well he performed the third charge of his Fathers Will for subduing of Scotland It was now the sixth yeare after the death of his Father King Edward and Robert Bruce now gotten to be King of Scotland had stayed all this while to see how this new King Edward would prove and when he found by the courses he held that he was like to prove a good easie Enemy he thereupon tooke heart and began to stirre and in a very short time had brought almost all Scotland under his obedience and finding no opposition he entred the English Borders tooke and burnt Townes that now King Edward unlesse he would sit still and suffer Bruce to come and pull his Crown from his head he could not chuse but doe something to stop his proceeding Hereupon he prepares an Army but like himselfe fitter for a Court then for a Campe Many men and great Bravery but readieâ— to take spoiles then to make spoile and accordingly they sped For going to raise the siege at Strâ—veling defended for King Edward by the valiant knight Philip Mowbray the Kings Army consisting of a hundred thousand was defeated and overthrowne by the Scots Army consisting of scarce thirty thousand So true is that saying of an ancient Souldier There is more hope of an Army where the General is a Lion though the Souldiers be but Sheepe then of an Army where the Generall is a Sheepe though the Souldiers be Lions But indeed the Scots besides Valour used Policy For having in their owne Army none but Foot no Horse at all they had made Trenches in the Ground three foot deepe covering them with Twigges and Hurdles where the English Horsemen were to passe who Floundring in those Trenches were killed no lesse by their owne Fellowes then by the Enemy In this Battell called of Bannocks borough were slaine the Lord Mawle the Lord Clifford the Lord Tiptoft the Lord William Marshall Sir Giles Doctor Argenton and seven hundred Knights and Squires specially Gylbert Earle of Glocester who had shewed much Valour that day and whom the Scots would willingly have kept for ransome if they had knowne him but he had forgotten to put on his Coate of Armes whereby to be knowne The slaughter of common Souldiers was certainely great though perhaps not so great as Hector Boetius speakes of who saith they were fifty thousand There were taken Prisoners Humfrey de Bohun Earle of Hereford Iohn Seagrave Iohn Claveringham William Latimer and Sir Roger Northbrooke bearer of the Kings shield the King himselfe with the Bishops the Earles of Hartford and Pembroke and Hugh Spenser saved themselves by flight Humfrey de Bohun Earle of Hereford was afterward released in exchange for Bruces Wife who had beene long kept a Prisoner in England After this many English fell away to the Scots and all the North parts from Carlile to Yorke came under their Subjection and the English grew so faint-hearted and into such contempt that three Scots durst venture upon a hundred English when a hundred English durst scarce encounter with three Scots And what can be thought the cause of this great dysaster to this King but the want of his Fathers blessing for not performing the charge he gave him dying which is commonly accompanyed with the want of a higher blessing without which a Vacat is set upon the labours of men that makes them all frustrate But Bruce not satisfied with his Acquests in England sends his Brother Edward into Ireland also who so farre prevailed that many Irish came in unto him and in the end Crowned him King of a great part of that Island and so continued the space of three yeares till the Primat of Armagh and the Lord Brinningham Justiciar of Ireland gathering Forces together opposed him and in a Battaile taking him Prisoner at Dundalke cut off his head with the slaughter of many thousands of the Scots besides With which the Scots are so incensed that they invade againe the English Borders forraging as farre as Yorke whereupon a Parliament is assembled at London wherein an ayde is granted of Armed men to goe against them London sets forth two hundred Canterbury forty Saint Albons ten and so proportionably for all Cities and Boroughs whereby a great Army was levyed which comming to Yorke through mutiny emulation and other impediments was soone dissolved and returned backe without effecting any thing Not long after the Towne of Berwicke was betrayed to the Scots through the treason of Peter Spalding the Governour and other Englishmen whom the King of Scots to make them an Example caused to be hanged for being Traitors to their Country King Edward hearing of the surrendring of Berwicke raiseth an Army and beleaguers it but the Scots to divert his Forces enter upon England by other wayes and were like to have surprised the person of the Queene lying then neare â—orke The siege of Bâ—rwicke is notwithstanding eagerly continued and the King in great possibility to have regained the Towne had not the Earle of Lancaster with his follâ—wers withdrawne himselfe upon discontent hearing the King say he would give the keeping thereof to Hugh Spenâ—â—r the younger who was now grown a speciall favourite of the Kings and therefâ—râ— not to be enâ—ured by the Earle In the mean 〈◊〉 the Scots wonne the Castles of 〈…〉 and Midâ—ord so as they possessed the greater part of all Northâ—mberland burning all before them 〈◊〉 they came to â—â—â—pon which Towne they spoyledâ— and carrying there three dayes they received â— thousand Markes to save the Towne from burning as they had done the Townes of Norâ—hallerton Borâ—ugh-bridgâ— and others In their returning backe they 〈◊〉 Knaresborough and Shipton in Câ—â—ven and all other afore them carrying into â—â—land a marvellous number of Cattell besides prisoners men and womenâ— Theâ— â—â—â—â—shire men thus grievously endammaged gather together to the number of ten thousand and at the Towne of Mitton tenne miles from Yorke encounter the Scoâ—â— where they lost three thousand of their men and were defeatedâ— which bâ—ttell because of the many Spirituall men that were in it was called the white battell Whereof when the King heardâ— he left the siege of Beâ—wicke to follow the Scots but they returned another way The yeare following King Edward once againe with a great Army entred Scotland but the Scots having destroyed all afore the King oppressed with famine was forced to reâ—urneâ— whom the Scots followed and in a place of the Forest of Blackmore seâ— upon him that he hardly escaped where were taken Iohn Earle of Britaine and the Lord of Silâ—acâ— the French Kings Embassadour and many others After this King Edward finding the Scots either too strong or too wily for him made a Truce with them for two yeares some say for thirteene And this was the successe of this unfortunate King in his warres with Scotland Of his trâ—â—bles at home BUt his troubles abroad were not so grievous as those at home or rather they were those at home that made his
Secretary Iohn Cheeke one of his Schoolmasters Henry Dudley and Henry Nevill were made Knights and that which perhaps it had bin happy if it had never bin Sir Robert Dudley one of the Duke of Northumberlands sons the same who was afterward the great Earle of Leicester was sworne one of the six orninary Gentlemen of the Kings Chamber for after his comming into a place so neere about him the King enjoyed his health but a while The aspiring thoughts of the Duke of Northumberland were now growne up to be put in execution He was advanced in title of honour equall with the highest in authority and power above the highest he had placed his politicke Sonne neere about the Kings person the next thing was to remove the Duke of Somerset out of the way and for this also he had prepared instruments Sir Thomas Palmer Crane Hamond Cecill and others who brought severall accusations against the Duke some trenching upon the King and Kingdome but one specially against the Duke of Northumberlands person whose practises when the Duke of Somerset found and had cause to feare he went one day Armed into the Duke of Northumberlands Chamber with a purpose to kill him but finding him in his bed and being received with much kinde complement by him his heart relenâ—ed and thereupon came away without any thing done at his comming out one of his company asked him if he had done the deed who answered No then said he you are your selfe undone and indeed it so fell out for when all other Accusations were refelled this onely stucke by him and could not be denyed and so on the first of December he was arraigned at Westminster where the Lord William Paâ—let Marquesse of Winchester and Lord Treasurour sat as high Steward of England and with him Peeres to the number of seven and twenty the Dukes of Suffolke and Northumberland the Marquesse of Northampton the Earles of Derby Bedford Huntington Rutland Bathe Sussex Worcester Pembrooke and Hertâ—ord the Barons Aburgaveuy Audeley Wharton Evers Laâ—ymer Borough Zouth Stafford Wentworth Darcye Sturton Windsor Cromwell Cobham and Bray The Lords being set the Inditâ—ments were read in number five containing a charge for raising men in the North parts of the Realme and at his house for assembling men to kill the Duke of Northumberland for resisting his Attacâ—ment for raising London for assaulting the Lords and devising their deaths To all which he pleaded Not guilty and made a satisfactory Answer to every point though the Kings learned Councell pâ—essed them hard against him This done the Lords went together where exception was taken by some â—s a thing unfit that the Duke of Northumberland the Marquesse of Northampton and the Earle of Pembrooke should be of the Jurie seeing the prisoner was chiefely charged with practises against them But to this the Lawyers made answâ—r that a Peere of the Realm might not be challenged so after much variation of opinions the prisoner was acquiâ—t of Treasor but by most voyees found guilty of Felony and that by a Statute lately by his owne pâ—ocuremeâ—t made That if any should attempt to kill a Privie Councellour although the Fact were not done yet it should be Felonie and be punished with death But upon his being acquit of Treason tâ—e Axe of the Tower was presently laid downe which mâ—de people conceive he had beene acquitted of all who thereupon for joy gave so great a shout that it was heard as farre as Charing-Crosse but the Duke was little the better for being acquitted of Treason seeing he was found guilty of Felonie and had Judgement to dye It is thought by some he might have saved his life if he had demanded his Clergie but it is rather thought that in that Statute Clergie wâ—s denied Two moneths after his condemnation much against the Kings will Hee was brought to the Tower-Hill to execution wherâ— bâ—ing â—scended the Scaffold hee entred into a Speech wherein though he justified himselfe for any matter tending to the hurt of the King or Kingdome yet he confessed he was justly by the Law brought to thâ—â— dâ—â—â—h and thanked God that had given him so large a time of repentance speâ—ially that he had opened his eyes to see cleerely the light of the Gospell and going on in his Speech a sudden noyse arose of some crying away â—way which made some thinke a Pardon had beene come but was indeede the voyce of some that had beene warned to be at the Execution and were come somewhat late but the tumult being appeased the Duke went on with his Speech and at last commending his soule to God with a counâ—enance not shewing a signe of feare or perturbation onely his cheekes a little redder then they use â—o be he peaceably laid downe his head upon the blocke and in a moment with one stroke of the Axe had it strucken off The death of this Duke made the Duke of Northumberland more odious to the people then he was before and there were some that dipped Hâ—ndkerchiffes in his blood and kept them to upbraide the Duke of Northumberland withall when he came himselfe afterward to the like end After execution of the Duke Sir Ralph Vane and Sir Miles Partridge were hanged at the Tower-hill Sir Michael Stanhope and Sir Thomas Arundell were there beheaded After the Dukes condemnation it was thought fit to have something done for averting the Kings minde from taking thought and to that end one George Ferrers a Gentleman of Lincolnes-Inne was appointed in the Christmas-time to be Lord of Misrule who so carried himselfe that he gave great delight to many and some to the King but not in proportion to his heavinesse About this time was a call of seven Serjeants at Law who kept their Feast at Grayes-Inne of whom Master Robert Brooke Recorder of London was the first and the next Master Dyer who was chosen Speaker the next Parliâ—ment About this time also the Lord Paget was committed to the Tower â—or what cause is not certaine and being a Knight of the Order his Garder was taken from him by Garter king at Armes upon this pretence that he was said to be no Gentleman either by Father or Mother and the Garter was then bestowed on the Earle of Warwicke the Duke of Norâ—humâ—erlands eldest Sonne and the Lord Rich Lord Chancellour was put off from his Place and the Seal then delivered to Doctor Thomas Goodricke Bishop of Elye About this time also three great Ships were set forth at the Kings charge for discovery of a passage to the East Indies by the North Seas the chiefe Pilot and directour in this Voyage was one Sebastian Gabato an Englishman borne at Bristow but the son of a Genoway these Ships at the last arrived in the Countrey of Muscovia but not without losse of their Captain Sir Hugh Willoughby who being tossed and driven by tempest was afterward found in his Ship frozen to death and all his people At this time alâ—o the Duke of Suffolks three
his fault shall deserve The Bishop alleâ—dged for himself That he had not violated the Right of â—n Ambassadour Via Iuris but Vâ—â— Factâ— to use his own words and therefore adviseth them not to use harder measure to him then was used to the English Ambassadours 〈…〉 in France Râ—ndoll and Tâ—mwoâ—th in Scotland who had raised Rebellions there and were open Abettors of the same and yet had no greater punishment then to be gone at a time limitted When they began to urge him what the English had testified against him he lovingly requested them to give no credit to itâ— forasmuch as by a received Custome which hath the force of a Law The Testimony of an English man against a Scot or of a Scot against an English man is not to be admitted but after some other altercations the Bishop is led away to the Tower and kept close prisoner At this very season Matthew Earl of Lenox Regent of Scoâ—â—and the Kings Grand-father was by the adverse party set upon at unawares who having yeelded himself to David Spense of Wormester that was then very carefull to defend him together with him was slain by Bell and Câ—ulder when with great industry he had governed the Kingdom for his Grand-childe about fourteen months In whose room Iohn Areskin Earl of Marâ—e by common consent of the Kings Faction was chosen Regent of Scotland who being a man of a quiet disposition through extreme grief of the mâ—ny troubles he sustained in the place departed this life when he had governed thirteen months And now a Parliament was held at Westminster wherein besides a Law for preventing of the treacherous endeavours of seditious subjects another Law was made That if any one during the Queens life by Books written or printed shall expressely affirm That any iâ— or ought to be the Heir or Successor of the Queen besides the naturall Off-spâ—ing of her Body or shall to that purpose publish print or dispersâ— any Book or Schedules he and his favourâ—rs shall for the first offence suffer a yeers imprisonment and the losse of one half of his goods and if they offend again they shall be in a Prâ—munirâ— A Law also was made by which to be reconciled to the Sea of Rome was made Treason and it was pronounced against the Queen of Scots That if she offended again against the Laws of England it might be lawfull to question her as the wife of a Peer of the Kingdom of England But here the Queen interposed her Authority and would not suffer it to be enacted About this time in May a solemn Tilting was performed at Westminster where thâ— Challengers were Edward Earl of Oxford Charles Howard Sir Henry Lee and Chriâ—â—â—pher Hattâ—n Esquire who all did valiantly but the Earl of Oxford best Assoon as the Parliament was dissolved a Consultation was held Wheâ—her Iohn Story Doctor of the Laws the Duke D'Alva's Searcher who somtime before was by a wile brought into England being an Englishman born and having in Braâ—ant consulted with a forâ—aign Prince about the invading of England were to be held guilty of high Treason It was resolved aâ—firmatively whereupon he is called to the Bar and indicted of Treasonâ— That he had consulted with one Presâ—all a Conjurer to make away the Queen That he cursed her dayly when he said Grace at Table That he shewed a way to the Secretary of Duke D'Alva how to invade England c. where he affirming That the Judges had no power to meddle with him for that he bâ—longed not to the Queen of England but was the King of Spain's sworn subjectâ— is neverthelesse condemned by the Foâ—m of Nihil dicit forasmuch as no man can renounce the Country wherin he was born nor abjure his Prince at his own pleasure and finally executed after the manner of Trayâ—ors Ireland at this time was indifferent quieâ— for Sir Iohn Perot President of Munster had brought Iames Fitz Morris to submit himself and crave pardon Sidney the Lord Deputy returned into England and Sir William Fitz Williams who had marryed his sister succeeded in his room It was now the fifteenth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign when Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk on the sixteenth day of Ianuary was brought to his Tryall at Westminster-Hall where sate as Commissioners George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury made High Steward of England for that day Reynold Grey Earl of Kent Thomas Ratcliff Earl of Sussex Henry Hastings Earl of Huntington Francis Russell Earl of Bedford Henry Herbert Earl of Pembrâ—â—k Edward Seymor Earl of Hertford Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester Walter Devereux Viscount of Hereford Edward Lord Clinton Admirall William Lord Howard of Effingham Chamberlain William Cecill Lord Burley Secretary Arthur Lord Grey of Wilton Iames Blunt Lord Mountjoy William Lord Sands Thomas Lord Wentworth William Lord Borough Lewis Lord Mordant Iohn Pawlet Lord St. Iohn of Bâ—sing Robert Lord Rich Roger Lord North Edmund Bruges Lord Châ—ndois Oliver Lord St. Iohn of Blâ—tsho Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst and William West Lord de la Ware After silence bidden Sir Owen Hopton Lievtenant oâ— the Tower is commanded to bring the Duke to the Bar and then the Clerk of the Crown said Thomas Duke of Norfolk late of Keningale in the County of Norfolk Hold up thy hand which done the Clerk with a loud voyce readeth the crimes laid to his charge That in the eleventh yeer of the Queens Raign he had trayterously consulted to make her away and to bring in forraign Forces for invading the Kingdom Also That he dealt with the Queen of Scots concerning Marriage contrary to his promise made to the Queen under his hand writing Also That he relieved with money the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland that had stirred up Rebellion against the Queen Also That in the thirteenth yeer of the Queens Raign he implored Auxiliary Forces of Pope Pius the fifth the Queens professed enemy of the King of Spain and the Duke D'Alva for the freeing of the Queen of Scots and restoring of the Popish Religion And lastly That he sent supply to the Lord Heris and other the Queens enemies in Scotland These Indictments being read the Clerk demanded of the Duke if he were guilty of these crimes or not Here the Duke requested he might be allowed to have Counsell But Catiline chief Justice made answer That it was not lawfull Yet saith the Duke I have heard that Humphrey Stafford in the Raign of K. Henry the seventh in a Cause of Treason had one assigned to plead for him To which Dyer chief Justice of the Common-Pleas made answer That Stafford had Counsell assigned him concerning the Right of Sanctuary from whence he was taken by forceâ— but in the Inditement of Treason he pleaded his own cause After this the Duke yeelding to be tryed by the Peers first Barham Serjeant at Law then Gerard the Queens Atturney and lastly Bromley the Queens Solicitor enforced the crimes objected against him to
into the Town their own Army sickly Victualls and Powder failing and that which most of all Sir Francis Drake not bringing the great Ordnance as he promised they departed from the Suburbs of Lisbon towards Cascais a little Town at the mouth of the River Tagus which Town Drake had taken this meane while who excused his not coming to Lisbon by reason of the Flatâ— he must have passed and the Castle of Saint Julian Fortified with fifty pieces of great Ordnance Neer this place they found threescore Hulkeâ— of the Hause towns of Germany laden with corne and all manner of Munition which they took as good prize towards their charges in regard the Queen had forbidden them to carry Victualls or Munition to the Spaniard From hence they set sayle toward Virgo a forlorne Town by the Sea-side and pillaging all along that Quarter returned for England having lost in the Voyage of Souldiers and Marriners about six thousand yet not so much by the Enemy as by eating of strange fruites and distemper of the Climate It concerns the state of England to look at this time into the state of France for while those things were in doing between Spain and England the Popish Princes of France under pretext of defending the Catholike Religion entred into a combination which they called The holy League The purpose whereof was to root out the Protestants and to divert the Right of Succession to the Crown of France For they bound themselves to each other by oath to suffer no person but a Catholike to be King of France which was directly to exclude the King of Navarre and the Prince of Conde if the present King without issue male should fail The head of this League was the Duke of Guise who having given some overthrows to the German Forces that came into France in aid of the Protestants was immeasurably extolled by the Clergie and others and grew to such a height of reputation that entring into Paris he made the King glad to leave the City and in an Assembly at Bloys to make him great Master of the French Cavalery and to consent by Edict to the cutting off the Protestants So as the King standing now in fear of him used means at last even in the very Court to have him murthered and soon after the Cardinall his brother to be strangled Hereupon so great a confusion followed that the people every where disobeyed the Magistrates and spoiled the Kings very Pallace at Paris Some Cities affected a Democrâ—cie others an Aristocracie but few liked of a Monarchy The Confederates in the mean while made a new Seal usurped the Royall Authority seized into their hands the best fortified places intercept the Kings Revenues call in Spanish Souldiers and in all places denounce war and violence against the King And the King in this case being forced to flye to the Protestantâ— for succour they then most wickedly by one Iames Clement a Monk made him away The King being ready to dye Declareth the King of Navarre to be his lawfull successor but the Confederates would exclude him as an open Heretick and yet whom to make choice of they cannot well agree some would have the Duke of Lorraine as being descended from the ancient Kings of France some thâ— Duke of Savoy as borne of the French Kings daughter a Prince Poâ—eâ—t and Couragious others would have the Duke of Guises brother that waâ— murtheredâ— others the King of Spain but the greatest part gave theiâ— voices for the Câ—rdinall of Bourbon who was one degree neerer alâ—yed to the slain King then the King of Navarre his Nephew He therefore was presently proclaimed King of France with the Title of Charls the Tenth but he being a Priest the King of Navarre also was at the same time proclaimed King of France who abode at Diepe a Sea Town of Normandy and doubted not to drive the Cardinall easily out of France The King of Navarre being thus raised in Dignity but weake in means implored Aid of the Queen of England offering to make a League Offensive and Defensive the Queen out of a pious respect to a King of her own Religion sent him presently two and twenty thousand pound sterling in Gold such a summe of Gold as he professed he had never seen at one time before and withall supplyed him with four thousand Souldiers under the command of Peregrine Lord Willoughby for Colonells she appointed Sir Thomas Wilford who was made Marshâ—ll of the Field Iohn Boroâ—ghs Siâ— William Drury and Sir Thomas Baskervyle and gave them a months pay in hand Hereupon the Confederates whom the King had vanquished â— little before at Arques beyond all expectation began to quaile and the day before the Arrivall of the English they vanished away with this addition of Forces the King marcheth to Paris and being ready to enter the Citie causeth a retreat to be â—ounded as loath to have spoile made of a Citie which he hoped shortly should be his own Afterwards by the assistance of the English he wonne many Towns and then having marched at least five hundred miles on foot he gave them leave after a long winters service to returne into England In which Voyage of men of note dyed Captain Hunnings but of a naturall death also Stubbs he whose right hand was cutt off for writing the book against the Queens marriage and Sir William Drury slain by Master Boroâ—ghs in a single Combat where the quarrell was that he being but a Knight would take place of Boroughs that was the younger son of a Baron contrary to the Lawes of the English Gentry About this time Iames King of Scots with Queen Elizabeths good liking Espoused Anne the daughter of Frederick the second King of Denmarke by his Deputy but she afterward sayling for Scotland was by tempest cast upon Norway and there through continuall stormes forced to stay so as the King in the winter season set sayle thither that the marriâ—ge according to his vow might be accomplished within the yeer some were of opinion that those stormes were caused by witch-craft and was confirmed indeed by some witches taken in Scotland who confessed they had raised those stormes to keep the Queen from landing in Scotland and that the Earl of Bothwell had asked Counsell of them concerning the Kings end who was thereupon cast into prison but in a short time breaking loose occasioned new stirs in Scotland This yeer many Noble personages dyed Frances Countesse of Sussex sister to Sir Henry Sidney Sir Walter Mildway Chancellour and Vice-Treasurer of the Exchequer William Somerset Earl of Worcester so numerous in his off-spring that he could reckon more children of both Sexes then all the Earls of England Also Iohn Lord Sturton Henry Lord Compton and at Bruxels the Lord Paget At this time the Queen who was alwayes frugall strained one point of Frugality more then ever she had done before for upon the information of one Caermarden though Burleigh Leicester and Walsingham were
VERA EFFIGIES EXCELLENTISSIMI PRINCIPIS CAROLI MAG BRITAN FRAN. HIBERNIAE HAEREDIS Viuat ô Viuat Princeps CAROLINUS et Orbi Imperet inÌ„umeris decorans sua sêcla Triumphis Flourish braue Prince out shine thy Glorious Name Triumphant Laurels ever Crowne thy Fame CAROLUS inter Reges ut Lilium inter Flores VEROLAM LINCOâ—â—â— LONDON YORK A ROMAN A SAXON A DANE A NOâ—â—â—â— CHRONICLE OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND From the Time of the ROMANS Goverment unto the Raigne of our Soveraigne LORD KING CHARLES Containing all Passages of State Church With all other Observations proper for a CHRONICLE Faithfully Collected out of Authours Ancient and Moderne digested into a new Method By Sr R. Baker Knight LONDON Printed for Daniel Frere and are to be sold at his Shop at the Red Bull in Little Brittaine 1643. To the High and Mighty Prince CHARLES Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornewall Eldest Sonne of our Soveraigne Lord CHARLES King of Great Britaine France and IRELAND SIR THE Dedication of Chronicles hath in all times been thought worthy of the greatest Princes Gulielmus Gemiticensis writ a Chronicle of the Dukes of Normandy and Dedicated it to William the Conquerour Thomas Walsingham writ a Chronicle of the Kings of England and Dedicated it to King Henry the sixth And of late time Sir Francis Bacon Viscount Saint Albans and Lord Chancellour of England writ a History of the Reigne of King Henry the seventh and Dedicated it to Your Royall Grand-Father of blessed memory King Iames For indeed as nothing makes Princes more Illustrious then Learning So no Learning makes them more Judicious then History Other Learning may fill their mindes with knowledge This onely with Judgement And seeing it is Judgement that must sit as President over all their Actions it is fit that History should sit as President over all their Studies History gives an Antedate to Time and brings Experience without gray haires Other Knowledges make You but see Quod antepedes est History is the true perspective Glasse that will make You see things afarre off And though it make not men to become Prophets yet it makes their conjectures to be little lesse then Oraclesâ— But most Illustrious Prince there accrues to your Highnesse by this Chronicle a greater benefit then all this For if it were an Excitation of great force to vertue to have it said Et Pater Aeneas Avunculus excitet Hector of how great Force must it needes be when You shall reade the Noble Acts of so many your worthy Progenitors Some Eternized for their valourous Atchievements in Warre Some for their prudent government in Peace Some Renowned for Mercy some for Justice And although the Example of your Royall Father be not amongst them yet it may be sufficient that while you have the Acts of others upon Record you have his under View by which he seemes to say unto you Disce Puer virtutem exme verumque laborem Fortunam ex aliis And if in any of your Progenitors there appeare as it were Maculae in Orbe Lunae will it not invite you to a higher Orbe that Your Actions may shine with the clearer Beames and then how happy will the eyes be that shall see you sitting in your Throne For my selfe I should account it happinesse enough that I have lived to see the dayes of your Illustrious Father if it were not a great unhappines to see them overcast with clouds yet when these clouds shal be dispel'd will it not make him shine with the greater Splendor And this as old as I am I doubt not to live my selfe to see and having once seene it shal then willingly say my Nunc Dimittis and lâ—ave the joy of your glorious times for another Age In the meane time prostrating my self humbly at your feet and wishing to your Highnesse as Dâ—iphobus did to Aeneas I Decus I Nostrum Melioribus utere Fatis Your most humble and most devoted Servant RICHARD BAKER An Epistle to the READER THis Booke I suppose will no sooner come abroad but the question will be asked why any man would take so superfluous a Labour to write that which hath been written by so many by some so copiously by some so elegantly that nothing can be added To which Objection I confesse my selfe unable to make a better Answer then by President For when many excellent men had written the Story of the Roman Emperours both accurately and eloquently yet Suetonius Tranquillus comming after them wanted not his part of Commendation For though he added nothing in the matter or substance yet be altered much in the forme and disposition distinguishing that into Classes and Chapters which the former had delivered in one continued Narration as being both lesse tedious to the Reader like a way marked out by Miles and more plainly Informing where Distinction tooke away confusion Besides many have Written the Reignes of our English Kings copiously indeed but so superfluously that much may justly be pared away Some againe Elegantly indeed but so succinctly that much as justly may be added And this if I have endevoured to doe I cannot be blamed If done it I deserve acceptance Againe where many have written the Reignes of some of our Kings excellently as in the way of History yet I may say they have not done it so well in the way of Chronicle For whilst they insist wholly upon matters of State they wholly omit meaner Accidents which yet are Materials as proper for a Chronicle as the other For my selfe if in some places I be found to set downe whole passages as they are already set downe by others and may seeme rather to transcribe then to write yet this I suppose may be excused as being all of one common stocke and no matter from whence the water comes so it come cleane to the Readers use Lastly for the Worke it selfe I dare be bold to say that it hath beene Collected out of Authours both Ancient and Moderne with so great care and diligence that if all other Chronicles should be lost yet this onely would be sufficient to informe Posterity of all passages memorable or worthy to be knowne which of any other generall Chronicle cannot perhaps be said RICHARD BAKER A CATALOGVE OF VVRITERS BOTH ANCIENT AND MODERNE Out of whom this CHRONICLE hath beene Collected 1 GIldas Britannicus surnamed the Wise was the first writer of our English Nation who amongst other his Workes writ a Treatise De Excidio Britanniae He was borne in the year 493. and dyed in the yeare 580. 2 Nennius a Monke of Bangor writ the Story of Britaine and lived about the yeare 620. 3 Venerable Bede a Saxon and a Priest writ the Ecclesiasticall Story of the English Nation from the comming in of Julius Caesar to the yeare 733. about which time he dyed 4 Ethelwardus a writer next to Bede the most ancient writ a generall Chronicle from the Creation to the end of King Edgar 5 Radulphus de Diceto
made benefit of the vacancie of Bishopricks and Abbeys so did King Henry K. Iohn took great Fines of many for crimes not proved but onely supposed so did King Henry King Iohn made benefit of a new Seale so did King Henry King Iohn extorted great summes from the Iewes so did King Henry And one way more he had to get money which perhaps his Father had not and that was by begging as he told the Abbot of Borough It was more Almes to give money to him then to the Begger that went from doore to doore Indeed Taxations in this Kings Raigne may be reckoned amongst his Annuall Revenues for scarce any yeare passed without a Parliament and seldome any Parliament without a Taxe or if any sometimes without it was then cause of the greater Taxation some other way as when he tooke of the Londoners for having aided the Barons twenty thousand Markes Of his Lawes and Ordinances IN this Kings Raigne were ratified and confirmed the two great Charters of Magna Charâ—a and Charta de Foresta also in his time were enacted the Statutes called of Merton of Oxford and of Marleborough Also stealing of cattell which before was but Pecuniary he made capitall and the first that suffered for the same was one of Dunstable who having stollen twelve Oxen from the Inhabitants of Colne and being pursued to Redburne was by a Bailiffe of Saint Albons according to the Kings Proclamation condemned and beheaded And it may seeme strange that in these times so much bloud should be shed in the field and none upon the scaffold for till the twenty sixth yeare of this King that one William Marisc the sonne of Geoffrey Marisc a Noble man of Ireland being condemned for Piracie and Treason was hanged beheaded and quartered there is no example of that kinde of punishment to be found in our Histories Particularly in this Kings Raigne was made that Statute by which the Ward and marriage of the heires of Barons within age is given to the King Also in this Kings Raigne the Pleas of the Crowne were pleaded in the Tower of London All Weares in the Thames are in this Kings time ordained to be pluck'd up and destroyed Also the Citizens of London are allowed by Charter to passe Toll-free through all England and to have free Warren about London also to have and use a common Seale Also it was ordained that no Sheriffe of London should continue in his office longer then one yeare which they did before for many In the five and twentieth yeare of this King were Aldermen first chosen within the City of London which then had the rule of the City and of the Wards of the same and were then yearely changed as now the Sheriffes are It was in this Kings time allowed to the City of London to present their Major to the Barons of the Exchequer to be sworne which before was to be presented to the King wheresoever he were In his time the clause Noâ— obstante brought in first by the Pope was taken up by the King in his grants and writings Also in this Kings time William Bishop of Salisbury first caused that custome to be received for a Law whereby the Tenants of every Lordship are bound to owe their suite to the Lords Court of whom they hold their Tenements Affaires of the Church in his time AFfaires of the Church for matter of Doctrine were never more quiet then in this Kings Raigne for now all Heresies accounted of the time especially the Albigenses were in a manner suppressed by the Armes of the King of France not without the Vote of the King of England who forbore to make warre upon him in tendernesse to this service but for matter of manners they were never more turbulent for now Abbeys were fleeced Sanctuaries violated Clergy-men outraged Bishops themselves not spared and all for greedinesse of money or for revenge Ottobone the Popes Legat here in England lying at the Abbey of Oseney there happened a difference betweene his servants and the Schollers of Oxford in which contention a brother of his was slaine and theâ— Legat himselfe faine to fly into the Steeple for safegard of his life whereupon afterward being gotten from thence by the Kings safe conduct he thundred out curses against the Schollers and interdicted the University so as the Colledges grew desolate and the Students were dispersed abroad into other places for the space of halfe a yeare till the Monkes of Oseney and the Regent Masters of Oxford were faine to goe bare-foote and bare-head through London as farre as Durham house where the Legat lay and there upon their humble submission and great mens intercession they were absolved and the University restored to its former estate But of this Ottobone it may not be impertinent to relate a little further that going afterward out of England he came by degrees after the death of Innocent the fifth to be Pope of Rome himselfe by the name of Adrian the fifth and died within fifty dayes after his election Amongst affaires of the Church may be reckoned the Ulcers of any member of the Church such a one as in this Kings time brake out most loathsome for one procuring five wounds to be made in his body in resemblance to the five wounds in Christs body tooke upon him to be Christ and had gotten a Woman that tooke upon her to be the Virgin Mary who continuing obstinate in their madnesse were adjudged to be immured and shut up betweene two wals to the end no doubt the contagion of their filthinesse should spread no further In this Kings time a little novelty was first brought in by Pope Innocent the fourth who ordained that Cardinals should weare red Hats something perhaps for mystery and something for distictnion Workes of piety done by him or by others in his time THis King caused a chest of Gold to be made for laying up the Reliques of King Edward the Confessour in the Church of Westminster Hee builded a Church for converted Iewes in London also an Hospitall at Oxford for passengers and diseased persons also the new Coventuall Church and the Chappell of our Lady at Westminster whereof hee laid himselfe the first stone also the houâ—e of Black-Friers in Canterbury In his time Ela Countesse of Salisbury founded the Abbey of Lacok in Wiltshire Richard Earle of Cornwall founded Hayles a Monastery of Cistersian Monkes neare to Winchcombe in Glocestershire Reginold de Moun Earle of Somerset and Lord of Dunster founded the Abbey of Newham in Devonshire Ranulph the third Earle of Chester and Lord of little Britaine builded the Castles of Chartley Bestone and the Abbey of Dela Cresse Sir Iohn Mansell the Kings Chaplaine founded a house of Regular Chanons neare to Rumney in Kent William de Albineto Earle of Arundell founded the Priory of Wimondham William Brunc a Citizen of London and Rosia his wife founded the Hospitall of our Lady without Bishopsgate in London And Isabel Countesse of Arundell founded the
brought to King Edward and for the love of her Prince Leolyn was content to submit himselfe to any conditions which besides subjection of his State was to pay fifty thousand pounds Sterling and a thousand pounds per annum during his life and upon these conditions the marriage with his beloved Lady was granted him and was solemnized here in England whereat the King and Queene were themselves present Three yeares Leolyn continued loyall and within bounds of obedience in which time David one of his Brothers staying here in England and found by the King to be of a stirring Spirit was much honoured by him Knighted and matched to a rich Widow Daughter of the Earle of Darby and had given him by the King besides the Castle of Denbigh with a thousand pounds per annum though as it was afterwards found he lived here but in the nature of a spy For when Prince Leolyns Lady was afterward dead and that he contrary to his Conditions formerly made brake out into rebellion then goes his Brother David to him notwithstanding all these Favours of the King and they together enter the English Borders Surprise the Castles of Flynt and Rutland with the person of the Lord Clifford sent Justiciar into those parts and in a great Battaile overthrew the Earles of Northumberland and Surrey with the slaughter of Sir William Lyndsey Sir Richard Tanny and many others King Edward advertised of this Revolt and overthrow being then at the Vyzes in Wiltshire prepares an Army to represse it but before his setting forth goes privately to his Mother Queene Eleanor lying at the Nunnery of Aimesbury with whom whilest he conferred there was one brought into the Chamber who faigned himselfe being blinde to have received his sight at the Tombe of King Henry the third Aâ—soone as the King saw the man he remembred he had seene him before and knew him to be a most notorious lying Villaine and wished his Mother in no case to beleeve him but his mother who much rejoyced to heare of this Miracle for the glory of her husband finding her sonne unwilling that his Father should be a Saint grew suddenly into such a rage against him that she commanded him to avoid her Chamber which the King obeyes and going forth meetes with a Clergy man to whom he tels the story of this Impostour and merrily said He knew the justice of his Father to be such that he would rather pull out the eyes being whole of such a wicked wretch then restore them to their sight In this meane time the Arch-bishop of Canterbury had gone of himselfe to Prince Leolin and had laboured to bring him and his brother David to a re-submission but could effect nothing for besides other reasons that swayed Prince Leolin the conceit of a Prophesie of Merlin that he should shortly be Crowned with the Diadem of Brute so overweighed him that he had no care for peace and shortly after no head for after the Earle of Pembroke had taken Bere Castle which was the seat of Prince Leolin he was himself slain in battell and his head cut off by a common Souldier was sent to King Edw. who caused the same to be Crowned with Ivie and to be set upon the Tower of London And this was the end of Leolin the last of the Welsh Princes betraied as some write by the men of Buelth Not long after his brother David also is taken in Wales and judged in England to an ignominious death First drawn at a horse taile about the City of Shrewsbury then beheaded the trunke of his body divided his heart and bowels burnt his head sent to accompany his brothers on the Tower of London his foure quarters to foure Cities Bristow Northâ—â—pton York and Winchester A manifold execution and the first shewed in that kind to this kingdome in the person of the son of a Prince or any other Noble man that we reade of in our History It is perhaps something which some here observe that at the sealing of this conquest King Edward lost his eldest son Alphonsus of the age of twelve years a Prince of great hope and had onely left to succeed him his sonne Edward lately borne at Carnarvan and the first of the English intituled Prince of Wales but no Prince worthy of either Wales or England And thus came Wales to be united to the Crowne of England in the eleventh yeare of this King Edwards Raigne who thereupon established the government thereof according to the Lawes of England as may be seene by the Statute of Rutland in the twelfth yeare of his Raigne The worke of Wales being setled King Edward passeth over into France upon notice of the death of Philip the Hardy to renew and confirme such conditions as his state in those parts required with the new King Philip the fourth intituled the Faire to whom he doth homage for Aquitaine having before quitted his claime to Normandy for ever After three yeares and a halfe being away in France he returns into England and now in the next place comes the businesse with Scotland and will hold him woâ—ke at times as long as he lives and his sonne after him Alexander the third King of Scots as he was running his horse fell horse and man to the ground and brake his necke and died immediatelyâ— by reason whereof he leaving no issue but onely a daughter of his daughter Margaret who died also soone after there fell out presently great contention about succession Ten Competitors pretend title namely Erick King of Norway Florence Earle of Holland Robert Bruce Earle of Anandale Iohn de Baylioll Lord of Galloway Iohn de Hastings Lord of Abergeveny Iohn Cummin Lord of Badenaw Patrick de Dunbarre Earle of March Iohn de Vescie Nicholas de Sulâ—s William de Rosse all or most of them deâ—cending from David Earle of Huntington younger brother to William King of Scots and great Unkle to the late King Alexander This title King Edward takes upon him to decide pretending a Right of Superiority from his Ancestours over that kingdome and proving it by authority of old Chronicles as Marianus Scotus William of Malmsbury Roger de Hoveden Henry of Huntington Ralph de Luceto and others which though the Scottish Lords who swaied the Interregnum opposed yet are they constrained for avoyding of further inconveniences to make him Arbiter thereof and the tenne Competitours bound to stand to his award Two are especially found betweene whom the â—ight lay Iohn de Baylioll Lord of Galloway and Robert Brâ—ce the one descending from an elder daughter the other from a sonne of a younger daughter of Alan who had married the eldest daughter of this David brother to King William The controversie held long twelve of either kingdome learned in the Lawes are elected to debate the same at Berwick all the best Civilians in the Universities of France are solicited to give their opinions all which brought forth rather doubts then resolutions whereupon King Edward the better to
beheaded he was the same day without the Towne of Pomfret before his owne Castle To speake of the Miracles said to be done by him after his death might be fit for a Legend but not for a Chronicle and therefore I omit them By the like judgement were condemned the Lord Cliffordâ— the Lord Warren Lisle the Lord William Tuchet Thomas Maudit Henry Bradburne Williâ—m Fits-Williams William Lord Cheyney Thomas Lord Mâ—wbray Ioceline Lord Danill all which were executed at Yorke Shortly after the Lord Henry Teyes is taken drawne hanged and quarterâ—d at London the Lord Aldenham at Windsor the Lords Baddlesmere and Ashburton at Canterbury at Cardiffe in Wales Sir William Flemming at Bristow Siâ— Henry Womington and Sir Henry Montford Bannerets at Glocester the Lord Cliffordâ— and Sir William Elminbridge principall men in principall places to spread the more â—eâ—rour over the kingdome all their estates and inheritances are confiscated and â—â—ny new men advanced by the same And this is the first bloud of Nobility that ever was shed in this manner in England since William the Conquerour But not long after the King in a calmer humour beganne to have a sense oâ— the Earle of Lancasters execution which he discovered upon this occasion some â—bouâ— him making earnest suite for a Pardon to one of the Earles followers and preâ—â—â—ng the King hard to it he fell into a great pâ—ssion exclâ—iming â—gâ—inst them as unjusâ— and wicked Counsellours who would urge him to save the life of a notorious Vâ—â—let and would not speake one word for his neare kinsman the Earle of Lancasteâ— who said he had he lived might have beene useâ—ull to me and the whole kingdome but this fellow the longer he lives the more mischiefe he will doe and therefore by the soule of God he should die the death he had deserved Sir Andrew Harkeley who was the man that tooke the Earle of Lancaster prisoner being advanced for his service to the Earledome of Carlile enjoyed his honour but a while for the next yeare after either thrust out into discontent by the Spensers envying his high preferment or combining with the Scots upon hope of a great match as he was accused he is degraded of all his honours drawne hanged and quartered at Londâ—n for Treason But now the King of France summons King Edward to come and doe his homage for Gascoyne and he not comming all his Territories in France are adjudged to be forfeited and many places of importance are seiâ—ed on by the French Hereupon a Parliament is called and it is by common consent of all agreed that the King should not goe in person himselfe in regard of the distraction of the times but should send some speciall man to excuse his appearance whereupon Edmund Earle of Kent the Kings brother is sent but to little effect Then it is thought fit the Queene should goe and indeed the Queene went but what was the cause of her going there is amongst Writers great variance some say she was sent by the King to accommodate this businesse which she negotiated so well as that all quarrels were ended upon condition the King should give to his sonne Edward the Dutchie of Aquitaine with the Earledome of Ponthieu and send him over to doe his homage for them which after many consultationsâ— the King is wrought to yeeld unto and the Prince is sent with the Bishop of Exeter and others to the Court of France accordingly but others sayâ— she went out of discontent to complaine to her brother the King of France for wrongs offered her by the Spensers who had so alienated the Kings minde from her that he would scarce come where she was nor allow her fit maintenance for her calling But whatsoever was the cause of her goingâ— there appeared no cause of her staying but that she had gotten into her company Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmâ—re a gallant young Gentlemanâ— whom she specially favoured lately escaped out of the Tower of London by giving his keepers as was said a sleeping drinke And withall the Bishop of Exeter perceiving some plots to be in hand and their close consultations made without him withdrawes himselfe secretly and discovers to the King what he observed in their courses Whereupon the King sends presently for the Quâ— and Prince and solicits the King of France to hasten their return which when he saw was neglected and delaied he caused them openly to be proclaimed enemies to the kingdome banished them and all their adherents out of the Land and withall causeth all the Ports to be strongly kept and sends three Admirals to attend in severall Coasts to hinder their landing It was not without suspition that as the King for love of the Spensers had his minde alienated from loving the Queen so the Queen for love of Mâ—rtimer had her minde alienated from loving the King and therefore having him with her câ—red not how long she staied However it was when the Queene heard of the Kings Proclamation she knew there was no returning for her into England without some good assistance whereupon soliciting her brother the King of France he aided her with men and money say some but others that he refusing to aide her as being wrought under hand by the Spensers against her she left the French Court and went into Heynault to the Earle of that Countrey who upon a contract betweene her sonne Prince Edward and Philippa the Earles daughterâ—â—ided her with a competent Army under the conduct of his brotheâ— Iohn and with them and her beloved Mortimer she tooke shipping and landed at Orwell a Port neare unto Harwich in Suffolke where presently came to her the Earle Marshall Henry Earle of Leycester and Henry Earle of Lancaster with the wry neck called Tâ—rtcâ—ll with many other Lords and Bishops The King at this time being at London and hearing of the Queenes landing with such forces and chiefely how all the Realme ranne flocking to her was â—uddenly strucken into a great amazement and though he had his great Counsellours the Spensers about him yet now he found what little good thâ—ir counsel could do him and indeed in this case what should he or what could he do To stay in London was apparent danger for he plainely saw the Londâ—ners to be more inclining to take the Queenes part then his and to goe from London to any other place was as unsafe all places being possest eitheâ— with certaine Enemies or uncertaine Friendsâ— at last the Isle of Lundy is thought of a place plentifull of provisionâ— abounding with Conies Fish and Fowle and the Island of hard accesse as having but one place in it where it could be entred and that so narrow that a few might easily keepe out many upon this place he resolvesâ— and taking with him the Earle of Glocester the Spensers and Robert â—aldâ—cke with some feâ— others he â—akes shipping but by contrary windes is driven backe and raine through Tempests to land in Wales and there in the Abbey of
will exercise his Ecclesiasticall authoritie and proceed to Excommunication of his Officers though not of himselfe Queen or children The King answers and sends his Letter to the Bishop of London charging the Arch-bishop to be the câ—â—se of all this disturbance having beene the man that first set him upon the warre with France assuring him he should want no money and now had beene the hinderance that monies given him by Parliament were not duly levied and after many remonstrances to such purpose concludes that if he desisted not from his reâ—â—llions obstinacie he would use his Temporall authority and prooceed 〈…〉 as against a Rebell But this difference betweene them was not long after upon the Arch-bishops submission reconciled And indeed the great account which this King made of Clergy men may appeare by his imploying almost none but Clergy men in all his Offices of accountâ— Simon â—â—â—gham Arch-bishop of Canterbury was Chancellour of England William Wickam Arch-deacon of Lincolne keeper of the Privy Seale David Willer Parson of Somerâ—â—â—â— Master of the Rolles ten Beneficed Priests Civilians Masters of the Chancery William Mulse Deane of Saint Martins le Grand chiefe Chamberlaine of the 〈◊〉 Receiver and keeper of the Kings Treasure and Jewelsâ— Willâ—am Aâ—â—â—y Arch-deacon of Northampton Chancellour of the Exchequerâ— William Diâ—htâ—◠〈◊〉 of Saint Marâ—ins Clerke of the Privy Sealeâ— Richard Chesterfield Pâ—ebâ—nd 〈…〉 Stephensâ— Treasurer of the Kings house Henry Snatcâ— Parson of 〈…〉 of the Kings Wardrobe Iohn Nâ—wâ—ham Parson of Fenâ—y-staâ—â—on one of the 〈◊〉 of the Exchâ—quer Iohn â—ouseby Parson of 〈◊〉 Surveyor and 〈◊〉 of the Kings workes Thomas Brittingham Parson of Asby Treasurer 〈…〉 King for the parts of Guisnes and the Marches of Callice Iohn Troys a Priest 〈◊〉 of Ireland 〈◊〉 the seventeenth yeare of his Raigne in a Parliament holden at Westâ—inster 〈◊〉 is made of the great inconvenience that came by the Popes Collation of Benefices in England conferring them upon Strangers who understood not the 〈◊〉 and therefore not fit to be Pastours over a Flocke they could not feed and hereupon Sir Iohn Shordich is sent to Pope Clement the sixth to require him to foâ—â—eare such Collations and to signifie his consent therein but this Message was 〈…〉 welcome to the Pope that the Messenger came backe unheard at least unansweredâ— and the King taking his silence for consentâ— or perhaps not much caring whether he consented or no proceeded to a Prohibition of all such Collations within his Realme on paine of Imprisonment or death to whomsoever should in time to come present or admit any such person who by the Pope were so preferred to the prejudice of the Kings Prerogative These were disturbances in matter of Discipline but towards the end of his Raigne there fell a disturbance in matter of Doctrine for a certaine Divine named Iohn Wickliffe inveighed in his 〈◊〉 and other Acts in the Schooles against the abuses of Churchmen Monks and other religious Orders and had by his Doctrine wonne many Disciples unto him who after were called Lollards professing poverty going bare-foot and poorely clad in Ruâ—â—et amongst other his Doctrines he taught that neither King â—â—r other secular Lord could give any thing â—n perpetuity unto Church-men and thâ—â— Temporall Lords if they needed might lawfully take the Goods of Religious Persons to relieve them in their necessities by the example of William Rufus and others This man the Duke of Lancaster and Sir Henry Percy Marshall much favour and cherish extolling him for his learning and integrity of life which made him so farre to presume that daily in one Church or other he published his Opinions whereupon at length he is cited to answer before the Arch-bishop the Bishop of London and others in â—auls At the day appointed the Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Marshall goe to conduct him when they were come to our Ladies Chappell the Duke and Barons with the Bishops sitting downe Iohn Wickliffe was by the Lord Marshall willed to sit downe in regard he said the man had much to answer and needed a convenient seat The Bishop of London told him It was against all Law and Reason that he who was there â—ited before his 〈◊〉 should sit Hereupon contumelious words arose betweene the Lord Mâ—â—â—hall and the Biâ—â—op the Duke takes the Marshals part and sharpely reprehended the Bishop the Bishop returnes the like to the Duke who in a greâ—â— rage 〈◊〉 he would pull downe the pride of him and of all the Bishops of Eâ—glandâ— and whispering in his eare told him he had rather pull him out of the Church by 〈…〉 of the head then to suffer such indignities which words the Londoâ—ers over-hearing swore with a loud voyce they would rather lose their lives theâ—â— suffer â—â—eir Bishop to be thus injuriously used Their fuâ—y was the more against the Duke for that the day before in the Parliament whereof he was President it was 〈◊〉 in the Kings name that from thenceforth â—hâ—re should be no more a Major of London but a Captaine appointed for the Government of the City and that the Lord Marshall of England should arrest Offenders within the Liberties as in other places The morrow after the Citizens assembling to consult of this businesse it happened the Lord Fits-water and Guidâ— Bryan came into the City which the People seeing furiously ranne upon them and were like to beate them downe for comming at that time The Lord Fits-water protested he came to no other end but to offer his service to the City being by inheritance their Standard bearer and was to take injuries offered to them as to himselfe and therefore willed them to looke to their defence Whereupon they presâ—ntly take Armes assaile the Marshals Inne breâ—ke open the Gaâ—es brought foâ—th a Prisoner in his Gives and set him at liberty but found 〈◊〉 the Lord 〈…〉 with thâ— Duke was that day to dine with one Iohn de 〈◊〉 Tâ—â—n this furious multitude ranne to assaile the Savâ—y which a knight of the Dukâ—â—â—â—â—ing haâ—tes to the placâ— where his Lord dined and acquainâ—â— him with this 〈◊〉 in the Câ—â—y The Duke upon hearing it leapes from the Table so hastily that he hurt botâ— his shinnes on the fowrme and with Sir Henry â—ercy alone takes boate and goes to Kennington neare Lambeâ—h where the Princesse with the young Prince lay to whom he complaines of this Riot and the violence offered him In the meâ—ne time the multitude comming to the Savoy a Priest inquisitive to know the businesse was answered they went to take the Duke and the Lord Marshall and compell them to deliver Sir Peter de la Marâ— unjustly kept in Prison The Priest replyed thâ—t Sir Peter was a Traytor to the King and worthy to be hâ—nged At which words they all cryed out This is Percy This is the Traytor of England his speech bewrayes him though his Appâ—rell be disguised and presently they râ—n upon him and wounded him to death The Bishop of London hearing of
Blake a Lawyer Shortly after the Parliament began called afterward The Parliament that wrought wonders On the first day whereof were arrested as they sate in their places all the Justices but onely Sir William Skipwith as Sir Roger Fulthorpe Sir Robert Belknappe Sir Iohn Cary Sir Iohn Holt Sir William Brooke and Iohn Alacâ—on the kings Serjeant at Law and were all sent to the Tower for doing contrary to an Agreement made the last Parliament Also in the beginning of this Parliament Robert Veere Duke of Irelâ—nd Alexander Nevill Archbishop of York Michael de la Poole Earle of Suffolke and Sir Robert Tresilian Lord Chiefe Justice of England were openly called to answer Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Glocester Richard Earle of Arundell Henry Earle of Darby and Thomas Earle of Nottingham upon certaine Articles of high Treason and because none of them appeared It was ordained by whole consent of Parliament they should be banished for ever and all their landâ— and goods â—eized into the Kings hands their intailed lands onely excepted Shortly after the Lord Chief Justice Robert Tresilian was found in an Apothecaries house in Westminster where being taken he was brought to the Duke of Glocester who caused him the same day to be had to the Tower and from thence drawne to Tyburne and there hanged On the morrow after Sir Nicolas Brember was brought to his Answer who being found guilty was beheaded with an Axe which himselfe had caused to be made for beheading of others After this Sir Iohn Salisbery and Sir Iames Berneys lusty young men were drawne and hanged as also Iohn Beâ—â—champ L. Steward of the Kings house Iohn Blake Esquire and lastly Sir Symon Burley sonne to the great Sir Iohn Burley Knight of the Garter was beheaded on Tower-hill whose death the King tooke more heavily and more heynously then all the rest Also all the Justices were condemned to dye but by the Queenes intercession they were onely banished the Realme and all their lands and goods confiscate onely a small portion of money was assigned them for their sustentation Finally in this Parliament an Oath was required and obteined of the King that he should stand unto and abide such Rule and Order as the Lords should take and this Oath was required also of all the Inhabitants of the Realme In the later end of the Kings eleventh yeere the Earle of Arundell was sent to Sea with a great Navy of ships and men of warre with whom went the Earles of Nottingham and Devonshire Sir Thhmas Percy the Lord Clifford the Lord Camoiâ— Sir William Elmham and divers other Knights to ayde the Duke of Britaine against the king of France but before they came the Duke of Britaine was reconciled to the king of France and so needing not their ayde all this great Fleet returned with doing nothing And it was indeed a yeere of doing nothing unlesse we reckon some petty Inroades of the Scots and that Sir Thomas Tryvet dyed with a fall off his horse and that Sir Iohn Holland the Kings brother by the mother was made Earle of Huntington and that there was Contention in Oxford between the Northerne and the Southerne Scholars which was pacified by the Duke of Glocester In his twelveth yeere Commissioners were appointed to meet at Balingham betwixt Calliâ— and Bulloigne to treat of a Peace betweene the Realmes of England France and Scotland and after long debating a Truce was at last concluded to begin at Midsomer next and to last three yeeres But now the king to shew his plenary authority of being at full age removed the Archbishop of York from being Lord Chancellor and put in his place William Wickham Bishop of Winchester also he removed the Bishop of Hereford from being Treasurer and put another in his place The Earle of Arundell likewise unto whom the Government of the Parliament was committed and the Admiralty of the Sea was removed and the Earle of Huntington put in his roome About this time the Lord Iohn Hastings Earle of Pembrooke as he was practising to learne to Just was stricken about the Privy parts by a knight called Sir Iohn St. Iohn of which hurt he soone after dyed In whose Family it is memorable that for many Generations together no sonne ever saw his father the father being alwaies dead before the sonne was borne The Originall of this Family was from Hastings the Dane who in the Reigne of K. Alured long before the Conquest about the yeere 890. came with Rollo jâ—to England But howsoever in this Iohn Hastings ended the then Honorable Titles of the Hastings for this man dying without issue his Inheritances were dispersed to divers persons The Honour of Pembrooke came to Francis at Court by the kings Gift the Baronies of Hastings and Welford came to Reynold Gray of Ruthin the Barony of Aburgâ—veny was granted to William Beaâ—â—hamp of Bedford About this time Iohn Duke of Lancaster was created Duke of Aquitaine receiving at the Kings hands the Rod and the Cap as Investitures of that Dutchy Also the Duke of York's sonne and heire was created Earle of Richmond In his thirteenth yeere a Royall Justs was Proclaimed to be holden within Smithfield in London to begin on Sunday next after the Feast of S. Michael which being published not onely in England but in Scotland in Almaigne in Flanders in Brabant and in France many strangers came hither amongst others Valeran Earle of S. Poll that had maried king Richards Sister and William the young Earle of Ostervant sonne to Albert de Bavâ—ere Earl of Hollond and Heynoult At the day â—ppointed there issued forth of the Tower about three a clock in the afternoone sixty Coursers apparrelled for the Justs and upon every one an Esquire of Honour riding a soft pace After them came forth foure and thirty Ladies of Honour Froyssard saith threescore mounted on Palfries and every Lady led a knight with a chaine of Gold These knights being on the Kings part had their armour and apparell garnished with white Hearts and Crownes of Gold aboâ—â— their necks and so they came riding through the streets of London unto Smithfield The Justs lasted divers dayes all which time the King and Queen lay at the Bishops Palace by Pauls Church and kept open house for all Commers In his Fifteenth yeere the Duke of Lancaster went into France having in his traine a thousand horse and met the king of France at Aâ—iens to treat of a Peace between the two kingdomes but after long debate a Truce onely was concluded for a yeere About this time also the King required the Londoners to lend him a Thousâ—nd pounds which they refused â—o doe and not onely so but they abused an Italian Merchant for offering to lend it This moved the King to some indignation to which was added the complaint of a Ryot committed by the Citizens against the servants of the Bishops of Saliâ—bury L. Treasurer for that where one of the Bishops servants named Walter Roman had taken a
the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Duke of Hereford For they in their Banishment meeting often together and aggravating the Grievances of king Richards Government fell at last to consult by what meanes he might best be removed seeing there was no hope he could ever be reclaimed In the time of their consultation about it Iohn Duke of Lancaster father to the Duke of Hereford dyed at Ely house in Holborne And as if Fortune herselfe meant to doe their worke for them Sollicitations came from many parts of England to move the Duke of Hereford to come now take the Government upon him wherein they would be ready to assist him The Duke heated before by the Archbishops instigation and now set on fire by this sollicitation gives Fortune no leisure to alter her minde by delaying the time but without further deliberation prepares to be going and taking with him the Archbishop the Lord Cobham Sir Thomas Erpington and Sir Thomâ—s Ramston Knights Iohn Norbury Robert Waterton and Francis Coynt Esquires and about some threescore other persons as many as he could readily get in three ships which the Duke of Britaine lent him he put to Sea where hovering about the Coast a while to marke the countenance of the shores he landed at last about the beginning of July at Ravenspurre in Yorkeshire which no sooner was knowne but there repaired to him the Lords Willoughby Rosse Darcie and Beaumont and shortly after at Doncaster the Earle of Northumberland and his sonne Sir Heâ—ry Percy with the Earle of Westmerland and great numbers of the Gentry and common sort of whom though some had invited him to come to take the Goverment of the Realme upon him yet he forbore to pretend that for any cause of his comming but made a solemne Protestation that he came onely to take possession of the Inheritances descended upon him from his father which king Richard most unjustly and contrary to his promise had seized into his hands for this was a Reason had no objection the other he reserved till his Power should not need to regard Objections And indeed no snow-ball ever gathered greatnesse so fast by rolling as his Forces increased by marching forward for by that time he came to Berkly he had got a mighty Army and within three dayes after all the Kings Castles in those parts were surrendred to him The Duke of Yorke left Governour of the Kingdome used his best meanes to raise Forces to resist him but found few willing to beare Armes against him whereupon and perhaps hearing withall that the Dukes comming was but onely to take possession of his Inheritance he thought good to goe to Berkly to him to have there some communication about it At Berkly at that time was arrested the Bishop of Norwich Sir William Elmham and Sir Walter Burliâ— knights Laurence Drew and Iohn Golofer Esquires From Berkly the two Dukes went forward towards Bristow where in the Castle were the Lord William Scroope Earle of Wiltshire and Treasurer of England Sir Henry Greene and Sir Henry Bushye who were taken and brought forth bound before the Duke of Lancaster and the day after arraigned before the Constable and Marshall found guilty of Treason for misgoverning the King and the Realme and presently had their heads smitten off Sir Iohn Russell also was taken there but he feigning himselfe to be our of his wits escaped for that time All this while K. Richard was in Ireland where he performed Acts in repressing the Rebels there not unworthy of him and having with him amongst other of the Great Lords the Duke of Lancasters sonne Henry he there for his towardlinesse in service Knighted himâ— by which it appeared that he had no great feare of â—he Father when he graced the Sonne and indeed he needed not have feared him iâ— his owne absence out of England had not given him advantage Six weekes were now passeâ— after the Dukes arrivall in England in all which time king Richard had no noticeâ— it by reason the windes were contrary to come â—orth of England But as soon as 〈◊〉 heard it and in what hostile manner he proceeded he then determined to returne instantly into England and had done it but that the Duke of Aumerle his principâ—â— Counsellor whether out of a good meaning but grounded upon errors or ouâ— of an ill meaning but shadowed with colours by all meanes perswaded him to stay so long till things fitting for his journy might be made ready It was king Richards ill luck to hearken to this Counsell but yet he presently sent the Earle of Salisbury into England to provide him an Army out of Wales and Châ—shire against his own comming which he promised faithfully should be within sixe dayes at the most The Earle landed at Coâ—way in Wales and had soon gotten to the number of Forty Thousand men but the sixe dayes passed and no newes of the King which made the souldiers suspect that he was dead and thereupon were ready to disband but at the Earle of Salisburies perswasion they were contented to stay for some dayes longer and when the King came not in that time neither they then would stay no longer but departed and went home At length about eighteen dayes after that the King had sent away the Earle of Salisbury he tooke shipping together with the Dukes of Aâ—merle Exceter and Surrey and diverâ— other of the Nobility with the Bishops of London Lincolne and Carlile and landed at Barklowly in Wales He had about him some Châ—shire men and was at first in no great doubt of prevailing but when he heard that all the Castles from the borders of Scotland unto Bristow were delivered to the Duke of Lancaster and that the gratest part of the Nobility and Commons tooke part with him and specially that his principall Counsellors had lost their heads at Bristâ—â— then solvuntur frigore membra he fell so utterly to despaire that calling his Army together he licensed every man to be gone and to shift for himselfe The souldiers besought him to be of good cheere swearing they would stand with him to the death But this encouraged him not at all so as the next night he stole from his Army and with the Dukes of Exceter and Surry the Bishop of Carlile Sir Stephen Scroope and some halfe a score others he got him to the Castle of Coâ—â—ay where he found the Earle of Salisbury determining there to stay till he might see the world at some better stay Here the Earle of Worcester Steward of the Kings house broke his white staffe and without delay went to the Duke of Lancaster who understanding that k. Richard was returned out of Ireland he left the Duke of York at Bristow and came back with his Power to Berkly and from thence the next day came to Glocester then to Rosse after to Hereford where came to him the Bishop of Hereford and Sir Edmund Mortimer on the Sunday following he went to Lyâ—ster and there the Lord Charleton
Kings Writ Affaires of the Church in his time IN the second yeere of this Kings Reigne there came messengers from the new-elected Pope Vrban to require the Kings ayd against such Cardinals as he named Schismâ—ticks that had elected another Pope whom they named Clemâ—nt which Cardinalls sent messengers likewiâ—e to crave his ayd for them but through perswasion of the Archbishop of Canterbury Vrbans request was granted and Clement rejected In his fourth year Iohn Wickliffe set forth his opinion touching the Sacrament of the Altar denying the doctrine of Transubstantiation in such sort as the Church of Rome did then teach In his sixth year Henry Spencer Bishop of Noâ—wiâ—h received Bulls from Pope Vrbâ—n to grant all priviledges of the Crusado to all such as would come over and assist him against the Anti-Pope Clement which being debated in Parliament It was after much opposition agreed that it should go forward and thereupon the Bishop not only gathered much money from such as would contribute to the expedition but drew many great Captaines to go themselves in person as namely Sir Hugh Calverley sir William Farington the Lord Henry Beauâ—â—â—t sir William Elmham sir Thoâ—as Tryvet and divers others The money raised by contribution came to 25000 Franks and the Army to 3000 Horse and 15000 Foot with which Forces the Bishop passing over into Flanders wonne the Towns of Graveling Dunkirke and Newport but at last encountred by a mighty Army of the French he was put to the worse and returned into England In the twelveth yeare of this Kings Reigne an Act was made that none should passe the Seas to purchase promotions or provisions as they tearmed them in any Church or Churches Also in this yeare Thomas late Earle of Lancaster by reason of miracles reported to be done by him was Canonized for a Saint At this time also the Wickliffs mervelously increased Preaching against Pilgrimages and Images whose greatest opposer was the Bishop of Norwich In his thirteenth yeare Proclamation was made that all Beneficed men abiding in the Court of Rome should return into England by a certain day under pain of forfeiting their Benefices and all other not Beneficed under a certain pain likewise Also about this time a Statute was made that no Ecclesiasticall person should possesse Manours Houses Lands Revenues or Rents whatsoever at the hands of the Feoffee without the Kings Licence and the chiefe Lords In his eighteenth yeare the Wickliffs were persecuted and excommunication pronounced against them by the Archbishop of Canterbury In this Schisme of the two Popes the French Clergy wrote in behalfe of Clement their Pope and sent it into England the Clergy of England on the contrary wrote in behalfe of Pope Vrban and so nothing was agreed Works of Piety in his time IN the 20th yeare of this Kings Reign William Bâ—teman Bishop of Norwich builded Trinitie Hall in Cambridge In the third year of his Reign Iohn Philpot Major of Loâ—don gave to the Citie certain Tenements for the which the Chamberlain payeth yearly to thirteen poore people to every of them seven pence the week for ever and as any of those thirteen persons dyeth the Major appointeth one to succeed and the Recorder another In the one and twentieth yeare of his Reign King Richard caused the great Hall at Westminster to be repaired both the Walls Windows and Roofe In his time Siâ—â—â— Archbishop of Canterbury slain by the Rebels upon Tower hill built the West-gate of Canterbury and from thence to the North-gate commonly called the long wall Thomas Fits-Alaâ— or Arundell being Bishop of Ely built the great Gatehouse of Ely house in Holborne and being after Bishop of Canterbury he built a faire spire steeple at the West-end of his Church there called to this day Arundell steeple and bestowed a tuneable ring of five Bells upon the same Of Casualties happening in his time IN his third yeare so great a mortality afflicted the North parts of England that the Country became almost desolate In his sixt yeare on the 24 day of May there happened so great an earthquake or as some write a watershake that it made Ships in the Havens to beat one against the other In Iuly in the year 1389. whilest the King was at Sheene there swarmed in his Court such multitudes of Flyes and Gnats skirmishing with one another that in the end they were swept away with brooms by heaps and bushels were filled with them In his twelveth yeare in March first there were terrible Windes afterward followed a great mortality and after that a great dearth that a bushelâ— of wheat was sold for thirteen pence which was then thought a great price for the years before it was sold for six pence and Wooll was sold for two shillings a stone In his fourteenth year on Christmas day a Dolphin was taken at London-bridge being ten foot long and a monstrous grown fish Ind his eighteenth year an Exhalation in likenesse of fire appeared in the night in many places of England which when a man went alone went as he went and stayed as he stayed sometimes like a wheele sometimes like a Barrell sometimes like a timberlogge but when many went together it appeared to be far off Also in a Parliament time ther was a certain Image of waxe made by Necromancie as was sayd which at an houre appointed uttered these words The Head shall be cut off the Head shall be lift up aloft the feet shall be lift up above the Head and then spake no more This happened in the Parliament called the Marvellous Parliament not long before the Parliament that wrought wonders In his one and thirtieth yeare a River not far from Bedford suddenly ceased his course so as the channell remained dry by the space of three miles which was judged to signifie the Revolting of the Subjects from their naturall Prince In his two and twentieth yeare almost through all England old Bay-trees withered and afterwards grew green againe which was supposed to import some strange event About the yeare 1380. the making of Gunnes was found by a Germaâ—e which may well be reckoned amongst casualties seeing it was found by casualty for this Germane having beaten Brimstone in a morter to powder and covered it with a stone it happened that as he struck fire a sparke chanced to fall into the powder which caused such a flame out of the morter that it raised the stone a great heigth which after he perceived he made a Pipe of iron and tempered the powder with some other ingredients and so finished that deadly Engine The first that used it were the Venetians against the inhabitans of Geneva Of his Wives KING Richard in his time had two Wives the first was Anne Daughter to the Emperour Charles the Fourth and Sister to the Emperour Wenceslaus who lived his wife ten years and dyed without issue at Sheene in Surry in the year 1392 whose death King Richard tooke so heavily that he caused the buildings of that
his Sons only King Heâ—ry the Fifth to be his eldest And now that in him the heroicall nature was come to the height it degenerated againe in King Henry the Sixth which must needs be attributed to the mothers side who though in her selfe she were a Princesse of a noble spirit yet being the issue of a crazie father what marvell if she proved the mother of a crazie issue and yet even this issue of hers a Prince no doubt of excellent parts in their kinde though not of parts kindly for a Princâ— in a private man praise-worthy enough but the sword of a King required a harder mettall than the soft temper of King Henry the sixth was made of and in him we may see the fulfilling of the Text Vae genti cujus Rex est puer Woe to that Nation whose King is a Childe for he was not above eight moneths old when he succeeded his father in the Kingdome although that Text perhaps is not meant so much of a child in years for which there may be helps by good Protectors as of a childe in abilities of ruling whereof though possibly there may yet probably there can be no sufficient supply of which in this King we have a pregnant example for as long as he continued a childe in yeares so long his Kingdomes were kept flourishing by the Providence of his carefull Uncles but assoone as he left being a Childe in years and yet continued a childe in ability of Ruling then presently began all things Iâ— pejus ruere retro sublapsa referri all things went to wracke both in France and England And thus much was necessary to be sayd by way of a Preface to that great fall as it were of Nilus in King Henry the Sixth Henry called of Windsor because borne there the only childe of King Henry the Fifth as yet scarce nine moneths old succeeded his Father and was Proclaimed King of England on the last of August in the yeare 1422 by reason of whose infancie King Henry his Father had before by his Will appointed and now the Lords by their consent confirmed the Regency of France to Iohn Duke of Bedford the Government of England to Humphry Duke of Glocester the Guard of his Person to Thomas Duke of Exeter and Hâ—nry Beauford Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor wherein it was wisely provided that one man should not rule all lest it should prove a spurre to aspiring and withall stay them from envying one another when many were alike placed in the highest forme of authoriâ—y and indeed they all carried themselves so uprightly and carefully in their places that it well appeared the trust reposed in them by the dying King had made a strong impression of love and loyalty towards his Son The Duke of Bedford Regent of France was to keepe that by the sword which King Henry the Fifth by his sword had gotten wherein he had many and great assistants specially the two terrours of France Thomas Montacute Earle of Salisbury and Iohn Lord Talbot and amongst the French themselves the Duke of Burgoigne a friend no lesse powerfull than firme unto him The Dolphin also now crowned king at Poytiers and called Charles the seventh of France his father being newly dead within little more than a moneth after king Henry had likewise great assistants the Duke of Alanson and many other Peers of France and of the Scoâ—s many and some perhaps of the English that tooke part with him by meanes whereof the game of Fortune was a long time played betweene them with great variety The first act of the Duke of Bedfords Regency was an Oration which he made to the French in Paris which wrought this good effect that king Henry is Proclaimed king of England and of France and such French Lords as were present did their Homages and tooke their oathes to be true unto him The first act of hostility was performed by the new king of France who sends the Lord Granvile to Pont Meulan who surprized it putting all the English Souldiers to the sword but the Regent sending thither Thomas Montacute Earle of Salisbury so strongly beleaguered it that the Lord Granvile not only surrendred it but swore allegiance though he kept it not to the king of England From thence the Earle marched to Seyne which hee tooke by assault and put all the Souldiers except the Captain Sir William Maryn to the sword At this time the Regent the Duke of Burgoigne Iohn Duke of Brittaine and his brother in law the Earle of Râ—chmond who revolted afterward to the new king of France and was by him made Constable of France met at Amyens and there not only renewed the old League but further enlarged it to be offensive and defensive respectively and to make the friendship the more firme the Regent married Anne the Sister of the Duke of Burgoigne at Troys In this meane time the Parisians taking advantage of the Regents absence conspired to have let in the new king into Paris but the day before the night appointed for his admission the Regent with his power entred apprehended the Conspirators and put them to publicke execution That done he furnished all the Forts and places of strength with Englishmen and sent Sir Iohn Falstaffe who tooke in Pacye and Coursay two strong Castles whil'st himselfe with his forces tooke in Trayâ—els and Brâ—y upon Seyne The Constable of France the meane while with the new kings forces layd siege to Cravant in Burgoigne but the Regent sent thither the Earle of Salisbury who set upon the French and after a long fight putting them to flight slew about 1800 knights and gentlemen of noteâ— and three thousand common Souldiers Scots and French tooke prisoners the Constable himselfe the Earle of Ventadour Sir Alexâ—â—der Alerdyn Sir Lewis Ferignye and two and twenty hundred Gentlemen Of the English part were slaine Sir Iohn Gray Sir William Hall Sir Gilbert Halsall Richard â—p Maddocke and one and twenty hundred Souldiers From thence the Eâ—rle led his forces to Montaguillon and sate downe before it which after five moneths Siege he took whil'st the Duke of Suffolke took in the two strong Castles of Cowcye and le Roche Whil'st these things are done in France in England the Protectour Ransomed and inlarged the young king of Scots Iames the first who by the space of eighteene yeares had been kept a Prisoner which he did out of opinion thâ—t he might withdraw the Scots out of France taking Homâ—ge and fealty of him for the Crown of Scotland in these words Iâ—ames â—ames Sâ—eward King of Scotâ— shall be true and faithfull to you Lord Henry King of England and France the Superiour Lord of Scotlandâ— and to you I make my fidelitie for the sayd Kingdome which I hold and claime of you and shall do you service for the same so God me helpe and these holy Evangelists and therewithall with consent of all the Nobility the Protector gave him to Wife Iane Daughter to the
