the Chancellour by Act of Parliament We have begun our Catalogue of Chancellours at Sir Thomas More before whose time that place was generally discharged by Clergy men entered in our Book under the Title of Eminent Prelates If any demand why such Clergy-men who have been Lord Chancellours are not rather ranked under the Title of Statesmen than under the Topick of Prelates Let such know that seeing Episcopacy is challenged to be jure Divino and the Chancellours place confessed to be of Humane Institution I conceive them most properly placed and to their best advantage If any ask why the Lord Chancellours who meddle so much in matters of Law are not rather digested under the Title of Lawyers then under that of Statesmen Let such know it is done because some Chancellours were never Lawyers ex professo studying the Laws of the Land for their intended Function taking them only in order to their own private accomplishment Whereof Sir Christopher Hatton was an eminent instance As we begin our Catalogue with Sir Thomas More we close it with Sir Thomas Coventry it being hard toâ—…ay whether the Former were more Witty and Facetious or the Later more Wise and Judicious Lord Treasurers Kings without Treasure will not be suitably obeyed and Treasure without a Treasurer will not be safely preserved Hence it was that the Crowns and Scepters of Kings were made of gold not only because it is the most pure and precious of metalls but to show that wealth doth effectually evidence and maintain the strength and state of Majesty We may therefore observe not only in prophane but holy writ not only in Old but New Testnment signal notice taken of those who were over the Treasury in which great place of Trust the Eunuch served Candace Queen of Ethiopia The Office of Lord Treasurers was ever beheld as a Place of great charge and profit One well skilled in the Perquisits thereof being demanded what he conceived the yearly value of the place was worth made this Return That it might be worth some thousands of pounds to him who after death would go instantly to Heaven twice as much to him who would go to Purgatory and a Nemo Scit to him who would adventure to go to a worse place But the plain truth is He that is a Bad Husband for himself will never be a good one for his Soveraign and therefore no wonder if they have advanced fair Estates to themselves whose Office was so Advantagious and they so judicious and prudent persons without any prejudice to their Master and for ought I know Injury to his Subjects We have begun our Catalogue at William Lord Powlett Marquess of Winchester For although before him here and there Lay-Lords were Intrusted with that Office Yet generally they were Bishops and so anticipated under our Topick of Eminent Prelates and blame me not if in this particular I have made the Lustrè of the Lords Spiritual to Eclipse the Lords Temporal drowning their Civil Office in their Ecclesiastical Employment We close our Catalogue of Lord Treasurers with Francis Lord Cottington Secretaries of State There were but two of these at once in the Kings time whereof the one was styled the Principal Secretary the other the Secretary of Estate Some have said that the first in the Senioritie of Admition was accounted the Principall but the Exceptions in this kind being as many as the Regularities the Younger being often brought over the head of the elder to be Principal Their chiefnesse was Penes Regis Arbitrium Nor was the one confined to Forreign Negotiations the other to domestick businesse as some have believed but promiscuously ordered all affaires though the Genius of some Secretaries did incline them most to forreign Transactions Their Power was on the matter alike and Petitioners might make their Applications indifferently to either though most addressed themselves to him in whom they had the greatest Interest Their Salaries were some Two hundred pounds a piece and five hundred pounds a piece more for Intelligence and Secret Service Before the Reformation Clergy-men who almost were all things were generally Secretaries of Estate as Oliver King Secretary to Edward 4. Edward 5. and Henry the 7. and those came under our Pen in the Notion of Eminent Prelates We therefore begin our Catalogue of Secretaries from Sir Thomas Cromwell in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth because from him until our Time a continued Series of Lay-men haâ—…e discharged that Office We â—…onclude our Secretaries of State with Sir John Cook who perceiving his aged body not so fit for such Active times resigned his Place about the beginning of the Long Parliament though surviving some years after in a private condition We will for the more safety follow the Pattern of so wise a States-man and where he gave over his Office we will give over writing of those Officers for fear we tread too neere on the Toes of the Times and touch too much on our Modern distempers Amiralls or Admiralls Much difference there is about the Original of this word whilst most probable their Opinion who make it of Eastern Extraction borrowed by the Christians from the Saracens These derive it from Amir in Arabick a Prince and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Belonging to the Sea in the Greek Language such mixture being precedented in other words Besides seeing the Sultans Dominions in the Time of the Holy War extended from Sinus Arabius to the North Eastern part of the Midland-Sea where a barbarous kind of Greek was spoken by many Amirall thus compounded was significatively comprehensive of his Jurisdiction Admirall is but a Depraving of Amirall in vulgar mouths However it will never be beaten out of the Heads of the Common sort that seeing the Sea is Scene of Wonders something of Wonderment hath incorporated it self in this Word and that it hath a Glimps Cast or Eye of Admiration therein Our English Kings following the Precedent of the Politick Romans who very seldome entrusted places of great importance especially during life in a single person as also that they might gratifie more and trust less divided the Over-sight of sea-matters betwixt a Triumvirate of Amiralls and like wary Merchants ventured the charge in several bottoms for the more Safety 1. The North Amirall 2. The South Amirall 3. The West Amirall His jurisdiction reached from the Mouth of Thames to the outmost Orcades though often opposed by the Scots and had Yarmouth for his prime Residence His Bounds stretched from the Thames Mouth to the Lands end having his station generally at Portsmouth His power extended from the lands end to the Hebrides having Ireland under his Inspection Milford Haven the chief Stable for his Wooden Horses I find that Richard Fitz-alin Earl of Arundell was by King Richard the second made the first Amirall of all England yet so that if Three Co-Admiralls were restored as formerly his Charter expired John Vere Earl of Oxford was the sirst of Hen. the seventh
Minister bred Fellow of Trinity-colledge in Oxford afterwards an eminent Preacher in London and Dean of ............ Hence he was preferr'd Bishop of Bristol and afterwards of Oxford and is still and long may he be living States-men Sir CHRISTOPHER HATTON was born I collect at Holdenby in this County of a family rather ancient then wealthy yet of no mean estate He rather took a bate then made a meal at the Inns of Court whilst he studied the Laws therein He came afterwards to the Court in a mask where the Queen first took notice of him loving him well for his handsome dancing better for his proper person and best of all for his great abilities His parts were far above his learning which mutually so assisted each other that no manifest want did appear and the Queen at last preferred him Lord Chancellour of England The Gown-men grudging hereat conceived his advancement their injury that one not thoroughly bred in the Laws should be preferred to the place How could he cure diseases unacquainted with their causes who might easily mistake the Justice of the Common-law for Rigour not knowing the true reason thereof Hereupon it was that some sullen Serjeants at the first refused to plead before him until partly by his power but more by his prudence he had convinced them of their errors and his abilities Indeed he had one Sir Richard Swale Doctor of the Civil-laws and that Law some say is very sufficient to dictate equity his servant-friend whose advice he followed in all matters of moment A scandal is raised that he was popishly affected and I cannot blame the Romanists if desirous to countenanâ—…e their cause with so considerable a person Yet most â—…ue it is that his zeal for the discipline of the Church of England gave the first being and life to this report One saith that he was a meer Vegetable of the Court that sprung up at night and sunk again at his noon though indeed he was of longer continuance Yet it brake his heart that the Queen which seldome gave boons and never forgave due debts rigorously demanded the present payment of some arrears which Sir Christopher did not hope to have remitted but did onely desire to be forborn failing herein in his expectation it went to his heart and cast him into a mortal disease The Queen afterwards did endeavour what she could to recover him bringing as some say cordial broaths unto him with her own hands but all would not do Thus no Pullies can draw up a heart once cast down though a Queen her self should set her hand thereunto He dyed Anno Domini 1591. and is buried under a stately monument in the Qâ—…ire of Saint Pauls Sir WILLIAM FITZ-WILLIAMS born at Milton in this County married the sister of Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland Yea he himself was five times Lord Deputy of that Kingdome a sufficient evidence of his honesty and ability seeing Queen Elizabeth never trusted twice where she was once deceiv'd in a Minister of State She so preserved him in the power of his place that sending over Walter Earl of Essex a person higher in honour to be Governour of Ulster it was ordered that the Earl should take his Commission from the Lord Deputy An intelligent pen alloweth him serviceable towards the reduction of that Kingdome in two eminent particulars First in raising a composition in Mounster then in setling the possessions of the Lords and Tenants in Monahan one of the last acts of State tending to the reformation of the civil government perform'd in the reign of Queen Elizabeth His vigilancy was most conspicuous in the Eighty-eight when the routed Armado in its return did look dared not to land in Ireland except against their wills driven by tempest when they found the shore worse then the sea unto them I confess some impute the Irish Rebellion which afterwards brake out to this Deputies severity in imprisoning suspected persons for concealing Spanish goods though this onely gave the Irish a mantle for their intended wickedness He died Anno Domini 15 ... Sir ISAAC WAKE was born in this County whose father Arthur Wake Clerk was Parson of Billing Master of the Hospital of Saint Johns in Northampton and Canon of Christs-church and son to John VVake of Sancy-forrest Esquire of a most ancient and honorable family He was bred Fellow of Merton-colledge in Oxford Proctour and Oratour of that University he was afterwards Secretary to Sir Dudley Carleton Secretary of State and from his was advanced into the Kings Service and imployed Embassadour to Venice where he neglected his own commodity to attend his Majesties imployment the reason that he died rich onely to his own Conscience Coming from Venice he was appointed Leiger for France and designed Secretary of State had not death prevented him at Paris He was accomplished with all qualifications requisite for publique Employment Learning Languages Experience Abilities and what not King Charles hearing of his death commanded his Corps to be decently brought from Paris into England allowing the expences for his Funeral and enjoyning his neerest relations to attend the performance thereof These accordingly met his body at Bulloin in France and saw it solemnly conveyed into England where it was interred in the Chappel of the Castle of Dover Anno Dom. 16 ... Capital Judges and Writers on the Law MARTIN de PATESHULL Let him remain here till any shall show me a Town called Pateshulle in any other County of England which village in this Shire gave the name and afforded the habitation to that ancient family Though a Clergy-man he was in the first of King Henry the third made Justice of the Lower-â—…ench or Common-Pleas wherein he continued for twelve years and upwards as appeareth by the date of his death out of an excellent Author Eodem anno obiit Martinus de Pateshulle Decanus St. Pauli London 18. Cal. Decem. vir mirae prudentiae Legum Regni peritissimus He was the fourth Dean of Saint Pauls as reckoned up in Bishop Godwin his Catalogue In that age we see Clergy men were not onely trusted with the spirit I mean the equity but also with the letter of the Law being Judges in those Courts wherein were the most strictest proceedings Sir THOMAS de BILLING was born in this County where two Villages his namesakes near Northampton and had his habitation in great state at Ashwell in this Shire He was made Chief-Justice of the Kings-Bench in the sixth and so continued till the one and twentieth of Edward the fourth whose lands and those very large have since by the Lovels descended to the Shirlies Nothing else have I to observe of him save that he married for his second wife Mary the daughter and heir of Robert Nesenham of Conington in Huntingtonshire the Relict of William Cotton whose issue possess her inheritance at this day and she lieth intomb'd in VVestminster Sir
age of a man 1. Arch-bishop Cranmers whereof four besides himself were burnt at the stake and the rest exiled in Germany 2. Arch-bishop Parkers in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth leading Halcion-days without any considerable Opposition against the Hierarchy 3. Arch-bishop Whitgifts much Pen-persecuted and pelted at with Libellous Pamphlets but supported by Queen Elizabeths Zeal to maintain the Discipline established 4. Arch-bishop Abbot's fortunate all the peaceable Reign of King James and beginning of King Charles though the Skie was Red and Lowring foretelling foul weather to follow a little before their Death 5. Arch-bishop Juxton's whose Episcopal Chairs were not only shrewdly shaken but as to outward appearance overturned in our late mutinous Distempers I know the man full well to whom Mr. Charles Herle President of the Assembly said somewhat insultingly I le tel you News last Night I buryed a Bishop dashing more at his profession then person in Westminster Abbey to whom the other returned with like Latitude to both Sure you buried him in hope of Resurrection This our Eyes at this day see performed and it being the work of the Lord may justly seem marvellous in our Sight It is also very remakable that of this Fift and Last Company all Bishops in 1642. Nine are alive at this present viz. Pardon me if not enumerating them exactly according to their Consecration London Bath Wells Ely Salisbury Bongor Covent and Lichfield Oxford Rochester and Chichester A Vivacity hardly to be parallel'd of so many Bishops in any other age providence purposely prolonging their Lives that as they had seen the Violent Ruining they might also behold the legal Restitution of their Order Now although not the Quick but the Dead Worthies properly pertain to my pen yet I crave leave of the Reader in my following work to enter a brief Memorial of the place of their Nativities Partly because lately they were dead though not in Law in the List of a Prevalent party partly because they are dead to the World having most attained if not exceeded the age of man threescore and ten years To conclude though the Apostles words be most true that the Lesser are Blessed of the Greater and that Imperative and Indicative Blessings allways descend from the superiour yet an Optative Blessing no more then a plain prayer may properly proceed from an inferiour so that a plain Priest and submissive Son of the Church of England may blesse the Bishops and Fathers thereof God Sanctifie their former afflictions unto them that as the Fire in the Furnace only burnt the bonds setting them free who went in fetterr'd not the cloths much lesse the bodies of the children of the captivity so their sufferings without doing them any other prejudice may only disingage their souls from all Servitude to this World And that for the Future they may put together not only the parcels of their scattered Revenues but compose the minds of the divided People in England to the Confusion of the Factious and Confirmation of the Faithful in Israel CHAPTER VI. Of such who have been worthy States-Men in our Land THe word STATESMEN is of great Latitude sometimes signifying such who are able to manage Offices of State though never actually called thereunto Many of these men concealing themselves in a private condition have never arrived at publike notice But we confine the term to such who by their Princes favour have been preferred to the prime places Of 1. Lord CHANCELLOURS Of 2. Lord TREASURERS of England Of 3. SECRETARIES of State To whom we have added some Lord ADMIRALS of England and some Lord DEPUTIES of Ireland Lord Chancellours The name is taken from CANCELLI which signifies a kind of wooden Network which admitteth the eyes of people to behold but forbids their feet to press on Persons of Quality sequestred to sit quietly by themselves for publick imployment Hence Chancells have their denomination which by such a fence were formerly divided from the body of the Church and so the Lord Chancellour had a Seat several to himself free from popular intrusion I find another Notation of this Office some deducing his name à Cancellando from Cancelling things amisse and rectifying them by the Rules of Equity and a good Conscience and this relateth to no meaner Author then Johannes Sarisburiensis Hic est qui Leges Regni Cancellat iniquas Et mandata pii Principis aequa facit Siquid obest populis aut legibus est inimicum Quicquid obest per eum desinit esse nocens 'T is he who cancelleth all cruel Lawes And in Kings Mandates Equity doth cause If ought to Land or Laws doth hurtful prove His care that hurt doth speedily remove He is the highest Officer of the Land whose principal imployment is to mittigate the rigour of the Common Law with Conscientious qualifications For as the Prophet complaineth that the Magistrates in Israel had turned JUDâ—…MENT into WORMWOOD the like would dayly come to passe in England where High Justice would be High injustice if the bitterness thereof were not sometimes seasonably sweetned with a mixture of Equity He also keepeth the Great Seal of the Land the affixing whereof preferreth what formerly was but a Piece of written Parchment to be a Patent or Charter For though it be true what Solomon sayes Where the word of a King is there is power yet that word doth not act effectually until it be produced under the publick Seal Some difference there is between learned Authours about the antiquity of this Office when it first began in Engâ—…and Polydore Virgil who though an Italian could when he would see well into English Antiquities makes the Office to begin at the Conquerour And B. Godwin accounteth them sufficiently ridiculous who make Swithin Bishop of Winchester Chancellor of England under K. Athelwolfe Severall persons are alledged Chancellours to our English Kings before the Conquest and King Ethelred appointed the Abbat of Elie ut in Regis Curia Cancellarii ageret dignitatem The Controverfie may easily be compremized by this distinction Chancellour before the Conquest imported an Office of credit in the Kings Court not of Judicature but of Residence much in the nature of a Secretary Thus lately he was called the Chancellour understand not of the Diocess but of the Cathedral-Church whose place was to pen the Letters belonging thereunto Whereas the notion of the Kings Chancellour since the Conquest is inlarged and advanced to signifie the supreme Judge of the Land The Lord Keeper of the Great Seal is in effect the same with the Lord Chancelour of England save that some will have the Lord Chancellours place ad Terminum Vitae and the Lord Keepers ad placitum Regis Sure it is that because Nicholas Heath late Arch-Bishop of York and Chancellour of England was still alive though outed of his Office Sir Nicholas Bacon was made Lord Keeper and in his time the power of the Keeper was made equal with the authority of
tamen a scribendo temporare non possunt Many men like my self are sick of this decease that when they know not how to write yet cannot forbear from writing A worthy English Barronet in his book incomparable on that subject hath clearly and truly stated this point Here I expect that the judicious Reader will excuse me if I take no notice of many Modern Phamphliteers seeing unlearned Scriblers are not ranked with learned Writers yea it was though tartly truly said to the Author of such a book Dum scateant alii erratis datur unica Libro Menda tuo totâ—…m est intiger error opus Whilst others flow with faults but one is past In all thy book 't is fault from first to last Indeed the Press at first a Virgin then a chast Wife is since turned Common as to prostitute her self to all Scurrilous Pamphlets When the Author of an idle and impersect book endeth with a caetera dessiderantur one altered it non dessider antur sed desunt Indeed they were not though wanting wanted the world having no need of them many books being like King Joram who lived not being desired yea the Press begineth to be an oppression of the Land such the burden of needless books therein Some will say the charge may most justly be brought against your self who have loaded the Land with more books then any of your Age. To this I confess my fault and promise amendment that God willing hereafter I will never Print book in the English tongue but what shall tend directly to Divinity CHAP. XI Of Benefactors to the Publick wherein also Choise Charities are recommended to men of Estates These are reducible to several Heads and we will begin with them who have been Builders of CHURCHES SUch Centurions who have erected us Synagogues places for Gods publick VVorship seem to me to have given good testimony of their Love to our nation Bitter was the Brave which railing Rabsheca sent to holy Hezekiah proffering him 2000 Horses on Condition that the other were but able to find Riders for them But it grieves me to see the Superstition of the former insult over the religion of this present age bragging that she left us ten thousand Churches and Chappels more or lesse ready built if we can find but repairers to keep them up It is in my opinion both dishonorable to God and scandalous to all good men to see such houses daily decay But there is a generation of people who to prevent the verifying of the old proverb Pater noster built Churches and our Father plucks them down endevour to pluck down both Churches and Our Father together neglecting yea despising the use both of the one and the other Be it here remembred that it is not only equal but just that such as have been Founders of Churches or Grand Benefactors unto them should have due Respect in preserving their Monuments from Violation or Incroachment of others I urge this the rather because abuses have been frequent in this kind even to those that have deserved best I cannot with patience remember the Story of Henry Keble Lord Maior of London 1511. who besides other Benefactions in his Life time rebuilded Alder-Mary-Church run to very Ruines and bequeathed at his Death a thousand pounds for the finishing thereof Yet within sixty years after his Bones were unkindly yea inhumanely cast out of the Vaute wherein they were buried his Monument plucked down for some Wealthy Person of the present times to be buried therein I could not but on this Occasion rub up my old Poetry Facit Indignatio Versus The Author to Alder-Mary Church Ungrateful Church orerun with rust Lately buried in the dust Utterly thou hadst been lost If not preserv'd by Keble's cost A Thousand Pounds might it not buy Six foot in length for him to lie But outed of his quiet Tombe For later Corps he must make Roome Tell me where his Dust is cast Though 't be late yet now at last All his Bones with Scorne ejected I will see them recollected VVho faine my self would Kinsman prove To all that did God's Temples love Alder-Mary Churches Answer Alas my Innocence excuse My Wardens they did me abuse VVhose Avarice his Ashes sold That Goodness might give place to Gold As for his Reliques all the Town They are scattered up and down See'st a Church repaired well There a Sprinkling of them fell See'st a new Church lately built Thicker there his Ashes spilt O that all the Land throughout Kebles Dust were throwne about Places scattered with that seed VVould a Crop of Churches breed I could wish this was the last Barbarisme in this kind and am sorry that upon small Inquiry I could insist on later Instances Free-Schools and Colledges I place Schools before Colledges because they are introductory thereunto intended for the bâ—…eeding of Children and Youth as the other for youth and men And seeing much of Truth is contained in our English Proverb It is as good to be unborn as unbred such may in some sort seem their Second-Parents who have provided for their Education These Schools are of two kinds First those wherein only a Salary is given to the School-master to teach Children gratis and these I confess are good Secondly such wherein a select number of Scholars have competent maintenance allowed towards their Living in the University and these all will acknowledge are better Some do suspect a surfet in our Land of the multitude of Schools because the Nursery is bigger then the Orchard the one breeding more Plants then the other can maintain Trees and the Land not affording sufficient preferment for them Learning is forced to stoop to mean Courses to make a Livelihood But I conceive that Store in this kind is no sore and if we must not do evil that good may come thereof we must not forbear doing that which is good for fear of accidental Evils which may arise from the same Bridges Builders of Bridges which are high-waies over water and makers of Caused-waies or Causways which are Bridges over dirt though last in order are not least in benefit to the Commmon-wealth Such conveniences save the lives of many ease the labour of moe painful travellers and may be said in some sort to lengthen the day and shorten the way to men in their journeys yea Bridges make and keep this our Island a Continent to it self How great the care of the ancient Romans to repair them for the safety of passengers appears by the origination of Pontifex having the inspection over bridges by his primitive institution Indeed the word bridge appears not in all Scripture whereof this the reason the rivers of Palestine were either so shallow that they were passable by foords as of Jabbok Arnon and Jordan before it grew navigable or else so deep that they were ferried over as Jordan when neer his fall into the Dead Sea but most of ours in England are of a middle size so
deep that they cannot be foorded so narrow that they need not to be ferried over Hence come our so eminent bridges in so much that such structures are accounted amongst our English Excellencies However Palestine was subject with England to the same inconveniences of bad high-waies and thereâ—…ore in the List of Charitable Actours reckoned up by the Prophet he is accounted as a principal The restorer of paths to dwell in for indeed some waies may be said not-habitable being so â—…eep and dirty that they cut off all intercourse the End general of all mens dwelling together I will conclude this Topick of Bridges with this memoâ—…able accident Mawd Q to King Henry the first being to pass the River Ley about Stratford near the falling of the said River into the Thames was almost drowned in riding over it But this proved the bad cause of a good effect For hereupon she built the Beautiful Bridge there for the benefit of Travellers and the Village probably from a fair Arch or Bow therein received as some conceive the addition of Stratford Bow Far be it from me to wish the least ill to any who willingly would not have their fingers to ake or an hair of their heads lessned Yet this I could desire that some Covetous churls who otherwise will not be melted into works of charity may in their passing over Waters be put into Peril without Peril Understand me might be enâ—…angered to fright but not â—…urt that others might fare the better for their fears Such Misers being minded thereby to make or repair Bridges for publick Safety and convenience Alms-houses Because we live in an age wherein men begin to be out of charity with charity it self and there be many covetous not to say sacrilegious people whose Fingers itch to be Nimming the patrimony of the poor we will here present the Cavils of this against the charity of former ages herein Cavil 1. Show us the foundation of such Structures in Scripture either in the Old or New Testament As for the place with fiue porches wherein the impotent poor lay near the Pool of Bethesda it was of another Nature Alsmhouses therefore not being Jure Divino may lawfully be abolished Answer The Constitution of the Jewish was far different from our English Common-wealth wherein every one originally was a Freeholder of some proportion of land which though aliened reverted to the Owner at the year of Jubilee There needs not an express or particular precept for all our actions that general one He that hath pity upon the Poor lenaeth unto the Lord is bottome broad enough to build more Alms-houses on than all ages will afford Besides this precept we have the practice of the primitive Christians in the time of the Apostles parting with the propriety of all their estate and well then may we appropriate a part of ours for the releif of the Poor Cavil 2. The builders of them for the most part have been people formerly guilty of oppression who having lived like Wolves turn Lambs on their death-beds and part with their Fleece to people in want Having ground the faces of the poor they give the Toll thereof to build an Alms-house though too little to hold half the beggars which they have made Answer The aspersion cannot be fastned on many Founders so free from the same that malice may sooner break her own Teeth and Jawes too thâ—…n make impression on their reputation But grant the charge true in this sense Beatum est fuisse Blessed are they that have been BAD Aud such were some of you Let not envious man repine at that whereat the blessed Angels rejoyce the conversion of sinners and their testifying thereof by such publique expressions Cavil 3. Such Builders generally have a Pope in their Belly puffed up with a proud opinion to merit by their performances Answer When did the Caviller steal the Touch-stone of hearts for God I am sure would not lend it him who saith My Glory will I not give to another that he is so well acquainted with mens thoughts and intentions Charity saith the Apostle thinketh no evil whereas this Caviller thinks little good We are bound to believe the best of such Founders especially of such who lived Since the Reformation whereby the dangerous Error of merit was exploded Cavil 4. Grant them guiltlesse of Superstition they are guilty of Vain-glory. Witness the building of such houses commonly by high way sides whenas our Saviour saith Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth Answer The Objecter shall have leave to build his Alms house in what private place he please in the middle of a Wood if he shall think fitting But we know who saith Let your Light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in heaven That they may see yours good works though not as finis operis yet as modus operandi thereby to provoke others to imitation Cavil 5. As some affirm of Tobacco that it causeth as much Rheume as it bringeth away Alms-houses do breed as many Poor as they relieve People in such places presume to be idle beholding Hospitals as their Inheritance wherein their old age shall be provided for Answer What is good per se ought not to be waved for what is ill per a dens This calleth aloud to the care and integrity of Feoffees intrusted to be wary in their elections Besides I must stick to mine old Maxime It is better that Ten Drones be fed then one Bee be famished Cavil 6. Such places are generally abused against the will of the Founders Statutes are neglected What is said of the Laws in Poland that they last but three dayes is as true of the short lived orders in Alms-houses Not the most indigent or who have been the most laborious but the best befriended reap the benefit thereof Answer I could wish that Alms-houses were the only places wherein Laws were broken But grant too much truth in the Cavil all will say from the beginning it was not so and I will hope Unto the end it shall not be so Cavil 7. Hospitals generally have the Rickets whose heads their Masters grow over great and rich whilest their poor bodies pine away and consume Answer Surely there is some other cure for a Ricketish body than to kill it viz. by opening obstructions and deriving the Nutriment to all parts of the same But enough of this unwelcome Subject whereof what is spoken is not to put new Cavils into the heads of any but to pluck old ones out of the hearts of too many who have entertained them If these our Answers seem not satisfactory to any Know that as a left handed man hath great odds in Fencing against one that is right handed So in Controversies of this kind Cavillers with their sinister inferences from mens frailties have a vast advantage over those who are of candid and ingenuous
all earnestnesse which will add so much to their account Some will say if the English be so forward in deeds of Charity as appeareth by what you said before any exhortation thereunto is altogether supersâ—…uous I answer the best disposed to Bounty may need a Remembrancer and I am sure that Nightingale which would wake will not be angry with the Thorn which pricketh her Breast when she noddeth Besides it is a Truth what the Poet saith Qui monet ut facias quod jam facis ipse monendo Laudat hortatu comprobat acta suo Who what thou dost thee for to do doth move Doth praise thy Practice and thy Deeds approve Thus the exhortations of the Apostles at Jerusalem were commendations of St. Paul Only they would that we should remember the poor the same which I also was forward to do Lastly though many of our Nation be free in this kind there want not those who instead of being Zealous are Jealous of good works being so far from shining themselves that they enviously endevour to extinguish the light of others whose Judgements I have laboured to rectifie herein The Stating of the Word REFORMATION with the Extensiveness thereof No word occurs oftner in this our Book then REFORMATION It is as it were the Aequator or that remarkable Line dividing betwixt Eminent Prelates Leaed Writers and Benefactors to the Publick who lived Before or After It. Know then that this Word in Relation to the Church of England is of above twenty years extent For the Reformation was not advanced here as in some Forraign Free-States suddenly not to say rapidly with popular Violence but Leisurely and treatably as became a matter of so great importance besides the meeting with much opposition retarded the proceedings of the Reformers We may observe that the Jews returned from the Captivity of Babylon at three distinct times under the Conduct of several persons 1. When the main Body of the Captives was brought home by Zorobabel by whom the second Temple was built 2. When a considerable Company returned with Ezra by whom the Church part as I may tearm it was setled in that Nation 3. When Nehemiah no doubt with suitable attendance came home and ordered the State moiety repairing the VValls of Jerusalem In like manner we may take notice of three distinct Dates and different degrees of our English Reformation though in relation to the Jewish I confess the method was altogether inverted For 1. The Civil part thereof when the Popes Supremacy was banished in the Reign of King Henry the Eight 2. VVhen the Church Service was reformed as far as that Age would admit in the first year of King Edward the Sixth 3. VVhen the same after the Marian interruption was resumed and more refined in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth The first of these I may call the morning Star The second the dawning of the day The third the Rising of the Sun and I deny not but that since that time his light and heat hath been increased But now the Question will be what is to be thought of those Prelates Writers and Benefactors which lived in the aforesaid Interval betwixt the Beginning and Perfecting of this Reformation For these appear unto us like unto the Batable ground lying betwixt England and Scotland whilest as yet two distinct Kingdomes in so dubious a posture it is hard to say to which side they do belong It is Answered the only way to decide this difference is to observe the Inclinations of the said persons so far forth as they are discovered in their Writings and actions such as appear in some good degree favourers of the Gospel are reputed to be since whilest those who are otherwise are adjudged to be Before the Reformation CHAP. XII Of Memorable Persons THe former Heads were like private Houses in which persons accordingly Qualified have their several habitations But this last Topick is like a publick Inn admitting all Comers and Goers having any extraordinary not vitious Remark upon them and which are not clearly reducible to any of the former Titles Such therefore who are over under or beside the Standard of Common persons for strength stature fruitfulnesse Vivacity or any other observeable eminence are lodged here under the Notion of Memorable Persons presuming the pains will not be to Me so much in marking as the pleasure to the Reader in knowing them Under this Title we also repose all such Mechanicks who in any Manual Trade have reached a clear Note above others in their Vocation Objection It is Deforme Spectaculum an uncouth Sight to behold such handy-crafts-men blended with Eminencies in ingenious professions such a mottley colour is no good wearing How would William Cecill Lord Treasurer of England and Baron of Burghleigh be offended to behold James York the Blacksmith set with him at the same Table amongst the Natives of Lincolne-shire Answer I am confident on the contrary that he would be highly pleased being so great a Statesman that he would countenance and encourage his Industrious Country man accounting nothing little without the help whereof greater matters can either not be attained or not long subsist Yea we see what signal notice the Spirit of God takes of the three Sons of Lamech the first Founders of Tent-making Organs and Iron-works and it is observable that whereas all their names are forgotten which built the Tower of Babel though done on design to get them a name these three Mechanicks viz. Jabal Jubal and Tubal Cain are nominatim recorded to all posterity Thus is it better to bottome the perpetuity of ones memory on honest Industry and ingenuous diligence then on Stately Structures and expensive magnificence I confesse it is easier to add to any art than first to invent it yet because there is a perfection of degrees as well as Kinds Eminent Improvers of an art may be allowed for the Co-inventers thereof being Founders of that accession which they add thereunto for which they deserve to be both regarded and rewarded I could name a worshipful Family in the South of England which for 16. several descents and some hundreds of years have continued in the same stay of Estate not acquiring one foot of Land either by match purchase gift or otherwise to their ancient Patrimony The same may be said of some handycrafts wherein men move in the same compasse but make no further progresse to perfection or any considerable improvement and this I impute generally to their want of competent encouragement CHAP. XIII Of Lord Maiors of LONDON I Have concluded this Work with these Chief Officers in that great City A place of so great Honour and Trust that it hath commonly been said that on the death of an English King The Lord Maior is the Subject of the greatest Authority in England Many other Offices determining with the Kings Life till such time as their Charters be renewed by his Successor whereas the Lord Maiors Trust continueth for a
partial Reflections CHAP. XIX Of the Number of Modern Shires or Counties in England And why the WORTHIES in this Work are digested County-wayes I Say Modern not meaning to meddle with those antiquated ones which long since have lost their Names and bounds as Winchelcomb-shire united to Gloucester-shire Howdon-Shire annexed to York-shire and Hexham-Shire to Northumberland As little do we intend to touch on those small Tracts of Ground the County of Poole and the like being but the extended Limits and Liberties of some Incorporations We add Shires or Counties using the words promiscuously as the same in sense I confess I have heard some Criticks making this distinction betwixt them that such are Shires which take their Denomination from some principal Town as Cambridgeshire Oxford-shire c. Whilest the rest not wearing the Name of any Town are to be reputed Counties as Norfolk Suffolk c. But we need not go into Wales to confute their Curiosity where we meet Merioneth-shire and Glamorgan-shire but no Towns so termed seeing Devon-shire doth discompose this their English Conceit I say English Shires and Counties being both Comitatus in Latine Of these there be nine and thirty at this day which by the thirteen in Wales are made up fifty two England largely taken having one for every Week in the year Here let me tender this for a real Truth which may seem a Paradoxe that there is a County in England which from the Conquest till the year 1607 when Mr. Camdens last Latine Britannia was set forth never had Count or Earl thereof as hereby may appear In his Conclusion of Bark-shire Immediately it followeth Haec de Bark shire quae hactenus Comitis honore insignivit neminem In hujus Comitatus complexu sunt Parochiae 140. Now this may seem the more strange because Comes and Comitatus are relative But under favour I humbly conceive that though Bark shire never had any Titular Honourary or Hereditary Earl till the year 1620. when Francis Lord Norris was created first Earl thereof yet had it in the Saxons time when it was first modelled into a Shire an Officiary Count whose Deputy was termed Vice-comes as unto this day Why the Worthies in this Work are digested County-ways First this Method of Marshalling them is new and therefore I hope neverthelesse acceptable Secondly it is as informative to our judgements to order them by Counties according to their place as by Centuries so oft done before according to the time seeing WHERE is as essential as WHEN to a mans being Yea both in some sort may be said to be jure divino understand it ordered by Gods immediate providence and therefore are coupled together by the Apostle Acts 17. 26. And hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation If of their habitation in general then more especially of the most important place of their Nativity The Spirit of God in Scripture taketh signal notice hereof The Lord shall count when he writes up the people That this man was born there Philip was of Bethsaida the City of Andrew and Peter and all know how St. Paul got his best Liberty where he saw the first light in Tarsus a City of Cilicia When Augustus Câ—…ar issued out a decree to taxe the whole World it was ordered therein that every own should go into his own City as the most compendious way to prevent confusion and effectually to advance the businesse I find the same to expedite this work by methodizing the Worthies therein according to the respective places of their Nativities If some conceive it a pleasant sight in the City of London to behold the Natives of the several Shires after the hearing of a Sermon passe in a decent equipage to some Hall there to dine together for the continuance and increase of Love and Amity amongst them Surely this Spectacle will not seem unpleasant to ingenuous Eyes to see the Heroes of every particular County modelled in a body together and marching under the Banners of their several Eminencies Here may you behold how each County is Innated with a particular Genius inclining the Natives thereof to be dexterous some in one profession some in another one carrying away the credit for Souldiers another for Seamen another for Lawyers another for Divines c. as I could easily instance but that I will not forestall the Readers Observation seeing some love not a Rose of anothers gathering but delight to pluck it themselves Here also one may see how the same County was not always equally fruitful in the production of worthy persons but as Trees are observed to have their bearing and barren years So Shires have their rise and fall in affording famous persons one age being more fertile then another as by annexing the dates to their several Worthies will appear In a word my serious desire is to set a noble emulation between the several Counties which should acquit themselves most eminent in their memorable off spring Nor let a smaller Shire be disheartned herein to contest with another larger in extent and and more populous in persons seeing Viri do not always hold out in proportion to Homines Thus we find the Tribe of Simeon more numerous than any in Israel Judah and Dan only excepted as which at their coming out of Egypt afforded no fewer than fifty nine thousand and three hundred Yet that Tribe did not yeild Prince Preist Prophet or any remarkable person Apocrypha Judith only excepted Multi gregarii pauci egregii and Multitude with Amplitude is never the true Standard of Eminency as the judicious Reader by perusing and comparing our County Catalogues will quickly perceive A Case of Concernment propounded and submitted to the Equity of the Reader It is this Many Families time out of mind have been certainly fixed in eminent Seats in their respective Counties where the Ashes of their Ancestors sleep in quiet and their Names are known with honour Now possibly it may happen that the chief Mother of that Family travelling in her Travel by the way side or by some other Casualty as visit of a friend c. May there be delivered of the Heir of her Family The Question is whether this Child shall be reputed the Native of that place where his Mother accidentally touched or where his Father and the Father of his Fathers have landed for many Generations On the one side it seemeth unreasonable to any man according to his Historical conscience that such a casual case should carry away the Sole credit of his Nativity This allowed tota Anglia Londinizabit a Moiety almost of the Eminent Persons in this Modern age will be found born in that City as the Inn-general of the Gentry and Nobility of this Nation Whether many come to prosecute Law-Suits to see and to be seen and on a hundred other occasions among which I will not name saving of house-keeping in the Countrey One Instance of many I find
Fathers as if some Peculiar Blessing attended them whilst they continue therein Thus of the Prelatical Clergy we have Francis Godwin a Bishop the Son of a bishop and Doctor John King Son to his Reverend Father the Bishop of London And of other Clergy men we have three Generations of the wards in Suffolk As many of the Shutes in York shire no lesse painful then pious and able in their Professions Let me add that there were at one time 3 Fellows of Kings Colledge Sons of eminent Divines and afterwards Doctors of Divinity 1 Samuel Collings 2 Thomas Goad 3 William Sclater And I believe there were not severally in their Generations men more signal in their different Eminencies It is easie for any to guess out of what Quiver this Envenomed Arrow was first shot against the Children of Clergy men namely from the Church of Rome Who in their Jurisdiction forbid the Banes of all Clergymen against the Law of Nature Scripture and the practice of the Primitive Church And in other places unsubjected to their power bespatter the posterity of the Clergy with their scandalous Tongues Yet be it known unto them the Sons of English Priests or Presbyters may be as good as the Nephews of Roman Cardinals However because Antidotes may be made of poysons it is possible that Good may be extracted out of this false Report Namely if it maketh Clergy-men more careful to go before their Children with good Examples to lead them with good Instructions to drive and draw them if need so requireth with Moderate Correction seasonably used putting up both Drye and Wet Prayers to God for his Blessing on their children As also if it maketh the children of Clergy-men to be more careful by their circumspect lives to be no shame to the Memory and Profession of their Fathers CHAP. XXI General Rules for the AUTHOR and READERS Ease I Have ranked all persons under their respective Titles according to their Seniorities of the ages they lived in Good the method of the Sons of Jacob sitting down at the Table of their unknown brother Joseph the first according to his Birthright and the Youngest according to his Youth If therefore on this account a mean man take place of a mighty Lord the later as being dead I am sure will not and the Living Reader should not be offended thereat Of the Dates of Time annexed to the Persons and their Actions The Sun that Glorious Creature doth serve Mankind for a double use to lighten their Eyes with his Beams and Minds with his Motion The later is performed by him as appointed for Signs and for Seasons as he is the great Regulator of Time joynted into Years and Months carved into Weeks and Dayes minced into Hours and Minutes At what a sad loss are such who living in Lone Houses in a Gloomy Winter Day when the Sun doth not at all appear have neither the benefit of Watches Silent Clocks nor of Clocks Speaking Watches being ready oft-times to mistake Noon for Night and Night for Noon Worse Errors are committed by those who being wholy ignorant in Chronology set the Grand-children before their Grandfathers and have more HysteronProterons than of all other Figures in their Writings The Maxime He who distinguisheth well instructeth well is most true in the observing of the Distinction of time It will pose the best Clerk to read yea to spel that Deed wherein Sentences Clauses Words and Letters are without Points or Stops all continued together The like Confusion ariseth when persons and their actions are not distanced by Years nor pointed with the periods of Generations I have endevoured in my following work to Time Eminent Persons by one of these Notations First that of their Morning or Nativity the second that of their Noon or Flourishing the last that of their Night or Death The first is very uncertain many Illustrious Men being of obscure Extraction The second more conspicuous when Mens Lustre attracts many Eyes to take Notice of them Many see the Oake when grown especially if a standard of Remark whilst few if any remember the Acorn when it was set The last is not the least Direction as which is generally observed It cometh to pass somtimes that their Deaths acquaint us with their births viz. when attended on their Tomb with Intelligence of their age so that by going backward so many years from their Coffins we infallibly light on their Cradles Some Persons in our Works are notified by all of these Indications most with two and all with one of them When we find a Contest amongst Chronologers so that with the mutinous Ephesians some cry one thing and some another being as much dispersed in their Opinions as the Amorites in their Persons when defeated by Saul so that two of them were not left together in such a case I have pitched on that Date under correction of better judgements which seemed to me of greatest Probability An Apology for Qualificatives used and Blanks left in this History I approve the plain Country By-word as containing much Innocent Simplicity therein Almost and very nigh Have saved many a Lie So have the Latines their prope fere juxta circiter plus minus used in matters of fact by the most authentick Historians Yea we may observe that the Spirit of Truth it self where Numbers and Measures are concerned in Times Places and Persons useth the aforesaid Modificatives save in such cases where some mystery contained in the number requireth a particular specification thereof In times In places In persons Dan. 5. 33. Darius being about threescore and two years old Luk. 24. 13. From Jerusalem about sixty furlongs Exod. 12. 37. About six hundred thousand men on foot Luke 3. 23. Jesus began to be about thirty years of age Joh. 6. 19. Had rowed about five and twenty furlongs Act. 2. 41. Added to the church about 3 thousand 〈◊〉 None therefore can justly find fault with me if on the like occasion I have secured my self with the same Qualificatives Indeed such Historians who grind their Intelligence to the powder of fraction pretending to cleave the pin do sometimes misse the But. Thus one reporteth how in the Persecution under Dioclesian there were neither under nor over but just nine hundred ninety nine Martyrs Yea generally those that Trade in such Retail-ware and deal in such small parcells may by the ignorant be commended for their Care but condemned by the judicious for their ridiculous curiosity But such who will forgive the use of our foresaid Qualificatives as but limping and lamenesse will perchance not pardon the many blanks which occur in this Book accounting them no better then our Flat fallingto the ground in default of our Industry where they found their best preferment especially if Convents or Dignities of signal note as Henry of Huntington not born but Arch-Deacon there William of Malmsbury and Matthew of Westminster no Natives of those Towns but Monks of the Monasteries therein However
past twelve years of age before he knew one letter in the Book and did not he run fast who starting so late came soon to the mark He was a Curious Poet excellent Musician a valiant and successeful Souldier who fought seven Battles against the Danes in one year and at last made them his Subjects by Conquest and Gods servants by Christianity He gave the first Institution or as others will have it the best 〈◊〉 to the University of Oxford A Prince who cannot be painted to the Life without his losse no words reaching his worth He Divided 1. Every natural day as to himself into three parts eight hours for his devotion eight hours for his imployment eight hours for his sleep and refection 2. His Revenues into three parts one for his expences in War a second for the maintenance of his Court and a third to be spended on Pious uses 3. His Land into Thirty two shires which number since is altered and increased 4. His Subjects into Hundreds and Tythings consisting of Ten persons mutually Pledges for their Good behaviour such being accounted suspitious for their Life and Loyalty that could not give such Security He left Learning where he found Ignorance Justice where he found Oppression Peace where he found Distraction And having Reigned about Four and thirty years He dyed and was buried at Winchester Anno 901. He loved Religion more then Superstition favoured Learned men more then Lasie Monks which perchance was the cause that his memory is not loaden with Miracles and He not solemnly Sainted with other Saxon Kings who far less deserved it Since the Reformation PETER CHAPMAN was born at Cokeham in this County bred an Iron-monger in London and at his death bequeathed five pounds a year to two Scholars in Oxford as much to two in Cambridge and five Pounds a year to the Poor in the town of his Nativity besides threescore pounds to the Prisons in London and other Benefactions The certain date of his death is to me unknown JOHN KENDRICK was born at Reading in this County and bred a Draper in the City of London His State may be compared to the Mustard-seed very little at the beginning but growing so great that the birds made nests therein or rather he therein made neâ—…ts for many birds which otherwise being either infledged or maimed must have been exposed to wind and weather The Worthiest of Davids WORTHIES were digested into Ternions and they again subdivided into two Ranks If this double Dichotomie were used to methodize our Protestant Benefactors since the Reformation sure I am that Mr. Kendrick will be if not the last of the first the first of the second Three His Charity began at his Kindred proceeded to his Friends and Servants to whom he left large Legacies concluded with the Poor on whom he bestowed above twenty thousand pounds Reading and Newbury sharing the deepest therein And if any envious and distrustfull Miser measuring other mens hearts by the narrowness of his own suspecteth the truth hereof and if he dare hazard the smarting of his bleered eyes to behold so bright a Sun of Bounty let him consult his Will publickly in Print He departed this life on the 30. day of September 1624. and lyes buried in St. Christophers London To the Curate of which Parish he gave twenty pounds per annum for ever RICHARD WIGHTWICK Bachelor of Divinity was Rector of East Isley in this County What the yearly value of his living was I know not and have cause to believe it not very great however one would conjecture his Benefice a Bishoprick by his bounty to Pembroke Colledge in Oxford to which he gave one hundred pounds per annum to the maintenance of three Fellows and four Scholars When he departed this life is to me unknown Memorable Persons THOMAS COLE commonly called the rich clothier of Reading Tradition and an authorless pamphlet make him a man of vast wealth maintaining an hundred and fourty meniall servants in his house besides three hundred poor people whom he set on work insomuch that his Wains with cloth filled the high-way betwixt Reading and London to the stopping of King Henry the first in his Progress Who notwithstanding for the incouraging of his Subjects industry gratified the said Cole and all of his profession with the set measure of a Yard the said King making his own Arme the standard thereof whereby Drapery was reduced in the meting thereof to a greater certainty The truth is this Monkes began to Lard the lives of their Saints with lies whence they proceeded in like manner to flourish out the facts of Famous Knights King Arthur Guy of Warwick c. in imitation whereof some meaner wits in the same sort made description of Mechanicks powdering their lives with improbable passages to the great prejudice of truth Seeing the making of Broad-cloath in England could not be so ancient and it was the arme not of King Henry but King Edward the first which is notoriously known to have been the adequation of a yard However because omnis fabula fundatur in Historia let this Cole be accounted eminent in this kind though I vehemently suspect very little of truth would remain in the midst of this story if the grosse falshoods were pared from both sides thereof JOHN WINSCOMBE called commonly Jack of Newberry was the most considerable clothier without fancy and fiction England ever beheld His Looms were his lands whereof he kept one hundred in his House each managed by a Man and a Boy In the expedition to Flodden-field against James King of Scotland he marched with an hundred of his own men as well armed and better clothed then any to shew that the painfull to use their hands in peace could be valiant and imploy their Armes in War He feasted King Henry the eighth and his first Queen Katharine at his own house extant at Newberry at this day but divided into many Tenements Well may his house now make sixteen Clothiers houses whose wealth would amount to six hundred of their estates He built the Church of Newberry from the Pulpit westward to the Tower inclusively and died about the year 1520. some of his name and kindred of great wealth still remaining in this County Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Parveis John Parveis Erlgeston Fishmonger 1432 2 Nicholas Wyfold Thomas Wyfold Hertley Grocer 1450 3 William Webbe John Webbe Reading Salter 1591 4 Thomas Bennet Thomas Bennet Wallingford Mercer 1603 The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the Sixth 1433. Robert Bishop of Sarum Commissioners to take the Oaths William Lovel Chivaler  Robert Shotsbroke Knights for the Shires William Fyndern  Johan Prendegest Praeceptor Hospitalis St. Johan Jerus in Anglia de Grenham Johannis Golefre Armigeri Willielmi Warbelton Ar. Willielmi Danvers Ar. Johannis Shotesbrooke Ar. Thomae Foxle Ar. Phi. Inglefeld Ar. Thomae Rothewell
not exactly adequate thereunto For I find in this County the Family of the Pusays so ancient that they were Lords of Pusay a village nigh Faringdon long before the Conquest in the time of King Canutus holding their lands by the tenure of Cornage as I â—…ake it viz. by winding the Horn which the King aforesaid gave their family and which their posterity still extant at this day do produce Yet none of their name though Persons of Regard in their respective generations appear ever Sheriffs of this County I am glad of so pregnant an instance and more glad that it so seasonably presenteth it self in the front of our work to conâ—…ute their false Logick who will be ready to conclude Negatively for this our Catalogue of Sheriffs excluding them the lines of ancient Gentry whose Ancestors never served in this Office On the other side no ingenuous Gentleman can be offended with me if he find not his Name registred in this Roll seeing it cannot be in me any Omission whilst I â—…ollow my Commission faithfully transcribing what I find in the Records Richard I. 3 WILLIELMUS BRIEWERE He was so called saith my Author because his Father was born upon an Heath though by the similitude of the Name one would have suspected him born amongst briers But see what a poor mans child may come to He was such a Minion to this King Richard the first that he created him Baron of Odcomb in Sommersetshire Yea when one Fulk Paynell was fallen into the Kings displeasure he gave this William Briewere the Town of Bridgewater to procure his reingratiating His large inheritance his son dying without issue was divided amongst his Daughters married into the honourable Families of Breos Wake Mohun La-fert and Percy 8 PHILIPPUS filius ROB. ALAN de MARTON It is without precedent that ever two persons held the Shrevalty of one County jointly or in Co-partnership London or Middlesex alone excepted whereof hereafter However if two Sheriffs appear in One year as at this time and frequently hereafter such Duplication cometh to pass by one of these Accidents 1. Amotion of the first put out of his place for misdemeanor whereof very rare precedents and another placed in his Room 2. Promotion When the first is advanced to be a Baron in the year of his Shrevalty and an other substituted in his Office 3. Mort. The former dying in his Shrevalty not priviledged from such Arrests to pay his Debt to Nature In these cases Two and sometimes Three are found in the same year who successively discharged the office But if no such mutation happened and yet two Sheriffs be found in one year then the second must be understood Sub-vice-comes whom we commonly also call Mr. Sheriffe in courtesie his Deputy acting the affaires of the County under his Authority However if he who is named in this our Catalogue in the second place appear the far more Eminent Person there the Intelligent Reader will justly suspect a Transposition and that by some mistake the Deputy is made to precede him whom he only represented Be it here observed that the place of Under-Sheriffs in this age was very honourable not hackned out for profit And although some uncharitable people unjustly I hope have now adays fixed an ill character on those who twice together discharged the place yet anciently the office befitted the best persons little difference betwixt the High-Sheriffe and Under-Sheriffe save that he was under him being otherwise a man of great credit and Estate Henry III. 2 FULCO de BREANTEE Oxf. This Fulco or Falkerius or Falkesius de Breantee or Breantel or Brent so many several ways is he written was for the first six years of this King High-Sheriffe of Oxford Cambridge Huntington Bedford Buckingham and Northampton shires Counties continued together as by perusing the Catalogues will appear What this Vir tot locorum Man of so many places was will be cleared in Middlesex the place of his Nativity 56 ROG EPIS COVENT LICH That Bishops in this age were Sheriffs of Counties in their own Dioceses it was usuall and obvious But Bark-shire lying in the Diocess of Sarum Oxfordshire of Lincolne that the far distant Bishop of Coventry and Lich. should be their Sheriffe may seem extraordinary and irregular This first put us on the inquiry who this Roger should be and on search we found him surnamed De Molend alià s Longespe who was Nephew unto King Henry the third though how the kindred came in I can not discover No wonder then if his royal relation promoted him to this place contrary to the common course the King in his own great age and absence of his Son Prince Edward in Palestine desiring to place his Confidents in offices of so high trust Edward II. 6 PHIL. de la BEACH Their Seat was at Aldworth in this County where their Statues on their Tombs are Extant at this day but of Stature surely exceeding their due Dimension It seems the Grecian Officers have not been here who had it in their Charge to order Tombs and proportion Monuments to the Persons represented I confess Corps do stretch and extend after their Death but these Figures extend beyond their Corps and the People there living extend their Fame beyond their Figures Fancying them Giants and fitting them with Porportionable Performances They were indeed most Valiant men and their Male Issue was extinct in the next Kings Reign whose Heir Generall as appeareth by the Hâ—…ralds Visitation was married to the ancient Family of WHITLOCK Sheriffs of Bark-shire and Oxfordshire Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Edmund Stoner  Azure 2 â—…ars Dancetâ—…ee Or a Chief G. 2 Tho. Barentyn  Sable 2 Eaglets displayed Arg. Armed Or. 3 Gilbertus Waâ—…   4 Iohannes Ieanes   5 Richar. Brines   6 Tho. Barentyn ut prius  7 Iohan. Hulcotts  Fusilee Or Gules a Border Azure 8 Rober. Bullocke Arborfield Gu. a Cheveron twixt 3 Bulls Heads Arg. armed Or. 9 Iohan. Holgate   10 Tho. Barentyn ut prius  11 Gilb. Wace mil.   12 Thomas Pool   13 Williel Attwood   14 Hugo Wolfes   15 Robert Bullock ut prius  16 Williel Wilcote   17 Tho. Farington  Sable 3 Unicorns in pale Current Arg. armed Or. 18 Tho. Barentyn ut prius  19 Edrum Spersholt   20 Williel Attwood   21 Iohan. Golafre   22 Idem   HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Will. Wilcote   2 Tho. Chaucer Iohan. Wilcote Ewelme Ox. Partee per pale Ar. G. a bend counter-changed 3 Robert Iames   4 Idem   5 Tho. Chaucer ut prius  6 Will. Langford   7 Rob. Corbet mil.  Or. a Raven proper 8 Iohan. Wilcote   9 Th. Harecourt m. Stanton Ox. Gules two Barrs Or. 10 Petrus Besiles Lee Berk.
