and the Marches of Callice Iohn Troys a Priest 〈◊〉 of Ireland 〈◊〉 the seventeenth yeare of his Raigne in a Parliament holden at Westâ—inster 〈◊〉 is made of the great inconvenience that came by the Popes Collation of Benefices in England conferring them upon Strangers who understood not the 〈◊〉 and therefore not fit to be Pastours over a Flocke they could not feed and hereupon Sir Iohn Shordich is sent to Pope Clement the sixth to require him to foâ—â—eare such Collations and to signifie his consent therein but this Message was 〈…〉 welcome to the Pope that the Messenger came backe unheard at least unansweredâ— and the King taking his silence for consentâ— or perhaps not much caring whether he consented or no proceeded to a Prohibition of all such Collations within his Realme on paine of Imprisonment or death to whomsoever should in time to come present or admit any such person who by the Pope were so preferred to the prejudice of the Kings Prerogative These were disturbances in matter of Discipline but towards the end of his Raigne there fell a disturbance in matter of Doctrine for a certaine Divine named Iohn Wickliffe inveighed in his 〈◊〉 and other Acts in the Schooles against the abuses of Churchmen Monks and other religious Orders and had by his Doctrine wonne many Disciples unto him who after were called Lollards professing poverty going bare-foot and poorely clad in Ruâ—â—et amongst other his Doctrines he taught that neither King â—â—r other secular Lord could give any thing â—n perpetuity unto Church-men and thâ—â— Temporall Lords if they needed might lawfully take the Goods of Religious Persons to relieve them in their necessities by the example of William Rufus and others This man the Duke of Lancaster and Sir Henry Percy Marshall much favour and cherish extolling him for his learning and integrity of life which made him so farre to presume that daily in one Church or other he published his Opinions whereupon at length he is cited to answer before the Arch-bishop the Bishop of London and others in â—auls At the day appointed the Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Marshall goe to conduct him when they were come to our Ladies Chappell the Duke and Barons with the Bishops sitting downe Iohn Wickliffe was by the Lord Marshall willed to sit downe in regard he said the man had much to answer and needed a convenient seat The Bishop of London told him It was against all Law and Reason that he who was there â—ited before his 〈◊〉 should sit Hereupon contumelious words arose betweene the Lord Mâ—â—â—hall and the Biâ—â—op the Duke takes the Marshals part and sharpely reprehended the Bishop the Bishop returnes the like to the Duke who in a greâ—â— rage 〈◊〉 he would pull downe the pride of him and of all the Bishops of Eâ—glandâ— and whispering in his eare told him he had rather pull him out of the Church by 〈…〉 of the head then to suffer such indignities which words the Londoâ—ers over-hearing swore with a loud voyce they would rather lose their lives theâ—â— suffer â—â—eir Bishop to be thus injuriously used Their fuâ—y was the more against the Duke for that the day before in the Parliament whereof he was President it was 〈◊〉 in the Kings name that from thenceforth â—hâ—re should be no more a Major of London but a Captaine appointed for the Government of the City and that the Lord Marshall of England should arrest Offenders within the Liberties as in other places The morrow after the Citizens assembling to consult of this businesse it happened the Lord Fits-water and Guidâ— Bryan came into the City which the People seeing furiously ranne upon them and were like to beate them downe for comming at that time The Lord Fits-water protested he came to no other end but to offer his service to the City being by inheritance their Standard bearer and was to take injuries offered to them as to himselfe and therefore willed them to looke to their defence Whereupon they presâ—ntly take Armes assaile the Marshals Inne breâ—ke open the Gaâ—es brought foâ—th a Prisoner in his Gives and set him at liberty but found 〈◊〉 the Lord 〈…〉 with thâ— Duke was that day to dine with one Iohn de 〈◊〉 Tâ—â—n this furious multitude ranne to assaile the Savâ—y which a knight of the Dukâ—â—â—â—â—ing haâ—tes to the placâ— where his Lord dined and acquainâ—â— him with this 〈◊〉 in the Câ—â—y The Duke upon hearing it leapes from the Table so hastily that he hurt botâ— his shinnes on the fowrme and with Sir Henry â—ercy alone takes boate and goes to Kennington neare Lambeâ—h where the Princesse with the young Prince lay to whom he complaines of this Riot and the violence offered him In the meâ—ne time the multitude comming to the Savoy a Priest inquisitive to know the businesse was answered they went to take the Duke and the Lord Marshall and compell them to deliver Sir Peter de la Marâ— unjustly kept in Prison The Priest replyed thâ—t Sir Peter was a Traytor to the King and worthy to be hâ—nged At which words they all cryed out This is Percy This is the Traytor of England his speech bewrayes him though his Appâ—rell be disguised and presently they râ—n upon him and wounded him to death The Bishop of London hearing of
another It was thought fit to commit it to many and thereupon Iohn Duke of Lancaster Edmâ—â—d Earle of Cambridge the Kings Unkles with some other Lords and Bishops were joyned in Commission to manage the State and Guishard de Angoulesme appointed to be his Schoole-master And now the Kings Minority made forreigne Princes conceive that this would be a time of advantage for any that had quarrell to England which the French and Scots tooke presently hold of For the French came now and burnt the Town of Rye and soone after entring the Isle of Wight burnt divers Townes there and though they were repelled from the Castle by the valiant Sir Hugh Tyrrell Captaine thereof yet they constrained the men of the Isle to give them a thousand Markes to spare the residue of their houses and goods and departing thence they set on land where they saw advantage burning sundry Towns neere to the shoare as Portsmouth Dertmoâ—th and Plimmouth and then sayling towards Dover they burnt Hastings assaulted Winchelsey but being valiantly defended by the Abbot of Battell were forced to retire After this they landed not far from the Abby of Lewis at a place called Rottington where the Prior of Lewis with Sir Thomas Cheyny and Sir Iohn Fâ—llesly encountring them were overthrowne and taken Prisoners And no lesse then the French were the Scots also now busie for comming one morning by stealth they wonne the Castle of Barwick but shortly after upon knowledge thereof had they were driven out againe by the Earles of Northumberland and Nottingham and all the Scotâ— they found in it except Alexander Ramsey their Captaine put to the sword About Michaelmas a Parliament was held at Westminster wherein Alice Piercâ— the late Kings Concubine was banished the Realms and all her goods confiscate and two Tenths of the Clergie and two Fifteenths of the Temporalty were granted but so as that two Citizens of London William Walworth and Iohn Philpot should receive and keepe it to see it bestowed for defence of the Realme In this time Sir Hugh Calverley Deputy of Callis burnt six and twenty French ships in the Haven of Bulloigne and at the same time a great Navy is set out under the guiding of the Earle of Buckiâ—gham the Duke of Britaine the Lord Lâ—timer Sir Robert Knolls and others with a purpose to intercept the Spanish Fleet but through Tempest were twice driven back when in the mean time one Mercer a Scottish Pyrate came to Scâ—rborough tooke there divers ships and committed many outrages and no order being taken to repell him a Citizen of Lâ—â—doâ— nâ—med Iohn Philpot at his own charges set forth a Fleet and in his own person encountring them tooke the said Mercer and all his ships and returning home in stead of being rewarded for his service he was called in question for presuming to raise a Navy without advice of the Kings Councell but he gave â—uch reasons for that he had done that not onely he came off then wiâ—h credit but lives in reputation for it to this day Indeed Reasons of State though they may secretly be censured yet they must not openly be controlled for this were to bring Authority into contempt and in stead of Errors to bring in Confusion but yet when wrongs be offered that are publick every particular person seemes to have an interest in taking revenge and though it may be no manners not to stay the States leisure yet it can be no offence to doe their worke for them Many actions passed at this time with the French and Scots some prosperous and some adverse The Scots burne Roxborough this was adverse but the Earle of Northumberland entring Scotland with ten thousand men spoyleth the Lands of the Earle of March the chief Incendiary this was prosperous but when the Northern men would needs make a Road into Scotland and were encountred by the Scots and put to flight this was adverse Anon after Midsomer the Duke of Lancaster with the Earles of Buckingham Warwick Stafford and others of the Nobility with a strong Power toâ—ke the Sea and landing in Britaine besieged the Towne of Sâ— Malo but finding strong opposition is forced to raise his Siege and returne home this was adverse And now againe the Scots by night entred secretly into the Castle of Berwick and slew Sir Robert Baynton that was Constable there this also was adverse But when the Earle of Northumberland being advertised therâ—of came with a Power assauâ—ted the Castle and after two dayeâ— defence recovered it againe this was prosperous William Montacute Eâ—rle of Salisbury the Kings Lieutenant in Callis forrageth the Country round about and furnisheth Callis with Booties of French cattell Sir Hugh Calverley and Sir Thomas Percy made Admirallsâ— put to Seaâ— and take divers ships laden with merchandise and one shâ—p of warre Sir Iohn Hâ—â—leston Captaine of Chierbourg in France issuing forth assaults a Fortresse of the French which was the storehouse of their Provision and with much valour takes it these were prosperous But when Sir Iohn Clerke lying in Gaâ—rison in a Castle in Britaine where laâ— many Engâ—â—sh ships in the Haven â—ad â—heâ—e ships let upon by the French where though he shewed incredible valoâ—r in the action yet the ships were taken and himselfe slaine this was adverse Also in the third yeere of this Kings Reigne Sir Iohn Arundell Sir Hugh Calverley Sir Thomas Percie Sir William Elmham Sir Thomas Banister and many other Knights went to Sea with a purpose to passe over into Britaine but were so beaten back wâ—th Tempest that divers of their ships were â—ast away and Sir Iohn Arundell Sir Thomas Banister Sir Nicolas Trumpingâ—on Sir Thomas Dale and above a thousand others were all drowned onely Sir Thomas Percie Sir Hugh Calverley Sir William Elmham and certaine others escaped It may not be imperâ—inent to note here the sumptuousnesse of those times for this Sir Iohn Arundell was then said in his Furniture to have two and fifty new sutes of apparell of cloath of Gold and Tissue all lost at Sea This yeere also there being found inconvenience in having many Governors of the King and Kingdome it was by Parliament decreed Thâ—t the Lord Thomas Beauchampe Earle of Warwickâ— should himself alone hold the place of Protector About this time Sir Iohn Annesley Knight accused Thomas Katrington Esquire for betraying the Fortresse of St. Saviour to the French which Katrington denyingâ— at the suit of Annesly a solemne combat is permitted to be between them at which combat the King and all the great Lords were present the Esquire Katrington was a man of a mighty statuâ—e the Knight Annesley a little manâ— yet through the justnesse of his cause after a long fight the Knight prevailed and Katrington the day after the combat dyed In the beginning of the fourth yeere of this King Thomas of Woodstock Earle of Buckingham the Kings Unkle with divers Earles and Lords and an Army of seven or eight thousand was sent into France
Chancellour owed him and if he were so tender of him that he could not finde iâ— his heart to doe it himselfe they would doe that work for him and thereupoâ— charged him with such crimes that all his goods were confiscate and himselfe adjudged to dye if the king so pleased though some write his sentence was onely to pay a Fine of twenty thousand markes and a thousand pounds yeerly beside Upoâ— this provocation the opposite side seek present revenge It is devised that the Duke of Glocester as principall and other Lords that crossed the kings courses should be invited to a Supper in London and there be murthered In the execuâ—â—on of which plot the former Lord Major Sir Nicolas Brember had a speciall handâ— but the present Major Richâ—rd Exton moved to it by the king would by no meanâ—â— consent and thereupon the plot proceeded not But for all these harsh straines and many such other that passed this Parliament a Subsidie was at length granted to the king of halfe a Tenth and halfe a Fifteenth but with condition that 〈◊〉 should not be issued but by order from the Lords and the Earle of Arundâ—ll was appointed to receive it But before this time both Houses had directly agreed that unlesse the Chancellour were removed they would meddle no further in the Pâ—â—liament The king advertised hereof sent to the Commons that they should seâ—â— unto Eltham where he then lay forty of their House to declare their mindes 〈◊〉 him but upon conference of both Houses it was agreed that the Duke of Gloâ—â—stâ—r and Thomas Arundell Bishop of Ely should in the name of the Parliament goe unto him who comming to the king declared That by an old Statute the king once a yeere might lawfully summon his Court of Parliament for reformation of all corruptions and enormities within the Realme and further declared That by an old Ordinance also it was Enacted That if the king should absent himself 40 dayes not being sick the Houses might lawfully break up and returne home At this the king is said to say Well we perceive our people goe about to rise against us and therefore we thinke we cannot doe better then to aske ayd of our Cosin the king of France and rather submit us to him then to our own Subjects To which the Lordâ— answered They wondred at this opinion of his Majesty seeing the French king was the antient Enemy of the kingdome and he might remember what mischiefes were brought upon the Realme in king Iohns time by such a course By these and the like perswasions the king was induced to come to the Parliament and soon after Iohn Fortham Bishop of Durham is discharged of his Office of Lord Treasurer and in his place was appointâ—d Iohâ— Gilberâ— Bishop of Hereford a Frier of the order of Preachers also Michael de la Pâ—â—le Earle of Suffolke is discharged of his Office of Chancellour and Thomas Aruâ—dell Bishop of Ely by consent of Parliament placed in his roome Also by Order of Parliament thirteen Lords were chosen to have oversight under the king of the wâ—ole government of the Realme of which thirteen there were three of the New-Officers named as the Bishop of Ely Lord Chancellour the Bishop of Hereford Lord Treasurer and Nicolas Abbot of Wâ—ltham Lord keeper of the Privy Seale The other ten were William Archbishop of Câ—â—terbury Alexander Archbishop of York Edmund of Lâ—ngley Duke of York Thomaâ— Duke of Glocester William Bishop of Winchester Thomas Bishop of Exeter Richâ—rd Earle of Arundell Richard Lord Scrâ—â—pe and Iohn Lord Devereux But this participation of the Government being found inconvenient held not long Also in this Parliament it was granted that Robert de Veere lately created Duke of Ireland should have receive to his own use 30000. markes which the French-men were to give for the heires of â—he Lord Charles de Blâ—ys but it was granted upon â—his conditionâ— That before the next Easter he should passe over into Ireland to recover such lands as the King had there given him so desirous the Lords and Commons were to have him removed from the Kings presence But though the King gave way to this torrent of the Parliament for the present yet as soone as the Parliament was dissolved he dissolved also all that had been done either against the Lord Chancellour or against the Duke of Ireland or against Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York and received them into more favour then ever he had done before In his Tenth yeere about the Beginning of March Richard Earle of Arundell appointed Admirall and Thomas Mowbray Earle of Nottingham the Earle of Devonshire and the Bishop of Norwich went to Sea with a warlike power of men and â—rmes to watch for the Fleet of Flanders that was ready to come from Rochell with wines and meeting with them they set upon them and tooke of them to the number of a hundred Vessels all fraught with wines so as wine grew so plentifull that it was sold for thirteen shillings foure pence the Tonne and the best and choysest for twenty shillings Besides this they landed in Flanders where they relieved and fortified Brest and demolished two Forts which the Enemy had built against it But this happy service of the Earle of Arundell the Duke of Ireland the Earle of Suffolke Sir Simon Burley and Sir Richard Sturrey who continued still about the King seemed rather to envy then to commend insomuch that when the Earle of Nottingham that had ever been the Kings play fellow and of equall age to him came to the Court he was neither received by the Duke of Ireland with any good welcome nor by the King with any good countenance and therefore indeed not by the King with any good Countenance because not by the Duke of Ireland with any good Welcome About this time the Duke of Ireland sought to be divorced from his lawfull wife daughter to the Lady Isabel one of king Edward the third's daughters and took to wife one Lancerona a Vintners daughter of Bohemia one of the Queenes maids at which indignity the Duke of Glocester that was unkle to the Lady thus forsaken tooke great displeasure which the Duke of Ireland understanding studied how by some meanes he might dispatch the Duke of Glocester out of the way Easter was now past the time appointed for the D. of Irelands going over into Ireland when the King with a shew to bring him to the waters side went with him into Wales and in his company Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolke Robert Tresilian L. Chieâ— Justice and divers others who there consulted how they might diâ—patch the Duke of Glocester the Earles of Arundel Warwick Dâ—rby Nottingham with divers others of that Faction but when the King had remained in those parts a good while he returned and brought back the Duke of Ireland with him and so his voyage into Irelâ—â—d was cleane forgotten About the same time Robert Tresilian Chiefe Justice came to
Coventry where he Indicted two thousand persons The King and the Queene came to Groby and thither came by his Commandement the Justices of the Reâ—â—me Robert Belknap Lord Chiefe Justice of the Common Pleas Iohn Holt Râ—ger Fulthorpe and William Borough knights to whom it was propounded to anâ—wer to these Questions following First Whether the New Statute and Commission made in the last Parliament were against the kings Prerogative or no To which they all answered It was Secondly How they ought to be punished that procured the said Statute and Commission to be made They answered with one assent that they deserved death except the king would pardon them Thirdly How they ought to be punished who moved the King to consent to the making of the said Statute and Commission They answered They ought to lose their lives unlesse the King would pardon them Fourthly How they ought to be punished that comâ—elled the king to the making of that Statute They answered They ought to suffer as Traitours Fiftly Whether the king might cause the Parliament to proceed upon Articles by him limited before they proceeded to any other They answered That in this the king â—hould over-rule and if any presumed to doe contrary he was to be punished as a Traitour Sixthly Whether the king might not at his pleasure disâ—olve the Parliament and command the Lords and Commons to depart They all answered He might Seventhly Whether the Lords and Commons might without the kings will impeach Officers and Justices upon their offences in Parliament or no It was answered They might not and he that attempted contrary was to suffer as a Traitour Eightly How he is to be punished who moved in the Parliament that the Statute wherein Edward the Second was indicted in Parliament might be sent for by iâ—spection of which Statute that present Statute was deâ—ised It was answered That as well he that moved it as he that brought the 〈◊〉 into the House were to be punished as Traitours Ninthly Whether the Judgement given in Parliament against Michael de la Poâ—le were erronious and revocable They answered It was erronious and revocableâ— and that if the Judgement were now to be given the Justices would not give the same In witnesse of the Premises the Justices aforesaid to these Presents have set their Seales in the presence of Alexander Archbishop of Yorke Robâ—â—t Arcbishop of Dublin Iohn Bishop of Durham Thomas Bishop of Chester Iohn Bishop of â—â—ngâ—r Robert Duke of Ireland Michael Earle of Suffolk Iohn Ripon Clerk and Iohn Blake At this time the Londoners incurred much obloquie For having before beene pardoned by the king of some crimeâ—â—aid to their charge they were now ready to comply with the king in his desires and thereupon being impannelled they indicted some Lords of many crimes informed against them But not onely the Justices aforesaid but all other Justices and Sheriffes of the Realme were called at this time to Nottingham the chiefe cause was to understand what power of men they could assure the king of to serve him against the Lords and further that where he meanâ— shortly to call a Parliament they should so use the matter that no knight or Burgesse should be chosen but such as the King and his Councell should name To which the Sheriffes made answer that it lay not in their power to assemble any forces against the Lords who were so well beloved And as for choosing knights and Burgesses the Commons would undoubtedly look to enjoy their antient liberties and could not be hinâ—ered But yet the king and the Duke of Ireland sent into all parts of the Realme to raise men in this quarrell against the Lords Whereof the Duke of Glocester being advertised he came secretly to Conference with the Earles of Arundell Warwick and Darby who upon consultation determined to talke with the king with their Forces about them and the king on the other part tooke advice how he might apprehend them apart and thereupon sent the Earle of Northumberland and others to the Castle of Rygate to take the Earle of Arundell who lay there at that time but howsoever it fortuned they faâ—â—ed of their purpose After this he sent others to apprehend him but he being warned by a messenger from the Duke of Glocester conveyed himselfe away by night and by morning was come to Haringey-Parke where he found the Duke of Glocester and the Earle of Warwick with a great power of men about them The king hearing of this Assembly at Hariâ—gey-Parke called his Councell to heare their opinions what was fit to be done Some were of opinion that the king should assemble his friends and joyning them with the Londoners give them battell the chiefest of this minde was the Archbishop of York Others thought best the king should seeke to appease the Lords with faire promises till a fitter opportunity to suppresse them But the king not yet resolved what course to take caused onely order to be taken that no Citizen of Londâ—n should sell to the Duke of Glocester the Earle of Arundell or to any other of the Lords any armour or furniture of warre under a great paine But for all this the Lords proceeded in their course and sent the Arcbishop of Canterbury the Lord Iohn Lovell the Lord Cobham and the Lord Iohn Devereux requiring to have delivered to them such as were about the king that were Traitours and Seducers both of him and the Realme and further to declare that their Assembling was for the honour and wealth both of him and the kingdome The Duke of Ireland the Earle of Suffolk and two or three other about the king perâ—wadâ—d him to offer Callâ—â— to the king of France to have his assistance against the Lords Withall the king seat to the Major of London requiring to know how many able men the City could make To which the Major answered that he thought it could make Fifty thousand men at an houres warning Well then said the king goe and prove what will be done But when the Major went about it he was answered They would never fight against the kings friends and defenders of the Realme At the same time the Earle of Northumberland said to the king Sir there is no doubt but these Lords have alwaies been and still are your true and faithfull subjects though now distemper'd by certaine persons about you that seeke to oppresse them therefore my advice is that you send to them to come before your presence in some publick place and I verily believe they will shew such reasons of their doings that you will hold them excused The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely Lord Chancellour and other of the Bishops there present approved all of the Earles advice whereupon the king sent the Archbâ—shop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely to the Lords requiring them to come to him to Westminster on Sunday then next following which upon oath given by the Archbishop and the Chancellour that no fraud nor
Blake a Lawyer Shortly after the Parliament began called afterward The Parliament that wrought wonders On the first day whereof were arrested as they sate in their places all the Justices but onely Sir William Skipwith as Sir Roger Fulthorpe Sir Robert Belknappe Sir Iohn Cary Sir Iohn Holt Sir William Brooke and Iohn Alacâ—on the kings Serjeant at Law and were all sent to the Tower for doing contrary to an Agreement made the last Parliament Also in the beginning of this Parliament Robert Veere Duke of Irelâ—nd Alexander Nevill Archbishop of York Michael de la Poole Earle of Suffolke and Sir Robert Tresilian Lord Chiefe Justice of England were openly called to answer Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Glocester Richard Earle of Arundell Henry Earle of Darby and Thomas Earle of Nottingham upon certaine Articles of high Treason and because none of them appeared It was ordained by whole consent of Parliament they should be banished for ever and all their landâ— and goods â—eized into the Kings hands their intailed lands onely excepted Shortly after the Lord Chief Justice Robert Tresilian was found in an Apothecaries house in Westminster where being taken he was brought to the Duke of Glocester who caused him the same day to be had to the Tower and from thence drawne to Tyburne and there hanged On the morrow after Sir Nicolas Brember was brought to his Answer who being found guilty was beheaded with an Axe which himselfe had caused to be made for beheading of others After this Sir Iohn Salisbery and Sir Iames Berneys lusty young men were drawne and hanged as also Iohn Beâ—â—champ L. Steward of the Kings house Iohn Blake Esquire and lastly Sir Symon Burley sonne to the great Sir Iohn Burley Knight of the Garter was beheaded on Tower-hill whose death the King tooke more heavily and more heynously then all the rest Also all the Justices were condemned to dye but by the Queenes intercession they were onely banished the Realme and all their lands and goods confiscate onely a small portion of money was assigned them for their sustentation Finally in this Parliament an Oath was required and obteined of the King that he should stand unto and abide such Rule and Order as the Lords should take and this Oath was required also of all the Inhabitants of the Realme In the later end of the Kings eleventh yeere the Earle of Arundell was sent to Sea with a great Navy of ships and men of warre with whom went the Earles of Nottingham and Devonshire Sir Thhmas Percy the Lord Clifford the Lord Camoiâ— Sir William Elmham and divers other Knights to ayde the Duke of Britaine against the king of France but before they came the Duke of Britaine was reconciled to the king of France and so needing not their ayde all this great Fleet returned with doing nothing And it was indeed a yeere of doing nothing unlesse we reckon some petty Inroades of the Scots and that Sir Thomas Tryvet dyed with a fall off his horse and that Sir Iohn Holland the Kings brother by the mother was made Earle of Huntington and that there was Contention in Oxford between the Northerne and the Southerne Scholars which was pacified by the Duke of Glocester In his twelveth yeere Commissioners were appointed to meet at Balingham betwixt Calliâ— and Bulloigne to treat of a Peace betweene the Realmes of England France and Scotland and after long debating a Truce was at last concluded to begin at Midsomer next and to last three yeeres But now the king to shew his plenary authority of being at full age removed the Archbishop of York from being Lord Chancellor and put in his place William Wickham Bishop of Winchester also he removed the Bishop of Hereford from being Treasurer and put another in his place The Earle of Arundell likewise unto whom the Government of the Parliament was committed and the Admiralty of the Sea was removed and the Earle of Huntington put in his roome About this time the Lord Iohn Hastings Earle of Pembrooke as he was practising to learne to Just was stricken about the Privy parts by a knight called Sir Iohn St. Iohn of which hurt he soone after dyed In whose Family it is memorable that for many Generations together no sonne ever saw his father the father being alwaies dead before the sonne was borne The Originall of this Family was from Hastings the Dane who in the Reigne of K. Alured long before the Conquest about the yeere 890. came with Rollo jâ—to England But howsoever in this Iohn Hastings ended the then Honorable Titles of the Hastings for this man dying without issue his Inheritances were dispersed to divers persons The Honour of Pembrooke came to Francis at Court by the kings Gift the Baronies of Hastings and Welford came to Reynold Gray of Ruthin the Barony of Aburgâ—veny was granted to William Beaâ—â—hamp of Bedford About this time Iohn Duke of Lancaster was created Duke of Aquitaine receiving at the Kings hands the Rod and the Cap as Investitures of that Dutchy Also the Duke of York's sonne and heire was created Earle of Richmond In his thirteenth yeere a Royall Justs was Proclaimed to be holden within Smithfield in London to begin on Sunday next after the Feast of S. Michael which being published not onely in England but in Scotland in Almaigne in Flanders in Brabant and in France many strangers came hither amongst others Valeran Earle of S. Poll that had maried king Richards Sister and William the young Earle of Ostervant sonne to Albert de Bavâ—ere Earl of Hollond and Heynoult At the day â—ppointed there issued forth of the Tower about three a clock in the afternoone sixty Coursers apparrelled for the Justs and upon every one an Esquire of Honour riding a soft pace After them came forth foure and thirty Ladies of Honour Froyssard saith threescore mounted on Palfries and every Lady led a knight with a chaine of Gold These knights being on the Kings part had their armour and apparell garnished with white Hearts and Crownes of Gold aboâ—â— their necks and so they came riding through the streets of London unto Smithfield The Justs lasted divers dayes all which time the King and Queen lay at the Bishops Palace by Pauls Church and kept open house for all Commers In his Fifteenth yeere the Duke of Lancaster went into France having in his traine a thousand horse and met the king of France at Aâ—iens to treat of a Peace between the two kingdomes but after long debate a Truce onely was concluded for a yeere About this time also the King required the Londoners to lend him a Thousâ—nd pounds which they refused â—o doe and not onely so but they abused an Italian Merchant for offering to lend it This moved the King to some indignation to which was added the complaint of a Ryot committed by the Citizens against the servants of the Bishops of Saliâ—bury L. Treasurer for that where one of the Bishops servants named Walter Roman had taken a
told the King Their brother perhaps might let fall some unadvised words but they knew his heart to be true and faithfull Yet doubting how far the King might presse upon them to answer for their brothers faithfulnes they retired from Court which gave the Dâ—kes enemies time to incense the King farther against him It happened that the Duke of Glocester had with him one day at his house the Abbot of S. Albans that was his Godfather and the Prior of Westminster and after dinner falling in talke with them amongst other communications the Duke required the Prior to tell truth whether he had any Vision the night before To which the Prior was loath at first to make a direct Answer but at last being earnestly requested as well by the Abbot as the Duke he confessed that he had a Vision indeed which was that the Realme of England should be destroyed through the Misgovernance of K. Richard By the Virgin Mary said the Abbot I had the very same Vision Whereupon the Duke presently disclosed to them all the secrets of his minde and by their devices contrived an assembly of divers great Lords of the Realme to meet at Arundell-Castle that day Fortnightâ— at which time he appointed to be there himselfe with the Earles of Dâ—rby Arundell Marshâ—ll and Wâ—rwick also the Archbishop of Canterbury the Abbot of S. Albans the Prior of Westminster with divers others And accordingly all these met at Arundell Castle at the day appointed where receiving first the Sacrament by the hands of the Archbishop of Canterbury to be assistant each to other in all such matters as they should determine They resolved to seize upon K. Richard and upon the Dukes of Lancaster and York and commit them to Prison and all the other Lords of the Kings Councell they determined should be drawne and hanged But the Earle Marshall that was Deputy of Calliâ— and had maried the Earle of Arundels daughter discovered all their Counsell to the King who thereupon by a plot devised by his Councell tooke his brother the Earle of Huntington with him and rising from supper rode that night to the Duke of Glocesters house at Plashey in Essex When the King came thither the Duke was a-bed but informed of it cast his cloake about his shoulders and came down bidding the Kings Grace with all reverence welcome The King courteously requested him to goe and make him ready for that he must needs ride with him a little way to conferre of some busines The Duke presently made him ready and came downe and as soone as the King and his Company was gone a little way from the house and the Duke with him the Earle Marshall arrested the Duke as he had been appointed to doe by the King who immediately was sent to Callis where after some time he was dispatched of his life either strangled or else smothered with pillowes as some write At the very same time was the Earle of Arundell apprehended by the Earles of Rutland and Kent the Earle of Warwick also when the King had invited him to dinner and shewed him very good countenance was taken and arrested in the place As likewise at the same time were apprehended and committed to the Tower the Lord Iohn Cobham and Sir Iohn Châ—yny Shortly after the King procured them to be indicted at Nottingham suborning such as should appeale them in Parliament namely Edward Earle of Rutland Thomâ—â— Mowbray Earle Marshall Thomâ—s Holland Earle of Kent Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington Thomas Beaufort Earle of Somerset Iohn Montacute Earle of Salisbury Thomas L. Spenser and the Lord William Scroope L. Chamberlaine and in the meane time the King sent for a Power of Cheshiâ—â— men to keep Watch and Ward about his person On the 17. of September a Parliament began at Westminster wherein the King complained as well of many things done by the Lords in his Minority as also of the hard dealing which they had used towards the Queen who was three houres at one time on her knees before the Earle of Arundell for one of her Esquires named Iohn Calverley who neverthelesse had his head smitten from his shoulders and all the answer she could get was this Madame pray for your selfe and your Husband and let this suit alone Those that set forth the Kings grievances in this Parliament were Iohn Bushie William Bagot and Thomas Greene. The cause of aâ—sembling the Parliament was shewed that the King had called it for reformation of divers transgressions against the Peace of his Land by the Duke of Glocester the Earles of Arundell Warwick and others Then Sir Iohn Bushie Speaker of the Parliament made request on behalfe of the Commonalty that they might be punished according to their deservings and specially the Archbishop of Canterburyâ— who then â—ate next the king whom he accused of high Treason When the Archbishop began to answer Sir Iohn Bushie besought the king that he might not be admitted to answer lest by his great wit and cunning he might lead men away to believe him And here Sir Iohn Bushie in all his talke did not attribute to the king Titles of honour due and â—ccustomed but such as were fitter for the Majestie of God then for any Earthly Prince And when the Archbishop was constrained to keepe silence Sir Iohn Bushie proceeded requiring on the behalfe of the Commons that the Charters of Pardon granted to the Duke of Glocester and the Earles of Arundell and Warwick should be revoked The king for his part protested that they were drawne from him by compulsion and therefore besought them to deliver their opinions what they thought thereof whereupon the Bishops first gave their sentence that the said Pardons were revocable and might be called in but pretending a scrupulosity as if they might not with safe consciences be present where Judgement of Blood should passe they appointed a Lay-man to be their Prolocutor for that turne The Temporall Lords likewise gave their sentence that the Pardons were revocable onely the Judges and Lawyers were not of this opinion But howsoever the Archbishop of Câ—nterbury is hereupon condemned to perpetuall Exile and appointed to avoyd the Realme within sixe weekes Also the Earle of Arundell is by the Duke of Laâ—caster who sate that day as High Steward condemned of Treason and on the Tower-hill beheaded There went to see the execution divers Lords amongst whom was the Earle of Nottingham that had maried his daughter and the Earle of Kent that was his daughters sonne to whom at the place of his execution he said Truly it would have beseemed you rather to bee absent then here at this businesse but the time will come ere long that as many shall marvell at your misfortune as they doe now at mine After his death a Fame went that his head was grown to his body againe whereupon the tenth day after his buriall his body by the kings appointment was taken up and then found to be a Fable After this the Lord Thomas
at Hampton Court created Earl of Essex Sir William Parre knight unckle to them both was made Lord Parre of Horton and Lord Chamberlin to the Queen and on New-yeers-day Sir Thomas Wriothsley the Kings Secretary was made Lord Wriothsley of Tichfield In Iune this yeer Matthew Earl of Lenox fled out of Scotland and came into England whom King Henry received kindly and gave him in marriage the Lady Margaret his Sisters daughter by whom he had Henry Father of our late King Iames of blessed memory Thomas Audley Lord Chancellour being lately dead Thomas Lord Wriothsley succeeded him in the place and now was an Army levied to goe for France the Duke of Norfolke and the Lord Privie Seal accompanied with the Earl of Surrey the Dukes Son the Lord Gray of Wilton the Lord Ferrers of Câ—artley and his Son Sir Robert Devereux Sir Thomas Chainey Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports the Lord Montjoy Sir Francis Byran Sir Thomas Poynings Captaine of Guysnes with many other Knights and Gentlemen about Whitsontide passed over to Callice and marching toward Muttrel joyned with the Emperours forces under the leading of the Count de Buren which two Armies laid siedge to Muttrel wherof Monsseur de Bies one of the Martials of France was Captaine but being then at Bulloign and hearing of the siedg of Muttrel he left Bulloigne and with his forces came thither which was the thing that was desired to draw him from Bnlloign and thereupon was the Duke of Suffolke appointed to passe over with the Kings army accompanied with the Earl of Arundell Marshall of the Field the Lord St. Iohn the Bishop of Winchester Sir Iohn Gage Controlor of the Kings house Sir Anthony Browne Master of the Kings horse with divers others who the ninteenth of Iuly came and incamped before Bulloigne the four and twentieth of Iuly the King in person accompanied with divers of the Nobility came to Callice and the six and twentieth incamped before Bulloign on the north side many batteries and assaults were made so long till at last the Town upon composition yeelded and the Duke of Suffolke entred and tooke possession suffring six thousand French as was agreed with bag and baggage to depart The eight of September King Henry entred the town himselfe and then leaving the Lord Lisle Lord Admirall his Deputy there he returned into England landing at Dover the first of Oâ—tober Many enterprises after this were made by the Dolphin of France and by Monsieur de Bies for recovery of Bulloigne but they were still repulsed and the English kept the towne in spight of all they could doe although at one time there came an Army of eighteene thousand foot at another time an Army wherein were reckoned twelve thousand Lance-knights twelve thousand French foot-men sixe thousand Italians foure thousand of Legionarie souldiers of France a thousand men of Armes besides eight thousand light Horse great Forces certainly to come and doe nothing Whilst these things were doing about Bulloign the ships of the west Country and other places waâ—ted abroad on the Seas and took above three hundred French ships so that the Gray-friers Church in London was laid full of wine the Austin-friers and Black-friers full of herrings and other fish which should have bin convayed in France About this time the King demanded a Benevolence of his Subjects towards his wars in France and Scotland to which purpose the Lord Chancelour the Duke of Suffolke and other of the Kings Counsaile sate at Baynards Castle where they first caled before them the Major and Aldermen and because Richard Read Alderman would not agree to pay as they set him he was commanded to serve the King in his wars in Scotland which the obstinate man rather choose to doe then he would pay the rate he was required but being there he was taken prisoner by the Scots to his far greater damage then if he had agreed to the Benevolence required For at this time Sir Ralph Evers Lord Warden of the Marches after many fortunate Roades into Scotland assembled four thousand men and entring Scotland now againe was encountred by the Earl of Arraigne by whom he and the Lord Oagle and many other Gentlemen were slaine and diverse were taken prisoners of whom Alderman Read was one It was now the seaven and thirtieth yeer of King Henries Reigne when on Saint Georges day Sir Thâ—mas Wriothsley Lord-Chancelour was made Knight of the Garter also Trinity Tearme was adjourned by reason of the warres but the Exchequer and the Court of the Teâ—thes were open At this time the English fleet went before New-haven but being there encountred by a farre greater fleet of French they retâ—rned with whose retreate the French Admirall emboldned came upon the Coast of Sussex where hee landed Souldiers but upon firing of the Beacons was driven back after which he landed two thousand men in the Isle of Wight but was there repelled though reported to have in his ships threescore thousand men In Angust this yeer died the valiant Captaine the Lord Poynings the Kings Lievtenant of his Towne of Bulloigne and the same month also died at Guildford the noble Duke of Suffolke Charles Brandon Lord great Master of the Kings House whose Body was honourably buried at Windsore at the Kings cost About this time the Scots having received aide out of France approached the English Borders but durst attempt nothing whereupon the Earle of Hertford Lievtenant of the North parts raising an army of twelve thovsand men English and strangers entred Scotland and burnt a great part of Mers and Tividale as Kelsay Abbey and the Towne the Abbeys of Medrosse Driborne and Yedworth with a hundred Townes and Villages more when on the sixteenth of September an Army of Scots and French attempted to enter into England on the East borders but in a streight were set upon by the English who slew and tooke of them to the number of seven score amongst whom was the Lord Humes sonne and a principall French Captaine in another roade which they made into the West Borders the Lord Maxwels sonne and diverse other were taken but then at another time such is the chance of war five hundred English entring the West Borders of Scotland were discomfited and the greatest part of them either taken or slaine And now to revenge the presumptious attempts of the French upon the Isle of Wight the Lord Admiral with his fleet approached the Coasts of Normandy landed six thousand men at Treport burnt the Suburbs of that Towne with the Abbey destoryed thirty ships there in the Haven and then returned not having lost above fourteen persons in the whole voyage At this time the Earle of Hartford lying at Bulloigne had in his Army above fourscore thousand men and many skirmishes passed between him and the French till at last by mediation of the Emperour and diverse other Princes a meeting was appointed to treat of a peace between the two Kings of England and France hereupon there
mildnesse the neerenesse of the Husbands gave occasion to the Ladies often meeting where the Dutchesse would inwardly murmur why shee being the wife of the elder brother and the better man should give place to her who was the wife of the younger brother and the meaner man this envy of hers toward the Queen bred a malice in her towards the Admirall as thinking the mischiefe she did to the husband to be a part of revenge upon the wife and though the Queene shortly after died in Child-bed yet the mallice of the Dutchesse towards the Admirall lived still so hard a thing it is for malice once setled in a womans heart to be removed out of this malice she put divers surmises into her husband the Protectours head against his brother the Admirall as though he went about to procure his death to the end he might aspire to the place he held but certainly as misliking his government being a Protestant who was himselfe a Papist in this case causes of jealousie against the Admirall was obvious enough for it was knowne that in King Henries time he had aimed at the mariage of the Lady Elizabeth King Henries second daughter and now his wife the Queen Dowager being dead and not without suspition of poyson he fell upon that mariage a fresh which could not be thought to tend but to some very high aspiring end the Protectour a plain man and one that had not the cleerest insight into practises whether too importunately provoked by his wife or whither out of an honest mind not willing to patronize faults though in a brother gave way to accusatioâ—s brought against him so as in a Parliament then holden he was accused for attempting to get into his custody the person of the King and government of the Realm for endeavouring to marry the Lady Elizabeth the Kings sister for perswading the King in his tender yeers to take upon him the rule and ordering of himselfe upon which points though perhaps proved yet not sufficiently against him who was never called to his answere he was by Act of Parliament condemned and within few dayes after condemnation a warrant was sent under the hand of his brother the Protectour to cut off his head wherein as after it proved he did as much as if he had laid his own head downe upon the block for whilst these brothers lived and held together they were as a strong fortresse one to the other the Admirals courage supporting the Protectours authority and the Protectours authority maintaining the Admirals stoutnesse but the Admiral once gone the Protectours authority as wanting support began to totter and fell at last to utter ruine besides there was at this time amongst the Nobility a kind of faction Protestants who favoured the Protectour for his owne sake and other of Papall inclination who favoured him for his brothers sake but his brother being gone both sides forsooke him even his owne side as thinking they could expect little assistance from him who gave no more assistance to his own brotheâ— and perhaps more then all this the Earl of Warwick at this time was the most powerfull man both in Courage and Counsaile amongst all the Nobility and none so neere to match him as the Admirall while he lived but he being gone there was none left that either was able and durst or durst and was able to stand against him however it was not long after the Admirals death the Protectour was invaded with sundry accusations wherein â—hâ— Earl of Warwick made not alwaies the greatest show but yet had alwayes the greatest hand one thing the Protectour had done which though a private act yet gave a publick distaste To make him a Mansion house in the Strand the same which is now called Somerset-house he pulled downe a Church and two Bishops houses by the Strand Bridge in digging the foundation wherof the bones of many who had been there buried were cast out and carried into the fields and because the stones of those houses and the Church suffised not for his work the steeple aâ—d most part of the Church of Saint Iohns of Ierusalem neer Smithfield was mined and overthrowne with powder and the stones applied to this sparious building and more then this the Cloyster of Pauls on the North side of the Church in a place called Pardon Church-yard and the dance of Death very curiously wrought about the Cloyster a Chapel that stood in the midst of the Churchyard also the Charnal house that stood upon the South side of Pauls now a Carpenters yard with the Chappell timber and Monuments therin were beaten downe the bones of the dead caried into Finsbury-fields and the stones converted to this building This Act of the Protectours did something alienate the Peoples minds from him which the Earle of Warwick perceiving thought it now a fit time to be falling upon him and therupon drew eighteene of the Privy Counsaile to joyne with him who withdrawing themselves from the Court held secret consultations together and walked in the Citty with many Servants weaponed and in new Liveries whereof when the Lord Protectour heard he sent secretary Peter to them to know the causes of their Assembly requiring them to resort unto him peaceably that they might comune together as friends but in the meane time hee Armed five hundred men and removed the King by night from Hampton-court to Windsor on the other side the Lords at London having first taken possession of the Tower sent for the Majoâ— and Aldermen of the Citty to the Earle of Warwicks lodging at Ely-house in Holburn to whom the Lord Rich then Lord Chancelour made a long Oration wherin he shewed the ill government of the Lord Protector and the many mischifes that by it were come upon the Kingdome and therupâ—n requiring them to joyn with the Lords there assembled to remove him and presently that day a Proclamation was made in divers parts of the Citty to that purpose to which the Lords and Counsailors that subscribed their names were these the Lord Rich Chancelour the Lord Saint-Iohn Lord great Master the Marquesse of Northampton the Earle of Warwick Lord great Chamberlaine the Earle of Arundell Lord Chamberlaine the Earle of Shrewsbury the Earle of Southampton Sir Thomas Cheyney Treasurer of the Houshold Sir Iohn Gagâ— Constaple of the Tower Sir William Peter secretary Sir Edward North Knight Sir Edward Montague chiefe Justice of the Common-pleas Sir Iohn Baker Chancelour of the Exchequer Sir Ralph Sadler Sir Edward Wootton Sir Richard Southwell Knights and Doctor Wootton Deane of Canterbury In the afternoone of the same day the Lord Major assembled a Common Counsaile in the Guild-hall where two letters arrived almost in one instant from the King and the Lord Protectour for a thousand men to be Armed for defence of the Kings Person another from the Lords at London for two thousand men to aide them in defence of the Kings person also both pretending alike and therefore hard how to
in respect of them whom he left behinde him for if they in his absence should by any accident be drawne to waver in their resolution they might worke their owne safety with his destruction and make themselves seeme innocent in his guiltinesse To which one of the Lords replied and said Your Grace makes a doubt of that which cannot be for which of us all can wash his hands cleane of this businesse and therefore it behooves us to be as resolute as your selfe and the Earle of Arundell to testifie his resolution in the matter said he was sorry it was not his chance to goe with him at whose feet he could finde in his heart to spend his blood So the Duke with the Marquesse of Northampton the Lord Gray and divers other of account on the fourteenth of Iuly set forward on the journey with eight thousand foot and two thousand horse and passing through Shoreditch the Duke said to the Lord Gray see how the people presse to see us but not one of them saith God speed you The Duke had every dayes march how farre he should goe appointed him by Commission which being very slow whether it were done of purpose by some that favoured the Lady Maries side was certainly a great helpe to her proceedings for by this meanes she had the longer time to make her preparations and indeed in this time two accidents happened of great benefit to her one that Edward Hastings the Earle of Huntingtons brother having an Army of foure thousand foot committed to him by the Earle of Northumberland he now left his Party and went to the Lady Mary the other that six great Ships which lay before Yarmouth to intercept the Lady Mary if she shouly attempt to flye now at the perswasion of Master Ierningham came in to her aide which two revolts so terrified the Londoners that though Doctor Ridley Bishop of London on the sixteenth of Iuly at Pauls Crosse Preached a Sermon wherein he invited the people to stand firme to Queene Iane whose cause he affirmed to be most just yeâ— few or none were perswaded by him so as the Lords themselves fell off from the side who assembling at Beynards-Castle first the Earle of Arundell then the Earle of Pembrooke fell to invectives against the Earle of Northumberland and then all the Lords joyning in opinion with them they called for the Major and in London Proclaimed the Lady Mary Queene as likewise the Lord Windsor Sir Edmund Peckham Sir Robert Drurie and Sir Edward Hastings did in Buckinghamshire Sir Iohn Williams of Tame and Sir Leonard Chamberlaine in Oxfordshire and Sir Thomas Tresham in the County of Northampton All this came soone to the knowledge of the Duke of Northumberland being then at Burie who thereby seeing how the world went thought it his best course to turne with the streame and thereupon returning to Cambridge he tooke the Major of the Towne with him into the Market-place and there himselfe for want of a Herauld Proclaimed the Lady Mary Queene and in signe of joy threw up his Cap which yet served not his turne for the next morning Henry Fitz-Allen Earle of Arundell came into Cambridge from Queene Mary who entring his Chamber the Duke at his feet fell on his knees desiring him for Gods love to consider his case that had done nothing but by the Warrant of him and the Councell My Lord said the Earle I am sent hither by the Queen to arrest you and I said the Duke obey your arrest yet I beseech your Lordship to use mercy towards him whose Acts have been no other then were injoyned by Commission you should have thought of that sooner said the Earle and thereupon committed him to a Guard and left him to the Queenes mercy Thus ended all this great Dukes designes in his owne destruction and brought him to fall on his knees to them who had often before bowed their knees to him and the Earle who at the Dukes going ouâ— could have beene contented to spend his blood at his feet was now contented to be made an instrument of his fall so sudden are the turnes of mens affections and so unstable is the building upon their asseverations at lest no man must looke to have his case be of any weight against him who hath his owne case put in the Ballance Together with the Duke his three Sonnes Iohn Ambrose and Henry the Earle of Huntington Sir Andrew Dudley the two Gates Iohn and Henry Sir Thomas Palmer and Doctor Sands were conveyed towards London and brought to the Tower and the next day the Marquesse of Northampton the Lord Robert Dudley and Sir Robert Corbet Before which time the Duke of Suffolke entring his daughters the Lady Ianes Chamber told her she must now put off her Royall Robes and be contented with a private life to which she answered She would much more willingly put them off then she had put them on and would never have done it but in obedience to him and her Mother And this was the end of the Lady Ianes ten dayes Reigne THE REIGNE OF QUEEN MARY THE Lady Mary having bin Proclaimed Queen in London and other parts of the Realme removed from her castle of Framingham towards London and being come to Wanstead in Essex on the thirtieth of Iuly the Lady Elizabeth her sister with a traine of a thousand horse rode from her place in the Strand to meet her on the third of August the Queene rode through London to the Tower where at her entrance were presented to her Thomas Duke of Norfolke Edward Lord Courtney Stephen Gardiner late Bishop of Winchester and the Duâ—chesse of Somerset who all kneeling downeâ— she kissed them and said These be my Prisoners and then caused them presently to be set at liberty the next day she restored the Lord Courtney to his Marchisate of Exceter and the same day also she not onely restored Stephen Gardiner to his Bishopricke of Winchester but a few daâ—es after made him Chancellour of England yet this was the man that had subscribed to her Mothers Divorceâ— and had written Bookes against the lawfulnesse of her mariage The fift of August Edmund Bonner late Bishop of London prisoner in the Marshalsey and Cutbert Tunstall the old Bishop of Durham prisoner in the Kings Bench had their Pardons and were restored to their Sees Sortly aftâ—r all the Bishops which had been deprived in the time of King Edward the sixth were restored to their Bishopricksâ— and the new removed as Ridley was removed from London and Bonner placed Skory from Chichester and Day placed Miles Coverdale from Exceter and West placed Iohn Hooper from Worcester and Heath placed Also all Beneficed men that were married or would not renounce their Religion were put out of their Livings and other of a contrary opinion put in their rooms On the thirteenth of August one Master Bourne a Canon of Pauls preaching at Pauls Crosse not onely prayed for the dead but also declared that Doctor Bonner
and the Cardinall on their right hand all the Lords Knights and Burgesses being present the Bishop of VVinchester Lord Chancellour made a short speech unto them signifying the presence of the Lord Cardinall and that he was sent from the Pope as his Legate a Latere to doe a worke tending to the glory of God and the benefit of them all which saith he you may better heare from his own mouth Then the Cardinall rose up and made a long solemne Oration wherin he first thanked them for his restoring by which he was enabled to be a member of their society then exhorting them to returne into the bosome of the Church for which end he was come not to condemne but to reconcile not to compell but to call and require and for their first worke of reconcilement requiring them to repeale and abrogate all such Lawes as had formerly beene made in derogation of the Catholicke Religion After which Speech the Parliament going together drew up a Supplication which within two dayes after they presented to â—he King and Queene wherein they shewed themselves to be very penitent for their former errours and humbly desired their Majesties to intercede for them to the Lord Cardinall and the See Apostolicke that they might be Pardoned of all they had done amisse and be received into the bosome of the Church being themselves most ready to abrogate all Lawes prejudiciall to the See of Rome This Supplication being delivered to the Cardinall he then gave them Absolution in these words Wee by the Apostolicke authority given unto us by the most Holy Lord Pope Iulius the third Christs Vicegerent on Earth doe Absolve and deliver you and every of you with the whole Realme and Dominions thereof from all Heresie and Schisme and from all Judgements Censures and Paines for that cause incurred and also Wee doe restore you againe to the unity of our Mother the holy Church The report hereof comming to Rome was cause that a solemne Procession was made for joy of the conversion of England to the Church of Rome And now the Queene had a great desire to have King Phillip crowned but to this the Parliament would by no meanes assent In October this second yeere of her reigne a rumour was spread of the Queenes being with childe and so forward that she was quicke and thereupon were Lettes sent from the Lords of the Councell to Bonner Bishop of London that Prayers of Thanksgiving should be made in all Churches and the Parliament it selfe was so credulous of it that they entred into consideration of the education of the childe and made an Act desiring the King our of 〈◊〉 confidence they had in him that if the Queene should faile he would be pleased â—o take upon him the Rule and Government of the childe but after â—ll this in Iune following it came to be knowne that it was but a Tympany â—r at lest the Queene so miscarried that there came no childe nor the Queene likely ever after to have any But howsoever in hope of the joy that was expected in Ianuâ—ry of this yeere divers of the Councell as the Lord Chancellour the Bishop of Elye the Lord Treasurour the Earle of Shrewsbâ—ry the Controlour of the Queens house Secretary Bourne and Sir Richard Soâ—thwell Master of the Ordinance were sent to the Tower to discharge and set at liberty a great part of the Prisoners in the Tower as â—amely the late Duke of Northumberlands sonnes Ambrose Robert and Henry also Sir Andrew Dudley Sir Iames Croâ—ts Sir Nicholas Throgmorton Sir Iohn Rogers Sir Nicholas Arnold Sir George Harper Sir Edward Warner Sir William Sentlow Sir Gowen Carow William Gybbs Esquire Cutbert Vaughan and some others About this time one William Fetherstone a Millers sonne of the age of eighteene yeeres named and bruted himselfe to be King Edward the sixth for which being apprehended and examined he answered as one lunaticke and thereupon was whipped at a Carts â—ayle and banished into the North but the yeere after spreading abroad againe that King Edward was alive and that he had talked with him he was arraigned and condemned of treason and at Tyburn hanged and quartered In the moneth of March the Queene was taken with a fit of Devotion and thereupon called unto her foure of her Privie Councell namely William Marquesse of Winchester Lord Treasurour Sir Robert Rochester Comptrolour Sir William Peter Secretary and Sir Francis Englefield Master of the Wards and signified unto them that it went against her conscience to hold the Lands and Possessions as well of Monasteries aud Abbeys as of other Churches and therefore did freely relinquish them and leave them to be disposed as the Pope and the Lord Cardinall should thinke fit and thereupon charged them to acquaint the Cardinall with this her purpose Aâ—d shortly after in performance hereof Iohn Fecknam late Deane of Pauls was made Abbot of Westminster and had possession delivered him and with him fourteen Monkes received the Habit at the same time and on the twentieth of November Sir Thomas was instituted Lord of Saint Iohns of Hierusalem and was put in possession of the Lands belonging unto it And when it was told herâ— that this would be a great diminution of the Revenues of her Crowne she answered she more valued the salvation of her soule then a thousand Crownes a most religious speech and enough if there were but this to shew her to be a most pious Prince The fourth of September this yeer King Phillip waited on with the Earle of Arundell Lord Steward the Earle of Pembrooke the Earle of Huntington and others went over to Callice and from thence to Brussels in Brabant to visit the Emperour his Father who deliveâ—ing him possession of the Low Countries in March following he returned into England but then on the sixth of Iuly following by reason of wars with France he passed again over to Callicâ— and so into Flanders from whence he returned not till eighteene moneths after which made great muttering amongst the common people as though hee tooke any little occasion to be absent for the little love hee bore to the Queene In the third yeere of the Queene dyed Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester at his house in Southwarke of whose death it is memorable that the same day in which Bishop Ridley and Master Latimer suffered at Oxford he would not goe to dinner till foure a clocke in the aâ—ternoone thoâ—gh the old Duke of Norâ—olke was come to dine with him the reason was because he would first heare of their being burnt and as soon as word of that was brought him he presently said Now let us goe to Dinner where sitting downe and eating merrily upon a sudden he fell into such extremity that he was faine to be taken from the Table and carried to his bed where he continued fifteen dayes without voyding any thing either by urine or otherwise which caused his tsongu to swell in his mouth and so dyed after whose death
taken by right of War and not to be dismissed till she had made satisfaction for assuming the Title of England and for the death of Darly her husband who was born one of the Queens Subjects In this diversity of opinions Queen Elisabeth out of her own judgement sent word by Middemore to the Regent of Scotland that he should come himself in person or else depute some fit persons to answer the complaints of the Queen of Scots against him and his confederates and render sufficient reasons wherefore they had deprived her otherwiseâ— she would forthwith dismisse her and with all the forces she could settle her in her Kingdom To this Summons Murray obeys and comes to York the place appointed for this Treaty accompanied with seven more of his intimate friends who stood Delegates for the Infant King namely Iames Earl of Morton Adâ—m Bishop of the Orkâ—neys Robert of Dunferm Patrick Lord of Lyndsey Iames Mac-gylly and Henry â—adinary and with these Lydington the Secretary and Geâ—rge Buchanan And the very same day came thither Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Thomas Ratcliff Earl of Sussex and Sir Ralph Saedler a Privie-Councellour appointed Commissioners for Queen Elisabeth For the Queen of Scots who took it hainously that Queen Elisabeth would not hear the causâ— hâ—r self but refer hâ—r to Subjects being an absolute Prince and not tyâ—d to their procâ—edings there appeared Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross William Lord Levyngâ—â—on Robert Lord Boyde Gaâ—â—â— of Kilwynnin Iohn Gâ—urdâ—n and Iames Cockâ—urn Being met Lydingtoâ— turning himself to the Scots in a wondrous liberty of Speech gave them this advice Maturely to consider what prejudice they should draw upon themselves by accusing thâ— Queen of Scots and calling her Reputation in question publikely before the English professed enemies of the Scottish Nation Likewise whaâ— account they shall be able to give hereof to the King when he shall grow to â—iper yâ—â—rs and shall see what an injury this was to the Kingdom his Mother and his own perâ—on Whereforâ— said he it seemeth requisite to forbear this businesse alâ—ogether unlesse the Queen of England will enter into a â—uâ—uall league of Offence and Defence against all those which under this pretencâ— shall go about â—o molest us Upon this Speech of his the Dâ—lâ—gates of the Queâ—n of Scots made Protestation That although it pleased the Quâ—â—n of Scots to have the cause between her and her disloyall Subjects dâ—â—â—ted befoâ—â— the English yet she being a free Prince and obnoxious to no earthly Prince whatsoever did not thereby yeeld her self subject to thâ— Jurisdiction and command of any person On the contrary the English proâ—estâ—d That they did in no wise admiâ— that Protestation in prâ—judice to the right which the Kings of England have anciently challenged as superiouâ— Lords of the Kingdom of Scoâ—land The day after the Queen of Scoâ—s Delegates sâ—t forth at large the injurious dealing of Morton Murray Marre Gleâ—car◠〈◊〉 and others against the Queen and how they had compelled hâ—r for fear of death to resign her Crown which therefore they said was of no â—orâ—â— Murray and his confederates make answâ—r That they had done nothing but by consent of the Peers in Parliament and thaâ— in prosâ—cuâ—ing oâ— Bothwell the author of the Kings murther whom the Queen protected and as for her resignation â—hat it was voluntarily and freely done All this the Queen of Scots Delegaâ—es answered and confuted affirming in particular That where there are 100 Earls Bishops and Barons more or lesse that have voices in the Parliament of Scotland there were not in that tumâ—ltous assembly they speak of above four Earls one Bishop an Abbot or two and six Barons wherefore their earnest request was that the Qâ—een of England would be â—â—nsible of these indignities offered her and take some course for a speedy rednesse After this some new Commissioners from Queen Elizabeth were added to the former to some of whom the Queen of Scots took exception unlesse the French and Spanish Embassadors might be taken in and her self admitted into the presence of the Queen and them publickly to defend her own innocency and that Murray might be detained and â—ited whom she affirmed she was able to prove to have been the chief Plotter of the murther of her husband Darley This was held to be a just demand by the Duke of Norfolk the Earls of Arundell Sussex Leicester and the Lord Clinton But Queen Elizabeth waxing somewhat angry openly said that the Queen of Scots should never want an Advocate as long as Norfolk lived It was seen here which is said that the heart of the King is inscrutable for how Queen Elizabeth stood affected in this case of the Queen of Scots no man could well discernâ— she detested the insolency of her Subjects in deposing her and yet gave no assistance to restore her After long agitation of this businesse and nothing concluded Murray a little before his return into Scotland slyly propounded the mariage of the Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk which he with a modest answer rejected as a thing full of danger But withall Murray the more to alienate Queen Elizabeths mind from the Queen of Scots gave ouâ— that she had passed away to the Duke of Andyn her Right to the Crown of England and that the transaction was confirm'd at Rome he shewd Letters also which the Queen of Scots had written to some friends whom she trusted wherein she accused the Queen for not dealing with her according to promise and boasted of succours she expected from some others This last clause something troubled Queen Elizabeth neither could she conjecture from whence any such succour should come seeing both France with the Civill Wars and the King of Spain in the Low-countries had enoâ—gh to do at home But at last it brake out that one Robert Ridolph a Florentine under the habit of a Merchant in London was suborned by Pope â—ius the fifth to make a secret commotion of the Papists in England against the Queen which he performed indeed with a great deal of secrecy and much cunning whereupon the Queen of Scots was removed from Bolton a Castle of the Lord Scroops where all the neighbouring people were Papistsâ— to Tutbury more toward the heart of the Country under the custody of George Earl of Shrewsbury About this time the Guises in France and the Duke D'Alva in the Low-countries began to endeavour the utter extirpation of the Protestant Religion In France the Ministers of the Gospell are commanded within a limitted time to depart the Kingdom when Queen Elizabeth forgetting the â—icklenesse of the Protestants at New-haven once again takes upon her their protection supplyes them with two hundred thousand Crowns in money besides Munition in abundance and with all humanity receives the French that fled into England the rather for that they made solemn protestation they took not up Arms against their Prince but only stood upon their own defence In the Low-countries
offended that credit should be given to such a one and themselvâ—s neglected she raised Thomas Smith the customer from thirteen thousâ—nd pounds yeerly to two and forty thousand pounds and at last to fifty thousand It was now the yeer 1590. and the three and thirtieth of Queen Elizabeths Raigne in which the Earl of Cumberland made a Voyage to the Indies where he laid levell to the ground the Fort of the Isle of â—iala and brought away eight and fifty Pieces of great Ordnance This yeer was fatall to many Noble personages first dyed Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick son to Iohn Duke of Northumberland without issue After him Sir Francis Walsingham Secretary a man more skilfull in the Politicks then in the Oeconomicks more cunning in managing matters of the publick State then of his own private estate which he left so mean and dyed so much indebted that he was fain to be buryed by night without aâ—y Funerall pomp in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul leaving behinde him one onely daughter famous for her three husbands all of them the goodliest men of their time the first Sir Philip Sidney the second Robert Earl of Essex the third Richard Burgh Earl of Clanricard by King Charls made Earl of Saint Albans Within two Moneths after Wâ—lsingham dyed Sir Thomas Randolâ— who had been fourteen times sent in Embassage to severall Princes yet was never rewarded with any greater dignities then the Chamberlainship of the Exchequer and the Postmastership of England Soon after him dyed Sir Iohn Crofâ—s who had done good service in Scotland in Edward the sixths time in Queen Mary's time was condemned of high Treason in Queen Elisabeths time set at liberty and made Comptroller of her house After him dyed George Talbot the seventh E. of Shrewsbury of this house he was made Earl Marshall of England and left behinde him a memoriall of Wisdom and Integrity Lastly dyed Thomas Lord Wentworth the last of the English that had been Governour of Calice In Ireland at this time Hugh Gaveloc so called because he had been long kept in Fetters the naturall son of Shan O Neale accused Hugh Earl of Tir-Oen for holding private consultations with certain Spaniard who in 88 were by Shipwrack cast upon the coast of Ireland Tir-Oen to prevent the Accusation took the said Hugh and when others refused to do it took a cord and with his own hands strangled him Hereupon he was sent for into England and came and upon pardon obtained solemnly undertook in presence of the Queen at Greenwich to maintain the peace with Turlogh Leynigh Not to usurpe the Title of O-Neale nor any authority over the Gentry about him to reduce the Territory of Tir-Oen to the form of a County and civil behaviour and many such matters giving hostages for his true performance and indeed for a time he observed all things very duly This trouble allayed another arose for soon after this Hugh Roe Mac-Mahon a Potentate in the Territory of Monaghan compelled those under his jurisdiction to pay him tribute whereupon the Deputy caused him to be taken and tryed by a Jury of common Souldiers and then to be hanged up dividing his lands amongst certain English and some of the Mac-Mahons reserving a certain yeerly Rent to the Crown of England by this means thinking to extinguish the Power and Title of Mac-Mahon But hereupon O-Rork fearing hee should be served in like manner took up Arms against the Queen whom Bingham President of Connacht soon distressed and drave into Scotland and at the Queens request was by the King delivered up into his hands It was now the yeer 1591. and the Four and thirtieth of Queen Elisabeths Raign when she carefull lest Britain should come into the Spaniards hands sent Edmund York into France to advertise the King to take care thereof and promising to send him Forces to that end if he would some Towns where they might be in safety Hereupon he named Cherburg Granvile or Brest as the fittest and it was agreed that Three thousand English should be sent into Brittainy and Picardy but in the mean time Henry Palmer was sent to Sea with certain Ships who seized upon Thirteen Spanish Ships as they were returning from Nova Francia And now Roger Williams with a Company of Six hundred Souldiers passeth over to Diepe in Normandy and Sir Iohn Norris with the rest of the Forces hasted into Britain soon after Roger Williams with his own Six hundred and the help of Charter Governour of Diepe put to rout the Confederates that had blocked up the passages whose valour the French King in his Letters to the Queen highly extolled Whereupon growing more couragious and not minding his charge which was to stay at Diepe he accompanyed the King to the very Suburbs of Paris where in honour of his Nation he sent a Challenge to the Spaniards to encounter Two hundred Pikemen of the English and a hundred Musquetiers with as many Spaniards in open Field After this the King of France acquainted the Queen that he had a purpose to set upon Roan or New-haven before the Prince of Parma should come into France and thereupon requested her to send Four thousand English into Normandy which upon certain conditions she willingly did and sent them under the Command of Robert Earl of Eâ—sex accompanyed with Sir Thomas Leighton and Sir William Killegrew as his Counsellours When the Earl came into France he found that the King was at Noyon and in Normandy no preparation for the War at all which seemed strange and much troubled him but by and by Sir Roger Williams comes to him from the King requesting him to come to Noyon that they might confer concerning a course of War Thither the Earl made a tedious journey and being come thither the King told him he was now of necessity to go himself into Champaigne but promiseth to send Marshall Biron and the Duke of Montpensier forthwith to him to lay siege to Roan Hereupon the Earl returned to his Tents expecting their coming but neither of thâ—m â—â—me which troubled the Earl more then before so as being weary now 〈◊〉 doing nothing he made himself one approach to Roan where hiâ— Brother Wâ—ltâ—â— Devereux was unfortunately slain Indeed the affairs of the â—ing of Frâ—nce were at this time upon so uncertain terms that before he could â—â—t 〈◊〉 hâ— had resolved something still intervened that diverted him for which by his Letters he excused himself to the Queen of England and by the mediation of the Eaâ—l and Mornay Lord du Plessie whom to that end he sent into England obtained new supplies and then besieged Roan At this time was memorable the prodigious cariage of one Hacket born at Oundale in Northamptonshire a mean fellow of no learning whose first prank was this That when in shew of Reconciliation to one with whom he had been at variance he imbraced him he bit off his Nose and the man desiring to have his Nose again that it might
Major of London in a gowâ—e of Crymson Velvet his brethren the Aldermen in gownes of Scarlet and twelve principall Citizens admitted to attend on them all other Citizens stayed from passing thither either by water or by Land by reson of the sicknesse and the first of Aâ—gust following all suitors were by Proclamation forbidden to repayâ—e to the Count till the winter following At this time the King forgot noâ— a deliverance he had formerly had which though it were had in Scotland yet he would have notice of it taken in England which was his deliverance from the conspiracy of the Goâ—ries on the fift day of August three yeâ—â—es before and thereupon Friday being the fift of August was by commandement appoâ—â—â—ed to be kept Holy day with Morning Prayer Sermons and Evening Prayer thâ—t day and Bonfires â—t night which was then and after during his life solemnely oâ—â—erved King Iaâ—â—â— had in hiâ— aâ— it were two Persons one as he was King of Scotland and in this he was in perfect amity with â—he King of Spainâ— another as he was King oâ— England and in this he had some difference with Spaine but he as Rex pacificâ—â— â—â—oke the best from both and was altogether for the Olive branch and thereupon when at his comming into England he found letters of Mart granted against Spaniards he first caused them all to be called in and then consâ—nted to a Treaty of perâ—it reconcilment In which Treaty handled at London the 18 oâ— August 16â—4 The Commissioners for the King of England were Thomas Earle of Dorset Charles Earle of Nottingham Charles Earle of Devonshire Henry Earle of North-Hampton and Robert Viscount Cranbourne For the King of Spaine Iohn de Velasco Constable of Castile Iohn de Tassis Earle of Villa Mediaâ—a and Alexander Robidius Professor of the Law in the Colledge of Millaine For the Archdukes Charles Count of Aramberg Iohn Richardoâ— President of the Privy Counsaile and Lodowick Verreikin principall Secretary by whom a Peace being concluded and contained in many Articles The Somer following the King of Spaine sent Don Iohn de Velesco Constable of Castile and Duke of Fryas also Pedraca de la Syerra his great Chamberlaine accompagnied with diverse Marquises Earles and Barons who comming into England were by the Earle of Devonshire on the nineteenth of August brought to the Court where the King in his Chappell in the presence of the â—ommissioners and other English Lords the Duke of Fryas holding the Kings hands between his tooke his Oath upon the holy Bible religiously to obserue and keep all the Articles of the Peace and League agreed upon and in March following being now the third yeare of King Iames Charles Earle of Nottingham Lord high Admirall of England was sent into Spaine to take in like manner the King of Spaine's Oath who accompanied with three Barons and many Knights Gentlemen and other to the number of six hundred and fifty the fifteenth of Aprill arrived at Groyne from whence he was conducted to Valledolid three hundred miles off where the King of Spaine then kept his Court enterteined in all places as he passed at the King of Spaine's charge with so great provisions and such demonstration of love and gladnesse that it plainly shewed the Spaniards were as glad of our friendship as we of theirs The Lord Embassadour being come to Court He caused Thomas Knoll Esquire to deliver the presents sent from the King of England which were siz goodly Horses with saddles and saddle cloaths very richly imbrodered whereof three for the King and three for the Queen two crossebows with sheafes of arrowsâ— foure fowling pieces inlaid with plates of Gold and a couple of Lyme hownds of singular qualities which the King and Queen in very kind manner accepted and then on the thirtyth of May the Lord Embassadour being sent for the King came forth into a large room where having a little Table set before him and a Bible very reverently laid upon it together with a Crucifix The Archbishop of Toledo read the Oath at the reading whereof the Lord Embassadour held the Kings hands between his and the King kneeling down layd his hands upon the Book and after his Oath subscribed to the Articles formerly concluded Whilst the E. of Nothingham was thus imployed in Spaine the right honorable Edward Earle of Hartford was likewise sent Embâ—ssador to Albertus and Isabella Archdukes of Austria to take their Oaths for confirmation of the said Articles of Peace which were taken at Bruxell the first of May with great State and solemnity After which as the Earle bestowed on the Archduks servants to the full summe of three thousand pouns So the Archduke at his departy bestowed upon the Earle a Iewell worth nine hundred pounds and a suite of Arms worth three hundred and bore his charges all the time of his stay at Bruxels And now was King Iames truly Rex Pacificus Peece and amity with all Princes of Christendome which few of his Auncestors ever were A little before this in the Month of August in the yeare 1604 the strong Town of Ostend in Flanders after above three years siege and the slaughter of a hundred and twenty thousand men of both sides and in defense whereof Sir Francis Vere Generall and his brother Sir Horatio Vere had shewed great Valour was by the Marquis Spinola taken for which Service the King of Spaine made him Duke of Santa Severina and Lord Generall of all his Forces in the Low-Countryes It was now the third yeare of King Iames his Reigne when he kept Saint Georges Feast at Grenwich and there made two new Knights of the Garter namely the High and Mighty Prince Duke Ulrick heire of Norway and brother to our gracious Queen Anne and the right Noble Lord Henry Howard Earle of North-Hampton And upon the Saturday following in the Hall at Grenwich being richly hanged with Arras he created three Earles one Viscount and foure Barons namely Sir Robert Cecil Viscount Cranbourne he created Earle of Salisbury Thomas Cecil Lord Burley his eldest brother he created Earle of Exceter and Sir Philipe Herbert yonger brother to the Earle of Pembrooke he created Earle of Montgomery then Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst Lord Chamberlaine to the Queen he created Viscount Lisle Sir Iohn Stanhope Vicechamberlaine to the King he made Lord Stanhope of Harington Sir George Carew Vicechamberlaine to the Queen he made Lord Carew of Cloptonâ— Master Thomas Arundell of Devonshire he made Lord Arundell of Wardez and Master William Cavendish he made Lord Cavendish of Hardwick About this time a strange fancy possessed the braines of a professed Physition one Richard Haidock of new Colledge in Oxford who pretended to preach at night in his sleep in such sort that though he were called aloud or stirred and pull'd by the hands or feet yet would make no shew of either hearing or feeling And this he did often in the presence of many honorable persons that came to heare him
say by a â—â—â—â—oned Tansey sent him to eat some by a poysoned Glyster ministred unto 〈◊〉 but howsoever effected it wasâ— for which Fact Sir Iervis Elvis then Lieuâ—â—â—â—â—â— of the Tower and three or fouâ—e other of inferiour condition were put to death the Lady and Earle themselves were arraigned and condemned but â—horough the Kings great clemency had their lives spared but in such a sort spaâ—edâ— as was to them no lesse grievous than death it sâ—lf being never after suffered to see the Kings face nor to come neere his Court. This Favorite being thus out of favour there was place made for entertaining another for indeed King Iames was of so sociable and loving a nature that he could not be long well without an Alter idem a bosome friend with whom to communicate his Internos sensus and upon whose shoulders he might sometimes lay a burthen which he was not willing to beate himselfe and this new friend was Mr. George Villers a Gentleman of a good House but a younger brother but of so delicate a composure of body and withall of so excellent paâ—ts of mind as if nature had framed him of purpose to be a Kings Favorite And indeed never any man was partaker of the Royall Influence like to him made first a Knight and Gentleman of the Kings Bed-chamber soone after made a Viscount and Master of the Horse a while after erected Earle of Buckingham then Marquis of Buckingham and made Lord Admirall Lastly made Duke of Buckingham the greatest Title of Honour that a Subject is capable ofâ— and yet his Title not greater than his Power for all matters of Grace passed from the King by him and to grace him the more his Mother who after his Fathers death had marryed a younger sonne of the Lord Comptons was created Countesse of Buckingham his sister who had marryed a Gentleman of no exâ—raordinary Family had her husband made Earle of Denbigh his two brothers were made one of them Viscount Berbach the other Earle of Anglesey besides many other of his friends and kindred highly advanced For this Lord affected not an advancement that should bee only personall but rather bee in common to all his Family and was not of the disposition of some who like to great Oakes love to keep all that are neer them underwood though it be in truth both against Nature and Policy to stand alone when they would be lesse subject to the violence of windes if more stood together And though never any man had juster cause to be envyed than hee yet never any man was lesse envyed because though his Honours made him great yet they made him not swell but he retained the like temper of affable carriage after his advancement as he had done before But before all these favours were heaped upon him many other great pasâ—ages had intervened for first after the death of Thomas Earle of Dorset Robert Earle of Salisbury had beene Lord Treasurer and after him Thomas Earle of Suffolke But this Lord though of a most noble disposition yet as having had his trayning up another way seemed lesse ready in discharging the place and whether for this or for his Ladies taking too much upon her by his indulgence the staffe was soone after taken from him after whom there came in such a sequence of Treasures as no Age before had ever seeneâ— all wise and able men indeed but yet in whom the Office seemed an imployment rather to ennoble the Officer than to enrich the King For first Sir Henry Montague was taken from the Kings Bench and on the fourth of December 1620. made Lord Treasurer and presently upon it Earle of Manchester and before the yeere went about put off After whom Sir Lyonell Cranfield from Master of the Wards was made Lord Treasurer and shortly after Earle of Middlesex and then not only put off but fined to pay the King fifty thousand pounds After him Sir Iames Lee from chiefe Iustice of the Kings Bench was made Lord Treasurer and soone after Earle of Marleborough and then having made a good returne of his Place pâ—â— iâ— off himselfe After him Sir Richard Wâ—ston from Chancelour of the Exâ—heâ—â—â—r was made Lord Treasurer and soone after Earle of Portland so as within the compasse of little more than foure yeares foure Treasurerâ— in a row were made fourâ— Earles enough to make a praescription for all Treasurers hereafter to clayme a Right of being made Earles which yet I speake not as derogating from those worthy men whose memories I reverence but as observing Fataqâ—e Fâ—rtunasque Virum so rare as that there was never any President of the like Also the five and twenteth of Iune 1612. the Lord Sâ—nquer a Nobleman of Scotland having in a private revenge suborned Robert Carlile to murther Iohn Tuâ—ner a Master of Fence thought by his greatnesse to have borne it out but thâ— King respecting nothing so much as Iustice would not suffer Nobility to be a shelter for villany but according to the Law on the nine and twenteth of Iune the said Lord Sanquer having been arraigned and condemned by the name of Robert Crâ—ightâ—â— Esquire was before Westminster Hall gate executed where he dyed very penitent About this time the King in speciall favour for the present Plantation of English Colonies in Virginia granted a Lottery to be held at the West end of Pauls whereof one Thomas Sharplys a Taylour of London had the chiefe Prize which was foure thousand Crownes in faire Plate At this time also the Corps of Mary late Queene of Scotland the Kings Mother was translated from Peterborough to St. Peters Church in Westminster and from thence was carryed to the Chappell Royall there where it was interred in a Royall Tombe which the King had erected for her About this time also Sir Robert Sherley third sonne of Sir Thomas Sherley of Sussex Knight who sixteene yeares past had betaken himselfe to travaile and had served diverse Christian Princes for the space of five yeares but chiefly Rodolphus the Roman Emperour who for his service made him an Earle of the Empire hee afterward went into Persia and served the Persian ten yeares who made him Generall of the Artillery and held him in so great account that hee gave him the Lady Teresia in marriage whose sister was one of the Queens of Persia after which the Persian imployed him to sundry Princes of Europe and seâ—t him in speciall Embassage into England to King Iames to whom he delivered his Letters and shewed his Commission all which signified the Persians great love and affection to his Majesty with franke offer of free Commerce to all his Highnesse Subjects thorough all the Persians Dominions After a yeares stay here in which time his Lady lay in of a sonne to whom the Queene was God-Mother and Prince Henry God-Father hee left the child here in England and then with his Lady departed into Persia. It was now the yeare 1612. and the tenth of King Iames his Raigne
VERA EFFIGIES EXCELLENTISSIMI PRINCIPIS CAROLI MAG BRITAN FRAN. HIBERNIAE HAEREDIS Viuat ô Viuat Princeps CAROLINUS et Orbi Imperet inÌ„umeris decorans sua sêcla Triumphis Flourish braue Prince out shine thy Glorious Name Triumphant Laurels ever Crowne thy Fame CAROLUS inter Reges ut Lilium inter Flores VEROLAM LINCOâ—â—â— LONDON YORK A ROMAN A SAXON A DANE A NOâ—â—â—â— CHRONICLE OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND From the Time of the ROMANS Goverment unto the Raigne of our Soveraigne LORD KING CHARLES Containing all Passages of State Church With all other Observations proper for a CHRONICLE Faithfully Collected out of Authours Ancient and Moderne digested into a new Method By Sr R. Baker Knight LONDON Printed for Daniel Frere and are to be sold at his Shop at the Red Bull in Little Brittaine 1643. To the High and Mighty Prince CHARLES Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornewall Eldest Sonne of our Soveraigne Lord CHARLES King of Great Britaine France and IRELAND SIR THE Dedication of Chronicles hath in all times been thought worthy of the greatest Princes Gulielmus Gemiticensis writ a Chronicle of the Dukes of Normandy and Dedicated it to William the Conquerour Thomas Walsingham writ a Chronicle of the Kings of England and Dedicated it to King Henry the sixth And of late time Sir Francis Bacon Viscount Saint Albans and Lord Chancellour of England writ a History of the Reigne of King Henry the seventh and Dedicated it to Your Royall Grand-Father of blessed memory King Iames For indeed as nothing makes Princes more Illustrious then Learning So no Learning makes them more Judicious then History Other Learning may fill their mindes with knowledge This onely with Judgement And seeing it is Judgement that must sit as President over all their Actions it is fit that History should sit as President over all their Studies History gives an Antedate to Time and brings Experience without gray haires Other Knowledges make You but see Quod antepedes est History is the true perspective Glasse that will make You see things afarre off And though it make not men to become Prophets yet it makes their conjectures to be little lesse then Oraclesâ— But most Illustrious Prince there accrues to your Highnesse by this Chronicle a greater benefit then all this For if it were an Excitation of great force to vertue to have it said Et Pater Aeneas Avunculus excitet Hector of how great Force must it needes be when You shall reade the Noble Acts of so many your worthy Progenitors Some Eternized for their valourous Atchievements in Warre Some for their prudent government in Peace Some Renowned for Mercy some for Justice And although the Example of your Royall Father be not amongst them yet it may be sufficient that while you have the Acts of others upon Record you have his under View by which he seemes to say unto you Disce Puer virtutem exme verumque laborem Fortunam ex aliis And if in any of your Progenitors there appeare as it were Maculae in Orbe Lunae will it not invite you to a higher Orbe that Your Actions may shine with the clearer Beames and then how happy will the eyes be that shall see you sitting in your Throne For my selfe I should account it happinesse enough that I have lived to see the dayes of your Illustrious Father if it were not a great unhappines to see them overcast with clouds yet when these clouds shal be dispel'd will it not make him shine with the greater Splendor And this as old as I am I doubt not to live my selfe to see and having once seene it shal then willingly say my Nunc Dimittis and lâ—ave the joy of your glorious times for another Age In the meane time prostrating my self humbly at your feet and wishing to your Highnesse as Dâ—iphobus did to Aeneas I Decus I Nostrum Melioribus utere Fatis Your most humble and most devoted Servant RICHARD BAKER An Epistle to the READER THis Booke I suppose will no sooner come abroad but the question will be asked why any man would take so superfluous a Labour to write that which hath been written by so many by some so copiously by some so elegantly that nothing can be added To which Objection I confesse my selfe unable to make a better Answer then by President For when many excellent men had written the Story of the Roman Emperours both accurately and eloquently yet Suetonius Tranquillus comming after them wanted not his part of Commendation For though he added nothing in the matter or substance yet be altered much in the forme and disposition distinguishing that into Classes and Chapters which the former had delivered in one continued Narration as being both lesse tedious to the Reader like a way marked out by Miles and more plainly Informing where Distinction tooke away confusion Besides many have Written the Reignes of our English Kings copiously indeed but so superfluously that much may justly be pared away Some againe Elegantly indeed but so succinctly that much as justly may be added And this if I have endevoured to doe I cannot be blamed If done it I deserve acceptance Againe where many have written the Reignes of some of our Kings excellently as in the way of History yet I may say they have not done it so well in the way of Chronicle For whilst they insist wholly upon matters of State they wholly omit meaner Accidents which yet are Materials as proper for a Chronicle as the other For my selfe if in some places I be found to set downe whole passages as they are already set downe by others and may seeme rather to transcribe then to write yet this I suppose may be excused as being all of one common stocke and no matter from whence the water comes so it come cleane to the Readers use Lastly for the Worke it selfe I dare be bold to say that it hath beene Collected out of Authours both Ancient and Moderne with so great care and diligence that if all other Chronicles should be lost yet this onely would be sufficient to informe Posterity of all passages memorable or worthy to be knowne which of any other generall Chronicle cannot perhaps be said RICHARD BAKER A CATALOGVE OF VVRITERS BOTH ANCIENT AND MODERNE Out of whom this CHRONICLE hath beene Collected 1 GIldas Britannicus surnamed the Wise was the first writer of our English Nation who amongst other his Workes writ a Treatise De Excidio Britanniae He was borne in the year 493. and dyed in the yeare 580. 2 Nennius a Monke of Bangor writ the Story of Britaine and lived about the yeare 620. 3 Venerable Bede a Saxon and a Priest writ the Ecclesiasticall Story of the English Nation from the comming in of Julius Caesar to the yeare 733. about which time he dyed 4 Ethelwardus a writer next to Bede the most ancient writ a generall Chronicle from the Creation to the end of King Edgar 5 Radulphus de Diceto
Arthur whose Raigne is so uncertaine that some say he raigned onely two some three yeares some againe thirty and some three and thirty After Conanus succeeded Vortiporus who after many victories against the Saxons and foure yeares Raigne died After whom succeeded Malgo Conanus and Raigned six yeares After him Careticus who setting upon the Saxons and beaten â—led into the Towne of Chichester whereupon the Saxons catching certaine Sparrowes and fastning fire to their feete let them fly into the Towne where lighting upon â—traw and other matter apt to take fire the whole City in short space was burnt and thereupon Careticus flying secured himselfe amongst the Mountaines of Wales where he dyed after he had unprosperously Raigned three yeares and from that time forth the Britaines lost their whole Kingdome in the East part of the Island and were confined in the West by the rivers Severne and Dee After Careticus succeeded Cadwan who Raigned two and twenty yeares After him his sonne Cadwallo who Raigned eight and forty yeares and then died whose body was buried in St. Martins Church neere Ludgate and his Image of brasse placed upon the same gate for a terrour to the Saxons In his time the doctrine of Mahomet began to spread it selfe all the Easterne world over After Cadwallo succeeded his sonne Cadwalladar in whose time so great a Famine and afterward Mortality hapned continuing eleven yeares that the Land became in a manner desolate in so much that the King and many of his Lords were driven to forsake their native Country and Cadwalladar himselfe went to his cousin Alan King of little Britaine in France At which time the Saxons taking advantage of his absence came over in swarmes and dispossessed the forlorne Britaines of all they had and divided the Land amongst themselves Whereupon Cadwalladar obtaining assistance of his cousin Alan was comming over to restraine their insolencies when making prayers to God for good successe an Angell appeared to him or at least to his seeming hee heard a voyce that forbad him the enterprise declaring that it was not Gods will the Britaines should rule this Land any longer and therefore bade him hie him to Rome and receive of Pope Sergius the habit of Religion wherein he should die and rest in peace Which accordingly he did and in him ended the blood of the British Kings in the yeare 689. So as Britaine now was no longer Britâ—ine but a Colony of the Saxons And now is time to speake of the Heptarchy of the Saxons so much spoken of by all Writersâ— and to shew by what degrees the Britaiâ—es lost and the Saxons got the whole possession of this Island for this Heptarchie or division of this Island into seven Kingdomes came not in all at once nor yet in an equall partition but some good distance of time one after another and as the Invadour had strength to expell the Natives The first Kingdome being of Kent THe first Kingdome of the Saxons began by Hengist in the yeare 455. containing all Kent and continued 372. yeares during the raignes of seventeene Kings of whom as many as performed any memorable Act shall be remembred and for the rest it will be no losse to passe them over in silence Of these seventeene Kings Ethelbert being the fifth was the first Saxon Christian King of this Island converted by Austin the Monke whom Pope Gregory sent hither to that purpose with forty others in the yeare 595. to whom King Ethelbert gave his chiefe City of Canterbury and his owne Royall Palace there made since the Cathedrall of that See withdrawing himselfe to Reâ—ulver in the Isle of Thanet where he erected a Palace for himselfe and his successors He gave him also an old Temple standing without the East wall of the City which he honoured with the name of St. Paneras and then added a Monastery to it and Dedicated it to St. Peter and Paul appointing it to be the place for the Kentish Kings Sepulchers But in regard of Austin the procurer both Panâ—ras Peter and Paul were soone forgotten and it was and is to this day called St. Austines which Abbey St. Austin enriched with divers Reliques which he brought with him from Rome amongst which was a part of Christs seamelesse Coate and of Aarons Rodde This King after his owne conversion converted also Sebert King of the East Angles and assisted him in the building of the Cathedrall Church oâ— St. Paul London as also the Church of St. Peter on the West of London then called Thorny and himselfe at Rochester built the Cathedrall Church there which he Dedicated to the Apostle St. Andrew and dying when he had Raigned six and fifty yeares was buried at Canterbury And thus by this first Saxon Kingdome was all Kent lopped off from the Britaines Dominion and this was their first impairing and this happened in the Raigne of Ambrosius before spoken of The sixth King of Kent was Ethelbald who at first an Apostata was afterwards converted and built a Chappell within the Monastery of St. Peter and Paul at Canterbury The seventh King was Ercombert a vertuous and religious Prince who first commanded the observing of Lent and in his daies the Archbishop Honorius divided Kent into Parishes The eighth King was Egbert who obtained the kingdome by murthering his Nephews whose sister the Lady Dompnena founded the Abbey of Minster in Kent The eleventh King was Withred who founded the Priory of St. Merton at Dover The last was Baldred who overcome by Egbert King of the West Saxons left Kent a Province to that Kingdome in the yeare 827. The second Kingdome being of the South Saxons THe second Kingdome of the Heptarchie was of the South Saxons and began by Ella in the yeare 488. containing Sussex and Surrey and continued 113 yeares during the raigne of five Kings onely of whom Cissa being the second founded the City of Chichester and raigned as some say threescore and sixteene yeares And then Berthan being the last King was overcome by Ine King of the West Saxons and his Country became a Province to that Kingdome in the yeare 601. and thus as Kent before so now Sussex and Surrey were lopped off from the Britaines Dominion and this was a second impairing which also happened in the Raigne of the British King Ambrosius The third Kingdome being of the West Saxons THe third Kingdome of the Heptarchie was of the West Saxons and began by Cerdic in the yeare 519. containing Cornwall Devonshire Dorseâ—shire Somersetshire Wiltshire Hampshire and Barkeshire and continued 561. yeares during the Raignes of nineteene Kings of whom this Cerdic was the first in whose time Porth a Saxon landed in the West at a place from him called afterward Portesmouth and ayded Cerdic in his conquest And this happened in the Raigne of King Arthur and as Kent Sussex and Surrey before so now these seven other shires were lopped off from the Britaines Dominion and this was a third impairing The sixth King of the West
William and by a second two other sonnes William Earle of Argues and Maâ—ger Archbishop of Roan So as Richard his eldest sonne by his first wife succeeded him by the name of Richard the fourth and dying without issue the Dukedome descended to Robert his second sonne by his first wife which Robert was father to our William the Conquerour of whom it is thus recorded that riding one time abroad he happened to passe by a company of Country Maides that were a dancing where staying a while to looke upon them he was so taken with the handsomnesse and gracefull carriage of one of them whose name was Arlotte a Skinners daughter from whence as some thinke our word Harlot comes that affection commanding him and authority her he caused her that night to be brought to his bed where being together what was done or said betweene them is no matter for History to record though some Historians have recorded both making her not so modest as was fit for a Maide onely tenne monthes after it appeared that at this time our Duke William was begotten who proving a man of extraordinary spirit we may attribute it to the heate of affection in which he was begotten His succeeding in the Dukedome notwithstanding his Bastardie IT appeares by many examples that Bastardie in those dayes was no barre to succession till a law was afterward made to make it a barre It brought some disgrace where the mother was meane but no impediment where the father was Noble and even his Bastardie seemed to have some allay if it be true as some write that his father tooke the said Arlotte afterward to be his wife and yet perhaps he had not the Dukedome so much by succession as by gift For when hee was about nine yeares old his father calling his Nobility together caused them to swear Allegeance to this base sonne of his and to take him for their Liege Lord after his decease Neither was this in those dayes infrequent for Princes to conferre their Principalities after their owne deceases upon whom they pleased counting it as lawfull to appoint successours after them as substitutes under them even in our time and Kingdome the Duke of Northumberland prevailed with King Edward the sixth to exclude his two sisters Mary and Elizabeth and to appoint the Lady Iane Grey daughter of the Duke of Suffolke to succeed him His Education and Tuition in his minoritie HIs father having declared and appointed him to be his Successour went soone after whether out of devotion or to do Penance for procuring his brothers death whereof he was suspected into the Holy Land in which Journey he died having left the tuition of his young sonne to his two brothers and the Guardianship to the King of France in whose Court for a time he was brought up A strange confidence to commit the tuition of a sonne that was base to Pretenders that were legiâ—iâ—ate and to a King of France who aimed at nothing more then to reannexe this Dukedome to his Crowne But it seemes his confidence was grounded upon the proximitie of blood in his brothers and upon the merits of his owne service formerly done to the King of France which though it proved well enough with him yet is not to betaken into example to follow His Troubles in his minoritie FIrst Roger de Tresny who derived his Pedegree directly from Rollo and had won much honour by his valour in the warres notwithstanding the Oath of Allegeance he had formerly taken takes exception to his Bastardy and invites Complices to assist him in recovering the Dukedome to â— legitimate Race a falâ—e pretext if the Fate of Duke William had not beene against it who though hee were himselfe but young and could not do much in his owne person yet the Divine Providence raised him up friends that supplied him with Assistance and particularly Roger de Beamont by whose valour this Roger de Tresny with his two brothers was defeated and slaine After Roger de Tresâ—y William de Arques his Unckle layes claime to the Dutchy and assisted by the King of France comes to a battaile but by the valour of Count Gyfford the Dukes Generall was likewise defeated and these were troublâ—s before he arrived to seventeene yeares of age After this one Guy Earle of Burgoigne Grandchild to Richard the second Duke of Normandy grew sensible also of his Right to the Dukedome and joyning with Viscount Neele and the Earle of Besâ—in two powerfull Normans conspired Duke Williams death and had effected it if a certaine Foole about him had not stolne away in the night to the place where the Duke was and never left knocking and crying at the gate till he was admitted to his presence willing him to flye for his life instantly or he would be murthered The Duke considering that being related by a Foole it was like to be the more palpable and that there might be danger in staying none in going rode instantly away all alone toward Falaise his principall Castle but missing his way he happâ—ned to passe where a Gentleman was standing at his doore of whom he asked the way and was by him as knowing him directed which he had no sooner done but the conspiratours came presently inquiring if such a one had not passed that way which the Gentleman affirmed and undertooke to be their guide to overtake him but leading them of purpose a contrary way the Duke by this meanes came safely to Fâ—lâ—ise and from thence journeyes to the King of France complaining of his injâ—ries and imploring his ayd as one that waâ—â—is homager and committed to his careâ— by his â—ervant his Father The King of France moved with his distreâ—se and remembrance of his Fathers meriâ—s though he wishâ—d he was lesse then he was yet he â—o ayded him that he made him greater then he was for himselfe in person suffering much in the Battaile procured him the Victory By which we may see that folly and fortune and even Enemies themselves are all assistants to the Destinies or to say better indeed to the divine Providence Many other affronts were offered him some by meaner Princes some afterward by the King of France himselfe who was now growne jealous of his Greatnesse all which he encountred with such dexterity that made his Bastardy as it were become Legitimate and Vertue her selfe to grow proud of his person His Carriage afterwards in Peace BY this time he was come to the age of two and twenty yeares and where all this while he had shewed himselfe a valiant Generall in Warre he now began to shew himselfe a provident Governor in Peace composing and ordering his state wherein he so carryed himselfe that as his Subjects did both feare and love him so his Neighbouring Princes did both feare and hate him or if not hate him at least emulate him His Incitements for Invading of England HE was now growne about fifty yeares old an Age that might well have arrested all ambitious thoughts in him
but who can thinke himselfe too old for a Kingdome when Galba for attaining the Romane Empire was contented to buckle on Armour being fourescore yeares old The Dâ—ke in his time of peace came over into England to visite his cousin King Edward who besides his Princely entertainment made him at that time as some thinke a promise to leave him his Successour in the Kingdome Harold after this going over to the Dukâ— in Normandy for procuring some friends of his to be released the better to effect it tooke his solemne Oath to assist him for obtaining the Kingdome So as having the word of Edward and the oath of Harold he had now sufficient obligations to expect it But hearing of the death of King Edward and that Harold was Crowned King he thought himselfe not more forgotten by Edward then wronged by Harold and therefore sent messengers to him to put him in mind of K. Edwards Pâ—omise and his owne Oath but Harold puffed up with the conceit of being a King as though that very name were enough to expiate all breach of Oathes and that nothing could binde him who had now the fetters in his owne hand returned onely sleight answers that his Oath was forced and voyd in it selfe as being made without consent of the Kingdome Whereupon the Duke thus sleighted by Harold endevours to make him an honest man by force assuring himselfe he should find him the weaker Enemy for finding him a perjured Friend The Reasons that facilitated his Conquest of England DUke William incensed with Harolds answers acquaints his Nobility with his purpose who with some adoe consented to ayd him as likewise many other great Lords of France but specially Baldwyn Earle of Flanders whose daughter he had marryed and who being at that time Guardian of the young King of France procured ayde from him also and to make the Enterprise the more successefull Pope Alexander the second sent him a Banner with an Agnus of Gold and one oâ— the haires of Saint Peter So as the preparation of the Duke both by Sea and Land was very great having three hundred saile of ships and as some write 890â— and as one Norman above a thousand and as Cemeticensis three thousand and though Harold had likewise provided a warlike Fleet to encounter him yet it was at thaâ— time unfortunately diverted another way for Taustayâ—e his Brother being then in rebellion in the North and Harold Harfager King of Norway at the same time invading those parts and perhaps upon a bruite that the Dukesâ— Fleet was not yet ready to come forth removed both his Fleet and Army thither where though he got the Victory at Stamford with the death both of his Brother Toustayne and of the King of Noâ—way yet it made way for the Duke to land quietly and he entred the Kingdome as one may enter a house when the doores are all left open By this meanes King Harâ—lds shipping the best wall of defence to an Island was utterly frustrate and as for his Land Forces they were by his Battaile at Stamford exceedingly both weakned and impaired yet hearing that Duke William was landed at Pemsey not farre from Hastings in Sussex he repaired thither with all speed and gathering together his broken Forces and encreasing them by all the meanes he could made himselfe ready to give the Duke Battaile Duke William in the meane time as soone as he had landed his men sent his ships presently away that there might be no thinking of any thing but either Death or Victory And then going himselfe on land it is said his foot slipped and he fell downe which some that stood by taking for an ill signe No saith he I have by this taken possession of this Land And indeed Presages are but as Animus ejus qui praesagit as in this Dukes fall it afterwards fell out Many wayes of composition betweene Duke William and King Harold were propounded yet Harold would hearken to none as nothing doubting of successe and perhaps thinking it a disgrace to capitulate for that which was now his owne and when one of his Brothers called Gyrth being lesse interessed and therefore clearer sighted intreated him to consider what a fearefull thing it was to breake an Oath which he so solemnely had sworne Harold seemed to conceive that nothing which he did being a private man could be of force to binde him now being a Prince and so on the fourteenth day of October being Saturday in the yeare 1066. which day he liked the better because it was his Birth-day hoping that the day of his Birth would not so much degenerate to prove the day of his death though even this also bred no good blood to the Action for the Souldiers of Harold thinking thereby to honour their Kings Birth-day spent the night before in revelling and drinking where the Souldiers of the Duke out of consideration of their next dayes worke spent the night in quietnesse and devotion they joyned battaile the Kentish-men being placed in the Fore-front as by an ancient custome is their due and King Harold with his Londoners leading the maine Battaile where though their Armies were not much unequall in number for they were each of them neare about threescore thouâ—and men yet there was great oddes in the expertnesse of their Souldiers and more in the advantage of their weapons for the Duke had with him all the flowre of France and Flanders where King Harold had lost his best men in his late Battaile and for advantage of weapons the Normans had long Bowes and Arrowes which of the English at that time were not at all in use what mervaile then that the Normans got the Victory though King Harold losing his life yet lost no Reputation and though the English Souldiers shewed no lesse valour in being Conquered then the Normans did in Conquering One circumstance may not be omitted that King â—arold as an expert Generall had ordered his men in so firme a Body that no force of the Normans could disorder their Rankes till Duke Williamâ— used a Stratagem commanding his men to retire and to counterfeit flight by which he drew the English on upon a hollow ground covered with earth whereinto many of them fell and perished and besides into an ambush of his Horsemen which unexpectedly fell upon them and cut them in pieces Withall there seemes one great errour to have beene committed at least if it were an errour and not rather a neceâ—sity that there was not a supplementall Army provided as his Brother Gyrth would have had it which might have come on if the first had failed and would have beene of great advantage against a wearyed Army But when Sic visum est superis all humane force is weake and cannot withstand all humane Providence is unprovided and cannot prevent The body of Harold at his Mother Thyrace suite was recovered and lyes buryed in Waltham Abbey which he had begunne to build at least to repaire But here Gyraldus
she had done who wondring at it saying to her How could she think the King should like to kisse that mouth which had kissed such filthy ulcerous people she answered she had a greater King to kisse who she knew would like her never the worse for it By this Queen Matild King Henry according to some Writers had foure children but as the received opinâ—on is onely two a sonne named William and a daughter called Mawde of whom the sonne at foureteene yeares old had fealty sworne to him by the Nobility of Shrewsbury at seventeene married the daughter of Fâ—lke Earle of Anjou and at eighteene was unfortunately drowned as hath beene shewed The daughter lived to be an Empresse and afterwards a Dutchesse but could never come to be a Queene though borne to a Kingdome as shall be shewed hereafter She survived her second husband seventeene yeares living a Widow and at Râ—an in Normandy died and was buried there in the Abbey of Bec though there be â— Tradition that she was buried at Reading in the Abbey there beside her Father but â—t appeares to have beene a custome in those dayes for great personages to have their Monuments erected in divers places After the death of this Queene Matild who died at Westminster in the eighteenth yeare of his Raigne King Henry married Adeâ—za the daughter of Godfry Duke of Lorraine who though she were a beautiful and accomplisht Lady yet had he never any issâ—e by her When she was to be Crowned Ralph Arch-bishop of Canterbury who was to doe the office came to King Henry sitting Crowned in his chaire of State asking him who had set the Crowne upon his head the King answering he had now forgotten it was so long since Well said the Arch-bishop whosoever did it did me wrong to whom it belonged and as long as you hold it thus I will doe no office at this Coronation Then saith the King doe what you thinke good whereupon the Arch-bishop tooke the Crowne off from the Kings head and after at the peoples intreaty set it on againe and then proceeded to Crowne the Queene By Concubines King Henry had many children it is said seven sonnes and as many daughters of whom some perished in the great Ship-wrack of the rest two of the sonnes Reynold and Robert were made Earles Reynold of Cornwall Robert of Glocester and was a great assister of his sister Mawde in her troubles with King Stephen who after many acts of valour performed by him in the twelfth yeare of King Stephen died and was buried at Bristow The daughters were all married to Princes and Noble men of England and France from whom are descended many worthy Families particularly one of those daughters by Anâ—e Câ—â—bet was married to Fits-herbert Lord Chamberlaine to the Kingâ— from which Fits-â—erbert our Family absit iâ—vidia verbo is by Females descended passing by the naâ—es of Cummin Chenduit Brimpton Stokes Foxcote Dyneley and so to Bâ—ker Of his Incontinency OF this enough hath beene said in saying he had so many children baselyâ— begotten but if comparison be madâ— betweene his brother â—ufus and him it may be said that howsoever they might be equall in loosenesse of life yet in that loosenesse William Rufus was the baser and King Henry the more Noble for King Henry had certaine selected Concubines to whom he kept hâ—mselfe constant where King William tooke onely such as he found constant to the pleasure but not to the persons His course for establishing the succession in Mawde and her issue HE married his onely daughter Mawde being but sixe yeares old to the Emperour Henâ—y the fourth but he leaving her a Widow without issueâ— he married her againe to Gâ—â—ffrey Plantagenet sonne to Fulke Duke of Anjoâ— not the greatest Prince that was a Suitour for her but the fittest Prince for King Henries turne for Anjou was neighbouring upon Normandy a great security to it if a friend and as great a danger if an enemy And having thus placed her in marriâ—â—â— hâ— now considers how to establish her succession in the Crowne of Englandâ— whereuâ—on he cals his Nobility together and amongst them Dâ—vid King oâ— Scots and causeth them to give their Oaths of Allegeance to her and her issue and aâ— thinking â—e could never maâ—e her succession â—ure enough he causeth his Lords the yeare â—â—ter againe to takâ— the like Oath and after that a third time also as conceiving that being doubled and trebled it would make the tye of Allegeance the stronger wherein nothing pleased him so much as that Stephen Earle of â—loiâ— was the first man that tooke the Oath because he was knowne to be at least knownâ— he might be a Pretender But the King should have considered that Regâ—iâ— and therefore no Oath though never so often iterated sufficient to warrant loyalty in persons so deeply interessed as Stephen was yet providence could doe no more and the King was well satisfied with it especially when hee saw his daughter a mother of two sonnes for this though it gave him not assuâ—ance yet it gaâ—e him assured hope to have the Crowne perpetuated in his Posteâ—ity Of Ireland in his time THe King of England as yet had nothing to doe with Ireland the 〈◊〉 was governed by its owne Kings and the people of both Nations◠〈◊〉 they were neâ—ghbours yet divided by a rough Sea but little â—â—quaiâ—ted but now beganne entercourse to be more frequented and Murcâ—â—â—dâ—â—h châ—â—fe King of the Irish bore such awfull respect to King Henry that he would doe nothing but by his counsell and with his good liking Whom King Henry used as his Vicegerent in his absence HE was absent sometimes in Normandy three or foure yeares together during which times he committed commonly the care of the Realme to Roger Bishop of â—alisbury a politick Prelate and one as fit to be the second in government as King Henry to be the first His persâ—â—â—ge aâ—d conditions HE was a person tall and strong â—â—â—ad breasted his limbes well kniâ— and fully furnished with â—lesh his face well fâ—shioned his colour cleare his eyes large and faire his eye-browes large and thick his hairâ— black and â—omewhat thinâ—â— towards his forehead his countenance pleasanâ— specially when hâ— was disposed to mirth A private man vilified and thought to have but little in him but come to the Crowne never any man shewed more excellent abilities so true is the saying Magistratus indicat virum His naturall affection in a direct line was strong in an oblique but weake for no man ever loved children more noâ— a brother lâ—â—â—e Though a King in act yet he alwayes acâ—ed not a King but in baâ—â—â—ls someâ—â—mâ—s the part of a common Souldier though with more then common valouâ—â—s at a baâ—tell in France where he so farre hazarded himselfe that though he lost not his life yet he lost his bloud Of his death and buriall A Discontent of minde upon some differences between him and his sonne in law the Earle
