Yet he died in England and was buried at Stamford 1390. Nich. Stanford a Bernardine a smart solid and judicious Writer in that Age flourished 1310. Jo. Bloxham had great Employment under E. 2. in Embassies an acute Man tho the Country Folk in this County when they intend to Character a Dull Person use to say of him That he was born at Bloxham the Town of his Nativity He flourished 1331. Jo. Hornby a Carmelite D. D. in Cambridg vindicated the Seniority of his Order against the Dominicans and carried away the Conquest He flourished 1374. Jo. Boston of Bury named from Boston and a Monk in Bury wrote a Catalogue of Ecclesiastical Writers a Manuscript whereof Bishop Usher boasted he had the best Copy He flourished 1410. Lawr. Holebeck a Monk in Ramsey wrote an Hebrew Dictionary very exact according to those dayes wherein what ever was not understood was generally accounted Hebrew He died 1410. Bertram Fitzalin B. D. in Oxford then Carm. in Linc. where he built and furnished a fair Library at his own and his friends cost adding some Books of his own writing thereunto He died 1424. Since the Refomation Edmond Sheffeild descended from Rob. Recorder of London Knighted by H. 7. for his good service at Black-Heath was born in the Isle of Axholm and by E. 6. created Baron thereof Being a great Musitiaen he wrote a Book of Sonnets according to the Ital. fashion He was slain at a Skirmish in Norwich 1449. He was direct Ancestor to the Hopeful E. of Moulgrave Pet. Morwing bred in Oxford fled into Germany in the Reign of Queen Mary and Preached to the English Exiles He was a pure Latinist in discours and writing Anthony Gilby bred in Cambridg much skilled in the 3 Learned Languages was an Exile at Geneva in the Reign of Queen Mary Returning into England he became a Furious opposet of Church Discipline Established in England Jo. Fox born at Boston and bred in Oxford fled beyond the Seas in the Reign of Queen Mary where he set forth the Book of Martyrs in Latin and after his return into England enlarged and twice revised the same in our Language He was of prodigious Charity to the Poor V. my Eccl. Hist Th. Sparks D. D. born at South Sommercot bred in Oxford was Minister of Bleachley in Buck. an Impropriation restored to the Church by the Lord Gray of Wilton a Solid Divine and a Learned man as by his Works doth appear Being Champion for the Non-Conformists in the Conference at Hampton-Court he was there Convinced of the Lawfulness of Ceremonies so that some accounted him K. James's Convert He afterwards set forth a Book of Unity and Uniformity and died about 1610. Dr. Tighe born at Deeping and bred in Oxford was Arch-Deacon of Middl. and Minister of Alhollows Barking London An excellent Textuary and profound Linguist therefore employed by King Ja. in translating the Bible He died about 1610 leaving to his Son Jo. of Carby Esquire 1000 l. per An. Fines Morison Brother to Sir Rich. Lord Pres of Munster of worshipful Extraction was bred in Cambridge Having travelled to Jerusalem he printed his Observations in a large Book which contains no stretched Reports At last he was Secr. to Char. Blunt Dep. of Ireland saw and wrote the Conflicts with and Conquest of Tyrone He died about 1614. Benefactors to the Publick since the Reformation William Ratcliffe Esq 4 times Alderman of Stamford dying An. 1539. gave all his Lands in the Town now worth 30 l per An. to the Maintenance of a Free-School therein Jane Cecil Wife to Sir Rich. Esq and Coheir to the Worshipfull Families of Ekington and Walcot saw being near 100 years of Age the preferment of her Son Sir William Lord Treasurer of Engl. She Leaded and paved the Friday Market-Cross at Stamford besides 50 l. given to the Poor c. Her Will was made 1588 and dying she was buried in St. Martins in Stamford Geo. Trigg Gent. gave An. 1586 400 l. to be lent out for ever upon good security without Interest to Poor young Tradsemen and Artificers in Stamford and bestowed a Tenement upon the Parson and Poor of St Jo. in the same Town Rich. Sutton Esq born at Knaith a Souldier Paymaster by Place afterwards Merchant in London had Company with another Merchant in Common that in travelling with him used to spend double to Mr Sutton the one calling for half a pint the other for a Gill of wine c. At last Mr Sutton hearing of his Death and that he left but 50000 l Estate I thought said he he would dye no Rich man who made such needless Expences He bestowed all he had on the Charter-house or Sutton's Hospital a Masterpiece of Protestant English Charity wherein he appears Peerless in all Christendom He died 1611. Rob. Johnson born at Stamford was Minister of Luffenham in Rutland He could by his Argument surprise a Miser into Charity He effectually moved those of Vicinage to contribute to the building and endowing of Schools Whereof finding none he left as many in Rutland as there are Market Towns therein He was a considerable Benefactor to Em. and Sidney Coll. in Camb. and tho never dignified higher than Arch-Deacon of Leic. he left in Estate of 1000 l. per An. to his Posterity He died about 1616. Frances Wray Daughter to Sir Chichester Wrey Lord Chief Justice was born at Glentworth and married first to Sir Geo. St. Paul and afterward to Rob. Rich. E. of Warw. She was a great Benefactress to Magd. Coll. in Camb. She died in the beginning of K. Charles Memorable Persons Ja. York a Blacksmith of Linc. set forth a Book of Heraldry called the Union of Honour An. 164â—… c. Lincoln-sh of singular use tho he has not hit the Nail on the Head in every particular therein contained Noted Sheriffs An. 17. Jo. Walch of Grimethy sought a Combat with Morcileto de Vilâ—â—â— of Navar who hâ—…d accused him of Treason in which Combat the Navaroiâ—… was overcome and afterwards hang'd for his false accusation An. 2. Jo. Rochford Mil. whose Arms are quartered by the E. of Moulgrâ—â—â— Famous for his high Birth Learning long Travel through Fr. and Italy and his Translation of Josephus his Antiquities Polychronicon c. An. 2. Rob. Dimock Mil. at the Coronation of H. 7. came on Horse-back into Westm Hall where the K. dined and casting his Gauntlet on the ground challenged any who durst question the Kings Right to the Crown An. 9. Jo. Husee created by H. 8. the first and last Baron of Husee in Sheford engaging with the Rebellious Commons An. 1537. was beheaded An. 16. Th. Burge Mil. descended from the Heir Gen. of the Lord Cobham of Sterbury in Surry afterwards created Baron Burge or Burough by H. 8. His Grand-child Th. Lord Burge Dep. of Ir. and Knight of the Garter left no Issue Male nor plentiful Estate only 4 Daughters Eliz. married to Sir Geo. Brook Frances to
made him a Knight Batchelor Captain of Dampfront and great Constable of Bossevile le Ross in France and granted by Letters Patent 40 pounds in Land a year to him and his Heirs Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier having on the same account conferred on him a yearly Pension of 40 pound during his life Sir John dyed about the middle of the Reign of Hen. 6. John Dudley Duke of Northumberland Son to Edward Dudley Esq and would willingly be reputed of this County a descendant from the Lord Dudley therein He was a proper wise and valiant Man and generally till his last project prosperous But he was also notoriously wanton intolerably ambitious a constant dissembler prodigiously profuse so that he had sunk his Estate had he not met with a seasonable support of Abbey-Land King Henry 8. first Knighted him then Created him Vise Lisle Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland Under Queen Mary he contrived the setling of the Crown on Queen Jane his Daughter in Law for which Treason he was Executed an 1. Mary much bemoaned by Martial Men whom he had formerly endeared in his good service in the French and Scotish Wars He left two Sons who survived to great Honour Ambrose Earl of Warwick Heir to all that was good and Robert Earl of Leicester Heir to all that was great in his Father The Bagnols or Bagenhalts were formerly a Family of such remark in this County that before the Reign of Hen. 8. there scarce passed an ancient Evidence which is not attested by one of that Name And having for a time sunk into a low condition was afterwards restored to their genuine Lustre when Ralph and Nicholas Sons to John Bagnol of Newcastle in this County were both Knighted for their good service the one in Mussleborough Field the other in Ireland Their Sons Samuel and Henry were for their Martial merit advanced to the same degree Seamen William Minors Son to Richard Gent. of Hallenbury-Hall was born at Uttoxater who afterwards coming to London became so prosperous a Mariner that he hath safely returned eleven times from the East-Indies and now peaceably enjoyeth what he painfully hath gotten living in or near Hartford at this present year 1660. Writers John Stafford a Franciscan born in Stafford wrote a Latine History of England about 1380. W. de Lichfield D. D. and Rector of All-hallowes the Great in Thames-street London a Learned and Godly Man wrote many Books one Entituled The complaint of God unto sinful men There were found in his Study after his death 3083 Sermons of his own Writing He dyed an 1447. and was buried in the Quire of his own Church Robert Whittington born at Lichfield was an indifferent but conceited Grammarian He coped with W. Lillie and others in comparison of whom he was but a crackling Thorn Since the Reformation Henry Stafford Baron of Stafford was Son to Edw. Duke of Buckingham beheaded under K. Hen. 8. The Barony descended unforfeited to this Henry placed here not as a trans but a Cis-Reformation-man for translating the Book of Dr. Fox Bishop of Hereford a favourer of Luther into English Of the difference of the Power Ecclesiastical and Secular He dyed 1558 some Months before the beginning of Q. Elizabeth Sampson Erderswik Esq born at Sandon of Ancient and Worshipful Extraction was a Gentleman accomplished with all Noble Qualities Affability Devotion and Learning Being a great Antiquary he began a description Entituled a View of Stafford-shire an 1593. which hath directed me in matters of difficulty relating to this County He repaired and new glazed the Church of Sandon wherein he Erected a Monument for himself with his Statue in Stone and lyeth now Interred dying April 11 1603. Of him Mr. Cambden sayes Venerandae Antiquitatis fuit Cultor Maximus Thomas Allen descended from Allanus de Buckenhole Lord of Buckenhole in the Reign of Edw. 2. was bred in Glocester-Hall in Oxford a most excellent Mathematician where he succeeded to the skill and scandal of Frier Bacon as accounted a Conjurer He was much in favour with Robert Earl of Leicester His Writings are detained in some private hands He dyed towards the end of K. James Edward Leigh of Rushwel-Hall Esq alive wrote Critica Sacâ—…a with many other worthy Works which will make his judicious Industry known to Posterity Elias Ashmole Esq alive born in Litchfield a great Antiquary Chymist Herauld Mathematician John Lightfoot D. D. alive hath deserved well of the Churches of England for his exact insight in Hebrew and Rabbinical Learning Romish Exile Writers W. Gifford an extract of the Family of Chillington was a man of much motion Being bred in Oxford he went over to Lovain where he became B. D. whence going to Paris he was highly prized by H. Duke of Guise who made him Arch-Bishop of Rhemes and the Cardinal his Brother who gave him a Pension of 200 Crowns a year He became afterwards Dean of St. Pet. the Isle in Rome then Rector of the University of Rhemes and at last a Benedictine at Delaware in Lorain He founded a Convent for English Monks at St. Mallower in France and another at Paris for those of the same Profession He was alive 1611. Benefactors to the Publick Sir Stephen Jennings Lord Mayor of London built a fair School at Wolver-Hampton Another being erected by Mr. Tho. Allen at Utceter Martin Noel Esq born in Stafford bred Scrivener in London built and largely endowed an Hospital in the Town of his Nativity the first considerable Fabrick of that kind in this County Memorable Persons Tho. Tarlton born at Condover in Shropshire Here he was in the Field keeping his Fathers Swine when a Servant of Robert Earl of Leicester passing this way was so highly pleased with his odd Answers that he brought him to Court where he became the most famous Jester to Q. Eliz. When the Queen was out of humour he could undumpish her at his pleasure He prepared in some cases for the highest Favourits an advantagious access to her Majesty In a word he told the Queen more of her Faults then most of her Chaplains and cured her Melancholly better than all her Physicians Much of his Merriment say in his Looks and Actions according to his Epitaph Hic situs est cujus poterat vox actio vultus Ex Heraclito reddere democritum His Jests never were prophane scurrilous nor satyrical as in which plurimum Salis nihil veneni He dyed about the end of Q. Eliz. James Sands of Horborn lived 140 and his Wife 120 years He outlived 5 Leases of 21 years which were made to him after his Marriage Walt. Parsons first an Apprentice to a Smith grew so tall that a hole was made for him in the Ground to stand therein to make him adequate with his Fellow-Workmen He afterwards was Porter to K. James a proper place seeing he might serve both for Tower and Spy to give notice upon occasion of the approach of the Kings Enemies He would make