Benefactors to the Publick Sir WILLIAM son to William HARPER was born in the Town of Bedford but bred a Merchant-taylor in the City of London Where God so blessed his endeavours that Anno 1561. he was chosen Lord Mayor thereof In gratitude to God and the place of his Nativity he erected and endowed a free-schole in Bedford in which Town he lyeth buryed HENRY GREY son to Henry Grey was born at Wrest in this County Something must be premised of his extraction Richard Grey third Earl of Kent of that family was so profuse a person that he wilfully wasted his Estate giving away what he could not spend to the King and others so little he reflected on Sir Henry Grey his Brother but by a second Venter of Wrest in this County Hereupon the said Sir Henry though heir to his Brother Richard after his death yet perceiving himself overtitled or rather under-stated for so high an honour the undoubted right whereof rested in him declined the assuming thereof Thus the Earldome of Kent lay though not dead asleep in the family of the Greys almost 50. years viz. form the 15 of King Henry the eight till the 13. of Queen Elizabeth when she advanced Reginald Grey grandchild to Sir Hen. Grey aforesaid who had thriftily recruted himself with competence of Revenues to be Earl of Kent Anno 1571. This Reginald dying Issuelesse within the year Henry his Brother the subject of our present description succeeded to his honour A person truly noble expending the income of his own Estate and of his Ladies fair Joynter Mary the Relict of Edward Earl of Darby in hospitality He was a most Cordiall Protestant on the same token that being present at the execution of the Queen of Scots when she requested the Nobility there to stand by and see her death he fearing something of Superstition hardly assented thereunto Yet was he as far from the faction as Superstition deserving the caracter given unto him Omnibus verae nobilitatis Ornamentis vir longè Honoratissimus He left no Isue except some will behold him in some sort Parent of Sidney Colledge in Cambridge as one of the executors to the Foundress thereof who did both Prove and Improve her will besides his Personall benefaction thereunto And being the surviving executor he did perpetuate the fellowships formerly temporary according to the implicite trust deposited in him to the advantage of that foundation He died Anno Domini 1613. FRANCIS CLEARK Knight was born at Eaton-soton in this shire near to Saint Neots in the Lordship there commonly called the Parsonage He was a noble Benefactour to Sidney-colledge augmenting all the Scholarships of the Foundation and erecting a fair and firme range of building Such his skill in Arithmetick and Architecture that staying at home he did provide to a brick what was necessary for the finishing thereof He founded four new Fellowships and had he been pleased to consult with the Colledge the settlement with the same expence might have proved more advantageous For though in gifts to private persons it be improper that the Receiver should be the Director thereof a Corporation may give the best advise to improve the favours conferr'd upon it But it is a general practice that men desire rather to be broad then thick Benefactours However seeing every one may do with his own as he pleaseth blessed be the memory of this worthy Knight whose gift in effect was selt by the Colledge before the giver thereof was seen being himself a meer stranger unto it Some say that because this was the youngest foundation in the University generally the last child hath the least left it his charity pitched upon it But I have been informed that Sir Fâ—…ancis coming privately to Cambridge to see unseen took notice of Doctor Ward his daily presence in the Hall with the Scholars conformity in caps and diligent performance of exercises which indeared this place unto him Thus the observing of old Statutes is the best load-stone to attract new Benefactours His death happyned Anno Domini 163 Memorable Persons A WOMAN whose name I cannot recover lived died and is buried at Dunstable in this County It appeareth by her Epitaph in the Church that she had nineteen children at five births viz. three several times three children at a birth and five at a birth two other times How many of them survived to mans estate is unknown Here I must dissent from an Author maintaining that more Twins were born in the first Age of the World then now adays Whereas we meet with none but single births in the Patriarchs before the Flood and more 〈◊〉 six hundred years after the Deluge Esau and Jacob were the first Twins mentioned in Scripture Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Thomas Chalton Thomas Chalton Dunstable Mercer 1449 2 William Stoker Thomas â—…toker Eaton Draper 1484 3 William Butler â—…ichard Butler Bidenham Grocer 1515 4 William Harper William Harper Bedford Merchant-Taylor 1561 The Names of the 〈◊〉 of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth William Bishop of Lincoln John de Fanhope Chivaler Commissioners John Wenlock Armig. Knights for the shire John Gascoigne Armig. Knights for the shire Abbatis de Woborn sui Celerarii Abbatis de Wardon Prioris de Dunstable Prioris de Chekesond Prioris de Nunham Prioris de Chaldwell Prioris de Buschemede Simonis Filbrigge Chivaler Henrici Bronnflete Chivaler Thomae 〈◊〉 Chivaler Thomae Maningham Thomae Hoo Johannis Broughton Iohan. Enderby Roberti Mordant Iohan. Hertusherne Hen. Godfrey Iohan. Boteler de Northzele Hum. Acworth Iohan. Ragon Thomae Ragon Iohan. 〈◊〉 Iohan. Radwell Iohan. Fyse Iohan. Coldington Chri. Preston Steph. Cruker Tho. Roxston Will. Lancelin Hen. de Lye Iohan. Conquest de Houghton Tho. Lonnde Walte Lâ—…nnde Iohan. Lonnde Rich. Merston Iohan. â—…eeke junioris Tho. Peeke Will. Peeke Iohan. Glove junioris Iohan. Turvey de Turvey Iohan. Ferrour de Bedford Iohan. Gerveys de Maldon Hen. Etewell Rober. Bollock Will. Wale Nich. Ravenhull Nich. Low Valentini Bailli de Luton Willielmi White de eadem Iohan. Boughton Hugonis Hasselden Thomae Bailli de Houghton Will. Trought Hen. Manntell Rober. Valence Iohan. Attehay Will. Ypping Iohan. Petifer Tho. Purvey Will. Purvey Will. Shotfold Will. Wingate Will. Kene Tho. Stokker Ade Alford Iohan. Morton Tho. Morton Tho. Stratton Tho. Chamberlain Radulp. Cleark Math. Stepeing Nich. Harding Will. Marham Rich. Sampson Rober. Warner Iohan. Coke de Crawley Will. Sileham Will. Purvey Will. Rede Tho. Blondell Will. Milward Rober. Ratele Iohan. Kiggill de Todinton Iohan. Pestell de Nunham Thomae Chopper de Turvey Iohan. Marram Thomae Jakes Iohan. Pikot Will. Molso Iohan. Sewell Hen. Sewell Radul Falwell Hug. Billingdon Iohan. Baldoe Will. Palmer Rober. Davy junioris Iohan. Stanlow Rich. Lincoln Waleri Taillard Thomae Spencer de Geton Iohan. Spencer Iohannis King de Harowdon Iohan. Wait Will. Bochell Thomae William Roberti Ratull Rober. Warner de le
in his profession is sufficiently attested by his own Printed Reports Eight eminent Judges of the Law out of their knowledge of his great wisdome learning and integrity approving and allowing them to be published for the Common benefit He was against the Illegality of Ship-money both publickly in Westminster-hall and privately in his judgment demanded by the King though concluded to subscribe according to the Course of the Court by plurality of voices The Country-mans wit levelled to his brain will not for many years be forgotten That Ship-money may be gotten by Hâ—…ok but not by Crook though since they have paid taxes loins to the little finger and Scorpions to the Rod of Ship-money but whether by Hook or Crook let others inquire His piety in his equall and even walkings in the way of God through the several turnings and occasions of his Life is evidenced by his Charity to man founding a Chappel at Beachley in Buckingham-shire two miles at least distanced from the Mother-Church and an Hospitall in the same Parish with a liberall Revenue Considering his declining and decaying age and desiring to examine his Life and prepare an Account to the Supreme Judge he petitioned King Charles for a Writ of Ease which though in some sort denied what wise Mr. would willingly part with a good Servant was in effect granted unto him He dyed at Waterstock in Oxford shire in the eighty second year of his age Anno Dom. 1641. EDWARD BULTSTRODE Esq. born in this County bred in the studies of our municipall Laws in the Inner Temple and his Highness his Justice in North-wales hath written a book of divers Resolutions and Judgments with the reasons and causes thereof given in the Court of Kings-bench in the reigns of King James and King Charles and is lately deceased Souldiers Sir WILLIAM WINDSOR Knight I am confident herein is no mislocation beholding him an Ancestor to the right honourable Thomas Windsor Hickman Lord Windsor and fixed at Bradenham He was deputed by King Edward the third in the fourty seventh year of his reign Lord Lieutenant of Ireland which Country was then in a sad Condition For the King was so intent on the Conquest of France as a Land nearer fairer and due to him by descent that he neglected the effectuall reduction of Ireland This encouraged the Irish Grandees their O's and Mac's to Rant and Tyrant it in their respective seignieuries whilst such English who were planted there had nothing Native save their Surnames left degenerating by degrees to be Irish in their Habits Manners and Language Yea as the wild Irish are observed to love their Nurses or Fosters above their natural Mothers so these barbarizing English were more endeared to the interest of Ireland which fed then of England which bare and bred them To prevent more mischief this worthy Knight was sent over of whose valour and fidelity the King had great experience He contracted with the King to defray the whole charge of that Kingdome as appeareth by the instrument in the Tower for eleven thousand two hundred thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence per annum Now Sir William undertook not the Conquest but Custody of the Land in a defen sive war He promised not with a daring Mountebank to Cure but with a discreet Physician to ease this Irish Gout Indeed I meet with a passage in Froissard relating how Sir William should report of himself that he was so far from subduing the Irish he could never have access to understand and know their Countries albeit he had spent more time in the service of Ireland then any Englishman then living Which to me seems no wonder the Irish vermin shrowding themselves under the Scabs of their Bogs and Hair of their Woods However he may truly be said to have left that land much improved because no whit more impaired during those dangerous distractions and safely resigned his office as I take it in the first of K. Richard the second ARTHUR GRAY Baron of Wilton is justly reckoned amongst the Natives of this Shire whose father had his Habitation not at Wilton a decayed Castle in Hereford-shire whence he took his Title but at Waddon a fair house of his Family not far from Buckingham He succeeded to a small Estate much diminished on this sad occasion His father William Lord Gray being taken Prisoner in France after long ineffectuall soliciting to be because captivated in the publick service redeemed on the publick charge at last was forced to ransom himself with the sale of the best part of his Patrimony Our Arthur endeavoured to advance his estate by his valour being entered in Feats of war under his Martial father at the siege of Lieth 1560. where he was shot in the shoulder which inspirited him with a constant antipathy against the Scotch He was afterwards sent over Lord Deputy into Ireland anno 1580. where before he had received the Sword or any Emblemes of Command ut acrioribus initiis terrorem incuteret to fright his foes with his fierce beginning he unfortunately fought the rebels at Glandilough to the great loss of English blood This made many commend his Courage above his Conduct till he recovered his credit and finally suppressed the rebellion of Desmund Returning into England the Queen chiefly relied on his counsel for ordering our Land-forces against the Spaniards in 88. and fortifying places of advantage The mention of that year critical in Church differences about discipline at home as well as with foreign foes abroad mindeth me that this Lord was but a Back-friend to Bishops in all divisions of Votes in Parliament or Council-table sided with the Anti-prelatical party When Secretary Davison that State-Pageant raised up on purpose to be put down was censured in the Star-chamber about the business of the Queen of Scots this Lord Gray onely defended him as doing nothing therein but what became an able and honest Minister of State An ear-witness saith Haec fuse oratoriè animosè Greium disserentem audivimus So that besides bluntness the common and becoming eloquence of Souldiers he had a real Rhetorick and could very emphatically express himself Indeed this warlike Lord would not wear two heads under one Helmet and may be said always to have born his Beaver open not dissembling in the least degree but owning his own judgment at all times what he was He deceased anno Dom. 1593. Writers ROGER de WENDOVER was born at that Market-town in this County bred a Benedictine in St. Albans where he became the Kings Historian Know Reader that our English Kings had always a Monck generally of St. Albans as near London the Staple of news and books to write the remarkables of their reigns One addeth I am sorry he is a forrainer and therefore of less credit at such distance that their Chronicles were lock'd up in the Kings Library so that neither in that Kings nor his Sons life they were ever opened If so
be given Lingua enim nostra supra abavum non ascendit Our language saith he meaning the Spanish affords not a name above the great-grandfathers father But had the off-spring of this Lady been contracted into one place they were enough to have peopled a City of a competent proportion though her issue was not so long in succession as broad in extent I confess very many of her Descendants dyed before her death in which respect she was far surpassed by a Roman Matron on whom the Poet thus Epitapheth it in her own person Viginti atque novem genitrici Callicratea Nullius sexus mors mihi visa fuit Sed centuÌ„ et quinque explevi bene messibus annos Intremulam baculo non subeunte manun Twenty nine births Callicrate I told And of both Sexes saw none sent to grave I was an hundred and five winters old Yet stay from staff my hand did never crave Thus in all ages God bestoweth personal felicities on some far above the proportion of others The Lady Temple dyed Anno Dom. 1656. Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Brokle William Brokle Newport Paganel Draper 1433 2 Thomas Scot Robert Scot Dorney Draper 1458 3 Henry Collet Robert Collet Wendover Mercer 1486 4 John Mathew Thomas Mathew Shreington Mercer 1490 5 John Mundy William Mundy Wycombe Goldsmith 1522 6 John Coates Thomas Coates Bearton Salter 1542 The Names of the 〈◊〉 of this County Râ—…turned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth 1433. William Bishop of Lincoln Commissioners to take the Oathes Reginald de Gray de Ruthyan Chivaler  Thomas Sakevile Miles Knights for the Shire  William Wapload Knights for the Shire  Reginaldi Lucy Chiv. Walteri Lucy Chiv. Iohan. Cheyne Chiv. Tho. Chetewode Chiv. Iohan. Cheyne Arm. Iohan. Hampden de Hampden Ar. Andreae Sperâ—…ing Thomae Rokes Ar. Iohan. Langeâ—…on Ar. Iohan. Iwardby Ar. David Breknook Ar. Thomae Stokes Ar. Iohan. Hampden de Kimbell Walteri Fitz Richard Armigeri Iohan. Stretlee Ar. Tho. Shyngelton Ar. Thomae Cheyne Ar. Iohan. Stokes Ar. Thomae Gifford Ar. Iohan. Gifford dâ—… Whaddon Senioris Ar. Thomae Boteler Ar. Rob. Puttenham Ar. Roberti Olney de Weston Ar. Iohan. Tyringham Ar. Iohan. Brekenock Ar. Thomae Rufford Ar. Iohan. Dayrell Ar. Nicolai Clopton Edmundi Brutenell Iohan. Sewell Iohan. Watkins Willillmi Brook de Chesham Bernardi Sanderdon Thomae More Will. Fouler Iohannis Arches Iohan. Skydmore Iohan. Kimbell Will. Joyntour Rogeri More Iohan. Horewode Iohan. Baldewin Thomae Atte Welle Will. Chapman de Aylesbury Tho. Turnour Iohan. Knight de Hampslape Will. Watford Thomae Oliver Will. Colingrgg de Toursey Thomae Malins Will. Parker de Eton Will. Burton persone Ecclesiae de Crowle Iohan. Clerke de Olney Rich. Hawtreve Iohan. Giffard de Hardmede Iohan. Tapelo de Hampslape Thomae Knight de eadem Iohan. Giffard de Whaddon junioris Iohan. Sapcote de Olney Rich. Arnecok Will. Edy Nich. Brackwell Will. Sambroke Iohan. Edy junioris Thomae Edy Iohan. Puchas Will. Berewell Ade Ashinden David Whitchirche Iohan. Sweft Will. Britwell de Cherdesle Iohan. Verney Eustachii Grenvile Iohan. Fitz Iohn Will. Gerebray Tho. Maudeleyn Iohan. Vesy Tho. Wodewarde Rich. Enershawe Iohan. Harewold de Weston Hen. Loveden Iohan. Thorp Iohan. Parker de Fenny Stratford Nicholai Baker de Crowle Nich. Hobbesson Tho. Malette Iohan. Kerye Tho. Tappe Rich. Hoo de Snenston Iohan. Manchestre Iohan. Phelip Hen. Hunkes Rich. Miches Will. Meridale Tho. Edward Iohan. Vaux Will. Dun Hen. Toursey Hen. Dicon Will. Winslowe Iohan. Bilindon Hen. Porter Tho. Turgens Rober. Dalafeld Math. Colett Iohan. Hampden de Wycombe Iohan. Wellesburn Tho. Merston Will. Attegate Tho. Mery Rich. Milly Will. Wodeward Tho. Pusey Roberti Broun de Beknesfeld Iohan. Iourdeley Tho. Houghton Rich. Yaulode Iohan. Gold de Ailesbury Will. Clarke de eadem Will. Clarke de Culverdon Thomae Kene de Horsendon Will. Symeon Will. Fether Iohan. Caradons Will. Combe de Aylesbury Will. Gill Rich. Lamburn Will. Hidâ—… Tho. Bristow Nich. Baron Will. Cook de Fertwell Iohan. Glover de Kimbell Iohan. Balke de Aylesbury Iohan. Lucy Rich. Lucy Sheriffs This County had the same with Bedford-shire untill they were parted in the seventeenth year of Queen Elizabeth Since which time these have been the Sheriffs of this County alone Name Place Armes REG. ELIZA   Anno   17 Ioh. Croke ar Chilton G. a fess between 6 martlets Arg. 18 Griff. Hampden armiger Hampden Argent a Saltire Gules betwixt 4 Eaglets Az. 19 Mich Blount ar  Barry 〈◊〉 of 6 Or. Sable 20 Rob. Drury ar 〈◊〉 Arg on a Chief vert the 〈◊〉 Tau betwâ—…xt 2 〈◊〉 pierced Or. 21 Rich. Crafford ar   22 Paul Darell ar Lillingstone Az. a Lion Rampant Or 〈◊〉 Argent 23 Th. Tasborough a.  Az. on a Cross Arg. 5 mullets G. 24 Edm. Verney ar  Arg. 4 Lions passant S. betwixt 2 Gemewes in Bend. 25 Will. Hawtrey ar Checkers    Az. 10 billets 4 3 2 1. Or in a Chief of the second a Lion issuant Sable 26 Rob. Dormer ar Wing  27 Edw. Bulstrod ar See our Notes Arg. on 2 Bars S. 6 martlets Or. 28 Ioh. Temple ar Stow * Ar. on a Bend S. 2 Cubit arms Issuant out of 2 pettet Clouds Rayonated all proper Rending of a of a 〈◊〉 Or. 29 Ioh. Goodwin ar See 21 of K. James  30 Ioh. Burlace * ar   31 Fran. Cheney ar Chesham the Vache Checky Or 〈◊〉 Fess G Fretty Erm. 32 Ge. Fleetwood a.  Partee per pale Nebulee Az. 〈◊〉 6 martilets counterchanged 33 Ale Hampden a. ut prius  34 Hen. Longvile ar WolvertoÌ„ Gules a Fess indented twixt 6 Crosses 〈◊〉 Arg. 35 Tho. Pigot ar Dodershal S. 3 〈◊〉 Arg. 36 Mic. Harecourt a.  Or. 2 Barrs Gules 37 Edw. Tirrell ar Thornton Arg. 2 Chev. Az. within a Border Engrailed G. 38 An. Tirringham a. Tirringham Az. a 〈◊〉 Engrailed Arg. 39 Ioh. Dormer ut prius  40 Will. Garrend ar  See our Notes in Northamptonshire 41 Will. Clarke mil.   42 Tho. 〈◊〉 ar  G. a Chev. between 3 Cressets Ar. 43 Will. Burlace ar ut prius  44 Anth. Chester ar Chichely Per Pale Arg. Sable a Chev. between 3 Rams-heads Erased armed Or within a Border ingrailed roundelly all Counterchanged 45 Fran. Cheney mi. ut prius  REG. JAC.   Anno   1 Fran. Cheney mi. ut prius  2 W. Willoughby m  AMP. 3 Ri. Ingoldesby m. Lethenbor Erm. a Saltire Engrailed S. 4 Hen. Longvile m. ut prius  5 Will. Andrews m  G. a Saltire Or Charged with another 〈◊〉 6 Fran Fortescu m.  Az. a Bend Engrailed Ar. cotised Or. 7 Anth. Greenway a.   8 Rob. Lovet mil. Liscomb Arg. 3 wolves passant in Pale S. 9 Iero. Horsey mil.  Az. 3 Horses-heads Couped Or Bridled Ar. 10 Edw. Tirrell mil. ut prius  11 Sim. May ne
therein but 12. years of age He was blessed with an happy memory insomuch that when D. D. he could say by heart the second Book of the Aeneads which he learnt at School without missing a Verse He was an excellent Preacher and becoming a Pulpit with his gravity He attended King James his Chaplaine into Scotland and after his return was preferred Dean of Westminster then Bishop of Salisbury Hear what the Author of a Pamphlet who inscribeth himself A. W. saith in a Book which is rather a Satyre then a History a Libell then a Character of the Court of King James for after he had slanderously inveighed against the bribery of those days in Church and State hear how he seeks to make amends for all King James's Court pag. 129 130. Some worthy men were preferred gratis to blow up their Buckingham and his party Fames as Tolson a worthy man paid nothing in fine or Pension and so after him Davenant in the same Bishoprick Yet these were but as Musick before every hound Now although both these persons here praised were my God-fathers and Uncles the one marrying the sister of the other being Brother to my Mother and although such good words seem a Rarity from so railing a mouth yet shall not these considerations tempt me to accept his praises on such invidious terms as the Author doth proffer them O! Were these worthy Bishops now alive how highly would they disdain to be praised by such a pen by which King James their Lord and Master is causelesly traduced How would they condemn such uncharitable commendations which are if not founded on accompanied with the disgrace of others of their order Wherefore I their Nephew in behalf of their Memories protest against this passage so far forth as it casteth Lustre on them by Eclipsing the credit of other Prelates their contemporaries And grant corruption too common in that kind yet were there besides them at that time many worthy Bishops raised to their dignity by their Deserts without any Simonicall complyances Doctor Townson had a hospitall heart a generous disposition free from covetousness and was always confident in Gods Providence that if he should dye his children and those were many would be provided for wherein he was not mistaken He lived in his Bishoprick but a year and being appointed at very short warning to preach before the Parliament by unseasonable â—…tting up to study contracted a Fever whereof he died and was buried in Westminster Abbey Anno Dom. 1622. THOMAS son to William WESTFIELD D. D. was born Anno Dom. 1573. in the Parish of Saint Maries in Ely and there bred at the Free-school under Master Spight till he was sent to Jesus-colledge in Cambridge being first Scholar then Fellow thereof He was Curate or Assistant rather to Bishop Felton whilst Minister of Saint Mary le Bow in Cheapside afterward Rector of Hornsey nigh and Great Saint Bartholomews in London where in his preaching he went thorow the four Evangelists He was afterwards made Arch-Deacon of Saint Albans and at last Bishop of Bristol a place proffered to and refused by him twenty five years before For then the Bishoprick was offered to him to maintain him which this contented meek man having a self-subsistence did then decline though accepting of it afterwards when proffered to him to maintain the Bishoprick and support the Episcopall dignity by his signall devotion What good opinion the Parliament though not over-fond of Bishops conceived of him appears by their Order ensuing The thirteenth of May 1643. From the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestration of Delinquents Estates Upon information in the behalf of the Bishop of Bristoll that his Tenants refuse to pay him his Rents it is Ordered by this Committee that all profits of his Bishoprick be restored to him and a safe conduct be granted him to pass with his family to Bristoll being himself of great age and a person of great learning and merit Jo. Wylde About the midst of his life he had a terrible sickness so that he thought to use his own expression in his Diary that God would put out the candle of his life though he was pleased onely to snuff it By his will the true Copy whereof I have he desired to be buried in his Cathedral Church neer the tombe of Paul Bush the first Bishop thereof And as for my worldly goods Reader they are his own words in his Will which as the times now are I know not well where they be nor what they are I give and bequeath them all to my dear wife Elizabeth c. He protested himself on his death-bed a true Protestant of the Church of England and dying Junii 28. 1644. lyeth buried according to his own desire above mentioned with this inscription Hic jacet Thomas Westfield S. T. D. Episcoporum intimus peccatorum primus Obiit 25. Junii anno MDCXLIV Senio moerore confectus Tu Lector quisquis es vale resipisce Epitaphium ipse sibi dictavit vivus Monumentum uxor moestissima Elizabetha Westfield Marito desideratissimo posuit superstes Thus leaving such as survived him to see more sorrow and feel more misery he was seasonably taken away from the evil to come And according to the Anagram made on him by his Daughter Thomas Westfield I dwel the most safe Enjoying all happiness and possessing the reward of his pains who converted many and confirmed more by his constancy in his Calling States-men JOHN TIPTOFT son and heir of John Lord Tiptoft and Joyce his wife daughter and Co-heir of Edward Charlton Lord Powis by his wife Eleanor sister and Co-heir of Edmund Holland Earl of Kent was born at Everton in this but in the confines of Bedford shire He was bred in Baliol-colledge in Oxford where he attained to great learning and by King Henry the sixth was afterwards created first Vice-count then Earl of Worcester and Lord Hâ—…gh Constable of England and by K. Edward the fourth Knight of the Garter The skies began now to lowre and threaten Civil Wars and the House of York fell sick of a Relapse Mean time this Earl could not be discourteous to Henry the sixth who had so much advanced him nor disloyall to Edward the fourth in whom the right of the Crown lay Consulting his own safety he resolved on this Expedient for a time to quit his own and visit the Holy-land In his passage thither or thence he came to Rome where he made a Latin speech before the Pope Piâ—… the second and converted the Italians into a better opinion then they had formerly of the English-mens learning insomuch that his holiness wept at the elegancy of the Oration He returned from Christs sepulcher to his own grave in England coming home in a most unhappy juncture of time if sooner or later he had found King Edward on that Throne to which now Henry the sixth was restored and whose restitution was onely remarkable for the death of this worthy
place Master Augustine Vincent but out-went him as survivor And because Method is the mother of Memory he orderly digested all Records that they were to be found in an instant He abominated their course who by a water would refresh a Record to make it usefull for the present and useless ever after He detested under the pretence oâ—… mending it to practice with a pen on any old writing preserving it in the pure natuâ—…e thereof Indeed Master Selden and others in their Works have presented Posterity with a plentifull feast of English rarities but let me say that Collet may be called their Caterer who furnished them with provision on reasonable rates He died to the great grief of all Antiquaries Anno Dom. 1644. EDWARD NORGATE son to Robert Norgate D. D. Master of Bennet-colledge was born in Cambridge bred by his Father-in-law who married his Mother Nicholas Felton Bishop of Ely who finding him inclined to Limning and Heraldry permitted him to follow his fancy therein For parents who cross the current of their childrens genius if running in no vicious chanells tempt them to take worse courses to themselves He was very judicious in Pictures to which purpose he was imployed into Italy to purchase them for the Earl of Arundel Returniug by Marseilles he missed the money he expected and being there unknowing of and unknown to any he was observed by a French Gentleman so deservedly styled to walk in the Exchange as I may â—…ll it of that City many Hours every Morning and Evening with swift feet and sad face forwards and backwards To him the civil Monsieur addressed himself desiring to know the cause of his discontent and if it came within the compass of his power he promised to help him with his best advise Norgate communicated his condition to whom the other returned Take I pray my Counsel I have taken notice of your walking more then 20 miles a day in one furlong upwards and downwards and what is spent in needless going and returning if laid out in Progressive Motion would bring you into your own Country I will suit you if so pleased with a light habit and furnish you with competent money for a Footman Norgate very chearfully consented and footed it being accommodated accordingly through the body of France being more then five hundred English miles and so leasurely with ease safety and health returned into England He became the best Illuminer or Limner of our age employed generally to make the Initial letters in the Patents of Peers and Commissions of Embassadours having left few heirs to the kind none to the degree of his art therein He was an excellent Herald by the title of and which was the crown of all a right honest man Exemplary his patience in his sickness whereof I was an eye-witness though a complication of diseases Stone Ulcer in the bladder c. ceased on him He died at the Heralds Office Anno Dom. 1649. Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Robert Clopton Thomas Clopton Clopton Draper 1441 2 William Horn Thomas Horn Snaylewell Salter 1487 3 William Purchase John Purchase Gamelinghey Mercer 1497 4 Thomas Kneisworth John Kneisworth Kneisworth Fish-monger 1505 5 Thomas Mirfine George Mirfine Ely Skinner 1518 6 William Bowyer William Bowyer Harstone 1543 7 Richard Mallory Anthony Mallory Papworthamus Mercer 1564 The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth 1433. John Bishop of Ely Commissioners to take the Oathes John de Tiptoft Chivaler William Allington Knights for the shire John Burgoin miles Knights for the shire Will. Pole Mil. Iohan. Colvyle Mil. Will. Hazenhull Mil. Will. Malory Mil. Iohan. Argenton Mil. Will. Alyngton Senioris de Horseth Laurencii Cheyne de Ditton Hen. Somer de Grancotre Iohan. Cheyne de Longstanton Thomae Dischalers de Whaddon Will. Frevill de Shelford Iohaâ—… Hore de Childerle Ioh. St. George de Haclee Will. St. George de Eadem Rob. Bernard de Iselham Rob. Alyngton de Horseth Walt. Clovile de Pampisworth Walt. Cotton de Ladevade Will. Burgoyne de Caxton Ioh. Moris de Trumpiton Ioh. Pigot de Aviton Tho. Cotton de Lanwade Simo. Brunne de Wenelingham Edm. Seyntlowe de Malketon Alexan. Child de Horton Iohan. Keterich de Beche Nicholai Caldâ—…cote de Melreth Walt. Hunty don de Trumpiton Radul Sanston de Sanston Will. Fulburne de Fulburn Rob. Kingston de Berklow Rich. Stotevil de Brinkelee Rich. Foster de Bodekisham Iohan. Ansty senioris de Ovye Iohan. Totehill de Swafham Iohan. Chirche de Bassingburn Edm. Bendisch de Barenton Iohan. Ansty junioris de Tanerisham Radul Hamelin de Sanston Iohan. Fulburn de Fulburn Iohan. Borlee de Iselham Iohan. Bury de Stretelee Magistri de Chepenham de Chepenham Nich. Hamond de Swofham Tho. Cantyes de Littillington Iohan. Walter de Cranden Iohan. West de Croxton Iohan. Knesworth de Knesworth Warini Ingrith de Melreth Iohan. Wilford sen. de Badbrurgham Iohan. Wilford junio de eadem Sim. Hokington de Hokington Iohan. Clopton de Clopton Iohan. Bungeye de Fulburn Ioh. Mars de Abiton Tho. Danseth de Conyton Tho. Haneheech de Shelford Hen. Calbech de Balsham Will. Sternede de Stapileford Iohan. Wizhton de Hokington Rob. Anfleys de Eltislee Will. Eremilond de Iselham Iohan. Vescey de Swanesey Galf. Clopton de Clopton Will. Baily de Saham Tho. Parker de Kertelenge Tho. Bulseham de Chenele Iohan. Bate de Reche Iohan. Taillour de Brinkle Iohan. Cotisford de Weston Rog. Hunte de Balseham Iohan. How de Sanston Tho. Paris de eadem Iohan Trope de Dokisworth Iacob Russil de Skelington Rich. Hoggepound de wrotting Iohan. Palgrave de eadem Tho. Cokeparker de Campis Iohan. Petzt de eadem Steph. Petiz de eadem Iohan. Lambard de eadem Iohan. Smith de eadem Iohan. Britsale de Berkelow Will. Fuller de Lintone Iohan. Plukerose de eadem Thomae Hamont de eadem Iohan. Person de eadem Iohan. Haberd de Onye Iohan. Orveye de Ditton Philip. Grome de Hinton Edm. Preston de Botisham Tho. Bunte de eadem Ioh. Wilkin de Wilburgham Will. Thornton Warnier de Saham Tho. Stapelton de Badburgham Iohan. Ray de Novo Mercato Hen. Attelane de Beche Iohan. Knith de eadem Walt. Fote de Middilton Ioh. Andrew de Waterbeche Rob. Bertelct de eadem Iohan. Tylly de eadem Hen. Clerke de eadem Ioh. Annfleys de Critton Iohan. Fox de eadem Richard Mably de Howis Iohan. Attechercke de eadem Iohan. Mably de eadem Will. Colyn de Maddyngle Iohan. Custance de eadem Tho. Mesynger de eadem Will. Reynolt de eadem Will. Knight de Chesterton Iohan. Bacon de eadem Ioh. Bernard de eadem Henrici Speed deHyston Will. Page de eadem Iohan. Smith sen. de eadem Walt. Spernd de Cotenham Hen. Mey de eadem Hugon Bernard de eadem Will. Burbage de Drayton Iohan. Gifford de eadem Rober. Salman de eadem Hen. Roys de Lolworth Iohan. Asplen
laid to his charge He was buried in Leonard Shorditch where this remains of his Epitaph Orate pro Animabus Humphredi Starkey Militis nuper Capitalis Baronis de Scaccario Domini Regis Henrici septimi Isabellae Uxoris ejus omnium amicorum suoâ—…um c. The date of his death defaced on his Tombe appeareth elsewhere to be at the end of K. Henry the seventh so that his on the Bench was parallel with his Soveraigns sitting on the Throne begun in the first and ended in the last of his raign Sir HENRY BRADSHAW Knight This Surname being diffused in Darbyshire and Lancashire aswell as in this County his Nativity advantaged by the Alphabet first come first served is fixed herein He became so noted for his skill in our Common Law that in the sixth of K. Edward the sixth in Hillary terme he was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer demeaning himself therein to his great commendation Pity it is that Demetrius who is well reported of all* men should suffer for his name sake Demetrius the Silver Smith who made the Shrines for Diana and raised persecution against Saint Paul And as unjust it is that this good Judge of whom nothing ill is reported should fare the worse for one of the same Surname of Execrable Memory of whom nothing good is remembred I have cause to conceive that this Judge was outed of his place for Protestant inclination 1. Mariae finding no more mention of him Sir RANDAL CREW was born in this County bred in the study of our Municipal Law wherein such his proficiency that after some steps in his way thereunto in the 22. of K. James he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Upper Bench and therein served two Kings though scarce two years in his Office with great integrity King Charles his occasions calling for speedy supplies of Money some Great-Ones adjudged it unsafe to adventure on a Parliament for fear in those distempered Times the Physick would side with the Disease and put the King to furnish his necessities by way of Loan Sir Randal being demanded his Judgement of that Design and the Consequence thereof the imprisoning of Râ—…usants to pay it openly manifested his dislike of such Preter-legal Courses and thereupon November 9. 1626. was commanded to forbear his sitting in the Court and the next day was by Writ discharged from his Office whereat he discovered no more Discontentment then the weary Travailer is offended when told that he is arrived at his journies end The Country hath constantly a Smile for him for whom the Court hath a Frown this Knight was out of Office not out of Honour living long after at his house in Westminster much praised for his Hospitality Indeed he may the better put off his Gown though before he goeth to bed who hath a warm Suit under it and this learned Judge by Gods blessing on his endeavours had purchased a fair Estate and particularly Crew-hall in Cheshire for some ages formerly the possession of the Falshursts but which probably was the Inheritance of his Ancestors Nor must it be forgotten that Sir Randal first brought the Model of excellent Building into these remorter parts yea brought London into Cheshire in the Loftiness Sightliness and Pleasantness of their Stuctures One word of his Lady a virtuous wife being very essential to the integrity of a Married Judge lest what Westminster-hall doth conclude Westminster Bed-chamber doth revoke He married Julian Daughter and Co-heir of John Clipsby of Clipsby in Northfolk Esq. with whom he had a fair Inheritance She died at Que in Surry 1623. and lieth buried in the Chancell of Richmond with this Epitaph Antiquâ fuit orta Domo pia vixit inivit Virgo pudica thorum sponsa pudica polum I saw this worthy Judge in health 1642. but he survived not long after and be it remembred he had a Younger Brother Sir Thomas Crew a most honest and learned Serâ—…eant in the same Profession Whose Son John Crew Esquire of his Majesties Privy-Councel having been so instrumental to the happy change in our Nation is in Generall report which no doubt will be effected before these my paines be publick designed for some Title of Honour Sir HUMFREY DAVENPORT His Surname is sufficient to intitle this County unto him but I will not be peremtory till better information He was bred in the Temple had the reputation of a Studied Lawyer and upright person qualities which commended him to be chosen Chief Baron of the Exchequer How he behaved himself in the case of the Ship-money is fresh in many mens memories The Reader cannot be more angry with me then I am grieved in my self that for want of intelligence I cannot doe the right which I would and ought to this worthy Judges Memory who died about the beginning of our Civil distempers Souldiers Sir HUGH CALVELY born at Calvely in this County Tradition makes him a man of Teeth and Hands who would Feed as much as two and Fight as much as ten men his quick and strong Appetite could disgest any thing but an Injury so that killing a man is reported the cause of his quitting this County making hence for London then for France Here he became a most eminent Souldier answering the Character our great Antiquary hath given him Arte militari ita in Galliâ incâ—…ruit ut vivide ejus virtuti nihil fuit impervium I find five of his principall Aâ—…hievements 1. When he was one of the thirty English in France who in a duel encountred as many Britans 2. When in the last of King Edward the third being Governour of Calice he looked on his hands being tyed behind him by a Truce yet in force for a Month and saw the English slain before his eyes whose bloud he soon after revenged 3. When in the first of King Richard the second after an unfortunate voyage of our English Nobility beaten home with a Tempest he took Bark bulloigne and five and twenty other French-ships besides the Castle of Mark lately lost by negligence which he recovered 4. When in the next year he spoiled Estaples at a Fair-time bringing thence so much Plunder as enriched the Calicians for many years after 5. When he married the Queen of Aragon which is most certain her Armes being quartered on his Tomb though I cannot satisfy the Reader in the Particularities thereof The certain date of his death is unknown which by proportion may be collected about the year 1388. After which time no mention of him and it was as impossible for such a spirit not to be as not to be active Sir ROBERT KNOWLES Knight was born of mean parentage in this County yet did not the weight of his low extraction depress the wings of his Martial mind who by his valour wrought his own advancement He was Another of the thirty English who for the honour of the Nation undertook to duel with as many Britons and came off
Scholar-ships to each yearly four pounds 10. To the Colledge of Saint John Baptist in Oxford two Scholar-ships of the same value 11. To Christ-Church Hospital three Hundred pounds 12. To the Church and Poor to buy them Gowns of Wrenbury seventy pounds With other Benefactions Verily I say unto you I have not met a more universall and unpartial Charity to all Objects of want and worth He died about the beginning of the raign of King James JOHN BREWERTON Knight a Branch of that well-spred Tree in this County was bred one of the first Scholars of the foundation in Sidney-colledge and afterwards being brought up in the study of the Common-law he went over into Ireland and at last became the Kings Serjeant therein I say at last for at his coming thither in the tumults of Tirone neither Rex nor Lex neither King nor Serjeant were acknowledged till Loyalty and Civility were by degrees distilled into that Nation He obtained a plentifull Estate and thereof gave well nigh three thousand pounds to Sidney-colledge Now as it is reported of Ulysses returning from his long travail in Forraign Lands that all his family had forgot him so when the news of this Legacy first arrived at the Colledge none then extant therein ever heard of his name so much may the spunge of forty years blot out in this kind onely the written Register of the Colledge faithfully retained his name therein This his gift was a gift indeed purely bestowed on the Colledge as loded with no detrimentall Conditions in the acceptance thereof We read in the Prophet Thou hast increased the Nation and not multiplied their Joy In proportion whereunto we know it is possible that the comfortable condition of a Colledge may not be increased though the number of the Fellows and Scholars therein be augmented superadded Branches sucking out the sap of the Root Whereas the Legacy of this worthy Knight ponebatur in lucro being pure gain and improvement to the Colledge His death happened about the year 1633. JOHN BARNSTON D. D. was born of an ancient Family in this County bred Fellow of Brasen-Nose-Colledge in Oxford afterwards Chaplain to Chancellor Egerton and Residentiary of Salisbury A bountifull House-keeper of a cheerfull spirit and peaceable disposition whereof take this eminent Instance He sate Judge in the Consistory when a Church-warden out of whose house a Chalice was stolen was sued by the Parish to make it good to them because not taken out of the Church-Chest where it ought to have been reposited but out of his private house The Church-warden pleaded that he took it home onely to scoure it which proving ineffectuall he retained it till next morning to boil out the in-laid Rust thereof Well said the Doctor I am sorry that the Cup of Union and Communion should be the cause of difference and discord between you Go home and live lovingly together and I doubt not but that either the Thief out of remorse will restore the same or some other as good will be sent unto you which by the Doctors secret Charity came to pass accordingly He founded an Hebrew Lecture in Brasen-Nose-Colledge and departed in Peace in the beginning of our Wars about the year 1642. Memorable Persons WILLIAM SMITH was born in this County wherein his Surname hath been of signal note for many ages His Genius inclined him to the study of Heraldry wherein he so profitted that Anno he was made Persuivant of Arms. By the name of Rougdragon he wrote a description Geographical and Historicall of this County left it seems in the hands of Raynulph Crew Knight sometimes L. Chief Justice of the Kings Bench and lately set forth by the favour of Mr. Raynulph Crew Grand-child to that worthy Knight the time of his death is to me unknown WILLIAM WEB a native of this County was bred a Master in Arts and aâ—…terwards betook himself to be a Clark of the Mayors Court in Chester It appeareth also he was Under sheriffe to Sir Richard Lee High-sheriffe of this County in the thirteenth year of King James He compiled a description of Cheshire and Chester lately Printed by procurement of that no less Communicative then Judicious Antiquary Sir Simon Archer of Tamworth in Warwickshire I cannot attain the certain date of his death RANDAL CREW Esquire second Son to Sir Clipsby Grand-child to Judge Crew He drew a Map of Cheshire so exactly with his pen that a judicious eye would mistake it for Printing and the Gravers skill and industry could little improve it This Map I have seen and Reader when my eye directs my hand I may write with confidence This hopefull Gentleman went beyond the Seas out of design to render himself by his Travells more useful for his Country where he was Barbarously Assassinated by some French-men and honourably buried with generall lamentation of the English at Paris 1656. Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Hugh Witch Richard Witch Nantwich Mercer 1461 2 Thomas Oldgrave William Oldgrave Knotysford Skinner 1467 3 Edmond Shaw John Shaw Donkenfield Goldsmith 1482 4 James Spencer Robert Spencer Congleton Vintner 1527 5 Thomas Offley William Offley Chester Merchant-Taylor 1556 6 Humfry Weld John Weld Eaton Grocer 1608 7 Thomas Moulson    1634 I am certainly informed that this Moulsonâ—…ounded â—…ounded a fair School in the Town where he was born but am not instructed where this is or what Salary is setled thereon Reader know this that I must confess my self advantaged in the description of this County by Daniel King a native of this County whence it seems he travelled beyond the Seas where he got the Mystery both of Survaying and Engraving So that he hath both drawn and graven the portraicture of many ancient structures now decayed I hope in process of time this Daniel King will out-strip King Edgar erecting more Abbeys in Brâ—…ss then he did in Stone though he be said to have built one for every day in the Year But Cheshire is chiefly beholding to his Pains seeing he hath not only set forth two Descriptions thereof named the Vale Royal of England with the praise to the dead Persons the Authors thereof duly acknowledged but also hath enlivened the same with severall Cuts of Heraldry and Topography on whom we will bestow this Distick Kingus Cestrensi Cestrensis Patria Kingo Lucem Alternatim debet uterque suam Cheshire to King and King to Cheshire owes His light 〈◊〉 doth 〈◊〉 what each Bâ—…stows What is amiss in my Poetry shall be amended in my Prayers for a Blessing on his and all ingenious-mens undertakings Cheshire is one of the 12. pretermitted Counties the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower in the 12. year of K. Henry the sixth Sheriffs HEN. II. Anno 30 Gilbert Pipehard Anno 35 Rich. de Pierpoint RICH. I. Anno 1 RECORDA MANCA JOHAN Anno 1 〈◊〉 Rich. de Burham Anni Incerti HEN. III. Anno 15 Rich. de Sonbach Anno 23 Rich. de
 4 Edw. Stanley bar ut prius  5 Tho. Leigh esq ut prius  6 Pet. Dutron esq ut prius  7 Tho. Stanley esq ut prius  8 Ric. Brereton es ut prius  9 Edw. Fitton esq ut prius  10 Pet. Venables ut prius  11 Tho. Ashton bar ut prius  12 Will. Leigh esq ut prius  13 Tho. 〈◊〉 bar DuddingtoÌ„ Arg. a Cheveron 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or betwixt 3 Gadds of stteel S. 14 Tho. Cholmley ut prius  15 Phil. Manwaring ut prius  16 Tho. Powell bar Berkenhad Sable 3 Roses Arg. 17 Ioh. Billot esq  Arg. on a Chief G. 3 Cinque foils of the Field 18 Hug. Calvely k. ut prius  19 Tho. Leigh esq ut prius  20 Ri. Gravenor ba. ut prius  21 Rob. Totton esq Winthaw Quarterly Arg. G. 4 Crescents counter changed 22 Hen. Brood esq   Reader if thou discoverest any difference in the Method betwixt this and the other Catalogue of Sheriffs impute it to this cause that whilst I fetched the Rest from the Fountain in the Exchequer I took these out of the Cestern I mean the Printed Book of Vale-royal I presume that the Sheriff who is last named continued in that Office all that Intervale of years till his Successor here nominated entred thereon The Reader may with the more confidence relie on their Armes imparted unto me by Mr. Daniel King who to me really verifieth his own Anagram DANIEL KING I KIND ANGEL And indeed he hath been a Tutelar one to me gratifying me with whatsoever I had need to use and he had ability to bestow Henry III. 56 HUGH de HATTON King William the Conquerer bestowed Lands on one of his Name and Ancestors at Hatton in this County From him is Lineally descended that Learned and Religious witness his pious meditations on the Psalmes Sir Christopher Hatton Knight of the Bath created by King Charles the first Baron Hatton of Kerby in Northampton-shire The Original of this grant of the Conquerors is still in this Lords Possession preserved in our Civil Wars with great care and difficulty by his vertuous Lady On the same token that her Lord patiently digested the plundring of his Library and other Rarities when hearing the welcome tidings from his Lady that the said Record was safely secured Queen Mary 3 Sir HUGH CHOLMLY or CHOLMONDELEIGH This worthy person bought his Knight-hood in the field at Leigh in Scotland He was five times High-sheriffe of this County and sometimes of Flintshire and for many years one of the two sole deputies Leiutenants thereof For a good space he was Vice-President of the Marches of Walles under the Right Honorable Sir Henry Sidney Knight conceive it during his abscence in Ireland For Fifty years together he was esteemed a Father of his Country and dying Anno 157. was buried in the Church of Mallpasse under a Tombe of Allabaster with great lamentation of all sorts of people had it not mitigated their Mourning that he left a Son of his own name Heir to his Vertues and Estate 2 JOHN SAVAGE Ar. I behold him as the direct Ancestor unto Sir Thomas Savage Kt. and Baronet Created by K. Charles the first Baron Savage of Rock savage in this County This Lord a very prudent States-man married Elizabeth eldest Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Lord Darcy of Chich Viscount Colchester and Earl of Rivers Honours entailed on his Posterity and now injoyed by the Right Honorable Thomas Savage Earl Rivers The Battles Rowton heath 1645. Sept. 24. His Majesty being informed that Colonel Jones had seized the Suburbs and Strong Church of St. Johns in Chester advanced Northward for the relief thereof Poins one of the Parliaments Generalls pursued his Majesty At Rowton-heath within 3. miles of Chester the K. Army made an Halt whilst his Majesty with some prime persons marched into the City Next day a fierce Fight happened on the Heath betwixt the Kings and Poinses Forces the latter going off with the greater loss Judicious Persons conceive that had the Royalists pursued this Single Enemy as yet unrecruited with additional strength they had finally worsted him which Fatall omission opportunities admit of no after-games proved their overthrow For next day Col. Jones drew out his men into the field so that the Royalists being charged on the Heath in Front and Rear were put to the worst the whole body of whose Army had Wings without Legs Horse without Foot whilst the Parliament was powerfull in both Immediatly after a considerable Party of Horse the Lord Byron Governour of the City being loth to part with any Foot as kept to secure the Kings person came out of Chester too late to succour their defeated Friends and too soon to engage themselves Here fell the Youngest of the three Noble Brethren who lost their lives in the King service Bernard Stuart Earl of Leichfield never sufficiently to be lamented The Farewell To take my leave of Cheshire I could wish that some of their hospitality were planted in the South that it might bring forth fruit therein and in exchange I could desire that some of our Southern delicacies might prosperously grow in their gardens and Quinces particularly being not more pleasant to the palate then restorative of the health as accounted a great cordiall The rather because a native of this County in his description thereof could not remember he ever saw Quince growing therein CHESTER is a fair City on the North-east side of the River Dee so ancient that the first founder thereof is forgotten much beholding to the Earls of Chester and others for Increase and Ornaments The Walls thereof were lately in good repair especially betwixt the New-tower and the Water-gate For I find how Anno 1569. there was a personal fight in this City betwixt the two Sheriffs thereof viz. Richard Massey and Peter Lycherband who shall keep peace if aged Officers break it who deservedly were fined for the forfeiting of their gravity to repair that part of the Wall It seems it is more honour to be keeper of a gate in Chester then a whole City elsewhere seeing Eastgate therein was committed to the câ—…ody formerly of the Earl of Oxford Bridgegate to the Earl of Shrewsbury Watergate to the Earl of Daâ—…by and Northgate to the Mayor of the City It is built in the form of a Quadrant and is almost a just Square the four Cardinal Streets thereof as I may call them meeting in the middle of the City at a place called the Pentise which affordeth a Pleasant Prospect at once into all Four Here is a property of building peculiar to the City called the Rows being Galleries wherein Passengers go dry without coming into the Streets having Shops on both sides and underneath The fashion whereof is somewhat hard to conceive it is therefore worth their pains who have Money and Leasure to make their own Eyes the Expounders of the manner thereof The
assertorem Vindicem acerrimum Quippe quia non solum nascenti huic Furori nec dum omnibus manifesto optimis Consiliis fortis in Curia Senator restiteret Sed insinuante se latius veneno crescente foerocia Domâ—…m ad suos reversus fortior Miles in Agro suo Somersetensi vicini partibus omni ope manu iniquissimam causam oppugnaverit in Arce praesertim Sherbornianâ sub Auspiciis Marchionis Hertfordiae egregiam operam navaverit Mox ulterius progressus pollenti in Devonia factionis Tyrannide munitissima Civiâ—…ate in foedus illecta jam undique bonis Subditis perniciem minante ipse penè in illa Regione Hospes contracto è Cornubia milite primoribus statim impetum eorum repressit jacentésque afflictas nostras partes mirifica virtute recreavit Et licet summis necessitatibus conflictanti exigua pars negocii â—…ostes erant tantum abâ—…uit ut vel illis vel istis succumberet ut contra copiis auctiores bellico apparatu instructissimos saepiùs signis collatis in aciedemicans semper superior excesserit Testis Lanestonia Saltash Bradock aliaque obscura olim nomina loca nunc Victoriis illius perduellium cladibus nobilitata Vix etiam ab his respiraverat cum novus belli furor lassas jam ferè continuis praeliis luxatas vires numerocissimo exercitu adortus uberiorem triumphandi dedit materiam Cum ille in Campis Strattoniae in difficillimas licet angustias redactus inops militaris instrumenti consumpto jam pulvere tormentario armatos inermis vallo munitos intectus sola causa virtute animatus ita retudit concidit castris exuit ut totam belli molem cum ipsis authoribus profâ—…igavit Quicquid fugae illius residuum erat inter Urbis unius Moenia eaque arcta obsi deonâ—… astricta concluso Qua quidem pugna memorabili praeter quod miserum Popellum Jugo intolerabili levaverat Sedes suas expulsis Ecclesias Pastoribus Pacem omnibus Firmamentum Pacis obsequium pristinum restituerit Et jam sequenti armorum nostrorum faelicitati qua partes Regni Occidentales maturius ad officium verum Dominum redierunt viam aperuisse momentum ingens extitisse libentissime profitemur In hac opera lau dabili cum praefatus Radulphus perstet adhuc invicto animo industria indefessa nullo arduo quantumvis labore periculo excusatus cumque mille Argumentis testatum fecerit Honorem salutemque nostram sibi omni fortuna captio potiorem nos virum fortissimum optimeque affectum animum benigno studio prosequi amplius demereri volentes hunc praeconio merito ornandum propriori ad nos gradu extollendum censuimus Sciatis igitur nos de gratia nostra speciali 〈◊〉 ex certa scientia mero motu praefatum Radulphum Hopton ad statum gradum stilum Dignitatem Titulum Honorem Baronis Hopton de Stratton in Comitatu nostro Cornubiae c. In cujus rei testimonium has Literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes Teste meipso apud Oxon. Quarto die Septembris Anno Regni nostri decimo nono This Honour determined in this Lord dying Issuless at Bruges in Flanders since which time King Charles the second hath conferred the Title of Baron of Stratton on Sir John Berkeley younger Sonto Sir Maurice Berkeley of Bruiton in Somerset-shire This was he who was one of the first four Tetrarchs or Joint-managers in chief of Marshall matters in Cornwall this is he who was so highly Instrumentall in the reducing of Exeter being afterwards deservedly appointed the Governour How since he hath shared in his Majesties sufferings beyond the Seas is sufficiently known As for the generall disarming and disbanding of the Parliament Army in this County Anno 1644. It was a Conquest without a Battle on this occasion I have seen the Head bow down to take a Thorne out of the Foot Such the proportion of Cornwall to England and such was the Condescention of the King to come into this County Essex followed him with all his Forces till he pen'd himself in a narrow Place or rather large Pound so that he was surrounded on all Sides with the Sea and the Kings Souldiers Hereupon Essex with some prime Commanders shipped himself for Plimouth thence for London whither also their Horse forced their Passage without considerable loss under the Conduct of Sir William Belfore whom the Kings Horse did sequi non assequi follow but not overtake The Foot left behind submitted to the King on such conditions as are generally known His Majesty earnestly endeavouring by the Enemies own confession the exact observing of Articles which if some unruly Royalist did violate Souldiers will hardly wear bad Cloaths whilst their Foes being in their Power have better on their Backs it was not so much an Offering as returning of an Injury some of them having formerly felt the same Usage on the like occasion The Parliament Foot did not depose their Disaffections with their Armes soon resuming or rather retayning their former Principles which made them adde new Armes to their old inclinations in the second Battle at Newbury The Farewell Being now to part with this County I wish it all happiness and particularly that Flaws or Flaughs may either never come thither or quickly depart thence Which being a kind of English Hericano hath little civility therein as throwing down some houses more trees and making more waste with the blast thereof And may the same Divine Providence which is their 〈◊〉 be also Neptune unto it to secure this County from the fury of Water as well as from the fierceness of the Wind that their LIONESS may never get a LION unto it so to propagate Inundations betwixt them And now to wish an Honour to this Dutchy and therewith a happiness both to It and all England the strength of my weak prayers twisted with many Millions more proceeding from Loyall hearts in this Land shall never be wanting that God would be pleased to bestow a Duke of Cornwall of the loines of our Gracious Soveraign to be possessed of the vertues and to be Heir Apparent to the Lands of his Father A Duke presumed in Law to be of full age to all purposes and intents the first minute of his birth which happy minute God in due time send for the comfort of our Nation CUMBERLAND CUMBERLAND hath Scotland on the North Northumberland and Westmerland on the East Lancashire on the South and the Irishâ—… sea on the West It is not unlike a Half Moon in the form thereof which from its Tips North and South may be allowed to be somewhat more then 40. miles though East and West it spreadeth not above 26. miles The soyl though generally hard and exacting much toyl to improve it is pleasant with the Varieties and profitable with these Naturall Commodities Pearls These are found commonly by the river Irt where Mussels as
deservedly die without Law because they refused to live according to Law 5. Ruine Such the success of this worthy Lords severity that he made a Through Reformation amongst them and the Ring-leaders being destroyed the rest are reduced to Legall obedience and so I trust will continue Proverbs If Skiddaw hath a cap Scruffell wots full well of that These are two neighbour hills the one in this County the other in Anan-dale in Scotland If the former be capp'd with clouds and foggy mists it will not be long before rain falls on the other It is spoken of such who must expect to sympathize in their sufferings by reason of the vicinity of their habitation Tum tua res agitur paries cum proximus ardet When thy neighbours house doth burn Take heed the next be not thy turn The Cumberlanders have found the truth hereof by their sad experience in our Civil Wars paying dear for their vicinity with Scotland Skiddaw Lauvellin and Casticand Are the highest hills in all England I know not how to reconcile this ryme with another which I meet with in the same Author Iâ—…gleborrow Pendle and Penigent Are the highest hills between Scotland and Trent But in order of an expedient betwixt them we may observe First that every County is given to magnify not to say altify their own things therein Secondly that the survey goes according to the guess of mens eyes as never exactly measured variable according to severall apprehensions Thirdly some hills are higher in view rising almost perpendicularly of a suddain by themselves whilst the invisible greatness of others is not heeded so much which mount with the Country about them creeping up insensibly by degrees Mean time no mention of Plynillymon hill as being in Wales and without compare the Monarch of all mountains South of Scotland Saints Saint Hâ—…REBERT Priest and Confessor may justly be referred to this County For there is a lake therein Bede calleth it Prâ—…grande Stagnum nigh Keswick made by the River Darwent wherein three Islands are found in the least of which this Herebert lead an Eremiticall life If he travailed hence it was to visit his friend Saint Cuthbert betwixt whom such Intimacy that 〈◊〉 telling him how his own death approached Herebert falling down at his feet importunately requested him that they might both pass out of this World together which by Saint Cuthberts prayers is said to be obtained Thus as they were loving in their lives so in their death they were not devided departing this World the same day and hour Anno Dom. 688. Saint ALRIKE born and bred in this County led an Eremiticall life in a forrest near to Carlile This man did not more macerate himself with constant fasting then time since hath consumed his memory which hath reduced it to nothing more then the scelleton of his name without any Historicall passages to flesh and fill up the same for I account the report of Saint Goderick another Hermite and present at this mans death not worth the remembring viz. that he saw the soul of Alrike ascend to Heaven as it were in a Sphericall form of a burning wind but we lissen unto it but as unto wind He dyed Anno 1107. Martyrs This County affordeth none in the raign of Queen Mary whereof accept a double reason First the People thereof generally were nuzell'd in Ignorance and Superstition Secondly such as favoured the Reformation were connived at by Owin Ogelthorp the courteous Bishop of Carlile who Crowed Queen Elizabeth and who in requittall had a favour for him had he lived any longer However Cumberland had one Native who going up to London first found a Husband and then met with Martyrdome therein viz. ELIZABETH FOSTER was born at Graystock in this County though her Maiden Sur-name be unknown Travailing to London she was there married to one John Forster Cutler of the Parish of Saint Brides in Fleetstreet and being summoned before Bonner for not coming to Church was imprisoned and strictly examined Being moved by the Bishop to desert her answers I will not said she go from them by Gods grace Hereupon she was condemned and being fifty five years of age accordingly suffered with six other Martyrs all in one fire in Smithfield Jan. 27. 1556. Prelates ROGER WHELPDALE was born in the borders of this County so that Westmerland pretends to a share of him bred in Baliol-colledge in Oxford and afterwards became Provost of Queens-colledge in that University A good 1. Logician witness his books of 1. Summulae Logicales 2. Mathematician 2. De Quanto Continuo 3. Divine 3. De Deo invocando Bale ingenuously confesseth that he cannot find where this Learned man after his long labours in Oxford led the rest of his life and Pitz who seeing with Bales eyes both are blind or sighted together is at the same loss But herein we are able guide our guides and light a candle to direct them for he was by King Henry the fifth preferred Bishop of Carlile 1419. he sate three years in that See and dying at London Feb. 4. 1422. was buried in Saint Pauls ROGER LAYâ—…URN was born of a Noble Family not living far from Carlile A Noble Family indeed expiring in the days of our Grand-fathers when Elizabeth sole daughter and heir of Sir Francis Layburn was married to Thomas Dacre last Baron of Gilsland and Graystock This Roger was bred Fellow in Pembroke-hall Doctor of Divinity and at last was consecrated Bishop of Carlile 1503. two years after he solemnly accepted of the Mastership of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge which I have heard called Episcopale Collegium not onely because it hath bred so many Bishops for the proportion thereof but chiefly because many Prelates have held the Mastership thereof even untill their death Doctor Layburn dyed soon after 1509. before he could express his good intentions to his Colledge or Cathedrall Since the Reformation EDMUND GRINDALL was born at Saint Bees in this County bred Scholar Fellow and Master of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge and Proctour of the University In the raign of Queen Mary he fled beyond the seas and was no Violento in the Troubles of Franckford but with all meekness to his might endeavoured a pacification Returning home he was made successively Bishop of London Arch bishop of York and Canterbury by Queen Elizabeth highly favouring him for his learning piety modesty and single life till at last he lost Her love by the mischievous practices of his enemies His fault was for keeping others from breaking two of Gods Commandements Thou shalt not steal when he would not let the Lord of Leicester have Lambeth-house and Thou shalt not commit adultery when he would not permit Julio the Earls Italian Physician to marry another mans wife But it was objected againsthim to the Queen that he was a fierce defender of factious Prophecying which in process of time would undermine the Hierarchy though moderate men were of the opinion
Crediton But who can stay what will away It was afterwards alienated again in the reign of Queen Elizabeth This Bishop Turbervil carried something of trouble in his name though nothing but mildnesse and meeknesse in his nature Hence it was that he staved off persecution from those in his Jurisdiction so that not so many as properly may be called some suffered in his Diocesse He being deprived in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth lived peaceably for many years in great liberty the privacy of whose life caused the obscurity of his death and the uncertainty of the date thereof Since the Reformation THOMAS WINNIFFE was born at Sherborne in this County and was bred contemporary with Doctor Hackwell in Exeter Colledge in Oxford and we may observe a three-fold parallel betwixt these two eminent persons First they were Fellows of the same foundation Secondly Chaplains to the same illustrious Master Prince Henry Thirdly both out of indiscretion at the worst no ill intent ran on the same Rock though not to the same degree of damage Dr. Hackwel for opposing the Spanish Match was un-Chaplain'd and banished the Court Doctor Winniffe for a passage in his Sermon not against but about Gondomer was committed close prisoner to the Tower and there for some days remained During which time a great Lord who shall pass nameless with great importunity endevoured to beg away all his Church preferment to dispose of at his pleasure No said King James I mean not thus to part with the man The Lord perceiving his suit hopeless vowed most solemnly that he did it only to try his royal resolution protesting that his Majesty had not one of more merit amongst all his Chaplains Indeed he was observed to run with emulation without envy in the race of vertue even with any of his Order striving to exceed them by fair industry without offering proudly to justle their credit much less falsly to supplant their reputation He was first Dean of Gloucester afterward of Saint Pauls and lastly was chosen Bishop of Lincoln 1642. being one of those six choice persons elected Ut nutantis Episcopatus molem pietatis ac probitatis suae fulcimine sustentarent All in vain being borne down under the ruines thereof Since that government hath been happily resumed and long may it flourish in its full lustre He died Anno Dom. 1654. and was buried at Lamburne in Essex having formerly been the painfull Minister thereof He was seventy eight years of age and hath a handsome Monument erected to his Memory the Epitaph whereof being too long to transcribe thus beginneth Effare marmor silens Quid quem Luges Funus non privatum sed publicum Anglicanae Ecclesiae nisi Deus antevertat penè cadaver Thoman Wynnyffum c. I would adde more in his just Commendation but because I am prohibited by his Epitaph whereof this the conclusion Anima haec in Coelos recepta non Laudationem quaerit Sed Imitationem Nor will we forget that for some years before his aged Father was buried in the same Grave Souldiers THOMAS BASKET Esquire of Divelish in this County How much King Hâ—…nry the eighth confided in his Wisdom and Valour will plainly appear by the Letter he wrote unto him exemplified by us in our Observations of the Sheriffs of this County in the twelfth year of the reign of the King aforesaid He was commonly called Little Mr. Basket the great Souldier He died about the year of our Lord 1530. JOHN RUSSEL son of Russel Esq was born at Kingston-Russel in this County and being bred beyond the Seas arrived at great accomplishments and returned home about the time when Philip King of Castile Father to Charles the fifth Emperour was forced by foul weather into the Haven of Weymouth But it is an ill wind that blows no body profit this accident proving the foundation of Mr. Russels preferment For when Sir Thomas Trenchard bountifully received this Royal Guest Mr. Russel was sent for to compleat the entertainment King Philip taking such delight in his company that at his departure he recommended him to King Henry the seventh as a person of abilities fit to stand before Princes and not before mean men Indeed he was a man of spirit carrying a badge of Valour no blemish but a beauty in his face the loss of an eye at the siege of Montrule King Henry the eight much favoured him making him Controller of the Houshold and Privy Councellor and Anno 1538. created him Lord Russâ—…l and made him Keeper of the Privy Seal A good share of the golden showre of Abby Lands fell into his lap two Mitred ones viz. Tavestock in Devonshire and Thorney in Cambridge-shire being conferred upon him and at this day possessed by his posterity King Edward the sixth who made him Earl of Bedford sent him down to suppress the Western Commotion and relieve the besieged City of Exeter which difficult service he performed with no less Wisdom than Valour Success than either This worthy Lord died in the month of March 1554. and lieth interred at Cheineys in Buckingham shire Sir RIâ—…RD BINGHAM was born at Binghams-Melcolm in this County of as ancient a Family as any therein having my self seen an Inquisition of Lands taken ouâ—… of the Tower Rolls which William de Bingham his Ancestor held in Dorset shire in the reign of King Henry the third In his youth he traced most parts of the World to search for service and find fit objects for his valour He was at the siege of Saint Quintin in France the sacking of Lieth in Scotland served in Candia under the Venâ—…tian against the Turk then returned into the Netherlands being obseâ—…ved to be fortis foelix in all his undertakings His judgement was much relied on in Eighty eight about ordering the Land Army in Tilbery Camp After long travelling his feet were fixed in Ireland where he was not bebogg'd as some otherwise his equals with ill success but being president of Connaugh conquered and drove away O Rorke that most dangerous Rebel Sir William Fitz-VVilliams Lord Deputy of Ireland was offended at that service though he could find no fault therewith save that it was not done by hâ—…mself Indeed Bingham met with that which all men of merit must expect except they will be surprized unawares envy from others suspecting that their own Bays did wither because his did seem so verdant Hereupon they accused him of cruelty to the Queen and her Council who being employed in Connaugh the very Ireland of Ireland in that age was necessitated into severity for his own security For this cause he was brought over into England outed his Offices and kept for some time in restraint all which he being inured to hardship as who had not eat his bread nor fasted neither all in a place bare with invincible courage But neglected worth will come into fashion once in seven years Tyrone begins to trouble Munster and none found fit for to order him but Sir