in the North was raising a new army against whom King Edward upon the twelveth of March marched with his forces from London and by easie journeyes came to Pomfret Castle from whence the Lord Fitzwater was sent to guard the passage at Ferribridge to stop the Enemies approach that way King Henry likewise advanceth forward sending his power under the conduct of the Duke of Somerset the Earle of Northumberland and the Lord Clifford whilest himselfe with his Queen and Sonne stay at Yorke The Lord Clifford very early on Palm sunday with a troop of Northern men fals upon those that guarded Fetribridge and defeated them with the slaughter of the Lord Fitzwater and the bastard of Salisbury The Earle of Warwicke hearing of this defeate comes posting to King Edwards Câ—mpe and in his presence killing his horse Proâ—ested his resolution to stand with him to the Death Upon â—his Resolution of the Earles the King made presently Proclamation that all who were afraid to sight should at their pleasure depart but to those that would stay he promised good reward adding withall that if any that stayed should after turn his back or flee then he that should kill him should have double pay After this he gave order to the Lord Fawconbridge and Sir Walter Blunt to leade on the Vawâ—rd who in their march about Dandingdale encountred with the Lord Clifford who formerly in cold blood had slaughtered the young Earle of Rutland and he being stricken into the throate with an arrow some say without a head and presently dying the Lord Nevill Sonne and heire of the Earle of Westmerland was also slaine with most of their companies and the rest put to flight The next day likewise the Duke of Norfolke being dangerously sick to whom that place was assigned Fâ—â—conbridge and Blunt continue the leading of the Vaunt-guard and on Palm-sunday by break of day they came to a plaine field between Towton Saxtoâ— from whence they made a full survey of king Henries Army and certified king Edward that the Enemy was threescore thousand strong where his Army was but forty thousand and six hundred whereupon a second Proclamation was made through the Campe that no quarter should be kept nor prisoner taken The Armies being both in sight the Lord Fauconbridge gave direction to the Archers upon a signall by him given to shoote every man a flight-arrow for that purpose provided and then to fall back three strides and stand The Northern men in the mean time plyed their bowes till all their sheaves were empty but their arrowes fell short of the Enemy by threescore yards and not onely did no hurt to the Enemy but did hurt to themselves for their arrows being spent and comming to hand-blows their own arrows sticking in the ground galled their shins and pierced their feet Ten houres the battell continued doubtfull till the Earle of Northumberland being slaine with the Lord Beaumont Gray Dacres and Wells Sir Iohn Nevill Andrew Tâ—ollop and many other knights and Esquires the Earles of Exeter and Somerset fled leaving the Conquest to King Edward but the bloodiest that ever England felt for there fell that day six and thirty thousand seven hundred threescore and sixteen persons no prisoner being taken but the Earle of Devonshire The battell ended K. Edward hastes to York where he caused the heads of his father and other friends to be taken down and buried with their bodies setting in their places the heads of the Earle of Devonshire and three other there at that time executed The Earle of Somerset acquainting King Henry with this overthrow perswades him with his Queen and Son to flie to Barwick where leaving the Duke of Somerset they flie further for succour to the King of Scots who comforteth them with promise of reliefe but maketh a sure bargaine for in lieu of a pension to be allowed King Henry during his abode there the Towne and Castle of Barwick were delivered to him Queen Margaret and her Sonne are sent into France who obtained of Lewis the Eleveâ—th her Cosin that all of King Edwards friends were prohibited Stay or Traffick in the French kings Dominions but all King Henries friends might live there freely After this king Edward comes to London and upon his entrance to the Tower makes foure and twenty knights and the next day foure more and upon the 28 day of Iune in the yeare 1461. he rode from the Tâ—wer to Westminster and was there Crowned in the Abby-Church Shortly after a Parliament is summoned which began at Westminster the fourth of November In which all Acts of king Henry the Sixth prejudiciall to king Edwards Title are repealed and therein Iohn Earle of Oxford a valiant and wise man he who in a former Parliament had disputed the question concerning the precedency of Temporall and Spirituall Barons a bold attempt in those dayes and by force of whose Arguments Judgement was given for the Lords Temporall with his Sonne Aubry de Veer Sir Thomas Tiddingham knight William Tyrrell Walter Montgomery Esquires were without answer convicted of Treason and beheaded And to encourage others to well-deserving king Edward at this time advanced many in honour his brother George he created Duke of Clarence his brother Richard Duke of Glocester Iohn Lord Nevill brother to the Earle of Warwicke he made first Viscount then Marquesse Montacuâ—e Henry Bourchier brother to the Archbishop of Canterbury is made Earle of Essex and William Lord Fauconbridge Earle of Kent And now their new honours are presently put into imploiment the Earls of Essex Kent accompaneid with the Lords Audeley and Clinton Sir Iohn Howard Sir Richard Walgrave and others to the number of ten thousand are appointed to scowre the Seas who landing in Britaine took the town of Conqueâ— and the Isle of Ree and then returned At this time Henry Duke of Somerset Ralph Percy and divers others came in and humbly submitted themselves to king Edwards mercy who protested his propension of freely pardoning them and as many other that would submit themselves as they did All this time King Henry was in Scotland and Queen Margaret in France where she obtained of the French King a company of five hundred men with whom she sayled towards Newcastle and landed at Tinmouth but suddenly againe returned and was herselfe by tempest beaten to Barwick but her company was driven on the shore before Bamburg Castle where they set their Ships on fire and fled to an Islâ—nd called Holy Island but were so assayled there by the bastard Ogle and Iohn Manners Esquâ—re that many of them were slaine and almost foure hundred taken prisoners onely their Coronell Peter Bressie hâ—ppened upon a Fisherman who brought him to â—â—â—wick to Queen Margaret and by her was made Captaine of the Castle of Alnewick which he with his French-men kept till they were rescâ—ed Shortly afterâ— Queen Margaret having gotten together a great company of Scots and other of her friends bringing her husband with her and leaving
and heire Sir Humfry Boâ—rchier sonne and heire to the Lord Berners and divers other knights and gentlemen On the Earls part were slaine the Earle himselfe the Marquâ—ssâ— Montacute and three and twenty knights of whom Sir William Tyrrell was one The Duke of Somerset and the Earle of Oxford fled into VVales to Iasper Earle of Pembroâ—ke The Duke of Exceter being strucken down and so wounded that he was left for dead amongst other the dead bodies because he was not kâ—own but comming to himselfe he got up and escaped to VVestminster and there took Sanctuary The dead bodies of the Earle and Marquesse were brought to London in a Coffin and by the space of three dayes lay open-faced in the Cathedrall Church of St. Paul and then buried with their Ancestours in the Priory of Bissam This Earle of VVarwick was Richard Nevill sonne and heire of Richard Nevill Earle of Salisbury who married the daughter of Richard Beauchamp the sixth Earle of Warwick and in her right was Earle of Warwick in his own of Saliâ—bury he was also Lord Monthermer great Chamberlaine and high Admirall of England Lord Warden of the North Marches towards Scotland and high Steward of the Dutchy of Laâ—caster he had issue two Daughters Isabell married to George Duke of Clarence and Annâ— â—â—rst married to Prince Edward king Henry the sixths Sonne and after to Richard Duke of Glocester Wee may here observe a Constellation of disastrous influences concurring all to the overthrow of this great Warwicke whereof if any one had been missing the wheele of his fortune had perhaps not turned For if the City of Yorke had not too credulously believed king Edwards Oath not to dâ—sturbe king Henry or if the Marquesse Moâ—tacute had stopped as he might his passage at Pomfret or if the Duke of Clarence had not at the very point of the battell at St. Albans deserted his party and joyned with king Edwardsâ— or if Quâ—en Margaret had not by tempest been kept from comming into Eâ—glaâ—d in time or if the Londoners had not been retrograde and deceived his expectation he had never perhaps been overthrown as he was But Fata viam invenient destiny will finde waies that were never thought of will make way where it findes none and that which is ordained in heaven shall be effected by means of which Earth can take no notice Queen Margaret when it was too late accompanied with Iohn Longstrother Prior of Saint Iohns and the Lord Wenlock with divers Knights and Esquires tooke shipping at Harflew the foure and twentieth of March but by tempest was kept back till the thirteenth of April and then with her sonne Prince Edward shee landed at Weymouth and from thence went to an Abby hard by called Ceern and then to Bewly in Hampshire whither there came unto her Edmund Duke of Somerset and Thomas Courtney Earle of Devonshire with divers others amongst whom it is resolved once more to try their fortune in the field but then the Queen would have had her sonne Prince Edward to be sent into France there to remaine in safety till the next battell were tryed but they being of a contrary minde and specially the Duke of Somerset shee at length consented though afterward she repented it From Bewly she with her sonne and the Earle of Somerset passeth on to Bristow intending with what power they could raise in Glocestershire to march into Wales to joyn with Iâ—sper Earle of Pembrooke who was there making preparation of more forces King Eâ—ward hearing of these things resolves to crosse this Conjunction and followes Queen Margaret with a great Power so close that neere Tewkesbury in Glocestershire he overtakes her forces who resolutely turn and make head against him where Somerset on the Queens part leading the Vaunt-guard performed the part of a valiant Commander but finding his souldiers throâ—gh wearines begin to faint and that the Lord Wenlock who had the conduct of the battaile on the Queens part moved no the rode unto him and upbrayding him with cowardise or treachery never staid but with his Pollaxe beat out his brains and now before he could bring in his men to the rescue their Vaward was routed and Iohn Earle of Devonshire with above three thousand of the Queens part were slaine The Queen her selfe Iohn Beaufort the Duke of Somersets brother the Prior of Saint Iohns Sir Gervis Clifton and divers others were taken prisoners all which except the Queen were the next day beheaded At which time Sir Richard Crofts presented to king Edward king Henries Son Edward whom he had taken prisoner to whom king Edward at first shewed no uncourteous countenance but demanding of him how he durst so presumptuously enter into his Realm with Arms and he answering though truly yet unseasonably To recover my Fathers Kingdome and Heritage King Edward with his hand thrust him from him or as some say strooke him with his Gantlet and then presently George Duke of Clarence Richard Duke of Glocester Thomas Grey Marquesse Dorset and William Lord Hastings standing by fell upon him in the placâ— and murdred him His body was homely interred with other ordinary Corpses in the Church of the Monastery of the Black-fryers in Tewkesbury After the Victory thus obtained king Edward repaired to the Abbey Church of Tewkesbury to give God thankes for his good successe and finding there a great number of his enemies that were fled thither to save themselves he gave them all free Pardon onely Edmuud Duke of Somerset 〈◊〉 Longstrother Pryor of Saint Iohns Sir Thomas Tressham Sir Gerviâ— Clifton and divers other Knights and Esquires who were apprehended there and brought before the Duke of Glocester sitting that day as Constable of England and the Duke of Norfolk as Marshall were all arraigned condemned and judged to Dye and accordingly upon the Tuesday being the seventh of May they were all and twelve other knights more on a Scaffold set up in the middle of the Town beheaded but not dismembredâ— and permitted to be buried The same day Queen Margaret was found in a poore house of Religion not farre from thence into which she was fled for safeguard of her life but she was after brought to London and there kept a Prisoner till her Father ransomed her with great summes of money This was the last pitcht battell that was fought in England in king Edward the fourths dayes which happened on the fourth of May being Saturday in the Eleventh yeere of his reigne and in the yeere of our Lord 1471. King Edward being assured that as long as any partakers of king Henry lived and were at liberty he should never be free from plots against his life sent Roger Vaughaâ— a Gentleman much reckoned of in his own Country to entrape Iasper Earle of Pembrooke who had escaped from the last encounter but he having notice of the plot before prevented it by striking off Vaughans head After these great Clouds were thus dispersed there arose a little Cloud which gave the
sonne the Earle of Richmond hâ—ve both of them Titles before mine and then I cleerly saw how I was deceived wâ—â—â—eupon I determined utterly to relinquish all such fantasticall imaginations concerning the obtayning the Crown my selfeâ— and found there could be no better way to settle it in a true establishment then that the Earle of Richmond very heire of the house of Lancaster should take to wife the Lady Elizabeth eldest Daughter to king Edward the very heir of the house of York that so the two Roses may be united in one now saith the Duke I have told you my very minde When the Duke had said this the Bishop was not a little glad for this was the marke he had himselfe aymed at and thereupon after some complements of extolling his device he said Since by your Graces incomparable wisdome this noble conjunction is now moved It is in the next place necessary to consider what friends we shall first make privy of this intention By my truth quoth the Duke we will begin with the Countesse of Richmond the Earles Mother who knoweth where he is either in captivity or at large in Brittaine And thus was the foundation laid of a league by these two great men by which the death of the two young Princes was fully revenged and it was not talkâ— of onely but presently put in execution for now is Reynold Bray imployed by the Bishop to his Mistresse the Dutchesse of Richmond Doctor Lewis the Dutchesses Phisitian was imployed by her to the Queen Elizabeth Hugh Conway and Thomâ—â— Râ—me were imployed to the Earle of Richmond to acquaint them but in most secret manner with the intended plot and to procure their promises to the propounded marriage which was no hard matter to make them all willing to their own wishes This done Instruments are imployed to draw in parties to the confederacy Bray by his credit drew in Sir Gyles Danbeâ—y Sir Iohn Cheyney Richard Guildford Thomas Râ—me and others Vrswick likewise drew in Hugh Conway Thomas Colepepper Thomas Roper with some others Doctor Lewis drew in Edward Courtney and his brother Peter Bishop of Exceter It is memorable that Thomas Conway being senâ— most part by Sea and Thomaâ— Râ—me most part by Land yet came to the Eaâ—le of Richmond in Brittaine within the space of little more then an houre upon whose information of the plot the Earle acquaints the Duke of Brittaine with it who though by Hutton King Richards Ambassadour he had by many great offers been sollicited to detaine him in prison yet he both readily promised and really performed both his advice and ayde to the Earles proceedings In this meane time Bishop Mortoâ— not without asking the Dukes leave though without obtaining it secretly in disguise gets him into his Isle of Ely and there having done the Earle good Offices by procuring of friends he thence passeth into Brittaine to him from whence he returned no more till afterward the Earle being king sent for him home and made him Archbishop of Canterbury But though all these things were carried closely and Oath taken by all for secresie yet came it to King Richards knowledge who notwithstanding dissembling it sends for the Duke of Buckingham to come unto him and he putting off his comming with pretended excuses is at last peremptorily sent for to come upon his Allegiance when he returned this resolute answer that he owed no Allegiance to such a perjur'd inhumane Butcher of his owne Flesh and Blood and so from that time preparation for Arms is made on both sides The Duke had gotten a good power of Welshmen and the Marquesse Dorset having gotten out of Sanctuary was labouring in Yorkeshire to raise forces the like did the two â—ourtneys in Devonshire and Cornwall and Guilford and Râ—me in Kent King Richâ—rd setting forward with 〈◊〉 forces the Duke of Buckingham doth the like intending at Glocester to have 〈◊〉 Severn and so to have joyned with the two Courtneys but such abundance oâ—â—aine at that time fell that the Severn was broken out and impossible to be passed 〈◊〉 which the Welshmeâ— seeing and taking it for an ill signe they secretly slâ—pt away so as the Duke leâ—t well neer alone without either Page or so much as a Footmâ—â— repaired to the house of one Humfry Bannister neere to Shreâ—sbury who having been raised by him and his father before him he thought himselfe safe under his roofe But Bannister upon Proclamation made by king Richard that whosoever could apprehend the Duke should have a thousand pound for his labour like an ungratefull and perfidious wretch discovered him to Iohn Milton High Sheriffe of 〈◊〉 who took him in a pilled black Cloak as hâ— was walking in an Orchard behinde the house and carried him to Shrewsbury where king Richard then lay â—nd there without Arraignment or Legall proceeding was in the Market place beheaded Whether Bannister received the Proclaimed reward from the hand of the King is uncertaine but certaine it is that he received the reward of a Villaine from the hand of Divine Justice for himselfe was afterward hanged for man-slaughter his eldest daughter was deflowred by one of his Carters or as some say strucken with a foule Leprosie his eldest Sonne in a desperate Lunacy murthered himselfe and was â—ound to have done so by the Coroners inquest and his younger Sonne in a small puddle was strangled and drowned Upon this disaster of the Duke of Buckingham his complices shifted for themselves sâ—me taking Sanctuary some keeping themselves in unknown places but many convayed themselves into Brittaine to the Earle of Richmondâ— of whom the Marquesse Dorset Iohn Lord Wells the Bishop of Exceter and his brother Sir Ioh◠〈◊〉 Sir Edward Woodvile brother to Queen Elizabeth Sir Willoughbyâ— Sir Giles Daâ—beney Sir Thomas Arundell Sir Iohn Cheyney and his two brethren Sir Williaâ— Bâ—rckly Sir William Brandon and his brother Thomas Sir Richard Edgecombe Hollowell and Poynings Captaines were the chiefe Whil'st these things are in doing king Richard receives intelligence from Hutton his Ambassadour leiger in Britaine that the Duke not onely refuseth to restaine the Earle of Richmond but intendeth also to give him assistance whereupon the king â—â—oke present order for preparing his Navy to stop the Earles landing in any Port of England Upon the twelveth day oâ— October in the yeer 1484. The Earle of Richmond with forty Ships and five thousand waged Brittain tooks to sea but that Evening by tempest of weather his whole Fleet was dispersed so as only the Ship wherein the Earle himselfe was with one little Barke was driven upon the Coast of Cornwâ—ll where discovering upon the shore great store of Armed Souldiers to resist his landing he hoysed sayle and returning toward France arrived in Normandy from whence sending Messengers to Charles the Eighth King of France he was by him not onely kindely invited to come to his Court but was ayded also with good sâ—mmes of money to beare his charges After this the
Earle returning into Brittâ—iâ—e received there the news of the Duke of Buckinghams death and the dispâ—râ—ing of the Confederates forces with which though he was at first much troubled yet was he as much comforted afterward when he saw the Marquesse Dorset and those other Lords and Captaines come unto him soon after whose comming upon Christâ—â—sse day before the high Altar in the great Church of Rheims the Earle of Richmoâ—d gave Oath to marry the Lady Elâ—zabeth as soone as he should be quietly â—eâ—led in the Government of England and thereupon all the Lords and Knights there present did him homage and in the same place each to other Religiously Vowed taking the Sacrament upon it never to cease prosecuting warre against king Richard till either his Deposition or Destruction King Richard being informed of these things makes diligent enquiry after all such as might be suspected to be favourers of Richmonds association of whom Sir George Brown and Sir Roger Clifford with foure other Gentlemen are apprehended and exâ—cuted at London Sir Thomas Sentlâ—geâ— whom mâ—rried Anne the Duke of Excetâ—rs widdow this kings own sister and Thomas Rame Esquire were executed at Exceter Thomas Marquesse Dorset and all such as were with the Earle of Richâ—â—â—d were at a Parliament then holden attâ—inted of Treason and all their Goodâ— aâ—d Lands seized on to the kings use Besides these a poore Gentleman called Câ—lliâ—gborâ—â— for making a small ryme of thâ—ee of his wicked Coâ—nsellours the Lord Lâ—â—â—ll Sir Robert Ratcliffe and Sir William Catesby which ryme was thus framed 〈◊〉 Cat the Rat and â—â—vell the Dog rule all Englaâ—â— under a â—â—og was put to deatâ— â—nd his body divided into foure quarterâ— At this time a Truce is conclâ—ded betwixt England and Scâ—â—land for three yearsâ— and for a seâ—ling a firmer Amity between the two kingdomes a marriage it treatedâ— of between the Duke of Rothsay eldest Sonne to the king of Scots and the Lady Anne de la Poole daughter to Iohn Duke of Suffolk by Anne sister to king Riâ—hard which sister he so much favoured that after the death of his own sonne who dyed some time before â—e caused Iohn Earle of Lincolne her sonne and his Nephew to be proclaimed Heire apparent to the Crown of England And now King Richard to take away the Root of his feare once againe sent Ambâ—â—â—adors to the Duke of Britaine with ordeâ— besides the great gifts they caried with them to make offer that king Richard should yeerly pay and answer the Duke of all the Revenues and Profits of all lands and possessionsâ— as well belonging to the Earle of Richmond as of any other Nobleman or Gentleman that were in his company if he after that time would keep them in continuall prison and restraine theâ— from liberty But the Duke of Britâ—ine being at that time fallen into such infirmity that the Ambassadors could have no audience they addressed themselves to â—eter Landois the Dukes chief Treasurer and he taken with this golden hook faithfully promised to satisfie their Request and had done so indeed but that B. Mortoâ— sojourning then in Flâ—â—ders had by his friends Intelligence of his purpose and presently informed the E. thereof The E. was then at Vaâ—â—eâ—â— who upon the Bps. information taking with him only five servants as though he went but to visit some friend when he was five miles forward on his way suddenly turned into a Wood adjoyning and there changing apparell with one of his servants followed after as their attendant and never rested till by wayes unknown he came to his company abiding at Angiâ—râ— yet was not his departure so secret nor so sudden but that Peter Landois had notice of it who sending Posts after him was so neer overtaking him that he was scarce entred one houre into Francâ— when the Posts arrived at the Conâ—ines and then durst goe no further In the mean time Sir Edward Woodvile and Captaine Pâ—ynings who with their companies were left behinde in Vannes had been in danger of Peter Lâ—ndis his malice but that the Duke being informed by the Chancellour of their case not only protected them but furnished them with all necessaries for their journey to the Earle and was so incensed against Lâ—â—dois for this action of his that for this and some other over-bold preâ—umptions he was afterward hanged The Earle having passed this danger in Britaine and being arrived in France addresseth himselfe to the French king imploring his ayde and hath it promised and performed and in this time Iohn Vere Earle of Oxford who had long time been kept prisoner in the Castle of Hammes so farre prevailed with Iames Blunt Captaine of the Fortresse and Sir Iohn Fortescue Porter of the Town of Callice that not onely they suffered him to be at liberty but accompanied him also to the Earle of Richmâ—â—â— to whom Captain Blunt gave assurance that the Fortresse remained wholly at his devotion At this time also there resorted to the Earle divers young Gentlemen that were Students in the University of Paris profering him their service amongst whom was Richard Fox at that time famous for his learning with whom afterward the Earle advised in all his affaires made him one of his most Privy Counsell and at last Bishop of Winchester But now king Richard having been disappointed of his designe in Britaine hath another way in his head to disapoint the Earle of Richmond of his marriage with the Daughter of Queen Elizabeth and to this end he sent to the Queenâ— being still in Sanctuary divers messengers who should first excuse and purge him of all things formerly attempted and done against her and then should largely promise promotions innumerable not onely to her selfe but also to her sonne Lord Thomas Marquesse Dâ—râ—etâ— by â—orâ—e of which promises the messengers so prevailed with her â—hat noâ— onely she began â—o relent but 〈…〉 was content to submit her selfe wholly to thâ— kingâ— pleasure And thereupon putting in oblivion the murther of her innoâ—â—â—â— Children the butchering of her own Brother and Sonne the infamy of her â—oyâ—ll Huâ—â—and the aspersion of Adulteâ—y cast upon her selfe the imputation of Bastardy laid to her Daâ—â—hterâ—â— forgetting also her Oaâ—h made to the Earle of Richmonds Mothâ—r seduced by flaâ—tering words she first delivered into king Richards hands her â—ive Daughters and after sent letters to the Marquesse her Sonne being then at Pariâ— witâ— the Earle of Richmond willing him by any means to leave the Earle and with all speed to repaire into Englandâ— where for him were provided great Honours and Promotions Assuring him further that all offences on both parts were forgotâ—en â—nd forgiven and both he and she incorporated in the kings favour If we wonder at this credulity in the Queen we may conceive she was moved with the 〈…〉 motives of Feare and hope she feared no doubt that if she denyed the kingâ— request he would presently take some sharpe course both against her and her Dâ—â—â—htâ—rs and she hoped that
but little exceed one halfe of the Kings Yet to make the best shew he couldâ— by the advice of his Counsell of War he made his Vaward open and thin of which Iohn Earle of Oxford had the leading The Earle himselfe led the Battaile Sir Gilbert Talbot commanding the Right wing and Sir Iohn Savage the left whose souldiers being all alike clad in white Coates and hoods of Frize by the reflection of the Sun upon them made them appeare in the view of their Enemies double the number The Reereward was governed by the Earle of Pembrooke which consisted most of â—orse and some Pikes and Black bills King Richard to incourage his souldiers made a solemne speech unto them but alas what hope coâ—ld he have to put them in heart whose hearts he had lost or to rise alacrity in others who had none in himselfe For now the remembrance of his fore-passed villanies and specially a fearfull dreame he had the night before wherein it seemed to him he saw divers Images like Devils which pulled and haled him not suffering him to take any rest or quiet so damped his spirits that although he set a good face upon the matter yet he coâ—ld not choose but have a presaging feare that the date oâ— hiâ— dayes was not farre from expiring The Earle of Richmond on the other side having a cleere conscience in himself and speaking to men that followed him for loveâ— had the easier means â—o give them encouragement which he did with so cheerfull a countenance as though already he had gotten the victory After their military exhorâ—ations ended King Richard commanded to give the onset Between both Armies there was agreat Marsh which the Earle left on his right-hand that it might be a defence for his souldiers on that side and besides by so doing he had the Sunne at his back and in the faces of the enemy When king Richard saw that the Earles company waâ— paâ—â—ed this Marish he commanded with all speed to set upon them Then were the Arrows let fly on both sides and those spent they came to hand-strokes at which encounter comes in the the Lord Stanley and joyns with the Earle The Earle of Oxford in the mean time fearing lest his company should be compassed in with the multitude of his enemies gave charge in every ranke that no man should goe above ten foot from the Standard whereupon they knit themselves together and ceased a while from fighting which the Enemy seeing and mistrusting some fraud they also paused and left striking But then the Eâ—rle of Oxford having brought all his Band together set on the Enemy afresh which the Enemy perceiving they placed their men slender and thinne before but thick and broad behinde and resolutely againe began â—he Fight While these two Vaâ—ntguâ—rds were thus contending King Richard was informed that the Earle of Richmond with a small â—â—â—ber was not farre off whereupon he presently makes towards him and being of an invincible courage whereof he was now to give the last proofe he made so furious an assault that first with his own hands he slew Sir William Brandon who bore the Earles Standard next he unhorst and overthrew Sir Iohn Cheyny a strong and stout man at Armes and then assaulted the Earle of Richmond himself who â—hough no man would have thought it yet for all the Kings fury held him off at his Launces point till Sir William Stanley came in with three thousand freshmen and then opprest with multitude King Richard is there slaine It is said that when the Battell was at the point to be lost a swift horse was bâ—ought unto him with which he might have saved himselfe by flight but out of his undaunted courage he refused it saying He would that day make an end of all Battells or else lose his life In this Battell Heâ—ry Earle of Northumberland who led King Richards Reereward never struck stroke as likewise many other who followed King Richard more for Feare than Love and so King Richard who had deceived many in his time was at this time deceived by many which was not unforeseen by some who caused a Rhyme to be set upon the Duke of Norfolks gate the night before the Battell which was this Iack of Norfolke be not too bold For Dickon thy Master is bought and sold. Yet notwithstanding this warning the noble Duke continued firme to king Richard and more considering what he was towards him then what towards others followed him to the last and in his quarrell lost his life This Iohn Howard was the sonne of Sir Robert Howard knight and Margaret eldest daughter of Thomas â—â—â—bray Duke of Norfolke in whoâ—e right he was created Duke of Norfolke by king Richard the Third in â—he yeere 1483. having been made a Baron before by king Edward the Fourth The whole number slain in thiâ— battell on kinâ— Râ—châ—rds parâ— was not above a thousand persons whereof of the Nobility besides the Duke of Norfolke only Walter Lord Ferrers of Chartley Sir Richard Ratâ—liffe and Sir Robert â—rakenbury Lievtenant of the Tower and not many Gentlemen more Sir William Catesby one of the chiefe Counsellours of king Richard with divers others were two dayes after beheaded at Leicester Amongst those that ran away were Franciâ— Viscount Lovell Huâ—fry Stafford and Thomas Stafford his brother who took Sanctuary in Saint Iohns at Glocester Of Captives and Prisoners there were great number Henry Earle of Northumberland who though on king Richards side intermiâ—ted not in the battell was incontinently taken into favour and made of the Counsell But Thomas Howard Earle of Sâ—rry though he submitted himselfe yet as having been specially familiar with king Richard was committed to the Tower where he remained a long time but at last was delivered and highly promoted On the Earle of Richmonds part were slaine scarce a hundred persons some say but ten of whom the principall was Sir William Brandon the Earles Standard-bearer This battell was fought at Rodmer neer Bosworth in Leicestershire the two and twentieth day of August in the yeer 1485. having continued little above two houres Presently after the battell the Earle knighted in the field Sir Gilbert Talbot Sir Iohn Mortimer Sir William Willoughby Sir Rice ap Thomas Sir Robert Poynts Sir Humfry Stanley Sir Iohn Turbervile Sir Hugh Pershall Sir R. Edgecombe Sir Iohn Bykenill and Sir Edmund Carew and then kneeling down he rendred to Almighty God his hearty Thankes for the victory he had obtained and commanded all the hurt and maimed persons to be cured whereat the people rejoycing clapped their hands and cryed king Henry king Henry which good will and gladnesse of the people when the Lord Staâ—ley saw he tooke the Crown of king Richard which was found amongst the spoiles in the field and set it on the Earles head as though he had been elected King by the voice of the people It may not be forgotten that when king Richard was come to Bosworth he sent to the Lord
Stowre upon the West side of the Towne Upon this bridge the like report runneth stood a stone of some heigth against which king Richard as hee passed â—owards Bosworth by chance strook his spurre and against the same stone as he was brought back hanging by the horse side his head was dashed and broken as a Wise-woman forsooth had fore-told who before his going to battell being asked of his successe said that where his spurre strooke his head should be broken But these are but Repoâ—â—â— He had lived seven and thirty yeeres Reigned two and two moneths Of men of Note in his time OF men of Note for wickednesse and villany enough have been mentioned iâ— the body of the Story and for men of Valour and Learning they will fitteâ— be placed in a better Kings Reigne THE REIGNE OF KING HENRY THE SEVENTH HENRY Earle of Richmond borne in Pembrooke-Castle sonne to Edmund Earle of Richmond by his wife Margaret sole daughter of Iohn Duke of Somerset which Iohn was sonne of Iohn Earle of Somerset sonne of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster by his third wife Katherine Swinford and by this descent Heire of the House of Lancaster having wonne the Battell at Bosworth against King Richard is by publick acclamations saluted King of England on the 22 day of August in the yeere 1485. and this was his first Title And now to take away a Root of danger before his departure from Leicester he sent Sir Robert Willougâ—by to the Castle of Sheriffehaton in the County of Yorke for Edward Plantageâ—et Earle of Warwick sonne and heire to George Duke of Clarence being then of the age of fifteen yeeres whom King Richard had there kept a prisoner all his time who was thence conveyed to London and shut up in the Tower to be kept in safe custodie In the same Castle also King Richard had left residing the Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward the Fourth and her now King Henry appoints honorably attended to be brought up to London and to be delivered to the Queene her mother This done he tooke his journey towards London where at his approaching neere the City Thomas Hill the Major Thomas Brittaine and Richard Chester Sheriffs with other principall Citizens met him at Shore-ditch and in great state brought him to the Cathedrall Church of St. Paul where he offered three Standards in the one was the Image of St. George in another was a red fiery Dragon beaten upon white and greene Sarcenet in the third was painted a dun Cow upon yellow Tarterne After Prayers said he departed to the Bishops Palace and there sojourned a season And in the time of his stay here he advised with his Councell and appointed a day for solemnizing his mariage with the Lady Elizabeth before which time notwithstanding he went by water to Westminster and was there with great solemnity Anointed and Crowned King of England by the whole consent as well of the Commons as of the Nobility by the name of Henry the Seventh on the thirtieth day of October in the yeere 1485 and this was his second Title And even this was revealed to Cadwalloder last King of the Britaines seven â—uâ—dred ninety and seven yeeres past That his off-spring should Raigne and bâ—aâ—e Dominion in this Realme againe On the seventeenth day of November following he called his High Court of Parliament where at the first sitting two scruples appeaâ—ed One concerning tâ—e Burgesses for that many had been returned Burgesses and knights of Shires who by a Parliament in king Richards time stood Attainted still and it was thought incongâ—uous for men to make Lawâ—â— who were themselves out-lawed For remedy whereof an Act was presently passed for their restoring and then they were admitted to sit in the House The other concerning the King himselfe who had been Attainted by king Richard but for this It was resolvâ—d by all the Judges in the Châ—quer Chamber that the possession of the Crowne takes away all defects yet for Honours sake all Records of hiâ— Attainder were taken off the File And so these scruples thus removed the Parliament bâ—gaâ— wherein were Attainted first Richard late Duke of Glocester calling himselfe Richard the Third Then his Assistants at the Battell of Bosworth Iohn late Duke of Norfolk Thomas Earle of Surrey Francis Viscount Lovell Walter Devereux late Lord Ferrers Iohn Lord Zouch Roberâ— Harington Richard Chaâ—letoâ—â— Richarâ— Ratâ—liffeâ— William Berâ—ley of Weley Robert Middleton Iames Haringtoâ—â—â—obert Brâ—câ—enbâ—â—y Tâ—omas Pilkington Walâ—er Hoâ—ton William Catesby Roger Wâ—ke William Sapcoâ—e Humfry Stafford William Clerke of Wenlock Geoffry St. Germaine Richard Watkins Herauld at Armes Richard Revell Thomas Pulâ—er Iohn Welsh Iohn Kenâ—all lâ—te Secretary to the late king Richard Iohn Buck Andrew Rat and William Brampton of Burford But notwithstanding this Attainder divers of the persons aforesaid were afterwards not only by King Henâ—y pardoned but restored also to their lands and livings As likewise he caused Proclamation to be made that whosoever would submit themselves and take Oath to be true subjects should have their Pardon whereupon many came out of Sanctuaries and other places who submitting themselves were received to mercy And now King Henry conâ—idering that â—aena Praemio Respublica contineâ—uy after Punishing for Offenceâ— he proceeds to Rewarding for Service and first Iasper Earle of Pembrooke his Unkle he created Duke of Bedford Thomas Lord Stanley he created Earle of Darbâ— the Lord Chendow of Britaine his speciall friend he made Earle of Bathe Sir Giles Daubenâ—y was made Lord Dawbeney Sir Robert Willoughby was made Lord Brooke and Edward Stafford eldest sonne to Henry late Duke of Buckingham he restored to his Dignity and Possessions Besides in this Parliament an Act was made for seâ—â—ing the Crowne upon the person of king Henry and the heires of his Body successively for ever And then with all speed he sent and redeemed the Marquesse Dorset and Sir Iohn Bourchier whom he had left Hostages in France for money and called home Morton Bishop of Ely and Richard Fox making Morton Archbishop of Canterbury and Fox Lord Keeper of the Privy Sâ—ole and Bishop of Winchester Besides these he made also of his Privy Counsell Iasper Duke of Bedford Iohn Earle of Oxford Thomas Stanley Earle of Darby Iohn Bishop of Ely Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlaine of his Houshold Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brooke Lord Steward of his Houshold Giles Lord Dawbeny Iohn Lord Dynâ—â—m after made Lord Treasurer of England Sir Reginold Bray Sir Iohn Cheyny Sir Richard Guildford Sir Richard Tunstall Sir Richard Edgecombe Sir Thomas Lovell Sir Edmund Pâ—ynings Sir Iohn Risley with some other These things thus done as well in performance of his Oath as to make his Crown sit the surer on his head on the eighteenth day of Ianuary he proceeded to the solemnizing his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth which gave him a third title And indeed this conjunction made a wreath of three so indissoluble that no age since hath
of the Duke of Clarence but that device had two maine imperfections One that the true Sonne of the Duke was forâ—h-comming and to be shewed openly for convincing the false the other that though the counterfeit had been the true yet he could have laid no claim to the Crown as long as any Daughters of King Edward the fourth were living Now therefore a device is found by which those imperfections were both of them amended for now a Counterfeit was set on foot who pretended to be Richard the younger Sonne of king Edward the fourth so that neither any other could be produced to convince him of being false nor any Daughters of King Edward could hinder his Right for claiming the Crown This device was first forged by Margaret Dutchesse of Burgundie a woman that could never be quiet in her minde as long as king Henry was quiet in his kingdome and by this device she hoped if not to put him cleane out of his seat yet foulely at least to disturbe him in it and this was the purpose of the Plâ—t but by what instrument it was acted by what abeâ—tours fomented and what issue the device had are worâ—hy all to be related The Dutchesse having formerly given out that Richard the younger Sonne of king Edward was not murthred but in compassion spared and sent secretly a way to seek his fortune and having after long search gotten at last a fit Boy to personate a Prince keeps him seretly a good time with her in which time she so throughly instructed him in all Circumstances and he afterward put them so gracefully in practice that even those who had seen and known the young Prince while he lived could hardly perceive but that this was he It is true though he were not King Edwards Sonne yet he was his Godsonne and might perhaps have in him some base blood of the house of Yorke This Perkin Warbeck for so was the youths name called Perkin as a diminutive of Peter when he so perfectly had learned his lesson that he was fit to come upon the Stage she sent him into Portingall that comming from a strange Country it might be thought he had been driven to wander from one Country to another for safeguard of his life at least that she of all other might not be suspected From Portingal she caused him to passe into Ireland where the house of Yorke was specially respected in regard of the great love which Richard Duke of Yorke Father of King Edward the fourth had wonne amongst them by reason whereof this Perkin as esteemed his Grand-childe was well entertained by them and held in great estimation He had not been long in Ireland when the French king sent for him for being at that time at variance with King Henry hee thought he might make good use of Perkin as a pretender against King Henry for the Crown Perkin being come to Paris was entertained in a Princely fashion and for his more honour had a guard assigned him over which the Lord Congreshall was Captaine He had not been long at Paris when there resorted to him Sir George Nevill bastard Sir Iohn Taylour Richard Robinson and about a hundred other English Amongst the rest one Stephen Fryon that had been King Henries Secretary for the French Tongue but discontented fled and became a chiefe Instrument in all Perkins proceedings But this float of Perkins lasted not long for as soon as Peace was concluded between the two Kings the King of France dismissed Perkin and would keep him no longer Then passed he secretly to his first foundresse the Lady Margaret who at his first comming made a shew of suspecting him to be a Counterfeit But causing him in great assemblies to be brought before her as though she had never seen him before and finding him to answer directly to all questions she put unto him she openly professed that she was now satisfied and thought him verily to be her true Nephew and thereupon assigned a guâ—rd of thirâ—y persons cloathed in Murrey and Blew and callâ—d him the White Rose of England Upon report hereof many in England were inclined to take his part and Sir Robert Clifford and Robert Bareley were sent into Flanders to acquaint the Dutchesse with the peoples respect to Perkin and indeed Sir Robert Clifford upon sight and conference with him wrote letters into England wherein he affirmed that he knew him to be true Sonne of king Edward by his face and other Lineaments of his body King Henry hearing of these things sent certaine espials into Flanders that should feigne themselves to have fled to Perkin and by that means the better search out who were of the Conspiracy with him Whose name being returned to the King he caused them â—o be apprehended and brought to his Presence the chiefe of whom were Iohn Râ—tcliffe Lord Fitzwater Sir Simon Montford and Sir Thomas Thâ—â—yâ—â— knights William Dawbeney Robert Ratcliffe Thomas Cressenor and Thomas Astwoâ—d also certaine Priests as William Richford D. of Divinity Thomas Boyns D. William Sutton William Worseley Dean of Pauls Robert Layborne and Richard Lesley of whom some hearing of it fled to Sanctuary oâ—hers were taken and condemed as Sir Simon Montford Robert Ratcliffe and William Dawbeney who were all three beheâ—ded The Lord Fitzwater pardoned of life was conveyed to Calice and there laid in hold where seeking to make escape by corrupting his Keeper hee lost his head Shortly after Sir Robert Clifford returning out oâ— Flanders not as some think sent a spye from the beginning but rather now at last either discerning the fraude or woâ— by rewards and submitted himselfe to the kings mercy discovering unto him as farre as he knew all that were either open or secret abettours of the Conspiracy amongst whom he accused Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlaine his accusation was this that in Conference between them Sir William had said that if he certainly knew that the young man named Perkin were the Sonne of king Edward the fourth he would never fight nor beare Armes against him These words being considered of by the Judges seemed to expresse a tickle hold of Loyalty for who could tell how soon he might be perswaded that he knew it and upon the matter was to be Loyall to king Henry but for want of better and withall it strook upon a string which had alwaies sounded harsh in king Henries ears as preferring the Title of Yorke before that of Lancaster Sir William being hereupon arraigned whether trusting to the greatnesse of his favours or the smalnes of his fault denied little of that wherewith he was charged and upon confession was adjudged to dye and accordingly on the sixteenth day of February was brought to the Tower-hill and there beheaded after whose death Giles Lord Dawbeny was made L. â—hamberlaine This was that Sir William Stanley who came in to rescue the Earle of Richmond when he was in danger of his life who set the Crowne upon his head and was the cause of
his being saluted King And could it enter into his breast to put him to death that had saved his life and done him so many great services besides But it may be said It was not the Earle of Richmond that did it but the King of England for certainly in many cases a King is not at liberty to shew mercy so much as a private man may Though there be that affirme the cause of his death was not words onely but reall acts as giving ayde to Perkin under-hand by money And yet it seemes there was some conflict in the minde of King Henry what he should doe in this case for he stayed six weekes after his Accusation before before he brought him to his Arraignment How-ever it was the Summer following the King went in Progresse to Latham to the Earle of Darby who had maâ—ied his mother and was brother to Sir William Stanley perhaps to congratulate his own safety perhaps to condole with him his brothers death but certainly to keepe the Earle from conceiving any sinister opinion of him For to thinke that Sir William's suing to be Earle of Chester an Honour appointed to the kings sonne or his great wealth for he left in his Castle at Holt in ready money forty thousand markes besideâ— Plate and Jewells were causes that procured or set forward his death are considerations very unworthy of so just a Prince against a Servant of so great deserving But in this meane while Perkin having gotten a Power of idle loose fellows took to Sea intending to lâ—nd in Kent where though he were repelled yet some of his Souldiers would needs venture to goe on Land of whom a hundred and sixty persons were taken Prisoners whereof five were Captaines Mortford Corbet Whitebolt Quâ—â—tyn and Gemyne These hundred and sixty persons were brought to London rayled in ropes like horses drawing in a Cart who upon their Araignement confessing their offence were executed some at London and some in Towns adjoyning to the sea-coast Perkin finding no entertainment in Kent sayled into Ireland and having stayed there a while and finding them also being a naked people to bee no competent assistants for him from thence he sayled into Scotland where he so moved the King of Scots with his fayre words and colourable pretexts made no doubt before by the Dutcesse of Burgoigne that hee received him in great state and caused him to bee called the Duke of Yorke and to perswade the World that hee thought him so indeede hee gave to him in marriage the Lady Katherine Gourdon daâ—ghter to Alexander Earle Huntley his own neer kinswoman and soone after in Perkins quarrell entred with a puissant Army into England making Proclamation that whosoever would come in and ayde the true Duke of Yorke should bee spared but none comming in he then used all kinde of cruelty and the whole County of Northuâ—berland was in a manner wasted whereat Perkin at his returne expressed much griefe saying It grieved him to the heart to see such havock made of his people To whom the King answered Alas Alas you take care for them who for any thing that appeares are none of yours for not one of the Countrey came in to his succour King Henry incensed with this bold attempt of the king of Scots called his High Court of Parliament acquainting them with the necessity hee had of a present warre to revenge this indignity offered him by the Scots and thereupon requiring their ayde by money had a subsidie of sixscore thousand pounds readily granted him and then in all haste a puissant Army is provided and under the conduct of the Lord Dawbeney sent into Scotland but before hee arrived there hee was suddenly called back by reason of a commotion begun at Cornwall for payment of the Subsidie lately granted which though it were not great yet they grudged to pay it The Ring-leaders of this commotion were Thomas Flammock a gentleman leâ—â—ned in the Lawes and Michael Ioseph a Smith who laying the blame of this exaction upon Iohn Morton Archbishop of Canterbury and Sir Reynold Bray as being chiefe of the Kings Councell exhorted the people to take armes and having aâ—sembled an Army they went to Taunton where they slew the Provost Peryâ— one of the Commissioners for the Subsidie and from thence came to Wells intending to goe to London where the King then lay who having revoked the Lord Dawbeney appointed Thomas Howard Earle of Surrey after the death of the Lord Dinham made Lord Treasurer of England to have an eye to the Scots and if they made invasion to resist them In the meane time Iames Twychet Lord Audley confederated himselfe with the Rebells of Cornwall and tooke upon him to bee their Leader who from Wâ—lls went to Salisbury and from thence to Winchester and so to Kent hoping there â—o have had great ayde but found none for the Earle of Kent the Lord of Aburgâ—â—â— Iohn Brook Lord Cobham Sir Edmond Poynings Syr Richard Guildford Sir Thâ—â—as Bourchier Iohn Peachy and William Scott were ready in Armes to resist them whereupon the Rebels brought their Army to Black-heath foure miles distant from Lâ—ndâ—n and there in a plaine on the top of a hill encamped themselves whereof when the King had knowledge hee presently sent Iohn Earle of Oxford Henry Bouâ—â—â—ier Earle of Essex Edmond de la Poole Earle of Suffolke Sir Riceap Thomas and Sir Hâ—â—fry Stanley to inviron the hill on all sides that so all hope of flight might hee takâ—n from them and then set forward himselfe and encamped in St. Georgeâ— fields where for encouragement he made divers Bannarets The next day he sent the Lord Dawbeney to set upon the Rebels early in the morning who first got the bridge at Debâ—ford Strand though strongly defended by the Rebels Archers whose arrowes were â—eported to bee a full cloath-yard in length but notwithstanding the Lord 〈◊〉 comming in with his Company and the Earles assayling them on every side they were soone overcome In which conflict were slaine of the Rebels above 〈◊〉 thousand taken prisoners a very great number many of whom the King pâ—â—doned but of the chiefe Authors none for the Lord Audley was drawne from Newgate to Tower-hill in a coate of his owne Armes paynted upon paper reversed and all torne and there on the foure and twentieth day of Iune was beheaded Thomas Flammock and Michael Ioseph were hanged drawn quartered and their heads and quarters pitched upon stakes set up in London and other places Of the Kings Army were slaine not above three hundred It is memorâ—ble with what comfort Ioseph the black-smith cheered up himselfe at his going to execution saying that yet he hoped by this that his name and memory should be everlasting so deere even to vulgar spirits is perpetuety of Name though joyned with infamy what is it then to Noble spirits when it is joyned with Glory In the meane time the king of Scots taking advantage of these troubles in England invaded the
Frontiers forraged the Bishoprick of Durham and at last besieged the castle of Norham whereof Richard Fox then Bishop of Durham was owner who thereupon sent presently to the Earle of Surrey acquainting him with this Invasion Whereupon the Earle taking with him Ralph Earle of Westmerland Thomas Lord Barnes Ralph Lord Nevill George Lord Strange and many other Lords and knights and an Army of little lesse then twenty thousand men besides a Navy whereof the Lord Brooke was Admirall set forward against the Scots and not only forced the Scots to raise their siege of Norham Castle but followed them also into Scotland where he overthrew and defaced the Castle at Cawdestraynes the Tower of Heâ—eâ—hall the Tower of Edington the Tower of Fulden and at last by composition tooke the strong Castle of Hayton and rased it to the ground At the Earles being at Hayton the King of Scots sent to him Marchemont and another Herald requiring him at his election either to fight with him with their whole Armies or else they two to fight in single combat upon condition that if the victory fell to the Scotish king the Earle should deliver for his Ransome the Towne of Barwick Whereunto the Earle made answer that the Town of Barwick was the King his Masters and therefore not for him to dispose of but for his offer of single combat he willingly accepted it and thought himselfe highly honored by such a match But King Iames of Scotland had no meaning to performe either one or other but privily in the night fled back into Scotland and then the Earle returned to Barwick In the meane time one Peter Hyalâ—s a man of great learning and policie was sent Ambassadour to the King of Scots from the King of Spaine to mediate a Peace between the two kings of of England and Scotland who finding the King of Scots conformable to his motion found after the King of England who was never averse from Peace upon honourable Conditions no lesse enclining to it and so a Truce was concluded for certaine yeeres upon conditition that Perkin Warbeck should be sent out of the Scotish Dominions About this time the Lord of Camphyre and others sent from Philip Archduke of Austria and Duke of Burgundy came to king Henry for a conclusion of Amity and to procure the English merchanâ—s resort againe to his Country for king Henry some time before upon displeasure with the Flemings but specially with the Lady Margaret for abetting Perkin Warbeck not onely had banished all Flemish wares and merchandizes out of his Dominions but had also restrained all English merchants from having any traffick in any of their Territories causing the Mart for all English commodities to be kept at Callice but now upon this invitation and having found it had been a great hinderance to his owne Merchant-adventurers and thereupon some insurrections had risen he willingly condiscended to their Request and so the English resorted againe into the Archdukes Dominions and were received into Antwerp with generall Procession so glad was that Towne of the Engglish-mens returne In this eleventh yeere of the Kings Reigne dyed Cicely Dutchesse of Yorke mother to king Edward the fourth at her Castle of Berkhamstead being of extreme age who had lived to see three Princes of her body Crowned and foure Murthered she was buried at Fâ—driâ—gâ—am by her Husband Shortly after the Truce concluded between England and Scotland Perkin Warbeck was commanded to depart out of the Scotish Dominions who thereupon with his wife and familie sayled into Ireland where understanding that the Cornish-men were ready to renue the warre againe he thought best not to let pâ—sse so faire an occasion and thereupon having with him foure small ships and not above six-score men he sailed into Cornwall and there landed in the moneth of September and came to a Town called Bodmyn where with faire words and large promises he so prevailed with the people that he had gotten to him above three thousand persons to take his part and then made Proclamations in the name of King Richard the Fourth as sonne to King Edward the Fourth and by the advice of his three Counsellors Iohn Heron a bankrupt Mercer Richard Skelton a Tailour and Iohn Astley a Scrivener determined to attempt first the winning of Exceter which with great violence he assaulted and the Townsmen with as great valiantnes defended whereof when the King heard he sent the Lord Dawbeny to their rescue but before he came the Lord Edward Courtney Earle of Devonshire and the valiant Lord William his sonne accompanied with Sir Edmund Carew Sir Thomas Trenchard Sir Courtneyâ— Sir Thomas Fulford Sir Iohn Halâ—well Sir Iohn Croker Walter Courtâ—ey Peter Edgecombe William St. Maure with others came to their ayde upon whose comming Perkin left the siege and retired to Taunton where he mustered his men as though he meant to prepare for battell but finding his number to be much diminished foâ— of six thousand which he had at Exceter many were fled from him when they saw no Great ones to take his part he began to distrust his case and heâ—â—ing withall that the king with a great Power was at hand about midnight with threescore horse-men in his company he departed in post from Taunton and tooke Sanctuary in a Town called Beauly neere to Southampton When king Henry heâ—rd that Perkin was fled he sent after him to the Sea-side to stop his passage and apprehend him But the messengers that were sent when they came to St. Michaels 〈◊〉 though they found not Perkin yet there they found his wife the Lady Katherine Gourdon whom they presently brought to the king a beautifull young Lady to whom in honour of her birth and commiseration of her beauty the king allowed a competent maintenance which she enjoyed during the kings life and mâ—ny yeeres after king Henry being come to Exceter stayed there a few dayes about examination of the Rebellion and execution of the chiefe Offendours of whom there being a great multitude and all of them craving pardon the king caused them all to be assembled in the Church-yard of St. Peter where they all appeared barâ—-headed in their shirts and halters about their necks whom the king viewing out of a window made for the purpose after he had paused a while made a speech unto them exhorting them to obedience and then in hope they would afterward be dutifull Subjects he pardoned them all whereat they made a great shout crying 〈◊〉 God save king Henry though some of them afterward like ungratefull wretches fell into new Rebellions All this whiâ—e Perkin was in Sanctuary and the King thinking himselfe in danger as long as he was in safety set a Guard about the place to keepe him for escaping whereby Perkin was so restrained that at last hee submitted himselfe to the kings mercy and was thereupon sent to the Tower to bâ— there in sâ—fe custodie This doâ—e king Henry appointed Thomas Lord Dâ—rcy Sir Amyâ—s Pawleâ— and Robert Sherbâ—â—â—â—
wrote certaine Rules of Grammar and other things printed by Richard Pinson Robert Fabian a Sheriffe of London and an Historiographer Edmund Dudley the same man whom king Henry used to take the forfeitures of Penall Statuâ—es who wrote a Booke intituled Arbor Reâ—-publicae Iohn Bockingham an excellent Schoole-man and William Blackeney a Carmelite Frier a Doctor of Divinity and a Necromancer THE REIGNE OF KING HENRY THE EIGHT KING Henry the seventh being deceased his only sonne Prince Henry Heire by his Father of the house of Lancaster and by his Mother of the house of Yorke by unquestionable right succeeded in the Crowne at the Age of eighteene yeers on the two and twentieth of Aprill in the yeere 1509. who having been trained up in the study of good letters all his Fathers timeâ— he Governed at first as a man newly come from Contemplation to Action as it were by the Bookeâ— in so regular and fair a manâ—er that as of Neroes Goverment there was said to be Quinquennium Neronis so of this Kings there might as justly be said Decennium Henrici and perhaps double so long a time comparable with so much time of any Kings Reigne that had been before him How he came to alter and to alter to such a degree of change as he did we shall then have a fit place to shew when we come to the time of his alteration King Henry having learned by Bookes that the weight of a Kingdome is too heavy to lie upon one mans shoulders if it be not supported by able Councellours made it his first care to make choice of an able Councell to which he called VVilliam VVarham Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellour of England Richard Fox Bishop of VVinchester Thomas Howard Earle of Surry and Treasurer of England George Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury and Lord Steward of his Houshold Charles Summerset Lord Chamberlaine Sir Lovellâ— Sir Henry VVyat Doctor Thomas Ruthall and Sir Edward Poynings by advise of these Councellours his first Act after the care of his Fathers Funerall was the care to performe his Fathers Will in marrying the Lady Katherine of Spaine the Relict of his Brother Prince Arthur to which perhaps but in respect of filiall pierie he had not the greatest devotion and for relinquishing whereof he might no doubt more easily have obtained a Despensation from the Pope then his Father had done for getting it to be allowed but obsequiousnesse to his Fathers desire and respect to his Councels advice so far prevailed with him that he would not be Crowned till that were performed that one Coronation might serve them both and so on the third day of Iune following he married the said Lady at the Bishop of Salisburies house in Fleetstreet where of many great solemnities I will remember but this one that though the Bride were a Widdow yet to shew she was a Virgin Widdow she was attired all in white and had the haire of her head hanging-downe behinde at the full length and then having made in the Tower four and twenty Knights of the Bath two dayes after being Midsomer day he was Crowned at Westminster together with his Queene by the hands of VVilliam VVarham Archbishop of Canterbury with all Circumstances of State in such cases usuall and then all the Nobility Spirituall and Temporall did him Homage and the people being asked whether they would receive him for their King they all with one voice cryed yea yea This done his next Act was another part of performing his fathers Will which was to proclaime Pardons for all offences Treason Murder and Felonie only excepted and to have restitution made of all goods unjustly taken from any and because the Instruments of such injustice are alwayes most odious and nothing gives the people so much contentment as to see their Persecutours punished he therefore caused Empson and Dudley the two chiefe Actours of the late unjust proceedings to be committed to the Tower and divers of their inferiour Agents called Promoters as Canby Page Smith Derby Wright Simpson and Stockton to be set on the Pillory in Cornhill with papers on their heads and then to ride through the City with their faces to the horse tailes with the shame whereof within seven dayes after they all died in Newgate Shortly after a Parliament was called whereof Sir Thomas Ingleby was chosen Speaker and therein Empson and Dudley were attainted of High Treason and after arraigned Edmund Dudley in the Guildhall on the seventeenth of Iuly and Sir Richard Empson at Northampton in October following and on the seventeenth of August the yeere following they were both of them beheaded on the Tower Hill and their Bodies and Heads buried the one at the White Fryers the other at the Black On Midsomer Eave at night King Henry came privily into VVestchester cloathed in one of the Coats of his Guard to behold the same and this first yeer King Henry spent in Justs and Maskes which were almost perpetuall performed with great Magnificence alwayes and sometimes with great Acts of Valour on the Kings part specially In February the same yeer Embassadours came from the Kings Father in law the King of Aragon requiring Ayde against the Moores in which service the Lord Thomas Darcy a Knight of the Garter making suite to be imployd he was sent thither and with him the Lord Anthony Gray brother to the Marquesse Dorset Henry Guilford Wolstan Browne and William Sidney Esquires of the Kings House Sir Constableâ— Sir Roger Hastings Sir Ralph Elderton and others who on the Mundâ—y in the Rogation Weeke departed out of Plimotâ— Haven with four ships Royall and on the first of Iune arrived at the Port of Cadis in south Spaine of whose comming the King of Aragon hearingâ— sent to bid them welcome but advertising them withall that he had now by reason of new troubles with France taken truce with the Moores and therefore they might returne againe into their owne Country to whom yet he allowed wages for all his souldiers Wâ—ereupon the Lord Darcy and all his men went aboord their ships but Henry Guilford Wolâ—tan Brâ—wne and William Sidney desirous to see the Court of Spaine went thither and were honourably entertained Henry Guilford and Wolstan Browne were made Knights by the King who gave to Sir Henry Guilâ—ord a Canton of Granado and to Sir Wolstan Browne an Eagle of Sicily on a Chiefe to the augmentation of their Armes William Sidney so excused himselfe that he was not made Knight After this they returned to their ships and their ships into England During the time that the Lord Darcy was in Spain the Lady Margaret Dutchesse of Saâ—oy Daughter unto Maximilian the Emperour and Governesse of Flandeâ—s and other the Low-countryes pertaining to Charles the young Prince of Caâ—tile sent to King Henry for fifteen hundred Archers to aid her against the Duke of Gelders which the King granted and thereupon Sir Edward Poynings Knight of the Garter and Comptroller of the Kings House appointed to goe
accompaniâ—d with his sonne in law the Lord Clinton Sir Matthew Browne Sir Iohn Digâ—y Iohn Werton Richard Wetherill and others to the number of fifteen hundred took shipping at Sandwich and passing over to the said Lady Regent did her there great service for which Iohn Norton Iohn Fogge Iohn Scott and Thomas Lynde were knighted and then with many thanks and rewards returned not having lost in all the Journey by warre or sicknesse above an hundred men In the third yeer of King Henryes Reigne one Andrew Barton a scottish Pirate was grown so bold that he robbed English-men no lesse then other Nationsâ— till the King sent his Admirall Sir Edward Howard to represse him who in a fight so wounded the said Barton that he died and then taking two of his ships brought the men prisoners to London and though their offence deserved no lesse then death yet the King was so mecifull as to pardon them all provided they departed the Realme within twenty dayes The King of Scotts hearing the death of Barton and taking of his ships sent to King Henry requiring restitution but King Henry answered his Herauld that he rather looked for thanks for sparing their lives who so justly had deserved death In the third yeer also of King Henryes Reigne the French King made sharpe Warre against Pope Iulius the second whereupon King Henry wrote to the French King requiring him to desist from his Warre against the Pope being his friend and confederate but when the King of France little regarded his request he then sent him word to deliver him his Inheritance of the Dutchy of Normandie and Guyen and the Countryes of Angiou and Mayne as also his Crown of France or else he would recover it by the sword But when the King of France was not moved with this threatning neither King Henry then joyning in league with the Emperour Maximilian with Ferdinand King of Spaine and with divers other Princes resolved by advise of his Councell to make warre on the King of France and to that end made preparation both by Sea and Land This yeer the King kept his Christmas at Greenwich in a most Magnificent manner On New-yeers day was presented one of his Joviall Devises which onely for a Patterne what his showes at other times were I thinke fit to set downe at large In the Hall was made a Castle garnished with Artillery and weapons in a most warlike fashion and on the Front of the Castle was written la Forteresse Dangerense within the Castle were six Ladies clothed in russet Sattin laid all over with leaves of gold On their heads Coyfes and Caps of gold After this Castle had been carried about the Hall and the Queen had beheld it in came the King with five other apparelled in Coates one halfe of russet-Satten with spangles of fiâ—e gold the other halfe of rich cloath of gold on their heads Caps of russet Sattin embrodered with works of fine gold These six assaulted the Castle whom the Ladies seeing so lusty and couragious they were contented to solace with them and upon further communication to yeeld the Castle and so they came downe and daunced a long space after that the Ladyes led the Knights into the Castle and then the Castle suddenly vanished out of their sights On Twelfth day at night the King with eleven more were disguised after the maner of Italie called a Maske a thing not seen before in England They were apparelled in garments long and broad wrought all with gold with Vysors and Caps of gold And after the banket done these Maskers came in with six Gentlemen disguised in silke bearing staffe Torches and desired the Ladyes to dance and after they had danced and communed together tooke their leave and departed The five and twentieth of Ianuary began the Parliament of which was speaker Sir Robert Sheffield knight where the Archbishop of Canterbury shewed the wrong which the King of France did to the King of England in with-holding his Inheritance from him and thereupon the Parliament concluded that Warre should be made on the French King and his Dominions At this time King Ferdinand of Spaine having Warre with the French King wrote to his Sonne in law King Henry that if he would send over an Army into Biskey and invade France on that side he would aid them with Ordnance Horses and all other things necessary whereupon Thomâ—s Gray Marquesse Dorset was appointed to go and with him the Lord Howard Sonne and heiâ—e to the Earle of Sâ—rry the Lord Brooke the Lord Willoughby the Lord Ferrers the Lords Iohn Anthony and Leonard Grey all brothers to the Marquesse Sir Grisseth ap Ryce Sir Maurice Barkeley Sir William Sands the Baron of Bâ—râ—ord and Sir Richard Cornwall his brother William Hussey Iohn Melton William Kingstâ—n Esquires and Sir Henry Willoughby with divers others to the number of ten thousand who taking ship at Southampton oâ— the sixteenth of Maâ—â— the third of Iune they landed on the coast of Biskey whither within three dayes after their arrivall came from the King a Marquesse and an Earle to welcome them but of such necessaries as were promised there came â—one so as the English being in some want of victualls the King of Navarre offered to supply them which they accepted and promised thereupon not to molest his Territories After the Army had lyen thirty dayes looking for aid and provision from the King of Spaine at last a Bishop came from the King desiring theâ— to have patience a while and very shortly he would give them full contentmeâ—t In the mean time the Englishmen forced to feed much upon Garlick and 〈◊〉 drink of hoâ—t Wines fell into such sicknesse that many of them dyed at least eighteen hundred persons which the Lord Marquesse seeing he sent to the King to know his pleasure who sent him answer that very shortly the Duke of Alvâ— should come with a great power and joyne with him and indeed the Duke of Alva came forward with a great Army as if he meant to joyne with him as was promised but being come within a dayes Journey he suddenly turned towards the Realme of Navarre and entring the same chased out the King and Conquered the Kingdom to the King of Spaines use This Spanish policie pleased not the English who finding nothing but words from the King of Spain and being weary of lying so long idle they fell upon some small Townes in the border of Guyen but for want of Horses as well for service as draught were unable to performe any great matter at which time being now October the Lord Marques fell sick and the Lord Howard supplied his place of General to whom the King of Spaine once again sent excusing his present coming and requiring him seeing the time of yeer was now past that he would be pleased to break up his Army and disperse his Companies into Townes thereabouâ— till the nexâ— spring when he would not faile to make good all his promises
Hereupon the Lord Howard and his Company went to Rendre the Lord Willoughby to Gorschaâ—g and Sir William Sands with many other Captaines to Fontarely King Henry in the meane time hearing what the King of Spaines intention was senâ— his Herauld Windsor with Letters to the Army willing them to tarry thereâ—for that very shortly he meant to send them a new supply of Forces under the conduct of the Lord Herbert his Chamberlaine but this message so incenseâ— the Souldiers that in a great fury they had slaine the Lord Howard if he had â—oâ— yeelded presently to returne home who thereupon was forced to hire shippeâ—â— and in the beginning of December they landed in England being taught â—â—y this experience what trust is to be given to Spanish promises About the same time that the Marquesse went into Spaine Sir Edward Hâ—â—ard Lord Admirall of England with twenty great ships made forth towardâ— Brâ—ttaine where setting his men on land he burned and wasted divers Townâ— and Villages and being threatned by the Lords of Brittaine to be encountred to encourage his Gentlemen he made divers of them Knights as Sir Edwaâ—â— Brook brother to the L. Cobham Sir Grifâ—eth Downe Sir Thomas Windham Sir Thomas Lucy Sir Iohn Burdet Sir William Pirton Sir Henry Sherburne and Sir Stephen Bull. The Brittains were tenne thousand the English but five and twenty hundred yet the Brittaines not contented with this advantage of number would neâ—ds use policy besides for by the advice of an old experienced Captaine their Generall commanded his men that aâ—soone as Battels were joynedâ— they should retire a little meaning thereby to draw the English into some disadvantage but the common Souldiers not knowing their Generalls purpose and supposing he had seen some present danger instead of retyring tooke their heeles and fled so giving the English by their Brittish policy if not a Victory at least a safety to returne to their ships After which the Brittaines sued for truce and could not obtaine it for the English Admirall pursued his forraging the Countrey till fearing there were many French ships abroad at Sea he came and lay before the Isle of Wight King Henry in the meane time followed his pleasures and in Iune kept a solemne Just at Greenwich where he and Sir Charles Brandon took up all cummers and the King shewed himselfe no lesse a King at Arms then in Estate After this King Henry having prepared men and ships ready to go to Sea under the Governance of Sir Anthony Outâ—read Sir Edmund Ichingham William Sidney and divers other Gentlemen appointed them take the sea and to come before the Isle of Wight there to joyne with the Admirall which altogether made a Fleet of five and twenty faire ships and to Portesmouth he weâ—t himselfe to see them where he appointed Captaines for one of his chiefest ships called the Regent Sir Thomas Knevet master of his horse and Sir Iohn Carew of Devonshire and to another principall ship called the Soveraigne he appointed for Captaines Sir Charles Brandon and Sir Henry Guildford and then making them a bankeâ— sent them going The French King likewise had prepared a Navy of nine thirty ships in the Haven of Brest whereof the chief was a great Carrick called the Cordelyer pertaining to the Queen his wife These two Fleets met at the Bay of Brittaine and there entred a tirrible fight The Lord Admirall made with the great ship of Deepe and chased her Sir Charles Brandon and Sir Henry Guildford being in the Soveraigne made with the great Carrick of Brest and laid stemme to stemme to her but whether by negligence of the Master or by reason of the smoake from the Ordnance the Soveraigne was cast at the sterâ—e of the Carrick whereat the Frenchmen shoured for joy which Sir Thomas Knevet seeing suddenly he caused the Regent in which he was to make to the Carrick and to grapple with her a long boord and when they of the Carrick perceived they could not get a sunder they let slippe an Anchor and so with the streame the ships turned and the Carrick was on the Weather side and the Regent on the Lee side at which time a cruell fight passed between these two ships but in conclusion the Englishmen entred the Carrick which when a Gunner saw he desperately set fire on the Gunpowder as some say though others affirmed that Sir Anthonie Outhread following the Regent at the sterne bowged her in divers places and set her powder on fire but howsoever it chanced the Carrick and the Regent both were consumed by fire In the Carrick was Sir Piers Morgan and with him nine hundred men in the Regent were Sir Thomas Knevett and Sir Iohn Carew and with them seven hundred men all drowned and burnt King Henry to repaire the losse of the Regent caused a great ship to be made such a one as had never been seen in England and named it Henry Grace de Dieu Though King Henry had hitherto followed his pleasures as well agreeing with his youth and constitution yet he neglected not in the meane time severer studies for he frequented daily his Councell Table and no matter of importance was resolved on till he had heard it first maturely discussed as was now a War wiâ—h France which he would not enter into upon his owne head nor yet upon advise of his private Councell till he had it dâ—bâ—ted and concluded in Parliament whereupon he called his High Court of Parliament wherein it was resolved that himselfe in person with a Royall Army should invade France and towards the charges thereof an extraordinary Subsidy was willingly granted On May even this yeer Edmund de la Poole Earle of Suffolke was beheaded on the Tower Hill This was that Earle of Suffolke whom King Phillip Duke of Austria had delivered up into the hands of King Henry the seventh upon his promise that he would not put him to death which indeed he performed but his sonne King Henry the eight was not bound by that promise and by him he was and shortly after to bring another Lord in his place Sir Charles Brandon was created Viscount Lisle For all the great preparation for France King Henry forbore not his course of Revelling but kept his Christmas at Greenwich with divers cuâ—ious devises in most magnificent manner In March following the Kings Navy Royall to the number of two and forty ships was set forth under the conduct of Sir Edward Howard Lord Admirall accompanied with Sir Walter Deveraux Lord Ferrers Sir Wolston Browne Sir Edward Ichingham Sir Anthony Poynings Sir Iohn Walloppe Sir Thomas Windham Sir Stephen Bull William Fits Williams Arthur Plantagenet William Sidney esquires and divers other Gentlemen who sayling to Brittane came into Bertram Bay and there lay at Anchor in sight of the French Navie wherof one Prior Iohn was Admirall who keeping himselfe close in the Haven of Brest the English Admirall intended to assaile him in the Haven but because his ships were to