Family in France which â—â— said to have flourished there 800 â—…ears Of this Family whose Arms is G. two Bars 〈◊〉 a younger Branch coming over at the Conquest â—â—xed it self at Staunton Hâ—…recourt in Oxford-shire In â—…he Reign of King Jo. Richard Harecourt of Staunton marrying Orabella Daughter of Saer de Quincy Earl of Winchester had the Mannor of Bosworth in Leicester-shire for his Wives Portion Robert Harecourt was made Knight of the Garter by E. 4. From him Lineally descended the Valiant Sir Simon Harecourt â—…ately slain in the Wars against the Rebels in Ireland whose Son a hopeful Gentleman enjoys the Mannor of Staunton to this day Jo. Basket an Esquire of Remark and Martial Actiâ—…ity in his younger days and after removed to Devnish im Dorsetshire to whom he going into France â—…ommitted the Care of that Country Will. Essex Ar. a worthy Man of great Command in this County whereof he was four times Sheriff â—…nd the first of his Family who fixed in Lambourn â—…herein for he married Elizabeth Daughter and sole Heir of Tho. Rogers of Benham whose Grand-father â—…o Rogers had married Elizabeth Daughter and Heir of Jo. Shotesbroke of Bercole in this County whose Ancestors had been Sheriffs in Bark-shire An. 4. 5. and 6. E. 3. by whom he received a large Inheritance This Will afterwards Sir Will. was Son to Th. Essex Esquire Remembrancer and Vice-Treasurer â—…o E. 4. who died Nov. 1. 1500 and lyeth buried in â—…he Church of Kensington Middlesex He derived himself from Henry de Essex Bar. of Rawley and Standard-bearer of England and his Posterity have â—…ately assumed his Coat viz. Arg. an Orle G. There was lately a Baron of this Family with Revenues oâ—… a Baron Humph. Foster Knight a Lover of Protestants iâ—… the most dangerous times and spake to the Quest in the behalf of Mr. Marbeck that good Confesser Yea he Confessed to Henry 8. that never any thing went so much against his Conscience as his attending by Command the Execution of three poor Meâ—… Martyred at Windsor Francis Inglefield Knight afterwards Privy-Councellour to Queen Mary and so zealous a Romanist that after heâ—… Death he left the Land with a most large Inheritance and lived for the most part in Spain He was a most industrious Agent to solicite the Cause of the Queen of Scots He was a great Promoter of and Benefactor to the English Colledge at Valladolid in Spain where he lyeth interred A Family of his Alliance is still Worshipful extant in this County Jo. Williams Knight was before the Expiration of the year of his Sherivalty made by Queen Mary Lord Williams of Tame in Oxford In which Town he built a small Hospital and a very fair School He with Sir Henry Bennyfield were Joynt-keepers of the Lady Elizabeth whilst under Restraint being as Civil as the other was cruel to her Bishop Ridley when Martyred requested this Lord to stand his Friend to the Queen that those Leases might be confirmed which he had made to poor Tenants which he promised and performed accordingly Henry Norrice Son-in-Law to the Lord Williams aforesaid was by Queen Elizabeth created Bar. of Norrice iâ—… Ricot in Oxford He was Son to Sir Henry Norrice who suffered in the Cause of Queen Anne Bullen Grand-Child to Sir Edward Norrice who married â—â—iswide Sister and co-heir to the last Lord Lovell â—…e was Father to the Martial Blood of the Norrices Elizabeth his Grand-Child sole Daughter and Heir â—…nto Francis Norrice Earl of Bark-shire and Baroness Norrice was married to Edward Wray Esquire whose â—â—ly Daughter Elizabeth Wray Baroness Norrice lateâ—â— deceased was married unto Montague Bartue Earl of Lindsey whose Son a Minor is Lord Norrice at â—…his day Edward Umpton Knight this ancient Name was â—…xtinct in the days of our Fathers for want of issue Male and a great part of their Lands devolved by â—…n Heir general to G. Puffen of Wadley Esquire whose Care is commendable in preserving the Monuments of the Umptons in Farrington Church and restoring â—…uch as were defaced in the Civil War Besilius Fetiplace The Seat of the Family was at â—…ee thence called Besiles Lee in this County until Elizabeth Daughter and Heir of Will. Bes last of the Name was married to Richard Fetiplace whose Great-grand-Child was named Besile to continue â—…he Remembrance of their Ancestors Richard Lovelace Knight a brisk Gentleman in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth making use of Letters of Mart â—…ad the Success to seize on a large Remnant of the King of Spains Fleet charged with Silver King Charles created him Lord Lovelace of Hurley Sir Jo. Darell Baronet Of which Order Note the Qualifications Service and Dignity For the first 1. They were to be Men of honest Reputation 2. Descended at least of a Grand-father that bare Arms. 3. Having Estate of 1000 pounds a year two Thirds thereof at â—…east in Possession the rest in Reversion expectant on one Life only holding in Dower or Joynture â— to the Second 1. Each of them was to advance towards the planting of the Province of Ulster in Irâ—â—land with Money enough to maintain 30 Foot foâ— three years after the Rate of eight pence a day foâ— each Man 2. The first years Wages was to be paiâ— down on the passing of their Patent the Remainde as they contracted with the Kings Commissioners Authorized to treat of and conclude the same Foâ— the last viz. their Dignity 1. They were to takâ— place with their Wives and Children respectively immediately after the Sons of Barons and before aâ— Knights-Batchelors of the Bath and Banneret save sucâ— Solemn ones as afterwards should be created in thâ— Field by the King there Present under the Standard Royal displayed 2. The Addition of Sir was tâ— be prefixed before their Names 3. The Honouâ— was to be Hereditary and Knight-hood not to be denied to their eldest Sons of full Age if desiring it 4. There was added to their Arms a Bloody hanâ— in a Canton or Escutcheon at their Pleasure Thâ— King did undertake that they should never exceeâ— 200 and none were to be substituted upon a Vacancy And that no other new Order should be superinduced Battles Newbury I. 1643. Sept. 20. Earl of Essex having raised the Siege of Glocester and returning towards London was followed by the Kings Army both sides might be traced by a Tract of bloody Foot-steps especially aâ— Auborn in Wilts where they had a smart Encounter Aâ— Newbury the Earl made a stand Here hap'ned a fierce Fight on the East side of the Town The Parliament was conceived to lose the most the King the moâ—â— considerable Persons amongst whom the Earl of Carâ—…von and Sunderland the Viscount Faulkland Colâ—…el Morgan Victory and Loss was equally shared on â—…th sides which were so filled with their Supper â—…at the next day they had no Stomach for Breakâ—â—st but keeping their Stations were rather contentâ—â— to Face then Fight one another Newbury II. Essex
dat qui justa negat For which he suffered He wrote an excellent Book of the difference of the Ages of Man Jo. Harrington Knight had a fair Estate at Kelston near Bath was Master of St. John's Colledge and afterwards one of the most ingenious Poets of the English Nation witness his Translation of Orlando Furioso out of Italian c. Being at an Ordinary in Bath with some Gentlemen of greater Estates than himself the Maid that waited at Table attended him with a particular observance and being demanded the reason I understand said she you are a very witty man and if I should displease you in any thing I fear you would make an Epigram of me He made an Addition to Bishop Godwins Catalogue of Bishops He lest a fair Estate to a Learned and Religious Son and dyed about the middle of the Reign of K. James His Father suffered Imprisonment and lost One Thousand Pound for carrying a Letter to the Lady afterward Queen Eliz. from whom his Mother was sequestred as an Heretick and all by Gardiner's means Samuel Daniel born near Taunton was an exquisite Poet and a Judicious Historian witness his Lives of the English Kings since the Conqueror untill Edw. 3. He was servant in Ordinary to Q. Anne In his old Age he rented a Farm in VVilt-shire and dyed about the end of K. James Humphrey Sidenham born at Dalverton of an Ancient and Worshipful Family was bred a Fellow in Wadham Colledge So eminent a Preacher that he was commonly called Silver-tongued Sidenham He wrote learned Sermons of which that called the Athenian Babler was most remarkable He dyed 1650. Romish Exile Writers Jo. Gibbon leaving the Land was by Pope Greg. 13. made Canon in the Church of Bonn he was afterwards Rector of the Jesuits-Colledge in Triers He wrote a Book in which he endeavoured to prove that the Pope was not Antichrist He dyed 1589. Rob. Person bred in Oxford whence he was expelled for his Viciousness went to Rome whence he returned with Campian to preserve this Nation 1589. Some of his own party offended with his ill-nature intended to resign him to the Queens Officers He was Satyrical and so much of a Politician as to provide for his own safteâ—…y who would look on direct give ground abet on other Mens hands but never plaid so as to adventure himself into England He wrote a shrewd Book of the Succession to the English Crown setting it forth under the Name of Dolman He had an Authoritative influence on all the English Catholicks He was 23 years Rector of the Colledge at Rome where he dyed 1610. Jo. Fen born at Montacute and Batchelour of the Laws in Oxford fled into Flanders thence into Italy whence returning he fixed at Lovain He wrote many and Translated more books and dyed 1613. Note there lived a rigid Non-Conformist of his Sirname about Coventry who in his latter Will and Testament rail'd against the Hierarchy Jo. Collington bred in Oxford was taken with Campian and Condemned but being Reprieved after some Travel he advanced his Religion in England for 30 years together He was alive 1611. Benefactors to the Publick The Lady Mohun obtained from her Husband Jo. Lord Mohun of Dunstor so much ground for the Commons of the Town of Dunstor as she could in one day compass about going on her naked Feet She dyed as is conjectured in the Reign of Hen. 5. Since the