Peace then wonne it for to recover Newcastle out of his hands he was faine to let King David hold Cumberland and his Sonne Henry the Earledome of Huntington as their Inheritance for which the Father would not for his as being engaged but the Sonne for his as being free did Homage to King Stephen No sooner was this trouble over but he was presently under another for being faine somewhat ill at easeâ— it was bruited abroad that he was dead which â—o distracted mens mindes that every one thought it wisdome to shift for himselfe and the Great Lords made a contrary use of Castles to that which King Stephen intended when he gave liberty to build them for the King intended them for his owne defence against his Enemies and they made use of them in their owne defence against the King for now Hugh Bigâ—t Earle of Norfolke possesseth himselfe of Nâ—rwich Baldwyn Rivers of Oxford and Robert Quesquâ—rius of other Castles In these difficulties King Stephen though he could not in person be in all places at oncâ— yet in care he wasâ— and there most where was most danger imploying others against the rest Against Baldwyn he went himselfe whom driven before out of Oxford and gotten to the Isle of Wight the King foâ—â—owed and drove him also from thence aud at last into Exile And now England afforded him once againe to take a little breath but then Normandy presently begins with him afresh For now Gâ—offrey Plâ—â—tagenet Duke of Anjou in right of Maude his Wife enters upon his Townes there and â—eeâ—es to get possession of the Country when King Stephen passeth over with an Army and arâ—ests his proceeding and after some small defeates of his Enemies brings the matter at last to a pecuniary Composition He to pay the Duke five thousand Markes a yeare and the Duke to relinquish his claime to Normandy This done he returnes into England where new Commotions are attending himâ— For the Lords in his absence resenting his breach of Promises upon which they had aâ—mitted him to the Crowne make use every one of their Castles and stand upon their Guard The Lord Talbot held Hereford Earle Robert Maâ—ds Brother Bristow William Lovell the Castle of Cary Paganell the Castle of Ludlâ—w William Mounâ— the Castle of Dunster Robert Nicholor of Lincolne the Castle of Warham Eustace the Sonne of Iohn the Castle of Melton William the Sonne of Alan the Castle of Shrewsbury and withall David King of Scots never regarding his former agreement enters Northumberland with an Army committing so great cruelty in ravishing of Maydes murthering of Infants slaughtering of Priests even at the Altar that never any barbarous Nation committed greater Thus the kingdome from the one end to the other was in Combustion that if the King had had as many hands as Briareus there would have beene worke enough for them all Yet all this dismayed not the King but as having learned this Lesson Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito growes the more in confidence the lesse he was in assurance and as if danger were the fuell of Courage the more erected in himselfe the lesse he was upheld by others and so venturing what his Rebels at home would doe in his absence he passeth himselfe in person against David King of Scots as being the most dangerous and therefore the first to be repressed but finding it hard to draw him to a Battell and impossible without a battell to doe any good upon him he leaves the care of that quarrell to Thurstine Arch-bishop of Yorke and returnes himselfe home if it may be called home where he scarce had a safe place to put his head in But though many Lords were Rebellious against him yet some there were stucke firmely to him by whose Assistance and his owne industry partly by inticements partly by inforcements he reduced most of them to Obedience and all of them to Submission when in the meane time Thurstine Arch-bishop of Yorke and in his sicknesse Ralph Bishop of Durham assisted with William Earle of Aumerle William Piperell of Nottingham and Hubert de Lacy fought a memorable Battell against David King of Scots wherein though King David himselfe and his Sonne Henry performed wonderfull Acts of Prowesse yet the English got the Victory with the slaughter of eleven thousand Scots in the Fight besides many other slaine in the flight where of the English none of account were slaine but onely a Brother of Hubert Lacyes and some small number of Common Souldiers This Victory infinitely pleased and comforted King Stephen who not long after to make an absolute suppression of the Scots passeth againe with an Army and inforceth King David to demand a Peace delivering his Sonne Henry into King Stephens hands for a pledge and comming homeward by the way he besieged Ludlow one of Rebels nests where Prince Henry of Scotland had beene taken Prisoner if King Stephen in his owne person had not rescued him After this once againe the King got a little breathing time but it was but to prepare him for greater Encounters For now Maud the Empresse her selfe in person comes into play in whom the Oath before taken was to have its tryall for till now though never so really intended yet it could not actually be performed for how could they receive her for Queene who came not in place to be received but now that she came in person now was the time of tryall how the Oath would worke and worke it did indeed with many and that strongly For Maude comming into England with Robert Earle of Glocester her Brother was most joyfully received at Arundell Castle by William de Aubigny who had marryed Adeliza the Queene Dowager of the late King Henry and had the said Castle and County assigned her for her Dower King Stephen having intelligence hereof commeth to Arundell Castell wiâ—h an Army and besiegeth it but either diverted by ill counsell or else finding the Castle to be inexpugnable he left the siege and suffered the Empresse to passe to Bristow The King hearing that Raâ—ulph Earle of Chester Sonne in law to Robert Earle of Glocester had possest himselfe of the City of Lincolne thither he goeth with an Army and besiegeth it thither also came the said Earle of Chester and Robert Earle of Glocester to raise his siege at which time a most fierce battell was fought betweene them upon Candlemas day wherein it is memorable what wonders of valour King Stephen performed For when all his men about him were either fled or slaine yet he kept the field himselfe alone no man daring to come neare him Horrentibus inimicis incomparabilem ictuum ejus immanitatem saith Hoveden yet over-mastered at last by multitude he was taken prisoner and brought to Maude the Empresse who sent him to be kept in safe custody in the Castle of Brisâ—ow where he remained till All-hollantide after And now the Empresse having gotten King Stephen into her hands she takes her journey to London
it is that after this Agreement betweene King Stephen and Duke Henry they continued in mutuall love and concord as long after as they lived But what became of Maude the Empresse at this time For that she was alive and lived many yeares after this agreement betweene King Stephen and her Sonne Henry all Writers agree and to say that she consented to the Agreement without any provision made for her selfe is to make her too much a Woman a very weake vessell and to say there might be provision made though it be not Recorded is to make all Writers defective in a great excesse And besides being so stirring a woman as she was that upon a suddaine she should be so quiet as not to deserve to have one word spoken of her in all the long time she lived after being no lesse then twelve or thirteene yeares is as strange as the rest And if she placed her contentment so wholly in her Sonne that in regard of him she regarded not her selfe at all It deserves at least the Encomium of such a motherly love as is very unusuall and not alwayes safe Whatsoever it was I must be faine to leave it as a Gordian knot which no Writer helpes me to unty Of his Taxations and wayes for raising of money OF Taxations in his time there is no mention made for Taxations indeed are properly drawne from a body of State when it is entire where the State all this Kings time was altogether in Fractions But what he wanted in Taxations he supplyed with Confiscations which by reason of the many revoltings of men of all sorts could not chuse but fill his Coffers every Rebellion being in nature of a Purchase to him for whatsoever became of the Persons their Lands and Goods were sure to be his And if it happened at any time that Confiscations came in but slowly he had then devises to hasten their pace for upon light suggestions not so much oftentimes as just suspitions he would call men into question and seise upon their good as in the case particularly of Ralph Bishop of Salisbury and it may not be unpleasing to heare from what beginning this Bishop grew to such a height of greatnesse which was thus In the time of King William Rufus he was a poore Priest serving a Cure in a village neare to Caâ—n in Normandy when the Kings younger Brother Henry chanced to passe that way and to make some stay in the said Village who being desirous to heare a Masse this Roger being Curate was the man to say it which he dispatched with such celerity that the Souldiers who commonly love not long Masses commended him for it telling their Lord that there could not a fitter Priest be found for men of warre then he Whereupon Henry appointed him to follow him and when he came to be King preferred him to many great places and at last to be Chancellour of England and Bishop of Salisbury You have heard his rising now heare his fall When King Stephen came to the Crowne he held this man in as great account as his Predecessour King Henry had done and perhaps in greater For being a great begger of Suites the King would say of him If this man will never give over asking neither shall I ever give over giving Yet this great Prelate fell first through Pride into Envy and then through Envy into Ruine For King Stephen having given liberty to build Castles this man did so fâ—rre exceed all others in magnificence for he builded the Castles of Salisbury the Vyes Sherburne Mamesbury and Newarke to which there were no Structures comparable in the kingdome that the Lords out of envy put it into the Kings head that these Castles of his were built thus magnificently for entertainment of Maâ—de the Empresse which so possessed the King or he would be thought to be so possessed that taking this for a just cause he seised them all into his hands and forty thousand Markes besides which he had in money and not coâ—tented with this he tooke the like course also with Alexander Bishop of Lincolne onely because he was his Nephew and of his neare kindred Another way he had for gaining of money For in the first yeare of his Raigne having given liberty to hunt in his Forests be afterward at Oxford caused many to be impleaded for using that liberty a tricke which perhaps he learned from hunting First to give men leave to doe a thing and then to Fine them for having done it But this is the priviledge of Princes that their leave must be interpreted by him that gives it and not by him that takes it Lawes and Ordinances in his time HE gave licence to the City of Norwich to have Coroners and Bayliffes before which time they had onely a Sergeant for the King to keepe Courts and after this in the 37. yeare of King Henry the third they had license to inclose the Towne with Ditches Affaires of the Church in his time VPon the Kings seising into his hands the Bishop of Salisburies Castles and Goods complaint was made and a Synod called by the Bishop of Winchester the Popes Legate to right the Bishop where the King was cited to appeare who sending to know the cause Answer was made that it was to answer for his imprisoning of Bishops and depriving them of their Goods which being a Christian King he ought not to doe The King replies by his Lawyer Alveric de Ver that he had not arrested the Bishop of Salisbury as a Bishop but as his Servant that was to make him accompt of his imployment To this the Bishop answereth that he was never Servant or Accomptant to the King and many Allegations and Probations were urged to and fro but in conclusion the Synod brake up and nothing was done The Bishops durst not Excommunicate the King without the Popes privity so in the end they fell from Authority to Submission and in the Kings Chamber fell downe at his Feet beseeching him he would pity the Church and not suffer dissention to be betweene the Kingdome and the Priest-hood And this was no small magnanimity in the King that he was able to pull downe the high stomachs of the Prelates in that time In the eighth yeare of his Raigne a Synod was held in London by Henry Bishop of Winchester where it was decreed that whosoever should lay violent hands upon any Clergy man should not be absolved but by the Pope himselfe and from this time forward Clergy men were exempt from the secular power In the tenth yeare of his Raigne by the soliciting of Saint Bernard many tooke upon them the Crosse for a supply to the Holy Land amongst whom some English Lords also Workes of piety done by him or by others in his time HE Founded the Abbeys of Cogshall in Essex of Furneys in Lancashire of Hurguilers and Feversham in Kent at Heigham in Kent a House of blacke Nunnes also an house for Nunnes at Carew His Queene
counted themselves dishonoured in the dishonourable Conditions he had made and Baldwyn Earle of Flanders also when he saw the poore spiâ—its of King Iohn to descend to such base Conditions left his Party and entring League with the King of France disposed himselfe for the Holy Warre But King Iohn having now gotten a Vacation and a time of ease which agreed much better with his nature then Warre sets his minde wholly upon pleasures and for maintaining his pleasures upon seeking after profit which he pursues by all manner of injustice under the name of Prerogative and with such violence that when his Brother Geoffrey Arch-bishop of Yorke in the dutifulnesse of a Counsellour advised him not to take such unlawfull courses he most unworthily tooke from him all he had and it was a yeares worke for all the Arch-bishops friends to pacify his anger In the necke of this injustice he commits another he procures a divorce from his Wife Avis the Daughter of Robert Earle of Glocester onely for being of kinne to him in the third degree and by advice of the King of France marries Isabell Daughter and Heire of the Earle of Angoulesme Affianced before to Hugh le Brun Earle of March and shortly after brings her with him into England where he and she together are both Crowned at Canterbury And here the Earles and Barons of the Realme being all summoned to attend the King into France at Whitsontide following they all by a generall consent send him word that unlesse he would restore them their Rights and Liberties they would doe him no service out of the kingdome But what it was that made the Lords more violent in pressing their Demands at this time then before no Writers of these times doe sufficiently deliver Onely some of them speake scatteringly of certaine oppressions besides the generall Grievance for Exactions lately offered to some of the Lords one to the Earle of Chester whom he would have banished onely for advising him to leave his cruelty and incontinency Another a pursuite in Love to a Daughter of Robert Fits-Water called Maude the Faire who not consenting to the Kings lust a messenger was sent to give her poyson in a potched Egge whereof she dyed And a third offered to William de Brawse and his Lady for a rash word spoken for when the King sent to have de Brawses Sonne delivered him for a pledge the Lady answered We shall doe well indeed to commit our Sonne to his keeping who kept so well his owne Nephew Prince Arthur This rash word cost de Brawse his Country and his Lady and their Son their lives both of them being famished to death in Prison For though these directly were but particular Grievances yet reflectingly they were generall what one suffered all might but whether any of these or all of these together were Ingredients to make a Compound of violence in the Lords at this time or whatsoever was the true cause this was plainely the effect that unlesse the King would restore their liberties they would not follow him out of the kingdome But notwithstanding this refusall of his Lords he passeth over with his Queene into Normandy and from thence to Paris where the King of France receives them with all complements of Love and amity But now Hugh Earle of March resenting the injury done him by King Iohn in taking away his affianced Wife joynes with Prince Arthur and the King of France also for all his faire shew of amity lately made joynes with them as having sometime before marryed his youngest Daughter to Prince Arthur and these with their Forces joyned invade first the Turones and then the Anjovins of which Province Queene Eleanor the Kings Mother was left Regent who thereupon betakes her selfe to Mirabell the strongest Towne of those parts and sends to her Sonne King Iohn acquainting him with the danger she was in aud requiring his speedy succour When in the meane time Prince Arthur takes the City and in it his Grand-mother Queene Eleaâ—or whom he used with greater reverence and respect then she expected But King Iohn at the hearing hereof was so moved calling the French King ungratefull and perfidious for succouring Prince Arthur contrary to his League that studyâ—ng presently the Art of Revenge he fell upon a stratagem of all other the most prudent against an Enemy For a Surprise in Warre is like to an Apoplexy in the Body which strikes without giving warning for defence And this Stratagemme at this time King Iohn put in practise for travelling night day with indefatigable labor he came upon his enemies before they were aware and setting upon them unprovided it was rather an execution then a battell and they who remained unslaine were taken prisoners amongst whom Prince Arthur himâ—elfe who committed presently to the custody of Robert de Veypont in Roan lived not long after whether it were that attempting to make escape he fell down from the wals of his Prison and was drowned in the River Seyne as some say or whether it were that through anguish of minde he fell sicke and dyed as others say or whether indeed he wâ—re made away by King Iohn as the common fame went Certaine it is that he survived his imprisonment but a very few dayes But though he were gone yet his sister Eleanor a preceding Competitor to King Iohn was still remaining Her therefore at this time also King Iohn seiseth upon and commits her in safe custody to Bristow Castle where after she had lived long she dyed Of his Troubles after the death of his Nephew Arthur KIng Iohn being now freed from his Competitor one would thinke he should have ended all his troubles but like a Hydraes head they rather multiplyed upon him For they who had beene so ready to assist Prince Arthur in his life were now as ready to revenge his death And first Constance his Mother comes to King Philip with open exclamations against King Iohn accusing him with the murther of her Sonne and with all the instance of Teares and Intreaties solicites him to revenge it Hereupon King Philip summons King Iohn to appeare at a day and because he appeared not according to the tenure of his Homage it was decreed against him that he had forfeited all the property of his Estate in France and thereupon King Philip with mighty Forces invades his Territories takes many Townes of principall consequence while King Iohn lived idle at Râ—an no more regarding it then if it had not at all concerned him and when some of his Lords seemed to marvell what he meant to suffer the French to rob him of such goodly Cities You say true indeed saith he for it is but Robbery and within a few dayes you shall see I will make him to restore them backe with usuâ—y In this slighting humour he returnes into England where he lookes not after the levying of Souldiers or the raising of an Army as this case required but continues his old course for raising of money
accusing sometimes one of his Lords sometimes another as 〈◊〉 it wâ—re their fault that he had lost these Townes in Franceâ— and upon 〈…〉 made many of them pay great summes of money which brought 〈…〉 into hatred at home but into contempt abroad for the King of 〈◊〉 â—nâ—â—â—standing his unworthy courses proceeds more violently in his Invasiâ—ns 〈…〉 getting Falaiâ— Damfrâ—nt and all the good Townes of Normandy but onely Roan and at last though Râ—an was a Towne strongly fortifyed with Walls and more strongly with the faithfull hearts of the Inhabiâ—ants yet finding no hope of succour from King Iohn it was forced for want of Victuals to submit it selfe to the King of France whose example all the other Cities followed and so all Normandy returned to the subjection of the French after three hundred and sixteene yeares that Rollâ— the Dane had first possest it It was now the yeare 1205. and the fourth of King Iohns Raigne about which time the two props of his Estate or rather indeed the two Bridles of his intemperancy dyed his Mother Queene Eleanor whose vertues had oftentimes qualifyed the vices of her Sonne and Hubert Arch-bishop of Canterbury who repented him at his death of nothing more then that he had beene an Instrument of bringing him to the Crowne And now King Iohn being a Substantive of himselfe hath a devise in his head to make his subjects as willing to give him money as he was to have it for knowing the great discontentment they all had for his losses in France he gives it out that he would presently raisâ— an Army for recovery of those losses if he might have money to goe about it whereupon never was money given with more alacrity and as soone as he had it he instantly went to Portesmouth and there took Shipping before it was possible for his Lords and others to be in readinesse to accompany him and sayling forward some certaine Leagues into the Sea upon a sudden he returnes backe againe and then laies the fault upon his Lords that had not followed him and for this backwardnesse of theirs imposed afterwards great Fines upon them by which meanes he got money no lesse by pretence of his not going then he had done before by pretence of his going About this time died Geoffrey Fits-Peter Justitiar of England who while he lived kept the King in some awe in so much as hearing he was dead he swore by the feete of God that now at length he was King of England and with great rejoycing said to some Lords about him Now when this man comes into Hell let him salute the Arch-Bishop Hubert whom certainely he shall finde there But Philip King of France intending to leave the English nothing on that side the Sea invadeth Chinon and takes it and in it the valiant Captaine Roger Lacie which had given a period to King Philips victories had not Guido the husband of Constantia Prince Arthurs Mother revolted to King Iohn who with his assistance once againe leavies an Army besiegeth Mount Auban a Castle thought impregnable and within fifteene dayes takes it which Charles the Great could not get with his seven yeares siege where so great a number of French Lords were taken prisoners that King Iohn sent a Catalogue of their names into England for a memoriall of so great a victory After this he taketh the strong Towne of Angiers and utterly defaceth it for which afterward he was sorry as being the Towne where he was borne But now when the two Kings were ready to meete and to give battell intercession was made by friends of both sides and thereupon a Peace concluded for two yeares and King Iohn returned into England King Iohn being returned performes no lesse worthy acts at home then he had done in France for first he invades the Borders of Scotland and brings Alexander King of Scots to doe him homage and then understanding many of the Irish to be revolted he passeth over to Dublin and reduceth them to his obedience and then placing Iohn Bishop of Norwich Governour there he returnes into England where passing through Wales he subdueth certaine Rebels there and takes eight and twenty children of the best Families for pledges of their future loyalty but not long after hearing they grew mutinous and rebelled againe he was so incensed that he would not goe to dinner till he had seene those twenty eight children to be all hanged before his face so inconsiderate a thing is the desire of revenge that it makes no difference betweene innocency and guiltinesse though indeed a thing oftentimes must be done for example which considered in it selfe would be forborne And it was the yeare 1214. and the fourteenth of K. Iohns Raign when he going to Angiers strongly repaires it and the Province of Poictou revolted to him which Lewis King Philips sonne understanding comes upon them with a mighty Army and using much severity upon the Authors of the revolt takes prisoners Reynold Earle of Boleigne and William Earle of Salisbury with many others of King Iohns Captaines and defeateth his whole Army whereof when King Iohn was certified he grew in a manner desperate and as a man dejected makes a new Truce upon any conditions with the King of France and returnes into England where he findes a worse businesse ready to entertaine him for the Lords of the Realme having often required their ancient Rights and Liberties and finding nothing but delusions endure no longer to be abused but meeting at Saint Edmundsbery they there conferre how they may finde a remedy to redresse this evill and at laâ—t concluded to goe to the King themselves in person and make their Demands whereof a Charter was produced that had beene formerly granted in King Henry the firsts time whereupon comming to the King after Christmas lying then in the New Temple and acquainting him with their Demands he gives them this faire Answer that within a few dayes he would give them satisfaction and causeth the Bishops of Canterbury and Ely with William Marshall Earle of Glocester to passe their words for him that it should be performed But the King meaning nothing lesse then to doe as he said fals presently a leavying of Souldiers which the Lords understanding they also doe the like and going to the Bishop of Canterbury deliver him a Copy of their Demands and require the Kings Answer But the Bishop shewing it to the King and humbly intreating him to give the Lords a satisfactory Answer he swore a great Oath they might as well demand the Kingdome and that he would die before he would yeeld to any such demands Whereupon the Lords knowing now what they were to trust to fall to besiege Northampton and after that Redford which is yeelded to them and withall they are sent to by the Londoners to signifie their readinesse to joyne with them At this time the King was at Windsor providing an Army but hearing the Londoners were joyned with the Lords he thought it no
good way to proceed by force but rather by fraud and thereupon sends to the Lords that if they would come to him to Windsor he would grant their demands The Lords comming thither but in a Military manner for they durst not trust his word the King saluted them all kindly and promised to give them satisfaction in all they demanded and so in a Meadow betweene Windsor and Stanes called Running-meade he freely consented to confirme their former Liberties and was content some grave Personages should be chosen to see it performed But the next day when it should be done he gets him gone to South-hampton and from thence to the I le of Wight where advising with his Councell what in this case was fittest to be done It was concluded he should send to the Pope to acquaint him with this mutiny of the Lords and to require his help while the King in the meane time lived skulking up and downe in corners that no man might know where to find him or which is worse as some write roving about and practising Piracy And now the Lords beginne to suspect fraud when shortly after the Kings Messengers who were Walter and Iohn Bishops of Worcester and Norwich returne with the Popes Decree which was that the Kings Grant to the Lords should be void with this Decree the King after three moneths that he had staied in the I le of Wight comming backe to Windsor acquaints the Lords but they accusing the Messengers for false informing the Pope and the Pope also for making a Decree without hearing both sides betake them to Armes and sweare by the holy Altar to be revenged for this Iudification and injurious dealing The King finding the Lords nothing moved with the Popes Decree sends againe unto him to acquaint him with it who mightily incensed to have his Decree so sleighted adjudgeth them all to be held as enemies of Religion and gives power to Peter Bishop of Winchester and to the Abbot of Reading to Excommunicate them In the meane time the King had sent the Bishop of Worcester Chancellour of England and others with his Seale to hire Souldiers from the parts beyond the Seas who returned shortly after bringing along with him out of Poictoâ— and Glasconie Savery de Malcon Geoffrey and Oliver Bâ—tâ—vile brothers under their conduct so great a rabble that with these Forces within halfe a yeare the King had gotten all the Castles of the Barons to the borders of Scotland And now he divides his Army committing part of it to his brother William Earle of Salisbury and others to set upon London and with the other part he goes himselfe into Yorkshire where most of the Lords had Possessions which in most cruell manner he destroyeth with fire and sword The Lords being thus on all sides distressed resolve upon a course neither honourable nor safe yet such as necessity made seeme both they send to Philip King of France requiring him to send over his sonne Lewis to their aide and promising they would submit themselves to be governed by him and take him for their Soveraigne To this motion of the Lords King Philip was as forward as themselves which King Iohn understanding sends againe to the Pope requiring him to use his authority to stay the King of France from comming But King Philip though much regarding the request of the Pope yet nothing so much as the acquest of England with all speed provides an Army and with a fleete of sixe hundred sayleâ— sends over his sonne Lewis who passing into England landeth at Sandwich whither many of the Lords and others resort unto him and giving Oaths of Allegeance joyne themselves with him King Iohn at this time was at Dover but not daring to stay there for feare of the enemy he commits the Castle to Hubert Burgh and goeth himselfe to Canterbury and from thence to Winchester in manner of a flight which Prince Lewis understanding goeth straight to London and by a plausible Oration makes that City sure unto him and thither come to him the King of Scots with an Army of choyce Souldiers as also the Earles Warren Arundel Salisbury with many others And now Prince Lewis passeth all the Countrey over without resistance but not without infinite outrages committed by his Souldiers which it was not in him to hinder and then comming to Norwich he takes that City easily but Dover cost him a longer siege as being defended by the valiant and loyall Captaine Hubert Burgh In this meane while King Iohn finding his enemies imployed in these difficult sieges sends about and gathers a rabble of all raskall people to him and with them runneth over all the Countrey spoyling and killing in most barbarous manner and now was the kingdome made the Stage of all miseries of rapine and cruelty two Armies in it on foote at once each of them seeking to prey upon the other and both of them upon the Countrey But the King comming to Wallpoole in Norfolke where the Washes were to be passed over he sendeth one to search where the Foord was passable and there himselfe with some few passed over but the multitude with all the cariages passing without ordeâ— they cared not where were all drowned with which dysaster the King through anguish of minde fell into a Feaver whereof within a few dayes he died And here was an end of all the troubles of this King In whom it is observable that loving his caseâ— so well as he did he should runne voluntarily into such troubles especially at home upon so small occasions as he did but it should seeme there is no greater hinderance to men for accomplishing their will then their owne wilfulnesse Of his Taxations TO speake of his Taxations it may not unproperly be said that it was but one continued Taxation all his Raigne through yet to divide it into parts his first was the Taxation of three shillings upon every Plough-land through the kingdomâ— to pay the thirty thousand Markes for his Neece Blanches Portion and to mend this Taxation he seiseth upon all the Temporalties of his brother Geoffrey Arch-bishop of Yorke for opposing it and for a continuation he makes a progresse shortly after into all the North parts where he exacts great Fines of offenders in his Forests Very shortly after solicited by the Popes Legate he grants a Subsidy of the fortieth part of al his subjects Revenues for one year to succor the Holy Land Shortly after this he chargeth his Earls and Barons with the losses he sustained in France thereupon Fines them to pay the seventh part of all their goods neither spared he the Church or the Commons in this Imposition Before this year is ended another Leaâ—y is made at a Parliament in Oxford wherein is granted two Markes and a halfe of every knights Fee for Military aide neither are the Clergy exempted from paying their part and before another yeare is out another Imposition is laid of the thirteenth part of all movables and other
goods both of the Clergy and Laity It may be reckoned amongst his Taxations that when the Monkes of Canterbury had displeased him about the election of their Arch-bishop he seised upon all their goods and converted them to his owne use and presently after this upon the like displeasure he deputes many Bishopricks Abbeys and Priories into the hands of Lay-men and confiscates all their Revenues To these may be added that he tooke eleven thousand Markes of Silver of the King of Scots for granting him Peace Adde to these also great summes of money exacted and gathered from the Iewes among whom there was one that would not be ransomed till the King caused every day one of his great teeth to be pulled out by the space of seven dayes and then he was content to give the King tenne thousand Markes of Silver that no more might be pulled out Adde to these that at his returne out of Ireland he summoned all the Prelates of the kingdome to appeare before him of whom he extorted for their redemption the summe of an hundred thousand pounds Sterling Adde lastly to these that at his returne out of Wales he exacts of every knight that attended him not in that expedition two Markes Of his Lawes and Ordinances HE was the first that appointed the Formes of Civill Government in London and other Cities endowing them also with their greatest Franchises The first that caused Sterling money to be here Coyned The first that ordained the Honourable Ceremonies in Creation of Earles The first that setled the Rates and Measures for Wine Bread Cloath and such other necessaries of Commerceâ— The first that planted English Lawes and Officers in Ireland The first that enlarged the Royall stile with Lord of Ireland and both annexed that kingdome and fastned Wales to the Crowne of England Affaires of the Church in his time AFter the death of Hubert Arch-bishop of Canterbury the Monkes of thâ—â— Covent secretly in the night Elected one Reginold their sub-prior to succeed him and caused him to goe to Rome for confirmation but afterward doubting how the King would take it being done without his knowledge they crave leave of the King to chuse a fit man the King is content to allow them the Election but requires himselfe to have the Nomination and thereupon commends unto â—hem Iohn Grey Bishop of Norwich whom he specially favoured and accordingly the Monkes Elect him But the matter being afterward referred to the Pope which of these two Elections should stand good after many Allegations of both sides the Pope to shew himselfe indifferent to both disallowes them both and nominates a third man one Stephen Lancthon Cardinall of Saint Chrysogone an Englishman borne and a man of great learning The Monkes admit him but the King opposeth it and now as it were a Prize began to be played between the two Swords the Spirituall and the Temporall but he that used the Spirituall Sword proved so much the better Fencer that he disarmed the other and tooke away his temporall Sword from him It is true in the first Venue the King gave the Pope as good as he brought for as the Pope threatned the King to excommunicate him and to interdict the kingdome So the King threatned the Pope to nullifie his Authority and to banish Clergy men out of the Realme In the second Venue as the Pope acted as much as he had threatned for he interdicted the â—ingdome So the King performed as much as he had spoken for he drove the Monkes ouâ— of their Cloyster yet at last when Pandâ—lphus the Popes Legat came into England and made appeare to the King in what great dâ—ngers he stood Firstâ— of the King of France by Invasion and then of his owne Subjects by Rebellion for both which there was no other helpe but Reconcilement with the Pope he so touched him to the quicke that he made him leave his great words and fall to asking forgivenesse So as taking off the Crowne from his head he laid it downe at Pandâ—lphus feâ—te to be disposed of as the Pope should please And Pandulphus stucke not to â—â—ke up his Crowne and to keepe it three or foure dayes in his hands before he restored it and did not then neither but upon condition that he â—nd his Successours shoâ—ld hold the kingdome of the See of Rome at the annuall tribute of â— thousand Markes And all those three or foure dayes in which Pandulphus kept the Crowne it might be truely said the kingdome was without a King And upon this no doubt it was that Peter an Herâ—â—te in a Propheticall Rapture had given out some time before that by Ascâ—â—sion day there should be no King of England Which though in some sort it was true yet in some sort it was not true and it was in the Prerogative of the King to make his owne interpretation And so it cost the poore Hermite and his Sonne their lives and they remaine as a pillar of Salt to make men take heed of Ludere cum Sanctis and of playing the Critickes in matters of State But by this meanes the kingdome was released of the Interdiction which had continued sixe yeares three moneths and foureteene dayes During all which time there was no publique Exercise of Religion no Churches open no Ecclesiasticall Sacraments administredâ— but onely to them that were in danger of death and baptisme to children all that dyed were buryed like dogges in ditches and corners but onely such as had purchased or procured licence from the Pope In this Kings Raigne Saint Dominicke continued his Preaching ten yeares together against the Albigenses Also in his time Saint Francis renounced the world and when a Priest to whom he offered it would not take his money he cast it awayâ— and entred into a Vow of perpetuall Poverty Also in this Kings time was held the Lâ—teran Councell under Pope Innocent the Third in which was established the Popes power over Princes and in matters of Faith Auricular confession and Transubstantiation Of his Irreligion I Need not relate a Speech of his though very unchristian that having beene a little before reconciled to the Pope and then taking an overthrow in France in great anger he cryed out that nothing had prospered with him since the time he was reconciled to God and the Pope Nor another speech of his which though spoken merrily was in good earnest very irreligious that being on a time a hunting at the opening of a fat Bucke he said See how this Deere hath prospered and how fat he is and yet I dare sweare he never heard Masse It is sufficient to relate one act of his if it be true which some write that being in some distresse he â—ent Thomas Hardington and Ralph Fits Nichols knights in Embassage to Mirâ—â—mâ—malim King of Africke and Mâ—râ—cco with offer of his kingdome to him upon condition he would come and aide him and that if he prevailed he would himselfe become a Mahometanâ— and renounce the
Prince Lewis of France who at his first hearing of King Iohns death thought himselfe then sure of injoying the Kingdome quietly and that he should need to feare no more opposition now that he heares of the new Kings Crowning and that so solemnly and with so unanimous a consent he begins to thinke himselfe in worse case then before and to grow jealous of the English Lords that had adhered to him what they would doe in this new world And indeed a conflict was already growne in their minds which of the two Obligations should be the greater either that of their Oath to Prince Lewis or that of their Allegeance to King Henry They could not but think it extreme ungratfulnes to forsake Prince Lewis whom they had themselves invited to come and they could not but thinke it extreme undutifulnesse to stand out in opposition against K. Henry their naturall Soveraigne and that which added no small weight to this scale was a discovery lately made by the Viscount Melun a French Lord at the time of his death who confessed as a matter of conscience that Prince Lewis had 〈◊〉 if once he got thâ— kingdome utterly to extirpate all the English Nobility and to admit 〈◊〉 but Fâ—â—nch to any place of dignity But whether any of these reasons or any other 〈◊〉 their motives certaine it is that many of them of whoâ— were principâ—â—â— the Earles of Arâ—ndâ—ll Warren Salisbury and William the eldest sonne of the Protectour shrunke from Prince Lewis and went to King Henry as thinking no Obligation so great as Allegeance and many againe continued constant to Prince Lewis as thinking no Obligation so great as an Oath And now Prince Lewisâ— to cast the Dice of Fortune before his enemies though they had gotteâ— them a Head should gather to a head and draw more forâ—â—s together staying â—imselfâ— a Londo◠〈…〉 his Lieuâ—enantâ— with an Army of twenty thousand to take in as many Townes as they could and many they tooke with small opposition but comming to Lincolne where though they had the Towne it selfe yet the Castle stood oâ—â—â— and â—ad beene defended by a Noble Lady a whole yeare before they found such resistance that their proceeding was there arrested for thither came presently Wiâ—â—iaâ— the Proâ—ectâ—ur with hâ—s sonnâ— William the Bishops of Winchester â—alisâ—ury and â—â—ester tâ—e â—arles of â—alisbury Ferrers and Albemarle William de Albinet William de Cantilupe Falcasius Thomas Basset Robert Viponâ— Brenâ— de Lisâ—e Geâ—â—frey Lacie and many other Barons with all the power of the young King who with wonderfull violence assault the City at which time it was propounded by the French to sally forth and give them battell but conceiving their Army to be greater then indeed it was for the English had set double Ensignes to every Company which made a shew of twice as many as they were they forbare that course and kept them selves within the Towne by which meanes being cooped up and straitned iâ— place so as they couâ—◠〈◊〉 make use of their Forces as otherwise they might theâ— were in conclusion 〈…〉 and all the principall men of the English that had adhered to Prince 〈◊〉 â— were taken prisoners as namely Saâ—â— Earle oâ— Winchester Henry de â—ohun 〈◊〉 of Hereford Gilbert de Gant lately made Earle of Lincolne by Prince Lewis 〈◊〉 Fiâ—â—â—water Richard Mount-fiâ—â—het William Mawbrâ—y William Beauchamp Williâ—â— Maudeâ— Oliver Harcourt Roger de Cressy William de Colvilâ— William de Roâ— Robert de Ropeâ—â—â—y â—alph Chenduiâ— Barons besides foure hundred knights or men at Armes Onely the Earle of Perch their Generall being compassed about and willed to render himselfe swore he would never become prisoner to any English and thereupon was runne thorow the sight of his Helmet into the braines and instantly died This was a maine blow to Prâ—nce Lâ—â—is and thâ— last of his battels in England and because the City was very rich in Merchandise the English in derision called it Lewis Faire But Prince Lewis was not yet discouraged for he had sent to King Philip his Father to send him new supplies out of France and new supplies were indeed sent but Hubert de Buâ—gh Governour of Dâ—ver being as vigilant as he was valiant watched their comming and in a Sea-fight defeated them all of whom but few escaped and now this blow at Sea was so much greater then that at Land that where that made him onely doubt this made him despaire at leasâ— made him malleable and fit to be wrought upon by composition whereupon it was at last concluded that Prince Lewis should have fifteene thousand Markes for the charges he had beene at and abjure his claime to any interest in the kingdome and withall to worke his Father for restitution of such Provinces in France as appertained to this Crowne and that when himselfe should be King he should resigne them in a peaceable manner On the other part King Henry takes his Oath and for him the Legat Guallo and the Protectour to restore unto the Barons of the Realme and other his subjects all their Rights and Priviledges for which the discord beganne betweene the late King and his people After this Prince Lewis is honourably attended to Dover and departs out of England about Michaelmas above two yeares after his first arrivall And now the kingdome is come to unity within it selfe one King and one people and for a yeare or two there was little to be done onely some few there were whom the corruption of the times had engendred and who being borne in a storme could not live in a calme of whom the principall were the Earle of Lisleâ— and Hugh de Bayliâ—lâ— who bustling about got possession of some Castles with what intention all men knew but with what hope of effecting their intention no man could imagine for being but a handfull of men to the body of the Realme they were easily suppressed and either brought to acknowledge their faults or else punished for not acknowledging them It was now the fourth yeare of King Henries Raigne at which time William Earle of Pembroke Protectour of the Realme died and was buried in the new Temple at London in whose place came the Bishop of Winchester and now was the King the second time Crowned and had granted him by Parliamentâ— for Eâ—câ—age two Markes of silver of every knights Fee for the affaires of the kingdome and recovery of his Transmarine Dominions which is now designed and Mallâ—on de Savery the Poictoâ—in with William Long-sword Earle of Salisbury sent over to try the affections of that people whom they finde for the most part inclinable to the obedience of this Crowne but the King of France being required peaceably to deliver them made answer that having gotten them by the sword by the sword he would hold them But now the King being come to some yeares of understanding was in a Parliament holden at London put in minde by the Archbishop of Canterbury of the Oath he had taken for confirmation
aggravate his breach of promise and to acquaint him with all the disorders of the kingdome with whose remonstrance the King is so moved that after he had tried the Londoners and found them also to partake with the Lords he cals a Parliament aâ— London whither the Lords come armed for their own safety where after long debating the King taking his Oath to referre the matter to certaine grave men of the kingdome Articleâ— are drawne sealed and publikely set up to the view of all with the seales of the Legat and divers great men but before it came to be effected the Earle of Cornwall by the working of Simon Montford hath his edge rebated and is brought to be unwilling to meddle in the matter any more which the other Lords seeing they also grow cold and so for that time it rested and no more was done in it And now is the Kings turne to play his part in using his authority which he failes not to doe to the uttermost for upon a small-occasion he causeth the gates of Gilbert now Earle of Pembroke the third sonne of VVilliam the great Marshall to be shut against him at VVinchester whereupon the Earle retires into the North. Also Simon Norman Master of the Kings Seale and his greatest Favorite is thrown out with disgrace and his brother Geoffrey a knight Templar is put out of the Counsell both of them for not yeelding to passe a Grant from the King made unto Thomas Earle of Flanders the Queenes Unkle of foure pence upon every sack of Wooll And now that load enough is laid upon those of the Laity comes a new load to be laid upon the Clergy for the Pope nothing dainty to make use of the power he had in the King sends over three hundred Romans requiâ—ing to have the first Benefices that should be vacant bestowed upon them which seemed so unreasonable a request and to the Clergy of England so dammageable that it made Edmund Arch-bishop of Canterbury to give over all and betake himselfe to a voluntary Exile in the Abbey of Pontiniac in France yet to shew his respect to the Pope gave him eâ—ght hundred Markes before his departure And to lay more weight upon the Clergy great summes are also required of them for maintenance of the Popes warre against the Emperour which though the Clergy opposed and shewed many good reasons of their opposition both to the King and the Legat yet by promises or threatnings they were won or forced to yeeld unto it And now comes the Earle of March and once againe solicits the King to make another journey into France which being yeelded to by the King and assented to in Parliament an aide presently was demanded towards it but this demand was not onely opposed but all the Kings Taxations and aides before granted were now repeated and thereupon an absolute deniall to grant any more Upon this the King comes to the Parliament himselfe in person earnestly and indeed humbly craving their aide for this once but all prevailed not they had made a vow to the contrary and the King is driven to get what he could of particular men of whom partly by gift and partly by â—oane he gets so much that he carries over with him thirty Barrels of Sterling money This expedition had no better successe then the former for after a whole yeares stay the King was driven to make a dishonourable Truce with the King of France and returne home At his returne he puts the Iewes to another redemption and the Londoners to another exaction and to helpe on his charge his wives mother the Countesse of Provence comes now to visit him who bringing her daughter Zanchia with her a marriage is solemnised betweene her and Richard Earle of Cornwall whose wife was lately dead and he returned from the Holy warres The old Countesse at her returne is presented with many rich gifts having besides received an Annuall Pension of foure thousand Markes out of England for five yeares past in consideration of a pact made that King Henry after her decease should have the Earledome of Provence but shortly after her returne she disappoints him of that and bestowes it upon her youngest daughâ—er Beatrix married to Charles the French Kings brother who was after King of Naples and Sicilieâ— so as this Countesse lived to see all her foure daughters Queenes Richard Earle of Cornwall comming after to be elected King of the Romans Upon thâ—se profusions a consultation is had for new supplies and no way thought so fit as by Parliament hereupon a Parliament is againe assembled at Westminster whithâ—r the King comes againe himselfe in person urging his necessities yet nothing wouâ—d be granted without the assurance of reformation and due execution of the Lawes And here they desire to have it ordained that foure of the most grave and discreet Peeres should be chosen as conservatours of the kingdome and sworne of the Kings Councell both to see Justice administred and the treasure issued and these or two of them at least should ever attend about the King Also that the Lord Chiefe Justiciar and the Lord Chancellour should be chosen by the generall voyces of the States assembled or else be one of the number of those foure Besides they propound that there might be two Justices of the Benches two Barons of the Exchequer and oâ—e Justice for the Iewes and those likewise to be chosen by Parliament But while these things were in debating comes one Martin a new Legat from the Pope with a larger Commission then ever any before to exact upon the State but at the same time Letters comming from the Emperour Fredericke to intreat that the Pope might have no more supplies out of England the Popes Mandate is rejected and his Agent Martin disgracefully sent home This businesse took up so much time that nothing else was done in this Parliament but onely an aide granted to the King for the marriage of his daughter to Alexander King of Scots twenty shillings of every knights Fee and that with much adoe and repetition of his former aides The Winter following he assembles another Parliament wherein he moves for an ayde upon a designe he had upon Wales and to pay his debts which were urged to be so great that he could not appâ—are out of his Chamber for the infinite clamour of such to whom he owed for his Wine Waxe and other necessaries of house but they all to his face refused to grant him any thing whereupon other violent courses are taken an ancient quarrell is found out against the City of London for which they are commanded to pay fifteene thousand Markes and Passeleve the Clerk is imployed with others in a most peremptory commission to inquire of all such Lands as had beene inforested and either to fine the occupyers thereof at their pleasure or else to take it from them and sell the same to others wherein such rigour was used that multitudes of people were undone But now to shew
they get the authority of the twenty foure to be estated wholly upon themselves and they alone to dispose of the custody of the Castles and other businesses of the kingdom and here they bind the King to lose to them their Legall obedience whensoever he infringed his Charter At this time intelligence was given to the Lords that Richard King of the Româ—ns had a purpose to come into England and the Lords suspecting he would come with power to aide the King his brother take order for guarding the Ports with intent to hinder his landing but finding his traine to be but small accompanied onely with his Queene two German Earles and eight knights upon his promise to take their propounded Oath they admit him to land but would nether permit the King who came thither to meeâ—e him nor himselfe to enter into Dover Castle At Canterbury they bring him into the Chapter house where the Earle of Glocester standing forth in the midst cals out the Earle not by the name of King but Richard Earle of Cornwall who in reverent manner comming forth taketh his Oath in these words Heare all men that I Richard Earle of Cornwall doe here sweare upon the holy Evangelists that I shall be faithfull and diligent to reforme with you the Kingdome of England and â—e an effectuall Coadjutor to expell all Rebels and disturbers of the same and this Oath will inviolably observe under paine of losing all the Land I have in England so helpe me God But though this Earle came home but weake and poore yet upon his returne the King takes heart and seeks all meanes to vindicate his power and first sends messengers secretly to Rome to be Absolved from his enforced Oath and to have the more assurance from the King of France he makes an absolute resignation of all his Right to the Dutchy of Normandy and the Earledomes of Anjou Poictou Tourene and Maine in regard whereof the King of France gives him three hundred thousand pounds some say Crownes oâ— Anjouin money and granâ—s him to enjoy all Guyen beyond the River Garoâ—ne all the Countrey of Xanâ—oigne to the River of Charente the Countrey of Limousin and Quercy for him and his successoâ—rs doing their homage to the Crowne of France as Duke of Aquitâ—iâ—e And now was the King of France made Arbiter of the difference betweene King Henry and his Barons who gives sentence against the Barons concerning the Provisions at Oxford but of their side concerning King Iohns Charter by which nice distinâ—tion though he did but leave the matter as he found it for those Provisions as the Lords pretended were grounded upon that Charter yet did his sentence draw many away from the party of the Barons amongst whom was Henry sonne to the Earle of Cornwall Roger Clifford Roger de Leisbourne Haimo Lestrange and many others But the Earle of Leycester notwithstanding this revolt recovers the Town and Castle of Glocester constraines the Citizens to pay a thousand pounds for their redemption goes with an Army to Worcester possesseth him of the Castle thence to Shrewsbery and so comes about to the I le of Ely subdues the same and growes exceeding powerfull The King doubting his approach to London fals to treat of a Peace and a Peace is concluded upon these conditions that all the Castles of the King should be delivered to the keeping of the Barons the Provisions of Oxford should inviolably be kept all strangers by a certaine time should avoid the kingdome except onely such as were licensed to stay The Prince had fortified Windsor Castle but Leycester comming to besiege it he treats with him for Peace which is refused and the Castle is rendred to him The King at this time to win time convokes another Parliament at London wherin he won many Lords to take his part as namely the Prince Richard his brother Henry his son William Valence with the rest of his brothers lately returned and with them the King marcheth to Oxford whither divers Lords of Scotland repaire to him as Iohn Commin Iohn Baylioll Lords of Galloway Robert Bruce and others also many Barons of the North Glifford Percey Basset and others From Oxford he goes to Northampton where he tooke prisoners Simon Montford the younger with foureteene other principall men thence to Nottingham making spoyles of such possessions as pertained to the Barons in those parts And now the Kings side growes strong which the Earles of Leycester and Glocester seeing they write to the King protesting their loyalty and how they opposed onely such as were enemies to him and the kingdome and had belied them The King returnes answer that themselves were the perturbers of him and his State and sought his and the kingdomes destruction and therefore defies them The Prince likewise and the Earle of Cornwall send letters of defiance to them Yet the Barons continue to mediate a Peace and send the Bishops of London and Worcester with offer of thirty thousand Markes to the King for the dammages done in these warres so as the Statutes of Oxford may be observed but this offer is not accepted The Earle seeing no remedy but it must be put to a day takes his time to be earlier ready then was expected and supplies his want of strength with policie placing on the one side of a hill neare Lewis where the battell was fought certaine Ensignes without men in such sort as they might seeme a farre off to be Squadrons of succours to second those he brought to the encounter whom he caused all to weare white Crosses both for their owne notice and the signification of his cause which he would have to be thought for justice Here the fortune of the day was his the King the Prince the Earle of Cornwall and his sonne Henry the Earles of Arundell and Hereford with all the Scottish Lords are taken prisoners the Eale Warren William de Valence Guy de Lusignan the Kings brothers with Hugh Bigod Earle Marshall save themselves by flight five thousand some say twenty thousand others are slaine in the battell A yeare and a halfe is Simon Montford in possession of his prisoners carrying the King about with him to countenance his actions till he had gotten all the strongest Castles in the kingdome And now comes Erinnys and sets debabte betweene the two great Earles of Leycester and Glocester about their Dividend Leycester is taxed to doe more for his owne particular then the common good his sonnes also presuming upon his greatnesse grew insolent whereupon Glocester discontented forsakes that side and betakes him to the Prince who lately escaping out of the Castle of Hereford had gotten a power about him to try the fortune of another battell The revolt of this Earle being great in it selfe was greater by its example for now many others revolted likewise and the Earle of Leycester seeing the improvement of the Princes forces who was now with his Army about Worcester though he â—aw his owne disadvantage yet imbattels in
made benefit of the vacancie of Bishopricks and Abbeys so did King Henry K. Iohn took great Fines of many for crimes not proved but onely supposed so did King Henry King Iohn made benefit of a new Seale so did King Henry King Iohn extorted great summes from the Iewes so did King Henry And one way more he had to get money which perhaps his Father had not and that was by begging as he told the Abbot of Borough It was more Almes to give money to him then to the Begger that went from doore to doore Indeed Taxations in this Kings Raigne may be reckoned amongst his Annuall Revenues for scarce any yeare passed without a Parliament and seldome any Parliament without a Taxe or if any sometimes without it was then cause of the greater Taxation some other way as when he tooke of the Londoners for having aided the Barons twenty thousand Markes Of his Lawes and Ordinances IN this Kings Raigne were ratified and confirmed the two great Charters of Magna Charâ—a and Charta de Foresta also in his time were enacted the Statutes called of Merton of Oxford and of Marleborough Also stealing of cattell which before was but Pecuniary he made capitall and the first that suffered for the same was one of Dunstable who having stollen twelve Oxen from the Inhabitants of Colne and being pursued to Redburne was by a Bailiffe of Saint Albons according to the Kings Proclamation condemned and beheaded And it may seeme strange that in these times so much bloud should be shed in the field and none upon the scaffold for till the twenty sixth yeare of this King that one William Marisc the sonne of Geoffrey Marisc a Noble man of Ireland being condemned for Piracie and Treason was hanged beheaded and quartered there is no example of that kinde of punishment to be found in our Histories Particularly in this Kings Raigne was made that Statute by which the Ward and marriage of the heires of Barons within age is given to the King Also in this Kings Raigne the Pleas of the Crowne were pleaded in the Tower of London All Weares in the Thames are in this Kings time ordained to be pluck'd up and destroyed Also the Citizens of London are allowed by Charter to passe Toll-free through all England and to have free Warren about London also to have and use a common Seale Also it was ordained that no Sheriffe of London should continue in his office longer then one yeare which they did before for many In the five and twentieth yeare of this King were Aldermen first chosen within the City of London which then had the rule of the City and of the Wards of the same and were then yearely changed as now the Sheriffes are It was in this Kings time allowed to the City of London to present their Major to the Barons of the Exchequer to be sworne which before was to be presented to the King wheresoever he were In his time the clause Noâ— obstante brought in first by the Pope was taken up by the King in his grants and writings Also in this Kings time William Bishop of Salisbury first caused that custome to be received for a Law whereby the Tenants of every Lordship are bound to owe their suite to the Lords Court of whom they hold their Tenements Affaires of the Church in his time AFfaires of the Church for matter of Doctrine were never more quiet then in this Kings Raigne for now all Heresies accounted of the time especially the Albigenses were in a manner suppressed by the Armes of the King of France not without the Vote of the King of England who forbore to make warre upon him in tendernesse to this service but for matter of manners they were never more turbulent for now Abbeys were fleeced Sanctuaries violated Clergy-men outraged Bishops themselves not spared and all for greedinesse of money or for revenge Ottobone the Popes Legat here in England lying at the Abbey of Oseney there happened a difference betweene his servants and the Schollers of Oxford in which contention a brother of his was slaine and theâ— Legat himselfe faine to fly into the Steeple for safegard of his life whereupon afterward being gotten from thence by the Kings safe conduct he thundred out curses against the Schollers and interdicted the University so as the Colledges grew desolate and the Students were dispersed abroad into other places for the space of halfe a yeare till the Monkes of Oseney and the Regent Masters of Oxford were faine to goe bare-foote and bare-head through London as farre as Durham house where the Legat lay and there upon their humble submission and great mens intercession they were absolved and the University restored to its former estate But of this Ottobone it may not be impertinent to relate a little further that going afterward out of England he came by degrees after the death of Innocent the fifth to be Pope of Rome himselfe by the name of Adrian the fifth and died within fifty dayes after his election Amongst affaires of the Church may be reckoned the Ulcers of any member of the Church such a one as in this Kings time brake out most loathsome for one procuring five wounds to be made in his body in resemblance to the five wounds in Christs body tooke upon him to be Christ and had gotten a Woman that tooke upon her to be the Virgin Mary who continuing obstinate in their madnesse were adjudged to be immured and shut up betweene two wals to the end no doubt the contagion of their filthinesse should spread no further In this Kings time a little novelty was first brought in by Pope Innocent the fourth who ordained that Cardinals should weare red Hats something perhaps for mystery and something for distictnion Workes of piety done by him or by others in his time THis King caused a chest of Gold to be made for laying up the Reliques of King Edward the Confessour in the Church of Westminster Hee builded a Church for converted Iewes in London also an Hospitall at Oxford for passengers and diseased persons also the new Coventuall Church and the Chappell of our Lady at Westminster whereof hee laid himselfe the first stone also the houâ—e of Black-Friers in Canterbury In his time Ela Countesse of Salisbury founded the Abbey of Lacok in Wiltshire Richard Earle of Cornwall founded Hayles a Monastery of Cistersian Monkes neare to Winchcombe in Glocestershire Reginold de Moun Earle of Somerset and Lord of Dunster founded the Abbey of Newham in Devonshire Ranulph the third Earle of Chester and Lord of little Britaine builded the Castles of Chartley Bestone and the Abbey of Dela Cresse Sir Iohn Mansell the Kings Chaplaine founded a house of Regular Chanons neare to Rumney in Kent William de Albineto Earle of Arundell founded the Priory of Wimondham William Brunc a Citizen of London and Rosia his wife founded the Hospitall of our Lady without Bishopsgate in London And Isabel Countesse of Arundell founded the
the King himselfe was present he was adjudged to have his Lands confiscate and to be deprived of his title of Earle yet after all this was restored to his estate againe and suffered to live in quiet He was more desirous of money then of honour for else he would never have sold his Right to the two great Dukedomes of Normandy and Anjou to the King of France for a Summe of money Yet he was more desirous of honour then of quietnesse for else he would never have contended so long with his Barons about their Charter of Liberty which was upon the matter but a point of Honour His most eminent vertue and that which made him the more eminent as being rare in Princes was his Continency for there is nothing read either of any baâ—e children he had or of any Concubine he kept Of his Death and Buriall THough he had lived a troublesome life yet he dyed a quiet death for he had â—etled Peace in his kingdome and in his Conscience For being at Saint Edmundsbury and finding himselfe not well at ease he made the more hast to London where calling before him his Lords and specially Gilbert de Clare Earle of Glocester he exhorted them to be true and faithfull to his Sonne Prince Edward who was at that time farre from home and therefore had the more need of their care which consisted chiefly in their agreement one with another And then his sicknesse encreasing he yeelded up his Soule to God on the sixteenth day of November in the yeare 1272. when he had lived threescore and five yeares Raigned five and fifty and was buryed at Westminster which he had newly Builded Of Men of note in his time OF Martial men famous in his time there were many but three specially who obscured the rest The first was William Marshall Earle of Pembroke memorable for the great care he had of King Henry in his minority and more memorable for the little care that Destiny had of his Posterity for leaving five Sonnes behind him they all lived to be Earles successively yet all dyed without issue So as the great name and numerous Family of the Marshals came wholly to be extinct in that Generation The second was Richard de Clare Earle of Glocester who in a Battaile against Baldwyn de Gisnes a valiant Fleming imployed by King Henry himselfe alone encountred twelve of his Enemies and having his Horse slaine under him he pitcht one of them by the legge out of the saddle and leapt into it himselfe and continued the fight without giving ground till his Army came to rescue him An Act that may seeme fitter to be placed amongst the Fictions of knights Errant then in a true Narration The third was Simon Montford a man of so audacious a spirit that he gave King Henry the lye to his face and that in presence of all his Lords and of whom it seemes the King stood in no small feare for passing one time upon the Thames and suddenly taken with a terrible storme of Thunder and Lightning he commanded to be set ashore at the next Staires which happened to be at Durham House where Montford then lay who comming downe to meet the King and perceiving him somewhat frighted with the Thunder said unto him Your Majâ—sty need not feare the Thunder the danger is now past No Montford said the King I feare not the Thunder so much as I doe thee Of men famous for Sanctity of life there were likewise many in his time but three more eminent then the rest Edmund Arch-bishop of Canterbury Richard Bishop of Chichester and Thomas Arch-deacon of Hereford All three either Canonized or at least thought worthy to be Canonized for Saints To these may be added Robert Grosshead Bishop of Lincolne who Translated the Testaments of the twelve Patriarchs out of Greeke into Latine which through envy of the Jewes never came to the knowledge of Saint Hierome wherein are many Prophesies of our Saviour Christ. Of men famous for learning there were likewise many in his time of whom some left workes behinde them for testimonies of their knowledge in divers kindes as Alexander Hales a Fryer Minor who wrote many Treatises in Divinity Ralpâ— Coggeshall who wrote the Appendix to the Chronicle of Ralph Niger Randulph Earle of Chester the third and last of that name who compiled a Booke of the Lawes of England Henry Bracton who wrote the Booke commonly called by his name De Consuetudinibus Anglicanis and besides these Hugh Kirkestead Richard of Ely Peter Henham Iohn Gyles and Nicholas Fernham excellent Physitians Richard surnamed Theologus and Robert Bacon two notable Divines Stephen Langthon Richard Fisaker Simon Stokes Iohn of Kent William Shirwood Michael Blaunpaine Iohn Godard Vincent of Coventry Albericke Veer Richard Wich Iohn Basing Roger Waltham William Seningham and others THE LIFE and RAIGNE OF KING EDWARD THE FIRST Surnamed of WINCHESTER Of his comming to the Crowne AS soone as King Henry was dead and buryed the great Lords of the Land caused his eldest Sonne Prince Edward to be proclaimed King and assembling at the New Temple in London they there tooke order for the quiet Governing of the kingdome till he should come home For at this time he was absent in the Holy Land and had beene there above a yeare when his Father dyed But we cannot bring him home without telling what he did and what he suffered in all that time and in his returne for at his first comming thither he rescued the great City of Acon from being â—urrendred to the Souldan after which out of envy to his Valour one Anzazim a desperate Saracen who had often beene employed to him from their Generall being one time upon pretence of some secret message admitted alone into his Chamber with a poysoned knife gave him three wounds in the Body two in the Arme and one neare the arme-pit which were thought to be mortall and had perhaps beene mortall if out of unspeakeable love the Lady Eleanor his Wife had not suckt out the poyson of his wounds with her mouth and thereby effected a cure which otherwise had beene incurable and it is no wonder that love should doe wonders which is it selfe a wonder And now being disappointed of Aides that were promised to be sent him and leaving Garrisons in fit places for defence of the Country he with his Wife Eleanor takes his journey homewards and first passing by Sicilie was there most kindly received by Charles King of that Island where he first heard of his Fathers death which he tooke more heavily farre then he had taken the death of his young Sonne Henry whereof he had heard a little before at which when King Charles marvailed he answered that other Sonnes might be had but â—nother Father could never be had From hence he passeth through Italy where much honour is done him both by the Pope and other Princes and then descends into Burgoigne where by the Earle of Chalboun a stout man
of Acton Burnell In the foureteenth yeare of his Raigne were made the Statutes called Additamenta Glocestriae He ordained such men to be Sheriffes in every County as were of the same County where they were to be Sheriffes He ordained that Iewes should weare a Cognisance upon their upper Garment whereby to be knowne and restrained their excessive taking of Usury In his time was also Enacted the Statute of Mortmaine In his twelfth yeare in the Quindenes of Saint Michael the Justices Itinerants beganne to goe their generall Circuits In his time new pleces of money were coyned and halfe pence of Silver came to be in use which were before of base metall In his time three men for rescuing a prisoner arrested by an Officer had their right hands cut off by the wrists In his time all Iewes were banished out of the Realme This King by Proclamation prohibited the burning of Sea-coale in London and the Suburbs for avoiding the noysome smoake In his eleventh yeare the Bakers of London were first drawne upon Hurdles by Henry Waleys Major and Corne was then first sold by weight In this Kings time the title of Baron which had before beene promiscuous to men of estate was first confined to such onely as by the King were called to have voice in Parliament Affaires of the Church in his time IN his time at a Synod holden at Reading by the Arch-bishop of Câ—nterbury it was ordained according to the Constitutions of the Generall Councell that no Ecclesiasticall person should have more then one Benefice to which belonged the Cure of soules and that every person promoted to any Ecclesiasticall Living should take the Order of Priesthood within one yeare after In his time lived and died Pope Boniface the 8. of whom his Predecessour had Prophesied Ascendes ut Vulpes Regnabis ut Leo Morieris ut Canis Workes of Piety done by him or by others in his time THis King Founded the Abbey of the Vale Royall in Cheshire of the Cisteaux Order In his time Iohn Baylioll King of Scots builded Baylioll Colledge in Oxford also in his time Walter Marton Lord Chancellour of England and after Bishop of Rochester Founded Marton Colledge in Oxford who was drowned passing over the water at Rochester being at that time no Bridge there as now there is In his time was finished the new worke of the Church of Westminster which had bâ—ene threescore and sixe yeares in building In his time was laid the Foundation of the Black-Friers besides Ludgate and of Baynards Castle also in his time his second wife Queene Margaret beganne to build the Quire of the Gray-Friers in London In his time was begunne to be made the great Conduit in London standing against the Church called Acres in Cheape In his time Henry Walleys Major of London caused the Tonne upon Cornhill to be a Prison for night-walkers and also builded a house called the Stocks for a Market of fish and flesh in the midst of the City In this Kings time Edmund Earle of Leycester the Kings brother Founded the Minories a Nunnery without Aldgate This King builded the Castle of Flint in Wales and the Castle of Beaumaris in the I le of Anglesey and the Castle of Carnarvan by Snowdon Also in this Kings time Iohn Peckham Arch-bishop of Canterbury Founded a Colledge of Canons at Wingham in Kent Casualties happening in his time IN the second yeare of this Kings Raigne there happened the greatest rot of Sheepe in England that ever was knowne which continued five and twenty years and came as was thought by one infected Sheepe of incredible greatnesse brought out of Spaine by a French Merchant into Northumberland In the fifteenth yeare of this Kings Raigne Wheate was sold for tenne Groats a Quarter where the next yeare after there was so great a Dearth that it was sold for eighteene pence the Bushell In the seventeenth yeare of his Raigne there fell so much raine that Wheate was raised from three pence the Bushell to sixteene pence and so encreased yearely till at last it was sold for twenty shillings the Quarter And this yeare the City of Carlile and the Abbey with all the houses belonging to the Friers Minors was consumed with fire In his one and twentieth yeare a great part of the Towne of Cambridge with the Church of our Lady was also burnt In the seven and twentieth yeare of his Raigne his Palace at Westminster and the Monastery adjoyning were consumed with fire The Monastery of Glocester also was burnt to the ground In this yeare also an Act of Common Counsell by consent of the King was made concerning victuals a fat Cocke to be sold for three halfe pence two Pullets for three halfe pence a fat Capon for two pence halfe penny a Goose foure pence a Mallard three halfe pence a Partridge three halfe pence a Pheasant foure pence a Hearon sixe pence a Plover one penny a Swanne three shillings â— Crane twelve pence two-Woodcocks three halfe pence a fat Lambe from Christmas to Shrovetide sixteene pence and all the yeare after for foure pence Of his Wives and Children HE had two Wives his first was Eleanor daughter to Ferdinand the third King of Spaine and was married to him at Bâ—res in Spaine who having lived with him sixe and thirty years in a journey with him towards Scotland at Herdeby in Lincolneshire she died in whose memory and as Monuments of her vertue and his affection King Edward caused Crosses with her Statue to be erected in all chiefe places where her Corps in carrying to Westminster rested as at Stamford Dunstable Saint Albons Waltham Cheapside and lastly at the place called Charing Crosse she was buried in Westminster at the feete of King Henry the third under a faire Marble Tombe adorned with her Portraiture of Copper guilt By this wife King Edward had foure sonnes and nine daughters his eldest sonne Iohn his second Henry his third Alphonsus died all young in their Fathers time his fourth sonne Edward called of Carnarvaâ— because borne there succeeded him in the kingdome Of his daughters the eldest named Eleanor was first married by Proxie to Alphonsus King of Arragon but he dying before the marriage solemniâ—ed she was afterward married at Bristow to Henry Earle of Barry in France by whom she had issue sons and daughters Ioane the second daughter of King Edward and Queene Eleanor borne at Acon in the Holy Land was married to Gylbert Clare called the Red Earle of Glocester and Hereford by whom she had issue sonnes and daughters She survived her husband and was re-married to the Lord Ralph Monthermere Father to Margaret the mother of Thomas Montacute Earle of Salisbury from whom the now Vicount Montacuâ—e is descended Margaret the third daughter of King Edward and Queene Eleanor was married to Iohn Duke of Brabant Berenger and Alice their fourth and fifth daughters dying young and unmarried Mary their sixth daughter at tenne yeares of her age was made a Nunne in the Monastery
beheaded he was the same day without the Towne of Pomfret before his owne Castle To speake of the Miracles said to be done by him after his death might be fit for a Legend but not for a Chronicle and therefore I omit them By the like judgement were condemned the Lord Cliffordâ— the Lord Warren Lisle the Lord William Tuchet Thomas Maudit Henry Bradburne Williâ—m Fits-Williams William Lord Cheyney Thomas Lord Mâ—wbray Ioceline Lord Danill all which were executed at Yorke Shortly after the Lord Henry Teyes is taken drawne hanged and quarterâ—d at London the Lord Aldenham at Windsor the Lords Baddlesmere and Ashburton at Canterbury at Cardiffe in Wales Sir William Flemming at Bristow Siâ— Henry Womington and Sir Henry Montford Bannerets at Glocester the Lord Cliffordâ— and Sir William Elminbridge principall men in principall places to spread the more â—eâ—rour over the kingdome all their estates and inheritances are confiscated and â—â—ny new men advanced by the same And this is the first bloud of Nobility that ever was shed in this manner in England since William the Conquerour But not long after the King in a calmer humour beganne to have a sense oâ— the Earle of Lancasters execution which he discovered upon this occasion some â—bouâ— him making earnest suite for a Pardon to one of the Earles followers and preâ—â—â—ng the King hard to it he fell into a great pâ—ssion exclâ—iming â—gâ—inst them as unjusâ— and wicked Counsellours who would urge him to save the life of a notorious Vâ—â—let and would not speake one word for his neare kinsman the Earle of Lancasteâ— who said he had he lived might have beene useâ—ull to me and the whole kingdome but this fellow the longer he lives the more mischiefe he will doe and therefore by the soule of God he should die the death he had deserved Sir Andrew Harkeley who was the man that tooke the Earle of Lancaster prisoner being advanced for his service to the Earledome of Carlile enjoyed his honour but a while for the next yeare after either thrust out into discontent by the Spensers envying his high preferment or combining with the Scots upon hope of a great match as he was accused he is degraded of all his honours drawne hanged and quartered at Londâ—n for Treason But now the King of France summons King Edward to come and doe his homage for Gascoyne and he not comming all his Territories in France are adjudged to be forfeited and many places of importance are seiâ—ed on by the French Hereupon a Parliament is called and it is by common consent of all agreed that the King should not goe in person himselfe in regard of the distraction of the times but should send some speciall man to excuse his appearance whereupon Edmund Earle of Kent the Kings brother is sent but to little effect Then it is thought fit the Queene should goe and indeed the Queene went but what was the cause of her going there is amongst Writers great variance some say she was sent by the King to accommodate this businesse which she negotiated so well as that all quarrels were ended upon condition the King should give to his sonne Edward the Dutchie of Aquitaine with the Earledome of Ponthieu and send him over to doe his homage for them which after many consultationsâ— the King is wrought to yeeld unto and the Prince is sent with the Bishop of Exeter and others to the Court of France accordingly but others sayâ— she went out of discontent to complaine to her brother the King of France for wrongs offered her by the Spensers who had so alienated the Kings minde from her that he would scarce come where she was nor allow her fit maintenance for her calling But whatsoever was the cause of her goingâ— there appeared no cause of her staying but that she had gotten into her company Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmâ—re a gallant young Gentlemanâ— whom she specially favoured lately escaped out of the Tower of London by giving his keepers as was said a sleeping drinke And withall the Bishop of Exeter perceiving some plots to be in hand and their close consultations made without him withdrawes himselfe secretly and discovers to the King what he observed in their courses Whereupon the King sends presently for the Quâ— and Prince and solicits the King of France to hasten their return which when he saw was neglected and delaied he caused them openly to be proclaimed enemies to the kingdome banished them and all their adherents out of the Land and withall causeth all the Ports to be strongly kept and sends three Admirals to attend in severall Coasts to hinder their landing It was not without suspition that as the King for love of the Spensers had his minde alienated from loving the Queen so the Queen for love of Mâ—rtimer had her minde alienated from loving the King and therefore having him with her câ—red not how long she staied However it was when the Queene heard of the Kings Proclamation she knew there was no returning for her into England without some good assistance whereupon soliciting her brother the King of France he aided her with men and money say some but others that he refusing to aide her as being wrought under hand by the Spensers against her she left the French Court and went into Heynault to the Earle of that Countrey who upon a contract betweene her sonne Prince Edward and Philippa the Earles daughterâ—â—ided her with a competent Army under the conduct of his brotheâ— Iohn and with them and her beloved Mortimer she tooke shipping and landed at Orwell a Port neare unto Harwich in Suffolke where presently came to her the Earle Marshall Henry Earle of Leycester and Henry Earle of Lancaster with the wry neck called Tâ—rtcâ—ll with many other Lords and Bishops The King at this time being at London and hearing of the Queenes landing with such forces and chiefely how all the Realme ranne flocking to her was â—uddenly strucken into a great amazement and though he had his great Counsellours the Spensers about him yet now he found what little good thâ—ir counsel could do him and indeed in this case what should he or what could he do To stay in London was apparent danger for he plainely saw the Londâ—ners to be more inclining to take the Queenes part then his and to goe from London to any other place was as unsafe all places being possest eitheâ— with certaine Enemies or uncertaine Friendsâ— at last the Isle of Lundy is thought of a place plentifull of provisionâ— abounding with Conies Fish and Fowle and the Island of hard accesse as having but one place in it where it could be entred and that so narrow that a few might easily keepe out many upon this place he resolvesâ— and taking with him the Earle of Glocester the Spensers and Robert â—aldâ—cke with some feâ— others he â—akes shipping but by contrary windes is driven backe and raine through Tempests to land in Wales and there in the Abbey of
Neth in 〈◊〉 kept himselfe close In the meane time the Queene was come to Oxford where Adâ—m Bishop of Hereford Preaching tooke for his Text Caput meum dolâ—â— and thereupon inferred that the kingdome being now deadly sicke of its head it was fit to remove that head and put a sounder in the place At this time also thâ— Lâ—â—dâ—ners to shew their love to the Queene seised upon Walter Stapletâ—n the good Bishop of Exceter and Lord Treasurer of England left Governoâ—r theâ—â— by the King and with great despight beheaded him as also divers others onely because they favoured the King In the meane time the Queene went from Oxford to Glocester and from thence to Bristow where Hugh Spâ—ncer the Father was a man of fouâ—escore and ten yeares old who is there taken and without examination or Judgement in most cruell manner Executed having his heart pulled out of his body being yet alive and his body left hanging upon the Gallowes After this the Queene stayed at Hâ—reford the space of a monethâ— and then dividing her Army she sends one part of it under the Conduct of Henry Earle of Lancaster and Ryce a Powell a Clerke â—o find out the King and this Ryce being a Welshâ—an and knowing thâ— Country well brought the Earle to the Monastery of Nâ—thâ— where the King was whom they there take together with Spenser the Sonne Roberâ— Baldâ—cke and Simon of Reading The King is by the Bishop of Hereford committed to the custody of the Earle of Leycester where all that Winter he was used no worse then was fit for a captive King But Edmund Earle of Arundell Iohn Daniel and Thâ—mâ—â— Micheldens at the instance of Mortimer are all three beheaded Presently after is Hugh Spenser the younger who was now Earle of Glocester drawne hanged and quarâ—eâ—ed his head sent up to be set upon London Bridge and his foure quarters bestowed in severall Cities The like is done with Simon of Reading but Robert Baldocke is committed to New-Gate against whom when no just cause of death could be found there was used so much cruelty in his imprisonment that he shortly after dyed Presently after Christmas a Parliament is called wherein it is agreed to depose the King and set up his Sonne which he hearing refused it unlesse his Father would freely resigne whereupon are appointed three Bishops two Earles two Abbots foure Barons and of every City a Burgesse to goe to the King in custody then at Kenelworth The Bishops were Iohn of Sâ—ratford Bishop of Winchester Adam Torleton Bishop of Hereford and Henry Bishop of Lincolne But the Bishops of Winchester and Lincolne getting to the King before the rest came perswade the King to resigne his Crowne to his eldest Sonne craâ—tily promising him he should have as good maintenance afterward as ever he had when he was King And contrarily threatning him that if he did it not the people would exclude both him and his Sonne too and mâ—ke a King of another Race By these promises and threatnings the meeke King is drawne to yeeld to the Bishops moâ—â—on but when afterward the Bishop of Hereford and the other Commissioners came and were sate in a place appointed to take his Resignation the King comming forth amongst them in mourning Robes upon a sudden fell downe in a swoundâ— in whom the Earle of Leycester and the Bishop of Winchester had much adoâ— to recover life but then the Bishop of Hereford rising up delivered the cause of their comming as the other Bishops before had done To which â—he King answered that as he much grieved his People should be so hardned against him as utterly to reject him so it was some comfort unto him that they would yet receive his Son to be their Soveraigne After this Thomas Blunt knight Steward of the Kings house brake the Staffe of his Office and William Trâ—ssell Speaker of the Parliâ—ment in name of the whole kingdome pronounced a Forme of Renouncing all Allegeance to Edward of Carnarvan Here Caxton writes that from the time of this Kings Deposing which was in December to the time of his Sonnes Crowning which was not till Candlemas following all Pleas of the Kings Bench were stayed and all Prisoners arrested by Sheriffes commanded to be set at liberty which seemes to have little probability seeing his Sonne Edward presently upon his Deposing was received for King But howsoever so great a Dowre was then assigned to Queene Isabel that scarce a third part of the Revenues of the Crowne is leâ—t for the new King and his Wife And to the late King is allowed a hundred Markes â— moneth for his maintenance with which he lived with his Cousin the Earle of Leycester in good plenty and contentment for a time onely this grieved hâ—m most of all he said that the Queene his Wife would never be gotten to come to see him For he swore most devoutly that from the time he first saw her face he could never like of any other Woman By which it may appeare that neither Gaveston noâ— the Spensers had so debauched him as to make him false to his bed or to be disloyall to his Queene But the Queene being hardned against him and conceiving he had too great Liberty under the Earle of Leycester by advise of her pestilent Counsellour Adam Torleton Bishop of Hereford appoints Thomas Goâ—rney and Ioâ—â— Matrevers knights to take him from the Earle into their owne Custody and to carry him whither they thought good who thereupon take him from Kenelwâ—rth and carry him first to Corfe Castle and from thence to Bristow where they shut him in the Castle till upon knowledge of a Plot laid to get him out and send him beyond Sea they tooke him in the night and carryed him to Bâ—rkeley Castle where by the way they abused him most inhumanely as Sir Thomas de la More a knight of Glocestershire in his Life relateth For to the end he should not be knowne they shaved his Head and Beard and that in most beastly manner for they took him from his Horse and set him upon a Hillocke and then taking puddle water out of a Ditch thereby they went to wash him his Barber telling him that cold water must serve for this time whereat the miserable King looking sternely upon him said That whether they would or no he would have warme water to wash him and therewithall to make good his word he presently shed forth a showre of teares Never was King turned ouâ— of a kingdome in such a manner Many kingdomes have beene lost by the chance of Warre but this kingdome was lost before any Dice were cast no blow strucke no Battell fought done forcibly and yet without force violently and yet with consent both parties agreed yet neither pleased for the King was not pleased to leave his kingdome and the Queene was not pleased to leave him his life it was not safe to leave him a part by which he might afterward recover the whole and therefore this
Leader then the 〈◊〉 besides there fell at the instant such a showre of raine as dissolved their 〈◊〉 and made their Bowes of little use and at the breaking up of the showre the 〈…〉 full in the face of the French dazling their sight and on the backe of the 〈◊〉 as if all made for them K. Edward who had gotten to a Windmill beholding 〈◊〉 a Sentinell the countenance of the Enemy and discovering the disturbance 〈◊〉 by the change of place instantly sends to charge that part without giving 〈…〉 to re-accommodate themselves whereupon the discontented Genâ—â—ese 〈◊〉 which the Coâ—nt de Alanson perceiving he comes on with the horse and 〈…〉 â—age cries out On on Let us make way upon the bellies of these Genoueses 〈…〉 but hinder us and instantly pricks on with a full careere through the midst 〈…〉 followed by the Earles of Lorraine and Savoy and never staies till he came 〈◊〉 the English battell where the Prince was the fight grew hot and doubtfull 〈…〉 as the Commanders about the Prince send to King Edward to come up with his power to aide him The King askes the messengers whether his son were 〈…〉 hurt who answering no but that he was like to be over-laid Well then 〈◊〉 â—he King returne and tell them who sent you that so long as my sonne is a 〈…〉 they send no more to me what ever happen for I will that the honour of this 〈…〉 his And so being left to try for themselves they wrought it out with the 〈◊〉 â— the rather by reason the French King having his horse slaine under him and 〈◊〉 danger to be trodden to death had he not been recovered by the Lord Beau 〈…〉 â—â—â—s to the great discouragement of his people withdrawne out of the field 〈◊〉 noâ—â—ce being once taken by the English the day was soone after theirs and 〈…〉 victory they ever had yet against the French and so bloudy as there is 〈…〉 made of any one prisoner taken in the battell but all â—laine out-right â—nely â—ome few troopes that held together saved themselves by retiring to places neare adjoyning The French King himselfe with â— small company got to Bray in the night and approaching the walls and the Guâ—rd asking him who goes there he answered the Fortune of Frâ—â—câ— By â—iâ— voyce â—e was knowne and thereupon received into the Towne with the teares and lamentaâ—ions of his people The number of the slaine are certified to be thirty thousand the chiefe whereof were Charles de Alâ—nsâ—n Iohn Duke of 〈◊〉 â—alph Earle of Lorraine Lâ—wis Earle of Flâ—â—â—ers Iâ—ques Daâ—lphin de 〈◊〉 Soâ—â—e to Iâ—bâ—rt who after gave Daulphin to the Crowne of France the Earlâ—â— of Sâ—â—câ—rre Hâ—râ—court and many other Earles Barons and Gentlemen to the number of fifteeâ—â— hundred This memorable Victory happened upon the Sâ—turday after Bartâ—â—lâ—â—â—â— day in the yeare 1346. The next day earely in the morning being Sunday he sâ—nâ— out 300. Lances and 2000. Archersâ— to discover what was becomâ— of tâ—◠〈◊〉 who found great Troopes comming from Abbeâ—â—lâ— Saint 〈…〉 aâ—d Bâ—â—uvoyes ignorant of what had happened 〈◊〉 by the Arch-Bishop of Râ—â—â— and the Priour of France whom they likewise defeated and slew sâ—ven thousand But this was not all thâ— Victories that fell to King Edward that yeare there was another of no lesse importance gotten in Englâ—â—d by the Queene and hiâ— peoplâ— at home against the Scots who being set on by the French to divert the waâ—â—â— thereâ— entred upon this kingdome witâ—â—hreescoâ—e thousand men as our Writers report assuring himselfe of successe in regard as he supposed â— the maâ—â—e streâ—gth thereof was now gone into France but â—e found it otherwiseâ— For the Lords of the North as Gylbert de Umfrevile the Earlâ— of Angâ—â—â— Henry Percâ— Ralph Nevile William Dâ—yâ—coâ—â—t with the Arch-bishop of Yorke the Bishop of Durâ—am and others of the Clergy gathered so great Forces and so well ordered them by the animation of the Queene who was there in person as fighting a great Battaile at Nevils Crosse in the Bishopricke of Durhaâ— they utterly defeaâ—ed this great Army tooke David their King Prisoner with the Earles of Fifâ— Menteth Murry Sutherland the Lord Dowglas the Arch-bishop of Saint Andrewes and others and put to the sword fifteene thousand Scâ—ts This Victory also fell upon a Saturday sixe weekes after that of Cressy He that tooke King David Prisoner waâ— one Iohn Câ—plâ—nd an Esquire of Northumberland whom King Edward rewarded with five hundred pounds land a yeare and made him a Bannerâ—t And as if all concurred to make this yeare Triumphant the Aides sent to the Countesse of Montford in Britaine led by Thomas Dagworth a Valiant knight overthrew and tooke Prisoner Charles de Blois Pretender to that Dutchy and with him Mounsiâ—ur la Vall the Lords Rochford Beaâ—â—anoyre Loiâ—câ—ue with many other Barons Knights and Esquires Where were slaine the Lord De la Vall Father to him that was taken Viscount Rohan Mounsieur de Chasteaâ— Bryan de â—alestroit de Quintin de Dyrevâ—ll besides many other knights and Esquires to the number of seven hundred And now King Edward without medling with the great Cities of Amiens and Abbevile marcheth on directly and sits downe before Callice a Town of more importance for England and the Gate to all the rest Wherein Iohn dâ— Vienne Marshall of France and the Lord de Andreghâ—n a great man in his time commanded All that Winter King Edward lay without any molestation by the French King who was busied at home in his owne State about raising of money wherewith supplyed at last he raiseth an Army and approacheth Callice but findes no way open to come to relieve it The King of England was both Master of the Haven and possest all other wayes that were passable and the Flemings his friends had besieged Aire to oppose whom Iohn Duke of Normandy is sent for out of Guyenne who departing leaves Henry of Lancaster Earle of Derby Master of the Field and â—e having an Army consisting of twelve hundred men at Armes two thousand Archers and three thousand other Foot takes in most of the Townes of Xaintoigne and Poictâ—â— and in the end besieged and sacked Pâ—ityerâ— and then returnes to Bâ—rdeaâ—x with more â—illage then his people could well beare Thus the 〈◊〉 prosper every â—â—here and the French suffer During this siege of Calliâ—e â—n 〈◊〉 some tâ—inâ—â— King Edwâ—â—â— first used Gunnes the Flemingâ— send to King 〈◊〉 to make a marriage betweene his Daughter Isabell and their Lord the 〈…〉 to which the King consented but the Duke of Brâ—â—â—nt gets 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 â—o make the match for a Daughter of hisâ— The Flemings presse 〈◊〉 Lord with tâ—e match of England but he absolutely refuseâ—h it sayingâ— h◠〈◊〉 never marry a Daughter of him that had killed his Father though he would 〈…〉 â—â—lfâ— his kingdome This answer so incensed the Flemiâ—gs that they 〈…〉 Lord in Prison till with long durance he at last consented and
time by reason the King of France would not be drawne to any Encounter and had so disfurnished the Country of all provisions that the King of England was forced to returne King Edward solicited by the King of Navarre to aide him against the King of France sends over the Duâ—e of Lancaster with foure thousand men at Armes who winnes many Townesâ— and the Prince enters Gâ—yenne passeth over Langnâ—dâ—c to Tholouse Narbonne Burges without any Encounter sackes spoyles and destroyes where he goes and loaden with booties returnes to Burdeaux The French King thus assaulted on all â—ides gathers all the power he possibly could and first makes against his Eâ—emies in Nâ—â—â—â—â—dy recovers many of his lost Townes and was likely to have there prevaileâ— but that he was drawne of force to oppose 〈◊〉 fresh Invader the Prince of Wales who was come up into Tourayne against 〈◊〉 he brings his whole Army consisting of above threescore thousand whereâ—â—â—â— the Prince whose Forces were not likely to be able to encounter him being 〈◊〉 for one was advised to retire againe to Burdeaux But the French King to preveâ—â— this course followes and within two leagues of Poyctiers hath him at a 〈◊〉 advantage at which instant two Cardinals came from the Pope to mediate â— Peâ—ce But the French King supposing he had his enemy now in his mercy would accept of no other conditions but that the Prince should deliver him foure Hostageâ— â—nd â—s vanquished render himselfe and his Army to his discretion The Prince waâ— content to restore unto him what he had gained upon him but without prâ—juâ—â—â—â— of his honour wherein he said he stood accomptable to his Father and to his Câ—uâ—trâ—y But the French King would abate nothing of his demands as making himsâ—lfâ— sure of victory and thereupon was instantly ready to set upon the Princ◠〈◊〉 seeing himselfe reduced to this straight takes what advantage he could of th◠〈◊〉 and providently got the benefit of Vines Shrubs and Bushes on that part 〈…〉 like to be assailed to impester and intangle the French horse which he saw 〈◊〉 â—ome furiously upon him The successe answered his expectation for the 〈◊〉 of his enemies upon their first assault were so wrapt and encombred 〈◊〉 â—he Vines that his Archers galled and annoyed them at their pleasure For 〈◊〉 Freâ—â—h King to give the honour of the day to his Cavallery imployed them onely without his Infantery so as they being disordered and put to rout his wholâ— Army came utterly to be defeated In this battell were taken prisoners King Iohn himselfe with his yoâ—ngest sonne Philip by Dennis de Morbecque a knight of Arâ—hâ—is Iaques de Bourbon Conte de Ponthieu the Arch-bishop of Sens Iohn de Arthâ—is Conte de En Charles de Arthois his brother Count de Longueville Iohn de 〈◊〉 Count de Tankarvile the Counts of Vendosme Vaâ—demont Estampes Salbourg 〈◊〉 and La Roche also Iohn de Ceintre accounted as Froissard saith the 〈◊〉 â—night of France with many other Lords besides two thousand Knights and Genâ—lemen in so much as the Conquerours holding it not safe to retaine so many leâ—â—â—ny of them goe The French who can give best account of their owne losses â—â—porâ— there died in the battell a thousand seven hundred Gentlemen amongst which were fifty two Bannerets the most eminent Peter de Bourbon the Duke of Athâ—â—s Constable of France Iehan de Clermont Marshall Geoffrey de Charmy High Chamberlainâ— the Bishop of Chalons the Lords of Landas of Pons and of Chamâ—â—y There escaped from this battell three of the French Kings sons for he brought them all thither Charles Prince Daulphin Louys after Duke of Anjou and Iohn Duke of Bâ—â—ryâ— all great actours in the time following The special great men of the English iâ— thâ—â— fight were the Earles of Warwicke Suffolke Salisbury Oxford Stafford the Lordâ—â— Cobham Spenser Barkeley Basset of Gascoynes Le Capital de Beuff the Lords Pumyer Chaumont and others The Lord Iames Andeley wonne honour both by his valour and his bounty for having vowed to be foremost in this fight he peâ—formed his word and sealed it with many wounds for which the Prince having rewarded him with the gift of five hundred Markes Fee-simple in England he pâ—esently gave it to foure of his Esquires whereupon the Prince demanding whether he accepted not his gift he answered that these men had deserved the same as well â—s himselfe and had more neede of it with which reply the Prince was so well pleased that he gave him five hundred Markes more in the same kinde A rare example where desert in the Subject and reward in the Prince strive which should be the greater And now though King Iohn had the misfortune to fall into the hands of his enemy yet he had the happinesse to fall into the hands of a Noble enemy for Prince Edw. used him with such respect and observance that he could not find much dâ—â—ference betweene his captivity and liberty After the battell which was fought the â—inâ—â—â—enth day of September in the yeare 1357. Prince Edward leads King Iohn and the captive Lords to Burdeâ—ux where he retaines them till the spring following but 〈◊〉 present newes of his victory to his Father who thereupon causeth a generall Thanksgiving all England over eight dayes together and in May following King Iohn rather comming over with the Prince then brought over by him is lodged at the Savoâ— a Palace belonging to Henry Duke of Lancaster and the fairest at that time about London And King Edward as though he thought it honour enough to have one King his prisoner at once at the suite of his sister Queene Iâ—ane he sets her Husband David King of Scots at liberty after he had beene prisoner in England eleven yeares but not without paying a Ransome which was a hun-thousand Markes to be paid in ten yeares After this by mediation of Cardinals sent by the Pope a Truce for two yeares is concluded betweene the two kingdomes of France and England and in the time of this Truce Articles of Peace betweene the two Kings are propoundedâ— King Edward requires the Dutchies of Normâ—â—â—â— and Gâ—yennâ— the Counties of Poictoâ— Tâ—uraine Mayne and Anjoâ—â— with all their â—ppurâ—eâ—ances as large as King Richard the first held them and many other Provinces besides and to hold them all without Homage or any other service to which Articles King Iohn weary of imprisonment assents and seales but the 〈◊〉 â—nd Councell of France utterly reject it whereupon King Edward in great displeâ—sure resolves to make an end of this worke with the sword and to take possession of the kingdome of France and leaving his younger sonne Thomas Goveâ—â—our of his kingdome at home with a Fleet of â—leven hundred saile and taking all the great Lords of the Realme with him he passeth over to Callice dividing his Army into three battels whereof one he commits to the Prince of Wales another to the Duke of Lancaster and the â—hird he leads
as the Poictâ—â—ins Xaingtonois and Lymoâ—sins in a sort consented to it yet the Count of Armigniâ—ck the Count of Comminges the Viscount of Carmayn and many others so much distasted it that they complained thereof to the King of France as to their Supreme Lord who upon examination finding their complaint to be just he thereupon by advise of his Councell Summons Prince Edward to appeare in person to answer the complaint whereunto Prince Edw. made answere that if he must needs appeare he would bring threescore thousand men in Armes to appeare with him and had certainely brought his Army that Summer against Paris if he had not fallen into Symptomes of a Dropsie which Walsingham saith was wrought by Enchantments But upon this answer of the Prince King Charles sends defiance to King Edward who thereupon prepares Armes both by Sea and Land to oppose him The French enter upon the Territoriâ—s of the Prince and defeate divers of his Troopes in revenge whereof Iohn Chandos the Princes Lieutenant assaults Terrieres in the Province of Tholouse and takes it The Count of Perigourd aâ—saults Royanville in Querâ—y and puts all the English to the sword in revenge whereof Iames Audeley Seneâ—chall of Poicton assaults the City of Brosse and takes it In the meane time Robert Knols by some called Robin and by others Arnould or Reynold Knoll had drawne Perducas de Albert to the party of the English and thereupon wenâ— and encamped before the Fort of Darcâ—ell in Quercy which Iohn Chandos understanding went also and joyned with him in the Siege but finding they could doe no good there they removed and Besieged the City of Damme and when they could doe no good there neither they marched forward tooke the Fort of Froyus Rochevaudour and Villefranche and that done returned to the Prince at Angoulesme At the same time the Earles of Cambridge and Pembroke having spent nine weekes at the Siege of Bordeille at last tooke it but other Captaines of the English did yet more for they scaled Belleperche in the Province of Bourbon where the Mother of the Duke of Bourbon and of the Queene of France was and take her prisoner About this time Philippa Queene of England King Edwards Wife died and was buried at Westminster but this hindred not the proceeding of the English in France the Earle of Pembroke enters Anjou where he takes many Townes the Duke of Lancaster doth the like about Callice and marching forward plants his Campe before Harfleur with a purpose to burne the King of France his Navy but being watched by the Count Saint Poll was forced to forbeare that designe and so passing other wayes and spoyling all the places where he passed he returned to Callice Winter now was drawing on and Iohn Chandos desiring to recover the Abby of Saint Silvin in Poictou which not long before had beene betraied to the French was in the enterprise discovered and being assaulted by greater forces was slaine in the place to the great griefe of the Prince of Wales and of the English Lords but dying without issue his estate which amounted to foure hundred thousand Franks came to the Prince At this time the Dukes of Anjou and Berry with two great Armies enter upon the Territories of the Prince of Wales whereof the Prince advertised assembles Forces to oppose them but when the newes was brought him of the taking of Limouges he was so much troubled at it by reason of the Bishop of that place was his Gossip and one in whom he specially had affiance that he resolved to recover it at any price and not to spare a man that had any hand in the rendring it up and thereupon taking it by force he commanded to sacke and pillage it and would not be staied by the cries of the people casting themselves downe at his feete till passing through the Towne he perceived three French Captaines who themselves alone had withstood the assault of his victorious Army and moved with the consideration of their valour he then abated his anger and for their sakes granted mercy to all the Inhabitants So much is vertue even in an enemy respected by generous minds In the meane time David King of Scots died without issue and Robert Stuart his Nephew succeeded him in the kingdome and was Crowned at Scone At this time Robert Knolls with a great Army is sent into France where making many attempts with valour enough but with little successe he was comming home though with no gaine yet with no losse till Bertrand de Gueschlyn assaulting him slew the most part of his men and so this great Army on a sudden came to nothing It seemes Knolls his action was the lesse succesfully by reason some young Lords that wenâ— with him scoâ—ning to â—e 〈◊〉 his command as being but a new man and risen froâ— a low estate were refractory to hiâ— directions And indeed what can a Generall do if he have not as well reputation of person as of place And now the Prince of Wales his eldest sonne Edward dying 〈◊〉 Buâ—deâ—â—â— the 〈◊〉 with his wife and his other sonne Richard come over into England at whiâ—â— time the vallant knight Walter de Mâ—â—ny died at Londâ—n and was buried in the Monastery of the Chartreux which he had builded leaving one onely daughter married to Iohn Earle of Pembroke This Earle of Pembroke was soone after sent Goâ—ernour into Aquitaâ—ne but set upon by the way by Spaniards in favour of the Frâ—â—ch was by them taken prisoner and carried with other into Spainâ—â— who being chained together as the manner is one Evans a Welsh Fugitiveâ— who gave â—â—â—selfe out for the right Heire of Wales camâ— unto him foolishly playing upon him with scornfull language as though to insult over another mans misery could sâ—â—le for a coâ—diall to mitigate his owne And now upon the taking of this Earle the Princes Dominions in France are either taken away or â—all away faster then they â—ere gotten Gueschlyâ— enters Poictou and takes Montmâ—rillon Chauvigny Lussâ—â— and Moâ—tâ—ontiâ—r straight after followes the Countrey of Aulnys of Xaintoigne and the rest of Poicâ—ou then Saint Maxenâ— Neele Aulnâ—y then Benaon Marant Surgâ—rs 〈◊〉 and at last they came to Thouars where the most part of the Lords of Poicâ—oâ— that held with the Prince were assembled at which time King Edward with the Prâ—â—ce the Duke of Lancaster and all the great Lords of England set forward to their succour but being driven backâ— by tempest never came to give them assistance so as Thouars yeelded upon composition Yet did this preparation of the King stand him in nine thousand Markes that it may be truly said it cost him more now to lose Townes then it had cost him before to win them so great oddes there is betweene the Spring and Fall of Fortune After this the Duke of Lancaster is sent over with another great Army who passed up into many parts of the Country but King Charles resolved to hazard no
battell saying They were but clouds and would soone passe away yet so watched him that what with light skirmishes and what with skarcity of victuals his forces were so diminished that of thirty thousand which went out of Callice there scarce retunred six thousand home which made King Edward say of this King Charles that he did him more mischiefe sitting still then his Predecessours had done with all their stirring And now by this time all Poictou is lost and all Aquitaine also but onely Burdeaux and Bayon when the Arch-bishop of Roan and others are sent from Pope Gregory the eleventh to mediate a Peace betweene the two Kings but each of them standing upon high termes of conditions nothing could be effected but Truce upon Truce for two or three yeares together In which time Edward Prince of Wales died and with him we may say the Fortune of England being a Prince so full of vertues that he left no place for any vice and if he had lived in the Heroicke times might well have beene numbâ—ed amongst the nine Worthies His body was buried at Canterbury where his Monument standeth King Edward in his seven and fortieth yeare calleth a Parliament at Wâ—stminster which lasted but eight dayes and to which were Summoned by Writ of Clergy men onely foure Bishops and five Abbots Of King Edwards Acts after the death of the Prince IN the time of the Princes sicknesse King Edwâ—rd cals a Parliament at Westminster in which when demands were made for supply of the King demands were presently made for redresse of grievances for the subjects It was required that the Duke of Lancaster the Lord Latymer then Lord Chamberlaine Dame Alice Pierce the Kings Concubine and one Sir Richard Sturry might be removed from Court And this was so vehemently urged by their Speaker Sir Peter la Moore that the King rather then not to be supplied gave way unto it and thereupon all these persons are presently put from Court but the Prince soone after dying they are all recalled to Court againe and restored to their former places About this time exâ—mplary justice was done upon Sir Iohn Minsterworth knight who was drawne hanged and quartered at Tiburne for Treason by him committed in defrauding Souldiers of their wages Thiâ— was now the fâ—ftieth yeare of King Edwâ—â—ds Raigne and he for another Iubilee graâ—â—s another generall pardon to his subjectsâ— onely William Wicâ—ham Bishop of Winchester is excepted being lately by procurement of the Duke of Lancaster fallen into the Kings displeasureâ— and forbiddâ—â— to come to the Parliament This Parliament was called the good Parliamentâ—â—â—ough it wrought ill effects for Sir Peter de la Mare at the suite of Alice Pierce is committed to perpetuall imprisonment at Notâ—ingham though within two years after by importunate suite of friends he regained his liberty This Alice Pierce presuming upon the Kings favour grew so insolent that she entermedled with Courts of Justice and other Offices where â—he herselfe would fit to countenance her Causes And now the Duke of Lancastâ—â— is come to have the Regencie and to manage all the affaires of the kingdome but King Edward to prevent the mischiefes when by disordering the succession might grow in the kingdome providently settled the same in Parliament upon Richard of Burdeaux â—reating him first Earle of Chester and Cornwall and then Prince of Wales and caused all the Lords of the Realme to talâ—e an Oath to accept him for their King as his lawfull Heire when himselfe should be dead In this meane time a Treaty was had about a marriage betweene this Prince Richard and Mâ—ry a daughter of Charles King of France and an offer was made to King Edward to leave him foureteene hundred Townes and three thousand fortresses in Aqâ—itaine upon condition he would render Callice and all that he held in Picardy but before any thing could be concluded King Edward died Of his Taxations IN the eighth yeare of his Raigne in a Parliament holden at London there was granted him a fifteenth of the Temporalty a twentieth of the Cities and Boroughs and a tenth of the Clergy In his tenth yeare in a Parliament at Northampton is granted a tenth penny of Cities and Boroughs a fifteenth of others and a tenth of the Clergy Also all such treasure as was committed to Churches through England for the Holy Warre is taken out for the Kings use towards his warres with France The next yeare after all the goods of three orders of Monks Lomâ—ards Cluniakes and Cistercians are likewise seised into the Kings hands and the like Subsidy as before granted at Nottingham In his twelfth yeare and as some write in absence of the King in a Parliament at Northampton is granted by the Laity one halfe of their Wooll but of the Clergy the whole The next yeare after a fifteenth was likewise paid in Wooll by the Commonalty In his foureteenth yeare in a Parliament at London is granted him for Customâ— of every sacke of Wooll forty shillings for every three hundred Wooll Fells forty shilâ— for every Last of Leather forty shillings and of other Merchandises according to the rate the same to endure from that Easter to the Whitsontide twelve moneth after Besides there was granted of Citizens and Burgesses a ninth part of goods of forraine Merchants and others a fifteenth of Husbandmen the ninth Sheafe the ninth Fleece the ninth Lamb for two years also another tenth of the Clergy and for his present supply he had Loanes of divers persons and the City of London lent twâ—nty thousand Markes For the grant of which mighty Subsidy the King besides his Pardon to divers kinds of offendours remits all Amerciaments for transgressions in his Forests Reliefs and Scurage to the first time of his going into Flanders besides all aides for the marriage of his sonnes and daughters during his Raigne pardoning and remitting all ancient debts and â—rrâ—rages both of his Fermors and others till the tenth yeare of his Raigne and likewise confirmes the great Charter of Magna Chartae In his eighteenth yeare in a Parliament at London a tenth was granted by the Clergy and a fifteenth by the Laityâ— Besides a Commission is sent into every Shire to inquire of mens abilities and all of five pounds to tenne of Lay Fee were appointed to finde an Archer on horsebacke of twenty five a Demilaunce and so ratably above There had formerly been made a certaine coyne of Gold called the Floren of base alloy for the Kings benefit towards his warres in France but this was now called inâ— and Nobles of finer metall coyned to the great contentment of the people In his nine and twentieth yeare he hath by Parliament granted unto him fifty shillings upon every sack of Wooll for six years next ensuing by which Imposition it was thought the King might dispend a thousâ—â—d Markes Sterling a day the vent of Wooll was so great in that time But that which exceeded all his Taxations was the Ransome he had in