great to enter the Bay he caused certaine Boaâ—es to be manned forth thinking thereby to toule out the French but when this neither would draw them to come abroad he then called a Councell where it was determined that first they should assayle Prior Iohn and his Gallies lying in Blankesable Bay and after set upon the rest of the French Fleeâ—e in the Haven of Brest and it was further appointed that the Lord Ferrers Sir Stephen Bull and others should go on land with a convenient number to assault the Bulworkes which the French had there made while the Admiâ—all with Row Bâ—rges and little Gallies entred into the Bay that so the Frenchmen might at once be assailed both by sea and land But though this were determined by the Councell of Warre â—et the Lord Admirall had a trick by himselfe for by the advise of a Spanish Knight called Sir Alphonso Charunt affirming that he might enter the Bay with little danger he called to him William Fiâ—s-VVilliams VVilliam Cooke Iohn Colley and Sir VVolston Browne as his most trusty friends making them privy to his intent which was to take on him the whole enterprize with their assistance only and so confident he was of successe that he wrote to the King to come thither in person to have the honour of the enterprize himselfe but it seemes the King had better Fates at least went not and thereupon on Saint Marks day the Admirall put himselfe in a small row Bâ—rge and appointing three other small row Ships and his own Ship-boat to attend him and therewith on a sudden rowed into the Baâ— where Pryor Iohn had moored up his Gallies just to the ground which Gallies with the Bulworks on the land shot most cruelly yet the Admirall went on and comming to the Gallies drove out the French-men The Bay was shallow and the other ships by reason the Tide was spent could not enter which the French-men perceiving they entred the Gallies againe with Morris Pikes and began a new fight whereupon the Admirall attempting to returne back into his row Bâ—rge which by violence of the Tide was driven downe the streame with a Pike was throwne over boord and drowned the just issue of his head-strong enterprize the forenamed Alphonso was also there slaine upon which sorrowfull accident the Lord Ferrers with the rest returned into England After whose departure Pryor Iohn came forth with his Gallies and coasting over the borders of Sussex burnt certaine poore Cottagesâ— but the King made suddenly a new Admirall the Lord Thomas Howard eldest Brother to him that was drowned sonne and heire of the Earle of Surrey who so skowrd the seas that the French were no more to be seen on any coast of England King Henry had hitherto performed Acts of Armes though in Jest yet with great magnificence he will not performe them with lesse being now in earnest and especially to deale with so potent aa adversary and therefore when it was concluded by Parliament that he should make a Warre in France himselfe in pâ—rson he sent before to prepare the way for him George Talbot Earle of Shâ—ewsbury high Steward of his Houshold accompanied with the Lord Thomas Stanley Earle of Derby the Lord Dowckeroy Pryor of Saint Iohns Sir Robert Ratcliffe Lord Fitswater the Lord Hastings the Lord Cobham Sir Riceap Thomas Sir Thomas Blunt Sir Richad Sacheverell Sir Iohn Digby Sir Iohn Askew Sir Lewis Bagot Sir Thomas Cornwall and others to the number of eight thousand who arrived at Callice about the middle of May after him in the end of May followed Sir Charles Somerset Lord Herbert Lord Chamberline accompanied with the Lord Percy Earle of Northumberland the Lord Gray Earle of Kent the Lord Stafford Earle of Wiltshire the Lord Dudley the Lord Delaware Sir Edward Hussey Sir Edward Dimmock Sir David Owen with others to the number of six thousand These Generalls joyning together issued out of Callice and on the two and twentieth day of Iune sate downe before the strong Towne of Terwin which City was strongly fortified and in it was Governour the Lord Poultreny who had with him six hundred Horsemen and five and twenty hundred Almans besides the Inhabitants Here at the very first happened two disasters to the English one that the Baron Carew was slaine with a shot from the Towne the other that Sir Nicholas Vaâ—x and Sir Edward Belknappe coming from Guysâ—es with four and twenty Carts of Provision were set upon by the Duke of Vendosme Lieutenant of Picardie and many of the English slaine and the Provision taken In this state was the English Campe at Terwin when King Henry the last day of Iune came himselfe to Callice and on the one and twentieth of Iuly took the field having in his Army of fighting men not above nine thousand but with Pyoners and others that attended the Cariages eleven thousand and three hundred men His foreward was led by Charles Brandon Viscount Lisle his maine Battaile by himselfe and Sir Henry Guildford carried his Standard and in this order he marched forward to the siege of Terwin entring upon the French ground the five and twentieth of Iuly On the morrow after by negligence of the Carters that mistook the way a great Gunne called the Iohn Evangelist was overthrowne in a deep Pond of water aud could not at that time be recovered but a few dayes after the Master Carpenter taking with him a hundred labourers went and weyed it up but having carted it ready to bring away was set upon by eight hundred French and the most of his company slaine the Gunne was taken by the French and carried to Bulloyne In the French Army were to the number of eleaven thousand footmen and four thousand Horse whereof were Captaines the Lord De la Palyce the Lord De Priennes the Duke De Longuevyle the Earle of Saint Paul the Lord of Floringes the Lord of Clermont and Richard De la Poole an English man sonne to Iohn Duke of Suffolke The Armies were come within two miles one of another and some light skirmishes passed between them specially one on a day called the dry Wednesday for the day was wonderfull hot and the King with his Army stood in order of battaile from six a clock in the morning till three in the afternoone after this the King removed towards Terwyn and as the Army marched another of the Kings Bombards of Iron called the Redde Gunne was overthrowne in a lane and there left which the French understanding went with a great power to fetch it away as they had done the other but the Lord Berners Captaine of the English Pyoners prevented them and though set upon by the French to the number of nine or ten thousand yet by the valour of the Earle of Essex and Sir Riceap Thomas with the bold adventures of Sir William Tyler and Sir Iohn Sharpe they recovered it and brought it safe to the Campe. On the fourth of August K. Henry came before the city
Sonne two Abbots twelve Earles and seventeene Lords of Knights and Gentlemen very many in all about eight thousand and almost as many taken prisoners as Pauluâ— Iovius saith amongst whom was Sir William Scot Chancellour to the said King and Sir George Forman his Sergiant Porter the Lord Hume and the Earle Huntley got horses and escaped Neither was the Battaile without blood to the English for there was slaine at lest a thousand and that which in a Defeat was strange many also taken prisoners for many in pursuing the Scots went rashly so farreâ— that they knew not which way â—o returne and by Bands of Scots that had not fought that day were set upon and â—aken When the field was done the Lord Generall called to him certaine Lords and Gentlemen and made them Knights as Sir Edward Howard his Son the Lord Scroope Sir William Percy Sir Edward Gorge and others This Battaile was fought on Friday the ninth of September in the yeere 1513. called by some Bramston by some â—lodden Field King Iames heere slaine was the same that had maried the Lady Margaret eldest Daughter of King Henry the seaventh and sister to the present King Henry and might have enjoyed many happy dayes if he had kept himselfe firme to his alliance but being carried away with the inveterate spleen betweene the two Nations and propension to France he ended his life though honorably yet miserably under many wounds It is a very memorable but sâ—arce credable thing which from the mouth of a very credible person who saw it George Buchanan relates concerning this King that intending to make a warre with England a certaine old man of venerable aspect and clad in a long blew garment came unto him and leaning familiarly upon the chaire where the King sat said I am sent unto thee O King to give thee warning that thou proceed not in the warre thou art about for if thou doe it will be thy ruine and having so said he pressed thorow the company and vanished out of sight for by no inquiry it could be knowne what became of him But the King was too resolute to be frighted with Phantosmes and no warning could divert his Destinie which had not been Destiny if it could have been diverted The day after the Battaile his Body though disfigured with wounds was knowne by the Lord Dacres and others to be his and thereupon bowelled embalmed and wrapped in lead was brought to the Monastery of Sheene in Surrey and there interred but at the dissolution of that House was taken up and thrown into a waste roome amongst timber and stone which Iohn Stow saith he so saw and further relateth that the servants of Launcelot Young Glasier to Queene Elizabeth being at Sheene in new Glazing the windowes either upon a foolish pleasure or desire of the lead cut the head from the rest but smelling the sweet perfums of the Balms gave it to their Master who opening the lead found therin the head of a man retaining favour though the moisture were cleane dried up whose haire both of head and beard was red which afterward he caused to be buried at Saint Michaels Church in Woodstreet where he dwelled But notwithstanding this relation of Stow Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse affirmeth that it was held for certaine the Body thus found was the Body of the Lord Bouchard slaine in that Bâ—ttaile Buchanan saith of Alexander Elfinston who in countenance and statuâ—e was like the King and that King Iames was seene alive the same night at Kelso whence he passed to Hierusalem and there spent the rest of his dayes in holy contemplation but howsoever it was he was never seen any more in Scotland King Henry being now returned from Tourney into England and finding the great services done in his absence against the Scots on the day of the Purification of our Lady at Lambeth he created the Earle of Surrey Duke of Norfolke with an augmentation of the Armes of Scotland Sir Charles Brandon Viscount Lisle he created Duke of Suffolke the Lord Howard high Admirall hee made Earle of Surry Sir Charles Somerset Lord Herbert his chiefe Chamberlaine Earl of Worcester and shortly after Sir Edward Stanly he made Lord Monteagle and in March following Master Thomas Woolsey his Almoner was made Bishop of Lincolne Here before we goe further it will be fit â—o â—ay something of this man that he be not a rub afterward in the way of the Story He was borne at Ipswich in Suffolke the sonne of a Butcher sent to Oxford by reason of his pregnancy of wit so soone that taking there the first degree of Art he was called the Boy Batchelour proceeding in learning he was made Fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford and afterward Schoolemaster of the Schoole there at which time the Marquesse Dorset committed three of his Sonnes to be Instructed by him and having a Benefice fallen in his gift sent for him one Christmas and bestowed it upon him whereof Woolsey going to take possession at his being there for what misdemeanour is not delivered he was by Sir Amyas Pawlet set by the heeles which afterward he remembred to Sir Iamâ—s his no small trouble for he made him attend his pleasure five or six yeeres all which time lying in the Middle-Temple where he re-edified the Gate-house next the street very sumptuously setting the Cardinals Armes upon it to appease him After this disgrace he went over-sea where he fell in acquaintance with Sir Iohn Naphant treasurer of Callice and by him was preferred to be King Henry the sevenths Chaplaine and now being by this meanes in the Kings eye he so diligently carried himselfe that he soone got into the Kings heart One time it happened the King had occasion to send a Messenger to the Emperour Maximilian about a businesse that required haste for which imployment no man was thought more fit then Woolsey whereupon the King called him gave him his Errand and bad him make all the speed he could Woolsey departed from the King at Richmond about noone and by the next morning was got to Dover and from thence by noone that day was come to Callice and by night was with the Emperour to whom declaring his Messageâ— and having a present dispatch he rode that night backe to Callice and the night following came to the Court at Richmond The next morning he presented himselfe before the King who blamed him for not being yet gone the maâ—ter requiring haste to whom Woolsey answered that he had beene with the Emperour and had dispatched the businesse and for proofe shewed the Emperours lines the King wondred much at his speed but then asked him if he met not his Pursuivant whom he sent after to advertise him of a speciall matter hee had forgotten whereto Woolsey answered May it please your Grace I met him yester-day upon the way but that businesse I had dispatched before taking the boldnesse so to doe without commission as knowing it to be of speciall consequence
for which boldnesse I humbly intreat â—our Graces pardon The King not onely pardoned him but bestowed presently upon him the Deanery of Lincolne and soone after made him his Almoner In this state King Henâ—y the eight found him with whom also he grew into such favour that he made him of his Councell and having won Tourney made him Bishop of that Citie and returning into England the Bishopricke of Lincolne falling void by the death of Doctor Smith made him Bishop of that Diocesse And thus far the story hath now brought him but soone after he was raised higher for Doctor Bambridge Archbishop of Yorke dying he was translated from Lincolne to that See and that he might not be inferiour to the Archbishop of Canterâ—ury he procured of the Pope to be made Cardinall and Legat a Latere and after by the King was made Lord Chancellour of England and being come to this height of dignity he so carried himselfe in Expences of Houshold in number of Retinve and in all circumstances of State that no Subject before or since hath in any degree come neere him And if we may say it he was the first Debaucher of King Henry for to the end he might have the managing of all matters himself he perswaded the King that he should not need trouble himselfe with frequenting the Councell Table as he did but take his pleasure and leave those things to his Councell whereof himselfe would alwaâ—es give him â—nie Information This was plausible Councell and no marvaile if it were embraced of a yong King coming from the mouth of so great a Prelate In this fifth yeer of the King the Citizens of London finding themselves grieved with the Inclosures of the common fields about Islington Hogsdon and Shâ—rdich and other places adjoyning went one morning and threw downe all the Hedges and filled up all the Ditches whereat though the Kings Councell were at first offended yet the Maior and City shewed them such reasoâ—s that they rested satisfied and the fields were never since hedged On the nineteenth of May this yeer Pope Iulius the second sent to King Henry a Cap of Maintenance and a Sword and being angry with the King of France transferred by Authority of the Lateran Councell the title of Christianissimo from him upon King Henry which with great solemnity was published the sunday following in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul but this solemnity must not passe without Revelling Maskes and Justs wherein the King and the Duke of Suffolke were defendants against all commers who having the Duke of Longuevyle and the Lord of Clermont to be spectâ—tours spread the fame of their Chivalrie into forreigne Nations And now the great love that had been long between King Henry and the Flemings began to abate upon this occasion King Henry the seventh had concluded a match between his daughter Mary and Charles Prince of Spaine but by reason of her young yeers and for want of assurance of Joynture the match was deferred during his time but now King Henry the eight seeing his sister of convenient yeers began to call upon it and signified so much to the Councell of Flanders but they whether having other ends or out of Spanish delayes put him off with excuses and at last sent him word plainly they could doe nothing in it that yeer The King of France had soone Intelligence how much King Henry distasted these Spanish dealings and meant to make some good use of it for the ends he began to propose to himselfe which were to get the Lady Mary for himselfe and thereby procure peace with England being now old and weary of the War And for this purpose he got the new Pope Leo the tenth to be his mediatour and both of them send Embassadours to King Henry the Pope to perswade him to have peace with France the French King to treat about a Marriage with the Lady Mary upon whose Embassages King Henry partly to satisfie the Pope and partly to advance his sister did not unwillingly hearken to the motions but whilst this was in working Pryor Iohn who knew nothing of these intentions began again to play his Praâ—ks and coming with his Gallyes on the coast of Sussex burnt Bhighthem-steed and took away the goods he found in the Village whereupon the Lord Admirall sent Sir Iohn Walloppe to sea with divers ships and eight hundred men who for one Village that Pryor Iohn burnt in England burnt one and twenty Villages and Townes in France to the great honour of himselfe and his countrey And now King Henry by advice of his Councell and specially of Woolsey Bishop of Lincolne concluded both the peace with France and the Marriage of his Sister the Lady Mary with the French King but yet it stuck a while upon some differences King Henry demanding Bulloigne and the King of France Tourney in conclusion these demands were waved and the principall conditions wereâ— first concerning the Ladies Joynture that she should have two and thirty thousand Crownes of yeerly revenues if she survived the King and then concerning ths peace that the French King should pay yeerly to King Henry for five yeers one hundred thousand Crownes and the peace to continue between them during their lives and a yeer after and bound reciprocally to assist each other with ten thousand foot if the warre were by land with six thousand if by sea All things thus concluded the Lady Mary was brought to Dover by King Henry and his Queen and on the second of October taking shippiâ—g was conducted by the Duke of Norfolke the Marquesse Dorset the Bishop of Durhamâ— the Earle of Surry the Lord De la ware the Loâ—d Berners the Lord Monteagle Sir Maurice Berkely Sir Iohn Pechye Sir William Sands Sir Bulleyneâ— Sir Iohn Carre and many other Knights and Ladies but being not past halfe way over the sea their ships by tempest were dispersed and the Lady with some jeoperdy landed at Bullen where Sir Christopher Garnish was faine to stand in the water and take her in his armes and so set her on shore and there the Duke of Vendosme with a Cardinall and many other great States received her From Bullen the eight of October she came to Abbevyle where the Dolphyn received her on the morrow being Saint Dennis day she came to Saint Dennis where the marriage between the King of France and her was solemâ—ized though some write it had been solemnized before at Abbevyle The fifth of November she was Crowned Queene of France at which time the Dolphyn held the Crowne over her head as being too massie for her to weare and the day following she was received into Paris in most magnificent manner In honour of whose Marriage and Coronation the Dolphyn had caused a solemne Justs to be proclaimed which should be kept in Paris the seventh of November Upon report of this Proclamation in England the Duke of Suffolke the Marquesse Dorset and his four Brothers the Lord Clinton Sir Edward Neâ—â—ll
London where they were lodged at Marchantailors Hall The last of September the Embassadours went to the King at Greenwich where after long communication an Agreement was at last concluded under pretence of a marriage to be had betweene the Dolphin of France and the Lady Mary Daughter to the King of England that in name of her marriage money Tourney should be deliveted to the French King he paying to the King of England for the Castle he had made in that Citty six hundred Thousand Câ—ownes in twelve yeeres by fiftie Thousand Crownes yeerly and if the marriage should chance not to take effect then that Tourney should be againe restored to the King of England for performance of which article Hrstages shotld be delivered namely Monsiâ—ur de Memorancye Monsieur de Monpesac Monsieur de Moy and Monsieur Morett and moreover the French King should pay to the Cardinall of England a thousand markes yeerly in recompence of his Revenewes received before of his Bishoprick of Tourney All things thus concluded the Cardinall made to the Embassadours a solemne Banquet and after presented them with a stately Mummery The eighth of October the King feasted them at Greenwich and at night presented a stately Maske of Knights and Ladies with reare devises and great magnificence The next day Sir Thomas Exmew Major of London feasted them at Goldsmiths-Hall and then delivering their foure Hostages they tooke their leave At whose departure the King gave to the Admirall of France a Garnish of guilt vessell a paire of covered Basons gilt twelve great guilt Bowles fower paire of great guilt Pots a standing Cup of Gold garnished with great Pearles and to some other he gave Plate to some other cheins of Gold to some rich Apparell to the great comendation of his liberality Shortly after their departure the Earle of Worcester Lord Chamberlaine the Bishop of Ely the Lord of Saint Iohns Sir Nicholas Vaux Sir Iohn Pechy and Sir Thomas Bullen as Embassadours from the King of England accompanied with Knights Gentlemen and others to the number of above foure hundred passed over to Callice and from thence went to Paris where after Royall Entertainment by the King with diâ—erse Maskes and stately shewes they tooke their leaves and rode to Tourney to see the Citty delivered to the French men on the eighth of February to the great griefe of the English Garrison After the English Embassadours were returned King Henry to cheere up the foure French Hostages left heere for performance of covenants on the seaventh of May presented a solemne and stately Maske wherein himselfe the Duke of Suffolke and the French Queene were Actors and on the eight of March following was a solemne Just holden and with great magnificence performed In the eleventh yeere of King Henries Raigne died the Emperour Maximilian for whom the King caused a solemne obsequie to be kept in Paules Church After whose death the French King and the King of Spain endeavoured by sundry plots each of them to get the Empire but in conclusion Charles King of Castile afterwards called Charles the fifth was elected Emperour for joy whereof a solemne Masse was sung at Pauls the seaventh of Iuly at which were present the Cardinall Campeius the Cardinall of Yorke the Duke of Buckingham Norfolke and Suffolk with the Embassadours of Spaine France Venice and Scotland and this yeere the King kept Saint Georges feast at Winsor with great solemnity At this time diverse young Gentlemen that had been in France after the manner of that Country carried themselves so familiarly with the King that the Lords of his counsell thought it a disparagement to him and thereupon with his leave first obtained they banished them the Court and in their places brought in more staied aud graver men namely Sir Richard Winkefield Sir Richard Ierningham Sir Richard Weston and Sir VVilliam Kingston In the summer of this yeere the Queene lying at her Mannor of Havering in Essex desired the King to bring thither the foure Hostages of France to whom shee made a Royall Banpuet and in September following the King lying at his Mannor of Newhall in Essex otherwise called Beaulieu where he had newly built a stately Mansion invited the Queen and the French Hostages thither where after a sumptuous Banquet he presented them with an extraordinary Mask for the Maskers were the Duke of Suffolk the Earl of Essex the Marquesse Dorset the Lord Aburgaveny Sir Richard VVinkfield Sir Richard VVeston and Sir VVilliam Kingston the youngest of whom was fifty yeeres old at least that the Ladies might see what force they had to make age young againe At this time the French King was very desirous to see the King of England with whom he had entred into such a league of alliance and to that end made meanes to the Cardinall that there might be an Enterview betweene them at some convenient place to which the Cardinall noâ— so much to satisfie the French King as to shew his owne greatnesse in France eâ—sily condiscended and thereupon perswaded King Henry how necessary it was that such an Enterview should be and then were sent unto Guysnes under the rule of Sir Edward Belknap three thousand artificers who builded on the plaine before the Castle of Guysnes a most stately Pallace of timber curiously Garnished without and within whither both the Kings in Iune next following agreed â—o come and to answere all commers at the Tilt Tournies and Barriers whereof proclamation was made in the Court of England by Orleance King of Armes of France and in the Court of France by Clarentius King of Armes of England whilst these things were preparing on Candlemas Even as the King and Queene were come from Even-song at their Mannour of Greenwich suddainly there blew a Trumpet and then entred into the Queenes Chamber foure Gentlemen who brought with them a waggon in which sate a Lady richly apparelled which Lady acquainted the King that the foure Gentlemen there present were come for the love of their Ladies to answer all commers at the Tilts on a day by the King to be appointed which day was thereupon appointed on Shrovetuesday next â—nsuing where they all behaved themselves with great valour to the great delight of the King and Queene By this time King Henry was ready for his journey into France and so removing from his Mannour of Greenwich on Friday the five and twentieth of May he with his Queene arived at Canterbury where he ment to keepe his Whitsontide At which time the Emperour Charles returning ouâ— of Spaine arrived on the coast of Kent where by the vice Admirall of England Sir William Fitz-Williams he was conducted to land and there met aud received by the Lord Cardinall in great state After which the King himselfe rode to Dover to welcome him and on Whitsunday earely in the morning conducted him to Canterbury where they spent all the Whitsontide in great joy and solace The chiefe cause that moved the Emperour at this time
Lord Berners Lieutenant of the Towne On Munday he tooke ship at Callice and landed at Dover where the Cardinall with three hundred Lords Knights and Gentlemen received him and in great State brought him to the Castle where he was lodged On Wednesday being Ascention Even the King came to Dover and there with great joy and gladnesse the Emperour and he met On Friday in the afternoone they departed from Dover and came that night to Canterbury and from thence next day to Greenwich where the Queene received her Nephew with all the joy that might be Here to honour the Emperours presence Royall Justs and Turneys were appointed where the King the Earle of Dâ—vonshire and ten Aydes kept the place against the Duke of Suffolke the Marquesse Dorset and other ten Aydes on their part On Friday the sixth of Iune the Emperour and the King with all their companies went to London where the City received them with Pageants and other as rare deviceâ— as at a Coronation and the Emperour was lodged at the Blackfâ—yers and all his Lords in the new Palaces of Bridewell On VVhitsunday the King and the Emperour rode to the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul where the Cardinall sung Mâ—sse and had his Traverse and his Cupboord Before Masse two Barons gave him water and after the Gospel two Earles and at the last Lavatory two Dukes which pride the Spaniards much disdained After many Feastings in other places at last they rode to VVindsor where they stayed a whole weeke and there on Corpus Chrisâ—i day the Emperour wore his Mantle of the Garteâ— and sate in his owne Stall On the same day both the Princes received the Sacrament and took their oathes to observe the League concluded betweene them On the morrow after they came to Winchester before whose comming thither there was come to Hampton the Earle of Surrey Admirall of England with all the Kings Navy and with him the Lord Fitz-Water the Barron Curson Sir Nicholas Carew Sir Richard Winkâ—â—eld Sir Richard Ierningâ—am Francis Brian Sir William Barentine Sir Adrian Foskew Sir Edward Donne Sir Edward Chamberlaine Sir Richard Cornwall Sir Antony Poynes Sir Henry Shirborn and the Viceadmirall Sir William Fitz-Williams Sir Edmund Bray Sir Giles Capell Sir William Pirton Iohn Cornwallis Sir Iohn Walloppe Sir Edward Ichingham Sir VVilliam Sidney Anthony Browme Giles Husâ—ey Thomas Moore Iohn Rusâ—el Edward Bray Henry Owen George Cobham Thomas Oldâ—all Thomas Lovell Robert Ichingham Anthony Knevet Sir Iohn Tremaile Sir VVilliam Skevington Master of the Ordinance and Iohn Fabian Serjant at Armes by whom chiefly a dissâ—gne was moved though now noised onely that it was but to scowre the seas for the safe conducting of the Emperour For the Earle of Surrey having wafted the Emperour over to the coâ—st of Biskay upon his returne made to the coast of Brittaine and there landing seven thousand of his men marched to the Towne of Morleys and by assault took it having â—onne this Towne the Eâ—rle called to him certaine Gentlemen and made them Knights as Sir Francis Brian Sir Anthony Browne Sir Richard Cornwall Sir Thomas Moore Sir Giles Husâ—ey Sir Iohn Russell Sir Iohn Rainsford Sir George Cobham Siâ— Iohn Cornwallis Sir Edward Ridgley and some others and after the Earle had lien a while on the Coast of Brittaine he was commanded home by the Kings letters who thereupon brought back his whole fleet to a place caâ—led the Cow under the Isle of Wight and then went on land leaving diverse of of his ships under the Governaâ—ce of the Vice-admirall Sir William Fitz-VVilliams In this meane time diverse exploits were atchieved between them of the Garrison in the marches of Callice and the French men of Bulloigne where the French commonly had the worst but being of no great moment may well be passed over without relating Likewise at the same time the Lord Rosse and the Lord Dacres of the North appointed to keepe the Borders against Scotland burnt the Towne of Kelsie and fourescore Vilages and overthrew eighteene Towers of stone withall their Bulwarkes King Henry intending now to goe seriously on with his warres in France levied an Army which under the conduct of the Earle of Surrey he sent over to Câ—llice whither the Earle being come he divided his Army into three battailes the first was led by Sir Robert Ratcliffe Lord Fitz-water the middle-ward by himselfe and his brother the Lord Edmund Howard the reare-ward by Sir VVilliam Sands and Sir Richard VVinkfield both of them Knights of the Gaâ—ter and Sir Edward Guildford was Captaine of the horsemen In this order the Earle entred the French ground the second of September and took his Journey â—owards Hedring By the way there came to him a great Power of â—â—rgognias sent by the Lady Margaret according to the Articles of the League All the Townes Villages and Castles in the Countrey through which they passed they burnt and sacked as the Towne and Castle of Selloys the Towne of Brunâ—rigge Senekerke Botington and Manstier with divers others On the sixteenth of September they came before the Castle of Heding and laid siege unto it but the Castle being wel fortified the Earle having not battering Ordnance which by reason of the foule weather he could not bring with him after eleven dayes he raised his siege and passing from thence to Dorlens burnt the Towne and raced the Castle as also the Towne of Dortyer and then the yeer being farre spent came back to Callicâ— the sixteenth of October At this time the Duke of Albany being established Governour of Scotland raised an Army of fourscore thousand men with which he approached the bâ—â—ders but made no Invasion as thinking perhaps that the onely report of his great Army would fright the English but yet this stayed not the Lord Marquesse Dorset Warden of the east and middle Marches to enter into Tividale and so forward ten miles into Gallaway burning all townes and Villages on every side as he passed All that night he tarried within the Scottish ground and the next day being good-Friday withdrew back into England with a head of four thousand cattell having burned Grimseley Mowhowse Donford Myles Ackforth Crowling and many other Townes and Villages In King Henries fourteenth yeer on the fifteenth of Aprill began a Parliament which was holden at the Blackfryers whither the King came and there sate downe in his Royall Seate at his feet on the right side sate the Cardinall of Yorke and the Archbishop of Canterbury and at the Raile behinde stood Doctor Tunstall Bishop of London who making an Oration told there the causes of calling this Parliament which were as he said for remedying of mischiefs by the common Law as Recoveries Forraigne Vouchers and corrupt Triallsâ— and for making new Lawes for the good of the Common-wealth whereof notwithstanding no one word was spoken all the time of the Parliament nor any other thing done but a Subsedie granted but howsoever being commanded to chuse their Speaker they
but â—ow he means to be in earnest and therefore sends over the Duke of Suffolk with an Army the foure and twentieth of August attended with the Lord Montacute and his bâ—other Sir Arthur Poole the Lord Herbert sonne to the Earle of Worcesâ—er the Lord Ferrers the Lord Marney the Lord Sands the Lord Barkley the Lord â—owis and the Baron Curson Sir Richard Winkâ—â—eld Chauncellour of the Duchy of Lancaster Sir Iohn Vere Sir Edward Nevile Sir William Kingsâ—on Sir Richard Weston Sir Andrew Winsore Sir Robert Winkfield Sir Anthony Winkfield Sir Edward Guildford Sir Edw Grevile Sir Edw Chamberlaine Sir Thomas Lucy Sir Everard Digby Sir Adrian Foskew Sir Richard Cornwall Sir William Courtney Sir William Sidney Sir Henry Owin sand many other Knights and Gentlemen In the whole Army were six hundred Demylaunces two hundred Archers on Horsback three thousand Archers on fooâ— and five thousand Bilmen Also seventeen hundred taken out of the Garrisons of Hammes Guysnes and Callice in all ten thousand and five hnndred besides two thousand six hundred labourers and Pioners With this Army the Duke of Suffolk took the field his vauntguard was led by the Lord Sands Capâ—aine of the right wing was Sir William Kingston of the left Sir Everard Digby Captain of all the Horsmen was Sir Edward Guildford Marshall of Callice the Duke himselfe led the Battaile and Sir Richard Winkfield the Reareward The Dukes first enterprise was the winning of Bell Castle which the Lord Sands and the Lord Ferres assaulted and had it yeelded to them and then Sir VVilliam Skevington was placed Captaine in it At this time the Duke of Bourbon high Constable of France began to have his mind alienaâ—ed from the King of France and â—o draw him the more on the Duke of Suffolk sent Sir Iohn Russel afterward created Duke of Bedford to him who passing in disguised apparell so prevailed with him that he professed to take part with the Emperour and the King of England who having ten thousand Almans in his pay it was thought fit for encouragâ—ment of the English to proclaime in the Army the accesse of so powerfull an assistant and therupon the Duke of Suffolk removed to Ard and so forward into Picardie At Cordes between Terwyn and Saint Omers there came to him the Lord of Isilstâ—yn and with him of Spaniards Almans and others three thousand Foot-men and five hundred Horse With these forces the Duke marching on took first the rich Town of Anchor then the Castle of Bounguard and then by assault the Towne of Bray though two thousand good men of war were in it After this the Towres of Cappe and Roy Lihome and Davenker and then came before â—he Towne of Mount-Dedyer in which were a thousand foot and five hundred horse yet upon Sir William Skevingtons Batteries was yeelded to him From hence he removed to Roy where he rested a while with hiâ— whole Army and there on Alholland-day in the chiefe Church of Roy made Knights the Lord Herbert the Lord Powis Oliver Manners Arthur Poole Richard Sands Robert Ierningham Robert Salisbury Edward Beningfield Richard Corbet Thomas Wentworth William Storton Walter Mantel George Warram and Edward Seymour that was after Duke of Somerset The day after the Army removed to a place called Neele from thence to Veane and then â—o Beauford where the Duke made Iohn Dudley and Robert Vtreight Knights and from thence on the eighth of November to a place called Mount Saint Martin here the Welshmen began to murmure that they might not returne home the winter being so far spent but there was to the number of a thousand persons under the leading of Sir Iohn VValloppe who having no wages but what they could got by booties and were therefore called Adventurers and by some Kreekers and these had more desire to stay then the VVelshmen had to be gon for the great gaines they made by the spoyles of so many Townes that were taken The thirteenth of November the Duke removed to a place within two miles of Boghan Castle defended by great Marishes that lay before it but the frost being at that time so great that many lost their fingers and toes with cold and some died Sir Edward Guildford acquainted the Duke that he thought the marishes were hard enough frozen to beare great Ordnance whereupon the Duke bid him venture it then and goe on which he resolutely did and had the Castle presently delivered up to him In this meane time the King hearing in what state the Army stood had prepared six thousand men to be sent to the Duke for a reliefe under the leading of the Lord Montjoy but before they could be put in order to passe the Sea the Duke partly by extremity of the weather and partly by the murmuring of the Souldiers was constrained to breake up his Army and returne to Câ—llice In this meane time the Scots knowing that the strength of England was gone into France tooke boldnesse to invade the Marishes but then the Earle of Surrey Treasurer and high Admirall of England with six thousand men being sent against them tooke divers of their Castles and Holds and at Yedworth skirmishing with a great Garrison of Scots overthrew them and tooke and burned both the Towne and Castle And now the French King finding that the Scots did not worke any great trouble to the English whereby to keepe them from molesting of France and thinking it to be for want of the Duke of Albanies presence whom they accounted their Governour he therefore prepared a Navie of Ships to transpoâ—t him into Scotland but when the Duke of Albany heard that Sir William Fitz-williams was sent with a great Fleet to stop his passage he brought his Ships into the Haven of Brest and gave it out that he would not goe into Scotland that yeere which being told to the King of England he commanded that his Ships also should be laid up in Havens till the next spring And now see the cunning of the Scot for when he saw the Kings Ships discharged he then boldly tooke shipping himselfe and sailed into Scâ—tland whither being come he presently levied a great Army and approached the English Borders but when he heard the Earle of Surrey was coming against him with a mighty power he then sent a Herâ—uld to himâ— promising of his honour to give him Battaile and if he tooke him prisoner to give him good quarter To whom the Earle answered that he would not faile to abide his Battaile but if he tooke him prisoner the quarter he would give him should be to cut off hiâ— head and send it for a Present to his Master the King of England At this time to the Earle of Surrey being at Alnewicke came the Earles of Northumberland and VVestmerland the Lords Clifford Dacres Lumley Ogle and Darcye with many Knights Gentlemen and other Souldiers to the number of forty â—housand and from the Court came the Master of the Horse Sir Niâ—holas Carew Sir Francis Bryan
Sir Edward Baynton and others The last of October the Duke of Albonye sent two or three thousand men over the water to besâ—edge the Castle of VVarke who by battery of their Ordnance won the ouâ—ermost Ward called the Barnekins and continuing their battery won the second Ward but then Sir William Lisle that was Captaine of the Castle issuing forth with those few he had left drove the Frâ—nch-mâ—n from the place and slew of them to the number of three hundred a memorable service and for which the Earle of Surrey afterwards gave him great thankes The Earle would gladly have followed his enemies inâ—o their owne Borders but that his Commission was onely to defend England and not to invade Scotland Shortly after the Queeâ—e of Scots Mother to the King sent to her Brother the King of England for an abstinence from Warre till a further communication might be had which being graâ—â—ed the English Army brake up and the Earle of Surrey returned to the Court. And now for a while we must be coâ—â—ent to heare of petâ—y Occurrances because greater did not happen which if it make us like the Story the worse it may make us like the times the better seeing they are ever the best times that afford lest matter to be talked of but this time will lasâ— but a while for shortly we shall come to hear Occurrances that have been matter of talk to this day whereof the like have never scarce been seen and will hardly be beleeved when they are heard a Marriage dissolved after twenty yeeres coâ—summation houses built in Piety under pretence of Piety demolished a King made a captiveâ— a Pope held a prisonerâ— Queenes taken out of love put to death out of loathing and the Church it selfe so shaken that it hath stood in distraction ever since At this time the Emperouâ— Charles sent to the King of England two Mâ—ses trapped in crimson Velvet richly embridered also eleven goodly Jeâ—its trapped with russeâ— Velvet richly wrought foure Speares and two Javelins of strange timber and worke richly garnished and five brace of Greyhoâ—ndâ— To the Queene he sent two Mules richly trapped and high Chaiâ—es after the Spanish fashion which Presents were thankfully received both of the King and Queene At this time in the moneth of October the Cardinall sent out Commissions that every man being worth forty pounds should pay the whole Subsedie before granted out of hand which he called an Anticipation which fine new word he thought would make them pay their money the more willingly but they loved their money better then any words he could devise In this yeere the King sent the Lord Morley Sir VVilliam Hussey knight and Doctor Lee his Almoner to Fâ—rdinand Archduke of Austria with the Order of the Garter which he received in the towne of Norimberg to his great contentment In this yeere through Bookes of Prognosticatâ—ons foreshewing much hurt to come by waters and â—â—oods many persons withdrew themselves to high grounds for feare of drowning specially one Bolton Prior of Sainâ— Bartholâ—mewes in Smithfield builded him an House upon Harrow on the Hill and thither wenâ— and made provision for two moneths These great waters should have fallen in February but no such thiâ—â— happeniâ—g the Astronomers excused themselves by saying that in the computaâ—ion they had miscounted in their number an hundred yeeres In this meane time many enterpriâ—es were attempted betweene the Englishmen of Callice and Guyâ—â—es and the Frenchmen of Bulloigne and the Froâ—â—tiers of Picardâ—â— and still Sir VVilliam Fitz Williams Captaine of Guysnes Sir Robert Iâ—rningham Captaine of Newnham Bridge Sir Iohn Walloppe and Sir Iohn Gage were the men that did the French most hurt This yeere the first of September was Docter Thomas Hannibell Master of the Rolles receaved into London by Earles Bishops and diverse Lords and Gentlemen as Embassadours from Pope Clement who brought with him a Rose of gold for a present to the Kingâ— on the day of the Nativity of our Ladâ— after a solemne Masse sung by the Cardinall of Yorke the said present was delivered to the King which was a Tree forged of fine Gold and with branches leaves and flowers resembling Roses About the beginning of Winter the adventâ—rers called Krâ—ekers being not above two hundred and of them five and twenty horsmen made an attempt to fetch some booty from a Village not farre from Mattrell wherof the Earle of Dâ—mmartine having notice he set upon them with a far greater number and slew most of them and this was the end of the Kreekers as brave men as ever served any Prince In December this yeere there came to London diverse Embassadours out of Scotland about a peace to be hadâ— and a mariage to be concluded between the King of Scots and the Lady Mary daughter to the King of England At this time the Lord Leonard Gray and the Lord Iohn Grâ—y brothers to the Lord Marquesse Dorset Sir George Cobham sonne to the Lord Cobham VVilliaâ— Carye Sir Iohn Dudley Thomas VVyat Francis Poynts Francis Sidâ—â—y Sir Anthony Browne Sir Edward Seymor Oliver Manners Percivall Hart Sebastiâ—â— Nudigatâ— and Thomas Calen Esquires of the Kings Household made a challenge of Arms against the Feast of Christmas which was proclaimed by Windsor the Herauld and performed at the time appointed very Nobly at Tilts Tâ—rneys Barriars and the assault of a Castle erected for that purpose iâ— the Tilt-yard at Greenwich where the King held his Christmas that yeer with great State and magnificence About this time Iohn Iokyn Steward of the Household to the French Kings Motheâ— came into England and was received in secret manâ—er into the House of one Doctor Larke a Prebrendary of Saint Stephens who oftentimes talked with the Cardinall about a Peace to be concluded between the two Kings of â—ngland and France of whose often meetings Monsieur de Brate the Emperours Embassadour grew very jealous The four and twentieth of Ianuary Monsieâ—r Brynion President of Roan came to London as Embassadour from the French King and was lodged with the said Iohn Iokyn which small things should not be related but that they were preparatives to great matters afterward On Sunday the fifth of March were received into London Monsieur de Beuer Loâ—d of Campher Admirall of Flanders Monsieur Iohn de la Coose President of 〈◊〉 Master Iohn de la Gache as Embassadours from the Lady Margaret in the name of the Emperour who required three things First they demanded the Lady Mary the Kings only daughter to be presently delivered and she to be nâ—â—ed Empresse and as Governesse take possession of all the Low-Countryes Secondly that all such summes of money as the King should give with her in maâ—riage should be paid incontinently Thirdly that the King of England should passe the sea in person and make Warre in France the next Summer The â—â—rst two demands were not agreed too for certaine causes and as to the third the King said he would take time
that she was his lawfull wife and would abide the Determination of the Court of Rome but of no other After Whitsontide the King and Queen removed to Windsor and there continued till the fourteenth of Iuly on which day the King removed to Woodstocke and left the Queen at Windsor where she remained a while and after removed to Easthamsted whither the King sent to her divers Lords first to perswade her to be conformable to the law of God which if they could not do then to let her know that his pleasure was she should be at either of these three places his Mannor of Oking or of East-hamstead or the Monastery of Bisham and there to continue without further molesting him with her suits And now came Cranmer in to play his part It chanced that Doctor Stepheâ—s Doctor Foxe and he met at Waltham one day at dinner where falling into discourse about the case then in agitation of the Kings mariage with Queene Katherine the other Doctors thought the mariage might be proved unlawfull by the Civill Law but said Cranmor â— it may better be proved by the Law of God and it is no hard matter to doe it which words of his being made knowne to the Kingâ— Cranmor is sent for and commanded to set his reasons down in writing which having done and shewed them to the King he was asked whether he would stand to that which he had written who answered he would even before the Pope himselfe if his Majesty pleased marry said the King and to Pope you shall go and thereupon sent him to the Court of Rome and with him Thomas Bullen Earl of Witshire Doctor Stokesley Elect of London Doct. Lee the Kings Almoner and others who coming to Bolonia where the Pope was had a day of audience appointed but was hindred by a â—â—diculous accident for the Pope holding out his foot for them to kisse his toe as the manner is a dog of the Earls by chance in the room ran and caught the Popes foot in his mouth made it for that time unfit to kisse After this when Cranmor had made his Proposition he was told it should be answered when the Pope came to Rome so the Embassadors were dismissed and Cranmor went to the Emperourâ— Court where in private conference he satisfied Cornelius Agrippa the most learned at that time about the Emperour and brought him to be of his opinion Cranmor returning home and giving the King this satisfaction the Kings mariage with Queen Katherine was soon after dissolved by Parliament and the Bishop of Canterbury accompanied with Doctor Stokesley Bishop of London Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester the Bishop of Bathe and Lincolne and other learned men rode to Dunstable where Queen Katherine then lay where being cited to appeare and making default fifteen dayes togethers for lack of appearance she was divorced from the King and the mariage declared to be void and of none effect and from thenceforth it was decreed she should no more be called Queen but Princesse Dowager after which time the King never saw her more At this time being the foure and twentieth yeer of King Henries reigne Sir Thomas Moore after long suit delivered up the great Seal which was then delivered to Thomas Audeley Speaker of the Parliament and he made first Lord Keeper and shortly after Chancelour in whose roome of Speaker Hâ—nfrey Wingâ—eld of Grayes-Inne was chosen on the first of September this yeer the King being at Windsor created Anne Bullen Marchionesse of Pembrooke giving her a thousand pounds land a yeere and then being desirous to talke with the King of France in person on the tenth of October taking the said Lady with him and divers Lords as the Dukes of Norfolke and Suffolke the Marquesse of Dorset and Excester the Earles of Arundell Oxford Surrey Essex Derby Rutland Sussex and Huntington with divers Viscounts Barons and Knights he sailed over to Callice and on the twentieth of October meâ— with the King of France at Bolloigne with whom he staid foure dayes in which time to doe him honour the King of France honored the two Dukes of Norfolke and Suffolke with the Order of Saint Michael and then both Kings went to Callice where the French King stayed certain dayes in which time to doe the King of France honor King Henry honored two of his great Lords with the Order of the Garter and then after great magnificence in revelling feasting on the twentieth of Ostob. the French King departed from Callice and King Henry returned into England where on the fourteenth of November following he maried secretly the Lady Bulleâ—â— which mariage was not openly known till Easter after when it was perceived she was with childe at which time William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury dyed Thomas Cranmor was elected Archbishop in his roome After that the King perceived his new wiâ—e to be with childe he caused all Officers necessary to be appointed to her and so on Easter eave she went to her closet openly as Queen and then the King appointed her coronation to be kept on Witsunday following and writings were sent to all Sheriffes to certifie the nams of men of forty pounds to receive the order of Knighthood or else to makâ— fine the assesment of which â—ines was appointed to Thomas Cromwell Master of of the Jewel-house and of the Kings Councell a man newly come in the Kingâ— favour by whose industry great sums of money were by such fines gathered In the beginning of May the King caused Proclamation to be made that all men who claimed to doe any service at the Coronation by the way of tenure granâ— or prescription should put in their claime three weekes after Easter in the Star-chamber before Charles Duke of Suffolke for that time high Steward of England the Lord Chancellour and other Commissioners Two dayes before the Coronation were made Knights of the Bath the Earle of Dorset the Eaâ—le of Derâ—y the Lord Clifford the Lord Fitzwater the Lord Hastings the Lord Monteagle the Lord Vaux Sir Iohn Mordant Sir Henry Parker Sir William Windsor Sir Francis Weston Sir Thomas Arundell Sir Iohn Hurlson Sir Thomas Poynings Sir Henry Savill Sir George â—itzwilliams Sir Iohn Tindall and Sir Tho Iâ—rmey On Whitsunday the Coronatioâ— was kept in as great state 〈◊〉 for al circumstances as ever anâ— was and the day after a solem Justâ— was â—olden In May this yeer Pope Clement sent a messenger to King Henry requiring him personally to appeare at the generall Councell which he had appointed to be kept the yeer following but when his Commission was shewed there was neither time nor place specified for keeping of the said Councell and so with an uncertain Answer to an uncertain Demand the Messenger departed It was now the five and twentieth yeere of the Kings reigne when on Midsomer day Mary the French Queene and then wife to Charles Duke of Suffâ—lke dyed and was buried at Saint Edmund-berry and on the seaventh of September
her and then desiring him further to have some consideration of her Servants On the eighth of Ianuary at Kimbolton she departed this life and was buried at Peterborough A woman of so vertuous a life and of so great obsequiousnesse to her husband that from her onely merit is grown a reputation to all Spanish wives Also the nine and twentieth of Ianuary this yeere Queene Anne was delivered of a childe before her time which was borne dead And now King Henry began to fall into thoâ—e great disorders which have been the blemish of his life and have made him be blotted out of the Catalogue of our best Princes for first in October this yeer he sent Dâ—ctor Lee and others to â—isit the Abbeys Priories and Nunneries in England who set at liberty all those Religious persons that would forsake their habit and all that were under thâ— age of foure and twenty yeers and in December following a survay was taken of all Chantries and the names of such as had the guift of them After which in a Parliament holden the fourth of February an Act was made which gave to the King all Religious houses with all their lands and goods that were of the value of three hundred marks a yeere and under the â—â—mber of which Houses was three hundred seventy and six the value of their lands yeerly above two and thirty thousand pounds their movable goods one hundred thousand the Religious persons put out of the same houses above ten thoâ—sand This yeere William Tindall was burnt at a Town in Flanders betweene Brussels and Mechlyn called Villefort for translating into English the New Testament and divers parts of the old who having beene long imprisoned was upon the Lord Cromwels writing for his Deliverance in all haste brought to the fire and burnt It was now the eight and twentieth yeere of King Henries Reigne when on Munday there were solemne Justs holden at Geeenwich from whence the King suddainely departed and came to Westminster whose suddaine departure stroke great amazement into many but to the Queene especially and not without cause for the next day the Lord Rochford her brother and Henry Norris were brought to the Tower of London prisoners whither also the same day at five a clock in the afternoone was brought Queene Anne her selfe by Sir Thomas Audeley Lord Chancelour the Duke of Norfolke Thomas Cromwell Secretary and Sir William Kingston Leivtenant of the Tower who at the Tower-gate fell on her knees before the said Lords beseeching God to help her as she was innocent of that whereof she was accused on the â—ifteenth of May she was arraigned in the Tower before the Duke of Norfolke sitting as high Steward of England When her Inditement was read she made unto it so wise and discreet answers that shee seemed fully to cleere her selfe of all matters laid to her charge but being tried by her Peeres whereof the Duke of Suffolke was chiefe she was by them found guilty and had Judgment pronounced by the Duke of Norâ—olke immeadiatly the Lord Rochford her brother was likewise arraigned and condemned who on the seaventeenth of May together with Henry Norris Marke Smeton VVilliam Briorton and Francis VVeston all of the Kings Privy-chamber about marters touching the Queen were beheâ—deâ— on the Tower-hill Queen Anne her selfe on the nineteenth of May on a Scaâ—fold upon the Green within the Tower was beheaded with the sword of Callice by the hangman of that Towne her body with the head was buried in the Quire of the chappell there This Queen Anne was the daughter of Thomas Bullen Earle of VViltshire and of Lady Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norâ—olke the Earles Father was the sonne of Sir VVilliam Bullen whose wife was Margaret the second daughter and Coheire of Thomas Butler Ealre of Ormond and the said Sir VVilliam was the sonne of Sir Godfrey Bullen Lord Major of London who lieth buried in Saint Leonards Church in the Iewry whose wife was Anne eldest daughter coheire to Thomas Lord Hoo and Hastings and his discent was out of the house of the Bullens in the County of Norfolke thus much for her Parentage for her Religion she was an â—arnest Professor and one of the first Countenancers of the Gospell in Almes-deeds so liberall that in nine moneths space It it is said she distributed amongst the poore to the value of fifteene thousand pounds now for the crimes for which she died Adultery and Incest proofes of her guiltinesse there are none recorded of her Innocency many first her owne clearing of all objections at the time of her arraignment then Cromwels writing to the King after full examination of the matter that many things have been objected but none confessed onely some circumstances had been acknowledged by Marke Smeton and what was Marke Smeton but a meane fellow one that upon promise of life would say any thing and having said somthing which they took hold of was soone after executed least he should retract it lastly they that were accused with her they all denied it to the death even Henry Norris whom the King specially favoured and promised him pardon if he would but confesse it It was a poore proofe of Incest with her brother that comming one morning into her chamber before she was up he leaned down upon her bed to say somthing in her eare yet this was taken hold of for a proof and it need be no marvaile if we consider the many aduersaries she had as being a Protestant and perhaps in that respect the King himselfe not greatly her friend for though he had excluded the Pope yet he continued a Papist stil and then who knowes not that nature is not more able of an Acorn to make an oake then authority is able of the least surmise to make a certainty But howsoever it was that her death was contrived certain it is that it cast upon King Henry a dishonourable Imputation in so much that where the Protestant Princes of Germany had resolved to choose him for head of their League after they heard of this Queens death in such a manner they utterly refused him as unworthy of the honour and it is memorable what conceit Queene Anne her selfe had of her death for at the time when shee was led to be beheaded in the Towerâ— shee called one of the Kings Privy-chamber to her and said unto him commend me to the King and tell him he is constant in his course of advancing me for from a private Gentlewoman he made me a Marquesse from a Marquesse a Queen and now that he had left no higher degree of worldly honour for me he hath made me a Martyr Immediatly after her death in the weeke before Whiâ—â—onâ—ide the King maried Iane Seymour daughter to Sir Iohn Seymour who at Whitsontide was openly shewed as Queene and on the Tuesday in the Whitson-weeke her brother Sir Edmund Seymour was created Viscount Beauchamp and Sir Walter Hangerford was made Lord Hangerford The
for the suppressing of so many Monasteries the King instituted certaine new Bishoprickes as at VVestminster Oxford Peterborough Bristow Chester and Gloster and assigned certaine Canons and Prebends to each of them The third of November Henry Courtney Marquesse of Exceter and Earle of Devonshire Henry Poole Lord Montacute Sir Nicholas Carew of Bedington Knight of the Garter and Master of the Kings Horse and Sir Edward Nevill brother to the Lord of Aburgeiney were sent to the Tower being accused by Sir Geoffry Poole the Lord Montacutes brother of high treason theâ— were indiâ—ed for devising to promote and advance one Reinold Poole to the Crowne and put downe King Henry This Poole was a neere kinsman of the Kings being the sonne of the Lady Margaret Countesse of Salisbury daughter and heire to George Duke of Clarence he had been brought up by the King in learning and made Deane of Excetur but being sent after to learne experience by travaile he grew so great a friend of the Popes that he became an enemy to King Henry and for his enmity to the King was by Pope Iulius the third made Cardinall for this mans cause the Lords aforesaid being condemned were all executed the Lord Marquis the Lord Montacute and Sir Edward Neâ—ill beheaded on the Tower-hill the ninth of Ianuary Sir Nicholas Carew the third of March two Priests condemned with them were hanged at Tyburn Sir Ieoffry Poole though condemned also yet had his pardon About thiâ— time one Nicholson alias Lambert being accused for denying the Reall presence in the Sacrament appealed to the King and the King was coâ—tent to heare him whereupon a Thronâ— was set up in the Hall of the Kings Pallace at Westminster for the King to siâ— and when tâ—e Bishops had urged their arguments and could not prevaile then the King tooke him in hand hoping perhaps to have the honour of conâ—erting an Hereticke when the Bishops could not doe it and withall promised him pardon if he would recant but all would not doe Nicholsoâ— remained obstinâ—te the King mist his honor the delinquent mist his pardon and shortly after was drawne to Smithfield and there burnt About this time King Henry being informed that the Pope by instigation of Cardinall Poole had earnestly moved divers great Princes to invade England He as a provident Prince endeaâ—oured aâ—â—arnâ—stly to provide â—or defence aâ—d to that end rode himselfe to the Sâ—a-coast◠〈◊〉 them fortifiâ—â— and in needfull places Bulwarkes to be erected Hee câ—used hiâ— Naâ—â—eâ—â— be rigged and to be in readinesse at any short warning he câ—â—sed Musters â—â— be raken in all sheeâ—es and lists of all able men in eâ—ery Countâ— in Lâ—â—â—don specially where Sir William Forman the â—hen Mâ—jor â—â—â—â—ified the number of fifteene thousand not that they were 〈…〉 but that so many were ready prepared and these on the eight of May the King himselfe saw Mustered in Iames Parke where the Citizeâ—s â—â—â—ove in such sort to exceed each other in bravary of armes and forwardnesse of service aâ— if the City had bin a Campe and they not men of the gownâ— but all profest Souldiers which they performed to their great cost but greater comendâ—â—ion It was now the one and thirtieth yeere of King Henriâ—s reigne and the nine and fortieth of his age when having continued a widdower two yeere he began to thinke of marrying againe and bee needed not be a suiâ—our for a wife for he was sued unto take one The Emperour sollicited him to marry the Dutchesse of Milan but to marry her he must first obtaine a Licence from the Pope and King Henry was resolved rather to have no wife then to have any more to doe with the Pope Then the Duke of Cleve made suit unto him to marry the Lady Anne hiâ— Sister and hee was a Protestant Prince and so though differing in points of Doctrine yet in the maine Point of excluding â—he Pope both of one minâ—e Many about the King were forward for thiâ— Maâ—ch but the Lord Croâ—well specially and indeed it concerned him more then any other that the King should take a Protestant wife seeing 〈◊〉 actions hâ—d beene such as none but â— Protestant Queene would ever like and if the Queene should not like them the King though done by his leave would â—ot like them long Hereupon such meanes was used that Embâ—ssaâ—ours came from the Duke of Cleve to conclude the March and theâ— the elevâ—nth of December the Lady her selfe in grâ—at state was brought first to Callice and then over to Dover and being come to Rochester the King secretly came to see her afterward she was conducted to London meâ— by the way in severall places by all the great Lords and Ladies of the Kingdome The third of Ianuary she was received into London by Sir William Hollice then Lord Major with Orationâ— Pageants anâ— all complements of Staâ—e the greatest that ever had beene seene On Twelfth day the Marriage was â—olemnized the Archbishop of Canterbury did the office the Earle of Oversteine a German Lord gaâ—e her In Aprill following the Lord Cromwell as though he had won the Kings heart for ever by making this march was made Earle of Essex for in March before Henry Rourchieâ— Earle of Essexâ— and the ancientest Earle of England had broken his necke by seeking to breake a yong Horse leaving onely one Daughter and the dying without issue the Earldome came to the Family of Devereux which yet enjoyed not the honour till afterward in Queene Elizabeths time and then made but not restored The ninth of March the King created Sir William Paulet Treasurour of his House Lord Saint Iohn Sir Iohn Russell Controlour Lord Russell and shortly after Sir William Par was created Lord Par. The eight and twentieth of April began a Parliament at Westminster in the which Margaret Countesse of Salisbury Gertrude wife to the Marquesse of Exceter Reynold Poole Cardinall broâ—her to the Lord Montacute Sir Adrian Foskew Thomas Dingley Knight of Saint Iohns and divers others were attainâ—ed of high treason of whom Foskew and Dingley the tenth of Iuly were beheaded the Countesse of Salisbury two yeeres after and in this Parliament the Act of the six Articles was established and Sir Nicholas Hare was restored to his place of Speaker in the Parliament It was now five moneths after the Kings marriage with the Lady Anne of Cleve and though the King at the first sight of the Lady did not like her person yet whether as respecting the honour of Ladies he would not disgrace her at the first meeting or whether he ment to try how time might worke him to a better liking or indeed that he would not give distaste to the German Princes at that time for sole ends he had a working he dissembled the matter and all things went on in a shew of contentment on all hands But for all these shewes the crafty Bishop of London Stephen Gardiner finding how the world went with the Kings affection towards his
execution upon a statute of the Sâ—aple and for so much as the said Cook during all the Parliament served the Speâ—ker in tâ—at office he was taken out of execution by priviledge of Parliament the Prerogative of which Court as our learned Counsaile informeth us is so great that all Acts and processes comming ouâ— of any other Court must for the time ceâ—se and give place to it and touching the party himselfe though for his presumption he was worthy to have lost his debt yet I commend your Equity that have restored him to hiâ— debt against him that was the principall when the King had said this Sir Edward Mountacute Lord chiefe Justice rose up and confirmed by many reasons all that the King had said as likwise did all the other Lordâ— none speaking any thing to the contrary It was now the foure and thirtieth yeere of King Henries Reigne when in May he took a loane of money of all such as were valued at fifty pounds and upwardâ— in the Subsidy book the Lord Privy-seale the Bishop of VVinchester Sir Iohn Baker and Sir Thomas Wriothsley were commissioners that the loane in London who so handled the matter that of some chief Citizens they obtained a thousand maâ—kes in prest to the Kings use for which Privie Seales were delivered to repay it againe within two yeeres At this time were many complaints made by the â—â—gliâ—h against the Scots partly for receiving and maintaining diverse English Rebâ—ls 〈◊〉 into Scotland and partly for invading â—he Engliâ—h Borders but still wâ—en the King of Englanâ— was preparing to oppose them the Scottish King would send Embassadours to treâ—t of reconcilement till at last â—fter mâ—nâ— delusory prankes of the Scots the King of England no longer â—nduriâ—g such abuses sent the Duke of Norfolke his Leivtenaâ—â— Generall accompanied with the Earls of Shrewsbury Darby Cumberland Surrey Hartâ—oâ—d Aâ—â—us Rutland the Lords of the North parts Sir Anthony Browne Master of the Kings horse and Sir Iohn Gage Controller of the Kingâ— House with others to the number of twenty thousand men who on the one and twentieth of Ocâ—ober entred Scotland where staying but eigâ—t dayeâ— onely he burnt above eighteen Towneâ— Abbeys and Castles and then without â—aving batâ—aile offered for want of victuals returned to Barwick â—â— soon as â—e was returned comes abroâ—d the King of Scots raiseth a power of fifteen thousâ—nd men and using great threatnings what he would doe invaded the west Borders but the edge of his threatning was soon taken off for the bastard Daâ—â—es with Iack of Musgrave setting upon them with onely an hundred Lightâ—horse and Sir Thomas Wharton with three hundred put them to flight upon a conceiâ— thâ—â— the Duke of Norfolke with all his Army had beene come iâ—to those partâ— where were taken prisonerâ— of the Scots the Earl of Cassill and Glencâ—â—ne the Lord Maxwell Admirâ—ll of Scotland the Lord Flemming the Lord Soâ—erwell the Lord Oliâ—haâ—t the Lord Gray Sir Oliver Sincleeâ—e the Kings Minion Iohn Rosse Lord of Gragy Robert Erskin sonne to the Lord Erskin Car Lord of Gredon the Lord Maxwells two Brothers Iohn Lesloy bastard sonne to the Earl of Rothus George Hame Lord of Hemetton with divers other men of account to the number of above two hundred and more then eight hundred of meaner calling so as some one English mâ—n and some women also had three or foure prisonerâ— in their hands at which overâ—hrow the King of Scots took such grief that he fell into a burning Ague and thereof died leaving behind him one onely daughter and heere King Henry began to apprehend a greater matter then the victory for he and his Counsâ—ile conceived that â—hiâ— daughter would be a fit match for his sonne Prince Edward thereby to make â— perpetuall union of the two Kingdomes and to â—his purpose they conferâ—ed with the Lord whom they had taken prisoners who exceeding glad of the proposition and promising to further it by all the possible meane they could were â—hereupon sâ—t at liberty and suffered â—o return home Comming into Scotland 〈◊〉 acquainting the Earl of Arraine wiâ—h the motion who was chosen Goverâ—our of the young Queen and of the Realme tâ—e matter with great liking was entertained and in Parliament of the three estâ—tes in Scotland the marriage was confirmeâ— and â— peace between the two Reâ—lms for ten yeerâ— waâ— proclaimed and Embassâ—dours sent into England for sealing the conditions But Beton Archbishop of Sâ—int Andrews being Cardinall and at the Popes devotion and therefore an utter enemy to King Henry so crossed the businesse that it came to nothing but ended in a war between the two Kingdomes so as in March the yeere following the Lord Seymour Earle of Hartford with an Army by Land and Sir Iohn Dudley Lord Lisle with a Fleeâ—e by Sea meâ— at New-castle and there joyned together for invading of Scotland with the Earl of Hartford were the Earl of Shrewsbury the Lords Cobham Clinton Conyers Stinton the Lord William Howard with Knights and others to the number of ten thousand with Sir Iohn Dudley the Admirall were two huâ—dred sâ—ile of ships on the fourth of May the whole Army was landed two miles from the Towne of Lieth at a place called Granther Crag and there the Lord Lievtennant puting his men in order maâ—ched toward the Towne of Lieth the Lord Admirall led the foreward the Lievtennant the Battell and the Earl of Shrewsbury the Rearward Before they came to the Towne of Lieth the Cardinal with six hundred â—orse besides foot lay in the way to impeach their passage but they were so assailed by the Harquâ—butars that they were glad to flye and the first man that fled was the Cardinal himself and then the Earls of Huntley Murrey Bothwel hereupon the English made forward to Lieth and entred it without any great resistance the sixth of May they marched towards Edenbrough and as they approached the Towne the provost with some of the Burgers came and offered the keyes of the Towen to the Lord Lievtennant upon condition they might depart with bag and baggage and the Towne to be preserved from fire but the Lord Livetennant told them their falshood had been such as deserved â—o faâ—our and therefore unlesse they would deliver the Towne absolutely without any condition he would proâ—eed in his enterprise and burne the Towne Here wee may see what it is to make men desperate for to this the Provest answered they were better then to stand upon defence and so indeed they did and made the English glad to retire for the Castle shot so fiercely upon them that having burnt onely a part of the Towne they returned to Lieth but whilst they lay there they so wasted the Country that within seaven mileâ— every way of Edenbrough there was not a Towne nor Village nor house tâ—at was left unburnt at Lieth the eleveth day of May the Lord Generall made Knights the Lord Clinton the Lord Conyers Sir William Wroughton Sir Thomas
Holecraft Sir Edward Dorrell Sir Francis Hothome and otherâ— to the number of at least threescore in Lieth Haven they seized upon all the Scottish Ships whereof two were of notable fairnesse the one called the Salamander given by the French King at the mariage of his daughter into Scotland the other called the Unicorne made by the late Scottish King the ballast of which two ships was Cannon-shot whereof they found in the Towne to the number of fourscore thousand On the fifteeâ—th of May their Army and their Fleeâ— departed from Lieth both in one houre having first set the Towne on fire and burned it to the ground from Lieth the English Army marched to Seaton from thence to Haddington from thence to Dunbar from thence to Ranton all which Towns and Castles with diverse others they burnt and utterly defaced and on the eighteenth of May came to Barwick not having lost in all the journey above fourteen menâ— In the meane time in King Henries five and thirtieth yeer on Trinity sunday a new league was entred into and sworne between the King and the Emperour at Hampton-court to be both offensive and defensive In this yeer Proclamation was made whereby the people were licensed to eate white meats in Leâ—t but streightly forbidden the eating of flesh whereupon shortly after the Earle of Surrey with diverse other Lords and Knights were imprisoned for eating of flesh contrary to the proclamation The third of Iune this yeer there came ouâ— of Ireland three Lordâ— of whom Obrine was here created Earle of Thonmoâ—d which hoâ—our his posterity injoyeth to this day Mack William a Bary was created Eaâ—le of Clanrinckford and Mack Gilparick was made Barron of Ebranky King Henry had already had five wives all of them Maides and no good luck with any of them he will now therefore try his fortune with a Widdow aâ—d therupon the twelveth of Iune in the five and thirtieth yeere of his Reigne hee took to wife the Lady Katherine Par widdow of the Lord Latimer late deceased who was then proclaimed Queen but how lucky would this maâ—ch have proved if the King had longer lived God knowes seeing in the short time of three yeers they lived together it was no smal danger she escaped which though it hapenned not till a yeer or â—wo after this time yet will not unfitly be spoken of in this place that so her story may come together this Queen as being an â—arnest Protestant had many great adversaries by whom she was accused to the King to have Hereticall books found in her closet and this was so agravated against her that they prevailed with the King to signe a warrant to commit her to the Tower with a purpose to have her burnt for Heresie this warrant was delivered to Wriothsley Lord Chancelour and he by chance or rather indeed by Gods providence letting it fal from him it was taken up and caried to the Queen who having read it went soone after to visit the King at that time keeping his chamber by reason of a sore leg being come to the King he presently fel into talk with her â—bout some points of Religion demanding her resolution therin but she knowing that his nature was not to be crost specially considering the case she was in made him answer that she was a woman accompanied with many imperfections but his Majesty was wise and judicious of whom she must learne as of her Lord and Head not so by Saint Mary said the King for you are a Doctor Kate to instruct us and not to be instructed by us as often we have seen heretofore indeed Sir said she if your Majesty have so conceived I have been mistaken for if heretofore I have held talke with you touching Religion it hath bin to learn of your Majesty some point whereof I stood in doubt and sometimes that with my talke I might make you forget your present infirmity aâ—d is it even so Sweet heart quoth the King why then we are friends and so kissing her gave her leave to depart But soon after the day was appointed by the Kings warrant for apprehending her on which day the King being disposed to walk iâ— the Garden had the Queen with him when suddenly the Lord Chancelour with forty of the Guardâ— câ—me into the Garden with a purpose to apprehend her when as soon as the King saw he stept to him and calling him knave and foole bid him avaunt out of his presence the Queen seeing the King so angry with him began to intreat for him to whom the King said ah poore soule thou little knowest what it is he came about of my word sweet heart he hath bin to thee a very knave and thus by Godâ— providenâ—â— was this Queen preserved who else had tasted of as bitter a câ—p as any of his former wives had done About this time King Henry and the Emperour sent Garter and Toyson dâ—or kings at Armes to demand performance of certain Articles of the French King which if he denied they were then comanded to defie him but the French King would not suffer them to come within his land and so they returned wherupon King Henry caused the sâ—id demandâ— to be declared to the French Embassadour at Westminster aud in Iuly sent over six thousand men under the leading of Sir Iohn Walloppe accompanied with divers Knights Gentlemen Sir Thomas Seymour was Marshal of the Army Sir Robert Bowes Treasuror Sir Richard Cronwal Captain of the horse and Sir George Carew his Lieutenant There were likewise Sir Thomas Palmer Sir Iohn Rainsford Sir Iohn St. Iohn and Sir Iohn Gascoigne Knights that were Captains of the foot Their Comission was to joyn with the Emperor and together to mâ—ke war upon France The third of August open waâ— was proclaimed in London between the Emperor the King of England on the one part and the Fâ—eâ—ch King on the other as mortal enemy to them both and to all other christian Princes besides as he that had confederated himselfe with the Turk Sir Iohn Wallop marching forth of Callice with his Army joyned with â—â—e Emperors Forces who together went and besieged Landersey a Town lately fortified by the French lying within the borders of the Emperors dominions to raise this siege the French King had raised a mighty army with which he came on as if he ment to give the Emperor battaile and thereupon the Emperor raising his siedge with a purpose to encounter him the French King tooke the opportunity to put men and victuals into the town which was the thing he intended and having done this the night following departed with his army and then the Emperour seeing him gone and finding the winter coming on and no hope of sudden geâ—ting the Town being now newly supplied he also broke up his Army and returned home This yeer the sunday before Christmas the Lord William Parre brother to the Queen who had maried the daughter and heire of Henry Bourchier Earle of Essex was at Hampton Court created Earl of Essex Sir William Parre
of Heraulds therein But this notwithstanding being no Lord of the Parliament he was tried by a common Jurie and by them was found guilty and thereupon had judgement of death and the nineteenth of Ianuary was beheaded on the Tower-hill The Duke was attainted by Parliament and kept in prison â—ill in the first yeer of Queen Mary the Attaindour was reversed The death of this Earle might lay an imputation of cruelty upon King Henry if a just jealousie growing from the many circumstances of the Earles greatnesse in the tender age of his owne Sonne did not excuse him Soone after the death of this Earle the King himselfe died having made his last Will in which he tooke order that his Sonne Edward should succeed him in the Crowne and he dying without issue his daughter Mary and she dying without issue his daughter Elizabeth although another order of succession had passed before by Act of Parliament The Executors of his last Will were these sixteene Thomas Cranmor Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Wriothsley Lord Chancellour Sir William Pawlet Lord Saint Iohn and great Master of the Houshold Sir Edward Seymor Earle of Hartford and high Chamberlin of England Sir Iohn Russell Lord Privie Seale Sir Iohn Dudley Viscount Lisle Lord Admirallâ— Cutbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham Sir Anthonie Browne Master of the Horse Sir Edmund Montacute Lord chiefe Justice of the Common-Pleas Sir Thomas Bromley one of the Justices of the Kings Bench Sir Edward North Chancellour of the Augmentation Sir William Paget Knight of the Order Sir Anthonie Dennie Sir William Herbert Sir Edward Wootton Treasurour of Callice and Nicholas VVootton Deane of Canterbury and Yooke To whom were adjoyned as assistance these twelve Henry Fitz Allan Earle of Arundell VVilliam Par Earle of Essex Sir Thomas Cheyney Treasurour of the Houshold Sir Iohn Gage Controlour Sir Anthony VVingfield Vice-chamberlaine Sir VVilliam Peter Principall Secretary Sir Richard Rich Sir Iohn Baker of Sissingherst in Kent Chancellour of the Exchequer Sir Ralph Sadler Sir Thomas Seymour Sir Richard Southwell and Sir Edward Peckham And it was not without need to leave a full Councell Table considering in what termes he left the Kingdome when he died Abroad in league with the Emperour at Peace with the King of France but whether these were not personall onely and no longer binding then King Henry lived might be doubted with the Scots at deadly send with the Pope at utter defiance from both which coasts there could be expected but little faire weather at home the frame of Religion extreamly disioynted and the Clergie that should set it in frame out of frame themselves the mindes of the people extreamly distracted and the Nobility that should cyment them scarce holding themselves together And in this stare was the Kingdome when King Henry the eight dyed in the yeer 1547. the fifty sixth of his life and of his Reigne the eight and thirtieth Of his Taxations IN his fourth yeer in a Parliament at Westminster was granted to the King two Fifteens of the Temporalty and two Tenths of the Clergie and Head-money of every Duke ten marke an Earle five pound a Barron â—oure pound a Knight foure markes and every man valued at eight hundred pounds in goods to pay â—oure markes and so after that rate till him that was valued at forty shillings and he paid twelve pence and every man and woman of fifteen yeers upward four pence In his sixth yeer a Parliament was holden wherin divers subsidies were granted to the King towards the charges of his wars in France in his fourteenth yeer order was taken by the Cardinall that the true value of all mens substance might be knowne and he would have had every man swom to tell what they were worth and required a â—enth part thereof towards the Kings charges in his present wars as the spiritualty had granted a fourth part this the Londoners thought very hard and thereupon were excused for taking oath and were allowed to bring in their bils upon their honesties but when all was done after much labouring by the Cardinall the Clergy granted one halfe of all their yeerly Spirituall Revenues for five yeers and the Temporalty two shillings in the pound from twenty pounds upwards and from forty shillings to twenty pounds of every twenty shillings twelve pence and under forty shillings of every head of sixteen yeers and upwards four pence to be paid in every two yeers in his sixteenth yeer the Cardinall of his owne head attempted by Comission to draw the People to pay the sixth part of every mans substance in plate or monie but this was generally opposed and the People in many Countries rise upon it so as comming to the Kings knowledg â—e utterly disavowed it and blamed the Cardinall exceedingly for attempting it In his foure and twentieth yeer in a Parliament then holden a fifteenth was granted to the King towards his charges of making fortifications against Scotland In his one and thirâ—ieth yeer a Subsidie of two shillings in the pound of lands and twelve of goods with foure fifteenes were granted to the King towards his charges of making Bulwarks In his five and thirtieth yeer a Subsidie was granted to be paid in three yeers every English-man being worth in goods twenty shillings and upwards to five pounds to pay four pence of every pound and from five pounds to ten pounds eight pence from ten pounds to twenty pound six penceâ— from twenty pounds and upwards of every pound two shilings strangers as wel denizens as others being inhabitants to pay double and for lands every English-man paid eight pence oâ— the pound from twenty shillings to five pounds from five pounds to ten pounds sixteen pence and from ten pounds to twenty pouâ—dâ— two shillings and from twenty pounds and upwards of every pound three shillings strangers double the Clergy six shillings in the pound of Benefices and every Priest having no Benifice but an Anual stipend six shillings eight pence yeerly during three yeers Of Lawes and Ordinances in his time IN a Parliament holden in his sixth yeere diverse Lawes were made but two most spoken of one for Apparell another for Labourers In his twelvth yeere he caused the Statutes against Inclosures to be revived and Commanded that decaied houses should be built up againe and that inclosed grounds should be laid open which though it did some good yet not so much as it might have done if the Cardinall for his owne benefit had not procured liberty for great men to keep up their inclosures to the oppression of poor men In his seventeenth yeer the King lying at Eltham diverse ordinances were made bâ— the Cardinall touching the Governance of the Kings House and were long after called the Statutes of Eltham In his eighteenth yeere in the month of May Proclamation was made against all unlawfull games so that in all places tables dice cards and Bowles were taken and burnt but this order continued not long for young men being