He died Anno Domini 1631. and lieth buâ—…ied at Chigwell aforesaid AUGUSTINE LINSELL D. D. was born at Bumsted in this County bred Scholar and Fellow in Clare-hall in Cambridge He applyed himself chiefly to the Studies of Greek Hebrew and all Antiquity attaining to great exactness therein He was very knowing in the antient practices of the Jews and from him I learned that they had a Custome at the Circumcising of their Children that certain Undertakers should make a solemn stipulation for their pious education conformable to our God-fathers in Baptisme He was afterwards made Bishop of Peterborough where on the joint-cost of his Clergy he procured Theophilact on the Epistles never printed before to be fairly set forth in Greek and Latine Hence he was removeâ—… to Hereford where he died 163. States-men Sir THOMAL AUDLEY Knight where born my best Industry and Inquiry cannot attain He was bred in the Studie of the Laws till he became Atturney of the Dutchie of Lancaster and Sergeant at Law as most affirme then Speaker of the Parliament Knighted and made Keeper of the great Seal June 4. 1532. being the twenty fourth of King Henry the eight and not long after was made Lord Chancellor of England and Baron Audley of Audley End in this County In the feast of Abby Lands King Henry the eight carved unto him the first cut and that I assure you was a dainty morsell viz. the Priory of the Trinity in Eald-gate Ward London dissolved 1531. which as a Van Currier foreran other Abbeys by two years and foretold their dissolution This I may call afterwards called Dukes-Place the Covent Garden within London as the greatest empty space within the Walls though since filled not to say pestered with houses He had afterwards a large Partage in the Abby Lands in severall Counties He continued in his Office of Chancellour thirteen years and had one onely daughter Margaret who no doubt answered the Pearl in her name as well in her precious qualities as rich Inheritance which she brought to her husband Thomas last Duke of Norfolk This Lord Audley died April 30. 1544. and is buried in the fair Church of Saffron-walden with this lamentable Epitaph The stroak of deaths Inevitable Dart Hath now alas of Life berefâ—…t the Heart Of Sir Thomas Audley of the garter Knight Late Chancellor of England under our Prince of might Henry the eight worthy of high renown And made him Lord Audley of this Town This worthy Lord took care that better Poets should be after then were in his age and founded Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge giving good lands thereunto if they might have enjoyed them according to his Donation Sir RICNARD MORISIN Knight was born in this County as J. Bale his Fellowexile doth acquaint us yet so as that he qualifieth his intelligence with Ut fertâ—…r which I have commuted into our marginall note of dubitation Our foresaid Author addeth that per celebriora Anglorum gymnasia artes excoluit bred probably first in Eton or Winchester then in Cambridge or Oxford and at last in the Inns of Court In those he attained to great skill in Latine and Greek in the Common and Civil Law insomuch that he was often imployed Ambassadour by King Henry the eight and Edward the sixth unto Charles the fifth Emperor and others Princes of Germany acquitting himself both honest and able in those negotiations He began a beautifull house at Cashobery in Hertford-shire and had prepared materialls for the finishing thereof but alas this house proved like the life of his Master who began it I mean King Edward the sixth broken off not ended and that before it came to the middle thereof Yea he was forced to fly beyond the Seas and returning out of Italy died at Strasburgh on the 17. of March Anno Domini 1556. to the grief of all good men Yet his son Sir Charles finished his fathers house in more peaceable times whose great-grand daughter augmented by matches with much honour and wealth a right worthy and vertuous Lady lately deceased was wife to the first Lord Capel and Mother to the present Earl of Essex Sir ANTHONY COOK Knight great-grant child to Sir Thomas Cook Lord Mayor of London was born at Giddy hall in this County where he finished a fair house begun by his great-grand-father as appeareth by this inscription on the frontispiece thereof Aedibus his frontem Proavus Thomas dedit olim Addidit Antoni caetera sera manus He was one of the Governours to King Edward the sixth when Prince and is charactered by Master Camden vir antiquâ severitate He observeth him also to be happy in his daughters learned above their sex in Greek and Latine namely 1. Mildred marryed unto 1. William Cecil Lord Treasurer of England 2. Anne  2. Nicholas Bacon  Chancellor  3. Katherine  3. Henry Killigrew Knights  4. Elizabeth  4. Thomas Hobby   5.  5. Ralph Rowlet   Indeed they were all most eminent Scholars the honour of their own and the shame of our sex both in prose and poetry and we will give an instance of the later Sir Henry Killigrew was designed by the Queen Embassadour for France in troublesome times when the imployment always difficult was then apparently dangerous Now Katherine his Lady wrot these following verses to her sister Mildred Cecil to improve her power with the Lord Treasurer her husband that Sir Henry might be excused from that service Si mihi quem cupio cures Mildreda remitti Tu bona tu melior tu mihi sola Soror Sin malè cunctando retines vel trans mare mittes Tu mala tu pejor tu mihi nulla Soror It si Cornubiam tibi pax six omnia lâ—…ta Sin mare Cecili nuntio bella vale We will endeavour to translate them though I am afraid falling much short of their native elegancy If Mildred by thy care he be sent back whom I request A Sister good thou art to me yea better yea the best But if with stays thou keepst him still or sendst where seas may part Then unto me a Sister ill yea worse yea none thou art If go to Cornwall he shall please I peace to thee foretell But Cecil if he set to Seas I war denounce farewell This Sir Anthony Cook died in the year of our Lord 1576. leaving a fair estate unto his son in whose name it continued untill our time Sir THOMAS SMITH Kt. was born at Saffron Walden in this County and bred in Queens-colledge in Cambridge where such his proficiency in learning that he was chosen out by Henry the eight to be sent over and brought up beyond the Seas It was fashionable in that age that pregnant Students were maintained on the cost of the State to be Merchants for experience in forraign parts whence returning home with their gainfull adventures they were preferred according to the improvement of their time to offices in
their own Country Well it were if this good old custome were resumed for if where God hath given Talents men would give but Pounds I mean encourage hopefull Abilities with helpfull Maintenance able persons would never be wanting and poor men with great parts would not be excluded the Line of preferment This Sir Thomas was afterwards Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth and a grand benefactor to both Universities as I have formerly declared at large He died Anno Domini 1577. THOMAS HOWARD wherever born is justly reputed of this County wherein he had his first honour and last habitation He was second son to Thomas last Duke of Norfolk but eldest by his wife Margaret sole heir to Thomas Lord Audley Queen Elizabeth made him Baron of Audley and Knight of the Garter and King James who beheld his father a State-Martyr for the Queen of â—…ots in the first of his raign advanced him Lord Chamberlain and Earl of Suffolk and in the twelfth of his raign July 12. Lord Treasurer of England He was also Chancellour of Cambridge loving and beloved of the University When at his first coming to Cambridge Master Francis Nethersole Orator of the University made a Latine Speech unto him this Lord returned though I understand not Latine I know the Sence of your Oration is to tell me that I am wellcome to you which I believe verily thank you for it heartily and will serve you faithfully in any thing within my power Doctor Hasnet the Vice-chancellour laying hold on the Handle of so fair a Proffer requested him to be pleased to Entertain the King at Cambridge a Favour which the University could never compass from their former great and wealthy Chancellours I will do it saith the Lord in the best manner I may with the speediest conveniency Nor was he worse then his word giving his Majesty not long after so Magnificent a Treatment in the University as cost him five thousands pounds and upwards Hence it was that after his death Thomas his second son Earl of Bark-shire not suing for it not knowing of it was chosen to succeed him losing the place as some suspected not for lack of voices but fair counting them He died at Audley end Anno Domini 1626. being Grand-father to the right Honourable James Earl of Suffolk RICHARD WESTON I behold him son to Sir Jerome Weston Sheriff of this County in the one and fourtieth of Queen Elizabeth and cannot meet with any of his relations to rectifie me if erronious In his youth he impaired his estate to improve himself with publique accomplishment but came off both a saver and a gainer at the last when made Chancellor of the Exchequer and afterwards upon the remove of the Earl of Marlburrough July 15. in the fourth of King Charles Lord Treasurer of England But I hear the Cocks crow proclaiming the dawning day being now come within the ken of many alive and when mens memories do arise it is time for History to haste to bed Let me onely be a Datary to tell the Reader that this Lord was Created Earl of Portland February 17. in the eight of King Charles and died Anno Domini 163. being father to the right Honorable Jerome now Earl of Portland Capitall Judges Sir JOHN BRAMSTONE Knight was born at Maldon in this County bred up in the Middle-Temple in the study of the Common-law wherein he attained to such eminency that he was by King Charles made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench One of deep learning solid judgement integrity of life gravity of behaviour in a word accomplished with all qualities requisite for a Person of his place and profession One instance of his integrity I must not forget effectually relating to the Foundation wherein I was bred Serjeant Bruerton of whom formerly bequeathed by Will to Sidney-colledge well nigh three thousand pounds but for haste or some other accident so imperfectly done that as Doctor Samuel Ward informed me the gife was invalid in the Rigour of the Law Now Judge Bramstone who married the Serjeants Widdow gave himself much trouble gave himself indeed doing all things gratis for the speedy payment of the money to a Farthing and the legal setling thereof on the Colledge according to the true intention of the dead He deserved to live in better times the delivering his judgement on the Kings side in the case of Ship â—…oney cost him much trouble The posting Press would not be perswaded to stay till I had received farther instructions from the most Hopefull sons of this worthy Judge who died about the year 1646. Souldiers ROBERT FITZ-WALTER It is observable what I read in my Author that in the raign of King John there were three most eminent Knights in the land 〈◊〉 for their prowess viz. Robert Fitz-Roger Richard Mont-Fâ—…chet and this Robert Fitz-Walter Two of which three a fair proportion fall to be natives of this County This Robert was born at Woodham-walters and behaved himself right 〈◊〉 on all occasions highly beloved by King Richard the first and King John untill the later banished him the land because he would not prostitute his daughter to his pleasure But worth will not long want a Master the French-King joyfully entertained him till King John recalled him back again on this occasion five-years truce being concluded betwixt the two Crowns of England and France an English-man challenged any of the French to just a course or two on horse-back with him whom Fitz-Walter then oâ—… the French party undertook and at the first course with his great spear fell'd horse and man to the ground Thus then and ever since English-men generally can be worsted by none but English-men Hereupon the King next day sent for him restored his lands with license for him to repair his Castles and particularly Bainards-castle in London which he did accordingly He was styled of the common-people The Marshall of Gods Army and Holy-Church He died Anno Domini 1234. and lieth buried in the Priory of Little-Dunmow Sir JOHN HAWKEWOOD Knight Son to Gilbert Hawkewood Tanner was born in Sible heningham This John was first bound an apprentice to a Taylor in the City of London but soon turned his needle into a sword and thimble into a shield being pressed in the service of King Edward the third for his French Wars who rewarded his valour with Knighthood Now that mean men bred in manuall and mechanick trades may arrive at great skill in Martiall performances this Hawkewood though an eminent is not the onely instance of our English nation The heat of the French Wars being much remitted he went into Italy and served the City of Florence which as yet was a Free State Such Republiques preferred forrainers rather then natives for their Generalls because when the service was ended it was but disbursing their pay and then disbanding their power by cashering their Commission such Forraigners having no advantage to continue their
command and render themselves absolute because wanting an interest in alliances and relations Thus a single Stake if occasion serves is sooner plucked up then a tree fastned to the earth with the many fibrae appendant to the root thereof Great the gratitude of the State of Florence to this their Generall Hawkewood who in testimony of his surpassing valour and singular faithfull service to their State adorned him with the Statue of a man of armes and sumptuous Monument wherein his ashes remain honoured at this present day Well it is that Monument doth remain seeing his Coenotaph or honorary tombe which sometimes stood in the Parish Church of Sible-heningham arched over and in allusion to his name berebussed with Hawkes flying into a Wood is now quite flown away and abolished This Sir John Hawkewood married Domnia daughter of Barnaby the warlike brother of Galeasius Lord of Millain father to John the first Duke of Mallain by whom he had a son named John born in Italy made Knight and naturalized in the seventh year of King Henry the fourth as appeareth by the Record Johannes filius Johannis Haukewood Miles natus in partibus Italiae factus indigena Ann. 8. Hen. 4. mater ejus nata in partibus transmarinis This valiant Knight dyed very aged Anno 1394. in the eighteenth of King Richard the second his friends founding two Chantreys to pray for his and the souls of John Oliver and Thomas Newenton Esquires his military companions and which probably may be presumed born in the same County THOMAS RATCLIFF Lord Fitz-walter second Earl of Sussex of that Surname twice Lord Deputy of Ireland was a most valiant Gentleman By his prudence he caused that Actuall Rebellion brake not out in Ireland and no wonder if in his time it Rained not war there seeing his diligence dispersed the clouds before they could gather together Thus he who cures a disease may be the skilfubest but he that prevents it is the safest Physician Queen Elizâ—…beth called him home to be her Lord Chamberlain and a constant Court faction was maintained betwixt him and Robert Earl of Leicester so that the 〈◊〉 and the Leicesterians divided the Court whilst the 〈◊〉 as neuters did look upon them Sussex had a great Estate left him by his Ancestors Leicester as great given or restor'd 〈◊〉 by the Queen 〈◊〉 was the honesâ—… man and greater Souldier 〈◊〉 the more faceit 〈◊〉 and deep Politician not for the generall good but his particular profit Great the 〈◊〉 betwixt them and what in vain the Queen endeavoured death performed taking this Earl away and so the competition was 〈◊〉 New-Hall in this County was the place if not as I believe of his Birth of his principall Habitation He dyed .... ... And lyeth buried in the Church of Saint Olives Hartstreet London Sir FRANCIS and Sir HORACE VERE sons of Geffrey Vere Esquire who was son of John Vere the 〈◊〉 Earl of Oxford were both born in this County though severall places Heâ—…ngham Castle Colchester Tilbury juxta clare be by sundry men assigned for their Nativity We will first consider them severally and then compare them together Sir FRANCIS was of a fiery spirit and rigid nature undaunted in all dangers not over valuing the price of mens lives to purchase a victory therewith He served on the Scaene of all Christendome where war was acted One masterpiece of his valour was at the Battle of Newport when his Ragged Regiment so were the English then called from their ragged Cloths help'd to make all whole or else all had been lost Another was when for three years he defended Ostend against a strong and numerous Army surrendering it at last a bare skeliton to the King of Spain who paid more years purchase for it then probably the world will endure He dyed in the beginning of the raign of King James about the year of our Lord 16 ... Sir HORACE had more meekness and as much valour as his Brother so pious that he first made his peace with God before he went out to war with man One of an excellent temper it being true of him what is said of the Caspian Sea that it doth never 〈◊〉 nor Flow observing a constant Tenor neither 〈◊〉 nor depressed with success Had one seen him râ—…turning from a victory he would by his silence have suspected that he had lost the day and had he beheld him in a retreat he would have collected him a Conqueror by the chearfulness of his spirit He was the first Baron of King Charles his Creation Some years after coming to Court he fell suddenly sick and speechless so that he dyed before night Anno Domini 163. No doubt he was well prepared for death seeing such his vigilancy that never any Enemy surprised him in his quarters Now to compare them together such their Eminency that they would hardly be parallell'd by any but themselves Sir Francis was the elder Brother Sir Horace lived to be the older man Sir Francis was more feared Sir Horace more loved by the Souldiery The former in Martiall discipline was oftimes Rigidus ad ruinaâ—… The later seldome exceeded Adterrorem Sir Francis left none Sir Horace no Male issue whose four Co-heirs are since matched into Honorable families Both lived in War much Honored dyed in Peace much Lamented HENRY VERE was son of Edward Vere the seventeenth Earl of Oxford and Anne Trentham his Lady whose principall habitation the rest of his patrimony being then wasted was at Heningham Castle in this County A vigorous Gentleman full of courage and resolution and the last Lord Chamberlain of England of this Family His sturdy nature would not bow to Court-Compliants who would maintain what he spake spake what he thought think what he apprehended true and just though sometimes dangerous and distastefull Once he came into Court with a great Milk-white Feather about his hat which then was somewhat unusuall save that a person of his merit might make a fashion The Reader may guess the Lord who said unto him in some jeer My 〈◊〉 you weare a very fair feather it is true said the Earl and if you mark it there 's â—…e'r a Tâ—…int in it Indeed his family was ever Loyall to the Crown deserving their Motto VERO NIL VERIUS Going over one of the four Engish Colonells into the Low Countries and endeavouring to raise the Siedge of Bxeda he so over-heat himself with Marching Fighting and Vexing the design not succeeding that he dyed few days after Anno Domini 16 ... He married Diana one of the Co-heirs of William Earl of Exeter afterwards married to Edward Eaâ—…l of Elgin by whom he left no issue Physicians WILLIAM GILâ—…T was born in Trinity Parish in Colchester his Father being a Counsellour of great Esteem in his Profession who first removed his family thither from Clare in Suffolk where they had resided in a Gentile Equipage some Centuries of Years He had saith my informer the Clearness of Venice Glass
own drink afterwards SIMON LYNCH Son of William Lynch Gentleman was born at Groves in the Parish of 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1562 bred a Student in Queens Colledge in Cambridge and afterwards Bishop Aylmere his kinsman bestowed on him a small living then not worth above 40 〈◊〉 per 〈◊〉 at North Weale nigh Epping 〈◊〉 this County and â—…ly said unto him Play Cousin with this a while till a better comes But Mr. Lynch continued therein the first and last place of his Ministry sixty four years The Bishop â—…terwards 〈◊〉 him Brent-Wood Weale three times better 〈◊〉 North 〈◊〉 to whom Mr. Lynch to use his own words return'd this answer That he 〈◊〉 the weal of his 〈◊〉 souls before any other weal whatsoever He lived sixty one years in wedlock with Elizabeth eane his wife He was an excellent house keeper 〈◊〉 yet provided well for his ten children He was buryed at North-Wale Annò 〈◊〉 1656 Lord Mayors Name 〈◊〉 Place Company Time 1 William Edwards William Edwards Hoton Grocer 1471 2 Robert Basset Robert Basset Billenkei Salter 1475 3 Iohn Shaa Iohn Shaa Rochford Goldsmith 1501 4 Laurence Aylmer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Draper 1507 5 William Baily Iohn 〈◊〉 Thackstead Draper 1524 6 〈◊〉 Allen Richard 〈◊〉 Thackstead Mercer 1525 7 Richard Martin Thomas Martin Saffron Walden Goldsmith 1593 8 Thomas 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Skinner Walden Clothworker 1596 9 〈◊〉 Dean George Deane MuchdunMowe Skinner 1628 The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the 〈◊〉 year of King Henry the sixth 1433. Ralph Bishop of London or his 〈◊〉 generall the Bishop being absent beyond the 〈◊〉 Commissioners to take the 〈◊〉 Iohn Earl of Oxford Henry 〈◊〉 Chivaler Knights for the Shire Iohn Tyrill Chivaler Knights for the Shire Ioh. Mongom chiv Nich. Thorle chiv 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 chiv Edm. Benst chiv Ioh. Fitz-Sim chiv Will. Golingh chiv Ludov. Ioh. ar Ioh 〈◊〉 ar Rob. Darey ar Tho. 〈◊〉 ar Edvar Torell ar Will. 〈◊〉 ar Tho. Rolf. Ioh. Teye arm Tho. Knevet ar Hen. Langley ar Georgii Langham ar Ricardi Fox ar Ioh. Helyon ar Tho. Batyll ar Tho. Henenyngh ar Ioh. Godmanston ar Rob. Hunte ar Ioh. Leventhorp jun. arm Tho. Barington ar Tho. Pynthon ar Tho. Pykenham ar Galf. Robell ar Hen. Chaterâ—…on ar Tho. Storkedale ar Will. Senklere ar Ioh. Godeston ar Rogeri Spyce ar Tho. Bendysh ar Hug. Nayllingh ar Tho. Rigedon Ricardi Priour Ioh. Green Ioh. Basset Rogeri Deyncourt Ioh. Poynes Ioh. Santon Ioh Malton Tho. Basset Ioh. Walchif Edm. Prest on Rob. Sudbury Ioh. Baryngton Wâ—…ll Ardale Nich. Mortimer Hen. Aleyn Rob. Weston Ioh. Chamber Tho. Chittern Will. Aleyn Ioh. Beche Rob. Priâ—…ur Ballivi Burgi Colcesteri Rich. Beamond Will. Gorge Balivi Burgi de Maldon Rob. Simond de Hatfield Tho. Hardekyn Tho. Mullyng Ioh. Gale de Farnham Ioh. Stodehawe Tho. Aldres Egidii Lucas Ioh. Stanford Rob. Wade Tho. Blosme Will. Gaâ—…ton Rob. Wright de Thurrok Ioh. Barowe Rob. Brook de Dedham Ioh. Stephâ—…nede de Elmestede Tho. Andrew Rich. Dykeleygh Will. Cony Ioh. Rouchestre Ioh. Marlere Rob. de Bury Tho. Stanes Ioh. à Benham de Witham Rich. Jocep Ioh. Berdefeld Tho. Brentys Tho. Selers Ioh. Boreham Rob. Seburgh Hen. Maldon Ioh. Caweston Th. Mars de Dunmow Ioh. Hereward de Thapstede Ioh. Fil. Will. Atte Fan de eadem Reg. Bienge de eadem Walt. Goodmay Will. Spaldyng Hug. Dorsete Rich. Atte More Radul Bonyngdon Tho. Barete Radul de Uphavering Ioh. Gobyon Will. Scargoyll Ioh. Shyunyng VVill. Higham Ioh. Riche Ioh. Veyle senioris Ioh. Hicheman Edm. Botere Ioh. VVestle VVill. Admond Ioh. Campion Rich. Sewale VValt Tybenham Ioh. Marshant de Peldon Rich. Eylotte Ioh. Baderok Ioh. VVayte de Branketre Ioh. Parke de Gestmyngthorp Will. Manwode Hen. Hoberd Rog. Passelewe Will. Atte Cherche Will. Reynold Ioh. Sailler Rich. Billingburgh Allani Bushe Ioh. Wormele Ioh. Glyne Rob. Ferthyng Mart. Stainer Rob. Beterythe Rob. Smyth de Waltham Observations Some part of this County lyeth so near London that the sound of Bow-bell befriended with tâ—…e wind may be heard into it A Bell that ringeth the Funerall Knell to the ancient Gentry who are more healthfull and longer-liv'd in Counties at greater distance from the City R. Bishop of London being absent beyond the Seas was Robert Fitz-Hugh who was twice sent Embassadour into Germany and once unto the Pope John Earl of Oxford was John de Vere second of that name and eleventh Earl of Oxford beheaded afterwards Anno 1462. in the fifth of King Edward the fourth for his Loyalty to the House of Lancaster HENRY BOURCHIER Here additioned Chivaler appears by all proportion of time and place the self same person who marryed Elizabeth sister to â—…ichard Plantaganet Duke of York and who by his Nephew King Edward the fourth was created Earl of Essex He dyed an aged person 1483 I conceive that his Father William Lord Bourchier Earl of Ewe in Normandy was living when this Henry Bourchier was chosen Knight for the shire a place usually conferred on the Eldest Sons of Peers in the life-life-time of their Fathers JOHN TEâ—…RYLL Chivaler Was chief of that family rich andnumerous in this County of exemplary note and principall regard Great Thorndon was the place of their sepulture where their Monuments to the Church both ruinous This name if still alive lies gasping in this County but continuing healthâ—…ull in Buchingham shire JOHN MOUNTGOMERY Chivaler I find him Supervisor to the Will of Sir Robert Darcy Anno 1469. and conceive that Surname since utterly extinct MAURICE BRUYN Chivaler He had his seat at South-Okenton From the two heirs generall of this family often married Charles Branden Duke of Suffolk the Tirells Berners Harlestons Heveninghams and others are descended A branch of the Heir-male removed into Hant-shire since into Dorset-shire where they subsist in a right Worshipfull equipage WILLIAM GOLDINGHAM Chivaler Though the great tree be blasted a small sprig thereof still sprouteth in this County JOHN DOREWARD Esq. He lived at Bocking-Doreward in this County and was Patron of the rich Parsonage therein which no ingenious person will envy to the worthy Incumbent Doctor John Gauden This John Doreward lieth buried in the Church with this inscription Hic jacet Johannes Doreward Armiger qui obiit xxx die Januar. Anno Domini Mil. cccc lxv Blancha uxor ejus quae obiit ... die Mens ... Anno Dom. Mil. cccc lx quorum animabus propitietur Deus Amen Claviger Aethereus nobis sit janitor almus ROBERT DARCY Ar. An ancient name in this County having Danbury whilst living for their residence and the Church in Maldon when dead for their Sepulture where there be many of their shamefully defaced Monuments This Robert Darcy afterwards Knighted by his Will made the fifth of October 1469. bequeathed his body to be buried in Alhallows-church in Maldon before the Alter where his father lyed in a Tombe of Marble He willed that forty marks should be disposed for Two thousand Masses four pâ—…nce a Masse to be said
about three years viz. from the seventh of July in the 22. year of King Henry the Sixth being the year of our Lord 1544. until the 25. year of that Kings raign This Lord built Sudeley Castle in this County which of Subjects Castles was the most handsome Habitation and of Subjects Habitations the strongest Castle King Edward the Fourthâ—…ent â—…ent for him with such summons that this Lord conjectured and that truly enough that it was but a Preface to his imprisonment whereupon going to London and resting himself on a Hill whence he did behold his own Castle It is thou Sudeley it is thou said he and not I that am a Traytor and so resigned the same at last into the hand of the King to procure his own liberty So true it is what Solomon saith The ransome of a mans life are his riches but the poor heareth not rebuke I find not the certain date of his death Capital Judges and Writers on the Law ANTHONY FITZ-HERBERT for a long time Justice of the Common Pleas was as a good Antiquary will have it born about Dean Forrest in this County but is by another no whit his inferiour on better evidence referred to Derby-shire where formerly we have placed his Nativity Yea I have been informed from excellent hands the Natives of this County that no Capital Judge of the three Great Courts though many of the Marches was ever born in this County yet are they here as litigious as in other places Sure I am that Gloucester-shire did breed if no Judge yet a Plaintiff and Defendant of the primest quality which betwixt them with many alternations traversed the longest suit that ever I read in England for a suit was commenced betwixt the Heirs of Sir Thomas Talbot Viscout Lisle on the one party and the heirs of Lord Barkley on the other about certain possessions lying in this County not far from Wotton-under-edge which suit begun in the end of King Edward the Fourth was depending until the beginning of King James when and was it not high time it was finally determined But the long barrenness of this County in Judges may be recompenced with fruitfulness at last the rather because Gloucestershire at this day sheweth two eminent ones Mr. Justice Adkins and Mr. Justice Hales which grace the Court of the Common Pleas with their known ability and integrity EDWARD TROTMAN Son of Edward Trotman Esquire was born at Cam nigh Duresly in this County bred a Student of the Law till he became a Bencher in the Inner Temple He wrote an Abridgement of Sir Edward Coke his eleven Volumes of Reports for the benefit of those who had not money to purchase or leisure to peruse them at large Yea such as have both may be profitted thereby for in my owne profession and in the Book of Books even those who are best acquainted with the Chapters make also use of the Contents This Gentleman in his Title page ingeniously wisheth that his Compendium might not prove Dispendium to the Reader thereof And I verily believe he hath had his desire being informed that his endeavours are well esteemed by the Learned in that profession He was buried in the Temple Church May 29. Anno Dom. 1643. Souldiers Sir WILLIAM TRACY of Todington in this County was a Gentleman of high Birth State and Stomach much in favour with King Henry the second on whom he was a daily attendant One fact hath made his Memory call it famous or infamous because he was the first and forwardest of the four Knights who at the encouragement if not command at leastwise at the connivance if not encouragement of the aforesaid King Imbrewed their hands in the blood of Thomas Becket In his old age he went into Devon-shire where he had large possessions as may appear by so many Towns bearing his surname 1. Wollocomb-Tracy 2. Bovi-Tracy 3. Nimet-Tracy 4. Bradford-Tracy c. It is reported that he intended a penitential Pilgrimage to Jerusalem but setting to Sea was ever crost with adverse Winds He is conceived to lie buried in the Parish Church of Mort in Devonshire dying about the year of our Lord 1180. Seamen This is scarcely a Maritine-shire rather bordering on the Severn than on the Sea having therein no considerable Haven Bristol being beheld as a City entire of it self and therein eminent Seamen cannot be expected yet one Family herein hath been most fortunate in such voyages having their chief Seat at Lydney in the Forrest of Dean which hath afforded WILLIAM WINTER Knight and Vice Admiral of England famous in his Generation for several performances 1. Anno 1559. being then but Machinarum classicarum praefectus English it as you please he frighted the French in Edenborough Frith assaulting their Fort in the Island of Inchkeith 2. Anno 1567. he was sent with Sir Thomas Smith with the sound of the Trumpet and shooting of some Cannons to demand the restitution of Callis of the French King 3. Anno 1568. he conducted a great Treasure of the Genoan Merchants safely into the Netherlands in despight of the French opposing him 4. Anno 1576. he with Robert Beale Clerk of the Councel was employed into Zeland to demand the restitution of our Ships which they had either taken or did detain 5. Anno 1588. he did signal service in the station appointed him coming in though not in the heat in the coole of the day when the Spanish Fleet was fallen towards the shore of Zeland and were sadly sensible of his valour I conceive him not to survive long after because if in life he would have been in action and if in action I should have found him in Cambden's Elizabeth And therefore from no mention I conclude no motion that about this time he departed Besides others of this Family unknown to me and justly referred to this County as their chief habitation And were the phrase as proper of Men sailing as Fishes swimming in the Sea I should say that Lydney-House hath brought forth a shole of Mariners So happy have they been in Sea voyages One wondring how the English durst be so bold as to put to Sea in all weathers it was returned that they were provided to saile in all seasons having both Winters and Summers on their side The more the pity that this worthy Family of the Winters did ever leave the Element of Water to tamper with Fire especially in a destructive way to their King and Country Writers OSBERNUS CLAUDIANUS or Osbern of Gloucester was bred a Benedictine Monk in the famous Convent in that City He was learned saith Leland Praeter iliius aetatis sortem above the Standard of that age He was a good Linguist Philosopher Divine he used to give clearness to what was obscure facility to what was difficult politeness to what was barbarous Nor wanted he a becoming facetiousness in his Dialogues He wrote many Books dedicating them to Gilbert Foliot Bishop of Hereford as a
own faults charging him with those Temptations wherein we our selves are always chiefly and sometimes solely guilty When the reading of the Book of sports on the Lâ—…rds day was pressed upon him he refused the same as not comporting with his Conscience and willingly resigned his benefice living afterwards on his temporal means and preaching gratis in neighbouring Congregations He died Anno Dom. 165 Benefactors to the Publick KATHARINE CLYVEDON better known by the name of Dame KATHARINE BERKLEY was Daughter unto Sir John Clyvedon richly landed in this County She was first married to Sir Peter Le Veale and after to Thomas third of that Christian name Baron of Berkley whom she survived living a constant Widow for four and twenty years great her Inâ—…eritance augmented with a large Joynture and yet she expended the profits thereof in Hospitality and prous â—…es amongst which the Founding of the fair Schoole of Wootton-under-edge was most remarkable I have sometimes wondered with my self to see the vast Donations which the Family of the Berkleys bestowed on Monaâ—…eries So that there was no Religious House with in twenty-miles of their Castle besides others at greater distance which did not plentifully partake of their Liberality All these now are lost and extinct whilest the endowment of Wootton Schoole doth still continue whereof I render this private reason to my own thoughts Because Monks were not of Gods planting whilest-teaching of Youth is Iure Divino by a positive precept Teach a Child in the Trade of his Youth and he will remember 〈◊〉 when â—…e is old I behold Wootton Schoole as of great Seniority after Winchester but before Eaton in standing Iohn Smith late of Nibley Esquire was efâ—…ctually instrumental in recovering the Lands to this Schoolâ—… which since hath been happy in good School Masters as they in pregnant Scholars This Lady died March 13. 1385. and is buried by her Husband in Berkley Church in a Monument grated about with Iron Bars Sir WILLIAM HAMPTON son to Iohn Hampton was born at Minchen Hampton in this County bred after a Fish-mâ—…nger in London where he â—…ved so well that he became Lord Mayor thereof Anno 1472. He was the first that set up Stocks in every Ward for the punishment oâ—… Vagaâ—…s and Sâ—…mpets on which account I enter him a publick Benefactor For an House of Correction is a kind of Alms-House it being as charitable a work to reclaim the wicked as to reâ—…ieve the wanting and were it not for Prisons all the Land would be but a Prison Since the Râ—…formation THOMAS BELL born in this County was twice Mayor of the City of Gloucester and raised his estate by Gods blessing on his Industry and Ingenuity being one of the first that brought the trade of Capping into the City Hereby he got great wealth sufficient to maintain the degree of Knighthood which King Henry the eight as I take it bestowed on him He bought from the Crown Black-Friers by the South gate in this City and reformed the ruines thereof into a beautiful house for himself and hard by it erected an Alms-house and endowed it with competent Revenues His Daughter and sole Heir brought a fair Estate into the Families of Dennis This Sir Thomas died in the beginning of the raign of Queen Elizabeth EDWARD PALMER Esquire Uncle to Sir Thomas Overbury was born at Limington in this County where his Ancestry had continued ever since the Conquest Of his breeding I can give no exact account for as the growing of Vegetables towards perfection is insensible so for want of particular information I cannot trace his Gradual motions but find him at last answering the Character given by Mr. Cambden A curious and a diligent Antiquary Great his store of Coins Greek and Roman in Gold Silver and Brasse and greater his skill in them His plentiful Estate afforded him opportunity to put forward the ingenuity impressed in him by nature for the publick good resolving to erect an Academy in Virginia in order whereunto he purchased an â—…sland called Palmers Island unto this day but in pursuance thereof was at many thousand pounds expence some instruments employed therein not discharging their trust reposed in them with corresponding fidelity he was transplanted to another world leaving to posterity the memorial of his worthy but unfinished intentions He married one of his own name and neighbourhood the Daughter of Palmers of Compton Schorfin Esquire Palmero Palmera nobit sic nubilis Amnis Auctior adjunctis Nobilitatis aquis By her he had many Children but most of them desceased amongst whom Muriel married to Michael Rutter of this County Esquire inheriting her Fathers parts and piety left a perfumed Memory to all the Neighbourhood This Edward Palmer died at London about the year 1625. HUGH PIRRY was born in Wootton under-edge a known Market Town in this County bred a Merchant in London whereof he was Sheriff Anno Dom. 1632. He brought the best Servant that ever hath or will come to the Town of Wootton I mean the Water which in his life time on his own cost he derived thither to the great benefit of the Inhabitants He had read how Job had warmed the poor with the Fleece of his Sheep and observed what sheep Job had left he lost and what he had laid out was left him that wooll onely remaining his which he had expended on the poor Master Pirry therefore resolved on pious uses but prevented by death bequeathed a thousand pounds and upwards for the building and endowing of a fair Alms-House in Woâ—…on aforesaid which is persormed accordingly God hath since visibly blessed him in his fair posterity four Daughters the eldest married to the Lord Fitz Williams of Northampton the second to Sir of Glamorgan the third to Sir Robert Beâ—…wes of Lancaster and the youngest the Relict of Viscount Camden's second son to Sir William Fermoure of Northampton-shire He died Anno Dom. 163 Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Will. Hampton John Hampton Minchen HamptoÌ„ Fish-monger 1472 2 John Brug or Bruges Thomas Brug or Bruges Dymmock Draper 1520 3 Leon. Holliday William Holliday Redborough Merchant Taylor 1605 4 Richard Ven. WottoÌ„ under-edg 5 Thomas Viner Thomas Viner Gold-smith 1653 The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth The Keeper of the Spiritualties of the Bishoprick of Worcester sede vacante Commissioners for taking the oaths James de Berkeley James Greyndore Knights for the Shire Robert Stanshaw Knights for the Shire Guidonis Whitington Richardi Norman Iohannis Hurtesley Thome Hoke Johannis Joce Johannis Anne Johannis Panncefote Chivaler Johannis Cassy Edwardi Brugge Rob. Whitington Willielmi Boteler Willielmi Moryn Johannis Stoughâ—…on Roberti Vobe Johannis Morvan Clementis de Mitton Johannis Moryn Johannis Sâ—…ll Willielmi Penâ—…ock Johan Gifford Chivaler Reginaldi Machyn Walteri Frâ—…sh Thome Sloughter Nicholai Eynesham Radulphi Bottiller Chivaler Johannis Grennell Baldewini Rouse Willielmi Somervile Johannis
He proceeded Mr. of Arts in New Colledge in Oxford And afterwards being Arch-Deacon of Lincoln was a Zealous Promoter of the Protestant Religion In the first of Queen Mary being a member of the Convocation his heart was hot within And while he was musing the fire kindled and he spake with his tongue which afterwards occasioned his Martyrdome If Papists account him a Distracted Man none will wonder who consider how the prophane Captaines of Israel called the Son of the Prophet a mad fellow And if some vehement expressions fell from him during his imprisonment his enemies Cruelty was the Cause thereof Seing ill usage which once made a dumb beast to speak may make a Sober man Overspeak in his passion But all his sufferings are reported by Mr. Fox so perfectly Perfectum est cui nihil addi potest that it is presumption for any to hope to make an essential Addition thereunto He was Martyred Anno Dom. 1555. Decemb. 18. KATHARINE GOVVCHES GUILLEMINE GILBERT PEROTINE MASSEY whose husband a Minister of Gods word was for fear fled out of the Island The first of these was the Mother a poor widdow of St. Peters Port in the Isle of Guernsey the other two her Daughters but maried women These in the reign of Queen Mary were noted to be much absent from the Church for which they were presented before Jaques Amy then Dean of the Island who finding them to hold opinions against the real presence in the Sacrament of the Altar condemned them to be burnt for Hereticks which was done accordingly July 18. 1556. Add to these an Infant without a Christian name and no wonder it is never named seeing properly it was never born but by the force of the flame burst out of his mothers belly Perotine Massey aforesaid This Babe was taken up by W. House a by-stander and by the Command of Elier Gosselin the Bailiff supreme Officer in the then absence of the Governour of the Island cast again into the fire and therein consumed to Ashes It seems this bloody Bailiff was minded like the Cruel Tyrant Commanding Canis pessimi ne catulum esse relinquendum though this indeed was no Dogge but a Lamb and that of the first minute and therefore too young by the Levitical Law to be sacrificed Here was a Spectacle without precedent a Cruelty built three generations high that Grandmother Mother and Grandchild should all suffer in the same Flame And know Reader these Martyrs dying in the Isle of Guernsey are here reckoned in Hampshire because that Island with Jersey formerly subordinate to the Arch-Bishop of Constance in Normandy have since the reign of Queen Elizabeth been annexed to the Diocess of Winchester Prelates William Wickham was born at VVickham in this County being the Son of John Perot and Sibel his wife over whose graves he hath erected a Chappel at Titchfield in this County and bred in the University of Oxford He was otherwise called Long from the height of his stature as my Authour conceives though since it may be applied to the perpetuity of his memory which will last as long as the world endureth for his two fair Foundations at OXFORD WINCHESTER Begun 1379. Finished 1386. Begun 1387. Finished 1393. The Charter of the Foundation of St. Maries-Colledge in Oxford was dated the 26. of November 1379. in his Manour in Southwarke sâ—…nce called VVinchester-House The Scholars entred thereunto about nine a clock on the 14. day of April in the same year The first Stone was laid March 26. at nine a clock in the morning in the 69. year of the age of the Founder  He died in the 37th year of his Consecration and 80th of his Age in the 5th year of the Reign of King Henry the Fourth and his Benefaction to Learning is not to be paralleld by any English Subject in all particulars JOHN RUSSELL was born in this County in the Parish of Saint Peters in the Suburbs of VVinchester He was bred Fellow of New-Colledge and when Doctor of Canon-Law was chosen Chancellor of Oxford Yea that Office annual before was first fixed on him as in Cambridge on Bishop Fisher for term of life By King EDWARD the Fourth he was advanced Bishop of Lincolne and by Richard the Third Ld. Chancellor of England having ability enough to serve any and honesty too much to please so bad a King And because he could not bring him to his bent when the Lord Hastings was killed this Bishop saith my Author was for a time imprisoned He died January the 30. Anno 1490. Leaving this Character behind him Vir fuit summa pietate ex rerum usu oppidò quà m prudens doctrina etiam singulari WILLIAM WARHAM was born at Ockley of Worshipful Parentage in this County bred Fellow and Doctor of the Lawes in New-Colledge imployed by King Henry the Seventh who never sent sluggard or fool on his errand to Margaret Dutches of Burgundy and by him advanced Bishop of London then Archbishop of Canterbury living therein in great lustre till eclipsed in power and profit by Thomas VVolsey Archbishop of Yorke It may be said that England then had ten Arch-Bishops if a figure and cypher amount to so many or else if it had but two they were Arch-Bishop Thomas and Arch-Bishop VVolsey drawing all causes to his Court-legatine whilest all other Ecclesiastical Jurisdictions in England kept a constant vacation This VVarham bare with much moderation contenting himself that as he had less honour so he had less envy and kept himself coole whilst VVolsey his screene was often scorched with just and general hatred In the case of K. Henry His divorce he was the Prime Advocate for Queen Katherine and carried it so cautiously that he neither betrayed the cause of his Client nor incurr'd the Kings displeasure Nor will any wonder that an Arch-Bishop of Canterbury did then plead before an Arch-Bishop of York seeing the King at the same time was summoned before His Subject He survived VVolsey's ruine but never recovered his former greatness blasted with a PRAEMUNIRâ—… with the rest of the Clergy and the heavier because the higher in dignity He is said to have expended thirty thousand pounds in the repair of his Palaces the probable reason why he left no other publick Monuments though Arch-bishop twenty eight years dying Anno Domini 1533. ROBERT SHERBORN was born in this County and bred first in VVinchester and then in New Coll. was a great Schollar and prudent Man imployed in several Embassies by K. Henry the seventh and by him preferred Bishop first of St. Davids then Chichester Which Church he decored with many Ornaments and Edifices especially the South-side thereof Where On the one side On the other The History of the foundation of the Church with the Images of the Kings of England The Statues of all the Bishops of this See both those of Selcey and of Chichester He often inscribed
was made Lord Chancellour of England dischargeing his place with Prudence and Equity for the terme of five years Foreseeing he should be outed of his Office being of the Anti-faction to Duke Dudley to prevent stripping he politickly put off his Robes of State resigning his Office Which done no danger of catching cold his own Under-suit was so well lined having gotten a fair Estate about Lees Abbey in Essex whereof he was created Baron He died in the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth being direct Ancestour unto the right Honourable Charles Rich now Earl of VVarwick WILLIAM POWLET where ever born had his largest Estate and highest Honour Baron of Basing and Marquess of VVinchester in this County He was descended from a younger house of the Powlets of Hinton Saint George in Sommersetshire as by the Crescent in his Arms is acknowledged One telleth us that he being a younger brother and having wasted all that was left him came to Court on trust where upon the bare stock of his wit he traffick'd so wisely and prospered so well that he got spent and left more than any Subject since the Conquest Indeed he lived at the time of the dissolution of Abbeys which was the harvest of Estates and it argued idleness if any Courtier had his Barnes empty He was servant to K. Henry the seaventh and for Thirty years together Treasurer to K. Henry the eighth Edward the sixth Qu. Mary and Qu. Elizabeth The 〈◊〉 in some 〈◊〉 owed their Crowns to his Counsel his policy being the principal 〈◊〉 of Duke Dudleys Designe to disinherit them I behold this Lord 〈◊〉 like to aged Adoram so often mentioned in Scripture being over the Tribute in the dayes of K. David all the Reign of K. Solomon untill the first Year of 〈◊〉 And though our Lord Powlet enjoyed his place not so many years yet did he serve more Soveraigns in more mutable times being as he said of himself no 〈◊〉 but an 〈◊〉 Herein the Parallel holds not The honry hairs of Adâ—…m were sent to the Grave by a violent death slain by the people in a 〈◊〉 This Lord had the rare happiness of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 setting in his full splendour having lived 97 years and seen 103 out of his body he dyed anno Domini 1572. Sr. THOMAS LAKES was born in the Parish of St. Michael in the Town of South-Hampton and there bred in Grammer-Learning under Doctor Seravia By several under Offices he was at last deservedly preferred Secretary of Estate to K. James Incredible his dexterity in dispatch who at the same time would indite write discourse more exactly than most men could severally performe them Men resembled him to one of the hips-Royal of Qu. Elizabeth called the Swift-sure such his celerity and solidity in all Affairs No lesse his secresie in concealing and what was credited to his Counsel was alwayes found in the same posture it was left in Add to all these he was a good man and a good mans Brother Dr. Arthur Lakes Bishop of Bath-and Wells King James who allwayes loved what was facile and fluent was highly pleased with his Latine Pen who by practice had made Tullie's phrase his own He was one of the three noble hands who at the Court first led Mr. George Villers into the favour of King James At last he fell for the faults of others into the Kings displeasure being punished for the Offences of one of his nearest Relations and of all them fin'd in the star-chamber he was the only person generally pittied for his suffering yet even then K. James gave him this publick Eulogie in open Court That he was a Minister of State fit to serve the greatest Prince in Europe He was outed his Secretaries place which needed him more than he it having atchieved a fair fortune which he transmitted to posterity How long he lived afterwards in a private life is to me unknown Souldiers BEAVOIS an English man was Earle of South-Hampton in the time of the Conquerer and being unable to comport with his Oppression banded against him with the Fragments of the English men the strength of Hastings the Dane and all the assistance the VVelch could afford In whose Country a Battel was fought near Carcliffe against the Normans anno Domini 1070. wherein Three Nations were conquered by One Beavois being worsted Success depends not on Valour fled to Carlile a long step from Carcliffe And afterwards no mention what became of him This is that Beavois whom the Monks cryed up to be such a man that since it hath been questioned Whether ever such a man I mean whether ever his person was in rerum natura So injurious those are who in the Reports of any mans performances exceed the bounds of probability All I will add is this that the Sword preserved and shewed to be this Beavoises in Arundel Castle is lesser perchance worn with age than that of King Edward the third kept in Westminster-Church Seamen Sr. JOHN WALLOP born in this County of a most ancient and respected Family was directed by his Genius to Sea-service at what time our Coasts were much infested with French-Piracies For there was a Knight of Malta passing in our Chronicles by the name of Prior John more proper by his Profession to be employed against the Turks lately so victorious in Hungary who liv'd by pickeering and undoing many English Merchants But our Sr. John made the French pay more than treble Dammages who with Eight Hundredh Men landed in Normandy burnt One and Twenty Towns with divers Ships in the Havens of Traport Staples c. and safely returned with wealth and Victory Methinks the ancient Armes of the Wallhops appear propheticall herein viz. argent a Bend-unde Sable interpreted by my Authour a wave or sourge of the Sea raised by some turbulent flaw of wind and tempest prognosticating the activity of that Family in Marine Performances ROBERT TOMSON Merchant was born at Andover in this County bred much at Bristol in Sea-Imployments Hence anno 1553. he sailed into Spain and thence two Years after shipped himself for Nova Hispania to make a discovery thereof on the same token that in his passage thither in a Spanish Ship a light like a canâ—…le being nothing else but a Meteor frequent by Sea and Land sell on their main Mast which the Spaniards on their knees worshiped for St. Elmo the Advocate of Saylers He afterwards wrote the Description of New Spain with the City of Mexico giving a good and the first account thereof of any Englishman During his abode many Months in Mexico at dinner he let fall some Discourse against Saint-worship for which he was imprisoned in the holy-House and enjoyned solemn Penance by the Arch-Bishop of Mexico This Tomson being the first reputed Heretick which was ever seen in America on a penitential Scaffold Hence he was sent into Spain and after three Years durance in the Inquisition discharged
Parish who Founded a School and Alms-house therein whom we leave to be reckoned up by the Topographists of this County Memorable Persons THOMAS WATERHOUSE Priest was born at Helmsted in ths County His Will acquainteth us with the wardrobe of men of his Order towards the end of the reign of Q. Mary In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Amen I Thomas Waterhouse Priest of the Catholick Faith whole of body and of good and perfect remembrance doe make and ordain my last Will and Testament the 25. day of May in the year of our Lord 1557. in manner and form following First I bequeath my Soul to God Almighty the Father of Heaven my Creator and unto Jesus Christ our Lord and God my Redeemer And I will my body be buried in the Chancel within the Parish Church of Hemelhemsted near to the place where my Mother lieth I bequeâ—…th to the Parish Church of Quainton my vestment of crimson Sattin I bequeath to the Parish Church of great Barkemsted my vestment of crimson Velvet I bequeath to the Parish Church of great Hemelsted my Stole and FANON set with Pearl I bequeath to my cozen John Waterhouse the Queens servant my standing cup of silver and gilt with the cover I bequeath to my servant Thomas Ashton ten pound in money which I promised him I bequeath to my PRIEST Sr. Thomas Barker my black Gown faced with Taffata c. And â—… ordain and make my brother John Waterhouse and my cozen Richard Combe Gentlemen mine Executors these being witnesses c. Such as jeer him for his Gallantry as one of the Church Triumphant may remember that besides his worshipful extraction which might the better countenance his Clothes these were not garments for his Wearing but Vestments for his officiating and according to the opinion of that Age nothing could be too costly in that kind Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 William Cromar John Cromar Aldenham Mercer 1423. 2 Ralph Joceline Geffrey Joceline Sabridgworth Draper 1464. 3 William Martin VValter Martin Skinner 1492. 4 Ralph Ostrich Geffrey Ostrich Hitchin Fish-monger 1493. 5 Thomas Bradbury VVill. Bradbury Braughin Mâ—…rcer 1509. 6 Thomas White Thomas VVhite Rickmansworth Marchant-Taylor 1553. 7 John VVats Thomas VVats Buntingford Clâ—…ath-worker 1606. Reader This is one of the Twelve Shires whose Gentry were not returned by the Commissioners the Twelfth of Henry the sixth into the Tower Sheriffes This County had the same with Essex until the Ninth year of Queen Elizabeth when the Distinction betwixt the two Shires did begin and these following peculiar to this County Name Place Armes Q. ELIZ.   Anno   9 G. Penruddock ar  G. a limb of a tree ragguled and trunked in Bend Ar. 10. Row Litton Ar. Knebworth Erm on a chief indented Azure 3 Crowns Or. 11 Hen. Conisby ar S. Mims Gules three coneys Seiant within a Border ingrailed Argent 12. VVill. 〈◊〉 Ar.   13 Edw. Bash Arm. Stansted Per Chev. Ar. G. in Cheif 2. Martelets S. in Base a Saltir c. 14 Georg. Horsey ar Digswel Azure 3 horses heads couped Or Brideled Argent 15 T. Leventhorp Shingle hal Argent a Bend Gobonee S. G. cotised of the first 16 Hen. Cocke Ar. Brocksborâ—… Quarterly Gules and Argent 17 Johan Gill. Ar. VVidjel S. 2 Chev. Ar. each with 3 mull. of the first on a cant O. a L. pass G 18 Tho. Bowles Ar. Wallington Ar. on a Chev. 'tw 3 Bores-heads coup S. as many scallops O. within a border Vert Bezantee 19 Edw. Verney Ar.  Az. on a Cross Ar. 5 mullets G. 20 Phil. Butler Ar. VVatton Vide the last of Q. Elizabeth 21 Char. Morison ar Cashobery O on a chief G. 3 chap. of the first 22 Th. Dockwray ar Putridge S. a Che. Engr. Ar. betw 3 plates charged with as many Pallets G. 23 Joh. Brocket Ar. Broket-Hal Or. a Crosse Patoncee Sable 24 Hen. Conisby ar ut prius  25 Fran. Haydon ar Grove Quarterly Ar. Az. a Cross engrailed counter-changed 26 Edw. Bash Arm. ut prius  27 Hen. Capel Arm. Hadham G. a Ly. Ramp ' tw 3 crosses Botonie Fitchie Or. 28 Ed. Pawleter ar Wimondly Ar. a Bend voided Sable 29 T. Leventhorp ar Tho. Sadler ar ut prius   Standon Or a Lyon Rampant 〈◊〉 per Fess Azure Gules 30 Joh. Cutts Miles CAMB sh. Ar. on a Bend Engrail S. 3 Plates 31 Edw. Verney Ar. ut prius  32 Wal. Mildmay ar Pesso-bury Argent 3 Lyons Rampant Azure 33 Th. Hanchet ar Hinkworth Sable 3. dexter hands Argent 34 Arth. Capel Ar. ut prius  35 J. Leventhorp ar ut prius  36 Row Litton Ar. ut prius  37 Th. Sadler Arm. ut prius  38 R. Coningsby ar ut prius  39 Rich. Spencer ar Offley Quarterly Ar. G. a Fret Or on a Bend S. 3 Escal of the first 40 T. Popeblunt ar  Barry Formy Nebule of 6. Or S. 41 Rob. Chester ar Cakenhatch Per pale Ar. S. a Chev. 〈◊〉 42 Th. Hanchet ar ut prius 3 Rams heads eras within a border engr roundelly all counterch 43 Thâ—… Bowles Ar. ut prius  44 Edw. Denny mil. H. Boteler m. ESSEX G. a Saltir Ar. ' tw 12 Crosses Or.  Hatfield-woodhall Gules a Fess Checky Ar. S. between 6. 〈◊〉 Or. K. JAMES   1 Hen. Boteler ut prius  2 Geo. Puâ—…ient Ar. Dâ—…gswel Gules 3 Crescents Ar. 3 Tho. Docwray ar ut prius  4 VVa. Mildmay ar Leon. Hide Miles ut prius   Albury Or a Chever between 3 Lezenges Az. on a chief Gules an Eagle displayed of the fiâ—…st 5 J. Leventhorp ar ut prius  6 Nich. 〈◊〉 Armig. Quick-set  7 Radu Sadler ar ut prius  8 Ric. Anderson m.  Ar. a Chever betwixt 3 Crosses Formee Sable 9 Rob. Boteler Mil. ut prius  10 Johan VVild ar   11 W. Franckland ar  Arg. a Chever Sable betwixt 3 12 Tho. Dacres M. Tho. Dacres ar Chesthunt Torteauxes charged with as many Scallops of the first 13 God Peâ—…bert m. L. Pemberton 〈◊〉 Hartdforbury Ar. a Chev. betw 3 Buckets S. 14 Tho. Newes ar  S. 2 Pallets Ar. a Canton Erm. 15 Edw. Brisco AbotsLangly Arg. 3 Greyhounds in Pale Sab. 16 Tho. Read arm Broket-hal G. a Saltir betwixt 4 Garbs Or. 17 Nich. Hide ar ut prius  18 R. Pemberton ar ut prius  19 VVil. Hale Ar. Kings-walden Az. a Chever counterbattily Or 20 Edw. Newport ar Pelham  21 Cl. Skudamore m  Gules 3 stirrups leather'd and buckl'd Or. 22 Rich. Sidley Ar. Digswell Az. a Fesse Wavy betw 3 Goats Heads erased Ar attired Or. K CHARLES   Anno.   1 VVill. Litton m. ut prius  2 Joha Jenning m. Hollywell Az. on a Fess G. 3 〈◊〉 3 Thâ—… Mide Barr. ut prius  4
Kirle arm MuchMarcle Vert a Cheveron betwixt 3 Flower de Lyces Or. 7 Rich. Hopton mil. Hopton Gules Seme de Crosse 〈◊〉 a Lyon Rampant Or. 8 Hu. Baskervil mil. ut prius  9 Hum. Cornwall a. ut prius  10 Rob. Kirle arm ut prius  11 Joh. Colles Arm.   12 Fran. Smalman a. Kinnesley  13 Rich. Cox Arm.   14 Row Skudmor â—… ut prius  25 Ambro. Elton ar Lidbury Paly of 6 Or G. on a Bend S. 3 Mullets of the first 16 Herb. Westfaling  A. a Cros tw 4 Cheval-traps O. 17 VVill. Unet Ar. Casâ—… Frome Sable a Chever on between 3. Lions heads couped Arg. 18 Edw. Leingein a. ut prius  19 Joh. Bridges ar   20 Sam. Aubrie m.  Gules a Fess ingrailed Aâ—… 21 Iac. Rodd Arm.   23 Fran. Pember ar  Ar. 3 More-cocks proper combed and jealoped G. a cheif Azure CHAR. Reg.   Anno   1 Egidius Bridges r. Wilton Argent on a cross S. a Leopards head Or. 2 Fitz Will. Conisby ut prius  3 VVill. Read Arm.   4 Iohan. Kirle Bar. ut prius  5 Iac. Kirle armig ut prius  6 Walop Brabazon Eaton G. on a 〈◊〉 Arg. 3 Martelets of the first 7 Roger. Dansey ar ut prius  8 Ph. Holman arm   9 Ioh. Abrahal arm ut prius  10 Wil. Sku damore ut prius  11 Tho. Wigmore a.  S. 3 â—…rey-hounds currant Arg. 12 Rog. Vaughan a.   13 Hen. Lingeiâ—… â—…r ut prius  14 Rob. Whitney m. ut prius  15   16   17 Isaâ—…cus Seward   18   19 Haec fecit   20 inania   21 Mavors   22 Amb. Elton ju a. ut prius  K. HENRY the Sixth 26. WALTER 〈◊〉 I have vehement and to use the Lord Coke his Epithet necessary presumptions to perswade me that he was the same person who married Anne Daughter and sole heir unto VVilliam Lord Ferrers of Chartley and in her right was afterwards by this King created Lord Ferrers He was Father to 1. John Lord Ferrers of Chartley who married Cecily Sister to Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex and was father to 2 VValter Devereux Lord Ferrers created Viscount Hereford by King Edward the Sixth and was Father to 3 Sir Richard Devereux Knight dying before his Father and Father to 4 VValter Devereux first Earl of Essex of that Family Of whom largely hereafter God willing in Carmarthen shire the place of his Nativity EDVVARD the Fourth 14 IAMES BASKERVILE Miles 18 IOHN MORTIMER Miles 19 RICHARD de la BERâ—… Miles This Leash of Knights were persons of approved Valour and Loyalty to K. Hen. the Seventh by whom being Knights Bachelours before they were made Knights Bannerets in the beginning of his Reign I confesse some difference in the date and place one assigning the Tower of London when Iasper was created Duke of Bedford another with â—…ar more probability naming Newark just after the fighting of the battle of Stoke hard by Nor doth it sound a little to the honour of Hereford-shire that amongst the thirteen then banneretted in the Kings Army three fall out to be her Natives HENRY the Eighth II RICHARDUS CORNVâ—…AIL He was a Knight howsoever it cometh to passe he is here unadditioned I read how Anno Domini 1523. in the 15. of K. Henry the Eighth he was a prime person among those many Knights which attended the Duke of Suffolk into France at what time they summoned and took the Town of Roy and Sir Richard was sent with four hundred men to take possession thereof the only service of remarke performed in that expedition Queen Eâ—…IZABETH Reader let me confess my self to thee I expected to have found in this Catalogue of Sheriffs Sr. JAMES CROFTS knowing he was this Countryman whose family flourished at Crofts Castle but am defeated seeing his constant attendance on Court and Camp priviledged him from serving in this Office This worthy Knight was accused for complying with Wiat and notwithstanding his most solemn Oath in his own defence he was imprisoned by Queen Mary convicted of high Treason restored by Queen Elizabeth and made Governour of the Town and Castle of Barwick At the siege of Leith he behaved him most vallantly in repelling the Foe and yet when in a second assault the English were worsted the blame â—…ell on him as if he favoured the French and maligned the L Gray then General so that he was outed of his Government of Barwick Yet he fell not so into the Queens final Disfavour but that she continued him Privy Councellor and made him Comptroller of her Houshold He was an able man to manage War and yet an earnest desirer and advancer of Peace being one of the Commissioners in 88. to treat with the Spaniard in Flanders I conceive he survived not long after His ancient Inheritance in this County is lately devolved to Herbert Crofts D.D. and Dean of Hereford 40. THOMAS CONISBY Mil. I have heard from some of this County a pretious Report of his Memory how he lived in a right worshipful Equipage and Founded a place in Hereford for poor people but to what proportion of Revenue they could not inform me 43. JAMES SKUDAMORE Knight He was Father unto Sr. Iohn Skudamore created by King Charles Viscount Slego in Ireland This Lord was for some years imployed Leiger Embassadour in France and during the Tyranny of the Protectorian times kept his secret Loyalty to his Sovereign Hospitality to his Family and Charity to the Distressed Clergy whom he bountifully relieved The Farewell I am credibly informed that the Office of the Under-Sheriffe of this County is more beneficial than in any other County of the same proportion his Fees it seems increasing from the Decrease of the States of the Gentry therein May the Obventions of his office hereafter be reduced to a lesser summe And seeing God hath blessed as we have formerly observed this County with so many W's ' we wish the Inhabitants thereof the Continuance and Increase of one more WISDOME expressing it self both in the improving of their spiritual Concernment and warily managing their secular Estates HUNTINGTON-SHIRE is surrounded with North-hampton Bedford and Cambridge-shires and being small in Extent hardly stretcheth 20 miles outright though measured to the most advantage The general goodness of the ground may certainly be collected from the plenty of Convents erected therein at Saint Neots Hinching-Brook Huntington Sautrie Saint Ives Ramsie c. So that the fourth foot at least in this shire was Abbey land belonging to Monks and Friers and such weeds we know would â—…ot grow but in rich Ground If any say that Monks might not chuse their own Habitations being confined therein to the pleasures of their Founders know there were few Founders that did not first consult some religious Person in
