blush and tremble as often as they shall dare to insinâ—…ate any thing against Gods wisdome in the Fabrick of the world as if the Craggy and desert places thereof had no vse in nature when omitting all other reasons of their being the conseruation of kingdomes and nations was thus by them effected We had an Herward in the Conquerours time as well as the Scots had a Walleys in this and we might perhaps at this houre haue beene without French mixtures if God had prouided our Country of such Wastes and deserts as either they or the Welshmen did enioy who for manie hundreths of yeeres after the ruine in Saint Peters Church at Westminster the twentieth day of Nouember in the first year of his Fathers raign Ann. Dom. 1272. in the same place and vnder the same Tombe where his brother Iohn lies with his picture also in the Arch aboue it 60 Alphons the third sonne of Edward and Queene Elenor was borne at the Towne of Maine in Gascoigne as his father and mother were in their returne towards England from Ierusalem Nouember 23. in the second yeare of his fathers raigne 1273. hee deceased at Windsor August 4. in the twelfth yeere of his age 1285. and was buried at Westminster in Saint Peters Church by Saint Bennets Chappell where his body lieth vnder the Tombe of his Brothers Iohn and Henry his Image also there portraied with theirs 61 Edward the fourth sonne of King Edward and Queene Elenor was borne April 25. in the thirteenth yeere of his fathers raigne 1284. at Caernaruan in Northwales and after the death of Lewelin ap Griffith in regard of the place of his Natiuity was by his fathers Creation with the consent of the Welsh made Prince of Wales the first of the sonnes and heires apparant of the Kings of England that bare that Title which afterward became ordinary to most of the rest hee was also Earle of Ponthieu and Chester and being made Knight by his father at London on Whitsunday in the thirty fourth yeere of his Raigne 1306. succeeded him the same yeer in the Kingdome of VVales 62 Elenor the eldest daughter of King Edward and Queene Elenor was borne at Windsor in the fiftieth yeare of King Henry her Grandfather shee was married with all Ceremonies of Proxie to a Deputy for Alphons King of Arragon sonne of King Peter who deceased A. Do. 1292. before the solemnization of marriage leauing his Kingdom to his brother Iames and his new wife to another husband who was married at Bristow in the two and twentieth yeere of her fathers raigne 1293. to Henry the 3. Earle of Barrie whose Earledome lay in the East-borders of Champaigne in France Shee had Issue by him Edward Earle of Barrie from whom descended the Earles and Dukes of that Country whose inheritance by Heires generall deuolued to the Kings of Arragon and from them again to the Dukes of Aniou that were Kings of Sicill Henrie another sonne of hers was Bishoppe of Troys in Champagny Helen her Daughter was marrird to Henry Earle of Bloys and Ioan to Iohn Warren Earle of Surrey she was his wife fiue yeeres and deceased 27. of her fathers raigne A. D. 1298. 63 Ioan the second daughter of King Edward and Queene Eleanor was borne in the first yeere of her fathers raigne 1272. at a City in the holy land sometime named Ptolomais commonly called Acon and Aker where her mother remained during the warres that her father had with the Saracens Shee was at eighteene yeeres of age married to Gilbert Clare called the Red Earle of Glocester and Hereford by whom shee had issue Earle Gilbert slaine in Scotland without issue Eleanor married first to Hugh Spencer in her right Earle of Glocester and after to William Zouch of Ricards castle Margaret first maried to Peter Gaueston Earle of Cornwal after to Hugh Audeley Earle also of Glocester and Elizabeth Lady of Clare married first to Iohn son and heire to Richard Burgh Earle of Vlster in Ireland mother of William Burgh Earle of Vlster and Grandmother of Elizabeth Dutchesse of Clarence secondly to Theobald Lord Verdon and lastly to Sir Roger Damary This Ioan suruiued her husband and was remarried to Sir Ralph Monthermere a Baron father to Margaret the mother of Thomas Mountacute Earle of Salisbury of whom the now Vicount Mountacute is descended shee liued thirty eight yeeres and deceased in the first yeere of her brother King Edwards raigne and is buried at the Fryer Austines in Clare 64 Margaret the third daughter of King Edward and Queene Elenor was borne at the Castle of Windsor in the third yeare of her fathers raigne and of our Lord 1275. When shee was fifteene yeeres of age shee was married at Westminster Iuly 9. in the eighteenth yeere of herfathers raign A D. 1290. to Iohn the second Duke of Brabant by whom shee had issue Duke Iohn the third father of Margaret wife of Lewis of Mechlin Earle of Flanders and mother of the Lady Margaret the heire of Brabant and Flanders who was married to Philip Duke of Burgundie 65 Berenger the fourth Daughter of King Edward Queen Elenor was born the 4. of her fathers raigne An. 1276. as Iohn Eueresden the Monke of S. Edmundsburie in Suffolke hath recorded in his booke of English Annales but other mention there is none but onely from him whereby it is likely that shee did not liue to be married but that shee died in her childhood 66 Alice the fifth Daughter of king Edward and Queene Elenor is by Thomas Pickering of the Monastery of Whitby who wrote the large Genealogie of the Kings of England and their issue reported to haue deceased without Issue 67 Marie the sixt daughter of king Edward and Queene Elenor was borne at Windsor April 22. in the eight yeare of her fathers raigne 1279. and at ten yeeres of age A. D. 1289. September 8. shee was made a Nunne in the Monastery of Ambresberie in Wiltshire at the instance of Queen Elenor her Grandmother who at that time liued there in the habite of the same profession although her Parents were hardly enduced to yeeld their consents to that course 68 Elizabeth the seuenth Daughter of king Edward and Queene Elenor was borne at the Castle of Ruthland in Flintshire in the thirteenth yeere of her fathers raigne An. 1284. When she was foureteen yeeres of age shee was married at London to Iohn the first of that name Earle of Holland Zeland and Lord of Freezeland who died within two yeeres after without Issue and shee was remarried to Humfrey Bohun Earle of Hereford and Essex Lord of Breknoke and high Constable of England by whom shee had Issue Iohn and Humfrey both Earles successiuely after their Father Edward that died in Scotland without issue and William who being created Earle of Northampton while his Brothers liued after their deceases was also Earle of Hereford and Essex Lord of Breknok and high Constable of England and father of Earle Humfrey the tenth of
heauen to witnesse and record But of the thing it selfe that is to Crowne the Duke of Yorkey they make not the least mention what wanted in these men to the height and depth of humane malice They preuaile with the multitudes a shallow braind but a great and many headed beast The Lord Fawconbridge is sent to sound their affections and to draw the purulent matter to an head he finds great forwardnesse The Earles of March Warwicke and Salisburie aduertised of all things land in Kent But the people onely were not deluded for Thomas Bourchier Archbishoppe of Canterbury and other graue men beleeued they meant sooth which that they might the rather doe the Earle of Warwicke made open oath vpon the Crosse of Canterbury that they had euer borne true faith and alleagiance to King Henry A strange humor in the English that could neither brooke bad nor benigne Princes The King had before their comming quit the City of London as not greatly trusting the affections which the people thereof bare toward such as the Yorkish faction had made odious about him and appointed the Rendeuow of his forces at Northampton where he abode The enemy shewing friend aduanceth thither It is a shame to reade that some of the great Prelates would simply bee drawne to countenance such an enterprise but their intentions were different they hoped to reconcile enmities the Earles to make Yorke King Meanewhile their complices labour to take the Tower of London within which there were for King Henry these loyall Nobles The Lord Scales Hungerford Vescie Louel Delaware and Candal a Gascoigne with sundry others 78 At Northampton things were carried thus The King meaning there to abide his aduersaries when it was not thought meete to admit the Earle of Warwicke to his presence which thing was coulourably sued for to raise a ground of iustification for battell they prepare on both parts The Earles of March and VVarwicke with like or greater cunning then they had desired admission to the Kings speech let cry through the field that no man should lay hand vpon the King nor common people but vpon the Lords Knights and Esquiers 79 The hoasts ioy ne No stroke they gaue but seemes to wound vs also Let vs swiftly turne our eyes from so vnnaturall slaughters The L. Grey of Ruthen began the discomfiture of the Kings side for hee let the world iudge with what commendation hauing the point did quit his place and fled to the Earles The kings armie is defeated and vtterlie broken Many were slaine and drowned Polydor and Grafton say ten thousand The chiefe of the Nobles who there lost their liues were the Duke of Buckingham Iohn Earle of Shrewsburie a most hopefull young Gentleman and in all points like his heroicke Ancestors Iohn Vicount Beaumont Thomas Lord Egremond and among sundry other prime men Sir William Lucie who making hast to the fight was vpon his first approach chopt downe with an axe The Kings Ordinance could not play there fell so great a raine 80 This wofull battell was fought vpon the ninth of Iuly The King as a man borne to all calamities and miseries though he not therefore the lesse but the more happy through that excellent fortitude of mind with which hee inuincibly sustained them comes into his enemies hands but the Queene and the Prince and the remains of their scattered fortunes flie into the North there to re-enforce their powers and to subdue as shee caused them to be proclamed the Kings Rebels and enemies The Tower of London after this misfortune renders it selfe The Lord Scales is wickedly murthered vpon the Thames by Wherrimen belonging to the Earle of Warwicke as hee intended to passe to Sanctuary at Westminster The Earles when they were possessed of the King continued their admirable hypocrisies which God will terribly plague them for thereby to leade the people on and had to him these words 81 Most noble Prince displease you not though it hath pleased God of his grace to grant vs the victorie of our mortall enemies who by their venemous malice haue vntruly stirred and moued your Highnesse to exile vs out of the land and would haue put vs to finall â—…me and confusion wee come not to vnquiet or grieue your said Highnesse but to please your noble person desiring tenderly the high welfare and prosperity thereof and of all your Realme and to be your true Liegemen while our liues shall endure Our soules are amazed at these arts and men blush to publish to the world things so vnworthy 82 The Florentine Secretary was scarse borne at this time but the Diuell was as great a Master then as afterward The King and Earles in the meane time goe to London where a Parliament was summoned in his name to be holden in October following The Duke of Yorke aduertised of his victorie speedes from Dublin the chiefe City of Ireland to bee at that Parliament where wee shall at last see the true face of his purpose his owne selfe taking away the maske which hitherto concealed it 83 Scotland by reason of late affinity with the house of Beaufort whose chiefe and toppe was the Duke of Sommerset descended from Iohn Duke of Lancaster by the Lady Katherine was a speciall backe and Second to King Henry in all his tempestuous aduersities but now that refuge was also hazarded for King Iames the second partly in fauour of King Henry and partly as making vse of the troubles in England laieth siege to Rocksbrough Bellenden the Scot calleth the same Castle Marchmont being in the custody of King Henries enemies where while himselfe whose skill and delight in shooting of Ordinance was great comming down the trenches to see the Lion a new great piece which had lately beene cast in Flanders and the other Artillery discharged one of them brake and with a shiuer therof slew the king and dangerously wounded the Earle of Angus This vnhappy accident hapned vpon a Sunday the third day of August The Queen of Scotland neuerthelesse maintaineth the siege and aswell obtaines that place as the Castle of Warke both which shee in reuenge threw to the earth Iames the third a child of seuen yeers old succeeded to his father aswell to the cherishment of the distressed English as to the Crowne 84 The Parliament being begunne about the * eight of October at Westminster in King Henries name thither comes with flying speed Richard Duke of Yorke who brake open the Kings lodging Chamber and placed himselfe therein suffering the King to prouide elsewhere Then makes hee his claime to the Crown of England and publisheth it in open Parliament together with his pedigree The whole house such among them excepted as were priuie to the Dukes intention was greatly dismayed both for that hee did set himselfe in the Kings seate and for this his vnexpected challenge But the Duke though at first hee greatly meant to haue
and a Tarquine intending to defile and carnally to know his owne Neece vnder pretext of holy Matrimony which Lady you are witnes I haue sworne shal be my wife This is the quarrell for which we are here this day assembled and for whose equity we craue God to be iudge a good beginning of his Protection we haue already seene in escaping the treasons laid for vs in Britaine the dangers of Seas and our safe arriuage vnto this place not hunted by anie but rather our selues hunting after that furious Bore who this day and in this place is so intangled in his owne toyle as his crooked tuskes shall not be able to gnaw the cords of his snare asunder nor himselfe haue power to free himselfe from his pursuers whose Iauelines I doubt not shall be died in the blood of this filthie swine and shall well rid the world of an vglie hogdbacked Monster which thing to accomplish ◅et vs remember that victory is not gotten by multitude but by manhood but the smaller number we bee the greater is our glory if we vanquish if vanquished fretting time shall neuer consume our memory that died to free our selues and Nation from the oppression of an vsurping Tyrant and thus I assure you that for so iust a cause you shall finde me this day rather a dead Carrion vpon the colde ground then a Carpet prisoner kept aliue for reproch Aduance therfore forward like true hearted Englishmen display your Banner in defence of your Countrey get the day and be Conquerors loose the Battell and be villaines God and Saint George giue vs a happy successe Which no sooner was said but that the Souldiers buckled their Helmes the Archers stript vp their sleeues bent their bowes and frushed their feathers attentiuely listening when the Trumpet should giue the sound of Battell 57 Betwixt both the Armies there lay a great marish which Earle Henry left vpon his right hand with purpose to haue that for a defence as also the Sunne at his backe and face of the enemy which when King Richard perceiued with found of trumpet and shout of his Army hee passed the Marish when the bow-men on both sides let freely flie their arrowes the rest comming to encounter with strokes but the Earle of Oxford fearing to be encompassed by the enemy commanded euery of his rankes to keepe within ten foot of his Standard which being accomplished and their fight a while stayed their opposites mistrusting some fraud or deceit ceased likewise from theirs many of them willing inough so to doe notwithstanding the L. Stanley at the same time ioyning with the Earle a cruell battell was againe begunne and manfully continued vpon either part Till lastly King Richard hauing intelligence that the Earle of Richmund was but slenderly accompanied with men of Armes and them also busied in their owne guardes meant by his incounter to finish the day as the onely man vpon whom stood all the hope of his enemies successe and therefore hauing the markes of Earle Henry made from the range of his owne battell and vpon the spur with his Speare in his Rest ranne violently towards him in a furious spleen in which rage at the first brunt hee bare downe and ouerthrew the Earles Standard and slew Sir William Brandon the bearer thereof next matching with Sir Iohn Che◅ney a man of great might manfully threw him to the ground thereby making an open passage by dint of sword vnto the Earle himselfe Richmund beholding the high valour of Richard most lion-like coped with this cruell Bore and held him maugre his tuskes at his sword point betwixt whom the fight was so desperate that Henrses company were strucke in great despaire at which very instant Sir William Stanley came in with three thousand tal fresh Souldiers who entred the battell with such courage and valour as they bare down all before them where they went whereat the Kings side began to faint and to giue ouer fight but the more resolute a while maintaining their ground and now mistrusting treason among themselues turned their backes and ran away whereby King Richard presently perceiued the downefall of his ill raised glory and the full period of his short raigne and all hope of resistance now past a swift horse was brought to escape the field with comforts that another day might set the victory on his side but with a mind vnmatchable in hatred against Henry or rather to haue his death registred in fames honorable role whose life had beene blotted with the penne of diuulged infamie hee hastily closed his helmet saying that that day should make an end of all battels or else in this now in trying he would finish his life which last was presently performed for thrusting into the middest of his enemies and there valiantly fighting among the thickest hee obtained more honor in this his two howres fight then he had gained by all the actions of his whole life 58 There died that day with him Iohn Duke of Norfolke Walter Lord Ferrers of Chartley Sir Richard Ratcliffe Knight Sir Robert Brakenbury Lieutenant of the Tower and not many Gentlemen more Sir William Catesby one of King Richards chiefe Counsellors with two others were taken and two daies after beheaded at Leicester among them that escaped were Frances Vicount Louell Humfrey and Thomas Stafford brethren which three tooke Sanctuary at S. Iohns in Glocester Thomas Howard Earle of Surrey though he submitted himselfe vnto Henry yet was hee committed to the Tower and therein a long time remained Vpon Earle He◅es part onely ten men were slaine as Sir Gilbert Talbot wrote the newes from the field whereof for note Sir William Brandon was the best in all to the number of foure thousand men This battell was fought the two and twentieth of August and yere of Christ Iesus 1485. in the field Redmore neere vnto Bosworth in the Countie of Leicester after which Earle Henry gaue thankes vnto God and commending his Souldiers with sufferance for them to take the spoiles of the field dubbed many of thē knights which his doings was so acceptable to the whole Army as with great applause th◅y all cryed King Henry King Henry whose forwardnesse to him-ward when the Lord Stanley perceiued hee tooke K. Richards Crowne found among the spoile of the field and set it vpon the Earle of Richmunds head thereby confirming the election of the people at which instant beganne the raigne of this new King 59 The slaine body of the vsurping Tyrant all tugged and torne naked and not so much as a clout left to couer his shame was trussed behind Blanch Seint Leger or White Bore a Purseuant at Armes like a hogge or Calfe his head and Armes hanging on the one side of the horse and his legges on the other and all besprinckled with mire and bloud was so brought into Leicester and there for a miserable spectacle the space of two
or proceeding was no lesse strange for by what law or triall was shee condemned in a Praemunire Shee neuerthelesse is put out of all and confined to the Monastery of Bermondsey in Southwarke where finally she ended her dayes borne to bee an example of both fortunes hauing from a forlorne widdowes estate beene raised to the bed of a Bachelour Monarcke and in his life time beene reduced to the seeming of a priuate fortune when her Lord was driuen to flie the land and afterward saw those turnes and varieties as few Queenes euer felt or saw so many or more contrarie whether we regard the heighth of worldly felicity when shee did behold her sonne a King or the depth of misery when the Tyrant inuaded his Crowne and life or now her daughter being Queene and her selfe a miserable prisoner The conâ—…ideration whereof as it may worthily mortifie ambitious affections so the strangenesse of the sentence verifies that collection among others which that learned Gentleman makes of this Kings raigne in these words Hee had saith hee a very strange kind of interchanging very large and vnexpected pardons with seuere executions Neuerthelesse his wisdome considered it could not be imputed to any inequality but to a discretion or at least to a principle that hee had apprehended that it was not good obstinately to pursue one course but to trie both wayes Howsoeuer that was certainely shee being so iust an obiect of his commiseration who had married that daughter by which hee enioyed a Kingdome and gotten that verie power wherewith he ruined her it cannot bee reasonably thought but that there were other most important motiues perswading such a sharpe course or otherwise that it must bee reckoned among the chiefe of his errors But as in the times of her flourishing estate she founded and endowed a faire Colledge for Students in Cambridge which of her is called the Queens so we will leaue to those her Beneficiaries the farther search of this Argument and deploration of her fortune which seemes such to vs as if King Henry affected to leaue somewhat in this example wherewith to oppose amase the world Vnlesse perhaps it were that hauing proclaimed a generall pardon for all offences without exception to such as in future should remaine Ioyall and foreseeing that some who might be willing to lay hold of that benefite might also bee cunningly practised with to fall away vpon distrust of his word when once hee had serued his present vses hee therefore meant by so cleare a demonstration as the vtter vndoing and perpetuall emprisonment of his wiues owne mother to giue them assurance that hee who vpon her person had beene so seuere a punisher of faith-breach would neuer violate it in his own and thereby secure them in that point and secure himselfe of them 17 Yet neither could this deuise take so good effect but that Iohn Earle of Lincolne sonne of Iohn de la Pole Duke of Suffolke and Elizabeth King Edward the fourths sister secretly fled into Flanders to the Dutchesse of Burgundy whither Francis Lord Louell was likewise not long before escaped Sir Thomas Broughton another principal Confederate temporized in England there to remaine a stay to the businesse aswell for mutuall intelligence as receit of an Army when it should arriue This Earle of Lincolne besides that he could not with any patience behold a Lancastrian weilding the English Scepter was also of a sharpe wit and high reach and therefore not without an ambitious sensibility that in countenancing King Henry hee wronged that expectancie and relation to the Crowne which hee had in right of his mother sister to King Edward the fourth and to King Richard the third who had designed him for heire apparant contracted his sister the Lady Anne de la Pole to Iames Prince of Scotland was also the rather animated by letters receiued from his aunt the Dutchesse of Burgundy earnestly calling vpon him for his presence This Dutchesse was the second wife of Charles Duke of Burgundie slaine by the Switz at the battell of Nanâ—…è by whom thogh he had no issue yet by reason of her great dower wise behauiour among the Dutch shee was strong in money and friends all which shee was willing to conuert to the vtter subuersion howsoeuer of the Lancastrian line Though therefore shee well knew that this Lambert was but an Idoll hammered out of the hote braine of that Boâ—…tefew Richard Simon yet she embraceth the occasion countenanceth the Imposture and leaues nothing vnsaid or vndone which might giue life and successe to the enterprise The Earle the L. Louell and others shee furnished abundantly and ioyneth vnto them a renowmed Coronell Martin Swart a Gentleman of honorable birth exemplary valour and singular experience and certain selected companies to the number of about two thousand Almaines which soone after arriue at Dublin Lambert who before was but proclaimed is now in Christs Church there solemnly by them crowned King of England * feasting and triumphing rearing mighty showtes and cries carrying him thence to the kings Castell vpon tall mens shoulders that he might be seene and noted as hee was surely saith Stow an honourable boy to look vpon though nothing lesse was meant then that hee should enioy that honour if they preuailed as meaning then to erect Edward Earle of Warwicke Posterity might worthily doubt of the truth of these so desperate impudencies and ridiculous Pageants practised in the highest affaires of mankind but that the thing is so vniuersally testified and also that the highest affairs of the world when once they are passed are little better then such like Pageants 18 K. Henry on the other side though he had by most diligent espials endeuoured to know the truth of Lamberts quality to diuert the streame of affections which he saw inclined that way for that the practise was carried with such wonderfull art as that very many otherwise discreet and sober men were induced to beleeue that hee was indeed King Edwards sonne and although the generall pardon proclaimed by King Henry did vndoubtedly stay very many from open reuolt but much more the carefull watch which was kept at the Ports to hinder the escape of Malecontents or factious Fugitiues yet he manifestly saw that it wold in the end come to a field for which cause he takes order for the leuie of an Armie resoluing to giue his enemies battell with the first opportunity it being the ancient and manfull fashion of the English who are naturally most impatient of lingring mischiefes to put their publike quarrels to the trial of the sword Lambert attended with Iohn Earle of Lincolne Francis Lord Vicount Louell Thomas Fitz-Gerald or rather Maurice Fitz-Thomas belike his sonne and Coronel Swart with an Army of desperate and pickt souldiers aswell English Dutch as Irish all fired with infinite hopes and promises to bee enioyed vpon the ouerthrow of King Henry
that name and last of that house who died without Issue male she had also by him two daughters Elenor married to Iames Butler Earle of Ormond and Margaret to Hugh Courtney the first Earle of Deuonshire Shee was this Earles wife foureteene yeers liued thirty three deceased in the ninth yeere of the raigne of king Edward her brother A. D. 1316. and was buried in the Church of S. Iames at the Abbey of Saffron VValden in Essex 69 Beatrice the eight daughter of King Edward and Queene Elenor bare the name of Beatrice Dutchesse of Britannie her fathers sister she is by some Genealogists mentioned to haue liued till she was marriageable but yet no mention being made of her match it seemeth she died vnmarried 70 Blanch the ninth daughter of king Edward and the last of Queene Elenor is so mentioned by Thomas Pickering and some others but not at all by Thomas Ebraham a Monke who made a Pedegree of the Kings of England but shee is by the rest reported to haue died in her childhood 71 Thomas the fifth sonne of king Edward and the first of Queene Margaret his second wife was borne at a little village in Yorkshire called Brotherton Iune 1. in the nine and twenteth yeere of his fathers raigne Ann. 1300. hee was created Earle of Norfolke and Earle Marshal of England which Earledomes the last Earle Roger Bigod leauing no Issue left to the disposition of the King his father He had two wiues of which the first was Alice the daughter of Sir Roger Hayles of Harwich in Suffolk by whom hee had issue Edward who married Beatrice the daughter of Roger Mortimer the first Earle of March but hee died before his father without Issue and two daughters Margaret twice married first to Iohn Lord Segraue by whom shee had Elizabeth Dutchesse of Norfolke wife of Iohn Lord Mowbray from whom the Mowbrayes Howards Dukes of Norffolke and Earles Marshall descended secondly to Sir VValter Manny a Knight of Cambray and by him had Anne wife of Iohn Hastings the elder Earle of Pembroke and mother of Earle Iohn the yonger that died without Issue his yongest daughter Alice was married to Sir Edward Montacute and had by him three daughters Elizabeth and Ioan married to VValter and VVilliam two of the Vffords and Maud that died vnmarried The second wife of this Earle Thomas was Mary the daughter of VVilliam Lord Ros and widow of Sir Ralph Cobham who suruiuing him without Issue by him shee was married the third time to VVilliam Lord Brerose of Brember 72 Edmund his sixt sonne by Queene Margaret was borne at Woodstocke in Oxfordshire August 5 in the thirtieth yeare of the raigne of his Father A. 1301. Hee was created Earle of Kent and married Margaret daughter of Iohn and sister and sole heire of Thomas Lord VVakes of Lydel in the County of Northampton by her he had Issue two sonnes and one daughter Edmund his eldest sonne was Earle of Kent after his father and died vnder age without wife or issue Iohn the yonger was Earle also after his brother he maried Elizabeth the daughter of the Duke of Gulike and died like vise without Issue His daughter was Ioan for her beauty called the faire Maid of Kent first maried to William Mountacute Earle of Salisbury and from him diuorced and remarried to Sir Thomas Holland in her right Earle of Kent and by her father of Thomas and Iohn Holland Duke of Surrey and Earle of Huntington and lastly shee was the wife of Edward of Woodstocke the Blacke Prince of Wales and by him mother of King Richard the second This Earle Edmund was beheaded at Winchester the 1â—… of March in the fourth yeere of King Edward his Nephew 73 Eleanor the tenth daughter fifteenth child of King Edward and the last child of Queene Margaret his second wife was borne at Winchester the sixt day of May in the fiue and thirtieth and last yeere of her fathers Raign being the yeere of our Lord 1306. shee deceased in her Child-hood and was buried in S. Peters Church at Westminster by her brother Iohn Henry and Alfons vnder the monument before named with her picture ouer it EDVVARD THE SECOND LORD OF IRELAND AND DVKE OF AQVITAINE c. THE FORTIE-EIGHTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND HIS RAIGNE ACTS AND ISSVE CHAPTER XI THat the Mind is not deriued from Parents certainely the second Edward called of Caeernaruon might if nothing else abundantlie shew being of a most valiant wise and fortunate father an vnlike sonne yet not to beginne our description of his courses with preiudice of his person we will so temper our stile that by his owne actions sincerely related rather then by any verball censures the man may bee iudged This cannot be denied that whereas from the Conquest till his time England though it endured by Gods iust iudgements many bitter sad and heauy stormes through some headinesse ambition or other sicknesses of mind in the Princes thereof yet had she Men to sway and gouerne her and those distempers were as the perturbations incident to vigorous dispositions whereas vnder this Edward who could neither get nor keepe it seemed to endure the leuities of a Child though his yeeres being about twenty and three might haue exempted him from so great infancie of iudgement as his raigne discouered 2 Neuer came Prince to the crowne with more generall applause then he so great hopes of doing well his Victorious father Edward of VVinchester had left vpon him besides the right of succession whose last warning and terrible adiurations you haue heard with the vtter contempt and breach whereof to the destruction of himselfe and his friends hee in a manner auspicated his gouernement 3 After that Edward had in his best maner prouided for the affaires of Scotland where at Domfrees many of the Scottish Lords did their homage to him as they had to his Father the first taske which hee gaue of his future behauiours at home was a rigorous reuenge taken by him vpon Walter de Langton Bishoppe of Chester Treasurer of England and principall Executor of the last Will of the deceased King whose body was not as yet interred but by the care of the Executors conueied with funerall pompe to VValtham and after sixteen weekes to VVestminster where vnder a plaine monument the same at this present rests The Bishoppes crime was a kind of good freedome which hee vsed in the late Kings daies in grauely reprouing the Prince for his misdemeanors and shortning his waste of coine by a frugall moderation and particularly for that he had complained of Peirs Gaueston wherupon ensued Prince Edwards imprisonment and the others banishment and therefore comming now to the Crowne hee arrested the Bishoppe by Sir Iohn Felton Constable of the Tower and imprisoned him in VVallingford Castle seising vpon all his temporall goods and credites there being not a man in the Realme who durst speake a word on his behalfe so
sent her complaints to the king of France her father which concerned iniuries in the highest kind as in her bed the King being drawne by Gaueston to adultery and in her honour and maintenance Whereupon the Peeres of the land animated by the King of France so confidently dealt with Edward that his Earle now the third time did abiure the Realme but the King of France and his enemies making forraine parts vnsure for him to abide in he returned in Christmas to the generall perturbation of the Kingdome and to his owne certaine ruine for that the Barons his aduersaries had gotten him banished with this Prouiso that if at any time afterward hee were taken in England hee should be forthwith apprehended and suffer death But an Angell from heauen could not seeme more welcome then this most faithful friend as that Courtier cals him was vnto King Edward who forthwith aduanced him to be his principall Secretary 11 Vpon report of Gauestons returne the chiefe Lords aswell Ecclesiasticall as temporall Walter Bishoppe of Couentree excepted who allowed the Kings affections towards Gaueston and procured him to breake the former agreements which were made and sworne in the Parliament at London consulted vpon a desperat course of reformation in this point and made choise of Thomas Earle of Lancaster to be their leader This Thomas was sonne of Edmund Earle of Lancaster Leicester and Ferrers second sonne of Henry the third King of England and in right of his wife after her fathers decease which hapned about this time Earle of Lincolne Salisburie and besides many other great Lands in Yorkeshire Cumberland and Wales hee had the Earledom of Artoys in Picardy so that without comparison hee was the greatest subiect of the Kingdome 12 The Issue of which combination before we pursue wee may not here in our way ouerslippe a strange alteration both here in England and in all Christendome by the vniuersall extinguishment of the Order of the Templars wrought about this time by the procurement of the French King who being so gracious with Pope Clement that formerly hee sent Ambassadors to craue of his holinesse with great importunity that the bones of his Predecessor Pope Boniface might bee burnt as being an Heretike so now also he so farre preuailed with him that in the Councel at Vienna this so highly esteemed Order was vpon clear proofe of their generall odious sinnes and scarse credible impieties vtterly abolished through Christendome The French King caused 54. of that Order together with their Great Maister to bee burnt at Paris and though that King hoped to conuert all the Lands of that Societie to his sonnes vse whom hee intended to make King of Ierusalem yet the Pope and Councell annexed their possessions to the Order of the Knights Hospitalers called commonly Knights of the Rhodes Notwithstanding in England where such Papall commands went not alwayes for lawes the heires of the Donours and such as had endowed the Templars here with landes entred vpon those parts of their ancient Patrimonies after the dissolution of the Order and saith our Courtier detained them vntill not long after they were by Parliament wholly transferred vnto the Knights of the Rhodes or of S. Iohn of Ierusalem 13 King Edward was now at Yorke and Earle Thomas according to that which had beene concluded among the combined Lords who resolued to trie all extremities rather then any longer to endure Peirs Gaâ—…eston as being perswaded while that King-bane breathed peace could neither be maintained in the Realme nor the King abound in treasure nor the Queene enioy his loue sent humble petitions by honourable messengers to their Soueraigne requesting him to deliuer the man into their hands or to driue him from his company out of England But the selfe-wild King preferring the dearenesse of one stranger before the loue of the whole Realme would not condiscend 14 Afterward Peirs whom the Earles pursued with an Armie being entrusted for his safeguard to Aimerie de Valence Earle of Pembrok was left by him but one night at a Village or Manour called Dathington betweene Oxford and Warwicke being a place neither farre enough off nor strong enough pretending to haue conuaied him on the next day to the Castle of Wallingford the said Aimerie in the meane space departing to lodge with his Countesse who lay hard by but the said Aimerie conniuing thereat as our Courtier chargeth him who also writes that hee tooke a solemne oath before the king to doe his best to safe-conduct Gaueston the king purposing in the meane time to labour his peace with the Lords vpon any conditions Guy Earle of Warwicke with his people surprised him the same night and took him to his Castle of Warwicke where in a place called Blacklow afterward Gaueshead his head was stricken off at the commandement and in the presence of the Earles of Lancaster Warwicke and Hereford as of one that had beene a subuerter of the lawes and an open Traitour to the Kingdom In which bold attempt themselues who yet pretended so much standing for the liberties of the land did most vnaduisedly infringe a Capitall branch of the same Franchises in putting to death an Earle and so deare a friend of the Kings without any iudiciall proceeding by triall of his Peeres which caused a lasting hatred betwixt the King and his Nobles 15 There wanted nothing now to King Edward but present meanes to reuenge the bloud of his friend or rather of his halfe-selfe the lacke wherof did encrease the sorrow he tooke for his death which being well knowne to the Lords they resolued not to lay downe Armes till they had prouided for their security and the performance of all such points as concerned the temperament of the Regall power that vnder colour thereof the Nobles themselues might finger some part of the Soueraigne gouernment The King was then at London and the Lords at Dunstaple but by the continuall interdealings of the Prelates and of Gilbert Earle of Glocester who stood neutrall the kindling displeasures were for the present allaied vpon condition that the Lords should restore to the King all such things once belonging to Peirs Gaueston as they had taken at Newcastle which they accordingly did 16 King Edward neuerthelesse as if his soule were ouercast with some blacke cloud continued mourning till it pleased God to enlighten the world with the birth of a young Prince whose noble Acts did afterward redeeme all the blemishes wherewith his Fathers infelicities had darkned the brightnesse of the English name and at this present cleared the mind of the sorrowfull King his father for vpon Saint Brices day Isabel his Queene brought forth her first sonne at Windsor which caused great reioycing through the Kingdome Her French kindred and friends which were there in good numbers of either sexe among them as chiefe the Queens owne brother
carelesse neither yet by his care able to doe much as one whom God was not well pleased with had ordered his battels with some aduise but vpon the dismall and vnexpected discomfiture of his horse in those mischieuous holes or ditches was enforced after some troubled resistance to leaue to the Scots the greatest victory that euer they had before or after Hardly could K. Edward bee drawne to flie the courage which it became such a Monarch to haue then first disclosing it selfe till by his friends hee was enforced to seeke his preseruation by that more necessary then noble meanes and with him besides others the Lord Hugh Spencer whom our Courtier cals a ◅aint hearted Kite betooke himselfe to like remedie 24 All things proued vnfortunate to the English in this iorney for when they perceiued their Cauallerie thus miserably ouerthrowne in the ditches they shot their arrowes compasse with purpose to kill or gall such Scots as came to the execution but did them little or no harme as they who were armed in the fore-parts and in stead of that slew their friends whose backes being toward them were vnarmed 25 The losse fell much vpon the Noblest for there were slaine in this Battell Gilbert Earle of Glocester a man of singular valour and wisdom the Lord Robert de Clifford and besides other Lords about seuen hundreth Knights Esquiers and men of Armories Of the rest the slaughter could not bee but great though much the lesse in regard the Scots fought on foot Hector saith that there were not slaine fewer then fifty thousand English no Writer else that hitherto wee can meet with exceedes the fifth part of that number the riches gotten by spoiles and ransomes of the English were doubtlesse very great Among the number of prisoners the principall was H◅y de Bohun Earle of Hereford but recouered af◅rd by exchange for King Roberts wife who all this while was detained in England This battell was fought at Banocksbourne neere Striuelin in Scotland 26 From this ouerthrow King Edward escaping to Berwicke King Robert who to his great glory as hauing himselfe beene trained vp among the English vsed such as were taken prisoners with singular humanity sent thither to him the bodies of the Earle of Gloster Lord Clifford that they might receiue honourable interrement among their owne friends But Edward vnder whose vnfortunate leading the English name sustained so great dishonour and dammage withdrew to Yorke resoluing therein onely Princelike to assemble new force and either to bee reuenged or to die But all enterprises and attempts of that nature miscarried for aboue twelue yeeres after insomuch that great feare raigned among the Northern̄e English who lay open to the first brunts and violences of the Scots ouer whom many faire dayes shone And to augment the calamities of the North many of the disloiall English conspired with the enemie and iointly spoyled the west parts of Northumberland nothing being secure but that which wals defended 27 God to humble the English who through long prosperities had forgotten both themselues him drew not backe his heauy hand so for seldom hath so terrible a famine beene heard of here as succeeded to this ouerthrow so that for moderation of prices a Parliament was assembled at London but saith Walsingham as if God had beene displeased at the said rates which not long after were repealed things grew scarser day by day and the dearth was generally such that vpon Saint Laurences Eue there was scarsely bread to be gotten for sustentation of the Kings owne family This famine which lasted about two yeeres was accompanied with much mortality of people 28 But neither the dishonours taken in Scotland nor innumerable afflictions and discontentments at home made Edward suspend the celebration of his Gauestons funerals whose Body with great pompe hee caused to bee transferred from the place of his former buriall which was among the Friers Preachers at Oxford to Kings-Langley in Hertfordshire where hee in person with the Archbishoppe of Canterbury foure Bishoppes many Abbots and principall Churchmen did honour the exequies but few were present of the Nobility whose great stomackes would not giue them leaue to attend Somewhat also to sweeten these generall acerbities Lewelin Bren and his two sonnes were brought vp prisoners to London hauing burnt many towns vpon the Marches and committed some murthers with their Welsh adherents 29 Meane-while the state of the Kingdome was miserable there being no loue betwixt the King and the Peeres nor any great care in him or them of the common affaires neuerthelesse they assembled at a Parliament in London where no great matter was concluded for the famine and pestilence encreased The famine was growne so terrible that horse dogs yea men and children were stolne for food and which is horrible to thinke the theeues newly brought into the Gaoles were torne in peeces and eaten presently halfe aliue by such as had been longer there In London it was proclaimed that no corne should be conuerted to Brewers vses which Act the King moued with compassion toward his Nation imitating caused to bee executed through all the Kingdome otherwise saith Walsingham the greater part of the people had died with penury of bread The bloudie flux or dissenterie caused through raw and corrupt humors engendred by euil meat and diet raged euery where and together with other maladies brought such multitudes of the poorer sort to their end that the liuing could scarse suffice to bury the dead 30 The King was now in so great dislike and distrust with the Lords and Barons that they would not appeare at Clarendon where hee held a great Councell To augment this fatall auersion a certaine Knight belonging to Iohn Earle Warren stole away from Caneford in Dorsetshire the wife of Thomas Earle of Lancaster chiefe of the Lords faction not without the Kings consent as it was said and brought her to the said Earle Warrens Castle at Rigate with great pompe and in despight of the Earle whom one Richard de Saint Maurice a wretched lame and bunchbackt Dwarfe challenged for wife pretending that he was formerly contracted and had lien with her which she the greatest and noblest Inheretrix of her time did openly confesse to her immortall infamie incurring alas saith Walsingham the publike note of a most filthie strump◅t This deformed Elfe hauing mighty seconds durst hereupon claime the Earledomes of Lincolne and Salisburie as in her right and in the meane time the name and honor of Thomas the great Earle was baffold as it were by a light and wicked woman 31 The parts of England beyond Humber were now more and more afflicted for such as till then had opposed themselues against the Scots in defence of the Country perceiuing all things left at large in stead of Protectors became Tyrants saith our Author of defenders destroyers and of valiant Champions treacherous Chapmen so that as
would haue a yeerely pension of a thousand Marks out of the Temporalities belonging to that Abbey But the King hauing heard both parts commanded the Petitioners to silence and the Petition to bee razed out saying He would maintain the English Church in the quality of the same state or better in which himselfe had knowne it to bee when hee came to the Crowne The Archbishop hereupon hauing consulted with the Clergy came to the King and declared that hee and the Clergy had with one consent willingly prouided to supplie his Maiesties occasions with a Tenth This grant the King tooke so contentedly as he openly affirmed hee was better pleased with this free contribution of one Tenth for the present then if hee had gotten foure by compulsion 56 Robert de Vere Earle of Oxford a young Gentleman in speciall grace with the King was at this Parliament created Marquesse of Dublin in Ireland which moued great despight against him those rough times being impatient to beare the vnequall aduancement of fauourites Neuerthelesse though the gentle King was thought herein to please his owne fansie rather then to reward merite yet did hee so sweetly temper it as there was no iustice nor reason to enuie to him that solace which hee tooke in his friends encreased honour for at the same time hee aduanced two of his vncles Thomas of Woodstocke Earle of Buckingham to the title of Duke of Glocester and Edmund of Langley Earle of Cambridge he created Duke of Yorke allotting seuerall proportions of pension to be paide out of his Exchequer In Vere there was ancient Nobilitie to iustifie his new degree the better but in making the Lord Chancellor Michael de la Poole Earle of Suffolke with the yeerelie pension of 1000 Markes was matter of more enuie because he was not descended of such honourable Parents a defect if it bee a defect which none more willingly vpbraid to men of worth then who themselues are not alwayes the most worthy The first raiser of this familie of De la Pole was Edward the third who made William de la Pole of a braue Merchant a Knight Baneret and gaue him great possessions in requitall of an extraordinary and voluntary loane of treasure aduanced by him to supply the King in a time of speciall necessity when money could stand him in more steed then a thousand men of Armes no little merite in a subiect nor a slender reward of a most munificent Prince 57 Henry Spenser the martiall Bishop of Norwich found grace with the King at this Parliament to bee restored to his temporalities at the speciall suite of Thomas Arundell Bishoppe of Ely whiles the Bishoppe of Ely thus besought his Maiesty of Grace the said Michael de la Poole Lord Chancellor and Earle of Suffolke stood by and brake out with much offence into these words What is that my Lord which you aske of the King Seemes it to you a small matter for him to part with that Bishops temporalities when they yeeld to his Coffers aboue one thousand pounds by yeere Little neede hath the King of such Counsellors or of such friends as aduise him to acts so greatly to his hinderance Whereunto the Bishop of Ely not lesse truly then freelie replide What saith your Lordship my Lord Michael Know that I require not of the king that which is hiâ—… but that which hee drawne thereunto either by you or by the Counsell of such as you are withholds from other men vpon none of the iustest titles and which as I thinke will â—…euer doe him any good as for you if the Kings hinderance bee the thing you weigh why did you so greedily accept of a thousand markes by yeere at such time as he created you Earle of Suffolke The Chancellour was hit so home with this round retort that hee neuer offered any further to crosse the restitution of the Bishops temporalties 58 After this the King being with his Queen at their manour of Eltham in Kent there came thither Leo King of Armenia a Christian Prince whom the Tartars had expelled out of his Kingdome The pretence of his negotiation was to accord the realms of England and France that the Princes thereof might with ioint forces remoue the common enemy from Christendome Therein hee could effect nothing but his iourney was not otherwise vnfruitful to himselfe for King Richard a Prince to speake truly full of honour and bountie gaue him besides a thousand pounds in a ship of gold letters Pattents also for a thousand pounds yeerely pension during life 59 The time now was come wherein K. Richard should see himselfe deliuered of all that feare and iealousie which the greatnesse of his vncle the Duke of Lancaster stirred in him His Forces were now ready and his Nauie encreased with seuen Gallies and eighteene shippes sent out of Portugall attended at Bristoll to transport him toward Spaine for Castile is high Spaine the crowne whereof hee claimed in right of Constance his second wife daughter of Dom Peter the cruell Before hee set forth the newes came that such English as were already in Portugall with their friendes had ouerthrowne the Spaniards French and Britons at a battell in Spaine This was a spurre to quicken the Dukes enterprise which Pope Vrban the sixth by granting plenarie remission of sinnes to all such as gaue the Duke aid did specially fauour as against them who did partake with his enemy the Antipape but the frequent grant of such pardon and releasement was now growne so vile and contemptible amongst the people that few were found open handed towards this Cruceato Admiral of this Fleete was Sir Thomas Percie Sir Iohn Holland who had married one of the Dukes daughters afterward created Earle of Huntington was Constable of the host and Sir Iohn Mereaux who had to wife one of the Dukes illegitimate children was one of his Marshals There were in this noble and excellently-well appointed Army the Lords Talbot Basset Willâ—…ghby Fitz-walter Poinings Bradston Fitzwarren Beaumont Beauchampe the Lord Pomiers a Gascoin c. with very many worthy knights valiant Esquiers and a choise number of men of Arms Archers and other Souldiers to the number of twenty thousand The Duke tooke also with him his wife the Lady Constance and two daughters which hee had by her as * one relateth 60 It was now the moneth of May when the great Duke of Lancaster comming to take leaue had of the kings gift a Diademe of gold and his Dutchesse of the Queene another he also commanded the English to call and hold his vncle for a King and to doe him answerable honour But after all this hee lay for a wind so long till his whole prouisions were almost spent at length yet hee set forward The first land they touched was neere to Brest in Britaine where Sir Iohn Roch the Gouernour against the French complained of two Forts built about him to empeach his quiet
had as some say suborned Edward Earle of Arundel Thomas Earle Marshall Thomas Holland Earle of Kent Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington Thomas Beaufort Earle of Somerset Iohn Montacute Earle of Salisbury Thomas Lord Spencer and Sir William Scroope Lord Chamberlaine 100 In September begins the Parliament at London where the king had a great guard of Chesshire men to secure his person and the Lords attended also not without sufficient numbers The Kings chiefe Agents were Sir Iohn Bushy Sir William Bagod and Sir Henry Greene knights In the first act after the liberties of the Church and people confirmed we find these words The commons of the Parliament haue shewed to our Souereigne Lord the King how in the Parliament holden at Westminster the first day of October in the tenth yeere of his reigne Thomas Duke of Glocester and Richard Earle of Arundell traitours to the King and his Realme and his people by false imagination and compassing caused a Commission to bee made c. and that the said Duke of Glocester and Earle of Arundel did send a great man and Peere of the Realme in message to our Lord the King who of their part said that if he would not grant and assent to the said Commission HEE SHOVLD DE IN GREAT PERIL OF HIS LIFE and so as well the said Commission as the said Statute touching the said Commission were made by constraint c. Wherefore the Commons pray their Soueraigne Lord the King that the said Commission c be vtterly anulled as a thing done TRAITEROVSLY c. 101 The sanctuary of former lawes and all particular Charters of pardon being now taken away from the Duke Earle and others they lay open to manifest ruine The Duke of Lancaster sate in iudgement as High Steward vpon Richard Earle of Arundel where for no other but for the old attempts though the other accusations seeme to haue been auerred by the eight Appellants by which as ye haue heard so many were displaced and put to death hee adiudged him to die that soule death of a common Traitor but the King satisfied himselfe with onely his head which was at one stroake taken of at Tower-hill That he was a traitour either in word or deede he vtterly did deny and died in that deniall The constancy of this Earles carriage aswell at his arraignement passage and execution as in which he did not discolour the honour of his blood with anie degenerous word looke or action encreased the enuie of his death vpon the prosecutors The Earle of Warwicke confessed with teares and as some say drawne by faire hope of life that in adhering to the Duke of Glocester in those ridings and assemblies hee was guilty of treason The same sentence was therefore pronounced vpon him The King neuerthelesse did only banish him into the I le of Man But the Duke of Glocester whom as the peoples darling it seemed not safe to bring to a publike triall was secretlie smothered at Calis with pillowes and feather-beds 102 The great Parliament for so it seemes to haue beene called by reason of the extraordinarie numbers of Peeres and their retinues which came thereunto was holpen by adiournment at Shewsbury In it those Iustitiars who were partly put to death and partly banished but all attainted at such time as the Duke of Glocester and the rest were in armes doe all of them stand thereby cleared from dishonor and such Articles as they subscribed being together with their answeres set downe in the Act are publikely ratified and the offendors against them pronounced Traitours Amongst these Articles one conteining these great Lawyers iudgements concerning the orderly proceedings in al Parliament is very obseruable That after the cause of such assembly is by the Kings commandement there declared such Articles as by the King are limitted for the Lords and Commons to proceed in are first to bee handled but if any should proceed vpon other Articles and refuse to proceed vpon those limitted by the King till the King had first answered their proposals contrary to the Kings command such doing herein contrary to the rule of the King are to be punished as Traitors But the King to content all parts and to kindle new lights in the place of such as he had extinguished hauing first created himselfe Prince of Chester made his cosen Henry Earle of Derby Duke of Hereford the Earle of Rutland Duke of Aumarl the Earle of Nottingham Duke of Norfolke the Earle of Kent Duke of Surrey the Earle of Huntington Duke of Excester the Earle of Somerset Marquesse Dorset the Lord Spencer Earle of Glocester the Lord Neuile Earle of Westmorland William Scrope Earle of Wiltshire Thomas Percy Earle of Worcester The King also saith Walsingham added to his Scucheon Royall the armories of Saint Edward King and confessor 103 The formost in this goodly ranke being Henry Duke of Hereford not long after accused Thomas Duke of Norfolke of certaine words sounding to the kings dishonour which hee should priuately vtter to the said Henry Polydor though very negligently hee makes Mowbray the Accuser and Hereford Defendant may yet be heard in reporting the effect of the words as That King Richard held the Peeres of the land in no account but as much as lay in him sought to destroy them by banishing some and putting others to death That hee neuer troubled his mind with considering how his Dominions were diminished through his Idlenesse Finally that all things went to wracke as well in peace as war But the Duke of Norfolke who vnlesse it had beene to feele how the Duke of Herefords heart was affected to the king had little reason so to complaine most constantly denying that euer he spake such wordes it should haue come to a combat within lists but the king to â—…uoid as hee pretended such deadly fewds as might rise in the families of two such potent Peeres but indeed to bee rid of an enemie with the losse of a friend banished Norfolke for euer and Hereford first for ten yeeres then for sixe Walsingham saith that this censure was giuen against Norfolke vpon that very day in which the yeere before he by the kings commandement had taken order for putting to death the Duke of Glocester at Callis whereof the said Duke of Norfolke had the Captaineship 104 Fearefull were the tragedies which ensued these times and heare now what is written of some Portents or wonders presaging the same The Bay or Laurell trees withered ouer all England and afterward reflourished contrary to many mens opinion and vpon the first of Ianuary neere Bedford towne the riuer between the villages of Swelston and Harleswood where it was deepest did vpon the sodaine stand still and so diuided it selfe that the bottome remained drie for about three miles space which seemed saith Walsingham to portend that reuolt from the King and the diuision which ensued 105 Roger Mortimer Earle of March
same place Gentleman That hee and his complices did imagine the Kings death at his Coronation The combat was granted and in Smithfield the Duke of Yorke exercising the office of high Constable they fought in lists In the end the Kings name was vsed to part and forgiue them It is a vice to suspect too farre The Duke of Yorke a most subtle man seemes neuer in heart to haue beene a true subiect to King Henry yet no man saith hee was any author in this Henrie the common wealth hauing yeelded to liber all grants of money is now ready to enter Paris England remained vnder the gouernment of the Duke of Glocester 20 There is no doubt that the English there at their Kings presence set forth their greatnes to the full shew The yong King attended vpon with two English Cardinals Yorke and Winchester and great Princes of his blood Dukes Earles Barons Prelates and the flower of our nation with many aswel French and Burgonians as Normans and others excellentlie well appointed makes a triumphant entry into the head City of that most noble Monarchy There was no signe in the People but of ioy and welcome the showes were many and magnificent Vpon the seuenth day of December he was solemnely Crowned King of France by the Cardinall of Winchester his great vncle in the Chiefe Church of Paris called of our Lady The Duke of Bedford entertained the minds of the Assembly with a set speech wherein he declared King Henrie his Nephewes vndoubted title to that Crowne and commended the same to their fidelities adding ample promises of honour and emolument Such of the French Nobilitie as were present did their homage The people had good and gratious words giuen vnto them and certaine quantities of money Corne and wine in the nature of a donatiue liberally distributed among them Proclamations were made that all Frenchmen who came in by a day there named should be protected The Kings Patents and grants touching French matters passed vnder the seale and stile of Henry King of the Frenchmen and of England which Seale for variety we haue prefixed as we found it annexed * to a writing directed by the King to his Court of Requests in his Pallace at Paris but for English affaires he vsed another Seale being in euery point like vnto that of King Henry the fourth and as some thinke the very same stamp which therefore we haue here omitted as likewise some Charters of his there are whereunto he affixed the seale of his father Charles of France esteemed not himselfe the lesse a King for all this but pursues his affaire His people tooke the City of Chartres by a stratagem the Bishop whereof because a Burgundian they also put to the sword with others Neither were the English idle Iohn Duke of Norfolke Thomas Earle of Arundel Richard Beauchamp Earle of Warwicke the Earle of Suffolke and others made vp this losse with aduantage Their actions are placed by some as done before the Coronation which is likely The King hauing thus taken possession of France not long after tooke his farewell thereof His returne was by Roan and so ouer land to Callais from whence vpon the eleuenth day of February hee arriued safe at Douer His vncle the Duke of Glocester was able to giue an honest and good account of the Gouernment during the kings absence The suppressiō of an insurrection beginning at Abingdon in Oxfordshire was not the least seruice A weauer the Baliffe of the Towne was the vlcerous head to which that corruption gathered who had changed his own name and called himselfe Iacke Sharpe of Wigmores land in Wales The speciall colour of his attempt was to haue massacred Priests whose heads he said hee would make as cheape as Sheepes-heads that is two or three or ten for a penny But the mention of Wigmores lands the ancient inheritance of Mortimer then the possession of the fatall Duke of Yorke who afterward in the right of that name challenged the Crowne of England from King Henry insinuates somewhat further The varlet forfeited his head and foure quarters for his attempt It is to be wondred that the Councell of Estate vnder King Henry hearing that title so often glanced at prouided not better against the mischiefe But the eies and hearts of the wise are blinded when God hath a purpose to reserue a scourge or to hide the fire which shall afterward be vsed to consume a nation Vnquiet humors were aswell abroad as at home The souldiers of Callais discontented with their wages as to little began to be mutinously troublesome The Regent comes thither in person in Easter weeke where he exerciseth necessary discipline seuerely Foure the most faulty lost their heads one hundred and ten are cashered and banisht from the Towne as sixe score others had formerly beene Why dwell we vpon so petty accidents The losse of the Kingdome of France is imminent Let vs diligently note the degrees which God found out to depriue our Nation of that honor In this iourney of the Regent King Henries interest was not aduanced The Regent a widdower roade from thence to Turwin where without the Burgundians priuity he married the Lady Iaquet aged about seuenteene yeeres daughter to Peter of Lutzembourg Earle of S. Paul no friend to the Burgundian This was nothing prosperous to the English affaires For Anne the Regents former wife sister to the Duke of Burgundy being while shee liued a strong reason and assurance of amitie weakened the same by her death and this second marriage not pleasing the Burgundian did yet more diminish it These were but degrees In the meane space the accidents of warre between the English and French were manifold and perplext now wee now they leesing or gaining as opportunity serued which vncertainties brought forth their ordinary progenies fearefull outrages and s◅rcitie of all things needfull for the vse of man It would be wearisome and not much necessary to recount the particular lesser actions neitheir indeed is it easie for who can readily tell the sieges surprises skirmishes and the like being so confusedly set down by Authors wherein diuers of both Nations wanne to themselues much honour and serued the vses of those times and their owne The vttermost effect of those great labours was that the English Regency fell not forthwith into nothing Permanent leaders in those publike seruices were the Regent himselfe their maine Pillar and Chiefe life Thomas Earle of Arundel Richard Earle of Warwicke Henry his Sonne the Lord Willoughby the thrice noble Iohn Lord Talbot who was now at liberty the Lord Scales besides Knights Esquires and other valiant Captaines a multitude 21 The fortune of Renate Duke of Barre is not to be omitted for that afterward our King vnluckely married into his house He had to wife Isabell the daughter and heire of Charles Duke of Lorraine by whom he had issue two sonnes
this so publike and solemne Oath and doth not tremble in euerie part Let vs hasten to their view least God perhaps may quietly seeme to haue beene mockt to his face by a vaine ambitious man 60 To diuert these home-breeding rancors and practises by employing the wits and bodies of men in other more honest things the Earle of Candal sonne to Captal de Budie who had vpon necessitie submitted his Seignouries to Charles the French King but reserued his person out of that obedience and the Lord L'Esparre come secretly from Burdeaux and pray an Armie for that Burdeaux and the Gascoigns would returne to the English if they might be supported An Armie is decreed for their reduction Iohn Lord Talbot the first Earle of Shrewsburie of his name as Generall in that enterprize lands in Gascoigne where he doth sundry exploits and the fame of his former cheualrie flying before with terrour makes many places the rather to yeeld Burdeaux her selfe secretly opens a gate vnto him which the French Garrison perceiuing fled out at a Postern but many being ouertaken were slaine by the Lord L'Esparre and the English New supplies and victuals arriue whereof the Earle of Shrewsburies yonger sonne Vicount Lile by his wife was a principall conducter Burdeaux thus throughly mand and fortified the Earle is aduertised that the French lay at siege before Castillion a place of importance vpon the riuer of Dardonne Thither the Earle marcheth and with too great a confidence charging the enemie vpon vnequall termes was there slaine together with his sonne the Vicount Lile and others Burdeaux receiued such as fled The English fortunes and hopes which began to quicken made this vnhappie Catastrophe in * Iulie to the infinite losse of our nation and griefe of the Gascoigns who generally misliked the French and inclined to the English hauing so honorablie and for so long a time gouerned those dominions This was the end of that great Earle after he had for the space of twentie and foure yeeres serued his Prince and Countrey in the French warres with highest commendation a most noble and most valiant man by whose vertue the English name did chiefly become terrible in France Burdeaux it felfe and all other places after this were by siege brought againe vnder the French King who prosecuted those affaires in person From that time forward the English neuer obtained there any hold or further footing the felicity of this attempt breaking all combinations of the Gascoignes This Dutchie of Aquitaine contained foure Archbishopriks foure and twenty Bishopriks fifteen Earledomes two hundred and two Barons and aboue a thousand Captainships and Bailywickes The losse of so goodly an inheritance which had continued English for almost three hundred yeeres the world may easily coniecture how iustly it was greeued and lamented for In this falne estate of the English the Queene vpon the thirteenth day of October was deliuered of her first sonne who was named Edward prouing the child of sorrow and infelicity 61 It were to be wished we might now rather number the following euils of England then describe them for what can we learne out of such vnnaturall and sauage destructions but matter of horrour and detestation but sith they must be handled the law and necessitie of our taske exacting it the sooner to be quit of so vnpleasing obiects it will bee best abruptly to thrust into the narration The Duke of Yorke wickedlie carelesse of an Oath so religiouslie and publikely taken to make his way to the Crowne more easie hath now procured his chiofe and most fearefull enemie the Duke of Sommerset to be sodeinely arrested of high treason doubtfull whether by any authority but his owne in the Queenes great Chamber and sent to the Tower of London vpon pretence that he had capitall matter to charge him with Yorkes principall friends vpon confidence of whom he dared so high things were Richard Neuil Earle of Salisburie second sonne of Ralfe Neuil Earle of Westmorland whose daughter the Duke of Yorke had married This Richard was Earle of Salisbury in right of Alice his wife sole heire to Thomas Montacute the famous Earle slaine at the siege of Orleance The Dukes other maine hope was Richard Neuil sonne of the former Richard Neuill who in right of his wife the Lady Anne sole sister and heire of the whole blood to Henry Beauchamp Duke of Warwick was by this King Henry the sixth created Earle of Warwick in a most vnhappie houre both for the King kingdome being inuicto animo c a man of an vndaunted mind but flitting faith 63 The King in the meane space while the Duke of Sommerset was thus endangered lay sicke and Yorke as Regent swayed and ouerswayed in Court but when the king perceiuing malice and practise to be the chiefe bases of Yorkes accusations had recouered his health and resumed the gouernment Sommerset is set at liberty and made Captaine of Calleis Yorke and his adherents repaire to open force They leuy their armie about the Marches of Wales with which they repaire toward London the maine obiect of Pretendents The King hearing of his enemies approach is accompanied with Humfrey Duke of Buckingham Edmund Duke of Sommerset Humfrey Earle of Stafford Henry Percie Earle of Northumberland Iames Butler Earle of Wiltshire and Ormond Beaufort Earle of Dorcet Iasper Theder Earle of Pembroke the Kings halfe-brother Thomas Courtney Earle of Deuonshire the Lords Clifford Sudley Berners Rosse and others and with them enters into Saint Albans in warlike manner hauing certaine thousands of common souldiers Thither also the Duke of Yorke and his adherents came This was toward the end of May The Dukes request to the King was that he would deliuer such persons to be deseruedly punished as he would name The King to let them know who he was returnes this confident answere That hee and the rest were Traitors and that rather then they should haue any Lord from him who was with him at that time hee himselfe would for their sake in the quarrell vpon that day liue and die 64 The Yorkists hereupon assaile the Kings people within the Towne and Warwicke breaking in through a Garden a sharpe battell is begun The losse fell lamentably vpon King Henries side for besides the Duke of Sommerset there were slaine the Earles of Northumberland and Stafford the L. Clifford with sundry worthy Knights and Esquiers of which forty and eight were buried in Saint Albans there being slaine aboue fiue thousand of K. Henries party and of the Yorkists about sixe hundreth The King himselfe was shot into the neck with an arrow other of his chief friends were likewise sore wounded and taken The Earle of Wiltshire and Thomas Thorpe Lord chiefe Baron of the Exchequer with others saued themselues by flight The Duke of Yorke the Earles of Salisbury and Warwicke with the King whome they in shew did vse most reuerently and as if they had
