Perswasions of the Irish Priests closely and hourly made and applied to the Earl of Tyrconnel then Lord Deputy or at least Governour of Ireland he also hoping by his not submitting to gain great Honour and Preferment if not the whole Country for his own proper use and benefit but therein he â—ight easily perceive his errour for Iewis that aspiâ—ing Monarch had design'd it long before to be annexed to his Flower de luces but the poor Irish Harp would have caused but doleful Musick to the Hibernians yet a melodious tune to the wooden shoo'd French which would presently have bin dancing in that Country however the reasons before mentioned mâ—de Tyrconnel so obstinate that with what Forces and that little Courage he was possessed of to defend and preserve Ireland for his two Mâ—sters what the event was some few years will tell you however this light you shall have at present that things proved quite contrary after several Conflicts and Battels to his expectation But let us return into England and there behold how many potent Enemies the King had secured in several Prisons for the security of Their Majesties Persons and the Kingdoms Welfare Peace and Happiness viz. George Jefferies Baron of Wem and Lord High Chancellor of England the Earl of Peterborough the Earl of Salisbury the Lord Castlemain the Lord Preston the Earl of Feversham the Lord Chief Justice Wright Baron Jenner Sir Edward Hale formerly Governour of Dover and after Lieutenant of the Tower of London and let Miles Prance the Silver-Smith a timely Discoverer have the honour to be taken at Gravesend with a false Pass and there committed to Prison by the Secretary of War when he intended to pass the Seas There were many more persons of high and low rank taken into custody but by reason their Deliverances or Trials hereafter will make them more publick I shall at present omit them all except Dr. Obadiah Walker the Proselyte-maker at Oxford who was sent to the Tower of London but not amongst the Records to make search for the place of Purgatory but foretell his own fortune either by calculating his Nativity by the often Singing of his Ave Maria or numbring his Beads at their appointed Seasons whether by day or night but let Obadiah rest being accounted but one of the small There were also in this Juncture of time many persons secured in several Counties of England alwayâ— having an eye and great care of the Red Letter-men and of those hoâ— headed-persons that took places of Trust and Commissions from the late King James never regarding the Penal Laws and Test the Priests likewise were apprehended as soon as discovered yet not many for knowing their sins to be of a dark colour they would not abide the reckoning but went off with the next Oars Also about this time the King was vigilant over his Army that served under the late King James not suffering any of them at present to come for London especially in any great Parties but sent them into several Parts and Counties of England by degrees modelling of them a new first breaking the old Regiments both of Foot and Horse c. and then formed them into new Bodies so as to take away all suspicion of their disloyalty to their King which perhaps was unjustly cast upon them however by this honest Stratagem of War all the known Papists and those that appeared disaffected to the King and Government were quite cashiered and then the King was so well satisfied with the remaining part that they were sent to Whitehall and took their Guard-days in the same manner as they had formerly part of that Army which came out of Holland being of the Guards there were either all or in part removed from that Station By this time the Reader may be pondering with himself that there is an absolute necessity for great Sums of Money not only for defraying the charge of the Fleet that brought the King and his Army over into England but likewise the vast expence and charges which our English Fleet and Army had brought upon the Nation and these two Fleets and two Armies united and all to be paid by one Master would in a short space of time rise and multiply to an incredible account The Parliament taking this and other matters of the like nature being of great concern into their consideration after mature deliberation Voted several Sums for that purpose to be raised viz. by additional Excise of Ale Beer some small Branch of the said Revenue being ready to drop down was by a new Aâ—t reunited also a Land-Tax at 12 d. per Pound was Enacted by Parliament the Customs and several other Duties belonging to the Crown were by the said Authority confirmed and settled upon the King and Queen The Affairs of the Kingdom now being in a hopeful way of Settlement as so small a time had bin allowed for so great a change and new modelling both of Persons and Offices the King and Parliament in all matters very well concurring the King was pleased amongst other of his favours and elemency to declare he would stand by and defend the Protestant Religion the Church of England as by Law established to his