saved is a penny gained the preserver of books is a Mate for the Compiler of them Learned Leland looks on this ◅ong as a Benefactor to posterity in that he saved many Hebrew books of the Noble Library of Ramsey Say not such preserving was purloyning because those books belonged to the King seeing no conscience need to scruple such a nicety Books though so precious that nothing was worth them being in that juncture of time counted worth nothing Never such a Massacre of good Authours some few only escaping to bring tidings of the Destruction of the rest Seeing this Yong is inserted by Bale and omitted by Pits I collect him to savour of the Reformation As for such who confound him with Iohn Yong many years after Master of Pembrook-Hall they are confuted by the different dates assigned unto them this being his Senior 30 years as flourishing Anno Dom. 1520. JOHN WHITE brother to Francis White Bishop of Ely was born at Saint Neots in this County bred in Caius Colledge in Cambridge wherein he commenced Master of Arts. He did not continue long in the University but the University continued long in him so that he may be said to have carried Cambridge with him into Lancashire so hard and constant in his study when he was presented Vicar of Eccles therein Afterwards Sir Iohn Crofts a Suffolk Knight being informed of his abilities and pittying his remote living on no plentiful Benefice called him into the South and was the occasion that King Iames took cognizance of his worth making him his Chaplain in Ordinary It was now but the third moneth of his attendance at Court when he sickned at London in Lumbard-street dyed and was buried in the Church of S. Mary Woolnoth 1615. without any other Monuments save what his learned works have left to posterity which all whohave either learning piety or Ingenuity do yea must most highly cōmend Sir ROBERT COTTON Knight and Baronet son to Iohn Cotton Esquire was born at Cunnington in this County discended by the Bruces from the bloud Royall of Scotland He was bred in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge where when a youth He discovered his inclination to the studie of Antiquity they must Spring early who would sprout high in that knowledge and afterwards attained to such eminency that sure I am he had no Superiour if any his equal in the skill thereof But that which rendred him deservedly to the praise of present and future times yea the wonder of our own and forreign Nations was his collection of his Library in Westminster equally famous for 1. Rarity having so many Manuscript Originals or else copies so exactly Transcribed th◅t Reader I must confesse he must have more skill then I have to distinguish them 2. Variety He that beholdeth their number would admire they should be rare and he that considereth their rarity will more admire at their number 3. Method Some Libraries are labyrinths not for the multitude but confusion of Volumes where a stranger seeking for a book may quickly loose himself whereas these are so exactly methodized under the heads of the twelve Roman Emperours that it is harder for one to misse then to hit any Author he desireth But what addeth a luster to all the rest is the favourable accesse thereunto for such as bring any competency of skill with them and leave thankfulness behind them Some Antiquaries are so jealous of their books as if every hand which toucheth wo◅ld ravish them whereas here no such suspition of ingenious persons And here give me leave to register my self amongst the meanest of those who through the favour of Sir Thomas Cotton inheriting as well the courtesie as estate of his Father Sir Robert have had admittance into that worthy treasury Yea most true it is what one saith That the grandest Antiquaries have here fetcht their materials Omnis ab illo Et Camdene tua Seldeni gloria crevit Camden to him to him doth Selden owe Their Glory what they got from him did grow I have heard that there was a design driven on in the Popes Conclave after the death of Sir Robert to compasse this Library to be added to that in Rome which if so what a Vatican had there been within the Vatican by the accession thereof But blessed be God the Project did miscarry to the honour of our Nation and advantage of the Protestant Religion For therein are contained many privaties of Princes and transactions of State insomuch that I have been informed that the Fountains have been fain to fetch water from the stream and the Secretaries of State and Clerks of the Council glad from hence to borrow back again many Originals which being lost by casualty or negligence of Officers have here been recovered and preserved He was a man of a publick spirit it being his principal endevour in all Parliaments wherein he served so often That the prerogative and priviledge might run in their due channel and in truth he did cleave the pin betwixt the Soveraign and the Subject He was wont to say That he himself had the least share in himself whilest his Country and Friends had the greatest interest in him He died at his house in Westminster May the 6. Anno Domini 1631. in the 61. year of his Age though one may truely say his age was adequate to the continuance of the ◅reation such was his exact skill in all antiquity By Elizabeth daughter and co-heire of William Brocas Esquire he had onely one son Sir Thomas now living who by Margaret daughter to the Lord William Howard Grandchild to Thomas Duke of Norfolke hath one son Iohn Cotton Esquire and two daughters Lucie and Francis The Opera posthuma of this worthy Knight are lately set forth in one Volume to the great profit of posterity STEPHEN MARSHALL was born at God-Manchester in this County and bred a Batchellour of Arts in Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge Thence he went very early a Reaper in Gods Harvest yet not before he had well sharpned his Sickle for that service He became Minister at Finchfield in Essex and after many years discontinuance came up to Cambridge to take the degree of Batchelour of Divinity where he performed his exercise with general applause In the late long lasting Parliament no man was more gracious with the principal Members thereof He was their Trumpet by whom they sounded their solemn Fasts preaching more publick Sermons on that occasion then any foure of his Function In their Sickness he was their Confessor in their Assembly their Councellour in their Treaties their Chaplain in their Disputations their Champion He was of so supple a soul that he brake not a joynt yea sprained not a Sinew in all the alteration of times and his friends put all on the account not of his unconstancy but prudence who in his own practice as they conceive Reconciled the various Lections of Saint Pauls precept serving the Lord and the Times And although some severely
was whispered at Rome And numerous the spies and eyes of this Argus dispersed in all places The Jesuites being out-shot in their own Bow complain'd that he out-equivocated their equivocation having a mental reservation deeper and farther than theirs They tax him for making Heavenâ—…ow â—…ow too much to Earth oft-times borrowing a point of conscience with full intent never to pay it again whom others excused by Reasons of State and dangers of the times Indeed his Simulation which all allow lawful was as like to Dissimulation condemned by all good men as two things could be which were not the same He thought that Gold might but Intelligence could not be bought too dear The cause that so great a States man left so small an estate and so publick a person was so privately buried in Saint Pauls Anno Dom. 1590. His only Daughter Frances was successively matched to three matchlesse men Sir Phili Sidney Robert Earl of Essex and Richard Earl of Clanricard Capital Judges and Writers on the Law Sir JOHN FINEUX was by all probability born at Swinkfield in this County as I am informed from my good friend Mr. Thomas Fineux a descendant from him a place saith Mr. Cambden bestowed on his Ancestor by T. Criol a great Lord in Kent about the raign of King Edward the second I learned from the same Gentleman that he was eight and twenty years of age before he betook him to the study of the Law that he followed that profession twenty eight years before he was made a Judg and that he continued a Judge for twenty eight years whereby it appears that he lived fourscore and four years This last exactly agrees with Sir Henry Spelman making him continue Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench from the eleventh of King Henry the seventh until the seventeenth of King Henry the eight He was a great Benefactor unto Saint Augustines in Canterbury whose Prior William Mallaham thus highly commendeth him in a Manuscript Instrument Vir prudentissimus genere insignis Justitia praeclarus pietate refertus Humanitate splendidus charitate foecundus c. Now though some will say his Convent may well afford him good words who gave them good deeds yet I believe this Character of him can in no part be disproved He died about the year 1526. and lies buried in Christ Church in Canterbury who had a fair habitation in this City and another in Herne in this County where his Motto still remains in each window Misericordias Domini cantabo in Aeternum Sir ROGER MANWOOD born at Sandwich in this County applyed himselfe from his youth to the study of the Common Law wherein he attained to such eminency that by Queen Elizabeth he was preferred second Justice of the Common Pleas in which place he gave such proof of his ability and integrity that not long after in Hillary Term in the 21. of Queen Elizabeth he was made chief Baron of the Exchequer discharging that office to his 〈◊〉 Commendation full fourteen years till the day of his death He was much employed in matters of State and was one of the Commissioners who sate on the Trial of the Queen of Scots His Book on the Forest Laws is a piece highly prized by men of his Profession In Vacation time his most constant habitation was at Saint Stephens in Canterbury where saith my Author the poor inhabitants were much beholding to his bounteous liberality He erected and endowed a fair Free Schoole at Sandwich the place of his Nativity and died in the 35. of Queen Elizabeth Anno Dom. 1593. Sir HENRY FINCH Knight was born in this County of Right Worshipful Extraction their ancient sirname being Herbert a Family which had and hath an hereditary happinesse of Eminency in the study of the Laws He was Sergeant at Law to King James and wrote a Book of the Law in great esteem with men of his own profession yet were not his studies confined thereunto witnesse his Book of The calling of the Jews and all ingenious persons which dissent from his judgement will allow him learnedly to have maintained an error though he was brought into some trouble by King James conceiving that on his principles he advanced and extended the Jewish Commonwealth to the depressing and contracting of Christian Princes free Monarchies He was father unto Sir John Finch Lord Chief Justice and for a time Lord Keeper and Baron of Foreditch who is still alive Souldiers Kent hath so carried away the credit in all ages for Man-hood that the leading of the Front or Van-guard so called from Avant-guard or Goe on guard because first in marching in former times hath simply and absolutely belonged unto them I say absolutely for I find two other Shires contending for that place The best is it is but a Book-Combate betwixt learned Writers otherwise if real such a division were enough to rout an Army without other Enemy But let us see how all may be peaceably composed It is probable that the Cornish-men led the Van in the days of King Arthur who being a Native of Cornwall had most cause to trust his own Country-men But I behold this as a temporary honour which outlasted not his life who bestowed it The men of Archenfeld in Hereford-shire claimed by custom to lead the Van-guard but surely this priviledge was Topical and confined to the Welsh Wars with which the aforesaid men as Borderers were best acquainted As for Kent Cantia nostra primae cohortis honorem primos congressus hostium usque in Hodiernum diem in omnibus praeliis obtinet saith my Author Reader It may rationally be concluded that the ensuing Topick had been as large in this as in any County in England seeing it is bounded by the Sea on the East and South sides thereof had not the Author departed this life before the finishing of the same Seamen WILLIAM ADAMS was as his own Pen reporteth born at Gillingham in this County and take the brief account of his Life being the first Englishman who effectully discovered Japan Twelve years he lived at home with his Parents Twelve years he was Apprentice and Servant to Nich. Diggins a brave Seaman for some time he was Master of one of the Queens Ships Ten years he served the English Company of Barbary Merchants Fourteen years as I collect it he was employed by the Dutch in India For he began his Voyage 1598. Pilot to their Fleet of five Sail to conduct them to Japan and in order to the settlement of Trade endured many miseries He who reads them will concur with Cato and repent that ever he went thither by Sea whither one might go by Land But Japan being an Island and unaccessible save by Sea our Adams his discretion was not to be blamed but industry to be commended in his adventures He died at Firando in Japan about 1612. Civilians NICHOLAS WOTTON Son to Sir Robert was born at Bockton-Malherb in this
went from thy flock astray Yet thou good Lord vouchsafe thy Lamb to win Home to thy Fold and hold thy Lamb therein That at the day when Goats and Lambs shall sever Of thy choice Lambs Lamb may be one for ever The exact time of his death I cannot meet with but by proportion I conjecture it to be about 1580. FRANCES SIDNEY Daughter of Sir William Sister to Sir Henry Lord Deputy of Ireland and President of Wales Aunt to the renowned Sir Philip Sidney was born and probably at Pensherst the ancient seat of the Sidneys in this County A Lady endowed with many Virtues signally charitable expending much in large Benefactions to the Publick She bestowed on the Abby Church of Westminster a salary of twenty pounds per annum for a Divinity Lecture and founded Sidney Sussex Colledge in Cambridge of which largely in my Church-History She was Relict of Thomas Ratcliff the third Earl of Sussex This worthy Lady died Childless unlesse such Learned Persons who received their Breeding in her Foundation may be termed her Issue on the ninth day of May Anno 1588. as appeareth by her Epitaph Sir FRANCIS NETHERSOLE Knight born at Nethersole in this County was bred Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and afterwards became Orator of the University Hence he was preferred to be Embassador to the Princes of the Union and Secretary to the Lady Elizabeth Queen of 〈◊〉 it is hard to say whether he was more remarkable for his doings or sufferings in her behalf He married Lucy eldest Daughter of Sir Henry Goodyear of Polesworth in Warwick 〈◊〉 by whose encouragement being free of himself to any good design he hath founded and endowed a very fair School at Polesworth aforesaid and is still living Memorable Persons SIMON Son of William Lynch Gent. was born at Groves in the Parish of Staple in this County Decemb. 9. 1562. But see more of his Character under this Title in Essex where his Life and death were better known MARY WATERS was born at Lenham in this County and how abundantly intituled to Memorability the ensuing Epitaph in Markeshall Church in Essex will sufficiently discover Here lieth the Body of Mary Waters the Daughter and Co-heir of Robert Waters of Lenham in Kent Esquire wife of Robert Honywood of Charing in Kent Esquire her only Husband who had at her decease lawfully descended from her Three hundred sixty seven Children sixteen of her own body one hundred and fourteen Grand-children two hundred twenty eight in the third Generation and nine in the fourth She lived a most pious life and in a Christian manner died here at Markeshall in the ninety third year of her age and in the forty fourth year of her Widowhood the eleventh of May 1620. Thus she had a Child for every day in the though Leap year and one over Here we may observe that generally the highest in Honour do not spread the broadest in posterity For time was when all the Earls in England and those then seventeen in number had not put together so many Sons and Daughters as one of them had viz. Edward Somerset Earle of Worcester And yet of both Sexes he never had but * thirteen But to return to Mistresse Waters she since hath been much out-stript in point of fruitfulnesse by one still surviving and therefore this worthy Matrone in my mind is more memorable on another account viz. for patient weathering out the tempest of a troubled conscience whereon a remarkable story dependeth Being much afflicted in mind many Ministers repaired to her and amongst the rest Reverend Mr. John Fox than whom no more happy an instrument to set the joynts of a broken spirit All his counsels proved ineffectual insomuch that in the agony of her soul having a Venice-glass in her hand she brake forth into this expression I am as surely damn'd as this glasse is broken which she immediately threw with violence to the ground Here happened a wonder the glasse rebounded again and was taken up whole and entire I confesse it is possible though difficult so casually to throw as brittle a substance that lighting on the edges it may be preserved but happening immediately in that juncture of time it seemed little lesse than miraculous However the Gentlewoman took no comfort thereat as some have reported and more have believed but continued a great time after short is long to people in pain in her former disconsolate condition without any amendment Until at last God the great Clock-keeper of Time who findeth out the fittest minutes for his own mercies suddenly shot comfort like lightning into her soul which once entred ever remained therein God doth no palliate cures what he heals it holds so that she led the remainder of her life in spiritual gladnesse This she her self told to the Reverend father Thomas Morton Bishop of Duresme from whose mouth I have received this relation In the days of Queen Mary she used to visit the Prisons and to comfort and relieve the Confessors therein She was present at the burning of Mr. Bradford in Smithfield and resolved to see the end of his suffering though so great the presse of people that her shooes were trodden off and she forced thereby to go barefoot from Smithfield to Saint Martins before she could furnish her self with a new pair for her money Her dissolution happened as is aforesaid Anno 1620. NICHOLAS WOOD was born at Halingborne in this County being a Landed man and a true Labourer He was afflicted with a Disease called Boulimia or Caninus Apetitus insomuch that he would devour at one meal what was provided for twenty men eat a whole Hog at a sitting and at another time thirty dozen of Pigeons whilest others make mirth at his malady Let us raise our gratitude to the goodness of God especially when he giveth us appetite enough for our meat and yet meat too much for our appetite whereas this painful man spent all his estate to provide Provant for his belly and died very poor about the year 1630. We will conclude this Topick of Memorable Persons with a blanck mention of him whose name hitherto I cannot exactly attain being an Ingenuous Yeoman in this County who hath two Ploughs fastened together so finely that he plougheth two furrows at once one under another and so stirreth up the Land twelve or fourteen Inches deep which in so deep ground is very good Scholars know that Hen-dia-duo is a very thrifty Figure in Rhetorick and how advantagious the improvement of this device of a Twinne-Plough may be to posterity I leave to the skilful in Husbandry to consider Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1. Will. Sevenock William Rumshed Sevenock Grocer 1418 2. Thomas Hill William Hill Hillstone Grocer 1484 3. Rich. Chawry William Chawry Westram Salter 1494 4. Andrew Jud. John Jud. Tonbridge Skinner 1550 4. John Rivers Richard Rivers Pensherst Grocer 1573 6. Edw. Osburne Richard Osburne Ashford Clothworker
and avouch He was bred in Cambridge and Master first of Mag dalen then of Trinity Colledge and Dean of Canterbury He was the first Clergy man sent by Arch-Bishop Whitgift who carried to King James tidings of the English Crown and it is questionable whether he brought thither or thence more welcome news especially to the Clergy acquainting them with the Kings full intentions to maintain Church-Discipline as he found it established But the main matter commending his memory is his magnificency to Trinity College whose Court he reduced to a spacious and beautiful Quadrangle Indeed he plucked down as good building as any erected but such as was irregular intercepting the sight disturbing the intended uniformity of the Court whereby the beauty at this day is much advanced For as the Intuitive knowledge is more perfect than that which insinuates it self into the Soul Gradually by discourse so more beautiful the prospect of that Building which is all visible at one view than what discovers it self to the sight by parcels and degrees Nor was this Doctor like those Poets good only at Translation and bad at Invention all for altering nothing for adding of his own who contributed to this Colledge I will not say a Widows Mite but a Batchelours Bounty a stately new Court of his own expence which cost him three thousand pounds and upwards Much enfeebled with the Palsie he died an aged man Anno Dom. 161 The Farewell I am heartily sorry that the many laudable endeavours for the scouring and enlargement of the River Stoure advantagious for this City have been so often defeated and the Contributions given by well-disposed Benefactors amongst whom Mr. Rose once an Alderman of Canterbury gave three hundred pounds have missed their ends praying that their future enterprises in this kind may be crowned with success For the rest I refer the Reader to the pains of my worthy Friend Mr. William Somner who hath written justum volumen of the Antiquities of this City I am sorry to see him Subject-bound betrayed thereto by his own modesty seeing otherwise not the City but Diocesse of Canterbury had been more adaequate to his abilities I hope others by his example will undertake their respective Counties It being now with our age the third and last time of asking the Banes whether or no we may be wedded to skill in this kind seeing now use or for ever hold your Pens all Church Monuments leading to knowledge in that nature being daily irrecoverably imbezeled LANCASHIRE LANCASHIRE Hath the Irish Sea on the West York-shire on the East Cheshire parted with the River Mersey on the South Cumberland and Westmerland on the North. It rangeth in length from Mersey to Wenander-Mere full fifty five miles though the Broadest part thereof exceedeth not One and thirty The Ayre thereof is Subtil and Piercing being free from Foggs saving in the Mosses the Effects whereof are found in the fair Complections and firme Constitutions of the Natives therein whose bodies are as able as their minds willing for any laborious Employment Their Soyle is tolerably fruitful of all things necessary for humane Sustenance Aâ—…d as that Youth cannot be counted a Dâ—…nce though he be Ignorant if he be Docible because his lack of Learning is to be scored on the want of a Teacher So Sterilitie cannot properly be imputed to some places in this County where little Graine doth grow because capable thereof as daily experience doth avouch if it were husbanded accordingly This Shire though sufficiently thick of people is exceedingly thin of Parishes as by perusing this parallel will plainly appear Rutland hath in it Parishes Forty eight Lancashire hath in it Parishes Thirty six See here how Rutland being scarce a Fifth part of Lancashire in greatness hath a fourth part of Parishes more therein But as it was a fine Sight to behold Sir Tho. More when Lord Chancellour of England every morning in term time humbly ask blessing in VVestminster-hall of Sir John More his Father then a pusnie Judge so may one see in this Shire some Chapels exceeding their Mother-Churches in fairness of Structure and numerousnesse of people yet owning their filial relation and still continuing their dutiful dependance on their Parents But for Numerosity of Chapels surely the Church of Manchester exceedeth all the rest which though anciently called but Villa de Manchester is for Wealth and Greatnesse corrival with some Cities in England having no lesse then Nine Chapels which before these our civil Wars were reputed to have five hundred communicants a peice Insomuch that some Clergy men who have confulted Gods Honour with their own credit and profit could not better desire for themselves than to have a Lincoln-shire Church as best built a Lancashire Parish as largest bounded and a London Audience as consisting of most intelligent people The people generally devout are as I am informed Northward and by the West Popishly 〈◊〉 which in the other parts intended by Antiperistasis are zealous Protestants Hence is it that many Subtile Papists and Jesuits have been born and bred in this County which have met with their Matches to say no more in the Natives of the same County So that thereby it hath come to passe that the house of Saul hath waxed weaker and weaker and the house of David stronger and stronger Natural Commodities Oates If any ask why this Graine growing commonly all over England is here entered as an Eminent Commodity of Lancashire Let him know that here is the most and best of that kind yea Wheat and Barlie may seem but the adopted whilst Oates are the Natural Issue of this County so inclined is its genius to the production thereof Say not Oates are Horse-graine and fitter for a Stable then a Table For besides that the Meal thereof is the distinguishing form of Gruel or Broth from Water most hearty and wholsome Bread is made thereof Yea anciently North of Humber no other was eaten by People of the Primest Quality For we read how William the Conquerour bestowed the Mannour of Castle Bitham in Lincoln-shire upon Stephen Earl of Albemarle and Holderness chiefly for this consideration that thence he might have wheaten bread to feed his Infant Son Oaten bread being then the Diet of Holderness and the Counties lying beyond it Allume I am informed that Allume is found at Houghton in this County within the Inheritance of Sir Richard Houghton and that enough for the use of this and the neighbouring Shires though not for Transportarion But because far greater plenty is afforded in York-shire the larger mention of this Mineral is referred to that place Oxen. The fairest in England are bred or if you will made in this County with goodly heads the Tips of whose horns are sometimes distanced five foot afunder Horns are a commodity not to be slighted seeing I cannot call to mind any other substance so hard that it will not break so solid that it will hold liquor within
founded a Free-school in Halstall and endowed it with competent Revenue for the maintenance of a Schoolmaster there for ever When this party lived I cannot as yet recover THOMAS WEST was younger Brother to the Lord De la Ware and Parson of Manchester On whom the Barony was devolved his Brother dying Issuelesse The Pope allowed him to marry for the Continuance of so honourable a Family upon condition that he would build a Colledge for such a number of preists fellows under a Warden as the Bishops of Durham and Lichfield should think fit which he did accordingly in Manchester The Endowment of this collegiate and parochiall church were the Gleabe and Tithes of the parsonage of that parish and besides them scarce any other considerable Revenue I say the Gleab esteemed about 800. Acres of that County half as much more as the statute Measure Besides a considerable part of the Town commonly called the Deans Gate corruptly for St Dionise Gate to whom with the Virgin Mary and St. George Manchester Church was dedicated built upon the Gleab-Land belonging to the Church As for the Tythes of the Parish they lye in two and thirty Hamblets wherewith the Collegiats were to be maintained which were one Warden and four Fellows The integrated and incorporate Rector unto whom the parsonage was appropriated There were also two Chaplains Singing-men Queristers and Organists This Colledge hath passed many Dissolutions and refoundations But was lately dissolved and the Lands thereof sold by the late Act for Sale of Dean and Chapters Lands Some skilful in the Gospel much bemoaning it and some learned in the Law conceiving That being but the Gleab of that Rectory it came not within the compasse of that Act but blessed be God it since hath reverted to its former Condition Since the Reformation JOHN SMITH was born at ......... in this County bred in Magdalen Câ—…ll in Cambridge Whereof he became Fellow and Proctor of the University when past Sixty years of age when the Prevaricators gave him this Homonyous Salute Ave Pater This man could not fidle could not Tune himself to be pleasant and plausible to all Companies but He could and did make that little Coll. great wherein he had his Education The Poets fain how Bachus by reason of his Mother Semyles her untimely death was taken out of his Mothers Womb and sewed into the thigh of Jupiter his Father where he was bred untill the full time of his Nativity A Fiction which finds a Morall in this Magdalen Coll. Whos 's Mother may be said to decease before the Infant was fit to be borne and that Mr. Smith performed the rest of the Parents part thereunto Indeed Ed. Stafford Duke of Buckingham the first founder thereof gave it little more than a Name The Lord Audley bestowed on it a new name with little buildings and lesse Indowment Magnificent Dr. Nevil for a Time was Mr. thereof but according to the fashion of the World the rich shall still have more his affections were all for Trinity Coll. to which he was after removed Onely Mr. Smith by his long life and thrifty living by what he gave to and what he saved for the Colledge so Improved the Condition thereof that though he left it Lateritium as he found it yet what he found poor and empty he left rich and full of Scholars Nor must we forget his painfulnesse when with Dr. Gouge he sollicited the Suit called Magdalen Colledge Case Nor yet his Patience when he lay so long in the Fleet for refusing to submit to an Order of Chancery fearing their cause would be prejudiced thereby so that he may be called the Confessor of the Colledge from inconsiderable Income He raised by his carefulnesse considerable profit to the Fellows of that house and by observing the Statutes brought the Colledge into such Reputation for Learning That yearly it afforded one or more Eminent scholars In a word he was a true servant to the Colledge all his life and at his Death to which he bequeathed all he had six hundred pounds at least and dyed Anno. Dom. 163. GEORGE CLARKE Haberdasher a plain honest man just temperate and â—…ugal And according to his understanding which in the Worlds esteem was not great devout a daily frequenter of the Prayers in the Colledge Church and the Hearer of Sermons there Not long before the breaking forth of our civil dissentions dying without issue he made the Poor his Heir and did give them one hundred pounds per annum in good lands lying in a place called Crompsall within a Mile from Manchester I have not yet attained the certain Date of his Death HUMPHREY CHETHAM third Son of Henry Chetham of Crompsall Gentleman is thought on just ground to descend from Sir Jeffrey Chetham of Chetham a man of much Remark in former dayes and some old Writings in the hands of Worshipful persons not far remote from the place do evidence as much but the said Sir Geffrey falling in troublesome times into the Kings Displeasure his Family in effect was long since ruinated But it seems his Posterity was unwilling to fly far from their old though destroyed Nest and got themselves a handsome habitation at Crompsall hard by where James elder Brother of this Humphrey Chetham did reside The younger Brethren George Humphrey and Ralph betook themselves to the Trading of this County dealing in Manchester commodities sent up to London And Humphrey signally improved himself in piety and outward prosperity He was a diligent Reader of the Scriptures and of the Works of sound Divines a Respecter of such Ministers which he accounted truely godly upright sober discreet and sincere He was High-Sheriffe of this County 1635. discharging the place with great Honour Insomuch that very good Gentlemen of Birth and Estate did wear his Cloth at the Assize to testifie their unfeigned affection to him and two of them of the same profession with himâ—…elf have since been Sheriffs of the County Grudge not Reader to go through so long a Porch for I assure thee it leads unto a fair Pallace to as great a Masterpiece of Bounty as our age hath afforded This Mr. Chetham by his Will bearing Date the 16. of January 1651. gave 7000. l. to buy a Fee-simple estate of 420. l. for ever for the Education of forty poor Children in Manchester at School from about 6. till 14. years of age when they are to be bound out Apprentizes They must be the Children of poor but honest Parents no bastards nor diseased at the time wherein they are chosen not lame or blind in regard the Town of Manchester hath ample means already if so employed for the maintenance of such Impotents Indeed he intended it for a Seminary of Religion and Ingenuity where the aforesaid Boyes were to have Diet Lodging Apparel and Instruction He gave a 1000. l. for Books to a Library and a 100. l. to prepare a place for them He bequeathed 200. l. to buy Books such
as he himself delighted in for the Churches of Manchester Bolton and other Chapels thereabouts He gave the Remainder of his Estate Debts and Legacies first paid to the Encrease of the books in the Library Now as the Loaves in the Gospel multiplyed in the breaking So Mr. Chethams Estate did not shrink but swell in the calling of it in Insomuch That the aforesaid Surplusage is known to be the better part of Two thousand pounds Dying a Bachelour he appointed George Chetham Esquire Citizen and Grocer of London whereof he was chosen Alderman 1656. and fined for the same and Edward Chetham Gent. Executors of his Will and Testament God send us more such men That we may dazle the Eyes of the Papists with the light of Protestant good works And know Reader I am beholding for my exact Information herein to my worthy friend Mr. Johnson late Preacher of the Temple and one of the Feoffees appointed by Mr Chetham for the uses aforesaid Memorable Persons Sir EDMUND de TRAFFORD Knights Sir THOMAS de ASHTON Knights were persons of high esteem as anciently descended and richly reveneued in this County how great their skill was in Chemistry will appear by the following Patent faithfully transcribed with mine own hand out of the Original in the Tower granted unto them by King Henry the sixth in the four and twentieth year of his Reign REX omnibus ad quos c. Salutem Sciatis quod cum dilecti fideles nostri Edmundus de Trafford Miles Thomas Ashton Miles Nobis per quandam supplicationem monstraverint quod quamvis ipsi super certis metallis per Artem sive Scientiam Philosophiae operari vellent metalla imperfecta de suo proprio genere transferre tunc ea per dictam Artem sive Scientiam in Aurum sive Argentum perfectum transubstantiare ad omnimodas probationes examinationes sicut aliquod aurum sive argentum in aliqua Minera crescens expectandum indurandum ut dicunt Nihilominus certae personae illis malevolentes et malignantes supponant ipsos per Artem illicitam operari sic ipsos in probatione dictae Artis sive Scientiae impedire et perturbare pâ—…ssunt Nos praemissa considerantes ac conclusionem dictae operationis sive Scientiae scire volentes de gratia nostra speciali concessimus licentiam dedimus iisdem Edmundo Thomae ipsorum servientibus quod ipsi Artem sive Scientiam praedictam operari probare possint licite impune absque impetione nostra vel Officiariorum nostrorum quorumcunque aliquo Statuto Actu Ordinatione sive Provisione in contrarium facto ordinat sive provis non obstante In cujus c. T. R. apud Westmond septimo die Aprilis The King to all unto whom c. Greeting Know ye that whereas our beloved loyal Edmund de Trafford Knight and Thomas 〈◊〉 Knight have by a certain Petition shown unto Us that although they were willing by the Art or Science of Philosophie to work upon certain metalls to translate imperfect metalls from their own kind and then to transubstantiate them by the said Art or Science as they say into perfect Gold or Silver unto all manner of proofs and trialls to be expected and indured as anâ—… Gold or Silver growing in any Mine Notwithstanding certain persons ill willing and maligning them conceive them to work by unlawful Art and so may hinder and disturb them in the triall of the said Art and Science We considering the premisses and willing to know the conclusion of the said Working or Science of Our special grace have granted and given leave to the same Edmund and Thomas and to their Servants that they may work and trie the aforesaid Art and Science lawfully and freely without any hinderance of Ours or of Our Officers whatsoever Any Statute Act Ordinance or Provision made ordained or provided to the contrary notwithstanding In witness whereof the King at Westminster the 7. day of April Mr. ...... KIDSON Reader I presume not now to direct thee who my self am at a losse and Grope for a Guide Leland in his Itinerary speaking of Warton a Village in this County observeth that Mr. Kidson was born there a passage which never had fallen from his Pen had he not been one of signal Remark Who this Mr. Kidson was where he lived what he did where he dyed I shall be thankful to such as give me Satisfaction RICHARD ROTHVVELL was born at or near Bolton in the Mores in this County Taking the Ministry after his education in Cambridge upon him he disposed his temporal estate to his freind to live of the Gospell I remit the Reader to his Life extant at large in Print wherein this most remarkable viz. his dispossessing of John Fox near Nottingham of a Divel there passing betwixt them a large Discourse by way of Question and Answer I know that such Confabulations are common in the Church of Rome to whose Exorcists Satans Language is as Familiar as Erasmus his Dialogues are well known to men or those of Corderius to School-Boys But such accidents amongst Protestants are very rare and therefore the more to be observed There are I confess more Thomases then my self much given to mistrust whose faith will be at a stand herein However finding it attesteâ—… by an honest and * able person I dare not deny the truth thereof All I will say is this That is the best beleif which is neither over forward nor over-froward which as it will not run it self out of breath with too much speed will not be like a 〈◊〉 horse which no force can make to go farther He dyed at Mansfield in Nottingham-shire 1627. in the 64 year of his age Noâ—… could I write lesse of him whom one termeth Orbis Terra rum Anglicarum Oculum The Eye of our English World and my Book would seem 〈◊〉 and blind if passing him over in Silence Lord Mayors  Name Father Place Company Time 1 Nicholas Mossey Edward Mossey Hough Clothworker 1599. 2 James Pemberton James Pemberton Ecclestonâ—… Goldsmith 1611. Reader Lancashire is one of the 12. pretermitted Counties the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower in the Twelfth year of K. Henry the Sixth Sheriffes Name Place Armes Reginae Elizab.   Anno   1 Johan Talbot ar  Arg. 3 Lions Rampant Purpre 2 Rob. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉   3 Joh. 〈◊〉 m. Atherton 〈◊〉 3 Falcons Or. 4 Joh. Southworth   5 Tho. Hesketh m.  Arg. on a Bend S. 3 Garbs Or. 6 Tho. Houghton a. Houghton 〈◊〉 3. Bars Argent 7 Edw. Trafford ar Trâ—…fford Argent a Griffin Ramp Gules 8 Ric. Mollineux m Sheffâ—…on 〈◊〉 a Cross Moline Or. 9 Tho. Laugnton m.  Arg. 3 〈◊〉 Gules 10 Edw. Holland ar  Az. a L. R. sem de Fluer de L. Ar. 11 Joh. Preston arm  Arg. 2 bars ou a Cant. Gules a 12 Tho. â—…utler arm Â
of Richmond afterwards King Henry the seventh in the Battel of Bosworth got the advantage of Ground Wind and Sun each singly considerable but little lesse then an Army in themselves when all put together Besides he assisted him with the service of many men and great horses He dyed One Thousand Five Hundred and Eleven leaving six Daughters and Coheirs and was buryed at Non-eaton in Warwick-shire IOHN POULTNEY born in Little Shepey was herein remarkable that in his sleep he did usually rise out of his bed dresse him open the Dores walk round about the Fields and return to his Bed not wakened sometimes he would rise in his sleep take a â—…taff Fork or any other kind of VVeapon that was next his hand and therewith lay about him now striking now defending himself as if he were then encountred or charged with an adversary not knowing being awaked what had passed He afterwards went to Sea with that famous but unfortunate Sir Hugh Willoughby Knight and was together with all the Fleet frozen to death in the North East passage about NOVA ZEMBLA HENRY NOEL Esq I will incur the Readers deserved displeasure if he appear not most memorable in his Generation He was younger Son to Sir Andrew Noel of Dalby in this County who for Person Parentage Grace Gesture Valour and many other excellent parts amongst which Skill in Musick was of the first rank in the Court. And though his Lands and Livclyhood were small having nothing known certain but his Annuity and Pension as Gentleman to Queen Elizabeth yet in state pomp magnificence and expences did ever equalize the Barons of great worth If any demand whence this proceeded the Spanish Proverb answers him That which cometh from above let no man question Being challenged by an Italian Gentleman to play at Baloun he so heat his blood that falling into a Feaver he dyed thereof and by Her Majesties appointment was buryed in the Abbey of Westminster and Chapel of St. Andrew anno 1596. Lord Maiors  Name Father Place Company Time 1 Geffrey Fielding William Fielding Lutterworth Mercer 1452 2 William Heriot Iohn Heriot Segrave Draper 1481 3 Robert Billesdon Alex Bilsesdon Queeningsborough Haberdasher 1483 4 Christoph. Draper Iohn Draper Melton-Mowbray Ironmonger 1566 5 George Bolles Thomas Bolles Newbold Grocer 1117 Sheriffs of Leicester and Warwick-Shire HEN. II. Anno 1 Geffrey Clinton Anno 2 Robert Fitz Hugh Anno 3 Robert Fitz Hugh Anno 4 William de Bello Campo Robert Fitz Hardulph Anno 5 â—…ertram de Bulmer Raph Basset Anno 6 Raph Basset Anno 7 W. Basset for Raph his Br. Anno 8 Robert Fitz Geffrey William Basset Anno 9 Willam Basset Anno 10 Rap. Glanvil W. Basset Anno 11 William Basset for 5 years Anno 16 Bert. de Verdun for 10. Anno 26 Raph de Glanvil Bertram de Berder Anno 27 Raph de Glanvil Bert. de Perdun Arn. de Burton Arn. de Barton Adam de Aldedelega Anno 28 Raph de Glanvil Adam de Aldedelega Bertram de Verdun A. de Barton Anno 29 Idem Anno 30 Raph de Glanvil Bertram de Verdun Anno 31 Raph de Glanvil Michael Belet Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Idem RICH. I. Anno 1 Michael Belet Anno 2 Hugh Bishop of Coventry Anno 3 Hugh â—…ardolph Hugh Clarke Anno 4 Hugh Bp. Coventry Gilbert de Segrave Reginald Basset Anno 5 Reginald Basset Anno 6 Regin Basset Gilbert Segrave Anno 7 Regin Basset Williel Aubein Gilb. Segrave Anno 8 Regin Basset Anno 9 Regin Basset Williel Aubein Gilbert â—…egrave Anno 10 Rob. Harecourt King JOHN Anno 1 Regin Basset Anno 2 Robert Harecourt Anno 3 Rob. Harecourt Godfry de Lâ—…ege Anno 4 William de Cantelupe Robert de Poyer Anno 5 Robert Poyer Anno 6 Hugh Chaucomber for 4 years Anno 10 Robert Roppest Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 William de Cantelupe Rob. Poyer Anno 13 Rob. Poyer for 5 years HEN. III. Anno 2 Will. de Cantelupe Phil. Kniton Anno 3 Philip de Kniton Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Will. de Cantelupe Will de Luditon Anno 6 Will. de Luditon Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 John Russell John Winterborne Anno 9 Rob. Lupus Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 Will. Stutewill Will Ascellis Anno 13 Will. Ascellis Anno 14 Stephen de Segrave Will Edmonds Anno 15 Will. Edmonds Anno 16 Idem Anno 17 Steph. de Segrave Joh. de Riparas Anno 18 Raph Bray Anno 19 Raph. Fitz Nichol. Raph. Brewedon Anno 20 Raph. Will Erleg Anno 21 Will. de Lucy Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Hugh Pollier Philip Ascett Anno 24 Hugh Pollier for 8 years Anno 32 Baldwin Paunton Anno 33 Idem Anno 34 Philip Murmuny Anno 35 Idem Anno 36 Idem Anno 37 Will. Maunsel for 4 y. Anno 41 Alan Swinford Anno 42 Anketill Martivaus Anno 43 Idem Anno 44 Will. Bagot for 12 years Anno 56 Will. Morteyn Will Bagot EDVV. I. Anno 1 William Mortimer Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 William Hanelin Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Tho. de Hasele Robert Verdon Anno 8 Robert Verdon Osb. Bereford for 5 years Anno 13 Rob. Verdon Osbert Bereford Tho. Farendon Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Tho. Farendon Foulk Lucy Anno 16 Foulk Lucy Anno 17 William Bonvill Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Stephen Baber Anno 20 Idem Anno 21 Steph. Baber Will de Castello Anno 22 Will. de Castello for 5 years Anno 27 John Broughton Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Philip Gayton Anno 30 Idem Anno 31 John Deane Richard Herehus Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Idem Anno 34 Richard Whitnere Anno 35 Idem EDVV. II. Anno 1 John Deane Geffrey Segrave Anno 2 Richard Herthull Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 John Deane Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 John Olney Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 William Trussell Anno 9 Idem Anno 10 Walter Beauchamp Anno 11 Walt. Beauchamp Will Nevill Anno 12 Ralph Beler Anno 13 William Nevill Anno 14 Thomas le Rous. Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Anno 17 Hen. Nottingham Rob. Morin Oliver Walleis Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Idem EDVV. III. Anno 1 Roger Aylesbury Anno 2 Thomas Blancfront Anno 3 Robert Burdet Anno 4 Rob. Burdet Roger la Zouch Anno 5 Roger Aylesbury Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Hen. Hockley Roger la Zouch Anno 8 Roger la Zouch for 7 years Anno 15 William Peito Anno 16 Robert Bereford Anno 17 John Wallis Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Tho. Beauchamp Earl of Warwick for 25 years Anno 44 John Peach Anno 45 William Catesby Anno 46 Richard Harthull Anno 47 Roger Hillary Anno 4â—… John Boyvill Anno 49 John Burdet Anno 50 VVilliam Breton Anno 51 Richard Harthull Sheriffs of Leicester and Warwick
Thames and Trent for the Southern and Northern Bounds and two such Universities Cambridge and Oxford both in the Content thereof before three smaller Bishopricks were carved out of it Amongst the Houses of the Nobility I take signal notice of two One I may call a Premeditate Building viz. Tattershall belonging to the Right Honourable the Earl of Lincolne advanced by degrees at several times to the Modern Magnificence thereof But Grimsthorp I may term an Ex tempore Structure set up on a suddain by Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk to entertain King Henry the Eighth in his Progress into these parts The Hall therein was fitted to a fair Suit of Hangings which the Duke had by his Wife Mary the French Queen and is now in the possession of the Right Honourable Montague Earl of Lindsey The Wonders At Fishtoft in this County no Mice or Rats are found insomuch that Barns built party per pale in this and the next Parish on one side are annoyed on the other side being Fishtoft Moiety are secured from this Vermin Surely no Piper what is notoriously known of Hamell in Westphalia did ever give them this Mice-Delivery by his Musick It is easier to conjure up many then allay one difficulty other places in England affording the like At one of the Rodings in Essex no Hogs will root In another Common no Mole will cast In Linley in Leicestershire no Snakes are found I believe they overshoot the Mark who make it a Miracle they undershoot it who make it Magick they come the nearest to Truth who impute it to occult Qualities If some men will swound at some meat yea but smelling it unseen by their disaffection thereunto why may not whole species and kinds of creatures have some antipathetical places though the reason thereof cannot be rendred Surely as Sampson at his Marriage propounded a Riddle to his Companions to try their Wits thereon so God offereth such Aenigmaes in nature partly that men may make use of their admiring as well as of their understanding partly that Philosophers may be tanght their distance betwixt themselves who are but the Lovers and God who is the Giver of Wisdome Let it also passe for this once for a wonder that some seven score years since nigh Harlaxton in this Shire there was found turned up by one ploughing the ground a Golden Helmet of Antick fashion I say Cassis non aurata sed aurea a Helmet not guilt but of Massive Gold studded with precious stones probable of some Prime Roman Commander Whence I observe First that though no Edge-Tool to offend may be made of Gold and Silver Yet defensive Weapons may thereof be compounded Secondly that the Poetical Fiction of Glaucus his Golden Arms is founded on History For not to speak of Solomon his Golden Sheilds Great Commanders made use of Arms of that Mettal if not for strength for state and Ornament Lastly it was presented to Queen Katharine first Wife to King Henry the Eighth who though not knowing to use it as a Helmet knew how to employ it as made of Gold and Rich Jewells Proverbs Lincolne-shire Bagpipes I behold these as most ancient because a very simple sort of Musick being little more then the Oaten Pipe improved with a Bag wherein the imprisoned wind pleadeth melodiously for the Inlargement thereof It is incredible with what agility it inspireth the heavy heels of the Country Clowns overgrown with hair and rudenesse probably the ground-work of the poetical fiction of dancing Satyrs This Bagpipe in the judgement of the Rural Midas's carryeth away the credit from the Harp of Apollo himself and most persons approve the Blunt Bagpipe above the Edge Tool Instruments of Drums and Trumpets in our Civil dissentions As loud as Tom of Lincoln This Shire carryes away the Bell for round-ringing from all in England though other places may surpasse it for Changes more pleasant for the Variety thereof seeing it may be demonstrated that twelve Bells will afford more changes than there have been hours since the Creation Tom of Lincoln may be called the Stentor fifty lesser-bells may be made out of him of all in this County Expect not of me to enter into the discourse of popish baptizing and naming of Bells many charging it on them for a prophane and they confessing enough to make it a superstitious action All the Carts that come to Crowland are shod with Silver Venice and Crowland Sic Canibus Catulos may count their Carts alike that being sited in the Sea this in a Morasse and Fenny ground so that an horse can hardly come to it But whether this place since the draining of the Fenns hath acquired more firmnesse than formerly is to me unknown 'T is height makes Grantham Steeple stand awry This Steeple seems crooked unto the beholders and I believe will ever do so until our age erect the like by it for height and workmanship though some conceive the slendernesse at such a distance is all the obliquity thereof Eminency exposeth the uprightest persons to exception and such who cannot find faults in them will find faults at them envying their advancement As mad as the Baiting Bull of Stamford Take the Original hereof William Earl Warren Lord of this Town in the time of King John standing upon the Castle Walls of Stamford saw two Bulls fighting for a Cow in the Meadow till all the Butchers Dogs great and small persued one of the Bulls being madded with Noyse and Multitude clean through the Town This Sight so pleased the said Earl that he gave all those Meadows called the Castle Meadows where first the Bull Duel began for a Common to the Butchers of the Town after the first Grasse was eaten on condition that they find a Mad Bull the day Six weeks before Christmas day for the continuance of that sport every year Some think that the Men must be mad as well as the Bull who can take delight in so dangerous a WastTime whereby that no more Mischeif is done not mans care but Gods Providence is to be praised He looks as the Devil over Lincoln Lincolne Minster is one of the statelyest Structures in Christendome The South-side of it meets the Travellers thereunto twenty miles of so that their Eyes are there many hours before their Feet The Divel is the Map of Malice and his Envy as Gods mercy is over all his works It grieves him what ever is given to God crying out with that Flesh-Divel Ut quid haec perditio What needs this wast On which account he is supposed to have overlook'd this Church when first finished with a torve and tetrick countenance as maligning mens costly devotion and that they should be so expensive in Gods service But it is suspicious that some who account themselves Saints behold such fabricks with little better looks He was born at Little Wittham This Village in this County by Orthography is Witham near which a River of the
For being with some other by this General for want of provisions left on land after many miseries they came to Mexico and he continued a Prisoner twenty three years viz Two years in Mexico one year in the Contractation-House in Civil another in the Inquisition-House in Triana twelve years in the Gallies four years with the Cross of St. Andrew on his back in the Everlasting-Prison and three years a drudge to Hernando de Soria to so high a summ did the Inventorie of his sufferings amount So much of his patience now see the end which the Lord made with him Whil'st enslaved to the aforesaid Hervando he was sent to Sea in a Flemish which was afterward taken by an English ship called the Galeon-Dudley and so was he safely landed at Portsmouth Decemb. the second 1590. And I believe lived not long after Sir WILLIAM MOUNSON Knight was extracted of an Antient Family in this Shire and was from his youth bred in Sea-Service wherein he attained to Great Perfection Queen Elizabeth having cleared Ireland of the Spanish Forces and desiring carefully to prevent a Relapse altered the Scaene of the War from Ireland to Spaine from Defending to Invading Sir Richard Leveson was Admiral our Sir William Vice-Admiral Anno 1602. These without drawing a Sword Killed Trading quite on the Coasts of Portugal no Vessels daring to goe in or out of their Harbours They had Intelligence of a Caract ready to land in Sisimbria which was of 1600 Tun richly laden out of the East-Indies and resolved to assault it though it seemed placed in an Invincible Posture Of it self it was a Gyant in Comparison to our Pigmy Ships and had in her three hundred Spanish Gentlemen the Marquess de Sancta Cruce lay hard by with thirteen Ships and all were secured under the Command of a Strong and well fortified Castle But nothing is Impossible to Mars valour and Gods blessing thereon After a â—…aire dispute which lasted for some houres with Sillogismes of fire and sword the Caract was Conquered the wealth taken therein amounting to the value of Ten Hundred Thousand Crownes of Portugal Account But though the Goods gotten therein might be valued the Good gained thereby was Inestimable for henceforward they beheld the English with admiring eyes and quitted their thoughts of Invasion This worthy Knight dyed about the mid'st of the Reign of King Iames. Writers This County hath afforded many partly because so large in it self partly because abounding with so many Monasteries whereof two Mitred ones Crowland and Bardney the Seminaries of many Learned men Not to speak of the Cathedral of Lincoln and Embrio University of Stamford wherein many had their Education Wherefore to pass by Faelix Crowlandensis Kimbertus Lindesius and others all of them not affording so much true History as will fill a hollow quill therewith we take notice of some principal ones and begin with GILBERT of HOLLAND He took his name not as others from a single Town but a great part of ground the third part of this Tripartite County which in my apprehension argues his Diligence in preaching thereabouts But quitting his Native Land he was invited by the famous St. Bernard to go to and live with him at Clarvaulx in Burgundy where he became his Scholar Some will prize a Crum of Forreign Praise before a Loafe of English commendation as subject to partiality to their own Countrymen Let such hear how Abbot Trithemius the German commendeth our Gilbert Vir erat in Scripturis Divinis Studiosus egregie doctus ingenio subtilis clarus eloquio The Poets feigâ—… that Hercules for a time supplyed the place of wearied Atlas in supporting the Heavens so our Gilbert was frequently substitute to St. Bernard continuing his Sermons where the other brake â—…ff from those words in lectulo meo per noctes c. unto the end of the book being forty six Sermons in style scarce discernable from St. Bernards He flourished anno Dom. 1200. and was buryed at Gistreaux in France ROGER of CROULAND was bred a Benedictine Monk therein and afterwards became Abbot of Friskney in this County He was the seventh man in order who wrote the Life of Thomas Becket Some will say his six elder Brethren left his Pen but a pitiful portion to whom it was impossible to present the Reader with any remarkable Novelty in so trite a subject But know that the pretended miracles of Becket daily multiplying the last Writer had the most matter in that kind He divided his book into seven Volumes and was full fifteen years in making of it from the last of King Richard the first to the fourteenth of King Iohn But whether this Elephantine Birth answered that proportion of time in the performance thereof let others decide He flourished anno Domini 1214. ELIASDE TREKINGHAM was born in this County at a Village so called as by the sequents will appear Ingulphus relateth that in the year of our Lord 870. in the Month of September Count Algar with others bid battle to the Danes in Kesteven a Third part of this County and worsted them killing three of their Kings whom the Danes buryed in a Village therein formerly called Laundon but after Trekingham Nor do I know any place to which the same name on the like accident can be applied except it be Alcaser in Africa where anno 1578. Sebastian the Portugal and two other Morish Kings were killed in one Battle I confess no such place as Trekingham appeareth at this day in any Catalogue of English Towns Whence I conclude it either a Parish some years since depoulated or never but a Churchlesse Village This Elias was a Monk of Peterborough Doctor of Divinity in Oxford a Learned man and great Lover of History writing himself a Chronicle from the year of our Lord 626 till 1270. at what time it is probable he deceased HUGO KIRKSTED was born at that well known Town in this County being bred a Benedictine-Cistercian-Bernardine A Cistercian is a Reformed Benedictine a Bernardine is a Reformed Cistercian so that our Hugh may charitably be presumed Pure as twice Refined He consulted one Serlo an aged man and one of his own Order and they both clubbing their pains and brains together made a Chronicle of the Cistercians from their first coming into England anno 1131. when Walter de Espeke founded their first Abby at Rivaax in York-shire Our Hugh did write Serlo did indict being almost an hundred years old so that his Memory was a perfect Chronicle of all remarkable Passages from the Beginning of his Order Our Hugo flourished anno Domini 1220. WILLIAM LIDLINGTON was born say some at that Village in Cambridge-shire at a Village so named in this County say others with whom I concur because he had his Education at Stamford He was by profession a Carmelite and became the Fifth Provincial of his Order in England Monasteries being multiplyed in that age Gerardus a Frenchman Master General
given to their stipend by William Cecil Lord Treasurer but it seems that since some Intervening accident hath hindered it from taking the true effect JANE CECIL Wife to Richard Cecil Esquire and co-heire to the worshipfull Families of Ekington and Wallcot was born in this County and lived the maine of her life therein Job speaking of parents deceased His Sons saith he come to honour and he knoweth it not but God gave this good woman so long a life abating but little of an hundred years that she knew the preferment of her Son William â—…ecil for many years in her life Lord Treasurer of England I say she knew it and saw it and joyed at it and was thankfull to God for it for well may we conclude her gratitude to God from her Charity to man At her own charges Anno 1561. She Leded and Paved the Friday Market Cross in Stamford Besides fifty pound given to the Poor and many other Benefactions Her last Will was made Anno Dom. 1588. But she survived some time after and lies buried in the same Vault with her Son in St. Martins in Stamford GEORGE TRIGG Gentleman was as I collect a Native of this County he gave Anno Dom. 1586 four hundred pounds to be lent out for ever upon good security without Interest to Poor young Trads-men and Artificers in Stamford He also bestowed a Tenement upon the Parson and Poor of St. Johns in the same Town RICHARD SUTTON Esquire was born at Knaith in this County bred a Souldier in his Youth and was somwhat of Pay-Master by his place much mony therefore passing through some did lawfully stick on his fingers which became the bottom of his future Estate He was afterward a Merchant in London and gained great Wealth therein Such who charge him with Purblindness in his soul looking too close on the earth do themselves acquit him from Oppression that though Tenax he was not Rapax not Guilty of Covetousness but Parcimony Indeed there was a Merchant his Comrage whose name I will Conceal except the great Estate he left doth discover it with whom he had Company in Common but their Charges were severall to themselves when his friend in Travell called for two Faggots Mr. Sutton called for one when his friend for half a pint of Wine Mr. Sutton for a Gill under-spending him a Moity at last Mr. Sutton hearing of his friends death and that he left but fifty thousand pounds Estate I thought said â—…e he would dye no Rich man who made such needless expences Indeed Mr. Suttons Estate doubled his and he bestowed it all on Charter-House or Suttons Hospitall This is the Master-peice of Protestant English Charity designed in his life Compleated after his death Begun Continued and finished with Buildings and Endowments Sinâ—… Causa Socia soly at his Charges Wherein Mr. Sutton appears peerless in all Christendom on an equall Standart and Valuation of Revenue As for the Canker of Popish Malice endeavouring to fret this fair Flower we have returned plentifull Answers to their Cavells in our Ecclesiasticall History Mr. Sutton died Anno Dom. 1611. ROBERT JOHNSON was born at Stamford whereof Maurice his Father had been chiefe Magistrate He was bred in Cambridge and entring into the Ministry he was beneficed at Luffenham in Rutland at what time that little County was at a great losse for the education of the Children therein and Mr. Johnson endeavoured a remedy thereof He had a rare faculty in requesting of others into his own desire and with his arguments could surprise a Miser into charity He effectually moved those of the Vicinage to contribute to the building and endowing of Schools Money or Money worth Stones Timber Carriage c. not flighting the smalest guift especially if proportionable to the Givers Estate Hereby finding none he left as many Free Schools in Rutland as there were Market Towns therein One at Oakeham another at Uppingham well faced with buildings and lined with endowments Hitherto he was only a Nurse to the Charity of others erecting the Schools aforesaid as my Author observeth who afterwards proved a fruitful parent in his own person becoming a considerable Benefactor to Emanuel and Sidney Colledges in Cambridge And though never dignified higher then Archdeacon of Leicester he left an Estate of one thousand pounds per Annum which descended to his posterity He dyed about the year of our Lord 1616. FRANCES WRAY Daughter to Sir Chichester Wray Lord chief Justice was born at Glentworth in this County and married first unto Sir George St. Paul of this County and afterwards to Robert Rich first Earl of Warwick of that Sirname She was a Pious Lady much devoted to charitable actions though I am not perfectly instructed in the particulars of her Benefactions Only I am sure Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge hath tasted largely of her Liberality who dyed in the beginning of the Reign of King Charles Memorable Persons JAMES YORKE a Blacksmith of Lincolne and an excellent Workman in his Profession Insomuch that if Pegasus himself would wear shoes this man alone is fit to make them contriving them so thin and light as that they would be no burthen to him But he is a Servant as well of Apollo as Vulcan turning his Stiddy into a Study having lately set forth a Book of Heraldry called the Union of Honour containing the Arms of the English Nobility and the Gentry of Lincolne-shire And although there be some mistakes no hand so steady as alwayes to hit the Nail on the head yet is it of singular use and industriously performed being set forth Anno 1640. Lord Maiors  Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Stockton Richard Stockton Bratoft Mercer 1470. 2 Nicholas Aldwin Richard Aldwin Spalding Mercer 1499. 3 William Rennington Robert Rennington Bostone Fishmonger 1500. 4 William Forman William Forman Gainsborough Haberdasher 1538. 5 Henry Hoberthorn Christ. Hoberthorn Waddingworth Merchant-Tay 1546. 6 Henry Amcoates William Amcoates Astrap Fishmonger 1548. 7 John Langley Robert Langley Althrope Goldsmith 1576. 8 Iohn Allot Richard Allot Limbergh Fishmonger 1590. 9 Nicholas Raynton Robert Raynton Highington Haberdasher 1632. The Names of the Gentrie of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth William Bishop of Lincoln Commissioners Lion de Welles Chivaler  Thomas Meres Knights of the Shire  Patricius Skipwith Knights of the Shire  Johannis Willoughby militis Roberti Ros militis Humfridi Littelbery armig Phillippi Tilney armigeri Johannis Copuldik armig Richardi Laund armigeri Willielmi Braunche armig Richardi Pynchebek Richardi Welby Richardi Benynington Willielmi Goding de Boston Gilberti Haltoft Will. Hughbert de Doning VVill. Quadring de Tofte Iohan. Pawlyn de Frampton VVill. VValcote de Spaldyng Thom. Overton de Swynshed Hug. Dandison de VVrangle Roberti Hughson de Boston Rich. Whiteb. de Gosberkirk Ioh. Docking de VVhaploade Will. Calowe de Holbetch Will. â—…awode de Whaploade Nich. Gyomer de
Navar called Mortileto de Vilenos who had accused him of Treason to the King and Realm In which combat the Navarois was overcome and afterwards hang'd for his false accusation HENRY the Fourth 2. JOHN ROCHFORD Miles The same no doubt with him who was Sheriff in the 15. of K. Richard the Second I confesse there was a Knightly Family of this Name at Rochford in Essex who gave for their Arms Argent a Lyon Rampant Sable langued armed and crowned Gules quartered at this day by the Lord Rochford Earl of Dover by the Butlers and Bollons descended from them But I behold this Lincolnshire Knight of another Family and different Arms quartered by the Earl of Moulgrave whence I collect his heir matched into that Family Consent of time and other circumstances argue him the same with Sir John Rochford whom Bale maketh to flourish under King Henry the Fourth commending him for his noble birth great learning large travail through France and Italy and worthy pains in translating Iosephus his Antiquities Polychronicon and other good Authors into English RICHARD the Third 2. ROâ—…ERT DIMOCK Miles This Sir Robert Dimock at the Coronation of King Henry the Seventh came on horse back into VVestminster Hall where the King dined and casting his Gauntlet on the Ground challenged any who durst Question the Kings right to the Crown King Henry being pleased to dissemble himself a stranger to that Ceremony demanded of a stander by what that Knight said to whom the party returned He challengeth any man to fight with him who dares deny your Highnesse to be the lawful K. of England If he will not fight with such a one said the King I will And so sate down to dinner HENRY the Seventh 9. JOHN HUSEE This was undoubtedly the same person whom King Henry the Eigth afterwards created the first and last Baron Husee of Sleford who ingaging himself against the King with the rebellious Commons anno 1537 was justly beheaded and saw that honour begun and ended in his own person HENRY the Eighth 16. THOMAS BURGE Miles He was honourably descended from the Heir General of the Lord Cobham of Sterbury in Surry and was few years after created Baron Burge or Burough by King Henry the Eigth His Grandchild Thomas Lord Burge Deputy of Ireland and Knight of the Garter of whom before left no Issue Male nor plentiful Estate only four Daughters Elizabeth married to Sir George Brook Frances to the ancient Family of Copinger in Suffolk Anna Wife to Sir Drue Drury and Katharine married to ..... Knivet of Norfolk Mother to Sir John Knivet Knight of the Bath at the last Installment so that the honour which could not conveniently be divided was here determined King CHARLES 9. JERVASIUS SCROOP Miles He ingaged with his Majesty in Edge-hill-fight where he received twenty six wounds and was left on the ground amongst the dead Next day his Son Adrian obtained leave from the King to find and fetch off his Fathers Corps and his hopes pretended no higher then to a decent Interment thereof Hearty seeking makes happy finding Indeed some more commendedthe affection than the judgement of the Young Gentleman conceiving such a search in vain amongst many naked bodies with wounds disguised from themselves and where pale Death had confounded all complexions together However he having some general hint of the place where his Father fell did light upon his body which had some heat left therein This heat was with rubbing within few Minutes improved into motion that motion within some hours into sense that sense within a day into speech that speech within certain Weeks into a perfect recovery living more then ten years after a Monument of Gods mercy and his Sons affection He always after carried his Arme in a Scarfe and loss of blood made him look very pale as a Messenger come from the Grave to advise the Living to prepare for Death The effect of his Story I received from his own mouth in Lincolne-colledge The Farewel It is vain to wish the same Successe to every Husband man in this Shire as he had who some seven score years since at Harlaxton in this County found an Helmet of Gold as he was Plowing in the Field Besides in Treasure Trove the least share falleth to him who first finds it But this I not only heartily wish but certainly promise to all such who industriously attend Tillage in this County or else where that thereby they shall find though not gold in specie yet what is gold worth and may quickly be commuted into it great plenty of good grain the same which Solomon foretold He that tilleth his Land shall have Plenty of Bread IT is in effect but the Suburbs at large of London replenished with the retyring houses of the Gentry and Citizens thereof besides many Pallaces of Noble-men and three lately Royal Mansions Wherefore much measure cannot be expected of so fine ware The cause why this County is so small scarce extending East and West to 18 miles in length and not exceeding North and South 12 in the bredth thereof It hath Hertford-shire on the North Buckingham-shire on the West Essex parted with Ley on the East Kent and Surrey severed by the Thames on the South The ayr generally is most healtful especially about High-Gate where the expert Inhabitants report that divers that have been long visited with sickness not curable by Physick have in short time recovered by that sweet salutary ayr Natural Commodities Wheate The best in England groweth in the Vale lying South of Harrow-the-Hill nigh Hessen where providence for the present hath fixed my habitation so that the Kings bread was formerly made of the fine flower thereof Hence it was that Queen Elizabeth received no Composition money from the Villages thereabouts but took her Wheat in kinde for her own Pastry and Bake-house There is an obscure Village hereabouts called Perivale which my Author will have more truly termed Purevale an Honour I assure you unknown to the Inhabitants thereof because of the cleerness of the Corn growing therein though the Purity thereof is much subject to be humbled with the Mildew whereof hereafter Tamarisk It hath not more affinity in sound with Tamarind then sympathy in extraction both originally Arabick general similitude in leaves and operation onely Tamarind in England is an annual dying at the approach of Winter whil'st Tamarisk lasteth many years It was first brought over by Bishop Grindal out of Switzerland where he was exile under Queen Mary and planted in his Garden at Fulham in this County where the soile being moist and Fenny well complied with the nature of this Plant which since is removed and thriveth well in many other places Yet it groweth not up to be Timber as in Arabia though often to that substance that Cups of great size are made thereof Dioscorides saith it is good for the Tooth-ach as what is not and yet indeed