Reformation Nich. Wadham of Merrifieild Esq having great length in his Extraction breadth in his Estate and depth in his Liberality Marryed Dorothy Daughter to the Secretary Sister to the first Lord Peters His Hospital house was an Inn at all times a Court at Christmas This worthy Pair being Issuless Erected the Colledge of VVadham in Oxford His Estate after his Death descended to Strangwayes Windham VVhitt c. He was buried in the Church of Ilminster Phil. Biss of a worthy Family at Spargrave Commenced D. D. in Magdalens-Colledge in Oxford and was Arch-Deacon of Taunton He bequeathed his Library consisting of so many Folio's as were valued at One Thousand Pound to VVadham-Colledge then newly Founded One Epitaph made on him begins Bis suit hic natus c. in allusion to his Name He dyed about 1614. Memorable Persons Sir Jo. Champneis born at Chew bred Skinner in London and Lord Mayor thereof 1535. was the first private Man who in his house next Cloth-VVorkers Hall built a Turret to oversee his Neighbours in the City which delight in his Eye was punished with blindness some years before his Death Tho. Coriat born at Odcombe and bred in Oxford A great Grecian carried Folly which the Charitable call Merriment in his Face and had a Head in form like an inverted Sugar-loaf He lay alwayes in his Cloaths to save both labour and charge in shifting Prince Henry allowed him a Pension and kept him for his Servant Sweet-meats and Coriat made up the last course at all Entertainments being the Courtiers An. vil to try their Wits upon sometimes he returned the Hammers as hard knocks as he received His Book called Coriat's Crudities is not altogether useless Being hardy he undertook to travel on foot to the East-Indies and dyed in the midst of his Journey Noted Sheriffs An. 14. Jo. Paulet Arm. an Accomplisht Gentleman and bountiful House-keeper was by King Charles I. Created Baron Paulet of Hinton St. George in this County whose Right Honourable Son and Heir Jo. Lord Paulet now succeedeth in that Barony Modern Battles The Skirmish at Martials-Elm 1642. made much noise in Mens Ears a Musket gave a greater report then a Canon since and is conceived to have first broken the Peace of the Nation As for the Encounter at Lang-Port where the Kings Forces under the Lord Goring were defeated July 12 1645 it was rather a Flight than a Fight And hence forward the Sun of the Kings Cause declined versing more and more VVestward till at last it set in Cornwal and since after a long and dark night rose again by Gods goodness in the East when our Gracious Sovereign arrived at Dover Note that an 1607 there happened an Inundation by the irruption of the Severn-Sea which over-flowed this County almost 20 Miles in length and four in breadth though by Gods special Providence it drowned no more then 80 Persons BRISTOL BRistol or Bright-stow i. e. Illustrious Dwelling is divided by the River Avon and pleasantly Scituated on the Rising of a Hill The Buildings are fair and firm the Streets cleanly kept The City answereth its Name chiefly for having bred many Eminent Persons It is a Liberty of it self though it standeth both in Sommerset-shire and Glocester-shire There are Diamonds though somewhat dim produced at St. Vincents Rock near to this City Of Manufactures Gray Sope was anciently made only in this City As for Buildings Ratcliff-Church is the best Parish Church in England It was first Founded by Cannings first a Merchant then a Priest St. Augustines Church
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 And his Valour was equal to his Strength He was proportionable in all parts and was of a good temper disdaining to do an injury to any single person Noted Sheriffs Hen. 6. An. 1. Ranul Com. Cestr and Henry de Aldicheleia This Hemy was the first Lord Audley in this County and Founder of that Noble Family so long Famous for Martial Atchievments K. Henry 3. confirmed to him many Lands of his own Grant and the donation of others Of the latter kind were these following the most of them great Mannors Aldithlege Coulton Cold Norton Batleigh Shagbourn Stanweare Tunstal Chaderley Chell Normancot Nerle Brudnap Weston Hauskley Bagley Morton and Heleigh afterwards the prime Seat of the Lord Audley who also had great Lands in Devon-shire Their Heir Males failing about the Reign of K. Henry 6. Joan one of their Heirs was Married to Sir John Touchet whose Son was Baron Andley Ancestor to the present Lord Audley Earl of Castle-Haven in Ireland Edw. 3. An. 18. John de Aston I have not met with a more Noble Family measuring on the Level of flat and un-advantaged Antiquity They have ever born a good respect to the Church and Learned Men ever since Roger de Molend Bishop of Litchfield in the Reign of Henry 3. gave Haywood in this County to Roger de Aston his Servant Son to Ralph and Father to Sir John aforenamed from whom are descended in a Lineal Succession Sir Thomas Sir Roger Sir Robert John Aston Esq Sir John Knight Banneret Sir Edward Sir Walter Sir Edward Sir Walter employed by K. James Ambassadour into Spain Hen. 6. An. 12. Thomas Stanley his true name was Audley for after that Adam youngest Brother to James Lord Audley had married the Daughter and Heir of Henry de Stanley William their Son assumed the Sirname of Stanley This Thomas seems to have been the same person whom K. Henry 6. made Lord Stanley Knight of the Garter Lord Deputy of Ireland and Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold and who was Father to Thomas whom K. Henry 7. Created the first Earl of Derby 34. John Delves Esq afterwards Knighted was the last of his Ancient Family who were fixed in this County in the Reign of Edward 3. Helene his sole Daughter and Heir Married to Robert Sheffield Knight and Recorder of London Ancestor to the present Lord of Moulgrave Edw. 4. an 1. Walter Wrotesley was lineally descended from Sir Hugh one of the first Founders of the Noble Order of the Garter Hen. 8. an 28. John Dudley was afterwards by Hen. 8. Created Duke of Northumberland K. Charles I. W. Bowyer lineally descended from Thomas who in the Reign of Richard 2. Married Katharine Daughter and Heir to Robert Knipersley The Bowyers of Sussex invited thither some 200 years since by an Earl of Northumberland are a younger of these in Stafford Battles At Hopton-Heath March 1643. a fierce Fight happened betwixt the Kings and the Parliaments Forces on a ground full of Cony-borroughs affording bad footing for the Horse The Royalists may be said to have got the day and lost the Sun which made it I mean the truly Loyal and Valiant Spencer Earl of Northampton leaving a grateful Memory and a Noble and Numerous Issue SUFFOLK SUffolk hath Norfolk on the North Cambridgeshire on the West the German Ocean on the East and Essex on the South It stretcheth from East to West 45 Miles though the general breadth be but 20 saving that is somewhat towards the Sea The Air thereof is esteem'd the best in England a small parcel near the Sea-side only excepted There is very good Cheese made in this County whereof the finest are very thin though yielding to the Butter made here which excells both in Quantity and Quality The Manufacture of Cloathing in this County hath been much greater and Clothiers richer heretofore then in these times Many stately Monuments having been formerly erected to their Memories and not one in those latter Seasons The County hath no Cathedral though generally fair Parish Churches It had formerly a most magnificent Abbey-Church in Bury with three lesser Churches waiting thereon in the same Church-yard of these but two are extant at this day being stately Structures It is generally avouched by all Authors that Mary youngest Sister to King Henry 8. Relict to Lewis 12. King of France afterwards Married to Ch. Brandon D. of Suffolk was buried in the Abbey-Church in Bury 1533. Yet her Corps could not protect that Church which was in few years after levelled to the ground I read not that her Body was removed nor doth any Monument remain here to her Memory The Town of Bury is sweetly seated and fairly built especially since 1608. about which time it was defaced with a casual Fire The School a great Ornament to the Town was founded by K. Edw. 6. and is it self a Corporation now as well as ever flourishing under Mr. Stephens the able Master thereof Amongst the Houses of the Gentry long Melford late the House of the Countess of Rivers was the first Fruits of the plundering in England Then Sommerley-Hall nigh Yarmouth belonging to the Lady Wentworth is Beautified with pleasant Walks set with Firr-Trees verdant all the year As for others there are many handsome Houses in the Town of Ipswich which belong to Merchants Proverbs I. Suffolk Milk No County in England affords better II. Suffolk fair Maids III. Suffolk-stiles This belongeth both to Suffolk and Essex where there are troublesome Stiles to be clambred over IV. You are in the right way to Needham spoken of those who hasten to Poverty Needham is a Market Town in this County stocked as it happens with poor people Princes Edmund Mortimer Son to Roger Earl of March was born probably in Clare After the death of Richard 2. he was the next Heir to the Crown but was willing to yield the same to K. Henry 4. so he might receive and enjoy his private Patrimony kept from him by the said Henry but he could obtain neither Being afterwards employed by this King in a War against Owen Glendor the Welsh Rebel he was taken Prisoner and neglected by the King who had only exposed him to danger under pretence of Honour he made a shift to ransom himself Yet did he but exchange a Welsh for an Irish Prison kept 20 years in restraint in his own Castle of Trim in the end of the Reign of Henry 4. all the Reign of Henry 5. and the beginning of Henry 6. He dyed an 1454. without issue leaving Anne his Sister his Heir and was buried in Clare Saints St. Edmund K. of the E. Angles was cruelly tortured to death at Hoxton in this County by the Pagan Danes an 870. His Body was placed in a goodly Shrine richly adorned with Jewels at Bury in this County Of him a Popish Author When the Christis ans