utmost power against all opposers whatsoever and withal care should be taken for the Non Con's and differing Opinions the Kings gracious pleasure being thus published made all his Subjects to be filled with joy admiration and liberality to that degree that the Citizens of London of their own accord proffered to lend the King what Money His Majesty pleased and almost in an instant great and vast Sums of Money were brought into Guildhall and that Citizen thought himself the most happy which was the first leader and brought the biggest Bags for which at present they were very willing to accept of the Kings word for their several securities The King by this time being the latter end of March having got into possession some money but that which equalized or rather exceeded it the affections of his People would have bin very happy together by his peaceable Reign over his Subjects here in England had not the Rebels in Scotland and Ireland by the fair promises of Rewards and Preferments of the late King James and Lewis the 14th of France biâ— instigated and hurried into Arms and bloody Wars against this King William so that both Scotland and Ireland wanted his assistance and being willing and ready the King resolved to reduce them both to his obedience but this Year being drawn to its period and my figure to be out of date because I will not leap into another but conclude my Eighty Eight a Year full of Wonders and Changes yet in hopes it will be the introducer of England's Glory and do verily believe that future Generations will call it happy because it restored Our Lives Religion Laws and Liberty and I desire it may make us all truly thankful to him who was the beginner and finisher of so great and
He dyed in honour being the last Bishop that dyed a Member of Parliament Roger Ascham born at Kerby-wick and bred in St. John's College in Cambridge was Orator and Greek Professor of the University and in an 1. Mary wrote Letters to 40 odd several Princes the meanest whereof was a Cardinal Traveling into Germany he was familiar with John Sturmius after his return he was teacher to the Lady Eliz. to whom after she was Queen he became Secretary for her Latine Letters he was an honest man a good Archer and much delighted with Cock-fighting His Latine stile was facile and fluent witness his Letters His 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is a Book good for Young Men his Schoolmaster for Old and his Epistles for all men He dyed in Decemb. 1568. and was buried in St. Sepulchres in Lond. Tho. Benham Fellow of Magdalens coll in Oxford renounced Popery an 1. Mariae he assisted Hen. Bull one of the College to wrest out of the hands of the Choristers the censer when about to offer their superstitious Incense flying into Germany he lived at Basil Preacher to the English Exiles towards the end of Queen Mary he was secretly sent over to be Superintendant of the London Conventicle the only true Church in the time of Persecution where with all his caution he hardly escaped In an 2. of Queen Eliz. he was consecrated Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield He dyed in Febr. 1578. Frances Sidney Aunt to the renowed Sir Philip she bestowed on the Abby Church of Westminster a Salary of 20 l. per annum for a Divinity Lecture and founded Sidney Suss coll in Cambr. She was Relict of Tho. Ratcliff Earl of Sussex She dyed childless 1588. Sir Nich. Bacon Knight born not far from St. Edm. Bury of a very ancient family and bred in Ben. college in Cambr. in which he built a beautiful Chapel after he had studied the Common Law was made Attorny to the Court of Wards when he was preferred Lord Keeper of the Great Seal An. 1. Eliz. 1558. He married Ann second Daughter to Sir Ant. Cook of Giddy Hall in Essex Governour to K. Edw. 6. Queen Elizabeth relied on him as her Oracle in Law who that he might clear the point of her Succession derived her right from a Statute which allowed the same tho' there was a Statute which made the Q. illegitimate in the days of her Father remained unrepealed the rather because Lawyers maintain That a Crown once worn cleareth all defects of the wearer thereof Armigel Waad born of an ancient family in Yorkshire was Clerk of the Counsel to Hen. 8. and Ed. 6. a man of great accomplishments imployed in several Embassies and the first Englishman who discovered America He had by two Wifes 20 children whereof Sir Wil. Waad was the Eldest a very able Gentleman and Clerk of the Council to Q. Eliz. this Armigel dyed in June an 1568. and was buried at Hampstead in Middlesex Martin Forbisher Knight born nigh Doncaster Yorkshire was the first Englishman who first discovered the North way to China and Cathay whence he brought great store of black soft Stone supposing it to be silver Ore but it proved useless He was valiant and violent He was Knighted for his signal service in an 88. having with 10 Ships defended Brest Haven in Brittain against a far greater power of the Spaniards he was shot in the side his wound not being mortal in it self was