what is good for it but it is especially used for mollifying the hardness and opening the stopping of the Belly Manufactures Leather This though common to all Counties is entred under the Manufactures of Middlesex because London therein is the Staple-place of Slaughter and the Hides of beasts there bought are generally tanned about Enfield in this County A word of the antiquity and usefulness of this commodity Adams first suit was of leaves his second of Leather Hereof Girdles Shoes and many utensils not to speak of whole houses of Leather I mean Coaches are made Yea I have read how Frederick the second Emperour of Germany distressed to pay his Army made Monetam Coriaceam Coin of Leather making it currant by his Proclamation and afterwards when his Souldiers repayed it into his Exchequer they received so much silver in lieu thereof Many good-laws are made and still one wanting to enforce the keeping of them for the making of this Merchantable commodity and yet still much unsaleable leather is sold in our Markets The Lord Treasurer Barleigh who always consulted Artificers in their own Art was indoctrinated by a Cobler in the true Tanning of Leather This Cobler taking a slice of Bread tosted it by degrees at some distance from the fire turning many times till it became brown and hard on both sides This my Lord saith he we good Fellowes call a Tanned Tost done so well that it will last many mornings draughts and Leather thus leisurely tanned and turned many times in the Fat will prove serviceable which otherwise will quickly fleet and rag out And although that great Statesman caused Statutes to be made according to his instructions complaints in this kind daily continue and encrease Surely were all of that Occupation as honest as Simon the Tanner the entertainer of Simon Peter in Joppa they would be more conscientious in their calling Let me add what experience avoweth true though it be hard to assign the true cause thereof that when Wheat is dear Leather alwayes is cheap and when Leather is dear then Wheat is cheap The Buildings HAMPTON COURT was built by that pompous Prelate Cardinal Woolsey one so magnificent in his expences that whosoever considereth either of these three would admire that he had any thing for the other two left unto him viz. His House-building House-keeping House-furnishing He bestowed it on King Henry the eight who for the greater grace thereof erected it Princes can conferr dignities on Houses as well as persons to be an honour increasing it with buildings till it became more like a small City than a House Now whereas other royal Pallaces Holdenby Oatlands Richmond Theobalds have lately found their fatal period Hampton Court hath a happiness to continue in its former estate Non equidem invideo miror magis undique totis Usque adeo spoliatur agris I envy not its happy lot but rather thereat wonder There 's such a rout our Land throughout of Pallaces by Plunder Let me add that Henry the Eight enforrested the grounds hereabouts the last of that kinde in England though they never attained the full reputation of a Forrest in common discourse OSTERLY HOUSE now Sir William Wallers must not be forgotten built in a Park by Sir Thomas Gresham who here magnificently entertained and lodged Queen Elizabeth Her Majesty found fault with the Court of this House as too great affirming That it would appear more handsome if divided with a Wall in the middle What doth Sir Thomas but in the night-time sends for workmen to London money commands all things who so speedily and silently apply their business That the next morning discovered that Court double which the night had left single before It is questionable whether the Queen next day was more contented with the conformity to her fancy or more pleased with the surprize and sudden performance thereof Whilest her Courtiers disported themselves with their several expressions some avowing it was no wonder he could so soon change a Building who could Build a Change others reflecting on some known differences in this Knights Family affirmed That any house is easier divided than united Proverbs A Middlesex Clown Some English words innocent and in-offensive in their primitive Nation are bowed by Custome to a disgraceful sense as Villain originally nothing but a Dweller in a Village and Tiller of the Ground thereabouts Churle in Saxon Coorel a strong stout Husbandman Clown from Colonus one that plougheth the ground without which neither King nor Kingdome can be maintained of which Middlesex hath many of great Estates But some endeavour to fix the Jgnominious sense upon them as if more arrant Rusticks then those of their condition elsewhere partly because Nobility and Gentry are respectively observed according to their degree by People far distant from London less regarded by these Middlesexians frequency breeds familiarity because abounding thereabouts partly because the multitude of Gentry here contraries are mutuall Commentaries discover the Clownishness of others and render it more Conspicuous However to my own knowledge there are some of the Yeomantry in this County as compleatly Civill as any in England He that is a low Ebbe at Newgate may soon be a Flote at Tieburne I allow not this Satyricall Proverb as it makes mirth on men in Misery whom a meer man may pity for suffering and a good man ought to pity them for deserving it Tieburne some will have it so called from Tie and Burne because the poor Lollords for whom this instrument of Cruelty to them though of Justice to Malefactors was first set up had their necks tied to the Beame and their lower parts burnt in the fire Others will â—…ave it called from Twa and Burne that is two Rivolets which it seems meet near to the place But whencesoever it be called may all endeavour to keep themselves from it though one may justly be Confident that more souls have gone to Heaven from that place then from all the Churches and Church-yards in England When Tottenham-Wood is all on fire Then Tottenham-Street is naught but mire I find this Proverbe in the Description of Tottenham written by Mr. William Bedwell one of the most learned Translators of the Bible And seeing so grave a Divine stoop'd to solow a subject I hope I may be admitted to follow him therein He thus expoundeth the Proverb When Tottenham-Wood of many hundred-Acres on the top of an high hill in the West-end of the Parish hath a foggie mist hanging and hovering over it in manner of a smoak then generally foul weather followeth so that it serveth the Inhabitants instead of a Prognostication I am confident as much mire now as formerly in Tottenham-Street but question whether so much wood now as anciently on Tottenham-hill Tottenham is turn'd French I find this in the same place of the same Author but quoting it out of Mr. Heiwood It seems about the beginning of the Reign of King Henry the eigth French Mechanicks swarmed in
England to the great prejudice of English Artisans which caused the insurrection in London on ill May-day Anno Dom. 1517. Nor was the City onely but Country Villages for four miles about filled with French fashions and infections The Proverb is applied to such who contemning the custome of their own Country make themselves more ridiculous by affecting forraign humours and habits Princes EDVVARD sole surviving Son of King Henry the eight and Jane his Wife was born at Hampton Court in this County Anno Dom. 1537. He succeeded his Father in the Kingdome and was most eminent in his Generation seeing the Kings of England fall under a five-fold division 1. Visibly Vicious given over to dissolutenesse and debauchery as King Edward the second 2. Potius extra vitia quà m cum virtutibus Rather free from Vice then fraught with Virtue as King Henry the third 3. In quibus aequali temperamento magnae virtutes inerant nec minora vitia In whom Vices and Virtues were so equally matched it was hard to decide which got the Mastery as in King Henry the eight 4 Whose good qualities beat their bad ones quite out of distance of Competition as in King Edward the first 5 Whose Virtues were so resplendent no faults humane frailties excepted appeared in them as in this King Edward He died July 5. 1553. and pity it is that he who deserved the best should have no monument erected to his memory indeed a brass Altar of excellent workmanship under which he was buried I will not say sacrificed with an untimely death by the treachery of others did formerly supply the place of his Tombe which since is abolished under the notion of superstition Guesse the goodness of his head and heart by the following letters written to Barnaby Fitz-Patrick Gentleman of his Bedchamber and brought up with him copyed out from the Originalls by the Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armagh and bestowed upon me Say not they are but of narrow and personal concernment seeing they are sprinkled with some passages of the Publique Neither object them written by a Child seeing he had more man in him than any of his Age. Besides Epistles are the calmest communicating truth to Posterity presenting History unto us in her night cloths with a true face of things though not in so fine a dress as in other kindes of writings EDVVARD We have received your Letters of the eighth of this present moneth whereby we understand how you are well entertained for which we are right glad and also how you have been once to goe on Pilgrimage For which cause we have thought good to Advertise you that hereafter if any such chance happen you shall desire leave to goe to Mr. Pickering or to Paris for your business And if that will not serve to declare to some man of Estimation with whom you are best acquainted that as you are loth to offend the French King because you have been so favourably used so with safe conâ—…cience you cannot do any such thing being brought up with me and bound to obey my Laws Also that you had Commandment from me to the Contrary yet if you be vehemently procured you may go as waiting on the King not as intending to the abuse nor willingly seeing the Ceremonies and so you look on the Masse But in the mean season regard the Scripture or some good Book and give no reverence to the Masse at all Furthermore remember when you may conveniently be absent from the Court to tarry with Sir William Pickering to be instructed by him how to use your self For Women as far forth as you may avoid their Company Yet if the French King command you you may some time Dance so measure be your meane else apply your self to Riding Shooting Tennis or such honest games not forgetting some times when you have leisure your learning cheifly reading of the Scriptures This I write not doubting but you would have done though I had not written but to spur you on your exchange of 1200 Crowns you shall receive either monthly or quarterly by Bartholomew Campaignes Factor in Paris He hath warrant to receive it by here and hath written to his Factors to deliver it you there we have signed your Bill for wages of the Chamber which Fitzwilliams hath likewise we have sent a Letter into Ireland to our Deputy that he shall take Surrender of your Fathers Lands and to make again other Letters Patent that those Lands shall be to him you and your Heirs lawfully begotten for ever adjoyning thereunto two religious Houses you spake for Thus fare you well from Westminster the 20 of December 1551. Mr. BARNABY I have of late sent you a Letter from Bartholmew Campaigne for your payment by the French Embassadors Pacquet I doubt not but your good nature shall profitably and Wisely receive the Kings Majesties Letter to you Fatherly of a Child Comfortably of your Soveraign Lord and most wisely of so young a Prince And so I beseech you that you will think wheresoever you go you carry with you a Demonstration of the Kings Majesty coming a Latere Suo and bred up in Learning and Manners with him with your conservation and modesty let me therefore believe the good reports of the King to be true and let them perceive what the King is when one brought up with him Habeat Virtutis tam Clarum Specimen This I write boldly as one that in you willeth our Masters honour and credit and I pray you use me as one that loveth you in plain termes Scribled in hast from Westminster the 22 of December 1551. Yours to use and have W. Cecill To the KINGS MAIESTY According to my bounden Duty I most humbly thank your Highness for your gratious Letters of the 20 of December lamenting nothing but that I am not able by any meanes nor cannot deserve any thing of the goodness your Highness hath shewed towards me And as for the avoiding of the company of the Ladies I will assure your Highness I will not come into their Company unless I do wait upon the French King As for the Letter your Majesty hath granted my Father for the assurance of his Lands I thank your Highness most humbly confessing my self as much bound to you as a Subject to his Soveraign for the same As for such simple news as is here I thought good to certifie your Majesty It did happen that a certain Saint standing in a blind corner of the Street where my Lord Admirall lay was broken in the night-time when my Lord was here which the French men did think to have been done by the English-men and the English-men did think it to have been done by some French-men of spite because the English-men lay in that street and now since that time they have prepared another Saint which they call our Ladie of Silver because the French King that dead is made her once of clean Silver and afterwards was stoln like as she hath been divers times both stolen
the examples of his humility faith patience c. to the imitation of posterity being buryed in his own Church December 16. 1653. Benefactors to the Publick A namelesse HERMITE dwelling in the Hermitage where now the School is on his own cost caused Gravel to be digg'd in the Top of Hygate-hill where now is a fair Pond of VVater and therewith made a Causway from Hygate to Islington a two handed Charity providing water on the Hill where it was wanting and cleanesse in the Vale which before especially in Winter was passed with much molestation Since the Reformation ALICE Daughter of Thomas VVilkes was a poor Maid born in Islington where her Cap was casually shot through with an arrow without any hurt to her head She afterwards was thrice married to Wealthy Husbands whereof Iustice Owen the last and built at Islington near to the place of her Deliverance a proper Alms-house by her well endowed This Lady expended to charitable uses here and elsewhere what amounted to the full sum of two thousand three hundred pounds and upwards and lyeth buryed as I take it in Islington Sir JULIUS CAESAR Knight was born in this County his Father having a house nigh unto Tottenham His Father was a Doctor of Physick to Queen Elizabeth and descended of the ancient Family of the Dalmarii in Italy This his Son was bred in Oxford and after other intermediate preferments was advanced Chancelour of the Dutchy of Lancaster and sworn a privie Counsellor on Sunday the 6. of July 1607. and afterwards was preferred Master of the Rouls A person of prodigious bounty to all of worth or want so that he might seem to be Almoner General of the Nation The Story is well known of a Gentleman who once borrowing his Coach which was as well known to poor people as any Hospital in England was so Rendevouzed about with Beggers in London that it cost him all the money in his purse to satisfie their importunity so that he might have hired Twenty Coaches on the same Terms Sir Francis Bacon Lord Verulam was Judicious in his Election when perceiving his Dissolution to approach he made his last bed in effect in the house of Sr. Julius He continued more then 20 years Master of the Rolles and though heaved at by some Expectants sate still in his place well poyzed therein with his Gravity and Integrity Vir tantarum Elemosynarum non movebitur a man of so great alms and Prayers made by him and for him shall not be removed Nor was it without a prosperous Omen that his chief House in Hartford shire was called Benington that is Villa Benigna the bountiful Village as one Author will have it or as another Villa beneficii the Town of Good Turns from the River so named running by it What shall I speak of his Arms viz. Gules 3 Roses Argent on a Chief of the first so many Roses of the Second embleming the fragancy of the Memory he hath left behind him His Monument in great St. Hellens London being out of the road of ordinary fancies was thus designed by himself The ensuing Description is contrived in Form of a Deed and imitateth Ruffled Parchment in Allusion to his Office as Master of the Rolles Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos hoc praesens Scriptum pervenerit Sciatis me Iulium Dalmare alias Caesarem Militem Utriusque Doctorem Elizabethae Reginae Supremae Curiae Admiralitatis judicem unum è Magistris libellorum Iacobo Regi à Privalis Concilliis Cancellarium Scaccarii Scriniorum Magistrum haec praesenti Charta mea confirmasse me Annuente Divino Numine naturae debitum libenter solviturum quam primum Deo placuerit In cujus rei memoriam Manum meam Sigillum apposui Datum 27. Februarii 1635. Julius Caesar Here his Seal or Coat of Arms is affixed and beneath them is written Irrotulatur Coelo He dyed the Twenty Eigth Day of April Anno Domini 1636 in the Seventy Ninth of his Age. Memorable Persons PETER FABEL I shall probably offend the Gravity of some to insert and certainly curiosity of others to omit him Some make him a Fryer others a Lay Gentleman all a conceited person who with his merry Devises deceived the Devil who by grace may be resisted not deceived by Wit If a Grave Bishop in his Sermon speaking of BRUTE his coming into this Land said it was but a Bruit I hope I may say without offence that this Fabel was but a fable supposed to live in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth ........ TRESTRAM was a Gardener by his Occupation living at Branford in this County This man anno Dom. 1609. fell into a most violent Inflammation of the Lungs accompanied with a Terrible Feaver Shortnesse of Breath Stitch of both Sides Dry Cough and an unquenchable Thirst. Dr. Theod. Deodate being his Neighbour then Physician to Prince Henry and the Lady Elizabeth beholding him of a Ruddy and Sanguine Complexion adventured to let him blood though he was of Threescore and sixteen years of age Once he let him Blood about Twenty Ounces by which Evacuation his Blood being extremely putrified he felt ease for three hours but afterwards all his accidents returned as violent as before Next Morning he repeated the Bleeding in the same quantity whereby the Patient only found a Momentary Ease his pain returning as violent as before The third day Remembring the Rule of Hypocrates that blood must be let to the changing of the Colour he adventured again on as copious a Phlebotemy as before whereby the Sickman found an extraordinary ease who in three days had lost more then Sixty Ounces of Blood This Trestram survived eight years after and dyed anno 1619. a most eminent Instance against those who endevour to prove the decay of the World because men cannot spare so much by Bloodletting as in former ages Lord Maiors  Name Father Place Company Time 1 Henry Frowicke Henry Frowicke Totenham Mercer 1435. 2 William Marrow Stephen Marrow Stebunheath Mercer 1455. 3 William Hallin Nicholas Hallin Fullham Fishmonger 1459. 4 Humphrey Heyford Roger Heyford Stratford Bowe Goldsmith 1470. 5 Christopher Askew John Askew Edmonton Draper 1533. 6 John Lyon Thomas Lyon Peryfare Grocer 1554. 7 Thomas Curteis John Curteis Enfield Fishmonger 1557. 8 John Jolles Thomas Jolles Strafford Bowe Draper 1615. The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the Twelfth year of King Henry the Sixth 1433. Richard Bishop of London Commissioners to take the Oaths The Prior of the Hospital of St. Johns of Jerusalem  John Ash Knights for the Shire  Richard Maideston Knights for the Shire  Johannis Harpeden Militis Thomae a Chaleton Militis Johannis Boys Militis Henrici Somer Iohannis Frampton Thomae Hasele Thomae b Frowyk Simonis Campe Alexandri Anne Willielmi c Wrothe Iohannis Chichele Roberti Warner d Iohannis Shordyche Edmundi Bibbesworth Walteri Grene Thomae Holgyll
Saint John's then Master of Pembroke hall in Cambridge His studies were suitable to his years when young a good Philosopher witness his book of Meteors afterwards his endeavours ascended from the middle region of the aire to the highest heavens when he bâ—…came a pious and solid Divine Now the Romanists seeing they could no longer blind-fold their Laitie from the Scriptures resolved to fit them with false spectacles and set forth the Rhemish Translation which by Doctor Fulke was learnedly confuted though he never attained any great preferâ—…ent in the Church Here it is worth our pains to peruse the immediate succession of Masters in Pembroke-hall because unparallel'd in any English Foundation Edm. Grindall Archp. of Cant. Mat. Hutton Archp. of York Jo. Whitgift Archp. of Cant. Jo. Young 〈◊〉 of Rochester William Fulke D. D. Lanc. Andrews Bp. of Winchester Sam. Harsnet Archp. of York Nic. Felton Bp. of Eely Here though all the rest were Episcopated Doctor Fulke was but Doctor Fulke still though a man of great merit This proceeded not from any disaffection in him to the Hierarchie as some would fain suggest but principally from his love of privacy and place of Margaret-Professour wherein he died Anno Dom. 1589. EDMOND SPENCER born in this City was brought up in Pembroke-hall in Cambridge where he became an excellent Scholar but especially most haypy in English Poetry as his works do declare In which the many Chaucerisms used for I will not say affected by him are thought by the ignorant to be blemishes known by the learned to be beauties to his book which notwithstanding had been more salable if more conformed to our modern language There passeth a story commonly told and believed that Spencer presenting his Poems to Queen Elizabeth She highly affected therewith commanded the Lord Cecil Her Treasurer to give him an hundred pound and when the Treasurer a good Steward of the Queens money alledged that sum was too much then give him quoth the Queen what is reason to which the Lord consented but was so busied belâ—…ke about matters of higher concernment that Spencer received no reward Whereupon he presented this petition in a small piece of paper to the Queen in her Progress I was promis'd on a time To have reason for my rhyme From that time unto this season I receiv'd nor rhyme nor reason Hereupon the Queen gave strict order not without some check to her Treasurer for the present payment of the hundred pounds she first intended unto him He afterwards went over into Ireland Secretary to the Lord Gray Lord Deputy thereof and though that his office under his Lord was lucrative yet got he no estate but saith my Author Pâ—…culiari Poetis fato semper cum paupertate conflictatus est So that it fared little better with him then with William Xilander the German a most excellent Linguist Antiquary Philosopher and Mathematician who was so poor that as Thuanus saith he was thought fami non famae scribere Returning into England he was robb'd by the Rebels of that little he had and dying for grief in great want Anno 1598. was honorably buried nigh Chaucer in Westminster where this Distick concludeth his Epitaph on hâ—…s monument Anglica te vivo vixit plausitque poesis Nunc moritura timet te moriente mori Whilst hâ—…iu didst live liv'd English poetry Which fears now thou art dead that she shall die Nor must we forget that the expence of his funeral and monument was defrayed at the sole charge of Robert first of that name Earl of Essex JOHN STOW son of Thomas Stow who died Anno 1559. grand-child to Thomas Stow who died 1526. both Citizens of London and buried in Saint Michaels in Cornhill was born in this City bred at learning no higher then a good Gramar-scholar yet he became a painful faithful and the result of both useful Historian Here to prevent mistake by the homonymie of names I request the Reader to take special notice of three brace of English writers 1. Sir Thomas commonly with the addition of De la More who lived under and wrote the life of King Edward the second 1. John Leland bred in Oxford the most exquisite Grammarian of his age who flourished Anno 1428. 1. John Stow a Benedictine Monke of Norwich Anno 1440. who wrote various Collections much cited by Caius in his history of Cambridge 2. Sir Thomas More the witty and learned Chancellour of England 2. John Leland bred in Cambridge the most eminent Antiquary under K. Henry the eight 2. John Stow this Londiner and Historian I confess I have heard him often accused that as learned Guicciardine is charged for telling magnarum rerum minutias he reporteth res in se minutas toys and trifles being such a Smell-feast that he cannot pass by Guild-hall but his pen must tast of the good chear therein However this must be indulged to his education so hard it is for a Citizen to write an History but that the fur of his gown will be felt therein Sure I am our most elegant Historians who have wrote since his time Sir Francis Bacon Master Camden c. though throwing away the basket have taken the fruit though not mentioning his name making use of his endeavors Let me adde of John Stow that however he kept tune he kept time very well no Author being more accurate in the notation thereof Besides his Chronicle of England he hath a large Survey of London and I believe no City in Christendome Rome alone excepted hath so great a volume extant thereof Plato was used to say that many good laws were made but still one was wanting viz. a law to put all those good laws in execution Thus the Citizens of London have erected many fair monuments to perpetuate their memories but still there wanted a monument to continue the memory of their monuments subject by time and otherwise to be defaced which at last by John Stow was industriously performed He died in the eightieth year of his age April 5. 1605. and is buried at the upper end of the North-Isle of the Quire of Saint Andrews-Undershaft His Chronicle since continued by another whose additions are the lively embleme of the times he writeth of as far short of Master Stow in goodness as our age is of the integrity and charity of those which went before it GILES FLETCHER was born in this City son to Giles Fletcher Dr. in law and Embassadour into Russia of whom formerly in Kent From Westminster-school he was chosen first Scholar then Fellow of Trinity colledge in Cambridge One equally beloved of the Muses and the Graces having a sanctified wit witness his worthy Poem intituled Christs Victory made by him being but Bachelour of Arts discovering the Piety of a Saint and Divinity of a Doctor He afterward applied himself to School-Divinity cross to the grain of his Genius as some conceive and attained to good skill therein When he preached at Saint Maries his
to compute the Benefactors Natives of this City whose names are entred in fair Tables the Counterpart of the Original no doubt kept in heaven in their respective Parishes so that in this City it is as easy to find a Steeple without a Bell hanging in it as a Vestry without such a Memorial fixed to it Thither I refer the Reader for his better satisfaction and proceed to the Lord Mayors  Name Father Place Company Time 1 Iohn Rainwell Robert Rainwell London â—…ish-monger 1426 2 Nicholas Wotton Thomas Wotton London Draper 1430 3 Robert Large Thomas Large London Mercer 1439 4 Stephen Foster Robert Foster London Fish-monger 1454 5 Ralph Varney Ralph Varney London Mercer 1465 6 Iohn Tate Iohn Tate London Mercer 1473 7 Bartholom Iames Edward Iames London Draper 1479 8 Iohn Percivall Roger Percivall London Merchant-Taylor 1498 9 Richard Haddon William Haddon London Mercer 1506 10 William Brown Iohn Brown London Mercer 1507 11 Henry Kebble George Kebble London Grocer 1510 12 William Brown Iohn Brown London Mercer 1513 13 George Monox Nâ—…t named Lonâ—…on Draper 1514 14 Thomas Seymer Iohe Seymor London Mercer 1526 15 William Holleis William Holleis London Baker 1539 16 George â—…arn George Barn London Haberdasher 1552 17 William Garret Iohn Garret London Grocer 1555 18 William Chester Iohn Chester London Draper 1560 19 Thomas Rowe Robert Rowe London Merchant-Taylor 1568 20 William â—…llen William Allen London Mercer 1571 21 Iames Hawes Thomas Hawes London Cloath-worker 1574 22 Nichol Woodrofe David Woodrofe London Haberdasher 1579 23 Iohn Branche â—…ohn Branche London Draper 1580 24 Thomas Blanke Thomas Blank London Haderdasher 1582 25 George Barne George Barne London Haberdasher 1586 26 Martin Calthrop Martin Calthrop London Draper 1588 27 Iohn Garret William Garret London Haberdasher 1601 28 Thomas Low Simon Low London Haberdasher 160â—… 29 Henry Rowe Thomas Rowe London Mercer 1607 30 Iohn Swinnerton Thomas Swinnerton London Merchant-Taylor 1612 31 Sebastan Harvey Iames Harvey London Iron-Monger 1618 32 William Cockain William Cockain London Skinner 1619 33 Martin Lumley Iames Lumley London Draper 1623 34 Iohn Goare Gerrard Goare London Merchant-Taylor 1624 35 Robert Ducy Henry Ducy London Merchant-Taylor 1630 36 Robert Titchborn ........ Titchborn London Skinner 1656 Sheriffs of London and Middlesex HEN. II. Anno 1 Quatuor Vic. Anno 2 Gervasius Johan Anno 3 Gervasius Johan filius Radulphi Anno 4 Anno 5 Remiencus fili Berigarii socii ejus Anno 6 Anno 7 Johan filius Radulphi Anno 8 Eri saldus Sutarius vital Clicus Anno 9 Remiencus filius Boringarii Will fil Isabell for 7 years Anno 16 Johan Bievinitte Bald. Clicus Anno 17 Rad. Orificus Rad. Vinter Andre Buckerol Adlord Crispus David de Cornhill Rog. Blundus for 4 years Anno 21 Bricknerus de Haverhil Pet. fil Walter Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Will. fil Isab Anno 24 Waleran Johan filius Nigelli Anno 25 Will. fil Isab. Arnulphus Buxell Anno 26 Will. Regin le Viell Anno 27 Idem Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Will. fil Isab. for 6 years RICH. I. Anno 1 Henri de Cornhill Rich. fil Renner Anno 2 Rich filius Renner ut supra Anno 3 Will Hen. fil Renner Anno 4 Nichol. Duke Pet. Neveley Anno 5 Rog. Duke Rich. fil Alwin Anno 6 Will. fil Isabel Will fil Arnold Anno 7 Rob. Besont Joh. de Josue Anno 8 Gerard. de Anteloch Rob. Durant Anno 9 Rog. Blunt Nicol. Ducket Anno 10 Constant. fil Arnold Rob. le Beau. K. JOHN Anno 1 Arnold fil Arnold Rich. fil Barthol Anno 2 Rog. Dorset Jacob. Bartholomew Anno 3 Walter filius Alic. Simon de Aldermanbury Anno 4 Norman Blundell Johan de Eely Anno 5 Walt. Broune Will Chamberlain Anno 6 Tho Haverel Hamon Brond Anno 7 Johan Walgrave Rich. de Winchester Anno 8 Johan Holihand Edm. fil Gerard. Anno 9 Rog. Winchester Edm. Hard I. e. Anno 10 Petrus Duke Tho. Neal. Anno 11 Petr. le Josue Will Blound Anno 12 Adam Whiteley Step. le Grasse Anno 13 Johan fil Pet. Joh. Garland Anno 14 Randolp Eyland Constan. Josue Anno 15 Martin fil Alic. Petr. Bate Anno 16 Solom Basinge Hug. Basinge Anno 17 Joh. Travers Audre Newland HEN. III. Anno 1 Benedict Seinturer Will Bluntivers Anno 2 Tho. Bockerel Rad. Holyland Anno 3 Johan Veile Johan le Spicer Anno 4 Rich. Wimbledon Johan Veile Anno 5 Rich. Renger Johan Veile Anno 6 Rich. Renger Tho. Lambart Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Johan Travars Aud. Bockerell Anno 9 Idem Anno 10 Rog. Duke Martin fil Will. Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 Steph. Bokerel Hen. Cocham Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Will. Winchester Rob. fil Johan Anno 15 Rich Walter Johan de Woborne Anno 16 Micha de S. Helen Walter de Enfeild Anno 17 Hen. de Edmonton Gerard. Bat. Anno 18 Sim. fil Mar. Rog. Blunt Anno 19 Rad. Ashwy Johan Norman Anno 20 Gerard. Bat. Rich. vel Rob. Hardle Anno 21 Hen. Cobham Jordan de Coventry Anno 22 Johan Toloson Gervasius Anno 23 Johan Codras Joh. Wilhall Anno 24 Reymond Bongey Rad. Ashwy Anno 25 Johan Gisors Mich. Tony. Anno 26 Tho. Duresme Johan Voil Anno 27 Johan fil Joh. Rad. Ashwy Anno 28 Hugo Blunt Adam Basing Anno 29 Rad. Foster Nich. Bat. Anno 30 Rob. de Cornhill Adam de Bewley Anno 31 Simon fil Mar. Laurent Frowick Anno 32 Johan Voile Nic. Bat. Anno 33 Nich. fil Josue Galf. Winchester Anno 34 Rich. Hardell Joh. Toloson Anno 35 Humf. Bat. Will. fil Richardi Anno 36 Laur. Frowick Nic. Bat. Anno 37 Will. Duresme Tho. Wimborne Anno 38 Johan Northamton Rich. Picard Anno 39 Rad. Ashwy Rob. Limon Anno 40 Steph. Doe Hen. Walmond Anno 41 Mich. Bocherel Joh. Minor Anno 42 Rich. Otwell Will Ashwy Anno 43 Rob. Cornhill Joh. Adrian Anno 44 Idem Anno 45 Adam Brouning Hen. Coventry Anno 46 Iohan. Northampton Rich. Picard Anno 47 Iohan. Taylor Rich. Walbrook Anno 48 Rob. de Mount Piter Osbert de Suffolk Anno 49 Greg. Rokesley Tho. de Detford Anno 50 Edward Blunt Petr. Anger Anno 51 Iohan. Hind Iohan. Walraven Anno 52 Iohan. Adrian Lucas de Baten-Court Anno 53 Walter Harvy et Will. Duresme Anno 54 Tho. Baseing et Rob. Cornhill Anno 55 Walt. Potter Phil. Taylor Anno 56 Greg. Rokesley Hen. Walleys Anno 57 Rich. Paris Johan de Wodeley EDW. I. Anno 1 Johan Horne Walt. Potter Anno 2 Nico. Winchester Hen. Coventry Anno 3 Lucas de Batencourt Hen. Frowick Anno 4 Johan Horne Rad. Blunt Anno 5 Rob. de Arer
continued in the raign of Queen Mary under three several jurisdictions London under bloudy Bonner who made havock of all he could come at Southwark under politick Gardner who took wit in his anger of whom formerly This Westminster under John Fecknam Abbot thereof with power Episcopal a man cruel to none courteous and charitable to all who needed his help or liberality Confessors Rain which Country-people say goeth by Planets goeth by Providence * I caused it to rain upon one City and caused it not to rain upon another Persecution observeth the same method ordered by the same power and pleasure A shower of bloud fell upon London whilst Westminster the next City did escape So that I find neither Martyr nor Confessor therein Meeting with none before let us proceed to Prelates since the Reformation RICHARD NEILE was born in Kings-street in this City and was bred in Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge he was afterwards Vicar of Chesthunt in the County of Hartford presented thereunto by the honourable family of the Cecills he was the first and last Native of this City who became the Dean and so the supreme magistrate thereof Through many Bishopricks of Coventry and Lichfield Durham and Winchester he was at last preferred Arch-bishop of York being also Privy Counsellor to King James and King Charles He died Anno Domini 16. JOHN WARNER D. D. was born in the Parish of Saint Clements Danes within the Precincts of this City bred in Magdalen-colledge in Oxford at last preferred Bishop of Rochester This worthy Bishop perceiving the want of a fixed Font in the Cathedral Church of Canterbury bestow'd one upon it whether more curious or costly my Author could not decide it being both ways so excellent and exquisite A gift the more remarkable because the first which hath been offered by any private hand to that Church of later times But I suspect now this Font it self is washed away in the deluge of our late wars under the notion of superstition God hath given him a great Estate and a liberal heart to make use of it Keeping good Hospitality in the Christmas at Brumley as he fed many Poor so he freed himself from much trouble being absent when the rest of the Bishops subscribed their Protest in Parliament whereby he enjoy'd liberty in the restraint of others of his Order He was an able and active advocate for Episcopacy in the House of Lords speaking for them as long as he had any voice left him and then willing to have made signs in their iust defence if it might have been permitted him But it is now high time for me to put out my Candle when Day-light shines so bright I mean to desist from charactering of persons who are so perfectly known to so many alive I will only adde this eminent Prelate hath since seen the happy restitution of his order injoying again his former dignity who now is and long may be living 1661. Statesmen Sir FRANCIS BACON Knight youngest son to Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper was born in York-house Anno 1560. For being demanded his age by Queen Elizabeth he returned that he was two years younger then her Majesties reign He was bred in Trinity-colledge in Cambridge and there first fell into a dislike of Aristotles Philosophy as Barren and Jejune inabling some to dispute more to wrangle few to find out trueth and none if confining themselves to his Principles Hence it was that afterwards he traded so largely in experiments so that as Socrates is said to be the first who stooped Towring Speculations into Practical Morality Sir Francis was one of the first who reduced Notional to Real and Scientifical Philosophy He was afterwards bred in Grays-Inn in the Study of our Municipal Law attaining to great Eminency but no Preferment therein during the reign of Queen Elizabeth Imputable to the envy of a great Person who hindred his rising for fear to be hindred by him if risen and Eclipsed in his own profession Thus the strongest wing of merit cannot mount if a stronger weight of malice doth depress it Yet was he even then Favorite to a Favorite I mean the Earl of Essex and more true to him then the Earl was to himself For finding him to prefer destructive before displeasing Counsel Sir Francis fairly for sook not hâ—…s person whom his pity attended to the grave but practises and herein was not the worse friend for being the better subject By K. James he was made his Solicitor and afterwards his Atturney then priviledged contrary to custome to â—…it a member in Dom. Com. and at last Lord Chancellor of England His abilities were a clear conâ—…utation of two vulgar errors errors libells on learned men First that Judgement Wit Fancy and Memory cannot eminently be in conjunction in the same person whereas our Knight was a rich Cabinet fill'd with all four besides a golden key to open it Elocution Secondly That he who is something in all is nothing in any one Art whereas he was singular in singulis and being In at all came off with credit Such as condemn him for pride if in his place with the fift part of his parts had been ten times prouder themselves he had been a better Master if he had been a worse being too bountiful to his servants and either too confident of their honesty or too conniving at their falshood The story is told to his advantage that he had two Servants one in all causes Patron to the Plantiffe whom his charity presumed always injured the other to the Defendant pitying him as compelled to Law but taking bribes of both with this condition to restore the money received if the Cause went against them Their Lord ignorant hereof always did unpartial Justice whilst his men making people pay for what was given them by compact shared the money betwixt them which cost their Master the loss of his office Leading a private life he much delighted to study in the shade of solitariness and many useful discoveries in Nature were made by him so that he may be said to have left nothing to his Executors and all to his Heirs under which notion the learned of all ages may be beheld His vast bounty to such who brought him presents from great persons occasioned his want afterwards who in rewarding them so remembred that he had been Lord Chancellor that he forgot that he was but the Lord Verulam A Viscountry that began and ended in him dying issu'less it being remarkable that though we have had two Earls of several families of Saint Albans yet was there no Lord Verulam as if it were referved for that antient Roman Colony to be buried in its own reverend ruins and in this peerless Lords everlasting memory much admired by English more by out-landish men Distance diminishing his faults to be invisible to forreign eyes whilst we beheld his perfections abated with his failings He died Anno Domini 1626. in the
Master Aylmer sate in the hind part whilst the Searchers drank of the Wine which they saw drawn out of the head or other end thereof Returning into England he was made Arch-Deacon of Lincoln and at last Bishop of London He was happy in a meet Yoke-fellow having a gratious Matron to his wife by whom he had many children and one son to which Arch-bishop Whitgift was Godfather and named him Tob-el that is The Lord is good in memorial of a great deliverance bestowed on this childs mother For when she was cast out of her Coach in London by a Mastiff casually seising upon the Horses she received no harm at all though very near to the time of her Travail Bishop Aylmer was well learned in the Languages a ready Disputant and deep Divine He was eighteen years Bishop of London and dying Anno 1594. in the 73. year of his age had this for part of his Epitaph which Bishop Vaugham sometimes his Chaplain afterwards his Successor made upon him Ter senos Annos Praesul semul Exul idem Bis Pugil in causa religionis erat Eighteen years Bishop and once Banish'd hence And twice a Champion in the Truths defence I understand it thus once a Champion in suffering when an Exile for religion and again in doing when chosen one of the disputants at Westminster against the Popish Bishops Primo Elizabethae except any expound it thus once Champion of the Doctrine against Papists and afterwards against the Discipline of the Non-Confromists none more stoutly opposing or more fouly belibelled of them God blessed him with a great estate the main whereof he left unto Samuel Aylmer his eldest son High-sheriff of Suffolk in the reign of King Charles and amongst his youngest sons all well provided for Doctor Aylmer Rector of Haddam in Hartfordshire was one of the most learned and reverend Divines in his generation JOHN TOWERS was born in this County bred Fellow of Queens-colledge in Cambridge and became Chaplain to William Earl of Northampton who bestowed on him the Benefice of Castle-Ashby in Northampton-shire He was preferred Dean and at last Bishop of Peterborough He was a good actor when he was young and a great sufferour when he was old dying about the year 1650. rich onely in Children and Patience Nothing but sin is a shame in it self and poverty as poverty especially since our Saviour hath sanctified it by suffering it is no disgrace Capital Judges and Writers on the Law RALPH DE-HENGHAM so named from a fair Market-town in this County was made Lord Chief-justice of the Kings-bench in Michaelmas term in the second year of King Edward the first when the King was newly returned from the Holy-land He sate 16. years in that place saving that one Winborne was for a year or two interposed and at the general purging and garbling of the Judges which happened in the 18. year of the aforesaid King when all the Judges except two John de Metingham and Elias de Bekingham were cast out by the Parliament for their corruption fined banished and imprisoned then this Ralph was merced in seven thousand marks for bribery and ejected out of his place Some will say let him wither in silence why do you mention him amongst the Worthies of our Nation I answer Penitence is the second part of Innocence and we find this Ralph after his fine payed made Chief-justice of the Common-pleas sub recipiscendi fiducia under the confidence generally conceived of his amendment He died the next being the 19. year of the raign of King Edward the first he lies buried in the Church of Saint Paul where he hath or had this Epitaph Per versus patet hos Anglorum quod jacet hic flos Legum qui tuta dictavit vera statuta Ex Hengham dictus Radulphus vir benedictus One must charitably believe that he played a good after-game of integrity and if injoying longer life he would have given a clearer testimony thereof WILLIAM PASTON Esq. son of Clement Paston Esq. and Beatrix his wife sister and heir to Jeffry Sommerton Esq. was born at Paston in this County He was learned in the laws of this Realm and first was Serjeant to King Henry the sixth and was after by him preferred second Judge of the Common-pleas I confess having confined our Catalogue to Capital Judges or Writers on the Law he falls not under our method in the strictness thereof But I appeal to the Reader himself whether he would not have been highly offended with me had I in silence passed over a person so deserving his observation He was highly in favour with King Henry the sixth who allowed him besides the ordinary salary assigned to other Judges one hundred and ten marks Reader behold the Standard of money in that age and admire with two Gowns to be taken yearly out of the Exchequer as by the ensuing letters Patents will appear Henricus Dei gratia Rex Angliae Franciae Dominus Hiberniae Omnibus ad quos Praesentes literae pervenerint Salutem Sciatis quod de gratia nostra speciali ut dilectus fidelis noster Willielmus Paston unus Justiti nostrorum de com Banco Statum suum decentius manu tenere expensas quas ipsum in officio pradicto facere oportebit sustinere valeat concessimus ei centum decem marcas percipiendum singulis annis ad scaccarium nostrum ad terminos Pasche Sancti Michaelis per equales Portiones duas robas per annum percipiendum unam videlicet cum Pellura ad festum Natalis Domini aliam cum Limra ad festum Pentecostes ultra feodum consuetum quamdiu ipsum Stare contigerit in officio supradicto In cujus rei Testimonium has literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes teste meipso apud Westminst XV. die Octobris anno regni nostri octavo What Pellura is I understand Furr but what Limra is if rightly written I would willingly learn from another though some are confident it is Taffata I wonder the less at these noble favours conferred on the said William Paston Judge for I find him in grace with the two former Kings being made Serjeant by King Henry the fourth and of â—…is counsel for the Dutchie of Lancaster and in the reign of King Henry the fifth he was in such esteem with Sir John Falstofe Knight that he appointed him one of his Feoffees whom he enabled by a writing under his hand to recover debts from the Executors of King Henry the fifth This William Paston married Agnes daughter and heir of Sir Edmond Berrey by which marriage the Pastons rightly quarter at this day the several Coats of Hetherset Wachesham Craven Gerbredge Hemgrave and Kerdeston and received both advancement in bloud and accession in estate This said VVilliam Paston died at London August 14. 1444. and lies buryed in Norwich so that his corps by a peculiar exception do straggle from the Sepulture of their Ancestors who
thereof with circumspect diligence and without long delay to procure and see to be done and obtained such Licenses as they will answer for the same before Almigbty God for if they or any of them should neglect to obtain such Licenses no Prince nor Counsel in any degree will deny or defeat the same and if conveniently by my Will or other Conveyance I might assure it I would not leave it to be done after my Death Then the same shall revert to my Heirs whereas I do mean the same to the Commonweale and then their default thereof shall be to the reproch and condemnation of the said Corporation before God c. This worthy Knight compleated his second change I mean of a mortal life for a Blessed Eternity on the 21. of November 1579. and lieth buried in the Parish Church of Saint Hellens Sir WILLIAM PASTON Knight son and heir to Erasmus Paston of Paston Esquire is justly recounted a Publick Benefactour True it is the family whence he was extracted were always forward in deeds of Charity according to the devotion of the days they lived in Witness their â—…ountiful donations to the Abbys of Saint Bennet in the Holme and Bromholme in this County after the Reformation they had not with too many less heat because more light but continued the stream though they changed the Channel of charity This Sir William erected a very fair school with thirty pounds per annum for the maintenance thereof at Northwalsam in this County a deed no doubt acceptable to the God of heaven Solomon saith Teach a Child in the trade of his youth But alas it's above the reach of poor parents to teach their Children lacking learning to do it themselves and livelyhood to hire others save where such good persons as this worthy Knight have made provision for them This Sir William married Francis the daughter of Sir Tho. Clear of Stokesby and was Great-grand-father to Sir William Paston the bountiful promoter of all my weak endeavours HENRY HOWARD youngest son of Henry Howard Earl of Surrey and brother to Thomas Howard last Duke of Norfolk was boâ—… at Shotesham in this County He was bred a serious student for many years in Kings colledge in Cambridge then in Trinity-hall going the ordinary path and pace to the degree of Mastership without any honorary advantage Here he became a greaâ—… and general Scholar witness his large and learned work intituled A Dâ—…pensative against the poyson of supposed Prophesies and dedicated to Sir Francis Walsingham His fortune left him by his Father was not great and he lived privately all the reign of Queen Elizabeth till King James advanced him in honour and wealth Here for variety sake and the better to methodize our matter we will make use of a distinction common in the Custome-house about bills of lading Inwards and Outwards observing what greatness were imported and conferred on him what gratitude was exported and performed by him Inwards Outward 1. King James Created him Baron of Marnehill in Dorset shire 2. Earl of Northampton 3. Lord Privy Seal 4. Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports 5. Knight of the Garter 6. Cambridge chose him her Chancellour 1. He founded and endowed an Hospital for twelve poor women and a Governour at Rising in this County 2. Another for twelve poor men and a Governour at Clun in Shropshire 3. Another at Greenwich in Kent for a Governour and twenty poor men of whom eight are to be chosen out of Shotesham the place of his nativity He died the 15. of June 1614. and was buried in the ancient Chappel of the Castle of Dover Memorable Persons SHARNBORN born at and Lord of Sharnborn a considerable Mannor in this County This Manner William the Conquerour out of the plenitude of his power conferred on one Warren a Norman Souldier But Sharnborn was not so tame as silently to set down and suffer a stranger peaceably to possess his inheritance which his English Ancestors for many years had injoyed but fairly traversed his Title I will not say in Westminster-hall as of later erection in the reign of King Rufus but in that publick place where Pleas were held in that age Surely none but a Norfolk-man durst go to Law with the Conquerour and question the validity of his Donations Yea brave Sharnborn got the better of the Suit and the Kings grant was adjudged void This is pertinently pressed by many to prove that King William though in Name was in very deed no Conquerour but came in by composition to keep the Laws of England Now as I am heartily sorrowful that Sharnborn possessed ever since almost 600. years by that name and family should in our age be sold and aliened from it whose heir males are just now extinct so am I cordially glad that it is bought by a worthy person Francis Ash Esquire which with some limitation hath freely setled it being of good yearly value on Emanuel-colledge and may they as long enjoy it as the former owners if before that term the Day of Judgement put not a Period to all earthly possessions Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Godfry Bullen Geffrey Bullen Salle Probably Mercer 1457 2 Bartholomew Rede Robert Rede Crowmer Goldsmith 1502 3 Richard Gresham John Gresham Holt Mercer 1537 4 John Gresham John Gresham Holt Mercer 1547 5 Thomas Cambell Robert Cambell Fullsam Iron-Monger 1609 6 John Leman John Leman Gillingham Fish-Monger 1616 7 Edward Barkham Edward Barkham South-Akere Draper 1621 The names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth 1433. William Bishop of Norwich Commissioners to take the Oaths John de Morley Chivaler Robert Cliffton mil. Knights for the shire John Roys Knights for the shire Abbatis de Langle Abbatis de Creek Abbatis de Wendelyng Abbatis de Derham Prioris Sancte fidis Prioris de VValsyngham Prioris de Tetford Prioris de Linne Prioris de Yernemouth Prioris de Ingham Prioris de Cokysforde Prioris de Westar Prioris de Penteneye Prioris de Castelacre Prioris de Bromhill Prioris de Ghildham Prioris de Wyrmingheye Prioris de Bokynham Prioris de Bromholm Prioris de Hyking Prioris de Petreston Prioris de Flycham Prioris de Baeston Iohan. Clyfton mil. Briani Stapulton mil. Tho. Kerdeston Hen. Inglose mil. Tho. Tudenham mil. Rog. Harsick mil. Hen. Richford mil. Iohan. Curson mil. Henry Grey Willielâ—…i Calthorp Iohan. Fitz-Rauf de Moris Thomae Willoughby Oliveri Groos Thomae Chaumbir Edmundi Winter Nich. Apilyerde VVill. Apilyerde Nicholai Castel Edmundi Stapulton Thomae Pigot Henrici Walpole Thomae Trusbute Willielmi Byllingford Willielmi Daubeney Thomae Astele Radulphi Lampet Iohannis Woodehouse Iohan. Berney de Redham Ioh. Berney de Wythingham Georgii Holkham VVillielmi Yelverton Edmundi VVychyngham Iohan. Heydon VVill. Grey de Merston VVillielmi Raimis Thomae Dengayne Iohannis Clepisby Iohannis Strange Richardi Gogh Christopheri Strange Henrici Catte Iohannis Bakon
WILLIAM CATESBYE was born in this County where his family long flourished at Asby Saint Leger He was first advanced by VVilliam Lord Hastinges by whose countenance he came to the notice then favour of Richard the third though ill requiting it when betraying him who caused his preferment Take his character transcribing in this kind is safer then inditing from an Author above exception This Catesbye was a man well learned in the Laws of this Land and surely great pity it was that he had not had more truth or less wit If any object that being neither Lord Chief-Justice Chief-Baron nor any VVriter on the Law He falleth not under my Pen by the Charter of Method prefixed to this Catalogue know that though formerly none he was eminently all Officers in every Court of Judicature all the Judges shaking at his displeasure Witness the Libel which Collingborn made and which cost him his life for the same The Rat and the Cat and Lovel the Dog Do govern all England under the Hog The time of his death is uncertain but because we find him not molested in the raign of King Henry the seventh which had he survived surely had happened it is probable he died before his Patron and Preferrer King Richard the third Sir RICHARD EMPSON It is pity to part them seeing Empson may be called the Catesbye to King Henry the seventh as Catesbye the Empson to King Richard the third both Country-men eminent for having odious for abusing their skill in Law active for the Prince injurious to the people This Sir Richard was Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster and from a Sieve-makers son at Towceter in this County where he was born came to sift the estates of the most wealthy men in England For King Henry the seventh vexed that he had refused Columbus his profer whereby the VVest-Indies being found out fortunately fell to Ferdinand King of Spain resolved to discover Indies in England and to this purpose made Empson Promotor General to press the Penal-Statutes all over the land Impowred hereby this prolling Knight did grind the faces of rich and poor bringing the grist thereof to the King and keeping the toll thereof to himself whereby he advanced a vast estate which now with his name is reduced to nothing He united the two houses of York and Lancaster in the Kings Coffers taking no notice of parties or persons for their former good service but making all equally obnoxious to fines and forfeitures But in the beginning of the reign of King Henry the eight he was arraigned condemed and beheaded August the 17. 1510. Say not that Princes if sacrificing their Ministers to popular fury will want persons faithfully to serve them seeing such exemplary justice will rather fright Officers from false disserving them for in fine no real profit can redoun to the Soveraign which resulteth from the ruine of his Subjects I must not forget how there was an old man in VVarwickshire accounted very judicious in Judicial Astrology of whom Sir Richard Empson then in his prime did scoffingly demand VVhen the Sun would Change to whom the old man replyed Even when such a wicked Lawyer as you go to Heaven But we leave him to stand and fall to his own Master and proceed EDWARD MONTAGUE son of Thomas Montague born at Brigstocke in this County was bred in the Inner-Temple in the study of the Laws until his ability and integrity advanced him Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench in the thirtieth of Henry the eight He gave for his Motto Equitas Justiae Norma And although equity seemeth rather to resent of the Chancery then the Kings-Bench yet the best justice will be worm-wood without a mixture thereof In his Times though the golden showers of Abby-lands rained amongst great men it was long before he would open his lap scrupling the acception of such gifts and at last received but little in proportion to others of that age In the thirty seventh of King Henry the eight he was made Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas a descent in honor but ascent in profit it being given to old age rather to be thrifty then ambitious In drawing up the Will of King Edward the sixt and setling the Crown on the Lady Jane for a time he swam against the tide and torrent of Duke Dudley till at last he was carried away with the stream as in our Church History is largely related Outed of his Judges Office in the first of Queen Mary he returned into Northamptonshire and what contentment he could not find in VVestminster-hall his Hospital-hall at Boughton afforded unto him He died Anno 1556. and lieth buried in the Parish-Church of VVeekely Sir AUGUSTIN NICOLLS Son to Thomas Nicolls Serjeant at Law was born at Eckton in this County Now though according to the rigor of our Fundamental Premises he cometh not within our Cognizance under this Title yet his merit will justifie us in presenting his Character He was bred in the study of the Common-law wherein he attained to such knowledge that Queen Elizabeth made him a King James his own Serjeant whence he was freely preferred one of the Judges of the Common-Pleas I say freely King James commonly calling him the Judge that would give no money Not to speak of his moral qualifications and subordinate abilities He was renowned for his special Judiciary Endowments Patience to hear both parties all they could say a happy memory a singular sagacity to search into the material circumstances exemplary integrity even to the rejection of gratuities after judgment given His forbearing to travail on the Lords day wrought a reformation on some of his own Order He loved plain and profitable Preaching being wont to say I know not what you call Puritanical Sermons but they come neerest to my Conscience The speech of Caesar is commonly known Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori which Bishop Jewell altered and applyed to himself Decet Episcopum concionantē mori of this man it may be said Judex mortuus est jura dans dying in his calling as he went the Northern Circuit and hath a fair Monument in Kendall-church in Westmerland Sir ROBERT DALLINGTON Knight was born at Geddington in this County bred a Bible-clerk as I justly collect in Bennet-colledge and after became a School-master in Northfolk Here having gained some money he travailed over all France and Italy being exact in his observations and was after his return Secretary to Francis Earl of Rutland He had an excellent wit and judgement witness his most acurate Aporismes on Tacitus At last he was Knighted and preferred Master of the Charter-house where the School-master at his first entering wellcomed him with a Speech in Latine verse spoken by a School-boy but sure he was more then a Boy who indited it It is hard to say whether Sir Robert was more pleased or displeased with the last Distick therein Partem oneris vestri minimā ne despice curam Nec Pueros
itcrum tedeat esse tuam Do not the least part of your trust disdain Nor grudge of Boys to take the care again He lived to be a very aged man past seventy six and died Anno Domini 162. JOHN FLETCHER Son of Richard Fletcher D. D. was as by proportion of time is collectible born in this County before his Father was Bishop of Bristol or London and whilst as yet he was Dean of Peterborough He had an excellent wit which the back-friends to Stage-plays will say was neither idle nor well imploy'd For he and Francis Beaumont Esquire like Castor and Pollux most happy when in conjunction raised the English to equal the Athenian and Roman Theater Beaumont bringing the ballast of judgement Fletcher the sail of phantasie both compounding a Poet to admiration Meeting once in a Tavern to contrive the rude draught of a Tragedy Fletcher undertook to kill the King therein whose words being over-heard by a listener though his Loyalty not to be blamed herein he was accused of High Treason till the mistake soon appearing that the plot was onely against a Drammatick and Scenical King all wound off in merriment Nor could it be laid to Fletcher's charge what Ajax doth to Ulysses Nihil hic Diomede remoto When Diomede was gone He could do nought alone For surviving his partner he wrote good Comedies himself though inferiour to the former and no wonder if a single thread was not so strong as a twisted one He died as I am inform'd in London of the plague in the first of King Charles 1625. Sir HENRY MONTAGUE Knight third son to Sir Edward Montague Knight grand-child to Sir Edward Montague Knight Lord Chief-Justice of the Kings-bench was born at Boughton in this County One skilful in mysterious arts beholding him when a School-boy foretold that by the pregnancy of his parts he would raise himself above the rest of his family which came to pass accordingly He was bred first in Christs-colledge in Cambridge then in the Middle-Temple where he attained to great learning in the Laws and passed through many preferments viz. 1. Sergeant at Law 2. Knighted by King James July 22. 1602. 3. Recorder of London 4. Lord Chief-Justice of the Kings-Bench November 18. 1616. 5. Lord Treasurer of England Decem. 16. 1620. 6. Baron of Kimbolton 7. Viscount Mandevile 8. President of the Council Septem 29. 1621. 9. Earl of Manchester 10. Lord Privy-Seal He wisely perceiving that Courtiers were but as counters in the hands of Princes raised and depress'd in valuation at pleasure was contented rather to be set for a smaller sum then to be quite put up into the box Thus in point of place and preferment being pleased to be what the King would have him according to his Motto Movendo non mutando me he became almost what he would be himself finaly advanced to an Office of great honour When Lord Privy-Seal he brought the Court of Requests into such repute that what formerly was called the Almes-basket of the Chancery had in his time well nigh as much meat in and guests about it I mean Suits and Clients as the Chancery it self His meditations on Life and Death written in the time of his health may be presumed to have left good impressions on his own soul preparatory for his dissolution which happened 164. Writers JOHN of NORTHAMPTON in Latine Johannes Avonius was born in the Town of Northampton in ipso Insulae umbilico saith Bale and is not mistaken in his proportion This mindeth me of a village in this County sufficiently known commonly call'd Navesby whose Orthography Criticks will have Navelsby as in the middle of England This John became a Carmelite in his native Town and so addicted himself to the Study of Mathematicks that he became one of the most eminent in that age for practical experiments He was Author of a work which he called The Philosophers Ring This was not like The Philosophers Stone a thing meerly imaginary nor yet was it a work of the Cyclopedy of Arts as the sound may seem to import but it was in plain truth a perpetual Almanack I say Almanack which word though many make of Arabick extraction a great Antiquary will have it derived from the Dutch Al-mon-aght that is to say Al-mon-heed the regard or observation of all Moons However this work of John was beheld as a Master-piece of that age and since commented upon by other Writers He flourished Anno Domini 1340. ROBERT HOLCOT was born in a Village of this County so named bred in the University of Oxford and afterwards became a Dominican in Northampton A deep Scholar and yet commended to be prudent in rebus agendis and accounted one of the greatest School-men in that age Nor was he onely a Candle or domestick light confin'd within the walls of his own Country but his learning was a publick Luminary to all Christendome as appears by the praise which Trithemius bestoweth upon him Vir in Divinis Scripturis eruditissimus secularium literarum non ignarus ingenio praestans clarus eloquio declamator quoque sermonem egregius Scripsit multa praeclara opuscula quibus nomen suum posteris notificavit He died at Northampton of the plague Anno 1349 before he had finished his Lectures on the seventh of Ecclesiastes I say of the plague which at that time so raged in England that our Chroniclers affirm scarce a tenth person of all sorts was left alive Insomuch that the Churches and Church-yards in London not sussicing for their interments a new Church-yard was Consecrated in West-smithfield wherein fifty thousand were buried who at that time died of the pestilence ROBERT DODFORD was born in a Village so called in this County where the Wirlyes Gentlemen of good account have long had their habitation so named as I take it from a Ford over the river Avon and Dods Water-weeds commonly called by children Cats Tales growing thereabouts He was bred a Benedictine Monke in the Abby of Ramsey and applied himself to the Study of the Hebrew Tongue wherewith the Library of which he was Keeper in that Convent did much abound He wrote Postills on the Proverbs and other Sermons which the envy of time hath intercepted â—…rom us He is said to have flourished about the year 1370. by Bale though Pitz on what account I know not maketh him more ancient by an hundred years PETER PATESHULL was no doubt born in that Village not far from Northampton bred a Augustinian in Oxford however falling afterwards into some dislike of his Order he procured from Walter Dysse Legate to Pope Urbane the sixth a Dispensation to relinquish it and was made the Popes Honorary Chaplain Afterwards by often reading the works of Wickliffe but especially his book of Real Universals he became of his judgement and after the death of Wickliffe preached and promoted his doctrine he wrote an Exposition of the Prophesie of Hildegardes a Stinging
