Agent in yea a principall procurer of the Foundation of the University and Colledge of Dublin where Dermitius son of Mercard King of Lemster had formerly found a Convent for Canons Regular and the first Honorary Master thereof being then Arch-bishop if not Chancellour of Ireland to give the more credit and countenance to thaâ—… Foundation He died Aprill 5. Anno 1605. and was buried in the Church of Saint Patrick having been Arch-bishop from his Consecration eight Months above two and forty years Reader I must confess I admired hereat untill I read that Miller Magragh who dyed Anno Domini 1622. was Arch-bishop of Cassell in Ireland ten months above one and fifty years GEORGE MOUNTAINE was born in this County at ......... and bred in Quéenscolledge in Cambridge where he became Fellow and Proctor of the University He was Chaplain to the Earl of Essex whom he attended in his Voyage to Cales being indeed one of such personall valour that out of his gown he would turn his back to no man he was afterwards made Dean of Westminster then successively Bishop of Lincoln and London whilst residing in the latter he would often pleasantly say that of him the Proverb would be verified Lincoln was and London is and York shall be which came to pass accordingly when he was removed to the Arch-bishoprick of York wherein he died thorough which Sees never any Prelate so methodically passed but himself alone He was a good Benefactour to the Colledge wherein he was bred whereon he bestowed a fair piece of plate called Poculum Charitatis with this Inscrip tion Incipio I begin to thee and founded two Scollerships therein Capitall Judges Sir WILLIAM GASCOINGE was born at Gauthorp in Harwood parish in the mid-way betwixt Leeds and Knaresburgh and afterwards was Student of the Law in the Inner Temple in London Wherein he so profited that being Knighted the sixth of King Henry the fourth he was made Chief Justice of the Kings-bench November 15. and therein demeaned himself with much integrity but most eminent for the following passage It happened that a servant of Prince Henry afterwards the fifth English King of that Christian name was arraigned before this Judge for fellony whom the Prince then present endeavoured to take away coming up in such fury that the beholders believed he would have stricken the Judge But he sitting withouâ—… moving according to the Majesty he represented committed the Prince prisoner to the Kings-bench there to remain untill the pleasure of the King his Father were farther known Who when he heard thereof by some pickthank Courtier who probably expected a contrary return gave God thanks for his infinite goodness who at the same instant had given Him a Judge who could minister and a Son who could obey justice I meet in J. Stow with this Marginall note William Gascoinge was Chief Justice of the Kings-bench from the sixth of Henry the fourth till the third of Henry the fifth and another Historian maketh King Henry the fifth in the first of his raign thus expressing himself in relation to that Lord Chief Justice For which act of Justice I shall ever hold him worthy of the place and my favour and wish all my Judges to have the like undaunted courage to punish offenders of what rank soever Hence our Comedian fancy will quickly blow up a drop in History into a bubble in Poetry hath founded a long scene on the same subject Give me leave for my love to truth to rectifie these mistakes out of authentick records First Gascoinge was made Judge not in the sixth but first of King Henry the fourth on the first of November Secondly he died December 17. in the fourteenth of King Henry the fourth so that in a manner his sitting on the bench ran parallel to the Kings sitting on the throne This date of his death is fairly written in his stately Monument in Harwood Church GUâ—…DO de FAIRFAX A word of his Surname and Family Fax and Vex are the same signifying Hair Hence Mathew Westminster calleth a Comet which is stella â—…rinita a Vexed Star and this Family had their Name from Beautifull Bushy Hair I confess I find in Florilegus writing of the Holy War Primum Bellum Christianorum fuit apud Pontem Pharfax fluminis The first Battle of the Christians was at the Bridge of the River Pharfax but cannot concur with them who hence derive the Name of this Family But where ever it began it hath continued at Walton in this County more then four hundred and fifty years for Nineteen Generations Charles a Viscount now living being the Twentieth But to return to Sir Guiao Fairfax Knight he was bred in the study of the Common Law made Serjeant thereof and ever highly favoured the house of York in those Civil distempers Hence it was that he assumed a White-rose bearing it in his Coat of Armes on the shoulder of his Black Lyon no difference as some may suppose but an evidence of his affection to that Family Yet was he by King Henry the seventh advanced Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-bench supplying the Intervall betwixt Sir William Hussey and Sir John Fineaux The certain date of his death is to me unknown ROGER CHOLMLEY Knight He is placed in this County with moderate assurance For his Father as I am instructed by those of his Family lived in this County though branched from Cheshire and much conversant in London being Lieutenant of the Tower under King Henry the seventh By his Will he bequeathed a Legacy to Roger his Naturall Son then Student of the Laws the self same with our Roger as Proportion of time doth evince He applyed his studies so effectually that in the 37. of King Henry the eight in Michaelmas terme he was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer and in the sixth of Edward the sixth Chief Justice of the Kings-bench In the first of Queen Mary July 27. he with Sir Edward Mountague Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas was committed to the Tower for drawing up the Testament of King Edward the sixth wherein his Sisters were dis-inherited Yet Sir Rogers activity amounted no higher then to a Complyance and a subscription of the same He afterwards was enlarged but lost his Judges Place living some years in a private condition When William Flower was burnt in Westminster Sir Hugh being present though called by Master Fox but plaine Master Cholmley willed him to recant his Heresy which I impute rather to his Carnall Pity then Great Affection to Popery He built a Free-school of brick at High-gate about the year 1564. the Pension of the Master being uncertain and the School in the disposition of six Governours and I believe he survived not long after and have some ground for my suspicion that he dyed without Issue Sir CRISTOPHER WRAY Knight was born in the spatious Parish of Bedall the main motive which made his
the Returns do not answer to the extent of those Shires 4. Not done Which I sadly confess and cannot help being Twelve in number as hereafter will appear I dare not conjecture the cause of this Casualty whether in such Shires the Oaths were never Tendred or tendred and not taken or taken and not returned or returned and not recorded or recorded and not preserved or preserved but misplaced in some Roll which hitherto it hath not been my hap to lite upon It is possible that some disgusted the Kings Design as who under the pretence of keeping the peace indevoured to smother and suppress such who should appear for the Title of York whereof more in the Respective Countyes May the Reader be pleased to take notice that in the Reign of Henry the Sixth de such a place began then to be left off and the addition of Knight and Squire to be assumed Yet because no Fashion can be generally followed at first such additions are used in the Returns of some Shires and neglected in others In some Counties we have the Names of a few Mechanicks returned with their Trades Brasier Smith Ironmonger c. Who no doubt were considerable either in themselves as Robustious Persons or in their Servants as Numerous or in their popular and tumultuous Influence of others And grant these passing under the name of Valecti whereof formerly it appears by the penalty imposed on their Recusancy of the Oath that they were substantial 〈◊〉 which stood and propably could make others go on their own Account Some Clergymen not only Regular as Abbots and Priors but secular Parochial priests are inserted in some Returns These some will say might well be omitted as nothing Informative to the Gentry of the Land because dead Stakes in the Hedge then unconcerned in posterity because forbidden marriage However I have here presented as I found them intending neither to mingle nor mangle conceiving that if I were found guilty either of Omissions or Alterations it might justly shake the credit of the whole Catalogue Indeed if the word Superstition importeth not Trespassing on Religion and if the bare signification be adequate to the Etymology thereof a Super Stando for standing in his own opinion too curiously on a thing which in the Judgement of others may not Merit so much Exquisitenesse I here voluntarily confess my self Superstitious in observing every Punctillo according to the Original May the Reader be pleased to take notice that in mens proper names some letters of like sound are confounded in vulgar pronunciation as V for F. Fenner and Venner K. and C. Kary and Cary F. and Ph. as Purfrey and Purphrey though the name be the same in both Sometimes the name is spelled not truly according to Orthography but according to the common speaking thereof which melteth out some essential Letters as Becham for Beauchamp Again there is such an allusion betwixt the forms of some letters nothing symbolyzing in sound that as they are written though not in ordinary in Record-hand they may easily be mistaken by Writer or Reader through the similitude of their Character as m e n f n l g w o u s r t y This hath put us many times to a stand and sometimes to a loss what letter it hath been But we have in all particulars conformed our Transcript to the original in all possible exactness though afterwards taking the boldness to interpose our opinion in our observations A later List might be presented of the English Gentry towards the end of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth but such would be subject to just exception For as the Gibeonites though by their mouldy bread and clouted Shooes pretending to a long peregrination were but of the Vicinage So most of those Gentry notwithstanding their specious claim to Antiquity will be found to be but of one Descent low enough in themselves did they not stand on the vantage ground heightned on the Rubbish of the Ruines of Monasteries CHAP. XV. Of SHIRE-REEVES or SHIRIFFES REEVE which hath much Affinity with the Dutch Grave signifieth an Officer to oversee and order being chief in the Shire In Latin Vice-comes or Vicecount And seeing shadows in effect are as ancient as the bodies they may be beleived as old as Counts and Counts as Counties and Counties as King Alfred who first divided England into Shires about the year of our Lord 888. The late fashion was that the Clerk of the Peace for each County in Michaelmas-Term presented to the Lord Cheif Justice of the Kings Bench sixe or more names of able persons for that Office The Lord Chief Justice calling the other Judges into the Exchequer Chamber where the Attorney General and the Sollicitour attends presented three out of that number unto the King out of which the King pricks one who stands Sheriffe of the County His Power is sufficiently known to suppress Riots secure Prisoners distrain for Debts execute Writs return the choice of Knights and Burgesses for Parliament empannel Juries attend the Judâ—… 〈◊〉 the Execution of Malefactors c. Several Statutes have provided that no man should be Sheriffe in any County except he hath land sufficient in the same County to answer the King and his people And it is remarkable that since the beginning of that Office it appeareth not upon any Record that ever any Sheriffe pro tempore failed in his Estate but was responsible in his place Whereas it is too plain by sad Precedents that some Receivers being men of meaner estates have Sheriffes are bound to abide in their proper persons within the County that they may the more effectually attend their Office And in our Remembrance some great persons whose Activity in Parliament was suspected have been made Sheriffes to keep them out of harms way and confine them at home But later years have dispenced with such critical Niceties unreasonable that the Sheriffe himself should be a Prisoner in his own County allowing him more liberty on the providing of an able Deputy in his absence Though I will not avouch it true there may be somewhat of truth in their spiteful observation who maintain that the Shrevalty in ancient times was Honos sine Onere in the middle times Honos cum onere and in our days little better than Onus sine honore though â—… trust the Office will now be restored to its former honour Honos sine onere An honour without a burden As when Prince Edward the first was for many years together High-Sheriffe of Bedford and Buckingham-shire and many prime Peers of the Land were Honorary Sheriffes gracing the place with accepting it living where they pleased themselves and appointing their Substitutes to transact the businesse of the County Honos cum onere An Honour with a burden From King Edward the Third till within our Remembrance For the principal Gentry in every shire of most ancient extractions and best Estates were deputed for that place keeping great Attendance and Hospitality
not exactly adequate thereunto For I find in this County the Family of the Pusays so ancient that they were Lords of Pusay a village nigh Faringdon long before the Conquest in the time of King Canutus holding their lands by the tenure of Cornage as I â—…ake it viz. by winding the Horn which the King aforesaid gave their family and which their posterity still extant at this day do produce Yet none of their name though Persons of Regard in their respective generations appear ever Sheriffs of this County I am glad of so pregnant an instance and more glad that it so seasonably presenteth it self in the front of our work to conâ—…ute their false Logick who will be ready to conclude Negatively for this our Catalogue of Sheriffs excluding them the lines of ancient Gentry whose Ancestors never served in this Office On the other side no ingenuous Gentleman can be offended with me if he find not his Name registred in this Roll seeing it cannot be in me any Omission whilst I â—…ollow my Commission faithfully transcribing what I find in the Records Richard I. 3 WILLIELMUS BRIEWERE He was so called saith my Author because his Father was born upon an Heath though by the similitude of the Name one would have suspected him born amongst briers But see what a poor mans child may come to He was such a Minion to this King Richard the first that he created him Baron of Odcomb in Sommersetshire Yea when one Fulk Paynell was fallen into the Kings displeasure he gave this William Briewere the Town of Bridgewater to procure his reingratiating His large inheritance his son dying without issue was divided amongst his Daughters married into the honourable Families of Breos Wake Mohun La-fert and Percy 8 PHILIPPUS filius ROB. ALAN de MARTON It is without precedent that ever two persons held the Shrevalty of one County jointly or in Co-partnership London or Middlesex alone excepted whereof hereafter However if two Sheriffs appear in One year as at this time and frequently hereafter such Duplication cometh to pass by one of these Accidents 1. Amotion of the first put out of his place for misdemeanor whereof very rare precedents and another placed in his Room 2. Promotion When the first is advanced to be a Baron in the year of his Shrevalty and an other substituted in his Office 3. Mort. The former dying in his Shrevalty not priviledged from such Arrests to pay his Debt to Nature In these cases Two and sometimes Three are found in the same year who successively discharged the office But if no such mutation happened and yet two Sheriffs be found in one year then the second must be understood Sub-vice-comes whom we commonly also call Mr. Sheriffe in courtesie his Deputy acting the affaires of the County under his Authority However if he who is named in this our Catalogue in the second place appear the far more Eminent Person there the Intelligent Reader will justly suspect a Transposition and that by some mistake the Deputy is made to precede him whom he only represented Be it here observed that the place of Under-Sheriffs in this age was very honourable not hackned out for profit And although some uncharitable people unjustly I hope have now adays fixed an ill character on those who twice together discharged the place yet anciently the office befitted the best persons little difference betwixt the High-Sheriffe and Under-Sheriffe save that he was under him being otherwise a man of great credit and Estate Henry III. 2 FULCO de BREANTEE Oxf. This Fulco or Falkerius or Falkesius de Breantee or Breantel or Brent so many several ways is he written was for the first six years of this King High-Sheriffe of Oxford Cambridge Huntington Bedford Buckingham and Northampton shires Counties continued together as by perusing the Catalogues will appear What this Vir tot locorum Man of so many places was will be cleared in Middlesex the place of his Nativity 56 ROG EPIS COVENT LICH That Bishops in this age were Sheriffs of Counties in their own Dioceses it was usuall and obvious But Bark-shire lying in the Diocess of Sarum Oxfordshire of Lincolne that the far distant Bishop of Coventry and Lich. should be their Sheriffe may seem extraordinary and irregular This first put us on the inquiry who this Roger should be and on search we found him surnamed De Molend alià s Longespe who was Nephew unto King Henry the third though how the kindred came in I can not discover No wonder then if his royal relation promoted him to this place contrary to the common course the King in his own great age and absence of his Son Prince Edward in Palestine desiring to place his Confidents in offices of so high trust Edward II. 6 PHIL. de la BEACH Their Seat was at Aldworth in this County where their Statues on their Tombs are Extant at this day but of Stature surely exceeding their due Dimension It seems the Grecian Officers have not been here who had it in their Charge to order Tombs and proportion Monuments to the Persons represented I confess Corps do stretch and extend after their Death but these Figures extend beyond their Corps and the People there living extend their Fame beyond their Figures Fancying them Giants and fitting them with Porportionable Performances They were indeed most Valiant men and their Male Issue was extinct in the next Kings Reign whose Heir Generall as appeareth by the Hâ—…ralds Visitation was married to the ancient Family of WHITLOCK Sheriffs of Bark-shire and Oxfordshire Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Edmund Stoner  Azure 2 â—…ars Dancetâ—…ee Or a Chief G. 2 Tho. Barentyn  Sable 2 Eaglets displayed Arg. Armed Or. 3 Gilbertus Waâ—…   4 Iohannes Ieanes   5 Richar. Brines   6 Tho. Barentyn ut prius  7 Iohan. Hulcotts  Fusilee Or Gules a Border Azure 8 Rober. Bullocke Arborfield Gu. a Cheveron twixt 3 Bulls Heads Arg. armed Or. 9 Iohan. Holgate   10 Tho. Barentyn ut prius  11 Gilb. Wace mil.   12 Thomas Pool   13 Williel Attwood   14 Hugo Wolfes   15 Robert Bullock ut prius  16 Williel Wilcote   17 Tho. Farington  Sable 3 Unicorns in pale Current Arg. armed Or. 18 Tho. Barentyn ut prius  19 Edrum Spersholt   20 Williel Attwood   21 Iohan. Golafre   22 Idem   HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Will. Wilcote   2 Tho. Chaucer Iohan. Wilcote Ewelme Ox. Partee per pale Ar. G. a bend counter-changed 3 Robert Iames   4 Idem   5 Tho. Chaucer ut prius  6 Will. Langford   7 Rob. Corbet mil.  Or. a Raven proper 8 Iohan. Wilcote   9 Th. Harecourt m. Stanton Ox. Gules two Barrs Or. 10 Petrus Besiles Lee Berk.
Lord. Thus those who when the house of the State is on fire politickly hope to save their own chamber are sometimes burned therein Treason was charged upon him for secret siding with King Edward who before and afterward de facto and always de jure was the lawfull King of England on this account he lost his life Then did the axe at one blow cut off more learning in England then was left in the heads of all the surviving nobility His death happened on Saint Lukes-day 1470. Edward Lord Tiptoft his son was restored by Edward the fourth Earl of Worcester But dying without Issue his large Inheritance fell to his three Aunts sisters to the learned Lord aforesaid viz. First Philip married to Thomas Lord Ross of Ham-lake Second Joâ—…ne wife of Sir Edmund Ingoldsthorp of Borough-green in this County Third Joyce married unto Sir Edward Sutton son and heir of John Lord Dudley from whom came Edward Sutton Lord Dudley and Knight of the Garter JOHN CHEEKE Knight Tutor to King Edward the sixth and Secretary of State was born over against the Market-cross in Cambridge What Crosses afterwards befel him in his course of life and chiefly before his Pious death are largely related in our Church-History Souldiers The courage of the men in this County before the Conquest plainly appeareth by this authentick passage in a memorable author who reporteth that when the rest of the East Angles cowardly fled away in the field from the Danish army Homines comitatus Cantabrigiae viriliter obstiterunt The men of the County of Cambridge did manfully resist Our author addeth Unde Anglis regnantibus laus Cantabrigiensis Provinciae splendidè florebat Whence it was that whilst the English did rule the praise of the people of Cambridge shire did most eminently flourish Nor lost they their reputation for their manhood at the coming in of the Normans who partly by the valour of their persons partly by the advantage of their fens made so stout resistance that the Conqueror who did fly into England was glad to creep into Ely Yea I have been credibly informed that Cambridge-shire men commonly passed for a current proverb though now like old coine almost grown out of request Indeed the Common People have most Robustious Bodies insomuch that Quartersacks were here first used men commonly carrying on their backs for some short space eight bushels of Barly whereas four are found a sufficient load for those in other Counties Let none say that Active valour is ill inferred from Passive strength for I do not doubt but if just occasion were given they would find as good Hands and Arms as they do Backs and Shoulders Writers MATTHEW PARIS is acknowledged an English-man by all save such who mistake Parisius for Parisiensis and may probably be presumed born in this as bred in the next County where the name and family of Paris is right ancient even long before they were settled therein at Hildersham which accrued unto them by their marriage with the daughter and Heir of the Buslers Sure I am were he now alive the Parises would account themselves credited with his and he would not be ashamed of their affinity He was bred a Monke of Saint Albans skilled not only in Poetry Oratory and Divinity but also in such manual as lye in the suburbs of liberal Sciences Painting graving c. But his Genius chiefly disposed him for the writing of Histories wherein he wrote a large Chronicle from the Conquest unto the year of our Lord 1250. where he concludes with this distich Siste tui metas studii Matthaee quietas Nec ventura petas quae postera proferat aetas Matthew here cease thy pen in peace and study on no more Nor do thou rome at things to come what next age hath in store However he afterwards resuming that work continued it untill the year 1259. This I observe not to condemn him but excuse my self from inconstancy it being it seems a catching disease with Authors to obey the importunity of Others contrary to their own resolution His history is unpartially and judiciously written save where he â—…geth too much to Monkish Miracles and Visions and no writer so plainly discovereth the pride avarice and rapine of the Court of Rome so that he seldome kisseth the â—…opes toâ—… without biting it Nor have the Papists any way to wave his true jeeres but by suggesting haec non ab ipso scripta sed ab aliis falsò illi ascripta insinuating a suspicion of forgery in his last edition understand them in what â—…ome 80. years â—…ince was set forth by Mathew Parker whereas it was done with all integrity according to the best and most ancient Manuscripts wherein all those Anti-papal passages plainly appear as since in a latter and exacter Edition by the care and industry of Doctor William Wats This Mathew left off living and writing at the same time viz. anno 1259. I will only adde that though he had sharp nailes he had clean hands striâ—…t in his own as well as striking at the loose conversations of others and for his eminent austerity was imployed by Pope Innocent the fourth not only to visit the Monkes in the Diocess of Norwich but also was sent by him into Norway to reform the discipline in Holui a fair Convent therein but much corrupted HELIAS RUBEUS was born at Triplow in this County bred D. D. in Cambridge Leland acquainteth us that he was a great Courtier and gracious with the King not informing us what King it was nor what time he lived in onely we learn from him that this Rubeus conceive his English Name Rouse or Red seeing many who were Nobilitatis Portenta so that as in a Tympany their very greatness was their Disease boasted if not causelesly immoderately of their high Extraction wrote a Book contra Nobilitatem inanem He is conjectured to have flourished about the year 1266. JOHN EVERSDEN was born at one of the Eversdens in this County bred a Monk in Bury-Abbey and the Cellerer thereof An Officer higher in sense then sound being by his place to provide diet â—…or the whole Convent assigning particular persons their portions thereof But our Eversdens mind mounted above such mean matters busied himself in Poetry Law History whereof he wrote a fair volume from the beginning of the world according to the humour of the Historians of that age starting all thence though they run to several marks Being a Monk he was not over fond of Fryers And observeth that when the Franciscans first entred Bury Anno 1336. there happened a hideous Hericano levelling trees and towers and whatsoever it met with The best was though they came in with a Tempest they went out with a Calme at the time of the dissolution This John flourished under King Edward the third and dyed about the year 1338. RICHARD WETHERSET commonly called of Cambridge saith Bale because he was Chancellour thereof But there
forgive the greatest injury upon the least show of the parties sorrow and restore him to the degree of his former favour and though Politicians will thence collect him no prudent man Divines will conclude him a good Christian. Episcopacy in England being grievously wounded by malevolent persons King Charles the First conceived that the best Wine and Oil that could be powred into those wounds was to select persons of known Learning and unblameable Lives to supply the vacant Bishopricks amongst whom Dr. Prideaux was made Bishop of Worcester But alasse all in vain such the present fury of the Times He died of a Feaver 1650 and I have perused a Manuscript Book But alasse not made by Oxford but Worcester-shire Muses of Verses on his Funeral Amongst which I take notice of these Define mirari caecos errasse tot Ignes In promptâ—… causa est lux Prideauxus obit Mortuus est Prideaux scriptis post funera vivit Aufertur Letho Mitra Corona datur To these we may add the Chronogram which I meet with amongst the same Verses Iohannes PrIDeaVXVs 〈◊〉 VVIgornIae MortVVs est 1650. He was buried at Bredon in Worcester-shire August the 1â—…th Such as deny Bishops to be Peers would have conceived this Bishop a Prinâ—…e if present at his Interment such the Number and Quality of Persons attending his Funeral States-men Sir ARTHUR CHICHESTER Knight was descended of a right ancient Family dwelling at Rawley in this County He spent his youth first in the University then in the French and Irish Wars where by his valour he was effectually assistant first to plough and break up that barbarous Nation by Conquest and then to sow it with seeds of civility when by King James made Lord Deputy of Ireland Ind ed good Laws and provisions had been made by his Predecessors to that purpose but alas they were like good lessons set for a Lute out of tune uselesse untill the Instrument was fitted for them Wherefore in order to the civilizing of the Irishry in the first year of his Government he established two new Circuits for Justices of Assize the one in Connaught the other in Munster And whereas the Circuits in former times onely encompassed the English Pale as the Cynosura doth the Pole henceforward like good Planets in their several Spheres they carried the influence of Justice round about the Kingdom Yea in short time Ireland was so cleared of Theeves and Capital Offenders that so many Malefactors have not been found in the Two and Thirty Shires of Ireland as in Six English Shires in the Western Circuit He reduced the Mountains and Glinns on the South of Dublin formerly thorns in the sides of the English-Pale into the County of Wicklowe and in conformity to the English Custome many Irish began to cut their Mantles into Cloaks So observant his eye over the actions of suspected persons that Tyrone was heard to complain that he could not drink a full carouso of sack but the State was within few hours advertised thereof After he had been continued many years in his Deputy-ship and deservedly made a Lord King James recalled him home and loath to leave his abilities unimployed sent him Embassadour to the Emperour and other German Princes Being besieged in the City of Mainchine a place much indebted to his prudence for seasonable victualling it by Count Tilley he sent him word that it was against the Law of Nations to besiege an Embassadour Tilley returned that he took no notice that he was an Embassadour The Lord Chichester replied to the Messenger Had my Master sent me with as many hundred men as he hath sent me on fruitlesse Messages your General should have known that I had been a Souldier as well as an Embassadour King James at his return entertain'd him with great commendation for so well discharging his trust and he died in as great honour as any English-man of our age Anno Dom. 162. Capital Judges Sir WILLIAM HERLE Knight was made by King Edward the Third Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench in Hillary Term the first year of his Raign and before the Term ended viz. Jan. the 29. was made Chief Judge of the Common Pleas by his own free consent as I have cause to conceive he standing fair in the Kings favour For whereas sixty marks was in that age the annual salary of that place the King granted him an augmentation of two hundred and forty marks a year so long as he kept that Office This was some four years for I find Sir John Stoner put into his place in the Fourth of the Kings Raign yet so that this Sir William was his Successor the year after such alterations being usual in that age I collect him to die in the ninth of King Edward the Third the mention of him sinking that year and is placed here because if not born at which is most probable he was owner of Illfracombe in this County the Mannor whereof was held by his issue till the Raign of King Henry the Seventh and I understand that a Family of his Name and I believe of his linage hath still a Worshipful existence in Cornwall Sir JOHN CARY Knight was born at Cockington in this County and applying himself to the Study of the Laws was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer in the tenth year of King Richard the Second The greatest fault I find charged on him was Loyalty to his Lord and Master which if any dare call a disease I assure you it is a catching one among conscientious people On this honourable account this Judge lost his Office Goods and Lands in the first of King Henry the Fourth whose losses not long after providence plentifully repayed to his Posterity On this occasion A Knight Errant of Arragon comming into England and challenging any to tilt with him was undertaken by Sir Robert Cary son to Sir John aforesaid who vanquished the vain glorious Don So that King Henry the Fifth out of a sympathy of valour restored all his estate unto him This Judge dyed about the year of our Lord 1404. Sir WILLIAM HANKFORD was born at Amerie in this County a Mannor which from owners of the same name by their daughter and heir descended to the Hank fords bred in the study of the Laws till he became Chief Justice of the Kings Bench in the first of King Henry the Fifth which place he adorned with great Learning and Integrity though doleful the manner of his death on this occasion Coming home discontented from London he expressed extream anger somewhat trespassing on his judicial gravity against his Keeper for that as he said his Deer were stolen and charged him to shoot any man in the Park whom he should find there and stood not being spoken unto and he would discharge him The next night being dark he presents himself and refusing to stand the Keeper according to his Injunction shot and killed him The stump of the Oak nigh which this sad accident
happened hath been shewn to some eminent Lawyers riding that Circuit which are yet alive However no violent impression is intimated in this his peaceable Epitaph on his Monument in Amerie Church Hic jacet Will. Hankford Miles quondam Capitalis Justiciarius Domini R. de Banco qui obiit duodecimo Die Decembris Anno Domini 1422. cujus c. His Figure is portraied kneeling and out of his mouth in a Label these two sentences do proceed 1 Miserere mei Deus secundum magnam misericordiam tuam 2 Beati qui custodiant judicium faciunt justitiam omni tempore No charitable Reader for one unadvised act will condemn his Memory who when living was habited with all requisites for a person of his place Sir JOHN FORTESCUE was born of a right Ancient and Worthy Family in this County first fixed at Wimpstone in this Shire but since prosperously planted in every part thereof They give for their Motto Forte Scutum Salus Ducum and it is observable that they attained eminency in what Profession soever they applyed themselves In the Field In Westminster Hall In the Court. Sir HEN FORTESCUE a valiant and fortunate Commander under King Henry the Fifth in the French Wars by whom he was made Governour of Meux in Berry Sir HEN. FORTESCUE was Lord Chief Justice of Ireland and justly of great esteem for his many vertues especially for his sincerity in so tempting a place Sir JOHN FORTESCUE that wise Privy Councellor Overseer of Queen Elizabeth her Liberal Studies And Chancellor of the Exchequer and Dutchy of Lancaster Sir ADRIAN FORTESCUE Porter of the Town of Calice came over with King Henry the Seventh and effectually assisting him to regain the Crown was by him deservedly created Knight Banneret Sir JOHN FORTESCUE our present Subject Lord Chief Justice and Chancellour of England in the Raign of King Henry the Sixth whose learned Commentaries on the Law make him famous to all posterity  Sir LEWIS POLLARD of Kings Nimet in this County Sergeant of the Law and one of the Justices of the Kings Bench in the time of King Henry the Eighth was a man of singular knowledg and worth who by his Lady Elizabeth had Eleven Sons whereof four attained the honour of Knighthood Sir Hugh Sir John of Ford. Sir Richard Sir George who got his honour in the defence of Bullen All the rest especially John Arch Deacon of Sarum and Canon of Exeter were very well advanced Eleven Daughters married to the most potent Families in this County and most of them Knights So that what is said of Cork in Ireland that all the Inhabitants therein are Kinne by this Match almost all the Ancient Gentry in this County are allied The Portraiture of Sir Lewis and his Lady with their two and twenty Children are set up in a Glasse Window at Nimet-Bishop There is a Tradition continued in this Family that the Lady glassing the Window in her husbands absence at the term in London caused one child more then she then had to be set up presuming having had one and twenty already and usually conceiving at her husbands coming home she should have another child which inserted in expectance came to passe accordingly This memorable Knight died Anno 1540. Sir JOHN DODERIDG Knight was born at ...... in this County bred in Exeter Colledg in Oxford where he became so general a Scholar that it is hard to say whether he was better Artist Divine Civil or Common Lawyer though he fixed on the last for his publick Profession and became second Justice of the Kings Bench. His soul consisted of two Essentials Ability and Integrity holding the Scale of Justice with so steady an hand that neither love nor lucre fear or flattery could bow him on either side It was vehemently suspected that in his time some gave large sums of money to purchase places of Judicature And Sir John is famous for the expression That as old and infirm as he was he would go to Tyburn on foot to see such a man hang'd that should proffer money for a place of that nature For certainly those who buy such Offices by whole sale must sell Justice by retail to make themselves savers He was commonly called the Sleeping Judg because he would sit on the Bench with his eyes shut which was onely a posture of attention to sequester his sight from distracting objects the better to lissen to what was alledged and proved Though he had three Wives successively out of the respectful Families of Germin Bamfield and Culme yet he left no issue behind him He kept a Hospital House at Mount-Radford neer Exeter and dying Anno Domini 1628. the thirteenth day of September after he had been seventeen years a Judg in the seventy third year of his age was interred under a stately Tomb in our Ladys Chappel in Exeter To take my leave of the Devonian Lawyers they in this County seem innated with a Genius to study Law none in England Northfolk alone excepted affording so many Cornwal indeed hath a Famine but Devon-shire makes a Feast of such who by the practice thereof have raised great Estates Three Sergeants were all made at one Callâ—… Sergeant Glanvil the Elder Dew and Harris of whom it was commonly said though I can nor care not to appropriate it respectively One Gained as much as the other two Spent Gave One Town in this Shire Tavistock by name furnisheth the Bar at this present with a Constellation of Pleaders wherein the biggest Stars Sergeant Glanvil who shineth the brighter for being so long eclipsed and Sergeant Maynard the Bench seeming sick with long longing for his sitting thereon As it is the Honour of this County to breed such able Lawyers so is it its happinesse that they have most of their Clients from other Shires and the many Suits tried of this County proceed not so much from the Litigiousnesse as Populousnesse of her Inhabitants Souldiers Sir RICHARD GREENVIL Knight lived and was richly landed at Bediford in this County He was one of the Twelve Peers which accompanied Robert Fitz-Haimon in his expedition against the Welsh when he overthrew Rhese ap Theodore Prince of South-Wales and Justine Lord of Glamorgan and divided the conquered Countrey betwixt those his Assistants This Sir Richard in my apprehension appears somewhat like the Patriarch Abraham For he would have none make him rich but God alone though in his partage good land was at Neath Nidum a City in Antoninus in Glamorgan-shire allotted unto him Indeed Abraham gave the tenth to God in Melchisedeck and restored the rest to the King of Sodom the former proprietary thereof This Knight according to the Devotion of those darker dayes gave all to God erecting and endowing a Monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary at Neath for Cistertians bestowing all his military Acquests on them for their maintenance so that this Convent was valued at 150 li. per. annum at the dissolution Thus having finished and setled this foundation he
returned to his own Patrimony at Bediford in this County where he lived in great repute 1100. under the Raign of King William Rufus and may seem to have â—…ntailed Hereditary Valour on his Name and still flourishing Posterity JAMES Lord AUDLEY is challenged by several Counties Stafford-shire Herefordshire Dorsetshire c. And that with almost equal probability to be their Native But my Authour well verst in the Antiquities of this Shire clearly adjudgeth his birth thereunto Avouching the Castle of Barstable the place of his principal Mansion and Inhabitance This is that Lord Audley so famous for his valiant service in France at the Battail of Poictiers where the Black Prince rewarded him with a yearly Pension of 500 Marks which presently the Lord Audley gave as freely to his four Esquires having as he said received this Honour by their means The news of this Largesse being quickly brought to the Prince his Ears he questioned the Lord whether he conceived his Gift not worthy his esteem as beneath his acceptance To whom the Lord replyed Thâ—…se Squires have done me long and faithful service and now especially in this Battail without whose assistance I being a single man could have done little Besides The fair Estate left mebâ—… my Ancestors enableth me freely to serve your Highnesse whereas these my men may stand in need of some support onely I crave your pardon forâ—…giving it away without your licence The Prince highly pleased thereat praised his Bounty as much as his Valour and doubled his former Pension into a thousand Marks This noble Lord by my computation died about the beginning of the Raign of King Richard the Second THOMAS STUâ—…LEY Were he alive he would be highly offended to be ranked under any other Topick than that of Princes whose memory must now be content and thankful too that we will afford it a place amongst our Souldiers He was a younger brother of an ancient wealthy and worshipful Family nigh Illfracombe in this County being one of good parts but valued the lesse by others because over-prized by himself Having prodigally mis-spent his Patrimony he entred on several projects the issue general of all decaied estates and first pitched on the peopleing of Florida then newly found out in the West Indies So confident his ambition that he blushed not to tell Queen Elizabeth that he preferred rather to be Soveraign of a Mole-hill than the highest Subject to the greatest King in Christendome adding moreover that he was assured he should be a Prince before his death I hope said Queen Elizabeth I shall hear from you when you are stated in your Principality I will write unto you quoth Stukely In what Language said the Queen He returned In the Stile of Princes To our dear Sister His fair project of Florida being blasted for lack of money to pursue it he went over into Ireland where he was frustrate of the preferment he expected and met such Physick that turned his Feaver into Frensie For hereafter resolving treacherously to attempt what he could not loyally atchieve he went over into Italy It is incredible how quickly he wrought himself thorough the notice into the favour through the Court into the Chamber yea Closet yea bosome of Pope Pius Quintus so that some wise men thought his Holinesse did forfeit a parcel of his infallibility in giving credit to such a Glorioso vaunting that with three thousand souldiers he would beat all the English out of Ireland The Pope finding it cheaper to fill Stuckleys swelling sails with aiery Titles than real Gifts created him Baron of Ross Viscount Murrough Earl of Wexford Marquesse of Lemster and then furnished this Title-top-heavy General with eight hundred souldiers paid by the King of Spain for the Irish Expedition In passage thereunto Stuckley lands at Portugal just when Sebastian the King thereof with two Moorish Kings were undertaking of a voyage into Affrica Stuckly scorning to attend is perswaded to accompany them Some thought he wholly quitted his Irish design partly because loath to be pent up in an Island the Continent of Affrica affording more elbow-room for his Atchievements partly because so mutable his mind he ever loved the last project as Mothers the youngest child best Others conceive he took this Affrican in order to his Irish design such his confidence of Conquest that his Break-fast on the Turks would the better enable him to dine on the English in Ireland Landing in Affrica Stuckley gave counsil which was safe seasonable and necessary namely that for two or three dayes they should refresh their land Souldiers whereof some were sick and some were weak by reason of their tempestuous passage This would not be heard so furious was Don Sebastion to engage as if he would pluck up the bays of Victory out of the ground before they were grown up and so in the Battail of Alcaser their Army was wholly defeated Where Stuckley lost his life A fatal fight where in one day was slain Three Kings that were and One that would be fain This Battail was fought Anno 1578. Where Stuckley with his eight hundred men behaved himself most valiantly till over-powered with multitude I hope it will be no offence next to this Bubble of Emptinesse and Meteor of Ostentation to place a precious Pearl and Magazine of secret merit whom we come to describe GEORGE MONCK Some will say he being and long may he be alive belongs not to your Pen according to your Premised Rules But know he is too High to come under the Roof of my Regulations whose merit may make Laws for me to observe Besides it is better that I should be censured than he not commended Passe we by his High Birth whereof hereafter and â—…ard breeding in the Low-Countreys not commencing a Captain per saltum as many in our Civil Wars but proceeding by degrees from a private Souldier in that Martial University Passe we also by his Imployment in Ireland and Imprisonment in England for the King his Sea service against the Dutch Posting to speak of his last performancâ—… which should I be silent would speak of it selfe Being made Governour of Scotland no power or policy of O. C. could fright or flatter him thence Scotland was his Castle from the top whereof he â—…ook the true prospect of our English affairs He perceived that since the Martyrdom of King Charls several sorts of Goverment like the Sons of Jesse before Samuel pafsed before the English People but neither God nor our Nation had chosen them He resolved therefore to send for despised David out of a Forreign Field as well assured that the English Loyalty would never be at rest till fixed in the center thereof He secured Scotland in faithfull hands to have all his Foes before his 〈◊〉 and leave none behind his back He entreth England with excellent Foot but his Horse so lean that they seemed tired at their first setting forth The chiefest strength of his Army consisted in the Reputation of the
places and at a place called Somervill near to Chappel which by the landing place as ye come from Altferrâ—… to Chesil is in great abundance It is an assured remedy for the Yellow Jaundice openeth the obstructions of the Spleen c. Buildings The Houses of the Gentry herein are built rather to be lived in than to be looked on very low in their scituation for warmth and other conveniencies Indeed the rhime holds generally true of the English structures The North for Greatness the East for Health The South for Neatness the West for Wealth However amongst the Houses in this County Lullworth Castle and Sherburn-Lodge are most eminent escaping pretty well in the late war so that they have cause neither to brag nor complain Proverbs As much a kin as Lenson-hill to Pilsen-pen That is no kin at all It is spoke of such who have vicinity of habitation or neighbourhood without the least degree of consanguinity or affinity betwixt them For these are two high hills the first wholy the other partly in the Parish of Broad Windsor whereof once I was Minister Yet Reader I assure thee that Sea-Men make the nearest Relation betwixt them calling the one the Cow the other the Calf in which forms it seems they appear first to their fancies being eminent Sea-marks to such as sail along these Coasts And although there be many Hills interposing betwixt these and the Sea which seem higher to a land Traveller yet these surmount them all so incompetent a Judge and so untrue a Surveyor is an ordinary eye of the Altitude of such places Stab'd with a Byrdport Dagger That is hang'd or executed at the Gallowes The best if not the most Hemp for the quantity of ground growing about Byrdport a Market Town in this County And hence it is that there is an ancient Statute though now disused and neglected that the Cable Ropes for the Navy Royal were to be made there abouts as affording the best Tackling for that purpose Dorset-shire Dorsers Dorsers are Peds or Panniers carried on the backs of Horses on which Haglers use to ride and carry their Commodities It seems this homely but most useful implement was either first found out or is most generally used in this County where Fish-Jobbers bring up their Fish in such contrivances above an hundred miles from Lime to London Saints EDWARD son to Edgar King of England was in his Child-hood bred under the cruel correction of Elfrida his Mother-in-law who used for small faults to whip him with Wax-Candles In so much that it is reported it made such an impression in this young Princes memory that when a man he could not endure the sight of Wax-Candles But Edward afterwards outgrew his Mothers tuition and succeeded his Father in his Throne However such her ambition that advantaged with the others easiness of nature She managed most matter of State leaving her Son in-law little more than the bare title of Soveraign Not contented herewith and to derive the Scepter to her own Son Ethelred caused him to be stab'd at Corfe Castle in this County coming in a civil visit unto her His hidden â—…ody being miraculously discovered was first buried at Warham and thence removed to Shaftsbury which Town for a time was termed Saint Edwards from his interment His murder hapned about the year of our Lord 978. Cardinals JOHN MORTON was born at Saint Andrews Milborne in this County of a right Worshipful Family still extant therein He was bred in Oxford and after many mediate preferments made Bishop of Ely Anno 1578. Not long after when many groaned under the Tyranny of King Richard the third this Prelate first found out the design of marrying Elizabeth eldest daughter to Edward the fourth of the House of York to Henry Earl of Richmond the last who was left of the line of Lancaster Indeed the Earls title to the Crown was not enough to make a countenance therewith much less a claim thereto but as the Lady had a Title and wanted a man to manage it the Earl was man enough to manage any design but wanted a Title and pursuing this advice by Gods blessing he gained the Crown by the name of Henry the seventh In expression of his gratitude he made this Bishop Chancellor of England and afterwards Arch-Bishop of Canterbury He was a great instrument in advancing a voluntary Contribution to the King through the Land perswading Prodigals to part with their money because they did spend it most and the Covetous because they might spare it best So making both extreams to meet in one medium to supply the Kings necessities who though prodigiously rich may be said always to need because never-satisfied This Bishop with vast cost cut a new Channel in the Fennes for the publick good but it neither answered his expectation nor expence He was magnificent in his buildings and bountiful to poor Scholars enjoyning his Executors to maintain twenty poor Scholars in Oxford and ten in Cambridge twenty years after his death which hapned in October 1500. Prelates JOHN STAFFORD Son to Humphrey Stafford sixth Earl of Stafford was born at Hooke in this County then a most stately House belonging to this Family and bred a Doctor of the Laws in Oxford he was afterwards Dean of the Arches and Dean of Saint Martins This was a fair Colledge near Aldersgate in London founded Anno 1056. by Ingelricus and Edvardus his Brother priviledged by our Kings of England with great immunities the cause of many and high contests betwixt this Colledge and the City of London Afterwards he was made Bishop of Wells and for eighteen years a continuance hardly to be parallel'd was Chancellor of England At last he was advanced Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and no Prelate his Peer in Biâ—…th and preâ—…erment hath either less good or less evil recorded of him He died at Maidstone 1452. and lies buried in Canterbury ROBERT MORTON was Brothers Son to Cardinal Morton of whom before whose Father had a fair Habitation at Saint Andrews Milborne in this County His relation to so good an Uncle mixed with his own merits preferred him to the Bishoprick of Worcester Of whom we have little more than the date of his consecration 1486. and of his Death 1497. He lieth buried in the body of Saint Pauls Church in London JAMES TURBERVIL or De turbida villa was born of a worshipful Family who long have lived in great account in this County â—… First a Monk but afterwards brought up in New-Colledge in Oxford He was consecrated Bishop of Exeter 1556. and deserved right well of that See When he entred thereon it was most true what his Successor therein since said That the Bishop of Exeter was a Baron but a Bare one so miserably that Cathedral had been pilled and polled But Bishop Turbervil recovered some lost lands which Bishop Voysey had vezed and particularly obtained of Queen Mary the â—…estitution of the fair Manor of
Crediton But who can stay what will away It was afterwards alienated again in the reign of Queen Elizabeth This Bishop Turbervil carried something of trouble in his name though nothing but mildnesse and meeknesse in his nature Hence it was that he staved off persecution from those in his Jurisdiction so that not so many as properly may be called some suffered in his Diocesse He being deprived in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth lived peaceably for many years in great liberty the privacy of whose life caused the obscurity of his death and the uncertainty of the date thereof Since the Reformation THOMAS WINNIFFE was born at Sherborne in this County and was bred contemporary with Doctor Hackwell in Exeter Colledge in Oxford and we may observe a three-fold parallel betwixt these two eminent persons First they were Fellows of the same foundation Secondly Chaplains to the same illustrious Master Prince Henry Thirdly both out of indiscretion at the worst no ill intent ran on the same Rock though not to the same degree of damage Dr. Hackwel for opposing the Spanish Match was un-Chaplain'd and banished the Court Doctor Winniffe for a passage in his Sermon not against but about Gondomer was committed close prisoner to the Tower and there for some days remained During which time a great Lord who shall pass nameless with great importunity endevoured to beg away all his Church preferment to dispose of at his pleasure No said King James I mean not thus to part with the man The Lord perceiving his suit hopeless vowed most solemnly that he did it only to try his royal resolution protesting that his Majesty had not one of more merit amongst all his Chaplains Indeed he was observed to run with emulation without envy in the race of vertue even with any of his Order striving to exceed them by fair industry without offering proudly to justle their credit much less falsly to supplant their reputation He was first Dean of Gloucester afterward of Saint Pauls and lastly was chosen Bishop of Lincoln 1642. being one of those six choice persons elected Ut nutantis Episcopatus molem pietatis ac probitatis suae fulcimine sustentarent All in vain being borne down under the ruines thereof Since that government hath been happily resumed and long may it flourish in its full lustre He died Anno Dom. 1654. and was buried at Lamburne in Essex having formerly been the painfull Minister thereof He was seventy eight years of age and hath a handsome Monument erected to his Memory the Epitaph whereof being too long to transcribe thus beginneth Effare marmor silens Quid quem Luges Funus non privatum sed publicum Anglicanae Ecclesiae nisi Deus antevertat penè cadaver Thoman Wynnyffum c. I would adde more in his just Commendation but because I am prohibited by his Epitaph whereof this the conclusion Anima haec in Coelos recepta non Laudationem quaerit Sed Imitationem Nor will we forget that for some years before his aged Father was buried in the same Grave Souldiers THOMAS BASKET Esquire of Divelish in this County How much King Hâ—…nry the eighth confided in his Wisdom and Valour will plainly appear by the Letter he wrote unto him exemplified by us in our Observations of the Sheriffs of this County in the twelfth year of the reign of the King aforesaid He was commonly called Little Mr. Basket the great Souldier He died about the year of our Lord 1530. JOHN RUSSEL son of Russel Esq was born at Kingston-Russel in this County and being bred beyond the Seas arrived at great accomplishments and returned home about the time when Philip King of Castile Father to Charles the fifth Emperour was forced by foul weather into the Haven of Weymouth But it is an ill wind that blows no body profit this accident proving the foundation of Mr. Russels preferment For when Sir Thomas Trenchard bountifully received this Royal Guest Mr. Russel was sent for to compleat the entertainment King Philip taking such delight in his company that at his departure he recommended him to King Henry the seventh as a person of abilities fit to stand before Princes and not before mean men Indeed he was a man of spirit carrying a badge of Valour no blemish but a beauty in his face the loss of an eye at the siege of Montrule King Henry the eight much favoured him making him Controller of the Houshold and Privy Councellor and Anno 1538. created him Lord Russâ—…l and made him Keeper of the Privy Seal A good share of the golden showre of Abby Lands fell into his lap two Mitred ones viz. Tavestock in Devonshire and Thorney in Cambridge-shire being conferred upon him and at this day possessed by his posterity King Edward the sixth who made him Earl of Bedford sent him down to suppress the Western Commotion and relieve the besieged City of Exeter which difficult service he performed with no less Wisdom than Valour Success than either This worthy Lord died in the month of March 1554. and lieth interred at Cheineys in Buckingham shire Sir RIâ—…RD BINGHAM was born at Binghams-Melcolm in this County of as ancient a Family as any therein having my self seen an Inquisition of Lands taken ouâ—… of the Tower Rolls which William de Bingham his Ancestor held in Dorset shire in the reign of King Henry the third In his youth he traced most parts of the World to search for service and find fit objects for his valour He was at the siege of Saint Quintin in France the sacking of Lieth in Scotland served in Candia under the Venâ—…tian against the Turk then returned into the Netherlands being obseâ—…ved to be fortis foelix in all his undertakings His judgement was much relied on in Eighty eight about ordering the Land Army in Tilbery Camp After long travelling his feet were fixed in Ireland where he was not bebogg'd as some otherwise his equals with ill success but being president of Connaugh conquered and drove away O Rorke that most dangerous Rebel Sir William Fitz-VVilliams Lord Deputy of Ireland was offended at that service though he could find no fault therewith save that it was not done by hâ—…mself Indeed Bingham met with that which all men of merit must expect except they will be surprized unawares envy from others suspecting that their own Bays did wither because his did seem so verdant Hereupon they accused him of cruelty to the Queen and her Council who being employed in Connaugh the very Ireland of Ireland in that age was necessitated into severity for his own security For this cause he was brought over into England outed his Offices and kept for some time in restraint all which he being inured to hardship as who had not eat his bread nor fasted neither all in a place bare with invincible courage But neglected worth will come into fashion once in seven years Tyrone begins to trouble Munster and none found fit for to order him but Sir
He died Anno Domini 1631. and lieth buâ—…ied at Chigwell aforesaid AUGUSTINE LINSELL D. D. was born at Bumsted in this County bred Scholar and Fellow in Clare-hall in Cambridge He applyed himself chiefly to the Studies of Greek Hebrew and all Antiquity attaining to great exactness therein He was very knowing in the antient practices of the Jews and from him I learned that they had a Custome at the Circumcising of their Children that certain Undertakers should make a solemn stipulation for their pious education conformable to our God-fathers in Baptisme He was afterwards made Bishop of Peterborough where on the joint-cost of his Clergy he procured Theophilact on the Epistles never printed before to be fairly set forth in Greek and Latine Hence he was removeâ—… to Hereford where he died 163. States-men Sir THOMAL AUDLEY Knight where born my best Industry and Inquiry cannot attain He was bred in the Studie of the Laws till he became Atturney of the Dutchie of Lancaster and Sergeant at Law as most affirme then Speaker of the Parliament Knighted and made Keeper of the great Seal June 4. 1532. being the twenty fourth of King Henry the eight and not long after was made Lord Chancellor of England and Baron Audley of Audley End in this County In the feast of Abby Lands King Henry the eight carved unto him the first cut and that I assure you was a dainty morsell viz. the Priory of the Trinity in Eald-gate Ward London dissolved 1531. which as a Van Currier foreran other Abbeys by two years and foretold their dissolution This I may call afterwards called Dukes-Place the Covent Garden within London as the greatest empty space within the Walls though since filled not to say pestered with houses He had afterwards a large Partage in the Abby Lands in severall Counties He continued in his Office of Chancellour thirteen years and had one onely daughter Margaret who no doubt answered the Pearl in her name as well in her precious qualities as rich Inheritance which she brought to her husband Thomas last Duke of Norfolk This Lord Audley died April 30. 1544. and is buried in the fair Church of Saffron-walden with this lamentable Epitaph The stroak of deaths Inevitable Dart Hath now alas of Life berefâ—…t the Heart Of Sir Thomas Audley of the garter Knight Late Chancellor of England under our Prince of might Henry the eight worthy of high renown And made him Lord Audley of this Town This worthy Lord took care that better Poets should be after then were in his age and founded Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge giving good lands thereunto if they might have enjoyed them according to his Donation Sir RICNARD MORISIN Knight was born in this County as J. Bale his Fellowexile doth acquaint us yet so as that he qualifieth his intelligence with Ut fertâ—…r which I have commuted into our marginall note of dubitation Our foresaid Author addeth that per celebriora Anglorum gymnasia artes excoluit bred probably first in Eton or Winchester then in Cambridge or Oxford and at last in the Inns of Court In those he attained to great skill in Latine and Greek in the Common and Civil Law insomuch that he was often imployed Ambassadour by King Henry the eight and Edward the sixth unto Charles the fifth Emperor and others Princes of Germany acquitting himself both honest and able in those negotiations He began a beautifull house at Cashobery in Hertford-shire and had prepared materialls for the finishing thereof but alas this house proved like the life of his Master who began it I mean King Edward the sixth broken off not ended and that before it came to the middle thereof Yea he was forced to fly beyond the Seas and returning out of Italy died at Strasburgh on the 17. of March Anno Domini 1556. to the grief of all good men Yet his son Sir Charles finished his fathers house in more peaceable times whose great-grand daughter augmented by matches with much honour and wealth a right worthy and vertuous Lady lately deceased was wife to the first Lord Capel and Mother to the present Earl of Essex Sir ANTHONY COOK Knight great-grant child to Sir Thomas Cook Lord Mayor of London was born at Giddy hall in this County where he finished a fair house begun by his great-grand-father as appeareth by this inscription on the frontispiece thereof Aedibus his frontem Proavus Thomas dedit olim Addidit Antoni caetera sera manus He was one of the Governours to King Edward the sixth when Prince and is charactered by Master Camden vir antiquâ severitate He observeth him also to be happy in his daughters learned above their sex in Greek and Latine namely 1. Mildred marryed unto 1. William Cecil Lord Treasurer of England 2. Anne  2. Nicholas Bacon  Chancellor  3. Katherine  3. Henry Killigrew Knights  4. Elizabeth  4. Thomas Hobby   5.  5. Ralph Rowlet   Indeed they were all most eminent Scholars the honour of their own and the shame of our sex both in prose and poetry and we will give an instance of the later Sir Henry Killigrew was designed by the Queen Embassadour for France in troublesome times when the imployment always difficult was then apparently dangerous Now Katherine his Lady wrot these following verses to her sister Mildred Cecil to improve her power with the Lord Treasurer her husband that Sir Henry might be excused from that service Si mihi quem cupio cures Mildreda remitti Tu bona tu melior tu mihi sola Soror Sin malè cunctando retines vel trans mare mittes Tu mala tu pejor tu mihi nulla Soror It si Cornubiam tibi pax six omnia lâ—…ta Sin mare Cecili nuntio bella vale We will endeavour to translate them though I am afraid falling much short of their native elegancy If Mildred by thy care he be sent back whom I request A Sister good thou art to me yea better yea the best But if with stays thou keepst him still or sendst where seas may part Then unto me a Sister ill yea worse yea none thou art If go to Cornwall he shall please I peace to thee foretell But Cecil if he set to Seas I war denounce farewell This Sir Anthony Cook died in the year of our Lord 1576. leaving a fair estate unto his son in whose name it continued untill our time Sir THOMAS SMITH Kt. was born at Saffron Walden in this County and bred in Queens-colledge in Cambridge where such his proficiency in learning that he was chosen out by Henry the eight to be sent over and brought up beyond the Seas It was fashionable in that age that pregnant Students were maintained on the cost of the State to be Merchants for experience in forraign parts whence returning home with their gainfull adventures they were preferred according to the improvement of their time to offices in
their own Country Well it were if this good old custome were resumed for if where God hath given Talents men would give but Pounds I mean encourage hopefull Abilities with helpfull Maintenance able persons would never be wanting and poor men with great parts would not be excluded the Line of preferment This Sir Thomas was afterwards Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth and a grand benefactor to both Universities as I have formerly declared at large He died Anno Domini 1577. THOMAS HOWARD wherever born is justly reputed of this County wherein he had his first honour and last habitation He was second son to Thomas last Duke of Norfolk but eldest by his wife Margaret sole heir to Thomas Lord Audley Queen Elizabeth made him Baron of Audley and Knight of the Garter and King James who beheld his father a State-Martyr for the Queen of â—…ots in the first of his raign advanced him Lord Chamberlain and Earl of Suffolk and in the twelfth of his raign July 12. Lord Treasurer of England He was also Chancellour of Cambridge loving and beloved of the University When at his first coming to Cambridge Master Francis Nethersole Orator of the University made a Latine Speech unto him this Lord returned though I understand not Latine I know the Sence of your Oration is to tell me that I am wellcome to you which I believe verily thank you for it heartily and will serve you faithfully in any thing within my power Doctor Hasnet the Vice-chancellour laying hold on the Handle of so fair a Proffer requested him to be pleased to Entertain the King at Cambridge a Favour which the University could never compass from their former great and wealthy Chancellours I will do it saith the Lord in the best manner I may with the speediest conveniency Nor was he worse then his word giving his Majesty not long after so Magnificent a Treatment in the University as cost him five thousands pounds and upwards Hence it was that after his death Thomas his second son Earl of Bark-shire not suing for it not knowing of it was chosen to succeed him losing the place as some suspected not for lack of voices but fair counting them He died at Audley end Anno Domini 1626. being Grand-father to the right Honourable James Earl of Suffolk RICHARD WESTON I behold him son to Sir Jerome Weston Sheriff of this County in the one and fourtieth of Queen Elizabeth and cannot meet with any of his relations to rectifie me if erronious In his youth he impaired his estate to improve himself with publique accomplishment but came off both a saver and a gainer at the last when made Chancellor of the Exchequer and afterwards upon the remove of the Earl of Marlburrough July 15. in the fourth of King Charles Lord Treasurer of England But I hear the Cocks crow proclaiming the dawning day being now come within the ken of many alive and when mens memories do arise it is time for History to haste to bed Let me onely be a Datary to tell the Reader that this Lord was Created Earl of Portland February 17. in the eight of King Charles and died Anno Domini 163. being father to the right Honorable Jerome now Earl of Portland Capitall Judges Sir JOHN BRAMSTONE Knight was born at Maldon in this County bred up in the Middle-Temple in the study of the Common-law wherein he attained to such eminency that he was by King Charles made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench One of deep learning solid judgement integrity of life gravity of behaviour in a word accomplished with all qualities requisite for a Person of his place and profession One instance of his integrity I must not forget effectually relating to the Foundation wherein I was bred Serjeant Bruerton of whom formerly bequeathed by Will to Sidney-colledge well nigh three thousand pounds but for haste or some other accident so imperfectly done that as Doctor Samuel Ward informed me the gife was invalid in the Rigour of the Law Now Judge Bramstone who married the Serjeants Widdow gave himself much trouble gave himself indeed doing all things gratis for the speedy payment of the money to a Farthing and the legal setling thereof on the Colledge according to the true intention of the dead He deserved to live in better times the delivering his judgement on the Kings side in the case of Ship â—…oney cost him much trouble The posting Press would not be perswaded to stay till I had received farther instructions from the most Hopefull sons of this worthy Judge who died about the year 1646. Souldiers ROBERT FITZ-WALTER It is observable what I read in my Author that in the raign of King John there were three most eminent Knights in the land 〈◊〉 for their prowess viz. Robert Fitz-Roger Richard Mont-Fâ—…chet and this Robert Fitz-Walter Two of which three a fair proportion fall to be natives of this County This Robert was born at Woodham-walters and behaved himself right 〈◊〉 on all occasions highly beloved by King Richard the first and King John untill the later banished him the land because he would not prostitute his daughter to his pleasure But worth will not long want a Master the French-King joyfully entertained him till King John recalled him back again on this occasion five-years truce being concluded betwixt the two Crowns of England and France an English-man challenged any of the French to just a course or two on horse-back with him whom Fitz-Walter then oâ—… the French party undertook and at the first course with his great spear fell'd horse and man to the ground Thus then and ever since English-men generally can be worsted by none but English-men Hereupon the King next day sent for him restored his lands with license for him to repair his Castles and particularly Bainards-castle in London which he did accordingly He was styled of the common-people The Marshall of Gods Army and Holy-Church He died Anno Domini 1234. and lieth buried in the Priory of Little-Dunmow Sir JOHN HAWKEWOOD Knight Son to Gilbert Hawkewood Tanner was born in Sible heningham This John was first bound an apprentice to a Taylor in the City of London but soon turned his needle into a sword and thimble into a shield being pressed in the service of King Edward the third for his French Wars who rewarded his valour with Knighthood Now that mean men bred in manuall and mechanick trades may arrive at great skill in Martiall performances this Hawkewood though an eminent is not the onely instance of our English nation The heat of the French Wars being much remitted he went into Italy and served the City of Florence which as yet was a Free State Such Republiques preferred forrainers rather then natives for their Generalls because when the service was ended it was but disbursing their pay and then disbanding their power by cashering their Commission such Forraigners having no advantage to continue their
about three years viz. from the seventh of July in the 22. year of King Henry the Sixth being the year of our Lord 1544. until the 25. year of that Kings raign This Lord built Sudeley Castle in this County which of Subjects Castles was the most handsome Habitation and of Subjects Habitations the strongest Castle King Edward the Fourthâ—…ent â—…ent for him with such summons that this Lord conjectured and that truly enough that it was but a Preface to his imprisonment whereupon going to London and resting himself on a Hill whence he did behold his own Castle It is thou Sudeley it is thou said he and not I that am a Traytor and so resigned the same at last into the hand of the King to procure his own liberty So true it is what Solomon saith The ransome of a mans life are his riches but the poor heareth not rebuke I find not the certain date of his death Capital Judges and Writers on the Law ANTHONY FITZ-HERBERT for a long time Justice of the Common Pleas was as a good Antiquary will have it born about Dean Forrest in this County but is by another no whit his inferiour on better evidence referred to Derby-shire where formerly we have placed his Nativity Yea I have been informed from excellent hands the Natives of this County that no Capital Judge of the three Great Courts though many of the Marches was ever born in this County yet are they here as litigious as in other places Sure I am that Gloucester-shire did breed if no Judge yet a Plaintiff and Defendant of the primest quality which betwixt them with many alternations traversed the longest suit that ever I read in England for a suit was commenced betwixt the Heirs of Sir Thomas Talbot Viscout Lisle on the one party and the heirs of Lord Barkley on the other about certain possessions lying in this County not far from Wotton-under-edge which suit begun in the end of King Edward the Fourth was depending until the beginning of King James when and was it not high time it was finally determined But the long barrenness of this County in Judges may be recompenced with fruitfulness at last the rather because Gloucestershire at this day sheweth two eminent ones Mr. Justice Adkins and Mr. Justice Hales which grace the Court of the Common Pleas with their known ability and integrity EDWARD TROTMAN Son of Edward Trotman Esquire was born at Cam nigh Duresly in this County bred a Student of the Law till he became a Bencher in the Inner Temple He wrote an Abridgement of Sir Edward Coke his eleven Volumes of Reports for the benefit of those who had not money to purchase or leisure to peruse them at large Yea such as have both may be profitted thereby for in my owne profession and in the Book of Books even those who are best acquainted with the Chapters make also use of the Contents This Gentleman in his Title page ingeniously wisheth that his Compendium might not prove Dispendium to the Reader thereof And I verily believe he hath had his desire being informed that his endeavours are well esteemed by the Learned in that profession He was buried in the Temple Church May 29. Anno Dom. 1643. Souldiers Sir WILLIAM TRACY of Todington in this County was a Gentleman of high Birth State and Stomach much in favour with King Henry the second on whom he was a daily attendant One fact hath made his Memory call it famous or infamous because he was the first and forwardest of the four Knights who at the encouragement if not command at leastwise at the connivance if not encouragement of the aforesaid King Imbrewed their hands in the blood of Thomas Becket In his old age he went into Devon-shire where he had large possessions as may appear by so many Towns bearing his surname 1. Wollocomb-Tracy 2. Bovi-Tracy 3. Nimet-Tracy 4. Bradford-Tracy c. It is reported that he intended a penitential Pilgrimage to Jerusalem but setting to Sea was ever crost with adverse Winds He is conceived to lie buried in the Parish Church of Mort in Devonshire dying about the year of our Lord 1180. Seamen This is scarcely a Maritine-shire rather bordering on the Severn than on the Sea having therein no considerable Haven Bristol being beheld as a City entire of it self and therein eminent Seamen cannot be expected yet one Family herein hath been most fortunate in such voyages having their chief Seat at Lydney in the Forrest of Dean which hath afforded WILLIAM WINTER Knight and Vice Admiral of England famous in his Generation for several performances 1. Anno 1559. being then but Machinarum classicarum praefectus English it as you please he frighted the French in Edenborough Frith assaulting their Fort in the Island of Inchkeith 2. Anno 1567. he was sent with Sir Thomas Smith with the sound of the Trumpet and shooting of some Cannons to demand the restitution of Callis of the French King 3. Anno 1568. he conducted a great Treasure of the Genoan Merchants safely into the Netherlands in despight of the French opposing him 4. Anno 1576. he with Robert Beale Clerk of the Councel was employed into Zeland to demand the restitution of our Ships which they had either taken or did detain 5. Anno 1588. he did signal service in the station appointed him coming in though not in the heat in the coole of the day when the Spanish Fleet was fallen towards the shore of Zeland and were sadly sensible of his valour I conceive him not to survive long after because if in life he would have been in action and if in action I should have found him in Cambden's Elizabeth And therefore from no mention I conclude no motion that about this time he departed Besides others of this Family unknown to me and justly referred to this County as their chief habitation And were the phrase as proper of Men sailing as Fishes swimming in the Sea I should say that Lydney-House hath brought forth a shole of Mariners So happy have they been in Sea voyages One wondring how the English durst be so bold as to put to Sea in all weathers it was returned that they were provided to saile in all seasons having both Winters and Summers on their side The more the pity that this worthy Family of the Winters did ever leave the Element of Water to tamper with Fire especially in a destructive way to their King and Country Writers OSBERNUS CLAUDIANUS or Osbern of Gloucester was bred a Benedictine Monk in the famous Convent in that City He was learned saith Leland Praeter iliius aetatis sortem above the Standard of that age He was a good Linguist Philosopher Divine he used to give clearness to what was obscure facility to what was difficult politeness to what was barbarous Nor wanted he a becoming facetiousness in his Dialogues He wrote many Books dedicating them to Gilbert Foliot Bishop of Hereford as a
Edw. Gardner ar Thunderidge Per pale O G. on a F. 2 Mascles betw 3 Hinds pass 〈◊〉 5 VVill. Hoe Ar. Hoe Quarterly Sable and Argent 6 Johan Boteler m. ut prius  7 Rich. Hale arm ut prius  8 Hen. Cogshil ar   9 VVill. Plomer ar Radwell Vert a Chev. betw 3 Lions heads erased Or Billited Gules 10 VV. Prestley ar  S. a Chever Ar. charged with 3 Anchors of the field betw as many Lions Or each issuant out of a Tower of the second 11 VVil. Leaman ar North-hal Az. a Fess betw 3 Dolphins Ar. 12 Rad. Freeman ar Aspden Azure 3 〈◊〉 Argent 13 T. Coningsby 〈◊〉 ut prius  14 Thâ—… Hewet ar Pesso-bury Sable a Cheve counter battellee betw 3. Owles Argent 15 Johan Gore ar Gilsden Gules a Fess betwixt 3 〈◊〉 16 Atth. Pulter ut prius Fitchee Or. 17   18 Joh. Gerrard Bar.   19 Joh. Gerrard Bar.   20 Cha. Nodes Ar.   QUEEN ELIZABETH 14. GEORGE HORSEY The Horseys had a free and competent estate at Digswell in this County where they had lived long in good Esteem It hapned that Sir John Horsey of Clifton in the County of Dorset whose two daughters were married into the Families of Mohune and Arnold wanting an Heir-Male settled the main of his estate which was very great on Ralph the son of this George Horsey His Father advised this Ralph his son newly augmented with the addition of so great an Estate that in case he should have any occasion to sell lands not to part with his Hartford-shire Inheritance which had continued so long in the Family but rather to make sale of some Dorset-shire land But the young Gentleman ill-advised sold this his Patrimony first of all For which the rest of his means probably prospered no whit the better Not one foot thereof remaining at this day to his posterity I write not this to grieve any of his surviving Relations but to instruct all in obedience to their Parents lawful commands 16. HEN. COCK Arm. He was afterward knighted and 〈◊〉 to Q. Elizabeth and King Iames who lay at his house May the second at his first coming out of Scotland to London where so abundant entertainment that no man of what condition soever but had what his appetite desired which made the K. at his departure heartily thank the good Knight for his great expences This Sir Henry's daughter was married to the Lord Delaware 44. EDWARD DENNY Knight was High Sheriffe of this Countie when King Iames coming from Scotland passed through it He was attended on by 140 men sutably apparell'd and well mounted with whom he tendred his service to the King presenting also his Majesty with a gallant Horse rich saddle and furniture But before the year of his Shreivalty was expired King James created him Baron Denny of Waltham and another supplyed the remainder thereof KING JAMES 2. GORGE PURIENT Arm. Let me doe my best â— devoir and last office to preserve the memorie of an ancient now expired family Digswell I presume was the place of their living because of their interments therein whereof this most remarkable Hic jacent Joannes Perient Armiger pro corpore Regis Richardi secundi Penerarius ejâ—…sdem Regis Et Armiger etiam Regis Hen. quarti Et Armiger etiam Regis Henrici quinti Magister Equitum Johanne filie Regis Navar Reginae Angliae qui obiit ....... Johanna uxor ejus quondam capitalis Domicilla ....... que obiit xxiv Anno Dom. M. ccccxv ........ Surely he was a man of merit being Penon or Ensign-bearer to one Esquire of the body to three successive Kings and Mr. of the Horse to one of their Queens to whom his wife was chief Lady of Honour THOMAS DACRES Miles mort He was one of the three Sheriffes in this County who within the compasse of ten years died in their Shrievalties as by this Catalogue may appear He was Grand-child unto Robert Dacres Esqu one of the Privy Council to King Henry the Eighth THOMAS HOE This most ancient name which formerly had Barons thereof is now expiring in the Male line This Gentlemans sole daughter being married unto ....... Kete of London THOMAS CONISBY Armiger When one told him that his potent adversarie had prevailed to make him Sheriffe I will not said he keep a man the more or a dog the fewer on that account The Farewell I am sorry to hear that the fair Font of solid Brasse brought out of Scotland and bestowed by Sir Richard Lea on the Abbey Church in St. Albons is lately taken away I could almost wish that the plunderers fingers had found it as hot as it was when first forged that so these theives with their fault might have received the deserved punishment thereof Had it bin return'd to the place whence it was taken to serve for the same use the matter had not bin so much but by an usual Alchymy this Brass is since turned into Silver But let us not so much condole the late losing of the Font as congratulate our still keeping of Baptisme which if some men might have their minds should utterly be denied to all Infants I wish all Infants to be christned in this County and elsewhere though not so fair a Font fair water and which is the best of all the full concurrence of Gods Spirit effectually to compleat the Sacrament unto them HEREFORD-SHIRE hath Worcester-shire and Shrop-shire on the North Glocester shire on the East Monmouth-shire on the South Brecknock and Radnor-shires on the West In form it is almost circular being from North to South measured to the best improvement 35. miles though from East to West not altogether so much There cannot be given a more effectual Evidence of the healthful aire in this Shire then the vigorous vivacity of the inhabitants therein Many aged folk which in other countries are properties of the chimneyes or confined to their beds are here found in the feild as able if willing to work The ingenious Serjeant Hoskin gave an intertainment to King Iames and povided ten aged people to dance the Morish before him all of them making up more then a thousand yeares So that what was wanting in one was supplied in another A nest of Nestors not to be found in another place This County doth share as deep as any in the Alphabet of our English Commodities though exceeding in VV. for VVood VVheat VVooll and VVater Besides this Shire better answereth as to the sound thereof the name of Pomerania then the Dukedome of Germany so called being a continued Orchard of Apple trees whereof much Sider is made of the use whereof we have treated of before There is a Tract in this County called Gylden Vale And if any demand how much gold is to be found therein know that even as much as in Chrusaroas or Golden stream the river of Damascus so called from the
token that he vanted that he cheated the covetous Usurer who had given him Spick and Span new money for the Old Land of his Great Great Grandfather JOHN GVVILLIM was of VVelch extraction but born in this County and became a Pursuivant of Arms by the name first of Portsmouth then Rougecroixe but most eminent for his methodical Display of Herauldry confusion being formerly the greatest difficulty therein shewing himself a good Logician in his exact Divisions and no bad Philosopher noting the natures of all Creatures given in Armes joyning fansie and reason therein Besides his Travelling all over the earth in beasts his Industry diggeth into the ground in pursuit of the properties of precious stones diveth into the Water in Inquest of the qualities of Fishes flyeth into the Air after the Nature of Birds yea mounteth to the very Skies about stars but here we must call them Estoiles and Planets their use and influence In a word he hath unmysteried the mysterie of Heraldry inso much that one of his own faculty thus descanteth in the Twilight of jest and earnest on his performance But let me tell you this will be the harm In Arming others you Your self disarm Our Art is now Anatomized so As who knows not what we our selves do know Our Corn in others Mill is ill apaid Sic vos non vobis may to us be said I suspect that his endevours met not with proportionable reward He dyed about the latter end of the Reign of King Iames. JOHN DAVIES of Hereford for so he constantly styled himself was the greatest Master of the Pen that England in his age beheld for 1 Fast-writing so incredible his expedition 2 Fair-writing some minutes Consultation being required to decide whether his Lines were written or printed 3 Close-writing A Mysterie indeed and too Dark for my Dimme Eyes to discover 4 Various-writing Secretary Roman Court and Text. The Poetical fiction of Briareus the Gyant who had an hundred hands found a Moral in him who could so cunningly and copiously disguise his aforesaid Elemental hands that by mixing he could make them appear an hundred and if not so many sorts so many Degrees of Writing Yet had he lived longer he would modestly have acknowledged Mr. Githings who was his Schollar and also born in this County to excel him in that faculty whilst the other would own no such odious Eminencie but rather gratefully return the credit to his Master again Sure I am when two such Transcendent Pen-masters shall again come to be born in the same shire they may even serve fairly to engross the will testament of the expiring Universe Our Davies had also some pretty excursions into Poetry and could flourish matter as well as Letters with his Fancy as well as with his Pen. He dyed at London in the midst of the Reign of King James and lyeth buryed in St. Giles in the fields Romish Exile Writers HUMPHRY ELY born in this County was bred in St. Johns Colledge in Oxford Whence flying beyond the Seas he lived successively at Doway Rome and Rheams till at last he setled himself at Pont-Muss in Lorain where for twenty years together he was Professor of Canon and Civil Law and dying 1604. Was buried therein with a double Epitaph That in Verse my Iudgement commands me not to beleive which here I will take the boldnesse to translate Albion Haereseos velatur nocte viator Desine Mirari Sol suus hic latitat Wonder not Reader that with Heresies England is clouded Here her SUN he LIES The Prose-part my Charity induces me to credit Inopia ferme laborabat alios inopia sublevans He eased others of Poverty being himself almost pinched therewith Benefactors to the Publick JOHN WALTER was born in the City of Hereford Know Reader I could learn little from the Minister which preached his funeral less from his acquaintance least from his Children Such his hatred of vain glory that as if Charity were guiltinesse he cleared himself from all suspicion thereof Yet is our Intelligence of him though breif true as followeth He was bred in London and became Clerk of Drapers-hall Finding the World to flow fast in upon him he made a solemn Vow to God that he would give the surplusage of his estate whatever it was to pious uses Nor was he like to those who at first maintained ten thousand pounds too much for any man which when they have attained they then conceive ten times so much too little for themselves but after his Cup was filled brim-full to the aforesaid proportion he conscienciously gave every drop of that which over-flowed to quench the thirst of people parched with Poverty I compare him to Elizabeth in the Gospel who as if ashamed of her shame so then reputed taken from her hid her self five Moneths so great her modesty such his concealing of his Charity though pregnant with good works and had not the Lanthorn of his body been lately broken it is beleived the light of his bounty had not yet been discovered He built and endowed a fair Almes house in Southwark another at Newington both in Surrey on which and other pious uses he expended well nigh ten thousand pounds whereof twenty pounds per annum he gave to Hereford the place of his Nativity His Wife and surviving Daughters were so far from grudging at his gifts and accounting that lost to them which was lent to God that they much rejoyced thereat and deserve to be esteemed joint-givers thereof because consenting so freely to his Charity He dyed in the seventy fourth year of his age 29. December Anno Domini 1656. and was solemnly buried in London Memorable Persons ROSAMUND that is saith my Authour Rosemouth but by allufion termed Rose of the World was remarkable on many accounts First for her Father VValter Lord Clifford who had large Lands about Cliffords-castle in this County secondly for her self being the Mistress-peice of beauty in that Age. Thirdly for her Paramour King Henry the second to whom she was Concubine Lastly fot her Son VVilliam Longspee the worthy Earl of Salisbury King Henry is said to have built a Labyrinth at VVoodstock which Labyrinth through length of time hath lost it self to hide this his Mistress from his jealous Iuno Queen Eleanor But Zelotypiae nihil impervium by some device she got accesse unto Her and caused her Death Rosamund was buryed in a little Nunnery at Godstowe nigh Oxford with this Epitaph Hic jacet in Tumba Rosa mundi non Rosamunda Non redolet sed olet quae redolere solet This Tomb doth inclose the worlds fair Rose so sweet full of favour And smell she doth now but you may guess how none of the sweetest savour Her Corps may be said to have done penances after her Death For Hugh Bishop of Lincoln coming as Visitor to this Nunnery and seeing Rosamund's body lying in the Quire under a Silken Herse with tapors continualâ—…y burning about
King Iames Bishop of Salisbury He dyed in his calling having begun to put in print an excellent book against Atheists most useful for our age wherein their sin so aboundeth His Death happened March 11. 1619. not two full years after his Consecration Statesmen EDVVARD FINES Lord Clinton Knight of the Garter was Lord Admiral of England for more then thirty years a Wise Valiant and Fortunate Gentleman The Masterpeice of his service was in Mustleborough Field in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth and the Battail against the Scots Some will wonder what a Fish should do on dry Land what use of an Admiral in a Land fight But know the English kept themselves close to the shore under the shelter of their ships and whilst their Arrows could do little their spears lesse their swords nothing against the Scots who appeared like a hedge of Steel so well armed and closed together the great Ordnance from their ships at first did all making such destruction in the Scottish army that though some may call it a Land-fight it was first a Victory from the sea and then but an Execution on the Land By Queen Elizabeth who honoured her honours by bestowing them sparingly he was created Earl of Lincoln May 4. 1574. and indeed he had breadth to his height a proportionable estate chiefly in this County to support his Dignity being one of those who besides his paternal Inheritance had much increased his estate He dyed January the sixteenth 1585. and lyeth buryed at Windsor in a private chappel under a stately Monument which Elizabeth his third Wife Daughter to the Earl of Kildare erected in his Remembrance THOMAS WILSON Doctor of Laws was born in this County bred Fellow of Kings-Colledge in Cambridge and afterwards was Tutor in the same University to Henry and Charles Brandons successively Dukes of Suffolk Hard shift he made to conceal himself in the Reign of Queen Mary Under Queen Elizabeth he was made Master of the Hospital of St. Katharines nigh the Tower of London upon the same Token that he took down the Quire which my Author saith allow him a little Hyperbole was as great as the Quire at St. Pauls I am loth to believe it done out of Covetousnesse to gain by the materials thereof but would rather conceive it so run to Ruin that it was past repairing He at last became Secretary of State to Q. Elizabeth for four years together It argues his ability for the place because he was put into it Seeing in those active times under so judicious a Queen weaknesse might despair to be employed in such an office He dyed anno dom 15. THOMAS Lord BURGE or BOROUâ—…H Son to William Lord Burge Grandson to Thomas Lord Burge created Baron by King Henry the Eight was born in his Fathers Fair house at Gainsborough in this County His first publick appearing was when he was sent Embassador into Scotland anno 1593. to excuse Bothwell his lurking in England to advise the speedy suppressing of the Spanish Faction and to advance an effectual association of the Protestants in that Kingdome for their Kings defence which was done accordingly Now when Sir William Russel Lord Deputy of Ireland was recalled this Lord Tho. Burgh was substituted in his room anno 1597. Mr. Camden doth thus character him Vir acer animi plenus â—…ed nullis fere castrorum rudimentis But where there is the stock of Valour with an able brain Experience will soon be graffed upon it It was first thought fit to make a Months Truce with Tyrone which cessation like a Damm made their mutual animosities for the present swell higher and when removed for the future run the fiercer The Lord Deputy the Truce expired streightly besieged the Fort of Blackwater the only Receptacle of the Rebells in those parts I mean besides their Woods and Bogs the Key of the County of Tyrone This Fort he took by Force and presently followed a bloody Battle wherein the English paid dear for their Victory loosing many worthy men and amongst them two that were Foster brothers Fratres Collactanei to the Earl of Kildare who so layed this losse to his heart amongst the Irish Foster brethren are loved above the Sons of their fathers that he dyed soon after Tyrons credit now lay a bleeding when to stanch it he rebesieged Blackwater and the Lord Deputy whilst indevouring to relieve it was struck with untimely death before he had continued a whole year in his place All I will add is this that it brake the heart of Valiant Sir John Norris who had promised the Deputies place unto himself as due to his deserts when this Lord Burgh was superinduced into that Office His Relict Lady famous for her Charity and skill in Chirurgery lived long in Westminster and dyed very aged some twenty years since WILLIAM CECIL Know Reader before I go farther something must be premised concerning his position in this Topick Virgil was prophane in his flattery to Augustus Caesar profering him his free choice after his death to be â—…anked amongst what heathen Gods he pleased so that he might take his place either amongst those of the Land which had the oversight of Men and Cities or the Sea-Gods commanding in the Ocean or the Skye-Gods and become a new Constellation therein But without the least adulation we are bound to profer this worthy Peer his own election whether he will be pleased to repose himself under Benefactors to the Publick all England in that age being beholden to his bounty as well as the poor in Standford for whom he erected a fair Bead-house acknowledging under God and the Queen their prosperity the fruit of his prudence Or else he may rest himself under the title of Lawyers being long bred in the Inns of Court and more learned in our Municipal-Law then many who made it their sole profession However for the present we lodge this English Nestor for wisdome and vivacitie under the notion of States-men being Secretarie and Lord-Treasurer for above thirty years together Having formerly written his life at large it will be enough here to observe that he was born at Bourn in this County being son to Richard Cecil Esq of the Robes to King Henry the eighth and a Legatee in his Will and Jane his Wife of whom hereafter He was in his age Moderator Aulae steering the Court at his pleasure and whilst the Earl of Leichester would indure no equall and Sussex no superiour therein he by siding with neither served himself with both Incredible was the kindness which Queen Elizabeth had for him or rather for her self in him being sensible that he was so able a Minister of State Coming once to visit him being sick of the Goute at Burley house in the Strand and being much heightned with her Head Attire then in fashion the Lords Servant who conducted her thorow the door May your Highness said he be pleased to stoop the Queen
For being with some other by this General for want of provisions left on land after many miseries they came to Mexico and he continued a Prisoner twenty three years viz Two years in Mexico one year in the Contractation-House in Civil another in the Inquisition-House in Triana twelve years in the Gallies four years with the Cross of St. Andrew on his back in the Everlasting-Prison and three years a drudge to Hernando de Soria to so high a summ did the Inventorie of his sufferings amount So much of his patience now see the end which the Lord made with him Whil'st enslaved to the aforesaid Hervando he was sent to Sea in a Flemish which was afterward taken by an English ship called the Galeon-Dudley and so was he safely landed at Portsmouth Decemb. the second 1590. And I believe lived not long after Sir WILLIAM MOUNSON Knight was extracted of an Antient Family in this Shire and was from his youth bred in Sea-Service wherein he attained to Great Perfection Queen Elizabeth having cleared Ireland of the Spanish Forces and desiring carefully to prevent a Relapse altered the Scaene of the War from Ireland to Spaine from Defending to Invading Sir Richard Leveson was Admiral our Sir William Vice-Admiral Anno 1602. These without drawing a Sword Killed Trading quite on the Coasts of Portugal no Vessels daring to goe in or out of their Harbours They had Intelligence of a Caract ready to land in Sisimbria which was of 1600 Tun richly laden out of the East-Indies and resolved to assault it though it seemed placed in an Invincible Posture Of it self it was a Gyant in Comparison to our Pigmy Ships and had in her three hundred Spanish Gentlemen the Marquess de Sancta Cruce lay hard by with thirteen Ships and all were secured under the Command of a Strong and well fortified Castle But nothing is Impossible to Mars valour and Gods blessing thereon After a â—…aire dispute which lasted for some houres with Sillogismes of fire and sword the Caract was Conquered the wealth taken therein amounting to the value of Ten Hundred Thousand Crownes of Portugal Account But though the Goods gotten therein might be valued the Good gained thereby was Inestimable for henceforward they beheld the English with admiring eyes and quitted their thoughts of Invasion This worthy Knight dyed about the mid'st of the Reign of King Iames. Writers This County hath afforded many partly because so large in it self partly because abounding with so many Monasteries whereof two Mitred ones Crowland and Bardney the Seminaries of many Learned men Not to speak of the Cathedral of Lincoln and Embrio University of Stamford wherein many had their Education Wherefore to pass by Faelix Crowlandensis Kimbertus Lindesius and others all of them not affording so much true History as will fill a hollow quill therewith we take notice of some principal ones and begin with GILBERT of HOLLAND He took his name not as others from a single Town but a great part of ground the third part of this Tripartite County which in my apprehension argues his Diligence in preaching thereabouts But quitting his Native Land he was invited by the famous St. Bernard to go to and live with him at Clarvaulx in Burgundy where he became his Scholar Some will prize a Crum of Forreign Praise before a Loafe of English commendation as subject to partiality to their own Countrymen Let such hear how Abbot Trithemius the German commendeth our Gilbert Vir erat in Scripturis Divinis Studiosus egregie doctus ingenio subtilis clarus eloquio The Poets feigâ—… that Hercules for a time supplyed the place of wearied Atlas in supporting the Heavens so our Gilbert was frequently substitute to St. Bernard continuing his Sermons where the other brake â—…ff from those words in lectulo meo per noctes c. unto the end of the book being forty six Sermons in style scarce discernable from St. Bernards He flourished anno Dom. 1200. and was buryed at Gistreaux in France ROGER of CROULAND was bred a Benedictine Monk therein and afterwards became Abbot of Friskney in this County He was the seventh man in order who wrote the Life of Thomas Becket Some will say his six elder Brethren left his Pen but a pitiful portion to whom it was impossible to present the Reader with any remarkable Novelty in so trite a subject But know that the pretended miracles of Becket daily multiplying the last Writer had the most matter in that kind He divided his book into seven Volumes and was full fifteen years in making of it from the last of King Richard the first to the fourteenth of King Iohn But whether this Elephantine Birth answered that proportion of time in the performance thereof let others decide He flourished anno Domini 1214. ELIASDE TREKINGHAM was born in this County at a Village so called as by the sequents will appear Ingulphus relateth that in the year of our Lord 870. in the Month of September Count Algar with others bid battle to the Danes in Kesteven a Third part of this County and worsted them killing three of their Kings whom the Danes buryed in a Village therein formerly called Laundon but after Trekingham Nor do I know any place to which the same name on the like accident can be applied except it be Alcaser in Africa where anno 1578. Sebastian the Portugal and two other Morish Kings were killed in one Battle I confess no such place as Trekingham appeareth at this day in any Catalogue of English Towns Whence I conclude it either a Parish some years since depoulated or never but a Churchlesse Village This Elias was a Monk of Peterborough Doctor of Divinity in Oxford a Learned man and great Lover of History writing himself a Chronicle from the year of our Lord 626 till 1270. at what time it is probable he deceased HUGO KIRKSTED was born at that well known Town in this County being bred a Benedictine-Cistercian-Bernardine A Cistercian is a Reformed Benedictine a Bernardine is a Reformed Cistercian so that our Hugh may charitably be presumed Pure as twice Refined He consulted one Serlo an aged man and one of his own Order and they both clubbing their pains and brains together made a Chronicle of the Cistercians from their first coming into England anno 1131. when Walter de Espeke founded their first Abby at Rivaax in York-shire Our Hugh did write Serlo did indict being almost an hundred years old so that his Memory was a perfect Chronicle of all remarkable Passages from the Beginning of his Order Our Hugo flourished anno Domini 1220. WILLIAM LIDLINGTON was born say some at that Village in Cambridge-shire at a Village so named in this County say others with whom I concur because he had his Education at Stamford He was by profession a Carmelite and became the Fifth Provincial of his Order in England Monasteries being multiplyed in that age Gerardus a Frenchman Master General
they will not take twenty lines together from any Author without acknowledging it in the Margin conceiving it to be the fault of a Plagearie Yet the same Criticks repute it no great guilt to seize a whole Manuscript if they can conveniently make themselves the Masters though not Owners thereof in which Act none can excuse them though we have had too many Precedents hereof This Laurence died Anno Dom. 1410. BERTRAM FITZALIN Finding him charactered Illustri stemmate oriundus I should have suspected him a Sussex man and Allied to the Earls of Arundell had not another Author positively informed me he was patria Lincolniensis bred B. D. in Oxford and then lived a Carmelite in the City of Lincolne Here he built a faire Library on his and his freinds cost and furnish'd it with books some of his own making but more purchased He lived well beloved and dyed much lamented the seventeenth of March 1424. Writers since the Reformation EDMUND SHEFFEILD descended from Robert Sheffeild Recorder of London Knighted by King Henry the Seventh 1496 for his good Service against the Rebells at Black-Heath was born at Butterwick in the Isle of Axholm in this Country and was by King Edward the sixth Created Baron thereof Great his Skill in Musick who wrote a Book of Sonnets according to the Italian fashion He may seem Swan like to have sung his own Funeral being soon after Slaine or Murthered rather in a skirmish against the Rebells in Norwich first unhorsed and cast into a ditch and then Slaughtered by a Butcher who denyed him Quarter 1449. He was direct Anchester to the hopeful Earl of Moulgrave PETER MORVVING was born in this County and bred fellow of Magdalen Colledg in Oxford Here I cannot but smile at the great Praise which I Pitz bestoweth upon him Vir omni Latini sermonis elegantia bellè instructus qui scripta quaedam tum versu tum Prosa tersè nitidèque composuisse perhibetur It plainly appeareth he mistook him for one of his own perswasion and would have retracted this Caracter and beshrewed his own fingers for writing it had he known him to have been a most Cordial Protestant Nor would he have afforded him the Phrase of Claruit sub Philippo et Mariâ who under their Reigns was forced for his Conscience to fly into Germany where he supported himself by Preaching to the English Exiles I find not what became of him after his return into England in the Reigne of Queen Elizabeth ANTHONY GILBY was born in this County and bred in Christs Colledge in Cambridge where he attained to great skill in the three learned languages But which gave him the greatest Reputation with Protestants was that in the Reign of Queen Mary he had been an Exile at Geneva for his Conscience Returning into England he became a feirce fiery and furious opposer of the Church Discipline established in England as in our Ecclesiasticall History may appear The certaine date of his death is to me unknown JOHN FOX was born at Boston in this County and bred Fellow in Magdalen Colledg in Oxford He fled beyond the Seas in the Reign of Queen Mary where he set forth the first and least edition of the Book of Martyrs in Latine and afterwards returning into England inlarged and twice revised the same in our own language The story is sufficiently known of the two Servants whereof the one told his Master he would do every thing the other which was even Esop himself said he could do nothing rendering this reason because his former fellow servant would leave him nothing to do But in good earnest as to the particular subject of our English Martyrs Mr. Fox hath done every thing leaving posterity nothing to work upon and to those who say he hath overdone somthing we have returned our answer before He was one of Prodigious Charity to the poor seeing nothing could bound his bounty but want of mony to give away but I have largely written of his life and death in my Church History THOMAS SPARKS D. D. was born at South Sommercot in this County bred in Oxford and afterwards became Minister of Bleachley in Buckingham-shire An Impropriation which the Lord Gray of Wilton whose dwelling was at Whaddon hard-by Restored to the Church He was a solid Divine and Learned man as by his Works still extant doth appear At first he was a Non-conformist and therefore was chosen by that party as one of their Champions in the Conference of Hampton Court Yet was he wholy silent in that Disputation not for any want of Ability but because as afterwards it did appear he was Convinced in his Conscience at that Conference of the lawfullness of Ceremonies so that some accounted him King James's Convert herein He afterwards set forth a book of Unity and Uniformity and died about the year of our Lord 1610. Doctor TIGHE was born at Deeping in this County bred as I take it in the University of Oxford He afterwards became Arch Deacon of Middlesex and Minister of Alhallowes Barking London He was an excellent Textuary and profound Linguist the reason why he was imployed by King James in translating of the Bible He dyed as I am informed by his Nephew about the year of our Lord 1620. leaving to John Tighe his Son of Carby in this County Esquire an Estate of one thousand pounds a year and none I hope have cause to envy or repine thereat FINES MORISON Brother to Sir Richard Morison Lord President of Munster was born in this County of worshipfull extraction and bred a fellow in Peter-house in Cambridge He began his Travels May the first 1591 over a great part of Christendome and no small share of Turky even to Jerusalem and afterwards Printed his Observations in a large book which for the truth thereof is in good Reputation For of so great a Traveller he had nothing of a Traveller in him as to stretch in his reports At last he was Secretary to Charles Blunt Deputy of Ireland saw and wrote the Conflicts with and Conquest of Tyrone a discourse which deserveth credit because the Writers cye guide his pen and the privacy of his place acquainted him with many secret passages of Importance He dyed about the year of our Lord 1614. Benefactors to the Publique Having formerly presented the Reader with two Eminent ones Bishop Wainfleit Founder of New Colledge and Bishop Fox Founder of Corpus Christi in Oxford He if but of an ordinary appetite will be plentifully feasted therewith so that we may proceed to those who were Since the Reformation WILLIAM RATCLIFF Esq And four times Alderman of the Town of Stamford died Anno Dom. 1530. Gave all his Messuages Lands and Tenements in the Town to the Maintenance of a Free-School therein which Lands for the present yeild thirty pounds per Annum or there-abouts to a School-Master and Usher I am informed that an Augmentation was since
him renow'd throughout the Christian world Yet such the bafeness and ingratitude of the French that concluding a Peace with O. C. the Usurper of England they wholy forgot his former services and consented to the expulsion of this Prince and his royal brothers out of that Kingdome 〈◊〉 valour cannot long lye neglected soon was he courted by Don John de Austria into Flanders where in the action at Dunkirk he far surpassed his former deeds often forgetting that he was a Prince to shew himself a true souldier such his hazarding his person really worth ten thousand of them to the great molestation of his true friends Since God out of his infinite love to the English hath safely returned this Duke to his native Country where that he may long live to be the joy and delight of the whole Nation I shall constantly beg of God in my daily devotions ELIZABETH second daughter of King Charles the first and Queen Mary was born at Saint James's Anno 1635. on the 28. day of December She proved a Lady of parts above her age the quickness of her mind making recompence for the weakness of her body For the remainder of her life I will my hold peace and listen to my good friend Master John Buroughs thus expressing himself in a letter unto me The Princess Elizabeth with her Brother Henry Duke of Glocester being by order of parliament to be removed to Carisbroke-castle in the Isle of Wight where his Most Excellent Maiesty was lately a Prisoner were accordingly received by Mr. Anthony Mild may from the Earl and Countess of Leceister at Penshurst in Kent and began their unwilling journey on Friday 9. of August 1650. On the 16. of the same Month they were first lodged in Carisbroke-castle aforesaid The Princess being of a melancholy temper as affected above her age with the sad condition of her Family fell sick about the beginning of September following and continuâ—… 〈◊〉 for three or four days having onely the Advise of Doctor Bignall a worthy and able 〈◊〉 of Newport After very many rare ejaculatory expressions abundantly demonstrating her unparalelled Piety to the eternal honour of her own memory and the astonishment of those who waited on her she took leave of the world on Sunday the eighth of the same September Her body being embalmed was carefully disposed of in a Coffin of Lead and on the four 〈◊〉 twentieth of the said Month was brought in a Borrowed Coach from the Castle to the Town of Newport attended thither with her few late Servants At the end of the 〈◊〉 the Corps were met and waited on by the Mayor and Aldermen thereof in their formalities to the Church where about the middle of the East part of the Chancel in Saint Thomas 〈◊〉 Chappel her Highness was interr'd in a small Vault purposely made with an Inscription of the date of her death engraved on her Coffin The 〈◊〉 of Norway where a Winters day is hardly an hour of clear light are the 〈◊〉 of wing of any Foul under the firmament nature teaching them to bestir themselves to lengthen the shortness of the time with their swiftness Such the active piety of this Lady improving the little life alloted her in running the way of Gods Commandeâ—… 〈◊〉 third daughter to King Charles the first and Queen Mary was born at 〈◊〉 James's March 17. Anno Domini 1637. She was a very pregnant Lady above 〈◊〉 and died in her infancy when not full four years old Being minded by those 〈◊〉 her to call upon God even when the pangs of death were upon her I am not able saith she to say my long prayer meaning the Lords-prayer but I will say my short one Lighten mine eyes O Lord lest I sleep the sleep of death this done the little lamb gave up the ghost KATHARINE fourth daughter to King Charles the first and Queen Mary was born at White hall the Queen-Mother then being at Saint James's and survived not above half an hour after her baptizing So that it is charity to mention her whose memory is likely to be lost so short her continuance in this life The rather because her name is not entred as it ought into the Register of Saint Martins in the fields as indeed none of the Kings children save Prince Charles though they were born in that Parish And hereupon a story depends I am credibly informed that at the birth of every child of the King born at Whitehall or Saint James's full five pounds were ever faithfully paid to some unfaithful receivers thereof to record the names of such children in the Register of Saint Martins But the money being embâ—…iled we know by some God knows by whom no memorial is entred of them Sad that bounty should betray any to such baseness and that which was intended to make them the more solemnly remembred should occasion that they should be more silently forgotten Say not let the children of mean persons be written down in Registers Kings children are Registers to themselves or all England is a Register to them For sure I am this common confidence hath been the cause that we have been so often at a loss about the nativities and other properties of those of Royal extraction CHARLES STUART son to the Illustrious James Stuart Duke of York by Anne daughter to the Right Honourable Edward Hide Earl of Clarendon and Lord Chancellour of England and Frances his Lady descended of the Ancient Family of the Aylesburies High-sheriffs for many years together of Bedford and Buckinghamshire in the reign of King Edward the second and third was born at Worcester-house 22. day of October 1660. and christened by the Right Reverend Father in God Gilbert L. Bishop of London his Majesty and George Duke of Albemarle being his God-fathers and Mary the Queen-mother his God-mother He was declared Duke of Cambridge a title which to the great honour of that University for these four hundred years hath been onely conferred either on forraign Princes or persons of the Royal Bloud This Princely infant dyed May 5. 1661. Saints Saint WULSY being a man reputed when living and reported when dead of great vertue and innocency Was by Saint Dunstan created the first Abbot of Westminster where he lived many years very exemplary for his conversation untill his death which happened Anno Dom. 960. Then was his body buried in the same Monastery and the 26. day of September was kept by the Citizens of London with great Veneration of his miracle-working memory Martyrs I meet with none in this City and in my mean Judgment it is most observable that London having two Pages as I may term them attending it viz. Westminster and Southwark both joyned to it in buildings should be so different from it in condition in London we have no room to hold Martyrs in the other two no Martyrs to take up any room Inquiring the cause thereof we find these three places though contiguous not to say
the lands belonging to the Church of Norwich which formerly he had so industriously recovered and setled thereon were again called into question being begged by a Peer who shall pass nameless Sir Edward desired him to desist telling him that otherwise he would put on his Gown and Cap and come into Westminster-hall once again and plead there in any Court in Justification of what he had done He died at Stoke Poges in Buckingham-shire on Wednesday the 3. of September being the 83. year of his age whose last words were Thy Kingdome come Thy will be done Sir THOMAS RICHARDSON Knight was born at Mulbarton in this County his father being Minister thereof He was bred in the study of our Municipal-law and became the Kings Serjeant therein Afterwards on the 28. of November 1626. he was sworn Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas that place having been void ten months before But coming now to our own times it is safest for me to break off Virgil I remember put a period to his Eclogue with Et Hylax in limine latrat VVe 'l Verfifie no more For do but hark Hylax doth bark at th' entrance of the Dore. Seeing many will be ready to carp it is safest for me to be silent whilst his Brass Monument on the South-side of VVestminster Abby thus entertaineth the Reader Deo Om. Thomae Richardsoni Iceni Equitis Aurati Humanum Depositum Ille Juris Municip omnes gradus exantlavit Conventus tertii ordinis ann Jacobi Regis 21 22. Prolocutor extitit Fori civilis Communium Placitorum vocant Supremum Magistratum quinquennium gessit Ad summum tandem primarii per Angliam judicis Tribunal A Rege Carolo evectus expiravit Anno aetatis 66. salutis MDCXXXIIII Tho. Richardson fil unicus Eques Aur. Baro Scotiae designatus Patri incomparabili posuit This Judge married for his second Lady Elizabeth Beaumont the sister as I take it of Mary Countess of Buckingham and the Relict of ........ Ashburnham Knight She was by King Charles Created Baroness of Craumount in Scotland and though issueless by the Judge the Honour descended to his Grand-child Souldiers ROBERT VENILE Knight one I confess whose name I never heard of till meeting with this memorable Note in a Modern Historian And here must not be forgotten Robert Venile Knight a Norfolk man who when the Scots and English were ready to give battle a certain stout Champion of great stature commonly called Tournboll coming out of the Scots Army and challenging any English man to meet him in a single combate this Robert Venile accepteth the challenge and marching towards the Champion and meeting by the way a certain black Mastife dog which waited on the Champion he suddenly with his sword cut him off at the loyns and afterwards did more to the Champion himself cutting his head from off his shoulders This put me with blushing enough that one so eminent in himself should be altogether to me obscure upon the inquiry after this valiant Knight but all my industry could not retrive him in any author so that he seems to me a kin to those spirits who appear but once and finally vanish away Sir OLIVER HINGHAM was born richly landed and buried in Hingham an eminent Market-town in this County A right valiant man whom King Edward the third left Governour of Aquitain in France an honorable but difficult place being to make good a great Country with a few men against a fierce and numerous enemy Yet he gave a good account of his trust When the French lay before Burdeaux the Citizens thereof to abuse the enemies hopes set open their gates displaying the Golden-lilies the French-armes on their Towers as if they were theirs the French were no sooner securely entred but brave Oliver Captain of this City and Warden of the whole Country for King Edward gave them such an entertainment that they drank not so much Claret-wine in the City as they left Bloud behi nd them This happ'ned in the thirteenth year of the reign of King Edward the third This Sir Oliver liv'd many years after and was made Knight of the Garter and lies buried at Hingham under a fair tomb of free-stone curiously wrought with his resemblance in his Coat-Armour having a Crowned Owle out of an Ivy-bush for his Crest lying upon a Rock beholding Sun Moon and Stars because a great Travailer all lively set forth in metal with four and twenty mourners about his monument JOHN FASTOLFE Knight was a native of this County as I have just cause to believe though some have made him a French-man meerly because he was Baron of Sineginle in France on which account they may rob England of many other Worthies He was a Ward and that the last to John Duke of Bedford a sufficient evidence to such who understand time and place to prove him of English extraction To avouch him by many arguments valiant is to maintain that the sun is bright though since the Stage hath been over bold with his memory making him a Thrasonical Puff and emblem of Mock-valour True it is Sir John Oldcastle did first bear the brunt of the one being made the make-sport in all plays for a coward It is easily known out of what purse this black peny came The Papistsâ—…ailing â—…ailing on him for a Heretick and therefore he must also be a coward though indeed he was a man of arms every inch of him and as valiant as any in his age Now as I am glad that Sir John Oldcastle is put out so I am sorry that Sir John Fastolfe is put in to relieve his memory in this base service to be the anvil for every dull wit to strike upon Nor is our Comedian excusable by some alteration of his name writing him Sir John Falstafe and making him the property of pleasure for King Henry the fifth to abuse seeing the vicinity of sounds intrench on the memory of that worthy Knight and few do heed the inconsiderable difference in spelling of their name He was made Knight of the Garter by King Henry the sixth and died about the second year of his reign Sir CLEMENT PASTON Knight fourth son to Sir VVilliam Paston son to Sir John Paston a famous Soldier and favorite to King Edward the fourth sent by him with the Lord Scales to conduct the Lady Margaret the sister of the King to her husband Charles Duke of Burgundy son to VVilliam Paston the Judge was born at Paston in this County When a youth he was at the burning of Conquest in France and afterwards by King Henry the eight was made Captain of one of his ships of war and in a Sea-fight took a French Gally and therein the Admiral of France prisoner called the Baron of Blancard whom he brought into England and kept at Castor nigh rarmouth till he had payed 7000. crowns for his ransome besides the spoil of the Galley wherein he had a cup and two snakes of gold which were the