then any other King did in Realities so in any distemper of his people he had no other Physicke but to open a veine but we shall do him extreame wrong to thinke that all the blood shed in his time was of his shedding they were the Bishops that were the Draco to make the bloody Laws the Bishops that were the Phalaris to put them in execution the King ofâ—entimes scarce knowing what was done Certain it is when a great Lord put a Gentlewoman the second time on the rack the King hearing of it exceedingly condemned him for such extream cruelty As for Religion though he brought it not to a full Reformation yet he gave it so great a beginning that we may truly say of that he did Dimidium plus toto They who charge him with the vice of lust let them shew such another example of continence as was seen in him to lye six moneths by a yong Lady and not to touch her for so did hee with the Lady Anne of Cleve but this is to make Nosegayes I like better to leave every flower growing upon its staulke that it may be gathered fresh which will be done by reading the Story of his Life Of his Death and Buriall IT is Recorded of him that in his later time he grew so fat and slothfull that engines were made to lift and remove him up and downe but howsoever in the six and fiftieth yeer of his age whither a dropsie or by reason of an ulcer in his leg he fell into a langâ—ishing feaver which brought him into such extreamity that his Physitians utterly despared of his life whereof yet none durst speake a word to him till Master Denny one of his Privy-chamber tooke the the boldnes to goe to him telling him of the danger he was in and withall putting him in mind to thinke of his soules health to which he answered that hee confessed his sinâ—es to be exceeding great yet had such confidence in the mercy of God through Christ that he doubted not of forgivenesse though they had been much greater and being then asked by Master Denny if he would have any Divine brought to him with whom to confer he answered he would willingly have the Archbishop Cranmer but not yet a while til he had taken a litle rest whereupon the Archbishop being then at Croydon was presently sent â—or but before he could come the King was growne speechlesse onely seeming to retain a little memory so as putting out his hand and the Archbishop desiring him to shew some signe of his faith in Christ he then wrung the Archbishop hard by the hand and immediately gave up the Ghost the eight and twentieth of Ianuary in the yeer 1547. the six and fiftieth of his age and of his reigne the eight and thirtieth his body with great solemnity was buried at Windsor under a most costly and stately Tombe begun in copper and guilt but never fiâ—ished Men of note in his time MEn famous for the sword were many in his time and in a manner all that it is hard making choice without being partiall unlesse we shal preferre Dukes of equal valour before others of meaner caling and then wil the Dukes of Norfolke and Suffolk hold worthily the place first and next to them the yong Earl of Surrey who had been more fortunate if he had been lesse valiant Of men of letters in his time there were whole Armies in forraigne parts the most â—amous were Budaeus Ludovicus Vines Iohn Revolin Erasmus Roteradamuâ— Vrsinus Cornarius Sadolet Martin Bucer in England were Iohn Collet Deane of Pauls and Founder of the Schoole there VVilliam Lilly borne aâ— Odiham in Hamshire first Scholmaster of Pauls-Schoole Thomas Linaker a learned Phisitian Iohn Skelton a pleasant Poet VVilliam Horman Vice Provest of Eaten who wrote divers workes Sir Rastalâ— a Citizen and Stationer of London Christopher Saint-Germane an excellent Lawyer Sir Thomas Elyot Iohn Leland a diligent searcher of Antiquities Sir Iohn Bourchier Knight Lord Berners who translated â—he Chronocles of Froysard out of French into English Henry Standish Bishop of Saint Assaph who wâ—ote a book against Erasmus traslation of the new Testament Arnold of London who wrote certain Colections touching Historicall matters Thomas Lupset a Londoner who wrote sundry vertuous Treatises Henry Bradshaw a black Monke who wrote the life of Saint VVerborough and also a certain Chronocle Iohn Palsgrave a Londoner who wrote instructions for the perfect understanding of the French tongue Iohn Sâ—vish a Cornish-man who wrote certaine abbreviations of Chronicles with a Treatise of the wars of Troy Anthony Fitz-Herbert a Judge who wrote an Abridgment of the Law Wilfride Holme who wrot a Treatise of the rebellion in Lincolnshire Thomâ—s Lanquet who wrote an Epitomy of Chronicles and also of the winning of Bulloigne Thomas Soulman of Gernsey who wrote divers notes of History Cutbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham Robert VVhittington who wrote divers Treatises for the instruction of Grammarians Iohn Russell who wrote a Treatise entituled super jure Caesaris et Papae also commentaries in Cantica Simon Fish a Kentish-man who wrote a book called the supplication of Beggars George Bullen Lord Rochford brother to Queen Anne who wrote divers songs and sonets Francis Bigod Knight born in Yorkeshire who wrote a book against the Clergy intitled de Impropriationibus Henry Lord Morley who wrote divers Treatises as Comodies and Tragedies as the life of sectaries and certaine rimes VVilliam Botevile alias Thynne who restored the works of Chawcer Richard Turpin who serâ—ing in the Garrison of Callice wrote a Chronicle of his time and died in the â—eer 1541. Sir Thomas VViat Knight who wrote divers matters in English-meeter and translâ—ted the seven Penitentiall Psalmes and as some say the whole Psalter he died of the pestilence as he was going Embassadour to the Emperour in the yeer 1541. Henry Howard Earle of Surrey who wrote divers Treatises in English-meeter Iohn Field a Londoner who wrote a Treatise of mans Free-will de Servo homiâ—is Arbitrio and Collections of the common Laws of England Robert Shingleton borne in Lancashire who wrote a Treatise of the seven Churches and certaine Prophesies William Parry a Welsh-man who wrote a booke intitled speculum Iuvenam THE REIGNE OF KING EDWARD THE SIXTH IT was now the yeere 1547. when on the eight and twentieth of Ianuary King Henry dying Prince Edward his Sonne by his third wife the Lady Iane Seymour and the onely Sonne he left behinde him as well by right of Inheritance as by his last Will succeeded him in the Kingdome to whom as being but nine yeers old and therefore unripe for Government hee had assigned eight and twenty Councellours a fit number if agreeing amongst themselves too many if at variance and at variance they would soon fall if there were not a moderatour to keep them in concord the first worke therfore necessary to be done in this new world was to make choice of such a man as might be
to the Counsailors a Moderator a protectour to the King and in his minority to the Kingdome To this place by common consent of the King and Counsaile Edward Seymour Earl of Hartford the Kings Unckle was chosen to hold the place untill the King should accomplish the age of eighteene yeeres In which Office the first thing he did was to make the young King Knight who presently thereupon made Henry Hobblethorne Major of London Knight and then King Henries Obsequies being solemnly performed on the seaventeenth of February were raised in Honour the Earl of Hartford Protectour to be Duke of Somerset William Par Earle of Essex to be Marquis of Northampton Dudly Viscount Lisle to be Earle of Warwick Wriothsley Lord Chancelour to be Earle of Southampton Sir Thomas Seymour the Protectours brother was made Lord of Sudeley and Admirall of England Sir Richard Rich was made Lord Rich Sir VVilliam Willoughby was made Lord Willoughby and Sir Edmund Sheffield was made Lord Sheffield of Butterwick on the nineteenth of February the King in great state rode from the Tower to the Pallace of Westminster where the day following he was Crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury with all rites accustomed in great solemnity At which time a generall pardon was Proclaimed for all offenders six onely excepted namely the Duke of Norfolke Cardinall Poole Edward Courtney eldest sonne to the Marquis of Excetur Master Fortescue Master Throgmorton and Doctor Paâ—es Bishop of VVorcester who was fled to Rome to avoid taking the oath of Supremâ—cy all which six continued unpardoâ—ed till the first yeere of Queene Mary and then were restored A few dayes after the Earle of Southampton Lord Chancelour for beâ—ng contumacious to the rest of the Lords in matters of Counsaile was removed both from his Office of being Chancelour and from his place in Counsaile and the great Seale was delivered to Sir William Pawlet Lord Saint-Iohn and Lord great Master of the Kings Huoshold Within two months after the death of King Henry died Francis King of France also for whom solemne Obsequies were kept in Pauls Church as hee likewise had kept before at Paris for King Henry these two Kings were of so consenting natures that they had certainly been great friends while they lived if they had not been Kings and that jelousie of state had not made them oftentimes not to be themselves King Henry before his death had left in charge with the Lords of his Counsaile by all meanes possible to procure a proceeding in the mariage with the young Queen of Scots and now in discharge therof the Lord Protectour himselfe with an Army of twelve thousand foot and six thousand horse besides Labourers and Pioners thirteen hundred entred Scotland the third of September at which time also Edward Lord Clinton with a fleet of threescore saile assisted by sea but before he would doe any hostile Act he caused Proclamation to be made that his comming was onely to have performance of the Articles heretofore agreed on foâ— the mariage tending to the good of both Kingdomes if they would yeeld unto he would then returne in peaceable manner and the more to draw them on wâ—ere before it was demanded to have the Queen brought into England and there to be brought up the Protectour was content she should remaine in Scotland till yeers of consentâ— this demand the more moderate sort of the Scots accouâ—ted very reasonable but those of the French and Papal faction who were the greatest persons and the greatest number strongly opposed wherupon the Lord Protectour presently put his Army into Array the Lord Gray and Sir Francis Brian with eight hundred Light-horse were sent before to provide lodging for the Army and to give advertisement of the enemies approaches then followed the Avant-guard in number between three and foure thousand foot one hundred men at Armes and six hundred Light-horse led by the Earle of VVarwick then followed the maine Battaile consisting of above six thousand foot six hundred men at Armes and one thousand Light-horse led by the Protecter himself lastly followed the Arrear wherein were between three and foure thousand foot one hundred men at Armes and six hundred Light-horse uâ—der the conduct of the Lord Dacres upon one wing the Artillery was drawne being sixteen pieces of great Ordinance the other wing was made by men at Armes and Demilances for the Avant-guard and halfe the battaile ridiâ—g about two flight shoot from their side the other halfe of the battaile and thâ— whole flanke of the Arrear was closed by the carraiges being nine hundred â—arts besides Waggons â—he rest of the men at Armes and the Demilances marched behinde In this order they marched two dayes taking in three Castles â—s they went with little resistance where it is memorable what a suddaine device the Defendants of one of them used to save themselves for finding they wâ—re no longer able to defend themselves and that their obstinacy had excluded aâ—â— hope of pardon they made suite they might not presently be slain but have some time to commend their soules to God and afterwards be hanged which respite being obtained theiâ— pardon afterward did more easily ensue so much doth the winning of time oftentimes prevaile more then any other policy Tâ—e Governour of Scotland hearing of the Protectours approch and having no sufficient Army ready to resist him sent his Heralds abroad into all parts of the Râ—alm and commanded the fire-crosse to be carried an antient custome in cases of importance which was two firebrands set in fashion of a crosse and pitched upon the point of a speare and therewith Proclamation to be made that all above sixteen yeers of age and under sixty should resort forthwith to Musselborough bring convenient provision of victuals with them By this meanes having gotten a sufficient Army he set forward towards the English who were now come to a River called Linne and here the Earle of Warwick being too â—enterous was like to have bin entrapped but by his valour came off bravely and now the Scottish Horse-men began to hover about the English Army and to come pricking towards them sometimes within length of their staves using provoking words to draw the English from their strength but the Protector not moved with their provocations maintained a close march till he came to Salt-presion by the Frith where he incamped within two miles of the Scottish Army and here the Scots having gotten the advantage of a Hill came upon the English with the number of twelve hundred Horse besides five hundred foot that lay in ambush behind the Hill at which time the Lord Gray and Sir Francis Brian impatient of such bravaries obtained leave of the Geneâ— to encounter them and so as they came scattered upon the spurre within a stones cast of the English and were beginning to wheele about the Lord Gray with some troops of Light hors-men charged them home and was forthwith seconded by certaine numbers of Demilances and both
mildnesse the neerenesse of the Husbands gave occasion to the Ladies often meeting where the Dutchesse would inwardly murmur why shee being the wife of the elder brother and the better man should give place to her who was the wife of the younger brother and the meaner man this envy of hers toward the Queen bred a malice in her towards the Admirall as thinking the mischiefe she did to the husband to be a part of revenge upon the wife and though the Queene shortly after died in Child-bed yet the mallice of the Dutchesse towards the Admirall lived still so hard a thing it is for malice once setled in a womans heart to be removed out of this malice she put divers surmises into her husband the Protectours head against his brother the Admirall as though he went about to procure his death to the end he might aspire to the place he held but certainly as misliking his government being a Protestant who was himselfe a Papist in this case causes of jealousie against the Admirall was obvious enough for it was knowne that in King Henries time he had aimed at the mariage of the Lady Elizabeth King Henries second daughter and now his wife the Queen Dowager being dead and not without suspition of poyson he fell upon that mariage a fresh which could not be thought to tend but to some very high aspiring end the Protectour a plain man and one that had not the cleerest insight into practises whether too importunately provoked by his wife or whither out of an honest mind not willing to patronize faults though in a brother gave way to accusatioâ—s brought against him so as in a Parliament then holden he was accused for attempting to get into his custody the person of the King and government of the Realm for endeavouring to marry the Lady Elizabeth the Kings sister for perswading the King in his tender yeers to take upon him the rule and ordering of himselfe upon which points though perhaps proved yet not sufficiently against him who was never called to his answere he was by Act of Parliament condemned and within few dayes after condemnation a warrant was sent under the hand of his brother the Protectour to cut off his head wherein as after it proved he did as much as if he had laid his own head downe upon the block for whilst these brothers lived and held together they were as a strong fortresse one to the other the Admirals courage supporting the Protectours authority and the Protectours authority maintaining the Admirals stoutnesse but the Admiral once gone the Protectours authority as wanting support began to totter and fell at last to utter ruine besides there was at this time amongst the Nobility a kind of faction Protestants who favoured the Protectour for his owne sake and other of Papall inclination who favoured him for his brothers sake but his brother being gone both sides forsooke him even his owne side as thinking they could expect little assistance from him who gave no more assistance to his own brotheâ— and perhaps more then all this the Earl of Warwick at this time was the most powerfull man both in Courage and Counsaile amongst all the Nobility and none so neere to match him as the Admirall while he lived but he being gone there was none left that either was able and durst or durst and was able to stand against him however it was not long after the Admirals death the Protectour was invaded with sundry accusations wherein â—hâ— Earl of Warwick made not alwaies the greatest show but yet had alwayes the greatest hand one thing the Protectour had done which though a private act yet gave a publick distaste To make him a Mansion house in the Strand the same which is now called Somerset-house he pulled downe a Church and two Bishops houses by the Strand Bridge in digging the foundation wherof the bones of many who had been there buried were cast out and carried into the fields and because the stones of those houses and the Church suffised not for his work the steeple aâ—d most part of the Church of Saint Iohns of Ierusalem neer Smithfield was mined and overthrowne with powder and the stones applied to this sparious building and more then this the Cloyster of Pauls on the North side of the Church in a place called Pardon Church-yard and the dance of Death very curiously wrought about the Cloyster a Chapel that stood in the midst of the Churchyard also the Charnal house that stood upon the South side of Pauls now a Carpenters yard with the Chappell timber and Monuments therin were beaten downe the bones of the dead caried into Finsbury-fields and the stones converted to this building This Act of the Protectours did something alienate the Peoples minds from him which the Earle of Warwick perceiving thought it now a fit time to be falling upon him and therupon drew eighteene of the Privy Counsaile to joyne with him who withdrawing themselves from the Court held secret consultations together and walked in the Citty with many Servants weaponed and in new Liveries whereof when the Lord Protectour heard he sent secretary Peter to them to know the causes of their Assembly requiring them to resort unto him peaceably that they might comune together as friends but in the meane time hee Armed five hundred men and removed the King by night from Hampton-court to Windsor on the other side the Lords at London having first taken possession of the Tower sent for the Majoâ— and Aldermen of the Citty to the Earle of Warwicks lodging at Ely-house in Holburn to whom the Lord Rich then Lord Chancelour made a long Oration wherin he shewed the ill government of the Lord Protector and the many mischifes that by it were come upon the Kingdome and therupâ—n requiring them to joyn with the Lords there assembled to remove him and presently that day a Proclamation was made in divers parts of the Citty to that purpose to which the Lords and Counsailors that subscribed their names were these the Lord Rich Chancelour the Lord Saint-Iohn Lord great Master the Marquesse of Northampton the Earle of Warwick Lord great Chamberlaine the Earle of Arundell Lord Chamberlaine the Earle of Shrewsbury the Earle of Southampton Sir Thomas Cheyney Treasurer of the Houshold Sir Iohn Gagâ— Constaple of the Tower Sir William Peter secretary Sir Edward North Knight Sir Edward Montague chiefe Justice of the Common-pleas Sir Iohn Baker Chancelour of the Exchequer Sir Ralph Sadler Sir Edward Wootton Sir Richard Southwell Knights and Doctor Wootton Deane of Canterbury In the afternoone of the same day the Lord Major assembled a Common Counsaile in the Guild-hall where two letters arrived almost in one instant from the King and the Lord Protectour for a thousand men to be Armed for defence of the Kings Person another from the Lords at London for two thousand men to aide them in defence of the Kings person also both pretending alike and therefore hard how to
please them both The Recorder set forth the complaint of the Lords against the Protectour in such sort that he made many inclinable to favour that side but one named George Stadlow better advised stept up and in a long Speech shewed what mischiefes had come to the City by opposing the King and therefore gave his opinion to suspend giving aide to the Lords at lest for a time His advice was harkened to and thereupon the Court resolved onely to arme a hundred Horsemen and foure hundred foot in defence of the City and to the letters returned submissive but dilatory answers After some other passages betweene the Protectour and the Lords Sir Edward Winkfield Captaine of the Guard was sent from the Lords to Windsor who so well perswaded the King of the Lords loyall affection towards him and of their moderate intention towards the Protectour that the King was contented to have him presently remvoed from him and suffered him within two dayes after to be carried to the Tower In whose absence seven Lords of the Councell and foure Knights were appointed by turnes to attend the Kings person and for affaires of State the government of them was referred to the whole body of the Councell soone after were sent to the Protectour in the Tower certain Lords of the Councell with Articles against him requiring his present Answer whether he would acknowledge them to be true or else stand upon his justificaâ—ion The chiefe Article was this That he tooke upon him the Office of Protectour with expresse condition that he should doe nothing in the Kings affaires but by assent of the late Kings Executours or the greaâ—est part of them and that contrary to this condition he had hindered Justice and subverted laws of his owne authority as well by letters as by other command and many other Articles but all much to this purpose The Protectour whether thinking to speed better by submission then by contesting or perhaps finding himselfe not altogether innocent for indeed in so great a place who can beare himselfe with such sincerity but he will commit errours with which he may be taxed subscribed an acknowledgement with his owne hand humbly submitting himselfe to the Kings mercy and desiring their Lordships favour â—owards him Upon this submission three moneths after he had bin imprisoned he was released entertained and feasted by the King and sworâ—e again to be a Privie Councellour but no more Protectour at which time betweene him and the Lords a shew at lest of perfect amity was made and to make it the more firme the Dukes daughter was afterward married to the Lord Lisle Sonne and heire to the Earle of Warwicke at which marriage the King himselfe was present and perhaps to honour their reconcilement and this marriâ—ge the Earle of Warwicke was made Lord Admirall of England Sir Iohn Russell Lord Privie Seale was created Earle of Bedford the Lord Saint-Iohn was created Earle of Wiltshire and soone after made Lord Treasurour Sir William Paget Controlour of the Kings House was made Lord Paget Sir Anthony VVinkfield Captaine of the Guard was made Controlour and Sir Thomas Darcye was made Captaine of the Guard But of the other side the Earle of Arundell the Earle of Southampton were put off from the Councell of whom the Earle of Southampton dyed shortly after at Lincolne-Place in Holborne and was buried in Saint Andrewes Church there About this time a Parliament was held at Westminster wherein one Act was made against spreading of Prophesies another against unlawfull Assemblies but for feare of new tumults the Parliament was untimely Dissolved and Gentlemen were commanded to retyre to their Countâ—ey-habitations and â—or the same cause also Trinity Terme did not hold About this time also Pope Paul the third dyed after whose death the Cardinals being divided about the election of a new Pope the Imperial part which was the greatest gave their voyces for Cardinall Poole which being told him â—e disabled himselfe and wished them to choose one that might be most for the glory of God and good of the Church upon â—his stop some that were no friends to Poole and perhaps looked for the place themselves if he were put off laid mâ—ny things to his charge amongst other that he was noâ— withouâ— suspition of Lutharisme as having bin very conversant with Immanuell Tremellius and Anthonius Flaminius great Lutherans and not altogether without blemish of incontinency there being a young Nunne that was thought to be his daughter But of these criminations Poole so cleered himselfe that he was afterward more importuned to take the place then he was before and thereupon one night the Cardinals came unto him being in bed and sent him word they came to adore him which is one special kind of electing the Pope but he being awaked out of his sleepe and acquainted with it made answer that this was not a worke of darkenesse and therefore required them to forbeare till the next day and then to doe as God should put in their mindes But the Italian Cardinals attributing this putting off to a kinde of stupidity and sloth in Poole looked no more after him but the next day chose Cardinall Montanus Pope who was afterward named Iulius the third And now the King of France upon many just considerations was growne desirous to have a Peace with England and thereupon sent one Guidolâ—i a Florentine inâ—o England to make some overture of his desire to the Lords of the Councell who addressing himselfe to the Earle of Warwicke whom he knew to be most prevalent so prevailed that it was concluded foure Embassadours should be sent from the King of England into Franeeâ— and foure from the French King to treat with them The Commissioners for the English were Iohn Earl of Bedford William Lord Paget Sir William Peter and Sir Iohn Mason Secretaries of State For the French were Monsieur Rochpot Monsieur Chatillon Guyllart de Martyer and Rochetelle de Dassie much time was spent to agree about a place of meeting till at last the English to satisfie the French were contented it should be before Bulloigne where were many meetings and mâ—ny diffâ—rences about conditions but in conclusion a Peace was concluded upon certaine Articles the chiefe whereof was that Bulloigne and the places adjacent should be delivered up to the French within six weekes after the Peace Proclaimed and that the French should pay for the same two hundred thousand crownes within three dayes after delivery of the Towne and other two huâ—dred thousand crowes upon the fifth day of August following hostages were on both sides given for performance and to those Articles the French King was sworne at Amyens and the King of England in London the Lord Clinton who had been Deputy of Bulloigne was made Lord Admirall of England Presently after this Agreement the Duke of Brunswicke sent to the King of England to offer his service in the Kings wars with ten thousand men and to intreat a marriage with the Lady
Mary the Kings eldest sister To his offer of aide answer was made that the Kings warres were ended and touching the marriage with the Lady Mary â—hat the King was in speech for her marriage with the Infanta of Portugall which if it succeeded not he should then be favourably heard Upon this the Emperours Embassadour demanded of the King that the Lady Mary might have free exercise of the Masse which the King not onely constantly denied but thereupon Sermons were exercised at Court and order taken that no man should have any Benefice from the King but first he should Preach before him and shortly after under pretence of preparing for Sea-matters five thouâ—and pounds were sent to relieve Protestants beyond the Seas At this time also an Embassadour came from Gustanuâ— King of Sweden to enter league with the King for entercourse of Merchants and charge was then also given that the Lawes of England should be administred in Ireland About this time the Queene Dowager of Scotland going from France to her Countrey passed thorow England having first obtained a safe Conduct she arrived at Portesmouth and was there met by divers of the English Nobility conducted to London she was lodged in the Bishops-Pallace after four dayes staying having beene feasted by the King at Whitehall she departed being waited on by the Sheriffes of Counries to the borders of Scotland And now was one Steward a Scot apprehended in England and imprisoned in the Tower for intending to poyson the yong Queene of Scots whom the King delivered to the French King upon the frontiers of Callice to be by him justiced at his pleasure At â—his time certaine Ships were appointed by the Emperour to transport the Lady Mary either by violence or by stelth out of England to Antwerpe whereupon Sir Iohn Gates was sent with Forces into Essex where the Lady lay and besides the Duke of Somerset was sent with two hundred men the Lord Privie Seale with other two hundred and Master Sentleger with foure hundred more to severall coasts upon the Sea and the Lord Chancellour and Secretary Peter were sent to the Lady Mary who after some conference brought her to the Lord Chancellours house at Lyee in Essex and from thence to the King at Westminster Here the Councell declared unto her how long the King had permitted her the use of the Masse and considering her obstinacy was resolved now no longer to permit it unlesse she would put him in hope of some conformity in short time To which she answered that her soule was Gods and touching her faith as she could not change so she would not dissemble it Reply was made that the King intended not to constraine her faith but to restrain the outward profession of it in regard of the danger the example might draw After some like enterchange of speeches the Lady was appointed to remain with the King when there arived an Embassadour from the Emperor with a threatning message of warre in case his cousin the Lady Mary should be denied the free exercise of the Masse hereupon the King presently advised with the Archbishop of Canterbury and with the Bishop of London and Rochester who gave their opinion that to give licence to sin was sin but to connive at sinne might be â—llowed so it were not too long nor without hope of reformation then answere was given to the Embassadour that the King would send to the Emperour within a month or two and give him such satisfaction as should be fit And now the King being uncertaine of the faith both of his Subjects and of his Confederates intended by alliance to strengthen himselfe and thereupon sent one Bartwicke to the King of Denmarke with private instructions to treat of a mariage betweene the Lady Elizabeth the Kings youngest sister and the King of Denmarks eldest son but when it came to the point this Lady could not be induced to entertaine mariage with any After this the Marquesse of Northampton was sent Embassadour to the French King as well to present him with the Order of the Garter as to treat with him of other secret affaires with him were joyned in Commission the Bishop of Elye Sir Philip Hobbie Sir William Pickering Sir Iohn Mason and Master Smith Secritary of State also the Earle of Worcester Rutland and Ormond were appointed to accompany them as likewise the Lords Lisle Fitzwater Bray Aburgavenie and Evers with other Knights and Gentlemen of note to the number of six and twenty and for avoiding of immoderate traine order was given that every Earle should have but foure attendants every Baron but three every Knight and Gentlemâ—n but two onely the Commissioners were not limited to any number Being come to the Court of France they were forthwith brought to the King being then in his Bedchamber to whom the Marquesse presented the Order of the Garter wherewith he was presently invested then the Bishop of Elye in a short Speech declared how the King of England out of his love and desire of amitye had sent this Order to his Majestie desiring with all that some persons might be authorized to treat with them about some other mâ—tters of importance whereupon a Commission went forth to the Cardinall of Lorraigne Chastillion the Constable the Duke of Guysae and others At the first the English demanded that the yong Queene of Scots might be sâ—nt into England for perfecting of marriage betweene King Edward and her But to this the French answered That conclusion had beene made long before for her marriage with the Dolphin of France Then the English proposed a marriage betweene King Edward and the Lady Elizaâ—eth the French Kings eldest daughter to this the French did cheerfully incline but when they came to talke of Portion the English demanded at first fifteen hundred thousand crownes then fell to foureteene and aâ— last to eight hundred thousand the French offered at first one hundred thousand crownes then rose to two hundred thousand and higher they would not be drawne saying it was more then ever had bin given with a daughâ—er of France Shortly after Monsieur the Marshall and other Commissioners were sent by the French King to deliver to the King of England the Order of Saint Michael and then was further treaty about the marriage and because the French could be sâ—rued no higher then two hundred thousand crownes it was at last accepted and the agreement was reduced into writing and delivered under Seale on both sides And now King Edward supposing his state to be most safe when indeed it was most unsure in testimoâ—y both of his joy and love advanced many to new titles of honouâ— the Lord Marquesse Dorset who had maried the eldest daughter of Charles Brandon was created Duke of Suffolke the Earle of Warwicke Duke of Northumberland the Earle of Wiltshire was created Marquesse of Winchester Sir William Herbert Lord of Cardisse and Master of the Horse was created Earle of Pembrooke also William Cecill the Kings
obtained of the Queene three dayes longer and then came and â—old so much to the Lady Iane whereat she smiling said You are much deceived if you thinke I had any desire of longer life for I assure you since the time you went from me my life hath beene so tedious to me that I long for nothing so much as death and since it is the Queenes pleasure am moâ—â— willing to undergoe it Before she was brought to Execution her huâ—band the Lord Guildford had made suit and obtained to see her and have some conference with her but she refused it saying These were rather augmenters of griefe then comfortâ— of deathâ— she made no doubt but they should shortly meet in a better place and in a better condition of society so on the twelfth of February her husband the Lord Guildford first and then she an houre or two after was beheaded within the Tower where she acknowledged her selfe to have deserved death not for seeking the Crown but for not refusing it being offered and after prayers to God unclothing her selfe and putting a Handcarchiffe before her eyes she laid her head downe upon the blocke and patiently suffered death more grievous to the beholders then to her selfe This end had the Lady Iane Gray a Lady of incomparable Pietie and for her yeers of incomparable learning for being not past seventeen yeeres of age she understood perfectly the Greek and Latine tongues and was so ready in all points of Divinity as if she knew them by inspiration rather then by instruction no lesse a miracle in this kinde then King Edward and therefore no mervaile if he appointed her to succeed him in the Kingdome who in the endowments of minde was so like unto him that whilest she reigned it might be thought he continued to reigne himselfe at lest no more differing but onely the sex It may not be forgotten that Judge Morgan who at her arraignement gave the sentence against her shortly after fell mad and in his raving cried continually to have the Lady Iane taken away from him and so ended his life Two dayes after the execution of the Lady Iane namely the fourteenth and fifteenth of February twenty paire of Gallowes were set up in divers places of the City whereon were handed fifty of Wyats faction on the eighteenth of February Bret was hanged at Rochester in chaines Sir Henryâ— Isle who had beene taken in an old freeze coat and an old paire of hose with his brother Thomas Isle and Walter Mantell were hanged at Maidstone Anthony Knevet and his brother William with another of the Mantels were executed at Sevenocke but then on the twentieth of February a sprinkling of mercy came for foure hundred of Wyats followers being brought before the Queene with halters about their necks were all pardoned and set at liberty But then severity soone after began againe for on the three and twentieth of February the Lord Henry Gray Duke of Suffolke and Father to the Lady Iane who the weeke before had been attaigned and condemned was on the Tower-hill beheaded and on the eleventh of Aprill in the same place was beheaded the Author of all this mischiefe Wyot himselfe whose quarters were set up in divers places of the City his head upon the Gallowes at Hay-hill besides Hide Parke This man in hope of life having before accused the Lord Courtney and the Lady Elizabeth the Queenes sisterâ— to be privie to his conspiracy yet at his death he cleered them and protested openly that they were altogether innocent and never had been acquainted with his proceedings Yet was this matter so urged against them by Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellour that both of them in March before had beene committed to the Tower though in May following they were both againe released but yet confined the Lady Elizabeth to Woodstocke under the custody of Sir Henry Beningfield of Oxenborough in the County of Norfolke the Lord Courtney to Foderingham under the custody of Sir Thomas Tresâ—am who after some time was set at liberty and going into Italie there dyed It is memorable what malice this Bishop Gardiner bore to the Lady Elizabeth by whose onely procurement not onely she was kept iâ— most hard durance but a Warrant was at last framed under certaine Councellours hands to put her to death and had beene done but that Master â—ridges Lâ—evâ—enant of the Tower pitying her case went to the Queene to know her pleasure who utterly denied that she knew any thing of it by which meanes here life was preserved Indeed the Bishop would sometimes say how they cut off boughes and branches but as long as they let the root remaine all was nothing and it is not unworthy the remembring what â—raines were laid to ensâ—are her The common net at that time for catching of Protestants was the Reall Presâ—nce and this net was used to catch her for being asked one time what she thought of the words of Christ This is my Body whether she thought it the true body of Christ that was in the Sacrament It is said that after some pawsing she thus answered Christ was the Word that spake it He tooke the Bread and brake it And what the Word did make it That I beleeve and take it Which though it may seeme but a slight expression yet hath it more solidnesse then at first fight appears at lest it served her turne at that time to escape the net which by direct answering she could not have done On the seventeenth of Aprill Thomas Lord Grey the Duke of Suffolkes brother was beheaded the last and indeed the lest in delinquency that suffered for having any hand in Wyats conspiracy There remained yet a fagge end and was indeed but a fagge end as nothing worth for on the same day Sir Nicholâ—s Thrâ—gmorton being accused to have beene a party in Wyats conspiracy was at the Guild-hall arraigned before Sir Thomas White Lord Maior the Earles of Shrewsbury and Derby Sir Thomas Bromley Lord chiefe Justice of England Sir Nicholas Hare Master of the Roles Sir Francis Englefield Master of the Wards Sir Richard Southwell and Sir Edward Walgrave Privie Councellours Sir Roger Chomley Sir William Portman one of the Justices of the Kings Bench Sir Edward Sanders one of the Justices of the Common Pleas Master Stâ—â—ford and Master Dyer Serjeants at Law Master Edward Griffin Atturney geâ—erall Master Sendall and Peter Titchâ—orne Clarkes of the Crowne where the said Mâ—ster Nicholas Throgmorton so fully and discreetly answered all objections brought against him that he was found by the Jurie Not Guilty and was cleerly acquitted but the Jury notwithstanding was afterward troubled for acquitting him and sent prisoners some of them to the Tower and some to the Fleet and afterward fined to pay a thousand makes a peece at lest and some 2000. l. though these sums were afterward something mitigated More of Wyaâ—s complices had beene taken arraigned and adjudged to dye but in judgement the Queene remembred
mercy and gave them their Pardon of which number were Master Rudston of Kent Sir Iames a Crofts the Lord Iohn Gray brother to the Duke of Sufâ—olke and some others About this time a little before and after were advancements in honour the Lord William Howard Lord Admirall of England was created Baron Hoâ—ard of Eâ—â—ingham Sir Iohn VVilliams was created Baron of Tames Sir Edward North was created Baâ—on of Chartleigh Sir Iohn Bridges was created Baron Chandowes of Sudeley Gerrard Fitz Garret was created Earl of Kildare and Bâ—ron of Ophelley and not long after Sir Anthony Browne Master of the Horse was created Viscount Mountagâ—â— It is scarce worth remembring that in the end of this firâ—â— yeer of â—he Queens reignâ— one Elizabeth Croâ—t a wench of eighteen yeeres old was by prâ—ctice put into a Wall and thereupon called the Spirit in the Wall who with a whistle made for the purpose whistled out many seditious words against the Queene the Prince of Spaine the Masse Confession and such other Points for which she did Penance standing upon a skaffold at Pauls Croâ—â—e all the Sermon time where she made open confession of her fault There had beene good store of Laymens blood shed already and now the times is comming to have Clergie mens shed and for a preparative to it on the tenth of Aprill Cranmâ—r Archbishop of Canterbury Nicholas Ridley laâ—e Bishop of London and Hugh Latimer late Bishop of Worcester are conveyed from the Tower to Oxford there to dispure with Oxford and Cambridge men in points of Religion but specially of the Eucharist the Oxford men were Cole Chaâ—scy Pye Harpsefield Smith and Doctor Weston Prolocurour the Cambridge men Young Seaton Watson Atkinson Fecknham and Sedgewicke the Disputation ended which we may well thinke as the matter was carried went against the prisoners on the twentieth of Aprill they were brought again on the Stage and then demanded whether they would persist in their opinion or else recant and affirming they would persist they were all three adjudged Hereticks and condemned to the fire but their execution we must not looke for till a yeere or two hence but in the meane time we have Iohn Rogers the first Martyr of these time burnt at London the fourth of February after whom the ninth of February Iohn Hooper late Bishop of VVorcester burnt at Glocester after him Robert Ferrar Bishop of Man burnt at Carmarden after him Iohn Bradford with many others and then the two famous men Ridley and Latimer no lesse famous for their constant deaths then their religious lives both burnt at Oxford the sixteenth of October This rising of VVyat had beene a Remora to the Queenes marriage and now to avoid all such obstacles hereafter the Queen in Aprill called a Parliament wherein were pâ—opounded two things one for confirmation of the Marriage the other for restoration of the Popes Primacie This latter was not assented to but with great difficulty for the six yeers reigne of King Edward had spred a plantation of the Protestâ—nt Religion in the hearts of many but the Proposition for the marriage was assented to readily but yet with the adding of some conditions which had noâ— beene thought of in the former Articles First that King Phillip should admit of no Stranger in any Office but onely Nativesâ— secondly that he should innovate nothing in the Lawes and Customes of the Kingdome Thirdly that he should not carry the Queen out of the Realme without her consent nor any of her children without consent of the Councell Fourthly that surviving the Queeâ— he should challenge no right in the Kingdome but suffâ—r it to descend to the next heire Fiftly that he should carry none of the Jewels of the Realme out of the Kingdome nor suffer any Ships or Ordnance to be removed out of the Realme and lastly that neither directly nor indirectly he should cause the Realme of England to be intangled with the warre betweene Spaine and France All things being thus agreed on the Earle of Bedford Lord Privie Seale the Lord Fitzwaters and divers other Lordâ— and Gentlemen are sent into Spaine to fetch over Prince Phillippe who arrived at Southampton the twentieth of Iuly in the yeere 1554. and the three and twentieth came to VVinchester where the Queene met him and the five and twentieth the marriage betweene them there was openly solemnized the desparity of yeeres as in Princes not much regarded though he were then but seven and twenty yeeres of age shee eight and thirty at which time the Emperours Embassadour being present openly declared that in consideration of that mariage the Emperour had given to Prince Phillippe his sonne the Kingdomes of Naples and Hierusalem and thereupon the solemnity of marriage being ended Garter King of Heraulds openly in the Church in the presence of the King the Queene and the Lords both of England and Spaine solemnly proclaimed the title and stile of these two Princes as followeth Phillip and Mary by the grace of God King and Queen of England France Naples Hierusalem and Ireland Defenders of the Faith Princes of Spaine and Scicily Archdukes of Austria Dukes of Millany Burgandy and Brabant Counts of Habspurge Flanders and Tyroll After this the King and Queene by easie journeys came to Winsor Castle where the King was instal'd Knight of the Garter and the Earle of Sussex with him The eleventh of August they removed to Richmond the seven and twentieth to Suffolk-place in Southwark and the next day to London where the stately shews that were made may well enough be conceived without relaring from hence after foure dayes they removed againe to Richmond where all the Lords had leave to depart into their Countries and indeede so many departed that there remained not an English Lord at the Court but the Bishop of Winchester from Richmond they removed to Hampton-court where the Hall door within the Court was continually kept shut so as no man might enter unlesse his errand were first known which might perhaps be the fashion of Spain but to Englishmen seemed very strange About this time Cardinall Poole sent for by the King and Queene came over into England and had come sooner but that the Emperour fearing he might prove a corrivall with his sonne Phillip had used meanes to stop his passage but now that his Sonnes marriage was past he was content to let him passe who though he came from Rome with the great authority of a Legat â— Latere yet he would not but come privately into London because his Attaindour was yet upon Record an Act therefore was presently passed to take it off and to restore him in blood for passing of which Act the King and Queene in person came to the Parliament house whither a few dayes after the Cardinall came himselfe which was then kept in the great Chamber of Whitehall because the Queen by reason of sicknesse was not well able to goe abroad and here the King and Queene sitting under the cloath of Estate
and the Cardinall on their right hand all the Lords Knights and Burgesses being present the Bishop of VVinchester Lord Chancellour made a short speech unto them signifying the presence of the Lord Cardinall and that he was sent from the Pope as his Legate a Latere to doe a worke tending to the glory of God and the benefit of them all which saith he you may better heare from his own mouth Then the Cardinall rose up and made a long solemne Oration wherin he first thanked them for his restoring by which he was enabled to be a member of their society then exhorting them to returne into the bosome of the Church for which end he was come not to condemne but to reconcile not to compell but to call and require and for their first worke of reconcilement requiring them to repeale and abrogate all such Lawes as had formerly beene made in derogation of the Catholicke Religion After which Speech the Parliament going together drew up a Supplication which within two dayes after they presented to â—he King and Queene wherein they shewed themselves to be very penitent for their former errours and humbly desired their Majesties to intercede for them to the Lord Cardinall and the See Apostolicke that they might be Pardoned of all they had done amisse and be received into the bosome of the Church being themselves most ready to abrogate all Lawes prejudiciall to the See of Rome This Supplication being delivered to the Cardinall he then gave them Absolution in these words Wee by the Apostolicke authority given unto us by the most Holy Lord Pope Iulius the third Christs Vicegerent on Earth doe Absolve and deliver you and every of you with the whole Realme and Dominions thereof from all Heresie and Schisme and from all Judgements Censures and Paines for that cause incurred and also Wee doe restore you againe to the unity of our Mother the holy Church The report hereof comming to Rome was cause that a solemne Procession was made for joy of the conversion of England to the Church of Rome And now the Queene had a great desire to have King Phillip crowned but to this the Parliament would by no meanes assent In October this second yeere of her reigne a rumour was spread of the Queenes being with childe and so forward that she was quicke and thereupon were Lettes sent from the Lords of the Councell to Bonner Bishop of London that Prayers of Thanksgiving should be made in all Churches and the Parliament it selfe was so credulous of it that they entred into consideration of the education of the childe and made an Act desiring the King our of 〈◊〉 confidence they had in him that if the Queene should faile he would be pleased â—o take upon him the Rule and Government of the childe but after â—ll this in Iune following it came to be knowne that it was but a Tympany â—r at lest the Queene so miscarried that there came no childe nor the Queene likely ever after to have any But howsoever in hope of the joy that was expected in Ianuâ—ry of this yeere divers of the Councell as the Lord Chancellour the Bishop of Elye the Lord Treasurour the Earle of Shrewsbâ—ry the Controlour of the Queens house Secretary Bourne and Sir Richard Soâ—thwell Master of the Ordinance were sent to the Tower to discharge and set at liberty a great part of the Prisoners in the Tower as â—amely the late Duke of Northumberlands sonnes Ambrose Robert and Henry also Sir Andrew Dudley Sir Iames Croâ—ts Sir Nicholas Throgmorton Sir Iohn Rogers Sir Nicholas Arnold Sir George Harper Sir Edward Warner Sir William Sentlow Sir Gowen Carow William Gybbs Esquire Cutbert Vaughan and some others About this time one William Fetherstone a Millers sonne of the age of eighteene yeeres named and bruted himselfe to be King Edward the sixth for which being apprehended and examined he answered as one lunaticke and thereupon was whipped at a Carts â—ayle and banished into the North but the yeere after spreading abroad againe that King Edward was alive and that he had talked with him he was arraigned and condemned of treason and at Tyburn hanged and quartered In the moneth of March the Queene was taken with a fit of Devotion and thereupon called unto her foure of her Privie Councell namely William Marquesse of Winchester Lord Treasurour Sir Robert Rochester Comptrolour Sir William Peter Secretary and Sir Francis Englefield Master of the Wards and signified unto them that it went against her conscience to hold the Lands and Possessions as well of Monasteries aud Abbeys as of other Churches and therefore did freely relinquish them and leave them to be disposed as the Pope and the Lord Cardinall should thinke fit and thereupon charged them to acquaint the Cardinall with this her purpose Aâ—d shortly after in performance hereof Iohn Fecknam late Deane of Pauls was made Abbot of Westminster and had possession delivered him and with him fourteen Monkes received the Habit at the same time and on the twentieth of November Sir Thomas was instituted Lord of Saint Iohns of Hierusalem and was put in possession of the Lands belonging unto it And when it was told herâ— that this would be a great diminution of the Revenues of her Crowne she answered she more valued the salvation of her soule then a thousand Crownes a most religious speech and enough if there were but this to shew her to be a most pious Prince The fourth of September this yeer King Phillip waited on with the Earle of Arundell Lord Steward the Earle of Pembrooke the Earle of Huntington and others went over to Callice and from thence to Brussels in Brabant to visit the Emperour his Father who deliveâ—ing him possession of the Low Countries in March following he returned into England but then on the sixth of Iuly following by reason of wars with France he passed again over to Callicâ— and so into Flanders from whence he returned not till eighteene moneths after which made great muttering amongst the common people as though hee tooke any little occasion to be absent for the little love hee bore to the Queene In the third yeere of the Queene dyed Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester at his house in Southwarke of whose death it is memorable that the same day in which Bishop Ridley and Master Latimer suffered at Oxford he would not goe to dinner till foure a clocke in the aâ—ternoone thoâ—gh the old Duke of Norâ—olke was come to dine with him the reason was because he would first heare of their being burnt and as soon as word of that was brought him he presently said Now let us goe to Dinner where sitting downe and eating merrily upon a sudden he fell into such extremity that he was faine to be taken from the Table and carried to his bed where he continued fifteen dayes without voyding any thing either by urine or otherwise which caused his tsongu to swell in his mouth and so dyed after whose death
of Scotland sent for aid to the Queen of England But this was matter for consultation It seemed a bad Example for a Prince to give aid to the rebellious Subjects of another Prince On the other side it seemed no lesse then impiety not to give Ayd to the Protestants of the same Religion but most of all it seemed plain madnesse to suffer adversaries to be so neer neighbours and to let the French nestle in Scotland who pretend Title to England upon such like considerations it was resolved to send them Ayd and thereupon an Army of six thousand Foot and twelve hundred Horse was sent under the Command of the Duke of Norfolk the Lord Grey of Wilton his Lievtenant Generall Sir Iames a Crofts Assistant to him the Lord Scroop L. Marshall Sir George Howard Generall of the men at Arms Sir Henry Percy Generall of the Light-horse Thomas Huggens Provost Marshall Thomas Gower Master of the Ordnance Master William Pelham Captain of the Pyoners and Master Edward Randoll Serjeant Major and divers others These coming into Scotland joyned with the Scotish Lords and set down before Leith where passed many small skirmishes many Batteries and sometimes Assaults to whom after some time a new supply came of above two thousand Foot whereof were Captains Sir Andrew Corbet Sir Rowland Stanley Sir Thomas Hesbith Sir Arthur Manwaring Sir Lawrence Smith and others yet with this new supply there was little more done then before many light skirmishes many Batteries and sometimes Assaults so long till at last the young French King finding these broyls of Scotland to be too furious for him to appease he sent to the Queen of England desiring that Commissioners might be sent to reconcile these differences whereupon were dispatched into Scotland Sir William Cecill her principall Secretary with Doctor Wotton Dean of Canterbury who concluded a Peace between England and France upon these Conditions That neither the King of France nor the Queen of Scotland should thenceforth use the Arms or Titles of England or Ireland And that both the English and the French should depart out of Scotland And a generall pardon should be enacted by Parliament for all such as had been actors in those stirs This Peace was scarce concluded when Francis the young King of France died leaving the Crown to his younger brother Charles who was guided altogether by the Queen-Mother and molested with the Civill dissentions between the Princes of Guise and Conde for whose reconcilement the Queen sent Sir Henry Sidney Lord President of VVales and shortly after an Army under the leading of the Lord Ambrose Dudley Earl of VVarwick who arriving at Newhaven was received into the Town which having kept eleven months he was then constrayned by reason of a Pestilence to surrender again upon Composition and so returned About this time when the Parliament was upon dissolving it was agreed upon by the House of Commons to move the Queen to marry that she might have Issue to succeed her to which purpose Thomas Gargrave Speaker of the House with some few other chosen men had accesse to the Queen who humbly made the motion to her as a thing which the Kingdom infinitely desired seeing they could never hope to have a better Prince then out of her loyns Whereunto the Queen answered in effect thus That she was already marryed namely To the Kingdom of England and behold saith she the Pledge of the Covenant with my husband and therewith she held out her finger and shewed the Ring wherewith at the time of her Coronation she gave her self in Wedlock to the Kingdom and if saith she I keep my self to this husband and take no other yet I doubt not but God will send you as good Kings as if they were born of me forasmuch as we see by dayly experience That the Issue of the best Princes do often degenerate And for my self it shall be sufficient that a Marble stone declare That a Queen having Raigned such a time lived and dyed a Virgin Indeed before this time many Matches had been offered her First King Philip and when he was out of hope of matching with her himself he then dealt with the Emperor Ferdinand his Unkle to commend his younger Son Charles Duke of Austria to her for a husband And when this succeeded not then Iohn Duke of Finland second Son to Gustavus King of Sweden was sent by his father to solicite for his eldest Brother Erricusâ— who was honourably received but the Match rejected Then Adolphus Duke of Holst Unkle to Frederick King of Denmark came into England upon a great hope of speeding but the Queen bestowed upon him the Honour of the Garter and a yeerly Pension but not her self Then Iames Earl of Arran was commended to her by the Protestants of Scotland but neither the man nor the motion was accepted Of meaner Fortunes there were some at home that pleased themselves with hope of her Marriage First Sir William Pickering a Gentleman of a good House and a good Estate but that which most commended him was his studiousnesse of good letters and sweet demeanour Then Henry Earl of Arundel exceeding rich but now in his declining age Then Robert Dudley youngest son of the Duke of Northumberland of an excellent feature of face and now in the flower of his age but these might please themselves with their own conceit but were not considerable in her apprehension they might receive from her good Testimonies of her Princely favour but never Pledges of Nuptiall love About this time the Earl of Feria who had married the daughter of Sir William Dormer being denyed leave of the Queen for some of his wives friends to live out of England grew so incensed that he made means to Pius the fourth then Pope to have her excommunicate as an Heretick and Usurper but the Pope inclining rather to save then to destroy and knowing that gentle courses prevail more with generous mindes then roughnesse and violence in most loving manner wrote unto her exhorting her to return to the Unity of the Catholike Church and as it is said made her great offers if she would hearken to his counsell Particularly That he would recall the Sentence pronounced against her mothers Marriage confirm the Book of Common Prayer in English and permit to her people the use of the Sacrament in both Kindes But Queen Elizabeth neither terrified with the Earl of Feria's practises nor allured with the Popes great offers according to her Motto Semper Eadem persisted constant in her resolution To maintain that Religion which in her conscience she was perswaded to be most agreeable to the Word of God and most consonant to the Primitive Church Whilst these grounds of Troubles are sowing in England France and Scotland it is not likely that Ireland will lie fallow though indeed it be a Countrey that will bring forth Troubles of it self without sowing but howsoever to make the more plentifull Harvest of troubles at this time Iohn Oneal
themselves by leaving the English at Newhaven and by trusting to their Country-men the French Papists for their peace was but a snare and the Marriage of Henry of Bourbon Prince of Navarre with Margaret of Valois the French Kings sister was but a bait to entrap them for upon the confidence of this Marriage being drawn together into Paris they were the readier for the slaughter and a few dayes after the Marriage which were all spent in Feasts and Masks to make them the more secure upon a Watch-word given the bloody faction fell upon the Protestants and neither spared age nor sex nor condition but without mercy and sense of humanity slaughtered as many as they could meet with to the number of many thousands It was now the sixth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign a yeer fatall for the death of many great Personages First died William Lord Grey of Weâ—lon Governour of Berwick a man famous for his great Services in War then William Lord Paget a man of as great Services in Peace who by his great deservings had wrought his advancement to sundry dignities and honourable places and though zealous in the Roman Religion yet held by Queen Elizabeth in great estimation to his dying day Then Henry Mannors Earl of Rutland descended by his mother from King Edward the fourth And lastly Francis the Dutchesse of Suffolk daughter to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk and mother to Queen Iane. And now Queen Elizabeth finding how fickle the French Protestants had carryed themselves towards her intended to make a Peace and to that end sent Sir Thomas Smith into France joyning Throgmorton in Commission with him and in conclusion a Peace was agreed on whereof amongst other Articles this was one That the Hostages in England should be freed upon the payment of six hundred thousand Crowns and this Peace was ratified by the Oath both of the Queen of England and the King of France About this time the English Merchants were hardly used both in Spainâ— and in the Netherlands upon pretence of Civill differences but indeed out of hatred to the Protestant Religion whereupon the English removed the seat of their Trading to Embden in Freezlandâ— but Gusman the Spanish Liegier newly come into England finding the great dammages that the Netherlands sustained by these differences endeavoured by all means to compose them and thereupon Viscount Mountague Nicholas Wootton and Walter Haddon Master of the Requests were sent to Bruges in Flanders who after many interruptions brought the matter at last to some indifferent agreement It was now the seventh yeer of Queen Elizabeth when making a Progresse she went to see Cambridge where after she had viewed the Colledges and been entertained with Comedies and Scholasticall Disputations she made her self a Latine Oration to the great encouragement of the Schollars and then returned Presently after her returnâ— she made the Lord Robert Dudley Master of her Horse first Baron of Denbigh giving him Denbigh and all the Lands belonging to it and then Earl of Leicester to him and the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten which Honour was conferred upon him with the greatest State and Solemnity that was ever known And now Leicester to endear himself to the Queen of Scots accused Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper for being privy to the libell of Hales who affirmed the Right of the Crown to belong to the Family of Suffolk in case the Queen should die without Issue and thereupon was Bacon cast into prison till afterward upon his purgation and the mediation of Sir William Cecill he was set at liberty and restored to his place And now for a while we must cast our eyes upon Scotland for that was now the Stage where all the great businesses of State were acted Matthew Steward Earl of Lenox who had marryed Margaret Dowglas King Henry the eighth's Neece by his eldest sister had been kept as an Exile in England now twenty yeers him the Queen of Scots invites to come into Scotlandâ— under pretence of restoring to him his ancient Patrimony but indeed to conferre with him about a Marriage with his son the Lord Darlie for being reputed heir to the Crown of England next after her self she thought by matching with his son to strengthen her own title and to prevent the hope of any other Queen Elizabeth upon sute made by his wife gave the Earl leave to go but soon after suspecting what the Queen of Scots intent was in sending for him she to hinder the proceeding sent Sir Thomas Randâ—ll to her to let her know That if she proceeded in this Maâ—ch she would exceedingly wrong her self for that it was a Match so much disliked by all the English that she was fain to prorogue the Parliament lest upon dislike thereof there should something be enacted against her Right of Succession But if she would marry the Earl of Leicester she should then by Parliament be declared her next Heir Hereupon in the month of November the Earl of Bedford and Sir Thomas Randoll for Queen Elizabethâ— the Earl of Murray and Lidington for the Queen of Scots at Barwick entred into a Treaty concerning the Marriage with the Earl of Leicester The English Commissioners urged the great benefits that by this Match would accrew both to the Queen of Scots her self and to the whole Kingdom of Scotland The Scotish on the other side urged the great disparagement it would be to the Queen of Scots if refusing the offers made her of divers great Princes she should match her self with so mean a person as the Earl of Leicester This matter held long debate partly for that the English Commissioners were so appointed by Queen Elizabeth and partly for that the Scotish Commissioners had a good minde to hinder her from marrying at all and perhaps not the least for that the Earl of Leicester being verily perswaded he should at last obtain Queen Elizabeth her self by secret Letters warned the Earl of Bedford not to urge the Marriage with the Queen of Scots too far and was thought for this cause to favour Darly under hand The matter being in this manner protracted for two whole yeers together the Queen of Scots impatient of longer delay and being resolved in her minde what she would doâ— used means that the Lord Darly got leave of Queen Elizabeth to go into Scotland for three months onely under colour to be put in possession of his fathers Lands though it be strange the Queen upon any teâ—â—ms would let him go if she really intended to hinder the Marriage but such was the destiny if there were not a plot in it and â—o in Febrâ—ary he came to Edinburgh who being a young man of not above nineteen yeers of age of a comely countenance and most Princely Presence the Queen of Scots as soon as she saw him fell in love with him yet in modesty dissembling it for the present she sought to get a Dispensâ—on from Rome because of their neernesse in Consanguinity And now
at Louvayn But though the Queen were thus entangled with Rebellions at home yet she was not carelesse of the afflicted Protestants in France for she stirred up the Protestant Princes to defend the common Cause supplyed them with money taking in pawn the Queen of Navar 's Jewells and gave leave to Henry Champernoon to lead into France a Troop of a hundred Horse Gentlemen all and Voluntaries amongst whom were Philip Butshed Francis Barkley and Walter Raleigh a very young man who now began to look into the world But as the Queen of England assisted the French so in revenge thereof the King of France meant to assist the Scots but that he was taken away by death being slain by a shot at the Siege of S. Iohn D'Angelo There was at this time a Rebellion in Ireland also raised by Edmund and Peter brothers to Boteler Earl of Ormond but after many out-rages by them committed the Earl of Ormond first by perswasions obtained of them to submit themselves and when notwithstanding they were committed to prison he then obtained of the Queen they should not be called to the Barre being exceedingly grieved that any of his Blood should be attaynted of Rebellion The rest of the Rebells were pursued by Sir Humphrey Gilbert and soon dispersed And now the Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland when he had wrought all things to his hearts desire and thought himself secure at Lithquo riding along the streets was shot into the belly with a Bullet beneath the Navill and there fell down dead The actor was a Hamilton who did it upon a private revenge for that Murray had forced him to part with a piece of Land which he had by his wife who thereupon falling Lunatick he in a great rage committed this slaughter After Murrayes death the Countrey being without a Regent was cause of many disorders Tho. Carre and Walter Scot two principall men amongst the Scottish Borders and devoted to the Queen of Scots made Inâ—odes into England wasting all places with fire and sword till by Forces sent out of England under the command of the Earle of Sussex and the Lord Hâ—nsdon they were defeated In whose puâ—suit three hundred villages were â—ired and above fifty Holds were over-turned For which service the Earl made many Knights as Sir William Drury Sir Thomas Manners Sir George Carie Sir Robert Constable and others and then returned And now to prevent further disorders the Lords of Scotland being ready to assemble about the election of a new Regent they asked counsell of Queen Elizabeth in the matter but she making answer she would not meddle in it because she would not be thought to work any thing prejudiciall to the Queen of Scots whose cause was not yet triedâ— they created Matthew Earl of Lenox Regent which Queen Elizabeth did the better like as conceiving he could not chuse out of naturall affection but have a speciall care of the young King being his Grand-childe But while Queen Elizabeth favoured the Kings Party in Scotland the Earl of Hunâ—ley the Duke of Castle-Hâ—rald and the Earle of Argylâ— the Queen of Scots Liâ—uâ—enants imploy the Lord Seton to the Duke D'Alva Requiting him for many great reasons to vindicate the Queen of Scots liberty alleadging how acceptable a work it would be to all Christian Princes and to the whole Catholike Church whereunto the Duke made answer They should finde him ready to the uttermost of his power to satisfie their Request At which time also the French King dealt earnestly with Queen Elizabeth to the same purpose and the Spanish Embassadour in his masters name urged it no lesse extremely but Queen Elizabeth assaulted with all these Importunities made answer That as she would omit nothing that might serve for the Reconciling of the Queen of Scots and her subjects so shâ— must have leave to provide for her own and her subjects safety a thing which Nature Reason and her own Honor requires at her hands And now when these Princes prevailed not with Queen Elizabeth to set the Queen of Scots at liberty ouâ— comes Pope Pius Quintus with his Bull Declaratory which he caused to be fastened in the night time upon the gate of the Bishop of Londons Palace wherein all her subjects are absolved from their Oaâ—h of Allegiance or any other dutie and all that obey her accursed with Anathemâ— He that fastned up the Bull was one Iohn Fâ—lton who never fled for the matter but as affecting Martyrdome suffered himself to be apprehended confessed and justified the Fact and thereupon arraigned was condemned and hanged neer the place where he had fastened the writing The same day that Felton was Arraigned the Duke of Norfolk seeming now extremely pontitent for his fault and utterly to abhorre the marriage was delivered out of the Tower and suffered to goe to his owne house but yet to be in the custodie of Sir Henry Neuill still Indeed Cecill being a good friend of the Dukes had told the Queen That the Law of 25 of Edward the third could not take hold upon him And now being in a kinde of liberty Cecill deales earnestly with him to marry speedily some other thereby to take away all suspition in that behalf yet some again thought that this liberty of the Dukes was granted him of purpose to bring him into greateâ— danger At this time died William Herbert Earl of Pâ—mbâ—ook the grand-child of an Earl of Pâ—mbrook yet the son but of an Esquire and grand-father to Phillip Earl of Pembrook and Mountgomery now living who lieth buried in Pauls under a faire Monument of Marble with an Inscription â—estifying his great deservings while he lived Many conspiracies were at this time to set the Queen of Scots at liberty amongst others there conspired Thomas and Edward Stanley younger sonnes of the Earl of Derby with others but the matter discovered they were soon suppressed and some of them executed And now the Lords of the Queen of Scots Party continuing to protect the English Rebells the Earl of Sussex once again accompanied with the Lord Scroop entereth Scotland burneth the Villages all along the Valley of Anandale and compasseth the Duke of Castle-Herald and the Earls of Huntley and Argyle under a Writing signed with their own Hands and Seals to forsake the English Rebells Whereupon the Earl of Sussex returned home he made these Knights Edward Hastings Francis Russell Valentine Browne William Hilton Robert Stapleton Henry Carwen and Simon Musgrave Queen Elizabeths minde being now in great suspension by reason of that Bull from Rome and the late conspiracy in Norfolk sent Sir William Cecill and Sir Walter Mildmay to the Qâ—een of Scots who was then at Chattesworth in Derby-shire to consult with her by what means the breach in Scotland might best be made up She re-invested in her former Dignity and her son and Queen Elizabeth might be securedâ— The Queen of Scots did little deplore her own afflicted condition putting her self wholly upon the Queens clemency when
all which the Duke made colourable answers but most of them being proved by sufficient testimony he asked upon occasion Whether the subjects of another Prince who is confederate and in league with the Queen are to be accounted the Queens enemiesâ— to which Catiline answered They were and that the Q. of England might wage War with any Duke of France yet hold firm Peace with the French King When it grew towards night the L. high Steward demanded of the Duke if he had any more to say for himself who answered I rely upon the equity of the Laws After this the Lords withdrawing a while and then returning the Lord Steward beginning at the lowermost asked them My Lord de la Ware Is Thomas Duke of Norfolk guilty of these crimes of High Treason for which he is called in question He rising up and laying his hand upon his breast answered guilty in like manner they answered all After this the Lord Steward with teares in his eyes pronounced sentence in forme as is used A few dayes after were Barnes and Mather executed who conspired with one Herle to make away certaine of the Councellors and to free the Duke but Herle revealed the businesse presently to whom Barnes when hee saw his Accuser brought forth smilingly said Herle thou wert but one houre before mee else I had beene in thy place for the accuser and thou in my roome to be hanged at the same time with them was hanged also Henry Rolfe for counterfeiting the Queens hand But though the Duke were now condemned yet the Queen was so tender of his case that it was foure Moneths after before he was executed at last on the second of June at eight of the clock in the morning he was brought to the Scaffold upon the Tower-Hill and there beheaded At this time and upon this occasion a Parliament was Assembled wherein amongst other Lawes it were Enacted that if any man shall go about to free any person imprisoned by the Queens expresse Commandementâ— for Treason or suspition of Treason and not yet Arraigned he shall lose all his goods for his life time and be imprisoned during the Queens pleasure if the said person have beene Arraigned the Rescuer shall forfeit his life if condemned he shall be guilty of Rebellion In the time of this Parliament the Queen created Walter Devereux Earl of Essex being before but Viscount Hereford because he was descended by his Great-grand-mothers from the Bourchiers and made the Lord Clinton who had large Revenues in Lincolnshire Earl of Lincoln Also she called forth Iohn Paulet of Basing the Marquesse of Winchester's son Henry Compton Henry Cheyney and Henry Morris for Barons by Summons Within ten dayes after the Dukes death William Lord De-la-ware Sir Ralph Sadler Thomas Wilson Doctor of the Laws and Thomas Brumley the Queens Solicitour were sent to the Queen of Scots to expostulate with her That shee had usurped the Title and Arms of the Kingdom of England and had not renounced the same according to the agreement of the Treaty at Edinburgh That shee had endeavoured the marriage of the Duke of Norfolke without acquainting the Queene and had used all forcible meanes to free him out of prison had raised the Rebellion in the North had relieved the Rebels both in Scotland and in the Low-Countries had implored Aids from the Pope the King of Spaine and others had conspired with certaine of the English to free her out of Prison and Declare her Queen of England Lastly that she had procured the Popes Bull against the Queen and suffered herself to be publikely named the Queen of England in Forreigne Countries All which accusations she either absolutely denyed or else fairly extenuated and though as she said she were a free Queen and not subject to any creature yet she was content and requested that she might make her personall answer at the next Parliament About this time the King of Spain by his Embassadour here complained to the Queen that the Rebels of the Netherlands were harboured and entertained in England contrary to the Articles of the League whereupon the Queen set forth a severe Proclamation That all the Dutch who could any wayes be suspected of Rebellion should presently depart the Realm which yet turned little to D'Alva's or the King of Spains benefit For hereupon Count Vander-Mark and other Dutch going out of England surprized the Brill first then Flushing and afterwards drew other Towns to Revolt and in a short time excluded the Duke D'Alva in a manner from the Sea And this errour to suffer the Protestant party to get possession of the Sea-towns hath been the cause they have been able to hold out even all this long time against the King of Spain And now many military men having little to do at home got them into the Netherlands some to Duke D'Alva but the far greater number to the Prince of Orenge The first of whom was Thomas Morgan who carryed three hundred English to Flushing then followed by his procurement nine Companies more under the conduct of Humphry Gilbert and afterward it became the Nursery of all our English Souldiers At this time Charls the French King setting his mind wholly at least seeming so upon the Low-Country War concluded a peace and entred into a league with Queen Elizabeth which was to remain firm not only during their two lives but between their successors also if the sâ—ccessor signifie to the surviver within a yeer that he accepteth it otherwise to be at liberty It was likewise agreed what aid by Sea or Land they should each of them afford to other upon occasion and for ratification of this League Edward Clinton Earl of Lincoln and Admirall of England was sent into France with whom went the Lord Dacres Rich Talbot Sands and others The French King likewise sent the Duke of Memorancy and Paul Foix iâ—to England with a great train that the Queen in the presence of them and the Embassador in Ordinary might sweare to the league which she did at Westminster the seaventeenth of May in the yeer 1572. The day after she made Memorancye Knight of the Garter Memorancye whilst he tarryed in England made intercession in his Kings name that what favour could be without danger might be shewed to the Queen of Scots and then made much a do again about the marriage with the Duke of Angiou but being hopelesse to make conclusion thereof by reason of the diversity of Religion he returned into France for now was great provision making ready for the mariage between Henry King of Navarre and the Lady Margeret the French Kings Sister to which solemnity with notable dissimulation the Queen of Navarre and the chief of all the Protestants were allured being born in hand that there should be a renovation of love and a perpetuall peace established The Earl of Leicester likewise and the Lord Burleigh were invited out of England and out of Germany the sons of the Prince Elector Palatine under