born at Elmeseth bred in Cambridge was of the Quorum in Translating the Bible and whilst Chrysostome lives Mr. Boise shall not dye such his learned pains on him in the Edition of Sir H. Savil. He dyed about the beginning of the Civil Wars Remish Exile Writers Robert Southwell wrote many Books and was reputed a dangerous Enemy to the State for which he was Imprisoned and Executed March 3. 1595. Benefactors to the Publick Elizabeth third Daughter of Gilb. Earl of Clare and Wife to Jo. Burgh Earl of Ulster in Ireland had her greatest Honour from Clare in this County She Founded Clare-Hall in Cambridge an 1343. Sir Simon Eyre born at Brandon first an Upholster then a Draper in London whereof he was Lord Mayor 1445 on his own cost built Leaden-Hall for a common Garner of Corn to the City He left 5000 Marks to charitable uses He dyed Sept. 18. an 1459. and is buried in the Church of St. Mary Woolnoth in Lumbard-Street London Th. Spring the rich Clothier was born I believe at Laveham He built the Carved Chappel of Wainscot on the North side of the Chancel as also the Chappel at the South side of the Church Me dyed 1510 and lyeth buried in his own Chappel Since the Reformation W. Coppinger was born at Bucks-hall in this County where his Family flourisheth in good esteem He was bred a Fishmonger in London whereof he became Lord Mayor 1512. He gave the half of his great Estate to pious uses I am sorry to see this Gentleman's ancient Arms substracted in point of honour by the addition of a superfluous Bordure Sir W. Cordal Knight had a fair Estate in S. N. Long-Melford and was well descended He became a Barrister Speaker of the Parliament and Privy Counsellour and Master of the Rolls to Queen Mary He founded a fair Almshouse at Melford and left a large allowance to the poor for Diet and Cloaths He continued Master of the Rolls till the day of his death 23 Eliz. Sir Robert Hicham Knight and Serjeant at Law born at or near Nacton purchased the Mannor of Framlingham from the Earl of Suffolk and entered into the same after great and many intervening Obstacles He left a great part of his Estate to pious uses and principally to Pembrook-Hall in Cambridge He dyed a little before the beginning of the Civil Wars Memorable Persons Jo. Cavendish Esq born at Cavendish was servant to Richard 2. when Wat Tyler played Rex in London whom he in assistance of Sir W. Walworth Lord Mayor of London dispatched by giving two or three mortal wounds The beginning of the bustle was that Wat took it mightily in dudgeon that Sir Jo. Newton did not make a mannerly approach to him upon which the said Lord arrested Wat and wounded him with his Dagger Hence the Arms of London were augmented with a Dagger King Richards discretion appeared very much in appeasing the tumult which happened 1381. Sir Th. Cook Knight and Sir W. Capel Knight born the first at Lavenham the later at Stoke-Neyland were bred Drapers in London and were Lord Mayors of the City Sir Will. is reported after a large entertainment for King Henry 7. to have burnt many Bonds in which the King stood obliged to him and at another time to have drank a dissolved Pearl which cost him many hundreds in an Health to the King Sir Th. was in danger of his Life for lending Money in the Reign of K. Edw. 4. Both dyed in Age Honour and Riches these transmitted to their Posterity The Cooks flourishing at Giddy-hall and the Capels at Hadham in Hartford Note Elizabeth Daughter of Sir Will. Capel was Married to Sir W. Pawlet Marquess of VVinchester and Mildred descended from Sir Th. Cook to VV. Cecil Lord Burleigh both their Husbands being Lord Treasurers of England Sir Tho. lyeth buried in the Church of Augustine Friars in London Sir VV. Capel in St. Bartholomews behind the Exchange Noted Sheriffs Q. Eliz. An. 18. Jo. Higham Arm. the ancient Sirname of the Lords Montaign in France was descended from Sir Clem. a Potent Knight 20. Robert Jermin a pious Man and a great Benefactor to Emanuel Colledge and a potent man was Father to Sir Th. Privy Councellor and Lord Chamberlain to King Charles I. Grandfather to Tho. and Hen. Esq the younger of these being Lord Chamberlain to our present Queen Mary and sharing in her Majesties sufferings was by King Charles II. made Baron and Earl of St. Albans 23. Nich. Bacon Mil. was the first Baronet in England 36. Tho. Crofts Arm. was Grandfather to Crofts who was created Baron Crofts by K. Cha. II. Sir Simond Dewes was Grandfather to Adrian descended from the Lords of Kessel in Gelderland who came thence in the time of their Civil Wars in the Reign of Henry 8. He was bred in Cambridge and became a great Antiquary He observed that the Ordinances of the late long Parliament did in Bulk and Number exceed all the Statutes made since the Conquest He dyed about 1653. SURREY SUrrey hath Middlesex on the North Kent on the East Sussex on the South Hant and Bark-shire on the West It is very near a Square of 22 Miles the Skirts whereof are fruitful and the inward parts barren though generally the Air be clear and the ways clean Here is the most and best Fullers Earth digged up near Rygate It is worth four pence a Bushel at the Pit and the Transportation thereof is prohibited The County likewise affords good Trouts and VVall-nuts and the best Box growing about Darking In this Shire there is the best Gardening for Profit King James about the end of his Reign gave 2000 pounds to Sir Francis Crane to build a House at Morelack for setting up a Manufacture of Tapestry and one Francis Klein a German was the designer thereof and united the Italian and Dutch perfections in that Mystery This Klein afterwards setled in London where he had a gratuity of 100 pounds per An. until the beginning of the late Civil Wars The chief Buildings are Richmond built by King Henry 7. and most pleasantly seated on the Thames Non-such built by King Henry 8. answereth its Name for compleat Architecture though exceeded by Wimbleton in point of a neat Scituation This was built by Sir Th. Cecil in 88. Of Medicinal Waters those at Ebsham found out 1618 in a dry season the Water being first observed in a Horse or Neats-footing run through some Veins of Alume and are abstersive and sanative being outwardly and inwardly taken The wonder in this County is that there is a River termed Mole at a place called the Swallow that sinketh into the Earth and surgeth again some two miles off nigh Letherhead and 't is said a Goose was put in and came out again with Life if so there was a wonderful preservation of the Goose There is also a Vault nigh Rygate capable to receive 500 Men which was anciently the Receptacle of some great person a proper place it seems
Mans Bullock from his Pasture but a Trespass of an inferiour Nature to take a Pike out of his Fish-pond An. 1659. the Country suffered a great loss by an Inundation upon the dissolution of a great Snow yet their Industry prevented a Relapse into their former Condition The Northern-part is called the Isle of Ely or Eely from the abundance and goodness of Eeles there with which the Courts of the Kings of England were Anciently supplyed Of other Natural Commodities there are a great many Hares and lately there was a Hare-park nigh New-Market preserved for the Kings Game There is also plenty of Saffron which was at first planted in Essex Willows abound in the Isle of Ely affording Fuel for their Fire of which Tree it is a by-word in this County that the profit of Willows will buy the Owner a Horse before that by other Trees he can pay for his Saddle Manufactures here are Paper and Baskets Of Buildings Cambridge is the chief credit of this County as the University is of Cambridge which may be said a Town in an University as Oxford is an University in a Town in Camb. the Colledges being more separated from the Town have the better Conveniency of Walks and Gardens Ely-Minster in this Town a great Beauty has a Lanthorn which is a Master-piece of Architecture wherein the labour of 20 years and 52094 Pounds 18 Shillings 10 Pence 1 2 2 4 was expended When the Bells ring the Wood-work thereof openeth the perfection of structure and exactly chocketh into the Joynts again Rare also is the Art in the Chappel of St. Maries the Pattern of that in Kings Coll. in Camb. And in Bishop Wests Chappel the Master-Masons of King Ja. upon narrow inspection found finer work therein than in King Hen. 7 his Chappel at Westminster Wonders The Devils-ditch an Artificial Wonder conceited by the Country People to be made by the Devil tho it be the Work of some of the Kings of the East-Angles probably made to divide and defend their Dominions from the Kingdom of Mercia or possibly to employ the People and to divert them from insurrections Proverbs I Cambridge requires all to be equal The same degree levelling all Scholars so that the Seniority of years ought not to make any difference II. Cambridgeshire Camels Probably the Fen-men stalking on Stilts may be so called from their apparent big Stature III. A Boisten Horse and a Cambridge Master of Art are a couple of Creatures that will give way to nobody It shews store of Spirit when a Man will not be put out of his way for every Swelling emptiness that meets him therein IV. A Henry-Sophister So they are called who after 4 years standing stay themselves from Commencing Bachelors of Art to render themselves in some Colledges more capable of Preferment For after the Suppression of Monasteries by King Hen. 8. Learning was at a lost and the University stood at a gaze what would become of her Hereupon many Students stayed themselves some 2 3 some 4 years as who would see how their Degrees before they took them should be rewarded and maintained Martyrs Will. Flower born at Snow-hill bred first a Monk in Ely became afterwards a Secular Priest and Protestant and after many Removals fixed at last at Lambeth He then contracted the Guilt of an abominable Act by wounding a Popish Priest dangerously with a Wood-knife so that his Blood spirted into the Chalice Of this having solemnly repented he was put to Death for the Testimony of the Truth His right hand before he went to the Stake was cut off by order of the Judges for his Barbarous fact Yet tho his right hand suffered as a Malefactor there wanted not those who maintained that Martyr belongs to the rest of his Body Prelates Steph. de Fulborn was made Bishop of Waterford and Lord Treasurer of Ireland and after Arch-bishop of Tuam and twice Lord Chief Justice of that Kingdom He dyed 1288. and was buried in Trinity-Church in Dublin Nich. of Ely obtruded by the bold Barons as Chancellour on H. 3. but by him displaced yet appearing a Man of Merit was by him advanced into the Office of Lord Treasurer and made Bishop of Worcester then of Winchester Here he sate 12 years and that Cathedral may challenge his Interment having his Heart inclosed in a Wall tho his Body be buried at Bcaverly in Surry 1280. Will. of Bottlesham Contract Botsam of the Town so called the Nursery of refined Wits affording a Triumvirate of Learned Men born there viz. this Will. Jo. and Nich. Bottlesham Will. was by the Pope made Bishop of Bethlehem in Syria then 1385 of Landaff thence removed to Rochester A famous Preacher Confessor to R. 2. and a learned Writer Once a Fellow of Pemb. hall he dyed 1399. Jo. bred in Peter-house in Camb. to which and to the whole University he was Benefactor Chaplain to Th. Arundel Arch-bishop of Cant. by whose means he had been preferred to the See of Rochester if Johns Death had not prevented the same 1401. Nicholas a Carmelite bred in Camb. afterward removed to Paris where in Sorbon he commenced Dr. of Divinity Returning to Camb. he became Prior of the Carmelties since Queen Colledge whereby he wrote many Books Buried in his own Covent 1435. These three were Contemporaries Th. of New-Market or Th. Merks of this County bred in Camb. An Excellent Humanist and Divine having left some learned Books to Posterity advanced to be Bishop of Carlile Famous for his Loyalty to R. 2. was at last confined to a Titular Grecian Bishoprick by H. 4. He dyed about 1405. Th. Thirlby Doctor of Laws born in the Town and bred in the University of Camb. Very able in his Faculty and more than once employed in Embassies by H. 8. who preferred him Bishop of Winchester the Land of which See he wasted with this success that his Name and Alliance is Extinct From Winchester he was removed to Norwich from thence to Ely His Vice was rather Prodigality than Cruelty for he wept at Arch-bishop Cranmer's Degradation After the Death of Queen Ma. he was as Violent in his Opinions but not so Violent in his Expressions always devoted to Queen Ma. but never invective against Queen Eliz. He lived in free Custody dyed and is buried at Lambeth 1570. Since the Reformation Godfrey Goldsborough born in Camb. bred in Trinity-Coll and afterwards Fellow thereof At last was Consecrated Bishop of Gloucester 1598. One of the second set of Prot. Bishops after those in the Marian Days and before those who come within our memory He gave 100 Marks to Trinity-Coll and dyed An. 1604. Rob. Townson D. D. born in Camb. and bred a Fellow in Queens Coll. being admitted at 12 years of Age. Of so happy a memory 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 He attended King Ja. his Chaplain into Scotland