this outrage leaves his dinner hastes to the Savâ—y admonisheth them of the holy time being Lent assuring them all should be fairely ended for the good of the City with whose perswasions they were somewhat pacified but yet they tooke the Dukes Armes and hung â—hem up reversed in signe of Treason in all the principall streeâ—s of the City Upoâ— the Princesses advice the chiefe Citizens send to the sickâ— King to excuse this tumult saying it was not in their power to suppresse it the Commonalty being in commotion upon an information that their Liberties should be taken from them by Parliament The King told them it never was in his thought to infringe their liberties but he rather desired to enlarge them But this affrâ—nt of the Citizens would not downe with the Duke till he had pulled downe somâ— of the Principall of them for he caused the Major and Aldermen to â—e displaced and other put in their roomes a revenge he had better beene without for he never had the love of the City after and to want their love is a kind of banishment Wickliffe himselfe censured by the Bishops to abjure his Opinions chose rather to leave his Country then his Doctrine and going over into Bohemia was there much honoured while he lived and hath beene more since he dyed at least a great part of his Doctrine continues in veneration amongst that people to this day Workes of piety done by him or by others in his time HIs workes of Piety were great and many as the Founding of East Minster an Abbey of the Cisteaâ—â— Order neare the Tower An Abbey for Nunnes at Dâ—rtford in Kent The Kings Hall in Cambridge for poore Schollers An Hospitall for the poore at Callice He conferred upon the University of Oxford where he had himselfe beene trained up under the learned Walter Burley the chiefe rule of the City subordinating the Major and Citizens to the Chancellour of the University He Built Saint Stephens Chappel at Westminster with the endowment of 300. pound per annum He augmented the Chappell at Windsore and made provisions there for Church-men and foure and twenty poore knights These were his publicke workes But besides these his private Buildings were the Castle of Windsore which he re-edified and enlarged the Castle at Quinborough Fortifications at 〈◊〉 and other places His Queen Philippa founded Queens Colledge in Oxford 〈…〉 Countesse of Pembroke the Colledge called Pembroke Hall in Cambridge In this Kings tâ—me Sir Iohn Poultney Major of London built the Colledge in London calâ—â—d 〈◊〉 Lâ—wrence Poultâ—â—y and little Alholloâ—es a Parish Church in Thames street â—â—d also the Carmelite Friers Church in Câ—ventry Henry Earle of Lancaster and 〈◊〉 â—ounded the new Hospitall by the Castle of Leycester wherein a hundred 〈◊〉 impotent people were provided for with all things necessary William Elsing Mercâ—â— of London made a new Hospitall of an old house of Nunnes by Cripplegâ—â—â— and placing Chanons Regular there he became the first Prior thereof Walter 〈◊〉 Bishop of Exeter Founded Exeter Colledge and Hart Hall in Oxford William Bâ—â—eman Bishop of Norwich builded Trinity Hall in Cambridge Simon 〈◊〉 Arch-bishop of Canterbury Founded Canterbury Colledge in Oxford William 〈◊〉 Treasurer of England Founded the Monastery of Edendon the religious brethren whereof were called Bâ—nhommes Sir Walter de Manny borne in Cambray purchased a piece of ground called Spittle Croft containing thirâ—eene Acres withouâ— the barres of West Smithfield and caused the same to be enclosed where he built a Chappell and after Founded the same to be a house of Charter-house Monkes Humphrey Bohun Earle of Hereford and Essex re-edified the Augustine Friers Church in London and was buried in the Quire thereâ— In the two and thirtieth yeare of this Kings Raigne Iohn Stody Major of London gave unto the Vintners of London all the Quadrant where the Vintners Hall now standeth with the Tenements round abouâ— from the lane to this day called Studis laneâ— where are Founded thirâ—eene houses for thirteene poore people which are there kept of charity Also in this Kings time Sir Iohn Cobham Founded the Colledge of Cobham in Kent Iâ—hn Lâ—vekin foure times Major of London builded at Kingston upon Thames where he was borne a Chappell called Magdalens to the which he joyned an Hospitall wherein was a Master two Priests and certaine poore men and for that the Parish Church of Saint Michael by Crooked-lane where he dwelled was a very homely thing and the ground thereabout a filthy plot by reason of the Burchers in Eastcheape who made the same their lay-stall he on the same ground builded the faire new Parish Church of Saint Michael now standing and was buried there in the middle of the Quire under a faire Tombe of stone He also Founded a Colledge to the same Church neare thereunto adjoyning Iohn Barnes Major of London gave a Chest with three locks and a thousand Markes to be lent to young men upon secâ—rity so that it passed not one hundred Markes and for the occupying thereof if he were learned to say at his pleasure De Profundis for the soule of Iohn Barnes if he were not learned to say Pater Noster but howsoever the money is lent the Chest at this day standeth in the Chamber of London without money or pâ—â—dges Thomas of Woodstocke the youngest sonne of King Edward Founded a Colledge at Playsiâ— in Essex where in his life he had providâ—d a sumptuous Tombe where he was first laid but translated afterward to Westminster Casualties happening in his time IN the the two and twentieth yeare of his Raigne a contagious Pestilence arose in the East and South parts of the world and spread it selfe over all Christendome and comming at last into England it so wasted the people that scarce the tenth person of all sorts was left alive There died in London some say in Nâ—rwich betweene the first of Ianuary and the first of Iuly 57374. persons In Yarmouth in oâ—e yeare 7052. men and women before which time the Parsonage there was worth 700. Markes a yeare and afterwards was â—carce worth forty pounds a yeare This Plague beganne in London about Alhollanâ—ide in the yeare 1348. and continued till the yeare 1357. â—here it was observed that those who were borne after the beginning of this mortality had but twenty eight teeth where before â—hey had two and thirty In the twelveth yeare of his Raigne a sudden â—â—undation of water at New-castle upon Tyne bare downe a piâ—ce of the Towne wâ—ll and sixe pearches in length neare to a place called Walkenew where a hundred and twenty men and women were drowned In the five and thiâ—â—ieth yeare of his Raigne another Pestilence hâ—ppâ—ned in England which was called the second Pestilence in which died Henry Duke of Laâ—caster also Reginâ—ld Lord Câ—â—haâ—â— and Walter Fits-warren two famous men and five Bishops of Wâ—rcester of London of Ely of Lincolne and of Chichâ—ster In this Kings time a Frost lasted from the midst of September to
Anne married first to Edmund Earle of Stafford by whom she had Humphrey Duke of Buckingham secondly to William Bourchier Earle of Ewe by whom she had Henry Earle of Essex and Ioane married to Gylbert Lord Talbot and hâ—d issue by him a daughter who died young Of King Edwards daughters the eldest named Isabell was married at Windsor to Ingelram of Guysnes Lord of Coâ—cy Earle of Soysons and after Arch-duke of Austria created also by King Edward Earle of Bedford by whom she was mother of two daughters Mary married to Henry Duke of Barre and Philip married to Robert de Vere Earle of Oxford Duke of Ireland and Marquesse of Dublyn This Robert in the height of his fortunes forsooke his Lady Philip and married one Lancerona a Joyners daâ—ghter as was said which came with King Richard the seconds wife ouâ— of Bohemia and being for abusing the Kings eare driven out of the Land by the Lords he died at London in extreame poverty in the yeare 1392. Isabell his wives mother was buried in the Church of Friers Minorites neare Aldgate in London King Edwards second daughter Ioane was married by Proxie to Alphonsus King of Castile and Leonâ— but passing into Spaine died by the way and King Alphonsus met her instead of consummating his Espousall to solemnise her Funerall His third daughter Blanch died young His fourth named Mary was married to Iohn Montford Duke of Britaine His youngest named Margaret borne in Callice was the first wife of Iohn de Hastings Earle of Pembroke but died without issue Of his Personage and Conditions HE was of stature indifferent tall of sparkling eyes of a comely and manly countenance in his later time something bald and concerning his conditions no man was more gentle where there was submission where opposition no man more sterne He was a Prince no lesse of his passions then of his people for he was never so loving as to be fond nor ever so angry as to be inexorable but this must be understood of the time while he was a man for in his old age when he came to be a childe againe he was Prince of neither He was no lesse fortunate then valiant and his fortunatenes was the greater by a kind of Antiperistatis as comming betweene two unfortunate Princes Successour to one and Predecessour to another He was of so warlike a disposition that his very sports were warlike for no delights were so frequent with him as Justs and Tournaments To shew his devotion one example may be sufficient for when neither Cardinals nor Counsellours could move him to make peace with France a tempest from Heaven did it to which may be added that he never wanne great battell of which he wanne many but he presently gave the glory of it to God by publike Thanksgiving He out-lived the best wife and the best sonne that ever King had and to say the truth he out-lived the best of himselfe for his later years were not answerable to his former Of his Death and Buriall KING Edward besides his being old and worne with the labours of warre had other causes that hastened his end his griefe for the losse of so worthy a sonne dead but tenne moneths before his griefe for the losse of all benefit of his conquests in France of all which he had little now left but onely Callice and oppressed thus in body and minde he was drawing his last breath when his Concubine Alice Pierce packing away what she could catch even to the Rings of his fingers left him and by her example other of his attendants seaâ—sing on what they could come by shift away and all his Counsellours and others forsooke him when he most needed them leaving his Chamber quite empty which a poore Priest in the house seeing he approaches to the Kings Bed-side and finding him yet breathing cals upon him to remember his Saviour and to aske mercie for his offences which none about him before would doe but now moved by the voyce of this Priest he shewes all signes of contrition and at his last breath expresses the name of Jesus Thus died this victorious King at his Manor at Sheene now Richmond the one and twentieth day of Iune in the yeare 1377. in the sixty fourth yeare of his age having Raigned fifty yeares foure moneths and odde dayes His body was conveyed from Sheene by his foure sonnes and other Lords and solemnly interred within Westminster Church where he hath his Monument and whereit is said the sword he used in battell is yet to be seene being eight pound in weight and seven foote in length Of Men of Note in his time MArtiall men were never more plentifull then in this Kings Raigne whetâ—â—r it were that the Starres have an influence to produce such men at one time more then another or whether it were that Regis ad exemplâ—â— the Kings example made his subjects like himselfe or lastly that his continuall exercise of Armes put them as it were into a mould of fortitude The first of this kinde is worthily Edward the Blacke Prince and so worthily the first that Longe erit â— primo quisque secundus erit Next him is Henry Earle of Lancaster the Princes right hand in all his great atâ—â—â—evements then William the valiant Earle of Salisbury then Iohn Eure Ancestor to 〈◊〉 Lord Eures that now liveth then follow the Lord Iohn Chandos Sir Iames Audeâ—â— Sir Walter de Manny Sir Robert Knolls then Sir Iohn Hawkewood born in Essex who â—â—ough not much honoured at home having been a Taylour yet in forrain parts and â—â—ecially in Italy so famous that his Statue was erected in publike for a Monument 〈◊〉 testifie his valour to posterity And here must not be forgotten Venileâ—night â—night a Norfolke man who when the Scots and English were ready to give battell â— certaine stout Champion of great stature commonly called Tournboll comming 〈◊〉 of the Scots Army and challenging any English man to meete him in a single combate this Robert Venile accepteth the challenge and marching towards the Champion and meeting by the way a certaine blacke Mastiffe Dogge which waiâ—ed on the Champion he suddenly with his sword cut him off at the loynes and afterwards did more to the Champion himselfe cutting his head from off his shoulders And as there was this great plenty of Martiall men so there was no lesse plenty of learned men Iohn Baconthorpe borne in Norfolke a Carmelite Frier who wrote divers excellent Treatises in Divinity Nicholas Trivet born also in Norfolk a black Frier who wrote two Histories and a book of Annals Richard Stradley born in the Marches of Wales a Monk and a Divine who wrote divers excellent Treatises of the Scriptures William Herbert a Welshman and a Frier Minor who wrote many good Treatises in Divinity Tho. Walleis a Dominican Frier and a writer of many excellent books Iohn Eversden a Monk of Bury in Suffolk an Historiographer Walter Burley a Doctor of Divinity brought up in Martin Colledge in
the very day and houre in which he should have done the businesse as he went up the staires towards the upper House he suddenly fell down and dyed having been merry and well before to all mens judgements About this time the Lord Scroope was deposed from the Chancellourship for refusing to seale some Grants which the King had made and the King receiving the great Seale at his hands kept it a certaine time and sealed with it such Grants and Writings as he pleased till at length it was delivered to Robert Braybrooke Bishop of London who was made Lord Chancellour Henry Spenser Bishop of Norwich had lately with the Kings leave raised an Army and was gone into France in behalfe of Pope Vrban against the Anti-pope Clement and entring first into Flaâ—ders he tooke and sacked many Townes at last besieged Ypres till by an Army of French greater then was thought could have been raised in France he was forced to raise his siege and then passing divers places he came to Grâ—â—eling from whence he writ to King Richard that if ever he meant to try battell with the French now was the time The King was at that time at Dayntrie in Northâ—mptonshire and being at supper when the word was brought him he instantly rose from the Table got to horse-back and rode in Post with such speed that he came to St. Albans about midnight where making no stay but while he borrowed the Abbots Gelding he hasted forth till he came to Westminster as though he had meant never to rest till he had given battell to the French-men but after he had taken councell of his pillow his minde was altered and hâ— thought it better to imploy some other then to goe himselfe so the Duke of Lancaster is thought the fittest man but he protracted the time so long in making preparation thâ—t before he could be gone the Bishop was come away And this indeed is the condition of many to spend so much time in preparing that they utterly lose all opportunity of acting like to men that are putting on their cloathes so long till it be time to put them off againe Shortly after a Truce was concluded between Fraâ—ce and England to endure till the Feast of St. Michael which should be in the yeere 1384. Of Acts done after He came of Age. THe Scots in this meane time had made Roades into England and taken and burnt divers Townes upon the Borders whereupon the Duke of Lancaster with his Brother the Earle of Buckingham is sent with a mighty Army to represse them but having entred Scotland and not able to draw the Scots to a Battell they onely burnt certaine Townes and then returned About this time an Irish Frier of the Order of the Carmelites charged the Duke of Lancaster with heynous crimesâ— as that he intended to destroy the King and usâ—rpe the Crowne shewing the time the place and other circumstances of the whole plot But the Duke called to his Answer so cleered himselfe aâ— least gave such colours of cleering that the Accuser was committed to the custody of Iohn Holland the kings halfe-brother till a day appointed for further tryall The niâ—ht before which day the said Lord Holland and Sir Henry Greene are said to have come to this Frier and putting a cord about his neck tyed the other end about his privy members and after hanging him up from the ground laid a stone upon his belly with the weight whereof his very back-bone burst asunder thereby putting him to a most tormenting death An act not more inhumane then unadvised for though it took away the Accuser yet it made the Accusation more suspitious At this time though a Truce had been made with the Scots yet they would not be quiet but entred and wonne the Castle of Barwick whereof the Earle of Northumberland was Captaine but had committed the keeping of it to another for which being blamed he went against them with an Army but took an easier course for with the summe of two thousand markes he bought them out and had the Castle surrendâ—ed into his hands againe The king upon some new displeasure being now incensed against the Duke of Lancaster had a purpose to have him arrested and arraigned of certaine points of Treason before Sir Robert Tresilian Chiefe Justice though he ought to be tryed by his Peeres but the Duke having intimation hereofâ— got him to his Castle of Pomfret and stood upon his guard till the Kings mother notwithstanding her indisposition of body by reason of her corpulency riding to and fro betwixt them pacified the King and made them friends In the ninth yeere of K. Richards Reigne the French-king sent the Admirall of France into Scotland with a Thousand men of Armes besides Crosse-bowes and others to ayde the Scots against the English with which ayde the Scots encouraged enter the English Borders whereof K. Richard advertised himselfe with a mighty Army enters Scotland and comming to Edingborough and finding all the people fledâ— he set fire on the houses burnt the Church of S. Giles onely Holy-Rood-house was spared at the Duke of Lancasters suit in remembrance of friendship he had formerly received in that house The Scots by no meanes could be drawn to any Battell buâ— to divert the Kings Army they entred Cumberland and besieged Carlile whereby the valour of Sir Lewis Clifford and Sir Thomas Musgrave they were repelled and hearing of the Kings Army comming towards them and fearing to be inclosed they drew back into Scotland and the King returned into England But in this meane while the English of Callis tooke many prizes of French ships at Sea and many Booties also by land at one time foure thousand sheep and three hundred head of great Cattell This yeere the King called a Parliament at Westminster where he created two Dukes one Marquesse and five Earles Edmund of Langly Earle of Cambridge the Kings Unkle was created Duke of Yorke Thomas of Woodstock Earle of Buckingham his other Unkle Duke of Glocester Robert Veere Earle of Oxford was made Marquesse of Dublin Henry of Bullingbrooke sonne of Iohn of Gaunt was created Earle of Darby Edward Plantagenet sonne to the Duke of Yorke was made Earle of Rutland Michael de la Poole Chancellour of England was created Earle of Suffolke and Thomas Mowbray Earle of Nottingham was made Earle Marshall Also by aâ—thority of this Parliament Roger Mortimer Earle of March sonne and heire of Edmund Mortimer and of the Lady Philip eldest daughter and heire to Lionell Duke of Clarence third sonne to king Edward the Third was established heire apparent to the Crowne of the Realme and shortly after so Proclaimed but going into Ireland to his Lordship of Vlster was there by the wilde Irish slaine This Roger Earle of March had issue Edmund Roger Anne Alice and Eleanor which Eleanor was made a Nun The two sonnes dyed without issue Anne his eldest daughter was maried to Richard Earle of Cambridge sonne to Edmund of
Langley which Richard had issue by the said Anne a sonne called Richard that was after Duke of York and father to king Edward the Fourth also a daughter named Isabel maried to the Lord Bourchier Also this yeere Henry of Bullingbrooke Earle of Darby maried the daughter and heire of Humfry Bohun Earle of Hereford in whose Right he was after made Duke of Hereford This yeere also K. Richard holding his Christmas at Eltham Leo king of Armenia came thither to him who in feare to have his kingdome conquered by the Turkes was come into Christendome to seeke for ayde but his chiefe Errand into England was to have procured a Peace between the two kings of England and Franâ—e but their spleenes were so great against one another that it was not in the physick of hiâ— Power to cure them At this time the Duke of Lancaster taking with him his wife the Lady Constâ—nce and a daughter he had by her named Katherine and two other daughters which he had by his former wife failed into Spaine he was attended in his journy with the Lord Lucie the Lord Talbot the Lord Basset Willoughby Fitzwater Poyâ—ings Brâ—â—ston and many other Lords and knights to the number of fifteen hundred men of Armes whereof a thousand at the least were knights and Esquires The king at his taking leave gave him a Crowne of Gold and commanded he should be called king of Spaine and the Queen likewise gave another Crown of Gold to the Dutcheâ—â—e He landed first at Brest and freed that Castle from the French from thence he sailed and arrived at the Groyne in Spaine where he remained a moneth and then went to Compostella where he stayed a while In which time his Constable Sir Iohn Hollâ—â—d wonne divers Townes At Monson the king of Portingale and the Duke of Lâ—â—caster met where a mariage was concluded between the said king of Portingale and the Lady Philip daughter to the Dukeâ— which mariage shortly after was consummated and the Lady sent into Portingale honorably accompanied The Duke continued at Coâ—postella all the winter At March the king of Portingale and he enâ—â—ed the Confines of Castile where they tooke many Townes and passing over the River of Dure entred into the Country De Campo But the Spaniards not willing to come to a Battell but meaning to weary them out with delayes the English not used â—o such hot aire fell daily into many diseases which the Duke seeing accorded â—o a Truce There dyed in this action the Lord Fiâ—zwater Sir Burleyâ—â—night â—â—night of the Garter the Lord Poynings and Sir Henry Percy Cosin-german to the Eâ—â—le of Northumberland also the Lord Talbot and in all twelve great Lords fourscore â—nights two hundred Esquires and of the meaner sort above five hundred When the Army was broken up the Duke of Lancaster and the Dutcheâ—se his wife went into Portingale and after some stay there they sailed to Bayon in the Marches of Gascoigne where he rested a long time after In which meane while there were offers made for a Mariage to be had betweene the Duke of Berry Unkle to the Frâ—â—ch king and the Lady Kaâ—herine daughter to the Duke of Lancaster which the king of Spaine understanding he began to doubt least if that mariage went forward it might turne to his disadvantage and thereupon by earnest suit at length concâ—uded a peace with the Duke of Lancaster on this wise That his eldest sonne Heâ—ry should marry the the Lady Katherine the Duke of Lancasters daughter and be intituled Prince of Austurgâ—s and in consideration of this mariage and that all claimes should cease which the Duke in right of his wife might challenge or pretendâ— It was agreed that the said Duke should receive yeerely the summe of Ten thousâ—nd marks during the lives of him and his Dutchesse and to have in hand the summe of two hundred thousand Nobles At this time the French had a purpose to invade England with no lesse a hope then to make a Conquest and to that end they prepared a mighty Navy so as in the moneth of September there were numbred about Sluis Dam and Blaâ—kerkâ— 1â—87 ships besides those which were rigged in Britaine by the Constable who had caused an inclosure of a Field to be made of Timber that when they were landed in Eâ—gland they might therewith inclose their field and so lodge at more surety but it so fortuned that the Lord William Beauchampe Captaine of Callis tooke two of their ships whereof one was laden with a piece of the said Inclosure and after that â—nother ship laden with Guns Gunpowder and other Instruments of warre and after that againe two ships more laden with parcels of the said Inclosure which K. â—ichard caused to be reared and set up about Winchelsey Towne at last the foresaid Army came into Flanders and arrived at Sluis where after some stay they were so distressed for victuals that in the end of November they were glad to be gone and returne into France At this time in a Parliament Robert Veere Earle of Oxford and Marques of Dublin was created Duke of Ireland and Michael de la Poole a Merchants son had lately before been created E. of Suffolk and made Chancellor of England And now begins K. Richard to enter I may say upon the confines of his Destiny His gracing of undeserving men and disgracing of men deserving if they were not the causes they were at least the occasions of his owne disgracing and destruction in the end He was now come to be of full age to doe all himselfe which was indeed to be of full age to undoe himselfe for the faults of his younger yeeres might have the excuse to be but Errors but the faults of the age he was now at were perempâ—ory against him and admitted no defence And to hasten the pace of his destiny the faster the ill Counsell which before was but whispered in his eare was now scarce forborne to be given him aloud It is told him that he is under tuition no longer and therefore not to be controll'd as in former times he had been That to be crost of his will by his subjects was to be their subject It is no Soveraignty if it be not absolute At the instigation of which Counsell the king in a Parliament now assembled fell to expostulate with his Lords asking them what yeeres they thought him to be 〈◊〉 who answering that he was somewhat more then one and twenty Well then saâ—â— he I am out of Wardship and therefore looke to injoy my kingdome as freely 〈◊〉 your selves at the like yeeres enjoy your Patrimonies But his flattering Favoriâ—â— should have remembred that though the king may not be controlled where he caâ— command yet he may be opposed where he can but demand as now indeed he waâ— for when he came to demand a Subsidy towards his warres he was answered That he needed no subsidie from his Subjects if he would but call in the debts which thâ—
evill practice should be used against them they were content to doe But when the Lords were ready to come at the day appointed they heard of an Ambush laid to intrap them at the Mewes and thereupon stayed so as they came not at the time appointed Whereupon the king asking why they came not according to their promise It was answered because hee kept not his promise there being an Ambush of a Thousand armed men laid to surpâ—ize them at the Mewes The king hearing this was astonied and swore he knew of no such thing and commanded presently the place should be searched but it was true an ambush was laid but not at the Mewes but in a place aâ—out Westminster where Sir Thomas Tryvet and Sir Nicholas Brember had assembled them This one action might have made the king sensible of his favorites abusing his authority but that where affection makes the construction all things are taken in a good sense or was it perhaps they had a VVarrant dormant to prosecute the kings ends without the kings knowledge Yet the Lords after this receiving a safe conduct from the king came to Westminster of whose comming when the king heard hee apparelled himselfe in his royall-Robes and with his Scepter in his hand came into the great Hall before whom the Lords upon their knees presented themselves the king bidding them welcome and taking each of them by the hand Then the lord Chancellor making a speech wherein he blamed them for raysing of Armes and requiring to know the cause they answered They had done it for the good of the King and kingdome and to take away the Traâ—tors about the King Upon this the king himself spake asking him whether they thought to compel him by strong hand have not I saith he sufficieÌ„t men to beat you down truly in this behalf I make no more account of you then of the basest skullion in my kytchin yet after these great words he lift up the Duke of Glocester who all this while was kneeling and commanded the rest also to rise and then led them courteously to his chamber where they sate and dranke together And finally it was concluded they should all meete againe as well these Lords as those they accused at the next Parliament which the king promised to call speedily and each party to receive there according to Justice and in the meane time all parties to be in the kings protection But when the Favorite Lords heard this they told the king plainly they neither durst nor would put themselves to the hazard of such a meeting and therfore the Duke of Ireland and the rest of that faction left the Court to bee out of the way But the king not enduring their absâ—nce appâ—lâ—ted Thomas Mollineux Constable of â—he castle of Chester to rayse an Army and to safe-conduct the duke of Ireland to him But â—â—ey being come as far as Radcoat-bridge were encounâ—red by the Earle of Darby and the Duke of Ireland not dâ—ring to joyne battell with him fled and being to passe a River cast away his gantlets and sword to bee the more nimble and giving his horse the spur leapt into the river and so escaped that when these things were afterwards found it was verily thought hee had been drowned till news came he was got into Holland where being no very welcome guest hee went from thence into the Bishoprick of Vtricht and after two or three yeeres scambling about in manner of a fugitive at Lovaine in Brabant he ended his life A man of many good parts and worthy enough of his Princes favor if with that favor he had not grown proud and in that pride injurious and insulting over others no lesse deserving then himselfe Hee was valiant enough against any man but the Earle of Dâ—rby and of him indeede both the Genius of the Duke of Ireland and of King Richard himselfe seemed to stand in feare for neither of them durst meet him in the field though encouraged to it by those about them About this time the Duke of Suffolke doubting some plots laid to surprize him fled over to Câ—llis in disguise shaving his beard and counterfeiting himselfe a Poulterer to sell certain foule which hee had gotten but being come to Callis was by the Lord William Beauchampe Deputy of the Town sent back into England whom the King notwithstanding permited to goe at large to make it be thought hee was more afraid then hurt more suspicious then he needed By this time the Lords hâ—d gotten matter enough against the King at least to justifie their Armes and thereupon with an Army of forty thousand men they came to London where after some debate they were received and then the Duke of Gloucester the Earles of Darby and Nottingham went to the King in the Tower to whom after humble salutations they shewed the Letter which he had written to the Duke of Ireland to levy an Army for their destruction likewise the Letters which the French King had written to him conteining a safe conduct for him to come into France there to doe Acts to his own dishonor and the kingdoms This done upon the Kings promise that he would come the next day to Westminster to treate further of these matters the Lords departed only the Earles of Nottingham and Darby at the Kings instance stayed all night but before the King went to bed his minde was cleane altered for keeping his promise to meete the Lords the next day at Westminster which the Lords understanding they sent peremptorily to him that if he came not according to his promise they would choose another king that should hearken to the faithfull Counsell of his Lords This touched the king so to the quick that the next morning he went and met the Lords who there declared to him how much it concerned the good of the kingdome that those Traitours so often spoken of should be removed from the Court To which the king though much against his will yet at last condiscended And thereupon presently Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York and Thomas Rushoke Bishop of Chichester and Confessour to the king were expelled the Court who not willing to come to after-reckonings fled no man knew whither They expelled also Iohn Fourdham Bishop of Durham Lord Treasurer the Lord Zouch of Haringworth the Lord Burvell the Lord Beaumont Albery de Veere Baldwin de Bereford Richard Adderbury Iohn Worth Thomas Clifford and Iohn Lovel knights but constreined to put in Sureties to appeare at the next Parliament Also certaine Ladies were expelled the Court as the Lady Poynings the Lady Mouling and others bound to appeare at the next Parliament There were also arrested and committed to severall Prisons Sir Symon Burley William Elmham Iohn Beauchamp Steward of the kings house Sir Iohn Salisbery Sir Thomas Trivet Sir Iames Berneys Sir Nicolas Dagworth and Sir Nicolas Brember knights Also Richard Clifford Iohn Lincolne Richard Mitford the kings Chaplains Nicolas Sclake Deane of the kings Chappell and Iohn
Lords and having heard their opinions he â—urned to the Commons asking them if they would joyne with the Lords in choosing Henry of Lancaster for their King who all with one voyce cryed Yea Yea whereupon going to the Duke he bowed his knee and taking him by the hand led him to the Royall seat and then began a Sermon taking for his Text out of the first Booke of the Kings cap. 9. Vir dominabitur in populo wherein he declared what a happinesse it is to a Nation to have a King of wisedome and valour and shewed the Duke of Laâ—caster to be such a one and as much the defects in both of the late king Richard The Sermon ended the king thanked them all for his Elâ—ction and testified unto them that he meant not to take advantage against any mans estate aâ— comming in by Conquest but that every one should freely enjoy his own as in times of lawfull succession And now a time was appointed for his Coronation and accordingly upon the 13th day of October following the very day wherein the yeere before he had been banished he was Crowned at Westminster by the Archbishop of Canterbury with all Rites and Ceremonies accustâ—med At his Coronation he was anoynted with an Oyle which a Religious man had given to Henry the first Duke of Lancaster together with this Prophâ—re That the kings anoynted with this oyle should be the Champions of the Church This oyle comming to the hands of king Richard as he was looking amongst his Jewels going then into Ireland he was desirous to be anoynted with it but that the Archbishop of Canterbury told him it was not lawfull to be anoynted twice whereupon putting it up againe at his comming afterwards to Fliâ—t the Archbishop got it of him and kept it till â—he Coronation of king Henry who was the first king of the Realme that was anoynted with it The day before the Coronation the king in the Tower made one and â—orty some say but twelve knights of the Bathe whereof foure were his owne sonnes Henryâ— Thomas Iohâ— and Humfry all then alive and with thâ—m â—hree Earles aâ—d five â—â—rons Upon the Feast-day many claimed Offices as belonging to their Tenures â—o which upon shewing their Right they were admitted And now the King â—ade divers new Officers The Earle of Northumberland he made Constable of Engâ—â—nd the Earle of Westmerland was made Lord Marshall Sir Iohn Serle Chancellor â—ohn Newbery Esquire Treasurer and Sir Richâ—rd Clifford was made Lord Keeper of â—he Privy Seale The Lord Henry his eldest sonne being then about thirteen yeers â—f age was created Prince of Walâ—s Duke of Cornwall and Earle of Chester and â—oone after also Duke of Aquitaine and the Crowne was by Parliament Eâ—â—ailed â—o King Henry and the heires of his body lawfully begotten After this a Parliament was holden in which the Acts made in the Eleventh yeere of King Richard were revived and the Acts made in his one and twentieth yeere were wholly repealed and they who by that Parliament were attainted were reâ—tored to their Lands and Honours whereupon Richard Earle of Warwick was deâ—ivered out of Prison and the Earle of Arundells sonne recovered his Inheritance â—nd many other also that were banished or imprisoned by King Richard were then â—ully restored to their liberty and estates Also the King gave to the Earle of Westâ—erland the County of Richmond and to the Earle of Northumberland the Isle of Mâ—n to be holden of him by bearing the sword wherewith he entred into England And now was the time for shewing of Spleens Sir Iohn Bagot then Prisoner in the Tower accused the Earle of Aâ—merle for speaking words against the Duke of Lancâ—ster now King also the Lord Fitzwater accused him for the death of the Duke of Glocester the Lord Mâ—rley appealed the Earle of Salisbury of Treason and one Hall accused the Duke of Exceter for conspiring the death of Iohn of Gaunt the Kings father But King Henry having entred the Throne in a storme was willing now to have a Calme and therefore laying aside the ones Accusations he accepted of the others Excuses and received the Duke of Aâ—merle and the Duke of Exceter into as much favour as if they had never been accused And to qualifie the hard opinion which forraigne Princes might conceive of King Richards Deposing He sent Ambassadours into divers Countries to make it knowne by what Title and by what favour of the People he came to the Kingdome To the Court of Rome he sent Iohn Trenevant Bishop of Hereford Sir Iohn Cheyny Knight and Iohn Cheyny Esquire Into France he sent Walter Sherlow Bishop of Durham and Thomas Percy Earle of Worcester Into Spaine he sent Iohn Trevor Bishop of Assaph and Sir William Parre and into Germany he sent the Bishop of Bangor and certaine others Most of these Princes seemed either not to regard what was done or were easily perswaded that all was done well onely Charles King of France was so distemper'd with this indignity offered to his sonne in Law K. Richard that by violence of his Passion he fell into his old pangues of Frensie but somewhat recovered he resolved to revenge it wherein many Lords of France shewed themselves forward but specially the Earle of S. Paul who had maried K. Richards halfe-sister yet having prepared an Army in readinesse when afterward they heard of King Richards death they dissolved it againe as considering the time was then past The Aquitaines also and specially the Citizens of Burdeaux as being the place where K. Richard was born were mightily incensed but Sir Robert Knolls Lieutenant of Guyen and afterwards Thomas Percy Earle of Worcester being sent to them by the King so perswaded them that with much adoe they continued in obedience It was about this time moved in Parliament what should be done with King Richard for he was not as yet murthered Whereupon the Bishop of Carlile â— learned man and wise and who had never given allowance to the Deposing of King Richard now that he was in a place of freedome of speech he rose up and said My Lords The matter now propounded is of marvellous weight and consequence wherein there are two points chiefly to be considered the first Whether King Richard be sufficiently put out of his Throne the second Whether the Duke of Lancaster be lawfully taken in For the first how can that be sufficiently done when there is no Power sufficient to doe it The Parliament cannot for of the Parliament the King is the Head and can the Body put down the Heâ—â— You will say But the Head may bow it selfe downe and so may the King â—esignâ— It is true but what force is in that which is done by force and who knowes 〈◊〉 that King Richards Resignation was no other But suppose he be sufficiently ouâ— yet how comes the Duke of Lancaster to be lawfully in If you say by Conâ—uest you speak Treason for what Conquest without Arms aâ—d can a subjâ—ct
take Arâ—â— against his lawfull Soveraigne and not be Treason If you say by Elâ—ction of 〈◊〉 State you speake not reason for what power hath the State to Elâ—ct while any 〈◊〉 living that hath right to succeed but such a Succâ—sâ—or is not the Earle of Lancaster as descended from Edmund Crouchback the elder sonne of King Henry the Third though put by the Crowne for deformity of his body For who knowes not the falsenesse of this allegation seeing it is a thing notorious that this Edmund was neither the elder brother nor yet crooke-backr though called so for some other reason but a goodly personage and without any deformity And your selves cannot forget a thing so lately done who it was that in the fourth yeere of Kâ—â—g Richard was declared by Parliament to be Heire to the Crowne in case K. 〈◊〉 should dye without issue But why then is not that claime made because Silâ—â—â— leges inter arma what disputing of Titles against the streame of Power Bâ—â— howsoever it is extreame injustice the King Richard should be condemned without being heard or once allowed to make his defence And now my Lords I have spoken thus at this time that you may consider of it before it be too late for as yet it is in your power to undoe that justly which you have unjustly done Much to this purpose was the Bishops speech but to as little purpose as if he had gone about to call back Yesterday The matter was too farre gone and scarce a person there present that had not a hope of either a private or a publick benefiâ— by that which was done Yet against this speech of the Bishop there was neither Protesting nor Excepting It passed in the House as but one mans opinion And as for the King it was neither fit he should use much severity against any Member of that Parliament which had so lately shewed so much indulgence towards him nor indeed safe to be too hot in his Punishment when he was yet scarce warme in his Government Yet for a warning to use their liberty of speech with more moderation hereafter the Bishop was arrested by the Marshall and committed to Prison in the Abby of S. Albans but afterward without further censure seâ— at liberty till upon a conspiracy of the Lords wherein he was a Party he was condemned to dye though through extremity of griefe he prevented execution But as for King Richard and Edmund Mortimer Earle of March enough was spoken by the Bishop in both their behalfes to undoe them both and indeed K. Richard was soone after made away the Earle secured himselfe by retiring farre off to his Lordship of Wigmore avoyding the danger of Contention by not entring the Lists of Aspiring But although the Divine Providence for causes hidden from humane knowledge gave way at this time to the advancement of the younger the House of Lancaster yet in the third Generation after the elder the House of Clarence recovered its Right in K. Edwaâ—â— the Fourth that we may know it is but staying the leisure of Heaven for every one to have his Right either in Person or by Proxie But whether incited by this speech of the Bishop or otherwise out of the ranâ—â—ur of envy is some and malice in others it was not long after before there grew in the mindes of many both Lords and other a malignant inclination towards King Henry and came first to be a Conspiracie in the house of the Abbot of Westminster This Abbot was a kinde of Booke-statesman but better read in the Politicks of Aristotle then of Solomon who remembring some words of King Henry which he had spoken long before when he was but Earle of Darby That Princes had too little and Religious men too much and fearing lest being now king he should reduce his words into act he thought it better to use preventing Physick before-hand then to staâ—d to the hazard of a curing afterward and thereupon invited to his house the discontented Lords â—â—s namely Iohn Holland Duke of Exceter Thomas Holland hiâ— brothers sonne Duke of Surry Edward Duke of Aâ—merle Iohn Montacute Earle of Sâ—lisbury Hugh Spenser Earle of Glocester Iohn Bishop of Carlile Sir Thomas Blunt and Maâ—â—lin one of King Richards Chappell who after dinner conferring together and communicationg their spleenes against King Henry one with another they resolved at last both to take away the Kings life and of the way how to doe it The device was this They would publish a solemne Justs to beâ—olden at Oxford at a day appointed and invite the King to honor it with his presence and there in the time of acting the Justs when all mens intentions should be otherwise busied they would have him be murthered This device was resolved on Oaths for secrecy were tâ—ken and Indentures sextipartite for performing conditions agreed upon between them sealed and delivered The Justs are proclaimed the King is invited and promiseth to come secrecie of all hands kept most firmly to the very day But though all other kept counsell yet Fortune would not but she discovered all For it fortuned that as the Duke of Aumerle was riding to the Lords at Oxford against the day appointed he tooke it in his way to goe visit his father the Duke of Yorke and having in his bosome the Indenture of Confederacy his father as they sate at dinner chanced to spy it and asked what it was to whom his sonne answering It was nothing that any way concerned him By S. George saith his father but I will see it and there withall snatching it from him read it and finding the Contents and reviling his sonne for being now the second time a Traitour before to King Richard and now to King Henry he commanded his horses to be instantly made ready and with all the speed he could make rode to Windsor where the King then lay but the younger yeeres of his sonne out-rid him and came to the Court before him where locking the Gates and taking the keyes from the Poâ—ter pretending some speciall reason he went up to the King and falling on his knees â—sked his Pardon The king demanding for what offence he then discovered the whole Plot which he had scarce done when his father came rapping at the Court-gates and comming to the king shewed him the Indenture of Confederacy which he hâ—d taken from his sonne This though iâ— amazed the king yet it informed him of the truth of the matter whereof he was before doubtfull and thereupon layes aside his journey to see the Justings of others in jest and takes care that he be not justled in earnest out of his Throne himselfe In the meane time the confederate Lords being ready at Oxford and hearing nothing of the Duke of Aumerle nor seeing any preparation for the kings comming were certainly perswaded that their Treason wâ—s discovered Whereupon falling into consideration of the case they were in they found there was no place left for them of Mercy
and therâ—fore were to stand upon their Guard and provide the best they could for their safety To which purpose the first thing they did was to apparell Magdalen in Princely robes a man as like to king Richard in countenance and pesonage as one man lightly can be to another and to give forth that he was king Richard escaped out of Prison thereby to countenance their proceedings The next thing was to dispatch meâ—sengerâ— to the king of France and require his assistance This done they set forward in Battell-array towards Windsor against king Henry but finding him gone to London before they came they then deliberate what course to take Some advised to set K. Richard at liberty before their counterfeit Richard should be discovered Others â—hought best to follow the king to London and set upon him unprovided and befoâ—e he had gâ—thered Forces In this division of Advises when they could not doe both they did neither but as men amazed maâ—ched on though they knew not well whâ—ther till they came to Colbrooke by which time the king had gathered an Army of twenty thousand and was marching towards them but they not thinking so well of their câ—â—se that they durst put it to the tryall of a battell or perhaps staying for ayde out of France withdrew themselves back to Sunnings neere to Reading where the young Queen layâ— to whom their comming gave some flashes of comfort but quenched before they were throughly kindled and from thence they march to Cicester where the Duke of Surry and the Earle of Salisburyâ—oâ—ke â—oâ—ke up their lodging in one Inne the Duke of Exceter and the Earle of Glocester in anothâ—â— And now a strange Accident beyond the reach of all consultation gave a period to their Designe for who would thinke that a private company durst oppose those Lords having their Army so neere them yet the Bailiffe of the Towne upon intelligence no doubt that these Lords were up in Armeâ— against the King taking with him a company of Townsmen in the night assaulted the Inne where the Duke of Surry and the Earle of Salisâ—ury lay who thus assaulted made shift to defend themselveâ— till three a clock in the afternoone but then being in danger to be taken a Priest one of their company set divers houses in the Towne on fiâ—e thinking thereby to divert the Assailants from prosecuting the Lords to save their houses but this inflamed them the more and so hotly they pursued their asâ—ault that they wounded the Duke and the Earle to death who dying that night their heads were stricken off and sent up to London With them also were taken Sir Bennet Shelley Sir Barnard Brocas Sir Thomas Blunt and eight and twenty other Lords Knights and Gentlemen who were sent to Oxford where the King then lay and there were put to execution The Duke of Exceter in the other Inne hearing of this assault fled out of the backside towards the Campe intending to bring the whole Army to the rescueâ— but the souldiers having heard a clamour and seeing fire in the Towne supposing the King had been come with all his Forces out of a sodaine feare dispersed them selves and fled which the Duke seeing he also with Sir Iohn Shelley fled into Essex where wandring and lurking in secret places he was at last apprehended as he sate at supper in a friends house and led to Plashey and there shortly after beheaded the place where by his counsell and countenance the Duke of Glocester formerly had been apprehended that we may observe how the Divine Providence in revenging of injuries takes notice and makes use of the very circumstance of place where the injuries are â—one The Earle of Glocester fled towards Wales but was taken and beheaded at Bristow Magdalen the counterfeit king Richard was apprehended and brought to the Tower and afterward hanged and quartered with Mr. Fereby another of king Richards Chaplaines Divers other Lords and Knights and Gentlemen and a great number of meane persons were in other places put to death that so much Noble blood at one time and for one cause hath scarce been heard or read of The Abbot of Westminster in whose house the Plot was contrived hearing of these misfortunes as he was going between the Monastery and his Mansion fell suddenly into a Palsie and shortly after without speech ended his life About this time also a strange peece of Treason is reported to have been practised against the kings life that there was found in his bed-cloaths an Iron with three sharpe pikes standing upright that when the king should have layd him downe he might have thrust himselfe upon them But seeing there is no farther mention of inquiring after it it seemes to have been but an idle rumour not worth beleeving But now that the hot English blood was well allayed the Welch blood springs up as hot For now Owen Glendour an Esquire of Wales brought up at the Innes of Court in London partly out of a desire to revenge a wrong done him as he conceived in a suit for lands in controversie between the Lord Grey of Ruthin and him but chiefly out of an humour of aspiring endeavored to draw the Welchmen to a generall defection telling them That the English being at variance amongst themselves now was the time to shake off their yoake and to resume their owne antient Lawes and Customes To whose perswasions the Welchmen hearkening made him their king and Captaine and he having gotten a competent Army sets first upon his old Adversâ—ry â—eyâ—old Lord Grey of Ruthin and takes him Prisoner yet with promiâ—e of Releasement if he would marry his daughteâ— which offer though the Lord Grey at first not onely refused but scorned yet out of necessity at last he was contented to accept when notwithstanding his deceitfull father in Law trifled out the time of his enlargement till he dyed But the Welchmen growing confident upon this successe breake into the borders of Herefordshire making spoyle and prey of the Country as freely as if they had leave to doe it for indeed none opposed them but onely the Lord Edâ—â—nd Mortimer who had formerly withdrawne himselfe to his Castle at Wigmore anâ— he having assembled the Forces of the Country and joyning bâ—ttell with them was taken Prisoner and then fettered and cast into a deepe and vile Dungeon It was thought if Glendour had as well known how to use his victory as to get it he might at this time have put the English yoak into a great hazâ—rd to be shaken off but he having killed a thousand of the English thought he had done for that time and so giving over the pursuit retired The inhumanity of the Welsh women was here memorable who fell upon the dead carkasses of the English first stripping them and then cutting off their privie parts and noses whereof the oâ—e they thrust into their mouthes the other they pressed between their buttockâ— Many noble men specially his kinsmen the Percies sollicited King Henry
Lieutenant of the English pale they were forced to retire and flye The Earle of S. Paul escaped to S. Omers but left many of his men of quality behind him and more taken Prisoners After this Thomas Duke of Clarence the Kings second sonne and the Earle of Kent with competent Forces entred the Haven of Sluce where they burnt foure ships riding at anchour and then returned to the reliefe of Callis besieged at that time by the French and in the way tooke three Carricks of Gâ—noua richly laden and brought them into the Chamber of Rye And these were the troubles of this King abroad But now at home the Reliques of the former Northerne Rebellion began to revive for now Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland Richard Scroope Archbishop of Yorke Thomas Mowbray Earle Marshall the Lords Hastings Fawconbridge and Bardolfe with divers others conspired at a time appointed to meet upon Yorkswould-Downes and there to bid defiance to king Henry Articles of Grievances were framed and set up in all publick places which drew multitudes to be partakers of the enterprize But now Ralph Nevill Earle of Westmeâ—land with the Lord Iohn the Kings third sonne the Lords Henry Fitz-Hughes Ralph Evers and Robert Vmphrevile make head against them and comming into a Plaine in the Forrests of Galltree they sate down right against the Archbishop and his Forces which were twenty thousand and Westmerland perceiving the Enemies forces to be farre more than theirs he used this policie he sent to the Archbishop demanding the reason why he would raise Forces against the king who answering that his Armes were not against the king but for his owne defence whom the king upon the instigation of Sycophants had threatned withall he sent him a scrowle of their grievances which Westmerland read and seemed to approve and thereupon desired a conference with him The Archbishop more credulous then wise perswaded the Earle Marshall to goe with him to the place appointed to conferre the Articles are read and allowed of and thereupon Westmerland seeming to commiserate the souldiersâ— having beene in armour all day and weary wished the Archbishop to acquaint his Party as he would his with this their mutuall agreement and so shaking hands in most Courtly friendship dranke unto him whereupon the souldiers were willed to disband and repaire home which they had no sooner done but a Troâ—p of horse which in a colourable manner had made a shew to depart wheeled about and afterwards returned and being come in â—ight the Earle of Westmerland arrested both the Arcbishop and the Earle Marshall and brought them both Prisoners to the king at Poâ—fret who passing from thence to York the Prisoners likewise were carried thither and the next day both of them beheaded At Durham the Lords Hastings and Fâ—wconbridge with two knights were executed Northumberland with the Lord Bardolfe fled first to Barwick and after into Scotland where they were entertained by David Lord Flemming whereupon the king gave summons to the Castle of Barwick which at first they refused to obey but upon the planting and discharging of a Piece they presently yeelded without composition and here William Greystock Henry Baynton and Iohn Blinkâ—nsop knights and five other were presently put to execution and many others committed to severall Prisons About this time Iames sonne and heire of Robert king of Scotland a childe of nine yeares old attended by the Earle of Orkney as he was sailing into France was taken by certaine Mariners of Norfolk who brought him to the King at Windsor the 30. of March 1408. and the King sent them to the Tower of London Northumberland and Bardolfe after they had been in Wales France and Flanders to raise a Power against King Henry returned back into Scotland and after a yeere with a great Power of Scots entred England and came into Yorkshire making great spoyle and waste as they passed but Sir Thomas Rokesby Sheriffe of Yorke levying the forces of the County upon Bramham-moore gave them battell in which Northumberland was slaine Bardolfe taken but wounded to death and the rest put to flight About this time also Sir Robert Vmphrevile Vice-admirall of England with ten men of warre entred Scotland burnt their Gallyâ—t and many other ships over against Lieth and brought away with him fourteen tall ships laden with corne and other staple commodities which at his returne he sent into the Markets round about and thereby brought down the prizes of all things and purchased to himselfe the name of Mend-market The Prince had been a Student In Queenes Colledge in Oxford under the tuition of his Unkle Henry Beaufort Chancellor of that University afterwards Bishop of Lincolâ—e and Winchester and lastly made a Cardinall by the title of Eusebius From Oxford the Prince was called to Court and the Lord Thomas Percy Earle of Worcester was made his Governour but comming afterward to be at his owne disposing whether being by nature valorous and not yet well stayed by time and experience oâ— whether incited by ill companions and emboldened by the opinion of his owne greatnesse he ranne into many courses so unworthy of a Prince that it was much doubted what he would prove when he came to be Prince Once it is said he lay in wait for the Receivers of his fathers Rents and in the person of a Thiefe set upon them and robbed them Another time when one of his companions was arraigned for felony before the Lord Chiefe Justice he went to the Kings Bench barre and offered to take the Prisoner away by force but being withstood by the Lord Chiefe Justice he stepped to him and struck him over the face whereat the Judge nothing abashed rose up and told him that he did not this affront to him but to the King his father in whose place he sate and therefore to make him know his fault he commanded him to be committed to the Fleete You would have wondred to see how calme the Prince was in his own cause who in the cause of his companion had been so violent for he quietly obeyed the Judges sentence and suffered himselfe to be led to Prison This passage was not a little pleasing to the King to thinke that he had a Judge of such courage and a Sonne of such submission but yet for these and such other pranks he removed him from being President of the Councell and placed in it his third sonne Iohn This made the Prince so sensible of his fathers displeasure that he thought it necessary to seek by al means to recover his â—ood opinion which he endeavored to doe by a way as strange as that by which he lost it for attiring himselfe in a garment of blew Sattin wrought all with Eylet-holes of black silke at every hole the needle hanging by which it was sowed and about his arme a thing in fashion of a hounds collar studded with SS of gold he came to the Court at Westminster to whom the King though not well in health caused himselfe in
him Of his Death and Buriall IN the fortysixth yeare of his Age having Peace both at home and abroad and being of too active a spirit to be idle he tooke upon him the Crusado and great provision was made for his journey to Ierusalem but alas his journey to Ierusalem required no such provision for being at his prayers at S. Edwards shrine he was suddenly taken with an Apoplexie and thereupon removed to the Abbot of Westminsters house where recovering his senses and finding himselfe in a strange place he asked what place it was and being told that he was in the Abbots house in a Chamber called Ierusalem Well then said he Lord have mercy upon me for this is the Ierusalem where a Southsayer told me I should dye And here he dyed indeed on the 20. day of March in the yeare 1413. when he had lived sixe and forty yeares Reigned thirteen and a halfe It is worth remembring that all the time of his sicknesse his will was to have his Crowne set upon his bolster by him and one of his fits being so strong upon him that all men thought him directly dead the Prince comming in tooke away the Crowne when suddenly the king recovering his senses missed his Crown and asking for it was told the Prince had taken it whereupon the Prince being called came back with the Crown and kneeling down said Sir to all our judgements and to all our griefes you seemed directly dead and therefore I tooke the Crown as being my Right but seeing to all our comforts you live I here deliver it much more joyfully than I tooke it and pray God you may long live to weare it your selfe Well saith the king sighing what right I had to it God knowes But saith the Prince if you dye king my sword shall maiâ—teine it to be my Right against all Opposers Well saith the king I referre all to God but I charge thee on my Blessing that thou administer the Lawes indifferently avoyd Flatterers deferre not to do Justice nor be sparing of Mercy And then turning about said God blesse thee and have mercy on me and with those words gave up the Ghost His body with all Funerall pomp was conveyed to Canterbury and there solemnly buried Of men of Note in his time OF men of Valour in his time of whom there was great store I shall need to say no more than what hath already been said in the body of the story onely I cannot but remember Sir Robert Kâ—olls who borne of meane parentage made himselfe famous over all Christendome and dying at a Manour of his in Norfolk was brought to London and buried in the Church of the White Fâ—ieâ—s in London which himselfe had re-edified But for men of learning I must set in the first place William Wickham a man of no learning yet well worâ—hy tâ— hold the place In relating of whose life I must have leave to expatiate a little His fathers name was Iohn Long or as some say Perot but as Campian proveth Wickham and not from the place of his dwelling though he was Parish-Clerke of Wickham in Hampshire where he taught children to write in which quality his sonne William proved so excellent that Nicolas Wooddall Constable of Winchester Castle tooke him from his faâ—her â—nd kept him at Schoole first at Winchester afterward at Oxford till himselfe being made Surveyor-generall of the Kings works he sent for this William to serve him as his Clerke who in short time grew so expert in that imployment that Adam Torletoâ— Bâ—shop of Wincheâ—ter commended him to the King who imployed him presently in surveying his Fortifications at Dover and Quinborough Castles and afterward made him Surveyor of his Buildings at Windsor Castle and his houses of Henley and East-Hamstead And here first Envy rose up against him for having caused to be engraven on the stone of a wall in Windsor Castle these words This made William VViâ—kham some that envyed his rising complained to the King of this insolencie as arrogating to himselfe that excellent piece of Building to de done at his charge but VVickham called before the King about it made answer that his meaning waâ— not neither by any indâ—fferent construction could it import that VVickham made that buiâ—ding but that the same building made VViâ—kham as being a meanes of the Kings great favour towards him This answer pacified the King who tooke him daily more and more into his favour and being now entred into the Ministery was first made Parson of S. Martins in the Fields then Minister of S. Martins le Grand â—fâ—erwards Archdeacon of Lincolne Provost of VVells and Rector of Manyhens in Devoâ—shire so as at one time he had in his hands so many Ecclesiasticall livings that the value of them in the Kings bookes amounted to eight hundred seventy sixe pounds thirteen shillings besides which he was honored with many Temporall places of great profit and respect as to be his principall Secretary Keeper of the Privy Seale Master of the Wards and Liveries Treasurer of the Kings Revenues in France and some other Offices After which the Bishoprick of VVinchester falling voyd meanes was made to the King to bestow that place upon him And here the â—â—cond time did Envy rise up against him informing the King that he was a man of little or no learning and no way sit for such a dignity whereupon the King made stay of granting it but when VVickham came before the King and â—old him that what he wanted in personall learning he would supply with being a Founder of learning This so satisfied the King that he bestowed the place upon him After this he was made Lord Treasurer of England and here the third time did Envy rise up against him for the King requiring of his subjects a supply of money It was answered that he needed no other supply than to call his Treasurer to accompt This blow struck deepe upon the Bishop for he was presently charged to give accompt for eleven hundred ninety six thousand pounds and whilst he was busie in preparing his account all his Temporalties upon importunity of Iohn of Gaunt were seized into the Kings hands and given to the Prince of VVales and himselfâ— upon paine of the Kings displeasure commanded not to come within twenty miles of the Court. In this case he dismisseth his traine and sendeth copies abroad of his accompt if it might be received but was hindred by the working of Iohn of Gaunt against him Upon this ground as was thought Queen Philip wife to K. Edward the Third upon her death-bed by way of Confession told VViâ—kham that Iohn of Gaunt was not the lawfull issue of king Edward but a supposititious Son for when she was brought to bed at Gauâ—t of a Daughter knowing how desirous the King was to have a Son she exchanged that daughter with a Dutch woman for a Boyâ— whereof she had been delivered about the same time with the Queen Thus much she confessed and
hinderance of enjoying it buâ— pretension of the Salâ—que laws which said he was neither according to the law of God nor yet intended at first to that Nation and though his Predecessors by reason of other incumbrances forbore to prosecute their Claime yet he being free from all such incumbrances had no lesse power than right to do it This indeed struck upon the right string of the kings inclination for as he affected nothing more than true glory so in nothing more than in Warlike actions Hereupon nothing was now thought of but the Conquest of France First thereâ—ore he begins to alter in his Arms the bearing of Semy-de-Luces and quarters the three Flower Deluces as the Kings of Fraâ—ce then bare them and that he might not be thought to steale advantage but to do it fairly he sent Embassadours to Charles the sixth then king of France requiring in peaceable manner the surrender of the Crown of Fraâ—ce which if he would yeeld unto then King Henry would take to Wife his Daughter Katherine but if he refused to do it then King Henry would with fire and sword enforce it from him or lose his life The Ambassadorâ— sent were the Duke of Exeter the Archbishop of Dublin the Lord Gray the Lord High Admirall and the Bishop of Norwich with five hundred horse who comming to the Court of Fâ—ance were at first received and feasted with all the honor and shew of kindnes that â—â—ght be but assoone as their message was delivered and that it was knowne what they câ—me about the copy of their entertainment was altered and they were sent away with as little complement as they werâ— before received with honor only told that the king would speedily make Answer to the King their Master by his owne Ambassadors and speedily indeed he did it for the Earle of Vendosme William Bâ—â—â—tier Archbishop of Bourges Peter Fresnel Bishop of Lyseaâ—x with others were arrived in England assoone almost as the Eâ—glish were returnedâ— But being come the Archbishop of Bourges made a long Oration in the praise of Peace concluding with the tender of the Lady Kâ—theriâ—e and 50000 Crowns with her in Dower besides some Towns of no great importance To which King Hâ—â—â—y by the Archbishop of Caâ—terbury made Answer That these offers were trifles and that without yeelding to his demands he would never desist from that he intended and with this Answer the French Ambassadors were dismissed It is sayd that about this time the Dâ—lphiâ— who in the King of France his sicknes managed the State sent to King Henry a Tonne of Tennis Balls in derision of his youth as fitter to play with them then to manage Armâ— which king Heâ—ry tooke in such scorne that he promised with an oath it should not be long ere he would tosse such iron bâ—lls amongst them that the best armes in France should not be able to hold a Racket to râ—turâ—e thâ—m And now all things are prepared and in a readines for the kings journey into France his men shipped and himselfe ready to go on shipbâ—â—rd when sodainly a Treason was discovered against his Person plotted by Richard Earle of Cambridge Hâ—â—â—y Lord Scroope of Masham Lord Treasurer and Thomas Grey Earle of Nâ—â—thuâ—berlâ—â—d and plotted and procured by the French Agents These being apprehâ—â—ded and upon examination confessing the Treason and the money which was sayd to be a Million of Gold by them for that end received were all of them immediately put to death From this Richard Earle of Cambridge second Sonne of Edmund of Lâ—â—gleâ— did Richard afterward Duke of Yorke claime and recover the Crown from the Laâ—castrian Family This execution done and the winde blowing faire king Henry weighs Anchor and with a Fleet of 1200 Sayle Grafton saith but 140 ships but Enguerant saith 1600 attended with six thousand spears and 24000 Fooâ— besides Engineers and labourers he puts to Sea and on our Lady Eve landeth at Caux where he made Proclamation that no man upon paine of death should robbe any Church or offer violence to any that were found â—narmed and from thence passing on he besieged Harâ—lew which when no succour came within certain dayes agreed upon the Town was surrendred and sacked Of this Towne he made the Duke of Exeter Captain who left there for his Lievetenant Sir Iohn Fâ—lstoffe with a Garrison of 1500 men It is said that when king Henry entred Hâ—râ—lew he passed along the streets bare foot untill he came to the Church of St. Martin where with great devotion he gave most humble thanks to God for this his first atchieved Enterprize From thence he marched forward and comming to the River of Soame he found all the Bridges broken whereupon he passed on to the bridge of Sr. Maxenae where 30000 French appearing he pitcht his Campe expecting to be fought with and the more to encourage his men he gave the â—rder of knighthood to Iohn Lord Ferrers of Groby Reynold Graystocke Percy Tempâ—sâ— Christopher Morisby Thomas Pickering William Huddleston Henry Mortimer Iohâ— Hosbalton Philip Hall but not perceiving the Freâ—ch to have any minde to fighâ— he marched by the Town of Aâ—yens to Bowâ—s and there stayed two dayes expecâ—â—ing battell and from thence marched to Corby where the Peasants of the Counâ—ry with certain men of Arms sent from the Dolphiâ— charged the right wing of the English which was led by Hugh Stafford Lord Boâ—rchier and wonne away his Standard but was recovered againe by Iohn Bromeley of Bromeley a Commander in the Loâ—â— Staffords Regiment who with his own hand slew him that had taken the Coloâ—â—â—â— and then taking them up displayed the same with sight whereof the English were so encouraged that they presently roâ—ted the Freâ—ch and put them to flight which valiant exploit the Lord Stafford recompenced by giving to Bromeley an Aâ—â—â—ity of fifty pounds a yeare out of his lands in Staffordshire After this the king marched towards Callice so strictly observing his Proclamation against Church robbingâ— that when one was complained of for having taken a silver Pyxe â—ut of a Church he not only caused the same to be restored but the souldier also to be hanged which point of Discipline both â—ept the reâ—â— from offending in that kinde and drew the people of the Country under hand to relieve his men with all things necessary The French king hearing that king Heâ—ry had passed the River of Sâ—ame by advice of his Councell who yet were divided in opinion sent Montjoy the French king at Arms to defye king Henry and to let him know he should be fought with which king Henrâ— though his Army was much infected with Feavers whereof the Earl of Stafford the Bishop of Norwich the Lords Molines and Burnell were lately deadâ— yet he willingly heard and rewarded the Herald for his meâ—â—age and first having cleered a passage over a bridge where of necessity he was to passe on the 22 of October he passed over with his Army At which time the
Duke of York that led the Rereward had discovered the Enemy to come on â—pace whereof he sent word to the king who thereupon made a stand and appointing his Officers what course to hold and encouraging his Souldiers they all attended when the battell should begin The French Army was divided into three battels in the first were placed eight thousand men at Arms foure thousand Archers and fifteen hundred Crosse-bowes the wings consisting of two thousand two hundred men at Arms this battaile was led by the Constable of France himselfe the Dukes of Orleance and Bourbon the Earles of Ewe Richmond and Vaâ—dosme the Lord Dempier the Lord Admirall of France the Marshall Bouciquale and others The middle Battaile wherein were more men at Arms was commanded by the Dukes of Barre and Alâ—â—soâ— and by the Earles of Vâ—â—monâ— Salings Blamont Grantpee and Rusey In the Rereward weâ—e all the remainder of the French forces guided by the Earles of Mâ—rle Dampmartin Faucoâ—bridge and the Lord Loâ—rey Captaine of Ardy The Frenchmen thus ordered being six times some say ten times as many as the English who were not above nine thousand thought of nothing but of the booty they should get In the meane time king Henry having made choice of a piece of grouâ—d halfe fenâ—ed on his back with the Village wherein they had rested the night before on both sides having strong hedges and ditches begun there to order his battell but first he appointed an ambush of two hundred Archers which upon a watch-word given should discharge their whole flight upon the flanke of the Enemies horse The Vauntguard consisting of Archers only was conducted by the Duke of Yorke who out of an heroicke courage made suâ—e for that place with whom were joyned the Lords Beaumont Willoughby and Fâ—â—hope The maine Battaile was led by the king himselfe which consisted of Bill-men and some Bow-men with him were the Duke of Glocester his Brother the Earle Marshall Oxford and Suffâ—lke The Rereward was led by Thomas Duke of Exeter the kings Uncle consisting of all sorts of weapons the horsemen as wings guarded the companies on both sides The king to prevent the fury of the French Cavallery by the direction of the Duke of Yorke appointed divers stakes studded with iron at both ends of six foot long to be pitched behinde the Archers and appointed Pyoners to attend to remove them as they should be directed These things thus ordered publique Prayers were humbly made and the on-set was presently given by the French horsemen whereupon Sir Walter Orpington according to direction caused the Bow-men behind the â—â—dges to let flie their arrowes which so galled the French horses that either they cast their Riders or through their unrulinesse so opened their Ranks that the right wing of the English horse had way to come in upon the French foot withall the French horse disorderly retiring they were miserably troden down disranked by their own company Upon which the King with his Main-battell came on with such 〈◊〉 that himselfe in person charged the Duke of Alaâ—son by whom he was well neere unhorsed but afterward having first slaine two of the Dukes men he châ—â—ged the Duke againe and with his sword beat him from his horse whom the Kings Guard notwithstanding the King cryed out to the contrary slew outright and with his fall the maine-battell of the French first gave ground then turned their backs and lastly cast away their weapons and fled But then certaine of the French-horsemen that first ran away led on by Robert Bondile and the Captain of Agincourt meaning to wipe away the blot of running away from souldiers by fighting with boyes set upon the Pages and Laundresses that were left in the Campe who gave such a lamentable shreeke that king Henry verily thought some fresh forces had been come whereupon he caused all the arrowes that were sticking in the field to be gâ—â—hered and the stakes to be plucked up and made ready to be againe used amongst which the Duke of Yorks body was found miserably hacked and defaced the fight whereof together with danger of a second Charge made king Henry give oâ—der the Prisoners should be all slaine except onely some principall men whom â—e caused to be bound back to back and so left For which fact though done in cold blood yet the King could not justly be taxed with cruelty seeing the number of the prisoners was more than of his own souldiers and nothing could give assurance of safety but their slaughter But all was not yet done for the Earles of Marle and Fâ—â—coâ—bridge with sixe hundred men at Armes who had stood still all day began now to stir and gave a brave Charge upon King Henries Army but being but few and their horses galled with the stakes they had onely the honour to dye bravely and indeed they slew more of the English than the whole Army had done before And now at last the King being satisfied by the Scouts that no Enemy was more to be seen he asked what the place was called and being told Agincourt Well then said he this shall be from henceforth called the Battell of Agincourt and presently he câ—â—sed the whole Army in their array as they were to give God thankes causing the Clergie there present to sing the Psalme of David In exitu Israel de Aegypto and made Proclamation that every one at the verse Non nobis Domine sed nomini tuâ— dâ— gloriam should kneele downe and the horse-men bow their bodies and then singing Te Deum and other holy Hymnes they marched to the Enemies Camp where the souldiers had liberty given them to take the spoyle A great Victory no doubt but yet a Victory by which the English gained not one foote of ground in France more then they had before and which â—oâ—shelet attributeth not so much to the valour of the English as to the indiscretion of the French who had so streightned the vantguard of their Army and pent them up so close together that they had not roome to draw out their swords so true is that saying Quos Deus vult perdere dementat The next day after the Battayle French Heâ—â—uldâ— came to aske leave to bury their dead and had it and the English Heraâ—lds appointed to make search made returne that there were slayn of the French above ten thousand whereof a hundred twenty six were of the Nobility bearing 〈◊〉 of Knights and Gentlemen of Coat-Armour seven thousand eight hundred seventy foure whereof five hundred were knighâ—ed the night before the Battell of common souldiers about sixteen hundred Amongst the slain of the Nobility were Charles le Brets High Constable Iaques of Chatillon Admir 〈…〉 the great Master of France the Master of the Crossebowes the Dukes oâ— â—â—aâ—son Braâ—â—â—â— and Barre the Earles of Nevers Marle Vaudemont Beaumont Graâ—â—â—ee Rousey Fâ—uconbridge Fâ—ys and Lestreuck There was taken Prisoners Charles Duke of Orleance Iohn Duke of Bourbon the Lords Danvert Fosseux
all the principall men of the Towne to come before him at their Senate house where some of them for their stubborne refusing the grace he had offered them were adjudged to death and the rest fined the spoyl of the Town was distributed amongst the souldiers The Captaine of the Castle stood out a while but being advertised that the king had sworne to shew no mercy if he did not surrender he gave twelve Hostages that if it were not relieved before the twentieth of September he would then give it up which not comming he performed and so the king had possession both of Câ—en and the Castle And now Charles the new Dolphin being but seventeene yeeres of age and bare of money had got into his possession all the jewels plate and money of the Queen his mother which so incensed her against him that to doe him a spight she placed the Duke of Burgundy in chiefe authority about the king who by reason of his infirmity was uâ—able himselfe to manage the State and the Duke having now the sword in his hands meant first â—o represse the growing boldnesse of the Dolphyn and afterward to repell the common Enemy and the Dolphyn likewise envying the Dukes advancement above him meant first to take down his swelling greatnes and afterward to fall upon the forreigne adversary and thus while private respects were preferred before publique whilest the Duke and the Dolphyn had their first intentions against one another not looking afteâ— king Henry but in the second place after their owne turnes served an easie way was left for king Henries proceedings and hee went on at his pleasure with small opposition Hee sent the Duke of Clarence who tooke in the City of Bayeux as likewise the Duke of Gloâ—cester the City of Lyseâ—x whilst himselfe remayning still at Caen put out of the city the natives that were impotent or yong infants to the number of fifteen hundred in their places put English people and finding a great masse of money and plate deposited by the Citizens in the Castle â—e caused the same upon proofe to bee respectively delivered to the right ownersâ— upon condition they would acknowledge him for their Soveraigne which moderate and just dealing wonne him more hearts then the force of his Armes had wonne him knees specially with the Normans who are easier to bee drawn with gentlenesse and love then forced by violence and compulsion From hence the king marched the first of October to Corfye Castle which within three dayes yeelded The fourth of October he came to Argenton which not relieved by a day agreed upon was likewise surrendred The Towne of Alâ—nson endured eight daies siege but in the end did as other their neighbour Townes had done From Alanson the Earle of Sâ—lisbury was sent to Faleys to view the strength thereof whom the king presently followed where the besieged concluded if it were not relieved before the second of January then to yeelde up the Towne No reliefe comming the Towne was yeelded up and soone after upon the like termes the Castle From hence the king returned to Caen to put in execution a Proclamation he had formerly made That if the inhabitants of Normandy that were fled returned not by a day assigned hee would then grant their Lands to his souldiers and thereupon he gave to the duke of Clarence during life the Vicounties of Aâ—ge Orâ—er and Ponâ—iâ—â— with all the Lands of those that were not returned according to the Proclamation All the Lent the king lay at Bayeux whilest his Navy still kept the Seas and daily tooke many French ships but upon the sixteenth of July such a Tempest took them that they were driven to fall in with Southampton and yet with all their diligence could not so save themselves but that two Ballingers and two great Carricks laden with merchandize were in the very Haven drowned In the meane time the Earle of VVarwick and the Lord Talbot besieged the strong Castle of Dâ—mfront The Duke of Clâ—rence tooke Courtâ—n and Burney and many other being taken as Chaâ—bois Bechelouyn Hâ—rcourt Fantgernon Creâ—enâ—r Anvyllâ—ers Bâ—gles in all of them he placed Captaines and Garrisons and particularly in Fresâ—y Sir Robert Brent lately made Viscount The Duke of Gloâ—cester also with the Earle of March and the Lord of Codnor tooke in all the Isle of Coâ—stâ—â—tiâ—e except Chereburg and then returned to the king but was sent back to take in that City also which after some time when no reliefe came was together with the Castle likewise surrendred although by this time the Duke of Burgâ—â—diâ— and the Dolphyn by mediation of the Pope were reconciled and began to joyne theiâ— Forces to make resistance And now the Duke of Exeter the kings Uncle with a supply of fifteene thousand men out of England came to the king who presently took in the City of Eureux and the Earle of Ryme the strong Castâ—e of Millâ—y le Vesco The next thing attempted was the siege of Roâ—â— a Citie strongly fortified both with walls and diâ—ches and to which there was no convenient passage but by the Citie of Lovieâ— to this Citie therefore he first layes â—iege which when no reliefe came within a time agreed on was surrendred and yet there was another impediment to be removed a stone-bridge which hindred the approach to Roan being exceeding strongly guarded For this King Henry devised floats of wickeâ— covered with beâ—sts hides by which the Duke of Clâ—rence with his quarter passed the River â—nd then laid siege to the Towne on â—hat side and for the other side he had other devises made with hogsheads and pipes fastned to â—irrepoles and Barges with which he passed his men over at pleasure and in the meane time he caused divers of his Souldiers that could swimme to make shew of passing the River three miles off another way with which the French-men being deluded drew all their forces thither â—nd by this meanes the Fort being left unfurnished of sufficient guard was presently forced to surrender and the Souldiers were taken to the Kings grace The bridge being thus gained the Duke of Exeter was sent and with him Windsor the Herald to summon the Citizens to surrender the Towne who not only gave proud answers but also made a sallye forth though with the losse of thirty of their men Upon this obstinacie of theirs the King presently orders his siege his own quarter was the Châ—rteux the Duke of Clarâ—nce at St. Gervays the Duke of Exeter at Port St. Dennis and every great Commander had his quarter assigned so as the Citie was begirt round and a great chaine of iron set upon piles and a strong wooden bridge for passage from one Campe to the other was made over the River At this time the Earle of Kilmayne with sixteen hundred Irish came to the King and had their quarter assigned them who behaved themselves with great valour The Kings Cosen Germane the King of Portugall sent likewise a Navie of
thousand men at Arms and foure and twenty thousand Archers whom about the middle of May he followeth himselfe and safâ—ly aâ—riving at Câ—lliâ— hasted to relieve Charters which the Dolphin with seven thousand men had besieged but hearing of the kings comming was retired to Tours The king of Scots with the Duke of Glocester about the eighth of Iuly besieged Dreux which agreed if it were not relieved by the twentieth of that moneth then to surrender it no reliefe comming it was surrendred The king pursuâ—d the Dolphin from place to place but could not overtake him but in the way surprized the Towne of Bâ—wgâ—â—cy where all that craved it he â—ooke to mercy as likewise he did at Roâ—gemoâ—t from thence he went to Orleance and from thence to Vigneâ— St. Toâ— and from thence to Paris where having fitted himselfe with supplies he went and sate downe before Menixe in Brye which after some opposition he also tooke and thereby had possession of all the Fortresses in the Isle of France in 〈◊〉 in â—rye and in Champaigne Upon St. Nicholas day in the yeare 1422 Queen Katherine was brought to bed of a Son at Windsor who was by the Duke of Bedford and Henry Bishop of Winchester and the Countesse of Holland Christned by the name of Henry whereof when the king had notice out of a Propheticke rapture he sayd Good Lord I Henry of Monmouth shall small time Reigne and much get and Henry borne at Windsor shall long time Reigne and lose all but Gods will be done About this time the Dolphin layd siege to Cosney which the king was intentive to relieve as being a Town of the Duke of Burgoignes and therefore tendredit more than if it had beene hiâ— owne and making over-hasty journeys he over-heat himselfe with travell and comming to Sâ—â—lys found himselfe so ill at ease that he was forced to remaine there and to send his brother the Duke of Bedford to prosecute his designe which the Duke performed and the Dolphin upon his approach retired into Berry whereof in mockage he was after called the king of Berry But the kings Feaver and flâ—â— increasing he was removed to Boys de Vincens where growing worse and worse within a few dayes he dyed But somewhat before his departure he had made his Brother the Duke of Bedford Lievetenant Generall of Norâ—â—â—dy and Regent of the kingdome of France and his Brother the Duke of Glocester he had made Protector of England and of his Sons Person Exhorting all to be true and faithfull to the Duke of â—urgoâ—gâ—e to be at unitie amongst themselves to be loyall to their young Prince to be serviceable to his dearly beloved Queene to hold aâ—d preserve what he by his valour and Gods assistance had wonne and never to conclude contract of amitie with the Dolphin or Duke of Alanson untill they had submitted themselves to the kings Gracâ— And so giving God thanks for all his favors and blessings bestowed upon him in the midst of saying a Psalme of David he departed this life who might justly have prayed God with David Take me â—ot away in the midst of my dayes for he dyed about the age of five or six and thirty years which in Davids account is the midst of the number of the dayes of mans life but though he dyed in the midst of his dayes yet he dyed in the fulnesse of his Glory and of whom it may he said Iamque arce potitus Ridet anhelâ—â—tes durâ— ad fastigâ—â— montis When he had Reigned nine yeares and five moneths Of his Taxations IN his first yeere an incredible sum of money was given him by the Clergy to diâ—ert him from a motion propounded to take away their Temporalties And in the same yeere a Subsidie was granted him both by the Clergy and the Laity In his fourth yeere was granted him towards his warres in France two whole Tenths of the Clergy and a fifteenth of the Laity which being farre too short to defray his great charge he was forced to pawne his Crowne to the Bishop of Beauford his Uncle for a great sum of money as also certain Jewels to the Lord Major of London for ten thousand markes In his ninth yeere in a Parliament at Weâ—â—minster for revenge of the Duke of Clarence death two tenths of the Clergy and one fifteenth by the Laity which because the haste of the businesse could not stay the usuall course of collection the Bishop of Winchester brought in presently twenty thousand pounds to receive it againe when the Subsidie should be gathered The same yeere also the Duke of Bedford in the kings absence called a Parliament wherein was granted towards his warres one fifteenth to be paid in such money as was at that time current These are all the Subsidies that were given him notwithstanding his many and great atchievements by which it appeares what great matters a moderate Prince may doe and yet not grieve his subjects with Taxations Of Lawes and Ordinances made by him or in his â—ime HE ordained the king of Heralds over the English which is called Gâ—rter In his ninth yeare in a Parliament holden at Westminster It was ordained that no man should offer Gold in payment unlesse it were weight and thereupon were appointed ballances and weights An act made in the thirteenth yeare of king Richard the Second which disabled the Alien Religious to enjoy any Bâ—nefices within England was in the beginning of this kings Reigne put in execution and further this king excluded also the French from all preferments Ecclesiasticall and those Priors Aliens Conventuall who had institution and induction were bound to put in security not to disclose or cause to be disclosed the Counsell and secreâ—s of the Realme Affaires of the Church in his tiâ—e IN the beginning of his Reigne the Wickliffs increased greatly of whom Sir Iohn Oldcastle was a Chiefe who by mariage of a kinswoman of the Lord Cobhamâ— of Câ—â—ling in Kent obtained that Title This knight being very valorous and in great favour with the king was in a Synod at London accused for maintaining of Wickliffâ— doctrine whereof the king being informed sent for him and instantly dealt with him to submit himselfe to the censure of the Church But Sir Iohn Oldcastle told the King that he owed his subjection onely to his Majestie and as for others he would stand for the truth against them to the uttermost of his life Upon this he was served by Processe to appeare in the Archbishops Court and not appeaâ—ing was condemned of Contumacy and afterwards in a Synod at Rochester was by the Archbishop pronounced to be an Heretick who then enacted that Decree That the Holy Scriptures ought not to be translated into the English tongue But marke the judgement that fell upon his owne tongue whoâ—e rootes and blade shortly after as is recorded grew so bigge in his mouth and throat that he could neither speake nor swallow downe meat but in horrour lay languishing till at last
his Sons only King Heâ—ry the Fifth to be his eldest And now that in him the heroicall nature was come to the height it degenerated againe in King Henry the Sixth which must needs be attributed to the mothers side who though in her selfe she were a Princesse of a noble spirit yet being the issue of a crazie father what marvell if she proved the mother of a crazie issue and yet even this issue of hers a Prince no doubt of excellent parts in their kinde though not of parts kindly for a Princâ— in a private man praise-worthy enough but the sword of a King required a harder mettall than the soft temper of King Henry the sixth was made of and in him we may see the fulfilling of the Text Vae genti cujus Rex est puer Woe to that Nation whose King is a Childe for he was not above eight moneths old when he succeeded his father in the Kingdome although that Text perhaps is not meant so much of a child in years for which there may be helps by good Protectors as of a childe in abilities of ruling whereof though possibly there may yet probably there can be no sufficient supply of which in this King we have a pregnant example for as long as he continued a childe in yeares so long his Kingdomes were kept flourishing by the Providence of his carefull Uncles but assoone as he left being a Childe in years and yet continued a childe in ability of Ruling then presently began all things Iâ— pejus ruere retro sublapsa referri all things went to wracke both in France and England And thus much was necessary to be sayd by way of a Preface to that great fall as it were of Nilus in King Henry the Sixth Henry called of Windsor because borne there the only childe of King Henry the Fifth as yet scarce nine moneths old succeeded his Father and was Proclaimed King of England on the last of August in the yeare 1422 by reason of whose infancie King Henry his Father had before by his Will appointed and now the Lords by their consent confirmed the Regency of France to Iohn Duke of Bedford the Government of England to Humphry Duke of Glocester the Guard of his Person to Thomas Duke of Exeter and Hâ—nry Beauford Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor wherein it was wisely provided that one man should not rule all lest it should prove a spurre to aspiring and withall stay them from envying one another when many were alike placed in the highest forme of authoriâ—y and indeed they all carried themselves so uprightly and carefully in their places that it well appeared the trust reposed in them by the dying King had made a strong impression of love and loyalty towards his Son The Duke of Bedford Regent of France was to keepe that by the sword which King Henry the Fifth by his sword had gotten wherein he had many and great assistants specially the two terrours of France Thomas Montacute Earle of Salisbury and Iohn Lord Talbot and amongst the French themselves the Duke of Burgoigne a friend no lesse powerfull than firme unto him The Dolphin also now crowned king at Poytiers and called Charles the seventh of France his father being newly dead within little more than a moneth after king Henry had likewise great assistants the Duke of Alanson and many other Peers of France and of the Scoâ—s many and some perhaps of the English that tooke part with him by meanes whereof the game of Fortune was a long time played betweene them with great variety The first act of the Duke of Bedfords Regency was an Oration which he made to the French in Paris which wrought this good effect that king Henry is Proclaimed king of England and of France and such French Lords as were present did their Homages and tooke their oathes to be true unto him The first act of hostility was performed by the new king of France who sends the Lord Granvile to Pont Meulan who surprized it putting all the English Souldiers to the sword but the Regent sending thither Thomas Montacute Earle of Salisbury so strongly beleaguered it that the Lord Granvile not only surrendred it but swore allegiance though he kept it not to the king of England From thence the Earle marched to Seyne which hee tooke by assault and put all the Souldiers except the Captain Sir William Maryn to the sword At this time the Regent the Duke of Burgoigne Iohn Duke of Brittaine and his brother in law the Earle of Râ—chmond who revolted afterward to the new king of France and was by him made Constable of France met at Amyens and there not only renewed the old League but further enlarged it to be offensive and defensive respectively and to make the friendship the more firme the Regent married Anne the Sister of the Duke of Burgoigne at Troys In this meane time the Parisians taking advantage of the Regents absence conspired to have let in the new king into Paris but the day before the night appointed for his admission the Regent with his power entred apprehended the Conspirators and put them to publicke execution That done he furnished all the Forts and places of strength with Englishmen and sent Sir Iohn Falstaffe who tooke in Pacye and Coursay two strong Castles whil'st himselfe with his forces tooke in Trayâ—els and Brâ—y upon Seyne The Constable of France the meane while with the new kings forces layd siege to Cravant in Burgoigne but the Regent sent thither the Earle of Salisbury who set upon the French and after a long fight putting them to flight slew about 1800 knights and gentlemen of noteâ— and three thousand common Souldiers Scots and French tooke prisoners the Constable himselfe the Earle of Ventadour Sir Alexâ—â—der Alerdyn Sir Lewis Ferignye and two and twenty hundred Gentlemen Of the English part were slaine Sir Iohn Gray Sir William Hall Sir Gilbert Halsall Richard â—p Maddocke and one and twenty hundred Souldiers From thence the Eâ—rle led his forces to Montaguillon and sate downe before it which after five moneths Siege he took whil'st the Duke of Suffolke took in the two strong Castles of Cowcye and le Roche Whil'st these things are done in France in England the Protectour Ransomed and inlarged the young king of Scots Iames the first who by the space of eighteene yeares had been kept a Prisoner which he did out of opinion thâ—t he might withdraw the Scots out of France taking Homâ—ge and fealty of him for the Crown of Scotland in these words Iâ—ames â—ames Sâ—eward King of Scotâ— shall be true and faithfull to you Lord Henry King of England and France the Superiour Lord of Scotlandâ— and to you I make my fidelitie for the sayd Kingdome which I hold and claime of you and shall do you service for the same so God me helpe and these holy Evangelists and therewithall with consent of all the Nobility the Protector gave him to Wife Iane Daughter to the
deceased Duke of Somerset and Cosen Germane to the King with a large Dowry and married them at St. Mary-Overys in Southwarke yet all this curtesie could not keep him afterward from being unfaithfull and unthankfull And now the Protector sent over to the Regent ten thousand wel furnished Souldiers with which fresh succour he wonne many Townes and places of strength which the French seeing and finding themselves too weak by plaine force to withstand the English they sought by subtilty to compasse their ends and first they worke upon the inconstancie of the Duke of Brittaine and his brother Arthur by King Henry the fifth created Earle of Yewry whom by gifts and promises they suborned perfidiously to deliver over into their possession the Castles of Crotoye and Yerney but the English before the French Garrisons were setled fell upon Crotoye and recovered it and that done the Regent besieged Yerney and by secret mining and violent Batteries so shooke the Walls that they agreed to yeild it up if not relieved by a certaine time whereupon the Duke of Alaâ—son with sixteene thousand French came to the rescue but perceiving the English to be prepared to receive them he wheeled about to Verâ—oyle and swore to the Townsmen that hee had put the Regent to flight and rescued Yerney which they believing rendrâ—d up Vernoyle to him but the Regent followed him thither when by the encouragement of some fresh Companies of Scots come to his succour he came to a battell in the field where the English with the losse of two thousand one hundred common Souldiers and two of the Nobility the Lord Dudley and the Lord Charleton got the honor of the day and slew of their enemies five Earles two Viscounts twenty Barons and above seven thousand other of the French besides two thousand seven hundred Scots lately arrived and tooke Prisoners the Duke of Alanson himselfe the Lord of Herâ—ys and divers other French and Sir Iohn Tourâ—â—ull and two hundred Gentlemen besides common Souldiers This battell was fought the eight and twentieth day of August in the yeare 14â—4 and thereupon Vernoyle was presently redelivered After this the Earle of Salisbury with ten thousand men taketh in the strong Towne of Mâ—â—â—ts the Towne of St. Susan the Fort Sâ— Bernard and others from thence he went to Aâ—jou where he performed such heroicke Acts that his very name grew terrible in all France as for instance the new High-Constable perfidious Richmond with forty thousand men layd Siege to the good Town of St. Iames in Benyoâ— the Garrison whereof consisted but of six hundred English who being driven to some extremity sallied forth crying Saâ—nt George a Salisbury which word of Salisbury so frighted the French thinking hee had been come to rescue them that casting away their weapons they ran all away saving some few that yielded themselves prisoners leaving all their Tents fourteen Peeces of Ordnance forty Barrels of Powder three hundred Pipes of Wine much Armour and some treasure behinde them After which other Castles as that of Beamâ—â—t of Vicount Tenney Gilly Osce Rusey Vasicke and many more were taken in by Sir Iohn Monâ—gomery and Sir Iohn Falstaffe so as once againe the French are glad to betake themselves to their old course of fraud they compounded with a Gascoigne Captaine for delivery of Alâ—â—son to them whereof the Regent having notice he sent the Lord Willoughby and Sir Iohn Falstaffe to prevent it who encountering with Charles de Villiers that with two hundred horse and three hundred foot was come to the place appointed for entry tooke and slew them all except some few horse which saved themselves by flying After which the Earle of Salisbury tooke in and demolished above forty Castles and strong Piles for which there was publique thanksgiving to God in London Whil'st these things were done in France an unkinde variance fell out betweene the Protector and his brother the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellor for appeasing whereof the Regent having substituted the Earle of Warwick Lievtenant Generall in his absence came into England where in a Parliament he compounded all differences between them in honour whereof king Henry kept a solemne feast at which time the Regent dubbed the King knight not yet above foure yeares old and then the King presently invested with that dignity many of his servants and Edmund Mortimer the last Earle of March at this time dying his Inheritance descended to Richard Plantagenet sonne and heire to Richard Earle of Cambridge beheaded at Southampton who was now created Duke of York was afterward father to king Edward the fouâ—h and at this time also Iohn Mowbray sonne and heire to Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk banished before by king Richard the second was restored to the Title of Duke of Norfolk And now all things peaceably setled in England the Regent with the Bishop of Winchester returned into France where at the intercession of the Duke of Burgoigne the Duke of Alanson was ransomed for two hundred thousand Crownes and the Bishop of Winchester returned to Callice where he was invested with the dignity and Hat of a Cardinall which his brother the Regent put upon his head About this time the Duke of Glocester Protector tooke some blemish in his honour by marying another mans wife Iâ—queline Countesse of Haynoult Holland and Zealand who was maried before to Iohn Duke of Brabant yet living and had lived with him ten moneths as his lawfull wife but at that time upon some discontent gone from him intending to be divorced at which injury offered to the Duke of Brabaâ—t the Duke of Burgoigne being his Cosin tooke so great offence that first by friendly letters he admonished the Duke of Glocester of it and that not prevailing they grew to termes of challenge and a Combat between them was appointed but in the meane time the Lady betrayed was caried to the Duke of Burgoigne who conveyed her to Gaunt from whence by friendship of a Burgonian knight in mans apparell she escaped into Holland and there made a defensive warre against her husband the Duke of Brabant and the Duke of Burgoigne To her ayd the Duke of Glocester sent the Lord Fitzwater with a Power of a thousand men but she being discomfited by the Duke of Brabant and the Pope also pronouncing the first mariage legall the Duke of Glocester deserted her and then tooke for a second wife Eleanor daughter of the Lord Cobham of Sterborough his old mistresse and the Lady Iaqueline after the death of Iohn Duke of Brabant maried a meane Gentleman whom the Duke of Burgoigne imprisoned and brought herselfe to live in much trouble And now in France the Constable with forty thousand men besieged the Town of S. Iames de Benuron and having made a breach fit for assault whilst his Captaines stood streining of courtesie which of them should first enter Sir Nicolas Burdet with all his forces sallied forth crying aloud A Salisbury a Suffolk whose names struck such
a terrour into the besiegers that they stood like men amazed of whom six hundred were slaine two hundred drowned in the ditches fifty taken prisoners with eighteen Standards and the Constable was glad to quit the place and give over the Siege At the same time also the Earle of Warwick and the L. Scales with seven thousand besieged Ponterson many weekes together but Povâ—sion waxing scant the Lord Scales with three thousand men went a forraging into the Enemies Country and in his returne with plenty of provision was encountred with six thousand French of whom he slew many hundreds tooke above a thousand prisoners and then returned safe into the Campe. About this time also Sir Iohn Falstaffe besieged the strong Towne of Gravile which after twelve dayes offered to render it selfe by a day if it were not relieved The offer was taken and Pledges delivered but before the day came they within â—he Towne had victualled and manned the place and thereupon neglecting their Pledges refused to render the Castle according to agreement whereupon the Pledges were brought before the sight of them within the Castle and there openly put to death And now a conspiracy of the Clergie and Magistrates in Maunts so prevailed that the Marshals of France with five hundred men about midnight came to the Town-walls where the Guard of the English by those that seemed their friends were suddenly massacâ—ed and setting open the Gates made way for the Enemy to enter whereupon the Alarum given the Earle of Suffolk with the surviving English withdrew to the Castle wherein they were sharply assayled by the French who yet had more minde to ransack houses and to make good cheere whereof the Lord Tâ—lbot having intelligence by Captaine Goffe whom he had sent to discover the state of the French he secretly gave notice to the Earle of Suffolk who thereupon sallied forth of the Castle at a time when the Lord Tâ—lbot was ready with his Troopes and on both sides crying St. George a Tâ—lbot they fell upon the carelesse French who lost foure hundred of their best men the rest were all taken the Town re-gained and the Conspiratours thirty Citizens twenty Priests and fifteen Friers condemned and put to execution Whilst these things went on prosperously in France a great disaster fell out in England for the right Noble Thomas Beauford sonne of Iohn of Gâ—uâ—t and Katherine Swiâ—ford Duke of Exeter and Guardian of the King makes king Henry his heire and at East-Greenwich in Kent ended his life whose place was presently supplyed by the Earle of Warwick and the Earles place in France by the Earle of Salisbury who thereupon with five thousand men came to Orleaâ—ce and besieged the City and won from the French the great fort But here happened another great disaster for from an high tower in this fort the Besiegers observed the passages of the Townsmen when the Noble Earle of Salisbury intending to informe himselfe of the state of the Towne unfortunately looking out at a window of the fort with Sir Thâ—â—â—â— Gâ—rgrave a great shot from the Town striking the barres of the window the splinters thereof were driven into his head and face of which wounds within eight dayes he died This was now a second weakning to the English party but in his place the Earle of Suffolk succeeded to whom the Regent sendeth Sir Iohn Falsâ—â—â—â—â— with fresh supplies whom the Lord de la Brets nine thousand strong endeavours to intercept but Sir Iohn resolving to abide the charge placeth his cariages behind the horse next and the foot before lining his bowes with bill-men and pitching stakes behind the Archers who having discharged their first volley retired behind the stakes on which the French forgetting their former defeats by that course ran and goared their horses by which their Vaward being disordered the Battaile made a stand which Sir Iohn perceiving cryeth out St. George Theyâ—â—ie at which words they fled indeed and lost two thousand five hundred of their men with the Lords de la Brets and William Steward eleven hundred were taken Prisoners with whom and a rich booty they came to the Campe before Orleance Hereof the besieged having notice they offered to submit themselves to the Duke of Burgâ—igne who was contented to receive them so as the Regent would consent But the Regent consented not and therefore in the meane time the besieged made meanes to the Duke of Alâ—â—soâ— who furnished the Towne with fresh Forces and Provision which put such spirits into the Citizens that they made a sally out slew six hundred English and adventured upon the Bastile where the Lord Tâ—lbot commanded who repelled them with great slaughter of their men but yet the next day the Earle of Suffolk gave over his siege and dispersed his Army into their Garrisons And now the wheele of Fortune began to turn to the French against the English which once set a going was not easie to be stayed And first the Duke of Alâ—â—soâ— tooke by assault the Towne of Iargeux and in it the Earle of Suffolk and one of his brothers and slew Sir Alexander Pole another of his brothers and many other Prisoners in cold blood by reason of a contention amongst the French to whom the Prisoners should belong Presently upon this â—nother great blow was given the English for the Lords Talbot Scaleâ— and Hungerford going to foâ—tifie the Town of S. Meuâ— were encountred by the said Duke of Alâ—â—son and Arthur of Britaine with three and twenty thousand men with whom the English Lords interchanged some blowes but oppressed with multitude were all three taken prisoners all sore wounded twelve hundred of their company slaine and the rest hardly escaping to Meâ—â— where they fortified themselves the best they could against future assaults These were great blowes given to the English fortune in France Salisbury slaine and now Talbot taken prisoner which though they made her a little to totter yet there must be greater blowes given before she will fall And indeed these disasters were seconded by the perfidous surrender of many Townes and strong Holds to the French king who now encouraged by these successes marcheth into Champaigne where by composition he tooke Troyes the chiefe City of that Province Chaltoâ—s rebelleth and enforceth their Captaine to yield it up by whose example the Citizens of Rhemes doe the like where the French king is anew Proclaimed and with accustomed ceremonies Anointed and Crowned whereupon many Townes submit themselves to him and revolt from the English Upon this the Duke of Bedford to make the French know that all the English strength consisted not in onely Salisbury and Talbot with ten thousand English besides Normans marched out of Paâ—is and sent letters of defiance to the French king affirming that deceitfully and by unjust meanes he had stolne many Cities and places of importance belonging to the Crown of England which he was come to justifie by battell if he would appoint a time and place To which the
King of France making a slight answer the Regent marcheth apace towards him and as fast the King of France marcheth away The Regent followed him but could not overtake him till he came neere Seâ—lys there both the Armies encamped and embattelled yet only some light skirmishes pâ—â—â—ed between them and a night or two after the French king fled with his Army to Brâ—y which the Duke thinking to be but a plot to draw him further off from Paris of whose fidelity he had no great assurance followed him no further but returned thither At which time the Regents brother the Cardinall having prepared forces to assist Pope Martin in Bohemia the Regent borrowed them of him for a present expedition and with them marched into Champaigne where he found the French king encamped upon the Mount Pihall whose number being twice as many as the Regents yet by no provocations could he be drawn to battell but secretly fled to Crispis whereupon the Regent also returned to Paris Whilâ—st these things are done in France In England upon St. Leonards day the 6. of November 1429 King Henry not yet eight yeers old was with great solemnity Crowned at Westminster at whose Coronation were made six and thirty Knights of the Bathe and after the solemnity a feast and if any man desire to know so much Cookery hee may read in Fabian all the dishes of meate that were served at that feast About this time in France a strange Impostor ariseth a maid called la Pucelle taking upon her to be sent from God for the good of France and to expell the English and some good indeed she did for by her subtle working the King was received into Champaigne and many Townes were rendred to him whil'st the Lord Lâ—nguevile tooke by surprize the Castle of Aumarle and slew all the English that were in it But all these were but petty acquests to the king of France there is a knot of friendship between the Dukes of Bedford and Burgoigne which must be broken or he will never be able to compasse his designes He therefore labours by all meanes possible to disunite them wherein he so little prevailed that the Duke of Burgâ—igâ—e acquaints the Regent with all the practises who thereupon with many thanks exhorteth him to continue fiâ—me of which he should never have cause to repent him And because Normandy was a principall part of the English strength in France he goeth thither and by many reasons perswades them as their Ancestors had alwayes been to be faithfull to the Crown of England In this time of the Regents absence from Paris the King of France drew all his forces thither using all meanes possible by Escalado Battery and burning the gates to enter the City but was so withstood by the vigilancy of the Citizens that he was glad to sound Retreat leaving his slaine and maimed souldiers behind him all but the Pucelle who being hurt in the legge and almost stifled with myre in the ditch was by a servant of the Duke of Alanson drawne up and conveyed after the King to Berry who by the way received the submission of the Inhabitants of Lâ—igâ—ye Some other services were performed on both sides by the Duke of Suffolk and Sir Thomas Kyriell for the English by the Bastard of Orleance and Sir Stepheâ— le Hye for the French but of no great importance till at last the Pucelle who a little before had caused an English Captaines head to be cut off because he would not humble himselfe to her upon his knee was by Sir Iohn of Luâ—zemburgh taken and presented to the Duke of Burgoigne who sent her to the Regent and he to the Bishop of the Diocesse who judicially proceeding against her as a Sorceresse and deceiver of the King and his subjects she was after many delayes of promise to discover secret practises and lastly of her feigning to bee with childe publickly burnt at Roan And now the Regent finding how much the Crowning of the French king had furthered his designes he made account the like effect would follow the Crowning of King Henry in France whereupon he is sent for to come over and comming to Paris was by his Uncle the Bishop of Winchester and Cardinall of Eusebius not yet above nine yeares old with all usuall ceremonies Crowned King of France receiving the oaths of Homage and Fealty of all the French Nobility that were present and of all the Inhabitants of Paris and of the places adjacent Upon this Pope Eugenius laboured a Reconcilement between the two Kings but could effect nothing but onely a Truce for six yeeres which agreed upon King Henry reâ—urnâ— into England and landeth at Dover the eleventh of February But the six-yearesâ— Truce was scarce openly Proclaimed when the French had cunningly possessed themselves of divers Castles and places of strength justifying their actions affirmingâ— That what was politickly obtained without blowes was no infringement of the Truce and afterwards they perfidiously conveyed two hundred men into the Castle of Roan with intent to have surprized it but being discovered they were all taken and either ransomed or put to execution Upon this the Regent whose wife the Sister of the Duke of Burgoigâ—e being lately dead and he maried againe to Iaquelinâ— the Earle of S. Pauls daughter with whom he went over into England returned againe to Paris to whom the Lord Talbot having now paid his ransome commeth bringing with him seven hundred tryed souldiers and with them the Regent takes the field where the French Army lay but the French slunâ— away in the dark as not daring to abide the hazard of a battell About this time the Duke of Bourbon taken at the battell of Agincourt after eighteen yeares imprisonment paying eighteen thousand pounds for his Ransome the same day he was enlarged dyed at London And now a very great effect was produced out of a very small cause There had been sparks of unkindnesse between the two great Dukes of Bedford and Burgoigâ—â— which brake out into a flame upon this occasion A time and place was appointed where they should meet to compound some differences that were between them The place agreed upon was St. Omers a Town in Burgoigne When the time came they stood upon this nice point Which of them should first come to the place as thinking that he which did so should thereby acknowledge himselfe to be the meaner person The Duke of Bedford thought he had no reason to doe it seeing he was Regent of France and therefore superiour to any subject in the Kingdome And the Duke of Burgoigne thought he had no reason to doe it seeing it was to be done in his own Dominions where he was himselfe the Soveraigne Lord. Upon this nice point they parted without meeting and the unkindnesse grew afterward to so great hatred that the Duke of Burgoigne chose rather to be friends with him thâ—t had murthered his father than ever to have any more commerce with the Duke of Bedford Thus
was one great branch of assistance lopt off from the English which had been a great meanes before to make it flourish and it was not so much that the assistaâ—ce was taken from the English as that it was added to the French for after this the Duke of Burgoigâ—e brought more assistance to the new king of France than ever he had done before to the King of England By which we may see when the Divine Providence hath a worke to effect what slight occasions it oftentimes takes to effect the worke Great blowes had been given before in France to the English fortune by the enemie but now a blow was given to it by Destiny which made the Enemyes blowes the more incurable for now the wise valiant faithfull Regent of France Duke of â—â—â—ford Anjou and Alansâ—n Earle of Mayne Harcourt Drieux Richmond and Carlile and Viscount Beâ—mont upon the fourteenth of September 1435 ended his life at Pâ—ris which was in a manner the ending the life of the English fortune in France all former blowes had beene upon inferior members but this was a blow upon the head and therefore mortall and indeed the English fortune in France never 〈◊〉 liâ—â—ed up its head but very weakely He was buried in our Ladies Church at 〈◊〉 whereat the Nobility of Normandy much repined who would have had theiâ— owne Territory honored with his Sepulchre yet see the levity of these men who a few years after in the Reigne of Lewis the Son of Charles would have had his Monument to have beene demolished as being dishonorable such an Arch enemie to France should be Interred in the Metropolitan Citie of that Province But 〈◊〉 answered God forbid I should give way to so dishonorable an act to disquiet his dead bones who living would have disquieted us all and it savours of too much basenesse to insult upon a dead Lyon But yet in these disasters there might have beene some reparation by a good Succeâ—â—or had not Envy and Ambition bred disturbance the Duke of Somerset desired the Succession but the Duke of Yorke obtained it which bred such an envy in the Duke of Somerset towards him that he laboured nothing so much as to crosse his designes and was a means to hinder the Duke of Yorkes going to his charge so long thâ—â— the Pâ—risians had time to thinke of freeing themselves from the English serviâ—â—de and thereupon the Citie after it had remained seventeen yeares in the possesâ—â—â—â— oâ— the English yeilds to the Constable and upon composition expels all the English and which was worse many other Towns followed this example of Paris for what Town would not willingly do as Paris did the epitome as it were of all France and which they stick not to call Le Monde de Paris as though there were upon earth no oâ—hâ—r world but Paris Even the Normans who had alwaies been most firm to the English yâ—â— had run the â—ame course if the Lord Talbot had not kept them in awe with the â—laughter of five thousand of them that way inclined And now after thesâ— great losses we must be content to play smaller game cast at Castles and Forts and some small Towns like the strugling of dying men doing acts of life till there be no more life remaining And this was now our case in France The new Regent with eight thousand Souldiers arrived at Harflâ—w and from thence marcheth to 〈◊〉 where he wonne the reputation of justice and uprightnesse notwithstanding all the calumniations of the Duke of Somerset when the revolted Duke of 〈◊〉 pretending title to the Town of Callis approacheth it with an Army of forty thousand men takes the poore â—â—stile of Oyâ— and slaughters and hangs many of the â—â—fendants The â—â—xards besieged the Castle of St. Markâ— tooke it and demolished itâ— from thence they begirt Callis with a â—iege but were repelled Then the Duke of Bâ—rgoigâ—e sent the Lord Croy to besiege the Castle of Guysnesâ— but were repelled thâ—râ— also In the meane time Pembroke the Herald brought a defiance to the Duke of â—urgoigne from the Duke of Glocester the Protector that he would give him battell if he would abide it to whom the Duke of Burgoigne answered he should be 〈◊〉 to finde him where he now was Whereupon he calleth a Councell and whilst they are debating what is best to be done the Calliciens make a sallye take the Baâ—â—â—â—â— which they had builded by force and slew eight score of the Burgoigâ—ians which so terrified them that they upbraid the Duke of Burgoigne and make both him â—nd the Lord Croy to quit their quarters and in such haste to be gone that they left â—â—reat part of their best Ordnance and all their Provision for the reliefe and helpe of the besieged and it seemes they had reason so to do for the next day being the sâ—ven and twentieth of Iuly the Duke of Glocester landed at Callis with five and twenty thousand good fighting men who finding the enemy recolled forraged all the Countrey thereabout and for the space of sixe weekes â—arrowed all thâ— parts of Flâ—â—ders Artholâ— and Hainault and then returning by St. Omers Arde and Gâ—â—sâ—es arrived at Callis And now we must look a little home for the D. of Yorke returning intoâ— Eâ—glâ—nâ— findes the Castle of Roksborough beâ—ieged by the King of Scots with thirty thâ—usand men but he hearing of the Earle of Northumberlands appâ—oâ—ch and the Dukes returne incontinently fled And now againe to France where the Towne of Hâ—rflew was sold to the French but the Duke of Somerset and the Lord Talbot besetting it both by sea and land though the Earle of Ewe and the Bastard of Orleance and Bourbon wiâ—h foure thousand men came to relieve it yet upon composition it was surrendred And here we may have leave to speake of a private matter for about this time the Dutchesse of Bedford married Sir Richard Woodvile a gallant young Gentleman but of small meanes which though it offended her friends yet it seems offended not God who made her mother of many children by him and amongst the rest of the Lady Elizabeth afterwards married to King Edward the fourth Also about this time Iames King of Scots who before had beene eighteene years Prisoner in England and afterward released with a wife of a noble house a great Dowre and many honorable Presents yet proved ungratefull was murthered in his bed-chamber by night whose murtherers being found out were cruelly tortured And now againe to France when the Duke of Burgoigne could neither by force nor policie take Câ—llice he attempted a ridiculous practise to cut a ditch that should drowâ— both the Town and Country but after much labour and expence his designe like a vapour vanished into ayre The Lord Talbot besieged Tankervile and after foure moneths siege hath it rendred to him In revenge whereof the French King in his owne person layes siege to Monstreau which whil'st the Duke of Yorke was providing to rescue he was