rendred such by the unskillfulness of his Chirurgion who having taken out the bullet left the Bombast behind wherewith the sore festred and the worthy Knight dyed Michael Under-Sheriff to Sir Anthony Hungerford comit Wilts 1558. in the last of Queen Mary was a right godly man When the Writ de Haereticis comburendis for the Execution of R. White and Jo. Hunt was brought to him instead of burning them he burnt the Writ and before the same could be renewed Dr. Geffery the bloody Chancellour of Salisbury who procured it and Q. Mary were both dead Edm. Guest Born at Asserton Yorkshire was D. D. in Kings College in Cambridge He was Almoner to Queen Eliz. by whom he was preferred Bishop of Rochester then of Salisbury having written many books he dyed 1578. Henry Rowlands bred in Oxford was consecrated Bishop of Bangor 1598. he bought four new Bells for the Tower of St. Asaph whereof the biggest cost 100 l. he also gave to Jesus College in Oxford Means for the maintenance of two Fellows Katharine Daughter of Sir Tho. Par was born at Kendal Castle which descended to her Father from the Brusses and Rosses of Werk She was first married to John Nevil Lord Latimer and afterwards to K. H. 8. She was a great favourer of the Gospel and would earnestly argue for it Once politick Gardiner had almost got her into his clutches had not Divine Providence delivered her yet a Jesuit who was neither Confessor nor Privy Counsellour to the King tells us that the King intended if longer surviving to behead her for an Heretick She was afterwards married to Sir Thomas Seymour Baron of Sudley and Lord Admiral and dyed in childbed of a Daughter 1548. Henry 8. Son of Hen. 7. born at Greenwich was a Prince in whom great Vertues no less Vices werein a manner equally contemperated he was a man of an uncontroulable spirit carrying a Mandamus in his Mouth sufficiently seated when he put his hand to his Hilt he awed all to his obedience which was great in a King and necessary in a Father of his Country In the Play of K. Hen. 8. there was a weak whining Boy that personated that King one of his fellow Actors perceiving him to act more like a Mouse than Man told him if you speak not Hoh with a better Spirit your Parliament will not grant you a penny of Money He came to the Crown in 1508. Many were the acts and changes in his Reign He dissolved as many Monasteries and Religious Houses as amounted yearly to 1865 12 l. besides the two Universities and divers Monasteries which were undervalued And though the Pope stiled him Defender of the Faith by reason of a Book he writ against Martin Luther yet he rejected his Holiness and made himself supreme without him And Sir Tho. Moor and Bishop Fisher lost their Heads because they refused the Oath of Supremacy and yet this King as appears by the six Articles enacted by Parliament against the Protestants called the Cat with six Tailes viz. 1. That after the words of confirmation or consecration the real and natural body and blood of Christ as he was conceived and Crucified was in the Sacrament and no other substance consisting in the form of Bread and Wine besides the substance of Christ God and Man 2. That Communion in both kinds was not necessary unto Salvation the Flesh only in the form of Bread sufficient 3. That the Priests after they had received Orders might not marry by the Law of God 4. That the Vows of
beginning of King James Rob. de Leic a Frank in Oxford was one that brought Preaching into fashion in that Age He wrote of the Hebrew and Roman Chronological Computation He died at Lichfield 1348. Sir John Philpot whose Family hath long resided in Vpton-Court in Kent was bred a Grocer in London whereof he was Mayor 1378. He set forth a Fleet in the Reign of â— 2. at his own cost to repress the Insolence of one John Mercer a Scot who was taken with all his Ships and rich Plunder therein Two Years after he conveyed an English Army into Britain in Ships of his own hiring and with his own Money released more than 1000 Arms there which the Soldiers had formerly engaged for their Victuals The Nobility accused him for acting without a Commission yea pro tantorum sumptuum prâ—mio veniam vix obtinuit That is He searcely obtained his Pardon by a great charge and by râ—ward and gifts Sir Hugh Calvely born at Calvely in Cheshire of whom 't is said He could feed as much as two and fight as much as ten men his strong Appetite would digest any thing but an injury so that killing a Man is reported the cause of quitting his Country and going for France where he became such an excellent Soldier that he converted the most difficult Atchievements into easie performances by martial Valour He was one of 30 English in France who in a Duel encountered as many Britains He revenged the Blood of the English who whilst his hands were tied behind him were slain before his Face An. ult E. 3. 