Inuenters of this enterprise shee likewise sent Hugh Conway an Esquire into Britaine with a great summe of money giuing him in charge to declare to the Earle the great loue that the most part of the Nobility of the Realme bare towards him willing him not to neglect so good an occasion offered but with all speed to setle his mind how to return into England and therewithall aduising him to take land in Wales When the Earle had receiued this ioyfull message hee brake to the Duke of Britaine all his secrets aduertising him thathe was entred into a sure stedfast hope to obtaine the Crown of England desiring him of help towards the atchieuing of his enterprise which the Duke promised afterwards performed wherupon the Earle sent back again Hugh Conway Th. Ramney to declare his cōming shortly into Englād 32 In the meane season the chiefe of the conspiracy in England beganne many enterprises which being neuer so priuily handled yet knowledge therof came to King Richard and because hee knew the Duke of Buckingham to be the chiefe head and aide of this combination he thought it most necessarie to plucke him from that part and thereupon addressed his louing letters vnto the Duke requesting him most earnestly to come to the Court whose graue aduise for counsell hee then stood much in need of with many words of kind complements to bee vttered from the mouth of the messenger but the Duke mistrusting those sweet promises proceeded out of a bitter intent and knowing K. Richard to speak most fayrest when he meant foulest play desired the king of pardon excusing himself that he was sickly not wel able to trauel which excuse the king would not admit but sent other letters with checking wordes commanding him without delay to repaire to his presence vnto which the Duke made a determinate answere that hee would not come to his mortall enemy and immediately prepared war against him Whereupon Thomas Marquesse Dorset came out of Sanctuary and gathered a great band of men in the County of Yorke Sir Edward Courtney and Peter his brother Bishoppe of Excester raised another Armie in Deuonshire and Cornwall and in Kent Sir Richard Guilford and other Gentlemen raised a Company and all this was done euen in one moment 33 King Richard rouzed from his pleasures in progresse sent forth commission to muster his men and with a great preparation from London marched towardes Salisbury thinking it not best to disparkle his power into small parts in pursuing his enemies euery way at once and therfore omitting all others with a great puissance went to set vpon the Duke of Buckingham the head of the spring The Duke hearing of the Kings approach made out to meet him before hee came too farre accompanied with a great power of wild Welshmen whom hee had enforced to follow him more by his Lordly commandement then by liberall wages which thing indeed was the cause that they fell off and forsooke him His march was through the forrest of Deane intending for Glocester where hee meant to passe Seuerne and so haue ioined his Army with the Courtneys other Western men which had he done no doubt K. Richard had been in great ieopardie But before hee could attaine the Seuerne side by force of continuall raine the riuer rose so high that it ouerflowed all the country adioyning and was not againe bounded within his owne bankes for the space of ten dayes so that the Duke could not get ouer nor his complices any wise come vnto him during which time the Welshmen lingring idle without wages or victual sodainelie brake vp Campe and departed whereupon the Duke was wonderously perplexed not knowing how to recouer this vnfortunate chance and destitute of power to shew himselfe in field sought to secure himselfe in secret till destiny assigned him a better day 34 A seruant he had in especiall fauour trust brought vp tenderly by him and risen to great wealth and esteeme his name was Humfrey Ba◅ister and place of residence neere vnto Shrewsburie whither the distressed Duke in disguise repaired intending there to remain secret vntil he might either raise a new power or else by some meanes conuay himselfe vnto Britaine to Henry Earle of Richmund but as soone as the others which had attempted the same enterprise against the King had knowledge that Buckingham was forsaken of his Company and could not be found as men strucke in sodaine feare shifted euery one for himselfe many of them taking Sanctuary but the most of the chiefest took into Britaine among whom were Peter Courtney Bishoppe of Excester with his brother Edward Earle of Deuonshire Thomas Marquesse Dorset the Queenes sonne and his young sonne Thomas being a Childe Edward Wooduile Knight brother to the Queene Iohn Lord Wells Sir Robert Willoughby Sir Iohn Bourchier Sir Giles Daubeney Sir Thomas Arundell Sir Iohn Cheinie with his two brethren Sir William Barkley Sir Richard Edgecombe and Sir William Brandon Edward Poinings an excellent Captain and others 35 Richard thus farre proceeded and no enemy seene his hopes were encreased and feares daily lesse yet being a Prince politicke and vigilant he commanded the Ports to be securely kept knowing that Buckingham was not fled with the rest made proclamation for the apprehending of that Duke promising a thousand pound to the man that could bring him forth with pardon of his faults to enioy the Kings fauour and if hee were a bondman presently to bee made free Banister minding the present and forgetting what was past spread his lappe first to receiue this golden shower and in hope of this gaine made no conscience to betray his own Lord who had now laid his life vpon trust in his hands hee therefore repayring to the Shiriffe of Shrewsbury reuealed the Duke who disguised like a poore Countriman and digging in a groue neere vnto Banisters house was apprehended and with a great guard of men was brought vnto Salisbury where King Richard then lay and where without arraignement or iudgement vpon the second of Nouember he lost his head whose death was the lesse lamented for that himselfe had been the chiefe Instrument to set the Crowne wrongfully vpon Richards head and yet the treachery of Banister was most seuerely punished as many haue obserued not onely in the losse of his reward promised which he neuer had and infamy receiued neuer after shaken off but also in himselfe and children as are thus reported his eldest sonne and heire fell mad and dyed so distracted in a Boares Stye his second sonne became deformed in his limmes and fell lame his third sonne was drowned in a small puddle of water his eldest daughter was sodainely strucke with a foule leprosie and himselfe being of extreame age was arraigned and found guilty of murder and by his Clergy saued his life 36 An other Commotion at the same time was in Kent where George Browne
finally in establishing by a solemne Act the Crowne vpon him and his heires for euer 10 After dissolution of which Parliament the King redeemes such pledges as he had left in France for money borrowed and assumes into his Councel those two renowned agents in aduancing his fortunes Iohn Morton and Richard Foxe as the most necessarie parts and supports of his State the former of which not long after Thomas Bourchier dying was elected and enthronized Archbishop of Canterbury the latter was foorthwith aduanced to be Lord Keeper of his Priuy Seale successiuely preferred to the Bishoprickes of Exeter Bath and Welles Durham and Winchester 11 The most wished and most welcome day of marriage betweene King Henry and the Princesse Elizabeth being now come was celebrated by them with all religious and glorious magnificence and by the people with fires of ioy dancings songs and bankets through London all sorts and sexes beseeching Almightie God to send the King and Queene most prosperous successe and an infinite encrease of the common ioy by bestowing vpon them a young Prince and other Issue at his good pleasure Which prayers saith Andreas our Lord Iesus Christ vouchsafed to heare the Queene within a while after prouing with Child of whom shee was happily deliuered in the moneth of September following at Winchester which to the most fortunate King was a new happinesse to the Queene a great reioycement to the Church a soueraigne delight to the Court an exceeding pleasure and in briefe to the whole kingdome an incredible contentment Nor that without reason as it afterward appeared for if God had beene pleased to haue granted longer life not England onely but the whole world should in such a pledge haue had cause of eternall reioycement But God who gouernes all thinges and in whose hand are aswell the Scepters of Princes as dates of their liues disposed otherwise 12 Meanewhile there were not a few who did enuie to King Henry this vnexpected height of felicitie but they who first discouered themselues were certaine remaines of the late ouerthrow at Bosworth whose diffidence or euill will was greater then to relie vpon King Henries clemencie oâ—… to behold the dazeling brightnes of his new atchieued glorie and for that cause refused to forsake the Sanctuarie which they had taken at Colchester These were the Lord Louell Sir Humfrey Stafford and Thomas Stafford his brother Who while the King secure of dangers behind him was in his Progresse at Yorke meaning by affability bountie and other his wisest courses to gaine the good wils of the Northern people with whom the memory of King Richard was very deare and so to weaken the strengths and hopes of all future conspiracies forsooke their refuge and secretly in seuerall places gathered forces therewith to surprize and dethrone the King The Lord Louell raised his forces with such speed that the King who at Lincolne first heard of his escape and lightly regarded the same was no sooner setled in Yorke but certaine intelligence came that he approched fast with an Armie and withall that the Staffords had assembled forces in Worcestershire meaning to assault the City of * Worcester The extremity of the King who neuer dreamt of such a darling was not small for neither had he any sufficient numbers about him of his sure friends nor could iustly repose confidence in the Northern men whose loue to King Richard their late slaine Lord made them still suspected But danger quickeneth noble courages and therefore vpon due recollection of himselfe hee armes about three thousand men if tanned leather whereof the most of their breast-pieces for want of other stuffe were framed may be called armour and sends them vnder the leading of Iasper Duke of Bedford with commission to pardon or to fight The Duke offering pardon the Lord Louell fled by night to Sir Thomas Broughton into Lancashire where hee lurked certaine monthes the headlesse multitude yeeld without stroake and the felicity of King Henry preuailes in euery place for the Staffords hearing what had hapned to their Confederates disperse their Cloude of rebels and speedily take refuge at Colnham a village about two miles from Abingdon in Oxfordshire But the priuiledges of that place * being iuridically scand in the Kings Bench they were found vnable to afford protection to open traitors whereupon they were forceably taken thence and conueighed to the Tower of London from whence Sir Humfrey Stafford was drawne and executed at Tiburne but his brother Thomas by the Kings mercy had his pardon These short dangers and troubles by reason of their suddainty did worthily make the King wakefull euen ouer smaller accidents this blaze being kindled from so neglected sparkles But there followed deuises which in their owne nature were so strangely impudent and in their vent so strongly Bolstered that if Louels enterprise made him suspitious these other might iustly fill him with innumerable iealousies 13 The records are immortall which testifie that the erection of Idols and Counterfeits to dethrone them who are in possession is a verie olde Stratagem What troubles a Pseudo-Nero wrought by support of the Parthians who wonderfully fauoured Nero liuing the Romane writers teach vs. Neither hath the Diuell Father of Impostures any so solemne practise as Personation and Resemblances of true whether men or things Insomuch that some Diuines haue thought that as he can and often doth trans-shape himselfe into the forme of a Celestiall Angell so that he also deceiued our first mother vnder that resplendent but assumed habit And what mischiefs he wrought in this very kind of thrusting out into the world false pretenders the speech of wise Gamaliel testifieth who rehearseth the names of Theudas and Iudas Galilaus but the world hath since had more woefull experience hereof in that execrable Impostor Mahomet pretending to bee the Messiah In England it selfe before the time of this Henry what strange practises and conspiracies were set on foote vnder the title of a Pseudo-Richard in the raigne of Henry the fourth the former Histories haue sufficiently opened so that this Prince encountred nothing new in the Generall howsoeuer pestilent and extraordinarie in the particular Indeed his raigne more perhaps then any other of his predecessors afforded plentifull matter for such deuises to worke vpon there being many then who hauing beene conceaned as it were in the bowels of Sedition and nourished with the bitter and pernicious milke of dissention were not onely apt to embrace but also where they were not offered euen there to beget occasions of confounding all Men who could neither endure warre nor peace long nor any lowes in either as desirous to enioy the licentious violences of ciuill warre a misery which all wordes how wide soeuer want compasse to expresse The strange attempts of which kind of men or rather Monsters wee shall see exemplified in the subsequent tragedies Richard Simon an ambitious and
of their poore whereunto he gaue fiue hundred Markes yeerely of Lands for euer to maintaine Gods diuine seruice and the said Churches reparations within whose walles we finde this often written This is Christs Church founded by King Henrie the eight 134 And his sicknes inâ—…asing to the great danger of life hee prepared himselfe to make his Wil wherein howsoeuer titles had been vnhabled in Parliaments he ordained his three children to succeede each after others for want of other Issue One thousand markes he commanded to be giuen to the poore and to twelue poore Knights at Winsere each of them twelue pence a day for euer euery yeere a long Gowne of white cloth the Gâ—…ter imbroidered vpon the breast wherein was placed the Crosse of Saint George and a Mantle of red cloth to bee worne thereupon ordâ—…ning for his Executors in the minority of Prince Edward these heere vnder named 1 Thomas Crâ—…er Archbishop of Ganterbury 2 Thomas 〈◊〉 Lord Chancellor 3 William 〈◊〉 Knight of the Order 4 Lord Saint-Iohn Great Master of the Houshold 5 Iohn Russell Lord 〈◊〉 Seale 6 Edward 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Hertford Lord great Chamberâ—…ine 7 Iohn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord high Admiral 8 Cutbert 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Knight Mr. of the Horse 10 〈◊〉 Pageâ—… Knight of the Order 11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chiefe iustice of the Common-pleâ—… 12 Thomas Bromley Lord Chiefe Iustice. 13 Anthony Deny Knight 14 Edward North Knight 15 Edward Wotton Knight 16 Doctor Wotton Deane of Canterbury And for their aide and assistance in Counsell he appointed these following 1 Henry Fitz-Alan Earle of Arundel 2 William Parre Earle of Essex 3 Thomas Cheney Knight Treasurer of the Houshold 4 Iohn Gage Knight CoÌ„troler of the Houshold 5 Anthony Winkefield Knight Vice-Chamberlaine 6 William Peter Knight principall Secretary 7 Richard Rich Knight 8 Iohn Baker Knight 9 Ralph Sadler Knight 10 Thomas Seimer Knight 11 Richard Southwell Knight 12 Edmund Pecham Knight And in great penitency for his sinnes died vpon Thursday the twenty eight day of Ianuary in the yeere of Christ Iesus 1546. when hee had raigned thirty seuen yeere nine moneths and fiue daies had liued fifty fiue yeres fiue months fiue daies whose body with great solemnity was buried at Windsore vnder a most costly and stately Tombe begunne in Copper and guilt but neuer finished in the inclosures of whose Grates is curiously cast this inscription HENRICVS OCTAVUS REX ANGLIAE FRANCIAE DOMINVS HIBERNIAE FIDEI DEFENSOR with what cost and state this his Monument was intended is manifested by a Manuscript taken from the true modell thereof which I receiued from that industrious Herauld Master Nicholas Charles Lancaster and for the great magnificence is worthy heere to be inserted The maner of the Tombe to be made for the Kings Grace at Windsore First the pauement wherevpon the Tombe shall stand shall be of Orientall stone That is to say of Alabaster Porfido Serpentines and other stones of diuers colours as in the patterne sheweth Item vpon the same Pauement shall be two great steps vnder all the worke of like Orientall stones Item the Basement of the Pillers shall be of white Marble with Angelâ—… holding betweene them Crownes or Garlands guilt and white Marble as more plainely sheweth in the Patterne Item aboue the said Basement and Angels shall be all the old Testament that is to say xiiij Images in the xiiij Casements of the same two Pillers of the Prophets and all the Pillers which shall be xvi shall be of stones Serpentine Porfido and Alabaster and other fine Orientall stones of such colours as is shewed in the Patterne and the foote of euery piller and also the head shall be of Brasse And euery Prophet shall haue an Angell sit at his foote with Scripture of the name of his Prophet and aboue ouer the head of the same shall bee the story of his Prophet in euery of which Story shall bee at least viij or xi figures Item aboue all the same Pillers shall bee another Basement of white Marble with a partition being made of such fine Orientall stones as the Pillers bee wherein shall bee written such Scripture as please you Item aboue the same Basement shall be the Story of the new Testament that is to wit with the Images of the Apostles the Euangelists and the foure Doctors of the Church and euery Image shall haue sitting at his foote a little child with a Scripture of the name of his Image and a little Basket full of red and white Roses which they shall shew to take in their hands and cast them downe off the Tombe and ouer the Pauement and the Roses that they shal cast ouer the Tombe shall bee enamelled and guilt and the roses that they cast ouer the Pauements shal be of fine Orientall stones of white and red Item behinde all the same Images of the new Testament round shall be made in brasse and guilt all the life of Iesus Christ from the natiuity to his ascention and it shall be so clearely and perfectly made that the Mystery of Christs life to his ascention shall plainely appeare Item aboue the said new Testament and Images thereof and aboue the said life of Christ shall bee a Quire of xx Angels standing vpon a Basement of white Marble with great Candlestickes in their hands hauing lights in them shewing to honour and reuerence the same Tombe Item all these foresaid figures stories and ornaments shall be made to garnish and ornate the two Pillers of the Church betweene which the Tombe shall be set Item betweene the said two great Pillers of the Church thus garnished shall be a Basement of white Marble of the height of the Basement of the Pillers and therein the Epitaph of the King and Queene with letters of gold of such Scriptures as yee deuise Item vpon the same Basement shall bee made two Tombes of blacke-touch that is to say on either side one and vpon the said Tombes of black Touch shall be made the Image of the King and Queene on both sides not as death but as persons sleeping because to shew that famous Princes leauing behinde them great fame their names neuer doe die and shal lie in roiall Apparels after the antique maner Item ouer the right hand ouer both the sides of the same Tombe shall be an Angell which shall hold the Kings Armes with a great Candlesticke hauing as it were light on it as a Lampe and in like manner shall be an other Angell holding the Queenes Armes on the left hand with a like Candlesticke Item on the right hand and left hand on both the sides ouer the said Images of the King and Queene shall be two Angels shewing to the people the bodies of the King and Queene holding aboue their Heades veiles of gold and the Crownes of the King and Queene on their hands Item betweene the said two Tombes of blacke Touch and the said Angell ouer the King Queene shall stand
1540. shee was his wife sixe moneths after which time certaine Lords of the vpper House of Parliament came into the nether and alleaged cause for which that marriage was vnlawfull whereunpon shee was diuorced and by Statute enacted that shee should no more be taken for Queene but should be called the Lady Anne of Cleâ—…e See remained in England long after the Kings death though small mention is made of her by any of our Writers only we finde that she accompanied the Lady Elizabeth through London at the solemnizing of Queene Maries Coronation 140 Katherine the fifth wife of King Henry the eight was the daughter of 〈◊〉 and Neece vnto Thomas Howard his brother Duke of Norfolke Shee was married vnto him the eight of August and yeere of â—…race 1540. being the thirtie two of his Raigne at Hampton Court and continued his Queene the space of one yeere sixe moneths and foure daies and for her vnchaste life was attainted by Parliament and for the same beheaded within the Tower of London the twelfth of February and her body buried in the Chauncell of the Chappell by Queene Anne Bullen 141 Katherine the sixth and last wife of King Henry was the daughter of Sir Thomas Parre of Kendall and sister to Lord William Parre Marquesse of Northampton shee was first married to Iohn Neuill Lord Latimer and after his decease vpon the twelfth of Iuly maried vnto the King at Hampton Court the yeere of Saluation 1543. and thirtie fiue of his Raigne Shee was his wife three yeeres sixe months and fiue daies and suruiuing him was againe married vnto Thomas Seimer Lord Admirall of England vnto whom she bare a daughter but died in the same Child-bed the yeere of Grace 1548. His Issue 142 Henrie the first sonne of King Henry by Queene Katherine his first wife was borne at Richâ—…d in Surrey vpon the first of Ianuary and the first of his fathers Raigne whose Godfathers at Font were the Lord Cranmer Archbishop of Canterburie and the Earle of Surrey his Godmother Lady Katherine Countesse of Deuonshire daughter to King Edward the fourth This Prince liued not fully two months but died in the same place wherein he was borne vpon the two and twentieth of February and his body with all due obsequies buried in Westminster 143 A sonne not named was borne vnto King Henrie by Lady Katherine his first Queene in the month of Nouember and the sixth yeere of his Raigne who liued not long and therefore no further mention of him can bee made the deathes of these Princes King Henrie tooke as a punishment from God for so he alleaged it in the publike Court held in Blacke-friers London they being begot on his owne brothers wife 144 Marie the third childe and first daughter of King Henrie by Queene Katherine his first wife was born at Greenewich in Kent the eighteenth of Februarâ—… in the yeere of Christs humanity 1518 and the eighth of his Raigne Shee was by the direction of her mother brought vp in her Childe-hood by the Countesse of Salisbury her neere kinswoman for that as some thought the Queene wished a marriage betwixt some of her sons and the Princesse to strengthen her Title by that Aliance into Yorke if the King should die without issue Male. In her yong yeeres shee was sued to be married with the Emperour the King of Scots and the Duke of Orleance in France but all these failing and shee succeeding her brother K Edward in the Crowne at the age of thirtie sixe yeeres matched with Phillip King of Spaine to the great dislike of many and small content to her selfe hee being imploied for the most part beyond the Seas for griefe whereof and the losse of Calice shee lastly fell into a burning feauer that cost her her life 145 Elizabeth the second daughter of King Henrie and first childe by Queene Anne his second wife was borne at Greenwich vpon Sunday the seuenth of September the yeere of Christ Iesus 1534 and twenty fiue of her Fathers Raigne who with due solemnities was baptized the Wednesday following Archbishop Cranmer the old Dutches of Norfolke and the old Marchionesse of Dorset being the witnesses at the Font and the Marchionesse of Excester at the confirmation Shee succeeded her sister Queene Marie in the Monarchy of England and was for wisdome vertue piety and Iustice not onelie the Mirrour of her Sexe but a patterne for Gouernment to al the princes in Christendome whose name I may not mention without al dutiful remembrance and whose memory vnto me is most deare amongst the many thousands that receiued extraordinary fauours at her gracious and most liberall hand 146 Another man childe Queene Anne bare vnto King Henry though without life vpon the nine and twentieth of Ianuary and twenty seuen of his Raigne to the no little griefe of the mother some dislike of the King as the sequel of her accusation and death did shortly confirme 147 Edward the last childe of King Henry and first of Queene Iane his third wife was borne at Hampton Court the twelfth of October the yeere of Grace 1537. and twenty nine of the Kings Raigne being cut out of his mothers wombe as is constantly affirmed like as Iulius Caesar is said to haue been his Godfathers at the Font was Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury and the Duke of Norfolk his sister Lady Mary being Godmother saith Grafton Sixe daies after his birth he was created Prince of Wales and at the death of his Father succeeded him in all his Dominions of whom more followeth heereafter His Naturall Issue 148 Henrie Fitz-Râ—…ie the naturall sonne of King Henrie the eight was begotten of the Lady 〈◊〉 called Elizabeth Blunt and borne in the Mannor of Blackâ—…moore in Essex about the tenth yeere of his Raigne at the age of sixe yeeres he was created Earle of Nottingham and in the fiue and twentieth of his Fathers Raigne vpon the eighteenth of Iune in the Kings Pallace of Bridewell was made Duke of Richmond and Sommerset Lord Warden of the East West and Middle-Marches against Scotland and Lieutenant Generall of all the parts of England Northward he was a Prince very forward in Marshal Actiuities of Good literature and knowledge in the tongues vnto whom the learned Antiquary Leland dedicated a Booke He married Marie daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Earle Marshall and Lord high Treasurer of England with whom he liued not long but died at Saint Iames by Westminster the two and twentieth of Iuly in the yeere of Christ Iesus 1536. and was buried at Framingham in Suffolke THe tempestuous 〈◊〉 in the Raigne of this King Henrie the eight and the violent deluge raised against the Church-state of his times bare downe so many religious strong foundations and were the destruction of so many beautifull Monasteries as the onely relation of their numbers and names would haue much interrupted the narration of his history Wherfore to reteinâ—… their memorials though their walles are laid
 M Our Lady William de Buckingham confirmed by K. Edward 3.      VVARVVICKESHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q Warwicke P Saint Sepulchers Richard Neuill Earle of Warwicke 0049 13 06 oo o Warwicke P Peter de Mountford Blacke Canons      Warwicke F Friers Preachers 0004 18 06 oo o Warwicke Eccles. Colleg. 0247 13 00 ob  Warwicke H Saint Michael 0010 01 10 oo o Warwicke H Sancta Baptista 0019 03 07 oo o Warwicke Saint George Robert de Deneby William Russell and Hugh Cooke for the state of the King and Anne the Queene Michael de la Poole and all their Brethren and Sisters and for Enne Prince of Wales A Fraternity      Warwicke Hongingate Chauntry Thomas Beanchampe Earle of Warwicke      Warwicke H Saint Iohn Thomas Beanchampe      Couentree P Saint Anne Frier Iohn of Northerbury a Carthusian Prior. Carthusians 0251 05 09 o o Couentree P Saint Mary King Canute and Leofricke Earle of Mercians A. D. 1043. Blacke Monkes      Couentree F Sir Iohn Poultney Knight Anno Domini 1332. Carmelites or White Friers 0007 13 04 oo o Couentree H S. Iohn Baptist. 0083 03 03 oo o Alcetter or Alnecester P S. Iohn Baptist. Blacke Monkes 0101 14 00 oo o Asteley C Thomas Lord Astley Deane and Secular Canons 0039 10 06 oo o Atherston F Augustine Friers 0001 10 02 oo o Auecater A Câ—…to Malâ—…rno Priorie in Worcestershire P 0034 08 00 oo o Babelacke C 0045 6 008 oo o Berdeslege M Beata Maria. White Monkes      Cadbury The Ancestors of Sir Ralph Botelar knight Baron and Lord of Sudley Treasurer of England      Combe M Saint Mary Camuils and Mowbraies White Monkes 0343 00 05 oo o Erneby or Erdebury P 0122 08 06 oo o Godscliffe C Richard Earle of Warwicke      Henwood N Saint Margaret Cethelbarne de la Laund Nunnes 0021 02 00 ob o Kenelworth M Geffrey Clinton Chamberlaine vnto King Henry the first Blacke Canons 0643 14 09 ob o Kingeswood N Blacke Nunnes      Knolle C Elizabeth wife to Iohn Lord Clinton 0018 05 06 oo o Maxstocke P 0129 11 08 ob o Meriuall M Saint Mary Robert Ferrars A. 1. H. 2. White Monkes 0303 10 00 oo o Nuneaton N Amice wife to Robert Bossu Earle of Leicester Nuns 0290 15 00 ob o Pollesworth N Saint Edith Modwena an Irish Virgin Repaired by R. Marâ—… a Nobleman Blacke Nunnes 0023 08 06 oo o Pynley N Nuns 0027 14 07 oo o Stoneley M K. Henry the second White Monkes 0578 02 05 oo o Stratford super Anon. Eccles. Colleg. Iohn of Stratford Archbishop of Canterbury 0123 11 09 oo o Studeley P Blacke Canons 0181 03 06 oo o Thelford The Lucies Knights Poore folke and Pilgrimes 0023 10 00 oo o Wroxhall N God and Saint Leonard Hugh de Hatton Blacke Nunnes 0078 10 01 ob o VVESTMORLAND Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q Sharpe M Thomas the sonne of Gospatricke sonne of Ormes 0166 10 06 ob o VVILT-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q. Salisbury EpaÌ„tus Saint Peter Osmond Bishoppe of Salisbury temp W. Rufi Anno Dom. 1091. Secular Canons      Salisbury C Saint Edith      Salisbury F King Edward the first and Robert Kilward by Archbishop of Canterbury Blacke Friers      Salisbury F Grey Friers      Iuxta Salisbury H Saint Michael Richard B. of Salisbury A. D. 1382. 0025 02 02 oo o Ambresbury M Alfritha King Edgars wife White Monkes 0558 10 02 oo o Ambresbury N King Etheldred Holy Virgins      Austy H 0081 08 05 ob o Bradnesioke P Saint Marie Walter the eldest sonne of Walter de Eureux Earle of Rosmar in Normandy Blacke Monkes 0270 10 08 oo o Bromhore or Bromere P Saint Mary S. Michael Banldwin Earle of Riuers and Deuonshire Blacke Canons      Brioptune P S. Mary Magd. Blacke Canons      Calne H 0002 02 08 oo o Crekelade H 0004 10 07 ob o Edoros P King Henry the second and after Henry the third Blacke Canons 0133 00 07 ob o Edindon P All-Saints William de Edindon Bishop of Winchester Bonis hominibus 0521 12 05 ob o Eston P Saint Trinity 0055 14 04 oo o Farleigh MonachoruÌ„ P S. Mary Magd. The Earle of Hereford or Hertford Blacke Monkes Cluniacenses 0217 00 04 ob o Fishhart F Mary Countesse of Norffolke Friers Preachers      Heitesbury Eccles-Collegiat Robert Lord Hungerford and Margaret      Henton N Dame Ela Countesse of Salisbury Nunnes      Kynton P Saint Mary S. Michael Nunnes 0038 03 10 oo o Lacocke M Saint Mary Dame Ela Countesse of Salisbury An. D 1232 0203 12 03 ob o Malmesbury M Saint Adelme Madulph an Irish Scot. Adelme his Scholler King Athelstan Blacke Monks 0803 17 07 oo o Middleton P King Athelstan      Marleburgh P Saint Margaret Edmund Earle of Cornwall Canons 0038 19 02 oo o Marleburgh F Iohn Goodwyn William Remsâ—…ich A. D. 1316 Carmelites or White Friers      Iuxta Marleburgh H S. Iohn Baptist. 0006 18 04 oo o Maiden-Bradley P Manasses Bisset Confirmed by King Iohn 0197 18 08 oo o Maiden Bradeley One of the Inheritrices of Manasses Bisset Leprosi      Stanley M Saint Mary White Monkes 0222 19 04 oo o Wilton N Saint Mary and Saint Edith Weolsthan Earle of Ellandanum or Wilton Edith wife of S. Edward Blacke Nunnes 0652 11 05 oo q Iuxta Wilton H Sant Egidius 0005 13 04 oo o Westchurch P      VVORCESTERSHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q Worcester M now Eccl. Cath. Saint Marie Saint Wolstan Saint Katherin Sexwulph Bishoppe of the Mercians Anno Domini 680. Oswald Bishop of Worcester Wolstan Bishoppe there also Anno Domini 1090. These continued 500. yeers K. Henry the eight in stead of these placed in it a Dean Prebends ordained to it a Grammer Schoole Blacke Monkes 1386 12 10 ob q Worcester F Grey Friers      Worcester F William Beanchampe Blacke Friers      Worcester H Saint Wolstan 0063 18 10 oo o Alcetur Cellula 0075 07 00 oo q Bordelege P Saint Mary K. Henry the second and Maud the Empresse VVhite Monkes      Bredon M Offa king of the Mercians    Â
studie or vpon pilgrimage we haue seene the same order kept and we know by relation that in Africke Asia Aegypt and Greece nay thorowout all nations and tongues in the world where Christ hath his Church that this our time and order is obserued Shall then these obstinate Picts I meane the Britaines and these remote Ilands in the Ocean Sea and yet not all of them neither fondly contend in tâ—…is point against the whole world But here Colman interrupted him and said I much maruell brother that you terme our doings a fond contention seeing we haue for our warrant so worthy an Apostle as Iohn was who only leaned vpon our Lords brest and whose life and behauiour all the world acknowledgeth to bee most wise and discreet Godforbid said Wilfrid that I should accuse Iohn but yet we know that he kept the decrees of Moses literally and according to the Iewish Lawes and so the rest of the Apostles were constrained in some things to doe for the weakenesse of them who accounted it a great sin to abrogate these rites that God himselfe had instituted and for that cause S. Paul did circumcise Timothie offred bloud-sacrifices in the Temple shaued his head at Corinth with Aqâ—…a and Priscilla vpon which consideration also spake Iames vnto Paul You see brother how many thousand of the Iewes haue receiued the faith and all of these are yet zealous followers of the Law But the light of the Gospell now shining thorow the world it is not lawfull for any Christian to bee circumcised or to offer vp bloudy sacrifices of Beasts Saint Iohn therefore according to the custome of the Law in the fourteenth day of the first moneth at euen began the celebration of Easters Festiuitie regardlesse whether it fell vpon the Sabbath day or any other of the weeke But S. Peter preaching the Gospell in Rome remembring that our Lord arose from his graue the first day after the Sabbath giuing thereby vnto vs certaine assurance of our resurrection obserued the Feast of Easter according to the Commandement of that Law he looked for euen as S. Iohn did that is to say the first Sabbath after the full Moone of the first moneth Neither doth this new obseruation of the Gospell and Apostles practise breake the old Law but rather fulfilleth it for the Law commandeth the Feast of Passeouer to bee kept from the foureteenth day of that moneth to the twentie and one of the same And this hath the Nicene Councell not newly decreed but rather confirmed as the Ecclesiasticall Historie witnesseth that this is the true obseruation of Easter and of all Christians after this account is to bee celebrated and thereupon charged Bishop Colman that hee neither obserued it according to Iohn nor Peter To this the Bishop replied that Aâ—…tholius for his holinesse much commended by the said Ecclesiasticall Historie and Columba a Father of like sanctitie by whom miracles were wrought kept the Feast according as he then did from whose imitation he durst not digresse Your Fathers which you pretend to follow how holy soeuer they bee said Wilfrid and what miracles soeuer they haue wrought yet this I answer that in the day of iudgement many shall say vnto Christ that they haue prophecied cast out Diuels and wrought miracles in his name to whom our Lord will answer I know you not And if your Father Columba yea and our Father if hee be the true seruant of Christ were holy and mightie in miracles yet can hee by no meanes bee preferred to the most blessed Prince of the Apostles vnto whom our Lord said Thou art Peter and vpon this rocke I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not preuaile against it and to thee will I giue the keyes of the Kingdome of Heauen Thus said the King asked Colman whether our Lord indeede spake thus vnto Peter who answered He did But can you said hee giue euidence of so speciall authoritie granted to your Father Columba The Bishop said No. Then quoth the King doe you both agree confidently that thesewords were principally spoken vnto Peter and that vnto him the keyes of the Kingdome of Heauen were giuen They all answered It is most certaine Whereupon the King concluded this great controuersie and said Then will not I gaine say such a Pâ—…rter as this is but as farre as I know and am able I will couet in all points to obey his ordinante lest perhaps when I come to the Doores of Heauen I finde none to open vnto mee hauing his displeasure which is so cleerely prooued to beare the keyes thereof And with this so simple a collection of King Oswy concluded this long and great contention for the celebration of Easter which heere as borne before the time I haue inserted to continue the narration thereof together to auoid repetition of the same things which I seeke purposely to shunne and so returne againe to King Ethelbert 13 Who now became an instrument himselfe for the conuersions of his Nation the Saxons The first fruits of his intendements were wrought vpon Sebert King of the East-Angles his owne sisters sonne whom not onely hee conuerted to Christianitie but therein assisted him in the building of the Cathedrall Church of S. Paul for Miletus his Bishop as also the Church of S. Peters on the West of London then called Thorny with the assistance of a London Citizen as some haue said and himself at Rochester built the Cathedral Church there which he dedicated to the Apostle S. Andrew 14 This noble King hauing a care for them that should come after brought the Lawes of his Country into their owne mother tongue and left nothing vnattempted that might aduance the glorious Gospell of Christ or with honour adorne his owne temporall raigne and is worthily an example to all succeeding Princes in all true pietie and heroicall parts of a true Christian King He died the foure and twentieth day of Februarie in the yeere of our Lord God six hundred and sixteene being the one and twentieth of his Christianitie the three and twentieth of his Monarchie and the fifty sixth of his Kingdome of Kent and was buried at Canterbury in the Church of S. Peter and Paul afterwards called S. Augustines in the Chapell of S. Martines 15 His first wife was Berta the daughter of Chilperik King of France as we haue said who was the son of King Clotayre the sonne of Clodoue the first Christian King of that Country Shee deceased before the King her husband and was buried in the Church of S. Peter Paul at Canterburie within the Chapell of S. Martines there 16 He had a second wife whose name is not recorded by any Writer being as is thought vnworthy of remembrance because of the vnnaturall contract and mariage of Edbald her husbands sonne a sinne that both Law and Religion doe condemne and lastly by her conuerted husband was forsaken without either
thus celebrated Mira cano Sol occubuit Nox nulla secuta est A Wonder strange I write the Sun did set yet was no Night Meaning that though Henry were dead yet the glory and happinesse of the land was not thereby clouded for that Richard was another Sunné and in some respects farre the more bright and farther shining of the two as hauing for honour of Christian Cheualrie wholy consecrated his warlike minde and actions to the seruice of God and readuancement of the Crosse of Christ dishonoured by the Infidels in Asia in which enterprise hee was so feruently zealous that from the time of his Fathers death in whose vowes it had beene hee 〈◊〉 scarse any thing else disposing the affaires of his Estate but not carelesly as some would impose as of things which did but onely vnder-serue and conduce to the maine and principall end of aduancing his Sauiours glory whereunto hee iudged that action did tend 2 Hauing therefore ordered his weightier businesses in 〈◊〉 and other his transmarine Dominions in â—…gland by his letters set the Queen his Mother at liberty from that captiuity wherein her late husband the king had long detained her who sensible of others woe by her owne did afterward exercise many works of mercy in that kind he cuts ouer hither aswell to receiue all the rights of Soueraignety and to settle the same as also to leuie meâ—…nes for proceeding in his intended holy voiaâ—…e together with Philip king of France and other Christian Potentates 3 And though before his Coronation most Writers doe not call him a King yet sure it is that he and others did immediately and vnquestionably vpon the first accruement of the interest which was at his Fathers last gaspe exercise all the offices of the roiall power for so hee restored Robert Earle of Leicester to his whole estate So plaine it is that our Gouernment allowes not the dangerous conuulsions emptie spaces of an Interregnum such as in meer electiue States are coÌ„mon if not continual 4 But in nothing more could this noble Prince shew his iudgement though he were otherwise Sagacis ingenij of a sharpe and searching wit then in this That hee banished from his familiarity as my Author saith hated all those of what profession so euer they were who had forsaken his Father and both retained and enricht those other who had loially stood for him against himselfe in al assaies 5 At his Coronation which was most magnificently performed at Westminster by Baldwyne Archbishop of Canterbury the pointes of the Oath which hee made to God and the Kingdom of England at the Altar vpon the holy Euangelists before the Prelates Nobles and whole people were these 1. That all the daies of life he would beare peace honour and reuerence to God and holy Church and the Ordinances thereof 2 That in the people to him committed hee would exercise right iustice and equitie 3. That hee would blot forth naughty lawes and peruerse customes if any were brought vpon his Kingdome and would enact good lawes and the same in good faith keepe and without mal-Eâ—…gyn Which oath being most solemnly taken and the sacred vnction performed the Archbishop standing at the Altar forbad him on the behalfe of Almighty God to assume that honour vnlesse hee had a full purpose to keepe what hee had sworne whereto Richard assenting and with his owne hands humbly taking the ponderous Crowne Imperiall from off the Altar in signification as is probable that hee held it onely from God hee deliuers it to the Archbishop who thereupon accomplished all the Ceremonies of Coronation 6 Which Act was accidently hanâ—…eld and auspicated with the bloud of many Iewes though vtterly against the Kings will who in a tu mult raised by the Ocean were furiousliè murthered which though it were afterward punished by the Lawes might seeme a presage that this Lion-hearted King as his by-name Ceur-de-Lion did import should bee a speciall destroier of the Enemies of our Sauiour 7 After counsell therefore first moouer in all worthy enterprises Money was in his first and chiefest cares for raising whereof to furnish the intended pilgrimage he fold morgaged estated and by a thousand princely skills as if he should neuer 〈◊〉 come againe added incredible heapes to those huge sums which hee had scruzed out of Stephen de Turnham his fathers Treasurer amounting to eleuen hundred thousand pounds sterling if some say true all hoorded by King Henry What could indeed be said enough for such a voiage and it was a cogitation woorthy so glorious a purpose so to order his estate as if hee were not to returne at all because looking-backe doth vnbend and soften resolutions 8 As for men and soldiers the Prelats Friars and other Preachers had stirred vp innumerable by their manifold exhortations the Arch-bishoppe of Canterburie hauing trauailed through Wales in person for that purpose going afterward with the King to Palestine where also he died in pulpits and priuate conferences sounding nothing but the Crosse and Passion of Christ calling the world to reuenge his cause vpon the Pagans and setting soules oâ—…re with vehement gestures actions and perswasions But the â—…ngdome of England he ordered thus 9 The onely maine danger of the 〈◊〉 abâ—… 〈◊〉 in his brother Iohn Earle of 〈◊〉 of whose ambition hee was some what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 knowing that King Henrie not long before his death had intended the Crowne to him to conquer therefore his appetites with bountie and munificence and to take away all murmuration in him for want of Princelie competencies King Richard did as it were share the Realm with him giuing him sixe Earledomes Cornwall Dorset Sommersette Nottingham Derby and Lancaster besides Castles Honors Manors Forests and much other riches and finallie the Earledome of Gloster with the Heire of that Countie to bee his Wife though the Arch-bishop of Canterburie forbad the Nuptialls alledging shee was within degrees of consanguinitie 10 But lest through euill nature or aduise Earle Iohn should conuert those so great gifts to the subuersion of the bestower Hee entrusted him with no part of the Regall power as the Key and secret of his proper safetie but laide the maine burthen of Gouernment vpoÌ„ William Longchamp Bishop of Ely chiefe Iustitiar and Lord Chancellor of England and Papall Legate a person out of all suspition for aspiring to the Crowne whereby was conferred vpon him whatsoeuer either King or Pope could grant for accomplishment of his authoritie so that he might well be stiled Prince and Priest of England as hee was one the most powerfull subiect for the time that perhaps this Realme hath had for though the King had as it were ioined with him in Commission one Hugh Bishop of Durham for the parts of England beyond Humber yet as it hapned in the Consulship of Caesar and Bibulus that nothing was reported
the same estate as in which King Richard found it 40 But the King of England though hee had very far excelled all the Christian Princes in great exploites at that iourney because* he had neither conquered Salaadine nor Ierusalem did mourne and parted pensiue In the holy-land hee left Henry Earle of Champaine who vpon taking the said Baruck was to haue beene crowned King of Ierusalem which Guido had resigned and hee left Guydo de Lusignian the late King of Ierusalem in Cyprus to whom hee had passed it in exchange for the other to aduance his Kinseman the said Earle of Champain which vpon that Title the familie of Lusinian for many descents after did possesse and enioy Thus Richard hauing ordered his affairs in the East parts sets saile homeward The Queenes Berengaria his wife and Ioan his sister with the Captiue Lady Daughter of the Cypriot Emperour vnder the conduct of Stephen de Turnham hearing of the Kings most heauie fortune soiourned at Rome about sixe moneths for feare of Richards enemies afterward came safe by Marsilia in Poictou 41 God whose cause was onely pretended in this voyage of the Christians did not seeme to approue the said truce for hee scattered the English with a terrible tempest and the opportunity of Conquest was so lost that hitherto it could neuer bee regained and the King of England letting it slippe when God had almost put the same into his hands did miserably fall into his enemies hands Certainelie the name of Richard was at that time growne terrible to Saladine who had receiued diuerslosses foiles and ouerthrowes at his haudes Moreouer the Saladines whole estate being endangered by such of his own sect as reputed him a meer vsurper hee could not long withstand the double impression of the Christian Cheualrie and of his owne Allies and Countrimen as indeed not long after* he died leauing his Empire fowly but iustly distracted by ciuill confusions whereas by this Truce the crafty Turke made the world see that the powers of two so potent Monarkes had in a manner effected nothing Richard could neuer haue time to return for accōplishment of his designs for which all Christendome hath at this howre reason to bee sorrowfull and hereofhimselfe* was very sensible so that hee would oftentimes crie out that hee was not alwayes wise alluding to this occasion lost 42 But the noble King hoping to pierce with speed through Germanie in disguise tooke to him the name of Hugo a Merchant the haire of his head and beard growne very long being the fitter to conceale him but in his iourney ouer land was neere to Vienna vnhappily discouered by the profusenesse of his expenses when hee saw he could not escape them in contempt of his fortunes he put on roiall garments and refused to yeeld but onely to the Duke himselfe who came with ioy as to a prey which he sore longed for but the rascall multitude cried things worthy of themselues calling him O barbarisme Traitour and some saying stone-him some cut off his head others hang him and because the inhumanity of this vsage may be suited with rimes as rude and ragged you shall in such heare the cause of this Arch-dukes malice growing first at Accon where the Author speaking of King Richard saith He gate it soone with his great Ordinance And on the walles his Banners full high set The Kings Armes he set vp also of France And King Guyes Armes of Ierusalem well bet The Duke of Oistrich Limpold without let Set vp his Armes after aboue them all Which King Richard did cast downe from the wall 43 And though it is certaine that this Author faines not this fact for that some such matter and told by * some with more disaduantage to Richards cause is by others related yet the grauest Authors agree that next to the common enuie at his vertues the greatest pretence was the murther of the Marquesse Conrad committed at Tyre by two cursed Assasines a* certaine sect in the East liuing vnder a Senior or Ruler whom they honor as a Prophet by whom they are sent forth to murther such Princes as fauor them not promising themselues the reward of immortality by obeying him in all things though with the losse of their owne liues Of which barbarous fact Henrie the Emperour and Leopold the Arch-duke whose neer kinsman Conrad was would seeme to beleeue that Richard was the Author though therin they toucht his princely reputation and integrity * most iniuriously for that the chiefe of that sect by their owne publike * letters written with the bloud of the shel-fish called Murex wherewith Scarlet vsed to be dyed acknowledging the fact declared the true cause thereof which was a particular Act of iniustice in Conrad himselfe There wanted not sundry other pretences as in such cases is vsuall as * that Richard had entred league with Tancred King of Sicilia the Emperours enemy and that hee had thrust the Cypriot their kinsman out of the Empire and kept his onely daughter Captiue But this booty being too great for a Duke the Emperour got into his custody meaning to coine much gold and siluer out of his most vniust affliction by sharpe imprisonment which could not make him in any act or speech or gesture of his shew beneath the Maiestie of a victorious Prince and King of England 44 The dismall newes thereof flying through the world presently disclosed who were sound or vnsure sorrow and dismay was euery where among his owne His carefull mother and other his fast friends sweare the realme to be true to King Richard watch the coasts and prouide for the security of the State with singular vigilancie assuring the Cities good Townes with Bulwarkes Walles and Munition On the contrary Earle Iohn being by the cunning inueigling and suggestions of his brothers professed foes not onely put out of all hope of his releasement but also incensed against him for intending the Crowne to his Nephew Arthur entred into an vnbrotherly attempt against his Soueraigne Lord the summe whereof take in the words of Thomas Walsingham who saith that Iohn with promises allured many to him through the whole Kingdom did carefully and speedily fortifie his holds in England and passing the seas entred into league with the King of the French that he might vtterly put his Nephew Arthur Duke of Britaine from that hope which the Britaines had conceiued of his promotion The Normans giuing any way to his disloiall practises hee swears fealty to Philip King of France his brothers most mortall enemie and also that he would take to wife the Lady Alice King Philips sister though polluted by his owne Father and for that cause reiected by King Richard Out of Normandy he posts into England sollicites Peeres and people and was loyally resisted but hee not quieted so labors to stirre the Scot and Welsh to
There were also taken 200. great horse whereof seuenscore had barbs and caparisons armed with yron King Richard in his owne person did most nobly for with one speare he threw to the earth Mathew de Mummerancie Alan de Rusci and Fulke de Giseruall took them So haue we vanquished the King of France at Gysors saith the King howbeit wee haue not done the same but God and our right by vs and in this fact we did put our owne head and kingdome in hazard aboue the counsell of all that were ours Howsoeuer therefore the French or others may slubber ouer such a noble Iourney wee haue not doubted vpon so good warrant to record the same 66 The warre continuing still many vertuous men laboured to make a finall accord and the new Pope Innocentius the third hauing proclaimed a new vndertaking of the Holy-warre sends a Cardinall Deacon to attone the two mighty Kings of France and England At length Articles of peace were drawne but Richard being farre before hand was nothing hastie to conclude and therefore put it off till his returne from Poictou whether hee went to chastice his rebels though * some say hee did then conclude the peace 67 At this enteruiew or treatie Philip King of France the sower of strife though he sought peace shewed to King Richard a deed in which Earle Iohn newly yeelds himselfe Liegeman to King Philip against his brother A wonderfull thing saith Houeden that Richard should beleeue it being perhaps but a Copie of that deuice or tricke if it were a deuice which they once had iointly put vpon the same Iohn as in the end of King Henry the second you heard who thereupon forthwith disseised the Earle his brother euery where But the Earle hauing searched and learned the cause of the Kings sudden displeasures whose loue hee had before redeemed with many loiall seruices Hee sends two men of Arms to the French Court who should on his behalf in what sort soeuer defend his honour and innocency against any his accusers but there was no man found in that Court neither King nor any other who would vndertake the proofe or maintenance thereof wherupon euer afterward Richard held his brother more deare and gaue lesse credite to King Philips words 68 But now ensued the fatall accident which drew the blacke cloud of death ouer this triumphall and bright shining starre of Cheualrie the vnworthy occasion of which misaduenture makes it the more lamentable which notwithstanding for a document to the Great ones against the outrage of Auarice and Cruelty God suffered thus to fal on him Widomare Vicount of Limoges hauing found a great * horde of gold and siluer sent no small portion thereof to King Richard as chiefe Lord with which being not contented as pretending that treasure troue was wholy his by vertue of his prerogatiue royall or else misliking that the Vicount should make the partition came with a power to a Castle of the Vicounts called * Chaluz where hee supposed the Riches were the Garrison of which place offered to yeeld the same and all therein if onelie their liues and limbs might be saued but hee would not accept of any conditions bidding them defend themselues as they could for he would enter by the sword and hang them all It grieues me to thinke that such a Prince should so forget himselfe but behold the seuerity of Gods iudgement An Arbalaster or Archibalista standing vpon the wall seeing his time charged his steele bow with a square arrow or quarrell making first his praier to God That hee would direct that shot and deliuer the innocency of the besieged from oppression Whereupon discharging it as the King was * taking a view of the Castle within the danger and distance of such an Engin the King vpon hearing the bow goe off stooping with his head was mortally wounded in the left shoulder the anguish perill wherof was extremely augmented by the butcherly and vnskilfull hand of the Surgeon who hauing drawne out the wood and not the enuenomed yron mangled the arme with cruell incisions before hee could preuaile the paine whereof hastned his end 69 Concerning the name of this tragicall Archer there is so much variety as that we could willingly take that vncertainety for a warrant to silence it being loth to ennoble him with our pen it being a thing worthily punishable with vter obliuiō to haue shed though defensiuely or but casually the bloud of such a King Mathew Paris in calling him Peter Basilij seemes to allude to some ominous conceit in Basilii which with the Greeks signifies a King him Thomas Walsingham followes therein as Mathew Paris followed * another there want not * some who also giue him a third name but Houeden who deliuers this accident as all the rest of this Kings life in the most probable and fullest manner cals him Bertram de Gurdonn applying vnto him certaine verses of Lucan in commendation of his vnapalled constācy when he came before King Richard where thou maist perhaps for satisfaction of thy mind with beholding some reuenge desire to know what became of the Actor After that the Castle by continuall assaults was taken and by the Kings command none left aliue but he as being reserued perhaps to some more shamefull death the king vpon a christian magnanimity for gaue him the fact which the party without shew of dismay did neither deny nor excuse but alledged the necessity of his case and the iustice of Gods worke in it for that the king had slaine his Father and two Brothers with his owne hand being hereupon set at liberty and one hundred shillings sterling giuen him by the king Markadey Captain of the Mercenarie Rowtes after the king was dead tooke him flead him quicke then by hanging ended his life 70 King Richard feeling the approch of certaine death disposed his worldly estate thus to his brother Iohn he gaue the kingdome of England and his other dominions with three parts of his Treasure commaunding such as were present to sweare him fealty to his Nephew Otho king of Almaine he bequeathed as it seemes all his goods and chattels money excepted and the fourth part of his said tresure he gaue to his seruants and the poore And hauing thus discharged his last cares toward the world concerning his transitory state he prepared himselfe for the presence of God strengthning his soule with hartie contrition confession and participation of the holy Sacrament commanding further that when he was dead his bowels should be buried at Charro◅ among the rebellious Poictouins as those who had only deserued his worst parts but his Heart to bee enterred at Roan as the City which for her constant loialty had merited the same and his Corps in the Church of the Nunnerie at Font-Ebrard in Gascoigne at the feet of his Father
King Henry to whom he had beene sometime disobedient and God affording him gracious leasure till hee had thus disposed of all the venemous vapour ascended to his heart and draue the spirite forth with whom say * Authors the glory and honor of Militarie skill exspired 70 There hath been an opinion or fancy that this King was called Cordelyon because hee encountred a Lyon in prison at the Emperours Court but saith one very truly these are fables imagined by English tale-tellers to aduance their King Richard as the Britaines by the like aduanced their King Arthur The like deuice though more lofty and Mathematicall may theirs seeme who coniecture hee was called so of the famous Starre called Cor Leonis But how the conceite of killing of a Lion should come vp as iâ—… is not worth the while to enquire so certainely Hugo de Neuile one of King Richards speciall familiars is recorded to haue slain a Lion in the holy-Land driuing first an arrow into his breast and then running him through with his sword whence perhaps that atchieuement is transferred from the man to the master and the story applide to the by-name of King Richard whereof the true reason is that which * Thomas Walsingham mentioneth saying That for the magnanimity of his heart grossitudinem praestans saith an other meaning as it seemes that his materiall heart it self was bigge and massiue which another also saith was inexpugnable this King was both by the English Normans stiled Caeur de Lion His Wiues Alice the daughter of Lewis the seuenth King of France by Queene Alice daughter of Earle Thibald of Champaigne is by some reputed the first wife of King Richard though indeede she were onely contracted to him being both children and committed to his Father but when he demanded her his father refused to deliuer her or she to com to him or both Wherefore being King conceiuing displeasure against King Philip her brother and more then suspecting her continency with his owne father by whom he alledged she had a child he refused to take her yet gaue a hundreth thousand pounds to Philip pro quieta clamantia to be quite freed from her She became the wife of William Earl of Ponthieu and had issue Queene Ioan of Castile the mother of Queene Eleanor wife to King Edward the first Berengaria the second wife of King Richard was the daughter of Sanches the fourth of that name King of Nauarre sonne of King Garcie the fourth her mother was Beatrice daughter of Alphonso the seuenth King of Castile called the Emperour of Spaine She was conueied by Eleanor the kings mother vnto the king in Sicily and married to him in Cyprus whence she accompanied him to the Holy land The king vpon what cause we find not neglected her company for a while but vpon more setled thoughts he resumed her againe to his loue and society but had no issue by her His naturall Issue Philip the naturall son of king Richard seemeth to haue been begotten while he was Earle of Poytou of a Gentlewoman Poytouin and to haue had of his fathers gift a towne in Poytou named Sumac to haue taken also his surname and title of the same towne and to haue beene the Progenitour of a familie of Gentlemen of the same surname title in the same Country Isabel by * some who mention not Philip at all is reputed the Naturall Daughter of king Richard whose mother the Author nameth not and that she was married to Leoline Prince of Wales Three other Daughters Bastards no doubt he is said to haue of whose names and matches wee will report as we finde recorded Whiles hee was in France imployed in his warres against king Philip Fulco a French Priest came vnto him telling him he had three very bad Daughters which he wished him to bestow away from him in marriage or else Gods wrath would attend him when the king denied he had any daughter yes quoth the Priest thou cherisest three daughters Pride Couetousnesse and Lecherie The king apprehensiue of his meaning called his Lords there attending and saide My Lords this Hypocrit hath found that I haue three Daughters which I maintaine viz. Pride Couetousnes and Lecherie which he would haue me bestow forth in mariage and therfore if any such I haue I haue found out most fit husbands for them all My Pride I bequeath to the haughty Templars Hospitallers who are as proud as Lucifer himselfe My Couetousnesse I giue to the white Monks of the Cisteaux Order for they couet the Diuell and all But for my Lechery I can bestow it no where better then on the Priests and Prelates of our times for therein haue they their most felicity Doubtlesse these mariages proued so fruitfull that their issue hath now ouerflowed all kingdomes of the earth IOHN DVKE OF NORMANDIE GVYEN AND AQVITAINE c. THE FIRST STILED LORD OF IRELAND THE FORTIE-FIFTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND HIS RAIGNE ACTS AND ISSVE CHAPTER VIII THe lustre of Diadems and Soueraignety so dazeleth the eyes and bewitcheth the hearts of ambitious beholders that whiles they fondlie deeme the greatest content to bee in highest Titles running after a seeming Happines they often cast themselues headlong and whole Kingdoms into irrepairable ruine as the calamities which after the death of the noble Ceur-de-Lyon lighted on the Pretenders to his Crowne and on this miserably distracted State will yeeld vs too ruful a President To the full acting of which Tragedy for such it was and so we must now present it in this our Theatre concurred as principall Actors the two though these Patients rather as the issue proued vnfortunate Corriuals for the Crowne Iohn Earle of Moreton Brother to the late King and his Nephew Arthur the Posthumous sonne of Geoffry Duke of Britaine the Earles eldest Brother their two Female and therefore more emulous and restlesse Solicitors Queen Eleanor and Lady Constance each ambitious of their owne in their Sonnes aduancements their two reuengefull Abettors Otho the Emperour for Iohn and Philip King of France for Arthur thereupon the two vniust Intruders on the Crowne Lewis the French Kings Sonne and Innocentius the Pope the one by vnprincely forces the other by vnpriestlie fraud and lastly their two sorts of treacherous Instruments of the Laitie for the one and Clergie for the other all which like so many Tragicke fire-breathing Furies set this State in so horrible combustion as that the smoake is not as yet so many ages after quite allayed 2 Earle Iohn the very Centre in which those calamities met had from his infancy beene fedde with high and royall hopes as being his Fathers onely darling from whome hee had the possession of the Irish and intendment also of the English Kingdom and in his brothers time whose return from the holy warres all men despaired had by gracious deportment
towards the Subiect obtained an oath of Fealty to himselfe in remainder in case his brother should die childlesse hauing now therefore the way to those his designs made smoother by the last Wil of King Richard and allegiance of his Nobles then attending for these courses may facilitate but not make a iust claime wee may not thinke that either hee was cold now for the accomplishment of that which so hotely hee had before pursued or so nice as to neglect a Kingdome vpon scrupulous points of Titles and Right Propinquity of Bloud pleaded for Iohn as Lineall descent for Arthur the Kings Brother being neerer then his Brothers sonne but Iohn who knew that the weaker vse to argue their Titles whiles the stronger hold the possession resolued to trie the strength of his claime by no other Law then of Armes and therefore being at time of King Richards death in those forraine parts hee makes it his first care to fasten to himselfe by present largesse and large promises of future fauours the vsuall Rhetoricke of Competitours all the Stipendiary Souldiers and other Seruitours of his deceased Brother To winne himselfe the like assurance of loue at home and to settle it it might be an vniuersall quiet he forthwith despeeded into England there to concurre with Queene Eleanor his experienced mother three of the choisest men of the State Hubert Lord Archbishop of Canterbury William Marshall a potent Peere and Geoffry Fitz-Peter the great Iusticiar by whose seuerall interests the three States of Clergy Chiualry and Commonalty might best bee eyther allured to him by fauours or awed by feare himselfe the whiles posting to Chinon where King Richards great Treasure was kept as knowing that hee should hardly get or keepe a Crowne by Forces or Friends if hee wanted Coine Crowns to winne and hold such needfull Ayders 3 The Treasurer though himselfe with his Store Castles and Fidelity thus assured to the Earle had yet a powerfull Nephew the Castellan of Angiers wholy deuoted to Duke Arthur to whose vse hee yeelded vp that City and Castle with whom also sided the Nobility of Aniou Maine and Turaine surrendring those large Territories as to their liege Lord iointly auowing it to be the Law and Custom of those Signiories that the heritage which was to accrew to the elder Brother if hee had suruiued should descend vnto his Sonne But Constance Arthurs mother no lesse desirous to be Regent to a King for her son was but twelue yeeres young then Queene Eleanor disdainefull to goe below a Dutchesse did not dare to build her high hopes on so low grounds for that such subordinate Princes as fauoured her cause might easily be corrupted by faire meanes or crushed by foule and therefore vpon newes of King Iohns successes in England for with general applause and homages hee was now proclaimed King distracted with violent and Woman-like Passions Ambition of her sonnes Right Rage for his Wrong Feare of his Safety and not the least Emulation that Queene Eleanor whose Prudence and Grace with the English had swayed exceedinglie should effect more in a wrong then her selfe in a iust cause shee flies to Turon to the French King Philip to seeke a Wolfe to whom shee might commit her Lambe to whose Protection shee wholy surrenders his Person his Cause his Countries Philip pretending as Princes vse atender care of his neighbour Princes state but meaning indeede out of so wished a prize to raise aduantage to his owne forthwith without regard of Truth or Truce sworne to King Richard reenforceth all Arthurs Cities and Castles with his French Garrisons some of which had scarse put their foot into Maunz but King Iohn was at their heeles to prouide them their last lodging sacking that Citie and demolishing it to the ground for a terror to all others which after fealty once sworne vnto him as they had done should dare to reuolt 4 Queene Eleanor who hauing setled England in Peace was now come ouer to forward her sonne in the Warres and was present at the surprising of Maunz is censured to haue too much sharpened his edge against her Nephew Arthur and his friends out of her implacable disdaine and Enuie towards Constance her Daughter in-Law and appears no lesse for the King passing thence into Aniou left there his Captaines and Forces with his mother who made Angiers participate the Fortunes of Maunz the City ruined the Citizens captiuated whiles himselfe comming to Roan was there by the hands of Walter the Archbishop in the Cathedrall Church with great pompe on Saint Marks Festiual girt with the Ducall Sword of Normandy and crowned with a Coronet of Golden Roses taking his Oath for faithfull administration in that Dukedome which was the pledge or earnest of his vnquestionable admittance to the English Diademe which euery day now expected him Neither yet may wee thinke albeit King Iohns mature experienced age his home-bred and well knowne education his reannexing of Irelands Kingdom to Englands made his person more gracious then Arthurs that yet his Agents all this while in England found no rubbs in their way before all the Earles Barons Burgesses Free-holders could bee induced to disclaime Arthurs apparant Right and to sweare fealty to King Iohn against al men liuing yea many of the English Peeres who through their last Kings absence and others conniuences had habituated in them a conceit of vncontrouled Greatnes which they miscalled Liberties and Rights vnder vayle whereof they after drew not onely vndue restraints vpon the Regaltie but also infinite calamities and massacres on the people whose good they pretended in the great Assembly at Northamton yeelded onely to sweare a Conditionall Fealty to keepe Faith and Peace to King Iohn if hee would restore to euery of them their Rights which was the first seed of disloyalties which after grew to so great a height Thus howsoeuer all domesticke difficulties ouerblowne and Queene Eleanor left in Aquitane to prouide against Forraigne King Iohn arriued at Shoreham and the next day comes to London preparing for his Coronation to bee at Westminster the morrow following being Assention day 5 Strange it was to consider if ought bee strange in State-plots how men otherwise very prudent transported once with Wordly and seemingpoliticke respects can so wilfullie cloud their Reason as to attempt those things which leaue both a present staine on their Soules and a lasting disreputation both of their Integrity and Wisedome wherein so much they glory For what else did Hubert Archbishoppe of Canterbury the man so famoused as the Pillar of the Common-wealthes stabilitie incomparable for deepe-reaching Wisedome when in that sacred and celebrious Assembly of all the States addressing for the roiall Inauguration hee added
King made humble supplications to the Lord Pope that hee would vouchsafe in a touch of pious compassion to support the English Church being at the point of ruine At whose earnest sollicitation the tender-hearted Pope grieuously lamenting the desolation of the Kingdome of England decreed by solemne sentence That King Iohn should bee deposed from his Kingdome and that the Pope should prouide some other who should bee deemed worthyer to succeed To effectuate the former clause Innocentius eagerly pursued the latter sending speedy letters to whom but King Iohns most mortall enemy Philip King of France requiring him to vndertake the labour of the dethroning King Iohn with no lesse reward then pardon for all his sins and enioying of the English Crowne to him and his heires for euer A goodly large patent both for a Spiritual and Temporall Kingdome which more like Mars his Priest then Christs Vicar he meanes to seale with a deluge of Christians bloud For not thus yet satiated hee transmits his Letters generall To all Potentates Souldiers men of warre of all nations to signe themselues with the Crosse and to follow their Captaine Philip for the deiection of King Iohn assuring all that their assistance whether in Person or Contribution shall bee no lesse meritorious then if they visited our Sauiours Sepulchre That this Pope vnder colour of such Crusadoes did formerly cloake his own Auarice his owne Monkes auerre but here hee cloakes therewith both his Pride and a far more sauage vice the thirst not of mens gold but of their bloud In which seruice with King Philip hee vsed the same English Prelates for his Negotiators which were before his Solicitors thereunto with whom also he sent his Factour Pandulph giuing him in priuate secret instructions how to manage euery particular of the whole designe to the most behoofe of the holy See 47 The French King likewise receiuing from the Archbishoppe and his Associates in a councel the Apostolike sentence was very apprehensiue of that imployment whereto not so much the Papall commaund as his owne ancient malignity and the English Barons traiterous requests had prepared him both which he was now willing to maske with the speous pretext of iustice and deuotion Vnder which colors hee had speedily marshalled an immense Army at Roan drew a mighty Nauy richly furnished to the mouth of Seyn al his Dukes Earls Barons Knights souldiers being sūmoned to the exploit vnder pain of hie Treason and disherizing who therforeboth in feare hope of spoile came flocking without number 48 A preparation of so great importance that all Christendom tooke notice of could not long be hidden from King Iohn whose care by reason of his now doubled opposition forrain domestick could be no lesse for his owne and his Kingdoms safety then was his Enemies for impugning both Wherfore his Summons being sent to all his officers both for Sea and land for speedy furnishing both of a Nauie an Army equiualent to encounter so powerfull an Inuasion such innumerable multitudes swarmed to Douer and other harbours for landing that the Chiefe-leaders for want of prouision dismissing the rest encamped at Barham-Downes onely with 60000. choice valiant and well appointed men who if they had carried all one mind and true affection towards their King and safegard of their Country there breathed not any Prince vnder heauen whose assault England had not beene able to repell And being no worse appointed for a Sea-fight his intent was to graple first with the French Fleet making no doubt of sinking them all so secure and confident was he in expectation of all Inuaders In which braue addresse whiles both shores of the Sea are thus belaid with both those Kings puissant Armies the one waiting for the Enemy the other for faire windes and more forces behold Pandulphus the Popes Pragmaticke hauing first desired safe conduct of King Iohn arriues at Douer to put in execution those secret Instructions which his Lord who made his aduantage of the Foxe-skinne as well as of the Lions had expresly prescribed He there vnfoldes to the King the innumerable multitude both of King Philips shippes and of his Souldiers Horse and Foote all in readinesse to passe and yet more expected to follow to bereaue him of his Kingdome by Apostolicall authority and to enioy it himselfe with his Heires for euer That with him were also comming all the English Exiles both Clergy and Lay they by his forces to repossesse their estates maugre the king and hee from them to receiue allegiance as from his sworne Subiects That hee had the fealty of almost all the English Peeres obliged to him by their owne Charters which made him distrustlesse of attayning easily his wished successe which calamities the more vnsufferable because imposed by his insulting enemie and his owne Subiects he might yet euade and retaine his Crowne which by Sentence hee had already lost if penitently hee would submit himselfe to the Churches iudgement Doubtlesse the straites whereinto the King saw himselfe plunged were very dreadfull so many deadly enemies abroad to assault him so few trustie friends at home to guard him which droue him into this sad cogitation that those his perfidious Peeres would now with their followers abandon him in the field or betray him ouer to the Sword of his Enemies Yet not vnlikely other motiues also might forcibly perswade him to relent the remembrance of the Emperour Otho whom this very Pope not without foule blot of Iniustice and Leuity had both eagerly aduanced and furiously dis-empyred the boundlesse furies of the Crusado promulged against him wherewith this Pope vsed to ouerflow as with a mercilesse Ocean all such Princes as withstood his will which once broken in would neuer end but with the end and ruine of all Thus thinking it better to yeeld to the time with assurance both of his Crowne and of the Popes fauour then desperatelie to hazard Life Crowne and all to his immortall foes hee redeemes his safety on such conditions as tiable that with money eyther paid or promised hee might be wrought like waxe and made plyable to all wicked actions Thus hauing the true length of the Popes foot he fittes him accordingly with rich presents and golden promises crauing by such mouing Rhetoricke not his aide onely but his Curse also against the Archbishoppe and Barons who so vncessantly distressed him But Innocentius forward of himselfe without any Motiues to put in vre those his Papall vertues and the execution of his late-vsurped power vpon the first gladsome newes of Englands Vassallage to his See had presently dispatched for England an Agent of greater port then Pandulph a Subdeacon Nicholas Bishoppe of Tusculum with no meaner credence and instructions for preseruing what the Pope had guilefully gotten then Pandulph had to purchase what hee ambitiously gaped