colour of honour but indeed that they might be intrapped and they and together with them the Protestant Religion at one blow if not clean cutt off yet receiveâ— deadly wound For the marriage being celebrated there presently followed that cruell Massacre at Paris and the terrible slaughter of the Protestants throughout all the Cities of France but to set a shew of equity upon the fact Edicts and Proclamations were presently set forth that the Protestants had plotted a wicked conspiracy against the King the Queen Mother the Brethren the King of Navarre and the Princes of the blood Royall and to keep the thing in memory Coyne was presently stamped upon the one side whereof was the Kings picture with this Inscription Virtus in Rebelles on the other side Pietas excitavit justitiam But the King of France notwithstanding all the shew hee made of Piety escaped not the Divine revenge for before the yeer came about hee fell sick of a bloody Flixe and afterwards with long and grievous torments ended his life A little before this Mota Fenell Embassador to the King of France being in England by vertue of an order from the Queen Mother of France propoundeth to Queen Elizabeth at Kenelworth two dayes before the Massacre in that Kingdome the marriage of her youngest sonne Francis Duke of Alenson for the Queen Mother had been told by some cunning men that all her sons should be Kings and she knew no way for it but this Bâ—t Queen Elizabeth by reaâ—on of the disparity of age modestly excused her self For he was scarce â—eventeen yeers old and she was now past eight and thirty yet she promised to consider of it and Alenson did not leave to prosecute the â—â—it At tâ—is time Thomas Percy Earl of Northâ—mberland who first Rebelled and afterwards fled into Scotland was for a sum of money delivered by the Earl of Morton to the Lord Hunsdon Governour of Barwick and a while afâ—er was beheaded â—t York And now as these two great Personages the Duke of Norfolkâ— and the Earl of Northumberland were taken away by a violent death so three other great Personages were at this time tâ—ken away by a naturall death First Wâ—llâ—am Paulet who from a private man came by degree to be Marquesse of Winchester lived to the age of within three yeers of a hundred and could reckon a hundred and three of his children and his childrens issue after he had held the pâ—ace of Lord Treasurer of England above twenty yeers in whose roome succeeded Sir Wâ—lliam Cecill Lord Burleigh then dyed Edmund Earle of Darby famous as well for his hospitality and good house-keeping as for his skill in Surgery and Bone-setting then dyed Sir William Peter who being descended from an honest stock at Exceter in Devonshire was Privy Counsellor and Secretary to King Henry the Eight Kiâ—g Edward the Sixth Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth who plantâ—d himself in Essex where he purchased greaâ— possessions whose son Iohn was by King Iames made Baron of Writle in that Country And now Qâ—een Elizabeth having formerly borrowed money oâ— her Subjects she thankfully repayd it which wonne her no lesse love then if she had given it and more love she gained also at this time by two Proclamations by one of which she commanded Noble men to observe the Law of keeping Retâ—iners by the other she restrained Informers who under colour of spying out Crown Land concealed by private persoâ—s sacralegioâ—sly seized upon the Lands of Parish-Churches and Alms-Houses piously endowed by the Queens Ancestors And more Love and Honour also she gained at this time by two acts of Justice the one that she satisfied the English Merchants out of the goods which were detâ—ined belonging to the Dutch and restored the rest to the Duke D' Alva and make a full transaction with the Merchants of Geneva for the monâ—y intercepted the other that she freed England at this time of the debts which her Father and her Brother had run into in forraign partâ— and were increased by yeerly interest and caused the obligations of the City of London which had so often been renued to be given in to the great rejoycing of the Citizens The Spanish affairs growing now very turbulent in the Netherlands Flushing lost the towns of Holland revolted and the Spanish Navy vanquished by the Zelanders Duke D'Alva against his will began to shew more kindnesse towards the English so as in the month of Ianuary the trade which in Anno 1568. had been forbidden was now allowed again between the Dutch and the English for two yeerâ— but those two yeers expired the English removed their trading to the confederates Stateâ— The last yeer in the month of November a daughter was born to the French King to whom he requested Queen Elizabeth to be God-mother who theâ—eupon sent William Somerset Earl of Worcester into France with a Font of massy Gold to stand as her Deputy at the Christning Hereupon and for that the Queen promised to observe the League strictly the French King and the Queen mother began to affect her more and more and the Duke D'Alenson wrote sundry love-letters to her the French King and His Mother interceding for the mariage with all earnestnesse It is true the Queen conceived divers reasons why it was fit for her to marry but the Courtiers for their own ends disswaded her as much from it at last the Queen Mother of France was wonderfull importunate that her sonne Alenson might have leave to come and see herâ— whereunto being wearyed with continuall Letters and Messages she gave her consent but upon condition that hee should not take it for any disgrace to him if hee returned without obtaining his suit But as soon as Queen Elizabeth had notice that his brother Henry was elected King of Poland and that the King of France was very sick shee gave intimation to Alenson by Edward Horsey Governour of the Isle of Wight that hee should not make too much haste into England but should first procure a peace by some meanes or other in France and declare by some notable Argument his good will towards the Protestants thereby to be the more welcome Ghest into England Hereupon a peace was concluded in France and in certain places the Protestants were allowed to exercise their Religion and then again the French King and the Queen Mother used all their endeavour to have the marriage go forward for they were very desirous thâ—t Alenson who was of a crooked and perverse disposition and prone to raise tumults might bee removed out of France and withall they requested of Queen Elizabeth that if the Duke of Angiou took his voyage into Poland by Sea hee might have publike caution to sail through the British Ocean To this last request she not only consented with all alacrity but also made offer of a Fleet to conduct him thither In the mean while Alenson fell sick of the Meazles which his mother signified to Queen Elizabeth by Count Rhets excusing him
Grand-father had lyen asleep for fifty yeers together At this time many particular Rebellions were in Ireland The O Câ—nors and O Moors took Arms and committed many outrages In Munster Iames Fitzmorris and Fitz Edmund did the like but by the industry of Sir Iohn Perrot President of Munster were suppressed In Ulster Bryan Mac Phelym burnt Knockfergus and many other joyned in Rebellion with him Against these Walter Devereux whom the Queen had lately created Earl of Essex desired leave to go which Sir William Fitz-Williams Deputy of Ireland opposed as fearing that the glory of so great an Earl vvould ecclipse his light But for this the Queen findes a remedy by appointing Essex to take a Parent of the Deputy whereby to be made Governour of Ulster But this remedy for Fitz-Williams might have made a sore in the minde oâ— Eâ—sex to receive his Authority from his inferiour but that the noblenesse of his minde made him more to regard the vertue then the glory And so in the end of August hee landed at Knockfergus having with him the Lords Darcy and Rich and Sir Henry Knowles and his four Brothers Michael and Iohn Carves Henry William and Iohn Norreses At his landing Bryan Mac Pheliâ— welcomed him tendring unto him all manner of dutifulnesse and service but presently aâ—ter falls from him and joyns with Turlogh Leynigh After this revolt the Eaâ—l of Essex finding many difficulties in the businesse and himself not well provided of skilfull Souldiers makes suit to the Queen for leave to come home which the Earl of Leicester who liked his room better then his company opposed till after expence of a yeerâ— time and much treasure hee at last obtained leave and returned home The next yeer being 1574. and the seventeenth yeer of Queen Elisabeths Raign the Duke of Alenson grew more importunate in his suit then at any time before so as hee obtained of the Queen to come into England any time before the twentieth of May and this she the rather did because shee perceived him now to bee really bent against the Guyses her sworn Enemies But before this Answer was brought him Valentine Dale Doctor of the Civil Law the Queens Embassâ—dour in France gave intimation to the Qâ—een That Alenson and Navarre were in restraint and committed to Keepers For the Guyses had suggested that Alenson held intimate friendship with Admirall Colin the chief Leader of the Protestants in France and indeed Alenson being examined freely confessed that hee had now for a good while desired the marriage of the Queen of Englandâ— and conceiving that good correspondence with Colin might be usefull to him to that end hee had thereupon had conference with him thereabout and concerning the Low-Country Warre In the mean time Thomas Wâ—lks Dales Secretary got cunningly to Alenson and in the Queens name made promise both to him and to Navarre that she would omit no opportunity of procuring their inlargement For which the subtle Queen-Mother so complained of him to Queen Elisabeth that hee was fain to go into France and there to crave pardon for his fault But Navarre not unmindfull of this kindnesse in Wilks when about five and twenty yeers after being King of France hee saw him in Normandy hee Knighted him Hereupon the Queen sent Thomas Randoll into France to the Queen-Mother that if it were possible hee might gain Reconciliation for Alenson her sonne and for the King of Navarre But before hee was landed in France Charles the then French King dyed whose Funerall Rites were solemnly performed in Saint Pauls Church in London Assoon as Henry the third King of France was come from Poland Roger Lord North was sent into France to congratulate his return and his happy Inauguration into the Kingdom who thereupon together with the Queen-Mother did forthwith send their joynt Letters into England strongly soliciting the businesse of marriage between Alenson and the Queen In the mean time notwithstanding they used all possible devices and left no means unsought to get the yong King of Scotland to bee sent into France and to deprive Morton who was the Regent of his Authority whereof the Queen of Scots also was very desirous shee being perswaded that if her sonne were once gotten safely into France shee and the Catholicks in England should bee more mildly used At which time an aspersion was cast upon the Queen of Scots as if she had made the match between Charles Unckle to the Queen of Scots who had lately the Earldom of Lenox confirmed to him by Parliament and Elizabeth Cavendish the Countesse of Shrewsburie's daughter by a former husband upon which ground both their mothers and some others also were kept in Prison for a time and being doubted whereunto this marriage should tend Henry Earle of Huntington President of the Councell in the North is authorized with secret Instructions to examine it It will be fit here to say something of this place of Government in the North which from small beginnings is now become so eminent as it is at this day whereof this was the Originall When as in the Raigne of Henry the Eight after that the Rebellion in the Northerne parts about the subversion of Abbyes was quieted the Duke of Norfolke tarryed in those quarters and many complaints of injuries done were tendered unto him whereof some he composed himself and others hee commended under his Seale to men of wisdome to determine Hereof when King Henry heard he sent down a peculiar Seal to be used in these cases and calling home the Duke committed the same to Tunstall Bishop of Durham and Constituted Assistants with Authority to heare and determine the complaints of the poor and he was the first that was called President and from that time the authority of his successours grew in credit It was now the yeer One thousand five hundred seventy five and the Eighteenth yeer of Queen Elisabeths Raign vvhen Henry the third King of France being returned from Poland and Crowned at Rheims was carefull to have the League of Blois confirmed which in the Yeer 1572. had been concluded betweene his Brother Charles and that most Illustrious Queen ELIZABETH Now therefore hee confirmed it with His owne Subscription and delivered it to Dale the Queen 's Legier as the Queen like wise ratified it at Saint-James neere Westminster But a little after he demanded by Letters whether the mutuall defence against all persons mentioned in the League was intended to comprehend the case of Religion also Whereunto she answering that it did comprehend it hee thereupon hearing this from the Queen began presently to prepare Warre against the Protestants and Alenson being drawne to the Adverse party there was no speech of the marriage for a long time In the Netherlands at this time Lodovicke Zuinga who was successor unto Duke D'Alva was wholly bent to recover the Command of the Seas which D'Alva had neglected but not being sufficiently provided of a Navy he sent Boischott into England that with
her self with all her Forces to compell them While Wilkes in Spain unfoldeth theâ—e matters Iohn of Austria sendeth to Queen Elizabeth in most grievous manner accusing the States for disobedience and making a large declaration of the causes for which he had taken up Armes again Thus Queen Elizabeth like a fortunate Princesse sate as an Honourable Arbitresse between the Spanish the French and the States insomuch that it was not untrue which one wrote That France and Spaine were Ballances in the Scale of Europe and England the Beame to turne them either way for they still got the better to whome she adhered About this time when the Judges sate at the Assizes in Oxford and one â—owland Iâ—nkes a Book-seller was questioned for speaking approbrious words against the Queen suddenly they were surprised with a pestilent favour whether rising from the noysome smell of the prisoners or from the dampe of the ground is uncertaine but all that were there present almost every one within forty hours died except Women and children and the Contagion went no further There died Robert Bell Lord chief Baron Robert D'Oylie Sir William Babington D'Olye Sheriffe of Oxford-shire Harcourt Weynman Phetiplace the most noted men in this Tract Barham the famous Lawyer almost all the Jurours and three hundred other more or lesse This yeer the title of the Lord Latimer which had flourished in the Familie of the Nevills ever since the dayes of King Henry the sixth was extinct in Iohn Nevill who died without issue male and left a faire estate to four daughters whereof the eldest marryed Henry Earl of Northumberland the second Thomas Cecill who was afterward Earl of Exceter the third Sir William Cornwallis and the fourth Sir Iohn Daverse In Ireland the O-Moores and O-Conors and others whose Ancestours the Earl of Sussex in Queen Maries dayes had for their rebellion deprived of their Patrimonie in Loyse and Ophâ—liâ— did now break forth into a new Rebellion under the conduct of Roriâ— Oge that is Roderick the younger set on fire the village of Naasse assault Lâ—chlin from whence being driven back by the valour of George Careâ— the Governour he was afterward slain Out of England at this time there went into the Low-countries Iohn North the Lord Norths eldest sonneâ— Iohn Norris second son to the Lord Norris Henry Cavendish and Thomas Morgan Colonells with many voluntaries to learn Militarie experience Thither also came Caesamire the Elector Palatines sonne with an Army of German Horse and foot at the Queenes charges upon theâ—e Don Iohn assisted by the Prince of Parma Mondragon and other the best Commanders of Spain confident of victorie flyeth furiously before they expected him yet after a long fight was forced to retreat but then turning again and thinking to breake through the Hedges and Brakes where the English and Scottish voluntaryes had placed themselves was again repulsed for the English and Scottish were so hot upon the matter that casting away their garments by reason of the hot weather they fought in their shirts which they made fast about them In this battell Nâ—â—â—â—â— fought most valiantly and had three horses sâ—ain under him as also 〈◊〉 the Scot Bingham and William Mâ—râ—ham Now for comfort â—o the afflicted Provinces there came at that â—â—me into the Netherlands the Count Swâ—â—zenberg from the Emperour Mâ—nsieâ—â— Beâ—â—â—â—â—re from the French King and from the Queen of England the Lord Cobham and Walâ—ingham with Commission to procure conditions of Peace but returned without doing any thing for that Don Iohn refused to admit the Proâ—estanâ— Religion and the Prince of Orange refused to return into Holland About this time Egrâ—mâ—â—d Râ—â—cliffe son to Henry Earl of Susseâ— by his second wife who had been a prime man in the rebellion of the North and served now under Don Iohn was accused by the English fugitives that he was sent under hand to kill Don Iohn which whether true or false he was thereupon taken and put to death The Spaniards have affirmed That Ratcliffe at his last end confessed voluntarily That he was freed out of the Tower of London and moved by Walsinghams large promises to do this Fact but the English that were present at his death deny that he confessed any such thing though the English Rebells did all they could to wrest this confession from him At this very time Don Iohn in the flower of his age died of the Pestilence or as some say of grief as being neglected by the King of Spain his brother a man of an insatiable Ambition who aymed first at the Kingdom of Tunis and after of England and who without the privity of the French King or King of Spain had made a league with the Guises for the defence of both Crowns Alanson although very busie about the Belgick War yet now began again to pursue the Marriage with Queen Elizabeth for renewing of which suit first was Bachervyle sent to the Queen and soon after Ramboulet from the French King and within a month after that Simier a neat Courtier and exquisitely learned in the Art of Love accompanied with a great number of the French Nobility whom the Queen at Richmond entertained in such loving manner that Leicester began to rage as if his hopes were now quite blasted Certainly a little before when Ashley a Lady of the Queens Bed-chamber mentioned the Earl of Leicester to her for husband she with an aâ—gry countenance replyed Dost thou think me so unlike my self and so forgetfull of Majestie as to prefer my servant whom I my self have advanced before the greatest Princes of the Christian world But it is now time to return to the Scottish Affairs The Earl of Morton Regent of Scotland though a man of great wisedome and valour yet was now so overcome of covetousnesse that he grew universally hated and thereupon with the joynt consent of the Nobility the Administration of the Common-wealth was translated to the King though he was yet but twelve yeers old and twelve of the chief Lords were appointed to attend him in Councell three of them by course for three months amongst whom the Earl of Morton for one that they might not seem to cast him quite off The King having taken upon him the Administration sent presently the Earl of Dumformelin to Queen Elizabeth acknowledging her great deserts towards him and requesting to have the Treaty of Edinburgh agreed on in the yeer 1559 to be confirmed for the more happy restraining the robbers about the borders and withall That his ancient Patrimony in England namely the Lands granted to his Grand-father Maâ—â—hew Earl of Lenox and the Countesse his Grand-mother might be delivered into his handsâ— who was the next Heir The Queen readily promised the former demands but stuck a little at the last concerning the Patrimony For she would not grant That Arbella the daughter of Charles the King of Scots Unkle Born in England was the next Heir to the Lands in England neither would she grant the
Davis with two Ships at the charges of William Sanderson and other Citizens of London found out away to the East-Indies â—y the higher part of America under the Frigid Zone At the end of this yeere the Earle of Leicester is sent Generall of the Queenes Forces into Holland accompanied with the Earle of Essex the Lords Audley and North Sir William Russell Sir Thomas Shirley Sir Arthur Basset Sir Walter Waller Sir Gervase Clifton and divers other Knights besides five hundred Gentlemen Landing at Flushing he was first by Sir Philip Sidney the Governour his Nephew and after by the Townes of Zeland and Holland entertained in most magnificent manner â—nd comming to the Hague in Ianuary the States by Patent committed to him the command and absolute authority over the united Provinces with the Titles of Governour and Captain Generall of Holland Zeland and the Confederate Provinces So as being now saluted with the Title of his Excellency he began to assume unto him Princely spirits But the Queene tooke him soone off from further aspiring Writing to him in most peremptory manner That she wondred how a man whom â—he had raised out of the dust could so contemptuously violate her commands and therefore charged him upon his Allegiance to put in â—xecution the Injunctions she sent him by HENNAGE her VICE-CHAMBERLAINE Withall in Letters apart She expostulateth with the States that to her great disparagement they had cast upon the â—arle of Leicester her Subject the absolute command over the united PROVINCES without her privity which she her selfe had utterly refused and therfore willeth them to Devest him of that absolute authority to whom she had set bounds which he should not passe The States returne Answer That they are heartily sorry they should incurre her displeasure by conferring upon the Earle that absolute Authority not having first made her acquainted but they beseeched her to consider the necessity of it seeing that for avoyding of confusion that Authority must needs be cast upon some one or other Neither was there any great matter in the word Absolute seeing the Rule and Dominion resided still in the people By these Letters and Leicesters own submissive writing the Queen was soon satisfied Leicester all this while receiveth Contributions and Rewards from all Provinces maketh Martiall Laws and endeavouring likewise to raise new Customs upon Merchandizes incurred great dislike amongst the common people His first service was to relieve Grave a Town in Brabant which the Prince of Parma by Count Mansfield had besieged Hither he sent the Count Hohenlo a German and Norris Generall of the English Foot but notwithstanding all the great service they did there the Town in the end was taken but Hemart the Governor for his cowardly yeelding it up lost his head From hence the Prince of Parma marched into Gelderland and pitched his Tents before Venlow where Skenkic a Friezlander and Roger Williams a Welshman performed great service yet that Town in a short time was taken also But in the mean while the Lord Willoughby Governor of Bergen ap Zome cut off the enemies Convoyes and took away their victualls and Sir Philip Sidney and Maurice the Prince of Oranges Son upon a sudden on-set took Axale a Town in Flanders From Venlâ— the Prince of Parma goes to Berke where there were twelve thousand English under the command of Colonell Morgan he notwithstanding layd Siege to the Town which the Earl of Leicester came to raise but finding his Forces to weak to raise it he seeks to divert it by Beleaguering Duisbourgh which before the Prince of Parma could come to relieve he tooke And now the Prince of Parma fearing least Zutphin should come in danger commandeth victualls to be carried thither which the Spaniards carrying along in a fogge the English by chance lighted on them vanquished a Troop of their Horse slew Hannibal Gonzaga and divers other bat then on the English side was one slain more worth than all the English and Spaniards put together Sir Philip Sidney who having his horse slain under him and getting upon another was shot into the thigh and 25 dayes after in the â—loure of his age dyed A man of so many excellent parts of Art and Nature of Valour and Learning of Wit and Magnanimity that as he had equalled all those of former Ages so future Ages wil hardly be able to equal him His Funeralls were in sumptuous manner solemnized at St. Pauls Church in London Iames King of Scotland made his Epitaph and both Universities celebrated his death with Funerall Verses After this Leicester assaulteth Zutphen where setting upon a Fort he takes it in this manner Edward Stanley of the Stanlies of Elford catching hold of a Spaniards Launce which was brandished at him held it so fast that by it he was drawn into the very Fort whereupon the Spaniards being affrighted as thinking all the enemies were comming up forsook the place Leicester knighted Stanly for this act gave him forty pounds in present money and yeerly Pension of an hundred Marks during his life And now though in this forwardnesse to winne the Town yet winter being already come on he thought it unseasonable to besiege it any longer especially so many English Garrisons lying round about it which were in nature of a siege but returned to the Hâ—gâ—e where the States entertained him with complaints that their money was not carefully husbanded that the number of the English supplies was not full that forreign souldiers were levyed without their consent that the priviledges of the united Provinces were set at nought and new devises for contribution invented for all which evills they entreat him to provide some present remedy To which complaints having a purpose to go for England he gave a friendly answer but upon the very day in which he was to depart he committeth the government of the Province to the deliberation of the States and the same day made another private instrument of writing where he reserved to himself the whole authority over the Governours of the severall Provinces Cities and Forts and more than this taketh away the wonted jurisdiction â—rom the States Councell and Presidents of the Provinces and came into England the third day of December And thus passed the affairs of the Nether-lands for this yeare But in England Philip Earle of Arundel who had lyen in Prison a whole year was at last brought to the Starchamber and being charged with fostering of Priests and having correspondence with Allen and Parsons the Jesuit and offering to depart the Kingdom without licence was fined ten thousand pounds and imprisonment during the Queens pâ—easure At this time the Queen by Sir Horatio Palavicino supplied with a large summe of money the King of Navarrâ— thorow whose side the Guyses opposed the reformed Religion in Scotland but her most intentive care was how to unite England and Scotland in a solid friendship To which end she sent Thomas Randoll into Scotland who making Propositions to the King
coming forth Then for Land-Service there were laid along the Southern Coast twenty thousand souldiers and two Armies besides of Trayned men were levyed over one of which consisting of a thousand Horse and two and twenty thousand Foot the Earl of Leicester commanded and pitched his Tents at Tilbury neer the Thames mouth Over the other appointed to Guard the Queens Person and consisting of four and twenty thousand Foot and two thousand Horse the Lord Hunsdon was Generall Arthur Lord Grey Sir Francis Knolles Sir Iohn Norris Sir Richard Bingham Sir Roger Williams and other Military men were chosen to make a Councell of War and consult how the Land-service should â—e ordered These declared amongst other things That the places which lay fittest for the enemies landing as Milford Haven Fâ—lmouth Plimouth Portland the Isle of Wight Portsmouth the Downs the Thames mouth Harwich Yarmouth Hull and such other should be fortified with Works and Garrisons the Trayned Souldiers of those Shires which lay neer the Sea Coast should defend those places and be ready at the Alarm to hinder the Enemy from Landing but if he did land then to spoyl the Countrey round about that he might finde no food and by continuall crying Arm Arm give the Enemy no rest but yet should not give Battell till good store of Commanders were come together At this time many fearing the Papists at home no lesse than the Spaâ—iards abroad perswaded the Queen to take off the heads of some of tâ—e greatest of them but she detesting such cruelty took order onely That some few of them should be committed to custody in Wisbych Castle And now all things on both sides prepared the Spanish Navy set forth out of the Groyne in May but was dispersed and driven back by weather The English Navy set forth somewhat later out of Plimouth bearing up towards the Coast of Spain but partly by occasion of contrary windes partly by advertisement that the Spaniards were gone back and upon some doubt also that they might passe by towards the Coast of England whilest they were seeking them afar off they returned to Plimouth At which time a confident though false advertisement came to the Admirall That the Spaniards could not possible come forward that yeer whereupon the Eâ—glish Navy was upon the point of disbâ—nding and many of the men were gone on shore when suddenly the invincible Armada for so it was called in a Spanish ostentation was discovered upon the Western Coast whereof the Lord Admirall being informed had much ado to get the Queens Navy out of the Haven the winde being contrary yet at length he haled it forth The next day the English beheld the Spanish Ships in height like to Castles sayling slowly along whom they suffered peaceably to passe by that they might have the benefit of the winde to follow after The one and twentieth day of Iuly the Admirall of England sent a Pinnace before called The Defiancâ— which by a great shot challenged the Spaniards to fight and by and by they fell to it Then Drake Hawkins and Forbisher let fly against the outmost Squadron which Recalde commanded making him glad to fly to their main Navy for succour The night followingâ— a mighty Biskayner of Oquenda's in which the King of Spain's Treasure was was by chance fired with Gun-powder but was timely quenched by other Ships sent to her succour one of which Ships was the Galleon of Don Pedro whom Sir Francis Drake took prisoner and sent him to Darthmouth The Biskayner it self the Treasure being taken out by the Spaniards they left behinde them which the English brought into the Haven at Weymouth The three and twentieth day of this Month they had a secoâ—d Fight in which most of the Spanish Shot flew over the English Ships and never hurt them Onely Cock an English-man being with his little Vessell in the midst of the enemies died valiantly The four and twentieth day they rested on both sides in which time the Lord Admirall ranked his whole Fleet iâ—to four Squadrons The first he ruled himself Drake the second Hawkins the third and Forbisher the fourth The five and twentieth day which was the Saint Iames day they fell to it the third time in which Fight the English had again the better so as after this time the Spaniards would no more turne upon the English but holding on their course dispatched a Messenger to the Prince of Parma Requiring him forthwith to joyne himself to the Kings Fleet and withall to send them Bullets The day following the Lord Admirall Knighted Thomas Howard the Lord Shefieldâ— Roger Townsend Iohn Hawkins and Martin Frobisher and holding a Councell of War they decreed not to set again upon the Enemy till they came to the streight of Calice where the Lord Henry Seymor and Sir William Winter waited for their coming And now so far were the English from being terrified with this invincible Navy that many of the Nobility and other of speciall note hired Ships at their own charges and came to the Admirall as the Earls of Oxford Northumberland Cumberland Thomas and Robert Cecill Henry Brook Sir Charls Blunt Sir Walter Raleigh Sir William Hatton Sir Robert Carie Sir Ambrose Willoughby Sir Thomas Gerard Sir Arthur Gorge and others The seaven and twentieth of July towards the Evening the Spaniards cast Anchour neer unto Calis and not far from them rode the English Admirall within shot of a great Ordnance to whom Seymor and Winter joyned themselveâ— so as by this time there were in the English Navy a hundred and forty Ships nimble and serviceable for Fighting or Sayling yet only Fifteen of them bore the stroke of the Battell And now againe the Spaniards sent Post after Post to the Prince of Parma to send them forty Flye-boates without which they were not able to skirmish with the English by reason of the greatnesse and unweldinesse of their Ships and importune him presently to put to Sea with his Army But he was unprepaâ—ed and his Flat-bottomed Boates were full of chinks and leaked and besides the Hollanders hovered before the Ports of Dunkerk and Newport in such sort that he durst not look forth The eight and twentieth day the Lord Admirall made ready eight of his worst Ships on the out-side dawbed with wild-fire Rozin and Brimstone within full of combustible matter and under the conduct of Young and Prowse sent them down with the winde in the silent time of the night towards the Spanish Fleet the which when the Spaniards saw approach them and the Sea as it were all on a light fire imagining withall that those Fire-ships might carry in them some murthering Engines they made â— hideous noise took up Anchours cutt Cables spread Sayles and betook themselves to their Oars but more to flight One of the Spanish Galleasses having lost her Rudder and floating up and down was held in fight by Annias Preston Thomas Gerard and Harvie who â—lew Captain Hugh Moncada cast the Souldiers over
to the Crowne unlesse they were Roman Catholikes Contending further for the right of Isabella Infanta of Spaine as being descended from Constance Daughter of WILLIAM the Conquerour from Eleanor eldest Daughter to HENRY the Second Married to Alphonso the ninth King of Castile from Beatrix Daughter to King HENRY the Third Titles obsolete and which exceed the bounds of Heraldry to discusse This year the nineteenth of February was Henry Prince of Scotland born to whom the Queen was Godmother and sent Robert Earl of Sussex for her Deputy But now greater matters were in hand Plots were layd against the Queenes life some Spaniards thinking to make her away by Poison and not daring to trust any Englishman in such a businesse they treat to that purpose with Rodericke Lopes a JEVâ— and Phisitian to the Queen wiâ—h Stephen Ferreirâ— Emmanuel Loyfie and other Portugalls for divers of that Nation came into England at this time in relation to Anthonioâ— who being discovered by letters of theirs that were intercepted were Arraigned at Guildhall and by their own confessions convinced to have conspiâ—ed against the life of the Queen they were all condemned and Exeâ—â—â—ed at Tiburne LOPES professing that he loved the Queen as well as Jesus Christ which was cause of laughter to themâ— that knew him to be a JEVV The next day after them was condemned Câ—llenâ— an Irish Fencer sent hither by the English Fugitives to kill the Queen who was straightway executed though he were at that very time sick and ready to dye About this time Sir Iohn Norris having been in a hot conflict at sea against the Spaniard where Sir Martin Forbysher received his deaths wound was now called home with a purpose to send him into Ireland In which mean while Richard Hawkins Sonne of Sir Iohn Hawkins the famous sea Captain had been set forth a year since with three of the Queens ships and two hundred men in them whereof one of them at the Isle oâ— St. Anne was by chance fired another of them seperated by tempest returned into England himself in the third passed the Straights of Magellan being the sixth man in the Spanish accompt that had ever done it and being now come into the wide Southern sea he took five ships laden with Merchandize one whereof he took away the rest he suffered to redeeme themselves for two thousand Duckats But at last being set upon by Bertrandus a Castro who was sent out by the Vice-Roy of those parts with eight ships against him after three dayes battery he yeilded and though upon composition yet was neverthelesse sent into Spain and there for divers years kept prisoner But Iames Lancaster in another part of America had better successe for being set forth by some London Merchants whose goods the Spaniards had seized with three Ships and a long Boat Hee tooke nine and thirty Spanish Ships and at Fernanbucke in Brasile where the wealth of an East-Indian Caraque was lately unloden hee desperately venturing upon the Shoare Loaded Fifteene Ships with the wealth of the Indian Caraque Sugar Reed Redwood called Brasill and other Merchandize and then safely and victoriously returned home At ROME about this time dyed Cardinall ALLEN borne in Lancashire of an honest Family brought up in Oxford in Oriall Colledge In Queene Maries dayes he was Proctor of the University and after Canon of the Cathedrall Church at YORKE Upon the change of Religion in ENGLAND he left the Kingdome and was Divinity Professor at Doway in Flanders and made Canon of the Church at Cambray He procured a Seminary to be set up in Doway for the English another at Rheims and a third at Rome and through zeal of the Romish Religion forgot whose subject he was born At home at this time dyed Iohn Peers Archbishop of Yorke in whose place succeeded Matthew Hutton translated from the See of Durham There dyed also Ferdinand Stanley Earl of Derby being in the floure of his age miserably tormented and vomiting â—tuffe of a darke rusty colour being thought to have been poysoned or bewitched There was found in his chamber a little image of wax with hairs of the colour of his hairs thrust into the belly which some thought was done of purpose that men should not suspect him to be poisoned his vomit so stained the silver Andirons that it could never be gotten out and his body though put in searcloathes and wrapped in lead did so â—tinck and putrifie that for a long time none could endure to come neer where he was buried The Master of his Horse was much suspected who the same day the Earl tooke his bed took one of his best Horses and fled away About this time also dyed Gregory Fines Lord Dacres a man somewhat crazed the Son of Thomas Lord Dacres hanged in the Raign of King Henry the Eight And now Sir William Fitz Williams Lord Deputy of Ireland was called home and William Russell youngest Son of Francis Earl of Bedford was sent in his room to whom presently came the Earl of Tir-Oen and in humble manner craved pardon of his fault that he had not presented himself at the call of the late Lord Deputy Bagnall Marshall of the Irish Forces exhibited many Articles against him but he so pleaded for himself with promise of loyalty hereafter that he was dismissed But see the subdolousnesse of this man for he would never after be gotten to come again though the Deputy sent for him with many kinde messages It was now the year 1595 and the eight and thirtieth year of Queen Elizabeths Raign when Edâ—ond Yorke and Richard Williams who were formerly apprehended came to their tryall and were executed at Tiburn for being bribed to kill the Queen At this time a constant rumor was blown abroad from all parts of Europe that the Spaniards were coming again against England with a farre greater Fleet than that in Eighty Eight and that it was already under sayl whereupon Souldiers were levyed and placed on the Sea-coast Two Navies were made ready one to expect them at home in the Channell the other to go for America under Hawkins and Drake but when all came to all it was but certain Spaniards who loosed from the sea-coast of France with four Gallies which betimes in the morning landing in Cornwall fired a Church standing alone in the fields and three Villages of Fishermen Neulyne Moushole and Pensaus and then presently retyred not taking or killing any one person And these were the first and last Spaniards that in hostile manner â—ver set foot upon English ground And now mischiefs growing daily in France a great number perswaded the King to conclude a Peace with Spain and the Queen her self began to mistrust him especially having lately received intelligence out of the Popes Conclave that he was received into the bosome of the Church of Rome with the Popes Benediction and that upon conditions prejudiciall to the Protestants And therefore at this time were divers undertakings of the English against
Spain Sir Walter Rawleigh Captain of the Guard having defloured a Mayd of Honor whom afterward he married had lost the Queens favour and was held in Prison for certain moneths but afterward being set at liberty though banished the Court He undertook a Voyage to Guyana setting sayl from Plimmouth in February he arrived at Trinidada where he took St. Iosephs Town but found not a jot of money there From hence with Boats and a hundred souldiers he entred the vast River Orenoque ranging up in Guyana four hundred myles but getting little but his labour for his travell In like manner Amyas Preston and Sommers Pillaged sundry Towns of the King of Spains in the Western parts and three ships of the Earl of Cumberland set upon a huge Caraque which by casualty was fired when they were in fight and these were the enterprises of private persons but the Queen being informed that great store of wealth for the King of Spains use was conveyed to Port Rico in St. Iohns Island sent thither Hawkins Drâ—kâ— and Baskervile with land Forces furnishing them with six ships out of her own Navy and twenty other men of War They set sayl from Plimmoâ—th the last of August and seven and twenty dayes after came upon the Coast of the great Canarie which being strongly Fortified they forbore to assault A moneth after they came to the Isle of St. Dominicke where five Spanish ships being sent forth to watch the English lighted upon one of the small English ships which was strayed from the Company and â—â—â—ting the Master and Marriners upon the Rack understood by them That the English Navy was bent to Port Rico whereupon they make all possible speed to give notice thereof that being fore-warned they might accordingly be armed And thereupon as soon as the English had cast Anchors 〈◊〉 the Road at Port Rico the Spaniards thundered against them from the shore siâ— Nicholas Clifford and Brute Browne were wounded as they sate at â—upper and two dayes after died Hawkins also and Drake partly of disâ—â—se and partly of grief for their ill successe died soon after At the end of eight months the Fleet came home having done the enemy little hurt fired onely some few Towns and ships but received infinite damage themsâ—lves lost two such Sea-men as the Kingdom I may say all Europe had â—ot their like left For the Spaniards having of late yeers received great â—â—rms by the French and English had now provided for themselves with Fortifications which were not easie to be won At this time the Queen made known to the States in the Low-Countries the great charges she had been at in relieving them ten yeers together for which she requiteth some considerable recompence The States again alleadge the great charges they were at in Eighty Eight in repelling the Spaniards in her cause yet not to fall out about the matter they were content to allow some reasonable retribution but yet for the present nothing was concluded Likewise at this time the Hanse Towns in Germany make complaint to the Emperour and the Princes of the Empire That the Immunities from customes antiently granted them by the Kings of England began to be Antiquated and that a Monopoly of English Merchants was set up in Germany to which the Queen by Sir Christopher Perkins first shewing the cause of the first Grant and then the Reason of Queen Maries prohibiting it afterward makes them so satisfactory an answer that those very Hanse-Towns which complained brought into England at this time such store of Corne that it prevented a mutiny which thorough dearth of Corn was like to have hapned in London This yeer was famous for the death of many great Personages Philip Earl of Arundel condemned in the yeer 1589. The Queen had all this while spared but now death would spare him no longer having since that time been wholly given to contemplation and macerated himself in a strict course of Religion leaving one onely son Thomas by his wife Anne Dacres of Gillisâ—and He had two brothers Thomas Lord Howard whom Queen Elizabeth made Baron of Walden and King Iames afterward Earl of Suffolk and William Lord Howard of the North who yet liveth and one sister the Lady Margaret marryed to Robert Sackvile afterward Earl of Dâ—rset and father of Edward Earl of Dorset now living a Lady so milde so vertuous and so devout in her Religion that if her brother macerated himself being in prison she certainly did no lesse being at liberty whom I the rather mention because I had the happinesse to know her living and the unhappinesse to be a Mourner at her Funerall There died this yeer also William Lord Vaulx a zealous Papist and Sir Thomas Hineage Vice-Chamberlain and Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster whose onely daughter marryed to Sir Moyle Finch of Kent was no small advancer of that House There died also William Whitaker Master of S. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge and Divinity Professor As likewise Sir Roger Williams and Sir Thomas Morgan so as this yeer was honoured with the deaths of two great Lords one exquisite Courtier one great Schollar and two famous Souldiers In Ireland at this time Russell the Deputy doubting a storm of War from Tir-Oen sent into England requiring to have some experienced souldier sent to him with Forces who though he desired Baskervyle to be the man yet Sir Iohn Norris was sent with thirteen hundred old souldiers besides a further supply whom Tir-Oen hearing to be coming set presently upon the Fort of Blackwater and in the absence of Edward Cornwall the Governour took it But now being doubtfull of his case in a subdolous manner as he was a double dealing man he both offereth his help to the Earl of Kildare against the Deputies servants and at the same time maketh promise to the Earl of Ormond and Sir Henry Wallope of loyalty and obedience but notwithstanding he was forthwith proclaimed Traytor under the name of Hâ—gh O Neal bastard son to Con O Neal. There was at this time with the Rebells in Ulster a thousand Horse and 6280 Foot and in Connaght two thousand three hundred all at Tir Oens command and the Forces of the English under Norris not much fewer with whom the Deputy himself joyned and marched together to Armagh which so terrified the Rebels that Tir Oen forsaking the Fort of Blackwater began to hide himself Whereupon the Deputy returned leaving Norris to follow the War with the Title of Generall of the Army But this satisfied not Norris and therefore out of emulation betwixt himself the Deputy he performed nothing worth the speaking of and seemed to favour Tir Oen as much as the Deputy hated him insomuch as he had private conference with him a thing not lawfull with proclaymed Traytors and upon his submission and Hostages given a Truce was granted both to him and Odonell till the first of Ianâ—ary When the Truce was expired Tir Oen exhibited certain Petitions protesting if they
were granted he would then perform all duties of a loyall subject In consulting about which Petitions another Truce was concluded till the first of April during which Truce Tir Oen dealt secretly with the King of Spain for Ayd to be sent him making neverthelesse a fair shew of willingnesse to obedience so far that by the procurement of Norris and Fenton a pardon was granted him the which he pretended to receive more joyfully than the Instrument whicd conferred the Earldome upon him yet all this was but dissimulation to win the time for his own ends In the midst of these Irish Affairs Albertus Arch-Duke of Austria and Cardinall whom the King of Spain had newly set over the Netherlands mustered together the Spanish Forces upon pretence of raising the Siege of La Fere in Picardie but upon a sudden turneth aside and besiegeth Calice and taking Newnham Fort the very first day became Master of the Haven The Queen informed hereof forthwith upon the very Sunday in time of Divine Service commandeth to leuy souldiers whom she committeth to the Earl of Essex but before they could be shipped certain News came That the Town and Fort were taken by the Spaniard Whereupon the Queens Army was dismissed and onely some money lent to the French King But a few dayes after a far greater and more select Army is raised in England wherein many of Noble Houses served as Voluntaries For the Queen to divert the King of Spain from invading her Borders thought it the best way to invade his Whereupon a Navy of a hundred and fifty Ships was made ready where were souldiers under pay 6360 Voluntaries of the Nobility and Gentry 1000 Marriners 6772 besides the Dutch-men who brought two and twenty ships Robert Earl of Essex and Charls Howard Lord Admirall of England were made Generalls with equall Authority but the Admirall to hold Prerogative at Sea Essex at Land To these for a Councell of War were joyned the Lord Thomas Howard Walter Raleigh Francis Vere George Carew and Conyers Clifford The whole Fleet was divided into four Squadrons the Admirall commanded the first Essex the second the Lord Thomas Howard the third and Raleigh the fourth The Officers of the Army were Francis Vere Serjeant Major Generall or Marshall Iohn Winkfield Quarter-Master Generall George Carew Master of the Ordnance Conyers Clifford Serjeant Major Colonells were Robeâ—t Earl of Sussex sir Christopher Blunt sir Thomas Gerrard sir Richard Winkefield William Winkefild was Commander of the Voâ—untaries and Anthony Ashley Secretary to the Councell of War was to Register their Acts and Consultations The Commission being drawn the Queen gave them private Instructions and withall a Prayer of her own making to be dâ—ily used in every Ship This Fâ—eet set forth from Plimouth at the beginning of Iune Nigh unâ—o Cabo S. Vincent they lighted upon an Irish Barque which told them That at Cales they were secure and that in the Haven there were at Anchor Gallies ships of Warâ— and a great many Merchants Vessells The twentieth of Iune they cast Anchor on the West side of the Island within two dayes they were agreed to set upon the Spanish ships whereat the Earl of Essex cast up his Cap for joy This businesse was alotâ—ed to the lesser ships because the Road was too shallow for the great The Gallyes quickly fled and creeping along the shore shifted away but the Spanish ships that lay at Anchor at Puntall turned their broad sides so as the English Fight with them lasted from break of day till noon at which time the Spaniards having their Gallons miserably torâ— and many of their men slain resolved to fire the the ships or run them ashore The Spanish Admirall being fifteen hundred Tun of Burthen was fired by a Moor and two other ships which lay next her took the fire and were lost likewise When this Sea-Fight was ended Essex landed eight hundred souldiers at Puntall a league from the Town of Cales when half a mile from the Town the Spanish Horse and Foot shewed themselves and presently gave back again but straightway cometh forth a greater number Then Essex commanded his Forces to make a fair Retreat and having enticed forth their enemies they turned upon them with such violence that they forced them back into the Town Then the Earl got up to a Bulwark newly raised neer the Gate where he spyed a passage into the Townâ— but so high from ground that they must leap a Spears length to get down Yet Evans the Earl of Sussex his Lievtenant Arthur Savage and other leaped down and the mean while Sir Francis Vere broke the Gate and rushed in and the rest with him In the Market place Iohn Winkfield was shot in the head and with stones from the tops of the houses divers were wounded amongst whom Samuel Bagnall received eight wounds and Arthur Savage was bloody all over which two were Knighted in the place The next day the Castle was yeelded upon condition That the Inhabitants might depart with the clothes on their backs the rest to be left for spoyl For five hundred and fourscore thousand Duckets the Castle was to be redeemed and for the payment forty of the chief Citizens to be sent Hostages into England Now Raleigh was commanded to fire the Merchants Ships lying at Port Reall when they promised two Millions of Duckets to redeem them but this the Admirall would not hear of saying He was sent to destroy Ships not to dismisse them upon Composition A world of Munition was found in the City and great store of money privately carried away every one shifting for himself It was thought by the wiser sort That the Spaniard could not be damnified lesse by this Expedition than twenty Millions of Duckets None of note was slain amongst the English but onely Winkfield who also slew a Spanish Captain and now at last threescore Military men were honored with Knight-hood After this having spoyled the whole Islandâ— and demolished the Fortsâ— they returned into England much against the will of Essex who would fain have bin attempting some other enterprise The Queen received them home with much affability giving many thanks to those of principall note but extolling the Earl of Essex and the Admirall above the rest And now bethinking her self of a fit man to be Governour of the Bryll which was given by the States as a Caution Town for money due she made choyce of Sir Francis Vere although Essex commended other to her for the place but another thing he took with great indignation That in his absence she had made Sir Robert Cecill Secretary whereas he had formerly with great instance commended Sir Thomas Bodley to herâ— And now the King of Spain to recover his honour lost at Cales setteth forth a Navy for England and Ireland with a great number of Irish Fugitivesâ— but being at Sea most of his ships were either run upon Rocks or cast away in storms so as this Expedition came to nothing But the
take him shortly into favor and that his Censure in no case should be Recorded Afâ—er this he made shew of wonderfull humility and mortification which so affected the Queen that shortly she removed Barkeley his keeper and gave him leave to go at large only admonishing him To make his own discretion his keeper and not to come at the Court or in her Presence After this Sentence Cuffe who alwayes perswaded the Earle to stand stoutly in his own defence began so plainly to tax him of cowardize and pusillanimity that the Earl in anger commanded his name to be put out of the Rowl of his servants yet Merrick the Steward did it not as being of Cuffes minde himself Essex being now ready to go into the Countrey remembred himself to the Queen by the Lord Henry Howard in these words That he kissed the Rod and the Queens hands which had â—nely corrected not overthrown him yet he should never enjoy solid comfort till he might see those blessed eyes which had been his load-stars whereby he had happily steered his course whiles he held on his way at lawfull distance But now he resolved to eat grasse with Nebuchad-nezzar till it please the Queen to restore his senses She being greatly joyed with these his speeches Would to God sayd she his deeds might be answerable to his words he hath long tried my patience I must now make tryall of his humility And now the Earl grew so confident of thee Queens favor That he became a suitor to her for the Farme of sweet Wines but she to try his temper and with what minde he would bear a repulse made him Answer That she must first know what it was worth and not give away things hand over head and had oftentimes in her mouth the Aphorisme of Phisitians That foul bodies the more you nourish them the more you corrupt them And indeed this was the right way to finde whether the ulcer of his minde were throughly cured or no for being not throughly cured it would endure no touching and no more did his but as though every denyall of a curtesie were an injury that required revenge his melancholy was presently turned into choller and now began to hearken to Cuffe again telling him That it was now plain the Queen determined to make him as poore as Iob that he should live of the basket and gather crums under the Taâ—â—e Hereupon he returned to London Southampton is sent for out of the Low-Countries his doors are set open for all commers Merricke his Steward receiveth to his own table decayed souldiers discontented and audacious persons Sermons are made there every day by Puritan Ministers to which the Citizens flock and all signes of popularity appeared which matters coming to the Queens ears Alienated her affection from him daily more and more but especially she was exasperated that her Person was despised by him for not to say the worst he had muttered That the Queen was now old and decrepit and withered as well in minde as body And now again he runneth upon desperate counsells for the removall of his adversaries from the Court seeketh to scrue himself into the King of Scots favour to whom he traduceth his adversaries by name Raleigh Cobham Carew Cecill and the Admirall as inclined to the Spanish Faction and at one and the same time seeketh to win to him both Puritans and Papists Many were of his party but few of his counsell and these were the Earl of Southampton Sir Charls Davers Sir Ferdinando Gorge Captain of the Garrison of Plimmouth Sir Christopher Blunt and some other With these he met privately in Drury House to avoyd suspition where he first giveth them a Catalogue of the Nobility and gentry that favoured him to the number of a hundred and twenty Then they consult whether it were better to set upon the Tower of London or the Queens Pallace this latter they resolve upon which should be done in this manner Blunt should keep the great Gate with a selected number of men and Danvers seize upon the Presence Chamber Then Essex with his company should come from the Mues and present himselfe before the Queen But now suspitions arising from divers circumstances Secretary Herbert was sent to call him before the Councell at the Treasurers House but he doubting the matter excuseth himselfe that he was not very well And now the Plot of seizing upon the Court which had been four moneths in contriving was by this means quite dashed for they had ready at the present neither Souldiers nor muition so as some speedier course must now be thought on at which time very opportunely cometh one to them set on no doubt by Essex his Adversaries as if he had been sent on purpose from the Citizens to promise him their Ayd which made Essex to applaud his own great good fortune And now were four of the Lords namely the Lord Keeper the Earle of Worcester Sir William Knolles and the Lord Chiefe Justice of England sent by the Queen to Essex house who could hardly be suffered to come in all their Attendants were kept out save he that carried the Seal before the Keeper In the Court they found a confused number of people and the Earls of Essex Rutland and Southampton in the midst of them The Keeper turning himselfe to Essex telleth him The Queen had sent him and the rest to understand the cause of this concourse promising Justice if any person had done them wrong Essex with a loud voice cryeth out They lye in waite for my life we are met to defend our selves The Keeper urging Essex again to unfold some part of his grievance the unruly multitude crieth out Away let us be gone they come to betray you Kill them cast away that Great Seal Essex retireth into the house the Lords follow him he chargeth them to make the doors fast and turning him to the Lords Have patience for a while saith he I must go into the City to dispatch a little businesse with the Maior and Sheriffs I will return presently There the Lords are kept prisoners Essex maketh haste into the City with a Troop of 200 men at his heels the E. of Bedford the L. Cromwell and â—â—her Lords meeting him by the way joyn themselves coming into London â—e cryeth out aloud For the Queen for the Queen they lay wait for my life The Citizens came running to gaze but not so much as one person took Arms to take his Part. Passing along the City he came all in a sweat to the Sheriff Smith's house who shifteth himself forth at a back door and goeth to the Lord Maior By this time certain of the Nobility entred the City with a Herald declaring Essex and his adherents Traytors Hereupon hearing also that the Lord Admirall made towards him with an Army he began to be dishearâ—ned Gorge taketh care for himself requesteth he might be sent to release the Counsellors and with them to crave the Queens mercy whiles the issue
favour which King Iames at his first comming to the Crown shewed to the Earle of South-Hampton was like to breed no good blood in those that were his oposites and it was said how true I know not that as the King had sent to enlarge the Earle of South-Hampton and apointed him to meet him upon the way So when he heard of an Intention that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh had to meet him he sent them word they should spare their labour But why there it were so or no it seemes they found some â—ause of discontentment and discontentment will never want Complyces and by this meanes was the composition of this Tâ—eason made up and thereupon were apprehended Henry Lord Cobham and George Brook his brother Thomas Lord Grey of Wilton Sir Walter Ralegh Sir Griffith Markham and Sir Edward Parham Knights Bartholmew Brookesby and Anthony Copley Gentlemen William Watson and William Clerke Priests But though they were apprehended in Iuly yet they come not to their arraignment till November following for by reason of the sicknesse which was then hot in London the Terme was put off till Crastino Martini and then to be kept at Winchester in Hamp-shire only the Courts of the Exchecker Wards Liveries and the Dutchy of Lancaster were kept in the Kings Mannour at Richmond in the County of Surrey and so in the fourth of November following all the foresaid Delinquents were removed from the Tower of London and other Prisons by strong Guards to Winchester and there arraigned whose Indictment was for Conspiring 1 To kill the King 2 To raise Rebellion 3 To alter Religion 4 To subvert the State 5 To procure Invasion by Strangers Concerning the first Point it was proved that the Lord Grey intended to obtaine the levying of two thousand men for defence of the Low-Countreyes and with them to seize uâ—on the King and Prince and take the Lords of the Counsaile in their chambers For the other Points It was proved that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh met at S Martins in the Fields and there consulted about raising Sedition mooving Rebellion altering Religion subverting the State and to set up the Lady Arbella And particularly for the Point of subverting the State It was proved that Watson was designed to be Lord Chancellor George Brooke Lord Treasurer Sir Griffin Markham Secretary and the Lord Grey to be Master of the Horse and Earle Marshall of England and for effecting of these Treasons It was proved that Waston the Priest had devised Oaths in writing by which all parties were bound to keep them secret And for the last point It was proved that Sir Walter Ralegh was appointed to treate with Count Aramberg for six hundred thousand Câ—owns and the Lord Cobham to go to the Arch-Duke and to the King of Spaine to perswade them to assist the Lady Arbella These things being proved against them on the dayes in which they were severally Indicted the most which was replied in mitigation of their fault was first by Waston who affirmed it could not be Treason because the King was not yet Crowned and then by the Lord Grey that it was but a verbal matter and never took effect and therfore could be no Treason but these assertions being both refuted they were al except Sir Edwâ— Parham who only was acquitted on their severall dayes of inditement found guilty of Treason and had Iudgement accordingly The Priests Watson and Clerk were executde at Winchester the nine and twentieth of November George Brooke was beheaded the fift of Decemb. but then the hand of Iustice stayedâ— and this was the course which the K. held in shewing mercy After the death of the three before named he signed three other warrants for the execution of the late L. Cobham the Lord Grâ—y and Sir Griffin Markâ—hâ—m on a certain day then following but before that day came he privately framed another warrant written with his own hand to the Sheriffe who was then Sir Benjamin Tichburne by which he countermanded the former Warrants and that there might be no notice taken of it he sent it by Mr. Iohn Gybbe a Scotch-man and one utterly unknown to all the company appointing him to deliver it so that it might not take effect til after their severall confessions and at the very point of their Execution which was accordingly performed At which time it was a wonderfull thing to see how the Delinquents falling on their knees lamented their misdoings and most of all how they extolled the Kings unspeakable mercy But though thus pardoned yet were they carryed back to the Tower where the L Grey not long after dyed and in him was extinct that Barony which had formerly broâ—ght forth many valourous worthy men Sir Griffin MarkhaÌ„ after some time was set at liberty passed beyond sea wher he lived long after in meane account The Lord Cobham likewise was afterward discharged of imprisonment but deprived of his Estate lived divers years after in great pennury and in him ended that noble Family which had flourished in great honor many Ages Sir Walter Ralegh was kept in the Tower where to his great honour he spent his time in writing and had bin a happy man if he had never beene released But such is our state that no mans fortune is understood whether it be good or bad untill it be discovered by the Event But in this meane time many things had passedâ— for his Majesty having deferred the Feast of St. George untill his being at some of his owne houses held now the said Feast at Windsor the second of Iuly where the Prince was installed Knight of the Garter as also the Duke of Lenox the Earle of South-Hampton the Earle of Mâ—rre and the Earle of Pembrooke and at the same time were elected the King of Denmark and the Duke of Wirtenberg though their investing have been spoken off before And now was preparation made for the Kings Coronation and for a preparative unto it hâ— first restored the Earle of South-Hampton and then raised in honor these following Sir Thomas Egerâ—on Lord Chancellourâ— he made Baron of Elsemere Sir William Russell Baron of Thornâ—ugh Sir Henry Grey Baron of Grobye Sir Iohn Peter Baron of Writtle Sir Iohn Harington Baron of Exton Sir Henry Denvers Baron of Daâ—sey Sir Thomas Gerard Baron of Gerads Bromely in the County of Stafford and Sir Robert Spenser Baron of Wormeleyton After this he conferred inferiour Orders and made Knights all the Iudges and Serjeants at Law all Civilians and Clerkes of the Signet all his Gentlemen Vshers and divers other and lastly made Knights of the Bathe threescore and two most of them Noble mens sons and the rest Gentlemen of speciall worth These things done on the five and twentieth of Iuly being St. Iames day the King and Queen were together crowned and anoynted at Westminster by the hands of Iohn Whitegift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in presence of the Nobility and other namely Sir Robert Lee Lord
Major of London in a gowâ—e of Crymson Velvet his brethren the Aldermen in gownes of Scarlet and twelve principall Citizens admitted to attend on them all other Citizens stayed from passing thither either by water or by Land by reson of the sicknesse and the first of Aâ—gust following all suitors were by Proclamation forbidden to repayâ—e to the Count till the winter following At this time the King forgot noâ— a deliverance he had formerly had which though it were had in Scotland yet he would have notice of it taken in England which was his deliverance from the conspiracy of the Goâ—ries on the fift day of August three yeâ—â—es before and thereupon Friday being the fift of August was by commandement appoâ—â—â—ed to be kept Holy day with Morning Prayer Sermons and Evening Prayer thâ—t day and Bonfires â—t night which was then and after during his life solemnely oâ—â—erved King Iaâ—â—â— had in hiâ— aâ— it were two Persons one as he was King of Scotland and in this he was in perfect amity with â—he King of Spainâ— another as he was King oâ— England and in this he had some difference with Spaine but he as Rex pacificâ—â— â—â—oke the best from both and was altogether for the Olive branch and thereupon when at his comming into England he found letters of Mart granted against Spaniards he first caused them all to be called in and then consâ—nted to a Treaty of perâ—it reconcilment In which Treaty handled at London the 18 oâ— August 16â—4 The Commissioners for the King of England were Thomas Earle of Dorset Charles Earle of Nottingham Charles Earle of Devonshire Henry Earle of North-Hampton and Robert Viscount Cranbourne For the King of Spaine Iohn de Velasco Constable of Castile Iohn de Tassis Earle of Villa Mediaâ—a and Alexander Robidius Professor of the Law in the Colledge of Millaine For the Archdukes Charles Count of Aramberg Iohn Richardoâ— President of the Privy Counsaile and Lodowick Verreikin principall Secretary by whom a Peace being concluded and contained in many Articles The Somer following the King of Spaine sent Don Iohn de Velesco Constable of Castile and Duke of Fryas also Pedraca de la Syerra his great Chamberlaine accompagnied with diverse Marquises Earles and Barons who comming into England were by the Earle of Devonshire on the nineteenth of August brought to the Court where the King in his Chappell in the presence of the â—ommissioners and other English Lords the Duke of Fryas holding the Kings hands between his tooke his Oath upon the holy Bible religiously to obserue and keep all the Articles of the Peace and League agreed upon and in March following being now the third yeare of King Iames Charles Earle of Nottingham Lord high Admirall of England was sent into Spaine to take in like manner the King of Spaine's Oath who accompanied with three Barons and many Knights Gentlemen and other to the number of six hundred and fifty the fifteenth of Aprill arrived at Groyne from whence he was conducted to Valledolid three hundred miles off where the King of Spaine then kept his Court enterteined in all places as he passed at the King of Spaine's charge with so great provisions and such demonstration of love and gladnesse that it plainly shewed the Spaniards were as glad of our friendship as we of theirs The Lord Embassadour being come to Court He caused Thomas Knoll Esquire to deliver the presents sent from the King of England which were siz goodly Horses with saddles and saddle cloaths very richly imbrodered whereof three for the King and three for the Queen two crossebows with sheafes of arrowsâ— foure fowling pieces inlaid with plates of Gold and a couple of Lyme hownds of singular qualities which the King and Queen in very kind manner accepted and then on the thirtyth of May the Lord Embassadour being sent for the King came forth into a large room where having a little Table set before him and a Bible very reverently laid upon it together with a Crucifix The Archbishop of Toledo read the Oath at the reading whereof the Lord Embassadour held the Kings hands between his and the King kneeling down layd his hands upon the Book and after his Oath subscribed to the Articles formerly concluded Whilst the E. of Nothingham was thus imployed in Spaine the right honorable Edward Earle of Hartford was likewise sent Embâ—ssador to Albertus and Isabella Archdukes of Austria to take their Oaths for confirmation of the said Articles of Peace which were taken at Bruxell the first of May with great State and solemnity After which as the Earle bestowed on the Archduks servants to the full summe of three thousand pouns So the Archduke at his departy bestowed upon the Earle a Iewell worth nine hundred pounds and a suite of Arms worth three hundred and bore his charges all the time of his stay at Bruxels And now was King Iames truly Rex Pacificus Peece and amity with all Princes of Christendome which few of his Auncestors ever were A little before this in the Month of August in the yeare 1604 the strong Town of Ostend in Flanders after above three years siege and the slaughter of a hundred and twenty thousand men of both sides and in defense whereof Sir Francis Vere Generall and his brother Sir Horatio Vere had shewed great Valour was by the Marquis Spinola taken for which Service the King of Spaine made him Duke of Santa Severina and Lord Generall of all his Forces in the Low-Countryes It was now the third yeare of King Iames his Reigne when he kept Saint Georges Feast at Grenwich and there made two new Knights of the Garter namely the High and Mighty Prince Duke Ulrick heire of Norway and brother to our gracious Queen Anne and the right Noble Lord Henry Howard Earle of North-Hampton And upon the Saturday following in the Hall at Grenwich being richly hanged with Arras he created three Earles one Viscount and foure Barons namely Sir Robert Cecil Viscount Cranbourne he created Earle of Salisbury Thomas Cecil Lord Burley his eldest brother he created Earle of Exceter and Sir Philipe Herbert yonger brother to the Earle of Pembrooke he created Earle of Montgomery then Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst Lord Chamberlaine to the Queen he created Viscount Lisle Sir Iohn Stanhope Vicechamberlaine to the King he made Lord Stanhope of Harington Sir George Carew Vicechamberlaine to the Queen he made Lord Carew of Cloptonâ— Master Thomas Arundell of Devonshire he made Lord Arundell of Wardez and Master William Cavendish he made Lord Cavendish of Hardwick About this time a strange fancy possessed the braines of a professed Physition one Richard Haidock of new Colledge in Oxford who pretended to preach at night in his sleep in such sort that though he were called aloud or stirred and pull'd by the hands or feet yet would make no shew of either hearing or feeling And this he did often in the presence of many honorable persons that came to heare him
by Coach to the King at Hampton Court where foureteen dayes together they were feasted and royally entertained and then returned But these Festivalls were follwed with a little disturbance for in May the yeare after great Assemblies were gathered together in Northampton-shire Warwickshire and Leicester-shire throwing downe Inclosures at first without any particular head but at last rose up a base fellow called Iohn Reynolds whom they named Captaine Pouch because he had a great leather Pouch hanging by his side who affirmed to the Company that in that Pouch he had sufficient to defend them against all cummers but when hee was afterward apprehended and his Pouch searched there was nothing found in it but a piece of green Cheese Proclamation was made commanding them to surcease their disorder But this prevailed nothing till the King sent Henrie Earle of Huntington Thomas Earle of Exceter Edward Lord Zouch and Sir Edward Coâ—ke Lord Chiefe Iustice of England to suppresse them by force of Armes and to punish the Levellers according to the nature of their offences some by Death as for Treason some by Fines as for Routs but Captaine Pouch was made exampler On Friday the twelfth of Iune his Majesty attended with divers Lords dyned with the Lord Major Sir Iohn Wats who after dinner presented him with a purse full of Gold and humbly besought his Majestie that he would be pleased to bee free of his Company the Cloath-workers To which the KING graciously condiscended and thereupon called to Sir William Stone Master of the Company and said Stone give me thy hand and now I am a Cloath-worker And in token of my speciall favour to this fraternity I doe here give to this Company a brace of Bucks yearely for ever against the time of the Election of the Master and Wardens at which time also many Lords and Gentlemen were made Free of the Cloath-workers On Thursday the 16. of Iuly the King and Prince with many Lords dined at Merchant Tâ—lâ—rs-Hall where the Master and Warden of that Society presented the King with a Purse of Gold giving him humble thankes for gracing their Fraternity with his â—oyall presenceâ— and therewithall shewed him a Roll wherein were Registred the names of seven Kings one Queene 17 Princes and Dukes two Dutchesses one Archbishop one and thirty Eearles threescore and six Barons seven Abbots seven Pryors with a great number of Knights and Esquires who had been free of that Company which His Majesty graciously accepted but told them that he himselfe was already free of another Company but the Prince his son should be free of theirs and that he would see the Garland put on his head whereupon the Master presented the Prince also with a purse of Gold which he graciously accepted and said that not only Himselfe would bee free of the Merchant Tailorsâ— but the Lords also that were with him should do the like all which was performed with great solemnity The fourth of Iuly this yeare Sir Thomas â—nevet was called by Writ to the Parliament by the name of Baron of Estrick the next day Sir Iulius Caesar Chancelor of the Exchecker was sworne a Privy Counsellor and the sixteenth of November fallowing Sir â—ervis Clyfton Knight was called to the Parliament by Writ by the name and title of Baron of Layton Brameswold whose only daughter and heire was soon after married to Eysme Steward Baron of Aubigny in France sole brother of the Duke of Lâ—nox whom he afterward succeeded in that Dignity About this time Hugh Earle of Tervon most ungratefully and utterly forgetfull of the Kings great clemency to him together with Teâ—rconell Hugh Baron of Dungaunon and divers other Irish Lords fled into the parts beyond Sea with a purpose to solicite forreign Princes against the King and to offer the Kingdom of Ireland to the Pope which was presently signified to the Realm by Proclamation On the Eleventh of Aprill this year George Iervis a Seminary Priest and the three and twentieth of Iuneâ— following Thomas Gâ—rnet a Iesuit were both executed at Tybourn Thomâ—â— Garnet having the favour offered him to be pardoned if he would but take the Oath of Allegeance which he refused The nineteenth of Aprill at Whitehall died Thomas Earle of Dorset Lord Treasurer whose death because he dyed suddenly as he sate at the Counsell-Table was by some untowardly interpreted but being dead and his head opened there were found in it certain little bags of water which whither by the strayning of his study the night before in which he sate up till eleven a clock or otherwise by their own maturity suddenly breaking and falling upon his braine caused his suddain death So certain it is that death comes not always by determinate steps but sometimes per saltum and we all cary about us the causes of suddain death though unsensible of them till we be unsensible This Lord was of excellent parts and in his place exceeding Industrious and I have heard many Checker men say there never was a better Treasurer both for the Kings profit and the good of the subject The twentith of May at Windsor were made two Knights of the Gaâ—ter George Earle of Dunâ—arre and Philip Earle of Moâ—â—gâ—mery but the Earle of Dunbarra within a yeare or two after left both his honor and his life but not his life without honour having been a faithfull servant and a wise Counsellor to the King and was honorably Interred in the Church at Westminster About this time were many famous English Pirates that stuck not some of them to turne Turks and lived in great state at Tunis of whom the chiefe were Wâ—rd Bishop Sir Francis Verney and Glâ—â—â—â—le whom after many depredations and outragious acts at Sea partly the King of Spaine suppressed and partly the King of Eng. and 19 of their associâ—tes being taken were hanged aâ— Wapping Also at this time in the Strand on the North side of Durham house where â—â—ood an old long stable Robert Earle of Salisbury now Lord Treasurer of Engâ—â—â—d caused to be erected a stately Building which upon Tuesday the tenth of Aprill in the yeare 1609 was begun to be richly furnished with wares and the next day after the King the Queene and Prince with many great Lords and Ladies came to see it and then the King gave it the name of Britteines â—urse On the eight of May this year the King by Proclamation prohibited all forreine Nations that after August they should not fish upon any of the Coasts of England Scotland or Ireland nor the Isles adjacent without the speciall Licence from the Commissioners in that behalfe Ordained At this time the making of Allum which heretofore with great charges had been fetched from forreigne parts was by diverse that laboured in it and now lastly by Sir Iohn Burchier brought to perfection in England and therupon the King prohibited upon paine of confiscation any Allum to be brought from beyond the Seas and took the whole traffick therof to himself And now the