'T was he that after an unfortunate Voyage of the English Nobility An. 1. R. 2. took Barkbulloign and 25 other French Ships besides the Castle of Mark lately lost and by him recovered and the next Year he spoiled Estaples with the Plunder of which he inriched the Calicians He married the Queen of Arragon whose Arms are quartered on his Tomb. He died 1388. John Booth Bachelor of Law was consecrated Bishop of Exeter An. 6. Ed. 4. He built the Bishops Chair or Seat in its Cathedral which hath not his equal in England but the sofest Cushion belonging to it was taken away when Bishop Vescy alienated the Lands thereof When the Bishop had finished this Chair he could not quietly sit down therein such were the troubles arising from the Wars between York and Lancast therefore retiring to his private Habitation at Horsley in Hampshire He died 1478. and was buried in St. Clement Danes in London There was an elder Brother Sir Rog. Booth of Barton in Lincolnshire Father of Margaret Wife of Ralph Nevil third Earl of Westmoreland Theorithoid a holy Nun at Barkin in Essex after her death was reputed a Saint She died 678. This Nunnery was valued 1000 l. yearly rent at the dissolution in Henry 8. Sim of Gaunt born in London was preferred Bishop of Salisbury by Ed. 1. He gave the first leave to the Citizens thereof to fortifie that place with a Ditch and Walls 1298. And no less was his care of the Church than of the City making good Statutes whereby it was ordered even unto our Age. Henry eldest Son to King John born at Winchester An. 1208. was a pious but poor King He was at first postponed to King Lewis of France afterwards imbroiled with the Barons Wars and imprisoned yet at last he obtained a comfortable old Age by the means of his Son Prince Edward He would be governed by those he knew wiser than himself the main cause of his peaceable death and pompous burial in the Abbey of Westminster of his own foundation Philip de Repton became D. D. in Oxford a great Asserter of the Doctrine of Wickliff but he recanted and became a Persecutor wherefore he was termed by those he molested Rampington He was made Abbot of Leicester Chancellor of Oxford Bishop of Lincoln An. 1408. and was created by Pope Gregory 12. Card. of St. Nerius c. though he had solemnly sworn he would make no more Cardinals 'till the Schism in Rome were ended He resigned his Bishoprick after 12 Years possession Will. White a Wicklevite and the first married Priest since the Pope's solemn prohibition thereof was constant to his calling and was as a Partridge daily on the Wing removing from place to place he was seized condemned and burnt at Norwich 1428. As for Marian Martyrs those in this Shire suffered either by the cruelty of Griffin Bishop of Rochester or Thornton Suffragan of Dover William Gray Son to the Ld. Gray of Codnor was as honourable He first studied in Baliol Coll. in Oxford then at Ferrara in Italy where he was an Auditor of Guarinus of Verona He was made by H. 6. Proâ—urator in the Court of Rome and was freely elected to the Bishoprick of Ely by Edw. 4. He was Lord Treasurer the last Clergy Man that ever was preferred to that Office until Bishop Juxton in our days enjoyed it He died 1478. and lies buried in the Church of Ely Will. Caxton of Caxton a diligent and learned Man bred beyond the Sea and lived 30 Years in the Court of Mary Dutchess of Burgundy Sister to K. Edw. 4. He continued Polychronicon unto the end of that King with good Judgment and Fidelity He collected and printed all Chaucers Works and on many accounts deserved well of Posterity and died 1488. Stephen Brown Grocer was born at Newcastle afterwards Knighted and made Lord Mayor of London 1438. In which Year happened a great Famine caused much by unseasonableness of Weather but more by some huckstering Husbandmen who may be properly called Knaves in Grain Sir Stephen sent some Ships to Dantzick whose seasonable return with Rye suddenly sunk Grain to reasonable rates whereby many a languishing Life was preserved He was one of the first Merchants who in want of Corn shewed the Londoners the way to the Barn-Door I mean into Spruceland Edw. Fox born in Duresly in Gloucestershire was Almoner to King H. 8. he first brought Dr. Cranmer to the knowledge of the King He was afterwards Bishop of Hereford and was the principal Pillar of the Reformation as to the managerie of the politick part thereof Of the many Books he wrote that De differentia utriusque potestatis was his master-piece He was imployed on several Embassies into France and Germany and died Anno 1538. Mary Groy the youngest Daughter of Henry Duke of Suffolk frighted with the infelicity of her two elder Sisters forgot her honour to remember her safety and married one whom she could love and none need fear Martin Kayes of Kent Esq Serjeant-Porter and died without Issue 20. Ap. 1578. James Goldwel born at great Chart in Kent was Dean of Salisbury Secr. to Edw. 4. and at last Bishop of Norwich He repaired the Church of great Chart and founded a Chapel on the South-side thereof he died 1598. His Brother Thomas by Qu. Mary was preferred Bishop of St. Davids and in the Reign of Q. Elizabeth he went to Rome where