yours by the faithfull and sworne Children thereof The King in briefe answered hereunto that hee could not sodainely put off his Councell and therefore prayed a short respite till their accounts were audited Meanwhile the behauiours of the Marshalline faction hauing this backing at Court grew more and more intolerable for while the King was at Huntingdon the Lord Gilbert Basset and others set fire vpon Alekmundbury a Towne belonging to Stephen de Segraue the flames whereof were seene of the owner being then with the King at Huntingdon They also tooke prisoners vpon the Welsh Marches and according to the Law of VVarre which saith one is lawlesse did put them to their ransomes 46 Nothing had hitherto preserued the King more then that hee could without great griefe forgoe any fauourites if hee were neerely pressed the contrary quality whereof hath beene the cause of finall desolation to so many Princes For albeit the choice of Counsellors ought to bee free yet by common intendment they should bee good or howsoeuer they are or are not it is madnesse to hazard a Crowne or leese the loue of an whole Nation rather then to relinquish or diminish a particular dependant The rights of amity ought neuerthelesse to remaine inuiolable but in such distance that the publike be not peruerted nor interuerted for a priuate The King therefore in this point not vnfortunate commaunded Bishop Peter to betake himselfe to his residence at VVinton without once medling in affaires of State but against Peter Riuallis his Treasurer hee was so vehement that he sware hee would plucke out his eyes were it not for reuerence of holy Orders commaunding also their Poictouines to depart the Realme neuer to see his face more 47 Then are the Archbishop of Canterbury with the Bishops of Chester and Rochester sent into Wales to pacifie things there But the inuincible Earle Marshall had now crost the Seas into Ireland to take reuenge for the spoiles and disseisures which his hired enemies had made in his lands there by whose plots according to that secret agreement hee was finally taken and died of a wound giuen him in the backe as hee with admirable manhood defended himselfe His Body was buried in Kilkennie which pleasantly-situated Towne our Soueraigne King Iames erected into a City where himselfe in his life had appointed in the Oratorie of the Minorites in which Town as yet some small tokens of this great name are remaining for in the East window of the Abbey-Church of S. Iohn Baptist and in the Abbey of S. Dominicke the ancient Armories of Marshal Lord of Kilkenny are yet extant The Patrimony of this Earle was shared by the Contractors according to the purport of the Letters patents but when the King heard of his death hee to the wonder of all that were by brake forth into teares bewailing the losse of so braue a Knight affirming that he had left no Peere behind him in the Kingdome A blessed King saith Paris to loue euen those who had offended him 48 The Archbishoppe of Canterbury with the other Bishoppes repaired to the King at Glocester vpon their returne from Leoline Prince of Wales who pretended hee could not conclude till the King had receiued into grace such of the banished Nobility with whom himselfe had beene confederated during the late displeasures The King hereupon moued with Pittie sends forth his Proclamations that all such as were outlawed or proscribed should bee at Gloucester vpon a certaine day there to be receiued into the Kings fauour againe and to haue restitution of their inheritances but lest they might suspect any euill measure it was ordered that they should bee in the Churches protection and come vnder the safe-conduct of the Archbishoppe and the other Prelates Thither at the time and place limited doth Hubert de Burgo Earle of Kent and lately chiefe Iusticiar of England repaire vpon whom by mediation of the Bishops the compassionate King looks gratiously receiuing him in his Armes with the kisse of peace in like sort was the Lord Gilbert Basset and all others of that fellowshippe receiued into fauour their seuerall liuings and rights fully restored and both Hubert and Basset admitted to bee of his Councell And that nothing might bee wanting to make the ioy vniuersall Gilbert Brother to the late Earle Marshall had the whole Earldome conferred vpon him with all the lands and rights thereof wheresoeuer notwithstanding the foresaid treacherous conueyance whom also the King made Knight at VVorcester and deliuered into his hands the Rod of the Marshalship according to the custom Howbeit in all these points the King may seeme but to haue temporized as thereto driuen by ouer-bearing inducements or else greatly afterward to haue changed his iudgement because hee openly at one time called the said Richard a bloudy Traitour and caused this Gilbert to bee forcibly kept out of the Court vpon a Christmas day 49 Vpon this reconcilement the practise by which the late great Marshall was destroyed and his possessions dismembred came to light the copy of the letters which had beene sent into Ireland being by commandement of the Archbishoppe of Canterbury openly read in the presence of the King the Prelates Earles and Barons It moued teares in all of them the King with an Oath affirming that hee knew not the contents of the said letters though by the vrging of the Bishoppe of Winchester Riuallis Segraue Passeleu with other of his Councell hee had caused his Seale to bee put vnto them At the sound of Summons to make their seuerall appearances the Malefactors take Sanctuary the Bishop and Peter de Riuallis in Winchester Church Segraue in Leicester Abbey Passeleu in the new Temple and others otherwhere In the end vpon the intercession of Edmund Archbishop of Canterburie who piously endeauoured to extinguish all occasions of further dissention in the Kingdome and vndertooke they should haue a lawfull triall the delinquents appeared at Westminster before the King who sate in person with his Iusticiars vpon the Bench. Peter de Riuallis was first called for the Bishop came not whom the King shot through with an angrie eye saying O thou Traitour by thy wicked aduise I was drawne to set my Seale to these treacherous letters for the destruction of the Earle Marshall the Contents whereof were to mee vnknowne and by thine and such like counsell I banished my naturall Subiects and turned their minds and hearts from me By thy bad counsel thy Complices I was moued to make warre vpon them to my irreparable losse and the dishonour of my Realme in which enterprize I wasted my treasure and lost many worthie persons together with much of my royall respect Therefore I exact of thee an account aswell of my treasure as of the custodies of Wardes together with many other profites and escheates belonging to my Crowne Peter denying none of the accusations but falling to the ground thus
face of profit and setled quiet 97 For the affaires of the realm thus strangely managed the King in person sailes ouer into France there to demand a peaceable restitution of such Signiories as Philip Lewis Father of this Lewis had iniuriously withdrawne from his father King Iohn The French replied that no restitution was due for many respects specially because the ancient grant made to Rollo the first Duke of Normandy was not voluntary but extorted by feare and force of Armes in the dayes of the weake state of France The King hauing no disposition to recouer his claimes by battell and destitute of money wherewith to wage an Armie but principally for that his owne Peeres and people stood on their guard against him did vnwillingly ratifie a conclusion the Articles whereof were that the King of France should quietly hold the Dukedom of Normandy and Earledome of Angiou Main also Tourain and Poictou for three hundreth thousand small pounds of Tourain and vpon promise to receiue other lands to the yeerely value of twenty thousand pounds Polydor saith that the reputed limits of the English Pale in France were from thenceforth the riuer of Charent in Xanctoing and the mountaines Pyrenaees and that hee should peaceably haue Angoumois Quercy and Limain being Countries marching vpon Gascoigne in lieu of the rest yet so as the King of England should hold them of the Crowne of France by homage and fealtie Vpon these Articles the king acquitted and for euer renounced all his challenge to Normandy the other lands and thenceforth abridged his Stile and changed his Seale vsing a Scepter in place of a Sword whereon these Monkish and mockish verses were written Est M. CCLIX vtinam concordia foelix Andegauis Picta-uis Neustria genterelictâ Anglorum dantur tibi France Sigilla nouantur Nomina tolluntur fugit Ensis Sceptra geruntur M CCLIX God grant firme peace thou fix Poictou Angiou Normans to France range yon New Seales are made old Styles forsaken Downe laid the Blade Scepters vp taken 98 The King at these vnworthy rates hauing secured himselfe from the French labours to vindicate the Regall power out of the vsurping Barons hands whose ouer-toppings at home had driuen him to those forraine indignities alleadging that the Oath which his sonne and hee had taken at Oxford was voide in regard it was compulsorie that the Barons also who pretended the profite of the Realme sought onely their owne honour and gain contrary to their decrees For his more security he takes the Tower of London preparing force by the helpe of his brother King of Romans There followed a grieuous perturbation of the Realm although at this time it brake not forth into the extremity Armes being laid downe for a little space Edward the Kings eldest sonne would not trauerse the oath he had made at Oxford but held with the Barons for the present The King the Queene and his selected friends still remaine vpon their guard in the Tower where hee in the yeere before had burst vp the locks of the ancient Depositum or dead stocke of the Crown to employ against the Barons Peace was notwithstanding brought about againe by the Queenes speciall diligence and Douer and Rochester Castles whither hee went in person are deliuered vnto him This makes him resolue to pursue the Barons the rather also for that the French King who much condemned the Barons vniust courses had promised his assistance Henry therefore thrusts out the Barons Chancellor Chiefe Iusticiar placing Walter Mertō Philip Basset men of much more loyall affections in their roomes The Barons hearing of this hasten in Armes to Winchester where the King was who hauing intelligence by his faithfull Clerk Sir Iohn Mansel got back into the Tower of London The King of France was made Vmpire in the quarrell The cause was heard at Amiens where hee gaue iudgement with the King of England against the Barons pronouncing all the Statutes and Acts made at Oxford to bee vtterly void prouided neuerthelesse that the Charter of Liberties which King Iohn had made to the English nation should in no sort bee thereby infringed This prouiso animated Simon Earle of Leicester and the Barons to maintaine all the Statutes of Oxford because they were pretendedly founded vpon that Charter notwithstanding that iust iudgement which King Lewis had giuen The secret confederacy with Lewelin Prince of Wales ministred to the Barons no little encouragement who about this time wasted the Dominions of Prince Edward in the Marches of Wales This iudgement of the French King did much disaduantage the Barons of whom diuers being drawne with perswasions gifts and promises reuolted from Simon Montfort There was now a taking of Townes and Prisoners on all hands Prince Edward who now was wholy for his Father in despite of the Barons takes the Castel of Bristol and fines the City at a thousand pounds Simon Montfort executeth his greatest reuenges vpon the Queenes friends which were Aliens not sparing the Kings Marching forward he recouers Gloster Castell enters Worcester and Bridgenorth lastly surpriseth the I le of Ely subduing that fastnesse or fenny strength to the Barons vse Sir Iohn Mansel the Kings Councellour fearing the euent of things flies secretly from the Tower where the King was Henry sonne to the King of Almain was after this taken by the Barons Meanewhile Prince Edward fortifies Windsor Castle with strangers Mutuall wearinesse at length begat a desire of peace and the King had yeelded that the Statutes of Oxford should stand but the Queene was vtterly against it not without cause for it did enfeeble the arbitration which the French King had made The Queenes opposition in this point was knowne to the Londoners which put the baser sort into so lewd a rage that shee being to shoot the Bridge from the Tower toward Windsor they with durt and stones and villanous words forced her to returne Prince Edward vnder the conduct of the Bishoppe of Worcester came from the Castle of Bristol by reason of quarrell betweene his men of warre and the Burgers and contrary to his promise entred into Windsor Castle but afterward going forth to meet Simon Montfort at Kingston vpon Thames with purpose to offer peace the said Simon got Windsor Castle would not permit him to depart At London yet in a Parliament matters were pieced againe and the Kings side grew stronger dayly 99 There were with him his brother King of Romans his sonne Edward William de Valence whom Prince Edward had brought out of France Iohn Comyn of Scotland with a multitude of valiant Scots whose King was Henries sonne in law Iohn de Baliol Lord of Gallway Robert de Brus c. with whom hee marcheth from London to Oxford where the Rendeuou of his friends and forces was appointed The King meaning to make that place where his chiefe blow was giuen him his
S. Salomon Rochester chiefe Iustice of Assises 4000. M. S. Richard Boyland 4000. Marks S. Thomas Sodentone 2000. Marks S. Walter de Hopton 2000. Marks S. William Saham Iustice 3000 Marks Robert Littelburie Clerk 1000. Marks Roger Leicester Clerk 1000. Marks Adam de Stratton beside other riches incredible 32000. Markes But with one Sir Thomas Weyland the Kings chiefe Iustice being found belike most false he dealt farre more sternely for he not only seised vpon all his moueable goods and Iewels which he had done to others but also vpon his immoueable and banisht him moreouer out of the Kingdome At which time the King constrained all his Iustices to sweare that from thence forth they would take no pension fee or gift of any man except only a breakfast or the like present O diuine and still necessary seuerity onely able to breake the pernicious combination of men that vnder the profession of law offices of Iustice make merchandize of honor iustice law and conscience which cannot in the end but ◅ring forth ruine and confusion 18 That tempest now which * Thomas Ersilton a Scottish Rimer is said to haue obscurely prophecied alluding to the troubles of Scotland by reason of King Alexanders death hapned about these times which raised so great and bloody contentions that it had almost blowne vp the regalitie of that kingdome by the very rootes For when by the violent fall from his horse King Alexander had most vnfortunately lost his life that Realme was wofully destitute of any apparent heire sundry persons stāding in competition for the same These things were thought to be foreshewed from heauen by many fearefull presages as extraordinary Meteors Flouds Fires and Pestilence But King Edward intending to sway that affaire and being vpon his way toward the borders the death of his royall consort and Queene which he lamented while himselfe did liue called him backe to the celebration of her funerals as her excellent virtues did well deserue To our Nation shee was a louing mother saith one the Column and pillar as it were of the whole Realme In her honour the King her husband who loued her aboue al worldly Creaturs caused those many famous tropheis or crosses to be erected wheresoeuer her noble coarse did rest as it was conueyed from Lincolneshire to buriall in Westminster Nor coulde any thing but the respect to other weighty matters now presently in hand with-holde our pen from paying to her memory a farre more copious commendation 19 Those mourning offices as mournfully performed the King repaires into Northumberland whither the greatest and sagest persons of the Scottish nation being come themselues hauing sought to him Edward makes claime to the superiority of Scotland and requires that the Competitors woud quietlie assent to his award alleaging that the Crowne of that Realme was held of him for more credit to which assertion he vouched sundry books and actss whereunto the Scots replied That they were ignorant that any such superiority belonged to the King of England neither could they make answere to such things without a King the head vpon whom it lay to heare such a denunciation and protested that other answere they ought not as then to giue in regard of their Oath which after the death of Alexander their King they had made one to the other and the same to keepe vnder paine of excommunication Whereupon the King deliuered to them his letters Patents in which he acknowledged that the comming of those Scots on this side the water of Twede should not be at any other time vrged to preiudice them for comming againe into England that is That their example should not so be drawne to an argument of King Edwards right ouer them as if they were to come againe vpon dutie so prudentlie iealous were these Patriots of their Countries liberty 20 The names of the Competitors were these according to Walsingham Erick King of Norway who appeared by his Attorneys Florence Earle of Holland Robert le Brus Lord of Annandale Iohn de Baliol Lord of Galway Iohn de Hastings Lord of Abergeuenny Iohn Comin Lord of Badenaw Patrick de Dunbar Earle of March Iohn de Vesci on his Fathers behalfe Nicholas de Sules William de Rosse These all peaceably submitted themselues for so much as concerned their seuerall titles to the Scottish Crowne to the finall award and arbitration of King Edward passing thereof an authentick Instrument vnto him who hauing giuen caution to restore the realme of Scotland within a certaine prefixed time to that party to whom the Crowne thereof should be adiudged had seisin deliuered to him the better to put the sentence in execution or say the writers of that nation they giuing him power to constraine the parties to stand to this sentence The whole carriage of which weighty businesse being so diuersly related and censured by the writers of both nations though for the present it be not material both Kingdoms now blessedly acknowledging one absolute Superiour wee will so trace the steps of truth in a middle way as resoluing neither to impeach the action of that glorious vmpier nor preiudicate the right of our noble sister nation The State of Scotland now was not without manifest perill for the Scots denying that their Kingdome was in anie point subalterne to the Crowne of England and King Edward either perswaded that it was so or resoluing and plotting now to make it so would not neglect the aduantage of this Akphalisis or want of a known head in Scotland 21 Vpon full ventilation therefore and scanning of all rights the maine doubt rested vpon Lord Brus and Baliol for the residue might seeme rather to affect the honour of hauing pretended title in blood to a Diademe then to haue colour to contend with either of them Great was the aduise and deliberation as there was cause which King Edward tooke therein for not trusting to his owne iudgement hee caused saith Hector Boetius twelue of the best Clerks or learned men of Scotland and twelue of England to concurre as Assessors with him in that great decision 22 While this weighty cause was in debatement there fell out deadlie strife betweene the English and Normans occasioned by one of them casually slaine by the English which mischiefe the King of France forwardly nourisht as thirsting for the dutchy of Gascoigne which best he might attain by troubling the forreine affaires of King Edward whom they saw now entangled at home in so weighty emploiments Whereupon the Normans slew sundry of the English and hung vp one vpon the mast of a Shippe whom they had taken at Sea but ere long after threescore English ships encountring with two hundreth saile of Normans laden with wines after a most bloody battel wherein many thousands of the French were slaine tooke with their whole fleete their full reuenge and brought them into England 23 At last yet King Edward returning to
Berwicke hauing with him the said twenty foure Assessors as it were a iury of either nation and with the good will and assent of the Scottish Lords gaue solemne iudgement with Baliol as being descended of the eldest daughter of Dauid Earle of Huntington a yonger sonne of Scotland whose issue the line of the elder brother being extinct was to inherite without question But the strife being betweene the descendents of the said Dauid of which the Lord Robert Bruce was also a principall reasons of importance were produced which drew many mens iudgements to incline to him as hauing a neerer interest to that Crowne But according to the sentence Baliol was solemnly crowned King of Scotland vpon S. Andrews day and in Christmas following repaired to King Edward at Newcastle vpon Tyne and there against the minds of many Scots did homage vnto him for the whole Kingdome of Scotland 24 Meanetime the French King pursued the reuenge of the Normans demanding restitution and citing King Edward iudicially to appeare to answere such wrongs as were done in Aquitaine who desirous to settle his owne affaires at home or as some write eager vpon a match for himselfe in France while he discouered either his vnwillingnes to appeare in that kind or to warre suffered himselfe by a French deuise to be meerely deceiued and put out of his possession of Gascoigne to the great mischeife and disaduantage of the English whereupon K. Edward highly incensed called a Parliament at London where Iohn king of Scotland was present and had the full consent of the whole Realme to regaine that honestlie by the sword which was craftilie gotten away by a cunning trick renouncing to the French his homage for Aquitain Wales also was at the same time full of troubles but the fires of rebellion there rashly kindled were not long after quencht with the blood of the Actors and thousands of their Complices 25 Baliol hauing thus obtained the Crowne of Scotland and finding his party by the homage which he had made to King Edward much empaired among the Scots who greatly repined thereat for regaining their loues attempted a secret combination with the French against the English which Edward ignorant of and requiring him by vertue of his homage to aid him with all his powers against the King of France discouered by Baliols delaies and trauerses the said conspiracie Whereupon he aduanced forward against the Scots with a puissant armie to Newcastle vpon Tyne The first blood which was drawne was of the English of whom the Scots slew almost one thousand in a village vnder the leading of one Robert de Ros who had fled from King Edward The City of Carlile likewise was assaulted and the County of Cumberland spoiled by seuen Earles of Scotland and their companies which to Edward was not greatly displeasing as was said for that the first hostile acts were done by them whom he had a full purpose to subdue that at last he might bee sole in Albion which had not God reserued for other times we might wonder he effected not 26 King Edward therefore presented himselfe before the strong Towne of Berwick with a mighty host there to auspicate his entrance to a conquest of Scotland and after summons sent to the Towne abode one whole day without offer of violence The Townesmen refusing to render had a victory of the English Marriners who rashly entring with twentie and foure Ships into the harbour were repelled with the losse of foure of their vessels which was soone reuenged by the forceuble taking of Berwick where Hector Boetius saith there was exercised great cruelty by the English In the Towne the Flemish Merchants who were smothered by the English with fire had a very strong house in the maner of a Tower from whence they leueld at the entring of the English with darts and iauelins one of which casually slew Richard of Cornewal a gallant Gentleman brother to the Earle of Cornwal which in an army heated with former contumelies for the Scots vpon the slaughter and repulse which they had made of the English marriners published certaine rimes in derision as VVhat wenys King Edward with his Longshancks To haue wonne Berwicke all our vnthancks c. together with the remembrance of many fresh shrewd turnes might stirre vp bloody effects After the Towne was thus taken the Castle after stood not long out but rendred it selfe Sir William Dowglas captaine therof was detained prisoner and as some write Sir Robert Bruce others were suffered to depart vpon oath to beare no armes from thenceforth against the King of England The losse of this important Towne and Castle was very great for it was the key and common Bulwarke of Scotland 27 While the English at this place were busie to cast a very deepe ditch to hinder the sodeine inroades of their enemies Iohn King of Scotland sent two religious men to the King of England with letters in which alledging that he was by Oath bound to defend his owne kingdome and people he renounced his homage and fealtie as extorted by violence and void in it selfe being made without assent of the three estates of his Realme The resignation was admitted King Edward commanding his Chancellor to record the same for perpetuall memorie as a iustification of his proceedings 28 The Scots hereupon vnder the conduct of the Earles of Bucquhan Menteth Strathern Ros Athol Marr and other of their nobility made an incursion into England whence with the spoiles of two religious houses and other booties they returned But Patrick Earle of Dunbarre came to King Edwara submitting himselfe and the Castle of Dunbarre by this submission being vnder King Edwards protection was regained by Scots For recouerie or surregaining whereof the King sent Iohn Earle of Surrey and Sussex and William Earle of Warwick who were entertained with battel by the Scottish nation of whom the English after cruell fight obtained a victory of great importance the chase holding about eight miles in which the slaughter was not small The siege of Dunbarre being reinforced King Edward had it yeelded vnto him at his comming wherein were taken three Earles sixe or seuen Barons besides many knights and Esquires which were all sent prisoners to diuerse Castles of England and if some say true not put to the sword as Hector transported perhaps with hatred to Edward writes contrary to his word and faith giuen 29 King Edward knowing as well how to vse a victorie as to get it hauing a present spirit vpon all aduantages and turnes of fortune takes the Castle of Rocksbrough and for a finall end to this affaire marcheth to Edenburgh it selfe the chiefe Towne of Scotland which was shortly rendred Then tooke they Striueling also and draue Baliol to the Castle of Forfar where Iohn Comin Lord of Strabogie submitted himselfe to King Edward About this time there came
to the English campe great numbers of Welsh souldiers with whom he releeued many of the English footemen tyred with seruice sending them backe into England Thither also came the Earles of Vlster with bands of Irish. 30 The King of England prospering thus passeth with his army ouer the Scottish Sea where while he kept the feast of Saint Iohn Baptist at Perth or Saint Iohns Towne there came messengers from Baliol and the Lords his factors to sue for mercy which was granted vpon condition that they should render themselues to him as his subiects Hector Boetius saith that after this agreement wherein Anthonie Bishop of Durham was vsed Iohn Comin brought Baliol void of all kingly habiliments with a white rod in his hand to the English campe at Montros where he resigned his whole right that he either had or might haue to the Crowne of Scotland into king Edwards hands and made thereof a formall Charter in French and at the same time also for feare of life gaue his sonne Edward for hostage and assurance of his fealtie by which final disclaime the Lord Bruces right might seeme now vnquestionable But this resignation being thus made king Edward returnes to Berwick where all the Nobles of Scotland at a Parliament there holden were sworne to be loyall and true subiects to king Edward for euer after and hereof a solemne instrument was sealed by the said Lords of whom Iohn Comin of Badenaw was first bearing date at Berwick in the twentie fifth yeere of the reigne of their Souereigne Lord King Edward 31 Iohn the late King was sent to the Tower of London and there was honourably attended hauing liberty for twenty miles about The Scottish Lords were confined within Trent ouer which Riuer they might not passe toward Scotland vpon paine of life The custody of Scotland was committed to Iohn de Warrenn Earle of Surrey and Sussex and the Treasurershippe thereof to Hugh de Cressingham but William de Ormesby was ordained Iusticiar with this particular commandement that hee should take the homages and fealties of all such as held lands of the King And the more to shew his purpose vtterly to dissolue the distinct Regality of Scotland and to vnite it to the English Monarchie as hee had done Wales hee tooke out of Edinbrough the Crowne Scepter and Cloath of Estate offering them vp at Saint Edwards shrine in Westminster if the Author mistake not for at Saint Thomas at Canterbury hee offered vp Baliols Crowne saith another and besides many other Acts tending to the abolishment of the Scottish Name which Hector relates as the burning their Records abrogating their lawes altering their forms of diuine seruice and transplanting all their learnedst men thence vnto his Vniuersity of Oxford hee tooke out of the Abbey of Scene the Marble Chaire in which the Kings of Scotland were wont to bee crowned and sent the same to Westminster for Priests to sit therein at Celebration This Chaire is the same vpon which was engrauen the famous Propheticall Distichon Ni falat fatum Scoti quocunque locatum Inuenient lapidem regnare tenentur ibidem If Fates goe right where ere this stone is pight The Regall race of Scots shall rule that place Which by whomsoeuer it was written we who now liue finde it happily accomplished But these great Acts of this yeere brought to the Commons of England small commodity vpon whom the charge of the warres lay heauily and it is not often found that the people gaine much by their Princes Conquests 32 The force of Scotland with a greater force being thus for the present broken who would suppose that it could once again haue lifted vp the head and that chiefly by the particular vertue of a priuate man as it after hapned which hee had the more oportunity to doe for that the King of England was diuersly diuerted by occasion of warres in Gascoigne for recouery of his owne and for aid of his friends in Flanders whom the French did afflict in hostile manner The Captaine of the reuolted troupes in Scotland was one William Wallace the sonne of Sir Andrew Wallace of Cragie Knight though some vpon hearesay write contemptibly of his course of life as of a publike robber who by the assistance of such as were outlawed for refusing to doe their homage to King Edward draue William de Ormesby the Kings Iusticiar out of Scotland Which King Edward hearing discharged Iohn Comin of Badenaw and the Earle of Bucquhan from their confinement to the entent that hee might by their endeuours the sooner settle matters but withall hee gaue Iohn de Warren Earle of Surrey commission to leuie an Army and the king loath to bee hindred from his other destinations easily yeelded to such requests as were propounded on the Scots behalfe for that time The voyage which hee had then in hand was to transport from Winchelsea an Armie to assist the Earle of Flanders his confederate 33 England at this time was not without great discontentments which Humphrey de Bohun Earle o◅ Hereford and Essex Constable of England and Roger Bigot Earle of Norfolke Marshall of England did countenance for present satisfaction whereof the King yeelded among other things to confirme Magna Charta and Charta de Foresta and that there should no Subsidie nor taxation bee leuied vpon the people without the consent of the Prelates Peeres and people But before this time and while the King was absent out of the land the Scots vnder the leading of VVilliam VVallas put to flight the Earle VVarren and all the English Forces which were with him taking them at aduantage as they were passing ouer a narrow Bridge neare vnto the Castle of Striuelin the slaughter of the English was not smal There Hugh de Cressinghām Treasurer of Scotland for King Edward feel in battell whose dead body for speciall hatred borne vnto him the Scots did flea diuiding his skinne among them The King hearing of this ouerthrow commands the Lordes of England by his letters to bee ready to assist the said Earle VVarren his Custos or Guardian of Scotland with their Forces in the Octaues of S. Hilary at Yorke and also to proclaime such of the Scottish Lords as came not thither enemies of the State but they kept themselues within Scotland and came not Whereupon the English Captains marched to the rescue of the Castle of Rocksbrough whence VVilliam VVallace fled vpon notice of their approach to raise his siege But King Edward aduertised of these accidents hauing taken a truce for two yeeres with the King of France by mediation of Bonifacius the Pope who interposed himselfe non tanquam Iudex sed amicabilis Compositor saith VValsingham not as a Iudge but as a friendly Composer made hast into England where his presence was extremely wanting but in his way home at a Towne called Ardeburg all the Scots almost which hee had brought with
can be terrified with swelling lies as if like one that had no power to compell I would let the right which I haue ouer you to slip out of my hands Let me heare no more of this for if I do I swear by the Lord I will consume all Scotland from sea to sea On the other side the Scots did boldly enough replie That in this cause they would shed their bloud for defence of iustice and their Countries liberty 40 About this time the King made his sonne Edward who was borne at Caernaruon Prince of Wales and Earle of Chester which so greatly contented the Welsh because in regard of his birth place they held him as one of theirs that when all friends did afterward forsake him as the following raigne will shew they alwayes stucke most loyally vnto him expressing wonderfull loue and affection and bewayling his heauy fortunes in wofull songs which neither the dread of his enemies nor length of time could euer make them to forget 41 But in the matter of Scotland the King not to seeme altogether to neglect the Court of Rome addressed thither the Earle of Lincolne and the Lord Hugh de Spenser with manifold complaints against the Scots and iustification of his owne proceedings how beit at the Popes request he granted them truce from Hallowmas to Whitsontide This very yeere Cassan King of Tartars gloriously slew one hundreth thousand Turkes in a battell vpon the plaine of Damascus and was baptized therupon as acknowledging the victory to come from the sonne of God the ioy wherof filled England as other the partes of Christendome 42 The iustice of the English Armes against the Scots being now againe directly impugned by the Papall letters comprehending sundry arguments on the behalfe of that Nation King Edward in a Parliament at Lincolne published their contents and by consent of the whole representatiue body of the Realme returned a copious defence of his whole proceedings with protestation first that hee did not exhibite any thing as informe of iudgement or triall of his cause but for satisfaction of his holy Fatherhoods conscience and not otherwise But whereas the Pope had required the King to stand to his decision for matter of claime hee writes that thereunto hee would make no answere as hauing left that point to the Earles and Peeres of his land who with one mind directly signifie that their King was not to answere in iudgement for any rights of the Crown of England before any Tribunall vnder Heauen and that by sending Deputies or Atturneyes to such an end hee should not make the said truth doubtfull because it manifestly tended to the disinherison of the said Crown which with the helpe of God they would resolutely and with al their force maintaine against all men So ceased that Action and the sooner also for that Bonifacius had much to doe at home by reason of some great controuersies between the French and him Meane time Sir Iohn Segraue Lord Segraue a renowned Souldier was sent Gouernour or Custos into Scotland with an Army after the Truce expired which at the French Kings instance King Edward had yeelded vnto for a time Iohn Cumin who had also beene a Competitor for the Crown was chosen by the Scots for their Gouernour 43 We may not here ouerpasse a victory at Rosselin which the Writers of that nation celebrate wherin the English were by them ouercome howbeit there is in our Writers much variety in that relation It is the saying of Hector Boetius that the English were about three for one our ancient and later authors say that the Scots had farre the more people he affirmes that it was in the plaine field ours that it was an Ambush he that the Scots did put to flight and tooke the spoiles of three whole battels in either of which were 10000. English ours that the Scots by reason of their multitudes did onely ouerbeare the Vauntgard from which the nearest of the other battels was foure miles off All agree in this that the Lord Iohn Segraue Ralfe Confrey saith Hector who had the point or voward of the English whose Generall he also was by diuiding his army into three parts for their better reliefe weakned so his whole force that thereby and his vnaduised forwardnes impatient to stay for his other powers he gaue occasion to the Scots of such a victory They had also taken the person of the said Lord Generall but Sir Robert de Neuilc who with others was at diuine seruice hearing therof came with his troups of horse rescued Segraue slew many put many to flight and brought away backe the rest of the prisoners without the losse of any one man of his owne The said Scottish Chronicle makes no mention of William Walleys at this discomfiture of the English but giues the whole glory thereof to Cumyn and to Simon Fraser whereas we attribute all to Walleys and make no mention of the other with farre lesse wrong to the immortall deserts of Walleys for he vndoubtedly was the only man who kept vp Scotland till neere the time of deliuerance 44 The Scottish Nation as Hector reports had for their warrant in conscience and iustification of resistance the Popes iudgement who vpon ripe deliberation in their matter decreed saith he that the Scots had iust action of battell in defence of their liberties against King Edward who not much esteeming the doome of that Oracle vpon the other side was perswaded hee might proceed to subdue them wholy to his dominion and therefore vpon report that the Scots were not only vp in Armes but encouraged to greater attempts by this late successe came in person with a dreadfull host piercing therewith through all Scotland from one end thereof to the other from Rocksbrough to Catnes which is the farthest point in the length of that Land being about three hundreth miles whither he marched by small iourneys not an enemie appearing with power to empeach him For they vnable to make head being so continually wasted did either for their safetie betake themselues to the woods and Mountaines with their Walleys or wholly submitted themselues swearing to be true to king Edward there being in al Scotland but one Castle the Castle of Striueling which stood out and that also vpon King Edwards returne from Catnes was absolutely surrendred to him and therefore no great cause why Hector should call King Edward false Tyrant for committing the Captaine and Garrison of that Castle to sundry Prisons So that had not God in his eternall prouidence fauouring the liberty of that people ordeined some inaccessible places and naturall strengths where no Armie could march nor be maintained the Scots had in all liklihood perpetually vndergone the same fortune which we the English were brought into for want of the like by William the first and his Normans 45 Therefore let prophane discourses with their Father Epicurus and Lucretius
betweene the hammer and the anuile the Scots vpon the one side and these false English on the other all was lamentable and brought in a maner to nothing and this face of things continued there about foure yeeres 32 Neither did the King seeme to haue any will or power to relieue the common calamities but rather to conuert his whole both wits and forces vpon reuenges against the Lords who vnder pretence of their extorted prouisions manifestly withdrew their loues seruice and duties from him wherfore feeling himselfe thus weake and disfurnished he besought the spirituall assistance of Pope Iohn the two and twentieth who thereupon sent certaine Cardinals to set all things in quiet without bloudshed Betweene the King and Earle of Lancaster they established a peace who in a certaine plaine neere Leicester met embraced and kissed each other but when they could not worke the like with the Scots they put that Country vnder Interdict 33 For they as it is the manner of prosperity after the victory at Banocksbourne which clearely got them Scotland did beginne to bethinke themselues of gaining new Empire in Ireland Thither Edward Bruce Brother of King Robert had passed with an Army procuring himselfe to be crowned King thereof by fauour of some of the Irish Nobility whom neuerthelesse about three yeeres from his first entrance the English vnder the conduct of the Archbishoppe of Armagh and of Iohn Lord Brinningham Iusticiar of Ireland valiantly encountred where together with his late vsurped Kingdome hee lost his life There were slaine in that battell many honourable Scots besides the new King Edward and aboue fiue thousand others his head was cut off at Dundalke saith VValsingham but Hector Boetius writes that he was slaine in the battell it selfe Thus did God temper one with another and the iust reioycement which the Scots had conceiued of their so happie victory ouer the English at Banocksbourne was sowred with this losse 34 But King Robert as a most expert and vigilant Prince did not suffer this ioy to continue long to the English for by practise with one Peter Spalding to whom King Edward had entrusted the keeping of Berwicke hee recouered it from the English saith Harding By treatie with Peace Spalding and treason after it had remained twenty yeers in their possession which when King Edward thought to haue wonne againe the Scots diuerted him from the siege with incursions and slaughters of his people in other parts of England not failing much of surprising the Queene in a village not farre from Yorke where she soiourned during the siege at Berwicke the plot being laid and drawne between the Scots and some perfidious English whom King Robert had mouied for that purpose But Spalding after the treason done had the reward of a Traitour for King Robert put him to death 35 To giue some breathings after these so manifold troubles a truce was agreed vpon and confirmed betweene the two Kings of England and of Scotland for the space of two yeeres which brought forth confusion and not refreshment For thus it hapned The King vpon the commendation of the Lords themselues had made Hugh de Spenser Lord Chamberlaine who being at the least of equall insolence vices and ambition to Gaueston so wrought that hee succeeded in short time to all the graces of familiarity and power which euer Gaueston enioyed as in like sort to all his hatred and enuie Hugh his father an ancient Knight the better to strengthen his sonnes courses was likewise imploied and grew in speciall fauour with the King who afterward also created him Earle of Winchester but the father in manners vnlike to the sonne was ruined rather by a naturall tendernesse then any malicious will The sonne as hee was of shape most louely so the verie spirit it selfe of pride and rapine carried him to all sorts of intollerable behauiours and oppressions that Gaueston might with good reason seeme to be wished for againe Against these two who wholy swayed the vnfortunate King Thomas Earle of Lancaster and in a manner all the Barons of the Kingdome who meant the King should loue none but with their leaue did swell with such impatience that not contented with the wast of their lands they neuer rested till by the terror of ciuill Armes those two fauourites father and sonne were banished they thus reuenging vnder publike pretexts both publike iniuries and their owne 36 In all contentions which hapned betweene the King and his Lords Queene Isabel had euer hitherto beene a maker of Peace doing therein worthy offices but the euill starres of the Earles of Lancaster and Hereford would not suffer her to continue any longer so for the Queene being denied lodging one night at the Castle of Leedes in Kent which belonged to the Lord of Badlesmere one of the Earles faction she withdrew her good conceite and was an author to the King of presently reuenging that dishonour who vpon her complaint came in person with many thousand Souldiers before the Castle tooke the Captaine and put both him and all the men therein to shamefull death Moreouer longing to bee righted against the Lords for their late insolencies marched on to Circester taking many Castles and besieging others The Lords who little suspected any such sodaine assaults prouiding in the meane time for their defence 37 Thither repaired to him at his commandement Hugh Spenser the sonne who had houered vpon the Sea expecting from thence the successe of things vpon the land The Lords who had falne from their Soueraignes good conceit and wanting now their wonted Mediatriâ—… the Queene lay open to all the mischiefe which enemies could work them by the King who as taking his regall power and authority to be in danger resolued wisely and manfully to die in the quarrell or to bring the Lords to be at his commandement Meane time the iudgement giuen against the Spensers was reuersed as erroneous and their reuocation decreed at London by the Arch-bishoppe of Canterburie and his Suffragans 38 The Lords not all of a like temper began to misdoubt and many of them forsooke their Chiefe the Earle of Lancaster and rendred themselues to the King or were apprehended among which were the two Rogers Mortimers who were committed to the Tower of London and others to Wallingford Castle The faction weakened by this defection made head in the North vnder the Earle of Lancaster who now was to sight for his life Thither the King marcheth and with the onely shew of his Armie made the Earle to flie from Burton vpon Trent whose forces in their retreat or flight behaued themselues outragiously 39 But Gods heauie displeasure and the Arme of the Kings power left them not so for at Burrowbrigge Humfrey de Bohun was slaine by a Welshman who thrust him into the body with a Speare from vnder the Bridge and the Earle of Lancaster himselfe with other principall men
Barons and knights to the number of aboue fourescore and ten were taken prisoners by a man of small fortunes Andrew de Herckley Captaine of the City of Carleil and Sir Simon Ward Captaine of Yorke who with great forces out of those parts stopt their farther passage at Burrowbrigge as the Kings forces tooke all safegard from them behind 40 The third day after their apprehension the King in person being set in iudgement at Pontfract and with him Edmund Earle of Kent Aymerie Earle of Pemb◅ke Iohn de Warren Earle of Surrey and among others the Lord Hugh de Spenser the Father as also Hugh Spenser his sonne the Earle of Lancaster was brought before them and had sentence pronounced against him by the said Andrew de Herckley created afterward Earle of Carliel and the Kings Iusticiar the Lord Maplesthorpe as against an Arch-Traitour neuerthelesse for reuerence of his bloud being the Kings neere Kinsman drawing and hanging were remitted vnto him but his head was stricken off the same day without the Towne of Pontfract 41 Nor satisfied herewith the King gaue full way to reuenge putting to shamefull death by drawing hanging and as some write quartering in sundry places all the Barons the Lord Roger D'amarie onely excepted who died of his naturall death with sundry Baronets and Knights taken at Burroughbrig and elsewhere The Lord Badlesmere at whose house this tragicall fire beganne was executed at Canterburie And that so great and mighty a man as Thomas Earle of Lancaster should not seeme to die without a bloudie complement sutable to his condition there were hanged and quartered vpon the same day at Pontefract fiue or sixe Barons and the next day at Yorke were hanged in yron chaines the Lords Clifford Mowbray Dey-uill and others afterward in other places to the number in all though all of them not Barons of twenty and two the chiefest Captaines of the Realme suffered death for their disloyalties Threescore and twelue Knights more were dispersed into sundry prisons who saith De la Moore vpon fines paid had afterward their Liberties 42 As for the said Thomas Earle of Lancaster there are so many reasons why he cannot reasonably be iudged either a good subiect or a good man that we may worthily wonder why some at that time should repute him a Saint Certainely the wise and discreet old Writers are not so opinionated of him but note his priuate life for vicious himselfe to be nothing valorous and of the publike not well deseruing omitting his contumelious behauiours toward the King his Soueraign Lord in his discomforts which as Walsingham forgets not to relate so thinkes he that the like was worthily vsed toward that Earle himselfe who when hee was brought prisoner to Pontfract his owne Castle but then surrendred the whole multitude derided and called him in scorne King Arthur by which name hee was designed as some write in the Scottish Cypher intercepted prouing a conspiracy with Scots but the very shoppe where his and the other Barons original Treasons were forged was the Parliament house wherein from time to time they forced on the King presumptuous and treasonous Ordinations whereby the Peeres challenged not onely to reforme the Kings house and Councell and to place and displace all great Officers at their pleasure but euen a ioint interest in the Regiment of the Kingdome together with the King which William Inge a Iudge of the Common-Law with other like sticklers traiterously perswading them to be according to Law 43 Of his ill deseruings toward the common-Weale who for the good thereof could not disgest any indignity let this bee a kind of demonstration for when King Edward hauing by strait siege brought Berwicke neere to termes of yeelding chanced once to breake forth after his vaine manner into these words The Lord Hugh Spenser shall be captaine of the Castle when it is taken the Earle forthwith with others of his affection abandoned the seruice by reason of which departure it was thought that Berwicke was not as then obtained and that the enemy therby had great aduantage in all their attempts The names of such Barons besides Banerets and some few others of special note as perished by hatchet and halter for this businesse as out of so great variety of Writers wee could now gather them were At Pontfrait Thomas Earle of Lancaster The Lord Warren Lile The Lord William Tochet The Lord Thomas Mandute The Lord Henry de Bradburne The L. Williā Fitz-Williā the yonger The Lord William Cheyney At Yorke The Lord Roger Clifford son of that Robert Lord Clifford who was slaine by the Scots with Gilbert Earle of Gloster at the battell of Banocksbourne in the seruice of this King The Lord Iohn Mowbray The Lord Iosceline Deynuile At Gloster The Lord Iohn Gifford At London The Lord Henrie Teyes At Windsor The Lord Frances de Aldenham At Canterburie The L. Bartholmew de Badlesmere The L. Bartholmew de Ashburnham Neuer did English earth at one time drinke so much bloud of her Nobles in so vile manner shed as at this which whatsoeuer could bee pretended as doubtlesse their offence was capitall yet all was taken to be done as in the quarrell of the Spensers onely nor was it vnreuenged as will appeare in the mean space their enemies not contented with their bloud procured also the confiscation of their estates and inheritances 44 King Edward thinking that this exploit had made him terrible aswell to the Scots as it had done to the English marcheth with a mighty hoast into Scotland from whence not long after for want of victuals hee was compelled to returne without the honor of any atchieuement and being vpon his returne was sodainely by Scots assailed in the night very narrowly escaping in his owne person and with a few saued himself by flight leauing his treasure furniture for pillage and so came sorrowfull to Yorke Iohn de Britain Earle of Richmond was taken prisoner by the enemy and the rest of the Country defaced with destructions as farre as to the wals of that City 45 Thus passed this yeere to the English full of losse reproach and lamentation by reason of their intestine discord and the shambles of their Nobles to the King infamous and hatefull also for his vnfortunate iourney into the Northern parts c. But these bloudy and tempestuous winds blew some to profit for during the space of about fiue yeeres after the fortune of the Spencers hugely encreased and the Queenes decreased who for her relenting toward the Lords expressing some dislikes of these ranckly-growing weeds was grown to beare a share in the persecution And that these with such like violent men working vpon the Kings inclination were the onely Authors of that sharpe reuenge taken vpon the Lords for their particular and inglorious enrichment
England not they who were attendant on the Queen her selfe in neerest place being spared all matters by her negotiation and suite were quieted vpon condition that King Edward should giue to his sonne Edward of Windsor afterward King the Dutchy of Aquitaine and Earledome of Pontine for which the king of France was pleased to accept his said young Nephewes homage 53 This was done and the Prince sent ouer for that purpose to his mother to the vtter vndoing of the King his Father and of all his fauourites For the heire of England being in forraine parts among the contrary faction all the consultation was vnder colour of ruining the Spensers to accomplish farther matters The Prince hauing at Boys de Vincens done his homage for that Dutchie and County to his vncle Charles de Valois King of France was as also the Queene his mother sent for backe by the King about Michaelmas but the Queenes conspiracie being not yet ripe shee deferred to obay detaining her sonne still 54 There went ouer with the young Prince among many others Walter Stapleton Bishoppe of Excester who perceiuing into what familiarity the Lord Roger Mortimer was growne with the Queene which seemed greater then either stood with her honour or dutie and seeing both him and other of the Kings enemies and fugitiues enioy that priuacie in counsell which was assigned to himselfe who was now as being none of theirs excluded returned secretly though vnsent for into England faithfully as it became a good man declaring his knowledge 55 The King now clearely beholding his errour in his dangers solicited the King of France to send home his wife and sonne but that not succeeding he caused them openly in London to be proclaimed enemies of the Kingdome banishing them with all their adherents out of the same For his more assurance also hee caused the Ports to bee most narrowly watcht Finally to draw all his dangers to a short dispatch there was as was supposed a plot laid for making away the Queene and Prince but Gods will was to frustrate it 56 The Queen on the other side fearing that the Spensers gold had laid traines to blow her whole proceedings vp in France kept herselfe out of the way till with the Prince the Lord Roger Mortimer and other their adherents they were safely gotten into Henault There might bee some other reason also and necessary to moue Queene Isabel to depart out of France beside the doubt of that kind of corruption in the Peeres thereof as to turne off a warre from thence being her natiue Country which for her cause was afflicted in the Sea-strengthes therof for Sir Iohn Oturwin Sir Nicholas Kiried and Sir Iohn de Felton with the Nauie of the Ports and of other places had by commission from the King so scowred the narrow Scas that they within a short time brought into England as lawfull prize an hundreth and twenty Norman shippes or vessels Moreouer whereas those two Bishoppes which the Pope had sent were returned sorrowfull out of England not onely without doing any good on her behalfe but also without hope of doing any shee might easily be perswaded that the sword must doe it or nothing 57 But in Henault shee found most honourable and louing welcome of the Earle where therefore without the consent or aduise of the Peeres of England shee ensured saith our Author that delight and terrour of the whole world her sonne being then about foureteene yeeres old to Philippa the said Earles daughter and with the money of her portion waged souldiers out of Henault and Germany to transport into England There her friends expected her arriuall dayly of which the Bishoppes of Hereford and Lincolne were not meanest Her men and Nauie being now readie shee with her sonne the Prince the Lord Edmund Earle of Kent his vncle Aimerie de Valence Earle of Pembroke the Lord Iohn of Henault the Earle of Henaults brother a valiant Gentleman the Lord Roger Mortimer and many other English-men of name and note with aboue two thousand and seuen hundred Henowayes and Germans vnder the leading of the said Lord Iohn arriued at Orwell in Suffolke vpon the Friday before Saint Michaels day 58 Her arriuall being reported to the King who was poore Prince not onely destitute of friends and meanes but as it seemes of courage and counsell also it did not at first seeme credible The truth appearing he demaunded assistance of the City of London whose answere was That they would honour with all dutie the King the Queene and Prince but would shut their gates against forreiners and traitors to the Realme and with all their powers withstand them In this answere the King and his few friends reposing no assurance he committed an errour worse then that former of sending his sonne out of England by retiring himselfe into the West with his inseparable fauourites the Spensers Baldocke and others there to raise a force against the Queene but before hee went hee left his other sonne the Lord Iohn called of Eltham in the Tower of London with the Coūtesse of Glocester the Kings Neece wife to the yonger Spenser Earle of Glocester committing the Tower it selfe to Sir Iohn de Weston who was well prouided of men and victuals Hee commanded all men also to destroy and kill the Queenes partakers none excepted but her selfe her sonne and Edmund Earle of Kent the Kings brother by the Father and that none vpon paine of death and losse of all that they might leese should aid or assist them and that hee should haue a thousand pound who did bring the Lord Mortimers head Thus tooke hee his last leaue of London and in a maner also of his Rule or Domination 59 On the contrary part there repaired to the Queene the Earle Marshall and Henry Earle of Leicester the Bishops of Lincolne Hereford Ely and of Barons Knights and armed Souldiers no small multitude whom aswell to retain as to draw more letters and rumors flew about declaring though falsly that the King of France had in the aide of his sister sent so many Dukes Earles and others that England could scarse suffice to feed them This for such whom the opinion of warlike strength would winne but those whom shew of Religion might moue it was as cunningly and as falsly spread that the Pope had excommunicated all such as did take armes against the Queene and the more to countenance the fiction that two Cardinals imployed about the Premisses were seen in the Queens Campe. Then was it proclaimed that the causes of her comming were to deliuer the Realme from the misleaders of the King which were named to be the Spensers Roger Baldock Bishoppe of Norwich Lord Chancellor and their Fautors all others to be safe and that nothing should bee taken from any other subiect without true payment but finally that he who broght the yonger Spensers head should haue two thousand pounds These things
first thus ordered the Queen with her sonne and whole power pursues the King as it had beene agreede by the Councell of warre taking first her way to Oxford where the whole Vniuersity being called together in the presence of the Queene the Prince Roger Mortimer and the rest of that troope the Bishop of Hereford the Queenes bosome Counsellor preaching to them on this Text My head my head aketh deliuered to them the reasons of the Queens comming with her Army concluding more like a Butcher then a Diuine that an aking sick head of a kingdom was of necessity to be taken off and not to be tampered with by any other physicke 60 The Londoners in fauour of the Queene and hatred of the Spensers committed sundry outrages besides bloudy sacrilege in cutting off the Bishop of Excesters head and some others whom the King had made Guardian of London in their popular fury among the which one of them was a Citizen of their owne Iohn le Marchal who had beene of the yonger Spensers acquaintance The Tower of London they get into their possession placing and displacing the Garrison and Officers therein at their pleasure vnder the name of the Lord Iohn of Eltham the Kings second sonne whom they proclaimed Custos of the City and of the Land They also set at liberty all prisoners which by the popular Queenes commandement was done through the whole Realme and all banished men and fugitiues were reuoked who all flocking vnto London brought no small encrease to her forces 61 Whither in the meane space doth wofull Edward flie what force what course what way takes hee poore Prince O fearefull condition of so great a Monarches State when a Wife a Sonne a Kingdome are not trusted and those onely are trusted who had nothing strong but a will to liue and die with him The Queene passing from Oxford to Glocester onward to the siege of Bristow Castle grew all the while in her strengths like a rowled snow-ball or as a Riuer which spreades still broader from the fountaine to the Ocean vires acquirit eundo For thither repaired to her for the loue of the young Prince the Lord Percy the Lord Wake and others aswell out of the North as Marches of Wales But Edward hauing left the Earle of Winchester the elder Lord Spenser in the Castell of Bristol for the keeping thereof meditates flight with a few into the Isle of Lundie in Seuerne Sea or into Ireland while hee wandreth about not finding where to rest safe his roiall credite name and power like a Cliffe which falling from the toppe of some huge rocke breakes into the more pieces the farther it rolles are daylie more and more diminisht as they scatter till now at last they are come vnto a very nothing After a weeke therefore spent vpon the Sea Sir Thomas Blunt forsaking him and comming to the Queene he came on shore in Glamorganshire where with his few friends hee entrusted himselfe to God and the faith of the VVelsh who indeed still loued him lying hidden among them in the Abbey of Neath 62 Now had the Queene and her sonne for his name was abused to all sorts of turne-seruings taken the elder Lord Spenser at the Castell of Bristol who without any forme of triall was cruelly cut vp aliue and quartered saith de la Moore our Knight being first at the clamours of the people drawne and hanged in his proper Armories vpon the common Gallowes without the City but his grandchild Hugolin stood so valiantly in defence of himself within the Castell of Kerfilli that hee had his life and the liues of all his assistants saued 63 The King not appearing Proclamations were euery day made in the Queenes Armie declaring That it was the common consent of the realm that hee should returne and receiue the gouernement thereof so as he would conforme himselfe to his people This whether Stratagem or Truth not preuailing Henry Earle of Lancaster the late Earles Brother Sir William la Zouch and Rhese ap-Howell a Welshman who all of them had Lands in those parts where the King concealed himselfe were sent with coine and forces to discouer and take him The Queene and her people lay in the City of Hereford the Episcopall See of that great Arch-plotter of her courses Adam de Orlton where by aduise and consent of the Lords her sonne the Duke of Aquitaine was made High-Keeper of England and they as to the Custos of the same did sweare him fealty And here also the Bishoppe of Norwich was made Chancellor of the Realme and the Bishoppe of Winchester Treasurer 65 What will not money diligence and faire words doe with corrupt dispositions euen to euerting of all bands of either religious or ciuill duties By such meanes therefore the desolate sad and vnfortunate King came into his cosen of Lancasters hands and with him the yonger Lord Spenser Earle of Glocester Robert Baldock Lord Chancellour and Simon de Reding there being no regard had to the detention of any other The King was conueied by the Earle from the place of his surprise to Monmouth to Ledburie and so to the Castell of Kenelworth belonging to the Earle of Leicester who was appointed to attend him that is to keepe him safe The other three Spenser Baldock and Reeding were strongly guarded to Hereford there to bee disposed of at the pleasure of their most capitall enemies 66 Before whose comming to satisfie Roger Mortimer the Lord Edmund Earle of Arundel and two Gentlemen Daniel and Micheldene were beheaded at Hereford The Lord Mortimer was so high in the Queenes fauour that she could doe no lesse as weee may suppose then gratifie him with a few hated heades But Mortimer there will bee a time when the cry of this and other bloud sacrificed to thy priuate reuenge while thou abusest the publike trust will neuer giue ouer the pursuit till it hath deseruedly drawne thine in lieu thereof 67 The Lord Spenser and the rest on whom VVilliam Trussell the Iudge gaue sentence of death being now drawne to Hereford the said Lord being clad in his coat-armour was most despitefully dragged to the place of execution where being first hung vpon a gallowes fifty foot high hee was afterward headed and cut into quarters they who brought him to the Queene hauing the promised summe of two thousand pounds distributed among them for reward His head was set vp at London and his quarters in foure parts of the Kingdome Simon de Reding was hanged ten foot lower then hee in the same place 68 This Execution saith Walsingham was done vpon a Munday in reuenge of the death of Thomas Earle of Lancaster whose bloud was likewise shed vpon a Munday Robert Baldock late Lord Chancellor was committed to the keeping of the Bishop of Hereford who after a time caused him to bee brought vp to Hereford-house in London where the tumultuous people
King that many more went voluntary then constrained All which puissance was notwithstanding thus eluded 12 About this time died strucken with leprie Robert Bruce King and recouerer of Scotland and the most approued Warriour of the world in that age by whose losse it was soone found how much the vertue and fortune of one man are worth in any Nation But before hee died that peace was made with the Scots by the meanes of the Queene and the Lord Mortimer which is so much dispraised by our Writers and in the end proued capitall to the principall Actor Mortimer 13 For at this treaty it was that the King then in his Minority sealed Charters to the Scots at Northampton whose contents were contriued by the Queene the said Lord Mortimer and Sir Iames Dowglasse without the priuity of the English There was also deliuered to them that famous Euidence called the Ragman Roll and the King acquited them of all claime and pretence of right to the Superiority of Scotland rendring backe sundrie Iewels taken by the English from the Scots among the which was one speciall called the Blacke Crosse of Scotland There was it also granted that all Englishmen should leese their lands in Scotland vnlesse they would inhabite vpon them and becom Liege-men to the King therof besides many other things to the high discontentation as was the humor of those times of the English Subiects Moreouer vnder the specious colour of restitution of dammages King Robert was to pay to King Edward thirty thousand Marks sterling with which as the meed of treason the Lord Mortimer was afterward publikely charged and for the same and other his crimes was executed as a Traitour Finally vpon the seuenth of Iuly Dauid Bruce Prince of Scotland a child of seuen or eight yeeres old and sonne and heire to King Robert married Ioan sister to K. Edward at Berwicke by which peace the English were made-obnoxious to some reproaches the Scottish Nation in scorne calling the said Lady Iane Make-Peace 14 And therefore saith one of this part of King Edwards raigne that drawne aside with euill aduise by reason of his age hee committed many foule errors in State at the beginning of his Gouernment which is also the generall opinion of all our Writers whereunto this verse is by some applied Vae pueri terrae saepissimè sunt ibi guerra Where Children Rulers are There oft is woe and war 15 There died likewise about this time Charles the Faire King of France to whom King Edward had not long before done homage for his Dutchie of Gascoigne the third and last sonne of Philip the Faire King of France by whose decease the Crown of that noble Kingdome deuolued to this our Edward King of England in right of his mother Queene Isabel And because vpon this Title king Edward did afterward claime the said Crowne wee will here once for all instruct you in the iustice thereof 16 Three sonnes there were of King Philip the Faire to wit Lewis Hutin Philip le long and Charles the Faire who all successiuely raigned in France one after the other and none of them leauing any Issue at such time as king Edward made his claime the whole right seemed to be in Isabel the onely Child of the said Philip which had any issue for an other sister which shee had died an Infant 17 The case thus seeming plaine was not for such accepted by the French who receiued to the Crowne Philip of Valoys whose father Charles of Valois was yonger Brother to Philip the Faire aduancing the Brothers sonne before the daughters son not following the propinquity or descent of blood but the meliority of sexe vpon which ground they had also freshly put by Ioan daughter of Lewis Hutin preferring Philip le long her vncle The French in barre to her interest pretended a fundamentall law or entaile by which no woman was inheritable to the Crown of France and in defence of that opinion withstood King Edward afterward with so much losse and calamity though that very law made Edwards title the stronger as himselfe truely pleaded hee being the Male albeit his right descended by the Female 18 This Title to so glorious a Monarchy though it accrewed to the English by this match with Queen Isabel yet doth Walsingham freely pronounce That neither that affinity nor any other contracts with the French was euer auaileable or brought any benefite to England which opinion as it may seeme strange so will it answere a wise Readers paine in the fruit to obserue through the course of our stories whether the said graue Writer had iust occasion so to speake or no. Another conceit there was of this Edwards marriage with Philippa the Earle of Henaults daughter which about this time was consūmated though Philip de Valoys king of France by intrusion as our Annales repute him was her vncle her mother being his owne sister 19 There stood now at home against the stream of the Queene and her Lord Mortimers absolute sway some great personages who did not wholy allow their doings among which was the Kings vncle Edmund Earle of Kent whose death they shortly procured Meane-while the more to despite and dare their ouerlookers Roger Mortimer was created Earle of the Marches of Wales at a Parliament holden at Salisburie at which time also Iohn of Eltham the Kings Brother was made Earle of Cornwall and the Lord Butler of Ireland Earle of Ormond From whence the Lord Henry Earle of Lancaster and sundry other of the Peeres seeing the King troden as it seemed to them vnder foot did absent themselues meditating ciuill armes for redresse who notwithstanding by the labour of Simon de Mepham Archbishop of Canterbury was reconciled This Archbishoppe very worthily also excommunicated all such as had any hand in the sacrilegious parricide of that noble and loiall Prelate Walter Bishoppe of Excester or any waies violated him their aiders complices or abettors whosoeuer But after the Coronation of Philip the yong Queene in another Parliament at Winchester the said Earle Edmund was condemned for conspiring to deliuer his brother late King of England whom likely inough by Mortimers practise he was drawne into an absurd beliefe to bee still aliue Thus for deuising to set a dead man at liberty this noble Earle Edmund the kings half vncle had his head strucken off though from Noone till fiue at night hee stood at the place of death without the Castle-gates none being found to behead him till a base wretch of the Marshal-sea was sent and did it so little conscience did the malice and ambition of his potent aduersaries make of shedding the Roiall bloud which by Gods iuster iudgement was not long vnreuenged 20 To supply which losse to the regal stemme with a very large amends the young Queene Philip at Woodstocke in Oxfordshire vpon 15. Iune being Friday brought forth her first begotten