22 Tho. Barney ar ut prius  Queen ELIZABETH 18 DRUGO DRURY Arm. This Sir Dru being afterwards Knighted was joyned in Commission with Sir Amias Paulet to keep Mary Queen of Scots and discharged his dangerous trust therein It moveth me not that I find both these Knights branded for Puritans being confident that Nick-name in relation to them both was first pronounced through a Popish mouth causlesly offended at their Religion King CHARLES 5 ROGER TOWNSEND Baronet He was a religious Gentleman expending his soul in piety and charity a lover of God his Service and Servants A grave Divine saith most truly that incroachments on the Church are like breaches of the Seas a thousand to one if they ever return But this worthy Knight may be said to have turn'd the tide restoring Impropriations to the Church to some hundreds in yearly valuation He married Mary daughter and co-heir of Horatio Lord Vere of Tilbury by whom he had Sir Horace who for his worth was deservedly Created a Baron at the Coronation of King Charles the second The Farewell And now being to take my leave of this County I wish the inhabitants thereof may make good use of their so many Churches and cross that pestilent Proverb The nigher to the Church the farther from God substituting another which will be a happy change in the room thereof viz. The more the Churches the more sincere the Devotion NORWICH is as you please either a City in an Orchard or an Orchard in a City so equally are Houses and Trees blendid in it so that the pleasure of the Country and populousness of the City meet here together Yet in this mixture the inhabitants participate nothing of the rusticalness of the one but altogether of the urbanity and civility of the other Natural Commodities Flowers The Dutch brought hither with them not onely their profitable crafts but pleasurable curâ—…osities They were the first who advanced the use and reputation of Flowers in this City A Flower is the best complexioned grass as a Pearl is the best coloured clay and daily it weareth Gods Livery for He cloatheth the Grass in the Field Solomon himself is out-braved therewith as whose gallantry onely was adopted and on him their 's innate and in them In the morning when it groweth up it is a Lecture of Divine Providence In the evening when it is cut down withered it is a Lecture of Humane Mortality Single flowers are observed much sweeter then the double ones poor may be more fragrant in Gods nostrils then the rich and let Florists assign the cause thereof whether because the Sun doth not so much dry the Intricacies of such flowers which are Duplicated Great the Art in meliorating of flowers and the Rose of Roses Rosa Mundi had its first being in this City As Jacob used an ingenious invention to make Laban's cattle speckled or ring-straked so much the skil in making Tulips feathered and variegated with stripes of divers colours In my judgement those flowers carry it clearly which acquit themselves to a double sense sight and smel for though in some thing it may be true Optime quae minime olent yet in flowers besides a negation of an ill the position of a good sent is justly required Manufactures Stuffs It is an ill wind which bloweth no man good even Storms bring VVrecks to the Admiral The cruelty of Duke D'Alva as it blew the Dutch out off their own brought them into this City and with them their Manufactures which the English quickly learned from them until Norwich became the Staple of such Commodities for the whole Land For the nimble wooffe its artificial dancing in several postures about the standing warpe produceth infinite varieties in this kind Expect not I should reckon up their several names because daily increasing and many of them are binominous as which when they begin to tire in sale are quickned with a new name In my child-hood there was one called Stand-far-of the embleme of Hypocrisie which seemed pretty at competent distance but discovered its coursness when nearer to the eye Also Perpetuano so called from the lasting thereof though but a counterfeit of the cloaths of the Israelites which endured in the VVillderness 40. years Satinisco Bombicino Italiano c. Comineus saith that a Favorite must have an handsome name which his Prince may easily call on all occasions so a pretty pleasing name complying with the Byers fancy much befriendeth a Stuffe in the sale thereof By these means Norwich hath beaten Sudbury out of distance in the race of Trading Indeed in the starting the South having the better of the North and Bury or City being before VVich or Vicus a Village Sudbury had the advantage but now Norwich is come first to their Mark The Buildings The Cathedral therein is large and spacious though the roof in the Cloysters be most commended When some twenty years since I was there the top of the Steeple was blown down and an Officer of the Churce told me That the wind had done them much wrong but they meant not to put it up whether the wrong or the steeple he did not declare Amongst private houses the Duke of Norfolks palace is the greatest I ever saw in a City out of London Here a covered Bowling-alley the first I believe of that kind in England on the same token that when Thomas last Duke of Norfolk was taxed for aspiring by marriage of the Q to the Crown of Scotland he protested to Queen Elizabeth that when he was in his Bowling-alley at Norwich he accounted himself as a King in Scotland As for the Bishops Palace it was formerly a very fair structure but lately unleaded and new covered with tyle by the purchasers thereof Whereon a wag not unwittily Thus Palaces are altered we saw John Leyden now Wat Tyler next Jack Straw Indeed there be many thatch'd houses in the City so that Luther if summoned by the Emperour to appear in this place would have altered his expression and said instead of Tyles of the house that if every Straw on the roof of the houses were a Divel notwithstanding he would make his appearance However such thatch is so artificially done even sometimes on their Chancels that it is no eye-sore at all to the City Physicians JOHN GOSLIN born in this City was first Fellow and afterwards Master of Caius-colledge in Cambridge Proctor of the University and twice Vice-chancellour thereof a general Scholar eloquent Latinist a rare Physician in which faculty he was Regius Professor A strict man in keeping and Magistrate in pressing the Statutes of Colledge and University and a severe punisher of the infringers thereof And here courteous Reader let me insert this pleasant passage seeing Cato himself may sometimes smile without offence I remember when this Doctor was last Vice-chancellour it was highly penal for any Scholar to appear in boots as having more of the Gallant then Civil Student therein
justly suspected and I reserve his character to be ranked amongst the Benefactors to the Publique Prelates RICARD of NORTHAMPTON ADAM of NORTHAMPTON We compound them for several reasons First because natives of the same Town Secondly both going over into Ireland there became Bishops of the same See Thirdly because the history of them is single so slender it cannot subsist alone though twisted together it is posible that their memories may support one the other For we have nothing more of them then the dates of their Consecrations and Deaths The former Consecrated Bishop of Fernose October the 13. 1282. dyed Anno 1304. The later Consecrated 1322. died October the 29. 1346. having first seen his Cathedral Church burnt and destroyed by the Rebells WILLIAM le ZOUCH son to Lord Zouch was born at Haringworth in this County as a branch of thar Honorable Family still alive and Critical in their Pedigrees hath credably informed me From Dean he became Arch-bishop of York 1342. King Edward the third going over to France committed the North to the care of this Prelate Soon after David King of Scots with a great Army invaded it he promised himself Cesars success to Come and Conquer See and Subdue The rather because he believed that he floure of the English Chivalry being gone into France onely Priests and Peasants were left behind Our Arch-bishop with such forces as he could suddenly provide bid him Battle at Durham on Saint Lukes Eve whereon the Scotch King found such a fast he had little list to feast the day following being routed and taken Prisoner Hence a Poet of that age Est pater invictus sicco de stipite dictus Zouch in French signifying the dry stump of a stick However his honorable Family flourished as a Green Tree for many years till withered in our memory when Edward the last Lord Zouch dyed without Issue male in the beginning of King Charles To return to our Prelate he began a beautiful Chappel on the South-side of his Cathedral intending to be interred therein But dying before the finishing thereof was buried before the Altar of Saint Edmund 1352. ROBERT BRAYBROOKE was born at a Village in this County well known for the carkase of a Castle therein He was Consecrated Bishop of London January 5. 1381. â—…nd afterwards for six Months was Chancellour of England He dyed 1404. being buried under a Marble-stone in the Chappel of Saint Mary Which is all we can recover of this Prelate and if it be enough to satisfie the Readers hunger he need not leave any thing for manners in the dish LIONELL WYDEVILL or WOODVILL was born at Grafton since called Grafton honor in this County bred in the University of Oxford whereof for a time he was Chancellour then made Bishop of Sarisbury 1482. As he was at first preferred so his memory is still supported from sinking in Silence rather by the Buttresses of his great relations then the foundation of his own deserts For he was Son to Jaquet Dutchess of Bedford and Richard Wydevill E. of Rivers Brother to Elizabeth Q. of England Brother in-law to King Edward the fourth Uncle to King Edward the fiâ—…t and Father say some to Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester Heart-broken with grief with the Tragedies he beheld in his own family caused by the cruelty of King Richard the third he died about the year of our Lord 1484. Since the Reformation JAMES MONTAâ—…UE son to Sir Edward Montague Knight was born at Boughton in this County bred in Christs-colledge in Cambridge He was afterwards Master or rather Nursing father to Sidney-colledge For he found it in Bonds to pay 20. Marks per annum to Trinity-colledge for the ground whereon it is built and left it free assigning it a rent for the discharge thereof When the Kings Ditch in Cambridge made to defend it by its Strength did in his time offend it with its Stenche he expended a hundred marks to bring running water into it to the great conveniency of the University He was afterwards Bishop first of Bath and VVells then of VVinchester being highly in favour with King James who did ken a man of merrit as well as any Prince in Christendome He translated the works of King James into Latine and improved his greatness to do good offices therewith He died Anno Domini 1618. and lyeth buried within his fair Monument within his fairer Monument I mean a goodly Tombe in the Church of Bath which oweth its well being and beauty to his Munificence FRANCIS GODWIN son to Thomas Godwin Bishop of Bath and VVells was born at Hanningham in this County bred in Christs-church in Oxford Doctor of Divinity and Sub-Dean of Exeter He was born in the fourth year of the raign of Queen Elizabeth Anno 1561. and in the fortieth year of his age 1601. by her Majesty made Bishop of Landaffe A bishoprick better proportioned to his modesty then merits as which was much impaired by his predecessor so that one did tâ—…uly say A bad Kitching did for ever spoil the good Meat of the Bishops of Landaffe He was a good Man grave Divine skilful Mathematician pure Latinist and incomparable Historian The Church of Landaffe was much beholding to him yea the whole Church of England yea the whole Church Militant yea many now in the Church Triumphant had had their memories utterly lost on Earth if not preserved by his painfull endeavours in his Catalogue of English Bishops I am sorry to see that some have since made so bad use of his good labours who have lighted their Candles from his Torch thereby meerly to discover the faults of our Bishops that their Personal failings may be an argument against the Prelatical function He was translated by King James to the Bishoprick of Hereford and died very aged in the reign of King Charles Anno Domini 162. JOHN OWEN was born at Burton Latimers in this County his father being the worthy and grave Minister thereof He was bred a Fellow in Jesus-colledge in Cambridge where he commenced Doctor of Divinity and was Chaplain to King Charles whilst he was a Prince A modest man who would not own the worth he had in himself and therefore others are the more ingaged to give him his due esteem In the vacancy of the Bishop wrick of Saint Asaff King Charles being much troubled with two Competitours advanced Doctor Owen not thinking thereof as an expedient to end the Contest Indeed his Majesty was mistaken in his birth accounting him a Welch-man but not in his worth seeing he deserved a far better preferment Besides he was though not Ortus oriundus è Wallia and by his father being a Welchman he was related to all the best families in North-wales He out-lived his Vote in Parliament and survived to see all contempt cast on his Order which he bare with much moderation and dyed Anno Dom. 164. ROBERT SKINNER D. D. was born at Pisford in this County where his father was
he was condemned for siding with Queen Jane but pardoned his life and restored to his lands as by Queen Elizabeth to his honour Much was he given to Musick and Poetry and wanted not personal valour not unskillful though unsuccessful in Military Conduct as in the imployment against Ket He died Anno Domini 1571. without Issue Queen MARY 1 THOMAS TRESSAM Mil. He was a person of great command in this County and was zealous against the Court Faction in proclaiming and promoting Q. Mary to the Crown She therefore in gratitude made him the first and last Lord Prior of the re-erected Order of Saint Johns of Jerusalem Dying without Issue and being buried in Rushton Church his large lands descended to his Kinsman and Heir Thomas Tressam of whom hereafter Queen ELIZABETH 6 EDMUND BRUDENELL Arm. This is that worthy person of whom afterwards Knighted Master Camden entereth this honorable memorial Equibus Edmundus Brudenel Eques auratus non ita pridem defunctus venerandae antiquitatis summis fuit cultor admirator He may seem to have entailed his learned and liberal inclinations and abilities on his though not son heir Thomas Lord Brudenell of Stoughton then whom none of our Nobility more able in the English Antiquities 15 THOMAS TRESSAM Arm. The Queen Knighted him in the 18. year of her reign at Kenelworth Hard to say whether greater his delight or skill in buildings though more forward in beginning then fortunate in finishing his fabricks Amongst which the Market-house at Rothwell adorned with the armes of the Gentry of the County was highly commendable Having many daughters and being a great house-keeper he matched most of them into Honorable the rest of them into Worshipful and Wealthy Families He was zealous in the Romish perswasion though as yet not convicted which afterwards cost him a long confinement in Wisbich-Castle 20 THOMAS CECILL Mil. He was eldest son to Sir William Cecill then Baron of Burghley who would not have him by favour excused from serving his Country He afterwards was Earl of Exeter and married Dorothy one of the Co-heirs of the Lord Latimer These joyntly bestowed one hundred and eight pounds per annum on Clare-hall in Cambridge 24 THOMAS ANDREWS Arm. He attended the Execution of the Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay-Castle demeaning himself with much gravity to his great commendation 34 ANTHONY MILEMAY Esq. He was son to Sir Walter Privy-Councellor and Founder of Emanuel-colledge this Anthony was by Queen Elizabeth Knighted and sent over into France on an Embassy upon the same token he was at Geneva the same time Reader I have it from uncontrolable intelligence when Theodore Beza their Minister was convented before their Consistory and publiquely checqu'd for peaching too eloquently He pleaded that what they called eloquence in him was not affected but natural and promised to endeavour more plainness for the future Sir Anthony by Grace Co-heir to Sir Henry Sherington had one daughter Mary married to Sir Francis Fane afterwards Earl of Westmerland 43 ROBERT SPENCER Mil. He was the fifth Knight of his Family in an immediate succession well allied and extracted being a branch descended from the Spencers Earls of Gloucester and Winchester By King James in the first of his reign he was Created Baron Spencer of VVormeleiton in the County of VVarwick He was a good Patriot of a quick and clear spirit as by one passage may appear Speaking in Parliament of the valour of their English ancestors in defending the liberties of the Nation Your ancestours said the Earl of Arundel were keeping of sheep that Lord and his predecessours being known for the greatest Sheep-masters in England when those liberties were defended If they were in keeping of sheep return'd the other Yours were then in plotting of Treason Whose animosities for the present cost both of them a confinement yet so that afterwards the Upper House Ordered reparations to this Lord Spencer as first and causelesly provoked This Lord was also he who in the first of King James was sent with Sir VVilliam Dethick principal King of Armes to Frederick Duke of VVirtenberge elected into the Order of the Garter to present and invest him with the robes and ornaments thereof which were accordingly with great solemnity performed in the Cathedral of Studgard King JAMES 2 ARTHUR THROGKMORTON Mil. He was son to that eminent Knight Sir Nicholas Throgkmorton of whom in VVarwick shire and his Sister was married to Sir VValter Raleigh This Sir Arthur was a most ingenious Gentleman and dying without Issue-male his large estate was parted amongst his four daughters married to the Lord Dacres the Lord VVotton Sir Peter Temple of Stow Baronet and Sir Edward Partridge 3 JOHN FREEMAN Arm. He died without Issue and was a most bountiful Benefactour to Clare hall in Cambridge giving two thousand pounds to the founding of Fellowships and Scholarships therein 12 WILLIAM WILLMER Arm. He was the first Pensioner as Doctor James Mountague the first Master and Sir John Brewerton first Scholar of the House in Sidney-colledge being all three of them but in several proportions Benefactours to that Foundation 22 WILLIAM CHAUNCY Mil. These have been very but I know not how antient in this County but far antienter in Yorkshire For I meet with this Inscriptiou on a Monument at Sabridgeworth in Hertfordshire Hic jacent Johannes Chancy Ar. filius heres Johannis Chancy Ar. filii heredis Willielmi Chancy Mil. quondam Baronis de Shorpenbek in Com. Ebor. Anna uxor ejus una filiarum Johannis Leventhorpe Ar. qui quidem Johannes obiit VII Maii MCCCCLXXIX Annaii Decemb. MCCCCLXXVII quorum animabus It appeareth to me by a well proved pedegree that Henry Chancy Esq. of Yardlebury in Hertfordshire is the direct descendant from the aforesaid John Chancy whose Epitaph we have inserted King CHARLES 7 JOHN HEWET Baronet He had not one foot of land nor house hiring Hemington of the Lord Mountague in the whole County though several Statutes have provided that the Sheriffe should have sufficient land in the same Shire to answer the King and his people The best is this Baronet had a very fair estate elsewhere And as our English proverb saith VVhat is lost in the Hundred will be found in the Shire so what was lost in the Shire would be found in the Land However this was generally beheld as an injury that because he had offended a great Courtier the Sherivalty was by power imposed upon him The Farewell The worst I wish this my Native County is that Nine a River which some will have so term'd from Nine Tributary Rivolets were Ten I mean made navigable from Peterburg to Northampton A design which hath always met with many back-friends as private profit is though a secret a Sworn enemy to the general good Sure I am the Hollanders the best copy of thrift in Christendome teach their little ditches to bear Boats Not that their waters are more docible
Works left to posterity 1. De variis Annorum Formis 2. De natura Coeli conditione Elementorum 3. Praelectio Astronomica 4. De origine Fontium 5. Disquisitio Phisiologica 6. Explicatio additameutnm Arg. temp nat ministerii Christi In handling of these subjects it seems he crossed Scalliger who was highly offended thereat conceiving himself such a Prince of Learning it was high Treason for any to doubt of much more deny his opinion Yea he conceited his own Judgment so canonical that it was Heresie for any inferiour person to differ from the same Shall Scalliger write a book of the Emendation of Times and should any presume to write one of the Emendation of Scalliger especially one no publick Professor and so private a person as Lydyate However this great Bugbear Critick finding it more easie to contemn the person than confute the arguments of his Adversary sleighted Lydyate as inconsiderable jeering him for a Prophet who indeed somewhat traded in the Apocalyptical Divinity Learned men of unbiassed judgments will maintain that Lydyate had the best in that Contest but here it came to pass what Solomon had long before observed Nevertheless the poor mans wisdom is despised and his words are not heard He never attained higher Church-preferment than the Rectory of Alkerton the Town of his Nativity and deserted that as I have cause to suspect before his death Impute his low condition to these causes 1. The nature of his Studies which being Mathematical and Speculative brought not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grist to the mill 2. The nature of his Nature being ambitious of Privity and Concealment 3. The death of Prince Henry whose Library-keeper he was and in whose Grave Lydyates hopes were interred 4. His disaffection to Church-discipline and Ceremonies used therein though such wrong his memory who represent him an Anabaptist His modesty was as great as his want which he would not make known to any Sir William Boswell well understanding his worth was a great friend unto him and so was Bishop Williams He dyed about Westminster as I take it in the year of our Lord 1644. Happy had it been for posterity if on his death-bed he could have bequeathed his Learning to any surviving Relation Sir RICHARD BAKER Knight was a Native of this County and High-Sheriff thereof in the 18. of King James Anno Dom. 1621. His youth he spent in learning the benefit whereof he reaped in his old age when his Estate thorough Surety-ship as I have heard him complain was very much impair'd But God may smile on them on whom the World doth frown whereof his pious old age was a memorable instance when the storm on his Estate forced him to flye for shelter to his studies and devotions He wrote an Exposition on the Lords prayer which is corrival with the best Comments which professed Divines have written on that subject He wrote a Chronicle on our English Kings imbracing a method peculiar to himself digesting Observables under several heads very useful for the Reader This reverend Knight left this troublesome world about the beginning of our Civil wars WILLIAM WHATELEY was born in Banbury whereof his father was twice Mayor and bred in Christs-college in Cambridge He became afterwards Minister in the Town of his Nativity and though generally people do not respect a Prophet or Preacher when a Man whom they knew whilest a Child yet he met there with deserved reverence to his Person and Profession Indeed he was a good Linguist Philoso pher Mathematician Divine and though a Poetical Satyrical Pen is pleas'd to pass a jeer upon him free from Faction He first became known to the world by his book called the Bride-bushe which some say hath been more condemned than confuted as maintaining a Position rather odious than untrue But others hold that blows given from so near a Relation to so near a Relation cannot be given so lightly but they will be taken most heavily Other good Works of his have been set forth since his death which happened in the 56. year of his age Anno Dom. 1639. JOHN BALLE was born at Casfigton four miles North-west of Oxford in this County an obscure Village onely illustrated by his Nativity He proceeded Batchelor of Arts in Brazen-nose college in Oxford his Parents purse being not able to maintain him longer and went into Cheshire untill at last he was beneficed at Whitmore in the County of Stafford He was an excellent School man and School-master qualities seldom meeting in the same man a painful Preacher and a profitable Writer and his Treatise of Faith cannot sufficiently be commended Indeed he liv'd by faith having but small means to maintain him but 20 pounds yearly Salary besides what he got by teaching and boording his Scholers and yet was wont to say he had enough enough enough Thus contentment consisteth not in heaping on more fuell but in taking away some fire He had an holy facetiousness in his discourse when his friend having had a fall from his horse and said that he never had the like deliverance Yea said Mr. Balle and an hundred times when you never fell accounting Gods preserving us from equal to his rescuing us out of dangers He had an humble heart free from passion and though somewhat disaffected to Ceremonies and Church-discipline confuted such as conceived the corruptions therein ground enough for a separation He hated all New Lights and pretended Inspirations besides Scripture and when one asked him whether he at any time had experience thereof in his own heart No said he I bless God and if I should ever have such phantasies I hope God would give me grace to resist them Notwithstanding his small means he lived himself comfortably relieved others charitably left his children competently and dyed piously October the 20. Anno Dom. 1640. WILLIAM CHILLINGWORTH was born in the City of Oxford so that by the benefit of his birth he fell from the lap of his mother into the armes of the Muses He was bred in Trinity college in this University an acute and subtil Disputant but unsetled in judgment which made him go beyond the Seas and in some sort was conciled to the Church of Rome but whether because he found not the respect he expected which some shrewdly suggest or because his Conscience could not close with all the Romish corruptions which more charitably believe he returned into England and in testimony of his true conversion wrote a book entituled The Religion of Protestants a safe way to salvation against Mr. Knot the Jesuit I will not say Malo nodo malus quaerendus est cuneus but affirm no person better qualified than this Author with all necessary accomplishments to encounter a Jesuit It is commonly reported that Dr. Prideaux compared his book to a Lamprey fit for food if the venemous string were taken out of the back thereof a passage in my opinion inconsistent with the Doctors approbation prefixed in the beginning
of his book This William Chillingworth was taken prisoner by the Parliament Forces at Arundel castle and not surprised and slain in his studiâ—…es as Archimedes at the sacking of Syracuse as some have given it out but wâ—…s safely conducted to Chichester where notwithstanding hard usage hastened his dissolution DANIEL FEATLY D. D. was born in or very near to the City of Oxford his father being a servant of Corpus-Christi college and this his son Fellow thereof Here he had the honour to make the Speech in the College at the Funeral of Dr. Reynalds Some men may be said to have mutinous parts which will not obey the commands of him who is the owner of them Not so this Doctor who was perfect Master of his own Learning He did not as Quintilian saith of some Occultis thesaur is incumbere but his learning was in numerato for his present using thereof He was as good in the Schools as in the Pulpit and very happy in his Disputes with Papists for in the Conference with F. Fisher when Fisher was caught in his own Net though Dr. White did wisely cast that Net Dr. Featly did help strongly to draw it to the shore It seems though he was in yet he was not of the late Assembly of Divines as whose body was with them whilest his heart was at Oxford Yea he discovered so much in a Letter to the Archbishop of Armagh which being intercepted he was proceeded against as a Spie and closely imprisoned though finding some favour at last he dyed in the Prison College at Chelsey Anno Dom. 1643. His Wifes son hath since communicated to me his Pocket-Manual of his memorable observations all with his own hand but alas to be read by none but the writer thereof JOHN WHITE descended from the Whites in Hant-shire was born at StantonSt Johns in this County bred first in Winchester then New-college in Oxford whereof he was Fellow and fixed at last a Minister at Dorchester in Dorcet-shire well nigh forty years A grave man yet without moroseness as who would willingly contribute his shot of facetiousness on any just occasion A constant Preacher so that in the course of his Ministery he expounded the Scripture all over and half over again having an excellent faculty in the clear and solid interpreting thereof A good Governor by whose wisdom the Town of Dorchester notwithstanding a casual merciless fire was much enriched Knowledge causing Piety Piety breeding Industry and Industry procuring Plenty unto it A beggar was not then to be seen in the Town all able Poore being set on work and impotent maintained by the profit of a publique Brew house and other collections He absolutely commanded his own Passions and the purses of his Parishioners whom he could wind up to what height he pleased on important occasions He was free from covetousness if not trespassing on the contrary and had a Patriarchal influence both in Old and New-England yet towards the end of his dayes Factions and fond Opinions crept in his flock a new generation arose which either did not know or would not acknowledge this good man disloyal persons which would not pay the due respect to the Crown of his old age whereof he was sadly and silently sensible He was chosen one of the Assembly of Divines and his judgment was much relied on therein He married the sister of Dr. Burges the great Non-conformist who afterwards being reclaimed wrote in the defence of Ceremonies by whom he left four sons and dyed quietly at Dorchester Anno Dom. 164. I hope that Solomons observation of the poor wise man who saved the little City Yet no man remembred him will not be verified of this Town in relation to this their deceased Pastor whom I hope they will not I am sure they should not forget as a person so much meriting of them in all considerations His Comment on some part of Genesis is lately set forth and more daily expected Benefactors to the Publick since the Reformation THOMAS TISDALL of Glimpton in this County Esquire deceasing Anno 1610. bequeathed five thousand pounds to George Abbot then Bishop of London John Bennet Knight and Henry Aray Doctor of Divinity to purchase Lands for the maintainance of seven Fellows and six Scholers which money deposited in so careful hands was as advantagiously expended for the purchase of two hundred and fifty pounds per annum It fell then under consideration that it was pity so great a bounty substantial enough to stand of it self should be adjected to a former Foundation whereupon a new College formerly called Broad-gates-hall in Oxford was erected therewith by the name of Pembroke-College which since hath met with some considerable Benefactors May this the youngest College in England have the happiness of a youngest child who commonly have in their mothers love what they lack in the land of their father We must not forget that the aforesaid Thomas Tisdall gave many other charitable Legasies and deserved very well of Abington-school founding an Usher therein Memorable Persons ANNE GREENE a person unmarried was indicted arraigned cast condemned and executed for killing her child at the Assizes at Oxford Decemb. 14. 1650. After some hours her body being taken down and prepared for dissection in the Anatomyschools some heat was found therein which by the care of the Doctors was improved into her perfect recovery Charitable people interpret her so miraculous preservation a Compurgator of her innocence Thus she intended for a dead continues a living Anatomy of divine Providence and a monument of the wonderful contrivances thereof If Hippolytus revived onely by Poetical fancies was surnamed Virbius because twice a man why may not Mulierbia by as good proportion be applied to her who since is married and liveth in this County in good reputation Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1. John Norman John Norman Banbury Draper 1453 2. Thomas Pargitor John Pargitor Chippingnorton Salter 1530 3. Michael Dormer Jeffrey Dormer Tame Mercer 1541 The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth William Bishop of Lincoln  William de Lovell chiv Commissioners to take the Oaths Stephen Haytfeld Knights for the Shire  Richard Quatermayns Knights for the Shire  Tho. Wikeham chiv Lodowici Grevill Iohannis Wisham Iohan. Banufo Humphridi Hay Iohannis Tyso Will. Thomlyns Thome Andrey Thome atte Mille Iohannis Benet Rad. Archer Ioh. Archer Thome Willes Iohannis Perysson Ioh. Crosse de Sibford Thome Eburton Thome Kynch Willielmi Brise Willielmi Dandy Richardi Stanes Iohannis Wallrond Iohannis Daypoll Iohannis Fabian VVill. Page Iohannis Mose Williel Seton Iohannis Pytte Thome Helmeden Tho. Scholes Thome Sperehawke Thome Gascoine Thome Clere Ioh. Goldwell Williel Goldwell Iohannis White Thome Lynne Will. Smith de Bloxham Thome Chedworth Willielmi Haliwell Ioh. Chedworth Ioh. de Berford Robert Qâ—…inaton Richardi atte Mille Willielmi Mason Willielmi almer Thome Tymmes Ioh. Cross
his Paynes and Piety Prelates ROBERT of SHREWSBURY was in the reign of King John but I dare not say by him preferred Bishop of Bangor 1197. Afterwards the King waging war with Leoline Prince of Wales took this Bishop prisoner in his own Cathedral Church and enjoyned him to pay Three hundred Hawkes for his ransome Say not that it was improper that a Man of Peace should be ransomed with Birds of Prey seeing the Bishop had learnt the Rule Redime te captum quam queas minimo Besides 300 Hawkes will not seem so inconsiderable a matter to him that hath read how in the reign of King Charles an English Noble Man taken prisoner at the I le Ree was ransomed for a Brace of Grey-hounds Such who admire where the Bishop on a sudden should furnish himself with a stock of such Fowl will abate of their wonder when they remember that about this time the Men of Norway whence we have the best Hawkes under Magnus their General had possessed themselves of the Neighbouring Iland of Anglesea Besides he might stock himself out of the Aryes of Pembrook-shire where Perigrines did plentifully breed How ever this Bishop appeareth something humerous by one passage in his Will wherein he gave order that his Body should be buried in the middle of the Market place of Shrewsbury Impute it not to his profaness and contempt of Consecrated ground but either to his humility accounting himself unworthy thereof or to his prudential fore-sight that the fury of Souldiers during the intestine War betwixt the English and Welsh would fall fiercest on Churches as the fairest market and men preferring their profit before their Piety would preserve their Market-places though their Churches were destroyed He died Anno 1215. ROBERT BURNEL was son to Robert and brother to Hugh Lord Burnel whose Prime Seat was at Acton-Burnel-Castle in this County He was by King Edwà rd the First preferred Bishop of Bath and VVellâ—…s and first Treasurer then Chancelor of England He was well vers'd in the Welsh affairs and much us'd in managing them and that he might the more effectually attend such employment caused the Court of Chancery to be kept at Bristol He got great Wealth wherewith he enriched his kindred and is supposed to have rebuilt the decayed Castle of Acton-Burnel on his own expence And to decline envy for his secular structures left to his heirs he built for his Successors the beautiful Hall at VVells the biggest room of any Bishops Palace in England pluck'd down by Sir John Gabos afterwards executed for Treason in the reign of King Edward the Sixth English and Welsh affaires being setled to the Kings contentment he employed Bishop Burnel in some businesse about Scotland in the Marches whereof he died Anno Domini 1292. and his body solemnly brought many miles was buried in his own Cathedral WALTER de WENLOCK Abbot of Westminster was no doubt so named from his Nativity in a Market Town in this County I admire much that Matthew of VVestminster writeth him VVilliam de VVenlock and that a Monk of VVestminster should though not miscall mis-name the Abbot thereof He was Treasurer of England to King Edward the First betwixt the twelfth and fourteenth year of his reign and enjoyed his Abbots Office six and twenty years lacking six dayes He died on Christmasse day at his Mannor of Periford in Glocester-shire 1307 and was buried in his Church at VVestminster besides the High-Altar before the Presbutery without the South dore of King Edward's Shrine where Abbas VValterus non fuit Ausâ—…erus is part of his Epitaph RALPH of SHREWSBURY born therein was in the third of King Edward the Third preferred Bishop of Bath VVells Being consecrated without the Popes privity a daring adventure in those dayes he paid a large sum to expiate his presumption therein He was a good Benefactor to his Cathedral and bestowed on them a Chest Port-cullis-like barred with iron able to hold out a siege in the view of such as beheld it But what is of proof against Sacriledge Some Thieves with what Engines unknown in the reign of Queen Elizabeth forced it open But this Bishop is most memorable for erecting and endowing a spacious structure for the Vicars-Choral of his Cathedral to inhabit together which in an old Picture is thus presented The Vicars humble petition on their knees Per vicos positi villae Pater alme rogamus Ut simul uniti te dante domos maneamus To us dispers'd i th' streets good Father give A place where we together all my live The gracious answer of the Bishop sitting Vestra petunt merita quod sint concessa petita Ut maneatis ita loca fecimus haec stabilita Your merits crave that what you crave be yeilded That so you may remain this place we 've builded Having now made such a Palace as I may term it for his Vicars he was in observation of a proportionable distance necessitated in some sort to enlarge the Bishops Seat which he beautified and fortified Castle-wise with great expence He much ingratiated himself with the Country people by disforasting Mendip Beef better pleasing the Husbandmans palate than Venison He sate Bishop thirty four years and dying August 14. 1363. lieth buried in his Cathedral where his Statue is done to the life Vivos viventes vultus vividissimè exprimens saith my Authour ROBERT MASCAL Was bred saith Bale in and born saith Pitz positively at Ludlow in this County where he became a Carmelite Afterwards he studied in Oxford and became so famous for his Learning and Piety that he was made Confessor to Henry the Fourth and Counsellor to Henry the Fifth Promoted by the former Bishop of Hereford He was one of the Three English Prelates which went to and one of the Two which returned alive from the Council of Constance He died 1416 being buried in the Church of White-Friers in London to which he had been an eminent Benefactor RICHARD TALBOTE was born of Honourable Parentage in this County as Brother unto John Talbote the first Earl of Shrewsbury Being bred in Learning he was consecrated Arch-bishop of Dublin in Ireland 1417. He sate two and thirty years in that See being all that time a Privy Counsellor to King Henry the Fifth and Sixth twice Chief Justice and once Chancelor of Ireland He deserved well of his Church founding six petty Canons and as many Choristers therein yea generally of all Ireland writing a Book against James Earl of Ormond wherein he detected his abuses during his Lieutenancy in Ireland He died August the 15. 1449. and lieth buried in Saint Patricks in Dublin under a marble stone whereon an Eâ—…itaph is written not worthy the inserting The said Richard was unanimously chosen Arch-bishop of Armagh a higher place but refused to remove wisely preferring Safety above either Honor or Profit GEORGE DAY was born in this County and successively Scholer Fellow and
a vain labour according to the Rule in Logick frustra fit per plura quod fieri potest per pauciora But seeing the owner of that House had his harmless humour therein and paid dear no doubt to his Workmen for the same There is no cause that I or any other should find fault therewith The Buildings I have presented the Portraicture of the Church of Lichfield in my Church-History with the due praise of the neatness thereof But now alas the Body thereof is become a very carcase ruined in our late Civil Wars The like Fate is likely to fall on the rest of our Cathedrals if care be not taken for their reparations I have read of Duke d'Alva that he promised Life to some Prisoners but when they petitioned Him for food he returned he would grant them life but no meat by which Criticism of courteous cruelty the poor people were starved If our Cathedrals have only a Bare Being and be not supplied with seasonable repairs the daily â—…ood of a Fabrick soon will they be famished to nothing As for the Close at Lichfield I have been credibly informed that the Plague which long had raged therein at the first shooting of Canon at the Siege thereof did abate imputed by Naturalists to the violent purging of the Air by the Bullets but by Divines to Gods goodness who graciously would not have two Miseries of War and Plague afflict one small Place at the same Time Pass we now to Civil Buildings in this Shire TUTBURY CASTLE is a stately place and I dare take it on the credit of an excellent Witness that it hath a brave and large Prospect to it in it and from it Northward it looks on pleasant Pastures Eastward on sweet Rivers and rich Meadowes Southward on a goodly Forest and many Parks lately no fewer than twelve belonging thereto or holden thereof It was formerly the Seat of the Lord Ferrars Earl of Derby and how it was forfeited to the Crown is worth our observing Robert de Ferrars Earl of Derby siding with Simon Mumford against King Henry the Third was fined at fifty thousand pounds to be paid Pridie Johan Baptist. next following I know not whether more to admire at the suddeness of payment or vastness of the Sum seeing an hundred thousand pounds was the Randsom set by the Emperour on our King Richard the First and it shaked all the Coâ—…ers of England in that Age without the help of Church-plate to make it up Well these Lords following were the security bound for the Earls true payment at the time appointed 1 Henry son to Rich. King of the Romans 2 Will. Valence Earl of Pembroke 3 John de Warren Earl of Surrey 4 Will. Beauchampe Earl of Warwick 5 Sir Roger de Summary 6 Sir Thomas de Clare 7 Sir Robert Waâ—…ond 8 Sir Roger Clifford 9 Sir Hamond le Strange 10 Sir Bartholomew de Sudeley 11 Sir Robert Bruse all being then Barons of the Land But Earl Robert unable to advance the money at the time appointed and unwilling to leave the Lords his Bail under the Kings lash surrendred his Lands and Tutbury Castle amongst the rest to the clear yearly value of three thousand pounds into the Kings hands redeemable when he or his Heirs should pay down on one day fifty thousand pounds which was never performed The English Clergie much pittied John the son of this Earl Robert who presented a petition to the Pope informing his Holiness that the English Clergie were willing to give him money by way of Contribution to redeem his Estate but durst not because commanded to the contrary under the pain of the Popes curse And therefore he craved his Apostolical Indulgence therein Something I find was restored unto him but Tutbury was too sweet a morsel to return being annexed to the Dutchy of Lancaster John of Gaunt built a fair Castle there walled on three sides by Art and the fourth by its natural steepness DUDLEY CASTLE must not be forgotten highly and pleasantly seated and in the reign of King Edward the Sixth well built and adorned by John Dudley Duke of Northumberland whereon a story worth the reporting doth depend The afore-said Duke deriving himself who truly not yet decided from a younger Branch of the Lord Dudley thirsted after this Castle in regard of the name and the honourableness of the House some having avouched that the Barony is annexed to the lawful possession thereof whether by purchase or descent Now finding John Sutton the Lord Dudley Grand-father to the last Baron a weak man exposed to some wants and intangled with many debts he by the help of those Money-Merchants wrought him out of his Castle So that the Poor Lord turned out of doores and left to the charity of his Friends for subsistance was commonly called the Lord Quondam But after the execution of that Duke Queen Mary sympathizing with Edward the son of this poor Lord which Edward had married Katharine Bruges her maid of Honour and sister to the Lord Shandois restored him to the Lands and Honour which justly belonged to his Father Proverbs In April Doves flood Is worth a Kings good DOVE a River parting this and Derby-shire when it overfloweth its Banks in April is the Nilus of Staffordshire much Battling the Meadowes thereof But this River of Dove as overflowing in April feeds the Meadowes with fruitfulness so in May and June choakes the sand grain'd with Grit and Gravel to the great detriment of the owners thereof Wotton under Weaâ—…er Where God came never It is time that this old prophane Proverb should die in mens mouths for ever I confess in common discourse God is said to come to what he doth approve to send to what he only permits and neither to go nor send to what he doth dislike and forbid But this distinction if granted will help nothing to the defending of this prophane Proverb which it seems took it's wicked original from the situation of Wotton so covered with Hills from the light of the Sun a dismal place as report representeth it But were there a place indeed where God came never how many years purchase would guilty consciences give for a small abode therein thereby to escape Divine Justice for their offences Saints Authors do as generally agree about a grand Massacre committed by the Pagans under Dioclesian on the Brittish Christians in the place where Litchfield now standeth I say they as generally agree in the fact as they disagree in the number some making them Two hundred others five others seven And one Author certainly he was no Millenary in his Judgement mounts them to just 999. Indeed many were martyred in those dayes both in Brittain and elsewhere whose names and numbers are utterly unknown so true is the expression of Gregory the Great Ipse sancti Martyres Deo numerabiles nobis arenam multiplicati sunt quia quot sint a nobis comprehendi non possunt novit enim
setling Lands to maintain them 3 Safety which consisteth in good Statutes which here he wisely altered and amended He sat in his See 24 years and dying 1419 was buried under an Alabaster Tomb in his own Cathedral WILLIAM DUDLEY son of John Dudley the Eighth Baron Dudley of Dudley-Castle in this County was by his Parents designed for a Scholar and bred in University Colledge in Oxford whence he was preferred to be Dean of Windsor and afterwards was for six years Bishop of Durham He died Anno 1483 at London and lies buried in Westminster on the South side of St. Nicholas Chappel EDMUND AUDLEY Son to the Lord Audley of Heyley in this County whose sirname was Touchet I am informed by my worthy Friend that skilful Antiquary M â— Tho. Barlow of Oxford that this Edmund in one and the same Instrument writeth himself both Audley and Touchet He was bred in the University of Oxford and in processe of time he built the Quire of Saint Maries therein a new on his own charge adorning it Organâ—… 〈◊〉 which I think imports no more than a Musical Organ He was preferred Bishop first of Rochester then of Hereford and at last of Salisbury He died at Ramsbury August 23 1624 and is buried in his own Cathedral on the South side of the Altar in a Chappel of excellent Artifice of his own erection Not meeting with any Bishops born in this County since the Reformation let us proceed Lawyers Sr. THOMAS LITTLETON Knight Reader I have seriously and often perused his life as written by Sr. Edward Coke yet not being satisfied of the certainty of his Nativity am resolved to divide his Character betwixt this County and Worcester-shire He was son to Thomas Westcote Esq. and Elizabeth Littleton his wife whose mother being daughter and heir of Thomas Littleton Esq. and bringing to her husband a great Inheritance indented with him before marriage that her Virgin-sirname should be assumed and continued in his posterity He was bred Student of the Laws in the inward Temple and became afterwards Serjant and Steward of the Court of the Marshal-sea of the Kings Houshold to Henry the Sixth By King Edward the Fourth in the sixth of his Reign he was made one of the Judges of the Common Pleas and in the fifteenth of his Reign by Him created Knight of the Bath He is said by our Learned Antiquary to have deserved as well of our Common as Justinian of the Civil-Law whose Book of Tenures dedicated by him to Richard his second son who also studied the Laws is counted oraculous in that kind which since hath been commented on by the Learned endeavours of Sr. Edward Coke He married Johan one of the daughters and co-heirs of William Boerley of Bromsecraft Castle in Salop by whom he had three sons Founders of three fair Families still flourishing 1 William 2 Richard 3 Thomas Fixed at Frankley in this County where his Posterity is eminently extant Whose Issue by Alice daughter heir of Will. Winsbury remain at Pillerton-Hall in Shropshire Who by Anne daughter and heir of John Botreaux hath his lineage still continuing in Worcesier-shire This Reverend Judge died the 23 of August in the one and twentieth of King Edward the Fourth and lieth buried under a very fair Monument in the Cathedral of Worcester EDMUND DUDLEY Esq. was son to John Dudley Esq. second son to John Sutton first Baron of Dudley as a Learned Antiquary hath beheld his Pedegree derived But his descent is controverted by many condemned by some who have raised a report that John father to this Edmund was but a Carpenter born in Dudley Town and therefore called John Dudley who travailing Southward to find work for his Trade lived at Lewis in Sussex where they will have this Edmund born and for the pregnancy of his parts brought up by the Abbot of Lewis in Learning But probably some who afterwards were pinched in their purses by this Edmund did in revenge give him this Bite in his reputation inventing this Tale to his disparagement I must believe him of Noble Extraction because qualified to marry the daughter and heir of the Viscount Lisle and that before this Edmund grew so great with King Henry the Seventh as by the age of John his son afterwards Duke of Northumberland may probably be collected He was bred in the study of the Laws wherein he profited so well that he was made one of the Puis-née Judges and wrote an excellent Book compounded of Law and Policy which hitherto I have not seen intituled the Tree of the Common-wealth But what saith Columella Agricolam arbor ad fructum perducta delectat A Husbandman is delighted with the Tree of his own planting when brought to bear fruit Judge Dudley knew well how to turn a Land into the greatest profit of his Prince which made him implyed by King Henry the Seventh to put his penal Statutes in execution which he did with severity cruelty and extortion so that with Sr. Richard Empson Viis modis vitiis modis rather they advanced a mighty Mass of Money to the King and no mean one to themselves King Henry the Eighth coming to his Crown could not pass in his progress for complaints of people in all places against these two wicked Instruments who with the two daughters of the horse leach were alwayes crying give give and therefore he resolved to discharge their protection and to resign them to Justice so that they were made a peace-offering to popular anger 1510 and were executed at Tower-hill Sir THOMAS BROMLEY Knight Reader I request thee that this short note may keep possession for his Name and memory until he may be fixed elsewhere with more assurance He was in the first of Queen Mary Octob. 8. made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench holding his place hardly a year but whether quitting his Office or dying therein is to me unknown Souldiers JOHN BROMLEY Esq. branched from the Bromleys in Shrop-shire but born and living in this County at Bromley followed the fortunate Arms of King Henry the Fifth in France It happened that in a Battle near Corby the French according to their fashion furious at first fell so fiercely on the English that they got away the Kings Standard of GUIEN to the great dismay of our Army But Bromley's heart had no room for fear or grief anger had so wholely possessed it Insomuch that valiantly he recovered the Captive Standard and by his exemplary Prowess largely contributed to that dayes Victory Hereupon Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier conferred on him a yearly pension of fourty pounds during his life Afterwards in the sixth of King Henry the Fifth Anno 1418 he was not only Knighted by the King for his venturous Activity but also made Captain of Dampfront and Great Constable of Bossevile le Ross in France Yea and rewarded by the King with fourty pounds in Land a year to him and his
gent. VVillielmi Orme gent. Hugonis Greneway gent. Humfridi Clerkeson Rogeri Bealchier VVillielmi Sondbache Johannis Brennere Richardi Vicarus Johannis VVylot Thomae Bowyer Johannis Ruggeley Petri Goldsone Nicholai Flaxale Thomae Brette Thomae Neweno Richardi Banastre VVillielmi Fouke Rogeri Milnes Richardi Bisheton Roberti Onowyne Roberti Berdusmore Humfridi VValker of Kestren VVillielmi Bowdel of the Mere VVillielmi Sherred VVillielmi Broke Henrici Monyfold Stephani Bagonnal Thomae Glyfe Hugâ—…nis Bertam Sheriffs HEN. II. Anno 1 Milo de Gloucest Anno 2 Robertus de Stafford for 6 years together Anno 8 Alex. Clericus for 18 years together Anno 26 Thomas Noel for 8 years together RICH. I. Anno 1 Thomas Noel Anno 2 Tho. de Cressewel Anno 3 Hugo Coventriensis Episc. Robertus filius Walleram Anno 4 Hugo Coventr Episcopus Rober. de Humant frater ejus Anno 5 Hugo Episcop Coventr Richardus Maresse Anno 6 Hugo Bardulfe Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Hugo de Caucombe for 2 years together JOH Regis Anno 1 Galfr. filius Petri Tho. de Erdington for 5 years together Anno 6 Tho. Erdington Robertus de alta Ripa Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Tho. de Erdington for 9 years together HEN. III. Anno 1 Ranul Com. Cestr. Hen. de Aldicheleia for 4 years together Anno 5 Ranul Comes Cest. Phil. de Kinton for 3 years together Anno 8 Ranul Com. Cestr. Anno 9 Joh. Bonet for 3 years together Anno 12 Hen. de Aldich Robertus de Leia Anno 13 Hen. de Aldich Will de Bromley for 4 years together Anno 17 Robertus de Haga for 4 years together Anno 21 Joh. Extraneus Robertus de Acton Anno 22 Joh. Extraneus for 10 years together Anno 32 Thomas Corbet Anno 33 Idem Anno 34 Rober. Grendon for 6 years together Anno 40 Hugo de Acovere Anno 41 Hugo de Acovere Anno 42 Will. Bagod for 3 years together Anno 45 Will. de Covereswel Jac. de Aldahell Anno 46 Jaco de Aldahell for 7 years together EDW. I. Anno 1 Radul de Mortuo Mari for 3 years together Anno 4 Bogo de Knovil for 3 years together Anno 7 Rogerus Springhuse for 7 years together Anno 14 Rogerus Springhuse Lionine Ramesley for 3 years together Anno 17 Robertus Corbet Anno 18 Will. Tictely for 6 years together Anno 24 Radul de Schirle for 3 years together Anno 27 Thomas Corbet Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Richardus de Harleigh Anno 30 Idem Anno 31 Walter de Beysin Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Johannes de Acton Anno 34 Johannes de Dene Anno 35 Idem EDW. II. Anno 1 Rogerus Trumwinne Anno 2 Johannes Extraneus Anno 3 Hugo de Crofts Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Hugo de Andecle for 3 years together Anno 8 Will. de Mere. Anno 9 Rogerus de Cheyne Anno 10 Rogeri Trumwinne Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 Robertus de Grendon for 3 years together Anno 15 Johannes de Swinerton Anno 16 Idem Anno 17 Henricus de Bishburn for 3 years together EDW. III. Anno 1 Johannes de Hinkele Henricus de Bishburn Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Johannes de Hinkele Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Henricus de Bishburn Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Richardus de Peshal Anno 8 Idem Anno 9 Johannes de Hinkeley Anno 10 Simon de Ruggeley Anno 11 Richardus de Peshal Simon de Ruggeley for 4 years together Anno 15 Adam de Peshal Anno 16 Thomas de Swinerton Anno 17 Idem Anno 18 Johannes de Aston Anno 19 Henr. Com. Derby for 17 years together Anno 36 Johannes de Swinerton Anno 37 Robertus de Grendon Anno 38 Johannes de Perton Anno 39 Philippus de Lutteley for 4 years together Anno 43 Henricus Pius Anno 44 Johannes de Perton Anno 45 Idem Anno 46 Johannes de Gresley Anno 47 Nicholaus de Stafford Anno 48 Johannes de Verdon Anno 49 Johannes Bassey Anno 50 Nicholaus de Stafford Anno 51 Petrus de Careswel Anno 52 Walterus de Hopton Anno 53 Willielmus de Canereswel HENRY the Third 1 Ranul Com. Cestr. Henr. de Aldicheleia This Henricus of Aldicheleia was the first Lord Audley in this County and Founder of that Noble Family so long famous for Martial Atchievements I meet with a Record extant in the Tower too long to transcribe wherein King Henry the Third confirmed unto him not only many Lands of his own Donation but what other persons of quality in this County had bestowed on him 1 Nich. de Verdun gave him Aldithlege 2 Hugh de Lacy gave him Coulton 3 Eutropius Hastang gave him Cold Norton 4 Will. de Betleigh gave him Betleigh 5 Harvey de Stafford gave him Heleigh 6 Egidius Erdington gave him Shagbourn 7 Herbert Rusbin gave him Stanweare 8 Eugenulphus Greasly gave him Tunstal Chaderley 9 Alice his Wife gave him Chell Normancot 10 Margaret Strange gave him Nerle Brudnap 11 Alice Hartoate gave him Weston 12 Joan Noel gave him Weston 13 Peter Morton gave him Hauksley Bagley and Morton All or most of these were great Mannors cum pertinentiis What man of men was this Henry that so many of both Sexes should center in their bounty upon him was it for fear or love or a mixture of both But I have no calling to inquire into the cause thereof and if they were pleased to give none will blame him for receiving them Heleigh the fifth Mannor here mentioned was afterwards the prime Seat of the Lord Audley who also had great Lands in Devon-shire where formerly we have spoken of him Their heir-Males failing about the reign of King Henry the Sixth Joan one of their heirs was married to Sir John Tutchet whose son Sir John assumed the Title of Baron Audley and was Ancestor to the present Lord Audley Earl of Castle-haven in Ireland EDWARD the Third 18 John de Aston I have not met with a more Noble Family measuring on the Level of flat and un-advantaged Antiquity They have euer borne a good respect to the Church and Learned Men and not without just reason seeing Roger de Molend Bishop of Litchfield in the reign of King Henry the Third gave Haywood in this County Rogero de Aston Valecto suo to Roger de Aston his servant This Roger was son to Ralph Aston and father unto Sir John Aston whose succession is thus ordered 1 Sir John Aston afore-named 2 Sir Thomas Aston his son 3 Sir Roger Aston his son 4 Sir Robert Aston his son 5 John Aston his son Esq. 6 Sir John Aston his son Knight Banneret 7 Sir Edward Aston his son 8 Sir Walter Aston his son 9 Sir Edward Aston his son 10 Sir Walter Aston his son This last Sir Walter was employed by King James Embassador unto Spain He married Gertrude sole daughter of Sir Thomas Sadler of Standon in Hartford-shire
 16 Ioh. Agard arm   17 Ed. Mosely Bar.  Sable on a Cheveron betwixt 3 Mallets Argent as many Mullets Gules 18   19 Simon* Rudgeley   20  * Argent on a Chevâ—… Sable 3 Mullets of the first 21   22 Th. Kynnersley armiger  Azure 〈◊〉 de crosses croslet a lion rampant Argent RICHARD the Second 1 BRIAN CORNWAL He 〈◊〉 also this year Sheriff of Shrop-shire so that the two adjacent Counties were under his inspection 4 ROGER de WIRLEY When I observe how this Gentleman is fixed in his Generation I cannot satisfie my self whether he lived nearer unto his Ancestor Roberâ—… de Wirley who flourished in this County under King Henry the 2d if not before or whether he approached nearer unto his Descendent Sâ—… John Wirley that learned Knight now living at Hampsteade In my Arithmetick he is equally distanced from them both HENRY the Sixth 12 THOMAS STANLEY His true name was Audley For after that Adam youngest Brother to James Lord 〈◊〉 had married the daughter and heir of Henry de Stanley William their son assumed the sir-name of Stanley transmitted it to his posterity As for this Thomas Stanley till I be clearly convinced to the contrary he shall pass with me for the same person whom King Henry the Sixth made Lord Stanley Knight of the Garter Lord Deputy of Ireland and Lord Chamberlain of his Household and father unto Thomas Stanley whom King Henry the Seventh created the first Earle of Derby 34 JOHN DELVES Esq. He is the last of that Ancient Family appearing in this Catalogue who were fixed in this County in the reign of King Edward the Third This Sir John Delves for he was afterwards Knighted left one daughter and sole heir called Helene married unto Sir Robert Sheffield Knight and Recorder of London Ancestor unto the present Earl of Moulgrave EDWARD the Fourth 1 WALTER WROTESLEY He was lineally descended from Sâ—… Hugh Wrotesley one of the first Founder of the most Noble Order of the Garter HENRY the Eighth 28 JOHN DUDLEY I had thought his Ambition had been too high to come under the Roof of such an Office and discharge the place of a Sheriff But know that as yet Sir John Dudley was but Sir John Dudley a Plain but powerful Knight who not long afterwards viz. the 38th of King Henry the Eighth was created Viscount Lisley and then Earl of Warwick in the first of King Edward the sixth and in the fifth of the said King Duke of Northumberland However now he waited at Assizes on the Itinerant Judges who afterwards made all the Judges of the Land Justice Hales alone excepted attend on him and dance after the Pipe of his pleasure when the Instrument was drawn up Testament I can hardly term it whereby the two Sisters of King Edward the sixth were dis-inherited King CHARLES 3 WILLIAM BOWYER Knight Thomas Bowyer his Ancestor from whom he is lineally descended did in the reign of King Richard the Second marry Katharine daughter and heir of Robert Knipersley of Knipersley in this County with whom he had a fair Inheritance The Bowyers of Sussex invited thither some 200 years since by an Earl of Northumberland are a younger Branch from these in Stafford-shire BATTLES At Hopton Heath in this County in March 1643 a fierce fight happened betwixt the Kings and Parliaments Forces on a ground full of Cony-borroughs therefore affording ill footing for the Horse But an equal disadvantage on both sides is no disadvantage on either The Royalists may be said to have got the Day and lost the Sun which made it I mean the truly Loyal and Valiant Spencer Earl of Northampton though still surviving as in his grateful memory so in his Noble and Numerous Issue no less deservedly honoured by others then mutually loving amongst themselves The Farewel To take our Vale of Stafford-shire I wish that the Pit-coal wherewith it aboundeth may seasonably and safely be burnt in their Chimnies and not have their burning antedated before they be digg'd out the Bowels of the Earth The rather because I have read how in the year 1622 there was found a Coal-mine actually on fire between Willingsworth and Weddesbury in this County I find not by what casualty this English Aetna was kindled nor how long it did continue And although such combustions be not so terrible here as in the South of Italy where the sulphureous matter more inrageth the fury of the fire yet it could not but cause much fright and fear to the people thereabouts SUFFOLK hath Norfolk on the North divided with the Rivers of Little Ouse and Waveny Cambridge-shire on the West the German Ocean on the East and Essex parted with the River Stoure on the South thereof From East to West it stretcheth fourty five miles though the general breadth be but twenty saving by the Sea-side where it runneth out more by the advantage of a Corner The Air thereof generally is sweet and by the best Physicians esteemed the best in England often prescribing the Receit thereof to the Consumptionish-Patients I say generally sweet there being a smal parcel nigh the Sea-side not so excellent which may seem left there by Nature on purpose to advance the purity of the rest Naturall Commodities Cheese Most excellent are made herein whereof the finest are very thin as intended not for food but digestion I remember when living in Cambridge the Cheese of this County was preferred as the best If any say that Scholars palates are incompetent Judges whose hungry appetites make course Diet seem delicates unto them let them know that Pantaleon the Learned Dutch Physician counted them equal at least with them of Parma in Italy Butter For Quantity and Quality this County doth excel and venteth it at London and elsewhere The Child not yet come to and the old Man who is past the use of Teeth eateth no softer the Poor Man no cheaper in this Shire the Rich no wholesomer food I mean in the morning It was half of our Saviours Bill of Fare in his Infancy Butter and Hony shall he eat It is of a Cordial or if I may say Antidotal Nature The story is well known of a Wife which desiring to be a Widow incorporated Poison in the Butter whereon her Husband had his principal repast The poor man finding himself strangely affected repaired to a Physician who by some Symptomes suspecting poison demanded of his Patient which was his chiefest Diet. The sick man told him that he fed most constantly on Butter Eat Butter still return'd the Physician which hitherto hath saved your Life for it corrected the poison that neither the malignity thereof nor the malice of the wife could have their full operation Manufactures Cloathing Here it will not be amiss to insert a passage which I meet with in an Industrious Antiquary as relating to the present subject The Manufacture of Cloathing in this
would do very well on the shoulders of Sir Robert Naunton Secretary of State These words were complained of and Wiemark summoned to the Privy Councel where he pleaded for himself that he intended no dis-respect to Mr. Secretary whose known Worth was above all detraction Only he spake in reference to an old Proverb Two heads are better than one And so for the present he was dismissed Not long after when rich men were called on for a Contribution to St. Pauls Wiemark at the Councel-Table subscribed a hundred pounds but Mr. Secretary told him two hundred were better than one which betwixt fear and charity Wiemark was fain to subscribe He died Anno Domini 163. leaving one daughter who first was married to Paul Vicount Banning and after to the Lord Herbert eldest son to Philip Earl of Pembroke Capital Judges JOHN de METINGHAM was born in this County where Metingham is a Village in VVang ford Hundred not far from Bongey and was Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in the reign of King Edward the Third It is reported to his eternal praise that when the rest of the Judges 18 Edw. 3. were fined and outed for corruption this Metingham and Elias de Beckingham continued in their places whose innocence was of proof against all accusations and as Caleb and Joshâ—…a amongst the Jury of false Spies so these two amongst the Twelve Judges onely retained their integrity King Edward in the 20th of his reign directed a Writ unto him about the stinting of the number of the Apprentices and Attourneys at Law well worth the inserting D. Rex injunxit John de Metingham Sociis suis quod ipsi per discreâ—…ionem eorum provideant Ordinent numerum certum è quolibet Comitatu de melioribus legalioribus libentius add scentibus secundum quod intellexerint quod Curiae suae populo de regno melius valere poterit c. Et videtur Regi ejus Consilio quod Septies viginti sufficere poterint Apponant tamen praefati Justiciarii plures si viderint esse faciendum vel numerum anticipent The Lord the King hath enjoyned John de Metingham and his Assistants that they according to their discretion provide and ordain a certain number out of every County of such persons vvhich according to their understanding shall appear unto them of the better sort and most Legal and most vvillingly applying themselves to the learning of the Lavv vvhat may better avail for their Court and the good of the people of the Land c. And it seems likely to the King and his Councel that Sevenscore may suffice for that purpose However the afore-said Justices may add more if they see it ought to be done or else they may lessen the number Some conceive this number of sevenscore confined only to the Common Pleas whereof Metingham was Chief Justice But others behold it as extended to the whole Land this Judge his known integrity being intrusted in their choice and number which number is since much increased and no wonder our Land being grown more populous and the people in it more litigious He died Anno Domini .... Sir JOHN CAVENDISH Knight was born at Cavendish in this County where his name continued until the reign of King Henry the Eighth bred a Student of the Municipal-Law attaining to such learning therein that he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings or Upper Bench July 15 in the 46th of King Edward the Third discharging his place with due commendation untill his violent death on the fifth of King Richard the Second on this occasion John Raw a Priest contemporary with Jack Straw and Wat Tyler advanced Robert Westbroome a Clown to be King of the Commons in this County having no fewer than fifty thousand followers These for eighth dayes together in savage sport caused the heads of great persons to be cut off and set on Poles to kisse and whisper in one anothers ears Chief Justice Cavendish chanced then to be in the Country to whom they bare a double pique one because he was honest the other learned Besides they received fresh news from London that one John Cavendish his kinsman had lately kill'd their Idol Wat Tiler in Smithfield Whereupon they dragg'd the Reverend Judge with Sir John of Cambridge Prior of Bury into the Market-place there and beheaded them Whose innocent bloud remained not long unreveng'd by Spencer the Warlike Bishop of Norwich by whom this rascal rabble of Rebels was routed and ruined 1381. Reader be charitably pleased that this Note may till better information preserve the Right of this County unto Sir ROBERT BROKE a great Lawyer and Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in the reign of Queen Mary He wrote an Abridgment of the whole Law a Book of high account It insinuateth to me a probability of his birth herein because Lawyers generally purchase near the place of their Birth his Posterity still flourish in a Worshipful equipage at Nacton nigh Ipswich in this County Souldiers Sir THOMAS WENTWORTH of Nettlested in this County of a younger Family confessed by the Crescent in his Coat descended from the Wentworths of Wentworth-Woodhouse in York-shire was created Baron VVentworth by King Henry the Eighth He was a stout and valiant Gentleman a cordial Protestant and his Family a Sanctuary of such Professors John Bale comparing him to the good Centurion in the Gospel and gratefully acknowledging him the cause of his conversion from a Carmelite The memory of this good Lord is much but unjustly blemished because Calis was lost the Last of Queen Mary under his government The manner hereof was huddled up in our Chronicles least is best of a bad business whereof this the effect The English being secure by reason of the late conquest at St. Quintin and the Duke of Guise having notice thereof he sate down before the Town at the time not when Kings go forth to but return from battle of mid-Winter even on New-years-day Next day he took the two Forts of Rise-bank and Newnam-bridge wherein the strength of the City consisted but whether they were undermined or undermonied it is not decided and the last left most suspicious Within three dayes the Castle of Calis which commanded the City and was under the command of Sir Ralph Chamberlain was taken the French wading thorough the ditches made shallower by their artificial cut and then entering the Town were repulsed back by Sir Anthony Ager Marshal of Calis the only man saith Stow who was kill'd in the fight understand him of note †Others for the credit of the business accounting four score lost in that service The French re-entring the City the next being Twelfth-day the Lord Wentworth Deputy thereof made but vain resistance which alas was like the wriggling of a Wormstail after the head thereof is cut off so that he was forced to take what terms he could get viz. That the
the vomit of Popery which my charity will not believe Indeed in the first of Queen Mary he was outed of his Bishoprick for being married and all that we can recover of his carriage aâ—…terwards is this passage at the examination of Master Thomas Hauke Martyr When John Bird then very old brought Boner a bottle of Wine and a dish of Apples probably a present unto him for a Ne noceat and therefore not enough to speak him a Papist in his perswasion Bishop Boner desired him to take Haukes into his Chamber and to try if he could convert him whereupon after Boners departure out of the room the quondam Bishop accosted Haukes as followeth I would to God I could do you some good you are a young man and I would not wish you to go to far but learn of the elders to bear somewhat He enforced him no further but being a thorough old man even fell fast asleep All this in my computation amounts but to a passive compliance and is not evidence enough to make him a thorough paced Papist the rather because John Pitts omitteth him in the Catalogue of English-writers which no doubt he would not have done had he any assurance that he had been a radicated Romanist Nothing else have I to observe of him but onely that he was a little man and had a pearl in his eyes and dying 1556. was buried in Chester States men Sir NICHOLAS THROCKMORTON Knight fourth Son of Sir George Throckmorton of Coughton in this County was bred beyond the Seas where he attained to great experience Under Queen Mary he was in Guild-Hall arraigned for Treason compliance with Wyat and by his own warie pleading and the Jurie's upright verdict hardly escaped Queen Elizabeth employed him Her Leiger a long time first in France then in Scotland finding him a most able Minister of State yet got he no great wealth and no wonder being ever of the opposite party to Burleigh Lord Treasurer Chamberlain of the Exchequer and Chief Butler of England were his highest preferments I say Chief Butler which office like an empty covered cup pretendeth to some state but affordeth no considerable profit He died at supper with eating of salates not without suspicion of poison the rather because hapning in the house of one no mean artist in that faculty R. Earl of Leicester His death as it was sudden was seasonable for him and his whose active others will call it turbulent spirit had brought him into such trouble as might have cost him at least the loss of his personal estate He died in the fifty seventh year of his age February the 12. 1570. and lyeth buryed in the South-side of the Chancel of St. Katharine Cree-Church London EDWARD CONWAY Knight Son to Sir John Conway Knight Lord and Owner of Ragleigh in this County This Sir John being a Person of Great skill in Military affaires was made by Robert Earl of Leicester Generall of the English Auxiliaries in the united Provinces Governour of Ostend His Son Sir Edward succeeded to his Fathers Martial skill and valour and twisted therewith peaceable policy in State-affaires so that the Gown and the Sword met in him in most Eminent Proportion and thereupon King James made Him one of the Principal Secretaries of State For these his good services he was by him created Lord Conway of Ragleigh in this County and afterwards by King Charles Viscount Killultagh in the County of Antrim And lastly in the third of King Charles Viscount Conway of Conway in Carnarvanshire England Ireland and Wales mutually embracing themselves in His Honours He dyed January the third Anno 1630. JOHN DIGBY Baron of Sherborn and Earl of Bristol was born in this County a younger Son of an ancient family long flourishâ—…ng at Coleshull therein To pass by his Infancy all Children being alike in their long Coats his Youth gave pregnant hopes of that Eminency which his mature age did produce He didken the Emhassador-Craft as well as any in his age employed by King James in several services to frreign Princes recited in his Patent which I have perused as the main motives of the Honors conferr'd upon him But his managing the Matchless Match with Spain was his Master-piece wherein a Good I mean a Great number of State-Traverses were used on both sides His contest with the Duke of Buckingham is fresh in many mens Memories charges of High Treason mutually flying about But this Lord fearing the Dukes Power as the Duke this Lorâ—…s policy it at last became a Drawn Battail betwixt them yet so that this Earl lost the love of King Charles living many years in his Dis-favour But such as are in a Court-Cloud have commonly the Countries Sun-shine and this Peer during his Eclyps was very Popular with most of the Nation It is seldom seen that a favorite once Broken at Court sets up again for himself the hap rather then happiness of this Lord the King graciously reflecting on him at the beginning of the Long-Parliament as one Best able to give him the safest Counsell in those dangerous Times But how he incensed the Parliament so far as to be excepted Pardon I neither do know nor dare enquire Sure I am after the surrender of Exeter he went over into France where he met with that due respect in forraign which he missed in his Native Country The worst I wish such who causelesly suspect him of Popish inclinations is that I may hear from them but half so many strong Arguments for the Protestant Religion as I have heard from him who was to his commendation a Cordial Champion for the Church of England He dyed in France about the year 1650. Writers WALTER of COVENTRIE was born and bred a Benedictine therein Bale saith he was Immortali vir dignus Memoria and much commended by Leland though not of set purpose but sparsim as occasion is offered He excelled in the two Essential Qualities of an Historian Faith and Method writing truly and orderly onely guilty of Coursness of style This may better be dispenced with in him because Historia est res veritatis non Eloquentiae because bad Latin was a catching disease in that age From the beginning of the Britons he wrote a Chronicle extant in Bennet Colledge Library to his own time He flourished Anno 1217. VINCENT of COVENTRIE was born in the chief City in this shire and bred a Franciscan though Learned Leland mistakes him a Carmelite in the University of Cambridg His order at their first entrance into England looked upon learning as a thing beneath them so totally were they taken up with their Devotion This Vincent was the first who brake the Ice and then others of his order drank of the same water first applyed himself to Academicall studies and became a publick Professor in Cambridge he set a Coppy for the Carmelites therein to imitate who not long after began their publick Lectures in the same place he
upon him Many were the wit combates betwixt him and Ben Johnson which two I behold like a Spanish great Gallion and an English man of War Master Johnson like the former was built far higher in Learning Solid but Slow in his performances Shake-spear with the English-man of War lesser in bulk but lighter in sailing could turn with all tides tack about and take advantage of all winds by the quickness of his Wit and Invention He died Anno Domini 16 ... and was buried at Stratford upon Avon the Town of his Nativity MICHAEL DRAYTON born in this County at Athelston as appeareth in his poeticall address thereunto My native Country If there be vertue yet remaining in thy earth Or any good of thine thou breath'st into my birth Accept it as thine own whilst now I sing of thee Of all thy later Brood th' unworthiest though I be He was a pious Poet his conscience having always the command of his fancy very temperate in his life slow of speech and inoffensive in company He changed his laurel for a crown of glory Anno 1631. and is buried in Westminster-Abby near the South-door with this Epitaph Doe pious Marble let thy Readers know What they and what their children owe To Draitons name whose sacred dust We recommend unto thy trust Protect his memory and preserve his story Remain a lasting Monument of his glory And when thy ruins shall dâ—…aime To be the Treasurer of his name His name that cannot fade shall be An everlasting Monument to thee He was born within few miles of William Shake-speare his Countryman and fellow-Poet and buried within fewer paces of Jeffry Chaucer and Edmund Spencer Sir FULKE GREVIL Knight Son to Sir Fulke Grevil the Elder of Becham-Court in this County he was bred first in the University of Cambridge He came to the Court back'd with a full and fair Estate and Queen Elizabeth loved such substantiall Courtiers as could plentifully subsist of themselves He was a good Scholar loving much to employ and sometimes to advance learned men to whâ—…m worthy Bishop Overal chiefly owed his preferment and Mr. Cambden by his own Confession tasted largely of his liberality His Studies were most in Poetry and History as his works doe witness His Stile conceived by some to be swelling is allowed for lofty and full by others King James created him Baron Brook of Beachamp-Court as descended from the sole daughter and heir of Edward Willowby the last Lord Brook in the reign of King Henry the seventh His sad Death or Murther rather happened on this occasion His discontented servant conceiving his deserts not soon or well enough rewarded wounded him Mortally and then to save the law the labour killed himself verifying the observation that he may when he pleaseth be master of an other mans life who contemneth his own He lieth buried in Warwick Church under a Monument of black and white Marble whereon he is styled Servant to Q. Elizabeth Counsellor to K. James and friend to Sir Phillip Sidney Dying Anno 16 ... without Issue and unmarried his Barony by vertue of Entail in the patent descended on his kinsman Robert Grevill Lord Brook father to the Right Honorable Robert Lord Brook NICHOLAS BYFIELD was born in this County as his son hath informed me bred as I remember in Queens-colledge in Oxford After he had entred into the Ministry he was invited into Ireland to a place of good profit and eminency in pâ—…ssage whereunto staying wind-bound at Chester his Inn proved his home for a long time unto him preaching a Sermon there with such approbation that he was chosed Minister in the City Not without an especiall Providence seeing the place promised in Ireland would have failed him his going over had been a labour in vain The Cestrians can give the best account of his profitable preaching and pious life most strict in keeping the Lords day on which occasion pens were brandished betwixt him and Mr. Breerwood In his declining age he was presented to the Benefice of Isleworth in Middlesex where for fifteen years together he preached twice every Lords-day and expounded Scripture every Wednesday and Friday till five weeks before his death notwithstanding there was Mors in ollâ—… A stone in his bladder which being taken out weighed and measured after his death was found of these prodigious proportions In 1. Weight thirty three ounces and more In 2. Measure about the edge fifteen inches and an half In 3. Measure about the length thirteen inches and above In 4. Measure about the breadth almost thirteen inches It was of a solid substance to look upon like a flint Lo here is the patience of the Saints All I will adde is this the Pharisee said proudly I thank thee Lord I am not as this Publican Let Writer and Reader say humbly and thankfully to God We are not as this truly painfull Preacher and let us labour that as our bodies are more healthfull our souls may be as holy as his who died and was buried at Iâ—…leworth PHILEMON HOLLAND where born is to me unknown was bred in Trinity-colledge in Cambridge a Doctor in Physick and fixed himself in Coventry He was the Translator Generall in his Age so that those Books alone of his Turning into English will make a Country Gentleman a competent library for Historians in so much that one saith Holland with his Translations doth so fill us He will not let Suetonius be Tranquillus Indeed some decry all Translators as Interlopers spoiling the Trade of Learning which should be driven amongst Scholars alone Such also alledge that the best Translations are works rather of Industry then Judgement and in easy Authors of Faithfulness rather then Industry That many be but Bunglers forcing the meaning of the Authors they translate picking the lock when they cannot open it But their Opinion resents too much of Envy that such Gentlemen who cannot repair to the Fountain should be â—…ebard access to the Streame Besides it is unjust to charge All with the faults of some and a Distinction must be made amongst Translators betwixt Coblers and Workmen and our Holland had the true knack of Translating Many of these his Books he wrote with One Pen whereon he himself thus pleasantly versified With one sole pen I writ this Book Made of a Grey Goose Quill A Pen it was when it I took And a Pen I leave it still This Monumental Pen he solemnly kept and showed to my reverend Tutor Doctor Samuel â—…ard It seems he leaned very lightly on the Neb thereof though weightily enough in an other sense performing not slightly but solidly what he undertook But what commendeth him most to the Praise of Posterity is his Translating Camdens Britannia a Translation more then a Translation with many excellent Additions not found in the Latine done fifty years since in Master Camdens life time not onely with his knowledge and consent but also no doubt by his desire and help
may conquer the corruptions of their Nature If Fâ—…rca in no unusuall sence be taken for the Cross by the vertue of Christs sufferings thereon a man may so repell Nature that it shall not recoile to his destruction Princes KATHARINE PAR daughter of Sir Thomas Par was born at Kendall-castle in this County then the prime seat of that though no parliamentary Barony devolved to her father by inheritance from the Bruses and Rosses of Werk She was first married unto John Nevile Lord Latimer and afterwards to K. Henry the eighth This King first married half a maid no less can be allowed to the Lady Katharine the Relict of Prince Arthur and then he married four maids successively of the two last he complained charging the one with impotency the other with inconstancy and being a free man again resolved to wed a Widow who had given testimony of her fidelity to a former husband This Lady was a great favourer of the Gospell and would earnestly argue for it sometimes speaking more then her husband would willingly hear of Once politick Gardiner who spar'd all the Weeds spoil'd the good Flowers and Herbs had almost got her into his clutches had not divine Providence delivered her Yet a Jesuite tells us that the King intended if longer surviving to behead her for an Heretick to whom all that I will return is this that he was neither Confessour nor Privy-Counâ—…ellour to King Henry the eighth This Queen was afterward married to Thomas Seymer Baron of Sudeley and Lord Admiral and died in child-bed of a daughter Anno Domini 1548. her second husband surviving her This makes me the more admire at the great mistake of Thomas Mills otherwise most industrious and judicious in genealogies making this Lady married the third time unto Edward Burgh eldest son unto Thomas Lord Burgh without any shew of probability Cardinals CHRISTOPHER BAMBRIDGE born near Apleby in this County was bred Doctor of Law in Queens-colledge in Oxford He was afterwards Dean of York Bishop of Durham and at last Arch-bishop of York Being imployed an Embasadour to Rome he was an active instrument to procure our King Henry the eight to take part with the Pope against Lewis King of France for which good service he was created Cardinal of Saint Praxis A title some say he long desired let me adde and little injoyed For falling out with his Steward Rivaldus de Modena an Italian and fustigating him for his faults the angry Italian Poysoned him Herein something may be pleaded for this Cardinal out of the Old sure I am more must be pleaded against him out of the New Testament if the places be Parallell'd Proverbs 29. 19. 1 Timothy 3. 3. A servant will not be corrected by words c. A Bishop must be no striker c. But grant him greatly faulty it were uncharitable in us to beat his Memory with more stripes who did then suffer so much for his own Indiscretion His death happened July 14. 1511 and was buried at Rome not in the Church of Saint Praxis which entitled him but in the Hospitall of the English Prelats THOMAS VIPONT was descended of those Ancient Barons who were Hereditary Lords of this County Surely either his Merit was very great or Might very prevalent advantaged by his near and potent Relations That the Canons of Carlile stuck so stiffly to their electing their Bishop when King Henry the third with so much importunity commended John Prior of Newbury unto them This Thomas injoyed his place but one year the onely reason as I conceive that no more is reported of him He died Anno Dom. 1256. JOHN de KIRKBY born at one of the two Kirkbies Landsdale or Stephens in this County was first Canon and afterwards Bishop of Carlile Anno 1332. This is that Stout Prelate who when the Scots invaded England Anno 1345. with an Army of thirty thousand under the conduct of William Douglas and had taken and burnt Carlile with the Country thereabouts I say this John Kirkby was he who with the assistance of Thomas Lucy Robert Ogle persons of prime power in those Parts fighting in an advantagious place utterly routed and ruined them Such as behold this Act with envious eyes cavelling that he was non-resident from his Calling when he turned his Miter into an Helmet Crosier-staffe into a Sword consider not that true Maxim In Publicos hostes omnis home miles and the most consciencious Casuists who forbid Clergy-men to be Military Plaintiffs allow them to be defendants He died Anno Dom. 1353. THOMAS de APPLEBY born in that Eminent Town in this County where the Assises commonly are kept was legally chosen Bishop of Carlile by all that had right in that Election Yet he was either so Timerous or the Pope so Tyrannicall or both that he durst not own the choice with his publique consent untill he had first obtained his Confirmation from the Court of Rome He was Consecrated Anno Dom. 1363. and having set 33. years in that See deceased Decemb 5. 1395. ROGER de APPLEBY went over into Ireland and there became Prior of Saint Peters near Trimme formerly founded by Simon de rupe forti Bishop of Meath hence by the Pope he was preferred Bishop of Ossory in the same Kingdome He died Anno Dom. 1404. WILLIAM of STRICKLAND descended of a Right Worshishful Family in this County Anno 1396. by joynt consent of the Cannons chosen Bishop of Carlile However by the concurrence of the Pope and K. Richard the second one Robert Read was preferred to the Place which injury and affront Strickland bare with much moderation Now it happened that Read was removed to Chichester and Thomas Mâ—…x his successor translated to a Grecian Bishoprick that Strickland was Elected again Patience gains the Goal with Long-running and Consecrated Bishop of Carlile Anno 1400. For the Town of Perith in Cumberland he cut a pâ—…ssage with great Art Industry and Expence from the Town into the river Petterill for the conveiance of Boatage into the Irish sea He sate Bishop 19. years and died Anno Dom. 1419. NICHOLAS CLOSE was born at Bibreke in this County was One of the Six Original Fellows whom K. Henry the sixth placed in his new erected Colledge of Kings-colledge in Cambridge Yea he made him in a manner Master of the Fabrick committing the building of that house to his Fidelity who right honestly discharged his trust therein He was first Bishop of Carlile then of Leichfield where he died within a year after his Consecration viz. Anno Dom. 1453. Since the Reformation HUGH COREN or CURWEN was born in this County and made by Queen Mary Archbishop of Dublin Brown his immediate Predecessor being deprived for that he was married Here it is worthy of our observation that though many of the Protestant Clergy in that Land were imprisoned and otherwise much molested yet no one Person of what quality soever in all Ireland did suffer
Martyrdome and hereon a remarkable Story doth depend A Story which hath been solemnly avouched by the late reverend Archbishop of Armagh in the presence of several persons and amongst others unto Sir James Ware Knight that most excellent Antiquary and divers in the University of Oxford who wrot it from his mouth as he received the same from ancient persons of unquestionable credit About the third of the raign of Queen Mary a Pursevant was sent with a Commission into Ireland to impower some eminent persons to proceed with fire and fagot against poor Protestants It happened by Divine Providence this Pursevant at Chester lodged in the house of a Protestant Inn-keeper who having gotten some inkling of the matter secretly stole his Commission out of his Cloke-bag and put the Knave of Clubs in the room thereof Some weeks after he appeared before the Lords of the Privy-Councel at Dublin of whom Bishop Coren a principall and produced a Card for his pretended Commission They caused him to be committed to prison for such an affront as done on designe to deride them Here he lay for some months till with much adoe at last he got his enlargement Then over he returned for England and quickly getting his Commission renewed makes with all speed for Ireland again But before his arrival there he was prevented with the news of Queen Maries death and so the lives of many and the liberties of more poor Servants of God were preserved To return to our Coren though a moderate Papist in Queen Maries days yet he conformed with the first to the reformation of Queen Elizabeth being ever sound in his Heart He was for some short time cheif Justice and Chancellor of Ireland till he quitted all his Dignities in exchange for the Bishoprick of Oxford It may seem a wonder that he should leave one of the best Arch-bishopricks in Ireland for one of the worst Bishopricks in England But oh no Preferment to Quiet and this Politick Prelate very decrepit broken with old age and many State-affairs desired a private repose in his Native Land before his death which happened Anno Dom. 1567. BARNABY POTTER was born in this County 1578. within the Barony of Kendall in which Town he was brought up untill he was sent to Queens-colledge in Oxford becoming successively Scholar Fellow and Provost thereof He was chosen the last with the unanimous consent of the Fellows when being at great distance he never dreamed thereof Then resigning his Provosts Place he betook himself to his Pastorall charge in the Country He was Chaplain in Ordinary to Prince Charles being accounted at Court the Penitentiall Preacher and by King Charles was preferred Bishop of Carlile when others sued for the Place and he little thought thereof He was commonly called the Puritanicall Bishop and they would say of him in the time of King James that Organs would blow him out of the Church which I do not believe the rather because he was loving of and skilfull in Vocall Musick and could bear his own part therein He was a constant Preacher and performer of family-duties of a Weak Constitution Melancholy Lean and an Hard Student He dyed in honour being the last Bishop that dyed a Member of Parliament in the year of our Lord 1642. States-men Sir EDWARD BELLINGHAM Knight was born of an ancient and warlike family in this County servant of the Privy-Chamber to King Edward the sixth who sent him over Anno 1547. to be Lord Deputy of Ireland whose Learning Wisdome and Valour made him fit to discharge that place Hitherto the English-pale had been hide-bound in the growth thereof having not gained one foot of ground in more then two hundred years since the time of King Edward the third This Sir Edward first extended it proceeding against the Irishry in a martial course by beating and breaking the Moors and Connors two rebellious Septs And because the Poet saith true It proves a man as brave and wise To keep as for to get the prize He built the forts of Leix and Offaly to secure his new acquisition Surely had he not been suddenly revok d into England he would have perfected the project in the same sort as it was performed by his successour the Earl of Sussex by setling English plantations therein Such his secresie the soul of great designs that his Souldiers never knew whither they went till they were come whither they should go Thus he surprised the Earl of Desmond being rude and unnurtured brought him up to Dublin where he informed and reformed him in manners and civility sometimes making him to kneel on his knees an hour together before he knew dis duty till he became a new man in his behaviour This Earl all his life after highly honoured him and at every dinner and supper would pray to God for good Sir Edward Bellingham who had so much improved him This Deputy had no fault in his Deputiship but one that it was so short he being called home before two years were expired Surely this hath much retarded the reducing of the Irishry the often shifting of their Deputies too often change of the kinds of plaisters hinders the healing of the sore so that as soon as they had learn'd their trade they must resigne their shop to another which made King James continue the Lord Chichester so long in the place for the more effectual performance therein Coming into England he was accused of many faults but cleared himself as fast as his adversaries charged him recovering the Kings favour in so high a degree that he had been sent over Deputy again save that he excused himself by indisposition of body and died not long after Writers RICHARD KENDAL I place him here with confidence because no Kendal in England save what is the chief Town of this County He was an excellent Grammarian and the greatest instructer Shreud and Sharp enough of youth in his age He had a vast collection of all Latine Grammars and thence extracted a Quintessence whereof he was so highly conceited that he publickly boasted that Latine onely to be Elegant which was made according to his Rules and all other to be Base and Barbarous Which Reader I conceive being out of his though under thy Correction a Proud and Pedantick expression He flourished in the raign of K. Henry the sixth Since the Reformation BERNARD Son of EDWIN GILPIN Esquire was born at Kentmire in this County Anno 1517. At sixteen years old very young in that Age from those Parts his Parents sent him to Queens-colledge in Oxford whence his merit advanced him one of the first Students in the new foundation of Christs church Hitherto the Heat of Gilpin was more then his Light and he hated Vice more then Error which made him so heartily dispute against Master Hooper who afterwards was Martyred when indeed he did follow his Argument with his Affections How afterwards he became a zealous Protestant I referre the
the most marvellous It groweth ordinarily fifteen foot in length yea I read of one four and twenty foot long which may be true because as there are Giants amongst men so there are Giants amongst Giants which even exceed them in proportion The place whereon it groweth is low lying some Winters under water having hills round about it and a spacious sheep common adjoyning The soyl whereof by every hasty showre is brought down into this little medow which makes it so incredibly fruitfull This Grasse being built so many stories high from knot to knot lyeth matted on the ground whence it is cut up with sickles and bound into sheaves It is both Hay and Provender the joint-like knots whereof will fat swine Some conceive that the seed thereof transplanted would prosper plentifully though not to the same degree of Length in other places from whose judgement other husband-men dissent conceiving it so peculiar to this place that Ground and Grass must be removed both together Or else it mrst be set in a Parellel'd position for all the particuler advantages aforesaid which England will hardly afford So that nature may seem mutually to have made this Plant and this Place one for another Proverbs It is done secundum usum Sarum This Proverb coming out of the Church hath since inlarged it self into a civil use It began on this occasion Many Offices or forms of service were used in severall Churches in England as the Office of York Hereford Bangor c. which caused a deal of Confusion in Gods Worship untill Osmond Bishop of Sarum about the year of our Lord 1090. made that Ordinall or Office which was generally received all over England so that Churches thence forward easily understood one another all speaking the same words in their Liturgy It is now applyed to those persons which do and Actions which are formally and solemnly done in so Regular a way by Authentick Precedents and Paterns of unquestionable Authority that no just exception can be taken thereat Princes MARGARET PLANTAGENET Daughter to George Duke of Clarence and Isabel Nevile Eldest Daughter and Co-heir of Richard Nevile Earl of Warwick was born August 14. 1473. at Farrley-Castle in this County Reader I pray thee let her pass for a Princesse because Daughter to a Duke Neece to two Kings Edward the fourth and Richard the third Mother to Cardinal Reginale Poole But chiefly because she was the last liver of all that Royall Race which from their birth wore the names of Plantagenets By Sir Richard Poole a Knight of Wales and Cozen-Jerman to King Henry the seventh she had divers children whereof Henry Lord Mountague was the eldest he was Accused of Treason and this Lady his Mother Charged to be Privy thereunto by King Henry the eighth who as his father was something too slow was somewhat too quick in discovering Treasons as soon as if not before they were On the Scaffold as she stood she would not gratify the Executioner with a Prostrate Posture of her body Some beheld this her action as an argument of an erected soul disdaining pulingly to submit to an infamous death showing her mind free though her body might be forc'd and that also it was a demonstration of her innocence But others condemn'd it as a needless and unseasonable animosity in her who though suppos'd innocent before man for this fact must grant her self guilty before God whose Justice was the supreme Judge condemning her Besides it was indiscreet to contend where it was impossible to prevail there being no guard against the edge of such an axe but patience and it is ill for a soul to goe recking with anger out of this world Here happened an unequall contest betwixt Weakness and Strength Age and Youth Nakedness and Weapons Nobility and Baseness a Princess and an Executioner who at last draging her by the hair gray with age may truly be said to have took off her head seeing she would neither give it him nor forgive him the doing thereof Thus dyed this Lady Margaret Heir to the name and stout nature of Margaret Dutchess of Burgundy her Aunt and God-mother whose spirits were better proportioned to her Extraction then Estate for though by special Patent she was created Countess of Sarisbury she was restored but to a small part of the inheritance she was born unto She suffered in 23. year of the raign of K. Henry the eighth JANE SEYMORE Daughter to Sir John Seymoure Knight honourably descended from the Lords Beauchamps was as by all concurring probabilities is collected born at Wulfall in this County and after was married to King Henry the eight It is currantly traditioned that at her first coming to Court Queen Anne Bollen espying a Jewell pendant about her neck snatched thereat desirous to see the other unwilling to show it and causually hurt her hand with her own violence but it greived her heart more when she perceived it the Kings Picture by himself bestowed upon her who from this day forward dated her own declining and the others ascending in her husbands affection It appeareth plainly by a passage in the Act of Parliament that the King was not onely invited to his marriage by his own affections but by the Humble Petition and intercession of most of the Nobles of his Realme moved thereunto as well by the conveniency of her years as in respect that by her Excellent Beauty and Pureness of Flesh and Bloud I speak the very words of the Act it self she was apt God willing to Conceive Issue And so it proved accordingly This Queen dyed some days after the birth of Prince Edward her son on whom this Epitaph Phoenix Jana jacet nato Phoenice dolendum Saecula Phoenices nulla tulisse duas Soon as her Phoenix Bud was blown Root-Phoenix Jane did wither Sad that no age a brace had shown Of Phoenixes together Of all the Wives of King Henry she only had the happiness to dye in his full favour the 14. of Octob. 1337. and is buried in the quire of Windsor Chappel the King continuing in real mourning for her even all the Festival of Christmas Saints ADELME Son to Kenred Nephew to Ina King of the West-Saxons was bred in Forraign parts and returning home was Abbot of Malmesbury Thirty years a Person Memorable on severall Accounts 1. He was the first Englishman who ever wrote in Latine 2. He was the first that ever brought Poetry into England 3. The first Bishop of the See of Sherburn Bede giveth him a large commendation for his Learning the rather because he wrot a book for the reducing the Britons to observe Easter according to the Church of Rome Impudent Monkes have much abused his Memory with Shameless lyes and amongst the rest with a Wooden Miracle that a Carpenter having cut a Beam for his Church too short he by his Prayers stretched it out to the full proportion To this I may add another lye as clear as the Sun it self on whose
precious extraction to King James reputed a great preserver of health and prolonger of life He is conceived by such helps to have added to his vigorous vivacity though I think a merry heart whereof he had a great measure was his best Elixar to that purpose He died exceeding aged Anno Dom. 164. JOHN BUCKRIDGE was born at Dracot nigh Marleborough in this County and bred under Master Mullcaster in Merchant-Taylors school from whence he was sent to Saint Johns-colledge in Oxford where from a Fellow he became Doctor of Divinity and President thereof He afterwards succeeded Doctor Lancelot Andrews in the Vicaridge of Saint Giles Criplegate in which Cure they lived one and twenty years a piece and indeed great was the Intimacy betwixt these two learned Prelates On the ninth of June 1611. he was Consecrated Bishop of Rochester and afterwards set forth a learned Book in opposition of John Fisher De potestate papae in Temporalibus of which my Author doth affirm Johannem itaque Roffensem habemus quem Johanni Roffensi opponamus Fishero Buckerigium cujus argumentis si quid ego video ne à mille quidem Fisheris unquam respondebitur He was afterwards preferred Bishop of Ely and having Preached the Funerall Sermon of Bishop Andrews extant in Print at the end of his works survived him not a full year dying Anno Dom. 163. He was decently Interred by his own appointment in the Parish-church of Bromly in Kent the Manner thereof belonged to the Bishoprick of Rotchester States-men EDWARD SEIMOR and THOMAS SEIMOR both Sons of Sir John Seimor of Wolfull Knight in this County I joyn them together because whilst they were united in affection they were invinsible but when devided easily overthrown by their enemies Edward Seimor Duke of Sommerset Lord Protector and Treasurer of England being the Elder Brother succeeded to a fair Paternal inheritance He was a valiant Souldier for Land-service fortunate and generally beloved by Martiall men He was of an open nature free from jealousie and dissembling affable to all People He married Anne Daughter of Sir Edward Stanhop knight a Lady of a high mind and haughty undaunted spirit Thomas Seimor the Younger Brother was made Barron of Sudley by offices and the favours of his Nephew K. Edward the sixth obtained a great Estate He was well experienced in Sea affairs and made Lord Admirall of England He lay at a close posture being of a reserved Nature and was more cunning in his Carriage He married Queen Katharine Parr the Widdow of King Henry the eighth Very great the Animosities betwixt their Wives the Dutchess refusing to bear the Queens Train and in effect justled with her for Precedence so that what betwixt the Train of the Queen and long Gown of the Dutchess they raised so much dust at the Court as at last put out the eyes of both their husbands and occasioned their Executions as we have largely declared in our Ecclesiasticall History The Lord Thomas Anno 154. The Lord Edward Anno 154. Thus the two best Bullworks of the safety of King Edward the sixth being demolished to the ground Duke Dudley had the advantage the nearer to approach and assault the Kings Person and to practice his destruction as is vehemently suspected Sir OLIVER SAINT JOHN Knight Lord Grandison c. was born of an ancient and honourable family whose prime seat was at Lediard-Tregoze in this County He was bred in the warrs from his youth and at last by King James was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland and vigorously pursued the principles of his Predecessours for the civilizing thereof Indeed the Lord Mountjoy reduced that Country to obedience the Lord Chichester to some civility and this Lord Grandison first advanced it to considerable profit to his Master I confess T. Walsingham writeth that Ireland afforded unto Edward the third thirty thousand pound a year paid into His Exchequer but it appears by the Irish-records which are rather to be believed that it was rather a burden and the constant revenue thereof beneath the third part of that proportion But now the Kingdome being peaceably settled the income thereof turned to good account so that Ireland called by my Author the Land of Ire for the constant broiles therein for 400. years was now become the Land of Concord Being re-called into England he lived many years in great repute and dying without issue left his Honour to his Sisters son by Sir Edward Villiers but the main of his estate to his Brothers son Sir John Saint John Knight and Baronet Sir JAMES LEY Knight and Baronet son of Henry Ley Esquire one of great Ancestry who on his own cost with his men valiantly served King Henry the eighth at the siedge of Bullen was born at Tafant in this County Being his fathers sixth son and so in probability barred of his inheritance he indeavoured to make himself an Heir by his Education applying his book in Brasen-nose-colledge and afterwards studying the Laws of the Land in Lincolns-Inn wherein such his proficiency King James made him Lord Chief Justice in Ireland Here he practised the charge King James gave him at his going over yea what his own tender Conscience gave himself namely Not to build his Estate on the ruines of a miserable Nation but aiming by the unpartial execution of Justice not to enrich himself but civilize the People he made a good Progress therein But the King would no longer lose him out of his own Land and therefore recalled him home about the time when his fathers inheritance by the death of his five elder brethren descended upon him It was not long before Offices and Honour flowed in fast upon him being made by King James King Charles 1. Aturney of the Court of Wards 2. Chief Justice of the Upper Bench 18. of his raign Jan. 29. 3. Lord Treasurer of England in the 22. of his raign Decemb. 22. 4. Baron Ley of Ley in Devonshire the last of the same Month. 1. Earl of Marleburg in this County immediately after the Kings Coronation 2. Lord President of the Councell in which place he died Anno Domini 1629. He was a person of great gravity ability and integrity and as the Caspian Sea is observed neither to ebb nor flow so his mind did not rise or fall but continued the same constancy in all conditions Sir FRANCIS COTTINGTON Knight was born nigh Meer in this County and bred when a youth under Sir ........ Stafford He lived so long in Spain till he made the garbe and gravity of that Nation become his and become him He raised himself by his naturall strength without any artificial advantage having his parts above his learning his experience above his parts his industry above his experience and some will say his success above all so that at the last he became Chancellour of the Exchequer Baron of Hanworth in Middlesex and upon the resignation of Doctor Juxon Lord Treasurer of England gaining also
place When the Writ de comburendis haereticis for the Execution of Richard White and John Hunt of whom formerly was brought to Mr. Michel instead of burning them He burnt the Writ and before the same could be renewed Doctor Geffray the bloody Chancellour of Salisbury who procured it and Queen Mary were both dead to the Miraculous preservation of Gods poor Servants Sir JAMES Vicar Choral as I conceive of the Church of Sarisbury in the raign of King Edward the sixth was wholy addicted to the Study of Chemistry Now as Socrates himself wrot nothing whilst Plato his Scholar praised him to purpose so whilst the Pen of Sir James was silent of his own worth Thomas Charnock his Scholar whom he made Inheritour of his Art thus chants in his Commendation I could find never Man but one Which could teach Me the secrets of our Stone And that was a Priest in the Close of Salisbury God rest his Soul in Heaven full merry This Sir James pretented that he had all his skill not by Learning but Inspiration which I list not to disprove He was alive Anno 1555. but died about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth Lord Mayor Name Father Place Company Time Sir Nicholas Lambert Edward Lambert Wilton Grocer 1531 The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the twelsth year of King Henry the sixth R. Bishop of Salisbury Commissioners to receive the Oaths Walt. Hungarford Knight Robert Andrew Knights for the Shire Robert Long. Knights for the Shire Rob. Hungarford mil. Edm. Hungarford m. Ioh. Stourton mil. Will. Becham mil. Ioh. Beynton mil. Will. Westbery Justiciarii Ioh. Seymour Will. Darell Rich. Milbourn Edm. Dantesey Ioh. Westbery sen. David Cerington Randul Thorp Lau. Gowayn Rog. Peryton Will. Gore sen. Roh Ernly Rob. Blake Tho. Drewe Will. Daungers Rob. Paniffote Ioh. Westbery junior Will. Rouse Tho. Boneham Iohan. Rous Will. Besyle Rob. Baynard Rog. Trewbody Will. Caynelt Will. Botreauxe Will. Widecombe Ioh. Atte Berwe Ioh. Northfolk Ioh. Sturmy Tho. Cryklade Rob. Bodenham Iohan. Bride Rob. Beast Cob. Colyngborn Hen. Chancy Ioh. Combe Ioh. West Rob. Onewyn Tho. Ierderd Ioh. Whitehorn Ioh. Gergrave Nich. Wotton Tho. Hall Ioh. Hall Rich. Hall Will. â—…ore 〈◊〉 Rob. Crikkelade Ioh. Lambard Tho. Beweshyn Rich. Mayn Ioh. Mayn Ioh. Benger Rob. Mayhow Hen. Bardley Rob. Confold Ioh. Mumfort Tho. Hancock Ioh. Osburn Ioh. Gillberd Ioh. Attuene Ioh. Escote Gul. Orum Rich. Soâ—…wel Reg. Croke Ingel Walrond Ioh. Waldrine Rich. Warrin Will. Stanter Rob. Solman Tho. Temse Will. Temse Tho. Ryngwode Will. Watkins Rob. Backeham Walt. Backeham Will. Dantesey Rich. Caynell Rich. Hardone Ioh. Tudworth Ioh. Coventre Tho. Gore nuper de Lynshyll Rob. Wayte Will. Coventre Ioh. Ingeham Ioh. Martyn Walt. Evererd Will. Polelchirch Ioh. Iustice Walt. Stodelâ—…y Will. Wychamton Rob. Eyre Ioh. Voxanger Sim. Eyre Ioh. Ford Will. Russell Ioh. Scot Tho. Vellard Pet. Duke Ioh. Quinton Tho. Quinton Ioh. Bourne Rich. Warneford Ioh. Stere Tho. Hasard Rob. Lyvenden Will. Lyng Ioh. Davy Rob. Davy Rob. Floure Will. Leder Ioh. Edward Ioh. Cutting Tho. Blanchard Will. Moun Edm. Penston Rich. Lye Ioh. Bellingdon Ioh. Pope Ioh. Lye Ioh. Spender Walt. Clerk Ioh. Quarly Will. Bacon Ioh. Everard Nich. Spondell Will. Walrond Tho. Stake Rich. Cordra Rich. de Bowys Will Renger Thom. Bower de Devise R. is here Robert Nevil then Bishop of Salisbury Walter Hungerford was the Lord Hungerford Treasurer of England WILL. WESTBRY Justiciarii Surely this Justice must be more then an Ordinary one of the Peace and Quorum because preposed to John Seimour a signall Esquire late High-sheriffe of the Shire Yet was he none of the two Chief-Justices of Westminster as not mentioned in their Catalogue Probably he was one of the Puny Judges in those Courts but because no certainty thereof we leave him as we found him DAVID CERINGTON The self same name with Sherington for all the literall variation and they I assure you were men of great Anchestry and Estate in this County Sir Henry Sherington was the last Heir-male of this Family dwelling at Lacock in this County a Right Godly Knight and great friend to Bishop Jewell who died in his house at Lacock He disswaded the Bishop from Preaching that Lords-day by reason of his great Weakness Affirming it better for a Private Congregation to want a Sermon one day then for the Church of England to lose such a Light for ever But he could not prevail the Bishop being resolved to expire in his calling This Sir Henry left two Daughters which had Issue one married into the Honourable family of Talbot the other unto Sir Anthony Mildmay who enriched their Husbands with great Estates Sheriffs of Wilt-shire HEN. II. Anno 1 Will. qui fuit Vic. Anno 2 Com. Patricius Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Anno 7 Rich. Clericus Anno 8 Idem Anno 9 Mil. de Dantesaia Anno 10 Rich. de Wilton Anno 11 Rich. de Wilteser Anno 12 Rich. de Wilton for 15 years Anno 27 Mich. Belet Rob. Malde Anno 28 Mich. Belet Rob. Malde Rog. filius Reuf Anno 29 Rob. Malduit Anno 30 Idem Anno 31 Idem Anno 32 Rob. Malduit Anno 33 Idem RICH. I. Anno 1 Hug. Bardulfe Anno 2 Will. Comes Saresb. Anno 3 Rob. de Tresgoze Anno 4 Will. Comes Saresb. Anno 5 Will. Comes Saresb. Tho. filius Will. for 4 years Anno 9 Steph. de Turnham Alex. de Ros Anno 10 Idem JOHAN REX Anno 1 Steph. de Turnham Wand filius Corcelles Anno 2 Comes Will. de Saresb. Hen. de Bermere Anno 3 â—…dem Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Comes Will. de Saresb. Iohan. Bonet for 6 years Anno 11 Will. Briewere Rob. filius Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Nich. Briewere de Vetri ponte Will de Chanto Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Will Comes Saresb. Hen. filius Alchi Anno 17 Idem HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Will. Comes Saresb. Rob. de Crevequeor for 6 years Anno 8 Will. Comes Saresb. Adam de Alta Ripa Anno 9 Idem Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Sim. de Halei Anno 12 Eliz. Comit. Saresb. Ioh. Dacus Anno 13 Ioh. de Monemue Walt. de Bumesey Anno 14 Ioh. de Monemue Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Eliz. Com. Saresb. Ioh. Dacus for 4 years Anno 20 Eliz. Comit. Sarum Rob. de Hugen Anno 21 Eliz. Comit. Sarum Anno 22 Rob. de Hogesham Anno 23 Idem Anno 24 Idem Anno 25 Nich. de Haversham for 6 years Anno 31 Nich de Lusceshall Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Idem Anno 34 Will. de Tynehiden for 4 years Anno 38 Will. de Tenhide Io. de Tenhide fil Here 's Anno 39 Idem Anno 40 Ioh. de Verurd Anno 41 Idem Anno 42 Idem Anno 43 Ioh. de Verund Galf. de Scudemor Anno 44 Idem Anno 45 Ioh. de Verund