Chastity either in Man or Woman ought by Gods Laws to be observed 5. That private Masses were necessary for the people and agreeable to the Law of God 6. That Auricular Confession was expedient to be retained and continued in the Church of God Now I hope none will deny that what mischief and confusions ensued and caused by him as the Papists deeply condemn him for to this day and tell us our Religion came out of his That he lived and dyed as severe a Roman Catholick as any of them hath shewed themselves in this our Age. And for his Wives he was dextrous in changing beheading one of them and the very next day marrying another but hear him on his death bed speaking thus Three Kates two Nans and one dear Jane I wedded One Spanish one Dutch and four English Wives From two I was divorced two I beheaded One dyed in Childbirth and one me survived They that will be more and better informed of this King's Reign let them read his Life written by that excellent and learned Lord Herbert Sir Tho. Offley of Cheshire bred a Merchant Taylor in London whereof he became Lord Mayor in his Mayoralty he began the custom of Night Bellmen He was the Zacheus of London for his high Charity bequeathing the half of his Estate being 5000 pound to the poor though he had children of his own yea he appointed that 200 l. left to his Son Hen. should be taken out of the other half and imployed to charitable uses Mr. Hugh Offley Leather-Seller Sheriff of London An. 1588. gave 600 pound to the City to put forth young men Mr. Rob. Brother to Hugh gave 600 pound for 24 young men in Chester whereof 12 were Apprentices On the first of these I suppose these Rhimes were made Offley three dishes had of dayly Roast An Egg an Apple and the third a Toast Feasting himself moderately that he might feed others by his bounty Miles Coverdaile of Yorkshire became an Augustine Fryer but afterwards quitting that profession he went into Germany he laboured greatly in translating the Bible and writing other books He was made D. D. at Tubing and returning into England was made Bishop of Exeter by K. Edw. 6. An. 1. Mary he was deposed though saved from Martyrdom by the mediation of Fred. King of Denmark being enlarged he went over into Germany whence in the Reign of Queen Eliz. he returned into England but not to Exeter He was one of those that solemnly consecrated Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth He dyed 1588. and lies buried in St. Bartholomews behind the Exchange London Sir Christ Wray Knight was born in the Parish of Bedal Yorkshire which made his Daughter Frances Countess of Warwick scatter her benefactions thicker in that place His Ancestors came out of Cornwal where his name is right ancient being bred in the Law he was by Q. Eliz. made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench he was moved with no fear but that of the Judge of the world he was pro tempore Lord privy Seal and sat chief in the Court when Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star Chamber concurring with the rest of the Commissioners to lay a Fine on him His benefaction to Magdalen college in Cambridge was both bountiful and seasonable This worthy Judge dyed May 8th 1588. Rob. Crowley of Northamptonshire bred in Oxford confuted Miles Hogheard who writ against the poor Protestants He fled to Frankford in Queen Mary's days and in the Reign of Queen Eliz. was made Vicar of St. Giles without Cripplegate London where he lies buried having dyed 1588. Cock was in 1588. a Cock of the Game being the only man of note amongst the English who fighting a Volunteer in his own Ship lost his life to save his Queen and Country Sir John Howard of Barkshire Kt. Son to Sir Rob. Howard soon after was created a Baron by Edw. IV. and Duke of Norfolk by K. Rich. III. as Kinsman and one of the Heirs of Anne Dutchess of York and Norfolk whose Mother was one of the Daughters of Tho. Mowbray D. of Norfolk Soon after he lost his Life in Bosworth-Field in the quarrel of him who had given him his Honour From him descended the noble and numerous Family of the Howards of whom 4 Earls viz. Arundel Nottingham Suffolk and Barkshire and 2 Barons viz. Mowbray and Escrick sat in the last Parliament of K. Charles I. Verstegan the great Antiquary will have their Name to be Holdward Keeper of a Castle or Trust and they have well answered unto their Name Did not Tho. Howard Earl of Surrey well hold his ward by Land when in the Reign of Henry VIII he conquered the Scots in Flodden-Field and took James the 4th their King Prisoner And did not Charles Howard afterwards Earl of Nottingham hold his ward by Sea in 1558 when the Armado was defeated William Howard Son to Thomas D. of Howard was by Queen Mary created Baron of Effingham and made Lord-Admiral of England He was one of the first favourers and furtherers of the discovery of Russia He died 1548. whose Son Charles succeeded his Father in the Admiralty an hearty Gentleman and cordial to his Soveraign of a most proper Person one reason why Queen Elizabeth reflected so much upon him The first evidence he gave of his