owners of such bodies as were beaten to the Earth vpon the first day these are worthily reckoned chiefe The King of Bohemia the King of Maiorca Charles Earle of Alanson brother-German to King Philip the Duke of Loraine the Duke of Burbon the Earle of Flanders the Earle of Sauoy both great Princes the Dolphin of Vi◅nois sonne to Himbert the Earle of S◅erre and Hareconrt whose brother Godfrey in pitty of his house his two Nephewes being slaine with their father forsooke the King of England after this battell and returned into Grace with the French the Earles of Aumarl Neuers c. sixe Earles of Almaine beside others of great account of all sorts Vpon the second day the Grand Prior of France who with his Archbishoppe of Roan had on the behalfe of their Prince and Country put on Arms. Of the Commons in both of these blacke dayes there fell about thirty thousand and some say foure times more in this last then in the other 101 We finde not one man of honour or note slaine vpon the English side so that this victorie may safely bee accounted among the wonderfull The spoiles of the Enemies bodies and carriages King Edward gaue wholy to his well deseruing souldiers The rule of their safety they being in a most populous enemy Countrie would not permit them to vse much curtesie to others as that which might haue proued cruelty to themselues but vpon the second day they tooke many prisoners though none of great name for they were spent in the day before It pleased the conquerour to proclaime a truce now for three dayes in the Country about that the people might come in to burie their dead but the bodies of the most noble hee himselfe caused to be conueied to Monstreal and there in his March towards Calais enterred 102 Thus by Gods fauour and the vnresistable force of the English Archers who in a manner did onely fight was King Edward put into a full and peaceable possession of a perfect victory which after hee had one night onely enioyed in the Forrest of Crescie hee dislodged with his conquering hoast marched straight toward Calais which hee presently inuested hauing decreed neuer to rise with his Armie from before it till without assault hee had carried the same For which cause he entrenched and fortified his Camp on all sides built vp Sheds couered with Reed and broome and other places and offices as to dwell in and stopping all reliefe by Sea whereof hee was Master with his Nauie There commanded in Calais for the French Sir Iohn de Vienne Marshall of France and the Lord Dandreghan with a very strong Garrison who concluded like good men of war to trie all extremities rather then to surrender the Piece which was so strong that to assault the same otherwise then with famine had beene friuolous These great Captaines seeing King Edwards resolution thrust forth of the Towne for sparing of food their poorer people aboue fifteene hundreth whom hee like a true Christian Prince turned not backe vpon the Towne but releeued for Gods cause with fresh victuals and two pence sterling each permitting them freely and securely to passe through his Camp to his great glory and vndoubtedly profite also hauing their hearty prayers for his happy successe and God for pay-master and rewarder of such his Beneficence 103 Many wayes were thought vpon by king Philip to raise this obstinate siege two principall an Army of French to fight with King Edward and a diuersion by inuasion wherein the Scots their perpetuall allies were forward Both in their seuerall times were put into execution That of the Scotish inuasion was first but with such successe as well declared it was Gods will all people hauing their encreasings zeniths and declinations that the English name should now be brought to the verticall point thereof without any thing being able to resist it 104 For Dauid the second King of Scots to grasand old Crownes The Pope sending a Messenger from Auignion with an ouerture to intercede for a peace had answere that the message must bee sent to the King his father for he co◅ not meddle without commandement from him Mean while hee disposed of things without impeachment and returnes laden with honor and spoiles to Burdeaux where the winter being spent he sets forth to new aduentures Hee had in his Armie about eight thousand braue expert and well disciplined Souldiers and with them aduanceth through Perigort Limosin into the bosome of France vp to the verie gates of Burgesse in Berie the terror of his name flying before to his great aduantage Thus satisfied for the present hee wheeles about with purpose to returne by Remorantine in Blasois which hee tooke and so through the Country of Iurain Poictou and Saintoin to his chiefe City Burdeaux But Iohn King of France hasting to goe beyond his father in misfortune hauing assembled a compleat hoast followed about the City of Poictiers ouer-tooke the inuincible Prince 115 When the Armies with the ods of six to one against the English were embattelled two Cardinals sent from Pope Clement laboured as they had done before to take vp the quarrell without stroke whereunto the Prince was with reason yeelding enough but King Iohn fatally presuming on his aduantage propounded such conditions as if in a manner the Prince of Wales had already beene at his commaund which with iust indignation were reiected It came hereupon to a most bloudy triall where if euer the Prince and English gaue full experiment of their valour for after long conflict and absolute discomfiture of al the 3. French battels the least of which exceeded al the Princes nūbers the King himselfe valiantly fighting and Philip his yongest sonne who with such boldnesse and zeale defended his distressed father as it purchased vnto him the Honourable surname of Hardie were taken prisoners 116 The English whose valiancy was most conspicuous were the Earles of Warwicke Suffolke Salisburie Oxford and Stafford the Lords Cobham Spenser Audley Berkley Basset c. of Gascoigne subiects to the Crowne of England the Capitall de Beuf the Lord Pumier Chaumont with others of lower title but not of vnequall valour Iames Lord Audley wanne immortall renowne at this bloudy battell where hee receiued many wounds and shared the Princes gift of 500. Markes land in Fee simple to his foure Esquiers who had continued with him in all the brunt and fury of danger It is the misfortune or glory of the French Nobles that in all great battels the losse fals heauily vpon them In this most disasterous ouerthrow there fell fifty and two Lords about seuenteene hundreth Knights Esquiers and Gentlemen bearing coates of Armes The chiefe Lords were Peter of Bourbon Duke of Athens high Constable of France Iohn Clermont Marshall George of Charney Lord great Chamberlaine c. and as many other
as made vp the former account Sr. Reginold C◅ian who that day bare the Oriflamb was likewise slaine of the common Souldiers there died about sixe thousand Great God of victories how abundantly diddest thou in these dayes blesse thine English The list of Prisoners comprehended these great names Iohn King of France Philip his sonne afterward Duke of Burgoin The Archbishop of Sens Iames of Burbon Earle of Pontheiu Iohn of Artois Earle of Eu Charles his brother Earle of Longu neuile Charles Earle of Vendo◅e The Earles of Tankeruile Salbruch Nassaw Dampmartine La Roch and many other great Lords and about two thousand Knights Esquiers and Gentlemen bearing Armories The English at this iourney tooke an hundreth Ensignes 117 Now albeit nothing wanted to the title of a perfect victory yet in two points the incomparable Prince out-went that fame and merite for hauing vanquished the person of the French Monarch by force of battell hee much more ouercame his heart with true and princely curtesie deliuering his mind in a stile and kind of eloquence so ponderous proper graue and naturall and with that statelie humility as onely the best soule with the best breeding could be capable of and yet hee spake not more officiously then he performed really More then all this The next day causing his Chapleins and the other Priests of the Armie to celebrate diuine seruice hee put off from himselfe the whole glory and gaue it most deuoutly to God which being first done he in the sight and hearing of the Prisoners highly commends and most heartily thankes his Souldiers with speeches full of sincerity and life sealing his words to euery one as his present meanes would permit with liberall deeds largesse 118 Then hauing setled all other things hee marcheth with ioy and iust triumph to Burdeaux the Archiepiscopall See and chiefe Citie of his dominions in France How the newes were entertained in all places of the English Empire is not hard to coniecture but specially by King Edward who tooke speedy order by Simon Archbishoppe of Canterburie that eight dayes together should be spent in giuing God the thankes and glory But the Prince hauing sufficiently refreshed and rested his people set saile for England with his Prisoners where hee happily arriued in Plimmouth and was most ioifully welcome euery where At his comming to London where at that time a magnificēt Citizen Henry Picard hee who afterward at one time so noblie feasted the 4. Kings of England France Scotland and Cyprus was Lord Maior which receiued him with exquisite honour the multitudes of people comming to see the victorious Prince the French King and his sonne the Lord Philip and the rest were such that they could hardly get to Westminster betweene three of the clock in the morning and noon but who will thinke the humour of the gazing vulgar worth the noting 119 Great Edward sauing that hee forgat not the Maiesty of a Conquerour and of a King of England omitted no kind of noble curtesie towards the Prisoners King Iohn and his sonne were lodged vnder a sure guard at the Sauoy being then a goodly Pallace belonging to Henry Duke of Lancaster the rest in other places Dauid King of Scots was at this time straitly kept at the Castle of Odiam but not long after when hee had endured about eleuen yeeres imprisonment at the incessant suit of Queen Ioan his wife sister to king Edward was deliuered his ransome was one hundreth thousand Markes striueling and a condition to rase certaine Castles 120 About this time Isabel Queene Dowager of England and mother of King Edward hauing first seene her sonne the most respected King of all Christendome deceased and was interred at London in the Church of the Friers-Minors there To her birth France was slenderly beholding as being about this time in most wofull and broken state through occasion of that title which the English challenged by her it suffering more by farre vnder their puissance then ◅uer it did since the times of the Romans Charles the Dolphin Duke of Normandie who had escaped from the battell of Poitiers gouerned during his fathers imprisonment but by the dangerous practises of Charles King of Nauarre and bad disposition of the Parisians toward the deliuery of their Soueraigne hee was lamentably encumbred and beset with mischiefes not being able to worke as yet his fathers liberty Moreouer the English vnder Sir Robert Knowles Sir Iames Pype and Thomalin Foulk and others did commit great wasts and heaped huge wealth by incursions ransomes and other warlike licence in Britaine and Normandy vnder the title of seruing the Nauarrois To bee briefe all France swarmed with dissolute souldiers of sundry Nations which hauing no Generall made hauocke at their pleasure They were called people without an head and by innumerable insolencies made the wretchednesse of Anarchy apparent In England also swarmed another sort no lesse burthenous to the commonwealth and Church which were the foure orders of Franciscan Friers whom the English Clergy found to be so pernicious to the regiment of the Church that they selected that renowned Clerk Richard Fitz-Ralph who was Chancelour of the Vniuersity of Oxford Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland to appeare in person before the Pope and there alleage the intollerable harmes by them accrewing to the Laity the Clergy and the Vniuersities together with their disobedience to Gods word their auarice and pride All which that noble Prelate learnedly performed as appeareth by the handling of his 9. propositions against them which are extant In his second proposition he sheweth how ordinary a matter it was with them to allure youth without consent of their parents to enter their Orders which made men withdraw their sonnes from the Vniuersities least the Fryars should so steale them away whereby saith he it came to passe that whereas in his owne time there were thirty thousand Students in Oxford soone after there were left but sixe thousand But how infinitely these Friarlie swarmes encreased in all lands may appeare by that strange offer made by the Generall of this one Order to Pope Pius who promised to bring him being then about a Turkish Expedition thirty thousand cunning warriors out of the number of Saint Francis Fryars and yet enough should remaine at home to performe the deuotions But the Pope had such vse of those Fryars that Armachanus preuailed not in the matter though he proued the cause stoutly and manifestly against them because ah for pity saith our Authour the Clergy stucke not close as they promised and the Fryars had great store of money to procure fauour in the Court of Rome But here in the English Court two Cardinals one of them hee of Pierregost who had so diligently trauelled for a conclusion at the battell of Poictiers could not with two yeeres labour draw any thing to such an head
Iohn Mensterworth the yong Lords Grandsonne and Fitzwalter and other vainelie scorning to be vnder Knols for that they held themselues his betters and thereupon diuiding themselues after they had done sundry exploits marching vp euen to Paris were beaten and foild by the French vnder Glequins conduct but Knols wintred safe in Britaine Mensterworth comes into England and knowing accusers haue the vantage complaines to King Edward of Knols but not altogether beleeued he ads treason to vntruth and turning French becomes a wicked enemy to his King and Countrey promising the French to procure the Castilian Nauie to inuade England for which being in the last yeere of King Edwards raigne taken hee by due course was condemned and cut in pieces dying the death he had deserued He was laid hould vpon in the City of Pampeline in Nauarre and from thence conueighed to London vpon whose bridge his wicked head stood Sentinell 141 Pope Vrban the fifth comming from Rome to Auinion with purpose to vnite these two mighty Kings their wils and mights against the common enemy of Christendome put off mortality at Marsils and so that holy intention ceased for the present but the same being continued by his next successor Gregory 11. yet tooke no effect no more then that which the Emperour to like cause would haue vndergone which the French impute to King Edward who confident by reason of his former atchieuements would trie it out by the sword Wherein he seemed to forget the mutable condition of warre the searnesse of his bodie and the greennesse of his Grand-Child yong Richard who was to succeed if the Prince of Wales died as shortly after he did Neither did God seeme to approue his opinion herein for that crosses came fast vpon him both at home and abroad There is no greater wisdome nor happinesse then to know when we are well and then to preserue without hazard or empairment that honour wealth or quiet which we already haue 142 Among the States and Townes assigned to the English by vertue of the treatie at Bretigny which had reuolted to the French was the Citie of Limoges in Limosin whither the Prince marcheth sits down with his armie before it Thither came vnto him out of England his brethren the D. of Lancaster the Earle of Cambridge with a fresh supplie of valiant Chiefs and Souldiers The City stood it out to the vttermost and was forceably entred where mercy had nothing to saue nor spare the sword and fire for terror to other killing and defacing in a manner all Hee who writes that the Prince flew vp neere to Paris and scarsely by reason of Glequins valour got backe to Burdeaux seemes to haue mistaken therein as in many other things concerning vs of great importance After this seruice the Prince health failing him more more leaues his Brethren in Aquitaine and sailes into England 143 The French in the meane time wonne towns and places in Aquitaine gathering new hopes after so long and perpetuall infelicities The losse of that expert Captaine Sir Iohn Chandoys vnfortunately slaine was a great aduantage to their desires whose whole care for warre rested vpon Glequin not long before aduanced for his military vertue from low estate to so great eminencie as to bee Constable of France the chiefest officer for warre which that Kingdome hath and he a man of much proofe in good and euill fortune so tempered his courage with discretion that he onely first bad his Country rise againe and endeauor in despite of euill fortune to reflourish 144 The Prince of Wales wanting health vpon comming to his fathers sight rendred vp the Dutchie of Aquitaine to bee disposed of as to his roiall pleasure seemed good While King Edward was at Clarendon there repaired to him the factious king of Nauarre whose errand was to make an ouerture of association against the French but as his offers were acceptable so his cautions not seeming sufficient hee returned after great entertainement without concluding 145 Iohn Duke of Lancaster and his brother the Earle of Cambridge doe now returne out of Aquitaine with the Ladies Constance and Isabel daughters of Don Pedro late King of Spaine whom they married The Duke thereupon instiling himselfe King and his wife Queene of Castile and Leon. Nor was the English name onely encreased in titularie honors for about this time the Flemings who had prouoked vs were vanquisht by the Earle of Hereford at sea in a sharpe fight about twentie and fiue of their shippes being taken and all the men slain The sweete of this victory was sowred not long after with a grieuous losse for the French hauing besieged the strong Citie of Rochel in Santoin with the aide by sea of Henry King of Castile to relieue the English Iohn Earle of Pembroke was sent with about forty shippes men victuals munition and mony to the value of twenty thousand marks forthe vses of the warre but being sodainely assailed with the Spanish Armado which consisted of many great shippes vnder the command of Ambrose Buccanigra and others the English after a long and cruell conflict were vtterly distressed the Earle taken prisoner and almost all the rest either taken or put to the sword Rochel held out notwithstanding to whose reliefe while King Edward himselfe in person with an extraordinary force set saile the wind alwayes till that time fauourable to his voyages for France came Easterly and draue him backe into England with great griefe and the waste they write of nine hundred thousand pounds sterling Neither did hee so giue ouer the care of that strong Peece which the English most manfully made good against the enemie 146 Rochel thus persisting in loyall resolution Iohn Duke of Britaine who had married the Lady Marie daughter of King Edward a Gentleman of much gratitude toward the English the authors of his fortunes resolues to aduenture his state in their quarrell ships away for England hath aide ministred vnto him hee returnes and warres with various euent But Iohn Duke of Lancaster with a very great Armie comes to Callis and from thence marcheth ouer the whole face of France and though with losse of many thousand horse in the desert countries of Aâ—…ergn throgh famin came safe but with an almost-hunger-starued Army to Burdeaux Not long after hee drew into the field and a day was appointed betweene him and the Duke of Anion the French Kings brother to haue tried the quarrell of their Nations by set battell before the City of Tholouz in Languedoc but by an vntimely a pernitious short truce to which K. Edward yeelded because his son the Prince lay dangerously sick the hoped victory not onlie slipt out of the English mens hands but almost all aduantage also of doing any thing else seasonably The French boasted themselues as of a Conquest who notwithstanding did helpe out their valiancy with policie
reuenge was not without wonder prohibited so to doe by letters from the King that is from such as were about the King 16 But how coldly soeuer the publike affaires were followed the want of money for supplies was still pretended And therefore in a Parliament holden at Northampton was granted to the King a generall supplie of money the pretended occasion of monstrous mischiefe which followed by reason of a clause in that grant of Subsidie that euery one of ech sexe being aboue a certain age should pay by the head or per Pol as they call it twelue pence 17 The English Cheualry began now againe to display it selfe farre off to gratifie the priuate ends of Iohn Duke of Lancaster who claimed the Crown of Castile and Leon in right of Constance his wife For Iohn King of Portugal had a defensiue warre against Iohn then King of Castile who challenged the Crowne of Portugall in right of Beatrix his wife by whom hee had no issue the onely daughter of Ferdinand king of Portugall which this other Iohn a bastard sonne of Ferdinands had by faction vsurped There were sent to his aide the Lord Edmund de Langley Earle of Cambridge the Kings vncle and sundry Knights and others of good experience with an Armie These arriuing in Portugall valiantly defended the same for about two yeeres and were the chiefe cause of giuing the Spaniards an ouerthrow in battell where they lost ten thousand men At last the two Kings agreeing together bare the charges of conueighing home the English in common that their Countries might bee freed from them being both alike iealous of their puissance In this time Edward sonne to the Earle of Cambridge vncle to Richard king of England married the daughter of the king of Portugall but afterward neither would the Earle leaue his sonne behind as suspecting the Portugeses faith nor the other entrust his daughter to the Earle so as they remained disioined in body howsoeuer vnited by Ceremonie 18 Not long after the time of that Earles imployment into Spaine there fell out accidents which doe plainely conuince their error to bee great who thinke that any madnesse is like that of an armed vngouerned multitude whereof these times by a kind of Fate proper to childrens raigne gaue a most dangerous document The extreme hatred borne by the people to Iohn Duke of Lancaster calling himselfe king of Castile and Leon and the discontentment taken at an extraordinary taxe leuied per Pol vpon all sorts of people who were aboue sixteene yeers of age which as all other the euils of the time they imputed to the Duke the maner being to count them the authors of euils who are supposed to haue the greatest power of doing them moued the enraged multitudes vpon slight and small beginnings to runne together in so fearefull a Torrent that it seemed the King and kingdome were sodainely falne vnder their most wicked fury There were in this most rebellious insurrection the Commons and Bondmen who aspiring by force to a free manumission principally those of Kent and Essex whose example was followed in the Neighbour Shires of Surrey Suffolke Norfolke Cambridge and other places by incredible heards and droues of like qualified people who specially in Norfolke forced sundry principall Gentlemen to attend them in their madding 19 They of Kent embattelled themselues vnder two Banners of Saint George and about threescore and tenne Penons vpon Blacke-heath by Greenewich and from thence came to London where the generality of people inclining to them they are masters The Priory of S. Iohns without Smithfield they kept burning for about seuen dayes and the goodlie Palace of the Sauoy belonging to the Duke with all the riches therein they consumed by fire in a kind of holy outrage for they threw one of their fellowes into the flame who had thrust a peece of stolne plate into his bosome The Rebels of Essex came to Lambeth burnt all the Archbishops goods and defaced all the Writings Rowls Records and Monuments of the Chancerie as hauing a speciall hatred to the Lawyers little to their disgrace for that they shared herein with good men also whom they hated But their desperate wickednesse extended it selfe beyond the spoile of houses and substance laying bloudy hands vpon the most eminent and worthy men in the kingdome for that they had disswaded the King to put himselfe into their hands at Greenwich where hee talked with them out of his Barge and thereby had their maine designe disappointed Simon Tibald Archbishoppe of Canterburie and Chancellour of England a right worthy Prelate and Sir Robert Hales a Knight of high courage Lord Prior of Saint Iohns and Treasurer of England with others they without respect to the Maiestie of the King or priuiledge of their most honourable dignities most barbarously murthered by beheading them vpon Tower-Hill among infernall showtes diuelish yels For the Tower it selfe from whence they had haled them the young King being there in person was open to their execrable insolencies Neither doth the authority of Polyd. Vergil affirming that they were not haled forth but onely stayed by the Rebels to whom hee saith they were sent induce vs rather to credite him then Authors liuing about those very times There was no little store of other innocent bloud shed by them in these tumults Nor was the Kings own person without manifest perill against whose life they had damnably conspired It were long to reckon vppe the kinds of such villanies as they wrought but endlesse to recount the particulars The common Annals set forth this whole Tragicall businesse very diligently 20 They had many Captaines of mischiefe but two principall Wat Tyler of Maidstone in Kent whom Walsingham pretily cals the Idoll of Clownes and Iacke Straw who together had followers to the number as they were estimated of about one hundreth thousand and at one Sermon made to them by Iohn Ball Walsingham saith there were about twise as many Their Petitions were full of pride and malice but easily granted by the King the necessity of the times extorting them They had a Chaplaine as gracelesse as themselues one Iohn Ball an excommunicated Priest who with his wicked doctrine nourished in them their seditious furies to his own iust destructiō in the end but when a great multitude accepting the Kings mercy were gone Wat Tyler and his Campe departed not but vpon pretence of disliking the Articles of peace sought to winne time till he might put into full execution his incredible Treasons which as Iacke ◅traw at the time of his execution confessed were vpon that very night of the day wherein Wat Tyler was slain to murder the King and chiefe men and to erect petty Tyrannies to themselues in euery shire and already one Iohn Littistar a Dyer in Norwi◅h had taken vpon him at Northwalsham in Norfolke the name of the King of the Commons and Robert Westbroome in Suffolke to whom Iohn
Wraw another lewd Priest had assigned it 21 Neuer was the kingly race and common-weale so neere to an vtter extirpation as at this present which was wee may truly say miraculously preuented The yong king in these feares and dangers repairing to Westminster most deuoutly commended his Crowne Life and whole estate to God nor that in vaine For Wat Tyler with his Campe of Rascals esteemed to bee ten or twenty thousand according to the Kings Proclamation attending in Smithfield but cauilling of purpose vpon the conditions of peace as hee that meant a farther mischiefe though they of Essex were returned was entreated to ride to the king who also sate on horse-backe before Saint Bartholmewes in whose company was that renowned Lord Maior of London William Walworth with many other men of birth and place 22 Wat Tylar scarse at the last comming behaued himselfe so insolentlie offering to murther one of the Kings knights Sir Iohn Newton for omission of some punto of respect which he arrogated to himselfe in more then a kingly manner was vpon leaue giuen him by the king boldly arrested with a drawn weapon by the Lord Maior a man say Writers of incomparable courage which blow was seconded by the said Lord and others so speedily that there this prodigie of a Traitor was felde and slaine A death too worthy for that he died by the swords of honourable persons for whom the axe of an Hang-man had beene far too good 23 The Commons perceiuing the fall of their Captaine prepared to vse extreme reuenge when the most hopefull-young king with a present witte and courage it being for his life and kingdome spurred forth his horse and bad them follow him without beeing grieued for the losse of a ribauld and traitour for now hee himselfe would be their Captaine Hereupon they thronged after him into the field there to haue whatsoeuer they desired But the most worthy of all Londoners Walworth speeds with one man onely into the City raiseth a thousand Citizens in armour brings them being led in good array by Sir Robert Knolles and others with Wat Tylers head which the Lord Maior had commanded to bee chopt off from his dead carcase borne before him vpon a Speare to the king That verie head the cursed tongue whereof had dared to say That all the Lawes of England should come out of his mouth 24 This act restored the Crown as it were and Realme to King Richard for the Rebels seeing themselues girt-in with armed men partly fled partly fel vpon their knees and throwing away all hope in weapon they answerably to their basenesse begged their liues who but euen now reputed themselues masters of the field and of the king And albeit there was a generall desire in the hearts of loyall men to expiate so many villanies with the bloud of the Actors yet things abroad in the Realme being as yet vnsetled they had a generall Charter of pardon sealed and were so sent home into their Countries 25 Certainly although the Citie of London the most noble and able part of the English Empire hath otherwise deserued of the Kings of this land very well yet the honour of this seruice worthily stands highest in the many great praises therof Which the King did thankefully and publikely testifie by knighting Walworth and by bestowing vpon him when hee modestly excused his vnworthines 41 That which followed may giue vs iust cause to suspect the truth of that Fryers accusation for the Lord William la Zouch was also by the Fryer accused of hauing been the Inuenter broacher and prouoker of him to set downe all that which was comprehended in the accusation who thereupon sent for to Salisburie though then very sicke of the gowte repaired thither in an horse-litter where hee was compelled to answere to all such points as were obiected like a felon or a traytour standing bare-headed but the priuitie or least thought of any such matter as the Fryer affirmed against the Duke hee confidently forsware and was thereupon acquitted and dismissed Howbeit saith Walsingham La Zouch was from that time forward a professed enemie not onely of Carmelites but of al other orders of Fryers whatsoeuer But these disgraces came vnseasonably vpon the Duke whose head was vndoubtedly full of designes and of cares how to atchieue to himselfe the crowne of Spaine 42 There were then sundry incursions made by the English and Scots each into the others country the Earle of Northumberland being leader to the English with little aduantage to either But to take away the very cause of this continuall bad neighbourhood or to lessen it by an established peace with France the Duke of Lancaster sayled to Callis about the beginning of August there to treat with the Duke of Berrie on behalfe of the young French King Charles 6. but after he had in that voyage expended as was said fifty thousād Marks he brought into England nothing backe except onely a truce to continue till the first day of May next His desire to haue procured a surer peace both with the French and Scots seemes to haue beene great that so hee might the more freely pursue the conquest of Spaine which he intended 43 Whiles hee was absent in this Ambassage there ensued the arraignement of a great fauourite of the Dukes Iohn Northampton alias Comberton whom his aduersaries by-named Cumber-towne This man is by them reported to haue exceedingly troubled the City of London during his late Maioralty there nor lesse afterward for that being followed with many abettors hee publikely disturbed Sir Nicholas Bramble his successor but a bloudy minded man by report and wrought other maisteries till Sir Robert Knowls caused one of the busiest companions to bee drawne out of his house and as some say shortned by the head This Comberton was by his houshold Clerke accused as priuie to some practises in preiudice as well of the King as the City and when sentence was to bee pronounced in the Kings presence being then with great store of his Nobles at Reading hee durst as is said affirme That such iudgement ought not to proceede against him in the absence of his Lord the Duke This againe vnraked the burning coales of enuie and suspition against the said Lord Duke and perhaps malice to the Duke procured this hatred against his fauourite Whereupon hee was confined to the Castle of Tyntagel in Cornwall and all his goods seised vpon by the Kings Seruants whom Walsingham expresseth by calling them after the name of those Poeticall rauenous Birds Harpyes 44 That here which Polydor Vergil assigning causes to actions not alwayes such as are but such as seemed to him most probable not seldome confounding and changing persons times names and things telles vs concerning a combate within lifts betweene Sir Iohn Aunsley Knight and one Carton hath little ground so farre as wee can find in historie He saith they were teterrima capita both very wicked men that there was a real plot to
by the Duke of Bury one of the French Kings vncles to frustrate this enterprize he alleaged that the King of England had mustred ten thousand horsemen and one hundreth thousand Archers for his defence whereas the Admirall Iohn de Vienna affirmed that hauing seene the forces of the English they were but eight thousand horsemen and threescore thousand foot and he might well say hauing seene for though Aemylius bring him in speaking to the French King and vaunting that he had encountred them yet nothing is truer then that the English returned out of Scotland without the least offer of battell The Admirall was willing indeed to haue fought but when he saw our Armie from the hil-tops his furie gaue place to reason 50 While the Armie was vpon the way toward Scotland the Kings halfe-brother the Lord Iohn Holland wickedly slew the Lord Stafford sonne to the Earle of Stafford not farre from Yorke being vpon his iourney to the Queene whose fauoured Knight he was For which heinous homicide the King seised vpon his whole estate denying to his mothers most earnest praiers any pardon or grace for his brother Which was to her so greeuous that within fiue or sixe daies after shee gaue vp the Ghost at Wallingford The young Lord tooke Sanctuary at Beuerley and the King by his iustice herein wanne the hearts of the said Earle of Stafford the Earle of Warwick the Lord Basset and other great men of Staffords kindred and friends neither did this empeach at all the present voyage 51 The Scots and French in Scotland seeing themselues vnable to withstand such forces had so retired themselues and all their goods that when the English should come they as Walsingham pleasantly saith could see no quicke things left but onlie Owles That which was greene in the fields the horses deuoured or trampled down yet such harme as the materials of buildings were capable of was done Edenburgh also and the noble Abbey of Mailrosse were fired The Duke of Lancaster perswaded the King to march beyond the Frith or Scottish Sea as his great Ancestors had done to seeke out his enemies but he very suspicious that the Duke gaue him this counsell with a purpose to betray him to destruction by famine and want which he was there to looke for expressed much displeasure and returned The Dukes wordes notwithstanding and behauiour were tempered with much duty and modesty but that would not serue till the Lords peeced their affections together by intercession in the best manner the time would suffer But the English host was scarce returned and discharged when the Scots and French sodeinely powred themselues forth vpon our Countrey and did whatsoeuer hurt the shortnes of time in their incursion could permit 52 To resist and endammage the French there were appointed Admirals for the narrow Seas the Master of Saint Iohns and Sir Thomas Percie Knight the Earle of Northumberlands brother who did nothing worthy their fame or place Only the Townesmen of Portsmouth and Dart maund forth a few ships at their owne perill and charge wherewith entering the riuer of Sein vpon which the renowned Citties Roan and Paris are situated suncke some of their enemies ships tooke others and among them one of Sir Oliuer de Clisson's the goodliest that France had The successe answered their hopes and they were enriched with the spoiles of their aduersaries whom thus they compelled to beare the charge of their proper mischiefe 53 Meanewhile that the French lay at Sluse attending the approch of their kings vncle the Duke of Burie who fauoured not this enterprize of inuasion but sought aswell by delaies as by perswasion and authority to make it frustrate they of Gaâ—…t had gotten the Towne of Dam by the good liking of the Inhabitants to whom the French gouernment was odious For recouery whereof the French King drew his armie prepared against England to the siege of Dam which the same being first secretlie abandoned after a moneths siege and many repulses giuen to the French was by him recouered This and other things did so protract the great expedition intended that after wast of infinite treasure Charles returned home without hauing seene England which was by these meanes most graciouslie freed by God from so dangerous and greatly-feared an impression But that the English might the better endure the same Iohn King of Portugall hauing lately in a great and bloodie battell where some of the English deserued well of him ouerthrowne the Castilians and thereby setled his estate sent into England sixe Gallâ—…ys throughly well appointed for Sea-seruice though as God would there was no need of them 54 Of those French which after the Cloude of warre at Sluce was dispersed into ayte passed ouerland into their Countreys many were taken and slaine by the Gauntiners Their nauie was not lesse vnfortunate for at one time the English of Callis tooke of them eighteene and the rage of weather brake and sunke diuers so that this Brauado was not onely costly to the French by reason of the charges but hurtfull in the losse of time men shippes and hoped glorie Such are the euents of humane enterprises where God is not pleased to giue successe The English thus deliuered from feare make a road into France out of Callis and with a prey of foure thousand sheepe and three hundreth head of great cattell besides an hundreth good prisoners returned safe to their Garrison 55 The multitude of memorable things which present themselues to vs in the liues of our English Monarches is such that if wee did not vse choise and in their relation breuity wee should not relieue our Readers of that molestation with which the vaste volumes of former labours doe oppresse the memorie The Laitie at the Parliament now holden at London had yeelded to aide the King with a Fifteenth vpon condition that the Clergie should succour him with a Tenth and an halfe against which vniust proportion William de Courtney Archbishop of Canterbury most stifly opposed alleadging that the Church ought to bee free nor in any wise tâ—… bee taxed by the Laitie and that himselfe would rather die then endure that the Church of England the liberties whereof had by so many free Parliaments in all times and not onely in the raign of this King been confirmed should be made a bond-maide This answere so offended the Câ—…mons that the Knights of the Shires and some Peeres of the land with extreme fury besought That Temporalities might bee taken away from Ecclesiasticall persons saying that it was an Almesdeed and an Act of Charity so to doe thereby to humble them Neither did they doubt but that their petition which they had exhibited to the King would take effect Hereupon they designed among themselues out of which Abbey which should receiue such a certaine summe and out of which another I my selfe saith a Monke of Saint Albans heard one of those Knights confidently sweare that hee
egresse whereupon the Duke of Lancaster caused thē to bee assaulted so both of them being taken by surrender were razed to the ground though some English first lost their liues among which was Sir Robert Swinarton a valiant Knight of Staffordshire and Iohn de Bolton a couragious Esquier of Yorkeshire whom the sodaine ruine of a Tower ouerturned by mining whelmed and slew outright Sharpened with the successe of this victorie they commit themselues to God and the Sea and prosperously arriue with the whole Fleet in the Port Corone or the Groyne in August 61 The French belike thought England could not furnish an other Army for France as she had for Spain wherupon there was now no false nor vain rumor spread again that the French would besiege Calis The King to secure that pretious transmarine part of his Dominions sent thither store of men and of all prouisions The most eminent person was Henry Lord Percie sonne to Henry Earle of Northumberland This was hee whom the Scots by-named Hotspur a young Gentleman in whom saith Walsingham the patterne of all vertue and martiall prowesse shined and indeed his nature did answere his by-name for hee made such ridings into the quarters about Calis that they could neuer wish a worse neighbour After which when the fame went that the French king would not delay or as they call it beleaguer Calis but rather inuade England hee returned to bee present where the greatest danger was expected At this time the English Seamen of warre brought two French prizes to Sandwich in which was taken a part of an huge strong Timber-wall which the French king preparing now for Englands inuasion had caused to bee built in length three miles in height twenty foot which had at euery twelue paces a Tower ten foot higher and each capable of ten men the whole to be a defence for the French encampments against our shot and a shelter for theirs there was also in the same Ships the Enginer and master workeman who was an Englishman and great quantities of powder and store of Ordinance together with the French Kings Master Gunner 62 There was in this time a great resemblance betweene England and France in the chiefe points of State As England had Richard so had France her Charles both young Kings Charles with an huge armie had prepared to inuade England but did nothing Richard with no lesse forces entred Scotland and did no great thing Richard had vncles which bare great sway in the Realme so had Charles Richard had his vncle Iohn more potent then the rest Charles had his vncle Lewis Iohn vpon his wiues title claimeth the kingdomes of Castile and Leon Lewis by the gift of Ioan the Queene claimes the Kingdomes of Naples and Sicil. Lewis went with an Army of thirty thousand horse into Italie to atchieue his claime with what force Iohn set forth you haue heard But Lewis died without obtayning Iohn preuailed so farre as to settle his child by marriage The King and great Lords of France were glad with any charge to enioy the absence of Lewis and Richard and his fauourites were not sad that the Realme was for the present rid of Iohn 63 The forces of the French prouided for this inuasion of England were reported in open Parliament which the King held about Michaelmas in London to consist of 15 Dukes 26. Earles two hundreth Lords an hundreth thousand souldiers and a thousand Ships assembled about Sluse with full purpose to take reuenge of all the euils which the English nation had formerly wrought in France and to destroy the English kingdome But though these reports were not fained for the French attended nothing in a manner but a faire gale of winde to bring them yet could not the King without Capitulations made by the Duke of Gloster obtaine any aides of money so that whereas it seemed to the King that by the Duke of Lancasters departure he was become more free yet had he left behind spirits much more stiffe and intractable O deare Countrey hadst thou not then beene apparantlie in Gods protection for the French hauing stayd for a wind till Hallontide and then hauing it halfe-way were beaten backe and the voyage made vtterly voyd certainely thy ruine had then beene certaine What shall wee thinke or say of those popular Lords by this gentle King armd to his owne bane with power and greatnes who vnder the specious pretext of reforming abuses did satisfie their enuie and inbred insolency 64 The King tels them that England is as they saw in manifest danger and prayes their succour in money what is the answere That the Duke of Ireland for now the Marquesse of Dublin was made a Duke and Michaell at the Pole so they scornfully called the Earle of Suffolke and other must be remoued Things are badly carried at home say they and they perhaps said truly but where was now the care of our Countrey God indeed turned from vs the mercilesse point of the French sword but here began the seeds of innumerable worse miseries neuer to be remembred without sighes and teares 65 The seedes we say of those fearefull calamities were then first here sowne whose sum a flourishing Writer in our age willing neerely to haue imitated Lucan as hee is indeed called our Lucan doth not vnfortunately expresse though hee might rather haue said he wept them then sung them but so to sing them is to weepe them I sing the ciuill warres tumultuous broiles And bloudy factions of a mighty land Whose people hauty proud with forraine spoiles Vpon themselues turne backe their conquering hand While kinne their kinne brother the brother foiles Like Ensignes all against like Ensignes band Bowes against Bowes a Crowne against a Crowne While all pretending right all right throwne downe But Robert de Vere saith Thomas Duke of Glocester and his party was vnworthily created Duke of Ireland and De la Pole the Lord Chancellour seemed to the onely great Lords for so they would seeme to be in the Kings debt Strange colours for Subiects to capitulate with their King vpon giuing their ioynt aides against the common enemy now ready with one destruction to ouerwhelme them all The time they tooke to worke this pretended amendment in state was not well fitted It sauoured of somewhat else besides the loue of common-weale Priuate ambitions and passions could not bee wanting in such oppositions This is some mens iudgement let the sequels shew how iust 66 There were called vp at this Parliament for defence of the Realme innumerable people out of al Shires which forces lay about London within twentie miles round and had no pay but liued vpon spoile These at last were licenced to depart to be ready at warning There was also the Lord Chancellour accused of we wot not what petty crimes for the abuses of following ages haue made them seeme so as for paying to the Kings Coffers but twentie markes yeerely
opinion of all the Chiefe Lawyers concerning certaine Articles of Treason within whose nets and sprindges they presumed the reforming Lords were and if the Lawyers who seldome faile Princes in such turnes did conclude that those Articles contained treasonable matter then vnder a shew of iustice they should bee proceeded against accordinglie These Lawyers who were the very men which in the last seditious Parliament gaue aduise to the Lords to doe as they did now meeting were demanded whether by the law of the land the King mâ—…ght not disanull the Decrees of the last Parliament they iointly answered he might because hee was aboue the lawes confessing that themselues had in that Parliament decreed many things and giuen their iudgement that all was acording to law which now they acknowledged to be altogether vnlawfull The King thus enformed appointeth a great Councell to be holden at Nottingham and sent for certaine Londoners some of them such as were beholding to the King for mercie in cases of attaindour to be there empanelled for Quests of Inquirie The Sheriffes of Shires being questioned denied that they could raise any competent forces against the Lords their whole Counties were so addicted in their fauour being further willed to suffer no Knights to be chosen for the Shires but such as the King his Councell should name they answered that the election belonged to the Commons who fauoured the Lords in all 72 Vpon the 25. of August there met before the King at Nottingham these Lawyers Robert Trisilian his chiefe Iustitiar Robert Belknap chiefe Iustitiar of the common Pleas Iohn Holt Roger Stilethorpe William Burgh Iustitiars in the same Court and Iohn Lokton the Kings Serieant at Law all which being vpon their allegiance charged to deliuer their opinions whether such Articles as were there in the Kings behalfe propounded which Articles comprehended all the points of aduantage taken against the proceedings of the last Parliament and the displacing of the Lord Chancellor Michael de Pole contained matter of treason they all of them answered affirmatiuely and subscribed which afterward cost them deare Iudge Belknap foresaw the danger and therefore was very vnwilling to put his seale to the answeres saying there wanted but a hurdle a horse and a halter to carrie him where hee might suffer the death hee deserued for if I had not done this quoth he I should haue died for it and because I haue done it I deserue death for betraying the Lordes The King in the meane space puruaies himselfe of people to fight if need required 73 The Duke of Glocester sadded with these newes sent the Bishoppe of London to bring his purgation vpon oath to the King who inclining to credite the same was in an euill howre diuerted by De la Pole The Duke makes his and their common danger known to the Earles of Arundel Warwicke Derby eldest sonne to the Duke of Lancaster They seuerally gather forces that vnited they might present their griefes to the King who to keep them from ioyning sends the Earle of Northumberland to arrest the Earle of Arundel at â—…eygate in Surrey where hee abode But by reason of Arundels power it was too dangerous a worke Northumberland returnes and Arundel admonished by the Duke of Glocester of his farther perill escapeth in post to Haringey where the Duke and Earle of Warwicke had store of people 74 As yet no bloud was drawne Peaceable men procured that the Lords should repaire safe to Westminster and there be heard Thither approaching they are aduertised by the Bishop of Elie and others who had sworne on the kings behalfe for good dealing to be vsed during the Interim that at the Mewes by Charing Crosse a thousand armed men which without the Kings priuity Sir Thomas Triâ—…et and Sir Nicholas Brembre Knights were reported to haue laid for their destruction attended in ambush The King sweares his innocency but the Lords come strong and trust no longer The King royally adorned keepes state in Westminster Hall with manie his Prelates and Peeres about him the Lords present themselues vpon their knees and being required by the Eishop of Elye the Lord Chancellour for the Lord De la Pole neuer had that place againe why they were in warlike manner assembled at Haringey Parke contrary to the lawes their ioint answere was That they were assembled for the good of the King and kingdome and to weed from about him such Traitors as hee continually held with him The traitors they named to bee Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland Alexander Neuile Archbishoppe of Yorke Michael at the Pole Earle of Suffolke Sir Robert Tresilian that false â—…stitiar quoth they and Sir Nicholas Brambre that false Knight of London To proue them such they threw downe their gloues as gages of challenge for a triall to bee had by the sword The King hereunto replied as knowing that they were all hidden out of the way This shall not bee done so but at the next Parliament which shall be the morrow after Candlemas all parties shall receiue according as they deserue And now saith hee to yee my Lords how or by what authority durst you presume to leuie force against mee in this-land did you thinke to haue terrified mee by such your presumption haue not I men of Armes who if it pleased me could enuiron and kill you like Cattle Certainely in this respect I esteeme of you all no more then as of the basest scullions in my Kitchens Hauing vsed these and many the like high words hee tooke vp his vncle the Duke from the ground where all this while hee kneeled and bad all the other rise The rest of the conference was calme and the whole deferred till the next Parliament then shortly to be holden at Westminster In the meane time that the world might see how little able the King was to equall his words with deedes a Proclamation is set forth in which the King cleareth the Lords before any trial of treason obiected and names those persoâ—… for vniust accusers whom the Lords had before named 75 The factious Lords neuerthelesse thought not good to seuer themselues but to keepe together for feare of the worst which fell out to their aduantage for the Duke of Ireland with the Kings priuitie had gathered a power in Wales and Cheshire which they intercepting neere to Burford and Babblake slew Sir William Molineux leader of the Cheshire men and some others and made the Duke to flie in great feare Among the spoiles of the Dukes carriages there were found as the Diuell would haue it certaine letters of the King to the said Duke of Ireland by which their counsels were plainely discouered The Lords hereupon march with speede vp to London hauing an Armie of about forty thousand men The King shuts himselfe vp in the Tower but is glad before long to admit them to his presence There they vnreuerently inough obiect mutability to him and
his vnderhand workings they obiected also that hee had secretly practised to flie with the Duke of Ireland into France and to deliuer vp to the French Kings possession Callis such pieces as the Crowne of England held in those parts to proue which dishonourable act they as some write produced the French packets intercepted This wrung teares perhaps of disdaine from the King and hee yeelded to come to VVestminster vpon the next day there to heare and determine farther The King in signe of amitie stayed his Cosen the Earle of Derbie the same who afterward dethroned him to supper O where was the courage of a King The Lords in their owne quarrell could draw vp fortie thousand men but in the generall danger of the Realme when the Commons were vp and the French hung ouer their heads with no lesse hatred then preparations no such numbers appeared Was it fortheir honour or praise that their most rightful King should by their violence be driuen to consult vpon flight out of his proper Kingdome The Citie of London was also in no little perill at this present by their accesse which drawne by iust feare was contented to open the gates and harbour the Lords and their partakers These Lords who so often are called here the Lordâ—… are named in our Statute bookes to be but these fiue The Duke of Glocester the Earles of Derbie Arundel Warwicke and Marshal 76 The next day hee would haue deferred his repaire to Westminster This being signified to the Kings Lords for so they might bee called as being more Masters then the King they labour not by humble words and dutious reasons to perswade the vse or necessity of his presence in that place but contrarie to their allegiance and all good order send him word That if hee came not quickly according to appointment they would choose them another King who both would and should obey the counsell of the Peeres They had him indeed amongst them whom belike they euen then meant to haue surrogated that is to say the before said Earle of Derby heire to the D. of Lancaster The Lords certainely had so behaued themselues towards the King that they well saw they must bee masters of his person and power or themselues in the end perish 77 The King after a preposterous and inuerted manner attending his Subiects pleasures at Westminster heauily and vnwillingly is drawne to disclaime Alexander Neuil Archbishoppe of Yorke the Bishops of Duresme and Chichester the Lords Souch and Beaumount with sundry others Neither was the Male-sexe onely suspected to these curious pruners the Lady Poinings and other Ladies were also remoued and put vnder baile to answere such things as should bee obiected Sir Simon Burley Sir William Elinham Sir Iohn Beauchampe of Holt Sir Iohn Salisbury Sir Thomas Triuet Sir Iames Berneys Sir Nicholas Dagworth and Sir Nicholas Brambre knights with certaine Clerks were apprehended and kept in straite prison to answere such accusations what if meere calumniations as in the next Parliament at Westminster should be obiected 78 The Parliament began at Candlemas where the King was vnwillingly present The first day of the Session all the Iudges Fulthrop Belknap Care Hott Burgh and Lockton were arrested as they sate in Iudgement on the Bench and most of them sent to the Tower The cause alleadged was that hauing first ouerruled them with their counsels and directions which they assured them to bee according to law they afterward at Nottingham gaue contrarie iudgement to that which themselues had fore-declared Trysilian the chiefe Iustice preuented them by flight but being apprehended and brought to the Parliament in the forenoone had sentence to be drawne to Tyborne in the afternoone and there to haue his throat cut which was done accordingly Sir Nicholas Brambres turne was next This Brambre saith Walsingham was said to haue imagined to be made Duke of new Troy the old supposed name of London by murthering thousands of such Citizens whose names hee had billed for that purpose as were suspected of likelihood to resist him Then Sir Iohn Salisbury and Sir Iames Bernes two young Knights Sir Iohn Beauchamp of Holt Steward of the Household to the King and Iohn Blake Esquier were likewise sacrificed to reuenge Sir Simon Burley onely had the worshippe to haue but his head strucken off Loe the noble respect which the gentle Lords had to iustice and amendment This was no age wee see for a weake or slothfull Prince to sit in quiet for now the people and then the Peeres foile and trample the regall authority vnder foote the Duke of Ireland the Archbishoppe of Yorke the Earle of Suffolke and others had their estates confiscated to the kings vse by Act of Parliament as in the booke of Statutes may bee seene together with a great part of the whole proceedings 79 These troubles boiling and burning within in the Bowels of the State the Scots abroad had oportunity to inuade the North of England vnder the conduct of Sir William Dowglasse a noble young knight a parallel and riuall in the honour of Armes to Henry Hotspur Lord Percy whom Hotspur fighting hand to hand slew in battell but the Earle of Dunbar comming with an excessiue number of Scots tooke Hotspur and his brother prisoners killing many English not without such losse to themselues that they forthwith returned 80 But these vnneighbourly hostilities soone after found some surcease there being a meeting at Calis betweene the English and French about establishing a peace and albeit because the French would haue the Scot and Spaniard included therein the conclusion was deferred yet shortly after it was resolued vpon for three yeeres the Scots being comprehended therein 81 King Richard being now of age declares himselfe free to gouerne of himselfe without either controlement or help of any other then such as hee selected to that place and in token that he was at liberty he takes the Great Seale of England from Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Yorke Alexander Neuill being attainted and fled and departs out of the Councell Chamber After a while hee returnes and giues it backe to William Wickham the renowned Bishoppe of Winchester who was vnwilling to haue accepted the same Hee also puts out sundrie Officers substituting such others as best liked him From the Councell Table hee remoued his vncle Thomas of Woodstocke Duke of Glocester the Earle of Warwicke and others which as it might encouraged the Dukes enemies about the King to doe euill offices betweene them Yet the king did not presently credite what was whispered into his care concerning a purpose suggested to be in the Duke to raise forces againe but acquainting him withall was satisfied Neuerthelesse he would not suffer the Duke to pursue an orderly or any reuenge vpon the Authors whom indeed it had beene wisdome to haue punished in an exemplary manner 82 Michael de la Pole late Earle of Suffolke whom the popular Lords had made most
Lieutenant of Ireland hauing in the yeere before while he too much trusted to his owne Forces been slaine with very many others by O-Brin and the Irish of Leinster at a place called Kenlis King Richard determines in person to reuenge the bloud of his Noble kinsman being the man to whom hee meant the Crowne of England if issue failed to himselfe Hee remembred not how broken an estate hee had in England where the peoples hearts were strongly alienated not onely for the death of the late great Lords and banishment of the Duke of Hereford whose calamitie encreased his popularity or for the like passed exasperations but for that to furnish his Irish voyage he had extorted money on al hands taking vp carriages victuals and other necessaries without any recompence whereby the hatred of his gouernment grew vniuersall 106 But the euill fortune which hung ouer his head laid forth an alluring baite to haste his destruction by occasion of the Duke of Lancasters decease which hapned about Candlemas and the absence of his banished sonne and heire Lord Henry The king most vniustly seizeth vpon the goods of that mighty Prince his vncle as if all things now were lawfull which but liked him he determines to banish the new rightfull Duke of Lancaster Henrie not for a few yeeres but for euer for which cause hee reuoked his Letters Patents granted to the said Henry by which his Atturnyes were authorised to sue his Liuerie and to compound for the respite of his homage at a reasonable rate whereby he made it seem plaine to the world that hee had not banished him to auoid dissentions but as many said to fill vp the breaches which his riote had made in the roiall treasures with plentifull though an vndue Escheate as that of his deceased vncles fortune 107 The one stedfast base and buttresse of all lawfull Empire is Iustice that supports the kinglie throne This he ouerthrew and how then could himselfe hope to stand long He lands at Waterford in Ireland with a Nauie of two hundreth ships hauing with him the sonne of the late Duke of Glocester and of the now Duke of Lancaster to secure himselfe the rather His forces consisted much of Cheshire men But that king is deceiued who reposeth his safetie in violence It was no great matter hee did there that which fell out to bee done elsewhere was great indeed His warre in Ireland was more dammagefull then fishing with an hooke of gold for here the baite and hooke was not onely lost but the line rod and himselfe were drawne altogether into the depthes of irrecouerable ruine Duke Henry sees the aduantage which King Richards absence gaue him and vseth it In his Companie were Thomas Arundel the banished Archbishoppe of Canterbury and his Nephew the sonne and heire of the late Earle of Arundel and not aboue fifteen Lanciers His strength was where the Kings should haue beene in the peoples hearts Neuerthelesse the Duke did not sodainely take land but houered vpon the Seas shewing himselfe to the Country people in one place now and then in another pretending nothing but the recouery of his rightfull Heritage 108 Edmund Duke of Yorke whom King Richard had left behind him to gouerne England hearing this cals vnto him Edmund Stafford Bishoppe of Chichester Lord Chancellor the Earle of Wiltshire Lord Treasurer and the Knights of the Kings Councell Bushie Bagot Greene and Russell Their conclusion was to leuie a force to impeach Duke Henries entrance The assembly was appointed to bee at S. Albans which came to worse then nothing for the protestation that they would not hurt the Duke whom they knew to bee wronged was generall This made the Treasurer Sir Iohn Bushie and Sir Henrie Greene flie to the Castle of Bristoll Sir William Bagot to Chester from whence he got shipping into Ireland Meane while Duke Henry lands at a village heretofore called Rauenshire to whom repaired Henry Earle of Northumberland his sonne Henry Lord Percie lands at Neuill Earle of Westmerland and many others who saith Walsingham greatly feared King Richards tyrannie With an Armie of about threescore thousand multitudes offering their seruice they come to Bristoll besiege the Castell take it and in the same the foresaid Treasurer Bushie and Greene whose heades at the cries of the Commons were the next day after their surrender seuered from their bodies 109 King Richard was in the City of Dublin when these most heauie newes arriued His courage which at no time seemed great was shortly none at all Somewhat must bee done hee leaues the sons of Duke Henry of his late vncle of Glocester which hee retained as pledges for his owne indemnity in the Castell of Trim and returnes himselfe into England entending to encounter the Duke before his force should bee too much established The great names which accompanied him were his late noble Creatures the young Dukes of Aumarle Excester and Surrey the Bishops of London Lincolne and Carleol and many others There had beene some more hope for vpholding his right if hee had not made the worlde know that tenne yeers space was not able to burie in him the appetite of reuenge which made many forget their owne loyalty to him and the Crowne Princes see in him the vse of obliuion but some conscience of euill deserts seeming to haue taken from him all confidence he dismisseth his Armie bidding his Steward Sir Thomas Percy others to reserue themselues for better dayes 110 His last refuge is in Parlea For that cause there repaired to him at the Castell of Conway in Northwales for thither he was now come the late Archbishoppe of Canterbury and the Earle of Northumberland at the Kings appointment The sum of his demaundes were that if hee and eight whome he would name might haue honourable allowance with the assurance of a quiet priuate life he would resigne his Crowne This Northumberland did sweare should be whereupon he forthwith departs to the Castle of Flint in their company After a short conference there had with the Duke they all ride that night to the Castell of Chester being attended by the Lancastrian Armie If to spare his peoples bloud he was contented so tamely to quit his royall right his fact doth not onely not seeme excusable but glorious but men rather thinke that it was sloth and a vaine trust in dissimulation which his enemies had long since discouered in him and for that cause both held his amendment desperate and ran themselues into these desperate Treasons 111 The King did put himselfe into the Dukes hands vpon the twentieth day of August beeing but the forty and seuenth from the Dukes first landing From thence they trauell to London where the King lodged in the Tower Meane while writs of Summons are sent out in King Richards name for a Parliament to bee holden at Westminster Crastino Michaelis The tragicall forme of Resignation you haue had already in Edward the second of whom this
King is a Parallel There are named to haue been present at this wofull-ioyfull Act Arundel Archbishoppe of Canterburie Richard Scrope Archbishoppe of Yorke Iohn Bishoppe of Hereford Henry Duke of Lancaster who in this serious play must seeme as if hee were but a looker on the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland the Lords Burnell Barckley Ros Willoughby and Abergeuenie the Abbot of Westminster c. 112 In their presence Richard as yet a King and in his Tower of London but not otherwise then as a prisoner reades the Instrument of his surrender with a seeming chearefull countenance as if he were glad the hower was come in which hee might taste what it was to be a priuate man and hauing otherwise first done and said what then he could to put all right out of himselfe subscribes it with his hand but prayes that his Cosen the Duke of Lancaster might succeed him in the regall gouernement and in token that it was his desire for he must seeme to desire what hee could not hinder hee plucked off his Signetring and put it vpon the Dukes finger Then did he constitute the Archbishoppe of Yorke and Bishop of Hereford his Procurators to declare to the whole Body of Parliament what he had done how willingly where euery one except the loyal magnanimous Bishop of Carleol being particularly asked did particularly accept of the resignation Neuerthelesse it was not thought inough to haue his Crowne vnlesse they also published his shame Thirty and two Articles are therefore openly but in his absence read of all which it was said for then men might say what they listed that he had confessed himselfe guilty In the front was placed his abuse of the publike treasure and vnworthy waste of the Crown-land whereby he grew intollerably grieuous to the Subiects The particular causes of the Dukes of Glocester and Lancaster the Archbishop of Canterburie and Earle of Arundel filled sundry Articles They charged him in the rest with dissimulation falshood losse of honour abroad in the world extortions rapine deniall of Iustice rasures and embezelling of Records dishonourable shifts wicked Axiomes of state cruelty couetousnesse subordinations lasciuiousnesse treason to the rights of the Crown periuries and briefly with all sorts of vnkingly vices and with absolute tyranny 113 We may be assured that nothing could then be obiected so vntrue or incredible but would haue gone for current and vndenyable with affections so throughly prepared Hereupon it was concluded that in all those thirty and two Articles hee had broken the Oath of Empire taken at the Coronation al the States of the Kingdom strange that so many should so concurre in disloyalty vnder pretence of equity being asked what they thought did hold that those causes seemed notorious and sufficient to depose King Richard Commissioners were therefore nominated by consent of the whole house to pronounce the sentence of Deposition which were the Bishop of Asaph the Abbot of Glassenbury the Earle of Glocester the Lord Barkly William Thyrning Chiefe Iustice of the common Pleas and some others The forme of pronuntiation was IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN We Iohn Bishop of Saint Asaph Iohn Abbat c. Commissioners specially chosen by the Lords spirituall and temporall of the Realme of England and Commons of the said Realme representing all the States of the said Realme sitting in place of iudgement c. 114 The definitiue sentence of Deposition giuen thus in open Parliament there were further named certaine persons amongst whom William Thirning Chiefe Iustice of the Cōmon Pleas was thoght the fittest man by whose lawlesse mouth that vniust doome should be deliuered to the King and who on the behalfe of the Realme should renounce to the said Richard the fealties and homages heretofore made vnto him and to make relation of the whole manner and causes of their proceedings The Regall seate was now reputed void whereupon Duke Henrie riseth from his place and stands vpright that hee might be seene of the people then signing himselfe with the signe of the Crosse vpon the forehead and breast and inuocating the name of Christ he challenged the Crown and Realm of England with all the members and appurtenances His words are said to be these In the name of God Amen I Henry of Lancaster claime the Realme of England and the Crowne with all the appurtenances as comming by the blood royall from King Henry and by that iustice which God of his grace hath sent to me by the helpe of my kinfolke and friends for recouery of the said Realme which was in point of perdition through default of Gouernment and breach of lawes 115 Which challenge and claime being thus made all the States of the Kingdome doe with one consent grant that the said Lord Duke should reigne ouer them The Archbishop of Canterbury brother to the late Earle of Arundel takes him then by the right hand and the Archbishop of Yorke the late Earle of Wiltshires kinseman being his assistant placeth him in the royall throne with the generall acclamation and applauses of the people Lastly in full complement of the present solemnity the Archbishoppe of Canterburie that we may see how the Diuinity as well as the Law of those times were degenerated into temporizing Policie made a Sermon vpon these words in Samuel A Man shall raigne ouer the People By occasion whereof hee describeth out of the holy Scriptures the happinesse of that Kingdom which is gouerned by a man and the infelicity of those Realmes where a Child whether in age or discretion weeldes the Scepter The euill whereof as they had dangerously felt vnder the late King so they hoped abundantly to enioy the other in King Henry To all which the whole Auditorie ioyously answered Amen Then rose the affable new Monarch among a few other words hee gaue the world to vnderstand that none should thinke hee would as by way of Conquest disinherite any man certaine bad members onelie excepted 116 From henceforth hee was taken for King and all Writs issued and went forth in his name which disorderly matters being orderly related to the deposed Prince in the Tower by Thirning the Chiefe Iustice hee onely vsed these words That hee looked not after such things but quoth he my hope is that after all this my cosen will bee my good Lord and friend The Archbishop otherwise inexcusable in those proceedings yet in his said Sermon seemeth grauely and truly to haue described the cause of this effect for quoth hee the child or insipient which are with him aequiparable drinketh the sweet and delicious words vnaduisedly and perceiueth not intoxication which they beene mingled with till hee bee enuironed and wrapped in all dauger as lately the experience thereof hath beene apparant to all our sights and knowledges and not without the great danger of all this Realme Being thus brought downe to the show and littlenesse of a priuate man wee leaue