Iames His Raigne there were so many made that it may not be unfit to set them down in a Cathalogue together In His first yeare were made foure Earles and nine Barons namely Henry Howard yonger brother of the last Duke of Norfolk was made Earle of Northampton Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst was made Earle of Dorset and shortly after Charles Blount Lord Montjoy was made Earle of Devonshire and Thomas Howard Baron of Walden was made Earle of Suffolk Henry Grey was made Lord Grey of Groby afterward by King Charles made E. of Stamford Henry Danvers was made Baron of Dansley afterwards by K. Charles made Earle of Danby Sir Iohn Peter of Essex was made B. of Writtle Sir W. Russell was made Baron of Thornaugh Sir Thomas Gerard was made Baron of Gerards Bromly in Stafford-shire Sir Robert Spencer was made B. of Wormelayton in the County of Warwick Sir Thomas Egerton was made B. of Elesmore and Sir Robert Cecill was created B. of Henden in Rutlandshire and Sir Iohn Harington was made Baron of Exâ—on In His second yeare on the 20 of May were made foure Barons and one Viscount Sir Robert Sidney was made Baron of Penshurst Sir William Knowles Baron of Grayes Sir Edw. Wotton Baron of Marley and Mildmay Fanc Lord de Spencer and in August the same yeare Sir Robert Cecill Baron of Essenden was created Viscount Cranbourne In His third yeare of the 4 of May were created three Earles and one Viscount and foure Barons namely Sir Robert Cecill Viscount Cranbourne was created E. of Salisburyâ— Sir Thomas Cecill his elder brother L. Burghley was created E. of Exeter and Sir Philip Herbert younger brother to the E. of Pembrok was created E. of Montgomery Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst was created Viscount of Lisle Sir Iohn Stanhope was made Baron of Harington Sir George Carew Baron of Clopton Mr Thomas Arundell of Devonshireâ— Baron of Warder and Master William Cavendysh Baron of Hardrickâ— In his fourth yeare on the fourth of Iuly Sir Thomas Kneveâ—t was called by writ to the Parliament by the name of Bâ—ron of Estrickâ— and was thereby Baron of that Title and on the seventh of September Sir Iervys Clifton was likewise called by writ to the Parliament by the name of Baron of Layton Bromsensold and was thereby Baron of that Title In his ninth yeare upon Easter-munday Sir Robert Carre was created Viscount Rochester and In his tenth yeare an the fourth of November was created Earle of Somersett In his eleventh yeare Lewis Steward Duke of Lenox was made Earle of Richmond and after Duke of Richmond In his thirteenth yeare on the 29. of Iuâ—e Sir Iames Hâ—y of Scotland was created Baron of Sawley and about three yeares after was made Viscount Doncaster and Sir â—obert Dorâ—er was created Baâ—on of Wyng afterward by K. Charles made Earle of Carâ—arvan In his fourteenth yeare on the 9. of Iuly Sir Iohn Hollis was created Baron of Haughton and Sir Iohn Roper of Kenâ—â— was made Baron of Tenham and on the 17. of August Sir George Villiers was created Baron of Whadden and Viscount Villiers and on the 7. of November Thomas Egerton L. Elsemore was created Viscount Brackley and he dying soon after his sonne Iohn was created Earle of Bridgewater William L. Knowles was created Viscount Wallingford and Sir Philip Stanhope was created Baron of Shelford On the 5 of Ianuary the Viscount Villiers was created Earle of Buckingham and on the third of March Sir Edward Noell of Rutland-shire was made Baron of Rydlington In his fifteenth yeare on New-yeares day Sir George Villiers Earle of Buckingham was created Marquis of Buckingham and on the 12 of Iuly Sir Francis Bacon Lord Chancellour of England was created Baron of Verulam and not long after Viscount Saint Albans Also in the Summer of this year the King created foure Earles and one Countesse namely the Viscount Lisle was made Earle of Leycester the Lord Compton was made Earle of Northampton the Lord Rich was made Earle of Warwick the Lord Cavendish was made Earle of Devonshire and the lady Compton wife to Sir Thomas Compton and mother of the Marquis of Buckingham was created Countesse of Buckingham In his sixteenth yeare on the 25 of November Sir Iohn Digby Vice chamberlaine to the King was created Baron of Shirbourne by Patent to him and his heires Males In his seventeenth yeare in the moneth of Iune Esme steward Lord d' Aubigny younger brother Duke of Lenox was created Earle of March Iames Marquis Hammilton was created Earle of Cambridge and Sir Iohn Villiers brother to the Marquis of Buckingham was Baron of Stâ—k and Viscount Purbeck In his eighteenth yeare William Câ—vendish was created Viscount Mansfield afterward by King Châ—rlâ—s mâ—de Earle of Neâ—castle and on Munday the fourth of Decâ—mber Sir Henry Mâ—â—tague being first made Lord Treasurer was created Baron of Kimbolton and Viscount Mâ—â—devile and not long after Earle of Manchester and Sir Iohn Ramsey Viscount Haddington of Scotland was created Earle of Holdernesse and William Fielding was created Baron of Newhenâ—â—â— and Viscount Fielding In his ninteenth yeare Henry Cary was made Lord Cary of Lâ—ppington afterward by King Charles made Earle of Manmouth Sir Edward Mountague elder Brother to the Viscount Mâ—â—devile was made Baron of Boulton the Lord Darciâ— of Essex was created Viscount Colchester afterward by King Charles made Earle Râ—vers the Lord Huâ—sdoâ— was created Viscount Rochford afterward by King Charles made Earle of Dâ—ver Sir Lyonell Cranfield Master of the Wardes was created Baron of Cranfield in Bedford-shire and Sir Howardâ— second sonne to Thomas Earle of Suffolkeâ— was created Baron Chorleton and Viscount Andover afterward by King Charles made Earle of Barke-shire In his twentyth yeare in the moneth of September the Viscount Doncaster was created Earle of Carlile the Viscount Fielding was created Earle of Denhigh the Lord Digby was made Earle of Bristow the Lord Cranfield was created Earle of Middlesex and Sir Henry Rich was made Baron of Kensington In his one and twentyth yeare the Marquis of Buckingham being then in Spaine with Prince Charles had his Patent sent him to be Duke of Buckingham William Grey was created Baron of Warke Elizabeth the widdow of Sir Moyle Fynch of Kent was created Viscountesse Maidestone afterward by K. Charles made Countesse of Winchelsly â—his two and twentieth year the Earle of Clanricard of Ireland was created Viscount Tunbridge in Kent afterward by King Charles made Earle of Saint Albans Sir Iohn Hollis Baron of Haughton was created Earle of Clare Sir 〈…〉 Riâ—h Baron of Kensington was created Earle of Holland the Lord 〈…〉 Baron of Say and Seale was made Viscount Say and Seale Sir 〈…〉 â—ane was created Earle of Westmerland Oliver Lord St. Iohn of Bletâ—â—◠〈◊〉 made Earle of Bullinbrook Sir Christopher Villers brother to the Duke of Bâ—ckingham was made Earle of Anglesey and Sir Iames Ley was made 〈…〉 afterward by King Charles made Earle of Marlborough Also this yearâ—â— Sir Francis Leak was made Baron of Deincourt and Sir Richard Roberts was made Lord Roberts of Truro in Cornwall And this was the number of all the Earles and Barons made by King Iamesâ— but in his time also began another sort of Nobility to bee made in England which had none of the Priviledges of English Barons but had onely Title to bee called Lords of some place either in Scotland or Ireland although they possessed not a foot of Land in either Of which â—oâ—t the number being great I forbeare to rehearse them lest I should be tedious or otherwise bee thought to encroach too much upon the Heralds office It is sufficient to have shewed that King Iames advanced so many in honour that in a kind it might be said of him as was said of Augustus Caesar That he left Rome of Marble which hee found built of Brick The beginning of THE RAIGNE OF KING Charles KING Iames being deceased on the 27 day of March in the forenoon the same day in the afternoone Charles Prince of Wales His only son then living was Proclaimed King of Great-Brittain France and Ireland with the Generall acclamation of all sorts of People as being a Prince of admirable endowments both of mind and body He was now about the age of 25 yeares whereof the most part of one he had spent in Spaine where although he was frustrated of the end for which he went yet it gave him a tincture of Travaile and Expeâ—ience more worth perhaps then the end he went for For by this meanes he attainâ—â— to a greater degree of that which made Ulysses so famous Quod mores hominum multorum vidit urbes The first thing he did after his Coronation was to proceed in the marriage agreed upon in His Fathers time with the beautiful vertuous Lady Henrieta Maria yonger daughter of the Great Henry the 4â— K. of France after which marriage we have only to say that he was happy in the Wife of His bosome Happy in His hopefull Issue Happy in the love of His people Happy in the Peace and tranquility of his Kingdomesâ— and Happy in the continuâ—nce of all these Happinesses for 15 years together and might have so continued still if it had not been for Discordia Demens Viperiuâ—s crinem vittiâ— innexa cruentis But of that which happened afterward I dare not take upon me to be a Register Neither is it indeed safe to begin a Narration which I must be faine to breake off in amazâ—ment as having nothing left me to say but Omnia in maluâ—â—â—ere and so far from any apparance of humane remedy that our only Anchor must be this supersuntâ— Yet our hope is It will be but a fit and the storme once past faire weather again and fairer perhaps than it was before and then with Ioy we shall resume our stile Laetumque choro Poeana canemus In the meane time comforting our selves with the words of the Prophet David Many are the troubles of the Righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all Carolus en Rex magnus in armis major in ermis Quid mirum Imperio magnus amore magis FINIS
75 Philip Commines a knight of Flanders writ the lives of Lewis Charles the Eighth Kings of France wherein he handles many passages betweene them and the Kings of England their contemporaries Of the Moderne These 76 Richard Grafton a Citizen of London writ a Chronicle from the beginning of the world to the beginning of the Reign of Queene Elizabeth in whose time he lived 77 Raphaell Holinshed a Minister writ a large Chronicle from the Conquest to the yeare 1577. and was continued by others to the yeare 1586. 78 Doctor Goodwin Bishop of Hereford writ the Lives of King Henry the eight King Edward the sixth and Queen Mary lived in the time of Qu. Elizabeth 79 Doctor Heyward writ the History of the first Kings William the Conquerour William Rufus and Henry the first also the Reigne of King Henry the fourth and Edward the sixth and lived to the time of King James 80 Samuel Daniel writ a Chronicle of the Kings of England to the end of King Edward the third and is continued by John Trussell to the beginning of King Henry the seventh 81 Sir Francis Bacon Viscount Viscount S. Albans hath written a History of the Reigne of King Henry the seventh in a most elegant stile and lived in the time of King James 82 John Fox writ three large Volumes of the Acts and Monuments of the Church particularly treating of the English Martyrs in the Reignes of King Henry the eighth and Queene Mary and lived in the time of Queene Elizabeth 83 Thomas Cowper Bishop of Winchester writ Chronicle Notes of all Nations specially of England from the beginning of the world to his owne time and lived in the time of Queene Elizabeth 84 William Camden King at Armes writ the life of Queene Elizabeth and a Description of Britaine and lived in the time of King James 85 William Martin Esquire writ the Reignes of the Kings of England from William the Conquerour to the end of King Henry the eighth to which was afterward added the Reignes of King Edward the sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth 86 Francis Biondi an Italian Gentleman and of the Privy Chamber to King Charles hath written in the Italian tongue the Civill Warres between the two Houses of Lancaster and Yorke from King Richard the second to King Henry the seventh Translated elegantly into English by Henry Earle of Monmouth now living 87 Henry Isaacson a Londoner hath written a Chronology of all kingdoms from the beginning of the world to the yeare 1630. being the fifth yeare of King Charles his Reigne 88 Nicholas Harpsefield Arch-deacon of Canterbury hath written a Chronicle of all the Bishops of England to which Edmund Campian the Iesuite made an Addition 89 John Stow Citizen of London writ a Chronicle from Brute to the end of Qu. Elizabeth and is continued to this present time being the 18. yeare of King Charles by Edmund Howe 's a Londoner 90 John Speed a Londoner writ the Story of Britaine from the first beginning to the yeare 1605. being the second yeare of King James 91 William Abington Esquire hath written the Reign of King Edward the fourth in a very fine stile and is yet living 92 Thomas Fuller Batchelour of Divinity and Prebendary of Sarum hath written the Holy Warre in very fine language wherein he relates the Acts of our Kings of England in the Holy Land and is now living 93 Andre du Chesne a Frenchman Geographer to the King of France hath written the History of England Scotland Ireland from their first beginnings to the seventeenth yeare of our present Soveraigne Lord King Charles The end of the Catalogue of Authors A CHRONICLE OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND from the time of the Romans Government unto the Raigne of King CHARLES Of the first knowne times of this Island ALthough we begin the Aera of our Computation from William called the Conquerour as though he were the first King of our English Nation Yet before him were many other excellent Kings and their Acts perhaps as worthy to bee knowne if they could be knowne But seeing after ages can know nothing of former times but what is Recorded by writing It hath followed that as the first Writers were Poets So the first writings have been Fictions and nothing is delivered to Posterity of the most ancient times but very Fables Such as is the story of Albina of whom they say this Island was called Albion though others say ab albis rupibus of the white cliffes that shee should beâ— the eldest of the two and thirty daughters of Dioclesian King of Syria such as never was who being marryed to two and thirty Kings in one night killed all their husbands for which fact they were put in a shippe themselves alone without any Pyloâ— so to try their adventure and by chance arrived in this Island of whom Gyants were begotten And if you like not of this then have you the story of Albion the sonne of Neptune of whom the Island tooke its name But when these are exploded there followes another with great Attestation and yet as very a Fable as these namely the story of the Trojan Brute of whom the Island they say was called Britaine though many other causes are given of the name as likewise the story of Brutes cosin Corinaeus of whom they say the Country of Cornwall had its name to whom it was given for overcomming the Giant Gogmagog and that Brute having three sonnes Lectrine Albanact and Camber he gave at his death to his eldest sonne Locrine all the land on this side Humber and called it Loâ—gria to his second sonne Albanact all the land beyond Humber of whom it was called Albania now Scotland and to his youngest sonne Camber all the land beyond the river of Severne of whom it was called Cambria now Wales with other such stuffe which may please children but not riper Judgements and were first broached by Geoffry Archdeacon of Monmouth for which all the Writers of his time cryed shame upon him and yet can scarce keepe many at this day from giving credit to his Fictions And when we are once gotten out of Fables and come to some truth yet that truth is delivered in such slender draughts and such broken pieces that very small benefit can be gotten by the knowing it and was not till the time of Iulius Caesar a thousand yeares after the Fable of Brute at which time the Island was yet but in manner of a Village being without Walls as having no shipping which are indeed the true Wals of an Island but onely certaine small vessels made of boards and wicker And as they had no ships for defence without So neither had they any Forts for defence within scarce any houses but such as were made of stakes and boughes of trees fastned together Neither was it yet come to be a Kingdome but was Governed by a number of petty Rulers So as Kent onely had in it as Caesar calleth them foure Kings
the Second called Rufus second Son to William the Conquerour appointed Successor by his Fathers Will was upon the fifth of October in the yeare 1087. by Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury Crowned at Westminster King of England Wherein his Father seemes to have followed the Example of Iacob who gave to his younger sonne Ioseph the Land which he had taken with his Sword and his Bow for with his sword and his Bow had King William gotten the Land of England and therefore might justly bestow it on which of his Sonnes he pleased And besides there was cause enough why he should shew this Sonne of his some extraordinary favour seeing in the Rebellion of his brother Robert yet he stood firmely for his Father and in his quarrell incurred no small hazard of his life as wherein he received divers wounds and perhaps also his Father thought the rough disposition of this sonne fitter to bridle the insurrections of the English then the softly disposition of his sonne Robert But though he have thus quietly gotten the Crowne he must not looke to hold it so and indeed at his very beginning is assaulted with two troubles in one for both his Brother Robert prepares to recover it from him and the Lords of the Kingdome combine with Robert to assist him in it The first mover of this trouble was Odo Bishop of Bayeux his Unckle who finding himselfe not to beare the sway he expected and specially for an old grudge he bore to Lanfranke Arch-bishop of Canterbury as by whose means in the former Kings time he had bin imprisoned the Arch-bishop telling him that though he might not imprison a Bishop yet he might imprison an Earle of Kent as this Odo was made not long before he drawes many other Bishops and Temporall Lords to joyne with himâ— in behalfe of Duke Robert against the King but though the storme were violent for a while yet it soon passed over that indeed of his Lords with more difficulty but that of his brother Robert with more cost For it was at last agreed that Rufus should pay him three thousand markes a yeare during his life and leave him the Kingdome after his owne decease But there was difficulty in repressing his Rebell Lords by reason of their spreading themselves abroad in many quarters For Odo fortifyed himselfe in Kent Roger Montgomery Earle of Shrewsbury in Norfolke Suffolke and Cambridgeshire Hugh de Grandmenill in Leycestershire and Northamptonshire Robert Mowbray Earle of Northumberland possest himselfe of Bristow William Bishop of Durham of the North parts of the Realme and divers other of the Clergy and Nobility fortify themselves in Herefordshire Shropshire Worcestershire and all the Countries adjoyning to Wales thinking by this meanes to distract the King that he should not know where to beginne nor whither to turne him But this course as it made it hard to represse them suddenly so it made it easie to represse them at leisure for being thus divided they were but as single stickes that are easily broken where if they had united themselves as into a Faggot they might have made a strength of farre greater resistance But the King having Lanfranke Arch-bishop of Canterbury and Woolstan Bishop of Worcester firme of his side partly by their Authority and love amongst the people but chiefely by his owne promises to restore their ancient Lawes and to allow them liberty of hunting in his Forests he so firmely wonne the hearts of all unto him that some of the Rebell Lords he reconciled with faire words as Robert Montgomery a principall sinew of the Faction some againe he mastered by strong hand and Odo the chiefe Engineere of all the worke he besieged in the Castle of Rochester tooke him Prisoner and forced him to abjure the Realme And thus this great Rebellion was suppressed In which it is observable that though so many hot bloods were up yet there was but little blood spilt A happy rebellion for the English for the Rebell Lords and Bishops being all Normans the King had none to trust to but the English whom for their faithfulnesse to him in this service he ever after respected more then he had done befoâ—e After this storme was over in the South there ariseth another in the North For now Malcolme King of Scots thinking it a fit time to doe some feates when King William was troubled at home invades Northumberland and having burnt and spoyled the Country returnes home laden with booties Which King William hearing he takes his brother Robert along with him and with a mighty Army enters Scotland brings Malcolme to acknowledge his ancient homage and upon Faith given returnes to London After this Duke Robert finding his brother King William not to keep his promise in paying his Pension complaines to the King of France and with his ayde assaults and takes some Townes which he before had delivered in pawne for money to his brother King William who hearing of it hastens into Normandy with an Army and by the mediation of money takes off the King of France and makes his brother being left destitute of assistance to aske him pardon a wise and mercifull course in King William for to buy his peace with the King of France did cost him but money where to have purchased it by Warre must besides money have cost the lives of many After this Malcolme King of Scots came in kindnesse to visit King William at Glocester but the King not vouchsafing so much as to see him put him into so great an indignation that returning home he makes ready an Army invades Northumberland making great spoyle and getting great spoyles but by Robert Mowbray the Kings Lieutenant there was taken in ambush and together with his eldest sonne Edward defeated and slaine This King Malcolme was a most valiant Prince as may appeare by an Act of his of an extraordinary straine for hearing of a conspiracy plotted to murther him whereof one was Authour whose name is not recorded he dissembled the knowing it till being abroad one day a hunting he tooke the fellow apart from the company and being alone said unto him Here now is a fit time and place to doe that manfully which you have intended to doe treacherously draw your weapon and if you kill me none being present you can incurre no danger with which speech of the King the fellow was so daunted that presently he fell downe at his feet confessed his fault humbly asked forgivenesse and being granted him was ever after serviceable and faithfull to him The death of King Malcolme and his Sonne was so grievous and so grievously taken of Margaret his Queene the sister of Edgar Atheling that she made it her Prayer and had it granted not to over-live them and so within three dayes after dyed a woman as full of vertues all her life as at this time of sorrowes whom yet I should not breake order to mention but for one pious Act of hers in causing a most barbarous custome of Scotland to
be abrogated that when a man marryed his Lord should lye the first night with his Bride Which custome by her indevour was altered to a payment in money After these troubles were ended in the North a new trouble ariseth in the West for now the Welsh men hearing of King Williams distractions enter upon the English borders making spoyle and havocke of men and Townes whom King William went with an Army to encounter but could doe no good upon them till he was faine to returne to London and provide him a stronger Army About this time also Robert Mowbray Earle of Northumberland by whom Malcolme King of Scots was in King Williams service formerly slaine finding his service not rewarded as he expected enters into Conspiracy against the King but the King being informed of the practise seiseth suddenly upon many of his Complâ—ces and himselfe after many devises and shifts for flight is taken and put in prison in the Castle of Windsor After this King William to take a further revenge of the Welsh and to make an absolute conquest of that unquiet people with a farre greater Army then ever before enters Wales and thinkes with new devices of Castles and Forts utterly to subdue them but they defending themselves with their Woods and Mountainous passages tyre and weary out the King and his Army so as he leaves the businesse to two Hughes one Earle of Salop the other of Chester who first invaded and tooke Anglesey their Island of refuge where they used all kinde of cruelty pulling out of eyes and cutting off hands and noses in prosecuting of which businesse Hugh Earle of Salop was slaine but Hugh Earle of Chester entred Wales and in the end with the slaughter of Rees the last King of Wales made an absolute Conquest of the Country For after this though they often rebelled yet they were in a true subjection And these for the most part were all the troubles of his Raigne where we may observe that none of them did ever overtake him but still he met them and from none of them he ever fled but was still the pursuer and yet so many as might well have taken away all the comfort of a Crowne and have made him willing to change his Diadem for a paire of Beades but that Ambition though sometimes weary yet never tyâ—es His Exactions and Courses for raising of money IN the second yeare of his Raigne Lanfranke Arch-bishop of Canterbury dyed who had kept the kingdome and King in some good Order but assoone as he was dead the King as though he were then got loose ranged without reines in all licentiousnesse preying especially upon the Clergy as amongst whom he found the richest Booties When Bishoprickes or Abbeyes were vacant it was familiar with him to seise them into his owne hands as this of Lanfranke he kept to his owne use foure yeares together and longer would have kept it if a sicknesse of his Body had not healed this disease of his minde For finding himselfe in some hazard of death he then conferred the Arch-bishopricke of Canterbury upon Anselme and the Bishopricke of Lincolne upon Robert Bloet two eminent men of that time but assoone as hee was well againe it repented him of that he had done and was not quiet till hee had drawne from the said Bloet five thousand pounds and from Anselme also good summes of money For he repented not more in time of sicknesse for the evill he had done in health then being in health he repented him of the good he had done in sicknesse that it may in a manner be said there was nothing made him sicke but health and nothing made him be in health but sicknesse But this preying upon the Clergy was growne into such a custome with him that he kept in his hands at one time three Bishoprickes Canterbury Winchester and Salisbury and twelve Abbeys all which he let out to Farme and received the profits and from this King the use is said to have risen first in England that the Kings succeeding had the Temporalties of Bishops Sees as long as they remained voyd Having agreed to pay the King of France a great summe of money he raised it in this manner He caused twenty thousand men to be levied under pretence for his warres in Normandy but when they were ready to be shipped it was signified to them from the King that whosoever would pay tenne shillings towards the levying of Souldiers in Normandy should be excused from going and stay at home which was so plausible an offer to the Army that scarce a man was found that accepted not the condition When Duke Robert went into the Holy Land he pawned his Dâ—tchy of Normandy to his Brother King William for 6666. pounds or as some write for 12600. which money King William tooke up part by a grievous Imposition so that Bishops melted their Plate and the Temporall Lords spoyled their Tenants for the payment thereof and part by loane but chiefely of Religious persons He sold the Abbey of Glastenbury to Thurstan for five hundred pounds and when he built Westminster Hall he made that an occasion to lay a heavie taxe upon the people who grudged at it as done of purpose He usually sold all Spirituall preferments to them would give most and tooke Fines of Priests for Fornication as also he tooke money of Jewes to cause such of them as were converted to renounce Christianity and returne to Judaisme as making more benefit by their Unbeliefe then by their Conversion He caused divers of the Nobility to pay grievous Fines for transgressing his Laws though the fault were never so small He set forth a Proclamation that none should goe out of the Realme without his Licence by which he drew much money from many for either they must tarry at home and live discontented or else content him for giving them leave to goe abroad And from thence the Custome or Law of Ne exeas Regno seemes to have taken its beginning for Precedents of servitude are sure to live where Precedents of Liberty are commonly still-borne These were his wayes for raising of money wherein Promoters and Informers were his darling servants and the most officious of all was Ralph Bishop of Durham of whom he would often say there was not such another man in the world to serve a Kings turne And yet he was not so greedy of lucre but that he did some Acts that may serve for examples as one time an Abbey being vacant two Monkes of the Covent came suiters to him for the place offering great summes and each of them out-bidding the other whereupon the King looking about and espying another Monk standing not farre off asked him what he would give for the place Who answering he neither had any thing to give nor would give any thing if he had it Well said the King thou hast spoken honestly thou art fitter to be Abbot then either of these and so bestowed the place upon him gratis
Peace then wonne it for to recover Newcastle out of his hands he was faine to let King David hold Cumberland and his Sonne Henry the Earledome of Huntington as their Inheritance for which the Father would not for his as being engaged but the Sonne for his as being free did Homage to King Stephen No sooner was this trouble over but he was presently under another for being faine somewhat ill at easeâ— it was bruited abroad that he was dead which â—o distracted mens mindes that every one thought it wisdome to shift for himselfe and the Great Lords made a contrary use of Castles to that which King Stephen intended when he gave liberty to build them for the King intended them for his owne defence against his Enemies and they made use of them in their owne defence against the King for now Hugh Bigâ—t Earle of Norfolke possesseth himselfe of Nâ—rwich Baldwyn Rivers of Oxford and Robert Quesquâ—rius of other Castles In these difficulties King Stephen though he could not in person be in all places at oncâ— yet in care he wasâ— and there most where was most danger imploying others against the rest Against Baldwyn he went himselfe whom driven before out of Oxford and gotten to the Isle of Wight the King foâ—â—owed and drove him also from thence aud at last into Exile And now England afforded him once againe to take a little breath but then Normandy presently begins with him afresh For now Gâ—offrey Plâ—â—tagenet Duke of Anjou in right of Maude his Wife enters upon his Townes there and â—eeâ—es to get possession of the Country when King Stephen passeth over with an Army and arâ—ests his proceeding and after some small defeates of his Enemies brings the matter at last to a pecuniary Composition He to pay the Duke five thousand Markes a yeare and the Duke to relinquish his claime to Normandy This done he returnes into England where new Commotions are attending himâ— For the Lords in his absence resenting his breach of Promises upon which they had aâ—mitted him to the Crowne make use every one of their Castles and stand upon their Guard The Lord Talbot held Hereford Earle Robert Maâ—ds Brother Bristow William Lovell the Castle of Cary Paganell the Castle of Ludlâ—w William Mounâ— the Castle of Dunster Robert Nicholor of Lincolne the Castle of Warham Eustace the Sonne of Iohn the Castle of Melton William the Sonne of Alan the Castle of Shrewsbury and withall David King of Scots never regarding his former agreement enters Northumberland with an Army committing so great cruelty in ravishing of Maydes murthering of Infants slaughtering of Priests even at the Altar that never any barbarous Nation committed greater Thus the kingdome from the one end to the other was in Combustion that if the King had had as many hands as Briareus there would have beene worke enough for them all Yet all this dismayed not the King but as having learned this Lesson Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito growes the more in confidence the lesse he was in assurance and as if danger were the fuell of Courage the more erected in himselfe the lesse he was upheld by others and so venturing what his Rebels at home would doe in his absence he passeth himselfe in person against David King of Scots as being the most dangerous and therefore the first to be repressed but finding it hard to draw him to a Battell and impossible without a battell to doe any good upon him he leaves the care of that quarrell to Thurstine Arch-bishop of Yorke and returnes himselfe home if it may be called home where he scarce had a safe place to put his head in But though many Lords were Rebellious against him yet some there were stucke firmely to him by whose Assistance and his owne industry partly by inticements partly by inforcements he reduced most of them to Obedience and all of them to Submission when in the meane time Thurstine Arch-bishop of Yorke and in his sicknesse Ralph Bishop of Durham assisted with William Earle of Aumerle William Piperell of Nottingham and Hubert de Lacy fought a memorable Battell against David King of Scots wherein though King David himselfe and his Sonne Henry performed wonderfull Acts of Prowesse yet the English got the Victory with the slaughter of eleven thousand Scots in the Fight besides many other slaine in the flight where of the English none of account were slaine but onely a Brother of Hubert Lacyes and some small number of Common Souldiers This Victory infinitely pleased and comforted King Stephen who not long after to make an absolute suppression of the Scots passeth againe with an Army and inforceth King David to demand a Peace delivering his Sonne Henry into King Stephens hands for a pledge and comming homeward by the way he besieged Ludlow one of Rebels nests where Prince Henry of Scotland had beene taken Prisoner if King Stephen in his owne person had not rescued him After this once againe the King got a little breathing time but it was but to prepare him for greater Encounters For now Maud the Empresse her selfe in person comes into play in whom the Oath before taken was to have its tryall for till now though never so really intended yet it could not actually be performed for how could they receive her for Queene who came not in place to be received but now that she came in person now was the time of tryall how the Oath would worke and worke it did indeed with many and that strongly For Maude comming into England with Robert Earle of Glocester her Brother was most joyfully received at Arundell Castle by William de Aubigny who had marryed Adeliza the Queene Dowager of the late King Henry and had the said Castle and County assigned her for her Dower King Stephen having intelligence hereof commeth to Arundell Castell wiâ—h an Army and besiegeth it but either diverted by ill counsell or else finding the Castle to be inexpugnable he left the siege and suffered the Empresse to passe to Bristow The King hearing that Raâ—ulph Earle of Chester Sonne in law to Robert Earle of Glocester had possest himselfe of the City of Lincolne thither he goeth with an Army and besiegeth it thither also came the said Earle of Chester and Robert Earle of Glocester to raise his siege at which time a most fierce battell was fought betweene them upon Candlemas day wherein it is memorable what wonders of valour King Stephen performed For when all his men about him were either fled or slaine yet he kept the field himselfe alone no man daring to come neare him Horrentibus inimicis incomparabilem ictuum ejus immanitatem saith Hoveden yet over-mastered at last by multitude he was taken prisoner and brought to Maude the Empresse who sent him to be kept in safe custody in the Castle of Brisâ—ow where he remained till All-hollantide after And now the Empresse having gotten King Stephen into her hands she takes her journey to London
Geoffrey and William and dying he left his Dukedome of Anjou to his eldest son Henry but to hold no longer then till he should come to be King of England and then to deliver it up to his second sonne Geoffrey and he made his Lords to sweare not to suffer his body to be buried untill his sonne Henry had taken his Oath to doe it which Oath Henry afterward in reverence to his Fathers body did take but as he tooke it unwillingly so he willingly brake it and sent presently to Adrian the then Pope for a Dispensation of his Oath which granted he enters Anjou with an Army and takes from his brother Geoffrey being little able to make resistance not onely the Dukedome of Anjou but some other Cities also which his Father had absolutely given him for his maintenance yet out of brotherly kindnesse was content to allow him a Pension of a thousand pounds a yeare which brotherly kindnesse was so unkindly taken by his brother Geoffrey that it brake his heart and within a short time after died And thus these troubles begun by Henry himselfe were soone ended but now a trouble is comming on begun by Lewis King of France and this is like to stick longer by him For King Lewis not having yet digested King Henries marriage with his divorced wife Eleanor seekes all opportunities to expresse his spleene by doing him displeasure and a fit opportunity was now offered for there fell out a difference betweene Raymond Earle of Saint Giles and Henry King of England about the Earledome of Tholouse which Raymond possest and Henry claimed in this difference King Lewis takes part with Raymond as pretending it to be the juster side Hereupon are great forces provided on both sides and it was like to have come to a dangerous battell but that by mediation of friends a Peace was made and to make the Peace the firmer a marriage was concluded betweene Henry King Henries eldest sonne scarce yet seven yeares of age and Margaret daughter of King Lewis not past three who was delivered to King Henry to bring up till fit yeares for consummation This was then thought a strong linke to hold them in friendship but it proved afterward a cause to make the greater breach and indeed when a sonne is once matched into a Family the Father must never looke from thence afterward to have a good wish seeing the daughter thus matched can have no advancement but by the advancement of her husband and he none at least none so wâ—ll as by the ruine of his Father yet this brake not out till some yeares after It was now about the eighteenth yeere of King Henries Raigne and his sonne Henry growne to be seventeene yeares of ageâ— when it came into the Kings minde to have his sonne Henry crowned King and Raigne with himselfe in his owne time partly out of indulgence to his sonne but chiefely as having found by his owne experience that Oaths for succession are commonly eluded but Oaths for present Allegeance as being Verba de Praesenti can have no evasion and pleasing himselfe with this conceit he acquaints his Lords with his purpose and causeth his sonne Henry to be crowned King by the hands of Roger Arch-bishop of Yorke and all the Lords to sweare Allegeance to him at the Feast of which solemnity King Henry to honour his sonne would needs carry up the first dish to his Table whereupon the Arch-bishop Roger standing by and saying merrily to the new King What an honour is this to you to have such a waiter at your Table Why saith he what great matter is it for him that was but the sonne of a Duke to doe service to me that am the sonne of a King and Queene Which the old King hearing beganne to repent him now it was too late of that he had done For indeed the honour which by Gods commandement children are to doe to their Parents is by such making them their equals in a manner abolished at least it gives them stomachs to take more upon them then is fit But King Henry passed it over and meant to set the best side outward And now King Lewis tooke displeasure that his daughter was not crowned as well as her husband and therefore to satisfie him in that point King Henry sendeth his sonne Henry and his wife Margaret into Englandâ— and causeth them both to be crowned by Walter Arch-bishop of Roan and shortly after the young King Henry and his wife goe backe to King Lewis her Father and by him with great joy and variety of sports were entertained In the time of their being there King Lewis partly out of his old spleene to King Henry and partly to make his sonne in law more absolure fals oftentimes into conference with him and finding his hot spirit to be fit tinder for such fire tels him it was a shame he should suffer himselfe to be made a stale have the title of a King and not the authority and that as long as he stood in such termes that which seemed an honour was indeed a disgrace With which words of King Lewis the young King Henry was set afloate and from that time forward stucke not openly to oppose his Father whereof his Father having intelligence sent messengers to King Lewis desiring him from the King their Master to be a meanes to bring his sonne to more moderation But King Lewis hearing the Embassadours name their Master King with an angry countenance said unto them What mean you by this to call him King who hath passed his Kingdome over to his son and with this answer sent them away To this evill another worse was added that Queene Eleanor his wife enraged with jealousie of her husbands Concubines both incenseth her sonne Henry and perswadeth also two other of her sonnes Richard and Geoffrey to joyne against their Father telling them it would be better for them that their brother should prevaile who could not chuse but allow them better maintenance then their Father did With these perswasions they passe over into Normandy and joyne with their brother Henry who emboldned by their assistance growes now more insolent then he was before that when messengers were sent to him from his Father requiring him to lay downe his Armes and to come lovingly to him he proudly made answer that his Father must not looke he would lay downe his Armes unlesse himselfe first would lay downe his authority and resigne the Kingdome And now Lewis King of France calling together the great Lords of his Kingdome and with them William King of Scots Hugh Earle of Chester Roger Mowbray Hugh Pigot and other of his sonnes party they all take their Oaths to assist the young King Henry with all their power and thereupon all in one day the French invade Normandy Aquitaine and Britaine the King of Scots Northumberland and King Lewis the City of Vernoill which he brought to that distresse that it was agreed by the Inhabitants if it were
the Londoners King Iohn with an Army went into the North parts and comming to Wallpoole where he was to passe over the Washes he sent one to search where the water was passable and there himselfe with some few passeth over but the multitude with all his Carriages and Treasure passing without Order they cared not where were all Drowned With the griefe of which dysaster and perhaps distempered in his body before he fell into a Feaver and was let blood but keeping an ill dyet as indeed he never kept good eating greene Peaches and drinking sweete Ale he fell into a loosenesse and grew presently so weake that there was much adoe to get him to Newarkeâ— where soone after he dyed Though indeed it be diversly related Caxton saith he was poysoned at Swiâ—â—sheads Abbey by a Monke of that Covent the manner and cause this The King being there and hearing it spoken how cheape Corne was should say he would ere long make it dearer and make a penny loaâ—e be sold for a shilling At this speech the Monke tooke such indignation that he went and put the poyson of a Toade into a cup of Wine and brought it to the King telling him there was such a cup of Wine as he had never drunke in all his life and therewithall tooke the assay of it himselfe which made the King to drinke the more boldly of it but finding himselfe presently very ill upon it he asked for the Monke and when it was told him that he was falne downe dead then saith the King God have mercy upon me I doubted as much Others say the poyson was given in a dish of Peares But the Physitian that dis-bowelled his body found no signe of poyson in it and therefore not likely to be true but howsoever the manner of his death be uncertaine yet this is certaine that at this time and place he dyed on the 19. day of October in the yeare 1216. when he had Raigned seventeene yeares and sixe moneths Lived one and fifty He was buryed his bowels at Croxton Abbey his body at Worcester under the High Altar wrapped in a Monkes Cowle which the superstition of that time accounted Sacred and a defensative against all evill Spirits Of the prises of things in his time NEitheir is this unfit to be recorded in Chronicles to the end comparison may be made betweene the time past and the present as in the time of King Henry the second a Quarter of Wheaâ—e was sold for twelve pence a Quarter of Beanes or Oates for a groat Neitheir is the price of Silver it selfe much lesse altered for an ounce of Silver was then valued but at twenty pence which is now valued at least at five shillings Whereof Philosophers must tell the reason for seeing scarcity makes things deare why should not plenty make them cheape Of Men of speciall Note in his time IN Military matters there were many famous men in his time as Robert Fits-Roger and Richard Mount-Fitchet with many others but chiefely two whose Acts make them specially memorable the one was Hubert Burgh whom K. Iohn had left Governour of Dover Castle of whom it is related that when Prince Lewis of France came to take the Towne and found it difficult to be taken by force he sent to Hubert whose brother Thomas he had taken prisoner a little before that unlessâ— he would surrender the Castle he should presently see his brother Thomas be put to death with exquisite torments before his eyes but this threatning moved not Hubert at all who more regarded his owne loyalty then his brothers life then Prince Lewis sent againe offering him a great summe of money but neither did this move but he kept his loyalty as inexpugnable as his Castle The other was Robert Fits-Water of whom it is related that King Iohn being with an Army in France one of his knights in a great bravery would needs make a challenge to any of the French Campe that durst encounter him in a Combat when presently comes forth this Robert Fits-Water and in the encounter threw horse and man downe to the ground whereof when King Iohn heard By Gods tooth saith he he were a King indeed that had such a Champion whereupon some that stood by saying to him He is Sir a servant of your owne it is Robert Fits-Water whom you have banished Whereupon his sentence of banishment was presently reversed and the King received him as he well deserved into speciall favour In matter of Literature also there lived many famous men in the Kings Raigne as Geoffrey Vinesaufe Simon Fraxinus alias Ash Adam Dorensis Iohn de Oxford Colman sirnamed The wiseâ— Richard Canonicus William Peregrine Alane Tewksbery Gervasius Dorobernensis Iohn Hanwill Nigell Worker Gilbert Holland Benet de Peterboroughâ— William Parvus a Monke of Newburgh Roger Hoveden Hubert Walter Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Alexander Theologus Gervasius Tilberiensis Gyraldus Cambrensis Iohannes Devonius Walter Mapis Radulphus de Diceto Gilbert Legley Mauricius Morganius Iohn de Fordeham William Leycester Ioceline Brakeland Roger of Crowland Hugh White alias Candidus who wrote an History intituled Historia Petroburgensis Iohn de Saint Omer Adam Barking Iohn Gray an Historigrapher and Bishop of Norwich Walter of Coventry Radulphus Niger and lastly Simon Thurvay who for his pride in Learning but more for his blasphemies against Moses and Christ became at last so utterly ignorant that hardly he could read a letter of the booke THE LIFE and RAIGNE OF KING HENRY THE THIRD Of his comming to the Crowne and of Acts done in his Minority KING Iohn being dead his eldest soone Henry was next to succeed who being but nine yeares old though he were capable of having his Right yet he was scarce câ—pable of understanding his Right especially there being another at that timâ— to whom a great part of the Kingdome had sworne Allegeance But those Lords who had beene constant to the Father notwithstanding his faults were more tender of the son who was altogether innocent and whose gracious aspect gave no small hope of a better disposition Amongst all which Lords there was none of eminent in worthinesse none so neare him in Alliance as William Marshall Earle of Pembroke who had married his Aunt and he drawing the rest of the Lords together with a solemne Oration in behalfe of the young Prince so confirmed them and so ordered the matter that on the twenty eight day of October in the yeare 1216. he was Crowned at Glocester by Peter Bishop of Winchester and Ioceline Bishop of Bathe in the presence of Guallo the Popes Legat and many Lords and Bishops and the said William Earle of Pembroke by a generall consent assigned Protector of the Realme during the Kings Minority In which place the first thing he did was to give notice of the new Kings Coronation to all the Countries round about and proclaime pardon to all offenders that within a time limited should come and submit themselves to him In the meane time
a number of poore kindred who to his great cost lay hanging upon him yet was the marriage solemnised with as great charge as if he had beene to have Mountaines with her and this was another grievance And now is the score of these grievances called upon to be paid for the Lords could no longer endure so many indignities to see themselves fleighted and onely strangers advanced as Brentâ— who held the Earledomes of Nottingham Oxford Bedford and Bâ—ckingham and others the like and to see their persons exposed to danger and their estates to ruine for which no remedy could be but onely the Kings confirming their Charter of Liberties wherein it is strange to observe upon what different grounds the King and the Lords went It seemes the King thought that to confirme that Charter were to make himselfe to be lesse then a King and the Lords thought that as long as it was denied they were no better then slavesâ— and as the King could endure no diminution so the Lords could endure no slavery but the King might keep his owne with sitting still the Lords could not recover their owne but by motion and seeing their strength must be in their number by commotion hereupon they confederate together and of this confedencie Richard now Earle Marshall upon the death of his brother William is chiefe who repaire to the King and boldly shew him his errour and requires satisfaction Hereupon the King sends presently over for whole Legions of Poictâ—uins and withall summons a Parliament at Oxford whither the Lords refuse to come after this a Parliament is called at Westminster whither likewise they refuse to come unlesse the King would remove the Bishop of Winchâ—ster and the Poictouins from the Court and more then this they send him word that unlesse he did this they would expell both himselfe and his evill Counsellours out of the Land create a new King Upon this threatning Pledges are required of the Nobility for securing of their Allegeance and Writs a reâ—ent out to all who hold by knights service to repaire to the King at Glocester by a certaine day which the Earle Marshall and his associates refusing the King without the â—udgement of hiâ— Court and their Pâ—â—rs causeth them to be Proclaimed Out-lawes seiseth upon all their Lands which he gives to his Poictouins and directs out Writs to attach their bodies wheresoever in the kingdome But now of these confederate Lords the Bishop of Winchester wonne the Earles of Chester and Lincolne with a thousand Markes and the King had so pleased his brother the Earle of Cornwall that he likewise left them whereupon they withdrew them into Wales and confederate with Lâ—â—ilin Prince of Walesâ— whither also came Hubert de Burgh escaped out of prison and joynes with them taking intermutuall Oaths that no one without other should make their accord Hereupon the King goeth himselfe in person into Wales where not prevailing he returnes to Glocester imployes new forces of strangers but all without successe At last a Frier is imployed to perswade the Earle Marshall to submit himselfe to the King but all in vaine till at length a traine is laid to draw him over into Ireland to defend his state there being seised upon by the King where by treachery circumvented he lost his life Yet the King disavowes the sending of any such Commission into Ireland protesting he never knew thereof and laies the fault upon his Officers an easie way for Princes never to be found in any fault After two yeares affliction a Parliament is assembled at VVestminster wherein the Bishops admonish the King by his Fathers example to be at unity with his people and to remove from him strangers and to governe the kingdome by Natives of the Realme and by the Lawes otherwise they would proceed by Ecclesiasticall censure both against his Counsellours and himselfe The King seeing no way to subsist but by temporising consents to call home those Lords out of VVales restores them to their places and possessions removes all strangers from about him and cals his new officers to account Hereupon the Bishop of VVinchester Peter de Rivalis and Stephen Seagrave take sanctuary but afterward by mediation they obtained with great Fines their Liberty dearly paying for their two years greatnes After this a Parliament is againe called which the King would have to be kept in the Tower whither the Lords refusing to come another place of more freedome is appointed in which Parliament order is taken for removing all Sheriffes from their places upon complaint of corruption and here the King displaceth his Steward and offers to take from the Bishop of Chichester then Chancellour the great Seale which he refuseth to deliver as having received it by the common councell of the kingdome and now Peâ—â—r de Rivaliâ— aâ—d Stâ—phen Seagrave are received againe into grace by which may appeare the viciâ—â—itude of fortune in Princes favours After this in the one and twâ—ntieth yearâ— of â—is Raigne another Parliament is held at London where the King requires the thirteenth part of all the moveables as well of the Clergy as Laity which being directly opposed the King promiseth by oath never more to injure the Nobility so they would but relieve him at that present After foure dayes consultation â—he King pâ—omising to use onely the counsell of his naturall Subjects and protesting against the Revocation lately propoundedâ— and freely granting the inviolable obseâ—vation of their Liberties under paine of Excommunication a Subsidy is granted him buâ— so that foure knights be appointed in every Shiâ—e to receive and deliver the same 〈◊〉 to some Abbey or Castle where it may be safâ—ly kepâ— that if the King â—aile in pâ—rformance of his Grants it may be restored to the Counâ—rey from whence it was collected And now the King to make a shew of true reconciliation for his part suddenly causeth the Earles VVarren and 〈◊〉 with Iohn Pits Geoffrey to be swâ—rn his Counsellours yet was neither of the points either for removing of strangers or for disposing the money observed afterward by the Kingâ— for the money he made bold to take at his pleasure and for strangers they were so farre from removing that they were drawne nearer to him for now VVilliam Valentine Unkle to the Queen is growne the most inward man with him and nothing done but by his counsell also the Earle of Province the young Queenes Father a poore Prince hath a good share of the money that was collected and Simon de Montford a French man borne is entertained by the King and preferred sâ—cretly in marriage to Eleanor the Kings sister Widow of VVilliam Earle of Pembroke the great Marshall and is made Earle of Leycester by right of his Mother Avice daughter of Blanchman Earle of Leycester which courses so incense the Nobility that it put them out into a new commotion and Richard the Kings brother becomes one of the party whom the other Lords make their spokesman to the King to
Office should pay him againe So Earle Richard having given infinitely to compasse this Advancement looked to helpe himselfe againe by the Place and this and the desire he had to revenge himselfe upon those thaâ— had opposed his Electionâ— made him take such violent courses that he came soone to be dispossessed forsaken and forced to returne into England a poorer King then he went out an Earle Acts done in the câ—ntention betweene the King and his Barons NOw King Henry very proud to have his younger sonne a King as well as his brother cals a Parliament wherein he brings forth his sonne Edmund clad in Sicilian habit and â—els the Parliâ—ment that for advancing this sonne of his to the kingdome of Sicilie he had bound himselfe under covenant of losing his kingdome in the summe of an hundred and forty thousand Markes and hoped they would not thinke much to aide him with money for so great an advancement but the Parliament stood firme to their usuall condition of Margna Charta so as that might be confirmed they were content to give two and fifty thousand Marks but this gave the King no satisfaction The yeare after another Parliament is holden at London wherein upon the Kings pressing them againe for meanes to pay his debts to the Pope the Lords tell him plainely they will not yeeld to give him any thing for any such purpose and give their reasons and withall repeate their owne grievances his breach of promise the insolencie of his brothers and specially William de Valence who had given the lie to the Earle of Leycester and no right done him in it and many such things which the King hearing and not able to deny humbles himselfe and tels them how he had often by ill counsell beene seduced but promiseth by his Oath which he tooke on the Tombe of Saint Edward to reforme all those errours But the Lords not well knowing how to deale in this businesse as being divided betweene a desire to satisfie the King and a desire to be satisfied themselves and knowing withall the variablenesse of the Kings nature they get the Parliament to be adjourned to Saint Barnabies day and then to assemble at Oxford In which meane time the Earles Glocester Leycester Hereford the Earle Marshall Bigod Spenser and other great men confederate and provide by Armes to effect their desire and here is the foundation laid of those bloudy wars that ensued betweene King Henry and his Barons And now the King being put to his shifts for money gets the Abbot of Westminster to put his Seale and that of his Covent to a Deed Obligatory as a surety for two hundred Markes making account that by his example others would be drawne to doe the like but his trusty servant Simon Passeleve being imployed to other Monasteries and telling them amongst other reasons to perswade them that the King was Lord of all they had they onely answered they acknowledged indeed the King to be Lord of all they had but yet so as to defend not to destroy the same and this was all he could get of them The Prince also in no lesse want then his Father is driven to morgage his Towne of Stamford Brahan and many other things to William de Valence a Poictouin wherby appeared the disorder of the time when the Prince was in want and strangers had such plenty And now is the Parliament assembled at Oxford whither the Lords come attended with large traines and here they beginne with the expostulation of the former Liberties requiring that the Chiefe Justiciar the Chancellour and Treasurer may be ordained by publike choyce and that the twenty foure Conservaâ—ours of the kingdome may be confirmed twelve by the election of the Lords and twelve by the King with whatsoever else made for their imagined security The King seeing their strength and in what manner they required these things sweares solemnly againe to the confirmation of them and causeth the Prince to take the same Oath But the Lords left not here the Kings brethren the Poictouins and other strangers must presently be removed and this also though with some little opposition was at last concluded and thereupon the Kings brethren and their followers are despoyled of all their fortunes and â—xiled by proscription under the Kings owne hand directed to the Earles of Hereford and Surrey But now sicknesse and mortality happening to many great ones it is imputed to poysons supposed to have beene prepared by those strangers proscribed the Earle of Glocester in a sicknesse suddenly lost his haire his teeth his nailes and his brother hardly escaped death which made many to suspect their nearest servants and their Cookes Walter Scoynie the Earle Steward is strictly examined committed to prison and afterward without confession is upon presumptions onely executed at Winchester Elias a converted Iew is said to have confessed that in his house the poyson was confected but it was when he was a Iew and not a Christian. Every man that had received any wrong by those strangers now put up their complaints and are heard Guydo de â—â—chfort a Poictouin to whom the King had given the Castle of Rochester is banished and all his goods confiscate William Bussey Steward to William de Valence is committed to the Tower of London and most reproachfully used Richard Gray whom the Lords had made Captaine of Dover Castle is set to intercept whatsoever the Poictouins convaied that way out of England and much treasure of theirs and of the elect of Winchester is by him taken besides great summes committed to the new Temple are found out and seised for the King And now the new Chiefe Justiciar Hugh Bigod brother to the Earle Marshall chosen this last Parliament by publike voyce procures that foure knights in every Shire should inquire of the oppressions of the poore done by great men and certifie the same that redresse might be made Also order was taken against corrupting of justice when yet notwithstanding this pretended care of the publike it is noted by the Writers and Records of that time how the Lords were themselves but as â—otidem tyranni enforcing the services of the Kings tenants that dwelt neare them But to make their cause the more popular it was rumored that the King stood upon it that his necessity must be supplied out of the estates of his people whether they would or no which the King hearing sends forth Proclamation declaring how certaine malitious persons had falsely and seditiously reported that he meant unlawfully to charge his subjects and subvert the Lawes and Liberties of the kingdome and by these false suggestions averted the hearts of his people from him and therefore desires them not to give credit to such perâ—urbers for that he was ready to defend all Rights and Customes due unto them and that they might rest of this secured he caused his Letters to be made Patents But now Montford Glocester and Spenser inforce the King to call a Parliament at London where
they get the authority of the twenty foure to be estated wholly upon themselves and they alone to dispose of the custody of the Castles and other businesses of the kingdom and here they bind the King to lose to them their Legall obedience whensoever he infringed his Charter At this time intelligence was given to the Lords that Richard King of the Româ—ns had a purpose to come into England and the Lords suspecting he would come with power to aide the King his brother take order for guarding the Ports with intent to hinder his landing but finding his traine to be but small accompanied onely with his Queene two German Earles and eight knights upon his promise to take their propounded Oath they admit him to land but would nether permit the King who came thither to meeâ—e him nor himselfe to enter into Dover Castle At Canterbury they bring him into the Chapter house where the Earle of Glocester standing forth in the midst cals out the Earle not by the name of King but Richard Earle of Cornwall who in reverent manner comming forth taketh his Oath in these words Heare all men that I Richard Earle of Cornwall doe here sweare upon the holy Evangelists that I shall be faithfull and diligent to reforme with you the Kingdome of England and â—e an effectuall Coadjutor to expell all Rebels and disturbers of the same and this Oath will inviolably observe under paine of losing all the Land I have in England so helpe me God But though this Earle came home but weake and poore yet upon his returne the King takes heart and seeks all meanes to vindicate his power and first sends messengers secretly to Rome to be Absolved from his enforced Oath and to have the more assurance from the King of France he makes an absolute resignation of all his Right to the Dutchy of Normandy and the Earledomes of Anjou Poictou Tourene and Maine in regard whereof the King of France gives him three hundred thousand pounds some say Crownes oâ— Anjouin money and granâ—s him to enjoy all Guyen beyond the River Garoâ—ne all the Countrey of Xanâ—oigne to the River of Charente the Countrey of Limousin and Quercy for him and his successoâ—rs doing their homage to the Crowne of France as Duke of Aquitâ—iâ—e And now was the King of France made Arbiter of the difference betweene King Henry and his Barons who gives sentence against the Barons concerning the Provisions at Oxford but of their side concerning King Iohns Charter by which nice distinâ—tion though he did but leave the matter as he found it for those Provisions as the Lords pretended were grounded upon that Charter yet did his sentence draw many away from the party of the Barons amongst whom was Henry sonne to the Earle of Cornwall Roger Clifford Roger de Leisbourne Haimo Lestrange and many others But the Earle of Leycester notwithstanding this revolt recovers the Town and Castle of Glocester constraines the Citizens to pay a thousand pounds for their redemption goes with an Army to Worcester possesseth him of the Castle thence to Shrewsbery and so comes about to the I le of Ely subdues the same and growes exceeding powerfull The King doubting his approach to London fals to treat of a Peace and a Peace is concluded upon these conditions that all the Castles of the King should be delivered to the keeping of the Barons the Provisions of Oxford should inviolably be kept all strangers by a certaine time should avoid the kingdome except onely such as were licensed to stay The Prince had fortified Windsor Castle but Leycester comming to besiege it he treats with him for Peace which is refused and the Castle is rendred to him The King at this time to win time convokes another Parliament at London wherin he won many Lords to take his part as namely the Prince Richard his brother Henry his son William Valence with the rest of his brothers lately returned and with them the King marcheth to Oxford whither divers Lords of Scotland repaire to him as Iohn Commin Iohn Baylioll Lords of Galloway Robert Bruce and others also many Barons of the North Glifford Percey Basset and others From Oxford he goes to Northampton where he tooke prisoners Simon Montford the younger with foureteene other principall men thence to Nottingham making spoyles of such possessions as pertained to the Barons in those parts And now the Kings side growes strong which the Earles of Leycester and Glocester seeing they write to the King protesting their loyalty and how they opposed onely such as were enemies to him and the kingdome and had belied them The King returnes answer that themselves were the perturbers of him and his State and sought his and the kingdomes destruction and therefore defies them The Prince likewise and the Earle of Cornwall send letters of defiance to them Yet the Barons continue to mediate a Peace and send the Bishops of London and Worcester with offer of thirty thousand Markes to the King for the dammages done in these warres so as the Statutes of Oxford may be observed but this offer is not accepted The Earle seeing no remedy but it must be put to a day takes his time to be earlier ready then was expected and supplies his want of strength with policie placing on the one side of a hill neare Lewis where the battell was fought certaine Ensignes without men in such sort as they might seeme a farre off to be Squadrons of succours to second those he brought to the encounter whom he caused all to weare white Crosses both for their owne notice and the signification of his cause which he would have to be thought for justice Here the fortune of the day was his the King the Prince the Earle of Cornwall and his sonne Henry the Earles of Arundell and Hereford with all the Scottish Lords are taken prisoners the Eale Warren William de Valence Guy de Lusignan the Kings brothers with Hugh Bigod Earle Marshall save themselves by flight five thousand some say twenty thousand others are slaine in the battell A yeare and a halfe is Simon Montford in possession of his prisoners carrying the King about with him to countenance his actions till he had gotten all the strongest Castles in the kingdome And now comes Erinnys and sets debabte betweene the two great Earles of Leycester and Glocester about their Dividend Leycester is taxed to doe more for his owne particular then the common good his sonnes also presuming upon his greatnesse grew insolent whereupon Glocester discontented forsakes that side and betakes him to the Prince who lately escaping out of the Castle of Hereford had gotten a power about him to try the fortune of another battell The revolt of this Earle being great in it selfe was greater by its example for now many others revolted likewise and the Earle of Leycester seeing the improvement of the Princes forces who was now with his Army about Worcester though he â—aw his owne disadvantage yet imbattels in
sway this businesse by his presence takes a journey Northward where being come as farre as Lincolnshire he lost his beloved wife Queene Eleanor and thereupon going backe to see her Funerall performed at Westminster that done he returnes presently to his Scottish businesse And now sixe yeares were passed since the death of King Alexander and yet nothing concluded in this controversie whereupon King Edward deals privately with Bruce who had the weaker Title but the more friends and promiseth him if he would sweare fealty and homage to the Crowne of England he would Invest him in that of Scotland But Bruce answers he was not so dâ—sirous to rule as thereby to infringe the liberties of his Countrey Whereupon with the like offer he sets upon Baylioll who having better right but lesse love of the people and more greedy of a kingdome then honour accepts the condition and thereupon is Crowned King at Scone hath fealty done him by all the chiefe Nobility except Bruce comes to New-Castle upon Tyne where King Edward then lay and there with many of his Nobles sweares fealty and doth homage to him as his Soveraigne Lord. Which act done to secure him overthrew him for being little beloved before hereby he became lesse such as stood for Bruce and others of the Nobility tender of the preservation of their Countries liberty took stomach against him and not onely for this but shortly after for his injustice in the case of the Earle of Fife one of the sixe Governours in the time on the Interregnum who had beene slaine by the Family of Alberneth the brother of which Earle prosecuting Law before King Baylioll in his high Court of Parliament and having no right done him King Baylioll giving judgement of the side of the Alberneths he appeales to the Court of the King of England whereupon King Baylioll is summoned appeares sits with King Edward in his Parliament till his cause was to be heard and then is cited by an Officer to arise and to stand in the place appointed for pleading then he craves to answer by a Procuratour but is denied and thereupon descends to the ordinary place and defends his cause himselfe which indignity as he tooke it so incenseth him that he returnes home with a breastfull charged with indignation meditates revenge renues the ancient league with France confirmes it with marriage of his sonne Edward to a daughter of Charles brother to King Philip glad in regard of late offences taken against the King of England to embrace the same which done Baylioll defies King Edward renounceth his Allegeance as unlawfully done being not in his power without consent of the State to doe any such Act. Hereupon brake out that mortall dissension betweene the two Nations which consumed more Christian bloud and continued longer then ever quarrell we reade of did between any two people in the world For he that beganne it could not end it but it lasted almost three hundred yeares and was never throughly abolished till the late blessed union wrought by him in whom Wisdome and Vertue Right and Power concurred all to make it firme And now the fatall Chaire in which the Kings of Scotland used to be Inaugurated seemes to recover its secret operation according to antient Prophesie that whither soever that Chaire should be removed the kingdome should be removed with it and this Chaire King Edward caused to be brought out of Scotland to Westminster and to be placed there amongst the Monuments where it still continues But now King Baylioll being summoned to appeare at New-Castle and refusing to come King Edward enters Scotland with an Army consisting of foure thousand horse and thirty thousand foot besides five hundred horse and one thousand foote of the Bishop of Durham Berwicke is first wonne with the slaughter of fifteene thousand Scots our Writers say more and after that the Castles of Dunbarre Roxborough Edinbough Sterliâ—g and Saint Iohns Towne and now King Balioll sues for Peace submits himselfe takes againe his Oath of Fealty to King Edward as his Soveraigne Lord which done a Parliament for Scotland is held at Berwicke where the Nobility likewise did Homage to him confirming the same by their Charter under their hands and seales onely William Dowglasse refuseth content rather to endure the misery of a Prison then yeeld to the subjection of the King of England But King Baylioll notwithstanding his submission is sent prisoner into England after his foure yeares Raigne in Scotland and King Edward returnes home leaving Iohn Warren Earle of Sussex and Surrey Warden of all Scotland Hugh Cressingham Treasurer and Ormesloy Chiefe Justice with Commission to take in his name the Homages and Fealties of all such as held Lands of that Crowne But this continued not long for King Edward being absent in France the Scots fell upon the Officers he had left slew Sir Hugh Cressingham with sixe thousand English recovered many Castles and regained the towne of Berwick and all by the animation and conduct of one William Walleys a poore private Gentleman though Nobly descended who seeing his Countrey without a Head and thereby without a Heart all the great men either in captivity or subjectionâ— assembles certaine of as poore and desperate estate as himselfe and leads them to attempt upon whatsoever advantages they could finde to annoy the English and having therein good successe it so encreased both his courage and company that he afterward came to be the generall Guardian of the whole kingdome and was in possibility to have absolutely redeemed his Countrey from the subjection of the English if the speedy comming of King Edward had not prevented him For now King Edward to bring his worke neare together removes his Exchequer and Courts of Justice to Yorke where they continued above sixe yeares and thither he cals a Parliament requiring all his subjects that held of him by knights service to be ready at Roxborough by a peremptory day where there assemble three thousand men at Armes on barded horses and foure thousand other armed men on horse without bards with an Army of foote answerable consisting most of Welsh and Irish besides five hundred men at Armes out of Gascoyne and with this power he makes his second expedition into Scotland the Earles of Hereford and Norfolke with the Earle of Lincolne led his Vauntgard at the famous battell of Fonkirke where the shouts of the Scots were so great that King Edwards horse frighted withall cast him off and brake two of his ribs which notwithstanding he gets up againe goes on and gets the victory wherein are reported to be slaine two hundred knights and forty thousand foot of the Scots but William Walleys with some few escaped to make more work And here againe that kingdome might seeme as if quite overthrowne Most of the estates of the Earles and Barons of Scotland with their titles that had stood out were bestowed on the English and a Parliament is called at Saint Andrewes where all the great
of Aâ—mesbury in Wiltshire at the instance of Queene Eleanor her Grandmother who lived there Elizabeth their seventh daughter was first married to Iohn Earle of Holland Zeland and Lord of Freezeland he dying within two yeares she was afterward married to Humphrey Bohun Earle of Hereford and Essex Lord of Breknok and High Constable of England by whom she had issue sonnes and daughters Beatrice and Blanch their eighth and ninth daughters died young and unmarried King Edwards second Wife was Margaret eldest daughter of Philip King of France called the Hardy and sister to Philip called the Faire at eighteene yeares old she was married to King Edward being above threescore yet at the unequall yeares she had issue by him two sonnes and a daughter their eldest sonne was borne at a little Village in Yorkshire called Brotherton and was thereof called Thomas of Brotherton he was created Earle of Norfolke and Earle Marshall of England after Roger Bigod who died without issue Their second sonne Edmund was borne at Woodstocke in Oxfordshire and of the place was so called he was created Earle of Kent and married Margaret daughter of Iohn and sister of sole Heire of Thomas Lord Wakes of Lydell in the County of Northampton by whom he had issue two sonnes and one daughter his sonnes Edmund and Iohn died without issue his daughter Ioane for her beauty called the Faire maid of Kent was married first to William Montacute Earle of Salisbury and from him divorced was re-married to Sir Thomas Holland in her Right Earle of Kent and by her Father of Thomas and Iohn Holland Duke of Surrey and Earle of Huntington and lastly she was the Wife of Edward of Woodstocke the blacke Prince of Wales and by him Mother of King Richard the second This Earle Edmund was beheaded at Winchester in the fourth yeare of King Edward his Nephew Eleanor the daughter of King Edward by his second Wife Margaret died in her childhood Of his personage and conditions HE was tall of stature higher then ordinary men by head and shoulders and thereof called Longshanke of a swarthy complection strong of body but leane of a comely favour his eyes in his anger sparkling like fire the haire of his head black and curled Concerning his conditions as he was in warre peacefull so in Peace he was warlike delighting specially in that kinde of hunting which is to kill Stagges or other wilde beasts with Speares In continencie of life he was equall to his Father in acts of valour farre beyond him He had in him the two wisdomes not often found in any single both together seldome or never An ability of judgement in himselfe and a readinesse to heare the judgement of others He seemed to be a great observer of opportunity a great point of wisdome in any in Princes greatest and that he could beare an injury long without seeking to revenge it as appeared by his carriage towards the Earle Roger Bigod whom when he saw his time he called to account for an affront he had offered him diâ—ers yeares before He was not easily provoked into passion but once in passion not easily appeased as was seene by his dealing with the Scots towards whom he shewed at first patience and at last severity If he be censured for his many Taxations he may be justified by his well bestowing them for never Prince laid out his money to more honour of himselfe or good of his kingdome His greatest unfortunatenesse was in his greatest blessing for of foure sonnes which he had by his Wife Queen Eleanor three of them died in his owne life time who were worthy to have out-lived him and the fourth out-lived him who was worthy never to have beene borne Of his death and buriall IN his last expedition into Scotland being at Carlile he fell sicke and lying in his death-bed he sent for his sonne Edward to whom besides many admonitions to Piety he commanded three things specially that he should carry his bones about with him through Scotland till he had subdued it that he should send his heart into the Holy Land with sevenscore knights to that warre and the two and thirty thousand pounds he had provided for that purpose and that he should never recall Gaveston from banishment and soon after of a dysentery or Bloudy-Flix he died at Borough upon the Sands the seventh of Iuly in the yeare 1307. when he had Raigned foure and thirty yeares and seven moneths lived threescore and eight yeares Being dead his Corps was brought to Waltham Abbey and there kept the space of sixteene weekes and after on Simon and Iudes day buried at Westminster Men of Note in his time OF Martiall men there were many these specially Iohn Earle of Warren who opposed the Kings Inquisition by Quo Warranto and Roger Bigod who gave the King an affront to his face Of learned men also many specially these Iohn Breton bishop of Hereford who compiled a book of the Lawes of England called lâ— Breton Thomas Spot a Chronographer Iohn Eversden a writer of Annals and of this Kings Raigne Gregory Cairugent a Monke of Glocester and a writer also of Annals Iohn Peckham a Franciscan Frier made Arch-bishop of Canterbury who writ many excellent workes Iohn Read an Historiographer Thomas Bungey a Frier Minor an excellent Mathematician Roger Bacon a Franciscan Frier an excellent Philosopher and Mathematician Robert Kilwarby Arch-bishop of Canterbury and after made a Cardinall also Ralph Baldock Bishop of London who writ a Chronicle of England in the Latine tongue but above them all though of another Countrey Thomas Aquinas borne of a Noble Family whose workes are too famous to be spoken of who going to the Councell holden at Lyons by Pope Gregory the tenth died by the way THE LIFE and RAIGNE OF KING EDWARD THE SECOND Of his Acts before and at his Coronation EDward of Carnarvan eldest Sonne of King Edward the first succeeded him in the kingdome and never did Prince come to a Crowne with more applause of Nobility and People and there was good cause for it For he had beene trained up in all good courses for Piety and Learning he had seene the Government of his Father from whose Example he could not but have learned many good Lessons he had been initiated in the wayes of State having beene left Governour of the Realme and presiding in Parliament in his Fathers absence and he was now three and twenty yeares old a fit age for bearing the weight of a Scepter and yet for all these advantages there wanted not feares of him in the mindes of many who could not but remember what prankes he had played not long before how he had broken the Bishop of Chesters Parke and in most disorderly manner had killed his Deere for which both himselfe had beene committed to Prison and his Friend Pierce Gaveston banished the Realme and if he did such things being but Prince what might not be feared of him comming to be King For seldome doth
Leader then the 〈◊〉 besides there fell at the instant such a showre of raine as dissolved their 〈◊〉 and made their Bowes of little use and at the breaking up of the showre the 〈…〉 full in the face of the French dazling their sight and on the backe of the 〈◊〉 as if all made for them K. Edward who had gotten to a Windmill beholding 〈◊〉 a Sentinell the countenance of the Enemy and discovering the disturbance 〈◊〉 by the change of place instantly sends to charge that part without giving 〈…〉 to re-accommodate themselves whereupon the discontented Genâ—â—ese 〈◊〉 which the Coâ—nt de Alanson perceiving he comes on with the horse and 〈…〉 â—age cries out On on Let us make way upon the bellies of these Genoueses 〈…〉 but hinder us and instantly pricks on with a full careere through the midst 〈…〉 followed by the Earles of Lorraine and Savoy and never staies till he came 〈◊〉 the English battell where the Prince was the fight grew hot and doubtfull 〈…〉 as the Commanders about the Prince send to King Edward to come up with his power to aide him The King askes the messengers whether his son were 〈…〉 hurt who answering no but that he was like to be over-laid Well then 〈◊〉 â—he King returne and tell them who sent you that so long as my sonne is a 〈…〉 they send no more to me what ever happen for I will that the honour of this 〈…〉 his And so being left to try for themselves they wrought it out with the 〈◊〉 â— the rather by reason the French King having his horse slaine under him and 〈◊〉 danger to be trodden to death had he not been recovered by the Lord Beau 〈…〉 â—â—â—s to the great discouragement of his people withdrawne out of the field 〈◊〉 noâ—â—ce being once taken by the English the day was soone after theirs and 〈…〉 victory they ever had yet against the French and so bloudy as there is 〈…〉 made of any one prisoner taken in the battell but all â—laine out-right â—nely â—ome few troopes that held together saved themselves by retiring to places neare adjoyning The French King himselfe with â— small company got to Bray in the night and approaching the walls and the Guâ—rd asking him who goes there he answered the Fortune of Frâ—â—câ— By â—iâ— voyce â—e was knowne and thereupon received into the Towne with the teares and lamentaâ—ions of his people The number of the slaine are certified to be thirty thousand the chiefe whereof were Charles de Alâ—nsâ—n Iohn Duke of 〈◊〉 â—alph Earle of Lorraine Lâ—wis Earle of Flâ—â—â—ers Iâ—ques Daâ—lphin de 〈◊〉 Soâ—â—e to Iâ—bâ—rt who after gave Daulphin to the Crowne of France the Earlâ—â— of Sâ—â—câ—rre Hâ—râ—court and many other Earles Barons and Gentlemen to the number of fifteeâ—â— hundred This memorable Victory happened upon the Sâ—turday after Bartâ—â—lâ—â—â—â— day in the yeare 1346. The next day earely in the morning being Sunday he sâ—nâ— out 300. Lances and 2000. Archersâ— to discover what was becomâ— of tâ—◠〈◊〉 who found great Troopes comming from Abbeâ—â—lâ— Saint 〈…〉 aâ—d Bâ—â—uvoyes ignorant of what had happened 〈◊〉 by the Arch-Bishop of Râ—â—â— and the Priour of France whom they likewise defeated and slew sâ—ven thousand But this was not all thâ— Victories that fell to King Edward that yeare there was another of no lesse importance gotten in Englâ—â—d by the Queene and hiâ— peoplâ— at home against the Scots who being set on by the French to divert the waâ—â—â— thereâ— entred upon this kingdome witâ—â—hreescoâ—e thousand men as our Writers report assuring himselfe of successe in regard as he supposed â— the maâ—â—e streâ—gth thereof was now gone into France but â—e found it otherwiseâ— For the Lords of the North as Gylbert de Umfrevile the Earlâ— of Angâ—â—â— Henry Percâ— Ralph Nevile William Dâ—yâ—coâ—â—t with the Arch-bishop of Yorke the Bishop of Durâ—am and others of the Clergy gathered so great Forces and so well ordered them by the animation of the Queene who was there in person as fighting a great Battaile at Nevils Crosse in the Bishopricke of Durhaâ— they utterly defeaâ—ed this great Army tooke David their King Prisoner with the Earles of Fifâ— Menteth Murry Sutherland the Lord Dowglas the Arch-bishop of Saint Andrewes and others and put to the sword fifteene thousand Scâ—ts This Victory also fell upon a Saturday sixe weekes after that of Cressy He that tooke King David Prisoner waâ— one Iohn Câ—plâ—nd an Esquire of Northumberland whom King Edward rewarded with five hundred pounds land a yeare and made him a Bannerâ—t And as if all concurred to make this yeare Triumphant the Aides sent to the Countesse of Montford in Britaine led by Thomas Dagworth a Valiant knight overthrew and tooke Prisoner Charles de Blois Pretender to that Dutchy and with him Mounsiâ—ur la Vall the Lords Rochford Beaâ—â—anoyre Loiâ—câ—ue with many other Barons Knights and Esquires Where were slaine the Lord De la Vall Father to him that was taken Viscount Rohan Mounsieur de Chasteaâ— Bryan de â—alestroit de Quintin de Dyrevâ—ll besides many other knights and Esquires to the number of seven hundred And now King Edward without medling with the great Cities of Amiens and Abbevile marcheth on directly and sits downe before Callice a Town of more importance for England and the Gate to all the rest Wherein Iohn dâ— Vienne Marshall of France and the Lord de Andreghâ—n a great man in his time commanded All that Winter King Edward lay without any molestation by the French King who was busied at home in his owne State about raising of money wherewith supplyed at last he raiseth an Army and approacheth Callice but findes no way open to come to relieve it The King of England was both Master of the Haven and possest all other wayes that were passable and the Flemings his friends had besieged Aire to oppose whom Iohn Duke of Normandy is sent for out of Guyenne who departing leaves Henry of Lancaster Earle of Derby Master of the Field and â—e having an Army consisting of twelve hundred men at Armes two thousand Archers and three thousand other Foot takes in most of the Townes of Xaintoigne and Poictâ—â— and in the end besieged and sacked Pâ—ityerâ— and then returnes to Bâ—rdeaâ—x with more â—illage then his people could well beare Thus the 〈◊〉 prosper every â—â—here and the French suffer During this siege of Calliâ—e â—n 〈◊〉 some tâ—inâ—â— King Edwâ—â—â— first used Gunnes the Flemingâ— send to King 〈◊〉 to make a marriage betweene his Daughter Isabell and their Lord the 〈…〉 to which the King consented but the Duke of Brâ—â—â—nt gets 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 â—o make the match for a Daughter of hisâ— The Flemings presse 〈◊〉 Lord with tâ—e match of England but he absolutely refuseâ—h it sayingâ— h◠〈◊〉 never marry a Daughter of him that had killed his Father though he would 〈…〉 â—â—lfâ— his kingdome This answer so incensed the Flemiâ—gs that they 〈…〉 Lord in Prison till with long durance he at last consented and