Anno 46 Rad. Cussell Anno 47 Idem Anno 48 Idem Anno 49 Rad. de Aungers Ioh. de Aungers Anno 50 Rad. de Aungers Anno 51 Will. de Duy Steph. de Edwarth for 5 years 56 Steph. de Edwarth Walt. de Strichesley EDW. I. Anno 1 Walt. de Strichesle Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Hildebrandus de London for 6 years Anno 10 Ioh. de Wotton for 8 years Anno 18 Rich. de Combe Anno 19 Idem Anno 20 Tho. de S to Omero for 5 years Anno 25 Walt. de Pevely Anno 26 Idem Anno 27 Idem Anno 28 Ioh. de Novo Burgo Anno 29 Idem Anno 30 Ioh. de Hertingerr Anno 31 Idem Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Hen. de Cobham Anno 34 Ioh. de Gerberge Anno 35 Idem EDW. II. Anno 1 Andreas de Grimsted Anno 2 Alex. Cheverell Ioh. de S to Laudo Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Will. de Hardene Anno 5 Adam Walrand Anno 6 Adam Walrand Iohan. Kingston Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Iohan de Holt Phus. de la Beach Anno 9 Phus. de la Beach Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Walt. de Risum Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Ioh. de Tichbourn Adam Walrand Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Anno 17 Adam Walrand Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Idem EDW. III. Anno 1 Adam Walrand Anno 2 Phus. la Beach Anno 3 Ioh. Manduit Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Anno 7 Ioh. Manduit Will Randolph Anno 8 Iohan. Tichbourn Iohan. Manduit Anno 9 Gilb. de Berewice Reg. de Pauley Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Petr. Doygnel Gil. de Berewice Anno 12 Iohan. Manduit Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Tho. de S to Mauro Rob. Lokes Anno 16 Iohan. Manduit Anno 17 Idem Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Iohan. Roches Anno 20 Idem Anno 21 Ioh. de Roches Tho. Semor Anno 22 Rob. Russell Anno 23 Idem Anno 24 Idem Anno 25 Nullus Titulus in hoc Rotulo Anno 26 Tho. de la River Anno 27 Idem Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Ioh. Everard Anno 30 Tho. de Hungerford for 5 years Anno 35 Hen. Sturmy for 6 years Anno 41 Walt. de Haywood for 5 years Anno 46 Will. de Worston Anno 47 Hen. Sturmy Anno 48 Ioh. Dauntesey mil. Anno 49 Ioh. de la Mare mil. Anno 50 Hugo Cheyne Anno 51 Idem Edward III. 35 HENRY STURMY They were Lords of Woolfhall in this County and from the Time of King Henry the second were by right of Inheritance the Bayliffs and Guardians of the Forrest of Savernake lying hard by which is of great note for plenty of good game and for a kind of Ferne there that yeildeth a most Pleasant Savour In remembrance whereof their Hunters-horn of a mighty bigness and tipt with silver is kept by the Seymours Dukes of Somerset unto this day as a Monument of their Descent from such Noble Ancestors Sheriffs Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Pe. de Cushaunce m Will de Worston   2 Rad. de Norton  Virt a Lion rampant Or alibi Argent 3 Idem   4 Lau. de Sco. Martino Hug. Cheyne   5 Nich. Woodhull   6 Bern. Brokers mil.   7 Ioh. Lancaster   8 Idem   9 Ioh. Salesbury   10 Idem   11 Hug. Cheyne   12 Idâ—…m   13 Rich. Mawardin   14 Ioh. Roches   15 Rob. Dyneley   16 Ioh. Goweyn   17 Rich Mawardin   18 Ioh. Moigne   â—…9 Tho. Bonham   20 Rich. Mawardin   â—…1 Idem   22 Idem   HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Ioh. Dauâ—…tesey Dantesey Az. a Dâ—…agon Lyon Rampant comhatant Arg. 2 Will. Worston Ioh. Gawayne   3 Will. Cheyne   4 Walt. Beauchamp  Varry 5 Walt. Beauchamp ut prius  6 Wal. Hungerford m.  Sable 2 Barrs Arg. 2 Plates in Chief 7 Râ—…d Grene   8 Walt. Beauchamp ut priâ—…s  9 Rob. Corbet  Or a Raven Proper 10 Will. Cheyne mil.   11 Ioh. Berkley mil  Gules a Cheveron betwixt 10 Crosses Formee Arg. 12 Tho. Bonham   HEN. V.   Anno   1 Elias de la Mare  Gules 2 Lions â—…assant Gardant Argent 2 Hen. Thorpe   3 Tho. Calsten   4 Râ—…b Andrewe   5 Will Findern   6 Will. Sturâ—…y mil. Woolf-hâ—…ll Argent 3 Deme-Lions Gules 7 Tho. Ringwood   8 Will. Darell  Az. a lion Rampant Oâ—… Crowned Argent 9 Idem   HEN. VI.   Anno   1 Will. Darell ut prius  2 Rob Shotesbâ—…ook 〈◊〉   3 Wil. Findern   4 Walt Pauncefott  Gules 3 Lions rampant Arg. 5 Ioh. Stourton ar Stourton Sa. a Bend Or betwixt 3 fountains proper 6 Will. Darell ar ut prius  7 Ioh. Pawlett ar  Sable 3 swords in Point Argent 8 Ioh. Bainton Brumham Sable a Bend lozenges Argent 9 Davi Sherrington   10 Ioh. Seymor Woolf-hall Gul. 2 Aâ—…gels-wings paleways inverted Or. 11 Walt. Strickland   12 Ioh. Stourton mil. ut prius  13 Steph. Popham mil.  Arg. on a Cheif Gul. 2 Bucks-heads Caboshed Or. 14 Edw. Hungerford ut prius  15 Wil. Beauchamp m. ut prius  16 Ioh. Stourton mil. ut prius  17 Ioh. Lisle mil.  Or a Fess betwixt 2 Chev. Sa. 18 Ioh. Saintlo mil.   19 Ioh. Norris  Quarterly Az. and Gul. a Fret Or with Fess Az. 20 Rich. Restwold  Argent 3 Bends â—…able 21 Will. Beauchamp ut prius  22 Ioh. Bainton ut prius  23 Ioh. Basket  Az. a Cheveron Erm. betwixt 3 Leopards-heads Or. 24 Rich. Restwold ut prius  25 Will. Stafford  Or a Cheveron Gul. on a Canton Ermine 26 Will. Beauchamp m. ut prius  27 Ioh. Norris ut prius  28 Phil. Barnard   29 Ioh. Seymor mil. ut prius  30 Ioh. Nanson   31 Edw. Stradling Dantesey Paly of 6 Arg. Az. on a Bend G. 3 Cinquefoyls Or. 32 Ioh. Willoughby   33 Geo. Darell   34 Reg. Stourton mil.   35 Hen. Long ar  Sab. a Lion ramâ—…nt betwixt 8 Crosses crossed Arg. 36 Ioh. Seymor ar ut prius  37 Hug. Pilkenham   38 Ioh. Feiris ar   EDW. IV.   Anno   1 Geor. Darell ut prius  2 Reg. Stourton mil. ut prius  3 Idem   4 Rog. Tocotes mil.   5 Geor. Darell mil. ut prius  6 Tho. de la Mare ut prius  7 Châ—…i Wâ—…ey   8
expressing her intention to confer it on Watson the foresaid Earl requested the contrary acquainting the Queen with the passage betwixt them how otherwise it would be two hundred pounds out of his way Nay then said the Queen Watson shall have it he being more worthy thereof who will give two hundred to decline then he who will give two thousand pounds to attain it I confess such who have read so much of the Corruption of the Earl of Leicester and heard so little of the Integrity of Watson will hardly credit this story which I am ready to believe and the rather because of this his Epitaph written on his Marble Monument in the Church of Saint Mary Overies D. Johannes Watson hujus Ecclesiâ—… Winton Praebendarius Decanus 〈◊〉 deinde Episcopus prudentissimus pater vir optimus praecipuè erga inopes misericors obiit in Domino January 23. anno â—…tatis 63. Episcopatus quarto 1583. Nothing else have I to observe save that there were three Watsons Bishops in the raign of Queen Elizabeth Thomas of Lincoln our John of Winchester and Anthony of Chichester though I believe little allied together States-men Sir THOMAS COVENTRY Knight was born at Croone in this County Eldest Son to Sir Thomas Coventry Knight one of the Justices of the Common Pleas. He was bred in the Inner Temple a student of the Laws and in the year 1618. was Treasurer of the said Temple and Atturney Generall to King James He was afterwards made Lord keeper of the Great Seal of England the first day of November in the first year of King Charles He was by the same King Created in the fourth of his raign April 10. Baron Coventry of Alesborough in this County An ingenious Gentleman in his History giveth him this Character in relation to his Keeper-ship that he injoyed that dignity fifteen years if it was not more proper to say that dignity enjoyed him This latter age affording none better qualified for the place Adding that he knew enough and acted conformable to his knowledge so that Captious Maliâ—…e â—…nds mute to blemish his fame To which we will only adde some few operative words taken out of his Patent when he was Created Baron Nos igitur in personâ Prâ—…dilecti per quam fidelis 〈◊〉 â—…stri Thomae Coventry Militis custodis magni sigilli nostri Angliae gratissima dignissima servitiâ—… quae idem consiliarius noster tam Prâ—…charissimo Patri 〈◊〉 Jacobo Regi 〈◊〉 Memoriae per multos anâ—…s quam nobis ab ipsis Râ—…gni nostri primis auspiciis fidelissimè prudentissimè praestitit impendit indiesque impendere non desistit nec non 〈◊〉 prudentiam strenuitatem dexteritatem integriâ—…tem industriam 〈◊〉 nos nostram coronam animo benigno regali intime recolentes constantiam fidelitatem ipsiâ—… Thomae Coventry Militis c. In cujus rei c. T. R. apud Westm. decimo diâ—… Aprilis Anno regni Regis Caroli 4. He died about the beginning of January 1639. before our Civill distempers began so that it is hard to say whether his Honourable Life or Seasonable Death was the greater favour which God bestow'd upon him I must not forget that it hath been observed that never Lord Keeper made fewer Orders which afterwards were Reversed then this Lord Coventry which some ascribe to his Discretion grounding most of his Orders on the Consent and Comprimise of the parties themselves interested therein whose hands so tyed up by their own Act were the more willing to be quiet for the future Writers on the Law Sir THOMAS LITLETON Knight Reader the Nimiety of my Cautiousness loath to prejudice the seeming right of any made me to bestow part of his Character on Staffordshire who since am convinced that he wholly and solely belongeth to this Shire as born at Frankley therein and I request the Reader to rectify some mistakes I formerly wrot by that which followeth He was a man remarkable in many respects First for his Extraction he was Son to Thomas Wescot Esquire and Elizabeth Litleton his wife who being a Double Inheritrix by her Father to the Litletons Mother to the Quatremains indented with Husband that her Heritable Issue should assume her Surname Say not her Husband might say Accepi dotem cognomen perdidi seeing it was done before his marriage by his free consent Besides we find even in Scripture it self Joab being constantly named the son of his Mother Zeruiah Secondly for his happiness that two great Kings had a great Sympathy to him who had an Antipathy each to other Henry the sixth whose Serjeant he was and rod Judge of the Northern circuit and Edward the fourth who made him a Judge and in his raign he rod the Northamptonshire Circuit Thirdly for his Exquisite skill in the Laws witness his Book of Tenures which though writ about two hundred years since yet at this day retaineth an Authentical reputation Insomuch that when in the raign of King James it came in question upon a Demuâ—…rer in Law whether the release to one Trespasser should be available or no to his Companion Sir Henry Hubbard and Judges Warberton Winch and Nicols his Companions gave Judgement according to the opinion of our Litleton and openly said that They would not have HIS CASE disputed or questioned Lastly for his happy posterity having left three families signally fixed and flourishing in this and the neighboring Counties of Stafford and Salop. And one saith very truely that these Quarter the Armes of many Matches after the best manner of quartering them other are scarce half-half-quartering them viz. they possess at this day good land on the same account Indeed the Lord Coke observeth that our Lawyers seldome dye either without Wills or Heirs For the first I believe it for our Common Lawyers will not have their Estates come under the Arbitrary dispose of a Civilian Judge of the Prerogative and therefore wisely prevent it For the second the Observation as qualified which Seldome may pass otherwise our Grand-fathers can remember Sir James Dier Lord Chief Justice and Periam Lord Chief Baron both dying without Issue His Book of Tenures hath since been Commented on by Sir Edward Coke his most Judicious Pen. Dic mihi num Textus vel Commentatio prestat Dicam ego tam Textus quam Commentatio prestat He died in the 21. year of King Edward the fourth and lyeth buried in the Cathedrall of Worcester having formerly constituted Doctor Alcock his faithfull friend and then Bishop of Worcestor Supervisor of his Will who saw it performed to all criticall particulars Souldiers RICHARD BEAUCHAMP Earl of Warwick was born at the Maâ—…or-house of Salwape in this County January the 28. 1381. King Richard the second and Richard Scroope then Bishop of Coventry afterwards Arch-bishop of York were his Godfathers A person so redoubted for Marshall Atchievements that the poeticall fictions of Hercules his labours found in him a reall
For although he found not the same favour with Joseph to whom the Gaoler committed the care of all his family making him Super-intendent of all other Prisoners yet had he always Respective Usage and oftimes Liberty on his Parol By his Bounty to the Poor he gained the good-will saith Master Camden of all Persons whilst I behold his Bounty to Others as the Queens Bounty to him enabling because not disenabling him for the same and permitting him peaceably to possess his Estate He died a very aged man in Wisbich-castle as I collect Anno 1585. and the Character which Pitzeus giveth him may suffice for his Epitaph Erat in eo insignis pietas in Deum mira charitas in proximos singularis observantia in majores mitis affabilitas in inferiores dulcis humanitas in omnes mulâ—…plex doctrina redundans facundia incredibilis religionis catholicae zelus HENRY BRIGHT was born in the City of Worcester No good man will grudge him under this Title who shall seriously peruse this his Epitaph composed by Doctor Joseph Hall then Dean in the Cathedrall in Worcester Mane Hospes lege Magister Henricus Bright Celeberrimus Gymnasiarcha Qui Scholae Regiae istic fundatae per totos Quadraginta Annos Summa cum Laude praefuit Quononalter magis sedulus fuit Scitusve aut dexter in Latinis Graecis Hebraius Literis feliciter edocendis Teste utraque Academia quam Instruxit affatim numerosa pube literaria Sed totidem annis eoque amplius Theologiam professus hujus 〈◊〉 per Septennium Canonicus major saepissime Hic Alibi Sacrum Dei praeconem magno cum Zelo Fructu egit Vir Pius Doctus Integer frugi de Republica deque Ecclesia optime meritus A laboribus perdiu per noctuque ab anno 1562. ad 1626. strenue usque extant latis 4 to Martii suaviter requievit in Domino For my own part I behold this Master Bright placed by Divine Providence in this City in the Marches that he might equally communicate the Lustre of Grammerlearning to youth both of England and Wales Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Richard Lee Simon Lee Worcester Grocer 1460 2 Richard a Lee John a Lee Worcester 1468 3 Alexander Avenon Robert Avenon Kings Norton Iron-monger 1569 This is one of the twelve pretermitted Counties the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower by the Commissioners in the raign of King Henry the sixth Sheriffs HEN. II. Anno 1 Anno 2 Will. de Bello Campo for 14 years Anno 16 Will. de Bello Campo Hugo de Puckier Anno 17 Ranul de Launch for 4 years Anno 21 Rob. de Lucy Anno 22 Mich. Belet for 7 years Anno 29 Rad. de Glanvill Anno 30 Mich. Belet Anno 31 Rob. Marivion for 3 years RICH. I. Anno 1 Rob. Marmion Anno 2 Will. de Bello Campo Anno 3 Will. de Bello Campo Rich. de Piplinton Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Will. de Bello Campo Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Hen. de Longo Campo for 3 years Anno 10 Rad. de Grafton JOH Rex Anno 1 Rad. de Grafton Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Will. de Cantela Adam de Worcester for 3 years Anno 6 Rob. de Cantelu Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Will. de Cantelu Adam Clicus Anno 9 Will. de Cantelu Walt. le Puchier for 3 years Anno 12 Will. de Cantelupo Adam Ruffus Anno 13 Will. de Cantelupo Adam Delwich Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Will. de Cantelupo Phus. Kutton for 3 years HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Walt. de Bello Campo Hen. Lunett for 3 years Anno 5 Walt. de Bello Campo for 3 years Anno 8 Walt. de Bello Campo Hug. le Pohier Anno 9 Walt. de Bello Campo Tho. Wigorne for 3 years Anno 12 Walt. de Bello Campo for 3 years Anno 15 Walt. de Bello Campo Hug. le Poer Anno 16 Walt. de Bello Campo Will de Malvern for 3 years Anno 19 Walt. de Bello Campo Hug. le Pohier Anno 20 Idem sive Will. Anno 21 Will. de Bello Campo Will de Blandhall Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Will. de Bello Campo Laur. de Wandlesworth for 3 years Anno 26 Will de Bello Campo Simon de London Anno 27 Will. de Bello Campo for 24 years Anno 51 Will. de Bello Campo Ioh. de Hull Anno 52 Idem Anno 53 Will. de Bello Campo for 3 years EDW. I. Anno 1 Will. de Bello Campo Comes Warwic for 26 years Anno 27 Guido de Bello Campo for 9 years EDW. II. Anno 1 Guido de Bello Campo Comes Warr Rob. de Berkenhall Anno 2 Guido de Bello Campo Comes Warr Walt. de Perthrope for 4 years Anno 6 Guido de Bello Campo Rob. de Warwick Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Guido de Bello Campo Anno 9 Iohan. de Heâ—…ingwoll Anno 10 Walt. de Bello Campo Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 Will. Stracy Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Will. de Bello Campo Anno 16 Anno 17 Nich. Russell Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Walt. de Kokesey EDW. III. Anno 1 Walt. de Kokesey Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Rich de Hâ—…deslowe for 3 years Anno 6 Tho. de Bello Campo Comes Warr for 46 years RICH. II. Anno 1 Tho. de Bello Campo Comes Warr for 4 years Anno 5 Tho. de Bello Campo for 13 years Anno 18 Tho. de Bello Campo Anno 19 Idem Anno 20 Ioh. Washburne Anno 21 Hen. Haggeley Anno 22 Rob. Russell HEN. IV. Anno 1 Tho. de Bello Campo Anno 2 Tho. de Bello Campo Will Beaucham Anno 3 Tho. Hodington Anno 4 Rich. de Bello Campo Comes Warr fâ—…r 9 years HEN. V. Anno 1 Rich. de Bello Campo for 9 years HEN. VI. Anno 1 Rich. de Bello Campo for 16 years Anno 16 Norm Washburne Subvic In the 17. year of King Henry the sixth this worthy Richard Beauchamp deceased And here the records are at a loss such as ever since came to my hand presenting no Sheriff for 21 years till the end of the raign of King Henry the sixth And yet I am confident that Henry Beauchamp Son and Heir to Richard aforesaid Earl of Warwick and Albemarle for Duke of ALBEMARLE I meet with none before that ILLUSTRIOUS PERSON who now deservedly possesseth that Honour injoyed the Shrevalty of this County EDW. IV. Anno 1 Walt. Scull Subvic for 19 years Here we have an Under-sheriff but no High sheriff could my industry hitherto recover though my confidence is grounded on good cause that Richard Nevill the Make-King Duke of Warwick was Honorary Sheriff though too great to officiate in his Person Annoâ—…0 â—…0 Iacob Radcliffe mil. for 3 years RICH. III. Anno 1 Iacob Radcliffe miles Anno 2 Will. Houghton
Chri. Hilliard ar  Az. a Cheveron betwixt 3 mullets Or. 13 Tho. Fairfax ar ut prius  14 Ioh. Dawney ar ut prius  15 Marm. Constable m. ut prius  16 Will. Bellasis mil. Newborogh Arg. a Cheveron Gu. betwixt 3 flower de luces Az. 17 Tho. Danby mil. ut prius  18 Tho. Boynton ar Barmstone Or. a Fess between 3 Cressents Gules 19 Will. Fairfax ar ut prius  20 Cl. Wondsworth ar Kirklington  21 Rich. Goodrich ar Ribton Arg. on a Fess G. twixt 2 Lions pas Gard. S. a flour de luce of the first between 2 Cressents O. Arg. a Lion Rampant Sable 22 Rad. Burcher ar   23 Rob. Stapleton mi.   24 Tho. Wentworth m. ut prius  25 Got. Gargrave mil. ut prius  26 Ioh. Hotham mil. ut prius  27 Bri. Stapleton ar ut prius  28 Hen. Constable m. ut prius  29 Rob. Aske  Or 3 Barralets Azure 30 Rich. Maleverer ut prius  31 Io. Dawney mil. ut prius  32 Phil. Constable ar ut prius  33 Rich. Goodrick ar ut prius  34 Will. Mallery Ripley Or a Lion Ramp queve forchee G. collard Ar. 35 Rad. Eure ar primogen Domini Eure ut prius  36 Fran. Vaughan ar ut prius  37 Chri. Hilliard ar ut prius  38 Fran. Boynton ar ut prius  39 Tho. Lassells ar  Sable a Cross Flurt Or. 40 Marm. Gâ—…imston ar  Arg. on a Fess Sable 3 mullets of 6 points Or. 41 Rob. Swift ar * Doncaster  42 Fran. Clifford ar ut prius * Or a Cheveron Varry twixt 3 Roebucks coursant proper 43 Will Wentworth ar ut prius  44 Tho. Strickland ar   45 Hen. Bellasis mil. ut priâ—…  JAC. REX   Anno   1 Hen. Bellasis mil. ut prius  2 Rich. Gargrave m. ut prius  3 Will Banburgh m Howson Arg. a Pheon on a Cheife Sab. a Lion Passant of the first 4 Hen. Griffeth mil. ut prius  5 Tim. Hutton mil. Mask  6 Hug. Bethell mil. Alne Ar. a Cheveron between 3 Boars-heads 〈◊〉 S. 7 Fran. Hildsley mil.   8 Tho. Dawney mil. ut prius  9 Hen. Slingâ—…by mil.  See our Notes 10 Chri. Hilliard mil. ut prius  11 Geo. Savill m. bar ut prius  12 Io. Armitage ar Kerkles Az. a Lions-head Erased between 3 Croslets Or. 13 Edw. Stanhop mil.  Quarterly Ermine and Gules 14 Mith. Warton m. Beverly Or on a Cheveron Azâ—… a Maâ—…let betwixt 2 Pheons of the first 15 Rob. Swift m. ut prius  16 Will. Alford mil. Bilton Gules 6 Pears and a Cheif Or. 17 Arth. Ingram m.  Erm. on a Fess Gu. 3 Escallops Or. 18 Tho. Odwer m. b.   19 Rich. Tempest mil. ut prius  20 Guid. Palmes mil. Lindley G. 3 flour de luces Arg. a Cheif Varry 21 Hen. Ienkins mil.   22 Rich. Cholmeley m. ut prius  CAR. REX   Anno   1 Tho. Wentworth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ut prius  2 Tho. Norcliff mil. Manythorp Azure 5 Mascles in Cross Or a Cheif Erm. 3 Tho. Fairfax mil. ut prius  4 Math. Boynton mil. bar ut prius  5 Art Ingram jun. m. ut prius  6 Io. Gibson mil.   7 Tho. Laton mil. Lat n Aâ—… a Cheveron betwixt 3 Cross. Crosleâ—…s Fetchee Sable 8 Arth. Robinson m. Newby  9 Mar. Wyvell mil. bar Custable Burton G 3 Cheverons braced Varry a Cheif Or. 10 Ioh Hotham m b. ut prius  11 Will. Pennyman b. Maske G. a Cheveron Erminâ—… bewixt 3 Spear-heads Aâ—…g 12 Ioh. Ramsden mil Byram Ar. on a Cheu betwixt 3 flower de luces S. asmany Rames heads cooped of the first Henry IV. 8 THOMAS ROKEBY Mil. I may call him Sir Thomas junior in distinction from an Elder probably his Ancestor of his Name of whom in the 17. of King Edward the third This Sir Thomas in this year of his Sherivalty acquitted himself Loyall and Valiant against Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland and the Lord Bardolfe who returning out of Scotland with considerable Forces began a War against the King both which Sir Thomas at Bareham-more in this County overcame and took Prisoners A service the more remarkable because performed by the sole assistance of this Shire and quenching the fire in the first spark he presented the King with a Cheap Suddain and Seasonable Victory Henry V. 8 HALVATHEUS MAULEVER Mil. Or Mal levorer in Latine Malus Leporarius or the Bad Hare-â—…unter A Gentleman of this County being to let slip a brace of Grey-hounds to run for a great wager Tradition is the Author so held them in the Swinge that they were more likely to strangle themselves then kill the Hare whereupon this Surname was fixed on his family I doubt not but many of this extraction are since as Dexterous in the Criticismes of hunting as any Nâ—…mrod whatsoever Henry VI. 11 HENRY BROMFLEET Miles In the next year he was sent with other Embassadors both of the Clergy and Layety to the Councill of Basill and after his return was by the King Created Lord Vescy in the right of his Mother Anastatia Daughter and Heir to William Atton Lord Vescy Mr. Camden observeth this Passage inserted in his Pattent unusual in that age Volumus vos Haerâ—…des vestros Masculos de corpore vestro legitimè Exeuntes Barones de Vescy 〈◊〉 Now though hereby the Barony of Vescy was intailed onely on his Heirs Male yet was the Kings Favour more extensive then his Patent in this Particular For this Henry leaving no Male-issâ—… but Margaret his Sole Daughter and Heir married to John Lord Clifford father to Henry first Earl of Cumberland of that Sur-name She notwithstanding the Premises derived the Barony of Vescy into that Family which at this day they enjoy 22 EDMOND TALBOT Mil. This family of Talbots is though unrelated to the house of Shrewâ—…bury of right antient extraction seated in this Country ever since the time of King Henry the second As for this Edmond Talbot our present Sheriff who dyed in the first of 〈◊〉 Edward the fourth he was father to Sir Thomas Talbot one very zealous for the house of York and a servant to King Richard the third who bestowed an AÅ„nuity of 40 pounds by the year on him and his heirs for his good service as by the following Patent will appear Richardus Dei Gratia Rex Angliae Franciae Dom. Hiberniae Omnibus ad quos praesentes literae pervenerint salutem sciatis quod de gratia nostra speciali ac pro bono gratuito servitio quod dilectus serviens noster Thomas Talbot Miles in â—…aptur a magni adversarii nostri Henrici nuper de facto sed non de jure Regis Angliae nobis ac bonâ—… Memoriae Regi Edwardi quarto
succeed as Illegitimate A strâ—…nge reply â—…o a civil Message and fitting his mouth with whom it was a usual saying That he would have no Prince in his Compagnion but all Subject under his Foot Besides he commanded Sir Edward Carne to lay down the Office of an Embassador and under the pain of the greater Excommunication and confiscation of all his goods not to go out of the City but to take on him the Regiment of the English Hospital therein So that I see not how Queen Elizabeth can be taxed by the Papists for a Schismatick and wilful breach from the Church of Rome being thrust away thence by the Pope himself so barbarously treating her Embassador whilest as yet she had made no alteration in Religion against the Law of Nations though I confess some conceive that the crafty old Knight was such his addiction to Popery well contented with his restraint wherein he died 1561. The Farewell I heartily congratulate the return of the Name and with it of the See to Landaff in this County Sure I am our Civil Wars had deprived it of the better moity of its appellation Land leaving bare aff thereunto I am not Ignorant that Landaff in British is the Church by Taff though that Church I fear will not stand long that hath lost its ground Happy therefore is it that now Landaff may be truly termed Landaff having through Gods goodness and long may it possess them regained its ancient Lands and Revenues MERIONITH-SHIRE MERIONITH-SHIRE in Latine Mervinia hath the Sea on the West side on the South for certain miles together Cardiganshire severed by the River Dony and on the North bounded upon Carnarvon and Denbigh-shire It is extream mountainous yea if true what Giraldus Cambrensis reporteth thereof so high the Hills therein that men may discourse one with the other on the tops thereof and yet hardly meet beneath in the Valley in a days time Yet are not the Mountains altogether useless feeding great numbers of Sheep thereon Mr. Cambden takes especial notice of the beauty and comliness of the Inhabitants of this Shire Nor must it be forgot that there is a place at this day called Le Herbert upon this account When the unhappy difference raged betwixt the Houses of York and Lancaster David ap Jenkin ap Enion a stout and resolute Gentleman who took part with the House of Lancaster valiantly defended the Castle Arleck against King Edward the fourth until Sir William Herbert afterwards Earl of Pembroke with great difficulty made his passage unto it and so furiously stormed it that immediately it was surrendred Wonders There is a Lake in this County called in British Lhin-tegid in English Pimble-mear which may be termed our Leman Lake having the same work of wonder therein though set forth by nature in a less Letter For as Rhodanus running through that French Lake preserveth his stream by it self discernable by the discolouration thereof with the Fishes peculiar thereunto The same is here observed betwixt the River Dee and the water of the Lake so that here is what some cavil at in the Grammar a Conjunction disjunctive Let Philosophers dispute what invisible partition incloseth the one severally from the other I have heard some by way of similitude apply it to such who being casually cast into bad company lie at such a cautious posture of defence that they keep their own innocency entire not maculated with the mixture of their bad manners as rather being in than of their Society We must not forget another strange quality of Pimble-mear viz. It swelleth not with all the Waters and those very many which fall therein by the bordering Mountains whereas a blast of wind will quickly make it mount above the bounds and banks thereof Like some strange dispositions not so much incensed with blows as provoked by words accounted but wind into passion I know not whether it be worth the relating what is known for a truth of a Market Town called Dogelthy in this Shire that 1. The Walls there of are 3. miles high 1. The Mountains which surround it 2. Men come into it over the water but 2. On a fair bridge 3. Go out of it under the water 3. Falling from a Rock and conveyed in a wooden Trough under which Travellers must make shift to pass to drive an Over-shot Mill. 4. The Steeple thereof doth grow therein 4. The Bells if plural hang in an Yeugh tree 5. There are more Ale-houses than houses 5. Tenements are divided into two or more Tipling-houses and Chimnyless Barns used to that purpose This last I had mediately from the mouth of a Judge in his Charge condemning the same Saints Saint THELIAN was of British extraction and placed here until with certainty he câ—…n be removed to another County He was bred under Dubritius Bishop of Landaff by whose Holy care he attained to a competent Learning and exemplary Sanctity Great his acquaintance and intimacy with Saint David Bishop of Menevia In his days the Picts harrassed his Country he was much envied for his Holiness by one of their chief Commanders who sent two lewd Strumpets supposing by their tempting tricks to entrap this holy man These women counterfeiting madness whereby they might assume the more liberty to themselves of filthy discourse returned distracted indeed not having understanding enough to relate the cause of their sad misfortune which wrought so much upon the first design of their practises that he received the Faith and was baptized and ever after had a great veneration and esteem for this our Saint He accompanied Saint David to Jerusalem and returning into his own Country by his fervent Prayers freed the same from the Plague wherewith it was then much infested His death happened February the ninth about the year of our Lord 563. The Farewell This County the inhabitants whereof generally betake themselves to the feeding of Sheep was much beholding to Ludwall their Prince who King Edgar imposing on him as a yearly Tribute the presenting him with three hundred Wolves did in a manner free it from Wolves It is my desire that seeing that ill natured Creature is at this day totally removed out of it that the people wholly lay aside all strife and animosities and give no longer occasion to the Proverb Homo Homini Lupus MONTGOMERY-SHIRE MONTGOMERY-SHIRE is bounded on the South side with Cardigan and Radnor-shire on the East with Shrop-shire on the North with Denbighshire and on the West thereof with Merionith-shire Nature cannot be accused for being a Step-Mother unto this County For although she hath mounted many an high Hill which may probably be presumed not over fruitful yet hath she also sunck many a delightful Valley therein Humility is the common attendant of Greatness accompanied with true worth which plentifully yield all necessaries for mans comfortable subsistance The Chief Town therein stands and bestoweth its Name upon the whole County It never dignified any
by the Romans an emblem of liberty is esteemed by the English except Faulconers and Hunters a badge of servitude though very useful in themselves and the Ensign of constancy because not discomposed but retaining their fashion in what form soever they be crouded The best Caps were formerly made at Monmouth where the Cappers Chappel doth still remain being better carved and gilded than any other part of the Church But on the occasion of a great plague hapning in this Town the trade was some years since removed hence to Beaudly in Worcester-shire yet so that they are called Monmouth Caps unto this day Thus this Town retains though not the profit the credit of Capping and seeing the Child still keeps the Mothers name there is some hope in due time she may return unto her All I will adde is this if at this day the phrase of wearing a Monmouth Cap be taken in a bad acception I hope the inhabitants of that Town will endeavour to disprove the occasion thereof Saints Saint AMPHIBALUS a Citizen of Carlion See the Saints in Hereford shire Saint AARON was a wealthy Citizen of Carlion in this County who for the testimony of the Christian Faith was martyred under the Tyrant Emperor Dioclesian By the way we may observe the names of the three first British Martyrs as to their Language 1. Alban Of Latine Originall 2. Amphibalus  Greek  3. Aaron  Hebrew  It seems that the Christian Britons at the Font quitted their Native names as barbarous and imposed on their Children those of the learned Languages This Aaron was martyred Anno Dom. 303. Saint JULIUS It is pity to part so fast friends both being Citizens of Carlion Yea they were lovely in their lives and in their deaths they were not divided both suffering martyrdom together and therefore like Philip and Jacob one day is assigned to their Memories in the Kalendar Nor must I forget how Carlion the place of their aboad though now a small Town was once a great City stretching so far oâ—… both sides of the River that Saint Julians a house of late of Sir William Herberts was sometimes within the City though now about a mile South-West thereof being a Church dedicated anciently to the Memory of this Saint Julius Cardinals GEFFERY of Monmouth is by some very firmly avouched to have been created a Cardinal but by what Pope and with what Title uncertain but my worthy Author justly suspecteth the truth hereof alledging that Popes in that age advanced few Forraigners at so great a distance to that Title except their merits to the See of Rome which appears not to this Jeffery were very great Let me adde that it is improbable so much honour should be done unto him whilest living who was so solemnly disgraced after his death whose Books extant in his life were afterwards by the Court of Rome publickly prohibited See him therefore in this Shire under the Title of Writers JOHN of Monmouth so called from the place of his Nativity D. D. and Canon of Lincoln was chosen Anno 1296. Bishop of Landaff The manner whereof was remarkable for when Robert Kilwarby complained to Pope Celestine how that Cathedral had been for seven years without a Bishop caused either by the troublesomness of those Times or the exility of revenue thereof his Holiness remitted his Election wholly to the discretion of this Arch-Bishop to conferre that vacant See on whomsoever he pleased The Arch-Bishop knowing all eyes intent on his Integrity herein resolved on a Welsh-man by his birth as most proper for and acceptable in the place and on one of merit for the Function Both Qualifications met in this John of Monmouth as British by his birth and alliance and Charactered to be Doctus Pius Theologus One of his Successors in that Bishoprick acknowledgeth that he was Multimodis sedi suae Benefactor and more particularly that he procured the Rectory of Newland in the Forrest of Dean to be appropriated thereunto But one Bishop Anthony Kitchin by name more unlanded Landaff in one than all his Predecessors endowed it in four hundred years This John dying April 8. 1323. was buried in Saint Maries Chappel whose Epitaph in French is hardly legible at this day on his Marble Monument WALTER CANTILUPE was Son to William the elder Lord Cantilupe whose prime residence was at Abergavennie in this County One of high birth higher preferment made by King Henry the third Bishop of Worcester and highest spirit In his time the Popes Legate came into England and complained of mâ—…ny Clergy-men keeping their livings against the Canons intending either to force such irregular Incumbents into avoydance so to make room for the Popes Favourites or else to compound for their continuance at his arbitrary price But our Walter would not yield to such extortion Indeed he was one of a keene nature and his two-edged spirit did cut on both sides against The Pope The King Telling Rusland his Legate coming hither 1255. that he would preferre to be hang'd on the Gallows rather than ever consent to such expilation of the Church Siding with the Barons he encouraged them in their Civil Warres promising Heaven for their reward though this doctrine cost him an excommunication from the Pope Lying on his death-bed he was touched with true remorse for his disloyalty and upon his desire obtained absolution He died February the fifth 1267. whom I behold as Uncle unto Thomas Cantilupe the Sainted Bishop of Hereford Souldiers RICHARD de CLARE was born as from all concentred probabilities may be conjectured at Strigule-Castle in this County and had the Title of Earl of Strigule and Pembroke He was otherwise surnamed Strongbow from drawing so strong a Bow and had Brachia projectissima saith my Author though I can hardly believe that Reacher which another writeth of him that with the palms of his hands he could touch his knees though he stood up right More appliable to him is the expression of Tully Nihil egit levi brachio being a person of effectual performance It hapned that Mac Murugh Lord of Leinster in the year of our Lord 1167. being expelled his Territory for several Tyrannies by the Lords of Meth and Conaght repaired to our King Henry the second and invited him to invade Ireland But that politick King fearing if failing in success to forfeit the reputation of his discretion would not engage in the design but permitted such Subjects of his who had a mind Militare propriis stipendiis to adventure themselves therein Amongst these Richard Strongbow was the principal going over into Ireland with twelve hundred men too great for an Earls Train yet too little for a Generals Army to make a National Invasion yet so great his success that in a short time he prossessed himself of the Ports of Leinster and Mounster with large lands belonging thereunto insomuch that King Henry grew jealous of his greatness remanded
25. * Godwin in the Bâ—…shops of Lincoln * Hatcheâ—…s M. S. in Anno 1444. * Goodwyn in the Bishops of Worcestâ—…r * Idem Ibid. * Godwyn in his Catalogue of the Bishops of Durâ—…m * Dr. Hatchâ—…r his Manuscript Catalogue of the Masters and Fellows of K. Colleâ—… * Godwin in his Cataloguâ—… of the Bishops of Herâ—…ford * Prov. 13 8. * David Powel in his History of Wales * Camb. Brit. in Derby-shire * Camb. Brit. in Gloucestershire * Register of the Burial in the Temple * See Camb. Eliz in these respective years * Sir George Summers of whom in Dorset-shire * Bâ—…le descrip Brit. Cent. 2. Num. 78. Pits in Anno 1140. * In his Book Declaris Oratoribus otherwise called Brutus toward the later end * Cells or Portions †Ruler or Governor sed quaere * Bale de scrip Brit. Cent. 3. Num. 46. Pits in An. 1200. * Pits de Illust. Ang. script Anno 1326. * New Coll. Reg. Anno 1540. * Pitseus de Angl. script pag. 770. * Mason de Mâ—…nst Ang. * Bale de scrip Bâ—…t Cent. 9. Num. 58. * Tho Râ—…ndolph * Page 18. * Cent. Octav. Nuâ—… 71. * Patent 7. Rich. 2. part 2. Memb. 2. * In his Description of Gloucestershire * Job 31. 20. * Stows Annals pag. 327. * Cambden in 〈◊〉 set-shire * Burton in description of Leicester-shire pag. 320. * Lord Howard in his Defensative against Prophesies fol 130. * Lord Herbert ut prius * In his life of K. Edw. 6. †In his Survey of Cornwall * Holingshed in the fourth of Q Mary pag. 1132. * Matth. 13. 5. * Camden's Brit. in Somersetshire * Idem in Hant-shire * Sir Ro. Cotton under the name of Mr. Speed in Huntingtonshire * P. Jovius de legatione Muscovitarum 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 * Nat. Hist. lib. 11. cap. 24. * Naturae liquor iste novae cui summa natat faex Auson * Prov. 24. 13. * Olim communis pecori cibus atque homini Glans Auson * Bishop Godwin in the Bishops of Winc hester * Cam. Brit. in the Isle of Wight * Speeds Catâ—… of Religious Houses * Speeds Chro. Page 565. * Lord Verulam in his Hen. the 7. * Speeds Chro. Page 763. * Hen. Higgd Polick lib. 6. cap. 4. * Flowers of the English Saints Page 570. June the 15. * Idem Ibidem * The English Martyrologie in the 15. of June * J. Bale Descript Brit. Cent. 8. num 89. * 2 King 9. 11. * Numb 22. 28. * Godwin in the Bishops of Winchest * Those dates are exactly Transcribed out of the Records of New-Colledge * Register of New-Colledge in Anno 1449. * Godwin in Catalogue of Bishops of Lincolne * J. Philpot in Catalogue of Chancellors page 65. * Harps field Hist. Eccl. Ang. dâ—…cimo quinto saeculo c. 24. * Idem ibid. * New-Colledge Register in the year 1475 * Godwin in the Arch-bishops of Canterbury * â—…ew Coll. Register in the year 1474. * Cambdens Brit. in Sussex * Godwin in his Bishops of Chichester * Godwin in his Bishops of Chichester * Sir J. Harrington in the Bishops of Winchester * Made by Christopher Johnson afterwards Schoolmaster of Winchester * Piâ—…s de ill Ang. Script page 763. * Nâ—…w Colledge Register Anno 1565. * John 19. 30. * See the life of Dr. Smith prefixed to his Sermon * New-Colledge Register Anno 1589. wherein he was admitted * 〈◊〉 Description of Leicester-shire page 105. * J. Philpot in his Carâ—… of Chancellors page 73. S. N. * Sir Robert 〈◊〉 in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 2 Sam. 20. 24. * 1 King 4. 6. * King 12. 18. * Ibidem * Holinshead Stow Ed. Herbert in this Year * Gwillim his Display of Heraldry pag. 50. * Hatkluit his Voyages Volume 3. pag. 437. * Idem pag. 450. * Idem pag. 451. * Pitz. aetate decima Num. 149. * Libro secundo de gestis Reg. Angliae * Pitz. aetat undecima Num. 154. * Descrip. Brit. Cent. quarta pag. 302. * de scrip Brit. * Idem * Idem * In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 * Bale de Script Britt Cent. 8. Numb 64. * Stowes Survey of London page 370. * Bale de Script Brit. Cent. 9. Num. 78. * Bale de Script Britt Cent. 9. Num. 79. * Idem Ibidem * Psal. 69. 12. * Rinerius in Histor. Benedictinor †Holling sheads Cron. p. 1403. * Heroologia Angliae p. 173. * Idem Aut. Ibid. * Lord Verulam In his Apophâ—…gms * New Colledge Register Anno 1593. * Britt in Monmouthshire S. N. * In the Verses ad Authorem * He writeth himself in his Book of Basing-stoak * Pitts de Ill. Ang. Scrip. pag. â—…06 †Pits in the life of William Aulton in anno 1330. * Idem in his own life pag. 817. * Micah 6. 9. S. N. Brittania Baconica in Hantshire Pag. 51. * 2 Chron. 35. 26. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in this County * Sâ—…ed in his Map of this County * In his description of Hartford-shire Page the 2d * Eccles. 3. 5. * Tunbridge Epsham Barnet * On Charles Blunt son to the Earle of Newport in St. Martins in the Fields * As appeareth in Villare Anglicanum * Speed in the Description of Pembrokeshire * Lord Herbert in the life of King Henry the Eighth * In the Earle of Richmond * Acts 22. 25. * Cent. 4. pag. 17 c. * Norden in his description of this County pag. 29. * Camd. Brit. in Middlesex * Bale de Scrip. Brit. Cent. Secund numero 90. Piâ—…seus in anno 1159. * REM * Bale de Scrip. Brit. * Godwin in Cat. of Cardin. Pag. 164. * On his Tomb yet well to be seen in Westminster Abbey on the North-side of the Tomb of Amer de Valens Earl of Pembroke * J. Philipot in his Treasurers of England collected Ann. Dâ—…m 1636. p. 19. * Godwin in his Bishops of London * Camd. Britt in Middlesex * Bish. Godw. in Bishops of Ely * Godwin in Cat. of Bishops of St. Davids * Bale de Scrip. Brit. Cent. 7 n. 53. Pits An. 1419. S. N. * Sir R. Nanton in his Fragment Regal * Bale 〈◊〉 de Scrip. Angl. * In An. 1253. * Symphorianus Champerius in his fift Tract de medi Art script * Mathaeus Silvaticus in Lexico * Bale de scrip Brit. Cent. 5. n. 7. Pits in an 1320. * Bish. Godw. in Cat. of the Bish. of Lincoln * Bale Pits de script Angl. * Weavers Fun. Mon. in Hartford-shire * In suo heptuâ—…lo * Bale de scrip Brit. cent 4. p. 323. Pits p. 349. * Weavers Fun. Mon. in this County * Bale de scrip Brit. * Pit de Illust. Ang. Scrlp. an 1400. * See Writers in Middlesex * Wâ—…aver Fun. Monum p. 569 Manusc Sir R. Cottons Library AMP. * Mills in hls Catal.
the Chancellour by Act of Parliament We have begun our Catalogue of Chancellours at Sir Thomas More before whose time that place was generally discharged by Clergy men entered in our Book under the Title of Eminent Prelates If any demand why such Clergy-men who have been Lord Chancellours are not rather ranked under the Title of Statesmen than under the Topick of Prelates Let such know that seeing Episcopacy is challenged to be jure Divino and the Chancellours place confessed to be of Humane Institution I conceive them most properly placed and to their best advantage If any ask why the Lord Chancellours who meddle so much in matters of Law are not rather digested under the Title of Lawyers then under that of Statesmen Let such know it is done because some Chancellours were never Lawyers ex professo studying the Laws of the Land for their intended Function taking them only in order to their own private accomplishment Whereof Sir Christopher Hatton was an eminent instance As we begin our Catalogue with Sir Thomas More we close it with Sir Thomas Coventry it being hard toâ—…ay whether the Former were more Witty and Facetious or the Later more Wise and Judicious Lord Treasurers Kings without Treasure will not be suitably obeyed and Treasure without a Treasurer will not be safely preserved Hence it was that the Crowns and Scepters of Kings were made of gold not only because it is the most pure and precious of metalls but to show that wealth doth effectually evidence and maintain the strength and state of Majesty We may therefore observe not only in prophane but holy writ not only in Old but New Testnment signal notice taken of those who were over the Treasury in which great place of Trust the Eunuch served Candace Queen of Ethiopia The Office of Lord Treasurers was ever beheld as a Place of great charge and profit One well skilled in the Perquisits thereof being demanded what he conceived the yearly value of the place was worth made this Return That it might be worth some thousands of pounds to him who after death would go instantly to Heaven twice as much to him who would go to Purgatory and a Nemo Scit to him who would adventure to go to a worse place But the plain truth is He that is a Bad Husband for himself will never be a good one for his Soveraign and therefore no wonder if they have advanced fair Estates to themselves whose Office was so Advantagious and they so judicious and prudent persons without any prejudice to their Master and for ought I know Injury to his Subjects We have begun our Catalogue at William Lord Powlett Marquess of Winchester For although before him here and there Lay-Lords were Intrusted with that Office Yet generally they were Bishops and so anticipated under our Topick of Eminent Prelates and blame me not if in this particular I have made the Lustrè of the Lords Spiritual to Eclipse the Lords Temporal drowning their Civil Office in their Ecclesiastical Employment We close our Catalogue of Lord Treasurers with Francis Lord Cottington Secretaries of State There were but two of these at once in the Kings time whereof the one was styled the Principal Secretary the other the Secretary of Estate Some have said that the first in the Senioritie of Admition was accounted the Principall but the Exceptions in this kind being as many as the Regularities the Younger being often brought over the head of the elder to be Principal Their chiefnesse was Penes Regis Arbitrium Nor was the one confined to Forreign Negotiations the other to domestick businesse as some have believed but promiscuously ordered all affaires though the Genius of some Secretaries did incline them most to forreign Transactions Their Power was on the matter alike and Petitioners might make their Applications indifferently to either though most addressed themselves to him in whom they had the greatest Interest Their Salaries were some Two hundred pounds a piece and five hundred pounds a piece more for Intelligence and Secret Service Before the Reformation Clergy-men who almost were all things were generally Secretaries of Estate as Oliver King Secretary to Edward 4. Edward 5. and Henry the 7. and those came under our Pen in the Notion of Eminent Prelates We therefore begin our Catalogue of Secretaries from Sir Thomas Cromwell in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth because from him until our Time a continued Series of Lay-men haâ—…e discharged that Office We â—…onclude our Secretaries of State with Sir John Cook who perceiving his aged body not so fit for such Active times resigned his Place about the beginning of the Long Parliament though surviving some years after in a private condition We will for the more safety follow the Pattern of so wise a States-man and where he gave over his Office we will give over writing of those Officers for fear we tread too neere on the Toes of the Times and touch too much on our Modern distempers Amiralls or Admiralls Much difference there is about the Original of this word whilst most probable their Opinion who make it of Eastern Extraction borrowed by the Christians from the Saracens These derive it from Amir in Arabick a Prince and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Belonging to the Sea in the Greek Language such mixture being precedented in other words Besides seeing the Sultans Dominions in the Time of the Holy War extended from Sinus Arabius to the North Eastern part of the Midland-Sea where a barbarous kind of Greek was spoken by many Amirall thus compounded was significatively comprehensive of his Jurisdiction Admirall is but a Depraving of Amirall in vulgar mouths However it will never be beaten out of the Heads of the Common sort that seeing the Sea is Scene of Wonders something of Wonderment hath incorporated it self in this Word and that it hath a Glimps Cast or Eye of Admiration therein Our English Kings following the Precedent of the Politick Romans who very seldome entrusted places of great importance especially during life in a single person as also that they might gratifie more and trust less divided the Over-sight of sea-matters betwixt a Triumvirate of Amiralls and like wary Merchants ventured the charge in several bottoms for the more Safety 1. The North Amirall 2. The South Amirall 3. The West Amirall His jurisdiction reached from the Mouth of Thames to the outmost Orcades though often opposed by the Scots and had Yarmouth for his prime Residence His Bounds stretched from the Thames Mouth to the Lands end having his station generally at Portsmouth His power extended from the lands end to the Hebrides having Ireland under his Inspection Milford Haven the chief Stable for his Wooden Horses I find that Richard Fitz-alin Earl of Arundell was by King Richard the second made the first Amirall of all England yet so that if Three Co-Admiralls were restored as formerly his Charter expired John Vere Earl of Oxford was the sirst of Hen. the seventh
Amirall of England and kept it until the day of his Death Afterwards Men were chequered at the pleasure of our Princes and took their turns in that Office For this cause I can make no certain Catalogue of them who can take with my most fixed Eye no steddy aime at them the same persons being often alternately In and Out of the Place whilst Officers protermino vitae may be with some certainty recounted Yet have we sometimes inserted some Memorable Amiralls under the Tiâ—…le of Statesmen and Vice-Amiralls under the Topick of Seamen because the former had no great knowledge in Navigation I say great it being improper they should be seamasters who in no degree were seamen and were imployed rather for their Trust then skill to see others do their Duty whilst the latter were allwayes persons well experienced in Maritine affairs Lord-Deputies of IRELAND Ever since King Henry the second conquered Ireland few of our English Princes went thither in person and none continued any long time there save King John and King Richard the second neither of them over-fortunate But that Land was governed by a Substitute commissioned from our Kings with the same power though sometimes under several names Lord Lieutenants Lord Deputies Lord Cheif Justiceâ—… These were also of a double nature for Some staid in England and appointed Deputies under them to act all Irish Affairs Others went over into Ireland transacting all things by presence not proxie Immediately deputed by the King to reside there We insist on this title as which is most constant and current amongst them Not of the Kings Bench or Common-Pleas but of all Ireland This power was sometime sole in a single person and sometimes 〈◊〉 in two together Thus these three Titles are in sense Synonima to signifie the same power and place Some erroniously term them Presidents of Ireland a Title belonging to the particular Governours of Mounster and Connagh It is true of Ireland what was once said of * Edom their Deputies were Kings No Vice-roy in Christendome Naples it self not excepted is observed in more state He chooseth Sheriffes and generally all Officers save Bishops and Judges and these also though not made by his commanding are usually by his commending to the King He conferreth Knighthood hath power of life and death signified by the Sword carried commonly before him by a person of Honour His attendance and House-keeping is magnificent partly to set a Copy of State to the barbarous Irish by seeing the difference betwixt the rude rabble routs runing after their native Lords and the solemnity of a regulated retinue partly to make in that Rebellious Nation a reverential impression of Majesty that by the Shadow they may admire the Substance and proportionably collect the State of the King himself who therein is represented Our English Kings were content with the Title of Lords of Ireland until King Henry the Eighth who partly to shew his own power to assume what style he pleased without leave or liberty from the Pope whose Supremity he had suppressed in his Dominions partly the more to awe the Irish wrote himself King thereof Anno Dom. 1541. from which Year we date our Catalogue of Lord Deputies as then and not before Vice-Royes indeed Indeed it was no more then needs for King Henry the Eighth to assume that Title seeing quod efficit tale magis est tale and the Commission whereby King Henry the Second made William-Fitz-Adelme his Lieutenant of Ireland hath this direction Archiepiscopis Episcopis Regibus Comitibus Baronibus et omnibus fidelibus suis in Hibernia salutem Now though by the post-poning of these Kings to Arch-bishops and Bishops it plainly appears that they were no Canonical Kings as I may say I mean solemnly invested with the Emblems of sovereignty the King of Connagh the King of Thomond yet were they more then Kings even Tyrants in the exercise of their Dominions so that King Henry was in some sort necessitated to set himself King Paramount above them all CHAPTER VII Of Capital Judges and Writers on the Common Law BY CAPITAL JUDGES we understand not those who have power to condemn Offenders for Capital Faults as all the Twelve Judges have or any Serjeant commissioned to ride the Circuit but the Chief Judges who as Capital LETTERS stand in Power and Place above the rest viz. 1. the Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. 2. of the Common Pleas 3. the Chief Baron of the Exchequer and the Learned Antiquary Sr. Henry Spelman avoweth the Title of Capital Justicers properly applicable to these alone The Chief Justice of the Kings or Upper Bench is commonly called the Lord Chief Justice of England a Title which the Lord Chancellor accounting himself Chief in that kind looks on as an injurious usurpation And many alive may remember how Sr. Edward Cook was accused to K. James for so styling himself in the Frontespiece of his Reports Part the Tenth and Eleventh insomuch that the Judg was fain to plead for himself Erravimus cum Patribus as who could have produced plenty of Precedents therein 2. The chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Place beneath is in Profit above the former So that some have out of Designe quitted That to accept of This Amongst these was Sr. Edward Mountague in the Raign of K. Henry the eighth who being demanded of his Friends the Reason of his Self-degradation I am now saith he an Old Man and love the Kitching above the Hall the Warmest place best suiting my Age. The Chief Baron is chiefly imployed in the Exchequer to decide causes which relate to the Kings Revenue Their Brevia or Writts did commonly run with this Clause That the Judg should have and hold his PLACE quam diu se benè geserit so long as he well behaved himself on this Token That Sr. John Walter Lord chief Baron of the Exchequer being to be outed of his Place for adjudging the Loan-mony illegal pleaded for himself That he was guilty of no Misdemeanour who had only delivered his Judgment according to his Conscience Others are granted from the King durante nostro beneplacito to continue in their Office during his will and pleasure We begin the Army of our Judges for some Few like the Forlorne Hope advance higher about the time of King Edward the first It is impossible exactly to observe that Inn of Court wherein each of them had his Education especially some of them being so Ancient that in their times Lincolnes Inn and Greys Inn were Lincoln's Inn and Grey's Inn I mean belonged to those their Owners from whom they had their Names as being before they were appropriated to the Students of our Municipall Lawes Here I will condemn my self to prevent the condemning of others and confesse our Characters of these Judges to be very brief and defective Indeed were the Subject we treat of overstrewed with Ashes like the floor of Bells Temple it were easie to finde out and follow the
all earnestnesse which will add so much to their account Some will say if the English be so forward in deeds of Charity as appeareth by what you said before any exhortation thereunto is altogether supersâ—…uous I answer the best disposed to Bounty may need a Remembrancer and I am sure that Nightingale which would wake will not be angry with the Thorn which pricketh her Breast when she noddeth Besides it is a Truth what the Poet saith Qui monet ut facias quod jam facis ipse monendo Laudat hortatu comprobat acta suo Who what thou dost thee for to do doth move Doth praise thy Practice and thy Deeds approve Thus the exhortations of the Apostles at Jerusalem were commendations of St. Paul Only they would that we should remember the poor the same which I also was forward to do Lastly though many of our Nation be free in this kind there want not those who instead of being Zealous are Jealous of good works being so far from shining themselves that they enviously endevour to extinguish the light of others whose Judgements I have laboured to rectifie herein The Stating of the Word REFORMATION with the Extensiveness thereof No word occurs oftner in this our Book then REFORMATION It is as it were the Aequator or that remarkable Line dividing betwixt Eminent Prelates Leaed Writers and Benefactors to the Publick who lived Before or After It. Know then that this Word in Relation to the Church of England is of above twenty years extent For the Reformation was not advanced here as in some Forraign Free-States suddenly not to say rapidly with popular Violence but Leisurely and treatably as became a matter of so great importance besides the meeting with much opposition retarded the proceedings of the Reformers We may observe that the Jews returned from the Captivity of Babylon at three distinct times under the Conduct of several persons 1. When the main Body of the Captives was brought home by Zorobabel by whom the second Temple was built 2. When a considerable Company returned with Ezra by whom the Church part as I may tearm it was setled in that Nation 3. When Nehemiah no doubt with suitable attendance came home and ordered the State moiety repairing the VValls of Jerusalem In like manner we may take notice of three distinct Dates and different degrees of our English Reformation though in relation to the Jewish I confess the method was altogether inverted For 1. The Civil part thereof when the Popes Supremacy was banished in the Reign of King Henry the Eight 2. VVhen the Church Service was reformed as far as that Age would admit in the first year of King Edward the Sixth 3. VVhen the same after the Marian interruption was resumed and more refined in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth The first of these I may call the morning Star The second the dawning of the day The third the Rising of the Sun and I deny not but that since that time his light and heat hath been increased But now the Question will be what is to be thought of those Prelates Writers and Benefactors which lived in the aforesaid Interval betwixt the Beginning and Perfecting of this Reformation For these appear unto us like unto the Batable ground lying betwixt England and Scotland whilest as yet two distinct Kingdomes in so dubious a posture it is hard to say to which side they do belong It is Answered the only way to decide this difference is to observe the Inclinations of the said persons so far forth as they are discovered in their Writings and actions such as appear in some good degree favourers of the Gospel are reputed to be since whilest those who are otherwise are adjudged to be Before the Reformation CHAP. XII Of Memorable Persons THe former Heads were like private Houses in which persons accordingly Qualified have their several habitations But this last Topick is like a publick Inn admitting all Comers and Goers having any extraordinary not vitious Remark upon them and which are not clearly reducible to any of the former Titles Such therefore who are over under or beside the Standard of Common persons for strength stature fruitfulnesse Vivacity or any other observeable eminence are lodged here under the Notion of Memorable Persons presuming the pains will not be to Me so much in marking as the pleasure to the Reader in knowing them Under this Title we also repose all such Mechanicks who in any Manual Trade have reached a clear Note above others in their Vocation Objection It is Deforme Spectaculum an uncouth Sight to behold such handy-crafts-men blended with Eminencies in ingenious professions such a mottley colour is no good wearing How would William Cecill Lord Treasurer of England and Baron of Burghleigh be offended to behold James York the Blacksmith set with him at the same Table amongst the Natives of Lincolne-shire Answer I am confident on the contrary that he would be highly pleased being so great a Statesman that he would countenance and encourage his Industrious Country man accounting nothing little without the help whereof greater matters can either not be attained or not long subsist Yea we see what signal notice the Spirit of God takes of the three Sons of Lamech the first Founders of Tent-making Organs and Iron-works and it is observable that whereas all their names are forgotten which built the Tower of Babel though done on design to get them a name these three Mechanicks viz. Jabal Jubal and Tubal Cain are nominatim recorded to all posterity Thus is it better to bottome the perpetuity of ones memory on honest Industry and ingenuous diligence then on Stately Structures and expensive magnificence I confesse it is easier to add to any art than first to invent it yet because there is a perfection of degrees as well as Kinds Eminent Improvers of an art may be allowed for the Co-inventers thereof being Founders of that accession which they add thereunto for which they deserve to be both regarded and rewarded I could name a worshipful Family in the South of England which for 16. several descents and some hundreds of years have continued in the same stay of Estate not acquiring one foot of Land either by match purchase gift or otherwise to their ancient Patrimony The same may be said of some handycrafts wherein men move in the same compasse but make no further progresse to perfection or any considerable improvement and this I impute generally to their want of competent encouragement CHAP. XIII Of Lord Maiors of LONDON I Have concluded this Work with these Chief Officers in that great City A place of so great Honour and Trust that it hath commonly been said that on the death of an English King The Lord Maior is the Subject of the greatest Authority in England Many other Offices determining with the Kings Life till such time as their Charters be renewed by his Successor whereas the Lord Maiors Trust continueth for a
Per ipsum Regem The King to the Sheriff health c. Because there are divers men as we are informed which before these times in the Voyages made by us have assumed to themselves Arms and Coat-Armors where neither they nor their Ancestors in times past used such Arms or Coat Armours and propound with themselves to use and exercise the same in this present Voyage which God willing we shortly inâ—…end to make And although the Omnipotent disposeth his favours in things Natural as he pleaseth equally to the Rich and Poor yet We willing that every one of our Leige Subjects should be had and Handled in due manner according to the Exigence of his State and Condition We command thee that in every place within thy Bailiwick where by Our Writ we have lately shewn you cause to be proclaimed that no man of what State Degree or Condition soever he be shall take upon him such Arms or Coats of Arms save he alone who doth possesse or ought to possesse the same by the right of his Ancestors or by Donation and Grant of some who had sufficient power to assign him the same And that he that useth such Arms or Coats of Arms shall on the day of his Muster manifestly shew to such persons assigned or to be assigned by us for that purpose by virtue of whose gift he enjoyeth the same Those only excepted who carried Arms with us at the Battle of Agincourt uuder the penalties not to be admitted to go with us in Our foresaid Voyage under His Command by whom he is for the present retained and of the loss of his wages as also of the rasing out and breaking off the said Arms called Coat-Armours at the time of his Muster aforesaid if they shall be shewed upon him or found about him And this you shall in no case omit Witnesse the King at the City of New Sarum June the second Consimilia Brevia diriguntur Vicecom Wilts Sussex Dors. sub eadem data I could wish a reviving of this Instrument in our Age many Up-starts in our late Civil wars having injuriously invaded the Arms of ancient Families CHAP. XVII Of the often Altering of Sirnames and the Various Writing thereof HAving dealt so largely in Sirnames it is necessary to observe that Sirnames of Families have been frequently altered some Families deposing their Old and assuming new names on several occasions But cheifly for 1. Concealment in time of Civil Wars A Name is a kind of Face whereby one is known Wherefore taking a false name is a Vizard whereby men disguise themselves and that lawfully enough when not fradulently done to deceive others but discreetly in danger to secure themselves Thus during the Contest 'twixt York and Lancaster Carington in Warwick-shire took the name of Smith La Blunt the Name of Croke in Buckingham-shire with many others 2. For Advancement when adopted into an estate as Newport the Name of Hatton in Northampton-shire Throckmorton the Name of Carew at Beddington in Surrey as long before Westcoat the Name of Littleton in Stafford-shire Besides the same Sirname continued hath been variously altered in Writing First because Time teacheth New Orthography altering spelling as well as speaking Secondly the best Gentlemen anciently were not the best Scholars and minding matters of more moment were some what too incurious in their Names Besides Writers ingrossing Deeds were not over critical in spelling of Names knowing well where the person appeared the same the Simplicity of that age would not fall out about Misnomer Lastly Ancient Families have been often removed into several Counties where several Writings follow the several pronunciations What Scholar knoweth not that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their Greek Name for Jupiter is by their seven Dialects written ten several wayes and though not so many Dialects in England there is a real difference betwixt our Southern Western and Northern Pronunciations Hence it is that the same Name hath been so often disguised unto the Staggering of many who have mistook them for different Idem non Idem quaeruntque in Nomine Nomen The same they thought was not the same And in their Name they sought their Name Thus I am informed that the Honourable Name of Villiers is written fourteen several ways in their own Evidences and the like though not so many Variations may be observed in others And the Name of Roper in Darby-shire changed from Musard to Rubra-Spatha Rospear Rouspee Rooper Roper I insist the longer on this point because in our Catalogue of Sheriffs the same Sirname is variously written which some without cause may impute to my carelesnesse being the effect of my care conforming the Orthography exactly to the Original where such variation doth plainly appear and however such Diversity appeareth in the Eye of others I dare profess that I am delighted with the Prospect thereof CHAP. XVIII Of Modern Battels IMmediately before our Farewell to the Respective Counties we have inserted a Breviate of Modern Battels since our Civil Distempers I need here premise nothing of the difference betwixt a Skirmish being only the Ingagement of Parties and a Battle being an incounter betwixt Generals with their Armies Nor yet of the difference betwixt Praelium a Fight or Battel and Bellum a War the former being a Fight in Field the later the continuance of Hostility which may be for many years whilst the difference dependeth undecided Peracto Prâ—…lio manet Bellum And though a Truce may give a Comma or Colon to the War nothing under a Peace can put a perfect Period thereunto In describing these Battels I am for distinction sake necessitated to use the word Parliament improperly according to the Abusive acception thereof for these latter years Let us think and judge with the Wise but if we do not speak with the Vulgar we shall be Dumb to the Vulgar Otherwise I know a Parliament properly is a compleat Syllogisme the Lords and Commons being the two Propositions the King the Conclusion thereof and our English Tongue wanteth one word to express the dissenting part of a Parliament and I trust in God as our Language doth not afford the Name so our Land shall not hereafter behold the Nature thereof These Battels are here inserted not with any intent God knows my heart to perpetuate the odious Remembrance of our mutual Animosities that Heart burnings may remain when House burnings are removed but cheifly to raise our Gratitude to God that so many Battels should be fought in the bosome of so little a Land and so few Scars and Signs thereof extant in their visible Impressions Such who consider how many men we have lost would wonder we have any left and such who see how many we have left that we had any lost In a word as it is said of the best Oyl that it hath no Tast that is no Tang but the pure Natural Gust of Oyl therein so I have indevoured to present these Battels according to plain Historical truth without any
could it be expected that the Professors of humane laws should have been allowed favour during our unnatural Dissentions the promoters thereof having a constant pique at whatever bore but the resemblance of Order and Civility when the true dispensers of Gods Laws yea the Law of God yea God himself was vilified and contemned The best is that as Divine Providence hath in his mercy been pleased to restore our Soveraign so with him we have received both our ancient Laws and Liberties And now it begins to beâ—… fair weather again as with this so with all other necessary and useful Vocations which in due time may repair their decayed fortunes Physick hath promoted many more and that since the reign of King Henry the eighth Indeed before his time I find a Doctor of Physick Father to Reginald first and last Lord Bray But this Faculty hath flourished much the three last fifty years it being true of Physick what is said of Sylla suos divitiis explevit Sir William Butts Physician to King Henry the eight Doctor Thomas Wendy and Doctor Hatcher to Queen Elizaheth raised worshipful and wealthy Families in Norfolk Cambridge and Lincolnshire having born the office of Sheriff in their respective Counties Some have raised themselves by Sea service and Letters of Mart especially in the reign of Queen Elizabeth when we had war with the Spaniard But such Estates as flowing so have ebb'd with the tide seldome of long continuance Such Prises have been observed best to prosper whose Takers had least of private revenge and most of publick service therein Amongst these most remarkable the Baronets Family of Drakes in Devonshire sometimes Sheriffs of that County Some have raised themselves by their attendance at Court rewarded by the Kings Favour Court where many have carried away more for bringing the less to it Here some Younger Brothers have found their lost Birth-right mending their pace to Wealth though they started late by their Nativity But I only generally point at without touching them that I may not fore-stall the Reader whose pains may be pleasant unto him in his own discovery thereof Many have advanced themselves by their Valour in forreign Wars especially in France as the Knolls a noble Family and the â—…aveleys often Sheriffs in Cheshire so that Mars in this sense may be said to be the father of Plutus his Steel weapons procuring to his followers the more acceptable mettals of Gold and Silver But the worst is where foreign Wars have raised one our late Civil ones have ruined ten Families Some may object that as they have destroyed so they have raised many Families which before in themselves were mean and contemptible to high Titles and large Possessions All I shall return in answer thereunto is that as most alive saw them rise per saltum by unwarrantable means to such a pitch of preferment so there is but few alive but may if not willingly and willfully blind see them deservedly thrown down with disgrace and contempt to their former mean and despicable condition Clothing as it hath given garments to Millions of people hath conferred Coats of Armes and Gentility therewith on many Families in this Land As on the Springs High-sheriffs of Suffolk The Country with her two full breasts Grasing and Tillage hath raised many Families * Josephus rendreth a reason as weak in it self as wide from the truth why Abells Sacrifice was preferred before Cains viz. Because Abell fairly took what nature freely tendred in the increase of his Cattle whilst Cain violently wounded the Earth with his ploughing But Saint Paul teacheth use better Doctrine that faith caused the reception of the one and unbelief the rejection of the other Surely both Callings are equally acceptable to God who hath so blessed their indeavours that thereby many have gained estates inabling them to serve Sheriffs of their County But I forbear to instance them least what was the honour of their Ancestours to raise such Families be counted in this Captious Age to be a dishonour to their Posterity to be raised by so plain though honest and necessary an employment Some the surer to hit the mark of Wealth have had two strings to their Bow a complication of prefessions concurring to their advancement Thus the Chichlies in Cambridgeshire are descendants from a Lord Mayor allied also Collaterally to an Archbishop of Canterbury On the main we may observe how happy a liberal at least lawful Vocation hath proved to Younger Brethren whereby Ephraim hath out-grown Manasse the Younger out-stript the Heir of the Family I knew a School-Boy not above twelve years old and utterly ignorant in all Logical terms who was commanded to English the following Distick Dat Galenus opes dat Justinianus Honores Cum Genus Species cogitur ire pedes Onely they favoured the Boy so far to inform him that Galenus did signifie the Profession of Physick Justinianus of Law on which ground he thus proceeded Galenus the Study of Physick dat giveth Opes Wealth Justinianus the Study of Law dat giveth Honores honour Cum When Genus high Birth Species and Beauty having no other calling saith the Boy to maintain them Cogitur is compel'd ire Pedes to go on Foot To prevent such foot-travailing it is good to be mounted on a gainful Vocation to carry one out of the mire on all occasions CHAP. XXIV Some General Exceptions against the Style and Matter of the AUTHOR prevented Exception 1. You usurp the Style of Princes speaking often in the plural come we now passe we now proceed we now c. Which is false Grammar from a Single ill Ethicks from a private person Answer First I appeal to any exercised in reading of Books whether the same be not used in other Authors Secondly We in such cases includeth the Writer and Reader it being presumed that the Eye of the one goeth along with the pen of the other Thirdly It also compriseth all other Writers out of whom any thing is transcribed and their Names quoted in the Margin Let me add to Gods Glory my Friends credit and my own comfort that our We is comprehensive of all my worthy Friends who by their pains or purses have been contributive to my weak Endevours Exception 2. The Worthies of England being your Subject you have mingled many Unworthies among them rather Notorious then Notable except in the same sense wherein Barrabas is termed Notable in the Gospel Answer Such persons are so few their Number is not considerable Secondly they are so Eminent in their Generations that their Omission would make a maim in History Thirdly how bad soever their Morals their Naturals and Artificials were transcendent and the Oracle like Wisdome of wicked Achitophel found praise from the Pen of the Holy Spirit Lastly the worst of such men have a black line serving pro Nigro carbone prefixed to their Name for distinction sake Exception 3. You might better have omitted the mention of some Modern persons reputed Malignants
by the present power and blasted by these times in their estates Answer All Persons unhappy must not presently be accounted unworthy especially in distracted Times Have you not heard of that humerous Waterman on the Thames who would carry none in his Boat save such who would go along with the Tide till by feeding his humour he had almost starved himself for want of Employment I should be as peevish as partial should I admit those only into my Catalogue of Worthyes who of late years did swim in plenty seeing many have been great Sufferers deservedly commendable by the testimony of their Adversaries Exception 4. You only report the Vertues but conceal the Faults of many persons within our own memories Answer I conceive my self bound so to do by the Rules of Charity When an Orator was to praise a person deceased generally and justly hated for his Viciousnesse it was suspected that he would for his Fee force his Conscience by flattery to commend him whose expectations he thus defeated This dead person saith he must in one respect be spoken well of by all because God made him and in another respect should not be spoken ill of by any because he is dead de mortuis nil nisi bonum How much more when men have many good Virtues with some Faults ought the later to be buryed in their Graves with forgetfulnesse Exception 5. You make many uncivil and unsatisfactory References of your Reader to those Books which you have formerly printed remiting them to be there further Informed as if when you had invited Guests you consigned them over coming to dine with you to fetch a Dinner at an house they do not know It being probable that many may read this your Book who never had your former Works Answer Such Refferences are very sparing only to avoyd Repetition in those Lifes which I have formerly written at large as St. Dunstans Cardinal Woolsey Thomas Lord Cromwell Sir John Cheek Arch-bishop Whitgift Mr. Perkins c. And I appeal to all Writers of many Books of which fault I my self am guilty whether such Refferences be not usual in the like Cases I will not add that I have passed my promise and that is an honest mans bond to my former Stationer that I will write nothing for the future which was in my former Books so considerable as may make them Inter-fere one with another to his Prejudice Exception 7. You often apply the Word create to men as to create a Cardinal an Earl c. VVhereas consciencious people allow that word appropriable to God alone as importing the making of something out of Nothing Answer I hope our Common Lawyers will plead for me in this Case having the phrase so frequent in their Mouths to create right to create a Title Besides I observe that such who scruple the useing the Simple Verb boggle no whit at the compound to recreate and Recreations Now seeing to Recreate is to Create twice I understand not how the useing this word once should be a Sin whilst it is no Sin in the Repetition or Reaction thereof In a word in words of this Nature I conceive one may conform himself to the Custome of Common Language Exception 8. You out of Flattery conceal the mean Extraction of many especially Modern men who have attained to great preferment pointing at the place of their Birth but suppressing their Parentage Answer I conceive my self to have done well in so doing If enquiry be made into all mens descents it would be found true what the Poet doth observe Majorum primus quisquis fuit ille tuorum Aut Pastor fuit aut illud quod dicere nolo The first of all thine Ancestors of Yore Was but a Shepheard or I say no more Besides it plainly proveth the Properness of their parts and Tallnesse of their Industry who thereby and by Gods blessing thereon reached so high preferment though disadvantaged by standing on so low ground of their extraction Exception 9. Hast makes Wast you have hudled your Book too soon to the Presse for a Subject of such a Nature You should have sent to the Gentry of several Counties to have furnished you with Memorables out of their own Pedegrees and should have taken a longer time to compose them Nonumque prematur in annum Eight years digest what you have rudely hinted And in the Ninth year let the same be printed Answer That Ninth year might happen Eight years after my Death being sensible of the Impression of Age upon me and a Stranger to my method would hardly rally my scattered and posthumed Notes By the difficulty to get some few I conclude the impossibility to procure all the observeables out of Gentlemens Records and therefore leave the Task to the Industry of others in their Respective Counties Exception 10. Some Instructions have lately been sent you concerning some persons which appear not in this your VVork Answer Lately indeed though neither many nor considerable since such Shires were put under the Press In Holland VVagons go to and return from their Stages at set hours though carrying but one Passenger and sometimes altogether empty Such the Condition of the Press it stays for no man nor will attend the Leisure not to say Lagging of any but proceedeth on with what it hath in present be it never so little Exception 11. In your Protestant Writers you promiscuously mingle some very zealous for Episcopacy others as active for Presbytery these ought to have been sorted severally by themselves seeing the great distance of Judgement betwixt them Answer I hope such conjoyning of them may happily presage a comfortable Expedient betwixt them who differ not in Fundamentals of Religion 2. I had rather privately bemoan then publickly proclaim the difference betwixt them when alive charitably believing that being dead Jam bene conveniunt in unâ sede morantur Now they are agreed well And in bliss together dwell However it is not without Precedents in the best Authors to conjoine those in History who dissent in opinion VVitnesse Thuanus when concluding every year with the Funerals of eminent persons though fervent in opposite perswasions Exception 12. There is great disproportion betwixt your Catalogue of Statesmen beginning the Lord Treasurers under King Henry the Seventh the Lord Chancelours under King Henry the Eighth other Statesmen at other Epoches whereas had you observed the same Aera in all of them it had added much to the Uniformity of your VVork And as all start not from the same place they run not to the same mark some being continued to this day some concluded seven years since such imparity making the List seem lame like the Legs of a Badger Answer I hope that a more charitable fancy with as good a judgement will compare it to the Pipes of an Organ which though of an uneven length contribute to the better melody A reason is rendred in the respective places where these general Topicks are premised why such several
 Sable a Chev. betw 3 Towers Argent 2 Ant. Blagrave ar  Or. on a Bend Sable 3 Greaves Errased at the Ankle Ar. 3 Tho. Read ar ut prius  4 Will. Stonhou ar Radley Arg. on a Fess Sable between 3 Falcons volant Az. a Leopards-heads and 2 Mullets Or. 5 Fr. Winchcombe ut prius  6 Will. Foster mil. ut prius  7 Anth. Barker mil. Suning  8 Ric. Lovelace ml ut prius  9 Tho. Vachell mil. Colly Bender of six peeces Er. Az 10 Tho. Hinton ar   11 Car. Wiseman ar ut prius  12 Io. Ayshcombe ar   13 Will. Young mil.   14 Will. Standin ar Aâ—…borfield  15 Val. Knightley m.  Quarterly Er. Or. 3 Pales Gu. 16 Ioh. Catcher ar   17 Hum. Foster ar ut prius  18 Gabri Pyle mil. Compton  19 Io. Winchcombe ut prius  20 Io. Marrycot ar   21 Will. Hide ar ut prius  22 Io. Blagrave mil. ut prius  23   24   CAR I. REX   Anno   1 Ioh. Darrell Bar. W. Woodh Az. a Lion Ramp Or Crowned Argâ—…t 2 Edr. Clark mil. Ardigton  3 Gor. Willmot ar Charlton  4 Edw. Yates Barr. Buckland  5 Sam. Dunch ar ut prius Per Fess embattel'd Arg. Sable 3 Yates caunterchanged 6 Io. Fetiplace ar ut prius  7 Hen. Samborn ml Moulsford  8 Hen. Powle ar   9 Edm. Dunch ar ut prius  10 Hum. Dolman ar ut prius  11 Will. Barker ar ut prius  12 Ric. Harrison mi. Hurst Or on a Cheife Sable 3 Eagles displaied of the first 13 Ge. Stonhouse B. ut prius  14 Hump. Hide ar ut prius  15 Geo. Puresy ar Wadley S. 3 Pair of Gantlets dipping Ar. 16 Peregrine Hobby Bisham Ar. 3 Fusiles upon Slippers Gâ—… 17 Tanfield Vachel ut prius  18   19   20   21   22 Io. Southleg ar   Queen Elizabeth 9 EDWARD UNTON or UMPTON Miles This ancient and worshipfull name was extinct in the days of our fathers for want of Issue Male and a great part of their lands devolved by an Heir-general to G. Purfen of wadley Esquire whose care is commendable in preserving the Monuments of the Umptons in Farington Church and restoring such as were defaced in the war to a good degree of their former fairness 26 BESILIUS FETIPLACE Some may colourably mistake it for Basilius or Basil a Christian-name frequent in some families whereas indeed it is Besil a Surname These liv'd in great regard at Lee thence called Besiles-Lee in this County untill Elizabeth danghter and heir of William Besiles last of that name was married unto Richard Fetiplace whose great-great-grand-child was named Besile to continue the remembrance of their Ancestors Reader I am confident an instance can hardly be produced of a Surname made Christian in England save since the Reformation before which time the Priests were scrupulous to admit any at Font except they were baptized with the name of a Scripture or Legendary-Saint Since it hath been common and although the Lord Coke was pleased to say he had noted many of them prove unfortunate yet the good success in others confutes the generall truth of the observation King James 8 RICHARD LOVELACE Knight He was a Gentlâ—…man of Mettal and in the reign of Queen Elizabeth making use of letters of Mart had the successe to light on a large remnant of the King of Spains Cloth of silver I mean his West-Indian Fleet wherewith he and his posterity are the warmer to this day King Charles created him Lord Lovelace of Hurley King Charles 1 Sir JOHN DARELL Baronet He being the first who in the Catalogue of Sheriffs occurreth of that order a word of the institution thereof We meddle not with ancient Baronets finding that word formerly promiscuously blended with Bannerets Sir Ralph Fane in a Patent passed unto him is expressly term'd a Baronet but insist on their new erection in the ninth of King James Their Qualifications Their Service Their Dignity 1. They were to be persons Morum probitate spectati 2. Descended at least of a Grand-father by the Fathers side that bare Arms. 3. Having a clear estate of one thousand pounds per annum two thirds thereof at least in possession the rest in reversion expectant on one life only holding in Dower or in Joynture 1. Each of them was to advance towards the planting of the Province of Ulster in Ireland with Colonies and Castles to defend them money enough to maintain thirty Foot for three years after the rate of eight pence a day for everyone of them 2. The first years wages was to be paid down on the passing of their Patent the remainder as they contracted with the Kings Commissioners authorized to treat and conclude thereof 1. They were to take place with their wives and children respectively immediately after the sons of Barons and before all Knights-bachelours of the Bath and Bannerets save such solemn ones ashereafter should be created in the field by the King there present under the Standard Royall displayed 2. The addition of Sir was to be prefixed before theirs of Madam their wives names 3. The Honour was to be hereditary and knighthood not to be denied to their eldest sons of full age if desiring it 4. For an augmentation in their Arms they might bear a bloody hand in a Canton or Escutcheon at their pleasure The King did undertake that they should never exceed two hundred which number compleated if any chanced to die without issue-male none were to be substituted in their place that so their number might daily diminish and honour increase He did also promise for himself and his Heirs that no new Order under another name should be superinduced The Battles Newberry the first 1643. Septemb. 20. The Earl of Essex having raised the Siege of Glocester and returning towards London was rather followed then overtaken by the Kings army Both sides might be traced by a tract of bloody foot-steps especially at Auborn in Wilts where they had a smart encounter At Newberry the Earl made a stand Here happen'd a fierce fight on the East-side of the Town wherein the Londoners did shew that they could as well use a Sword in the field as a Met-ward in a Shop The Parliament was conceived to lose the most the King the most considerable persons amongst whom the Earl of Carnarvon and Sunderland the Viscount Falkland Colonel Morgan c. Both armies may be said to beat and be beaten neither winning the Day and both the Twi-light Hence it was that both sides were so sadly filled with their Supper over night neither next morning had any stomack to break-fast but keeping their stations were rather contented to face then willing to fight one another Newberry the second 1644. Octob. 27. One would wonder where the
a Coulâ—… under which betwixt shame and sanctity he blushed out the remainder of his life 16 DAVID ARCHIDIACONUS c. It may justly seem strange that an Arch-deacon should be Shâ—…riff of a Shire and one would have sought for a person of his Profession rather in a Pulpit then in a Shire-Hall Some will answer that in that Age Men in Orders ingrossed not onely Places of Judicature but also such as had Military and Martial Relations whereof this Sheriff did in some sort partake But under correction I conceive that though Bishops who had also Temporall Baronies were sometimes Sheriffs yet no inferiour Clergy-men being in Orders were ever advanced to that Office neither in Anoient nor in Modern Times Sure I am that in the reign of King Charles one being pricked Sheriff of Rutland escaped pleading that he was a Deacon Yet we meet with many whose surnames sound of Church-relation both in the Catalogue of Ancient and Modern Sheriffs 1. Abbot of London 2. Arch-deacon of Cornwall 3. Bishop of Sussex 4. Chaplain of Norfolke Clerk of Northamptonshire Dean of Essex Frier of Oxfordshire Moigne of Dorsetshire M on of Devonshire Parson of Buckinghamshire Pope of Oxfordshire Prior of London It addeth to the difficulty that whereas persons of their profession were formerly enjoyned single lives we find in this list some of their sons in the next generation Sheriffs also But take one answer to all as these were Lay men so probably their Ancestors were Ecclesiasticks and did officiate according to their respective Orders and Dignities These afterwards having their patrimony devolved unto them by the death of their elder brethren were dispenced with by the Pope to marry yet so that they were always afterwards called by their former profession which was fixed as a surname on their posterity Thus we read how in France Hugh de Lusignian being an Arch-bishop and the last of his family when by the death of his Brethren the Signieuries of Partnay Soubize c. fell unto him he obtained licence to marry on condition that his posterity should bear the name of Archevesque and a Miter over their Arms for ever As for the Surname of Pope in England it is such a transcendent I cannot reach it with mine own and must leave it to more judicious conjectures King John 13. ROB. de BRAYBROOK HEN. filius ejus 14. HEN. BRAYBROOK ROB. pater ejus Here is a loving reciprocation First a son Under-sheriff to his father that was his duty Secondly the father Under-sheriff to his son that was his courtesie Indeed I can name one Under sheriff to his own father being a Gentleman of right worthy extraction and estate which son afterwards in my memory became Lord Chief Justice and Treasurer of England Henry III. 52 EDVARD filius REGIS primo-genitus It soundeth not a little to the honour of these two shires that Prince Edward afterwards the most renowned King of England first of his Christian name since the Conquest was their Sheriff for five years together Yea the Imperial-Crown found him in that office when it fell unto him though then absent in Palestine We may presume that Bartholomew de Fowen his Under-sheriff was very sufficient to manage all matters under him Sheriffs of Bedford and Buckingham-shire Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Ioh. de Aylesbury Aylesbury Azure a Cross Argent 2 Tho. Peynere   3 Egidius Daubeny SOMER Gules four Lozenges in Fess Argent 4 Tho. Sackwell SUSSEX Quarterly Or and Gules a Bend Vayre 5 Ioh. de Aylesbury ut prius  6 Idem ut prius  7 Ioh. Widevill Northam Arg. a Fess Canton Gu. 8 Rob. Dikeswell   9 Tho. Covell  Az. a Lion Ramp Arg. a File of 3 Lambeaux Gu. 10 Ioh. de Aylesbury ut prius  11 Rad. Fitz. Rich.   12 Tho. Peynere   13 Tho. Sackvill ut prius  14 Edm. Hampden Hampden Buc. Arg. a Saltire G. betw 4 Eaglets displayed Az. 15 Will. Teringham Teringhá B. Az. a Cross ingrailed Arg. 16 Tho. Peynere   17 Phil. Walwane   18 Ioh. Longvile WolvertoÌ„ Gules a Fess Indented betwixt 6 Cross Croslets Arg. 19 Edm. Hampden ut prius  20 Regin Ragon   21 Ioh. Worship   22 Idem   HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Tho. Eston   2 Edw. Hampden ut prius  2 Ro. Beauchamp Eaton Bed G. a Fess betw 6 martlets Or. 3 Reg. Ragon   4 Iohan. Boys KENT Or a Griffin Sergreant S. within 2 Borders G. 5 Idem   6 Edw. Hampden ut prius  7 Tho. Peynere   8 Rich. Hay  Sable three Pickaxes Arg. 9 Bald. Pigott Stratton Bed  10 Tho. Strickland YORK sh. G. a Chev. Or between 3 Crosses formee Arg. on a Canton ermin a Bucks-head erased sable 11 Rich. Wyott   12 Bald. Pigott ut prius  HEN. V.   Aâ—…no   1 Tho. Strickland ut priâ—…s  2 Edw. Hampden ut prius  3 Tho. Wauton   4 Rich. Wyott   5 Ioh. Gifford   6 Will. Massy   7 Walt. Fitz. Rich.   8 Iohan. Radwell   9 Ioh. Radwellet   10 Will. Massy   11 Idem   HEN. VI.   Anno   1 Iohan. Wauton   2 Ioh. Chen y mil. Cheneys B. Checky Or Az. a Fess G. Fretty Erm. 3 Rich. Wyott   4 Ioh. Cheney ut prius  5 Will. Massy ar   6 Hum. Stafford ar  Or a Chev. G. a Quarter Erm. 7 Tho. Wauton mi.   8 Tho. Hoo  Quarterly Sable and Arg. 9 Ioh. Cheney ut prius  10 Egid. Daubeny m. ut prius  11 Tho. Wauton mil.   12 Ioh. Glove   13 Ioh. Hampden ar ut prius  14 Ioh. Broughton   15 Rob. Manfeld   16 Hum. Stafford mi. ut prius  17 Ioh. Hampden ut prius  18 Walt. Strickland ut prius  19 Ioh. Brekenoll   20 Edw. Campden ut prius  21 Edw. Rede   22 Tho. Singleton   23 Ioh. Wenlock  Arg. a Chev. betw 3 Black-moreheads conped Proper 24 Tho. Rokes   25 Tho. Gifford   26 Gor. Longvile ut prius  27 Idem ut prius  28 Will. Gedney   29 Ioh. Hampden ut prius  30 Ro. Whittingham   31 Rob. Olney   32 Edw. Rede ar   32 Ioh. Poulter HARTF Arg. a Bend voided Sable 33 Tho. Singleton   34 Tho. Charlton m.   35 Ioh. Hampden ut prius  36 Ioh. Maningham   37 Ioh. Heyton ar   38 Ioh. Broughton  Arg. a Chev. betwixt 3 Mullets Gules EDWARD IV   Anno   1 Edw. Rede ar   2 Tho. Reynes   3
in his profession is sufficiently attested by his own Printed Reports Eight eminent Judges of the Law out of their knowledge of his great wisdome learning and integrity approving and allowing them to be published for the Common benefit He was against the Illegality of Ship-money both publickly in Westminster-hall and privately in his judgment demanded by the King though concluded to subscribe according to the Course of the Court by plurality of voices The Country-mans wit levelled to his brain will not for many years be forgotten That Ship-money may be gotten by Hâ—…ok but not by Crook though since they have paid taxes loins to the little finger and Scorpions to the Rod of Ship-money but whether by Hook or Crook let others inquire His piety in his equall and even walkings in the way of God through the several turnings and occasions of his Life is evidenced by his Charity to man founding a Chappel at Beachley in Buckingham-shire two miles at least distanced from the Mother-Church and an Hospitall in the same Parish with a liberall Revenue Considering his declining and decaying age and desiring to examine his Life and prepare an Account to the Supreme Judge he petitioned King Charles for a Writ of Ease which though in some sort denied what wise Mr. would willingly part with a good Servant was in effect granted unto him He dyed at Waterstock in Oxford shire in the eighty second year of his age Anno Dom. 1641. EDWARD BULTSTRODE Esq. born in this County bred in the studies of our municipall Laws in the Inner Temple and his Highness his Justice in North-wales hath written a book of divers Resolutions and Judgments with the reasons and causes thereof given in the Court of Kings-bench in the reigns of King James and King Charles and is lately deceased Souldiers Sir WILLIAM WINDSOR Knight I am confident herein is no mislocation beholding him an Ancestor to the right honourable Thomas Windsor Hickman Lord Windsor and fixed at Bradenham He was deputed by King Edward the third in the fourty seventh year of his reign Lord Lieutenant of Ireland which Country was then in a sad Condition For the King was so intent on the Conquest of France as a Land nearer fairer and due to him by descent that he neglected the effectuall reduction of Ireland This encouraged the Irish Grandees their O's and Mac's to Rant and Tyrant it in their respective seignieuries whilst such English who were planted there had nothing Native save their Surnames left degenerating by degrees to be Irish in their Habits Manners and Language Yea as the wild Irish are observed to love their Nurses or Fosters above their natural Mothers so these barbarizing English were more endeared to the interest of Ireland which fed then of England which bare and bred them To prevent more mischief this worthy Knight was sent over of whose valour and fidelity the King had great experience He contracted with the King to defray the whole charge of that Kingdome as appeareth by the instrument in the Tower for eleven thousand two hundred thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence per annum Now Sir William undertook not the Conquest but Custody of the Land in a defen sive war He promised not with a daring Mountebank to Cure but with a discreet Physician to ease this Irish Gout Indeed I meet with a passage in Froissard relating how Sir William should report of himself that he was so far from subduing the Irish he could never have access to understand and know their Countries albeit he had spent more time in the service of Ireland then any Englishman then living Which to me seems no wonder the Irish vermin shrowding themselves under the Scabs of their Bogs and Hair of their Woods However he may truly be said to have left that land much improved because no whit more impaired during those dangerous distractions and safely resigned his office as I take it in the first of K. Richard the second ARTHUR GRAY Baron of Wilton is justly reckoned amongst the Natives of this Shire whose father had his Habitation not at Wilton a decayed Castle in Hereford-shire whence he took his Title but at Waddon a fair house of his Family not far from Buckingham He succeeded to a small Estate much diminished on this sad occasion His father William Lord Gray being taken Prisoner in France after long ineffectuall soliciting to be because captivated in the publick service redeemed on the publick charge at last was forced to ransom himself with the sale of the best part of his Patrimony Our Arthur endeavoured to advance his estate by his valour being entered in Feats of war under his Martial father at the siege of Lieth 1560. where he was shot in the shoulder which inspirited him with a constant antipathy against the Scotch He was afterwards sent over Lord Deputy into Ireland anno 1580. where before he had received the Sword or any Emblemes of Command ut acrioribus initiis terrorem incuteret to fright his foes with his fierce beginning he unfortunately fought the rebels at Glandilough to the great loss of English blood This made many commend his Courage above his Conduct till he recovered his credit and finally suppressed the rebellion of Desmund Returning into England the Queen chiefly relied on his counsel for ordering our Land-forces against the Spaniards in 88. and fortifying places of advantage The mention of that year critical in Church differences about discipline at home as well as with foreign foes abroad mindeth me that this Lord was but a Back-friend to Bishops in all divisions of Votes in Parliament or Council-table sided with the Anti-prelatical party When Secretary Davison that State-Pageant raised up on purpose to be put down was censured in the Star-chamber about the business of the Queen of Scots this Lord Gray onely defended him as doing nothing therein but what became an able and honest Minister of State An ear-witness saith Haec fuse oratoriè animosè Greium disserentem audivimus So that besides bluntness the common and becoming eloquence of Souldiers he had a real Rhetorick and could very emphatically express himself Indeed this warlike Lord would not wear two heads under one Helmet and may be said always to have born his Beaver open not dissembling in the least degree but owning his own judgment at all times what he was He deceased anno Dom. 1593. Writers ROGER de WENDOVER was born at that Market-town in this County bred a Benedictine in St. Albans where he became the Kings Historian Know Reader that our English Kings had always a Monck generally of St. Albans as near London the Staple of news and books to write the remarkables of their reigns One addeth I am sorry he is a forrainer and therefore of less credit at such distance that their Chronicles were lock'd up in the Kings Library so that neither in that Kings nor his Sons life they were ever opened If so
ar  Arg. on a Bend ingr S. 3 dexter handsof the first 12 Bri. Iohnson ar Beaconfield Quarterly Azure G. a Cross Patoncee a Chief Or. 13 Edm. Wheeler mi. Riding-Co Or. a Chev. between 3 Leopards-heads 〈◊〉 14 Th. Temple m. B. ut prius  15 Ioh. Laurence mi. Iver Arg. a Cross knotted G. on a Chief Az. 3 Leopards-heads Or. 16 Fra. Duncombe a.  Party per Chev. counter-Flore G. Arg. 3 Talbots-heads Erazed countercharged 17 Be. Winchombe a. See our Notes  18 Hen. Lee m. ba. Quarrendō Arg. a Fess betwixt 3 Cressants Sable 19 Ioh. Denham mil.  Gules 3 〈◊〉 Erm. 20 Will. Fleetwood ut prius * Per pale Or G. a Lion Ramp 〈◊〉 three flower de luces counterchanged 21 Fra. Goodwin * m.   22 Will. Pen †ar Pen †Arg. on a Fess S. 3 Plates REG. CARO   Anno   1 Edw. Coke mil. Stoke Partee per pale G. Az. 3 Eagles Argent 2 Gil. Gerrard bar  Quarterly the 1 4 Arg. a Sal. G. the 2 3 Az. a Lion Ramp Erm. Crowned Or. 3 Tho. Darel a. ut prius  3 F. Catesby a. Northamp Ar. 2 Lions passant S. crowned Or. 4 The. Lee ar ut prius  5 Will. 〈◊〉 m. ut prius  6 Tho. Hide baro  Or a Chev. betwixt 3 〈◊〉 Az. in Chief an Eagle of the first 7 〈◊〉 Dupper ar   8 Rob. Dormer ar ut prius  9 Fran. 〈◊〉 mi. ut prius  10 Pet. Temple mil. ut prius  11 Heneage Proby a.  Erm. on a Fess G a Lion Passant the tail extended Or. 12 Anth. Chester ba. ut prius  13   14   15 Tho. Archdale ar   16   17 Rich Grevile mi.  Sable a border Cross engrailed Or thereon 5 Pellets 18   19   20 Hen. Beak ar   21   22 Will. Collier ar   Queen Elizabeth 17 JOHN CROKE Ar. Being afterwards Knighted he was the son of Sir John Crook a Six-clerk in Chancery and therefore restrained marriage untill enabled by a statute of the 14. of Henry the eighth His 〈◊〉 in the Civil warres between York and Lancaster concealed their proper name Le Blount under the assumed one of Croke As for this Sir John Croke first Sheriff of Buckingham after the division of Bedfordshire he was most fortunate in an issue happy in the knowledge of our municipall Law Of whom Sir John Croke his eldest son Speaker of the Parliament in the 43. of Queen Elizabeth He received this Eulogium from Her Majesty That he had proceeded therein with such wisdome and discretion that none before him had deserved better As for Sir George his second son we have spoken of him before 26 ROBERT DORMER Ar. He was on the 10. of June 1615. made Baronet by King James and on the 30. day of the same Month was by him Created Baron Dormer of Wing in this County His grand-child Robert Dormer was by K. Charles in the 4. of his reign Created Viscount Ascot and Earl of Carnarvan He lost his life fighting for him who gave him his Honour at the first battle of Newbury Being sore wounded he was desired by a Lord to know of him what suit he would have to his Majesty in his behalf the said Lord promising to discharge his trust in presenting his request and assuring him that his Majesty would be willing to 〈◊〉 him to the utmost of his power To whom the Earl replied I will not dye with a suit in my mouth to any King save to the King of Heaven By Anne daughter to Philip Earl of Pembrook and Montgomery He had Charles now 〈◊〉 of Carnarvan 27 EDWARD BULSTROD Ar. I have not met with so ancient a Coat for such it appeareth beyond all exception so voluminous in the Blazon thereof viz. Sable a Bucks head Argent attired Or shot the Nose with an Arrow of the third headed and feathered of the second a Cross Patee fitchee betwixt the Attire Or. 34 HEN. LONGVILE Ar. He had to his fourth son Sir Michael Longvile who married Susan sole daughter to Hen. Earl of Kent Now when the issue in a direct line of that Earldome failed in our memory Mr. Selden was no less active then able to prove that the Barony of 〈◊〉 was dividable from the Earldome and descended to the son of the said Sir Michael and thereupon he sate as Baron Ruthyn in our late long Parliament Since his death his sole daughter and heir hath been married unto Sir Henry Yelverton of Easton in the County of Northampton Baronet a worthy Gent. of fair estate so that that Honour is likely to continue in an equipage of breadth proportionable to the height thereof King James 17 BENEDICT WINCHCOMBE Ar. His armes too large for the little space allotted them I here fully represent in gratitude to the Memory of his Ancestor so well deserving of Newbury viz. Azure on a Chev. engrailed between three Birds Or as many Cinque foiles of the first on a Chief of the second a Flower the Luce between two spears heads of the first King Charles 1 EDWARD COKE Kt. This was our English 〈◊〉 so famous for his Comments on our Common-law This year a Parliament was called and the Court-party was jealous of Sir Edwards activity against them as who had not digested his discontentments Hereupon to prevent his election as a member and confine him to this County he was prick'd Sheriff thereof He scrupuled to take the oath pretending many things against it and particularly that the Sheriff is bound thereby to prosecute Lollards wherein the best Christians may be included It was answered that he had often seen the Oath given to others without any regreet and knew full well that Lollard in the modern sense imported the opposers of the present Religion as established by Law in the Land No excuses would serve 〈◊〉 turn but he must undertake this office However his friends beheld it as an injurious degradation of him who had been Lord Chief-justice to attend onthe Judges at the Assises 9 FRANCIS CHENEY Mil. It is an Epidemical disease to which many ancient Names are subject to be variously disguised in writing How many names is it Chesney Chedney Cheyne Chyne Cheney c. And all de Casineto A name so Noble and so diffused in the Catalogue of Sheriffs it is harder to miss then find it any County Here Reader let me amend and insert what I omitted in the last County There was a fair Family of the Cheneys flourishing in Kent but landed also in other Counties giving for their Armes Azure six Lions Rampant Argent a Canton Ermin Of this house was Henry Chency High sheriffe of this County and Bedford shire in the 7. of Q. Elizabeth and not long after by her created Baron of Tuddington in Bedford-shire In his youth he
therein but 12. years of age He was blessed with an happy memory insomuch that when D. D. he could say by heart the second Book of the Aeneads which he learnt at School without missing a Verse He was an excellent Preacher and becoming a Pulpit with his gravity He attended King James his Chaplaine into Scotland and after his return was preferred Dean of Westminster then Bishop of Salisbury Hear what the Author of a Pamphlet who inscribeth himself A. W. saith in a Book which is rather a Satyre then a History a Libell then a Character of the Court of King James for after he had slanderously inveighed against the bribery of those days in Church and State hear how he seeks to make amends for all King James's Court pag. 129 130. Some worthy men were preferred gratis to blow up their Buckingham and his party Fames as Tolson a worthy man paid nothing in fine or Pension and so after him Davenant in the same Bishoprick Yet these were but as Musick before every hound Now although both these persons here praised were my God-fathers and Uncles the one marrying the sister of the other being Brother to my Mother and although such good words seem a Rarity from so railing a mouth yet shall not these considerations tempt me to accept his praises on such invidious terms as the Author doth proffer them O! Were these worthy Bishops now alive how highly would they disdain to be praised by such a pen by which King James their Lord and Master is causelesly traduced How would they condemn such uncharitable commendations which are if not founded on accompanied with the disgrace of others of their order Wherefore I their Nephew in behalf of their Memories protest against this passage so far forth as it casteth Lustre on them by Eclipsing the credit of other Prelates their contemporaries And grant corruption too common in that kind yet were there besides them at that time many worthy Bishops raised to their dignity by their Deserts without any Simonicall complyances Doctor Townson had a hospitall heart a generous disposition free from covetousness and was always confident in Gods Providence that if he should dye his children and those were many would be provided for wherein he was not mistaken He lived in his Bishoprick but a year and being appointed at very short warning to preach before the Parliament by unseasonable â—…tting up to study contracted a Fever whereof he died and was buried in Westminster Abbey Anno Dom. 1622. THOMAS son to William WESTFIELD D. D. was born Anno Dom. 1573. in the Parish of Saint Maries in Ely and there bred at the Free-school under Master Spight till he was sent to Jesus-colledge in Cambridge being first Scholar then Fellow thereof He was Curate or Assistant rather to Bishop Felton whilst Minister of Saint Mary le Bow in Cheapside afterward Rector of Hornsey nigh and Great Saint Bartholomews in London where in his preaching he went thorow the four Evangelists He was afterwards made Arch-Deacon of Saint Albans and at last Bishop of Bristol a place proffered to and refused by him twenty five years before For then the Bishoprick was offered to him to maintain him which this contented meek man having a self-subsistence did then decline though accepting of it afterwards when proffered to him to maintain the Bishoprick and support the Episcopall dignity by his signall devotion What good opinion the Parliament though not over-fond of Bishops conceived of him appears by their Order ensuing The thirteenth of May 1643. From the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestration of Delinquents Estates Upon information in the behalf of the Bishop of Bristoll that his Tenants refuse to pay him his Rents it is Ordered by this Committee that all profits of his Bishoprick be restored to him and a safe conduct be granted him to pass with his family to Bristoll being himself of great age and a person of great learning and merit Jo. Wylde About the midst of his life he had a terrible sickness so that he thought to use his own expression in his Diary that God would put out the candle of his life though he was pleased onely to snuff it By his will the true Copy whereof I have he desired to be buried in his Cathedral Church neer the tombe of Paul Bush the first Bishop thereof And as for my worldly goods Reader they are his own words in his Will which as the times now are I know not well where they be nor what they are I give and bequeath them all to my dear wife Elizabeth c. He protested himself on his death-bed a true Protestant of the Church of England and dying Junii 28. 1644. lyeth buried according to his own desire above mentioned with this inscription Hic jacet Thomas Westfield S. T. D. Episcoporum intimus peccatorum primus Obiit 25. Junii anno MDCXLIV Senio moerore confectus Tu Lector quisquis es vale resipisce Epitaphium ipse sibi dictavit vivus Monumentum uxor moestissima Elizabetha Westfield Marito desideratissimo posuit superstes Thus leaving such as survived him to see more sorrow and feel more misery he was seasonably taken away from the evil to come And according to the Anagram made on him by his Daughter Thomas Westfield I dwel the most safe Enjoying all happiness and possessing the reward of his pains who converted many and confirmed more by his constancy in his Calling States-men JOHN TIPTOFT son and heir of John Lord Tiptoft and Joyce his wife daughter and Co-heir of Edward Charlton Lord Powis by his wife Eleanor sister and Co-heir of Edmund Holland Earl of Kent was born at Everton in this but in the confines of Bedford shire He was bred in Baliol-colledge in Oxford where he attained to great learning and by King Henry the sixth was afterwards created first Vice-count then Earl of Worcester and Lord Hâ—…gh Constable of England and by K. Edward the fourth Knight of the Garter The skies began now to lowre and threaten Civil Wars and the House of York fell sick of a Relapse Mean time this Earl could not be discourteous to Henry the sixth who had so much advanced him nor disloyall to Edward the fourth in whom the right of the Crown lay Consulting his own safety he resolved on this Expedient for a time to quit his own and visit the Holy-land In his passage thither or thence he came to Rome where he made a Latin speech before the Pope Piâ—… the second and converted the Italians into a better opinion then they had formerly of the English-mens learning insomuch that his holiness wept at the elegancy of the Oration He returned from Christs sepulcher to his own grave in England coming home in a most unhappy juncture of time if sooner or later he had found King Edward on that Throne to which now Henry the sixth was restored and whose restitution was onely remarkable for the death of this worthy
Staffondshire The meaning is the Genâ—…ry in Cheshire find it more profitable to match within their County then to bring a Bride out of other 〈◊〉 1. Because better acquainted with her birth and breeding 2. Because though her Portion perchance may be less the expence will be less to maintain her Such 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 County have been observed both a prolonger of worshipfull families and the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 them seeing what Mr. Camden reported of the Citizens of 〈◊〉 is verified of the Cheshire Gentry they are all or an Alliance Cardinals WILLIAM MAKILESFIELD was saith my Author 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishop Godwin 〈◊〉 little 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Civitate 〈◊〉 However I conceive him born in this 〈◊〉 finding a 〈◊〉 Market-town and Forrest therein so named though he was reputed a 〈◊〉 because 〈◊〉 in that Age was in the 〈◊〉 of Coventry and Lichfield But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not swim against the stream I Remit the Reader to his Character in Warwickshire 〈◊〉 WILLIAM BOOTH was first bred in 〈◊〉 Inn in London in the studie of our Municipall Laws till he 〈◊〉 that profession on the proffer of a 〈◊〉 Place in Saint Pauls and took Orders upon him It was not long before he was 〈◊〉 Bishop of Letchfield and six years after translated to 〈◊〉 He expended much money 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 died and was buried in Saint Maries Chappell in Southwell 1464. LAURENCE BOOTH Brother but by another Mother to William aforesaid was bred and became Master of 〈◊〉 hall in 〈◊〉 and was Chancellour of that University He made the Composition 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 colledge to their mutuall advantage and was an eminent 〈◊〉 to his own Colledge bestowing thereon all the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church amongst which was St. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Colledge of a Pension of five pounds which he redeemed and and Conferred there on the 〈◊〉 and Patronage of Overton-Waterfield in Huntingtanshire As it is Gods so it is all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 method in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Servants Be faithfull in a little and thou shalt rule over much Doctor Booth well performing his Chancellors Place in Cambridge was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 the fixth Well 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of King 〈◊〉 the fourth made Lord High Chancellor 〈◊〉 seems his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishop of York and deserving well of both Sees For he built in the first the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 colledge and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It must not be forgotten than this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 till the day of his death and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Bishop 〈◊〉 not that they were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the place but the place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with them as it is this day by the Right Reverend Father in God Benjamin Lany Lord Bishop of Peturborough This Arch-bishop died Anno Dom. 1480. JOHN BOOTH Brother to Laurence aforesaid Bachellor of Laws was consecrated Bishop of Exceter in the sixth of King Edward the fourth 1466. He built the Bishops Chair or Seat in his Cathedral which in the judicious Eye of Bishop Godwin hath not his Equall in England Let me adde that though this be the fairest Chair the soft Cushion thereof was taken away when Bishop Vescy alienated the Lands thereof The worst was when Bishop Booth had finished this Chair he could not quietly sit down therein so troublesome the times of the civil wars betwixt York and Lancaster So that preferring his privacy he retired to a little place of his own purchasing at Horsley in Hampshire where he dyed April the first 1478. and was buried in Saint Clements Danes London We must remember that these three Prelates had a fourth and eldest Brother Sir Roger Booth Knight of Barton in Lancashire Father of Margaret Wife of Ralph Nevill third Earl of Westmerland And may the Reader take notice that though we have entred these Bishops according to our best information in Cheshire yet is it done with due reservation of the right of Lancashire in case that County shall produce better Evidence for their Nativities THOMNS SAVAGE was born at Maklefield in this County his Father being a Knight bred him a Doctor of Law in the University of Cambridge Hence was he preferred Bishop of Rochester and at last Arch-bishop of York He was a greater Courtier then Clerke and most Dextrous in managing Secular Matters a mighty Nimrod and more given to Hunting then did consist with the Gravity of his Profession No doubt there wanted not those which taxed him with that Passage in Saint Jerome Penitus non invenimus in scripturis sanctis sanctum aliquem Venatorem Piscatores invenimus sanctos But all would not wean him from that sport to which he was so much addicted His provident Precedent spared his Successors in that See many pounds of needless expences by declining a costly instaulation being the first who privately was instauled by his Vicar Yet was he not Covetous in the least degree maintaining a most numerous Family and building much both at Scroby and Cawood Having sate seven years in his See he died 1508. his Body being buried at York his Heart at Maklefield where he was born in a Chapel of his own Erection intending to have added a Colledge thereunto had not death prevented him Since the Reformation WILLIAM CHADERTON D. D. Here I solemnly tender deserved thanks to my Manuscript Author charitably guiding me in the Dark assuring that this Doctor was ex praeclaro Chadertonorum Cestrensis comitatus stemmate prognatus And although this doubtfull Direction doth not cleave the Pin it doth hit the White so that his Nativity may with most Probability not prejudicing the right to Lancashire when produced here be fixed He was bred first Fellow then Master of Queens and never of Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge as Reverend Bishop Godwin mistaketh and chosen first the Lady Margarets then Kings Professor in Divinity and Doctor Whitacre succeeded him immediately in the Chair He was Anno 1579. made Bishop of Chester then of Lincoln 1594. demeaning himself in both to his great commendation He departed this life in April 1608. His Grand-child a virtuous Gentlewoman of rare accomplishments married to Mr. Joceline Esquire being big with child wrot a Book of advise since Printed and Intitled the Mothers Legacie to her unborn Infant of whom she died in travail WILLIAM JAMES D. D. was born in this County bred a Scholar in Christs-church in Oxford and afterwards President of the University Colledge He succeeded Bishop Mathews in the Deanary and Bishoprick of Durham He had been Chaplain to Robert Dudly Earl of Lecester and I hope I may lawfully transcribe what I read Sir J. Harrington view of the Church of England pag.