of England whose glorious life and acts next insue 56 Thomas Duke of Clarence President of the Councell to King Henry the first his brother and Steward of England He was slaine at Beaufort in Anion without any issue He married Margaret daughter to Thomas Holland Earle of Kent the widow of Iohn Beauford Earle of Somerset 57 Iohn Duke of Bedford Regent of France in the time of King Henry the sixt Duke also of Anion and Alanson Earle of Cenomannia Harecourt of Kendall and Dreux Viscount Beaumont He married first with Anne daughter to Iohn Duke of Burgundy Secondly with Iacoba daughter to Peter de Luxemburgh Earle of Saint Paul And died without any issue 58 Humfrey was by his brother King Henry the fifth created Duke of Glocester was Protectour of the Kingdome of England for 25. yeeres in the time of King Henry the sixt in whose first yeere hee styled himselfe in his Charters thus Humfrey by the grace of God sonne brother and vncle to Kings Duke of Glocester Earle of 〈◊〉 Holland Zeland and Pembroke Lord of Friestand Great Chamberlaine of the Kingdome of England Protector and Defendor of the same Kingdome and Church of England Hee was a man who nobly deserued of the common wealth and of learning as being himselfe very learned and a magnificent Patron and benefactor of the Vniuersity of Oxford where hee had beene educated and was generally called the Good Duke Hee married first Iacoba heire to William Duke of Bauaria Earle of Holland who as after was knowne had first beene lawfully troth-plighted to Iohn Duke of Brabant and therefore was afterward diuorced from the said Humfrey His second wife was Elianor daughter to Reginald Baron Cobham de Scarborough Queene Margaret wife to King Henry the sixt repining at his great power in swaying the King state socretly wrought his ruine hee being murthered in his bed at Burie dying without any issue 1446. His body was buried at Saint Albans yet the vulgar error is that he lyes buried in Saint Pauls 59 Blaunch married to William Duke of Bauaria and Emperour 60 Philip married to Iohn King of Denmarke and Norway HENRIE THE FIFTH KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE LORD OF IRELAND THE TWO AND FIFTIETH MONARCH OF ENGLAND HIS RAIGNE ACTS AND ISSVE CHAPTER XV. AMongst the many Monarchs of this most famous Empire none is found more complete with all heroicall vertues then is this King of whose life by order and successe of story wee are now to write which is Henry of that name the fifth the renowne of England and glory of Wales Of whom what was spoken of Titus in the flourishing times of the Romans may for the time of his raigne be truly verified in him both of them being the-louely darlings and delightfull ioy of Mankind But as Titus is taxed by his story-Writers in youth to haue been riotous profuse wastfull and wanton for which as he saith with the dislikes of men he stept into the throne so if wee will beleeue what others haue writ Henry was wilde whiles hee was a Prince whose youthfull prankes as they passed with his yeers let vs haue leaue here to rehearse and leaue them motiues to our owne vse as hee made them for his 2 His birth was at Monmouth in the Marches of Wales the yeer of Christs assuming our flesh 1388 and the eleuenth of King Richards raigne his father then a Subiect and Earle of Derbie Leicester Lincolne afterwards created Duke of Hereford in riâ—…ht of his wife then of Lancaster by the death of his father and lastly by election made the Soueraigne of England that vnfortunate Richard being deposed the Crowne His mother was Mary second daughter and coheire of Humfrey Bohun Earle of Hereford and Northampton high Constable of England as we haue said 3 His young yeeres were spent in literature in the Academie of Oxford where in Queenes Colledge he was a Student vnder the tuition of his vncle Henry Beauford Chancellour of that Vniuersity afterwards Bishoppe of Lincolne and Winchester and lastly made Cardinall by the title of Eusebius But his Father obtayning the Crowne and himselfe come to the age of twelue yeeres had the succession thereof entailed on him by Parliament and accordingly was created Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall and Earle of Chester and presently had the Title of the Dukedome of Aquitaine conferred vpon him the better to effect the thing then intended which was to haue obtained in marriage young Queene Isabel late wife to the murthered King Richard daughter of Charles the sixt King of France 4 From Oxford Prince Henry was called to Court and the Lord Thomas Perey then Earle of Worcester made his Gouernour but being himselfe false to the Father could giue no good example vnto the sonne whose hostile attempts in the field of Shrewsburie cost that disloyall Earle his head and almost had done Prince Henry his life who in battell against him was wounded in the face with an arrow This marke of his manhood with the ouerthrow of Hotspur in that bloody conflict were hopefull signes of his following successe which presently were seconded with as fortunate proceedings against Owen Glendowr that scourge of his Country and Arch-rebell vnto Englands peace whom this Prince so pursued through the vast mountaines of Wales that from the Dennes of those deserts hee durst not shew his face but therein perished by famine natures other wants though the Prince had then scarcely attained vnto sixeteene 5 But growne from his tutors command or controll and come to the yeers for dispose of himselfe as his youth stood affected so were his consorts and those many times whose conditions were none of the best whether led by an inclination of youth which commonly lets the raine loose vnto Will or to know that by proofe which other Princes doe by report I will not determine yet vnto the latter doe I rather incline knowing that Salomon the wisest of Kings did so himselfe and rather by Rosse I am lead who writeth that Prince Henry in Oxford had in great veneration such as excelled in vertue or learning and among many two hee nameth Thomas Rodban of Merton Colledge a great Astronomer by him preferred to the Bishopricke of S. Dauids in Wales and Iohn Carpenter of Oriel Colledge a learned Doctor of Theologie whom hee aduanced to the See of Worcester But let vs heare how his wilde oates were spent and with what increase the haruest was got The translater of Liuie who wrote the storie of this worthy Prince and dedicated his paines to King Henry his sonne affirmeth for truth that many actions he did farre vnfitting his greatnesse of birth and among other doth taxe him with no better then theft who in the raigne of his Father accompanied with such as spent their wits vpon other mens spoiles laide waite in the way for his Rents receiuers and robd them of that which
the King replied that as the offence was capitall so should it bee examined by the Peeres and therefore willed him to rest contented vntill the next Parliament Thus by his great wisdome he satisfied his father from further suspition and recouered his loue that neerely was lost Hetherto of Henry as he was Prince some other of whose youthly actions we also touched in his fathers raigne and now to his Acts after he was King 11 Henry ordained successor and ouerseer of his dying Fathers Testament had in his entrance so fortunate proceedings as hee seemeth to exceed all his Predecessors his Nobles proffering the oath of their Alleagiance before himselâ—…e had made his for the iust gouernment of the Common-weale which so farre was from acceptation that hee desired God neuer to admit him to the Crowne vnlesse he should to his glory raigne and rule the Scepter to the good of the Subiect The day of his entrance and of his Fathers death being the twentieth of March and yeere of Christs Incarnation according to our account 1412. on the ninth of Aprill following hee was solemnly crowned at Westminster Thomas Arundel Archbishoppe of Canterbury performing the roiall Ceremonies which no sooner was ended but to beginne a good gouernment hee beganne with himselfe banishing from his presence and Court the vnbridleled youthes which had beene his consorts commanding them either to change their manners or neuer to approch within ten miles where hee lay Then chose hee worthy and prudent men for his Councell of Estate and aduanced his Clergie with dignity and power being himselfe as zealous in deuotion as liberall in building and indowing of places for deuotion of others His Iustice was found of all that sought it for euery day after dinner for the space of an houre his custome was to leane on a cushion set by his cupbord and there himselfe receiued petitions of the oppressed which with great equity he did redresse And for a further testimony of his tender and compassionate heart the slaughtered body of K. Richard ouer-meanely enterred at Langley in great â—…state he remoued into Saint Peters Church at Westminster and there laid him enshrined by Queene Anne his first wife as himselfe had desired and prepared founding a weekely memoriall to bee celebrated and six shillings eight pence thereon distributed vnto the poore and yeerelie twentie pounds giuen vpon his anniuersarie day besides foure tapers to burne before his monument day and night for euer And so neerely did his death touch this innocent King that hee sent to Rome to bee assoyled from that guilt of his fathers Act by the Popes holinesse then accounted another God whose penance enioined he willinglie performed and afterwards purposed to haue made warre in Palestina against the enemies of Christ for which end hee sent Sir Hugh de Lauoy of Henault to Ierusalem to discouer the state of things there but before his returne he was departed to the heauenly Ierusalem himselfe 12 The obsequies of his Father being solemnized at Canterbury and the King in person attending the Corps fitte occasion was giuen vnto Archbishoppe Arundell to complain of the Wicklifians then termed Lollards great rubs in the wayes of the Clergies pride and proceedings whereof Sir Iohn Oldcastle was thought a chiefe who by his marriage contracted with a kniswoman of the Lord Cobhams of Cooling in Kent obtained the title thereof a man strong and valourous and in especiall fauour with his Prince This Knight in their Synode assembled at London immediately after the Kings Coronation was accused by them to haue rent Christs seamelesse coat in maintaining VVickliffes doctrine to bee taught especially in the Diocesse of London Rochester and Hereford against whom also some choise Inquisitors at Oxford appointed for Heresies though that whole Vniuersity had formerly vpheld both Wickliffe and his doctrine informed and presented his name with two hundred forty sixe conclusions which they had collected to be hereticall 13 The King incensed by the Archbishoppes suggestions against these discontented discipliners was further made beleeue that they themselues had set vp billes in diuers places threatning that an hundred thousand persons were ready for armes against all that withstood their reformation and among these that Oldcastle his Knight was reputed the chiefe The King graciously inclined heard the Archbishops complaint and being at Kennington promised to conferre with the Lord Cohham himself which accordingly hee did instantly willing him to submit himselfe to the censure of the Church and obedience of the Archbishoppe but Cobham no turne-coate from his profession humbly told the King he owed his subiection only vnto his Maiesty whom God had placed in these his Dominions as his onely Vice-gerent to gouerne his people and Subiects and that himselfe forced nothing Romes leaden sword vnsheathed by the Pope that Antichrist against the Lords seruants nor would suffer the key of Canterbury to open the closet of his conscience where the spirite of God was residing bearing witnesse with his that hee stood in the truth for whose defence as his Champion he was ready to liue or die 14 This answere receiued was so deliuered vnto the Archbishoppe with power to cite examine and punish as their owne Canons in such cases had decreed The Lyon thus laid for whose paw they still feared was serued by processe to appeare in the Archbishops Court and the same deliuered by one Butler a seruant of the Kings Priuy Chamber for that the bold Sumner durst not doe it himselfe and the Archbishoppe diligent lest he should forget the day caused his letters citatorie to be set vpon the gates of the Cathedrall Church of Rochester which were presently torne down and others againe set vp were againe pulled off to the great offence of the Clergies eye and the rather for that the Actor could not be knowne The Knight not appearing as knowing their malice and his own danger was condemned of contumacie and afterwards in a Synode at Rochester was by the Archbishop pronounced an Heretike where himselfe then enacted that hereticall decree that the holy scriptures should not bee translated into the English tongue But marke the iudgement that fell vpon his own tongue whose rootes and blade shortly after as is recorded grew so big in his mouth and throate that he could neither speake nor swallow downe meat but in horror lay languishing till lastly he so dyed starued by famine 15 In the meane time the Lord Cobham wrote his Beliefe which was very Christianlike and presented it himselfe to the King who being much prepossessed in no wise would receiue it but suffered him to bee summoned in his presence and priuie Chamber when the Knight for his purgation offered an hundred knights and Esquires which would not be accepted then according to his degree of Order and law of Armes he required the single Combat to fight for life or death with either
Christian or Heathen in the quarrell of his faith the King and Councell onely excepted This notwithstanding could not be suffered but needes must he appeare before the Archbishop his Iudge where after diuers examinations in all which hee most religiously iustified himself his profession he was condemned of Heresie and committed Prisoner vnto the Tower of London whence shortly he escaped and got into Wales Vpon which escape great feares were conceiued especially of the Clergy the causers of his troubles and mortall Enemies to him his welwillers for the king was confidently but as it seemeth malitiously informed that Oldcastle with his adherents laid for his life that in S. Giles Fields neere vnto Holborne twenty thousand were to assemble in hostile manner with an intent to destroy the Monasteries of Westminster Saint Albans all the religious houses in London and the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paules The King therefore in person himselfe after midnight with a great Army came into these fields where if wee will beleeue their professed enemies fourescore of that faction were apprehended who sayd they came to seeke the Lord Cobham But as the answerer of Copus from more ancient times hath obserued that in daies of persecution such assemblies often had beene made to heare the Gospell preached which otherwise they could not enioy so in this place then ouergrowne with bushes and vnfit for battell those few were in likelyhood assembled vnto Iohn Beuerly agodly man their Preacher without any intent of treason hauing for their Chieftaines no greater persons then Sir Roger Acton a Knight of no great account a Minister and a malt man But their Apologies we leaue to others onely the Lord Cobham could not be found though the King by Proclamation had promised a thousand markes to his taker besides many liberties to the City or Towne that would disclose him whereby saith Walsing it may be ghessed that the whole Kingdome well neere embraced his opinions which that Fryar cals his madnesse Thirty seauen of that assembly were condemned whereof seauen were consumed with fire and strangled Acton Beuerley and Murly were likewise executed 16 As the zeale of this King is much commended for his fauours towards his Clergy so is his Princely pittie in the commiseration of young Percies distresse whose father Hotspur slaine at Shrewsbury as we haue said and hee by his Grandfather sent into Scotland for security was there notwithstanding deteined a Prisoner for that Iames their King was forcibly kept in England by Henrie and as they tooke it against all Iustice. But fit occasion being offered for young Percies release and exhcange made betweene him and Alrede sonne of Robert Duke of Albany who had beene taken prisoner at the Battell of Halidon the king restored him not only in blood and to grace in his Court but also inuested his person with the Title and State of his Grandfather to his owne no little honour and faithfull seruice attained of that honourable family 17 Vpon Archbishop Arundels death starued by famine as wee haue said * Henry Chicheley a stout Champion also against Wicliffes doctrine was with the Kings consent by the Monkes of Canterbury elected their Archbishop which the politicke Elect neither accepted nor refused but left it to the will and pleasure of the Pope who first tooke snuffe that it so farre proceeded without his direction yet was soone pacified by Chicheleys submission and as saith mine Author with other Gratulations besides The man though not so rich by birth as Arundle was yet as strong for the Clergy and more gratious with his Prince as the sequele proued 18 The first assaies of both was made knowne in a Parliament holden at Leicester where in a Bill exhibited complaint was made that the temporall Lands giuen to religious houses and spirituall persons for deuotion were either superfluous or disorderly spent whose reuenues if better imploied would suffice for the defence of the Land and honor of the king fifteene Earles fifteene hundred knights sixe thousand two hundred Esquires and one hundred Almes-houses for the reliefe of impotent and diseased persons and vnto the kings Coffers twentie thousand pound by yeere Which Bill saith Hall made the fat Abbots to sweat the proud Priors to frowne the poore Friers to curse the silly Nunnes to weepe and indeed all her Merchants to feare that Babell would downe 19 To stop the breach of which searching spring no better meanes could be found then to diuert the Parliament with other businesses and to driue other proiects into the kings minde whose head as this new Archbishoppe there tolde him had the best right to the Crowne of France for not onlie the Dutchies of Normandy Aquitaine and Aniou the Counties of Gascoigne Maine and the rest were his lawfull though vnlawfullie detained inheritance but therewithall the whole Realme of France as true heire vnto his great Grandfather king Edward the third and vnto Philip the faire in right of his mother Queene Isabell the only daughter and Child liuing of the said French king As for the law Salique alleaged against the English claime he affirmed that Text touched only those parts in Germany which lay betwixt the riuers Elbe and Sala conquered by king Charles the great who placing his French there to inhabite for the dishonest liues of those Germaine women made this law In terram Salicam Mulieres ne succedant which the Glosse did falsly expound for the whole kingdome of France Whose practise notwithstanding he shewed to be the contrary by many experiences both in king Pepin which deposed Childericke by the claime of heire Generall as descended of Blithild daughter to Clothair the first and by Hugh Capet who vsurping the Crowne vpon Charles Duke of Lorraine the sole heire male of that line from Charles the great to make his claime good which indeed was starke naught deriued himselfe as heire to the Lady Lingard daughter to Charlemaine sonne to Lewis the Emperour that was sonne to Charles the great King Lewis also called the Saint who was the heire to the vsurper Hugh Capet could not bee satisfied in conscience how he might iustly keepe and possesse the Crowne of France till he was fully instructed that Isabell his Grandmother was lineally descended of the Lady Ermengard daughter and heire to the aboue named Charles Duke of Lorraine by the which marriage the blood and line of Charles the great was againe vnited and restored to the Crowne of France Whereby said the Archbishop it most manifestly appeared that the title of Pepine the Claime of Capet the possession of Lewis yea of the French Kings themselues to this day deriue their onely rights from the heires female and that this pretended Law Salique was but a shifting deuise to debarre the English Kings from the claime of the French Crown Which exclusion howsoeuer they pretend to bee right yet the law of God
said he hath made it meere wrong which with better regard of the Sex alloweth the woman to inherite her fathers possession as we see in the practise of that state whereof Christ himselfe is called king where the fiue daughters of Zelophehad for want of heires males were admitted to succeed in their fathers inheritance allotted them in the Tribe of Manasses and a law made by the Lord himselfe that if a man died and had no sonnes then his inheritance should be transferred vpon his daughters Neither is it to be doubted but that the daughter of Shesham was the sole heire vnto her fathers patrimony he dying without issue male though shee married an Egyptian whose posterity had their possessions among the Tribe of Iudah euen to the Captiuity of Babilon so that if such a law were as in truth there was no such better were the breach by the warrant of diuine direction then the continuance by colour of such prescription seeing God hath ordained aswell for the daughter as for the sonne 20 The Archbishops vnexpected but not vnpremeditated Oration thus ended so stirred the blood of the young Couragious King that his heart was all on a flame and so tickled the eares of his Auditory as they presently conceiued that France was their owne the Title whereof descending from Isabell the mother of the famous third Edward and shee the daughter and suruiuing heire vnto Philip the faire his right was lineally deriued thence as followeth first Philip by Ioane his first wife intituled Queene of Nauarre had three sonnes and one daughter namely Lewis Philip and Charles all three successiuely Kings and this Lady Isabell by whom the English claime his second wife was Constance the daughter of the King of Sicil who bare him a sonne after his owne decease which liued not many daies after his father Lewis his eldest sonne and tenth of that name succeeded Philip in the Kingdome of France and by Margaret his wife the daughter of Burgundy had his daughter Iane intituled Queene of Nauarre who made claime also vnto the French Crowne but neuer attained it so that her Title fell with her death Lewis by his second wife Clemence of Sicil had a sonne named Iohn borne vnto him but presently both father and sonne departing this life left the Scepter to his second brother who by the name of Philip the fift a while wore the Emperiall Crowne of France his wife was Iane the daughter of Burgoine who bare vnto him only foure daughters 21 Vnto King Philip succeeded his brother Charles the faire the fourth of that name whose first wife was Blanch detected of incontinency and brought him no fruite his second wife was Marie daughter to Henry Luxenbourg the Emperour who bare him a sonne that dyed soone after birth and the mother likewise shortly came to her graue Margaret the daughter to the Earle of Eureux was his third and last wife who at his death hee left with Child and thus the three sonnes of Philip were branched raigned and died whom Queene Isabell their sister suruiued and in that right her sonne King Edward the third by his royall consanguinity whilst the Crowne stood thus at suspence till a Prince should be borne claimed to be Regent in the Interregnum and in the nonage of the looked for issue against which Philip de Valois sonne of Charles the hardy who was brother to Philip the faire being a second branch from Hugh Capet and first Prince of the blood of France maintained that the Regency of the male if so he were borne as also of the Realme if a daughter or the sonne dyed belonged onely vnto him as the next in blood The state thus standing and a daughter borne Philip was saluted and proclaimed King no other right alleaged then this foisted and falsely termed fundamentall law Salique for no otherwise doth Ottoman the French famous Lawyer esteeme of that vngodly and vniust Ordinance if any such had beene ordained 22 The Kings right thus apparant and sufficient possessions to be had in France the Bill of complaint against the Clergies excesse was quite dasht and all mindes addicted for the affaires that way thinking it vnreasonable to pull the Prouisions from their natiues and brethren when as the Circuit of their inheritanee extended more large in compasse and therefore with the Danites they determined no longer to sit so pent with increase seeing God had giuen them another Kingdome but would free their own straitnesse by dint of sword and spread their Tents wider in the Continent of France Neither was there any motiue more forceable in conference then was the successe of those intruding Princes who assaied the Crowne by that vniust claime of law Salique 23 For did not the sword of God rather then man in the hand of King Edward the claimer cut downe the flower of France in the Battell of Crecie with the slaughter of Lewis King of Bohemia of Charles the French Kings brother of Iames Dolphin of Viennois the Dukes of Lorrayne and Burbon the Earles of Aumarle Sauoy Montbilliard Flanders Niuers and Harecourt the Grand Priour of France the Archbishop and Zanxinus and Noyone of Lords Barons and Gentlemen to the number of 1500 with 30. thousand of the French Souldiers and Philip not able of himselfe to defend himselfe inciting Dauid of Scotland to inuade and weaken England therein did but only vexe his owne spirit for in that attempt the Scottish King was taken prisoner and brought so to London leauing Philip to struggle with his hard fortunes in France which with bad successe hee did to the day of his death 24 Iohn his sonne by the same title and claime felt the same stroake of iustice from the hand of that thunderbolt in warre Edward surnamed the blacke Prince the sonne of Englands Mars who farre inferiour to the French in number farre exceeded them in marshall power when at the battell of Poitiers the French royall Standard was stroke downe an hundred Ensignes wonne by the English the Constable Marshall and great Chamberlaine of France with fifty two Lords and seuenteen hundred Gentlemen slaine in the field King Iohn himselfe his sonne Philip two Bishops thirteene Earles and one and thirty Lords taken prisoners by the Prince to his great praise and confirmation of his iust cause 25 Nor was the punishment of the father any whit lessened in King Charles the sonne then raigning who besides the intestine warres in his own dominions was by Gods iust iudgement strucke into a Lunacy being vnable to gouerne himselfe much lesse his Kingdome vpon which aduantage as the French would haue it King Henry now plaied though it be most certaine he sought his right farre otherwise for so it standeth vpon record dated the ninth of February and first of Henry the fift his raigne that he sent his Ambassadors vnto the French King who could not bee admitted to his presence and him whom they imployed to procure
accesse was by the French committed to Prison whereat King Henry most iustly conceiued a grudge Paulus Aemilius their owne Story-writer saith that Henry King of England sent honorable Ambassadors to demand in marriage the Lady Katherine daughter vnto the French King which as he saith was neglected with this answere that the King had no leasure to thinke on that businesse whom Franciscus Rosienius doth further inlarge saying the King scornefully smiling answered that France was neither destitute of Dukes nor hee at leasure to thinke of the Proposition and being iealous lâ—…st Burgoigne would match his daughter with Henry sent him a command to the contrary and again at their Conclusion of peace expresly enioyned the said Duke and all other Princes of the bloud not to make any alliance of mariage with England wherby K. Henry was further exasperated against France And lastly by his counsell and conference vpon the Archbishops Oration sent a Summons and demand of the Dutchies of Normandy Aquitaine Guyen Aniou in derision whereof as Caxton recordeth the Dolphin of France sent him a Tunne of Tennis Bals as Bullets most fit for his tender hands who had spent his youth as he thought more among Rackets then regard of his person or matters of State so forward is man to be an Actor in common miseries when the Fates haue made the Subiect of the Scene Tragicall that hee drawes the hand of Destinie sooner to strike and heauier to fal vpon that proiect decreed to bee east downe for by these disdains and vnprincely dealings the Crowne of France was graspt by the English hard hand and that faire soile stained with her Natiues owne bloud for the Present receiued as it was sent had promise to bee repayed with balles of more force whose stroke should bee such as the strongest gates of Paris should not be rackets sufficient to bandy the rebound 26 Grudges thus growne and warres in preparing the French thought it fittest to make Scotland their friend whom they incited to molest the English Marches which accordingly was done and that with such violence as it was a question decideable whether of the Kingdoms was first to be dealt with Westmerland thought it safest to checke the Scots as the neerer and continuall backe-friends But Excester held it better policy to beginne with France the stronger especially now disquieted through the factions of Burgundy and Orleance and vnto this the most voices gaue way whose forwardnes was such that the Clergy granted a Tenth and the temporall Lords their aides to the King as followeth The Earles Northumberland 40 men at Armes 120 Archers a peece Westmerland The Earles Warwicke 20. men at Armes and 40. Archers a peece Stafford The Earle of Suffolke a shippe 20. men at Arms and 40. Archers The Earle of Abergaueny 20. men at Armes and 20. Archers The Lords Louell A shippe 20. men at Armes and 40. Archers a peece Barkley Powis Camois S. Iohn Burrell The Lords Fitzwater Halfe a shippe 20 men at Armes and 40. Archers a peece Darcie Seymour Rosse Willoughbie The Lord Morley 6. men at Armes and 12. Archers The Lords Scales Proffered to attend the King in their persons without entertainement Randolph The whole number thus granted and appointed amounted to of Men at Armes 346 Archers 552 Ships 9½ To put back the Scots Sir Robert Vmfreuile was sent who in a skirmish vpon Mary Magdalens day tooke 360 of them prisoners and with great spoile returned to Rocksborough Castell whereof hee had charge the news whereof K. Charles vnderstanding and the great preparation made against France being better aduised vpon the dangerous euent sent his Ambassadors into England whereof the Archbishoppe of Bourges was principall who at Winchester made offer of money and some other Territories but none of the best with the Princesse Lady Katherine to be giuen in marriage vnto King Henry so that he would dissolue his Armie and conclude a peace To this Oration the Archbishoppe of Canterburie made answere that his King demanded the Dutchies of Aquitaine and Aniou with the other Seigniories anciently appertaining to his Progenitors the Kings of England which as they were his most rightfull and lawfull inheritance so would hee with all possible diligence endeauour if not otherwise by fire sword to recouer which his assertion the King himselfe in presence confirmed 27 But Burges the Archbishoppe presuming more vpon his Prelacy then respectiue vnto whom hee spake with an vnreuerend boldnesse liberty obtained seconded his Ambassage with the termes of an Herauld and with bended browes thus spake to the King Thinkest thou ô King wrongfully to put downe and destroy the most Christian the most renowned and the most excellent King of all Europe both in bloud and preheminence or thinkest thou that our mighty Soueraigne Charles hath offered thee lands summes of money and possessions with his most beautifull daughter either in feare of thee of thy English Nation or of all thy well-willers whomsoeuer I tell thee no but moued in pitty as a louer of peace and to saue the shedding of christian bloud hath made thee these offers his cause being supported by equity and truth God and his good Subiects he trusteth will set a period soone to thy quarrell Wee therefore his Ambassadors demand thy safe conduct to passe out of thy Realme and that thou wilt write thine answere and send it vnder thy seale 28 Henry no whit daunted with his big looks and words answered the Archbishoppe with milder and better set termes My Lord said he I little esteeme of your gallant brauadoes and lesse weigh your imagined power or French bragges I know my owne right to your Region and so doe your selues vnlesse you will deny a most apparant truth the strength of your Master you dayly see but mine as yet you haue not tasted he you say hath many louing subiects and friends and God be thanked I haue both as well affected to mee with which ere long I hope to make the highest crowne in your Country to stoope and the proudest Miter to kneele downe And say to the Vsurper your Master that within this three monethes I will enter France not as into his land but as into mine owne lawfull patrimonie entending to conquer it not with bragging words nor flatteâ—…ing orations but by power and dint of sword through Gods assistance in whom I trust and I assure you I will not speake the word the which I will not write and subscribe nor will I subscribe to that to which I willingly will not set my seale Therefore your safe conduct shall bee dispatched and mine answere in writing deliuered which once receiued you may depart into your Country when I trust sooner to visite you then that you shal haue cause to bid me welcome 29 The Statute enacted the first of his raigne hee now put in execution and commaunded the French out of his land according to that made the
any of aboue fifteene The great number of the slaine is not the measure of a victory but the vse and effects which it drawes The Duke of Alanson himselfe was taken prisoner with about two hundred others of speciall worth The English paid for this noble victory the bodies of about two thousand of their souldiers which lost life there for it was fought vpon faire termes in the open fields and carried by meere manhood That which followeth till the siege of Orleance Paul Aemylius comprehendeth in some few lines The fierce Conquerour besiegeth Mants in Main and with Ordinance beates downe part of the wals It yeelds heereupon The English Garrison left therein after the taking not being sufficient to containe the Towne in due subiection is compelled to flie to a Tower for their safetie the enemies which were admitted into it by the Burgers enioying the rest The Lord Talbot the most noble Captaine of the English presently arriues to the rescue and puts the malefactors to death The English Empire extends it selfe to the Riuer of Loyr Charles they call in scorne the King of Berry Thus roundly he In nine Articles and capitulations drawne and concluded at the yeelding of Mâ—…nts this was one as perhaps it was in euery like occasion That if any persons were found within the City which had beene consenting to the murther of Iohn Duke of Burgoin father to Philip Duke of Burgoin in full reuenge whereof he had hither to adhered to the English that they should simply bee at the Regents mercy 8 The chiefe things which passed in England during these happy proceedings in France were briefly these Iames Steward the young King of Scots hauing beene casually taken vpon the Sea in the reigne of King Henry the fourth and after his fathers death not sufficiently tendered nor respected by the Scots remained still a Prisoner The rather therefore to hinder the Scots that was the hope from aiding the French it was now thought fit by the Councell of England to enlarge him Which was accordingly done vpon pledges Not long after the which he married the Ladie Iane daughter to Iohn Earle of Sommerset neere cosen to King Henry Principall setters forward of this marriage as by likelihood of his liberty also to honour their family with a Kingly alliance were the Earle of Sommerset and the Bishop of Winchester both of them Beauforts who together with sundry other of the English Nobility conducted the new married Couple to the Scottish Borders Much of his ransome was abated and his new kinsemen bestowed vpon him store of plate gold and siluer among other gorgeous Ornaments suit of hangings in which the labors of Hercules were most curiously wrought But this wise King hauing had the benefit of excellent and Princely education in England did not suffer any obligations contracted in the time of his durance to preponderate with him the Generall state of Scotland whose freedome did much depend vpon the fortune of France whereby the maine drift of his enlargers was not much aduanced The reason notwithstanding which lead this action was probable and so much the more commendable for that it was tempered with humanity The forreine mischiefe thus howsoeuer intended hereby to be auoided or qualified Sir Iohn Mortimer a dangerous firebrand at home being Prisoner in the Tower was arraigned for many treasonable speeches vsed to a yeoman seruant to Sir Robert Scot keeper of the Tower of London to draw the said yeoman to let him escape promising him great matters The points of his speeches were as that fellow charged vpon him in open Parliament 1. That the said Mortimer meant to flie into Wales to the Earle of March and with an armie of forty thousand men to enter England and strike off the Protectors head and the Bishop of Winchesters 2. That the Earle of March ought by right to bee King of England and if the Earle would not that then hee himselfe was next heire 3. That if he could not safely reach to the Marches he would saile to the Daulphin of France and there serue with honor which he was assured of For these ouertures of escape and conspiracie the Knight was drawne hanged and headed Of whose death no small slander arose Perhaps he that writes so doth meane that the whole was but a stratageme to rid him out of the way Edmund Lord Mortimer Earle of March the party whom the said knight mentioned was sent not long after with many other Lords and competent numbers of men into Ireland where he deceased without issue whose great patrimony descended to Richard Plantagenet Earle of Cambridge the fatall disturber of the Realme of England vpon the pretence of Mortimers title to the Crowne 9 The amity with the Duke of Burgoin which the English had hitherto found so auailable toward their Conquests hauing otherwise receiued some few slight flawes was now in danger of vtter breaking vpon this occasion Humfrey Duke of Gloucester Protector of the Realme following councell vnworthy of his person and place contracted himselfe with the Lady Iaqueline of Baâ—…aria Inheretrix of Holland Zeland Henaâ—…lt and many other faire dominions in the Netherlands notwithstanding that Iohn Duke of Brabant her former husband was then liuing and that the suit of diuorce commenced by Iaqueline depended still betweene them The Duke of Burgoin held with Brabâ—…t This bred bitter humor in the Duke of Glocester who being not vsed to meet with any rubs or confrontments and now when in person he came with an armie to take seison of Henault in right of his supposed wife finding himselfe hard set vnto by the aids which Burgoin ministred to the Duke of Brabant he challengeth Combat of the Duke of Burgundy calling him traitour It was accepted and the lie strongly thrust vpon Gloucester who leauing the light Lady at her Towne of Monts in Henault returned into England doing nothing of that for which at that time he came Mediation tooke vp the quarrell afterward betweene the Duke of Burgundy and him Not long after the returne of the Duke of Gloucester into England the first marriage which had beene made and consummated betweene the Duke of Brabant and the said Lady Iaqueline was pronounced lawfull by Pope Martin the fifth Hereupon the Duke of Glocester hauing susteined many losses aswell of friends as treasure in punishment of that great sinne in taking anothers wife forthwith marries Eleanour daughter to Reignald Lord Cobham of Sterborough whereby he made her amends for that vnlawfull familiarity which had formerly passed betweene them Meanewhile the Court of England doth well shew that the King was an infant for it was full of dangerous emulations and sidings the Duke of Gloucester whose high office it was to tender the welfare of the King and State laying sundry grieuous accusations against the Cardinall Beaufort sonne of Iohn Duke of Lancaster Bishop of Winchester and Lord
Chancellor as being a person very dangerous vnto both 10 The news of these home-contentions comming to the Duke of Bedford into France easily drew him home though the state of that Realme could not well want his presence For Iohn Duke of Britaine notwithstanding his late renouation of league with the Regent at Amiens iealous of the English greatnes turned sodeinely to Charles and with him Arthur Earle of Richmond his brother This puts fresh spirit into the drooping Prince Arthur is by Charles made Constable of his France in place of the Scottish Earle who was slaine at the bloody Battell of Vernoil The Duke of Britaine ouerliues this reuolt but a small time Arthur to declare his forwardnes on the behalfe of Charles assembleth about twenty thousand men and with them sodeinely besiegeth S. Iean a Towne of Normandy vpon the frontier of Britaine which Edmund Duke of Sommerset Gouernour of Normandy had lately fortified and stuft with souldiers The vnexpected arriuall of the French did greatly at the first perplex the English but vpon better aduise they valiantly sallied out vpon them both before and behind which stroke so great terrour into the enemy that with losse of their Artillery and many of their people they forsooke the siege To redeeme this dishonour he turnes his fury vpon the Countrey of Angioâ—… which in many parts he depopulates and spoiles The Regent being resolued to returne into England leaues behind him Beaâ—…champ Earle of Warwicke as lieutenant who was lately arriued in France hauing six thousand fresh Souldiers in his company 11 The presence of the Duke of Bedford Regent of France was to the State of England very necessary For the wisdome and authority of so great a Prince being eldest vncle to the King and one whom many great deedes made famous allaied the distemper which he found at his arriual It was a worke worthy of his labour and he also found it to be a worke indeed and not easily effectuable The differences were debated first at Saint Albans then at Northampton lastly in a Parliament at Leicester which continued there till toward the end of Iune The Duke of Bedford himselfe to auoid the note of partiality for that his brother of Glocester was a party did not intermeddle otherwise then as in Generall words to perswade amity but the whole cause was referred to arbitrators of greatest Nobility and prudence by whose endeuours all those differences and greeuances were equally thrust into one sacke to be sealed vp for euer by obliuion and without mention of amends on either side the Duke and Bishop the one hauing sworne by his Princehood the other by his Priesthood truly to obserue the award shooke hands and were fully for that time reconciled After which holy and necessary worke of priuate attonements ensued acts of festiuitie and honor For in the same Towne of Leicester the young King not then fiue yeeres of age was at the high feast of Pentecost dubbed Knight by the Regent of France Immediately whereupon the King honored Richard Earle of Cambridge who by the fatall errour of the Counsell was at this Parliament created Duke of Yorke the same who was father to Edward the fourth with the order of knighthood and about forty more with him This Richard Duke of Yorke was hee who brought vpon this Kingdome and nation most dolefull diuisions to the vtter extirpation of all the male lines of either house that is to say his owne and that of Lancaster whereof the young King was head From Leicester the King was conueighed to Killingworth and Thomas Duke of Excester dying Beauchamp Earle of Warwicke was constituted Guardian and Tutor to the King 12 The Regent hauing thus worthily prouided for the quiet estate of the King and Country returns to his charge in France There went ouer at the same time a choise and great number of fresh men vnder the conduct of that immortally renowmed the L. Talbot whose victories saith Polydor were so many that his name was not onely most dreadfull to the French but most famous through the world euen at this present That yee may know the man not to haue beene studious of fine Phrases vpon the one side of his sword-blade was engrauen Sum Talboti and vpon the other this boisterous blunt sentence Pro vincere inimicos meos The Duke of Alanzon taken at the Castell of Vernoil was set at liberty vpon payment of two hundreth thousand Scutes of gold At Mountarges about Orleance the English receiued an ouerthrow with the losse of about fifteene hundreth of their numbers and in Britaine the French sustained great dammages by a Captaine of the Duke of Sommersets These were petty matters They of Mantz in Maine had drawne in the French by night who massacred the English William Earle of Suffolke Captain of the place sends to Iohn Lord Talbot for succour It came and that so vnexpectedly that the French were alike distrest All but souldiers were spared and many also of them though thrust into prisons The Traitours which had caused so much mischiefe had their deserts by death From hence the Lord Talbot marched to other enterprises The quality of our taske cals vs to the maine 13 Thomas Lord Montacute Earle of Salisbury being with the Regent at Paris and considering what forces of men and all prouisions the English then enioied bethought himselfe of some action which might answere the greatnesse of his owne name and of the publike meanes The siege of Orleance is by him propounded to the Councell The credite of the Motioner was alone an argument of power to conuince the possibility His desires were therefore furnished with all competent prouisions They of Orleance hearing what a storme was comming for the name of this Earle was worthily terrible with great diligence ordaine for their defence The Suburbes answerable in bignesse to a good City they leuell with the earth that the enemie might not from thence annoy them Men victuals munition and constant intentions to fight for their liberty and safegard abounded The Earle of Sarisburie the Lord Talbot and a dreadfull puissance vnder most expert commanders present themselues before it Orleance was and is an Episcopall See a Parliament Towne and Vniuersity richly scituate vpon the riuer of Loir whose best glory it is being the chiefe City which that renowned streame watereth No enemies appearing abroad he approacheth close to the walles Assaults prouing vain he entrencheth about it and to secure his Campe casts vp ramparts and other works one of which by reason of the hugenesse thereof was called London by the name of the chiefe-City of England The Fort which stood at the Bridge foot beyond the Loyr hee seiseth vpon and closeth them vp on euery side Charles of France could minister no sufficient succor God when mans helpe failes interposeth his hand which as all of vs daily feele so is it most conspicuous in the deliuerance of
Nations The City is driuen to some miserie through the beginning want of all things for the siege had now endured about 60. daies not without much bloudshed on both sides The Earle of Salisburie impatient of such delay purposeth to giue a generall assault The better to consider vpon the course hee stands to take view at a window barred with Iron which ouerlookt the City toward the East Behold how God began to vncutte the knot of those bands with which the English held France bound a bullet of a great piece which lay ready leueld at that window discharged by the Gunners sonne a lad stroke the grates whose splinters so wounded the Earle and one Sir Thomas Gargraue that they both dyed of the incurable hurts within few dayes Heare now the common iudgement of Writers concerning this Earles losse Presently after the death of this man the fortune of the war changed Now both mortall and immortall powers beganne to looke fauourably vpon the State of France This to the English was Initium malorum for after this mishappe they rather lost then wanne so that by little and little they lost all their possession in France and albeit that somwhat they got after yet for one that they wan they lost three So that Polydor not without cause after many other great praises doth elsewhere call him the man in whom the safety of the English state consisted The vertue therefore of a fortunate Generall is inestimable 14 Howbeit the siege did not determine with his life William Earle of Suffolke the Lord Talbot the rest maintained the same all the winter The wants of the Campe were relieued from Paris by a conuoy vnder the guard of Sir Iohn Fastolfe and fifteene hundred souldiers who arriued safe in despite of all the attempts to distresse thē which the French made The City would yeeld it selfe but not to the English The Duke of Burgundie they were content should haue the honour A subtle stratagem rather then an offer of yeelding for there was likelihoode in it to breake thereby the amity betweene the English and him The Regent and his Counsell being sent vnto thought it not reasonable Aemylius erroniously makes the late Earle of Salisbury the Author of that refusall neither indeed was it theirs hauing beene the cost and labour The Duke of Burgundy construed this repulse sowerly which marred his taste of the English friendshippe euer after yet the Regents answere was iust and honest That the warre was made in King Henries name and therefore Orleance ought to be King Henries Among these difficulties stood the French affaires Charles of France vnderstanding the miserable straites of his deare City ignorant how to remedy so neere a mischiefe there presented herselfe vnto him at Chinon a yong maid about eighteene yeeres old called Ioan of Loraine daughter to Iames of Arck dwelling in Domremy neere Va◅caleurs a Shepheardesse vnder her father whose flockes shee tended bids him not faint and constantly affirmes that God had sent her to deliuer the Realme of France from the English yoake and restore him to the fulnesse of his fortunes Shee was not forthwith credited but when the wise of both sorts aswell Clerkes as Souldiers had sifted her with manifold questions she continued in her first speech so stedfastly vttering nothing but that which was modest chast and holy that honour and faith was giuen vnto her sayings An old woman directed her Ioan armes her selfe like a man and requires to haue that sword which hung in S. Katherines church of Fierebois in Touraine This demaund encreased their admiration of her for such a sword was found among the old Donaries or Votiue tokens of that Church Thus warlikely arrayed she rides to Blois where forces and fresh victuals lay for the reliefe of Orleance Shee with the Admirall and Marshall of France enters safe This did greatly encourage the fainting French Ioan the maide of God so they called her though some haue written that it was a practise or imposture writes thus to de la Pole Earle of Suffolke who succeeded Salisbury in the maine charge of that siege 15 King of England do reason to the King of heauen for his bloud royall yeeld vp to the Virgine the keyes of all the good Cities which you haue forced She is come from heauen to reclaime the bloud royall and is ready to make a peace if you bee ready to doe reason yeeld therefore and pay what you haue taken King of England I am the chiefe of this war wheresoeuer I encounter your men in France I will chase them wil they or no. If they will obey I will take them to mercy The Virgine comes from heauen to driue you out of France If you will not obey shee will cause so great a stirre as the like hath not beene these thousand yeeres in France And beleeue certainly that the king of heauen will send to her and her good men of Arms more force then you can haue Goe in Gods name into your Country bee not obstinate for you shall not hold France of the King of Heauen the sonne of S. Marie but Charles shall enioy it the King and lawfull heire to whom God hath giuen it Hee shall enter Paris with a goodly traine you William de la Pole Earle of Suffolke Iohn Lord Talbot Thomas L. Scales Licutenants to the Duke of Bedford and you Duke of Bedford terming your selfe ◅egent of the Realme of France spare innocent bloud and leaue Orleance in liberty If you doe not reason to them whom you haue wronged the French will doe the goodliest exploit that euer was done in Christendome Vnderstand these newes of God and of the Virgine Yet Charles had at this time no whole Countries vnder his obedience but Languede◅ and Daulphin against which both the Sauoyard and Burgundian prepared but miscarried the Prince of Orenge the third confederate being discomfited 16 This letter was entertained by the English with laughter Ioan reputed no better then a Bedlam or Enchantresse Though to some it may seem more honourable to our Nation that they were not to bee expelled by a humane power but by a diuine extraordinarily reuealing it selfe Du Serres describes this Paragon in these words Shee had a modest countenance sweete ciuill and resolute her discourse was temperate reasonable and retired her actions cold shewing great chastity without vanity affectation babling or courtly lightnesse Let vs not dissemble what wee finde written By her encouragements and conduct the English had Orleance pluckt out of their hopes after they had suffered the Duke of Alanson to enter with new force and with much losse were driuen to raise the siege Ioan herselfe was wounded at one sallie in which shee led being shot through the arme with an arrow Iudge what she esteemed of that hurt when shee vsed these admirable and terrible words This is a fauour let
and two daughters the youngest of which was Lady Margaret whom King Henry afterward tooke to wife Charles Duke of Lorraine dying Renate thinkes to succeed in that estate Antony Earle of Vallemont brother to Charles presumes he hath a neerer right The matter comes to be determined by blowes Charles King of France was a stedfast supporter of Renates claime in lieu of like offices performed by Renate to him in the times of most difficulty The Regent and Philip Duke of Burgundy stood for the Earle Their aides preuailed so much that Renates forces were beaten with losse of about three thousand from the siege of Vallemont and himselfe with not fewer then two hundred others remained prisoner to the Duke of Burgundy one of whose subiects commanded in chiefe at that enterprise This Renate was afterward entituled to the Crowne of Naples and Sicilia by the testament of Ioane Queene of them The King of France might seeme to haue susteined a grieuous losse by the enthralment of this Duke but the English gained nothing thereby for his perswasions and priuate offices on the behalfe of King Charles did not a little prepare the Burgundians heart which now was knit to the English but with feeble Arteries to accept in time the holy impression of reconcilement The French who liued vnder the Regency or in danger of the English made choise of the Burgundian to protect them which could not be embarred to them for that he was as yet King Henries pretended friend Indeed this Scene and vnstable state of affaires was full of horrour which Polydâ—…re Vergill describeth well enough While the English and French quoth he contend for Dominion Soueraignty and life it selfe mens goods in France were violently taken by the licence of warre Churches spoiled men euery where murthered or wounded other put to death or tortured Matrons rauished Maids forcibly drawne from out their parents armes to be deflowred Townes daily taken daily spoiled daily defaced the riches of the Inhabitants carried whither the Conquerors thinke good hâ—…sen and villages round about set on fire no kind of cruelty is left vnpractised vpon the miserable French omitting many hundreth kinds of other calamities which all at once oppressed them Adde hereunto that the Commonwealth being destitute of the helpe of lawes which for the most part are mute in times of warre and mutiâ—…ie floateth vp and downe without any anchorage at right or iustice Neither was England herselfe voide of these mischiefes who euery day heard the newes of her valiant childrens funerals slaine in perpetuall skirmishes and bickerings her generall wealth continually â—…d and wained so that the euils seemed almost equall and the whole Westerne world ecchoed the groanes and sighes of either Nations quarrels being the common argument of speech and compassion throughout Christendome 22 The course certainly which the English held did only faintly keepe aliue the Generall State of the Regency without giuing period to the warre either by finishing the Conquest or setling that which was conquered Some would haue had large supplies of men and treasure leuied that King Charles might no where haue any rest Of this opinion were Bedford himselfe the Dukes of Yorke and Sommerset This Counsell was not followed but another in shew more frugall which fed the euils but redressed none Present sparings doe oftentimes draw after them infinite wasts and no husbandrie proues so ill as vnseasonable Parsimony In the mean time the Earle of Arundel and the Lord Talbot carry about victorious Armes and terrifie Angiou Main and other places with their successes In Normandie neuerthelesse the common people drew together in huge multitudes There were threescore thousand of them rebelliously knotted together in Vexin Norman and twenty thousand in Câ—…ux Their purpose was through dislike of the English Gouernment or practise of the French to haue reacht one hand to King Charles and to haue thrust King Henries officers out What is a multitude without aduise To stoppe their insolency and course which they held toward Caen the Earle of Arundel and Robert Lord Willoughby with about thirteen hundred light horse and sixe thousand Archers march against them by direction of the Dukes of Yorke and ommerset who had the chiefe Leiutenancies in Normandy They diuide their forces to vse them with the more aduantage The Earle stayes in Ambush with two parts the Lord Willoughby drawes them into it with the third A thousand of the Rebels were cut down before the souldiers hands could be stayed to spare the rest who basely as it became them threw away their weapons and fell to the earth crying mercy The multitudes were suffered to returne their ringleaders lost their liues All that the world could collect by this popular insurrection was that the Normans would be gladly rid of the English Nothing else was done This Earle of Arundell hauing done sundry noble deeds during the wars in France receiued his deathes wound shortly after in a skirmish at Gerberoy in Beauuoâ—…sine where La Hire a famous Captaine among the enemies had the day 23 The Regency yet held and the miseries of France being burnt vp by the fiery reflections of two Counter-Sunnes were nothing diminished Who should giue to them a Period while the Duke of Burgundy continued English it could not be To prepare therefore a separation betweene them such of the Nobility as went ouer to the Burgundian Duke told him That King Charles vpon all occasions when speech was ministred spake of him honourably and inwardly wished him well and that he neuer heard any mention of the murther committed vpon the Duke his father cause of the sonnes hatred to France but he heartily sighed protesting hee was neither party nor priuy thereunto These and the like mollifying salues applyed to the tumors of his reuengefull affections did worke strongly the rather for that his minde heretofore possessed with the English amity was now vacant in that part the same by the means of sundry iealousies and auersions lying open to contrary impressions There wanted but an outward honourable meanes to fashion him entirely to the French partie Let vs heare Serves in this point The Deputies of the Generall Councell presse both French English and Burgundians to end all quarrels by some good composition The City of Arras is allowed of them all to treat in From the Pope and Councell of Pisa there came the Cardinals of S. Crosse and Cypres with twelue Bishoppes For the King of France there was the Duke of Bourbon the Earle of Richmond Constable of France the Archbishoppe of Reims Chancellour of France and many others great noble wise and learned men For the King of England the two Cardinals of Yorke and Winchester the Earles of Suffolke * Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington the Bishoppe of Saint Dauids Iohn Ratcliffe Keeper of the great Seale the Lord Hungerford Ralfe the wise Officiall of Canterbury and some Doctors of Diuinity For
to Kenelworth Her pride falshood auarice and lechery were causes of her confusion saith Stow who hath set forth that businesse very diligently though not seeming to attribute much credit to that accusation of treason The Duke of Glocester her vnhappy Lord and husband whom shee by loue-cups and enchantments was said to haue enucigled vsing therein one Margerie Gurdmain a witch of Ey in Suffolke who was burnt in Smithfield stung with this reproach might reasonably be thought not vnwilling to doe somewhat Howsoeuer that was his destruction borrowed countenance from that opinion The Duke therefore being come to attend in this Parliament at Burie was arrested of high treason by Iohn Lord Beaumont high Constable of England the Dukes of Buckingham and Sommerset with others Certaine of the Kings houshold were appointed to guard him Not long after he was found dead His body was shewed to the Lords and Commons as if he had died of a palsey or an aposteme Of thirty and two of his seruants which were attached Sir Roger Chamberlaine Knight Richard Middleton Thomas Herbert Arthur Tursey Esquires and Richard Nedham Gentleman were condemned of high treason and had this vnexampled punishment They were drawne from the Tower to Tiburn hanged let down quick stript naked marked with a knife to be quartered and then a Charter of pardon shewed for their liues by the Marquesse of Suffolke But the yeoman of the Crowne had their liuelihood the executioner their cloathes Their pardons were thus obtained by the earnest diligence of Doctor Gilbert Worthington a famous preacher parson of S. Andrewes in Holborne Thomas Wilde Esquire the Dukes seruant also being condemned and pardoned among other had for a preamble in his letters patents words importing that hee had beene one among many other traitours against the King with Humfrey Duke of Gloucester who went about and practised to deliuer Eleanour late wife to the Duke from out of prison for which purpose he had gathered a great power and number of men to come to the Parliament at Berie there to haue contriued the Kings destruction 42 Such was the end of this great Prince who notwithstanding this open shewing of his body and these pretended crimes was by the people of England thought to be doublie murthered by detraction and deadly practise He was not only a true louer of learned men but himselfe also learned and saith our Author a father of his Countrey His maine opinion concerning the gouernment of King Henries French dominions was as mainely opposed by the Cardinall of Winchester and others who altogether perswaded Peace to which the noble Duke standing precisely vpon the honor and Maiesty of the English name was an absolute enemie From this troubled fountaine of diuided Councell many following blacke aduentures did flow The Duke thus brought to his end goodmen saith Polydore fearfull of their owne safeties did of their owne accord forsake the Court into whose roomes many succeeded who for the more part looking how to rise in dignity made open an easie way for new factions The Cardinall of Winchester the other halfe-arch of the Kingdome ouerliued not the Duke aboue fifteene or sixteene daies The whole frame of gouernment was thus drawne to repose it selfe vpon the Queene and such fauourites as the King by her commendation the rather liked 43 The Marquesse of Suffolke prime man in grace was created Duke which made him a more conspicuous marke of enuie then that any shadow of the King or Queene could shelter or protect After the Cardinals death the affaires in France where Sommerset was now Regent wereneither duelâ—…e looked vnto nor the gouernours of the Countrey well aduised But the King and Realme of England lay much more then France open to the ineuitable deepe and pernicious conspiracies of Richard Duke of Yorke Hee by the error of King Henry and the euill starres of our Countrey being of himselfe a great Prince and growne stronger by affected popularitie perceiuing the King to be a Ruler and not to Rule began secretlie to allure his friends of the Nobilitie and priuily declared to them his title to the Crowne as likewise he did to certaine Gouernors of Cities and townes which attempt was so politickly and closely carried that his prouision was readie before his purpose was opened The very state of things inuited this fatall conspiracie a milder King then England was worthy of a Councell out of fauour with the people manifold losses and dishonours abroad a turbulent and iealous condition of things at home Of all which and much more the Duke of Yorke hauing King Henrie the fourth the enemie of his house for a perillous example made his pretious vse cherishing the popular auersions without seeking to redresse any euils but representing them worse then they were thereby to ripen that breach of loialty in the hearts of men which his ambition wrought vpon His displacement from the Regency of France did not a little perhaps offend him at first because the Duke of Sommerset got it ouer his head but it will not be long before Sommersets euill carriage of that trust and the declining fortune of England will giue him occasion to reioice at the foile of his dreaded enemy Let vs not be long in the rehearsall of the publike shame and dammage of our nation 44 During the truce betweene England and France one Sir Francis Surien an Arragonois Knight of the Garter seruing vnder the Regent vnlawfullie surprized Fougers a towne of Britaine vpon the confines of Normandy Restitution is demanded The Duke of Sommerset a proud man saith Serres who thinking to dâ—…e better then the rest did absolutely ruine the English affaires contrary to good discipline cherishing his souldiers in their riots and disorders neglected the iustice of nations in that point The French make this their example and surprize Port del ' Arch and towne after towne so many and so fast that King Charles who that he might haue God on his side and wrong on his enemies conteined himselfe with great modesty till he saw all quiet restitution desperate recouered Roan Caen and all Normandie within a short space after 45 Thus Sommerset and the English are compelled to quit Normandy not only inglorious but also in England it selfe vncommiserated The next maine parcell of the English inheritance beyond our Ocean was Gascoigne King Charles and his people desirous against plaine right to make all that theirs whatsoeuer was comprehended within the French language inuaded that Dutchie also and within verie few yeeres after the fortune of warre and disloialty of the people euery where fauouring them extorted the same out of the English-mens possession after it had continued theirs about two hundreth fourescore and nine yeeres to the immortall dishonour and dammage of our nation The Duke of Yorke in the meane time who thirsted for the Crowne of England hath occasion ministred to impe more feathers into
their entrie was barred runne furiously to armes Cade endeauors to open his way by force but in despight of all his power the Citizens made good defended London-bridge against him though with the losse of many valiant and honest men for the conflict endured all night till nine in the morning Among such as were slaine on the Kings side were Iohn Sutton Alderman Mathew Gowgh himselfe and Robert Heysand Citizen This Gowgh an Esquire of Wales was a man of excellent vertue manhood and zeale to his Country and of great renown in the warre of France where he had serued with speciall commendations faithfully for the space of aboue twenty yeeres His deserts at this time deserued a Statue in the City for whose safety hee spent his last bloud To giue a quicke end to these miseries impunity is proclaimed for all offenders and sent to them in the Kings name by the Archbishoppe of Canterbury Lord Chancellour vnder the great Seale of England the rebels are scattred with this assurance of their safeties and euery man retires in peace from following so pestilent an Impostor A thousand Markes when Cade afterward attempted new troubles are promised to him who kils or takes this counterfeit Mortimer Alexander Eden a Gentleman of Kent had the happinesse to discouer and kill him at Hothfield in that County his wretched carkase was brought to London where his false head was set sentinell vpon London-bridge and his quarters were aduanced for terrour in seuerall parts of Kent There died also by the stroke of iustice twenty and sixe more whereof eight were executed at Canterbury and the rest elsewhere in Kent and Sussex The multitude it selfe came naked in their shirts to the King on Blacke-heath humbly praying mercy which they obtained 54 The Kentish rebellion thus pacified farre greater and farre more dangerous troubles ensued as it fareth in humane bodies which relapsing into sickenesses are shaken so much the more terribly These troubles had their fountaine and mediate Originall from Richard Duke of Yorke no degenerous sonne of that Richard whom King Henry the fifth had created Earle of Cambridge and enriched with much wealth honoring him aboue others in regard of his blood and parentage but no bountie nor benefits could change a treacherous disposition for as you haue heard before he conspired to murther his benefactor King Henry the fifth as the Duke of Yorke his true progenie labored to depose this King Henrie his aduancer The humors of the popular body were in the last commotion not obscurely discouered The Common weale had perhaps some few enormities through the abuse of Magistrates and men in place but yet such as the maladie was infinitely lesse pernicious then the remedy Vpon this intelligence the Duke comes sodeinely out of Ireland and to begin his vsurped censureship and dictature apprehends Iohn Sutton Lord Dudley Reignald Abbot of Saint Peters at Glastenbury and another whom he imprisoneth within his Castle of Ludlow Intollerable beginnings of more intollerable sequele Edmund Duke of Sommerset was the man who after Suffolks death most supported the Kings side by his vigilancie caresdangers and good Counsels endeuouring by all meanes to cleare the Realme from factions and to preserue the King and state in quiet 55 Yorke seeing this doth find that Suffolke perished in vaine if Sommerset held like grace against whose person he had a particular pretence of quarrell for that the City of Caen in Normandy which was the Duke of Yorkes charge was rendred vp to the French by him when the English affaires grew desperate in those parts Sir Dauid Hall Knight being at that time Captaine there for his Lord and Master the Duke of Yorke and not allowing it although the renowned Talbot himselfe was present at the render and became an hostage for performance of the Capitulations Yorke hereupon consults with his speciall friends Richard Earle of Salisbury and Richard his son who was afterward that most seditious great fighting Earle of Warwicke Thomas Courtney Earle of Deuonshire Edmund Brooke Lord Cobham and others how Yorke might get the Crowne of England and for that cause how to ruine or fret out the Duke of Sommerset who standing they were to looke for strong opposition In the end they conclude to take armes but yet to smother the mention of the Duke of Yorkes title giuing out to the world for the reason of their doings that they meant all honour and obedience to King Henry and only to remoue certaine bad men from about his person who afflicted the people and made a pray of the Common-wealth which to gaine the more credit and to blind the good King the subtile Duke declares by Proclamation wherein thus speaketh that Ambitious Hypocrite God knoweth from whom no thing is hid I am haue beene and euer will be his true liege man c. And to the very proofe it is so I offer my selfe to sweare that on the blessed Sacrament and receiue it the which I hope shall be my saluation at the day of doome c. In that it was the euill hap of the Duke of Sommerset that Normandy was lost during his Regencie his enemies had the more commoditie to incommodate him with the people who forbare not at his returne to offer to him sundry dishonours and iniuries till vpon paine of death they were restrained for breach of which Proclamation one had his head cut off in West Cheap London 56 The King notwithstanding all his Cosens arts and dissimulations seeing the hooke through the baite and the snake through the grasse by the aduise of his trusty friends chiefly of Edmund Duke of Sommerset thinkes not fit to relie vpon his enemies good nature but hauing a strong power and store of honorable men to conduct them he marcheth toward Wales against the Duke The King did herein wisely but not so much as the cause required Yorke hauing notice of the Kings approach turnes aside and with all speed marcheth toward London That City the vaine hope of all Rebellions would not harken Thereupon he slides with his people into Kent the nest of his hopes and at Brent-heath neere Dertford a towne about twelue miles from London encampeth meaning to fight The King is not slow but leauing his march toward Wales pitcheth vp his roiall pauilion vpon Black-Heath with a purpose to teach his cosen of Yorke more duty Behold the fortune of England God puts an excellent opportunity into the Kings hands of tearing vp the danger of his house by the rootes for the Duke was farre inferiour in numbers Such therefore as secretly fauoured him fearing his ouerthrow were willing to aduise a reconcilement Messengers goe betweene the hosts The Duke in his wonted manner pretends loialtie and particular iniuries as that the Kings seruants Sir Iohn I albot at Holt Castell Sir Thomas Stanley in Cheshire and others in other places were set to harken vpon him That by two