the better the Churches The Cathedral of Lincoln whose Floor is higher than the Roof of many Churches is a Magnificent Structure Three other Bishopricks viz. Ely Peterborough and Oxford were carved out of this Diocess Of the Houses of the Nobility Tattershall belonging to the Right Honorable the E. of Lincoln has been advanced by degrees to the modern Magnificence thereof Grimsthorp built by Ch. D. of Suff. to entertain H. 8. in his Progress into these Parts is now in the Possession of the Right Honorable E. of Lindsey For Wonders At Fishtoft 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 Some 140 years since at Harlaxton there was found turn'd up by one Ploughing the Ground a Golden Helmet of Antick-fashion studded with precious Stones probably of some prime Roman Commander It was presented to Q. Kath. Wife to H. 8. Proverbs 1. Lincoln-shire Bag-pipes which inspire the heavy Heels of Country Clowns overgrown with Hair and Rudeness probably the Ground work of the Poetical Fiction of Dancing Satyrs 2. As loud as Tom of Lincoln This Shire carries THE BELL from all other places in England 3. All the Carts that come to Crowland are shod with Silver Crowland being a Mossy Ground so that a Horse can hardly come to it 4. 'T is height makes Grantham Steeple stand awry This Steeple seems crooked to the beholders and Eminency exposeth the uprightest Persons to exception 5. As mad as the Baiting Bull at Stamford Will. E. Warren Lord of this Town in the time of K. Jo. standing upon the Castle Walls of Stamf saw two Bulls fighting for a Cow in the Meadow till the Butchers Doggs pursued one of the Bulls running Mad clean through the Town The Earl being mightily pleased with the sigh 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 Grass was eaten on Condition that they find a Mad Bull the day six Weeks before Christmass for the continuance of that sport every year But as for the Sober Bull of Stamford he was not so freakish as to leave his Cow after such a fair riddance of his Horn-mad Corrival 6. He looks as the Devil over Lincoln Lincoln Minster being one of the Stateliest Structures in Christendom 't is supposed that the Devil of Malice if you please overlook'd this Church when first finished with a tetric Countenance as maligning Mens costly Devotion 7. He was born at Little Wittham A Charitable Periphrasis of a Fool tho probably the first Inventor of this Proverb was born near the same Village 8 Grantham Gruel 9 Grits and a Gallon of Water Appliable to those who multiply what is superfluous and omit what is necessary in their Discourse or Actions 9. They held together as the Men Marham when they lost their Common Ironicall that is they were divided c. Others take it to be an Expression of ill success Note This County is Famous for these here Natives Contemporaries in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth Edward Clinton Lord Admiral William Cecil Lord Treasurer Jo Whitgift Arch-bishop of Canterbury and Peregrine Bartu Lord General in Fr. Sir Edmond Anderson Lord Chief Justice Th. Wilson D. L. and Secretary of State Princes Henry eldest surviving Son of Jo. of Gaunt D. of Lancaster was born in the Castle of Bullinbrook He was Couragious Choleric and Ambitious cunning to catch careful to keep and industrious to improve all advantages Being disobliged by R. 2. he complotted with a good part of the Nobility to depose him whose Miscarriages ill success and Debauchery exposed him to their Fury After the Murder of King Richard Henry reigned with much opposition He persecuted the Wickliffites who had been patronized by his Father thereby to be ingratiated with the Clergy When Duke he wore on his head an Antick hood On his death-bed he complained of his Sufferings in Keeping nothing bewayling his sin in getting the Crown Fire and Faggot was kindled in his Reign in England to burn Pardon the Prolepsis poor Protestants and happy had it been had they been quenched at his death which hapned 1413. Saints St. Botolph probably of English Nativity lived at and gave Name to Botolphs Town corruptly Boston in this County Gilb. de Sempringham of Noble Extraction deformed in Body but of Subtil Wit and great Courage obtained Licence of the Pope to found those Hermophradite Convents of Monks and Nuns under one roof with no impregnable partitions 'T is said he saw 13 Convents 700 Monks 1100 Nuns of his Order of which the Convent Sempringham was the Prince residence He died 1189. Hugh born in Lincoln was stoln and crucified when 9 years of Age by the Jews in derision of Christ 1255. Martyrs Anne Askewe Daughter of Sr. William Knight was born at Kelsey in this County She went to Heaven in a Chariot of Fire July 16. 1546. V. Eccl History Cardinals Rob. Somercot a discreet and Learned man was made Cardinal of St. Stophens by Pope Greg. 9. An. 1231. He was a true Lover of his Countreymen the Cause that his Choler was twice raised when the Pope said in his presence that there was not a faithfull Man in England tho wisely he repressed his Passion After this Pope's death he was the foremost of the 3 Elects for the Papacy But the Italians were too hard for the Honest Englishman being made away by Poison in the Holy Conclave 1241. Prelates William of Ganesborough a Franciscan in Oxford was sent over by King E. 1. with Hugh of Manchester to Phil. King of France to demand reparation for some Dammages in Aquitain He was a mighty Champion of the Popes Infallibility And for his good service Pope Boniface 8. preferred him Bishop of Worcester 'T was a wag who said upon a Report of the close Imprisonment of Pope Urbane 8. Now it is true Papa non Potest errare that is the Pope cannot straggle This William died 1308. William Ayrmin descended of ancient Family still extant at Osgodby was Keeper of the Seal and Vice-Chancellor to King E. 2. 1319. and was about that time taken Prisoner by the Scots who slew 4000 Men of the English Army being 8000 in all near the River Swale Afterward having recovered his Liberty he was made Chancellor of England and Bishop of Norwich An. 18. E. 2. He gave 200 l. to buy Lands to maintain Priosts to say Mass for his Soul and died 1337. at Charing Cross nigh London 'T is he bestowed the Mannor of Silk Willoughby in this County on his Family which with other fair Lands is possessed by them at this day William Waynflet surnamed of the Town of his birth Son to Richard Pattin an ancient Esq whose Posterity remain at Barsloe in Darbyshire Founded Magd. College in Oxf. V. Eccl. Hist William Lynwood probably D.
There is a Heath in this County nigh to Stamford which hath variety of very rare Plants growing upon it The Natural Commodities besides Grass Corn c. are Salt-Peter most whereof is found in Dove-Houses and most Dove-houses in this great Corn-County Then Pigeons in Hebrew Jonah which comes from a Root which signifies to spoil and destroy They are thought to be the Causers of Dearth and are indeed devouring Innocents This Shire needs no Manufactures yet the Town of Northampton may be said to stand chiefly on other Mens Leggs where if not the best the most and cheapest Boots and Stockins are bought in England Upon Trial of the Cloth Manufacture in this County their Cloth ran very course tho their Wool be fine Among Buildings the Cathedral of St. Peter challengeth the precedency of all in England for a Majestick Western Front of Columel-work The Cloysters of this Cathedral were lately pulled down to repair the Body thereof As for civil Structures Holdenby-House built by Sir Christopher Hatton once a stately Structure is now demolished Next Burleigh-House nigh Stamford built by W. Lord Cecil is a House of great State and Magnificence Withorpe built by Th. Cecil E. of Exeter to retire to as he pleasantly said out of the Dust whilst his great House of Burleigh was a sweeping Castle-Ashbey the Noble Mansion of the E. of Northampton was most beautiful before a casual Fire deformed part thereof Besides these there be many others no County in England yielding more Noblemen no Noblemen in England having fairer Habitations The Wonder of this Shire is that within the Demesnes of Baughton the Barony of the Right Honorable Edward Lord Montague there is a Spring which is conceived to turn Wood into Stone As for Medicinal Waters Wellinborough-Well was very famous in the daies of Queen Mary who lay many weeks thereat Proverbs I. The Mayor of Northampton opens Oysters with his Dagger This Town being 80 miles from the Sea Sea-Fish may be presumed stale therein II. He that must eat a buttered Faggot let him go to Northampton Because it is the dearest Town in England for fuel Princes Elizabeth Daughter of Sir Richard Woodvill by the Lady Jaquet his Wife formerly the Relict of Jo. D. of Bedford was born at Grafton-Honour She was Widow to Sir Jo. Grey who lost his life for the House of Lancaster and petitioned King Edward to take off the sequestration from her Joynture She afterwards became the Royal confort of that King tho it was not long before the Tempest of his lust drove him to another Shore which had a greater share in his Affections This Lady lived to see the Death of her Husband Murder of her 2 Sons and the rest of her Children and tho her Daugh. was afterwards married to H. 7. that King was not over dutiful to her nor over-loving to her Daughter She died An. 14 She finished Queens College in Cambridge where I had my first breeding begun by Queen Marg. Wife to Henry 6 an implacable Enemy to her Husband so that the 2 Houses of York and Lancaster had their first Amity in that Foundation Rich. Plantagenet Crook-back Son to Rich. D. of York was born at Fothinghay Castle Valour and Eloquence met in his Person He compassed the Crown by Cruelty and the Killing of his Nephews the 2 Sons of Edward 4. When King he made good Laws He lost the Crown and his life in the Battle of Bosworth An. 1435. having performed in the Fight all the Offices of a Wise General and Valiant Souldier He knew it was all one for him to die as to survive success Kath. D. to Sir Th. Par and last Wise to Henry 8. was probably born in this County See Westmorland Saints Werburgh D. to Wolpher Prince of Merica was a Nun at Ely whence returning to Wedon formerly her Father's Palace she turn'd that place into a Monastery She had also Juridiction over the Monastery of Trekinghan in Linc. where she was buried the Gates of which place are fabulously reported to have open'd of themselves when the Men of Hamburge which was also within her Jurisdiction came for her Corps to bury it according to the direction given in her Will. 'T was presumed that Werburgh al. Wardburgh would prove a Tatelary Patroness of the Town or place which possessed her body Some have reported that she hath driven awry all Geese from Weden that they shall destroy no Grain thereabout She died An. 675. her body was afterward translated to Chester where H. Lupus built the Monastery of St. Werburghs converted into a Cathedral by Henry 8. Martyrs Jo. Curd a Shoemaker burnt in Northampton An. 1557. whose Blood was not chargeable on the Bishop but his bloody Arch-Deacons account Cardinal Henry Chichley born at Higham Ferrers is said to have been made Cardinal by the Title of St. Eusebius Prelates Rich. and Adam of Northampton were both Bishops in Ireland the former Consecrated Bishop of Fernose 1282. died 1304. The later Consecrated 1322. died 1346. having first seen his Cathedral burnt by the Rebels W. le Zouch Son to Lord Zouch was born at Haringwort from Dean he became Arch-Bishop of York to whose care Edward 3. going into France committed the care of the North. This Arch-Bishop soon after bid Battle to David King of Scots at Durham on St. Luke's Eve whereon the Scotch King found such a Fast that he had little lift to feast the day following being routed and taken Prisoner Hence a Poet of that Age Est Peter invictus sicco do Stipite dictus Zouch in French signifying the dry stump of a stick However his Family flourished as a Green-tree till withered in our memory when Edward the last Lord Zouch died without Issue male in the beg of King Charles This P relate began a beautiful Chappel on the South-side of his Cathedrial He died and was buried before the Altar of St. Edmond 1352. Rob. Braybrooke was made Bishop of London 1381. and afterward Chancellour of England He died 1404. and was buried in the Chappel of St. Mary Lionell Woodvill or Wydevill born at Grafton bred in then Chanc. of Oxford was made B. of Salisbury 1482. His Memory is supported rather by the Buttresses of his great Relations than the Foundation of his own Deserts For he was Son to Jaques Dutchess of Bedford and Rich. Wydevill Earl of Rivers Brother to Elizabeth Queen of England and Brother in Law to Edward 4. Heart-broken with grief with the Tragedies he beheld in his owns Family caused by the Cruelty of King Richard 3. he died about 1484. Since the Reformation Ja. Montague Son to Sir Rich. Knight was born at Boughton bred in Christ-college in Cambridge was after Mr. of Sidney-college which he freed from a debt of 20l. yearly payable to Trin. College He expended 100 Marks to bring running water into the Kings-ditch in Cambridge He was afterwards Bishop of Bath and Wells then of Winchester being highly in favour with King James whose Works he