204. This hope of Comfort came to his Lord-ship thereby that if it pleased God to impart any mercy to him as his mercy endureth for ever it was by the especial Ministry of this Man who was the last of his Coat that was with him in his sickness He was a principal means of recovering Durham house unto his See This house was granted by King Edward the sixth to the Lady afterwards Queen Elizabeth only for term of life and lay long neglected during her Raign till Bishop James about the sixth of King James regained it and repaired the Chappel which he found not only Profaned but even defaced to his great cost and furnished it very decently He once made so compleat an Entertainment for Queen Elizabeth that Her Majesty commended the order and manner thereof for many years after This maketh me the more to admire at what I have heard reported that when King James in his progress to Scotland Anno 1617. passed through the Bishoprick of Durham some neglect was committed by this Bishops Officers for which the King secretly and sharply check'd this Bishop who layed it so to heart that he survived the same Reproof not a full twelvemonth JOHN RICHARDSON was as he told me born in this County of a Family of good worship and great antiquity therein After his hopeful education in Country Schools he was bred in the University of Dublin where he was Graduated Doctor in Divinity and afterwards was made Bishop of Ardagh in Ireland In the late Rebellion he came over into England continuing for many years therein Episcopal Gravity was written in his Countenance and he was a good Divine according to the Rule Bonus Textuarius bonus Theologus no man being more exact in Knowledge of Scripture carrying a Concordance in his Memory Great was his paines in the Larger Annotations especially on Ezechiel For let not the Cloaks carry away the credit from the Gowns and Rochet in that Work seeing this Bishop might say Pars Ego magna fui and Doctor Featly with others of the Episcopal Party bare a great share therein Our Saviour we know lived on the Charity of such good People as ministred unto him and yet it may be collected that it was his constant custome especially about the feast of the Passover to give some Almes to the poor So our Bishop who was relieved by some had his Bounty to bestow on others and by his Will as I am Informed he bequeathed no inconsiderable Legacy to the Colledge in Dublin He died Anno 1653. in the 74. year of his Age. States men Sir THOMAS EGERTON Knight was extracted from the Ancient Family of the Egertons of Ridley in this County bred in the Study of the Municipal Laws of our Land wherein he attained to such eminency that Queen Elizabeth made him her Solicitor then Master of the Rolls and at last Keeper of the Great Seal May 6. in the 38. year of her Raign 1596. Olaus Magnus reporteth that the Emperour of Muscovia at the Audience of Embassadours sendeth for the Gravest and Seemliest men in Musco and the Vicinage whom he apparelleth in Rich Vests and placing them in his presence pretendeth to Forraigners that these are of his Privy-council who cannot but be much affected with so many Reverend aspects But surely all Christendome afforded not a Person which carried more Gravity in his Countenance and Behaviour then Sir Thomas Egerton in so much that many have gone to the Chancery on purpose only to see his Venerable Garb happy they who had no other business and were highly pleased at so acceptable a Spectacle Yet was his Outward Case nothing in comparison of his Inward Abilities Quick Wit Solid Judgment Ready Utterance I confess Master Camden saith he entred his Office Magna expectatione Integritatis opinione With a great expectation and opinion of Integrity But no doubt had he revised his Work in a second Edition he would have afforded him a full-faced commendation when this Lord had turned his expectation into performance In the first of King James of Lord Keeper he was made Lord â—…hauncellour which is only another Name for the same Office and on Thursday the seventh of Novemb. 1616. of Lord Elismer he was created Viscount Brackley It is given to Courts whose Jurisdictions do border to fall out about their bounds and the Contest betwixt them is the hotter the higher the Spirits and Parts of the Respective Judges Great the Contention for many years together betwixt this Lord of Equity and Sir Edward Cook the Oracle of Justice at Westminster-hall I know not which of them got the better sure I am such another Victory would if this did not have undone the Conqueror He was attended on with Servants of most able parts and was the sole Chancellor since the Reformation who had a Chaplain which though not immediatly succeeded him in his place He gave over his Office which he held full twenty years some few days before his death and by his own appointment his body was brought down and buried at Duddleston in this County leaving a fair Estate to his Son who was afterwards Created Earl of Bridgwater When he saw King James so profuse to the Scots with the grave Fidelity of a States-man he sticked not often to tell him that as he held it necessary for his Majesty amply to remunerate those his Country-men so he desired him carefully to preserve his Crown-lands for his own support seeing he or his Successourâ—… might meet with Parliaments which would not supply his Occasions but on such Conditions as would not be very acceptable unto him It was an ordinary Speech in his Mouth to say Frost and Fraud both end in Foul. His death happened Anno Dom. 1616. Capitâ—…l Judges Sir HUMPHRY STARKEY was born with most Probability in this County where his Name is in good hath been in a better Esteem and Estate He in the Study of our Laws so profited that after some intermediate Dignities he was preferred Chief Baron of the Exchequer I cannot with certainty fix his admission into that Office Confused Times causing Confused Dates but with as much certainty as we can collect we conclude him preferred to that place 1. Henrici 7. We need enquire no farther into his ability finding him by so wise and frugal a King imployed in a place belonging to his Coffers who though he was sometimes pleased to be remiss in matters which concerned his Subjects was ever carefull in things wherein his own Emolument was interested Wonder not that we have so little left of this Judge his Actions because Empson and Dudly Loaders grinding more then the Chief Miller were such Instruments whose over-activity made all others seem Slugs in that Court It doth sound not a little to the praise of our Starkey that whereas that Age was justly complaining of the Extortions of the Kings Officers nothing of that nature no hearing best hearing in this kind is
laid to his charge He was buried in Leonard Shorditch where this remains of his Epitaph Orate pro Animabus Humphredi Starkey Militis nuper Capitalis Baronis de Scaccario Domini Regis Henrici septimi Isabellae Uxoris ejus omnium amicorum suoâ—…um c. The date of his death defaced on his Tombe appeareth elsewhere to be at the end of K. Henry the seventh so that his on the Bench was parallel with his Soveraigns sitting on the Throne begun in the first and ended in the last of his raign Sir HENRY BRADSHAW Knight This Surname being diffused in Darbyshire and Lancashire aswell as in this County his Nativity advantaged by the Alphabet first come first served is fixed herein He became so noted for his skill in our Common Law that in the sixth of K. Edward the sixth in Hillary terme he was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer demeaning himself therein to his great commendation Pity it is that Demetrius who is well reported of all* men should suffer for his name sake Demetrius the Silver Smith who made the Shrines for Diana and raised persecution against Saint Paul And as unjust it is that this good Judge of whom nothing ill is reported should fare the worse for one of the same Surname of Execrable Memory of whom nothing good is remembred I have cause to conceive that this Judge was outed of his place for Protestant inclination 1. Mariae finding no more mention of him Sir RANDAL CREW was born in this County bred in the study of our Municipal Law wherein such his proficiency that after some steps in his way thereunto in the 22. of K. James he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Upper Bench and therein served two Kings though scarce two years in his Office with great integrity King Charles his occasions calling for speedy supplies of Money some Great-Ones adjudged it unsafe to adventure on a Parliament for fear in those distempered Times the Physick would side with the Disease and put the King to furnish his necessities by way of Loan Sir Randal being demanded his Judgement of that Design and the Consequence thereof the imprisoning of Râ—…usants to pay it openly manifested his dislike of such Preter-legal Courses and thereupon November 9. 1626. was commanded to forbear his sitting in the Court and the next day was by Writ discharged from his Office whereat he discovered no more Discontentment then the weary Travailer is offended when told that he is arrived at his journies end The Country hath constantly a Smile for him for whom the Court hath a Frown this Knight was out of Office not out of Honour living long after at his house in Westminster much praised for his Hospitality Indeed he may the better put off his Gown though before he goeth to bed who hath a warm Suit under it and this learned Judge by Gods blessing on his endeavours had purchased a fair Estate and particularly Crew-hall in Cheshire for some ages formerly the possession of the Falshursts but which probably was the Inheritance of his Ancestors Nor must it be forgotten that Sir Randal first brought the Model of excellent Building into these remorter parts yea brought London into Cheshire in the Loftiness Sightliness and Pleasantness of their Stuctures One word of his Lady a virtuous wife being very essential to the integrity of a Married Judge lest what Westminster-hall doth conclude Westminster Bed-chamber doth revoke He married Julian Daughter and Co-heir of John Clipsby of Clipsby in Northfolk Esq. with whom he had a fair Inheritance She died at Que in Surry 1623. and lieth buried in the Chancell of Richmond with this Epitaph Antiquâ fuit orta Domo pia vixit inivit Virgo pudica thorum sponsa pudica polum I saw this worthy Judge in health 1642. but he survived not long after and be it remembred he had a Younger Brother Sir Thomas Crew a most honest and learned Serâ—…eant in the same Profession Whose Son John Crew Esquire of his Majesties Privy-Councel having been so instrumental to the happy change in our Nation is in Generall report which no doubt will be effected before these my paines be publick designed for some Title of Honour Sir HUMFREY DAVENPORT His Surname is sufficient to intitle this County unto him but I will not be peremtory till better information He was bred in the Temple had the reputation of a Studied Lawyer and upright person qualities which commended him to be chosen Chief Baron of the Exchequer How he behaved himself in the case of the Ship-money is fresh in many mens memories The Reader cannot be more angry with me then I am grieved in my self that for want of intelligence I cannot doe the right which I would and ought to this worthy Judges Memory who died about the beginning of our Civil distempers Souldiers Sir HUGH CALVELY born at Calvely in this County Tradition makes him a man of Teeth and Hands who would Feed as much as two and Fight as much as ten men his quick and strong Appetite could disgest any thing but an Injury so that killing a man is reported the cause of his quitting this County making hence for London then for France Here he became a most eminent Souldier answering the Character our great Antiquary hath given him Arte militari ita in Galliâ incâ—…ruit ut vivide ejus virtuti nihil fuit impervium I find five of his principall Aâ—…hievements 1. When he was one of the thirty English in France who in a duel encountred as many Britans 2. When in the last of King Edward the third being Governour of Calice he looked on his hands being tyed behind him by a Truce yet in force for a Month and saw the English slain before his eyes whose bloud he soon after revenged 3. When in the first of King Richard the second after an unfortunate voyage of our English Nobility beaten home with a Tempest he took Bark bulloigne and five and twenty other French-ships besides the Castle of Mark lately lost by negligence which he recovered 4. When in the next year he spoiled Estaples at a Fair-time bringing thence so much Plunder as enriched the Calicians for many years after 5. When he married the Queen of Aragon which is most certain her Armes being quartered on his Tomb though I cannot satisfy the Reader in the Particularities thereof The certain date of his death is unknown which by proportion may be collected about the year 1388. After which time no mention of him and it was as impossible for such a spirit not to be as not to be active Sir ROBERT KNOWLES Knight was born of mean parentage in this County yet did not the weight of his low extraction depress the wings of his Martial mind who by his valour wrought his own advancement He was Another of the thirty English who for the honour of the Nation undertook to duel with as many Britons and came off
 4 Edw. Stanley bar ut prius  5 Tho. Leigh esq ut prius  6 Pet. Dutron esq ut prius  7 Tho. Stanley esq ut prius  8 Ric. Brereton es ut prius  9 Edw. Fitton esq ut prius  10 Pet. Venables ut prius  11 Tho. Ashton bar ut prius  12 Will. Leigh esq ut prius  13 Tho. 〈◊〉 bar DuddingtoÌ„ Arg. a Cheveron 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or betwixt 3 Gadds of stteel S. 14 Tho. Cholmley ut prius  15 Phil. Manwaring ut prius  16 Tho. Powell bar Berkenhad Sable 3 Roses Arg. 17 Ioh. Billot esq  Arg. on a Chief G. 3 Cinque foils of the Field 18 Hug. Calvely k. ut prius  19 Tho. Leigh esq ut prius  20 Ri. Gravenor ba. ut prius  21 Rob. Totton esq Winthaw Quarterly Arg. G. 4 Crescents counter changed 22 Hen. Brood esq   Reader if thou discoverest any difference in the Method betwixt this and the other Catalogue of Sheriffs impute it to this cause that whilst I fetched the Rest from the Fountain in the Exchequer I took these out of the Cestern I mean the Printed Book of Vale-royal I presume that the Sheriff who is last named continued in that Office all that Intervale of years till his Successor here nominated entred thereon The Reader may with the more confidence relie on their Armes imparted unto me by Mr. Daniel King who to me really verifieth his own Anagram DANIEL KING I KIND ANGEL And indeed he hath been a Tutelar one to me gratifying me with whatsoever I had need to use and he had ability to bestow Henry III. 56 HUGH de HATTON King William the Conquerer bestowed Lands on one of his Name and Ancestors at Hatton in this County From him is Lineally descended that Learned and Religious witness his pious meditations on the Psalmes Sir Christopher Hatton Knight of the Bath created by King Charles the first Baron Hatton of Kerby in Northampton-shire The Original of this grant of the Conquerors is still in this Lords Possession preserved in our Civil Wars with great care and difficulty by his vertuous Lady On the same token that her Lord patiently digested the plundring of his Library and other Rarities when hearing the welcome tidings from his Lady that the said Record was safely secured Queen Mary 3 Sir HUGH CHOLMLY or CHOLMONDELEIGH This worthy person bought his Knight-hood in the field at Leigh in Scotland He was five times High-sheriffe of this County and sometimes of Flintshire and for many years one of the two sole deputies Leiutenants thereof For a good space he was Vice-President of the Marches of Walles under the Right Honorable Sir Henry Sidney Knight conceive it during his abscence in Ireland For Fifty years together he was esteemed a Father of his Country and dying Anno 157. was buried in the Church of Mallpasse under a Tombe of Allabaster with great lamentation of all sorts of people had it not mitigated their Mourning that he left a Son of his own name Heir to his Vertues and Estate 2 JOHN SAVAGE Ar. I behold him as the direct Ancestor unto Sir Thomas Savage Kt. and Baronet Created by K. Charles the first Baron Savage of Rock savage in this County This Lord a very prudent States-man married Elizabeth eldest Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Lord Darcy of Chich Viscount Colchester and Earl of Rivers Honours entailed on his Posterity and now injoyed by the Right Honorable Thomas Savage Earl Rivers The Battles Rowton heath 1645. Sept. 24. His Majesty being informed that Colonel Jones had seized the Suburbs and Strong Church of St. Johns in Chester advanced Northward for the relief thereof Poins one of the Parliaments Generalls pursued his Majesty At Rowton-heath within 3. miles of Chester the K. Army made an Halt whilst his Majesty with some prime persons marched into the City Next day a fierce Fight happened on the Heath betwixt the Kings and Poinses Forces the latter going off with the greater loss Judicious Persons conceive that had the Royalists pursued this Single Enemy as yet unrecruited with additional strength they had finally worsted him which Fatall omission opportunities admit of no after-games proved their overthrow For next day Col. Jones drew out his men into the field so that the Royalists being charged on the Heath in Front and Rear were put to the worst the whole body of whose Army had Wings without Legs Horse without Foot whilst the Parliament was powerfull in both Immediatly after a considerable Party of Horse the Lord Byron Governour of the City being loth to part with any Foot as kept to secure the Kings person came out of Chester too late to succour their defeated Friends and too soon to engage themselves Here fell the Youngest of the three Noble Brethren who lost their lives in the King service Bernard Stuart Earl of Leichfield never sufficiently to be lamented The Farewell To take my leave of Cheshire I could wish that some of their hospitality were planted in the South that it might bring forth fruit therein and in exchange I could desire that some of our Southern delicacies might prosperously grow in their gardens and Quinces particularly being not more pleasant to the palate then restorative of the health as accounted a great cordiall The rather because a native of this County in his description thereof could not remember he ever saw Quince growing therein CHESTER is a fair City on the North-east side of the River Dee so ancient that the first founder thereof is forgotten much beholding to the Earls of Chester and others for Increase and Ornaments The Walls thereof were lately in good repair especially betwixt the New-tower and the Water-gate For I find how Anno 1569. there was a personal fight in this City betwixt the two Sheriffs thereof viz. Richard Massey and Peter Lycherband who shall keep peace if aged Officers break it who deservedly were fined for the forfeiting of their gravity to repair that part of the Wall It seems it is more honour to be keeper of a gate in Chester then a whole City elsewhere seeing Eastgate therein was committed to the câ—…ody formerly of the Earl of Oxford Bridgegate to the Earl of Shrewsbury Watergate to the Earl of Daâ—…by and Northgate to the Mayor of the City It is built in the form of a Quadrant and is almost a just Square the four Cardinal Streets thereof as I may call them meeting in the middle of the City at a place called the Pentise which affordeth a Pleasant Prospect at once into all Four Here is a property of building peculiar to the City called the Rows being Galleries wherein Passengers go dry without coming into the Streets having Shops on both sides and underneath The fashion whereof is somewhat hard to conceive it is therefore worth their pains who have Money and Leasure to make their own Eyes the Expounders of the manner thereof The
assertorem Vindicem acerrimum Quippe quia non solum nascenti huic Furori nec dum omnibus manifesto optimis Consiliis fortis in Curia Senator restiteret Sed insinuante se latius veneno crescente foerocia Domâ—…m ad suos reversus fortior Miles in Agro suo Somersetensi vicini partibus omni ope manu iniquissimam causam oppugnaverit in Arce praesertim Sherbornianâ sub Auspiciis Marchionis Hertfordiae egregiam operam navaverit Mox ulterius progressus pollenti in Devonia factionis Tyrannide munitissima Civiâ—…ate in foedus illecta jam undique bonis Subditis perniciem minante ipse penè in illa Regione Hospes contracto è Cornubia milite primoribus statim impetum eorum repressit jacentésque afflictas nostras partes mirifica virtute recreavit Et licet summis necessitatibus conflictanti exigua pars negocii â—…ostes erant tantum abâ—…uit ut vel illis vel istis succumberet ut contra copiis auctiores bellico apparatu instructissimos saepiùs signis collatis in aciedemicans semper superior excesserit Testis Lanestonia Saltash Bradock aliaque obscura olim nomina loca nunc Victoriis illius perduellium cladibus nobilitata Vix etiam ab his respiraverat cum novus belli furor lassas jam ferè continuis praeliis luxatas vires numerocissimo exercitu adortus uberiorem triumphandi dedit materiam Cum ille in Campis Strattoniae in difficillimas licet angustias redactus inops militaris instrumenti consumpto jam pulvere tormentario armatos inermis vallo munitos intectus sola causa virtute animatus ita retudit concidit castris exuit ut totam belli molem cum ipsis authoribus profâ—…igavit Quicquid fugae illius residuum erat inter Urbis unius Moenia eaque arcta obsi deonâ—… astricta concluso Qua quidem pugna memorabili praeter quod miserum Popellum Jugo intolerabili levaverat Sedes suas expulsis Ecclesias Pastoribus Pacem omnibus Firmamentum Pacis obsequium pristinum restituerit Et jam sequenti armorum nostrorum faelicitati qua partes Regni Occidentales maturius ad officium verum Dominum redierunt viam aperuisse momentum ingens extitisse libentissime profitemur In hac opera lau dabili cum praefatus Radulphus perstet adhuc invicto animo industria indefessa nullo arduo quantumvis labore periculo excusatus cumque mille Argumentis testatum fecerit Honorem salutemque nostram sibi omni fortuna captio potiorem nos virum fortissimum optimeque affectum animum benigno studio prosequi amplius demereri volentes hunc praeconio merito ornandum propriori ad nos gradu extollendum censuimus Sciatis igitur nos de gratia nostra speciali 〈◊〉 ex certa scientia mero motu praefatum Radulphum Hopton ad statum gradum stilum Dignitatem Titulum Honorem Baronis Hopton de Stratton in Comitatu nostro Cornubiae c. In cujus rei testimonium has Literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes Teste meipso apud Oxon. Quarto die Septembris Anno Regni nostri decimo nono This Honour determined in this Lord dying Issuless at Bruges in Flanders since which time King Charles the second hath conferred the Title of Baron of Stratton on Sir John Berkeley younger Sonto Sir Maurice Berkeley of Bruiton in Somerset-shire This was he who was one of the first four Tetrarchs or Joint-managers in chief of Marshall matters in Cornwall this is he who was so highly Instrumentall in the reducing of Exeter being afterwards deservedly appointed the Governour How since he hath shared in his Majesties sufferings beyond the Seas is sufficiently known As for the generall disarming and disbanding of the Parliament Army in this County Anno 1644. It was a Conquest without a Battle on this occasion I have seen the Head bow down to take a Thorne out of the Foot Such the proportion of Cornwall to England and such was the Condescention of the King to come into this County Essex followed him with all his Forces till he pen'd himself in a narrow Place or rather large Pound so that he was surrounded on all Sides with the Sea and the Kings Souldiers Hereupon Essex with some prime Commanders shipped himself for Plimouth thence for London whither also their Horse forced their Passage without considerable loss under the Conduct of Sir William Belfore whom the Kings Horse did sequi non assequi follow but not overtake The Foot left behind submitted to the King on such conditions as are generally known His Majesty earnestly endeavouring by the Enemies own confession the exact observing of Articles which if some unruly Royalist did violate Souldiers will hardly wear bad Cloaths whilst their Foes being in their Power have better on their Backs it was not so much an Offering as returning of an Injury some of them having formerly felt the same Usage on the like occasion The Parliament Foot did not depose their Disaffections with their Armes soon resuming or rather retayning their former Principles which made them adde new Armes to their old inclinations in the second Battle at Newbury The Farewell Being now to part with this County I wish it all happiness and particularly that Flaws or Flaughs may either never come thither or quickly depart thence Which being a kind of English Hericano hath little civility therein as throwing down some houses more trees and making more waste with the blast thereof And may the same Divine Providence which is their 〈◊〉 be also Neptune unto it to secure this County from the fury of Water as well as from the fierceness of the Wind that their LIONESS may never get a LION unto it so to propagate Inundations betwixt them And now to wish an Honour to this Dutchy and therewith a happiness both to It and all England the strength of my weak prayers twisted with many Millions more proceeding from Loyall hearts in this Land shall never be wanting that God would be pleased to bestow a Duke of Cornwall of the loines of our Gracious Soveraign to be possessed of the vertues and to be Heir Apparent to the Lands of his Father A Duke presumed in Law to be of full age to all purposes and intents the first minute of his birth which happy minute God in due time send for the comfort of our Nation CUMBERLAND CUMBERLAND hath Scotland on the North Northumberland and Westmerland on the East Lancashire on the South and the Irishâ—… sea on the West It is not unlike a Half Moon in the form thereof which from its Tips North and South may be allowed to be somewhat more then 40. miles though East and West it spreadeth not above 26. miles The soyl though generally hard and exacting much toyl to improve it is pleasant with the Varieties and profitable with these Naturall Commodities Pearls These are found commonly by the river Irt where Mussels as
Egmund Leland for a reason immediately following nameth him William of Stamford but Egremont is the Orthography of his name from a small Market-town yet a Barony of the late Earls of Sussex in this Shire where he was born Quitting this cold Country he took his Progress into the South and fixing himself at Stamford became an Augustinian Eremite and proceeded Doctor of Divinity Going beyond the Seas he was by the Pope made Episcopus Pissinensiâ—… some poor pitifull Bishoprick so that one would scarce trouble himself to find it out to have the profit thereâ—…f and therewith held the Suffragane-ship under Henry Beaufort Bishop of Lincoln Indeed that voluminous Diocess a full fourth part of England before Eli Peterborough and Oxford were cantoned out of it required a Co-adjutor Many are the learned works written by him and seeing he is Doubly qualified I thought fitter to repose him under the Topick of Writers then of Prelates being confident that he got more credit by his Books then profit by his Bishoprick He flourished under King Richard the second anno 1390. JOHN SKELTON was a younger branch of the Skeltons of Skelton in this County I crave leave of the Reader hitherto not having full instructions and preserving the undoubted Title of this County unto him to defer his character to Norfolk where he was Beneficed at Diss therein Since the Reformation RICHARD CRAKENTHORP D. D. was descended of an Ancient Family in this County as appeareth by their frequent being Sheriffs thereof He was bred Fellow of Queens-colledge in Oxford and afterwards in the first of King James went over Chaplain to the Lord Evers sent Embassadour to the King of Denmark and other prime Princes of Germany Here by use he got an easiness in the Latine tongue and correspondency with several persons of eminent Learning He was an excellent Logiciaâ—… witness his work in that kind and became Chaplain in Ordinary to King James Rector of Black-Notley in Essex greater preferments expecting him had not his death prevented it Pliny observeth that Posthume Children born after the death of their Father and Caesars understand such who are cut out of the womb of their Mother prove very happy in success What reason soever Naturalists assign hereof Divines justly impute it to Gods goodness graciously remembring those Orphans which cannot remember their own Parents The Observation may be applyed to the Books of this worthy Doctor set forth after his death one called Vigilius Dormità ns in defence of the Emperour Justinian and a generall Councill held by him Anno 553. set forth by his Brother George Crakenthorp the other being an answer to the Manifesto of the Arch-bishop of Spalato set forth by that Learned Antiquary Dr. John Barkham and both of these Books finding an universall and gratefull reception among the Learned and Religious I cannot certainly fix the date of his death and be it here solemnly entred that Westmerland shall be unprejudiced if he were born as a most credible person hath informed me at NewBiggin in this County SALKELD was a branch of a Right Worshipfull Family in this County bred a Divine beyond the Seas but whether 〈◊〉 or Secular Priest I know not Coming over into England to Angle for Proselites it seems his Line broke and he was cast into prison Hence he was brought out and presented to K. James by whose Arguments and a Benefice bestowed on him in Somersetshire he became a Protestant This he used in all companies to boast of that he was a Royall Convert Nobisque dedit solatia victor And was it not a Noble thing Thus to be conquer'd by a King Indeed His Majesty in some of his works styleth him the Learned Salkeld which the other much vaunted of often telling it to such who well knew it before for fear they might forget it His preaching was none of the best and he retained some Popish though not Opinions Fancies to the day of his death I have heard much of his discourse more of his own praise then to his own praise in my judgement But his true character may be taken out of the Book he wrot of Angells He died about the year 1638. GERARD LANGBAIN D. D. was born at Kirk-Banton in this County bred first Fellow in then Provost of Queens-colledge in Oxford A skilfull Antiquary ingenious industrious and judicious in â—…is Writings as by his Works will appear Who so shall read over the History of thâ—… Councill of Trent translâ—…ted out of Italian by Sir Nathaniel Brent will conceive it so compleat a Narration of all the concernments in that Council that nothing of consequence can be added thereunto Yet this his mistake will be confuted by perusing the Works set forth by Doctor Langbain of the dissent of the Gallican Churches from severall conclusions in that Council As his Brain was the Mother of some so was it the Midwife to other good books which he procured to be published Especially a book made by Sir John Cheeke concerning Rebellion and Loyalty seasonably reprinted in the beginning of our Civil Wars But alas such then was the noise of mens Animosities that the Still voice of Truth could not be heard amongst them More Excellent Tracts were expected from him particularly an Edition of Brian Twine with Additions concerning the Antiquity of Oxford when God was pleased almost in the midst of his days to put an end to his life Anno 1657. Benefactors to the Publick ROBERT EAGLESFIELD born in this County was a pious and learned man according to the rate of that age Chaplain and Confessor to Philippa Queen to King Ed ward the third He founded a fair Colledge in Oxford by the name of Queens-colledge for a Provost and twelve Fellows whom he ordered to sit in the Hall in purpura and that they should be attended on more Curiali He appointed that those of Cumberland and Westmerland should be proper for perferment in his Foundation rendring this reason why he reflected most on those Northern Counties Propter insolitam vastitatem melioris literaturae infrequentiam But prevented by death he finished not his intentions leaving onely to the Colledge the Mannor of Renwick in this County with the impropriation of Burgh under Stanmore and which I assure you was considerable most excellent Statutes To shew himself both Courtier and Scholar he ordered that in the Hall they should speak either Latine or French He bequeathed his Colledge to the honorary Patronage of the Queens of England and his Sur-name is still extant in this County in persons of quality but how to him related to me unknown He dyed about the year of our Lord 1370. Memorable Persons MAUD the Daughter of Thomas Lord Lucy Sister and Heir of Anthony Lord Lucy and Baron of Cokermouth the Widow of Gilbert Humfrevile Earl of Angus was the second Wife of Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland Who when she saw that she should dye without Issue gave to Earl Henry her husband the Castle and Honour of
Bastenthwayt Mi. for 7 years Anno 13 Nul Titulus Comitis in hoc Rotulo Anno 14 Anno 15 Anno 16 Anno 17 Hen. de Malton Rob. le Brum Anno 18 Hen de Malton EDW. III. Anno 1 Pet. Tilloll Rob. Brun Anno 2 Anno 3 Pet Tilloll Anno 4 Rad. de Dacre Ranulphus for 6 years Anno 10 Ric. de Denton Anno 11 Anth. de Lucy Roul Vaux Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Anth. de Lucy Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Hug. de Moriceby Anth. de Lucy Anno 16 Idem Anno 17 Hug. de Moriceby Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Tho. de Lucy Hug. de Moriceby Anno 20 Idem Anno 21 Tho. de Lucy Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Idem Anno 24 Rich. de Denton Anno 25 Idem Anno 26 Hug. de Louthre Anno 27 Idem Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Nul Titulus Comitis in Rotulo Anno 30 Will. de Thirkeld Anno 31 Rob. Tillioll Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Will. de Lancaster Anno 34 Chri. de Moriceby Anno 35 Rob. de Tillioll Anno 36 Idem Anno 37 Chri. de Moriceby Anno 38 Idem Anno 39 Idem Anno 40 Idem Anno 41 Will. de Windesor Anno 42 Idem Anno 43 Adam Puinges Anno 44 Idem Anno 45 Idem Anno 46 Ioh. de Denton Anno 47 Rob. de Moubray Anno 48 Ioh. de Derwentwater Anno 49 Ioh. de Denton Anno 50 Ioh. de Derwentwater Anno 51 Ioh. Bruyn King Henry II. 21 ROBERTUS de VAUS Alias de Vaux or de Vallibus a right ancient name still extant in this County There is a Cross in the Church-yard of Beu-castle about twenty foot in height all of one square stone carved with the Armes of Vaux whence Master Cambden concludeth it though otherwise the inscription thereon not legible of their erection I behold this Robert as Father to John de Vallibus of whom Mathew Paris saith that he was one of those that muneribus excaecati à fidelitate quam Baronibus in commune juraverant recesserunt Blinded with bribes they went back from the some will say such breach no breach of fidelity which they had jointly sworn to the Barons Indeed the same Author reckoneth him amongst those whom he termeth Clarissimos milites on whose loyalty and valour King Henry the third relied The Lord Vaux of Harrowden in Northamptonshire doth hence fetch his Extraction King Henry III. 8 WALT. EPIS CARLIOL ROB. filius WILL. de HAMPTON This Walter Bishop of Carlile was he who commonly was called Male-Clerk English it as you please Bad-scholar or Clergy-man It seems to me a strange Transposition that Henry the first King of England should be termed Beau-Clerk a Good-scholar and our Walter a Bad One who was a Bishop in Orders However though Male-Clerk had he been Bon-Homme a Good-Man the matter had been much mended But I find little praise of his manners Indeed he was Lord Trea surer of England and found false both in Word and Deed avowing his Accounts even when he was justly charged with an hundred pound a summe in that age in the purse of a poor King debt to the Exchequer This cost him much molestation so that at last he resigned his Bishoprick which by my Author is beheld as no kindly act of mortification but that he came unjustly by his place and was afraid to lose though ashamed to keep it any longer He afterwards became a Friar at Oxford as if lacking learning in his Youth he would recover it in his Old Age where he dyed October 28. 1248. Edward II. 2 ANDREAS de HARCLA Had his latter end answered his beginning he might deservedly have been ranked amongst the Worthies of Westmerland where he was born at Harcla whereas now it shall suffice to make this oblique mention of him in this place He behaved himself right handsomely in the service of King Edward the second many years together especially at the battle of Borough-brigge where he killed Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and took Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster with many others of the Nobility prisoners and delivered them to the King In reward whereof he was Created in the 19. â—…ear of that King Earl of Carlile and had the Isle of Man bestow'd upon him Next year I know not upon what discontentment he fell into private confederacy with the Kings foes the Scots for which he was taken and condemned Now lest the Nobility of others should by secret sympathy suffer in his disgracefull death the Earl was first parted from the Man and his honour severed from his person by a solemn degradation having his knightly spurs hewed off from his heels which done he was hang'd drawn and quartered Sheriffs Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Io. Derwentwater  Ar. 2 barrs G. â—… a Canton of the second a Cinqsoile of the first 2 Wil de Stapleton*   3 Gilb. de Culwen †〈◊〉 Argent a Lion rampant Sable 4 Io. de DeweÌ„rwater ut prius †Arg. Frettee G. a Cheif Azure 5 Ama. Mounceaux   6 Rober. Parning   7 Ama. Mounceaux   8 Ioh. Therlwall   9 Ama. Mounceaux   10 Ioh. Therlwall   11 Pet. Tillioll   12 Ioh. Ireby  Aâ—…gent Frettee a Canton Sable 13 Rich. Redman  G. 3 Cussions Erm. buttoned and Tasselled Or. 14 Chri. Moriceby   15 Ioh. de Ireby ut prius  16 Tho. de Musgrave  Azure six Annulets Or. 17 Rich. Redman ut prius  18 Pet. Tiliot   19 Ioo de Ireby ut prius  20 Ricq Redman ut prius  21 Wil. Culwen ut prius  22 Rich. Redman ut prius  HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Will. Leigh   2 Will. Louther  Or. six Annuletes Sable 3 Rich. Redman Wil. Osmunderlaw ut prius Arg a Fess between 3 Martlets Sable 4 Pet. Tillioll   5 Idem   6 Râ—…ch Skelton  〈◊〉 Fess 〈◊〉 3 Flower de 〈◊〉 Or. 7 Will. Louther ut prius  8   9   10 Ioh. Delamore   11 Rob. Rodington   12 Rich. Redman m. ut prius  HEN. V.   Anno   1 Ia. Harington m.  Sable Frettee Argent 2 Will. Stapelton ut prius  3 Chri Culwen m. ut prius  4 Ioh. Lancaster  Arg. 2 Bars G. on a Canton of the same a Lion passant Or. 5 Wil. Osmunder law ut prius  6 Rob. Louther mi. ut prius  7 Ioh. Lamplough  Or 2 Cross floury Sable 8 Will. Stapilton ut prius  9 Will. Stapleton ut prius  Rich. Ratcliffe Darwentwater Arg. a Bend engrailed Sable HEN. VI.   Anno   1 Will. Leigh mil.   2 Chri. Gulwen m. ut prius  3 Chri. Moresby m.  Arg. a Cross S. in the
by the waters thereof Princes I find no Prince since the Conquest who saw his first light in this County probably because our English Kings never made any long residence therein Saints St. ALKMUND son to Alred King of Northumberland slain in a Battel on the behalf of Ethelmund Vice-Roy of Worcester pretending to recover Lands against Duke Wolstan who detained them was therefore reputed Saint and Martyr It would pose a good Scholar to clear his Title to the later who lost his life in a quarrel of civil concernment On which account in all Battels betwixt Christians such as are slain on one side may lay claim to Martyr-ship However it befriendeth his Memory that his body translated to Derby was believed to do miracles being there with great veneration interred in a Church called Saint Alkmunds on the right hand as Passengers from the South go over the Bridge whither the Northern people made many Pilgrimages till discomposed by the Reformation What relation Alkmundsbury a Town in Hantingdonshire hath unto Him is to me unknown Martyrs JOAN WAST was a blind Woman in the Town of Derbey and on that account the object of any mans Alms rather than the Subject of his cruelty Besides she was seemingly a silly Soul and indeed an Innocent though no Fool. And what saith our Saviour For judgement am I come into this world that they which see not might see and that they which see might be made blind This poor Woman had a clear apprehension of Gods Truth for the testimony whereof she was condemned and burnt at the Stake by the command of Bishop Baines who as he began with the Extreams Mistress Joyce Lewis one of the best and this Joan Wast one of the basest birth in his Diocess So no doubt had not Queen Mary died he would have made his cruelty meet in persons of a middle condition Cardinals ROGER CURSON was born saith my Author ex nobili quodam Anglorum genere of Worshipful English extraction Now I find none of his sirname out of this County except some branches lately thence derived but in the same two right ancient Families one formerly at Croxton whose heir general in our age was married to the Earl of Dorset the other still flourisheth at in this County which moves me to make this Roger a Native thereof Bred he was first a Scholar in Oxford then a Doctor in Paris and lastly a Cardinal in Rome by the Title of Saint Stephen in Mount Celius When the City of Damiata in Egypt was taken under John Brenn King of Jerusalem our Cardinal Curson was there accompanying Pelagius the Popes Cardinal He wrote many Books and came over into England as the Popes Legate in the raign of King Henry the third The certain time of his death is unknown PHILIP de REPINGDON took no doubt his name and birth from Repingdon commonly contracted and called Repton in this County and I question whether any other in England of the same name He was bred and commenced first Batchelor then Doctor of Divinity in Oxford where he became a great Champion and Assertor of the Doctrine of John VVickliff which caused him much trouble and many strict examinations But alas he became like the seed on stony ground which not having root in it self endured but for a while and withered away in persecution for he solemnly recanted his opinions Novemb. 24. Anno 1383. And to give the better assurance that he was a true Anti-VVickliffite from a Professor he became a persâ—…cutor and afterwards was termed Rampington by those poor people whom he so much molested Then preferment flowed in thick and threefold upon him from a Canon he became Abbot of Leicester and Anno 1400. he was made Chancellor of Oxford 1405. Bishop of Lincoln 1408. by Pope Gregory the twelfth he was created Cardinal of Saint Nerius and Achilleius though that Pope had solemnly sworn he would make no more Cardinals till the Schisme in Rome were ended The best is the Pope being Master of the Oath-Office may give himself a Pardon for his own perjury What moved this Repington willingly to resign his Bishoprick 1420. is to me unknown Prelates WILLIAM GRAY was son to the Lord Gray of Codnor in this County He suffered not his Parts to be depressed by his Nobility but to make his mind the more proportionable he endeavoured to render himself as able as he was honourable He studied first in Baliol Colledge in Oxford then at Ferrara in Italy where he for a long time heard the Lectures of Guarinus of Verona that accomplished Scholar No man was better acquainted with the method of the Court of Rome which made our King appoint him his Procurator therein It is hard to say whether Pope Nicholas the fifth or our King Henry the sixth contributed most to his free Election to the Bishoprick of Eely whilest it 〈◊〉 out of doubt his own deserts concurred most effectually thereunto He sate in that See twenty four years and wrote many Books which the envy of time hath denied to posterity Bishop Godwin by mistake maketh him Chancellor of England whereas indeed he was Lord Treasurer in the ninth of King Edward the fourth Anno 1469. Let me adde he was the last Clergy-man that ever discharged that Office until Bishop Juxton in our days was preferred thereunto He died Aug. 4. 1478. and lies buried between two Marble Pillars in his Church having bestowed much cost in the reparation of the famous Bellfrie thereof Since the Reformation GEORGE COOKE D. D. Brother to Sir John Cooke Secretary of State was born at Trusley in this County bred in Pembroke Hall in Cambridge Afterwards he was beneficed at Bigrave in Hertford-shire where a lean Village consisting of but three Houses maketh a fat Living Hence he was successively made Bishop of Bristol and Hereford A meek grave and quiet man much beloved of such who were subjected to his jurisdiction He was in the same condemnation with the rest of his Brethren for subscribing the PROTEST in Parliament in preservation of their Priviledges The times trod so heavily upon him that though he ever was a thrifty person they not onely bruised the Foot but brake the Body of his Estate so that he had felt want if not relieved by his rich relations dying about the year 1650. States-Men Sir JOHN COOKE younger Brother to Sir Francis Cooke was born at Trusley in the Hundred of Appletree in this County of ancient and Worshipful Parentage allied to the best Family in this County He was bred Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and being chosen Rhetorick Lecturer in the University grew eminent for his Ingenious and Critical Readings in that School on that Subject He then travailed beyond the Seas for some years returning thence rich in foraign Language Observations and Experience Being first related to Sir Fulk Grivell Lord Brook he was thence preferred to be Secretary of the Navy then Master of the
of King Edward the third whence and by whom collected to me unknown somewhat differing from this List now by us exemplified though I shall forbeare the nominating of them as sticking to the Catalogue communicated unto me out of the Pipe Office HENRY the Second 2. RICHARDUS COMES This is but a blind and lame Indication Richard the Earle not telling us whereof as if there had been but one English Earle Richard in that Age. Whereas there was Rich. Fitz-Gilbert Earle of Clare and Rich. de Ripariis or Rivers both flourishing at this Time But here the Letters of these must be meant who was Earl of this County the self same who married Avis Daughter and Heir of Reginald Earl of Cornwal the base Son of King Henry the first 27. WILLIELMUS BREWER His Mother unable to make the most Charitable Constructions to maintain cast him in Brewers whence he was so named or in a Bed of Brakes in New Forrest In him the words of David found performance When my Father and Mother forsake me the Lord taketh me up King Henry the Second riding to rousea Stag found this Child and caused him to be nursed and well brought up till he became a man and the Honour of all Foundlings a prime Favourite to King Henry and Richard the first made Baron of Odcomb and his Issue Male failing his large Inheritance was by Daughters derived to Breos Wake la Fort and Percy EDVVARD the Third 32. WILLIAM YOO. His family is still extant in this County in a worshipfull condition on the same token that they give for their Arms Argent a Cheveron Sable between three Turky-Cocks in their prideproper Let no over-critick causlesly cavill at this Coat as but a moderne bearing because Turky-Cocks came not into England till about the tenth year of the Reign of King Henry the eighth being here formerly shown as rareties though not fed on as Tablefoule till that time Besides Heraulds have ever assumed that priviledge to themselves to assigne for Arms both those Creatures which are found only in forraign Countries Leopards Tigers c. and those whose sole existence is in the fancie of Poets and Painters as a* Phenix Harpey and the like Sheriffs Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno.   1 Joh. Damerell Throwley  2 Joh. Fitzpayn  Or three Piles Azure 3 Joh. Strech   4 Wal. Corn  Arg. a Chevron betwixt 3 bugle horns Garnished Sab. 5 Ric. Champernoun Modberie Gules a Saltire varee betwixt 12 Billeis Ar. 6 Ric. Kendall  Argent a Cheveron betwixt 3 Dolphins Sable 7 Wil. de Hasthorpt   8 Ja. Chudleygh  Ermin three Lions Ramp Gu. 9 Ric. Whitiley  Azure on a bend Or 3 Torteauxes 10 Ric. Champernoun ut prius  11 John Pawlet  Sab. 3 Swords in pyle Ar. 12 Nic. Kerckham  Erm. 3 Lyons Ramp G. within a Border engrailed S. alias ar 13 Will. Bonevile VViscombe Sab. 6. Mullets Arg. Pierced Gules 14 Will. Carminow  Az. a Bend Or a Label of 3 points Gule 15 Joh. Greenvile Bediford Gules 3 Rests Or. 16 Tho. Rawleigh Rawleigh Gules à Bend Lozingee Arg. 17 Tho Brook   18 Will. Ferers  Arg. a bend Gu. on a chief Vertrect 2 Cinque foiles the field 19 VVil. Maleheâ—…b  Or a Cheveron Gules between 3 Nettle leaves proper 20 Tho. â—…everell  Gules a Fess Arg. betwixt six Crosses Patee Or. 21 VVill. Beaumont  Azure Seme Or Flower de lis a Lion Ramp Or 22   23   HEN. IV.   Anno.   1 Joh. Keynes   2 Tho. Pomeroy Pery Pom. Or. a Lion Rampant Gules 3 John Herle Miles Ilfarcombe Arg. a Fess Gules betwixt 3 Sheldrakes proper 4 John Keneys   5 John VVike Northwick  6 John Bâ—…vil Cornwal Arg. a Bul Passant G. armed and tripped Or. 7 John Cheâ—…eldon   8 Phil. Cole  Arg. a Bull passant Sab. armed Or within a border of the second Bezantee 9 Joh. Herle miles ut prius  10 Edwâ—… Pine  Gules a Cheveron Ermine be-between 3 pine Apples Or 11 VVill. Cheney Pineho Gules on a Fess of four Lozengies Arg. as many Escalops Sab. 12 Robert   13 Ric. Pomeroy ut prius  14 Ric. Peveril ut prius  HEN. V.   Anno.   1 Tho. Beaumond ut prius  2 Tho. Pomeroy ut prius Sab. Sixe Swallows in Pile Argent 3 Joh. Arundell Cornwall  4 Joh. Bevill ut prius  5 VVil. Talbot Talbotswick  6 Ste. Dumeford   7 Hug. Courtnay Powderham Or 3 Torteauxes 8 Tho. Beâ—…umont ut prius  9 Rob. Challons   10 Tho Beaumond ut prius  HEN. VI.   Anno. ut prius  1 Tho. Beaumond Sr. VVil. Bonvile ut prius  2 Ric. Hanckford   3 Tho Brook   4 VVil. Palton do Umberl  5 Joh. Bampâ—…yld Polmoâ—…e Or on a bend Gules 3 Mullets Arg. 6 Tho. Beaumond ut prius  7 Rob. Hill   8 la. Chudleigh ut prius  9 Ioh. Bozome  Argent 3 bolts Gulcs 10 Edw. Pemeroy ut prius  11 Edw. Pine ut prius  12 Ioh. Cheynede ut prius  13 Tho. Stowell  Gules A Cross Lozenges Argent 14 Rog. Champernoun ut prius  15 Tho. Beaumont ut prius  16 Tho. Arundell ut prius  17 Ja. Chudleigh ut prius  18 VVil. Beauchamp  Gules a Fess betwixt six Martlets Or. 19 Rob. Burton  Argent 3 palmer slaves in Fess Az. 20 VVil. VVadham SOMER Gules a Cheveron betwixt 3 Roses Arg. 21 Rich. Yeard YeardCol Arg. a Chev. G. beâ—…wixt 3 water-Bougâ—…ts of the 〈◊〉 22 Ioh. Cheny ut prius  23 Ioh. Bluet  Or. a Cheve 〈◊〉 â—… Eaglâ—…s displaied Gulâ—…s 24 Nic. Bâ—…oughton  Arg. a Chev. 〈◊〉 3 Mullets Gules 25 Hen. Fortescue  Azure a Bend Ingrailed Ar. 〈◊〉 Oâ—… 26 Th â—… Budeokshed St. Bâ—…deox Sa. 3 Loâ—…enges in Fes between 3 〈◊〉 â—…eads cabossed arg 27 Hugh 〈◊〉 Affeton 〈◊〉 3 Pears Or. 28 Jer. 〈◊〉 ut prius  29   30 〈◊〉 〈◊〉   31 Hen. 〈◊〉 ut prius  32 Iohn 〈◊〉 ut prius  33 Rich Hâ—…les  Arg. a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 Griffins Heads erased 〈◊〉 34 And. Hillingdon   35 Edw. Landford   36 John Nanâ—…an   37 Rich. Hales ut prius  38 Bald. Sutford Miles   39 John Dinham  Gul. 3 Fuâ—…ils in Fess within a Border 〈◊〉 40 Walt. Dennis Holcombe 〈◊〉 3 Battle-Axes Gules EDWARD IV.   Anno   1 John Cheney ut prius  2 Idem ut prius  3 John Chicheâ—…er  Checky Or and Gules a Chieâ—… varry 4 John Arundle ut prius  5 Christop Wolsey   6 Will. Dynis 〈◊〉 ut prius  7 Phil. Beaumont ut prius  8 Rich. Chichester ut prius
Perin in Cornwall The Angel Gabriel was very much beholding to him for instituting an Annual Festival unto Him observed as I humbly conceive only in his own Cathedral or own Diocesse at the most and least people shoâ—…ld complain of the dearnesse of their Devotion he left good Land to defray the cost of that Solemnity He is much blamed for compassing the Mannour of Bishops-Clift to his Church by indirect means to which I can say nothing but only observe that this small City within eighty Years did afford three eminent Prelates whereof two Episcopi in Patria the Natives thereof which will scarcely be paralell'd in any Place of the same proportion He died Anno 12. Writers JOSEPHUS ISCANUS was born at this City anciently called Isca from the River Isk now named Eske running thereby A golden Poâ—…t in a leaden Age so terse and elegant were his Conceipts and expressions This our English Maro had for his Mecenas Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury But I revoke my words and desire to turn Maro into Cornelius Nepos under whose name the Dutch-men have lately printed a Poem made by this Josephus debello Trojano It soundeth much to a Mans honour even to be mistaken for another Man of eminency for though there may be much of error in the mistake there must be something of truth in the error especially with the judicious Yea in such case a general conformity betwixt the Persons is not enough to build the mistake on without some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as here the affinity of phrase and fancy betwixt these two Poets This 〈◊〉 Nepos under whose name the Poems of this Josephus were printed flourished in the time of Tully Indeed I finde not any Poems made by him though having to that purpose perused all Scaliger de Arte 〈◊〉 as a most probable Authour But most sure it is that this Cornâ—…lius was most judicious in that Art because Valerius Catullus dedicated his Poem unto him as best able to pâ—…sse a learned censure thereon this Josephus Iscanus flourished under King John Anno 1210 being Arch-Bishop of Burdeaux I have nothing more to observe of him save what with the Readers pardon I cannot omit viz. that this Josephus alwayes minded me of another Josephus Iscanus I mean Joseph Hall lately Bishop of Exeter a witty Poet when young a painfull Preacher and solid Divine in his middle a patient Sufferer in his old age of whom God willing more in due place WILLIAM of Exeter was born in this City bred a Doctor of Divinity in Oxford and afterwards became 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 in the place of his nativity Now in his age fome Franciscan Friers so praised the perfectiou of Poverty that they touched the Popes Coppy-hold of Inheritance For if Poverty was so essential to Piety Papal pomp and plenty must needs argue prophaneness In confutation hereof this William of Exeter undertook William of Ockam though indeed impar congressus betwixt them for Exeter a fair City did not more exceed Ockam a smal village in Surrey in beauty and building than that Ockam William excelled this Exeter William in parts and Learning however what he wanted in brains he had in a good back to assist him and William of Exeter with John the three and twentieth Pope of Rome was able to undertake any Authour of that age He flourished in the Year of our Lord 1330. under the Raign of King Edward the third Since the Reformation RICHARD MARTYN was born in this City and bred partly in the Court partly in the Inns of Court and at last â—…etook himself to the Study of the Law He was accounted one of the highest Witts of our Age and his Nation King James being much delighted with his facetiousnesse a quality which with other of his Abilities commended him to be chosen Recorder of London He is eminent as for many Speeches so especially for that he made in Parliament in the tenth year of King James when account was taken of Forty Gentlemen in the House which were not twenty and some of them not sixteen years of age Formerly said this Râ—…order Martyn it was the custome of Old men to make Lawes for Young ones But now Nature is invaded and inverted seeing Young men enact Lawes to govern their Fathers He had an excellent Pen and wrote very much and the more the pitty that they are suppressed from publick use his death happened about the year 1616. WILLIAM MARTIN Kinsman to the aforesaid Recorder was born in this City and bred a Student in the Lawes of the Land He wrote a short and clear of the Kings of England since the conquest I have been credlbly informed that King James took some exceptions at a Passage therein sounding either to the derogation of his own Family or of the Scotch Nation which he took so tenderly that Mr. Martin was brought into trouble for the same and though he wethered out the Kings displeasure and was reconciled to his Majesty yet he never râ—…covered his former chearfulnesse It seems that a Princes Anger is a disease which though cured is not cured grief for the same being conceived to hasten his death which happened about the year 1616. WILLIAM TUCKER was born in this City bred fellow of New-Colledge in Oxford and after became Doctor in Divinity Canon of Sarisbury Arch-deacon of Barnstable and Dean of Lichfield The purity of his Latine Pen procured his preferment writing and dedicating a Book to Queen Elizabeth de Charismate of our Kings of England their gracious healing the Evil being the best that I have seen on that Subject vindicating such cures from all imposture unlawfull Magick and from some French Writers bold usurpations who lay claim to it as originally belonging to their Kings alone Whereas under correction I conceive that the word Soveraign which properly importeth the Supream Majesty doth also in our English Tongue in a secondary sence signiâ—…ie what is cordial to cure and heal Diseases or sores ever since such sanative power hath been annexed to the Crown of England This Doctor may be said to have worn half a Miter seeing his Congee de-lire was signed if not sent to elect him Bishop of Glocester but afterwards by Order fâ—…om King James it was revoked on what occasion I list not to enquire I conjecture the date of his death was much about the Year 1617. JOHN BARKHAM born in this City was bred in Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford whereof he was Fellow Chaplain afterwards to Archbishop Bancroft and Parson of Bocking in Essex Much his Modesty and no lesse his Learning who though never the publique Parent of any was the carefull Nurse of many Books who otherwise had expired in their Infancy had not his care preserved them He set forth D. Crackenchorp his Posthume Book against Spalato and was helpfull to John Speed in the composing of his English History yea he wrote the whole Life of the Raign of King John which is the King of all the
She was youngest Daughter and Child to Ralph Earl of Westmerland who had one and twenty and exceeded her Sisters in honour being married to Richard Duke of York She saw her Husband kill'd in battel George Duke of Clarence her second Son cruelly murdered Edward her eldest son cut off by his own intemperance in the prime of his years his two sons butchered by their Uncle Richard who himself not long after was slain at the bartel of Bosworth She was blessed with three Sons who lived to have issue each born in a several Kingdom Edward at Bourdeaux in France George at Dublin in Ireland Richard at Fotheringhay in England She saw her own reputation murdered publickly at Pâ—…uls-Cross by the procurement of her youngest son Richard taxing his eldest Brother for illegitimate She beheld her eldest Son Edward King of England and enriched with a numerous posterity  Yet our Chronicles do not charge her with elation in her good or dejection in her ill success an argument of an even and steady soul in all alterations Indeed she survived to see Elizabeth her grand child married to King Henry the seventh but little comfort accrued to her by that conjunction the party of the Yorkists were so depressed by him She lived five and thirty years a widow and died in the tenth year of King Henry the seventh 1495. and was buried by her Husband in the Quire of the Collegiate Church of Fotheringhay in Northampton-shire which Quire being demolished in the days of King Henry the eighth their bodies lay in the Church-yard without any Monument until Queen Elizabeth coming thither in Progress gave order that they should be interred in the Church and two Tombs to be erected over them Hereupon their bodies lapped in Lead were removed from their plain Graves and their Coffins opened The Duchess Cicely had about her neck hanging in a Silver Ribband a Pardon from Rome which penned in a very fine Roman Hand was as fair and fresh to be read as if it had been written but yesterday But alas most mean are their Monuments made of Plaister wrought with a Trowell and no doubt there was much daubing therein the Queen paying for a Tomb proportionable to their Personages The best is the memory of this Cicely hath a better and more lasting Monument who was a bountiful Benefactress to Queens Colledge in Cambridge Saints BEDE And because some Nations measure the worth of the person by the length of the name take his addition Venerable He was born at Girwy now called Yarrow in this Bishoprick bred under Saint John of Beverly and afterwards a Monk in the Town of his Nativity He was the most general Scholar of that age Let a Sophister begin with his Axioms a Batchelor of Art proceed to his Metaphysicks a Master to his Mathematicks and a Divine conclude with his Controversies and Comments on Scripture and they shall find him better in all than any Christian Writer in that age in any of those Arts and Sciences He expounded almost all the Bible translated the Psalms and New Testament into English and lived a Comment on those Words of the * Apostle shining as a light in the world in the midst of a crooked and perverse Generation He was no gadder abroad credible Authors avouching that he never went out of his Cell though both Cambridge and Rome pretend to his habitation Yet his Corps after his death which happened Anno 734. took a journey or rather were removed to Durham and there enshrined Confessors JOHN WICKLIFFE It is a great honour to this small County that it produced the last maintainer of Religion before the general decay thereof understand me Learned Bede and the firm restorer thereof I mean this Wickliff the subject of our present discourse True it is His Nativity cannot be demonstrated in this Bishoprick but if such a scientia media might be allowed to man which is beneath certainty and above conjecture such should I call our perswasion that Wickliff was born therein First all confess him a Northern man by extraction Secondly the Antiquary allows an ancient Family of the Wickliffs in this County whose Heir general by her match brought much wealth and honour to the Brakenburies of Celaby Thirdly there are at this day in these parts of the name and alliance who continue a just claim of their kindred unto him Now he was bred in Oxford some say in Baliol others more truly in Merton Colledge and afterwards published opinions distasteful to the Church of Rome writing no fewer than two hundred Volumns of all which largely in our Ecclesiastical History besides his translating of the whole Bible into English He suffered much persecution from the Popish Clergy Yet after long exile he by the favour of God and good Friends returned in safety and died in quietness at his living at Lutterworth in Leicestershire Anno 1387. the last of December whose bones were taken up and burnt 42. years after his death Disdain not Reader to learn something by my mistake I conceive that Mr. Fox in his Acts and Monuments had entred the Names of our English Martyrs and Confessors in his Kalender on that very day whereon they died Since I observe he observeth a Method of his own fancy concealing the reasons thereof to himself as on the perusing of his Catalogue will appear Thus VVickliff dying December the last is by him placed January the second probably out of a design to grace the new year with a good beginning though it had been more true and in my weak judgement as honourable for VVickliff to have brought up the rear of the old as to lead the front of the new year in his Kalender Prelates The Nevills We will begin with a Quaternion of Nevils presenting them in Parallels and giving them their Precedency before other Prelates some their Seniors in time because of their Honourable Extraction All four were born in this Bishoprick as I am informed by my worthy Friend Mr. Charles Nevil Vice-Provost of Kings in Cambridge one as knowing 〈◊〉 Universal Heraldry as in his own Colledge in our English Nobility as in his own Chamber in the ancient fair and far branched Family of the Nevils as in his own Study RALPH NEVIL was born at Raby in this Bishoprick was Lord Chancellour under King Henry the third none discharging that Office with greater integrity and more general commendation and Bishop of Chichester 1223. He built a fair House from the ground in Chancery Lane for himselfe and successors for an Inne where they might repose themselves when their occasions brought them up to London How this House was afterwards aliened and came into the possession of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln from whom it is called Lincolns Inne at this day I know not Sure I am that Mr. Mountague late Bishop of Chichester intended to lay claim therunto in right of his see But alas he was likely to follow a cold scent
after so many years distance and a colder suit being to encounter a Corporation of Learned Lawyers so long in the peaceable possession thereof Bishop Nevil was afterwards canonically chosen by the Monks and confirmed hy King Henry the third Arch-bishop of Canterbury being so far from rejoycing thereat that he never gave any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or reward for their good news to the two Monks which brought him tidings nor would allow any thing toward the discharging their costly journey to Rome foreseeing perchance that the Pope would stop his Consecration For some informed his Holiness that this Ralph was a Prelate of High Birth haughty Stomach great Courtship gracious with the King and a person probable to disswade him from paying the Pension promised by his Father K. Iohn to the Court of Rome then no wonder if his Consecration was stopped theron But was it not both an honor happiness to our Nevil thus to be crost with the hands of his Holiness himself yea it seems that no Crosier save only that of Chichester would fit his hand being afterwards elected Bish. of Winchester then obstructed by the K. who formerly so highly favor'd him He built a Chappell without the east gate of Chichester dedicated to S. Michael and having merited much of his own Cathedral died at London 1244. ALEX. NEVIL third Son of Ralph Lord Nevil was born at Raby became first Canon then Arch-Bishop of York where he beautified and fortified the Castle of Cawood with many Turrets He was highly in Honour with King Richard the second as much in hatred with the party opposing him These designed to imprison him putting Prelates to death not yet in fashion in the Castle of Rochester had not our Alexander prevented them by his flight to Pope Urban to Rome who partly out of pity that he might have something for his support and more out of policy that York might be in his own disposal upon the removal of this Arch-Bishop translated him to Saint Andrews in Scotland and so dismissed him with his Benediction Wonder not that this Nevil was loth to go out of the Popes blessing into a cold Sun who could not accept this his new Arch Bishoprick in point of credit profit or safety 1. Credit For this his translation was a Post-Ferment seeing the Arch-Bishoprick of Saint Andrews was subjected in that age unto York 2. Profit The Revenues being far worse than those of York 3. Safety Scotland then bearing an Antipathy to all English and especially to the Nevils redoubted for their victorious valour in those northern parts and being in open hostility against them Indeed half a loaf is better than no bread but this his new translation was rather a stone than half a loaf not filling his Belly yet breaking his Teeth if feeding thereon This made him preferre the Pastorall Charge of a Parish Church in Lovaine before his Arch-noBishoprick where he died in the fifth year of his Exile and was buried there in the Convent of the Carmelites ROB. NEVIL sixth Son of Ralph first Earl of Westmerland by Joane his second VVife Daughter of Iohn of Gaunt bred in the University of Oxford and Provost of Beverly was preferred Bishop of Sarisbury in the sixth of King Henry the sixth 1427. During his continuance therein he was principal Founder of a Convent at Sunning in Berkshire anciently the Bishops See of that Diocess valued at the dissolution saith Bishop Godwin at 682 l. 14 s. 7 d. ob which I rather observe because the estimation thereof is omitted in my and I suspect all other Speeds Catalogue of Religious Houses From Sarisbury he was translated to Durham where he built a place called the Exchequer at the Castle gate and gave in allusion of his two Bishopricks which he successively enjoyed two Annulets innected in his Paternal Coat He died Anno Dom. 1457. GEO. NEVIL fourth Son of Rich. Nevil Earl of Salisbury was born at Midleham in this Bishoprick bred in Baliol Colledge in Oxford consecrated Bishop of Exeter when he was not as yet twenty years of age so that in the race not of age but youth he clearly beat Tho. Arundel who at twenty two was made Bishop of Ely Some say this was contrary not only to the Canon Law but Canonical Scripture S. Paul forbidding such a Neophyte or Novice admission into that Office as if because Rich. the make-King Earl of Warwick was in a manner above Law this his Brother also must be above Canons His Friends do plead that Nobility and Ability supplyed age in him seeing five years after at 25. he was made Lord Chancellor of England and discharged it to his great commendation He was afterwards made Arch-bishop of York famous for the prodigious Feast at his Installing wherein besides Flesh Fish and Fowle so many strange Dishes of Gellies And yet amongst all this service I meet not with these two But the inverted Proverb found truth in him One GluttonMeal makes many hungry ones for some years after falling into the displeasure of King Edward the fourth he was flenderly dyetted not to say famished in the Castle of Calis and being at last restored by the Intercession of his Friends died heart-broken at Blyth and was buried in the Cathedral of York 1476. Besides these there was another Nevil Brother to Alexander aforesaid chosen Bishop of Ely but death or some other intervening accident hindered his Consecration Since the Reformation ROBERT HORN was born in this Bishoprick bred in Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge Going thence under the raign of King Edward the sixth he was advanced Dean of Durham In the Marian days he fled into Germany and fixing at Frankford became the head of the Episcopal party as in my Ecclesiastical History at large doth appear Returning into England he was made Bishop of VVinchester Feb. 16. 1560. A worthy man but constantly ground betwixt two opposite parties Papists and Sectaries Both of these in their Pamphlets sported with his name as hard in Nature and crooked in Conditions not being pleased to take notice how Horn in Scripture importeth Power Preferment and Safety both twitted his person as dwarfish and deformed to which I can say nothing none alive remembring him save that such taunts though commonly called ad Hominem are indeed ad Deum and though shot at Man does glance at Him who made us and not we our selves Besides it shews their malice runs low for might though high for spight who carp at the Case when they cannot find fault with the Jewel For my part I mind not the Mould wherein but the Metal whereof he was made and lissen to Mr. Cambden his Character of him Valido foecundo ingenio of a sprightful and fruitful wit He died in Southwark June 1. 1589. and lyeth buried in his own Cathedral near to the Pulpit And now Reader I crave leave to present thee with the Character of one who I confess falls not under my Pen
Gospell He was a Zacheus for his Stature and with him tall in Piety and Charity He moved King Alfred to found or restore the University of Oxford on which account his memory is sacred to all posterity He died Anno Dom. 883. whose body was buried by one Barry his Scholar in Eynsebury since St. Neots in Huntington-shire and some say was afterwards removed to the Abby of Crouland Martyrs Of the forty four Martyrs in this Shire Three were most Remarkable 1. JOHN LAURENCE who at the Stake was permitted a Posture peculiar to himself For being so infeebled with long durance and hard usage that he could not stand he had a Chair allowed him and had the painfull ease to sit therein Nor must we forget how little Children being about the fire Câ—…ied unto him God strengthen you God strengthen you which was beheld as a product of his providence who out of the mouth of Babes and Sucklings ordained Strength as also it evidenced their Pious Education To say Hosanna is as soon learnt by children as go up thou Bald head if it be as surely taught unto them 2. THOMAS HAWKES Gentleman first brought into trouble for refusing to Christen his Child after the Popish fashion This man going to the Stake promised his friends to give them some solemn token of the clearness and comfort of his Conscience In performance where of whilst his body was burning he raised up himself and though having the sence having no fear of the Fire joyfully clapp'd his hands over his head to the admiration of all the beholders 3. ROSE ALLIN a Virgin who being in her Calling fetching Beer for her Bedrid Mother was intercepted by Justice or rather un-justice Tyrrell who with a Candle most cruelly burnt her wrists which her Fire-proof patience most constantly endured What was said of the Roman scaevola when he burnt his hand before Porcenna is more appliable to this Maid Manum amisit sed Palmam retinuit Tyrrell did this meerly by the Law of his List otherwise no statute except written on the back-side of the book did authorize him for so Tyrannicall an act Some days after the fire which here took Livery and seisin of her hand brought her whole body into the possession thereof Confessors RICHARD GEORGE Labourer of West-Barfold is most eminent amongst the many Confessors in this Shire For he had successively three wives whereof two were burnt and the third imprisoned for Religion viz. 1. Agnes George burnt at Stratford-Bow June 27. 1556. 2. Christian George burnt at Colchester May 26. 1558. 3. ........... George imprisoned in Colchester and escap'd by Queen Maries death Novemb. 17. 1558. Some who consult the dates of his wives deaths will condemn him for over-speedy marriage and the appetite to a new wife is not comely before the grief for the former be well digested Such consider not that their glorious death in so good a cause was the subject rather of his joy then grief and that being necessitated for his children sake to marry he was carefull as it appears to marry in the Lord. Nor did he thrust his wives into the fire and shrink back from the flames himself who being imprisoned in Colchester had followed his two first and gone along with his last to the Stake had not Divine Providence by Queen Maries death prevented it Cardinalls THOMAS BOURCHIER was son to Sir William Bourchier who though but an English Knight was a French Earl of Ewe in Normandy Created by King Henry the fifth and had a great estate in this County with many Mansion-houses Hawsted being the place of their principall residence where I presume this Prelate was born He was bred in the University of Oxford whereof he was Chancellour 1454. Dean of Saint Martins then successively Bishop of Worcester Ely Arch-bishop of Caâ—…terbury and Cardinall by the title of Saint Cyriacus in the Baths A Prelate besides his high birth aforesaid and brotherhood to Henry Bourchier first Earl of Essex of that Surname remarkable on many accounts First for his vivacity being an old man and proportionably an older Bishop 1. Being consecrated Bishop of Worcester 1435. the fourteenth of Henry the sixth 2. Dying Arch-bishop of Canterbury 1486. the second of K. Henry the seventh Whereby it appeareth that he wore a Mitre full fifty one years a term not to be paralleld in any other person Secondly he saw strange revolutions in State the Civil-wars between Lancaster and York begun continued and concluded For though Bishop Morton had the happiness to make the match Arch-bishop Bourchier had the honour to marry King Henry the seventh to the Daughter of King Edward the fourth so that his hand first solemnly held that sweet posie wherein the White and Red Roses were tied together Thirdly for his wary compliance that he lost not himself in the labyrinth of such intricate times applying himself politiquely to the present predominant power However it may be said of him Praestitit hic Praesul nil tanto sanguine munere tempore dignum He left no monument to posterity proportionable what was an hundred pounds and a chest given to Cambridge to his great blood rich place and long continuance therein But this my Author imputeth unto the troublesomeness of the times seeing peace was no sooner setled and the land began to live but he died March 30. 1486. I know not what generous planet had then influence on the Court of Rome this I know that England never saw such a concurrence of noble Prelates who as they were Peers by their places were little less by their descent I behold their birth a good buttress of Episcopacy in that age able in Parliament to check and crush any Antiprelaticall project by their own relations But let us count how many were contemporaries with Thomas Bourchier from his first consecration at Worcester till the day of his death John Stafford son to the Earl of Stafford Arch-bishop of Canterbury Robert Fitz-Hugh Bishop of London Henry Beauford son to John Duke of Lancaster Bishop of Winchester William Gray son to the Lord Gray of Codnor Bishop of Ely Marmaduke Lumley extracted from the Lord Lumley Bishop of Lincoln Richard Beauchamp brother to the L. Saint Amand Bishop of Sarum Lionel Woodvile son to the Earl of Rivers Bishop of Sarum Peter Courtney extracted from the Earls of Devon Bishop of Exeter Richard Courtnee of the same extraction Bishop of Norwich John Zouch descended of the Lord Zouch Bishop of Landaffe George Novile brother to the make-Make-King Earl of Warwick Arch-bishop of York William Dudley son to the Lord Dudley Bishop of Durham William Piercy son to the Earl of Northumberland Bishop of Carlile But after the death of Bourchier I meet with but three Bishops of noble extraction viz. James Stanley Edmond Audley and Cardinall Pole However they were though of lower image of no less learning and religion Prelates RICHARD de BARKING took his name according to the Clergy-mens
Heraldry in that age from that well noted Town in this County In process of time he became Abâ—…ot of Westminster for twenty four years He was so high in favour with King Hâ—…nry the third that he made him one ' of his speciall Councellours Chief Baron of the Exchequer â—…nd for a short time Lord Treasurer of England He died Anno. 1246. buried in Westminster-Church whose marble tombe before the middle of the Altar was afterwards pulled down probably because taking up too much room by Frier Combe Sacriâ—…t of the House who laid a plain marble stone over him with an Epitaph too tedious and barbarous to be transcribed JOHN de CHESILL There are two Villages so called in this County where the North-west corner thereof closeth with Cambridge-shire I will not define in which this John was born time having left us nothing of his actions saving the many preferments thorough which he passed being Dean of Saint Pauls successively Arch-Deacon and Bishop of London and twice Chancellor of England viz. Anno Domini 1264. in the 48. of King Henry the third viz. Anno Domini 1268. in the 53. of King Henry the third He was afterward also Lord Treasurer of England and died Anno Domini 1279. in the seventh year of the raign of King Edward the first JOHN of WALTHAM was so named from the place of his nativity and attained to be a prudent man and most expert in government of the State so that he became Master of the Rolls Keeper of the Privy Seal and Anno 1388. was consecrated Bishop of Salisbury But he miss'd his mark and met with one who both matched and mastered him when refusing to be visited by Courtney Arch-bishop of Canterbury on the criticisme that Pope Urbane the sixth who granted Courtney his Commission was lately dead till the Arch-bishop excommunicated him into more knowledge and humility teaching him that his Visitations had a self-support without assistance of Papal power cast in onely by the way of religious complement This John of Waltham was afterwards made Lord Treasurer and Richard the second had such an affection for him that dying in his Office he caused him to be buried though many muttered thereat amongst the Kings and next to King Edward the first in Westminster His death happened 1395. ROGER WALDEN taking his Name from his Birth in that Eminent Market-Town in this County was as considerable as any man in his Age for the alternation of his fortune First he was the son of a poor man yet by his Industry and Ability attained to be Dean of York Treasurer of Calis Secretary to the King and Treasurer of England Afterwards when Thomas Arundell Arch-bishop of Canterbury fell into the disfavour of King Richard the second and was banished the land this Roger was by the King made Arch-bishop of Canterbury and acted to all purposes and intents calling of Synods and discharging of all other offices However he is beheld as a Cypher in that See because holding it by Sequestration whilst Arandell the true Incumbent was alive who returning in the first of King Henry the fourth resumed his Arch-Bishoprick And now Roger Walden was reduced to Roger Walden and as poor as at his first beginning For though all maintained that the Character of a Bishop was indelable this Roger found that a Bishoprick was delable having nothing whereon to subsist untill Arch-bishop Arundell nobly reflecting upon his Worth or Want or Both procured him to be made Bishop of London But he enjoyed that place onely so long as to be a testimony to all posterity of Arundell his Civility unto him dying before the year was expired 1404. He may be compared to one so Jaw-fallen with over long â—…asting thaâ—…â—…e cannot eat meat when brought unto him and his spirits were so depressed with his former ill fortunes that he could not enjoy himself in his new unexpected happiness Why he was buried rather in Saint Bartholomews in Smithfiâ—…ld then his own Cathedrall Church is too hard for me to resolve Since the Reformation RICHARD HOWLAND was born at Newport-Pâ—…nds in this County first Hellow of Peterhouse then chosen 1575. Master of Magdalen and next year Master of Saint Johns-Colledge in Cambridge He was twice Vice-chancellor of the University in the year 1584. he was Consecrated Bishop of Peterborough in which place he continued sixteen years and died in June 1600. JOHN JEGON was born in this County at Coxhall Fellow first of Queens then Master of Bennet-colledge in Cambridge and three times Vice-chancellour of the University A most serious man and grave governour yet withall of a most faceâ—…ious disposition so that it was hard to say whether his counsel was more grateful for the soundness oâ—… his company more acceptable for the pleasâ—…ess thereof Take one eminent instance of his â—…genuity Whilst Master of the Colledge he chanced to punish all the Under-graduates therein for some generall offence and the penalty was put upon their Heads in the Buttery And because that he disdained to convert the money to any private use it was expended in new whiteing the Hall of the Colledge Whereupon a scholar hung up these verses on the Skreen Doctor Jegon Bennet-colledge Master Brake the Scholars head and gave the walls a plaister But the Doctor had not the readiness of his parts any whit impaired by his age for perusing the paper ex tempore he subscribed Knew I but the Wagg that writ these verses in a Bravery I would commend him for his Wit but whip him for his Knavery Queen Elizabeth designed him but King James confirmed him Bishop of Norwich where if some in his Diocess have since bestowed harsh language on his memory the wonder is not great seeing he was a somewhat severe presser of Conformity and dyed Anno Domini 1618. SAMUEL HARESNET was born at Colchester in the Parish of Saint Butolph bred first Scholar then Fellow then Master of Pembrock-hall in Cambridge A man of grâ—…t learning strong parts and stout spirit He was Bishop first of Chichester then of Norwich and at last Arch-bishop of York and one of the Privy Councill of King Charles the 2. last dignities being procured by Thomas Earl of Arundell who much favoured him and committed his younger son to his Education Dying unmarried he was the better enabled for Publick and Pious uses and at Chigwell in this County the place of his first Church-preferment he built and endowed a fair Grammer School He conditionally bequeathed his Library to Colchester where he was born as by this passage in his Will may appear Item I give to the Bayliffs and Corporation of the Town of Colchester all my Library of Books provided that they provide a decent room to set them up in that the Clergy of the Town of Colchester and other Divines may have free access for the reading and studying of them I presume the Town corresponding with his desire the Legacy took due effect
command and render themselves absolute because wanting an interest in alliances and relations Thus a single Stake if occasion serves is sooner plucked up then a tree fastned to the earth with the many fibrae appendant to the root thereof Great the gratitude of the State of Florence to this their Generall Hawkewood who in testimony of his surpassing valour and singular faithfull service to their State adorned him with the Statue of a man of armes and sumptuous Monument wherein his ashes remain honoured at this present day Well it is that Monument doth remain seeing his Coenotaph or honorary tombe which sometimes stood in the Parish Church of Sible-heningham arched over and in allusion to his name berebussed with Hawkes flying into a Wood is now quite flown away and abolished This Sir John Hawkewood married Domnia daughter of Barnaby the warlike brother of Galeasius Lord of Millain father to John the first Duke of Mallain by whom he had a son named John born in Italy made Knight and naturalized in the seventh year of King Henry the fourth as appeareth by the Record Johannes filius Johannis Haukewood Miles natus in partibus Italiae factus indigena Ann. 8. Hen. 4. mater ejus nata in partibus transmarinis This valiant Knight dyed very aged Anno 1394. in the eighteenth of King Richard the second his friends founding two Chantreys to pray for his and the souls of John Oliver and Thomas Newenton Esquires his military companions and which probably may be presumed born in the same County THOMAS RATCLIFF Lord Fitz-walter second Earl of Sussex of that Surname twice Lord Deputy of Ireland was a most valiant Gentleman By his prudence he caused that Actuall Rebellion brake not out in Ireland and no wonder if in his time it Rained not war there seeing his diligence dispersed the clouds before they could gather together Thus he who cures a disease may be the skilfubest but he that prevents it is the safest Physician Queen Elizâ—…beth called him home to be her Lord Chamberlain and a constant Court faction was maintained betwixt him and Robert Earl of Leicester so that the 〈◊〉 and the Leicesterians divided the Court whilst the 〈◊〉 as neuters did look upon them Sussex had a great Estate left him by his Ancestors Leicester as great given or restor'd 〈◊〉 by the Queen 〈◊〉 was the honesâ—… man and greater Souldier 〈◊〉 the more faceit 〈◊〉 and deep Politician not for the generall good but his particular profit Great the 〈◊〉 betwixt them and what in vain the Queen endeavoured death performed taking this Earl away and so the competition was 〈◊〉 New-Hall in this County was the place if not as I believe of his Birth of his principall Habitation He dyed .... ... And lyeth buried in the Church of Saint Olives Hartstreet London Sir FRANCIS and Sir HORACE VERE sons of Geffrey Vere Esquire who was son of John Vere the 〈◊〉 Earl of Oxford were both born in this County though severall places Heâ—…ngham Castle Colchester Tilbury juxta clare be by sundry men assigned for their Nativity We will first consider them severally and then compare them together Sir FRANCIS was of a fiery spirit and rigid nature undaunted in all dangers not over valuing the price of mens lives to purchase a victory therewith He served on the Scaene of all Christendome where war was acted One masterpiece of his valour was at the Battle of Newport when his Ragged Regiment so were the English then called from their ragged Cloths help'd to make all whole or else all had been lost Another was when for three years he defended Ostend against a strong and numerous Army surrendering it at last a bare skeliton to the King of Spain who paid more years purchase for it then probably the world will endure He dyed in the beginning of the raign of King James about the year of our Lord 16 ... Sir HORACE had more meekness and as much valour as his Brother so pious that he first made his peace with God before he went out to war with man One of an excellent temper it being true of him what is said of the Caspian Sea that it doth never 〈◊〉 nor Flow observing a constant Tenor neither 〈◊〉 nor depressed with success Had one seen him râ—…turning from a victory he would by his silence have suspected that he had lost the day and had he beheld him in a retreat he would have collected him a Conqueror by the chearfulness of his spirit He was the first Baron of King Charles his Creation Some years after coming to Court he fell suddenly sick and speechless so that he dyed before night Anno Domini 163. No doubt he was well prepared for death seeing such his vigilancy that never any Enemy surprised him in his quarters Now to compare them together such their Eminency that they would hardly be parallell'd by any but themselves Sir Francis was the elder Brother Sir Horace lived to be the older man Sir Francis was more feared Sir Horace more loved by the Souldiery The former in Martiall discipline was oftimes Rigidus ad ruinaâ—… The later seldome exceeded Adterrorem Sir Francis left none Sir Horace no Male issue whose four Co-heirs are since matched into Honorable families Both lived in War much Honored dyed in Peace much Lamented HENRY VERE was son of Edward Vere the seventeenth Earl of Oxford and Anne Trentham his Lady whose principall habitation the rest of his patrimony being then wasted was at Heningham Castle in this County A vigorous Gentleman full of courage and resolution and the last Lord Chamberlain of England of this Family His sturdy nature would not bow to Court-Compliants who would maintain what he spake spake what he thought think what he apprehended true and just though sometimes dangerous and distastefull Once he came into Court with a great Milk-white Feather about his hat which then was somewhat unusuall save that a person of his merit might make a fashion The Reader may guess the Lord who said unto him in some jeer My 〈◊〉 you weare a very fair feather it is true said the Earl and if you mark it there 's â—…e'r a Tâ—…int in it Indeed his family was ever Loyall to the Crown deserving their Motto VERO NIL VERIUS Going over one of the four Engish Colonells into the Low Countries and endeavouring to raise the Siedge of Bxeda he so over-heat himself with Marching Fighting and Vexing the design not succeeding that he dyed few days after Anno Domini 16 ... He married Diana one of the Co-heirs of William Earl of Exeter afterwards married to Edward Eaâ—…l of Elgin by whom he left no issue Physicians WILLIAM GILâ—…T was born in Trinity Parish in Colchester his Father being a Counsellour of great Esteem in his Profession who first removed his family thither from Clare in Suffolk where they had resided in a Gentile Equipage some Centuries of Years He had saith my informer the Clearness of Venice Glass
for his soul anâ—… the souls of his Relations within six weeks after his discease willing also that every Priest in Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge should have a share of that money c. He made Elizabeth his Wife and others his Executors the Earl of Essex the Lord Dinham Thomas Mountgomery Thomas Terryll supervisors of his Will beseeching them to help his Son Thomas and all his children He willed the Earl of Essex and the Lord Dinham should have a Butt of Malmsy Sir Thomas Mountgomery and Sir Thomas Terryll a Pipe of Red wine for their pains Thomas Darcy his son Esquire of the body to King Henry the sixth and Edward the fourth married Margaret one of the Dâ—…ughters and Heirs of John Harelton of Suffolk Esquire He dyed 25. of September 1485. as appears by his Epitaph on his Tombe in the Church aforesaid HENRY LANGLEY Esq. He lived at Langley-Wilebores in the Parish of Rickling in the Church whereof he lyeth buried with this Inscription Hic jacet Henricus Langley Armiger qui obiit xx Septemb. M. cccc lviii Margareta uxor ejus una filiarum Haredum Johannis Waldene Armiger quae obiit v. Martii M. cccc liii There is in the same Church a Monument for his Son the more remarkable because the last of his Family Here lyeth Henry Langley Esq. and dame Catherine his wife which Henry departed this life ii April M. cccc lxxxviii and Dame Katherine died .... the year of our Lord God ...... .... It is not usuall for the wife of an Esq. to be styled Dame except she was daughter to an Earl or Relict to a Knight This Hâ—…nry left three daughters portracted on his Marble Tombe betwixt whom his Inheritance was divided THOMAS HENENINGHAM His family flourisheth in Norfolk JOHANNES LEVENTHORP Jun. Ar. His posterity flourisheth in Hertford-shire THOMAS BARYNGTON Ar. He lived at Barington-hall in the Parish of Hatfield-Brad-Oake and lyeth buried in the Church with this Inscription Hic jacent Thomas Barington Armig. Anna uxor ejus qui quidem Thomas obiit v. Aprilis M. cccc lxxii Anna proximo die sequenti quorum Animabus propitietur Altissimus See here a sympathizing wife dying the next day after her husband of whom it may be said He first deceas d â—…he for few hours try'd To live without him lik'd it not and dy'd The family is of signall nativity enriched with large possessions in the raign of King Stephen by the Barons of Montfitchet and since received an accession of honour and estate by marrying with Winifred daughter and co-heir of Henry Pole Lord Montague son of Margaret Plantagenet Countess of Salisbury descended of the bloud Royall At this day there is a Baronet thereof with other branches of good account THOMAS BENDYSH Ar. Bomsted in this County was and is the habitation of his Family EGIDIUS LUCAS The name is honourable at this day and hath a seat with fair possessions near Colchester but how related to this Giles I know not Sure I am that it appeareth on a window in the North-side of the Church of Saxham-parva in Suffolk that Anno Domini 1428. five years before this return of Gentry one Thomas Lucas kneeling there with his wife in their Coat-Armours was Servant Secretary and one of the Council to Jasper Duke of Bedford and Earl of Pembroke THOMAS BARRET Was an Esquire of signall note and the ensuing nameless Manuscript will acquaint us with the Time of his death Thomas Barryt Squâ—…r to Kyng Harry the sixt oftentimes imployed in the French warrs under the command of John Duâ—… of Bedford as also John Duc of Norfolk being alway trew leige man to his Soveraign Lord the King having taken Sanctuary at Westminstre to shon the fury of his and the Kings enemyes was from these hayled forth and lamentably hewyn a peces about whilke tym or a lityl before the Lord Skales late in an evening entrying a Wherry Bolt with three persons and rawghing toowards Westminstre there likewise too have taken Sanctuary was discride by a woman where anon the wherry man fell on him murthered him and cast his mangled corpes alond by Saint Marie Overys As for the date of his death we may learn it out of his Epitaph on his Tombe in the Church of Saint Martins in the fields London Hic jacet Thomas Barret prenobilis Armiger qui quidem Thomas erat abstractus de sanctuario Beati Petri Westmonasterii crudeliter Interfectus per manus Impiorum contra Leges Anglie totius universalis Ecclesie privilegia jura Anno Domini 1461. Anno Illustrissimi Regis Edward quarti post conquestum primo Sub eodâ—…m quoque marmoreo Lapide Johannes Barret ejusdem Thome primogenitus sepelitur qui quidem Johannes obiit ..... die ..... Anno .... This family of the Barrets received much wealth by the daughter and heir of Bell house of Bellhouse an ancient and fair seat in the Parish of Avely in this County and some few years since determined in Sir Edward Barret Knight Lord Baron of Newburg in Scotland Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster A Hospitall house-keeper and founder of an Almes-house in Avely aforesaid He adopted Lennard Esquire son to the Lord Dacres by the daughter of the Lord North heir to his estate on condition he should assume the Surname of Barret Sheriffs of Essex and Herâ—…ford shire HEN. II. Anno 1 Rich. Basset Albericus de Verr. Anno 2 Rich. de Lucy Anno 3 Mauricus Anno 4 Anno 5 Mauricus de Tireter for 5 years Anno 10 Tullus-Bovilla Anno 11 Nich. Decanus for 4 years Anno 15 Nich. Decanus Steph. de Bell. Campo dimid Anno Anno 16 Rob. Mantellus for 12 years Anno 28 Oto filius Willielm for 6 years RICH. I. Anno 1 Oto filius Willielm Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Galf. filius Petri Anno 4 Galf. filius Petri Rich. Heriett Anno 5 Anno 6 Galf. filius Petri Simon Pateshalla Anno 7 Will. de Long. Campo Canc. Dom. Regis Anno 8 Reginall de Argento Anno 9 Regind de Argent Hug. de Nevil Hum. de Barton Anno 10 Hugo de Nevill Iohan. de Nevill JOHAN REX Anno 1 Hugo de Nevill Iohan. de Nevill Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Rich. de Montfitchet Ioh. de Cornheard Anno 4 Rich. de Montfitchet Anno 5 Rich. de Montfitchet Ioh. de Cornheard Anno 6 Math. Mantell Com. for 4 years Anno 10 Ioh. Mantell Anno 11 Albic Willielm filius Fulconis Anno 11 Comes Albericus Idem Willielm for 4 years Anno 16 Math. Mantell Galf. Roinges Anno 17 Rob. Mantell fr. H. Matheus Mantell HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Will. Marescallus Ioh. de Cornerd Anno 3 Walt. de Udon Anno 4 Rob. Mantell Anno 5 Steph. de Segne Raâ—… filius Reginal Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Steph. de Segne Petr. de S â—o Edward Anno 8 Rich. de Argentoem Will de
clear evidence to the contrary this Henry Marny Esquire shall pass with me for him who was then Servant afterwards Executor to the Kings Mother the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond The very same who afterwards was Knighted made Chancellor of the Dutchy and Created Lord Marny by King Henry the eighth and whose daughter and sole heir Elizabeth was with a fair inheritance married to Thomas Howard Viscount Bindon 14 JOHN CHRISTMAS Ar. Such will not wonder at his Surname who have read the Romans cognominated Jaâ—…arius Aprilis c. Yea Festus himself is well known in Scripture probably so called from being born on some solemn festivall the occasion no doubt of this Sheriffs Surname at the first If the name be extinct in Essex it remaineth in other Counties and the City of London where ...... Christmas Esquire a great promoter of my former and present endeavours must not by me be forgotten Henry VIII 6 WILLIAM FITZ-WILLIAMS Ar. I cannot exactly design his habitation but conceive it not far from Waltham Abby in the South west part of this County because he bequeathed 50. pounds to mend the High-ways betwixt Chigwell and Copers-hall He was afterwards Knighted by King Henry the eighth on a worthy occasion whereof hereafter in his Sheriffalty of North-hampton-shire in the 15. of King Henry the eight He bequeathed 100. pounds to poor Maids Marriages 40. pounds to the University c. and delivering a Catalogue of his Debtors into the hands of his Executors he freely forgave all those over whose names he had written Amore Dei remitto 25 BRIAN TUKE Knight He was Treasurer of the Chamber to King Henry the eight as appears by his Epitaph and dying Anno 1536. lyeth buried with Dame Grissel his wife deceasing two years after him under a fair Tombe in the North Isle of the Quire of Saint Margarets in Lothbury London Lealand giveth him this large commendation that he was Anglicae linguae eloquentiâ mirificus Bale saith that he wrot observations on Chaucer as also against Polidore Virgill for injuring the English of whom then still alive he justly and generously demanded reparations though since his unresponsable memory can make us no satisfaction Edward VI. 3 Sir JOHN GATES He was descended from Sir Geffry Gates Knight who as appears by his Epitaph in the Church of High-Eastern bought the Mannor of Garnets in that parish of one Koppenden Gentleman This Sir Geffry was six years captain of the Isle of Wight and Marshall of Callis and there kept with the Pikards worschipfull Warrys Reader it is the Language of his Epitaph And died Anno Dom. 1477. As for this Sir John Gates Knight descendant from the said Sir Jeffry he is heavily charged with Sacriledge in our Histories and ingaging with John Dudley Duke of Northumberland in the Title of Queen Jane he was beheaded the 22. of August the first of Queen Mary 1553. Queen Elizabeth 1 RALPH ROWLET Knight He married one of the learned daughters of Sir Anthony Cook Sister to the wives of the Lord Chancellour Bacon and Treasurer Cecill His family is now Extinct one of his daughters marrying into the then Worshipfull since honorable family of the Mainards and with her devolved a fair inheritance 12. JAMES ALTHAM Esq. His Armes casually omitted in our List were Pally of six Ermin and Azure on a Chief Gules a Lyon rampant Or. His Name-sake and direct Descendent now living at Markhall made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of King Charles the second addeth with his accomplished civility to the Honor of his Ancestors King James 1. HENRY MAINARD Kt. He was Father to William Maynard bred in Saint John's Colledge in Cambridge where he founded a Logick Professor created Baron of Wicklow in Ireland and Easton in this County whose Son William Lord Maynard hath been so noble an encourager of my Studies that my Hand deserveth to wither when my Heart passeth him by without a prayer for his good successe 15. PAUL BANNING Kt. and Bar. No doubt the same Person who afterwards was created Viscount Banning of Sudbury His Son was bred in Christ-Church of most hopeful parts descended from the Sackvils by the Mother-side and promising high Performance to his Country but alas cut off in the prime of the prime of his life He left two Daughters which though married left no Issue so that his large estate will be divided betwixt the children of his four Sisters Wives to the Marquess of Dorchester Viscount Grandison the Lord Dacres of the South and Henry Murrey Esq of the Bed-Chamber to King Charles King Charles 12. JOHN LUCAS Esq This worthy Person equalling his Extraction with his Vertues was at Oxford made Baron by King Charles the first I understand he hath one sole Daughter to whom I wish a meet Consort adequate to her Birth and Estate seeing the Barony began in this Lord is suspicious in him to determine The Battels Though none in this County the heart of the Eastern Association yet the siege Anno 1648. of Colchester must not be forgotten Know then that the Remnant of the Royalists routed in Kent with much difficulty recovered this County the Parliliaments Forces pursuing them March much farther they could not such their weariness and want of Accommodation bid Battel to their numerous Foes they durst not which was to run in the Jaws of ruine wherefore they resolved to shelter themselves for a time in Colchester Reader pardon a Digression Winchester Castle was by the Long-Parliament ordered to be made UNTENABLE but the over-officious malice of such who executed the Order wilfully mistaking the word made it UNTENANTABLE To apply the Distinction to 〈◊〉 All men beheld it as Tenantable full of faire Houses none as Tenable in an hostile way for any long time against a great Army But see what Diligence can do in few days they fortified it even above imagination Indeed the lining of the Wall was better than the faceing thereof whose Stone outside was ruinous but the in-side was well filled up with Earth which they valiantly maintained Nor was it General Fairfax they feared so much as General Famine that grand Conqueror of Cities having too much of the best Sauce and too little of the worst Meat Insomuch that they were fain to make Mutton of those Creatures which kill Sheâ—…p and Beefe of Cattel which never wore Horns till they were forced to submit to the worst but best they could get of Conditions Here those two worthy Knights Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle the one eminently a whole Troop of Horse the other a Company of Foot were cruelly sentenced and shot to Death whose bodies have since had a civil Resurrection restored to all possible outward Honour by publick Funerall Solemnities The Farewell I wish the sad casualties may never return which lately have happened in this County The one 1581. in the Hundred of Dengy the other 1648. in the Hundred of Rochford and Isle
fortnight in stocks in the Bishop of Londons Cole house with Irons upon him chained again by Sir Thomas More to a post two nights cruelly handled for a seven-night at Fulham scourged for a fortnight in the Tower and at last sent to a second Tree of Truth I mean to the Stake Whereat he was burned in Smithfield April 30. 1532. Here Mr. Fox reports a passage which I cannot with credit insert or omit but take it as I find it When his Armes and Legs were half consumed in the fire he spake these words O â—…e Papists behold ye look for miracles and here now you may see a miracle for in this fire I feel no more pain than if I were in a Bed of Downe but it is to me as sweet as a Bed of Roses Soft and sweet both to please the touch and smell a double wonder I believe it might be a falshood but no lye in the Author reporting it who possibly might be abused in his intelligence Secondly it is possible that this good man feeling so much pain before might through Gods goodnesse have none at his death Thirdly this story may be kept on the deck to counterpoise the scales against that of Father Briant a Popish Priest who reported himself cruelly racked in the Tower and yet se nihil quicquam doloris sensisse That he felt not any pain at all Lastly though our Saviour juâ—…ly taxeth those who were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 slow in heart to believe such things as were revealed in the Scripture yet neither God nor Man wâ—…ll be offended with the incredulous in such reports attested onely with Humane suspicious Authority Prelates TIDEMAN de WINCHCOMBE was born in this County at the Market Town formerly famous for a rich Abbey now for plenty of Poore therein He was preferred first Abbot of Benle then Bishop of Landaffe and lastly of Worcester by King Richard the second his importunity to the Pope notwithstanding one John Green was fairly elected thereunto This Tideman was the Kings Physician and very well skilled in that Faculty Be it observed by the way that I am dayly more confirmed in my opinion that till the last two hundred years Physick in England was not a distinct profession from Divinity and the same persons Physicians and Confessors to Princes Say not these Functions were inconsistent the former uâ—…ually departing the later commonly coming to dying men for the several Professions did not justle but succeed one another so that when Potion did end Unction did begin A practice continued by Popish Priests in England at this day gaining commodity and concealment by being such Pluralists in their profession having the most best and last privacy with their Patients This Tideman died Anno Dom. 1400. JOHN CHEDWORTH was born in this County and bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge being the third Scholar that came thereinto by election from Eaton Schoole though some I confesse for a short time make him admitted into Merton Colledge in Oxford He afterwards was the third Provost of Kings Colledge possessing the place six years till at last he was elected Bishop of Lincoln He was joyned in Commission by King Henry the sixth with Bishop Wainfliet of Winchester to revise and regulate the Statutes of Eaton and Kings Colledges He sate Bishop about eighteen years and dying 1471. lies buried in his own Cathedral under a Marble Monument JOHN CARPENTER was as my Author rationally collecteth born at Westbury in this County bred in Oriall Colledge in Oxford whereof he became Provost and Chancellor of the University thence preferred Prefect of Saint Anthonies in London and at last Bishop of Worcester He was so indulgent to Westbury the place of his Nativity that of a mean he made it a magnificent Convent more like a Castle than a Colledge walling it about with Turrets and making a stately Gate-house thereunto He had an humorous intent to style Himself and Successors in imitation of Bath and Wells Bishops of Worcester and VVestbury which Title though running cleverly on the tongues end never came in request because therein Impar conjunctio the matching of a Collegiate and Cathedral Church together He died Anno Dom. 1475 and was buried in his Native Town of VVestbury His Tomb since his Death I will use my Authors words hoping their ignorance if alive understands no Latine A stolidis quibusdam nebulonibus pudendum in morem mutulatur As for the Colledge of VVestbury it is the inheritance of the Right VVorshipful and Hospital House-keeper Ralph Sadler Esq and was in these Civil Broils unhappily burnt down though those who esteemed themselves judicious in war apprehended neither necessity thereof noâ—… advantage thereby THOMAS RUTHAL born at Cicester in this County bred in Cambridge where he commenced Doctor of the Laws was by King Henry the Seventh for his great Abilities preferred to be Bishop of Durham King Henry the Eighth made him of his Privy Councel notwithstanding the hatred which Cardinal VVolsey bare unto him It happened King Henry employed him as a politick person to draw up a Breviate of the State of the Land which he did and got it fairly transcribed But it fell out that in stead thereof he deceived with the likenesse of the cover and binding presented the King with a Book containing an Inventory of his own Estate amounting to an inviduous and almost incredible summe of One hundred thousand pounds VVolsey glad of this mistake told the King he knew now where a masse of money was in case he needed it This broke Ruthall his heart who had paid the third part of the cost of making the Bridge of New-Castle over Tyne and intended many more Benefactions had not death 1523. on this unexpected occasion surprised him Since the Reformation EDWARD FOX was born in Duresley in this County bred first in Eaton then in Kings Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was chosen Provost which place he kept until his death He was afterwards Almoner to King Henry the Eighth He first brought Doctor Cranmer to the knowledge of the King which Doctor first brought the King to the knowledge of himself how he stood in matter of marriage with the Widow of his Brother This Doctor Fox was after Bishop of Hereford and was saith my Author Reformationis Ecclesiasticae illius tempore coeptae clanculum fautor Let me adde he was the principal pillar of the Reformation as to the managery of the Politick and Prudential part thereof being of more activity and no less ability then Cranmer himself Martin Bucer dedicated unto him his Comment on the Gospels yea this Bishop wrote many Books whereof that De differentia utriusque potestatis was his Master-piece He was employed by the King on several Embassies into France and Germany and died to the great loss of Gods Church May 8. 1538. States-men Sir RALPH BUTLER Knight of the Garter and Lord Sudeley in this County was Lord Treasurer of England
1550. few years before the beginning of Queen 〈◊〉 many being 〈◊〉 and so 〈◊〉 armed by his useful 〈◊〉 It must not be forgotten how during my abode in Cambridge on 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1626. a Book was â—…ound in the belly of a Cod brought into the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 containing therein three 〈◊〉 whereof the 〈◊〉 and largest was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the Crosse. It was wrapped about with Canvasâ—… and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fish plundred plâ—…ndred out of the pocket of some Ship-wracked Seaman The Wits of the 〈◊〉 made themselves merry thereat one making a long Copy of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on whereof this Dystiâ—… I remember If 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 do bring us Books then we May hope 〈◊〉 Bodlyes Library But whilest the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 themselves herewith the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beheld iâ—… as a sad 〈◊〉 And some who then little looked for the 〈◊〉 have 〈◊〉 found it in that plâ—… This Book was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Author 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But no such Book 〈◊〉 in Bale though â—…y accurate to give â—…s a Catalogue of his Writings Whereby we 〈◊〉 it was the same made by this Richard 〈◊〉 to which another Treatise was annexed 〈◊〉 one to die made 〈◊〉 by our Tracy who himself 〈◊〉 about an hundred years since Sir THOMAS OVERBURY Knight Son to Sir Nicholas Overbury one of the Judges of the Marches was born at Borton on the Hill in this County bred in Oxford and attained to be a most accomplished Gentleman which the happiness of his Pen both in Poetry and Prose doth declare In the later he was the first writer of Characters of our Nation so far as I have observed But if the great parts of this Gentleman were guilty of Insolency and Petulancy which some since have charged on his Memory we may charitably presume that his reduced age would have corrected such juvenile extravagancies It is questionable whether Robert Carre Earl of Somerset were more in the favour of King James or this Sir Thomas Overbury in the favour of the Earl of Somerset until he lost it by disswading that Lord from keeping company with a Lady the Wife of another person of Honour as neither for his credit here or comfort hereafter Soon after Sir Thomas was by King James designed Embassadour for Russia His false friends perswaded him to decline the employment as no better than an Honourable Grave Better lie some dayes in the Tower than more months in a worse prison A Ship by Sea and a barbarous cold Country by land Besides they possessed him that within a small time the King should be wrought to a good opinion of him But he who willingly goes into a prison out of hope to come easily out of it may stay therein so long till he be too late convinced of another judgment Whilest Sir Thomas was in the Tower his Refusal was represented to the King as an Act of high contempt as if he valued himself more than the Kings service His strict restraint gave the greater liberty to his enemies to practise his death which was by poyson performed Yet was his Blood legally revenged which cost some a violent and others a civil death as deprived of their Offices The Earle was soon abated in King Jame's affection O the short distance betwixt the cooling and quenching of a Favourite being condemned and banished the Court. The death of this Worthy Knight did happen Anno Dom. 1615. JOHN SPRINT was bred a Student in Christ Church in Oxford and was afterward beneficed at Thornbury in this County a grave and godly Divine but for a long time much disaffected to the Ceremonies of the Church It happeened that Mr. Burton Arch-Deacon of Gloucester his Collegiate and Contemporary took him to task perswading him seriously to study the point which he promised and performed accordingly He put In the one Scâ—…le In the other The Wo pronounced to such who preach 〈◊〉 the Gospel and dissert their Flocks on pretended scrupulosity The nature of Ceremonies when things indifferent are enjoyned by lawfull Authority Weighing both exactly in the ballance of his judgment he found the former to preponderate concluding it unlawful for any on such â—…count to leave or lose the exercise of his Miniâ—…erial Function Hereupon he not only conformed for the future 〈◊〉 also wrote a Book dedicated to Arch-Deacon Burton called Casâ—…der Angâ—…anus to perswade others to conformity He died as I am informed â—…bout thirty years ago JOHN WORKMAN was born about Lasbury in this County where his Father was a servant to Sir Tho. Escourt He was bred in Oxford and afterwards became for many years the pioâ—…s and painfull Preacher at Gloucester being conformable to Church Discipline both in judgement and practise and in very deed It happened that some pressed super-â—…nonical Ceremonies and such sesqui-Conformists made Mr. Workman turn first but a semiConformist and then by degrees to renounce all Conformity He was prosecuted by G. G. his 〈◊〉 for preaching to the disparagement of the Blessed Virgin Mary though he pleaded his words were only these That the Papists painted her more like a Curtesan than a modest Maid Hereupon he was silenced and not suffered to teach Schoole seeing Sheâ—… and Lambs differ not in hind but age At last his good Priâ—…nd Dr. Baud furnishing him with instructions he turned Phyâ—… and 〈◊〉 unable to preservâ—… his Pattents in liâ—…e he could well prepare them for death He died about the year 1636. We have put them in Parallels not so much because living at the same time in the same County as because the one from disliking came to approve the other from approving to dislike Conformity though both no doubt did follow the dictates of their consciences RICHARD CAPEL was born as I am informed in the City of Gloucester whereof his Father was Alderman and left him a good temporal estate he was bred Fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford where he had many Pupils of good qualitie and among the rest Mr. William Pemble whose Books he set forth and as I remember finished his imperfect Comment on Zachary Leaving the Colledge he was presented by Mr. Stephens to a good benefice in this County where he made his excellent Book Of Temptations full fraught with practical Piety so that what judicious person soever readeth it will experimentally say unto him as once the Lawyer to our Saviour Master thou hast well spoken it carrieth in it such a Truth by the confession confession his Conscience One thing he hath irrefragably proved That there is no Temptation which a man is subject to but what might be suggested by our own corruption without any injection of Satan We have an English expression The Devil he doth it the Devil he hath it where the addition of Devil amounteth only to a strong denial equivalent to he doth it not he hath it not My opinion is if the phrase took not the original from yet is it applyable to our common and causeless accusing of Satan with our
hoc breve Teste meipso apud Clypston quinto die Marâ—…it An Regni nostri Nono In obedience to the Kings command this Sheriff vigorously prosecuted the design and made his Return accordingly on the same token that it thus began Nulla est Civitas in Comitat. Gloucest There is no City in the County of Gloucester Whence we collect that Gloucester in that age though the seat of a miâ—…red Abby had not the reputation of a City untill it was made an Episcopal See by K. Hen. 8. The like Letters were sent to all other Sheriffs in England and their Returns made into the Exchequer where it is a kind of Dooms-day-Book junior but commonly passeth under the name of Nomina Villarum I have by me a Transcript of so much as concerneth Gloucester-shire the reason why this Letter is here exemplified communicated unto me with other rarities advancing this Subject by my worthy Friend Mr. Smith of Nibley It must not be omitted that though the aforesaid Catalogue of Nomina Villarum was begun in this year and a considerable progresse made therein yet some unexpressed obstacles retarding it was not in all particulars completed until 20 years after as by this passage therein may be demonstrated Bertona Regis juxta Gloucester ibidem Hundâ—…idum Hundr Margarettae Reginae Angliae Now this Margaret Queen of England Daughter to Philip the Hardy King of France and second Wife to this King Edward the First was not married unto him until the 27 of her Husbands reign Anno 1299. Edw. III. 5 THO. BERKELEY de COBBERLEY He is commended in our Histories for his civil usage of K. Edw. 2. when pâ—…isoner at Berkeley Castle at this day one of the seats of that right ancient Famiiy And right ancient it is indeed they being descended from Robert Fitz-Harding derived from the Kings of Denmark as appeareth by an Inscription on the Colledge-Gate at Bristol Rex Henricus secundus Dominus Robertus filius Hardingi filii Regis Daciae hujus Monasterii primi Fundatores extiterunt This Robert was entirely beloved of this King by whose means his Son Maurice married the Daughter of the Lord of Berkeley whereby his posterity retained the name of Berkeley Many were their Mansions in this County amongst which Cobberley accrued unto them by matching with the Heir of Chandos Their services in the Holy War alluded unto by the Crosses in their Arms and may seem to be their Benefactions whereof in my Church History signified by the Mitre in their Crest Of this Family was descended William Lord Berkeley who was honoured by King Edward the fourth with the Title of Viscount Berkeley created by K. Rich. 3. Earle of Nottingham and in the right of his Wife Daughter of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk Henry the sâ—…venth made him Marquess Berkeley and Marshal of England He died without Issue At this day there flourisheth many Noble stems sprung thereof though George Lord Berkeley Baron Berkeley Lord Mowbray Segrave Bruce be the top Branch of this Family One who hath been so signally bountiful in promoting these and all other my weak endeavours that I deserve to be dumb if ever I forget to return him publick thanks for the same 43. JOHN POINTS Remarkable the Antiquity of this Name and Family still continuing in Knightly degree in this County for I read in Dooms-day-Book Drugo filius Ponz tenet de Rege Frantone Ibi decem Hide Geldant de hoc Manerio And again Walterus filius Ponz tenet de Rege Lete Ibi decem Hide Geldant I behold them as the Ancestors of their Family till I shall be informed to the contrary though I confess they were not seated at Acton in this County until the days of King Edward the second when Sir Nicholas Points married the Daughter and Heir of Acton transmitting the same to his posterity Sheriffs Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Tho. Bradwell   2 Johan Tracy TodingtoÌ„ Or a scallop Sab. betw two Bends Gules 3 Radulph Waleys * Sodbury  4 Tho. Bradewell  * Azure 6. Mullets Or. 5 Joh. de Thorp mil.  Argent a Fess Nebule Sable betw 3. Trefoiles Gules 6 Tho. Fitz Nichol.   7 Radus Waleys ut prius  8 Tho. Berkeley Cobberley Gules a Cheveron betwixt ten Crosses formee Argent 9 Tho. Burgg †  10 Tho. Bradewell ut prius †Azure three flower de lys Ermine 11 Tho. Berkeley ut prins  12 Laur. Seabrooke   13 Tho Burgg ut prius  14 Maur. de Russell Derham Argent on a Chief Gules 3. Bezants 15 Hen. de la River   16 Joh. de Berkeley ut prius  17 Gilbertus Denis  Gules a Bend ingrailed Az. betw 3. Leopards heads Or â—…essant flower de lis of the 2d 18 Will. Tracy ut prius  19 Maur. Russel ut prius  20 Rob. Poyns Acton Barry of eight Or and Gul. 21 Johan Berkeley ut prius  22 Johan Bronings   HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Hen de la River   2 Maur. Russel ut prius  2 Rob Sommerville   3 Rob Whittington  Gules a Fess checkee Or and Argent 4 Wil. Beauchamp m   5 Idem   6 Johan Grendore  Per pale Or and Vert 12. guttees or drops counterchanged 7 Maur. Russel ut prius  8 Rob. Whittington ut prius  9 Rich. Mawrdin   10 Alex. Clivedon   11 Will. Wallwine  Gules a Bend within a Bâ—…rder Ermine 12 Joh. Grendore mil. ut prius  HEN. V.   Anno   1 Will. Beauchamp Powkes  2 Joh. Berkley mil. ut prius  3 Joh. Grevel Campden Or on a Cross engrailed within the like border Sab. ten Annulets of the First with a Mullet of five poynts in the Dexter Quarter 4 Idem ut prius  5 Will. Tracy ut prius  6 Will. Bishopeston   7 Joh. Brugg arm ut prius  8 Joh. Willecots   9 Idem   HEN. VI.   Anno   1 Joh. Panfote  Gules 3 Lions Rampant Arg. 2 Joh. Blacket mil.   3 Steph. Hatfild mil.   4 Joh. Grevil arm ut prius  5 Joh. Panfote ut prius  6 Guido Whittington ut prius  7 Rob. Andrew  Sab. a Saltire engrailed Ermin on a Chief Or 3. flower de lys of the First 8 Egidius Brigge *   9 Maur. Berkeley mil ut prius  10 Steph. Hatfield  * Arg. on a Cross Sab. a Leopards head Or. 11 Joh. Towerton   12 Cuido Whittington ut prius  13 Joh Panfote ut prius  4 Maur. Berkeley mil ut prius  15 Idem ut prius  16 Joh. Beauchamp m.   17 Will. Stafford Thornb Or a Cheveron Gules 18 Joh. Stourton mil.  Sable a Bend Or between 3.