and Sommerset and the Earle of Deuonshire with an hundred and forty moe were attainted also and disherited so fortune dallieth in setting the dice of her fauours or frownes 12 Queene Margaret stored with men but in want of money with her French powers made into Scotland whose comming was most welcome to the two Kings there and thence with great shew of enterprize hoised her sailes for England but hauing touched the â—…y of Tinmouth whether vpon better aduise or feared with their owne shadowes shee with her French put backe to the Sea where such a sore tempest tooke them as had not Queene Margaret in a small Caruell got vnto Barwicke shee had not liued to vexe the new King nor seene the vnfortunate losse of her husband her son and Realme nor the miserable calamities of her owne old age her French by Bastard Ogle were heaâ—…e into Holy Iland many slaine and foure hundred of them put to their ransomes 13 This â—…inting French enterprize though it dulled the edge of some spirits yet did it nothing daunt the courage of the Queene her better hopes being fixed vpon the Scots valour so leauing Prince Edward for safetie in Barwicks with her husband and Scots shee entred Northumberland tooke the Castle of Bamburgh and so passed forward vnto the Bishopricke their forces daily increasing through the confluence of such English 〈◊〉 fauoured King Henrie 14 King Edward hearing these stirres in the North made his preparation both by Sea and Land and with his brethren and Nobles came to Yâ—…rke from whence he sent Iohn Neuil Lord 〈◊〉 with a power of men as some what mistrusting the loialties of the Northumbrians who passing forward vpon Hâ—…gely-Moore was sodeinely encountred by the Lords Hungerfâ—…rd and Roâ—…s with whom was Sir Ralph Ferciâ—… a most valiant Knight but Montaâ—… accompanied with such as would neither looke backe nor stand gaâ—…ing on â—…hode the encounter and at the first push put back the two â—…ords and 〈◊〉 slew the said 〈◊〉 who no waieâ—… would depart out of the field but in dying said I have saued the 〈◊〉 in my â—…rest meaning this oath mâ—…e to King 〈◊〉 15 valiantly 〈◊〉 their Camp as after great slaghter saith Grafton hee fled into Scotland which is more likelie 16 Edward thus cleered of the Cloud threatning storme thought best ere others did light to prouide for himselfe and therefore he raised Bulwarks built new Fortresses in places of danger put forth his espials vpon the Marches of Scotland and commanded that none should keepe Henrie or Margaret in secret whose sight he feared would draw the affections of many which otherwise stood in case of obedience But ouer-borne Henrie whether past al feare or inforced by destinie in disguised apparell past into England where he was soone apprehended by one Caâ—…tlow but Stow saith by Thomas Talbot in Cletherwood besides Bungerley Hipping stones in Lancashire being betraied in Waddington Hall as he sate at dinner and thence brought to London with his legs bound to the stirrups arrested by Warwicke his guilt spurres taken off and committed Prisoner to the Tower of London 17 The Lyon thus pent his pawes cut or pared and Queene Margaret in France with her father Reiâ—…er King Edward now quiet set his minde vpon Gouernment for the good of his Realme In his Court of Kings Bench he vsed to sit in person certaine daies together to see how his lawes proceeded with Iustice ordained penall Statutes against excessiue pride in Apparell especialle against long picked shooes then vsually worne which grew to such an extreme that the pikes in the Toes were turned vpward and with siluer chaines or silke laces tied to the knee But among many good prouisions one proued very bad as the sequell shewes for concluding a league with King Henrie of Castile and Iohn King of Arragon he granted a licence to transport certaine numbers of Câ—…teswold Sheepe which are since growne to such an exceeding increase as the Clothes made of their woolles is a great hindrance to our Marchants which aduenture in the Leuant Seas 18 His next care was to finde a fit Queene both for the hope of issue to succeed and for alliance and power to assistâ—…ed were against Henries claime Fist therefore minding to send into Scotland to desire in marriage the Ladie Margaret sister to king Iames the third thereby to frustrate Hâ—…tes further hope was made to belieue that the said Ladie was by reason of sickenesse not capable of conception which altogether declined his affection from that way Next as some say a motion was made for Lady Elizabeth sister and heire apparant vnto Henrie king of Castile as a much most conuenient considering king Edward had thereunto a Claime whose great Grandmother was one of the heires of Castile being the daughter of Don Peter the king besides which high match and combination of Alliances â—…hope was conceiued that the Dutchies of Guien and Aquitaine might be recouered by the assistance of these Castilians without great charge or trauell to the English But the tender spring of the one and the lusty growth of the other would not be grafted into one stocke to 〈◊〉 fruitâ—… shee little aboue 〈◊〉 and he about twenty three 〈◊〉 unfit to â—…taine till shee could giue him content 19 A third Princesse 〈◊〉 against whom feared This match being most approued in counsell none was held more fit to solicite the businesse then Lord Richard Neuil the great Earle of Warwick a man esteemed for power a Demy-King and for magnificence and hospitality matchlesse in whose house at London as some haue verified sixe oxen were spent euery day and most Tauernes in the City full of his meat 20 Warwicke in great state arriued at Tours his message knowne was accordingly entertained in the French Court where he wrought the Queen her selfe to be the chiefest Agent who drew on her sister Bona with recommending the state and stile of a magnificent Queene a sound very tunable in a Ladies eare and her husband Lewis with assurance of a potent and wise Allie a pleasing theame to soft natured Princes as the French King was And indeed to all shee vndertooke all good contentments so as on that side all things were cleare and Warwicke dismissed with Courtly French complements the Earle Damp-martin was to passe into England for the finall confirmation 21 But whilest Warwicke had beene industriously wooing in France King Edwards affection in England was working another way for being on hunting in the Forrest of Wychwood beside Stony-Stratford hee there found other game that made game in his eye which was the Lady Elizabeth Gray attending the Dutchesse of Bedford her mother who then soiorned at his Mannour of Grafton whither hee repaired for his recreation She had beene attendant vpon Queene Margaret the wife of King Henry the sixt and had
he had created Earle of Pembrooke to be his Generall in the North who partly to deserue the Kings liberality in aduancing him to such honour and partly in emulation he bare toward Warwicke being the sole obstacle as he tooke it why he obtained not the wardship of the Lord Bonuils daughter and heire for his eldest sonne did not a little reioice of that his imploiment And therefore accompanied with Sir Richard Herbert his brother and eighteene thousand well furnished Welshmen marched towards the enemie and after him was sent Humfrey Lord Stafford with sixe thousand Archers to second him in his warres These Lords meeting together â—…ad notice by espials that the Northern made forwards towards Northampton to intercept whom the Lord Stafford lately made Earle of Deuonshire was imploied and Sir Richard Herbert who with two thousand horse laid themselues couertly by the side of a wood and sodeinely set vpon the rereward the rest hauing passed but the Northern verie nimbly turned about and bad the Welshmen such welcome as few of them returned to tell of their entertainement 33 The King vnderstanding of this hard beginning mustred his subeicts on euerie side intending to cope with the Northern himselfe And Earle Warwicke as forward to forward his fortunes gathered his friends with purpose to encounter with Pembrooke and his Welsh But before any supplies came to either of both it chanced the Armies to meete at vnawares vpon a faire plaine called Danes more neere to the Towne Hedgecot three miles from Banburie and presently fell to a bickering wherein Sir Henrie Neuill Knight sonne of the Lord Latimer vpon a lusty courage venturing somewhat too farre was taken prisoner and notwithstanding he yeelded himselfe to his Takers was cruelly slaine which vnmartiall act rested not long vnrepaied with the losse of most of the Welsh the next day For the field withdrawne the Lord Stafford repaired to Banberie and there tooke his lodging where his affections were much enamoured vpon a faire damsell in the Inne But the Earle of Pembrooke comming to the same Towne tooke into the same Inne and commanded the Lord Stafford to prouide him elsewhere contrary to their agreements made before whereat Stafford was displeased and departing thence with his whole Band left the Earle naked of men in the Towne and disabled the field of the Archers whereby the day was lost vpon the kings part for which he shortly lost his owne head 34 The Northern enflamed for the death of young Neuill the next morning most valiantly set vpon the Welshmen and by the force of Archers draue them from their ground of aduantage which Pembrooke wanting supplied with his owne prowesse and Richard his brother with his Pollaxe twice made way through the battell of the Northern without anie mortall or deadly wound so that by their valours it was verily supposed the field had beene wonne had not Iohn Clappam an Esquire and seruant to Warwicke displaied his Lords Colours with his white-beare and from an eminent place cried a Warwicke a Warwicke whereat the Welsh were so terrified as they turned and fied leauing their General and his brother alone in the field who valiantly figh ting were incompassed and taken with the 〈◊〉 of fiue thousand of their men The Earle with hâ—… brother Sir Richard Herbert were brought to Banbery where with ten other Gentlemen they lost their heads Conyers and Clappam being their Iudges 35 This second victory thus got and the Northern now fleshed vnder the leading of Robbin of Riddisdale hasted to the Kings mannor of Grafton where the Earle Riuers father to the Queene then lay whom with his sonne Iohn they sodeinely surprized and in Northampton strucke off their heads without any iudgement The deathes of these Lords the King greatly lamented and sought to reuenge first therefore writing his Commissions for the apprehension of Lord Humfrey Stafford of Southwicke who by diligent search was found at Brentmarch and beheaded at Bridgewater as he worthily deserued next he prepared a mighty Armie and with the same marched towardes Warwicke his company increasing euer as he went 36 King Edward set downe his tents at Wolney foure miles from Warwicke where the Duke and the Earle of Warwickes host lay readie for Battell but by the mediation of friends a peace was intreated and letters written from either parties expressing the griefes and wrongs sustained with proffers of redresse in amending all and in shew so farre it proceeded as the King conceiuing a certaine hope of peace rested secure not fearing any foule-play which politique Warwicke by his spiall perceiuing thought it not wisdome to loose the aduantage and thereupon in the dead of the night with a selected Company he entred the Kings Camp killing them that kept the watch tooke the king in his bed and brought him his prisoner to his Castle of Warwicke and thence by easie iourneys in the night had him conueyed to Midelham Castle in Yorkeshire not farre from Richmond where vnder the custody of his brother George Neuill Archishop of Yorke hee was reteined 37 His vsage was Princely and according to his estate which he often acknowledged to the Archbishop with all kind thankes and complements of wordes whereby he wrought himselfe into such trust and fauour as he had the Forrests to hunt in and the parkes for his pleasure whose pales are well knowne vnsufficient wals to pen the lyon in as appeared by this King who being abroad and on hunting Sir VVilliam Stanly with Sir Thomas Burgh brought him fresh horse and such a crew of followers that his keepers more feared their owne liues then were forward to force him backe againe to prison and so let the game goe without further chase King Edward thus escaped VVarwicke like a wild man furiously raged but seeing no remedy made vse of necessity and gaue forth that himselfe so caused it hauing power to make Kings and to vnmake them againe 38 The King forthwith repaired to Yorke where with great honour hee was ioifully receiued and abode certaine daies which made him well hope of a further supply of friends and men but fayling thereof and fearing the Archbishops pursuite with a small traine he posted to Lancaster where he found the Lord Hastings his Chamberlaine well accompanied for his Conuey his spirits then reuiued and traine daily increasing with speedie iourneyes hee came vnto London where all his studies and consultations were how to be reuenged vpon these disloiall Lords his brother and Earle VVarwicke and they againe fretting at the Archbishoppes follie sought to make stronger their factions against the King 39 The Land thus rent by these vnnaturall diuisions and no estate sure to enioy what was theirs the Nobles anew began to sollicite the parties vnto a Peace hauing first obtained libertie to post to and fro without their impeachments and so effectually laid downe the state of the Land whose ruines now
were so eminent by these intestine warres that the Natiues lamented the Forrein reioiced and God they saw highly displeased whose sword thus giuen into their hands was to be feared would be the destruction of the English as Nabucaednezzars of Babell was of Iudea and indeed so effectually wrought that the Duke and Earle vpon perfect confidence came to London accompanied with a small number in respect of their great danger where falling into conference with the King he tasked them with disloialtie and they him with ingratitude so that their splenes were nothing appeased but much more increased and with high wordes departed the King vnto Canterbury and they againe to VVarwicke 39 The stout Earle whose stomacke must haue vent otherwise the Caske must needs breake caused new stirres to be raised in Lincolnshire vnder the leading of Sir Robert VVels an expert souldier and sonne of the Lord VVels who with thirtie thousand Commons disturbed the Countrey and in euerie place proclaimed King Henrie setting downe his battel not farre from Stamford meaning to abide the encounter of his opposers which when the King heard of he sent for the Lord VVels his father commanding him to write to his sonne to surcease the warres and so marching toward Stamford tooke VVels in his companie with a good hope that the sonne would not beare armes against his own father in field but howsoeuer he had writ or the King conceiued Sir Robert went on in his former designes which so sore moued Edward that he beheaded Lord VVels with Sir Thomas Dimocke that had married his daughter although he had giuen them promise of safety and life 40 Young VVels then hearing of his fathers death sought the reuenge vpon this vntrusty Prince and not staying for VVarwicke who was in preparing to come set manfully vpon the King and his power where betwixt them was performed a most bloody fight till at last Sir Robert was taken with Sir Thomas Deland and others whereat the Lincolnshire men were so terrified that casting off their Coates they all ranne away in regard whereof this battell to this day is called the battell of Loscoat field wherein were slaine ten thousand men at the least after which victory the King commanded VVels with many other of note to be put to death as the chiefe causers of these dangerous Commotions 41 This vntimely conflict and vnfortunate ouerthrow made Clarence and VVarwicke at their wits end who vnprouided to field against Edward gaue way to necessity and from Dartmouth in Deuonshire embarked themselues and wiues for France both to instigate king Lewis no friend vnto Edward and to secure themselues in Callis whereof VVarwick was captaine till fortune had changed the hand of her play These crossing the Seas cast Anchor before the Towne of Callis and gaue notice they were ready to land but the Lord Vawclere a Gascoigne whom VVarwicke had substituted his deputie discharged diuers peeces of Ordinance against them and sent word flatlie they should not come there meane while the Dutches of Clarence fell in trauell and was there on Shippe-board deliuered of a faire sonne which Child the Earles deputie would scarcely suffer to be baptized in the Towne nor without great entreaty permit two flagons of wine to be conueyd aboard to the Ladies lying in the hauen For which his good seruice King Edward by his letters Patents made Vawclere chiefe Captaine of Callis and discharged the Earle as a Traitor or Rebell against him 42 Charles Duke of Burgundie being then at S. Omers owing Earle Warwicke an old grudge for gainestanding his marriage thought now a fit time to requite the discourtesie and therefore sent many thankes vnto Vawcler with promise of a thousand Crownes pension by yeere if he stood firme for his wiues brother King Edward himselfe laying the Coast to impeach his arriuage But how Mounsieur Vawclere stood affected whatsoeuer shew he made Comines the French Kings Historian doth tell who sent Warwicke word the danger he stood in of the said Duke and of Duras the Kings Admirall so as to land would be his finall confusion His Counsell therefore was that he should make into France vnto whose King he should be most welcome and as for the town of Callis he willed him to take no thought but promised to make him a good reckoning thereof when time should best serue Whereupon the Earle waied anker for Normandy and in his way tooke many rich Ships of the Duke of Burgundies subiects which netled him not a little but yet found no docke to rub out the smart 43 King Lewis hearing of the arriuage of Warwicke and knowing his troubles to arise for his Ambassage to Bona and faith vnto France sent certaine Princes to conduct him to the Castle of Amboys where a supply was made against all necessities and himselfe and traine most honorablie intertained whereat the Duke of Burgundy sore repined and sent Lewis word that he disliked his doings with threats of reuenge if he aided him against his wiues brother This notwithstanding the French King gaue all comforts to these fugitues and prepared his assistance for their restorations and the raising againe of godly King Henrie 44 Queene Margaret hauing fled England and soiourning in France with her Father Reiner a King in name but scarcely able to beare the State of an Earle saw now the Iron hot and ready to be strucke therefore with her sonne Prince Edward Iohn Earle of Oxford and Iasper Earle of Pembrooke who latelie had escaped out of prison in England came vnto Amboyse where by meanes of the French King a combination of Alliance was confirmed betwixt the Prince of Wales young Edward and Anne the second daughter to the Earle of Warwicke then present with her mother and sister in France That King Henry should be againe restored the Duke of Clarence and the Earle tooke a solemne Oath neuer to desist whiles they had power and in the nonage of the Prince they iointly were to be deputed his Protectors and the Lands sole Gouernors 45 Edward in England hearing what Queen Margaret his brother Clarence stout Warwicke in the French Court had done was strucke into a sodaine dumpe being as doubtfull of friends as fearefull of foes and therefore such as were alied to the Lancastrians or fauourits of the down-cast K. Henrie he began somewhat roughly to deale with many therefore that were guilty daily tooke Sanctuarie or yeelded themselues to his mercie among whom Iohn Marques Montacute brother to Warwicke was one who with fairest words of promises was receiued into fauor and vpon whose example many others came in which notwithstanding meant to stand out if occasion should serue But no busier was Edward to keepe the Crowne on his head then these Lords in France were resolute to strike it off in midst of whose consultations behold how it happened 46 There came from England to Calleis
Oxford with eight hundred fled the field leauing the chance to be cast for the Crowne which when Warwicke perceiued with words like a souldier he incouraged his men and seeing the fresh supply of his enemie draw now vnto fight he furiouslie rushed into the midst of their Battell wherein he aduentured so farre as he could not be reseued but valiantly fighting was strucke downe and among them slaine hauing repaid his danger with many a wound The Marquesse Montacute made forward to second his brother who till then had beene the Mars and Make-King of England but was so ouerlaid by his Opposites that they sent his soule likewise from his bodie whereby was ended that bloody daies taske 65 In this Battell vpon King Edwards part died the Lord Cromwell the Lord Bourcher the Lord Barnes sonne and heire to the Lord Say and Sir Iohn Lisle Knight In the quarrell of Henrie died Richard Neuill Earle of Warwicke and Iohn Neuill Marquesse Montacute his brother and vpon both sides of common souldiers saith Hall ten thousand Stow saith foure thousand as Fabian farre lesse all which were buried vpon the same Plaine where afterwards a Chappell was built the Duke of Excester being left for dead in the field recouered and tooke Sanctuarie at Westminster Edmund Duke of Sommerset and Iohn Earle of Oxford escaped the field and fled into Wales where with Iasper Earle of Pembrooke they still plotted to set vp King Henry whom God and destinie would haue to be cast downe 66 The same King Edward vpon the same day as an absolute Conquerour lead the vnfortunate Henry his Captiue to London and entring the City in triumph wise offered his roiall Standerd in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul whither the slaine bodies of Warwicke and Montacute in two Coffins were brought and lay there bare faced and vnburied the space of three daies least a false Brute should be made that they were not dead After which they were conueied to Bilsam Abbey and interred in that Priorie among their Ancestors 67 Edwards affaires thus farre prospered at London the windes that had crossed Queene Margaret before came fauourably about to fill her Sailes for England indeed to accomplish the decree which heauen had appointed shee with her sonne Prince Edward and their French followers landed vpon Easter Eue at Weymouth and the Countesse of Warwicke at Portesmouth who hearing the sorrowfull newes of her husbands death tooke Sanctuary within the Abbey of Beaulieu And Queene Margaret vnderstanding of the losse of Barnet-field withdrew as◅de to the Abbey of Ceerne vnto whom presently resorted Edmund Duke of Sommerset with Lord Iohn his brother Iohn Courtney Earle of Deuonshire Iasper Earle of Pembrooke Iohn Lord Wenlock and Iohn Longstrother Prior of Saint Iohns 68 These with many words of hope comforted the sorrowfull Queene and proffered her their assistance to erect Prince Edward her sonne though it were done with the losse of their owne liues requiring her only to vndertake the authority of the war and themselues would vndergo the charge and burden thereof by whose valor and power they doubted not to daunt the pride of the vsurping Edward who now held himselfe sure and beganne to grow carelesse To these their resolutions the warlike Queene most gladly consented and gaue all encouragements vnto them shee could when falling in counsell how to proceed her care according to the naturall affection of a mother was most vpon the safety and life of her sonne and theresore aswel for their owne parts if fortune should faile in this their first attempt as for the feare which the Yorkist would possesse who whiles Prince Edward his corriuall hued could not account the Diadem his Bride shee thought it best to send him backe againe into France till God had set the Crowne where it should stand whence hee might supply them with new forces or at least wise ouer-awe Edward for tyrannizing too farre But the Lords contrariwise alleadged that Prince Edward being the morning Sunne of the Lancastrians hopes and the rayes very splendent to most English eyes was to be present in field himselfe whose sight would both heat the courage of his owne Souldiers and attract the glance of his aduersaries hearts either to fight faintly or else and that rather to come to his side Thus their counsel at that time preuailed and thus resolued euery man departed to make ready his power the Queene with her French repairing to Bath 69 But Edward in London had not sate two daies in rest before hee heard of Queene Margarets arriuage and the confluence of people out of Cornwall Deuonshire and of the Westerne parts which hourely flew to giue her assistance wherefore committing to the Tower King Henry and George Archbishoppe of Yorke with a selected company he marched to meet them intending to cut off many springs before they should ioyne to the body of a riuer whose streame without danger could not be passed therefore from Windsor Abington Chichester and Malmesbury hee proceeded seeking and vrging his enemies to battell but the Queene and her forces fearing to abide in Bath remoued to Bristow Berkeley and Glocester and lastly at Tewkesbury Duke Sommerset her Generall pitched down his Tents not staying the comming of the Earle of Pembroke his battell he marshalled into three fights whereof himselfe and his brother Iohn Lord Sommerset lead the foreward the middle Battalion was commanded by Edward the young Prince vnder the conduct of the Lords Saint Iohn and Wenlocke and the Rereward gouerned by Iohn Courtney Earle of Deuonshire a mortall enemy against the house of Yorke 70 King Edward who was come now within sight of his enemies diuided likewise his Army into 3. Battalions cōmitting the Foreward vnto the guidance of his brother Richard D. of Glocester a good Souldier and of a deepe reach and policy the Main hee vndertooke to gouerne himselfe and the Rereward was commanded by the Lord Hastings his Chamberlaine The field thus marshalled and the signe of battell being giuen a most bloudy fight beganne the King had planted his Ordinance at most aduantage which Glocester frankly bestowed among the Dukes men and they lodged betwixt ditches bushes and hedges with their showers of arrowes galled Glocesters followers so as by his command his battell gaue backe as though they would shrinke which Sommerset no sooner perceiued but that he came on and ouercome with courage came out of his strength when by a certaine passage before hand prouided he came vnto the place where King Edward was embattelled thinking verily that Wenlocke had followed at his backe who as it seemed meant nothing lesse 71 The aduantage espied Duke Richard made good his retreat and with fresh supplies of two hundred speares so charged Sommerset as his battell was disordered and put to fearefull flight himselfe recouering the Midle-ward found there the L. Wenlock idle whilest others were thus working
for their liues whom he most opprobriously reuiled in the termes of a Traitor with his Battell-axe stroke his brains out of his head when presently Glocester and after him the King entred the Trench wherein all of the Queenes part went to wracke for there were slaine in this battell on her side Iohn L. Sommerset Iohn Courtney Earle of Deuonshire the Lord Wenlocke in manner as wee haue said Sir Iohn Delues Sir Edward Hampden Sir Robert Whittingham and Sir Iohn Lewkener with three thousand others besides 72 Among them that fled Prince Edward was one whome Sir Richard Crofts apprehended before hee got to Tewkesbury but Edmund Duke of Sommerset Iohn Longstrother Prior of Saint Iohns many Knights and Esquiers tooke Sanctuary in the Abbey and other places of the Towne notwithstanding they were taken forth and arraigned before Richard Duke of Glocester who that day sate Constable of England where they were condemned and had iudgement of death which they immediatelie suffered vpon a Scaffold set vp in the Town With these two Lords died twelue worthy Knights besides others of inferior degrees 73 Then was Proclamation made for the apprehension of Prince Edward promising to his taker an annuitie of an hundred pounds during his life if the Prince were liuing his life to be spared vpon which promises Sir Richard Crofts presented young Edward vnto the King whom with a sterne countenance hee a while beheld and as sternely demanded how he durst so presumptuously with Banner displayed enter into his Realme wherunto the Prince made this reply to recouer said hee my fathers Kingdomes and his most rightfull inheritance possessed by his Father and Grandfather and from him immediately belonging vnto me how darest thou then which art his Subiect display thy colour against him thy Liege-Lord which answere moued King Edward so much as with his Gantlet hee dashed the Prince on his mouth whom Richard Duke of Glocester with others of the kings seruans most shamefully murthered euen in his presence and at his feete whose body was buried without all solemnity among other poore and meane persons in the church of the Monastery of the Blacke-Fryers in Tewkesburie 74 Queene Margaret in this fatall day of battell fled towards Worcester and by the way tooke into a poore religious house in that her present distresse but three dayes after shee was apprehended and brought vnto Worcester to King Edward who committed her to sure and straite keeping in which City she a while remained But sodain news brought him that the Northern men were in Armes and meant to aduenture for her liberty the Conquerour marched to Couentrie and there made preparation further to proceed which when these hote spirits pefectly vnderstood their courages grew colder their weapons cast away they came thronging to Edward to offer him subiection yet the Lancastrians were not so minded but rather inâ—…ended once more to trie whether fortune would afford them her smile 75 A fitte instrument they had to forward the enterprise namely Thomas Neuill bastard Fanconbridge sonne of Lord Fanconbridge Earle of Kent a great supporter of King Edwards Crowne howbeit this Bastard being a man of a turbulent spirit and forward for action Earle Warwicke had made him his Admirall to keepe the narrow seas that none should haue way to strengthen King Edward which his office he executed beyond his Commission and became a taker of all Merchants goods being aided with 300. Malecontents from Calleis 76 His enterprise desperate and his name growne fearefull at sea hee meant to make it no lesse on the land for putting in at Douer many misgouerned and loose persons dayly drew to him so as his power grew to bee seuenteene thousand strong with these through Kent he made his way towards London meaning to doe much the land so molested with intestine warres and lodging his hoast on the Southside of London commanded the Citizens to giue him accesse that with King Henry whom hee meant to release from the Tower he might passe through their streetes to meet and encounter the vsurping Edward But the Londoners knowing the rudenesse of these Rakehels kept their gates shut and garded the same with sufficient strengthes whence some Lords of the royall bloud therein residing sent vnto Edward of their present danger who presently sent them fifteene hundred of his best Souldiers after whom in person hee warily marched leading with him his prisoner Queene Margaret whose bounds hee well knew gaue him the full scope of liberty 77 Fauconbridge in the meane while thirsting after spoile with his shippes secured the Thamesis aboue S. Katherines purposing with his land Forces to passe the Riuer at Kingston but hearing that Edward was on his March and fearing to bee cut off from the benefite of his ships hee altered his mind when to open his way into London hee caused the Bridge to bee fiered and three thousand of his men being set ouer Thamesis by his ships diuided themselues into two Companies the one assaying to enter at Algate and the other at Bishopsgate both which they likewise set on fire so that the Citie was in three places fired and assaulted at once but with such euill successe to the assailants that seuen hundred were slaine and the bold Bastard driuen to his ships 78 Vpon the twentieth of May the Conquerour Edward with his Captiue Queen Margaret entred London and so into the Tower the one in pomp commanding the place at his pleasure the other in teares to remaine a most pensiue prisoner where her husband the downcast King Henry was kept in hard durance The place being thus charged with the presence of two Kings and their Queens the Crokebacke of Glocester intended to cleare by taking him away that stood in his brothers way whose successor as is thought hee then meant to bee and making his inward mind more deformed then were his outward lineaments without regard of bloud-defiled hands stabbed the most innocent Henry to the heart with his dagger in which act at once beganne the ones happy rest and the others foule guilt which accompanied his conscience to the day of his death 79 The body of this murthered King was vpon the Ascention Eue laide in an open Coffin and from the Tower guarded with many bils and glaues was so carryed through the streetes vntâ—… 〈◊〉 Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul where it rested vncouered one day and beganne to bleed againe afresh a sorrowfull spectacle to most of the beholders and thence was it carried to the Blacke-Fryers Church where it likewise lay bare faced and bled as before all men being amazed at the sorrowfull sight and lastly it was put in a boat without Priest Clerke Torch or Taper singing or saying and was ferried vnto the Abbey of Chertsey in Surrey there without pompe enterred But afterwards King Henry the seuenth translated his body vnto his Castle of Windsor
of the French King his Master who should more fully informe his Maiestie and giue his safe-conduct for a further conference in these affaires and so wisely this counterfeit worded his message that the King and Nobles liked well the ouerture and thereupon granting a safe-conduct sent with him an English Herauld to receiue the like and other assignements from the French King 94 But when the Duke of Burgundy vnderstood that a peace was trauersed betwixt Edward Lewis he stormed not a little and with no small hast from Lutzenburgh accompanied with sixteene horse only came to his brother King Edward and in a great rage reproued him of breach of promise and vncourteous requitall of his former kindnes that thus would enter amity with his great foe and in outward semblance more ready to bite then to barke burst into these reproofes Haue you quoth hee brother passed the Seas entred France and without killing of a poore flie or burning of a silly Sheepecote taken a shamefull truce Oh S. George did Edward your noble Ancestor euer make Armie into France and returned without battell or Conquest That victorious Prince King Henry the fifth as neere of kinne vnto you as me whose blood you haue either rightfullie or wrongfully God knoweth extinguished and destroied with a small puissance conquered Normandy kept it and neuer would come to composition till he had the whole kingdome of France offrâ—…d him and was made heire apparant vnto that Crowne Contrariwise you without any thing done proffer of battell or gaine of honor haue now condiscended vnto a pâ—…ce as profitable for Englâ—… â—…s is a poore peascod haue I thinke you for my particular vse drawne the English forces into France which am able of my selfe to defend mine owne cause I tell you plainly no but rather to aid you to recouer your ancient Territories wrongfully withholden and that you shall wel know I need not your aide I will heare of no truce with the French till 〈◊〉 moneths after your arriâ—…ge in England at the least And â—…reupon furiously arising he threw downe the Chaire wherein he had sare and offred to depart 95 Nay stay brother Charles quoth K. Edward sith I with patience haue heard you speake what you would you shall now perforce heare from me what you would not First therefore for my thus entrance into France no man knoweth the occasion better then your selfe for mauger your owne great power you speake of you doe remember I know how the French King tooke from you the faire Towne Amiens and the strong Pile Saint Quintins with diuers other peeces which you neither durst nor were able either to rescue or defend since which time he hath gotten from you your best bosome friends and secret Counsellors so as your selfe stood in doubt determining to besiege Nusse whether the losse would be greater in your absence the French King waiting as a fox for his pray or gaine more in Germany by your power and presence and to keepe this wolfe from your fold was the principall cause why you so earnestly praied me and continually sollicited me to passe ouer the Seas promising mountaines but performing not a Mole-hill bragging a supply both of horse and foote but neuer sent me a hoofe nor a lackie Thinke you brother if wee had entred this enterprize in our owne quarrell we would haue expected your aide I assure you nothing lesse for if we had intended any such Conquest we would with Souldiers fire and sword haue so infected the aire with the flames and slaine of France as should haue annoied your Countreys of Flaunders and Brabant and giuen you leasure to sit still and tell of our euer atchieued great victories nothing doubting but to haue gotten and kept with like manhood and in as great glorie as any of our Ancestors before vs had done But the occasion of warre being yours and you wilfully I will not say cowardly neglecting the same I meane not to prosecute for â—…e French King neuer offended me nor my Subiects except in fauouring Warwicke against me nay I may say against you and now offreth such honorable ouertures of peace which I by Gods grace meane not to forsake but will obserue and keepe God send you ioy thereof quoth the Duke and so abruptly departed from the King 96 The peace thus resolued vpon betwixt the two kings of England and France the place appointed for conference was neere vnto Amiens and the parties assigned for the French were the Bastard of Bourbon Admirall of France the Lord S. Pierre and the Bishop of Eureux For the English were the Lord Howard Sir Thomas St. Leger and Doctor Mâ—…ton Lord Chancellor of England These meeting presentlie fell to a conclusion of peace the conditions whereof were That the French King should forthwith pay to the King of England seuenty two thousand Crownes That the Daulphin should marrie Lady Elizabeth King Edwards eldest daughter and that shee should haue for her maintenance the Dutchy of Guienâ—… or else fifty thousand Crownes yeerely to be paid in the Tower of London for nine yeeres space This peace was so acceptable to King Lewis as he sent sixteene thousand Crownes to bee distributed amongst the English Souldiers with plate and great presents to men of any sort indeed gaue them such entertainment in Amiens as was most bounteous whereof if any desire further to know let him read Comines vpon the same text 97 To graft which peace with a louing beginning the two Kings were desirous to see each others for which end Commissioners were sent to aâ—…gne the place and lastly agreed that the Tow ne 〈◊〉 about three leagues from Amiens seated in a bottome through which the Riâ—… Some ranne was the fittest ouer which a strong bridge was built and in the 〈◊〉 thereof a grate made ouer-thwart with barres no wider asunder then a man might well thrust in his Arme couered with boords ouer head to auoid the raine the bridge so broad that twelue might stand in a rancke on both sides 98 The day approched and the two Kings come to the place hee of France came first to the Grate accompanied with twelue personages as was the appointment wherof Iohn Duke of Bourbon and the Cardinall his brother were the chiefest King Edward entring the bridge on the other end with his brother the Duke of Clarence the Earle of Northumberland the Lord Hastings his Chamberlaine and the Lord Chancellor himselfe apparelled all in cloth of gold with a rich Iewell of precious stones in forme of a Flower de Luce aduanced forward and within fiue foote of the Grate put off his cap and bowed his knee within halfe a foote to the ground King Lewis as readily doing his likely reuerence vnto Edward Where after imbracements through 〈◊〉 Grate the Chancellour of England who was Prelate and Bishop of Ely made an eloquent and learned Oration which done he
for the loue that our Lord beareth to vs all from this time forward all griefes forgotten each of you loue others which I verily trust you will if you any thing regard either God or your King affinitie or kindred this Realme your owne countrey or your owne surety 115 And therewithall the King no longer induring to sit vp layd him downe on his right side his face towards them who with weeping eyes words as fitted the time recomfited the sicke dying King ioyning their hands and outwardly forgiuing that which inwardly they meant not to forget The King ouer-ioyed to see their willing reconcilements spake not many wordes after but commending his soule vnto God in their presence departed this life at his Pallace of Westminster vpō the 9. day of April and yeere of Christs appearance 1483. at the age of forty one when he had worne the royal Diademe two and twenty yeeres one moneth and fiue dayes and was buried at Windsor in the newe Chappell whose foundation himselfe had layd 116 Of personage hee was the goodliest Gentleman saith Commines that euer ◅ine eyes beheld faire of complexion and of most princely presence couragious of heart pol◅ke in counsell in aduersitie nothing abashed in prosperitie rather ioyous then proud in peace iust and mercifull in warre sharpe and fierce and in field bold and venturous yet no further then wisedome would and is no lesse commended where he auoided then is his manhood when he vanquished eight or nine battels he won wherein to his greater renowne he fought on foote and was euer victor ouer his enemies much giuen hee was to the lusts of youth and in his latter time growne somewhat corpulent which rather adorned his grauer yeeres then any waies disliked the eies of his beholders His Wife 117 Elizabeth the daughter of Richard Wooduill Earle Riuers by his wife ◅aquelana Dutchesse of Bedford who was the daughter of Peter Earle of S. Paul and he the sonne of Peter de Luxembourg was first married vnto Sir Iohn Grey slaine at S. Albans where he was knighted the day before his death by King Henry the sixt vnto whom shee bare two sonnes and a daughter after whose death shee was priuately remarried vnto K. Edward the fourth the first day of May at his mannor of Grafton in Northamptonshire Anno 1464. and in the next yeere following vpon the sixe and twentith of May was crowned Queen at Westminster with al due solemnities Shee was his wife eighteene yeeres eleuen moneths and nine daies no more fortunate in attaining to the height of all worldly dignity then vnfortunate in the murther of her sonnes and losse of her owne liberty For in the beginning of K. Edwards raigne shee was forced to take Sanctuary at Westminster wherein her first sonne Prince Edward was borne and at his death did the like in feare of the Protector and lastly hauing all her lands and possessions seized vpon by K. Henrie the seauenth liued in meane estate in the Monastery of Bermondsey in Southwarke where not long after shee left the troubles of her life and inioied a quiet portion or burying place by her last husband King Edward at Windsore 118 Elianor Butler as we find it recorded vpon the Parliament Role was contracted vnto King Edward but how true considering the occasion and time of the Act we leaue for others to iudge onely this is most certaine that this Lady Elianor was the daughter of Iohn Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury and the wife of Sir Thomas Butler Knight sonne and heire to Ralph Butler Baron of Sudley which Elianor died the thirtieth of Iune the yeere of Christ Iesus 1466. and the eight of King Edward the fourth his raigne His Issue 119 Edward the eldest sonne of K. Edward the fourth by Queene Elizabeth his wife was borne in the Sanctuary at Westminster the fourth of Nouember and yeere of grace 1471. being the tenth of his fathers raigne at that time expulsed the Realme by the powerfull Earle Warwicke but fortune changed and the father restored the sonne the first of Iuly and yeere of Christ was ◅eated Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall and Earle of Chester and had not the ambitious hand of his vncle beene defiled in his innocent blood he might haue worne the Diademe manie yeeres whereas he bare the Title of King not many daies 120 Richard the second sonne of K. Edward the fourth by Elizabeth his Queen was borne at Shrewsbury and in his infancy was created Duke of Yorke he was affianced vnto Anne daughter and heire to Iohn Mowbray Duke of Norfolke by which he was intituled Duke of Norfolke Earle-Marshall Warren and Nottingham but inioying neither Title wife or his owne life long was with his brother murthered in the Tower of London and in the prison of that Tower which vpon that most sinfull deed is euer since called the bloody Tower their bodies as yet vnknowne where to haue buriall 121 George the third sonne of K. Edward the fourth by Queene Elizabeth his wife was also borne in Shrewsburie and being a yong Child was created Duke of Bedford but liued not long after and lieth buried at Windsore 122 Elizabeth the first daughter of K. Edward the fourth by Elizabeth his Queene was borne at Westminster the eleuenth of Februarie and fifth of her fathers raigne being the yere of Saluation 14◅6 Shee was promised in marriage to Charles Daulphin of France woed and Courted by her vncle Crouchbacke when he had murdered her brothers and vsurped the Crowne but better destiny attending her shee was reserued to ioine the vnion and marriage with the onely heire of Lancaster which was Henrie of Richmond afterward King of England from whom is branched the roiall stemme that spreadeth his beauty in this North-West world euen Iames our dread Soueraigne and great Brittaines Monarch 123 Cicely the second daughter of K. Edward the fourth by Queene Elizabeth his wife was sought vnto by Iames the third of that name to be ioined in marriage with Iames his sonne Prince of Scotland and Duke of Rothsay which match was promised vpon conditions and choise of K. Edward who lastly brake off from further proceeding and the Lady married vnto Iohn Vicount Wels whom shee out-liued and was againe remarried but by neither husband had any issue and therefore lesse noted her body lieth buried at Quarrena in the Isle of Wight 124 Anne the third daughter of K. Edward the fourth by Queene Elizabeth his wife was married vnto Lord Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Earle Marshall and high Treasurer of England vnto whom shee bare two sonnes both dying without issue and her selfe without more fruit of wombe left her life and lieth buried at Fra◅ingham in Norfolke 125 Bridget the fourth daughter of K. Edward the fourth by his wife Queene Elizabeth was borne at Eltham in Kent the tenth of Nouember and yeere of Grace 1480. being the twentieth of her fathers Raigne Shee tooke the habite of Religion and became a
Nun in the Nunnery of Dartford in the same County founded by K. Edward the third where shee spent her life in contemplations vnto the day of her death 126 Marie the fift daughter of K. Edward the fourth by Queene Elizabeth his wife was promised in marriage vnto the King of Denmarke but died before it could be solemnized in the Tower of Greenewich the Sunday before Pentecost the twentieth two of her fathers raigne and yeere of Grace 1482. and was buried at Windsore 127 Margaret the sixth daughter of K. Edward the fourth by his wife Queene Elizabeth died an Infant without other mention in our Authors 128 Katherine the seuenth daughter of King Edward the fourth by Queene Elizabeth his wife and the last of them both was married vnto William Courtney Earle of Deuonshire and Lord of Ochaâ—…pton vnto whom shee bare Lord Henrie after the death of his father Earle of Deuonshire who by King Henrie the eight was created Marquesse of Excester in Anno 1525. His Concubines 129 Elizabeth Lucie is certainly known to haue been King Edwards Concubine though nothing so certainly mentioned whose Ladie or of what Parentage shee was that shee was conceiued by him with child is before declared but who that child was is as obscurely laid downe therefore in these things we must be silent and leaue the doubts to be resolued by others Three other concubines this king had whereof Shores wife was not the least beloued whose life falleth further to be spoken of in the Raigne of the vsurper Richard where her storie shall be shewed more at large His naturall Issue 150 Arthur surnamed Plantagenet the naturall sonne of K. Edward the fourth whose mother as is supposed was the Lady Elizabeth Lucie was created Viscount Lisle by King Henrie the eight at Bridewell in London the twentie sixth of Aprill and yeere of Saluation 1533. which title was confâ—…red vpon him in right of his wife Lady Elizabeth sister and heire vnto Iohn Gray Viscount Lisle and the late wife and then widdow of Edmund Dudley who bare vnto this Viscount three daughters which were Bridget Frances and Elizabeth all of them afterward married This Arthur Lord Lisle was made Lieutenant of Callis by the said K. Henry which Towne some of his seruants intended to haue betraied to the French for which their fact himselfe was sent to the Tower of London but his truth appearing after much search the King sent him a rich ring from his owne finger with such comfortable wordes as at the hearing thereof a sudden ioy ouercharged his heart was so immoderately receiued that the same night it made an end of his life whose body was honorably buried in the same Tower 151 Elizabeth the naturall daughter of K. Edward the fourth was married to Sir Thomas Lumley Knight the sonne of George Lord Lumley who died before his father shee bare vnto the said Sir Thomas Richard afterward Lord Lumley from whom the late Lord Lumley did descend EDVVARD THE FIFTH KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE AND LORD OF IRELAND THE FIFTIE FIFTH MONARCH OF THIS LAND HIS RAIGNE AND DEATH For the most part written by Sir Thomas Moore CHAPTER XVIII THe father thus dying in the strength of his yeeres and the sonne left to rule before he was ripe the Synders of dissensions which the sicke King had lately raked vp presently brake forth into a more raging flame for the king and Queenes blood that should haue supported young Edwards estate the one side being suspicious and â—…e other prouoked by the execrable desire of soueraignty left the tender king a Prince of such towardnes as his age could conteine destitute and vnarmed which if either kind or kindred had holden place must needes haue beene the surest pillars of his defence The raigne of this King if we may so cal the shorttime of his Soueraignty began the same day that his father died though he was neuer Crowned nor yet commanded the affaires of the Kingdome as an absolute Monarch his young brothers fortunes being ballanced with his 2 For Richard Duke of Gloucester by nature their vncle by office their Protector to their Father beholden to themselues by Oath and Alleagiance bounden all bands broken that holdeth man and man together without any respect of God or the World vnnaturally contriued to bereaue them not onlie of their dignity but also theirlines But forsomuch as the Dukes demeanour â—…reth in effect all the whole matter whereof the raigne of this yong and fift Edward must intreat itâ—… therefore conuenient somewhat to shew you ere we goe further what man this was and from whom he descended that could find in his heart so much mischief to conceiue 3 Know first then that Richard Duke of Yorke a noble man and a mighty beganne not by warre but by law to challenge the Crowne putting his claime into the Parliament where his cause was either for right or fauour so farre foorth aduanced that King Henries blood albeit he had a goodly Prince was vtterly reiected the Crowne by the authoritie of that high Court intailed to the Duke of Yorke and his issue male in remainder immediately after the death of King Henrie But the Duke not induring so long to tarrie intending vnder pretext of dissention and debate arising in the Realme to preuent his time and to take vpon him the rule in King Henries life was with many other Nobles slaine at Wakefield leauing three sonnes Edward George and Richard all of them as they were great states of birth so were they great and stately of stomacke greedy and ambitious of authority and impatient of partners 4 For Edward reuenging his fathers death depriued king Henry and attained the Crowne The second George Duke of Clarence was a goodly Noble Prince and in all things fortunate if either his owne ambition had not set him against his brother or the enuie of his enemies his brother against him For were it by the Queen and Lords of her blood which highly maligned the Kings kindred as women commonly not of malice but of nature hate them whom their husbands loue or were it a proud appetite of the Duke himselfe intending to be King at least-wise hainous treason was laid to his charge and finally were he faulty were he faultlesse attainted he was by Parliament and iudged to death as we haue saide 5 Richard the third sonne of whom we now entreat was in wit and courage equall with either of them in body and prowesse farre vnder them both little of stature ill-limmed and crook-backed his left shoulder much higher then his right very hard fauoured of visage and such as in States is called warly in other men otherwise he was malicious wrathfull and enuious yea and from afore his birth euer froward For it is for truth reported that the Dutchesse his mother had so much adoe in her trauaile that shee could not be deliuered of him vncut and that he came into the
the North signified at an assemblie according as the truth was that the King though the Northern people had besought it would not remitte one penny of such Subsidy as was granted in Parliament for supportation of the warres in Britaine left the Acts of State should bee reuersed at the rude peoples pleasure but that on the contrary Commission and warrant was sent downe for him to see the same leuied by distresse or otherwise the desperate multitude falsely supposing that the Earle was the occasion of such an answere did suddenly set vpon him at the incitement of one Iohn à Chamber and furiously murdered him with certaine of his seruants in a place called Cocklegge by Thrusk eighteene miles from Yorke They to carry their wicked attempt through make head vnder Sir Iohn Egremond a discontented Knight of those parts openly declaring where they came that their meaning was to fight with the King in defence of their liberties as if the causelesse killing of a most noble Lord had beene one of them Thomas Howard Earle of Surrey sent from Court with some forces to represse their increase skirmisheth with a route of these Rebels beats them away and takes Iohn a Chamber prisoner The whole swarme flockes to Yorke where they roosted about three or foure daies when hearing of the Kings approach who was euer one of the first in the necke of such occasions they scattered themselues but the ring-leaders were hanged and quartered and Iohn a Chamber with some others were executed at Yorke after an extraordinarie manner Sir Iohn Egremond escaping fled to the common Center of all King Henries dangers and enmities Margaret Dutchesse of Burgundy so that though the colour of rising was about money yet Egremond at lest had reference it seemes to the generall perturbation of the Kingdome vpon the old ground of quarrell hatred of the Lancastrian Familie and this to bee but a sparke or flash of that great and troubleous fire which afterward brake foorth and blased so prodigiously The Earle of Surrey is left by the King hauing seuerely punished the murtherers Lieutenant of the North and Sir Robert Tonstall Knight as chiefe Commissioner for leuying the taxe or subsidie 27 The vnworthy death of the Earle of Nerthumberland was seconded by a more vnworthy of Iames the third King of Scotland so as King Henrie lost at home a most honourable stay of his Northerne affaires and a sure Ally abroade This vnfortunate Prince hauing by some irregularity of life and partialities and errors of gouernment amplified perhaps by the constructions and reports of his malignant Subiects incurred extreme hatred with many of the Nobility and people laboured with King Henry as also with the Pope and King of France to make an accord betweene him and his Mutinadoes for that they had compelled Prince Iames his sonne to be the titular and vnnaturall Head of those armes which traiterously as pretending to haue a right on behalfe of the Common-weale to depose an euill King they assumed against him The Kings accordingly interposed their mediations by earnest Ambassadors but could obtaine no other then this outragious answer That there was no talking of peace vnlesse he would resigne his Crowne King Henry and King Charles vehemently protested against these their whole proceedings declaring by their Ambassador that they thought the same to be as a common iniury done vnto themselues the example to be very wicked and pernicious and not sufferable by Princes that Subiects should be permitted to put hands vnto their Soueraigne Hereupon it came to a Battell at Banocksborn by Striuelin whereat K. Iames rashly fighting before his whole numbers were come was notwithstanding the contrarie commandement of the Prince his sonne slaine in the Mill of that Field whither he fled after the battel ended By reason of this infortunate precipitation of the Scotish King Hadrian de Castello an Italian Legate whom Pope Innocentius the eight had sent to take vp the cruell quarrell came too late for he arriued not in England till the battell at Banocksborne was passed but not too late to receiue honour at the hands of King Henry who respecting his wisdome and excellent learning vpon the speciall commendations first of Iohn Morton Archbishop of Canterburie but afterward vpon his owne experience of the man in sundry emploiments to the Roman Sea bestowed vpon him the Bishoprike of Hereford and after resignation thereof the Bishopricke of Bath and Welles who was also at the length created Cardinall by Pope Alexander the sixth But who is hee among many thousands saith Polyd. that vseth not to admire these outward honours which may alike be giuen to the vnworthy aswell as to the wel-deseruing and may alike be taken away from either But the praise of this Hadrian is of another farre more noble kinde and eternall for he was the man who first reuiued the glory of the ancient Latine eloquence and of all other sorts of abstruse and exquisit learnings as in which himselfe excelled Thus doth Polydor himselfe an Italian celebrate the learning of his Country-man of whose other qualities yet others write more harshly as that out of meere ambition to be Pope without any other grudge hee conspired with Alphonso Petruccio and other sacred Cardinals to murther Pope Leo the tenth induced thereto by suggestion of a Witch who foretold him that one Hadrian an old man of meane parentage of great Learning and wisdome should succeed in the Papacy The man thought it must needs be himselfe as being though of very base Parentage yet of some noble qualities but another Hadrian the sonne of a Dutch Brewer and instructer of Charles the fifth the Emperour prooued to be the man and this our Hadrian lost by depriuation all his promotions whatsoeuer for his nesarious attempt Into quch extreeme folly is learning and wisdome metamorphosed where it is tainted with Ambition or wants a Religious discretion to manage it aright 28 And albeit the King himselfe could verie gladly haue spent his time in the studies of peace as those which were farre more apt for the seruice of God and for attaining of knowledge then in martiall tumults yet the quality of his supereminent place enuied vnto him that felicitie for he was necessarily drawne into a warre with France vpon lesse occasions Anne the young Dutchesse of Britaine by their aduise who affected to preserue the liberty of that Dukedome which by vnion with France would be absorpt extinguished had so farre entangled and engaged her selfe with the Procurators of Maximilian King of Romans that shee was not only publikely cōtracted but cōtented for vttermost performāce of those rites whereof marriage by proxie was honorably capable to take vpon her the Bride and being solemnly bedded to permit Maximilians Deputie in the presence of sundry Noble witnesses aswell men as women to put in his legge stript naked to the knee betweene
Edmund de la Pole Earle of Suffolke sonne to Iohn Duke of Suffolke and of Elizabeth sister to King Edward the fourth in the sixteenth yeere of King Henries raigne wilfully slew a common person in his furie Henry not sorry to haue occasion of encreasing his popularity by presenting so great a person to exemplary iustice and in the same act to blemish the honour of a man whose quality was to him suspected caused him for the same to be arraigned The fact hee was perswaded to confesse and therupon had pardon The Earle neuerthelesse as a Prince of the bloud holding himselfe disgraced by hauing been seen a Prisoner at the Kings Bench Barre fled the land discontented and went to his Aunt the Dutchesse Dowager of Burgundie but within a while after being fairely reconciled hee returned After which notwithstanding whether it were by reason of debt the certaine attendant of vaine-spirited and base-braueminded Courtiers wherinto he had deeply thrown himself for his furniture at the celebration of his cosen Prince Arthurs marriage or for that the restlesse spirit of enuie in the Dutchesse had preuailed hee taking his brother with him fledde againe the next yeere after The King who had pardoned his life seemed now to repent his clemency though it is plaine hee spared him of purpose till hee might discouer more of a conspiracy which hee knew was in hammering but his flight troubled him not a little knowing the violent humor of that Lord and remēbring to what a dangerous bloudy issue his brother the Earle of Lincolne had once already brought things at the battell of Stoke in the beginning of his raigne 67 For remedy hee betakes himselfe to his wonted arts and therefore to learne the secrets of the enemy Sir Robert Curson Knight Captaine of the Castell of Hammes by Caleis faines himselfe a friend to the Earle and flies from his charge vnto him An office vnworthy of Knighthood neither can any good spirit in the world stoope it selfe to such double faced emploiment which besides the treacherous dissimulations thereof cannot but bee accompanied with wilfull impieties For who is admitted into trust vpon a contrary side without inuocations of Gods holy name protestations adiurations oathes the vtmost assurances which man can giue to man to beget a conuenient affiance in his sincerity but by this stratagem the king ransackes the bosomes and cabinets of his aduersaries discouering their designes and hopes Whereupon William Courtney Earle of Deuonshire being most nobly descended and hauing to his wife the Lady Katherine one of the daughters of K. Edward the fourth and sister to Queene Elizabeth wife of King Henry William de la Pole brother to the said Edmund Earle of Suffolke Sir Iames Tirrel Sir Iohn Windham Knights with other were attached and committed to custodie and afterward also George Neuil Lord Abergenie and Sir Thomas Greene Knight were likewise apprehended but were soone deliuered The Earle of Deuonshire though innocent for it is the misery of such great men that their owne innocency cannot alwayes procure their owne safety but their birth-right many times and often other mens designations without their least priuity is enough to hazard them yea it is in the power of any conspirator by bare nomination to doe as much so that it concernes them to haue an eye not to their owne onely but to the behauiour also of their whole Alliances and dependancies this Earle I say though innocent remained Prisoner during this Kings life and some yeeres of his sonnes raigne who set him at liberty The other William the Earle of Suffolkes brother had not so strict an hand holden ouer him But Sir Iames Tyrrell Lieutenant of Guines Castell and Sir Iohn Wyndham Welbourn seruant to Sir Iames Tyrrel Curson a Purseuant Mathew Iones yeoman and a Shipman were condemned of treason for aiding the Earle of Suffolke The two Knights were beheaded at Tower hill The Shipman quartered at Tiburne Curson and Iones suffered death at Guines 68 This so round and quicke dealing with the Earles complices and fauourers startled his shallow and raw inuentions and made their whole bulke to swarue and splinter but the King rested not so for vpon the Sunday before the feast of SS Simon and Iude in the same yeere of the said executions there was published at Pauls Crosse by the Kings procurement from Pope Alexander the sixth a Bull of Excommunication and curse against the said Earle of Suffolke Sir Robert Curson and fiue other persons by speciall name and generally all other which aided the Earle against the King to the disturbance of the Kingdome Thus did the most prudent Henrie pursue his enemies not onely with secret countermines and open weapons of Law before they could assemble to make any shew but also with spirituall lightening which doubtlesse had they beene vpon iust cause and by lawfull authoritie fulminated ought infinitely to bee dreaded of good Christians because as Saint Paul saith they deliuer ouer to Satan Sir Robert Curson was named of purpose to make the Earle secure of him which may well be called a perillous if not a prophane deuise though his Holinesse were made the instrument thereof Neither did the King leaue heere for by his letters and messengers he so preuailed with Pope Alexander as hee decreed by his Bull That no person should afterward haue priuiledge of Sanctuary who had once taken the same and come foorth againe and that if any Sanctuarie-man should afterward commit any murther robbery sacriledge treasons c. he should by lay force bee drawne thence to suffer due punishment This was of great vse to the King and preserued many subiects from precipitation for the abuse of Sanctuaries had beene an efficient of many troubles But the same Pope hauing sent Iohn Giglis his Receiuer to gather mony in England shewed himselfe much more fauourable to such as perpetrated those said hainous offences as also Vsury simony rapines adulteries or whatsoeuer offences excepting certaine offences against the Pope and Clergy c. when he sent a * Bull of pardons for money to all such offendors in England dispensing also thereby with such as kept away or by any fraud bad gotten the goods of other men which they should now retaine still without scruple of conscience so as they paid a ratable portion thereof vnto his Holinesse Receiuers Sir Robert Curson though before accursed by the Pope returnes when he saw fit time into England and withall into wonted fauour with his Soueraigne The Earle seeing himselfe thus stript of all hope to doe much harme wandred about Germany and France to finde repose but in the end quite tyred he put himselfe into the grace and protection of Philip then in Flanders who by the death of Isabella was King of Spaine in right of Ioan his wife eldest daughter of Ferdinando and Isabella where hee remained in banishment till King Phillip was
driuen by tempest in the moneth of Ianuary into England as hee meant to haue passed through the sleeue or English Ocean into Spaine there to take possession of that Kingdome and other the appertinances 69 The chiefe Ship of the Nauie Roiall wherein the King was and two other all the rest being scattered by the fury of the weather into seueral places and other Ports of England thrust into ◅arbour at Falmouth Himselfe weary and sicke with the violent tossings of the Sea whereunto hee had neuer as it seemes beene vse◅ would needes come on shore and refresh his spirits though the principall men about him disswaded that course as foreseeing it would procure a longer stay then the nature of their occasions would perhaps well beare And so indeed it fel out for being now in another Princes though his friends dominions where he had no power ouer himself nor others the rumor of arriuall stirring the men in authority thereabout Sir Thomas Trenchard Knight with the suddē forces of the Coūtrey not knowing what the matter might bee came thither and vnderstanding the royall quality of the person inuited him with all humble humanity to his house and foorthwith dispatched postes to Court not long after Sir Iohn Car◅ Knight with a great troupe of armed men repaired also pursuing the like humble entreaties which the King fearing constraint because they were but subiects and durst not let him passe without their Lord and Masters leaue necessarilie yeelded vnto Vpon notice of this mightie Princes casuall arriual King Henry presently commanded the Earle of Arundel to entertaine him till himselfe could come who very magnificently did so with three hundred Horses by Torch-light and in the meane while King Henry himselfe prepares Philip perceiuing that whatsoeuer speed his affaires required yet now there was no remedy but to stay thought not good to expect his approach but to preuent it and came vpon the spurre to Windsore that he might be gone againe the sooner after whom Queene Ioan his wife came leasureably The rest of this entertainement because it hath matter of weight and is well set downe by Polidor Vergil it shall suffice vs to follow his footsteps At Windsore the two Kings after long and seuerall discourses beganne to conferre about renewing their league Henry required that Edmund Earle of Suffolke might be deliuered vp into his power which Philip denied to be a thing that he could doe as holding it most vnreasonable to be the author of his death whom he had taken into Protection but when at the last he found that no excuse nor reason could satisfie for that Henrie voluntarily offered to saue the Earles life he promised to doe therein what he desired and presently tooke order for his sending ouer According whereunto King Henry to draw out the time till he had the wished prey conueied King Philip to London to shew him the head City of his kingdome out of which after a little stay hee reconducted him The Earle in the meane time who conceiued horror at the first newes of King Philips landing in England as fatall to him and resolued that no hope was longer to be reposed in the faith of forraine Princes came ouer not vnwillingly presuming that after pardon of life hee might also in time regaine his liberty or if that hope failed yet should he at lestwise obtaine to die and bee buried in his Countrey But King Philip and his Queene hauing feasted with her sister the Princesse of Walles departed England The Earle was brought through Flanders to Calleis vpon the sixeteenth of March and landed at Douer vpon the foure and twentieth of the same conueighed thither by Sir Henrie Wiat and Sir Iohn Wiltshire with threescore men in armour of the Garrison of Calleis and at Douer Sir Iohn Louel and others receiuing him guarded him safe to the Tower of London King Philipp not long after his landing in Spaine deceased being not thirtie yeeres old That tempest which draue him into England was holden by the people as prodigious for it blew down the golden Eagle from the famous Spire of Pauls Steeple being of Copper richly ouerguilt of fourty pounds weight in length foure foote and in breadth three which also in the fall thereof brake and battered the signe of the Blacke Eagle in Pauls Church-yard in the place where now the Schoole-house stands This accident euen then made some coniecture that the Emperour Maximilian whose Imperiall Ensigne the Eagle is should suffer some losse accordingly saith Polydore as indeed he did by the death of King Philippe his sonne Which if any supersticiously delight in Calculations of that blind nature we may well parallell with that lightning which stroke the letter C. out of Caesar in the inscription of Caesar Augustus his statue wherupon it was gathered that Augustus should liue but one hundreth daies after and then bee called a God Aesar the remaining syllables so signifying in the old Hetruscan tongue which accordingly hapned 70 Thus was the Earle of Suffolke brought backe and the King anchored his quiet at the safe custody of his person within the Tower The other wordly point wherein he chiefely bestowed his ages care was to gather money though by courses seeming very grieuous and full of bitternesse the too griping greedinesse and too-profuse lauishnesse of money in Princes being both alike offensiue to a well setled estate Some excuse his doings herein amongst whom Polydor is chiefe as not proceeding from any deprauation or vncorrected affection of his nature but from an opinion and forecast of generall profite because a Princes humor of gathering tendeth though with distast of particular men to the good publike whereas his profusenes though with some particular mens profite endeth in the empouerishment of the whole And Henry himselfe protested saith Polydor hee did it not for loue of money but with a purpose to bridle the fierce minds of a nation bred vp among factions though they saith the same author who felt the smart and were wounded by his Instruments cried out they were not so much the darts of seuerity which did hit them as of anarice Yet Polydors Apologie may be current for it is not to bee doubted but that such vse the King might propound himselfe and yet withall we can hardly find any commendable root thereof the wayes being so importune and harsh by which hee raised money Let vs heare in this point the obseruatiue Knight Of nature saith hee Henry coueted to accumulate treasure which the people into whome there is infused for the preseruation of Monarchies a naturall desire to discharge their Princes though it bee with the vniust charge of their Counsellors and Ministers did impute vnto Cardinall Morton and Sir Rcinald Bray who as it afterward appeared as Counsellors of ancient authority with him did so sound his humor as neuerthelesse they tempered it Where it is truly said it afterward appeared for till