164. Memorable Persons There is a Memorial entred on the Wall of the Cathedral of Peterburough for one who being Sexton thereof interred two Queens therein Katharine Dowager and Mary of Scotland more then fifty years interceeding betwixt their several sepultures This vivacious Sexton also buried two generations or the people in that place twice over Thus having built many houses so I find Graves frequently called Domus Aeternales for others some as it was fitting performed this last office unto him Thus though Sextons often meet with bad savours arising from Corps too much or rather too little corrupted yet is the instance of his long life aleadged by such who maintain that the smelling to perfect mold made of mens consumed bodies is a preservative of life Lord Mayors  Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Rest Will. Rest Peterborouh Grocer 1516 2 Will. Laxton John Laxton Yongdell Grocer 1544 3 Ralph Freeman Will. Freeman Northampton Clothworker 1633 Reader this is one of the twelve Counties whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower in the reign of King Henry the sixth Sheriffs of Northampton HEN. II. Anno 1 Rich. Basset Albrus de Vere Anno 2 Simon filius Petri Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Hugo Gubion Anno 9 Idem Anno 10 Simon filius Petri Hugo Gubion Anno 11 Simon for 5 years Anno 16 Rob. filius Gawini for 5 years Anno 21 Hugo de Gundevill Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Idem Anno 24 Tho filius Bernardi for 6 years Anno 30 Tho. Rad. Morin Anno 31 Galfr. filius Petri Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Idem RICH. I. Anno 1 Gal. filius Petri Anno 2 Rich. Engaigne Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Gal. filius Petri Rob. filius Radulp. Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Gal. Simon de Patishull Anno 7 Simon de Patishull for 4 years JOH REG. Anno 1 Simon Patishull for 5 years Anno 6 Rob. de Sancei Hen. filius Petri. Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Pet. de Stores Gilb. Groc Anno 9 Wal. de Preston Joh. de Ulcot ut Custos Anno 10 Walt. de Preston ut Custos Anno 11 Rob. de Braybrook ut Custos Anno 12 Rob. ut Custos Anno 13 Rob. Hen. fil ejus Anno 14 Hen. Braybrook ut Custos Anno 15 Rob. Hen. ut Custos Anno 16 Hen. de Braybrook ut Custos Anno 17 Idem HEN. III. Anno 1 Falc de Breantre Rad. de Bray for 8 years Anno 9 Rad. de Trublevil Rad. Washingbury for 4 years Anno 13 Stehp de Segne Will de Marawast for 6 years Anno 19 Hen. de Rada for 5 years Anno 25 Will. de Coleworth Anno 26 Idem Anno 27 Alan de Maidwell for 6 years Anno 33 Simon de Thorp Anno 34 Idem Anno 35 Rob. Bassett Anno 36 Idem Anno 37 Will. de Insula Anno 38 Hugo de Manneby Anno 39 Idem Anno 40 Will. de Insula Anno 41 Hugo de Manneby Anno 42 Idem Anno 43 Eustacius de Watford Anno 44 Simon de Patishull Anno 45 Idem Anno 46 Idem Anno 47 Alanus de Tash Anno 48 Alanus de Insh Anno 49 Idem Anno 50 Idem Anno 51 Warin de Basingburn Joh. de Oxenden Clic Anno 52 Joh. de Moyne Nich. de Maunden Anno 53 Idem Anno 54 Idem Anno 55 Will. de Boyvill EDW. I. Anno 1 Will. de Bowvill Anno 2 Gilb. de Kirkby for 5 years Anno 7 Tho. de Arden Anno 8 Rob. de Band Anno 9 Rob. de Band in Charta quidem Asp. H. for 9 years Anno 18 Joh. Druell for 12 years Anno 30 Rob. de Veer Anno 31 Joh. de Ashton for 5 years EDW. II. Anno 1 Anno 2 Almaric de Nodardus Simon de Greenhull Anno 3 Joh. de Willoughby Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Gal. de Bradden Anno 7 Tho. Wale Anno 8 Eustac de Barnby Anno 9 Joh. de Ashton Anno 10 Joh. de Hoby Anno 11 Joh. de Honby Anno 12 Joh. Egid. de Cugelio Anno 13 Joh. de Honby Egid. de Cugelio Joh. de Wittebur Egid. de Cugegio Joh. de Wittlebur Anno 14 Hum. de Basingburne Joh. Sto. Mauro Anno 15 Hum. Basingburne Anno 16 Anno 17 Joh. de Sto. Mauro Joh. Daundelin Anno 18 Joh. Joh. Anno 19 Joh. Daudelin EDW. III. Anno 1 Will. de Sto. Mauro Simon de Lanshall Anno 2 Will. de Sto. Mauro Anno 3 Tho. Wake Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Tho. de Buckton Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Will. Lovell for 4 years Anno 11 Tho. Wake Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Tho. Wake de Blisworth Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Tho. de Babenham Anno 17 Tho. de Buckton Anno 18 Rob. Pandeley Anno 19 Idem Anno 20 Idem Anno 21 Walt. Parles Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Rich. Blundel Anno 24 Idem Anno 25 Pet. Mallore Anno 26 Walt. Parles Anno 27 Idem Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Joh. de Kaynes for 4 years Anno 33 Andre Landwath Anno 34 Walt. Parles Anno 35 Rich. Wydevill for 8 years Anno 43 Tho. de Preston Anno 44 Idem Anno 45 Rich. Wydenell Anno 46 Rob. Hotot Anno 47 Simon Ward Anno 48 Joh. Karnell Anno 49 Tho. de Preston Anno 50 Rob. Poterleyn Anno 51 Joh. Karnell Sheriffs of Northampton-shire Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Tho. de Preâ—…ton Preston  2 Joh. Lions   3 Joh. Paveley  Erm. on a Fess Az. 3 Cros. Patee Or. 4 Joh. Widevill Graâ—…ton Arg. a Fess and Canton Gules 5 Johan Lions   6 Ro. Atte ChauÌ„bre  Argent 3. Cheverons Sable 7 Nich. Litlinges   8 Rog. Chaumbre ut prius  9 Joh. Widevill ut prius  10 Joh. Paveley ut prius  11 Ro. de la ChauÌ„bre ut prius  12 Rad. Parles   13 Joh. Paveley mi. ut prius  14 Joh. Widevill ut prius  15 Joh. Tindall Deane Arg. a Fess indented 3 Cressants in chief Gul. 16 Joh. Mallore Winewick Or 3 Lions passant gardant Sab. 17 Johan Mulsho  Erm. on a Bend Sa. 3 Goats-heads erased Arg. armed Or. 18 Idem ut prius  19 Idem ut prius  20 Joh. Warwick  Checkee Or and Azu a Cheveron Ermin 21 Joh. Mulsho ut prius  22 Idem ut prius  HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Joh. Warwicke ut prius  2 Joh Cope Canons Ashby Arg. on a Cheveron Az. 'twixt 3 Roses G. slipped leaved Ver. 3 flower de liz Or. Joh. Châ—…wood Warkworth Quarterly Arg. and Gul. 4 Crosses patee counterchanged 3 Egid. Malorye   4 Warin Lucyen   5 Idem   6 Rich. Wedenhall
Scotland I lay at Alnwick in Northumberland one Sunday by the way and understanding from the Host of the house where I lodged that this Minister lived within three miles of that place I took my horse after dinner and rid thither to hear him preach for my own satisfaction I found him in the Desk where he read unto us some part of the Common-prayer some of Holy Davids Psalmes and two Chapters one out of the Old the other out of the New Testament without the use of Spectacles The Bible out of which he read the Chapters was a very small Printed Bible He went afterwards into his Pulpit where he prayed and preached to us about an hour and half His Text was Seek you the Kingdome of God and all things shall be added unto you In my poor judgement he made an excellent good Sermon and went cleaverly through without the help of any Notes After Sermon I went with him to his house where I proposed these several following Questions to him Whether it was true the book reported of him concerning his hair whether or no he had a new set of Teeth come whether or no his Eye-sight ever failed him and whether in any measure he found his strength renewed unto him He answered me distinctly to all these and told me he understood the News-book reported his hair to become a dark brown again but that is false he took his Cap off and shewed me it It is come again like a childs but rather flaxen then either brown or gray For his Teeth he hath three come within these two years not yet to their perfection while he bred them he was very ill Forty years since he could not read the biggest Print without Spectacles and now he blesseth God there is no Print so small no written hand so small but he can read it without them For his Strength he thinkes himself as strong now as he hath been these twenty years Not long since he walked to Alnwick to dinner and back again six North-country miles He is now an hundred and ten years of age and ever since last May a hearty body very chearful but stoops very much He had five children after he was eighty years of age four of them lusty lasses now living with him the other died lately his wife yet hardly fifty years of age He writes himself Machell Vivan he is a Scotish-man born near Aberdeen I forget the Towns name where he is now Pastor he hath been there fifty years Your assured loving friend Thomas Atkin. Windsor 28. Septem 1657. A most strange accident For waving the Poetical fiction of Aeson his Re-juvenescency in Medeas Bath it will hardly be paired To begin with Scripture Caleb or All-heart his professing himself as able for any action at eighty as forty years before speaketh no renovation but continuation of his strength And whereas David saith that his youth was renewed as an Eagles he is to be understood in a Metapborical yea Spiritual sense of the vigorousness and sprightfulness of grace in his heart seeing otherwise his great debilitation doth appear at seventy years scarce a moity of this mans a age As for the many miracles wrought by our Saviour though extending to the cleansings of Leapers Curing Diseases Casting out Divels yea Reviving the Dead yet they never countermanded nature in this kind by recruiting the strength of an aged person As for humane History I meet not with any to mate him in all particulars The nearest that treadeth on his heels is the Countess of Desmond married in the reign of King Edward the fourth and yet alive Anno 1589. and many years since when she was well known to Sir Walter Raleigh and to all the Nobles and Gentlemen in Mounster But chiefly to the Earls for there was a succession of them worn out by her vivacity of Desmond from whose expectation she detained her jointer The Lord Bacon casteth up her age to be an hundred and fourty at least adding withall Ter per vices dentisse That she recovered her Teeth after her casting them three several times All I will adde is this had this happened in foreign parts addicted to Popery near the shrine of some Saint superstition with her sickle might have reaped a great harvest thereby ........ ANDERSON a Townsman and Merchant of Newcastle talking with a friend on Newcastle-bridge and fingering his ring before he was aware let it fall into the river and was much troubled with the loss thereof untill the same was found in a fish caught in the river and restored unto him The same is reported by Herodotus in his third book of Polycrates a petty King and the Minion of fortune and may be an instance of the recurrency of remarkable accidents according to Solomons observation There is no new thing under the sun The names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth 1433. Thomas Bishop of Durâ—…am Commissioners to take the Oaths Ralph Earl of VVestmerland  Thomas Lilborn Knights for the Shire  John Carington Knights for the Shire  Rob. Umfravile mil. Rad. Gray mil. Rob. Ogle senior mil. Rob. Ogle jun. mil. Johan Bertram mil. Will. Elmeden mil. Johan Midleton mil. Will. Svynbarn mil. Johan Maners mil. Math. Whitfeld mil. VVill. Carnaby Johan Fenwyk Johan Midelton Tho. Ilderton Rob. Raymes Tho. Haggerston Rob. Maners Laur. Acton Tho. Gray de Norton Tho. Blekensop Row Thirwall Ric. Fetherstanhalgh Gilb. Rotherford VVill. Muschaunce Gilb. Eryngton VVill. Clenell Johan Heron de Netherton Tho. Reed de Redesdale Roger. Ushere Tho. Midleton Joh. Ellerington Joh. Park Rich. Lilburne Tho. Elwick Joh. Eryngton Nic. Heron de Meldon Joh. Trewyk Joh. Chestre Lion Chestre Joh. Horsley de Horsley Jaco Buk de Morpath Observations The Fable is sufficiently known of the contest betwixt the Wind and the Sun which first should force the Travailer to put off his cloaths The Wind made him wrap them the closer about him whilst the heat of the Sun soon made him to part with them This is moralized in our English Gentry such who live South-ward near London which for the â—…stre thereof I may fitly call the Sun of our Nation in the warmth of wealth and pleanâ—…â—…f pleasures quickly strip and disrobe themselves of their Estates and Inheritance whilst the Gentry living in this County in the Confines of Scotland in the VVind of VVar daily Alarumed with their blustering enemies buckle their Estates as their armour the closer unto them and since have no less thriftily defended their patrimony in Peace then formerly they valiantly maintained it in War The Commissioners of this County did not over weary themselves in working when they returned these persons presenting no underwood yea no standels but only tymber-oaks men of great wealth and worship in this Shire as appears by the thinness of their number but one and twenty Sheriffs of Northumberland HEN. II. Anno 1 Odardus Anno
of his book This William Chillingworth was taken prisoner by the Parliament Forces at Arundel castle and not surprised and slain in his studiâ—…es as Archimedes at the sacking of Syracuse as some have given it out but wâ—…s safely conducted to Chichester where notwithstanding hard usage hastened his dissolution DANIEL FEATLY D. D. was born in or very near to the City of Oxford his father being a servant of Corpus-Christi college and this his son Fellow thereof Here he had the honour to make the Speech in the College at the Funeral of Dr. Reynalds Some men may be said to have mutinous parts which will not obey the commands of him who is the owner of them Not so this Doctor who was perfect Master of his own Learning He did not as Quintilian saith of some Occultis thesaur is incumbere but his learning was in numerato for his present using thereof He was as good in the Schools as in the Pulpit and very happy in his Disputes with Papists for in the Conference with F. Fisher when Fisher was caught in his own Net though Dr. White did wisely cast that Net Dr. Featly did help strongly to draw it to the shore It seems though he was in yet he was not of the late Assembly of Divines as whose body was with them whilest his heart was at Oxford Yea he discovered so much in a Letter to the Archbishop of Armagh which being intercepted he was proceeded against as a Spie and closely imprisoned though finding some favour at last he dyed in the Prison College at Chelsey Anno Dom. 1643. His Wifes son hath since communicated to me his Pocket-Manual of his memorable observations all with his own hand but alas to be read by none but the writer thereof JOHN WHITE descended from the Whites in Hant-shire was born at StantonSt Johns in this County bred first in Winchester then New-college in Oxford whereof he was Fellow and fixed at last a Minister at Dorchester in Dorcet-shire well nigh forty years A grave man yet without moroseness as who would willingly contribute his shot of facetiousness on any just occasion A constant Preacher so that in the course of his Ministery he expounded the Scripture all over and half over again having an excellent faculty in the clear and solid interpreting thereof A good Governor by whose wisdom the Town of Dorchester notwithstanding a casual merciless fire was much enriched Knowledge causing Piety Piety breeding Industry and Industry procuring Plenty unto it A beggar was not then to be seen in the Town all able Poore being set on work and impotent maintained by the profit of a publique Brew house and other collections He absolutely commanded his own Passions and the purses of his Parishioners whom he could wind up to what height he pleased on important occasions He was free from covetousness if not trespassing on the contrary and had a Patriarchal influence both in Old and New-England yet towards the end of his dayes Factions and fond Opinions crept in his flock a new generation arose which either did not know or would not acknowledge this good man disloyal persons which would not pay the due respect to the Crown of his old age whereof he was sadly and silently sensible He was chosen one of the Assembly of Divines and his judgment was much relied on therein He married the sister of Dr. Burges the great Non-conformist who afterwards being reclaimed wrote in the defence of Ceremonies by whom he left four sons and dyed quietly at Dorchester Anno Dom. 164. I hope that Solomons observation of the poor wise man who saved the little City Yet no man remembred him will not be verified of this Town in relation to this their deceased Pastor whom I hope they will not I am sure they should not forget as a person so much meriting of them in all considerations His Comment on some part of Genesis is lately set forth and more daily expected Benefactors to the Publick since the Reformation THOMAS TISDALL of Glimpton in this County Esquire deceasing Anno 1610. bequeathed five thousand pounds to George Abbot then Bishop of London John Bennet Knight and Henry Aray Doctor of Divinity to purchase Lands for the maintainance of seven Fellows and six Scholers which money deposited in so careful hands was as advantagiously expended for the purchase of two hundred and fifty pounds per annum It fell then under consideration that it was pity so great a bounty substantial enough to stand of it self should be adjected to a former Foundation whereupon a new College formerly called Broad-gates-hall in Oxford was erected therewith by the name of Pembroke-College which since hath met with some considerable Benefactors May this the youngest College in England have the happiness of a youngest child who commonly have in their mothers love what they lack in the land of their father We must not forget that the aforesaid Thomas Tisdall gave many other charitable Legasies and deserved very well of Abington-school founding an Usher therein Memorable Persons ANNE GREENE a person unmarried was indicted arraigned cast condemned and executed for killing her child at the Assizes at Oxford Decemb. 14. 1650. After some hours her body being taken down and prepared for dissection in the Anatomyschools some heat was found therein which by the care of the Doctors was improved into her perfect recovery Charitable people interpret her so miraculous preservation a Compurgator of her innocence Thus she intended for a dead continues a living Anatomy of divine Providence and a monument of the wonderful contrivances thereof If Hippolytus revived onely by Poetical fancies was surnamed Virbius because twice a man why may not Mulierbia by as good proportion be applied to her who since is married and liveth in this County in good reputation Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1. John Norman John Norman Banbury Draper 1453 2. Thomas Pargitor John Pargitor Chippingnorton Salter 1530 3. Michael Dormer Jeffrey Dormer Tame Mercer 1541 The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of King Henry the sixth William Bishop of Lincoln  William de Lovell chiv Commissioners to take the Oaths Stephen Haytfeld Knights for the Shire  Richard Quatermayns Knights for the Shire  Tho. Wikeham chiv Lodowici Grevill Iohannis Wisham Iohan. Banufo Humphridi Hay Iohannis Tyso Will. Thomlyns Thome Andrey Thome atte Mille Iohannis Benet Rad. Archer Ioh. Archer Thome Willes Iohannis Perysson Ioh. Crosse de Sibford Thome Eburton Thome Kynch Willielmi Brise Willielmi Dandy Richardi Stanes Iohannis Wallrond Iohannis Daypoll Iohannis Fabian VVill. Page Iohannis Mose Williel Seton Iohannis Pytte Thome Helmeden Tho. Scholes Thome Sperehawke Thome Gascoine Thome Clere Ioh. Goldwell Williel Goldwell Iohannis White Thome Lynne Will. Smith de Bloxham Thome Chedworth Willielmi Haliwell Ioh. Chedworth Ioh. de Berford Robert Qâ—…inaton Richardi atte Mille Willielmi Mason Willielmi almer Thome Tymmes Ioh. Cross
on thee all spent in vain See this bright structure till that smart Blind thy blear-eyes and grieve thy heart Some Cottage-Schools are built so low The Muses there must groveling go Here whilst Apollo's sharp doth sound The Sisters Nine may dance around And Architects may take from hence The Pattern of magnificence Then grieve not Adams in thy mind 'Cause you have left no Child behind Unbred unborn is better rather If so you are a second Father To all bred in this School so fair And each of them thy Son and Heir Long may this Worthy person live to see his intentions finished and compleated to his own contentment Memorable Persons THOMAS PARRE son of John Parre born at Alberbury in the Parish of Winnington in this County lived to be above one hundred and fifty years of age verifying his Anagram Thomas Parre Most rare hap He was born in the reign of King Edward the Fourth one thousand four hundred eighty three and two moneths before his death was brought up by Thomas Earle of Arundel a great lover of Antiquities in all kinds to Westminster He slept away most of his time and is thus charactered by an eye witness of him From head to heel his body had all over A quick-set thick-set nat'ral hairy cover Change of Air and Diet better in it self but worse for him with the trouble of many Visitants or Spectators rather are conceived to have accelerated his death which happened Westminster November the 15 1634 and was buried in the Abbey-Church all present at his burial doing homage to this our aged Thomas de Temporibus Lords Majors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Roger Acheley Thomas Acheley Stanwardine Draper 1511 2 Rowland Hill Thomas Hill Hodnet Mercer 1549 3 Thomas Lee Roger Lee Wellington Mercer 1558 4 Thomas Lodge William Lodge Cresset Grocer 1562 5 Rowland Heyward George Heyward Bridg North Clothworker 1570 6 Robert Lee Humphry Lee Bridg North Merchant Tailor 1602 7 John Swinnerton Tho. Swinnerton Oswestry Merchant Tailor 1612 8 Francis Jones John Jones Glaverley Haberdasher 1620 9 Peter Probey Not Recorded White-church Grocer 1622 10 Allen Cotton Ralph Cotton White-church Draper 1625 11 George Whitmore Will. Whitmore Charley Haberdasher 1631 12 Thomas Adams Thomas Adams Wem Draper 164. See we here a Jury of Lords Majors born in this which I believe will hardly be paallel'd in a greater County All no doubt Honestmen and true The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the twelfth year of Henry the Sixth 1433. A VVilliam Bishop of Coven Leichf Commissioners to take the Oaths B John de Talbot Knight C Richard Laken Knights for the Shire VVilliam Boerley Willielmi Malory Militis Johannis Fitz-Piers Willielmi Lodelowe Thomae Hopton de Hopton Richardi Archer Johannis Wynnesbury Thomae Corbet de Ley Thomae Corbet de Morton Johannis Bruyn senioris Thomae Charleton Richardi Peshale Thomae Newport Georgii Hankeston Johannis Brugge Thomae Banastre Hugonis Harnage Leonardi Stepulton Hugonis Cresset Johannis Skryven Willielmi Poynour Richardi Neuport Richardi Horde Nicholai Sandford Griffin Kynaston Johanuis Bruyn junioris Hugonis Stepulton Simonis Hadington Alani Wetenhull Richardi Sonford Johannis Otley Edwardi Leighton de Mershe Edmundi Plowden Thomae Mardford Rogeri Bromley Richardi Lee Humfridi Cotes VVillielmi Leighton Richardi Horton Willielmi Welascote Richardi Husee Johannis Wenlok Willielmi Mersheton Walteri Codour Ricdardi Gerii VVillielmi Bourden A This VVilliam was VVilliam Hieworth Bishop of Coventry and Leichfield of whom here after B Sir John Talbot though here only additioned Knight was the Lord Talbot and eight years after created Earl of Shrewsbury of whom before C Richard Laken the same Family with Lacon whose Seat was at VVillily in this County augmented both in Bloud and Estate by the Matches with the Heirs of 1 Harley 2 Peshal 3 Passilew 4 Blunt of Kinlet My hopes are according to my desires that this Ancient Family is still extant in this County though I suspect shrewdly shattered in Estate The Commissioners of this Shire were neither altogether Idle nor very Industrious having made but a short and slender return only of 45 principal persons therein Sheriffes of Shropshire HEN. II. Anno 1 Anno 2 Will. filius Alani for 5 years together Anno 7 Guido Extraneus for 5 years together Anno 12 Gaufrid de Ver for 4 years together Anno 16 Gaufrid de Ver Will Clericus Anno 17 Guido Extraneus for 9 years together Anno 26 Hugo Pantulfe for 8 years together RICH. I. Anno 1 Will. filius Alani Reginal de Hesden Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Will. filius Alani Will de Hadlega Anno 4 Will. filius Alani for 4 years together Anno 8 Will. filius Alani Reginald de Hedinge Anno 9 Will. filius Alani Wido filius Roberti Anno 10 Will. filius Alani Masculum JOHANNES Anno 1 Will. filius Alani VVarrus de VVililegh Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 VVill. filius Alani Reiner de Lea. Anno 4 G. filius Petri Richardus de Ambresleg Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Thomas de Erolitto Robertus de Alta Ripa Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Thomas de Erdington for 9 years together HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Ranul Com. Cestriae Hen. de Aldetheleg Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Ranul Com. Cestriae Philippus Kinton Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Ranul Com. Cestriae Anno 9 Johannes Bovet Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Hen. de Aldithle Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Hen. de Aldithle VVill. de Bromley Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Idem Anno 17 Petr. Rival Rob. de Haye for 4 years together Anno 21 Johannes Extraneus Robertus de Acton Anno 22 Johannes Extraneus for 11 years together Anno 33 Thomas Corbet Anno 34 Idem Anno 35 Robertus de Grendon for 5 years together Anno 40 Hugo Acover Anno 41 Idem Anno 42 VVillielmus Bagod Anno 43 Idem Anno 44 Idem Anno 45 Jacobus de Audeley for 7 years together Anno 52 VValterus de Hopton Anno 53 Idem EDW. I. Anno 1 Roger. de Mortuo Mari. Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Bago de Knovile Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Rogerus Sprengehuse for 8 years together Anno 15 Dominus de Ramesley Anno 16 Idem Anno 17 Robertus Corbet Anno 18 VVill. de Tickley â—…ive Tittle for 6 years together Anno 24 Radulphus de Schirle Anno 25 Idem Anno 26 Idem Anno 27 Tho. Corbet Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Richardus de Harleigh Anno 30 Idem Anno 31 VValter de Beysin Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Johannes de Acton Anno 34 Johannes de Dene Anno 35 Idem EDW. II. Anno 1 Rogerus Trumvine Anno 2 Johannes Extraneus Hugo de Crofts Hugo de Crofts Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Hugo
of the Garter Governour of the Isles of Jersey and Gernsey and Privy Counsellor to Queen Elizabeth who chiefly committed the keeping of Mary Queen of Scots to his fidelity who faithfully discharged his trust therein I know the Romanists rail on him as over-strickt in his Charge but indeed without cause for he is no unjust Steward who to those under him alloweth all his Masters allowance though the same be â—…ut of the scantest proportion Besides it is no news for Prisoners especially if accounting their restraint unjust to find fault with their Keepers meerely for keeping them And such who complain of him if in his place ought to have done the same themselves When Secretary Walsingham moved this Knight to suffer one of his Servants to be bribed by the Agents of the Queen of Scots so to compasse the better intelligence he would in no terms yield thereunto Such conniving at was consenting to and such consenting to in effect was commanding of such falshood Whereupon the Secretary was fain to go further about and make use of an Instrument at a greater distance who was no menial servant to Sir Amias He died Anno Dom. 15. And was buried in London in St. Martins in the fields where his Epitaph is all an allusion to the three Swords in his Arms and three words in his Motto Gardez la Foy Keep the Faith Which harping on that one string of his fidelity though perchance harsh musick to the ears of others was harmonioâ—…s to Queen Elizabeth Capital Judges JOHN FITZ-JAMES Knight was born at Redlinch in this County of right ancient and worthy Parentage bred in the Study of our Municipal Laws wherein he proved so great a Proficient that by King Henry the Eighth He was advanced Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. There needs no more be said of his merit save that King Henry the Eighth preferred him who never used either Dunce or Dâ—…one in Church or State but Men of Ability and Activity He sate above thirteen years in his Place demeaning himself so that he lived and died in the Kings favour He sate one of the Assistants when Sir Thomas More was arraigned for refusing the Oath of Supremacy and was shrewdly put to it to save his own Conscience and not incurre the Kings displeasure For Chancellor Audley Supream Judge in that place being loath that the whole burthen of Mores condemnation should lye on his shoulders alone openly in Court asked the advice of the Lord Chief Justice Fitz-James whether the Indictment were sufficient or no to whom our Judge warily returned My Lords all by St. Gillian which was ever his Oath I must needs confesse that if the Act of Parliament be not unlawful then the Indictment is not in my conscience insufficient He died in the thirtyeth year of King Henry the Eighth and although now there be none left at Redlinch of his Name and Family they flourish still at Lewson in Dorsetshire descended from Alured Fitz-James brother to this Judge and to Richard Bishop of London whose Heir in a direct line Sir John Fitz-James Knight I must acknowledge a strong encourager of my weak endeavours JOHN PORTMAN Knight was born of Wealthy and Worshipful Extraction at Portmâ—…ns Orchard in this County a fair Mannor which descended to him by Inheritance the Heir of the Orchards being matcht into his Family He was bred in the Study of the Common Law attaining to such eminency therein that June 11 the second of Queen Mary he was made Chief Justice of the Kings Bench continuing two years in the place and dying therein for ought I find to the contrary and a Baronet of his name and Linage flourisheth at this day with a great and plentiful Estate DAVID BROOKE Knight born at Glassenbury son to John Brook Esq. who as I read in Claréntiaux was Serjeant at Law to King Henry the Eighth Our David was also bred in the study of our Laws and in the First of Queen Mary was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer but whether dying in or quitting the place in the First of Queen Elizabeâ—…h I am not informed He married Katharine daugher of John Lord Shandois but died without Issue JAMES DIER Knight younger son to Richard Dier Esq. was born at Roundhill in this County as may appear to any by the Heralds Visitation thereof and doth also to me by particular information from his relations He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law and was made Lord Chief Justice of the 〈◊〉 Pleas Primo Eliz. continuing therein 24 years longer if my eye or Arithmetick faâ—…l me not than any in that place before or after him When Thomas Duke of Northfolk was Anno 1572 arraigned for Treason this Judge was present thereat on the same token that when the Duke desired Council to be assigned him pleading that it was granted to Humphry Stafford in the reign of King Henry the Seventh our Judge returned unto him That Stafford had it allowed him only as to Point of Law then in dispute viz. Whether he was legally taken out of the Sanctuary but as for matter of Fact neither he nor any ever had or could have any Councel allowed him a course observed in such Cases unto this day But let his own Works praise him in the Gaâ—…es is known for the place of publick Justice amongst the Jews Let his Learned Writings called his Commentaries or Reports evidence his Abilities in his Profession He died in 25 Eliz. though married without any Issue and there is a House of a Baronet of his name descended from an elder son of Richard father to our Judge at Great Stoughton in Huntington-shire well improved I believe with the addition of the Judges Estate Sr. JOHN POPHAM of most ancient descent was born at Huntworth in this County In his youthful dayes he was as stout and skilful a Man at Sword and Buckler as any in that age and wild enough in his recreations But Oh! if Quick-silver could be really fixed to what a treasure would it amount Such is wild Youth seriously reduced to Gravity as by this young man did appear He applied himself to a more profitable Fencing the study of the Laws therein atteining to such eminency that he became the Queens Attourny and afterwards Lord Chief Justice of England Being sent Anno 1600 by the Queen with some others to the Earl of Essex to know the cause of the confluence of so many Military Men unto his House the Souldiers therein detained him for a time which some did make to Tantamount to an imprisonment This his violent detention Sir John deposed upon his Oath at the Earls Trial which I note the rather for the rarity thereof that a Lord Chief Justice should be produced as witness in open Court In the Beginning of the reign of king James his Justice was exemplary on Theeves and Robbers The Land then swarmed with people which had been Souldiers who had never gotten or
else quite forgotten any other vocation Hard it was for peace to feed all the Idle mouthes which a former war did breed being too proud to begge too lazy to labour Those infected the Highwayes with their Felonies some presuming on their multitudes as the Robbers on the Northern Rode whose knot otherwise not to be untyed Sr. John cut asunder with the Sword of Justice He possessed King James how the frequent granting of pardons was prejudicial to Justice rendring the Judges to the contempt of insolent Malesactors which made his Majesty more sparing afterward in that kind In a word the deserved death of some scores preserved the lives and livelyhoods of more thousands Travellers owing their safety to this Judges severity many years after his death which happened Anno Dom. 16. Souldiers JOHN COURCY Baron of Stoke-Courcy in this County was the first Englishman who invaded and subdued Ulster in Ireland therefore deservedly created Earl thereof He was afterward surprised by Hugh Lacy corrival for his Title sent over into England and imprisoned by King John in the Tower of London A French-Castle being in controverfie was to have the Title thereof tried by Combate the Kings of England and France beholding it Courcy being a lean lank body with staring eyes prisoners with the wildnesse of their looks revenge the closenesse of their bodies is sent for out of the Tower to undertake the Frenchman and because enfcebled with long durance a large bill of fare was allowed him to recruit his strength The Monsieur hearing how much he had eat and drank and guessing his courage by his stomack oâ—… rather stomack by his appetite took him for a Canibal who would devoure him at the last course and so he declined the Combate Afterwards the two Kings desirous to see some proof of Courcy's strength caused a steel Helmet to be laid on a block before him â—…ourcy looking about him 〈◊〉 grimme countenance as if he intended to cut with his eyes as well as with his arms sundered the Helmet at one blow into two pieces striking the Sword so deep into the wood that none but himself could pull it out again Being demanded the cause why he looked so sternly Had I said he failed of my design I would have killed the Kings and all in the place words well-spoken because well taken all persons present being then highly in good humour Hence it is that the Lord Courcy Baron of Ringrom second Baron in Ireland claim a priviledge whether by Patent or Prescription Charter or Custome I know not after their first obeisance to be covered in the Kings presence if processe of time had not antiquated the practice His devotion was equal to his valour being a great Founder and endower of Religious Houses In one thing he fouly failed turning the Church of the Holy Trinity in Down into the Church of St. Patrick for which as the Story saith he was condemned never to return into Ireland though attempting it fifteen several times but repell'd with foul weather He afterwards went over and died in France about the year 1210. MATTHEW GOURNAY was born at Stoke-under-Hamden in this County where his Family had long flourished since the Conquest and there built both a Castle and a Colledge But our Matthew was the honour of the House renowned under the reign of King Edward the Third having fought in seven several signal set Battails viz. 1 At the siege of d'Algizer against the Sarazens 2 At the Battail of Benemazin against the same 3 Sluce a Sea-fight against the French 4 Cressy a Land-fight-against the same 5 Ingen Pitch'd fights against the French 6 Poictiers Pitch'd fights against the French 7 Nazaran under the Black Prince in Spain His Armour was beheld by Martial Men with much civil veneration with whom his faithful Buckler was a relique of esteem But it added to the wonder that our Matthew who did lie and watch so long on the bed of honour should die in the bed of peace aged ninety and six years about the beginning of King Richard the Second He lieth buried under a fair Monument in the Church of Stoke aforesaid whose Epitaph legible in the last age is since I suspect defaced Sea-men Sir AMIAS PRESTON Knight was descended of an Ancient Family who have an Habitationat Cricket nigh Creukern in this County He was a Valiant Souldier and Active Sea-man witnesse in 88. when he seized on the Admiral of the Galiasses wherein Hugh de Moncada the Governour making resistance with most of his Men were burnt or killed and Mr. Preston as yet not Knighted shared in a vast Treasure of Gold taken therein Afterwards Anno 1595 he performed a victorious Voyage to the West-Indies wherin he took by assault the I le of Puerto Santo invaded the I le of Coche surprised the Fort and Town of Coro sacked the stately City of St. Jago put the Town of Cumana to ransome entred Jamaica with little loss some profit and more honour safely returned within the space of six months to Milford Haven in Wales I have been informed from excellent hands that on some dis-tast he sent a Challenge to Sr. Walter Raleigh which Sr. Walter declined without any abatement to his Valour wherein he had abundantly satisfied all possibility of suspicion and great advancement of his Judgement For having a fair and fixed Estate with Wife and Children being a Privy Counsellor and Lord Warden of the Stannereys he thought it an uneven lâ—…y to stake himself against Sr. Amias a private and as I take it a single person though of good birth and courage yet of no considerable Estate This also is consonant to what he hath written so judiciously about Duels condemning those for ill Honours where the Hangman gives the Garland However these two Knights were afterwards reconciled and Sr. Amias as I collect died about the beginning of the reign of King James Learned Writers GILDAS sirnamed the WISE was born in the City of Bath and therefore it is that he is called Badonicus He was eight years junior to another Gildas called Albanius whose Nativity I cannot clear to belong to our Brittain He was also otherwise sur-stiled Querulus because the little we have of his Writing is only a Complaint Yet was he none of those whom the Apostle condemneth These are Murmurâ—…s Complainers c. taxing only such who either were impious against GOD or uncharitable against men complaining of them either without cause or without measure whilst our Gildas only inveigheth against the sins and bemoaneth the sufferings of that wicked and woful age wherein he lived calling the Clergy Montes Malitiae the Brittons generally Atramentum seculi He wrote many Books though we have none of them extant at this day some few fragments excepted inserted amongst the Manuscript Canons but his aforesaid History This makes me more to wonder that so Learned a Critick as Dr. Gerrard 〈◊〉 should attribute the Comedy of Aulularia
a place for persons of a different perswasion Whilst we leave the invisible root to the Searcher of hearts let us thankfully gather the good fruit which grew from it He died before his Colledge was finished his Estate by Co-heirs descending to Strangwayes Windham White c. and he lyeth buried with his wife under a stately Monument in the fair Church of Illminster PHILIP BISS was extracted from a worshipful Family in this County who have had their habitation in Spargrave for some descents Being bred Fellow and Doctor in Divinity in Magdalen-Colledge in Oxford he was afterwards preferred Arch-Deacon of Taunton A Learned Man and great lover of Learning Now though it be most true what Reverend Bishop Hall was wont to say Of Friends and Books good and fâ—…w are best Yet this Doctor had good and many of both kinds And at his death bequeathed his Library consisting of so many Folio's as were valued at one thousand pounds to Wadham Colledge then newly founded This Epitaph was made upon him wherein nothing of wit save the Verbal-Allusion which made itself without any pains of the Author thereof Bis fuit hic natus puer Bis Bis juvenisque Bis vir Bisque senex Bis Doctor Bisque Sacerdos I collect by probable proportion that his death happened about the year 1614. Memorable Persons Sir JOHN CHAMPNEIS son of Robert Champneis was born at Chew in this County but bred a Skinner in London and Lord Major thereof 1535. Memorable he is on this account that whereas before his time there were no Turrets in London save what in Churches and publick structures he was the first private man who in his house next Cloth-workers Hall built one to oversee his neighbours in the City which delight of his eye was punished with blindness some years before his death But seeing prying into Gods secrets is a worse sin than over-looking mens houses I dare not concurre with so Censorious an Author because every consequent of a fact is not the punishment of a fault therein THOMAS CORIAT Though some will censure him as a person rather ridiculous than remarkable he must not be omitted For first few would be found to call him Fool might none do it save such who had as much Learning as himself Secondly if others have more Wisdom than he thankfulnesse and humility is the way to preserve and increase it He was born at Odcombe nigh Evil in this County bred at Oxford where he attained to admirable fluency in the Greek tongue He carried folly which the charitable called merriment in his very face The shape of his head had no promising form being like a Sugar-loaf inverted with the little end before as composed of fancy and memory without any common-sense Such as conceived him fool ad duo and something else ad decem were utterly mistaken For he drave on no design carrying for Coin and Counters alike so contented with what was present that he accounted those men guilty of superfluity who had more suits and shirts than bodies seldom putting off either till they were ready to go away from him Prince Henry allowed him a pension and kept him for his Servant Sweet-meats and Coriat made up the last course at all Court-entertainments Indeed he was the Courtiers Anvil to trie their Witts upon and sometimes this Anvil returned the Hammers as hard knocks as it received his bluntnesse repaying their abusinesse His Book known by the name of Coriat's Crudities nauceous to nice Readers for the rawnesse thereof is not altogether useless though the porch be more worth than the Palace I mean the Preface of other mens mock-commending verses thereon At last he undertook to travail unto the East-Indies by land mounted on an horse with ten toes being excellently qualified for such a journey For rare his dexterity so properly as consisting most in manual signs in interpreting and answering the dumb tokens of Nations whose language he did not understand Besides such his patience in all distresses that in some sort he might seem cool'd with heat fed with fasting and refresh'd vvith weariness All expecting his return with more knowledge though not more wisdom he ended his earthly pilgrimage in the midst of his Indian travail about as I collect the year of our Lord 1616. Lord Majors Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Champneis Robert Champneis Chew Skinner 1535 2 George Bond Robert Bond Trul Haberdasher 1588 Know Reader this is one of the Ten pretermitted Counties the Names of whose Gentry were not by the Commissioners returned into the Tower in the 12 of K. Henry the sixth Sheriffes This County had the same with Dorsetshire until the ninth year of Queen Elizabeth since which time these following have born the Office in this County alone Name Place Armes ELIZ. Reg.  Crosses Formee Argent 9 Maur. Berkley mil. Bruiton Gules a Cheveron between 10 10 Geo. Norton Mil.   11 Hen. Portman ar Orchard Or a flower de Luce Azure 12 Thâ—… Lutterel ar Dunst. Ca. Or a Bend betwixt 6 Martlets S. 13 Geo. Rogers arm Cannâ—…gton Arg. a Cheveron betwixt 3 Bucks currant Sa. attired Or. 14 Joh. Horner arm Melles Sable 3 Talbots passant Arg. 15 Io. Sydenham arm Broâ—…pton Argent 3 Rams Sable 16 Ioh. Stowel Miles Stawel Gules a Cross Lozengee Argent 17 Christop Kenne ar Conâ—…swick Ermin 3 half Moons Gules 18 Tho. Mallet arm Enmore Azure 3 Escallops Or. 19 Geo Sydenham ar ut prius  20 Joh. Colles arm   21 Ioh. Brett   22 Maur. Rodney ar Rodney Sâ—…ke Or 3 Eâ—…glets displayed Purpure 23 Hen. Newton arm  Arg. on a Cheveron Az 3 Garbs Or. 24 Ioh. Buller arm  Sa. on â—… plain Cross Arg. quarter pierced 4 Eaglets of the field 25 Ar. Hopton arm VVitham Argent 2 Barrs Sable each with 3 Mullets of six points Or. 26 Gaâ—…r Hawley ar †  27 Nic. Sidenham ar ut prius †Vert a Saltir ingrailed Or. 28 Ioh. Clifton miles Bâ—…rringtoÌ„ Sable Semee of Cinquefoils a Lion rampant Arg. 29 Hen. Berkley mil. ut prius  30 Edw. Sainthorp ar   31 Sam. Norton arm   32 Hugo 〈◊〉 ar ut prius  33 Ioh. Harington ar  Sable a Frâ—…t Argent 34 Geo. Speke aâ—…g 〈◊〉 Argent 2 Barrs Azure over all an Eagle displayed Gules 35 Geo. Lâ—…erel arm ut prius  36 Hen. Walrond  AMP. 37 Ioh. Francis arm Combe flouree Argent a Cheveron betwixt 3 Mullets Gules pierced 38 Ioh. Stowel mil. ut prius  39 Ioh. Colles arm   40 Ioh. Gennings ar â—…urron Azure a Châ—…veron Or betwixt 3 Bâ—…zants on a Chief Eâ—…min 3 Cinquesoils Gules 41 Gâ—…o Rodney arm ut prius  42 Hugo Portman mil. ut prius  43 Ioh. Mallet aâ—…mig ut prius  44 Joh. May aâ—…mig Charterhouse Hâ—…yden Sable a Câ—…everon Or betwixt 3 Roses Argâ—… a Chief of the second 45 Edw. Râ—…gers 〈◊〉 ut prius  IAC
flecte tuis He died a Batchelour in the fourtieth year of his Age Anno Domini 1532 and lieth buried in Saint Christophers London Since the Reformation MARY DALE better known by the name of Mary Ramsey daughter of William Dale Merchant was born in this City She became afterward second Wife to Sir Thomas Ramsey Grocer and Lord Major of London Anno 1577 and surviving him was thereby possessed of a great Estate and made good use thereof She founded two Fellowships and Scholarships in Peter-House in Cambridge and profered much more if on her terms it might have been accepted For most certain it is that she would have setled on that House Lands to the value of five hundred pounds per annum and upwards on condition that it should be called the Colledge of Peter and Mary This Doctor Soams then Master of the House refused affirming that Peter who so long lived single was now too old to have a Feminine Partner A dear jest to loose so good a Benefactres This not succeeding the stream of her Charity was not peevishly dried up with those who in matters of this nature will do nothing when they cannot do what they would do But found other channels there in to derive it self She died Anno Dom. 1596 and lieth buried in Christs-Church in London THOMAS WHITE D. D. was born in this City and bred in Oxford He was afterwards related to Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland whose Funeral Sermon he made being accounted a good Preacher in the reign of Queen Elizabeth Indeed he was accused for being a great Pluralist though I cannot learn that at once he had more than one Cure of Soules the rest being Dignities As false is the Aspersion of his being a great Vsurer but one Bond being found by his Executors amongst his Writings of one thousand pounds which he lent gratis for many years to the Company of Merchant-Tailors whereof he was Free the rest of his Estate being in Land and ready money Besides other Benefactions to Christ-Church and a Lecture in St. Pauls London he left three thousand pounds for the Building of Sion Colledge to be a Ramah for the Sons of the Prophets in London He built there also a fair Alms-house for Twenty poor Folk allowing them yearly six pounds a piece And another at Bristol which as I am informed is better endowed Now as Camillus was counted a second Romulus for enlarging and beautifying the City of Rome So Mr. John Simpson Minister of St. Olaves Hart-street London may be said a second White for perfecting the aforesaid Colledge of Sion building the Gate-house with a fair Case for the Library and endowing it with Threescore pounds per annum Dr. Thomas White died Anno Dom. 1623. Lord Majors Name Father Company Time John Aderley John Aderly Ironmonger 1442 Thomas Canning John Canning Grocer 1456 John Young Thomas Young Grocer 1466 The Farewel I am credibly informed that one Mr. Richard Grigson Cittizen hath expendeth a great Sum of money in new casting of the Bells of Christ-Church adding tunable Chymes unto them Surely he is the same person whom I find in the printed List of Compounders to have paid One hundred and sive pounds for his repuetd Delinquency in our Civil Wars and am glad to see one of his perswasion so lately purified in Goldsmiths-Hall able to go to the Cost of so chargeable a Work I wish Bristol may have many more to follow his Example though perchance in this our suspicious Age it will be conceived a more discreet and seasonable desire not to wish the increase but the continuance of our Bells and that though not taught the descant of Chymes they may retein their plain song for that publick use to which they were piously intended STAFFORD-SHIRE hath Cheshire on the North-West Darby-shire on the East and North-East Warwick and Worcester-shires on the South and Shrop-shire on the West It lieth from North to South in form of a Lozenge bearing fourty in the length from the points thereof whilst the breadth in the middle exceeds not twenty six miles A most pleasant County For though there be a place therein still called Sinai-park about a mile from Burton at first so named by the Abbot of Burton because a vast rough hillie ground like the Wilderness of Sinai in Arabia yet this as a small Mole serves for a soil to set off the fair face of the County the better Yea this County hath much beauty in the very solitude thereof witness Beau-Desert or the Fair Wildernesse being the beautiful Barony of the Lord Paget And if their Deserts have so rare Devises Pray then how pleasant are their Paradises Indeed most fruitful are the Parts of this Shire above the Banks of Dove Butchers being necessitated presently to kill the Cattle fatted thereupon as certainly knowing that they will fall in their flesh if removed to any other Pasture because they cannot but change to their loss Natural Commodities The best Alabaster in England know Reader I have consulted with Curious Artists in this kind is found about Castle-Hay in this County It is but one degree beneath White Marble only more soft and brittle However if it lye dry fenced from weather and may be let alone long the during thereof Witness the late Statue of John of Gaunt in Pauls and many Monuments made thereof in Westminster remaining without breck or blemish to this day I confess Italy affords finer Alabaster whereof those Imagilets wrought at Ligorn are made which indeed Apes Ivory in the whiteness and smoothness thereof But such Alabaster is found in small Bunches and little proportions it riseth not to use the Language of Work-men in great Blocks as our English doth What use there is of Alabaster Calcined in Physick belongs not to me to dispute Only I will observe that it is very Cool the main reason why Mary put her ointment so precious into an Alabaster Box because it preserved the same from being dried up to which such Liquors in hot Countries were very subject Manufactures Nailes These are the Accommodators general to unite Solid Bodies and to make them to be continuous Yea coin of gold and silver may be better spared in a Common-wealth than Nailes For Commerce may be managed without mony by exchance of Commodities whereas hard bodies cannot be joyned together so fast and fast so soon and soundly without the mediation of Nailes Such their service for Firmness and expedition that Iron Nailes will fasten more in an hour than Wooden Pins in a day because the latter must have their way made whilst the former make way for themselves Indeed there is a fair House on London Bridge commonly called None-such which is reported to be made without either Nailes or Pins with crooked Tennons fastened with wedges and other as I may term them circumferential devices This though it was no labour in vain because at last attaining the intended end yet was it no better than
a vain labour according to the Rule in Logick frustra fit per plura quod fieri potest per pauciora But seeing the owner of that House had his harmless humour therein and paid dear no doubt to his Workmen for the same There is no cause that I or any other should find fault therewith The Buildings I have presented the Portraicture of the Church of Lichfield in my Church-History with the due praise of the neatness thereof But now alas the Body thereof is become a very carcase ruined in our late Civil Wars The like Fate is likely to fall on the rest of our Cathedrals if care be not taken for their reparations I have read of Duke d'Alva that he promised Life to some Prisoners but when they petitioned Him for food he returned he would grant them life but no meat by which Criticism of courteous cruelty the poor people were starved If our Cathedrals have only a Bare Being and be not supplied with seasonable repairs the daily â—…ood of a Fabrick soon will they be famished to nothing As for the Close at Lichfield I have been credibly informed that the Plague which long had raged therein at the first shooting of Canon at the Siege thereof did abate imputed by Naturalists to the violent purging of the Air by the Bullets but by Divines to Gods goodness who graciously would not have two Miseries of War and Plague afflict one small Place at the same Time Pass we now to Civil Buildings in this Shire TUTBURY CASTLE is a stately place and I dare take it on the credit of an excellent Witness that it hath a brave and large Prospect to it in it and from it Northward it looks on pleasant Pastures Eastward on sweet Rivers and rich Meadowes Southward on a goodly Forest and many Parks lately no fewer than twelve belonging thereto or holden thereof It was formerly the Seat of the Lord Ferrars Earl of Derby and how it was forfeited to the Crown is worth our observing Robert de Ferrars Earl of Derby siding with Simon Mumford against King Henry the Third was fined at fifty thousand pounds to be paid Pridie Johan Baptist. next following I know not whether more to admire at the suddeness of payment or vastness of the Sum seeing an hundred thousand pounds was the Randsom set by the Emperour on our King Richard the First and it shaked all the Coâ—…ers of England in that Age without the help of Church-plate to make it up Well these Lords following were the security bound for the Earls true payment at the time appointed 1 Henry son to Rich. King of the Romans 2 Will. Valence Earl of Pembroke 3 John de Warren Earl of Surrey 4 Will. Beauchampe Earl of Warwick 5 Sir Roger de Summary 6 Sir Thomas de Clare 7 Sir Robert Waâ—…ond 8 Sir Roger Clifford 9 Sir Hamond le Strange 10 Sir Bartholomew de Sudeley 11 Sir Robert Bruse all being then Barons of the Land But Earl Robert unable to advance the money at the time appointed and unwilling to leave the Lords his Bail under the Kings lash surrendred his Lands and Tutbury Castle amongst the rest to the clear yearly value of three thousand pounds into the Kings hands redeemable when he or his Heirs should pay down on one day fifty thousand pounds which was never performed The English Clergie much pittied John the son of this Earl Robert who presented a petition to the Pope informing his Holiness that the English Clergie were willing to give him money by way of Contribution to redeem his Estate but durst not because commanded to the contrary under the pain of the Popes curse And therefore he craved his Apostolical Indulgence therein Something I find was restored unto him but Tutbury was too sweet a morsel to return being annexed to the Dutchy of Lancaster John of Gaunt built a fair Castle there walled on three sides by Art and the fourth by its natural steepness DUDLEY CASTLE must not be forgotten highly and pleasantly seated and in the reign of King Edward the Sixth well built and adorned by John Dudley Duke of Northumberland whereon a story worth the reporting doth depend The afore-said Duke deriving himself who truly not yet decided from a younger Branch of the Lord Dudley thirsted after this Castle in regard of the name and the honourableness of the House some having avouched that the Barony is annexed to the lawful possession thereof whether by purchase or descent Now finding John Sutton the Lord Dudley Grand-father to the last Baron a weak man exposed to some wants and intangled with many debts he by the help of those Money-Merchants wrought him out of his Castle So that the Poor Lord turned out of doores and left to the charity of his Friends for subsistance was commonly called the Lord Quondam But after the execution of that Duke Queen Mary sympathizing with Edward the son of this poor Lord which Edward had married Katharine Bruges her maid of Honour and sister to the Lord Shandois restored him to the Lands and Honour which justly belonged to his Father Proverbs In April Doves flood Is worth a Kings good DOVE a River parting this and Derby-shire when it overfloweth its Banks in April is the Nilus of Staffordshire much Battling the Meadowes thereof But this River of Dove as overflowing in April feeds the Meadowes with fruitfulness so in May and June choakes the sand grain'd with Grit and Gravel to the great detriment of the owners thereof Wotton under Weaâ—…er Where God came never It is time that this old prophane Proverb should die in mens mouths for ever I confess in common discourse God is said to come to what he doth approve to send to what he only permits and neither to go nor send to what he doth dislike and forbid But this distinction if granted will help nothing to the defending of this prophane Proverb which it seems took it's wicked original from the situation of Wotton so covered with Hills from the light of the Sun a dismal place as report representeth it But were there a place indeed where God came never how many years purchase would guilty consciences give for a small abode therein thereby to escape Divine Justice for their offences Saints Authors do as generally agree about a grand Massacre committed by the Pagans under Dioclesian on the Brittish Christians in the place where Litchfield now standeth I say they as generally agree in the fact as they disagree in the number some making them Two hundred others five others seven And one Author certainly he was no Millenary in his Judgement mounts them to just 999. Indeed many were martyred in those dayes both in Brittain and elsewhere whose names and numbers are utterly unknown so true is the expression of Gregory the Great Ipse sancti Martyres Deo numerabiles nobis arenam multiplicati sunt quia quot sint a nobis comprehendi non possunt novit enim
when a Servant of Robert Earl of Leicester passing this way to his Lords Lands in his Barony of Denbighe was so highly pleased with his happy unhappy answers that he brought him to Court where he became the most famous Jester to Queen Elizabeth Many condemn his vocation I cannot term it for it is a coming without a calling Imployment as unwarrantable Such maintain that it is better to be a Fool of Gods making born so into the World or a Fool of Mans making jeered into it by general Dirision than a Fool of one 's own making by his voluntary affecting thereof Such say also he had better continued in his Trade of Swine-keeping which though more painful and less profitable his conscience changed to loss for a Jesters place in the Court who of all men have the hardest account to make for every idle word that they abundantly utter Others alledge in excuse of their Practises That Princes in all Ages were allowed their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whose Virtue consisted in speaking any thing without control That Jesters often heal what Flatterers hurt so that Princes by them arive at the notice of their Errors seeing Jesters carry about with them an Act of Indemnity for whatsoever they say or do That Princes over-burdered with States-business must have their Diversions and that those words are not censurable for absolutely idle which lead to lawful delight Our Tarlton was Master of his Faculty When Queen Elizabeth was serious I dare not say sullen and out of good humour he could un-dumpish her at his pleasure Her highest Favorites would in some Cases go to Tarleton before they would go to the Queen and he was their Vsher to prepare their advantagious access unto Her In a word He told the Queen more of her faults than most of her Chaplains and cured her Melancholy better than all of her Physicians Much of his merriment lay in his very looks and actions according to the Epitaph written upon him Hic â—…itus est cujus poterat vox actio vultus Ex Heraclito reddere Democritum Indeed the self same words spoken by another would hardly move a merry man to smile which uttered by him would force a sad soul to laughter This is to be reported to his praise that his Jests never were prophane scurrilous nor Satyrical neither trespassing on Piety Modesty or Charity as in which plurimum inerat salis muâ—…tum aceti aliquid sinapis nihil veneni His death may proportionably be assigned about the end of Queen Elizabeth JAMES SANDS of Horborn nigh Bremingham but in this County is most remarkable for his Vivacity for he lived 140 and his wife 120 years He out lived five Leases of twenty one years a piece which were made unto him after his Marriage Thus is not the age of Man so Vniversally contracted but that Divine Providence sometimes draweth it out to an extraordinary length as for other reasons so to render the longevity of the primitive Patriarchs more credible He died about the year 1625. WALTER PARSONS born in this County was first Apprentice to a Smith when he grew so tall in stature that a hole was made for him in the Ground to stand therein up to the knees so to make him adequate with his Fellow work-men He afterwards was Porter to King James seeing as Gates generally are higher than the rest of the Building so it was sightly that the Portâ—… should be taller than other Persons He was proportionable in all parts and had strength equal to height Valour to his strength Temper to his valour so that he disdained to do an injury to any single person He would make nothing to take two of the tallest Yeomen of the Guard like the Gizard and Liver under his Arms at once and order them as he pleased Yet were his Parents for ought I do understand to the contrary but of an ordinary stature whereat none will wonder who have read what St. Augustine reports of a Woman which came to Rome a little before the sacking thereof by the Goths of so Giantlike a height that she was far above all who saw her though infinite Troopes came to behold the spectacle And yet he addeth Et hoc erat maximae admirationis quod ambo parentes ejus c. This made men most admire that both her Parents were but of ordinary stature This Parsons is produced for proof that all ages affords some of extraordinary height and that there is no general decay of Mankind in their Dimentions which if there were we had ere this time shrunk to be lower than Pigmyes not to instance in a lesse proportion This Parsons died Anno Dom. 162. Lord Majors Name Father Place Company Time 1 William Taylor John Taylor Ecclestone Grocer 1468 2 Stephen Jennings Will. Jennings Wolverhampton Merchant-Tailor 1508 3 Richard Pipe Richard Pipe Wolverhampton Draper 1578 4 James Harvey Will. Harvey Cottwalton Iron-monger 1581 5 Stephen Slany John Slany Mitton Skinner 1595 6 William Rider Thomâ—…s Rider Muclestone Haberdasher 1600 7 Hugh Hamersley Hugh Hamersley Stafford Haberdasher 1627 The Names of the Gentry of this County returned by the Commissioners in the 12 year of K. Henry the Sixth Anno Dom. 1433. Commissioners to take the Oathes William Bishop of Covent and Liech Humphry Earl of Stafford Knights for the Shire Hugh Ardeswyk Thomas Arblastier Johannis Sutton chiv Johannis Bagot chiv Rogeri Aston chival Johannis Gruffith chi Johannis Gresley chiv Thomae Stanley arm Radulphi Egerton ar Radulphi Basset arm Roberti Harecourt ar Philippi Chetwynd ar Richardi Bagot arm Roberti Whitgrave ar Thomae Barbour arm Willielmi Grevel arm Thomae Detheck arm Thomae Goyne armig Johannis Miners ar Tho. Oker arm senioris Tho. Oker arm junioris Johannis Minerel arm Richardi Peshale armi Hugonis Wrotesley arm Riehardi Hareconrt ar Sampsonis Ardiswick ar Johannis Winesbury ar Thomae Swinerton arm Willielmi Newport arm Johannis Hampton arm Humphry Low armiger Richardi Lone armig Willieimi Lee armiger Willielmi Everdon ar Willielmi Leveson arm Nicolai Warings arm Jacobi Leveson arm Rogeri Wirley armig Cornelii VVirly armig Johannis Whatecroft ar Gerardi de Ringeley ar Richardi Pety armig VVillielmi Hexstall ar Edwardi Doyle arm Richardi Selman arm David Cawardyn arm Thome Swynfen arm Richardi Rugeley ar Johannis Broghton arm Johannis Atwell arm Thomae Cotton armig Johannis Cotton arm Aymeri Cotton armig Thomae VVolseley ar Johannis Colwich ar Roberti Swinerton ar Rogeri Swineshede ar Th. VVhitington ar Joh. More armiger Thome More arm Joh. Askeby arm Joh. Mollesley arm Joh. Horewold ar VVill. Saltford ar VVil. Leventhorp ar VVill. Corbyn gent. Joh. Corbyn gent. Thomae VValton ar Reg. Bro de Oake ar Johannis Sheldon ar Radulphi Frebody arm VVill. Bradshaw arm Joh. Bonghay gent. Joh. Burton gent. Roberti Stokes armig Joh. Cumberford armig Nicolai Thiknes armig Aegidii Swinerton arm Thomae VVolaston gent. Hugonis Holyns gent. Thomae Lokewood gent. Thomae Stafford gent. Nicolai Norman gent. Richardi Snede
departed this life a little before the beginning of our Civil Wars Memorable Persons JOHN CAVENDISH Esq. was born at Cavendish in this County bred at Court a Servant in ordinary attendance on King Richard the Second when Wat Tyler played Rex in London It happ'ned that Wat was woundly angry with Sir John Newton Knight Sword-Bearer to the King then in presence for devouring his distance and not making his approaches mannerly enough unto him Oh the pride of a self-promoting Pesant Much bussling a rising thereabout Sir William Walworth Lord Mayor of London arrested VVat and with his Dagger wounded him and being well stricken in years wanted not valour but vigour to dispatch him He is seconded by John Cavendish standing by who twice or thrice wounded him mortally my Author complaining That his death was too worthy from the hands of honourable persons for whom the Axe of the Hangman had been too good I would have said the Hâ—…lter of the Hangman But it matters not by whom a Traitor be kill'd so he be kill'd Hereupon the Arms of London were augmented with a Dagger and to divide the Honour equally betwixt them if the Heaft belonged to Walworth the Blade or point thereof at least may be adjudged to Cavendish Let me add that King Richard himself shewed much wisedome and courage in managing this matter so that in our Chronicles he appeareth wiser Youth than Man as if he had spent all the stock of his discretion in appeasing this tumult which happened Anno Dom. 1381. Sir THOMAS COOK Knight Sir WILLIAM CAPELL Knight I present these pair of Knights in parallels because I find many considerable occurrences betwixt them in the course of their lives 1 Both were natives of this County born not far asunder Sir Thomas at Lâ—…venham Sir William at Stoke-Neyland 2 Both were bred in London free of the fame Company of Drapers and were Lord-Mayors of the City 3 Both by Gods blessing on their industry attained great Estates and were Royal-Merchants indeed The later is reported by tradition since by continuance consolidated into Historical truth that after a large entertainment made for King Henry the Seventh he concluded all with a Fire wherein he burnt many Bonds in which the King a Borrower in the beginning of his Reign stood obliged unto him a sweet perfume no doubt to so thrifty a Prince not to speak of his expensive Frolick when at another time he drank a dissolved Pearl which cost him many hundreds in an health to the King 4 Both met with many molestations Sir Thomas being arraigned for lending money in the reign of King Edward the Fourth hardly escaped with his life thank a good God a just Judge and a stout Jury though griveously fined and long imprisoned As for Sir William Empson and Dudley fell with their bodies so heavy upon him that they squeased many thousand pounds out of his into the Kings Coffers 5 Both died peaceably in Age and Honour leaving great Estates to their Posterities The Cooks flourishing lately at Giddy-Hall in Essex in a Worshipful as the Capels at Hadham in Hartford-shire now in an Honourable condition Nor must it be forgotten that Elizabeth daughter to Sir William Capel was married to William Powlet Marquess of Winchester and Mildred descended from Sir Thomas Cook to William Cecil Lord Burleigh both their husbands being successively Lord Treasurers of England for above fifty years Sir Thomas Cook lieth buried in the Church of Augustineâ—… â—… London Sir William Capel in the South-side of the Parish Church of St. Bartholomews in a Chappel of his own addition behind the Exchange though the certain date of their deaths do not appear Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Michel John Michel Ekelingham Stock-Fishmonger 1422. 2 Henry Barton Henry Barton Myldenhal Skinner 1428. 3 Roger Oteley Will. Oteley Vfford Grocer 1434. 4 John Paddesley Simon Paddesley Bury St. Edmunds Gold-smith 1440. 5 Simon Eyre John Eyre Brandon Draper 1445. 6 William Gregory Roger Gregory Myldenhal Skinner 1451. 7 Thomas Cook Robert Cook Lavenham Draper 1462. 8 Richard Gardiner John Gardiner Exning Mercer 1478. 9 William Capel John Capel Stoke-Neyland Draper 1503. 10 William Coppinger Walter Coppinger Buckshal Fish-monger 1512. 11 John Milborn John Milbourn Long-Melford Draper 1521. 12 Roger Martin Lawrence Martin Long-Melford Mercer 1567. 13 John Spencer Richard Spencer Walding-Field Cloath-worker 1594. 14 Stephen Some Thomas Some Bradley Grocer 1598. Reader this is one of the twelve pretermitted Shires the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower in the reign of King Henry the Sixth Sheriffs Know that this County and Nâ—…hfolk had both one Sheriff until the seventeenth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth a List of whose names we formerly have presented in the description of Northfolk 〈◊〉 Place Armes Reg. ELIZ   Anno   17 Rob. Ashfield ar Netherhall Sable 〈◊〉 Fesse â—…ngrailed betwixt 3 flower de Luces Arg. 18 Ioh. 〈◊〉 arm  Sable a Fesse checkee Or and Azure betwixt 3 Naggs heads erazed Argent 19 Will. Spring mil. Lanham Argent on a Cheveron between 3 Martlets Gules as many Cinquefoiles of the Field 20 Rob. Jermin mil. Rushbrook Sable a Cressant betwixt 〈◊〉 Mullets Argent 21 Philip. Parker mil. Arwerton Argent a Lion passant Gules betwixt 2 Barrs Setheron 3 Bezâ—…nts in Chief as many Bucks heads â—…abosed of the third 22 Th. Bernardiston m. Kedington Azure a Fesse Dauncette Ermin betwixt 6 Crosleâ—…s Argent 23 Nich. Bacon mil. Culfurth Gules on a Chief 〈◊〉 2 Mullets Sable 24 Will. Drury mil. Halsted Argent on a Chief Vert the letter Tau betwixt 2 Mullets pierced Or. 25 Carol. Framling ham miles   26 Ioh. Gurdon arm Assington S. 3 Leopards heads jessant flowers de Luce Or. 27 Will. Clopton aâ—…  Sable a Bend Argent betwixt 2 Cotises dauncette Or. 28 Geo Clopton ar ut prius  29 Franc. Jermy arm  Arg. a Lion ramp gardant Gules 30 Phil. Tilney arm Shelleigh Argent a Cheveron betwixt 3 Griffins-heads erazed Gules 31 Will. Walgrave m. 〈◊〉 Party per Pale Argent and Gu. 32 Tho. Rowse arm  Sable 2 Barrs engrailed Argent 33 â—…c Garnish arm  Ar. a chev engr Az. bet 3 scallops Sab. 34 Lionel Talmarsh 〈◊〉 HelminghaÌ„ Argent Fretty Sable 35 Rob. Forth arm  †Or 3 Buls-heads coupee Sable 36 Tho. †Croâ—… arm SaxmundhaÌ„ * Ar. on a fess Gu. 3. Garbs Or between 2 cheverons Az. charged with Escallops Arg. 37 Will. Spring mil. ut prius  38 Tho. * Eden arm   39 Antho. Wingfield Letheringham Argent a Bend Gules cotised able 3 Wings of the first 40 Hen. Warner ar   41 Antho. Felton ar Playford Gules 2 Lions passant Eâ—…in crowned Or. 42 Edw. Bacon arm ut prius  43 Edwin Withipol Christ Church in Ipswich Party per pale Or and Gules 3 Lions pâ—…ssant regardant armed Sable langued Argent a Bordure interchanged 44 Tho.