and Gaping Chincks the Heraulds of its downfall deeming with my self that I discovered as Physicians in our Bodies do cadaverosam faciem ruinosam therein But it rejoyced me when coming there this last year to find it so well amended by the soveraign medicine of Gold or Silver charitably applyed by its good Bishop I wish all Cathedrals in England sick of the same distemper as quick and happy a recovery HARTFORD-SHIRE is so called from Hartford the chief Town therein as Hartford so termed from the Ford of Harts a Hart Couchant in the waters being the Armes thereof Which convinceth me that HART not HERTFORD-SHIRE is the Orthography of this County It hath Essex on the East Middlesex on the South Buckingham shire on the West Bedford and Cambridge shire on the North thereof It might be allowed a Square of 20. miles save that the Angular Insinuations of other Counties prejudice the Entireness thereof I have been informed from an ancient â—…stice therein that one cannot be so advantagiously placed in any part of this Shire but that he may recover another County within the riding of five miles It is the garden of England for delight and men commonly say that such who buy a house in Hartfordshire pay two years purchase for the aire thereof It falls short in Fruitfulness of ESSEX adjoyning thereunto to which it was also annexed under one Sheriff and one Eschetor till after the Reign of King Edward the Third And Paynfull Norden writes a bold Truth For deep feedings or Sheep pastures I take notice of few and those especially about Knebworth To speak of the Soyle as indeed it is most generally for my part I take it but a barren Countrey in respect of some other Shires Indeed this Forrestie-Ground would willingly bear nothing so well as a Crop of Wood. But seeing Custome is another Nature it hath for many years been contented to bring forth good Grain perswaded thereunto by the Industrious Husbandman Surely no County can shew so fair a Bunch of Berries for so they term the fair Habitations of Gentlemen of remark which are called Places Courts Halls and Mannors in other Shires This County affording no peculiar Commodity nor Manufacture We may safely proceed to other Observations when first we have given the due commendation to the Horses of this Shire Their Teames of Horses oft times deservedly advanced from the Cart to the Coach are kept in excellent equipage much alike in colour and stature fat and fair such is their care in dressing and well-feeding them I could name the place and person Reader be not offended with an innocent digression who brought his servant with a Warrant before a Justice of Peace for stealing his grain The man brought his five horses tailed together along with him alledging for himself That if he were the Theefe these were the Receivers and so escaped The Buildings THEOBALDS did carry away the credit built by Sir William beautified by Sir Robert Cecil his Son both Lord Treasurers of England The last exchanged it too wise to do it to his Losse with King James for Hatfield-house which King deceased therein March 27. 1625. Yea This House may be said to decease about its grand Climacterical some sixty three years from the finishing thereof taken down to the ground for the better partage among the Soldiery Anno 1651. and from the seat of a Monarch is now become a little Common-wealth so many intire Tenements like Splinters have flown out of the Materials thereof Thus our Fathers saw it built we behold it unbuilt and whether our Children shall see it re-built he only knows who hath written There is a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together Hatfield-house was first the Bishops of Ely then the Kings afterwards by exchange the Earls of Salisbury For Situation Building Contrivance Prospect Air and all accommodations inferiour to none in England Within a little mile thereof lyeth a place called the Vineyard where nature by the Midwifery of Art is delivered of much pleasure So that the Reader must be a Seer before he can understand the perfection thereof Had this place been in Graecia or nigh Rome where the luxuriant fancies of the Poets being subject-bound improve a Tree into a Grove a Grove into a Forrest a Brook into a River and a Pond into a Lake I say had this Vineyard been there it had disinherited Tempe of its honour and hence the Poets would have dated all their delights as from a Little Paradise and Staple-place of earthly pleasure Medicinal Waters One hath lately been discovered neer Barnet in a Common as generally sanative springs are found in such places as if nature therein intimated her intention designing them for publique profit not private employment it is conceived to run thorough veines of Alome by the taste thereof It coagulateth milk and the curd thereof is an excellent plaister for any green wounds besides several other operations But as Alexander was wont to applaud Achilles not as the most valiant but the most fortunate of men having Homer to trumpet forth his actions so are these waters much advantaged with the vicinitie of London whose Citizens proclame the praise thereof And indeed London in this kind is stately attended having three Medicinal Waters within one dayes Journy thereof The Catalogue of the Cures done by this Spring amounteth to a great number in so much that there is hope in process of time the Water rising here will repaire the blood shed hard by and save as many lives as were lost in the fatal Battel at Barnet betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster Hartford-shire Proverbs HARTFORD-SHIRE Clubs and clouted shoon Some will wonder how this Shire lying so near to London the Staple of English Civilitie should be guiltie of so much Rusticalness But the finest Cloth must have a List and the pure Pesants are of as course a thread in this County as in any other place Yet though some may smile at their clownishness let none laugh at their Industry the rather because the high-shoon of the Tenant payes for the Spanish-Leather-Boots of the Landlord HARTFORD-SHIRE Hedge-Hogs Plenty of Hedge-Hogs are found in this High woodland-County where too often they suck the Kine though the Dayry-maid conne them small thanks for sparing their pains in milking them A creature alwayes in his posture of defence carrying a Stand of Pikes on his back so that if as well victualled as armed he may hold out a seige against any equal opposition If this Proverb containeth any further reflection on the People in this County as therein taxed for covetousness and their constant nudling on the Earth I will not so understand it as hoping and believing this to be a false Application WARE and WADES-Mill are worth all LONDON This I assure you is a Master-piece of the Vulgar wits in this County wherewith they endeavour to amuse Travellers as if WARE a thorough-fare-Market and
Kirle arm MuchMarcle Vert a Cheveron betwixt 3 Flower de Lyces Or. 7 Rich. Hopton mil. Hopton Gules Seme de Crosse 〈◊〉 a Lyon Rampant Or. 8 Hu. Baskervil mil. ut prius  9 Hum. Cornwall a. ut prius  10 Rob. Kirle arm ut prius  11 Joh. Colles Arm.   12 Fran. Smalman a. Kinnesley  13 Rich. Cox Arm.   14 Row Skudmor â—… ut prius  25 Ambro. Elton ar Lidbury Paly of 6 Or G. on a Bend S. 3 Mullets of the first 16 Herb. Westfaling  A. a Cros tw 4 Cheval-traps O. 17 VVill. Unet Ar. Casâ—… Frome Sable a Chever on between 3. Lions heads couped Arg. 18 Edw. Leingein a. ut prius  19 Joh. Bridges ar   20 Sam. Aubrie m.  Gules a Fess ingrailed Aâ—… 21 Iac. Rodd Arm.   23 Fran. Pember ar  Ar. 3 More-cocks proper combed and jealoped G. a cheif Azure CHAR. Reg.   Anno   1 Egidius Bridges r. Wilton Argent on a cross S. a Leopards head Or. 2 Fitz Will. Conisby ut prius  3 VVill. Read Arm.   4 Iohan. Kirle Bar. ut prius  5 Iac. Kirle armig ut prius  6 Walop Brabazon Eaton G. on a 〈◊〉 Arg. 3 Martelets of the first 7 Roger. Dansey ar ut prius  8 Ph. Holman arm   9 Ioh. Abrahal arm ut prius  10 Wil. Sku damore ut prius  11 Tho. Wigmore a.  S. 3 â—…rey-hounds currant Arg. 12 Rog. Vaughan a.   13 Hen. Lingeiâ—… â—…r ut prius  14 Rob. Whitney m. ut prius  15   16   17 Isaâ—…cus Seward   18   19 Haec fecit   20 inania   21 Mavors   22 Amb. Elton ju a. ut prius  K. HENRY the Sixth 26. WALTER 〈◊〉 I have vehement and to use the Lord Coke his Epithet necessary presumptions to perswade me that he was the same person who married Anne Daughter and sole heir unto VVilliam Lord Ferrers of Chartley and in her right was afterwards by this King created Lord Ferrers He was Father to 1. John Lord Ferrers of Chartley who married Cecily Sister to Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex and was father to 2 VValter Devereux Lord Ferrers created Viscount Hereford by King Edward the Sixth and was Father to 3 Sir Richard Devereux Knight dying before his Father and Father to 4 VValter Devereux first Earl of Essex of that Family Of whom largely hereafter God willing in Carmarthen shire the place of his Nativity EDVVARD the Fourth 14 IAMES BASKERVILE Miles 18 IOHN MORTIMER Miles 19 RICHARD de la BERâ—… Miles This Leash of Knights were persons of approved Valour and Loyalty to K. Hen. the Seventh by whom being Knights Bachelours before they were made Knights Bannerets in the beginning of his Reign I confesse some difference in the date and place one assigning the Tower of London when Iasper was created Duke of Bedford another with â—…ar more probability naming Newark just after the fighting of the battle of Stoke hard by Nor doth it sound a little to the honour of Hereford-shire that amongst the thirteen then banneretted in the Kings Army three fall out to be her Natives HENRY the Eighth II RICHARDUS CORNVâ—…AIL He was a Knight howsoever it cometh to passe he is here unadditioned I read how Anno Domini 1523. in the 15. of K. Henry the Eighth he was a prime person among those many Knights which attended the Duke of Suffolk into France at what time they summoned and took the Town of Roy and Sir Richard was sent with four hundred men to take possession thereof the only service of remarke performed in that expedition Queen Eâ—…IZABETH Reader let me confess my self to thee I expected to have found in this Catalogue of Sheriffs Sr. JAMES CROFTS knowing he was this Countryman whose family flourished at Crofts Castle but am defeated seeing his constant attendance on Court and Camp priviledged him from serving in this Office This worthy Knight was accused for complying with Wiat and notwithstanding his most solemn Oath in his own defence he was imprisoned by Queen Mary convicted of high Treason restored by Queen Elizabeth and made Governour of the Town and Castle of Barwick At the siege of Leith he behaved him most vallantly in repelling the Foe and yet when in a second assault the English were worsted the blame â—…ell on him as if he favoured the French and maligned the L Gray then General so that he was outed of his Government of Barwick Yet he fell not so into the Queens final Disfavour but that she continued him Privy Councellor and made him Comptroller of her Houshold He was an able man to manage War and yet an earnest desirer and advancer of Peace being one of the Commissioners in 88. to treat with the Spaniard in Flanders I conceive he survived not long after His ancient Inheritance in this County is lately devolved to Herbert Crofts D.D. and Dean of Hereford 40. THOMAS CONISBY Mil. I have heard from some of this County a pretious Report of his Memory how he lived in a right worshipful Equipage and Founded a place in Hereford for poor people but to what proportion of Revenue they could not inform me 43. JAMES SKUDAMORE Knight He was Father unto Sr. Iohn Skudamore created by King Charles Viscount Slego in Ireland This Lord was for some years imployed Leiger Embassadour in France and during the Tyranny of the Protectorian times kept his secret Loyalty to his Sovereign Hospitality to his Family and Charity to the Distressed Clergy whom he bountifully relieved The Farewell I am credibly informed that the Office of the Under-Sheriffe of this County is more beneficial than in any other County of the same proportion his Fees it seems increasing from the Decrease of the States of the Gentry therein May the Obventions of his office hereafter be reduced to a lesser summe And seeing God hath blessed as we have formerly observed this County with so many W's ' we wish the Inhabitants thereof the Continuance and Increase of one more WISDOME expressing it self both in the improving of their spiritual Concernment and warily managing their secular Estates HUNTINGTON-SHIRE is surrounded with North-hampton Bedford and Cambridge-shires and being small in Extent hardly stretcheth 20 miles outright though measured to the most advantage The general goodness of the ground may certainly be collected from the plenty of Convents erected therein at Saint Neots Hinching-Brook Huntington Sautrie Saint Ives Ramsie c. So that the fourth foot at least in this shire was Abbey land belonging to Monks and Friers and such weeds we know would â—…ot grow but in rich Ground If any say that Monks might not chuse their own Habitations being confined therein to the pleasures of their Founders know there were few Founders that did not first consult some religious Person in
censure him for deserting his Principles yet he is said on his death-bed to have given full â—…tisfaction to such who formerly suspected his sincerity to the Presbyterian Discipline dying Anno Dom. 1655. He was solemnly buried in the â—…bbey at Westminster Exiâ—…-Romish-Writers RICHARD BROUGHTON was born at Great Steuckley in this County bred at Rhemes in France where he received the Order of Priesthood and was sent over into England for the propagation of his partie Here he gave so signal testimony and fidelity to the cause that he was before many others preferred Assistant to the English Arch-Priest He wrote many books and is most esteemed by those of his own Religion for his English Ecclesiastical History from the first planting of the Gospel to the coming in of the Saxons But in plain truth there is little milk no creame and almost all whey therein being farced with Legendary stuff taken from Authors some of condemned most of suspected credit If by the Levitical Law a bastard should not enter into the congregation of the Lord understand it to bear Office therein to the tenth generation it is pity that adulterated Authours being an illegitimate off-spring should be admitted to bear rule in Church-History This Broughton was living in the latter end of the Reign of King Iames. Benefactors to the Publicke AMBROSE Son to Iohn Nicholas was born at Needenworth in this County whence he went to London and was bound apprentice to a Salter thriving so well in his Trade that Anno 1576. he became Lord Mayor of London He founded Twelve Almes houses in Mungwel-street in that City indowing them with Competent maintenance Sir WOLSTAN Son to Thomas Dixie was born at Catworth in this County bred a Skinner in London whereof he became Lord Mayor Anno 1585. He was a man made up of deeds of Charitie the particulars whereof are too long to recite He gave 600. pound to Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge to the founding of a Fellowship Erected a Free-school at Bosworth in Leicestershire and Endowed it where his family flourish at this day in a worshipfull Estate RICHARD FISHâ—…OURN was born in the Town of Huntington cut out of no mean Quarry being a Gentleman by his Extraction Leaving a Court life as more pleasant then profitable He became servant to Sir Raptist Hicks afterwards Viscount Camden and by Gods blessing on his industry attained a great Estate whereof he gave two thousand pounds for the buying out of Impropriations in the Northern parts and setling a preaching Ministery where most want thereof he bequeathed as much to the Company of Mercers whereof he was free and the same summe to Huntington the place of his Nativity with One thousand marks to Christ-Church Hospital The whole summe of his benefactions amounted to ten thousand seven hundred pounds and upwards briefly summed up in his Funeral Sermon commonly called Corona Charitatis preached by Master Nathaniel Shute wherein to use his Expression He supped up many things with a very short breath contracting his Deeds of Charity to avoid tediousness Nor must it be forgotten how this Gentleman lying on his death-bed when men are presumed to speak with unmasked consciences did professe that to his knowledge he had got no part of his goods unjustly No man of his Quality won more Love in health Prayers in sicknesse and Lamentation at his Funeral dying a single man and buried in Mercers Chappel May the 10. 1625. Memorable Persons Sir OLIVER CROMWELL Knight son of Sir Henry Cromwell Knight of Hinching-brooke in this County is Remarkable to Posterity on a four-fold account First For his hospitality and prodigious entertainment of King James and his Court. Secondly for his upright dealing in bargain and sale with all chapmen so that no man who soever purchased Land of him was put to charge of three pence to make good his Title Yet he sold excellent penniworths insomuch that Sir Iohn Leamon once Lord Mayor of London who bought the fair Manour of Warboise in this County of him affirmed That it was the cheapest Land that ever he bought and yet the dearest that ever Sir Oliver Cromwell sold. Thirdly for his Loyalty alwayes beholding the Usurpation and Tyranny of his Nephew God-Son and NAME-SAKE with Hatred and Contempt Lastly for his Vivacity who survived to be the oldest Gentleman in England who was a Knight Though not the oldest Knight who was a Gentleman seeing Sir George Dalston younger in years yet still alive was Knighted some dayes before him Sir Oliver died Anno Dom. 1654. The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the Twelfth year of King Henry the Sixth William Bishop of Lincoln Commissioners John de Tiptofte Chivaler  Roger Hunt Knights for the Shire  William Waton Knights for the Shire  Abbatis de Ramsey Abbatis de Sautrey Prioris de Huntington Prioris de S. Neoto Prioris de Stonle Archidiaconi Eliensis Rectoris de Somerham PrebendaÅ•ii Ecclesiae Lincolniens Domini de Leighton Rectoris Ecclesiae de Bluntesham Vicarii Ecclesiae de Gurmecest Vicarii Ecclesiae de S. Neoto Rect. Ecclesiae de Ript Abbatis Nicholai Stivecle Militis Roberti Stonham armigeri Everardi Digby armigeri Radulphi Stivecle armigeri Thomae Devyll armigeri Thomae Nesenham armigeri Henrici Hethe Johannis Bayons armigeri Rogeri Lowthe Edwardi Parker Walteri Taillard Iohannis Eyr Iohannis Bekeswell Willielmi Castell Willielmi Waldesheefe Thomae Freman Ioannis Donold Walteri Mayll Roberti Boteler de Alyngton Roberti Boteler de Hilton Iohannis Kirkeby Iohannis Sankyn Roberti Langton Reginaldi Rokesden Iohannis Pulter Roberti Wene Iohannis Sampson de Somersh Thomae Clerevax Radulphi Pakynton VVillielmi Est Richardi Est Roberti Creweker VVillielmi Maister Iohannis Morys VVillielmi Druell de VVeresle Radulphi Ioce Iohannis Devyll de Chescerton Iohannis Cokerham Richardi Bâ—…singham I. Cokeyn Parker de Kimbolton Richardi Burgham Richardi Parker de Bukden Thomae Alcumbury VVillielmi Boteler de VVeresle VVill. Iudde dâ—… Sancto Ivone VVillielmi VVassingle VVillielmi VVardale VVillielmi Colles Laurentii Merton Thomae Judde Willielmi Boteler de Ramsey Thomae Barboure de Eadem Thomae Rede Thomae Irlle Willielmi Holland Williel Smith de Alcumbury Williel Hayward de Buckworth Richardi Boton Iohannis Cross senioris Edmundi Fairstede Willielmi Erythe Willi. Skinner de Brampton Willielmi West Thomae Daniel Willielmi Daniel Iohannis Barbour Thomae Parker de S. Neoto Edm. Faillour de Kymbolton Thomae Bowelas Willielmi â—…eete Willielmi Talers Thomae Aungevin Walteri Godegamen Iohannis Cage Johannis Manypeny Johannis Copgray clerici Willielmi Arneburgh Henrici Attehill Johannis Charwalton Edmundi Ulfe Willielmi Hare Johannis Dare Willielmi Sturdivale Richarde Brigge Mich. Carleton Ballivi ejusdeÌ„ Ville Huntington Georgei Giddyng Iohannis Chikson Iohannis Pecke Thome Charwalton Iohannis Abbotesle I meet with this uncomfortable passage in Mr. Speeds or rather in Sir Robert Cottons description of this Shire Thus as this City so the old families have been here with time out worne
five years of age at Bishops Hatfield in Hartford shire which then was the Nursery for the Kings Children Little notice generally is taken of this Prince and no wonder for Who onely act short parts in Infant age Are soon forgot they e're came on the Stage He died Anno Dom. 1500. in the 15. year of his Fathers Reign and lieth buried without any Monument in Westminster HENRY the Eighth second son of King Henry the Seventh was born at Greenwich A Prince who some praise to the Skies others depresse to the Pit whilest the third and truer sort embrace a middle way betwixt both Extream Mean Extream Some carry him up as the Paragon of Princes The great advancer of Gods Glory and true Religion and the most Magnificent that ever sate on the Throne Master Fox in his Acts and Monuments is sometimes very superlative in his Commendation And so are most Protestant Authours who wrote under his Reign Polidor Virgil hath an Expression of him to this Effect Princeps in quo aequali quasi temperamento magnae inerantVirtutes ac non minora vitia A Prince in whom great Virtues and no less Vices were in a manner equally contemperated Sir Walter Rawleigh in his Preface to his great History whose words may better be read there than Transcribed thence makes him the truest Map of Tyranny Insomuch that King James who could not abide that any under a King should speak against a King was much offended thereat And those words worst became the writer so much advanced by the daughter of the said K. Henry For mine own part I humbly conceive God effected more by his work as the Instrument than he was directed by Gods Word as the Principal Indeed he was a Man of an Uncomptrolable spirit carrying a MANDAMUs in his mouth sufficiently sealed when he put his hand to his Hilt He awed all into Obedience which some impute to his skilfulnesse to Rule others ascribe to his Subjects ignorance to resist Let one pleasant passage for Recreation have its Pass amongst much serious Matter A company of little boyes were by their School-Master not many years since appointed to act the Play of King Henry the Eighth and one who had no presence but an absence rather as of a whyning voice puiling spirit Consumptionish body was appointed to personate K. Henry himself only because he had the richest Cloaths and his parents the best people of the parish but when he had spoke his speech rather like a Mouse then a Man one of his fellow Actors told him If you speak not HOH with a better spirit your Parliament will not grant you a penny of Money But it is vain to Glean in the stubble seeing the Lord Herbert hath so largely wrote the life of this King that nothing of moment can be added thereunto He dyed January 28 1546. MARY eldest Daughter to King Henry the Eighth and Q. Katharine of Spain was born at Greenwich the 18. of February 1518. She did partake of both her parents in her person and properties having from her Father a broad face big voyce and undaunted spirit from her Mother a swarthy complexion and a mind wholy devoted to the Romish Religion She attained the crown by complying with the Gentry of Norfolk and Suffolk promising them to continue Religion as established by K. Edward the 6. after the breach of which promise she never prospered For first she lost the hearts of her subjects then her hopes of a Child then the company not to say affection of her husband then the City of Calais then her mirth then her health then her life which ended on the. 17. of November 1558. Queen ELIZABETH Second Daughter to King Henry the Eighth was born at Greenwich Septemb. 7. 1533. She was Heire only to the eminences of her Father his Learning Bounty Courage and Success Besides Grace and true goodness wherein she was Daughter to her Mother Her Learning appears in her two Latine speeches to the University and a third little better then Ex tempore to the Poland Ambassador Her bounty was better then her Fathers less flowing from Humour and more founded on Merit and ordered with Moderation seeing that s the best Liberality that so enricheth the Receiver that it doth not impoverish the Giver Her Courage was undaunted never making her self so cheap to her Favorites but that she still valued her own Authority whereof this an eminent instance A prime Officer with a White staffe whose name I purposely forbear coming into her presence the Queen willed him to confer such a place now voyd on one of her servants whom she commended unto him Pleaseth your Highness Madam saith the Lord The disposal thereof pertaineth to me by vertue of this white staffe conferred upon me True said the Queen yet I never gave you your office so absolutely but I still reserved my self of the Quorum But of the Quarum Madam returned the Lord presuming on the favour of her Highnesse Hereat the Queen in some passion snatching the staff out of his hand you shall acknowledge me said She of the Quorum Quarum Quorum before you have it again The Lord waited Stafflesse almost a day which seemed â—…o long unto him as if the Sun stood still before the same was reconferred upon him Her success was admirable keeping the King of Spain at Armes End all her Reign She was well skilled in the Queen-craft and by her policy and prosperity she was much beloved by her people insomuch that since it hath been said That Queen Elizabeth might lawfully doe that which King James might not For although the Laws were equally the rule to them both yet her popularity sugared many bitter things her subjects thanking her for taking those Taxes which they refused to pay to her Successor She died at Richmond March 24. Anno Domini 1602. MARY Daughter to King James and Anne of Denmark his Queen was born at Greenwich April 8. about eleven a clock at night and soon after baptized with greater state than the memory of any then alive in England could recover King James was wont pleasantly to say that he would not pray to the Virgin Mary but he would pray for the Virgin Mary meaning his own Daughter But it seems his prayers prevailed not Divine Providence having otherwise determined it for her long life who expired in her infancy and lies buried at Westminster SOPHIA youngest daughter to King James and Queen Anne was born at Greenwich the 22. day of June 1606. and departed this life three dayes after This Royal Babe lieth buried nigh Queen Elizabeth in the North part of the Chappel of King Henry the Seventh represented sleeping in her Cradle wherewith vulgar eyes especially of the Weaker sex are more affected as level to their Cognizance more capable of what is prety than what is pompous than with all the magnificent Monuments in Westminster CHARLES eldest Son of King Charles and Q. Mary was born at Greenwich Anno 1629.
of the Sea c. I confesse the modern mystery of Watch-making is much completed men never being more curious to divide more carelesse to imploy their time but surely this was accounted a master-peece in that age His Sermons so indeared him to King Edward 6. that he preferred him whilst as yet scarce thirty six yeares of age to the Bishoprick of Rochester then of Winchester But alas these honor 's soon got were as soon lost being forced to fly into high Germany in the first of Queen Mary Where before he was fully fourty and before he had finished his Book begun against Thomas Martin in defence of Ministers marriage he died at Strasburg the 2. August 1556. And was buried there with great Lamentation RICHARD FLETCHER was born in this County Brother to Doctor Giles Fletcher the Civilian and Embassadour in Russia and bred in Bennet Colledge in Cambridge He was afterwards Dean of Peterborough at what time Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay to whom he made saith my Authour Verbosam Orationem a Wordy speech of her past present and future condition wherein he took more pains that he received thanks from her who therein was most concerned Hence he was preferred Bishop of Peterborough and at last of London my Authour saith he was Presul Splendidus and indeed he was of a comly presence and Queen Elizabeth knew full well Gratior est pulcro veniens è corpore virtus The Iewel vertue is more Grac'd When in a proper person Cas'd Which made her alwayes on an equality of Desert to reflect favourably on such who were of Graceful countenance and stature In one respect this Bishop may well be resembled to John Peckham Archbishop of Canterbury of whom I find this Character Quanquam gestu incessu saepeetiami n Sermone gloriosus videretur elatus animo tamen fuit benignissimo perquam comi Although he seemed a boaster and puffed up both in gesture and gaâ—…e and sometimes in his speech also yet was he of a loving disposition exceeding courteous Such a one was Bishop Fletcher whose pride was rather on him than in him as only gate and gesture-deep not sinking to his heart though causelesly condemned for a proud man as who was a good Hypocrite and far more humble than he appeared He married a Lady of this County who one commendeth for very vertuous which iâ—… so the more happy she in her self though unhappy that the world did not believe it Sure I am that Queen Elizabeth who hardly held the second matches of Bishops excusable accounted his marriage a trespasse on his gravity whereupon he fell into her deep displeasure Hereof this Bishop was sadly sensible and seeking to lose his sorrow in a mist of smoak died of the immoderate taking thereof June the fifteenth 1596. BRIAN DUPPA D. D. the worthy Bishop of Winchester was born at Lewsham in in this County staying for farther instructions I am forced to deferre his life to our Additions States-Men Sir EDWARD POYNINGS Knight was in martial performances inferiour to none of his age and a Native of this County as from the Catalogue of the Sheriffs therein may be collected We will insist only on his Irish Action being employed by King Henry the seventh to conjure down the last walking Spirit of the House of York which haunted that King I mean Perkin Warbeck Having ferreted him out of Ireland he seriously set him self to reclaim that barbarous Nation to civility and in order thereunto passed an Act in Parliament whereby all the Statutes made in England bâ—…fore that time were enacted established and made of force in Ireland He caused also another Law to be made that no Act should be propounded in any Parliament in Ireland till first it had been transmitted into England approved there by the King and returned thence under his broad Seal Now though this Act seemeth prima facie prejudicial to the liberty of the Irish Subjects yet was it made at the request of the Commons upon just important cause being so sensible of the oppression and Laws imposed by private Lords for their particular ends that they rather referred themselves to the Kings Justice than to the merciless mercy of so many Masters Also to conform Ireland to England he procured the passing of an Act that the Irish Barons should appear in Parliament in their Robes which put a face of Grandeur and State on their Convention And indeed formalities are more than Formalities in matters of this nature essentiall to beget a veneration in barbarous people who carry much of their Brain in their Eyes He thriftily improved the Kings Revenues and obtained a Subsidy of twenty six shillings eight pence payable yearly for five years out of every six score Acres manured The worst was the burden fell on their backs whose Islands were most industrious whereby the Soveraign became not more wealthy but the Subjects more lazy the mischief being as apparent as the remedy impossible Many more large Laws of his making found but narrow performance viz. only within the Pale Nor was Henry the seventh though in title in trâ—…th Lord of all Ireland but by the favour of a Figure and large Synechdeche of a part for the whole These things thus ordered Sir Edward was recalled in to England created a Baron and dying in the beginning of King Henry the eight left a numerous natural but no legitimate issue Sir ANTHONY St. LEGER is rationally reputed a Kentish man though he had also a Devonshire Relation as will appear to such who peruse the Sheriffs of this County He was properly the first Vice-Roy of Ireland seeing shadows cannot be before their substance and in his Deputy-ship Henry the eight in the 33. year of his reign assumed the Title of King and Supream Head of the Church of Ireland To him all the Irish Nobility made their solemn submission falling down at his feet upon their knees laying aside their Girdles Skeines and Caps This was the fourth solemn submission of the Irish to the Kings of England and most true it is such seeming submissions have been the bane of their serious subjection For out of the Pale our Kings had not power either to Punish or Protect where those Irish Lords notwithstanding their Complemental Loyalty made their list the law to such whom they could over-power He caused also certain Ordinances of State to be made not altogether agreeable with the Rules of the Law of England a satisfactory reason hereof being given in the Preamble to them Quia nondum sic sapiunt leges Jura ut secundum ea jam immediate vivere regi possint Because the Irish as yet do not so savour the Laws of England as immediately to live after and be ruled by them Thus the greatest Statesmen must sometimes say by your leave to such as are under them not acting alway according to their own ability but others capacity He seized all
was whispered at Rome And numerous the spies and eyes of this Argus dispersed in all places The Jesuites being out-shot in their own Bow complain'd that he out-equivocated their equivocation having a mental reservation deeper and farther than theirs They tax him for making Heavenâ—…ow â—…ow too much to Earth oft-times borrowing a point of conscience with full intent never to pay it again whom others excused by Reasons of State and dangers of the times Indeed his Simulation which all allow lawful was as like to Dissimulation condemned by all good men as two things could be which were not the same He thought that Gold might but Intelligence could not be bought too dear The cause that so great a States man left so small an estate and so publick a person was so privately buried in Saint Pauls Anno Dom. 1590. His only Daughter Frances was successively matched to three matchlesse men Sir Phili Sidney Robert Earl of Essex and Richard Earl of Clanricard Capital Judges and Writers on the Law Sir JOHN FINEUX was by all probability born at Swinkfield in this County as I am informed from my good friend Mr. Thomas Fineux a descendant from him a place saith Mr. Cambden bestowed on his Ancestor by T. Criol a great Lord in Kent about the raign of King Edward the second I learned from the same Gentleman that he was eight and twenty years of age before he betook him to the study of the Law that he followed that profession twenty eight years before he was made a Judg and that he continued a Judge for twenty eight years whereby it appears that he lived fourscore and four years This last exactly agrees with Sir Henry Spelman making him continue Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench from the eleventh of King Henry the seventh until the seventeenth of King Henry the eight He was a great Benefactor unto Saint Augustines in Canterbury whose Prior William Mallaham thus highly commendeth him in a Manuscript Instrument Vir prudentissimus genere insignis Justitia praeclarus pietate refertus Humanitate splendidus charitate foecundus c. Now though some will say his Convent may well afford him good words who gave them good deeds yet I believe this Character of him can in no part be disproved He died about the year 1526. and lies buried in Christ Church in Canterbury who had a fair habitation in this City and another in Herne in this County where his Motto still remains in each window Misericordias Domini cantabo in Aeternum Sir ROGER MANWOOD born at Sandwich in this County applyed himselfe from his youth to the study of the Common Law wherein he attained to such eminency that by Queen Elizabeth he was preferred second Justice of the Common Pleas in which place he gave such proof of his ability and integrity that not long after in Hillary Term in the 21. of Queen Elizabeth he was made chief Baron of the Exchequer discharging that office to his 〈◊〉 Commendation full fourteen years till the day of his death He was much employed in matters of State and was one of the Commissioners who sate on the Trial of the Queen of Scots His Book on the Forest Laws is a piece highly prized by men of his Profession In Vacation time his most constant habitation was at Saint Stephens in Canterbury where saith my Author the poor inhabitants were much beholding to his bounteous liberality He erected and endowed a fair Free Schoole at Sandwich the place of his Nativity and died in the 35. of Queen Elizabeth Anno Dom. 1593. Sir HENRY FINCH Knight was born in this County of Right Worshipful Extraction their ancient sirname being Herbert a Family which had and hath an hereditary happinesse of Eminency in the study of the Laws He was Sergeant at Law to King James and wrote a Book of the Law in great esteem with men of his own profession yet were not his studies confined thereunto witnesse his Book of The calling of the Jews and all ingenious persons which dissent from his judgement will allow him learnedly to have maintained an error though he was brought into some trouble by King James conceiving that on his principles he advanced and extended the Jewish Commonwealth to the depressing and contracting of Christian Princes free Monarchies He was father unto Sir John Finch Lord Chief Justice and for a time Lord Keeper and Baron of Foreditch who is still alive Souldiers Kent hath so carried away the credit in all ages for Man-hood that the leading of the Front or Van-guard so called from Avant-guard or Goe on guard because first in marching in former times hath simply and absolutely belonged unto them I say absolutely for I find two other Shires contending for that place The best is it is but a Book-Combate betwixt learned Writers otherwise if real such a division were enough to rout an Army without other Enemy But let us see how all may be peaceably composed It is probable that the Cornish-men led the Van in the days of King Arthur who being a Native of Cornwall had most cause to trust his own Country-men But I behold this as a temporary honour which outlasted not his life who bestowed it The men of Archenfeld in Hereford-shire claimed by custom to lead the Van-guard but surely this priviledge was Topical and confined to the Welsh Wars with which the aforesaid men as Borderers were best acquainted As for Kent Cantia nostra primae cohortis honorem primos congressus hostium usque in Hodiernum diem in omnibus praeliis obtinet saith my Author Reader It may rationally be concluded that the ensuing Topick had been as large in this as in any County in England seeing it is bounded by the Sea on the East and South sides thereof had not the Author departed this life before the finishing of the same Seamen WILLIAM ADAMS was as his own Pen reporteth born at Gillingham in this County and take the brief account of his Life being the first Englishman who effectully discovered Japan Twelve years he lived at home with his Parents Twelve years he was Apprentice and Servant to Nich. Diggins a brave Seaman for some time he was Master of one of the Queens Ships Ten years he served the English Company of Barbary Merchants Fourteen years as I collect it he was employed by the Dutch in India For he began his Voyage 1598. Pilot to their Fleet of five Sail to conduct them to Japan and in order to the settlement of Trade endured many miseries He who reads them will concur with Cato and repent that ever he went thither by Sea whither one might go by Land But Japan being an Island and unaccessible save by Sea our Adams his discretion was not to be blamed but industry to be commended in his adventures He died at Firando in Japan about 1612. Civilians NICHOLAS WOTTON Son to Sir Robert was born at Bockton-Malherb in this
late Lord Chamberlain unto King John and Lord Chiefe Justice of England In this year of his 〈◊〉 he not only valiantly defended the Castle of Dover against Lewis the French Kings Son but also in a naval conflâ—…ct overthrew a new supply of Souldiers sent to him for his assistance I behold this Hugo joyned with him as the shadow to the substance as his Under-Sheriff acting the affairs of the County in his absence II HUBERT de BUROZO WILL. de BRITO This year Anno 1227. Hugo de Burgo of whom immediately before was in the month of Februaâ—…y by the King made Earle of Kent and for a farther reward had granted unto him the third penny of all the Kings profits arising in the said County and Hubert de Burozo succeeded him in his Office But I humbly conceive him the same person who was both Comes and Vice-Comes of Kent at the same time a conjuction often precedented in other Counties The rather because this Hubert lived many years after till at last he got the Kings ill will for doing him so many good Offices not dying till the twenty seventh year of his Raign Anno 1243. Edw. I. 20 JOHAN de NORTHWOD This was a right Ancient Family in this County for I find in the Church of Minster in Shepy this Inscription Hic jacent Rogerus Norwod Boan uxor ejus sepulti ante Conquestum Possibly they might be buried here before the Conquest but the late Character of the Letter doth prove it a more modern Inscription The chief Râ—…sidence of the Norwods was a house of their own name in the Parish of Milton-Chuâ—…ch where they have many fair Monuments but with defaced Epitaphs One of their Heirs was married into the Family of the Nortons of whom hereafter Sheriffs Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Tho. de Cobham Roundall G. on a Chev. Or 3 Cress. Sa. 2 Jo. de Fremingham Freming  3 〈◊〉 c de Peckham Yâ—…ldham Sab. a chev Or between 3. cross Croslets Fitchee Arg. 4 Will. Septuans Milton  5 Arnald Sâ—…vage Bobbing Arg. 6. Lioncâ—…ls 3 2 1. Sab. 6 Tho. Brockhul Cale-Hill Gul. a Cross ingraild between 12. cross-croslets Fitche Ar 7   8 Rob. Corby Boughton  9 Arnold Savage ut prius  11 Radus Seintleger 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fretee Arg. a Chief Gul. 11 〈◊〉 de Guldeâ—…ord Hempsted Oâ—… a Saltyr betwixt 4 Martlets Sable 12 Jacobus Peckham ut prius  13 Will. Burcestre â—…antshire  14 Rich. de Berham Berham Arg. 3. Bâ—…ars Sable 2. 1. 〈◊〉 Or. 15 â—…ho Chich †Dungeon  16 Wilâ—… Barry Sevâ—…ngton †Az. 3 Lions rampant within a border Arg. 17 Joh. Fremingham   18 Tho. Colepeper Pepenbnry Arg. a Bend engrailed Gules â—…9 Will. Haut Waddenhal Or a Cross engrailed Gules 20 Tho. Seintleger ut prius  21 Nich. Potyne Queen-Co  12 Joh Botiller Gravency Aâ—…g on a Chief Sab. 3. Cups covered Or. HEN. IV.   Anno   1 R b Câ—…ifford Bobbing Checkee Or and Azure a Fess within a border Gul. 2 Tho. Lodelow Joh Diggs 〈◊〉 Digs Cou. 〈◊〉 on a Cross Arg. 5. Eaglets displayed Sable 3 Tho. Hyach   4 Rich Cliderow G ldstanton Arg. on a Cheveron Gules bâ—…twixt 〈◊〉 Spread-Eagles Sable 5 Annulets Or. 5   6 Valent Baret Lenham  7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉   8 Edw. Haut ut prius  9 Will. Snayth  †Ar. 4. 〈◊〉 G. on a chief S. a bar 〈◊〉 of the first 10 Reginald Pimpe †Pimps Co.  11 Joh Darel Cale-Hil Az. a Lion rampant Or crowned Argent 12 Will. Notebeame   HEN. V.   Anno   1 Will. Clifford ut prius  2 Rob. Clifford ut prius  3 Will. Langley   4 Will Darel â—…t prius  5 Joh Darel ut prius  6 Rich. Cliderow ut prius  7 Joh Burgh   8 Will. Haut Hautsburn ut 〈◊〉 9   10 Joh. Darel ut prius  HEN. VI.   Anno   1 〈◊〉 Darel ut prius  2 Wilâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Azure 6. Lions rampant Argent a Canton Erm. 3 Joh Rykeld EastlinghaÌ„  4 Will. Clifford ut pâ—…ius  5 Will. Culpeper Preston ut prius 6 Tho. Ellis Burton 〈◊〉 on a Cross S. 5. Cressants A. 7 Will. Scot Braborne AMP. 8 Joh. Peach Lullingston  9 Joh. Seintleger ut prius  10 Edward Gulfort Haâ—…den ut prius 11 Will. Burys Bâ—…omeley  12 Rich Woâ—…veile NorthaÌ„p Arg. a Fess and Canton Gul. 13 Will. Clifford ut prius  14 Will. Manston Manston  15 Jacobus Fienis Kâ—…msing Az 3. Lions rampant Or. 16 Rich Wâ—…ller Grome-Br Sab. 3. V Vallnut-leaves Or between 2. Benlets Argent 17 Edw Gulâ—…eford ut prius  18 Gervasius Clifton Brabourn Sable Semi de cinque Foyles a Lion rampant Argent 19 Joh. Yeard Denton  20 Joh Waâ—…ner Voteâ—…crey  21 Will. Mareys 〈◊〉 †Sable 3 Lions pass in Bend double cotised Argent 22 Tho. Brown †Surrey  23 Will. Crowmer Tunstal Arg. a Cheveron 〈◊〉 three Ravens Sable 24 Joh. 〈◊〉 Feversham  25 Will. 〈◊〉 Sundridge Eâ—…min a Fesse Gules 26 Will. Kene Well Hal  27 Steph. 〈◊〉 ut prius  28 Hen. Crowmer ut prius  29 Garvasius Clifton ut prius  30 Rob. Horn Horns place  31 Tho Ballard Hoâ—…ton  32 Joh 〈◊〉 Repton  33 Joh 〈◊〉 mil. ut prius  34 〈◊〉 Belknâ—…p arm The Moat  35 Alex Eden arm Westwell  36 Joh Gâ—…ldeford ar ut prius  37 〈◊〉 Clifton mil. ut prius  38 Tâ—…o Brown mil ut prius  Joh. Scot ar Vicis vic Scots-Hal ut prius EDW. IV.   Anno   1 Joh. Isaac ar Howlets  2 Will. Peach mil.   3 Idem   4 Joh. Diggs ar ut prius  5 Alex. Clifford ar ut prius  6 VVill. Haut mil. ut prius  7 â—…oh Colepeper mil. ut prius  8 〈◊〉 Seâ—…ntleger ar ut prius  9 Hen. Fâ—…rrers ar Warw shire  10 Joh. Bromston ar Preston  11 Rich Colepeper ar Oxenhoath ut prius 12 Ja Peckham ar ut prius  13 Joh. Fogge mil.   14 Joh. Isley ar ut prius  15 Will Haut mil. ut prius  16 〈◊〉 Green ar Scadbury Gules across 〈◊〉 Ermin within a border Gobony Arg. and Sable 17 Will. Cheyney ar ut prius  18 Rich. Haut ar ut prius  19 Rich. Lee ar Delce  20 Ioh. Fogge mil.   21 Geo. Brown mil. ut prius  22 Rich. Haut ar ut prius  RICH. III.   Anno   1 Will. Haut mil. ut prius  2 Ioh. Banne Grench  3 Rich Brakenbury mil The Moat  Will Cheyney ut prius  HEN. VII   Anno   1 Will. Cheyney ut prius Â
Bobbing  17 Edw Scot ar ut prius  18 John Sidley Bar. ut prius  19 Tho. Roberts mil. b. Glastenb  20 George Fane mil. ut prius  21 Ioh Hayward mil. Hollingbor  22 Tho. Hamond mil. Brasted Arg. â—…n a Cheveron engrailed betwixt 3 martlets Sable as many cinque foils Or. CAROL I.   Anno   1 Isa. Sidley m. bar Gâ—… Chart. ut prius 2 Basilius Dixwel ar Folkston Ar. a Che. G bet 3 flow de lys S 3 â—… dw Engham mil. GoodnestoÌ„ Arg. a Chev. Sab. betw 3 Ogresses a Chief Gules 4 VVill. Campion m Combwel  5 Rich. Brown ar Singleton ut prius 6 Rob. Lewkner mil. Acris Azure three Cheverons Arg. 7 Nich. Miller ar Crouch  8 Tho. Style bar Watringb ut prius 9 Ioh. Baker bar ut prius  10 Edw. Chute ar SurrendeÌ„  11 VVil. Culpeper bar ut prius  12 Geo. Sands mil. ut prius  13 Tho. Hendley mil Courshorn  14 Edw. Maisters mil. E. LangdoÌ„  15 David Polhill ar Otford  16 Iacob Hugeson ar Lingsted  17 VVil Brokman m. Joh. Honywood m. Bithborow Evington  18   19   20 Ioh. Rayney bar   21 Edw Monins bar WaldershaÌ„e Court Azure a Lion passant betwixt 3 Escalops Or. 22 Ioh. Hendon mil.   Richard the Second 5. ARNOLD SAVAGE He was a Knight and the third Constable of Queenborough-Castle He lieth buried in Bobbing Church with this Inscription Orate specialiter pro animabus Arnoldi Savage qui obiit in vigil Sancti Andreae Apost Anno 1410. Domine Joanne uxoris ejus quae fuit fil c. The rest is defaced 16. GULIELMUS BARRY In the Parish Church of Senington in this County I meet with these two sepulchral Inscriptions Orate pro anima Isabelle quondam uxoris Willielmi Barry Militis Hic jacet Joanna Bâ—…rry quondam uxor Willielmi Bâ—…rry Militis There is in the same Church a Monument whereupon a man armed is pourtrayed the Inscription thereon being altogether perished which in all probability by the report of the Parishioners was made to the memory of Sir William Barry aforesaid Henry the Fourth 6 VALENTINE BARRET He lieth buried in the Parish Church of Lenham in this County under a Grave-stone thus inscribed Hic jacet Valentine Barret Arm. qui obiit Novemb. 10. 1440. Cecilia uxor ejus quae obiit Martii 2. 1440. quorum animabus Henry the Sixth 7. WILLIAM SCOT He lieth buried in Braboâ—…ne Chuâ—…ch with this Epitaph Hic jacet Willielmus Scot de Braborne Arm. qui obiit 5. Febr. 1433. cujus anim Sis testis Christe quod non jacet hic lapis iste Corpus ut ornetur sed spiritus ut memoretur Quisquis eris qui transieris sic perlege plora Sum quod eris fueramquâ—… quod es pro me precor ora His Family afterwards fixed at Scots Hall in this County where they flourish at this day in great reputation 9. JOHN SEINTLEGER I find him entombed in Ulcombe Church where this is written on his Grave Here lieth John Seintleger Esq and Margery his Wife sole Daughter and Heir of James Donnet 1442. Wonder not that there is no mention in this Catalogue of Sir Thomas Seintleger a Native and potent person in this County who married Anne the Relict of Henry Holland D. of Exeter the Sister of Kâ—…ng Edward the Fourth by whom he had Anne Mother to Thomas Manners first Earle of Rutland For the said Sir Thomas Seintleger was not to be confided in under King Henry the Sixth and afterwards when Brother-in-law to King Edward the Fourth was above the Office of the Sherivalty 16. RICHARDUS WALLER This is that renowned * Souldier who in the time of Henry the Fifth took Charles Duke of Orleans General of the French Army Prisoner at the Battel of Agin-Court brought him over into England held him in honorable restraint or custody at Grome-Bridge which a Manuscript in the Heralds Office notes to be twenty four years In the time of which his recess he newly erected the house at Grome-Bridge upon the old Foundation and was a Benefactor to the repair of Spelherst Church where his Armes â—…emain in stone-work over the Church porch but lest such a signal piece of service might be entombed in the Sepulchre of unthankful forgetfulnesse the Prince assigned to this Riâ—…hard Waller and his Heirs for ever an additional Crest viz. the Arms or Escoucheon of France hanging by a Label on an Oak with this Motto affixed Haec Fructus Virtutis From this Richard Sir William VValler is lineally descended 23. WILLIELMUS CROWMER This year happened the barbarous Rebellion of Iack Cade in Kent This Sheriff unable with the posse Comitatus to resist their numerousness was taken by them and by those wild Justicers committed to the Fleet in London because as they said and it must be so if they said it he was guilty of extortion in his Office Not long after these Reformers sent for him out of the Fleet made him to be brought to Mile-end where without any legal proceedings they caused his head to be smitten off and set upon a long pole on London bridge next to the Lord Say aforesaid whose Daughter he had married 38 JOHN SCOT Arm. Et vicissem Vic. I understand it thus that his Under-Sheriff supplied his place whilest he was busied in higher affairs He was knighted much trusted and employed by King Edward the Fourth I read in a Record Johannes Scot Miles cum C. C. Soldariis ex mandato Domini Regis apud Sandwicum pro salva custodia ejusdem The aforesaid King in the twelfth year of his raign sent this Sir Iohn being one of his Privy Councel and Knight Marshall oâ—… Calis with others on an Embassie to the Dukes of Burgundy and Britain to bring back the Earls of Pembroke and Richmona whose escape much perplexed this Kings suspicious thoughts But see his honourable Epitaph in the Church of Braborne Hic jacet magnificus ac insignis Miles Johaâ—…nes Scot quondam Regis domus invictissimi Principis Edwardi quarti Controll nobilissima integerrimaque Agnes uxor ejus Qui quidem Johannes obiit Anno 1485. die mens Octob. 17. Richard the Third 3. RICHARDUS BRAKENBURY Mil. WILLIELMUS CHENEY The former was of an ancient extraction in the North. I behold him as nearly allied if not Brother to Sir Robert Brakenbury Constable of the Tower who dipped his fingers so deep in the blood of King Edward the Fifth and his Brother It concerned King â—…ichard in those suspitious times to appoint his Confident Sheriff of this important County but he was soon un-Sheriffed by the Kings death and another of more true Integrity substituted in his room Henry the Seventh 5. WILL. BOLEYN Mil. He was Son to Sir Ieffery Boleyne Lord Mayor of London by his Wife who was Daughter and co-heir to Thomas Lord Hoo and Hastings This
to inherit Happiness so severe her Education VVhilest a childe her Father's was to her an House of Correction nor did she write Woman sooner than she did subscribe Wife and in Obedience to her Parents was unfortunately matched to the L. Guilford Dudley yet he was a goodly and for ought I â—…ind to the contrary a Godly Gentleman whose worst fault was that he was Son to an ambitious Father She was proclaimed but never crowned Queen living in the Tower which Place though it hath a double capacity of a Palace and a Prison yet appeared to her chiefly in the later Relation For She was longer a Captive than a Queen therein taking no contentment all the time save what she found in God and a clear Conscience Her Family by snatching at a Crown which was not lost a Coronet which was their own much degraded in Degree and more in Estate I would give in an Inventory of the vast Wealth they then possessed but am loth to grieve her surviving Relations with a List of the Lands lost by her Fathers attainture She suffered on Tower-Hill 〈◊〉 on the twelfth of February KATHARINE GREY was second Daughter to Henry Duke of Suffolk T is pity to part the Sisters that their Memories may mutually condole and comfort one another She was born in the same place and when her Father was in height married to Henry Lord Herbert Son and Heir to the Earl of Pembroke buâ—… the politick old Earl perceiving the case altered and what was the high way to Honour turned into the ready road to Ruin got pardon from Queen Mary and brake the marriage quite off This Heraclita or Lady of Lamentation thus repudiated was seldome seen with dry eyes for some years together sighing out her sorrowful condition so that though the Roses in her Cheeks looked very wan and pale it was not for want of watering Afterward Edward Seymour Earl of Hertford married her privately without the Queens Licence and concealed till her pregnancy discovered it Indeed our English Proverb It is good to be near a kin to Land holdeth in private patrimonies not Titles to Crowns where such Aliances hath created to many much molestation Queen Elizabeth beheld her with a jealous Eye unwilling she should match either Forreign Prince or English Peer but follow the pattern she set her of constant Virginity For their Presumption this Earl was fined fifteen thousand pounds imprisoned with his Lady in the Tower and severely forbidden her company But Love and Money will find or force a passage By bribing the Keeper he bought what was his own his Wifes Embraces and had by her a surviving Son Edward Ancestor to the Right Honourable the Duke of Somerset She dyed January 26. a Prisoner in the Tower 1567. after nine years durance therein MARY GREY the youngest Daughter frighted with the Infelicity of her two Elder Sisters Jane and this Katharine forgot her Honour to remember her Safety and married one whom she could love and none need fear Martin Kayes of Kent Esq. who was a Judge at Court but only of Doubtful casts at Dice being Seâ—…jeant-Porter and died without Issue the 20. of April 1578. Martyrs HUGH LATIMER was born at Thurcaston in this County what his Father was and how qualified for his State take from his own mouth in his first Sermon before King Edward being confident the Reader will not repent his pains in perusing it My Father was a Yeoman and had no Lands of his own onely he had a Farme of three or four Pounds a Year at the uttermost and hereupon he tilled so much as kept halfe a dozen men he had walk for an Hundred Sheep and my Mother milked thiry Kine he was able and did finde the King an HARNESS with himself and his Horse whilest he came unto the Place that he should receive the Kings Wages I can remember I buckled his Harness when he went to Black Heath Field He kept me to School or else I had not been able to have Preached before the Kings Majestie now He married my Sisters with Five Pounds or twenty Nobles a piece so that he brought them up in Godliness and Fear of God He kept Hospitallity for his Poor Neighbours and some Almes He gave to the Poor and all this did he of the same Farme where he that now hath it payeth sixteen pounds by the Year and more and is not able to do any thing for his Prince for himself nor for his Children or give a Cup of Drink to the Poor He was bred in Christ's Colledg in Cambridg and converted under God by Mr. Bilney from a Violent Papist to a Zealous Protestant He was afterwards made Bishop of Worcester and four Years after outed for refusing to subscribe the six Articles How he was martyred at Oxford 1555. is notoriously known Let me add this Appendix to his Memory when the Contest was in the House of Lords in the Raign of K. Henry the Eighth about the giving all Abby Lands to the King There was a Division betwixt the Bishops of the Old and New Learning for by those Names they were distinguished Those of the Old Learning unwillingly willing were contented that the King should make a Resumption of all those Abbies which his Ancestors had founded leaving the rest to continue according to the Intention of their Founders The Bishops of the new Learning were more pliable to the Kings Desires Only Latimer was dissenting earnestly urging that two Abbies at the least in every Diocess of considerable Revenues might be preserved for the Maintenance of Learned men therein Thus swimming a good while against the stream he was at last carried away with the Current Eminent Prelates before the Reformation GILBERT SEGRAVE Born at Segrave in this County was bred in Oxford where he attained to great Learning as the Books written by him do declare The first Preferment I find conferred on him was The Provosts place of St. Sepulchers in York and the occasion how he obtained it is remakable The Pope had formerly bestowed it on his near Kinsman which argueth the good value thereof seeing neither Eagles nor Eagles Birds do feed on Flyes This Kinsman of the Popes lying on his death bed was troubled in Conscience which speakâ—…eth loudest when men begin to be speechlesse and all Sores pain most when nere night that he had undertaken such a Cure of Souls upon him who never was in England nor understood English and therefore requested the Pope his Kinsman that after his Death the Place might be bestowed on some Learned English-man that so his own absence and negligence might in some sort be repaired by the Residence and diligence of his Successor And this Segrave to his great Credit was found the fittest Person for that Performance He was afterwards preferred Bishop of London sitting in that See not full four years dying Anno Dom. 1317. WALTER DE LANGTON was born at VVest-langton in this County He was highly in favour
may be said to have ushered him to the English Court whilest the Lady Lucy Countess of Bedford led him by the one hand and William Earl of Pembroke by the other supplying him with a support far above his patrimonial income The truth is Sommersets growing daily more wearisome made Villiers hourly more welcome to K. James Soon after he was knighted created successively Baron Viscount Villiers Earl Marquess Duke of Buckingham and to bind all his honours the better together the noble Garter was bestowed upon him And now Offices at Court not being already void were voided for him The Earl of Worcester was perswaded to part with his place of Master of the horse as the Earl of Nottingham with his Office of Admiral and both conferred on the Duke He had a numerous and beautiful female kindred so that there was hardly a noble Stock in England into which one of these his Cients was not grafted Most of his Neices were matched with little more portion then their Uncles smiles the forerunner of some good Office or Honour to follow on their Husbands Thus with the same act did he both gratifie his kindred and fortifie himself with noble alliance It is seldome seen that two Kings father and Son tread successively in the same Tract as to a Favourite but here King Charles had as high a kindness for the Duke as K. James Thenceforward he became the Plenipotentiary in the English Court some of the Scottish Nobility making room for him by their seasonable departure out of this Life The Earl of Bristoll was justled out the Bishop of Lincoln cast flat on the Floor the Earls of Pembroke and Carlisle content to shine beneath him Holland behind him none even with much lesse before him But it is generally given to him who is the little God at the Court to be the great Devil in the Countrey The Commonalty hated him with a perfect hatred and all miscarriages in Church and 〈◊〉 at Home Abroad at Sea and Land were 〈◊〉 on his want of Wisdom Valour or Loyalty John â—…elton a melancholy malecontented Gentleman and a sullen Souldier apprehending himself injured could find no other way to revenge his conceived wrongs then by writing them with a point of a Knife in the heart of the Duke whom he stabbed at Portsmouth Anno Dom. 1620. It is hard to say how many of this Nation were guilty of this murther either by publick praising or private approving thereof His person from head to foot could not be charged with any blemish save that some Hypercriticks conceived his Brows somewhat over pendulous a cloud which in the judgement of others was by the beams of his Eyes sufficiently dispelled The Reader is remitted for the rest of his Character to the exquisite Epitaph on his magnificent Monument in the Chappel of Henry the Seventh Capital Judges Sir ROBERT BELKNAP Being bred in the Study of the Laws he became Chief Justice of the Common Pleas October the 8. in the 48. of King Edward the third and so continued till the general Rout of the Judges in the wonder-working Parliament the eleventh of Richard the second when he was displaced on this occasion The King had a mind to make away certain Lords viz. His Unkle the Duke of Glocester the Earls of Arundel Warwick Darby Nottingham c. Who in the former Parliament had been appointed Governors of the Kingdome For this purpose he called all the Judges before him to Nottingham where the Kings many Questions in fine were resolved into this Whether he might by His Regal power revoke what was acted in Parliament To this all the Judges Sir VVilliam Skipwith alone excepted answered affirmatively and subscribed it This Belknap underwrote unwillingly as foreseeing the danger and putting to his seal said these words There wants nothing but an hurdle an horse and an halter to carry me where I may suffer the Death I deserve for if I had not done this I should have dyed for it and because I have done it I deserve death for betraying the Lords Yet it had been more for his credit and conscience to have adventured a Martyrdome in the defence of the Laws then to hazzard the death of a Malefactour in the breach therof But Judges are but men and most desire to decline that danger which they apprehend nearest unto them In the next Parliament all the Judges were arrested in VVestminster-hall of high treason when there was a Vacation in Term time till their places were resupplied Sir R. Tresilian Cheif Justice of the Kings Bench was executed The rest thus named and reckoned up in the printed Statutes Robert Belknap John Holt John Cray William Burgh Roger Fulthorp all Judges and Knights with J. Locktan Serjeant at Law had their lands save what were intailed with their goods and chattels forfeited to the King their persons being banished and they by the importunate intercession of the Queen hardly escaping with their lives Belknap is placed in this County only because I find a worshipful family of his name fixed therein whereof one was High Sheriff in the 17. of K. Henry the 7. Provided this be no prejudice to Sussex the same Name being very ancient therein Sir ROBERT CATELIN descended from the ancient Family of the Catelins of Raunds in Northampton shire as doth appear by the Heralds visitation was born at Biby in this County He was bred in the Study of the Municipal Laws profiting so well therein that in the first of Q. Elizabeth he was made Lord Cheif Justice of the Kings Bench. His Name hath some allusion to the Roman Senator who was the Incendiary of that State though in Nature far different as who by his Wisdom and Gravity was a great support to his Nation One point of Law I have learned from him at the Tryall of Thomas Duke of Norfolk who pleaded out of Bracton that the Testimonies of Forreigners the most pungent that were brought against him were of no Validity Here Sir Robert delivered it for Law that in case of Treason they might be given in for evidence and that it rested in the Brest of the Peers whether or no to afford credit unto them He had one as what man hath not many Fancy that he had a prejudice against all those who write their Names with an alias and took exceptions at one in this respect saying that no honest man had a double name or came in with an alias The party asked him what exceptions his Lordship could take at Jesus Christ alias Jesus of Nazareth He dyed in the Sixteenth year of Queen Elizabeth and his Coat of Arms viz. Party per Cheveron Azure and Or 3 Lions passant Guardant counterchanged a Cheif Pearl is quartered by the Right Honourable the Lord Spencer Earl of Sunderland this Judges Daughter and Sole Heir being married to his Ancestor Some forty years since a Gentleman of his name and kindred had a Cause in the Upper-Bench to
L. G. on a Bend Arg. 3 Lions heads Erased Sable 5 Edw. Ferers mil. AMP.  6 Johan Digby m. ut prius  7 Will. Skevington ut prius  8 Mâ—… Berkley m. ut prius  9 Simon Digby ar ut prius  10 Edw. Ferrers m. ut prius  11 Hen. Willougby ut prius  12 Edw. Digby ar ut prius  13 Will. Skevington ut prius  14 Will. Browne ar   15 Edw. Conway ar Ragley W. S on a Bend betw 2 Gotises Ar. a Rose G. betw 2 Annulets of the First 16 Tho. Lucy miles ut prius  17 H. Willoughby m ut prius  18 G. Throgmort 〈◊〉 ut prius  19 Tho. Puâ—…tney m. ut prius  20 Rog. Ratclisse m.  Argent a bend engrailed Sable 21 Rich. Verney ar W. Az. on a Cross Arg. 5 Mullets G. 22 Christ. Villars a. ut prius  23 Johan Villars m. ut prius  24 Joh. Harrington ut prius  25 Johan Audley a.   26 Regin Digby ar ut prius  27 W. Broughton a.   28 VValâ—… Smith ar   29 Johan Villars m. ut prius  30 Tho. Nevill ar  Gules a Saltyre Ermine 31 Johan Digby ar ut prius  32 Rich. Catesby a.  Ar. 2 Lyons passant S. Corone O 33 Rog. VVigston a. Wolston W  34 Fulco Grevil m. Beachamp w Sab. a boâ—…der and cross engrailed Or thereon 5. Pellets 35 G. Throgmorton utp rius  36 Regin Digby a. ut prius  37 Rich. Catesby m. ut prius  38 Fran. Poultney VVill. Leigh ar ut prius G. a Cross ingrailed Ar. in the first Quarter a Lozenge Or.  ut prius  EDVV. VI.   Anno   1 Fulco Grevill m. ut prius  2 Ambro. Cave m.  Azure Frettee Argent 3 Rich. Munnar m.   4 Edw. Hastings m. ut prius  5 VV. VVigeston a. ut prius  6 Tho. Nevill miles ut prius  PHIL. Rex M. R.   Anno   1 R. Throgmorton ut prius  2 Tho. Hastings m. ut prius  3 Edw. Grevill m. ut prius  4 Fran. Shirley ar ut prius  5 VV. Wigeston m. ut prius  6 Bran. Cave arm ut prius  ELIZAB. Reginae   Anno   1 Tho. Lucy arm ut prius  2 Will. Skeffington ut prius  3 Tho. Nevill mil. ut prius  4 Rich. Verney m. ut prius  5 Johan Fisher ar Paâ—…ington Per Bend G. O. a Griffin Ramp counterch within a bord Vary 6 Williel Devereux  Ar. a F. G. in cheif 3 Torteâ—…es 7 Geor. Turpin m. ut prius  8 Fran. Smith ar Ashby L. Arg. a Cross G. betw 4. Peacocks proper The Reader may perceive some not considerable difference betwixt this our Catalogue and the Printed one set forth by Mr. Burton in his Description of this Shire I will neither condemn his noâ—… commend my own but leave both to the examination of others King RICHARD the Second 16. THOMAS DE WOODFORD He was the eldest Son of Sir Robert de Woodford a wealthy Knight who dying before his Father left five sons viz. John Walter Humphrey Ralph and John Sir Robert their Grandfather out of design to perpetuate his posterity adventured in five bottoms made all his Grandchildren in effect elder brothers dividing his vast estate amongst them an equal unequal partition to be injurious to the Heir without his demerit that he might be bountiful to his other brethren but it thrived accordingly For that great Family which had long continued in great accompt and estate by reason of this * Division in short space utterly decayed not any part of their lands thus disposed now in the tenure of the Name and some of the Male Heirs descended from the five brethren now living in a low condition and no wonder they soon made a Hand of all where the Thumb was weakned to strengthen the Four fingers HENRY the Fifth 3. THOMAS BURDET Miles The Samenesse of Name and Nearnesse of Kindred giveth me here a just occasion to insist on a memorable Passage concerning Thomas Burdet Esq Grandchild and Heir to Sir Thomas here named When as King Edward the Fourth in his absence had killed a fat White Buck in his Park at Arrow in Warwick-shire which he greatly esteemed upon the first hearing of it wished the Bucks head and horns in his belly that moved the King to kill it Upon the misconstruing of which words he was accused of Treason attainted and beheaded 18. E. 4. 1477. and was buried in the Grey Fryers in London Thus far our English Chronicles with joint consent agree in the same Tune but I meet with one Author reaching one Note higher then all the rest adding as followeth These words spoken and so wrested were the colour of his death but the true cause was the hard conceit and opinion which the King had of him for that he had ever been a faithful friend and true Councellour to George Duke of Clarence his brother between whom there had been bitter Enmity Whatsoever was the cause of such severity against him Burdet patiently and chearfully took his Death affirming he had a Bird in his brest his own Innocency that sung comfort unto him HENRY the Sixth 2. HUMPHREY STAFFORD Being afterwards Knighted he was by King Henry the Sixth made Governour of Callice and coming over into England was slain by Jack Cade but God hath a blessing for those whom Rebells curse Sir Humphrey Stafford his Grandchild fixed himself at Blatherwick in Northampton-shire where his posterity doth flourish to this day 34. WILLIAM HASTINGS The Reader needeth not my dimme Candle to direct him to this illustrious person He was son to Sir Leonard Hastings Sheriffe two years before and was he whom King Edward the third or rather Edward Plantagenet because more in his humane then Royal capacity so delighted in that he made him his Lord Chamberlain Baron Hastings of Ashby de la Zouch c. As he loved the King very well so after this Kings death he is charged to have loved Jane Shore too well and Richard Duke of Glocester perceiving him to obstruct the way to his ambitious designs ordered his removal causing him to be beheaded 1. Edw. 5. As when living he was dear so being dead his corps are near to Edw. 4. Buried under a very fair Monument in Windsor Chappel He was Grandfather to George Hastings first Earl of Huntington EDVVARD the Sixth 4. EDVVARD HASTINGS Miles Queen Mary much delighting in his Devotion created him Baron of Loughborough He founded and endowed a handsome hospital at Stoke Pogeis in Buckingham-shire whither after the Queens death weary of the World he retired himself and therein dyed without issue The foresaid and that a very Fair Town of Loughborough hath since again afforded the Title of a Baron to a younger
Thames and Trent for the Southern and Northern Bounds and two such Universities Cambridge and Oxford both in the Content thereof before three smaller Bishopricks were carved out of it Amongst the Houses of the Nobility I take signal notice of two One I may call a Premeditate Building viz. Tattershall belonging to the Right Honourable the Earl of Lincolne advanced by degrees at several times to the Modern Magnificence thereof But Grimsthorp I may term an Ex tempore Structure set up on a suddain by Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk to entertain King Henry the Eighth in his Progress into these parts The Hall therein was fitted to a fair Suit of Hangings which the Duke had by his Wife Mary the French Queen and is now in the possession of the Right Honourable Montague Earl of Lindsey The Wonders At Fishtoft in this County no Mice or Rats are found insomuch that Barns built party per pale in this and the next Parish on one side are annoyed on the other side being Fishtoft Moiety are secured from this Vermin Surely no Piper what is notoriously known of Hamell in Westphalia did ever give them this Mice-Delivery by his Musick It is easier to conjure up many then allay one difficulty other places in England affording the like At one of the Rodings in Essex no Hogs will root In another Common no Mole will cast In Linley in Leicestershire no Snakes are found I believe they overshoot the Mark who make it a Miracle they undershoot it who make it Magick they come the nearest to Truth who impute it to occult Qualities If some men will swound at some meat yea but smelling it unseen by their disaffection thereunto why may not whole species and kinds of creatures have some antipathetical places though the reason thereof cannot be rendred Surely as Sampson at his Marriage propounded a Riddle to his Companions to try their Wits thereon so God offereth such Aenigmaes in nature partly that men may make use of their admiring as well as of their understanding partly that Philosophers may be tanght their distance betwixt themselves who are but the Lovers and God who is the Giver of Wisdome Let it also passe for this once for a wonder that some seven score years since nigh Harlaxton in this Shire there was found turned up by one ploughing the ground a Golden Helmet of Antick fashion I say Cassis non aurata sed aurea a Helmet not guilt but of Massive Gold studded with precious stones probable of some Prime Roman Commander Whence I observe First that though no Edge-Tool to offend may be made of Gold and Silver Yet defensive Weapons may thereof be compounded Secondly that the Poetical Fiction of Glaucus his Golden Arms is founded on History For not to speak of Solomon his Golden Sheilds Great Commanders made use of Arms of that Mettal if not for strength for state and Ornament Lastly it was presented to Queen Katharine first Wife to King Henry the Eighth who though not knowing to use it as a Helmet knew how to employ it as made of Gold and Rich Jewells Proverbs Lincolne-shire Bagpipes I behold these as most ancient because a very simple sort of Musick being little more then the Oaten Pipe improved with a Bag wherein the imprisoned wind pleadeth melodiously for the Inlargement thereof It is incredible with what agility it inspireth the heavy heels of the Country Clowns overgrown with hair and rudenesse probably the ground-work of the poetical fiction of dancing Satyrs This Bagpipe in the judgement of the Rural Midas's carryeth away the credit from the Harp of Apollo himself and most persons approve the Blunt Bagpipe above the Edge Tool Instruments of Drums and Trumpets in our Civil dissentions As loud as Tom of Lincoln This Shire carryes away the Bell for round-ringing from all in England though other places may surpasse it for Changes more pleasant for the Variety thereof seeing it may be demonstrated that twelve Bells will afford more changes than there have been hours since the Creation Tom of Lincoln may be called the Stentor fifty lesser-bells may be made out of him of all in this County Expect not of me to enter into the discourse of popish baptizing and naming of Bells many charging it on them for a prophane and they confessing enough to make it a superstitious action All the Carts that come to Crowland are shod with Silver Venice and Crowland Sic Canibus Catulos may count their Carts alike that being sited in the Sea this in a Morasse and Fenny ground so that an horse can hardly come to it But whether this place since the draining of the Fenns hath acquired more firmnesse than formerly is to me unknown 'T is height makes Grantham Steeple stand awry This Steeple seems crooked unto the beholders and I believe will ever do so until our age erect the like by it for height and workmanship though some conceive the slendernesse at such a distance is all the obliquity thereof Eminency exposeth the uprightest persons to exception and such who cannot find faults in them will find faults at them envying their advancement As mad as the Baiting Bull of Stamford Take the Original hereof William Earl Warren Lord of this Town in the time of King John standing upon the Castle Walls of Stamford saw two Bulls fighting for a Cow in the Meadow till all the Butchers Dogs great and small persued one of the Bulls being madded with Noyse and Multitude clean through the Town This Sight so pleased the said Earl that he gave all those Meadows called the Castle Meadows where first the Bull Duel began for a Common to the Butchers of the Town after the first Grasse was eaten on condition that they find a Mad Bull the day Six weeks before Christmas day for the continuance of that sport every year Some think that the Men must be mad as well as the Bull who can take delight in so dangerous a WastTime whereby that no more Mischeif is done not mans care but Gods Providence is to be praised He looks as the Devil over Lincoln Lincolne Minster is one of the statelyest Structures in Christendome The South-side of it meets the Travellers thereunto twenty miles of so that their Eyes are there many hours before their Feet The Divel is the Map of Malice and his Envy as Gods mercy is over all his works It grieves him what ever is given to God crying out with that Flesh-Divel Ut quid haec perditio What needs this wast On which account he is supposed to have overlook'd this Church when first finished with a torve and tetrick countenance as maligning mens costly devotion and that they should be so expensive in Gods service But it is suspicious that some who account themselves Saints behold such fabricks with little better looks He was born at Little Wittham This Village in this County by Orthography is Witham near which a River of the
returned For your Masters sake I will stoop but not for the King of Spains This worthy Patriot departed this life in the seventy seventh year of his Age August the 4th 1598. Capitall Judges Sr. WILLIAM de SKIPVVITH was bred in the study of the Laws profiting so well therein that he was made in Trinity Terme Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer in the thirty fifth continuing therein untill the fortieth of the Reign of King Edward the third I meet not with any thing memorable of him in our English Histories except this may pass for a thing remarkable that at the importunity of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster this Sr. William condemned William Wichkam Bish. of Winchester of Crimes rather powerfully objected then plainly proved against him whereupon the Bishops Temporalls were taken from him and he denied access within twenty miles of the Kings Court. I confess there is a Village in the East riding of Yorkshire called SKIPWITH but I have no assurance of this Judge his Nativity therein though ready to remove him thither upon clearer information Sr. WILLIAM SKIPVVITH Junior He was inferior to the former in place whom I behold as a Puisne Judge but herein remarkable to all posterity That he would not complie neither for the importunity of King Richard the second nor the example of his fellow Judges in the 10th year of that Kings Reign to allow that the King by his own power might rescinde an Act of Parliament Solus inter impios mansit integer Gulielmus Skipwith * Miles Clarus ideo apud Posteros And * shined the brighter for living in the midst of a crooked Generation bowed with fear and favour into Corruption I know well that the Collar of S. S. S. or Esses worn about the necks of Judges and other persons of Honor is wreathed into that form whence it receiveth its name Chiefly from Sanctus Simon Simplicius an uncorrupted Judge in the Primitive Times May I move that every fourth link thereof when worn may mind them of this SKIPVVITH so upright in his judgment in a matter of the highest importance Having no certainty of his Nativity I place him in this County where his name at Ormesby hath flourished ever since his time in a very worshipfull equipage Sr. WILLIAM HUSEâ—… Knight was born as I have cause to believe in this County where his name and Familie flourish in a right worshipfull equipage He was bred in the study of our Municipall Law and attained to such eminencie therein that by King Edward the fourth in the one and twentieth of his Reign he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. King HENRY the seventh who in point of policy was onely directed by himself in point of Law was chiefly ruled by this Judge especially in this question of importance It hapned that in his first Parliament many Members thereof were returned who being formerly of this Kings partie were attainted and thereby not legal to sit in Parliament being disabled in the highest degree it being incongruous that they should make Laws for others who themselves were not Inlawed The King not a little troubled therewith remitted it as a case in Law to the Judges The Judges assembled in the Exchequer Chamber agreed all with Sr. VVilliam Husee their Speaker to the King upon this Grave and safe opinion mixed with Law and convenience that the Knights and Burgesses attainted by the course of Law should forbear to come into the House till a Law were passed for the reversall of their attainders which was done accordingly When at the same time it was incidently moved in their Consultation what should be done for the King himself who likewise was attainted the rest unanimously agreed with Sr. VVilliam Husee that the Crown takes away all defects and stops in blood and that by the Assumption thereof the fountain was cleared from all attainders and Corruptions He died in Trinity Term in the tenth year of King Henry the 7th Sr. EDMUND ANDERSON Knight was born a younger brother of a Gentile extract at Flixborough in this County and bred in the Inner Temple I have been informed that his Father left him 1000 l. for his portion which this our Sr. Edmund multiplyed into many by his great proficiency in the Common Law being made in the twenty fourth of Queen Elizabeth Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. When Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star Chamber for the business of the Queen of Scots Judge Anderson said of him that therein he had done * justum non juste and so acquitting him of all malice censured him with the rest for his indiscretion When H. â—…uff was arraigned about the Rising of the Earl of Essex and when Sr. Edward Coke the Queens Solicitor opposed him and the other answered Syllogistically our Anderson sitting there as Judge of Law not Logick checked both Pleader and Prisoner ob stolidos Syllogismos for their foolish Syllogismes appointing the former to press the Statute of King Edward the third His stern countenance well became his place being a great promoter of the established Church-discipline and very severe against all Brownists when he met them in his Circuit He dyed in the third of King James leaving great Estates to several sons of whom I behold Sr. Francis Anderson of Euworth in Bedfordshire the eldest whose son Sr. John by a second Wife Audrey Butler Neece to the Duke of Buckingham and afterwards married to the Lord Dunsmore in VVarwickshire was according to some conditions in his Patent to succeed his Father in Law in that honour if surviving him This I thought fit to insert to vindicate his memory from oblâ—…vion who being an hopefull Gentleman my fellow Colleague in Sidney Colledge was taken away in the prime of his youth Souldiers Sr. FREDERICK TILNEY Knight had his chief Residence at Bostone in this County He was a man of mighty stature and strength above the Proportion of ordinary persons He attended King Richard the first Anno Dom. 1190. to the Seidge of Acon in the Holy Land where his Atcheivements were such that he struk terror into the Infidels Returning home in safety he lived and died at Terington nigh Tilney in Norfolk where the measure of his incredible stature was for many 〈◊〉 preserved Sixteen Knights flourished from him successively in the Male line till at last their Heir generall being married to the Duke of Norfolk put a period to the Lustre of that ancient family PEREGRINE BERTY Lord Willoughby Son of Richard Berty and Katharine Dutchess of Suffolk Reader I crave a dispensation that I may with thy good leave trespass on the Premised Laws of this Book his name speaking his foraign Nativity born nigh Hidleberg in the Palatinate Indeed I am loath to omit so worthy a Person Our Histories fully report his valiant Atcheivements in France and the Netherlands and how at last he was made Governour of