Langley which Richard had issue by the said Anne a sonne called Richard that was after Duke of York and father to king Edward the Fourth also a daughter named Isabel maried to the Lord Bourchier Also this yeere Henry of Bullingbrooke Earle of Darby maried the daughter and heire of Humfry Bohun Earle of Hereford in whose Right he was after made Duke of Hereford This yeere also K. Richard holding his Christmas at Eltham Leo king of Armenia came thither to him who in feare to have his kingdome conquered by the Turkes was come into Christendome to seeke for ayde but his chiefe Errand into England was to have procured a Peace between the two kings of England and Franâ—e but their spleenes were so great against one another that it was not in the physick of hiâ— Power to cure them At this time the Duke of Lancaster taking with him his wife the Lady Constâ—nce and a daughter he had by her named Katherine and two other daughters which he had by his former wife failed into Spaine he was attended in his journy with the Lord Lucie the Lord Talbot the Lord Basset Willoughby Fitzwater Poyâ—ings Brâ—â—ston and many other Lords and knights to the number of fifteen hundred men of Armes whereof a thousand at the least were knights and Esquires The king at his taking leave gave him a Crowne of Gold and commanded he should be called king of Spaine and the Queen likewise gave another Crown of Gold to the Dutcheâ—â—e He landed first at Brest and freed that Castle from the French from thence he sailed and arrived at the Groyne in Spaine where he remained a moneth and then went to Compostella where he stayed a while In which time his Constable Sir Iohn Hollâ—â—d wonne divers Townes At Monson the king of Portingale and the Duke of Lâ—â—caster met where a mariage was concluded between the said king of Portingale and the Lady Philip daughter to the Dukeâ— which mariage shortly after was consummated and the Lady sent into Portingale honorably accompanied The Duke continued at Coâ—postella all the winter At March the king of Portingale and he enâ—â—ed the Confines of Castile where they tooke many Townes and passing over the River of Dure entred into the Country De Campo But the Spaniards not willing to come to a Battell but meaning to weary them out with delayes the English not used â—o such hot aire fell daily into many diseases which the Duke seeing accorded â—o a Truce There dyed in this action the Lord Fiâ—zwater Sir Burleyâ—â—night â—â—night of the Garter the Lord Poynings and Sir Henry Percy Cosin-german to the Eâ—â—le of Northumberland also the Lord Talbot and in all twelve great Lords fourscore â—nights two hundred Esquires and of the meaner sort above five hundred When the Army was broken up the Duke of Lancaster and the Dutcheâ—se his wife went into Portingale and after some stay there they sailed to Bayon in the Marches of Gascoigne where he rested a long time after In which meane while there were offers made for a Mariage to be had betweene the Duke of Berry Unkle to the Frâ—â—ch king and the Lady Kaâ—herine daughter to the Duke of Lancaster which the king of Spaine understanding he began to doubt least if that mariage went forward it might turne to his disadvantage and thereupon by earnest suit at length concâ—uded a peace with the Duke of Lancaster on this wise That his eldest sonne Heâ—ry should marry the the Lady Katherine the Duke of Lancasters daughter and be intituled Prince of Austurgâ—s and in consideration of this mariage and that all claimes should cease which the Duke in right of his wife might challenge or pretendâ— It was agreed that the said Duke should receive yeerely the summe of Ten thousâ—nd marks during the lives of him and his Dutchesse and to have in hand the summe of two hundred thousand Nobles At this time the French had a purpose to invade England with no lesse a hope then to make a Conquest and to that end they prepared a mighty Navy so as in the moneth of September there were numbred about Sluis Dam and Blaâ—kerkâ— 1â—87 ships besides those which were rigged in Britaine by the Constable who had caused an inclosure of a Field to be made of Timber that when they were landed in Eâ—gland they might therewith inclose their field and so lodge at more surety but it so fortuned that the Lord William Beauchampe Captaine of Callis tooke two of their ships whereof one was laden with a piece of the said Inclosure and after that â—nother ship laden with Guns Gunpowder and other Instruments of warre and after that againe two ships more laden with parcels of the said Inclosure which K. â—ichard caused to be reared and set up about Winchelsey Towne at last the foresaid Army came into Flanders and arrived at Sluis where after some stay they were so distressed for victuals that in the end of November they were glad to be gone and returne into France At this time in a Parliament Robert Veere Earle of Oxford and Marques of Dublin was created Duke of Ireland and Michael de la Poole a Merchants son had lately before been created E. of Suffolk and made Chancellor of England And now begins K. Richard to enter I may say upon the confines of his Destiny His gracing of undeserving men and disgracing of men deserving if they were not the causes they were at least the occasions of his owne disgracing and destruction in the end He was now come to be of full age to doe all himselfe which was indeed to be of full age to undoe himselfe for the faults of his younger yeeres might have the excuse to be but Errors but the faults of the age he was now at were perempâ—ory against him and admitted no defence And to hasten the pace of his destiny the faster the ill Counsell which before was but whispered in his eare was now scarce forborne to be given him aloud It is told him that he is under tuition no longer and therefore not to be controll'd as in former times he had been That to be crost of his will by his subjects was to be their subject It is no Soveraignty if it be not absolute At the instigation of which Counsell the king in a Parliament now assembled fell to expostulate with his Lords asking them what yeeres they thought him to be 〈◊〉 who answering that he was somewhat more then one and twenty Well then saâ—â— he I am out of Wardship and therefore looke to injoy my kingdome as freely 〈◊〉 your selves at the like yeeres enjoy your Patrimonies But his flattering Favoriâ—â— should have remembred that though the king may not be controlled where he caâ— command yet he may be opposed where he can but demand as now indeed he waâ— for when he came to demand a Subsidy towards his warres he was answered That he needed no subsidie from his Subjects if he would but call in the debts which thâ—
Chancellour owed him and if he were so tender of him that he could not finde iâ— his heart to doe it himselfe they would doe that work for him and thereupoâ— charged him with such crimes that all his goods were confiscate and himselfe adjudged to dye if the king so pleased though some write his sentence was onely to pay a Fine of twenty thousand markes and a thousand pounds yeerly beside Upoâ— this provocation the opposite side seek present revenge It is devised that the Duke of Glocester as principall and other Lords that crossed the kings courses should be invited to a Supper in London and there be murthered In the execuâ—â—on of which plot the former Lord Major Sir Nicolas Brember had a speciall handâ— but the present Major Richâ—rd Exton moved to it by the king would by no meanâ—â— consent and thereupon the plot proceeded not But for all these harsh straines and many such other that passed this Parliament a Subsidie was at length granted to the king of halfe a Tenth and halfe a Fifteenth but with condition that 〈◊〉 should not be issued but by order from the Lords and the Earle of Arundâ—ll was appointed to receive it But before this time both Houses had directly agreed that unlesse the Chancellour were removed they would meddle no further in the Pâ—â—liament The king advertised hereof sent to the Commons that they should seâ—â— unto Eltham where he then lay forty of their House to declare their mindes 〈◊〉 him but upon conference of both Houses it was agreed that the Duke of Gloâ—â—stâ—r and Thomas Arundell Bishop of Ely should in the name of the Parliament goe unto him who comming to the king declared That by an old Statute the king once a yeere might lawfully summon his Court of Parliament for reformation of all corruptions and enormities within the Realme and further declared That by an old Ordinance also it was Enacted That if the king should absent himself 40 dayes not being sick the Houses might lawfully break up and returne home At this the king is said to say Well we perceive our people goe about to rise against us and therefore we thinke we cannot doe better then to aske ayd of our Cosin the king of France and rather submit us to him then to our own Subjects To which the Lordâ— answered They wondred at this opinion of his Majesty seeing the French king was the antient Enemy of the kingdome and he might remember what mischiefes were brought upon the Realme in king Iohns time by such a course By these and the like perswasions the king was induced to come to the Parliament and soon after Iohn Fortham Bishop of Durham is discharged of his Office of Lord Treasurer and in his place was appointâ—d Iohâ— Gilberâ— Bishop of Hereford a Frier of the order of Preachers also Michael de la Pâ—â—le Earle of Suffolke is discharged of his Office of Chancellour and Thomas Aruâ—dell Bishop of Ely by consent of Parliament placed in his roome Also by Order of Parliament thirteen Lords were chosen to have oversight under the king of the wâ—ole government of the Realme of which thirteen there were three of the New-Officers named as the Bishop of Ely Lord Chancellour the Bishop of Hereford Lord Treasurer and Nicolas Abbot of Wâ—ltham Lord keeper of the Privy Seale The other ten were William Archbishop of Câ—â—terbury Alexander Archbishop of York Edmund of Lâ—ngley Duke of York Thomaâ— Duke of Glocester William Bishop of Winchester Thomas Bishop of Exeter Richâ—rd Earle of Arundell Richard Lord Scrâ—â—pe and Iohn Lord Devereux But this participation of the Government being found inconvenient held not long Also in this Parliament it was granted that Robert de Veere lately created Duke of Ireland should have receive to his own use 30000. markes which the French-men were to give for the heires of â—he Lord Charles de Blâ—ys but it was granted upon â—his conditionâ— That before the next Easter he should passe over into Ireland to recover such lands as the King had there given him so desirous the Lords and Commons were to have him removed from the Kings presence But though the King gave way to this torrent of the Parliament for the present yet as soone as the Parliament was dissolved he dissolved also all that had been done either against the Lord Chancellour or against the Duke of Ireland or against Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York and received them into more favour then ever he had done before In his Tenth yeere about the Beginning of March Richard Earle of Arundell appointed Admirall and Thomas Mowbray Earle of Nottingham the Earle of Devonshire and the Bishop of Norwich went to Sea with a warlike power of men and â—rmes to watch for the Fleet of Flanders that was ready to come from Rochell with wines and meeting with them they set upon them and tooke of them to the number of a hundred Vessels all fraught with wines so as wine grew so plentifull that it was sold for thirteen shillings foure pence the Tonne and the best and choysest for twenty shillings Besides this they landed in Flanders where they relieved and fortified Brest and demolished two Forts which the Enemy had built against it But this happy service of the Earle of Arundell the Duke of Ireland the Earle of Suffolke Sir Simon Burley and Sir Richard Sturrey who continued still about the King seemed rather to envy then to commend insomuch that when the Earle of Nottingham that had ever been the Kings play fellow and of equall age to him came to the Court he was neither received by the Duke of Ireland with any good welcome nor by the King with any good countenance and therefore indeed not by the King with any good Countenance because not by the Duke of Ireland with any good Welcome About this time the Duke of Ireland sought to be divorced from his lawfull wife daughter to the Lady Isabel one of king Edward the third's daughters and took to wife one Lancerona a Vintners daughter of Bohemia one of the Queenes maids at which indignity the Duke of Glocester that was unkle to the Lady thus forsaken tooke great displeasure which the Duke of Ireland understanding studied how by some meanes he might dispatch the Duke of Glocester out of the way Easter was now past the time appointed for the D. of Irelands going over into Ireland when the King with a shew to bring him to the waters side went with him into Wales and in his company Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolke Robert Tresilian L. Chieâ— Justice and divers others who there consulted how they might diâ—patch the Duke of Glocester the Earles of Arundel Warwick Dâ—rby Nottingham with divers others of that Faction but when the King had remained in those parts a good while he returned and brought back the Duke of Ireland with him and so his voyage into Irelâ—â—d was cleane forgotten About the same time Robert Tresilian Chiefe Justice came to
Coventry where he Indicted two thousand persons The King and the Queene came to Groby and thither came by his Commandement the Justices of the Reâ—â—me Robert Belknap Lord Chiefe Justice of the Common Pleas Iohn Holt Râ—ger Fulthorpe and William Borough knights to whom it was propounded to anâ—wer to these Questions following First Whether the New Statute and Commission made in the last Parliament were against the kings Prerogative or no To which they all answered It was Secondly How they ought to be punished that procured the said Statute and Commission to be made They answered with one assent that they deserved death except the king would pardon them Thirdly How they ought to be punished who moved the King to consent to the making of the said Statute and Commission They answered They ought to lose their lives unlesse the King would pardon them Fourthly How they ought to be punished that comâ—elled the king to the making of that Statute They answered They ought to suffer as Traitours Fiftly Whether the king might cause the Parliament to proceed upon Articles by him limited before they proceeded to any other They answered That in this the king â—hould over-rule and if any presumed to doe contrary he was to be punished as a Traitour Sixthly Whether the king might not at his pleasure disâ—olve the Parliament and command the Lords and Commons to depart They all answered He might Seventhly Whether the Lords and Commons might without the kings will impeach Officers and Justices upon their offences in Parliament or no It was answered They might not and he that attempted contrary was to suffer as a Traitour Eightly How he is to be punished who moved in the Parliament that the Statute wherein Edward the Second was indicted in Parliament might be sent for by iâ—spection of which Statute that present Statute was deâ—ised It was answered That as well he that moved it as he that brought the 〈◊〉 into the House were to be punished as Traitours Ninthly Whether the Judgement given in Parliament against Michael de la Poâ—le were erronious and revocable They answered It was erronious and revocableâ— and that if the Judgement were now to be given the Justices would not give the same In witnesse of the Premises the Justices aforesaid to these Presents have set their Seales in the presence of Alexander Archbishop of Yorke Robâ—â—t Arcbishop of Dublin Iohn Bishop of Durham Thomas Bishop of Chester Iohn Bishop of â—â—ngâ—r Robert Duke of Ireland Michael Earle of Suffolk Iohn Ripon Clerk and Iohn Blake At this time the Londoners incurred much obloquie For having before beene pardoned by the king of some crimeâ—â—aid to their charge they were now ready to comply with the king in his desires and thereupon being impannelled they indicted some Lords of many crimes informed against them But not onely the Justices aforesaid but all other Justices and Sheriffes of the Realme were called at this time to Nottingham the chiefe cause was to understand what power of men they could assure the king of to serve him against the Lords and further that where he meanâ— shortly to call a Parliament they should so use the matter that no knight or Burgesse should be chosen but such as the King and his Councell should name To which the Sheriffes made answer that it lay not in their power to assemble any forces against the Lords who were so well beloved And as for choosing knights and Burgesses the Commons would undoubtedly look to enjoy their antient liberties and could not be hinâ—ered But yet the king and the Duke of Ireland sent into all parts of the Realme to raise men in this quarrell against the Lords Whereof the Duke of Glocester being advertised he came secretly to Conference with the Earles of Arundell Warwick and Darby who upon consultation determined to talke with the king with their Forces about them and the king on the other part tooke advice how he might apprehend them apart and thereupon sent the Earle of Northumberland and others to the Castle of Rygate to take the Earle of Arundell who lay there at that time but howsoever it fortuned they faâ—â—ed of their purpose After this he sent others to apprehend him but he being warned by a messenger from the Duke of Glocester conveyed himselfe away by night and by morning was come to Haringey-Parke where he found the Duke of Glocester and the Earle of Warwick with a great power of men about them The king hearing of this Assembly at Hariâ—gey-Parke called his Councell to heare their opinions what was fit to be done Some were of opinion that the king should assemble his friends and joyning them with the Londoners give them battell the chiefest of this minde was the Archbishop of York Others thought best the king should seeke to appease the Lords with faire promises till a fitter opportunity to suppresse them But the king not yet resolved what course to take caused onely order to be taken that no Citizen of Londâ—n should sell to the Duke of Glocester the Earle of Arundell or to any other of the Lords any armour or furniture of warre under a great paine But for all this the Lords proceeded in their course and sent the Arcbishop of Canterbury the Lord Iohn Lovell the Lord Cobham and the Lord Iohn Devereux requiring to have delivered to them such as were about the king that were Traitours and Seducers both of him and the Realme and further to declare that their Assembling was for the honour and wealth both of him and the kingdome The Duke of Ireland the Earle of Suffolk and two or three other about the king perâ—wadâ—d him to offer Callâ—â— to the king of France to have his assistance against the Lords Withall the king seat to the Major of London requiring to know how many able men the City could make To which the Major answered that he thought it could make Fifty thousand men at an houres warning Well then said the king goe and prove what will be done But when the Major went about it he was answered They would never fight against the kings friends and defenders of the Realme At the same time the Earle of Northumberland said to the king Sir there is no doubt but these Lords have alwaies been and still are your true and faithfull subjects though now distemper'd by certaine persons about you that seeke to oppresse them therefore my advice is that you send to them to come before your presence in some publick place and I verily believe they will shew such reasons of their doings that you will hold them excused The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely Lord Chancellour and other of the Bishops there present approved all of the Earles advice whereupon the king sent the Archbâ—shop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely to the Lords requiring them to come to him to Westminster on Sunday then next following which upon oath given by the Archbishop and the Chancellour that no fraud nor
evill practice should be used against them they were content to doe But when the Lords were ready to come at the day appointed they heard of an Ambush laid to intrap them at the Mewes and thereupon stayed so as they came not at the time appointed Whereupon the king asking why they came not according to their promise It was answered because hee kept not his promise there being an Ambush of a Thousand armed men laid to surpâ—ize them at the Mewes The king hearing this was astonied and swore he knew of no such thing and commanded presently the place should be searched but it was true an ambush was laid but not at the Mewes but in a place aâ—out Westminster where Sir Thomas Tryvet and Sir Nicholas Brember had assembled them This one action might have made the king sensible of his favorites abusing his authority but that where affection makes the construction all things are taken in a good sense or was it perhaps they had a VVarrant dormant to prosecute the kings ends without the kings knowledge Yet the Lords after this receiving a safe conduct from the king came to Westminster of whose comming when the king heard hee apparelled himselfe in his royall-Robes and with his Scepter in his hand came into the great Hall before whom the Lords upon their knees presented themselves the king bidding them welcome and taking each of them by the hand Then the lord Chancellor making a speech wherein he blamed them for raysing of Armes and requiring to know the cause they answered They had done it for the good of the King and kingdome and to take away the Traâ—tors about the King Upon this the king himself spake asking him whether they thought to compel him by strong hand have not I saith he sufficieÌ„t men to beat you down truly in this behalf I make no more account of you then of the basest skullion in my kytchin yet after these great words he lift up the Duke of Glocester who all this while was kneeling and commanded the rest also to rise and then led them courteously to his chamber where they sate and dranke together And finally it was concluded they should all meete againe as well these Lords as those they accused at the next Parliament which the king promised to call speedily and each party to receive there according to Justice and in the meane time all parties to be in the kings protection But when the Favorite Lords heard this they told the king plainly they neither durst nor would put themselves to the hazard of such a meeting and therfore the Duke of Ireland and the rest of that faction left the Court to bee out of the way But the king not enduring their absâ—nce appâ—lâ—ted Thomas Mollineux Constable of â—he castle of Chester to rayse an Army and to safe-conduct the duke of Ireland to him But â—â—ey being come as far as Radcoat-bridge were encounâ—red by the Earle of Darby and the Duke of Ireland not dâ—ring to joyne battell with him fled and being to passe a River cast away his gantlets and sword to bee the more nimble and giving his horse the spur leapt into the river and so escaped that when these things were afterwards found it was verily thought hee had been drowned till news came he was got into Holland where being no very welcome guest hee went from thence into the Bishoprick of Vtricht and after two or three yeeres scambling about in manner of a fugitive at Lovaine in Brabant he ended his life A man of many good parts and worthy enough of his Princes favor if with that favor he had not grown proud and in that pride injurious and insulting over others no lesse deserving then himselfe Hee was valiant enough against any man but the Earle of Dâ—rby and of him indeede both the Genius of the Duke of Ireland and of King Richard himselfe seemed to stand in feare for neither of them durst meet him in the field though encouraged to it by those about them About this time the Duke of Suffolke doubting some plots laid to surprize him fled over to Câ—llis in disguise shaving his beard and counterfeiting himselfe a Poulterer to sell certain foule which hee had gotten but being come to Callis was by the Lord William Beauchampe Deputy of the Town sent back into England whom the King notwithstanding permited to goe at large to make it be thought hee was more afraid then hurt more suspicious then he needed By this time the Lords hâ—d gotten matter enough against the King at least to justifie their Armes and thereupon with an Army of forty thousand men they came to London where after some debate they were received and then the Duke of Gloucester the Earles of Darby and Nottingham went to the King in the Tower to whom after humble salutations they shewed the Letter which he had written to the Duke of Ireland to levy an Army for their destruction likewise the Letters which the French King had written to him conteining a safe conduct for him to come into France there to doe Acts to his own dishonor and the kingdoms This done upon the Kings promise that he would come the next day to Westminster to treate further of these matters the Lords departed only the Earles of Nottingham and Darby at the Kings instance stayed all night but before the King went to bed his minde was cleane altered for keeping his promise to meete the Lords the next day at Westminster which the Lords understanding they sent peremptorily to him that if he came not according to his promise they would choose another king that should hearken to the faithfull Counsell of his Lords This touched the king so to the quick that the next morning he went and met the Lords who there declared to him how much it concerned the good of the kingdome that those Traitours so often spoken of should be removed from the Court To which the king though much against his will yet at last condiscended And thereupon presently Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York and Thomas Rushoke Bishop of Chichester and Confessour to the king were expelled the Court who not willing to come to after-reckonings fled no man knew whither They expelled also Iohn Fourdham Bishop of Durham Lord Treasurer the Lord Zouch of Haringworth the Lord Burvell the Lord Beaumont Albery de Veere Baldwin de Bereford Richard Adderbury Iohn Worth Thomas Clifford and Iohn Lovel knights but constreined to put in Sureties to appeare at the next Parliament Also certaine Ladies were expelled the Court as the Lady Poynings the Lady Mouling and others bound to appeare at the next Parliament There were also arrested and committed to severall Prisons Sir Symon Burley William Elmham Iohn Beauchamp Steward of the kings house Sir Iohn Salisbery Sir Thomas Trivet Sir Iames Berneys Sir Nicolas Dagworth and Sir Nicolas Brember knights Also Richard Clifford Iohn Lincolne Richard Mitford the kings Chaplains Nicolas Sclake Deane of the kings Chappell and Iohn
told the King Their brother perhaps might let fall some unadvised words but they knew his heart to be true and faithfull Yet doubting how far the King might presse upon them to answer for their brothers faithfulnes they retired from Court which gave the Dâ—kes enemies time to incense the King farther against him It happened that the Duke of Glocester had with him one day at his house the Abbot of S. Albans that was his Godfather and the Prior of Westminster and after dinner falling in talke with them amongst other communications the Duke required the Prior to tell truth whether he had any Vision the night before To which the Prior was loath at first to make a direct Answer but at last being earnestly requested as well by the Abbot as the Duke he confessed that he had a Vision indeed which was that the Realme of England should be destroyed through the Misgovernance of K. Richard By the Virgin Mary said the Abbot I had the very same Vision Whereupon the Duke presently disclosed to them all the secrets of his minde and by their devices contrived an assembly of divers great Lords of the Realme to meet at Arundell-Castle that day Fortnightâ— at which time he appointed to be there himselfe with the Earles of Dâ—rby Arundell Marshâ—ll and Wâ—rwick also the Archbishop of Canterbury the Abbot of S. Albans the Prior of Westminster with divers others And accordingly all these met at Arundell Castle at the day appointed where receiving first the Sacrament by the hands of the Archbishop of Canterbury to be assistant each to other in all such matters as they should determine They resolved to seize upon K. Richard and upon the Dukes of Lancaster and York and commit them to Prison and all the other Lords of the Kings Councell they determined should be drawne and hanged But the Earle Marshall that was Deputy of Calliâ— and had maried the Earle of Arundels daughter discovered all their Counsell to the King who thereupon by a plot devised by his Councell tooke his brother the Earle of Huntington with him and rising from supper rode that night to the Duke of Glocesters house at Plashey in Essex When the King came thither the Duke was a-bed but informed of it cast his cloake about his shoulders and came down bidding the Kings Grace with all reverence welcome The King courteously requested him to goe and make him ready for that he must needs ride with him a little way to conferre of some busines The Duke presently made him ready and came downe and as soone as the King and his Company was gone a little way from the house and the Duke with him the Earle Marshall arrested the Duke as he had been appointed to doe by the King who immediately was sent to Callis where after some time he was dispatched of his life either strangled or else smothered with pillowes as some write At the very same time was the Earle of Arundell apprehended by the Earles of Rutland and Kent the Earle of Warwick also when the King had invited him to dinner and shewed him very good countenance was taken and arrested in the place As likewise at the same time were apprehended and committed to the Tower the Lord Iohn Cobham and Sir Iohn Châ—yny Shortly after the King procured them to be indicted at Nottingham suborning such as should appeale them in Parliament namely Edward Earle of Rutland Thomâ—â— Mowbray Earle Marshall Thomâ—s Holland Earle of Kent Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington Thomas Beaufort Earle of Somerset Iohn Montacute Earle of Salisbury Thomas L. Spenser and the Lord William Scroope L. Chamberlaine and in the meane time the King sent for a Power of Cheshiâ—â— men to keep Watch and Ward about his person On the 17. of September a Parliament began at Westminster wherein the King complained as well of many things done by the Lords in his Minority as also of the hard dealing which they had used towards the Queen who was three houres at one time on her knees before the Earle of Arundell for one of her Esquires named Iohn Calverley who neverthelesse had his head smitten from his shoulders and all the answer she could get was this Madame pray for your selfe and your Husband and let this suit alone Those that set forth the Kings grievances in this Parliament were Iohn Bushie William Bagot and Thomas Greene. The cause of aâ—sembling the Parliament was shewed that the King had called it for reformation of divers transgressions against the Peace of his Land by the Duke of Glocester the Earles of Arundell Warwick and others Then Sir Iohn Bushie Speaker of the Parliament made request on behalfe of the Commonalty that they might be punished according to their deservings and specially the Archbishop of Canterburyâ— who then â—ate next the king whom he accused of high Treason When the Archbishop began to answer Sir Iohn Bushie besought the king that he might not be admitted to answer lest by his great wit and cunning he might lead men away to believe him And here Sir Iohn Bushie in all his talke did not attribute to the king Titles of honour due and â—ccustomed but such as were fitter for the Majestie of God then for any Earthly Prince And when the Archbishop was constrained to keepe silence Sir Iohn Bushie proceeded requiring on the behalfe of the Commons that the Charters of Pardon granted to the Duke of Glocester and the Earles of Arundell and Warwick should be revoked The king for his part protested that they were drawne from him by compulsion and therefore besought them to deliver their opinions what they thought thereof whereupon the Bishops first gave their sentence that the said Pardons were revocable and might be called in but pretending a scrupulosity as if they might not with safe consciences be present where Judgement of Blood should passe they appointed a Lay-man to be their Prolocutor for that turne The Temporall Lords likewise gave their sentence that the Pardons were revocable onely the Judges and Lawyers were not of this opinion But howsoever the Archbishop of Câ—nterbury is hereupon condemned to perpetuall Exile and appointed to avoyd the Realme within sixe weekes Also the Earle of Arundell is by the Duke of Laâ—caster who sate that day as High Steward condemned of Treason and on the Tower-hill beheaded There went to see the execution divers Lords amongst whom was the Earle of Nottingham that had maried his daughter and the Earle of Kent that was his daughters sonne to whom at the place of his execution he said Truly it would have beseemed you rather to bee absent then here at this businesse but the time will come ere long that as many shall marvell at your misfortune as they doe now at mine After his death a Fame went that his head was grown to his body againe whereupon the tenth day after his buriall his body by the kings appointment was taken up and then found to be a Fable After this the Lord Thomas
among them In this meane time king Henry not acquainted with this Conspiracy caused a Proclamation to bee made intimating that the Earle of March had voluntarily caused himself to bee taken prisoner to the end the Rebels having him in their custody might pretend some colour for their Conspiracy and therefore hee had small reason to take care for his deliverance Hereupon the Percies assisted with a company of Scots and drawing to their party the Earle of Stafford and Richard Scroope Archbishop of Yorke and many other purposed to joyne with the Captain of the Welch but first they framed certaine Articles against the king and sent them to him in writing That hee had falsified his Oath given at his landing swearing that he came but only to recover his Inheritance and would not meddle with the King or with the Crowne That most trayterously hee had taken Armes against his Soveraigne Lord Imprisoned him and then most barbarouusly caused him to be murthered That ever since the death of king â—ichard he had unjustly kept the Crown from his kinsman Edmund Mâ—rtimer Earl of March to whom of right it belonged That upon no occasion hee had imposed divers Taxes upon the people That by his Letters hee procured Burgesses and Knights of the Parliament to bee chosen for which causes and many other they defyed him and vowed his destruction and the restoring of the Earle of March to his right King Henry could not but know that all these Articles against him were true yet seeing the knowing it hindred him not from seeking to get the Crowne when hee had it not it could lesse hinder him from seeking to keep it now that he had it and if he were able being a private man to get it from a King he was likely to bee more able being now a king to keepe it from privatâ— men and as for any objections that Conscience could make he had enough to answere them all For if his Title were good against king Richard by his Resignation it was as good against Mortimer by his swearing Allegiance and upon these grounds with a minde as confident as if all cyrcumstances were of his side he raysed an Army and marched towards the Lords taking care they might by no meanes joyne with the Welch and about Shrewsbury on Saturday S. Mary Magdalens Eve hee encountred them in which fight though the Scots and Henry Hotspur shewed much valour yet the victory rested on the kings side Hotspur himselfe was slayne the Earle of Worcester was taken prisoner together with Sir Richard Vernon Sir Theobald Trussel the Baron of Kinderton and the rest fled On the kings part besides the Earle of Stafford who had that morning revolted from the Conspirators were slaine Sir Hugh Sherley Sir Cliftonâ— Sir Iohn Cockayn Sir Nicholas Gausell Sir Walter Blunt Sir Iohn Calverley Sir Iohn Massie of Puddingtrâ— Sir Hugh Mortimer and Sir Robert Gausell all which had beene but that morning dubbed knights with Sir Thomas Wendsley who died afterwards of his wounds of common Souldiers about sixteene hundred but of the Conspirators above six thousand whereof 36 the king slew with his own hand but was once unhorsed by Dowglasse who in his presence slew Sir Walter Blunt with divers others that day in all things attired like to the king for which exployt Dowglasse being after by the fall of his horse taken prisoner was by the kings command carefully attended and without Ransom set at liberty In this batttell the young Prince Henry though wounded in the face with an Arrow yet was not wounded in his courage but continued fighting still After this victory the king caused publique thanks to bee given to God and then caused the Earle of Worcester to bee beheaded and many others of that Rebellion to bee drawne hanged and quartered and their heads placed on London Bridge And then the king sent his sonne Henry Prince of Wales with his whole Army into that Country but before his comming Owen Glendour was abandoned by all his Company and lurking in the woods was there famished many of his associats were taken and put to death Whilest the Prince was in Wales Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland of his own accord came and submitted himselfe to the king protesting his innocency aâ— not being once acquainted with any intent of Treason and Rebellion whose excuse the king received for the present with gentle language the rather for that hee had the possession of Barwick Castle and other places of strength in his power but yet he wiped not off the score of his misdemeanors out of his minde And now with the fourth yeere of his Reigne ended all the great Troubles of this k. Henry the fourth those that follow are but such accidents as are frequent in all times both abroad and at home The Britans under the leading of the Lord of Castiles spoyled the Towne of Plimouth In revenge whereof the Western-men under the command of William Wilford set forth â— Fleete which arriving in Britaine tooke forty ships laden with Oyle and Wines and burnt forty more Againe the French landed a thousand men in the Wightâ— where they got together a great booty of Cattell but the Islanders comming upon them tooke away their booty and made many of them leave their Carkases for a booty to the â—sland Yet the French would not leave so but a while after as having gotten new spirits they cast Anchor before the Isle of Wight and require no lesse then to have the Island into their possession but a resolute answere of the Islanders frighted them away and made them glad they were gone Soone after this the Duke of Orleance brother to the French king in a vaunting stile sent a challenge to king Henry to meete him in the field each of them to have a hundred in his Company to which the king answered That for his own valour it had sufficiently been tryed and for this challenge of the Dukes neither the Person nor the Cause were worthy of his undertaking Upon this refusall of the kings divers taunts and jeeres were bandied beâ—weene them till at last the Duke in great passion falls upon Vergie a Towne in Guyen but after three moneths assaulting it being valiantly defended by Sir Robert Anâ—field and three hundred Englishmen he was glad to give over with losse and returne into France Presently upon this the Admirall of Britaine accompanied with the Lord du Castile and thirty saile of ships attempted to land at Dertmouth in Devonshire but were repelled and the Lord du Castile and two of his brothers and foure hundred of his men were slaine besides two hundred taken Prisoners of whom the Lord Baquevile Marshall of Britaine was one After this five hundred men of armes five hundred Crosse-bowes and a thousand Flemmings under the conduct of the Earle of S. Paul laid siege to the Castle of Marâ—k three leagues frâ—m Câ—llice but first by Sir Philip Hall Captaine of Callice and after by Sir Richard Aston
Lieutenant of the English pale they were forced to retire and flye The Earle of S. Paul escaped to S. Omers but left many of his men of quality behind him and more taken Prisoners After this Thomas Duke of Clarence the Kings second sonne and the Earle of Kent with competent Forces entred the Haven of Sluce where they burnt foure ships riding at anchour and then returned to the reliefe of Callis besieged at that time by the French and in the way tooke three Carricks of Gâ—noua richly laden and brought them into the Chamber of Rye And these were the troubles of this King abroad But now at home the Reliques of the former Northerne Rebellion began to revive for now Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland Richard Scroope Archbishop of Yorke Thomas Mowbray Earle Marshall the Lords Hastings Fawconbridge and Bardolfe with divers others conspired at a time appointed to meet upon Yorkswould-Downes and there to bid defiance to king Henry Articles of Grievances were framed and set up in all publick places which drew multitudes to be partakers of the enterprize But now Ralph Nevill Earle of Westmeâ—land with the Lord Iohn the Kings third sonne the Lords Henry Fitz-Hughes Ralph Evers and Robert Vmphrevile make head against them and comming into a Plaine in the Forrests of Galltree they sate down right against the Archbishop and his Forces which were twenty thousand and Westmerland perceiving the Enemies forces to be farre more than theirs he used this policie he sent to the Archbishop demanding the reason why he would raise Forces against the king who answering that his Armes were not against the king but for his owne defence whom the king upon the instigation of Sycophants had threatned withall he sent him a scrowle of their grievances which Westmerland read and seemed to approve and thereupon desired a conference with him The Archbishop more credulous then wise perswaded the Earle Marshall to goe with him to the place appointed to conferre the Articles are read and allowed of and thereupon Westmerland seeming to commiserate the souldiersâ— having beene in armour all day and weary wished the Archbishop to acquaint his Party as he would his with this their mutuall agreement and so shaking hands in most Courtly friendship dranke unto him whereupon the souldiers were willed to disband and repaire home which they had no sooner done but a Troâ—p of horse which in a colourable manner had made a shew to depart wheeled about and afterwards returned and being come in â—ight the Earle of Westmerland arrested both the Arcbishop and the Earle Marshall and brought them both Prisoners to the king at Poâ—fret who passing from thence to York the Prisoners likewise were carried thither and the next day both of them beheaded At Durham the Lords Hastings and Fâ—wconbridge with two knights were executed Northumberland with the Lord Bardolfe fled first to Barwick and after into Scotland where they were entertained by David Lord Flemming whereupon the king gave summons to the Castle of Barwick which at first they refused to obey but upon the planting and discharging of a Piece they presently yeelded without composition and here William Greystock Henry Baynton and Iohn Blinkâ—nsop knights and five other were presently put to execution and many others committed to severall Prisons About this time Iames sonne and heire of Robert king of Scotland a childe of nine yeares old attended by the Earle of Orkney as he was sailing into France was taken by certaine Mariners of Norfolk who brought him to the King at Windsor the 30. of March 1408. and the King sent them to the Tower of London Northumberland and Bardolfe after they had been in Wales France and Flanders to raise a Power against King Henry returned back into Scotland and after a yeere with a great Power of Scots entred England and came into Yorkshire making great spoyle and waste as they passed but Sir Thomas Rokesby Sheriffe of Yorke levying the forces of the County upon Bramham-moore gave them battell in which Northumberland was slaine Bardolfe taken but wounded to death and the rest put to flight About this time also Sir Robert Vmphrevile Vice-admirall of England with ten men of warre entred Scotland burnt their Gallyâ—t and many other ships over against Lieth and brought away with him fourteen tall ships laden with corne and other staple commodities which at his returne he sent into the Markets round about and thereby brought down the prizes of all things and purchased to himselfe the name of Mend-market The Prince had been a Student In Queenes Colledge in Oxford under the tuition of his Unkle Henry Beaufort Chancellor of that University afterwards Bishop of Lincolâ—e and Winchester and lastly made a Cardinall by the title of Eusebius From Oxford the Prince was called to Court and the Lord Thomas Percy Earle of Worcester was made his Governour but comming afterward to be at his owne disposing whether being by nature valorous and not yet well stayed by time and experience oâ— whether incited by ill companions and emboldened by the opinion of his owne greatnesse he ranne into many courses so unworthy of a Prince that it was much doubted what he would prove when he came to be Prince Once it is said he lay in wait for the Receivers of his fathers Rents and in the person of a Thiefe set upon them and robbed them Another time when one of his companions was arraigned for felony before the Lord Chiefe Justice he went to the Kings Bench barre and offered to take the Prisoner away by force but being withstood by the Lord Chiefe Justice he stepped to him and struck him over the face whereat the Judge nothing abashed rose up and told him that he did not this affront to him but to the King his father in whose place he sate and therefore to make him know his fault he commanded him to be committed to the Fleete You would have wondred to see how calme the Prince was in his own cause who in the cause of his companion had been so violent for he quietly obeyed the Judges sentence and suffered himselfe to be led to Prison This passage was not a little pleasing to the King to thinke that he had a Judge of such courage and a Sonne of such submission but yet for these and such other pranks he removed him from being President of the Councell and placed in it his third sonne Iohn This made the Prince so sensible of his fathers displeasure that he thought it necessary to seek by al means to recover his â—ood opinion which he endeavored to doe by a way as strange as that by which he lost it for attiring himselfe in a garment of blew Sattin wrought all with Eylet-holes of black silke at every hole the needle hanging by which it was sowed and about his arme a thing in fashion of a hounds collar studded with SS of gold he came to the Court at Westminster to whom the King though not well in health caused himselfe in
withall made the Bishop sweare that if the said Iohn and Gaunt should at any time either directly or indirectly attempt the Crown or that rightfully through want of issue it should devolve unto him that then he should discover this matter and make it known unto the King and Councell Afterward the Queen being dead and the Bishop finding Iohn of Gaunt as he thought too much aspiring he secretly told him this relation and this adjuration of his supposed mother advising him not to seeke higher than a private state for else he was bound by oath to make it known to all the World Thus far the Bishop did well but when he saw the Son of Iohn of Gaunt not only aspiring but possessed of the Crown why did he not then discover it and joyn at least with the Bishop of Caâ—lile in opposing it Certainly we may know that either the whole relation was but a Fable or that Wickham was a Temporizer or that Iohn of Gaunt was a most patient man to suffer the affront of such an indignity with lâ—sse than the death of him that did it But howsoever it was it is certain the Duke bore a mortall grudge to the Bishop who had no way to withstand such an enemy but by making Alice Pierce his friend by whose means after two years he was restored to all his livings and afterward K. Edward being dead and Alice Pierce banished by the means of a greater friend than Alice Pierce his full ourse he obteined in the second year of k. Richard a generall pardon under the Great Seale of England and from that time forward enjoyed a quiet life and dyed in the fourth yeare of this King Henry the fourth being then of the age of above 80 years and lieth buried in the Church of St. Swithenâ— in VVinchester in a monument of his own making in his life time leaving for his heire Thomas Perrot the son of his sister Agnes married to VVilliam Perrot Another great example of the volubility of Fortune in Professors of learning was Roger VValden who dyed in the ninth yeare of this King he was at first a poor Scholler in Oxford and the first step of his rising was to be a Chaplain in the Colledge there of St. Maries from thence by degrees he got to be Dean of Yorke and after this a high step to be Treasurer of England and yet a higher after that upâ—n the banishment of Thomas Arundell to be Archbishop of Canterbury But beinâ— now at the top he came down again for in this kings time Thomas Arundell beiâ—g restored to the Archbishopricke VValden was not only put out of â—hat place 〈◊〉 was called to accompt for the Treasureâ—ship and though he shewed hiâ— quietus est yet all his Temporalties were seized and his person imprisoned till by the mediation of the now Archbishop Arundell he was made Treasurer of Calice and after promoted to be Bâ—shop of London The next place after these is justly due to Geoffry Châ—ucer and Iohn Gower two famous Poets in this time and the Fathers of English Poets in all the times after Chaâ—cer dyed in the fourth yeare of this king and lyeth buried at VVestminster Gower in this kings ninth yeare and was buried in St. Mary Overys Church in Southwarke And now come others to be remembred who lived and died in this kings time Hugh Legate born in Hartfordshire a Monke of St. Albons who wrote Scholies upon Boetius de Consolatione Nicholas Gorham born also in Hartfordshire a Dominick Frier and the French kings Confessor though an Englishman VValteâ— Disse so called of a Town in Norfolke where he was borne Confessor to the Duke of Lancaster Lawrence Holbeck a Monke of Ramsey who wrote an Hebrew Dictionary Iohn Cotton Archbishop of Armagh Richâ—rd Scroope brother to William Scroope Lord Treasurer of England made Archbishop of Yorke and writing an invective against King Henry lost his head William Thorpe an earnest follower of Iohn Wickliffe for which he was committed to Saltwood Castle where he dyed Stephen Patrington born in Yorkâ—shire and Robert Mascall a Carmelite Frier of Ludlow both of them Confessors to king Henry the fifth Boston a Monke of the Abbey of Burie in Suffolke who wrote a Catalogue of all the Writers of the Church and other Treatises Iohn Purvey who was convented for teaching Doctrine conâ—rary to the Church of Rome and compelled to recant Thomas Rudburne Bishop of S. Davids who wrote a Chronicle Nicolas Riston who considering the strife between the then Anti-popes wrote a booke De tollendo schismate Robert Wansham a Monke in Darâ—etshire who wrote a booke in verse Of the Originall and signification of Words Robert Wimbledon an excellent Preacher as appâ—arâ—th by the Sermon he made upoâ— this Text Redde rationem Villicatioâ—is tuae THE REIGNE OF KING HENRY THE FIFTH HENRY of Monmouth so called from the place in Wales where he was born eldest Son of King Henry the fourth succeeded his Father in the kingdom of England to whom the Lords of the Realm swore Homage and Allegiance before he was yet Crowned an honor never done before to any of his Predecessors and afterwards on the ninth of Aprill in the yeare 1412 he was Crowned at Westminster by Thomas Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury with all Riâ—es and Solemnities in such case accustomed And as the Scripture speaks of Saul that assoone as Samuel had annointed him King he had a new heart given him and he became another man than he was before So was it with this king Henry for presently after his Coronation he called before him all his old Companions who had been frâ—tres in malo with him strictly charging them not to preâ—ume to come within ten miles of his Court untill such time as they had given good proofe of their amendment in manners and least any of them should pretend want of maintenance to be any cause of their taking ill courses he gave to every one of them a competent meanes whereby to subsist And knowing as he did the fashion of the Scots and Welch that in times of change they would commonly take advaâ—tage to make Inroades upon the Borders he therefore caâ—sed Forts and Bulwarks in fit places to be erected and placed Garrisons in them for preventing or repelling any such incuâ—sions Immediately after this he called a Parliament where a Subsidie was granted without asking and in this Parlâ—ament the Commons began to harp upon their old string of taking away the Temporalties of the Clergie and the Bishops fearing how it might take in the kings ears thought it best to divert him by striking upon another string which they knew would be more pleasing to him which was to shew him the great right he had to the Crown of France And hereupon Chicheley Archbishop of Câ—nterbury in a long narration deduced the kings Right from Isâ—bel Daughter to Philip the fourth married to king Edward the second from whom it discended by direct line to his Majesty and no
hinderance of enjoying it buâ— pretension of the Salâ—que laws which said he was neither according to the law of God nor yet intended at first to that Nation and though his Predecessors by reason of other incumbrances forbore to prosecute their Claime yet he being free from all such incumbrances had no lesse power than right to do it This indeed struck upon the right string of the kings inclination for as he affected nothing more than true glory so in nothing more than in Warlike actions Hereupon nothing was now thought of but the Conquest of France First thereâ—ore he begins to alter in his Arms the bearing of Semy-de-Luces and quarters the three Flower Deluces as the Kings of Fraâ—ce then bare them and that he might not be thought to steale advantage but to do it fairly he sent Embassadours to Charles the sixth then king of France requiring in peaceable manner the surrender of the Crown of Fraâ—ce which if he would yeeld unto then King Henry would take to Wife his Daughter Katherine but if he refused to do it then King Henry would with fire and sword enforce it from him or lose his life The Ambassadorâ— sent were the Duke of Exeter the Archbishop of Dublin the Lord Gray the Lord High Admirall and the Bishop of Norwich with five hundred horse who comming to the Court of Fâ—ance were at first received and feasted with all the honor and shew of kindnes that â—â—ght be but assoone as their message was delivered and that it was knowne what they câ—me about the copy of their entertainment was altered and they were sent away with as little complement as they werâ— before received with honor only told that the king would speedily make Answer to the King their Master by his owne Ambassadors and speedily indeed he did it for the Earle of Vendosme William Bâ—â—â—tier Archbishop of Bourges Peter Fresnel Bishop of Lyseaâ—x with others were arrived in England assoone almost as the Eâ—glish were returnedâ— But being come the Archbishop of Bourges made a long Oration in the praise of Peace concluding with the tender of the Lady Kâ—theriâ—e and 50000 Crowns with her in Dower besides some Towns of no great importance To which King Hâ—â—â—y by the Archbishop of Caâ—terbury made Answer That these offers were trifles and that without yeelding to his demands he would never desist from that he intended and with this Answer the French Ambassadors were dismissed It is sayd that about this time the Dâ—lphiâ— who in the King of France his sicknes managed the State sent to King Henry a Tonne of Tennis Balls in derision of his youth as fitter to play with them then to manage Armâ— which king Heâ—ry tooke in such scorne that he promised with an oath it should not be long ere he would tosse such iron bâ—lls amongst them that the best armes in France should not be able to hold a Racket to râ—turâ—e thâ—m And now all things are prepared and in a readines for the kings journey into France his men shipped and himselfe ready to go on shipbâ—â—rd when sodainly a Treason was discovered against his Person plotted by Richard Earle of Cambridge Hâ—â—â—y Lord Scroope of Masham Lord Treasurer and Thomas Grey Earle of Nâ—â—thuâ—berlâ—â—d and plotted and procured by the French Agents These being apprehâ—â—ded and upon examination confessing the Treason and the money which was sayd to be a Million of Gold by them for that end received were all of them immediately put to death From this Richard Earle of Cambridge second Sonne of Edmund of Lâ—â—gleâ— did Richard afterward Duke of Yorke claime and recover the Crown from the Laâ—castrian Family This execution done and the winde blowing faire king Henry weighs Anchor and with a Fleet of 1200 Sayle Grafton saith but 140 ships but Enguerant saith 1600 attended with six thousand spears and 24000 Fooâ— besides Engineers and labourers he puts to Sea and on our Lady Eve landeth at Caux where he made Proclamation that no man upon paine of death should robbe any Church or offer violence to any that were found â—narmed and from thence passing on he besieged Harâ—lew which when no succour came within certain dayes agreed upon the Town was surrendred and sacked Of this Towne he made the Duke of Exeter Captain who left there for his Lievetenant Sir Iohn Fâ—lstoffe with a Garrison of 1500 men It is said that when king Henry entred Hâ—râ—lew he passed along the streets bare foot untill he came to the Church of St. Martin where with great devotion he gave most humble thanks to God for this his first atchieved Enterprize From thence he marched forward and comming to the River of Soame he found all the Bridges broken whereupon he passed on to the bridge of Sr. Maxenae where 30000 French appearing he pitcht his Campe expecting to be fought with and the more to encourage his men he gave the â—rder of knighthood to Iohn Lord Ferrers of Groby Reynold Graystocke Percy Tempâ—sâ— Christopher Morisby Thomas Pickering William Huddleston Henry Mortimer Iohâ— Hosbalton Philip Hall but not perceiving the Freâ—ch to have any minde to fighâ— he marched by the Town of Aâ—yens to Bowâ—s and there stayed two dayes expecâ—â—ing battell and from thence marched to Corby where the Peasants of the Counâ—ry with certain men of Arms sent from the Dolphiâ— charged the right wing of the English which was led by Hugh Stafford Lord Boâ—rchier and wonne away his Standard but was recovered againe by Iohn Bromeley of Bromeley a Commander in the Loâ—â— Staffords Regiment who with his own hand slew him that had taken the Coloâ—â—â—â— and then taking them up displayed the same with sight whereof the English were so encouraged that they presently roâ—ted the Freâ—ch and put them to flight which valiant exploit the Lord Stafford recompenced by giving to Bromeley an Aâ—â—â—ity of fifty pounds a yeare out of his lands in Staffordshire After this the king marched towards Callice so strictly observing his Proclamation against Church robbingâ— that when one was complained of for having taken a silver Pyxe â—ut of a Church he not only caused the same to be restored but the souldier also to be hanged which point of Discipline both â—ept the reâ—â— from offending in that kinde and drew the people of the Country under hand to relieve his men with all things necessary The French king hearing that king Heâ—ry had passed the River of Sâ—ame by advice of his Councell who yet were divided in opinion sent Montjoy the French king at Arms to defye king Henry and to let him know he should be fought with which king Henrâ— though his Army was much infected with Feavers whereof the Earl of Stafford the Bishop of Norwich the Lords Molines and Burnell were lately deadâ— yet he willingly heard and rewarded the Herald for his meâ—â—age and first having cleered a passage over a bridge where of necessity he was to passe on the 22 of October he passed over with his Army At which time the
a terrour into the besiegers that they stood like men amazed of whom six hundred were slaine two hundred drowned in the ditches fifty taken prisoners with eighteen Standards and the Constable was glad to quit the place and give over the Siege At the same time also the Earle of Warwick and the L. Scales with seven thousand besieged Ponterson many weekes together but Povâ—sion waxing scant the Lord Scales with three thousand men went a forraging into the Enemies Country and in his returne with plenty of provision was encountred with six thousand French of whom he slew many hundreds tooke above a thousand prisoners and then returned safe into the Campe. About this time also Sir Iohn Falstaffe besieged the strong Towne of Gravile which after twelve dayes offered to render it selfe by a day if it were not relieved The offer was taken and Pledges delivered but before the day came they within â—he Towne had victualled and manned the place and thereupon neglecting their Pledges refused to render the Castle according to agreement whereupon the Pledges were brought before the sight of them within the Castle and there openly put to death And now a conspiracy of the Clergie and Magistrates in Maunts so prevailed that the Marshals of France with five hundred men about midnight came to the Town-walls where the Guard of the English by those that seemed their friends were suddenly massacâ—ed and setting open the Gates made way for the Enemy to enter whereupon the Alarum given the Earle of Suffolk with the surviving English withdrew to the Castle wherein they were sharply assayled by the French who yet had more minde to ransack houses and to make good cheere whereof the Lord Tâ—lbot having intelligence by Captaine Goffe whom he had sent to discover the state of the French he secretly gave notice to the Earle of Suffolk who thereupon sallied forth of the Castle at a time when the Lord Tâ—lbot was ready with his Troopes and on both sides crying St. George a Tâ—lbot they fell upon the carelesse French who lost foure hundred of their best men the rest were all taken the Town re-gained and the Conspiratours thirty Citizens twenty Priests and fifteen Friers condemned and put to execution Whilst these things went on prosperously in France a great disaster fell out in England for the right Noble Thomas Beauford sonne of Iohn of Gâ—uâ—t and Katherine Swiâ—ford Duke of Exeter and Guardian of the King makes king Henry his heire and at East-Greenwich in Kent ended his life whose place was presently supplyed by the Earle of Warwick and the Earles place in France by the Earle of Salisbury who thereupon with five thousand men came to Orleaâ—ce and besieged the City and won from the French the great fort But here happened another great disaster for from an high tower in this fort the Besiegers observed the passages of the Townsmen when the Noble Earle of Salisbury intending to informe himselfe of the state of the Towne unfortunately looking out at a window of the fort with Sir Thâ—â—â—â— Gâ—rgrave a great shot from the Town striking the barres of the window the splinters thereof were driven into his head and face of which wounds within eight dayes he died This was now a second weakning to the English party but in his place the Earle of Suffolk succeeded to whom the Regent sendeth Sir Iohn Falsâ—â—â—â—â— with fresh supplies whom the Lord de la Brets nine thousand strong endeavours to intercept but Sir Iohn resolving to abide the charge placeth his cariages behind the horse next and the foot before lining his bowes with bill-men and pitching stakes behind the Archers who having discharged their first volley retired behind the stakes on which the French forgetting their former defeats by that course ran and goared their horses by which their Vaward being disordered the Battaile made a stand which Sir Iohn perceiving cryeth out St. George Theyâ—â—ie at which words they fled indeed and lost two thousand five hundred of their men with the Lords de la Brets and William Steward eleven hundred were taken Prisoners with whom and a rich booty they came to the Campe before Orleance Hereof the besieged having notice they offered to submit themselves to the Duke of Burgâ—igne who was contented to receive them so as the Regent would consent But the Regent consented not and therefore in the meane time the besieged made meanes to the Duke of Alâ—â—soâ— who furnished the Towne with fresh Forces and Provision which put such spirits into the Citizens that they made a sally out slew six hundred English and adventured upon the Bastile where the Lord Tâ—lbot commanded who repelled them with great slaughter of their men but yet the next day the Earle of Suffolk gave over his siege and dispersed his Army into their Garrisons And now the wheele of Fortune began to turn to the French against the English which once set a going was not easie to be stayed And first the Duke of Alâ—â—soâ— tooke by assault the Towne of Iargeux and in it the Earle of Suffolk and one of his brothers and slew Sir Alexander Pole another of his brothers and many other Prisoners in cold blood by reason of a contention amongst the French to whom the Prisoners should belong Presently upon this â—nother great blow was given the English for the Lords Talbot Scaleâ— and Hungerford going to foâ—tifie the Town of S. Meuâ— were encountred by the said Duke of Alâ—â—son and Arthur of Britaine with three and twenty thousand men with whom the English Lords interchanged some blowes but oppressed with multitude were all three taken prisoners all sore wounded twelve hundred of their company slaine and the rest hardly escaping to Meâ—â— where they fortified themselves the best they could against future assaults These were great blowes given to the English fortune in France Salisbury slaine and now Talbot taken prisoner which though they made her a little to totter yet there must be greater blowes given before she will fall And indeed these disasters were seconded by the perfidous surrender of many Townes and strong Holds to the French king who now encouraged by these successes marcheth into Champaigne where by composition he tooke Troyes the chiefe City of that Province Chaltoâ—s rebelleth and enforceth their Captaine to yield it up by whose example the Citizens of Rhemes doe the like where the French king is anew Proclaimed and with accustomed ceremonies Anointed and Crowned whereupon many Townes submit themselves to him and revolt from the English Upon this the Duke of Bedford to make the French know that all the English strength consisted not in onely Salisbury and Talbot with ten thousand English besides Normans marched out of Paâ—is and sent letters of defiance to the French king affirming that deceitfully and by unjust meanes he had stolne many Cities and places of importance belonging to the Crown of England which he was come to justifie by battell if he would appoint a time and place To which the
King and by him to his Councell who being most of the Clergie durst not meddle in them for offending â—he Cardinall On the other side the Cardinall finding nothing whereof directly to accuse the Duke of Glocester himselfe accuseth his or her selfe the Lady Cothamâ—he â—he Dukes wife of Treason for attempting by sorcery and witchcraft the death of the King and advancement of her husband to the Crown for which though acquiâ—ed of the Treason she is adjudged to open Penance namely to goe with a wax taper in her hand hoodlesse save a kerchiffe through London divers dayes together and after to remaine in perpetuall imprisonment in the Isle of Man The crime objected against her was procuring Thomas Southwell Iohn Hunne Priests Roger Bollingbrockâ— a supposed Necromancer and Margery Iourdan called the Witch of Eye in Suffolkeâ— to devise a picture of waxe in proportion of the king in such sort by sorcery that as the picture consumed so the kings body should consume for which they were all condemned the witch was burnt in Smithfield Bollingbrooke was hanged constantly affirming upon his death that neither the Dutchesse nor any other from her did ever require more of him than onely to know by his art how long the king should live Iohn Hunne had his pardon and Southwell dyed the night before he shouâ—d have been executed About this time the Countesse of Cominges being dead the king of France and the Earle of Arminiack are Competitors for the Inheritance The Earle takes possession but fearing the King of France his greatnesse makes offer of his daughter in mariage to the King of England with a large portion in money and besides to deliver full possession of all such Townes and Castles as were by him or his Ancestors detained in Aquitaine and had been formerly by the Progenitors of the King of England conquered The Ambassadors for this businesse were by King Henry graciously heard and honorably returned after whom were sent Sir Edward Hall Sir Robert Rose and others to conclude all things and the young Lady is by Proxy affianced to king Henry But the king of France not liking the proceeding of the match sendeâ—h the Dolphin with a puissant Army who tooke the Earle with his youngest sonne and both his daughters aud gained the Counties of Arminiack Louverne Rouergue Moulessenois with the Cities of Severâ—e and Cadeack chasing the Bastard of Arminiack out of â—he Country by meanes whereof the mariage was then deferred and left in suspense In this distraction of Christendome many Princes the kings of Spaine Denmark and Hungary became Mediators for a Peace between the two kings of France and England Ambassadors of both sides are sent many meetings were had many motions made but in conclusion onely a Truce for eighteen moneths is agreed upon In the meane time the Earle of Suffolk one of the Commissioners for the Peace takes upon him beyond his Commssion and without acquainting his fellowes to treat of a mariage between the king of England and a kinswoman of the king of France Neece to the French Queene daughter to Raynâ—r Duke of Anjou stiling himâ—elfe king of Sicilie and Naples In which businesse he was so intentive that it brought an aspersion upon him of being bribed but howsoever an Enterview betwixt the two kings is appointed without any warrant of king Henries part to be between Charterâ— and Roan The Commissioners returne the Earle of Suffolk sets forth the beauty of the proposed Bride and the great benefits that would redound to the kingdome by this match The king was easily induced to credit the relation but divers of the kings Councell especially the Duke of Glocester opposed it partly for the meannesse of the match her father being onely a Titular Prince and withall but poore unable to give any portion at all and partly for the wrong which should hereby be offered to the Duke of Arminiacks daughter to whom the king had been in solemne manner publickly affianced But Reasons could not prevaile against favour the Earle of Suffolks affirmation must not be undervalued And hereupon a new creation of Lords first made Iohn Beaufort Earle of Somerset made Duke of Somerset Iohn Lord Talbot made Earle of Shrewsbury Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington made Duke of Exeter Humfry Earle of Stafford made Duke of Buckingham Henry 〈◊〉 Earle of Warwick made Duke of Warwick Edmund Beaufoâ—t Earle of Dorset made Marquesse Dorset and William de la Poole Earle of Suffolke made Marquesse of Suffolke this new Marquesse honorably accompanied is sent into Fraâ—ce to fetch the Lady Margaret the proposed Bride who shortly after is maried at Southwick in Hampshire and crowned Queen of England at Westminster on the 30 day of May 1444 in the three and twentieth yeare of king Henries Reigne And now in stead of benefits by this mariage there presently followed great inconveniences for first in exchange of her person the Dutchy of Anjou the City of 〈◊〉 with the whole County of Mayne the best props of the Dutchy of Normandy are agreed to be surrendred into the hands of the French and then the Duke of Arminiack to revenge the injury offred to his daughter is a meanes to expell the English â—ut of all Aquitaine At this time the Duke of Somersets spleen against the Duke of Yorke not onely is revived but is growne stronger for the Duke of Yorke who was now after the death of the Earle of Warwick made the second time Regent of France is so undermined by him through assistance of the new Marquesse of Suffolke who bore now all the sway with the King and Queen that not onely he supplanted him in his place but planted himselfe in it to the great heart-burning of the Duke of York and his friends but he wisely dissembled his anger and for the present passed it oveâ— And now is no man in grace but the new Marquesse of Suffolk all favours from the King and Queene must passe by him and the extent of his power over-râ—acheth all the Councell He gets of the King the wardship of the body and lands of the Countesse of Warwick and of the Lady Margaret sole daughter and heire of Iohn Duke of Somerset afterward mother to king Henry the seventh And now the kings weaknesse in judgement growes every day more apparent then other whil'st governed by no counsell but of his Queen and she by no counsell but her owne will and the new Marquesse of Suffolke King Henry is himself the least part of the king and serves but to countenance the devices of others whereof he little understands the drifts and which proving ill the blame must be his if well the benefit and honour others For by instigation of the Queene he suffers the Duke of Glocester for his care of the Common-wealth called the good Duke to be excluded not onely from Command but from the Counsell-Table and permits Informers sâ—t on by the Marquesse of Suffolke the Duke of Buckingham the Cardinall Bishop of
Workes of Piety done by him or others in his time THe King himselfe Founded two famous Colledges the one in Cambridge to our Lady and St. Nicholâ—s called the Colledge Royall or the kings Colledge the other of Eateâ— besides Windsor called of our blessed Lady to the maintenance whereof he gave 3400 pounds by yeare In the 28 year of his Reigne his Queen Margaret began the Foundation of Queens Colledge in Cambridge In the time of his Reigne also Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury Founded two Colledges in Oxford one called All-Soules Colledge the other Bernard Colledge In his time also Hâ—mpâ—ry Duke of Glocester but others say Thomas Kempe Archbishop of Caâ—terâ—â—ry built the Divinity School in Oxford also the sayd Archbishop built Pauls-Crosse in forme as now it standeth and William Wâ—ynflete Bishop of VVinchester and Lord Chancellor of England Founded Mary Magdalen Colledge in Oxford In his seventeenth yeare Ralph Lord Cromwell builded the Colledge of Tatshall in Lincâ—lâ—shire Also this yeare VVilliam â—â—stfield Major of London caused to be builded at his own charge the Water-Conduict in Fleetstreet In his ninth year Iohn VVells Major of London caused the Condâ—ict commonly called the Standard in Cheape to be builded In his first yeare the West Gate of London sometime called Chamberlaine gate and now Newgate was begun to be new builded by the Executors of Sir Richard VVhittington Lord Major of London In his fifth yeare Iohn Reynwell Major of London gave certaine lands to the Citie of London for which thâ— Citie is bound to pay for ever all Fifâ—eens that shall be granted to the King so as it passe â—ot three Fifteens in one year for three Wards in London namely Dowgâ—te-Ward Billiâ—gsgate-Ward and Aldgate Also this yeare the Tower at the Drawbridge of Loâ—don was begun by the same Major In his foure and twentieth yeare Simon Eyre Lord Major of Lâ—ndon builded the Leaden-Hall in Loâ—doâ— to be a Storehoâ—se for Graine and Fewell for the poore of the Citie and faire Chappell at the East end of the same leaving in stocke a thousand pounds which aâ—terward King Edward the Fourth borrowed and never paid it again Also in this kings time William de la Poole Duke of Suffolke and Alice his wife Daughter to Thomas Châ—â—cer Son of Geoffry Chawcer the famous Poet translated and encreased the Mannour place of Ewelme in Oxfordshire and builded new the Parish Church of Ewelme and an Hospitall or Almeshouse for two Priests and thirteene poore men to which he gave three Manours Ramruge in Hampshire Coâ—ocke in Wiltshire and Meâ—sh in Buckinghâ—mshire They also founded the Hospitall of Doâ—nington Castle Of Casualtieâ— happening in his time In his Fifth yeare was â—o unseasonable weather that it rained almost continually from Easter to Michaelmasse In his seventh yeare the eight of November the Duke of Norfolke was like to have been drowned passing through London-Bridge hiâ— Barge being set upon the piles overwhelmed so that thirty persons were drowned and the Duke with others that escaped were fain to be drawn up with ropes In his 18 year all the Lyons in the Tower dyed Also this year the 18 day of Iuly the Postern-Gates of London by Eâ—st-Smithfield against the Tower of London sanke by night more than seven foot into the earth In his two and twentieth year on Newyears day neer unto Bedford a very deep water which ran betwixt the Towns oâ— Swelstone and Harleswood stood suddenly still and divided it selfe so that by the spâ—ce of three miles the bottome remained dry which wonder many thought to signifie the division of the people and falling away from the king which happened shortly after In the three and thirtieth year of his Reign besides a great Blazing Starre there happened a strange sight a monstrous Cock came out of the Sea and in the presence of a multitude of people at Portland made a hideous crowing three times each time turning about clapping his wings and beckning towardâ— the North the South and the West as also many prodigious births In his six and thirtieth year in a little Town in Bedfordshire it rained bloud wherof the red drops appeared in sheets hung out to dry Of his Wife and issue HE married Margaret Daughter of Rayner Duke of Anjou and Tiâ—ular king of Ierusalem Sicilie and Arragon by whom he had small Portion and little strength of Alliance yet might have been a good match if they could have changed conditions with one another that he might have had her active and stirring spirit and she his softly and milde disposition She was his wife six and twenty years and after her husbands depulsion from the Regall Throne his Forces being vanquished at the Battell of Tewkesberry in a poore Religious house where she had fled for safety of her life was taken prisoner and carried captive to London where shee remained in durance till Duke Rayner her Father purchased her liberty unto whom she returned and lastly dyed in her native Country By her king Henry had issue only one Son named Edwâ—rd who when the day was lost at Tâ—wkesberry sought to escape by flight but being taken was brought into the presence of king Edward whose râ—solute answers provoked king Edward so much that he dashed him on the mouth with his Gantlet and then Richard the Crouchback ran him into the heart with his Dagger his body waâ— buried amongst the poore persons there slain in the Monasticall Church of the Black-Friers in Tewkesberry Of his Death and Buriall UPon King Edwards recovering the Crown he was committed to the Tower where the 21 of May in the yeare 147â— he was murthered by the bloudy hand of â—ichard Duke of Glocester the day after he was brought to Pauls Church in an open Coffin bare-faced where he bled thence carried to the Black-Friers where â—e â—lso bled from thence in a Boat to Chersey Abbey without Priest or Clerk â—orch or taper saying or singing and there buried but afterwards at the appointment of King Edward was removed to Windsor and there interred and a fair Monument made ovâ—r him Of his Personage and Conditions HEe was tall of statuâ—e spare and slender of body of a comely countenance and all parts well proportioned For endowments of his minde he had virtues enough to make him a Saint but not to make him a God as kings are said to be gods for of that commanding power there being two parts Parcere subjectis debellare â—uperbos he wanted the latter He was not sensible of that which the world calls Honour accounting the greatest honour to consist in humility His greatest imperfection was that he had in him too much of the Logge and too little of the Storke for he would not move but as he was moved and had rather be devoured than he would devoure He was not so stupid not to know prosperity from adversity but he was so devout to thinke nothing adversitie which was not a hinderance to Devotion He was fitter for a Priest than