of Nouember at a place beyond Carliel called Solem-mosse where were taken Prisoners the Earles of Cassils and Glencarne the Lords Maxwell Flemming Summerwell Oliphant and Grey Sir Oliuer Sinclere and others to the number of one and twenty men of account who were conueighed to London and committed to the Tower For griefe of which losse and suspition of his Nobility King Iames fell into a melancholy Passion which the birth of his new borne Princesse rather increased then gaue him any coÌ„fort so as hee deceased the foureteenth day of December following foreshewing saith Leslie great troubles to follow in Scotland 119 Newes brought neere at one instant of the death of King Iames birth of the Princesse his daughter King Henry intended to doe that by the match of a marriage which long had beene assayed by the sword of Mars all things so consorting as it did he hauing one onely sonne then aboue fiue yeres of age and Scotland no heire beside this new borne daughter their yeeres suiting a consent for marriage the whole Iland offering both the ioynter and dowry and that which most moued their chiefe Nobility in his owne hands to be moulded for this designe as if heauen it selfe had bid the banes 120 Those Prisoners therefore which had remained in the Tower only two daies vpon the twenty one of December he sent for to Westminster the Earles and Lords all suited in Gownes of blacke damaske furred with Cunny whereafter some words of friendly reproofe they were bestowed among the English Nobility who vsed them according to their estates and the third day in Christmas were inuited to the Court at Greenewich where they went before the King to 〈◊〉 Chappell were royally feasted and the motion then made for the establishing of peace by the Coniunction of the two Princes whereunto the Scotish were as willing as the English proffered all forward assistance to haue it accomplished So that these Nobles were deliuered without other ransome and richly rewarded at their departure from Court 121 These returned into Scotland declared what they had done and so effectually followed the busines that in a Parliament assembled of the three Estates the marriage was confirmed and a peace proclaimed to continue betwixt the two Realmes the space of tenne yeeres which agreements were sent into England by honourable Ambassadors and there interchangeably sealed betwixt these Potent Estates But Cardinall Betâ—… Archbishop of Saint Andrewes fearing least Scotland would change the Church Orders 〈◊〉 England had done the Bible already read in their owne language and the Popes vsurped power called in Question as then it began to be by the feruent preaching of Friet Guiliam to the great liking of most of the Lord made some exceptions against the Earle Arraine the new chosen Gouernour and second person in the Land being neerest in blood to the young Queene And the French King not liking this vnion with England sought by all meanes to 〈◊〉 the same match to effect which he sent the Eaâ—…le of Lennox to perswade with the Gouernour with great proffers and promises of assistance but finding him faithfull vnto King Henry presently made faction for the French wherein hee drew the Queene mother the Earles Huntly Argile Mâ—…trosse Menteith and many more Peeres the Cardinall amongst them euer the chiefe 122 Earle Lennox thus growne into credite with the Queene mother 〈◊〉 made strong by her adherents that fauoured the French presently claimed to be Gouernour of Scotland being the second person of degree in the Realme and withall to haue the custody of the young Queene who with heâ—… mother were forth with taken from 〈◊〉 vnder the charge of the Gouernour Arraiâ—…e and brought vnto Striueling strongly guarded with the continuall presence of the Lords 〈◊〉 Erskâ—… Fleâ—…ing and Ruthwen least Queene Mary should be conueyed into England vnto King Henry These violent courses caused great Emulations among the Scotish Nobility each of them siding as their affections were setled but lastly agree to set the Crowne on their young Queenes head prepared for the solemnity whereunto all the Lords came excepting those that stood for England and from them the Gouernour with much adoe was drawne to be present at the Coronation but that accomplished and the state affaires consulted vpon it was agreed that the French Kings suite should be fauoured and that the Earle Arran should be Gouernour still whereat Earle Lennox conceiued such displeasure as he became wholy for King Henrie ioined himselfe with the Earles of Augus Gleâ—…carne and Cassils the Lords Maxwel Summeruell Gray and others that stood with the English for the match with Prince Edward 123 King Henry then hearing what was done and intended sent presently into Scotland to demand the Custody of the young Queene and that certaine Scotish Noblemen might be appointed to guarde her in England vntill shee came to yeeres of consent according to Couenants formerly concluded which no waies would be granted and thereupon he prepared an Army thetherward vnder the Conduct of Lord Edward Seiâ—…er Earle of Hertford Lieutenant Generall by Land accompanied with the Earle of 〈◊〉 and a Fleete of two hundred saile by Sea whereof Sir Iohn Dudley Vicount Lisle was Admirall 124 To the aide of the Scots the Peopes holinesse was very forward who sent them the Patriarch of Venice as his Legate Orator to perswade their Resolutions with whom the French King sent Monfieur la Broche and Monfieur Menager to lead them to fight and fifty thousand Crownes of the Sun to suâ—…taine the Charge with munition worth ten thousand Crownes more It seemeth by Lesly that part of this siluer fell into the Earle Lennâ—… his hand and that therewith he made head against the Gouernor but not able to match him sent vnto King Henry for aide with proffer of his seruice against the French side which so well was accepted of Henry as he made him his Nephew by giuing the Lady Margaret his sisters daughter to be his wife 125 Thâ—… English thus seconded with this vnlooked for Allyance Cardinall Beton thought good to binde all to the Gouernour who with the Authority of the Queene Dowager proclaimed Lennox an Enemy to the State But in the meane while the Admirall of England was entred the Frith and at new Hauen landed his men where ioining his to the land Seruice they altogether marched thence towards Lâ—…th himselfe leading the Vaward Shrewsbury the Rereward and the Lord Lieutenant the maine Battell These comming to Lieth spoiled the Town and thence to Edenbrough burnt the City and wasted the Country for seauen miles about this done they set fire vpon Haddington and 〈◊〉 and then the whole Army returned vnto Barwicke 126 Whilst things thus passed in Scotland and the maine purpose resting in suspence King Henry well knew where the greatest rub did lie in his way which was the French
King the chiefest A better of the Scots whom he euer vpheld to hold him tacke at home least otherwise he should 〈◊〉 with France for his owne right And therefore hauing ioined with the Emperour against the French sent his Herald Garter King at Armes to demand certaine couenants which if he refused 〈◊〉 proclaime defiance vnto open warres but he not suffered to doe his message to the King returâ—…ed and 〈◊〉 prepared an expedition into France wherein he imploied the Dukes of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 the Earleâ—… of Aâ—… Oxfâ—…rd and Surâ—…ey the Lords Râ—…ssell Grey 〈◊〉 rers 〈◊〉 and Sainâ—…-Iohn besides many other seruiceable Knights and Sir 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appointed high Admirall for the Seâ—… Of these some 〈◊〉 with the Emperials and shewed their value in the siege of Mattrell 127 The Duke of Suffolke in the meane while strucke downe his Standerds on the East side of Bolloigne and with many sharpe skirmishes entred the base Towne which siege King Henry himselfe in person seconded who hauing passed the Seas from England vpon the sixe twentith of Iuly encamped before Bolloigne on the East-side whence his Canons so rent the Wals and Bulwarke as their mounted tops lay vpon the Ground and his great morter peeces were discharged with so skilfull a Compasse that their bullets falling downe right beate all buildings downe vpon the Enemies heads Whereby saith Sleidane in short time he got that which neither his Father nor the Kings in former times could neuer winne For thereupon the Town was surrendred and cleared of the French souldiers women and children 128 The King like a Conquerour with his sword borne before him entred the Gate where the Duke of Suffolke presented him with the keyes of the Towne the Trumpets still sounding and nothing wanting that might applaud his fame The Towne thus wonne the English meant still to keep for the strengthening whereof the King commanded the faire Church of Saint Maries to be taken downe and in the same place a mount to be raised for the planting of Ordinance to annoy any siege But being thus busied in Bolloignes affaires the Emperour without his knowledge or consent came to a peace with the French King whereat King Henrie was sore displeased and the sooner left France leauing Sir Iohn Dudley Lord Lisle his deputy in Bolloigne and landed at Douer the first day of October to his great honor and ioy of his Subiects 129 The French King chafed with this late and great losse sought to trie fortune in further attempts and that not onely for the recouery of Bolloigne which with twenty thousand well appointed hee assaied but also in assayling the English dominions as the I le of Wight and those parts of Sussex that lay vpon the Seas though with losse of many Captaines and thousands of Souldiers that neuer returned to tell him what intertainement they had as likewise in sending aide vnto Scotland where Monsieur Mungumry of the Order of France with 5000 strong entred to maintaine the breach betwixt them and K. Henry which was so followed on both parts as the English making a Roade towards Gedworth got praise for their valour but reproch for their spoiles and the Scots renowne for killing the Lord Eure Lord Warden of the East-Marches with many other Captaines in defence of their Countrey 130 Hereupon an Army of twelue thousand strong was sent into Scotland whereof the Earle of Hertford was Generall with these he forraged the Borders before him and burnt many Townes in the Middle-Marches with Kelsey Coldingham Abbey the French not hastie to stay the incursion lay still and let them vnfought with depart for England 131 But the warres remoued againe into France the Reingrâ—…e with a great power came to victuall a Fort built neere vnto Bolloigne to impeach which the Earle of Surrey then Lieâ—…tenant of the Towne made forth but was discomfited in the enterprize and Sir Edward Poyâ—…ings Captaine of a Band slaine with fifteene other Captaines besides many Officers and Common Souldiers These Princes wars in these violent proceedings became very fearfull least they would grow to the Common hurt of Christendome and therefore many other potentates whereof the Emperour was first sollicited these Kings vnto a peace which the sooner was heard and imbraced for that they were both of them old and King Henry diseased in body Commissioners therefore appointed certaine articles were agreed vpon the first thereof was that the French King should pay vnto King Henry eight hundred thousand Crownes in eight yeeres space and then to râ—…nter vpon Bollâ—…igne but in the meane time it to remaine vnder the English to accomplish which peace Mounsieur Danebalt high Admiralâ—… of France was sent into England and Sir Thomas Cheynie Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports to be the Kings Agent at the Font for the Baptisme of the Dolphins new borne daughter 132 Notwithstanding these Complements the sight of Bolloigne was a great sore in the French mens eies insomuch that Monsieur Chatillon Captain of Mountplaisier beganne to make a new Bastilion neere vnto the Towne euen in the very mouth of the Riuer which the Lord Grey of Wilton perceiuing certified the King what inconuenience would happen if that were made strong and the same discussed at the Counsell-Table it passed with one voice that the Peace with France was not to be infringed notwithstanding this French attempt to which end a prohibition drawne whereunto King Henry also set his hand that no let should be made against Chatillon in his Fort. Howbeit the King commanded Sir Thomas Palmer imploied in this busines to bid the Lord Grey to impeach the new worke and to flat so much as was raised thereof vnto the Earth This commission read with the report of Command to the Contrary the Counsell of State thought it most meete to follow their instructions in writing least the words might either be mis-deliuered or mistaken But the Lord Grey causing the messengers words to be writ and subscribed with all their hands that were present at the report suddainely and vnlooked for came to the Fort and in foure houres space cast downe what had beene in raising three moneths before which when the King heard off he asked his Counsellors what they thought of this that Chatillâ—…-garden was cast downe amongst whom one of them answered the dâ—…er thereof was worthy to loose his head I had rather said the King loose a dozen of such heades as thine is then his that had done the deed and immediately sent the Lord Grey his pardon with many great thankes 133 But now the dâ—…te of his time almost run and he preparing towards the way of all flesh the great and faire Church of the Gray Friers London lately suppressed by himselfe he caused againe to be opened and to be made a Parish Church giuing the reuenewes thereof vnto the Citie of London towards the reliefe
an high Basement like a Sepulchre and on the sides whereof shal be made the story of Saint George and ouer height of the Basement shall bee made an Image of the King on Horsebacke liuelie in Armor like a King after the Antique maner shewing in countenance and looking on the said two Images lying on the said Tombes Item on the right hand and left hand of the said two Tombes shall bee foure Pillers of the foresaid Orientall stones that is to say on either side two Pillers and vpon euery Pillar shall bee a like Basement of white Marble with partitions for Scriptures as shall be aboue the other Pillers And on the same foure Basements of the said Pillers shall bee made foure Images two of Saint Iohn Baptist and two of Saint George with foure little children by them casting roses as is aforesaid Item ouer the said Image of the King on Horsebacke shall bee made an Arch triumphall of white Marble wrought within and about it and vpon the same Arch in maner of a Casement of white Marble garnished with like Orientall Stones of diuers colours as the pattern sheweth and on the two sides of the said Casement shall be made and set of brasse guilt the story of the life of Saint Iohn Baptist and one hight of the said Casement shall bee made fiue steps euery one more then other downeward of like Orientall stones as the said Pillers shall shew Item on the foure corners of the said Casement shall be made the Images of the foure Cardinal vertues hauing such Candlestickes in their hands as is aboue said Item on the toppe of the highest step of the said fiue steps on the one side shall be an Image of the Father hauing in his left hand the Soule of the King and blessing with his right hand with two Angels holding abroad the Mantle of the Father on either side Item in like wise shall bee made on the other side the said Image of the Father hauing the soule of the Queene in his left hand blessing with his right hand with like Angels The height of the same worke from the Father vnto the Pauement shall be xxviij foot Item the breadth and largenes of the said worke shall be xv foote and the Pillers of the Church in greatnes v. foote and so the largenes of the said worke from the vttermost part of the two great Pillars shal be xx foote Item euery of the Images of the xiiij Prophets shall containe euery Image V. foote in length and the Angels shall containe two foote and a halfe in length Item euery of the xx Pillers shall containe in length X. foot Item euery of the Images of the Apostles Euangelists and Doctors shall containe in length V. foote and the Angels as is abouesaid Item in likewise euery of the xx Angels of the quire shall containe in length two foot and a halfe and in likewise the Images of the Children two foot and a halfe Item the foure Images of St. Iohn Baptist and St. George and all the figures of the father and Angels on the V. steps shall be V. foote Item the foure Images of the King and the Queen shall be of the Stature of a man and woman and the foure Angels by them of the stature of a man euery one Itē the Image of the King on Horseback with his Horse shall be of the whole stature of a goodly man and large Horse Item there shal be a Cxxxiiij figures Xliiij Stories and all of Brasse guilt as in the patterne appeareth 135 This magnificent Monarch was of presence Maiesticall and of Personage more then ordinarily t◅l faire of Complexion and Corpulent of body very wise and very well learned of a sudden and ready speach in youth very prodigall and in his age very liberall pleasant and affable but not to be dallyed with bolde in attempting and euer thirstie of potent glory an expert Souldier and fauouring such as were actiue or seruiceable according to the then vsuall saying King Henrie loues a man and indeed somewhat too wel the delights with women as by his many wiues heere ensuing may well appeare His Wiues 136 Katherine the first wife to King Henry was the daughter of Ferdinando the sixt King of Spaine and widow dowager of Prince Arth◅r his elder brother as hath beene said she was married vnto this King the third of Iune and first of his Raigne the yeere of saluation 1509. being solemnely crowned with him vpon the twenty fourth day of the same and was his wife aboue twenty yeeres and then diuorced from him by the sentence of the Archbishop of Canterbury liued three yeeres after by the name of Katherine Dowager Shee deceased at Ki◅balton in the County of Huntington the eight of Ianuary and yeere of Christ 1535. and lieth interred on the North-side of the quire in the Cathedrall Church of Peterborow vnder a hearse of Blacke Saye hauing a white Crosse in the middest 137 Anne the second wife of King Henry was the second daughter of Sir Thomas Bullen Earle of Wiltshire and Ormond Shee was solemnly at Windsore created Marchionesse of Pembrooke the first of September and twenty foure of his Raigne hauing one thousand pound giuen her by yeere to maintaine her estate Shee was married vnto king Henry in his Closet at White-Hall vpon the twenty fift day of Ianuary and yeere of Christ Iesus 1533. being the foure and twentith of his Raigne and was Crowned with all due obseruances at Westminster vpon Whitsunday the first of Iune where the Crowne of Saint Edward was set vpon her head the scepter of Gould deliuered into her right hand and the Iuory rodde with the Doue into her left Shee was his wife three yeeres three monthes and twenty fiue daies when being cut off by the sword the nineteenth of May her body was buried in the Quire of the Chappell in the Tower leauing her accused fame to bee censured as affections best pleased the vncharitable minded and her bed to bee possest of a vertuous Lady 138 Iane the third wife of King Henry was the daughter of Iohn Seimer Knight and sister to Lord Edward Seimer Earle of Hertford and Duke of Sommerset Shee was married vnto him the twentieth of May euen the next day after the beheading of Queene Anne and the twenty eight of his Raigne Shee was his wife one yeere fiue monthes and twenty foure daies and died in Child-bed the foureteenth of October to the great griefe of the King who not onely remoued from the place but kept himselfe priuate and wore the Garment of mourning euen in the Festiuall time of Christmas her body was solemnely conueied to Windsore the eight of Nouember following where she was interred in the middest of the Quire of the Church within the Castell 139 Anne the fourth wife of King Henry and sister to William Duke of Cleue was married vnto him the sixth of Ianuary in the thirty one yeere of his Raigne the yeere of Grace
wastâ—… aswell for the reuerence we owe vnto venerable Antiquity as for the example of their Founders holyzeale we haue inserted a Catalogue of their names orders and true valuations as in the originall Booke thereof taken by Commission and giuen vnto the King we finde them set down though at their dissolutions their values were fauourably and farre vnder rated Some Founders and times of foundations wee want the rest Tablewise to auoid prolixity wee haue set downe in this present following CHAPTER A CATALOGVE OF THE RELIGIOVS HOVSES VVITHIN THE REALME OF ENGLAND AND VVales with many their Orders Founders and Values most of them being suppressed by King Henry the eight Together with such other sacred places as either then wereby him left standing or since haue been erected BARKESHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. d. ob q. Reeding Saint Iacob By Queene Alfrith By King Henry the first First Nunnes after Blacke Monks Cluniacenses 2116 03 09 oo q Abingdon Saint Mary M Cissa King of the West-Saxons Blacke Monkes 2042 02 08 ob q Bromhall in Windsor Forrest S. Mary Magd. N Edward the Blacke Prince Blacke Nunnes      Bistleham now Bisham Christ Iesus our Lady M William Montacute the first Earle of Salisbury A. 13. E. 3. Canons 0327 04 06 oo o Donington F Richard de Abberbury Knight Ordinis Sancta Crucis 0020 16 06 oo o Donington H Richard de Abberbury Cheualier      Hamme S. Mary Magd. N Blacke Nunnes      Hurley Saint Mary M Blacke Monks Westmonast 0134 10 08 ob o Murresley P 0014 03 01 oo o Poghley M The Predecessors or Ancestors of the Abbesse of Almesburie 0071 10 07 oo oâ—… Shottesbroke C 0033 18 08 oo o Wallingford Saint Trinity P Edmund sonne of Richard King of the Romans and Earle of Cornwall Blacke Monks of Saint Albans      Wallingford castle C Edward the Blacke Prince      Wallingford Saint Iohn H 0006 00 00 oo o BEDFORDSHIRE Places Dedication Founders and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q Bedford F. Lady Margaret de Patteshall Friers Minors alij Grey Friers 0005 00 00 oo o Bedford Saint Iohn H 0021 00 08 oo o Bedford Saint Leonard H 0016 06 08 o q Bigleswade Sancta Trin. in Ecc Sâ—… Andrea C 0007 00 00 o o Bosco M. 0143 18 03 o o Bushemede alias Bissemed P Hugo de Bello Campo and Roger his brother Canons Augustines 0081 13 05 ob o Caldewel S. Iohn Baptist. P The Lord Latimer Alij Iohn de Byddysley Blacke Canons 0148 15 10 o o Chicksand Saint Mary P Paine de Beauchamp White Canons Nunnes 0230 03 04 ob o Eaton Corporis Christi C 0007 16 00 o o Dunstable Saint Peter P King Henrie the first Blacke Canons 0402 14 07 ob o Dunstable F Friers Preachers 0004 18 04 o o Fraternitas ibidem 0009 08 07 o o Elnestowe alias Helenstow now Elstow N Iudithâ—… wife to Waltheof E. of Huntingdon Blacke Nunnes 0325 02 01 ob q Harwold alias Harewood Saint Peter P Samson surnamed Fortis Blacke Nunnes 0047 03 02 o o Markeyate Saint Giles N Gilbert de Clare Earle of Glocester and Hertford Anno 6. E. 1. Nunnes      Newenham P Roise the wife of Paine de Beauchampe Canons Augustines 0343 15 05 o o Northyle C 0061 05 08 ob o Sanctingfield iuxta Whitsand H King Henrie the second      Wardon Saint Marie M King Henrie the first and Walter Espeâ—… White Monkes 0442 11 11 o o Woburne Saint Mary M Hugo de Bolbick Alij Robert de Uâ—…re Earle of Oxford by licence of King Richard 2. White Monks 0430 13 11 ob o BVCKINGHAMSHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. d. ob q. Ailesburie F Edith daughter of Frewald Friers Minors alibi Grey Friers 0003 02 05 o o Ankerwicke N Nunnes 0045 14 04 o o Asheridge Saint Augustine C Edmund Earle of Cornewall sonne to Richard King of the Romans Bonorum virorum Eremits 0447 18 00 ob o Bordesley Saint Marie Maude the Empresse Cistertians      Bradewell Saint Mary P Manefâ—…lmus Black Monkes      Burnham M  0091 05 11 ob o Byttelsden Saint Mary M Arnald de Bosco A. D. 1127 CistertiaÌ„ white Monks 0142 01 03 o  Eaton C King Henrie 6. Praefectus Socy 8. CaÌ„tores Scolares 60.      Laueden Saint Marie M Iohn de Bedon White Canons 0091 08 03 ob  Luffeld Saint Mary P Robert Earle of Leicester White Canons      Medmenham alias Mendham M The Ancestors of the Earls of Suffolk 0023 17 02 o  Merlowe parua M Blacke Nunnes 0037 06 11 o  Myssenden Saint Mary M D'Oiles â—…ue Doily Blacke Canons 0285 15 09 o  Newport painel Saint Leonard H Iohn Peynton of Newport 0006 06 08 o  Noteley Saint Marie M Walter Giffard Earle of Buckingham A. 1112 Blacke Canons 0495 18 05 ob  Paretrendune P Blacke Canons      Raueneston M Domini Regis Progenitor 0066 13 04 o  Sandewell M The Ancestors of Thomas Stanley of Safford 0038 08 04 o  Snelshall P 0024 00 00 o  Stoke-Pogeis H Edward Baron Hastings of Loughborrow Poore people      Tekeford Saint Marie P Fulco Paganell Alij Domini Regis progenitor Blacke Monkes 0126 17 00 o  Wicombe or high Wickham H 0007 15 03 ob   S. Margaret P 0022 06 07 o  CAMBRIDGESHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q. Cambridge F K. Edward the first and Sir Guy Mortimer Thomas de Hertford a great Benefactor White Friers    Cambridge F King Edward 1. Friers Minors alibi Grey Friers    Cambridge F Friers Augustines    Cambridge F Blacke Friers    Cambridge Saint Radegund N Black Nunnes    Cambridge P Canons    The Colledges in Cambridge         Peterhouse Hugh Balsham Bishop of Ely An. Dom. 1â—…84    Clare-hall Rich. Badew and Elâ—… Clara Countesse of Vlster Anno Dom. 1340.    Pembroke-hall Maria de Sto Paulo Countesse of Pembroch A. 1347.    Corpus Christi or Bennet Colledge Societas fratrum Corporis Christi A. D. 1346.    Trinity-hall William Bateman Bishop of Norwich 1353.    Gonâ—…ill and Caius Colledge Edmund Gonâ—…le and Iohn Caius A. 1348.    Kings-Colledge Chappel King Henry the sixth A. D. 1441.    Queenes Colledge Queene Margaret wife of H. 6. A. D. 1448.    Katherine-hall Robert
C William Wickham Bishoppe of Winchester 0639 08 07 oo  Iuxta Winchester H Henry Beauford Cardinall of Winchester founded it and gaue it lands to the value of 158. l. 13. s. 4. d. And S. Iohn de Fodering bridge an Hoâ—…pital was giueÌ„ to it Two Chaplens 35 Poore Men. 3. Women      Iuxta Southampton Le teley alias Leâ—…o loco S. Edward and M S. Marie Henry the third and Peter de Rupibus Augustine Eriers 0160 02 09 ob o Iuxta Southampton Sancti Dionis P K. Richard the first called Cordâ—…-Lion Anno Dom. 1179. Blacke Canons 0091 09 00 o  Southampton Beatae Mariae Magd. H Confirmed by Pope Alexander Anno Dom. 1179. 0016 16 02 ob o Apple-durwell in the Isle of Wight P Nicholas Spenser and Margerie his wife      〈◊〉 Praeceptoria 0118 16 7 oo  Bello-loco M. King Iohn 0428 06 08 oo o Bromere S. Trinity P S. Mary S. Michael Baldwin Earle of Riuers and Deuonshire Blacke Canons 0200 05 01 ob o Chritwynhâ—…ms si â—…e Christ-church of Twynham P Isabel de Fortibus sometime Countesse of Albemarle and Deuonshire and Lady of the Isle founded it for William de Fortibus Earle of Albemarle and Richard de Redâ—…ers Earle of Deuonshire A. D. 1161. This is placed also in Deuonshire 0544 06 00 oo o Caresbroc in the Isle of Wight S. Mary Magd. P Blacke Monks      Deretford in the Isle of Wight SaÌ„ctae Elizabetha P King Edward the third      Hamâ—…le Saint Andrew P Grey Monks      Hide Saint Peter M Saint Paul S. Grimball First King Alfride after performed by K. Edward Senior and lastly the Monks themselues remoued from the old tempore Henrici primi Blacke Monkes 0865 01 06 ob q Mottisfount Sanctae Trinitatis P Ranulph Flammard Bishoppe of Durham Richard de Riparijs Earle of Deuonshire and William de Bruere tempore Gulielms Rufi Blacke Canons or Augustines of Berton 0167 15 08 ob o Portsmouth A Church and Hospitall Peter de Rupibus 0033 19 05 ob o Quarrer in the Isle of Wight S. Mary Magd. M Baldwine Earle of Deuonshire and Richard his sonne About the time of King Stephen White Monkes 0184 01 10 o o Redford or Redbridge M      Romsey N King Edgar and Earle Alwyn Nunnes 0528 08 10 ob o Southwyke Saint Mary P William Pontlarge siue Pont-le-arch and William Danys Normans Also William de Ponteys a Benefactor Regular Canons 0314 17 10 ob o Tychefeild Saint Marie M Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester 0280 19 10 ob o Whorwell Sanctae Crucis N Saint Peter Queene Aelfrith Blacke Nunnes 0403 12 10 o o Wyntney P 0059 01 00 oo o SaÌ„ctae Elizabethae C 0112 17 04 ob o Sanctae Crucis H Henry Blois brother to King Stephen 0084 04 02 o o HEREFORD-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l s d ob q Hereford S. Mary EpaÌ„ tus S. Ethelbert Milfrid a petty King of the Country Reinelm Bishop tempore Henrici primi Secular Canons      Hereford S. Guthlac F Henry Penbrigge Grey Friers 0121 03 03 ob o Hereford S. Peter S Paul P Iohn Peâ—…brigge Blacke Monkes      Acornebury S. Katherine N VVhite Nunnes 0075 07 05 ob o Barrone Blacke Monks      Clyfford Saint Marie P Blacke Monkes 0065 11 11 oo o Dore. Saint Mary M Robert Lord of Ewiasâ—… White Monkes 0118 00 02 o o Flansford M Richard Talbot Regular Canons 0015 08 09 oo o Kilpeke P      Ledbury S Katherine H Iohn Bishop of Hereford 0022 05 00 oo o Leomenstre Saint Iacob P Mâ—…rewald a King of the Mercians and K. Henry the first Blacke Monks of Râ—…ding      Lymbroke N VVhite Nunnes â—…023 17 08 o  Wiggemore Sancto Iacobo P Blacke Canons      Wormesty P 0083 10 02   Hertford a Cel to S. Albans P Blacke Monkes 0086 14 8   Saint Albans Saint Alban Martyr M Offa King of the Mercians Anno Dâ—… 795. Blacke Monkes 2510 06 01 ob q HERTFORD-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l s. d. ob q. Beluero a Cel to S. Albans Saint Mary S. Ioh. Baptist. P Blacke Monkes 0135 05 10 oo o Bosco neere Flamsteed S. Egidius N Nunnes 0046 16 01 ob o Button Saint Marie P Monkes      Binham in Com. Norff. A Cel to S. Albant P 0160 01 00 oo o Chesthunte N Henr. Rex Angliae Domin us Hibernia Dux Norm Aquitan Comes Anged confirmed Shestrehunt Moniales totam terram Dom. ten cumpertin suis quae Canonicis de Cathale quos amoueri fecimus At Westm. 11. Aug. 24. Regni nostri Nunnes 0027 06 8   Chille N Blacke Nunnes      Chiltree N Blacke Nunnes      Hatfeild Peuerel in Com. Essex A Cell to Saint Albans Saint Mary P Daughter of Ingelrick and wife to Peuerel in K. William the Conquerors time Blacke Monkes of Saint Albans 0083 19 07 o o Hychin F K. Edward the second Iohn Blomnil and Adam Rouse and Iohn Cobham Carmelites or White Friers 0004 09 04   Langley Regis F Robert sonne of Roger Helle Baron Preaching Friers 0150 14 08 o o Langley vidâ—… Leicestershire N Fundator Antecessor vxoris Francisci Bigoâ—… Militis einsdem vxoris Sororum Nunnes      Mersey S. Helen P Alien Roger Fitz-Ranâ—…lph      Mirdiall Saint Mary P Blacke Canons      Monketon in Dioc. S. Dauids A Cel to S. AlbaÌ„s P 0113 02 06 ob q New-bigging infra villam de Huchyn P 0015 01 11 oo o Royston alias Crâ—…x Rohaysiae S. Iohn Baptist S. Thâ—…m Martyr P Eustach de Marc Knight Lord of Nâ—…cels and Radulphus de Rancester and others renued it Canons 0106 03 01 oo o Royston S. Iohn S. Iâ—…mes Apostles H 0005 06 10 oo o Roweney A Free Chappel or Hospitall 0013 10 09 o o Sopewell Saint Mary N The Abbots of Saint Albans Blacke Nunnes 0068 08 00 oo o Thele C William Bishop of London A Master 4 Chaplens      Tynmouth in com Northb. a Cel to S. Albans P Fundator Antecessor Dueis Norfolcia 0511 04 01 ob o Ware P The Progenitors of King Richards mother      Wymondley P Richard Argenten Canons 0037 10 06 ob o HVNTINGDON-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 q. Huntingdon Saint Mary P Eustachius Loâ—…tot Blacke Canons Augustines 0232 0 00 ob  Huntingdon S. Iohn Baptist H Founded by Dauid Earle of Huntingdon Lord of Connington tempore H. 2. 0006 07
M Sancti Leonards King Henry the second Nuns or white Monkes 0121 16 00 oo o Syon M King Henry the fift Ann. 2. of his raigne Nuns Priests Augustines 1944 11 08 o q Vxbridge M Saint Mary Hugh Rowse      NORFFOLKE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. d. ob q Norwich produced froÌ„ the Abbey of Feschamp in Normandy Ecc. Cat. Saint Trinity Elbert de Losing Bishop Herbert of Thetford Anno Dom. 1096. in the raign of King William Rufus Black Monks Benedictines 1061 14 03 ob o Norwich F Philip Cowgate Citizen Maior of Norwich A. D. 1268. Carmelites or White Friers      Norwich F Iohn Hestynford Grey Friers      Norwich F Blacke Friers      Norwich F Remigie or the King Austine Friers      Norwich H Saint Egidius 0090 12 00 oo o Linne F Lord Bardolf Lord Scales and Sir Iohn Wignhall Anno Dom. 1269. Carmelites or white Friers 0001 15 08 oo o Linne F Thomas Geduey Blacke Friers      Linne F T. de Feltsham White Friers      Linne H Saint Iohn 0007 06 11 o o Attilburgh C Sancta Crucis Robert Mortimer 0021 16 00 ob o Beeston P 0050 06 04 ob q Blakburgh N Nunnes 0076 03 09 ob o Blakeney F Lord Rosse Sir Robert Bacon and S. Iohn Bret Knights A. D. 1321. Carmelites or White Friers      Bokenham alias Bukkenham P Saint Iacob Blacke Canons 0131 11 00 oo o Bromhall in Windsor Forrest P Edward the Blacke Prince      Bromholme P S. Sepulchers G. Glamnile Blacke Monkes Cluniacenses 0144 19 00 ob q Bromholme Saint Andrew William Glamnile Benedictines      Brunham Sir Ralph Hempnall and Sir William Calthrop Anno Dom. 1241. Carmelites or white Friers 0002 05 04 oo o Budham Saint Mary Blacke Canons      Carow N Saint Mary King Stephen Blacke Nunnes 0084 12 01 ob q Carbroke C S. Iohn Ierusalem 0065 02 09 ob o Castell-acre M Saint Marie Black Monks Clunic 0324 17 05 ob q Crobbehouse N Nunnes 0031 16 07 oo o Flytham A Cel to Walsingham N Nunnes 0062 10 06 ob o Hempton or Hompton P Our Lady and Saint Stephen Richard Ward Chanon here 0039 00 09 oo o Heringby C 0023 06 05 oo o Hilderlands H 0000 14 00 o o Horsseham P Saint Fidis Robert Fitz-Walter Blacke Monkes Benedictines 0193 02 03 ob o Hulme M Saint Benedict King Kanute the Dane After K. Edward Confessor Blacke Monkes 0677 09 08 oo q Hyckelyng P 0137 00 01 ob q Kockesforth or Cokesford M Sir William Cheyney Knight Blacke Canons 0153 07 01 oo o Langley M Fundator Antecessor vxoris Francisci Bigot Militis eiusdem vxoris Sororum Vide Hertf. Leicest Nunnes 0128 19 09 ob o Marmound N White Nuns Gilbert 0013 06 01 ob o Markham Barbara M 0042 04 07 ob q Pentney and Wormegay M S. Mary Magd. Reginald de Warenna Blacke Canons 0215 18 08 oo o Rushworth C Sir Robert Wingfeild Knight 0085 15 oo ob  Shuldeham P Sancta Crucis S. Marie White Nunnes Gilbertines 0171 06 08 oo o Thetford F Sancta Trinitatis Bishoppe Arfast of Elâ—…ham in the raigne of King Edward Confessor made it a Bishoppes See After Henry Duke of Lancaster made a Society of Preachers Friers Preachers      Thetford F Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster Augustine Friers      Thetford F S. Sepultur The Earle of Warren Blacke Friers      Thetford P S. Mary S. Iohn Roger Bigod Earle of Norffolke Blacke Canons 0049 18 01 oo o Thetford N Saint Gregory Blacke Nunnes 0050 09 08 o o Thetford M Saint Andrew Hugh Bigod Steward to King Henry Blacke Monkes Clunicenses 0418 06 03 ob o Thetford C Beata Mariae 0109 00 07 oo o Thetford S. Mary Magd S. Iohn Bap. Iohn Warren Earle of Surrey      Tomeston C Thomas de Shardelow and Iohn his brother A. 23. E. 3. 6. Chaplens 0052 15 07 ob  Wabburne P 0028 07 02 oo o Walfingham M Saint Marie Edmond Earle of March and Elizabeth de Burgo Blacke Canons Friers Minors 0446 14 04 ob q Wendling F William de Wendling Priest Austine Friers 0055 18 04 ob q Westacre P S. Mary alSaints Blacke Canons 03â—… 19 11 ob q Westdereham M VVhite Canons 0252 12 11 ob o Weybridge or Wexbridge P Saint Margaret Robert Oliuer Thomas Munday Iohn Palmar and Iohn Barford 0007 13 04 oo o Wirham P VVinewald Black CanoÌ„s de martial      Wymondham Saint Marie William D'Albiney Butler to King Henry the first Blacke Monks of S. Albans 0072 05 04 oo o Yarmouth F King Edward the first Anno Domini 1278 Carmelites or white Friers      Yarmouth F Galfridus Pilgrim and Thomas Fastolfe Blacke Eriers      Yarmouth F Sir William Gerbrigge Grey Friers      Iuxta Yarmouth in Castretleg C S. Iohn Baptist. First Robert de Castre after by Iohn Fastolfe Esquier father to Sir Iohn Fastolfe      Yngham P Saint Marie Blacke Monkes of Saint Albans 0074 02 07 ob o F Friers Preachers 0000 18 00 o o F Austine Friers 0001 04 06 oo o NORTHAMPTON-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. d. ob q Northampton M Saint Iacob Blacke Canons 0213 17 02 ob o Northampton P Saint Andrew Simon de Sancto Licio first E. of Northampton Blacke Monkes 0334 13 07 oo o Iuxta NorthaÌ„p ton N S. Mary de pratis or de laprey Simon de Sancto Licio second Earle of Northampton Nunnes 0119 09 07 oo q Northampton F Friers Minors or Grey Fricrs 0006 17 04 o o Northampton F Friers Preachers 0005 07 10 oo o Northampton F Simon Mountfort and Sir T. Chitwood Knights A. D. 1271. Carmelites or white Friers 0010 10 00 oo o Northampton N Saint Mary Blacke Nunnes      Northampton F Iohn de Glannile Augustine Friers      Asheby P 0127 19 00 oo o Catesby N S. Tho. S. Mary Nuns of Sempringham 0145 00 06 oo o Chacum P S. Peter S Paul William Knowles Sir Hugh Awresey Blacke Canons 0093 06 03 ob o Cotherstoke C Iohn Gifford Clerke A. 22. E. 3.      Dauintree P Saint Austin Angl. Apost Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor Blacke Monkes Clunicenses 0236 07 06 oo o Fynneshed the Church of Saint Maries of the Castel of Hyuiell M S. Mary the Virgin Richard Engaigne 0062 16 00 oo o Foderinghay C Edmund de Langley Duke of Yorke King H. 4 and Queen Ioan
his wife an 13. lastly H. 5. and Edward Duke of Yorke 0419 11 10 ob o Gare. N S. Mary Magd. Blacke Nunnes      Higham-Ferrars C Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury 0156 02 07 ob o Brackley C The L. Zouchs      Irt elingburgh C Iohn Pool A Dean 6. Clerks 0064 12 10 ob o Iuxa Kingesthorp H Saint Dauid 0024 06 00 oo o Peterborough M Saint Peter Wolpherue fil Regis Restani Etheldredus Ethelwoldi Blacke Monks 1972 07 00 〈◊〉 q Pipewell P Saint Mary William Boteuillei Robert Boteuillei Ranulph Earle of Chester A. H. 2. White Monkes Cistertians 0347 08 00 ob o Rothewell N S. Iohn Baptist. Nunnes 0010 10 04 oo o Sainct-Dauy P Saint Trinity Saint Mary Blacke Canons      Sewesby or Sewardesley N S. Mary Magd Black Nunnes 0018 11 02 oo o Stanford N Nunnes      Sulby M Saint Mary Blacke Monkes 0305 08 05 ob o Towceter C 0019 06 08 oo o Withorpe M Blacke Monkes      H Saint Leonard 0010 00 00 oo o H Saint Iohns 0025 06 02 ob q C Omnium sanctorum 0001 19 04 oo o P S. Michael Blacke Monkes      NOTTINGHAM-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. d. ob q. Nottingham F Sir Reginald Grey of Wilton and I. Shirley Anno Dom. 1276. White Friers      Nottingham F King Henry the third Grey Friers      Nottingham H Iohn Plomtree      Bawtree H 0006 06 08 oo o Bella valla P Iohn Cantelupe and Nicholas de Cantelupe Confirmed by Edward the third Anno 19. Angliae 6. Franciae Carthusians Cistertians 0227 08 00 oo o Bingham C Beatae Mariae 0040 11 00 oo o Blythe P Saint Mary Roger Busly and Foulk de Lisieurs Blacke Monkes 0126 08 02 ob o Blythe H 0008 14 00 o o Brodham P 0016 05 02 oo o Clyston C 0020 02 06 oo o Felley M Our Lady Fundator Antecessor Iohannis Chough Militis Iohn Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury Blacke Monkes 0061 04 08 oo o Lenton P Sanctae Trinitatis William Penerell the base sonne of King William the Conquerour Black Monks Cluniacenses 0417 19 03 oo o In Marisco apud Capell Sancti Thomae Ebor. Cella 0063 06 08 o o Mattersey Fundator Antecessor Edwardi Thirland 0061 17 07 oo o Newsteed or Nono-Loco in Shirwood Our Lady King Henry the second 0219 18 08 ob o Rufford M Dominus Beaumount Antecessor Domini Norreys White Monkes 0254 06 08 oo o Shelford P Ralph Hanselin H. Norris Antecessor 0151 14 01 oo o Southwell C Paulinus the first Archbishop of Yorke 0039 05 06 ob o Thurgarton P Saint Peter Sir Ralph D'eincourt and confirmed per Regem Blacke Canons 0359 15 10 oo  Wallingwells N The Lord Fitz-Hugh Ancester to the L. Dacres Nunnes 00087 11 06 o o Welbeck M Saint Iames. Fundator Antecessor Episcopi Eliensis Tho. de Cukeney or Cokeney Blacke Canons 0298 04 08 oo o Workesope M Saint Mary of Radford William Louetot and the Ancestors of the Earle of Shrewsbury Blacke Canons 0302 06 10 oo o NORTHVMBERLAND Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q Alba-Launda or Blancheland M Fundator Antecess Comitis Westmorlandia Iohn de Torington a Benefactor K. Iohn confirmed it Anno 16. Cistertians 0044 09 01 ob o Alnewicke or Holne F Iohn Lord Uesey Antecessor Cmitis Northumbria brought this Order first into England A. D. 1240. Carmelites or White Friers 0194 07 00 oo o Barwicke F Sir Iohn Grey Anno Dom. 1270. Carmelites or White Friers      Brekenbourne P William Batram the elder father to Roger Bartram tempore Regis Iohannis 0077 00 00 oo o Frameland Ferne-Eland or Flaneland Cel la. 0012 17 08 oo o Hexham P Fundator Antecessor Archiep. Eboracensis 0138 01 09 oo o Holiscombe N Nuns 0015 10 08 o o Insula-sacra Cella 0060 05 00 oo o Lambley N The Lucies Nunnes      Newcastle F Grey Friers      Newcastle N Nunnes 0037 04 02 oo o Newcastle F King Edward the first Carmelites or White Friers      Newcastle H S. Mary Magd. 0009 11 04 oo o New-Monastery alias New Minster M Fundator Antecessor Domini Dakers 0140 10 04 oo o Ouingham Cella de Hexam 0013 04 08 oo o Tynmouth a Cell to Saint Albans in Hertfordshire N Fundator Antecessor Ducis Norfolcia Nuns 0511 04 02 ob o OXFORD-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q Oxford Ecclesia Cathedralis King Henry the eight      Oxford P S. Frideswid Frideswida filia Algari Restaurator Ethelredus Rex Dom. Regis Progenitores Nuns afterwards Blacke Canons 0224 04 08 9  Oxford F Richard Cary. Fratres Sanctae Crucis      Oxford F Henricus Rex Friers Minors or Grey Friers      Oxford F K. Edward the second Anno 11. Edwardi 2. Carmelites or White Friers      Oxford F Blacke Friers      Oxford F King Henry the third Augustine Friers      Oxford M S. Mary Osney Rob. the sonne of Niele brother of Rob. D Oily a Norman A. D. 1129. Blacke Canons 0755 18 06 ob  Oxford M Locus Regalis alias Rewley Edmund Earle of Cornwall Monkes Cistertians 0174 03 00 oo o The Colledges in Oxford         Vniuersity Colledge First King Aelfred after William Archdeacon of Durham       Baliol Colledge Iohn Baliol Father of Iohn Baliol King of Scots tempore H. 3.       Merton Colledge Walter Merton B. of Rochester Anno D. 1274.       Exceter Colledge Walter Stapledon Bishop of Excester tempore Edw. 2.       Harts Hall Walter Stapledon Bishop of Excester tempore Edw. 2.       Kings now Oriall Colledge King Edward the second       S. Maries Hall King Edward the second       Queens Colledge Queene Philip wife K. Edward the third       S. Edmunds Hall Edmund Archb. of Canterbury vt creditur       Canterbury now Christs Church Colledge Simon Islip Archbishoppe of Canterbury After Cardinall Wolsey and K. Henry the eight       S. Mary alias New Colledge William Wiccam Bishoppe of Winchester       Gloucester Colledge Benedictine Monkes       Durham now Trinity Colledge Thomas de Hatfeild Bishop
of Durham After in our time Sir Thomas Pope knight       Lincolne Colledge Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincolne       S. Albans Hall       Broadgate Hall       All-Soules Colledge Henry Chichley Archbishop of Canterbury tempore H. 5.       New Inne       Bernard now S. Iohn Baptist Colledge Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury tempore H. 5. After in our time Sir Thomas White L. Maior of London       Sancti Iohannis Hospitale now Mary Magdalen Colledge Fundator Henricus Rex Afterward William Wainflet B. of Winchester       Magdalen Hal. William Patten alias Wainflet       Brasen Nose Col ledge William Smith Bishop of Lincolne tempore H. 7. Doctor Nowell Dean of Paâ—…les Benefactor       Corpus Christi Colledge Richard Fox B. of VVinchester Hugh Oldaâ—… B. of Excester Benefactor       Iesus Colledge Hugh Price Doctor of the Lawes       Wadham Colledge Wadham an Esquier and his wife       Banbury H Saint Iohn 0015 01 10 ob o Banbury C Beate Mariae 0048 06 00 oo o Brackele P Saint Mary Blacke Canons      Bruern M Saint Mary Nicholas Basset White Monkes 0124 10 10 oo o Burcester vulgo Bissetâ—…r Saint Eadburgh Gilbert Basset and Egelina Courtney his wife tempore Henrici Secundi 0167 02 10 oo o Burford P 0013 06 06 oo o Chiping Norton in Ecclesia 0007 14 00 oo o Clattercote M Sancti Leonardi 0034 19 11 oo o Coges P Blacke Monkes      Dorchester M Saint Peter and Saint Paul Birinus the Apostle of the West-Saxons and after by Nicholas Huntercombe heire of William Huntercombe Blacke Canons 0219 12 00 oo o Ewelme or New Elme H William de la Pole Duke of Suffolke 0020 0 0 o o Eynsham M Saint Marie Athelmar a Nobleman King Aethelred confirmed it A. D. 1005. Blacke Monkes Benedictines 0421 16 01 oo o Godstowby Oxf. N Saint Mary Dame Ida a rich Widow Repaired by K. Iohn Blacke Nunnes 0319 18 08 oo o Goring N Saint Marie Blacke Nunnes 0060 05 05 oo o Lidmore alias Littlemore N Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor Blacke Nunnes 0033 06 08 oo o Norton P Domini Regis Progenitor Reginald Earle of Boloigne gaue 108½ Acres to it Richard Sergeaux Blacke Canons      Saucombe P Saint Marie Blacke Canons      Stodeley N Saint Mary Peter Corbyzen and William de Cantelop 0102 06 07 oo o Tame M Saint Mary Alexander Bishoppe of Lincolne the great builder of Castles White Monkes 0256 13 07 ob o Wroxton P Saint Mary Master Michael Bylet for Heruey Bylet his Father and confirmed by K. Iohn Canons 0078 14 03 o o RICHMOND-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. d. ob q Richmond M Saint Agath Roaldus Constable of Richmond and Gracian his wife Fundator Antecessor Dom. Scroope A. D. 1152. 0188 16 02 oo o Richmond H Saint Nicholas 0010 00 00 oo o Couerham alias Somerham M First founded at Swaynsie by Halwisia daughter of Ralph Glamâ—…ill wife to Ralph Lord of Midleham but remoued after to Couerham A. D. 1182. Chanons Praemonstratenses 0207 14 08 oo o Cander M 0064 03 09 oo o Ellerton N Saint Mary William Fitz-Pier Nunnes 0015 14 08 oo o Furnesse M Saint Mary First Stephen Earle of Bolleyn Anno Dom. 1127. After William de Mowbray gaue lands to it which lands hee had of Richard Moruill and Amie his wife King Henry the 1. confirmed it VVhite Monkes 0966 07 10 oo o Fountaines M Saint Mary Thurstin Archbishoppe of Yorke A. D. 1132. White Monkes 1173 00 07 ob o Gilling N Nunnes      Ieruall M Saint Mary Stephen Earle of Britaine and Richmond White Monkes Cistertians 0455 10 05 oo o Iuxta Kendall H 0006 04 03 oo o Neere Knaresbrough F Saint Robert Richard King of Romains Earle of Cornwall A. D. 1218. Friers 0035 10 11 oo o Maryke N Askes Nunnes 0064 16 09 oo o Middleham or Barnards Castle Richard Duke of Yorke      Nun-Munketon N Fundator Antecessor Gâ—…ll Gascoign Militis Nunnes 0085 14 08 oo o Rybleston Commendary 0207 09 07 oo o Rypon Eccles. Collegiat 0035 03 08 oo o Rypon H S. Mary Magd. 0024 00 07 o o Rypon H S. Iohn Baptist. 0016 14 04 oo o Seton N Fundator Antecessor Henrici Kirkeby Nunnes 0013 17 04 oo o Welles H S. Michael Ralph Lord Nâ—…ill A. D. 1367. 0020 17 11 oo o RVTLAND-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualew     l. s. d. ob q Occham vnder the custodie of a Prior of Saint Anne Carthusians by Couentree Saint Iohn H Euangelist H William Dalby of Extâ—… 2 Chaplens 12 poore each 30. s. yeerely      Brooke S. Mary the Virg. P  0043 13 04 oo o SHROPSHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l s. d. ob q. Shrewsbury M Saint Peter Saint Paul Saint Melb. Roger Earle of Mountgomery Anno Dom. 1081. Blacke Monkes 0615 04 03 ob o Shrewsbury Eccles Collegiat Saint Chadds 0014 14 04 oo o Shrewsbury Ecc. Colleg. Saint Mary 0013 01 08 oo oo Shrewsbury F Carmelites or white Friers      Shrewsbury F Blacke Friers      Shrewsbury F Geffrey Lord of Powis Grey Friers      Abberbury giuen to Al-Soules in Oxford by the King P Alien Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor      Battlefield C King Henry the fourth 0054 01 01 oo o Bildewas M Saint Marie Roger Bishop of Chester Black Monkes Cistertians 0129 06 10 oo o Brewood M 0031 01 04 oo o â—…ridgenorth H F Iohn Earle of Shrewsbury Cosen and Heire to Ralph Strange Originall Founder Grey Friers 0004 00 00 oo o Bâ—…umfeild Blacke Monkes      Chirbury P 087 07 04 oo o Halisowen M King Iohn Peter de Rupibus Bishoppe of Winchester 0337 15 06 ob o Haughmond M Saint Mary S. Iohn Euang. William Fitz-Alane White Canons 0294 12 90 oo o Ludlow F Sir Laurence Ludlow Knight An. Dom. 1349. Carmelites or White Friers      Ludlow F Edmundus de Pontibus siue Briggman Benefactor Augustine Friers      Ludlow H Saint Iohn 0017 03 03 o o Lyleshull M Beaâ—…meis Family Blacke Canons 0327 10 00 oo o Stone P Saint Michael Blacke Monkes      Tonge C Saint Bartholmew Isabel wife of Fulke de Penbridge Chenalier 0022 08 01 oo o Wenlocke P Saint Milburg
Earle Roger of Montgomerie A. D. 1081. Blacke Monkes 0434 00 01 oo o Womebridge P 0072 15 08 oo o Wygmore M Hugo de Mortuâ—…-Mari A. D. 1172. White Canons 0302 12 03 ob o STAFFORD SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q. Lichefeild Eccles. Cath. Oswy King of Northumberland made it a Bishoppes See Pope Adrian made it an Archbishops See Grey Friers and lately Canons      Lichefeild P S. Iohn Baptist. Roger B. of Couenâ—…ree and Lichefeild      Lichefeild H Saint Iohn 0008 15 00 oo o Stafford P Saint Thomas Martyr Ralph Earle of Stafford and Richard Bishop of Chester Blacke Canons Augustines 0141 13 02 oo o Stafford C Saint Marie Grey Friers 0035 13 10 oo o Brewood N Blacke Nunnes 0011 01 06 oo o Briuerne P Saint Marie Blacke Monkes      Briuerne N Saint Leonard White Nunnes      Burton vpon Trent P S. Mary Saint Modwen Ulfricke Sprot Earle of Mercia Blacke Monkes 0356 16 03 ob o Catune P Blacke Nunnes      Chetwood P Iohn Chetwood Chidlet T. Conell William Gardiner Parson of Somerton Iohn Parson of Godyngton      Croxden P Barons Uerdon 0103 06 07 oo o Delacresse M Ranulph the third of that name E. of Chester White Monks 0243 03 06 oo o Dudley A Cel to the Priorie of Wenlocke P Iohn the sonne and heire of Iohn lare Baron de Dudley Blacke Monkes      Faireweld N Saint Mary Blacke Nunnes      Ferburge H 0050 00 00 oo o Hulton M The Ancestors of the Lord Audley 0076 14 10 ob o Lappele P Saint Remigij Blacke Monkes      Meriuall 0199 14 10 oo o Penchriche C      Renton P The Noels Ancestors of Sir Simon Harecourt 0090 02 10 ob o Roceter M 0111 13 07 oo o Stone P Saint Wolphade Ralph Earle of Stafford Blacke Canons 0119 14 11 oo o Tameworth N Edith King Edgars daughter Veiled virgins or NuÌ„s      Tameworth Eccles. Colleg. Marmions of Normandy      Iuxta Tameworth H Saint Iames. 0003 06 08 oo o Trentham P Ralph Earle of Chester Canons 0106 03 10 oo o Tricingham M Saint Werburg      Tutbury P Saint Mary Henry de Fâ—…rrars a Nobleman of Normandy in the raigne of William Conqueror Blacke Monks 0244 16 08 o o Woller-hamptonC Clement Luson Chaplen and William Waterfall      SOMERSET-SHIRE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q. Bristow M Saint Augustine King Henry the second and Lord Robert the sonne of Harding the King of Denmarkes sonne In our time King Henry the 8. made it a Cathedrall Church Blacke Canons Uictorines 0767 15 03 oo o Bristow P Saint Iacob or Saint Iames. Robert Earle of Gloucester the base sonne of K. Henry the first Blacke Monkes Benedictines      Bristow F King Edward the first A. D. 1267. White Friers      Bristow Eccl. Colleg. now a Hospitall The former by Sir Henry Gaunt knight The other by Thomas Carre a wealthy Citizen Orphanes      Bathe M Saint Peter and Saint Paul King Edgar Edwyn Ethelred and Wolstan Afterward Iohn Bishop of Welles made it a Cathedrall Church temporâ—… H. 1. Blacke Monkes 0695 06 01 ob o Bathe Reginaldus Bishop of Bath 0022 16 09 ob o Welles M S. Iohn Bap. or Saint Andrew King Iâ—…a built the Church and Colledge King Kinewolph gaue it great possessions Aâ—… 766. King Edward senior made it a Bishops See Robert and Iocelinus Bishops and Ralph of Shrewsbury Secular Canons 0041 03 06 ob q Welles H Nicholas Bubwith Bishop 24. Poore      Glastenbery M Saint Marie Ioseph of Arimathea Deâ—…i Bishoppe of S. Dauids Twelue Northerne men King Ina. Dunstane changed these Monkes into Benedictines this Order continued 600. yeeres Blacke Monkes 3508 13 04 ob q Athelme M Saint Peter S. Athelwin King Alfred Blacke Monks 0209 03 00 oo q Barlynch P Fety-places 0098 14 08 ob o Bearwe N S. Mary S. Edwin Blacke Nunnes      Bridgewater P Grey Friers 0120 19 01 ob o Bridgewater H Saint Iohn William Briewer iunior      Buckland P Amice Countesse of 〈◊〉 0223 07 04 ob o Bruton M Saint Mary The Moâ—…s there entombed Benedictines 0480 17 02 oo o Cadbury or North-Cadbury C Saint Michael Elizabeth Botreaux and her sonne William Botreaux A Rector 7 Chaplaines 4 Clerks      Cliue M VVhite Monkes 0155 09 05 oo q Conington N Saint Marie William de Romara Cosen to the Earle of Lincolne Blacke Nunnes 0039 15 08 oo o Dunkeswel P William Briewer iunior      Dunster P Iohn de Mohun de Dâ—…ster 0037 04 08 oo o Fareley P S. Mary Magd. Humfrey Bohun Blacke Monkes      Henton Ela Countesse of Salisbury Carthusians 0262 12 00 oo o Keynsham M Saint Mary William Earle of Gloucester Blacke Canons 0450 03 06 oo o Montague M Saint Peter Saint Paul Earle Moriton brother by the mothers side to K. W. Conqueror confirmed by H. 1 Blacke Monkes Cluniacenses 0524 11 08 ob o Moundroy C 0011 18 08 oo o Muchelney M Saint Peter King Athelstane Blacke Monkes 0498 16 03 oo q Mynchinbarrow P 0029 06 08 ob o Stoke vnder Hamden C Saint Andrew Gornays Blacke Monkes      Tauâ—…ton N Saint Peter and Saint Paul William Giffard and Henry de Blâ—…is Bishop of Winchestâ—…r Blacke Nunnes 0438 09 10 oo o Temple-Combe Commendary 0107 16 11 ob o Westbury C William Canings Maior of Bristow      Worspring P 0110 18 04 ob q Wytham Saint Mary S. Iohn Bapt. All-Saints King Henry the third Carthusians 0227 01 08 oo o H Saint Katherine 0021 15 08 oo o Yeueley or Iuell Iohn Woborne Petty Canon of Paules and Richard Hewet      SVF FOLKE Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. 〈◊〉 ob q. Ipswich P Saint Trinity Norman and Iohn de Oxenford Blacke Canons 0088 06 09 o o Ipswich M Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cardinall Wolsey but before him Thâ—…as de Laey and Alice his wife Blacke Canons 0088 06 10 oo o Ipswich F Henry de Manesby Henry Redred and Hen ry de 〈◊〉 Frieâ—…s Preachers      Ipswich F The Lord Bardeley Sir Geffrey Hadley and Sir Rob. Nortâ—…n knights A. D. 1279. Carmelites or White Friers      Ipswich F Robert Tilbot Grâ—…y Friers      Ipswich F Iohn Hares gaue ground
to build their house larger Blacke Friers      Blyburgh P King Henry the first Richard Beluois or Beanuols Bishop of London Blacke Canons 0048 08 09 oo  Brisete P Saint Leonard Blacke Canons      Bungey N Roger Glanuil and Gundreda his Wife Alij the Ancestors of Tho. Brotherton Earle of Norffolke Nunnes 0062 02 0â—… oo o Burshyerd or Brusyed M 0056 02 01 o  Butley P Saint Marie Ralphde Glaâ—…ile Blacke Canons 0318 17 02 ob q Campsey M Beatae Maria Virginis 0182 09 05 oo o Clara or Stoke P Saint Iohn Bapt. Henry Earle of Essex and Isabel his wife Blacke Monkes or Austine Friers      Cnobersburg or Burgh-Castell Fursey a Scotish man Also Sigebertus King of the East Angles      Denston C 0022 08 09 oo q Dodnash M Saint Mary The Ancestors of the Duke of Norffolke 0042 18 08 ob o Dunwich Sedes Episcopalis Foelix the Burgundian that reduced the East-Angles againe vnto the christian faith Anno Domini 630.      S. Edmundsbury M King Canute Blacke Monkes 2336 16 00 oo o Saint Edwards place siâ—… Edwardsstow M Peter Bishoppe of Winchester      Eye M Saint Peter Robert Malet Lord of Eye Blacke Monkes 0184 09 07 ob q Flyxton M 0023 04 01 ob q Heringflete M Saint Olanes Roger the sonne of Osbert Canons Regular 0049 11 07 oo o Hoxon M      Leiston N Saint Mary 1 Ralph Glanuile 2 Sir Robert Ufford White Canons Pramonstratenses 0181 17 01 ob o Letheringham P 0026 18 05 oo o Liteburch P Saint Mary Blacke Canons      Mettingham C Beatae Maria Uirginis Sir Iohn de Norwich Lord of Mettingham 0202 07 05 ob o Rafford M Our Lady Robert Bishop or Earle of Lincolne      Ratisford H Saint Iohn 0053 10 00 oo o Redlingfeild M Saint Mary Manasses de Guies Blacke Nunnes 0081 02 05 ob o Rumbuthe P Saint Michael Blacke Monkes      Snapes P Saint Marie William Martill Alij Domini Regis Progenitor Blacke Monkes Roffienses 0099 01 00 11 ob Stocke C 0324 04 01 ob o Suthbery P Saint Bartholâ—… Simon Sudbiry Archbishoppe of Canterbury and Iohn Chartsey Blacke Monks Westâ—… or Friers Preachers 0122 18 03 o o Sybbeton M Saint Mary William Cheiney or de Caneto Blacke Monkes Cistertians 0250 15 07 ob o Walton P S. Foelicis Blacke Monkes Rochester      Wangsford P Saint Marie Ansered of France Blacke Monkes Cluniacenses 0030 09 05 oo o Wingefeild C 0069 14 05 oo o Woodbridge M Saint Mary 0050 03 05 ob o Wykes Domini Regis Progenitor 0092 12 03 ob o M Saint Bennet      Ykesworth or Ixworth P Gilbert Blund 0280 09 05 oo o SVRREY Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. d. ob q Barmondsey M S. Sauiours Alwyn Childe Citizen of London Ann. D. 1081. Monkes introduced A. D. 1087. Blacke Monks Cluniacenses 0548 02 05 ob q Chartsey M Saint Peter Frithwald a Petty Regent of Surry Anno Dom. 666. 0744 13 06 ob q Guilford F S. Crucis Preaching Friers      Guilford F Backe Friers      Horsham P S. Fidis Mary Saint Paul founded it Alij Robert Fitz-walter and his sonnes      Lingfeild C Reginald Cobham Knight William Croâ—…an Iohn Arderne and Iohn Bayhall 0075 00 00 oo o Marton P Saint Mary King Henry the first An. D. 1117. Blacke Canons 1039 05 03 oo o Newarke vel de Nouo Loco P Saint Mary and S. Thom. Martyr 0258 11 11 ob o Reygate P Sanctae Crucis William Warren first Earle of Surrey and after Iohn Mowbray Augustines 0078 16 08 oo o Shene P King Henry the fifth Carthusian Monks 0962 11 06 oo o Southwarke M Sanctae Mariae Uirginis de Ouerey First by Swethen a noble Dame after by a maiden called Mary and after conuerted to a Colledge of Priests by William Pont-le-Arch Canons first introduced 1016. Blacke Canons 0656 10 00 ob o Southwarke H Saint Thomas Richard Prior of Bermondsey Anno Dom. 1213. 0266 17 11 oo o Tanrigge M 0078 16 10 ob q Wauerley N S. Mary William Gifford Bishop of Winchester White Monkes 0174 08 03 ob o SVSSEX Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l s. d. ob q. Chichester EpaÌ„tus Saint Trinity Radulphus Episcopus primo suo ipsius sumptu deinde munificentia Henrici priâ—… postea Seffridus secundus eius nominis Episcopus tempore Regis Richardi primi Secular Canons      Chicheste M Saint Peter Grey Friers      Chichester F Blacke Friers      Iuxta Chichester H Saint Iacob S. Mary Mag. Leprosi 0004 03 09 oo o Infra Chichester H Saint Mary Pauperes 0011 11 06 ob o Arundel H Saint Trinity Thomas Earle of Arundel Beatrix his wife Elemosinarij 0042 03 08 oo o Arundel P Saint Nicholas Richard Earle of Arundel Blacke Monkes 0168 00 07 ob o Acceseale Saint Peter Blacke Monks      Battell M Saint Martin King William the Conqueror A. D. 1066. Blacke Monkes 0987 00 11 ob q Bidlington H S. Mary Magd. 0001 00 00 oo o Bosenham or Boseham M Diâ—…l a Scotish Monke      Boxgraue Saint Mary Iohn Saint Iohn Alij Robert de la Haye Blacke Monkes Benedictines 0145 10 02 ob o Durfford M S. Iohn Baptist. White Canons Pramonstratenses 0108 13 09 oo o Eastborne P 0047 03 00 oo o Hastings P Saint Trinity Founded by Iohn Pelham Knight when their lands were deuoured by inundation of the Sea Blacke Canons 0057 19 00 o o Lewis P Saint Pancras William de Warren first Earle of Surrey Black Monks Cluniacenses 1091 09 06 oo q Lullmenster N S. Mary Magd. Blacke Nunnes      Michelham P S. Mary Magd. Blacke Canons Aug. 0191 19 03 oo o Occeham P S. Laurence White Canons      Remsted N S. Mary Magd. Blacke Nunnes      Roberts Briggs M Saint Mary Aluredus de Sancto Martino tempore Hen ricisecundi White Monkes Cistertians 0232 09 08 oo o Rupperar N S. Mary Magd. Blacke Nunnes 0039 13 07 oo o Selâ—…ey M sedes Episcopal King Cedwall      Shulbred P 0079 15 06 oo o Southmalling C 0045 12 05 ob q Stenings S. Mary Magd. Secular Canons      Shoreham F King Edward the second and the Lord Mowbray Carmelites or white Friers      Tortyng P S. Mary Magd. Blacke Canons 0101 04 01 oo o Winchelsea F King Edw. 2. Friers Preachers    Â
 Brodesey M Saint Mary White Monkes 0392 08 06 oo o Cokehill N White Nunnes 0034 15 11 oo o Elnecester P Blacke Canons      Euesham M S. Mary S. Aedburg Egwin Bishoppe of VVorcester first Abbot there with king Kenred the sonne of Wolpher king of the Mercians and Kâ—… Offa A. D. 700. Blacke Monkes 1268 09 09 oo o Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. d. ob q Stokekyrke Cella 0008 00 00 oo  Sutton Ecclesia Collegiata 0013 18 08 oo o Swinhey N The Ancestors of Sir Iohn Melton knight Nunnes 0134 06 â—…9 ob o Thyâ—…kehead or Thikenhead N The Ancestors of Iohn Aske Nunnes 0023 12 02 oo o Tickhill F Iohn Clarrel Deane of Paules Fricrs Augustines      Warter P Saint Iacob Galfridus Trusbut knight and William Rosse de Hamela About king Henry the firsts time Blacke Canons 〈◊〉 Augustines 0221 03 10 oo o Watton M Eustach the sonne of Fitz-Iohn with one eye in the raigne of King Stephen White Canons and Nunnes 0453 07 08 oo o Whitby M Saint Peter Saint Hilda Saint Hilda Enriched by Edelfleda King Oswins daughter and himselfe destroyed by the Danes it was reedefied by William Perey about the comming in of the Normans Black Monks 0505 09 01 oo o Woderhall Cella Sanctâ—… Trinitatis 0128 05 03 ob o Woodkirke A Cell to S. Oswald Earle VVarren 0047 00 04 oo o Wycham M The Kinges Ancestors White Canons and Nunneâ—… 0025 17 06 oo o Wylberfosse M The Ancestors of the Archbishop of Yorke Nunnes 0028 08 08 o o Yedingham N The Ancestors of the Lord Latiâ—…er Nunnes 0026 06 08 oo o N Saint Clements Nunnes 0055 11 11 oo o H Saint Nicholas 0029 01 04 oo o M Sancta Sepultura 0011 18 04 oo o Montis Sancti Iohannis Commendariâ—… 0102 13 10 oo o Chappell Sepulchers 0138 19 02 ob o S. ASAPH DIOCES Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualew     l. s. d. ob q Basingwerke in Flintshire M 0157 15 02 oo o Conway or Aber-conway in Carnaruonshire M Saint Marie Kenelme sonne of Geruaise once Prince of North-Wales 0179 10 10 oo o Hawston Commendarie 0160 14 10 oo o Lanllugen or Wanligan in Montgomereshire N Nunnes 0022 13 08 oo o Strata-Marcel la or Stratmarghill in Montgomereshire M Owen the sonne of Gryffin and confirmed by his sonne 〈◊〉 Annâ—… Dom. 1202. 0073 07 06 oo o Valla de Cruce in Denbighshire M 0214 03 05 oo o BANGOR DIOCES Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l s. d. ob q. Bangor F Blacke Friers      Bardesey in Carnaruonshire M Saint Mary 0058 06 02 o ob Beaumarys in Anglesey F Grey Friers      Bethâ—…ylhert M 0069 03 08 oo o Castr. Cubij Ecclesia Collegiat 0024 00 00 oo o Holyhead in Anglesey C      Kynner in Merionâ—…thshire M Saint Mary Lewellyne the sonne of Geruais 0058 15 04 oo o Penmon P 0040 17 09 ob o Siriolis M 0047 15 03 oo o S. DAVIDS DIOCES Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Ualue     l. s. d. ob q Abeâ—…guylly C 0042 00 00 oo o Alba-launda in Carmardenshire M 0153 17 02 oo o Brechon P S. Euangelist 0134 11 04 oo o Cardigan in Cardigansh P 0013 04 09 oo o Carmarden in Carmardensh F Grey Friers 0174 00 08 oo o Combehyre M 0024 19 04 oo o Iuxta S. Dauids in Pembrokesh C Saint Mary Iohn Duke of Lancaster 0106 03 06 oo o Denbigh in Denbighsh F Iohn 〈◊〉 Annâ—… 〈◊〉 1339. Carâ—…elltes or White Friers      Saint Dogmaâ—…lls in Peâ—…brokshire M Martiâ—… de Turonibus Lord of Keâ—…ys after by Williaâ—… Ualence 〈◊〉 H. 3. 0068 01 06 oo o Hauâ—…fordwest in Pâ—…brokeshire P 0135 06 01 oo o Kydwelly in CarmardeÌ„sh Cella 0029 10 00 oo o Llanleyre in Carmardesh M 0057 05 04 oo o Newport F Austine Friers      Pulla P 0052 02 05 oo o Slebach in Bembrockshire Praeceptoria 0184 10 11 ob o Strataâ—…lorida oâ—… Stratflower in Cardiganshire M Griffith Rhese and Meredith 0122 06 08 oo o Swansey Gardianatus 0020 00 00 oo o Talleia M Saint Mary and S. Iohn Bapt. Restus 0153 01 04 oo o Tyronense Robert Martin tempore Hen.      LANDAFFE DIOCES Places Dedication Founder and Time Order Value     l. s. d. ob q Landaffe Eccles. Cath. Saint Telean German and Lupus â—…rench Bishops      Abergeuenny in Monmouth shire P 0059 04 00 oo o Brecknocke a Cell to Battell Abbey F S. Iohn Euang. Barnard de Newmarch Miles and Roger Earles of Hereford in the raigne of H. 〈◊〉 Blacke Friers      Cardiffe F Grey Friers      Cardiffe F Blacke Friers      Chepstow in Monmouthsh M 0032 04 00 oo o Gods-grace or Gratia Dei in Monmouth shire M Beata Maria Virginis 0019 04 04 oo o Goldcliffe in Monmouthsh P Chandos      S. Kynmercy with a Chappell P 0008 04 08 oo o Lanterna in Monmouthsh M 0071 03 02 oo o Malpas by Newport neer the Riuer of Uske Cel la. 0014 09 11 oo o Monmouth in Monmouthsh P S. Katherine Saint Florence Blacke Monkes 0056 01 11 oo o Morgan in Glamorgansh M William Earle of Gloucester 0188 14 00 oo o Neth in Glamorgansh M Beata Maria Virginis Richard Granâ—…ils 0150 04 09 oo o Tinterna in Monmouthsh M Waltâ—…rus filiâ—…s Richards Comitis de Ogi frater Gâ—…berti Comitis Pembrochia 0256 11 06 ob o Vske in Monmouthsh P 0069 09 08 ob o The Totall Number and Valevv of these and all the Promotions Spirituall certified at the Taxation in King Henry the eight his time of the first Fruites and Tenthes are by the Record as followeth Promotions NuÌ„ber particular Number totall Value totall Archbishoprickes and Bishoprickes 21.    Deaneries 11.    Archdeaconries 60.    Dignities and Prebends in Cathedrall Churches 394.  l. s. Benefices 8803. 12474. l. 320180. 10. Religious Houses 605.    Hospitals 110.    Colleges 96.    Chauntries and free Chappels 2374.    Taken from the possession of the Clergy by Henry the eight and conuerted to temporall vses out of the former summe 161100. l. 9. s. 7. d. q. Since in this precedent Table wee haue laide to the Readers view a great part of this Kings ill the waste of so much of Gods reuenewe howsoeuer abused let him not holde it in curiosity out of season since it may in charity fall well in sequence by setting downe the Churches either erected or restored by him or by him which is the now state of our Clergy continued to redeem
was borne of the Virgine Mary and was giuen vpon the Crosse for our Redemption therefore we will haue Masse celebrated as it hath beene in times past without any man communicating with the Priests for asmuch as many rudely presuming vnworthily to receiue the same put no difference betweene the Lords body and other kind of meate some saying that it is bread before and after some saying that it is profitable to no man except hee receiue it with many other abused termes Item we will haue in our Churches reseruation Item wee will haue holy bread and holy water in the remembrance of Christs precious Body and Blood Item we will that our Priests shall sing and say with an audible voice Gods seruice in the Quier of the Parish Churches and not Gods seruice to be set forth like a Christmasse play Item for asmuch as Priests be men dedicated to God for ministring and celebrating the blessed Sacrament and preaching of Gods word we will that they shall liue chast without marriage as Saint Paul did being the elect and chosen vessell of God saying vnto all honest Priests be yee followers of mee Item we will that the sixe Articles which our Soueraigne Lord King Henry the eight set forth in his later daies shall bee vsed and so taken as they were at that time Item we pray God saue King Edward for we be his both body and goods 23 To these their Demands the King sent this answere therein pittying their ignorance and blaming their folly and therewithall his Generall pardon to as many as would desist whiles it was time First he reproued them for their presumptions thus contumeliously to rise against their dread Soueraigne to the disturbance of his loyall Subiects peace whose simplicity they had notoriously abused in vsing his name to draw them into action of Rebellion and no lesse likewise in the grounds of their demands As in their first Article for Baptisme where it was well knowne the same was admitted as necessity required or rather commanded by the Booke of Common praier published by authority of Parliament and as themselues knew in present practise But touching the Sacrament in their second Article how impudently they did belie the true receiuers thereof was manifest who make so much difference in that holy administration that they account no profit in Common bread besides the nourishment of their naturall Bodies but this blessed bread to be the food of their soules vnto eternall life And as you are seduced in these saith the admonition so in confirmation also they carrie your simplicities captiue for the truth teacheth no otherwise then themselues beleeue namely that a Child baptized and dying before confirmation is nethelesse in state of Grace else are themselues causers of their childrens damnation so the seruice of God brought from an vnknowne tongue cannot surely offend any reasonable man which is onely to make him vnderstand that which before he knew not and to giue his consent to those prayers whereof he hath most need and giueth the neerest touch to his owne feeling conscience for God requireth the heart onely which with an vnderstanding seruice we must sacrifice vnto him But most of all saith this good King we maruell at your demand for the sixe Articles restored to haue them in power as formerly hath beene Doe you know what you aske or in obtaining doe you know what you get They were lawes indeed lately made but quickly repented too cruell for you and too mercilesse for vs who would haue our Raigne written with milke and not with blood and because they were bloody we took them away with the same authority by which they were made least reteining them our sword should be too often drawne and rigour extended vpon our true and well-deseruing subiects We for our parts seeke no longer to liue then to be a father vnto our people and as God hath made vs your rightfull King so hath he commanded you vnto obedience by whose great Maiestie we sweare you shall feele the power of the same God in our sword which how mighty it is no subiect knoweth how puissant it is no priuate man can iudge and how mortall no English heart can thinke therefore embrace our mercy while it is offered least the blood spilt by your meanes cry vengeance from the Earth and be heard in the eares of the Lord in Heauen 24 All this notwithstanding the Rebels persisted in their traiterous attempts against whose seditions Sir Iohn Russell Lord Priuy Seale was appointed Generall of the Kings Army vnto whose assistance was ioined the Lord Grey of Wilton vnder whom serued a band of Italians intended against Scotland these lay at Bristow attending the comming of the Lord Generall who now was marched Westward to Honiton where daily looking for more supply those which he had began to shrinke away whereby the Rebels were emboldned to make towards him and came as far as Fenington-bridge within three Miles of Honiton and in a faire Meadow there spread their Colours The Lord Russell though weake in comparison of them holding it more honour to assaile then to be assaulted made forward euen vnto the Bridge at whose sight the Enemies prepared themselues to fight and with a strong guard maintained the Bridge besides which there was passage ouer the Riuer that held his course betwixt the two Armies 25 Great were the attempts the Lord Lieutenant gaue and manfull was the resistance that the Rebell made yet lastly the way was wonne and followed vnto the battell of the disloyals where presently beganne a most cruell fight and a while was maintained to the losse of their blood but the false hearts failing and the true subiects courage increasing the Cornish immediately gaue backe and fled whereat the Kings souldiers out of Order fell to the spoile minding nothing lesse then that which presently ensued for the Cornishmen perceiuing their disordered carriage suddainely returned and began a new fight when the Lord Russell likewise ordered a new his Army these furiously ioining a sharpe and cruell encounter ensued with the losse of much blood and the liues of three hundred Rebels who lastly tooke to their heeles and left the field the chase a while followed and the souldiers scattered a fearefull crie suddainely arose that all the Commons were vp which caused the Lord Generall to returne vnto Honiton whether shortly came the Lord Grey of Wilton hauing in pay Spiniola an Italian Captaine with three hundred shott 26 The Lord Russels forces augmented his greatest care was to releeue the City Excester whither vpon the third of August he hasted from Honiton being a thousand strong and passing ouer the Downes toward Woodbury lodged his Campe that night neere to the Wind-Mill whereof the Rebels hauing intelligence raised themselues from Saint Mary Clift and made amaine vnto the Downes thinking to surprise the Lord Generall before hee was ready but
1346. * Grafton * Serres King Edwards Charity The French deuise to succour Calais The English victory at Potiers 19. Sep. 1356. * Serres Polyd. Vergâ—… saith his name was Innocentius * Serres The French king taken prisoner * Froissard * Serres * Fabian out of the French Chronicles * Ypod. Neust. * Serres The Prince doth things more commendable then his victory * Paul Aemyl * Poly. Verg lib. 19. * Holinsh. omnes * Bolyd Verg. lib. 19. * 5 Mâ—… A. D. 1357. Ypod. Neust. A Lord Maior feasted foure kings at once The two Prisoner kings lodged * Adam 〈◊〉 King Dauid set at liberty after 11 yeeres durance * Fourdon A. D. 1357. * 27. Nouemb. * Guil. Tilliâ—… * Serres Tillâ—… An. D. 1358 A. reg 32. * VVals in Edward 3. fol. 173. * Armacâ—… in Defensoriâ—… curatorâ—… Fox Martâ—…log in Edward 3. * 〈◊〉 iâ—… * Sabelli Ennead 9 l. 6. * Tho. Wals. in Edward 3. King Edward 2. gaine in France 24. October * Paul Aemil. * Serres * Paradiâ—… in les Annals de Burgo * Froissard Paulus Aemilius saith 100000. crownes * Iud. 19. 11. 25. and 26. * Tho. Wals. * Polyd. Verg. lib. 19. * Tho. VVals An. D. 1360. The English before Paris Foure hundred Knights made at one time * Polyd. Verg. * Serres and Polyd. Verg. * Paul Aemyl * Tho. VValsing * Serres Paul Aemyl * Tho. Wals. Ran. Cestr. * Fabian * Tiâ—… Articles of peace * Paul Aemyl 〈◊〉 Iohan. 〈◊〉 * Serres Fabian Holinsh. Paul Aemyl * Tho. Walsing * Paul Aemyl Polyd. Uerg. Froissard The huge ransome of Iohn King of France * Tho. VVals Fabian The City of Paris gaue toward this ransome one hundreth thousand roialâ—… Edw. Griâ—… his English Serres * 24. October 1360. * 〈◊〉 par 7. Caxton * Inuentorie of France in Charles the 5. Serrâ—… Paul Aemyl in Car. 5. * Serres rashly affirmes he did * Pol. Virg. in E. 3. The points charged vpon the English In Charles 5. Serres The dealings of the English defended against P. Aemilius An. D. 1369 Iohn Duke of Lancaster sent to inuade France * Polyd. Verg. in Edw. 3. Froissard * Ypod. Neust. * Polyd. Verg. l. 19 Holinsh. in Edw. 3. An. D. 1370 Sir Robert Knolles sent Generall into the parts about Britaine * Tho. Walsing in Edw. 3. * Paul Emyl in Car. 5. * Paul Emyl Iac. Meir Holinsh. * Tho. Walsing in fine Edw. 3. * Tho. Wals. in Edward 3. * Holinsh. * Serres * Holinshed * Serres an Author distrusted An. D. 1372 * Holinshed The Flemish Name distressed by the English * Ypod. Neust. Rochel besieged by the French The English Nauie distressed by the Castilian * Polyd. Verg. l. 19 King Edward at sea to relieue Rochel is blown backe * Tho. Walsin * Polyd. Verg. lib. 19. A. D. 1373 Rochel continueth English * Tho. VVals * Tho Wals. lib. 19. * 1. Tillius Chron. * Miller p. 992. * Idâ—… ib. * Lib. Eliens * Cambd. Erit in Essex * Milles. p. 381. Idem p. 428. * Milles. p. 441. * Idem p. 689. Monarch 50 Richard II. A. D. 1378. The Coronation of the King 〈◊〉 MS. apâ—…d Dâ—… Rob. Cotton Seruices by â—…a on of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coroâ—…ion found and â—…ed in that 〈◊〉 The Court of higâ—… Sâ—…wardship A. D. 1379. The Britons dislike of the French Gouernment matter of new troubles The commons spared in the subsidie * Siâ—…plex Capellaâ—… Walsing A mâ—…morable example of a noble young gentlemans faith keeping Aids sent into Britain drowned Other aids pierce into Britaine from 〈◊〉 by land An. D. 1380. * Io. Tilâ—… in Chron. French troubles profitable to the English The Earle of Northumberland countermanded from pursuit of the Scots The Parliament at Northampton A. D. 1381. The Earle of Cambridge sent with an Armie into Portugall * Râ—…der Santiâ—… part 〈◊〉 hist. Hisp. cap. 2â—… * Polyd. Vergil 〈◊〉 l. â—…0 The dangerous rebellionâ—… of Wat. Tyler Iacke Straâ—… others * L. S. Alban MS * Hist. Ang. l. 20. * Ioh. Stow. VVat. Tyler the Idol of the Clownes Iohn Cumber-towne once Lord Maior of London confined and confiscated * Thoâ—… VValsing Ypod. p. 539. Polyder Vergil not to be rashly beleeued Sir Iohn Aâ—…eys reputation redeemed from slander * Reâ—… hee is called Ypod. Neust. Aâ—… 13â—…0 * Henry Knightoâ—… Can. of Lâ—…c Aâ—… apud Holinsh. * Thâ—… UUals. in Richard 2. Hatred increaseth betweene the Duke and Count Northumberland Berwick recouered by the Earle A. D. 1385. The Souereignty of Flanders offeâ—…red to king Richard by the Flemmings * Iohn Tylliâ—… in Chron. * Paul Aemyl saith 40000. in in fight and in â—…ight and that in those whole ciuill warres there perished â—…00000 * In Rich. 2. ad A. D. 1386. The Duke of Lancaster stands vpon his keâ—…ping Thâ—… VValsing in Rich. 2. ad â—…unc ann The French prepare an inuasion against England * Ex Record apâ—…d Tiliuâ—… * Paul Aâ—…myl * Polyd. Uerg. lib. bist Angl. 20. Paul Aemyl Frâ—…issard Iâ—… Meir * Paul Emyl Three hundreth thousand English men in armes together * Seruientes ad arma * Paul Aemyl in Carol. 6. The Kings mother dyeth being denied a pardon for her sonne the Lord Iohn Holland * Ypod Neust. The Duke of Lancaster suspected for perswading the King to passe the Scottish Sea The vertue of priuatâ—… men in the publikâ—… cause * Iohn Tilliâ—… The Portugeseâ—…â—…d the English * Iâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…xal S. Crâ—… 14. Septemb. The bad euent of this French designe for an inuasion The attempt of the Laity to dispossesse the Clergie of their temporall estates * Tâ—…o VVals King Richard the Clergies friend The first Marquesse made that euer was in England * Ex libr. Monast. de Melsa ex Record apud Guil Cambd. in Torkesh A. D. 1386. A. reg 6. * Ypod. Neust. * â—…olinsh * Tho. VValâ—… p. 321. The noble army of thâ—… Duke of Lancaster for Spaine * Heur Knighton Oklands Ang. prael * Holinsh. ex Hen. Knigh. p. 449. * Uigil S. Lauren. The Lord Henry Percie by-named Hotspur sent to Calis * Magister Gunnarius A Parallelization of the English and French States in these times * Paul Aemyl * Ypod. Neust. The first seeds of the ciuil wars * Sam. Dan. in his ciuill warres * Remaines * Tho. Walsing in Rich. 2. * Ypod. Neust. * Marâ—…al The Lord Maior of London refuseth to be of conspiracy against the Duke of Gloster An. D. 1387. * Aprilis 24. * Ypod Neust A description of King Richards chiefe fauorites Tho. VValsin in Richard 2. ad A. D. 13â—…6 The malignant construction made of the Earle of Arâ—…dels seruice The Duke of Ireland puts away his wife the Kings cosen * Tho. Walsin in Rich. 2. * Sellarij Filia a Sadlers daughter some aay a Ioyners Walsing A new â—…tion of the King how to bring the popular Lords to a triall The