he was the son of a good King which many men would wish and no child could help The then present Power more of coveteousness than kindness unwilling to maintain him either like or unlike the son of his Father permitted him to depart the Land with scarce tolerable Accommodations and the promise of a never-performed Pension for his future Support A passage I meet with in my worthy Friend concerning this Duke deserveth to be written in letters of Gold In the year 1654 almost as soon as his two Elder Brethren had removed themselves into Flanders he found a strong practise in some of the Queens Court to seduce him to the Church of Rome whose temptations he resisted beyond his years and thereupon was sent for by them into Flanders He had a great appetite to Learning and a quick digestion able to take as much as his Tutors could teach him He fluently could speak many understood more Modern Tongues He was able to express himself in matters of importance presently properly solidly to the admiration of such who trebled his Age. Judicious his Curiosity to inquire into Navigation and other Mathematical Mysteries His Courtesie set a lustre on all and commanded mens Affections to love him His life may be said to have been All in the night of affliction rising by his Birth a little before the setting of his Fathers and setting by his Death a little after the rising of his Brothers peaceable Reign It seems Providence to prevent Excess thought fit to temper the general mirth of England with some mourning With his Name-sake Prince Henry he compleated not twenty years and what was said of the Unkle was as true of the Nephew Fatuos a morte defendit ipsa insulsitas si cui plus caeteris aliquantulum salis insit quod miremini statim putrescit He deceased at Whitehall on Thursday the 13th of September 1660 and was buried though privately solemnly Veris spirantibus lacrymis in the Chappel of King Henry the Seventh Martyrs I meet with few if any in this County being part of the Diocess of Politick Gardiner The Fable is well known of an Ape which having a mind to a Chest-nut lying in the fire made the foot of a Spannel to be his tongs by the proxy whereof he got out the Nut for himself Such the subtlety of Gardiner who minding to murther any poor Protestant and willing to save himself from the scorching of general hatred would put such a person into the fire by the hand of Bonner by whom he was sent for up to London and there destroyed Confessors ELEANOR COBHAM daughter to the Lord Cobham of Sterborough-Castle in this County was afterwards married unto Humphrey Plantaginet Duke of Glocester This is she who when alive was so persecuted for being a Wickliffiâ—…e and for many hainous crimes charged upon her And since her memory hangs still on the file betwixt Confessor and Malefactor But I believe that the voluminous paines of Mr. Fox in vindicating her innocency against the Cavils of Alane Cope and others have so satisfied all indifferent people that they will not grudg her position under this Title Her troubles happened under King Henry the Sixth Anno Domini 14 ... Prelates NICHOLAS of FERNHAM or de Fileceto was born at Fernham in this County and bred a Physician in Oxford Now our Nation esteemeth Physicians little Physick little worth except far fetcht from foreign parts Wherefore this Nicholas to acquire more skill and repute to himself travelled beyond the Seas First he fixed at Paris and there gained great esteem accounted Famosus Anglicus Here he continued until that â—…niversity was in effect dissolved thorough the discords betwixt the Clergy and the Citizens Hence he removed and for some years lived in Bononia Returning home his fame was so great that he became Physician to King Henry the Third The Vivacity and health of this Patient who reigned longer than most men live was an effect of his care Great were the giâ—…ts the King conferred upon him and at last made him Bishop of Chester Wonder not that a Physician should prove a Prelate seeing this Fernham was a general Scholar Besides since the Reformation in the reign of Queen Elizabeth we had J. Coldwel Doctor of Physick a Bishop of Sarum After the Resignation of Chester he accepted of the Bishoprick of Durham This also he surrendred after he had sitten nine years in that See reserving only three Mannors for his maintenance He wrote many Books much esteemed in that Age of the practice in Thysick and use of Herbs and died in a private life 1257. WALTER de MERTON was born at Merton in this County and in the reign of King Henry the Third when Chancellors were chequered in and out three times he discharged that Office 1 Anno 1260 placed in by the King displac'd by the Barons to make room for Nicholas of Ely 2 Anno 1261. when the King counting it no Equity or Conscience that his Lords should obtrude a Chancellor on him restored him to his place continuing therein some three years 3 Anno 1273. when he was replaced in that Office for a short time He was also preferred Bishop of Rochester that a rich Prelate might maintain a poor Bishoprick He founded Merton-Colledge in Oxford which hath produced more famous School-men than all England I had almost said Europe besides He died in the year 1277 in the fifth of King Edward the First THOMAS CRANLEY was in all probability born at and named from Cranley in Blackheath Hundred in this County It confirmeth the conjecture because I can not find any other Village so named in all England Bred he was in Oxford and became the first Warden of New Colledge thence preferred Arch-bishop of Dublin in Ireland Thither he went over 1398 accompanying Thomas Holland Duke of Surrey and Lieutenant of Ireland and in that Kingdom our Cranley was made by King Henry the Fourth Chancellour and by King Henry the Fifth Chief Justice thereof It seems he finding the Irish possessed with a rebellious humour bemoaned himself to the King in a terse Poem of 106 Verses which Leland perused with much pleasure and delight Were he but half so good as some make him he was to be admired Such a Case and such a Jewel such a presence and a Prelate clear in Complexion proper in Stature bountiful in House-keeping and House-repairing a great Clerk deep Divine and excellent Preacher Thus far we have gone along very willingly with our Author but now leave him to go alone by himself unwilling to follow him any farther for fear of a tang of Blasphemy when bespeaking him Thou art fairer than the children of men full of grace are thy lips c. Anno 1417 he returned into England being fourscore years old sickned and died at Faringdon and lieth buried in New-Colledge Chappel and not in Dublin as some have related NICHOLAS WEST was born at Putney in
this County bred first at Eaton then at Kings-Colledge in Cambridge where when a youth he was a Rakel in grain For something crossing him in the Colledge he could find no other way to work his Revenge than by secret setting on fire the Masters lodgings part whereof he burnt to the ground Immediately after this Incendiary and was it not high time for him left the Colledge and this little Herosâ—…ratus lived for a time in the Country debauched enough for his conversation But they go far who turn not again And in him the Proverb was verified Naughty Boyes sometimes make good Men he seasonably retrenched his wildness turn'd hard Student became an eminent Scholar and most able States-man and after smaller promotions was at last made Bishop of Ely and often employed in forreign Embassies And now hath it been possible he would have quenched the fire he kindled in the Colledge with his own tears and in expression of his penitence became a worthy Benefactor to the house and re-built the masters Lodgings firm and fair from the ground No Bishop of England was better attended with Menial Servants or kept a more bountiful house which made his death so much lamented Anno Dom. 1533. Since the Reformation JOHN PARKâ—…URST was born at Gilford in this County bred first in Magdalen then in Merton-Colledge in Oxford Here it was no small part of praise that he was Tutor yea Mecenas to John Jewel After his discontinuance returning to Oxford it was no small comfort unto him to hear his Pupil read his Learned humanity-Lectures to the Somato Christians Reader I coyn not the word my self but have took it in Payment from a good hand that is to those of Corpus Chrisâ—…i Colledge to which house then Jâ—…wel was removed Hereupon Mr. Parkhurst made this Distich Olim discipulus mihi chare Juelle fuisti Nunc ero discipulus te renuente tuus Dear Jewel Scholar once thou wast to me Now gainst thy will I Scholar turn to thee Indeed he was as good a Poet as any in that Age and delighted to be an AntiEpigrammatist to John VVhite Bishop of VVinchester whom in my opinion he far surpassed both in Phrase and fancy Mr. Parkhurst when leaving Oxford was presented Parson shall I say or Bishop of Cleve in Glocester-shire as which may seem rather a Diocess than a Parish for the rich Revenue thereof But let none envy Beneficium opimum beneficiario optimo A good living to an incumbent who will do good therewith He laid himself out in works of Charity and Hospitality He used to examine the Pockets of such Oxford Scholars as repaired unto him and alwayes recruited them with necessaries so that such who came to him with heavy hearts and light purses departed from him with light hearts and heavy purses But see a sudden alteration King Edward the Sixth dies and then he who formerly entertained others had not a house to hide himself in Parkhurst is forced to post speedily and secretly beyond the Seas where he remained all the reign of Queen Mary and providing for his return in the First of Queen Elizabeth was robbed of that little he had by some Searchers appointed for that purpose Were not these Thieves themselves robbed I mean of their expectation who hoped to enrich themselves by Pillaging an Exile and a Poet It grieved him most of all that he lost the fair Copy of his Epigrams though afterwards with much ado he recovered them from his foul papers These at last he put in print Et juvenilem 〈◊〉 senex edidit without any trespass on his gravity such his Poems being so witty that a young man so harmless that an old man need not be of them ashamed Being returned into England he was by Queen Elizabeth preferred to the Bishoprick of Norwich and was consecrated Sept. the 1 1560. 14 years he sate in that See and died 1574. THOMAS RAVIS was born of worthy Parentage at Maulden in this County bred in Christ-Church in Oxford whereof he was Dean and of which University he was twice Vice-Chancellor Afterwards when many suitors greedily sought the Bishoprick of Glocester then vacant the Lords of the Councel * requested Doct. Ravis to accept thereof As he was not very willing to go â—…hither so after his three years abode there those of Glocester were unwilling he should go thence who in so short a time had gained the good liking of all sorts that some who could scant brook the name of Bishop were content to give or rather to pay him a good Report Anno 1607 he was removed to London and there died on the 14th of December 1609. and lieth buried under a fair Tomb in the wall at the upper end of the North-part of his Cathedral ROBERT ABBOT D. D. was born at Guilford in this County bred in 〈◊〉 Colledge in Oxford whereof he became Principal and Kings Professor of Divinity in that University What is said of the French so graceful is their Garbe that they make any kind of Cloathes become themselves so general was his Learning he made any liberal imployment beseem him Reading VVriting Preaching Opposing Answering and Moderating who could dis-intangle Truth though complicated with errours on all sides He so routed the reasons of Bellarmin the Romish Champion that he never could rally them again Yet Preferment which is ordered in Heaven came down very slowly on this Doctor whereof several Reasons are assigned 1 His Humility affected no high Promotion 2 His Foes traduced him for a Puritan who indeed was a right godly Man and cordiat to the Discipline as Doctrine of the Church of England 3 His Friends were loath to adorn the Church with the spoil of the University and marre a Professor to make a Bishop However preferment at last found him out when he was consecrated B. of Salisbury Decemb. 3. 1615. Herein he equaled the felicity of Suffridus B. of Chichester that being himself a Bishop he saw his brother George at the same time Archbishop of Canterbury Of these two George was the more plausible Preacher Robert the greater Scholar George the abler States-man Robert the deeper Divine Gravity did frown in George and smile in Robert But alas he was hardly warm in his Sâ—…e before cold in his Coffin being one of the â—…ive Bishops which Salisbury saw in six years His death happened Anno 1617. GEORGE ABBOT was born at Guilford in this County being one of that happy Ternion of Brothers whereof two eminent Prelats the third Lord Mayor of London He was bred in Oxford wherein he became Head of University-Colledge a pious man and most excellent Preacher as his Lectures on Jonah do declare He did first creep then run then fly into preferment or rather preferment did fly upon him without his expectation He was never incumbent on any Living with cure of soules but was mounted from a Lecturer to a Dignitary so that he knew well what belong'd to
he was successively preferred by King Charles the first Bishop of Hereford and London and for some years Lord Treasurer of England A troublesome place in those times it being expected that he should make much Brick though not altogether without yet with very little Straw allowed unto him Large then the Expences Low the Revenues of the Exchequer Yet those Coffers which he found Empty he left Filling and had left Full had Peace been preserved in the Land and he continued in his Place Such the mildness of his temper that Petitioners for Money when it was not to be had departed well pleased with his denialls they were so civilly Languaged It may justly seem a wonder that whereas few spake well of Bishops at that time and Lord Treasurers at all times are liable to the Complaints of discontented people though both Offices met in this man yet with Demetrius he was well reported of all men and of the truth it self He lived to see much shame and contempt undeservedly poured on his Function and all the while possessed his own soul in patience He beheld those of his Order to lose their votes in Parliament and their insulting enemies hence concluded Loss of speech being a sad Symptom of approching Death that their Final extirpation would follow whose own experience at this day giveth the Lie to their malicious Collection Nor was it the least part of this Prelates Honour that amongst the many worthy Bishops of our Land King Charles the first selected him for his Confessor at his Martyrdome He formerly had had experience in the case of the Earl of Strafford that this Bishops Conscience was bottom'd on Piety not Policy the reason that from him he received the Sacrament good Comfort and Counsell just before he was Murdered I say just before that Royal Martyr was Murdered a Fact so foul that it alone may confute the errour of the Pelagians maintaining that all Sin cometh by imitaâ—…ion the Universe not formerly affording such a Precedent as if those Regicides had purposely designed to disprove the Observation of Solomon that there is No new thing under the Sun King Charles the second Anno Domini 1660. preferred him Arch-bishop of Canterbury which place he worthily graceth at the writing hereof Feb. 1. 1660. ACCEPTUS FRUIN D. D. was born at in this County bred Fellow of Magdalen-colledge in Oxford and afterwards became President thereof and after some mediate preferments was by King Charles the first advanced Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and since by King Charles the second made Arch-bishop of York But the matter whereof Porcellane or China dishes are made must be ripened many years in the earth before it comes to full perfection The Living are not the proper objects of the Historians Pen who may be misinterpreted to flatter even when he falls short of their due Commendation the Reason why I adde no more in the praise of this worthy Prelate As to the Nativities of Arch-bishops one may say of this County many Shires have done worthily but SUSSEX surmounteth them all having bred Five Archbishops of Canterbury and at this instant claiming for her Natives the two Metropolitans of our Nation States-men THOMAS SACKVILL son and heir to Sir Richard Sackvill Chancellour and Sub-Treasurer of the Exchequer and Privy-Counsellour to Queen Elizabeth by Winifred his wife daughter to Sir John Bruges was bred in the University of Oxford where he became an excellent Poet leaving both Latine and English Poems of his composing to posterity Then studied he law in the Temple and took the degree of Barrister afterward he travelled into forraign parts detained for a time a prisoner in Rome whence his liberty was procured for his return into England to possess the vast Inheritance left him by his father whereof in short time by his magnificent prodigality he spent the greatest part till he seasonably began to spare growing neer to the bottom of his Estate The story goes that this young Gentleman coming to an Alderman of London who had gained great Pennyworths by his former purchases of him was made being now in the Wane of his Wealth to wait the coming down of the Alderman so long that his generous humour being sensible of the incivility of such attendance resolved to be no more beholding to Wealthy pride and presently turned a thrifty improver of the remainder of his Estate If this be true I could wish that all Aldermen would State it on the like occasion on condition their noble debtors would but make so good use thereof But others make him the Convert of Queen Elizabeth his Cosin german once removed who by her frequent admonitions diverted the torrent of his profusion Indeed she would not know him till he began to know himself and then heaped places of honour and trust upon him creating him 1. Baron of Buckhurst in this County the reason why we have placed him therein Anno Dom. 1566. 2. Sending him Ambassadour into France Anno 1571. into the Low-countries Anno 1586. 3. Making him Knight of the Order of the Garter Anno 1589. 4. Appointing him Treasurer of England 1599. He was Chancellour of the University of Oxford where he entertained Q. Elizabeth with a most sumptuous feast His elocution was good but inditing better and therefore no wonder if his Secretaries could not please him being a person of so quick dispatch faculties which yet run in the bloud He took a Roll of the names of all Suitors with the date of their first addresses and these in order had their hearing so that a fresh-man could not leap over the head of his senior except in urgent affairs of State Thus having made amends to his house for his mis-spent time both in increase of Estate and Honour being created Earl of Dorset by King James he died on the 19. of April 1608. Capitall Judges Sir JOHN JEFFRY Knight was born in this County as I have been informed It confirmeth me herein because he left a fair Estate in this Shire Judges genebuilding their Nest neer the place where they were Hatched which descended to his Daughter He so profited in the study of our Municipall-Law that he was preferred Secondary Judge of the Common-pleas and thence advanced by Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas Terme the nineteenth of her Reign to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer which place he discharged for the Terme of two years to his great commendation He left one only Daughter and Heir married to Sir Edward Mountague since Baron of Boughton by whom he had but one Daughter Elizabeth married to Robert Barty Earl of Linsey Mother to the truly Honorable Mountague Earl of Linsey and Lord Great Chamberlain of England This worthy Judge died in the 21. of Queen Elizabâ—…h Souldiers The ABBOT of BATTLE He is a pregnant Proof that one may leave no Name and yet a good Memory behind him His Christian or Surname cannot be recovered out of our Chronicles which hitherto
I have seen But take his worth as followeth King Richard the second in the beginning of his Reign was in Nonage and his Council some will say in Dotage leaving the Land and Sea to defend themselves whilst they indulged thir private Factions This invited the French to invade this County where they did much mischief Plundering the Thing was known in England before the Name the people thereof and carrying away captive the Prior of Lewes And no wonder if our Abbot was startled therewith seeing it may pass for a Proverb in these parts Ware the Abbot of Battle When the Prior of Lewes is taken Prisoner Wherefore though no Sheriff he got together as well as he might the Posse Comitatus and puting it in as good a posture of defence as the time would permit marched to Winchelsey and fortified it Some condemned him herein it being incongruous for a Clergy-man to turn Souldier They objected also that he ought to have expected Orders from Above doing Rectum but not Rectè for want of a Commission Others commended him to save and preserve being the most proper Performance of a Spirituall Person That in Hostes Publicos omnis Homo Miles That though it be high Treason for any to Fight a Foe in a Set field without Command from the Supreme power yet one may if he can repell a Rout of Armed Thieves invading a Land the first being the fittest Time for such a Purpose the Occasion it self giving though no express an Implicite Commission for the same This Abbot used rather the Shield then the Sword being only on the Defensive side Well the French followed the Abbot and besieged him in the Town of Winchelsey In Bravado they dared him to send out one two three four or more to try the Mastery in fight to be encountred with an equal number But the Abbot refused to retail his men out in such Parcels alledging that he was a spiritual person not to challenge but only defend Then the French let fly their great Guns and I take it to be the first and last time they were ever planted by a Forreign Enemy on the English Continent and then roared so â—…ud that they lost their voice and have been blessed be God silent ever since The Enemy perceiving that the Country came in fast upon them and suspecting they should be surrounded on all sides were fain to make for France as fast as they could leaving the Town of Winchelsey behind them in the same form and fashion wherein they found it I behold this Abbot as the Saver not onely of Suffex but England For as Dogs who have once gotten an Haunt to worry sheep do not leave it off till they meet with their reward So had not these French felt the smart as well as the sweet of the English Plunder our Land and this County especially had never been free from their incursions All this happened in the raign of King Richard the second Anno Domini 13 ... Sir WILLAM PELHAM Knight was a Native of this County whose ancient and wealthy Family hath long flourished at Laughton therein His Prudence in Peace and Valour in War caused Queen Elizabeth to imploy him in Ireland where he was by the Privy Council appointed Lord Chief Justice to govern that Land in the interim betwixt the death of Sir William Drury and the coming in of Arthur Gray Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Say not that he did but stop a Gap for a twelve-month at the most seeing it was such a GAP Destruction had entred in thereat to the final ruine of that Kingdome had not his Providence prevented it For in this juncture of time Desmund began his Rebellion 1579. inviting Sir William to side with him who wisely gave him the Hearing with a Smile into the Bargain And although our Knight for want of force could not cure the wound yet he may be said to have washed and kept it clean resigning it in a recovering condition to the Lord Gray who succeeded him Afterwards he was sent over into the Low-Countries 1586 being Commander of the English Horse therein and my Author saith of him Brabantiam persultabat He leaped-through Brabant Importing Celerity and Success yea as much Conquest as so sudden an expedition was capable of I suspect he survived not long after meeting no more mention of his Martial Activity The Shirleys Their ancient extraction in this County is sufficiently known The last age saw a leash of brethren of this family severally eminent This mindeth me of the Roman Horatii though these expressed themselves in a different kind for the honour of their Country pardon me if reckoning them up not according to their age Sir ANTHONY SHIRLEY second Son to Sir Thomas set forth from Plimouth May the 21. 1596. in a ship called the Bevis of Southampton attended with six lesser vessels His designe for Saint Thome was violently diverted by the contagion they found on the South coast of Africa where the rain did stink as it fell down from the heavens and within six hours did turn into magots This made him turn his course to America where he took and kept the City of Saint Jago two days and nights with two hundred and eighty men whereof eighty were wounded in the service against three thousand Portugalls Hence he made for the Isle of Fuego in the midst whereof a Mountaine Aetna-like always burning and the wind did drive such a shower of ashes upon them that one might have wrote his name with his finger on the upper deck However in this fiery Island they furnished themselves with good water which they much wanted Hence he sailed to the Island of Margarita which to him did not answer its name not finding here the Perl-Dredgers which he expected Nor was his gaine considerable in taking the town of Saint Martha the Isle and chief town of Jamaica whence he sailed more then thirty leagues up the river Rio-dolci where he met with great extremity At last being diseased in person distressed for victuals and deserted by all his other ships he made by New-found-Land to England where he arrived June 15. 1597. Now although some behold his voyage begun with more courage then counsel carried on with more valour then advice and coming off with more honour then profit to himself or the nation the Spaniard being rather frighted then harmed rather braved then frighted therewith yet unpartial judgments who measure not worth by success justly allow it a prime place amongst the probable though not prosperous English Adventures Sir ROBERT SHIRLEY youngest Son to Sir Thomas was by his Brother Anthony entred in the Persian Court. Here he performed great Service against the Turkes and shewed the difference betwixt Persian and English valour the latter having therein as much Courage and more Mercy giving Quarter to Captives who craved it and performing Life to those to whom he promised it These his Actions drew the Envie of the Persian Lords and Love
the vomit of Popery which my charity will not believe Indeed in the first of Queen Mary he was outed of his Bishoprick for being married and all that we can recover of his carriage aâ—…terwards is this passage at the examination of Master Thomas Hauke Martyr When John Bird then very old brought Boner a bottle of Wine and a dish of Apples probably a present unto him for a Ne noceat and therefore not enough to speak him a Papist in his perswasion Bishop Boner desired him to take Haukes into his Chamber and to try if he could convert him whereupon after Boners departure out of the room the quondam Bishop accosted Haukes as followeth I would to God I could do you some good you are a young man and I would not wish you to go to far but learn of the elders to bear somewhat He enforced him no further but being a thorough old man even fell fast asleep All this in my computation amounts but to a passive compliance and is not evidence enough to make him a thorough paced Papist the rather because John Pitts omitteth him in the Catalogue of English-writers which no doubt he would not have done had he any assurance that he had been a radicated Romanist Nothing else have I to observe of him but onely that he was a little man and had a pearl in his eyes and dying 1556. was buried in Chester States men Sir NICHOLAS THROCKMORTON Knight fourth Son of Sir George Throckmorton of Coughton in this County was bred beyond the Seas where he attained to great experience Under Queen Mary he was in Guild-Hall arraigned for Treason compliance with Wyat and by his own warie pleading and the Jurie's upright verdict hardly escaped Queen Elizabeth employed him Her Leiger a long time first in France then in Scotland finding him a most able Minister of State yet got he no great wealth and no wonder being ever of the opposite party to Burleigh Lord Treasurer Chamberlain of the Exchequer and Chief Butler of England were his highest preferments I say Chief Butler which office like an empty covered cup pretendeth to some state but affordeth no considerable profit He died at supper with eating of salates not without suspicion of poison the rather because hapning in the house of one no mean artist in that faculty R. Earl of Leicester His death as it was sudden was seasonable for him and his whose active others will call it turbulent spirit had brought him into such trouble as might have cost him at least the loss of his personal estate He died in the fifty seventh year of his age February the 12. 1570. and lyeth buryed in the South-side of the Chancel of St. Katharine Cree-Church London EDWARD CONWAY Knight Son to Sir John Conway Knight Lord and Owner of Ragleigh in this County This Sir John being a Person of Great skill in Military affaires was made by Robert Earl of Leicester Generall of the English Auxiliaries in the united Provinces Governour of Ostend His Son Sir Edward succeeded to his Fathers Martial skill and valour and twisted therewith peaceable policy in State-affaires so that the Gown and the Sword met in him in most Eminent Proportion and thereupon King James made Him one of the Principal Secretaries of State For these his good services he was by him created Lord Conway of Ragleigh in this County and afterwards by King Charles Viscount Killultagh in the County of Antrim And lastly in the third of King Charles Viscount Conway of Conway in Carnarvanshire England Ireland and Wales mutually embracing themselves in His Honours He dyed January the third Anno 1630. JOHN DIGBY Baron of Sherborn and Earl of Bristol was born in this County a younger Son of an ancient family long flourishâ—…ng at Coleshull therein To pass by his Infancy all Children being alike in their long Coats his Youth gave pregnant hopes of that Eminency which his mature age did produce He didken the Emhassador-Craft as well as any in his age employed by King James in several services to frreign Princes recited in his Patent which I have perused as the main motives of the Honors conferr'd upon him But his managing the Matchless Match with Spain was his Master-piece wherein a Good I mean a Great number of State-Traverses were used on both sides His contest with the Duke of Buckingham is fresh in many mens Memories charges of High Treason mutually flying about But this Lord fearing the Dukes Power as the Duke this Lorâ—…s policy it at last became a Drawn Battail betwixt them yet so that this Earl lost the love of King Charles living many years in his Dis-favour But such as are in a Court-Cloud have commonly the Countries Sun-shine and this Peer during his Eclyps was very Popular with most of the Nation It is seldom seen that a favorite once Broken at Court sets up again for himself the hap rather then happiness of this Lord the King graciously reflecting on him at the beginning of the Long-Parliament as one Best able to give him the safest Counsell in those dangerous Times But how he incensed the Parliament so far as to be excepted Pardon I neither do know nor dare enquire Sure I am after the surrender of Exeter he went over into France where he met with that due respect in forraign which he missed in his Native Country The worst I wish such who causelesly suspect him of Popish inclinations is that I may hear from them but half so many strong Arguments for the Protestant Religion as I have heard from him who was to his commendation a Cordial Champion for the Church of England He dyed in France about the year 1650. Writers WALTER of COVENTRIE was born and bred a Benedictine therein Bale saith he was Immortali vir dignus Memoria and much commended by Leland though not of set purpose but sparsim as occasion is offered He excelled in the two Essential Qualities of an Historian Faith and Method writing truly and orderly onely guilty of Coursness of style This may better be dispenced with in him because Historia est res veritatis non Eloquentiae because bad Latin was a catching disease in that age From the beginning of the Britons he wrote a Chronicle extant in Bennet Colledge Library to his own time He flourished Anno 1217. VINCENT of COVENTRIE was born in the chief City in this shire and bred a Franciscan though Learned Leland mistakes him a Carmelite in the University of Cambridg His order at their first entrance into England looked upon learning as a thing beneath them so totally were they taken up with their Devotion This Vincent was the first who brake the Ice and then others of his order drank of the same water first applyed himself to Academicall studies and became a publick Professor in Cambridge he set a Coppy for the Carmelites therein to imitate who not long after began their publick Lectures in the same place he
how soon for their own safety they may have need to make use thereof Many other Charities he bestowed and deceased Anno 1496. Since the Reformation ............. HALES Esquire He purchased a prime part of the Priory of Coventry Now either out of his own inclination or as a Condition of his Composition with King Henry the eighth or a mixture of both he founded and endowed a fair Grammer-school in Coventry Herein I have seen more abate the Three English schools of the first Magnitude and as well learned Scholars be it spoken that the Master Usâ—…er and Scholars may according to their Proportions divide the praise betwixt them as in any School in England Here is also an Infant which may be an Adult Library when it meeteth with more Benefactors JOHN Lord HARRINGTON son to James Lord Harrington was born at Combe Abby in this County accruing unto him by his Mother Heiress of â—…elway as by a property of that Family lately or still surviving I have on very strict enquiry been certainly enformed He did not count himself priviledged from being Good by being Great and his timely Piety rising early did not soon after go to Bed as some young Saints beheld under an other Notion but contiuned watchfull during his life He was one of the first who began the pious fashion since followed by few of his Quality of a Diary wherein he registred not the Injuries of others done unto him a work of Revenge not Devotion but of his Faâ—…lings and Infirmities toward his Master Thus making even with the God of Heaven by Repentance in Christ at the end of every day he had to use the Expression and Counsell of the Reverend Arch-Bishop of Armagh but one day to repent of before his death He lived out all 〈◊〉 days in the appointment of Divine Providence not half of them according to the course and possibility of Nature not Half a Quarter of them according to the hopes and desires of the Lovers and Honourers of Virtue in this Nation especially of the society in Sidney-colledge in Cambridge whereto he was a most 〈◊〉 Bénefactour He was the last Male of that Honourable Family as one justly complains JOHANES DOMINUS HARRINGTONIUS Anagramma INSIGNIS ERAT AH UNUS HONOR DOMI The Reader is referred for the rest unto his Funerall Sermon preached by Master Stock of London who though he would not to use his own Phrase Gild a Poâ—…sheard understand him Flatter unworthyness yet giveth him his large and due Commendation He died unmarried Anno 161. leaving his two Sisters his Heirs Lucy married to Edward Earl of Bedford and Anne who by Sir Robert Chichester had a daughter Anne married to Thomas Earl of Elgin and Mother to Robert L. Bruce who is at this day Heir Apparent to no small part of the Lands but Actually possessed of a larger of the Vertues of his Honourable Great-uncle Memorable Persons THOMAS UNDERHILL Esquire was born at Neaher-Eatendon in this County It is pity to part him from Elizabeth his wife seeing the Poetical fiction of Philemon and Baucis found in them an Historical performance with improvement * Sed pia Baucis anus parilique aetate Philemon Illâ sunt annis juncti juvenilibus illâ Consenuere casâ paupertatémque ferendo Effecere levem nec iniqua mente ferendam But good old Baucis with Philemon matchd In youthfull years now struck with equal age Made poorness pleasant in their cottage Thatch'd And weight of want with patience diâ—… aswage Whereas this our Warwick-shire-Pair living in a worshipfull equipage and exemplary for their hospitality did teach others not how Poverty might be born but Wealth well used by their Example for the owners and others good The Ovidian-couple appear issueless whereas twenty children viz. tâ—…teen sons and seven daughters were begotten and born by this Thomas and Elizabeth living sixty five years together in marriage Indeed the poeticall-pair somewhat outstrip'd them in the happiness of their death their request being granted them Et quoniam concordes egimus annos Auferà thora duos eadem nec conjugis unquam Busta meae videam nec sim tumulandus ab illa Because we liv'd and lov'd so long together Let 's not behold the funeralls of either May one hour end us both may I not see This my wife buried nor wife bury me However these Underhills deceased in one year she in July he in October following 1603. Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 John Coventry William Coventry Coventry Mercer 1425 2 John Olney John Olney Coventry Mercer 1446 3 Robert Tate Thomas Tate Coventry Mercer 1488 4 Hugh Clopton John Clopton Stratford upon Avon Mercer 1491 5 John Tate Thomas Tate Coventry 1496 6 William Cockain William Cockain Baddesley Skinner 1619 7 John Warner John Warner Rowington Grocer  The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the 〈◊〉 year of King Henry the sixth 1433. William Bishop of Lincoln Commissioners to take the Oaths Richard Earl of Warwick John Cotes Knights for the shire Nicholas Metley Knights for the shire Radul Nevill mil. Ioh. Colepeper mil. Will. Mounford mil. Edw. Oddingsselles m. Tho. Bâ—…rdet mil. Rich. Otherston Abbatis de Camba Will. Pole Abbatis de Alyncestre Joh. Buggeley Abbatis de Miravalle Edw. Bronâ—…ete de Farnburgh ar Bald. Mountford de Hampton ar Râ—…d Brasebrugg de Kinnesbury ar Will. Lucy de Charlecote ar Tho. Hugford de Emescote ar Tho. Erdington de Erdington ar Rob. Arden de Bromwich ar Will. Pucfrey de Shiford ar Rog. Harewell de Morehall ar Rich. Hyband de Ippesley armig Will. Botoner de Wythybroke Ioh. Midlemore de Eggebaston ar Thome Porter de Escote ar Tho. 〈◊〉 de Tonworth ar Tho. Waryng de eadem ar Rich. Verney ar de Wolverton Tho. Gâ—…ene de Solyhull ar Joh. Chelwyn de Alspath ar Ioh. Waldiene de eadem ar Nich. Ruggeley de Donton ar Will. Holt de Aston ar Rich. Merbroke de Codbarow ar Galf. Allefley d eparva Lalleford Tho. Greswold de Solyhull Tho. Haynton de Napton Will. Parker de Tonworth Edm. Starkey de Stretton Ranul Starky de eadem Will. Derset de Thurlaston Rich. Hall de Stretford Ioh. Mayell de eadem Simon Forster de Althercton Clemen Draper de â—…adem Iohan. Darant de Berston Rog. Mullward de Nuneton Iohan. Omfrey de eadem Iohan. Waryn de eadem Hum. Iacob de Tamworth Tho. Neuton de eadem Math. Smalwode de Sutton Rich. Dalby de Brokhampton Rich. Eton de Warwick Hum. Corbet Iohan. Aleyn de Berford Tho. Iakes de Woner Rog. Clerk de Tatchbrook Rich. Briches de Longedon Will. Reynold de Attilburgh Ioh. Michell majoris civitatis Coventrae Will. Donington unius Ballivorum civitatis Predictae Rob. Southam alterius Ballivorum civitatis Predicte Egidii Alles sley Magistri Gildae Sanctae Trinitatis de Coventrae Lauren. Cook de Coventrae Merchant Rich. Sharp de eadem Merchant Rich. Boton de eadem Fishmonger Ioh. Lychefeld de eadem Grasier
may conquer the corruptions of their Nature If Fâ—…rca in no unusuall sence be taken for the Cross by the vertue of Christs sufferings thereon a man may so repell Nature that it shall not recoile to his destruction Princes KATHARINE PAR daughter of Sir Thomas Par was born at Kendall-castle in this County then the prime seat of that though no parliamentary Barony devolved to her father by inheritance from the Bruses and Rosses of Werk She was first married unto John Nevile Lord Latimer and afterwards to K. Henry the eighth This King first married half a maid no less can be allowed to the Lady Katharine the Relict of Prince Arthur and then he married four maids successively of the two last he complained charging the one with impotency the other with inconstancy and being a free man again resolved to wed a Widow who had given testimony of her fidelity to a former husband This Lady was a great favourer of the Gospell and would earnestly argue for it sometimes speaking more then her husband would willingly hear of Once politick Gardiner who spar'd all the Weeds spoil'd the good Flowers and Herbs had almost got her into his clutches had not divine Providence delivered her Yet a Jesuite tells us that the King intended if longer surviving to behead her for an Heretick to whom all that I will return is this that he was neither Confessour nor Privy-Counâ—…ellour to King Henry the eighth This Queen was afterward married to Thomas Seymer Baron of Sudeley and Lord Admiral and died in child-bed of a daughter Anno Domini 1548. her second husband surviving her This makes me the more admire at the great mistake of Thomas Mills otherwise most industrious and judicious in genealogies making this Lady married the third time unto Edward Burgh eldest son unto Thomas Lord Burgh without any shew of probability Cardinals CHRISTOPHER BAMBRIDGE born near Apleby in this County was bred Doctor of Law in Queens-colledge in Oxford He was afterwards Dean of York Bishop of Durham and at last Arch-bishop of York Being imployed an Embasadour to Rome he was an active instrument to procure our King Henry the eight to take part with the Pope against Lewis King of France for which good service he was created Cardinal of Saint Praxis A title some say he long desired let me adde and little injoyed For falling out with his Steward Rivaldus de Modena an Italian and fustigating him for his faults the angry Italian Poysoned him Herein something may be pleaded for this Cardinal out of the Old sure I am more must be pleaded against him out of the New Testament if the places be Parallell'd Proverbs 29. 19. 1 Timothy 3. 3. A servant will not be corrected by words c. A Bishop must be no striker c. But grant him greatly faulty it were uncharitable in us to beat his Memory with more stripes who did then suffer so much for his own Indiscretion His death happened July 14. 1511 and was buried at Rome not in the Church of Saint Praxis which entitled him but in the Hospitall of the English Prelats THOMAS VIPONT was descended of those Ancient Barons who were Hereditary Lords of this County Surely either his Merit was very great or Might very prevalent advantaged by his near and potent Relations That the Canons of Carlile stuck so stiffly to their electing their Bishop when King Henry the third with so much importunity commended John Prior of Newbury unto them This Thomas injoyed his place but one year the onely reason as I conceive that no more is reported of him He died Anno Dom. 1256. JOHN de KIRKBY born at one of the two Kirkbies Landsdale or Stephens in this County was first Canon and afterwards Bishop of Carlile Anno 1332. This is that Stout Prelate who when the Scots invaded England Anno 1345. with an Army of thirty thousand under the conduct of William Douglas and had taken and burnt Carlile with the Country thereabouts I say this John Kirkby was he who with the assistance of Thomas Lucy Robert Ogle persons of prime power in those Parts fighting in an advantagious place utterly routed and ruined them Such as behold this Act with envious eyes cavelling that he was non-resident from his Calling when he turned his Miter into an Helmet Crosier-staffe into a Sword consider not that true Maxim In Publicos hostes omnis home miles and the most consciencious Casuists who forbid Clergy-men to be Military Plaintiffs allow them to be defendants He died Anno Dom. 1353. THOMAS de APPLEBY born in that Eminent Town in this County where the Assises commonly are kept was legally chosen Bishop of Carlile by all that had right in that Election Yet he was either so Timerous or the Pope so Tyrannicall or both that he durst not own the choice with his publique consent untill he had first obtained his Confirmation from the Court of Rome He was Consecrated Anno Dom. 1363. and having set 33. years in that See deceased Decemb 5. 1395. ROGER de APPLEBY went over into Ireland and there became Prior of Saint Peters near Trimme formerly founded by Simon de rupe forti Bishop of Meath hence by the Pope he was preferred Bishop of Ossory in the same Kingdome He died Anno Dom. 1404. WILLIAM of STRICKLAND descended of a Right Worshishful Family in this County Anno 1396. by joynt consent of the Cannons chosen Bishop of Carlile However by the concurrence of the Pope and K. Richard the second one Robert Read was preferred to the Place which injury and affront Strickland bare with much moderation Now it happened that Read was removed to Chichester and Thomas Mâ—…x his successor translated to a Grecian Bishoprick that Strickland was Elected again Patience gains the Goal with Long-running and Consecrated Bishop of Carlile Anno 1400. For the Town of Perith in Cumberland he cut a pâ—…ssage with great Art Industry and Expence from the Town into the river Petterill for the conveiance of Boatage into the Irish sea He sate Bishop 19. years and died Anno Dom. 1419. NICHOLAS CLOSE was born at Bibreke in this County was One of the Six Original Fellows whom K. Henry the sixth placed in his new erected Colledge of Kings-colledge in Cambridge Yea he made him in a manner Master of the Fabrick committing the building of that house to his Fidelity who right honestly discharged his trust therein He was first Bishop of Carlile then of Leichfield where he died within a year after his Consecration viz. Anno Dom. 1453. Since the Reformation HUGH COREN or CURWEN was born in this County and made by Queen Mary Archbishop of Dublin Brown his immediate Predecessor being deprived for that he was married Here it is worthy of our observation that though many of the Protestant Clergy in that Land were imprisoned and otherwise much molested yet no one Person of what quality soever in all Ireland did suffer
Martyrdome and hereon a remarkable Story doth depend A Story which hath been solemnly avouched by the late reverend Archbishop of Armagh in the presence of several persons and amongst others unto Sir James Ware Knight that most excellent Antiquary and divers in the University of Oxford who wrot it from his mouth as he received the same from ancient persons of unquestionable credit About the third of the raign of Queen Mary a Pursevant was sent with a Commission into Ireland to impower some eminent persons to proceed with fire and fagot against poor Protestants It happened by Divine Providence this Pursevant at Chester lodged in the house of a Protestant Inn-keeper who having gotten some inkling of the matter secretly stole his Commission out of his Cloke-bag and put the Knave of Clubs in the room thereof Some weeks after he appeared before the Lords of the Privy-Councel at Dublin of whom Bishop Coren a principall and produced a Card for his pretended Commission They caused him to be committed to prison for such an affront as done on designe to deride them Here he lay for some months till with much adoe at last he got his enlargement Then over he returned for England and quickly getting his Commission renewed makes with all speed for Ireland again But before his arrival there he was prevented with the news of Queen Maries death and so the lives of many and the liberties of more poor Servants of God were preserved To return to our Coren though a moderate Papist in Queen Maries days yet he conformed with the first to the reformation of Queen Elizabeth being ever sound in his Heart He was for some short time cheif Justice and Chancellor of Ireland till he quitted all his Dignities in exchange for the Bishoprick of Oxford It may seem a wonder that he should leave one of the best Arch-bishopricks in Ireland for one of the worst Bishopricks in England But oh no Preferment to Quiet and this Politick Prelate very decrepit broken with old age and many State-affairs desired a private repose in his Native Land before his death which happened Anno Dom. 1567. BARNABY POTTER was born in this County 1578. within the Barony of Kendall in which Town he was brought up untill he was sent to Queens-colledge in Oxford becoming successively Scholar Fellow and Provost thereof He was chosen the last with the unanimous consent of the Fellows when being at great distance he never dreamed thereof Then resigning his Provosts Place he betook himself to his Pastorall charge in the Country He was Chaplain in Ordinary to Prince Charles being accounted at Court the Penitentiall Preacher and by King Charles was preferred Bishop of Carlile when others sued for the Place and he little thought thereof He was commonly called the Puritanicall Bishop and they would say of him in the time of King James that Organs would blow him out of the Church which I do not believe the rather because he was loving of and skilfull in Vocall Musick and could bear his own part therein He was a constant Preacher and performer of family-duties of a Weak Constitution Melancholy Lean and an Hard Student He dyed in honour being the last Bishop that dyed a Member of Parliament in the year of our Lord 1642. States-men Sir EDWARD BELLINGHAM Knight was born of an ancient and warlike family in this County servant of the Privy-Chamber to King Edward the sixth who sent him over Anno 1547. to be Lord Deputy of Ireland whose Learning Wisdome and Valour made him fit to discharge that place Hitherto the English-pale had been hide-bound in the growth thereof having not gained one foot of ground in more then two hundred years since the time of King Edward the third This Sir Edward first extended it proceeding against the Irishry in a martial course by beating and breaking the Moors and Connors two rebellious Septs And because the Poet saith true It proves a man as brave and wise To keep as for to get the prize He built the forts of Leix and Offaly to secure his new acquisition Surely had he not been suddenly revok d into England he would have perfected the project in the same sort as it was performed by his successour the Earl of Sussex by setling English plantations therein Such his secresie the soul of great designs that his Souldiers never knew whither they went till they were come whither they should go Thus he surprised the Earl of Desmond being rude and unnurtured brought him up to Dublin where he informed and reformed him in manners and civility sometimes making him to kneel on his knees an hour together before he knew dis duty till he became a new man in his behaviour This Earl all his life after highly honoured him and at every dinner and supper would pray to God for good Sir Edward Bellingham who had so much improved him This Deputy had no fault in his Deputiship but one that it was so short he being called home before two years were expired Surely this hath much retarded the reducing of the Irishry the often shifting of their Deputies too often change of the kinds of plaisters hinders the healing of the sore so that as soon as they had learn'd their trade they must resigne their shop to another which made King James continue the Lord Chichester so long in the place for the more effectual performance therein Coming into England he was accused of many faults but cleared himself as fast as his adversaries charged him recovering the Kings favour in so high a degree that he had been sent over Deputy again save that he excused himself by indisposition of body and died not long after Writers RICHARD KENDAL I place him here with confidence because no Kendal in England save what is the chief Town of this County He was an excellent Grammarian and the greatest instructer Shreud and Sharp enough of youth in his age He had a vast collection of all Latine Grammars and thence extracted a Quintessence whereof he was so highly conceited that he publickly boasted that Latine onely to be Elegant which was made according to his Rules and all other to be Base and Barbarous Which Reader I conceive being out of his though under thy Correction a Proud and Pedantick expression He flourished in the raign of K. Henry the sixth Since the Reformation BERNARD Son of EDWIN GILPIN Esquire was born at Kentmire in this County Anno 1517. At sixteen years old very young in that Age from those Parts his Parents sent him to Queens-colledge in Oxford whence his merit advanced him one of the first Students in the new foundation of Christs church Hitherto the Heat of Gilpin was more then his Light and he hated Vice more then Error which made him so heartily dispute against Master Hooper who afterwards was Martyred when indeed he did follow his Argument with his Affections How afterwards he became a zealous Protestant I referre the
the Baron of Kendal 〈◊〉 his singular deserts â—…oth in Peace and War This was that Richard 〈◊〉 who sâ—…w the wild Bore that raging in the Mountains 〈◊〉 as sometimes that of Erimanthus much indamaged the Country people whence it is that the Gilpins in their Coat Armes give the Bore I confess the story of this Westmerland-Hercules soundeth something Romanza like However I believe it partly because so reverend a pen hath recorded it and because the people in these parts need not feigne foes in the fancy Bears Bores and Wild beasts who in that age had real enemies the neighbouring Scots to encounter Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Cuthbert Buckle Christopher Buckle Bourgh Vintner 1593 Sheriffs I find two or three Links but no continued chain os Sheriffs in this County untill the 10. of K. John who bestowed the Baily-week and Revenues of this County upon Robert Lord Vipont ROBERT de VIPONT the last of that Family about the raign of K. Edward the first left two daughters 1. Sibel married to Roger Lord Clifford 2. Idonea the first and last I meet with of that Christian-name though proper enough for women who are to be meet helps to their husbands married to Roger de Leburn Now because honor nescit dividi Honour cannot be divided betwixt Co-heirs and because in such cases it is in the Power and Pleasure of the King to assign it entire to which he pleased the King Conferred the Hereditary Sheriffalty of this County on the Lord Clifford who had Married the Eldest Sister Iâ—… hath ever since continued in that honorable family I find Elizabeth the Widdow of Thomas Lord Clifford probably in the Minority of her son Sheriffess as I may say in the sixteenth of Richard the second till the last of K. Henry the fourth Yet was it fashionable for these Lords to depute and present the most Principal Gentry of this Shire their Sub-Vicecomites Under-sheriffs in their Right to order the affairs of that County I find Sir Thomas Parr Sir William Parr Ancestors to Q. Katherin Parr as also Knights of the Families of the Bellingams Musgraves c. discharging that office so high ran the Credit and Reputation thereof Henry Lord Clifford was by K. Henry the eight Anno 1525. Created Earl of Cumberland and when Henry the fift Earl of that family died lately without Issue male the Honour of this Hereditary Sheriffalty with large Revenues Reverted unto Anne the sole daughter of George Clifford third Earl of Cumberland the Relict of Richard Earl of Dorset and since of Phillip Earl of Pembroke and Mountgomery by whom she had two daughters the Elder married to the Earl of Thanet and the younger married to James Earl of Northampton The Farewell Reader I must confess my self sorry and ashamed that I cannot do more right to the Natives of this County so far distanced North that I never had yet the opportunity to behold it O that I had but received some intelligence from my worthy friend Doctor Thomas Barlow Provost of Queens-colledge in Oxford who for his Religion and Learning is an especiall ornament of Westmerland But Time Tide and a PrintersPress are three unmannerly things that will stay for no man and therefore I request that my defective indeavours may be well accepted I learn out of Master Camden that in the River Cann in this County there be two Catadupae or Waterfalls whereof the Northern sounding Clear and Loud foretokeneth Fair Weather the Southern on the same Terms presageth Rain Now I wish that the former of thesemay be Vocall in Hay-time and Harvest the latter after Great Drought that so both of them may make welcome Musick to the Inhabitants VVILT-SHIRE WILT-SHIRE hath Gloucester-shire on the North Berk-shire and Hampshire on the East Dorset-shire on the South and Summerset-shire on the West From North to South it extendeth 39. Miles but abateth ten of that Number in the breadth thereof A pleasant County and of great Variety I have heard a Wise man say that an Oxe left to himself would of all England choose to live in the North a Sheep in the South part hereof and a Man in the Middle betwixt both as partaking of the pleasure of the plain and the wealth of the deep Country Nor is it unworthy the observing that of all Inland Shires no ways bordered on Salt-water this gathereth the most in the Circumference thereof as may appear by comparing them being in compass one Hundred Thirty and Nine Miles It is plentifull in all English especially in the ensuing Commodities Naturall Commodities Wooll The often repetition hereof though I confess against our rules premised may justly be excused Well might the French Embassadour return France France France reiterated to every petty title of the King of Spain And our English Wooll Wooll c. may counterpoize the numerous but inconsiderable Commodities of other Countries I confess a Lock thereof is most contemptible Non flocci te facio passing for an expression of the highest neglect but a quantity thereof quickly amounteth to a good valuation The Manufactures Clothing This Mystery is vigorously pursued in this County and I am informed that as MEDLEYS are most made in other Shires as good WHITES as any are woven in this County This mentioning of Whites to be vended beyond the Seas minds me of a memorable contest in the raign of King James betwixt the Merchants of London and Sir William Cockain once Lord Mayor of that City and as Prudent a Person as any in that Corporation He ably moved and vigorously prosecuted the design that all the Cloth which was made might be died in England alledging that the wealth of a Country consisteth in driving on the Naturall Commodities thereof through all Manufactures to the utmost as far as it can go or will be drawn And by the Dying of all English cloth in England Thousands of poor People would be imployed and thereby get a comfortable subsistence The Merchants returned that such home-dying of our cloth would prove prejudiciall to the sale thereof Forreigners being more expert then we are in the mysterie of fixing of Colours Besides they can afford them far cheaper then we can much of dyingstuff growing in their Countries and Forraigners bear a great affâ—…ction to White or Virgin cloth unwilling to have their Fancies prevented by the Dying thereof insomuch that they would like it better though done worse if done by themselves That Sir William Cockain had got a vast deal of Dying-stuff into his own possession and did drive on his own interest under the pretence of the Publick good These their Arguments were seconded with good store of good Gold on both sides till the Merchants prevailed at last A Shole of Herrings is able to beat the Whale it self and Clothing left in the same condition it was before Tobacco pipes The best for shape and colour as curiously sized are made at Amesbury in this County They may be
Rayes they report he hung his Veâ—…ment which miraculously supported it to the great admiration of the beholders Coming to Rome to be Consecrated Bishop of Sherburn he reproved Pope Sergius his fatherhood for being a father indeed to a Base Child then newly born And returning home he lived in great Esteem untill the day of his death which happened Anno Dom. 709. His Corps being brought to Malmesbury were there Inshrined and had in great Veneration who having his longest abode whilst living and last when dead in this County is probably presumed a Native thereof EDITH Naturall daughter of King Edger by the Lady Wolfhild was Abbess of Wilton wherein she demeaned her self with such Devotion that her Memory obtained the reputation of Saint-ship And yet an Author telleth us that being more curious in her attire then beseemed her profession Bishop Ethelwold sharply reproved her who answered him roundly That God regarded the Heart more then the Garment and that Sins might be covered as well under Rags as Robes One reporteth that after the slaughter of her brother Edward holy Dunstan had a design to make her Queen of England the Vail of her head it seems would not hinder the Crown so to defeat Ethelred the lawfull Heir had she not declined the proffer partly on Pious partly Politick diswasions She died Anno Dom. 984. and is buried in the Church of Dioness at Wilton of her own building she is commonly called Saint Edith the younger to distinguish her from Saint Edith her Aunt of whom before Martyrs It plainly appeareth that about the year of our Lord 1503. there was a persecution of Protestants give me leave so to Antedate their name in this County under Edmund Audley Bishop of Salisbury as by computation of time will appear Yet I find but one man Richard Smart by name the more remarkable because but once and that scentingly mentioned by Mr. Fox burnt at Salisbury for reading a book called Wicliffs Wicket to one Thomas Stillman afterwards burnt in Smithfield But under cruel Bishop Capon Wiltshire afforded these Marian Martyrs Name Vocation Residence Martyred in Anno John Spicer Free-Mason    William Coberly Taylor Kevel Salisbury 1556 Apr. John Maundrell Husbandman    Confessors Name Vocation Residence Persecuted in Anno John Hunt Husbandman Marleborough Salisbury 1558 Richard White Husbandman    These both being condemned to die were little less then miraculously preserved as will appear hereafter ALICE COBERLY must not be omitted wife to William Coberly forenamed charitably presuming on her repentance though she failed in her Constancy on this occasion The Jaylors wife of Salisbury heating a key fire hot and laying it in the grasse spake to this Alice to bring it in to her in doing whereof she pitiously burnt her hand and cryed out thereat O said the other if thou canst not abide the burning of a key how wilt thou indure thy whole body to be burnt at the stake Whereat the said Alice revoked her opinion I can neither excuse the Cruelty of the one though surely doing it not out of a Persecuting but Carnall preserving intention nor the Cowardliness of the other For she might have hoped that her whole body encountering the flame with a Christian resolution and confidence of Divine support in the Testimony of the truth would have found lesse pain then her hand felt from the suddain surprize of the fire wherein the unexpectedness added if not to the pain to the fright thereof This sure I am that some condemn her shrinking for a burnt hand who would have done so themselves for a scratched finger Cardinals WALTER WINTERBURN was born at Sarisbury in this County and bred a Dominican-fryer He was an excellent Scholar in all Studies suitable to his age when a Youth a good Poet and Orator when a Man an acute Philosopher Aristotelicarum doctrinarum heluo saith he who otherwise scarce giveth him a good word when an Old-man a deep Controvertial Divine and Skilfull Casuist a quality which commended him to be Confessor to King Edward the first Now news being brought to Pope Benedict the eleventh that William Maklesfield Provincial of the Dominicans and designed Cardinall of Saint Sabin was dead and buried at London before his Cap could be brought to him he appointed this Walter to be heir to his Honour The worst is as Medlers are never ripe till they are rotten so few are thought fit to be Cardinals but such as are extreamly in years Maklesfield had all his body buried and our Winterburn had one foot in the grave being seventy nine years of age before he was summoned to that dignity However over he went with all hast into Italy and though coming thither too late to have a sight of Pope Benedict the eleventh came soon enough to give a suffrage at the choice of Clement the fift This Walter his Cardinals Cap was never a whit the worse for wearing enjoying it but a year In his return home he died and was buried at Genua but afterwards his Corps were brought over and Re-interred most solemnly in London Anno 1305. ROBERT HALAM was saith my Author Regio sanguine Angliae natus born of the bloud Royal of England though how or which way he doth not acquaint us But we envy not his high Extraction whilst it seems accompanied with other Eminences He was bred in Oxford and afterwards became Chancelour thereof 1403. From being Arch-deacon of Canterbury he was preferred Bishop of Salisbury On the sixt of June 1411. he was made Cardinal though his particular title is not expressed It argueth his Abilities that he was one of them who was sent to represent the English Clergy both in the Council of Pisa and Constance in which last service he dyed Anno Dom. 1417. in Gotleby Castle Prelates JOANNES SARISBURIENSIS was born at and so named from old Sarum in this County though I have heard of some of the Salisburies in Denby shire who Essay to assert him to their Family as who would not recover so eminent a person Leland saith that he seeth in him Omnem 〈◊〉 Orbem all the World or if you will the whole Circle of Learning Bale saith that he was one of the first who since Theodorus Arch-bishop of Canterbury living five hundred years before him oh the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Barbarisme in England indeavoured to restore the learned languages to their Originall Purity being a good Latinist Grecian Musician Mathematician Philosopher Divine and what not What learning he could not find at home he did fetch from abroad travelling into France and Italy companion to T. Becket in his Exile but no partner in his protervity against his Prince for which he sharply reproved him He was highly in favour with Pope Eugenius the third and Adrian the fourth and yet no author in that age hath so pungent passages against the Pride and Covetousness of the Court
a very great estate But what he got in few years he lost in fewer days since our Civil Warrs when the Parliament was pleased for reasons onely known to themselves to make him one of the examples of their severity excluding him pardon but permitting his departure beyond the seas where he dyed about the year 1650. Capitall Judges Sir NICHOLAS HYDE Knight was born at Warder in this County where his father in right of his wife had a long lease of that Castle from the family of the Arundels His father I say descended from an Antient Family in Cheshire a fortunate Gentleman in all his Children and more in his Grand-children some of his under-boughs out-growing the top-branch and younger children amongst whom Sir Nicholas in wealth and honour exceeding the heir of the family He was bred in the Middle-Temple and was made Sergeant at Law the first of February 1626. and on the eighth day following was sworn Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-bench succeeding in that Office next save one unto his Countryman Sir James Ley then alive and preferred Lord Treasurer born within two miles one of another and next of all unto Sir Randal Crew lately displaced Now though he entered on his place with some disadvantage Sir Randal being generally popular and though in those days it was hard for the same person to please Court and Country yet he discharged his office with laudable integrity and died 1631. Souldiers First for this County in general hear what an antient Author who wrot about the time of King Henry the second reporteth of it whose words are worthy of our translation and exposition Johannes Sarisburiensis de Nugis Curialium 6. cap. 18. Provincia Severiana quae moderno usu ac nomine ab incolis Wiltesira vocatur eodem jure sibi vendicat Cohortem Subsidiariam adjecta sibi Devonia Cornubia The Severian Province which by moderne use name is by the inhabitants called Wiltshire by the same right chalengeth to it self to have the Rere Devonshire and Cornwall being joyned unto it The Severian Province We thank our Author for expounding it Wiltshire otherwise we should have sought for it in the North near the Wall of Severus By the same right Viz. by which Kent claimeth to lead the Vanguard whereof formerly To have the Rere So translated by Mr. Selden from whom it is a sin to dissent in a Criticisme of Antiquity otherwise some would cavill it to be the Reserve Indeed the Rere is the basis and foundation of an Army and it is one of the chief of Divine promises The glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward We read how the Romans placed their Triarii which were Veteran souldiers behind and the service was very sharp indeed cum res rediit ad Triarios We may say that these three Counties Wiltshire Devonshire and Cornwall are the Triarii of England yet so that in our Author Wiltshire appears as principal the others being added for its assistance Here I dare interpose nothing why the two interjected Counties betwixt Wilts and Devon viz. Dorset and Summerset are not mentioned which giveth me cause to conjecture them included in Devonia in the large acception thereof Now amongst the many worthy Souldiers which this County hath produced give me leave to take speciall notice of HENRY D'ANVERS His ensuing Epitaph on his Monument in the Church of Dantsey in this Shire will better acquaint the Reader with his deserts then any character which my Pen can give of him Hâ—…re lyeth the body of Henry Danvers second son to Sir John Danvers Knight and Dame Elizabeth Daughter and Co-heir to Nevill Lord Latimer He was born at Dantsey in the County of Wilts Jan. Anno Dom. 1573. being bred up partly in the Low-Country-Wars under Maurice Earl of Nassaw afterward Prince of Orenge and in many other military Actions of those times both by Sea and by Land He was made a Captain in the Wars of France and there Knighted for his good Service under Henry the fourth the then French King He was imployed as Leiutenant of the Horse and Serjeant Major of the whole Army in Ireland under Robert Earl of Essex and Charles Baron of Mountjoy in the Raign of Queen Elizabeth By King James the first he was made Baron of Dansey and Peer of this Realm as also Lord President of Munster and Governour of Guernsey By King Charles the first he was Created Earl of Danby made of his Privy Councell and Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter In his latter time by reason of imperfect health considerately declining more active Imployments full of Honours Wounds and Days he died Anno Domini 1643. Laus Deo For many years before St. George had not been more magnificently Mounted I mean the solemnity of his feast more sumptuously observed then when this Earl with the Earl of Morton were installed Knights of the Garter One might have there beheld the abridgment of English and Scotish in their Attendance The Scotish Earl like Zeuxis his Picture adorned with all Art and Costliness whilst our English Earl like the plain sheet of Apelles by the Gravity of his habit got the advantage of the Gallantry of his Corrival with judicious beholders He died without Issue in the beginning of our Civil Wars and by his Will made 1639. setled his large Estate on his hopefull Nephew Henry D'Anvers snatch'd away before fully of age to the great grief of all good men Writers OLIVER of MALMESBURY was saith my Author iâ—… ipsius Monasterii terratorio natus so that there being but few paces betwixt his cradle and that Convent he quickly came thither and became a Benedictine therein He was much addicted to Mathematicks and to judicial Astrology A great Comet happened in his age which he entertained with these expressions Venisti Venisti multis matribus lugendum malum Dudum te vidi sed multò jam terribilius Angliae minans prorsus excidium Art thou come Art thou come thou evil to be lamented by many mothers I saw thee long since but now thou art much more terrible threatning the English with utter destruction Nor did he much miss his mark herein for soon after the coming in of the Norman Conqueror deprived many English of their lives more of their laws and liberties till after many years by Gods goodness they were restored This Oliver having a mind to try the truth of Poeticall reports an facta vel ficta is said to have tied Wings to his hands and feet and taking his rise from a Tower in Malmesbury flew as they say a â—…rlong till something failing him down he fell and brake both his Thighs Pity is it but that Icarus-like he had not fallen into the water and then OLIVER OL'VARIS nomina fecit aquis I find the like Recorded in the Ecclesiastical History of Simon Magus flying from the Capitol in Rome high in the Ayre till at last by the Prayers of Saint Peter he
place When the Writ de comburendis haereticis for the Execution of Richard White and John Hunt of whom formerly was brought to Mr. Michel instead of burning them He burnt the Writ and before the same could be renewed Doctor Geffray the bloody Chancellour of Salisbury who procured it and Queen Mary were both dead to the Miraculous preservation of Gods poor Servants Sir JAMES Vicar Choral as I conceive of the Church of Sarisbury in the raign of King Edward the sixth was wholy addicted to the Study of Chemistry Now as Socrates himself wrot nothing whilst Plato his Scholar praised him to purpose so whilst the Pen of Sir James was silent of his own worth Thomas Charnock his Scholar whom he made Inheritour of his Art thus chants in his Commendation I could find never Man but one Which could teach Me the secrets of our Stone And that was a Priest in the Close of Salisbury God rest his Soul in Heaven full merry This Sir James pretented that he had all his skill not by Learning but Inspiration which I list not to disprove He was alive Anno 1555. but died about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth Lord Mayor Name Father Place Company Time Sir Nicholas Lambert Edward Lambert Wilton Grocer 1531 The Names of the Gentry of this County Returned by the Commissioners in the twelsth year of King Henry the sixth R. Bishop of Salisbury Commissioners to receive the Oaths Walt. Hungarford Knight Robert Andrew Knights for the Shire Robert Long. Knights for the Shire Rob. Hungarford mil. Edm. Hungarford m. Ioh. Stourton mil. Will. Becham mil. Ioh. Beynton mil. Will. Westbery Justiciarii Ioh. Seymour Will. Darell Rich. Milbourn Edm. Dantesey Ioh. Westbery sen. David Cerington Randul Thorp Lau. Gowayn Rog. Peryton Will. Gore sen. Roh Ernly Rob. Blake Tho. Drewe Will. Daungers Rob. Paniffote Ioh. Westbery junior Will. Rouse Tho. Boneham Iohan. Rous Will. Besyle Rob. Baynard Rog. Trewbody Will. Caynelt Will. Botreauxe Will. Widecombe Ioh. Atte Berwe Ioh. Northfolk Ioh. Sturmy Tho. Cryklade Rob. Bodenham Iohan. Bride Rob. Beast Cob. Colyngborn Hen. Chancy Ioh. Combe Ioh. West Rob. Onewyn Tho. Ierderd Ioh. Whitehorn Ioh. Gergrave Nich. Wotton Tho. Hall Ioh. Hall Rich. Hall Will. â—…ore 〈◊〉 Rob. Crikkelade Ioh. Lambard Tho. Beweshyn Rich. Mayn Ioh. Mayn Ioh. Benger Rob. Mayhow Hen. Bardley Rob. Confold Ioh. Mumfort Tho. Hancock Ioh. Osburn Ioh. Gillberd Ioh. Attuene Ioh. Escote Gul. Orum Rich. Soâ—…wel Reg. Croke Ingel Walrond Ioh. Waldrine Rich. Warrin Will. Stanter Rob. Solman Tho. Temse Will. Temse Tho. Ryngwode Will. Watkins Rob. Backeham Walt. Backeham Will. Dantesey Rich. Caynell Rich. Hardone Ioh. Tudworth Ioh. Coventre Tho. Gore nuper de Lynshyll Rob. Wayte Will. Coventre Ioh. Ingeham Ioh. Martyn Walt. Evererd Will. Polelchirch Ioh. Iustice Walt. Stodelâ—…y Will. Wychamton Rob. Eyre Ioh. Voxanger Sim. Eyre Ioh. Ford Will. Russell Ioh. Scot Tho. Vellard Pet. Duke Ioh. Quinton Tho. Quinton Ioh. Bourne Rich. Warneford Ioh. Stere Tho. Hasard Rob. Lyvenden Will. Lyng Ioh. Davy Rob. Davy Rob. Floure Will. Leder Ioh. Edward Ioh. Cutting Tho. Blanchard Will. Moun Edm. Penston Rich. Lye Ioh. Bellingdon Ioh. Pope Ioh. Lye Ioh. Spender Walt. Clerk Ioh. Quarly Will. Bacon Ioh. Everard Nich. Spondell Will. Walrond Tho. Stake Rich. Cordra Rich. de Bowys Will Renger Thom. Bower de Devise R. is here Robert Nevil then Bishop of Salisbury Walter Hungerford was the Lord Hungerford Treasurer of England WILL. WESTBRY Justiciarii Surely this Justice must be more then an Ordinary one of the Peace and Quorum because preposed to John Seimour a signall Esquire late High-sheriffe of the Shire Yet was he none of the two Chief-Justices of Westminster as not mentioned in their Catalogue Probably he was one of the Puny Judges in those Courts but because no certainty thereof we leave him as we found him DAVID CERINGTON The self same name with Sherington for all the literall variation and they I assure you were men of great Anchestry and Estate in this County Sir Henry Sherington was the last Heir-male of this Family dwelling at Lacock in this County a Right Godly Knight and great friend to Bishop Jewell who died in his house at Lacock He disswaded the Bishop from Preaching that Lords-day by reason of his great Weakness Affirming it better for a Private Congregation to want a Sermon one day then for the Church of England to lose such a Light for ever But he could not prevail the Bishop being resolved to expire in his calling This Sir Henry left two Daughters which had Issue one married into the Honourable family of Talbot the other unto Sir Anthony Mildmay who enriched their Husbands with great Estates Sheriffs of Wilt-shire HEN. II. Anno 1 Will. qui fuit Vic. Anno 2 Com. Patricius Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Anno 7 Rich. Clericus Anno 8 Idem Anno 9 Mil. de Dantesaia Anno 10 Rich. de Wilton Anno 11 Rich. de Wilteser Anno 12 Rich. de Wilton for 15 years Anno 27 Mich. Belet Rob. Malde Anno 28 Mich. Belet Rob. Malde Rog. filius Reuf Anno 29 Rob. Malduit Anno 30 Idem Anno 31 Idem Anno 32 Rob. Malduit Anno 33 Idem RICH. I. Anno 1 Hug. Bardulfe Anno 2 Will. Comes Saresb. Anno 3 Rob. de Tresgoze Anno 4 Will. Comes Saresb. Anno 5 Will. Comes Saresb. Tho. filius Will. for 4 years Anno 9 Steph. de Turnham Alex. de Ros Anno 10 Idem JOHAN REX Anno 1 Steph. de Turnham Wand filius Corcelles Anno 2 Comes Will. de Saresb. Hen. de Bermere Anno 3 â—…dem Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Comes Will. de Saresb. Iohan. Bonet for 6 years Anno 11 Will. Briewere Rob. filius Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Nich. Briewere de Vetri ponte Will de Chanto Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Will Comes Saresb. Hen. filius Alchi Anno 17 Idem HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Will. Comes Saresb. Rob. de Crevequeor for 6 years Anno 8 Will. Comes Saresb. Adam de Alta Ripa Anno 9 Idem Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Sim. de Halei Anno 12 Eliz. Comit. Saresb. Ioh. Dacus Anno 13 Ioh. de Monemue Walt. de Bumesey Anno 14 Ioh. de Monemue Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Eliz. Com. Saresb. Ioh. Dacus for 4 years Anno 20 Eliz. Comit. Sarum Rob. de Hugen Anno 21 Eliz. Comit. Sarum Anno 22 Rob. de Hogesham Anno 23 Idem Anno 24 Idem Anno 25 Nich. de Haversham for 6 years Anno 31 Nich de Lusceshall Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Idem Anno 34 Will. de Tynehiden for 4 years Anno 38 Will. de Tenhide Io. de Tenhide fil Here 's Anno 39 Idem Anno 40 Ioh. de Verurd Anno 41 Idem Anno 42 Idem Anno 43 Ioh. de Verund Galf. de Scudemor Anno 44 Idem Anno 45 Ioh. de Verund