on the E. Warwick-shire and Northampton-shire on the N. A plentifull County whereof the Chief City Oxford was lately for some years together a Court a Garrison and an University The Natural Commodities are Fallow Deer the most ancient Park is said to have been at Woodstock in this County Wood now in decay is relieved by Coals For preservation of Shot-over-woods it was alleadged by the University That Oxford being one of the eyes of the Land and Shot-over-woods the Hair of the eye lids the loss thereof must needs prejudice the sight with too much moisture flowing therein As for Buildings the Colleges in Oxford exceed the most in Christendome for the generality of their Structure and equal any for the largeness of their Endowments A moiety of their Founders were Prelates who provided them the Patronages of many good Benefices Of these Colleges University is the Oldest Pemb. the youngest Christ-Church the greatest Lincon the least Magdalen the neatest Wadham the most uniform New-College the strongest and Jesus-College the poorest New-College for the Southern Exeter for Western Queens for Northern Brazon-nose for North-Western men St. John's for Londoners Jesus for Welshmen and at other Colleges almost indifferently for men of all Countries Merton Famous for Schoolmen Corpus-Christi for Linguists Christs-Church for Poets All-Souls for Orators New-College for Civilians Brazen-nose for Disputants Queens College for Metaphysicians Exeter for a late Series of Regius Professors Magdalen for ancient St. Johns for modern Prelates Corpus-Christi-College was formerly called the College of Bees which industrious creatures were as it seems Aborigines from the first building of the College and An. 1630 there was an incredible mass of Honey found over the Study of Ludovicus Vives that Mellifluous Doctor The Library in some respects equals any in Europe and in most kinds exceeds all in England standing as Diana amongst the Nymphs In the infancy of Christianity the Library of York bare away the Bell founded by Arch-Bishop Egbert Before the Dissolution of the Abbeys that at Ramsey was the greatest Rabbin abounding chiefly with Jewish Books Guildhall Libra-ry founded by Richard Whittington was deprived of 3 Cart loads of choice Manuscripts in the days of Edward 6. Since the Reformation that of Benet in Cambridge founded by Math. Parker exceed any Collegiate Library in England And of late the Library of that University augmented with the Archi-episcopal Library of Lambeth is grown the Second in the Land Of Private Libraries that of Treas Burleigh's was the best for the use of Statesmen the Lord Lumlie's for an Historian the Earl of Arundel's for a Herauld Sir Rob. Cottens for an Antiquary and Arch-Bishop-Usher 's for a Divine with many others as Lord Brudnel's Lord Hatton's c. which were routed in our Civil wars or transported into forreign parts Oxford Library was founded by Humphry D. of Glocester confounded in the Reign of Edward 6. and refounded by Sir Th. Bodley and the bounty of daily benefactors As for the Kings Houses in this County Woodstock is Justly to be preferred where the Wood and Water-Nymphs might equally be Pleased in its Situation Here Queen Elizabeth was Prisoner in the Reign of Queen Mary Here she escaped a dangerous fire Here hearing a Milk-maid merrily singing in the Park she wished for an exchange of her Condition with the Maid's Here Henry 2. built a Labyrinth which is now vanished Enston made by Th. Bushel Esq sometime Servant to Fr. Bacon Lord Verulam is a Place by Nature pleasant and adorned with Art Proverbs I. You were born at Hogs-Norton This is a Village properly call Hoch-Norton whose Inhabitants it seems formerly were so rustical in their behaviour that clownish people are said to be born at Hogs-Norton II. To take a Burford bait That is to be drunk III. Banbury Zeal Cheese and Cakes Some would have Veal put for Zeal Illl. He looke as the Devil over Lincoln The Devil 's picture did over-look Lincoln-College It is appliable to envious persons V. Lincoln-shire Testons are gon to Oxford to study in Brazen-Nose That is Testons now corruptly called Testers worth 6 d. were in the Reign of Henry 8. debased and so mixed with copper and brass that they were not above 3 s. 4d the ounce looking so red with the allay that they blushed for shame as conscious of their own corruption VI. Send Verdingales to Broad Gates in Oxford Verdingales formerly worn by women pent-housed their 's Gowns far beyond their bodies and were as some say a barricado against the assaults of Wantons but as others affirm a convenient cover of the fruits of wantonness the first Inventress thereof being known for a light hous-wife These grew so great that their Wearers were to enter ordinary Doors side-ways as the Scotch Pedlars do with their Packs on their backs VII Chronica si penses cum pugnent Oxonienses Post aliquot menses volat ira per Anglinienses Mark the Chronicles aright When Oxford Scholars fall to fight Before many months expired England will with war be fired By this are properly intended the Contests betwixt Scholars and Scholars which were observed predictional as if their Animosities were the Index of the Volume of the Land There were shrewd Bickerings betwixt the Southern and Northern Men in the University not long before the bloody War of the Barons did begin The like hapned twice under R. 2. before the fatal Fights betwixt Lancaster and York tho there were no Broyls in Oxford before the late Civil Wars Princes Richard Son to H. 2. and Queen Eleanor was the 6th King since the Conquest born in Oxford 1157. Whilst a Prince he was undutiful to his Father or to qualifie the Matter over-dutiful to his Mother whose Domestick Quarrels he always espoused To expâ—…ate his offence when King he with Philip King of France undertook a Voyage to the Holy-Land where through the Treachery of Templary Cowardise of the Greeks diversity of the Climate and differences betwixt Christian Princes much time was spent a Mass of Money expended many lives lost some Honour atchieved but little Profit produced Going to Palestine he suffered Shipwrack and many Mischiefs on the coasts of Cyprus coming for England through Germany he was tossed with a worse Land-Tempest being in pursuance of an old grudge betwixt them taken Prisoner by Leopold D. of Austria yet this Caeur de Lion or Lion-Hearted King for so was he commonly called was no less Lion tho now in a Grate then when at Liberty abating nothing of his high Spirit in his Behaviour The Duke did not undervalue his Royal Prisoner prizing his Person at 10 years purchase according to the then yearly Revenue of the English Crown This Ransom of 100000 pounds being paid he came home first reformed himself and then mended many abuses in the Land He was afterwards shot with an Arrow in France 1199. Edmund Youngest Son to King Edward 1. by Queen Marg. was born at Woodstock Aug. 5. 1301. He was afterwards created E. of Kent and
in stature tho his Father was a proper man and was presented to the Dutchess of Buckingham as a very great Rarity being then but a foot and a half in height and a very well proportioned dwarf about 9 years of Age. The Dutchess raised him to a considerable degree of Eminency when after many special marks of her Favour she caused him to be presented in a cold baked pye to King Charles and Queen Mary at an Entertainment Hence living at Court he grew so high that he lookt not down upon his Father until by a sound correction at the Kings command his Mind was reduced into somewhat nearer proportion with his Body He was a Captain in the Army in the late civil Wars and afterwards went over to wait on the Queen in France He shot one Mr. Crofts who had provoked and accounted him the object rather of his contempt than Anger whereupon he was imprisoned And so I take my leave of Jeffery the least Man of the least County in England Noted Sheriffs An. 16. Christopher Brown Arm. came with King Henry 7. and assisted him against King Richard 3. for which good Service King Henry 8. by Letters Patents Granted to Francis Brown Son of this Sheriff That he should not be impanelled on any Jury nor serve in Office of Sheriff or Escheator in any County and also that he should be covered in the Kings presence Tolethorpe the chief place of residence at this day of Christopher Brown Esq who bore the Office of Sheriff in this County 1647 was by Deed conveyed to Jo. Brown by Th. Burton Knight An. 15. Edward 3. There was Brown Lord Mayor of London 1479. the Son of Jo. Brown of Oakham Shrop-shire SHrop-shire hath Cheshire on the North. Stafford-shire on the East Worcester Hereford and Radnor-shire on the South Montgomery and Denby-shire on the West It is in length 34 and in breadth 26 miles A large and lovely County generally fair and fruitful plentifully producing all things necessary for mans sustenance but chiefly abounding with Iron and Coale at Mendip Bedworth c. As for Manufactures the County has none her Original but is supplied with Welsh-Freeses brought to Oswastre the Staple of that commodity For Buildings Shrop-shire may seem on the West divided from Wales with a Wall of continued Castles Mr. Speed who alloweth 186 Castles in England accounteth 32 in this County which having been formerly serviceable whilst Shrop-shire was the Verge of English Dominions are now neglected this Shire being almost in the midst of England since Wales was annexed thereunto Of the Houses of the Gentry many are Fair and handsome none amount to an extraordinary Eminency In this Shire there is a Spring at Pitchford which hath an oyly matter upon the Water thereof which being Bituminous is a great comfort to the Nerves Proverbs I. He that fetcheth a Wife from Shrewsbury must carry her into Stafford-shire or else must live it Cumberland That is a Shrew must be beaten with a Staff c. II. The Case is altered quoth Plowden 'T is said that Plowden a great Lawyer of this County being of the Romish Perswasion some Setters trapanned him pardon the Prolepsis to hear Mass but afterwards Plowden understanding that the Pretender to Officiate was no Priest but a Lay-man on design to make a Discovery O! the Case is aâ—…terod quoth Plowden No Priest no Mass Princes Richard Plantagenet Second Son to King Ed. 4. and Eliz. his Queen was born at Shrewsbury 1472. He was created Duke of York and affianced to Anne Daughter and Heir to Jo. Mowbray D. of Norfolk but before the Nuptials were Solemnized his cruel Uncle the Duke of Glocester