Berwick He could not brook the Obsequiousness and Assiduity of the Court and was wont to say that he was none of the Reptilia which could creep on the ground the Camp was his proper Element being a great Souldier and having a suitable magnanimity When one sent him an insulting Challenge whilst he lay sick of the Gout he returned this Answer that although he was lame of his hands and feet yet he would mâ—…et him with a peice of a Rapier in his teeth Once he took a Gennet mannaged for the War which was intended for a present to the King of Spain and was desired by a Trumpeter from the General to restore it offering this Lord 1000 l. down for him or 100 l. per annum during his life at his own choise This Lord returned that if it had been any COMMANDER he FREELY would have sent him back but being but an HORSE he loved him as well as the King of Spain himself and would keep him Here I will insert a Letter of Queen Elizabeth written to him with her own hand and Reader deale in matters of this nature as when Venison is set before thee eat the one and read the other never asking whence either came though I profess I came honestly by a Copy thereof from the Original Good Peregrine we are not a little glad that by your Journey you have received such good fruit of amendment specially when we consider how great vexation it is to a minde devoted to actions of honour to be restrained by any indisposition of body from following those Courses which to your own Reputation and our great satisfaction you have formerly performed And therefore as we must now out of our desire of your well doing cheifly enjoyne you to an especial care to encrease and continue your health which must give life to all your best endeavours so we must next as seriously recommend to you this Consideration That in these times when there is such appearance that we shall have the triall of our best and noble Subjects you seem not to affect the satisfaction of your own private Contentation beyond the attending on that which nature and duty challengeth from all persons of your quality and Profession For if necessarily your health of body being recovered you should Elloigne your self by residence there from those imployments whereof we shall have too good store You shall not so much amend the state of your body as happily you shall call in question the reputation of your mind and Judgment even in the opinion of those that love you and are best acquainted with your disposition and discretion Interpret this our plaineness we pray you to our extraordinary estimation of you for it is not Common with us to deal so freely with many and believe that you shall ever find us both ready willing in all occasions to yeild you the fruits of that interest which your endeavours have purchased for you in our opinion and estimation Not doubting but when you have with moderation made tryal of the success of these your sundrie Peregrinations you will find as great Comfort to spend your dayes at home as heretofore you have done of which we do wish you full measure howsoever you shall have cause of abode or return Given under our Signet at our Mannor of Nonesuch the seventh of Octob. 1594 in the 37 year of our Reigne Your most loving Soveraign E. R. It appears by the Premises that it was written to this Lord when he was at the Spaw in Lukeland for the Recovery of his health when a second English Invasion of the Spaniard was I will not say fear'd but expected Now though this Lord was born beyond the Seas accidentally his Parents flying persecution in the Reign of Queen Mary yet must he justly be reputed this Country man where his Ancestors had flourished so many years and where he was Baron VVilloughby in right of his Mother He dyed Anno Dom. 1601. and lyes buryed under a stately Monument at Eresby in this County Sir EDVVARE HARVVOOD was bornâ—…nigh Bourn in this County a valiant Souldier and a gracious man Such who object that he was extremely wilde in his youth put me in minde of the return which one made to an ill natur'd man in a Company who with much bitterness had aggravated the Debauched youth of an aged and right Godly Divine You have proved said he with much pains what all knew before that Paul was a great Persecutor before he was converted I have read of a bird which hath a Face like and yet will prey upon a man who coming to the water to drink and finding there by reflexion that he had killed one like himself pineth away by degrees and never afterwards enjoyeth it self Such in some sort the condition of Sir Edward This accident that he had killed one in a private quarrell put a period to his carnal mirth and was a covering to his eyes all the dayes of his life No possible provocations could afterwards tempt him to a Duell and no wonder if one's conscience loathed that whereof he had surfeited He refused all challenges with more honour than others accepted them it being well known that he would set his foot as far in the face of his Enemie as any man alive He was one of the four standing Colonels in the Low-Countries and was shot at the Seige of Mastricht Anno Dom. 1632. Death was so civil to him as to allow him leave to rise up on his knees to crie Lord have mercy upon me Thus a long death-prayer after short piety is not so good as a short prayer after a long pious conversation Seamen JOB HARTOP was as himself affirmeth born at Bourn in this County and went Anno 1568. early dayes I assure you for the English in those parts with Sir John Hawkins his Generall to make discoveries in New Spaine This Job was chief Gunner in her Majesties Ship called the Iesus of Lubeck being the Queens by no other title but as hired for her money who in the beginning of her Reign before her Navy-Royall was erected had her Ships from the Hans-Townes Long and dangerous was his journey eight of his men at Cape-Verd being killed and the General himself wounded with poyson'd Arrowes but was cured by a Negro drawing out the poyson with a Clove of Garlick enough to make nice noses dispence with the valiant smell for the sanative vertue thereof He wrote a treatise of his Voyage and is the first I met with who mentioneth that strange tree which may be termed The Tree of Food affording a liquor which is both Meat and Drink The Tree of Raiment yielding Needles wherewith and Threed whereof Mantles are made The Tree of Harbour Tiles to cover houses being made out of the solid parts thereof so that it beareth a self sufficiency for mans maintenance Iob was his name and patience was with him so that he may pass amongst the Confessors of this County
Navar called Mortileto de Vilenos who had accused him of Treason to the King and Realm In which combat the Navarois was overcome and afterwards hang'd for his false accusation HENRY the Fourth 2. JOHN ROCHFORD Miles The same no doubt with him who was Sheriff in the 15. of K. Richard the Second I confesse there was a Knightly Family of this Name at Rochford in Essex who gave for their Arms Argent a Lyon Rampant Sable langued armed and crowned Gules quartered at this day by the Lord Rochford Earl of Dover by the Butlers and Bollons descended from them But I behold this Lincolnshire Knight of another Family and different Arms quartered by the Earl of Moulgrave whence I collect his heir matched into that Family Consent of time and other circumstances argue him the same with Sir John Rochford whom Bale maketh to flourish under King Henry the Fourth commending him for his noble birth great learning large travail through France and Italy and worthy pains in translating Iosephus his Antiquities Polychronicon and other good Authors into English RICHARD the Third 2. ROâ—…ERT DIMOCK Miles This Sir Robert Dimock at the Coronation of King Henry the Seventh came on horse back into VVestminster Hall where the King dined and casting his Gauntlet on the Ground challenged any who durst Question the Kings right to the Crown King Henry being pleased to dissemble himself a stranger to that Ceremony demanded of a stander by what that Knight said to whom the party returned He challengeth any man to fight with him who dares deny your Highnesse to be the lawful K. of England If he will not fight with such a one said the King I will And so sate down to dinner HENRY the Seventh 9. JOHN HUSEE This was undoubtedly the same person whom King Henry the Eigth afterwards created the first and last Baron Husee of Sleford who ingaging himself against the King with the rebellious Commons anno 1537 was justly beheaded and saw that honour begun and ended in his own person HENRY the Eighth 16. THOMAS BURGE Miles He was honourably descended from the Heir General of the Lord Cobham of Sterbury in Surry and was few years after created Baron Burge or Burough by King Henry the Eigth His Grandchild Thomas Lord Burge Deputy of Ireland and Knight of the Garter of whom before left no Issue Male nor plentiful Estate only four Daughters Elizabeth married to Sir George Brook Frances to the ancient Family of Copinger in Suffolk Anna Wife to Sir Drue Drury and Katharine married to ..... Knivet of Norfolk Mother to Sir John Knivet Knight of the Bath at the last Installment so that the honour which could not conveniently be divided was here determined King CHARLES 9. JERVASIUS SCROOP Miles He ingaged with his Majesty in Edge-hill-fight where he received twenty six wounds and was left on the ground amongst the dead Next day his Son Adrian obtained leave from the King to find and fetch off his Fathers Corps and his hopes pretended no higher then to a decent Interment thereof Hearty seeking makes happy finding Indeed some more commendedthe affection than the judgement of the Young Gentleman conceiving such a search in vain amongst many naked bodies with wounds disguised from themselves and where pale Death had confounded all complexions together However he having some general hint of the place where his Father fell did light upon his body which had some heat left therein This heat was with rubbing within few Minutes improved into motion that motion within some hours into sense that sense within a day into speech that speech within certain Weeks into a perfect recovery living more then ten years after a Monument of Gods mercy and his Sons affection He always after carried his Arme in a Scarfe and loss of blood made him look very pale as a Messenger come from the Grave to advise the Living to prepare for Death The effect of his Story I received from his own mouth in Lincolne-colledge The Farewel It is vain to wish the same Successe to every Husband man in this Shire as he had who some seven score years since at Harlaxton in this County found an Helmet of Gold as he was Plowing in the Field Besides in Treasure Trove the least share falleth to him who first finds it But this I not only heartily wish but certainly promise to all such who industriously attend Tillage in this County or else where that thereby they shall find though not gold in specie yet what is gold worth and may quickly be commuted into it great plenty of good grain the same which Solomon foretold He that tilleth his Land shall have Plenty of Bread IT is in effect but the Suburbs at large of London replenished with the retyring houses of the Gentry and Citizens thereof besides many Pallaces of Noble-men and three lately Royal Mansions Wherefore much measure cannot be expected of so fine ware The cause why this County is so small scarce extending East and West to 18 miles in length and not exceeding North and South 12 in the bredth thereof It hath Hertford-shire on the North Buckingham-shire on the West Essex parted with Ley on the East Kent and Surrey severed by the Thames on the South The ayr generally is most healtful especially about High-Gate where the expert Inhabitants report that divers that have been long visited with sickness not curable by Physick have in short time recovered by that sweet salutary ayr Natural Commodities Wheate The best in England groweth in the Vale lying South of Harrow-the-Hill nigh Hessen where providence for the present hath fixed my habitation so that the Kings bread was formerly made of the fine flower thereof Hence it was that Queen Elizabeth received no Composition money from the Villages thereabouts but took her Wheat in kinde for her own Pastry and Bake-house There is an obscure Village hereabouts called Perivale which my Author will have more truly termed Purevale an Honour I assure you unknown to the Inhabitants thereof because of the cleerness of the Corn growing therein though the Purity thereof is much subject to be humbled with the Mildew whereof hereafter Tamarisk It hath not more affinity in sound with Tamarind then sympathy in extraction both originally Arabick general similitude in leaves and operation onely Tamarind in England is an annual dying at the approach of Winter whil'st Tamarisk lasteth many years It was first brought over by Bishop Grindal out of Switzerland where he was exile under Queen Mary and planted in his Garden at Fulham in this County where the soile being moist and Fenny well complied with the nature of this Plant which since is removed and thriveth well in many other places Yet it groweth not up to be Timber as in Arabia though often to that substance that Cups of great size are made thereof Dioscorides saith it is good for the Tooth-ach as what is not and yet indeed
England to the great prejudice of English Artisans which caused the insurrection in London on ill May-day Anno Dom. 1517. Nor was the City onely but Country Villages for four miles about filled with French fashions and infections The Proverb is applied to such who contemning the custome of their own Country make themselves more ridiculous by affecting forraign humours and habits Princes EDVVARD sole surviving Son of King Henry the eight and Jane his Wife was born at Hampton Court in this County Anno Dom. 1537. He succeeded his Father in the Kingdome and was most eminent in his Generation seeing the Kings of England fall under a five-fold division 1. Visibly Vicious given over to dissolutenesse and debauchery as King Edward the second 2. Potius extra vitia quà m cum virtutibus Rather free from Vice then fraught with Virtue as King Henry the third 3. In quibus aequali temperamento magnae virtutes inerant nec minora vitia In whom Vices and Virtues were so equally matched it was hard to decide which got the Mastery as in King Henry the eight 4 Whose good qualities beat their bad ones quite out of distance of Competition as in King Edward the first 5 Whose Virtues were so resplendent no faults humane frailties excepted appeared in them as in this King Edward He died July 5. 1553. and pity it is that he who deserved the best should have no monument erected to his memory indeed a brass Altar of excellent workmanship under which he was buried I will not say sacrificed with an untimely death by the treachery of others did formerly supply the place of his Tombe which since is abolished under the notion of superstition Guesse the goodness of his head and heart by the following letters written to Barnaby Fitz-Patrick Gentleman of his Bedchamber and brought up with him copyed out from the Originalls by the Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armagh and bestowed upon me Say not they are but of narrow and personal concernment seeing they are sprinkled with some passages of the Publique Neither object them written by a Child seeing he had more man in him than any of his Age. Besides Epistles are the calmest communicating truth to Posterity presenting History unto us in her night cloths with a true face of things though not in so fine a dress as in other kindes of writings EDVVARD We have received your Letters of the eighth of this present moneth whereby we understand how you are well entertained for which we are right glad and also how you have been once to goe on Pilgrimage For which cause we have thought good to Advertise you that hereafter if any such chance happen you shall desire leave to goe to Mr. Pickering or to Paris for your business And if that will not serve to declare to some man of Estimation with whom you are best acquainted that as you are loth to offend the French King because you have been so favourably used so with safe conâ—…cience you cannot do any such thing being brought up with me and bound to obey my Laws Also that you had Commandment from me to the Contrary yet if you be vehemently procured you may go as waiting on the King not as intending to the abuse nor willingly seeing the Ceremonies and so you look on the Masse But in the mean season regard the Scripture or some good Book and give no reverence to the Masse at all Furthermore remember when you may conveniently be absent from the Court to tarry with Sir William Pickering to be instructed by him how to use your self For Women as far forth as you may avoid their Company Yet if the French King command you you may some time Dance so measure be your meane else apply your self to Riding Shooting Tennis or such honest games not forgetting some times when you have leisure your learning cheifly reading of the Scriptures This I write not doubting but you would have done though I had not written but to spur you on your exchange of 1200 Crowns you shall receive either monthly or quarterly by Bartholomew Campaignes Factor in Paris He hath warrant to receive it by here and hath written to his Factors to deliver it you there we have signed your Bill for wages of the Chamber which Fitzwilliams hath likewise we have sent a Letter into Ireland to our Deputy that he shall take Surrender of your Fathers Lands and to make again other Letters Patent that those Lands shall be to him you and your Heirs lawfully begotten for ever adjoyning thereunto two religious Houses you spake for Thus fare you well from Westminster the 20 of December 1551. Mr. BARNABY I have of late sent you a Letter from Bartholmew Campaigne for your payment by the French Embassadors Pacquet I doubt not but your good nature shall profitably and Wisely receive the Kings Majesties Letter to you Fatherly of a Child Comfortably of your Soveraign Lord and most wisely of so young a Prince And so I beseech you that you will think wheresoever you go you carry with you a Demonstration of the Kings Majesty coming a Latere Suo and bred up in Learning and Manners with him with your conservation and modesty let me therefore believe the good reports of the King to be true and let them perceive what the King is when one brought up with him Habeat Virtutis tam Clarum Specimen This I write boldly as one that in you willeth our Masters honour and credit and I pray you use me as one that loveth you in plain termes Scribled in hast from Westminster the 22 of December 1551. Yours to use and have W. Cecill To the KINGS MAIESTY According to my bounden Duty I most humbly thank your Highness for your gratious Letters of the 20 of December lamenting nothing but that I am not able by any meanes nor cannot deserve any thing of the goodness your Highness hath shewed towards me And as for the avoiding of the company of the Ladies I will assure your Highness I will not come into their Company unless I do wait upon the French King As for the Letter your Majesty hath granted my Father for the assurance of his Lands I thank your Highness most humbly confessing my self as much bound to you as a Subject to his Soveraign for the same As for such simple news as is here I thought good to certifie your Majesty It did happen that a certain Saint standing in a blind corner of the Street where my Lord Admirall lay was broken in the night-time when my Lord was here which the French men did think to have been done by the English-men and the English-men did think it to have been done by some French-men of spite because the English-men lay in that street and now since that time they have prepared another Saint which they call our Ladie of Silver because the French King that dead is made her once of clean Silver and afterwards was stoln like as she hath been divers times both stolen
you again therein VVe have a little been troubled with the smale Pox which hath lâ—…tted us to write hitherto â—…ut now we have shaken that quite away Thus fare you well at Greenwich the third of May Anno 1552. EDVVARD VVe have received your Letters dated at Rhemes the fourth of this instant by which we understand how the French King doth mean now to set forth a new Army to resist the Emperour and that for that cause you think you cannot yet ask leave to return without suspition till this bray do cease In which thing we like your opinion very well and the rather because you may peradventure see more things in this short journey if so be it that the Emperor doth march towards you then you have seen all the while you have been there Neverthelesse as soon as his businesse is once over past you with Mr. Pickerings advice may take some occasion to ask leave for this VVinter to come home because you think there shall few things more be done then have been already in such manner and form as we have written in our former Letters VVe pray you also to advertise for how long time you have received your Diets Bartholomew Campaigne hath been paid six VVeeks agon till the last of September and we would be very glad to know whether you have received so much at his Factors hands More we have not to advertise you and therefore we commit you to God From Hampton Court the 7. of October anno Dom. 1552. Martyrs Smithfield neer London being Bonners Shambles and the Bone-fire Generall of England no wonder if some sparks thereof were driven thence into the Vicenage at Barnet Izlington and Stratford Bow where more then twenty persons were Martyred as in Mr. Fox doth appear Nor must we forget Mr. John Denley burnt at Uxbridge who began to sing a Psalm at the Stake and Dr. Story there present caused a prickley fagot to be huâ—…led in his face which so hurt him that he bled therewith Now the singing Nightingale needed no Thorn but only the sleeping one to awake it We may beleive that this Martyrs Prick-song indeed made good melody in the Ears of the God of Heaven Prelats RICHARD NORTHALL was saith my Author born in this County adding moreover Praetoris Londinensis ejusdem cognominis ut fertur filius But take Pretor either for Major or Sheriffe and no such man appeareth in Stow his exact survay of London so that one may thence safely conclude the Negative no such person in those places though probably he might hold some other eminent office in that City By the way the applying the names of Roman Magistrates to our English Officers wherein every one followeth their own fancy in assigning the correspondency hath cauâ—…ed much uncertainty in matters of this nature But we willingly believe this Robert of wealthy extraction though he became a Carmelite and afterward Chaplain to King Richard the second who for his good Preaching preferred him Bishop of Ossory for a time Chancelour of Ireland and at last Arch-Bishop of Dublin He wrote a Set of Sermons for the whole year lived much beloved for his learning and virtues and died no less lamented Anno Dom. 1397 on the 20 day of July Since the Reformation WILLIAM WICKHAM born at Enfield in this County bred in Kings-Colledge was Bishop first of Lincolne then of Winchester where he may be termed William Wickham junior in distinction of his name-sake and predecessor one equal to any of his Order in piety and painfullnesse though little of him extant in print superiour to all in patience dying Anno 1596 of the Strangury when he had not made water for fourteen days together This mindeth me of an usuall prayer amongst the modern Jews had they no worse customes their company would be wellcome unto us praising God as well for their vents of ejection as mouths for the admission of nourishment Souldiers FALCATIUs or FULKE de BRENT was a Middlesex-man by his Nativity whose family so flourished thâ—…rein in former ages remaining in a meaner condition to this day that an Antiquarie will have the rivolet Brent which denominateth Brentford so named from them which is preposterous in my opinion believing them rather named from the rivolet This FULK was a Minion to King John whose dangers indeared Martial-men unto him who the more to oblige his fidelity gave him in marriage Margaret the Daughter of Warrin Fitz Gerald his Chamberlaine late Wife to Baldwin de Rivers many muttering thereat and the Ladie her self it seems not well satisfied therewith as beneath her deserts Hereupon our Author Lex connectit eos amor concordia lecti Sed lex qualis amor qualis coÌ„cordia qualis Lex exlex amor exosus concordia discors Now both of them be'ng brought into a Bed By law and love and concord joyned are What law what love what coÌ„cord did them wed Law lawless loath'd love concord which did jarr This Fulke was highly in favour with King Henry the third who by the valour of this his Generall obtained the great Victory at Lincolne But afterwards when the Land was setled in peace Fulke found himself less respected set by and not set by hung up like the Axe when it hath hew'n all the hard timber on the wall unregarded He endeavoured therefore to embroile the Nation in a new War and like a dishonest Chirurgion willfully to blister the sound flesh into a sore to gaine by the cureing thereof This not succeeding all being weary of civil warr he presuming on the Kings Lenitie and his own merit accounting himself too high to come under the roofe of any Law committed many outrages of felonies and murders He was esteemed too bad to live such his present desperateness yet too good to be put to death such his former deserts and therefore as an expedient between both he was condemn'd to perpetuall banishment He went to Rome none had more need to confess his faults where he lived obscurely died miferably and was buried ignobly Anno 1226. Sir RALPH SADLIER Son of Sadlier Esquire was born at Hackney in this County where he was heir to a fair Inheritance He first was Servant to the Lord Cromwell and by him advanced into the service of King Henry the eighth A Prince judicious in men and meat and seldome deceived in either who made him cheife Secretary of State He was much knowing and therefore most imployed in the Scotch affairs much complicated with State Intricacies which he knew well to unfold It is seldome seen that the Pen and Sword Goun and Corselet meet eminently as here in the same person For in the Battle of Muscleborow he orâ—…ered and brought up our scattered Troops next degree to a rout 〈◊〉 them to fight by his own example and so for his valour was made a Knight Bannaret Of these two kinds one by way of encouragement made before the other by way of
Râ—…ward 〈◊〉 a Feild 〈◊〉 more safe and no less honourable in my Opinion Sir Ralph was of the second sort and the last which survived in England of that Order Yet was he little in stature tall not in person but performance Queen Eliz. made him Chanceâ—…our of the Dutchy During his last Embassie in Scotland his house at Standon in Herâ—…forashire was built by his Steward in his absence far greater then himself desired so that he never joyed therein and died soon after Anno 1587. in the 80 year of his age Howâ—…ver it hath been often filled with good Company and they feasted with great chear by the Hereditary Hospitality therein I must not forget how when this Knight attended his Master the Lord Cromwel at Rome before the English renounced the Papal power a â—…ardon wâ—…s granted not by his own but a Servants procuring for the Sins of that Famiâ—…y for three immediate Generations expiring in R. Sadlier Esquire lately dead which was extant but lately lost oâ—… displaced amongst their Records and though no use was made thereof much mirth was made therewith Capital Judges and Writers on the Law Sir THOMAS FROVVICK Knight was born at Elinge in this County son to Thomas Frowick Esquire By his Wife who was Daughter and Heire to Sir John Sturgeon Knight giving for his Armes Azure three Sturgeons Or under a fret Gules bred in the study of our Municipal Law wherein he attained to such eminency that he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas on the 39 of September in the 18 year of the Reign of King Henry the seventh Four years he sate in his place accounted the Oracle of Law in his Age though one of the youngest men that ever enjoyed that Office He is reported to have dyed floridâ juventute before full forty years old and lyeth buryed with Joane his Wife in the Church of Finchley in this County the Circumscription about his Monument being defaced onely we understand that his death hapned on the seventeenth of October 1506. He left a large Estate to his two Daughters whereof Elah the Eldest was married to Sir John Spelman one of the Justices of the Kings Bench Grand-Father to Sir Henry that Renowned Knight Sir WILLIAM STAMFORD Knight was of Staffordian extraction Robert his Grand-Father living at Rowley in that County But William his Father was a Merchant in London and purchased Lands at Hadley in Middlesex where Sir William was born August 22. 1509. He was bred to the study of our Municipal Lawes attaining so much eminence therein that he was preferred one of the Judges of the Common Pleas His most learned Book of the Pleas of the Crown hath made him for ever famous amongst men of his own profession There is a Spirit of Retraction of one to his native Country which made him purchase Lands and his son settle himself again in Staffordshire this worthy Judge died August 28 and was buried at Hadley in this Shire in the last year of the Reign of Queen Mary 1558. Writers JOHN ACTON I find no fewer then seventeen Actons in England so called as I conceive Originally from Ake in Saxon an Oake wherewith antiently no doubt those Townes were well stored But I behold the place nigh London as the Paramount Acton amongst them Our Iohn was bred Doctor of the Laws in Oxford and afterwards became Canon of Lincolne being very able in his own faculty He wrote a learned Comment on the Ecclesiasticall Constitutions of Otho and Ottob one both Cardinalls and Legats to the Pope in England and flourished under King Edward the First Anno 1290. RALPH ACTON was bred in the University of Oxford where he attained saith my Author Magisterium Theologicum and as I understand Magister in Theologiâ is a Doctor in Divinity so Doctor in Artibus is a Master of Arts. This is reported to his eternall Commendation Evangelium regni Dei fervore non modico praedicabat in medijs Romanarum Superstitionum Tenebris And though somtimes his tongue lisped with the Siboleth of the superstition of that age yet generally he uttered much pretious truth in those dangerous days and flourished under King Edward the second Anno 1320. ROGER TVVIFORD I find eleven Towns so named in England probably from the confluence of two fords thereabouts and two in this County He was bred an Augustinian Friar studied in both Universities and became a Doctor in Divinity In his declining age he applyed himself to the reading of the Scripture and the Fathers and became a painfull and profitable Preacher I find him not fixed in any one place who is charactered Concionum propalator per Dioecesin Norvicensem an Itinerant no Errant Preacher through the Diocess of Norwich He was commonly called GOODLUâ—…K and Good-Luck have he with his honour because he brought good success to others and consequently his own welcome with him whithersoever he went which made all Places and Persons Ambitious and Covetous of his presence He flourished about the year of our Lord 1390. ROBERT HOVVNSLOVV was born in this County at Hownslow a Village well known for the Road through and the Heath besides it He was a Fryar of the Order of the Holy Trinity which chiefly imployed themselves for the redemption of Captives Indeed Locusts generally were the devourers of all food yet one kind of Locusts were themselves wholesome though course food whereon Iohn Baptist had his common repast Thus Fryers I confess generally were the Pests of the places they lived in but to give this order their due much good did redound from their endeavours For this Robert being their Provinciall for England Scotland and Ireland rich people by him were affectionately exhorted their Almes industriously collected such collections carefully preserved till they could be securely transmitted and thereby the liberty of many Christian Captives effectually procured He wrote also many Synodall sermons and Epistles of confequence to severall persons of quality to stir up their liberality He flourished sayes Pitseus Anno Dom. 1430. a most remarkable year by our foresaid Author assigned either for the flourishing or for the Funeralls of eleven famous writers yet so as our Robert is dux gregis and leads all the rest all Contemporaries whereas otherwise for two or three eminent persons to light on the same year is a faire proportion through all his book De illustribus Angliae scriptoribus Since the Reformation WILLIAM GOUGE Born at Stratford-Bow in this County bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge where he was not once absent from publique service morning and evening the space of nine years together He read fifteen Chapters in the Bible everyday and was afterwards Minister of Blackfryers in London He never took a journey meerly for pleasure in all his Life he preached so long till it was a greater difficulty for him to go up into the Pulpit then either to make or preach a Sermon and dyed aged seventy nine years leaving
which Alms-dish came afterwards into the possession of the Duke of Somerset who sent it to the Lord Rivers to sell the same to furnish himself for a Sea-voyage But after the Death of good Duke Humphrey when many of his former Alms-men were at a losse for a meals meat this Proverb did alter its Copy to Dine with Duke Humphrey importing to be Dinnerlesse A general mistake fixed this sense namely that Duke Humphrey was buryed in the Body of St. Pauls Church where many men chaw their meat with feet and walk away the want of a Dinner whereas indeed that noble person interred in St. Pauls was Sir John Beauchamp Constable of Dover Warden of the Cinque Ports Knight of the Garter Son to Guy Earl of Warwick and Brother to Thomas Earl of Warwick whilst Duke Humphrey was honourably buried in St. Albans I will use you as bad as a Jew I am sure I have carried the Child home and layed it at the Fathers House having traced this Proverb by the Tract from England in General to London thence to the Old Jury whence it had its first Original that poor Nation especially on Shrove-Tuesday being intollerably abused by the English whilst they lived in the Land I could wish that wheresoever the Jews live they may not find so much courtesie as to confirm them in their false yet not so much Cruelty as to discourage them from the true Religion till which time I can bemone their Misery condemn the Christians Cruelty and admire Gods justice in both See we it here now fulfilled which God long since frequently foretold and threatned namely that he would make the Jews become a Proverb if continuing Rebellious against him I passe not for the Flouts of prophane Pagans scoffing at the Jews Religion Credat Judaeus Apella but to behold them thus Proverbiascere for their Rebellions against God minds me of the performance of Gods Threatning unto them Good manners to except my Lord Maior of London This is a corrective for such whose expressions are of the largest size and too general in their extent parallel to the Logick Maxime Primum in unoquoque genere est excipiendum as too high to come under the Roof of comparison In some cases it is not civil to fill up all the room in our speeches of our selves but to leave an upper place voyd as a blank reserved for our betters I have dined as well as my Lord Maior of London That this Proverb may not crosse the former know that as well is not taken for as dubiously or daintily on Variety of Costly Dishes in which kinds the Lord Maior is Paramount for Magnificence For not to speak of his solemn Invitations as when Henry Pickard Lord Maior 1357. did in one day entertain a Messe of Kings Edward King of England John King of France David King of Scots and the King of Cyprus besides Edward Prince of Wales and many prime Noble-men of the Land his daily Dinners are Feasts both for Plenty Guests and Attendants But the Proverb hath its modest meaning I haue dined as well that is as comfortable as contentedly according to the Rule Satis est quod sufficit enough is as good as a Feast and better then a Surfeit and indeed Nature is contented with a little and Grace with lesse As old as Pauls Steeple Different are the Dates of the Age thereof because it had two births or beginnings For if we count it from the time wherein it was originally co-founded by K. Ethelbert with the Body of the Church Anno six hundred and ten then it is above a thousand and forty years of Age. But if we reckon it from the year 1087. when burnt with Lightning from Heaven and afterwards rebuilt by the Bishops of London it is not above five hundred years old And though this Proverb falls far short of the Latine ones Antiquius Arcadibus Antiquius Saturno yet serveth it sufficiently to be returned to such who pretend those things to be Novell which are known to be stale old and almost antiquated He is only fit for Ruffians-Hall A Ruffian is the same with a Swaggerer so called because endevouring to make that Side to swag or weigh down whereon he ingageth The same also with Swash-Buckler from swashing or making a noise on Bucklers West-Smith-field now the Horse-Market was formerly called Ruffians-Hall where such men met casually and otherwise to try Masteries with Sword and Buckler Moe were frighted then hurt hurt then killed therewith it being accounted unmanly to strike beneath the Knee because in effect it was as one armed against a naked man But since that desperate Traitor Rowland Yorke first used thrusting with Rapiers Swords and Bucklers are disused and the Proverb only appliable to quarrelsome people not tame but wild Barretters who delight in brawls and blows A Loyal heart may be landed under Traitors Bridge This is a Bridge under which is an Entrance into the Tower over against Pink Gate formerly fatal to those who landed there there being a muttering that such never came forth alive as dying to say no worse therein without any Legal Tryal The Proverb importeth that passive Innocence overpower'd with Adversaries may be accused without cause and disposed at the pleasure of others it being true of all Prisoners what our Saviour said to and of St. Peter Another shall carry thee whither thou wouldst not Queen Elizabeth may be a proofe hereof who in the Reign of Queen Mary her Sister first stayed and denyed to Land at those Stairs where all Traytors and Offenders customably used to Land till a Lord which my Author would not and I cannot name told her she should not choose and so she was forced accordingly To cast water into the Thames That is to give to them wâ—…o had plenty before which notwithstanding is the dole general of the World Yet let not Thames be proud of his full and fair stream seeing Water may be wanting therein as it was Anno 1158. the Fourth of William Rufus when men might walk over dryshod and again Anno 1582. a strong Wind lying West and by South which forced out the Fresh and kept back the Salt-water He must take him a House in Turn-again Lane This in old Records is called Wind-again Lane and lyeth in the Parish of St. Sepulchres going down to Fleet-Dike which men must turn again the same way they came for there it is stopped The Proverb is applied to those who sensible that they embrace destructive courses must seasonably alter their manners which they may do without any shame to themselves it is better to come back through Turn-again though a narrow and obscure Lane then to go on an ill account straight forwards in a fair street hard by whence Vestigia nulla retrorsum as leading Westward to Execution He may whet his Knife on the Threshold of the Fleet. The Fleet is a place notoriouslâ—… known for a
of Durham but continued not long therein for he dyed in the 75 year of his Age 6th of February Anno Domini 1631. and was buried in St. Pauls in London JOHN DAVENANT D. D. born in Watling-street was son to John Davenant a Wealthy Citizen whose father was of Davenants lands in Essex When an Infant newly able to go he fell down a high pair of staires and rising up at the bottome smiled without having any harme God and his good Angels keeping him for further service in the Church When a child he would rather own his own frowardnesse than anothers flattery and when soothed up by the servants that not John but some other of his brothers did cry He would rather appear in his own face than wear their disguise returning that it was none of his brothers but John only cryed He was bred first Fellow-Commoner then Fellow then Margaret Profeslor then Master of Queens â—…lledge in Cambridge At a publick Election he gave his negative voice against a near Kinsman and a most excellent Scholar Cosen said he I will satisfie your father that you have worth but not want enough to be one of our Society Returning from the Synod of Dort he was elected Bishop of Sarum 1621. After his Consecration being to perform some personal Service to King James at Newmarket he refused to ride on the Lords Day and came though a Day later to the Court no lesse welcome to the King not only accepting his excuse but also commending his seasonable forbearance Taking his leave of the Colledge and of one John Rolfe an ancient servant thereof he desired him to pray for him And when the other modestly returned that he rather needed his Lordships Prayers Yea John said he and I need thine too being now to enter into a Calling wherein I shall meet with many and great Temptations PÅ•aefuit qui profuit was the Motto written in most of his Books the sense whereof he practised in his Conversation He was humble in himself and the Consequence thereof charitable to others Indeed once invited by Bishop Field and not well pleased with some Roisting Company there he embraced the next opportunity of departure after Dinner And when Bishop Field proferred to light him with a Candle down Stairs My Lord my Lord said he let us lighten others by our unblameable Conversation for which Speech some since have severely censured him how justly I interpose not But let others unrelated unto him write his Character whose Pen cannot be suspected of Flattery which he when living did hate and dead did not need We read of the Patriarch Israel that the time drew nigh that he must dye Must a necessity of it Such a decree attended this Bisâ—…op happy to dye before his Order for a time dyed April 1641. and with a solemn Funeral he was Buried in his own â—…dral Dr. Nicholas now Dean of St. Pauls preaching an excellent Sermonâ—…t â—…t his In terment MATHEVV WREN D. D. was born in this City not far from Cheap-side but descended as appears by his Arms from the worshipful Family of the Wrens in Northumberland He was bred Fellow of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge where he kept the extraordinary Philosophy Act before King James I say kept it with no lesse praise to himself then pleasure to the King where if men should forget even Dogs would remember his seasonable distinction what the Kings hounds could perform above others by vertue of their prerogative He afterward became an excellent Preacher and two of his Sermons in the University were most remarkable one preached before the Judges on this Text And let Judgement run down like waters and righteousnesse as a mighty stream at what time the draining of the Fens was designed suspected detrimental to the Univerâ—…ity The other when newly returned from attending Prince Charles into Spain on the words of the Psalmist abyssus abyssum invocat one depth calleth another He was afterwards preferred Master of Peterhouse Dean of Windsor Bishop of Norwich and Ely Some in the Long Parliament fell so heavily on him that he was imprisoned in the Tower almost fifteen years and his cause never heard Surely had the imposers been the sufferers hereof they would have cryed it up for a high piece of injustice But as St. Paul had the credit to be brought with intreaties out of Prison by those who sent him thither so this Prelate hath had the honour that the same Parliamentary power though not constituted of the same persons which committed him caused his Inlargement still living 1661. Statesmen Sir THOMAS MORE was Anno Domini 1480 born in Milkstreet London the 〈◊〉 that ever shined in that Via lactea sole Son to Sir John More Knight one of the Justices of the Kings Bench. Some have reported him of mean parentage meerly from a mistake of a modest word in an Epitaph of his own making on his Monument in Chelsey Church Where Nobilis is taken not in the civil but Common Law sense which alloweth none Noble under the degree of Barons Thus men cannot be too wary what they inscribe on Tombs which may prove a Record though not in Law in History to posterity He was bred first in the Family of Arch-bishop Morton then in Canterbury Colledge now taken into Christ Church in Oxford where he profited more in two then many in ten years continuance Thence he removed to an Inn of Chancery called New Inn and from thence to Lincolns Inn where he became a double Reader Then did his worth prefer him to be Judge in the Sheriffe of Londons Court whilst a Pleader in others And although he only chose such causes which appeared just to his Conscience and never took Fee of Widow Orphane or poor person he gained in those days four hundred pounds per annum Being made a Member of the House of Commons he opposed King Henry the Seventh about money for the Marriage of his Daughter Margaret Whereat the King was much discontented when a Courtier told him that a beardlesse Boy beard was never the true Standard of brains had obstructed his desires Which King being as certain but more secret then his son in his revenge made More the mark of his Displeasure who to decline his anger had travelled beyond the Seas had not the Kings going into another World stopped his journey King Henry the Eighth coming to the Crown and desirous to ingratiate himself by preferring popular and deserving persons Knighted Sir Thomas and made him Chancelour of the Dutchy of Lancaster the Kings personal patrimony Finding him faithfull in lesser matters according to the method of the Gospel he made him in effect Ruler of all when Lord Chancelour of England a place wherein he demeaned himself with great integrity and with no less expedition In testimony of the later it is recorded that calling for the next cause it was returned unto him there are no more to be heard all Suits in that Court depending and
I remember are buryed in Lichfield and not in the Vault under the Church of Drayton in Middlesex where the rest of that Family I cannot say lye as whose Coffins are erected but are very compleatly reposed in a peculiar posture which I meet not with elsewhere the horrour of a Vault being much abated with the Lightnesse and Sweetnesse thereof THOMAS WENTVVORTH was born his Mother coming casually to London in Chancery Lane in the Parish of St. Dunstans in the West Yet no reason Yorkshire should be deprived of the honour of him whose Ancestors long flourished in great esteem at VVent-worth-VVoodhouse in that County He was bred in St. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge and afterwards became a Champion Patriot on all occasions He might seem to have a casting voice in the House of Commons for where he was pleased to dispose his Yea or Nay there went the affirmative or negative It was not long before the Court gained him from the Country and then Honours and Offices were heaped on him created Baron and Viscount Wentworth Earl of Strafford and Lord Deputy of Ireland When he went over into Ireland all will confesse he laid down to himself this noble foundation vigorously to endevour the Reduction of the Irish to perfect obedience to the King and profit to the Exchequer But many do deny the Superstructure which he built thereon was done by legal line and Plummet A Parliament was called in England and many Crimes were by prime persons of England Scotland and Ireland charged upon him He fenced skilfully for his Life and his Grand-guard was this that though confessing some Misdemeanors all proved against him amounted not to Treason And indeed Number cannot create a new kind so that many Trespasses cannot make a Riot many Riots one Treason no more then many Frogs can make one Toad But here the Dâ—…stinction of Acumulative and Constructive Treason was coyned and caused his Destruction Yet his Adversaries politickly brake off the Edge of the Axe which cut off his head by providing his Condemnation should not passe into Precedent to Posterity so that his Death was remarkable but not exemplary Happy had it been if as it made no Precedent on Earth so no Remembrance thereof had been kept in Heaven Some hours before his Suffering he fell fast asleep alledged by his friends as an Evidence of the Clearnesse of his Conscience and hardly to be parallel'd save in St. Peter in a dead sleep the Night before he was to dye condemned by Herod His death happened 1641. He hath an eternal Monument in the matchlesse Meditations of King Charles the First and an everlasting Epitaph in that weighty Character * there given him I looked upon my Lord of Strafford as a Gentleman whose abilites might make a Prince rather afraid than ashamed in the greatest Affairs of State c. God alone can revive the dead all that Princes can perform is to honour their Memory and Posterity as our Gracious Soveraign King Charles hath made his worthy Son Knight of the Garter LYONEL CRANFIELD Son to Randal Cranfield Citizen and Martha his Wife Daughter to the Lady Dennis of Gloucester-shire who by her will which I have perused bequeathed a fair estate unto her was born in Bassing-hall street and bred a Merchant much conversant in the Custome-House He may be said to have been his own Tutor and his own University King Iames being highly affected with the clear brief strong yea and profitable sense he spake preferred him Lord Treasurer 1621. Baron of Cranfield and Earl of Middlesex Under him it began to be young flood in the Exchequer wherein there was a very low Ebb when he entred on that Office and he possessed his Treasurers place some four years till he fell into the Duke of Bucks the best of Friends and worst of Foes displeasure Some say this Lord who rose cheifly by the Duke whose near Kinswoman he married endevoured to stand without yea in some cases for the Kings profit against him which Independency and opposition that Duke would not endure Flaws may soon be found and easily be made Breaches in great Officers who being active in many cannot be exact in all matters However this Lord by losing his Office saved himself departing from his Treasurers place which in that age was hard to keep Insomuch that one asking what was good to preserve Life was answered Get to be Lord Treasurer of England for they never do dye in their place which indeed was true for four Successions Retiring to his magnificent House at Copt-hall he there enjoyed himself contentedly entertained his friends bountifully neighbours hospitably poor charitably He was a proper person of comely presence chearful yet grave countenance and surely a solid and wise man And though their Soul be the fattest who only suck the sweet Milk they are the healthfullest who to use the Latine Phrase have tasted of both the Breasts of fortune He dyed as I collect anno 1644 and lyeth interred in a stately Monument in the Abby at Westminster Writers on the Law FLETA or FLEET We have spoken formerly of the Fleet as a Prison but here it importeth a person disguised under that name who it seems being committed to the Fleet therein wrote a Book of the Common Laws of England and other Antiquities There is some difference concerning the Time when this Learned Book of Fleta was set forth but it may be demonstrated done before the fourteenth of the Reign of King Edward the Third for he saith that it is no Murder except it be proved that the Party slain was English and no Stranger whereas this was altered in the fourteenth year of the said King when the killing of any though a Forreigner living under the Kings protection out of prepensed Malice was made Murder He seemeth to have lived about the End of King Edward the Second and beginning of King Edward the Third Seeing in that Juncture of Time two Kings in effect were in being the Father in right the Son in might a small contempt might cause a confinement to that place and as Loyal ubjects be within it as without it Sure it is that notwithstanding the confinement of the Author his Book hath had a good passage and is reputed Law to posterity CHRISTOPHER St. GERMAN Reader wipe thine eyes and let mine smart if thou readest not what richly deserves thine observation seeing he was a person remarkable for his Gentility Piety Chastity Charity Ability Industry and Vivacity 1. Gentility descended from a right ancient Family born as I have cause to believe in London and bred in the Inner Temple in the Study of our Laws 2. Piety he carried Saint in his nature as well as in his Surname constantly reading and expounding every night to his Family a Chapter in the Bible 3. Chastity living and dying unmarried without the least spot on his Reputation 4. Charity giving consilia and auxilia to all his People gratis
no wonder if the streams issuing thence were shallow when the fountain to feed them was so low the revenues of the Crown being much abated There is no redemption from Hell There is a place partly under partly by the Exchequer Court commonly called Hell I could wish it had another name seeing it is ill jesting with edge tools especially with such as are sharpened by Scripture I am informed that formerly this place was appointed a prison for the Kings debtors who never were freed thence untill they had paid their uttermost due demanded of them If so it was no Hell but might be termed Purgatory according to the Popish erronious perswasion But since this Proverb is applyed to moneys paid into the Exchequer which thence are irrecoverable upon what plea or pretence whatsoever As long as Megg of Westminster This is applyed to persons very tall especially if they have Hop-pole-heighth wanting breadth proportionable thereunto That such a gyant woman ever was in Westminster cannot be proved by any good witness I pass not for a late lying Pamphlet though some in proof thereof produce her Grave-stone on the South-side of the Cloistures which I confess is as long an large and entire Marble as ever I beheld But be it known that no woman in that age was interred in the Cloistures appropriated to the Sepultures of the Abbot and his Monkes Besides I have read in the Records of that Abby of an infectious year wherein many Monkes dyed of the Plague and were all buried in one Grave probably in this place under this Marble Monument If there be any truth in the Proverb it rather relateth to a great Gun lying in the Tower commonly call'd long Megg and in troublesome times perchance upon ill May day in the raign of King Henry the eighth brought to Westminster where for a good time it continued But this Nut perchance deâ—…erves not the Cracking Princes EDWARD the first was born in Westminster being a Prince placed by the posture of his nativity betwixt a weak Father and a wilful Son Yet he needed no such advantage for foils to set forth his 〈◊〉 worth He was surnamed Longshanks his step being another mans stride and was very high in stature And though oftimes such who are built four stories high are observed to have little in their cock-loft yet was he a most judicious man in all his undertakings equally wise to plot as valiant to perform and which under Divine Providence was the result of both happy in success at Sea at Land at Home Abroad in VVar in Peace He was so fortunate with his Sword at the beginning of his raign that he awed all his enemies with his Scabbard before the end thereof In a word he was a Prince of so much merit that nothing under a Chronicle can make his compleat Character EDWARD sole â—…on to King Henry the sixth and Margaret his Queen was born at Westminster on the 13 day of Octo. 1453. Now when his Father's party was totally and finally routed in the battail at Teuks-bury this Prince being taken prisoner presented to King Edward the fourth and demanded by him on what design he came over into England returned this answer That he came to recover the Crown which his Ancestos for three desents had no less rightfully then peaceably possessed An answer for the truth befitting the Son of so holy a Father as King Henry the sixth and for the boldness thereof becoming the Son of so haughty a Mother as Queen Margaret But presently King Edward dashed him on the mouth with his 〈◊〉 and his Brother Richard Crook-back stab'd him to the heart with his dagger A barbarous murder without countenance of justice in a legal or valour in a military way And his blood then shed was punished not long after Here I am not ashamed to make this observation That England had successively three Edwards all Princes of Wales sole or eldest sons to actual Kings Two dying violent all untimely deaths in their minority before they were possessed of the Crown viz. 1 Edward Son to Henry 6. stab'd In the Seventeenth years of his age 2 Edward Edward 4. stifled Tenth 3 Edward Richard 3. pined away Eleventh The murder of the second may justly be conceived the punishment of the murder of the first and the untimely death of the last of whom more in Yorkshire a judgement for the murder of the two former EDWARD eldest son of Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Queen was born in the Sanctuary of Westminster November 4. 1471. His tender years are too soft for a solid character to be fixed on him No hurt we find done by him but too much on him being murthered in the Tower by the procurement of his Unckle Protector Thus was he born in a spiritual and kill'd in a temporal Prison He is commonly called King Edward the fifth though his head was ask'd but never married to the English Crown and therefore in all the Pictures made of him a distance interposed forbiddeth the banes betwixt them ELIZABETH eldest daughter of King Edward the fourth and Elizabeth his Queen was born in Westminster on the eleventh of February 1466. She was afterwards married to King Henry the seventh and so the two Houses of York and Lancaster united first hopefully in their Bed and aâ—…terwards more happily in their Issue Bâ—…sides her dutifulness to her husband and fruitfulness in her children little can be extracted of her personal character She dyed though not in Child bearing in Child-bed being safely delivered on Candlemas day Anno 1503 of the Lady Katharine and afterwards falling sick languished until the eleventh of February and then died in the thirty seventh year of her age on the day of her nativity She lieth buried with her husband in the Chappel of his erection and hath an equal share with him in the use and honour of that his most magnificent monument CECILY second daughter to King Edward the fourth by Elizabeth his Queen bearing the name of Cecily Dutchess of York her grand mother and god mother was born at Westminster In her Child-hood mention was made of a marriage betwixt her and James son to James the third Prince of Scotland But that Motion died with her father Heaven wherein marriages are made reserving that place for Margaret her eldest sisters eldest daughter She long led a single life but little respected of King Henry the seventh her brother in law That politick King knowing that if he had none or no surviving Issue by his Queen then the right of the Crown rested in this Cecily sought to suppress her from popularity or any publick appearance He neither preferred her to any 〈◊〉 Prince nor disposed of her to any prime Peer of England till at last this Lady wedded her self to a Linconshire Lord John Baron Wells whom King Henry advanced Viscount and no higher After his death my Author saith she was re-married not mentioning her husbands name
house of the Earl of Arundel at High-gate and was buried in Saint Michaels Church in Saint Albans Master Mutis his grateful servant erecting a Monument for him Since I have read that his grave being occasionally opened his scull the relique of civil veneration was by one King a Doctor of Physick made the object of scorn and contempt but he who then derided the dead is since become the laughing stock of the living Writers SULCARD of WESTMINSTER was an English-man by birth bred a Benedictine Monke He was one of an excellent wit meek disposition candid behaviour and in great esteem with King Edward the Conâ—…essor What Progress he made in learning may easily be collected from what is recorded in an old Manuscript In Westmonasterio vixerunt simul Abbas Eadwinus Sulcardus Coenobita Sed Sulchardus doctrina major erat He flourished Anno Domini 1070. under King William the Conquerour GILBERT of WESTMINSTER bred first Monkc then Abbot thereof He gave himself to the study of humane learning then of Divinity and through the guidance of Anselme Arch-bishop of Canterbury attained to great knowledge in the Scriptures Afterwards he studied in France visited Rome in his return from whence he is reported to have had a disputation with a learned Jew which afterwards he reduced into the form of a Dialogue and making it publique he dedicated it to Saint Anselme He dyed Anno 1117. and was buried in Westminster MATHEW of WESTMINSTER was bred a Monke therein and as accomplished a Scholar as any of his age Observable is the grand difference betwixt our English history as he found it and as he left it He found it like Polyphemus when his eye was bored out a big and bulky body but blind Memorable actions were either presented without any date which little informed or too many dates which more distracted the Reader Our Mathew reduced such confused sounds to an Articulate and intelligible voice regulating them by a double directory of time viz. the beginnings and deaths of all the Kings of England and Arch bishops of Canterbury He wrote one History from the beginning of the world to Christ a second from Christs Nativity to the Norman Conquest a third from thence to the beginning of King Edward the second augmenting it aâ—…terwards with the addition of his life and King Edward the thirds He named his book Flores Historiarum and if sometimes for it is but seldome he presenteth a flower less fragrant or blasted bud the judicious Reader is not tyed to take what he tenders but may select for his own ease a Nosegay out of the choicest flowers thereof He dyed about the year 1368. Since the Reformation BENIAMIN JOHNSON was born in this City Though I cannot with all my industrious inquiry find him in his cradle I can fetch him from his long coats When a little child he lived in Harts-horn-lane near Charing-cross where his Mother married a Bricklayer for her Second husband He was first bred in a private school in Saint Martins Church then in VVestminster school witness his own Epigram Camden most reverend Head to whom I owe All that I am in Arts all that I know How nothing's that to whom my Country owes The great renown and Name wherewith she goes c. He was Statutably admitted into Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge as many years after incorporated a honorary Member of Christ-church in Oxford where he continued but few weeks for want of further maintenance being fain to return to the trade of his father in law And let not them blush that have but those that have not a lawful calling He help'd in the building of the new structure os Lincolns-Inn when having a Trowell in his hand he had a book in his pocket Some gentlemen pitying that his parts should be buried under the rubbish of so mean a Calling did by their bounty manumise him freely to follow his own ingenuous inclinations Indeed his parts were not so ready to run of themselves as able to answer the spur so that it may be truly said of him that he had an Elaborate wit wrought out by his own industry He would sit silent in learned company and suck in besides wine their several humors into his observation What was ore in others he was able to refine to himself He was paramount in the Dramatique part of Poetry and taught the Stage an exact conformity to the laws of Comedians His Comedies were above the Volge which are onely tickled with down right obscenity and took not so well at the first stroke as at the rebound when beheld the second time yea they will endure reading and that with due commendation so long as either ingenuity or learning are fashionable in our Nation If his later be not so spriteful and vigorous as his first pieces all that are old will and all that desire to be old should excuse him therein He was not very happy in his children and most happy in those which died first though none lived to survive him This he bestowed as part of an Epitaph on his eldest son dying in infancy Rest in soft peace and Ask'd say here doth lye Ben Johnson his best piece of Poetry He dyed Anno Domini 1638. And was buried about the Belfry in the Abby-church at VVestminster Masters of Musick CHRISTOPHER TYE Doctor of Musick flourished in the reign of King Henry the eight and King Edward the sixth to whom he was one of the Gentlemen of their Chappel and probably the Organist Musick which received a grievous wound in England at the disolution of Abbyes was much beholding to him for her recovery such his excellent skill and piety that he kept it up in credit at Court and in all Cathedrals during his life He translated the Acts of the Apostles into verse and let us take a tast of his Poetry In the former treatise to thee Dear friend Theophilus I have written the veritie Of the Lord Christ Jesus VVhich he to do and eke to teach Began untill the day In which the Spirit up did him fetch To dwell above for Aye After that he had power to do Even by the Holy Ghost Commandements then he gave unto His chosen least and most To whom also himself did shew From death thus to revive By tokens plain unto his few Even forty days alive Speaking of Gods kingdome with heart Chusing together them Commanding them not to depart From that Jerusalem But still to wait on the promise Of his Father the Lord Of which ye have heard me ere this Unto you make record Pass we now from his Poetry being Musick in words to his Musick being Poetry in sounds who set an excellent Composition of Musick of four parts to the several Chapters of his aforementioned Poetry dedicating the same to King Edward the sixth a little before the death of that good Prince and Printed it Anno Domini 1553. He also did compose many excellent Services and Anthems of four and
five parts which were used in Cathedrals many years after his death the certain date whereof I cannot attain JOHN DOULAND was as I have most cause to believe born in this City sure I am he had his longest life and best livelyhood therein being Servant in the Chappel to Queen Elizabeth and King James He was the rarest Musician that his Age did behold Having travailed beyond the Seas and compounded English with Forreign Skill in that faculty it is questionable whether he excell'd in Vocal or Instrumental Musick A chearful Person he was passing his days in lawful meriment truly answering the Anagram made of him JOHANNES DOULANDUS ANNOS LUDENDO HAUSI Christian the fourth K. of Denmark coming over into England requested him of K. James who unwillingly willing parted with him Many years he lived as I am credibly informed in the Danish Court in great favour and plenty generally imployed to entertain such English Persons of quality as came thither I cannot confidently avouch his death at Denmark but believe it more probably then their assertion who report him returned and dying in England about the year 1615. Benefactors to the Publique JAMES PALMER B. D. was born in this City and bred in Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge The Company of Carpenters in London gave him an exhibition towards his maintenance there or lent it him rather For since his bounty hath repaid them the Principle with plentiful consideration He was afterwards for many years the constant Preacher of Saint Bridgets in Fleetstreet the onely Church preferment he enjoyed I perceive thus craft and cruelty may raise a quick and great but plain frugallity especially if vivacious will advance a better and surer estate Though sequestred in these times what he had formerly gained in his place he hath since bestowed in building and endowing over against the New Chappel in Westminster a fair Almes-house for twelve poor people besides this many and great have his gifts been to Ministers poor widdows and wonder not Reader if they be unknown to me which were unknown to his own left-hand all this he did in his life time O it giveth the best light when one carrieth his Lant-horn before him The surest way that ones Will shall be performed is to see it performed Yea I may say that his poor people in his Almes-house are in some sort provided for not onely from head to foot but also from body to soul he constantly preaching to them twice a week He dyed Anno 1659. Memorable Persons EDMOND DOUBLEDAY Esquire was of a tall and proper person and lived in this City Nor had this large case a little jewell this long body a lazy soul whose activity and valour was adequate to his strength and greatness whereof he gave this eminent testimony When Sir Thomas Knevet was sent November 4. 1605. by King James to search the Cellar beneath the Parliament-house with very few for the more privacy to attend him he took Master Doubleday with him Here they found Gui Faux with his dark-lant-horn in the dead of the night providing for the death of many the next morning He was newly come out of the Divels Closset so I may fitly term the inward room where the powder lay and the train was to be laid into the outward part of the Cellar Faux beginning to bussel Master Doubleday instantly ordered him at his pleasure up with his heels and there with the Traytor lay the Treason flat along the floor by Gods goodness detected defeated Faux vowed and though he was a false Traitor herein I do believe him that had he been in the inner room he would have blown up himself and all the company therein Thus it is pleasant musick to hear disarmed malice threaten when it cannot strike Master Doubleday lived many years after deservedly loved and respected and died about the year of our Lord 1618. The Farewell Seeing the well-being yea being of this City consisteth in the Kings Court and in the Courts of Justice I congratulate the happy return of the one praying for the long continuance of the other yea may the Lawyers in Westminster-hall never again plead in their Armour as they did in the time of Wyats rebellion but in their peaceable Gowns and Legal Formalities Nor doth this Wish onely extend to the Weal of Westminster but all England For no such dearth in a Land as what is caused from a drought of Justice therein For if judgement do not run down as Waters and righteousness as a mighty Stream Injustice like an Ocean will drown all with its inundation NOR FOLK hath the German Ocean on the North and East thereof Suffolk severed by the river Waveny on the South-side Cambridge-shire parted by the river Ouse and a small part of Lincoln shire on the West it extendeth full 50. miles from East to West but from North to South stretcheth not above thirty miles All England may be carved out of Norfolk represented therein not onely to the kind but degree thereof Here are Fens and Heaths and Light and Deep and Sand and Clay-ground and Meddows and Pasture and Arable and Woody and generally woodless land so gratefull is this Shire with the variety thereof Thus as in many men though perchance this or that part may justly be cavelled at yet all put together complete a proper person so Norfolk collectively taken hath a sufficient result of pleasure and profit that being supplied in one part which is defective in another This County hath the most Churches of any in England six hundred and sixty and though the poorest Livings yet by some occult quallity of their good husbandry and Gods blessing thereon the richest Clergy-men Nor can there be given a greater demonstration of the wealth and populousness of this County than that in the late Act for an Assessment upon England at the rate of sixty thousand pounds by the Month for three Months Norfolk with the City of Norwich is rated at three thousand two hundred sixty six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence the highest proportion of any Shire in England And though Norfolk hath little cause to please and less to pride it self in so dear purchased pre-eminence yet it cannot but account it a credit to see it self not undervalued Natural Commodities It shareth plentifully in all English Commodities and aboundeth with the best and most Rabbits These are an Army of natural Pioners whence men have learned cuniculos agere the Art of undermining They thrive best on barren ground and grow fattest in the hardest frosts Their flesh is fine and wholesome If Scotish-men tax our language as improper and smile at our wing of a Rabbit let us laugh at their shoulder of a Capon Their skins were formerly much used when furs were in fashion till of late our Citizens of Romans are turned Grecians have laid down their grave gowns and took up their light cloaks men generally disliking all habits though emblemes of honour if also badges of age Their rich
Master Aylmer sate in the hind part whilst the Searchers drank of the Wine which they saw drawn out of the head or other end thereof Returning into England he was made Arch-Deacon of Lincoln and at last Bishop of London He was happy in a meet Yoke-fellow having a gratious Matron to his wife by whom he had many children and one son to which Arch-bishop Whitgift was Godfather and named him Tob-el that is The Lord is good in memorial of a great deliverance bestowed on this childs mother For when she was cast out of her Coach in London by a Mastiff casually seising upon the Horses she received no harm at all though very near to the time of her Travail Bishop Aylmer was well learned in the Languages a ready Disputant and deep Divine He was eighteen years Bishop of London and dying Anno 1594. in the 73. year of his age had this for part of his Epitaph which Bishop Vaugham sometimes his Chaplain afterwards his Successor made upon him Ter senos Annos Praesul semul Exul idem Bis Pugil in causa religionis erat Eighteen years Bishop and once Banish'd hence And twice a Champion in the Truths defence I understand it thus once a Champion in suffering when an Exile for religion and again in doing when chosen one of the disputants at Westminster against the Popish Bishops Primo Elizabethae except any expound it thus once Champion of the Doctrine against Papists and afterwards against the Discipline of the Non-Confromists none more stoutly opposing or more fouly belibelled of them God blessed him with a great estate the main whereof he left unto Samuel Aylmer his eldest son High-sheriff of Suffolk in the reign of King Charles and amongst his youngest sons all well provided for Doctor Aylmer Rector of Haddam in Hartfordshire was one of the most learned and reverend Divines in his generation JOHN TOWERS was born in this County bred Fellow of Queens-colledge in Cambridge and became Chaplain to William Earl of Northampton who bestowed on him the Benefice of Castle-Ashby in Northampton-shire He was preferred Dean and at last Bishop of Peterborough He was a good actor when he was young and a great sufferour when he was old dying about the year 1650. rich onely in Children and Patience Nothing but sin is a shame in it self and poverty as poverty especially since our Saviour hath sanctified it by suffering it is no disgrace Capital Judges and Writers on the Law RALPH DE-HENGHAM so named from a fair Market-town in this County was made Lord Chief-justice of the Kings-bench in Michaelmas term in the second year of King Edward the first when the King was newly returned from the Holy-land He sate 16. years in that place saving that one Winborne was for a year or two interposed and at the general purging and garbling of the Judges which happened in the 18. year of the aforesaid King when all the Judges except two John de Metingham and Elias de Bekingham were cast out by the Parliament for their corruption fined banished and imprisoned then this Ralph was merced in seven thousand marks for bribery and ejected out of his place Some will say let him wither in silence why do you mention him amongst the Worthies of our Nation I answer Penitence is the second part of Innocence and we find this Ralph after his fine payed made Chief-justice of the Common-pleas sub recipiscendi fiducia under the confidence generally conceived of his amendment He died the next being the 19. year of the raign of King Edward the first he lies buried in the Church of Saint Paul where he hath or had this Epitaph Per versus patet hos Anglorum quod jacet hic flos Legum qui tuta dictavit vera statuta Ex Hengham dictus Radulphus vir benedictus One must charitably believe that he played a good after-game of integrity and if injoying longer life he would have given a clearer testimony thereof WILLIAM PASTON Esq. son of Clement Paston Esq. and Beatrix his wife sister and heir to Jeffry Sommerton Esq. was born at Paston in this County He was learned in the laws of this Realm and first was Serjeant to King Henry the sixth and was after by him preferred second Judge of the Common-pleas I confess having confined our Catalogue to Capital Judges or Writers on the Law he falls not under our method in the strictness thereof But I appeal to the Reader himself whether he would not have been highly offended with me had I in silence passed over a person so deserving his observation He was highly in favour with King Henry the sixth who allowed him besides the ordinary salary assigned to other Judges one hundred and ten marks Reader behold the Standard of money in that age and admire with two Gowns to be taken yearly out of the Exchequer as by the ensuing letters Patents will appear Henricus Dei gratia Rex Angliae Franciae Dominus Hiberniae Omnibus ad quos Praesentes literae pervenerint Salutem Sciatis quod de gratia nostra speciali ut dilectus fidelis noster Willielmus Paston unus Justiti nostrorum de com Banco Statum suum decentius manu tenere expensas quas ipsum in officio pradicto facere oportebit sustinere valeat concessimus ei centum decem marcas percipiendum singulis annis ad scaccarium nostrum ad terminos Pasche Sancti Michaelis per equales Portiones duas robas per annum percipiendum unam videlicet cum Pellura ad festum Natalis Domini aliam cum Limra ad festum Pentecostes ultra feodum consuetum quamdiu ipsum Stare contigerit in officio supradicto In cujus rei Testimonium has literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes teste meipso apud Westminst XV. die Octobris anno regni nostri octavo What Pellura is I understand Furr but what Limra is if rightly written I would willingly learn from another though some are confident it is Taffata I wonder the less at these noble favours conferred on the said William Paston Judge for I find him in grace with the two former Kings being made Serjeant by King Henry the fourth and of â—…is counsel for the Dutchie of Lancaster and in the reign of King Henry the fifth he was in such esteem with Sir John Falstofe Knight that he appointed him one of his Feoffees whom he enabled by a writing under his hand to recover debts from the Executors of King Henry the fifth This William Paston married Agnes daughter and heir of Sir Edmond Berrey by which marriage the Pastons rightly quarter at this day the several Coats of Hetherset Wachesham Craven Gerbredge Hemgrave and Kerdeston and received both advancement in bloud and accession in estate This said VVilliam Paston died at London August 14. 1444. and lies buryed in Norwich so that his corps by a peculiar exception do straggle from the Sepulture of their Ancestors who
Now a Scholar undertook for a small wager much beneath the penalty to address himself ocreated unto the Vice-chancellour which was beheld by others as a desperate adventure Carrying his state in his Urinal he craved his advise for an hereditary numness in his legs and something of truth therein which made him in his habite to trespass on the Universities Statutes to keep them warme The Vicechancellour pitying instead of punâ—…shing him prefcribed him his best receipts and so by this fraus honesta he effected his desires This Doctor was a worthy Benefactour to Katharine-hall to which he had no relalion save what his bounty created bestowing thereon the fair Bull-inn of considerable value If he who giveth a nights lodging to a servant of God shall not lose his reward certainly he that bestoweth Inn and all upon the sons of the Prophets shall find full compensation The rather because that Hall pent formerly for lack of ground and complaining with the sons of the Prophets the place where we dwell is too strait for us may now say with Isaac The Lord hath made room for us by this convenient addition He died in his Vice-chancellour ship Anno 1625. JOHN CAIUS born in this City son to Robert Caius was bred Fellow in Gonvile hall in Cambridge Hence he travailed into Italy where he studied much and wrote several learned Treatises Returned home became Physician to Queen Mary and improved Gunvile-hall into a Colledge He bestowed good land on erected fair buildings in bequeathed thrifty statutes to produced a proper Coat of Arms for and imposed a new name on this Foundation Gonvile and Caius Colledge He wrote an excellent book of the Antiquity of Cambridge When King James passed thorough this Colledge the Master thereof presented him A Caius de antiquate Cantabridgiae fairly bound to whom the King said What shall I do with this book give me rather Caius de Canibus a work of the same Author very highly praised but very hardly procured Few men might have had a longer none ever had a shorter Epitaph FUI CAIUS Writers since the Reformation ROBERT WATSON born in this City was excellently well skilled in the Laws and saith Bale à Dispensatione sive Administratione domesticâ English it as you please to Arcsh-bishop Cranmer Being imprisoned for his Religion he often disputed during his Restraint with several Papists concerning Transubstantiation and at length having gained his enlargement wrote a Treatise in elegant Latine dedicating the same to such who with him suffered banishment for their Religion wherein he relateth the accidents of his life I cannot attain to any certainty in the date of his death Benefactors to the Publique WILLIAM BAITMAN was born in this City bred in Cambridge and afterwards became first Arch-deacon and then by King Edward the third made Bishop of this his Native See One of an high spirit to maintain the profit and priviledges of his place and I charitably presume him watchful over his sheep souls subjected to his charge because he was so careful of his Deer for the stealing whereof he enjoyned penance to Robert Lord Morley and making him perform them in the Cathedral of Norwich notwithstanding the Kings threatning Letters to the contrary This Prelate in his travails beyond the Seas perceiving that our English Common-law was Out-lawed in those parts and apprehending the absolute necessity that the English should have skill in the Cannon and Civil-laws for the managing of foreign Negotiations erected a Colledge in Cambridge called Trinity-hall for the Study thereof As he was Father to Trinity he was Foster-father to Gonvil-hall in the same University removing it to a more convenient place building and setling the Revenues thereof according to the Will of the Founder King Edward the third resolving to follow his Title to the Crown of France sent this Bishop to the Pope to acquaint him with his intentions in which Embassage he died at Avenion 1354. Since the Reformation THOMAS LEGG was born in this City bred first Fellow in Trinity then Jesus-colledge in Cambridge until he was chosen by Doctor Caius then surviving the nineteenth Master of Gonvil-hall and the second of Gonvil and Caius-colledge He was Doctor of the Law and Arches one of the Masters of the Chancery twice Vice-chancellour of the University and thirty four years Master of his Colledge therein There needeth no other testimony for to avouch his great learning then the Character given him by J. Lipsius in his hitherto unprinted Epistle In Antiquitatis studio tam egregie versatus es ut id de Teipso potes quod de se Apollo Enni A me omnes Cantabrigienses consilium expetunt in literis incerti quos ego mea ope ex incertis certos compotesque consilii dimitto This Doctor though himself a serious man used to recreate himself with delightful studies observing gravity in his very pleasures He composed a Tragedy of the Destruction of Jerusalem and having at last refined it to the purity of the Publique Standard some Plageary filched it from him just as it was to be acted He formerly had made a Tragedy of the life of King Richard the third presented with great Applause Queen Elizabeth I suppose being a beholder thereof in Saint Johns-colledge-hall On the same token that John Palmer afterwards Dean of Peterburough who acted King Richard therein had his head so possest with a Princelike humor that ever after he did what then he acted in his Prodigal Expences so that the Cost of a Sovereign ill befiting the Purse of a Subject he died Poor in Prison notwithstanding his great preferment Great the bounty of Doctor Legg unto his Colledge bequeathing 600. pounds for the building the East-part thereof besides several lesser liberalities Yea be it remembred that after Thomas Bacon fifteenth Master of the Colledge had been a Malefactour thereunto leaving it much indebted the four succeeding Masters ill examples avoided do good Doctor Caius Legg Branthwaite Gosling all natives of Norwich were signall Benefactours though Masters of but Stewards for the House making it for the main their Heir at their decease Doctor Legg died July 12. 1607. in the 72. year of his age The Farewell I heartily wish that this City may long flourish in its full lustre In tendency whereunto may the Thatch of all their houses by Divine Providence be effectually secured from the merciless Element of fire as which knoweth not to be a King but must be a Tyrant whose furious raging is seldome bounded unless by the want of fewel to feed on Yea may their Straw in due time advance into Tyle that thereby their houses may for the future be better fenced against an other Element I mean the injury of Wind and Rain NORTHAMPTON-SHIRE being a long narrow Inland County is stretched from North-east to South-west and bordereth on more Counties then any other in England being nine in number viz. On the East On the West On the North.