discharged of his office done of purpose by his enemies to lay a blot upon him A lamentable thing in a State when private envy shall be suffered to undermine the publique safety and by this meanes Sir Thomas Gâ—rard had the more opportunity to sell the Towne for which if he were a gainer in money he was yet a loser in reputation and hated both of French and English in much discontent dyed Arthur Constable of France and Iohn Duke of Alanson besieged the Towne of Aurancâ—es but were with dishonor repelled by the Lord Talbot After this Le Hyre sent Letters to them that he had a promise from divers Burgers of Roâ—â— to let them in at any time appointed against which time they came to Râ—ze within foure leagues of Roan but the Lord Talbot having notice hereof marched covertly to Roaâ— and from thence before day to Ryze where he surprizeth the French takes the Lord Fountaines Sir Allan Geron and many others and with a rich booty returneth to Roan The sixt day of November in the sixteenth year of the Kings Reign the Earle of Warwicke having oftentimes been aboord and still beaten back by tempest landed at Harflâ—w with a thousand fresh Souldiers and from thence came to Roaâ— but in the meane time the Duke of Burgoigne seeing no new Regent yet come besiegâ—th the Towne of Croâ—â—y to the reliefe whereof the new Regent now come sent the Lord Talbot with five thousand men whose approach the Duke not enduring retired to Abâ—evyle leaving onely foure hundred with whom hee had manned the â—â—style by him there erected which was soone gained and all the souldiers either taken or slaine And here the valiant Talbot sent word to the Duke that if he would save his Countrey from vastation he should come to a battell but the Duke not liking the match conveighs himselfe to Aâ—yeâ—s Twenty dayes together did the Lord Talboâ— with fire and sword passe through Piccardie and Arthoâ—s without opposition and then returned Sir Thâ—mâ—â— Kyriell seized upon the Dukes Carriages and Ordnance and having left in Crotoy victuall enough for six hundred men for a whole yeare he brought the rest to the Earle of Warwicke And now Henry Earle of Mortaigâ—e Son to Edmund Duke of Somerset arrived with two hundred Archers and three hundred Spears took the Castle of St. Aâ—yoâ— wherein were three hundred Scots and French the Scots he flew all and hanged the French because they had sworn fealty to England and broke it he tooke likewise the Castle of Algarche and by means of an ambush taketh the Lord Camerois comming to the rescue thereof On the other side the Towns of Neux in Brye and Susan were sold and delivered to the French by the treacherous Burgers In Iune the Earle of Huntingtâ—â— with two thousand Archers and foure thousand Speares was sent into Gascoigne whither the Earle of Danois was lately come to buy Towns and Castles but the Earle of Huntington upon his comming thither changed all the Captains and Officers whereby he prevented all such bargains and so farre had bribery spread it selfe at this time that even in Normandy the English Captaines â—ad but small confidence in the Natives and not much in some of their owne Nation whereupon Sir Richard Woâ—dvile Sir William Chamberlaine and sir William Peâ—o were sent thither to stop the current of that corruption At this time the Councell of France procured a reconcilement between the king and the Dolphin who had beene long in jealousies and dissention which if â—t had not beene done the kingdome had beene torne with Factions and never beene able to subsist And now in a great frost and snow the English under the conduct of Sir Iohn Clifford having covered their Armour with white shirts and their heads with white Almâ—â— skulls came to Ponthois by night and undiscovered past the ditches scaled the walls slew the Guards and tooke the Towne but this good lucke was accompanied with a bad of more importance for presently upon it the Earle of Warwicke dyed in the Castle of Roan and conveyed into England was buried in his Castle of Wâ—rwicke To reduce Pontâ—ois the French King in person layeth siege unto it when Richard Duke of Yorke being the second time made Regent having with him the Earle of Oxford aud the Earle of Ewe levyes a power to raise the Siege and arriving there sends word to the King that the next morning he would give him battell but the King liked not his bidding but leaving his Ordnance at midnight stole away to Poyssy thither also the Regent followes him but with no provocations could draw him to fight About this time a treaty for Peace between the two Kings is appointed to be held at Callis by the mediation of the Dutchesse of Burgoigne a Portugall Lady Commissioners meet of both sides but nothing concluded only the Duke of Orleance who had been prisoner to the English five and twenty years is by the Dutchesse medâ—ation ransomed with three hundred thousand Crowns of the Duke of Burgoignes money The Lord Willoughby besiegeth Deepe which the Dolphin with sixteene thousand men commeth to raise and there young Talbot is taken prisoner with Sir Iohâ— Peto and sir Iohn Repley but are shortly after redeemed by exchange And now another weakning happened to the English party the Earle of St. Paul forsakes them and is reconciled to the King of France The English lay siege to Tartus for the raysing whereof the French King marcheth thither with 60000 men relieveth the Towne and then marcheth to Saveryne which he taketh in and in it Sir Iohn Rampston after which he tooke in Arques but then the English cutting off all convoyes of victualls from comming to him he is forced to returne after whose departure the English recover all that he had taken and to boot take his Lieâ—tenant prisoner slaying or hanging all his Souldiers In this meane while the Lord Talbot taketh in Conquet and driveth the Bastard of Orleance from the siege of Gagliâ—rdâ— but the French in the Castle of Cornhill detained many English prisonersâ— for redeeming of whom Sir Francis the Aragonist used this stratagem he apparelled halfe a dozen lusty fellowes like Peasantsâ— carrying baskets with corne and victualls and sends them to the Castle while he with his company lyes in ambush in a Valley neere the Castle the six unsuspected are admitted and comming to the Captaines chamber seize upon him and withall give the signe to the ambush who comming readily on entred the Castle put the Souldiers to the sword set the prisoners at liberty burnt downe the Castle and with the booty and Captaine of the Castle returned to Roan Whil'st these alternations passed in France a more unnaturall passed in Engâ—and the Uncle riseth against the Nephew the Nephew against the Uncle The Duke of Glocester Articles against the Cardinall charging him with affecting Preheminence to the derogation of the Kings Prerogative and contempt of his Lawes which Articles are delivered to the
whom if the King would be pleased to commit toward till his legall tryall might be had in Parliament he would then not onely dismisse his army but come unto his presence as a loyall subject Hereupon the Duke of Somerset is committed to prison The Duke of Yorke dismisseth his army and commeth in person to the King in whose presence contrary to his expectation he found the Duke of Somerset which so moved him that he could not hold but presently charged him with Treason which the Duke of Somerset not onely denieth but 〈◊〉 aâ—re the Duke of Yorke to have conspired â—he kings death and the usuâ—pation of the Crown whereupon the king removeth to London the Duke oâ— Yorke as a prisoner ryding before him and the Duke of Somerset at liberty which was not a little mervailed at by many And now the king calleth a Councell at Westminster where the two Dukes are earnest in accusing each other but while the Counsell are debating of the matter there comes a flash of lightning out of France which diverted them for the Earl of Kendall and the L' Espar câ—me Embassadours from Burdeaux offering their obedience to the Crown of England if they might but be assured to be defended by it but withall at the same time there came a report that Edward Earle of March sonne and heire to the Duke of Yorke with a great power was marching towards London Here was matter for a double consultation and for this latter it was resolved on that the Duke of York should in the presence of the king and his Nobility at the high Altar in Paulâ— take his Oath of submission and Allegiance to king Henry which he accordingly did and then had liberty to depart to his Castle of Wigmore And for the former the Earle of Shrewsbury with about three thousand men was sent into Gascoigne who ariving in the Isle of Madre passed forth with his power and took Froâ—sack and other pieces but having received in the night instructions from Burdeaux of certaine conspiratours he makes all the speed he can thither and was entred the Town before the French had notice of his comming so that many of them were slaine by the Lord L' Espar in their beds Shortly after there arrived the Earle of Shrewsbury's sonne Sir Iohâ— Talbot with the bastard of Somerset and two and twenty hundred men by whose means Burdeaux is well manned with English in which time the Earle was not idle but went from place to place to receive the offered submission of all places where he came and having taken Chatilloâ— he strongly fortified it whereupon the Freâ—ch king raiseth an army and besiegeth Chatillon to the rescue whereof the Earle maketh all possible speed with eight hundred horse appointing the Earle of Kendall and the Lord L' Espar to follow with the foot In his way he surprized a Tower the French had taken and put all within it to the sword and meeting five hundred French men that had been forraging many of them he slew and the rest he chased to their Campe. Upon whose approach the French left the siege and retyred to a place which they had formerly fortified whither the Earle followeth them and resolutely chargeth them so home that he got the entry of the Campe where being shot through the thigh with an Harquebuse and his horse slaine under him his sonne desirous to relieve his father lost his own life and therein was accompanied with his bastard brother Henry Talbot Sir Edward Hall and thirty other Gentlemen of name The Lord Nolius with threescoâ—â— other were taken prisoners the rest fled to Burdeaux but in the way a thousand of them were slaine And thus on the last day of July in the yeer 1453. at Chatilloâ— the most valourous Earle of Shrewsbury the first of that name after foure and twenty yeers service beyond the seas ended his life and was buried at Roaâ— in Normandie with this Inscription upon his Tombe Here lyeth the right Noble knight Iohn Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury Weshford Waterford and Valence Lord Talbot of Goodrich and Orchenfield Lord Strange of Blackmere Lord Verdon of Actoâ— Lord Cromwell of Winkfield Lord Lovetâ—ft of Worsoppe Lord Furnivall of Shâ—ffield knight of the Noble Orders of St. George St. Michael and the golden fleece great Marshall to King Henry the sixth of his Realme of France The Earle of Kendall the Lords Montserat Rosaine and Dâ—â—gledas entred the Castle of Chatillon and made it good against the French the space of ten dayes but then having no hope of succour they delivered it upon composition to have liberty to depart to Burdeaux and now the Gascoigâ—â—s were as ready to open their gates to the French as they were before to the English by means whereof in short time the French recovered againe all Gascoigâ—e except Burdeaux and that also at length upon condition that both garrisons and inhabitants with all their substance might safely depart for England or Callice and that the Lords L' Espar and Durant with thirty others upon paine of death should never after be found in the Territories of France At this time upon St. Bartholomews day an ancient custome being that the Major of London and the Sheriffs should be present in giving prizes to the best wrestlers It hâ—ppened that at the wrestling place neere Moore-fields the Prior of S. Iohns was there to see the sports when a servant of his not brooking the disgrace to be foyled before his Master against the custome of the place would have wrestled againe which the Major denyed whereupon the Prior fetcht Bowmen from Clarkâ—â—â—ell to resist the Major and some slaughter was committed the Majors Cap was shot through with an Arrow he neverthelesse would have had the spoâ—t goe on buâ— no wrestlers came yet the Major Sr. Iohn Norman told his brethren he would stay awhile to make tryall of the Citizens respect towards him which he had no sooner said but the Citizens with Banners displayed came in great numbers to him and fetcht him home in great triumph Upon the neck of this began the quarrell in Holborne between the Gentlemen of the Inns of Chancery and some Citizens in appeasing whereof the Queens Atturney and three more were slaine And now the Duke of Yorke by all means laboureth to stirre up the hatred of the Commons against the Duke of Somerset repeating often what dishonour England sustained by Somersets giving up the strong Towns of Normandy and how he abuseth the Kings and Queens favour to his own gaine and the Commons grievance then he addresseth himselfe to those of the Nobility that could not well brook his too much commanding over the Kings and Queens affection amongst others he fasteneth upon the two Nevils both Richards the father and the sonne the one Earle of Salisbury the other of Warwick with whom he deales so effectually that an indissoluble knot of friendship is knit betwixt them by whose assistance the King lying dangerously sick at Claringdon the
Duke of Somerset is arrested in the Queens great Chamber and sent to the Tower and in a Parliament now convoked appeâ—ched of Treason and many heynous crymes objected against him whereupon the King though weake is brought to London of purpose to dissolve the Parliament and that diâ—solved the Duke of Somerset is presently set at liberty againe and not only so but is made Captaine of Callice and Guysnes the onely remainder the English had in France Upon this the Duke of Yorke and his party with a great power march towards London against whom the King attended with the Duke of Somerset the Duke of Buckingham and his sonne both named Humfry Henry Earle of Northumberland Iames Earle of Wiltshire Iasper Earle of Pembrooke and two thousâ—nd men marcheth forwards at S. Albans both armies meet the Duke in the morning sendâ— a letter to the King protesting his fidelity and synderity onely he desires the Duke of Somerset may be delivered to stand or fall by the Judgement of his Peers and this he would have or dye in the pursuite The King for answer Commands him to disband and submit to his mercy and not expect that he will deliver any in his Army who have shewed their loves in standing to him Herewith the Duke acquaints his friends who hereupon fall every one to his quarter The Earle of Warwick fell upon the Lord Cliffords quarter where the Duke of Somerset hâ—sting to the rescue was slaine and with him the Earle of Northumberland Humfry Earle of Stafford the Lord Clifford and about five thousand others besides many that were hurt the King himselfe shot in the neck with an arrow the Duke of Bâ—ckingham and the Lord Scales in the faces the Earle of Dorset so hurt that he was faine to be carryed home in a Cart The Kings army had been increased after his comming forth to eight thousand but now they are all dispersed or slaine and the King unguarded is left in a poore thatcht house whither to be freed from the danger of arrows he had withdrawn himselfe The Duke of Yorke having notice where the King was goes with Waâ—wick and Salisbury who all three upon their knees present themselves before him making humble petition to him for pardon of what was past and now seeing the common Enemy was slaine they had what they aymed at To whom the King throughly affrighted said Let there be no more killing then and I will doe what you will have me This first battell of S. Albans was fought upon the three twentieth day of May in the three thirtieth year of King Henries raigne The bodies of the Duke of Somerset the Earle of Northumberland and the Lord Glifford were buried in the Chappell there And now the Duke of York in the kings name commands a surcease from â—â—rther hostility and in all reverent manner conveyeth the king to London where they keep the feast of Pentecost together at which time a Parliament is summoned to begin at Westminster the ninth day of July and therein it is enacted that the Duke of Gloâ—cester should be declâ—red publikely a loyall Subject and that none should misreport or dispute the actions of the Duke of Yorke or of any in his company and moreover the Duke of Yorke is mâ—de Protector of the kings Person and of the Realme the Earle of Saliâ—bury is made Lord Chancellor and the Earle of Warwicke Captain of Callis wherein they all carried themselves with unblameable demeanour In this meane time the Queene not well pleased with these proceedings sâ—ekes all meâ—ns to incite the Lords of her party and they as much seeke to incite her to make opposition she puts the Duke of Buckingham in minde that these Traitours had slaine his hopefull Son at S. Albans she tells the now Duke of Somerset that by them his deare Father lost his life And they againe put the Queen in minde of the unsufferable indignity done to her in making her Husband only a king in name setting a Tutor over him as though he were a childe whil'st the Duke of Yorke and his complices manage all Upon which incitation all the enemies of the Yorkshire Faction are assembled by the Queene at Greenwich where it is debated of some course to be taken for restoring the king to his former liberâ—y and Government at length it is concluded that the duke of Yorke should be commaâ—ded to give over his place of Protectorship for that the king was of yeares and discretion sufficient to Rule of himselfe without a Guardian and the Earle of Salisbury to surrender his place of being Lord Chancellor for that the great Seal was never delivered him seeing that which was now used was made since the kings restraint and therefore not sufficient to which conclusion of theirs the king easie to be wrought upon yields his coâ—sent and thereupon they are both discharged from their Offices and summoned to appeare at the Councell Table at Grâ—enwich but the Lords were wiser than to put themselves into their hands and therefore make answer that none had power to displace them nor to command their appearance in any place but in Parliament and so they continued about Londâ—n placing and displacing whom they pleased â—nd by their triumvirat authority tooke Iohn Holland Earle of Exeter out of Sanctuary and sent him prisoner to Poâ—fâ—et Castle These proceedings gave occasion to the licentious multitude to raise commotions and the Prentices of London upon a very slight occasion fall upon out-landish Merchants rifle and robbe their houses and the Major assembling a company of substantiall Citizens to suppresse them the Ring-leader of the disorder flyes to Sanctuary Commissioners are sent to enquire and punish the offence but when the Major and Commissioners were set tydings came that the Commons were up in Arms whereupon the Commissioners left the busines to be proceeded in by the Major who so discreetly ordered the matter that many of the offenders were punished some by death others by fine and all things were quieted and appeased At this time the French having little to do against the English in France would needs be doing something against them in England They set out two Fleets one under the conduct of William Lord Pomyers the other of Sir Peter Bressy the Lord fell â—pon Fulney in the West-Country the knight upon Sâ—â—dwich in Kent where some hurt they did but not of importance to countervaile their Voyage And now the Queen finding the little respect the Londoners bore to her party or the kings perswades the king as for his health and recreation to make a Progresse into Warwickeshire which he did by the way hunting and hawking and the Queen making show of minding nothing but pastimes and this she did with a purpose the easier to entrap the three Lords of Yorke Salisbury and Warwicke to whom shee writ most loving letters earnestly inviting them to be at Coventry by an houre appointed which they not doubting any fraud intended to have done but
in the North was raising a new army against whom King Edward upon the twelveth of March marched with his forces from London and by easie journeyes came to Pomfret Castle from whence the Lord Fitzwater was sent to guard the passage at Ferribridge to stop the Enemies approach that way King Henry likewise advanceth forward sending his power under the conduct of the Duke of Somerset the Earle of Northumberland and the Lord Clifford whilest himselfe with his Queen and Sonne stay at Yorke The Lord Clifford very early on Palm sunday with a troop of Northern men fals upon those that guarded Fetribridge and defeated them with the slaughter of the Lord Fitzwater and the bastard of Salisbury The Earle of Warwicke hearing of this defeate comes posting to King Edwards Câ—mpe and in his presence killing his horse Proâ—ested his resolution to stand with him to the Death Upon â—his Resolution of the Earles the King made presently Proclamation that all who were afraid to sight should at their pleasure depart but to those that would stay he promised good reward adding withall that if any that stayed should after turn his back or flee then he that should kill him should have double pay After this he gave order to the Lord Fawconbridge and Sir Walter Blunt to leade on the Vawâ—rd who in their march about Dandingdale encountred with the Lord Clifford who formerly in cold blood had slaughtered the young Earle of Rutland and he being stricken into the throate with an arrow some say without a head and presently dying the Lord Nevill Sonne and heire of the Earle of Westmerland was also slaine with most of their companies and the rest put to flight The next day likewise the Duke of Norfolke being dangerously sick to whom that place was assigned Fâ—â—conbridge and Blunt continue the leading of the Vaunt-guard and on Palm-sunday by break of day they came to a plaine field between Towton Saxtoâ— from whence they made a full survey of king Henries Army and certified king Edward that the Enemy was threescore thousand strong where his Army was but forty thousand and six hundred whereupon a second Proclamation was made through the Campe that no quarter should be kept nor prisoner taken The Armies being both in sight the Lord Fauconbridge gave direction to the Archers upon a signall by him given to shoote every man a flight-arrow for that purpose provided and then to fall back three strides and stand The Northern men in the mean time plyed their bowes till all their sheaves were empty but their arrowes fell short of the Enemy by threescore yards and not onely did no hurt to the Enemy but did hurt to themselves for their arrows being spent and comming to hand-blows their own arrows sticking in the ground galled their shins and pierced their feet Ten houres the battell continued doubtfull till the Earle of Northumberland being slaine with the Lord Beaumont Gray Dacres and Wells Sir Iohn Nevill Andrew Tâ—ollop and many other knights and Esquires the Earles of Exeter and Somerset fled leaving the Conquest to King Edward but the bloodiest that ever England felt for there fell that day six and thirty thousand seven hundred threescore and sixteen persons no prisoner being taken but the Earle of Devonshire The battell ended K. Edward hastes to York where he caused the heads of his father and other friends to be taken down and buried with their bodies setting in their places the heads of the Earle of Devonshire and three other there at that time executed The Earle of Somerset acquainting King Henry with this overthrow perswades him with his Queen and Son to flie to Barwick where leaving the Duke of Somerset they flie further for succour to the King of Scots who comforteth them with promise of reliefe but maketh a sure bargaine for in lieu of a pension to be allowed King Henry during his abode there the Towne and Castle of Barwick were delivered to him Queen Margaret and her Sonne are sent into France who obtained of Lewis the Eleveâ—th her Cosin that all of King Edwards friends were prohibited Stay or Traffick in the French kings Dominions but all King Henries friends might live there freely After this king Edward comes to London and upon his entrance to the Tower makes foure and twenty knights and the next day foure more and upon the 28 day of Iune in the yeare 1461. he rode from the Tâ—wer to Westminster and was there Crowned in the Abby-Church Shortly after a Parliament is summoned which began at Westminster the fourth of November In which all Acts of king Henry the Sixth prejudiciall to king Edwards Title are repealed and therein Iohn Earle of Oxford a valiant and wise man he who in a former Parliament had disputed the question concerning the precedency of Temporall and Spirituall Barons a bold attempt in those dayes and by force of whose Arguments Judgement was given for the Lords Temporall with his Sonne Aubry de Veer Sir Thomas Tiddingham knight William Tyrrell Walter Montgomery Esquires were without answer convicted of Treason and beheaded And to encourage others to well-deserving king Edward at this time advanced many in honour his brother George he created Duke of Clarence his brother Richard Duke of Glocester Iohn Lord Nevill brother to the Earle of Warwicke he made first Viscount then Marquesse Montacuâ—e Henry Bourchier brother to the Archbishop of Canterbury is made Earle of Essex and William Lord Fauconbridge Earle of Kent And now their new honours are presently put into imploiment the Earls of Essex Kent accompaneid with the Lords Audeley and Clinton Sir Iohn Howard Sir Richard Walgrave and others to the number of ten thousand are appointed to scowre the Seas who landing in Britaine took the town of Conqueâ— and the Isle of Ree and then returned At this time Henry Duke of Somerset Ralph Percy and divers others came in and humbly submitted themselves to king Edwards mercy who protested his propension of freely pardoning them and as many other that would submit themselves as they did All this time King Henry was in Scotland and Queen Margaret in France where she obtained of the French King a company of five hundred men with whom she sayled towards Newcastle and landed at Tinmouth but suddenly againe returned and was herselfe by tempest beaten to Barwick but her company was driven on the shore before Bamburg Castle where they set their Ships on fire and fled to an Islâ—nd called Holy Island but were so assayled there by the bastard Ogle and Iohn Manners Esquâ—re that many of them were slaine and almost foure hundred taken prisoners onely their Coronell Peter Bressie hâ—ppened upon a Fisherman who brought him to â—â—â—wick to Queen Margaret and by her was made Captaine of the Castle of Alnewick which he with his French-men kept till they were rescâ—ed Shortly afterâ— Queen Margaret having gotten together a great company of Scots and other of her friends bringing her husband with her and leaving
her Sonne at Barwick entred Northumberland tooke the Castle of Bamburg made Captaine thereof Sir Ralph Grey and then came forward to the Bishopprick of Durham whither resorted to her the lately Reconciled and now againe revolted Duke of Somerset Sir Ralph Percy and divers others who altogether made a competent army King Edward hearing hereof makes preparation both by sea and land and first he sends Viscount Montacute with some Companies into Northumberland whom he in person followeth with his whole power The Viscount marcheth towards king Henry and by the way encountreth the Lord Hungerford at Hegley-moore but he with Lord Basse upon the first charge ran away leaving Sir Ralph Darcy alone with his own Regiment who there valiantly fighting dyed After this the Viscount understanding that king Henry was encamped in Levels plaine neer the river of Dowell in Hexamshire marcheth thither by night and set upon him in his Campe whose charge the Northern men receive with a desperate resolution but were in the end with great slaughter overcome Henry Beaufort Duke of Somerset the Lords Basse Molins Hungerford Wenâ—worth Hussey and Sir Iohn Finderne knight with many others are taken prisoners king Henry himselfe by the swiftnes of his horse escaped but very hardly for one of his Hench-men that followed him was taken who had on his head king Henries Helmet or as some say his high Cap of Estate called Abacot garnished with two rich Crowns which was presented to king Edward at Yorke the fourth of May. The Duke of Somerset was beheaded presently at Exam the other Lords and knights were had to Newcastle and there after a little respite were likewise put to death Besides these divers others to the number of five and twenty were executed at Yorke and in other places This Duke of Somerset was never married but had a naturall Sonne named Charles Somerset who was afterward created Earle of VVorcester Sir Humfry Nevill and VVilliam Tailbois calling himself Earle of Kyme Sir Ralph Grey and Richard Tunstall with divers others that escaped from this battell hid themselves in secret places but yet not so closely but that they were espied and takenâ— The Earle of Kyme was apprehended in Riddesdale and brought to Newcastle and there beheaded Sir Humfry Nevill was taken in Holdernesse and at York lost his head After this battell called Exam-field king Edward came to the City of Durham and sent from thence into Northumberland the Earle of VVarwick the Lord Montacute the Lords Fawconbridge and Scroope to recover such Castles as his Enemies there held which they effected and taking in the Castle of Dunstanburg they found in it Iohn Gois servant to the Duke of Somerset who was brought to Yorke and there beheaded and taking in the Castle of Bamburg they found in it Sir Ralph Grey whom because he had sworn to be true to king Edward and was now revolted to king Henryâ— they degraded from his Order of knight-hood at Doncaster by cutting of his gilâ— Spurs renting his Coate of Arms and breaking his sword over his head and then beheaded him In this mean time king Henry upon what occasion no man knows but onely led by the left hand of destiny ventring in disguise to come into England and shifting from place to place was at length discovered and taken by one Câ—ntlow or as others say by Thomas Talbot sonne to Sir Edward Talbot of Bashall who deceived him being at his dinner at VVaddington Hall in Lincolnshire and brought him towards London with his legs tyed under the horse belly in whose company were also taken Doctor Hanâ—ing Deane of VVindsor D. Bâ—dle and one Ellâ—rton whom the Earle of VVarwicke met by the way â—nd brought them all to the Tower of London whilsâ— the distressed Queen with her sonne once again is driven to fly for shelter into France whither the new Duke of Somerseâ— and his brother Iohn sayled also where they lived in great misery and the Earle of Pembrâ—â—ke went from Country to Country little better then a Vagabond At this time king Edward to reward his followers distributeth the Lands and Possessions of those that held with king Henry amongst them but first made Proclamation that whosoever of the contrary faction would come in and submit should be received to grace and restored to their Patrimonies In the fourth year of king Edward in Michaelmas Tearm were made eight Serjeants at Law Thomas Young Nicholas Geney Richard Neale Thomas Brian Richard Pigot Iohâ— Catesby and Guy Fairfax who held their feast in the Bishop of Elyes place in Holborn where the Lord Grey of Ruthin then Lord Treasurer of England was placed before the Lord Major of London being invited to the feast which gave such a distaste to the Major that he presently departed with the Aldermen and Sheriffâ— without tasting of their feast and it was Registred to be a president in time to come And now king Edward no lesse intentive to perform the Office of a king in peace then he had been before of a Captaine in warrâ— considering with himselfe that seditious and civill dissensions must needs breed disorders in a state and that disorders bred by troubled times are not like troubled waters that will in time settle of themselves and recover cleernesse but are rather like weeds which once springing up and let alone will in time over run the whole groâ—nd where they grow He like a good Gardener seeks to weed them out before they grow too rank and endeavours to make a generall reformation of abuses and to that end in Michaelmas Term in the second yeare of his Reigne Three daies together he sate publikely with his Judges in Westminster-hall on the Kings Bench to acquaint himselfe with the Orders of that Court and to observe what needed Reformation in it either at Bench or â—t Barre as likewise he ordered the officers of his Exchequer to take more moderate Fees and to be more intentive to the benefit of the Subject than to their own unjust gaine He also daily frequented the Councell Table which he furnished for the most part with such as were gracious amongst the Citizens whom he imployes about references and businesses of private consequence whilest mysteries oâ— State were intimated only to such whom he selected to be of his more private Cabinet Counsaile by whom he being now of the age of three and twenty years wâ—â— advised that it was now time to provide for posterity by taking a wife and to provide also for the present time by taking a fit wife which they conceived to be no where so fitly found as in France both thereby to bury old grudges between the two Nations and also to avert assistance from Queen Mâ—rgâ—ret the onely disturber of the State and this being concluded it onely remained to make choice of a fit man for that imployment for which none was thought so fit as Richard Nevill Earle of Warwick he therefore is presently sent into Fraâ—ce to treate of a Marriage to
Daughter of Richard Beauchamp Earle of Wâ—rwicke deceased Upon this marriage the Earle of Warwicke discovered to hiâ— what hitherto he had concealed concerning his project for the restoring of k. Hâ—nry to which Clarence gave approbation with promise to assist him in it to his uttermoâ—â— At this time Sir Thomas Cooke late Major of London was by one Hawkins appeached of Treason for the which he was sent to the Tower and his place in Londoâ— seized by the Lord Rivers The case was this the sayd Hawkins came to Sir Thomas requesting him to lend a thousand Marks upon good surety who answered he would first know for whom it should be and for what intent and understanding it should be for the use of Queen Margaret he refused to lend a penny The matter rested two or three years till the sayd Hawkins was layd in the Tower and brought to the Brake called the Duke of Exeters Daughter by means of which paine hee confessed amongst other things the motion he had made to Sir Thomas Cookâ— and accused himselfe so farre that hee was put death Sir Thomas Cooke lying in the Tower from Whitsuntide till Michaelmas had his place in Essex named Gyddihall spoyled his Deere in his Parke destroyed and though arraigned upon life and death he were acquitted of the Indictment yet could not be delivered till he had payd eight thousand pounds to the king and eight hundred to the Queen And now the Earle of VVarwicke sendeth to his brothers the Arcbbishop and the Marquesse to prepare all things ready to set on foot the intended revolt from king Edward and to procure some rebellious commotion in the North whil'st he and his new Son in law would provide to goe forward with the worke which they accordingly did in Yorkeshire an occasion being taken for the breach of an ancient custome there to give to the poore people of St. Leonards in the City of Yorke certain quantities of Corn and Grain This commotion the Archbishop and the Marquâ—sse underhand fomented yet to colour the matter the Marquesse opposed the Rebels and cut off the head of Robert Huldorne their Captain but his head being cut off the Rebels got them other Captains Henry Son and heir to the Lord Fiâ—zhugh and sir Henry Nevill Son to the Lord Latimer the one the Nephâ—w the other â— Cozen-germane to the Earle of VVarwicke with whom they joyne the valiant Captaine Sir Iohn Conyers These when they could not enter Yorke came marching towards London all the way exclaiming against king Edward as an unjust Prince and an usurper King Edward hearing of this commotion sends Sir VVilliam Herbert whom of a meane Gentleman two years before he had made Earle of Pembrooke and his brother sir Richard Herbert together with the Lord Stafford of Southwick to suppresse the Rebels and they with an Army of seven thousand most Welchmen march towards them but the Lord Stafford being put from his Inne where he used â—o lodge by the Earle of Peâ—brooke tooke such a distaste at it that he withdrew his Archeâ—s and gave over the businesse yet the Earle of Pembâ—ooke though thus forâ—â—â—en with his own Regiment encountred the Rebels slew Sir Henry Nevill and divers othersâ— when being upon the point of victory one Iohn Clappaâ— a servant of the Eâ—rle of VVarwicke comming in with five hundred rascally fellows and crying aloud a Wâ—rwicke a Warwicke the Welchmen supposing the Earle had beene 〈◊〉 turned presently their backs and fled five thousand of them were slain the Eâ—â—le of Pembrâ—â—ke himselfe and his much lamented brother Sir Richard Herbert a most goodly personage were taken prisoners brought to Banbury where both oâ— thâ—â— with ten other Gentlemen were put to death And now the Northamptonshire men joyning with the Rebels in this fury made them a Captain named Robert Hillaâ—d but they named him Robin of Riddesdale suddenly came to Grafton where they tooke the Earle Rivers father to the Queen and his sonne Sir Iohn Woodvile brought them to Northampton and there without Judgement beheaded them King Edward advertised of these mischances wrote to the Sheriffs of Somerset-shire and Dâ—vâ—â—-shire to apprehend the Lord Stafford of Southwick who had treacherously â—â—â—saken the Earle of Pembrooke and if they could take him to put him to death who being soon after found in a Village within Brentmarsh was brought to Bridgeâ—aâ—er and there beheaded After this battell fought at Hedgecote commonly called Bâ—â—bury field the Northern men resorted to Warwick where the Earl with great joy received them and hearing that king Edward with a great army was comming thither he sent for his sonne in Law the Duke of Clareâ—ce with all speed to repaire â—â—to him who joyning together and using means cunningly by having some coâ—â—â—nication of Peace to make the king secure and to take little heed of himselfâ—â— they took advantage of his security and in the dead of night set on his Campe and killing the watch before the king was aware at a place called Wolney foure miles from Barwick they took him prisoner in his bed and presently conveyed him to Middleham Castle in Yorkeshire to be there in safe custody with the Archbishop of Yorke And now they had the Prey in their hand if they had as well looked to keâ—p it as they had done to get it but king Edward whether bribing his Keepers or otherwise winning them by faire promises got so much liberty sometimes for his reâ—reation to goe a hunting by which he caused Sir William Stanley Sir Thomas of 〈◊〉 and divers of his friends at a certaine time to meet him who took him from hiâ— Keepers and set him againe at liberty whil'st the Earle of Warwicke nothing doubting his brother the Archbishops care in safe keeping him thinking the brunt of the warres to be now past dismist his Army and intended only to finde out King Henryâ— who was kept a prisoner but few men knew where King Edward being now at liberty posteth to York and from thence to Lancaâ—â—eâ— where his Chamberlaine the Lord Hastings had raised some forces with which he marcheth to London aud is there joyfully received The Earle of Warwick likewise sends to his friends and makes preparation for a new army whil'st in the meâ—n time by mediation of divers Lords an enterview in VVestminster-hall is agreed upon and solemn Oath taken on both sides for safety between King Edward the Duke of Clarence and the Earle of Warwicke but each party standing strictly upon terms tending to their own ends they parted as great Enemies as they met and so from thence the K. went to Canterbury the Duke and the E. to Lincolne whither they had preappointed their forces to repaire under the Conduct of Sir Robert Wâ—lâ— Son heir of the L. Wels a man of great valour and experience in the wars K. Eâ—â—â—rd to take off so able a man from the Earles part sends for his Father the L. Wels to come unto him who taking with him his
the Duke of Glocester his brother the L. Hastings his Chamberâ—â—â—â—â— who having married the Earle of VVarwickâ— sister yet coâ—tinued ever true to 〈◊〉 Edward and the Lord Scales brother to the Queen he departed into Liâ—colâ—shire and câ—mming to Lyn he found there an English Ship and two Hulâ—s of Holland ready to make sayle whereupon he with the forenamed Lords and about seven or 〈◊〉 hundred persons entred the Ship having no provision with him but only the apparell they wore and so bare of money that he was faine to reward the Master of 〈◊〉 Ship with one of his Garments and thus making course towards the Duke of 〈◊〉 Country they were presently chased by eight great Ships of Easterlings opâ—n Enemies both to England and France which drove him before a Towne in the Country called Alquemare belonging to the Duke of Burgoigne where by châ—nce the Lord Grunture Governour of that Country at that time was who defended them from the Easterlings and brought them to the Hâ—ge in Holland where they had all things ministred to them by order from the Duke of Burgoigne At this time upon news of the Earle of VVarwickâ— approach Queen Elizâ—beth foâ—saketh the Tower and secretly taketh sanctuary at VVestminster where in great pâ—nury forsaken of all her friends she was brought a bed of a sonne called Edward who like a poore mans childe was Christened the Godfathers being the Abbot and Pâ—yâ—r of Westminster and the Lady Scroope Godmother And now the Earle of Warwicke entring the Tower removes king Heâ—ry out of his hold of durance wheâ—e he had been almost nine years into his own lodging where he was served according to his Estate which the Earâ—e did more congratulate then tâ—e king himselfe Upon this sixth day of October king Henry accompanied with â—he Archbishop of Yorke the Pryor of S. Iohns the Bishop of London the Duke of Clâ—rence the Earle of Warwicke and other Noblemen apparelled in a long gown of â—lew Velvet was conducted through London â—o the Bishops Palace where he rested â—ill the thirteenth of â—hat moneth on which day he went in solemne procesâ—â—â—â—â—bout Paulâ— Church wearing his Imperiall Crown the Earle of Warâ—ick bearing up his trayne and the Earle oâ— Oxford the sword before him The next day in all usuall places about London king Edward was Proclaimed an Usurper 〈◊〉 all his partakers Traytors to God and the king whereof Iohn Lord Tipâ—ofâ— Earle of Worcester as a partaker with king Edward was made the first example Thiâ— Lord had been Lievtenant for King Edâ—ard in Ireland where having done something 〈◊〉 which he fled he was afterward found on the top of a high Tree in the Forresâ— of VVâ—â—bridge in the County of 〈◊〉 â—nd being there taken was brought to Loâ—doâ— Attainâ—ed and 〈…〉 the Tower hill and afâ—er buried at the Blackfryâ—rs About this time happenâ—◠〈…〉 to be related Sir Williâ—â— Hâ—â—kesford knightâ— one of 〈…〉 Jusâ—iâ—â—s â—t the Lâ—wâ— who dwelt at Annoâ—y in Dâ—voâ—sâ—ire a man of grea◠〈◊〉 and â—â—ving no soâ—ne â—he Lord Fitzâ—aâ—reâ— Siâ— Ioâ—â— Sâ—â—â—â—eger and Sir Williâ—◠〈◊〉 mâ—rried his dâ—ughteâ—â— and were his heiresâ— This mâ—n grew into such â— degâ—â—â— of Melancholyâ— thâ—t one 〈◊〉 he called to him the Keeper of hiâ— Parâ— châ—â—ging him 〈◊〉 nâ—gligence in suffering his Deere to be stoln and thereupon commâ—nded him â—hat if he met any man in his circuit in the night-time that would not stand or 〈◊〉 he shoâ—ld not sparâ— to kill him whatsoever he wereâ— The knight having thâ—â— laâ—d hiâ— foundâ—tion and meaning to end his dolefull dayes in â— certaine darke night seâ—â—â—â—ly conveyd himselfe out of his house â—nd walked alone in his Pâ—râ— The Keeper in hiâ— night-walk â—eâ—ring one stirring and comming towaâ—ds him asked who was there but no answer being made he willed him to standâ— which when he would not doe the Keeper shot and kâ—lled him and comming to see who he was foâ—â—d him to be hiâ— Master On the twentieth dâ—y of 〈◊〉 a Pâ—rliâ—ment is held at VVestmiâ—ster wherein King Edward and all his pâ—rtakâ—â—â—â—re â—ttainâ—ed of high Treason and alâ— their Lands and Goods seized on to King 〈◊〉 use Geâ—â—ge Plâ—â—tâ—geneâ— Duke of Clarence is by authority of this Parliament adjudged heire to Richard Duke of Yorke his father and that Dutchy setled upon him and his heires notwithstanding the Primogeniture of Edward upon him also waâ— entailed the Crown of England in case heires males of the body of King Heâ—ry fâ—iled Iasper Earle of Pembrooke and Iohn Earle of Oxford are fully restored â—o their Lands â—nd Honourâ— and VVaâ—wick and Clâ—rence are made Governours of the King and kingdomeâ— To this Parliament came the Mâ—rquesse Montacute eâ—cusing himselfe that â—or â—eare of deaâ—h he had taken King Edwards part which excuse was accepted Queâ—n Margaret iâ— sent for into France but by reason of contrary windes was kept back all that Winter About this time Iasper Earle of Pembrooke going into VVales to view his lands in Pembrookeshire found there the Lord Henry borne of Margaret the onely daughter and heire of Iohâ— the first Duke of Somâ—rset not being then full ten years of age kept in manner like a captive but honourably brought up by the Lady Herbert him he brings with him to Loâ—doâ— and pâ—esents him to King Henry whom when the Kiâ—g had a good while beheld he said to the Lords about him Loe this is he to whom both we and our adversaries leaving the possession of all things shall hereafter give place Which if it be true It shews a very Propheticall Spirit to have been in King Henry that could so long beforeâ— foretell a thing so unlikely to happen for this was he that was afterward King Hâ—â—ry the Seventh before whom at that time there were many lives in being of boâ—h the housâ—â— of Yorke and Lâ—ncaster Shortly after this by the Duke of Burgoignes means King Edward is furnished with eighteen tall ships two thousand Dutchmen and fifty thousand florens of gold and thus furnished he took to Sea and landed at Ravenspurre in Yorkeshire where he found but cold entertainment neverthelesse he made a wary march to Yorke where likewise he found no great expression of welcome so as he was forced to change his pretence swearing deeply and receiving the Sacrament upon it that he came not to disturbe King Henry but only to recover his own inheritance and for the more shew thereof wearing an Estrichâ— feather Prince Edwards livery which â—roposition seemed so â—easonable that many who resisted him before were as ready to assist him now and if he be blamed for breaking his Oath it must be considered It was Regâ—i causa to recover his Kingdome which perhaps was the Inheritance he meant when he took his Oath that he intended nothing but to recover his Inheritance and so he brake not his Oath neither From Yorke he marched towards Wakefiâ—ld and Sendall leaving the Castle of Pomfret upon his left handâ— where the Marquesse Montacute with his Army
of Glocester finding this proceeding like to be a rub in his way at least not fit for his designes he presently fals to undermining writes most loving letters to the Queen protesting all humble and faithfull service to the king and her but withall perswading her that this great guard about the king might be presently dismissed which did but minister matter of suspition and would be apt to breed new jealousies in them who were now throughly reconciled The Queen of a nature easie to be wrought upon gives credit to his glozing letters and thereupon sends in all haste to her Sonne and to her brother the Lord Riâ—ers requiring them by all meanes for some causes to her known to dismisse their gâ—â—â—d not â—enâ—â—oning by whose advice she writ them which if she had done they would never have done but now upon her letters they presently did and came forward with oâ—â—ly a sober company And now is Glocesters first work 〈◊〉 but he knowing that the worke yet behinde was too great to be done by himselfe â—â—one gets the Dâ—ke of Buckingham and the Lord Hastings two of the greatest men of power at that time in the kingdome to joyn with him in opinion that it was not fit â—he 〈◊〉 kindred should be so wholly about the king and others of better blood and dâ—â—â—rt to be estranged from him and therefore by all means fiâ—â—o endeavour to â—emove them to which the Duke of Buckingham is easily wrought upon a promise to have the Earledome of Hartford conferred upon him and the Lord Hastingâ— not hardly upon a hope by this means to cut off many whom in king Edwards daies 〈…〉 â—ustly offended And now another great worke was done It remaines in 〈…〉 place to put it in execution which was presently this eâ—fected The 〈◊〉 king had been at Northampton and from thence was gone to Stonystratford 〈◊〉 the two Dukes of Glocester and Buckingham aâ—rived but pretending the Town to be too little for the entertainment of their Compâ—nies they went back to â—â—â—thampton and alighted at the same Inâ—e where the Earle Ryverâ— had taken up hâ—s lodging for that night intending the next morning early to overtake the king Upon this their accidentall meeting great shews of courtesie passed between them and supper ended the Dukes pretending wearines retire to their lodgings the Earle to his but the Dukes being entred into their Chambers enter into consultation 〈◊〉 their private friends in which they spent a great part of the night and then secretly get the keyes of the Inne gates suffering none to passe either in or out whereof the Earle having notice by his Host though he suspected the worst yet setting a good countenance upon the matter and trusting to his own Innocency he boldâ—y went to the Duke of Glocesters Chamber where he found the Duke of Buckingham and the rest closely set in counsell with whom he expostulates the reason of this coâ—â—se to imprison him in his Inne against his will bâ—t they in stead of answer câ—mmand presently to lay hands on him charging him with many crimes whereof themselves were onely guilty And then taking order for his safe imprisonment they speedily took horse and came to Stonistratford at such time as the king was taking horse whom in all reverent manner they saluted but presently in the kings presence a quarrell is pickt against the Lord Richard Grey the kings halfe brother The Duke of Buckingham making relation to the king that he and the Marquesse his brother with the Earle Rivers the Queens brother had endeavoured and almost eâ—fected to draw to themselves the whole mannaging the affaires of the kingdomâ— and to set variance between the Peeres of the Realme and particularly that the Lâ—â—d Marquesse without any warrant had taken out of the Tower of London both Treasure and Armour to a great quantity but to what purpose though they were ignorant yet there was just cause to suspect it was to no good end And therefore it was thought expedient by the advise of the Nobility to attach him at Northampâ—â—â— to have him forth-comming to make his answer for these and many other his evâ—â—-bâ—ld actions The king unable to sound the depth of these plots mildly â—aid 〈◊〉 him What my brother Marquesse hath done I cannot say but for my Uncle 〈◊〉 Brother here I dare answer that they are innocent of any unlawfull practises 〈◊〉 against me or you Oh saith the Duke of Buckingham that hath been their 〈◊〉 to keep their treachery from your â—races knowledge and thereupon â—nâ—anâ—â—y in the kings presence they arrested the Lord Richard Sir Thomas Vanghan Sir Richard Hall and brought the king and all his company back to Northampton pâ—â—â—ing away aâ—l his old servants and placing in their roomâ— creatures of their own whom they had power to command At which â—ealing the young king wept but it 〈◊〉 nothing and to colour the matter the Duke of Glocester at dinner sent a dish from his own table to the Lord Rivers bidding him â—e of good cheer for all 〈◊〉 should be well but the Lord Rivers thanking the Duke prayed the Messenger to carry it to the Lord Richard with the same message for his comfort as one to whom such adversity was strange but as for himselfe he had all his dayes been acquainted with it and therefore could the better beare it But for all this comfortable courtesie of the Duke of Glocester he sent the Lord Rivers and the Lord Richard with Sir Thomas Vaâ—gâ—â—â— into the North Country into divers places to prison and afterward to Poâ—fres where in Conclusion they were all beheaded And now the Duke of Glocester having thus gotten the custody of the King set forwards toward London giving out by the way that the Marquesse and the Queens kindred had plotted the destruction of the king and of all the antient Nobility of the Realme and to alter the Government of the Commonwealth and that they were onely imprisoned to be brought to their tryall according to Law and the better to settle these suggestions in the apprehension of the Vulgar they brought along with them divers Carts laden with Armour of their own providing with Dryfats and great Chests wherein they reported to be treasure for the payment of souldiers with which they so possest the common-people that all was believed for truth which was thus rumored But the finest devise of all was to have five of the Duke of Glocesters instruments manacled and pinioned like Traytors and these in every place where the King lodgedâ— to be dispersed and given out to be men of great birth drawn into this vile plot of Treason by the Queens brother who must seem to be penitent for their offence and to confesse their own guilt and this devise continued acting till the king came to Lâ—ndon where their visards were pull'd off and the disguise was soon discovered The Queen in the mean time having intelligence of these dolefull accidents and fearing there were worse
name are convoked to the Tower where â—itting preparations for the Coronation of the young King are proposed untill the Protectour came in who taking his chaire very affably saluted them merrily jesting with some and more than ordinarily pleâ—sant with them all when after a little talke he said to the Bishop of Ely My Lord I heare you have very good Strawberries at your Garden in Holborne I pray let us have a messe of them Most gladly said the Bishop and presently sent for some and then the Protectour rising up prayed the Lords to spare his absence a little and so departed Within the spâ—ce of an houre he returned but so changed in countenance and with such inward perturbations which with sighings and other passionate gestures he expressed so that it made them all to mervaile After long silence the better to prepare them to the more attention he confusedly interrogatesâ— What they deserved that neâ—ariously had prâ—ctised his destruction This unexpected interrogation strooke such amaâ—ement amongst the Lords that they all sate gazing on one another and were as â—t were stricken dumbe At length the Lord Hastings by Buckinghams instigatioâ— as one presuming of his intimacy with the Protector boldly answered That they deserved the punishment of Traytors which all the rest by their silence approved whereat the Protectour riseth up and with a sterne looke upon the Lord Hastings replyed Why it is the old sorceresse my brothers widow and her partner that common Strumpet Iane Shore that have by incantation conspired to beâ—eave me of my life and though by Gods grace I have escaped the end of their malice yet see the mischiefe they have done me for behold and then he bared his left arme to the elbow and shewed it how they have caused this deare limbe of mine to wither anâ— grow uselesse and so should all my body have been served if they might have had their will a little longer Those to whom the Queenes religious courses were not unknown aâ—d who knew his withered arme to have been such from his birth â—atâ— gazing one upon another not knowing what to thinke or say untill the Lord Hastings thinking thereby to leave all blame upon the Queen and excuse his Paramour Mistris Shore whom ever since the death of King Edward he had entertained for his bed-fellow and had but that morning parted from her with a sober looke submissely said If the Queene have conspired which word was no sooner cut of the Lord Hastings mouth when the Protectour clapping his hand upon the boord and frowningly looking upon him said Tellest thou me of If And I tell thee They and none but they have done it and thou thy selfe art partaker of the villany Who I my Lord quoth he yea Thou traytor quoth the Protectour and therewith upon a watch-word given those prepared before for that purpose in the outer Chamber cryed Treason Treason when presently a great number of men in armâ— came rushing in as it were to guard the Protectour one of which with a Pollax strook a maine blow at the Lord Stâ—nley and wounded him on the head and had slain him outright if he had not avoided the stroake by slipping backward and falling down to the ground Forthwith the Protectour arrested the Lord Hastings of high Treason and wisht him to make haste to be Confessed for he swore by S. Paul his usuall Oath that he would not touch bread nor drinke till his head were off It booted noâ— to ask why for he knew the Protectours actions were not to be examined So he was led forth unto the Greene before the Chappell within the Tower where his head was laid downe upon a long logge of Tymber and there strucken off His body afterward with his head were interred at VVindsor beside the body of King Edward In this mans death we may see how inevitable the blowes of Destiny are for the very night before his death the Lord Stanley sent a secret messenger to him at midnight in all the haste to acquaint him with a Dreame hee had in which hee thought that a Bore with his tusks so goared them both by the heads that the blood ran about their shoulders and for-as-much as the Protectour gave the Bore for his Cognisance this Dreame made so fearefull an impression in his heart that he was throughly resolved to stay no longer and had made his horse ready requiring the Lord Hastings to goe with him and that presently to be out of danger before it should be day But the Lord Hastings answered the messenger Good Lord leaneth your Master so much to such trifles to put such faith in dreames which either his owne feare fantaâ—ieth or else doe rise in the nights rest by reason of the dayes thoughts Goe back therefore to thy Master and commend me to him and pray him to be merry and have no feare for I assure him I am as sure of the man he woâ—â—eth of as of my own hand The man he meant was one Catesby well learned in the Lawes of the Land who by his favour was growne into good authority in Leicestershire where the Lord Hastings Estate lay Of this man he mâ—de himselfe so sure â—hat he thought nothing could be plotted against him which he would not presently reveale unto him But this man deceived him and was growne so inward with the Protectour that being set by the Protectour to draw him to be a party in his designes and finding he could not doe it was himselfe the first mover to rid him out of the way Another warning the Lord Hastings had the same morning in which he was beheaded his horse twice or thrice stumbled with him almost to falling which though it often happen to such to whom no mischance is toward yet hath it of old beene observed as a token foregoing some great misfortune Also at the Tower-wharfe neere to the place where his head soone after was strucken off he met with one Hastings a Pursuivant of his own name to whom he said Ah Hastings dost thou remember I met thee here once with a heavy heart Yea my Lord saith he I remember it well and God be thanked that time is past In faith man said the Lord Hastings I never stood in so great dread of my life as I did when thou and I met here and loe how the world is changed now stand my Enemies in the danger as thou mayest hap to heare hereafter for the Enemies he meant were the Lord Rivers and other of the Queens kindred who that very day were beheaded at Pomfret and I never so merry nor in so good surety as now I am That we may know there is not a greater Omen or signe of ill fortune than to presume of good And indeed such is the uncertainty of our estate in this life that we seldome know when we are in a Tempest at Sea nor when we are in a Calm on shore thinking ourselves oftentimes most safe when we are most in
King himselfe sitteth and ministreth the Law because he considered that it is the chiefest duty of a King to administer the Laws And here to get the love of the people by a feigned clemency he sent for one Fogge out of Sanctuary who for feare of his displeasure was fled thither and there in the fight of all the people caused him to kisse his hand After his return home he tooke to wife the Lady Anne youngest daughter of the great Warwicke and the relict of Prince Edward sonne of Henry the sixth though â—hee could not be ignorant that he had been the Author both of her husbands and 〈◊〉 death But womens affections are Eccentrick to common apprehension whereof the two Poles are Passion and Inconstancy Against his Coronation he had sent for five thousand men out of the North and these being come under the leading of Robin of Riddesdale upon the fourth of Iulyâ— together with his new bride he went from Baynards Castle to the Tower by waâ—â—â— where he created Edward his Sonne a childe of ten yeers old Prince of Wales◠〈◊〉 Lord Howard Duke of Norfolke his Sonne Sir Thomas Howard Earle of Surry◠〈◊〉 Lord Berckley Earle of Nottingham Francis Lord Lovell Viscount Lovell 〈…〉 Chamberlane and the Lord Stanley who had been committed priâ—oner to the â—ower in regard his Sonne the Lord Strange was reported to have levied forces 〈…〉 not only that day was released out of prison but was made Lord 〈◊〉 of his Househould The Archbishop of Yorke was likewise then delivered but Morton Bâ—shop of Ely as one that could not be drawne to the disinheriting of 〈◊〉 Edwards children was committed to the Duke of Buckingham who sent him to his Castle of Brecknock in Wales there to be in custody The same night were made seventeen knights of the Bath Edmund the Duke of Suffolkes sonne George Gray the Earle of Kents sonne Williaâ— the Lord Zouches sonne Henry Aburgaâ—â—â—â— Christopher Willoughby Henry Babington Thomas Arundell Thomas Boleigne Gervâ—â— Clifton William â—ay Edmund Bedingfield William Enderly Thomas Lewkuâ—â— Thâ—mâ—â— of Vrmond Iohn Bromne and William Berckley The next day being the fifth oâ— Iuly the King rode through the City of London to VVestminster being accompanied with the Dukes of Norfolk Buckingham and Suffolk the Earles of Northuâ—bâ—rland Arundell Kent Surrey VVilâ—shire Huntington Nottinghâ—m Warwick and Lincolâ—â— the Viscounts Liste and Lovell the Lords Stanley Aâ—dely Dâ—cres Peâ—â—ers of Chartley Powis Scroope of â—psale Scroope of Bolton Gray of Codner Grey of Wilton Sturton Cobham Morley Burgeveny Zouch Ferrers of Croby Wells Lumley Matrâ—vers Herbert and Beckham and fourescore Knights On the morrow being the sixth of Iuly the King with Queene Anâ—e his wife came downe out of the White-Hall into the Great Hall at Westminster and went directly to the Kings Bench and from thence going upon Ray-cloath bare-footed went unto St. Edwards shrine all his Nobility going with him every Lord in his degree The Bishop of Rochester bore the Crosse before the Cardinall Then followed the Earle of Huntington beâ—ng a paire of gilt-spurres signifying Knighthood Then followed the Earle of â—â—â—ford bearing St. Edwards staâ—fe for a Relique After him came the Earle of â—â—â—thumberland bare-headed with the pointlâ—sse sword naked in his hand signifying Mercy The Lord Stanley bare the Mace of the Constableship The Earle of Kenâ— bare the second sword on the right hand of the King naked with a point which signifyed Justice to the Temporalty The Lord Lovell bore the third sword on the Kings left hand with a point which signifyed Justice to the Clergie The Duke of Suffolk followed with the Scepter in his hand which signified Peace The Earle of Lincolne bore the Ball and Crosse which signified Monarchy The Earle of Sâ—rry bore the fourth sword before the King in a rich scabbard which is called the swâ—â—d of Estate Then went three together in the midst went Gartar king of Armes in his rich Coat and on his right hand went the Major of London â—earing a Mace and on his left hand went the Gentleman-Usher of the Privy Chamber Then followed the Duke of Norfolk bearing the kings Crown between his hands Then followed king Richard in his roabes of Purple-velvet and over his head a Canopy borâ—e by foure Barons of the Cinque-Ports and on each side of the king went a Bishopâ— on one side the Bishop of Bath on the other of Durham Then followed the Duke of Buckingham bearing the kings traine with a white staffe in his hand signifying the office of High Steward of England Then followed the Queenes traine before whom was borne the Scepter the Ivory rod with the Dove signifying innocency and the Crown herselfe apparelled in roabes like the kings under a rich Canopy at every corner thereof a bell of gold On her head she wore a circlet set full of precious stones the Countesse of Richmond bearing her traine the Dutchesses of Norfolk and Suffolk in their Coronets attending with twenty Ladies of Estate most richly attired In this order they passed the Palace into the Abbey and going up to the High Altar there shifted their roabes and having other roabes open in divers places from the middle upward were both of them Anoynted and Crowned and then after the Sacrament received having the host divided betwixt them they both offered at St. Edwards shrine where the king left St. Edwards Crowne wherewith he had been Crowned and put on his owne and this done in the same order and state as they came they returned to Westminster-hall and there held a most Princely feast at the second course whereof there came into the Hall Sir Robert Dymock the kings Champion making Proclamation that whosoever would say thâ—â— king Richard was not lawfull king of England he was there ready to prove it against him and thereupon threw down his Gantlet and then all the Hall cryed king Richard king Richard And thus with some other Ceremonies the Coronation ended and the king and Queen returned to their lodgings Presently after this king Richard sent a solemne Ambassage to Lewis king of France to conclude a Leagâ—e and Amity with him but the French king so abhorred him and his cruelty that hee would not so much as see or heare his â—â—bâ—ssadors but sent them away with shame in disgrace of their Master At this tâ—me with his Queen he made a Progresse of Glocester under colour to 〈…〉 of his old Honour but indeed to be out of the way having a speciall 〈…〉 to be acted for though he had satisfied his Ambition by depriving his 〈◊〉 Nephews of their livelihoods yet it satisfied not his Feare if he deprived 〈…〉 also of their lives For effecting whereof his old friend the Duke of Buckâ—â—â—â—â—â— was no fit instrument it must be one of a baser metall and to finde out 〈…〉 henceded not goe farre For upon inquiry he was told of two that lay 〈…〉 it Chamber to him Sir Thomas and Sir Tyrrellâ— two brothers like 〈…〉 not more
whatsoever he thought whereof he faithfully promised there should never come hurt and peradventure more good then he would thinke and withall that himselfe intended to use his secret Counsell which he said was the only cause for the which he had procured of the king to have him in his custody The Bishop humbly thanked him and said In good faith my Lord I love not to talke much of Princes as a thing not all out of perill though the word be without fault for so much as it shall not be taken as the party meant it but as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it And ever I thinke on Aesops Tale that when the Lyon had proclaimed on paine of death that no horned beast should abide in a certaine Wood one that had in his forehead a bunch of flesh fled away a geart pace the Fox that saw him run so fast asked him whither he made all that haste who answered in faith I neither wot nor reck so I were once hence because of the Proclaimation made of horned beasts why foole quoth the Fox thou mayest abide well enough the Lyon meant it not by thee for it is no horn that is in thy head No mary quoth he that wote I well enough but what if he call it a horne where am I then The Duke laughed at the Tale and said My Lord I warrant you neither the Lyon not the Bore shall picke any matter at any thing here spoken for it shall never come neere their eare Then said the Bishop In good faith Sir if it did the thing I was about to say taken as well as a fore God I meant it could deserve but thank and yet taken as I ween it would might happen to turne me to little good and you to lesâ—e Then longed the Duke much more to heare what it was whereupon the Bishop said My Lord as for the late Protectour sith he is now king in Possession I purpose not to dispute his title but for the weale of the Realme I could wish he had in him those excellent virtues which God hath planted in the person of your Grace and there left again The Duke somewhat marvelling at his sudden pause said My L. I cannot but note your sudden stopping in your speech so as your words come not to any direct sentence whereby I may have knowledge eithâ—r what your inward intent is now toward the king or what your affection is toward me I therefore intreate you to use no more such obscurity but plainly to disclose your minde unto me who upon mine honor will be as secret in the case as the deafe and dumb person is to the singer or the Tree to the Hunter The Bp. then upon confidence of the D. promise saidâ— my Lord I plainly perceive the kingdome being in the case as it is under such a King as now we have must needs decay and be brought to confusion but one hope I have that when I consider and daily behold your noble Personage your Justice your ardent love towards your Country and in like manner the great love of your Country towards you I must needs thinke this Realme fortunate that hath such a Prince in store meet and apt to be a Governour in whose person consisteth the very undoubted Image of true honour And then taxing the present king with many cruelties and oppressions he concluded saying And now my Lord if either you love God your Linage or your native Country you must your self take upon you the Crown and Imperiall Diadem of this Realme but if your selfe will refuse to take it upon you I then adjure you by the faith you owe to God and by the love you beare to your native Country to devise some way how the Realme may by your Princely policy be reduced to some convenient Regiment under some good governour by you to be appointed And if you could devise to set up againe the Linage of Lancâ—ster or advance the eldest daughter of King Edward to some puissant Prince not onely the new Crowned king should little enjoy the glory of his dignity but all Civill Warre should cease and Peace and Profit should againe flourish When the Bishop had ended his saying the Duke sighed and spake not of a good while which sore abashed the Bishop and made him change colour which the Duke perceiving he said Be not afrayd my Lord all promises shall be kept so for that time they parted The next day the Duke sent for the Bishop and having rehearsed unto him the Communication had between them the day before he went on and said My Lord of Ely since I perceive your true heart and sincere affection toward me I will now discover unto you all that hath passed my own imaginations After I had found the dissimulation and falsenesse of king Richard and specially after I was informed of the murther of the two young Princes to which God be my Judge I never condiscended I so much abhorred the sight and much more the company of him that I could no longer abide in his Court but feigning a cause to depart I tooke my leave of him he thinking nothing lesse then that I was displeased and so returned to Brecknok to you but in that returning whether it were by inspiration or elsâ— through some melancholike disposition I had divers imaginations how to deprive this unnaturall and bloody Butcher of his Royall seat and dignity Firstâ— I fantasied that if I list to take upon me the Crown Now was the time when this Tyrant was abhorred and detested of all men and knowing not of any that could pretend Title before me In this imagination I rested two dayes at Tewkesbury in my journey from thence I mused and thought that it was not best nor convenient to take upon me as a Conquerour for then I was sure that all men and specially the Nobility would oppose me but at last there sprung up a branch in my head which I surely thought would have brought forth faire flowers but they turned indeed to dry weeds For I suddenly remembred that the Lord Edmund Duke of Somerset my Grandfather was with king Henry the â—ixth in two or three degrees of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancâ—ster so that I thought certainely my Mother being eldest Daughter to Duke Edmund that I was next heire to king Hâ—nry the sixth of the House of Lancâ—ster This Title pleased well such as I made of my Counsell and much more it elevaâ—ed my ambitious intent but while I was in a maze whether I were best suddenly to set this title open amongsâ— the Common people or else keep it secret a while see what chanâ—ed As I â—ode between Worcester and Bridgenorth I met with the Lady Margaret Countesse of Richmond now wife to the Lord Stanley who is the daughter and sole heire to Iohn Duke of Somersâ—t my Grandfathers elder brother which was as cleane out of my minde as if I had never seen her so that she and her
Earle returning into Brittâ—iâ—e received there the news of the Duke of Buckinghams death and the dispâ—râ—ing of the Confederates forces with which though he was at first much troubled yet was he as much comforted afterward when he saw the Marquesse Dorset and those other Lords and Captaines come unto him soon after whose comming upon Christâ—â—sse day before the high Altar in the great Church of Rheims the Earle of Richmoâ—d gave Oath to marry the Lady Elâ—zabeth as soone as he should be quietly â—eâ—led in the Government of England and thereupon all the Lords and Knights there present did him homage and in the same place each to other Religiously Vowed taking the Sacrament upon it never to cease prosecuting warre against king Richard till either his Deposition or Destruction King Richard being informed of these things makes diligent enquiry after all such as might be suspected to be favourers of Richmonds association of whom Sir George Brown and Sir Roger Clifford with foure other Gentlemen are apprehended and exâ—cuted at London Sir Thomas Sentlâ—geâ— whom mâ—rried Anne the Duke of Excetâ—rs widdow this kings own sister and Thomas Rame Esquire were executed at Exceter Thomas Marquesse Dorset and all such as were with the Earle of Richâ—â—â—d were at a Parliament then holden attâ—inted of Treason and all their Goodâ— aâ—d Lands seized on to the kings use Besides these a poore Gentleman called Câ—lliâ—gborâ—â— for making a small ryme of thâ—ee of his wicked Coâ—nsellours the Lord Lâ—â—â—ll Sir Robert Ratcliffe and Sir William Catesby which ryme was thus framed 〈◊〉 Cat the Rat and â—â—vell the Dog rule all Englaâ—â— under a â—â—og was put to deatâ— â—nd his body divided into foure quarterâ— At this time a Truce is conclâ—ded betwixt England and Scâ—â—land for three yearsâ— and for a seâ—ling a firmer Amity between the two kingdomes a marriage it treatedâ— of between the Duke of Rothsay eldest Sonne to the king of Scots and the Lady Anne de la Poole daughter to Iohn Duke of Suffolk by Anne sister to king Riâ—hard which sister he so much favoured that after the death of his own sonne who dyed some time before â—e caused Iohn Earle of Lincolne her sonne and his Nephew to be proclaimed Heire apparent to the Crown of England And now King Richard to take away the Root of his feare once againe sent Ambâ—â—â—adors to the Duke of Britaine with ordeâ— besides the great gifts they caried with them to make offer that king Richard should yeerly pay and answer the Duke of all the Revenues and Profits of all lands and possessionsâ— as well belonging to the Earle of Richmond as of any other Nobleman or Gentleman that were in his company if he after that time would keep them in continuall prison and restraine theâ— from liberty But the Duke of Britâ—ine being at that time fallen into such infirmity that the Ambassadors could have no audience they addressed themselves to â—eter Landois the Dukes chief Treasurer and he taken with this golden hook faithfully promised to satisfie their Request and had done so indeed but that B. Mortoâ— sojourning then in Flâ—â—ders had by his friends Intelligence of his purpose and presently informed the E. thereof The E. was then at Vaâ—â—eâ—â— who upon the Bps. information taking with him only five servants as though he went but to visit some friend when he was five miles forward on his way suddenly turned into a Wood adjoyning and there changing apparell with one of his servants followed after as their attendant and never rested till by wayes unknown he came to his company abiding at Angiâ—râ— yet was not his departure so secret nor so sudden but that Peter Landois had notice of it who sending Posts after him was so neer overtaking him that he was scarce entred one houre into Francâ— when the Posts arrived at the Conâ—ines and then durst goe no further In the mean time Sir Edward Woodvile and Captaine Pâ—ynings who with their companies were left behinde in Vannes had been in danger of Peter Lâ—ndis his malice but that the Duke being informed by the Chancellour of their case not only protected them but furnished them with all necessaries for their journey to the Earle and was so incensed against Lâ—â—dois for this action of his that for this and some other over-bold preâ—umptions he was afterward hanged The Earle having passed this danger in Britaine and being arrived in France addresseth himselfe to the French king imploring his ayde and hath it promised and performed and in this time Iohn Vere Earle of Oxford who had long time been kept prisoner in the Castle of Hammes so farre prevailed with Iames Blunt Captaine of the Fortresse and Sir Iohn Fortescue Porter of the Town of Callice that not onely they suffered him to be at liberty but accompanied him also to the Earle of Richmâ—â—â— to whom Captain Blunt gave assurance that the Fortresse remained wholly at his devotion At this time also there resorted to the Earle divers young Gentlemen that were Students in the University of Paris profering him their service amongst whom was Richard Fox at that time famous for his learning with whom afterward the Earle advised in all his affaires made him one of his most Privy Counsell and at last Bishop of Winchester But now king Richard having been disappointed of his designe in Britaine hath another way in his head to disapoint the Earle of Richmond of his marriage with the Daughter of Queen Elizabeth and to this end he sent to the Queenâ— being still in Sanctuary divers messengers who should first excuse and purge him of all things formerly attempted and done against her and then should largely promise promotions innumerable not onely to her selfe but also to her sonne Lord Thomas Marquesse Dâ—râ—etâ— by â—orâ—e of which promises the messengers so prevailed with her â—hat noâ— onely she began â—o relent but 〈…〉 was content to submit her selfe wholly to thâ— kingâ— pleasure And thereupon putting in oblivion the murther of her innoâ—â—â—â— Children the butchering of her own Brother and Sonne the infamy of her â—oyâ—ll Huâ—â—and the aspersion of Adulteâ—y cast upon her selfe the imputation of Bastardy laid to her Daâ—â—hterâ—â— forgetting also her Oaâ—h made to the Earle of Richmonds Mothâ—r seduced by flaâ—tering words she first delivered into king Richards hands her â—ive Daughters and after sent letters to the Marquesse her Sonne being then at Pariâ— witâ— the Earle of Richmond willing him by any means to leave the Earle and with all speed to repaire into Englandâ— where for him were provided great Honours and Promotions Assuring him further that all offences on both parts were forgotâ—en â—nd forgiven and both he and she incorporated in the kings favour If we wonder at this credulity in the Queen we may conceive she was moved with the 〈…〉 motives of Feare and hope she feared no doubt that if she denyed the kingâ— request he would presently take some sharpe course both against her and her Dâ—â—â—htâ—rs and she hoped that
if she yeelded to his request he would undoubâ—eâ—ly performe his promise seeing it was as easie for him to keep it as to breake it But now king Richards purpose being to marry one of his brother king Edwards daughters there was one impediment which directly hindred it that he had a wife living and how to be rid of her that he might not bring new aspersions upon hiâ—selfe he could not well tell yet this he resolved that be rid of her he would by some way or other but before he would use extremity he would first try milder wayes and first he absteyned both from her bed and company and complained to divers of her barrennesse which comming to her â—are he hoped might cause her â—o dye with griefe And when this device failed he then caused a rumour to be sâ—â—â—â—d among the people that she was suddenly dead hoping the very conceite thereof would kill her when this device also failed for the Queen hearing of it and mistrustring the worst with a most sorrowfull countenance came unto him demanding what she had done that he should judge her worthy to dye who answered with faire words bidding her be of good cheere for to his knowledge she should have no other cause he then made sure worke for within few dayes after whether by poyson or by what other â—eans it is not certainly known she departed this life and with all solemnity not without some formall tears of king Richard was interred in St. Peters Church at Westminster King Richard now by his wives death having made himself way to marry another 〈◊〉 all the alluring means he can devise to win the love of the Lady Elizabeth his 〈◊〉 but meaning at last to purchase his desire by Rape if he could not otherwiseâ— and had perhaps done it but that the storms threatned from beyond the seas growing every day more strong then other forced him to prorouge the execution of his desires and look to the prevention of his present danger The Lord Stanley is commanded presently to levy forces for the kingsayde as he will justifie his integrity to him but yet is not permitted to goe down into the Country untill he had left George Lord Strange his eldest Son as a Pledge of his Loyalty behinde him And now king Richard being informed though the information was craftily suborned by his Enemies that the Earle of Richmond was out of hope of any great assistance from France dischargeth the ships which he had appointed to guard the seas â—â—d likewise all the souldiers onely order is given for diligent watching of the Beacons At this time one Morgaâ— Kidwelly a Student at the Innes of Court with great haâ—â—d of his life passed over to the Earle Informing him that King Richard by all means laboured to match himself with the Lady Elizabeth which so wrought with the Earle that he saw there was no lingring and the more being by him further informed that Ricâ— ap Thomas and Iohn Savage two powerfull men in their Counâ—râ—es were ready with great forces to assist him Whereupon not having above two thousand Mercenaries and but indifferent shipping to convay him over about the middle of August he put to sea and by the advice of the said Kidwelly steered his course for Wales and on the seventeeâ—â—â— day after his departure from Harflew arrived at Milford Haven and there landing his forâ—es without trouble or impeachment from thence mâ—â—â—hed peacably 〈◊〉 Hereford where by the Inhabitants he was joyfully received Here he receiveth news by Captaine Arnold Butler that the Earle of Pembrooke with all hiâ— retiâ—â—â— was upon the way to joyne with him also thither came to him Râ—chard Griffith and Iohn Morgan with a band of brave Welsh men and the same day Sir Giâ—berâ— Tâ—lboâ— with all the Earle of Shewsburyâ—s Tenants being about two thousand well appointed men came unto him with these he marched towards Shrewsbury at which time word is brought him that Sir Robert Herbert and Rice ap Thomas were ready with a great power to stoppe his passage which somewhat troubled him that his friends so suddenly should revolt but it was but a trick of Râ—ce ap Thoâ—â—â— to make his bargaine the surer for soon after Rice ap Thomas meets him and offers him his service so as the Earle will pledge his faith to performe his promise formerly made which was that having once obtained the Crown he would make Rice sole Governour of Wales which was now assented to and afterward performedâ— At this time the Lord Stâ—â—ley with five thousand men had taken up his lodging at the Town of Leicester but hearing of the Earles march that way he leâ—t Leicester and went to Addeâ—tâ—â— not daring to shew himselfe openly for the Earle for feare the King should put his Sonne the Lord Strange to death whom he had left an Hostage with him All this time King Richard lay at Nottigham and was as it were fatally taken with a spirit of security hearing that the Earle had but small assistance either from France or in England and therefore slighting him as little able to doe any great matter but when he heard that part of his own forces was revolted to him then he began to looke about him and sends present direction to the Duke of Norfolke the Earles of Northumberland and Surry with Sir Thomas Brackenbury Lievetenant of the Tower with all speed to bring their forces to him at Lutterworth from whence upon their arrivall hearing that the Earle was encamped at Lichfield he marcheth thitherward At which time Sir Walter Hungerford and some others withdrew themselves from King Richards part and Sir Iohn Savage Sir Bryan Staâ—ford and Sir Simon Digby with their severall Forces joyned with the Earle King Richard tooke the advantage of a large Plaine neere Bosworth adjoyning to a Hill called Anne Beame where he encamped And observing by his Adversaries manner of approach that they meant to give him battell He the next morning put his Forces in order The Vauntguard was led by the Duke of Norfolk which consisted of one thousand two hundred Bow-men flanked with two hundred Cuyrassiers under the conduct of the Earle of Surrey The Battaile King Richard led himselfe which consisted of a thousand Bill-men empaled with two thousand Pikes The Reereward was led by Sir Thomas Brackeâ—bury consisting of two thousand mingled weapons with two wings of Horsemen containing fifteen hundred all of them cast into square maniples expecting the Lord Staâ—ley's comming with two thousand most of them Horsemen But the Lord Stanley caried himselfe so warily that he might neither give cause of suspition to the King nor yet cause of disadvanâ—tage to the Earle that when early in the morning the Earle sent unto him desiring his preseâ—t repaire he answered that he must looke for no ayde from him till the Battailes should be joyned and therefore advised him with all possible speed to give the Onset This Answer somewhat staggered the Earle because his number did
but little exceed one halfe of the Kings Yet to make the best shew he couldâ— by the advice of his Counsell of War he made his Vaward open and thin of which Iohn Earle of Oxford had the leading The Earle himselfe led the Battaile Sir Gilbert Talbot commanding the Right wing and Sir Iohn Savage the left whose souldiers being all alike clad in white Coates and hoods of Frize by the reflection of the Sun upon them made them appeare in the view of their Enemies double the number The Reereward was governed by the Earle of Pembrooke which consisted most of â—orse and some Pikes and Black bills King Richard to incourage his souldiers made a solemne speech unto them but alas what hope coâ—ld he have to put them in heart whose hearts he had lost or to rise alacrity in others who had none in himselfe For now the remembrance of his fore-passed villanies and specially a fearfull dreame he had the night before wherein it seemed to him he saw divers Images like Devils which pulled and haled him not suffering him to take any rest or quiet so damped his spirits that although he set a good face upon the matter yet he coâ—ld not choose but have a presaging feare that the date oâ— hiâ— dayes was not farre from expiring The Earle of Richmond on the other side having a cleere conscience in himself and speaking to men that followed him for loveâ— had the easier means â—o give them encouragement which he did with so cheerfull a countenance as though already he had gotten the victory After their military exhorâ—ations ended King Richard commanded to give the onset Between both Armies there was agreat Marsh which the Earle left on his right-hand that it might be a defence for his souldiers on that side and besides by so doing he had the Sunne at his back and in the faces of the enemy When king Richard saw that the Earles company waâ— paâ—â—ed this Marish he commanded with all speed to set upon them Then were the Arrows let fly on both sides and those spent they came to hand-strokes at which encounter comes in the the Lord Stanley and joyns with the Earle The Earle of Oxford in the mean time fearing lest his company should be compassed in with the multitude of his enemies gave charge in every ranke that no man should goe above ten foot from the Standard whereupon they knit themselves together and ceased a while from fighting which the Enemy seeing and mistrusting some fraud they also paused and left striking But then the Eâ—rle of Oxford having brought all his Band together set on the Enemy afresh which the Enemy perceiving they placed their men slender and thinne before but thick and broad behinde and resolutely againe began â—he Fight While these two Vaâ—ntguâ—rds were thus contending King Richard was informed that the Earle of Richmond with a small â—â—â—ber was not farre off whereupon he presently makes towards him and being of an invincible courage whereof he was now to give the last proofe he made so furious an assault that first with his own hands he slew Sir William Brandon who bore the Earles Standard next he unhorst and overthrew Sir Iohn Cheyny a strong and stout man at Armes and then assaulted the Earle of Richmond himself who â—hough no man would have thought it yet for all the Kings fury held him off at his Launces point till Sir William Stanley came in with three thousand freshmen and then opprest with multitude King Richard is there slaine It is said that when the Battell was at the point to be lost a swift horse was bâ—ought unto him with which he might have saved himselfe by flight but out of his undaunted courage he refused it saying He would that day make an end of all Battells or else lose his life In this Battell Heâ—ry Earle of Northumberland who led King Richards Reereward never struck stroke as likewise many other who followed King Richard more for Feare than Love and so King Richard who had deceived many in his time was at this time deceived by many which was not unforeseen by some who caused a Rhyme to be set upon the Duke of Norfolks gate the night before the Battell which was this Iack of Norfolke be not too bold For Dickon thy Master is bought and sold. Yet notwithstanding this warning the noble Duke continued firme to king Richard and more considering what he was towards him then what towards others followed him to the last and in his quarrell lost his life This Iohn Howard was the sonne of Sir Robert Howard knight and Margaret eldest daughter of Thomas â—â—â—bray Duke of Norfolke in whoâ—e right he was created Duke of Norfolke by king Richard the Third in â—he yeere 1483. having been made a Baron before by king Edward the Fourth The whole number slain in thiâ— battell on kinâ— Râ—châ—rds parâ— was not above a thousand persons whereof of the Nobility besides the Duke of Norfolke only Walter Lord Ferrers of Chartley Sir Richard Ratâ—liffe and Sir Robert â—rakenbury Lievtenant of the Tower and not many Gentlemen more Sir William Catesby one of the chiefe Counsellours of king Richard with divers others were two dayes after beheaded at Leicester Amongst those that ran away were Franciâ— Viscount Lovell Huâ—fry Stafford and Thomas Stafford his brother who took Sanctuary in Saint Iohns at Glocester Of Captives and Prisoners there were great number Henry Earle of Northumberland who though on king Richards side intermiâ—ted not in the battell was incontinently taken into favour and made of the Counsell But Thomas Howard Earle of Sâ—rry though he submitted himselfe yet as having been specially familiar with king Richard was committed to the Tower where he remained a long time but at last was delivered and highly promoted On the Earle of Richmonds part were slaine scarce a hundred persons some say but ten of whom the principall was Sir William Brandon the Earles Standard-bearer This battell was fought at Rodmer neer Bosworth in Leicestershire the two and twentieth day of August in the yeer 1485. having continued little above two houres Presently after the battell the Earle knighted in the field Sir Gilbert Talbot Sir Iohn Mortimer Sir William Willoughby Sir Rice ap Thomas Sir Robert Poynts Sir Humfry Stanley Sir Iohn Turbervile Sir Hugh Pershall Sir R. Edgecombe Sir Iohn Bykenill and Sir Edmund Carew and then kneeling down he rendred to Almighty God his hearty Thankes for the victory he had obtained and commanded all the hurt and maimed persons to be cured whereat the people rejoycing clapped their hands and cryed king Henry king Henry which good will and gladnesse of the people when the Lord Staâ—ley saw he tooke the Crown of king Richard which was found amongst the spoiles in the field and set it on the Earles head as though he had been elected King by the voice of the people It may not be forgotten that when king Richard was come to Bosworth he sent to the Lord
Stanley to come presently to his presence which if he refused to doe he swore by Christs Passion that he would strike off his sonnes head before he dined whereto the Lord Stanley answered That if he did so he had more sonnes alive and he might doe his pleasure but to come to him he was not then determined Which answer when king Richard heard he commanded the Lord Strange immediately to be beheaded but being at the very time when both Armies were in sight of each other his Lords perswaded him it was now time to fight and not to put to Execution and so the Lord Strangâ— escaped Of his Taxations WEE must not looke for Taxations in kinde in this kings reigne for he drew from his Subjects not money so much as blood and the money he drew was most by blood which drew on confiscation whereof let never any Prince make a president for where Taxations properly doe but Tondere theâ—e did Degluâ—ere Yet in his second yeere he called a Parliament wherein besides the great confiscations of those that were then attainted he imposed upon the people a great Tax which what it was is not Recorded Of his Lawes and Ordinances HAving gotten the Crowne by Pestilent courses he sought to Establish iâ— by wholsome Laws for in no Kings reigne were better Laws made then in the reign of this man Amongst other of his Laws It was enacted that from thence forth the Commonalty of the Realme should in no wise be charged by any imposition called a Benevolence nor any such like charge and that such exactions called a Benevolence before this time taken shall be taken for no example to make any such like charge hereafter but shall be damned and annulled for ever Many other good Laws were by him made that we may say he took the wayes of being a good King if he had come to be King by wayes that had been good Affaires of the Church in his time IN his time the troubles of the Temporalty kept the Clergie at quiet and though there were complayning in the streets there was none in the Church Only â—hores wife might complaine why shee should doe Penance for offending lightly against onely the seventh Commandement and king Richard doe none for offending heavily against all the ten but that perhaps he had gotten some good fellow to be his Confessour Workes of Piety done by him AS bad as this King was yet some good workes he did he founded a Colledge at Middleham beyond Yorke and a Collegiate Chauntry in London neere unto the Tower called our Lady of Barking He endowed the Queens Colledge in Camâ—â—â—â—ge with five hundred Marks of yeerly revenue and disforested the great field of Whitchwood which king Edward his brother had inclosed for Deere Of Casualties happening in his time IN his second year at the time when the Duke of Buckingham meant to passe with his Army over Severn so great an inundation was of waâ—er that men were drowned in their beds houses were overturned children were carried about the fields swimming in Cradles beasts were drowned on hills which rage of water contiâ—â—ed ten dayes and is to this day in the Countries thereabout called the great water or the Duke of Buckinghamâ— water Of his wife and issue HEE marryed Anne the second Daughter of Richard Nevill the great Earle of Warwicke being the widdow of Edward Prince of Wales the Sonne of king Heâ—â—y the sixth she lived his Wife to the last yeer of his reigne and then to make way for another was brought to her end and layd aâ— rest in the Abbey of Westminster by her he had onely one Sonne born at Middleham neer Richmond in the County of Yorke at foure yeers old created Earle of Salisbury by his Uncle king Edward the fourth at ten yeers old created Prince of Wales by his Father king Richard but dyed soon after Of his Personage and Conditions THere never was in any man a greater uniformity of Body and Minde then was in him both of them equally deformed Of Body he was but low crooke-backt hook-shouldred splay-footed and goggle-eyed his face little and round his complexion swarsie his left arm from his birth dry and withered born a monster in nature with all his teeth with haire on his head and nailes on his fingers and toes And just such were the quaâ—â—ties of his minde One quality he had in ordinary which was to look fawâ—â—ngly when he plotted sternly when he executed Those vices which in other men are Passions in him were Habits and his cruelty was not upon occasion but naturall If at any time he shewed any virtue it was but pretence the truth of his minde was onely lying and falsehood He was full of courage and yet not valiant valour consisting not only in doing but as well in suffering which he could not abide He was politick and yet not wise Policie looking but to the middle wisdome to the end which he did and did not And it was not so much ambition that made him desire the Crown as cruelty that it might be in his power to kill at his pleasure and to say the truth he was scarce of the number of men who consist of flesh and blood being nothing but blood One Miracle wee may say hee did which was that he made the truth of History to exceed the fiction of Poetry being a greater Harpy than those that were feigned He would faine have been accounted a good King but for his life he could not be a good Man and it is an impossible thing to be one without the other He left no isâ—ue behinde him and it had been pitty he should at least in his own Image One such Monster was enough for many Ages Of his Death and Buriall BEing slaine in the Battell at Bosworth as before is related his body was left naked and desâ—oyled to the very skin not so much as a câ—out left about him to cover his privy parts and taken up was trussed behinde a Pursuivant at Armes one Blaâ—ch Senglyer or White-boare his head and armes hanging on one side of the horse and his leggs on the other and all besprinkled with mire and dirt he was brought to the Gray-Friers Church within the Towne of Leicester and there for some time lay a miserable spectacle and afterward with small Funerall-pompe was there interred But after this King Heâ—ry the Seventh caused a Tombe to be made and set up over the place where he was buried with a picture of Alablaster representing his person which at the suppression of that Monastery was utterly defaced Since when his Grave overgrowne with nettles and weeds is not to be found onely the Stone-chest wherein his Corps lay is now made a drinking-trough for horses at a common Inne in Leicester and reteineth the onely memory of this Monarchs greatnes But his body as is reported was caried out of the City and contemptuously bestowed under the end of Bow-bridge which giveth passage over a branch of
ever questioned it and it is fixt upon a Tree planted so happily by the waters side and hath at this day so many flourishing branches that there is good hope it will continue as long as the world continues And now whether King Henry doubted any suddaine attempt upon his person or whether he did it to follow the example of France in the very beginning of his reigne he ordained a band of tall personable men to be attending upon him which was called the Kings guard which no King before and all Kings since have alwaies used But though he provided a guard for defence of his own body yet for the bodâ—â—â— of his people he could provide none for at this time a sicknesse of the sympâ—â—â—e called the sweating sicknesse seized so violently upon them that within a â—â—ort time many thousands perished particularly in London two Majors successiveâ—y and six Aldermen within eight dayes dyed and for this sicknesse no Physick affâ—â—ded any cure till at last this remedy was found if a man were taken with the sweat in the day time that then he should presently lye downe in his cloathes and so lye still the whole foure and twenty houres if he were taken in the night then â—e should not rise out of his bed for the space of foure and twenty houres not provoking sweat nor yet eating or drinking at all at least but very moderately In 〈◊〉 sicknes there was one good circumstance that though it were violent yet it lasted not long for beginning about the one and twentieth of September it cleered â—p before the end of October following And now all things being set in good order in the South parts there ariseth a little sâ—oâ—me in the North but was soon dispersed For King Henry making a journey inâ—o the North parts to shew himselfe there where he had not yet been and where 〈◊〉 respect to King Richard might have left some opposites at his comming to Liâ—colne was certified that the Lord Lovell and Humfry Stafford were gone out of Sâ—nctuary in Colchester but whither no man knew The King therefore not much regarding it went forward to York and being come thither it was then plainly told him that the Lord Lovell with a strong power was at hand and would presently invade the City This made the King in a great streight for neither had he any Army râ—â—dy noâ— if he had men had he any weapons or Munition â—or them Yet in this streight he commanded the Duke of Bedford with three thousand men to â—et out agâ—â—nst him but so ill armed that their armours for the most part were but of tanned lâ—â—ther who being come neere the Campe of the Rebels caused Proclamation to be made that whosoever would submit themselves as loyall Subjects should have their Pardons and be received into grace which Proclamation so prevailed that iâ— made the Lord Lovell secretly in the night to flye away and then the Army left without a head submitted themselves to the Kings mercy The Lord Lovell fled into Lancashire and there for a time lurked with Sir Thomas Broughton a man powerfull in those parts Humfry Stafford took Sanctuary in a village called Culnhâ—m two miles from Abington but the Sanctuary being judged by the Justices of the Kings Bench to be no lawfull defence for Traytors he was taken from thence by force and convayed to the Tower afterward to Tyburne and there hanged His brother Thomas was pardoâ—ed because it was thought he was drawn in by his brother Humfry In this yeere Iohn Persivall the Major of London's Carver waiting at his Table was chosen one of the Sheriffs of London only by Sir Iohn Collet's then Major drinking to him in a cup of Wine as the custome is to drinke to him whom he liâ—t to name Sheriffe and forthwith the said Persivall sate downe at the Majors Table â—nd covered his head and was afterward Major himselfe At this time a mean instrument attemped a great worke by which we may see how farre imagination may out-goe reason One Richard Symond a Priest a man of base birth though some learning had a scholler of baser birth the Sonne of a Shoemaker some say a Baker named Lambert Symnell but of a pregnant wit and comely personage Him he gives out to be Edward Earle of Warwicke lately as was sayd escaped out of prison Both of them being of like yeers and stature with this Scholler of his he sailes into Ireland and so sets forth the matter that not only the Lord Thomas Fitz-Gerard Earle of Kildare and Deputy of Ireland but many other of the Nobilty gave credit to his words and as those that affected the house of Yorke were ready to take his part and even already saluted the young Symnell King Withall they sent into Flanders to the Lady Margaret sister to the late King Edward and widdow of â—harles Duke of Burgoigne requiring ayde and assistance from her This Lady being of the house of Yorke bore an inward grudge agâ—inst King Henry being of the house of Lancaster and â—herefore though she well understood it was but a coloured matter yet was willing to take advantage of it and thereupon promised her assistance King Henry being advertised of these things advised with his Counsell by whom it was agreed that two things presently should be doâ—e First to grant â— Pardon to any that would submit themselves for any offence whatsoever though it were for High Treason the next that the Earle of Warwicke should be openly shewed abroad in the City and other publike places whereby the report spread abroad of his being in Irelâ—nd might appeare plainly to be false Withall the Queen Elizabeth widdow of King Edward the fourth and Mother to the present Queen was adjudged to forfeit all her Lands and Possessions and to live confined in the Abbey of Bermondsey in Southwarke where in greaâ— pensivenes within a few yeers she died But for what cause this severity was used against this Queen is not altogether certaine To say as was commonly said that it was for rendring her selfe and her daughters into the hands of king Richâ—rd were manifest injustice to punish her for doing a thing out of feare which else she should have been compelled to doe by force and to say as some also have said that it was for giving aide underhand to Perkiâ— were a manifest unlikelihood thaâ— she should aide a Counterfeit against her own Sonne in Law we must therefore content our selves with knowing the bare colourable pretext and leave the true reason as a secret of State But this shewing abroad of the true Earle of Warwicke though it satisfied some yet not all for some gave out that it was but a trick of the King and not the true Warwicke At least the Earle of Lincolne sonne to Iohn de lâ— Poole Duke of Suffolke and Elizabeth sister to king Edward the fourth would not omit to take the advantage though he knew that Symnell was but a Counterfeit And thereupon assoone
as â—he Parliament was dissolved he fled secretly into Flâ—nders to his Aunt the Lady Margaret Dâ—tchesse of Burgoigne between whom it was concluded that he and the Lord Lâ—vell should goe into Ireland and there attend upon the Counterfeit Warwicke and honour him as kingâ— and with the power of the Irishmen bring him into England but it was concluded withall that if their actions succeededâ— then the Counterfeiâ— Warwicke should be deposed and the true be delivered out of prison and anoynted King And to this purpose the Earle of Lincolâ— by the aide of the Lady Margaret had gotten together two thousand Almaines with one Martin Swart a valiant and expert Captaine to be their leader With this power the Earle sayled into Ireland and at the City of Dublin caused young Lambert the Counterfeit Warwicke in most solemne manner first to be Proclaimed and after to be Crowned king of Eâ—gland and then with a great number of beggerly and unarmed Irishmen under the Conduct of the Lord Thomas Gerardine Earle of Kildâ—re they sayled into England and landed at a place called the Pile of Fowdray not farre from Lancaster hoping there by the meanes of Sir Thomas Broughton a powerfull man in that Country to have their Army both furnished and increased King Henry hearing that the Earle of Lincolne was landed at Lancaster assembled a great Army Conducted by the Duke of Bedford and the Earle of Oxford and with these he marched to Nottingham and there by a little wood called Bowres he pitched his field whither there came unto him the Lord George Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury â—he Lord Strange Sir Iohn Cheyney and divers other Knights and Gentlemen In which mean time the Earle of Lincolne being entred into Yorkeshire passed quietly on his journy without doing spoile or hurt unto any trusting thereby to have won the people to come to his aide but when he perceived few or none to resort unto him he then determined to venture a battell with the Army he had already and thereupon tooke his way from Yorke to Newarke upon Trent King Henry understanding which way he took came the night before the battell to Newarke and going three miles further neer to a little Village called Stoke there waited the approach of the Earle of Lincolne So the next day they joyned battell where after a long fight of at the least three houres though the Almaines and specially their Captaine Martin Swart behaved themselves most valiantly yet their Irâ—sh being in a manner but naked men were at last overthrown foure thousand slaine and the rest put â—o flâ—ght but not one of their Capâ—aines for the Earle of Lincolne the Lord Lâ—vell Sir Thomas Broughton Martin Swart and the Lord Gerardine were all found dead in the very place where they had stood fighting that though they lost the battell yet they wonne the reputation of hardy and stout souldiers Onely of the Lord Lovell some report that attempting to save himselfe by flight in passing over the river of Trent was drowned On the kings part though some were slaine yet not any mâ—n of note This battell was fought on a Saturday observed as alwayes fortunate to king Henry being the sixteenth of Iune in the second year of king Henries reigne The young Lambert and his Master Simond the Priest were both taken and both had their lives saved Lambert because but a Childe Sâ—mond becâ—use a Priest yet Symoâ—d was kept in prison Lambert was taken into the kings kitchin to turn the spit in the turne of his fortune and at last made one of the kings Fauâ—kners In the beginning of his third yeer king Henry having been in Yorkeshire to settle the mâ—ndes of that people about the midst of August came to Newcastle upon Tine and from thence sent Ambassadours into Scotland Richard Fox lately before made Bishop of Exceter and Sir Richard Edgecombe Comptroller of his House to conclude a Peace or Truce with Iames king of Scots A Peace by reason of the peoples backwardnes could not be obtained but a Truce was concluded for the term of seven yeers with a promise from the king that it should be renued before the first seven yeers should be expired At this time Ambassadours came from the king of Franceâ— to king Henry who declared that their Master king Charles was now at warre with Francis Duke of Britaiâ—e for that he succoured the Duke of Orleance and other Rebels against the Realme of France and therefore requested that for the old familiarity that had been between them he would either aâ—â—ist him or not assist the Duke but stand Neâ—ter King Heâ—ry answered that having received courteâ—ies from them both he would doe his uttermost endeavour to make them friends and to that end as soon as the French Ambassadours were departed he sent Christopher Vrswick his Chaplain over into France who should first goe to the French king and after to the Duke of Britaine to mediate a Peace between them In the time of Vrswicks Ambassage king Henry caused his Wife the Lady Elizabeth to be Crowned Queen on Saiâ—t Katherines day in November with all solemnity and at the same time delivered the Lord Thomas Marquesse Dorset out of the Tower and received him againe into his former favour Vrswick travelled between the two Princes to procure a Peace but they though making a shew to incline to Peace yet prepared for warre and offers on neither side would be accepted In which time Edward Lord Woodâ—ile Uncle to the Queen made suite to the king for leave to goe over with a power of men in aide of the Duke of Britaine which suâ—e though the king denied yet the Lord Woodvile would venture it and with a power of â—oure hundred able men got secretly over and joyned with the Britaine 's against the French This the French king took ill at king Henries hand but being informed that it was against the kings will he seemed satiâ—fied and a Peace was concluded between Frâ—â—â—e and England to endure for twelve months But in conclusion king Henry finding that the French king dealt not râ—ally with him but only held him on with pretencesâ— he called his high Court of Parliamenâ— requiring their advice what was fit to be done where it was conâ—â—uded that the Duke of Britaine should be aided and to that end great â—ummes of money were by Parliament granted This Determination of the Parliament king Henry signifies to the French king hoping it would have wrought him to some terms of Peaceâ— But the king of France little regarding it proceeded on in his violent courâ—es against the Britaines so as at last on â—he eight and twentieth day of Iuly the Britaines gave battell to the French neer to a Town called 〈◊〉 having apparelled seventeen hundred of the Britaiâ—â— in Coâ—â— with â—ed â—rosseâ— after the English fashion to make the Frenchmen believe â—hey were all English although in â—eed they had no more English than the foure hundred of the Lord Woodvile But
his being saluted King And could it enter into his breast to put him to death that had saved his life and done him so many great services besides But it may be said It was not the Earle of Richmond that did it but the King of England for certainly in many cases a King is not at liberty to shew mercy so much as a private man may Though there be that affirme the cause of his death was not words onely but reall acts as giving ayde to Perkin under-hand by money And yet it seemes there was some conflict in the minde of King Henry what he should doe in this case for he stayed six weekes after his Accusation before before he brought him to his Arraignment How-ever it was the Summer following the King went in Progresse to Latham to the Earle of Darby who had maâ—ied his mother and was brother to Sir William Stanley perhaps to congratulate his own safety perhaps to condole with him his brothers death but certainly to keepe the Earle from conceiving any sinister opinion of him For to thinke that Sir William's suing to be Earle of Chester an Honour appointed to the kings sonne or his great wealth for he left in his Castle at Holt in ready money forty thousand markes besideâ— Plate and Jewells were causes that procured or set forward his death are considerations very unworthy of so just a Prince against a Servant of so great deserving But in this meane while Perkin having gotten a Power of idle loose fellows took to Sea intending to lâ—nd in Kent where though he were repelled yet some of his Souldiers would needs venture to goe on Land of whom a hundred and sixty persons were taken Prisoners whereof five were Captaines Mortford Corbet Whitebolt Quâ—â—tyn and Gemyne These hundred and sixty persons were brought to London rayled in ropes like horses drawing in a Cart who upon their Araignement confessing their offence were executed some at London and some in Towns adjoyning to the sea-coast Perkin finding no entertainment in Kent sayled into Ireland and having stayed there a while and finding them also being a naked people to bee no competent assistants for him from thence he sayled into Scotland where he so moved the King of Scots with his fayre words and colourable pretexts made no doubt before by the Dutcesse of Burgoigne that hee received him in great state and caused him to bee called the Duke of Yorke and to perswade the World that hee thought him so indeede hee gave to him in marriage the Lady Katherine Gourdon daâ—ghter to Alexander Earle Huntley his own neer kinswoman and soone after in Perkins quarrell entred with a puissant Army into England making Proclamation that whosoever would come in and ayde the true Duke of Yorke should bee spared but none comming in he then used all kinde of cruelty and the whole County of Northuâ—berland was in a manner wasted whereat Perkin at his returne expressed much griefe saying It grieved him to the heart to see such havock made of his people To whom the King answered Alas Alas you take care for them who for any thing that appeares are none of yours for not one of the Countrey came in to his succour King Henry incensed with this bold attempt of the king of Scots called his High Court of Parliament acquainting them with the necessity hee had of a present warre to revenge this indignity offered him by the Scots and thereupon requiring their ayde by money had a subsidie of sixscore thousand pounds readily granted him and then in all haste a puissant Army is provided and under the conduct of the Lord Dawbeney sent into Scotland but before hee arrived there hee was suddenly called back by reason of a commotion begun at Cornwall for payment of the Subsidie lately granted which though it were not great yet they grudged to pay it The Ring-leaders of this commotion were Thomas Flammock a gentleman leâ—â—ned in the Lawes and Michael Ioseph a Smith who laying the blame of this exaction upon Iohn Morton Archbishop of Canterbury and Sir Reynold Bray as being chiefe of the Kings Councell exhorted the people to take armes and having aâ—sembled an Army they went to Taunton where they slew the Provost Peryâ— one of the Commissioners for the Subsidie and from thence came to Wells intending to goe to London where the King then lay who having revoked the Lord Dawbeney appointed Thomas Howard Earle of Surrey after the death of the Lord Dinham made Lord Treasurer of England to have an eye to the Scots and if they made invasion to resist them In the meane time Iames Twychet Lord Audley confederated himselfe with the Rebells of Cornwall and tooke upon him to bee their Leader who from Wâ—lls went to Salisbury and from thence to Winchester and so to Kent hoping there â—o have had great ayde but found none for the Earle of Kent the Lord of Aburgâ—â—â— Iohn Brook Lord Cobham Sir Edmond Poynings Syr Richard Guildford Sir Thâ—â—as Bourchier Iohn Peachy and William Scott were ready in Armes to resist them whereupon the Rebels brought their Army to Black-heath foure miles distant from Lâ—ndâ—n and there in a plaine on the top of a hill encamped themselves whereof when the King had knowledge hee presently sent Iohn Earle of Oxford Henry Bouâ—â—â—ier Earle of Essex Edmond de la Poole Earle of Suffolke Sir Riceap Thomas and Sir Hâ—â—fry Stanley to inviron the hill on all sides that so all hope of flight might hee takâ—n from them and then set forward himselfe and encamped in St. Georgeâ— fields where for encouragement he made divers Bannarets The next day he sent the Lord Dawbeney to set upon the Rebels early in the morning who first got the bridge at Debâ—ford Strand though strongly defended by the Rebels Archers whose arrowes were â—eported to bee a full cloath-yard in length but notwithstanding the Lord 〈◊〉 comming in with his Company and the Earles assayling them on every side they were soone overcome In which conflict were slaine of the Rebels above 〈◊〉 thousand taken prisoners a very great number many of whom the King pâ—â—doned but of the chiefe Authors none for the Lord Audley was drawne from Newgate to Tower-hill in a coate of his owne Armes paynted upon paper reversed and all torne and there on the foure and twentieth day of Iune was beheaded Thomas Flammock and Michael Ioseph were hanged drawn quartered and their heads and quarters pitched upon stakes set up in London and other places Of the Kings Army were slaine not above three hundred It is memorâ—ble with what comfort Ioseph the black-smith cheered up himselfe at his going to execution saying that yet he hoped by this that his name and memory should be everlasting so deere even to vulgar spirits is perpetuety of Name though joyned with infamy what is it then to Noble spirits when it is joyned with Glory In the meane time the king of Scots taking advantage of these troubles in England invaded the