prowess when the Emperors Sister the spouse of Spain with a Fleet of 130 Sail passed the narrow Seas his Lordship accompanied with 10 Ships only environed their Fleet and enforced them to stoop Gallant and strike Sail. In 88. at the first news of the Spaniards approach he towed at a Cable with his own hands to draw out the harbour-bound Ships into the Sen. He was Commander of the Sea Forces at the taking of Cadiz and for his good service there he was made Earl of Nottingham He resigned his Admiralty in the Reign of K. James to the D. of Buckingham and died not long after D. of Medina Sidonia Admiral of the Spanish Fleet An. 88. beholding Mount Edgcomb in Cornwall that belongs to Sir Rich. Edgcomb who at one time for some good space gave Entertainment to the English Spanish and Dutch Admirals and many other Nobles at Mount Edgcomb a square Structure having a stately Hall affording a delicate sound as one entreth it a Parlour and Dining-Room giving a large prospect both of Sea and Land It is near Plimouth the Ground about it being stored with Wood Timber Fruit Deer and Conies sufficient Pasture Meadow and Arable Land Marle Stone c. and of an high situation And this Medina was so much in love with it was resolved to have it for his own possession in the partage of this Kingdom which should have been in 88. And here I think it very necessary before we proceed any further to make a small description of this Spanish Invasion called The Invincible Armado which put England into such a consternation when it should have been invaded in the Reign of Q. Eliz.
found so much of moment and matter relating to the subversion of Religion and Government here established and as it appears by his Tryal at large in Print he was found guilty and was drawn hang d and quartered at Tyburn avowing his innocence to the last it may be he expected a Pardon for he was heard to say There was no truth in Mortal Man however his Master was not sorry for his Exit tam cito Richard Langhorn Esq a Counsellor committed to Newgate upon the same account and suffered after the same manner Mr. Staly the Goldsmith in Covent Garden for speaking some Treasonable words suffered after the same manner Ireland and Grove were also executed at Tyburn and afterwards several Priests as Gavan Whitebread Oliver Plunket and others executed Also Harecourt and Blundel In Oct. Ld. Wil. Powis Howard Viscount Stafford Lord Arundel of Wardour Lord Petre John Lord Bellasis surrendred themselves are sent to the Tower of London where Lord Petre dyed Viscount Stafford was beheaded on Tower-hill and after some years the rest by the bold Lord Chief Justice Jefferies when all other Judges râ—fused was bayled out Of whose character and carriage you may see more in 88. following In Septemb. in this year 1678. Titus Otes swears to his information before Sir Edmundbury Godfrey On the 28th Dr. Tong Kirby and T. Otes discover the Plot to the Privy Council For Tong and Titus there were assigned very good lodgings in Whitehall a strong Guard so many dishes of Meat and a very considerable Pension however it was not pleasing enough to Otes for in January after he tells the Lords in plain terms that if they will not help him to more money he must be forced to help himself he was a man of a haughty spirit and great considence but his knowledge and honesty were best made known by his Narratives and several examinations before the Lords and Commons and at the Tryals and condemnations of several persons who suffered death as you read before in this present year And it was observed when he went before the House of Commons or any Committee whatsoever when he had pump'd himself dry he would tell them his memory would not serve him any longer at that time and then at the next time of his appearance he would descend to the bottom of the Plot and bring new matter every time to be registred for the belief of future Ages But after some few months there came in somany new Discoverers finding good acceptance into the Plot-Office as did a little abate the reputation of the old ones viz. Dugdale Bedloe Bolron Mawbry Comins Allen Dangersield Zeal Boice Prance Jennings Everard Turbervile young Tong Smith Irish Evidences c. These would meet by couples or sometimes more and upon some questions interrogatories and debates that would arise amongst them things of small matter of moment would be made great and improbabilities made plain truths Some pieces were made up and brought to perfection and some laid by being they could not be hammered out according to their intentions For the King and Council finding out some of their designs in going too high in their discoveries thought it high time to turn the torrent of their swift and ambitious proceedings and so by degrees they dwindled away And now I must bring to your memory the most sad and strange murder of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey a Gentleman of a very competent Estate and in Commission for the Peace in Westminster and Middlesex was respected by the King beloved by his Neighbours for his Government in the Parish and his many works of Charity largely and freely distributed to the poor and distressed in St. Martins in the Feilds Being wanting four days from his House in Harts-horn Lane a great noise and rumour there was spread abroad and great search made for him but to no purpose till Octber 21. 