Anno 46 Rad. Cussell Anno 47 Idem Anno 48 Idem Anno 49 Rad. de Aungers Ioh. de Aungers Anno 50 Rad. de Aungers Anno 51 Will. de Duy Steph. de Edwarth for 5 years 56 Steph. de Edwarth Walt. de Strichesley EDW. I. Anno 1 Walt. de Strichesle Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Hildebrandus de London for 6 years Anno 10 Ioh. de Wotton for 8 years Anno 18 Rich. de Combe Anno 19 Idem Anno 20 Tho. de S to Omero for 5 years Anno 25 Walt. de Pevely Anno 26 Idem Anno 27 Idem Anno 28 Ioh. de Novo Burgo Anno 29 Idem Anno 30 Ioh. de Hertingerr Anno 31 Idem Anno 32 Idem Anno 33 Hen. de Cobham Anno 34 Ioh. de Gerberge Anno 35 Idem EDW. II. Anno 1 Andreas de Grimsted Anno 2 Alex. Cheverell Ioh. de S to Laudo Anno 3 Idem Anno 4 Will. de Hardene Anno 5 Adam Walrand Anno 6 Adam Walrand Iohan. Kingston Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Iohan de Holt Phus. de la Beach Anno 9 Phus. de la Beach Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Walt. de Risum Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Ioh. de Tichbourn Adam Walrand Anno 15 Idem Anno 16 Anno 17 Adam Walrand Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Idem EDW. III. Anno 1 Adam Walrand Anno 2 Phus. la Beach Anno 3 Ioh. Manduit Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Anno 7 Ioh. Manduit Will Randolph Anno 8 Iohan. Tichbourn Iohan. Manduit Anno 9 Gilb. de Berewice Reg. de Pauley Anno 10 Idem Anno 11 Petr. Doygnel Gil. de Berewice Anno 12 Iohan. Manduit Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Tho. de S to Mauro Rob. Lokes Anno 16 Iohan. Manduit Anno 17 Idem Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Iohan. Roches Anno 20 Idem Anno 21 Ioh. de Roches Tho. Semor Anno 22 Rob. Russell Anno 23 Idem Anno 24 Idem Anno 25 Nullus Titulus in hoc Rotulo Anno 26 Tho. de la River Anno 27 Idem Anno 28 Idem Anno 29 Ioh. Everard Anno 30 Tho. de Hungerford for 5 years Anno 35 Hen. Sturmy for 6 years Anno 41 Walt. de Haywood for 5 years Anno 46 Will. de Worston Anno 47 Hen. Sturmy Anno 48 Ioh. Dauntesey mil. Anno 49 Ioh. de la Mare mil. Anno 50 Hugo Cheyne Anno 51 Idem Edward III. 35 HENRY STURMY They were Lords of Woolfhall in this County and from the Time of King Henry the second were by right of Inheritance the Bayliffs and Guardians of the Forrest of Savernake lying hard by which is of great note for plenty of good game and for a kind of Ferne there that yeildeth a most Pleasant Savour In remembrance whereof their Hunters-horn of a mighty bigness and tipt with silver is kept by the Seymours Dukes of Somerset unto this day as a Monument of their Descent from such Noble Ancestors Sheriffs Name Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Pe. de Cushaunce m Will de Worston   2 Rad. de Norton  Virt a Lion rampant Or alibi Argent 3 Idem   4 Lau. de Sco. Martino Hug. Cheyne   5 Nich. Woodhull   6 Bern. Brokers mil.   7 Ioh. Lancaster   8 Idem   9 Ioh. Salesbury   10 Idem   11 Hug. Cheyne   12 Idâ—…m   13 Rich. Mawardin   14 Ioh. Roches   15 Rob. Dyneley   16 Ioh. Goweyn   17 Rich Mawardin   18 Ioh. Moigne   â—…9 Tho. Bonham   20 Rich. Mawardin   â—…1 Idem   22 Idem   HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Ioh. Dauâ—…tesey Dantesey Az. a Dâ—…agon Lyon Rampant comhatant Arg. 2 Will. Worston Ioh. Gawayne   3 Will. Cheyne   4 Walt. Beauchamp  Varry 5 Walt. Beauchamp ut prius  6 Wal. Hungerford m.  Sable 2 Barrs Arg. 2 Plates in Chief 7 Râ—…d Grene   8 Walt. Beauchamp ut priâ—…s  9 Rob. Corbet  Or a Raven Proper 10 Will. Cheyne mil.   11 Ioh. Berkley mil  Gules a Cheveron betwixt 10 Crosses Formee Arg. 12 Tho. Bonham   HEN. V.   Anno   1 Elias de la Mare  Gules 2 Lions â—…assant Gardant Argent 2 Hen. Thorpe   3 Tho. Calsten   4 Râ—…b Andrewe   5 Will Findern   6 Will. Sturâ—…y mil. Woolf-hâ—…ll Argent 3 Deme-Lions Gules 7 Tho. Ringwood   8 Will. Darell  Az. a lion Rampant Oâ—… Crowned Argent 9 Idem   HEN. VI.   Anno   1 Will. Darell ut prius  2 Rob Shotesbâ—…ook 〈◊〉   3 Wil. Findern   4 Walt Pauncefott  Gules 3 Lions rampant Arg. 5 Ioh. Stourton ar Stourton Sa. a Bend Or betwixt 3 fountains proper 6 Will. Darell ar ut prius  7 Ioh. Pawlett ar  Sable 3 swords in Point Argent 8 Ioh. Bainton Brumham Sable a Bend lozenges Argent 9 Davi Sherrington   10 Ioh. Seymor Woolf-hall Gul. 2 Aâ—…gels-wings paleways inverted Or. 11 Walt. Strickland   12 Ioh. Stourton mil. ut prius  13 Steph. Popham mil.  Arg. on a Cheif Gul. 2 Bucks-heads Caboshed Or. 14 Edw. Hungerford ut prius  15 Wil. Beauchamp m. ut prius  16 Ioh. Stourton mil. ut prius  17 Ioh. Lisle mil.  Or a Fess betwixt 2 Chev. Sa. 18 Ioh. Saintlo mil.   19 Ioh. Norris  Quarterly Az. and Gul. a Fret Or with Fess Az. 20 Rich. Restwold  Argent 3 Bends â—…able 21 Will. Beauchamp ut prius  22 Ioh. Bainton ut prius  23 Ioh. Basket  Az. a Cheveron Erm. betwixt 3 Leopards-heads Or. 24 Rich. Restwold ut prius  25 Will. Stafford  Or a Cheveron Gul. on a Canton Ermine 26 Will. Beauchamp m. ut prius  27 Ioh. Norris ut prius  28 Phil. Barnard   29 Ioh. Seymor mil. ut prius  30 Ioh. Nanson   31 Edw. Stradling Dantesey Paly of 6 Arg. Az. on a Bend G. 3 Cinquefoyls Or. 32 Ioh. Willoughby   33 Geo. Darell   34 Reg. Stourton mil.   35 Hen. Long ar  Sab. a Lion ramâ—…nt betwixt 8 Crosses crossed Arg. 36 Ioh. Seymor ar ut prius  37 Hug. Pilkenham   38 Ioh. Feiris ar   EDW. IV.   Anno   1 Geor. Darell ut prius  2 Reg. Stourton mil. ut prius  3 Idem   4 Rog. Tocotes mil.   5 Geor. Darell mil. ut prius  6 Tho. de la Mare ut prius  7 Châ—…i Wâ—…ey   8
For although he found not the same favour with Joseph to whom the Gaoler committed the care of all his family making him Super-intendent of all other Prisoners yet had he always Respective Usage and oftimes Liberty on his Parol By his Bounty to the Poor he gained the good-will saith Master Camden of all Persons whilst I behold his Bounty to Others as the Queens Bounty to him enabling because not disenabling him for the same and permitting him peaceably to possess his Estate He died a very aged man in Wisbich-castle as I collect Anno 1585. and the Character which Pitzeus giveth him may suffice for his Epitaph Erat in eo insignis pietas in Deum mira charitas in proximos singularis observantia in majores mitis affabilitas in inferiores dulcis humanitas in omnes mulâ—…plex doctrina redundans facundia incredibilis religionis catholicae zelus HENRY BRIGHT was born in the City of Worcester No good man will grudge him under this Title who shall seriously peruse this his Epitaph composed by Doctor Joseph Hall then Dean in the Cathedrall in Worcester Mane Hospes lege Magister Henricus Bright Celeberrimus Gymnasiarcha Qui Scholae Regiae istic fundatae per totos Quadraginta Annos Summa cum Laude praefuit Quononalter magis sedulus fuit Scitusve aut dexter in Latinis Graecis Hebraius Literis feliciter edocendis Teste utraque Academia quam Instruxit affatim numerosa pube literaria Sed totidem annis eoque amplius Theologiam professus hujus 〈◊〉 per Septennium Canonicus major saepissime Hic Alibi Sacrum Dei praeconem magno cum Zelo Fructu egit Vir Pius Doctus Integer frugi de Republica deque Ecclesia optime meritus A laboribus perdiu per noctuque ab anno 1562. ad 1626. strenue usque extant latis 4 to Martii suaviter requievit in Domino For my own part I behold this Master Bright placed by Divine Providence in this City in the Marches that he might equally communicate the Lustre of Grammerlearning to youth both of England and Wales Lord Mayors Name Father Place Company Time 1 Richard Lee Simon Lee Worcester Grocer 1460 2 Richard a Lee John a Lee Worcester 1468 3 Alexander Avenon Robert Avenon Kings Norton Iron-monger 1569 This is one of the twelve pretermitted Counties the Names of whose Gentry were not returned into the Tower by the Commissioners in the raign of King Henry the sixth Sheriffs HEN. II. Anno 1 Anno 2 Will. de Bello Campo for 14 years Anno 16 Will. de Bello Campo Hugo de Puckier Anno 17 Ranul de Launch for 4 years Anno 21 Rob. de Lucy Anno 22 Mich. Belet for 7 years Anno 29 Rad. de Glanvill Anno 30 Mich. Belet Anno 31 Rob. Marivion for 3 years RICH. I. Anno 1 Rob. Marmion Anno 2 Will. de Bello Campo Anno 3 Will. de Bello Campo Rich. de Piplinton Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Will. de Bello Campo Anno 6 Idem Anno 7 Hen. de Longo Campo for 3 years Anno 10 Rad. de Grafton JOH Rex Anno 1 Rad. de Grafton Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Will. de Cantela Adam de Worcester for 3 years Anno 6 Rob. de Cantelu Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Will. de Cantelu Adam Clicus Anno 9 Will. de Cantelu Walt. le Puchier for 3 years Anno 12 Will. de Cantelupo Adam Ruffus Anno 13 Will. de Cantelupo Adam Delwich Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Will. de Cantelupo Phus. Kutton for 3 years HEN. III. Anno 1 Anno 2 Walt. de Bello Campo Hen. Lunett for 3 years Anno 5 Walt. de Bello Campo for 3 years Anno 8 Walt. de Bello Campo Hug. le Pohier Anno 9 Walt. de Bello Campo Tho. Wigorne for 3 years Anno 12 Walt. de Bello Campo for 3 years Anno 15 Walt. de Bello Campo Hug. le Poer Anno 16 Walt. de Bello Campo Will de Malvern for 3 years Anno 19 Walt. de Bello Campo Hug. le Pohier Anno 20 Idem sive Will. Anno 21 Will. de Bello Campo Will de Blandhall Anno 22 Idem Anno 23 Will. de Bello Campo Laur. de Wandlesworth for 3 years Anno 26 Will de Bello Campo Simon de London Anno 27 Will. de Bello Campo for 24 years Anno 51 Will. de Bello Campo Ioh. de Hull Anno 52 Idem Anno 53 Will. de Bello Campo for 3 years EDW. I. Anno 1 Will. de Bello Campo Comes Warwic for 26 years Anno 27 Guido de Bello Campo for 9 years EDW. II. Anno 1 Guido de Bello Campo Comes Warr Rob. de Berkenhall Anno 2 Guido de Bello Campo Comes Warr Walt. de Perthrope for 4 years Anno 6 Guido de Bello Campo Rob. de Warwick Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Guido de Bello Campo Anno 9 Iohan. de Heâ—…ingwoll Anno 10 Walt. de Bello Campo Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 Will. Stracy Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Will. de Bello Campo Anno 16 Anno 17 Nich. Russell Anno 18 Idem Anno 19 Walt. de Kokesey EDW. III. Anno 1 Walt. de Kokesey Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Rich de Hâ—…deslowe for 3 years Anno 6 Tho. de Bello Campo Comes Warr for 46 years RICH. II. Anno 1 Tho. de Bello Campo Comes Warr for 4 years Anno 5 Tho. de Bello Campo for 13 years Anno 18 Tho. de Bello Campo Anno 19 Idem Anno 20 Ioh. Washburne Anno 21 Hen. Haggeley Anno 22 Rob. Russell HEN. IV. Anno 1 Tho. de Bello Campo Anno 2 Tho. de Bello Campo Will Beaucham Anno 3 Tho. Hodington Anno 4 Rich. de Bello Campo Comes Warr fâ—…r 9 years HEN. V. Anno 1 Rich. de Bello Campo for 9 years HEN. VI. Anno 1 Rich. de Bello Campo for 16 years Anno 16 Norm Washburne Subvic In the 17. year of King Henry the sixth this worthy Richard Beauchamp deceased And here the records are at a loss such as ever since came to my hand presenting no Sheriff for 21 years till the end of the raign of King Henry the sixth And yet I am confident that Henry Beauchamp Son and Heir to Richard aforesaid Earl of Warwick and Albemarle for Duke of ALBEMARLE I meet with none before that ILLUSTRIOUS PERSON who now deservedly possesseth that Honour injoyed the Shrevalty of this County EDW. IV. Anno 1 Walt. Scull Subvic for 19 years Here we have an Under-sheriff but no High sheriff could my industry hitherto recover though my confidence is grounded on good cause that Richard Nevill the Make-King Duke of Warwick was Honorary Sheriff though too great to officiate in his Person Annoâ—…0 â—…0 Iacob Radcliffe mil. for 3 years RICH. III. Anno 1 Iacob Radcliffe miles Anno 2 Will. Houghton
Daughter Frances Countess of Warwick scatter her Benesactions the thicker in that place But I have been informed that his Ancestor by some accident came out of Cornwell where his Name is right Antient. He was bred in the study of our Municipall Law and such his proficiency therein that in the sixteenth of Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas Term he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-bench He was not like that Judge who feared neither God nor man but onely one Widow lest her importunity should weary him but he heartily feared God in his Religious Conversation Each man he respected in his due distance off of the Bench and no man on it to biass his judgement He was pro tempore Lord Privy Seal and sate Chief in the Court when Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star Chamber Sir Christopher collecting the censures of all the Commissioners concurred to Fine him but with this Comfortable conclusion that as it was in the Queens power to have him punished so Her Highness might be prevailed with for mitigating or remitting of the Fine and this our Judge may be presumed no ill instrument in the procuring thereof He bountifully reflected on Magdalen-colledge in Cambridge which infant Foundation had otherwise been starved at nurse for want of maintenance We know who saith * the righteous man leaveth an inheritance to his Childrens Children and the well thriving of his third Generation may be an evidence of his well-gotten goods This worthy Judge died May the eighth in the thirty fourth of Queen Elizabeth States Men. Pardon Reader my post poning this Topick of States-Men being necessitated to stay a while for further information Sir JOHN PUCKERING Kt. was born at Flamborough head in this County as I have learned out of the Notes of that industrious and judicious Antiquary Mr. Dodâ—…worth He was second Son to his Father a Gentleman who left him neither plentiful nor penurious estate his breeding was more beneficial to him than his portion gaining thereby such skill in the Common Law that he became Queens-Serjeant Speaker in the House of Commons and at last Lord Chancellor of England How he stood in his judgement in the point of Church-Discipline plainly appeareth by his following Speech delivered in the House of Lords 1588. the Original whereof was courteously communicated unto me And especially you are commanded by Her Majesty to take heed that no eare be given nor time afforded to the wearisome solicitations of those that commonly be called Puritans wherewithal the late Parliaments have been exceedingly importuned which sort of men whilest that in the giddiness of their Spirits they labour and strive to advance a new Eldership they do nothing else but disturb the good repose of the Church and Commonwealth which is as well grounded for the body of Religion it self and as well guided for the Discipline as any Realm that prosesseth the Truth and the same thing is already made good to the world by many the writings of Godly and Learned men neither answered nor answerable by any of these new fangled Refiners And as the present case standeth it may be doubted whether they or the Jesuits do offer more danger or be more speedily to be repressed For albeit the Jesuites do empoison the hearts of her Majesties Subjects under a pretext of Conscience to withdraw them from their obedience due to Her Majesty Yet do they the same but closely and only in privy corners But these men do both teach and publish in their printed Books â—…nd teach in all their Conventicles sundry opinions not only dangerous to the well-setled Estate and Policy of the Realm by putting a Pique between the Clergy and the Laâ—…ty But also much derogatory to Her Saâ—…red Majesty and Her Crown as well by the diminution of her ancient and lawfull Revenues and by denying her Highness Prerogative and Supremacy as by offâ—…ng peril to her Majesties safety in her own Kingdom In all which things however in other points they pretend to be at war with the Popish Jesuites yet by this separation of themselves from the unity of their Fellow-Subjects and by abasing the Sacred Authority and Majesty of their Prince they do both joyn and concur with the Jesuites in opening the door and preparing the way to the Spanish Invasion that is threatned against the Realm And thus having according to the weaknesse of my best understanding delivered Her Majesties Royal pleasure and wise direction I rest there with humble suit for Her Majesties most gracious pardon in supply of my defects and recommend you to the Author of all good counsel He died Anno Domini 1596. caractered by Mr. Cambden VIR INTEGER His estate is since descended according to the solemn settlement thereof the male-issue failing on Sir Henry Newton who according to the condition hath assumed the Surâ—…name of Puckering and I can never be sufficiently thankful to him and his Relations Sir GEORGE CALVERT Kt. was born at Kiplin near Richmond in this County had his education first in Trinity Colledge in Oxford then beyond the Seas His abilities commended him first to be Secretary to Robert Cecil Earl of Sarisbury Lord Treasurer of England Afterwards he was made Clerk of the Councel and at last principal Secretary of State to King James succeeding Sir Thomas Lakes in that office Anno 1619. Conceiving the Duke of Buckingham highly instrumental in his preferment he presented him with a Jewel of great value which the Duke returned him again not owning any activity in his advancement whom King James ex mero motu reflecting on his ability designed for the place This place he discharged above five years until he willingly resigned the same 1624. on this occasion He freely confessed himself to the King That he was then become a Roman Catholick so that he must either be wanting to his Trust on violate his Consolence in discharging his office This his ingenuity so highly affected King James that he continued him Privy Councellor all his raign as appeareth in the Councel-Book and soon after created him Lord Baltemore of Baltemore in Ireland During his being Secretary he had a Patent to him and his Heirs to be Absolutus Dominus Proprietarius with the Royalties of a Count Palatine of the Province of Avalon in New-found-Land A place so named by him in imitation of old Avalon in Somerset shire wherein Glassenbury stands the first fruits of Christianity in Britain as the other was in that part of America Here he built a fair House in Ferry Land and spent five and twenty thousand pounds in advancing the Plantation thereof Indeed his publick spirit consulted not his private profit but the enlargement of Christianity and the Kings Dominions After the death of King James he went twice in person to New found-Land Here when Mounsier de l'Arade with three Men of War sent from the King of France had reduced our English Fishermen to great extremity This Lord with two Ships manned at
years together assistant to the English Arch Priest demeaning himself commendably therein he wrote many books and one whose title made me the more to mind it Vitam Martyrium D. Margaretae Clithoroae Now whether this D. be for Domina or Diva for Lady or Saint or both I know not I take her for some Gentlewoman in the North which for some practises in the maintenance of her own Religion was obnoxious to and felt the severity of our Laws This Mush was living in these parts Anno 1612. Benefactors to the Publick THOMAS SCOT was born at Roâ—…heram no obscure market in this County waving his paternall name he took that of Roâ—…heram from the place of his Nativity This I observe the rather because he was according to my exactest enquiry the last Clergy-man of note with such an assumed Surname which Custome began now to grow out of fashion and Clergy-men like other men to be called by the name of their fathers He was first Fellow of Kings-colledge afterwards Master of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge and Chancellour of that University here he built on his proper cost saving something help'd by the Scholars the fair gate of the School with fair walks on each side and a Library on the East thereof Many have mistaken this for the performance of King Richard the third meerly because his Crest the Boar is set up therein Whereas the truth is that Rotheram having felt the sharp Tuskes of that Boar when imprisoned by the aforesaid King for resigning the Great Seal of England to Queen Elizabeth the relict of King Edward the fourth advanced his Armes thereon meerly to engratiate himself He went thorough many Church preferments being successively Provost of Beverly Bishop of Rochester Lincoln and lastly Arch-bishop of York nor less was was his share in Civil honour first Keeper of the Privy Seal and last Lord Chancellour of England Many were his Benefactions to the Publique of which none more remarkable then his founding five Fellowships in Lincoln colledge in Oxford He deceased in the 76. year of his age at Cawood of the plague Anno Domini 1500. JOHN ALCOCKE was born at Beverly in this County where he built a Chappell and founded a Chantry for his parents He was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Cambridge and at last became Bishop of Ely his prudence appeared in that he was preferred Lord Chancellour of England by King Henry the seventh a Prince of an excellent palate to tast mens Abilities and a Dunce was no dish for his diet His piety is praised by the pen of J. Bale which though generally bitter drops nothing but honey on Alcocks Memory commending him for a most mortified man Given to Learning and Piety from his Child-hood growing from grace to grace so that in his age none in England was higher for holiness He turned the old Nunnery of Saint Radigund into a new Colledge called Jesus in Cambridge surely had Malcolm King of Scots first founder of that Nunnery survived to see this alteration it would have rejoyced his heart to behold Leudness and Laziness turned out for Industry and Piety to be put in their place This Alcock died October 1. 1500. And had Saintship gone as much by merit as favour he deserved one as well as his name-sake Saint John his predecessor in that See Since the Reformation The extent of this large Province and the distance of my Habitation from it have disabled me to express my desires suitable to the merit thereof in this Topick of Modern Benefactors which I must leave to the Topographers thereof hereafter to uspply my defaults with their diligence But let me forget my self when I doe not remember the worthy charitable Master ....... Harrison inhabitant of the Populous Town of Leeds so famous for the Cloath made therein Methinks I hear that great Town accosting him in the Language of the Children of the Prophets to Elisha Behold now the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us The Church could scarce hold half the inhabitants till this worthy gentleman provided them another So that now the men of Leeds may say with Isaack Rehoboth God hath made room for us He accepted of no assistance in the building of that fair Fabrick but what he fully paid for so that he may be owned the sole Founder thereof But all his Charity could not secure him from sequestration in our Troublesome Times All I will adde is this as he hath built a House for God may God in Scripture Phrase build a House for him I mean make him fruitfull and fortunate in his posterity Memorable Persons PAULINUS DE LEEDS born in this County where there be three Towns of that name in one Wapentake It is uncertain in which of these he was born and the matter is of no great concernment One so free from Simony and far from buying a Bishoprick that when a Bishoprick bought him he refused to accept it For when King Henry the second chose him Bishop of Carlisle and promised to increase the Revenue of that Church with three hundred mark yearly rent besides the grant of two Church livings and two Mannors near to Carlisle on the condition that this Paulinus would accept the place all this would not work him to imbrace so wealthy an offer The reasons of his refusall are rendred by no Author but must be presumed very weighty to overpoise such rich proffers on which account let none envy his name a Room in this my Catalogue He flourished about the year of our Lord 1186. WILLIAM DE LA POLE born at Ravensrode in this County was for wealth and skill in Merchandize inferiour to none in England he made his abode at Kingston upon Hull and was the first Mayor of that Town When K. Edward the third was at Antwâ—…rp and much necessitated for money no shame for a Prince always in War to be sometimes in want this William lent him many thousand pounds of gold In recompence whereof the King made him his Valect equivalent to what afterward was called Gentleman of the Bed-chamber and Lord Chief-Baron of his Exchequer with many other honours Amongst which this was one that he should be reputed a Banneret not that he was really made one seeing the flourishing of a Banner over his head in the field before or after a fight was a ceremony essentiall thereunto but he had the same precedency conferred upon him I find not the exact date of his death but conjecture it to be about the year 1350. Lord Mayor Name Father Place Company Time 1 William Eastfield William Eastfield Tickell Mercer 1429 2 John Ward Richard Ward Howdon Grocer 1484 3 William White William White Tickhill Draper 1489 4 John Rudstone Robert Rudstone Hatton Draper 1528 5 Ralph Dodmer Henry Dodmer Pickering leigh Mercer 1529 6 William Roch John Roch Wixley Draper 1540 7 Richard Dobbes Robert Dobbes Baitby Skinner 1551 8 William Hewet Edmund Hewet Wales
years Anno 44 Will. de Latymer Ioh. de Oketon Anno 45 Idem Anno 46 Pet. de Percy Anno 47 Idem Anno 48 Idem Anno 49 Will. de Baszall Anno 50 Idem Anno 51 Idem Anno 52 Will. de Latymer Anno 53 Idem Anno 54 Idem Anno 55 Rog. Estanneus Hen. de Kirby Anno 56 Idem EDW. I. Anno 1 Rog. Estraneus Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Alex. de Kirkton for 4 years Anno 7 Ranul de Dacre Anno 8 Idem Iohan de la Degirmes Anno 9 Ioh. de Lichgremes for 5 years Anno 14 â—…ervasius de Clifton for 6 years Anno 20 Iohan. de Meates Anno 21 Iohan. Byrun for 7 years Anno 28 Rob. Ougle Anno 29 Simon de Kimne for 4 years Anno 33 Will. de Honks Anno 34 Idem Anno 35 Idem EDW. II. Anno 1 Ioh. de Crepping Anno 2 Idem Anno 3 Iohan. de Gaas Iohan. de Eure Anno 4 Gerar. Salvein Iohan. Eure Anno 5 Idem Anno 6 Geraâ—… Salvein Anno 7 Idem Anno 8 Ioh. Malebis Nich. de Meyrill Anno 9 Simon Ward Anno 10 Nich. Grey Simon Ward Anno 11 Idem Anno 12 Idem Anno 13 Nullus titulus Comit. in hoc Rotulo Anno 14 Anno 15 Simon Ward Anno 16 Anno 17 Roger. de Somervile Anno 18 Idem EDW. III. Anno 1 Roger. de Somervile Anno 2 Iohan. Darcy Anno 3 Hen. Fawcomberge Anno 4 Idem Anno 5 Rad. de Bulmer Anno 6 Anno 7 Pet. de salso Maresco Anno 8 Pet. de Middleton Anno 9 Idem Anno 10 Petr. de salso Maresco Anno 11 Rad. de Hastingly Tho. de Rokeby Anno 12 Rad. de Hastinges Anno 13 Idem Anno 14 Idem Anno 15 Ioh. de Elauds Anno 16 Ioh. Fawcombergh Anno 17 Tho. de Rokeby for 7. years Anno 24 Gerar. Salvaine Anno 25 Will. de Plumpton Anno 26 Pet. de Nuttelle Anno 27 Milo de Stapleton Anno 28 Pet. Nuttelle Anno 29 Milo Stapleton for 5 years Anno 34 Tho. de Musgrave Anno 35 Marmad Constable Anno 36 Idem Anno 37 Tho. de Musgrave Anno 38 Idem Anno 39 Idem Anno 40 Marmad Constable Anno 41 Idem Anno 42 Iohan. Chamon Will Acton Anno 43 Idem Anno 44 Idem Anno 45 Ioh. Bigod Anno 46 Rob. de Roos Anno 47 Will. Acton Anno 48 Ioh. Bygod Anno 49 Will. Percehay Anno 50 Will. de Melton Anno 51 Rad. de Hastinges Edward II. 9. SIMON WARD The Male-line of his Antient family expired in Sir Christopher Ward Standard-bearer to K. Henry the eighth at Bolloign He lived at Grindal though Mulwish he lived at leaving three daughters married into the respected families of Strickland Musgrave and Osborn Edward III. 17 THOMAS DE ROKEBY Nothing can be written too much in the praise of this worthy Knight who was twice 1351. and 1355. Lord Justice of Ireland He came over thether when the damnable custome so is it called in the old Statutes of Ireland of Coigne and Livory was publiquely practised This was a custome begun in the time of King Edward the second by Maurice Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond whereby the Commander in Chief and others pretending his power extorted from people Horse-meat Mans-meat and money at pleasure without any ticket or other satisfaction A thing so destructive to that Country that it is thus described in an antient discourse of the decay of Ireland the Authors zeal against it transporting him into the marches of prophaneness that it was invented in hell where if it had been used and practised it had long since destroyed the Kingdome of Beel-zebub as tending to the making of division Sir Thomas endeavoured to the utmost of his power to extirpate this practice and effected it in some measure famous for this saying which he left in Ireland behind him That he would eat in wooden dishes but would pay for his meat gold and silver Sheriffs Names Place Armes RICH. II.   Anno   1 Io. Constable de Huilsham  Quarterly Gules and Vairee a Bâ—…nd Or. 2 Rob. de Nevill de Horby  Gules a Saltire Argent 3 Ioh. Savill  Arg. on a Bend Sab. 3 Owles of the first 4 Rad. Hastings mil.  Argent a Maunch Sable 5 Will. de Erghom   6 Ioh. Savill ut prius  7 Gerard. â—…fleet   8 Rob. Constable ut prius  9 Idem ut prius  10 Rob. de Hilton  Arg. 2 Bâ—…rs Azure over all a Flowre de Luce Or. 11 Io Savill ut prius  12 Ioh. Goddard   13 Ia. Pickerings  Ermin a Lion Rampant Azure Crowned Or. 14 Will. Melton  Azâ—…a Cross pattonce voided Ar. 15 Rad. de Eure  Quarterly Or and G. on a Bend Sab. 3 Escalops Arg. 16 Ioh. Upeden mil.  Ermin on a Cheif Azure 3 Lions Or. 17 Ia. de Piâ—…kering m. ut prius  18 Rob. Constable ut prius  19 Rad de Eure ut prius  20 Rob. de Nevill ut prius  21 lac Pickering ut prius  22 Ioh. Upeden ut prius  HEN. IV.   Anno   1 Ioh. Constable mil. ut prius  2 Tho. Bromflet mil. Will. Dronsfield m.  Sab. a Bend issuant 6 flowre de Luces viz. 3 on each side Or. 3 Ioh. Savill ut prius  4 Rich. Redman  Gul. 3 Cussions Erm. Buttoned and Tasselled Or. 5 Idem ut prius  6 Will. Dronsfield m.   7 Ioh. Ebton mil.   8 Tho. Rokeby mil.  Arg. a Chever tw'xt 3 Rooks S. Bea k't Legd Az. 9 Wil. de HarringtoÌ„ m.  Argent a Fret Sable 10 Edw. Hastinges m. ut prius  11 Edw. Sandesord m.  Per Chev. Sab. and Ermine 2 Boars-heads in Cheif Cooped Or. 12 Tho. Rokeby mil. ut prius  HEN. V.   Anno   1 Will. Harrington m. ut prius  2 Tho. Bromsset mil. ut prius  3 Rich. Redman mil. ut prius  4 Edw. Hastinges mil. ut prius  5 Rob. Hilton mil. ut prius  6 Ioh. Bigod mil.   7 Tho Bromflet mil. ut prius  8 Halv Maulever m. Allerton Sable 3 Hounds Cursant in Pale Aâ—…g 9 Will. Harrington m. ut prius  HEN. VI.   Anno   1 Will. Harrington m. ut prius  2 Rob. Hilton mil. ut prius  3 Ioh. Langton mil.   4 Riâ—…h Hastinges m. ut prius  5 Will Ryther mil.  Azure 3 Cressents Or. 6 Rob. Hilton mil. ut prius  7 Will. Harrington m. ut prius  8 Ioh. Clorevaux m.   9 Will. Rither m. ut prius  10 Rich. Pickering m. ut prius  11 Hen. Bromfleet mil. ut prius  12 Rich Hastinges m. ut prius  13 Will. Ryther mil. ut prius  14 Will. Tyriwhit mil. Â
under K. Henry the seventh Anno 1490. Since the Reformation RICHARD STOCK was born in this City bred Scholar of the house in Saint Johns-Colledge in Cambridge and designed Fellow of sidney though not accepting thereof He was afterwards Minister of All hallows Bredstreet in London by the space of thirty two years till the day of his death Where if in health he omitted not to Preach twice every Lords day with the approbation of all that were Judicious and Religious No Minister in England had his Pulpit supplyed by fewer Strangers Doctor Davenant afterwards Bishop of Sarum whose father was his parishioner was his constant Auditor while lying in London His Preaching was most profitable Converting many and Confirming more in Religion so that appearing with Comfort at the Day of Judgement he might say behold I and the Children that God hath given me He was zealous in his life a great Reformer of prophanations on the Sabbath prevailing with some companies to put off their wonted Festivalls from Mundays to Tuesdays that the Lords-day might not be abused by the preparation for such entertainments Though he preached oft in neighbouring Churches he never neglected his own being wont to protest That it was more Comfortable to him to win one of his own Parish then twenty others Preaching at Saint Pauls Cross when young it was ill taken at his mouth that he reproved the inequality of Rates in the City burdening the Poor to ease the Rich and he was called a Green head for his pains But being put up in his latter days to preach on the Lord Mayors Election and falling on the same subject He told them That a Gray head spake now what a Green-head had said before He dyed Aprill 20. Anno Domini 1626. with a great lamentation of all but especially of his Parishioners Memorable Persons JOHN LEPTON of York Esquire servant to King James undertook for a wager to ride six days together betwixt York and London being sevenscore and ten miles stylo vetere as I may say and performed it accordingly to the greater praise of his strength in acting then his discretion in undertaking it He first set forth from Aldersgate May 20. being Munday Anno Domini 1606. and accomplished his journey every day before it was dark A thing rather memorable then commendable many maintaining that able and active bodies are not to vent themselves in such vain though gainfull ostentation and that it is no better then tempting Divine Providence to lavish their strength and venture their lives except solemnly summoned thereunto by just necessity Lord Mayors Expect not Reader that under this Title I should present thee with a list of the Lord Mayors of this City born therein Onely to make this part conformable to the rest of my book know that I find one Native of this City Lord Mayor of London viz. Name Father Place Company Time 1 Martin Bowes Thomas Bowes York Goldsmith 1545 The Farewell To take our leaveof this Loyall City I desire that some Lucrative Trade may be set up therein to repair her former losses with advantage Mean time I rejoyce that the Archiepiscopat See is restored thereunto not despairing but that in due time if the Supream Authority adjudge it fit the Court of the Presidency of the North may be re-erected therein presuming the Country will be Eased and City Inriched thereby as the Loadstone which will atract much Company and by consequence Commodity thereunto Let me adde I am informed that Sir Thomas Widdrington a person accomplished in all Arts as well as in his own Profession of the Laws hath made great Progress in his Exact Description of this City Nor doe I more congratulate the happiness of York coming under so Able a Pen then Condole my own Infelicity whose unsuccessfull attendance hitherto could not compass speech with this worthy Knight Sure I am when this his work is set forth then indeed YORK SHALL BE what a City most compleatly Illustrated in all the Antiquities and Remarkables thereof FINIS THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES PSAL. 95. 4 5. In his hand are the deep places of the Earth the strength of the Hills is his also The Sea is his and he made it PROV 27. 25 26. The herbs of the Mountains are gathered The Lambs are for thy clothing and the Goats are the price of thy fields A NECESSARY PREFACE TO THE READER IT bare a debate in my serious consideration whether a Totall Omission or Defective Description of this Principality were to be preferred finding my self as Unable to do it Exactly as Unwilling to Pretermit it For First I never was in VVales and all know how necessary 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to accurateness herein Secondly I understand not their Language and cannot go to the Cost nor dare take the State of having an Interpreter King James was wont pleasantly to say that he cared not though he was poor himself so long as his Subjects were Rich as confident he could command their wealth on good conditions and a just occasion But indeed it matters not how meanly skil'd a Writer is so long as he hath Knowing and Communicative Friends my happiness in England who here am quite destitute of such assistance However on the other side a Totall Omission seemed very unhandsome to make a Cypher of this Large Principality Besides England cannot be well described without VVales such the Intimacy of Relation betwixt them three of our English Kings being born and many of Our Prime Atchievments being acted in VVales Wherefore I resolved to endeavour my utmost in the description thereof though sadly sensible in my self that my desires were as high as a Mountain but my performances would fall as low would they were half so fruitfull as the Vallies And here I humbly desire that the many faults by me committed may be like a Ball cast down and deaded on a soft Floor even to be buried in my own weakness to my own shame without the least Ripling or Rebounding to the disgrace of the VVelsh Country or Nation And my hope and desire is that these my weak pains will provoke others of more Ability to substitute a more Exact Description in the room thereof I had rather the Reader should take the name of that worthy Knight from Master Camden then from me who designing to build according to the Italian Mode of Architecture plucked down a good and convenient English-house preposterously destroying the one and never finished the other I hope the Reader will not be so uncharitable I will not say undiscreet but will allow our grains a subsistence till they will willingly vanish at the substitution of another In Doubtfull Nativities of Worthy Persons betwixt England and Wales I have not call'd for a sword to divide the controverted Child betwixt the two Mothers but have wholy resigned it to VVales partly out of desire of quietness not engage in a contest partly because I conceived England might better spare then
find it out and justifie it which conformable to the Sea ebbeâ—…h and floweth twice in four and twenty hours But seeing this is a maritime Shire possibly there may be a more then ordinary communication betwixt it and the Ocean and then the wonder is not so great More credibly it is related that there are in this Shire strange subterranean Vaults conceived the Castles of routed people in the Civil Wars And no wonder seeing David first set up in a defensive posture for himself in the Cave of Adullam so that having no place where he could safely set the sole of his foot above ground all his present help was under the Earth and future hope was above the heavens Martyrs ROBERT FARRAR an English man by biâ—…th but where born unknown was a prime Martyr of this County A man not unlearned but somewhat indiscreet or rather uncomplying which procured him much trouble so that he may be said with Saint Laurence to be broyled on both sides being persecuted both by Protestants and Papists He was preferred to be Bishop of Saint Davids by the Duke of Sommerset then Lord Protector who was put to death not long after Some conceive that the Patrons fall was the Chaplains greatest guilt and encouraged his enemies against him Of these two were afterwards Bishops in the reign of Queen Elizabeth viz. Thomas Young Arch. Bishop of York and Rowland Merrick Bishop of Bangor Souldiers Sir RICE ap THOMAS was never more than a Knight yet little less than a Prince in this his Native County If the Author of Praelia Anglornm may not be believed Ricius Thomas flos Cambro-Britannum King Henry the seventh will himself witness his worth To him lately landed at Milford Haven with contemptible forces this Sir Rice repaired with a considerable accession of choice Souldiers marching with them to Bosworth field where he right valiantly behaved himself That thrifty King according to his cheap course of remuneration rewarding Gown-men in Orders by him most employed with Church Livings and Sword-men with Honour afterwards made Sir Rice Knight of the Order and well might he give him a Garter by whose effectual help he had recovered a Crown Elmelin in this County was one of his principal seats whose name and â—…ture he altered building and calling it New-Castle and I believe it one of the latest Castles in Wales seeing since that time it hath been fashionable to demolish not to erect fortified Houses As he appeared early so he continued long in military action for I find him in the fourth year of King Henry the eighth conductor of five hundred light horse at the pompous and expensive fiege of Therouene where I meet his last mention in our English Chronicles WALTER de DEVEREUX son of Devereâ—…x and Cicely his Wife sole sister to Thomas Bourchier last Earl of Essâ—…x was born in the town of Carmarthen and by Queen Elizabeth in his Maternall Right created Earl of Essex One Martially minded and naturally hating Idlenesse the Rust of the Soul Though time hath silenced the factions and only sounded the Facts of Queen Elizabeths Court no place had more heart-burnings therein and it was a great part of Gods goodness and her prudence that no more hurt was done thereby Many maligned our Earl Tantae ne Animis Aularibus Irae desirous to thrust him on dangerous designs Nor need we consult the Oracle of Apollo to discover his chief Adversary being he was a prime Favourite who loved the Earls nearest relation better than he loved the Earl himself whom he put on the project of Ireland Yet was not our Walter surprised into that service seeing Injuria non fit volenti and being sensible that his roome was more welcome to some than his company at Court he willingly embraced the employment Articles the first and last I believe in that kind are drawn up betwixt the Queen and him who was to maintain such a proportion of Souldiers on his own Cost and to have part of the fair Territory of ClandeBoy in Ulster for the conquering thereof So much for the Bears skin now all the craft will be to catch kill and fley the Bear himself Well to maintain an Army though a very little one is a Soveraigns and no Subjects work too heavy for the support of any private mans estate which cost this Earl first the Mortgaging then the selling out-right his fair Inheritance in Essex Over he goeth into Ireland with a noble company of Kindred and Friends supernumerary volunteers above the proportion of Souldiers agreed upon Sir William Fitz-VVilliams Lord Deputy of Ireland hearing of his coming and suspecting Court jealousie riseth very early or goeth not to bed at all to be ecclipsed by this great Earl sollicits the Queen to maintain him in the full power of his place without any diminution alledging this much to conduce to the Honour of her Majesty whom he represented Hereupon it was Ordered that the Earl should take his Commission from this Lord Deputy which with much importunity and long attendance he hardly obtained and that with no higher Title than Governour of Ulster After many impressions not over successfully made in Ulster he was by the Deputy remanded into the South of Ireland where he spent much time take much in little in my Authors words as to his general performance Nullius bono sed magno suo damno His Friends in the English Court grow few and cold his Foes many and active affronts were plentifully powred upon him on purpose either to drown him in grief or burn him in his own anger From Munster he was sent back into Ulster where he was forbidden to follow his blow and use a Victory he had gotten Yea on a sudden stript out of his Commission and reduced to be a Governour of three hundred men yet his stout Stomach as true tempered Steele bowed without breaking in all these afflictions embracing all changes with the same tenour of constâ—…cy Pâ—…y days in Ireland came very thick moneys out of England very slow his noble Associates began to withdraw common men to mutiny so that the Earl himself was at the last recalled home Not long after he was sent over the second time into Ireland with a loftier Title the length of the Feather makes not the Head the higher of Earl Marshall of Ireland where he fell into a strange looseness not without suspicion of Poyson and he died Anno 1576. His Soul he piously resigned to God his Lands much impaired descended to his Son Robert but ten years of age His Body was brought over and buried in Carmarthen the place of his Nativity and his Widow Lady to say no more was soon re-married to Robert Earl of Leicester Let me adde that he died in the 36 year of his age fatal to his Family his Father and grand-Father dying in the same which year Robert Earl of Essex his Son never attained to and whether it had not been as honourable for
Statutes of Ruthland made in the year of King Edward the first This Lady Elizabeth at fourteen years of age was married to John the first of that name Earl of Holland Zealand c. And after his death remarried to Humfreâ—… Bohune Earle of Hereford and Essex High Constable of England by whom he had a numerous issue She died Anno Dom. 1316. and was buried in the Abby-Church of Saffron Walden in Essex Saints CONGELLUS or COMGALLUS I perceive a storm a coming and must provide a shelter against it The omitting this Writer will make Wales angry and the inserting him will make Ireland offended with me whom a good Antiquary makes the first Abbâ—…t of Banchor in this County and a better though living later first Abbot of Bangor nigh Nockfergus in Ireland What is to be done herein When the Controversie was started whether the Isle of Man belonged to England or Ireland it was adjudged to the later because no venomous Creature will live therein But this controverted nativity is not capable of that discrimination Indeed if the difference was betwixt Wales and England my Native Country concerning Congellus we would according to our premised principles freely resign him not daring to be so bold with an outlandish Interest let him stand here so long till better evidence be brought to remove him For if those be beheld as the worst of Felons who steal stragling Children in London streets from their Parents and spirit them over unto forraign Plantations high also is their robbery who deprive Countries of their true Natives as to their Memories after their deaths and dispose them elsewhere at their pleasures As for Congellus it is agreed on all hands that he was one of a pious life who wrote learned Epistles and being aged eighty five years died Anno Dom. 600. St. BENO was instructer to Saint Wenefride committed by her Father to his careful Education now it happened when the head of the said Wenefride was cut off by Cradocus Son to Alane King of North Wales for not yielding to his unlawful lust This Beno miraculously set it on again she living fifteen years after But if the tip of his tongue who first told and the top of his fingers who first wrote this damnable lye had been cut off and had they both been sent to attend their cure at the Shrine of Saint Beno certainly they would have been more wary afterwards how they reported or recorded such improbable untruths ASAPH was born in these parts of right honourable parentage and bred at Llan-Elvy in this County under Kentigernus or Mongo the Scotch Bishop in that place Here the said Kentigerâ—…us had a Convent consisting of 663. Monks whereof 300. being unlearned in the nature of Lay-Brethren were employed abroad in Husbandry as many busied about work at home the rest attended Divine service in the Convent so divided that some were always officiating therein Amongst these Asaph was eminently conspicuous for piety and learning in so much that Kentigernus being called into his own Country resigned both his Convent and Cathedral unto him Here this Bishop demeaned himself with such Sanctity that Llan-Elvy lost its name and after his death was called from him St. Asaph He was an assiduous Preacher having this Speech in his mouth Such who are against the preaching of Gods Word envy mans salvation Bishop Godwin confesseth himself ignorant of the certain time of his death though another not more knowing but more confident assigneth the first of May but with this abatement about 569. I say not out possibly a randome date may hap to hit the mark Here I would be thankful to them who should expound unto me that passage in J. Bale concluding the life of this Saint with these words Primus hic erat qui d Romano Pontifice Unctionem accepit He was the first who received Unction from the Pope of Rome This neither Pits owneth ready enough to steal out of Bale especially to improve what might sound to Papal advantage nor any other Romanist writing his Life whom I have seen so that it seems to me a Note 〈◊〉 scattered After the death of Saint Asaph his See stood void above 500. years until Jeffery of Monmouth was placed therein Prelates since the Reformation RICHARD PARRY D. D. was born at Ruthin in this County bred in Christ Church in Oxford whence he was preferred Dean of Bangor and at last Bishop of Saint Asaph consecrated Decemb. 30. 1604. Bishop Godwin passeth on him this Complement take it in the best derivation of the word from Completio mentis that he desireth being so near unto him in time and his Studies to be his equal in other Episcopal Qualities I crave the Readers leave to forbear any further Character of him Pictures present buildings presumed at great distance very small whilest such things which are supposed near the eye are made in a greater proportion Clean contrary I may sasely write largely on mens lives at far distance whilest as I may say I must make Landskips of those near hand and touch little on them who lived in later times Bishop Parry died Anno Dom. 16. ... Souldiers OWEN GLENDOWER-WYE was born in his ancient Patrimony of Glendower-Wye in this County then bred in London a Student in the Common Law till he became a Courtier and servant to King Richard the second After whose death this Owen being then on the wrong side of preferment retired to this his Native County where there arose a difference betwixt him and his neighbour the Lord Gre of Ruthen about a piece of Common which Owen by force recovered and killed the Lord Gre. There wanted not many to spur his posting Ambition by telling him that he was the true Heir to all North Wales and now or never the time to regain it That the injuries he had already offered the English were above pardon and no way left to secure himself but by committing greater There needeth no Torch to light Tinder where a Spark will do the deed and hereupon Owen brake out into open rebellion The worst was being angry with the King his revenge fell upon God burning down the fair Cathedrals of Bangor and Saint Asaph His destructive nature delighted in doing mischief to others though no good to himself King Henry the fourth found it more facile by far to depose King Richard than subdue this Owen who had taken Roger Mortimer Earl of March and next Heir to the Crown prisoner Writers ELVODUGUS surnamed Probus and no doubt it was true of him what was said of Probus the Emperor he was Vir sui nominis was a Cambrian by birth and this Country-man by habitation for he lived most of his days at Bangor Monachorum in that age the Cambridge and Oxford of all Britain He wrote many Books and particularly a Chronicle of his Nation which the envy of time hath denied to posterity He had many eminent men for his Scholars amongst
by the Romans an emblem of liberty is esteemed by the English except Faulconers and Hunters a badge of servitude though very useful in themselves and the Ensign of constancy because not discomposed but retaining their fashion in what form soever they be crouded The best Caps were formerly made at Monmouth where the Cappers Chappel doth still remain being better carved and gilded than any other part of the Church But on the occasion of a great plague hapning in this Town the trade was some years since removed hence to Beaudly in Worcester-shire yet so that they are called Monmouth Caps unto this day Thus this Town retains though not the profit the credit of Capping and seeing the Child still keeps the Mothers name there is some hope in due time she may return unto her All I will adde is this if at this day the phrase of wearing a Monmouth Cap be taken in a bad acception I hope the inhabitants of that Town will endeavour to disprove the occasion thereof Saints Saint AMPHIBALUS a Citizen of Carlion See the Saints in Hereford shire Saint AARON was a wealthy Citizen of Carlion in this County who for the testimony of the Christian Faith was martyred under the Tyrant Emperor Dioclesian By the way we may observe the names of the three first British Martyrs as to their Language 1. Alban Of Latine Originall 2. Amphibalus  Greek  3. Aaron  Hebrew  It seems that the Christian Britons at the Font quitted their Native names as barbarous and imposed on their Children those of the learned Languages This Aaron was martyred Anno Dom. 303. Saint JULIUS It is pity to part so fast friends both being Citizens of Carlion Yea they were lovely in their lives and in their deaths they were not divided both suffering martyrdom together and therefore like Philip and Jacob one day is assigned to their Memories in the Kalendar Nor must I forget how Carlion the place of their aboad though now a small Town was once a great City stretching so far oâ—… both sides of the River that Saint Julians a house of late of Sir William Herberts was sometimes within the City though now about a mile South-West thereof being a Church dedicated anciently to the Memory of this Saint Julius Cardinals GEFFERY of Monmouth is by some very firmly avouched to have been created a Cardinal but by what Pope and with what Title uncertain but my worthy Author justly suspecteth the truth hereof alledging that Popes in that age advanced few Forraigners at so great a distance to that Title except their merits to the See of Rome which appears not to this Jeffery were very great Let me adde that it is improbable so much honour should be done unto him whilest living who was so solemnly disgraced after his death whose Books extant in his life were afterwards by the Court of Rome publickly prohibited See him therefore in this Shire under the Title of Writers JOHN of Monmouth so called from the place of his Nativity D. D. and Canon of Lincoln was chosen Anno 1296. Bishop of Landaff The manner whereof was remarkable for when Robert Kilwarby complained to Pope Celestine how that Cathedral had been for seven years without a Bishop caused either by the troublesomness of those Times or the exility of revenue thereof his Holiness remitted his Election wholly to the discretion of this Arch-Bishop to conferre that vacant See on whomsoever he pleased The Arch-Bishop knowing all eyes intent on his Integrity herein resolved on a Welsh-man by his birth as most proper for and acceptable in the place and on one of merit for the Function Both Qualifications met in this John of Monmouth as British by his birth and alliance and Charactered to be Doctus Pius Theologus One of his Successors in that Bishoprick acknowledgeth that he was Multimodis sedi suae Benefactor and more particularly that he procured the Rectory of Newland in the Forrest of Dean to be appropriated thereunto But one Bishop Anthony Kitchin by name more unlanded Landaff in one than all his Predecessors endowed it in four hundred years This John dying April 8. 1323. was buried in Saint Maries Chappel whose Epitaph in French is hardly legible at this day on his Marble Monument WALTER CANTILUPE was Son to William the elder Lord Cantilupe whose prime residence was at Abergavennie in this County One of high birth higher preferment made by King Henry the third Bishop of Worcester and highest spirit In his time the Popes Legate came into England and complained of mâ—…ny Clergy-men keeping their livings against the Canons intending either to force such irregular Incumbents into avoydance so to make room for the Popes Favourites or else to compound for their continuance at his arbitrary price But our Walter would not yield to such extortion Indeed he was one of a keene nature and his two-edged spirit did cut on both sides against The Pope The King Telling Rusland his Legate coming hither 1255. that he would preferre to be hang'd on the Gallows rather than ever consent to such expilation of the Church Siding with the Barons he encouraged them in their Civil Warres promising Heaven for their reward though this doctrine cost him an excommunication from the Pope Lying on his death-bed he was touched with true remorse for his disloyalty and upon his desire obtained absolution He died February the fifth 1267. whom I behold as Uncle unto Thomas Cantilupe the Sainted Bishop of Hereford Souldiers RICHARD de CLARE was born as from all concentred probabilities may be conjectured at Strigule-Castle in this County and had the Title of Earl of Strigule and Pembroke He was otherwise surnamed Strongbow from drawing so strong a Bow and had Brachia projectissima saith my Author though I can hardly believe that Reacher which another writeth of him that with the palms of his hands he could touch his knees though he stood up right More appliable to him is the expression of Tully Nihil egit levi brachio being a person of effectual performance It hapned that Mac Murugh Lord of Leinster in the year of our Lord 1167. being expelled his Territory for several Tyrannies by the Lords of Meth and Conaght repaired to our King Henry the second and invited him to invade Ireland But that politick King fearing if failing in success to forfeit the reputation of his discretion would not engage in the design but permitted such Subjects of his who had a mind Militare propriis stipendiis to adventure themselves therein Amongst these Richard Strongbow was the principal going over into Ireland with twelve hundred men too great for an Earls Train yet too little for a Generals Army to make a National Invasion yet so great his success that in a short time he prossessed himself of the Ports of Leinster and Mounster with large lands belonging thereunto insomuch that King Henry grew jealous of his greatness remanded
the Dolphin who sent him a Barrel of Paris Tennis-Balls sending such English Balls that they proved to their great loss He died at Boys S. Vincent in France the last day of August Anno 1422. and was brought over with great solemnity and interred in Westminster Abby Prelates ELIAS de RADNOR GUILIELMUS de RADNOR Ijoyn them together for three Reasons First because Natives of the same Town understand it Old Radnor the new town of that name being built probably since their decease Secondly because Bishops of the same See Landaff Thirdly because eminent being eminent for Nothing the names and dates of their deaths the one May 6. 1240. the other June the 30. 1256. being all that learned Antiquary and their Successour Bishop Godwin could recover of their memories which dishearâ—…eth me from â—…arther enquiry after them For let them never look for a crop who sow that ground which so skilful an husband-man thought fit to lie fallow The Farewell It much affected me and I believe all others whose hearts are of flesh and blood what I read in an Author concerning the rigorous laws imposed on the observation of the Welsh For when Owen Glyndower-dwy inveigled by some well-skilled in Merlins Prophesies that the time was come wherein the Britains through his assistance should recover their ancient freedom and liberty raised a Rebellion making war upon the Earl of March the Heir apparent both to the Crown of England and Principality of Wales King Henry the fourth inraged at his proceedings enacted these ensuing Laws First That no Welshman should purchase Lands or be chosen Citizen or Burgess of any City Borough or Market Town nor be received into any Office of Mayor Bayliff Chamberlaine c. or to be of the Councel of any Town or to bear Armour within any City Besides that if any Welsh-man should impeach or sue an Englishman It was ordained he should not be convicted unless by the judgment of English Justices verdict of English Burgesses or by the Inquest of the English Boroughs where the suits lay Yea that all English Burgesses who married Welsh Women should be disfranchised of their Liberties No congregation or Council was permitted to the Welsh-men but by licence of the chief Officers of the same Seigâ—…ory and in the presence of the same Officers That no Victuals should be brought into Walls unless by the especial licence of the King and his Council That no Welshmen shouâ—…d have any Castle Fortress or House of Defence of his own or any other mâ—…ns to keep That no Welsh-man should be made Justice Chamberlaâ—… Chancellor c. of a Castle Receivor Eschetor c. nor other Officer or Keeper oâ—…W Records â—… nor of the Council of any English Lord. That no English man that in time to come should marry a Welsh-woman be put in any Office in Wales or in the Marches oâ—… the same Now as I am heartily sorry that ever the Welsh were bound to the observance of so rigorous Laws so am I truly glad that at this day they are to the happiness both of England and Wales freed from the same Yea I shall constantly pray that God would be pleased to grant us of the Loins of our Soveraign one who may be born Prince of the one and after the though late decease of his Majesty King of the other FINIS AN ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO FULLER'S Worthies of England A. NAMES SHIRE PAGE ST Aaron Monm 50 Robert Abbot Surr. 82 George Abbot Surr. 83 Sir Roger Achley Shrop. 10 John Acton Middl. 104 Ralph Acton ib. 178 Sir Thomas Adams Shrop. 10 William Adams ib. 10 William Adams Kent 77 Adam de Marisco Somer 27 St. Adelme Wilt. 147 Pope Adrian IV. Hertf. 20 Agelnoth Kent 68 William Alabaster Suff. 70 â—… Alan de Morton Berk. 104 Albericus de Veer Bedf. 121 b Alan of Lynne Norf. 256 Flaccus Albinus alias Alcuinus York 227 King Alfred Berk. 96 Alphred of Beverly York 205 Henry de Aldecheleia Staff 50 John Alcock York 214 Albricius of Lond. 216 Robert Aldricke Bucks 131 William Alley ib. 131 William Aldersea Ches 191 St. Alride Cumb. 217 St. Alkmund Derb. 231 James Altham Essex 347 William Alton Hant. 11 St. Alban Hertf. 19 St. Alnulphus Bedf. 115 c William Alan Lanc. 109 Edward Allin Lond. 223 Rose Allin Essex 323 Bertram Fitz-Allin Linc. 166 Thomas Allin Staff 42 John Amersham Buck. 135 St. Amphibalus Monm 50 Anderton Lanc. 119 Sir Edmund Anderson Linc. 161 Anderson Northumb. 310 Lancelot Andrewes Lond. 206 Thomas Andrewes Northamp 300 Richardus Anglicus Lond. 215 Laurentius Anglicus ib. 216 Anne D. to King Charles Westm. 229 Richard Angervile Suff. 29 Henry D'Anvers Wilt. 153 Sir Edmund Appleby Leicest 136 Thomas de Appleby Westmorl 137 Roger de Appleby ibid.  Sir Simon Archer Warw. 133 William Armyne Linc. 155 David Archidiaconus Bedf. 122 King Arthur Cornw. 201 Prince Arthue Hant. 4 John Arundle Cornw. 200   202 209 Thomas Arundell Suss. 103 St. Asaph Flint 38 Roger Ascham York 209 John Ashburnham Surrey 95 Thomas Askine Berk. 91 William Ascough Linc. 156 Anne Askewe ib. 155 Thomas Ashbourne Derby 236 Sir Thomas de Ashton Lanc. 122 John de Aston Staff 48 Sir Walter Aston ib. 50 Atwell Cornw. 202 Edmund Audley Staff 42 Sir Thomas Audley Essex 327 James Lord Audley Devon 258 John Aylmer Norf. 238 B. NAMES SHIRE PAGE Richard Badew Essex 335 John Badby Lond. 204 Sir Francis Bacon Westmin 241 Robert Bacon Oxf. 337 Sir Nicholas Bacon Suff. 62 75 Ralph Baines York 197 John Baconthorpe Norf. 255 William Baitman Norw 276 Sir Richard Baker Oxf. 338 John Bale Suff. 60 Thomas Bagnols Staff 44 Christopher Bambridge Westmorl 136 Bankinus Londin Lond. 217 Sir John Banks Cumb. 219 John Ball Oxf. 339 John Bancroft ib. 333 Richard Bancroft Lanc. 112 Ralph Baldock Herâ—…f 21 Sir Paul Bannyng Essex 347 Hugo de Balsham Camb. 160 Amias Bamfeild Devon 272 Richard Barnes Lanc. 110 William Barry Kent 94 Thomas Barrington Essex 340 John Barnston Chesh. 183 John Barkham Devon 276 Juliana Barnes Lond. 217 Richard de Barking Essex 325 Adam of Barking ib. 332 Thomas Barret ib. 340 a John Barret Norf. 258 John Barnet Hertf. 21 Edward Bash ib. 30 Richard de Baskervill Heref. 44 Sir James Baskervill ib. 46 John Barningham Suff. 69 Herbert de Basham Sussex 101 William Barlow ib. 103 Salephilax the Bard Wales 13 John of Basingsloke Hant. 10 b Valentine Barret Kent 94 John Basket Berk. 108 Thomas Basket Dorces 28â—… John Basket Wilt. 163 Abbot of Battle Sussex 106 Walter de Baud Simon alii Essex 343 James Baynam Glocest. 354 Richard Basset Bedf. 121 John Basset Cornw. 210 Thomas Beckington Somers 23 Thomas Becket Lond. 203 Bede Durham 292 Sir Thomas Beigney Devon 265 Philip de la Beach Berk. 104 Margaret Beaufort Bedf. 115 Anne Beauchamp Oxâ—… 330 Richard Beauchamp Berk. 92  Worc. 171 Sir Edward Bellingham Westmorl 138 Thomas Bell Glocest. 362 Beavois Hant. 9
Issue 1. William Marshall of Barwick who dyed in Ireland and was father to Francis afterward Earl of Bark-shire 2. Sir John who had three horses in one day killed under him in a Battel against the Scots But more of him hereafter 3. Sir Thomas President of Munster Being hurt in a Fight and counting it a scratch rather then a wound he scorned to have it plaistered as if the Balsom of his body would cure it self but it rancled festred gangreen'd and he dyed thereof 4. Sir Henry who dyed about the same time in the same manner 5. Maximilian who was slain in the war of Britain 6. Sir Edward who lead the Front at the taking of the Groyn and fought so valiantly at the Siege of Ostend Of all six he onely survived his Parents Their Issue 1. Sir Henry whose daughter and sole heir was married to the Lord Paget 2. Sir William Treasurer of the houshold to K. James by whom he was created Baron Knowlls May 3. 1603. Viscount Wallingford 1616. and by K. Charles 1. in the first of his reign Earl of Banbury 3. Sir R. father to Sir Robert Knowlls of Greys now living 4. Sir Francis who was living at and chosen a Member of the late Long Parliament since dead aged 99. 5. Sir Thomas a Commander in the Low-Countries 6. Lettice though of the weaker sex may well be recounted with her brethren as the strongest pillar of the Family Second wife she was to R. Dudley Earl of Leicester and by a former husband mother to R. Devereux Earl of Essex both prime Favourites in their Generations The Norrises were all Martis pulli men of the sword and never out of military imployment The Knowlls were rather valiant men than any great souldiers as little experienced in war Queen Elizabeth loved the Knowlls for themselves the Norrises for themselves and herself being sensible that she needed such martial men for her service The Norrises got more honour abroad the Knowlls more profit at home conversing constantly at Court and no wonder if they were the warmest who sate next to the Fire There was once a Challenge passed betwixt them at certain Exercises to be tryed between the two Fraternities the Queen and their aged Fathers being to be the Spectators and Judges till it quickly became a â—…at quarrel betwixt them Thus though at the first they may be said to have fenced with rebated Rapiers and swords buttoned up in merriment onely to try their skill and strength they soon fell to it at sharps indeed seeking for many years together to supplant one another such the heart-smoking and then heart-burning betwixt them And although their inclinations kept them asunder the one Brother-hood coming seldom to Court the other seldomer to Camp yet the Knowlls are suspected to have done the Norrises bad offices which at last did tend to their mutual hurt so that it had been happy for both had these their contests been seasonably turned into a cordial compliance Sir JOHN NORRIS must be resumed that we may pay a greater Tribute of respect to his memory He was a most accomplished General both for a charge which is the Sword and a retreat which is the Shield of War By the later he purchased to himself immortal praise when in France he brought off a small hand-full of English from a great arm-full of enemies fighting as he retreated and retreating as he fought so that alwayes his Reer affronted the Enemy A retreat worth ten victories got by surprise which speak rather the fortune than either the valour or discretion of a Generall He was afterwards sent over with a great Command into Ireland where his success neither answered to his own care nor others expectation Indeed hitherto Sir John had fought with right-handed enemies in France and the Netherlands who was now to fight with left-handed foes for so may the Wilde-Irish well be termed so that this great Master of Defence was now to seek a new guard who could lye on the coldest earth swim through the deepest water run over what was neither earth nor water I mean bogs and marishes He found it far harder to find out than fight his enemies they so secured themselves in Fastnesses Supplies sown thick in promises came up thin in performances so slowly were succours sent unto him At last a great Lord was made Lieutenant of Ireland of an opposite party to Sir John there being Animosities in the Court of Queen Elizabeth as well as of later Princes though her general good success rendred them the less to the publick notice of posterity It grieved Sir John to the heart to see one of an opposite Faction should be brought over his head in so much that some conceive his working soul broke the cask of his body as wanting a vent for his grief and anger for going up into his Chamber at the first hearing of the News he suddenly dyed Anno Dom. 1597. Queen Elizabeth used to call the Lady Margaret his mother her own Crew being as it seemeth black in complexion a colour which no whit unbecame the faces of her Martial issue and upon the news of his death sent this Letter unto her which I have transcribed from an Authâ—…ntick Copy To the Lady Norris 22 Sept. 1597. My own Crow Harm not your self for bootless help but shew a good example to comfort your dolorous Yoke-fellow Although We have deferred long to represent to you Our griâ—…d thoughts because We liked full ill to yield you the first reflection of misfortune whom We have alwayes rather sought to cherish and comfort yet knowing now that Necessity must bring it to your ear and Nature consequently must move both grief and passion in your heart We resolved no longer to smother neither Our care for your sorrow or the sympathy of Our grief for your loss Wherein if it be true That society in sorrow works diminution We do assure you by this true messenger of Our Mind that Nature can have stirred no more dolorous affection in you as a Mother for a dear Son than gratefulness and memory of his service past hath wrought mâ—…s his Sovereign apprehension of Our miss for so worthy a Servant But now that Natures common work is done and he that was born to dye hath paid his tribute let that Christian discretion stay the flux of your immoderate grieving which hath instructed you both by Example and Knowledge that nothing in this kind hath happened but by GODS Divine Providence And let these lines from your loving and gracious Sovereign serve to assure you that there shall ever appear the lively character of Our Estimation of him that was in Our gracious care of you and yours that are left in valuing rightly all their faithful and honest endeavours More at this time We will not write of this unpleasant subject but have dispatched this Gent. to visit both your Lord and you and to condole with you in the true sense of your love and to pray
that the world may see what time cureth in a weak mind that Discretion and Moderation helpeth in you in this accident where there is so just cause to demonstrate true Patience and Moderation Your gracious and loving Sovereign E. R. Now thoughâ—… nothing more consolatory and pathetical could be written from a Prince yet his death went so near to the heart of the Lord his ancient father that he dyed soon after Writers JOHN HANVILE took his name as I conceive from Hanwell a Village in this County now the habitation of the ancient Family of the Copes seeing none other in England both in sound and spelling draweth nearer to his Sirname He proceeded Master of Arts in Oxford then studied in Paris and travelled over most parts in Christendom He is commonly called Archithrenius or Priâ—…ce of lamentation being another Jeremy and man of mourning He wrote a book wherein he bemoned the errors and vices of his own Age and himself deserved to live in a better Yet this doleful Dove could peck as well as grone and somtimes was satyrical enough in his passion there being but a narrow â—…age betwixt grief and anger and bitterness is a quality common to them both He flourished under King John Anno 1200. and after his return from his travels is conceived by some to have lived and dyed a Benedictine of St. Albans JOHN of OXFORD was no doubt so named from his birth in that City otherwise had he onely had his Education or eminent learning therein there were hundreds Johns of Oxford as well as himself Hector Boethius sirnamed him a Vado Boum and owneth him the next Historian to Jeffrey Monmouth in age and industry He was a great Anti-Becketist as many more in that Age of greater learning except stubornness be made the standard thereof than Becket himself Being Dean of old Sarâ—…m and Chaplain to King Henry the second he was by him imployed with others to give an account to the Pope but I question wheâ—…her he would take it of the Kings carriage in the business of Becket He was preferred Anno 1175. Bishop of Norwich where he repaired his Cathedral lately defaced with fire built a fair Almes-house and Trinity-church in Ipswich His death happened Anno Dom. 1200. ROBERT BACON first Scholer of afterward a familiar Friend to St. Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury was bred a Doctor of Divinity in Oxford and when aged became a Dominican or preaching Fryer and for his Sermons he was highly esteemed by King Henry the third He was Lepidus Cynicus and a most profest enemy to Peter Roach Bishop of Winchester Matâ—…hew Paris gives him and another viz. Richard de Fishakle this praise Quibus non erant majores imò nec pares ut creditur viventes in Theologia aliis scientiis and I listen the rather to his commendation because being himself a Benedictine Monk he had an antipathy against all Fryers I behold this Robert Bacon as the senior of all the Bacons which like tributary streams disembogued themselves with all the credit of their actions into Roger Bacon who in process of time hath monopolized the honour of all his Sirname-sakes in Oxford Our Robert dyed Anno Dom 1248. ROBERT of OXFORD was not onely an Admirer but Adorer of Thomas Aquinas his contemporary accounting his Opinions Oracles as if it were a venial sin to doubt of and a mortal to deny any of them Mean time the Bishop of Paris with the consent of the Masters of Sorbonne the great Champions of liberty in this kind granted a licence to any Scholer Opinari de opinionibus to guess freely and by consequence to discuss in Disputations any mans Opinions which as yet by a general Council were not decided matters of faith Our Roberâ—… much offended thereat wrote not onely against Henricus Gandavensis and Aegiâ—…ius Romanus but also the whole College of Sorbonne an act beheld of many as of more boldness than brains for a private person to perform He flourished under King Henry the third Anno Dom. 1270. JEFFREY CHAUCER was by most probability born at Woodstock in this County though other places lay stiff claim to his Nativity Berk-shires title Londons title Oxford shires title Leland confesseth it likely that he was born in Barochensi provincia and Mr. Cambden avoweth that Dunington-castle nigh unto Newburie was anciently his Inheritance There was lately an old Oake standing in the Park called Chaucers Oake The Author of his life set forth 1602. proveth him born in London out of these his own words in the Testament of love Also in the Citie of London that is to mâ—…e â—…ot deare and swéete in which I was foorth growne and more kindely love have I to that place than to any other in yerth as every kindely creature hath full appetite to that place of his kindly ingendure Besides Mr. Cambden praiseth Mr. Edmund Spencer the Londoner for the best Poet Ne Chaucero quidem concive excepto Chaucer himself his fellow-citizen not being excepted Leland addeth a probability of his birth in Oxford-shire and Cambden saith of Woodstock Cuâ—… nihil habeat quod ostentet Hâ—…merum nostrum Anglicum Galfredum Chaucerum alumnum suum fuisse gloriatur Besides â—… Pits is positive that his father was a Knight and that he was born at Woodstock And Queen Elizabeth passed a fair stone-house next to her Palace in that Town unto the Tenant by the name of Chaucers house whereby it is also known at this day Now what is to be done to decide the difference herein Indeed Appion the Grammarian would have Homer concerning whose Birth-place there was so much controversie raised ab Inferis that he might give a true account of the place of his Nativity However our Chaucer is placed heâ—…e having just grounds for the same untill stronger reasons are brought to remove him He was a terse and elegant Poâ—…t the Homer of his Age and so refined our English Tongue Ut inter expolitas gentium linguas potuit rectè quidem connumerari His skill in Mathematicks was great being instructed therein by Joannes Sombus and Nicholas of Linn which he evidenceth in his book De Sphaera He being Contemporary with Gower was living Anno Dom. 1402. Since the Reformation THOMAS LYDYATE Now I find the old sentence to be true Difficile fugitivas mortuorum memorias retrahere seeing all my industry and inquiry can retrive very little of this worthy person and the Reader I hope will not be angry with me who am so much grieved with my self for the same Indeed contradicting qualities met in him Eminency and Obscurity the former for his Learning the later for his Living All that we can recover of him is as followeth He was born at Alkerton in this County bred first in Winchester school then in New college in Oxford being admitted therein Iune 22. 1593. An admirable Mathematician witness these his learned