Frontiers forraged the Bishoprick of Durham and at last besieged the castle of Norham whereof Richard Fox then Bishop of Durham was owner who thereupon sent presently to the Earle of Surrey acquainting him with this Invasion Whereupon the Earle taking with him Ralph Earle of Westmerland Thomas Lord Barnes Ralph Lord Nevill George Lord Strange and many other Lords and knights and an Army of little lesse then twenty thousand men besides a Navy whereof the Lord Brooke was Admirall set forward against the Scots and not only forced the Scots to raise their siege of Norham Castle but followed them also into Scotland where he overthrew and defaced the Castle at Cawdestraynes the Tower of Heâ—eâ—hall the Tower of Edington the Tower of Fulden and at last by composition tooke the strong Castle of Hayton and rased it to the ground At the Earles being at Hayton the King of Scots sent to him Marchemont and another Herald requiring him at his election either to fight with him with their whole Armies or else they two to fight in single combat upon condition that if the victory fell to the Scotish king the Earle should deliver for his Ransome the Towne of Barwick Whereunto the Earle made answer that the Town of Barwick was the King his Masters and therefore not for him to dispose of but for his offer of single combat he willingly accepted it and thought himselfe highly honored by such a match But King Iames of Scotland had no meaning to performe either one or other but privily in the night fled back into Scotland and then the Earle returned to Barwick In the meane time one Peter Hyalâ—s a man of great learning and policie was sent Ambassadour to the King of Scots from the King of Spaine to mediate a Peace between the two kings of of England and Scotland who finding the King of Scots conformable to his motion found after the King of England who was never averse from Peace upon honourable Conditions no lesse enclining to it and so a Truce was concluded for certaine yeeres upon conditition that Perkin Warbeck should be sent out of the Scotish Dominions About this time the Lord of Camphyre and others sent from Philip Archduke of Austria and Duke of Burgundy came to king Henry for a conclusion of Amity and to procure the English merchanâ—s resort againe to his Country for king Henry some time before upon displeasure with the Flemings but specially with the Lady Margaret for abetting Perkin Warbeck not onely had banished all Flemish wares and merchandizes out of his Dominions but had also restrained all English merchants from having any traffick in any of their Territories causing the Mart for all English commodities to be kept at Callice but now upon this invitation and having found it had been a great hinderance to his owne Merchant-adventurers and thereupon some insurrections had risen he willingly condiscended to their Request and so the English resorted againe into the Archdukes Dominions and were received into Antwerp with generall Procession so glad was that Towne of the Engglish-mens returne In this eleventh yeere of the Kings Reigne dyed Cicely Dutchesse of Yorke mother to king Edward the fourth at her Castle of Berkhamstead being of extreme age who had lived to see three Princes of her body Crowned and foure Murthered she was buried at Fâ—driâ—gâ—am by her Husband Shortly after the Truce concluded between England and Scotland Perkin Warbeck was commanded to depart out of the Scotish Dominions who thereupon with his wife and familie sayled into Ireland where understanding that the Cornish-men were ready to renue the warre againe he thought best not to let pâ—sse so faire an occasion and thereupon having with him foure small ships and not above six-score men he sailed into Cornwall and there landed in the moneth of September and came to a Town called Bodmyn where with faire words and large promises he so prevailed with the people that he had gotten to him above three thousand persons to take his part and then made Proclamations in the name of King Richard the Fourth as sonne to King Edward the Fourth and by the advice of his three Counsellors Iohn Heron a bankrupt Mercer Richard Skelton a Tailour and Iohn Astley a Scrivener determined to attempt first the winning of Exceter which with great violence he assaulted and the Townsmen with as great valiantnes defended whereof when the King heard he sent the Lord Dawbeny to their rescue but before he came the Lord Edward Courtney Earle of Devonshire and the valiant Lord William his sonne accompanied with Sir Edmund Carew Sir Thomas Trenchard Sir Courtneyâ— Sir Thomas Fulford Sir Iohn Halâ—well Sir Iohn Croker Walter Courtâ—ey Peter Edgecombe William St. Maure with others came to their ayde upon whose comming Perkin left the siege and retired to Taunton where he mustered his men as though he meant to prepare for battell but finding his number to be much diminished foâ— of six thousand which he had at Exceter many were fled from him when they saw no Great ones to take his part he began to distrust his case and heâ—â—ing withall that the king with a great Power was at hand about midnight with threescore horse-men in his company he departed in post from Taunton and tooke Sanctuary in a Town called Beauly neere to Southampton When king Henry heâ—rd that Perkin was fled he sent after him to the Sea-side to stop his passage and apprehend him But the messengers that were sent when they came to St. Michaels 〈◊〉 though they found not Perkin yet there they found his wife the Lady Katherine Gourdon whom they presently brought to the king a beautifull young Lady to whom in honour of her birth and commiseration of her beauty the king allowed a competent maintenance which she enjoyed during the kings life and mâ—ny yeeres after king Henry being come to Exceter stayed there a few dayes about examination of the Rebellion and execution of the chiefe Offendours of whom there being a great multitude and all of them craving pardon the king caused them all to be assembled in the Church-yard of St. Peter where they all appeared barâ—-headed in their shirts and halters about their necks whom the king viewing out of a window made for the purpose after he had paused a while made a speech unto them exhorting them to obedience and then in hope they would afterward be dutifull Subjects he pardoned them all whereat they made a great shout crying 〈◊〉 God save king Henry though some of them afterward like ungratefull wretches fell into new Rebellions All this whiâ—e Perkin was in Sanctuary and the King thinking himselfe in danger as long as he was in safety set a Guard about the place to keepe him for escaping whereby Perkin was so restrained that at last hee submitted himselfe to the kings mercy and was thereupon sent to the Tower to bâ— there in sâ—fe custodie This doâ—e king Henry appointed Thomas Lord Dâ—rcy Sir Amyâ—s Pawleâ— and Robert Sherbâ—â—â—â—
refusing to pay it was committed to prison where hee stayed till Empson himselfe was committed in his place By these courses hee accumulated so great store of Treasure that he left at his death most of it in secret places under his own key and keeping at Richmond as is reported the summe of neer eighteen hundred thousand pounds sterling But though by this course he got great store of Treasure yet by it he lost the best treasure the peoples hearts but that he something qualified it by his last Testament commanding that Restitution should be made of all such moneys as had unjustly been levied by his Officers It seemes king Henry after the death of his Queene the Lady Elizabeth had an inclination to marry againe and hearing of the great beauty virtue of the young Queene of Naples the widow of Ferdinando the younger he sent three confident persons Francis Marsyn Iames Braybrooke and Iohn Stile to make two inquiries one of her person and conditions the other of her Estate Who returning him answer that they found her Beauty and Virtues to be great but her Estate to be onely a certaine Pension or Exhibition and not the kingdome of Naples as he expected he then gave over any further medling in that matter After this another Treaty of Mariage was propounded to the king betweene him and the Lady Margaret Dutchesse Dowager of Savoy onely daughter to Maximilian and Sister to the king of Castile a Lady wise and of great good fame In which businesse was imployed for his first piece the kings then Chaplain and after the great Prelate Thomas Woolsey It was in the end concluded with ample conditions for the king but with promise de Futuro onely Which mariage was protracted from time to time in respect of the Infirmity of the king which held him by â—its till he dyed He left Executours Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester Richard Fitz Iames Bishop of London Thomas Bishop of Durham Iohn Bishop of Rochester Thomas Duke of Norfolk Treasurer of England Edward Earl of Worcester and Lord Chamberlaine Iohn F. knight chiefe Justice of the Kings Bench and Robert R. knight chiefe Justice of the Common Pleas. A little before his death he had concluded a marriage in which negociation Foxe Bishop of Winchester was imployed between his younger Daughter the Lady Mary of the age of ten years and Charles king of Castile not much elder but though concluded yet not solemnized and she was afterward married to Lewis the French king Of his Taxations IN his third yeer there was by Parliament granted toward the maintaining an Army in Britaine that every man should pay the tenth penny of his Goods which Tax though at first withstood in Yorkeshire and Durham yet was afterwad levied to the uttermost In his seventh yeer towards his warres in France a Benevolence was by Parliament granted by which great summes of money were collected of the richer sort only In his eleventh yeer a Subsidie of sixscore thousand pounds was granted him by Parliament towards his waâ—s with Scotland which caused afterward the insurrection in Cornwall In his nineteenth yeer a Subsidie was granted him by Parliament In his one and twentieth yeer â—e raised great summes of money from offenders against Penall Statutes the greatest but the unjustest way for raising of money that every any king of England used and not content with this he required and had at the same time a Benevolence both from the Clergie and Laity To the Clergie was imployed Richard Fox then Bishop of Winchester who assembling the Clergie before him exhorted them to be liberall in their contribution but the Clergie being of two sorts rich and poore made each of them their severall excuses The rich and such as had great livings said they were at great charges in keeping hospitality and maintaining their families and therefore desired to be spaâ—ed The poorer sort alledged that their means were small and scarce able to finde them necessaries and therefore desired to be forborne But the Bishop answered them both with a pretty Dilemma saying to the rich It is true you live at great charges in hospitality in apparell and other demonstrations of your wealth and seeing you have store to spend in such order there is no reason but for your Princes service you should do it much more and therefore you must pay To the poorer sort he said though your livings be small yet your frugality is great and you spend not in house-keeping and apparell as other doe therefore be content for you shall pay Of his Lawes and Ordinances THIS King was the first that ordained a company of tall strong men naming them Yeomen of the Guard to be attending about the person of the king to whom he appointed a Livery by which to be known and a Câ—ptaine by whom to be chosen In his time the authority of the Star-chamber which subsisted before by the Common Lawes of the Realme was confirmed in certaine cases by Act of Parliament In his time were made these excellent generall Laws One that from thenceforth sines should be finall and conclude all strangers rights Another for admission of poore suitours In forma paâ—peris without paying Fee to Counsellour Atturney or Clerke Another that no person that did assist by Armes or otherwise the King for the time being should after be Impeached therefore or Attainted either by course of the Law or by Act of Parliament and that if any such Act of Attainder did happen to be made it should be void and of none effect Another for the Benevolence to make the summes which any had agreed to pay and were not brought in to be leviable by course of Law Another that Murtherers should be burnt on the Brawn of the left hand with the letter M. and Theeves with the letter T. so that if they offended the second time they should have no mercy but â—e put to death and this to â—each also to Clearkes Convict In his fifth yeer It was ordained by Parliament that the Major of London should have Conservation of the river of Thames from the bridge of Stanes to the waters of Yendalâ— and Mâ—d-way In his seventeenth Iohn Shaw Major of London caused his brethren the Aldermen to ride from the Guild-hall to the waters-side when he went to Westminster to be presented in the Exchequer â—e also caused the kitchins and other houses of office â—o be builded at the Guild-hall where since that time the Majors feast haâ—h been kept which before had been in the Grocers or Taylours-hall In his eighteenth yeer king Henry being himselfe a brother of the Taylours Company as divers kings before had been namely Richard the third Edward the fourth Henry the sixth Henry the fifth Henry the fourth and Richard the second also of Dukes 11. Earles 28. Lords 48. he now gave to them the Name and Title of Merchant Taylours as a name of worship to endure for ever Affaires of the Church in his time IN
accompaniâ—d with his sonne in law the Lord Clinton Sir Matthew Browne Sir Iohn Digâ—y Iohn Werton Richard Wetherill and others to the number of fifteen hundred took shipping at Sandwich and passing over to the said Lady Regent did her there great service for which Iohn Norton Iohn Fogge Iohn Scott and Thomas Lynde were knighted and then with many thanks and rewards returned not having lost in all the Journey by warre or sicknesse above an hundred men In the third yeer of King Henryes Reigne one Andrew Barton a scottish Pirate was grown so bold that he robbed English-men no lesse then other Nationsâ— till the King sent his Admirall Sir Edward Howard to represse him who in a fight so wounded the said Barton that he died and then taking two of his ships brought the men prisoners to London and though their offence deserved no lesse then death yet the King was so mecifull as to pardon them all provided they departed the Realme within twenty dayes The King of Scotts hearing the death of Barton and taking of his ships sent to King Henry requiring restitution but King Henry answered his Herauld that he rather looked for thanks for sparing their lives who so justly had deserved death In the third yeer also of King Henryes Reigne the French King made sharpe Warre against Pope Iulius the second whereupon King Henry wrote to the French King requiring him to desist from his Warre against the Pope being his friend and confederate but when the King of France little regarded his request he then sent him word to deliver him his Inheritance of the Dutchy of Normandie and Guyen and the Countryes of Angiou and Mayne as also his Crown of France or else he would recover it by the sword But when the King of France was not moved with this threatning neither King Henry then joyning in league with the Emperour Maximilian with Ferdinand King of Spaine and with divers other Princes resolved by advise of his Councell to make warre on the King of France and to that end made preparation both by Sea and Land This yeer the King kept his Christmas at Greenwich in a most Magnificent manner On New-yeers day was presented one of his Joviall Devises which onely for a Patterne what his showes at other times were I thinke fit to set downe at large In the Hall was made a Castle garnished with Artillery and weapons in a most warlike fashion and on the Front of the Castle was written la Forteresse Dangerense within the Castle were six Ladies clothed in russet Sattin laid all over with leaves of gold On their heads Coyfes and Caps of gold After this Castle had been carried about the Hall and the Queen had beheld it in came the King with five other apparelled in Coates one halfe of russet-Satten with spangles of fiâ—e gold the other halfe of rich cloath of gold on their heads Caps of russet Sattin embrodered with works of fine gold These six assaulted the Castle whom the Ladies seeing so lusty and couragious they were contented to solace with them and upon further communication to yeeld the Castle and so they came downe and daunced a long space after that the Ladyes led the Knights into the Castle and then the Castle suddenly vanished out of their sights On Twelfth day at night the King with eleven more were disguised after the maner of Italie called a Maske a thing not seen before in England They were apparelled in garments long and broad wrought all with gold with Vysors and Caps of gold And after the banket done these Maskers came in with six Gentlemen disguised in silke bearing staffe Torches and desired the Ladyes to dance and after they had danced and communed together tooke their leave and departed The five and twentieth of Ianuary began the Parliament of which was speaker Sir Robert Sheffield knight where the Archbishop of Canterbury shewed the wrong which the King of France did to the King of England in with-holding his Inheritance from him and thereupon the Parliament concluded that Warre should be made on the French King and his Dominions At this time King Ferdinand of Spaine having Warre with the French King wrote to his Sonne in law King Henry that if he would send over an Army into Biskey and invade France on that side he would aid them with Ordnance Horses and all other things necessary whereupon Thomâ—s Gray Marquesse Dorset was appointed to go and with him the Lord Howard Sonne and heiâ—e to the Earle of Sâ—rry the Lord Brooke the Lord Willoughby the Lord Ferrers the Lords Iohn Anthony and Leonard Grey all brothers to the Marquesse Sir Grisseth ap Ryce Sir Maurice Barkeley Sir William Sands the Baron of Bâ—râ—ord and Sir Richard Cornwall his brother William Hussey Iohn Melton William Kingstâ—n Esquires and Sir Henry Willoughby with divers others to the number of ten thousand who taking ship at Southampton oâ— the sixteenth of Maâ—â— the third of Iune they landed on the coast of Biskey whither within three dayes after their arrivall came from the King a Marquesse and an Earle to welcome them but of such necessaries as were promised there came â—one so as the English being in some want of victualls the King of Navarre offered to supply them which they accepted and promised thereupon not to molest his Territories After the Army had lyen thirty dayes looking for aid and provision from the King of Spaine at last a Bishop came from the King desiring theâ— to have patience a while and very shortly he would give them full contentmeâ—t In the mean time the Englishmen forced to feed much upon Garlick and 〈◊〉 drink of hoâ—t Wines fell into such sicknesse that many of them dyed at least eighteen hundred persons which the Lord Marquesse seeing he sent to the King to know his pleasure who sent him answer that very shortly the Duke of Alvâ— should come with a great power and joyne with him and indeed the Duke of Alva came forward with a great Army as if he meant to joyne with him as was promised but being come within a dayes Journey he suddenly turned towards the Realme of Navarre and entring the same chased out the King and Conquered the Kingdom to the King of Spaines use This Spanish policie pleased not the English who finding nothing but words from the King of Spain and being weary of lying so long idle they fell upon some small Townes in the border of Guyen but for want of Horses as well for service as draught were unable to performe any great matter at which time being now October the Lord Marques fell sick and the Lord Howard supplied his place of General to whom the King of Spaine once again sent excusing his present coming and requiring him seeing the time of yeer was now past that he would be pleased to break up his Army and disperse his Companies into Townes thereabouâ— till the nexâ— spring when he would not faile to make good all his promises
Hereupon the Lord Howard and his Company went to Rendre the Lord Willoughby to Gorschaâ—g and Sir William Sands with many other Captaines to Fontarely King Henry in the meane time hearing what the King of Spaines intention was senâ— his Herauld Windsor with Letters to the Army willing them to tarry thereâ—for that very shortly he meant to send them a new supply of Forces under the conduct of the Lord Herbert his Chamberlaine but this message so incenseâ— the Souldiers that in a great fury they had slaine the Lord Howard if he had â—oâ— yeelded presently to returne home who thereupon was forced to hire shippeâ—â— and in the beginning of December they landed in England being taught â—â—y this experience what trust is to be given to Spanish promises About the same time that the Marquesse went into Spaine Sir Edward Hâ—â—ard Lord Admirall of England with twenty great ships made forth towardâ— Brâ—ttaine where setting his men on land he burned and wasted divers Townâ— and Villages and being threatned by the Lords of Brittaine to be encountred to encourage his Gentlemen he made divers of them Knights as Sir Edwaâ—â— Brook brother to the L. Cobham Sir Grifâ—eth Downe Sir Thomas Windham Sir Thomas Lucy Sir Iohn Burdet Sir William Pirton Sir Henry Sherburne and Sir Stephen Bull. The Brittains were tenne thousand the English but five and twenty hundred yet the Brittaines not contented with this advantage of number would neâ—ds use policy besides for by the advice of an old experienced Captaine their Generall commanded his men that aâ—soone as Battels were joynedâ— they should retire a little meaning thereby to draw the English into some disadvantage but the common Souldiers not knowing their Generalls purpose and supposing he had seen some present danger instead of retyring tooke their heeles and fled so giving the English by their Brittish policy if not a Victory at least a safety to returne to their ships After which the Brittaines sued for truce and could not obtaine it for the English Admirall pursued his forraging the Countrey till fearing there were many French ships abroad at Sea he came and lay before the Isle of Wight King Henry in the meane time followed his pleasures and in Iune kept a solemne Just at Greenwich where he and Sir Charles Brandon took up all cummers and the King shewed himselfe no lesse a King at Arms then in Estate After this King Henry having prepared men and ships ready to go to Sea under the Governance of Sir Anthony Outâ—read Sir Edmund Ichingham William Sidney and divers other Gentlemen appointed them take the sea and to come before the Isle of Wight there to joyne with the Admirall which altogether made a Fleet of five and twenty faire ships and to Portesmouth he weâ—t himselfe to see them where he appointed Captaines for one of his chiefest ships called the Regent Sir Thomas Knevet master of his horse and Sir Iohn Carew of Devonshire and to another principall ship called the Soveraigne he appointed for Captaines Sir Charles Brandon and Sir Henry Guildford and then making them a bankeâ— sent them going The French King likewise had prepared a Navy of nine thirty ships in the Haven of Brest whereof the chief was a great Carrick called the Cordelyer pertaining to the Queen his wife These two Fleets met at the Bay of Brittaine and there entred a tirrible fight The Lord Admirall made with the great ship of Deepe and chased her Sir Charles Brandon and Sir Henry Guildford being in the Soveraigne made with the great Carrick of Brest and laid stemme to stemme to her but whether by negligence of the Master or by reason of the smoake from the Ordnance the Soveraigne was cast at the sterâ—e of the Carrick whereat the Frenchmen shoured for joy which Sir Thomas Knevet seeing suddenly he caused the Regent in which he was to make to the Carrick and to grapple with her a long boord and when they of the Carrick perceived they could not get a sunder they let slippe an Anchor and so with the streame the ships turned and the Carrick was on the Weather side and the Regent on the Lee side at which time a cruell fight passed between these two ships but in conclusion the Englishmen entred the Carrick which when a Gunner saw he desperately set fire on the Gunpowder as some say though others affirmed that Sir Anthonie Outhread following the Regent at the sterne bowged her in divers places and set her powder on fire but howsoever it chanced the Carrick and the Regent both were consumed by fire In the Carrick was Sir Piers Morgan and with him nine hundred men in the Regent were Sir Thomas Knevett and Sir Iohn Carew and with them seven hundred men all drowned and burnt King Henry to repaire the losse of the Regent caused a great ship to be made such a one as had never been seen in England and named it Henry Grace de Dieu Though King Henry had hitherto followed his pleasures as well agreeing with his youth and constitution yet he neglected not in the meane time severer studies for he frequented daily his Councell Table and no matter of importance was resolved on till he had heard it first maturely discussed as was now a War wiâ—h France which he would not enter into upon his owne head nor yet upon advise of his private Councell till he had it dâ—bâ—ted and concluded in Parliament whereupon he called his High Court of Parliament wherein it was resolved that himselfe in person with a Royall Army should invade France and towards the charges thereof an extraordinary Subsidy was willingly granted On May even this yeer Edmund de la Poole Earle of Suffolke was beheaded on the Tower Hill This was that Earle of Suffolke whom King Phillip Duke of Austria had delivered up into the hands of King Henry the seventh upon his promise that he would not put him to death which indeed he performed but his sonne King Henry the eight was not bound by that promise and by him he was and shortly after to bring another Lord in his place Sir Charles Brandon was created Viscount Lisle For all the great preparation for France King Henry forbore not his course of Revelling but kept his Christmas at Greenwich with divers cuâ—ious devises in most magnificent manner In March following the Kings Navy Royall to the number of two and forty ships was set forth under the conduct of Sir Edward Howard Lord Admirall accompanied with Sir Walter Deveraux Lord Ferrers Sir Wolston Browne Sir Edward Ichingham Sir Anthony Poynings Sir Iohn Walloppe Sir Thomas Windham Sir Stephen Bull William Fits Williams Arthur Plantagenet William Sidney esquires and divers other Gentlemen who sayling to Brittane came into Bertram Bay and there lay at Anchor in sight of the French Navie wherof one Prior Iohn was Admirall who keeping himselfe close in the Haven of Brest the English Admirall intended to assaile him in the Haven but because his ships were to
triumph during their abode in Tourney amongst other compliments of entertainment there was had a Justs where the King and the Lord Lisle answered all comers after the Justs was a sumptuous Banquet after the Banquet the Ladies danced and then came in the King and eleven other in a Maske all richly apparelled with Bonnets of gold and when theâ— had passed the time at their pleasures the garments of the Maskers were cast off amongst the Ladies take them that could This was King Henries disposition that he could not forbear Revelling in the midst of his Armes and Ladies must be entertained as well as souldiers After this finding the French not willing to come to a Battaile and the winter drawing on he left Sir Edward Poynings Governour of Tourney and then returned to Callice and from thence passed into England and rode in post to Richmond to the Queene Whilst King Herry was thus busied in his warre with France the King of Scots though his Brother in law yet instigated by the French King and taking advantage of King Henries absence assembled his people to Invade England but before his whole power could come together the Lord Humes his Chamberlin with seven or eight thousand men entred the borders but as he was returning with a great booty of Cattle in a field overgrowne with Broome called Milfield he was encountred by Sir Edward Bulmer having with him not above a thousand men who lying in that field in ambush broke out upon him and put him to flight with the slaughter of five or six hundred of his company and foure hundred taken prisoners the Lord Humes himselfe escaped by â—light but his Banner was taken and this by the Scots was called the ill Rode In the meane time the whole power of Scotland was assembled no fewer then one hundred thousand men though Buchanan in favour of his Countrey â—aith not the fifth part of that number and with these King Iames approaching the borders and coming to Norham Castle laid siedge unto it which for want of Powder was soone delivered up unto him But by this time the Earle of Surrey Lievtenant of the North parts had assembled an Army of six and twenty thousand men to whom also soone after his Sonne the Lord Admirall with one thousand expert souldiers came and joynedâ— and now having many great Lords and Knights in his Army he appointed to every one their station and then was informed that King Iames being removed six miles from Norhaâ— lay embattelling upon a great Mountain called Floddon where it was impossible to come neere him but with great disadvantage for at the foot of the hill oâ— the left hand was a great maâ—ish ground full of reeds and water on the right hand was a river called Till so swift any deepe that it was not possible on the back-side were such craggie rocks and thick woods that there was no assayling him on that part the forepart of his Campe he had fenced with his great Ordnance Being in such a hold the Earle of Surry found there was no possibility of a Battaile unlesse he could draw him from the hil wherupon he called a counâ—ell by which it was determined to sâ—nd Roug-Crossâ— Puâ—suivant at Armes with a trumpet to the K. of Scots to let him know that he was ready on Friday following to give him Battaile if he would abide it wherunto the King of Scots by his Pursuivant Ilay made answer that at the day prefixed he should finde him ready for Battail as he desired that he would willingly have come to such a maâ—ch if he had bin at Edenburgh but though he made this answer yet he would not leave the strong Hold he was in but kept himselfe still upon the Hill at last Thomas Lord Howard sonne and heiâ—e to the Earle of Surrey having viewed the Countrey round about declared to his Father that if he would but fetch a smal compasse and come with his Army on the back of his Enemies he should enforce the Scottish King to come down out of his strength or else stop him from receiving of victuals oâ— any other thing out of Scotland This councell of the Lord Howard his Father followed and King Iames perceiving what their meaning was thought it stood not with his honour to be forestalled out of his owne Realme and thereupon immediately raised his Camp and got to another Hill but not so steepe as the other which the Earle of Surrey perceiving he determined to mouâ—t it and to fight with the Scots before they should have leisure to fortifie their Campe and herewith making a short Speech for encouragement of his Souldiers he divided his Army into Battailes the Vanâ—guard was led by the Lord Howard to whom was joyned as a Wing Sir Edward Howard the middle-ward was led by the Earl himself and the Rear-ward by Sir Edward Stanley the Lord Dacres with a number of horsmen was set apart by himselfe to succor where need should be the Ordnance was placed in the Front and in other places as was thought most convenient and in this order they March forward towerds the Scots On the other side King Iames reckoning upon the benefit of the Hill thought the English half mad to venture a Battaile upon such disadvantage and thereupon making a Speech to encourage his Souldiers who were of themselves so forward that they needed no encouraging Hee divided his Battailes in this manner the maine Battaile he led himself to which he appointed two Wings the right led by the Earls of Huntley Crâ—wford and Mountrosse the left by the Earls of Lenox and Argyle together with the Lord Hâ—mes Lord Camberlain and so confident they were of victory that the King first and after all the Lords and meaneâ— meâ— put away their Horses as thinking they should not need them which confidence was afterward their undoing for when the Battaile being joyned Sir Edward Howard in getting up the Hill was so assaulted by the Earles of Lenox and Argyle that he was left almost alone and in manifest perill to be slaine in comes the Lord Dacres with his Horsmen and trode under foot the Scottish Battaile of speeres on foot which he could not have done if they had kept their Horses And this part of the Scottish Aâ—my being led by the Earles of Crawford and Mountrosse they were both of them slaine and the whole Battaile but to flight In another part also Sir Edward Stanley did the like upon the Battaile led by the Earles of Lenox and Argyle putting it to flight with the slaughter also of these two Earles King Iames notwithstanding maintained the fight still with great resolution till Sir Adam Forman his Standard-bearer was beaten downe and then not fainting though despairing of successe he rushed into the thickest of his Enemies amongst whom he was beaten downe and slaine and to make his death the more honourable there dyed with him three Bishops whereof one was Alexander Archbishop of Saint Andrewes the Kings base
Sir Giles Capell Thomas Cheiney and others obtained leave of the King to be at the challenge where they all behaved themselves with great valour but specially the Duke of Suffolke whose glory the Dolphyn so much envied that he got a Dutch-man the tallest and strongest man in all the Court of France secretly as another person to encounter him with a purpâ—e to have the Duke foyled but indeed it turned to his greater honour for he foiled the Dutch-man in such sort that when they came to the Barriers the Duke by maine strength took him about the neck and so prommeled him about the head that he made the blood issue out at his nose many other Princes and Lords did bravely and after three dayes the Justs ended King Henry was not long behinde to solemnize it in England also for at Greenwich the Christmas following on Newyeers night and Twelfth night he presented such strange and magnificent devices as had seldome been seene and the third of February following he held a solemne Justs where he and the Marquesse Dorset answered all commers at which time the King brake three and twenty speares and threw to the ground one that encountred him both man and horse At this time preparation was making for King Henry in person to go to Callice there to meet with the French King and Queene but death hindred the designe for before the next spring the first of Ianuary the French King dyed at the City of Paris fourscore and two dayes after his marriage teaching others by his example what it is for an old man to marry a young Lady King Henry hearing of the French Kings death sent the Duke of Suffolke Sir Richard Winkefield and Doctor West to bring over the Queene Dowager according to the Covenants of the marriage Whereupon the Queene was delivered to the Duke by Indenture who obtaining her good will to be her husband which was no hard matter that had been her first love wrote to the King her brother for his consent whereat the King seemed to stick a while but at last consented so as he brought her into England unmarried and then marry at his return but the Duke for more surety married her secretly in Paris and after having received her Dower Apparrell and Jewels came with her to Callice and there openly married her with great solemnity At their coming into England King Henry to shew his contenâ—ment with the marriage in the company of the Duke of Suffolke the Marquesse Dorset and the Earle of Essex all richly apparelled held a new kinde of Justs running courses on horseback in manner Volant as fast as one could follow another to the great delight of the beholders This yeer the King at his Mannour of Oking Woolsey Archbishop of Yorke came and shewed him letters that he was elected Cardinall for which dignity he disabled himselfe till the King willed him to take it upon him and from thenceforth called him Lord Cardinall but his Hat and Bull were not yet come after which Doctor Warham Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancelour of England finding Woolsey being now Cardinall to meddle more in his office of Chancelourship then he could well sufferâ— resigned up the Seal which the King presently gave to Woolsey About this time Cardinall Campejus was sent by Pope Leo to King Henry to solicite him to a Warre against the Turke with whom Cardinall Woolsey was joyned in Commission who hearing of the ragged retinue of his fellow Cardinell sent store of red cloath to Callice to make them fit followers of so great a Lord and when Campejus was landed at Dover Cardinall Woolsey caused the gentry of Kent to waite upon to Black-heath where he was met and received by the Duke of Norfolk and many Prelates there in a Tent of cloath of gold shifted himself into his Cardinals robes Eight Mules he had laden with necessaries but Woolsey not thinking them enough for his honour sent him twelve more But now see the shame of pride for in Cheap-side his Mules by some mischance overthrew their Carriages and Coffers on the ground whose lyds flying open shewed the world what treasure it was they carried old Breeches Boots and broken Shoos broken Meat Marybones and crusts of Bread exposing him to the laughter of all the people yet the Cardinall went joging on afore with his Crosses guilt Axe and Mace unto Pauls Church and by the way had an Oration made him by Sir Thomas Moore in name of the City and then waited on with many Bishops was conducted to Bath Place where he was lodged for his own particuler he got well by the Journey for the King gave him the Bishoprick of Salisbury but the errand he came about which was to have Ayde by mony for a Warre against the Turke he could not obtaine for it was well known to be but a devise to get money without any intention of what was pretended In his seventh yeer King Henry kept his Christmas at his Mannour of Eltham where on Twelfth night according to his custome was a stately Maske of Knights and Ladies with solemne Daunsing and a most Magnificent Banquet It was now the eight yeer of King Henryes Reigne when the new league between him and the French King was Proclaimed in the City of London and this yeer Mageret Queene of Scots eldest Sister to King Henry having before married Archibald Dowglasse Earle of Angus by reason of dissention amongst the Lords of Scotland was glad with her husband to flye into England and to seek succour at her brothers hands who assigned to her the Castle of Harbottell in Northumberland to reside in where she was delivered of a daughter named Margaret From thence the King sent for her and her husband to come to his Court and thereupon the third of May Queene Margaret riding on a white Palfrye which the Queen of England had sent her behinde Sir Thomas Parrâ— came through London to Baynards Castle and from thence went to Greenwich but her husband the Earle of Angus was secretly before departed into Scotland which when King Henry heard he onely â—aid it was done like a Scot. And now in honour of his sisters coming King Henry the nine and twentieth of May appointed two solemne dayes of Justs where the King the Duke of Sâ—ffolke the Earle of Essex and Nicholas Carew Esquire took upon them to answer all commers amongst others the King and Sir William Kinston ran together which Sir William though a strong and valourous Knight yet the King overthrew him to the ground all the rest was performed with no lesse valour then magnificence This yeer died the King of Aragon Father to the Queene of England for whom was kept a solemne Obsequie in the Cathedrall Church of Pauls and Queene Margaret after she had been a yeer in England returned into Scotland In this yeer were sent twelve hundred Carpenters and Masons with three hundred Labourers to the City of Tourney in France to build a Castle
there to keep the City in Awe And now the Cardinall being weary of hearing so many Causes himselfe as were daily brought before him ordained by the Kings Commission aftet the patterne of Mases divers under Courts to hear coâ—mplaints of Suitours whereof one was kept in the Whitehall another before the Kings Almoner Doctor Stokesley a third in the Lord Treasurers lodging neere the Starre-chamber and the fourth at the Roles in the afternoone these Courts for a time were much frequneted but at last the people perceiving that much delay was used in them and that sentence given by them bound no man by Law they thereupon grew weary of them and resorted to the common Law By occasion of this Government of the Cardinall who under colour of Justice did what he pleased many great men withdrew themselves from the Court as first the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Winchester who went and lived in their Diocesses then the Duke of Norfolke and at length the Duke of Suffolke who being run deep into the Kings debt by reason of his many Imployments into France and his great House-keeping since his marriage with the Kings Sister hoped the King would have forgiven it and would no doubt have done it but that the Cardinall opposed it to the end the Duke should be the more at his command In October this yeer Matthew Bishop of Sion commonly called the Cardinall of the Swizzers came into England from the Emperour Maximilian by whose soliciting and Cardinall Woolseys perswasion the King lent the Emperor a great some of money for Woolsey being angry with the King of France for detaining the revenewes of his Bishoprick of Tourney perswaded King Henry that the best way to abate the French Kings power was to furnish the Emperour money the better to maintaine warre against him and what Woolsey said was in those dayes to King Henry an Oracle This yeer the King kept his Christmas at his manner of Greenwich where on Twelfth night according to his custome rare devices with great magnificence were presented after which time the King exercised himselfe much in Hawking which was like to have proved no good sport to him for one time following his Hawke and leaping over a Ditch with a Pole the Pole brake so that if one Edmund Mody a foot-man had not leapt into the water and lift up his head which was fast in the clay he had been drowned In this yeer also there happened in the City of London an Insurrection against strangers specially of Artificers complayning that strangers were permitted to resort hither with their Wares and to exercise Handy-crafts to the great hindrance and impoverishing the Kings own Subjects and not onely so but that they were borne out in many great Insolencies and wrongs they offered to the English as one time it happened a Carpenter in London called Williamson had bought two Pigeons in Cheap-side and was about to pay for them when a French-man tooke them out of his hand saying they were no meat for a Carpenter well said Williamson I have bought them and I will have them nay said the French-man I will have them for my Lord Embassadour hereupon they grew to words and complaint was made to the French Embassadour who so aggravated the matter to the Major that the Carpenter was sent to prison and when Sir Iohn Baker sued to the Embassadour for him he answered by the body of God the English knave was worthy to loose his life for denying any thing to a French-man and other answer he could have none Matry like and worse Insolencies were offered by changes which one Iohn Lincoln a Broker drew into a Bill and prevailed with Doctor Beale Preacher on Easter Tuesday at the spittle to reade it openly in the pulpit which so stirred up many that strangers could hardly passe the streets but were strucken and sometimes beaten downe At last one evening many Prentises and others assembling rifled some strangers houses and much mischief was like to be done but by the tare of the Maior and Aldermen and by the indâ—stry of Robert Brook Recorder and Sir Thomas Moore â—hat had bin under shriefe of London they were gotten to be quiet and many of the disturbers were sent to prison whereof Lincolne and twelve other were hanged foure hundred more in their shirts bound in ropes and halters about their neckes and thereupon called the black wagon were brought to Westminster where the King himselfe sate that day and when the Cardinall had charged them with the greatnesse of their offence they all cryed mercy mercy and then the King by the mouth of the Cardinall pardoned them all which clemency purchased the Kiâ—g no small love amongst the people In this ninth yeere in Iune King Henry had divers Embassadors at his Court for whose entertainment he prepared a costly Justs himselfe and twelve more against the Duke of Suffolke and other twelve The King had on his Head a Ladies sleeve full of Diamonds and perhaps something else of the Ladies in hes heart which made him performe his courses with the applause of all beholdeâ—s This yeere by reason of a sweating sicknesse Michaelmâ—s Tearme was adjourned and the yeere following Trinity Tearme was held one day at Oxford and then adjourned againe to Westminster About this time Cardinall Woolsey obtained of Pope Leo authority to dispence with all Offences against the spirituall Lawes by vertue whereof he set up a Court and called it The Court of the Legat in the which he proved Testaments and heard Causes to the great hindrance of all the Bishops of the Realme and to the debauching of Priests and Religious persons who relying upon his greatnesse tooke â—uch a liberty of licentiousnesse to themselves that none was more disorderly then those that were in orders and supposiiâ—g perhaps they might lawfully comit such sins themselves as they forgave to others And indede the Cardinalls carriage exceeded all boundes of moderation for when he said masse he made Dukes and Earles to serve him of wine with a say taken and to hold the bason at the Lauatory and when the Archbishop of Canterbury writing a letter to him subscribed your brother William of Canterbury he tooke it in great dudgion to be termed his brother It was now the tenth yeere of King Henries Reigne when the Kinâ— of France longing much to have Turney restored to him by great guifts and greater promisesâ— wonne â—he Cardinall Woolsey to move the King in it who upon his perswasions was contented to be treated withall about it to which the King of France sent the Lord Bonquet high Admirall of France and the Bishop of Paris who in there attendance having above fourescore Gentlemen and with their servants and all above twelve hundred arived in England and on Munday the seaven and twentieth of September were met at Black-heath by the Eaâ—le of Surrey high Admirall of England attended likewise with above five hundred Gentlemen and others who conducted them to
London where they were lodged at Marchantailors Hall The last of September the Embassadours went to the King at Greenwich where after long communication an Agreement was at last concluded under pretence of a marriage to be had betweene the Dolphin of France and the Lady Mary Daughter to the King of England that in name of her marriage money Tourney should be deliveted to the French King he paying to the King of England for the Castle he had made in that Citty six hundred Thousand Câ—ownes in twelve yeeres by fiftie Thousand Crownes yeerly and if the marriage should chance not to take effect then that Tourney should be againe restored to the King of England for performance of which article Hrstages shotld be delivered namely Monsiâ—ur de Memorancye Monsieur de Monpesac Monsieur de Moy and Monsieur Morett and moreover the French King should pay to the Cardinall of England a thousand markes yeerly in recompence of his Revenewes received before of his Bishoprick of Tourney All things thus concluded the Cardinall made to the Embassadours a solemne Banquet and after presented them with a stately Mummery The eighth of October the King feasted them at Greenwich and at night presented a stately Maske of Knights and Ladies with reare devises and great magnificence The next day Sir Thomas Exmew Major of London feasted them at Goldsmiths-Hall and then delivering their foure Hostages they tooke their leave At whose departure the King gave to the Admirall of France a Garnish of guilt vessell a paire of covered Basons gilt twelve great guilt Bowles fower paire of great guilt Pots a standing Cup of Gold garnished with great Pearles and to some other he gave Plate to some other cheins of Gold to some rich Apparell to the great comendation of his liberality Shortly after their departure the Earle of Worcester Lord Chamberlaine the Bishop of Ely the Lord of Saint Iohns Sir Nicholas Vaux Sir Iohn Pechy and Sir Thomas Bullen as Embassadours from the King of England accompanied with Knights Gentlemen and others to the number of above foure hundred passed over to Callice and from thence went to Paris where after Royall Entertainment by the King with diâ—erse Maskes and stately shewes they tooke their leaves and rode to Tourney to see the Citty delivered to the French men on the eighth of February to the great griefe of the English Garrison After the English Embassadours were returned King Henry to cheere up the foure French Hostages left heere for performance of covenants on the seaventh of May presented a solemne and stately Maske wherein himselfe the Duke of Suffolke and the French Queene were Actors and on the eight of March following was a solemne Just holden and with great magnificence performed In the eleventh yeere of King Henries Raigne died the Emperour Maximilian for whom the King caused a solemne obsequie to be kept in Paules Church After whose death the French King and the King of Spain endeavoured by sundry plots each of them to get the Empire but in conclusion Charles King of Castile afterwards called Charles the fifth was elected Emperour for joy whereof a solemne Masse was sung at Pauls the seaventh of Iuly at which were present the Cardinall Campeius the Cardinall of Yorke the Duke of Buckingham Norfolke and Suffolk with the Embassadours of Spaine France Venice and Scotland and this yeere the King kept Saint Georges feast at Winsor with great solemnity At this time diverse young Gentlemen that had been in France after the manner of that Country carried themselves so familiarly with the King that the Lords of his counsell thought it a disparagement to him and thereupon with his leave first obtained they banished them the Court and in their places brought in more staied aud graver men namely Sir Richard Winkefield Sir Richard Ierningham Sir Richard Weston and Sir VVilliam Kingston In the summer of this yeere the Queene lying at her Mannor of Havering in Essex desired the King to bring thither the foure Hostages of France to whom shee made a Royall Banpuet and in September following the King lying at his Mannor of Newhall in Essex otherwise called Beaulieu where he had newly built a stately Mansion invited the Queen and the French Hostages thither where after a sumptuous Banquet he presented them with an extraordinary Mask for the Maskers were the Duke of Suffolk the Earl of Essex the Marquesse Dorset the Lord Aburgaveny Sir Richard VVinkfield Sir Richard VVeston and Sir VVilliam Kingston the youngest of whom was fifty yeeres old at least that the Ladies might see what force they had to make age young againe At this time the French King was very desirous to see the King of England with whom he had entred into such a league of alliance and to that end made meanes to the Cardinall that there might be an Enterview betweene them at some convenient place to which the Cardinall noâ— so much to satisfie the French King as to shew his owne greatnesse in France eâ—sily condiscended and thereupon perswaded King Henry how necessary it was that such an Enterview should be and then were sent unto Guysnes under the rule of Sir Edward Belknap three thousand artificers who builded on the plaine before the Castle of Guysnes a most stately Pallace of timber curiously Garnished without and within whither both the Kings in Iune next following agreed â—o come and to answere all commers at the Tilt Tournies and Barriers whereof proclamation was made in the Court of England by Orleance King of Armes of France and in the Court of France by Clarentius King of Armes of England whilst these things were preparing on Candlemas Even as the King and Queene were come from Even-song at their Mannour of Greenwich suddainly there blew a Trumpet and then entred into the Queenes Chamber foure Gentlemen who brought with them a waggon in which sate a Lady richly apparelled which Lady acquainted the King that the foure Gentlemen there present were come for the love of their Ladies to answer all commers at the Tilts on a day by the King to be appointed which day was thereupon appointed on Shrovetuesday next â—nsuing where they all behaved themselves with great valour to the great delight of the King and Queene By this time King Henry was ready for his journey into France and so removing from his Mannour of Greenwich on Friday the five and twentieth of May he with his Queene arived at Canterbury where he ment to keepe his Whitsontide At which time the Emperour Charles returning ouâ— of Spaine arrived on the coast of Kent where by the vice Admirall of England Sir William Fitz-Williams he was conducted to land and there met aud received by the Lord Cardinall in great state After which the King himselfe rode to Dover to welcome him and on Whitsunday earely in the morning conducted him to Canterbury where they spent all the Whitsontide in great joy and solace The chiefe cause that moved the Emperour at this time
to come on land was to have disswaded the King from any Enterview with the French King but when he saw him â—o forward in that jourâ—ey he then onely endeavoured to perswadâ— him that he should put no trust in the French Kings words and with great guiâ—ts and promises prevailed with the Cardinall to joyne with him in this perswasion The last of May the Emperour tooke his leave and the same day the King made saile from Dover and landed at Callice together with the Queen and many Lords and Ladies The fourth of Iune the King and Queen removed from Callice to his Princely lodging beside the Towne of Guysnes the most Royall Building that was eâ—er seene likewise Francis the French King had his lodging prepared close to the Towne of Ard in a strange but most magnificent fashion Both Kings had given authority and power to the Cardinall to affirme and confirme â—o bind or unbind whatsoever should be in difference betweene them no lesse an honour to the Cardinall then a confidence in the Kings On Thursday the seavenâ—h of Iune the Kings met in the vale of Andren so magnificently attired both themselves and all their followers that from thence it was called â—he campe of cloath of Gold Heere they spent that day in loving complements and at night departed the one to Guysnes the other to Ard. On Satureday the ninth of Iune were set up in a place within the English pale two Trees of honour with stately roomes and stages for the Queens and thither the two Kings came most Royally accompanâ—ed wherein most magnificent manner they performed Acts of valour both on fooâ—e and horseback and after them all the great Lords both of France and England did the like this solemnity of Justs and Maskes was continued to the foure and twentieth day of Iune at which time the Kings and Queenes tooke leave of each other the French King and Qâ—eene removed to Ard the King and Queene of England to Callice where he remained till the tenth of Iuly and then ridings â—oward Graveling was by the way met by the Emperour and by him conducted thithet and there in most royall manner enteâ—tained whereof when the French King heard he began from that day forward to have King Henry in a kinde of jelousie as though to love him and the Emperour both were inconsistent and could not stand together On Wednesday the eleventh of Iuly the Emperor and his Aunt the Lady Margaret Dutchesse of Savoy came with the King of England to the town of Callice and there continued with Feasting Dancing and Masking till the fourteenth of Iuly In which time all the Articles of the league tripartito betweene the Emperour and the Kings of England and France were reviewed to which the King of France had so fully condiscended that he had sent Monsieur de Roche to the Emperor with Letâ—ers of credence that in the word of a Prince he would inviolably observe and keepe them all all which notwithstanding he dispenced with his conscience afterward in breaking them all On Saturday Iuly 14. the Emperor tooke his leave and went to Graveling the King with his Queene returned into England It was now the twelfth yeer of King Henries reigne when being returned from Callice he kept his Christmas at Greenwich with great magnificence on twelfth day he and the Earl of Devonshire maintained a solemn Justs against al commers The Cardinal had long born a grudg against the Duke of Buckingham for speaking certain words in his disgrace and now hath made his way for reveng for the Earl of Surrey Lord Admirall who had maried the Dukes daughter the Cardinall had caused to be sent Deputy into Ireland and the Earle of Northumberland the Dukes speciall friend he had caused upon certain suggested crimes to be Imprisoned so as the Duke having his friends sequestred from him he lay now open to accusations and accusations shall not long be wanting for the Duke having some time before put from him in displeasure one Charles Knevet that had been his Surveyar and inward with him him the Cardinall gets to him to see what he could get out of him against the Duke And whether it was out of desire of revenge or out of hope of reward or that the matter was so indeed this Knevet confessed to the Cardinall that the Duke had once fully determined to make away the King being brought into a hope to be King himselfe by a vaine Prophesie which one Nicholas Hopkins a Monke of an house of the Chartnar Order besides Bristow called Henton somtimes his Confessor had opened to him and as for the Cardinall that he had often heard the Duke sweare he would punish him soundly for his manifold misdoings And now had the Cardinall matter enough for Accusation which he so aggravated to the King that the King bid him do with him according to Law Hereupon the Duke is apprehended and brought to the Tower by Sir Henry Marney Captain of the Guard the fifteenth of April and shortly after in Guild-hal before Sir Iohn Brugge then Lord Major was indited of divers points of High-treason the substance whereof was that in the second yeer of the Kings reign and at divers times before and after he had imagined and compassed the Kings death at London and at Thornbery in Glocestershiâ—e and that in the sixth yeer of the Kings reign he went in person to the Priory of Henton and there had conference with the foresaid Nicholas Hopkins who told him he should be King and that he had often said to the Lord Aburgayne who had maried his daughter that if King Henry died without issue he would look to have the Crown himself Vpon these points hee was arraigned in Westminster-hall before the Duke of Norfolk sitting then as high Steward of Englaâ—d the Duke of Suffolk the Marquesse Dorset the Earls of VVorcester Devonshire Essex Shrewsbury Kent Oxford and Darby the Lords of Saint Iohns de la ware Fitz-water Willoughby Brook Cobhaâ— Herbert Morley The Duke pleaded for himself til he swet again but al booted â—ot for by these Peeres he was found guilty and condemned and so on Friday the seventeenth of May was led by Iohn Keyme and Iohn Skevington Sheriffes of London to the scaffold on Tower-hill and there beheaded The Augustine Friers took his body and head and buried them This Edward Bohun Duke of Buckingham was the last high Constable of England the greatest place next the high Steward in the kingdome whose Power extended to restrain some actions of the King He was also Earl of Hereford Stafford and Northampton he maried Elianor the daughter of Henry Earle of Northumberland and had issue Henry Lord Stafford Father to Henry Lord Stafford laâ—e living and three daughters Elizabeth maried to Thomas Hâ—ward Earl of Surrey Katherine maried to Ralph Nevil Earl of Wesâ—merland and Mary maried to George Nevill Lord of Abuâ—gaâ—enie In this meane while a new Warre was begun between the Emperour and
the King of France for composing whereof the Cardinall of Yorke was sent attended with the Earle of Worceâ—ter Lord Chamberline the Lord of Saint Iohns the Lord Ferrers the Lord Herbert the Bishop of Duâ—ham the Bishop of Ely the Primate of Armagh Sir Thomas Bullen Sir Iohn Pechye Sir Iohn Hussey Sir Richard Winkfield Sir Henry Guildâ—ord and many other Knights Gentlemen and Doctors On the twelfth of Iuly he arrived at Callice whether came to him the Chaâ—cellour of France and the Count de Palice attended with four hundred horse as Embassadours from the French King and from the Emperour the like with Commissions to treat and conclude of Peace There were also Embassadours from the Pope whom the Cardinall moved to have the Pope be a party also in their League but they wanting Commission Letters were presently sent to Rome about it and in the time till answer might be had the Cardinall went to Bruges to speak with the Emperour with whom having stayed thirteene dayes after most Royall entertainment he returned back to Câ—llice and then fell presently to the treaty of Peace with the French Commissioner but was colder in the matter then he was before as having had his edge taken off by some dealings with the Emperour so as nothing was concluded but that Fishermen of both the Princes might freely Fish on the Seas without disturbance till the end of February following whereof he sent advertisement to both the Princes to the Emperour by the Lord of Saint Iohns and Sir Thomas Bullen to the French King by the Earle of Worcester and the Bishop of Ely During all which time of the Cardinalls stay in Callice all Writs and Paâ—ents were there by him sealed and no Sheriffe could be chosen for lack of his presence having the Great Seal there with him and full power in things as if the King had been there in person Before he returned he made a new League with the Emperour and intimated to the French King that he doubted the King of England would not hereafter be so much his friend as heretofore he had been whereat though the King of France were much offended yet he signifyed by his Letters perhaps dissemblingly that he would continue the King of Englands friend asmuch as ever onely he enveighed against the Cardinall as a man of no truth withdrew many Pensions which he had before given to some English Presently upon this was Tourney besieged by the Lord Hugh de Moncada a Spaniard and though the French King sent great Forces to succour it yet it was rendred up to the Emperour the last of November in the thirteenth yeer of King Henries Reigne This yeer Pope Leo died the first of December suspected to be poysoned by Barnabie Malespina his Chamberlaine whose office was alwayes to give him drinke After whose death Doctor Pace was sent to Rome to make friends in behalfe of the Cardinall of Yorke who was brought into a hope through the Kings favour to be elected Pope but that hope was soon quailed for before Doctor Pace could get to Rome Adrian the sixth was chosen Pope This Doct. Pace was a very learned and religious man yet thorow crosses in his imployment fell mad and dyed in whose place of Imployment succeeded Doct. Stephen Gardyner On the second of February King Henry being then at Greenwich received a Bull from the Pope whereby he had the Title given him to be defender of the Christian Faith for him and his successours for ever which Title was ascribed â—o him for writing a Booke against Luther of which Booke saith Holingsâ—eard I will onely say â—hus much that King Henry in his Booke is reported to rage against the Devill and Antichrist to cast out his foame against Luther to race out the Name of the Pope and yet to allow his Law which Booke Luther aâ—swered with as little respect to the King as the King had done to him In this meane time many displeasures grew between the two Kings of England and France specially two one that French-men seized upon English ships as they passed for remedy whereof one Christopher Cee an expert seaman was sent with six ships to safeguard the Merchants Another that the Duke of Albanye was returned into Scotland contrary to that which was Covenanted by the league which though the King of France denied to be done with his privity yet King Henry knew the Duke of Albanye had Commission from the French King to returne which did the more exasperate him and hereupon were Musters made in England and a note taken of what substance all men were This yeere died the Lord Brooke Sir Edwad Poynings Knight of the Garâ—er Sir Iohn Pechy and Sir Edward Belknappe all valient Captaines suspected to have poysoned at a Banquet made at Ard when the two Kings met last At this time Owen Dowglas Biship of Dunkell fled out of Scoâ—lnad into England because the Duke of Albanye being come thither had taken upon him the whole Government of the King and Kingdome whereupon Clarentiaux the Herald was sent into Scotland to command the Duk of Albany to avoid that Realm which he refusing the Herald was â—ommanded to defie him Thereupon the French King seized all English-mens goods in Burdeaux and impisoned their persons and retained not onely the money to be paid for the restitution of Tourney but also with-held the French Queenes Dower whereof when King Henry understood he called the French Embassadour residing in England to give account thereof who though he gave the best reasons he â—ould to excuse it yet was commanded to keep his house and the French Hostages remayning here for the money to be paid for the delivery of Tourney were restrained of their liberty and committed to the custody of the Lord of Saâ—t Iohns Sir Thomas Lovell Sir Andrew Windsor and Sir Thomas Nevyle each of them to keep one and withall all French-men in London were committed to prison and put to their Fines and all Scots-men much more There were then also sent to sea under the conduct of Sir William Fitz-Williams Viceadmirall eight and twenty great ships and seven more towards Scotland who set fire on many Scottish-ships in the Haven and at length tooke many prisoners and returned King Henry hearing that the Emperour would come to Callice so to passe into England as he went into Spaine appointed the Lord Marquesse Dorsett to go to Câ—llice there to receive himâ— and the Cardinall to receive him at Daverâ— The Cardinall taking his Journey thither on the tenth of May rode thorow London accompanied with two Earles six and thirty Knights and a hundred Gentlemen eight Bishops ten Abbots thirty Chaplains all in Velvet and Sattin and Yeomen seven hundred The five and twentieth of May being Sunday the Marquesse Dorset with the Bishop of Chichester the Lord de Lawâ—re and divers others at the water of Graveling received the Emperour and with all honour brought him to Callice where he was received with Procession by the
but â—ow he means to be in earnest and therefore sends over the Duke of Suffolk with an Army the foure and twentieth of August attended with the Lord Montacute and his bâ—other Sir Arthur Poole the Lord Herbert sonne to the Earle of Worcesâ—er the Lord Ferrers the Lord Marney the Lord Sands the Lord Barkley the Lord â—owis and the Baron Curson Sir Richard Winkâ—â—eld Chauncellour of the Duchy of Lancaster Sir Iohn Vere Sir Edward Nevile Sir William Kingsâ—on Sir Richard Weston Sir Andrew Winsore Sir Robert Winkfield Sir Anthony Winkfield Sir Edward Guildford Sir Edw Grevile Sir Edw Chamberlaine Sir Thomas Lucy Sir Everard Digby Sir Adrian Foskew Sir Richard Cornwall Sir William Courtney Sir William Sidney Sir Henry Owin sand many other Knights and Gentlemen In the whole Army were six hundred Demylaunces two hundred Archers on Horsback three thousand Archers on fooâ— and five thousand Bilmen Also seventeen hundred taken out of the Garrisons of Hammes Guysnes and Callice in all ten thousand and five hnndred besides two thousand six hundred labourers and Pioners With this Army the Duke of Suffolk took the field his vauntguard was led by the Lord Sands Capâ—aine of the right wing was Sir William Kingston of the left Sir Everard Digby Captain of all the Horsmen was Sir Edward Guildford Marshall of Callice the Duke himselfe led the Battaile and Sir Richard Winkfield the Reareward The Dukes first enterprise was the winning of Bell Castle which the Lord Sands and the Lord Ferres assaulted and had it yeelded to them and then Sir VVilliam Skevington was placed Captaine in it At this time the Duke of Bourbon high Constable of France began to have his mind alienaâ—ed from the King of France and â—o draw him the more on the Duke of Suffolk sent Sir Iohn Russel afterward created Duke of Bedford to him who passing in disguised apparell so prevailed with him that he professed to take part with the Emperour and the King of England who having ten thousand Almans in his pay it was thought fit for encouragâ—ment of the English to proclaime in the Army the accesse of so powerfull an assistant and therupon the Duke of Suffolk removed to Ard and so forward into Picardie At Cordes between Terwyn and Saint Omers there came to him the Lord of Isilstâ—yn and with him of Spaniards Almans and others three thousand Foot-men and five hundred Horse With these forces the Duke marching on took first the rich Town of Anchor then the Castle of Bounguard and then by assault the Towne of Bray though two thousand good men of war were in it After this the Towres of Cappe and Roy Lihome and Davenker and then came before â—he Towne of Mount-Dedyer in which were a thousand foot and five hundred horse yet upon Sir William Skevingtons Batteries was yeelded to him From hence he removed to Roy where he rested a while with hiâ— whole Army and there on Alholland-day in the chiefe Church of Roy made Knights the Lord Herbert the Lord Powis Oliver Manners Arthur Poole Richard Sands Robert Ierningham Robert Salisbury Edward Beningfield Richard Corbet Thomas Wentworth William Storton Walter Mantel George Warram and Edward Seymour that was after Duke of Somerset The day after the Army removed to a place called Neele from thence to Veane and then â—o Beauford where the Duke made Iohn Dudley and Robert Vtreight Knights and from thence on the eighth of November to a place called Mount Saint Martin here the Welshmen began to murmure that they might not returne home the winter being so far spent but there was to the number of a thousand persons under the leading of Sir Iohn VValloppe who having no wages but what they could got by booties and were therefore called Adventurers and by some Kreekers and these had more desire to stay then the VVelshmen had to be gon for the great gaines they made by the spoyles of so many Townes that were taken The thirteenth of November the Duke removed to a place within two miles of Boghan Castle defended by great Marishes that lay before it but the frost being at that time so great that many lost their fingers and toes with cold and some died Sir Edward Guildford acquainted the Duke that he thought the marishes were hard enough frozen to beare great Ordnance whereupon the Duke bid him venture it then and goe on which he resolutely did and had the Castle presently delivered up to him In this meane time the King hearing in what state the Army stood had prepared six thousand men to be sent to the Duke for a reliefe under the leading of the Lord Montjoy but before they could be put in order to passe the Sea the Duke partly by extremity of the weather and partly by the murmuring of the Souldiers was constrained to breake up his Army and returne to Câ—llice In this meane time the Scots knowing that the strength of England was gone into France tooke boldnesse to invade the Marishes but then the Earle of Surrey Treasurer and high Admirall of England with six thousand men being sent against them tooke divers of their Castles and Holds and at Yedworth skirmishing with a great Garrison of Scots overthrew them and tooke and burned both the Towne and Castle And now the French King finding that the Scots did not worke any great trouble to the English whereby to keepe them from molesting of France and thinking it to be for want of the Duke of Albanies presence whom they accounted their Governour he therefore prepared a Navie of Ships to transpoâ—t him into Scotland but when the Duke of Albany heard that Sir William Fitz-williams was sent with a great Fleet to stop his passage he brought his Ships into the Haven of Brest and gave it out that he would not goe into Scotland that yeere which being told to the King of England he commanded that his Ships also should be laid up in Havens till the next spring And now see the cunning of the Scot for when he saw the Kings Ships discharged he then boldly tooke shipping himselfe and sailed into Scâ—tland whither being come he presently levied a great Army and approached the English Borders but when he heard the Earle of Surrey was coming against him with a mighty power he then sent a Herâ—uld to himâ— promising of his honour to give him Battaile and if he tooke him prisoner to give him good quarter To whom the Earle answered that he would not faile to abide his Battaile but if he tooke him prisoner the quarter he would give him should be to cut off hiâ— head and send it for a Present to his Master the King of England At this time to the Earle of Surrey being at Alnewicke came the Earles of Northumberland and VVestmerland the Lords Clifford Dacres Lumley Ogle and Darcye with many Knights Gentlemen and other Souldiers to the number of forty â—housand and from the Court came the Master of the Horse Sir Niâ—holas Carew Sir Francis Bryan
Lord Fitz-Water was created Viscount Fitz-VVater and Sir Thomas Bullen Treasurer of the Kings Houshold was created Viscount Rochâ—ord At this time the French Kings mother as then Regent of France procured by her Embassadours at first a Truce and afterward a peace with England which was proclaimed in London the eighth of September By the covenants of which peace the King of England should receive at certaine dayes twenty hundred thousand Crowns which in sterling money amounted to the summe of foure hundred thousand pound whereof fifty thousand was to be paid in hand Sir VVilliam Fitz-Williams and Doctor Talour was sent to the Lady Regent to take her corporall oath and likewise King Henry the foure and twentieth of Aprill at Greenwich in presence of the Embassadours of France Rome and Venice tooke his corporall oath to observe the peace betweene him and his loving brother the French King during his life and one yeer after In this winter was great mortality in London so as the Terme was adjourned and the King kept his Christmas at Eltham with a small number and was therfore called the still Christmas At which time the Cardinall comming to the Court took order for altering the state of the Kings House many officers and other servants were discharged and put to their pensions in which number were foure score and foure Yeomen of the Guard who before having had twelve pence the day with check were now allowed but six pence the day without check and commanded to goe into their Countries On Shrovetuesday this yeere a solemne Justs was held at Greenwich the King and eleven other on the one part the Marques of Excetur and eleven other of the other part In his nineteenth yeer King Henry kept a solemne Christmas at Greenwich with Revels Maskes disguisings and Banquets and the thirtieth of December and third of Ianuary were solemne â—usts holden when at night the King and fifteen other with him came to Bridewel and there putting on masking apparel took his Barge and rowed to the Cardinalls place where were at supper many Lords and Ladyes who daâ—ced with the maskers and after the dancing was made a great Banquet This Christmas was a play at Grayes-Inne made by one Master Roe a Sergiant at Law the effect whereof was that Lord Gouvernance was ruled by dissipation and negligence by whose evill order Lady Publick-Weale was put from governance This the Cardinall took to be meant by him and therupon seâ—t the said Master Roe to the Fleet though the Play were made long before the Cardinall had any authority by which we may see how inseperable a companion suspition is to a guilty conscience The fourteenth of Ianuary came to the Court Don Hugo de Mendoza a Grande of Spaine as Embassadours from the Emperour to the King with a large commission to make King Henry Judge how just the conditions were which the Emperour required of the King of France and about this negotiation â—arried two yeers in England so desirous the Emperour was to continue good correspondence with the King of England On Shrovetuesday the King and the Maquesse of Excester with others in most sumptuous attire came to the Tilt and ran so many courses till two hundred fourescore and six Speares were broken and then disarming themselves went into the Queenes Chamber where a sumptuous Banquet was provided But this Banquet was one of the last of the Queenes preparing for hitherto there had been no exception taken to the lawfulnesse of her marriage but now came over Embassadours from the King of France requiring to have the Kings Daughter the Lady Mary to be given in marriage to the Duke of Orleance second Sonne to their Master the French King wherein they that were the suitors for it were the hinderers of it for amongst them was the President of Paris who made a doubt whither the marriage betweene King Henry and the Lady Katherin of Spaine having been his Borthers wife were lawfull or no But howsoever the French Embassadours at Greenwich on Sunday the fifth of May in the name of their Master the French King took their Oâ—thes to observe the League concluded betweene them during their lives And shortly after were sent Sir Thomas Bullen Viscount Rochford and Sir Anthony Browne Knight as Embassadours to the King of France to take his Oath in person for performance of the League But enough of small Occurrances and indeed there will be Occurrances now more worthy to be related but more lamentable to be heard for now the Duke of Bourbon Generall of the Emperours Army in Italie was slaine by a shot from the Walls of Rome as he was passing by upon whose death the Army entred and sacked the City made the Pope flye to the Castle of Saint Angâ—lo and there cooped him up abused the Cardinals and put them to grievous ransomes spared neither Sacred places nor Religious persons but commitâ—ed all manner of barbarous and inhumaine cruelty These insolencies of the Emperours Army committed against the Pope â—ogether with the hard conditions the Emperour had imposed upon the King of France for setting him at liberty and the Emperours breach of promise in not marrying the Lady Mary King Henries Daughter were the apparent causes of King Henries breaking League with the Emperour Charles but a more enforcing though concealed cause perhaps was the growing greatnesse of the Emperour by his acquests in Italie and other places enough to breed a jealousie in all neighbouring Princes and indeed King Henry had some cause to thinke the Emperours spirits were grown higher with his Victories seeing where before he was wont alwayes to write letters to King Henry with his own hand and subscribe them your son and faithfull friend now after his Victories in Italie he caused his Secretaries to write them subscribing only Charles And yet a more pressing cause though not avowed might be the Cardinalls spleene against the Emperour for denying him the Bishopricke of Toledo in Spaine But which soever of these was the predominant cause all of them together made a cause sufficient for King Heâ—ry to fall off from amity with the Emperour and his falling off from the Empeâ—our cause sufficient â—o fall in with the King of France and thereupon the two Kings send their severall Heraulds to the Emperour King Henry Clarentiuâ— the French King his Herauld Guyen to expostulate their grievances with the Emperour and he refusing to returne a satisfactory answer to defiâ— him as their enemy The Emperour heard the Heraulds with great temper and answered Clarentius very mildely that he knew his Masters grievance was grounded upon misinformation wherein he would shortly rectifie him by his Letters as desiring nothing more then to continue his friend but â—uyen hee answered rougly bidding him tell his Master that he had broken his faith in not performing the Covenants agreed upon for his liberty and with these answers dismissed them only Guyen not thinking it fit to deliver his answer being in such termes by
Margaret Dutchesse of Savoy aunt to the Emperour and the Lady Loyis Dutchesse of Angoulesme Mother to the French King met at Cambray to treat of a Peace between the Emperor the Pope and the Kings of England and France where were present Doctor Tunstall Bishop of London and Sir Thomas Moore then Chancelour of the Dutchie of Lancaster Commissioners for the King of England after long debating through the diligence of the said Ladies a Peace was concluded and was thereof called The Womans Peace and was indeed as fickle as women for it was soone broken and neither of the Princes trusted the other ere the more for it King Henry before this time had beene wholly ruled by the Cardinall and by the Clergie but now growing sensible of that errour he called his high Courâ— of Parliament in which the Commons complained sharply of their grievances against the Clergie specially in six things The first for that they exacted unreasonable summes of money as due fees for the probate of mens last Wils and Testaments in so much that Sir Henry Guildford Knight of the Garter and Comptroller of the Kings House declared openly that he and others being Executers to Sir William Compton payed for the proâ—ate of his Will to the Cardinall and the Archbishop of Canterbury a thousand markes The second the extreame exaction which spirituall men used in taking of corps or mortuaries The third that spirituall men became Farmours of great Granges and Farmes to the prejudice of Husbandmen and Graziers The fourth because many Abbots Pryors and other spirituall men kept Tan-houses and bought and sold wooll cloath and other wares as temporall Merchants The fifth because such Clergy men as had the best livings would take the uttermost of their right and yet live in the Court or in Noble mens or Bishops houses where they spent nothing The sixth because diverse ignorant men amongst them held ten or twelve Benifices to themselves severally and yet lived not upon any one of them but kept great schollers at small pension These things before this time might not be touched because the Bishops were Chancelours and had all the rule about the King but now the King looking better into â—he matter gave way to these complaints whereupon the Burgesses drew up three Bils one of the probate of Testaments another for Mortuaries and the third for Non-residence pluralities and taking of farmes by spirituall men The bill of Mortuaries passed first the House of Commons and was sent up to the Lords within two dayes after was sent up the Bill of probate of Testaments at which the Archbishop of Canterbury and aâ—l the Bishops much frowned but specially Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester who rose up and said my Lords you see what Bills come dayly from the Common House and all is to the destruction of the Church for Gods sake consider what a realme Bohemia was and when the Church went downe then fell the glory of that Kingdome Now with our Commons is nothing but downe with the Church and all this mee seemeth is for lacke of faith onely When these words were reported to the House of Commons they tooke the matter very hainously and thereupon sent their spâ—aker Thomas Audeley with thirty of the House to the King complayning what a dishonour to the King and to the whole Realme it was to say that they which were elected for the wisest men of all Shires should be charged to lack faith which was all one as to say they were Infidels and no Chrystians so as what Acts or Laws soever they made should be taken as Laws made by Paynims and Heathen and not worthy to be kept by Christian men And therfore humbly besought his Majesty to call the said Bishop of Rochester before him to give accompt of the words he had spoken Wherupon within few daies after the King sent for the Bishop and acquainted him with the Commons complaint against him who excused himselfe by saying he meant the doings of the Bohemians was for lack of faith and not the doings of the House of Commons of which excuse the King sent word to the House by Sir William Fitz-Williams Treasurer of his houshold but it pleased the Commons nothing at all After divers meetings between the Lords and the Commons about the Bils of probate of Testaments and Mortuaries the temporalty laid to the spiritualty their owne lawes and constitutions and the spiritualty defended them by prescription and usage to whom a Gentleman of Grays-Inne made this answer the usage hath ever been of theeves to robbe on shooters hill is it therefore lawfull whilst these Bils were in debate an Act was passed which released to the King all such summes of money as he had borrowed at the Loane in the fifteenth yeere of his Reigne which Bill at first was much opposed but the most part of the House being the Kings servants it was at last assented to which once knowne in the Country abroad made much murmering and the Parliament to be ill spoken of for every man counted it as a sure debt so as some made their Wils of the money and some turned it over in satisfaction to their creditours To qualifie which grievance the King granted a generall pardon for all offences certaine excepted and was a meanes also to have the three Bils passed one for probate of Testaments another for Mortuaries and the third against plurality of Benefices Non-residence buying and taking of farmes by spiritual persons though this last with some qualifying During this Parliament the King created Viscount Rochford Earl of VViltshire the Vicount Fitz-VVater Earle of Sussex and the Lord Hastings Earl of Huntington By this time the Lords of the upper House had drawne certaine Articles against the Cardinall and sent them downe to the House of Commons the chiefe wherof were these First that without the Kings assent he hath procured himselfe to be made a Legat by reason whereof he tooke away the right of all Bishops and spirituall persons Secondly that in all his writings which he wrote to Rome or to any foraign Prince he wrote Ego et Rex meus I and my King so preferring himselfe before the King Thirdly that without the Kings assent hee carried the great Seale of England with him into Flanders Fourthly that having the French-pox he presumed to come and breath upon the King Fifthly that he caused the Cardinals-hat to be put upon the Kings Coyne Sixthly that he would not suffer the Kings Clerke of the Market to sit at Saint Albanes Seventhly that he had sent infinite store of treasure to Rome for purchasing of his dignity These Articles were read in the House and if not otherwise proved yet confessed afterward under the Cardinals owne hand which added to the former Praemunire all his Lands and goods were seized on to the Kings use This Parliament being ended the King removed to Greenwich and there kept his Christmas with his Queene Katherine in great state for though this
following between three and foure a clocke in the afternoone the Queene was delivered of a daughter that was named Elizabeth the Godfather at the christning was the Archbishop of Canterbury the Godmother the old Dutchesse of Norfolke and the old Marchionesse Dorset widow and at the Confirmation the Lady Marchionesse of Excester the Christning was performed with exceeding great state and great gifts were given by the Gossips This yeere one Pavier the Town-clerke of London hanged himselfe whom Hollinshead saith he heard once sweare a great oath that if he thought the thought the King would set forth the Scripture in English rather then he would live to see that day he would cut his owne throat which I therefore relate that the judgement of God may be seene upon such unhallowed oathes A little before this time one Elizabeth Barton named the Holy Maid of Kent came to be discovered whose abettours were Richard Master a Priest Parson of Aldington in Kent Edward Bocking Doctor of Divinity a Monke of Canterbury Richard Deering a Monke Edward Thwayts Gentleman Henry Gold Parson of Aldermary Hugh Rich a Fryar observant Richard Risby and Thomas Gold Centlemen This Maid had learned to counterfeit falling into Trances in which she would deliver many strange things and amongst others said that by Revelation from God and his Saints she was informed that if King Henry proceeded to the Divorce and married another he should not be King of England one moneth after And here we may see how credulous oftentimes great Schollars are in beleeving Impostures when VVarham Archbishop of Canterbury and Fisher Bishop of Rochester were thought to give credit to this Counterfeit that we need not wonder at Saint Austin who though he gave credit to many lying Miracles yet they were such as had more probability in them then this which consisted in nothing but making of faces as upon Examination of the Maide and her Abettours was confessed and thereupon she and most of them were condemned drawne to Tyburne and there hanged In this meane time the Scots had beene troublesome and made Intodes upon the Borders till at last Commissioners being sent to treat of agreement a Peace was concluded to continue both the Kings lives which on the twentieth of May this yeer was openly Proclaimed About this time at the suit of the Lady Katherine Dowage a Bull was sent from the Pope which cursed both the King and the Realme which Bull was set up in the Towne of Dunkerke in Flanders the Messenger not daring to come neerer and because it was knowne that the Lady Dowager had procured this Curse to be sent the Duke of Suffolke was sent to her lying then at Bugden besides Huntington to discharge a great part of her houshold servants yet leaving her a convenient number like a Princesse It was now the six and twentieth yeer of King Henries reigne when in a Parliament holden an Act was made for establishing the succession in the Crown upon the Lady Elizabeth to which first all the Lords Knights and Burgesses were sworne and after Commissioners were sent into all parts of the Realm to take the oath of all men and women to the said Act. Another Act was also made which authorized the King to be Supreame Head of the Church of England and the Popes authority to be utterly abolished But Doctor Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester Sir Thomas Moore Knight and Doctor Wilson Parson of Saint Thomas Apostles in London expresly denied at Lamâ—eth before the Archbishop of Canterbury to take the Oathes of whom Doctor Wilson recanted but the other two persisting in their opinion were both of them beheaded Of these two Bishop Fisher was much lamented as reputed a man both of great learning and good life The Pope had elected him Cardinall and his Hat was come as farrâ— as Callice but before it could come into England his head was off Sir Thomas Moore was both learned and very wise but so given to a vaine of jesting and merry scoffing that he could not refrain it at the very time of his death as when he was carried to the Tower being demanded his upper garment meaning his Gowne you shall have it said he and gave them his cap saying it was the uppermost garment he had also when being upon the Scaffold the Hangman kneeled downe and asked him forgivenesse I forgive thee said he but I promise thee thou wilt never have credit by cutting off my Head my necke is so short and when he was to lay his head downe upon the blocke having a great gray beard he stroked it out and said to the Hangman I pray you let me lay my beard over the blocke lest you should cut it for though you have Warrant to cut off my head you have none to cut my beard But his Devotion was no jesting matter for he used to weare a shirt of haire next his skin for a perpetuall penâ—ance and oftentimes in the Church he would put on a Surplesse and helpe the Priest to say Masse which he forbore not to doe even when he was Lord Chancellour of England as one time the Duke of Norfolke comming to the Church found him doing it Two memorable things are recorded of him one which shewes his great integritie and the small reckoning he made of riches that having passed through so many great imployments and borne so many great Offices yet in all his time â—e never Purchased above one hundred pounds land a yeere nor left any great stocke of money behinde him when he died The other which shewes his filiall piety that being Lord Chancellour of England at the same time that his Father waâ— a Judge of the Kings Bench he would alwayes at his going to Westminster goe first to the Kings Bench and aske his Father blessing before he went to sit in the Chancery The ninth of Iuly this yeere the Lord Dacres of the North was arraigned at Westminster of high treason before the Duke of Norfolke as high Steward of England his Inditement being read he so answered every part and matter therein contained that by his Peeres he was found Not guilty a rare thing to stop a currant that ran with such violence The one and twentieth of September Doctor Taylour Master of the Roles was discharged of that Office and the ninteenth of October following Thomas Cromwell was sworne in his place This yeere the King of Scots was installed Knight of Garter by his Deputy the Lord Erskin and Stephen Gardiner who after the Cardinals death was made Bishop of Winchester was sent Embassadour Legier into France where he remained three yeeres Also in Ianuary of this yeere Katherine Princesse Dowageâ— fell into her last sicknesse to whom the King sent the Emperours Embassadour Legier desiring her to be of good comfort but she finding her death to approach caused onely one of her Gentlewoman to write a Letter to the King commending to him her Daughter and his and beseeching him to be a good Father to
eight of Iune the Parliament began during the which the Lord Thomas Howard without the Kings assent had affianced the Lady Margaret Douglas daughter to the Queen of Scots and Niece to the King for which he was attainted of treason and an Act was made for like offenders hereafter and so he died in the Tower and shee long time remained there a prisoner yet afterward was set at liberty and maried Mathew Earle of Lenox who by him had Henry Father of Iames the first King of Great Brittaine In the time of this Parliament the Bishops and all the Clergy had a solemne Convocation at Pauls Church in London where after much disputation and debating of matters they published a book of Religion intituled Articles devised by the Kings Highnesse in which booke are specially mentioned but three Sacraments namely Baptisme Eucharist and Pennance also certaine Injunctions were set forth whereby many of the old Holi-dayes were abrogated specially those that fell in Harvest time The two and twentieth of Iuly Henry Duke of Richmond and Somerset base sonne of King Henry by Elizibeth Blunt died at Saint Iames and was buried at Thetsâ—one in Norfolke The nine and twentieth of Iune the King held a great Justs and Triumph at VVestminster but a disastrous Sea-fight on the water where one Gates a Gentlâ—man was drowned in his harnesse and by the breaking of a Gunne two Mariners were sore mained in Iuly following Thomas Cromwell Secretary to the King and Master of the Rolles was made Lord Keeper of the Privy-seale and the ninteenth of Iuly the Lord Fitz-Warren was created Earl of Bath and the day after the said Cromwell was made Lord Cromwell and on the eighteenth of Iuly Vicâ—r Generall under the King over the Spiritualty who sate diverse times in the Convocation House amongst the Bishops as head over them and now was the state of Religion in England come to a strange passe because alwayes in passing and had no consistance for at first the authority of the Pope was excluded in some cases onely a while alter in all but yet his Doctrine was wholly retained Afterward his Doctrine came to be Impugned but in some few points onely a while after in many more that the fable of Proteuâ— might no longer be a fable when the Religion in England might be his true Morralâ— and indeed it could be no otherwise the distance between the two Religious being not possible to be passed Per saltum but must be done by degrees which degrees may be observed in the progresse of the story for where at first it was permitted onely to read the Bible in English now it came to be permitted to pray in English for now in September the Lord Cromwell set forth Injunctions to have the Lords prayer the Ave the Creed the ten Commandements and all Articles of the Christian-faith translated into English and to be taught by all Parsons and Curates to their Parishoners which Innovation so stirred up the people that in Lincolâ—shire they assembled to the number of twenty thousand against whom the King himselfe went in person who winâ—â—ng by perswasions their chief leaders brought the rest upon pardon to submit themselves but when he had himselfe done the work of mercy he afterward sent the Duke of Suffolke with Sir Francis Brian and Sir Iohn Russell to doe the worke of Justice who caused Nicholas Melton and a Monke naming himselfe Captaine Cobler and thirteen others Ringleaders of the sedition to be apprehended and most of them to be executed But this Commotion was scarce appeased when presently there rose another in the North-parts where forty thousand were assembled giving themselves out for an holy Pilgrimage where on one side of their Ensignes they had Christ hanging on the crosse on the other side the Cuppe and Bread of the Sacrament as taking Armes onely for maintenance of the Faith of Christ and deliverance of the holy Church now oppressed but these were opposed by George Earle of Shrewsbury who having raised an Army without Commission though to resist the Rebels yet began to be much troubled whither in so doing he had not committed Treason and was never quiet till he had seâ—t to the King for pardon and commission to proceed at which time a rumour being raised amongst his souldiers that the Earle so well liked the Rebels cause that what shew soever he made yet when it should come to the triall he would not stick to joyne with them and take their parts to remove which Opinion out of their mindâ— he caused all his souldiers to come before him and made his Chaplaine give him an oath by which he swore in their hearing to be true to the Crowne and never to be assisting to any Rebels to his aide were sent the Duke of Norfolke with the Marquis of Exceturâ— the Earles of Huntington and Rutland who with a mighty Army approachiâ—g the Rebels beyond Doncaster in the way towards York attempted first to have pacified them without blood-shed but when no perswasions would serve it was resolved of both sides to come to a battell but see here the great goodnesse of God for the night before the day appointed for battel it happened that a litle Brook called Dun running betweene the two Armies upon a small raine grew to such a height that it was not passable by either foot or horse so as the Armies having time to consider and considering perhaps this miracle as sent of God they came to agreement and upon pardon disbanded and returned to their houses but in the mean time they had besieged the Castle of Scarborough where the resolute carriage of Sir Ralph Evens is memorable who held the Castle by onely his owne servants and Tennants and that when for twenty dayes together he had no other sustenance but bread and water but all Comotions were not yet appeased for at this very time there was another great Army assembled out of Cumberland Westmerland and the North-parts of Lancashire marching South-wards but by the diligence of the Earl of Darby to whom also the Earle of Sussex was sent they were suppressed and their chief Leaderâ— as the Abboâ—s of Wally Sauly and others apprehended and hanged but neither is there yet an end of comotions for now in February Nicholas Musgrave Thomas Tilâ—y with oâ—hers to the number of twelve thousand began a Rebellion and be sieged Carlile but by the power of the City were first beaten back and then were encountred by the Duke of Norfolke who caused seventy foure of them by Martiall-law â—o be hanged on the walls of Carlile but neither was there yet an end of Comotions for now in Setrington Pickering Lâ—igh and Scarborough began a new Rebellion by procurement of Francis Bigot who had râ—ised a great power and meant to have taken Hull but by the industry of Sir Ralph Ellarker and the Major of the Towne threescore aâ— the Rebels were taken and hanged and the rest put to flight and glad to be quiet
for the suppressing of so many Monasteries the King instituted certaine new Bishoprickes as at VVestminster Oxford Peterborough Bristow Chester and Gloster and assigned certaine Canons and Prebends to each of them The third of November Henry Courtney Marquesse of Exceter and Earle of Devonshire Henry Poole Lord Montacute Sir Nicholas Carew of Bedington Knight of the Garter and Master of the Kings Horse and Sir Edward Nevill brother to the Lord of Aburgeiney were sent to the Tower being accused by Sir Geoffry Poole the Lord Montacutes brother of high treason theâ— were indiâ—ed for devising to promote and advance one Reinold Poole to the Crowne and put downe King Henry This Poole was a neere kinsman of the Kings being the sonne of the Lady Margaret Countesse of Salisbury daughter and heire to George Duke of Clarence he had been brought up by the King in learning and made Deane of Excetur but being sent after to learne experience by travaile he grew so great a friend of the Popes that he became an enemy to King Henry and for his enmity to the King was by Pope Iulius the third made Cardinall for this mans cause the Lords aforesaid being condemned were all executed the Lord Marquis the Lord Montacute and Sir Edward Neâ—ill beheaded on the Tower-hill the ninth of Ianuary Sir Nicholas Carew the third of March two Priests condemned with them were hanged at Tyburn Sir Ieoffry Poole though condemned also yet had his pardon About thiâ— time one Nicholson alias Lambert being accused for denying the Reall presence in the Sacrament appealed to the King and the King was coâ—tent to heare him whereupon a Thronâ— was set up in the Hall of the Kings Pallace at Westminster for the King to siâ— and when tâ—e Bishops had urged their arguments and could not prevaile then the King tooke him in hand hoping perhaps to have the honour of conâ—erting an Hereticke when the Bishops could not doe it and withall promised him pardon if he would recant but all would not doe Nicholsoâ— remained obstinâ—te the King mist his honor the delinquent mist his pardon and shortly after was drawne to Smithfield and there burnt About this time King Henry being informed that the Pope by instigation of Cardinall Poole had earnestly moved divers great Princes to invade England He as a provident Prince endeaâ—oured aâ—â—arnâ—stly to provide â—or defence aâ—d to that end rode himselfe to the Sâ—a-coast◠〈◊〉 them fortifiâ—â— and in needfull places Bulwarkes to be erected Hee câ—used hiâ— Naâ—â—eâ—â— be rigged and to be in readinesse at any short warning he câ—â—sed Musters â—â— be raken in all sheeâ—es and lists of all able men in eâ—ery Countâ— in Lâ—â—â—don specially where Sir William Forman the â—hen Mâ—jor â—â—â—â—ified the number of fifteene thousand not that they were 〈…〉 but that so many were ready prepared and these on the eight of May the King himselfe saw Mustered in Iames Parke where the Citizeâ—s â—â—â—ove in such sort to exceed each other in bravary of armes and forwardnesse of service aâ— if the City had bin a Campe and they not men of the gownâ— but all profest Souldiers which they performed to their great cost but greater comendâ—â—ion It was now the one and thirtieth yeere of King Henriâ—s reigne and the nine and fortieth of his age when having continued a widdower two yeere he began to thinke of marrying againe and bee needed not be a suiâ—our for a wife for he was sued unto take one The Emperour sollicited him to marry the Dutchesse of Milan but to marry her he must first obtaine a Licence from the Pope and King Henry was resolved rather to have no wife then to have any more to doe with the Pope Then the Duke of Cleve made suit unto him to marry the Lady Anne hiâ— Sister and hee was a Protestant Prince and so though differing in points of Doctrine yet in the maine Point of excluding â—he Pope both of one minâ—e Many about the King were forward for thiâ— Maâ—ch but the Lord Croâ—well specially and indeed it concerned him more then any other that the King should take a Protestant wife seeing 〈◊〉 actions hâ—d beene such as none but â— Protestant Queene would ever like and if the Queene should not like them the King though done by his leave would â—ot like them long Hereupon such meanes was used that Embâ—ssaâ—ours came from the Duke of Cleve to conclude the March and theâ— the elevâ—nth of December the Lady her selfe in grâ—at state was brought first to Callice and then over to Dover and being come to Rochester the King secretly came to see her afterward she was conducted to London meâ— by the way in severall places by all the great Lords and Ladies of the Kingdome The third of Ianuary she was received into London by Sir William Hollice then Lord Major with Orationâ— Pageants anâ— all complements of Staâ—e the greatest that ever had beene seene On Twelfth day the Marriage was â—olemnized the Archbishop of Canterbury did the office the Earle of Oversteine a German Lord gaâ—e her In Aprill following the Lord Cromwell as though he had won the Kings heart for ever by making this march was made Earle of Essex for in March before Henry Rourchieâ— Earle of Essexâ— and the ancientest Earle of England had broken his necke by seeking to breake a yong Horse leaving onely one Daughter and the dying without issue the Earldome came to the Family of Devereux which yet enjoyed not the honour till afterward in Queene Elizabeths time and then made but not restored The ninth of March the King created Sir William Paulet Treasurour of his House Lord Saint Iohn Sir Iohn Russell Controlour Lord Russell and shortly after Sir William Par was created Lord Par. The eight and twentieth of April began a Parliament at Westminster in the which Margaret Countesse of Salisbury Gertrude wife to the Marquesse of Exceter Reynold Poole Cardinall broâ—her to the Lord Montacute Sir Adrian Foskew Thomas Dingley Knight of Saint Iohns and divers others were attainâ—ed of high treason of whom Foskew and Dingley the tenth of Iuly were beheaded the Countesse of Salisbury two yeeres after and in this Parliament the Act of the six Articles was established and Sir Nicholas Hare was restored to his place of Speaker in the Parliament It was now five moneths after the Kings marriage with the Lady Anne of Cleve and though the King at the first sight of the Lady did not like her person yet whether as respecting the honour of Ladies he would not disgrace her at the first meeting or whether he ment to try how time might worke him to a better liking or indeed that he would not give distaste to the German Princes at that time for sole ends he had a working he dissembled the matter and all things went on in a shew of contentment on all hands But for all these shewes the crafty Bishop of London Stephen Gardiner finding how the world went with the Kings affection towards his
Queene and for her sake with Cromwell to neither of whom he was greatly affected not to the Queene as misliking her religion not to Cromwell as envying his greatnesse he so wrought upon the Kings inclination what by suggesting and what by aggravating that the Lord Cromwell the ninth of Iuly sitting in the Councell Chamber was suddenly apprehended and committed to the Tower and the ninteenth of the same moneth was attainted by Parliament and never came to his Answer by a Law which as some reported he himselfe had caused to be made and the eight and twentieth of Iuly was beheaded on the Tower-hill for crimes as appeares in Record of Heresie and Treason This Lord Cromwell was borne at Pâ—tney a Village in Surrey neere the Thames side sonne to a Smith after whose decease his Mother was married to a Sheereman for the pregnancy of his wit he was first entertained by Cardinall Woolsey and by him imployed in many great affaires the Cardinall falling the King tooke him into his service and finding his great abilities first advanced him for his worth and then for his pleasure overthrew him But the greatest part of Stephen Gardiners practice had beene done before for at Midsomer before the King caused the Queene to remove to Richmond as for her health and pleasure and and in the time of her absence on the sixt of Iuly sent certaine Lords to the Lower House of Parliament who there declared certaine causes for which the Kings marriage with the Lady Anne of Cleve was not to be counted lawfull and so carried the matter that the Convocation cleerly determined the King might marry any other and so might she Being thus Divorced it was further Enacted she should no more be called Queene but the Lady Anne of Cleve The fault for which this Divorce was decreed is not expresly deliveredâ— some say a precontract of the said Lady with a Lord of Germany was pretended but it seems to have bin for some womanish defect in her body as she spared not to aâ—firme that she had never bin carnally known by the King in al the time of their lying together and as it is said when her Ladies one time said unto her that they looked now every day to hear of her great belly she should answer they might look long enough unlesse saying how dost thou sweerest God morrow sweet-heart and sucâ— like words could make a great belly for said she more then this there never passed between the King and me How ever it was she willingly submitted to the Decree whether out of fear or perhaps as little liking the King as the King did her and afterward led a private life here in England wel respected of the King and dying sixteen yeers after in the fourth yeer of Queeâ— Mary was buried at Westminster About this time Leonard Gray Deputy of Ireland was on the Tower-hill beheaded for suffering his Nephew Gerald Fitz-Garret to escape who had been declared an enemy to the state and then also was Thomas Fines Lord Dacres a young mâ—n of foure and twenty yeers of age hanged at Tyburne â—or kiling a meane peson upon a suddaine affray also the fourth of Aâ—gust Thomas Epson a Monke of Westminster for denying to take his oath to be true to the King had his Monks garment plucked from his back the last Monke that was seen in such habit in England till Queen Maryes dayes The sixt of Iuly in the two and thirtieth yeere of his Reigne King Henry had been divorcâ—d from the Lady Anne of Cleve and now the eighth of August following the Lady Katherine Howard Niece to the Duke of Norfolke and daughter to the Lord Edward Howard was shewed openly as Queene at Hampton-Court On the tenth of Iune the yeere following Sir Edmund Knevet of Norfolke Knight was arraigned before thâ— Officers of the Green-cloath for striking one Master Cleere of Norfolke within the Tennis-court of the Kings Houseâ— being found guilty he had judgment to loose his Right hand and to forfeite all his lands and goods whereupon there was called to do execution first the Serjeant Surgion with his Instruments pertaining to his office then the Serjeant of the Wood-yard with a mallet and a block to lay the hand upon then the Kings Master-cooke with the knife â—o cut off the hand then the Serjeant of the larder to set the knife right on the joynt then the Serjeant Farrier with searingâ—irons to seare the veines then the Serjeant of the â—oultry with a Cock which cock should have his head smitten off upon the same block and with the same knife then the Yeoman of the Chandry with seare-cloaths then the Yeoman of the Scullery with a pan of fire to heare the irons a chafer of water to coole the ends of the irons and two formes for all Officers to set their stuffe on then the Serjeant of the Cellar with wine Ale and Beere then the Serjeant of the Ewry with Bason Ewre and towels all things being thus prepared Sir William Pickering Knight Marshall was commanded to bring in his prisoner Sir Edmund Knevet to whom the chiefe Justice declared his offence which the said Knevet confessed and humbly submitted himselfe to the Kings mercy onely he desired that the King vvould spare his Right hand and take his left because said he if my right hand be spared I may live to doe the King good service of vvhose submission and reason of his suite vvhen the King vvas informed he granted him to loose neither of his hands and pardoned him also of his lands and goods The summer of his three and thirtieth yeerâ— King Henry with his Queene Katherine made a progresse into the North-parts and retâ—rning at Alhallantide to Hampton-court he was there informed of the Queens dessolute life first before her mariage with one Francis Deerham a Gentleman of Nâ—rfolke whom imployed afterward in Ireland she had lately againe at Pomfret received into her service and now since her mariage with one Thomas Colepepper of the Kings Privy-chamber whereupon the thirteenth of November Sir Thomas VVriothsley Knight secretary to the King was sent to the Queen at Hampton-Court to charge heâ— with these crimes and discharging her houshold to cause her to be convayed to Sion there to remaine till the Kings pleasure should be further knowne the deliâ—quents being examined Deerham confessed that before the Kingâ— mariage with the Lady Katherine there had been a pre-contract between himselfe and her but when he once understood of the Kings liking towards her he then waved and consealed it for her preforment so the first of December theâ— Gentlemen being arraigned at the Guild-hall they confessed the Indictment aâ—â— had Judgment to die as in cases of treason the tenth of December they weâ—e drawne from the Tower to Tyburne where Colepepper was beheaded and Deerham was hanged and dismembred Colepeppers body was buried in Sepulchers Church in London but both their heads were set on London-bridge the two and twentieth of December
there were arraigned at the Kings-bench the Lord VVilliam Howard and the Lady Margaret his wife Katherin Tilney and Alice Restwold Gentlewomen Ioane Bulmer wife to Anthony Bulmer Gentliman Anne Howard wife to Henry Howard Esquire and brother to the Queene with divers others who were all condemned for misprision of treason for concealing the Queens misdemeanor and adjudged to forfeit all their lands and goods during life and to remaine in perpetuall prison The sixteenth of Ianuary the Parliament began at VVestminster where the Lords and Commons pâ—â—itioned the King that he woâ—ld not vex himselfe with the Queenes offence and that both she and the Lady Rochford might be attainted by Parliament and that to avoid protracting of time he would give his royal assent unâ—o it under the great Seale without staying for the end of the Parliament Also that Derham and Colepepper having beene attained before by the Common-Law might be attainted likewise by Parliament all which was assented to by the King and after on the thirteenth of February the Queen and the Lady Rochâ—ord were beheaded on the-greene within the Tower where they confessed their offences and dyed penitently yet something to take off the offences of this Queene it is certainly said that after her condemnation she protested to Doctor VVhite Bishop of VVinchester her last Confessour that as for the Act for which she was condemned she tooke God and his holy Angels to witnesse upon her soules salvation that she died guiltlesse Before this on the three and twentieth of Ianuary King Henry was proclaimed King of Ireland where as before this â—ime the Kings of England were onely entituled Lords of Ireland and this title was given him both by the Parliament here and by the Parliament holden in Ireland before Sir Anthony Seintleger knight the Kings Deputy there About this time Arthur Plantagenet Visconnt Lisle base sonne to King Edward tha fourth having beene imprisoned upon suspition of a practice for betraying of Callice to the French whilst he was the Kings Lievtenant there was now found to be innocent of the Fact and thereupon the King to make him some reparation for his disgrace sent him a Ring and a very gracious message by Sir Thomas VVriothsley his Secretary whereat the said Viscount tooke so great joy that the night following of that very joy he died so deadly a thing is any passion even joy it selfe if it be extream After his death Sir Iohn Dudley his wives Sonne was creaâ—ed Viscount Lisle This Sir Iohn Dudley was sonne to Edmund Dudley beheaded in the first yeere of this Kings reigne and was made Viscount Lisle in right of his Mother During this Parliament one George Ferrers Gentleman servant to the King and Burgesse for the town of Plimmouth in Devonshire in going to the Parliament House was arrested in London by a Processe out of the Kings Bench for a Debt wherein he was late afore condemned as surety for one Welden at the suit of one White which arrest being signified to Sir Thomas Moyle knight â—peaker then of the Parliament and to the Knights and Burgesses there order was â—aken that the Serjeant of the Parliament called Saint Iohn should be sent to the Counter in Bredstreet whither the said Ferrers was carried and there demand to have him delivered but the Officers of the Counter not onely refused to deliver him but gave the Serjeant such language that they fell at last to an affray at which time the Sheriffes comming they also tooke their Officers part so as the Serjeant was faine to returne without the prisoner which being signified to the Speaker and the Burgesses they tooke the matter in so ill part that they would sit â—o more without their Burgesse and thereupon rising up repaired to the Upper House where the whole Case was declared by the Speaker before Sir Thomas Audeley Lord Chancellour and the Lords and Judges there assembled who judgeing the contempt to be very greaâ— referred the punishment thereof to the House of Commons it selfe whereupon returning to their places againeâ— upon new debate of the Case they tooke order that tâ—eir Serjeâ—nt shouâ—d once more repâ—ire to the Sheriffe of London and demand â—â—e prisoner witâ—out carryiâ—g any Writ or Warrant for the matter It is truâ—â— the Lord Chancellour offered to grant a Writ but the House of Commonâ— refused it being of a cleâ—re opinion that all Commandements from the nether House were to be executed by their Serjeant without Writ onely by shewing his Mace which is his Warrant but before the Serjeants returne into London the Sheriffes better advised became more mild and upon the second demand delivered the prisoner without any deniall but then the Serjeant had further in charge to command the Sheriffs and Clerkes of the Counter to appeare personally the next morning before the House of Commons where appearing they were charged by the Speaker with their contempt and compelled to make immediate answere without being admitâ—ed â—o any counsaile Sir Roger Chomley Recorder of London offered to speak in the cause but wâ—s not suffered nor any other but the pâ—rties themselves in conclusion the Sheriffes and White who had caused the Arrest were committed to the Tower the Officer that did the Arrest with foure other Officers to Newgate but after two or three dayes upon the â—umble suiâ—e of the Major were set at liberty and because the said Ferrers being in execution upon a condemnation of debt and set at large by priviledge of Parlaiment was not by law to be brought againe into execution and so the creditour without remedy for his debt against him as his principâ—ll debtour therefore after long debate by the space of nine or ten dayes together they at last resolved to make an Act of purpose to revive the execution of the said debt against Welden who was principall debtour and to discharge Ferrers that was but surerâ— wherein notwithstanding the house was devided and the Act passed but by fourteen voyces the King being adverâ—ised of this proceeding called before him the Lord Chancelour and the â—udges the Speaker and divers of the lower House to whom he declaâ—ed his Opinion to this effect first commending their wiâ—dome in maintaining the priviledges of tâ—eir house which hee would â—oâ— have to be infringed in any point he alleaged that â—e being head of the Parliament and attending in his owne person upon the businesse tâ—ereof ought in reason to have Priviledge for himselfe and all his servants attending upon him so as if the said Ferrers had been no Burgesse but onely hiâ— servant yet in that respect he was to have the priviledge as well as any other for I understand saith he that you not onely for your owne persons but also for your necessâ—ry servants even to your Cookes and Hors-keepers injoy the sâ—me pâ—iâ—iledgeâ— iâ— so much as my Lord Chancelour here present hath informed uâ— that whilst he was Speaker of the Parliament the Cook of the Temple was Arrested iâ— London and in