6. days after his absence one Broomwell a Baker and another with him a Blacksmith both of St. Giles in the Feilds coming by accident into Primrose-hill two miles distant from his own House they found his body in a sitting posture in a small Ditch and his own Sword run through it his Hat and Gloves laid not far from him the two persons abovesaid gave notice to the Neighbourhood c. No Actors in this Murder as yet could be discoveed The King Car. II. was pleased to issue out a Proclamation promising a pardon and 500 l. to any that should come and make known this bloody fact this reward of 500 l. put some heat into Mr. Wrenn who applies himself to Bedloe and tells him one Miles Prance a Silversmith in Prince's Street was wanting and he believed he was one of the Murderers of Sir Edmundb Godfrey These two agreed to divide the 500 l. and Bedloe presently sets up for a discoverer and informs the Privy Council against Prance who being taken and carried before the King and Council owns himself guilty and was committed to Newgate After a little time he denies it and said he knew nothing of the murder The King sends for Prance and took him into his Closet and told him if he would tell him the truth he would pardon him if otherwise he should certainly be hang'd these words I had from Prance's own mouth upon which saying of his Majesty Prance upon his Knees told the King what he had at first confessed to the Council was true that he was guilty with the rest naming Robert Green Henry Berry Laurence Hill that they murdered him by the Watergate in Somerset-House carrying his body into Dr. Goden's Chamber for five days Then they put his Body into a Chair and Prance and another were the first that carried him away they set him down in the Piazza's in Covent Garden then two others took it up being two Priests Kelly and Fitzgerald and carried it to the Sohoe where they left the Chair amongst the buildings and Green brought a Horse whereupon his body was set and Hill behind it the two Priests on each side to guide it thus they carried it to Primrose-hill and left it upon that spot of ground where it was found Thus far this relation came out of Prance's Mouth to the writer hereof several times and he would needs carry me one day to Primrose-hill to shew me the place where the body was left Those that are not satisfied with this let them read his first and second Narrative which give more particulars and more at large But let us look back to see what the Coroners Jury did super visum corporis two judicious Chirugeons Mr. Skelhorn and Mr. Cambridge gave in their Opinions that Sir Edmundbury Godfrey was murdered his neck being broken and beaten also upon his breast with some obtuse weapons and upon this and some other particulars the Jury brought in their verdict Murder but the Murderers then was not discovered Now let us return to Prance and take notice of his first Confession and the effect of it Green Perry
after Queen Mary Novemb. 17. 1558. at Lambeth Sir John Cavendish Knight born at Cavendish in Suffolk where his name continued untill the Reign of King Henry 8. was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench anno 46 Edw. 3. he died a violent death an 5 Rich. 2. on this occasion J. Raw Priest contemporary with J. Straw and Wat. Tyler advanced Robert Westbroom a Clown to be King of the Commons in this County having 50000 Followers these for eight days together in savage sport caused the Heads of Great Persons to be cut off and set on Poles to kiss and whisper in one anothers ears Chief Justice Cavendish chanced to be then in the Country to whom they bare a double Pique for his honesty and learning besides they had heard that John Cavendish his Kinsman had killed their Idol Wat. Tyler in Smithfield whereupon they drag'd the Reverend Judge with Sir John of Cambridge Prior of Bury to the Market-place and there beheaded them whose innocent bloud remained not long unrevenged by Spencer the warlike Bishop of Norwich by whom this Rascal Rabble of Rebels was rooted and ruined Leonard Maw was born at Rendlesham in Suffolk antiently the Residence of the Kings of E. Angles where King Redwald kept at the same time a Communion-Table and Altars for Idols was Master of Peter-House then of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and in five years disengaged that Foundation from a great Debt He was Chaplain to King Charles whilst he was Prince and waited on him in Spain by whom he was made Bishop of Bath and Wells a good Scholar grave Preacher mild man and gentile in his deportment He died in 1638. and left some of his Estate to Mr. Simon Maw of Epworth in Lincolnshire Sir Fulk Grevil Kt. Son to Sir Fulk Senior of Beckam-Court