married him to a Grave in the Tower of London The obscurity of his Burial gave the advantage to the report that he lived in Perkin Warbeck one of the Idols which put Henry 7. to some Danger and more Trouble before he could finally suppress him Geo. Plantag Youngest Son to E. 4. and Eliz. his Queen was born at Shrewsbury and lived but a very short time being like Plautus his Solstitial Flower Qui repentinò ortus repentinò occidit Saints St. Milburgh Daughter to Meroaldus Prince of Mercia gave the fair Mannor of Wenlock in this County which was assigned to her for his Portion to the Poor and living a Virgin she built a Monastery in the same place answering her Name which being interpreted is Good to Burgh or Town She died about 664. Some 400 years after in the Reign of W. the Conqueror her Corps discovered by Miracles wrought thereby is said to have been taken up sound and uncorrupted St. Oswald King of Northumberland was slain by Penda the Pagan King of the Mercians at a place called after his name Oswaldstre in this County 635. He had been always Pious and exceeding charitable to the Poor His Arm cut off it seems from the rest of his Body remained said Bode whole and incorrupted kept in a Silver Case in St. Pet. Church at Bamborough whilst his Corps was first buried at Peterborough and afterwards in the Danish Persecution translated to Bergen in Flanders where it still remaineth The 5th of August in our Calender was consecrated to his Memory save that the Thanksgiving for Gowriâ—…'s Conspiracy made bold to justle him out all the Reign of King James Confessors Th. Gataker a Branch of an ancient Family at Gataker-Hall in this County from the time of King Edward the Confessor was bred in the Temple and afterwards present at the Examination of persecuted People in the Reign of Queen Mary Their hard usage made him pity their persons and admirable Patience to approve their Opinions His Parents perceiving his inclination used all possible means to divert the same by sending him beyond the Seas and providing liberally for him then these proving ineffectual by recalling his Person and reducing his Allowance all which would not do He afterwards studied Divinity and became Pastor of St. Edmunds in Lumbard-stree London where he died An. leaving Th. his learned Son of whom formerly among the Writen in London heir to his Pains and Piety Prelates Rob. of Shrewsbury preferred B. of Bangor in the Reign of K. Jo. 1197. was afterward taken Prisoner in his own Cathedral Church by the King waging War against Leoline P. of Wales and enjoyned to pay 300 Hawks for his Ransom which was more considerable than a Brace of Grey-Hounds the late Ransom of an English Noble-man in the Reign of King Ch. I. About that time the Men of Norway possessed the Isle of Anglesea could best provide him the best and the most Besides in Pembrook-shire there were Aryes of Peregrines which bred in great plenty This Bishop ordered by his Will that he should be buried in the middle of the Market place of Shrewsbury This may be imputed either to his Humility or fear of future Sacriledge during the Wars betwixt the English and Welsh He died 1215. Rob. Burnel Son to Rob. and Brother to
nihil est puâ—…idius This Sir Rog. appeared a Zelot in their defence and not only removed the Bastard calumny from their dores but also carried the Falshood home to the true Father and urged it shrewdly against the Person who in that place first revived the Aspersion An. 14. Rowl Cotton Mil. was a vallant and active Gent. so strong as if he had been nothing but Bones so nimble as if he had been nothing but Sinews An. 2. Ricb. Newport Mil being Faithful to the King in his lowest Condition was rewarded with the Title of Baron of High-Arcâ—…l in this County 1642. His Son Fr. Lord Newport adorneth his Honour with Learning and other natural Accomplishments Note This County was visited with the Sweating Sickness which first began and twice raged in the Town of Shrewsbury the Cure was found to be the keeping the Patient in the same posture wherein he was seised without Food or Physick and 〈◊〉 who weathered out the Disease for 24 hours and certainly escape SOMMERSET-SHIRE SOmmerset-shire hath the Severn Sea on the North Glocester-shire on the North East Wilt-shire on the East Dorset-shire on the South and Devonshire on the West It is named from Sommerton the most ancient Town in the County It reacheth from East to West 55 and from North to South 42 Miles It is generally Fruitful 'T is said there are several single Acres in this Shire which may serve a good round Family with Bread for a Year as affording a Bushel of Wheat for every Week therein There is plenty of the best Lead for Shot digged out of Myndyp-Hills by the benefit whereof vast sums of Money were advanced to the Bishops of Bath and Wells since the latter end of the Reign of Q. Elizabeth Bishop Still having had the Harvest Bishop Montague the Gleanings and Bishop Lake the Stubble thereof and yet considerable was the profit of Lead to him and his Successors In Myndip-Hills there is also found plenty of Lapis Calaminaris good for clearing of the sight which mixed with Copper doth make Brafs and yet is not worth above six pence in the pound It was discovered about the time when Copper-Mines were re-discovered in Cumberland The best and biggest Cheese in England are made at Chedder in this County The Rich and Poor of a Parish joyn their Milk for the making of Corporation Cheeses of which the Proprietors are Tennants in Common Woad groweth naturally in this County especially about Glassenbury The use thereof was either ancient among the Britains for a black wash so render their Faces terrible to their Enemies or modern as a ground-colour for dying It greatly impaireth the ground it groweth on The Gentry and Commonalty of this County are much affected with Bull-baiting for which purpose there are very good Mastiffs though chiefly useful for necessary defence as being good Porters Note Prince Henry An. 1602. allowd a pension for the maintenance of a Mastiff which had worsted a Lyon and gave Order That he that had fought with the King of Beasts should never after encounter any inferiour Creatures When 100 Mastiffs were sent from England to the Pope a Cardinal hearing the Letter read mistook the Latin Molossos for so many Mules yet since that word does almost sound Mule-asses you may imagine the Cardinal had neither good Latine nor English in not laying his Bull equally on both the kinds of these Beasts of burden The Manufactures here are Taunton Serges which were much sent into Spain before the Civil War As for Buildings the Churches of Bath and Wells are most eminent and constitute one See The Church of Bath was begun by Oliver King Bishop of this Diocess in the Reign of Hen. 7. and the West end most curiously Cut and Carved with Angels on Jacob's Ladder After his decease it stood a long time neglected whence these Verses were written on the Church-wall with a Charcoal O Church I wail thy woful plight Whom King nor Cardinal Clark or Knight Have yet restored to ancient right Alluding to the aforesaid Bishop King and his 4 Successors in 35 years viz. Card. Woolsey Card. Adrian Bishop Clark and Bishop Knight It felt the Hammers which knocked down the Abbeys The Townsmen were not willing to buy the Church so cheap as 500 Marks as it was proffered by the Commissioners fearing to be thought to couzen the King so that the purchase might come under the compass of concealed Lands Hereupon the Glass Iron Bells and Lead which last amounted to 480 Tun provided for the finishing thereof were sold and sent beyond the Sea and as some say lost by shipwrack In the Reign of Q. Elizabeth Collections were made all over the Land for the repairing thereof though they proved inconsiderable Only Mr. Billet who was I think Executor to W. Cecil Lord Burleigh disbursed good sums to that end A Stranger wrote on this Structure Be blith fair Kirck when Hempe is past Thine Olive that all winds did blast Shall flourish green for Age to last The parcel Popish Author who subscribed himself Cassadore expected the finishing of this Church at the return of their Religion and lookt for this after the Reigns of Hen. 8. Edw. 6. Q. Mary K. Philip and Q. Eliz. This Church was finished by James Montague Bishop of this See who removed the Lead from the Bowels of the Earth to the Roof of the Church which is both spacious and specious the most lightsome as ever I beheld The parable of Jotham the name of the first Founder Judg. 9. 8. is most curiously wrought in this Church When Oliver the Usurper was Commander in chief in this Land some beheld him as the Olive mentioned in the Parable till he was once blasted Root and Branches The Cathedral of Wells is greater and darker then the other so that Bath may seem to draw Devotion with the pleasantness Wells to drive it with the solemnity thereof The West Front of Wells is a Master-piece of Art made of well proportioned imagery Vera Spirantia Signa As for the Civil Habitations in this County to pass by Dunstar Castle which hath a high Ascent and a goodly Prospect by Sea and Land Montague built by Sir Edward Philips Master of the Rolles is a most Magnificent Fabrick Hinton St. George the House of the Lord Paulet has every Stone in the Front shaped Doule wayes in form of a Cart-nail and 't is said the owner thereof built it in a dear year on purpose to employ the more poor people thereupon The Wonder of this County is Wockey-hole in Mendip-Hills near Wells a Subterranean Concavity having spatious Vaults stony Walls creeping Labyrinths The water which incessantly dropped down from the Vault of the Rock was seen by some to turn to the Rock it self And the like transmutation is thought to be the Original of many Rocks As for Medicinal Waters Bath is well known the Waters whereof have much Bitumen soveraign against Obstructions Niter which strengthneth the operation of the
former and Purgeth the Body of gross Humours and Sulphur which dries and is good for uterine effects Amongst the various Opinions concerning the heat of these Waters some do with great probability impute the same to the sermentation of several Minerals through which the Waters run The practice of taking the Waters inwardly in Broths c. beginneth to prevail The Right Honourable James Earl of Marleborough undertook to cover the Cross-Bath at his own cost and would others follow his Resolution it would effectually conduce to publick benefit and raise the credit of the place Proverbs 1. Where should I be bore else then in Tanton deane A Peasant's bragg that place is indeed populous pleasant and so fruitful with the zun and zoil alone that it needs no manuring II. The Beggers of Bath Saints St. Dunstan born in and Abbot of Glassenbury was Bishop of London and Worcester Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and at last for his promoting of Monkery reputed a Saint He dyed 988. His skill in Smithery was so great that the Goldsmiths in London are Incorporated by the name of the Company of St. Dunstans See my Eccl. Hist Martyrs Jo. Hooper born in this County and bred in Oxford then beyond the Seas a great Scholar and Linguist was in the Reign of Edw. 6. Elected Bishop of Glocester but for a time scrupled the acceptance thereof as refusing the Oath of Supremacy which then enjoyned the receivers to a Conformity to the Kings Commands in what alterations soever he should afterwards make in Religion and also concluded with so help me God and all his Angels and Saints This was the occasion of the ensuing reforming of that Oath whilst the King dispensed with his present taking thereof He also scrupled the wearing of some Episcopal Habiliments but at last contented thereunto He held afterwards Worcester in Commendam with Glocester