Holecraft Sir Edward Dorrell Sir Francis Hothome and otherâ— to the number of at least threescore in Lieth Haven they seized upon all the Scottish Ships whereof two were of notable fairnesse the one called the Salamander given by the French King at the mariage of his daughter into Scotland the other called the Unicorne made by the late Scottish King the ballast of which two ships was Cannon-shot whereof they found in the Towne to the number of fourscore thousand On the fifteeâ—th of May their Army and their Fleeâ— departed from Lieth both in one houre having first set the Towne on fire and burned it to the ground from Lieth the English Army marched to Seaton from thence to Haddington from thence to Dunbar from thence to Ranton all which Towns and Castles with diverse others they burnt and utterly defaced and on the eighteenth of May came to Barwick not having lost in all the journey above fourteen menâ— In the meane time in King Henries five and thirtieth yeer on Trinity sunday a new league was entred into and sworne between the King and the Emperour at Hampton-court to be both offensive and defensive In this yeer Proclamation was made whereby the people were licensed to eate white meats in Leâ—t but streightly forbidden the eating of flesh whereupon shortly after the Earle of Surrey with diverse other Lords and Knights were imprisoned for eating of flesh contrary to the proclamation The third of Iune this yeer there came ouâ— of Ireland three Lordâ— of whom Obrine was here created Earle of Thonmoâ—d which hoâ—our his posterity injoyeth to this day Mack William a Bary was created Eaâ—le of Clanrinckford and Mack Gilparick was made Barron of Ebranky King Henry had already had five wives all of them Maides and no good luck with any of them he will now therefore try his fortune with a Widdow aâ—d therupon the twelveth of Iune in the five and thirtieth yeere of his Reigne hee took to wife the Lady Katherine Par widdow of the Lord Latimer late deceased who was then proclaimed Queen but how lucky would this maâ—ch have proved if the King had longer lived God knowes seeing in the short time of three yeers they lived together it was no smal danger she escaped which though it hapenned not till a yeer or â—wo after this time yet will not unfitly be spoken of in this place that so her story may come together this Queen as being an â—arnest Protestant had many great adversaries by whom she was accused to the King to have Hereticall books found in her closet and this was so agravated against her that they prevailed with the King to signe a warrant to commit her to the Tower with a purpose to have her burnt for Heresie this warrant was delivered to Wriothsley Lord Chancelour and he by chance or rather indeed by Gods providence letting it fal from him it was taken up and caried to the Queen who having read it went soone after to visit the King at that time keeping his chamber by reason of a sore leg being come to the King he presently fel into talk with her â—bout some points of Religion demanding her resolution therin but she knowing that his nature was not to be crost specially considering the case she was in made him answer that she was a woman accompanied with many imperfections but his Majesty was wise and judicious of whom she must learne as of her Lord and Head not so by Saint Mary said the King for you are a Doctor Kate to instruct us and not to be instructed by us as often we have seen heretofore indeed Sir said she if your Majesty have so conceived I have been mistaken for if heretofore I have held talke with you touching Religion it hath bin to learn of your Majesty some point whereof I stood in doubt and sometimes that with my talke I might make you forget your present infirmity aâ—d is it even so Sweet heart quoth the King why then we are friends and so kissing her gave her leave to depart But soon after the day was appointed by the Kings warrant for apprehending her on which day the King being disposed to walk iâ— the Garden had the Queen with him when suddenly the Lord Chancelour with forty of the Guardâ— câ—me into the Garden with a purpose to apprehend her when as soon as the King saw he stept to him and calling him knave and foole bid him avaunt out of his presence the Queen seeing the King so angry with him began to intreat for him to whom the King said ah poore soule thou little knowest what it is he came about of my word sweet heart he hath bin to thee a very knave and thus by Godâ— providenâ—â— was this Queen preserved who else had tasted of as bitter a câ—p as any of his former wives had done About this time King Henry and the Emperour sent Garter and Toyson dâ—or kings at Armes to demand performance of certain Articles of the French King which if he denied they were then comanded to defie him but the French King would not suffer them to come within his land and so they returned wherupon King Henry caused the sâ—id demandâ— to be declared to the French Embassadour at Westminster aud in Iuly sent over six thousand men under the leading of Sir Iohn Walloppe accompanied with divers Knights Gentlemen Sir Thomas Seymour was Marshal of the Army Sir Robert Bowes Treasuror Sir Richard Cronwal Captain of the horse and Sir George Carew his Lieutenant There were likewise Sir Thomas Palmer Sir Iohn Rainsford Sir Iohn St. Iohn and Sir Iohn Gascoigne Knights that were Captains of the foot Their Comission was to joyn with the Emperor and together to mâ—ke war upon France The third of August open waâ— was proclaimed in London between the Emperor the King of England on the one part and the Fâ—eâ—ch King on the other as mortal enemy to them both and to all other christian Princes besides as he that had confederated himselfe with the Turk Sir Iohn Wallop marching forth of Callice with his Army joyned with â—â—e Emperors Forces who together went and besieged Landersey a Town lately fortified by the French lying within the borders of the Emperors dominions to raise this siege the French King had raised a mighty army with which he came on as if he ment to give the Emperor battaile and thereupon the Emperor raising his siedge with a purpose to encounter him the French King tooke the opportunity to put men and victuals into the town which was the thing he intended and having done this the night following departed with his army and then the Emperour seeing him gone and finding the winter coming on and no hope of sudden geâ—ting the Town being now newly supplied he also broke up his Army and returned home This yeer the sunday before Christmas the Lord William Parre brother to the Queen who had maried the daughter and heire of Henry Bourchier Earle of Essex was
came to Guisnes for the King of England the Earl of Hertford the Bishop of Winchester Sir Iohn Dudley Viscount Lisle Baron of Mawpas and high Admirall of England Sir William Paget the Kings Secretary Doctor Nicholas Wootton Dean of Canterbury For the French King there came to Ard Claude Danebolt Admirall of France the Bishop of Eureux Monsieur Reymond chiefe President of Roan and the Secretary Bouchetell Diverse times they met betwixt Ard and Guisnes and after long debating of matters and diverse breakings offâ— at length the seventh of Iune a Peace was concluded and proclaimed in the City of London on Whitsunday the thirteenth of Iune by sound of trumpet and the same day in like manner at Paris and Roan the chiefe Article of which Peace was this that the French King paying to the King of England eight hundred thousand Crownes within the terme of eight yeeres should have Bulloigne againe restored to him which in the mean time should remain in possession of the King of England as a pledge for assurance of the said money and now for a full establishment of this Peace the Viscount Lisle Lord Admirall with the Bishop of Duresme and divers other Lords were sent into France to take oath of the French King and of the Dolphin as likewise at the same time divers Lords came from the French King to take oath of King Henry who by the way were met by the yong Prince and many Lords and conducted to the King at Hampton-Court In his seven and thirtieth yeere the three and twentieth of November a Parliament began at VVestminsâ—er wherein was granted to the King a Subsidie both of Spiritualty and Temporalty and all Colledges Chanteries and Hospitalls were given to him to dispose of the foure and twentieth of December the Parliament was prorogued on which day the King comming to the Parliament House the Speaker made to him an Oration which the Lord Chancelour was used to answere but at this time the King would answer himselfe the effect whereof was that where Master Speaker had commended him for many excellent qualities that were in him he thanked him for it not that he had them but for putting him in mind how necessary it was he should have them then he thanked the whole House for their Subsidie and for giving him the Colleges and Chanteries which hee promised to see bestowed to the glory of God and good of the Realme lastly he ackowledged their love to himselfe but found fault with want of love to one another for what love where there is not concord and what concord when one calleth another Heretick and Anabaptist and he againe calleth him Papist and Hipocrite and this not onely amongst those of the Temporalty but even the Clergy men themselves preach one against another inveigh one against another without Charity or Discretion some be so stiffe in their old mumpsimus and others so curious in their new sumpsimus that few or none Preacheth truly and sincerely the word of God now therfore let this be amended feare and serve God be in Charity amongst your selves to the which I as your supream Head and Soveraigne Lord exhort and require you and this said the Acts were openly read to some he gave his Royall assent and to diverse assented not Whilst oath for the peace was thus taken by both Kings Bulloigne remaining still in King Henries possession Monsieur de Chatillon Captain of Mont-pleasier began to make a new Bastillion at the very mouth of the Haven of Bulloigne naming it Chatillous Garden hereof the Lord Gray of VVilton as then Deputy of Bulloigne advertised the King by Sir Thomas Palmour requiring to know his pleasure whither he should race it as a thing very incommodious to the Town or let it stand the King asked advice of his Counsail who all agreed that the conditions of the peace ought in no wise to be infringed and therefore to let the Bastillian stand whereupon the King caused his Secretary the Lord Paget to write a letter to the Lord Gray to that purpose but then called Sir Thomas Palmour secretly to him bidding him tell the Lord Gray that whatsoever he had written in his letter yet with all speed possible he should race the fortification to the ground Sir Thomas Palmour replying that a message by word of mouth being contrary to his leter would never be beleeved wel said the King do you tell him as I bid you and leave the doing it to his choice upon the comming back of Sir Thomas Palmour the Lord Gray called a counsaile shewing them thâ— Kingâ— letter and withall Sir Thomas Palmours message and then asked their Advise what in this case he should doe who all agreed without any question that the letter was to be followed and not the message to which the Lord Gray himselfe said nothing but caused the message to be wtitten verbatim from Sir Thomas Palmours mouth and those of the Counsaile to set their hands to it this done the night following he issued forth with a company of Armed men and Pioners aud overthrew the fortification to the ground aâ—d then sent Sir Thomas Palmour with letters to the King who as soon as he saw him asked aloud what will he doe it or no Sir Thomas Palmour delivering his letter said your Majesty shall know by these but then the King halfe angry nay tell me saith he wil he doe it or no being then told it was done and the fortification clean raced he turned to his Lords and said what say you my Lords to this Chatillous Garden is raced to the â—loore whereto one presently answered that he that had done it was worthy to loose his head to which the King streightlâ— replyed that he would rather lose a dozen such heads as his was that so Jâ—dged then one such servants as had done it and therewith commanded the Lord Grays pardon should presently be drawn the which he sent vvith letters of great thanks and promise of reward the cause why the King took this course was this lest if he written the racing of the Fortification in his letter it might have come tâ— the French-mens knowledge before it could have been done and so have been prevented and by this may be taken a scantling of King Henries great Capacitie It is now the eight and thirtieth yeere of his reigne when about Michaelmas Thomas Duke of Norfolke and Henry Earle of Surrey his Sonne and heire upon certaine surmises of treason were committed to the Tower of London and the thirteenth of Ianuary the King then lying at the point of death the said Earle was arraigned in the Guild-hall before the Lord Major the Lord Chauncellour and other Lords there in Commission the speciall matter wherewith he was charged was the bearing of certaine Armes that were said to belong to the King and to the Prince though the Earle justified the bearing of them as belonging to divers of his Ancestours affirming withall that he had the opinion
restrained from these Games fell some to drinking some to stealing of Conies and Deere aud such other misdemeanours also in this yeere was an inhauncing of Coyne for preventing the carrying it over to places where it went at higher rate so that the Angell which went before but for seven shillings should now goe for seven and six pence and every ounce of Gold should be five aâ—d forty shillings which was before but forty and other Coynes accordingly In his twentieth yeer Sir Iames Spencer being Major of London the watch used on Mid-somer night was laid downe In his three and thirtieth yeer in a Parliament then holden an Act was made that whosoevet should poyson any person should be boyled to death by which Statute one Richard Roose who had poysoned diverâ—e persons in the Bishop of Rochester place was boyled to death in Smithfield to the terrible example of all other In his two and twentieth yeer three Acts were made one foâ— probate of Testaments another for Mortuaries the third against plurality of benefices Non-Residence buying and taking of Farmes by spirituall persons In his thirtieth yeer it was ordained by Cromwel the Kings Vicar General that in al Churches a Register should be kept of every Weddng Christning and buriall within the same Parish for ever In his one and thirtieth yeer the King first instituted and appointed fifty Gentlemen called Pensioners to waight upon his person assighning to each of them fifty pounds a yeer for the maintainance of thâ—mselvs and two horses in his six and thirtieth yeer Proclamation was made for the inhancing of Gold to eight and fortâ— shillings and silver to foure shillings the ounce also he caused to be coyned base money mingling it with brasse which was since that time called downe the fifth yeere of Edward the sixth and called in the second yeer of Queen Elizibeth In his seven and thirtieth yeer the brothell houses called the Stewes on the Bank-side in Southwarke were pâ—t downe by the Kings Commandement and was done by proclamation and sound of Trumpet In his three and twentieth yeer it was enacted that Butchers should sell their meat by weight Beef for a half-peny the pound and Mutton for three farthings also at this time forraigne Butchers were permitted their flesh in Leadenhall-market which before was not allowed in his time also the Government of the President in the North was first instituted and the first President there was Tunstall Bishop of Durham Affaires of the Church in his time IN the yeer 1517. the eighth yeer of this Kings Reigne Martin Luther of VVittemberg in Germany a Frier of the Order of the Hermisses taking occasion from the abuseâ— of Indulgences began to Preach against the Authority of the Pope and to bring in a Reformation of Religion for repressing of whom the Counsaile of Trent was called by Pope Paul the third in the yeere 1542. which continued above forty yeers but was never received in the Kingdome of Franceâ— which Counsaile by decreeing many things to be poins of faith which were not so accounted before hath made no small distraction amongst Pâ—pists themselves against this Luther King Henry wrote a booke with great bitternesse and with as great bitternesse was answered at the same time with Luther there arose also in the same Country other Reformers of Religion as Zuingliuâ— Occloampadious Melancthon who differing from Luther in some few points made the difference which is at this day of Lutherans and Protestants so called at first Auspurg for making a protestation in defence of their Doctrine which soon after spread all Christendome over King Henry in the sixth and twentieth yeer of his Reigne had excluded the Popes Authority ouâ— of his Realme but thinking the worke not sufficiently done as long as Abbeys and Prioâ—ies kept their station which were as it were his Forteresses and Pillars there wâ—s not long after meâ—nes found to have them suppressed for aspersioâ—s being lâ—id upon them and perhaps no more then truth of Adulteries and Murtherâ— they by Act of Parliâ—ment in his eight and twentieth yeer at lest neere foure hundred of them suppressed and all their lands and goods conferred upon the King In his one and thiâ—tieth yeer all the rest and lastly in his five and thirtinth yeer all Colledgeâ— Chantries and Hospitals so as the hives being now all removed there have never since any Bees or Drones been seen in the Country in this Kings time the Citty of Rome was taken and sacked by the Imperiall Army forcing the Pope to fly to his Castle Saint Angelo and there kept a prisoner till he agreed to such conditions as his Adversaries propounded In the two and twentieth yeere of this Kings reigne a Proclamation was set forth that no person should purchase any thing from the Court of Rome and this was the first blow given to the Pope in England In his three and twentieth yeer the Clergy submitting themselves to the King for being found guilty of a Praemunire were the first that called him supream head of the Church In his foure and twentieth yeere a Parliament was holden wherein one Act was made that Bishops should pay no more Annats or money for their Buls to the Pope and another that no person should appeale for any cause out of this Realm to the Court of Rome but from the Commissary to the Bishop and from the Bishop to the Archbishop and from the Archbishop to the King and all causes of the King to be tried in the upper Hoâ—se of the Convocation In his six and twentieth yeer in Iuly Iohn Frith was burnt in Smithfield aâ—d with him at the same stake one Andrew Howet a Tailor both for denying the Reall presence in the Sacrament and in a Parliament holden tâ—is yeer an Act was made which Authorized the Kings Highnesse to be supreame head of the Church of England and the Authority of the Pope to be abolished and then also was given to the King the first fruits and tenths of all Spirituall livings and this yeer were many put to deaâ—h Papists for denying the Kings Supremecy Protestants for denying the Reall presence in the Sacrament and it is incredible what numbers for thesâ— two causes were put to death in the last ten yeers of this Kings Reign of whom if we should make perticular mention iâ— would reach a great way in the Book of Martyrs in his eight and twentieth yeer the Lord Cromwell was made Viâ—aâ— General under the King over the Spiritualty and sate divers times in the Convocation House amongst the Bishops as head over them and in September thiâ— yeere he set forth injunctions commandiâ—g all Parsons and Curates to â—each their Parishoners the Paâ—er Noster the Aâ—e and Creed with the ten Commandements and Articles of the Christian Fâ—ith in the English tongue Iâ— his one and thirtieth yeer was set forth by the Bishops the Book of the six Articles condemning all for Hereticks and to be burnt that should hold 1. That the body
then any other King did in Realities so in any distemper of his people he had no other Physicke but to open a veine but we shall do him extreame wrong to thinke that all the blood shed in his time was of his shedding they were the Bishops that were the Draco to make the bloody Laws the Bishops that were the Phalaris to put them in execution the King ofâ—entimes scarce knowing what was done Certain it is when a great Lord put a Gentlewoman the second time on the rack the King hearing of it exceedingly condemned him for such extream cruelty As for Religion though he brought it not to a full Reformation yet he gave it so great a beginning that we may truly say of that he did Dimidium plus toto They who charge him with the vice of lust let them shew such another example of continence as was seen in him to lye six moneths by a yong Lady and not to touch her for so did hee with the Lady Anne of Cleve but this is to make Nosegayes I like better to leave every flower growing upon its staulke that it may be gathered fresh which will be done by reading the Story of his Life Of his Death and Buriall IT is Recorded of him that in his later time he grew so fat and slothfull that engines were made to lift and remove him up and downe but howsoever in the six and fiftieth yeer of his age whither a dropsie or by reason of an ulcer in his leg he fell into a langâ—ishing feaver which brought him into such extreamity that his Physitians utterly despared of his life whereof yet none durst speake a word to him till Master Denny one of his Privy-chamber tooke the the boldnes to goe to him telling him of the danger he was in and withall putting him in mind to thinke of his soules health to which he answered that hee confessed his sinâ—es to be exceeding great yet had such confidence in the mercy of God through Christ that he doubted not of forgivenesse though they had been much greater and being then asked by Master Denny if he would have any Divine brought to him with whom to confer he answered he would willingly have the Archbishop Cranmer but not yet a while til he had taken a litle rest whereupon the Archbishop being then at Croydon was presently sent â—or but before he could come the King was growne speechlesse onely seeming to retain a little memory so as putting out his hand and the Archbishop desiring him to shew some signe of his faith in Christ he then wrung the Archbishop hard by the hand and immediately gave up the Ghost the eight and twentieth of Ianuary in the yeer 1547. the six and fiftieth of his age and of his reigne the eight and thirtieth his body with great solemnity was buried at Windsor under a most costly and stately Tombe begun in copper and guilt but never fiâ—ished Men of note in his time MEn famous for the sword were many in his time and in a manner all that it is hard making choice without being partiall unlesse we shal preferre Dukes of equal valour before others of meaner caling and then wil the Dukes of Norfolke and Suffolk hold worthily the place first and next to them the yong Earl of Surrey who had been more fortunate if he had been lesse valiant Of men of letters in his time there were whole Armies in forraigne parts the most â—amous were Budaeus Ludovicus Vines Iohn Revolin Erasmus Roteradamuâ— Vrsinus Cornarius Sadolet Martin Bucer in England were Iohn Collet Deane of Pauls and Founder of the Schoole there VVilliam Lilly borne aâ— Odiham in Hamshire first Scholmaster of Pauls-Schoole Thomas Linaker a learned Phisitian Iohn Skelton a pleasant Poet VVilliam Horman Vice Provest of Eaten who wrote divers workes Sir Rastalâ— a Citizen and Stationer of London Christopher Saint-Germane an excellent Lawyer Sir Thomas Elyot Iohn Leland a diligent searcher of Antiquities Sir Iohn Bourchier Knight Lord Berners who translated â—he Chronocles of Froysard out of French into English Henry Standish Bishop of Saint Assaph who wâ—ote a book against Erasmus traslation of the new Testament Arnold of London who wrote certain Colections touching Historicall matters Thomas Lupset a Londoner who wrote sundry vertuous Treatises Henry Bradshaw a black Monke who wrote the life of Saint VVerborough and also a certain Chronocle Iohn Palsgrave a Londoner who wrote instructions for the perfect understanding of the French tongue Iohn Sâ—vish a Cornish-man who wrote certaine abbreviations of Chronicles with a Treatise of the wars of Troy Anthony Fitz-Herbert a Judge who wrote an Abridgment of the Law Wilfride Holme who wrot a Treatise of the rebellion in Lincolnshire Thomâ—s Lanquet who wrote an Epitomy of Chronicles and also of the winning of Bulloigne Thomas Soulman of Gernsey who wrote divers notes of History Cutbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham Robert VVhittington who wrote divers Treatises for the instruction of Grammarians Iohn Russell who wrote a Treatise entituled super jure Caesaris et Papae also commentaries in Cantica Simon Fish a Kentish-man who wrote a book called the supplication of Beggars George Bullen Lord Rochford brother to Queen Anne who wrote divers songs and sonets Francis Bigod Knight born in Yorkeshire who wrote a book against the Clergy intitled de Impropriationibus Henry Lord Morley who wrote divers Treatises as Comodies and Tragedies as the life of sectaries and certaine rimes VVilliam Botevile alias Thynne who restored the works of Chawcer Richard Turpin who serâ—ing in the Garrison of Callice wrote a Chronicle of his time and died in the â—eer 1541. Sir Thomas VViat Knight who wrote divers matters in English-meeter and translâ—ted the seven Penitentiall Psalmes and as some say the whole Psalter he died of the pestilence as he was going Embassadour to the Emperour in the yeer 1541. Henry Howard Earle of Surrey who wrote divers Treatises in English-meeter Iohn Field a Londoner who wrote a Treatise of mans Free-will de Servo homiâ—is Arbitrio and Collections of the common Laws of England Robert Shingleton borne in Lancashire who wrote a Treatise of the seven Churches and certaine Prophesies William Parry a Welsh-man who wrote a booke intitled speculum Iuvenam THE REIGNE OF KING EDWARD THE SIXTH IT was now the yeere 1547. when on the eight and twentieth of Ianuary King Henry dying Prince Edward his Sonne by his third wife the Lady Iane Seymour and the onely Sonne he left behinde him as well by right of Inheritance as by his last Will succeeded him in the Kingdome to whom as being but nine yeers old and therefore unripe for Government hee had assigned eight and twenty Councellours a fit number if agreeing amongst themselves too many if at variance and at variance they would soon fall if there were not a moderatour to keep them in concord the first worke therfore necessary to be done in this new world was to make choice of such a man as might be
to the Counsailors a Moderator a protectour to the King and in his minority to the Kingdome To this place by common consent of the King and Counsaile Edward Seymour Earl of Hartford the Kings Unckle was chosen to hold the place untill the King should accomplish the age of eighteene yeeres In which Office the first thing he did was to make the young King Knight who presently thereupon made Henry Hobblethorne Major of London Knight and then King Henries Obsequies being solemnly performed on the seaventeenth of February were raised in Honour the Earl of Hartford Protectour to be Duke of Somerset William Par Earle of Essex to be Marquis of Northampton Dudly Viscount Lisle to be Earle of Warwick Wriothsley Lord Chancelour to be Earle of Southampton Sir Thomas Seymour the Protectours brother was made Lord of Sudeley and Admirall of England Sir Richard Rich was made Lord Rich Sir VVilliam Willoughby was made Lord Willoughby and Sir Edmund Sheffield was made Lord Sheffield of Butterwick on the nineteenth of February the King in great state rode from the Tower to the Pallace of Westminster where the day following he was Crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury with all rites accustomed in great solemnity At which time a generall pardon was Proclaimed for all offenders six onely excepted namely the Duke of Norfolke Cardinall Poole Edward Courtney eldest sonne to the Marquis of Excetur Master Fortescue Master Throgmorton and Doctor Paâ—es Bishop of VVorcester who was fled to Rome to avoid taking the oath of Supremâ—cy all which six continued unpardoâ—ed till the first yeere of Queene Mary and then were restored A few dayes after the Earle of Southampton Lord Chancelour for beâ—ng contumacious to the rest of the Lords in matters of Counsaile was removed both from his Office of being Chancelour and from his place in Counsaile and the great Seale was delivered to Sir William Pawlet Lord Saint-Iohn and Lord great Master of the Kings Huoshold Within two months after the death of King Henry died Francis King of France also for whom solemne Obsequies were kept in Pauls Church as hee likewise had kept before at Paris for King Henry these two Kings were of so consenting natures that they had certainly been great friends while they lived if they had not been Kings and that jelousie of state had not made them oftentimes not to be themselves King Henry before his death had left in charge with the Lords of his Counsaile by all meanes possible to procure a proceeding in the mariage with the young Queen of Scots and now in discharge therof the Lord Protectour himselfe with an Army of twelve thousand foot and six thousand horse besides Labourers and Pioners thirteen hundred entred Scotland the third of September at which time also Edward Lord Clinton with a fleet of threescore saile assisted by sea but before he would doe any hostile Act he caused Proclamation to be made that his comming was onely to have performance of the Articles heretofore agreed on foâ— the mariage tending to the good of both Kingdomes if they would yeeld unto he would then returne in peaceable manner and the more to draw them on wâ—ere before it was demanded to have the Queen brought into England and there to be brought up the Protectour was content she should remaine in Scotland till yeers of consentâ— this demand the more moderate sort of the Scots accouâ—ted very reasonable but those of the French and Papal faction who were the greatest persons and the greatest number strongly opposed wherupon the Lord Protectour presently put his Army into Array the Lord Gray and Sir Francis Brian with eight hundred Light-horse were sent before to provide lodging for the Army and to give advertisement of the enemies approaches then followed the Avant-guard in number between three and foure thousand foot one hundred men at Armes and six hundred Light-horse led by the Earle of VVarwick then followed the maine Battaile consisting of above six thousand foot six hundred men at Armes and one thousand Light-horse led by the Protecter himself lastly followed the Arrear wherein were between three and foure thousand foot one hundred men at Armes and six hundred Light-horse uâ—der the conduct of the Lord Dacres upon one wing the Artillery was drawne being sixteen pieces of great Ordinance the other wing was made by men at Armes and Demilances for the Avant-guard and halfe the battaile ridiâ—g about two flight shoot from their side the other halfe of the battaile and thâ— whole flanke of the Arrear was closed by the carraiges being nine hundred â—arts besides Waggons â—he rest of the men at Armes and the Demilances marched behinde In this order they marched two dayes taking in three Castles â—s they went with little resistance where it is memorable what a suddaine device the Defendants of one of them used to save themselves for finding they wâ—re no longer able to defend themselves and that their obstinacy had excluded aâ—â— hope of pardon they made suite they might not presently be slain but have some time to commend their soules to God and afterwards be hanged which respite being obtained theiâ— pardon afterward did more easily ensue so much doth the winning of time oftentimes prevaile more then any other policy Tâ—e Governour of Scotland hearing of the Protectours approch and having no sufficient Army ready to resist him sent his Heralds abroad into all parts of the Râ—alm and commanded the fire-crosse to be carried an antient custome in cases of importance which was two firebrands set in fashion of a crosse and pitched upon the point of a speare and therewith Proclamation to be made that all above sixteen yeers of age and under sixty should resort forthwith to Musselborough bring convenient provision of victuals with them By this meanes having gotten a sufficient Army he set forward towards the English who were now come to a River called Linne and here the Earle of Warwick being too â—enterous was like to have bin entrapped but by his valour came off bravely and now the Scottish Horse-men began to hover about the English Army and to come pricking towards them sometimes within length of their staves using provoking words to draw the English from their strength but the Protector not moved with their provocations maintained a close march till he came to Salt-presion by the Frith where he incamped within two miles of the Scottish Army and here the Scots having gotten the advantage of a Hill came upon the English with the number of twelve hundred Horse besides five hundred foot that lay in ambush behind the Hill at which time the Lord Gray and Sir Francis Brian impatient of such bravaries obtained leave of the Geneâ— to encounter them and so as they came scattered upon the spurre within a stones cast of the English and were beginning to wheele about the Lord Gray with some troops of Light hors-men charged them home and was forthwith seconded by certaine numbers of Demilances and both
All this while the warres in Scotland continued and were managed by the Lord Gray of Wilton with variable successe and now about this time was sent to him in aide the Earle of Shrewsbury with fifteen thousand men against him in aid of the Scots was sent the Rhinegrave with ten thousand French who entring into consulâ—ation how to remove the yong Queene out of the reach of the English provided a Fleet and sailing round about Scotland notwithstanding the English Fleet lay in wait to impeach their passage yet conveyed her safely into France being then but six yeers old accompanied in the journey with Iames her base brother Iohn Erskin and William Leviston and in April following was married to Francis the Dolphin of France You heard before the alterations now heare the troubles for when the Injunctions were sent abroad into the Countrey and Commissioners appointed to see them executed one Master Bodye a Commissioner as he was pulling down Images in Cornwall was suddenly by a Priest stabbed into the body with a knife Hereupon the people flocked together in divers parts of the sheere taking Armes and beginning to commit outrages and although the chiefe Offendour was hanged and quartered in Smithfield and many of his complices executed in divers parts of the Realme and withall a Pardon proclaimed to all that would lay downe Armes yet neither could that severity nor this lenity restraine them from their insolencies but in divers Countries as Sussex Hampshire Kent Glostershire Warwickshire Wostershire but specially in Semersetshire and Devonshire great assemblies of people gathered to a head whose chiefe Leaders were Humfrey Arundel and about six others of inferiour note but many Priests Some of these we may say were Commonwealth mutiners and some mutined for religion they who were for the Common-wealth could agree upon nothing some would have no Justices some no Gentlemen some no Lawyers nor ordinary Courts of Justice but above all Inclosures must down but whether all or which or how to be imployed none could tell The religious Mutiners were not altogether so various in their voyces as having some few amongst them by whom they were guided these in name of the people hamered up these Arâ—icles following upon granting of which they proâ—essed that both their bodies and goods should be at the Kings devotion 1. That Curates should administer Baptisme at all times of necessity aâ— well oâ— week-dayes as on holy-dayes 2. That their children might be confirmed by the Bishop 3. That the Masse might be celebrated no man communicating with the Priest 4. That they might have reservation of the Lords body in their Churches 5. That they might have holy-bread and holy-water in remembrance of Christs precious body and blood 6. That Priests might live unmarried 7. That the six Articles set forth by King Henry the eight might be continued at lest till the King should come to full age Upon these demands the King although he knew that Reasons would little prevaile with unreasonable men yet to discharge the place he held he sent them in writing Answers to them all and withall a generall pardon if they would desist and lay downe armes But the sedicious growing the more outragious the fairer they were intreated and finding themselves unable to subsist with their owne estates began to thinke upon the spoyle of Cities and first they came to Excetour and demanded entrance which the Citizens refusing they fell to set fire on the gaâ—es but the Citizens prevented this by casting in wood and maintaining the fire till they had cast up a halfe moone within upon which when the Seditious attempted to enter they were presently hewen and cut in peeces After this they mined the wals laid powder and rammed the mouth but the Citizens prevented this also by making a countermine whereinto they poured such plenty of water that the wet powder could not be fired All this while the Lord Russell Lord Privie Seale who had beene sent downe to suppresse the Commotion lay at Huntington expecting more Forces whilst these Citizens of Excetour for twelve dayes together endured so great famine that they were faine to eat horses and make bread of course bran moulded in cloathes for that otherwise it would not cleave together At last the Lord Gray came to the Lord Russell with supply of Forces who after many conflicts with the Rebels forced them to raise their siedge at Excetour and thereby freed the City from many miseries to whom the King afterward gave the Mannour of Evyland in reward for their loyalty After this the Rebels rallying their Forceâ— were againe set upon by the Kings Army and the greatest part of them slaine the rest fled many were taken and executed by Martiall Law the chiefe Leaders were sent to London and there executed The sedition being thus suppressed it is memorable what sport Sir William Kingston the Provost Marshall made by vertue of his Office upon men in misery One Boyer Major of Godmin in Cornwall had bin amongst the Rebels not willingly but enforced to him the Provost sent word he would come and dine with him for whom the Major made great provision a little before dinner the Provost took the Major aside and whispered him in the eare that an execution must that day be done in the town and therefore required to have a paire of Gallows set up against dinner should be done the Major failed not of his charge presently after dinner the Provost taking the Major by the hand intreated him to lead him to the place where the Gallowes was which when he beheld he asked the Major if he thought them to be strong enough yes said the Major doubtlesse they are well then said the Provost get you up speedily for they are provided for you I hope answered the Major you mean not as you speak in faith said the Provost there is no remedy for you have bin a busie Rebell and so without respit or defence he was hanged to death a most uncurreous part for a guest to offer his host Neere the said place dwelled a Millar who had bin a busie actor in that Rebellion who fearing the approach of the Marshall told a sturdy fellow his servant that he had occasion to go from home and therefore bid him that if any man came to enquire after the Millar he should not speak of him but say that himselfe was the Millar and had bin so for three yeers before So the Provost came and called for the Millar when out comes the servant and saith he was the man the Provost demanded how long he had kept the Mill these three yeeres answered the servant then the Provost commanded his men to lay hold on him and hang him on the next tree At this the fellow cryed out that he was not the Millar but the Millars man nay Sir said the Provost I will take you at your word and if thou beest the Millar thou art a busie knave if thou beest nor thou art a false
please them both The Recorder set forth the complaint of the Lords against the Protectour in such sort that he made many inclinable to favour that side but one named George Stadlow better advised stept up and in a long Speech shewed what mischiefes had come to the City by opposing the King and therefore gave his opinion to suspend giving aide to the Lords at lest for a time His advice was harkened to and thereupon the Court resolved onely to arme a hundred Horsemen and foure hundred foot in defence of the City and to the letters returned submissive but dilatory answers After some other passages betweene the Protectour and the Lords Sir Edward Winkfield Captaine of the Guard was sent from the Lords to Windsor who so well perswaded the King of the Lords loyall affection towards him and of their moderate intention towards the Protectour that the King was contented to have him presently remvoed from him and suffered him within two dayes after to be carried to the Tower In whose absence seven Lords of the Councell and foure Knights were appointed by turnes to attend the Kings person and for affaires of State the government of them was referred to the whole body of the Councell soone after were sent to the Protectour in the Tower certain Lords of the Councell with Articles against him requiring his present Answer whether he would acknowledge them to be true or else stand upon his justificaâ—ion The chiefe Article was this That he tooke upon him the Office of Protectour with expresse condition that he should doe nothing in the Kings affaires but by assent of the late Kings Executours or the greaâ—est part of them and that contrary to this condition he had hindered Justice and subverted laws of his owne authority as well by letters as by other command and many other Articles but all much to this purpose The Protectour whether thinking to speed better by submission then by contesting or perhaps finding himselfe not altogether innocent for indeed in so great a place who can beare himselfe with such sincerity but he will commit errours with which he may be taxed subscribed an acknowledgement with his owne hand humbly submitting himselfe to the Kings mercy and desiring their Lordships favour â—owards him Upon this submission three moneths after he had bin imprisoned he was released entertained and feasted by the King and sworâ—e again to be a Privie Councellour but no more Protectour at which time betweene him and the Lords a shew at lest of perfect amity was made and to make it the more firme the Dukes daughter was afterward married to the Lord Lisle Sonne and heire to the Earle of Warwicke at which marriage the King himselfe was present and perhaps to honour their reconcilement and this marriâ—ge the Earle of Warwicke was made Lord Admirall of England Sir Iohn Russell Lord Privie Seale was created Earle of Bedford the Lord Saint-Iohn was created Earle of Wiltshire and soone after made Lord Treasurour Sir William Paget Controlour of the Kings House was made Lord Paget Sir Anthony VVinkfield Captaine of the Guard was made Controlour and Sir Thomas Darcye was made Captaine of the Guard But of the other side the Earle of Arundell the Earle of Southampton were put off from the Councell of whom the Earle of Southampton dyed shortly after at Lincolne-Place in Holborne and was buried in Saint Andrewes Church there About this time a Parliament was held at Westminster wherein one Act was made against spreading of Prophesies another against unlawfull Assemblies but for feare of new tumults the Parliament was untimely Dissolved and Gentlemen were commanded to retyre to their Countâ—ey-habitations and â—or the same cause also Trinity Terme did not hold About this time also Pope Paul the third dyed after whose death the Cardinals being divided about the election of a new Pope the Imperial part which was the greatest gave their voyces for Cardinall Poole which being told him â—e disabled himselfe and wished them to choose one that might be most for the glory of God and good of the Church upon â—his stop some that were no friends to Poole and perhaps looked for the place themselves if he were put off laid mâ—ny things to his charge amongst other that he was noâ— withouâ— suspition of Lutharisme as having bin very conversant with Immanuell Tremellius and Anthonius Flaminius great Lutherans and not altogether without blemish of incontinency there being a young Nunne that was thought to be his daughter But of these criminations Poole so cleered himselfe that he was afterward more importuned to take the place then he was before and thereupon one night the Cardinals came unto him being in bed and sent him word they came to adore him which is one special kind of electing the Pope but he being awaked out of his sleepe and acquainted with it made answer that this was not a worke of darkenesse and therefore required them to forbeare till the next day and then to doe as God should put in their mindes But the Italian Cardinals attributing this putting off to a kinde of stupidity and sloth in Poole looked no more after him but the next day chose Cardinall Montanus Pope who was afterward named Iulius the third And now the King of France upon many just considerations was growne desirous to have a Peace with England and thereupon sent one Guidolâ—i a Florentine inâ—o England to make some overture of his desire to the Lords of the Councell who addressing himselfe to the Earle of Warwicke whom he knew to be most prevalent so prevailed that it was concluded foure Embassadours should be sent from the King of England into Franeeâ— and foure from the French King to treat with them The Commissioners for the English were Iohn Earl of Bedford William Lord Paget Sir William Peter and Sir Iohn Mason Secretaries of State For the French were Monsieur Rochpot Monsieur Chatillon Guyllart de Martyer and Rochetelle de Dassie much time was spent to agree about a place of meeting till at last the English to satisfie the French were contented it should be before Bulloigne where were many meetings and mâ—ny diffâ—rences about conditions but in conclusion a Peace was concluded upon certaine Articles the chiefe whereof was that Bulloigne and the places adjacent should be delivered up to the French within six weekes after the Peace Proclaimed and that the French should pay for the same two hundred thousand crownes within three dayes after delivery of the Towne and other two huâ—dred thousand crowes upon the fifth day of August following hostages were on both sides given for performance and to those Articles the French King was sworne at Amyens and the King of England in London the Lord Clinton who had been Deputy of Bulloigne was made Lord Admirall of England Presently after this Agreement the Duke of Brunswicke sent to the King of England to offer his service in the Kings wars with ten thousand men and to intreat a marriage with the Lady
in the time of King Edward had refused to signe a writing for disinheriting the Lady Mary and the Lady Elizabeth a fact worthy at least of a kinde remembrance from the Lady Mary now Queene yet now for that at a quarter Sessions in Kent he gave charge upon the statutes of King Henry the eight and King Edward the sixth in derogation of the Primacy of the Church of Rome he was first committed to the Kings Bench then to the Counter and lastly to the Fleet where he grew so troubled in minde that he attempted with a Pen-knife to kill himselfe and being afterward recovered of that hurt and brought to the Queenes presence who gave him very comfortable words yet could never come to be quiet in his minde but in the end drowned himselfe in a River not halfe a mile from his house the River being so shallow that he was faine to lye groveling before he could dispatch himâ—elfe of life And now another sprinkling of mercy came from the Queene for the Marquesse of Northampton and Sir Henry Gates lately before condemned to dye were now pardoned and set at liberty The Lady Iane also was allowed the liberty of the Tower not without hope of life and liberty altogether if her father the Duke of Suffolke had not the second time been cause of her destruction About this time also a Synod was assembled for consulting about matters of Religion and the point specially of the reall presence in the Sacrament The Prolocutour was Doctor VVeston and of the Protestant side were Iohn Almer and Richard Cheyney both Bishops afterward in Queene Elizabeths time also Iohn Philpoâ— afterward burnt Iames Haddon and others After long disputation where reasons were not so much weighed as voyces numbred the Papall side as having most voyces carried it and thereupon was that Religion againe restored and the Masse commanded in all Churches to be celebrated after the ancient manner It was now the yeer 1553. when Queene Mary was come to the age of seven and thirty yeers and therefore high time now to thinke of marriage at least if she meant to have issue of her body but a hard maâ—ter it was to finde a husband in all points â—itting for her yet three at this time in common fame at least were taken into consideration one was the Lord Courtney Mâ—rquesse of Exceter a goodly Gentleman and of Royall blood but there was exception against him because inclining as was thought to Lutheranisme another was Cardinal â—oole of a dignity not much inferiour to Kings and by his Mother descended from Kings but there was exception against him also because foure and fifty yeers old as old a Batchelour as Queen Mary was a maid and so the lesse hope of issue betweene them but the third if he might be had was without exception and this was Phillip Prince of Spaine the Emperour Charles his eldest sonne with whom being a Spaniard she was the fitter matched as being by the Mother a Spaniard her selfe And now very oppertunely came in the beginning of Ian. Embassadors into England about it amongst others the Couâ—â— of Egmond Admirall of the Lâ—w Countryes and Iohn of Memorancy Lord of Curryers whose message was so kindely entertained that the marriage in short time was absolutely concluded though it seemed something strange to many that she should now be wife to the sonne who thirty yeers before should have been wife to the father But so it is Queenes are never old so long as they are within yeers of bearing children And indeede the match was concluded with conditions of farre more advantage to Queeâ—e Mary then they were to King Phillip as on the fourteenth of Ianuary Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancelour of England openly in the Presence Chamber at Westminster declared to all the Lords and Gentlemen there present for it was agreed that after the marâ—iage King Phillip should have the Title of all the Queenes Dominions and be assumed into fellowship of the government but yet with reservation to the Queene of all Priviledges and Customes of the Kingdome and free disposition of all Offices and Honours as likewise the Queene should be assumed into the fellowship of all the Kings Dominions and surviving him should have a Joynture of two hundred thousand Pounds a yeer Then for the issue betweene them if she had a Sonne that he should inherit the Low Countryes and Burgundy and King Phillips sonne Charles which he had by a former wife should inherit all his Dominions in Italie and Spaine but if his sonne Charles should fail without issue then the sonne he should have by Queene Mary should inherit his Kingdomes of Italie and Spaine also And the like good provision was also made for daughters But notwithstanding these great â—dvantageâ— of the maâ—ch yet such was the precipitant rashnesse of some that thinking themselves wiser then the Queene and the Councel they sought by all meanes to oppose the match giving out that it â—ended to bring England under the yoke of Spaine and to make the Countrey a slave to strangers This was the generall murmuring of people but the first that shewed himselfe in Armes was Sir Thomas Wyat of Kent who having communicated the matter with the Duke of Suffolke the Lady Ianes father with Peter Caroe a Knight of Devonshire and divers others intended onely to make secret provision but not to stirre till Prince Phillip should be come that so their cause of taking armes might have the better colour On the fifteenth of Ianuary Robert Dudley sonne to the Duke of Northumberland was arraigned at the Guildhall of high Treason who confessed the indictment and had judgement given by the Earle of Sussex to be drawen hanged bowelled and quartered But now in counsels communicated to many it is a hard matter to have counsell kept and Sir Peter Caroe finding that their plot was discovered fled privily into France where lurking for a time he was afterward taken at Bruxells and brought captive into England as likewise at the same time and place Sir Iohn Cheeke King Edwards Schoolmaster was taken who being drawne by terrours to embrace the Papall Religion with very griefe afterward of his errour pined away and dyed Sir Peter Caroe lived many yeers afâ—er and dyed in Ireland though it be falsely recorded they were both burnt for Religion in Iune of this yeer Wyatt hearing of Sir Peter Caroes flight and that all their purpose was discovered was driven before his time to enter into armes giving out for the cause that it was not to attempt any thing against the Queene but onely to remove ill Councellours and chiefly to repell Prince Phillip least by this mariage the Kingdome should come in subjection to the Spaniard With Wyatt were joyned Sir Henry Isley Sir George Harper Anthony and William Knevet and divers other Gentlemen of the County against him were the Lord Abuegaveny Sir Thomas Cheyney Lord Warden of the Ports Sir Sobert Southwell Sheriffe of Kent Sir
obtained of the Queene three dayes longer and then came and â—old so much to the Lady Iane whereat she smiling said You are much deceived if you thinke I had any desire of longer life for I assure you since the time you went from me my life hath beene so tedious to me that I long for nothing so much as death and since it is the Queenes pleasure am moâ—â— willing to undergoe it Before she was brought to Execution her huâ—band the Lord Guildford had made suit and obtained to see her and have some conference with her but she refused it saying These were rather augmenters of griefe then comfortâ— of deathâ— she made no doubt but they should shortly meet in a better place and in a better condition of society so on the twelfth of February her husband the Lord Guildford first and then she an houre or two after was beheaded within the Tower where she acknowledged her selfe to have deserved death not for seeking the Crown but for not refusing it being offered and after prayers to God unclothing her selfe and putting a Handcarchiffe before her eyes she laid her head downe upon the blocke and patiently suffered death more grievous to the beholders then to her selfe This end had the Lady Iane Gray a Lady of incomparable Pietie and for her yeers of incomparable learning for being not past seventeen yeeres of age she understood perfectly the Greek and Latine tongues and was so ready in all points of Divinity as if she knew them by inspiration rather then by instruction no lesse a miracle in this kinde then King Edward and therefore no mervaile if he appointed her to succeed him in the Kingdome who in the endowments of minde was so like unto him that whilest she reigned it might be thought he continued to reigne himselfe at lest no more differing but onely the sex It may not be forgotten that Judge Morgan who at her arraignement gave the sentence against her shortly after fell mad and in his raving cried continually to have the Lady Iane taken away from him and so ended his life Two dayes after the execution of the Lady Iane namely the fourteenth and fifteenth of February twenty paire of Gallowes were set up in divers places of the City whereon were handed fifty of Wyats faction on the eighteenth of February Bret was hanged at Rochester in chaines Sir Henryâ— Isle who had beene taken in an old freeze coat and an old paire of hose with his brother Thomas Isle and Walter Mantell were hanged at Maidstone Anthony Knevet and his brother William with another of the Mantels were executed at Sevenocke but then on the twentieth of February a sprinkling of mercy came for foure hundred of Wyats followers being brought before the Queene with halters about their necks were all pardoned and set at liberty But then severity soone after began againe for on the three and twentieth of February the Lord Henry Gray Duke of Suffolke and Father to the Lady Iane who the weeke before had been attaigned and condemned was on the Tower-hill beheaded and on the eleventh of Aprill in the same place was beheaded the Author of all this mischiefe Wyot himselfe whose quarters were set up in divers places of the City his head upon the Gallowes at Hay-hill besides Hide Parke This man in hope of life having before accused the Lord Courtney and the Lady Elizabeth the Queenes sisterâ— to be privie to his conspiracy yet at his death he cleered them and protested openly that they were altogether innocent and never had been acquainted with his proceedings Yet was this matter so urged against them by Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellour that both of them in March before had beene committed to the Tower though in May following they were both againe released but yet confined the Lady Elizabeth to Woodstocke under the custody of Sir Henry Beningfield of Oxenborough in the County of Norfolke the Lord Courtney to Foderingham under the custody of Sir Thomas Tresâ—am who after some time was set at liberty and going into Italie there dyed It is memorable what malice this Bishop Gardiner bore to the Lady Elizabeth by whose onely procurement not onely she was kept iâ— most hard durance but a Warrant was at last framed under certaine Councellours hands to put her to death and had beene done but that Master â—ridges Lâ—evâ—enant of the Tower pitying her case went to the Queene to know her pleasure who utterly denied that she knew any thing of it by which meanes here life was preserved Indeed the Bishop would sometimes say how they cut off boughes and branches but as long as they let the root remaine all was nothing and it is not unworthy the remembring what â—raines were laid to ensâ—are her The common net at that time for catching of Protestants was the Reall Presâ—nce and this net was used to catch her for being asked one time what she thought of the words of Christ This is my Body whether she thought it the true body of Christ that was in the Sacrament It is said that after some pawsing she thus answered Christ was the Word that spake it He tooke the Bread and brake it And what the Word did make it That I beleeve and take it Which though it may seeme but a slight expression yet hath it more solidnesse then at first fight appears at lest it served her turne at that time to escape the net which by direct answering she could not have done On the seventeenth of Aprill Thomas Lord Grey the Duke of Suffolkes brother was beheaded the last and indeed the lest in delinquency that suffered for having any hand in Wyats conspiracy There remained yet a fagge end and was indeed but a fagge end as nothing worth for on the same day Sir Nicholâ—s Thrâ—gmorton being accused to have beene a party in Wyats conspiracy was at the Guild-hall arraigned before Sir Thomas White Lord Maior the Earles of Shrewsbury and Derby Sir Thomas Bromley Lord chiefe Justice of England Sir Nicholas Hare Master of the Roles Sir Francis Englefield Master of the Wards Sir Richard Southwell and Sir Edward Walgrave Privie Councellours Sir Roger Chomley Sir William Portman one of the Justices of the Kings Bench Sir Edward Sanders one of the Justices of the Common Pleas Master Stâ—â—ford and Master Dyer Serjeants at Law Master Edward Griffin Atturney geâ—erall Master Sendall and Peter Titchâ—orne Clarkes of the Crowne where the said Mâ—ster Nicholas Throgmorton so fully and discreetly answered all objections brought against him that he was found by the Jurie Not Guilty and was cleerly acquitted but the Jury notwithstanding was afterward troubled for acquitting him and sent prisoners some of them to the Tower and some to the Fleet and afterward fined to pay a thousand makes a peece at lest and some 2000. l. though these sums were afterward something mitigated More of Wyaâ—s complices had beene taken arraigned and adjudged to dye but in judgement the Queene remembred
mercy and gave them their Pardon of which number were Master Rudston of Kent Sir Iames a Crofts the Lord Iohn Gray brother to the Duke of Sufâ—olke and some others About this time a little before and after were advancements in honour the Lord William Howard Lord Admirall of England was created Baron Hoâ—ard of Eâ—â—ingham Sir Iohn VVilliams was created Baron of Tames Sir Edward North was created Baâ—on of Chartleigh Sir Iohn Bridges was created Baron Chandowes of Sudeley Gerrard Fitz Garret was created Earl of Kildare and Bâ—ron of Ophelley and not long after Sir Anthony Browne Master of the Horse was created Viscount Mountagâ—â— It is scarce worth remembring that in the end of this firâ—â— yeer of â—he Queens reignâ— one Elizabeth Croâ—t a wench of eighteen yeeres old was by prâ—ctice put into a Wall and thereupon called the Spirit in the Wall who with a whistle made for the purpose whistled out many seditious words against the Queene the Prince of Spaine the Masse Confession and such other Points for which she did Penance standing upon a skaffold at Pauls Croâ—â—e all the Sermon time where she made open confession of her fault There had beene good store of Laymens blood shed already and now the times is comming to have Clergie mens shed and for a preparative to it on the tenth of Aprill Cranmâ—r Archbishop of Canterbury Nicholas Ridley laâ—e Bishop of London and Hugh Latimer late Bishop of Worcester are conveyed from the Tower to Oxford there to dispure with Oxford and Cambridge men in points of Religion but specially of the Eucharist the Oxford men were Cole Chaâ—scy Pye Harpsefield Smith and Doctor Weston Prolocurour the Cambridge men Young Seaton Watson Atkinson Fecknham and Sedgewicke the Disputation ended which we may well thinke as the matter was carried went against the prisoners on the twentieth of Aprill they were brought again on the Stage and then demanded whether they would persist in their opinion or else recant and affirming they would persist they were all three adjudged Hereticks and condemned to the fire but their execution we must not looke for till a yeere or two hence but in the meane time we have Iohn Rogers the first Martyr of these time burnt at London the fourth of February after whom the ninth of February Iohn Hooper late Bishop of VVorcester burnt at Glocester after him Robert Ferrar Bishop of Man burnt at Carmarden after him Iohn Bradford with many others and then the two famous men Ridley and Latimer no lesse famous for their constant deaths then their religious lives both burnt at Oxford the sixteenth of October This rising of VVyat had beene a Remora to the Queenes marriage and now to avoid all such obstacles hereafter the Queen in Aprill called a Parliament wherein were pâ—opounded two things one for confirmation of the Marriage the other for restoration of the Popes Primacie This latter was not assented to but with great difficulty for the six yeers reigne of King Edward had spred a plantation of the Protestâ—nt Religion in the hearts of many but the Proposition for the marriage was assented to readily but yet with the adding of some conditions which had noâ— beene thought of in the former Articles First that King Phillip should admit of no Stranger in any Office but onely Nativesâ— secondly that he should innovate nothing in the Lawes and Customes of the Kingdome Thirdly that he should not carry the Queen out of the Realme without her consent nor any of her children without consent of the Councell Fourthly that surviving the Queeâ— he should challenge no right in the Kingdome but suffâ—r it to descend to the next heire Fiftly that he should carry none of the Jewels of the Realme out of the Kingdome nor suffer any Ships or Ordnance to be removed out of the Realme and lastly that neither directly nor indirectly he should cause the Realme of England to be intangled with the warre betweene Spaine and France All things being thus agreed on the Earle of Bedford Lord Privie Seale the Lord Fitzwaters and divers other Lordâ— and Gentlemen are sent into Spaine to fetch over Prince Phillippe who arrived at Southampton the twentieth of Iuly in the yeere 1554. and the three and twentieth came to VVinchester where the Queene met him and the five and twentieth the marriage betweene them there was openly solemnized the desparity of yeeres as in Princes not much regarded though he were then but seven and twenty yeeres of age shee eight and thirty at which time the Emperours Embassadour being present openly declared that in consideration of that mariage the Emperour had given to Prince Phillippe his sonne the Kingdomes of Naples and Hierusalem and thereupon the solemnity of marriage being ended Garter King of Heraulds openly in the Church in the presence of the King the Queene and the Lords both of England and Spaine solemnly proclaimed the title and stile of these two Princes as followeth Phillip and Mary by the grace of God King and Queen of England France Naples Hierusalem and Ireland Defenders of the Faith Princes of Spaine and Scicily Archdukes of Austria Dukes of Millany Burgandy and Brabant Counts of Habspurge Flanders and Tyroll After this the King and Queene by easie journeys came to Winsor Castle where the King was instal'd Knight of the Garter and the Earle of Sussex with him The eleventh of August they removed to Richmond the seven and twentieth to Suffolk-place in Southwark and the next day to London where the stately shews that were made may well enough be conceived without relaring from hence after foure dayes they removed againe to Richmond where all the Lords had leave to depart into their Countries and indeede so many departed that there remained not an English Lord at the Court but the Bishop of Winchester from Richmond they removed to Hampton-court where the Hall door within the Court was continually kept shut so as no man might enter unlesse his errand were first known which might perhaps be the fashion of Spain but to Englishmen seemed very strange About this time Cardinall Poole sent for by the King and Queene came over into England and had come sooner but that the Emperour fearing he might prove a corrivall with his sonne Phillip had used meanes to stop his passage but now that his Sonnes marriage was past he was content to let him passe who though he came from Rome with the great authority of a Legat â— Latere yet he would not but come privately into London because his Attaindour was yet upon Record an Act therefore was presently passed to take it off and to restore him in blood for passing of which Act the King and Queene in person came to the Parliament house whither a few dayes after the Cardinall came himselfe which was then kept in the great Chamber of Whitehall because the Queen by reason of sicknesse was not well able to goe abroad and here the King and Queene sitting under the cloath of Estate
Nicholas Heath Archbishop of Yorke was made Lord Chancelour And now comes the time of Archbishop Cranmers execution who the yeere before had beene condemned and degraded by Commission from the Pope after which being by the subtiltie of some put in hope of life out of frailty he subscribed to a Recantation which yet did him no good for whether it were that Cardinall Poole would no longer be kept from being Archbishop which he would not be as long as he lived or that the Queen could â—ot be gotten to forget his being the chief instrument of her Mothers diâ—orce his exâ—cution was resolved to be the 14. of Febr. in the same place at Oxford where Ridley and Latimer five month before had bin before the execution Dâ—ct â—â—le preached who to make use of Cranmers Recantation told the people they doe well to harken to this learned mans confession who now at his death and with his death wold testifie which was the true religion never thinking that Cranmer wold haâ—e denied his former Recantation but Cranmer being brought to the stake contrary to expectation acknowledged that through frailty he had subscribed it praying God hartily to forgive it and now for a punishment that hand which had done it should first suffer and therewithall thrusting his right hand into the fire he there held it till it first and then his whole body was consumed onely which was no small miracle his heart remained whole and not once touched with the fire The same yeer also no fewer then 84. of both sexes were burnt for Religion and it was a cruelty very far extended that the bones of Bucer and Phâ—giâ—â— some time before dead and buried were taken up and publikely burnt in Cambridge No sooner was Cranmer dead but the very same day was Cardinall Poole made Archbishop of Canterbury In the fourth yeere of the Queene exemplar Justice was done upon a great person for the Lord Sturton a man much in the Queens faâ—our as being an earnest Papist was for a murther committed by him arraigned and condemned and he with foure of his servants carried to Salisbury was there in the Market-place hanged having this favour to be hanged in a silken halter his servants in places neere adjoyning to the place where the Murther was committed The foure and twentieth of Aprill Thomas Stafford second son to the Lord Stafford with other to the number of two thirty persons set on by the French King attempted to raise Sedition against the Queen for marrying with King Phillip and comming out of France arrived at Scarborough in Yorkeshire where they tooke the Castle but within two dayes were driven out by the Eaâ—le of VVestmerland and then taken and arraigned the eight and twentieth of May Stafford was beheaded on the Tower-hill and the next day three of his associates Strelley Bradford Proctor were drawn from the Tower to Tyburne and there executed The first of May Thomas Percy was first made Knight after Lord and the next day was created Earle of Northumberland to whom the Queene gave all the Lands that had bin his Ancestours At this time the Queene intangled her selfe contrary to her promise in her husbands quarrell sent a defiance to the French King by Clarentiâ—â— king at Armes and after on the Munday in Whitsonweeke by sound of trumpet proclaimed open warre against him in Cheapside and other places of the Citie and shortly after caused an Army of a thousand Horse and foure thousand fooâ— to be transported over to the aid of her husband King Phillip under the leading of the Earle of Pembrooke Captain Generall Sir Anthony Broâ—ne Viscount Mountague Lievtenant Generall the Lord Gray of VVilton Lord Marshall the Earle of Rutland Generall of the Horse the Earle of Lincolne Coronel of the Foot the Lord Roâ—ert Dudley Master of the Ordnance the Lord Thomas Howard the Lord De la VVare the Lord Bray the Lord Chandowes the â—orâ— Ambrose Dudley the Lord Henry Dudley with divers Knights and Gentâ—ement who joyning with King Phillips Forces they altogether â—et down before Sâ—int Quintâ—ns a town of the French Kings of great importance To the resâ—â—â— whereof the French King sent an Army under the leading of the Constable 〈◊〉 France which consisted of nine hundred men at armes with as many light 〈◊〉 eight hundred Reystres two and twenty Ensignes of Lancequeneâ—s and 〈◊〉 Ensigns of French footmen their purpose was not to give battell but to 〈◊〉 more succours into the Town which the Philippians perceiving encountred them and in the â—ight slew Iohn of Burbon Duk of Anghien the Viscount of Tâ—â—rain the Lo of Châ—denier with many gentlemen of account they took prisoners the Duk of Memorancy Constable of France the Duk of Montpensyer Duk Longuevile the Marshall of Saint Andrewes the Lord Lewis brother to the Duke of Mantova the Baron of Curton the Rhinegrave Colonell of the Almaynes Monsieur d'Obigny Monsieur de Biron and many others and then pursuing the victory under the government of the Earle of Pembrooke on the seven and twentieth of August they tooke the towne of Saint Qintyns in the assault whereof the Lord Henry Dudley yongest sonne to the Duke of Northumberland was with a peece of great Ordnance slaine and some other of account The saccage of the Town King Phillip gave to the English as by whose valour chiefly it was won The joy was not so great for this winning of Saint Qintyns but there will be greater sorrow presently for other losses Many of the Garrison of Callice had beene drawne from thence for this service of Saint Quintyns and no new supply sent which being perceived by the French King a Plot is laid how to surprize it which yet was not so secretly carried but that the Officers of Callice had intelligence thereof who thereupon signified it to the Councell of England requiring speedy succours without which against so great an Army as was raisd against them they should not be able to hold out But whether they gave no credit to their relations or whether they apprehended not the danger so imminent as indeed it was they neglected to send supplies till it was too late For the Duke of Guyse with no lesse speed then Policie tooke such a course that at one and the same time he set both upon Newnambridge and also Ricebanke the two maine Skonces for defence of the Towne and tooke them both and then fell presently to batter the Wals of the Castle it selfe and that with such violence of great Ordnance that the noyse was heard to Antâ—erpâ— being a hundred miles of But having made the wals assaultable the English used this stratagem they laid traines of Powder to blow them up when they should offer to enter but this stratagem succeeded not for the French in passing the Ditch had so wet their cloathes that dropping upon the traine the Powder would take no fire so all things seemed to concurre against the English and thereupon the Castle was taken also
and with it the Towne also had beene taken but that Sir Anthony Ager with the losse of his owne life and his eldest sonnes valiantly defended it and for that time repelled the French but their numbers increased so fast upon the Towne that the Lord Wentworth the Deputy seeing no other way of safty demanded Parlee where a composition was made that the Towne should presently be yeelded to the French King the lives of the Inhabitants onely saved with safe conduct to passe away saving the Lord Deputy with fifty other such as the Duke should name And here to be quit with the English for their hard usage at Saint Quintins the Duke caused Proclamation to be made that all and every person of the Towne should bring their money jewels and plate to the value of a groat and lay it downe upon the high Altar of the Church by which meanes an inestimable sum of treasure was there offered enough â—o enrich an Army which had before enriched a Towne and now to make it appeare how unable the Towne was to hold out against so great an Army It is said there were in it but onely five hundred souldiers of ordinary and scarce two hundred more of able fighting men but of other people men women and children foure thousand and two hundred all which were suffered to depart saving the Lord Weâ—tworth the Deputy Sir Ralph Chamberlaine Captaine of the Castle Iohn Huâ—â—ston Captaine of Ricebruke Nicholas Alexâ—nder Captain of Newâ—hambridge Edward Grimston the Controlour Iohn Rogers the Surveyour with others to the number of fifty who were al caried prisoners into France And thus Callice which had bin in possession of the English above two hundred yeers was won from the English in eight dayes which King Edward the third had not won from the French in lesse then a yeer The Lord Wentworth was suspected and in Queen Elizabeths time arraigned for betraying it was acquitted by his Peeres Callice thus won the Duke with his Army marched to Guysnes five miles distant whereof was Captaine the Lord Gray of Wilton who held out the siedge and batteries five or six dayes with so great valour and resolution that he appeared in nothing inferiour to the Enemy but in multitude yet aâ— last overlaid with their numbers and importunde by his souldiers much againâ—â— his owne will he made composition that the Towne and Castle should be wholly rendered himselfe and all Officers remaine prisoners all other to depart with their Armour and Baggage The Lord Gray afterward ransomed for foure and twenty thousand crownes And now the Duke of Guise considering that Guysnes would be too costly a Castle to be kept and too dangerous a neighbour to Callice if it should be recovered raced it with the Bulwarkes and Fortifications to the ground Guysnes thus won there remained nothing within the English pale but the little Castle of Hammes whereof was Captaine the Lord Edward Dudley who considering that though it were naturally strongly scituate as being invironed with Fens and Marshes yet it had but little helpeâ— by Art of Fortifications and being assured that the Duke of Guyse would speedily come upon him he secretly in the night with all his garrison departed into Flanders so as the Castle was not won but taken by the Duke of Guyse and with the losse of this Castle the English lost all their footing in Terra firma and the Kings of England all the reality of their Title in France having nothing left but nudum nomen Presently after this the French King caused the mariage between his eldest sonne Francis the Dolphin and Mary Steward sole heire of Iames the fift King of Scotland to be solemnized whereupon great wars insued soon after between England and Scotland Queen Mary being infinitely troubled in minde for the losse of Callice sent presently forth her Admirall the Lord Clinton with a Fleet of more then a hundred sayle to recover at lest reparation in honour by doing some exploit upon France who not finding opportunity to set upon Brest as he was appointed fell upon the towne of Conquest which he tooke and burâ—t and also divers Villages thereabouts and then returned In which meane time many great conflicts having been between King Phillip and the King of France at last by mediation of the Dutchesse of Lorraigne a treaty of Peace is agreed on where all things seemed to be well accorded but onely that King Phillip by all meanes required restitution of Callice to which by no means the French would assent but whilst they stood upon these termes it happened that first the Emperour Charles King Phillips father dyed and shortly after Queene Mary and the day after her Cardinall Poole and shortly after Sir Iohn Baker of Sissingherst in Kent who had been a Privie Councellour to Henry the eight Edward the sixth aâ—d Queen Mary And so our Story hath no further relation to either War or Peace between the two Kings of France and Spaine Of her Taxations SHEE began with a rare Example for in the first yeer of her Reign waâ— pardoned by Proclamation the Subsidie of foure shillings the pound of Land and two shillings the pound of goods granted in the last Parliament of King Edward the sixth In her second yeer in a Parliament then holden was granted to the King and Queen a Subsidie of the Layitie from five pounds to ten pounds of eight pence in the pound from ten pounds to twenty pounds of twelve pence in the pound and from twenty pounds upwards sixteen pence in the pound all Strangers double and the Clergie six shillings in the pound If this were all then upon the matter in all her time there came to new charge upon her people for one Subsidie râ—mitâ—ed and one received made but even In her last yeer she borrowed twenty thousand pounds of the City of London and paid twelve pounds a yeer interest for every â—undred pouâ—d Lawes and Ordinances in her time IN her first yeere on the fourth of September were proclaimed certaine new Coynes of gold and silver a Soveraigne of gold of thirty shillings the halfe Soveraigne fifteene shillings an Angell often shillings the halfe Angell five shillings Of silver the groat the halfe groat and penny all these Coynes to be currant as before In her second yeer Proclamation was made forbidding the shooting in Hand-guns and bearing of weapons The yeer in which she was married to King Phillip a straight charge was to all Victuallers Taverners and Alehouse-keepers that they should sell no Meat nor Drinke nor any kinde of Victuals to any Serving-man whatsoever unlesse he brought a testimoniall to shew whole servant he was Also in a Parliament holden this yeere amongst other Acts the Statute Ex Officio and other Lawes made for the punishment of Heresies were revived but chiefly the Popes Bull of Dispensation of Abbey Land was there confirmed In her second yeere on Michaelmas Eeven the Prisoners that lay in the Counter in Bredstreet were removed
spare her Father the Duke of Suffolkes life till his second offence gave her just provocation The goodnesse of her nature might be seene in the badnesse of her fortune who tooke nothing so much to heart as unkindnesse of friends the revolt of Callice and the absence of King Phillip being the two chiefe causes that brought her to her end Of her Death and Buriall THE conceit of her being with childe had kept Physitians to looke into the state of her body so as her distemper at first neglected brought her by degrees into a Dropsie to which was added a burning Feavour brought upon her by a double griefe one for the long absence of King Phillip who had now beene away a yeer and a halfe the other and perhaps the greater for the losse of Callice as she forbore not to say to some about her that if they looked into her Heart being dead they should finde Callice there She began to fall sicke in September and dyed at her Mannour of Saint Iames the seventeenth of Novembâ—r in the â—eer 1558. when she had reigned five yeers four moneths and eleven dayes Lived three and forty yeers Her Body was interred in a Chappell in the Minster of Saint Peters Church at Westminster without any Monument or other Remembrance Men of note in her time OF Men of Valour in her time there were many as may be seen in the Story of her Reâ—gne but to name some for example there was William Herbert Earle of Pembrooke the chiefe assistant of King Phillip in the winning of Saint Quintins there was William Lord Gray of VVilton Captain of Guysnes who though he yeelded the Town yet more out of tendernesse to his Souldiers then out of feare of his Enemies which he would never else have yeelded up and to speake of one of a meaner ranke there was Sir Anthony Ager who in defence of the Town of Callice lost his life but not till he made the Enemie turne their backes and flye Oâ— learned men also there were many as Iohn Rogers borne in Lancashire who Translated the Bible into English with Notes Richard Moryson Knight borne in Oxfordshire who wrote divers Treatises Robert Record a Doctor of Physicke who wrote a Booke of Arithmaticke Câ—â—bert Tunstall of a worshipfull Family in Lancashire though base borne whoâ—e Ancestours came into England with the Conquerour as his Barbour and â—herefore hath three Combs his Armes Bishop first of London and after of Dâ—â—ham who wrote divers learned Workes Richard Sampson Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield who wrote certaine Treaâ—â—ses Lucâ—s Shepheaâ—d borne aâ— Colechester in Essex an English Poet Iane Dudley daughter â—o Henry Gray Duke of Suffolke wrote divers excellent Treatises VVilliam Thomas a VVâ—lshman who wâ—ote the History of Italie and other things Iames Brookes and Iohn Standish both of them writers in defence of the Popes Doctrine VVilliam Peryn a black Fryer who wrote in defence of the Masse and also divers Sermons Henry Lord Stafford sonne to Edward Duke of Buckingham who amongst other things which he wrote Translated a Booke out of Latine into English intituled Differentiaâ— which Booke as some thinke was first compiled by Edward Foxe Bishop of Hereford Iohn Hopkins who translated divers of Davids Psalmes into English Meeter which are to be found amongst those appointed to be sung in the Church THE RAIGNE OF Queen Elizabeth QUeen Mary dying on Thursday the seventeenth of November in the Yeer 1558 her sister the Lady Elizabeth of the age of five and twenty yeers the onely surviving childe of King Henry the eighth by undoubted Right succeeded Her in the Crown which happened in a time of Parliament Nicholas Heath Arch-bishop of York and Lord Chancellor sent to the Knights and Burgesses in the Lower House to repair immediately to the Lords of the Upper House to whom he signified That Queen Mary was that morning dead and therefore required their Assents to joyn with the Lords in proclayming Queen Elizabeth which accordingly was done by the sound of Trumpet first at Westminster and after in the City of London The Queen was then at Haâ—fieldâ— from whence on Wednesday the three and twentieth of November she removed to the Lord North's house in the Charter-house where she stayed till Monday the eight and twentieth of November and then rode in her Chariot thorow London to the Tower where she continued till the fifth of December and then removed by water to Somerset-House in the Strand from whence she went to her Pallace at Westminster and from thence on the twelfth of Ianuary to the Tower and on the fourteenth of Ianuary to Westminster to her Coronationâ— where it is incredible what Pageants and Shews were made in the City as she passed On Sunday the five and twentieth of Ianuary she was Crowned in the Abbey Church at Westminster by Doctor Oglethorp Bishop of Carlile with all Solemnities and Ceremonies in such case accustomed At this time to honour her Coronation she conferred more Honour then in all her life after William Parre degraded by Queen Mary she made Marquesse of Northampton Edward Seymor whose father had been Attaynted she made Earl of Hertford Thomas Howard second son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk she made Viscount Bindon Sir Henry Carie her Cousin German she made Baron of Hunsdon and Sir Oliver St. Iohn she made Baron of Bletsho And now the Queen though she were her self very wise yet would not trust and it was a great point of wisedome that she would not trust to her own wisedome and therefore she chose Counsellors to assist her In which number she took Nicholas Heath Arch-bishop of York William Pawlet Marquesse of Winchester L. High Treasurer Henry Fitz Alan Earl of Arundell Francis Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury Edward Stanley Earl of Derby Wil. Herbert E. of Pembroke Edw. L. Clinton L. Admirall and William L. Howard of Effingham Sir Thomas Cheyney Sir William Peter Sir Richard Sackvyle and Nicholas Wootton Dean of Canterbury all which had been Counsellors to Queen Mary and were of her Religion But then to make a counter-poyse of Counsellors of her own Religion she joyned with them William Parre Marquesse of Northampton Francis Russell Earl of Bedford Sir Thomas Parry Sir Edward Rogers Sir Ambrose Cave Sir Francis Knolles and Sir William Cecill late Secretary to King Edw. the sixth and a little after Sir Nicholas Bacon whom she made Keeper of the Great Seal And having thus provided for her State at home she seeks correspondence with Princes abroad To the Emperour Ferdinand she sent in Embassage Sir Tho. Chaloner to the King of Spain in the Low-Countreyes the Lord Cobham to the Princes of Germany Sir Henry Killigrew Sir Aemygill Wâ—ad to the Duke of Holst and another Ambassadour to the King of Denmark There were also Ambassadours sent to the Pope to the State of Venice and to the French King with whom at this time there was a Treaty of Peace holden at Cambray between the Kingdoms of France England and
Spain where for England was employed the Earl of Arundell Thursbey Bishop of Ely and Doctor Wootton Dean of Canterbury with whom William Lord Howard of Effingham was joyned by a new Commission As soon as King Philip heard of the death of his wife Queen Mary paâ—â—ly out of considerations of State and partly out of affection of love he solicited Q. Elizabeth by his Ambassadour the Earl of Feria to joyniâ— Marriage with himself which was no more for two sisters to have successively one husband then was done before for two brothers to have successively one wife and for this he promised to procure a Dispensation from the Pope To which motion the Queen though she well knew That to allow a Dispensation in this case to be sufficient were to make her own Birth Illegitimate yet to so great a Prince and who in her sisters time had done her many favours she would not return so blunt an Answer but putting the Ambassadouâ— off for the present in modest tearms She conceived there would be no better way to take him off clean from further sute then by bringing in an Alteration of Religion which yet she would not do all at once and upon the sudden as knowing the great danger of sudden changes but by little and little and by degrees as at first she permitted onely Epistles and Gospels the Ten Commandments the Lords Prayer and the Creed to be read to the People in the English Tongue in all other matters they were to follow the Romane Rite and Custome untill order could be taken for establishing of Religion by Authority of Parliament and a severe Proclamation was set forth prohibiting all Points of Controversie to be medled with by which means she both put the Protestants in hope and put not Papists out of hope Yet privately she committed the correcting of the Book of Common Prayer set forth in the English Tongue under King Edward the sixth to the care and diligence of Doctor Parker Bill May Cox Grindall Whitehead and Pilkington Divines of great Learning with whom she joyned Sir Thomas Smith a learned Knight but the matter carryed so closely that it was not communicated to any but â—o the Marquesse of Northampton the Earl of Bedford and Sir William Cecile The two and twentieth of March the use of the Lords Supper in both kindes was by Parliament allowed The four and twentieth of Iune the Sacrifice of the Masse was abolished and the Liturgy in the English Tongue established though as some say but with the difference of six voyces In Iuly the Oath of Supremacy was propounded to the Bishops and others And in August Images were removed out of Churches and broken or burnt By these degrees the Religion was changed and yet the change to the wonder of the world bred no disturbance which if it had been done at once and on the sudden would hardly at least not without dangerous opposition have been admitted During this time a Parliament had been summoned to begin at Westminster upon the fifteenth of Ianuary and now the Queen for satisfaction of the people appointed a Conference to be held between the Prelates of the Realm and Protestant Divines now newly returned who had fled the Realm in the time of Queen Mary for the Prelates were chosen Iohn White Bishop of Winchester Ralph Bayne Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield Thomas Watson Bishop of Lincolne Doctor Cole Dean of Pauls Doctor Langdell Arch-deacon of Lewis Doctor Harpsefield Arch-deacon f Canterbury and Doctor Chadsey Arch-deacon of Middlesex For the Protestant side were appointed Doctor Scory Doctor Cox Doctor Sands Doctor Whitehead Doctor Grindall Master Horne Master Guest Master Elmer and Master Iuell The place was prepared in Westminster Church where besides the Disputants were present the Lords of the Queens Councell with other of the Nobility as also many of the Lower House of Parliament The Articles propounded against the Prelates and their adherents were these First That it is against the Word of God and the Custome of the ancient Church to use a Tongue unknown to the people in common Prayer and in the Administration of the Sacraments Secondly That every Church hath authority to appoint and change Ceremonies and Ecclesiasticall Rites so they be to edification Thirdly That it cannot be proved by the Word of God that there is in the Masse a Sacrifice Propitiatory for the living and the dead For the manner of their Conference it was agreed it should be performed in writing and that the Bishops should deliver their Reasons in writing first The last of March was the first day of their meeting where contrary to the Order the Bishops brought nothing in writing but said They would deliver their mindes onely by Speech This breaking of Order much displeased the Lords yet they had it granted Then rose up Doctor Cole and made a large Declaration concerning the first Poynt when he had ended the Lords demanded if any of them had more to say who answered No Then the Protestant Party exhibited a written Book which was distinctly read by Master Horne This done some of the Bishops began to affirm they had much more to say in the first Article This again much displeased the Lords yet this also was granted them to do at their next meeting on Munday next but when Munday came so many other differences arose between them that the Conference broke off and nothing was determined But in the Parliament there was better Agreement for there it was enacted That Queen Elizabeth was the lawfull and undoubted Queen of England notwithstanding a Law made by her Father King Henry the eighth that excluded both her and her sister Mary from the Crown seeing though the Law be not repealed yet it is a Principle in Law That the Crown once gained taketh away all defects Also in this Parliament First fruits and Tenths were restored to the Crown and the Title of Supreme Head of the Church of England was confirmed to the Queen with so universall consent that in the Upper House none opposed these Laws but onely the Earl of Shrewsbury and Sir Anthony Brown Viscount Mountague and in the Lower House only some few of Papall inclination murmured saying That the Parliament was packt and that the Duke of Norfolk the Earl of Arundel and Sir William Cecill for their own ends had cunningly begged voyces to make up their Party The Supremacie thus confirmed to the Queen the Oath was soon after tendred to the Bishops and others of whom as many as refused to take it were presently deprived of their livings And that we may see how inclining the Kingdom at this time was to receive the Protestant Religion It is said that in the whole Realm wherein are reckoned above Nine thousand Spirituall Promotions there were no more that refused to take the Oath but onely fourscore Parsons fifty Prebendaries fifteen Masters of Colledges twelve Archdeacons twelve Deans six Abbots and fourteen Bishops indeed all that were at that time
of Scotland sent for aid to the Queen of England But this was matter for consultation It seemed a bad Example for a Prince to give aid to the rebellious Subjects of another Prince On the other side it seemed no lesse then impiety not to give Ayd to the Protestants of the same Religion but most of all it seemed plain madnesse to suffer adversaries to be so neer neighbours and to let the French nestle in Scotland who pretend Title to England upon such like considerations it was resolved to send them Ayd and thereupon an Army of six thousand Foot and twelve hundred Horse was sent under the Command of the Duke of Norfolk the Lord Grey of Wilton his Lievtenant Generall Sir Iames a Crofts Assistant to him the Lord Scroop L. Marshall Sir George Howard Generall of the men at Arms Sir Henry Percy Generall of the Light-horse Thomas Huggens Provost Marshall Thomas Gower Master of the Ordnance Master William Pelham Captain of the Pyoners and Master Edward Randoll Serjeant Major and divers others These coming into Scotland joyned with the Scotish Lords and set down before Leith where passed many small skirmishes many Batteries and sometimes Assaults to whom after some time a new supply came of above two thousand Foot whereof were Captains Sir Andrew Corbet Sir Rowland Stanley Sir Thomas Hesbith Sir Arthur Manwaring Sir Lawrence Smith and others yet with this new supply there was little more done then before many light skirmishes many Batteries and sometimes Assaults so long till at last the young French King finding these broyls of Scotland to be too furious for him to appease he sent to the Queen of England desiring that Commissioners might be sent to reconcile these differences whereupon were dispatched into Scotland Sir William Cecill her principall Secretary with Doctor Wotton Dean of Canterbury who concluded a Peace between England and France upon these Conditions That neither the King of France nor the Queen of Scotland should thenceforth use the Arms or Titles of England or Ireland And that both the English and the French should depart out of Scotland And a generall pardon should be enacted by Parliament for all such as had been actors in those stirs This Peace was scarce concluded when Francis the young King of France died leaving the Crown to his younger brother Charles who was guided altogether by the Queen-Mother and molested with the Civill dissentions between the Princes of Guise and Conde for whose reconcilement the Queen sent Sir Henry Sidney Lord President of VVales and shortly after an Army under the leading of the Lord Ambrose Dudley Earl of VVarwick who arriving at Newhaven was received into the Town which having kept eleven months he was then constrayned by reason of a Pestilence to surrender again upon Composition and so returned About this time when the Parliament was upon dissolving it was agreed upon by the House of Commons to move the Queen to marry that she might have Issue to succeed her to which purpose Thomas Gargrave Speaker of the House with some few other chosen men had accesse to the Queen who humbly made the motion to her as a thing which the Kingdom infinitely desired seeing they could never hope to have a better Prince then out of her loyns Whereunto the Queen answered in effect thus That she was already marryed namely To the Kingdom of England and behold saith she the Pledge of the Covenant with my husband and therewith she held out her finger and shewed the Ring wherewith at the time of her Coronation she gave her self in Wedlock to the Kingdom and if saith she I keep my self to this husband and take no other yet I doubt not but God will send you as good Kings as if they were born of me forasmuch as we see by dayly experience That the Issue of the best Princes do often degenerate And for my self it shall be sufficient that a Marble stone declare That a Queen having Raigned such a time lived and dyed a Virgin Indeed before this time many Matches had been offered her First King Philip and when he was out of hope of matching with her himself he then dealt with the Emperor Ferdinand his Unkle to commend his younger Son Charles Duke of Austria to her for a husband And when this succeeded not then Iohn Duke of Finland second Son to Gustavus King of Sweden was sent by his father to solicite for his eldest Brother Erricusâ— who was honourably received but the Match rejected Then Adolphus Duke of Holst Unkle to Frederick King of Denmark came into England upon a great hope of speeding but the Queen bestowed upon him the Honour of the Garter and a yeerly Pension but not her self Then Iames Earl of Arran was commended to her by the Protestants of Scotland but neither the man nor the motion was accepted Of meaner Fortunes there were some at home that pleased themselves with hope of her Marriage First Sir William Pickering a Gentleman of a good House and a good Estate but that which most commended him was his studiousnesse of good letters and sweet demeanour Then Henry Earl of Arundel exceeding rich but now in his declining age Then Robert Dudley youngest son of the Duke of Northumberland of an excellent feature of face and now in the flower of his age but these might please themselves with their own conceit but were not considerable in her apprehension they might receive from her good Testimonies of her Princely favour but never Pledges of Nuptiall love About this time the Earl of Feria who had married the daughter of Sir William Dormer being denyed leave of the Queen for some of his wives friends to live out of England grew so incensed that he made means to Pius the fourth then Pope to have her excommunicate as an Heretick and Usurper but the Pope inclining rather to save then to destroy and knowing that gentle courses prevail more with generous mindes then roughnesse and violence in most loving manner wrote unto her exhorting her to return to the Unity of the Catholike Church and as it is said made her great offers if she would hearken to his counsell Particularly That he would recall the Sentence pronounced against her mothers Marriage confirm the Book of Common Prayer in English and permit to her people the use of the Sacrament in both Kindes But Queen Elizabeth neither terrified with the Earl of Feria's practises nor allured with the Popes great offers according to her Motto Semper Eadem persisted constant in her resolution To maintain that Religion which in her conscience she was perswaded to be most agreeable to the Word of God and most consonant to the Primitive Church Whilst these grounds of Troubles are sowing in England France and Scotland it is not likely that Ireland will lie fallow though indeed it be a Countrey that will bring forth Troubles of it self without sowing but howsoever to make the more plentifull Harvest of troubles at this time Iohn Oneal
be with childe by Edward Seymoure Earl of Hertford who being at that time in France was presently sent for and being examined before the Archbishp of Canterbury and affirming they were lawfully married but not being able within a limited time to produce witnesses of their marriage they were both committed to the Tower where she was brought to Bed and after by the Connivence or Corruption of their Keepers being suffered sometimes to come together Shee was with childe by him again which made the Queen more angry then before so as Sir Edward Warner Lieutenent of the Tower was put out of his place and the Earle was fined in the star-chamber five thousand pounds and kept in prison nine yeers after Though in pleading of his Case One Iohn Hâ—les argued They were lawfull man and wife by virtue of their owne bare Consent without any Ecclesicsticall Ceremonie The Lady a few yeers after falling through grief into a mortall Sicknesse humbly desired the Queens Pardon for having married without her knowledge and commending her children to her clemency dyed in the Tower At this time the King being under Age dissentions amongst the Peeres grew hot in Erance of which there were two Factions Both pretending the cause of Religion of the One the Duke Guise a Paipst was Head of the other the Prince of Conde a Protestant but while Delirant Reges Plectunter Achiui while these Princes are at variance the people suffer for it and chiefly as being under the weaker protection the Protestant Party where upon Queene Elizabeth having well learned the Lesson Tum tua res agitur partis cum proximus ardetâ— and fearing least the flaim of their dissention might kindle a fire within her owne Kingdome sent over Sir Henry Sidney Lord Presiden of Wales into France to endeavour by all possible means their reconcilement which when hee could not effect and perhaps it was never meant he should effect it but onely to see what invitations would be made to the Queen for her assistance she thereupon at the moan of the afflicted Protestants sent over an Army of six thousand Souldiers under the Conduct of the Earl of Warwick in assistance of the Prince of Conde and other Protestant Lords who delivered to him the Town of Newhaven to hold in the King of France his name untill such time as Calice were restored But the Prince of Conde marching to joyn with the English Forces was by the Duke of Guise interrupted and taken prisonerâ— which had been a great disappointment to the English but that the Duke of Colin joyned with him besieged Caen in Normandy and took it togeâ—her with Bayeux Faleise and Saint Lo. The French Hostages that were pledges for the payment of five hundred thousand Cowns if Calice were not restored were remaining still in England who perceiving there was like to be War with France prepared secretly to get away but being ready to take Shipping were discovered and brought back again In the mean while the Prince of Conde drawn on with a hope to marry the Queen of Scots and to have the chief Government in France during the Kings Minority concluded a Peace with the King and with the Guises so as now all French as well Protestants as Papists required to have Newhaven delivered up But the Earl of Warwick perceiving the â—icklenesse of the French Protestants First to make suâ—e to draw him into France and now upon so slight occasion to require him to be gone he shutteth all â—rench both Protestants and Papists oâ—t of the Town and layes hold of their Ships the French on the other side make ready to set upon the Town saying They fought not now for Religion but for their Countrey wherefore it was meet that both Protestants and Papists should joyn their Forces seeing they had already concluded a Peace betwixt themselves And hereupon the Duke of Memorancy sent a Trumpetter to the Earl of Warwick commanding him yeeld the Town who making answer by Sir Hugh Pawlet That he would never yeeld it without the Queens leave he thereupon besieged the Town and with great violence of Battery sought to get it by force Which Queen Elizabeth hearing she sent a Commission to the Earl of Warwick to yeeld it up if upon honourable Conditions which soon after was accordingly done after the English had held it eleven months and then the Earl without any dishonour for yeelding up a Town which the Pestilence made him no lesse unwilling then unable to hold he returned into England but that which was more dolefull then the losse of Newhaven he brought the Pestilence with him into England The recovery of this Town not onely made the French to triumph but hereupon the Chancellor of France pronounced openly That by this Warre the English had lost all their Right to Calice and were not to require it any more seeing it was one of the Conditions That neither of the Nations should make Warre upon the other which was the Point stood upon by the King of France and his mother when Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Thomas Smith to demand Calice to be restored At this time there were such crosse designes amongst the Princes of Christendome that a very good Polititian could hardly understand their Ayms The Duke of Guise being slain in the Civill Warre the Queen of Scots Dowry was not paid her in France and the Scots were put off from being the Kings Guard This exceedingly displeased the Queen of Scots but then to please her againâ— and for fear lest hereupon she should apply her self to the friendship of the English her Unkle the Cardinall of Lorrain solicites her afresh to marry Charls Duke of Austria offering her for her Dowry the County of Tyroll The Queen of Scots to make use of her Unkles fear and perhaps to bring Queen Elizabeth into an opinion of depending upon her acquaints her with this motion and therein requires her advice Queen Elizabeth not willing she should marry with any forraign Prince perswades her to take a husband out of England and particularly commended to her the Lord Robert Dudley whose wife a little before had with a fall broke her neck promising withall that if she would marry him she should then by Authority of Parliament be declared her successour in case she dyed without issue But when her Unkles and the Queen-Mother were informed of this motion they so much disdained the Marriage with Dudley that so she would refuse that Match and perseverein the friendship of the French they offered to pay her the Dowry money that was behinde and to restore the Scots to all their former liberties in France And as for the King of Spain he had indeed a Ligier Embassadour here in England but rather by way of complement and to watch advantages then for any sincere love which he began now to withdraw from the English as suspecting them to intend a Trade to the West Indies And now the French Protestants may see what they brought upon
kept their Feast at Grayes Inne in Holborn Upon the Queens return from Oxford the Parliament began where they presently fell upon the mâ—tter of succession and moving the Queen to marryâ— in which points some went so far that they spared not to accuse the Queen as one carelesse of Posterityâ— to defame Cecill with libells and reproaches as if he were her Counselloâ—â— in this matter but above all to curse Doctor Huic her Physitian who was thought to disswade her from Marriage by reason of I know not what womanish insufficiency At last in the Upper House it was agreed That Sir Nichâ—laâ— Bacon Lord Keeper their Orator should in all their names beseech the Queen to marry and withall to declare a Successor in the Crown if she should happen to die without Issue for which he gave many reasons declaring what mischiefs were likely to befall the Kingdom if she should die before a Successor were designed But in the Lower House there were some amongst whom were Bell and Mouâ—son two Lawyers of great account Dutton Sir Paul Wentwortâ— and other who grew to far higher tearms disparaging the Queens Authority and saying That Princes were bound to designe a Successor and that in not doing it the Queen should shew her self no better then a parricide of her Countrey The Queen was contented to bear with words spoken in Parliament which spoken out of Parliament she would never have endured but not willing to expostulate the matter with the whole number she commanded that thirty of the Higher House and as many of the Lower should appear before her to whom she delivered her minde to this effect That she knew what danger hangeth over a Princes head when a Successor is once declared she knew that even children themselves out of a hastie desire of bearing Rule had taken up Armes against their own fathers and how could better conditions be expected from kindred She had by reading observed That Successors in a collaterall Line have seldom been declared and that Lewis of Orleance and Francis of Angoulesme were never declared Successors and yet obtained the Crown without any noyse Lastly she said Though I have been content to let you debate the matter of Succession yet I advise you to beware that you be not injurious to your Princes patience With these and the like reasons she gave so good satisfaction that they never after troubled her with making any more such motion And though she consented not in plain tearms to declare a Successor yet soon after she gave some intimation of it for one Thornton a Reader of the Civill Law in London who in his Lectures called the Queen of Scots Right in question was clapped up in prison for his labour In the beginning of her ninth yeer Charles the ninth King of Frâ—ncâ— sent his Ambassadour Ramboulet into England to the Queen with the Robes and Ornaments of the Order of S. Michael to bestow upon which two of her Nobility she pleased and she making choice of the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Leicester they were by Ramboulet invested with them an Honour that had never been conferred upon any English but only K. Henry the eighth King Edward the sixth and Charls Brandon Duke of Suffolk though afterward prostituted almost to any without difference And now to return to the Affairs of Scotland The nineteenth of Iune last past the Queen of Scots in a happy hour was at Edinborough Castle diliveâ—ed of a Son that was afterward Iames the sixth of Scotland and the first Monarch of Great Britain whereof she presently sent word to Queen Elizabeth by Iames Melvyne who thereupon sent Sir Henry Killigrew to congratulate her safe deliverance and her young son with all demonstration of love and amity But now the love of the Queen of Scots to her husband the Lord Darly was not so hot at first but it was now grown to be as cold and she had not heaped honour on him so fast before but now as fast she taketh them off for where before in all publike Acts she had used to place her husbands name first now she caused it to be placed last and in the coyning of money began to leave it quite out This unkindenesse between them was fomented by one David Rizie an Italian whom the Queen had taken into her service first as a Musician and then taking a liking to him made him here Secretary for the French Tongue by means whereof he had oftentimes secret conference with her when the King her Husband might not be admitted This indignity the King himself being given to his pleasures of Hunting and Hawking resented not so much as some Lords that were his friâ—nds who told him plainly That it stood not with his Honour to suffer this fellow to live By whose instigation the King drawn to plot his death One day taking with him the Earl of Reuven and other he rushed into the Queens Chamber at her Supper time where finding David Rizie at a Cupboord tasting some meat that had been taken from the Table he seized upon him dragged him forth into an outer Chamber and there murthered him the Queen at that time being great with childe and like by that affright to have miscarryed But the Fact being done the King came in to her again assuring her there was no hurt at all intended to her Person The man that had animated the King to do this fact was especially the Earl Murray of whom it is necessary to say something because his part will be the greatest of all the Scottish Actions of this time He was the base sonne of King Iames the fifth and so the base brother of the Queen made at first Prior of Saint Andrewes But not liking that Religious Title he affected rather some Temporall Honour which when the Queen being then in France denyed him then in an angry mood returned into Scotland where by the advice of Knox whom he held for a great Patriark brought the matter so to passe that in an Assembly of the States the Religion was altered and the French were banished out of Scotland Yet afterward as soon as the Queen was a Widow he posted into France and so insinuated with her that she created him Earl of Murray and promoted him to an Honourable Marriage Being thus exalted he returned into Scotland where for the further growth of his ambitious designes he sowed seeds of Sedition affirming often what a misery it was to be under the Command of a woman and that Royalty was not to be tyed to any Stock or Kindred but to Vertue onely whether the parties were legitimaie or no by this course making way to the Kingdom for himself To this end he used all the meaâ—s he could to keep the Queen from marrying again which when he could not effect he then sought wayes how to make discord between her and her Husband for which cause he had caused the King to murther Rizie Of the foulnesse of which Fact when the
Leicester makes delayes and pretends causes to put it offâ— which Cecill seeing he adviseth the Duke to go and acquaint the Queen with it himself This councell Leicester opposed promising to open it to the Queen as she went in Progresse At length at Farnham the Duke standing by as the Queen sate at Table she gave him a tart Admonition That he were best take heed upon what pillow he rested his head After this at Tichfield Leicester fell sick or at least counterfeited to whom the Queen coming and bidding him be of good cheer hee with sighs and tears craved pardon for his fault and unfolded to her the whole story from the very beginning Whereupon the Queen called the Duke into the Gallery reproving him sharply for going about the Marriage without acquainting her and commanding him upon his Allegiance to desist The Duke made her a free and hearty promise of obedience and spared not to say as if he little regarded the Qu. of Scots that his Revenues in England were not much lesse then hers in Scotland and that when he was at his house in Norwich he thought himself in a sort not inferior to some kings but notwithstanding finding the Queens anger by her countenance and perceiving Leicester to be in a manner quite alienated most of the Nobility also as scarcely saluting him when they met him he grew extremely dejected and prepared presently to leave the Court meaning to stay at Norfolk till by his friends intercession and his own submissive Letters the Queens heart might be mollified towards him Mean while the Court was suspitously fearfull lest he should raise Rebellion and they say it was concluded that if he did so the Qu. of Scots should presently be made away And now the Duke who held secret commerce by Letters with the Bishop of Ross Throgmorton and Leicester for they were sent to and fro in bottles being examined touching the marriage of the Qu. of Scots and certain secret conferences with the Bishop of Rosse confessed most of the Objections and was thereupon committed to the Tower under the custody of Sir Henry Nevill within two dayes after the Bishop of Rosse likewise is examined and together with the Florentine Robert Ridolph is delivered to the custody of Sir Francis Walsingham the Earl of Pembroke is confined to his house and examined privately but his confession was not committed to writing It being his request because he could not write himself At this time the rumor of Insurrection in the North begun in Autumne before grew very strong by reason of some frequent meetings of the Earls of Northumberland Westmerland and others who thereupon being upon their Allegiance sent for to repaire presently to the Queen they make delayes for they stayed waiting for supplies both from the Scots and from the Duke D'Alva when the Earl of Northumberland doubtfull what to do was frighted of purpose by his servants telling him that men in Arms were neer at hand to apprehend him Who thereupon in a tempestuous night riseth out of his bed and in great fear gets into his Park at Topcliffe and the night following to Branspith to the Earl of Westmerlands house where a great many were met that were acquainted with the Enterprise Here they brake forth into an open Rebellion being pressed forward by one Nicholas Morton a Romish Priest sent by the Pope to pronounce Queen Elizabeth an Heretick and therefore to have utterly lost all Right of Soveraignty By and by they send forth a writting wherein they declare that they had taken Arms for no other end bâ—t that the Religion of their fore-fathers might be restored wicked Counsellors removed from the Queen the Duke of Norfolk and others of the loyall Nobility relieved who were now in disgrace but towards the Queen professing themselves most dutifull Subjects withall they send Letters to the Papists all the Kingdom over requiring them to come to their assistanceâ— but they were so far from joyning with them that many sent both the Letters and the bearers of them to the Queen and afforded their aides and purposes against them no lesse then the best Protestants even the Duke of Norfolk himself was not backward in it These Rebells go first to Durham where thâ—y tear in pieces all the Bibles and Books of Common Prayer they could finde in Churches of the English tongue when they had been twelve dayes in Rebellion they numbered their Army and could not reckon above 600 horse and 4000 foot wherupon being certainly informed that the E of Sussex with 7000 and the E of Warwick with 12 were setting out against them they betook themselves to Rabie the chief house of the E of Westmerlâ—â—d going from thence they besieged Bernards castle which for lack oâ— provision was yeelded to them At which time being proclaimed Traitors and heâ—ring afresh of the great forces that were coming against them thâ— two Earls with a small company get presently into Scotland hard by where the Earl of Northumberland hid himself at Harclow in a poor Cottage amongst the Grayhams famous Robbers who afterwards betrayed him to the Earl Murray Westmerland made a shift to get into the Low-Countryes where he had a slender Pension from the King of Spain and there lived even to old age Of the rest for terrour and examples sake there were hanged at Durham threescore and six of the chief amongst whom Plomtree a noted Priest At York were executed Simon Digby Iohn Fulthrop Thomas Bishop Robert Penyman and at London a few months after Christopher and Thomas and some other in other places After this the heads of the Rebels being convict of High Treason were proscribed namely Charles Earl of Westmerland Thomas Earl of Northumberland Anne Countesse of Northumberland Edward Dacres of Morton Iohn Nevill of Leversege Iohn Swinborn Thomas Markenfield Egremond Ratcliffe brother to the Earl of Sussex Christopher Nevill Richard Norton Christopher Marmaduke Robert and Michael Tempest George Stafford and forty others of good account Out of the ashes of this Rebellion a new fire was kindled at Naworth in Cumberland by Leonard Dacres second son to the Lord Dacres of Gyllisland He was a Party with the Earls in their Rebellion but they breaking forth sooner then he expected and he at that time being at the Court and there admitted to kisse the Queens hand tendered his service to go against them and to that purpose was sent home but in his Journey branding himself with a double disloyalty he consulted with the Rebels and encouraged them to go on and by vertue of Letters of Credence from the Queen he surprised the Castle of Greystock and other houses of the Dacres and gathered together an Army of three thousand men But being encountred by the Baron of Hunsdon after a great fight wherein though he were crook-backt he behaved himself valiantly he was put to flight and fled into Scotland from whence soon after he passed over into the Low-Countryes and in great misery and poverty died
easie matter for him to surprize the Queen whom when he had in his hands he might then set the Queen of Scots at liberty and might easily obtain of Queen Elizabeth a toleration of Religion The former Reasons tooke somewhat with the Duke but this point of surprizing the Queen he abhorred as an impious fact and therefore rejected as pernitious and Dangerous In France a little before this was the mariage solemnized between Charles the ninth King of France and Elizabeth of Austria daughter to the Emperor Maximilian in gratulation whereof Queen Elizabeth sent into France Thomas Lord Buckhurst who with great magnificence was received and perhaps the more in regard of a motion now intended to be made for the Lord Buckhurst having in his retinue one Guydo Cavalcantius a noble man of Florence the Queen Mother of France as being a Florentine her self had often conference with him when she would many times say what a happines it would be to both the Kingdoms if a Match were made between the Queen of England and her sonne Henry Duke of Angiou and at last desired him to commend the motion to the Queen of England both from her and from her son the King of France as a thing they both exceedingly desired The Lord Buckhurst returned having for a present from the King of France a chayn weighing a thousand French crowns and Cavalcantius at his return made the motion to the Queen who seemed not unwilling to hearken to it for by this Match there should be added to the Kingdome of England the wealthy Dukedoms of Angiou Bourbon Auverne and in possibility the Kingdome of France it self Hereupon a Treaty was held in which the French propounded three Articles one concerning the Coronation of the Duke another concerning the Joynt Administration of the Kingdom a third concerning a Toleration of his Religion to which it was answered that the two first Articles might in some sort be composed but the third scarce possibly for though a contrary Religion might be tolerated between Subjects of the same Kingdome yet between a wife and her husband it seemed very Incongruous and inconvenient yet the matter at last came to this conclusion That if the Duke would afford his presence with the Queen at divine Service and not refuse to hear and learn the doctrine of the Church of England he should not be compelled to use the English Rites but at his pleasure use the Romane not being expresly against the word of God But upon these Punctiliâ—s they could not accord and so the Treaty after it had continued almost a yeer brake utterly off It was indeed generally thought that the Maâ—ch was never really intended of either side but that they both pretended it for onely their owne ends for the Earle of Leicester who knew more of the Queenes minde then any man wrote at this time to Sir Francis Walsingham the Queens Embassador in France That he found the Queens inclination so cold in the matter that though the Point of Religion were â—ully accorded yet she would finde one point or other to breake it off At this time the continuance of the Duke of Norfolkes affection towards the Queen of Scots came to be discovered by a packet of Letters sent by Ridolphus to the Bishop of Rosâ—e and by Bayliffs confession who brought the letters being set upon the Rack so as the Bishop of Rosse was confined to the Isle of Ely Thomas Stanlie Sir Thomas Gerard and Râ—lâ—ton were cast into the Tower and Hâ—nry Howard who had an aspiring minde to be Arch-bishop was committed to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury's keeping At the same time the Queen of Scots sent money to her confederates in Scotland which being by Higford delivered to one Browne to carry and told it was Silver when he found by the weight that it was Gold he began to suspect something and thereupon went and delivered both the money and Letters to the Lords of the Councell Upon this Higford being examined confessed the whole matter and withall gave notice of that Commentary also of the Queen of Scots which is mentioned before Two dayes after the Duke himself being examined and knowing nothing what his servauâ—s had confessed deâ—yed every particular and thereupon was brought again to the Tower by Ralph Sadler Thomas Smith Henry Nevill and Doctor Wilson And after him Bannester who was the Dukes Counsell at Law The Earls of Arunâ—el and Southampton the Lord Lumley the Lord Cobham Henry Percy Lowder Powell Goodyer and others are committed to prison who upon hope of pardon confessed all they knew concerning the matter When these things and especially the Commentary which the Duke thought had been burnt were shewed him he then cryed out I am betrayed by my own servants not having learned to be distrustfull which is the very sinew of Wisedom And then with all submission he besought the Lords to mediate for him to the Queen towards whom he protested he never had the least thought of doing any hurt And now seeing it appeared that the Bishop of Rosse had been the whole-contriver of the businesse it was deliberated what to do with him because he was an Ambassadour Hereupon divers Civilians are called as David Lewis Valentine Dale William Drury William Aubâ—y and Henry Iones of whom these questions were asked First Whether an Ambassadour who raiseth Rebellion against that Prince â—o whom he is an Ambassadour may enjoy the Priviledges of an Ambassadour and is not lyaâ—le to punâ—shment They answered That such an Ambassadour hath forfeited the Priviledges of an Ambassadour and is liable to punishment Secondly Whether the Minister or Procter of a Prince who is deposed by publike Authority and in whose room another is Inaâ—gurated may enjoy the Priviledges of an Ambassadour They answered That if such Prince be lawfully deposed his Proctâ—r cannot challenge the Priviledges of an Ambassadour forasmuch as none but absolute Princes and such as have-Right of Majesty can appoint Ambassadours Thirdly Whether a Prince who is come into another Princâ—s Countrey and held in Custody may have his Proctor and if he shall be held an Ambassadour They answered If such a Prince have not lost his Soveraignty he may have his Proctor but whether that Proctor shall be reputed as an Ambassadour or no this dependeth upon the Authority of his Delegation Fourthly Whether if a Prince give warning to such a Proctor and to hiâ—â— Prince who is under custody that this Proctor shall not from hencefâ—rth be accounted for an Ambassadour Whether that Proctor may by Law challenge the Priviledge of an Ambassadour They answered A Prince may forbid an Ambassadour to enter into hiâ— Kingdome and may command him to depart the Kingdome if he â—ontain nâ—t himself within his due limits yet in the mean while he is to enjoy the Priviledges of an Ambassadour Upon these Answers the Bishop of Rosse is warned by the Lords of the Councell that he shall no longer be esteemed an Ambassadour but be punished as