Warw. was bred in Cambridge He came to Court backt with a fair Estate in the Reign of Queen Eliz. He was a good Scholar and a great friend to learned Men. Bishop Overall ow'd his Preferment chiefly to him and Mr. Camden tasted largely of his liberality His Studies were most in Poetry and History as his Works do witness King James created him Baron Brook of Beauchamp Court as descended from the sole Daughter and Heir of Edward Willoughby the late Lord Brook He was murdered 1608. by a discontented Servant who conceived himself not soon or well enough rewarded first wounded his Master mortally and afterwards dispatched himself He lieth buried in Warwick Church under a fair Monument whereon he is stiled Servant to Queen Elizabeth Counsellor to King James and Friend to Sir Phillip Sidney dying unmarried his Barony descended on his Kinsman Robert Grevil Lord Brook Father to the Right Honourable Robert Lord Brook Thomas Morton was Son to a famous Mercer reputed the first in York and allied to Cardinal Morton Archbishop of Canterbury He was bred in York-School with that Arch-Traitor Guy Faux and afterwards in St. Johns College in Cambridge and for his merit was chosen Fellow thereof before eight Competitors commencing D. D. He made his Position on his second Question contrary to the expectation of Dr. Playford replying upon him with some Passion commovisti mihi stomachum to whom Morton replied Gratulor tibi Reverende Professor de bono tuo stomacho coenabis mecum hac nocte He was successively preferred Dean of Gloucester Winchester Bishop of Chester Coventry and Lichfield and Durham The Foundation which he laid of foreign Correspondency with eminent Persons of different Perswasions when he attended as Chaplain to the Lord Evers sent by King James Embassador to the King of Denmark c. he built upon to the day of his Death In the late Long Parliament the displeasure of the House of Gommons fell heavy upon him partly for subscribing the Bishops Protestation for their Votes in Parliament partly for refusing to resign the Seal of his Bishoprick and baptizing a Daughter of John Earl of Rutland with the Sign of the Cross two faults which compounded together in the judgment of wise and honest men amounted to an high innocence yet the Parliament allowed him 800 l. a year a proportion above his brethren for his Maintenance but the Trumpet of their Charity gave an uncertain sound not assigning by whom or whence this sum should be paid Indeed the Severe Votes of Parliament ever took full effect according to his observation who did Anagram it Voted Outed But their merciful Votes found not so free performance However this good Bishop got 1000 l. out of Goldsmiths-Hall which afforded him support in his old Age. He wrote against Faction in defence of three innocent Ceremonies and against Superstition in his Treatise called the Grand Impostor Many of the Nobility deservedly honoured him but none more than John Earl of Rutland to whose Kinsman Roger Earl of Rutland he had formerly been Chaplain Sir George Savil civilly paid him his purchased annuity of 200 l. He died at Easton Manduit in Northamptonshire the House of Sir Henry Yelverton aged near 98. George Paling born at Wrenbury in Cheshire was bred a Merchant in London Free of the Company of Girdlers We may call his Benefactions The golden Girdle of Charity for with our Saviour He went about doing good To Wrenbury he gave 200 l. to purchase Lands for the relief of the Poor For building of an Alms-House in and about London 900 l. To St. Johns College in Cambridge 300 l. To the Hospital of St. Thomas in Southwark 50 l. To the Preachers at St. Pauls Cross 200 pounds Toward a Chime in Bow-Church 100 pounds To six Prisons in and about London 60 pounds To Brasen-Nose College in Oxford two Scholarships to each yearly 4 pounds To the College of St John Baptist in Oxford two Scholarships of the same value To Christs-Church-Hospital 300 l. To the Church and Poor of Wrenbury to buy them Gowns 70 pounds He died 1608. James Pilkington D. D. of an Ancient Family before the Conquest when the chief of them then sought for disguised himself a Thresher has for his Motto Now thus now thus in Allusion to the Head of his Flail or to himself embracing the safest condition for the present He was bred in Cambridge and fled an 1. of Mariae into Germany where he wrote a Comment on Ecclesiastes and the Epistles of St. Peter after his return he was made Bishop of Durham 1558 and nine years after the Northern Rebels came to Durham and tore the English Liturgy the Bishop had fared no better if they had found him when the Rebellion was suppress'd the Bishop commenced a Suit against Queen Eliz. for the Lands and Goods of the Rebels attainted in the Bishoprick as due to him but the Parliament interposing on special consideration pro hoc tempore adjudg'd them to the Queen and after eight years of the Rebellion he died in peace John Easday of most honourable Extraction bred in Cambridge was Dean of Canterbury He was the first Clergy-man who carried Tidings of