Esquire of Addington by Isabel his wife sister and at last sole heir to Henry Green of Drayton Esquire of whom formerly This Henry was afterwards Knighted and dying without Issue-male Elizabeth his daughter and co heir was married to John first Lord Mordant to whom she brought Draiton-house in this County and other fair lands as the partage of her portion NICHOLAS VAUX Mil. He was a jolly Gentleman both for Camp and Court a great Reveller good as well in a March as a Masque being Governour of Guines in Picardie whom King Hen. the eight for his Loyalty and Valour Created Baron of Harouden in this County Ancestor to Edward Lord Vaux now living This Sir Nicholas when young was the greatest Gallant of the English-Court no Knight at the marriage of Prince Arthur appearing in so costly an equipage when he wore a gown of purple velvet pight with pieces of gold so thick and massive that it was valued besides the silk and furs at a thousand pounds and the next day wore a Colar of S. S. which weighed as Goldsmiths reported eight hundred pounds of nobles Some will wonder that Empson and Dudley the Royal Promoters then in prime did not catch him by the Collar or pick an hole in his Gown upon the breach of some rusty penal sumptuary Statute the rather because lately the Earl of Oxford was heavily fined for supernumerous attendance But know that King Henry could better bear with 〈◊〉 then greatness in his Subjects especially when such expence cost â—…imself nothing and conduced much to the solemnity of his Sons Nuptials Besides such plate as wrought employed Artizans as massive retain'd its intrinsecal value with little loss either of the owners or Common-wealth HENRY the Eight 1 THOMAS PAR Mil. His former residence was at Kendal-Castle in Westmerland whence he removed into this Country having married Maud one of the daughters and co-heirs of Sir Thomas Green of Green-Norton He was father to Queen Katharine Par which rendereth a probability of her nativity in this County and to William Marquiss of Northampton of whom hereafter 15 WILLIAM FITZ-WILLIAMS Sen. Mil. This must be the person of whom I read this memorable passage in Stows Survey of London Sir William Fitz-Williams the elder being a Merchant-Taylor and servant sometime to Cardinal Wolsey was chosen Alderman of Bread-street-Ward in London Anno 1506. Going afterward to dwell at Milton in Northamptonshire in the fall of the Cardinal his former Master he gave him kind entertainment there at his house in the Country For which deed being called before the King and demanded how he durst entertain so great an Enemy to the State his Answer was that he had not contemptuously or wilfully done it but onely because he had been his Master and partly the means of his greatest fortunes The King was so well pleased with his Answer that saying himself had few such servants immediately Knighted him and afterwards made him a Privy Counsellour But we have formerly spoken of the benefactions of this worthy Knight in the County of Essex whereof he was Sheriffe in the sixth of King Henry the eight 17 WILLIAM PAR Mil. I have cause to be confident that this was he who being Uncle and Lord Chamberlain to Queen Katharine Par was afterwards by King Henry the eight Created Baron Par of Horton Left two daughters onely married into the Families of Tressame and Lane The Reader is requested to distinguish him from his Name-sake Nephew Sheriffe in the 25. of this Kings reign of whom hereafter 21 JOHN CLARKE Mil. I find there was one Sir John Clarke Knight who in the fifth of Henry the eight at the Siege of Terrowane took prisoner Lewis de Orleans Duke of Longevile and Marquiss of Rotueline This Sir John bare for his paternal Coat Argent on a Bend Gules three Swans proper between as many Pellets But afterwards in memory of his service aforesaid by special command from the King his Coat armour was rewarded with a Canton Sinister Azure and thereupon a Demi-ramme mounting Argent armed Or between two Flowers de lices in Chief of the last over all a Batune dexter-ways Argent as being the Arms of the Duke his prisoner and by Martial-law belonging to him He lieth buried in the next County viz. in the Church of Tame in Oxfordshire where his Coat and cause thereof is expressed on his Monument If this be not the same with Sir John Clarke our Sheriffe I am utterly at a loss and desire some others courteous direction All I will adde is this If any demand why this Knight did onely give a parcel and not the entire Arms of the Duke his prisoner a learned Antiquary returns this satisfactory answer That he who â—…aketh a Christian Captive is to give but part of his Arms to mind him of charitable moderation in using his success intimating withall that one taking a Pagan prisoner may justifie the bearing of his whole Coat by the laws of Armory I must not conceal that I have read in a most excellent Manuscript viz. the View of Staffordshire made by Sampson Erderswicke Esquire That one William Stamford in that County had good land given him therein for taking the Duke of Longevile prisoner August the 16. in the fifth of King Henry the eight History will not allow two Dukes of Longevile Captives and yet I have a belief for them both that Sir John Clarke and William Stamford were causae sociae of his Captivity and the King remunerated them both the former with an addition of honour the later with an accession of Estate 23 WILLIAM SPENCER Miles DAVID SISILL Arm. 24 DAVID CECILL Arm. Sir William Spencer dying it seems in his Sherivalty David Sissill supplied the remainder of that and was Sheriffe the next year This David had three times been Alderman of Stamford part whereof called Saint Martins is in this County viz. 1504. 1515. and 1526. and now twice Sheriffe of the County which proves him a person both of Birth Brains and Estate seeing in that age in this County so plentiful of capable persons none were advanced to that office except Esquires at least of much merrit The different spelling of his name is easily answered the one being according to his extraction of the Sitsilts of Alterynnis in Herefordshire the other according to the vulgar pronunciation All I will adde is this that his Grand-child William Cecil afterwards Baron of Burghley and Lord Treasurer of England being born Anno 1521. was just ten years of age in the Sherivalty of this David his Grand-father 25 WILLIAM PAR Mil. He was son to Sir Thomas Par of whom before Ten years after viz. in the 35. year of his reign King Henry the eight having newly married his Sister Queen Katharine Par made him Lord Par of Kendall and Earl of Essex in right of Anne Bourcher his wife King Edward the sixth Created him Marquiss of Northampton Under Queen Mary
their Consciences As wise as a man of Gotham It passeth publickly for the Periphrasis of a Fool and an hundred Fopperies are feigned and fathered on the Town-folk of Gotham a Village in this County Here two things may be observed 1. Men in all Ages have made themselves merry with singling out some place and fixing the staple of stupidity and stolidity therein Thus the Phrygians were accounted the fools of all Asia and the Anvils of other mens wits to work upon serò sapiunt Phryges Phryx nisi ictus non sapit In Grecia take a single City and then Abdera in Thracia carried it away for Dull-heads Abderitanae pectora plebis habes But for a whole Countrey commend us to the Boetians for Block-heads and Baeotium ingcnium is notoriously known In Germany auris Baetava is taken by the Poet for a dull Ear which hath no skill in witty conceits 2. These places thus generally sleighted and scoffed at afforded some as witty and wise persons as the world produced Thus Plutarch himself saith Erasmus was a Baeotian and Erasmus a Batavian or Hollander and therefore his own copy-hold being touch'd in the Proverb he expoundeth auris Batava a grave and severe Ear. But to return to Gotham it doth breed as wise people as any which causelesly laugh at their simplicity Sure I am Mr. William de Gotham fifth Master of Michael-house in Cambridge Anno 1336. and twice Chancellor of the University was as grave a Governor as that Age did afford And Gotham is a goodly large Lordship where the ancient and right well respected Family of St. Andrews have flourished some hundreds of years till of late the name is extinct in and lands divided betwixt Female co-heirs matched unto very worshipful persons The little Smith of Nottingham Who doth the work that no man can England hath afforded many rare workmen in this kind whereof he may seem an Apprentice to Vulcan and inferiour onely to his Master in making the invisible Net who made a Lock and Key with a Chain of ten links which a Flea could draw But what this little Smith and great workman was and when he lived I know not and have cause to suspect that this of Nottingham is a periphrasis of Nemo Ou T is or a person who never was And the Proverb by way of Sarcasm is applied to such who being conceited of their own skill pretend to the atchieving of impossibilities Martyrs I meet with none within this County either before or in the Marian dayes imputing the later to the mild temper of Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York and Diocesan thereof Yet find we a Martyr though not in this yet of this County as a Native thereof here following THOMAS CRANMER was born at Arse lackton Speed calls it Astackton in this County and being bred in Jesus college in Cambridge became Archbishop of Canterbury and at last after some intermediate failings valiantly suffered for the Truth at Oxford An. Dom. 1556. March 22. Two hungry meals saith our English Proverb makes the third a gluttâ—…n This may also be inverted Two glutton meals require the third an hungry one fasting being then necessary lest Nature be surcharged If the Reader hath formerly perused Mr. Fox his Acts and Monuments and my Ecclesiastical History Cranmer his story is so largely related in those two books there is danger of his surfet if I should not now be short and sparing therein onely one memorable passage omitted by Mr. Fox and that 's a wonder I must here insert out of an excellent Author After his whole body was reduced into ashes his heart was found intire and untouch'd Which is justly alledged as an argument of his cordial integrity to the truth though fear too much and too often prevailed on his outward actions So that what the Holy Spirit recorâ—…eth of King Asa was true of him Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his dayes though good man he was guilty of many and great imperfections The like to this of Cranmer is reported of Zuinglius Quòd cadavere flammis ab hostibus tradito cor exuri non potuerit His foes making this a sign of the obduration and hardness of his heart his friends of the sincerity thereof And thus saith my moderate and learned Author Adeo turbat is odio aut amore animis ut fit in religionis dissensionibus pro se quisque omnia superstitiosè interpretatur Their minds being so disturbed with hatred or love as it comes to pass in dissentions of Religion every one interprets all things superstitiously for his own advantage The best is our Religion wherein it differs from Romish Errors hath better demonstration for the truth thereof than those Topical and Osier accidents lyable to be bent on either side according to mens fancies and affections Prelates since the Reformation WILLIAM CHAPPELL was born at Lexington in this County and bred a Fellow in Christs college in Cambridge where he was remarkable for the strictness of his Conversation No one Tutor in our memory bred more and better Pupils so exact his care in their Education He was a most subtile Disputant equally excellent with the Sword and the Shield to reply or answer He was chosen Provost of Trinity college in Dublin and afterwards Bishop of Corke and Rosse Frighted with the Rebellion in Ireland he came over into England where he rather exchanged than eased his condition such the wofulness of our civil wars He dyed Anno 1649. and parted his Estate almost equally betwixt his own Kindred and distressed Ministers his charity not impairing his duty and his duty not prejudicing his charity Capital Judges Sir JOHN MARKHAM descended of an ancient Family was born at Markham in this County and brought up in the Municipal Law till being Knighted by Edward the Fourth he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench in the place of Sir John Fortescue These I may call the two Chief Justices of the Chief Justices for their signal integrity For though the one of them favoured the House of Lancaster the other of York in the Titles to the â—…rown both of them favoured the House of Justice in matters betwixt party and party It happened that Sir Thomas Cooke late Lord Mayor of London one of vast wealth was cast before hand at the Court where the Lord Rivers and the rest of the Queens Kindred had pre-devoured his Estate and was onely for Formalities sake to be condemned in Guild-hall by extraordinary Commissioners in Oyer and Terminer whereof Sir John Markham was not the meanest The Fact for which he was arraigned was for lending money to Margaret the Wife of King Henry the Sixth this he denyed and the single testimony of one Haukins tortured on the Rack was produced against him Judge Markham directed the jury as it was his place and no partiality in point of Law to do to find it onely Misprision of treason whereby Sir Thomas
de Sutton Roberti Doyle Rogeri Perponnt Thome Hercy Richardi Bevercotes Reberti Moresby Roberti Morewode Iohannis Clifton Roberti Dunham Iohannis Serlby Willielmi Wilbram Thome Genelâ—…y Thome Schâ—…feld Thome Anne Iohannis Rolley Iohannis atte Vikars Willielmi Boson Edm. Nornamuyle Richardi Gatford Iohannis Becard Willielmi Remston Richardi Strelly Thome Meryng Willielmi Lassels Iohannis Powerr Willielmi Powerr Ioh. Leâ—…k de Halom Thome Okere Philippi Barley Thome Warberton Iohannis Alferton Willielmi Alferton filius ejus Richardi Ranchestere de Wirssope Iohannis VVhite de Colyngam Iohannis Glouseter de Carcoston Richardi Walfeld de Newerk Roberti Kelom de Newerk Willielmi Skrynishire de Muskham Roberti Garnon de Muskham Ioh. Kelom de Kelom Rob. Darley de Thorp Thome Columboll de Thorp Riginaldi Shawe de Estwayte Gervasii Bampton de Beston Iohannis Mathewe de Sterroppe Willielmi Crecy de Markham Petri Creci de Markham Roberti Forsett de Grynley Will. Lord de Retford Roberti Wytham de Orston Radulphi â—…tuffin de Mansfeld Wodhous Iohannis Brannspath de Ragnell Ioh. Brannspath filius ejus de Ragnell Tho. Brannspath de Ragnell Rad. Barre de Ragnell Iohannis Crostes de Ragnell Iohannis Melton de Mormanton Willielmi Clerk de Gedlynge Radulphi Wilbram de VVestmerkham Galfridi Botelere de VVelhagh Rob. Norton de Kirton Iohannis Milnere de Allerton Will. Haley de Sutton Iohan. Morehagh de Mansfeld Ioh. Arnall de Arnall Iohan. Spondon de Newerk Iohan. Dennett de Newerk Hugonis Garnon de Muskham Iohan. Crumwell de Charleton Rob. Crumwell filius ejus de eadem Willielmi Daynell de Egmanton Edm. Berkyn de Allerton Henrici Payser de Clypston Simonis Caldewell de Laxton Roberti Bliton de Cannton Rob. Waryn deWanton Williel Drapour de Welhagh Iohannis Carleton de Blithe Tho. Bagley de Blithe Walteri Carleton de Carleton VVill. Hogekyngson de Misterton Ioh. Darnall de Misterton Williel Lyndrike de Stockwith Willielmi Browet de Walkryngham Richardi Caxton de Tuxford Iohannis Parlethorpe de Laxton Tho. Grengorge de Allerton Sheriffs This County had the same Sheriffs with Derby-shire untill the tenth year of Queen Elizabeth wherein they were divided and since which time these were the particular Sheriffs of this Shire Name Place Armes ELIZ. REG.   Anno   10 Tho. Cowper ar  Azure a Tortois erected Or. 11 Ioh. Biron ar  * Gules a Saltyr Erminâ—… 12 Ioh. Nevil ar Grove †Az. in a Chief Or a Lion issuant G. and 〈◊〉 Arg. 13 Rob. Markham ar †  14 Gerv. Clifton mil. Clifton Sable semi de cinque-soils a Lion ramp Arg. 15 Will. Hollis mil. b Houghton  16 Th. Stanhope mil. c Shelford b Ermine 2. Piles sable 17 Hen. Perpoynt ar d Holme c Quarterly Ermine and Gul. 18 Geo. Chaworth ar e Wiverton d Arg. a Lion ramp sable in an Orb of cinque-soils Gul. 19 Tho. Markham ar ut prius  20 Ioh. Biron ar  e Azure two cheverons Or. 21 Fra. Willoughby m.  Or on 2. bars Gul. 3. Waterbougets arg 22 Gâ—…o Nevil ar ut prius  23 Will. Sutton ar Arundel Arg. a quarter S. a crescent G. 24 Fran. Molineux ar Teversha Az. a cross moline quater pierceâ—… Or. 25 Rob. Markham ar ut prius  26 Brian Lasles ar  Argent 3. Chaplets Gules 27 Ioh. Sydenham ar Some shi Sab. 3. Rams argent 28 Geo. Chaworth m ut prius  29 Tho. Stanhope mil. ut prius  30 Fra. Willoughby m. ut prius  31 Ioh. Biron mil.   32 Th. Thornhough ar   33 Ioh. Hollis ar ut prius  34 Ioh. Basset ar  Or 3. Piles G. a Canton Erm 35 Fra. Willoughby ar ut prius  36 Will. Sutton ar ut prius  37 Rich Whalley ar   38 Ioh. Biron mâ—…l   39 Ioh. Thorold ar  Sable 3. Goats salient Gules 40 Hâ—…n Chaworth ar ut prius  41 Brian Lasâ—…els ar ut prius  42 Edw. Noâ—â—â— ar  Az. a Lion passant Or betwixt 3. Flower 〈◊〉 arg 43 Hen. Perpoint ar ut prius  44 Rog. Ascough mil.  Sable a Fess Or between 3. Asses passant arg JACOB   Anno   1 Will. Reyner mil.   2 Gab. Armstrong ar  G. 3. right hands coped and armed bar-wayes proper 3 Will. Sutton mil. ut prius  4 Will. Cowper ar ut prius  5 Io. Thornhough ar   6 Hen. Sachererell ar  Arg. on a Saltyre 5. Waterbougets of the first 7 Ioh. Molineux ar ut prius  8 Ger. Clifton mil. ut prius  9 Ioh. Molineux mil. ut prius  10 Ioh. Biron mil.   11 Geo. Perkins mil.   12 Ro. Williamson ar Eastmark Or a Cheveron Gules betwixt 3. Tresoils Sab. 13 Rob. Perpoynt ar ut prius  14 Geo. Lassels mil. ut prius  15 Io. Thornhough m.   16 Tho. Barton ar   17 Will. Reason ar   18 Tho. Hutchinson m   19 Ioh. White mil.   20 Ioh. Digby ar  Azure a Flower de luce Arg. 21 Math. Palmes ar  Gul. 3. flower de luces Arg. a Chieâ—… Varry 22 Edw. Goldinge †〈◊〉 Markham ar CAROL I. ut prius †Gules a Cheveron Or betwixt 3. Besants Anno   1 Tim. Pusey ar   2 Fran. Williamson ut prius  3 Tho. Hewet mil.  Sab. a Chev. counter-Battilee betwixt 3. Owles Arg. 4 Jer. Teresy ar   5 Ith. Perkins ar   6 Rob. Sutton ar ut prius  7 Tho. White ar   8 Tho. Bolles ar  Az. 3. Cups Arg. holding as many Boars heads erected Or 9 Ioh. Melish ar *   10 Ioh. Biron mil.  * Az. 2. Swans Arg. betwixt as many Flanches Ermine 11 Har. Wasteneys b. †Hendon  12 Geo. Lassels mil. ut prius †Sab. a Lion ramp Arg. collered Gules 13 Fra. Thorohaugh m   14 Ioh. Chaworth ar ut prius  15 Tho. Williamson ar ut prius  16 Gilb. Edw. Nevil ar ut prius  Q. Elizadeth 15. WILLIAM HOLLIS Mil. This was that steddy and constant House-keeper who for his hospitality and other eminent vertues was commonly called The good Sir William A most honourable title seeing of Gods two grand Epithets Optimus Maximus the former is imbraced by too few the later affected by too many This Sir William was son to Sir William Hollis Lord Mayor of the City of London father to John Hollis Lord Houghton of Houghton created Earl of Clare in the 22. of King Charles the First and Grand-father to the Right Honourable John the present Earl of Clare K. James 13. ROBERT PERPOINT Armig. He was afterwards created Baron Perpoint and Viscount Newark and afterwards in the fourth of King Charles the first Earl of Kingston upon Hull One descended of right ancient and noble extraction whose Ancestors coming over with the Conqueror first fixed at Hurst-â—…erpoint
and Sollicitor to king Charles From these places he was preferred to be Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas when he was made Privy Counsellor thence advanced to be Lord Keeper and Baron of Mounslow the place of his Nativity He died in Oxford and was buried in Christ Church Anno 1645. Souldiers Sir JOHN TALBOT was born as all concurring indications do avouch at Black-Mere in this County the then flourishing now ruined House devolved to his Family by marying the Heir of the Lord Strange of Black-Mere Many Honourable Titles deservedly met in him who was 1 Lord Talbot and Strange by his Paternal extraction 2 Lord Furnival and Verdon by maryage with Joan the daughter of Thomas de Nevil 3 Earl of Shrewsbury in England and Weisford in Ireland by creation of King Henry the Sixth This is that terrible Talbot so famous for his Sword or rather whose Sword was so famous for his arm that used it A Sword with bad Latin upon it but good Steel within it which constantly conquered where it came insomuch that the bare fame of his approach frighted the French from the Siege of Burdeaux Being victorious for twenty four years together successe failed him at last charging the enemy neer Castilion on unequal termes where he with his Son the Lord Lisle were slain with a shot July 17. 1453. Hence forward we may say Good night to the English in France whose victories were buried with the body of this Earl and his body enterred at White-Church in this County Sir JOHN TALBOT son to Sir John Talbot aforesaid and Vicount Lisle in right of his Mother Though he was slain with his Father yet their ashes must not be so hudled together but that he must have a distinct commemoration of his valour The rather because a Noble Pen hath hinted a parallel betwixt him and Paulus Aemilius the Roman General which others may improve 1 Aemilius was overpowred by the forces of Hannibal and Asdrubal to the loss of the day 2 Corn. Lentulus intreated Aemilius sitting all bloodied upon a stone to rise and save himself offering him his horse and other assistance 3 Aemilius refused the proffer adding withall That he would not again come under the judgment of the people of Rome 1 The same sad success attended the two Talbots in fight against the French 2 The Father advised the son by escape to reserve himself for future fortune 3 His son crav'd to be excused and would not on any termes be perswaded to forsake his father In two considerables Talbot far surpass'd Aemilius for Aemilius was old grievously if not mortally wounded our Lord in the flower of his youth unhurt easily able to escape Aemilius accountable for the over-throw received the other no wayes answerable for that daye 's mis-fortune being as we have said the 17 of July 1453. Learned Writers ROBERT of SHREWSBURY Take Reader a tast of the different Spirits of Writers concerning his Character Leland's Text. Eadem opera religionem celebrabat literas With the same endeavour He plied both Religion and Learning Bale his Comment Per religionem fortassis Monachatum intelligit per literas Sophistica praestigia It may be he meaneth Monkery by Religion and by Learning Sophistical fallacies I confess he might have imployed his pains better But Bale proceeds de Consultis Ruthenis consulting not the Russians as the word sounds to all Criticks but the Men of Ruthin in Wales He wrote the Life and Miracles of S. Winfride flourished Anno 1140. DAVID of CHIRBURY a Carmelite was so named from his Native place in the West of this County bordering on Mountgomery-shire A small Village I confesse yet which formerly denominated a whole hundred and at this day is the Barony of the Lord Herbert He was saith Leland whom I take at the second hand on the trust of John Pits Theologiae cognitione clarus And going over into Ireland was there made Episcopus Dormorensis Bishop of Drummore as I take it He is said to have wrote some Books though not mentioned in Bale and which is to me a wonder no notice taken of him by that Judicious Knight Sr. James Ware So that it seems his Writings were either few or obscure Returning into England he died and was buried in his Native County at Ludlow in the Convent of the Carmelites Anno Dom. 1420. Since the Reformation ROBERT LANGELAND forgive me Reader though placing him who lived one hundred fifty years before since the Reformation For I conceive that the Morning-star belongs rather to the Day then to the Night On which account this Robert regulated in our Book not according to the Age he was in but Judgement he was of may by Prolepsis be termed a Protestant He was born at Mortimers-Clibery in this County eight miles from Malvern-Hills was bred a Priest and one of the first followers of J. Wickliffe wanting neither Wit nor Learning as appears by his Book called The vision of Pierce Plowgh-man and hear what Character a most Learned Antiquary giveth thereof It is written in a kind of English meeter which for discovery of the infecting corruptions of those times I preferre before many of the more seemingly serious Invectives as well for Invention as Judgement There is a Book first set forth by Tindal since exemplied by Mr. Fox called The Prayer and complaint of the Plowghman which though differing in title and written in prose yet be of the same subject at the same time in the same Language I must referre it to the same Authour and let us observe a few of his strange words with their significations 1 Behotef 1 Promiseth 2 Binemen 2 Take away 3 Blive 3 Quickly 4 Fulleden for 4 Baptized 5 Feile times 5 Oft times 6 Forward 6 Covenant 7 Heryeth 7 Worshipeth 8 Homelich 8 Household 9 Lesew 9 Pasture 10 Leude-men 10 Lay-men 11 Nele 11 Will not 12 Nemeth for 12 Taketh 13 Seggen 13 Do say 14 Swevens 14 Dreams 15 Syth 15 Afterwards 16 Thralles 16 Bond-men It 's observeable that Pitzaeus generally a perfect Plagiary out of Bale passeth this Langland over in silence and why because he wrote in oppositum to the Papal Interest Thus the most Light finger'd Thieves will let that alone which is too hot for them He flourished under King Edward the Third Anno Dom. 1369. THOMAS CHURCHYARD was born in the Town of Shrâ—…wesbury as himself doth affirm in his Book made in Verse of the Worthines of VVales taking Shropshire within the compass making to use his own expression Wales the Park and the Marches to be the Pale thereof Though some conceive him to be as much beneath a Poet as above a Rbimer in my opinion his Verses may go abreast with any of that age writing in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth It seems by this his Epitaph in Mr. Camdens Remains that he died not guilty of much Wealth Come Alecto lend me thy Torch To find a Church-yard in
Manufactures Taunton Serges are eminent in their Kind being a fashionable wearing as lighter than Cloath yet thicker than many other Stuffs When Dionysius sacrilegiously plundred Jove his Statue of his Golden Coat pretending it too cold for Winter and too hot for Summer he bestowed such a vestimēt upō him to fit both Seasons They were much sent into Spain before our late War therewith wherein Trading long since complained of to be dead is now lamented generally as buried though hereafter it may have a resurrection The Buildings Of these the Churches of Bath and Wells are most eminent Twins are said to make but one Man as these two Churches constitute one Bishops See Yet as a Twin oft-times proves as proper a person as those of single Births So these severally equal most and exceed many Cathedrals in England We begin with Bath considerable in its several conditions viz. the beginning obstructing decaying repairing and finishing thereof 1 It was begun by Oliver King Bishop of this Diocess in the reign of Henry the Seventh and the West end most curiously cut and carved with Angels climbing up a Ladder to Heaven But this Bishop died before the finishing thereof 2 His Death obstructed this structure so that it stood a long time neglected which gave occasion for one to write on the Church-wall with a Char-coal O Church I wail thy woeful plight Whom King nor Card'nal Clark or Knight Have yet restor'd to ancient right Alluding herein to Bishop King who begun it and his four Successors in thirty five years viz. Cardinal Adrian Cardinal Wolsey Bishop Clark and Bishop Knight contributing nothing to the effectual finishing thereof 3 The decay and almost ruin thereof followed when it felt in part the Hammers which knocked down all Abbyes True it is the Commissioners profered to sell the Church to the Towns-men under 500 Marks But the Towns-men fearing if they bought it so cheape to be thought to cozin the King so that the purchase might come under the compasse of concealed lands refused the profer Hereupon the Glass Iron Bells and Lead which last alone amounted to 480 Tun provided for the finishing thereof were sold and sent over beyond the Seas if a ship-wrack as some report met them not by the way 4 For the repairing thereof collections were made all over the Land in the reign of Queen Elizabeth though inconsiderable either in themselves or through the corruption of others Onely honest Mr. Billet whom I take to be the same with him who was designed Executor to the Will of William Cecil Lord Burghley disbursed good sums to the repairing thereof and a Stranger under a fained name took the confidence thus to play the Poet and Prophet on this Structure Be blithe fair Kirck when Hempe is past Thine Olive that ill winds did blast Shall flourish green for age to last Subscribed Cassadore By Hempe understand Henry the Eight Edward the Sixth Queen Mary King Philip and Queen Elizabeth The Author I suspect had a Tang of the Cask and being parcel-popish expected the finishing of this Church at the return of their Religion but his prediction was verified in a better sense when his Church 5 Was finished by James Montague Bishop of this See disbursing vast sums in the same though the better enabled thereunto by his Mines at Mynedep so that he did but remove the Lead from the bowels of the Earth to the roof of the Church wherein he lies enterred under a fair Monument This Church is both spacious and specious the most lightsome as ever I beheld proceeding from the greatness of the Windows and whiteness of the Glass therein All I have more to add is only this that the parable of Jotham Judg. 9. 8. is on this Church most curiously wrought in allusion to the Christian Sirname of the first Founder thereof how the Trees going to choose them a King profered the place to the OLIVE Now when lately one OLIVER was for a time Commander in Chief in this Land some from whom more Gravity might have been expected beheld this Picture as a Prophetical Prediction so apt are English fancies to take fire at every spark of conceit But seeing since that Olive hath been blasted bottom his Root and Branches this pretended Prophecy with that observation the reason is withered away As for the Cathedral of Wells it is a greater so darker than that of Bath so that Bath may seem to draw devotion with the pleasantnesse Wells to drive it with the solemnity thereof and ill tempered their Minds who will be moved with neither The West Front of Wells is a Master-piece of Art indeed made of Imagiry in just proportion so that we may call them Vera spirantia signa England affordeth not the like For the West end of Excester beginneth accordingly it doth not like Wells persevere to the end thereof As for the Civil Habitations in this County not to speak of Dunstar Castle having an high ascent and the effect thereof a large prospect by Sea and Land Mountague built by Sir Edward Philips Master of the Roles is a most magnificent Fabrick Nor must Hinton St. George the House of the Lord Poulet be forgotten having every stone in the Front shaped Doule-wayes or in the form of a Cart-nail This I may call a Charitable Curiosity if true what is traditioned That about the reign of King Henry the Seventh the owner thereof built it in a dear year on purpose to imploy the more poor people thereupon The Wonders VVockey Hole in Mendip-hills some two miles from VVells This is an undergroundConcavity admirable for its spacious Vaults stony Walls creeping Labyrinths the cause being un-imaginable how and why the Earth was put in such a posture save that the God of Nature is pleased to descant on a plain hollowness with such wonderful contrivances I have been at but never in this Hole and therefore must make use of the description of a Learned eye Witness Entring and passing through a good part of it with many lights Among other many strange Rarities well worth the observing VVe found that water which incessantly dropped down from the Vault of the Rock though thereby it made some little dint in the Rock yet was it turned into the Rock it self As manifestly appeared even to the judgment of sense by the shape and colour and hardnesse It being at first of a more clear and glassie substance then the more ancient part of the Rock to which no doubt but in time it hath been and will be assimulated And this we found not in small pieces but in a very great quantity and that in sundry places enough to load many Carts From whence I inferre that as in this Cave so no doubt in many other where they searched the Rocks would be found to have increased immediately by the dropping of the water besides that increase they have from the Earth in the Bowels thereof which still continuing as it doth there can be no fear
of the Garter Governour of the Isles of Jersey and Gernsey and Privy Counsellor to Queen Elizabeth who chiefly committed the keeping of Mary Queen of Scots to his fidelity who faithfully discharged his trust therein I know the Romanists rail on him as over-strickt in his Charge but indeed without cause for he is no unjust Steward who to those under him alloweth all his Masters allowance though the same be â—…ut of the scantest proportion Besides it is no news for Prisoners especially if accounting their restraint unjust to find fault with their Keepers meerely for keeping them And such who complain of him if in his place ought to have done the same themselves When Secretary Walsingham moved this Knight to suffer one of his Servants to be bribed by the Agents of the Queen of Scots so to compasse the better intelligence he would in no terms yield thereunto Such conniving at was consenting to and such consenting to in effect was commanding of such falshood Whereupon the Secretary was fain to go further about and make use of an Instrument at a greater distance who was no menial servant to Sir Amias He died Anno Dom. 15. And was buried in London in St. Martins in the fields where his Epitaph is all an allusion to the three Swords in his Arms and three words in his Motto Gardez la Foy Keep the Faith Which harping on that one string of his fidelity though perchance harsh musick to the ears of others was harmonioâ—…s to Queen Elizabeth Capital Judges JOHN FITZ-JAMES Knight was born at Redlinch in this County of right ancient and worthy Parentage bred in the Study of our Municipal Laws wherein he proved so great a Proficient that by King Henry the Eighth He was advanced Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. There needs no more be said of his merit save that King Henry the Eighth preferred him who never used either Dunce or Dâ—…one in Church or State but Men of Ability and Activity He sate above thirteen years in his Place demeaning himself so that he lived and died in the Kings favour He sate one of the Assistants when Sir Thomas More was arraigned for refusing the Oath of Supremacy and was shrewdly put to it to save his own Conscience and not incurre the Kings displeasure For Chancellor Audley Supream Judge in that place being loath that the whole burthen of Mores condemnation should lye on his shoulders alone openly in Court asked the advice of the Lord Chief Justice Fitz-James whether the Indictment were sufficient or no to whom our Judge warily returned My Lords all by St. Gillian which was ever his Oath I must needs confesse that if the Act of Parliament be not unlawful then the Indictment is not in my conscience insufficient He died in the thirtyeth year of King Henry the Eighth and although now there be none left at Redlinch of his Name and Family they flourish still at Lewson in Dorsetshire descended from Alured Fitz-James brother to this Judge and to Richard Bishop of London whose Heir in a direct line Sir John Fitz-James Knight I must acknowledge a strong encourager of my weak endeavours JOHN PORTMAN Knight was born of Wealthy and Worshipful Extraction at Portmâ—…ns Orchard in this County a fair Mannor which descended to him by Inheritance the Heir of the Orchards being matcht into his Family He was bred in the Study of the Common Law attaining to such eminency therein that June 11 the second of Queen Mary he was made Chief Justice of the Kings Bench continuing two years in the place and dying therein for ought I find to the contrary and a Baronet of his name and Linage flourisheth at this day with a great and plentiful Estate DAVID BROOKE Knight born at Glassenbury son to John Brook Esq. who as I read in Claréntiaux was Serjeant at Law to King Henry the Eighth Our David was also bred in the study of our Laws and in the First of Queen Mary was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer but whether dying in or quitting the place in the First of Queen Elizabeâ—…h I am not informed He married Katharine daugher of John Lord Shandois but died without Issue JAMES DIER Knight younger son to Richard Dier Esq. was born at Roundhill in this County as may appear to any by the Heralds Visitation thereof and doth also to me by particular information from his relations He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law and was made Lord Chief Justice of the 〈◊〉 Pleas Primo Eliz. continuing therein 24 years longer if my eye or Arithmetick faâ—…l me not than any in that place before or after him When Thomas Duke of Northfolk was Anno 1572 arraigned for Treason this Judge was present thereat on the same token that when the Duke desired Council to be assigned him pleading that it was granted to Humphry Stafford in the reign of King Henry the Seventh our Judge returned unto him That Stafford had it allowed him only as to Point of Law then in dispute viz. Whether he was legally taken out of the Sanctuary but as for matter of Fact neither he nor any ever had or could have any Councel allowed him a course observed in such Cases unto this day But let his own Works praise him in the Gaâ—…es is known for the place of publick Justice amongst the Jews Let his Learned Writings called his Commentaries or Reports evidence his Abilities in his Profession He died in 25 Eliz. though married without any Issue and there is a House of a Baronet of his name descended from an elder son of Richard father to our Judge at Great Stoughton in Huntington-shire well improved I believe with the addition of the Judges Estate Sr. JOHN POPHAM of most ancient descent was born at Huntworth in this County In his youthful dayes he was as stout and skilful a Man at Sword and Buckler as any in that age and wild enough in his recreations But Oh! if Quick-silver could be really fixed to what a treasure would it amount Such is wild Youth seriously reduced to Gravity as by this young man did appear He applied himself to a more profitable Fencing the study of the Laws therein atteining to such eminency that he became the Queens Attourny and afterwards Lord Chief Justice of England Being sent Anno 1600 by the Queen with some others to the Earl of Essex to know the cause of the confluence of so many Military Men unto his House the Souldiers therein detained him for a time which some did make to Tantamount to an imprisonment This his violent detention Sir John deposed upon his Oath at the Earls Trial which I note the rather for the rarity thereof that a Lord Chief Justice should be produced as witness in open Court In the Beginning of the reign of king James his Justice was exemplary on Theeves and Robbers The Land then swarmed with people which had been Souldiers who had never gotten or
else quite forgotten any other vocation Hard it was for peace to feed all the Idle mouthes which a former war did breed being too proud to begge too lazy to labour Those infected the Highwayes with their Felonies some presuming on their multitudes as the Robbers on the Northern Rode whose knot otherwise not to be untyed Sr. John cut asunder with the Sword of Justice He possessed King James how the frequent granting of pardons was prejudicial to Justice rendring the Judges to the contempt of insolent Malesactors which made his Majesty more sparing afterward in that kind In a word the deserved death of some scores preserved the lives and livelyhoods of more thousands Travellers owing their safety to this Judges severity many years after his death which happened Anno Dom. 16. Souldiers JOHN COURCY Baron of Stoke-Courcy in this County was the first Englishman who invaded and subdued Ulster in Ireland therefore deservedly created Earl thereof He was afterward surprised by Hugh Lacy corrival for his Title sent over into England and imprisoned by King John in the Tower of London A French-Castle being in controverfie was to have the Title thereof tried by Combate the Kings of England and France beholding it Courcy being a lean lank body with staring eyes prisoners with the wildnesse of their looks revenge the closenesse of their bodies is sent for out of the Tower to undertake the Frenchman and because enfcebled with long durance a large bill of fare was allowed him to recruit his strength The Monsieur hearing how much he had eat and drank and guessing his courage by his stomack oâ—… rather stomack by his appetite took him for a Canibal who would devoure him at the last course and so he declined the Combate Afterwards the two Kings desirous to see some proof of Courcy's strength caused a steel Helmet to be laid on a block before him â—…ourcy looking about him 〈◊〉 grimme countenance as if he intended to cut with his eyes as well as with his arms sundered the Helmet at one blow into two pieces striking the Sword so deep into the wood that none but himself could pull it out again Being demanded the cause why he looked so sternly Had I said he failed of my design I would have killed the Kings and all in the place words well-spoken because well taken all persons present being then highly in good humour Hence it is that the Lord Courcy Baron of Ringrom second Baron in Ireland claim a priviledge whether by Patent or Prescription Charter or Custome I know not after their first obeisance to be covered in the Kings presence if processe of time had not antiquated the practice His devotion was equal to his valour being a great Founder and endower of Religious Houses In one thing he fouly failed turning the Church of the Holy Trinity in Down into the Church of St. Patrick for which as the Story saith he was condemned never to return into Ireland though attempting it fifteen several times but repell'd with foul weather He afterwards went over and died in France about the year 1210. MATTHEW GOURNAY was born at Stoke-under-Hamden in this County where his Family had long flourished since the Conquest and there built both a Castle and a Colledge But our Matthew was the honour of the House renowned under the reign of King Edward the Third having fought in seven several signal set Battails viz. 1 At the siege of d'Algizer against the Sarazens 2 At the Battail of Benemazin against the same 3 Sluce a Sea-fight against the French 4 Cressy a Land-fight-against the same 5 Ingen Pitch'd fights against the French 6 Poictiers Pitch'd fights against the French 7 Nazaran under the Black Prince in Spain His Armour was beheld by Martial Men with much civil veneration with whom his faithful Buckler was a relique of esteem But it added to the wonder that our Matthew who did lie and watch so long on the bed of honour should die in the bed of peace aged ninety and six years about the beginning of King Richard the Second He lieth buried under a fair Monument in the Church of Stoke aforesaid whose Epitaph legible in the last age is since I suspect defaced Sea-men Sir AMIAS PRESTON Knight was descended of an Ancient Family who have an Habitationat Cricket nigh Creukern in this County He was a Valiant Souldier and Active Sea-man witnesse in 88. when he seized on the Admiral of the Galiasses wherein Hugh de Moncada the Governour making resistance with most of his Men were burnt or killed and Mr. Preston as yet not Knighted shared in a vast Treasure of Gold taken therein Afterwards Anno 1595 he performed a victorious Voyage to the West-Indies wherin he took by assault the I le of Puerto Santo invaded the I le of Coche surprised the Fort and Town of Coro sacked the stately City of St. Jago put the Town of Cumana to ransome entred Jamaica with little loss some profit and more honour safely returned within the space of six months to Milford Haven in Wales I have been informed from excellent hands that on some dis-tast he sent a Challenge to Sr. Walter Raleigh which Sr. Walter declined without any abatement to his Valour wherein he had abundantly satisfied all possibility of suspicion and great advancement of his Judgement For having a fair and fixed Estate with Wife and Children being a Privy Counsellor and Lord Warden of the Stannereys he thought it an uneven lâ—…y to stake himself against Sr. Amias a private and as I take it a single person though of good birth and courage yet of no considerable Estate This also is consonant to what he hath written so judiciously about Duels condemning those for ill Honours where the Hangman gives the Garland However these two Knights were afterwards reconciled and Sr. Amias as I collect died about the beginning of the reign of King James Learned Writers GILDAS sirnamed the WISE was born in the City of Bath and therefore it is that he is called Badonicus He was eight years junior to another Gildas called Albanius whose Nativity I cannot clear to belong to our Brittain He was also otherwise sur-stiled Querulus because the little we have of his Writing is only a Complaint Yet was he none of those whom the Apostle condemneth These are Murmurâ—…s Complainers c. taxing only such who either were impious against GOD or uncharitable against men complaining of them either without cause or without measure whilst our Gildas only inveigheth against the sins and bemoaneth the sufferings of that wicked and woful age wherein he lived calling the Clergy Montes Malitiae the Brittons generally Atramentum seculi He wrote many Books though we have none of them extant at this day some few fragments excepted inserted amongst the Manuscript Canons but his aforesaid History This makes me more to wonder that so Learned a Critick as Dr. Gerrard 〈◊〉 should attribute the Comedy of Aulularia
Rex   Anno   1 Edw. Rogers arm ut prius  2 Ioh. Windham mil. Orchard Azure a Cheveron betwixt 3 Lions â—…ds erased Or. 3 Tho. Horner arm ut prius  4 Ioh. Porâ—…man arm ut prius  5 Edw. Hext miles Ham Or a Castle betwixt 3 Pole-Axes Sable 6 Edw. Gorges mil. Wraxal Masculy Or and Azure 7 Geo. Lutterel arm ut prius  8 Francis Baber arm Chew Mag. Arg. on a Fess Gules 3 Falcons heads erased of the first 9 Io. Rodney mil. Hugo Smith miles ut prâ—…s   Asâ—…ton Gules on a Cheveron betwixt 3 Cinquefoilâ—…s Or pierced as many Leopaâ—…ds heads Sable 10 Rob. Hendley ar Leigh Azâ—…a Lion Ramp Arg. crowned Or within a border of the second Entoyâ—…e of 8 Torteauxes 11 Nat. Still arm   12 Ioh. Horner mil. ut prius  13 Barth Michel m. Ioh. Colls ar  Partee per Fess G. S. a Câ—…v Ar. betwixt 3 Swans proper 14 Ioh. Paulet arm Hinton S. Geor. Soble 3 Swords in pyâ—… Aâ—…gent 15 Rob. Hopton arm ut prius  16 Theod Newton m. ut prius  17 Io. Trevilian arm Neâ—…combe Guâ—…s a Demi-hoâ—…se Argâ—…nt illâ—…ing out of the â—…aves of the Sea 18 Hen. Hendley ar ut prius  16 Marmad GeÌ„nings a ut prius  20 Edw. Popham ar  Argent on a chief Gulâ—…s 2 Buâ—…ks heads Or. 21 VVill. â—…ancis ar ut prius  22 Th. VVindham ar ut prius  CAR. Rex   Anno   1 Rob. Philipâ—… mil. Montacute Arg. a Châ—…veron btween 3 〈◊〉 Gâ—…s 2 Ioh. Symmes arm Pounsford Azure 3 Scallops in Base Or. 3 Ioh. Latch aâ—…m Langford â—…r on a fess Wavy 3 〈◊〉 Or between as many 〈◊〉 G. 4 Ioh. Stowel miles ut prius  5 Tho. Thynne mil. WILT-Sh Barree of 10 Or and Sâ—…ble 6 Fr. Dodington m. Loxton Sable 3 Hunters horns Argâ—… 7 Th. Lutterâ—…l arm ut prius  8 VVill. VValrond ar ut prius  9 Ioh. Carew miles  Or 3 Lions passant Sable ar-med and Langâ—… Gul. 10 Hen. Hodges arm Hasilbeâ—…e Or 3 Cressants and in a Canton 11 Ioh. Baster arm AMP. Sa. a Dâ—…cal Crown of the first 12   13   14 VVill. Evvens ar  Sable a Fess between 2 flower de Luces Or. 15   16   17 Bellum nobis   18 haec Otia   19 fecit   20   21   22 Rich. Cole arm Nailsle Partee per Pale Ar. G a Bull pass countrechanged King JAMES 14 JOHN PAULET Armiger He was son to Sr. Anthony Paulet Governour of Jersey by the sole daughter of Henry Lord Norrice being the sole sister to the Brood of many Martial Brethren A very accomplisht Gentleman of quick and clear parts a bountiful housekeeper so that King Charles consigned Monsieur Soubize unto him who gave him and his retinue many months liberal entertainment The said King afterwards created him Baron Paulet of Hinton St. George in this County descended to him from the Denbaudes the ancient owners thereof He married Elizabeth the daughter and sole Heir of Christopher Ken of Ken-Castle in the same Shire Esquire whose right honourable son and heir John Lord Paulet now succeedeth in that Barony Modern Battles None have been fought in this County which come properly under this Notion Indeed the Skirmish at Martials Elm something military and ominous in the name thereof fought 1642 made much Noise in mens eares a Musket gave then a greater Report than a Canon since And is remembred the more because conceived first to break the Peace of this Nation long restive and rusty in ease and quiet As for the encounter at Lang-port where the Kings Forces under the Lord Goring were defeated by the Parliaments July 12 1645 It was rather a Flight than a Fight like the Battle of Spurres fought many years since the Horse by their speed well saving themselves whilst the poor Foot pawned in the place paid dearly for it And hence forward the Sun of the Kings cause declined verging more more Westward till at last it set in Cornwal and since after a long and dark night rose again by Gods goodness in the East when our Gracious Sovereign arrived at Dover The Farewel May he who bindeth the Sea in a girdle of sand confine it within the proper limits thereof that Somerset-shire may never see that sad accident return which hap'ned here 1607. When by the irruption of the Severn-Sea much mischief was more had been done if the West-wind had continued longer with the like violence The Country was overflown almost 20 mil. in length and 4 in breadth and yet but 80 persons drowned therein It was then observeable that creatures of contrary natures Dogs Hares Foxes Conies Cats Mice getting up to the tops of some hills dispensed at that time with their antipathies remaining peaceably together without sign of fear or violence one towards another To lesson men in publick dangers to depose private differences and prefer their safety before their revenge BRISTOL more truly Bright-Stow that is Illustrious or Bright dwelling answers its Name in many respects Bright in the situation thereof conspicuous on the rising of a Hill Bright in the Buildings fair and firm Bright in the Streets so cleanly kept as if scoured where no Carts but sledges are used but chiefly Bright for the Inhabitants thereof having bred so many eminent Persons It standeth both in Somerset and Glocestâ—…-shires and yet in neither it being a Liberty of it self divided into two parts by the River Avon conjoyned with a Bridge which being built on both sides counterfeiteth a continued street for which strangers at the first sight do mistake it The houses of the Merchants herein are generally very fair and their Entries though little and narrow lâ—…ad into high and spatious Halls which Form may mind the Inhabitants thereof of their passage to a better place Naturall Commodities Diamonds These are the Stars of the Earth though such but dimme ones which St. Vincents Rock near to this City doth produce Their Price is abated by their paleness and softnesse to which we may add their Number and Nearness For were they but few and far fetched their value would be advanced They are not those Unions Pearles so called because thrifty Nature only affordeth them by one and one seeing that not only Twins but Bunches and Clusters of these are found together Were this Rock of raw Diamonds removed into the East-Indies and placed where the Beams of the Sun might sufficiently concoct them probably in some hundreds of years they would be ripened into an Orient perfection All I will add is this a Lady in the reign of Queen Elizabeth would have as patiently digested the Lye as the wearing of False Stones or Pendants of counterfeit Pearl so common in our Age and I could wish it were the worst piece of hypocrisy in Fashion Manufactures Gray-Sope I
heirs the Patent whereof is extant in the Tower and exemplified in my Author He appears to me no more than a plain Knight or a Knight Batchelour But were it in the power of my Pen to create a Banneret he should for the Reason premised have that Honour affixed to his Memory who as we conjecture died about the middle of the reign of King Henry the Sixth JOHN DUDLEY Duke of Northumberland where born uncertain was son to Edward Dudley Esq. of whom hereafter and would willingly be reputed of this County a Descendent from the Lord Dudley therein whose memory we will gratifie so far as to believe it He lived long under King Henry the Eighth who much favoured him and the Servant much resembled his Master in the equal contemperament of Vertue and Vices so evenly matched that it is hard to say which got the Mastery in either of them This John was proper in person comely in carriage wise in advising valiant in adventuring and generally till his last project prosperous in success But he was also notoriously wanton intollerably ambitious a constant dissembler prodigeously profuse so that he had sunk his Estate had it not met with a seasonable support of Abbey Land he being one of those who well warmed himself with the chipps which fell from the felling of Monasteriâ—…s King Henry the 8th first Knighted then created him Vicount Lisle Earle of Warwick and Duke of Norâ—…humberland And under Queen Mary he made himself almost King of England though not in Title in power by contriving the settling of the Crown on Queen Jane his daughâ—…er in Law till successe failed him therein And no wonder if that design missed the mark which besides many rubbs it met with at hand was thrown against the general bias of English affection For this his treasonable practises he was executed in the First of Queen Mary much bemoaned by some Martial men whom he had formerly indeared in his good service in the French and Scotish Wars He left two sons who survived to great Honour Ambrose Earl of Warwick heir to all that was good and Robert Earl of Leicester heir to all that was great in their Father The BAGNOLS Something must be premised of their Name and extraction The Bagenhalts commonly called Bagnols were formerly a Family of such remark in this County that before the reign of King Henry the Eighth there scarce passed an Ancient piece of evidence which is not attested by one of that Name But see the uncertainty of all humane things it afterwards sunck down to use my Authours language into a Plebean Condition But the sparks of their gentle Bloud though covered for a time under a mean estate have since blazed again with their own worth and valour when Ralph and Nicholas sons to John Bagnol of Newcastle in this County were both Knighted for their good service the one in Mustle-Borough fight the otherin Ireland Yea as if their courage had been hereditary Their sons Samuel and Henry were for their Martial merit advanced to the same degree Sea-men WILLIAM MINORS Reader I remember how in the Case of the Ship-money the Judges delivered it for Law that England being an Island the very Middle-land-Shires therein are all to be accounted as Maritime Sure I am the Genius even of Land-lock-Counties acteth the Natives with a Maritime dexterity The English generally may be resembled to Ducklings which though hatched under a Hen yet naturally delight to dabble in the Water I mean though born and bred in In-Land places where neither their Infancy nor Childhood ever beheld Ship or Boat yet have they a great Inclinatioâ—… and Aptnesse to Sea-service And the present subject of our Pen is a pregnant proof thereof This William son to Richard Minors Gent. of Hallenbury-Hall was born at Uttoxater in this County who afterwads coming to London became so prosperous a Mariner that he hath safely returned eleven times from the East-Iudies whereas in the dayes of our GrandFathers such as came thence twice were beheld as Rarities thrice as Wonders four times as Miracles Much herein under Divine Providence is to be attributed to the Make of our English Ships now built more advantageous for sailing than in former Ages Besides the oftner they go the nearer they shape their Course use being the mother of Perfectnesse Yet whilst others wonder at his happiness in returning so often I as much commend his moderation in going no oftner to the East-Indies More men know how to get enough than when they have gotten enough which causeth their Coveteousness to increase with their wealth Mr. Minors having advanced a competent Estate quitted the water to live on the land and now peaceably enjoyeth what he painfully hath gotten and is living in or near Hartford at this present year 1660. Writers JOHN STAFFORD born in the Shire-Town of this County was bred a Franciscan No contemptible Philosopher and Divine but considerable Historian who wrote a Latin History of Englands affaires Authors are at an absolute loss when he lived and are fain by degrees to screw themselves into a general notice thereof He must be since the year 1226 when the Franciscans first fixed themselves in our Land He must be before John Ross who flourished Anno 1480 under Edward the Fourth and maketh honourable mention of him Therefore with proportion and probability he is collected to have written about 1380. WILLIAM de LICHFIELD so termed from the place of his Nativity applied himself to a study of Divinity whereof he became Doctor and afterwards Rector of All-hallowes the Great in Thames-street London He was generally beloved for his great Learning and godly liâ—…e He wrote many Books both Moral and Divine in Prose and Verse one intituled The complaint of God unto sinful Men. There were found in his Study after his death Three thousand four score and three Sermons of his own writing He died Anno Dom. 1447. being buried under a defaced Monument in the Quire of his own Church ROBERT WHITTINGTON born at Lichfield was no mean Grammarian Indeed he might have been greater if he would have been less Pride prompting him to cope with his Conquerors whom he mistook for his Match The first of these was Will. Lillie though there was as great difference betwixt these two Grammarians as betwixta Verb defective and one perfect in all the Requisites thereof The two other were William Horman and Alderedge both eminent in the Latin Tongue But some will carp at the best who cannot mend the worst line in a Picture the humour of our Whittington who flourished 1530. Since the Reformation HENRY STAFFORD Baron of Stafford in this County was son unto Edward Duke of Buckingham attainted and beheaded under King Henry the Eighth This our Henry though loosing his Top and Top-Gallant his Earledom and Dukedome in the tempest of the Kings displeasure yet still he kept his Keel his Barony of Stafford The less he possessed of his
Fathers Lands the more he enjoyed of himself It was not sullenesse or revenge but free choice which made him betake himself to his studies wherein he became eminent I place him confidently not a trans but Cis-reformation-man for translating the Book of Dr. Fox Bishop of Hereford a favourer of Luther into English Of the Difference of the power Ecclesiastical and Secular A Subject profitable in all seasonable not to say necessary in our Times For as the Water and Earth making but one Globe take their mutual advantages to enlarge themselves so these two powers united under one King in our land wait their opportunities to advance their respective Jurisdictions the right stating whereof would conduce much to the publick Peace This Lord died I dare not say the more the pitty some moneths before the beginning of Queen Elizabeth Anno 1558. SAMPSON ERDERSWIK Esq. was born at Sandon near Stafford in this County of a Right Worshipful and ancient Extraction He was a Gentleman accomplished with all Noble qualities affability devotion and Learning 'T is hard to say whether his Judgement or Industry was more in matters of Antiquity Bearing a tender respect to his native Country and desiring the honour thereof he began a description â—…ntituled A view of Stafford-shire Anno Domini 1593 conteining the same till the day of his death A short clear true impartial work taken out of ancient evidences and Records the Copies whereof in Manuscripts are deservedly valued for great Rarities This is he who when I often groped in the dark yea feared to fall in matters concerning this County took me by the hand Oh! for the like Conductors in other Counties and hath led me safe by his direction He was much delighted with decency of Gods House which made him on his own cost to repaire new Glaze the Church of Sandon wherein to prevent neglect of Executors he erected for himself a goodly Monument of Free-stone with his proportion cut out to the life and now lieth therein interred He died April the 11 1603 and let his Elogie of Mr. Camden serve for his Epitaph Venerandae Antiquitatis fuit Cultor Maximus THOMAS ALLEN was born in this County deriving his original from Allanus de Buckenhole Lord of Buckenhole in the reign of King Edward the 2d He was bred in Glocester-Hall in Oxford a most excellent Mathematician where he succeeded to the skill and scandal of Frier Bacon taken at both but given I beleeve by neither accounted a Conjurer Indeed vulgar eyes ignorant in Opticks conceit that raised which is but reflected fancy every shadow a spirit every spirit a Divel And when once the repute of a Conjurer is raised in vulgar esteem it is not in the power of the greatest Innocence and Learning to allay it He was much in favour with Robert Earl of Leicester and his admirable writings of Mathematicks are lâ—…tent with some private possessors which envy the publick profit thereof He died a very aged man towards the end of the reign of King James HENRY and ROBERT BURTON Brethren and eminent Authors in their several kinds were as some say born at Fald in this County But Leicester-shire pretending some probability to their Nativities hath by the Alphabetical advantage prevented this Shire and carried away their Characters therein Besides these deceased WRITERS Reader I have Three in my eye who are and long may they be alive as different as eminent in their liberal inclinations Edward Leigh of Rushwel-Hall Esq. whose Critica Sacra with many other worthy works will make his Judicious Industry known to posterity Elias Ashmole Esq. born in Litchfield critically skilled in Ancient Coins Chymistry Heraldry Mathematicks what not John Lightfood D. D. who for his exact insight in Hebrew and Rabbinical Learning hath deserved well of the Church of England But forgive me Reader I have forgot myself and trespassed on my Fundamental Rules Romish Exile Writers WILLIAM GIFFORD Though this Ancient and Worshipful Name be diffused in several Counties I have satisfied my self in fixing him here as an Extract of the Family of Chillington He was a man of much Motion and my Pen is resolved to follow him as able to Travel with more Speed less Pain and Cost 1 From his Fathers house he went to and lived four years in Oxford 2 Thence with his School-master he went over to Lovain where he got Lauream Doctoralem in Artibus was made Master of Arts. 3 Then studying Divinity there under Bellarmin was made Batchelour in that Profession 4 Frighted hence with War went to Paris 5 Removed to Rheams where he eleven years professed Divinity 6 Doctorated at Pont-Muss in Lorain 7 Highly prized by Henry Duke of Guise and Cardinal Lewis his brother who gave him a Pension of two hundred Crowns a year 8 After their death he went to Rome where he became Dean of St. Peters in the Isle for ten years 9 Returning to Rheams he was made Rector of the Vniversity therein 10 At fifty years of Age bidding farewel to the World he became a Benedictine at Delaware in Lorain Thus far Pitseus acquainting us that he was alive 1611 on whose Stock give me leave to graft what followeth This Dr. Gifford was afterwards advanced Arch-bishop of Rheams by the favour of the Duke of Guise who is shrewdly suspected to have quartered to heavily on the profit of that place However our Gifford gained so much as therewith to found not only a Covent for English Monks at St. Mallowes in France but also at Paris for those of the same profession Remarkable Charity that an Exile who properly had no home of his own should erect Houses for others Benefactors to the Publick This County I confess is exceeded by her Neigbours in this particular and I meet with few either ancient or eminent Benefactions therein Yet besides a â—…air School at Wolver-Hampton built by Sr. Stephen Jennings Lord Major of London and another erected by Mr. Thomas Allen at â—…tceter I am credibly informed that MARTEN NOEL Esq. born in the Counâ—…y-Town of Stafford bred Sâ—…rivener in London hath fairly built and largely endowed an Hospital in Stafford aforesaid The Crown Muâ—…al amongst the Romanâ—… waâ—… noâ—… given to every Souldier who scaled the Walls but onely to him who footed them first on which account a Garland of Glory is due to this Gentleman whose Foundation as I am certified is the first considerable Fabrick of that kind in this County Iâ—… is to be hoped that as the zeal of Achaia provoked many â—…o this good Leader will invite maâ—…y Followers to succeed him living in London this present 1660. Memorable persons THOMAS TARLTON My intelligence of the certainty of his birth-place coming too late confessed by the marginal mark I fix him here who indeed was born at Condover in the neighbouring County of Shrap-shire where still some of his Name and Relations remain Here he was in the field keeping his Fathers Swine
Mounchensey bred first in Oxford then an Augustinian Eremite in Clare He was a great Scholar as his Works evidence and Confessor to Lionel Duke of Clarence whom he attended into Italy when he married Joland daughter to John Galeaceus Duke of Milan J. Pits conceiveth him to have been an Arch-bishop in Ireland which is utterly disowned by Judicious Sir James VVare And indeed if Bales words whence Pits deriveth his intelligence be considered it will appear he never had Title of an Arch-bishop sed cujusdam Archi-Episcopatus curam accepit He undertook care of some Arch-bishoprick probably commended in the vacancy thereof to his inspection And why might not this be some Italian Arch-bishoprick during his attendance on his Patron there though afterwards preferring privacy before a pompous charge he returned into his Native Country and died at Clare Anno 1396. THOMAS PEVâ—…REL was born of good Parentage in this County bred a Carmelite and D. D. in Oxford He was afterwards by King Richard the Second made Bishop of Ossory in Ireland I say by King Richard the Second which minds me of a memorable passage which I have read in an excellent Author It may justly seem strange which is most true that there are three Bishopricks in Ireland in the Province of Ulster by name Derry Rapho and Clogher which neither Queen Elizabeth nor any of her Progenitors did ever bestow though they were the undoubted Patrons thereof So that King James was the first King of England that did ever supply those Sees with Bishops so that it seems formerly the Great Irish Lords in those parts preferred their own Chaplains thereunto However the Bishopricks in the South of the Land were ever in the disposal of Our Kings amongst which Ossory was one bestowed on our Peverel From Ireland he was removed to Landaffe in Wales then to VVorchester in England being one much esteemed for Learning as his Books do declare He died according to Bishop Godwins account March the 1 1417 and lieth buried in his own Cathedral STEPHEN GARDINER was born in Bury St. Edmunds one of the best aires in England the sharpness whereof he retained in his Wit and quick apprehension Some make him Base-son to Lionel VVoodvile Bishop of Salisbury which I can hardly beleeve Salisbury and St. Edmunds-Bury being six score miles asunder Besides time herein is harder to be reconciled than place For it being granted an errour of youth in that Bishop and that Bishop vanishing out of this World 1485. Gardiner in all probability must be allowed of greater age than he was at his death It is confess'd by all that he was a man of admirable natural parts and memory especially so conducible to Learning that one saith Tantum scimus quantum meminimus He was bâ—…ed Doctor of Laws in Trinity-hall in Cambridge and after many State-Embassies and employments he was by King Henry the Eighth made Bishop of VVinchester His malice was like what is commonly said of white powder which surely discharged the Bullet yet made no report being secrete in all his acts of cruelty This made him often chide Bonner calling him Asse though not so much for killing poor people as not for doing it more cunningly He was the chief Contriver of what we may call Gardiners-Creed though consisting but of six Articles which caused the death of many and trouble of more Protestants He had almost cut off one who was and prevented another for ever being a Queen I mean Katharine Par and the Lady Elizabeth had not Divine Providence preserved them He complied with King Henry the Eighth and was what he would have him opposed King Edward the Sixth by whom he was imprisoned and depriv'd acted all under Queen Mary by whom he was restored and made Lord Chancellour of England He is reported to have died more than half a Protestant avouching that he believed himself and all others onely to be justified by the merits of Christ which if so then did he verifie the Greek and Latine Proverb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saepe Olitor valde verba opportuna loquâ—…tus The Gardiner oft times in due season Speaks what is true and solid reason He died at VVhite-hall of the Gout November the 12th 1555. and is buried by his own appointment on the Northside of the Quire over against Bishop Fox in a very fair Monument He had done well if he had parallell'd Bishop Fox Founder of Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford in erecting some publick work the rather because he died so rich being reported to have left fourty thousand Marks in ready money behind him However on one account his memory must be commended for improving his power with Queen Mary to restore some Noble Families formerly depressed My Author instanceth in some descendanâ—…e from the Duke of Norfolk in the Stanhops and the Arundels of VVarder Castle To these give me leave to adde the Right Ancient Family of the Hungerfords to whom he procured a great part of their Patrimony seased on by the Crown to be restored Since the Reformation JOHN BALE was born at Covie in this County five miles from Donwich and was brought up in Jesus-Colledge in Cambridge being before or after a Carmelite in Norwich By the means of Thomas Lord Wentworth he was converted to be a Protestant This is that Bale who wrote a Book De scriptoribus Britannicis digested into nine Centuries not more beholding to Leland than I have been to Bale in this Work and my Church-History Anno 1552 February the 2d he was consecrated at Dublin Bishop of Ossory in Ireland whence on the death of King Edward the Sixth he was forced to flie some of his servants being slain before his eyes and in his passage over the sea was taken prisoner by Pirates sold ransom'd and after many dangers safely arrived in Switzerland After the death of Queen Mary he returned into England but never to his Irish Bishoprick preferring rather a private life being a Prebendary of the Church of Canterbury One may wonder that being so Learned a Man who had done and suffered so much for Religion higher promotion was not forced upon him seeing about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth Bishopricks went about begging able men to receive them But probably he was a person more Learned than discreet fitter to write than to govern as unable to command his own passion and Biliosus Balaeus passeth for his true Character He died in the sixty eighth year of his Age at Canterbury Anno Domini 1563 in the moneth of November and was buried in the Cathedâ—…al Church therein JOHN MAY was born in this County bred in the â—…niversity of Cambridge whereof he became Proctor 1545 Elected Master of Katharine-hall 1564 Vice-Chancellour 1569 and at last consecrated Bishop of Carlile Sept. 27 1577 continuing eleven years in that See and died in April 1598. JOHN OVERAL D. D. born aâ—… Hadley in this County was bred in the Free-School therein
till sent to St. Johns then to Trinity Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was Fellow and there chosen Regius Professâ—…r one of the most profound School-Divines of the English Nation Afterwards by the Queens absolute mandate to end a contention betwixt two Corrivals not much with his will he was made Master of Katharine-hall For when Archbishop Whitgift joyed him of the place he returned that it was Terminus diminuens taking no delight in his preferment But his Grace told him That if the injuries much more the less courtesies of Princes must be thankfully taken as the Ushers to make way for greater as indeed it came to passe For after the death of Dr. Nowel he was by the especial recommendation of Sr. Fulke Grevil made Dean of St. Pauls Being appointed to preach before the Queen he profess'd to my Father most intimate with him that he had spoken Latin so long it was troublesome to him to speak English in a continued Oration He frequently had those words of the Psalmist in his mouth VVhen thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth surely every man is vanity I cite it the rather out of the new Translation something different from the old because he was so eminent an Instrument employed therein King James made him Bishop of Norwich where he was a discreet presser of Conformity on which score he got the ill will of many dis-affected thereunto and died Anno 1618. LEONARD MAW was born at * Rendlesham in this Connty a remarkable place Iassure you which though now a Country Village was anciently the Residence of the Kings of the East-Angles Where King Redwald a Mongrel Christian kept at the same time Altare Arulam the Communion Table and Altars for Idols He was bred in Cambridge where he was Proctor of the University Fellow and Master of Peter-house after of Trinity Colledge whereof he deserved well shewing what might be done in five years by good Husbandry to dis-ingage that Foundation from a great debt He was Chaplain to King Charles whilst he was a Prince and waited on him in Spain by whom he was preferred Bishop of Bath and Wells He had the Reputation of a good Scholar a grave Preacher a mild man and one of Gentil Deportment He died Anno Domini 163. RALPH BROUNRIG D. D. was born at Ipswich of Parents of Merchantly condition His Father died in his Infancy and his Mother did not carelesly cast away his youth as the first Broachings of a Vessel but improved it in his Education at School till he was sent to Pembroke-hall in Cambridge and afterwards became Scholar and Fellow thereof King James coming to Cambridge was amongst others entertained with a Philosophy Act and Mr. Brounrig was appointed to perform the Joco-serious part thereof who did both to the wonder of the Hearers Herein he was like himself that he could on a sudden be so unlike himself and instantly vary his words and matter from mirth to solidity No man had more ability or less inclination to be Satyrical in which kind posse nolle is a rarity indeed He had wit at will but so that he made it his Page not Privy Councellour to obey not direct his Judgement He carried Learning enough in numerato about him in his pockets for any Discourse and had much more at home in his chests for any serious Dispute It is hard to say whether his loyal memory quick fancy solid judgement or fluent utterance were most to be admired having not only flumen but fulmen eloquentiae being one who did teach with Authority When commencing Bachelour in Divinity he chose for his Text Vobis autem c. It is given to you not only to beleeve but suffer in the behalf of Christ. A Text somewhat Prophetical to him who in the Sequele of his life met with affronts to exercise his Prudence and Patience being afterwards defied by some who almost Deified him before in whose Eyes he seemed the blacker for wearing white sleeves when 1641 made Bishop of Exeter I was present at his Consecration Sermon made by his good Friend Doctor Younge taking for his Text The waters are risen O Lord the waters are risen c. wherein he very gravely complained of the many invasions which Popular violence made on the Priviledges of Church and State This Bishop himself was soon sadly sensible of such Inundations and yet by the Procâ—…rity of his parts and piety he not only safely waded thorough them himself but also when Vice-Chancellour of Cambridge by his prudence raised such Banks that those overflowings were so not destructive as otherwise they would have been to the University He continued constant to the Church of England a Champion of the needful use of the Liturgie and for the Priviledges of Ordination to belong to Bishops alone Unmoveable he was in his principles of Loyalty witness this instance O. P. with some shew of respect unto him demanded the Bishops Judgement non plus't it seems himself in some business to whom he returned My Lord the best counsel I can give you is Give unto Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are Gods with which free answer O. P. was rather silenced than satisfied About a year before his death he was invited by the Society of both Temples to be their Preacher admirably supplying that place till strong fits of the Stone with Hydropical Inclinations and other distempers incident to phletorick Bodies caused his death I know all Accidents are minuted and momented by Divine Providence and yet I hope I may say without sin his was an untimely death not to himself prepared thereunto but as to his longer life vvhich the prayers of pious people requested the need of the Church required the date of Nature could have permitted but the pleasure of God to which all must submit denied Otherwise he vvould have been most instrumental to the composure of Church differences the deserved opinion of whose goodness had peaceable possession in the hearts of the Presbyterian party I observed at his Funeral that the prime persons of all Perswasions were present whose Judgements going several wayes met all in a general grief for his decease He was buried on the cost of both Temples to his great but their greater honour The Reader is referred for the rest to the Memorials of his life written by the Learned Doctor John Gauden who preached his Funeral Sermon and since hath succeeded him both in the Temple and Bishoprick of Exeter His dissolution happened in the 67th year of his Age Decemb. 7 1659 and was buried the week following in the Temple Church States-men S â— NICHOLAS BACON Knight was born in this County not far from the famous Abbey of St. Edmunds Bury and I have read that his Father was an Officer belonging thereunto His name I assure you is of an Ancient Gentry in this Shire as any whatsoever He was
bred in Bennet Colledge in Cambridge to which afterwards he proved a bountiful Benefactor building a beautiful Chappel therein He afterwards applied himself to the study of the Common Law and was made Attourney to the Court of Wards whence he was preferred Lord Keeper of the Great Seal in the First of Queen Elizabeth 1558. He married Anne second daughter to S â— Anthony Cook of Giddy-hall in Essex Governour to King Edward the Sixth And it is worthy of our observation how the Sates-men in that Age were arched together in affinity to no small support one to another Sir John Cheek Secretary to K. Edward the Sixth whose sister was first wife to Sr William Cecil Secretary to the same King Sir Will. Cecil aforesaid for his second wife married the wives sister unto this Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper Sr. Francis Walsingham Secretary to Queen Elizabeth had a sister married unto Sir Walter Mildmay Chancellour of the Exchequer Sir Franc. Walsingham was also brother in Law unto Sir Tho. Randolph that grand States-man Ambassador To return to Sir Nicholas Bacon he was condemned by some who seemed wise and commended by those that were so for not causing that Sâ—…atute to be repealed the Queen relying on him as her Oracle of Law whereby the Queen was made illegitimate in the dayes of her Father For this wise States-man would not open that wound which time had partly closed and would not meddle with the variety yea contrariety of Statutes in this kind whereby people would rather be perplexed than satisfied but derived her right from another Statute which allowed her succession the rather because Lawyers maintain That a Crown once worn cleareth all defects of the wearer thereof He continued in his Office about eighteen years being a Man of rare wit and deep experience Cui fuit ingenium subtile in corpore crasso For he was loaden with a corpulent body especially in his old Age so that he would be not only out of breath but also almost out of life with going from Westminster-hall to the Star-chamber in so much when sitting down in his place it was some time before he could recover himself And therefore it was usual in that Court that no Lawyer should begin to speak till the Lord Keeper held up his staffe as a signal to him to begin He gave for his Motto Mediocria Firma and practised the former part thereof Mediocria Never attaining because never affecting any great Estate He was not for Invidious Structures as some of his Contemporaries but delighted in Domo Domino pari Such as was his house at Gorhambury in Hartfordshire And therefore when Queen Elizabeth coming thither in progresse told him My Lord your house is too little for you No Madam returned he no less wittely than gratefully But it is your Highness that hath made me too great for mine house Now as he was a just practiser of the first part of this Motto Mediocria so no doubt he will prove a true Prophet in the second part thereof Firma having left an Estate rather good than great to his posterity whose eldest son Sir Edward Bacon in this County was the first Baronet of England He died on the 20th of February 1578 and Iieth buried in the Quire of St. Pauls In a word he was a goodman a grave States-man a Father to his Country and Father to Sir FRANCIS BACON Sir WILLIAM DRUERY was born in this County where his Worshipful Family had long flourished at Haulsted His name in Saxon soundeth a Pearle to which he answered in the pretiousness of his disposition clear and hard innocent and valiant and therefore valued deservedly by his Queen and Country His youth he spent in the French Wars his middle in Scotland and his old Age in Ireland He was Knight Marshal of Barwick at what time the French had possessed themselves of the Castle of Edenburgh in the minority of King James Queen Elizabeth employed this Sir William with 1500 men to besiege the Castle which service he right worthily performed reducing it within few dayes to the true owner thereof Anno 1575 he was appointed Lord President of Mounster whether he went with competent Forces and executed impartial Justice in despite of the Opposers thereof For as the Sign of Leo immediately precedeth Virgo and Libra in the Zodiack so no hope that innocency will be protected or Justice administred in a Barbarous Country where power and strength do not first secure a passage unto them But the Earl of Desmond opposed this good President forbidding him to enter the County of Kerry as a Palatinate peculiarly appropriated unto himself Know by the way as there were but four Palatinates in England Chester LancasterDurham and Ely whereof the two former many years since were in effect invested in thâ—… Crown there were no fewer than eight Palatinates in Ireland possessed by their Respective Dynasts claiming Regal Rites therein to the great retarding of the absolute Conquest of that Kingdom Amongst these saith my Author Kerry became the Sanctuary of sin and Refuge of Rebels as out-lawed from any English Jurisdiction Sir William no whit terrified with the Earls threatning entred Kerry with a competent Train and there dispenced Justice to all persons as occasion did require Thus with his seven-score men he safely forced his return through seven hundred of the Earls who sought to surprise him In the last year of his life he was made Lord Deputy of Ireland and no doubt had performed much in his place if not afflicted with constant sickness the fore-runner of his death at Waterford 1598. Sir ROBERT NAUNTON was born in this County of Right ancient Extraction some avouching that his Family were here before others that they came in with the Conqueror who rewarded the chief of that Name for his service with a great Inheretrix given him in marriage In so much that his Lands were then estimated at a vast sum in my Judgment seven hundred pounds a year For along time they were Patrons of Alderton in this County where I conceive Sir Robert was born He was first bred Fellow Commoner in Trinity Colledge and then Fellow of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge He was Proctor of the University Anno Domini 160 0 1 which Office according to the Old Circle returned not to that Colledge but once in fourty four years He addicted himself from his youth to such studies as did tend to accomplish him for Publick imployment I conceive his most excellent piece called Fragmenta Regalia set forth since his death was a fruit of his younger years He was afterwards sworn Secretary of State to King James on Thursday the eighth of January 1617. which place he discharged with great ability and dexterity And I hope it will be no offence here to insert a pleasant passage One Mr. Wiemark a wealthy Man great Novilant and constant Pauls walker hearing the News that day of the beheading of Sir Walter Raleigh His head said he
Stutvile 〈◊〉 Dallam 〈◊〉 Argent and Gules a Lion rampant Sable Nicol. Bacon miles ut prius  Reg. JACO   Anno   1 〈◊〉 Bacon miles ut prius  2 Edm. Bokemham armiger   〈◊〉 Tho. Playters arm 〈◊〉 Bendy Wavy of six Argent and Azure 4 Antho. Penning ar   Iâ—…oho Wentworth armiger  Sable a Cheveron between 3 Leopaâ—…ds heads Or. 6 Lionel Talmarsh ar ut prius  7 Geo. le Hunt miles   8 Thom. Tilney arm ut prius  9 Calthorp Parker mil. ut prius  10 Martin Stutevil ut prius  11 Rob. Brook miles  AMP. 12 Rob. Barker mil.  Perfess embatt'led Or and Azure 3 martlets counterchanged 13 Tho. Clench arm   14 Lio. Ialmarsh m. B. ut prius Azure a Cheveron Argent 15 Edw. Lewkenor m.   16 Io. Wentworth m. ut prius  17 Hen. North miles  Azure a Lion passant Or between 3 Flower de 〈◊〉 Ar. 18 Will. Spring miles ut prius  19 Will. Wetle arm   20 Rob. Brook arm   21 Nâ—… Bernardiston m ut prius  22 Galf. Pittman arm   Reg. CAROL   1 Sam. Aylemer arm Cleydon Argent a Cross Sable betwixt 4 Cornish 〈◊〉 proper 2 Joha Prescot mil.  S. a Chev. betwixt 3 〈◊〉 Ar. 3 Maur. Barrowe ar  S. 2 swords in Saltire Ar. 〈◊〉 betw 4 flowers de luce Or within a Bordure compone of the second and 〈◊〉 4 Brampt Gourden a. ut prius  5 Hen Hookenham a.   6 Iohan Acton arm   7 Rob. Crane miles Chyston Ar. a Fess betw 3 Cross 〈◊〉 fitchee Gu. 8 Will. * Some miles   9 Edw. Bacon miles ut prius Gules a Cheveron betwixt 3 Mallets Or. 10 Ioha Barker arm ut prius  11 Ioha Rouse miles ut prius  12 Phil. Parker mil. ut prius  13 Ed. Duke armiger Brampton Az a Cheveron betwixt 3 〈◊〉 Argent membred Gules 14 Ioh. Clench arm   15 Sim. Dewes miles Stow-Hall Or 3 Quatersoilâ—…s Gules 16 VVill. Spring arm ut prius  17 Will. 〈◊〉 aâ—…   18 Maur. Barrowe arâ—… ut prius  19   20 Ioha Cotton arm   21   22 Tho. Blosse arm   Queen ELIZABETH 18 JOHN HIGHAM Arm. I find this passage in the Ingenious Michael Lord Montaigne in France in his Essay * of Glory I have no name which is sufficiently mine Of two I have the one common to all my Race yea and also to others There is a Family at Paris and another at Montpellier called Montaigne another in Brittanny and one in Zantoigne surnamed de la Montaigne The removing of one only syllable may so confound our Web as I shall have a share in their Glory and they perhaps a part of my shame And my Ancestors have heretofore been surnamed HEIGHAM or HIQUEM a surname which also belongs to an House well known in England Indeed the Highams so * named from a Village in this County were for I suspect them extinct a right Ancient Family and Sr Clement Heigham Ancestor to this John our Sheriff who was a Potent Knight in his Generation lies buried under a fair Tomb in Thorning-Church in Northfolk 20 ROBERT JERMIN Miles He was a Person of singular Piety a bountiful Benefactor to Emanuel-Colledge and a man of great command in this County He was Father to Sir Tho. Jermin Privy Concellour and Vice-Chamberlain to King Charles the First Grandfather to Thomas and Henry Jermin Esquires The younger of these being Lord Chamberlain to our present Queen Mary and sharing in her Majesties sufferings during her long Exile in France was by King Charles the Second deservedly advanced Baron and Earl of St. Albans 23 NICHOLAS BACON Miles He was son to Sir Nicholas and elder Brother to Sir Francis Bacon both Lord Chancellors of England and afterward by King James in the ninth of his reign on the 22 of May created the first Baronet of England 36 THOMAS CROFTS Armiger He was a Man of Remark in his generation Father to Sir John Crofts Grand-father to .... Crofts who for his Fidelity to his Sovereign during his suffering condition and for several Embassies worthily performed to the King of Poland and other Princes was created Baron Crofts by King Charles the Second CHARLES the First 15 SIMONDS DEWES Miles This Sir Simonds was Grand-child unto Adrian Dâ—…wes descended of the Ancient Stem of Des Ewes Dynasts or Lords of the Dition of Kessel in the Dutchy of Gelderland who came first thence when that Province was wasted with Civil War in the beginning of King Henry the Eighth He was bred in Cambridge as appeared by his printed speech made in the long Parliament wherein he indeavoured to prove it more Ancient than Oxford His Genious addicted him to the study of Antiquity Preferring Rust before Brightness and more conforming his mind to the Garbe of the former than mode of the moderne times He was studious in Roman Coin to discriminate true ones from such as were cast and counterfeit He passed not for Price to procure a choice piece and was no less careful in conserving than curious in culling many rare Records He had plenty of pretious Medals out of which a methodical Architect might contrive a fair Fabrick for the benefit of posterity His Treasury afforded things as well new as old on the token that he much admired that the Ordinances and Orders of the late Long Parliament did in Bulks and number exceed all the Statutes made since the Conquest He was loving to Learned Men to whom he desired to do all good offices and died about the year of our Lord 1653. The Fare-wel To conclude our description of Suffolk I wish that therein Grain of all kinds may be had at so reasonable rates that rich and poor may be contented therewith But if a Famine should happen here let the poor not distrust Divine providence whereof their Grand-fathers had so admirable a testimony 15. When in a general dearth all over England plenty of Pease did grow on the Sea-shore near Dunwiâ—…h never set or sown by humane industry which being gathered in full ripeness much abated the high prices in the Markets and preserved many hundreds of hungry Families from famishing SURREY hath Middlesex divided by the Thames on the North Kent on the East Sussex on the South â—…ant Bark-shires on the West It may be allowed to be a Square besides its Angular expatiation in the South-west of two and twenty miles and is not unproperly compared to a Cynamon-tree whose Bark is far better than the Body thereof For the skirts and borders bounding this Shire are rich and fruitful whilst the ground in the inward parts thereof is very hungry and barren though by reason of the clear Air and clean wayes full of many gentile habitations Naturall Commodities Fullers-Earth The most and best of this
the stipend and benevolence of the one and the dividend of the other but was utterly unacquainted with the taking of Tithes with the many troubles attending it together with the causeless molestations which Persons Presented meet with in their respective Parishes And because it is hard for one to have a Fellow-suffering of that whereof he never had a suffering this say some was the cause that he was so harsh to Ministers when brought before him Being Chaplain to the Earl of Dunbar then Omni-prevalent with King James he was unexpectedly preferred Archbishop of Canterbury being of a more fatherly presence than those who might almost have been his Fathers for age in the Church of England I find two things much charg'd on his memory First that in his house he respected his Secretary above his Chaplains and out of it alwayes honoured Cloaks above Cassocks Lay above Clergie-men Secondly that he connived at the spreading of non-conformity in so much that I read in a modern Author Had Bishop Laud succeeded Bancroft and the project of Conformity been followed without interruption there is little question to be made but that our Jerusalem by this time might have been a City at unity in it self Yet are there some of Archbishop Abbot his relations who as I am informed will undertake to defend him that he was in no degree guilty of these crimes laid to his charge This Archbishop was much humbled with a casual homicide of a keeper of the Lord Zouch's in Bramzel-Park though soon after he was solemnly quitted from any irregularity thereby In the reign of King Charles he was sequestred from his Jurisdiction say some on the old account of that homicide though others say for refusing to Licence a Sermon of Dr. Sibthorps Yet there is not an Express of either in the Instrument of Sequestration the Commission only saying in the general That the said Archbishop could not at that present in his own person attend those services which were otherwise proper for his cognizance and Jurisdiction For my own part I have cause to believe that as Vulnus semel sanatum novo vulnere recrudescit so his former obnoxiousness for that casualty was renewed on the occasion of his refusal to Licence that Sermon with some other of his Court-un-compliances This Archbishop died Anno Dom. 1633. having erected a large Hospital with liberal maintenance at Guildford the place of his nativity RICHARD CORBET D. D. was born at Ewel in this County and from a Student in became Dean of Christ-Church then Bishop of Oxford An high VVit and most excellent Poet of a courteous carriage and no destructive nature to any who offended him counting himself plentifully repaired with a jest upon him He afterwards was advanced Bishop of Norwich where he died Anno Dom. 1635. States-men THOMAS CROMWEL was born at Putney in this County of whom I have given measure pressed down and running over in my Church-History WILLIAM HOWARD son to Thomas Howard second of that Surname Duke of Norâ—…hfolk was by Queen Mary created Baron of Effingham in this County and by her made Lord Admiral of England which place he discharged with credit I find he was one of the first Favourers and Furtherers with his purse and countenance of the strange and wonderful discovery of Russia He died Anno Domini 154. CHARLES HOWARD son to the Lord William aforesaid succeeded him though not immediately in the Admiralty An hearty Gentleman and cordial to his Sovereign of a most proper person one reason why Queen Elizabeth who though she did not value a Jewel by valued it the more for a fair Case reflected so much upon him The first evidence he gave of his prowes was when the Emperors sister the Spouse of Spain with a Fleer of 130 Sailes stoutly and proudly passed the narrow Seas his Lordship accompanied with ten ships onely of Her Majesties Navy Royal environed their Fleet in a most strange and warlike sort enforced them to stoop gallant and to vail their Bonnets for the Queen of England His service in the eighty eighth is notoriously known when at the first news of the Spaniards approach he towed at a cable with his own hands to draw out the harbourbound-ships into the Sea I dare boldly say he drew more though not by his person by his presence and example than any ten in the place True it is he was no deep Sea-man not to be expected from one of his Extraction but had skill enough to know those who had more skill than himself and to follow their instructions and would not sterve the Queens service by feeding his own sturdy wilfulness but was ruled by the experienced in Sea-matters the Queen having a Navy of Oak and an Admiral of Osier His last eminent service was when he was Commander of the Sea as Essex of the Land forces at the taking of Cadiz for which he was made Earl of Nottingham the last of the Queens creation His place was of great profit Prizes being so frequent in that age though great his necessary and vast his voluntary expences keeping as I have read seven standing Houses at the same time at London Rigate Effingham Blechenley c. so that the wonder is not great if he died not very wealthy He lived to be very aged who wrote Man if not married in the first of Q. Elizabeth being an invited guest at the solemn Consecration of Matthew Parker at Lambeth and many years after by his testimony confuted those lewd and loud lies which the Papists tell of the Naggs-head in Cheap-side He resigned his Admiralty in the reign of King James to the Duke of Buckingham and died towards the later end of the reign of the King afore-said Sea-men Sir ROBERT DUDLEY Knight son to Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester by Douglas Shefeld whether his Mistris or Wife God knoweth many men being inclinable charitably to believe the later was born at Shene in this County and bred by his mother out of his Fathers reach at Offington in Sussex He afterwards became a most compleat Gentleman in all suteable accomplishments endeavoring in the reign of King James to prove his legitimacy and meeting with much opposition from the Court in distast he left his Land and went over into Italy But Worth is ever at home and carrieth its own welcome along with it He became a Favorite to the Duke of Florence who highly reflected on his Abilities and used his directions in all his Buildings At this time Ligorn from a Child started a Man without ever being a Youth and of a small Town grew a great City on a sudden and is much beholding to this Sir Robert for its fairness and firmness as chief contriver of both But by this time his Adversaries in England had procured him to be call'd home by a special Privy Seal which he refused to obey and thereupon all his Lands in England was seised on by the King by the Statute
bad success He exhorted them to be Pious to God Dutifull to their King Piâ—…full to all Captives to be Carefull in making Faithfull in keeping articles with their enemies After the death of Strafford he was made Arch-bishop of Canterbury and at Avenion where the Pope then resided received his Consecration Here he was accounted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 somewhat Clownish by the Romish Court partly because he could not mode it with the Italians but chiefly because money being the generall Turn-key to Preferment in that place he was meeâ—…ly advanced for his merit But that which most recommended his memory to posterity is that worthy book he made de Causâ Dei wherein speaking of Pelagius he complaineth in his second Book that Totus paenè mundus ut timeo doleo post hunc abiit erroribus ejus faveâ—… I fear and lament that almost the whole world runs after him and favours his errors Bradwardine therefore undertook to be Champion for Grace and Gods cause against such who were not defensores sed deceptores sed inflatores sed praecipitatores liberi arbitrâ—… as Augustine calleth them and as the same Father saith of Cicero dum liberos homines esse volunt faciunt sacrilegos He died at Lambâ—…th in October Anno Dom. 1349. THOMAS ARUNDELL was the fourth Arch-bishop of Canterbury who was born in this County Son he was to Robert Brother to Richard Fitz-Alen both Earls of Arundâ—…ll Herein he standeth alone by himself that the Name Arundell speaks him both Nobleman and Clergy-man the Title of his fathers honor and place of his own birth meeting both in the Castle of Arâ—…ell It was â—…ither his Nobility or Ability or Both which in him did supplere aetatem qualifying him to be Bishop of Ely at twenty two years of age He was afterwards Archbishop of York and at last of Canterbury 1396. and three severall times Lord Chancellor of England viz. In the Tenth of Richard the second 1386. in the Fifteenth of Richard the second 1391. the Eleventh of Henry the fourth 1410. By King Richard the second when his Brother the Earl of Arundell was beheaded this Thomas was banished the land Let him thank his Orders for saving his Life the Tonsure of his hair for the keeping of his Head who otherwise had been sent the same path aâ—… pase with his Brother Returning in the First of K. Henry the fourth he was restored to his Arch-bishoprick Such who commend his Courage for being the Churches Champion when a powerfull Party in Parliament pushed at the Revenues thereof condemn his Cruelty to the Wicklevites being the first who persecuted them with Fire and Fagot As for the manner of his death we will neither carelesly wink at it nor curiously stare on it but may with a serious look solemnly behold it He who had stop'd the mouths of so many servants of God from preaching his Word was himself famished to Death by a swelling in his Throat But seeing we bear in our Bodies the seeds of all Sicknesses as of all sins in our souls it is not good to be over-bold and buisie in our censures on such Casualties He died February 20. 1413. and lieth buried in his Cathedral at Canterbury HENRY BURWASH so named saith my Author which is enough for my discharge from Burwash a Town in this County He was one of Noble Alliance And when this is said all is said to his Commendation being otherwise neither good for Church nor State Soveraign nor Subjects Covetous Ambitious Rebellious Injurious Say not what makes he here then amongst the worthies for though neither Ethically nor Theologically yet Historically he was remarkable affording something for our Information though not Imitation He was recommended by his kinsman Bâ—…rtholomew de Badilismer Baron of Leeds in Kent to K. Edward the second who preferred him Bishop of Lincoln It was not long be fore falling into the Kings displeasure his Temporalities were seized on and afterwards on his submission restored Here in stead of new Gratitude retayning his old Grudge he was most forward to assist the Queen in the deposing of her husband He was twice L. Treasurer once Châ—…ncellor and once sent over Ambassador to the Duke of Bavaria He died Anno Domini 1340. Such as mind to be merry may read the pleasant Story of his apparition being condemned after Death to be viridis viridarius a green â—…rester because in his life time he had violently inclosed other mens Grounds into his Park Surely such Fictions keep up the best Park of Popery Purgatory whereby their fairest Game and greatest Gaine is preserved Since the Reformation WILLIAM BARLOW D. D. My industry hath not been wanting in Qaest of the place of his Nativity but all in vain Seeing therefore I cannot fix his character on his Cradle I am resolved rather then omit him to fasten it on his Coffin this County where in he had his last preferment A man he was of much Motion and Promotion First I find him Canon Regular of Sâ—… 〈◊〉 in Essex and then Prior of Bisham in Barkshire Then preferred by K. Henry the eighth Bishop of St. Asaph and consecrated Febr. 22. 1535. Translated thence the April following to St. Davids remaining 13. years in that See In the Third of King Edward the sixth he was removed to the Bishoprick of Bath and Wells Flying the Land in the Reign of Queen Mary he became Superintendent of the English Congregation at Embden Coming back into England by Q. Elizabeth he was advanced Bishop of Chichester It is a Riddle why he chose rather to enter into new First-fruits and begin at Chichester then return to Bath a better Bishoprick Some suggest that he was loth to go back to Bath having formerly consented to the Expilation of that Bishoprick whilst others make his consent to signify nothing seeing impowred Sacriledge is not so mannerly as to ask any By your leave He had a numerous and prosperous female-Issue as appeareth by the Epitaph on his Wifes Monument in a Church in Hant-shire though one shall get no credit in translating them Hic Agathae tumulus Barloi Praesulis inde Exulis inde iterum Praesulis Uxor erat Prole beata fuit plena annis quinque suarum Praesulibus vidit Praesulis ipsa datas Barlows Wife Agathe doth here remain Bishop then Exile Bishop then again So long she lived so well his Children sped She saw five Bishops her five daughters wed Having sate about ten years in his See he peaceably ended his Life Dec. 10. 1569. WILLIAM JUXTON was born at Chichester in this County bred Fellow in Saint Johns-colledge in Oxford where he proceeded Bachelour of Law very young but very able for that degree and afterwards became Doctor in the same Faculty and President of the Colledge One in whom Nature hath not Omitted but Grace hath Ordered the Tetrarch Humour of Choler being Admirably Master of his Pen and his Passion for his Abilities
of Rome Take a tast of them Joannes Sarisburiensis in Polycratico Sedent in Ecclesia Romana Scribae Pharisaei ponentes onera importabilia in humeros hominum Ita debacchantur ejus Legati ac si ad Ecclesiam flagellandam egressus sit Satan a facie Domini Peccata populi comedunt eis vestiuntur in iis multipliciter luxuriantur dum veri adoratores in Spiritu adorant Patreâ—… Qui ab eorum dissentit Doctrina aut Haereticus judicatur aut 〈◊〉 Manifestet ergo seipsum Christus palà m faciat viam quá nobis est incedendum Scribes and Pharisees sit in the Church of Rome putting unbearable burthens on mens backs His Legates do so swagger as if Satan were gone forth from the Face of the Lord to scourge the Church They eat the sins of the people with them they are clothed and many ways riot therein whilst the true worshipers worship the Father in Spirit who so dissent from their Doctrine are condemned for Hereticks or Schismaticks Christ therefore will manifest himself and make the way plain wherein we must walk How doth our Author Luther it before Luther against their errors and vices the more secure for the generall opinion men had of his person all holding our John to be though no Prophet a Pious man King Henry the second made him Bishop of Chartres in France where he died 1182. RICHARD POOR Dean of Sarisbury was first Bishop of Chichester then of Sarisbury or Old Sarum rather He found his Cathedrall most inconveniently seated for want of water and other necessaries and therefore removed it a mile off to a place called Merry-field for the pleasant situation thereof since Sarisbury Where he laid the foundation of that Stately Structure which he lived not here to finish Now as the place whence he came was so dry that as Malmsbury saith miserabili commercio ibi aqua vaeneat by sad chaffer they were fain to give money for water so he removed to one so low and moist men sometimes upon my own knowledge would give money to be rid of the water I observe this for no other end but to show that all humane happiness notwithstanding often exchange of places will still be an Heteroclite and either have too much or too little for our contentment This Poor was afterwards removed to the Bishoprick of Durham and lived there in great esteem Mat. Paris characterizing him eximiae sanctitatis profundae scientiae virum His dissolution in a most pious and peaceable manner happened April 5. Anno Domini 1237. His Corps by his Will were brought and buried at Tarrent in Dorsetshire in a Nunnery of his own founding and some of his Name and probably Alliance are still extant in this County WILLIAM EDENDON was born at Edendon in this County bred in Oxford and advanced by King Edward the third to be Bishop of Winchester and Lord Treasurer of England During his managing of that Office he caused new coines unknown before to be made groats and half-groats both readier for change and fitter for charity But the worst was imminuto nonnihil pondere the weight was somewhat abated If any say this was an un-episcopal act know he did it not as Bishop but as Lord Treasurer the King his Master having all the profit thereby Yea succeeding Princes following this patern have sub-diminished their coin ever since Hence is it that our Nobility cannot maintain the port of their Ancestors with the same revenues because so many pounds are not so many pounds though the same in noise and number not the same in intrinsecal valuation He was afterward made Lord Chancellor and erected a stately Convent for Bonhomes at Edendon in this County the place of his Nativity valued at the Dissolution per annum at five hundred twenty one pounds twelve shillings five pence half penny Some condemn him for robbing Saint Peter to whom with Saint Swithin Winchester-Church was dedicated to pay all Saints collectively to whom Edendon-Covent was consecrated suffering his Episcopal Palaces to decay and drop down whilst he raised up his new foundation This he dearly payed for after his death when his Executors were sued for dilapidations by his successour William Wickham an excellent Architect and therefore well knowing how to proportion his charges for reparations who recovered of them one thousand six hundred sixty two pounds ten shillings a vast sum in that Age though paid in the lighter groats and half-groats Besides this his Executors were forced to make good the standing-stock of the Bishoprick which in his time was empaired viz. Oxen 1556. Weathers 4717. Ewes 3521. Lambes 3521. Swine 127. This Edendon sat in his Bishoprick twenty one years and dying 1366. lyeth buried on the South-side in the passage to the Quire having a fair Monument of Alabaster but an Epitaph of course stone I mean so barbarous that it is not worth the inserting RICHARD MAYO alias MAYHOWE was born nigh Hungerford in this County of good parentage whose Sur-name and Kindred was extinct in the last generation when the Heirs-general thereof were married into the Families of Montpesson and Grove He was first admitted in New-colledge and thence removed to Magdalens in Oxford where he became President thereof 27. years It argueth his abilities to any indifferent apprehension that so knowing a Prince as Henry the seventh amongst such plenty of Eminent Persons elected and sent him into Spain Anno 1501. to bring over the Lady Katharine to be married to Prince Arthur which he performed with all fidelity though the heavens might rather seem to Laugh at then Smile on that unfortunate marrying After his return he was rewarded with the Bishoprick of Hereford and having sat 11. years therein dyed 1516 and lyeth buried in his Church on the South-side of the high Altar under a Magnificent Monument Since the Reformation JOHN THORNEBOROUGH B. D. was born as I am credibly informed in the City of Salisbury bred in Magdalen-colledge in Oxford He did 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and his Goodly Presence made him more acceptable to Queen Elizabeth preferring him Dean of York and Bishop of Lymbrick in Ireland where he received a most remarkable deliverance in manner as follweth Lying in an Old Castle in Ireland in a large room partitioned but with Sheets or Curtaines his Wife Children and Servants in effect an whole Family In the dead time of the night the floor over head being Earth and Plaister as in many places is used over-charged with weight fell wholly down together and crushing all to pieces that was above two foot high as Cupboards Tables Formes Stools rested at last on certain Chests as God would have it and hurt no living Creature In the first of King James 1603. he was consecrated Bishop of Bristoll and held his Deanery an Irish Bishoprick in commendam with it and from thence was translated to Worchester I have heard his skill in Chimistry much commended and he presented a
a very great estate But what he got in few years he lost in fewer days since our Civil Warrs when the Parliament was pleased for reasons onely known to themselves to make him one of the examples of their severity excluding him pardon but permitting his departure beyond the seas where he dyed about the year 1650. Capitall Judges Sir NICHOLAS HYDE Knight was born at Warder in this County where his father in right of his wife had a long lease of that Castle from the family of the Arundels His father I say descended from an Antient Family in Cheshire a fortunate Gentleman in all his Children and more in his Grand-children some of his under-boughs out-growing the top-branch and younger children amongst whom Sir Nicholas in wealth and honour exceeding the heir of the family He was bred in the Middle-Temple and was made Sergeant at Law the first of February 1626. and on the eighth day following was sworn Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-bench succeeding in that Office next save one unto his Countryman Sir James Ley then alive and preferred Lord Treasurer born within two miles one of another and next of all unto Sir Randal Crew lately displaced Now though he entered on his place with some disadvantage Sir Randal being generally popular and though in those days it was hard for the same person to please Court and Country yet he discharged his office with laudable integrity and died 1631. Souldiers First for this County in general hear what an antient Author who wrot about the time of King Henry the second reporteth of it whose words are worthy of our translation and exposition Johannes Sarisburiensis de Nugis Curialium 6. cap. 18. Provincia Severiana quae moderno usu ac nomine ab incolis Wiltesira vocatur eodem jure sibi vendicat Cohortem Subsidiariam adjecta sibi Devonia Cornubia The Severian Province which by moderne use name is by the inhabitants called Wiltshire by the same right chalengeth to it self to have the Rere Devonshire and Cornwall being joyned unto it The Severian Province We thank our Author for expounding it Wiltshire otherwise we should have sought for it in the North near the Wall of Severus By the same right Viz. by which Kent claimeth to lead the Vanguard whereof formerly To have the Rere So translated by Mr. Selden from whom it is a sin to dissent in a Criticisme of Antiquity otherwise some would cavill it to be the Reserve Indeed the Rere is the basis and foundation of an Army and it is one of the chief of Divine promises The glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward We read how the Romans placed their Triarii which were Veteran souldiers behind and the service was very sharp indeed cum res rediit ad Triarios We may say that these three Counties Wiltshire Devonshire and Cornwall are the Triarii of England yet so that in our Author Wiltshire appears as principal the others being added for its assistance Here I dare interpose nothing why the two interjected Counties betwixt Wilts and Devon viz. Dorset and Summerset are not mentioned which giveth me cause to conjecture them included in Devonia in the large acception thereof Now amongst the many worthy Souldiers which this County hath produced give me leave to take speciall notice of HENRY D'ANVERS His ensuing Epitaph on his Monument in the Church of Dantsey in this Shire will better acquaint the Reader with his deserts then any character which my Pen can give of him Hâ—…re lyeth the body of Henry Danvers second son to Sir John Danvers Knight and Dame Elizabeth Daughter and Co-heir to Nevill Lord Latimer He was born at Dantsey in the County of Wilts Jan. Anno Dom. 1573. being bred up partly in the Low-Country-Wars under Maurice Earl of Nassaw afterward Prince of Orenge and in many other military Actions of those times both by Sea and by Land He was made a Captain in the Wars of France and there Knighted for his good Service under Henry the fourth the then French King He was imployed as Leiutenant of the Horse and Serjeant Major of the whole Army in Ireland under Robert Earl of Essex and Charles Baron of Mountjoy in the Raign of Queen Elizabeth By King James the first he was made Baron of Dansey and Peer of this Realm as also Lord President of Munster and Governour of Guernsey By King Charles the first he was Created Earl of Danby made of his Privy Councell and Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter In his latter time by reason of imperfect health considerately declining more active Imployments full of Honours Wounds and Days he died Anno Domini 1643. Laus Deo For many years before St. George had not been more magnificently Mounted I mean the solemnity of his feast more sumptuously observed then when this Earl with the Earl of Morton were installed Knights of the Garter One might have there beheld the abridgment of English and Scotish in their Attendance The Scotish Earl like Zeuxis his Picture adorned with all Art and Costliness whilst our English Earl like the plain sheet of Apelles by the Gravity of his habit got the advantage of the Gallantry of his Corrival with judicious beholders He died without Issue in the beginning of our Civil Wars and by his Will made 1639. setled his large Estate on his hopefull Nephew Henry D'Anvers snatch'd away before fully of age to the great grief of all good men Writers OLIVER of MALMESBURY was saith my Author iâ—… ipsius Monasterii terratorio natus so that there being but few paces betwixt his cradle and that Convent he quickly came thither and became a Benedictine therein He was much addicted to Mathematicks and to judicial Astrology A great Comet happened in his age which he entertained with these expressions Venisti Venisti multis matribus lugendum malum Dudum te vidi sed multò jam terribilius Angliae minans prorsus excidium Art thou come Art thou come thou evil to be lamented by many mothers I saw thee long since but now thou art much more terrible threatning the English with utter destruction Nor did he much miss his mark herein for soon after the coming in of the Norman Conqueror deprived many English of their lives more of their laws and liberties till after many years by Gods goodness they were restored This Oliver having a mind to try the truth of Poeticall reports an facta vel ficta is said to have tied Wings to his hands and feet and taking his rise from a Tower in Malmesbury flew as they say a â—…rlong till something failing him down he fell and brake both his Thighs Pity is it but that Icarus-like he had not fallen into the water and then OLIVER OL'VARIS nomina fecit aquis I find the like Recorded in the Ecclesiastical History of Simon Magus flying from the Capitol in Rome high in the Ayre till at last by the Prayers of Saint Peter he
Tattered Cowle a Shirt of Hair a Girdle of Hempe a Pair of Beads a Plain Crucifix and Picture of some Saint passed for all the wealth and Wardrobe of a Friar yet by hearing Feminine Confessions wherewith Wilton twitteth them and abusing the Key of Absolution they opened the Coffers of all the Treasure in the Land He wrot also a smart Book on this subject An validi Mendicantes sint in 〈◊〉 Perfectionis Whether Friars in health and Begging be in the state of perfection The Anti-Friarists maintaining that such were Rogues by the Laws of God and Man and fitter for the House of Correction then State of Perfection This Dean Wilton flourished Anno Dom. 1460. Since the Reformation WILLIAM HOREMAN was saith my Author Patria Sarisburiensis which in the Strictest sence may be rendred born in the City in the Largest born in the Diocess of Salisbury and in the Middle-sence which I most embrace born in Wiltshire the County wherein Salisbury is situated He was bred saith Bale first in Eaton then in Kings-colledge in Cambridge both which I doe not deny though propably not of the Foundation his name not appearing in the exact Catalogue thereof Returning to Eaton he was made Vice-Provost thereof where he spent the remainder of his 〈◊〉 He was one of the most Generall Scholars of his age as may appear by the Diffusiveness of his Learning and Books written in all Faculties Grammar  Of Orthography Poetry  Of the Quantities of penultime syllables History  A Chronicle with a Comment on some Index of most Chronicles Controversial Divinity A Comment on Gabriel Biel. Case  On the divorce of King Henry the eighth Hnsbandry  A Comment on Cato Varro Columella Palladius de Re Rusticâ Other books he left unfinished for which Bale sends forth a sorrowfull sigh with a Proh Dolor which his passion is proof enough for me to place this Horeman on this side of the line of Reformation He dyed April 12. 1535. and lieth buried in the Chappel of Eaton Masters of Musick WILLAM LAWES son of Thomas Lawes a Viâ—…ar Choral of the Church of Salisbury was bred in the Close of that City being from his Childhood inclined to Musick Edward Earl of Hertford obtained him from his Father and bred him of his own cost in that Faculty under his Master Giovanni Coperario an Italian and most Exquisite Musician Yet may it be said that the Schollar in time did Equal yea Exceed his Master He afterwards was of the Private Musick to King Charles and was respected and beloved of all such Persons who cast any looks towards Vertue and Honour Besides his Fancies of the three four five and six parts to Vyol and Organ he made above thirty severall sorts of Musick for Voyces and Instruments neither was there any Instrument then in use but he composed to it so aptly as if he had only studied that In these distracted times his Loyalty ingaged him in the War for his Lord and Master and though he was by Generall Gerrard made a Commissary on designe to secure him such Officers being commonly shot-free by their place as not Exposed to danger yet such the activity of his Spirit he disclaimed the Covert of his Office and betrayed thereunto by his own adventurousness was casually shot at the Siege of Chester the same time when the Lord Bernard Stuart lost his life Nor was the Kings soul so ingrossed with grâ—…ef for the death of so near a Kinsman and Noble a Lord but that hearing of the death of his dear servant William Laws he had a particular Mourning for him when dead whom he loved when living and commonly called the Father of Musick I leave the rest of his worth to be expressed by his own Works of Composures of Psalms done joyntly by him and his brother Master Henry Laws betwixt which two no difference either in Eminency Affection or otherwise considerable save that the one is deceased and the other still surviving Master William Laws dyed in September 164. Benefactours to the Publique T. STUMPS of the Town of Malmesbury in this County was in his Age one of the most eminent Clothiers in England of whom there passeth a story told with some variation of circumstances but generally to this purpose King Henry the eighth Hunting near Malmesbury in Bredon Forrest came with all his Court Train unexpected to Dine with this Clothier But great House-keepers are as seldome surprised with Guests as vigilant Captains with Enemies Stumps commands his little Army of Workmen which he fed daily in his house to fast one Meal untill night which they might easily doe without indangering their health and with the same Provision gave the King and his Court-train though not so delicious and various most wholesome and plentifull entertainment But more Authentick is what I read in the great Antiquary speaking of the plucking down of Malmesbury Monastery The very Minster it self should have sped no better then the rest but being Demolished had not T. Stumps a wealthy Clothier by much suit but with a greater summe of Money redeemed and bought it for the Iowns-men his Neighbours by whom it was converted to a Parish-church and for a great part is yet standing at this day I find one William Stumps Gentleman who in the one and thirtieth year of King Henry the eight bought of him the demeans of Malmesbury Abby for fifteen hundred pound two shillings and a half penny Now how he was related to this T. Stumps whether son or father is to me unknown It will not be a sin for me to wish more branches from such Stumps who by their bounty may preserve the Monuments of Antiquity from destruction Memorable Persons SUTTON of 〈◊〉 Tradition and an old Pamphlet newly vamped with Additions make him a great Clothier Entertaining King Henry the first and bequeathing at his death one hundred pounds to the Weavers of Salisbury with many other benefactions I dare not utterly deny such a person and his bountifull Gifts but am â—…ured that he is notoriously mis-timed seeing Salisbury had scarce a stone laid therein one hundred years after King Henry the first and as for old Sarum that age knew nothing of Clothing as we have proved before Thus these Mungrell Pamphlets part true part false doe most mischief Snakes are less dangerous then Lampries seeing none will feed on what is known to be poison But these books are most pernicious where truth and falshoods are blended together and such a Medly Cloth is the Tale-story of this Clothier MICHEL born at ........... in this County was Under-sheriffe to Sir Anthony Hungarford a worthy Knight Anno 1558. in the last year of Queen Mary Of this Master Michel I find this Character A right and a perfect godly man Under sheriffs generally are complained of as over-crafty to say no worse of them but it seems hereby the place doth not spoil the person but the person the