colour of honour but indeed that they might be intrapped and they and together with them the Protestant Religion at one blow if not clean cutt off yet receiveâ— deadly wound For the marriage being celebrated there presently followed that cruell Massacre at Paris and the terrible slaughter of the Protestants throughout all the Cities of France but to set a shew of equity upon the fact Edicts and Proclamations were presently set forth that the Protestants had plotted a wicked conspiracy against the King the Queen Mother the Brethren the King of Navarre and the Princes of the blood Royall and to keep the thing in memory Coyne was presently stamped upon the one side whereof was the Kings picture with this Inscription Virtus in Rebelles on the other side Pietas excitavit justitiam But the King of France notwithstanding all the shew hee made of Piety escaped not the Divine revenge for before the yeer came about hee fell sick of a bloody Flixe and afterwards with long and grievous torments ended his life A little before this Mota Fenell Embassador to the King of France being in England by vertue of an order from the Queen Mother of France propoundeth to Queen Elizabeth at Kenelworth two dayes before the Massacre in that Kingdome the marriage of her youngest sonne Francis Duke of Alenson for the Queen Mother had been told by some cunning men that all her sons should be Kings and she knew no way for it but this Bâ—t Queen Elizabeth by reaâ—on of the disparity of age modestly excused her self For he was scarce â—eventeen yeers old and she was now past eight and thirty yet she promised to consider of it and Alenson did not leave to prosecute the â—â—it At tâ—is time Thomas Percy Earl of Northâ—mberland who first Rebelled and afterwards fled into Scotland was for a sum of money delivered by the Earl of Morton to the Lord Hunsdon Governour of Barwick and a while afâ—er was beheaded â—t York And now as these two great Personages the Duke of Norfolkâ— and the Earl of Northumberland were taken away by a violent death so three other great Personages were at this time tâ—ken away by a naturall death First Wâ—llâ—am Paulet who from a private man came by degree to be Marquesse of Winchester lived to the age of within three yeers of a hundred and could reckon a hundred and three of his children and his childrens issue after he had held the pâ—ace of Lord Treasurer of England above twenty yeers in whose roome succeeded Sir Wâ—lliam Cecill Lord Burleigh then dyed Edmund Earle of Darby famous as well for his hospitality and good house-keeping as for his skill in Surgery and Bone-setting then dyed Sir William Peter who being descended from an honest stock at Exceter in Devonshire was Privy Counsellor and Secretary to King Henry the Eight Kiâ—g Edward the Sixth Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth who plantâ—d himself in Essex where he purchased greaâ— possessions whose son Iohn was by King Iames made Baron of Writle in that Country And now Qâ—een Elizabeth having formerly borrowed money oâ— her Subjects she thankfully repayd it which wonne her no lesse love then if she had given it and more love she gained also at this time by two Proclamations by one of which she commanded Noble men to observe the Law of keeping Retâ—iners by the other she restrained Informers who under colour of spying out Crown Land concealed by private persoâ—s sacralegioâ—sly seized upon the Lands of Parish-Churches and Alms-Houses piously endowed by the Queens Ancestors And more Love and Honour also she gained at this time by two acts of Justice the one that she satisfied the English Merchants out of the goods which were detâ—ined belonging to the Dutch and restored the rest to the Duke D' Alva and make a full transaction with the Merchants of Geneva for the monâ—y intercepted the other that she freed England at this time of the debts which her Father and her Brother had run into in forraign partâ— and were increased by yeerly interest and caused the obligations of the City of London which had so often been renued to be given in to the great rejoycing of the Citizens The Spanish affairs growing now very turbulent in the Netherlands Flushing lost the towns of Holland revolted and the Spanish Navy vanquished by the Zelanders Duke D'Alva against his will began to shew more kindnesse towards the English so as in the month of Ianuary the trade which in Anno 1568. had been forbidden was now allowed again between the Dutch and the English for two yeerâ— but those two yeers expired the English removed their trading to the confederates Stateâ— The last yeer in the month of November a daughter was born to the French King to whom he requested Queen Elizabeth to be God-mother who theâ—eupon sent William Somerset Earl of Worcester into France with a Font of massy Gold to stand as her Deputy at the Christning Hereupon and for that the Queen promised to observe the League strictly the French King and the Queen mother began to affect her more and more and the Duke D'Alenson wrote sundry love-letters to her the French King and His Mother interceding for the mariage with all earnestnesse It is true the Queen conceived divers reasons why it was fit for her to marry but the Courtiers for their own ends disswaded her as much from it at last the Queen Mother of France was wonderfull importunate that her sonne Alenson might have leave to come and see herâ— whereunto being wearyed with continuall Letters and Messages she gave her consent but upon condition that hee should not take it for any disgrace to him if hee returned without obtaining his suit But as soon as Queen Elizabeth had notice that his brother Henry was elected King of Poland and that the King of France was very sick shee gave intimation to Alenson by Edward Horsey Governour of the Isle of Wight that hee should not make too much haste into England but should first procure a peace by some meanes or other in France and declare by some notable Argument his good will towards the Protestants thereby to be the more welcome Ghest into England Hereupon a peace was concluded in France and in certain places the Protestants were allowed to exercise their Religion and then again the French King and the Queen Mother used all their endeavour to have the marriage go forward for they were very desirous thâ—t Alenson who was of a crooked and perverse disposition and prone to raise tumults might bee removed out of France and withall they requested of Queen Elizabeth that if the Duke of Angiou took his voyage into Poland by Sea hee might have publike caution to sail through the British Ocean To this last request she not only consented with all alacrity but also made offer of a Fleet to conduct him thither In the mean while Alenson fell sick of the Meazles which his mother signified to Queen Elizabeth by Count Rhets excusing him
thereupon for not coming into England as he had determined The Count found the Queen at Canterbury where she gave him Royall intertainment and Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury Royall intertainment to them both All this while since the death of the Earl of Marre there had been no Regent in Scotland but now by the procurement of Queen Elizabeth chiefly Iames Dowglas Earl of Morton is made Regent who when his Authority in a Parliamentary Assembly was established Enacted many profitable Laws for the defence of Religion against Papists and Hereticks in the name of the King But the proâ—ection and keeping of the Kings Person hee confirmed to Alexander Areskin Earl of Marre to whom the custody of the Kings in their tender yeers by speciall priviledge belongeth though hee were himself in his Minority Upon these conditions That no Papists nor factious persons should be admitted to his presence An Earl should come with onely two servants attending him A Baron with onely one All other single and every one unarmed The French King in the mean time sent his Embassadour Mounsier Vyriar to corrupt the Earls of Atholl and Hâ—ntley with large promises to oppose the Regent Queen ELISABETH as much laboured to defend him but though by the ministery of Killigrew shee had drawn Iames Hamilton Duke of Castle-Herald and George Gourdon Earl of Huntley and the most eminent of that Faction upon indifferent conditions to acknowledge the Regent yet VVilliam Kâ—râ—â—ld Lord Graâ—nge whom Murray when hee was Regeâ—t had made Goveâ—nour of Edingborough Castle The Lord Humâ—s Lydington the Bishop of Dunkeld and others would by no meanes admit of the Regents Government but held that Castle and fortified it in the Queen of Scots name having Lydington for their Counsellor herein and trusting to the naturall strength of the place and to the Duke D' Alva's and the Fâ—eâ—ch Kings promises to send them supplies both of men and money Now when these persons could by no meanes drawne to accept of conditions of peace and to deliver up the Castle to the Regent Queen Elizabeth who could in no case endure the French in Scotland suffered her self at length to be intreated by the Regent to send Forces Gunnes and Ammunition for assaulting of the Castle upon certain conditions whereof one was that ten Hostages should be sent into England to be security foâ— returning the men and Munition unlesse by the common hazard of War they should chance to miscarry The conditions being argued on William Drury Marshall of the Garrison at Barwick with some â—reat Ordnance and Fifteen hundred Souldiers amongst whom were some noble Voluntiers George Carie Henry Carie Thomas Cecill Heâ—ry Lee William Knolles Sutton Cotton Kelway VVilliam Killigrew and others entred into Scotland and besieged the Castle which after three and thirty dayes siege was delivered up to the Regent for the Kings use with all the persons that were in it amongst whom Kircald Lord Grange and Iames his brother Musman and Cook gold-smiths who had counterfeited Coyne in the Castle were hanged although to redeem Granges life a hundred of the Family of the Kircalds offered themselves to be in perpetuall servitude to the Regent besides an annuall Pension of three thousand Marks and twenty thousand pounds of Scottish money in present and to put in caution that from thence forth he should continue in duty homage to the King but it would not bee accepted Humes and the rest were spared through Queen Elizabeths mercifull intercession Lydington was sent to Leith where hee dyed and was suspected to bee poysoned A man of the greatest understanding in the Scottish Nation and of an excellent wit but very variable for which George Buchanan called him the Camelion And now from this time Scotland began to take breath after long Civill Warres and as well the Captaines of both parties as the Souldiers betook themselves into Swedeland France and the Low-Countries where they valorously behaved themselves and wonne great commendation As for Iohn Lesle Bishop of Rosse he was now set at liberty but commanded to depart presently out of England and being beyond the Sea he continued still to sollicite his Mistresse the Queen of Scots cause with the Emperour the Pope the French King and the German Princes of the Popish Religion who all led him on with faire promises but performed nothing For indeed he in whom he had greatest confidence which was the Duke D' Alva was at that time called away partly out of Jealousie of State as being thought to grow too great and partly out of opinion that by his cruelty he made the people to revolt and therefore in his place was sent Ludovicus Zuinga a man of great Nobility in Spain â—ut of a more Peaceable disposition then D' Alva â—ow this man did all good Offices to win Queen Elizabeth to him and minding his owne Affairs only would not intermeddle with the Scottish or English matters About this a frentick Opinion was held by one Peter Bourcheâ— a Gentâ—eman of the Middle-Temple that it was lawfull to kill them that opposed the truth of the Gospell and so far was he possest with this opinion that he assaulted the famous Seaman Captain Hawkins and wounded him with a dagger taking him for Hutton who at that time was in great favour with the Queen and of her privy Counsell whom he had been informed to be a great Adversary to Innovations The Queen grew so angry hereat that she commanded Marshiall Law should be executed upon him presently till her Counsell advised her that Marshiall Law was not to be used but in the Field and in turbulent times but at home and in time of Peace there must be Legall proceedings Hereupon Bourchet was sent to the Tower where taking a brand out of the fire he strook it into the brains of one of his keepers named Hugh Longwroth and killed him for which fact he was condemned of murther had his right hand cutt off and nayled to the Gallows and then himselfe hanged After the violent death of this Varlet we may speake of the naturall death of two great persons First William Lord Howard of Effingham Son of that warlike Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk by his second wife Agnes Tilney This William was made a Baron by Queen Mary and Lord High Admirall of England and by Queen Elizabeth Lord Chamberlain till such time that being taken with age he yeelded up that place to the Earl of Sussex and was then made Keeper of the Privy Seal which is the fourth degree of honour in England His Son Charles succeeded him in the Dignity of his Barony who was after made Lord Chamberlain to the Queen and then Lord High Admirall of England A while after him dyed Reginold Grey Earl of Kent whom the Queen a yeer before of a private man had made Earl of Kent when as that Title from the death of Richard Grey Earl of Kent who had wasted his Patrimony and was elder brother to this mans
Grand-father had lyen asleep for fifty yeers together At this time many particular Rebellions were in Ireland The O Câ—nors and O Moors took Arms and committed many outrages In Munster Iames Fitzmorris and Fitz Edmund did the like but by the industry of Sir Iohn Perrot President of Munster were suppressed In Ulster Bryan Mac Phelym burnt Knockfergus and many other joyned in Rebellion with him Against these Walter Devereux whom the Queen had lately created Earl of Essex desired leave to go which Sir William Fitz-Williams Deputy of Ireland opposed as fearing that the glory of so great an Earl vvould ecclipse his light But for this the Queen findes a remedy by appointing Essex to take a Parent of the Deputy whereby to be made Governour of Ulster But this remedy for Fitz-Williams might have made a sore in the minde oâ— Eâ—sex to receive his Authority from his inferiour but that the noblenesse of his minde made him more to regard the vertue then the glory And so in the end of August hee landed at Knockfergus having with him the Lords Darcy and Rich and Sir Henry Knowles and his four Brothers Michael and Iohn Carves Henry William and Iohn Norreses At his landing Bryan Mac Pheliâ— welcomed him tendring unto him all manner of dutifulnesse and service but presently aâ—ter falls from him and joyns with Turlogh Leynigh After this revolt the Eaâ—l of Essex finding many difficulties in the businesse and himself not well provided of skilfull Souldiers makes suit to the Queen for leave to come home which the Earl of Leicester who liked his room better then his company opposed till after expence of a yeerâ— time and much treasure hee at last obtained leave and returned home The next yeer being 1574. and the seventeenth yeer of Queen Elisabeths Raign the Duke of Alenson grew more importunate in his suit then at any time before so as hee obtained of the Queen to come into England any time before the twentieth of May and this she the rather did because shee perceived him now to bee really bent against the Guyses her sworn Enemies But before this Answer was brought him Valentine Dale Doctor of the Civil Law the Queens Embassâ—dour in France gave intimation to the Qâ—een That Alenson and Navarre were in restraint and committed to Keepers For the Guyses had suggested that Alenson held intimate friendship with Admirall Colin the chief Leader of the Protestants in France and indeed Alenson being examined freely confessed that hee had now for a good while desired the marriage of the Queen of Englandâ— and conceiving that good correspondence with Colin might be usefull to him to that end hee had thereupon had conference with him thereabout and concerning the Low-Country Warre In the mean time Thomas Wâ—lks Dales Secretary got cunningly to Alenson and in the Queens name made promise both to him and to Navarre that she would omit no opportunity of procuring their inlargement For which the subtle Queen-Mother so complained of him to Queen Elisabeth that hee was fain to go into France and there to crave pardon for his fault But Navarre not unmindfull of this kindnesse in Wilks when about five and twenty yeers after being King of France hee saw him in Normandy hee Knighted him Hereupon the Queen sent Thomas Randoll into France to the Queen-Mother that if it were possible hee might gain Reconciliation for Alenson her sonne and for the King of Navarre But before hee was landed in France Charles the then French King dyed whose Funerall Rites were solemnly performed in Saint Pauls Church in London Assoon as Henry the third King of France was come from Poland Roger Lord North was sent into France to congratulate his return and his happy Inauguration into the Kingdom who thereupon together with the Queen-Mother did forthwith send their joynt Letters into England strongly soliciting the businesse of marriage between Alenson and the Queen In the mean time notwithstanding they used all possible devices and left no means unsought to get the yong King of Scotland to bee sent into France and to deprive Morton who was the Regent of his Authority whereof the Queen of Scots also was very desirous shee being perswaded that if her sonne were once gotten safely into France shee and the Catholicks in England should bee more mildly used At which time an aspersion was cast upon the Queen of Scots as if she had made the match between Charles Unckle to the Queen of Scots who had lately the Earldom of Lenox confirmed to him by Parliament and Elizabeth Cavendish the Countesse of Shrewsburie's daughter by a former husband upon which ground both their mothers and some others also were kept in Prison for a time and being doubted whereunto this marriage should tend Henry Earle of Huntington President of the Councell in the North is authorized with secret Instructions to examine it It will be fit here to say something of this place of Government in the North which from small beginnings is now become so eminent as it is at this day whereof this was the Originall When as in the Raigne of Henry the Eight after that the Rebellion in the Northerne parts about the subversion of Abbyes was quieted the Duke of Norfolke tarryed in those quarters and many complaints of injuries done were tendered unto him whereof some he composed himself and others hee commended under his Seale to men of wisdome to determine Hereof when King Henry heard he sent down a peculiar Seal to be used in these cases and calling home the Duke committed the same to Tunstall Bishop of Durham and Constituted Assistants with Authority to heare and determine the complaints of the poor and he was the first that was called President and from that time the authority of his successours grew in credit It was now the yeer One thousand five hundred seventy five and the Eighteenth yeer of Queen Elisabeths Raign vvhen Henry the third King of France being returned from Poland and Crowned at Rheims was carefull to have the League of Blois confirmed which in the Yeer 1572. had been concluded betweene his Brother Charles and that most Illustrious Queen ELIZABETH Now therefore hee confirmed it with His owne Subscription and delivered it to Dale the Queen 's Legier as the Queen like wise ratified it at Saint-James neere Westminster But a little after he demanded by Letters whether the mutuall defence against all persons mentioned in the League was intended to comprehend the case of Religion also Whereunto she answering that it did comprehend it hee thereupon hearing this from the Queen began presently to prepare Warre against the Protestants and Alenson being drawne to the Adverse party there was no speech of the marriage for a long time In the Netherlands at this time Lodovicke Zuinga who was successor unto Duke D'Alva was wholly bent to recover the Command of the Seas which D'Alva had neglected but not being sufficiently provided of a Navy he sent Boischott into England that with
was Iohn of Austria come into the Low-countries with a large Commission for he was the Naturall sonne of the Emperour Charles the fifth to whom the Queen sent Edward Horsey Governour of the Isle of Wight to Congratulate his coming thither and to offer help if the States called the French into the Netherlands yet at the same time Swevingham being exceeding importunate on the States behalfe she sent them twenty thousand pounds of English mony so well she could play her game of both hands upon condition they should neither change their Prince nor there Religion nor take the French into the Low-countries nor refuse a Peace if Iohn of Austria should condiscend to indifferent Conditions but if he embraced a Peace then the money should be paid back to the Spanish souldiers who were ready to mutiny for lack of pay So carefull she was to retaine these declining Provinces in obedience to the King of Spaine At this time a Voyage was undertaken to trie if there could be found any sea upon the North part of America leading to the wealthy coast of Cathaia whereby in one Comerce might be joyned the riches of both the East and West parts of the worlde in which voyage was imployed Martyn Frobysher who set saile from Harwich the eighteenth of Iune and the ninth of August entred into that Bay or sea but could passe no further for Snow and Ice The like expedition was taken in hand two yeers after with no better successe About this time died the Emperour Maximilian a Prince that Deserved well of Queen Elizabeth and the English who thereupon sent Sir Philip Sidney to his sonne Ridolphus King of the Romanes to condole his Fathers death and congratulate his succession as likewise to doe the like for the decease of the Count Electour Palatine named Frederick the third with her surviving sonne And now Walter Deveruex Earl of Essex who out of Leicesters envie had bin recalled out of Ireland was out of Leicesters feare as being threatned by him sent back again into Ireland but with the empty title of Earl Marshall of Ireland with the grief whereof he fell into a bloody Flux and in most grievous torments ended his life When he had first desired the standers by to admonish his sonne scarce tenne yeers old at that time to have alwayes before his eyes the six and thirtieth yeer of his age as the utmost terme of his life which neither himself nor his father before him could out-go and the sonne indeed attained not to it as shall hereafter he declared He was suspected to be poisoned but Sir Henry Sidney Deputie of Ireland after diligent search made wrote to the Lords of the Counsell That the Earl often said It was familiar to him upon any great discontentment to fall into a Flux and for his part he had no suspition of his being poisoned yet was this suspition encreased for that presently after his death the Earl of Leicester with a great sum of money and large promises putting away Dowglasse Sheffield by whom he had a son openly marryed Essex his widdow For although it was given out That he was privately marryed to her yeâ— Sir Francis Knolles his father who was well acquainted with Leicester's roving loves would not believe it unlesse he himself were present at the Marriage and had it testified by a publike Notary At this time also died Sir Anthony Cook of Gyddy-Hall in Essex who had been School-master to King Edward the sixth and was no lesse School-master to his own daughters whom he made skilfull in the Greek and Latine Tongues marryed all to men of great Honour one to Sir William Cecill Lord Treasurer of England a second to Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper of the Great Seal a third to Sir Thomas Hobby who died Ambassador in France a fourth to Sir Ralph Lowlet and the fifth to Sir Henry Killigrew At this time the sons of the Earl of Claâ—ricard who scarce two months before had obtained pardon for their Rebellion fell into Rebellion again but were by the Deputy soon supprest and William Drury newly made President of Munster reduced the whole Provice to good Order except only the County of Kerry whither a number of Vagabonds were gotten trusting to the Immunities of the place For King Edward the third made Kerry a County Palatine and granted to the Earls of Desmond all the Royall Liberties which the King of England had in that County excepting Wreckby Fyre Forestall and Treasure Trouâ—e The Governour notwithstanding who wisely judged that these Liberties were granted for the better preservation of Justice and not for maintenance of outragious malefactors entred into it and violently put to flight and vanquished the mischievous crew which the Earl of Desmond had placed there in ambush The Earl in the mean while made great complaints of Drury to the Deputy and particularly of the Tax which they call Ceasse which is an exaction of provision of Victualls at a certain rate for the Deputies Family and the Souldiers in Garrison This Tax not he onely but in Leinster also many Lords refused to pay alleadging that it was not to be exacted but by Parliament but the matter being examined in England it appeared by the Records of the Kingdome That this Tax was anciently imposed and that as a certain Right of Majestie a Prerogative Royall which is not subjected to Laws yet not contrary to them neither as the wise Civilians have observed Yet the Queen commanded to use a moderation in exactions of this nature saying She would have her subjects shorn but not devoured It was now the yeer 1577 and the twentieth of Queen Elizabeths Raign when Iohn of Austria pretending to Queen Elizabeth nothing but Peace yet is found to deal secretly with the Pope to peprive her of her Kingdome and himself to marry the Queen of Scots and invade England of which his practices the Prince of Orange gives Queen Elizabeth the first intelligence Whereupon finding his deep dissembling she enters into a League with the States for mutuall defence both at Sea and Land upon certain Conditions but having concluded it because she would not have it wrongfully interpreted as though she meant to foster a Rebellion in the Netherlands she sent Thomas Wilkes to the King of Spain with these Informations That she had alwayes endeavoured â—o keep the Low-Countryes in obedience to the King of Spain had perswaded even with threatnings the Prince of Orange to accept of Peace but withall if the King of Spain would have his Subjects obedient to him she then requests him to restore their Priviledges and to remove Iâ—hn of Austria from the Government who not onely was her deadly enemy but laboured by all means to bring the Netherlands into utter servitude If this be granted by the King of SPAIN she then faithfully promiseth That if the States perform not their Allegiance to him as by their Promise to her they are engaged to doe she will utterly forsake them and bend
her self with all her Forces to compell them While Wilkes in Spain unfoldeth theâ—e matters Iohn of Austria sendeth to Queen Elizabeth in most grievous manner accusing the States for disobedience and making a large declaration of the causes for which he had taken up Armes again Thus Queen Elizabeth like a fortunate Princesse sate as an Honourable Arbitresse between the Spanish the French and the States insomuch that it was not untrue which one wrote That France and Spaine were Ballances in the Scale of Europe and England the Beame to turne them either way for they still got the better to whome she adhered About this time when the Judges sate at the Assizes in Oxford and one â—owland Iâ—nkes a Book-seller was questioned for speaking approbrious words against the Queen suddenly they were surprised with a pestilent favour whether rising from the noysome smell of the prisoners or from the dampe of the ground is uncertaine but all that were there present almost every one within forty hours died except Women and children and the Contagion went no further There died Robert Bell Lord chief Baron Robert D'Oylie Sir William Babington D'Olye Sheriffe of Oxford-shire Harcourt Weynman Phetiplace the most noted men in this Tract Barham the famous Lawyer almost all the Jurours and three hundred other more or lesse This yeer the title of the Lord Latimer which had flourished in the Familie of the Nevills ever since the dayes of King Henry the sixth was extinct in Iohn Nevill who died without issue male and left a faire estate to four daughters whereof the eldest marryed Henry Earl of Northumberland the second Thomas Cecill who was afterward Earl of Exceter the third Sir William Cornwallis and the fourth Sir Iohn Daverse In Ireland the O-Moores and O-Conors and others whose Ancestours the Earl of Sussex in Queen Maries dayes had for their rebellion deprived of their Patrimonie in Loyse and Ophâ—liâ— did now break forth into a new Rebellion under the conduct of Roriâ— Oge that is Roderick the younger set on fire the village of Naasse assault Lâ—chlin from whence being driven back by the valour of George Careâ— the Governour he was afterward slain Out of England at this time there went into the Low-countries Iohn North the Lord Norths eldest sonneâ— Iohn Norris second son to the Lord Norris Henry Cavendish and Thomas Morgan Colonells with many voluntaries to learn Militarie experience Thither also came Caesamire the Elector Palatines sonne with an Army of German Horse and foot at the Queenes charges upon theâ—e Don Iohn assisted by the Prince of Parma Mondragon and other the best Commanders of Spain confident of victorie flyeth furiously before they expected him yet after a long fight was forced to retreat but then turning again and thinking to breake through the Hedges and Brakes where the English and Scottish voluntaryes had placed themselves was again repulsed for the English and Scottish were so hot upon the matter that casting away their garments by reason of the hot weather they fought in their shirts which they made fast about them In this battell Nâ—â—â—â—â— fought most valiantly and had three horses sâ—ain under him as also 〈◊〉 the Scot Bingham and William Mâ—râ—ham Now for comfort â—o the afflicted Provinces there came at that â—â—me into the Netherlands the Count Swâ—â—zenberg from the Emperour Mâ—nsieâ—â— Beâ—â—â—â—â—re from the French King and from the Queen of England the Lord Cobham and Walâ—ingham with Commission to procure conditions of Peace but returned without doing any thing for that Don Iohn refused to admit the Proâ—estanâ— Religion and the Prince of Orange refused to return into Holland About this time Egrâ—mâ—â—d Râ—â—cliffe son to Henry Earl of Susseâ— by his second wife who had been a prime man in the rebellion of the North and served now under Don Iohn was accused by the English fugitives that he was sent under hand to kill Don Iohn which whether true or false he was thereupon taken and put to death The Spaniards have affirmed That Ratcliffe at his last end confessed voluntarily That he was freed out of the Tower of London and moved by Walsinghams large promises to do this Fact but the English that were present at his death deny that he confessed any such thing though the English Rebells did all they could to wrest this confession from him At this very time Don Iohn in the flower of his age died of the Pestilence or as some say of grief as being neglected by the King of Spain his brother a man of an insatiable Ambition who aymed first at the Kingdom of Tunis and after of England and who without the privity of the French King or King of Spain had made a league with the Guises for the defence of both Crowns Alanson although very busie about the Belgick War yet now began again to pursue the Marriage with Queen Elizabeth for renewing of which suit first was Bachervyle sent to the Queen and soon after Ramboulet from the French King and within a month after that Simier a neat Courtier and exquisitely learned in the Art of Love accompanied with a great number of the French Nobility whom the Queen at Richmond entertained in such loving manner that Leicester began to rage as if his hopes were now quite blasted Certainly a little before when Ashley a Lady of the Queens Bed-chamber mentioned the Earl of Leicester to her for husband she with an aâ—gry countenance replyed Dost thou think me so unlike my self and so forgetfull of Majestie as to prefer my servant whom I my self have advanced before the greatest Princes of the Christian world But it is now time to return to the Scottish Affairs The Earl of Morton Regent of Scotland though a man of great wisedome and valour yet was now so overcome of covetousnesse that he grew universally hated and thereupon with the joynt consent of the Nobility the Administration of the Common-wealth was translated to the King though he was yet but twelve yeers old and twelve of the chief Lords were appointed to attend him in Councell three of them by course for three months amongst whom the Earl of Morton for one that they might not seem to cast him quite off The King having taken upon him the Administration sent presently the Earl of Dumformelin to Queen Elizabeth acknowledging her great deserts towards him and requesting to have the Treaty of Edinburgh agreed on in the yeer 1559 to be confirmed for the more happy restraining the robbers about the borders and withall That his ancient Patrimony in England namely the Lands granted to his Grand-father Maâ—â—hew Earl of Lenox and the Countesse his Grand-mother might be delivered into his handsâ— who was the next Heir The Queen readily promised the former demands but stuck a little at the last concerning the Patrimony For she would not grant That Arbella the daughter of Charles the King of Scots Unkle Born in England was the next Heir to the Lands in England neither would she grant the
Ambassadours proof out of History That the Kings of Scots born in Scotland did anciently without question hold the Earldome of Hâ—ntington by Right of Inheritance Yet she commanded a Sequestration to be made of the Revenues of those Lands by Bâ—rleigh Master of the Wards and willeth the King That out of the goods of the Earl of Lenox in Scotland satisfaction might be made to his Grand-mothers Creditors here For she tooâ— it in ill part that the King had recalled the Inâ—â—oâ—â—ment of the Earldom of Lenox made to his Unkle Charlâ— and his Heirs after the death of Charles to the prejudice as was suggested to her of Arbella although indeed it be a Priviledge of the Kings of Scotland That they may recall Donations made in their minorâ—ty The Earl of Morton in the mean while not enduring the disgrace to be outed of his Regency regarded not the prescript Form of Government lately set down but drew the Administration of all matters to himself and kept the King in his own power at the Castle of Sterling admitting none to his presence but whom he pleased At this presumption the Lords growing angry made the Earl of Atholl their Captain and in the Kings Name levyed a great Army and were ready to encounter Morton but by the intercession of Robert Bowes the English Ambassadour they were stayed from fighting and Morton presently betook himself home and the Earl of Atholl soon after died not without suspition of being poysoned At this time the King of Spain and Pope Gregory the thirteenth held secret Consultation to invade at once both England and Ireland and to work the absolute ruine of Queen Elizabeth The Pope to gain the Kingdom of Ireland for his son Iames Buen of Compagno whom he had made Marquesse of Vincola The King of Spain secretly to relieve the Irish Rebells as Queen Elizabeth did the Dutch while friendship in words was upheld on both sides and being known That the greatest strength of England consisted in the Navy Royall and Merchants Ships it was advised that the Italian and Dutchâ—Merchants should hire these Ships for long Voyages to the end that while they were absent the Queens Navy might be surprized with a greater Fleet and at that time Thomas Stukeley an English fugitive should joyn himself to the Irish Rebells with new Forces For he making great boast and promising the Kingdom of Ireland to the Popes bastard son had so insmuated himself into grace with the ambitious old man that he adorned him with the Titles of Marquesse of Leinster Earl of Wexford and Caterlogh Viscount Mâ—rogh and Baron of Rosse the principall dignities of Ireland and made him Commander over eight hundred Italian Souldiers to be employed in the Irish War With which Forces Stuckeley setting Sayl from 〈◊〉 Vecchia arrived at length in Portingall where he and his Forcesâ— were by the divine providence diverted another way For Sâ—â—aâ—â—iaâ— King of Portiâ—gall to whom the chief Command in this Expedition against England was assigned being first to dispatch a War in Africa in Ayd of Mahomet Abdall son to the King of Fesse perswaded Stukeley to go along with him into Maureâ—ania together with his Italian Souldiers and then afterward they would go together against Ireland To this motion Stukeley soon agreed and therein agreed with his destiny for in that memorable Battell where three Kings were slain both he and Sebastian lost their lives At this time Sir Henry Sidney who had been Deputy of Ireland at severall times eleven yeers delivered up his Deputy-ship to Sir William Drury President of Munster Such a Deputy for good Government that if any have equalled him none have exceed him It was now the yeer 1579 and the two and twentieth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign when Iohn Casimire son of Frederick the third Count Palaâ—ine of the Rhyne came into England where after he had been entertained with Tiltings and Justs made Knight of the Garter the Queen tying the Garter about his leg and rewarded with a yeerly Pension he returned And now was Alexander â—â—rnise Prince of Parma made Governour of the Netherlands by the King of Spain and Queen Elizabeth supplied the States with a great Sum of money for which William Davyson brought into Eâ—gland the ancient precious Habilliments of the Family of Burgundy and their costly Vessells laid to pawn by Matthew of Austria and the States Siâ—ier in the mean time herein England ceaâ—eth not by all amorous devices to perswade the Queen to marry Alanson wherein he drew her so far that the Earl of Leicester gave ouâ— He crept into the Queens affection by love Potions and unlawfull Arts and Simier on the other side endeavoured by all means to cast down Leicester discovering his mariage with the Earl of Essex widdow whereat the Queen grew so angry that she consined him to the Castle at Greenwich and had meant to have him Committed to the Tower but that the Earl of Sussex though his greatest Adversarie disswaded her telling her that none ought to be molested for contracting lawfull Matrimonie But Leicester notwithstanding was so provoked for his confining that he was bent to revenge it and if it be true as some saidâ— he had suborned on Teudâ—r a Yeoman of the Guard to murder Simier sure it is the Queen by Proclamation commanded that no person should offer injury to the Embassadour or any of his servants At which time it fell out that as the Queen together with Simier the Earle of Lincolne and Hatton Vice-Chamberlaine were rowed in a barge to Greenwich a young man shooting off a Harquebus out of a boate shot one of the rowers in the Queenes Barge thorough the arme with a bullet who was presently taken and ledde to the Gallowes but upon solemne Protestation that he did it unwillingly and out of no malicious Intent he was let go and Pardoned Some would have perswaded the Queen that was purposely suborned to shoote either her or the French Embassadour but she was so far from suspecting her Subjects that she would often say She would not believe any thing against them which a mother would not believe against her children After a few dayes Alanson himself came privately into England with only on or two attendants and came to the Queen at Greenwich at a time when she thought not of it they had secret conference together all parties being sent away after which being seen of very few he returned home but within a moneth or two after the Queen enjoyned the Lord Burleigh treasurer the Earle of Sussex Leicester Hatton and Walsingham seriously to weigh both the dangers and the Commodities likely to arise from the marriage with him and to consult with Simier concerning the marriage Covenants As in England there was some feare of this Frenchman So in Scotland at this time of another Frenchman called Esme Steward Lord of Aubigny who came now into Scotland to visit the King his cosen He was the sonne of Iohn Steward brother to Matthew
Steward Earle of Lenox the Kings grandfather and had denomination from Aubigny in France which title Charles the seaventh King of France had antiently conferred upon Iohn Steward of the Familie of Lenox who being constable of the Scottish Army in France vanquished the English in one battile and was slain by them in another and from that time the title belonged to the younger descent of that house This Esme Steward the King embraced with exceeding great love made him Lord Chamberlaine of Scotland and Captain of the Castle of Dumbriton and created him first Earle and then Duke of Lenox The feare from this man was because he was deuoted to the Guises and the Popish religion and that which encreased the feare from this man because he applied himselfe to Mortons adversaries and mediated to have Thomas Carre Lord of Fernishurst called home who of all men was most addicted to the Queen of Scots About this time Queen Elizabeth at the request of William Harbouâ—ne an Englishman procured a grant from the Turkish Emperour for the English merchants to exercise free traffick in all places of his dominions as well as Venetians Polanders and other neighbouring Nations whereupon they set up first the Companie of Turkie Merchants managing a most gainfull Trade at Constantinople Alexandoria Egypt Aleppo Cyprus and other parts of Asia bringing home Spices Perfumes unwrought Silks Tapistry Indico Corrants and the like This yeer died Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper of the Great Seal but who by vertue of an Act of Parliament alwayes exercised the Jurisdiction of Lord Chancellor a very fat man but singularly wise and a chief prop of the Queens Privy Councell In whose place succeeded Sir Thomas Bromley the Queens Solicitor with the Title of Lord Chancellor of England In Ireland at this time in the Province of Munster Iames Fitz Morris kindled a new fire of Rebellion for after his former submission upon his knees vowing all Obedience to the Queen he stole away into France and promised the French King if he would lend him assistance to make him King of Ireland But being by him slighted he went into Spain and made the like offer to the King there The King of Spain sent him to the Pope from whom by means of Nicholas Sanders an English Priest and Alan an Irishman both Doctors of Divinity he obtained a little money a Legats Authority for Sanders a consecrated Banner and Letters of Commendation to the Catholike King And returning from Spain with those Divines three Ships and a few men he landed at Smerwick Kerry a Demy Island in the West part of Ireland about the first day of Iuly where the place being first of all consecrated by the Priests he built a Fort and brought the Ships close under it but these were presently set upon and carryed away by Thomas Courtney and thereby the Spaniards deprived of their opportunity of coming thither by Sea But now Iohn and Iames brothers to the Earl of Desmond gathering together a small number of Irish joyn themselves presently with their kinsman Fitz Morris Yet the Spaniards seeing that but a very few Irish and those unarmed came unto them they began to distrust the estate they were in and to cry out That they were undone whom Fitz Morris heartened the best he could telling them that Supplyes were presently to come And going himself to get more company he passed thorow the Land of his Cosin William a Burgh who though he had been a Rebell before yet was now grown loyall so as there fell out a Skirmish between them in which Fitz Morris being strucken thorow with a Pike and shot into the head with a Leaden Bullet died in the place and most of his Company with him but withall two of William Burghs sons were in that Skirmish slain also when the Queen to comfort him for the losse of his sons adorned him with the Dignity of Baron of Castle Conell and rewarded him with a yeerly Pension besides which favours so overwhelmed him with joy that he lived but a short while after And now Sir William Drury the Deputy growing very sick appointed Sir Nicholas Malby then Governour of Connaght to be President of Munster and Generall of the Army at which time the Earl of Desmond who had all this while made a shew of Loyalty breaks openly ouâ— into Rebellion when now Drury the Deputy dying at Waterford and by his death Malbyes Authority ceasing Sir William Pelham is by the Counsell chosen Justice of Ireland with Authority of Vice-Roy untill such time as a Deputy were appointed and the Earl of Ormond is made President of Munster Pelham goeth into Munster and sendeth for the Earl of Desmond who refusing to come is thereupon proclaymed Traytor and an enemy to the State and this being published the Justice committed the following the War to the Earl of Ormond who slaying most of the Spaniards and adherents to Desmond compelleth him to send his wife to the Justice to beg his pardon The Lord Justice Pelham now certified that Arthur Lord Grey was landed with authority to be Deputy of Ireland at Munster delivereth the Army to George Bourâ—hier the son of Iohn second Earl of Bathe of that name and himself returneth to Dublin to deliver up the Province to his Successor The Lord Grey at his landing before he received the Sword hearing where the Rebells had their Randevouz marcheth towards them who presently betake themselves to Glandilough a grassie Valley and beset thick with Trees where they who dwell neer scarce know the winding out yet the Deputy taking one Câ—sbie an old man well acquainted with the place to be is leader entred into it where he lost divers of his men namely Peter Carew the younger George Moore Audeley and Cosbie himself thâ—t was his Leader A short time after there landed at Smerwick in Kerry under the command of San Ioseph an Italian about seven hundred Italian souldiers who fortifie the place and name it Fort del Or. Whereupon the Deputy sent a Trumpetter to the Fort to demand who they were what they had to do in Ireland and who sent them withall commanding them to depart immediately But they replyed That some of them were sent from his Holinesse other from the Catholike King upon whom the Pope had bestowed the Kingdome of Ireland for that Queen Elizabeth by reason of heresie hath forfeited the Right unto her and therefore what they had gotten they would maintain Upon this the Deputy prepares for Battery le ts flie his Ordnance four dayes together in which time the Spaniards once or twice make sallyes out to their own losse much but not an English-man slain but onely Iohn Cheek a couragious young Gentleman son to Sir Iohn Cheek a learned Knight And now San Ioseph who commanded the Fort a white-liver'd souldier terrified with the continuall Battery and having no hope of relief either from the King of Spain or Desmond contrary to the will of all his souldiers he set
Some report That Drake had charge given him from the Earl of Leicester to make away Doughty upon some preâ—ence or other for that he had said that the Earl of Essex was craftily made away by Leicesterâ— The twentyeth of August two of his Ships he turneth off and with the other three came to the Sea which they callâ— The Straight of Magellâ—n The sixth of September entring into the wide Southern Ocean which they callâ— The Pacifique Sea he found it out of measure troublous so that his Ships were here by Tempests dispersed in one of which Iohn Winter was Master who returned back into England Drake himself with onely one Ship coasted along the Shoâ—e till he came to the Isle Moâ—cha from whence loosing he lighted upon a fellow fishing in a little Boat who shewed him where a Spanish Ship laden with Treasure â—ay Drake making towards it the Spaniards thought him to be their owne Country man and thereupon invited him to come on but he getting aboord presently shut the Spaniards being not above eight persons under â—atches and took the Ship in which was four hundred pound weight of gold At Taurapasa going again on shoar he found a Spaniard â—leeping by the Seasideâ— who had lying by him twenty bars of massâ—e Silver to the value of four thousand Duckats which he bid his followerâ— take amongst them the Spaniard still sleeping After this going into the Port of Africa he found there three Vessels without any Marriners in them wherein besides other wares were seven and fifty silver bricks each of which weighed twenty pound From hence Tyding it to Lime he found twelve Ships in one Road and in them great store of Silks and a Chest full of money coined but not so much as a Ship-boy aboord such security there was in that Coast Then putting to Sea with those Ships he followed the rich Ship called Cacofogaâ— and by the way met with a small Ship without Ordnance or other Arms out of which he took fourscore pound weight of gold a golden Crucifix and some Emâ—aulds of a fingers length The first day of March he overtook the Cacofoga set upon her and took herâ— and in her besides jewels fourescore pound weighâ— of gold thirteen Chests of silver ready coyned and as much silver as would ballast a Ship And now thinking he had gained wealth enough he resolved to return homeâ— and so on the third of November 1580. he landed at Plimmouth having sayled round about the World in the space of three years to the great admiration of all that know what compasse the World is of The Queen welcomed him home but made a sequestration of the goods that they might be ready if the King of Spain required them and commanded the ship to be drawn on shoar neer Detford for a monument where the carkasse of it is yeâ— to be seen and her selfe feasted in it at which time She Knighted Captaine Drâ—ke But Bernardine Mâ—ndozâ— the KING of Spaines Embassadour in ENGLAND began to rage and earnestly demanded Restitution of the Goods and complained that the ENGLISH sayled upon the INDIAN Sea To whom it was answered That the goods were sequestred and ready to make the King of Spain satisfaction although the Queen had expended against the Rebells whom the Spaniard had excited in England and Ireland more money then that which Drâ—ke brought home And as for sayling on the Indian Seaâ— that it was as lawfull for the Queens subjects as his seeing the Sea and the Ayr are common for all to use Notwithstanding to Pedro Sâ—â—â—â—a the Kâ—ng of Spain's Agent in this businesse a great sum of money was re-paidâ— which was not â—estored to them â—o whom it belonged but employed to the Spaniards Wars in the Low-Coâ—â—â—ries as was known afterâ— when it was too late But at this time when Iackman and Pett two skilfull Pilots were sent forth with two Ships by the Londoners to finde out â— shorter cut to the East Indies by the North-West Passage they had not the like successe for a few Leagues beyond the Isles of â—aygatâ— they met with such uncertain Tydes so many Shallows and such Mountains of Ice that â—hey could go no further and had much â—do to return home About this time Henry Fitz Allen Earl of Arundel died in whom the Sirname of a most Noble Family ended which had flourished in this Honour for above three hundred yeers from Richard Fitz Alan who being descended from the Alâ—anets ancient Earls of Arundel and Sussex in the Raign of King Edward the first obtained the Title of Earl by reâ—soâ— of the possession of Arundel Castle without Creation He had â—hree daughters by his wife Katherine daughter to Thomas Grey Marquesse of Dorset all whom he out-lived Hâ—nry a young man of great hope who died at Brussells Ioan wife to the Lord Lumley and Mary who being marryed to Thomas Howard Duke of Nâ—â—folke brought forth Philip in her Right Earl of Arundel In Ireland Arthur Lord Grey the Deputy going against the O Conors who â—aised stirs in Ophalie putteth to death Hugh O Moley quieteth all that Quarter even the Families of the Mogâ—higâ—ns and O Charles and in the very beginning suppresseth a conspiracy which was breaking forth by putting to death the Lord Nâ—gâ—nâ—â— who being confident in his own innocency when the Deputy promised to save his ilfe if he would but confesse himself guilty chose rather to die and be held guiltlesse then to live in infamy by betraying his own Innocency With whose death the Queen was extremely displeased as by which she was made a Patronesse of cruelty to her great dishonour But the Deputy knew with what kinde of people he dealt and by this example of severity brought Turlâ—gh Leymigh to accept conditions of Peace and the O Bâ—iâ—s and Cavenaghs rebellious Families in Leinster humbly to crave Peacâ— also and to offer Hostages In Scotland at this time great jealousie was â—ad of Lenox Lord of Obigâ—y lest being in so great favour with the King he should allure him to marry into France and bring into Scotland the Popish Religion Whereupon although he purged himself by Letters to Queen Elizabeth and proferred himself to be a Protestant yet many courses were taken to sequester him from the Kingâ— but so far from taking effect That on the contrary the Earl of Morton who among all other was most addicted to the English was soon after accused of Treason by the Earl of Arran and cast into prisonâ— and not long after notwithstanding all the means the Queen could use to save him was beheaded as convicted to be accessary to the murder of the Kings Father Whereupon the Earl of Angus and other who laboured for Mâ—rtâ—â— fled straightwayes into England In the Low-Countries about this time the Count Rheinberg proceeded victoriously for the King of Spain and beleaguer'd Stâ—nwick in Freezland against whom the States sent Norris Generall of the Field who put the â—â—einburghs Company to the worstâ— and raised
the Siege but afterward 〈…〉 with Verdugo the Spaniard at Nâ—rthone even when the Vi 〈…〉 gotten Roger Williams having put the enemies to flight 〈…〉 of the War turned Norris is vanquished wounded and a great 〈…〉 his men slain amongst whom were Cotton Fitzâ— Williams and 〈…〉 Commanders Here it must not be omittedâ— That the English 〈…〉 the dwellers in the Northern parts of the World were hither 〈…〉 Drinkers and deserved praise for their sobâ—iety in these Dutch 〈…〉 to be Drunkards and brought the vice so far to over-spread 〈…〉 â—ome that Laws were fain to be enacted for repressing it 〈…〉 whilst the States and the King of Spain conâ—end about a few 〈…〉 the Low-Countries he seizeth upon the whole Kingdom of Porâ—â—◠〈…〉 For the last yeer Henry King of Pâ—â—tingall dying many Compe 〈…〉 allenge the Kingdom as the Duke of Savoy the Prince of Par 〈…〉 Natharine Bracant and the Queen of France But Philip King of 〈…〉 son of Henries eldest sister putting the case to his Divines and 〈…〉 and adjuring them to pronounce to whom of Right it belonged 〈…〉 For him whereupon he sent Duke D'Alva who put to 〈…〉 â—â—tonio whom the people had elected King and within seventy dayes 〈…〉 all Portingall The Queen of France angry hereat and enviously be 〈…〉 the King of Spain's Dominions thus enlarged being now Master 〈…〉 gall the East Indies and many Islands besides adviseth amongst 〈…〉 Pâ—â—â—ces Queen Elizabeth to bethink themselves in time of restrayn 〈…〉 â—o excessive Dominions Whereupon the Queen received Don 〈◊〉 and lâ—vingly relieved him which she thought might be done without 〈…〉 breath of the League with Spain seeing Don Antonio was descended of 〈…〉 Blood and of the House of Lancaster and that no Cauâ—ion was 〈…〉 â—eague That the Portuger should 〈◊〉 be admitted into England And now the Queen-Mother of Franoâ— and the King her son moâ—e 〈◊〉 then ever pursue the Maâ—ch with Alanson now Duke of Aâ—gio◠〈…〉 transacting whereof they sent in Ambassage into Englandâ— Francis 〈◊〉 Prince of Câ—sseâ— Marshall of France and many 〈◊〉 Honoâ—rable Personages who were entertained with great respect a 〈◊〉 being purposely built at Westminster for that use Royally furnished â—â—tings and Justs proclaimed by Philip Earl of Arundel Frederick Baron 〈◊〉 Windsor Sir Philip Sidney and Sir Fulk Grevill against all comeâ—sâ— The â—â—â—â—gates that were to confer with the French concerning the Marriage 〈◊〉 Sir William Cecill Lord Treasurer Edward Earl of Lincoln Lord Adâ—â—â—â—ll Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester Sir Christopher Hatton and Sir 〈◊〉 Walsingham Secretaryâ— by whom Covenants of Marriage were at â—â—th agreed on First That the Duke of Angioâ— and the Queen of Engâ—â—â—â— within six weeks after the ratification of the Articles should contract â—â—trimonyâ— and the rest most of them such as were before agreed on in the â—arriage between Queen Mary and King Philip chiefly consisting in conferâ—â—ng Honour upon the Duke but Power upon the Queen It was also arâ—â—ed That all paâ—ticulars should be ratified within two Monthsâ— by the â—â—â—thfull Promise and Oath of the French King for him and his Heirs and â—eservation also was added apart with the Hands and Seals of every 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Delegates That Queen Elizabeth is not bound to finish the Marriage â—â—till she and the Duke have given each other satisfaction in some 〈◊〉 and have certified the French King of the same within six weâ—ksâ— Beâ—ore those six weeks were expired Simier Secretary to the Couâ—â—â—ll is 〈◊〉 into France to require the King of France his Confirmationâ— The 〈◊〉 will not hear him but presseth to have the Marriage accomplished 〈…〉 was contracted and that nothing else was to be done â—iâ—â—ier on the 〈◊〉 side sheweth by the Articles That a League offenâ—â—â—e and defensive 〈◊〉 first be concluded This the French King disclaymeâ—h Whereupon Wâ—lsinghams is presently sent â—o compose this differanâ—e who joyntly with Henry Câ—bham the Embassâ—â—our in ordinaâ—â—â—â— and Simier alleadgeth to the French King these Particâ—lâ—â—s That Queen Elizabeth for no other reason was willing to marry but for the â—atisfaction of heâ— people and seeing many Impediments were come in the way since the first Treaty namely the Civill Warre in Francâ— and the Dukes engagement in a war with Spain wâ—â— makes the wiâ—est of her subjects to be now against the Maâ—ch This hath made her to deferre the accomplishment of it although her affection be still constant toward the Dukeâ— For this cause the Queen would have no further Treaty to be heldâ— till the French Duke be freed from the Spanish warre and a Leauge of mutuall offeâ—â—â— and defence be agreed on The French King willingly accepted of â—â—e Lâ—aguâ— defensive but of the offensive he would heare no speech till thâ— marriage were finished Noâ— long aftâ—râ— the French Dâ—kâ— himself came into England having with good successe raised the Siâ—ge of Câ—â—bray he was here received with as great humanity as he couâ—â— wâ—sh and nothing omittedâ— where by he might judge himselâ— to be truly welcome Insomuch thâ—â— in November when the Anniversariâ— of the Quâ—â—â—s Inauguration came to be solemnized the Q. while they were in Love conference drew a Ring off from her finger and put it upon his upon some private conditions The standers by imagined that by this Ceremonie the Marriagâ— was confirmed between them and Aldegâ—nd Governour of Antwerp being there presently dispatched messengers into the Low-Countriesâ— to give notice of it and thereupon Bonfires were made and all shewes of Rejoycingâ— But the Earl of Leicester who privâ—ly plotted to crosse the Maâ—ch Hâ—â—ton the Vice-Chamberlain and Secretary Walsingham frâ—â— and are enraged as if the Kingdom the Queen and Religon were now utterly ovâ—â—throwne The Maids of Honour and Ladiâ—s that were familiar wiâ—â— thâ— Queen made grievous lamentation and so 〈◊〉 and daunted her that she could take no rest that night The nexâ— dayâ— she calleth to her the French Duke and causing all companie to go aside they privately â—nâ—erâ—ain a long discourse At length the Duke returning to his lodging cast the Ring away from him and after a while takes it up again terribly exclayming against the Levity and inconstancie of Women The Queen at this time was much troubled at a Book lately put forth with this Title The Gulph wherein England will be swallowed by the French Marriage whereof conceiving that some Puritan was the Author it made her highly displeased with the Puritans whereupon within a few dayes Iohn Stubbes of Lincolnes-Inne a Zealous Professour and the Author of this booke wâ—ose sister Thomas Cartwright the father of the Puritants had married William Page that dispersed the copies and Singletoâ— the Printer were apprehendedâ— against whom Sentence was pronounced That their Right hand should be cut offâ— by vertue of a Law made in the Raigne of Phillip and Maâ—ie against the Aâ—thors and dispersers of Seditious Writings though the cheife Lawyers and Judges of the Kingdom could not agree concerning the fâ—â—ce of that
the due Solemnity which he kindely accepted and at Evening Prayer was invested with them At this time a Parliament was assembled at Westminster wherein William Parrie a Welsh-man a Doctor of the Laws when in the Lower House a Bill was read against the Jesuites he alone stood up and exclaimed that it was a cruell and bloody Law and being asked his reason he stoutly refused unlesse he were required by the Lords of the Councell Hereupon he was sent to the Gate-house but upon submission was received into the House again Soon after he was accused by Edward Nevill for holding secret consultations about making the Queen away Who thereupon apprehended upon his examination confessed in effect thus much That out of discontent he went beyond the Sea where by the encouragement of Campegio the Popes Nuntio at Venice and grant of a plenary Indulgence from the Pope he undertook to kill the Queen but coming into England to that intent he altered his minde and disclosed to the Queen the whole matter After this he received a Letter from the Cardinall of Comâ— perswading him to go forward with the Enterprise and this Letter also he shewed the Queen After this he chanced to see a Book of Doctor Allens written contra Iustitiam Britannicam wherein was declared That Princes who were for heresie excommunicate might lawfully be deprived of their life and Kingdom This book wonderfully confirmed him and he read it to Nevill who though he took an oath of secrecy yet now upon a hope of the Earldom of Westmerlandâ— betrayed him This was his confession before Baron Hunsdon Sir Christopher Hattâ—n and Sir Francis Walsingham as likewise in his Letters to the Queen to the Lord Burleigh and the Earl of Leicester acknowledging his fault and craving mercy A few dayes after he was called to the Bar in Westminster-Hall where he confessed himself guilty and thereupon was condemned After the Sentence of death pronounced he furiously cited the Queen to Gods Tribunall five dayes after he was laid upon a Hurdle and dragged thorow the City to Westminster where at the Gibbet he made a vain-glorious boasting of his faithfulnesse to the Queen but not so much as in a word commended himself to God and in the great Palace at Westminster was executed as a Traytor the Nobility and Commons sitting then in Parliament In this Parliament the Association before spoken of was universally approved and enacted in this Form That four and twenty or more of the Queens Privy Councell and Peers of the Realm should be selected and authorized under the Great Seal of England To make enquiry of all such persons as shall attempt to 〈◊〉 the Kingdom or raise Rebellion or shall attempt any evill against the Queens Person fâ—r whomsoeveâ— and by whomsoever that layeth any claim to the Crown of England and that person for whom or by whom they shall â—ttempt â—ny such thing shall be altogether uncapable of the Crown and more to this purpose Laws also for the Queens safety were enacted against Jesuites and Popisâ— Priests and against all that shall receive or relieve them These Laws terâ—ified many and particularly out of fear of them Philip Eaâ—l of Arundel the Duke of Norfâ—lks eldest son purposed with himself to travell beyond Seasâ— for having been once or twice cited before the Lords of the Councell and confined to his house and after six months set at liberty he â—hereupon wrotâ— a Letter to the Queen That for the Service of God and hiâ— souls health he purposed to leave his Countrey but not his loyall â—ffection towards herâ— but as he was taking Shipping by his own servants treachery he was discovered apprehended and laid in the Towâ—r At the same time lay in the Tower Henry Percy Earl of Northumberlandâ— a man of a lofty spirit being suspected by reaâ—on of secret consultation 〈◊〉 Throgmorton the Lord Paget and the Guises about the invading of Engâ—â—â—â—â— and freeing of the Queen of Scots whose cause he ever highly favouâ—â—d but in the mâ—neth of Iune he was found dead in his bed shot into the body with three bullets under his right pappe and the door bolted on the â—â—de The Corroners Inquest examining the matter found and pronounâ—â—d that he had killed himselfe Three dayes after the Lords meeting in â—he Star-chamber Bromeley Lord Chancellor declared this fact of the Earls â—nd then commanded the Atturney Generall to shew the causes of his imâ—â—â—sonment and the manner of his death whereupon Popham first and then Egerton the Queens Solicitor in long Orations lay open all his Treasons and how for feare of the Law he had layd violent hands upon himselfe And now the Queen knowing that the seeds of these Treasons proceeded from the Duke of Guise and his adherents she sought for the strengthning of her selfe to enter into League with the Princes of Germany and to this end she sent Sir Thomas Bâ—dley to the King of Denmarke to the Count Elector Palatine of the Rhine to the Duke of Saxony Wittenberg Brunswicke Lâ—â—ceburg the Marquesse of Brandenburg and the Lant grave of Hessia and into Scotland she sent Sir Edward Wootton to let the King understand how sincerely she was affected towards him and withall to draw the King if he could into a League of mutuall defence and offence and to commend to him the Match of the King of Denmarks Daughter The King was very inclinable to the matter of the League but for the present the businesse was interrupted by the death of Francis Russell Son to the Earl of Bedford slain at a meeting to compound a difference between the Borderers by a sudden tumult of the Scots but who it was that slew him was not known The English layd it upon the Earl of Arran and the Lord Fernihurst Governour of the middle Borders whereupon at the Queenes complaint the Earl of Arran was confined and Fernihurst committed to prison at Dundee where he dyed a man of great valour and resolution and one that was alwayes fâ—rm for the Queen of Scots But Queen Elizabeth not thus satisfied gave leave by way of connivance to the Scottish Lords that were fled into England namely the Earl of Angus the Hamiltons Iohn and Cladius the Earl of Mâ—rre Glames and other that they should steal away into Scotland she supâ—lying them with money there to master and subdue the Earl of Arran For Maxwell who was lately made Earl of Bothwell Baron Humes Coldingknâ—lls and other in Scotland had already promised them their assistance even â—n the very Court Sir Patrick Grey Arrans great Rivall for the Kings favour Belenden and Secretary Maitland by Woottons craft were made against Arran These men upon their first entry into Scotland command all persons in the Kings name to ayd them for conserving the truth of the Gospell for freeing the King from corrupt Councellors and for maintaining of Amity with the English so as there presently joyned with them â—bout eight thousand men The Earle of Arran hearing hereof
way might be devised than that which is now propounded but seeing it is now evident and certain that my safety without her destruction is in a more deplorate estate I am most grievously affected with inward sorrow That I who have pardoned so many Rebells have neglected so many Treasons either by connivance or silence should now at last exercise cruelty upon a Prince so neerly Allied to me As for your Petition I beseech you to rest in an Answer without an Answer If I say I will not grant your Petition I shall happily say what I mean not Iâ— I should say I will grant it then cast I my selfe into destruction headlong whose safety you so earnestly desire And that I know you in your wisedoms would not I should doe After this the Parliament was Prorogued and then were the Lords Buckhurst and Beale sent to the Queen of Scots to let her understand that Sentence was pronounced against her and confirmed by Parliament and that the execution of it was earnestly desired by the Nobility and the Commons and therefore perswaded her that before her death she would make acknowledgement of her offences against God and the Queen Intimating That if she lived the Religion received in England could not subsist Hereupon she was taken with an unwonted alacrity and seemed to triumph for joy giving God thanks and gratulating her own felicity That she should be accounted an Instrument for establishing Religion in this Island and therewith requested She might have some Catholike Priest to administer the Sacrament to her but was denied which some deemed not inhumane onely but tyranicall and heathenish The Bishop and the Dean whom for this cause they commended to her she utterly rejected and jeered at the English Nation saying The English were ever â—nd anon wont to murther their own Kings and therefore no mar 〈◊〉 they should now thirst after her destruction In Dcember following the Sentence against her was Proclaimed in London first and after over all the Kingdom wherein Queen Elizabeth seriously protested that this Promulgation of the Sentence was extorted from her to her great grief by the importunity of the whole Body of the Kingdome The Queen of Scots being told hereof seemed not a whit dejected with it but writing to the Queen never maketh intercession for her self nor expostulateth her death but onely makes three small requests one That she might be buried in France by her Mother another That shee might not be put to death privately but her servants to be present the third That her servants might freely depart and enjoy such Legacies as she had given them Of which Requests she desireth the Queen to vouchsafe her an answer but whether this Letter ever came to Queen Elizabeth is uncertain This condemnation of the Queene of Scots as a thing strange and scarce credible was soone spread farre and neare so as intercessions came thicke in her behalfe to Queene ELIZABETH but specially from the King of Scots and the King of FRANCE who sent their severall Ambassadors using all the reasons that naturall affection in the one and likenesse of condition in the other could urge for sparing of her life but when the necessity of the State seemed to obstruct all wayes of clemency the French Ambassador L' Aubespine falls from reasons to action and thinketh no way so effectuall for saving the Queen of Scots life as to take away Queen ELIZABETHS life and thereupon First he dealeth covertly with William Stafford a young Gentleman and prone to embrace hopes whose Mother was of the Bed-chamber to Queen ELIZABETH and his brother at that time Ambassador Lieger in France and afterward more openly by Trappe his Secretary to murther the Queen Stafford though not daring to act such a villany himselfe yet commended one Moody to him a resolute fellow and one that for money would be sure to do it Upon this Stafford brings Trappe to Moody being then in the common Gaole who upon Trappes offers undertakes it But then the consultation was by what way it should be done Moody propounded poison or else to lay a bagge of Gunpowder under the Queens Bed and suddenly fire it But Trappe liked of neither of these wayes but would rather have it done as was done to the Prince of Orange But while they are thus consulting about the way of doing it Stafford discovers all to the Lords of the Councell Whereupon Trappe who was now bound for France was apprehended and being examined confessed the whole matter Upon this the Ambassador himself was sent for to Cecills house the twelveth of Ianuary where met him by the Queens appointment Cecill Lord Treasurer the Earl of Leicester Sir Christopher Hatton Vice-Chamberlain and Davyson one of her Secretaries who declare to the Ambassador every particular which Stafford Moody and Trappe his Secretary had confessed Assoone as Stafford was brought forth and began to speake the AMBASSADOR interrupted him and revyling him made asseveration that Stâ—fford first propounded it when Stafford falling on his knees made fearful imprecations that the AMBASSADOR first propounded it himself But whosoever propounded it sayth BVRLEIGH It appeares that you were made acquainted with the matter To which hee presently Replyed That if hee had knowne of any such thing yet being he was an AMBASSADOVR he oâ—ght not to give notice of it but to his own King After much reasoning in this manner The Lord Burleigh admonished him to beware how he offended hereafter in this kinde and let him know That he is not quitted from the offence though for this time the Queen be pleased to forbear him But upon this Treason the Queen of Scots Adversaries put many terrors into Queen Elizabeths minde giving out That the Spanish Navy was come to Milford Haven That the Scots were broken into England That the Duke of Guyse with a great Army was landed in Sussex That the Queen of Scots was escaped out of Prison and had gotten a Company up in Arms and many other such feigned suggestions Through which at length they drew the Queen to this That she sealed Letters for executing the Sentence against the Queen of Scots and one of her greatest perswaders to it as the Scots reported was one whom the King of Scots had sent to disswade her from it namely Patricke Grey who sounded often in her ears Mortua non mordet when she is dead she cannot bite The Queen notwithstanding began to weigh with her self whether it were better to rid her out of the way or else to spare her and many great reasons offered themselves on both sides but where only speculative reasons presented themselves for sparing her many practicall reasons and those pressed both by Courtiers and Preachers were presented to her so as long holden in suspence she would oftentimes sit speechlesse and her countenance cast down At last her fear prevayling she delivered to Secretary Davyson Letters under her hand and Seal to get the Commission made under the Great Seal of England
coming forth Then for Land-Service there were laid along the Southern Coast twenty thousand souldiers and two Armies besides of Trayned men were levyed over one of which consisting of a thousand Horse and two and twenty thousand Foot the Earl of Leicester commanded and pitched his Tents at Tilbury neer the Thames mouth Over the other appointed to Guard the Queens Person and consisting of four and twenty thousand Foot and two thousand Horse the Lord Hunsdon was Generall Arthur Lord Grey Sir Francis Knolles Sir Iohn Norris Sir Richard Bingham Sir Roger Williams and other Military men were chosen to make a Councell of War and consult how the Land-service should â—e ordered These declared amongst other things That the places which lay fittest for the enemies landing as Milford Haven Fâ—lmouth Plimouth Portland the Isle of Wight Portsmouth the Downs the Thames mouth Harwich Yarmouth Hull and such other should be fortified with Works and Garrisons the Trayned Souldiers of those Shires which lay neer the Sea Coast should defend those places and be ready at the Alarm to hinder the Enemy from Landing but if he did land then to spoyl the Countrey round about that he might finde no food and by continuall crying Arm Arm give the Enemy no rest but yet should not give Battell till good store of Commanders were come together At this time many fearing the Papists at home no lesse than the Spaâ—iards abroad perswaded the Queen to take off the heads of some of tâ—e greatest of them but she detesting such cruelty took order onely That some few of them should be committed to custody in Wisbych Castle And now all things on both sides prepared the Spanish Navy set forth out of the Groyne in May but was dispersed and driven back by weather The English Navy set forth somewhat later out of Plimouth bearing up towards the Coast of Spain but partly by occasion of contrary windes partly by advertisement that the Spaniards were gone back and upon some doubt also that they might passe by towards the Coast of England whilest they were seeking them afar off they returned to Plimouth At which time a confident though false advertisement came to the Admirall That the Spaniards could not possible come forward that yeer whereupon the Eâ—glish Navy was upon the point of disbâ—nding and many of the men were gone on shore when suddenly the invincible Armada for so it was called in a Spanish ostentation was discovered upon the Western Coast whereof the Lord Admirall being informed had much ado to get the Queens Navy out of the Haven the winde being contrary yet at length he haled it forth The next day the English beheld the Spanish Ships in height like to Castles sayling slowly along whom they suffered peaceably to passe by that they might have the benefit of the winde to follow after The one and twentieth day of Iuly the Admirall of England sent a Pinnace before called The Defiancâ— which by a great shot challenged the Spaniards to fight and by and by they fell to it Then Drake Hawkins and Forbisher let fly against the outmost Squadron which Recalde commanded making him glad to fly to their main Navy for succour The night followingâ— a mighty Biskayner of Oquenda's in which the King of Spain's Treasure was was by chance fired with Gun-powder but was timely quenched by other Ships sent to her succour one of which Ships was the Galleon of Don Pedro whom Sir Francis Drake took prisoner and sent him to Darthmouth The Biskayner it self the Treasure being taken out by the Spaniards they left behinde them which the English brought into the Haven at Weymouth The three and twentieth day of this Month they had a secoâ—d Fight in which most of the Spanish Shot flew over the English Ships and never hurt them Onely Cock an English-man being with his little Vessell in the midst of the enemies died valiantly The four and twentieth day they rested on both sides in which time the Lord Admirall ranked his whole Fleet iâ—to four Squadrons The first he ruled himself Drake the second Hawkins the third and Forbisher the fourth The five and twentieth day which was the Saint Iames day they fell to it the third time in which Fight the English had again the better so as after this time the Spaniards would no more turne upon the English but holding on their course dispatched a Messenger to the Prince of Parma Requiring him forthwith to joyne himself to the Kings Fleet and withall to send them Bullets The day following the Lord Admirall Knighted Thomas Howard the Lord Shefieldâ— Roger Townsend Iohn Hawkins and Martin Frobisher and holding a Councell of War they decreed not to set again upon the Enemy till they came to the streight of Calice where the Lord Henry Seymor and Sir William Winter waited for their coming And now so far were the English from being terrified with this invincible Navy that many of the Nobility and other of speciall note hired Ships at their own charges and came to the Admirall as the Earls of Oxford Northumberland Cumberland Thomas and Robert Cecill Henry Brook Sir Charls Blunt Sir Walter Raleigh Sir William Hatton Sir Robert Carie Sir Ambrose Willoughby Sir Thomas Gerard Sir Arthur Gorge and others The seaven and twentieth of July towards the Evening the Spaniards cast Anchour neer unto Calis and not far from them rode the English Admirall within shot of a great Ordnance to whom Seymor and Winter joyned themselveâ— so as by this time there were in the English Navy a hundred and forty Ships nimble and serviceable for Fighting or Sayling yet only Fifteen of them bore the stroke of the Battell And now againe the Spaniards sent Post after Post to the Prince of Parma to send them forty Flye-boates without which they were not able to skirmish with the English by reason of the greatnesse and unweldinesse of their Ships and importune him presently to put to Sea with his Army But he was unprepaâ—ed and his Flat-bottomed Boates were full of chinks and leaked and besides the Hollanders hovered before the Ports of Dunkerk and Newport in such sort that he durst not look forth The eight and twentieth day the Lord Admirall made ready eight of his worst Ships on the out-side dawbed with wild-fire Rozin and Brimstone within full of combustible matter and under the conduct of Young and Prowse sent them down with the winde in the silent time of the night towards the Spanish Fleet the which when the Spaniards saw approach them and the Sea as it were all on a light fire imagining withall that those Fire-ships might carry in them some murthering Engines they made â— hideous noise took up Anchours cutt Cables spread Sayles and betook themselves to their Oars but more to flight One of the Spanish Galleasses having lost her Rudder and floating up and down was held in fight by Annias Preston Thomas Gerard and Harvie who â—lew Captain Hugh Moncada cast the Souldiers over
into the Town their own Army sickly Victualls and Powder failing and that which most of all Sir Francis Drake not bringing the great Ordnance as he promised they departed from the Suburbs of Lisbon towards Cascais a little Town at the mouth of the River Tagus which Town Drake had taken this meane while who excused his not coming to Lisbon by reason of the Flatâ— he must have passed and the Castle of Saint Julian Fortified with fifty pieces of great Ordnance Neer this place they found threescore Hulkeâ— of the Hause towns of Germany laden with corne and all manner of Munition which they took as good prize towards their charges in regard the Queen had forbidden them to carry Victualls or Munition to the Spaniard From hence they set sayle toward Virgo a forlorne Town by the Sea-side and pillaging all along that Quarter returned for England having lost in the Voyage of Souldiers and Marriners about six thousand yet not so much by the Enemy as by eating of strange fruites and distemper of the Climate It concerns the state of England to look at this time into the state of France for while those things were in doing between Spain and England the Popish Princes of France under pretext of defending the Catholike Religion entred into a combination which they called The holy League The purpose whereof was to root out the Protestants and to divert the Right of Succession to the Crown of France For they bound themselves to each other by oath to suffer no person but a Catholike to be King of France which was directly to exclude the King of Navarre and the Prince of Conde if the present King without issue male should fail The head of this League was the Duke of Guise who having given some overthrows to the German Forces that came into France in aid of the Protestants was immeasurably extolled by the Clergie and others and grew to such a height of reputation that entring into Paris he made the King glad to leave the City and in an Assembly at Bloys to make him great Master of the French Cavalery and to consent by Edict to the cutting off the Protestants So as the King standing now in fear of him used means at last even in the very Court to have him murthered and soon after the Cardinall his brother to be strangled Hereupon so great a confusion followed that the people every where disobeyed the Magistrates and spoiled the Kings very Pallace at Paris Some Cities affected a Democrâ—cie others an Aristocracie but few liked of a Monarchy The Confederates in the mean while made a new Seal usurped the Royall Authority seized into their hands the best fortified places intercept the Kings Revenues call in Spanish Souldiers and in all places denounce war and violence against the King And the King in this case being forced to flye to the Protestantâ— for succour they then most wickedly by one Iames Clement a Monk made him away The King being ready to dye Declareth the King of Navarre to be his lawfull successor but the Confederates would exclude him as an open Heretick and yet whom to make choice of they cannot well agree some would have the Duke of Lorraine as being descended from the ancient Kings of France some thâ— Duke of Savoy as borne of the French Kings daughter a Prince Poâ—eâ—t and Couragious others would have the Duke of Guises brother that waâ— murtheredâ— others the King of Spain but the greatest part gave theiâ— voices for the Câ—rdinall of Bourbon who was one degree neerer alâ—yed to the slain King then the King of Navarre his Nephew He therefore was presently proclaimed King of France with the Title of Charls the Tenth but he being a Priest the King of Navarre also was at the same time proclaimed King of France who abode at Diepe a Sea Town of Normandy and doubted not to drive the Cardinall easily out of France The King of Navarre being thus raised in Dignity but weake in means implored Aid of the Queen of England offering to make a League Offensive and Defensive the Queen out of a pious respect to a King of her own Religion sent him presently two and twenty thousand pound sterling in Gold such a summe of Gold as he professed he had never seen at one time before and withall supplyed him with four thousand Souldiers under the command of Peregrine Lord Willoughby for Colonells she appointed Sir Thomas Wilford who was made Marshâ—ll of the Field Iohn Boroâ—ghs Siâ— William Drury and Sir Thomas Baskervyle and gave them a months pay in hand Hereupon the Confederates whom the King had vanquished â— little before at Arques beyond all expectation began to quaile and the day before the Arrivall of the English they vanished away with this addition of Forces the King marcheth to Paris and being ready to enter the Citie causeth a retreat to be â—ounded as loath to have spoile made of a Citie which he hoped shortly should be his own Afterwards by the assistance of the English he wonne many Towns and then having marched at least five hundred miles on foot he gave them leave after a long winters service to returne into England In which Voyage of men of note dyed Captain Hunnings but of a naturall death also Stubbs he whose right hand was cutt off for writing the book against the Queens marriage and Sir William Drury slain by Master Boroâ—ghs in a single Combat where the quarrell was that he being but a Knight would take place of Boroughs that was the younger son of a Baron contrary to the Lawes of the English Gentry About this time Iames King of Scots with Queen Elizabeths good liking Espoused Anne the daughter of Frederick the second King of Denmarke by his Deputy but she afterward sayling for Scotland was by tempest cast upon Norway and there through continuall stormes forced to stay so as the King in the winter season set sayle thither that the marriâ—ge according to his vow might be accomplished within the yeer some were of opinion that those stormes were caused by witch-craft and was confirmed indeed by some witches taken in Scotland who confessed they had raised those stormes to keep the Queen from landing in Scotland and that the Earl of Bothwell had asked Counsell of them concerning the Kings end who was thereupon cast into prison but in a short time breaking loose occasioned new stirs in Scotland This yeer many Noble personages dyed Frances Countesse of Sussex sister to Sir Henry Sidney Sir Walter Mildway Chancellour and Vice-Treasurer of the Exchequer William Somerset Earl of Worcester so numerous in his off-spring that he could reckon more children of both Sexes then all the Earls of England Also Iohn Lord Sturton Henry Lord Compton and at Bruxels the Lord Paget At this time the Queen who was alwayes frugall strained one point of Frugality more then ever she had done before for upon the information of one Caermarden though Burleigh Leicester and Walsingham were
be sowed on while the wound was green he most villanously eat it up and swallowed it down before his face After this all on a â—udden he took upon him a shew of wonderfull holinesse did nothing but hear Sermons and getting Scriptures by heart â—â—d counterfeting Revelations from God and an extraordinary calling and â—rew to be so magnified by certain zealous Ministers and specially of one â—â—â—ard Coppinger a Gentleman of a good house and one Arthington a great admirer of the Geneva Discipline that they accounted him as sent â—rom Heaven and a greater Prophet then Moses or Iohn Baptist and finally that he was Christ himself come with his fanne in his hand to judge the world And this they proclaimed in Cheapside giving out that Hacket participated of Christs glorified body by his especiall Spirit and was now come to propagate the Gospel over Europe and to settle a true Discipline in the Church of England and that they themselves were two Prophets the one of Mercie and the other of Judgement with many other such incredible blasphemies whereupon Hacket was apprehended and arraigned and at last hanged drawn and quartered continuing all the time and at his death his blasphemous Assertions Coppinger a while after starved himself to death in prison Arthington repented and made his Recantation in a publike writing Besides these other also at this time opposed the established Government of the Church of England crying down the calling of Bishops with whom sided some Common-Lawyers also affirming that the Queen could not depute nor these men exercise any such Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction and that the Oath Ex Officio was unchristian But the Queen conceiving that through the sides of the Prelates she her self was shot at suppressed them what she could and maintained the Government formerly established About this time the Lord Thomas Howard with six of the Queens ships having waited at the Azores six whole Moneths for the coming of the Spanish Fleet from America was at last set upon by Alphonso Bassano with three and fifty ships sent out for the Convoy of the American Fleet where Richard Granvile Vice-Admirall being in the Revenge and separated from his company was so hemmed in by the Spanish ships and so battered with great shot that most of his men being slain his Main-mast cut off himself sore wounded in the head he commanded to sink the ship that it might not come into the Spaniards hands but this being countermanded by most voices it was agreed to yeeld it to the Spaniards upon condition that the men should be set at liberty Granvile himself was carryed into the Spanish Admirall where within two dayes he dyed not without praise of his very enemies Thus the great ship called the Revenge was yeelded but had so many leaks in the Keâ—l that soon after it was cast away in a storm and the losse of this one ship the English soon made good upon the Spaniards by taking many of theirs About this time also Cavendish who in the yeer 1578. had sailed round about the world now with five ships bent his course toward the Magellan Straits but by reason of foul weather was not able to passe them being driven to the coast of Brasile was there cast away And now enmity increasing daily between Spain and England two Proclamations were set forth one prohibiting upon pain of high-Treason to carry Victuals or Munition into any of the King of Spains dominions Another forbidding all persons to entertain any in their houses till inquiry made what they were lest they might entertain Popish Priests who at this time came swarming into England by reason the King of Spain had lately founded a Seminary at Valledolid for the English At this time dyed Sir Christopher Hatton Lord Chancelour whom of a mean Gentlemans house the Queens favour had raised to this height of Dignity a goodly personage of body of Noble but no aspiring spirits the onely of all the Queens speciall Favourites that dyed a Batchelour and therefore left William Newport his sisters son his heir who erected for him in Pauls Church a sumptuous Monument After his death the keeping of the great Seal was for certain Moneths committed to the Lord Burleigh Treasurer Hunsdon Cobham and Buckhurst Afterward Puckering the Queens Sergeant at Law was elected not Chancelour but Keeper of the great Seal At this time also Brian O-Rork the Irish Potentate was arraigned at Westminster his Indictments were For raising Rebellion against the Queen for dragging her Picture at a horse tail for giving the Spaniards entertainment which things being told him by an Interpreter for he understood no English hee said Hee would not be tryed unlesse the Queen her self in person sate to judge him Yet being told that it was the Law hee onely said If it must be so let it be so and so condemned was executed at Tyburn as a Traitour whereof hee seemed to make as little reckoning as if it had but been in jest And now this yeer the Queen made the Colledge of Dublin in Ireland an University which was formerly the Monastery of All-Saints endowing it with power to confer Scholasticall Dignities At this time Sir Iohn Pâ—rot who had been Deputy of Ireland and done good service there was yet by the malice of Adversaries of whom Hatton was one called in question before the Baron Hunsdon the Lord Buckhurst Sir Robert Cecill lately made a Councellour Sir Iohn Fortescue Sir Iohn Wolley and some of the Judges His Accusations were first that he had spoken opprobrious words against the Queen saying Shee was illegitimate and cowardly secondly that hee had fostered notorious Traitours and Popish Priests thirdly that hee held correspondence with the Prince of Parma and the Queens enemies To the first of which he confessed that in his passion he had spoken of the Queen unadvisedly for which hee was infinitely grieved the rest hee denyed And all men knew he was never Popishly affected His Accusers were one Philip Williams sometime his Secretary Denys O-Roghan an Irish marryed Priest whose life hee had saved and one Walton a fellow of no worth or Reputation Yet the crimes being urged against him by Popham and other Lawyers till eleven a clock at night hee was at last condemned of high Treason but Sentence waâ— not pronounced till twenty dayes after and yet was not put to death but dyed a naturall death in the Tower hee vvas a man of a goodly personage stout and chollerick and one whom many thought the Queen had the more reason to respect for her father King Henry the Eighths sake The Earl of Essâ—x after a tedious Winters siege in Normandy challenged Monsieur Villerse Governour of Roan to a single combate who refusing to meet him hee then returned into England being called home by the Queen whose favour by his long absence might else have suffered prejudice And now the King of France hearing that the Prince of Parma was coming iâ—to France once again was fain to flye to
the Queen for succour to whom upon certain conditions she granted an Army of four thousand men and some great Ordnance with which Sir Iohn Norris was sent into France whom yet the French King imployed not as was agreed to the great displeasure of the Queen But as for the Prince of Parma's coming into France hee was prevented by death when hee had governed the Netherlands under the Spaniard fourteen yeers a Prince of many excellent parts and whom Queen Elisabeth never mentioned but with honour And now Queen Elizabeth considering that the King of Spaines chiefe strength was in his Gold of America sends forth Sir Walter Ralegh with a Fleet of fifteene Ships to meete with the Spanish Fleet who passing by a Promontory of Spain received certain intelligence that the Spaâ—ish Fleet was not to come forth that yeare Whereupon dividing his Navy into two parts whereof the one he committed to Sir Iohn Burâ—â—â—ghs the other to Sir Martin Forbysher he waited other opportunities when soon after a mighty Caraque came in view called The Mother of God which from the Beake to the Sterne was a hundred threescore and five foot long built with seven Decks and carrying six hundred men besides rich Merchandize This great Vessell they took and in it to the â—â—lue of a hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling over and above what the Commanders and Sea-men pilfered This yeare the Queene going in Progresse passed through Oxford where she was entertained by the Schollers with Orations Stage-Plâ—yes and Disputations and by the Lord Buckhurst Chancellor of the University with a sumptuous Feast At her departure She made a Latine Oration wherein she vowed a vow and gave them counsell Her vow was That as she desired nothing so much as the prosperity and flourishing estate of her Kingdome so she as much wished to see the Universities and Schools of learning to flourish likewise Her Counsell was That they would serve God above all not following the curiosity of some wits but the Lawes of God and the Kingdome That they would not prevent the Lawes but follow them nor dispute whether better Lawes might be made but observe those which were already Enacted This year dyed Anthony Browne Viscount Montacute whom Queene Mary honored with this Title because his Grandmother was Daughter and one of the Heirs of Iohn Nevill Marquesse Montacute who though he were a great Roman Catholike yet the Queen finding him faithfull alwayes loved him and in his sicknesse went to visit him There dyed at this time also Henry Lord Scroope of Bolton Knight of the Garter and long time Governour of the Westerne Border toward Scotland At this time Henry Barrow and his Sectaries condemning the Church of England to be no Christian Church and derogating from the Queens Authority in matters Ecclesiasticall he the sayd Barrow as Ring-leader of the rest was put to death in terror to all such disturbers of the peace of the Church About this time by reason of the Queens correspondence with the Turk to the end her Subjects might have free Trading in his Territories It was maliciously given out by some that she had excited the Turke to a War against the Christians which caused the Queen to write to the Emperour shewing him the falsenesse of this report wherein she gave him full saâ—â—sfaction And now a constant report came into England That the King of France had already embraced or was ready to embrace the Romish Religion which so much troubled the Queene that she presently sent Thomas Wilkes into France with reasons if it were not too late to divert him from it But before Wilkes came the King indeed had openly professed the Romish Religion at the Church of Saint Denis in Paris of which his Conversion he declared the causes to Wilkes at large shewing the necessity of it unlesse he would suffer himselfe to be utterly thrust out of the Kingdome And the French AMBASSADOR signifying as much to the Queene in great perplexity She writ to him to this effect Alas what grief what anxiety of minde hath befallen me since I heard this news was it possible that worldly respects should make you lay aside Gods feare â—â—uld you thinke That He who had hitherto upheld and kept you would now at the last leave you It is a dangerous thing to doe evill that gâ—od may come thereof But I hope your minde may alter In the meane while I will pray for you and beg of God That the hands of Esau may not hinder the blessing of Jacob. To this the KING Answered That though he had done this in his owne Person out of necessity yet He would never be wanting to those of the Reformed Religion but would take them into his speciall care and Protection And now was Richard Hasket condemned and executed for Treasoâ— being sent from the English Fugitives beyond Sea to perswade Ferdinand Earle of Derby Sonne to Henry newly deceased to assume the Title of the Kingdome by right of Descent from Mary Daughter to Henry the Seventh and threatning him that unlesse he undertooke this enterprize and withall concealed him the Abettor he should shortly dye in most wretched manner But the Earle fearing a trap was layd for him revealed the matter yet the fellows threating proved not altogether vaine for the Earle within foure Moneths dyed a most horrible death This yeare Death had his tribute payd him from the Nobility for there dyed Henry Ratcliffe Earle of Sussex and three renowned Barons Arthur Grey of Wilton Henry Lord Cromwell and Henry Lord Wentworth besides Sir Christopher Carlile whose Warlike Prowesse at Sea and land deserves to be remembred In IRELAND at this time divers great men in Connaght Rebelled and Tuâ—logh Leynigh being dead Tir-Oen assumed to himselfe the title of O-Neale which in IRELAND is more esteemed than to be called EMPEROVR But upon a sudden dissembling his disconteâ—t hee submitted himselfe to the DEPVTY and promised all obedience Iâ— was now the yeare 1594 and the seven and thirtieth of Queen ELIZABETHâ— Raigne when the good correspondence betweene the King of Scots and Queen ELIZABETH gave the Papists small hope that ever he would prove an Instrument to restore the Catholike Religion Whereupon they began to bethinke themselves of some English Papist that might succeed the Queene but finding none of their owne Sect a fit person they fixed their thoughts upon the Earl of Essex who alwayes seemed a very moderate man and him they devised to have some right to the Crowne by Descent from Thomas of Woodstocke King EDVVARD the Thirds Sonne But the English Fugitives were for the Infanta of Spaine and desiring to set the King of Scots and the Earle of Essex at ods they set forth a Book which they Dedicated to Essex under the name of Doleman but was written indeed by Parsons Dolemans bitter Adversary Cardinall Allen and Francis Englefield The scope of which Booke was to exclude from Succession all persons whatsoever and how near soever Allied
Spain Sir Walter Rawleigh Captain of the Guard having defloured a Mayd of Honor whom afterward he married had lost the Queens favour and was held in Prison for certain moneths but afterward being set at liberty though banished the Court He undertook a Voyage to Guyana setting sayl from Plimmouth in February he arrived at Trinidada where he took St. Iosephs Town but found not a jot of money there From hence with Boats and a hundred souldiers he entred the vast River Orenoque ranging up in Guyana four hundred myles but getting little but his labour for his travell In like manner Amyas Preston and Sommers Pillaged sundry Towns of the King of Spains in the Western parts and three ships of the Earl of Cumberland set upon a huge Caraque which by casualty was fired when they were in fight and these were the enterprises of private persons but the Queen being informed that great store of wealth for the King of Spains use was conveyed to Port Rico in St. Iohns Island sent thither Hawkins Drâ—kâ— and Baskervile with land Forces furnishing them with six ships out of her own Navy and twenty other men of War They set sayl from Plimmoâ—th the last of August and seven and twenty dayes after came upon the Coast of the great Canarie which being strongly Fortified they forbore to assault A moneth after they came to the Isle of St. Dominicke where five Spanish ships being sent forth to watch the English lighted upon one of the small English ships which was strayed from the Company and â—â—â—ting the Master and Marriners upon the Rack understood by them That the English Navy was bent to Port Rico whereupon they make all possible speed to give notice thereof that being fore-warned they might accordingly be armed And thereupon as soon as the English had cast Anchors 〈◊〉 the Road at Port Rico the Spaniards thundered against them from the shore siâ— Nicholas Clifford and Brute Browne were wounded as they sate at â—upper and two dayes after died Hawkins also and Drake partly of disâ—â—se and partly of grief for their ill successe died soon after At the end of eight months the Fleet came home having done the enemy little hurt fired onely some few Towns and ships but received infinite damage themsâ—lves lost two such Sea-men as the Kingdom I may say all Europe had â—ot their like left For the Spaniards having of late yeers received great â—â—rms by the French and English had now provided for themselves with Fortifications which were not easie to be won At this time the Queen made known to the States in the Low-Countries the great charges she had been at in relieving them ten yeers together for which she requiteth some considerable recompence The States again alleadge the great charges they were at in Eighty Eight in repelling the Spaniards in her cause yet not to fall out about the matter they were content to allow some reasonable retribution but yet for the present nothing was concluded Likewise at this time the Hanse Towns in Germany make complaint to the Emperour and the Princes of the Empire That the Immunities from customes antiently granted them by the Kings of England began to be Antiquated and that a Monopoly of English Merchants was set up in Germany to which the Queen by Sir Christopher Perkins first shewing the cause of the first Grant and then the Reason of Queen Maries prohibiting it afterward makes them so satisfactory an answer that those very Hanse-Towns which complained brought into England at this time such store of Corne that it prevented a mutiny which thorough dearth of Corn was like to have hapned in London This yeer was famous for the death of many great Personages Philip Earl of Arundel condemned in the yeer 1589. The Queen had all this while spared but now death would spare him no longer having since that time been wholly given to contemplation and macerated himself in a strict course of Religion leaving one onely son Thomas by his wife Anne Dacres of Gillisâ—and He had two brothers Thomas Lord Howard whom Queen Elizabeth made Baron of Walden and King Iames afterward Earl of Suffolk and William Lord Howard of the North who yet liveth and one sister the Lady Margaret marryed to Robert Sackvile afterward Earl of Dâ—rset and father of Edward Earl of Dorset now living a Lady so milde so vertuous and so devout in her Religion that if her brother macerated himself being in prison she certainly did no lesse being at liberty whom I the rather mention because I had the happinesse to know her living and the unhappinesse to be a Mourner at her Funerall There died this yeer also William Lord Vaulx a zealous Papist and Sir Thomas Hineage Vice-Chamberlain and Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster whose onely daughter marryed to Sir Moyle Finch of Kent was no small advancer of that House There died also William Whitaker Master of S. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge and Divinity Professor As likewise Sir Roger Williams and Sir Thomas Morgan so as this yeer was honoured with the deaths of two great Lords one exquisite Courtier one great Schollar and two famous Souldiers In Ireland at this time Russell the Deputy doubting a storm of War from Tir-Oen sent into England requiring to have some experienced souldier sent to him with Forces who though he desired Baskervyle to be the man yet Sir Iohn Norris was sent with thirteen hundred old souldiers besides a further supply whom Tir-Oen hearing to be coming set presently upon the Fort of Blackwater and in the absence of Edward Cornwall the Governour took it But now being doubtfull of his case in a subdolous manner as he was a double dealing man he both offereth his help to the Earl of Kildare against the Deputies servants and at the same time maketh promise to the Earl of Ormond and Sir Henry Wallope of loyalty and obedience but notwithstanding he was forthwith proclaimed Traytor under the name of Hâ—gh O Neal bastard son to Con O Neal. There was at this time with the Rebells in Ulster a thousand Horse and 6280 Foot and in Connaght two thousand three hundred all at Tir Oens command and the Forces of the English under Norris not much fewer with whom the Deputy himself joyned and marched together to Armagh which so terrified the Rebels that Tir Oen forsaking the Fort of Blackwater began to hide himself Whereupon the Deputy returned leaving Norris to follow the War with the Title of Generall of the Army But this satisfied not Norris and therefore out of emulation betwixt himself the Deputy he performed nothing worth the speaking of and seemed to favour Tir Oen as much as the Deputy hated him insomuch as he had private conference with him a thing not lawfull with proclaymed Traytors and upon his submission and Hostages given a Truce was granted both to him and Odonell till the first of Ianâ—ary When the Truce was expired Tir Oen exhibited certain Petitions protesting if they
where the Inhabitants crave mercy and obtained it here Essex would have tarried in expectation of the Indian fleet but that Graves the Pilot disswaded because the harbour was not good and now see the unluckinesse of ill counsell for the English were not gone above an houre or two â—rom this place when loe the American fleete wherein were forty Ships and seven of them loaden with treasure cometh thither which hearing that the English were there abouts directed their course to Tezcera where they gained the haven all but three ships indifferent wealthy which English tooke and then were minded to set upon the rest in the Port but finding the attempt not forcible they passed from hence to Saint Michaells where Southampton Rutland Evers Bredon and Dockwray were Knightedâ— and then Essex landed within six miles of the Towne nigh unto Villa Franca a faire Towne and well furnished with marchandize wine wood and corne where they tarried six dayes and the common souldiers found good booty And now a Caraque was espied coming out of the east Indies which by a warning peece shot off in a Dutch ship perceiveing that the English were there run herselfe a shoare unloaded her merchandize and then fiered herselfe Thus the English had ill lucke every where in this expedition And the ninth of October they hoysted sayle for England but within two dayes a terrible tempest from the northward dispersed them and the Spanish Fleete also at the same time so as they never came in view of one another one Spanish shippe was cast upon Dertmouth the Marriners and souldiers halfe starved in her who intimated that the Spanish fleete intended to seize upon some haven in Cornwall which being nigh the mouth of the channell might be convenient to receive forces from Spaine but the divine providence frustrated the designes both of the Spaniard and the English But now at his returne the Earle of Essex found that done in England in his absence which infinitly discontented him Sir Robert Cicill made Chancelour of the Dutchy of Lancaster which was more Charles Lord Howard created Earle of Nottingham with relation in his patent to the Victory in eighty eight and his good service at Cales This glory he envyed him and besides stomacked it that he must now take place of him It being enacted in the Raigne of Henry the eighth that the chiefe Officers of the Kingdome should have Presidence of all men of their degree Whereupon the Queen to give him content was faine to create him Earle Marshall of England by which he recovered his place againe About this time an Embassadour came into England from the KING of Poland who when the Queen expected he should give her thanks for having procured a Peace between the King his Master and the Turke he cleane contrary expostulated unkindnesse for breach of Priviledge in trading with Spaine requiring a present remedy or else the King would otherways right himselfe The Queen not a little offended suddenly replyed â—ow was I deceived I expected an Embassadour and behold a Herauld such a speech I never heard in all my life time And after some further checking of him for his boldnesse she referred him to her Councell and then retired into her Closett The Embassadour afterward in private conference with some of the Councell excused himselfe saying that his speech was penned by others and then given him in wrighting To his Message the Councell gave the like answer as they had given before the Hanse-Townes upon the like occasion though now againe the Hanse-Townes obtaine of the Emperour to prohibite the English from trading in Germany which made the Queen to prohibit the Hause towns from trading in England and put them out of the Stilyard till this difference was accorded This yeer the Chancellor of Denmarke came into England to restore the Garter which she had bestowed upon the Kings Father and withall offering the Kings helpe to make a peace for the Queen with the Spaniard The Queen thanked him but meant not to use his helpe for that which shee did not desire and especially not now when he had newly molested the King of France her Allye and had taken Amyens the strongest Town of Picardie Though why should the Queen be so tender of the French King when now to get an aid of four thousand Souldiers from her he fell to Devises intimating unto her that he was now offered by the Popes Nuntio a very commodious peace if he would but forsake her But while these things were in Treaty Amyens was recovered againe by the valour of Baskervile who dyed at the seige and of Sir Arthur Savage as the King in His Letters to the Queene thankfully acknowledged About this time a Parliament was holden at Westminster where Subsidies were willingly granted and to this Parliament was called the Lord La Ware and restored to his blood which by Act of Parliament in the Raigne of King Edward the sixth was tainted Also to this Parliament was called Thomas Lord HOVVARD by the Title of Baron Howard of Walden In Ireland at this time a great part of Ulster and almost all Connacht was in Rebellion Whereupon Russell the Deputy was called home and Thomas Lord Burrough sent in his place a man very stout and couragious but no souldier This infinitely discontented Norris who thought himselfe sure of the place himselfe and now to see his Rivall preferred before him and himselfe to be under him President of Munster drave him into such a melancholly that in a very short time and as he thought to himselfe with much disgrace he ended his life And now the Farle of Tir-Oen craveth and obtaineth a moneths Truce of the new Deputy at the moneths end the Deputy marcheth against the Rebels and gaineth the Fort at Blackwater when suddenly the Rebells slâ—w themselves upon a hill hard by against whom the Earle of Kildare marcheth and puts them to flight but yet with some losse of his owne side as Francis Vaughan the Deputies brother in Law Turner a Sergeant Major and two Fosters brothers of the Earle of Kildare whole death hee tooke so heavily that within a few dayes he dyed himself As soon as the people had fortified the Castle at Blackwater and withdrawne his Army the Rebels began to besiege it againe for this was the main place of their strength which caused the Deputy with all possible speed to make thither but unhappily dyed by the way Whereupon the Rebells set upon the Fort more fiercely then before but being still reppelled they comforted themselves with this that there was not many dayes provision left in the Fort yet the admirable fortitude of Thomas Williams the Captain and the Garrison Souldiers saved the place who when their horse-flesh was all spent fedde upon weeds growing within the Trenches and endured all kinde of misery And now the Lord Burrough the Deputy being dead the Army by direction from England was committed to the Earle of Ormond and the Government to two
Lords Justices Adam Lofthouse Archbishop of Dublin and Chancellour and Robert Gardyner To this new Lieutenant Tir-Oen exhibiteth a Bill of his oppressions and greivances with request of pardon and at the same time stirreth up Mac-Hugh to a new Rebellion in Leinster In France at this time the French King being importuned by the Pope and by his own Subjects began to incline to a Peace with Spain which the Queen understanding she sent into France Sir Robert Cecill Herbert and Wâ—lks who dyed at his landing in France The States likewise sent thither Iustine of Nassaw and Barnevolt and others likewise into England to disswade the Peace but notwithstanding all they could say or do the French King shortly after concluded a Peace to the great discontentment of the Queen and the States but to the great good and establishment of the French Common-wealth And now the Queen providing for her own and her peoples safety sent Sir Francis Vere to the States to know if they were willing to joyn in a Treaty of Peace with the Spaniard if not what they would afford toward a Warre and to deal earnestly with them about repayment of money due to her from them At home in the mean time a great Consultation was holden whither a Peace with Spain were convenient for England or no and many Reasons were on both sides alleaged Burleigh Lord Treasurer was for Peace Essex for Warre and so vehement in it that the Treasurer after a long debating in a strange manner of Presage reached forth the Book of the Psalms to him pointing him to that Verse The bloody minded man shall not live out half his dayes Which made Essex afterward to set forth an Apology with Reasons for justification of his opinion But now another Consultation was held about a fit man to be Deputy of Ireland The Queen intended to send Sir William Knolles Essex his Uncle but Essex was violent for Sir George Carew whom hee had a minde to remove from the Court and when hee could not by any means perswade the Queen to it hee then forgetting himself and his duty uncivilly and contemptuously turned his back upon the Queen mutteriâ—g certain words Whereupon shee growing impatient gave him a box on the ear and bid him be gone with a vengeance Essex laid his hand upon his sword hilt and swore a great oath That he could not nor would not put up such an Indignity and that hee would not have taken it at King Henry the Eighth his hands and so in a rage flunâ— avvay from the Court But aftervvard admonished by the Lord Keeper hee became more milde and in a short time returned into the Queens favour About this time William Cecill Lord Burleigh and high Treasurer of Engâ—and finding himself to droop with age for hee was now threescore and seventeen yeers old sent Letters to the Queen intreating her to release him of his publike charge whereupon shee went to visit and comfort him but within a few dayes hee ended his life after hee had been the principall stay of the English Commonwealth for many yeers together One great good hee did to his country a little before his death that hee brought the States of the Low-Countries to a Composition for the payment of Eight hundred thousand pounds by Thirty thousand pounds yeerly likewise a new League to be concluded with them The King of Denmarks Subjects having lately seized upon some goods of the English as Prize to the value of a hundred thousand Dollers the Queen sent the Lord Zouch and Christopher Perkins Doctor of Law in Embassage to the Dane both to congratulate his late marriage with the Electors daughter of Brandenburg and also to crave restitution of the English goods who obtained that in lieu thereof Threescore thousand Dollers were repaid And now George Clifford Earl of Cumberland having with a Navie of eleven ships waited for Portingall Cariques and the American Fleâ—t till the season of the yeer was past they not daring to stirre forth he at last set upon Port-Rico and took it but seaven hundred of his men falling sick of Calentures and dying within forty dayes he was faine to returne home with some honour but little profit About this time one Edward Squire was Arraigned of high Treason he had been at first an ordinary Scrivener afterward a Groome in the Queen stable and going as a Souldier in Drakes last expedition was taken prisoner and carryed into Spaine there he came acquainted with one Wallpoole an English Jesuite who caused him to be put into the Inquisition for an Heretick and the fellow tasting of misery was easily drawn to become a Papist and afterward to attempt anything for the Catholique cause His ghostly father perswaded him it were meritorious to make away the Queen and the Earl of Essex and sent him into England with a certain poyson wherewith to anoint the pommell of the Queens Saddle and the chayre in which the Earl should sit which he accordingly performed but neither of them tooke effect whereupon Wallpoole suspecting Squires fidelity was bent to revenge it and sent one into England who in generall termes should lay this aspersion upon him whereupon Squire is called in question and never thinking that his Confessor would detect him directly denyed all at first but after seeing himself betrayed confessed all the matter and was executed This whole yeer the Rebellion was hot in Ireland For Tir-Oen notwithstanding his pardon lately obtâ—ined all on a suddain besieged the Fort at Blackwater to the raising of which siege the Lieutenant Generall for there was as yet no Deputy sent 13 Companies under the command of the Marshall Tir-Oens sworre adversary him Tir-Oen slew and put his whole Army to rout and atchieved such a Victory with so great losse to the English as they had never â—elt the like since they first set footing in Irelandâ— for thirteen valiant Commanders and fifteen Hundred Common Souldiers were slain at this Skirmish and soon after the Fort of Blackwater was yeelded up And now Tir-Oens fame began to resound as the Assertor of the Liberty of the Nation and upon a suddain all Munster brake forth into rebellion For the cherishing whereof Tir-Oen sent thither Oâ—ny Mac-Rorye and Tyrell who originally an Englishman was growne a deadly enemie to the English Nation with four hundred Kernes Against these Thomas Norris President of the Province marcheth to Killmallock with a good force but finding that the Irish Souldiers of his Company were ready to revolt he was faine to disperse his Army and retire to Corke Hereupon the Rebells grew insolent spoyled the Countrey and in cruell manner put all the English to the sword Furthermore they declare Fitz Thomas to be Earl of Desmondâ— but upon condition he should hold of O-Nealâ— that is of Tir-Oen who now dispatched Letters to the Spaniard relating his victories to the full and vowing to accept no termes of peace with the English and yet at the same instant after his