King himselfe sitteth and ministreth the Law because he considered that it is the chiefest duty of a King to administer the Laws And here to get the love of the people by a feigned clemency he sent for one Fogge out of Sanctuary who for feare of his displeasure was fled thither and there in the fight of all the people caused him to kisse his hand After his return home he tooke to wife the Lady Anne youngest daughter of the great Warwicke and the relict of Prince Edward sonne of Henry the sixth though â—hee could not be ignorant that he had been the Author both of her husbands and 〈◊〉 death But womens affections are Eccentrick to common apprehension whereof the two Poles are Passion and Inconstancy Against his Coronation he had sent for five thousand men out of the North and these being come under the leading of Robin of Riddesdale upon the fourth of Iulyâ— together with his new bride he went from Baynards Castle to the Tower by waâ—â—â— where he created Edward his Sonne a childe of ten yeers old Prince of Wales◠〈◊〉 Lord Howard Duke of Norfolke his Sonne Sir Thomas Howard Earle of Surry◠〈◊〉 Lord Berckley Earle of Nottingham Francis Lord Lovell Viscount Lovell 〈…〉 Chamberlane and the Lord Stanley who had been committed priâ—oner to the â—ower in regard his Sonne the Lord Strange was reported to have levied forces 〈…〉 not only that day was released out of prison but was made Lord 〈◊〉 of his Househould The Archbishop of Yorke was likewise then delivered but Morton Bâ—shop of Ely as one that could not be drawne to the disinheriting of 〈◊〉 Edwards children was committed to the Duke of Buckingham who sent him to his Castle of Brecknock in Wales there to be in custody The same night were made seventeen knights of the Bath Edmund the Duke of Suffolkes sonne George Gray the Earle of Kents sonne Williaâ— the Lord Zouches sonne Henry Aburgaâ—â—â—â— Christopher Willoughby Henry Babington Thomas Arundell Thomas Boleigne Gervâ—â— Clifton William â—ay Edmund Bedingfield William Enderly Thomas Lewkuâ—â— Thâ—mâ—â— of Vrmond Iohn Bromne and William Berckley The next day being the fifth oâ— Iuly the King rode through the City of London to VVestminster being accompanied with the Dukes of Norfolk Buckingham and Suffolk the Earles of Northuâ—bâ—rland Arundell Kent Surrey VVilâ—shire Huntington Nottinghâ—m Warwick and Lincolâ—â— the Viscounts Liste and Lovell the Lords Stanley Aâ—dely Dâ—cres Peâ—â—ers of Chartley Powis Scroope of â—psale Scroope of Bolton Gray of Codner Grey of Wilton Sturton Cobham Morley Burgeveny Zouch Ferrers of Croby Wells Lumley Matrâ—vers Herbert and Beckham and fourescore Knights On the morrow being the sixth of Iuly the King with Queene Anâ—e his wife came downe out of the White-Hall into the Great Hall at Westminster and went directly to the Kings Bench and from thence going upon Ray-cloath bare-footed went unto St. Edwards shrine all his Nobility going with him every Lord in his degree The Bishop of Rochester bore the Crosse before the Cardinall Then followed the Earle of Huntington beâ—ng a paire of gilt-spurres signifying Knighthood Then followed the Earle of â—â—â—ford bearing St. Edwards staâ—fe for a Relique After him came the Earle of â—â—â—thumberland bare-headed with the pointlâ—sse sword naked in his hand signifying Mercy The Lord Stanley bare the Mace of the Constableship The Earle of Kenâ— bare the second sword on the right hand of the King naked with a point which signifyed Justice to the Temporalty The Lord Lovell bore the third sword on the Kings left hand with a point which signifyed Justice to the Clergie The Duke of Suffolk followed with the Scepter in his hand which signified Peace The Earle of Lincolne bore the Ball and Crosse which signified Monarchy The Earle of Sâ—rry bore the fourth sword before the King in a rich scabbard which is called the swâ—â—d of Estate Then went three together in the midst went Gartar king of Armes in his rich Coat and on his right hand went the Major of London â—earing a Mace and on his left hand went the Gentleman-Usher of the Privy Chamber Then followed the Duke of Norfolk bearing the kings Crown between his hands Then followed king Richard in his roabes of Purple-velvet and over his head a Canopy borâ—e by foure Barons of the Cinque-Ports and on each side of the king went a Bishopâ— on one side the Bishop of Bath on the other of Durham Then followed the Duke of Buckingham bearing the kings traine with a white staffe in his hand signifying the office of High Steward of England Then followed the Queenes traine before whom was borne the Scepter the Ivory rod with the Dove signifying innocency and the Crown herselfe apparelled in roabes like the kings under a rich Canopy at every corner thereof a bell of gold On her head she wore a circlet set full of precious stones the Countesse of Richmond bearing her traine the Dutchesses of Norfolk and Suffolk in their Coronets attending with twenty Ladies of Estate most richly attired In this order they passed the Palace into the Abbey and going up to the High Altar there shifted their roabes and having other roabes open in divers places from the middle upward were both of them Anoynted and Crowned and then after the Sacrament received having the host divided betwixt them they both offered at St. Edwards shrine where the king left St. Edwards Crowne wherewith he had been Crowned and put on his owne and this done in the same order and state as they came they returned to Westminster-hall and there held a most Princely feast at the second course whereof there came into the Hall Sir Robert Dymock the kings Champion making Proclamation that whosoever would say thâ—â— king Richard was not lawfull king of England he was there ready to prove it against him and thereupon threw down his Gantlet and then all the Hall cryed king Richard king Richard And thus with some other Ceremonies the Coronation ended and the king and Queen returned to their lodgings Presently after this king Richard sent a solemne Ambassage to Lewis king of France to conclude a Leagâ—e and Amity with him but the French king so abhorred him and his cruelty that hee would not so much as see or heare his â—â—bâ—ssadors but sent them away with shame in disgrace of their Master At this tâ—me with his Queen he made a Progresse of Glocester under colour to 〈…〉 of his old Honour but indeed to be out of the way having a speciall 〈…〉 to be acted for though he had satisfied his Ambition by depriving his 〈◊〉 Nephews of their livelihoods yet it satisfied not his Feare if he deprived 〈…〉 also of their lives For effecting whereof his old friend the Duke of Buckâ—â—â—â—â—â— was no fit instrument it must be one of a baser metall and to finde out 〈…〉 henceded not goe farre For upon inquiry he was told of two that lay 〈…〉 it Chamber to him Sir Thomas and Sir Tyrrellâ— two brothers like 〈…〉 not more
banish him king Henry replyed that his desire was to have him delivered to him with this the king of Castile a little confused said That can I not doe with my honour Well then said the king the matter is at an end at last the king of Castile who held king Henry in great estimation composing his countenance said Sir you shall have him but upon your Honour you shall not take his life I promise it upon mine Honour said King Henry and he kept his promise for he was not put to death during all his Reigne but yet he tooke such order that in the Reigne of his Sonne K. Henry the Eighth he had his head cut off During the king of Castiles being here a Treaty was concluded and beares date at Windsor which the Flemings terme Intercursus malus for that the Free fishing of the Dutch upon the Coasts and Seas of England granted in the Treaty of Vndecimo was not by this Treaty confirmed as all other Articles were And now when king Henry had received the king of Castile into the Fraternity of the Garter and had his Sonne Prince Henry admitted to the order of the Golden fleece and that the Earle of Suffolk was brought over and committed to the Tower the king of Castile departed home In this kings time were two Calls of Serjeantâ— at Law One in his eleventh yeere in which were called nine Serjeants Mordant Higham Kingesmill Conisby Butler â—â—xely Frowick Oxenbridge and Constable who kept their feast at the Bishop of Ely's Place in Holborne where the King the Queen and all the chiefe Lords dined The other Call in his twentieth yeere in which were called ten Serjeants Robert Brudnell William â—revill Thomas Marow George Edgore Lewis Pollard Guy Palmes and William Fairfax who kept their feast at the Archbishoâ—s house in Lambeth King Henry having gotten as much honour as the Estimation of neighbouring Princes could give him began now to be intentive to getting of wealth wherein he quickly found Instruments fit for his purpose but specially two Empson Dudley both Lawyers Dudley of a good family but Empson the son of a Sieve-maker These two persons being put in Authority turned Law and Justice into Rapine For first their manner was to cause divers Subects to be indicted of Crimes and then presently to commit them and not produce them to their answer but suffer them to languish long in Prison and by sundry artificiall devices and terrors extort from them great Fines which they termed Compositions and Mitigations Neither did they towards the end observe so much as the halfe face of Justice in proceeding by Indictment but sent forth their Precepts to attach men and convent them before themselves and some others at their private houses and there used to shuffle up a Summary proceeding by examination without tryall of Jury asâ—uming to themselves to deale both in Pleas of the Crowne and controversies Civill Then did they also use to enthrall and charge the Subjects lands with Tenures in Capite by finding false Offices refusing upon divers pretexts and delayes to admit men to traverse those false Offices as by Law they might Nay the Kings Wards after they had accomplished their full age could not be suffered to have livery of their lands without paying excessive Fines farre exceeding all reasonable rates When men were outlawed in personall actions they would not permit them to purchase their Charters of Pardon except they paid great and intolerable summes standing upon the strict point of Law which upon Outlawries gives forfeiture of goods Nay contrary to all Law and colour they maintained the King ought to have the halfe of mens lands and rents during the space of full two yeeres for a Paine in case of Outlawry They would also ruffle with Jurors and enforce them to finde as they would direct and if they did not then convent imprison and fine them These and many other coursâ—s they had of preying upon the people but their principall working was upon Penall Statutes wherein they considered not whether the Law were obsolete or in use and had ever a rabble of Promoters and leading Jurors at their command so as they could have any thâ—ng found either for Fact or Valuation There remaineth to this day a Report that King Henry was on a time entertained very sumptuously by the Earle of Oxford at his Castle of Heningham and at the Kings going away the Earles servants stood in their livery-coates with cognisances ranged on both sides to make the King a lane Whereupon the King called the Earle to him and said My Lord I have heard much of your Hospitality but I see it is greater than is spoken These handsome Gentlemen and Yeomen whom I see on both sides of me are sure your Meniall servants At which the Earle smiled and said It may please your Grace that were not for mine ease They are most of them my Retainers and are come to doe me sâ—rvice at such a time as this and chiâ—fly to see your Grace Whereat the King started a little and said By my faith my Lord I thanke you for my good cheere but I may not endure to have my Lawes broken in my sight my Attourney must speake with you about it And it is part of the Report that it cost the Earle for a composition fifteen thousand marks And to shew further the Kings extreme diligence I remember saith Sir Francis Bacon Lord of Virulaâ— in his History to have seene long since a Booke of Accompt of Empsons that had the kings hand almost to every leafe by way of signing and was in some places postilled in the Margent with the kings owne hand likewise where was this Remembrance Item Received of such a one five markes for the Pardon to be procured and if the Pardon doe not passe the money to be repayd except the party be some other way satisfied And over against this Memorandâ—m of the kings owne hand Otherwise satisfied This saith he I doe the rather mention because it shewes in the king a Nearnesse but yet with a kinde of Justnesse In his three and twentieth yeere there was a sharpe prosecution against Sir William Gapell now the second time for misgovernment in his Majoralty The great matter was that in some payments he had taken notice of false monies and did not his diligence to examine who were the Offenders for which and some other things â—aid to his charge he was condemned to pay two thousand pounds whereof being a man of stomack he refused to pay a farthing and thereupon was sent to the Tower where he remained till the Kings death Knesworth likewise that had been lately Major of London and both his Sheriffs were for abuses in their offices questioned and imprisoned and not delivered but upon payment of one thousand foure hundred pounds Sir Lawrence Ailmer who had likewise been Major of London and his two Sheriffs were put to the Fine of one thousand pounds and Sir Lawrence for
there were arraigned at the Kings-bench the Lord VVilliam Howard and the Lady Margaret his wife Katherin Tilney and Alice Restwold Gentlewomen Ioane Bulmer wife to Anthony Bulmer Gentliman Anne Howard wife to Henry Howard Esquire and brother to the Queene with divers others who were all condemned for misprision of treason for concealing the Queens misdemeanor and adjudged to forfeit all their lands and goods during life and to remaine in perpetuall prison The sixteenth of Ianuary the Parliament began at VVestminster where the Lords and Commons pâ—â—itioned the King that he woâ—ld not vex himselfe with the Queenes offence and that both she and the Lady Rochford might be attainted by Parliament and that to avoid protracting of time he would give his royal assent unâ—o it under the great Seale without staying for the end of the Parliament Also that Derham and Colepepper having beene attained before by the Common-Law might be attainted likewise by Parliament all which was assented to by the King and after on the thirteenth of February the Queen and the Lady Rochâ—ord were beheaded on the-greene within the Tower where they confessed their offences and dyed penitently yet something to take off the offences of this Queene it is certainly said that after her condemnation she protested to Doctor VVhite Bishop of VVinchester her last Confessour that as for the Act for which she was condemned she tooke God and his holy Angels to witnesse upon her soules salvation that she died guiltlesse Before this on the three and twentieth of Ianuary King Henry was proclaimed King of Ireland where as before this â—ime the Kings of England were onely entituled Lords of Ireland and this title was given him both by the Parliament here and by the Parliament holden in Ireland before Sir Anthony Seintleger knight the Kings Deputy there About this time Arthur Plantagenet Visconnt Lisle base sonne to King Edward tha fourth having beene imprisoned upon suspition of a practice for betraying of Callice to the French whilst he was the Kings Lievtenant there was now found to be innocent of the Fact and thereupon the King to make him some reparation for his disgrace sent him a Ring and a very gracious message by Sir Thomas VVriothsley his Secretary whereat the said Viscount tooke so great joy that the night following of that very joy he died so deadly a thing is any passion even joy it selfe if it be extream After his death Sir Iohn Dudley his wives Sonne was creaâ—ed Viscount Lisle This Sir Iohn Dudley was sonne to Edmund Dudley beheaded in the first yeere of this Kings reigne and was made Viscount Lisle in right of his Mother During this Parliament one George Ferrers Gentleman servant to the King and Burgesse for the town of Plimmouth in Devonshire in going to the Parliament House was arrested in London by a Processe out of the Kings Bench for a Debt wherein he was late afore condemned as surety for one Welden at the suit of one White which arrest being signified to Sir Thomas Moyle knight â—peaker then of the Parliament and to the Knights and Burgesses there order was â—aken that the Serjeant of the Parliament called Saint Iohn should be sent to the Counter in Bredstreet whither the said Ferrers was carried and there demand to have him delivered but the Officers of the Counter not onely refused to deliver him but gave the Serjeant such language that they fell at last to an affray at which time the Sheriffes comming they also tooke their Officers part so as the Serjeant was faine to returne without the prisoner which being signified to the Speaker and the Burgesses they tooke the matter in so ill part that they would sit â—o more without their Burgesse and thereupon rising up repaired to the Upper House where the whole Case was declared by the Speaker before Sir Thomas Audeley Lord Chancellour and the Lords and Judges there assembled who judgeing the contempt to be very greaâ— referred the punishment thereof to the House of Commons it selfe whereupon returning to their places againeâ— upon new debate of the Case they tooke order that tâ—eir Serjeâ—nt shouâ—d once more repâ—ire to the Sheriffe of London and demand â—â—e prisoner witâ—out carryiâ—g any Writ or Warrant for the matter It is truâ—â— the Lord Chancellour offered to grant a Writ but the House of Commonâ— refused it being of a cleâ—re opinion that all Commandements from the nether House were to be executed by their Serjeant without Writ onely by shewing his Mace which is his Warrant but before the Serjeants returne into London the Sheriffes better advised became more mild and upon the second demand delivered the prisoner without any deniall but then the Serjeant had further in charge to command the Sheriffs and Clerkes of the Counter to appeare personally the next morning before the House of Commons where appearing they were charged by the Speaker with their contempt and compelled to make immediate answere without being admitâ—ed â—o any counsaile Sir Roger Chomley Recorder of London offered to speak in the cause but wâ—s not suffered nor any other but the pâ—rties themselves in conclusion the Sheriffes and White who had caused the Arrest were committed to the Tower the Officer that did the Arrest with foure other Officers to Newgate but after two or three dayes upon the â—umble suiâ—e of the Major were set at liberty and because the said Ferrers being in execution upon a condemnation of debt and set at large by priviledge of Parlaiment was not by law to be brought againe into execution and so the creditour without remedy for his debt against him as his principâ—ll debtour therefore after long debate by the space of nine or ten dayes together they at last resolved to make an Act of purpose to revive the execution of the said debt against Welden who was principall debtour and to discharge Ferrers that was but surerâ— wherein notwithstanding the house was devided and the Act passed but by fourteen voyces the King being adverâ—ised of this proceeding called before him the Lord Chancelour and the â—udges the Speaker and divers of the lower House to whom he declaâ—ed his Opinion to this effect first commending their wiâ—dome in maintaining the priviledges of tâ—eir house which hee would â—oâ— have to be infringed in any point he alleaged that â—e being head of the Parliament and attending in his owne person upon the businesse tâ—ereof ought in reason to have Priviledge for himselfe and all his servants attending upon him so as if the said Ferrers had been no Burgesse but onely hiâ— servant yet in that respect he was to have the priviledge as well as any other for I understand saith he that you not onely for your owne persons but also for your necessâ—ry servants even to your Cookes and Hors-keepers injoy the sâ—me pâ—iâ—iledgeâ— iâ— so much as my Lord Chancelour here present hath informed uâ— that whilst he was Speaker of the Parliament the Cook of the Temple was Arrested iâ— London and in
betweene them was appointed it happened that the night before a small Brooke called Dun running between the two Armies upon the fall of a small raiâ—e swelled to such a height that it was not passable by either foot or horse a thing which had never happened before upon a great raine and was then accounted as indeed it was no lesse then a Miracle In his three and thirtieth yeere was a great mortality in the Realme by reason of hot Agues and Fluxes and withall so great a drouth that small Rivers were clean dryed much cattell dyed for lacke of water and the Thames were grown so shallow that the Salt-water flowed above London-bridge till the raine had encreased the fresh waters In his five and thirtieth yeere the first cast-Peeces of Iroâ— that ever were made in England were made at Buckstead in Sussex by Ralph Hâ—ge and Peter Bawde In his six and thirtieth yeere was a great Plague in London so as Michaelmâ—s Tearme was adjourned to Saint Albones and there kept In his seven and thirtieth yeere on Tuesday in Easter-weeke William Foxley Pot-maker for the Mint of the Tower of London fell asleepe and could not bâ— waked with pinching or burning till the first day of the next Tearme which was full fourteene dayes and when he awaked was found in all points as if he had slept but one night and lived forty yeeres after About â—â—is fifteenth yeere it happened that divers things were newly brought intâ— England whereupon this Rime was made Turâ—â—s Carps Hoppes Piccarell and Beere Caâ—â—e into ENGLAND all in one yeere Of his Wives and Children KIng Henry had six Wives his first was Katherine daughter of Ferdinand King of Spain the Relict of his brother Arthur she lived his Wife above twenty yeeâ—s and then was divorced from him after which she lived three yeers by the name of Katherine Dowager she deceased at Kimbolton in the County of Huntington the eighth of Ianuary in the yeere 1535. and lieth interred in the Cathedral Church of Peterborough under a Hearce of black say having a white Crosse in the midst His second Wife was Anne second daâ—ghter of Sir Thomas Bullen Earle of VViltshire and Ormond shee was maried to him the five and twentieth day of Ianuary in the yeere 1533. lived his wife three yeers three months and five and twenty dayes and then was beheaded and her body buried in the Quire of the Chappell in the Tower his third Wife was Iane daughter of Sir Iohn Seymour and sister to the Lord Edward Seymour Earle of Hartford and Duke of Somerset she was maried to him the next day after the beheading of Queen Anne lived his Wife one yeer five months and foure and twenty dayes and then died in Child-bed and was buried in the midst of the Quire of the Church within the Castle of Windsor His fourth Wife was Anne sister to the Duke of Cleve she lived his wife six moneths and then was Divorced she remained in England long after the Kings death and accompanied the Lady Elizabeth through London at the solemnizing of Queene Maries Coronation His fifth wife was Katherine daughter of Edmund and Neece of Thomas Howard his brother Duke of Norfolke she was married to him in the two and thirtieth yeere of his reigne lived his wife one yeere sixe moneths and foure dayes and then was beheaded in the Tower of London and buried in the Chancell of the Chappell by Queene Anne Bullen His sixt wife was Katherine daughter of Sir Thomas Parre of Kendall and sister to the Lord William Parre Marquesse of Northampton she was first married to Iohn Nevill Lord Latimer and after his decease to the King at Hampton-Court in the five and thirtieth yeere of his reigne she was his wife three yeeres six moneths and five dayes and then surviving him was againe married to Thomas Seymour Lord Admirall of England unto whom she bore a daughter but died in her Childe-bed in the yeere 1548. He had children by his first wife Queene Katherine Henry borne at Richmond who lived not full two moneths and was buried at Westminster also another Sonne whose name is not mentioned lived but a short time neither then a daughter named Mary borne at Greenwich in the eighth yeere of his reigne and came afâ—erward to be Queene of England By his second wife Queene Anne Bullen he had a daughter named Elizabeth borne at Greenwich in the five and twentieth yeere of his reigne who succeeded her sister Mary in the Crowne he had also by her a sonne but borne dead By his third wife Queene Iane he had a Sonne named Edward borne at Hampton-Court in the nine and twentieth yeere of his reigne who succeeded him in the Kingdome Besides these he had a base Sonne named Henry Fitz-roy begotten of the Lady Talboyse called Elizabeth Blunt borne at Blackamore in Essex in the tenth yeere of his reigne who was made Duke of Richmond and Somerset married Mary daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke with whom he lived not long but dyed at Saint Iames by Westminster and was buried at Framingham in Suffolke Of his Personage and Conditions HEE was exceeding tall of statuâ—e and very strong faire of complexion in his latter dayes corpulent and burley concerning his conditionâ— Hee was a Prince of so many good parts that one would wonder he could have any ill and indeed he had noâ— many ill till flattery and ill councell in his latter time got the upper hand of him His cruelty to his wives may not onely be excused but defended for if they were incontinent he did but justice if they were not so yet it was sufficient to satisfie his conscience that he thought he had câ—use to thinke them so and if the marriage bed be honourable in all in Princes it is sacred In suppressing of Abbies he shewed not little Piety but great providence for though they were excellent things being rightly used yeâ— most pestilent being abused and then may the use be justly suppressed when the abuse scarce possibly can be restrained To thinke he suppressed Abbies out of covetousnesse and desire of gaine is to make him extreamly deceived in his reckoning for if we compare the profit with the charge that followed we shall finde him certainly a great looser by the bargaine He was so farre from Pride that he was rather too humble at lest he conversed with his Subjects in a more familiar manner then was usuall with Princes So valiant that his whole liâ—e almost was nothing but exercises of valour and though performed amongst his friends in jest yet they prepared him against his enemies in earnest and they that durst be his enemies found it It may be said the complexion of his government for the first twenty yeers was sanguine and joviall for the rest collerick and bloody and it may be doubted whether in the former he were more prodigall of his owne treasure or in the latter of his Subjects blood for as he spent more in Fictions
the sixth yeer of his reigne which was the yeer before he died he fel sick of the Measels and being well recovered of them he fell after soon into the smal Pox of them also was so well recovered that the summer following he rode a progresse with a greater magnificence then ever he had done before having in his traine no fewer then four thousand horse In Ianuary following whether procured by sinister practise or growing upon him by naturall infirmity he fell into an indisposition of body which soon after grew to a cough of the Lungs Whereupon a rumour was spread abroad by some that a Nosegay had been given him at Newyeerstide which brought him into this slow but deadly consumption by others that it was done by a Glister how ever it was he was brought at last to so great extremity that his Physicians despared of his life and when Physicians could do him no good a Gentlewoman thought to be prepared for the purpose tooke him in hand and did him hurt for with her applications his legges swelled his pulse failed his skinne changed colour and many other symptomes of approaching death appeared The hour before his death he was overheard to pray thus by himselfe O Lord God deliver me out of this miserable and wretched life O Lord thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee yet for thy chosens sake if it be thy will send me life and health that I maâ— truly serve thee O Lord God save thy chosen people of England and defend this Realme from Papistrie and maintaine thy true Religion that I and my People may praise thy holy Name for thy Sonne Jesus Christs sake So â—urning his face and seeing some by him he said I thought you had nor been so nigh Yes said Doctor Owens we heard you speak to your selfe then said the King I was praying to God O I am faint Lord have mercy upon me and receive my spirit and in so saying gave up the Ghost the sixth day of Iuly in the yeer 1553. and in the sixteenth yeer of his Age when he had reigned six yeers five moneths and nine dayes It is noted by some that he died the same moneth and the same day of the moneth that his father King Henry the eight had put Sir Thomas Moore to death His body was buried upon the ninth of August in the Chappell of Saint Peters Church in Westminster and laid neere to the body of King Henry the seventh his grandfather At his funerall which was on the tenth of August following his sister Queen Mary shewed this respect to him that though Doctor Day a Popish Bishop preached yet all the service with a communion was in English Men of note in his time THis Kings reigne being short and having but small warres had not many sword-men famous for any acts they did Gowne men there were some as Edward Holl a Councellour in the Law who wrote a notable Cronicle of the union of the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster William Hugh a Yorkeshireman who wrote a notable Treatice called The troubled mans medicine Thomas Sternehold borne in Southampton who turned into English Meeteâ— seven and thirty of Davids Psalmes The Interregnum betweene the death of King Edward and the proclaiming at London of Queene Mary KIng Edward being dead the Duke of Northumberland tooke upon him to sit at the Sterne and ordered all things at his pleasure so two dayes after he with others of the Councell sent to the Lord Major that he with six Aldermen and twelve principall Commons should repaire presently to the Court to whom when they came it was secretly signified that King Edward was dead and that by his last Will to which all the Nobility and Judges had given assent he had appointed the Lady Iane daughter to the Duke of Suffolke to succeede him his Letters Patents whereof were shewed them and therupon they were required to take their Oathes of Allegeance to the Lady Iane and to secure the City in her behalfe which whether dissemblingly or sincerely whether for love or fear yet they did and then departed The next day the Lady Iane in great state was brought to the Tower of London and there declared Queene and by edect with the sound of Trumpet proclaimed so through London at which time for some words seeming to be spoken against it one Gilbert Pot a Vintâ—ers servant was set in the Pilory and lost both his ears Before this time the Lady Mary having heard of her brothers death and of the Duke of Northumberlands designes removed from Hovesdon to her Mannour of Keninghall in Norfolke and under pretence of fearing infection having lately lost one of her houshold servants of the plague in one day she rode forty miles and from thence afterward to her Castle of Framingham in Suffolke where taking upon her the name of Queene there resorted to her the most part of all the Gentlemen both of Norfolke Suffolke offering their assistance but upon condition she would make no alteration in Religion to which she condiscended and thereupon soone after came to her the Earles of Oxford Bathe and Sussex the Lord Wentworth Thomas Wharton and Iohn Mordant Barrons eldest sonnes and of Knights Cornwallis Drury Walgrave Shelton Beningfield Ierningham Suliard Freston and many others The Lady Mary being thus assisted wrote her letters signed the ninth of Iuly to the Lords of the Councell wherein shee claimed the Crowne as of right belonging to her and required them to proclaime her Queene of England in the City of London as they tendred her displeasure To this letter of hers the Lords answered that for what they did they had good Warrant not onely by King Edwards last Will but by the Lawes of the land considering her Mothers divorce and her owne Illegitimation and therefore required her to submit her selfe to Queene Iane being now her Soveraigne This Letter was written from the Tower of London under the hands of these that follow Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury Thomâ—s Elye Chancellour William Marquesse of Winchester Iohn Earle of Bedford Henry Duke of Suffolke Francis Earle of Shrewsbury Iohn Duke of Northâ—mberland William Earle of Pembrooke Thomas Lord Darcey Lord Chamberlin Cobham Rich Huntington Cheyney Iohn Gates William Peter William Ceâ—ill Iohn Clerke Iohn Mason Edward North and Robert Bowes The quarell on both sides being thus begun by Letters is prosecuted by Armes and the Lords for their Generall make choyce of the Duke of Suffolke as a man most likely to be firme and sure in the imployment but the Queen his daughter cannot misse his presence and besides is not willing to hazard his person and thereupon she by intreaties and the Lords by perswasions prevaile with the Duke of Northumbâ—rland to undertake the charge who before his going having conference with the Lords let them know how sensible he was of the double danger he under-went in this enterprize both in respect of the Lady against whom he went and
thereupon for not coming into England as he had determined The Count found the Queen at Canterbury where she gave him Royall intertainment and Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury Royall intertainment to them both All this while since the death of the Earl of Marre there had been no Regent in Scotland but now by the procurement of Queen Elizabeth chiefly Iames Dowglas Earl of Morton is made Regent who when his Authority in a Parliamentary Assembly was established Enacted many profitable Laws for the defence of Religion against Papists and Hereticks in the name of the King But the proâ—ection and keeping of the Kings Person hee confirmed to Alexander Areskin Earl of Marre to whom the custody of the Kings in their tender yeers by speciall priviledge belongeth though hee were himself in his Minority Upon these conditions That no Papists nor factious persons should be admitted to his presence An Earl should come with onely two servants attending him A Baron with onely one All other single and every one unarmed The French King in the mean time sent his Embassadour Mounsier Vyriar to corrupt the Earls of Atholl and Hâ—ntley with large promises to oppose the Regent Queen ELISABETH as much laboured to defend him but though by the ministery of Killigrew shee had drawn Iames Hamilton Duke of Castle-Herald and George Gourdon Earl of Huntley and the most eminent of that Faction upon indifferent conditions to acknowledge the Regent yet VVilliam Kâ—râ—â—ld Lord Graâ—nge whom Murray when hee was Regeâ—t had made Goveâ—nour of Edingborough Castle The Lord Humâ—s Lydington the Bishop of Dunkeld and others would by no meanes admit of the Regents Government but held that Castle and fortified it in the Queen of Scots name having Lydington for their Counsellor herein and trusting to the naturall strength of the place and to the Duke D' Alva's and the Fâ—eâ—ch Kings promises to send them supplies both of men and money Now when these persons could by no meanes drawne to accept of conditions of peace and to deliver up the Castle to the Regent Queen Elizabeth who could in no case endure the French in Scotland suffered her self at length to be intreated by the Regent to send Forces Gunnes and Ammunition for assaulting of the Castle upon certain conditions whereof one was that ten Hostages should be sent into England to be security foâ— returning the men and Munition unlesse by the common hazard of War they should chance to miscarry The conditions being argued on William Drury Marshall of the Garrison at Barwick with some â—reat Ordnance and Fifteen hundred Souldiers amongst whom were some noble Voluntiers George Carie Henry Carie Thomas Cecill Heâ—ry Lee William Knolles Sutton Cotton Kelway VVilliam Killigrew and others entred into Scotland and besieged the Castle which after three and thirty dayes siege was delivered up to the Regent for the Kings use with all the persons that were in it amongst whom Kircald Lord Grange and Iames his brother Musman and Cook gold-smiths who had counterfeited Coyne in the Castle were hanged although to redeem Granges life a hundred of the Family of the Kircalds offered themselves to be in perpetuall servitude to the Regent besides an annuall Pension of three thousand Marks and twenty thousand pounds of Scottish money in present and to put in caution that from thence forth he should continue in duty homage to the King but it would not bee accepted Humes and the rest were spared through Queen Elizabeths mercifull intercession Lydington was sent to Leith where hee dyed and was suspected to bee poysoned A man of the greatest understanding in the Scottish Nation and of an excellent wit but very variable for which George Buchanan called him the Camelion And now from this time Scotland began to take breath after long Civill Warres and as well the Captaines of both parties as the Souldiers betook themselves into Swedeland France and the Low-Countries where they valorously behaved themselves and wonne great commendation As for Iohn Lesle Bishop of Rosse he was now set at liberty but commanded to depart presently out of England and being beyond the Sea he continued still to sollicite his Mistresse the Queen of Scots cause with the Emperour the Pope the French King and the German Princes of the Popish Religion who all led him on with faire promises but performed nothing For indeed he in whom he had greatest confidence which was the Duke D' Alva was at that time called away partly out of Jealousie of State as being thought to grow too great and partly out of opinion that by his cruelty he made the people to revolt and therefore in his place was sent Ludovicus Zuinga a man of great Nobility in Spain â—ut of a more Peaceable disposition then D' Alva â—ow this man did all good Offices to win Queen Elizabeth to him and minding his owne Affairs only would not intermeddle with the Scottish or English matters About this a frentick Opinion was held by one Peter Bourcheâ— a Gentâ—eman of the Middle-Temple that it was lawfull to kill them that opposed the truth of the Gospell and so far was he possest with this opinion that he assaulted the famous Seaman Captain Hawkins and wounded him with a dagger taking him for Hutton who at that time was in great favour with the Queen and of her privy Counsell whom he had been informed to be a great Adversary to Innovations The Queen grew so angry hereat that she commanded Marshiall Law should be executed upon him presently till her Counsell advised her that Marshiall Law was not to be used but in the Field and in turbulent times but at home and in time of Peace there must be Legall proceedings Hereupon Bourchet was sent to the Tower where taking a brand out of the fire he strook it into the brains of one of his keepers named Hugh Longwroth and killed him for which fact he was condemned of murther had his right hand cutt off and nayled to the Gallows and then himselfe hanged After the violent death of this Varlet we may speake of the naturall death of two great persons First William Lord Howard of Effingham Son of that warlike Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk by his second wife Agnes Tilney This William was made a Baron by Queen Mary and Lord High Admirall of England and by Queen Elizabeth Lord Chamberlain till such time that being taken with age he yeelded up that place to the Earl of Sussex and was then made Keeper of the Privy Seal which is the fourth degree of honour in England His Son Charles succeeded him in the Dignity of his Barony who was after made Lord Chamberlain to the Queen and then Lord High Admirall of England A while after him dyed Reginold Grey Earl of Kent whom the Queen a yeer before of a private man had made Earl of Kent when as that Title from the death of Richard Grey Earl of Kent who had wasted his Patrimony and was elder brother to this mans
Steward Earle of Lenox the Kings grandfather and had denomination from Aubigny in France which title Charles the seaventh King of France had antiently conferred upon Iohn Steward of the Familie of Lenox who being constable of the Scottish Army in France vanquished the English in one battile and was slain by them in another and from that time the title belonged to the younger descent of that house This Esme Steward the King embraced with exceeding great love made him Lord Chamberlaine of Scotland and Captain of the Castle of Dumbriton and created him first Earle and then Duke of Lenox The feare from this man was because he was deuoted to the Guises and the Popish religion and that which encreased the feare from this man because he applied himselfe to Mortons adversaries and mediated to have Thomas Carre Lord of Fernishurst called home who of all men was most addicted to the Queen of Scots About this time Queen Elizabeth at the request of William Harbouâ—ne an Englishman procured a grant from the Turkish Emperour for the English merchants to exercise free traffick in all places of his dominions as well as Venetians Polanders and other neighbouring Nations whereupon they set up first the Companie of Turkie Merchants managing a most gainfull Trade at Constantinople Alexandoria Egypt Aleppo Cyprus and other parts of Asia bringing home Spices Perfumes unwrought Silks Tapistry Indico Corrants and the like This yeer died Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper of the Great Seal but who by vertue of an Act of Parliament alwayes exercised the Jurisdiction of Lord Chancellor a very fat man but singularly wise and a chief prop of the Queens Privy Councell In whose place succeeded Sir Thomas Bromley the Queens Solicitor with the Title of Lord Chancellor of England In Ireland at this time in the Province of Munster Iames Fitz Morris kindled a new fire of Rebellion for after his former submission upon his knees vowing all Obedience to the Queen he stole away into France and promised the French King if he would lend him assistance to make him King of Ireland But being by him slighted he went into Spain and made the like offer to the King there The King of Spain sent him to the Pope from whom by means of Nicholas Sanders an English Priest and Alan an Irishman both Doctors of Divinity he obtained a little money a Legats Authority for Sanders a consecrated Banner and Letters of Commendation to the Catholike King And returning from Spain with those Divines three Ships and a few men he landed at Smerwick Kerry a Demy Island in the West part of Ireland about the first day of Iuly where the place being first of all consecrated by the Priests he built a Fort and brought the Ships close under it but these were presently set upon and carryed away by Thomas Courtney and thereby the Spaniards deprived of their opportunity of coming thither by Sea But now Iohn and Iames brothers to the Earl of Desmond gathering together a small number of Irish joyn themselves presently with their kinsman Fitz Morris Yet the Spaniards seeing that but a very few Irish and those unarmed came unto them they began to distrust the estate they were in and to cry out That they were undone whom Fitz Morris heartened the best he could telling them that Supplyes were presently to come And going himself to get more company he passed thorow the Land of his Cosin William a Burgh who though he had been a Rebell before yet was now grown loyall so as there fell out a Skirmish between them in which Fitz Morris being strucken thorow with a Pike and shot into the head with a Leaden Bullet died in the place and most of his Company with him but withall two of William Burghs sons were in that Skirmish slain also when the Queen to comfort him for the losse of his sons adorned him with the Dignity of Baron of Castle Conell and rewarded him with a yeerly Pension besides which favours so overwhelmed him with joy that he lived but a short while after And now Sir William Drury the Deputy growing very sick appointed Sir Nicholas Malby then Governour of Connaght to be President of Munster and Generall of the Army at which time the Earl of Desmond who had all this while made a shew of Loyalty breaks openly ouâ— into Rebellion when now Drury the Deputy dying at Waterford and by his death Malbyes Authority ceasing Sir William Pelham is by the Counsell chosen Justice of Ireland with Authority of Vice-Roy untill such time as a Deputy were appointed and the Earl of Ormond is made President of Munster Pelham goeth into Munster and sendeth for the Earl of Desmond who refusing to come is thereupon proclaymed Traytor and an enemy to the State and this being published the Justice committed the following the War to the Earl of Ormond who slaying most of the Spaniards and adherents to Desmond compelleth him to send his wife to the Justice to beg his pardon The Lord Justice Pelham now certified that Arthur Lord Grey was landed with authority to be Deputy of Ireland at Munster delivereth the Army to George Bourâ—hier the son of Iohn second Earl of Bathe of that name and himself returneth to Dublin to deliver up the Province to his Successor The Lord Grey at his landing before he received the Sword hearing where the Rebells had their Randevouz marcheth towards them who presently betake themselves to Glandilough a grassie Valley and beset thick with Trees where they who dwell neer scarce know the winding out yet the Deputy taking one Câ—sbie an old man well acquainted with the place to be is leader entred into it where he lost divers of his men namely Peter Carew the younger George Moore Audeley and Cosbie himself thâ—t was his Leader A short time after there landed at Smerwick in Kerry under the command of San Ioseph an Italian about seven hundred Italian souldiers who fortifie the place and name it Fort del Or. Whereupon the Deputy sent a Trumpetter to the Fort to demand who they were what they had to do in Ireland and who sent them withall commanding them to depart immediately But they replyed That some of them were sent from his Holinesse other from the Catholike King upon whom the Pope had bestowed the Kingdome of Ireland for that Queen Elizabeth by reason of heresie hath forfeited the Right unto her and therefore what they had gotten they would maintain Upon this the Deputy prepares for Battery le ts flie his Ordnance four dayes together in which time the Spaniards once or twice make sallyes out to their own losse much but not an English-man slain but onely Iohn Cheek a couragious young Gentleman son to Sir Iohn Cheek a learned Knight And now San Ioseph who commanded the Fort a white-liver'd souldier terrified with the continuall Battery and having no hope of relief either from the King of Spain or Desmond contrary to the will of all his souldiers he set
Sâ—aâ—ue Hereupon Stubâ—â—s and Page were brought to the Scaffâ—ld made of purpose in the Market place at Westminster and their right hands with a Butchers knife and a malleâ— cut off by the wrest the Printer was pâ—â—donedâ— At that time Stubbs when his right hand was cut off uncovered his head with the left and cried out God save the Queen to the great amazement of all the beholders At this time the Queene upon importunate suite of her Counsell gave way â—hat Edmund Campian Ralph Sherwin and Alexaâ—der Bryant Priests should be called to the â—arre who being accused by vertue of a Law made in the five and twentieth yeare of King Edward the Third to have plotted the ruine of the Queene and Kingdome to be adhering to the Pope the Queens enemy and coming into England to raise Forces against the State were then condemned of High-treason and accordingly executed Campian after he was convicted being demanded First whether Queen Elizabeth wâ—re a lawfull Queen would make no answer afterward Whether he â—ould stand for the Queen or for the Pope if he should send an Army against the Queen he plainly professed That he would be of the Popes side â—nd witnessed so much under his hand After this some other Papists upon the like occasion were also put to death which the Queen rather necessaâ—ily than willingly assented to as being unwilling to force the conscience of any These and the like exorbitancies of Papists were cause that new â—â—d strict Laws were enacted against them the Parliament following which began the next Ianuary The French Duke after three moneths abode in England took his journey in February into the Low-Countries whom the Queen her self brought on his way as far as Canterburyâ— and then commanded the Earl of Leicester the Lord Charles Howard Hunsdon Willoughby Windsor Sheffield Sir Philip Sidney Sir Francis Russell Sir George Bourchier and some other prime knights to accompany him to Antwerpe where he is made Duke of Brabant Limbâ—â—rg and Lorraine for the Dutch had long before removed the King of Spains Government and quitted the people from their oath of Allegiance that it might be in their power to choose any other Prince Heâ—e the Duke of Anjou gave free leave to exercise the Roman Religion to as many as would swear Fealty to him and abjure the King of Spains authority but â—fter all having spent a great masse of money with which he was supplied from England and observiâ—g that only vain and empty titles were conferred upon him while the States held all the Dominion in their own hands he rashly enterprized an assault upon Antwerpe and some other Towns and shortly departed without any great matter performed At this time Queen Elizabeth as well to get her some friends as she had procured her selfe many enemies received into the Order of tâ—e Garter Fredericke the Second King of Denmarke to whom she employed Sir Peregrine Bertye whom she had lately made Lord Willoughby of Eresby to Invest him But now to prevent the Duke of Guyses designe in Scotland which was to make use of the Duke of Lenox favour with the King to withdraw his affection from the English William Reuthen whom the King had lately made Earle of Gowry endeavoured with others by all means to remove Lenox and the Earl of Arran from the King and so while Lenox was gone from Ferth where the King at that time was to Edinburgh and Arran was also absent on a journey The Earls Gowry Marre Lindsey and other taking the opportunity invited the King to the Castle of Reuthen and there detained him not permitting him to walk abroad All his trusty servants they removed from about him Arran they cast in prison enforced the King to call home the Earl of Angus and to send away Lenox into France who being a man of a soft and gentle disposition for the Kings safety readily consented and not content with all this they compelled the King by his Letters to Queen Elizabeth to approve and allow of this his thraldome The Queen of Scots in the mean while bewailing her own hard fortune and the distresse of the King her Son layeth open the same in a large letter written to the Queen in French With which letter Queen Elizabeth being somewhat affected sent unto her Robert Beale Clerk of the Councell to expostulate with her concerning the querulous writing and joyntly with the Earle of Shrewsbury to treat of the setting her at liberty And indeed serious consultation was held at the Councell Table about it and the most were of opinionâ— that upon certain conditions she should have her liberty but the Scottish of the English faction opposing it nothing was effected Soone after this the King sent Colonell William Steward and Iohn Colvill to Queen Elizâ—beth profering all manner of respect and observance and requesting her advice for quieting the tumults in Scotland and also for his contracting of marriage At which time news was broughâ— that the Duke of Lâ—nox was dead in France who departing this life â—t Paris even at the very point of death as oftentimes before made open profession of the Proâ—â—stant Religion thereby confuting those who had maliciously traduced him for a Papist After whose death when the surprizers of the King were lift up in their own conceits as thinking they had him safe enough He on a sudden though scarce eighteen yeers of age with some few others conveyed himselfe to the Castle of St. Andrews to whom the Nobility presently repaired bringing Armed Bands with them as fearing some danger might befall him Afterwards in fair words he advised some of his surprizers to go from the Court for avoyding of tumults and promised them pardon if they woâ—ld crave it But Gowry only asked pardon and submitted himselfe using this distinction That he had not offended in matter buâ— in forme onely and then the King sent for the Earle of Arran to the Court and respected him as his intimate friend imploying him to compose the differenâ—es amongst the Nobility and to purge the kingdome and his own Court from civill dissensions Whiles he is sedulous in these cares comes Sir Francis Walsingham from Queen Elizabeth to advise him not to be led away by evill Councellours to the destruction of both kingdoms He findeth the King accompanied with the flowr of the nobility and beholdeth another maner of Majesty than he looked for in Scotland Plaâ—ing Audience given him he put the King in minde of what the Queen out of Isocrates in private Letters had formerly admonished him That a Prince must be such a lover of Truth that more credit may be given to his bare word than to anothers oath and in many words advised him to beware now in his youth of evill Councellours and alwayes to be like himselfe The King answered That he was an absolute Prince and would not that others should appoint him Councellors whom he liked not but that he had long since devoted the first-fruits of his amitie
the Bishops of Rosse and Glasco her Agents in France to have no further to do with the English Fugitives These things Qâ—een Elizabeth heard gladly and thereupon sent Beale to the Queen of Scots who joyntly with the Earl of Shrewsbery should signifie unto her That if she continued still in the same minde as she had delivered to Waad Sir Walter Mildmay should come out of hand â—o her and Treat concerning her liberty but withall she commanded Mildmay and Beale to dive into her as well as they could to know what practises the Duke of Guyse had on foot To that which she had spoken to sir William Waad the Queen of Scots made a wary answer but to that concerning the Duke of Guyse she plainly confesseth That being sickly heâ— selfe and weak of body she had committed her selfe and her Son to the Protection of the Duke of Guyse her dear Cosen of whose intendments she knoweth nothing nor if she did would she disclose them unlesse she might be sure of her own liberty Lastly she requesteth That being a free and an absolute Prince she may not be worse handled than Queen Elizabeth her selfe was when she was a subject and kept in prison by her Sister These things had a hearing but no feeling and the rather by a strange accident for Creighton a Scottish Jesuit sayling from the Lâ—w-Countries and taken by Dutch Pirats had certain papers which he tore and threâ— away which thrown over-boord and by the winde blown back into the ship miraculously as Creighton himselfe sayd they were brought to sir William Waad who patching them together with much labour and cunning discovered by them some new intendments of the Pope the King of Spainâ— and the Guyse about the Invading of England Whereupon and upoâ— divers other rumors the better to provide for the safety of the Queen a number of her Subjects the Earl of Leicester being the foremost men of all ranks and conditions bound themselves mutually to each other by their oaths and subscriptions to persecute all those to the very death that should attempt any thing against the Queen which league of theirs they called the Association The Queen of Scoâ—s who presently apprehended that this Association was entred into for her destruction maketh this proposition by Nave her Secretary to the Queen and the Councellâ— That if she might have her liberty granted and be assured of the Qâ—eenâ—â—ove she would enter a strict league and â—mity with her and passing by all matters of offence esteem and honor â—er above all the Princes of the Christian World yea and saving the ancient League betwixt Fraâ—ce and Scâ—â—laâ—d she would her selfe be comprehended in tâ—e Association and a League defensivâ— against all that should go about to injure the Queen Herewith Queen Eliâ—abeth was wonderfully pleased and at that time cerâ—â—â—nly had an inclination to grant her freedom Bâ—t see what malice can do for many in Englandâ— but specially the Scoâ—s of 〈◊〉 â—dverse party endeavoured by all means to hinder it exclaiming That 〈◊〉 Queen could be no longer in safety if the Queen of Scots were set at liberty That both Kingdoms were utterly undone if she were admitted into 〈◊〉 â—oynt Government of the Kingdom of Scotland and that the reformed â—â—â—â—gion lay a bleeding if Papists were admitted within the Court walls 〈◊〉 was this all but the Scottish Ministers in their Pulpits loaded the 〈◊〉 of Scots with all manner of contumelies slandred the King himselfe and 〈◊〉 Councell in most bitter manner and being cited to appear before him 〈◊〉 saying That the Pulpits were exempted from all Regall Authority and that Ecclesiasticall persons were not to be censured by the Prince but 〈◊〉 their own Consistory directly against the Laws made the year before in Paâ—liament whereby the Kings Authority over all persons whether Eccleâ—â—â—sâ—icall or Secular was confirmed and namely That the King and his Councell were Supream Judges in all Causes and that whosoever refused 〈◊〉 bâ— tryed by them should be holden guilty of High-treason all Presbyâ—â—â—â—â—s and Lay-conventicles forbidden Parity of the Clergy taken away 〈◊〉 the authority of Bishops restored whose Calling the Presbyteries had condemned as wicked and Antichristian And lastly all scurrilous Libels â—â—â—inst the King and his mother prohibited namely the Scottish History of George Buchanan and his Dialogue De Iure Regni apud Scotos At this time upon her adversaries suggestion the Queen of Scots is taken from the Earl of Shrewsbery and committed to the custody of sir Pawletâ—nd â—nd sir Drue Drury and that on set purpose as some were perswaded to drive her into abrupt and desperate attempts and indeed upon this she grew more importunate with the Pope and King of Spain to hasten their inâ—â—ndment whatsoever became of her as ill indeed was like to become of her if it be true as some sayd that Leicester sent out assasinats to make her â—way but that Drury detested the villany and would grant them no â—â—cesse And how to alienate Queen Elizabeth utterly from her it is suggested to 〈◊〉 That Allen for the Catholicks of the Clergy Inglefield for the Layity â—nd the Bishop of Râ—sse for the Queen of Scots with consent of the Pope and the King of Spain had joyntly combined to depose her and to bar the King of Scotland from his hereditary Right to the Crown of England and to marry the Queen of Scots to an English Noble-man of the Romish Religion and him the English Catholikes should chuse King of England and the Pope confirm the Election and all this upon the credit of Hart the Priest but who this English Noble-man should be that should marry the Queen of Scots could not be found though Walsingham were very busie to seacrh iâ— out the fame went upon Henry Howard the Duke of Norfolks brother â—ho was a single man a great Papist and of high estimation amongst the Catholikes This yeer died in Exile and misery Charles Nâ—vill who was in the Rebellion of the North the last Earl of Westmerland of this Family a House from whence descended many Noble Personages six Earls of Westmerland â—wo Earls of Saliâ—â—â—â—y and Warâ—iâ—k an Earl of Kent a Maâ—quesse Mountâ—cut◠〈◊〉 Duke of Bedford Baron Ferrers of 〈◊〉 the Lord Latymer the Lord of 〈◊〉 one Queen and five Dutchesses to let passe Counteâ—â—es and Baronneâ—ses an Arch-bishop of York and a numerous company of other Lords In Eâ—glâ—nd died none of â—eckoning this yeer but onely Plâ—â—den the famous Lawyer but in France â—he Duke of Angiâ—â— died of griefâ— aâ—d in Holland William Prince of Orange shot into the body with â—hree Bullets by one Bâ—lthâ—sâ—r Gerard a Burgundian It was now the yeer 1585 and the eight and twentieth of Queen Elizaâ—â—â—â—â— Raign when to tiâ— the French King more neerly to her whom the 〈◊〉 â—â—fore she had received into the number of the Knights of the â—arter she sent the Earl of Derby into France to invest him with the Robes and Ornaments according to
be sowed on while the wound was green he most villanously eat it up and swallowed it down before his face After this all on a â—udden he took upon him a shew of wonderfull holinesse did nothing but hear Sermons and getting Scriptures by heart â—â—d counterfeting Revelations from God and an extraordinary calling and â—rew to be so magnified by certain zealous Ministers and specially of one â—â—â—ard Coppinger a Gentleman of a good house and one Arthington a great admirer of the Geneva Discipline that they accounted him as sent â—rom Heaven and a greater Prophet then Moses or Iohn Baptist and finally that he was Christ himself come with his fanne in his hand to judge the world And this they proclaimed in Cheapside giving out that Hacket participated of Christs glorified body by his especiall Spirit and was now come to propagate the Gospel over Europe and to settle a true Discipline in the Church of England and that they themselves were two Prophets the one of Mercie and the other of Judgement with many other such incredible blasphemies whereupon Hacket was apprehended and arraigned and at last hanged drawn and quartered continuing all the time and at his death his blasphemous Assertions Coppinger a while after starved himself to death in prison Arthington repented and made his Recantation in a publike writing Besides these other also at this time opposed the established Government of the Church of England crying down the calling of Bishops with whom sided some Common-Lawyers also affirming that the Queen could not depute nor these men exercise any such Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction and that the Oath Ex Officio was unchristian But the Queen conceiving that through the sides of the Prelates she her self was shot at suppressed them what she could and maintained the Government formerly established About this time the Lord Thomas Howard with six of the Queens ships having waited at the Azores six whole Moneths for the coming of the Spanish Fleet from America was at last set upon by Alphonso Bassano with three and fifty ships sent out for the Convoy of the American Fleet where Richard Granvile Vice-Admirall being in the Revenge and separated from his company was so hemmed in by the Spanish ships and so battered with great shot that most of his men being slain his Main-mast cut off himself sore wounded in the head he commanded to sink the ship that it might not come into the Spaniards hands but this being countermanded by most voices it was agreed to yeeld it to the Spaniards upon condition that the men should be set at liberty Granvile himself was carryed into the Spanish Admirall where within two dayes he dyed not without praise of his very enemies Thus the great ship called the Revenge was yeelded but had so many leaks in the Keâ—l that soon after it was cast away in a storm and the losse of this one ship the English soon made good upon the Spaniards by taking many of theirs About this time also Cavendish who in the yeer 1578. had sailed round about the world now with five ships bent his course toward the Magellan Straits but by reason of foul weather was not able to passe them being driven to the coast of Brasile was there cast away And now enmity increasing daily between Spain and England two Proclamations were set forth one prohibiting upon pain of high-Treason to carry Victuals or Munition into any of the King of Spains dominions Another forbidding all persons to entertain any in their houses till inquiry made what they were lest they might entertain Popish Priests who at this time came swarming into England by reason the King of Spain had lately founded a Seminary at Valledolid for the English At this time dyed Sir Christopher Hatton Lord Chancelour whom of a mean Gentlemans house the Queens favour had raised to this height of Dignity a goodly personage of body of Noble but no aspiring spirits the onely of all the Queens speciall Favourites that dyed a Batchelour and therefore left William Newport his sisters son his heir who erected for him in Pauls Church a sumptuous Monument After his death the keeping of the great Seal was for certain Moneths committed to the Lord Burleigh Treasurer Hunsdon Cobham and Buckhurst Afterward Puckering the Queens Sergeant at Law was elected not Chancelour but Keeper of the great Seal At this time also Brian O-Rork the Irish Potentate was arraigned at Westminster his Indictments were For raising Rebellion against the Queen for dragging her Picture at a horse tail for giving the Spaniards entertainment which things being told him by an Interpreter for he understood no English hee said Hee would not be tryed unlesse the Queen her self in person sate to judge him Yet being told that it was the Law hee onely said If it must be so let it be so and so condemned was executed at Tyburn as a Traitour whereof hee seemed to make as little reckoning as if it had but been in jest And now this yeer the Queen made the Colledge of Dublin in Ireland an University which was formerly the Monastery of All-Saints endowing it with power to confer Scholasticall Dignities At this time Sir Iohn Pâ—rot who had been Deputy of Ireland and done good service there was yet by the malice of Adversaries of whom Hatton was one called in question before the Baron Hunsdon the Lord Buckhurst Sir Robert Cecill lately made a Councellour Sir Iohn Fortescue Sir Iohn Wolley and some of the Judges His Accusations were first that he had spoken opprobrious words against the Queen saying Shee was illegitimate and cowardly secondly that hee had fostered notorious Traitours and Popish Priests thirdly that hee held correspondence with the Prince of Parma and the Queens enemies To the first of which he confessed that in his passion he had spoken of the Queen unadvisedly for which hee was infinitely grieved the rest hee denyed And all men knew he was never Popishly affected His Accusers were one Philip Williams sometime his Secretary Denys O-Roghan an Irish marryed Priest whose life hee had saved and one Walton a fellow of no worth or Reputation Yet the crimes being urged against him by Popham and other Lawyers till eleven a clock at night hee was at last condemned of high Treason but Sentence waâ— not pronounced till twenty dayes after and yet was not put to death but dyed a naturall death in the Tower hee vvas a man of a goodly personage stout and chollerick and one whom many thought the Queen had the more reason to respect for her father King Henry the Eighths sake The Earl of Essâ—x after a tedious Winters siege in Normandy challenged Monsieur Villerse Governour of Roan to a single combate who refusing to meet him hee then returned into England being called home by the Queen whose favour by his long absence might else have suffered prejudice And now the King of France hearing that the Prince of Parma was coming iâ—to France once again was fain to flye to
Lords Justices Adam Lofthouse Archbishop of Dublin and Chancellour and Robert Gardyner To this new Lieutenant Tir-Oen exhibiteth a Bill of his oppressions and greivances with request of pardon and at the same time stirreth up Mac-Hugh to a new Rebellion in Leinster In France at this time the French King being importuned by the Pope and by his own Subjects began to incline to a Peace with Spain which the Queen understanding she sent into France Sir Robert Cecill Herbert and Wâ—lks who dyed at his landing in France The States likewise sent thither Iustine of Nassaw and Barnevolt and others likewise into England to disswade the Peace but notwithstanding all they could say or do the French King shortly after concluded a Peace to the great discontentment of the Queen and the States but to the great good and establishment of the French Common-wealth And now the Queen providing for her own and her peoples safety sent Sir Francis Vere to the States to know if they were willing to joyn in a Treaty of Peace with the Spaniard if not what they would afford toward a Warre and to deal earnestly with them about repayment of money due to her from them At home in the mean time a great Consultation was holden whither a Peace with Spain were convenient for England or no and many Reasons were on both sides alleaged Burleigh Lord Treasurer was for Peace Essex for Warre and so vehement in it that the Treasurer after a long debating in a strange manner of Presage reached forth the Book of the Psalms to him pointing him to that Verse The bloody minded man shall not live out half his dayes Which made Essex afterward to set forth an Apology with Reasons for justification of his opinion But now another Consultation was held about a fit man to be Deputy of Ireland The Queen intended to send Sir William Knolles Essex his Uncle but Essex was violent for Sir George Carew whom hee had a minde to remove from the Court and when hee could not by any means perswade the Queen to it hee then forgetting himself and his duty uncivilly and contemptuously turned his back upon the Queen mutteriâ—g certain words Whereupon shee growing impatient gave him a box on the ear and bid him be gone with a vengeance Essex laid his hand upon his sword hilt and swore a great oath That he could not nor would not put up such an Indignity and that hee would not have taken it at King Henry the Eighth his hands and so in a rage flunâ— avvay from the Court But aftervvard admonished by the Lord Keeper hee became more milde and in a short time returned into the Queens favour About this time William Cecill Lord Burleigh and high Treasurer of Engâ—and finding himself to droop with age for hee was now threescore and seventeen yeers old sent Letters to the Queen intreating her to release him of his publike charge whereupon shee went to visit and comfort him but within a few dayes hee ended his life after hee had been the principall stay of the English Commonwealth for many yeers together One great good hee did to his country a little before his death that hee brought the States of the Low-Countries to a Composition for the payment of Eight hundred thousand pounds by Thirty thousand pounds yeerly likewise a new League to be concluded with them The King of Denmarks Subjects having lately seized upon some goods of the English as Prize to the value of a hundred thousand Dollers the Queen sent the Lord Zouch and Christopher Perkins Doctor of Law in Embassage to the Dane both to congratulate his late marriage with the Electors daughter of Brandenburg and also to crave restitution of the English goods who obtained that in lieu thereof Threescore thousand Dollers were repaid And now George Clifford Earl of Cumberland having with a Navie of eleven ships waited for Portingall Cariques and the American Fleâ—t till the season of the yeer was past they not daring to stirre forth he at last set upon Port-Rico and took it but seaven hundred of his men falling sick of Calentures and dying within forty dayes he was faine to returne home with some honour but little profit About this time one Edward Squire was Arraigned of high Treason he had been at first an ordinary Scrivener afterward a Groome in the Queen stable and going as a Souldier in Drakes last expedition was taken prisoner and carryed into Spaine there he came acquainted with one Wallpoole an English Jesuite who caused him to be put into the Inquisition for an Heretick and the fellow tasting of misery was easily drawn to become a Papist and afterward to attempt anything for the Catholique cause His ghostly father perswaded him it were meritorious to make away the Queen and the Earl of Essex and sent him into England with a certain poyson wherewith to anoint the pommell of the Queens Saddle and the chayre in which the Earl should sit which he accordingly performed but neither of them tooke effect whereupon Wallpoole suspecting Squires fidelity was bent to revenge it and sent one into England who in generall termes should lay this aspersion upon him whereupon Squire is called in question and never thinking that his Confessor would detect him directly denyed all at first but after seeing himself betrayed confessed all the matter and was executed This whole yeer the Rebellion was hot in Ireland For Tir-Oen notwithstanding his pardon lately obtâ—ined all on a suddain besieged the Fort at Blackwater to the raising of which siege the Lieutenant Generall for there was as yet no Deputy sent 13 Companies under the command of the Marshall Tir-Oens sworre adversary him Tir-Oen slew and put his whole Army to rout and atchieved such a Victory with so great losse to the English as they had never â—elt the like since they first set footing in Irelandâ— for thirteen valiant Commanders and fifteen Hundred Common Souldiers were slain at this Skirmish and soon after the Fort of Blackwater was yeelded up And now Tir-Oens fame began to resound as the Assertor of the Liberty of the Nation and upon a suddain all Munster brake forth into rebellion For the cherishing whereof Tir-Oen sent thither Oâ—ny Mac-Rorye and Tyrell who originally an Englishman was growne a deadly enemie to the English Nation with four hundred Kernes Against these Thomas Norris President of the Province marcheth to Killmallock with a good force but finding that the Irish Souldiers of his Company were ready to revolt he was faine to disperse his Army and retire to Corke Hereupon the Rebells grew insolent spoyled the Countrey and in cruell manner put all the English to the sword Furthermore they declare Fitz Thomas to be Earl of Desmondâ— but upon condition he should hold of O-Nealâ— that is of Tir-Oen who now dispatched Letters to the Spaniard relating his victories to the full and vowing to accept no termes of peace with the English and yet at the same instant after his
so as within a short time his fame was spread thorough the land by the name of the sleeping Preacher At length the King commanded him to be brought to the Court where his Majesty sate up the most part of a night to attend the event when at last Haidock making a shew to bee a sleepe began to Pray then taking a Text made his Division applying it to his purpose for in his Preaching his use was to Inveight against the Pope against the Crosse in Baptism and against the last Canons of the Church of England and having ended his Sermon seemed to continue sleeping His Majesty having well observed the manner of his cariage after a few days called the said Haidock before him and in Conference with him as he had indeed an admirable sagacity in discovering of Fictions made him confesse that all he did was but imposture and thereupon to fall upon his knees and aske forgivenesse which the King granted upon condition that in all places he should openly acknowledge his offence because many were brought into beliefe that his nightly preaching was either by inspiration or by vision We may not here think it unworthy the relating seeing King Iames thought it not unworthy the seeing thereby to observe the nature of the Lyon and made a solemne matter of it for on Munday the 3 of Iune taking with him the Duke of Lenox and diverse Earles and Lords he went to the Lyons Tower and caused two Lyons a male and a female to bee put forth and then a live Cock to bee cast before themâ— which they as being their naturall ennemy presently killed and sucked his bloud Then a live Lambe to bee put downe to them which the generous Lyons as having respect to its Innocency never offered to touch though the Lamb was so bold to go close unto them Then the King caused those Lyons to be taken away and another Lyon to be put forth and two Mastifs to be put into him who presently flew upon the Lyon and turned him upon his back and though the Lyon were superior to them in strength yet it seemes they were his matches in courage and so much superior as that they were the first assailants with whom otherwise perhaps the Lyon would not have offered to meddle On Friday the 4 of Ianuary in the Kings second yeare Charles Duke of Albany the Kings second son being then but 4 yeares old was created Duke of Yorke â—hich because it was done with extraordinary solemnity is not unworthy to haâ—e the manner of it here related First were appointed Knights of the Bathe the Duke of Albany himselfe then the Lord Willowby the Lord Chandois the Lord Câ—mpton the Lord Norris William Cecill sonne and heire to the Viscount Cranbourne Allan Percy brother to the E. of Northumberland Thomas Somerset second son to the Earle of Worcester Francis Manners brother to the Earle of Rutlâ—â—d Thomas Howard second son to the Earle of Suffolk and Iohn Harington son and heire to the Lord Harington the Earles of Oxford and Essex were Esquires to the Duke of Albany all the Knights tooke their lodging that night in the first Gate-house going to Kings street where they supped and had Bathes provided for them The next morning being Saturday they went out into the Parke in their Hermits weeds the Minstrels playing and the Heraulds going before them into the Court and so into the Chappel where every Knight with his Squires went to the Altar and there offered the Deane of the Chappell in a rich Cope holding the Bason After this they went up into their lodgings and â—here new attired themselves in robes of Crimsin Taffaty with hats and white feathers and so went back to the great Chamber where by the King they were girded with the sword and had gilt spurs put upon them This done they were solemnly served at dinner and after went again to the Chappell and there offered their swords The next day being Sunday and Twelfe day in robes of purple Sattinâ— with Doctors hoods on their shoulders and hats with white feathers they issued out of the Revestry with the Duke of Albany being then to be made Duke of York into the Hall where the King sate under the cloath of Estate and then the Heraulds going before the Knights of the Bath followed and then the Earle of Suffolk Lord Chamberlain came alone then followed Henry Howard Earle of North-Hampton and Charles Blunt Earle of Devonshire carrying the robes of Estate for the Duke of York after whom Wriothsley Earle of South-Hampton carried the Coronet George Clifford Earle of Cumberland the Golden Rod the Earle of Worcester the Cappe of Estate and the Earle of Nottingham bore the Duke of Albany in his Armes supported by the Earles of Dorset and Northumberland who all comming in this order before the King the Duke of Albany was after the Patent read Created Duke of York with the Robes and Coronet put on him and the Golden Rod delivered into his hand all which performed they went to dinner and the solemnity ended About this time on the fifteenth of Iune Thomas Dowglas a Scotch-man was committed to the Tower and had Irons put upon him being sent hither but three dayes before from the Count Palatine of the Rhyne His offence was that he had counterfetted the Kings Privy Seale to divers Princes of Germany One to the Archbishop of Cullen another to the Archbishop of Tryer another to the Duke of Cleve another to the Archbishop of Moguntia and a fifth to the Count Palatine of the Rhyneâ— whereof being examined and convicted he was drawn on a hurdle into Smithfield and there hanged and quartered And now was a second Parliament appointed to be held at Westminster on the nineteenth of March following when foure dayes before the day of sitting The King the Queen and Prince rode solemnly in great state thorough the City of London where in diverse places were erected Pageants Presents given Orations made and all demonstrations of love and observance and then the Parliament beginning the King made a long and loving Speech to the House wherein he signified the â—auses of his calling it but in the time when it should have proceeded there was suddenly discovered a Plot of Treason â—o damnable and foule that posteriâ—y will hardly thinke it true when they shall heare it the â—â—ot was to blow up with Gun-powder both Houses of Parliament at a time whâ—n the King Prince and all the Nobility should be sitting in the upper House and all the Knights and Burgesses in the Lower The principall contriver of this Plot was Robert Catesbie a Gentleman of great account in Northampton-shire descended from that Catesby who had been a speciall Counseller of King Richard the third to whose family the Divine Providence had now ordained to give a disastrous period This Catesby not able to performe the worke himselfe alone drawes in many to assist him as namely Thomas Percie Thomas Winter Iohn Grant Ambrose Rookwood Iohn
lay but did not offer to stop him From Wakefield he came to Doâ—caster and from thence to Nottingham where there came to him Sir William Parre and Sir Iames Harrington with six hundred men also Sir Thomas Burgh and Thomas Montgomery with their aydes who caused him to make Proclamation in his own name affirming â—hey would serve no man but a King From Nottingham he came to Leicester where three thousand able men and well armed came unto him From Leicester he came before the wals of Coventry into which City the Earle of Warwick had withdrawn himselfe keeping himselfe close therein with his people being about six or seven thousand men three dayes together king Edward provoked him to come forth to battell but he stayed for more forces and would not doe it whereupon King Edward marched forward to Warwicke eight miles from Coventry thinking thither at least he should have drawne the Earle of VVarwicke but neither would that doe it Indeed the Earle looked for the comming of the Duke of Clarence with twelve thousand men to joyn with him but that expectation proved vaine for the Duke was now fully reconciled to his Brother King Edward and brought all his forces to joyn with him onely he sought to make amity between King Edward and the Earle but though King Edward offered generall Pardon and other faire conditions yet none would please the Earle without restoring of King Henry But now to repaire the defection of the Duke of Clarence there came to the Earle of VVarwick at Coventry the Earle of Oxford the Duke of Exceter and the Marquesse Montacute by whose comming that side was not a little strengthened yet all this ayde would not make the Earle of VVarwick to come to battell whereupon King Edward marched forward towards London Both sides seek to make London their friend the Earle of VVarwicke sends to his brother the Archbishop of York to labour in it who thereupon caused king Henry to mount on hâ—â—seback and to ride from Paâ—ls through Cheape down Walbrooke supposing that this shewing of the king would have allured the Citizens to assist him but this device prevailed little brought not in above seven or eight thousand men a small proportion to withstand king Edward and when the Archbishop of York saw this backwardnes in the Citizens or rather indeed an inclination to king Edward he secretly sent to him to receive him into grace which upon Promise to continue faithfull hereafter he obtained The eleventh of April in the year 1471 and the eleventh of his Reigne king Edward made his entry into the City of London ryding first to Pauls Church and from thence to the Bishops Palace where the Archbishop of York presented himselfe unto him and having king Henry by the hand delivered him to king Edwâ—rd six moneths after his readeption of the Crown and then king Edward being seized of his person went from Pauls to Westminster and there gave God most hearty thanks for his safe return The reasons alleadged hereby Philip Comines for the Citizens receiving of king Edward seeme scarce worthy of so good an Authour one cause saith he was because king Edward being extreamly indebted in the City if they had not received him they should have lost their debt another because he had won the love of many Citizens wives who importuned their husbands to receive him The Earle of Warwicke having intelligence that king Edward was received into Loâ—don and king Henry delivered into his hands marched out and encamped at St. Albanâ— and after some refreshing of his Army removed towards Barnet and in a large plaine there called Glâ—dmore heath pitched his Campe which king Edward hearing on Easter Eve the thirteenth of April he marched forth and came that evening to Barnet where he would not suffer a man of his Army to stay in the town but commanded them all to the field and lodged with his Army more neer to the Enemy then he was aware by reason of a Myst raised some say by one Bungey a Conjurer which made it so darke that it could not be well observed where they were encamped In taking his ground he caused his people to keep as much â—iâ—ence as was possible thereby to keep the enemy from knowing of their approachâ— Great Artillery they had on both parts but the Earle more then the King and therefore in the night time they shot from his Campe almost continually but did little hurt because they still overshot them as lying neerer then was conceived On Easter-day â—arly in the Morning both Armies are ordered for battaile The Earle of Warwick appointed the Command of the Right wing which consisted of Horse to his brother the Marquesse Montacute and the Earle of Oxford The Left wing consisting likewise of horse was led by himselfe and the Duke of Exceter and the main Battell consisting of Bills and Bows was conducted by the Duke of Somerset On the kings part the Vaward was commanded by the Duke of Glocester the battell in which was king Henry was led by king Edward himself and the Lord Hâ—stings brought on the Reere After exhortations for encouragement of their Sâ—uldiers the fight began which with great valour was maintained by the space of six hourâ—s without any apparent disadvantage on either side onely the Earles Vaward by the valiancy of the Earle of Oxford seemed somewhat to over-match the kings which made sâ—me flying towards London to carry news that the Earle of Warwick had wonne the field and he had perhaps done so indeed but for a strange misfortune which happened to the Earle of Oxford and his men for they having a Starre with streams on their liveries as king Edwards men had the Sunne the Earle of Warwicks men by reason of the Myst not well discerning the badges so like shot at â—he Earle of Oxfords men that were on their part whereupon the Earle of Oxford cryed Treason and fled with eight hundred men At length after great slaughter made on both sideâ— king Edward having the greater number of men as some write though other say the contrary caused a new power of fresh men which he had kept of purposâ— to come on which the Earle of Warwick observing being a man of an invincible courage nothing dismaied rushed into the midst of his enemies where he adventured so â—arre that amongst the preasse he was stricken down and slaine Though some write that the Earle seeing the desperate estate of his Army leapt on a horse to fly and comming to a Wood where was no passage one of king Edwards men came to him killed him and spoyled him to the naked skin The Marquesse Montacute thinking to succour his brother lost likewise his life and left the Victory to king Edward On both sidâ—s were slaine as Hall saith ten thousand at the least Fabian saith but fifteen huâ—dred but then he means onely of the kings side Upon the kings part were slaine the Lord Cromwell the Lord Say the Lord Montjoyes Sonne