battell at S. Aâ—…bans where the Queene is victorious and recouers the King * Tirel saith Rob. Fab. The King and Queene returne into the North. Orig. 35. Hen. 6. Monarch 54 Edward IIII Edward Duke of Yorke and Rich. Earle of Warwick come vnto London The City of London doubtfâ—… vnto whether part to yeeld Priâ—… Edward 〈◊〉 his right to the Crowne King Henry depriued of his Crowne Edward Duke of Yorke proclaimed King of England March 3. * He was borne A D. 1â—…41 April 29. The feares of the Londoners Walker a Citizen beheaded for wordâ—… Dangerous to meddle with a Crowne Grost * 18000. pounds King Edwards beginnings somewhat disliked K. Edwards expedition into the North. The Lord Fitzâ—…er and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Earle Warwicks approach and speech to King Edward The L. Clifford sâ—…ine with an headlesse arrow A. D. 14â—… Difference of Authors hath here bred some confusion of yeeres * March 29. K. Edwards proclamation much forwarded his seruice The battell aâ—… Touton A politicke practise in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 K Henry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Queene Margaret passeth into France A. D. 1461. King Edward crowned King Henry and Prince Edward disherited by Parliament A. D. 1462. Queene Margaret returned into Scotland Bastard Ogle ouercommeth the French An. D. 1463. Queene Margaret entreth Northumberland in hostile manner King Edward commeth to Tâ—…rks The skirmish vpon â—…egely More The saying of Sir Ralph Percie at his death 〈◊〉 victory at 〈◊〉 May. 15. Lordâ—… 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 The disgrading of Sir Ralph 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 King Henry 〈◊〉 to flight Rich. Grafton King Edwards care and prouisions King Henrie disguised commeth into England and is apprehended King Henry hardly vsed arrested and committed prisoner to the Tower King Edwards care of Iustice. The pride and abuse in shooâ—… Sheep transpore ted into Spâ—…e verie hurtfull vnto England King Edwards care for choice of his Queene His second proiect for a 〈◊〉 Rich. Grafton Cambden Rich. Grafton His third aâ—…y for a wife The allegations 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lady Bona fitte st Queene for Edward Neuil the great Earl of Warwick Rob. Fab. Warwicks wooing and entertainements in France K. Edwards last sodaine choise of his wife Ioh. Hardings 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Lady Elizabeth Gray a supplicator to king Edward The beauty and feature of the Lady Elizabeth Gray K. Edwards mother seeketh to 〈◊〉 his loue The counsell and conference of the old Dutchesse of Yorke with her 〈◊〉 K. Edward 〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉 it was exâ—… 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 to marry K. Edwards reason for his 〈◊〉 free choise His â—…thers deuise 〈◊〉 crâ—… his purâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lady 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of King Edward K. Edward married Lady Elizabeth Grey The descent and parentage of the Lady Elizabeth Grey Queene Elizabeth crowned The Queenes kindred highly preferred Earle Warwicke sore offended against K. Edward Temporizing betwixt the king and Earle of Warwicke Francis Goodwin Catal. of English Bishope Iohn Neuil created Marquesse Montacute Rich. Grafton A. D 1468. A marriage moued betwixt Earle Charles and Lady Margaret Philip. Com. l. 3. cap. 4. The mariage celebrated Earle Warwicke plotieth K. Edwards deposition Warwicke draweth Clarence into action against the King his brother Warwicke and Clarence make affinity A. D. 1469. The occasions found for a commotion Hulderne Captaine of the Commotion Two Captaines made by the rebels Sir Iohn Coniers chosen generall of the rebels The Lord Herbert Earle of Pembrooke made Lord generall Discontents betwixt Pembrooke and Warwicke The Lord Stafford repulsed K. Edward prepareth against the Earle of Warwicke Pembrooke and Stafford fall out for their Inne The valor of Pembrooke and of Sir Richard Herbert A. D. 〈◊〉 The Earle of 〈◊〉 with others beheaded Robert of Riddisdale captaine of the 〈◊〉 The Earle Riuers with his sonne Iohn surprised and beheaded Lord Stafford beheaded Io. Stâ—… Annal. King Edawrd taken at Wolney Is imprisoned in Middleham Castle King Edward escaped out of prison Warwicke sayings to make and vnmake kings Warres prepared vpon but 〈◊〉 partâ—… The miseries of ciuill warres The King and the Lords meet at London A. D. 1470 A commotion in Lincolnshire The Lord Wels and Sir Thomas Dimocke beheaded The battell at Stanford Sir Robert Wels taken Loscoat field Sir Robert Wels put to death Warwicke and Clarence flee into France Phil. Comines lib. 3. cap 4. The Dutches of Clarence deliuered of a son vpon shipboard The Duke of Burgundy bends himselfe against Earle Warwicke The double dealings of Vawcler Earle Warwicke saileth into Normandie King Lewis relieueth Warwicke Burgundy offended with Lewâ—… for relieuing his enemie Reiner of great stile and small power A marriage concluded betwixt Prince Edward and Anne daughter of Earle Warwicke King Edward driuen into his dumps Marques Montacute is taken into King Edwards fauor A maid Ambassador vnto the Duke of Clarence The conference of the damsell with the Duke of Clarence The Duke of Clarence inclineth to his brother Warwicke and Clarence returne into England Septemb. 13. A. reg 10. King Edwards security Earle Warwicke in the West proclaimeth king Henry K. Edwards opinion touching Warwickes approach Sunday after Michaelmas Stowel Annal. Doctor Godards sermon Marquesse Montacute reuolteth from K. Edward How vncertaine it is to stat on the 〈◊〉 K Edward is forced to flee England October 3. Edward in danger of taking on seas Queene Elizabeth tooke Sanctuarie in VVestminster Prince Edward boâ—…e in the Sanctuary The Kentish Commotioners doe much hurt about London Iohn Fortescue The States take K. Henry out of the Tower K. Henry againe restored goeth crowned to Pâ—… K. Edward debarred from gouernment by Parliament The Parliament Rowle Iohn Tiptoft Earle of Worcester beheaded The Crownes of England and France entailed to K. Henry George Duke of Clarence entailed to the Crowne Earles restored Earle Warwicke made gouernour of the Realme Queene Margaret hindred by tempest to come into England The Duke of Burgundy perplexed Phil. Com. lib. 3. Earl of Warwicks esteeme in Callis King Edward coueteth aide of his brother the Duke of Burgundy The Duke of Sommerset disswadeth Burgundy to aid K. Edward Burgundie temporizeth with his suites K. Edward passeth into England pretending no more then to be Duke of York A. D 1471. March 14. K. Edward straines his oath to winne the City of Yorke Earle Warwicke writes to his brother Marquesse to impeach King Edwards passage K Edwards Army encreased Iohn Stow. Warwicke taketh into the City Couentrie March 29. K. Edward challengeth Earle Warwick to fight K. Edward draweth towards London K Edward and his brother Clarence meet and are reconciled Clarence seeketh to draw Warwicke vnto K. Edward The words of Warwicke in answer to Clarence K. Edward marcheth forward London receiueth King Edward K. Henrie againe taken and sent to the Tower of London Ed. Hall Earle Warwicke commeth to S. Albans K. Edward carrieth K Henrie with him to battell Apr. 14. Barnet field fought vpon Easter day The orderings
of the battels Iâ—… Stow. A mistaking of the soulâ—…ieis which was the losse of the field Great Warwickâ—… slaine in fight Marques Montacute slaine in battell Nobles and others slaine at Barnet field Edw. Hast. Ioh. Stow. Rob. Fabian saith 1500. The Duke of Sommerset and the Faile of Oxford fled into Wales Rich. Grast Edward triumpheth and oâ—…eth his banner in S. Pauls Queene Margaret with Prince Edward landed at Weyâ—… The Lords comfort Queene Margaret Queenâ—… Margarets care for Prince Edward her sonne The opinions of the Lords King Edward prepareth against Queenâ—… Margaret King Henry committed to the Tower of London The ordering of Queene Margarets battels The ordering of K. Edwards battels The battell at Tewkesbury Edw. Hall This battell was fought vpon Saturday the 4. of May the 11. of K. Edwards raigne and yeere of Christ 1471. L. Wenlocke slain for not following Sommerset Lords slaine at Tewkesbury Prince Edward apprehended The Duke of Sommerset and others executed Prince Edward apprehended and 〈◊〉 answers Prince Edward most shamefully slaine Queene Margaret taken out of her Sanctuary The Northerne men submit vnto K. Edward Bastard Fanconbridge Captaine of the Lancastri Fauonbridge assaileth London The Citizens withstood his â—…ance Fauconbridge forced backe to his shipâ—… K. Edward with his Captiue Queene Margaret enter London King Henry â—…urthered in the Tower by Richard Duke of Glocester K. Henry carried bare-faced through the streetes of London Stowes Annals K. Henry bâ—…ied 〈◊〉 Chertsey and 〈◊〉 to Windsor The 〈◊〉 of K. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The vertues of K. Henry Holinshed Camb. Brit. in descript of Surrey Kings Colledge in Cambridge and Eaton in Barkshire found 〈◊〉 by K. Henry Queen Margaret ransoâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bastard Fauconbridge with his vnruly crew yeeld to King Edward Bastard Fauconbridge pardoned of life and rewarded with Knighthood Rob. Fabian Bastard Fauconbridge beheaded A. D. 1472. Henry of Richmond fled into Britaine The storie of Iohn Earle of Oxford Waters brake out of the Earth Iohn Stow. Annals The Earle of Oxford sent prisoner into France The hard and inhumane vsage of the Countesse of Oxford The storie of Lord Henry Holland Duke of Excester Phil. Comines lib. 3. cap. 4. Ed. Hall The vnlouing parts of an vnlouing wiâ—…e Ioh. Sâ—…w The Lord Henrie supposed to haue been drowned The Archbishop of Yorkes goods seized vpon K. Edward sends into Britaine to recouer Richmond and Pembrooke K. Edward abrogates King Henries lawes Burgundie sends for aid into England against France A. D. 1474. K. Edwards expedition into France Phil. Comines lib. 4. cap. 5. The great preparation of King Edward King Edwards 〈◊〉 Lewis his conference with the English Herald Lewis his conference with the English Herald K. Lewis moneth Gartar to be a meanes for peace Phil. Com. lib. 4. cap. 7. A counterfeit Herald sent to K. Edward The Heralds perswasions An English Herald sent to King Lewis The Duke of Burgundy commeth to the King Edw. Hall â—…ol 231. Burgundies hot speech vnto K. Edward K Edwards reply to his brother of Burgundy Burgundy departeth displeased from King Edward The conference for peace 〈◊〉 Amiens Coâ—…ioners for peace Conditions of the peace Lewis his liberality for â—…oy of the peace Ph. Com. l. 4. c. 9. The kings of England and France dâ—… to see each others 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 place of the kings A. D. 1475. Aug. 29. The 〈◊〉 of the two kings The Kings swear the league K. Lewis loth that Edward should visite Paris A. D. 1475. Sept. 2â—… Henry Earle of Richmond â—…ught after by K. Edward An intent pretended which asâ—…r came to passe Ralph Holinsh. pag. 701. Henry â—…arle of Richmond taketh Sanctuary The English Ambassador complaineth to the Duke of Britaine His Answere Sir Tho. Moore King Edward beloued of his subiects and loueth his subiects Io. Stow. K. Edward sent for the Maior and Aldermen of London to his huntings K. Edward somwhat licention slie giuen K. Edwards three Concubines Thomas Burdet accused of treason Engâ—… Register of Gray-Friers Lâ—…don The story of George Duke of Clarence Tâ—… attainder of the Duke of Clarence Iohn Stow. A. D. 1478. Rich. Graft A false prophecie of G. E. Phil. Comin lib. 4. cap. 10. The Duke of Clarence is suiter vnto Marie the daughter of Burgundie Io. Serres Clarnce imprisoned by his brother King Edward George Duke of Claâ—…ce condemned by Parliament And drowned in a But of malmesay K. Edwards â—…pentance for his brothers death The Duke of Clarence his issue Edward and Margaret the children of Clarence beheaded King Edward deceiued in King Lewis 〈◊〉 Serres Lady Elizabeth called 〈◊〉 the Daulphin A. D. 1480. Io. Lesâ—… Lady Cicely motioned in matriage vnto 〈◊〉 Prince of Scotland Lewis King of France interposeth the contract betwixt Prince Iames and Ladie Margaret Iames King of Scotland much â—…dded to his 〈◊〉 will Alexander Duke of Albanie banished Scotland Iohn Earle of Marre bled to death K. Iames threatneth warre against England Richard Duke of Glocester made the Kings Lieutenant against Scotland The Duke of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scotland 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 Holinsh. p. 707. Phil. Comines lib. 6. chap. 2. and 9. King Lewis dallâ—…th with King Edward King Edward vvould not beleeue vvhat was confidently tolde him A 〈◊〉 pretâ—… ded against France King Edward falleth â—…ke Thom. More King Edwards speeches at his death The perils of discord Tender youth is 〈◊〉 infected Great variance for small causes King Edwards good counsell What the nature of ambition is King Edwards vsuall oath King Edwards last request The raigne and death of King Edward Phil. Com. lib. 4 cap. 10. King Edward described Ph. Com. l. 6. c. 2. 〈◊〉 A. D. 1478. Stow. Edward 5. Monarch 55 King Edwards raigne vnfortunate and 〈◊〉 Aprill 19. A. D. 1483. Richard Duke of Yorke Richard Duke of Gloucester an vnnaturall vncle vnto the young King and his brother Richard Duke of Yorke was the father of Richard Duke of Glocester Women commonly maligne their husbands 〈◊〉 The description of Richard Duke of Glocester Richard Crooke-backe a good souldier He vvas the cause of Clorence his death Richard of Gloucester intended to be King eâ—…en whiles K. Edward liued The speech of Pottier at King Edwards death The vncle contriueth the destruction of his Nephewes Richards deepe pollicy King Edwards care to set peace betwixt the Queenes kindred and his The Queenes iealousie against the Lord Câ—…berlaine King Edward repaireth towards London The Queenes kindred only about the Prince The Duke seeketh to displace the Prince The crafty complaints of Richard Duke of Gloucester The effect that his pollicy took The conclusion of his designes Another crafty pollicy of Duke Richard The Queene yeldeth to the Dukes perswasion The Lords meet at Northampton The Keyes of the Inne kept by Richard Duke of Glaucester The L. Riuers much troubled at the sodaine action The L. Riuers imprisoned in Northampton The Dukes come to the King A quarrell picked in the kings presence Accusations against the Queens kindred
The King excuseth his vncle The King is brought backe to Northampton The Duke of Glocester sends a dish of meat vnto the Lord Riuers The L. Riuers others beheaded Queene Elizabeth taketh Sanctuary The L. Chamberlaine sendeth the newes to the L. Chancellor The great heauinesse and confusion of the Queene and her seruants The Archbishops comforts to the Queene The L. Chancellour giues the great Seale to the Queene Great feare conceiued of the ouermuch murmuring made The L. Chancellour sendeth for the great Seale to the Queene Perswasions of the L. Hastings that nothing was extreamly meant L. Hastings somewhat dissembleth False imputation cast vpon the Lords of the Queenes bloud How soone the Commons are brought into fooles Paradise King Edward met by the Citizens and accompanied by them into London Richard Duke of Glocester made Protector of the King and Realm The great Seale is taken from the Archbishop of Yorke The Protectors perswasion to take out of Sanctuary the yong Duke of Yorke A â—…e â—…ch to fetch out the Duke The Protector would haue the Queene sent vnto If the Queene refuse to deliuer the Duke what is to be done All the Counsell allow of the Protectors speech A great offence to breake the Sanctuary S. Peters owne Cope was to be seen in Westminster The Duke of Buckinghams speech Queene Elizabeth held to haue a shrewd wit Not feare but frowardnes kept the yong Duke in Sanctuary A great feare without any great cause Buckinghams opinion of the Sanctuaries Much abuses suffered in Sanctuaries Westminster S. Martins The true vse of the Sanctuary The Duke of Yorke vncapable of Sanctuary Neither Pope nor King can allow Sanctuary men to consume other mens substance A man may take his wife out of Sanctuary without any offence to S. Peter Buckinghams conclusion The generall consent of them all The Cardinall doth his errand to the Queene The Queenes answere to the Cardinall Queene Elizabeth yeeldeth to deliuer the yong Duke The ambitious desire for a crowne Richard Duke of Yorke deliuered to the Cardinall A Iudâ—… kisse Buckingham priuie to the Protectors ploâ—… Suspicion without cause The couenants betwixt the Protector and the Duke of Buckingham Two counsels to diuers ends The mistrust of the times All flocke to the Protector Lord Stanleyes speach to the Lord Chamberlain * Catesby Catesby the cause of much mischiefe Catesby set to sound the Lord Hastings Lord Haestinge speeches concerning the plot Catesby false to his founder The counsel sate in the Tower for the ordering of the yong Kings Coronation The Protectors dissimulation The Protector now another man Lord Hastings speech to the Protectors question The Queene accused of Sorcery The withered aâ—…ne of the Protector by nature and not by 〈◊〉 The L. Chamberlain arrested The L. Staley wounded at Councell Table The L. Chamberlaine beheaded The L. Stanleys dreame The L. Hastings answere to the L. Stanleye meâ—…age Predictions towards the Lord Hastings The Lord Hastings speech to a Purseuant The vaine and suddain state of man The description of the Lord Hastings Citizens sent for into the Tower to the Protector The fained feare of the Lord Protector A Proclamation made to publish the Lord Hastings treasons The Protectors subtilty further knowne by his Proclamation The Schoole-masters opinion The Sheriffes of London carrie Shores wife to prison Shores wife did pennance All commend and pitie Shores vvife The description of Iane Shore Shee died the eighteene yeere of King Henry the eight saith Iohn Harding Shores wife did much good but no man hurt The Subiect not vnworthy to bee written The state of the world The Lords of the Queenes bloud beheaded at Pomfrait The Protector sought to strike whiles the yron was hote The Maior of London made of the Protectors counsell Shaa and Pinker two flattring Preachers Pinker preached at S Marie Hospitall and Dotor Shaa at Pauls Crosse. The plot and deuice how to entitle the Protector to the Crowne The sonne maketh the mother an adultresse K Edward and his children made bastards The text and contents of Doctor Shaas sermon Shaas shamlesse assertions TheÌ„ Preachers intention preuented Gods heauy punishment vpon the false flattering Preacher The Duke of Buckingham commeth to the Guildhall Buckinghams oration to the commons of London The fine glosings of the Duke of Buckingham King Edwards exactions made more then they were His tyranny towards his subiects exemplified by Burdet and Others No safety of goods or life as he falsely alledged The rage of ciuil wars cost EnglaÌ„d more blood then twice the winning of France had done Great dangers alledged and slenderly proued King Edwards wantonnesse set out to the full London the kings especiall Chamber The end of the Dukes errand The great modesty that the Duke pretendeth An author like the subiect The marriage oâ—… King Edward imputed a great mischiefe The Protector must be the only true heire to his father and so to the Crowne Scriptures abused The Dukes pithy perswasions vnto the Citizens The Londoners are mute and astonished at Buckinghams Oration Buckingham goeth ouer his lesson againe The reward of flattery The Recorder commanded to speake to the peopleâ—… The great silence of the people The Duke speaketh once more Prentices and Seruingmen the first proclamets of K. Richard The affection of the election seene by the faces of the Assembly The Nobles and Citizens assemble at Baynards Castle The Protector made it strange to speake with such a multitude Palpable dissembling betwixt the Protector and Buckingham The Protector intreated to accept of the Crowne The Protector saith nay and would haue it Buckingham vrgeth and threatneth the refusall Th Protor fauourably accepteth the Crowne Diuers opinions of the people The Raigne and age of King Edward Monarch 56 Richard III. All the Richards and Dukes of Glocester came to vntimely deathes Richard 1. flaine with an arrow Richard a murthered at Pomfrait Tho. Woodstocke 〈◊〉 herâ—…d to death Humfrey murdered aâ—… S. Edmondsbury Richard slaine at Bosworth held Duke Richard subtilely complotteth for the Crowne The Duke of Buckingham the onely raiser of the Protector By Persal Buckinghams secrete seruant The degrees by which the Protector ascended into the throne The Protector fitted himselfe to the peoples affections A Petition exhibited to the Protector to accept of the Crowne An Act of Parliment passed to establish K. Richards election All doubts taken away of King Richards election The petition of the kings election made lawfull and authorised by Parliament The forme of he 〈◊〉 exhibiâ—…d vnto the Protector Faire gloses vpon soule preteâ—…ses O time how dost thou turne and art turned Flattery feares not how to report How can Princes rule to shuâ—… reproach when they are dead The Queene her mother falsly standered K. Edward accused to haste been contracted to the Lady Elienor Butler The tongue of slander is a sharp arrow They haue taught their toâ—…gs to speake lies Ier. 9. 5. George Duke of Clarence and his heires made vncapable of
should aide the Britaines or no. Charles King of France practiseth to 〈◊〉 Britaine to his Empire Ambassadors out of France to King Henrie Iohn Nordeâ—…s Middlsex lit H. The Lord Wooduile slaine in Britaine * Paulus Acâ—…yl in Carol. 8. The Battel of S. Albine wherein the French preuaile King Henrie opens the cause in Parliament The Parliament grants aide of money to support the warre of Britaine Polyd. Uirg Eight thousand English sent tardie into Britaine Iob. Stow Annal. * Polyd. Verg. l. 26. * Polyd. Verg. * Hollinsh Iob. Daâ—… MS. * Polyd. Verg. The Duke of Britainâ—… dies and the English returne The beginning of new stirres in Yorkeshire Iob. Stow ex Iob. Skelton * Polyd. Verg l. 26 Iob. Stow. Annal. The Earle of Northumberland slaine by the people in a tumult The King in person in Yorkeshire Iob. Stow Annal. Sir Iob. Egremond Captaine of the Rebels escapes to the Dutchesse of Burgundy * Bern. Andr. MS. * 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Polydor. Uirg King Henry â—…n vaine seekes to reconcile the Scotâ—… to their King Io. Lest. Bish. of Rosse Iames the third King of Scotland slaine in battell by his Subiects * Io. Stow. Annal. K. Henries bountie to a stranger for Learnings cause * Polyd. Verg. l. 26 The first reuiuer in this age of pure Laâ—…ne and choise learning Godwins Caral of P. 〈◊〉 in Bath c. pag. 309. Paul 〈◊〉 * Hadriâ—… 6. Warre with France and the causes The yong Dutchesse married by proxie * Stowes Annal. * Bern. And. MS. The French carried the practise of marriage with the inheretirex of Britaâ—… most artificially * Polyd. Uerg. * Iob. Tâ—…l Câ—…n * Lu Marin lib. 20. de reb Hispan Britaine annexed to France Maximilian vnprouided to 〈◊〉 with Henry * Addit to Fab. Chron. The Londoners large contributions to the king King Henries popularities in London * The Merchant Taylors A. D. 1492. An. reg 8. The chief Lords names who serued in thiâ—… voiage Boloigne besieged by K. Henry * Polydor cals him Desquerdo * Bern. Andr. MS. Reasons mouing the Kings to a peace * Phil. de Com. * Arnol. Ferron Hist. ad A. D. 1492. Polyd. Vergil in Hen 7. * Stow. Annal. The high points of wisdome practised by King Henry in atchieuing his ends * Bern. Andr. MS. * One hundreth eighty six thousand two hundreth and fifty pounds English I. Da. of Her MS Holinshed * Polyd. Verg. Forraine pensions of what vse or hazard * Ber. Andr. Henry returnes * 17. Decemb. I. Sto Annal. 〈◊〉 Henry returned * Andr. Thol MS The Dutchesse of Burgundy addresseth a Pseudo Rochard against Henry * Polyd. Verg. * Bern. Andr. MS. * Polyd. Verg. Causes mouing the Dutchesse to beare K. Henry so mortal hatred * Infra 〈◊〉 prox sequent * Videinfia § prox Perkin Warbecke fits the Dutchchesses turne by exact representation of a Richard Plantagenet * Pancerollus * Holinsh. 10. Da. MS. A summarie relation of Perkins first fortune after he was published * Stow Annal. * Ber. Andr. M. S. Perkin in Flanders with the Dutchesse * Stow Annal. Sir Rob. Clifford signifies to his friends in England that Perkin was the true Duke * Bern. Andr. MS. * Stow Annal. * Polyd. Verg. * Iohn Da. of Her M. S. King Henries countermines and courses against this Pseudo Richard * S. Robert Clifford wun away from the Dutchesse * Proclam of Perkin as a King Rich. MS. penes Sir Rob. Cotton * Polyd. Uirgin Hen. 7. The maine argument prouing that King Edwards sons were both of them murdered * Sir Tho. More The Dutchesse of Burgundies tvvo monstrous birthes * Lambert and Perkin were about fifteen yeeres old saith Polydor at the time of their appearance * Bern. Andr. MS. * Stow Annal. Poâ—…ydor cals him but a knight K. Henry expects Sir Rob. 〈◊〉 in the Tower of London Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlaine accused * Polydor. Uirg l * Ioh. Stow. Annal. * Illum tutari in regnum adduâ—… cere premiseras * Polyd. Verg. Stanley Lord Chamberlaine beheaded * Sir Tho. Moore in Rich. 3. Perkin vpon the Kentish Seas Polyd. Verg. Stowes Annal. * Bernard Andr. saith about 400. * Bern. Andr. MS. The Kings praier and speech to God Io. Stow Annal. Perkin sailes into Ireland * Bern. And. MS. * Stowes Annal. His great forraigne friends * Io. Lesl. Epis. Ross. * Bern. Andr. Perkin sailes into Scotland * Bern. Andr. Perkins successe in Scotland 1. Lâ—…a Epis. Ross. The effect of Perkins speech to Iames the fourth King of Scotland MS. Perkini proclam penes D. R. C. Baronet * Polyd. Verg. l. 26. * MS. Perkini Proclamati * Polydor lib. 26. * MS. Per. Procl * Epis. Ross. * Polyd. Verg. l. 26. Perkin credited and aided matrics into the blood roiall of Scotland * Pern 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Scots inuaâ—… Northumberland in Perkins quarrell and retaine * Procl Per. MS King Henry prepares for reueÌ„ge * Add. to Fab. The Cornish rebellion * Polyd. Verg. 〈◊〉 Stowes Annal. Holinshed Perkins Proclamation The Earle of Warwicks emprisonment obiected Popular insinuations by Perkin * Polyd. Verg. Principeâ—… 〈◊〉 virtute preditum * Episc. Rosse Polyd. Verg. The Scots inuade and retire * I. Stow Annal. A. D. 1497. Iun. An. Reg. 12. The King moued against the Rebels Blackeheath field * Polyd. Verg. Hall * Io. Stow. Annal. * Polyd. Verg. The Blacke-smithes comfort at his death Holinsse Stowes Annal. * Addit to Fab. A Spanish Ambassador procures a truce betweene England and Scotland * Cambd. in Deuonshire Imaginarius Scenicus princeps The Queene of Spaine troubled by a counterfeit * Franc. Tarapha in Hen. 4. Luc. Merinaus Sicul. Perkin Warbecke practised out of Scotland The Cornish call in Perkin Warbeck King Henry setleth peace with neighbour Princes * Idâ—… Mâ—…l Perkin stirres the Cornishmen * Bern. Andr. MS. The City of Excester assaulted by Perkin The Exceâ—…rians policy in defenting fire by site * Polyd. Verg. Perkin at Taunton * Polyd. Virg. The King and his people match toward him * Polyd. Verg. Perkin flies from his hoast Perkins wile take and honourably vsed by the king * Epis. Ross. The King at excester Polyd Verg. sine spâ—… 〈◊〉 sede sine fortune Perkin yealde himselfe to the King * Polyd. Verg. The king returne to London with Perkin * Ioh. Stow Annal. 28. Nouemb. * Bern. And. MS. * English voyage by Ricb. Hackl * Bern. And. MS. * Engl. Heroick Epist. * Io. Stows Annal. Perkin set openly in the Stocks c * Hollinsh Perkin maketh an anatomâ—…e of his descent or lineage Perkins education oâ—… bringing vp Perkin a notable land-loper The Irish would haue Perkin take vpon him to bee the Duke of Clarences sonne They beare Perkin downe vvith oathes that hee is King Richards bastard They call him Duke of Yorke A. D. 1498. An. Reg. 14. Perkin in the Tower and
thâ—… Tragicall effects * Polyd. Verg. A counterfeit Earle of Warwick executed * Addit to Fab. * Holinshed The true Earle of Warwicke designed to die * Stowes Annal. Perkin condemned executed A. D. 1499. An. Reg. 15. The Earle of Warwicks ruined by Perkins conspiracie Io. Sotw Annal. The Earle confesseth the enditement * Sir F. B. MS. Edward Earle of Warwicke last Male Plausageâ—… beheaded * Ioh. Stow. Annal. * Sir Fr. B. MS. * Polyd. Verg. A. D. 1501. An. Reg. 17. The Lady Katherine of Spaine landed in England Polyd. Verg. in Henirc 7. * Add. to Feb. * Res edmirabiles opera 〈◊〉 * Franc. Tarapha de Reg. Hisp. The briefe of 〈◊〉 and â—…bellas greatest actions * Luc. Marin Sic. Lib. 10. Isabella Queene of Spaine descended from our Edward the 3. King of England * Auton Hebriâ—… Decad I. lib. 1. * Polyd. Verg. 〈◊〉 Hen. 7. * Luc. Marin Sic. Prince Arthur married * Addit to Fab. saith on a Sunday the feast of S. Erkenwald * 10. Stows Annal. Prince Arthur dieth * Bern. Andr. MS. Prince Arthurs bookes and learning A. D. 1501. An. Reg. 17. * The coÌ„tract betweene Iames King of Scots and Lady Margaret published * Ioh. Stow Annal. in Iac. 4. * Polyd. virg Episc. Ross. Bishop Fox his presence desired by the Scotish King * Episc. Ross. ex Polyd. verg King Henries answere to an obiection against the match with Scotland A. D. 1502 An. Reg. 18. King Henry a Widdower and Henry his sonne created Prince of Wales * See in the life of Henry the 8 * 〈◊〉 Stow Ananl K. Henry brings his daughteâ—… the Lady Margares on the way to Scotland * Epis. Ross. The Earle of Northumberlâ—… deliuers her to King Iames within Scotland * Iâ—… Iac. 4. The immediate happy effect of this marriage * A. D. 1506 A. R. 21. * Addit to Fab. cals him Duke A Prince of the bloud roiall arraigned for murther of a priuate person The Earle of Suffolke causeth troubles Polyd. Verg. Edw. Hal. Hollinsh * Io. Stow. Annal. * Polyd. Verg. Apprehensions of persons for the Earle of Suffolkes cause * Polyd. Verg. The misery of great subiect and a lesson for theÌ„ Executions for the Earle of Suffolkes cause * Stowes Annal. * Add. to Fab. * Addit to Fab. The Earle or Duke of Suffolke and Sir Robert Curson others accursed Antiquit. Britan. in Mortons life names Innocentius and not Alexander * Polyd. Uerg. Antiquis Brit. in vita Morton Antiquit. Britan. Ibidem Philip the first King of Spaine and his Queene driuen by tempests into England A. D. 1506. An. Reg. 21. * Ioh. Stow. Annal. Polydor saith Wayâ—…outh * Io. Sotw Annal. The Kings of England and Spaine at Windsore Polyd. Verg. The Earle of Suffolke deliuered vp and sent to the Tower The ominous fall of the weather cocke of Pauls * Suet. in Ang. cap. 97. King Henries gathering of treasure * Nâ—…n tam seueritatis quam anaritia tela esse clamabant * Sir F. B. MS King Henry giues way to the needlesse molestation of his people * Sir Fr. B. MS Addit to Hard. The foule practises vsed to empouerish the subiect * Cor. Tacit. * Polyd. Verg. * 10. Stow Annals A. D. 1508. A. R. 23. The King falleth sicke Pol. Verg. King Henry seeks to assure his daughter Mary to Charles King of Castile The French King sends for aduise to the King of Scots * Epis. Ross. * Polyd. Verg. The Lade Mary promised to King Charles A. D. 1508. A. Reg. 24. K. Henry the 7. dies * Iohn Stowe Generall pardons granted by the King * Sir Fr. B. MS. Io. Stow. Annal. The yeere of his age and raigne A Saint lost for want of pay * Cambden in Surrey See more Supra in Edward 4. §. 79. 80. * Addit to Fab. King Henry saluted Defensor of Christs Church by three Popes Monarch 58 Henry VIII A. D. 1509. King Henry his birth place Polydor. The most learned King of Christendomâ—… King Henry and Queene Katheâ—… crowned Edw. Hall King Henry vsed to sit often in Councell him selfe in person Dudley Empson Ioh. Stow. Hollinsh pag. 791. Edw. Hall In Yocester Northamptonshire Edmund Dudley condemned Io. Sotw Annal. K. Heâ—…ies iustice and charity commended Holinsh. Henry a goodly man of shape and stature K. Henries great strength The Popes letters vnto King Henry K. Henry demanded France Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse A. D. 1510. K. Henry maketh league with many Princes Guiccardin King Henry entreth France An. Reg. 1. Edw. Hal. Sleidans Com. The Emperour serueth K. Henry Anglorum praelia Paulus Iouius Battell of Spurs A. D. 1513 August 24 Terwin wonne and the Citâ—…zens sworne vnto Henry Edw. Hall Turnay befieged by K. Henry The strength of Turnay A. D. 1513. Octob. 2. King Henry in triumph entred Turnay Ioh. Lesly K. Iames of Scotland incited by the French King Edw. Hal. Holinsh. See the contents of this letter in Ioh. Leslie Bishop of Rosse dated at Edenbrough the twenty sixt of Iuly in A. D. 1513. Lions terrified at K. Henries answeres See the contents of this letter in Holinshed dated from the Campe at the fiege of Terwin the 12. of August A. D. 1513. Iames King of Scotland enters England Thomas Earle of Surrey King Henries Lieutenant maketh towards the Scots Lord Howard profereth battel vnto K. Iames. King Iames accepteth of battel Iohn Lesly The fight begun Paulin 〈◊〉 The Scots at the first encounter be at the English backe The battels ioin The Scots put to flight The valiant courage of K. Iames. 〈◊〉 king of Scots slaine with 12. Earles and 17. Lords The Honourable receiuing of Cardinall Campiut Matth. 21 9. The Cardinals rich treasures shewed in Cheap side Charles the Emperour cometh into England Iohn Stow. Rich. Turpin King Henrie goeth into France Rich. Grafton Edw. Hall A. D. 1521. An. Reg. 13. Variance betwixt England and France Iohn Stow. R. Grafton Taken out of the Cardinals owne letters dated Ianuary 16. Anno. 1524. Duke Burbon made King Henries Captaine General Instructions of King Henry dated in Anno 1524. Rich. Pace Secretarie The English Embassages into forraine States The wrongs done by the French vnto the English Iohn Lest. The Queenes Dowry vapaid A. D. 1522. A generall muster Io. Stow. Charles the Emperour commeth againe into England Holinsh. in Anno 18. Henrie 8. The Emperour affianceth Lady Mary Iohn Sleidan Com. K. Henry wrote against Martin Luther The Popes Oration at the deliuery of K. Henries booke Ex Original Troubles in Ireland Holinsh pag. 84. Discention betwixt the Lord Deputies of Ireland Kildare accused to the Cardinall The Cardinals speech at the Counsell Table against Kildare Kildare interrupteth the Cardinals tale The Lords tender Kildare He answereth the Cardinals obiection In what ease stand the Noblemen of Ireland with Rebels Kildare committed to prison Kildare accused for suborning of Traitors Kildar committed to the Tower Kildares noble
courage Holinshed Hist. of Ireland Kildar receiued into Dublin with procession The French king imprisoned at Madril Gâ—…ard Queene mother soliciteth King Henry Dislikes 〈◊〉 the Emperour and K. Henry Peace betwixt England and France Signed with 〈◊〉 ovvne 〈◊〉 in Ann. 1526. The great Dominions of the Emperour Guicchard Rich. Turpin G. Câ—… A. D. 1528. The Kings Oration to his Nobility Edward Hall The Kings complaint The commendation of Queen Katherine George Couen Learned men assembled to decide the Kings marriage The testimonies of many Vniuersities sent vnto Rome Iohn Stow. pag 9â—…1 Cardinall Campeiu commeth into England The King and Queene summoned to appeare personally in the Court at Blacke Fryers Queene Katherines speech to the King Queene Katherine departed the Court. The Kings report of his Queene The King excuseth the Cardinall King Henries conscience and care The Bishoppe of Rochester contradicteth the Archbishop of Canterbury Cornelius Agrippa yeeldeth to the proposition The Popes vsurpation forbid by Parliament â—…x Parl. 24 H. 〈◊〉 K. Henries marriage dissolued by Parliament Fox Mart. 1197. Katherine Dowager Holinsh. pag 93â—… Pope Clement 7. adiudgeth the marriage lawfull The thunderings of Pope Clement 7. Sleidan com li. 9. The discent of Anne Bullen Sir Godfrey Bullen Lord Maior of London Anne 1457. Sanders in Schis Angl. Anne Bullen religion Sleid. com lib. 9. Anne Bullen Created Marchionesse of Pembrooke A. D. 1532. Octob. 11. K. Henrie complaineth of the dull Pope King Henrie allowed the Pope 60000. Angels monethly Iohn Stow pa. 946 Anne Dom. 1533. Nouâ—…mb 14. Vpon S. Erkenwalds day saith Hollinshd and Groston King Henry maried Anne Bullen * The Pope Elizabeth Barton the false Oracle or the Romanists The assisters of this false Propheâ—…esse Read Statue in Anne 25. of King H. 〈◊〉 The counterfetings of Elizabeth Barton Edward Hall Ioh. Stow. Holinsh. Cranmer Cromwell Latimer * Elizab. Barton Edward Bocking Richard Deering Richard Risby Richard Maister Henry Gould Two Monkes Iohn Stow. Edward Duke of Buckingham beheaded Holinshed The vaine feare of Prior Bolton The Pope inciteth Iames King of Scotland against England Iohn Lesly High treason The Pope giues England to him that could get it Queene Anne crowned Lady Elizabeths birth A. D. 1533. Fox Martyr 1366. Statut. Parl. H. 28. cap. 10. Queene Anne a great louer of the Gospell A. D. 1536. Ian. 29. Queene Anne deliuered of a deaâ—… Child Queene 〈◊〉 sent to the Tower Mâ—…ch Sandt The 〈◊〉 of Queene Anne Cromwels letter to the King vnder his own hand Archbishop Cranmers let 〈◊〉 to the King Sleidans Com. l. 10 L. Rochford Noâ—…is West 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Marks beheaded May 15. Queene Anne condemned and beheaded Robert Greene. Queene Annes speech at her death Ex MS. The audacious dealings of the Rebels Slanderous vntruths against the King The oath of the Pilgrims The Earle of Shrewsbury maketh against the Rebels Ex MS. R. Coe Thomas Duke of Norfolke Lord Lieutenant of the North. Pardon and peace offered to the Rebels Ex Original MS. The demands of the Commons The whole drift was to down with the Gospel An vncharitable and vnchristian motion Holinsh. pag. 944. Aske executed Luk. â—…2 36. Spirituall men Commotioners Monkes hanged for rebellion Idols and Monasteries suppressed by Parliament A. D. 1538. The Roode of Grace broken at Pauls Crosse. Lamb. Peram in Boxeley Our Lady of Walsingham and other Images burnt Cambd. Brit. 645. Monasteries in England 90. Colledges 110. Religious Hospitals 2374. Chaunteries and free Chappels Eras. Dialogue W. Lamb. Peram The state and opinion of Tho. Beckets Shrine Iohn Stow. The great riches of Beckets Shrine The great reuenewes of the Monasteries Supplication of Beggars The great reuenewes of the Friers 2. Cor. 12. 14. Dâ—…ut 25. 4. Apoca. 9. Iere. 13 26. Many suffered death for the Gospell before that Martin Luther wrote Queene Anne Bullen a fauourer of the Gospell staied the rage against the Professours King 〈◊〉 doings displeased many Chriâ—… Princes Camb. Brit. Lord Marquesse and others beheaded A. D. 1539. Ian. 9. Ioh. 〈◊〉 King Henry married Anne of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 6. An. 1540. 〈◊〉 Mart. 1296. The sixe Articles deuised 32. H. 8. chap. 10 35. H. 8. cap. 5. Lord Cromwell imprisoned In a letter writâ—… ten by himselfâ—… Ex MS. Anâ—… 32. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cap. â—…5 Queene 〈◊〉 diuorced by Parliament Cromwell affect his death 〈◊〉 ted by 〈◊〉 ment Ex MS. D. 〈◊〉 No such things as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 poseth 〈◊〉 Cromwell Nâ—… 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 well to cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Lady 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A. D. 1540. 〈◊〉 A. D. 1541. May 17. Margaret Coun tesse of Salisbury beheaded Lord Dacres hanged Stat. in 33. of H. 〈◊〉 cap. 21. Since the eight of August 〈◊〉 Queene Katherine and the Lady Iane Rochford beheaded The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cted Sâ—…t H. 8. 28. c. 10. 〈◊〉 H. 8. 3â—… c. 4. The fixe bloody Articles enacted Iohn Fisher. Sir Thomas Moore beheaded Fox Mart. pap 1363. Anne Askew her story Io. Bale Cent. 8. â—…ol 669. Rom. 1. 16. Three conuersions by N. D. pag. 495. Anne accused by no rule of Christianity 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 compared The Counter Newgate and the Tower 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ned in Smithfield 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 suppose Three 〈◊〉 on s pag. 493. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Queene 〈◊〉 rines life laid 〈◊〉 Ibid. coâ—… p 494. 〈◊〉 three conâ—…ersions The Lord Chancellor lost his commission The Queene seeth the sentence of her death Queene Katherine visiteth the King who falleth in conference with her about 〈◊〉 Act. and Mon. Queene Katherines wise answer The Lord Chancellors purpose to apprehand the Queene Henry assumeth the name of King of Ireland A. 154 confirmed by Parl. 35. Hen 〈◊〉 Iohn 〈◊〉 The Kings of England and Scotland appoint to meet at Yorke A. D. 1542. An expedition into Scotland The Scotish noblemen refuse to inuade England The Lord 〈◊〉 of the Weâ—…-Borders yâ—…eld to the Kings perswasions * Williâ—… 〈◊〉 saith Stow. The mistaking of thâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Kings 〈◊〉 Generall The Scotish Noâ—… in 〈◊〉 of their generall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Solem-mosse Graâ—…n saith foure and twentie The death of K. 〈◊〉 of Scotland A marriage intended betwixt Prince Edward and the young Queene of Scotland The Scotish prisoners honourably entertained The Scotish Prisoners released without Ran. some Ioâ—… 〈◊〉 The marriage of Prince Edward and Queen Mary concluded by Parliament Cardinill 〈◊〉 against the 〈◊〉 ringe with England The French King setâ—… faction in Scotland The Queene and Queene mother conueyto ed 〈◊〉 Queene Marie of Scotland crowned The Earle of Lennox falleth from the Queene mother King Henry dâ—… mandeth the young Scotish Queene An Army 〈◊〉 into Scotland Ioâ—…n Leslie Iohn Leslie The Pope and French King send aide into Scotland Math. Earle of Lennox marrieth Lady Margaret Earle Lennox proclaimed an enemie to the state The English enâ—… Scotland A. D. 1544. Defiance sent into France Ioâ—… Stow. Bolloigne besieged Ioâ—… Sleidâ—… 〈◊〉 Bolloigne wonne R. Graâ—…con Iohn Serres
The French inuade the I le of Wight and the coasts of Sussex A Roade made into Scotland Lord 〈◊〉 slaine A. D. 1546. A great losse of English in France 〈◊〉 Serres 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 7. Peace concluded betwixt England and France Holinshed Chastiâ—… raiseth a fort neere â—…nto Bolloigne King Henries comand against his own writing The Lord Grey flaâ—…teth Chatillâ—… â—…ort A. D. 1547. King 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iohn 〈◊〉 in Suruey London 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of December and 〈◊〉 of his raigne King Henries death A. D. 1533 A. D. 1532 A. D. 1536. A. D. 1540. 〈◊〉 p. 183. Iohn Stow. A. D. 1519. Iohn Stow. 〈◊〉 Thomas Milleâ—… Holinshed saith 〈◊〉 Thetford in Norfolke p. 1237. Monarch 59 Edward VI. A. D. 1547. R. Graston Edward created Prince of Wales presently after his birth Alluding to the Crest of her father a Phoenix in flames within a Crowne By his will dated the 30. of December A. D. 1546. Salomon and Henry compared in their sinnes and in their Issue Articles of the Rebels Sacrament of Baptisme Confirmation Consectation of the Lords body Holinshed Reseruation of the Lords Body consecrated Holy Bread and Holy water Priests ' not to be married The sixe Articles The Kings answere and generall pardon The first article answered The second article answered The third article answered Their other obiections answered Answere to the sixe articles King Edwards lawes written in miâ—…ke and not in blood Spoken like a King Forces sent against the rebels Iohn Hooker in description of Excester The rebels make toward the Lord generall The valiant attempt of the Lord Russell The rebels put to flight The rebels returne and maintaine the fight And againe put to flight The Rebels againe ouer-throwne M. Fox in Act. and â—…on The Crucifixe brought in a cart into the field The Rebels againe ouer-throwne The Captaines of the Rebels executed The Maior of Bodmin hanged A Millers man hanged for his master Commotions for Inclosures A. D. 1549. Commotions in Norfolke Grene. Iohn Flowerdew and Robert Ket the caulers of the commotions Ket made Captains of the Commotion Sir Edmund Windam in danger Monshold the place of the randeuoâ—… The inhumanities of the Commotioners Supplies of the commotioners Many good subiects forced to attend vpon the Rebels The tree of Reformation The Kings pardon contemned Norwich 〈◊〉 by the Rebels * George Stradlon George Stradlon his Oration Iohn Stow The L. Protector committed to the Tower M. 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Articles drâ—…wne against the Lord Protector The Protector released from the Tower Vlpian Fulwell A combate fought betweene two Scottishmen before the Lord Grey The English forced out of Scotland The French intend to surprise Bulloignoberge The good seruico of Carter an English souldier A great slaughter of the French The French assault the Isles of Garnesey and Iersâ—…e 〈◊〉 vpon composition deâ—… liuered to the French Iohn Caixâ—… A. D. 1550. The sweating sickenes A sained reconcilement Iohn Stâ—… The Duke of Sommerset priusly armed Rich. Grafton The Duke of Sommerset sent to the Tower Stow. A. D. 1551. * Sâ—…w saith the first The Duke of Sommersets inditement * Of 〈◊〉 William Herbert The Duke condemned of 〈◊〉 Rich. Graf Iohn Stow. Holinsh. The Duke of Sommersets speech at his death A great feare without any cause Ioh. Stow in Annales The Duke entirely beloued of the Commons The Dukes second speech vpon the Scaffold Duke of SoÌ„merset soone mist and sore lamented King Edward falleth sicke Rich. Grafton Three marriages entended to reuert the succession Lady Iane made successor by sicke King Edward Vide Stat. in an 35. de R. â—… â—… M. Fox in all Mâ—… Sir Iames Halles refused to subscribe to K. Edwords Will. K. Edwards prayer The vertues of King Edward The report of Hieronymus Cardanus ex Fox His learning His Memory His Care His Mercy K. Edwards zeale to Christs Gospell K. Edwards letter to Lady Mary D. Ridleies sermon before King Edward The conference betwixt the King and Bishoppe Ridlay K. Edwards great care for the poor King Edwards 〈◊〉 deliuered to the L. Maior The Kings great liberality for the poore in London
chiefe seat to consult for remedies dismissed thence all the Students by reason of their multitude being aboue 15000 saith William Rishanger who then liued of those only whose names were entred into the Matriculation booke amongst whom being so many young Nobles the King doubted how they might bee affected to the Barons Whereupon many of them went to Northampton where then the Barons were strong and thither the King comming with his hoast and breaking in at the Towne-walles vpon Passion Sunday encountred his enemies amongst whom the Students of Oxford had a Banner by themselues aduanced right against the King and they did more annoy him in the fight then the rest of the Barons which the King who at length preuayled had vowed sharpely to reuenge but that his Councellors told him those Students were the sonnes and kindred of the Great-men of the Land whom if hee punished euen the Nobles who now stood for him would take Armes against him The King there tooke Simon Montfort the younger and foureteene other principall Barons and Knightes Banerets forty other Knights besides Esquiers c. Encouraged with this successe hee aduanceth the Standard royall toward Nottingham burning and wasting the Barons lands wheresoeuer hee came To diuert this tempest Simon Montfort hastneth to London and attemptes the taking of Rochester Castle which Iohn Earle of Warren defended for the King who comming to raise the siege takes Kingston Castle which belonged to the Earle of Gloucester then vnexpectedly falling vpon such as maintained the siege of Rochester while Simon was absent kils verie many and scatters the rest Then seiseth hee the Castle of Tunbridge and therein the Countesse of Gloucester whom notwithstanding he nobly set at large as professing not to warre against Ladies from thence the Cloud of power borne vpon the winges of indignation speedes to Winchelsea and receiues the Cinque-Portmen to grace setling at last in Lewis where himselfe rested in the Priorie and his sonne in the Castle whither the Barons sent letters to him protesting their loyall obseruance to his person but all hostisity to their enemies which were about him 100 But the King flaming with desire of reuenge sets slight by these vowed but fained fidelities and returnes a full defiance as to Traitors professing that hee takes the wrong of his friends as his owne and their enemies as his The King of Almaine Prince Edward with other of the Kings chiefe friends sent their like letters of defiance The Barons loath to let it come to the hazardous and vnkind triall of steele though they then encamped about sixe miles from Lewis not acquitting themselues in this repulse iterate their message with an offer to pay to the King thirty thousand pounds in satisfaction of such hurts as their people had done through the Realme so as the Statutes of Oxford might stand The king of Almaine whose honour they had toucht and spoild part of his inheritances hindred all harkening to any their offers 101 It came to a battel wherein Simon de Montford commands his traiterous Army to weare white Crosses on breast and backe to shew they fought for Iustice great was the effusion of bloud on both parts chieflie of the Scots vpon the Kings side of the Londoners vpon the Earles side whose Battalion lead by the Lord Segraue Prince Edward most furiously charged and had the execution of them for about foure miles which he pursued the more bloudily in reuenge of the extreame disgrace which they had offered vpon London Bridge to the Queene his Mother and after that the Garrison of Tunbridge followes and slew many at Croyden But while the Prince spent himself in that reuenge his Father who hauing his Horse slain vnder him had yeelded himself prisoner to Simon de Montfort his vncle the king of Romans and others great Peeres were taken and the whole hope of that day lost There fell in all on both sides about fiue thousand Prince Edward returning from the slaughter of the Londoners ed at Westminster on the Northside of the high Altar vnder a faire monument of stone with his Portraiture and the armes of him and others of his house and manie noble houses of that time 108 Richard the third sonne of King Henry and Queene Elenor bearing the name of his vncle Richard King of Romans Almaign deceased in his youth and lieth at Westminster enterred on the south-side of the Quire 109 Iohn the fourth sonne of King Henrie and Queene Fleanor bearing the name of King Iohn his grandfather deceased yong and at Westminster his bones lie enterred with his brother Richard 110 William the fift sonne of King Henry and Queene Eleanor is mentioned by Thomas Pickering a Priest of the monastery of Whitby in Yorkeshire who liued in the time of King Henrie the sixt and wrote a large Genealogie of the Kings of England and their issues ' and that he dying in his childhood was buried within the new Temple by Fleete-streete in London 111 Henry the sixt sonne of King Henry and Queene Eleanour is also reported by the same Pickering to haue died yong and to be buried at Westminster 112 Margaret the eldest daughter of King Henry and Queene Eleanor borne the twentie sixt yeere of her Fathers raigne 1241. was the first wife of Alexander the third King of Scotland married to him at Yorke An. 1251. by whome shee had issue Alexander and Dauid who died both before their Father without issue and Margaret Queene of Norway wife of King Erike and mother of Margaret the heire of Scotland and Norway that died vnmarried shee was Queene twenty two yeeres liued thirtie three deceased before her husband in the twenty third yeere of his Raigne the first of her brother Edwards in England and was buried at the Abbey of Dunferinling in Scotland 113 Beatrice the second daughter of King Henrie and Queene Eleanor was borne at Burdeaux in Gascoigne Iune 25. An. 1242. of her Fathers raigne 27. At the age of eighteene yeeres shee was married to Iohn the first Duke of Britaine sonne of Iohn the last Earle of the same and had issue by him Arthur Duke of Britanny Iohn Earle of Richmont Peter and Blanch married to Philip sonne of Robert Earle of Artoys Eleanour a Nunne at Amsbery and Marie married to Guy Earle of Saint Paul when shee had beene his wife twelue yeeres and liued thirty yeeres shee deceased in Britany in the first yeere of the Raigne of her brother King Edward and was buried at London in the Quire of the Grey Fryers within Newgate 114 Catherine the third daughter of King Henry and Queene Eleanor was borne at London An. 1253. of her fathers raigne 37. Nouemb. 25. being Saint Katherines day whose name was therefore giuen vnto her at the font by Boniface Arch-Bishop of Canterburie her mothers vncle who christened her and was her Godfather Shee died yong and at Westminster her bones lie enterred with her brother Richard and Iohn
in the space betweene the Chappels of King Edward and Saint Bennet EDVVARD THE FIRST LORD OF IRELAND AND DVKE OF AQVITAINE c. THE FORTIE-SEVENTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND HIS RAIGNE ACTS AND ISSVE CHAPTER X. EDward who followed K. Henry in wearing the English Crowne but far out-went him in all regall vertues was abroad at the time of his fathers death still pursuing his high desires for the Holy Warres wherein what he performed being yet but a Prince against the publike enemies of Christians it shall not bee impertinent to touch before wee come to his actions as a King hauing already remembred with what valour and felicity hee had subdued his Fathers domesticke enemies setled the peace of his Kingdome and reestablished the raines of Soueraignty in his Fathers hands which those potent Rebels had formerly extorted 2 King Lewis of France whose perswasions had enflamed this noble-spirited Prince to associate him in this glorious quarrell hauing first set forth for the enterprise lay now in siege of Tunis in Africa where Prince Edward with all his forces arriuing the French King greatly reioycing in his wished presence together with the King of Nauarre and other Princes of his Army went forth to meet him and receiued him in the kisse of Peace This place which they beleaguered was as then not great yet by reason of the situation it greatly impeached the Christians in their passages through those Seas being built out of the scattered ribs and wasted ruines of that mighty and famous City Carthage riual once in Maiesty and Ambition with ancient Rome as contending with her about the Empire of the World Therefore to secure the Mediterranean Seas it was thought necessary to beginne that enterprise for Asia with this in Africa but not long after Lewis yeelding vppe his holy Soule to God at the siege and sicknesse by reason of the heates in those Regions for it was August raig of homage to seize vpon the whole Fee of the said Prince marcht with an Armie into Wales his good fortune there was accidentally augmēted by a prize which foure shippes of Bristol tooke about the Isles of Sillie wherein the daughter of Simon Montfort late Earle of Leicester who according to a secret contract betweene their friends went to be giuen in marriage to Lewelin and Aimericke her brother were surprised but shee found honourable vsage of the King her neere kinsman 11 Meanewhile Lewelines affaires by the manhood and diligence of Pain de Canusijs and others who had takē West-Wales in broght it to the Kings peace thriuing but poorely and the saide Prince feeling the foundations of his safetie beginning manifestly to faile and shrinke from vnder him sued for peace and had it vpon such termes which in likely-hood were not as Polydor Virgil would haue it seeme granted by King Edward lest he should leese his cost and care by warring against bogs and mountaines In the conditions of Peace which was procured with great difficulty the most remarkeable as carrying the shew of a farre greater riches in the possession of the Welsh euen at that time then some preiudicated can easily beleeue were these 1. That the Prince should pay to the King for his peace and goodwill fifty thousand pounds sterling the payment whereof should bee in the Kinges will and grace that is as wee conceiue it how much thereof the Prince should pay or not pay and when 2. That the said Prince should haue the Isle of Anglesey in Fee-farme of the King to him and to the lawfull issue of his body in generall taile for fiue thousand Marks readie money for gressom or a fine in hand paid the yeerly rent of a thousand Marks The rest of the articles being about eight amounted to so much as a plain Conquest or dissolution of the Principality of Wales after Lewelins death who was to enioy the same during his time vpon conditions 12 Now whereas the said Lewelin had three Brethren Dauid whom King Edward fauoured Owen and Rodericke it was enioyned to him at this conclusion made by the Lord Robert Tiptoft and certaine other Commissioners vpon eyther side appointed that hee should appease and satisfie his said Brethren but because Dauid was afterward a principall Actor in the calamities which fell vpon himselfe his house and his Country we must not neglect to speake somwhat particularly of him This Gentleman for some causes flying into England from his Brother Lewelin for his faithfull seruice to the State of England was there honoured contrary to the manner of his Nation with the order of Knighthood and receiued also by the bounty of King Edward for his maintenance the Castle of Denbigh with lands to the yeerly value of one thousand pounds and the Daughter of the Earle of Derby being then a Widow to wife with all which bounty the King did but entertaine a reuealer of his secrets as some not improbably doe affirme The State of Wales thus composed and the Castle of Aberistwith which seemes to bee the same that by another is said to haue beene built in West-Wales at Lāpader Vaur being built by King Edward for assuring those parts the King as he was munificent and roiall the more to tie Lewelins faith gaue vnto him the Lady of whose surprise at Sea we haue mentioned to be his consort honouring the Nuptials with his owne presence and his Queens And whereas Alexander King of Scots came about the same season into England to treat with Edward concerning important affaires and had formerly sent to the Welsh warres certaine aides of the Scots the said Alexander being iealous on his Countries behalfe that those aides might bee interpreted to haue beene sent vpon duty obtained letters testimoniall from King Edward declaring that they were not sent of duty or in respect of seruice due 13 Though King Edward were thus desirous to gaine the Welsh-Nation rather by his largesse then puissance hauing so honourably vsed Lewelin hee could not yet retain their hearts for whether it were which some to amoue the note of ingratitude turbulency from them affirme for that there was partiality vsed by the English officers in distribution of iustice vpon the Marches or which seems to some as likely for that they aspired in vaine to their ancient liberty being miserably seduced with certaine blind prophesies the Welsh betooke themselues afresh to Armes for Dauid himselfe whom the King had laden with so many benefites and graces became to them a principall leader and to giue them full assurance of his fastnesse to their cause reconciling himselfe to his brother the Prince he sodainely and treacherously vpon Palme-Sunday seised the Castle of Hawardin surprising Roger de Clifford a noble famous Knight whom the King had dispatched into those parts as Iusticiar of all Wales and slaying such vnarmed men as offered to resist that violence whence
Glequin makes his vse of all occasions and workes much harme to the English party in Guien and Britaine But in Britaine Sir Robert Knols did so nobly acquit him selfe on the behalfe of his Souereignes sonne in law the Duke that he only seemed a fit parallel to Glequin like as hee stopt the current of his fortune was borne at Gaunt the chiefe Towne of Flaunders Anno 1340. and 14. of his fathers raigne In his Childhood he was created Earle of Richmond which title was afterward recalled in and bestowed vpon Iohn Duke of Britanny who married his sister to whose Dutchy it had formerly belonged Hee had three wiues the first Blanch daughter and Coheire and in the end the sole heire of Henry Duke of Lancaster sonne of Edmund surnamed Crooch-back in whose right he was at the first Earle and after Duke of the same and with that Dutchy also Earle of Leicester Derby and Lincolne and high Steward of England He had issue by her Henry of Bullingbrooke Earle of Derbie after Duke of Hereford and lastly King of England named Henry the fourth who first placed the Crowne in the house of Lancaster Philip wife of Iohn the first King of Portugall and Elizabeth married first to Iohn Holland Earle of Huntingdon brother of Thomas Duke of Surrey and after him to Sir Iohn Cornwall Baron of Fanhope His second wife was Consiance the eldest daughter of Peter King of Castile and Leon in whose right for the time he entituled himself King of both these realmes by her he had issue one onely daughter named Katherine married to Henry the third sonne of King Iohn in possession before and in her right after King of both the said realmes His third wife was Katherine the widow of Sir Hugh Swinford a Knight of Lincolnshire eldest daughter and Coheire of Payn Roet a Gascoigne called Guien King of Armes for that Countrey his yonger daughter being married to Sir Geoffrey Chaâ—…cer our Laureat Poet. By her hee had issue borne before matrimony and made legitimate afterward by Parliament holden in the twentieth yeere of King Richard the second Iohn Earle of Sommerset Thomas Duke of Excester Henry Bishop of Winchester and Cardinall and Ioane who was first married to Robert Ferrers Baron of Wemme and Ouesley in the Counties of Salop and VVarwicke and secondly to Raph Neuil the first Earle of Westmerland Shee and all her brethren were surnamed Beaufort of a Castle which the Duke had in France where they were all borne in regard thereof bearing the Porculleys of a Castle for the cognizance of their family This Duke in the thirteenth yeere of his Nephew King Richard at a parliament holden at London was created Duke of Aquitaine but in the sixt yeere after hee was called home and this Title recalled in and in the third yeere after the sixtieth of his age Anno 1399. he dyed at Ely house in Holborne and lyeth honourably entombed in the Quire of Saint Paul Edmond their 5. sonne surnamed of Langley was created Earle of Cambridge Anno 1362. in the same Parliament wherein Lionel was created Duke of Clarence Hee was afterward made Duke of Yorke Anno 1386. and married Isabel daughter and Coheire to Peter King of Castile and Leon. His sonne Richard Plantagenet Duke of Yorke took to wife Anne Mortiâ—…er heire of the foresaid Lionel elder brother to Edmund Langley William another of their sonnes surnamed of Wynsore where he was borne dyed yong and is buried at Westminster Thomas the youngest sonne of King Edward and Queene Philip surnamed of Woodstocke where hee was borne was first Earle of Buckingham created by his Nephew King Richard the second on his Coronation day An. 1377. by whom after also he was made Duke of Glocester 1385. The Earledomes also of Essex and Northampton and the Constableshippe of England fell to him by right of his wife Eleanor the only daughter and heire of Humfrey de Bohun Earle of Hereford and Essex Hee was a man of valour wisdome and vigilancy for the behoofe of the King his Nephew and the State but those noble vertues distempered with too much wilfulnesse froward obstinacy bred him first Enuy and afterruine For the King surmising him to bee a too seuere obseruer of his doings consulted with Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke how to make him away whom Mowbray vnawares surprizing conuaied secretly to Callis where he was strangled 1397. 20. of his Nephewes raigne Himselfe in his life had prouided a goodlie tombe at Playsie in Essex his owne Towne and the vsuall seat of the great Constables of England where hee founded a Colledge whither his body was brought and laid with all funerall pompe but afterward it was translated to Westminster where also lyeth Eleanor his wife who dyed 1399. Their issue was Humfrey Earle of Buckingham who dyed at Chester of the pestilence An. 1400. Anne married first to Edmund Earle of Stafford by whom shee had Humfrey Duke of Buckingham secondly to William Bourchier Earle of Eue by whom she had Henry Earle of Essex Philippa Ioane Isabell who died all issulesse Isabel the eldest daughter and second childe of K. Edward and Queene Philip was married at Windsore with great pompe to Ingelram of Guisnes Lord of Coucy Earle of Sâ—…ysons and after Arch-Duke of Austria whom K. Edward his father in law created also Earle of Bedford 1365. by whom shee was mother of two daughters Mary married to Henry of Barre to whom shee bare Robert de Barre and Ioane the wife of Lewis of Luxemburg Earle of S. Paul and Philip the wife of Robert de Veere Earle of Oxford Duke of Ireland and Marquesse of Dublyn this Robert in the heigth of his fortunes forsooke his noble Ladie and married one Lancerona a Ioyners daughter by report which came with King Richard the seconds wife out of Boheme and being for his pride and abusing the Kings eare to the hurt of the State driuen out of the land by the nobles hee dyed at Louain in great vexation of mind and extreme penury An. 1392. Isabel his wiues mother was buried in the Church of Fryars Minorites neer Algate in London Ioane their second daughter and third child was borne 9. of her fathers raigne An. 1335. Bâ—…ng 14. yeres of age shee was desired in marriage by solemne Embassage from Alphons the eleuenth King of Castile and Leon sonne of King Ferdinando the 4 was espoused by Proxie intituled Queene of Spaine and conueyed into that Countrey where shee presentlie deceased of a great plague that then raigned so as the King comming to meete her to solemnize the espousals with great griefe accompanyed her to Church only at her funerall 22. of her fathers raigne An. 1348. Blanch the 3. daughter died yong and lieth buried at Westminster Mary their 4. daughter was married to Iohn Montford Duke of Britaine Margaret their youngest daughter was the first wife of Iohn de Hastings Earle of Pembroke but shee dyed without
issue RICHARD THE SECOND KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE LORD OF IRELAND THE FIFTIETH MONARCH OF ENGLAND HIS RAIGNE ACTS AND TROVBLES CHAPTER XIII RIchard of Burdeaux sonne to that Great Star of English Cheualrie Edward by-named the Blacke Prince and grand-child to the most renowned Edward the third both of them lately deceased was crowned in the eleuenth yeare of his age and vpon the sixteenth day of Iuly Seldome hath been seen so magnificent a Coronation as that of this young King but the thing which gaue a better lustre of hope at his beginning then the shine and maiesty of that publike Act was the wise course which in this his childhood was taken to wit the reconciliation of the Lord Iohn Duke of Lancaster and the Citizens of London with the restitution of Sir Peter de la Mare Knight Speaker in the late Parliament whom King Edward had committed to prison at the instigation of Dame Alice Peeres now banisht and confiscated not onely to former liberty but likewise to fauour and honor extraordinary 2 At this Coronation which as matters not vnworthie to bee kept aliue wee following the immethodicall order of the Record haue here for perpetuall memory thought good to abridge out of authentike Monuments Iohn the Kings eldest vncle vnder the stile of Iohn King of Castile and Leâ—… and Duke of Lancaster by humble petition to the King claimed to bee now Steward of England in right of his Earledome of Leicester and as he was Duke of Lancaster to beare the Kings chiefe sword called Curtana and as Earle of Lincolne to cutte and carue at the royall Table before the King His petitions being found iust were confirmed to him and to his Assignes the two Earles of Derby and Stafford the first to beare the Sword while the Duke should be busied about other offices as Steward and the other to cut and carue The Duke then in great estate held this the Kings high Court of Stewardship in the VVhite-hall of the Kings Pallace at Westminster Knight the Constable thereof which yet the Earle of Northumberland vpon the ninth day after recouered by force putting those who had surprized it to the sword 9 Neither was the spirit of the English after it began to requicken idle elsewhere for as Sir Robert Rous had diuers wayes vexed the French and taken Olâ—…uer the brother of that renowned Bertrand de Glequin prisoner so Sir Iohn de Harleston Captaine of Cherbrough after him slew and took diuers French in a skirmish These the few foregoing drops of greater approaching showers For Sir Hugh Caluerlee and Sir Thomas Percy made admirals of the narrow Seas tooke many rich prizes and exploited sundry other things very praise worthily bringing home the acceptable newes of the dislike which the Britons had conceiued against the French Kings Gouernment for he commanded them to render vp to him all their strengths Castles and walled Townes and many of them who refused to obey hee put to death 10 These emploiments and fresh designes for other like found need of pecuniary supplies whereupon in a Parliament holden at London it was agreed that for supply of the Kings wants the Commons should be spared and the burthen be wholie vndergone by the able The rates then of that taxe were these Dukes Archbishops Earles and Bishops at ten marks each mitred Abbots at as much besides fortie pence for euery Monke vnder their subiection Briefly saith Thomas Walsingham there was no religious person man or woman Iustitiar Sheriffe Knight Esquire Parson Vicar or Chauntry Priest free from this taxâ—… rated according to the value of their yeerely receiptâ—… 11 We formerlie mentioned how Iohn Shakell the other companion of Robert Haulee so execrablie murdered in Gods-house was taken He now vpon condition that the King besides 500. markes in money should giue him lands to the yeerely value of one hundreth markes and should also found and sufficiently endow at the Kings costs a Chantrie with fiue Priests for their soules whom the kings Officers had wickedly murthered he rendred vp his Hostage the eldest but naturall sonne of the said Earle of Dean At the discouery and bringing-forth of whom all men were stroken with wonderfull loue and admiration for the yong Gentleman hauing giuen his faith not to disclose himselfe appeared in the shape of a base groome in which vnknowne to all the world but his Master hee had of his owne accord lurked An example of such a point of perfect honestie as cannot be forgotten without iniurie 12 The same yeere the Lord Iohn Mountford whom the French had driuen out being inuited home by his Barons returned into his Dutchy of Britaine accompanied with the valiant Knights Caluerley and Percy aforesaid where he his friends and followers were receiued with singular honor Soone after Sir Iohn of Arundell brother to the Earle of Arundell being sent into Britaine to aid the Duke was with many other valiant Knights and Esquires drowned It is imputed by our Author to a iust effect of Gods anger against the said Sir Iohn and his houshold for their manifold vices and outrages practised by him and them before they set out from England for which they had the bitter curses of the people and the Angell of destruction to execute those imprecations vpon the delinquents 13 But the action of â—…iding did more deepely import then that it should bee abandoned for the losse of that vnfortunate fellowship and the exceeding riches which were with them therefore the Lord Thomas of Woodstock Earle of Buckingham with Caluerlee Percy Knols Windleshores or Windsor verie valiant knights other competent forces was sent to assist the Duke of Britaine But because the French Galleys houered vpon the narrow Seas they landed at Calleys and from thence march through France spoiling Countries burning townes the French not daring to empeach them and killing people till they and their whole equipage came safe into Britaine 14 There were about these times ciuill diuisions in France for the Duke of Burgundie younger brother of King Charles lately dead being made Guardian of the person and dominions of his Nephew Charles then in minority had the Duke of Aniou being an elder brother to the Duke of Burgundie a mortall enemie Their bloudy quarrels fell out luckily for the English aides in the Dutchie of Britaine out of which as Duke Iohn had beene driuen for adhering to his father in law the late king Edward so the English did their best to vphold him in it as there was cause 15 The French in these extremes are releeued by their ancient diuersion for the Scots entring about that time with fire and sword into Cumberland and Westmerland and the forrest of Inglewood draue away much Cattle slew the Inhabitants rifled the booths and houses of Perith in the Faire time killing and taking many and driuing away the rest The Earle of Northumberland preparing a bloudy