wonted treacherous manner proffered some kinde of submission to the Lieutenant but withall made unreasonable demands The State of Ireland being thus in combustion a serious consultation is holden whom to send to quench it the Queen and most of the Counsell thought Sir Charls Blunt Lord Mountjoy the fittest manâ— but Essex covertly intimated that he had no military experience and besides was too bookish to prove a good Commander he seem'd to aym at the place for himself though he made a shew modestly to refuse it and yet still ready with his exceptions if any other were nominatedâ— many thought it dangerous to have an Army put into his hands for his followers talked of great matters that he forsooth was descended of the blood Royall of Scotland and England and had better Right to the Crown then any other of the Competitors In Conclusion he is appointed Vice-Roy with ample Authority to make Warre or conclude Peace and pardon all offenders even Tir-Oen himselfe An army is allotted him as great as he desired Indeed greater then ever Ireland had seen before Twenty Thousand Foot and Thirteen Hundred Horse with these and a great Retinue besides of the Nobility he passeth into Ireland where as soon as he had taken the Sword contrary to his Commission which was to go immediately against the arch-Rebell he marcheth towards Munster against the petty Rebels taketh the Castle of Cahir and driveth the Rebels into the Woods and Groves adjoyning His Forces being now impaired he tarrieth to make them up but in the mean time sendeth directions to Sir Coniers Clifford President of Connacht to set upon the Rebels in one place thereby to sever their forces while he assaulted them in another Clifford marcheth toward Belike with 1500. Souldiers where the Rebels are upon them at unawares under the conduct of O-Rorke his Sonne that was hanged here in England The English repell them at first with ease and march along but the Rebels finding they wanted Powder set upon them againe and put them to flight in which Skirmish Clifford and many of the old Souldiers were slain Essex having by this time received new supplies out of England and a check for neglecting the Queens Command setteth forth at length toward the Borders of Ulster with Thirteen hundred Foot and five hundred horse being come thither Tir-Oen by a Messenger requesteth Parley Essex refuseth saying he might speake with him the next morning between the two Armyes the next day word is brought to Essex that Tir-Oen craved the Queens mercy and that he might onely be heard speake appointing the shallow of Balla Clinch for a most convenient place thither came Essex alone with whom Tir-Oen riding his horse up to the girts had private conference a full houre A while after Con Tir-Oens base Sonne came to Essex requesting in his Fathers name a second Parley and that some of the chiefe on both sides might be present Essex consented so there came not more then six At the day appointed many words had not passed but it was argued that their Delegates should Treat the next day concerning a Peace between them it was concluded that a Truce should be held from six weekes to six weeks till Mayâ—day By this time the Qu. understanding that no more was done after so much time and money spent in a great anger taxeth the Earls proceedings and I know not how it fell from her to some others that stood by that he had other thoughts in his mind then the good of his Prince and Country And thereupon dispatched very sharp Letters to him blaming his delay and letting slip every faire opportunity with which Letters Essex was so netled and chiefely troubled that the Queen had now made Cecill Master of the Wards which he expected himselfe that he beganne to cast strange Projects within his minde and held private consultations of returning into England with part of his Forces to surprize his Adversaries But from this course the Earl of Southampton and Sir Christopher Blunt disswaded him as being dangerous and wicked Yet within a moneth over he went and came to the Court at Nonesuch to informe the Queen of the State of Ireland By the way the Lord Gray of Welton crossed him but saluted him not whom one of his followers offered to kill for his contempt but Essex would not suffer him And made such hast that early in the Morning he was upon his Knees before the Queen in the Privy Chamber She enteriained him courteously but not with the countenance She was wont and after a little talke bid him keepe in his Chamber And soon after Committed him to Custody in the Lord Privy Seales House where entring into Consideration of his case he giveth himselfe wholly to Divine Contemplation and writeth wonderfull Letters to his friends of the vanity of the things of this life It was now the yeer one thousand six hundred and the two and fortieth of Queen Elizabeths Kaign when after the departure of the Earle of Essex Tir-Oen began to carry himselfe as Monarch of Ireland and sendeth Kernes to make spoyle in the possessions of such as continued in their loyalty to the Queene under Mac-Guir their Captaine who lighting casually upon Sir Warham Saint Leger thrust him thorough with a speer and was himself thrust thorough withall Whereupon the Queen sent Sir Charls Blunt Lord Montjoy to take upon him the Deputies place who looseth no time but first of all marcheth towards Ulster buildeth a fort within eight miles of Armagh which in hononr of Sir Iohn Norris under whom he had his first military schooling he calleth by the name of Mount Nâ—rris there he placed Edward Blanye who kept the Rebels in awe in those paâ—â—s from thence back he goeth into Leynster wherein the Glynnes he reduceth into order Donell-Spaniah Phelim Mac-Pheoph and the Rebelling Nation of the O-Tooles taking hostages of them then back into Ulster again being victor wheresoever he cometh and at Tradagh receiveth into protection Mac-Henry Mac-Cowly and other rebels who fell at his feet for mercy All this and more he did in his first yeer and no lesse successefull was Carew President of Munster who drave out of the County the Titular Earle of Desmond and having found Munster a turbulent Province in Aprill he overcomed and made it so quiet by December following that the Rebels maintained not one Fort in it against the Queen And now a new consultation was holden in England touching a peace with the King of Spaine the which he sought both by the French King and by Albâ—rtus the Archduke who was now returned into the Netherlands out of Spain where he was marryed to the Infanta The Queen consenting to a Treaty left it to the French King to nominate both the time and place for the meeting of the Delegates who set down the Month of May and Bulloigne in France But now foreseeing that a question would arise about Precedency some were appointed to search Ancient Records concerning
take him shortly into favor and that his Censure in no case should be Recorded Afâ—er this he made shew of wonderfull humility and mortification which so affected the Queen that shortly she removed Barkeley his keeper and gave him leave to go at large only admonishing him To make his own discretion his keeper and not to come at the Court or in her Presence After this Sentence Cuffe who alwayes perswaded the Earle to stand stoutly in his own defence began so plainly to tax him of cowardize and pusillanimity that the Earl in anger commanded his name to be put out of the Rowl of his servants yet Merrick the Steward did it not as being of Cuffes minde himself Essex being now ready to go into the Countrey remembred himself to the Queen by the Lord Henry Howard in these words That he kissed the Rod and the Queens hands which had â—nely corrected not overthrown him yet he should never enjoy solid comfort till he might see those blessed eyes which had been his load-stars whereby he had happily steered his course whiles he held on his way at lawfull distance But now he resolved to eat grasse with Nebuchad-nezzar till it please the Queen to restore his senses She being greatly joyed with these his speeches Would to God sayd she his deeds might be answerable to his words he hath long tried my patience I must now make tryall of his humility And now the Earl grew so confident of thee Queens favor That he became a suitor to her for the Farme of sweet Wines but she to try his temper and with what minde he would bear a repulse made him Answer That she must first know what it was worth and not give away things hand over head and had oftentimes in her mouth the Aphorisme of Phisitians That foul bodies the more you nourish them the more you corrupt them And indeed this was the right way to finde whether the ulcer of his minde were throughly cured or no for being not throughly cured it would endure no touching and no more did his but as though every denyall of a curtesie were an injury that required revenge his melancholy was presently turned into choller and now began to hearken to Cuffe again telling him That it was now plain the Queen determined to make him as poore as Iob that he should live of the basket and gather crums under the Taâ—â—e Hereupon he returned to London Southampton is sent for out of the Low-Countries his doors are set open for all commers Merricke his Steward receiveth to his own table decayed souldiers discontented and audacious persons Sermons are made there every day by Puritan Ministers to which the Citizens flock and all signes of popularity appeared which matters coming to the Queens ears Alienated her affection from him daily more and more but especially she was exasperated that her Person was despised by him for not to say the worst he had muttered That the Queen was now old and decrepit and withered as well in minde as body And now again he runneth upon desperate counsells for the removall of his adversaries from the Court seeketh to scrue himself into the King of Scots favour to whom he traduceth his adversaries by name Raleigh Cobham Carew Cecill and the Admirall as inclined to the Spanish Faction and at one and the same time seeketh to win to him both Puritans and Papists Many were of his party but few of his counsell and these were the Earl of Southampton Sir Charls Davers Sir Ferdinando Gorge Captain of the Garrison of Plimmouth Sir Christopher Blunt and some other With these he met privately in Drury House to avoyd suspition where he first giveth them a Catalogue of the Nobility and gentry that favoured him to the number of a hundred and twenty Then they consult whether it were better to set upon the Tower of London or the Queens Pallace this latter they resolve upon which should be done in this manner Blunt should keep the great Gate with a selected number of men and Danvers seize upon the Presence Chamber Then Essex with his company should come from the Mues and present himselfe before the Queen But now suspitions arising from divers circumstances Secretary Herbert was sent to call him before the Councell at the Treasurers House but he doubting the matter excuseth himselfe that he was not very well And now the Plot of seizing upon the Court which had been four moneths in contriving was by this means quite dashed for they had ready at the present neither Souldiers nor muition so as some speedier course must now be thought on at which time very opportunely cometh one to them set on no doubt by Essex his Adversaries as if he had been sent on purpose from the Citizens to promise him their Ayd which made Essex to applaud his own great good fortune And now were four of the Lords namely the Lord Keeper the Earle of Worcester Sir William Knolles and the Lord Chiefe Justice of England sent by the Queen to Essex house who could hardly be suffered to come in all their Attendants were kept out save he that carried the Seal before the Keeper In the Court they found a confused number of people and the Earls of Essex Rutland and Southampton in the midst of them The Keeper turning himselfe to Essex telleth him The Queen had sent him and the rest to understand the cause of this concourse promising Justice if any person had done them wrong Essex with a loud voice cryeth out They lye in waite for my life we are met to defend our selves The Keeper urging Essex again to unfold some part of his grievance the unruly multitude crieth out Away let us be gone they come to betray you Kill them cast away that Great Seal Essex retireth into the house the Lords follow him he chargeth them to make the doors fast and turning him to the Lords Have patience for a while saith he I must go into the City to dispatch a little businesse with the Maior and Sheriffs I will return presently There the Lords are kept prisoners Essex maketh haste into the City with a Troop of 200 men at his heels the E. of Bedford the L. Cromwell and â—â—her Lords meeting him by the way joyn themselves coming into London â—e cryeth out aloud For the Queen for the Queen they lay wait for my life The Citizens came running to gaze but not so much as one person took Arms to take his Part. Passing along the City he came all in a sweat to the Sheriff Smith's house who shifteth himself forth at a back door and goeth to the Lord Maior By this time certain of the Nobility entred the City with a Herald declaring Essex and his adherents Traytors Hereupon hearing also that the Lord Admirall made towards him with an Army he began to be dishearâ—ned Gorge taketh care for himself requesteth he might be sent to release the Counsellors and with them to crave the Queens mercy whiles the issue
was yet doubtfull The Earl content that Popham only should be freed but he refused unlesse the Keeper also might be dismissed Then Gorge freeth them all and goeth along with them to the Court by water Now when Essex thought to return he found a Chain fastened crosse the street at the West end of Pauls and men in Arms on the other side then he began to draw his sword and having once given the word Blunt letteth fly at them slew one of them incontinent himself being sorely wounded and taken Essex himself had his Hat shot thorow whereupon retiring he took Boat at Queen Hythe and went to Essex House where finding the Counsellors all dismissed he grew extreme angry and dismayed and cast certain papers into the fire saying They should tell no tales By and by the Admirall besiegeth the house commanding them to yeeld Southampton offereth if the Admirall would give Hostages to secure them they would present themselves to the Queen The Admirall answereth him by Sidney That Rebells are not to profer Conditions Within an hour Essex finding the case desperate resolved to rush forth and the Lord Sands the most aged in the company greatly urged it saying It were better to die valiantly than by the hands of a Hang-man But Essex his minde upon a little deliberation altering they fell upon their knees and deliver their weapons to the Admirall when it was ten a clock at night Owen Salisbury and one or two more were slain with Musket Shot and as many of the Besiegers The next day Thomas Lea Commander of a Company of Souldiers in Ireland who to one Crosse a Sea-Captain that detected him intimated how noble an exploit it were for six stout fellows to go to the Queen and compell her forceably to release Essex and Southampton was presently apprehended examined found guilty and executed Essex and Southampton were carryed first to Lambeth to the Archbishops house because it was a dark night but anon were sent to the Tower by the Queens direction and with them Rutland Sands Cromwell Mounteagle Danverse and Bromley the rest were put in common prisons On the nineteenth of February Essex and Southampton were called to their Arraignment before their Peers in Westminster-Hall where Buckhurst Lord Treasurer was appointed Lord High Steward of England for that time The Peers being severally called by their names Essex demanded If it were not lawfull for them to except against some of the Peeâ—s as private persons might do against the Jurors The Judges made answer That the credit and fidelity of the Peers of England was presumed to be such that in Tryalls they were not bound to take an Oath nor are they lyable to any exception Then were they joyntly indited of High Treason namely That they plotted to deprive the Queen of her life and Kingdom To surprize her in her very Palace And that they brake forth into open Rebellion by imprisoning the Counsellors of the Kingdom By exciting the Londoners to Re-bellion with vaine Fictions By assaulting the Queens loyall Subjects in the City and by defending of Essex House against the Queens Forces Hereunto they pleaded Not guilty Essex withall averring That they had done nothing but of necessity and the Law of Nature Yelverton aggravateth the specialties and Edward Cook Atturney argueth That the Earl could not excuse himself from the Law of Nature seeing Majesty is not to be affronted for private revenge The Earl of Essex with great confidence made answer That to his Prince and Countrey he alwayes had and would bear a loyall affection The Francis Bacon one that was little expected to speak against Essex by whom he had been raised in defence of Cobham Cecill and Raleigh aggravateth his crying out That the Crown of England was sold to the Spaniard wherto Essex replyed that he heard indeed that Cecill the Secretary should say to one of the Lords of the Councell That the Right of the Infanta of Spain to the Kingdom of England was as good as any of the Competitors Upon this Cecill who stood by as an Auditor steppeth in and falling upon his knees beseecheth the Steward that with his good leave he might quit himself from this foul aspersion which leave being granted him he provoked Essex if he durst to name the Counsellor but he would not therefore saith Cecill It is a Faction still Essex averreth it Then Cecill turning himself to Southampton besought him by all manner of Obtestations to name the man He referreth it to the Honorable Assembly and to Cecill himself if in Honour and good Reason he ought to do it they affirming He might Southampton nameth Sir William Knolles Essex his Unkle He being sent for at Cecills intreaty said That Cecill two yeers since told him that one Dolman in a Book had asserted the Right of the Infanta and had spoken no otherwise than so Now after the Judges had delivered their opinion what was Law in the matters alleadgeâ— the Earls by the Stewards direction were taken aside Then the Peers rose and went apart and having consulted about an hour returned to their seats and in their order pronounced the Earls guilty of high Treason Then the high Steward advising Essex to implore the Queens mercy giveth Sentence and that done brake his Staff and departed The next day Sir Robert Vernon Sir William Constable Sir Edmund Baynham Littleton Cluff Captain Whitlock Iohn and Christopher Wright and Orell an old Souldier were called to their Tryall but the Queen informed by Sir Fulk Grevill That most of them were drawn unwittingly into the danger commanded that onely Littleton Baynham and Orell should have their Tryall the rest to be sent back to prison These were all condemned but their lives spared which favour Raleigh for a good sum of money received of Baynham procured Essex in the mean while requested he might speak with some of the Counsellors to whom he reconciled himself and to Cecill especially and then intimated That the Queen could not be in safety while he lived he requesteth he might be executed privately in the Tower He grievously inveigheth against some of the Conspiracy and wished to speak with some of them but specially with Blunt and Cuffe whom as soon as he saw he brake forth into these words O Cuffe ask pardon of God and the Queen for thou hast chiefly provoked me to this disloyalty Also he intimated Sir Henry Nevill ordinary Ambassadour in France to have been acquainted with the Conspiracy and that other in Scotland France the Netherlands and the Lord Mountjoy Deputy of Ireland knew of his purpose and other in England who being many in number and the Lord Mountjoy ordering the Affairs of Ireland in good fashion the Queen wisely would take no notice of it The five and twentieth day of February which was to be the fatall day there were sent to the Earl divers Ministers to give him ghostly comfort The Queen now wavering in her self one while remembring the â—â—ciâ—nt kindenesse she had shewed
longer served her it was evident by the lifting up of her hands and eyes that her thoughts were fixed upon him And so on the four and twentieth day of March being the last day of the yeer 160â— she yeelded up her soul to God when she had lived threescore and nine yeers six months and seventeen dayes Raigned four and forty yeers four months and seven dayes Her Body was embalmed wrapped in Lead and brought to White-hall from whence on the eight and twentieth of April following in great solemnity it was carried into the Collegiate Church of S. Peters at Westminster and there interred in the Vault of her Grand-father K. Henry the seventh in his magnificent Chappell where our renowned Soveraign K. Iames hath built her a Princely Monument inscribed with Epitaphs to her eternall glory At her Funerall were said to be Mourners in black to the number of onâ— thousand and six hundred persons MEN of NOTE in her time THe Ocean is not more boundlesse then the number of men of note in her time but though all of them cannot be reckoned yet some of them must not be omitted And to begin with Sates-men An exquisite States-man for his own ends was Robert Earl of Lèicester and for his Countries good Sir William Cecill Lord Bâ—rleigh as also Sir Francis Walsingham that great underminer of Conspirators Famous Sea-men were the Earl of Cumberland the Lord Thomas Howard afterward Earl of Suffolk and of meaner Rank Sir Iohn Hawkins Sir Martin Forbysâ—er Sir Walter Raleigh Cavendish Preston Ryman and to name the worthiest last Sir Francis Drake who though he were but a short square bodied man yet his great Acts have made the Spaniards believe that he was some goodly Personage Great Commanders by Land were Robert Earl of Essex the Lord Willoughby the Lord Grey of Wilton Sir Francis Vere Sir Roger Williams Baskervile Savage and the Honour of his Family and our English Nation Sir Iohn Norris Learned Gentlemen and Writers were Sir Thomas Chaloner employed by Queen Elizabeth as her Ligier in Spain who wrote five books of the restoring of the English Common-wealth in elegant Verses while as he said he lived in a Stove in Winter and in a Barn in Summer Roger Askam born in York-shire notably skilfull in the Greek and Latin Tongues who had sometime been School-master to Queen Elizabeth and her Secretary for the Latin Tongue but taking too great delight in Gaming and Cock-fighting he both lived and died in mean estate yet left behinde him sundry Monuments of Wit and Industry Sir Thomas Smith born at Saffron Walden in Essex sometime Secretary to K. Edward the 6 who wrote an imperfect Work of the English Common-wealth a singular Book of the Orthography of the English Tongue and another of the Pronunciation of the Greek the first man that set on foot the Law for serving the Colledges with Provision Sir Henry Savill Provost of Eaton and Reader to Queen Elizabeth who set forth all S. Chrysostomes works in Greek and by translating of Cornelius Tacitus deserved as much of the English Tongue as he of the Latin But above all the admirable sir Philip Sidney who by writing in a light Argument shewed how excellently and beyond all comparison he could have done in a grave Learned Divines were Iohn Iewell born in Devon-shire a Student in Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford in Queen Maries time an Exile by Queen Elizabeth made Bishop of Salisbury who wrote an Apologie for the Protestant Doctrine and died at scarce fifty yeers of age in the fourteenth yeer of Queen Elizabeth Iohn Whitaker Master of S. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge who learnedly answered all the books of Bellarmine Bilson Bishop of Winchester sometimes Fellow of New Colledge in Oxford who amongst his other learned Works hath written notably of Christs descent into hell Richard Hooker Preacher at the Temple who with too much meeknesse smoothered his great Learning yet hath something discovered it in his five Books of Ecclesiasticall Discipline and died in the yeer 1599. Alexander Nowel Dean of Pauls who forbearing deeper Works set forth a Catechism according to the Doctrine of the English Church and died in the yeer 1602. After such men it might be thought ridiculous to speak so Stage Players but seeing excellency in the meanest things deserves remembring and Boscius the Comedian is recorded in History with such commendation it may be allowed us to do the like with some of our Nation Richard Bourbidge and Edward Allen two such Actors as no age must ever look to see the like and to make their Comedies compleat Richard Tarleton who for the Part called the Clowns Part never had his match never will have For Writers of Playes and such as had been Players themselves William Shakespeare and Benjamin Iohnson have specially left their Names recommended to posterity THE RAIGNE OF King Iames. IAMES the fourth King of Scotland marryed Margaret eldest daughter of Henry the 7 K. of England by whom he had Iames the 5 who had one only child Mary Q. of Scots who had one only son Iames the 6 who from Iames the fourth had undoubted right to the Kingdome of Scotlandâ— and from Margaret King Henry the 7 eldest daughter the male line being cleane extinct unquestionable title to the Crown of England whereupon Q. Eliz. being dead about 10 a clock in the morning K. Iames the 6 K. of Scotland was the very same day M. Secretary Cecill himself reading his Title and Q. Eliz. Will proclaimed K. of Eng. Scot. and Ireland by sound of Trumpet first at White-Hall and then in Cheapside in presence of all the Lords and the Counsell and other of the Nobility with a generall acclamation of all sorts of people that we may truly say sorrow was never more deceived than at this time for where upon the death of Q. Eliz. It was expected there would be nothing for a long time but sorrowing and lamenting Now that very sorrow was swallowed up of joy her death bringing with it no other alteration but only of sex in all other points in a manner the same the like wisdome the like learning the like Iustice the like religiousnesse in them both only bettered in this that we changed a Q. of 70 years old whom we could not look to keepe long for a K. of 36 whom we might well hope to enjoy many years Q. Eliz. was not sooner deadâ— but Sir Robert Cary a younger son of the Late L. Hunsdon posted away unsent to K. Iaâ—es in Scotland informing him of the accidentâ— for bringing which news the K. afterwards rewarded him with making him a Baâ—on of the Realm and L. of Leppington But though it were sufficient for the K. information that he heard the news by Sir Robert Carye yet it was not sufficient for the Lords of the Counsell in discharge of their duty if he heard it not from them and therefore within a very few dayes as soon as they could provide fit men they sent
indeed fit to give a vent to the passage of Honour which during Queene Elizabeths Raigne had been so stopped that scarce any County of England had Knights enow in it to make a Iury. Before we goe further it will not be amisse to shew what great men attended King Iames out of Scotland as namely the Duke of Lenox the Earle of Marre the Lord Hame and many other great Lords and many other whom he afterward made great Lords as bring in his speciall favour first Sir George Hame made afterward Earle of Dunbarre then Sir Thomas Erskin made Earle of Kelly then Sir Iohn Ramsey made Earle of Holdernesse which two last had the fortune to come first in to his rescue against the Gowries then Sir Iames Hay made afterward Earle of Carlile and then Sir Richard Preston made Earle of Kildare in Ireland but whose great fortune by marrying the Heire of that Earledome was afteward the occasion of his great misfortune for comming out of Ireland he was unfortunately cast away and drowned But though King Iames was now safely come himselfe to London yet he accounted himselfe but halfe come untill his Queene and children were come to him and therefore there are now appointed to goe to conduct them of Lords and Earle of Sâ—ssex the Earle of Lincolne the Lord Compton the Lord Norris and Sir George Carow Knight Lord President of Munster of Ladies the Countesse of Worcester the Countesse of Kildare the Lady Anne Herberts daughter to Henry Earle of Pembrooke the Lords Scroopes Lady the Lady Rich wife to the Lord Rich and the Lady Walsingham one of the late Queenes bedchamber But although these only were appointed to goe yet many other Lords and great Ladies went of themselves to attend her Majesty as the Countesse of Bedford the Lady Hastings the Lady Cecill the Lady Hatton the Lady Harington and divers other and with this Princely attendance the Queene with two of her children namely Prince Henry of the age of nine yeares and the Lady Elizabeth on the eleventh of Iune came to Yorke where resting themselves some few dayes on the seven and twentieth of Iune they came to Easton in Northamptonshire a house of Sir George Fermors where the King met them at dinner and afterward they rode together to a house of Sir Iohn Fortescue and so to London The Kings younger sonne Charles Duke of Albany came not at this time as being not three yeeres old and therefore not thought able to endure such a journey but the yeare following falling sick of a feavor Doctor Atkins one of the Kings Physitions was sent to conduct him who in six weekes cured him of his feavour and the first weeke of October brought him safe to Windsor where the King then lay for which service he was so well rewarded that together with the gaynâ—s of his usuall practiceâ— hee grew to a greater wealth then was usuall for Physitions King Iames had distributed the meaner Order of Knighthoâ—d very plentifully now he thinks fit to raise his distributions to a higher degree and therupon on the twentieth of May he made Sir Robert Cecil Baron of Esindon Sir Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst Sir William Knowles Baron of Greyes and Sir Edward Wooten Baron of Morley and not long after hee made the Lord Henry Howard Earle of North-Hampton and Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst he made Earle of Dorset The King had by this time found the love and affection of his own people but the affection of neighbouring Princes towards him stood yet in suspence when now to take away that doubt came first in the beginning of Iune an Embassador from the Palsgrave of Rhyne presently after another from the States of Holland and Zeland another from the Arch-Duke of Austria another from the King of Spaine from the Seignory of Venice another another from the Duke of Florence and lastly on the eight of Iune Monâ—ieur de Rhosny from the King of France all congratulating his happy comming to the Crowne of England for entertainment of which Embassadors and all other that should come after the King had erected an Office by the name of Master of the Ceremonies allowing him two hundred pounds a yeer Fee and the first that had the place was Sir Lewis Lewkenor a Gentleman who besides other good parts was very skilfull in the neighbouring languages Vpon the seventeenth of May this yeere were made fourteene Serjeants at Law whereof eleven had received Writs the last yeare of Queene Elizabeth namely Thomas Coventry Robert Haughton Lawrence Tanfield Iohn Crooke Thomas Foster Edward Philips Thomas Harris Iames Altham Henry Hubbard Augustine Nicholls and Robert Perker to whom the King added three new Iohn Sherley George Snygge and Richard Hutton who all kept their Feast together in the Middle Temple Hall One would thinke that by this time all Offences against Queene Elizabeth had been forgotten but King Iames more tender of wrongs done to her than to himselfe would not suffer Valentine Thomas so to escape who after he had lyen many yeeres prisoner in the Tower was on the fourth of â—une arraigned at the Kings Bench-Barre and for conspiracy against the late Queene and some of her Counsell was on the seventh of Iune after six a clock at night drawne to Sâ—â— Thomas Waterings and there hanged and quartered About this time the Honourable Charles Lord Montjâ—y returned out of Ireland bringing alone with him Hugh O Neale Earle of Teroen at whose comming to the King the Lord Montjoy was sworne of the Kings Privie Counsell and the Earle of Teroen who had beene the cause of so much English bloud shed was yet pardoned and Proclamation made that by all men he should be used with respect and honour All this while the King had moved within his own Spheare and had done nothing out of the Realme his first Imployment abroad was now in Iune to his brother the King of Denmark to whom he sent in Embassage the Earle of Rutland upon two occasions the one to be Godfather to his sonne who was named Christianus the other to present him with the Order of the Garâ—er upon the like imployment soone after he sent the Lord Spenâ—er to Frederick Duke of Wirtenberg which Lords saw the said Princes Invested with the Garter and after honourable entertainment returned home It was now a time that every man might sit under his Vine and enjoy the happinesse of a peaceable Government when suddenly like a storme in a faire Somers day brake forth a Treason of a strange Composition for where in all TreasoÌ„s commonly they are all of some one Faction in this there were people of all sorts Priests and Laymen Papists and Protestants Noblement Knights and Genâ—lement that one would think it should be a well mannaged Treason and yet was the shallowest that was ever set on foot so shallow that it could scarce be observed either what the Authors of it ayled or what it was they would hâ—ve done Indeed the great
favour which King Iames at his first comming to the Crown shewed to the Earle of South-Hampton was like to breed no good blood in those that were his oposites and it was said how true I know not that as the King had sent to enlarge the Earle of South-Hampton and apointed him to meet him upon the way So when he heard of an Intention that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh had to meet him he sent them word they should spare their labour But why there it were so or no it seemes they found some â—ause of discontentment and discontentment will never want Complyces and by this meanes was the composition of this Tâ—eason made up and thereupon were apprehended Henry Lord Cobham and George Brook his brother Thomas Lord Grey of Wilton Sir Walter Ralegh Sir Griffith Markham and Sir Edward Parham Knights Bartholmew Brookesby and Anthony Copley Gentlemen William Watson and William Clerke Priests But though they were apprehended in Iuly yet they come not to their arraignment till November following for by reason of the sicknesse which was then hot in London the Terme was put off till Crastino Martini and then to be kept at Winchester in Hamp-shire only the Courts of the Exchecker Wards Liveries and the Dutchy of Lancaster were kept in the Kings Mannour at Richmond in the County of Surrey and so in the fourth of November following all the foresaid Delinquents were removed from the Tower of London and other Prisons by strong Guards to Winchester and there arraigned whose Indictment was for Conspiring 1 To kill the King 2 To raise Rebellion 3 To alter Religion 4 To subvert the State 5 To procure Invasion by Strangers Concerning the first Point it was proved that the Lord Grey intended to obtaine the levying of two thousand men for defence of the Low-Countreyes and with them to seize uâ—on the King and Prince and take the Lords of the Counsaile in their chambers For the other Points It was proved that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh met at S Martins in the Fields and there consulted about raising Sedition mooving Rebellion altering Religion subverting the State and to set up the Lady Arbella And particularly for the Point of subverting the State It was proved that Watson was designed to be Lord Chancellor George Brooke Lord Treasurer Sir Griffin Markham Secretary and the Lord Grey to be Master of the Horse and Earle Marshall of England and for effecting of these Treasons It was proved that Waston the Priest had devised Oaths in writing by which all parties were bound to keep them secret And for the last point It was proved that Sir Walter Ralegh was appointed to treate with Count Aramberg for six hundred thousand Câ—owns and the Lord Cobham to go to the Arch-Duke and to the King of Spaine to perswade them to assist the Lady Arbella These things being proved against them on the dayes in which they were severally Indicted the most which was replied in mitigation of their fault was first by Waston who affirmed it could not be Treason because the King was not yet Crowned and then by the Lord Grey that it was but a verbal matter and never took effect and therfore could be no Treason but these assertions being both refuted they were al except Sir Edwâ— Parham who only was acquitted on their severall dayes of inditement found guilty of Treason and had Iudgement accordingly The Priests Watson and Clerk were executde at Winchester the nine and twentieth of November George Brooke was beheaded the fift of Decemb. but then the hand of Iustice stayedâ— and this was the course which the K. held in shewing mercy After the death of the three before named he signed three other warrants for the execution of the late L. Cobham the Lord Grâ—y and Sir Griffin Markâ—hâ—m on a certain day then following but before that day came he privately framed another warrant written with his own hand to the Sheriffe who was then Sir Benjamin Tichburne by which he countermanded the former Warrants and that there might be no notice taken of it he sent it by Mr. Iohn Gybbe a Scotch-man and one utterly unknown to all the company appointing him to deliver it so that it might not take effect til after their severall confessions and at the very point of their Execution which was accordingly performed At which time it was a wonderfull thing to see how the Delinquents falling on their knees lamented their misdoings and most of all how they extolled the Kings unspeakable mercy But though thus pardoned yet were they carryed back to the Tower where the L Grey not long after dyed and in him was extinct that Barony which had formerly broâ—ght forth many valourous worthy men Sir Griffin MarkhaÌ„ after some time was set at liberty passed beyond sea wher he lived long after in meane account The Lord Cobham likewise was afterward discharged of imprisonment but deprived of his Estate lived divers years after in great pennury and in him ended that noble Family which had flourished in great honor many Ages Sir Walter Ralegh was kept in the Tower where to his great honour he spent his time in writing and had bin a happy man if he had never beene released But such is our state that no mans fortune is understood whether it be good or bad untill it be discovered by the Event But in this meane time many things had passedâ— for his Majesty having deferred the Feast of St. George untill his being at some of his owne houses held now the said Feast at Windsor the second of Iuly where the Prince was installed Knight of the Garter as also the Duke of Lenox the Earle of South-Hampton the Earle of Mâ—rre and the Earle of Pembrooke and at the same time were elected the King of Denmark and the Duke of Wirtenberg though their investing have been spoken off before And now was preparation made for the Kings Coronation and for a preparative unto it hâ— first restored the Earle of South-Hampton and then raised in honor these following Sir Thomas Egerâ—on Lord Chancellourâ— he made Baron of Elsemere Sir William Russell Baron of Thornâ—ugh Sir Henry Grey Baron of Grobye Sir Iohn Peter Baron of Writtle Sir Iohn Harington Baron of Exton Sir Henry Denvers Baron of Daâ—sey Sir Thomas Gerard Baron of Gerads Bromely in the County of Stafford and Sir Robert Spenser Baron of Wormeleyton After this he conferred inferiour Orders and made Knights all the Iudges and Serjeants at Law all Civilians and Clerkes of the Signet all his Gentlemen Vshers and divers other and lastly made Knights of the Bathe threescore and two most of them Noble mens sons and the rest Gentlemen of speciall worth These things done on the five and twentieth of Iuly being St. Iames day the King and Queen were together crowned and anoynted at Westminster by the hands of Iohn Whitegift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in presence of the Nobility and other namely Sir Robert Lee Lord
Wright Francis Tresham Guido Fawkes and at last Sir Edward Digby all earnest Papists and all bound by Oath and by receiving the Sacrament to be secret For effecting of this plot they hired a house close adjoyning to the Upper house of Parliament where they were to dig thorow a Wall for the fit placing of their Powder About Candlemasse they had wrought the Wall halfe thorow when suddainly they heard a noyse in the next room which made them feare they had beene discovered but sending Guy Fawkes who went now under the name of Iohn Iohnson as Master Percies man to see what the matter was he brought word that it was a Cellar where Sea-Coles had beene layd and were now a selling and the roome offered to bee let for a yearely rent This roome therefore as most fit for their purpose being right under the Parliament House Master Percie presently went and hired laying into it twenty barrells of powder which they covered with Billets and Faggots for being discovered Thus the first part of the plot was put in a good readinesse It now remained to consider what was to be done when the blow should be given for though the King and Prince might be slain yet the Duke of York and the Lady Elizabeth should still be safe and so they should bee no nearer their end than now they were This work therefore for surprizing the D. of Yorke Percie undertook and for surprizing the Lady Elizabeth they agreed upon a match of huâ—ting neare to Dunchurch under colour whereof they would draw company together and surprize her at the Lord Haringtons house in Warwick-shire where she then lay and then proclaime her Queen and so be sure to have all things done as they would themselves Thus farre their bloudy plot went fairely on and had perhaps gone on so still if they had continued onely bloudy but now a tendernesse of heart tooke some of them lest their friends should perish together with the rest and this tendernesse overthrowes them for to prevent such promiscuous slaughter a Letter was framed and sent to the Lord Mounteagle sonne and heire to the Lord Morley brought him by one of his Foot-men which hee received from an unknowne man in the street The Letter was this My Lord out of the Love I beare to some of your friends I have a care of your preservation therefore I would wish you as you tender your life to forbeare your attendance at this Parliament for God and man have concurred to punish the wickednesse of this time And thinke not slightly of this Advertisement for though there bee no appeâ—râ—ce of any stirre yet I say they shall receive a terrible blow this Parliament and yet shall not see who hurts them This Councell is not to be contemned because it may doe you good and can doe you no harme for the danger is past as soone as you have burnt this Letter and I hope you will make good use of it My Lord having read the Letter though much perplexed yet went presently to the Court at White-hallâ— the King being then a hunting at Royston aâ—d delivered it to the Earle of Salisâ—â—â—ie principall Secretary of State and the Earle having read it acquainted first the Lord Chamberlaine with it and then the Lord Admirall the Earle of Wâ—rcester and Northampton who as soon â—s the King was returned from Huntingâ— acquainted him with it the Earle of 〈◊〉 telling hiâ— thâ—â— he thought it must be written either by a foole or by a mad 〈◊〉 because of those words for the dâ—â—ger is past as soone as you â—ave 〈◊〉 thiâ— Letter â—or iâ— the daâ—gâ—r-wâ—re so soâ—ne past what needed 〈◊〉 warniâ—gâ— But th◠〈◊〉 considering it more deeply apprehended presently some violent 〈◊〉 and thâ—t it must be some suddaine danger 〈◊〉 blowing up with powder and thereupon commanded than diligent search 〈◊〉 be made in the Parliament house and all other roomes and lodgings 〈◊〉 adjoyningâ— which search was made by the Lord Chamberlaine accomâ—â—nyâ—â— with the Lord Mountâ—â—gle who entring the Cellar under the upper 〈◊〉 â— found there great store of Faggots and Billets which was answered to 〈…〉 Mr. Pâ—rcie's owne provision but then it being considered why such stoâ—e 〈◊〉 be laid in for Mr. Percie who used to make but little stay in Towneâ— and â—hereuâ—on more diligent search being made there was found under the Billets one of the Barrells of powder and after that all the rest being six and thirty â—ogâ—ther with other instruments fit for their purpose and then spying the 〈◊〉 Fâ—wkes to stand suspitiously they apprehended him and found in his pocket a peece of Touch-wood a Tynder boxe to light the Touch-wood and a Watch which Mr. Percie had bought the day before to trie the short and long burning of the Touch-wood which he had prepared to give fire to the traine of powder The plot being thus discovered yet the most of the confederates met at Dunchurch as they had agreed where they divulged many detestable untruths against the King and State signifying withall that they were there met for advancement of the Catholike cause hoping thereby to have drawne many to joyne with them in their Rebellion but this availed them noâ—â—ing for first Sir Richard Verney high Sheriffe of Warwick-shire chased them from thence and then Sir Richard Welsh Sheriff of Worcestershire knowing them to be entred into Master Littleton's house at Walbach beset them round where Cateâ—â—iâ— and Percie issuing forth were both slaine with one shot of a Musquet and after them both the Wrights Iohn and Christopher were likewise slaine outright Thomas Winter was taken alive all which time Francis Tresham remained still about the Court offering his service for their suppression but being suspected was examined and sent to the Tower where he confest all and within a few dayes after dyed of the Stranguâ—ie On the seven and twentieth of Ianuarie following a Commission was directed to divers Lords and Iudges of both Benches for tryall of the rest of the Confederates namely of Thomas Winter Guydo Fawkes Robert Keyes Thomas Bates Robert Wintâ—r late of Hoodington in Warwick-shire Esquire Iohn Graunt late of Yorthbrook in the Countie of Warwick Esquire Ambrose Rookwood late of Staningfield in Suffolk Esquire Sir Edward Digby late of Gotthurst in Buckingham-shire Knight who were all condemned and had judgement to dye and on the thursday following Sir Edward Digbie Robert Winter Graunt and Bates were accordingly drawn hanged and quartered at the west end of Pauls Church in London and on the friday the other foure namely Thomas Winter Keyes Rookwood and Fawks were executed in the Parliament yard at Westminster Of all whom none was so much lamented as Sir Edward Digbie and indeed worthily for he was a goodly personage and of excellent parts and had it seemes beene cunningly drawne in and bound to secresie by Oath when he little thought of any such treason The seventh of November the Earle Northumberland upon suspition of being acquainted with
the plots was first commanded to keep his house and after a while committed to the Tower And thus was this great plot discovered and the Plotters punished to the great rejoycing of all people insomuch that even the King of Spain's and Arch-dukes Embassadors made Bonfires and threw money amougst the people in token of joy And at this time on the fourth of Ianuarie the Spanish Embassador delivered a Present to the King from the King his Master namely six Iennets of Andalusia with saddles very richly imbroydered and saddle-cloathes of cloth of Tissue One of which Iennets was snoe white and had a Maine which reached to the ground But this was a Present sent before any knowledge had of the Powder Treason but as soone as that was knowne there was presently another Present sent from the Queen of Spain to the Queen of Englandâ— of purpose to congratulate the Kings happy deliveâ—ance from the intended Powder Treason and the Present was brought by Dâ—â— Ioâ—n de Mendosa which was a Roave of Murrie Sattin imbroydered all over with Amber leather and upon the leather in every sâ—ame and skirt twice imbroydered about with gold the fore-part whereof was set with eight and forty tagges three inches long of beaten gold hollow within and filled with Amber-greece also two large Chaines of Amber-greeceâ— Two Carkanets of Amber-greece a velvet Cappe with gold Buttons curiously enammeled and a girdle suteable to the Buâ—tons all which were presented together in a large vessell of gold in forme of a â—ason so as it seemes there was none rejoyced more for the overthrow of this plot for the Catholike cause than the Catholike King himselfe And now King Iames not to be unmindfull to the Lord Monteagle for being the meanes of discovering this treason he gave unto him in Fee Farme of Crowne land 200 l. a yeare to him and his heires and 500. l. a yeare besides during his life and not to be unthankfull to God for the deliverance he caused the fifth of November being the day of the discovery to be kept holy whith Prayers and Thanksgiving to God which was then solemnly performed and hath beene since and is likely for ever to be continued But in the midst of this great joy there was suddenly spread a rumour of greater sorrow for on Saturday the two and twentieth of March newes was brought to the Court for certaine that the King was slaine at Oking twentie miles from London stabbed with an invenomed knife whereupon the Court gates were presently shut and double guard set in all places about London and all mens mindes were infinitely distracted but within two houres all these clouds were cleane dispersed and the Sun began to shine out againe and it was certainly knowne that the King was safe and in perfect health for which a Proclamation was presently set forth to signifie it to the people and that afternoone the King came himselfe to White-hall where thousands of people ravished with joy came flocking to see him and so generall was the rejoycing that the Spanish Embassador gave Sir Lewis Lewkâ—â—r Mr. of the Ceremonies a chaine of gold of good value for bringing him the newes Though afterward it was thought by some that this rumour was but politickly devised to make the Parliament and people more tender of the Kings safety and by making them more sensible what a treasure they had of his life to make them more willing to part with their treasure for his living as indeed this Parliament they did giving more Subsidies then are usuall The eight and twentieth of March following Henry Garvet Provinciall of the English Iesuites was arraigned in Guild-hall for concealing the foresaid treason where he had Iudgement to be hang'd drawne and quartered and accordingly on the third of May was drawne from the Tower to the west end of Pauls Church and there executed At his death he confessed his fault asked forgivenesse and exhorted all Catholikes never to attempt any treason against the King or State as a course which God would never prosper On Tuesday the twentieth of May were enstalled at Windsor Knights of the Garter Robert Cecill Earle of Salisburie and Thomas Howard Viscount Byndon both of them honourably attended but the Earle of Salisburie beyond ordinary proportion There was yet a Fag end of the late powder treason behind to be examined whereupon two Barons of the Realms namely Henrie Lord Mordant and Edw. Lord Sturton were brought from the Tower to the Star-Chamber and there not charged indeed with any poynt of the treason but onely reflectingly because they neglected to appeare at the Parliament according to their summons for which neglect onely without any further charge they were fined to pay to the King the Lord Mordant ten thousand Marks and the Lord Sturton six thousand and to be prisoners during the Kings pleasure But on the 27. of Iune Hâ—â—rie Earle of Northâ—mberlaâ—d was likewise brought from the Tower to the 〈◊〉 Chamber and more directly charged with circumstances concerning the 〈◊〉 specially in regard of Thomas Percie whom hee had admitted to bee 〈◊〉 of the Kings Gentlemen Pentioners without ministring unto him the Oath oâ— Supremacyâ— knowing him to be a Recusant for which and some misprisions he was fined to pay to the King thirty thousand pounds to forfit all his Offiâ—â—â— and to be kept prisoner during the Kings pleasure as indeed hee continued mâ—ny yeares and at last released was yet confined It was now the 4. yeare of King Iames his Reigne and was a time of Princely â—iâ—itation for this Summer the 17. of Iuly Christianus King of Denmarke brother to the Queen having beene long expected with eight ships came into the River of Thames and Anchored before Graves-end to whom the next day King Iames with Prince Henrie and divers of his Lords went by Barge and conducted him to London where he stayed till the twelfth of August following in which time he was entertained with all the magnificence that could be deâ—vised the King and he riding in great state thorow the City where Pageants in many places were erected and aâ—ter he had beene shewed the chiefe places about Londonâ— as namely the old Exchange the Tower the Monuments at Westminster and had gone up to the top of Pauls had beene feasted by the King by the Earle of Salisburie foure dayes together at Theobalds had seene Tilting Fencing wrastling and many other pastimes on the twelfth of August conducted by the King the Queen and Prince with many other great Lords he departed to his ships and in eight dayes arrived at home A hapy thing when Princes can converse together like private persons and are not kept asunder with jealousies of State After the King of Denmarks departure on the 23. of September arrived at London Francis Prince of Vaudemount third sonne to the Duke of Lorraine accompanyed with seven Earles ten Barons forty Gentlemen of quality and six-score common persons who all the five and twentieth of September went
King according to an ancient custome had ayde of His Subjects thorough England for making his eldest sonne Prince Henry Knight which yet was Levied with great moderation and the Prince to shew himselfe worthy of it performed His first Feates of Armes at Barriers with wonderfull skill and courage being not yet full sixteene yeares of Age. It was now the eight yeere of King Iames His Reigne being the yeare 1610 when Prince Henry being come to the age of seventeen yeares It was thought fit He should be Initiated into Royalty and thereupon the thirtieth of May this yeare He was Created Prince of Wales in most solemne manner which was this Garter King at Armes bore the Letters Patents the Earle of Sussex the Robes of Purple Velvet the Earle of Huntington the Traine the Earle of Cumberland the Sword the Earle of Rutland the Ring the Earle of Darby the Rod the Earle of Shrewsbury the Cape and Coronet the Earle of Nottingham and North-Hampton supported the Prince being in His Surcoate only and bare-headed and in this manner being conducted to the King attended on by the Knights of the Bathe five and twenty in number all great men and great mens sons The Earle of Salisbury principall Secretary read the Letters Pattents the Prince kneeling all the while before the King and at the words accustomed the King put on him the Robe the Sword the Cape and the Coronet the Rod and the Ring and then kissed him on the cheeke and so the solemnity ended After this it was thought fit he should keep his Court by himselfe and thereupon Sir Thomas Chaloner a learned Gentleman who had before been his Governour was now made his Lord Chamberlaine Sir Edw. Philips his Chancellor and all other officers assigned him belonging to a Princes Court wherein he shewed himselfe so early ripe for Majesty that he seemed to be a King while he was yet but Prince And all mens eyes began to fix upon him King Iames had long since shut up the Gates of Ianus and was in Peace with all Princes abroad his only care now was how to keep Peace at home and to this end the three first dayes of Iune in his own person he heard the differences between the Ecclesiasticall and the Temporall Iudges argued touching Protections out of the Kingsâ—Bench and Common-Pleas to this end the eight ninth tenth of Iune he heard the manifold complaints of the abuses of the Victualers other Officers of his Navy Royall to this end the 4 of Iune 1610 he once again by Proclamation commanded all Roman Priests Seminaries and Iesuits as being the chiefe Incendiaries of troubles to depart this Kingdome by the 5 of Iuly next and not to returne upon pain of severity of the Law also all Recusants to returne home to their Dwellings and â—ot to ramaine in London â—oâ— to come within ten miles of the Court without speciall Licence aâ—â—â—r which Proclamation the Oâ—th of Allegeance was presently ministred to all sorts of people and their names certified to the Lords of the Counsell that refâ—â—ed to take it and this Hee the rather did out of consideration of the bloudy fact committed lately by one Revillâ—ck upon the person of the renowned K. of France Henry the fourth whereas Queen Elizabeth in her 43 years had granted her Letters Pattents to continue for 15 years to the East India Merchants now upon their humble petition the King was pleased to enlarge their Pateâ—â—s giving them a charter to continue for ever enabling them thereby to be a body Corporate and Politick which so encouraged the Merchants that they built a ship of twelve hundred â—un the greatest that was ever made in this Kingdome by Merchants which the King and Prince honored with going to Deptford to see it and then named it The Trades encrease and at this time gave to Sir Thomas Smith Governour of that Company a faire chaine of Gold with a Iewell wherein was his Picture But this great Ship having been in the Read Sea and returning to Banthem was there lost and most of her men cast away But then the King himselfe builded the goodliest Ship of War that was ever built in England being of the burthen of 1400 tun and carrying threescore and foure pieces of great Ordnance which he gave to his son Prince Henry who named it after his own dignity The Prince And now whereas a Parliament had been holden this year and was Prorogued to a certain day the King perhaps not finding it to comply with his designes or for some other cause known to himself on the last day of December under the grâ—â—t Sâ—ale of England dissolved it Before this time one Sir Robert Câ—rre a Gentleman of Scotland or of the bordâ—â—â— being a hunting with the King chanced with a fall off his horse to breake his leg upon which mischance he was forced for some days to keep his bed in which time the King was sometimes pleased to come and visit him and then it was first perceived that the King had begun to cast an eye of favour upon him and indeed â—roâ— that time forward as he was a very fine Gentleman and very wise many great favours were heaped upon him So as on Easter Munday in the yeare 1611 he was Created Viscount Rochester On the two and twentieth of Aprill 1612 was swoâ—ne a privy Counsellor On the fourth of November 1613 was Created Earle of Soâ—erset and the tenth of Iuly following made Lord Chamberlaine Bâ—â— this Sun-shine of Fortune lasted not long yet not by any inconstancy in the King but by the Earles own undeserving which thus fell out The Right Honourable Robert Earle of Essex had before this time married the beautifull Lady Francis Howard daughter of Thomas Earle of Suffolk who upon caâ—ses â—udicially heard were afterward Divorced and left free to marry any other Afteâ— which Divoâ—ce this great favorite the Earle of Somerset takes her for wife thâ— King gâ—acing their marriage with all demonstrations of love and favour and the Lords gracing it with a stately Masque that night and a few dayes after the Bride and Bridegroom accompanied with most of the Nobility of the Kingdome were â—easted at Merchant Taylors Hall by the Lord Major and Aldermen But see how soon this faire weâ—â—her was overcast For it hapned that one Sir Thâ—mas â—â—erbâ—ry a very ingenious Gentleman and the Earles speciall fâ—â—â—â—d who had written a witty Treâ—tise of a Wife and it seemes not thinking thâ— Lady in all points answerable to his description had been an earnest disswaâ—â—â— of the Mâ—â—â—â— and to â—â—rengthen his diâ—â—wasion layd perhaps some unjust 〈◊〉 upâ—â— the Ladyes 〈◊〉 which so incensed them both against him that 〈…〉 could not give them satiâ—â—â—ction than to take away his life So 〈…〉 saying Improbe 〈…〉 r quid non mortalia pectora cogis 〈◊〉 this they finde pretences to have the said Sir Thomas committed to the â—â—wer and there by their Instruments effect their revenge some
when the Illustrious Prince Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhyne with whom a Treaty of marriage had been before with the Lady Elizabeth on the sixteenth of October arrived at Gravesend to whom the Duke of Lenox and diverse other Lords were sent by the King who conducted him to White-Hall and from thence into the great Bâ—â—quetting-House where the King the Queene Prince Henry and the Lady Elizabeth entertained him in all kind manner and after by Barge conducted him to Essex House appointed for his lodging It was many yeâ—res since any Kings Daughter had beene marryed in England which now happening and to so Illustrious a Prince was just cause of Triumph and rejoyceingâ— but see the misery of Humane Affaires joy can no sooner be setting forth but sorrow will be sure to follow her at the heeles as now indeed it happened for on the nine and twentieth of October the Prince Palatine with all the great Lords of the Kingdome in most joviall manner dining at Guild-Hall Prince Hâ—â—â—â— who waâ— also invited and expected could not come being newly fallen exceâ—ding sick of a popular malignant feavour which raigned that yeare in most parts of this Land whereof on the sixth of November between seven â—nd eight a Clock at night at his Court of St. Iames he dyed But hee being infinitly beloved of the people and one that had given great hope of proâ—ing an Heroick Prince It caused suspition in many mens heads that his death was not without violence offered to Nature some said by bunches of Grapes given him to eate some by gloves of a poysoned perfume given him â—or a present but these were but idle rumours and conceits It seemes the Divine Providence had ordained it should be said of him Hanc tantum terris â—â—â—endent Fata nec ultraâ— esse sineâ—t whose death would have given a great blow to the happinesse of this Kingdome if there had not beene another Prince left of a milder spirit perhaâ—s but so accomplished with all excellent endowments that there could be no great want of Prince Henrie as long as there was left Prince Charles The Corps of Prince Henrie who dyed at the age of eighteene yeares eight moneths and seventeene dayes was drawne in a Chariot to the Abbey Church at Westminâ—ter and there interred in the Chappell Royallâ— on the seventh of December following This Accident something appealed the generall joy but yet triumphs went on Vpon Saint Thomas day the Palsgrave and Grave Maurice were Elected Knight of the Garter and the seven and twentieth of December the Palsgrave was betroathed to the Lady Elizabeth On Sunday the seventh of Februarie the Palsgrave in person was enstalled Knight of the Garter at Windâ—or and at the same time was Grave Maurice enstalled by his Deputy Count Lodâ—wick of Nassaw On the fourteenth of Februarie being Shrove-Sunday and Saint Valentines day this happy marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth was solemnized in the Chappell at White-hall The Bride was led to Church by two Batchellors her brother Prince Charles and the Earle of Northampton Lord Privie Seale she was attired all in white having a rich Crowne of Gold upon her head her haire hanging downe at length curiously beâ—eâ— with Pearles and precious stones her Train supported by twelve yong Ladies in white Garments The King gave her in marriage the Arch-Bishop of Canterburie married them the Bishop of Bath and Wells preached the Bridall Sermon which ended the Bride was led home by two married men the Duke of Lenox and the Earle of Nâ—ttingham Lord Admirall This marriage was solemnized the first night with a stately Masque of Lords and Ladies the second night with a magnificent Masque of the Gentlemen of the middle Temple and Lincolnes Inne The third night with a sumptuous Masque of the Gentlemen of the Inner Temple and Graees Inne provided indeed then but was not performed till the satturday night following by reason the concourse of people was so great it would have hindred the Show After this the Lord Major and Aldermen gave the Bride a Chain of Orientall Pearle valued at two thousand pounds and now when all things had beene done for honouring their marriage which either love and observance could device or Art and Magnificence could performe On the tenth of April the Bride-groome with his Bride tooke leave of the King and Queene at Rochester who had by Barge conducted them thither and there taking Ship On the nine and twentieth of April they arrived at Flâ—shing from whence the Duke of Lenox the Earle of Arundell the Viscount Lisle and the Lord Harington waited upon them to their chiefe City of Heydelburgh in all places as they passed being received with all State and magnificence but then on the foureteenth of Iune the English Lords returning home the Lord Harington dyed by the way at Wormes whose Corps was brought over and buâ—ied in England And here it will not be amisse to shew of what extent and largenesse the Palsgrave's Countrie isâ— because of the iniquity of some that seeke to disgrace it It is in length about two hundred English miles taking the lower and upper Countrie In the lower hee hath six and twenty walled Townes besides an infinite number of faire Villages and two and twenty houses of residence In the uper not so many walled Townes and houses but those that are generally fairer than in the lower especially Amberg and New-market But it is now time to looke home in the yeare 1609. the King having care for the quietnesse of Ireland had granted to the City of London the present possession and Plantation in the Province of Ulster whereupon afterward in the yeare 1612. they sent thither about three hundred persons of all sorts of handy-crafts men chiefely to inhabite the two Cities of London-Derrie and Coleraigne where they ordained Alderman Cockaine for their first Governour And for the advancing of this or the like Plantation in Ireland King Iames about this time began a new Order of Knights which are called Baroneâ—s because they take place next to Barons younger sonnesâ— and hee appoynted certaine Lawes to make them capable that should be admitted First that they should maintaine the number of thirty foot souldiers in Ireland for three yeares after the rate of eight pence a day and to pay the wages of one whole yeare upon the passing of their Patent Then that they should bee Gentlemen of Bloud of three Descents and lastly should have land of Inheritance in possession or immediate Reversion to the value of a thousand pounds per annum And to keep the Order from swarming he stinted it within the number of onely 200. and as the issue should faile the Order to cease But he that will look how wel the end of the Institution and the Laws of it have bin observed shall perhaps find it to be here as it was in the Order of St. Michael in France into which at firstâ— there were none admitted but Princes and Emminent
persons but afterward all sorts of men without any difference were admitted that it came almost to bee doubted whether the Dignity of the Order did more grace the persons or the meanesse of the persons disgrace the Order and indeed when the Lawes of an Institution are not in some measure observed it seemes to make a kind of nullity in the collation About this time on Sunday the â—4 of October an exemplar pennance was imposed upon Sir Peckâ—all Brâ—â—kas Knight which was to stand at Pauls Crosse in a white sheet holding a stick in his hand having been formerly convicted before the high Commissioners for many notorious Adulteries with divers women This yeare 1614. in the month of Iuly Christianus King of Denmark out of his love to his sister and King Iames came the second time into England but as being now secure of himselfe privately and with a small company so as he came to the Queen at Somerset house unexpected and before any knowledge was had of his comming but K. Iames being then in progresse in Bedford-shire and hearing of it came presently back and after he had entertained him here with Hunting Hawking running at Ring Bear-baiting Plays Fire-worksâ— and Fencing on the first of August Prince Charles brought him aboard his Ship who then took his leave and returned home In Octob. this yeare was a call of Sarjeants at Law being 11. in number namely George Wild Wil Towes Richâ— Bawtrie Henry Finch Thâ—â— Chamberlain Francis Moâ—râ— Thomas Attow Iohn Moâ—re Francis Harvie Charles Chibbourn and Tho. Richardson and in Trenity Terme before there had two other been called namely Sir Randal Creâ— of Lincolâ—s Inne and Sir Robert Hitcham of Grayes Inne Knights About this time an Embassador came from the young Emperour of Russia to King Iames desiring his continuall love and amity and to be a means of making attonemeâ—â— between him and the K. of Swethland and withall presented him with a rich present of Furs which was no smal honour to the K. of great Britain to have so great a Potentate as the Emperor of Russia a solicit him to be his mediator Though King Iames out of all naturall goodnesse was addicted to peace yet out of providence he neglected not to be prepared for war and thereupon in the yeare 1610. had granted priviledges to a society called of the Millitarie Garden and this year 1614 caused a Muster of men to be presented before him which was performed to his great liking and to the great commendation of the City About this time a memorable Act was performed by M. Hug. Middleton Citizen and Gold-smith of London and borne in Denâ—igh-shire who having an Act of Parliament for his Warrant with infinite cost and indefatigable labour brought water to the City of London from the two great springs of Chadwell and Amwell in Hartfort-shire having cut a Channell from thence to a place neere Islington whither he conveyed it to a large Pan and from thence in pipes of young Elmes to all places of the City for as the Poeth saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nothing is so commodious for the life of man as water Another memorable Act was about this time done on the North side on Lon. called Moore-fields which being before invironed with deep stinking ditches and noysome common showers was now not only made faire sweet but so levelled into walkes and let with trees that it is the pleasantest place of all the City The next yeare being 1615 another memorable Act for the benefit and beauty of the City of London was performed for Smith-field which was before a rude dirty place was now paved all over and strong railes sequestring the middle part of it were set up to make it a faire walking place and fit for Market or any other use The Lady Arbella a neare kinsewoman of the Kings had sometime before without the Kings privity secretly married Master William Seymour younger son of the Earle of Hartford now Earle of Hartford himselfe for which they were both committed to the Tower and now this yeare on the seven and twentieth day of Sep. she ended her lif there and was buried in the Chappell Royall at Westminster This yeare also in Iuly were Enstalled Knights of the Garter Francis Earle of Rutland Sir George Villers Master of the Horse and Sir Robert Sidney Viscount Lisâ—â— and in another kind of Honour the Earle of Arundell the Lord Carews and Doctor Andrews Bishop of Ely were sworne Privie Counsellours Wales by the death of Prince Henry had been a good while without a Prince and now to supply that place Prince Charles is Created Prince of Wales In Ioy whereof the Town of Ludlow in Shropshire and the City of London performed great Triumphs and the more to honour his Creation There were made five and twenty Knights of the Bathe all them Lords or Barons sons and yet more to honour it there were forty selected Gentlemen of the Innes of Court that performed a solemne Iusts at Barries with great magnificence This yeare was a Censure of divers great Delinquents for first Sir Edward Cookâ— was upon displeasure discharged from being Lord Chiefe Justice of the Kings Bench and two dayes after his discharge Sir Henry Montagâ—e the Kings Sergeant at Law was placed in his room Next to him the Lord Egerton whyther disabled by sicknesse or age to exercise the place or upon displeasure also had the Sele taken from him which was delivered to Sir Francis Bacon the King's Attourney he made first Lord Keeper and the Lord Egerton dying soon after Lord Chancellour Not long after him Sir Henry Yelverton the Kings Attourney for adding new priviledges to the Londoâ—ers Charter without the Kings privity was in displeasure put from his place and in his room was placed Sir Thomas Coventry the Kings Sollicitor But awhile after Sir Henry â—elverton was made a puny Iudge of the Common Pleas having indeed the reputation of an excellent Lawyer And yet this work of Censuring stayed not here for much about this time Thomas Earle of Suffolk Lord Treasurer of England had the staffe of his Office taken from him which was soon after delivered to Sir Henry Montagâ—â— Lord Chiefe Iustice of the Kings Beâ—ch If Sir Iohn Benet Iudge of the Prerogative Court had made a little more haste he mihght have made one in this number of Delinquents but he came short three or foure yeares and then being charged by his own servant with brybery he was put from his place and censured in the Starre-Chamber to pay twenty thousand pounds and in his roome was placed Sir William Byrde a man of more integrity Though King Iames upon the death of Queene Elizabeth came to reside in England yet â—e forgot not that Scotland was his native Countrey and therefore after he had spent some yeares in England to acquaint himselfe with the State of the Kingdome In March this yeare one thousand six hundred and sixteentâ— he made a Iourney into Scotland for though
Iames His Raigne there were so many made that it may not be unfit to set them down in a Cathalogue together In His first yeare were made foure Earles and nine Barons namely Henry Howard yonger brother of the last Duke of Norfolk was made Earle of Northampton Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst was made Earle of Dorset and shortly after Charles Blount Lord Montjoy was made Earle of Devonshire and Thomas Howard Baron of Walden was made Earle of Suffolk Henry Grey was made Lord Grey of Groby afterward by King Charles made E. of Stamford Henry Danvers was made Baron of Dansley afterwards by K. Charles made Earle of Danby Sir Iohn Peter of Essex was made B. of Writtle Sir W. Russell was made Baron of Thornaugh Sir Thomas Gerard was made Baron of Gerards Bromly in Stafford-shire Sir Robert Spencer was made B. of Wormelayton in the County of Warwick Sir Thomas Egerton was made B. of Elesmore and Sir Robert Cecill was created B. of Henden in Rutlandshire and Sir Iohn Harington was made Baron of Exâ—on In His second yeare on the 20 of May were made foure Barons and one Viscount Sir Robert Sidney was made Baron of Penshurst Sir William Knowles Baron of Grayes Sir Edw. Wotton Baron of Marley and Mildmay Fanc Lord de Spencer and in August the same yeare Sir Robert Cecill Baron of Essenden was created Viscount Cranbourne In His third yeare of the 4 of May were created three Earles and one Viscount and foure Barons namely Sir Robert Cecill Viscount Cranbourne was created E. of Salisburyâ— Sir Thomas Cecill his elder brother L. Burghley was created E. of Exeter and Sir Philip Herbert younger brother to the E. of Pembrok was created E. of Montgomery Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst was created Viscount of Lisle Sir Iohn Stanhope was made Baron of Harington Sir George Carew Baron of Clopton Mr Thomas Arundell of Devonshireâ— Baron of Warder and Master William Cavendysh Baron of Hardrickâ— In his fourth yeare on the fourth of Iuly Sir Thomas Kneveâ—t was called by writ to the Parliament by the name of Bâ—ron of Estrickâ— and was thereby Baron of that Title and on the seventh of September Sir Iervys Clifton was likewise called by writ to the Parliament by the name of Baron of Layton Bromsensold and was thereby Baron of that Title In his ninth yeare upon Easter-munday Sir Robert Carre was created Viscount Rochester and In his tenth yeare an the fourth of November was created Earle of Somersett In his eleventh yeare Lewis Steward Duke of Lenox was made Earle of Richmond and after Duke of Richmond In his thirteenth yeare on the 29. of Iuâ—e Sir Iames Hâ—y of Scotland was created Baron of Sawley and about three yeares after was made Viscount Doncaster and Sir â—obert Dorâ—er was created Baâ—on of Wyng afterward by K. Charles made Earle of Carâ—arvan In his fourteenth yeare on the 9. of Iuly Sir Iohn Hollis was created Baron of Haughton and Sir Iohn Roper of Kenâ—â— was made Baron of Tenham and on the 17. of August Sir George Villiers was created Baron of Whadden and Viscount Villiers and on the 7. of November Thomas Egerton L. Elsemore was created Viscount Brackley and he dying soon after his sonne Iohn was created Earle of Bridgewater William L. Knowles was created Viscount Wallingford and Sir Philip Stanhope was created Baron of Shelford On the 5 of Ianuary the Viscount Villiers was created Earle of Buckingham and on the third of March Sir Edward Noell of Rutland-shire was made Baron of Rydlington In his fifteenth yeare on New-yeares day Sir George Villiers Earle of Buckingham was created Marquis of Buckingham and on the 12 of Iuly Sir Francis Bacon Lord Chancellour of England was created Baron of Verulam and not long after Viscount Saint Albans Also in the Summer of this year the King created foure Earles and one Countesse namely the Viscount Lisle was made Earle of Leycester the Lord Compton was made Earle of Northampton the Lord Rich was made Earle of Warwick the Lord Cavendish was made Earle of Devonshire and the lady Compton wife to Sir Thomas Compton and mother of the Marquis of Buckingham was created Countesse of Buckingham In his sixteenth yeare on the 25 of November Sir Iohn Digby Vice chamberlaine to the King was created Baron of Shirbourne by Patent to him and his heires Males In his seventeenth yeare in the moneth of Iune Esme steward Lord d' Aubigny younger brother Duke of Lenox was created Earle of March Iames Marquis Hammilton was created Earle of Cambridge and Sir Iohn Villiers brother to the Marquis of Buckingham was Baron of Stâ—k and Viscount Purbeck In his eighteenth yeare William Câ—vendish was created Viscount Mansfield afterward by King Châ—rlâ—s mâ—de Earle of Neâ—castle and on Munday the fourth of Decâ—mber Sir Henry Mâ—â—tague being first made Lord Treasurer was created Baron of Kimbolton and Viscount Mâ—â—devile and not long after Earle of Manchester and Sir Iohn Ramsey Viscount Haddington of Scotland was created Earle of Holdernesse and William Fielding was created Baron of Newhenâ—â—â— and Viscount Fielding In his ninteenth yeare Henry Cary was made Lord Cary of Lâ—ppington afterward by King Charles made Earle of Manmouth Sir Edward Mountague elder Brother to the Viscount Mâ—â—devile was made Baron of Boulton the Lord Darciâ— of Essex was created Viscount Colchester afterward by King Charles made Earle Râ—vers the Lord Huâ—sdoâ— was created Viscount Rochford afterward by King Charles made Earle of Dâ—ver Sir Lyonell Cranfield Master of the Wardes was created Baron of Cranfield in Bedford-shire and Sir Howardâ— second sonne to Thomas Earle of Suffolkeâ— was created Baron Chorleton and Viscount Andover afterward by King Charles made Earle of Barke-shire In his twentyth yeare in the moneth of September the Viscount Doncaster was created Earle of Carlile the Viscount Fielding was created Earle of Denhigh the Lord Digby was made Earle of Bristow the Lord Cranfield was created Earle of Middlesex and Sir Henry Rich was made Baron of Kensington In his one and twentyth yeare the Marquis of Buckingham being then in Spaine with Prince Charles had his Patent sent him to be Duke of Buckingham William Grey was created Baron of Warke Elizabeth the widdow of Sir Moyle Fynch of Kent was created Viscountesse Maidestone afterward by K. Charles made Countesse of Winchelsly â—his two and twentieth year the Earle of Clanricard of Ireland was created Viscount Tunbridge in Kent afterward by King Charles made Earle of Saint Albans Sir Iohn Hollis Baron of Haughton was created Earle of Clare Sir 〈…〉 Riâ—h Baron of Kensington was created Earle of Holland the Lord 〈…〉 Baron of Say and Seale was made Viscount Say and Seale Sir 〈…〉 â—ane was created Earle of Westmerland Oliver Lord St. Iohn of Bletâ—â—◠〈◊〉 made Earle of Bullinbrook Sir Christopher Villers brother to the Duke of Bâ—ckingham was made Earle of Anglesey and Sir Iames Ley was made 〈…〉 afterward by King Charles made Earle of Marlborough Also this yearâ—â— Sir Francis Leak was made Baron of Deincourt and Sir Richard Roberts was made Lord Roberts of Truro in Cornwall And this was the number of all the Earles and Barons made by King Iamesâ— but in his time also began another sort of Nobility to bee made in England which had none of the Priviledges of English Barons but had onely Title to bee called Lords of some place either in Scotland or Ireland although they possessed not a foot of Land in either Of which â—oâ—t the number being great I forbeare to rehearse them lest I should be tedious or otherwise bee thought to encroach too much upon the Heralds office It is sufficient to have shewed that King Iames advanced so many in honour that in a kind it might be said of him as was said of Augustus Caesar That he left Rome of Marble which hee found built of Brick The beginning of THE RAIGNE OF KING Charles KING Iames being deceased on the 27 day of March in the forenoon the same day in the afternoone Charles Prince of Wales His only son then living was Proclaimed King of Great-Brittain France and Ireland with the Generall acclamation of all sorts of People as being a Prince of admirable endowments both of mind and body He was now about the age of 25 yeares whereof the most part of one he had spent in Spaine where although he was frustrated of the end for which he went yet it gave him a tincture of Travaile and Expeâ—ience more worth perhaps then the end he went for For by this meanes he attainâ—â— to a greater degree of that which made Ulysses so famous Quod mores hominum multorum vidit urbes The first thing he did after his Coronation was to proceed in the marriage agreed upon in His Fathers time with the beautiful vertuous Lady Henrieta Maria yonger daughter of the Great Henry the 4â— K. of France after which marriage we have only to say that he was happy in the Wife of His bosome Happy in His hopefull Issue Happy in the love of His people Happy in the Peace and tranquility of his Kingdomesâ— and Happy in the continuâ—nce of all these Happinesses for 15 years together and might have so continued still if it had not been for Discordia Demens Viperiuâ—s crinem vittiâ— innexa cruentis But of that which happened afterward I dare not take upon me to be a Register Neither is it indeed safe to begin a Narration which I must be faine to breake off in amazâ—ment as having nothing left me to say but Omnia in maluâ—â—â—ere and so far from any apparance of humane remedy that our only Anchor must be this supersuntâ— Yet our hope is It will be but a fit and the storme once past faire weather again and fairer perhaps than it was before and then with Ioy we shall resume our stile Laetumque choro Poeana canemus In the meane time comforting our selves with the words of the Prophet David Many are the troubles of the Righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all Carolus en Rex magnus in armis major in ermis Quid mirum Imperio magnus amore magis FINIS
to aide the Duke of Britaine but the King of France at that time dying the Duke of Britain grew to have peace with the new King whereupon the Earle of Buckingham came home againe without doing much but making of Knights and forraging the Country In this time the French and Spanish Gallies did much mischiefe on the Coast of England they burnt Rye Hâ—stiâ—gs aâ—d Portsmouth and at last entâ—ing the River of Thames they came up to Gravesend where they burnt most part of the Towne and taking many Prisoners and Booties returned into France At this time also there fell out an Accident of great disturbance to the Realme for the Commons rose in divers parts beginning at Depâ—ford in Kent and the cause of their Rising grew as was thought through the rude behaviour of a Collector of the Poll-money who comming into the house of one Iohn Tyler and demanding Pollmony of his wife for a daughter of hers and she saying that her daughter was not of that age to pay the rude fellow said he would presently see whether that were so or no and thereupon forceably turned up her cloâ—thes whereat the mother making an outcry her husband being at work hard by and hearing the noyse came in with his lathing-staffe in his hand with which he gave the Collector such a blow on the head that his braines flew out and he presently dyed Upon this at the complaint of Tyler amongst his neighbours and withall a factious Clergie-man one Iohn â—â—ll taking occasion hereat to rip up the ground of this Misgovernment and telling the people that this difference of mens Estates where some are Potentates and some are Bondmen was against Christian liberty taking for his Theame When Adam delv'd and Eve span who was then â— Gentleman he so incensed them that the Commons in divers parts drew together and whether beginning in Kent or otherwise in Essex they drew at last into their faction the Commons of Sâ—ssex Hartfordshire Cambridgshire Suffolk Norfolk and other Shires and arresting all such as passed made them sweare to be true to K. Richard and to the Commons and never to receive any King that should be called Iohn which they did for the envy they bore to Iohn Duke of Lancaster Thus their number still increased that by that time they were come as farre as Black-heath they were esteemed to be a Hundred Thousand The first thing they did when they came to London was to send for one Richard Lyon a grave Citizen who had been Tylers Master and his head they struck off and carried it upon a pole in Triumph before them The next day they goe to the Savoy the Duke of Laâ—casters house which they set on fire burning all his rich Furniture breaking in pieces all his Plaâ—e and Jewels and throwing them into the Thames saying They were men of justice and would not like Robbers enrich themselves with any mans goods and when one of their fellowes was espyed to thrust a faire silver piece into his bosome they tooke him and cast both him and the piece into the fire Two and thirty of them were got into the Dukes Wine-Cellar where they stayed drinking so long till the rafteâ—s of the house on fire fell upon them and so covered them that not able to get out they were heard cry seven dayes after and then perished From the Savoy they went to the Temple where they burnt the Lawyers lodgings with their bookes and writings and all they could lay hand on Also the House of St. Iohns by Smithfield they set on fire so that it burned for the space of seven dayes together After this they came to the Tower where the King was then lodged and though he had at that time sixe hundred armed men and as many Archers about him yet he durst not but suffer them to enter where they abused the Kings mother offering to kisse her in such rude manner that she fell into a swound and finding in the place Simon Thybold Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellour and Sr. Robert Hales also Lord Treasurer they led them to the Towerhill and there in most cruell manner struck off their headâ— as also of divers others Neither spared they sacred places for breaking into the Church of the Augustine Fryers they drew forth thirteene Flemmings and beheaded them in the open streets as also seventeen other out of other Churcheâ— Yet after all these outrages the King proclaimed Pardon to all such as would lay down Armes and goe quietly home which the Essex-men did but the Kentish-men continued still with their Captaine Wat Tylâ—r to whom when the King sent Sir Iohn Newton to understand what his meaning was Wat Tyler offended because he came on horse-back told him it became him to light from his horse in his presence aâ—d therewith drew out his dagger to strike him the King perceiving his Knight to be in danger bade him alight from his horse but when this would not pacifie him the Major of London William Walworth by the Kings appointment rode to him and arrested him and gave him such a blow on the head that he astonied him and then other of the Kings servants drew their swords and thrust him through in divers parts of his body so as he died there in the place When the Commons saw this they cryed out Our Captain is slain let us revenge it Here the King though very young not above fifteen yeeres of age yet had the courage to ride unto them telling them that now their Leader was dead he would be their Leader himselfe and if they would follow him into the fields they should have whatsoever they desired In the meane time the Lord Major Walworth had gone into the City and raised a Thousand armed men and meeting Sir Robert Knolls by chance got him to be their Leader who comming into the fields where the Rebels were so daunted them that throwing downe their weapons they cryed for mercy that it was a wonderfull thing to see how suddenly Fear overtook Presumption for scarce their words of Insolency were out of their mouths when they fell to words of most servile submission And as strange an alteration in those about the King to see how suddenly Boldnes surprized Feare for scarce they left trembling at the sight of the Rebels when suddenly upon sight of this Ayde their fingers itched to be setting â—pon them but that the King would not suffer it because some amongst them were there by compulsion and to set upon them thus mingled might as well be the death of the innocent as of the guilty But to pacifie them the more the King caused his Charter of Manumission to be sent unto them which yet stayed them not from committing outrages at Sâ— Albans and cancelling the antient Charters of the Abbots and Monks there Besides the Sedition was more generall then that the appeasing it in one place could be finall for at the same time there were gathered together in Suffolk to the
to deliver Mortimer but the King was deafe of that eare he could rather have wished both him and his two Sisters in heaven for then he should be free from conceal'd competitours These affronts were at this time suffered in the Welch because the King was now employed in a more dangerous service with the Scots for they taking advantage of the distraction in the kingdome as it was alwayes their custome to do had made an In-rode into the County of Northumberland and suddenâ—y one night set upon the Castle of Werke tooke and spoiled it and then returned In revenge wherof the English invaded and spoiled certain Islands of the Orknâ—ys Then the Scots set forth a Fleet under the conduct of Sir Robert Logon but before he came to any action he was encountred and the greatest part of his Fleet taken But these were but such affronts as often happen between troublesome neighbours for all this while the Peace was still in being between the Nations but at last it brake out into an open warre upon this occasion Robert King of Scots had offered to match his Son David with a Dâ—ughter of Geoâ—ge Earle of Dunbarre and had received money of him in part of her portion and afterward would neither suffer the March to proceed nor yet pay back the money but married his Son to a Daughter of Archibold Earle of Dâ—â—glasse Upon which indignity George of Dunbarre flyes into England to king Henry and with his ayd makes divers incursions into Scoâ—land Whereupon Roberâ— king of Scots sent to king Henry that if he would have the Truce between them to continue he should deliver to him George of Dunbarre King Henry answered that he had given him a safe conduct and could not now recall it with his Honor but as for continuing the Truce king Robert might do in that what he thought bestâ— Upon this answer the king of Scots presently proclaimed warre against him But king Henry as ready in that matter as he stayed not for king Roberts invading of England but himselfe with a puissant Army invaded Scotland burning Castles and Cities and not sparing Churches and Religious Houses About the end of September he besieged the Castle of Maydens in Edenbourgh where Prince David and the Earle Dowglasse were At which time Robert Duke of Albanye who in the king of Scots sicknesse managed the businesse sent an Herald to king Henry protesting upon his honor that if he would stay but six dayes he would give him battell K. Henry rewarded the Herald and stayed but six times six dayes passed but neither Duke of Albany nor any other for him appeared And now winter came on Victualls grew scant and which was worst a mortality began in the Englâ—sh Campe For which causes king Henry removed his Siege and retuâ—ned iâ—tâ— England As soone as he was gone sir Patrick Hebborne a Scottishman having a good opinion of his valour thought to do great matters and with a competent Army of the men of Lâ—â—gh-deane he invaded Northumberland making great spoile and loading his Soulâ—diers with prey and prisoners but in the Retreit marching loosely and licentiously was set upon by the Earle of Northumberland Vice-warden at a Towne called Neshye where Hebborne himselfe and all the floure of Lâ—ugh-deane were flaine sir Iohn and William Cockburne sir William Busse Iohn and Thomas Hablington Esqâ—ires and a multitude of common Souldiers taken prisoners On the Englâ—sh part few slâ—inâ— and none of any ranke or quality In revenge whereof Archibold Dowglasse with an Army of twenty thousand entred Northumberland but at a place called Homâ—ldon were encountred by the English under the leading of Henry Lord Percye sirnamed Hoâ—spuâ—â—e and George Earle of March who put them to â—light and after the slauâ—hter of ten thousand of them tooke five hundred prisoners whereof the chieft were Mordack Earle of Fife sonne of the Generall who in the fight lost one of his eyes Thomas Earle of Murrey Robert Earle of Aâ—gus the Earls of Atholl and Menliâ—â—â— and amongst the slaine were Sir Iohn Swinton Sir Adam Gourdon Sir Iohn Leviston Sir Alexander Ramsey and three and twenty other knights In this meane time Glendour of Wales had solicited the king of France for ayde who sent him twelve hundred men of quality but the windes were so contrary that they lost twelve of their ships and the rest returned home The English deriding this ill successe of the French so exasperated the French-king that presently after he sent twelve thousand who landed safely and joyned with the Welch but as soone as they heard of the English armies approach whether mistrusting their own strength or suspecting the Welch-mens faithfullnesse they ran to their ships and disgracefully went home King Henry's Ambassadors lately sent into Britaine to fetch the Lady Iane de Navarre Dutchesse of Britiane the relict of Iohn de Montford sirnamed the Conquerourâ— with whom the king by Procurators had contracted Matrimony in the beginning of February returned with her in safety The king met her at Winchester where the seventh of February the marriage was solemnized About this time some affronts were offered by the French Valerian Earle of S. Paul with seventeene hundred men landed in the Isle of Wight where hee burnt two Villages and some few Cottages but hearing the people of the Island to have assembled hee made haste to his ships and returned home Also Iohn Earle of Clermont the heire of Bourbon won from the English the Castles of S. Peter S. Mary and the New-Castle The Lord de la Brett won the Castle of Calâ—â—in places of great consequence to the English And now to make k. Henry sensible that a Crown can hardly ever sit easie upon the head if it be not set on right at first a new Conspiracy is hatching against him The Percies Earls of Northumberland and Worcester with Henry Hotspur began about thiâ— time to fall off from king Henry their reason was First because the king at their request refused to redeeme their kinsman Mortimer from Glendours slavery and then because he denied them the benefit of such prisoners as they had taken of the Scots at Homildon or Nâ—shye whereupon they went of themselves and procured Mortimer's delivery and then entred into a League offensive and defensive with Glendour and by their Proxies in the house of the Arch-deacon of Bangor they agreed upon a Tripartite Indenture under their hands and seales to divide the kingdome into three parts whereby all England from Severâ— and Trent South and Eastward was assigned for the portion of the Earle of March All Wales and the Lands beyond Severâ— VVestward were assigned to Owen Glendour And all the remainder of land from Trent Northward to bee the portion of the Lord Percy In this as Glendour perswaded them they thought they should accomplish a Prophesie as though king Henry were the Mouldwarp cursed of Gods own mouth they three were the Lyon the Dragon and the Wolfe which should divide the Land
among them In this meane time king Henry not acquainted with this Conspiracy caused a Proclamation to bee made intimating that the Earle of March had voluntarily caused himself to bee taken prisoner to the end the Rebels having him in their custody might pretend some colour for their Conspiracy and therefore hee had small reason to take care for his deliverance Hereupon the Percies assisted with a company of Scots and drawing to their party the Earle of Stafford and Richard Scroope Archbishop of Yorke and many other purposed to joyne with the Captain of the Welch but first they framed certaine Articles against the king and sent them to him in writing That hee had falsified his Oath given at his landing swearing that he came but only to recover his Inheritance and would not meddle with the King or with the Crowne That most trayterously hee had taken Armes against his Soveraigne Lord Imprisoned him and then most barbarouusly caused him to be murthered That ever since the death of king â—ichard he had unjustly kept the Crown from his kinsman Edmund Mâ—rtimer Earl of March to whom of right it belonged That upon no occasion hee had imposed divers Taxes upon the people That by his Letters hee procured Burgesses and Knights of the Parliament to bee chosen for which causes and many other they defyed him and vowed his destruction and the restoring of the Earle of March to his right King Henry could not but know that all these Articles against him were true yet seeing the knowing it hindred him not from seeking to get the Crowne when hee had it not it could lesse hinder him from seeking to keep it now that he had it and if he were able being a private man to get it from a King he was likely to bee more able being now a king to keepe it from privatâ— men and as for any objections that Conscience could make he had enough to answere them all For if his Title were good against king Richard by his Resignation it was as good against Mortimer by his swearing Allegiance and upon these grounds with a minde as confident as if all cyrcumstances were of his side he raysed an Army and marched towards the Lords taking care they might by no meanes joyne with the Welch and about Shrewsbury on Saturday S. Mary Magdalens Eve hee encountred them in which fight though the Scots and Henry Hotspur shewed much valour yet the victory rested on the kings side Hotspur himselfe was slayne the Earle of Worcester was taken prisoner together with Sir Richard Vernon Sir Theobald Trussel the Baron of Kinderton and the rest fled On the kings part besides the Earle of Stafford who had that morning revolted from the Conspirators were slaine Sir Hugh Sherley Sir Cliftonâ— Sir Iohn Cockayn Sir Nicholas Gausell Sir Walter Blunt Sir Iohn Calverley Sir Iohn Massie of Puddingtrâ— Sir Hugh Mortimer and Sir Robert Gausell all which had beene but that morning dubbed knights with Sir Thomas Wendsley who died afterwards of his wounds of common Souldiers about sixteene hundred but of the Conspirators above six thousand whereof 36 the king slew with his own hand but was once unhorsed by Dowglasse who in his presence slew Sir Walter Blunt with divers others that day in all things attired like to the king for which exployt Dowglasse being after by the fall of his horse taken prisoner was by the kings command carefully attended and without Ransom set at liberty In this batttell the young Prince Henry though wounded in the face with an Arrow yet was not wounded in his courage but continued fighting still After this victory the king caused publique thanks to bee given to God and then caused the Earle of Worcester to bee beheaded and many others of that Rebellion to bee drawne hanged and quartered and their heads placed on London Bridge And then the king sent his sonne Henry Prince of Wales with his whole Army into that Country but before his comming Owen Glendour was abandoned by all his Company and lurking in the woods was there famished many of his associats were taken and put to death Whilest the Prince was in Wales Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland of his own accord came and submitted himselfe to the king protesting his innocency aâ— not being once acquainted with any intent of Treason and Rebellion whose excuse the king received for the present with gentle language the rather for that hee had the possession of Barwick Castle and other places of strength in his power but yet he wiped not off the score of his misdemeanors out of his minde And now with the fourth yeere of his Reigne ended all the great Troubles of this k. Henry the fourth those that follow are but such accidents as are frequent in all times both abroad and at home The Britans under the leading of the Lord of Castiles spoyled the Towne of Plimouth In revenge whereof the Western-men under the command of William Wilford set forth â— Fleete which arriving in Britaine tooke forty ships laden with Oyle and Wines and burnt forty more Againe the French landed a thousand men in the Wightâ— where they got together a great booty of Cattell but the Islanders comming upon them tooke away their booty and made many of them leave their Carkases for a booty to the â—sland Yet the French would not leave so but a while after as having gotten new spirits they cast Anchor before the Isle of Wight and require no lesse then to have the Island into their possession but a resolute answere of the Islanders frighted them away and made them glad they were gone Soone after this the Duke of Orleance brother to the French king in a vaunting stile sent a challenge to king Henry to meete him in the field each of them to have a hundred in his Company to which the king answered That for his own valour it had sufficiently been tryed and for this challenge of the Dukes neither the Person nor the Cause were worthy of his undertaking Upon this refusall of the kings divers taunts and jeeres were bandied beâ—weene them till at last the Duke in great passion falls upon Vergie a Towne in Guyen but after three moneths assaulting it being valiantly defended by Sir Robert Anâ—field and three hundred Englishmen he was glad to give over with losse and returne into France Presently upon this the Admirall of Britaine accompanied with the Lord du Castile and thirty saile of ships attempted to land at Dertmouth in Devonshire but were repelled and the Lord du Castile and two of his brothers and foure hundred of his men were slaine besides two hundred taken Prisoners of whom the Lord Baquevile Marshall of Britaine was one After this five hundred men of armes five hundred Crosse-bowes and a thousand Flemmings under the conduct of the Earle of S. Paul laid siege to the Castle of Marâ—k three leagues frâ—m Câ—llice but first by Sir Philip Hall Captaine of Callice and after by Sir Richard Aston
a Chaire to be brought into his Privy Chamber where in presence of but three of foure of his Privy Councell he demanded of the Prince the cause of his unwonted habit and comming who answered That being not onely his subject but his sonne and a sonne so tenderly alwayes regarded by him he were worthy of a thousand deaths if he should intend or but imagine the least offence to his sacred Majestie and therefore had fitted himselfe to be made a sacrifice and therewithall reached his dagger holding it by the point to his father For said he I desire not to live longer than I may be thought to be what I am and shall ever be Your faithfull and obedient Vassall With this or the like Answer the King was so moved that he fell upon his sonnes neck and with many teares imbracing him confessed that his ears had been too open to receive reports against him and promising faithfully that from thenceforth no reports should cause any disaffection towards himâ— The king about this time made his Son Iohn Duke of Bedford and his Son Humpheâ— Duke of Glocester he made also sir Thomas Beauford Earle of Dorset and the Earle of Arundel he created Duke of Yorke The rest of king Henries dayes from this time forward being scarce a year was free from all trouble both abroad and at home unlesse perhaps he might be troubled in minde for having shed so much English and Noblebloud for expiation whereof or else to the end he might joyne Valour and Devotion in one action together which hitherto he but used singly he tooke upon him the Crusado and at a Councell in White-Friars order was taken and great preparation was made for his journey to Ierusalem But it was otherwise Decreed in Heaven and yet not so otherwise but that he ended his life in Ierusalem as shall be shewed hereafter Of his Taxations IN the very begining of his Reigne it might passe instead of a Taxation that he found in king Richards Coffers in money and jewells to the value of seven hundred thousand pounds In his fourth yeare an extraordinary Subsidie was granted him Twenty shillings of every knights Fee and of every one that had twenty shillings a yeare in land twelve pence and upward according to that rate and of every one that had twenty pounds in goods twelve pence and upward according to that rate but with this caution and protestation that it should not hereafter be drawn for a President and that no Record thereof should be made In his sixth yeare the Clergie granted to the king a Tenth In his seventh yeare the Clergie granted a Tenth and a halfe and the Commons two Fifteens In a Parliament holden the ninth yeare of his Reigne the king moved to have allowed him in every yeare wherein there was no Parliament keptâ— a Tenth of the Clergy and a Fifteenth of the Layity to which demands the Bishops assented but the Commons would not In his seventh yeare a Parliament began which lasted almost a whole yeare in which a Subsidie was at last granted so sharpe that even Priests and Friers who lived of Alms were forced every one to pay a noble Of Lawes and Ordinances made in his time IN this kings dayes burning and execution by fire for controversies in Religion was first put in practise Also in the first yeare of his Reigne an Act was made that no person of what degree soever should after that day alleadge for his excuse any constraint or coaâ—cting of his Princeâ— for doing of any unlawfull act and that such excuse after that day should stand him in no stead Also an Act was made that no Lord nor other might give any Liveries to any but their houshold and meniall servants In his twelveth yeare the king caused a new coyne of Nobles to be made which was of lesse value than the old Noble by foure pence Also that all Rypiers and other Fishers from any of the Sea-coasts should sell their fish in Cornhill and Cheapside themselves and not to Fishmongers that would buy it to sell againe Also this king instituted the Dutchie Court which he did in honor of the House of Lancaster to the end the Lands belonging to that Dutchie might in all following times be distinguisht and known from the Lands of the Crown In his sixt year the king called a Parliament at Coventry and sent Processe to the Sheriffes that they should chuse no knights nor Burgesses that had any knowledge in the Lawes of the Realm by reason whereof it was called the Lay-mens Parliament In his seventh yeare the Major of London for preservation of fish obtained that all Weres which stood between London and seven miles beyond Kingstone as also such as stood betweene London and Gravesend should be pulled up and taken away Affaires of the Church in his time BY reason of discord between Iohn of Gaunt and Wickham Bishop of Winchester the Bishop either in durance could not or in feare durst not come to the Parliament House at a time when the King required a supply of money but the Clergie unanimously affirming that without their brother the Bishop of Winchesters presence they neither can nor will consult of any thingâ— he is presently sent for and by the King secured After this the King called a Parliament at Coventry and sent Processe to the Sheriffs that they should chuse no knights or Burgesses that were Lawyers and was therefore called the Laymens Parliament And shortly after another Parliament was called and named the unlearned Parliament either for the unlearnednesse of the persons or for their malice to learned men In which the Commons presented a Petition to the King and the upper House desiring that the king might have the Temporall Possessions of the Bishops and Clergie the value whereof they pretended wou'd be sufficient maintenance for a hundred and fifty Earls one thousand five hundred knights six thousand two hundred Esquires and a hundred Hospitals for maymed Souldiers They craved likewise that Clerks convict should not be delivered to the Bishops prison and that the Statute made in the second yeare of the king against Lollards might be Repealed But the king denied their Petition and in Person commanded them from thenceforth not to presume to trouble their brains about any such businesse for he was resolved to leave the Church in as good state as he found it In the twelveth yeare of his Reigne certain learned men in Oxford and other places in their Sermons maintained the opinions of Wickliffe but the Bishops and Doctors of the University inhibited and condemned them In his time was a great Schisme in the Church by reason of two Anti-Popes but afterwards in an assembly of Cardinalls and Bishops a third man was elected named Alexander the fifth who had been trained up at Oxford Works of Piety in his time KING Henry Fownded a Colledge at Battlefield in Shropshire where he overcame the Lord Henry Percy In his third yeare the Conduit upon Cornhill
was begun to be built Also in his time Sir Robert Knolls made the Stone bridge of Rochester in Kent and founded in the Town of Pomfret a Colledge and an Hospitall he also re-edified the body of the White-Friers Church in Fleetstreet where he was afterward buried Which Church was first founded by the Ancestours of the Lord Grey of Codnor In the eighth yeare of his Reigne Richard Whittington Major of London erected a house or Church in London to be a house of Prayer and named it after his own name Whittington Colledge with lodgings and weekly allowance for divers poore people He also builded the Gate of London called Newgate in the yeare 1420 which was before a most loathsome prison He builded also more than halfe of St. Bartholmews Hospitall in West-Smithfield and the beautifull Library in the Gray Friars in Londonâ— now called Christs Hospitall He also builded a great part of the east end of Guildhall and a Chappell adjoyning to it with a Library of stone for the custodie of the Records of the Citie But he that exceeded all at this time in works of Piety was William Wickham Bishop of Winchester his first worke was the building of a Chappell at Tychfield where his Father Mother and Sister Perrâ—t was buried Next he founded at Southwick in Hampshire neere the Towne of Wickham the place of his birth as a supplement to the Priorie of Soutâ—wicke a Chauntry with allowance for five Priests for ever He bestowed twenty thousand marks in repairing the houses belonging to the Bishopricke he discharged out â—f Prison in all places of his Diocesse all such poore prisoners as lay in execution for debt under twenty pounds he amended all the high-wayes from Winchester to London on both sides the River After all this on â—he fifth of March 1379 he began to lay the foundation of that magnificent Structure in Oxford called New-Colledge and in person layd the first stone thereof in which place before there stood Naetius-Colledge built by Alver at Nâ—tius intreaty and for the affinity of the name came to be called New-Colledge In the yeare 1387 on the 26 of March he likewise in person layd the first stone of the like foundation in Winchester and dedicaâ—â—â— the same as that other in Oxford to the memory of the Virgin Mary The Grocerâ— in London purchased their Hall in Cuâ—â—yhope Lane for 320 marks and then layd thâ— foundation thereof on the tenth of May. King Henry founded the Colledge of Fâ—â—ringhey in Northamptoâ—shire to which King Heâ—ry the fifth gave land of the Priories of Monkes Aliens by him suppressed Iohn Gower the famous Poet new builded a great part of St. Mary Overyes Church in Southâ—â—rke where he lyes buried In the second yeare of this king a new market in the Poultry called the Stocks was builded for the free sale of Forreign Fishmongers and Butchers In his twelveth yeare the Guildhall of London was begun to be new Edified and of a little Cottage made a goodly house as now it is Casualties happening in his time IN his third yeare in the Moneth of March appeared a Blazing-starre first betwixt the East and the North and then sending forth fiery beams towards the North foreshewing perhaps the effusion of bloud that followed after in Wales and Northumberland In the same yeare at Danbury in Essex the Devill appeared in likenesse of a Gray-Frier who entring the Church put the people in great fear and the same houre with a tempest of Whirlewinde and Thunder the top of the steeple was broken down and halfe the Chancell scattered abroad In his seventh yeâ—re such abundance of water brake suddenly over the Banks in Kent that it drowned Cattell without number Also this yeare the Town of Reystone in Hartfordshire was burnt In his ninth yeare was so sharpe a winter and such abundancâ— of snow continuing December Ianuary February and March that almost all small Birds died through hunger Of his Wives and Children HE had two Wives the first was Mary one of the Daughters and heirs of Hâ—mphrey de Boâ—un Earle of Hereford Essex and Northampton she died before he câ—me to the Crowne in the yeare 1394. His second Wife was Ioane Daughter to Charles the first king of Navarre she being the widdow of Iohn de Montford surnamed Streaâ—y or the Conquerour Duke of Brittaine who dyed without any issue by king Henry at Havering in Essex the yeare 1437 in the fifteenth yeare of king Henry the sixth and lyeth buried by her husband at Canterbury He had foure Sons and two Daughters Of his Sons Henry his eldest was Prince of Wales and after his Father king of England His second Son was Thomas Duke of Clarence and Steward of England who was slaine at Beaufort in Anjoâ— and dyed without issue His third Son was Iohn Duke of Bedford he married first with Anne Daughter to Iohn Duke of Burgundie and secondly with Iacoba Daughter of Peter of Luxenbourgh Earle of St. Paul but dyed also without issue His fourth Son was Humphry by his brother king Henry the fifth created Duke of Gloucester and was generally called the good Duke he had two Wives but dyed without issue in the yeare 1446 and was buried at St. Albans though the vulgar opinion be that he lyes buried in St. Pauls Church Of king Henry the fourths Daughters Blanch the elder was married to Lewis Barbatus Palatine of the Rhene and Prince Elector Philippe his younger Daughter was married to Iohn king of Denmarke and Norway Of his Personage and Conditions COncerning his Body he was of a middle stature slender limbes but well proportioned Concerning his Minde of a serious and solid disposition and one that stood more upon his own legges than any of his Predecessors had done in cases of difficulty not refusing but not needing the advice of others which might confirme but not better his own He was neither merry nor sad but both best pleas'd when he was opposed because this was like to doe him good by sharpening his invention most angry when he was flattered because this was sure to doe him hurt by dulling his judgement No man ever more loved nor lesse doted upon a wife than he a good husband but not uxorious that if there be reines to that Passion we may know he had them It may be thought he affected the Crown not so much out of Ambition as out of Compassion because the oppreâ—sions of his Country he could not so well helpe being a Subject as a King for otherwise we may truly say he was a loser by the Crowne being not so great for a King as he was before for a Subject The Crowne rather was a gainer by him which hath ever since been the richer for his wearing it We may thinke he was either weary of his life or longing for death for why else would he take upon him the Crusado having been told by a skilfuâ—l Southsayer that he should dye in Ierusalem but it seemes he did not believe
to advize On Thursday the ninth of March a Gentleman came in Post from the Lady Margaret with Letters signifying that whereas the King of France had long lyen at the siege of Pavia he had now been forced to raise his siege and was himselfe taken prisoner by thâ— Imperialestsâ— for joy whereof Bonfires and great Triumph was made in 〈◊〉 and on the twentieth of March being Sunday the King himselfe came to Pauls and there heard a solemne Masse But for all this shew of joy it was thought if the King of France had not now been taken prisoner that the King of England would have joyned in amity with him as being angry with the Fleâ—â—â—gs for Inhauâ—â—ing his Coyne in Flanders which caused much money to be conâ—ayed out of England thither The King of France being taken prisoner was after some time convayed into Spaine and at last brought to Madrill where he â—ell so sicke that the Physitians had little hope of his life unlesse the Emperour would be pleased speedily to visit him upon whose visitation he recovered his health though not presently his strength In which time many propositions were made for his delivery but the Emperour would accept of â—one without restitution of the Dutchy of Burgoigne At last the French King weary of imprisonment and longing for liberty was content to agree to any conditionsâ— the chiefe whereof were that the French King by a certaine day should be set at liberty and within six weeks after should resigne to the Emperour the Dutchy of Burgoigne with all Members pertayning to it and at the â—ame â—â—stant should put into the Emperours hands the Dolphyn of France â—nd with him either the Duke of Orleance his second sonne or else twelve priâ—cipall Lords of France whom the Emperour should name and that there should be between them a League and perpetâ—all coâ—federation foâ— defence of their estates Of whose attonement when King Henry heard as before he had expressed gladnesse that he was taken prisoner so now he sent Sir Thomas Cheiney to him to expresse his joy for being set at liberty so suddaine is the enterchange of love and hate amongst great Princes The French King being thus delivered the Emperour married the Lady Isabel Daughter to Emanuel King of Portingal and â—ad with her in Dower eleven hundred thousand Duckeâ—sâ— though three yeers before being at Windsor he had covenanted to take to wife the Lady Mary King Henries Daughter At this time Cardinall Woolsey obtained licence of the King to erect a Colledge at Oxford and another at Ipswich and towards the charge of them got leave also to suppresse certaine small Monasteries to the number of forty and after got a confirmation of the Pope that he might imploy the Goods and Lands belonging to those Houses to the maintenance of those two Colledges a perniâ—ious president and that which made the King a way afterward to make a generall suppression of all religioâ—s Houses though indeed there be great difference between converting of Monestaries into Colledges and utter subverting them In March King Henry sent Cuthert Tunstall Bishop of London and Sir Richard Winkfield Chancelour of the Duâ—chy of Lancâ—ster into Spaine to conferre with the Emperour about matters of great importance and particularly about Warre to be made in France and yet were these two Princes at this time in League but he that shall observe the carriage of these three Princes towards one another and how convertible their Leagues were into Warre and their Warre into Peace shall finde it a strange Riddle of Ragion di statâ— and their Leagues to have been but meere complements where the skale was turned with the least graine of a circumstance and though they were bound by Oath yet that Oath made the Leagues but little the firmer seeing the League might be broken and yet the Oath kept for while one gave the occasion and the other took it though they were both accessaries yet neither was principall and where there is not a principall the Oath remains inviolate And upon those Hinges did the friend-ship of these Princes turne as at this time the Emperour though not long before he had parted with the King of England in the greatest kindnesse that could be yet gave not the English Embassadours so kinde entertainment now as he had formerly done but for what cause was not apparent unlesse upon some sinister report made to him by Monsieur de Prate who having been his Ligier with the King of England was without taking leave of the King departed and come to the Emperour before the English Embassadours came But howsoever King Henry being determined to make Warre in France himselfe in person his Councell fell into consideration how the charge of the Warre should be maintained which care the Cardinall takes upon him and thereupon appoints Commissioners in all Shiers to sit and draw the people to pay the sixth part of every mans substance in plate or money but the people opposed it alleadging that it was against the Law of the Realme for any man to be charged with such payments unlesse by Parliament and as the Cardinall continued to presse it so the people continued to denye it and when some for denying it were committed to prison the Commons in many Countryes made great assemblies for their defence the report whereof at last came to the King who thereupon came to VVestminster and protested openly that it was done without his knowledge and that it was never his meaning to ask any thing of his Subjects but according to Law and therefore desired to know by whose Authority it was done Here the Cardinall excused himselfe and said that it was the opinion of all the Judges and of all his Councell thaâ— he might Lawfully demand any summe so it were done by Commission and thereupon it was done But the King liked not to take advantage of a distinction to draw money from his Subjects and thereupon gave warning for doing any such thing hereafter and signified so much by his Letters into all the Shiers of England giving also a generall pardon to all that had offered to rise upon it which though he did of his owne free grace yet the Cardinall to win a good opinion in the Commons gave out that it was by his meanes the King granted the pardon King Henries seventeenth yeer was honoured with the advancing of many in honour for on the eighteenth of Iune at his Pallace of Bridewell the Kings sonne which he had by Elizibeth Blunt daughter to Sir Iohn Blunt Knight called Henry Fitz-Roy was created first Earl of Nottingham and after on the same day Duke of Richmond and Somerset Henry Courtney Earle of Devonshire was created Marquis of Excetur the Lord Brandon sonne to the Duke of Suffolke and the French Queene a child of two yeers old was created Earle of Lincolne Sir Thomas Manners Lord Rosse was created Earle of Rutland Sir Henry Clifford was created Earle of Cunberland Sir Robert Ratcliffe