and having a double Dignity gave treble Diligence by Preaching Gods Word living piously and dying patiently being Martyred An. 1555. The only Native in this Shire who suffered for the Testimony of the Gospel Bishop Burn Bishop of Bath and Wells in the Reign of Q. Mary having persecuted no Protestants in his Diocess to death Prelates Joceline of Wells whereof he was Bishop He first changed the Stile of Bishop of Glaston used by his Predecessors into that of Bishop of Bath and Wells The Monks of Glassenbury purchased their exemption from his Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction by parting with 4 fair Mannors to the See of Wells After his return from Exile for his obstinacy against King John he Beautified and Enriched the Cathedral Erected some new Prebends and to the use of the Chapter appropriated many Churches and gave 3 Mannors of great value to the Episcopal See He with Hugo Bishop of London was the joynt Founder of St. Jo. in Wells and on his own cost built two fair Chappels one at Wokey the other at Wells The Church of Wells was rather rebuilt then repaired by him He was Bishop 37 Years and Dyed 1242. His Effigies in Brass which was on his Tomb is since defaced Fulk of Samford was Treasurer of St. Pauls London and then by Papal-Bull declared Arch Bishop of Dublin 1256. He dyed in his Mannor of Finglas 1271. and was Buried in the Church of St. Pat. whose Brother Jo of Samford Dean of St. Pat. in Dublin and for a time Escheator of all Ireland was afterward chosen and by Edw. the 1st Confirm'd Arch-Bishop of Dublin 1284. For a time he was Chief Justice of Ireland and thence was sent with Anth. Bishop of Durham Ambassador to the Emperour whence returning he dyed in London 1294. his Body being carried over into Ireland was buried in St. Pat. Thomas Beckington born at Beckington bred in New-Colledge Dr. of the Laws and Dean of the Arches till by King Hen. 6. he was advanced Bishop of Bath and Wells He gave for his Rebus in allusion to his Name a burning Beacon to which he answered in his Nature being a burning and shining light He wrote a Book to prove the K. of England's Title to the Crown of France He spent 6000 Marks in repairing and adorning of his Palaces He was a Loyal Subject kind Kinsman and a good Master bequeathing 5 pound a piece to his Chief and 5 Marks a piece to his meaner Servants and 40 Shillings a piece to his Boys He was a Benefactor to Wells Church Winch. New Merton but chiefly Lincoln-Colledge in Oxford being little less than a second Founder thereof His Will was Confirmed under the Broad Seal of England He dyed 1464. Richard Fitz-James Dr. of Law was born at Redlinch of Ancient and Worshipful Extraction and bred at Mert. Coll. in Oxford where he built most Beautiful Lodgings repairing also St. Ma. in Oxford He was preferred successively Bishop of Rochester Chichester and London An excellent Scholar and Author of some Books not now Extant He was over busie with Fire and Faggot persecuting the poor servants of God in his Diocess He dyed 1512 and was buried in his Cathedral having contributed to the adorning thereof in a Chappel like Tomb of Timber since burnt down 1561 He was Brother to Fitz-James Lord Chief Justice Statesmen Sir Amias Poulet whose Grandfather put Cardinal Woolsey then but a School-Master in the Stocks was born at Hinton St. George He was Chancellour of the Garter Governour of Jersey and Gersney and Privy-Councellour to Q. Elizabeth who chiefly committed the keeping of Mary Q. of Scots to his fidelity He would not yield to Secretary Walsingham who moved him to suffer one of his servants to be bribed by the Agents of the Queen of Scots so to compass the better Intelligence He dyed 15. and was Buried in St. Martins in the Fields in London His Motto was Gardez la Foy keep your Faith or Allegiance Capital Judges Jo. Fitz-James born at Redclinch of an Ancient Family was by Hen. 8. made Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench 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 incurr the Kings displeasure declaring himself upon demand in these words My Lords all by St. Gillian I must needs confess that if the Act of Parliament be not unlawful then the Indictment is not in my Conscience insufficient He dyed An. 30. Hen. 8. and his Family doth still flourish at Lewson in Dorsetshire Sir Jo. descended from his Brother Alurea has strongly encouraged my weak Endeavours Jo. Portman Knight of Worshipful Extraction at Portmans-Orchard was An. 2. Mary made Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench in which Office it seems he dyed A Baron of his Name and Lineage flourisheth at this day with a plentiful Estate Dav. Brook Knight born at Glassenbury Son to Jo. Brook Esq Serjeant at Law to Hen. 8. was an 1. Mary made Chief Bar. of the Exchequer He Married Katharine Daughter of Jo. Lord Chandois but dyed without Issue James Dier Knight born
Youth he spent in the French Wars his middle in Scotland and his Old Age in Ireland He was Knight Marshal of Barwick at what time the French had possessed themselves of the Castle of Edenburgh in the Minority of King James Queen Elizabeth employed this Sir Will. with 1500 to besiege the Castle which service he right worthily performed reducing it within few dayes to the true Owner thereof He was appointed Lord President of Munster 1575. where he executed impartial justice in spight of the Opposers thereof entring Kerry with a competent Train of 140 Men with which he forced his Return through 700 Men belonging to the Earl of Desmond who claimed Kerry as a Palatinate peculiarly belonging to himself In the last year of his Life he was made Lord Deputy of Ireland dying at Waterford 1598. Sir Robert Naunton was descended from an ancient Family extant at or before the time of the Conquerour who rewarded the Chief of that Name for his Service with a great Inheritrix given him in Marriage whose Lands were then estimated at 700 pounds a year For a long time they were Patrons of Alderton in this County Sir Robert was bred in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge and Proctor of the University 160â—… He wrote in his Youth I conjecture an excellent piece called Fragmenta Regalia He was afterwards sworn Secretary of State to King James Jan. 8. 1617. which place he discharged with great ability and dexterity during which one Wiemark was called to an Account for saying the Head of Sir Waltar Raleigh beheaded that day would do very well on the Shoulders of Sir Robert Naunton and having alleadged in his own Justification that two heads were better than one he was for the present dismissed Afterwards Wiewark being with other wealthy persons called on for a Contribution to St. Pauls first subscribed 100 pounds at the Council Table but was glad to double it after Mr. Secretary had told him two hundred were better then oneâ—… Sir Robert dyed 163. leaving one Daughter who first was Married to Paul Visc Banning and after to the Lord Herbert eldest Son to Philip Earl of Pembroke Capital Judges Jo. de Metingham Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas in the Reign of Edw. 3. When all the rest of the Judges an 18. Edw. 3. were fined and outed for Corruption this Jo. and Elias de Beckingham continued in their places whose innocence was of proof against all Accusations King Edw. 3. an 20. reg directed a Writ to him about the stinting of the number of the Apprentices and Atturneys at Law to 140 or thereabouts according to the discretion of this Judge and his Assistants whereof a certain number were to be provided out of every County what may better avail for their Court and the good of the people of the Land Sir Jo. Cavendish Knight born at Cavendish in this County where his Name continued untill the Reign of King Henry 8. was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench an 46. Edw. 3. He dyed a violent death an 5. Rich. 2. on this occasion J. Raw a Priest contemporary with J. Straw and Wat Tyler advanced Robert Westbroom a Clown to be King of the Commons in this County having 50000 followers These for eight dayes together in savage sport caused the Heads of great persons to be cut off and set on Poles to kiss and whisper in one anothers ears Chief Justice Cavendish chanced to be then in the Country to whom they bare a double pique for his Honesty and Learning Besides they had lately heard that Jo. Cavendish his Kinsman had killed their Idol Wat Tyler in Smithfield Whereupon they drag'd the Reverend Judge with Sir Jo. of Camb. Prior of Bury into the Market place there and beheaded them whose innocent blood remained not long unrevenged by Spencer the Warlike Bishop of Norwich by whom this Rascal Rabble of Rebels was routed and ruined 1381. Sir Robert Broke a great Lawyer and Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in the Reign of Q. Mary wrote an excellent Abridgement of the Law His Posterity still flourish in a Worshipful Equipage at Nacton nigh Ipswich in this County Souldiers Sir Th. Wentworth of Nettlested descended from the Wentworths in York-shire was Created Baron Wentw. by King Henry 8. He was a Valiant Gentleman a Cordial Protestant and his Family a Sanctuary of such Professors By his means Jo. Bale was converted from a Carmelite The Memory of this Lord is much but unjustly blemished because Calis was lost the last of Q. Mary under his Government the manner thus The English being secure by reason of their late Conquest at St. Quintin and the Duke of Guise having notice thereof sat down before the Town on New-years day Next day he took the Forts of Rise-bank and Newnam-Bridge which 't is suspected were betrayed Within three dayes the Castle of Calis which commanded the City and was under the command of Sir Ralph Chamberlain was taken the French being first repulsed back by Sir Anth. Ager the only Man of note who was killed in the Fight entred the City the next day being Twelfth day Then resistance being in vain the Lord Wentworth Deputy thereof was forced to take what terms he could get that the Townsmen should depart though plundered to a groat with their Lives and himself with 49 more should remain Prisoners to be put to ransom Queen Mary might thank her self for losing this Key of France because hanging it at her side with so slender a string there being but 500 Souldiers effectually in the Garrison The Lord Wentworth was condemned for High-Treason during his absence but Queen Mary soon after dying he was tryed and acquitted by his Peers in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth though Sir Jo. Harlston Governour of Rise-bank and Sir Ralph Chamberlain Governour of Calis-Castle were both condemned but their Judgment was remitted This Lord played in a manner Rubbers when his Head lay at Stake and having lost the fore recovered the after-game He dyed very Aged 1590. Seamen Th. Cavendish of Trimley Esq intending forreign discoveries on his own cost Victualled and Furnished three Ships the least of Fleets viz. the Desire Admiral 120 Tuns the Content Vice-Admiral 40 and the Hugh-Gallant Rere-Admiral 40 Tuns all three man'd with 123 and setting to Sea from Plymouth July 21. 1586. Entring the mouth of the Magellan Straits 7 Jan. following where they suffered great hunger Mr. Cavendish named a Town there Port-Famine The Spaniards intending to fortifie the Straits and engross the passage were smitten with such a Mortality that scarce 5 of 500 did survive On Feb. 24. they entred the South Sea and frequently landed as they saw occasion Many their Conflicts with the Natives more with the Spaniards coming off gainers in most and savers in all encounters that at Quinterno excepted April 1. 1587. when they lost 12 men of account the cause that they afterwards sunk the Rere-Admiral for want of Men to manage her Of the many prizes