a spring of a Vitrioline tast and Odour It was discovered by one Master Slingsby about the year 1620. and is conceived to run paralell with the Spaw waters in Germany Not far off is a sulphur-well which hath also the qualities of saltness and bitterness The stench whereof though offensive Patients may hold their nose and take wholesome physick is recompenced by the vertues thereof Insomuch as my Author saith It heateth and quickneth the stomack bowels liver spleen blood veynes nerves and indeed the whole body insomuch that it consumes crudities rectifieth all cold distempers in all parts of the body causeth a good digestion cureth the dropsy spleen scurvy green-sickness gout And here it is high time to hold still for if this last be true let that disease which formerly was called dedecus medicinae be hereafter termed decus fontis Knaresburgensis In the same parish over against the Castle the river Nid running betwixt ariseth a spring which runneth a little way in an entire streame till dammed at the brow of the discent with ragged rocks it is divided into severall trickling branches whereof some drop some streame down partly over partly through a jetting rock this is called the Petrifying well how grammatically I will not engage because it converteth spungy substances into stone or crusteth them over round about We must not forget Saint Mungus his Well which some have slighted as an ineffectuall superstitious relique of Popery whilst others maintain it hath regained its reputation and is of Soveraign vertue Some will have the name thereof mistaken for Saint Magnus which in my opinion was rather so called from Saint Mungo Kentigernus in Latine a Scotish Saint and much honoured in these Northern parts I believe no place in England can shew four springs so near in scituation so distant in operation Such as desire to know more of the nature and use of these springs of the time manner and quantity wherein the Waters are to be taken and how the Patient is to be dieted for his greater advantage may inform themselves by perusing two small Treatise one set forth Anno 1626. by Edmund Dean Doctor of Physick living in York called Spadsacrena Anglica The other written some six years since by John French Doctor of Physick and is very satisfactory on that subject The Buildings The Church of Beverly is much commended for a fine Fabrick and I shall have a more proper occasion to speak hereafter of the Collegiate Church in Rippon but amongst antient Civil Structures we muâ—… not forget Wreseâ—… Castle It is sealed in the Confluence of Derwent and Owse In what plight it is now I know not but hear how Leland commendeth it in his Itinerary through this County It is built of square stone which some say was brought out of France it hath four fair Towers one at each corner and a Gatehouse wherein are Chambers five stories high which maketh the fifth In Lelands time it looked as new built though then 100. years old as being erected by the Lord Percy Earl of Winchester in the raign of King Richard the second Without the Walls but within the Mote gardens done Opere Topiario In a word he termeth it one of the properest buildings North of Trent But that which most affected him was a study in an eight square Tower called Paradise furnished with curious and convenient Deskes loaden with variety of choice books but as Noahs floud is generally believed of learned men to have discomposed the Paradise in Eden so I shrewdly suspect that the Deluge of time hath much impaired if not wholly defaced so beautifull a building then belonging to the Earl of Northumberland Amongst many fine and fair Houses now extant in this County we hear the highest commendation of Maulton late the house of the Lord Euers Proverbs From Hell Hull and Halifax deliver us This is part of the Beggars and Vagrants Letany Of these three frightfull things unto them it is to be feared that they least fear the first conceiting it the furthest from them Hull is terrible unto them as a Town of good government where Vagrants meet with Punitive Charity and 't is to be feared are oftner Corrected then Amended Halifax is formidable unto them for the Law thereof whereby Theeves taken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the very Act of stealing of cloath are instantly beheaded with an Engine without any further Legal Proceedings A Scarborough warning That is none at all but a sâ—…dain surprize when a mischief is felt before it be suspected This Proverbe is but of 104. years standing taking its Originall from Thomas Stafford who in the raign of Queen Mary Anno 1557. with a small company seized on Scarborough-castle utterly distitute of provision for resistance before the Towns-men had the least notice of his approach However within six days by the industry of the Earl of Westmerland he was taken brought to London and Beheaded So that since the Proverb accepteth a secondary but no genuine sense and a Scarborough-warning may be a Caveat to any how he undertaketh a treacherous design But if any conceive this Proverbe of more antient original fetching it from the custome of Scarborough-castle in former times with which it was not a word and a blow but a blow before and without a word as using to shoot ships which passed by and strook not sail and so warning and harming them both together I can retain mine own without opposing their opinion As true Steel as Rippon Rowels It is said of trusty Persons men of metall faithfull in their imployments Spurs are a principal part of Knightly Hatchments yea a Poet observes The Lands that over Ouze to Barwick forth doe bear Have for their Blazon had the Snaffle Spur and Spear Indeed the best Spurs of England are made at Rippon a famous Town in this County whose rowels may be inforced to strike through a Shilling and will break sooner then bow However the horses in this County are generally so good they prevent the Spurs or answer unto them a good sign of thrifty metall for continuance An Yorkshire * way-Bit That is an Over-plus not accounted in the reckoning which sometime proveth as much as all the rest Ask a Country-man here on the high-way how far it is to such a Town and they commonly return So many miles and a way-bit which way-bit is enough to make the wearied Travailer surfet of the length thereof If such over-measure be allowed to all Yards Bushels c. in 〈◊〉 Shire the Poor therein have no cause to complain of their penny-worths in buying any Commodities But hitherto we have run along with common report and false spelling the way not to win the race and now return to the starting place again It is not Way-bit though generally so pronounced but Wee-bit a pure Yorkshirisme which is a small bit in the Northern Language Merry Wakefield What peculiar cause of mirth this Town hath above others I doe
not so much for his first bringing over Painted Glass into England as for his bringing up Pious Bead in his Monastery Being struck beneath the Girdle with the dead Palsey his soul retired into the Upper Rooms of his Clay Cottage much employed in meditation untill the day of his death which happened Anno 703. Saint JOHN of Beverley may be challenged by this County on a threefold title because therein he had his 1. Birth at Harpham in this County in the East-Riding 2. Life being three and thirty years and upwards Archbishop of York 3. Death at Beverley in this County in a Colledge of his own foundation I remember his Picture in a Window in the Library at Salisbury with an inscription under it whose character may challenge to it self three hundred years antiquity affirming him the first Master of Arts in Oxford and Alfredus Beverlacensis reporteth as much Arts indeed were and Oxford was though hardly an University in that age but seeing the solemnity of graduating was then unknown a judicious Oxonian rejecteth it as a fiction More true it is that he was bred at Strenshalt under Hilda aforesaid which soundeth something to her honour and nothing to his disgrace seeing eloquent Apollos himself learned the Primer of his Christianity partly from Priscilla He was afterwards educated under Theodorus the Grecian and Arch-bishop of Canterbury Yet was he not so famous for his Teacher as for his Scholar Venerable Bede who wrote this Johns life which he hath so spiced with Miracles that it is of the hottest for a discreet man to digest into his belief Being very aged he resigned his Arch-bishoprick that he might the more effectually apply his private devotions in his Colledge at Beverley for which he procured the Freedstool from King Athelston Yet such Sanctuaries though carrying something of holiness in their name had a profane abuse for their very use making Malefactours with their promise of impunity and then protecting them from justice Saint John died May 7. 722. and was buried in the Porch of his Collegiate Church A Synod held at London 1416. assigned the day of his death an Anniversary Solemnity to his Memory THOMAS PLANTAGENET Before I proceed I must confess my self formerly at a great loss to understand a passage in an Honourable Author speaking of the counterfeit Reliques detected and destroyed at the Reformation Lord Herbert in the life of King Henry the eighth pag. 431. The Bell of Saint Guthlac and the Felt of Saint Thomas of Lancaster both remedies for the Head ach But I could recover no Saint Thomas saving him of Canterbury in any English Martyrology till since on inquiry I find him to be this Thomas Plantagenet He was Earl of Derby Lancaster Leicester and in the right of Alice his Wife of Lincoln A popular person and great enemy to the two Spencers Minions to King Edward the second who being hated as Devils for their pride no wonder if this Thomas was honoured as a Saint and Martyr by the common sort Indeed he must be a good Chymist who can extract Martyr out of Malefactour and our Chronicles generally behold him put to death for Treason against K. Edward the 2d. But let him pass for a Saint in this Shire though never solemnly canonized it being true of such locall Saints what Servius Honoratus observeth of Topicall Gods Ad alias Regiones nunquam transibant They travailed not so far as to be honoured in other Countries His beheading alias his Martyrâ—…ome happened at Pontfret Anno Dom. 1322. RICHARD ROLE alias HAMPOLE had his first Name from his Father the other from the Place three Miles from Doncaster where living he was Honoured and dead was Buried and Sainted He was a Heremite led a strict life and wrot many Books of Piety which I prefer before his Propheticall Predictions as but a degree above Almanack Prognostications He threatned the Sins of the Nation with suture Famine Plague Inundations War and such generall Calamities from which no Land is long free but subject to them in some proportion Besides his Predictions if Hitting were Heeded if Missing not Marked However because it becomes me not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 let him pass for a Saint I will adde that Our Saviours Dilemma to the Jews may partly be pressed on the Papists his Contemporaries If Hampoles Doctrine was of Men why was he generally reputed a Saint if from God why did they not Obey him seeing he spake much against the vitiousness and covetousness of the Clergy of that Age He died Anno Domini 1349. JOHN of BIRLINGTON or BRIDLINGTOM was born hard by that Town bred two years in Oxford where he profited in piety and learning above his age and equals Returning home for a short time he was teacher to a Gentlemans Sons untill the twentieth year of his age he entred himself a Canon-Regular in the Covent of Bridlington where he grew eminent for his exemplary holiness It was his happiness that such offices always fell to his share as did not retard but quicken his devotion as Chaunter Almoner c. At last he was choâ—…en Prior but refus'd the place alledging his own unworthiness professing he had rather be beaten in pieces with blows then accept thereof so that another was put into the place This new elect dying soon after our John was chosen again in the vacancy and then took it fearing there might be as much peevishness in rejecting as pride in effecting it and hoping that Providence which fairly called him to would freely fit him for the discharge of that office He used to treat strangers at his table with good chear and seemingly kept pace with them in eating morsell for morsell whilst he had a secret contrivance wherein he conveyed his exceedings above his Monasticall pittance Being demanded of one why he did not enter into more strict and austere Order Surely said he A man may lead a sincere and acceptable life in any order and it were arrogancy in me to pretend to a severer discipline when I cannot observe as I ought this easier course of life My Author saith that Martha and Mary were both compounded in him being as pious so provident to husband the revenues of their house to their best advantage Going to view their lands in Richmond-shire he gave a visit to a woman lately turn'd an Ancorist and renowned for her holiness she told him that now her vision was out who the night before dreamed that an Eagle flew about her house with a label in his bill wherein was written Jesus is my love and you saith she are the person who so honour him in your heart that no earthly thing can distract you To whom our John returned I came hither to hear from you some saving and savoury discourse but seeing you begin with such idle talk farewell and so waved any farther converse However I must not dissemble that the prophesies fathered on this our John are as
fabulous and frivolous as her dreams witness that deadly passage in an excellent Author In Johannis de Bridlington vatis monastici vaticinales rythmos omnino ridiculos incidimus yet no doubt he was a holy man and could one light on his life unleavened before heaved up with the ferment of Monkish fiction it would afford many remarkables He died in the sixtieth year of his age 1379. and was reputed though I believe not solemnly canonized a Saint amongst his own Countrimen WILLIAM SLEIGHTHOLME It is pity to part him from his last named dear friend such the sympathy of amity and sanctity betwixt them Once this William demanded of his friend John what might be the reason that the Devil in their days afrighted few if any with his terrible appearance who in former ages was very frequent with formidable apparitions reflecting in this his question perchance on Saint Pauls messenger of Satan sent to buffet him but chiefly on those usuall reported personall combates of the Devil with Saint Dunstan Guthlake c. To whom his friend return'd We are grown so remiss in goodness that the Devil needs not put himself to such pains seeing less and lighter temptations will doe the deed It is recorded of this William that he was one of singular piety and after his death wrought many miracles at his Tombe in the Monastery of Bridlington where he was buried about the year 1380. I will adde no more but that I have a learned friend William Sleight holme Doctor of Physick living at Buntingford in Hartfordshire but born in this County whom I believe remotely related to this Saint Expect not here that I should adde to this Catalogue that Maiden who to secure her virginity from his unchast embraces that assaulted it was by him barbarously murdered whereby she got the reputation of a Saint and the Place the Scene of his Cruelty formerly called Horton the Name of Hali-fax or Holy-hair For the credulous People conceited that the Veins which in form of little threds spred themselves between the Bark and Body of that Yew-tree whereon the head of this Maid was hung up were the very hairs indeed of this Virgin head to whom they flock in Pilgrimage Oh! how sharp sighted and yet how blind is Superstition Yet these Country-folks fancies had the advantage of Daphnes being turned into a Laurell-tree In frondem criâ—…es in ramos brachia crescunt Into a bough her hair did spred And from her Armes two branches bred But here she is wholly omitted not so much because her Name and Time are unknown but because the judicious behold the whole Contrivance devoid of Historicall truth Martyrs The County and generally the Province of York escaped very well from Popish persecution which under Gods goodness may be justly imputed to the tempers of their four succeeding Arch-bishops 1. Thomas Wolsey whom all behold as a person more proud then cruell not so busying himself to maintain Popery as to gain the Popedome 2. Edward Lee more furious then the former persecuting many to imprisonment none to death save two of whom hereafter 3. Robert Hollgate who was as they say a parcell-Protestant imprisoned and deprived for being married 4. Nicholas Heath a meek and moderate man carrying a Court of Conscience in his bosome long before Queen Mary made him Chancellor of England Hereupon it came to pass that the Diocess of York was dry with Gedeon's fliece whilst others lying near unto it were wet in their own tears and blood Confessors Where no fish there no fry and seeing here no Martyrs which are Confessors full blown no wonder if here no Confessors which are Martyrs in the bud Cardinalls JOHN FISHER was born in the Town of Beverly in this County his father Robert Fisher was by condition a Merchant and lived in good reputation He was afterwards bred in Michaell-house in Cambridge whereof he was the first Chancellor pro termino vitae and Bishop of Rochester How this Fisher was caught afterwards in the net of Elizabeth Barton commonly called the holy Maid of Kent thereby made accessary to her dissembling How stiffe he was against King Henrys Divorce and Title of Supream head of the Church How the Pope sent him a Cardinalls Cap and the King Cut off his head hath been so largely related in my Ecclesiastical History and being I hope pardoned by the Reader for my former tediousness I will not now contract a new guilt by offending in Prolixity on the same person The rather because his Manuscript life written 80. years since by Richard Hall of Christs-colledge in Cambridge is lately set forth in Print under the name of Thomas Bâ—…ily D. D. in which book as I doe not repine at any passages though Hyperbolicall to the praise of this Prelate so I cannot but be both angry and grieved at the many false and scandalous reflections therein on the worthy Instruments of our Reformation This learned Bishop was beheaded in the year 1535. the Threescore and seventeenth year of his age Let me adde he was tryed by an Ordinary Jury and not by his Peers whereof severall reasons are rendred Some thought he forgot to demand his Priviledge herein disturb'd with grief and fear as Edward Duke of Somerset forgot to crave the Benâ—…fit of the Clergy or that he neglected it as surfetting of long life and 〈◊〉 of his Dissolution Others because he preferred death in a Direct Line before a Circumferential Passage thereunto as Certain though not so Compendious being assured that the Lords durst not displease the King in acquitting him But most imputâ—… it to his suspicion that if desiring to be tryed by his Peers it would have been denyed him as not due to a Bishop And yet that worthy Lawyer Judge Stamford in his Pleas of the Crown leaveth it doubtfull and seemeth inclined to the Affirmative Besides Sir Robert Brook in his Novell Cases affirmeth in Express Terms that a Bishop is Peer of the Realm and ought to be tryed by his Peers The best is our Charity may be Confident that our Bishops will so inoffensively behave themselves and God we hope so secure their innocence that there will not hereafter be need to decide this Question Prelates EUSTATHIUS de FAUCONBRIDGE was born in this County where his Surname appeareth among the Antient Sheriffs thereof He was chosen Bishop of London in the sixth of King Henry the third Anno 1222. carrying it clearly from a Company of able Competitors occasioning this Distick Omnes his Digni tu Dignior omnibus omnes Hic plene sapiunt plenius ipse sapis All here are Worthy thou the Worth est All fully Wise thou Wiser then the rest Others played on his Name Eustatius One that stood well both in Respect of his spirituall Estate yet let him that standeth take heed lest he fall and Temporall Condition well fixed in the Favour of Prince and People being Chief Justice then Chancellour of
the Chequer and afterwards Treasurer of England and twice Embassadour to the King of France He deserved right well of his own Cathedrall and dying October 31. 1228. was buried under a Marble Tombe on the South-side of the Presbytery WILLIAM de MELTON was born in this County wherein are four villages so named and preferred therein Provost of Beverly and Canon then Arch-bishop of York He went to Avinion there to procure his Consecration I say to Avinion whither then the Court was removed from Rome and continued about threescore and ten years on the same token that those remaining at Rome almost starved for want of employment called this the seventy years captivity of Babilon Consecrated after two years tedious Attendance he returned into England and fell to finish the fair fabrick of his Cathedrall which John Roman had began expending seven hundred Marks therein His life was free from Scandall signall for his Chastity Charity Fasting and Praying He strained up his Tenants so as to make good Musick therewith but not break the string and surely Church-lands were intended though not equally yet mutually for the comfortable support both of Landlord and Tenants Being unwilling that the Infamy of Infidell should be fixed upon him according to the Apostles Doctrine for not providing for his family he bought three Mannors in this County from the Arch-bishop of Roan with the Popes Confirmation and setled them on his Brothers Son whose Descendant William Melton was High-sheriff of this County in the Fiftieth of King Edward the third There is a Place in York as well as in London called the Old-baly herein more remarkable then that in London that Arch-bishop Melton compassed it about with a great Wall He bestowed also much cost in adorning Feretrum English it the Bear or the Coffin of Saint William a Person purposely omitted by my Pen because no assurance of his English Extraction Arch-bishop Melton dyed after he had sate two and twenty years in his See Anno Domini 1340. Entombed in the Body of his Church nigh the Font whereby I collect him buried below in the Bottom of the Church that Instrument of Christian Initiation antiently advancing but a little above the Entrance into the Church HENRY WAKEFEILD is here placed with Assurance there being three Towns of that name in and none out of this County Indeed his is an Episcopall Name which might mind him of his Office the Diocess of Worcester to which he was preferred Anno 1375. by King Edward the third being his Field and he by his place to Wake or watch over it Nor hear I of any complaints to the contrary but that he was very vigilant in his Place He was also for one year Lord Treasurer of England Dying March 11. 1394. he lyeth covered in his own Church Ingenti marmore and let none grudge him the greatness of his Grave-stone if two foot larger then ordinary who made the Body of this his Church two Arches longer Westward then he found it besides a fair Porch added thereunto RICHARD SCROOPE son to the Lord Scroope of Bolton in this County brother to William Earl of Wilt-shire was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge attaining to be a man of great learning and unblamable life Nor was it so much his high extraction as his own Abilities causing him to be preferred Bishop first of Coventry and Lichfield then Arch-bishop of York Being netled with the news of his Earl-brothers Beheading he conjoyned with the Earl of Northumberland the Earl Marshall Lord Bardolph and others against King Henry the fourth as an Usurper and Invader of the Liberties of Church and State The Earl of Westmerland in outward deportment complied with him and seemed to approve a Writing wherein his main intentions were comprised so to Trepan him into his destruction Toling him on till it was too late for him either to advance or retreat the King with his Army being at Pontfract Bishop Godwin saith it doth not appear that he desired to be tried by his Peers and I believe it will appear that nothing was then Calmly or Judiciously transacted but all being done in an hurry of heat and by Martiall Authority The Executioner had five strokes at his Neck before he could sunder it from his Body Imputable not to his Cruelty but Ignorance it not being to be expected that one nigh York should be so dextrous in that trade as those at London His beheading happened Anno 1405. STEPHEN PATRINGTON was born in the Village so called in the East-riding of this County He was bred a Carmelite and Doctor of Divinity in Oxford and the three and twentieth Provinciall of his Order through out England for fifteen years It is incredible saith Leland what Multitudes of People crowded to his Sermons till his Fame preferred him Chaplain and Confessour to King Henry the fifth He was deputed of the King Commissioner at Oxford to enquire after and make Process against the Poor Wicklevites and as he was busyed in that employment he was advanced to the Bishoprick of Saint Davids Hence he was sent over to the Councill of Constance and therein saith Walsingham gave great Testimony of his ability Returning into England he was made Bishop of Chichester but dying before his Translation was finished 1417. was buried in White-fryars in Fleetstreet WILLIAM PEIRCY was Son to Henry Peircy second Earl of Northumberland of that Name and Eleanour Nevill his Wife Indeed the Son of a Publique Woman conversing with many men cannot have his Father certainly assigned and therefore is commonly called Filius Populi As a base child in the Point of his Father is subject to a shamâ—…full so is the Nativity of this Prelate as to the Place thereof attended with an Honorable Uncertainty whose Noble Father had so many houses in the Northern Parts that his Son may be termed a Native of North-England but placed in this County because Topliffe is the Principall and most Antient seat of this Family He was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge whereof he was Chancellour and had a younger Brother George Peircy a Clerk also though attaining no higher preferment then a Prebend in Beverly Our William was made Bishop of Carlile 1452. Master Mills erroneously maketh him afterwards Bishop of Wells and it is enough to detect the mistake without disgracing the Mistaker He died in his See of Carlile 1462. CUTHBERT TONSTALL was born at Hatchforth in Richmond-shire in this County of a most Worshipfull Family whose chief seat at Tonstall Thurland not far off and bred in the University of Cambridge to which he was in books a great Benefactor He was afterwards Bishop of London and at last of Durham A great Grecian Orator Mathematician Civilian Divine and to wrap up all in a word a fast friend to Erasmus In the raign of King Henry the eight he publiquely confuted the papall supremacy in a learned Sermon with various and solid arguments preached on
Daughter Frances Countess of Warwick scatter her Benesactions the thicker in that place But I have been informed that his Ancestor by some accident came out of Cornwell where his Name is right Antient. He was bred in the study of our Municipall Law and such his proficiency therein that in the sixteenth of Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas Term he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-bench He was not like that Judge who feared neither God nor man but onely one Widow lest her importunity should weary him but he heartily feared God in his Religious Conversation Each man he respected in his due distance off of the Bench and no man on it to biass his judgement He was pro tempore Lord Privy Seal and sate Chief in the Court when Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star Chamber Sir Christopher collecting the censures of all the Commissioners concurred to Fine him but with this Comfortable conclusion that as it was in the Queens power to have him punished so Her Highness might be prevailed with for mitigating or remitting of the Fine and this our Judge may be presumed no ill instrument in the procuring thereof He bountifully reflected on Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge which infant Foundation had otherwise been starved at nurse for want of maintenance We know who saith * the righteous man leaveth an inheritance to his Childrens Children and the well thriving of his third Generation may be an evidence of his well-gotten goods This worthy Judge died May the eighth in the thirty fourth of Queen Elizabeth States Men. Pardon Reader my post poning this Topick of States-Men being necessitated to stay a while for further information Sir JOHN PUCKERING Kt. was born at Flamborough head in this County as I have learned out of the Notes of that industrious and judicious Antiquary Mr. Dodâ—…worth He was second Son to his Father a Gentleman who left him neither plentiful nor penurious estate his breeding was more beneficial to him than his portion gaining thereby such skill in the Common Law that he became Queens-Serjeant Speaker in the House of Commons and at last Lord Chancellor of England How he stood in his judgement in the point of Church-Discipline plainly appeareth by his following Speech delivered in the House of Lords 1588. the Original whereof was courteously communicated unto me And especially you are commanded by Her Majesty to take heed that no eare be given nor time afforded to the wearisome solicitations of those that commonly be called Puritans wherewithal the late Parliaments have been exceedingly importuned which sort of men whilest that in the giddiness of their Spirits they labour and strive to advance a new Eldership they do nothing else but disturb the good repose of the Church and Commonwealth which is as well grounded for the body of Religion it self and as well guided for the Discipline as any Realm that prosesseth the Truth and the same thing is already made good to the world by many the writings of Godly and Learned men neither answered nor answerable by any of these new fangled Refiners And as the present case standeth it may be doubted whether they or the Jesuits do offer more danger or be more speedily to be repressed For albeit the Jesuites do empoison the hearts of her Majesties Subjects under a pretext of Conscience to withdraw them from their obedience due to Her Majesty Yet do they the same but closely and only in privy corners But these men do both teach and publish in their printed Books â—…nd teach in all their Conventicles sundry opinions not only dangerous to the well-setled Estate and Policy of the Realm by putting a Pique between the Clergy and the Laâ—…ty But also much derogatory to Her Saâ—…red Majesty and Her Crown as well by the diminution of her ancient and lawfull Revenues and by denying her Highness Prerogative and Supremacy as by offâ—…ng peril to her Majesties safety in her own Kingdom In all which things however in other points they pretend to be at war with the Popish Jesuites yet by this separation of themselves from the unity of their Fellow-Subjects and by abasing the Sacred Authority and Majesty of their Prince they do both joyn and concur with the Jesuites in opening the door and preparing the way to the Spanish Invasion that is threatned against the Realm And thus having according to the weaknesse of my best understanding delivered Her Majesties Royal pleasure and wise direction I rest there with humble suit for Her Majesties most gracious pardon in supply of my defects and recommend you to the Author of all good counsel He died Anno Domini 1596. caractered by Mr. Cambden VIR INTEGER His estate is since descended according to the solemn settlement thereof the male-issue failing on Sir Henry Newton who according to the condition hath assumed the Surâ—…name of Puckering and I can never be sufficiently thankful to him and his Relations Sir GEORGE CALVERT Kt. was born at Kiplin near Richmond in this County had his education first in Trinity Colledge in Oxford then beyond the Seas His abilities commended him first to be Secretary to Robert Cecil Earl of Sarisbury Lord Treasurer of England Afterwards he was made Clerk of the Councel and at last principal Secretary of State to King James succeeding Sir Thomas Lakes in that office Anno 1619. Conceiving the Duke of Buckingham highly instrumental in his preferment he presented him with a Jewel of great value which the Duke returned him again not owning any activity in his advancement whom King James ex mero motu reflecting on his ability designed for the place This place he discharged above five years until he willingly resigned the same 1624. on this occasion He freely confessed himself to the King That he was then become a Roman Catholick so that he must either be wanting to his Trust on violate his Consolence in discharging his office This his ingenuity so highly affected King James that he continued him Privy Councellor all his raign as appeareth in the Councel-Book and soon after created him Lord Baltemore of Baltemore in Ireland During his being Secretary he had a Patent to him and his Heirs to be Absolutus Dominus Proprietarius with the Royalties of a Count Palatine of the Province of Avalon in New-found-Land A place so named by him in imitation of old Avalon in Somerset shire wherein Glassenbury stands the first fruits of Christianity in Britain as the other was in that part of America Here he built a fair House in Ferry Land and spent five and twenty thousand pounds in advancing the Plantation thereof Indeed his publick spirit consulted not his private profit but the enlargement of Christianity and the Kings Dominions After the death of King James he went twice in person to New found-Land Here when Mounsier de l'Arade with three Men of War sent from the King of France had reduced our English Fishermen to great extremity This Lord with two Ships manned at
his own charge chased away the French-man relieved the English and took sixâ—…y of the French Prisoners He removed afterwards to Virginia to view those parts and afterwards came into England and obtained from King Charles who had as great an esteem of and affection for him as King James a Patent to him and his Heirs for Mary-land on the North of Virginia with the same Title and Royalties conferred on him as in Avalon aforesaid now a hopeful Plantation peopled with eight thousand English souls which in processe of time may prove more advantagious to our Nation Being returned into England he died in London April 15. 1632. in the 53. year of his age lying buried in the Chancel of S. Dunstans in the West leaving his Son the Right Honourable Cecil Calvert now Lord Baltemore heir to his Honour Estate and Noble Disposition THOMAS WENTWORTH Earl of Strafford Deputy though Son to William Wentworth of Wentworth-Woodhouse in this County Esq at his Sons birth afterward Baronet yet because born in Chancery-Lane and Christned April 22. Anno 1593. in Saint Dunstans in the West hath his Character in London Seamen ARMIGELL WAAD born of an ancient Family in York-shire as I am informed from his Epitaph on his monument at Hampstead in Midlesex wherein he is termed Hen. 8. Edw. 6. Regum Secretiori consilio ab epistolis which I took the boldnesse to interpret not Secretary but Clerk of the Councel Take the rest as it followeth in his Funeral Inscription Qui in maximarum Artium disciplinis prudentiaque civili instructissimus plurimarum linguarum callentissimus legationibus honoratissimis perfunctus inter Britannos Indicarum Americarum explorator primus Indeed he was the first Englishman that discovered America and his several voyages are largely described in Mr. Hackluite his Travels This English COLUMBUS had by two Wives twenty Children whereof Sir William Waad was the eldest a very able Gentleman and Clerk of the Councel to Queen Elizabeth This Armigel died June 20. 1568. and was buried as is aforesaid MARTIN FROBISHER Kt. was born nigh Doncaster in this County I note this the rather because learned Mr. Carpenter in his Geography recounts him amongst the famous men of Devonshire But why should Devon-shire which hath a flock of Worthies of her own take a Lamb from another County because much conversing therein He was from his youth bred up in Navigation and was the first Englishman that discovered the North way to China and Cathai whence he brought great store of black soft Stone supposing it Silver or Gold Ore but which upon trial with great expence prov'd uselesse yet will no wise man laugh at his mistake because in such experiments they shall never hit the mark who are not content to 〈◊〉 it He was very valiant but withal harsh and violent faults which may be dispensed with in one of his profèssion and our Chronicles loudly resouâ—…d his signal service in Eighty Eight for which he was Knighted His last service was the defending of Brest-Haven in Britain with ten ships against a far greater power of Spaniards Here he was shot into the side the wound not being mortal in it self But Swords and Guâ—…s have not made more mortal wounds than Probes in the hands of carelesse and skillesse Chirurgeons as here it came to passe The Chirurgeon took out only the Bullet and left the bumbast about it behind wherewith the sore festered and the worthy Knight died at Plimoâ—…th Anno 1594. GEORGE CLIFFORD Lord Clifford Vescye c. Earl of Cumberland was son to Henry second Earl of that Family by his second Lady a person wholly composed of true Honour and Valour whereof he gave the world a clear and large demonstration It was resolved by the judicious in that age the way to humble the Spanish greatnesse was not by pinching and pricking him in the Low-Countries which only emptied his veins of such blood as was quickly re-filled But the way to make it a Cripple for ever was by cutting off the Spanish sinews of War his Money from the West Indies In order whereunto this Earl set forth a small Fleet at his own cost and adventured his own person therein being the best born Englishman that ever hazarded himselfe in that kind His Fleet may be said to be bound for no other Harbour but the Port of Honour though touching at the Port of Profit in passage thereunto I say touching whose design was not to enrich himself but impoverish the enemy He was as merciful as valiant the best metal bows best and left impressions of both in all places where he came Queen Elizabeth Anno 1592. honoured him with the dignity of the Garter When King James came first out of Scotland to York he attended him with such an equipage of Followers for number and habit that he seemed rather a King than Earl of Cumberland Here happened a contest between the Earl and the Lord President of the North about carrying the Sword before the King in York which office upon due search and enquiry was adjudged to the Earl as belonging unto him and whilest Cliffords Tower is standing in York that Family will never be therein forgotten His Anagram was as really as litterally true Georgius Cliffordius Cumberlandius Doridis regno clarus cum vi fâ—…lgebis He died 1605. leaving one Daughter and Heir the Lady Anne married to the Earl of Dorset of whom hereafter Physicians Sir GEORGE RIPLEY whether Knight or Priest not so soon decided was undoubtedly born at Ripley in this County though some have wrongfully entituled Surry to his Naâ—…vity That York-shire was the place of his birth will be evidenced by his relation of Kindred reckoned up by himself viz. 1. 〈◊〉 2. Ripleâ—… 3. Madlay 4. VVilloughby 5. Burham 6. VVaterton 7. Flemming 8. Talboyes Families found in York-shire and Lincoln-shire but if sought for in Surrey to be met with at Nonesuch Secondly it appeareth by his preferment being Canon of Bridlington in this County and to clear all In patria Eboracensi saith my Author But Philemon Holland hath not only erroniously misplaced but which is worse opprobriously miscalled him in his description of Surrey In the next Village of Ripley was born G. de Ripley a ringleader of our Alchimists and a mystical Impostor Words not appearing in the Latine Britannia and therefore Holland herein no Translator of Cambden but traducer of Ripley Leaving this Land he went over into Italy and there studied twenty years together in pursuance of the Philosophers Stone and â—…ound it in the year 1470. as some collect from those his words then written in his Book Juveni quem diligit anima mea spoken by the Spouse Cant. 3. 4. so bold is he with Scripture in that kind An English Gentleman of good credit reported that in his travels abroad he saw a Record in the Isle of Malta which declares that Sir George Ripley gave yearly to those Knights of Rhodes
years together assistant to the English Arch Priest demeaning himself commendably therein he wrote many books and one whose title made me the more to mind it Vitam Martyrium D. Margaretae Clithoroae Now whether this D. be for Domina or Diva for Lady or Saint or both I know not I take her for some Gentlewoman in the North which for some practises in the maintenance of her own Religion was obnoxious to and felt the severity of our Laws This Mush was living in these parts Anno 1612. Benefactors to the Publick THOMAS SCOT was born at Roâ—…heram no obscure market in this County waving his paternall name he took that of Roâ—…heram from the place of his Nativity This I observe the rather because he was according to my exactest enquiry the last Clergy-man of note with such an assumed Surname which Custome began now to grow out of fashion and Clergy-men like other men to be called by the name of their fathers He was first Fellow of Kings-colledge afterwards Master of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge and Chancellour of that University here he built on his proper cost saving something help'd by the Scholars the fair gate of the School with fair walks on each side and a Library on the East thereof Many have mistaken this for the performance of King Richard the third meerly because his Crest the Boar is set up therein Whereas the truth is that Rotheram having felt the sharp Tuskes of that Boar when imprisoned by the aforesaid King for resigning the Great Seal of England to Queen Elizabeth the relict of King Edward the fourth advanced his Armes thereon meerly to engratiate himself He went thorough many Church preferments being successively Provost of Beverly Bishop of Rochester Lincoln and lastly Arch-bishop of York nor less was was his share in Civil honour first Keeper of the Privy Seal and last Lord Chancellour of England Many were his Benefactions to the Publique of which none more remarkable then his founding five Fellowships in Lincoln colledge in Oxford He deceased in the 76. year of his age at Cawood of the plague Anno Domini 1500. JOHN ALCOCKE was born at Beverly in this County where he built a Chappell and founded a Chantry for his parents He was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge and at last became Bishop of Ely his prudence appeared in that he was preferred Lord Chancellour of England by King Henry the seventh a Prince of an excellent palate to tast mens Abilities and a Dunce was no dish for his diet His piety is praised by the pen of J. Bale which though generally bitter drops nothing but honey on Alcocks Memory commending him for a most mortified man Given to Learning and Piety from his Child-hood growing from grace to grace so that in his age none in England was higher for holiness He turned the old Nunnery of Saint Radigund into a new Colledge called Jesus in Cambridge surely had Malcolm King of Scots first founder of that Nunnery survived to see this alteration it would have rejoyced his heart to behold Leudness and Laziness turned out for Industry and Piety to be put in their place This Alcock died October 1. 1500. And had Saintship gone as much by merit as favour he deserved one as well as his name-sake Saint John his predecessor in that See Since the Reformation The extent of this large Province and the distance of my Habitation from it have disabled me to express my desires suitable to the merit thereof in this Topick of Modern Benefactors which I must leave to the Topographers thereof hereafter to uspply my defaults with their diligence But let me forget my self when I doe not remember the worthy charitable Master ....... Harrison inhabitant of the Populous Town of Leeds so famous for the Cloath made therein Methinks I hear that great Town accosting him in the Language of the Children of the Prophets to Elisha Behold now the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us The Church could scarce hold half the inhabitants till this worthy gentleman provided them another So that now the men of Leeds may say with Isaack Rehoboth God hath made room for us He accepted of no assistance in the building of that fair Fabrick but what he fully paid for so that he may be owned the sole Founder thereof But all his Charity could not secure him from sequestration in our Troublesome Times All I will adde is this as he hath built a House for God may God in Scripture Phrase build a House for him I mean make him fruitfull and fortunate in his posterity Memorable Persons PAULINUS DE LEEDS born in this County where there be three Towns of that name in one Wapentake It is uncertain in which of these he was born and the matter is of no great concernment One so free from Simony and far from buying a Bishoprick that when a Bishoprick bought him he refused to accept it For when King Henry the second chose him Bishop of Carlisle and promised to increase the Revenue of that Church with three hundred mark yearly rent besides the grant of two Church livings and two Mannors near to Carlisle on the condition that this Paulinus would accept the place all this would not work him to imbrace so wealthy an offer The reasons of his refusall are rendred by no Author but must be presumed very weighty to overpoise such rich proffers on which account let none envy his name a Room in this my Catalogue He flourished about the year of our Lord 1186. WILLIAM DE LA POLE born at Ravensrode in this County was for wealth and skill in Merchandize inferiour to none in England he made his abode at Kingston upon Hull and was the first Mayor of that Town When K. Edward the third was at Antwâ—…rp and much necessitated for money no shame for a Prince always in War to be sometimes in want this William lent him many thousand pounds of gold In recompence whereof the King made him his Valect equivalent to what afterward was called Gentleman of the Bed-chamber and Lord Chief-Baron of his Exchequer with many other honours Amongst which this was one that he should be reputed a Banneret not that he was really made one seeing the flourishing of a Banner over his head in the field before or after a fight was a ceremony essentiall thereunto but he had the same precedency conferred upon him I find not the exact date of his death but conjecture it to be about the year 1350. Lord Mayor Name Father Place Company Time 1 William Eastfield William Eastfield Tickell Mercer 1429 2 John Ward Richard Ward Howdon Grocer 1484 3 William White William White Tickhill Draper 1489 4 John Rudstone Robert Rudstone Hatton Draper 1528 5 Ralph Dodmer Henry Dodmer Pickering leigh Mercer 1529 6 William Roch John Roch Wixley Draper 1540 7 Richard Dobbes Robert Dobbes Baitby Skinner 1551 8 William Hewet Edmund Hewet Wales
years Anno 44 Will. de Latymer Ioh. de Oketon Anno 45 Idem Anno 46 Pet. de Percy Anno 47 Idem Anno 48 Idem Anno 49 Will. de Baszall Anno 50 Idem Anno 51 Idem Anno 52 Will. de Latymer Anno 53 Idem Anno 54 Idem Anno 55 Rog. Estanneus Hen. de Kirby Anno 56 Idem EDW. I. Anno 1 Rog. Estraneus Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Alex. de Kirkton for 4 years Anno 7 Ranul de Dacre Anno 8 Idem Iohan de la Degirmes Anno 9 Ioh. de Lichgremes for 5 years Anno 14 â—…ervasius de Clifton for 6 years Anno 20 Iohan. de Meates Anno 21 Iohan. Byrun for 7 years Anno 28 Rob. Ougle Anno 29 Simon de Kimne for 4 years Anno 33 Will. de Honks Anno 34 Idem Anno 35 Idem EDW. II. Anno 1 Ioh. de Crepping Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Iohan. de Gaas Iohan. de Eure Anno 4 Gerar. Salvein Iohan. Eure Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Geraâ—… Salvein Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Ioh. Malebis Nich. de Meyrill Anno 9 Simon Ward Anno 10 Nich. Grey Simon Ward Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Nullus titulus Comit. in hoc Rotulo Anno 14 Anno 15 Simon Ward Anno 16 Anno 17 Roger. de Somervile Anno 18 Idem EDW. III. Anno 1 Roger. de Somervile Anno 2 Iohan. Darcy Anno 3 Hen. Fawcomberge Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Rad. de Bulmer Anno 6 Anno 7 Pet. de salso Maresco Anno 8 Pet. de Middleton Anno 9 Idem Anno 10 Petr. de salso Maresco Anno 11 Rad. de Hastingly Tho. de Rokeby Anno 12 Rad. de Hastinges Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Ioh. de Elauds Anno 16 Ioh. Fawcombergh Anno 17 Tho. de Rokeby for 7. years Anno 24 Gerar. Salvaine Anno 25 Will. de Plumpton Anno 26 Pet. de Nuttelle Anno 27 Milo de Stapleton Anno 28 Pet. Nuttelle Anno 29 Milo Stapleton for 5 years Anno 34 Tho. de Musgrave Anno 35 Marmad Constable Anno 36 Idem Anno 37 Tho. de Musgrave Anno 38 Idem Anno 39 Idem Anno 40 Marmad Constable Anno 41 Idem Anno 42 Iohan. Chamon Will Acton Anno 43 Idem Anno 44 Idem Anno 45 Ioh. Bigod Anno 46 Rob. de Roos Anno 47 Will. Acton Anno 48 Ioh. Bygod Anno 49 Will. Percehay Anno 50 Will. de Melton Anno 51 Rad. de Hastinges Edward II. 9. SIMON WARD The Male-line of his Antient family expired in Sir Christopher Ward Standard-bearer to K. Henry the eighth at Bolloign He lived at Grindal though Mulwish he lived at leaving three daughters married into the respected families of Strickland Musgrave and Osborn Edward III. 17 THOMAS DE ROKEBY Nothing can be written too much in the praise of this worthy Knight who was twice 1351. and 1355. Lord Justice of Ireland He came over thether when the damnable custome so is it called in the old Statutes of Ireland of Coigne and Livory was publiquely practised This was a custome begun in the time of King Edward the second by Maurice Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond whereby the Commander in Chief and others pretending his power extorted from people Horse-meat Mans-meat and money at pleasure without any ticket or other satisfaction A thing so destructive to that Country that it is thus described in an antient discourse of the decay of Ireland the Authors zeal against it transporting him into the marches of prophaneness that it was invented in hell where if it had been used and practised it had long since destroyed the Kingdome of Beel-zebub as tending to the making of division Sir Thomas endeavoured to the utmost of his power to extirpate this practice and effected it in some measure famous for this saying which he left in Ireland behind him That he would eat in wooden dishes but would pay for his meat gold and silver Sheriffs Names Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Io. Constable de Huilsham  Quarterly Gules and Vairee a Bâ—…nd Or. 2 Rob. de Nevill de Horby  Gules a Saltire Argent 3 Ioh. Savill  Arg. on a Bend Sab. 3 Owles of the first 4 Rad. Hastings mil.  Argent a Maunch Sable 5 Will. de Erghom   6 Ioh. Savill ut prius  7 Gerard. â—…fleet   8 Rob. Constable ut prius  9 Idem ut prius  10 Rob. de Hilton  Arg. 2 Bâ—…rs Azure over all a Flowre de Luce Or. 11 Io Savill ut prius  12 Ioh. Goddard   13 Ia. Pickerings  Ermin a Lion Rampant Azure Crowned Or. 14 Will. Melton  Azâ—…a Cross pattonce voided Ar. 15 Rad. de Eure  Quarterly Or and G. on a Bend Sab. 3 Escalops Arg. 16 Ioh. Upeden mil.  Ermin on a Cheif Azure 3 Lions Or. 17 Ia. de Piâ—…kering m. ut prius  18 Rob. Constable ut prius  19 Rad de Eure ut prius  20 Rob. de Nevill ut prius  21 lac Pickering ut prius  22 Ioh. Upeden ut prius  HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Ioh. Constable mil. ut prius  2 Tho. Bromflet mil. Will. Dronsfield m.  Sab. a Bend issuant 6 flowre de Luces viz. 3 on each side Or. 3 Ioh. Savill ut prius  4 Rich. Redman  Gul. 3 Cussions Erm. Buttoned and Tasselled Or. 5 Idem ut prius  6 Will. Dronsfield m.   7 Ioh. Ebton mil.   8 Tho. Rokeby mil.  Arg. a Chever tw'xt 3 Rooks S. Bea k't Legd Az. 9 Wil. de HarringtoÌ„ m.  Argent a Fret Sable 10 Edw. Hastinges m. ut prius  11 Edw. Sandesord m.  Per Chev. Sab. and Ermine 2 Boars-heads in Cheif Cooped Or. 12 Tho. Rokeby mil. ut prius  HEN. V.   Anno   1 Will. Harrington m. ut prius  2 Tho. Bromsset mil. ut prius  3 Rich. Redman mil. ut prius  4 Edw. Hastinges mil. ut prius  5 Rob. Hilton mil. ut prius  6 Ioh. Bigod mil.   7 Tho Bromflet mil. ut prius  8 Halv Maulever m. Allerton Sable 3 Hounds Cursant in Pale Aâ—…g 9 Will. Harrington m. ut prius  HEN. VI.   Anno   1 Will. Harrington m. ut prius  2 Rob. Hilton mil. ut prius  3 Ioh. Langton mil.   4 Riâ—…h Hastinges m. ut prius  5 Will Ryther mil.  Azure 3 Cressents Or. 6 Rob. Hilton mil. ut prius  7 Will. Harrington m. ut prius  8 Ioh. Clorevaux m.   9 Will. Rither m. ut prius  10 Rich. Pickering m. ut prius  11 Hen. Bromfleet mil. ut prius  12 Rich Hastinges m. ut prius  13 Will. Ryther mil. ut prius  14 Will. Tyriwhit mil. Â
fratri nostro defuncto impendit in futurum fideliter impendet dedimus Concedimus eidem Thomae heredibus suis Masculis quandam Annuitatem sive annualem reditum quadraginta libraram Habendum percipiendum annuatim eidem Thomae heredibus suis de-exitibus perficuis reventionibus Comitatus Palatini nostri Lancastriae in Com. Lanc. per manus Receptoris ibidem pro tempore existente ad Festum Sancti Michaelis Arch-angeli aliquo statuto actu sive Ordinatione in contrarium editis sive provisis in aliquo non Obstante In cujus rei testimonium has literas fieri fecimus Patentes Dat. apud Ebor. 2 do Aug. Anno regni 2 do A branch of these Talbots are removed into Lancashire and from those in Yorkshire Colonel Thomas Talbot is descended Edward IV. 10 HEN. VAVASOR Mil. It is observed of this family that they never married an Heir or buried their Wives The place of their habitation is called Hassell-wood from wood which there is not wanting though stone be far more plentifull there being a quarry within that Mannor out of which the stones were taken which built the Cathedrall and Saint Maries Abby in York the Monasteries of Holden-selby and Beverly with Thornton-colledge in Lincolnshire and many others So pleasant also the prospect of the said Hassel-wood that the Cathedralls of York and Lincoln being more then 60. miles asunder may thence be discovered Hâ—…nry VIII 2 RADULPHUS EURE Alias EVERS Mil. He was afterwards by the above named King Created a Baron and Lord Warden of the Marshes towards Scotland He gave frequent demonstration as our Chronicles do testify both of his Fidelity and Valour in receiving many smart Incursions from and returning as many deep Impressions on the Scots There is a Lord Evers at this day doubtless a Remoter Descendant from him but in what distance and degree it is to me unknown 5 WILLIAM PERCY Mil. I recommend the following Passage to the Readers choicest observation which I find in Camdens Brit. in Yorkshire More beneath hard by the River Rhidals side standeth Riton an antient Possession of the antient family of the Percy-hays commonly called Percys I will not be over confident but have just cause to believe this our Sheriffe was of that Family And if so he gave for his Armes Partie per fess Argent and Gules a Lion Rampant having Will. Percy-hay Sheriff in the last of Edw. the third for his Ancestor 23 NICHOLAS FAIRFAX Mil. They took their name of Fairfax à Pulchro Capillitio from the fair hair either bright in colour or comely for the plenty thereof their Motto in alusion to their Name is Fare fac say doe such the sympathy it seems betwixt their tongues and hearts This Sir Nicholas Fairfax mindeth me of his Name-sake and Kins-man Sir Nicholas Fairfax of Bullingbrooke Knight of the Rhodes in the raign of Edward the fourth Jacomo Bosio in his Italian History of Saint John of Jerusalem saith that Sir Nicholas Fairfax was sent out of Rhodes when it was in great distress to Candia for relief of Men and Provisions which he did so well perform as the Town held out for some time longer and he gives him this Character in his own Language Cavilero Nicholo Fairfax Inglich homo multo spiritoso è prudento Queen Mary 3 CHRISTOPHER METCALFE Mil. He attended on the Judges at York attended on with three hundred Horsemen all of his own name and kindred well mounted and suitably attired The Roman Fabii the most populous tribe in that City could hardly have made so fair an appearance in so much that Master Camden gives the Metcalfes this character Quae numerosissima totius Angliae familia his temporibus censetur Which at this time viz. Anno 1607. is counted the most numerous family of England Here I forbear the mentioning of another which perchance might vie numbers with them lest casually I minister matter of contest But this Sir Christopher is also memorable for stocking the river Yower in this County hard by his house with Crevishes which he brought out of the South where they thrive both in plenty and bigness For although Omnia non omnis terra nec unda feret All lands doe not bring Nor all waters every thing Yet most places are like trees which bear no fruit not because they are barren but are not grafted so that dumbe nature seemeth in some sort to make signes to Art for her assistance If some Gentleman in our parts will by way of ingenuous retaliation make proof to plant a Colonie of such Northern Fishes as we want in our Southern Rivers no doubt he would meet with suitable success Queen Elizabeth 4 GEORGE BOWES Mil. He had a great Estate in this County and greater in the Bishoprick of Durham A Man of Metall indeed and it had been never a whit the worse if the quickness thereof had been a little more allayed in him This was he who some seven years after viz. Anno 1569. was besieged by the Northern Rebells in Bernards Castle and streightned for Provision yielded the same on Condition they might depart with their Armour After the suppression of the Rebells their Execution was committed to his Care wherein he was severe unto Cruelty For many Well-meaning people were ingaged and others drawn in into that Rising who may truely be termed Loyall Traytors with those two hundred men who went after Absolon in their simplicity and knew not any thing solicited for the Queens service These Sir George hung up by scoars by the Office of his Marshallship and had hung more if Mr. Bernard Gilpin had not begged their lives by his importunate intercession 23 ROBERT STAPLETON Mil. He was descended from Sir Miles Stapleton one of the first founders of the Garter and Sheriâ—… in the 29. of Edward the third He met the Judges with sevenscore men in suitable liveries and was saith my Author in those days for a man well spoken properly seen in languages a comely and goodly personage had scant an equall except Sir Philip Sidney no superior in England He married one of the Co heirs of Sir Henry Sherington by whom he had a numerous posterity 42 FRANCIS CLIFFORD Ar. He afterwards succeeded his Brother George in his Honours and Earldome of Cumberland a worthy Gentleman made up of all Honorable accomplishments He was Father to Henry the fifth and last Earl of that Family whose sole Daughter and Heir was married to the right Honourable and well worthy of his Honour the then Lord Dungarvon since Earl of Cork 45 HENRY BELLASIS Mil. He was afterwards by King Charles Created Baron Fauconbridge of Yarum as since his Grandchild by his Eldest Son is made Vicount Fauconbridge John Bellasis Esquire his second Son who in the Garrison of Newarke and elsewhere hath given ample Testimony of his Valour and all Noble Qualities accomplishing a Person of Honour since is advanced to the dignity of a Baron
King James 9 HENRY SLINGSBY Mil. The Armes of this Antient and Numerous Family to large too be inserted in our List are as followeth Quarterly the First and Fourth Gules a Cheveron between two Leopards-heads and a Hutchet or Bugle Argent The Second and Third Argent a Griffon Surgeant Sable supprest by a Fess Gules 11 GEORGE SAVILL Mil. Bar. This is the last mention of this Numerous Wealthy and Antient Family which I find in this Catalogue and here Reader to confess my self unto thee my expectation is defeated hoping to find that vigorous Knight Sir John Savill in this Catalogue of Sheriffs But it seems that his constant Court-attendance being Privy-Councellour to King Charles priviledged him from that imployment untill by the same King he was Created Baron Savill of Pomfraict as his Son since was made Earl of Sussex I hear so high commendation of his house at Houley that it disdaineth to yield precedency to any in this Shire King Charles 12 JOHN RAMSDEN Mil. The Reader will pardon my Untimely and Abrupt breaking of this Catalogue for a reason formerly rendred Onely let me adde that the Renowned Knight Sir Marmaduke Langdale was Sheriff 1641. He without the least Self-attribution may say as to the Kings side of Northern Actions Pars Ego magna fui But as for his Raising the Siege of Pomfraict felt before seen by the Enemy it will sound Romanza-like to Posterity with whom it will find Plus famae quam fidei No wonder therefore if K. Charles the second Created him a Baron the Temple of Honour being of due open to him who hath passed through the Temple of Vertue The Battles Many Ingagements as much above Skirmshes as beneath Battles happened in this Shire But that at Marston-moor July 2. 1644. was our English Pharsalian Fight or rather the Fatall Battle of Cannae to the Loyal Cavaliers Indeed it is Difficult and Dangerous to present the Particulars thereof For one may easier doe right to the Memories of the Dead then save the Credits of some Living However things past may better be found fault with then amended and when God will have an Army Defeated Mistakes tending thereto will be multiplied in despite of the greatest care and diligence Know then that Prince Rupert having fortunately raised the Siege at York drew out his Men into the Moor with full intention to fight the Enemy Discreet Persons beholding the Countenance of the present affairs with an unpartiall Eye found out many Disswasives for the Prince to hazard a Battle 1. He had done his Work by relieving York let him Digest the Honour thereof and grasp at no more 2. His wearied Souldiers wanted refreshing 3. Considerable Recruits were daily expected out of the North under Colonel Clavering Adde to all these that such were the present Animosities in the Parliament Army and so great their Mutuall Disatisfactions when they drew off from York that as a prime Person since freely confest if let alone they would have fallen foul amongst themselves had not the Prince preparing to fight them Cemented their Differences to agree against a Generall Enemy But a Blot is no Blot if not hit and an Advantage no Advantage if unknown though this was true the Prince was not informed of the differences aforesaid However he did not so much run out of his own Ambition of Honour as answer the Spur of the Kings Command from whom he had lately received a Letter still safe in his Custody speedily to fight the Enemy if he had any Advantage that so he might spare and send back some Supplies to his Majesties perplexed occasions at Oxford Besides the Prince had received certain Intelligence that the Enemy had the Day before sent away seven thousand Men now so far distanced that they were past possibility of returning that day The former part hereof was true the latter false confuted by the great Shout given this day in the Parliaments Army at the return of such forces unto them But now it was too late to draw off the Parliament forces necessitating them to fight A Summers Evening is a Winters Day and about 4. a Clock the Battle began Some causelesly complain on the Marquess of New-castle that he drew not his men soon enough according to his Orders out of York to the Prince his seasonable succour Such consider not that Souldiers newly relieved from a Nine weeks Siege will a little Indulge themselves Nor is it in the power of a General to make them at such times to March at a Minutes warning but that such a Minute will be more then an Hour in the length thereof The Lord Generall Gorâ—…ng so valiantly charged the left Wing of the Enemy that they fairly forsooke the Field Generall Lâ—…slie with his Scottish ran away more then an York-shire mile and a Wee-bit Fame with her Trumpet sounded their flight as far as Oxford the Royalists rejoycing with Bonfires for the Victory But within few days their Bays by a mournfull Metamorphosis were turned into Willow and they sunk the lower in true sorrow for being mounted so high in Causeless Gladness For Cromwell with his Curassires did the work of that Day Some suspected Colonel Hurry lately converted to the Kings party for foul play herein for he divided the Kings Old Horse so valiant and victorious in former fights into small Bodies alledging this was the best way to break the Scottish Lanciers But those Horse always used to charge together in whole Regiments or greater Bodies were much discomposed with this new Mode so that they could not find themselves in themselves Besides a right valiant Lord severed and in some sort secured with a Ditch from the Enemy did not attend till the foe forced their way unto him but gave his men the trouble to pass over that Ditch the occasion of much disorder The Van of the Kings foot being led up by the truely honorable Colonel John Russell impressed with unequall numbers and distanced from seasonable succour became a Prey to their Enemy The Marquess of New-castles White-coats who were said to bring their Winding sheet about them into the field after thrice firing â—…ell to it with the But ends of their Muskets and were invincible till mowed down by Cromwells Carassires with Jobs Servants they were all almost slain few escaping to bring the Tidings of their overthrow Great was the Execution on that Day Cromwell commanding his Men to give no quarter Various the numbering of the slain of both sides yet I meet with none mounting them above six or sinking them beneath three thousand I remember no Person of honour slain on the Kings side save the hopefull Lord Cary eldest Son to the E. of Monmouth But on the Parliaments side the Lord Didup a lately created Baron was slain on the same Token that when King Charles said that he hardly remembred that he had such a Lord in Scotland one returned that the Lord had wholly forgotten that he had such a King in England
for many years by past were of any Eminency but either immediately or mediately were Apprentices unto him He was bred in York school where he was School-fellow with Guy Faux which I note partly to shew that Loyalty and Treason may be educated under the same Roof partly to give a check to the received opinion that Faux was a Fleming no Native English-man He was bred in Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge and chosen Fellow thereof to a Fellowship to which he had no more Propriety then his own Merit before Eight Compâ—…titors for the place equally capable with himself and better befriended Commencing Doctor in Divinity he made his Position which though unusuall was Arbitrary and in his own power on his second Question which much defeated the expectatioâ—… of Doctor Playfere replying upon him with some passion Commosâ—…i mihi stomachum To whom Morton return'd Gratulor tibi Reverende professor de bono tuo stomacho caenabis apud me hac nocte He was successively preferr'd Dean of Gloucester Winchester Bishop of Chester Coventry and Lichfield and Durham The Foundation which he laid of Forraign corre spondency with eminent persons of different perswasions when he attended as Chaplain to the Lord Evers sent by King James Embassadour to the King of Denmark and many Princes of Germany he built upon unto the Day of his Death In the late Long Parliament the displeasure of the House of Commons 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 judgement of honest and wise-men amounted to a High Innocence Yet the Parliament allowed him eight hundred pounds a year a proportion above any of his Brethren for his maintenance But alass the Trumpet of their Charity gave an uncertain sound not assigning by whom or whence this summe should be paid Indeed the severe Votes of the Parliament ever took full effect according to his observation who did Anagram it VOTED OUTED But their mercifull Votes found not so free performance However this good Bishop got a thousand pounds out of Goldsmiths-hall which afforded him his support in his old Age. The Neb of his Pen was unpartially divided into two equall Moyeties the one writing against Faction in defence of three Innocent Ceremonies the other against Superstition witness the Grand Impostor and other worthy works He solemnly proffered unto me pardon me Reader if I desire politiquely to twist my own with his Memory that they may both survive together in these sad times to maintain me to live with him which Courteous Offer as I could not conveniently accept I did thankfully 〈◊〉 Many of the Nobility deservedly honoured him though none more then John Earl of Rutland to whose Kinsman Roger Earl of Rutland he formerly 〈◊〉 been Chaplain But let not two worthy Baronets be forgotten Sir George Savill who so civilly paid him his purchased Annuity of two hundred pounds withall Proffered advantages and Sir Henry Yelveâ—…ton at whose house he dyed aged 95. at Easton-Manduit in Northampton shire 1659. For the rest the Reader is remitted to his life written largely and learnedly by Doctor John Barwick Dean of Durham States-men Sir ROBERT CAR was born in this City on this occasion Thomas Car his father Laird of Furnihurst a man of great lands and power in the South of Scotland was very active for Mary Queen of Scots and on that accompt forced to fly his land came to York Now although he had been a great inroder of England yet for some secret reason of State here he was permitted safe shelter duâ—…ing which time Robert his son was born this was the reason why the said Robert refused to be Naturalized by Act of our Parliament as needless for him born in the English Dominions I have read how his first making at Court was by breaking of his leg at a Tilting in London whereby he came first to the Cognizance of King James Thus a fair starting with advantage in the notice of a Prince is more then half the way in the race to his favour King James reflected on him whose Father was a kind of Confâ—…ssor for the cause of the Queen his Mother besides the Young Gentleman had a handsome person and a conveniency of desert Honors were crowded upon him made Baron Viscount Earl of Sommerset Knight of the Garter Warden of the Cinque-Ports c. He was a well natured man not mischievous with his might doing himself more hurt then any man else For abate one foul fact with the appendance and consequences thereof notoriously known and he will appear deserving no foul Character to posterity but for the same he was banished the Court lived and dyed very privately about the year of our Lord 1638. Writers JOHN WALBYE was born in this City of honest Parentage He was bred an Augustinian Provinciall of his Order and Doctor of Divinity in Oxford A Placentious Person gaining the good-will of all with whom he conversed being also Ingenious Industrious Learned Eloquent Pious and Prudent Pitz writeth that after Alexander Nevell he was Chosen but never Confirmed Arch bishop of York an Honour reserved for Robert his Younger Brother of whom before But Bishop Godwin maketh no mention hereof which rendreth it suspicious The said Pitz maketh him actuall Arch-bishop of Dublin whilst Bale who being an Irish Bishop had the advantage of exacter Intelligence hath no such thing whence we may conclude it a Mistake The rather because this John is allowed by all to have died in this place of his Nativity 1393. Also I will adde this that though sharp at first against the Wickliffites he soon abated his own Edge and though present at a Council kept at Stanford by the King against them was not well pleased with all things transacted therein JOHN ERGHOM was born in this City an Augustinian by his profession Leaving York he went to Oxford where passing thorough the Arts he fixed at last in Divinity proving an admirable Preacher My Author tells me that sometimes he would utter nova inaudita whereat one may well wonder seeing Solomon hath said There is no nâ—…w thing under the Sun The truth is he renewed the custome of expounding Scripture in a typicall way which crouded his Church with Auditors seeing such 〈◊〉 preaching break 's no bones much pleased their fancy and little cross'd or curb'd their corruptions Indeed some but not all Scripture is capable of such comments and because metalls are found in Mountains it is madness to Mine for them in every rich Meadow But in expounding of Scripture when mens inventions out-run the Spirits intentions their swiftness is not to be praised but sawcyness to be punished This Erghom wrote many books and dedicated them to the Earl of Hereford the same with Edward Duke of Buckingham and flourished
Wales is therefore placed in this because the first County thereof Prelates GUIDO de MONA was so sir-named from his Birth-place in Anglesey Some suspect that Filius insulae may be as bad as Filius populi no place being particularized for his birth whiles others conceive this sounding to his greater dignity to be denominated from a whole Island the Village of his nativity being probably obscure long and hard to be pronounced He was afterwards Bishop of Saint Davids and Lord Treasurer of England under King Henry the fourth who highly honoâ—…ed him for when the Parliament moved that no Welsh-man should be a State Officer in England the King excepted the Bishops as confident of their faithful service Indeed T. Wallingham makes this Gui the Author of much trouble but is the lesse to be believed therein because of the known Antipathy betwixt Fryers and Secular 〈◊〉 the former being as faulty in their lafie speculation as the other often offending in the practical over-activity This Bishop died â—…nno 1407. ARTHUR BULKLEY Bishop of Bangor was born either in Cheshire or more probably in this County But it matters not much had he never been born who being bred Doctor of the Laws had either never read or wholly forgotten or wilfully would not remember the Chapter De sacrilegio for he spoyled the Bishoprick and sold the five Bells being so over-officious that he would go down to the Sea to see them shipped which in my mind amounted to a second selling of them We have an English Proverb of him who maketh a detrimental bargain to himself That he may put all the gains gotten thereby into his eye and see nothing the worse But Bishop Bulkley saw much more the worse by what he had gotten being himself suddenly deprived of his sight who had deprived the Tower of Bangor of the tongue thereof Thus having ended his credit before his days and his days before his life and having sate in that See fourteen years he died 1555. WILLIAM GLYN D. D. Was boâ—…n at 〈◊〉 in this County bred in Queens Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was Master until in the second of Queen Mary he was preferred Bishop of Bangor An excellent Scholar and I have been assured by judicious Persons who have seriously perused the solemn Disputations printed in Master Fox betwixt the Papists and Protestants that of the former none pressed his Arguments with more strength and lesse passion than Doctor Glyn though constâ—…t to his own he was not cruel to opposite judgements as appeareth by the appearing of no persecution in his Diocesse and his mild Nature must be allowed at least Causa socia or the fellow-cause thereof He died in the first of Queen Elizabeth and I have been informed that Jeoffry Glyn his Brother Doctor of Laws built and endowed a Free-Schoole at Bangor Since the Reformation ROULAND MERRICK Doctor of Laws was born at Boding án in this County bred in Oxford where he became Principal of New Inne-Hall and afterwards a Dignitary in the Church of Saint Davids Here he with others in the reign of King Edward the sixth violently prosecuted Robert Farrar his Diocesan with intention as they made their boast to pull him from his Bishoprick and bring him into a premunire and prevailed so far that he was imprisâ—…ned This Bishop Farrar was afterwards martyred in the raign of Queen Mary I find not the least appearance that his former adversaries violented any thing against him under that Queen But it is suspicious that advantage against him I say not with their will was grafted on the stock of his former accusation However it is my judgement that they ought to have been I can be so charitable to believe that Dr. Merrick was penitent for his causelesse vexing so good a person Otherwise many more besides my self will proclaim him unworthy to be who had been a Persecutor of a Bishop He was consecrated Bishop of Bangor December 21. in the second of Qâ—…een Elizabeth 1559. and sate six years in his See I have nothing to adde save that he was Father to Sir Gilly Merrick Knight who lost his life for engaging with the Earl of Essex 1600. LANCELOT BULKLEY was born in this County of a then right Worshipful since Honourable Family who have a fair habitation besides others near Beumaris He was bred in Brasen nose Colledg in Oxford and afterwards became first Arch-Deacon then Archbishop in Dublin He was consecrated the third of October 1619. by Christopher Archbishop of Armagh Soon after he was made by King James one of his Privy Councel in Ireland where he lived in good reputation till the day of his death which happened some ten years since Seamen MADOC Son to Owen Gwineth ap Gruffyth ap Conan and brother to David ap Owen Gwineth Prince of North Wales was born probably at Aberfraw in this County now a mean Town then the principal Palace of their royal Residence He made a Sea-voyage westward and by all probability those names of Cape de Breton in Noruinberg Pengwin in part of the northern America for a white Rock and a white headed bird according to the British were reliques of this discovery If so then let the Genoveses and Spaniards demean themselves as younger Brethren and get their Portions in Pensions in those parts paid as well as they may owning us Britons so may the Welsh and English as an united Nation style themselves for the Heirs to whom the solid inheritance of America doth belong for the first discovery thereof The truth is a good Navy with a strong Land-Army therein will make these probabilities of Madoc evident Demonstrations and without these in cases of this kind the strongest Arguments are of no validity This Sea voyage was undertaken by Madoc about the year 1170. The Sheriffs Expect not my description should conform this Principality to England in presenting the respective Sheriffs with their Arms. For as to Heraldry I confesse my self Luscum in Anglia Caecum in Walliâ Besides I question whether out Rules in Blazonry calculated for the East will serve on the West of Severne and suspect that my venial mistakes may meet with mortal anger I am also sensible of the prodigious Antiquity of Welsh Pedegrees so that what Zalmana said of the Israelites slain by him at Tabor Each of them resembleth the children of a King all the Gentry here derive themselves from a Prince at least I quit therefore the Catalogue os Sheriffs to abler Pens and proceed to The Farewell I understand there is in this Island a kind of Allumenous Earth out of which some fifty years since began to make Allum and Copperess until they to use my Authors phrase like unflesht Souldiers gave over their enterprise without further hope because at first they saw it not answer their over-hasty expectations If this Project was sirst founded on rational probability which I have cause to believe I desire the seasonable
Creature of absolute and common Concernment without which we should be burnt with the thirst and buried with the filth of our own bodies GABRIEL GOODMAN Son of Edward Goodman Esq was born at Rythin in thâ—…s County afterwards Doctor of Divinity in Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge and Dean of VVestminster where he was fixed for full forty years though by his own parts and his friends power he might have been what he would have been in the Church of England Abigail said of her Husband Nabal is his name and folly is with him But it may be said of this worthy Dean Goodman was his name and goodness was in his nature as by the ensuing Testimonies will appear 1. The Bible was translated into VVelsh on his cost as by a note in the Preface thereof doth appear 2. He founded a Schoole-house with a competent salary in the Town of his Nativity as also erected and endowed an Almes-House therein for twelve poore people 3. He repaired the House for the Minister there called the Warden of Rythin furnishing it with Plate and other Utensils which were to descend to his Successors 4. He purchased a fair House with Land thereunto at Chiswick in Middlesex where with his own hands he set a fair Row of Elmes now grown up to great beauty and height for a retiring place for the Masters and Scholars at Westminster in the heat of Summer or any time of Infection If these Lands at this Day be not so profitably employed as they were by the Donor piously intended it is safer to bemoan the sad effect than accuse the causers thereof There needs no other Testimony of his Honesty and Ability than that our English Nestor the Lord Treasurer Cecil made him one of the Executors of his Will to dispose of great sums to charitable uses which Trust he most faithfully discharged He died in the year 1601. and is buried in the Collegiate Church of Westminster whereof he so well deserved as of all England Mr. Cambden performing his Perambulation about it on his expences Sir HUGH MIDDLETON Son of Richard Middleton was born at Denbigh in this County and bred in London This is that worthy Knight who hath deserved well of London and in it of all England If those be recounted amongst Davids worthies who breaking through the Army of the Philistines fetcht water from the Well of Bethlehem to satisfie the longing of David founded more on fancy than necessity how meritorious a work did this worthy man perform who to quench the thirst of thousands in the populous City of London fetcht water on his own cost more than 24. miles encountering all the way with an Army of oppositions grapling with Hills strugling with Rocks fighting with Forrests till in defiance of difficulties he had brought his project to perfection But Oh whaâ—… an injury was it unto him that a potent Person and idle Spectator should strike in Reader I could heartily wish it were a falshoâ—…d what I report and by his greatness possess a moity of the profit which the unwearied endeavours of the foresaid Knight had purchased to himself The Farewell I heartily wish this County may find many like Robert Eari of Leicester by his bounty much advancing the building of a new Church in Denbigh who may willingly contribute their Charity for the repairing of all decayed Churches therein Yea may it be happy in faithful and able Ministers that by their pains they may be built up in the Faith of the Lord. FLINT-SHIRE FLINT-SHIRE It taketh the name from Flint formerly an eminent place therein But why Flint was so named will deservedly bear an enquiry the rather because I am informed there is scarce a Flint stone to be found in the whole shire An eminent Antiquary well known in these parts Reader I must carry my Author at my back when I write that which otherwise will not be believed hath informed me it was first called Flit-Town because the people Flitted or removed their habitations from a smal Village hard by to and under a Castle built there by King Edward the first Afterwards it was called Flint Town or Flint to make it more sollid in the prononciation Now although sometimes Liquids are melted out of a word to supple it to turn the better on the tongues end It will hardly be presidented that ever the sturdy Letter N. was on that or any account interjected into the middle of an original word But it is infidelity not to believe what is thus traditioned unto us It hath the Sea on the North Shropshire on the South Cheshire on the East and Denbigh-shire on the west thereof the smallest County in Wales whereof the Natives render this reason That it was not handsomly in the power of King Edward the first who made it a Shire to enlarge the Limits thereof For the English Shires Shropshire and Cheshire he would not discompose and on the Welsh side he could not well extend it without prejudice to the Lord Marchers who had Potestatem vitae necis in the adjacent Territories the King being unwilling to resume and they more unwilling to resign their respective Territories If any ask why so small a parcel of ground was made a Shire let them know that every foot therein in Content was ten in Concernment because it was the passage into North Wales Indeed it may seem strange that Flint the Shire Town is no Market Town no nor Saint Asaph a City qua sedes Episcopi till made so very late But this is the reason partly the vicinity of Chester the Market generaâ—… of these parts partly that every village hath a Market in it self as affording all necessary Commodities Nor must we forget that this County was parcel of the Pallatinate of Chester paying two thousand Marks called a Mize at the change of every Earl of Chester until the year of our Lord 1568. For then upon the occasion of one Thomas Radford committed to prison by the Chamberlain of Chester Flint-shire saith my Author revolted I dare say disjoyned it self from that County Pallatine and united it self to the Principalities of Wales as conceiving the same the more advantagious Proverbs Mwy nag â—…n bwa yro Ynghaer That is more then one Yugh-Bow in Chester Modern use applieth this Proverb to such who seize on other folks goods not with intent to steal but mistaken with the similitude thereof to their own goods But give me leave to conjecture the original hereof seeing Cheshire-men have been so famous for Archery Princes ELIZABETH the seventh Daughter of King Edward the first and Queen Elenor was born at Ruthland Castle in this County a place which some unwarily confound with Rythin Town in Denbigh shire This Castle was anciently of such receipt that the King and his Court were lodged therein yea a Parliament or something equivalent was kept here or hereabouts seeing we have the Statutes of Ruthland on the same token the year erroneously printed in the
him home and commanded him to surrender his acquests into his hands which done he received them again by re-grant from the King save that Henry reserved the City of Dublin for himself This Strongbow is he who is commonly called Domitor Hiberniae The Tamer of Ireland though the Natives thereof then and many hundred years after paid rather â—…erbal submission than real obedience to our English Kings Yea some of their great Lords had both the power and Title of Kings in their respective Territories witness the Preface in the Commission whereby King Henry the second made William Fitz. Adelme his Lieutenant of Ireland Archiepiscopis Episcopis Regibus Comitibus Baronibus omnibus fidelibus suis in Hibernia Salutem Where Kings are postposed to Bishops which speaketh them Royolets by their own ambition and by no solemn inauguration This Earl Richard died at Dublin 1177. and lieth buried in Trinity Church therein Sir ROGER WILLIAMS born of an ancient Family at Penrosse in this County was first a Souldier of Fortune under Duke D'Alva and afterwards successfully served Queen Elizabeth having no fault save somewhat over-free and forward to fight When a Spanish Captain challenged Sir John Norris to fight a single Combat which was beneath him to accept because a General This Roger undertook the Don. And after they had fought some time both Armies beholding them without any hurt they pledged each other a deep â—…raught of Wine and so friendly departed Another time at midnight he assaulted the Camp of the Prince of Parma nigh Venloe slew some of the enemies and pierced to the Tent of the General as highly blamed by some for rashness as commended by others for his valour He bravely defended Slufe whilest any hope of help WILLIAM HERBERT Earl of Pembroke with Sir Richard Herbert his Brother were both undoubtedly born in this County but whether or no at Ragland Castle is uncertain Both valiant men and as fast Friends to King Edward the fourth as professed Foes to Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick They gave the last and clearest evidence hereof in the Battel of Banbury where we find it reported that these two leading the Army of the Welsh with their Poll-Axes twice made way through the Battel oâ—… the Northern men which sided with King Henry the sixth without any mortal wound There passeth a tradition in the Noble Family of the Herberts of Chierbury that this Sir Richard their Ancestor slew that day one hundred and forty men with his own hands which if done in charging some censure as an act of impossibility if after a rout in an execution as a deed of cruelty But others defend both truth and courage therein as done in passing and repassing through the Army Indeed Guns were and were not in fashion in that age used sometimes in sieges but never in field service and next the Gun the Poll-Ax was the mortal Weapon especially in such a Dead hanâ—… as this Knight had with which Quot icti tot occisi He is reported also to be of a Giants stature the Peg being extant in Mountgomery Castle whereon he used to hang his Hat at dinner which no man of an ordinary height can reach with his hand at this day However both these brave brethren circumvented with the subtilty of their Foes Odds at any time may be bet on the side of treachery against valour were brought to Banbury beheaded and buried the Earl at Tinterne and Sir Richard at Abergaveny in this County Writers JEFFREY of Monmouth was born in and named from Monmouth He was also called ap Arthur from his Father as I suppose though others say because he wrote so much of King Arthur but by the same proporâ—…ion Homer may be termed Achillides and Virgil the Son of Aeneas Yea this Jeffrey by an ancienter title might be sirnamed ap Bruit whose story he asserteth He translated and compiled the various British Authors into one Volume I am not so much moved at William Newbourough calling this his book Ridicula sigmenta as that Giraldus Cambrensis his Countryman and as I may say Con-sub-temporary should term it Fabulosam historiam Indeed he hath many things from the British Bards which though improbable are not ipso facto untrue We know Herodotus nick-named by some Pater Fabularum is by others acknowledged to be Pater Historiarum The truth is that both Novelants and Antiquaries must be content with many falshoods the one taking Reports at the first rebound before come to the other raking them out of the dust when past their perfection Others object that he is too hyperbolical in praising his own Countrey A catching disease seeing Livy mounts Italy to the skyes and all other Authors respectively and why should that be mortal in our Monmouth what is but venial in others And if he be guilty in Mis-timing of actions he is not the onely Historian without company in that particular However on the occasion of the premisses his book is prohibited by his Holiness whilst the lying Legend is permitted to be read without controul Thus Rome loves questuosa non inutilia figmenta Falshoods whereby she may gain Some conceive it to be his greatest fault that he so praiseth the ancient Church in Britain making it Independent from the See of Rome before Austin the Monk came hither One maketh him a Cardinal which is improbable whilest it is more certain that he was Bishop of St. Asaph and flourished Anno 1152. THOMAS of Monmouth was probably born certainly bred and brought up in the chief Town of this County Nor doth it move me to the contrary because Pits calls him an Englishman Monmouth in that Age being a Frontier Garrison peopled with English Inhabitants It happened at this time many Jews lived in Norwich where their habitation was called Abrahams Hall though therein not practising the piety of that worthy Patriarch He out of conformity to Gods command sacrificed his one and onely son they contrary to his will in his Word crucified the child of another William by name His Sepulchre was afterwards famed for many miracles whereof this Thomas wrote an History and dedicated it to William de Turbes Bishop of Norwich though he lived above six score miles from the place of those strange performances But probably the farther the better Major è longinquo reverencia and miracles are safest reported and soonest believed at some competent distance He flourished Anno 1160. under King Henry the Second Benefactors to the Publick HENRY PLANTAGENET first Duke of Lancaster was born in Monmouth castle the chief seat of his Barony He is commonly sirnamed de torto collo or the wry-neck and by others the good Duke of Lancaster by which name we entitle him it being fitter to call men from what was to be praised than what to be pâ—…tied in them not from their natural defects but moral perfections His bounty commends him to our mention in this place being head of
prius  14 Nich. Moor ar   The Farewell I understand that in January 1607. part of this County which they call the Moore sustained a great loss by the breaking in of the Severn sea caused by a violent South-west wind continuing for three dayes together I heartily desire the Inhabitants thereof may for the future be secured from all such dangerous inundations water being a good servant but bad master by his Providence who bindeth the sea in a girdle of sands and saith to the waves thereof Thus far shall ye go and no further PEMBROKE-SHIRE is surrounded on all sides with the Sea save on the North-East where it boundeth on Cardigan and East where it butteth on Carmarthen-shire A County abounding with all things necessary for mans livelihood and the East part thereof is the pleasantest place in all VVales which I durst not have said for fear of offence had not Giraldus their own Country-man affirmed it Nor is it less happy in Sea than in Land affording plenty of Fish especially about Tenby therefore commonly called Tenby-y-Piscoid which I rather observe for the vicinity of the British piscoid with the Latine piscosus for fishfull though never any pretended an affinity between the two Languages A part of this Country is peopled by Flemmings placed there by King Henry the first who was no less politick than charitable therein For such Flemmings being driven out of their own Country by an irruption of the Ocean were fixed here to defend the land given them against the Welsh and their Country is called little England beyond Wales This mindeth me of a passage betwixt a Welsh and English man the former boasting Wales in all respects beyond England to whom the other returned he had heard of an England beyond Wales but never of a Wales beyond England Natural Commodities Faulcons Very good are bred in this County of that kind they call Peregrines which very name speaks them to be no Indeginae but Forraigners at first lighting here by some casualty King Henry the second passing hence into Ireland cast off a Norway Goshawk at one of these but the Gos-hawk taken at the source by the Faulcon soon fell down at the Kings foot which performance in this ramage made him yearly afterward send hither for Eyesses These Hawkes Aeries not so called from building in the Air but from the French word Aire an Egge are many in the Rocks in this Shire Buildings For a sacred structure the Cathedral of Saint David is most eminent began by Bishop Peter in the raign of King John and finished by his Successors though having never seen it I can say little thereof But in one respect the roof thereof is higher than any in England and as high as any in Europe if the ancient absolute independent jurisdiction thereof be considered thus stated by an Authentick Author Episcopi Walliae à Menevensi Antistite sunt consecrati ipse similiter ab aliis tanquam suffraganeis est consecratus nulla penitus alii Ecclesiae facta professione vel subjectione The generality of which words must be construed to have reference as well to Rome as to Canterbury Saint Davids acknowledging subjection to neither till the reign of King Henry the first Princes HENRY TUTHAR Son to Edmund Earl of Richmond and Margaret his Lady was born at Pembroke in this County Anno Dom. In the reign of King Henry the sixth he was bred a Child at Court when a young man he lived an Exile in France where he so learned to live of a little that he contracted a habit of frugality which he did not depose till the day of his death Having vanquished King Richard the third in the battel of Bosorsth and married Elizabeth eldest Daughter to King Edward the fourth he reigned King of England by the name of Henry the seventh He is generally esteemed the wisest of our English Kings and yet many conceive that the Lord Bacon writing his life made him much wiser than he was picking more prudence out of his actions than the King himself was privy to therein and not content to allow him politick endeavoured to make him policy it self Yet many thiâ—…k hâ—…s judgemenâ—… 〈◊〉 him when refusing the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Columbus for the discovery of America who might therein have made a secret advenâ—…e without any prejudice to the râ—…putation of his wisdom But such his waâ—…ss he would not tamper with costly Contâ—…s though never â—…o probable to be gainful nor would he hazard a hook of Silver to catch a fish of Gold He was the first King who secretly sought to abaâ—…e the formidable greatness the Parent of many former Rebellions in the English â—…earage lessening their Dependencies countenaâ—…cing the Commons and encouraging the Yeomandry with provisions against Depopulations However â—…ereby he did not free his Successors from fear but only exchanged their care making the Commons who because more numerous less manageble more absolute and able in time to conâ—…est with Soveraignty He survived his Queen by whom he had the true Title to the Crown about five years Some will say that all that time he was King only by the Courtesie of England which I am sure he was loth to acknowledge Others say he held the Crown by Conquest which his Subjects were as unwilling to confess But let none dispute how hâ—… hâ—…ld seeing he held it having Pope Parliament Power Purse Success and some shadow of Succession on his side His greatest fault was grinding his Subjects with grievous exactions he was most magnificent in those Structures he hath left to posterity Amongst wâ—…ich his â—…evotion to God is most seen in two Chappels the one at Cambridge the other at Westminster his charity to the poor in the Hospital of the Savoy his Magnificence to himself in his own Monument of guilded Copper and his vanity to the World in building a Ship called the Great Harry of equal cost saith some with his Chappel which asterwards sunk into the Sea and vanished away in a moment He much imployed Bishops in his service finding them honest and able And here I request the judicious and learned Reader to help me at a dead liâ—… being posed with this passage written in his life by the Lord Verulam He did use to raise Bishops by steps that he might not lose the profits of the First fruits which by that course of gradation was multiplied Now I humbly conceive that the First fruits in the common acception of the word were in that age paid to the Pope and would fain be informed what By-FirstFruits these were the emolument whereof accrued to the Crown This politick King at his Palace of Richmond April 22. 1509. ended his life and was buried in the Magnificent Chappel aforesaid On the same token that he ordered by his last Will and Testament that none save such of the Blood Royal who should descend from his Loyns should be buried in that place
of Honour Pag. 855. * Cambd. Brit. in Hartford sh. Bale de Script Brit. Cent. 7. n. 1. Pits in Anno 532. * Mills Catal. Pag. 256. * Bale de scrip Brit. Cent. 9. n. 95. * Sam. Clerk in his Lives of English Divines p. 367. * Sam. Cleark pag. 399. * In his Comment on Prov. 1633. * Sam. Cleark pag. 272. * Sr. G. Paul in his Life of 〈◊〉 p. 54. * VVere not that O. thography Pseudography which altereth the Original Copy I had writ â—…edat with an S for so it ought to be written * Sâ—…owes survey of London page 569. * Idem Ibid. * Weavers Fun. Mon. p. 550. * 〈◊〉 Brit. in Hartford shire * Ruth 4. 4. * Probatum fuit hoc Testamentum cor VVilliam Cooke Leg. Doct. in cur prerog 17. July 1557. * Sâ—…ow Cronicle p. 822. * Stow Cron. in 10. Jaco * In the Commodities of Glocester-shire * Revel 1. 14. * Cited by H. Stevens in his De of Herodotus * Psal. 147. 16. 4 Moscovy Poland Norway * Var de re 〈◊〉 2 cap. 2. Columell l. 7. c. 4. * Camden Brit. in Herefordshire * Quoted by Speed in his Maps of England in Hereford-shire * This kind of Earthquake is called Brasmatias Camdens Eliz. An. 1575. * Psal. 46. 2. * Camd. B rit in Hereford-sh * Deut. 8. 8. * Ezek. 27. 17. * Camd. Brit. in Middlesex * English Mar. October 2. * 1 Kin. 18. 19. * Eng. Martyr ut prius * Brit. in Hereford-shire * Acts 23. 6. * Three Eatons there are in this County * Bish. Godwin in his Catal. of Cardinals p. 173. out of whom this is collected * S. N. †In his Catalogue of the Bishops of Hereford * Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops * Godwin in his Catalogue of the Bishops of Exâ—…ter * So Master Stephens his Secretary informed me * See their names in our Church-Hist * See the preface of his works written by Mr. Stephens * Thomas Mils in his Catal. of Honours page 863. * Bale de scri Brit. Cent. 3. Numb 13. Anno 1170. * In Appendice Ang. Script * See J. Davis of Hereford challenging him for his Countryman his Verses on his Display of Heraldry * Sir W. Segar in his Verse before his Book * So informed by Master Cox Draper in London his Executor * Pitsâ—…tate 17 Numero 1053. * Mr. Richard Henchman of S. Mary 〈◊〉 * Above Ten Thousand pounds * Luke 1. 24. * Verâ—…egan Decayed Intellig. pag. 269. * Matth. Paris Anno Dom. 1100. * Monast. Anglicanum pag. 113. * Idem p. 115. * Stows Chro pag. 471. * Selden in his Titles of Hon. pag. 700. ex Manuscripto * Lord Herbert in the Life of King Henry the Eighth pag. 151. Camdens Eliz in apparatu * Idem anno 1560. * In the beginning of the long Parliament 1 Tim. 5. 14. * Gamden's Brit. in Dorsetshire * James 3. 11. * I. Speed or Sir Robert Cotton rather in the description of Huntingtonshire * Camdens Brit. in Hunting tonshire * Speeds Catalogue of Religâ—…ous Houses folio 809. * Proverbs 30. 8. * R. Buckland in Vitis Sanctarum Mulier Anglic. page 242. M. Sâ—… Scâ—… Cant. in the Masters â—…f Peter H. * Antiquit. Brit. pag. 254. * John 8. 2. * By Master Holmes his Secretary being himself deceived without intent to deceive * Mr. White Druggist in Lumbard-street * J. Bale and J. Pitz. De script Brit. * Pitz. De script Brit. Cent. 4 Num. 22. * Vide infra Jo. Yong in the Writers since the Reformation †Pitz. de Ang. scrip in Anno 1255. * Bale de script Brit. Cent 5. Num. 28. * Bale Cent. 3. Numb 9. * Pittz de script Britt Anno 1180. * I. Bale de scrip Britt Cent. 2. Num. 92. Pitz. in Anno 1148 * Anno 1420. AMP. * De script Britt Cent. 9. Num. 9. * So I am informed by his son Mr. White a Druggist living in â—…bard-street * Weavers funeral Monuments in the Preface * Rom. 12. 11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * In the preface of his Church History * Pits de Script Aug. pag. 815. * Deut. 23. 2. * Reckoned by Mr. Stow in his Survey of London * Camdens Brit. in Cambridge-shire * Judges 5. 6. * Hartlibs Leg. pag. 170. * In his Chron. pag. 845. parag 30. * Hartlibs Legacy pag. 15. * In Bark-shire * By Sir George Hastings Mr. Waltham in his compleat Angler pag. 94. * Prov. 30. 28. * Gen. 14. 23. * Hartlib in his Legacy page 32. * Camden Brit. in Kent * Villare Cantianum page 136. 2 Sam. 18. 8. * Verstegan in his restoring of decayed Intelligence * Fitz. Herbert 15. in Title of Villanage * Thus cited for hitherto I have not read the Original by Mr. Selden in his Notes on Poliolbion page 303. * Hieromeâ—… Porter in the Flowers of the lives of the Saints p. 515. * W. Lambert his perambulation of Kent page 550. and 551. G. Sandys on on his notes of the 13. of Ovids Metamorph p. 282. * Vincent in his Discovery of Brook his errors p. 481. * Stow his Chronicle pag. 862. * Stow in his Survey of London continued by How p. 512. * Godwin in his Catalogue of Archbishops of Caâ—…terbury * Weaver Fun. Sermon p. 301. * Cowel's Interp in the word Dean * VVeaver ut prius * 2 Chr. 36. 3. * Bale de script Brit. pag. 564. * Idem Ibidem * Luk. 10. 7. * Matt. 10. 23. * Fox Acts and Monuments * J. Bale in his Book titled Scriptores nostri temporis pag. 102. * Acts and Monuments p. 1014. * Made by Thomas Kemp his Kins-man Bishop of London * Villare Gant p. 24. * All collected out of Godwin his Bishops of London * Lord be thou my strong Rock Ps. 31. 3. a Tho. Wike in his chron of Osney b Godwin in the Bishops of Hereford * Godwin in the Bishop of London c Godwin in the bishops of VVinchester * So was also his Countrey-man Benedict of Gravesend Bishop of Lincoln otherwise not to be remembred †Godwin in his Catalogue of the bishops of London * W. Lambert in his perambulation of Kent * Godwin in his Bishops of Rochester * Villare Cantianum p. 321 * Godwin in the Bishops of Chichester * Baleus * Godwin in his Bishops of London * Weavers Fun. Moâ—… p. 296. * Villare Cantianum p. 145. * Bishop God win in his Bishops of VVinchester â—… J. Bale de Script Brit. cent 8. Numb 62. * Bishop Godwin ut prius * So his near relation informed me * Gamdens Eliz. Anno 1589. * Idem im Anno 1596. * Bishop Godwyn in his Catalogue of the Arch-â—… of Cant. and the life of J. Peâ—…kham * Sir Richard Baker in his Châ—…on * Cambdens Eliz. in Anno 1596. * In the Councel Book of
Burton in his Description of Leicester-shire pag. 2. * Phil. Comincus lib. 1. cap. 11. 2 Sam. 17. 28 Ezek. 49. * In the Proverb of Bean-belly Leicestershire * Austin de civitate lib. 21. c. 4. * Judg. 12. 6. * Jo. Bodin Method Hist. cap. 5. * Mr. Ios. Mede * 〈◊〉 apud A. Gellium lib. 4. cap. 11. * Burtons Description of Leicester 〈◊〉 paâ—… 2. * Her life is wriâ—…ten at large in my Holy State Fox acts and Monuments * Pag. 32. * Bishop Godw. in vita T. Corbridge * 〈◊〉 Description of this County pag. 257. * Godwin in the Bishops of 〈◊〉 and Wells * T. Walsingham * Bishop Godwin writeth hâ—…m Mortivall * 〈◊〉 in the Description of this County Pag. 211. * Bâ—…rton in his Description of Leicesler shire pag. 269. * Goâ—…win in the Bishops of Salisbury 〈◊〉 ut prius * Sir H. Wotton in his Letter to Dr. Collins * 〈◊〉 R. Richard A M P. * Anno 11. R. 2. cap. 4. * Cambd. Brit. in Sussex * So I have learned by his relations * L. Catel na * Camd. Eliz. Anno 1572. * Idem in his Remains pag. 147. * Pitz. de Aug. Script p. 285. * Idem ibidem * De Script Brit. in A. 1320 * In hisdescription of Leicest pag. 40. * Understand it after the death of â—… of Leicester * Pitz. de Ang. Script hoc An. * 〈◊〉 Cent. 6. num 14. * Burton in his Description of 〈◊〉 shire pag. 229. * In Appendice * Leland de Script 265. * De Scrip. Brit. cent 6 num 72. * Bale de Scrip. Brit. pag. 491. * Burton in his Description of Leicestershire pag. 23. * De scrip Brit. Cent. 7. num 33. * Libro de Sacrament c. 50. * Burton in his Description of this Shire pag. 157. * Pitz. de Ang. Script A. 1450. * Burton in his Description of Leicestershire â—… 153. * Weavers Fun. Men. pag. 682. * Mark 15. 21. * Description oâ—… Leicester-sh pag. 174. * Idem p. 68. * Thuanus de Obit virorum Illustrium anno 1602. * Mr. Edward Martin of London * 〈◊〉 Description of Leicester-shire pag. 191. * Stow Survey of London pag. 81. * Mr. Rawlins one of the L. Maiors Court. * They had An. 1607. * 〈◊〉 Leicester-shire 〈◊〉 14. * Burton in Leicester-shire pag. 174. * Burton in Loicester-shire pag. 254. * He was Privy Councelour to K. H. 6. K. E. Burton in descrip of this County Pag. 264. * Burton in the Description of Leicester-sh Pag. 201. * Mr. Dugdale in the description of Warw. pag. 365. * In his Eliz. anno 1560. * Burton in 〈◊〉 p. 105. * Idem p 77. 1 Cor. 12. 24. * In his History of Life and Death * Mr. Walton in his Compleat Angler p. 197. * Idem p. 199. * Polyolbiondon 25 Part. 111. * In his Chronicle p. 948. * Bish. Godwin in his Catal. of the Bishops of York * Reader pardon this true but abortive Notation casually come in before the due Time thereof * Here I mention not Sir Tho. Heneage at the same time a grand Favorite and Privy Councellor to Queen Elizabeth * Ely Peterborough and Oxford * Burton in his Doscription of Leicester-shire * Camd Brit in this County * Mr. John Cleveland * R. Butcher in his Survey of Stamfora p. 40. * See the Proverbs in Oxsordshire * Matth. 26. 8. * Heywood in his Epigrams cent 5. num 19. * Though this Proverb be frequent in this Shire Marham is in Norfolk * Eglogue the first * Bale de scrip 〈◊〉 cent 3. n. 25. and Camd. Brit. in Lincolnshire * Jo. Capg in SS Ang. Matth. West Paris ann 1255. AMP. * De Scrip. Brit. cent 4. num 2. * In an 1241. pag. 576. * Idem in an 1240. p. 524. 542. * 1 King 1. * Fashioned in Form of a Wedge * Harpsfield in his History * Sir John Heywood the Life of King Edw. the Sixth * Peruse Sir Henry Spelmans Glossary in Verbo Chancellariorum * Camdens Remains p. 184. * Sir John Harrington in his Continuation of Bishop Godwins Caâ—… of Bishops * Sir John Heyward in the Reign of K. Edward the Sixth pag. 15. * Idem p. 31. * Bale de Scrip. Brit. Cent. 9. * Stows Survey of London in Tower-street Ward * Camd. Brit. in this County * In his Eliz. anno 1597. * Georgic l. 1. * In my Holy-State REM * Sr. Hen. Spelmans Glos. tit Justitiarius * Bishop Godwin in the Bishops of Winchester AMP. * See Sr. Robert Belknap Title Lawyers in Leicestershire Sr. Hen. Spel. in Glos. verbo Justitiarius AMP. * Spelmans Glossarie pag. 417. * Lord Verulam in the lise of King Henry the 7th pag. 242. * Spelmans Glossarie ut prius Cambden Eliz. Anno. 1587. * Idem Anno. 1600. * Hacluit in his first Vollum 〈◊〉 Sea Voyages * Weaver in his Funeral Mon. in Norfolk pag. 817. S. N. * In his Travells inserted in Hackluits Voyages last part pag. 487. * Idem ibid. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Pag. 865. * Bale de Scrip. Brit. cent 4. num 31. * Pitz. de Scrip. Angl. pag. 35. Anno 1270. * Bale de Scrip. Brit. cent 3. num 81. * Bale de scrip Brit. Cent. 4. n. 79. * Bale de scrip Brit. cent 5. p. 399. * Pitz. de Ang. Script num 636. * Bale de scrip Brit. Cent. 7. n. 48. Pits in Anno 3410. * Bale de Scrip. Brit. Cent. 7. * In his Dialogue Per Religi Er. * Bale de Scrip. Briti Cent. 7. Num. 64. * Pitz de An. Script Anno 1424. * Stow's Survey of London pag. 574. * Bale de scriptor sui temporis * De Angl. Script pag. 757. * P. Morvinus voluntarium in Germaniâ Exilium turpi in 〈◊〉 remansioni praetulit Dr. Humfred in vitâ Juelli pag. 73. * I. Bale * Invita Aesopi * In our Description of Bark-shire under the title of Confessors * So am I informed by his Grandchild and Heire * Living at Tenterbury in Kent * R. Butcher in his survey of Stamford pag. 82. * Camdens Eliz. in Anno 15. * Job 14. 21. * Richard Butcher in his Survey of Stamford pag. 33. AMP. * Idem page 33. 38. * Camd. Brit. in Rutland E stipe collaticia * Camd. Brit. in Essex * De scrip Brit. Cent. 7. n. 41. * Camd. Brit. in Surry * In this Shire Title Statesmen * Prov. 28. 19. * John Norden Speculum Brit. pag. 22. * Camdens Brit. in Middlesex * Norden in his spec Brit. pag. 11. * In the Farwell to this County * See Sir Henry Spelmans Glossary * John Hâ—…iwood in his 26th Epigram upon Proverbs * Cap. 3. * Fox Acts Mon. p. 1685. * Plin. Nat. Hist. * Bale de scrip Brit. c. 7. n. 6. * As Pretor Quaestor Cen. sor Tribunus c. * J. VVaraeus
this Doctor Cosen's Life out of which most of our aforesaid Character hath been excerped Writers WILLIAM SHIRWOOD was born in this Bishoprick being otherwise called William of Durham bred first in University Colledge in Oxford then in Paris and afterwards was made Chancellor of Lincoln In his time the University of Oxford was Interdicted for some affronts offered to the Popes Legate and had lain longer under that burden had not the hands of this William helped to remove it shewing therein no less his love to his Mother than his power with the Pope In that age the English Clergy did drive a great Trade of preferment in France King Henry the third having large Dominions therein and amongst the rest this William was advanced Arch Bishop of Roan where he died Anno Dom. 1249. JOHN of DARLINGTON was born in this Bishoprick at a Town so called needing no other Indication than the Rode passing thorow it into Scotland He was bred a Dominican and a great Clerk Mat. Paris giveth him this Testimony that he was one qui literatura pollebat exellenter consilio King Henry the third made him his Confessor which argueth his Piety that so devout a Prince used him in so consciencious an Office and afterwards he became Arch-Bishop of Dublin in Ireland on this occasion The Prior and Covent of Trinity Church chose William de la Corner the Kings Chaplain whilest the Dean and Chapter of Saint Patricks elected Fâ—…omund le Brun the Popes Chaplain into that See Hence ensued an hot and high contest and Pope John 21. unwilling to engage therein caâ—…ted both their Elections and pitched on our Darlington as a good expedient A person in whom King and Pope met in some equal proportion seeing he was as we have said Confessor to the one and to the other his Collector of Peter-pence as also to his two Successors Nicholas the third and Martin the fourth thorow all Ireland Many Books he wrote to Posterity and returning into England sickned died and was buried in Preaching Friers in London 1284. WILLIAM SIVEYER was born at Shinkley in this Bishoprick where his Father was a Siveyer or Sive-maker and I commend his humility in retaining his Fathers Trade for his Surname to mind him of his mean extraction He was bred in Merton Colledge whereof he became Warden and Provost of Eaton and afterward Bishop of Carlile 1496. whence five years after he was traâ—…lated to Durham His Sur-name so contemptible in English sounds â—…erially and Episcopally when latinized In which language he is rendred Gulielmus Severus severity well agreeing with the gravity of his Function He died Anno Dom 1505. All I will ad is this that England neither before nor since saw two â—…ieve-makers Sons at the same juncture of time advanced to so high dignity this William in the Church Sir Richard Empson in the Common wealth 〈◊〉 the Reformation THOMAS JACKSON born of a good Family in this County was designed to be a Merchant in New-Castle till his Parents were diverted by Ralph Lord 〈◊〉 and perswaded to make him a Scholar He was admitted first in Queens Colledge in Oxford and then became Candidate of a Fellowship in Corpus Christi knowing of the election but the day before he answered to admiration and was chosen by general consâ—…nt Soon after in all likelihood he lost his life being drowned in the River and taken out rather for desire of decent burial than with hope of any recovery He was wrap'd in the Cowns of hâ—…s fellow Students the best shrowd which present love and need could provide him and being brought home to the Colledge was revived by Gods blessing on the care of Doctor Chenil equally to all peoples joy and admiration His gratitude to the Fisher-men who took him up extended to a revenue unto them â—…u ring his life Thus thankful to the Instrument he was more to the Principal striving to repay his life to that God who gave it him He was afterwards Vicar of New Castle a Factor for Heaven in the place where he was designed a Merchant a Town full of men and opinions wherein he endeavoured to rectifie their Errors and unite their Affections At this distance was he chosen President of Corpus Christi Colledge never knowing of the vacancy of the place till by those Letters which informed him it was refilled with his electâ—…on Here he lived piously ruled peaceably wrote profoundly preached painfully His Charity had no fault if not of the largest size oftentimes making the Receiver richer than it left him that was the Donor thereof Learn the rest of his praise from the Learned Writer of his Life in whom nothing wanting save the exact place of his birth and date of his death which hapned about the year 1640. SAMUEL WARD was born at Bishops Middleham in this County his Father being a Gentleman of more Ancientry than Estate He was first Scholar of Christs then Fellow oâ—… Emanuel and afterwards Master of Sidney Colledge in Cambridge and Margareâ—… Professor therein for above twenty years Now because the Pen of a Pupil may probably be suspected of partiality of an Historian I will turn a Translator and only endeavour to English that Character which one who knew him as well as most men and could judge of him as well as any man doth bestow upon him Age perge Cathedram ornare quod facis sacram Subtilitate non levi rapidâ vagâ Sed Orthodoxa quam coronat veritas Et justa firmat soliditas patiens librae Antiquâ—… at is crypta tu penetras frequens Scholasticorum tu profundos vortices Te'nulla fallit nulla te scium latet Distinctionum tela rationum stropha Tam perspicacem mente judicio gravem Linguis peritum tamque nervosum stylo His addo genium temperatum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Placidum modestum lite rixosâ procul Go to go on deck as thou doest the Chaire With subtilty not light slight vage ás air But such as Truth doth crown and standing sure Solidly fix'd will weighing well endure Antiquities hid depths thou oft doest sound And School-mens whirl-pools which are so profound Distinctions threads none can so finely weave Or Reason wrench thy Knowledge to deceive None thy quick sight grave judgement can beguile So skill'd in Tongues so sinewy in style Add to all these that peaceful Soul of thine Meek modest which all brawlings doth decline He turned with the Times as a Rock riseth with the Tide and for his uncomplying there with was imprisoned in Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge In a word he was counted a Puritan before these times and Popish in these times and yet being alwayes the same was a true Protestant at all times He died Anno 1643. and was the first man buried in Sidney Colledge Chappel Memorable Persons ANTHONY Lord GRAY and eighth Earl of Kent of that Surname Son of George Gray 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Salvam his Wife Son to Anthony
Gray Esq and Briget Holland his Wife Son to Gâ—…orge Gray second Earl of Kent of that Family who died in the twentieth year of King Henry the seventh was born at Branspath in this Bishoprick If any ask what occasion drew his Ancestors into the North know that his GrandFather was invited thither to enjoy the company of his Friend and Kinsman the Earl of Westmerland This Gentleman being bred in the University of applyed himself to the study oâ—… Divinity and became Rector of Burbach in Leicester-shire where he preached conâ—…antly and kept an hospitable house for the poor according to his estate It hapned 〈◊〉 by the death of Henry Gray his Kinsman and the seventh Earl of Kent that Earldom descended upon him Anno Dom. 1639. We read of Sigismund the Emperour that when he had knighted a Doctor of the Laws the Knight Doctor sequested himself from the company of Doctors and associciâ—…ted wholly with Knights whereat the Emperor smiled and taxed his folly For 1 said he can make many Knights at my pleasure though indeed I cannot make one Doctor Not so this good Lord who after the accession of his Title did not in the least degrte disdain the society of his fellow Ministers to converse with the Nobility yea he â—…bated nothing in the constancy of his preaching so long as he was able to be led up into the Puâ—…pit He had read in Scripture this Character given to the Bereans These were more noble than these in Thessâ—…lonica in that they received the Word with all readiness and counted it most noble to labour in Gods Vineyard and to deliver his Word to others However a Diamond is best when set in Gold and Goodness is most Illustrious when supported with Greatness He was summoned as a Peer to Parliament but excused himself by reason of Indisposition and Age. Such his humility that Honours did not change Manners in him Thus a mortified mind is no more affected with additions of Titles than a Corps with a gay Coffin By Magdalene Purefoy his Wife he had besides other Children Henry ninth Earl of Kent He died Anno Dom 164 Sheriffs Expect not that to make this Bishoprick Uniform with other Counties I should present a Catalogue of the Sheriffs thereof For the Princely Prelate of this Bishoprick his Sâ—…l not Oval like others but round the more Princely proportion and as I remember gave a crowned Mitre for his Crest was himself always Paramount Sheriffe deputing one often his own Servant under him to execute the Office This Deputy never accâ—…unted at the Exchequer but made up his Audit to the Bishop to whom all perquisites and profits of this place did belong Since after a long discontinuance this County hath obtained its ancient Sheriff the Bishop thereof of whom formerly The Farewell I understand that there is an intention of erecting an University in Durham and that some hopeful progress is made in order thereunto which I cannot but congratulate For I listen not to their Objection alledging it monstrous for one Face to have three Eyes one Land three Universities seeing I could wish that Argus-like it had an hundred in it Would all men were Moses minded that all the people of God might prophesie the rather because I am sure that ignorance is no more the Mother of Devotion than the Lying Harlot which pleaded before Solomon was Mother to the living Child I confess I was always much affected with their fears who suspect that this Convenience for the North would be a Mischief for the South and this new one in process of time prove detrimental to the old Universities Nor were these jealousies when moved removed in my serious consideration not being well satisfied of the intentions and design of some prime persons undertaking the same But since this Fresh-man Colledge lived not to be matriculated much less not lasting seven years graduated God in his wisdom seeing the contrary fitter The worst I should have wished this new spring if continuing was pure water pious and orthodox Professors to have Principled and Elemented the Members therein with Learning and Religion ESSEX ESSEX hath Kent on the South divided by the River Thames Suffolk on the North severed by the River Stoure Cambridge Hertford shire and Middlesex on the West the two later generally parted by the River Ley and the German Ocean on the East A fair County bearing the full proportion of five and thirty miles square plentifully affording all things necessary to mans subsistance save that the Eastern part is not very healthfull in the Aire thereof These parts adjoyning to the Sea are commonly called the Hundreds of Essex and are very fruitfull in Cattle However the Vulgar wits of this County much astonish strangers with the stock of poor people in these parts five hundred Cows nine hundred Sheep wâ—…ch indeed are but five Cows and nine Sheep in this part of the County called the Hundreds Naturall Commodities Saffron Plenty hereof in this County growing about Walden a fair Market Town which Saffron may seem to have coloured with the name thereof It is called as Serapione affirmeth Sahafaran by the Arabians whence certainly our English word is derived In it self it is atmost admirable Cordiall and under God I owe my life when sick of the small pox to the efficacy thereof Now because our own writers may probably be challenged of partialty hear what forraigners speak in the praise of English Saffron Anglia Hibernia laudatissimum Crocum ferunt quo Belgium Germania aliique vicini cibos condiunt ac medicamentis miscent Propagatur inter alia loca etiam in Britanniae insulae meridionali parte quam Angliam vocant Natus ex altera vero septentrionali quam Picti Scoti tenent reprobus est No precious drug is more adulterated with Cartamus the inward pilling of Willow and generally all yellow flowers when it is bought in great parcells which ought to quick en the care of Chapmen herein In a word the Soveraign Power of genuine Saffron is plainly proved by the Antipathy of the Crocodiles thereunto For the Crocodiles tears are never true save when he is forced where Saffron groweth whence he hath his name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the Saffron-fearer knowing himself to be all Poison and it all Antidote Oysters The best in England Fat Salt green-finn'd are bred near Colchester where they have an excellent art to feed them in Pits made for the purpose King James was wont to say he was a very valiant man who first adventured on eating of Oysters most probably meer hunger put men first on that tryal Thus Necessity hath often been the Purveyor to provide diet for delicacy it self famine making men to find out those things which afterwards proved not onely wholesome but delicious Oysters are the onely meat which men eat alive and yet account it no cruelty Sometimes Pearls conside rable both in bulk and brightness have
Sir VVilliam was made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of King Richard the Third He married one of the Daughters and Co-heirs of Thomas Butler Earl of Ormond by whom besides four Daughters married into the Worshipful and Wealthy Families of Shelton Calthrop Clere and Sackvil he had Sir Tho. Boleyn Earle of VViltshire of whom hereafter 10. JOH PEACH Arm. This year Perkin VVarbeck landed at Sandwich in this County with a power of all Nations contemptible not in their number or courage but nature and fortune to be feared as well of Friends as Enemies as fitter to spoil a coast than recover a country Sheriff Peach knighted this year for his good service with the Kentish Gentry acquitted themselves so valiant and vigilant that Perkin shâ—…unk his horns back again into the shell of his ships About 150. of his men being taken and brought up by this Sheriff to London some were executed there the rest on the Sea Coasts of Kent and the neighbouring Counties for Sea-marks to teach Perkin's people to avoid such dangerous shoars Henry the Eighth 5 JOH NORTON Mil. He was one of the Captains who in the beginning of the Raign of King Henry the eight went over with the 1500. Archers under the conduct of Sir Edward Poynings to assist Margaret Dutchesse of Savoy Daughter to Maximillian the Emperour and Governesse of the Low-Countries against the incursions of the Duke of Guelders where this Sir John was knighted by Charles young Prince of Castile and afterwards Emperor He lieth buried in Milton Church having this written on his Monument Pray for the souls of Sir John Norton Knight and Dame Joane his Wife one of the Daughters and Heirs of John Norwood Esq who died Febr. 8. 1534. 7. THOMAS CHEYNEY Arm. He was afterward knighted by King Henry the Eighth and was a spriteful Gentleman living and dying in great honour and estimation a Favourite and Privy Counsellor to four successive Kings and Queens in the greatest â—…urn of times England ever beheld as by this his Epitaph in Minster Church in the Isle of Shepey will appear Hic jacet Dominus Thomas Cheyney inclitissimi ordinis Garterii Miles Guarduanus quinque Portuum ac Thesaurarius Hospitii Henrici octavi ac Edwardi sexti Regum Reginaeque Mariae ac Elizabethae ac eorum in secretis Consiliarius qui obiit mensis Decembris Anno Dom. M. D.L.IX ac Reg. Reginae Eliz. primo 11. JOHN WILTSHIRE Mil. He was Controller of the Town and Marches of Calis Anno 21. of King Henry the Seventh He founded a fair Chappel in the Parish of Stone wherein he lieth entombed with this Inscription Here lieth the bodies of Sir John Wiltshire Knight and of Dame Margaret his Wife which Sir John died 28. Decemb. 1526. And Margaret died of Bridget his sole Daughter and Heir was married to Sir Richard VVingfield Knight of the Garter of whom formerly in Cambridge-shire 12. JOHN ROPER Arm. All the memorial I find of him is this Inscription in the Church of Eltham Pray for the soul of Dame Margery Roper late VVife of John Roper Esquire Daughter and one of the Heirs of John Tattersall Esquire who died Febr. 2. 1518. Probably she got the addition of Dame being Wife but to an Esquire by some immediate Court-attendance on Katharine first Wife to King Henry the Eighth King James 3. MOILE FINCH Mil. This worthy Knight married Elizabeth sole Daughter and Heir to Sir Thomas Heneage Vice Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth and Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster She in her Widowhood by the special favour of King James was honoured Vicounâ—…ess Maidston unprecedented save by One for this hundred years and afterwards by the great Grace of King Charles the First created Countesse of VVinchelsey both Honors being entailed on the Issue-male of her Body to which her Grand-Child the Right Honourable Heneage lately gone Embassador to Constantinople doth succeed The Farewell Having already insisted on the Courage of the Kentish-men and shown how in former Ages the leading of the Van-guard was intrusted unto their magnanimity we shall conclude our Description of this Shire praying that they may have an accession of Loyalty unto their Courage not that the Natives of Kent have acquitted themselves less Loyal than those of other Shires but seeing the one will not suffer them to be idle the other may guide them to expend their Ability for Gods glory the defence of his Majesty and maintenance of true Religion CANTERBURY CANTERBURY is a right ancient City and whilest the Saxon Hâ—…ptar chy flourished was the chief seat of the Kings of Kent Here Thomas Becket had his death Edward surnamed the Black Prince and King Henry the Fourth their Interment The Metropolitan Dignity first conferred by Gregory the Great on London was for the Honour of Augustine afterwards bestowed on this City It is much commended by William of Malmesbury for its pleasant scituation being surrounded with a fertile soil well wooded and commodiously watered by the River Stoure from whence it is said to have had its name Durwhern in British a swift River It is happy in the vicinity of the Sea which affordeth plenty of good Fish Buildings CHRIST CHURCH First dedicated and after 300. years intermission to Saint Thomas Becket restored to the honour of our Saviour is a stately structure being the performance of several successive Arch-Bishops It is much adorned with glasse Windows Here they will tell you of a foraign Embassador who proffered a vast price to transport the East Window of the Quire beyond the Seas Yet Artists who commend the Colours condemn the Figures therein as wherein proportion is not exactly observed According to the Maxime Pictures are the Books painted windows were in the time of Popery the Library of Lay men and after the Conquest grew in general use in England It is much suspected Aneyling of Glass which answereth to Dying in grain in Drapery especially of Yellow is lost in our age as to the perfection thereof Anciently Colours were so incorporated in Windows that both of them lasted and faded together Whereas our modern Painting being rather on than in the Glass is fixed so faintly that it often changeth and sometimes falleth away Now though some being only for the innocent White are equal enemies to the painting of Windows as Faces conceiving the one as great a Pander to superstition as the other to wantonnesse Yet others of as much zeal and more knowledge allow the Historical uses of them in Churches Proverbs Canterbury-Tales So Chaucer calleth his Book being a collection of several Tales pretended to be told by Pilgrims in their passage to the Shrine of Saint Thomas in Canterbury But since that time Canterbury-Tales are parallel to Fabulae Milestae which are Charactered Nec verae nec verisimiles meerly made to marre precious time and please fanciful people Such are the many miracles of Thomas Becket some helpful though but narrow as only for private conveniency