unquiet and although Heliogabalus and his brother Severinus also if Bassianus had any such son was next true King of Brittain yet neither of them enjoyed it for by all Writers one named Carausius was King of Brittain not onely after Bassianus but by divers Authours sometime also while he lived giving an overthrow to Bassianus the Emperour or rather some Lieutenant or General of his of the same or the like name here in Brittainy and so made himself King of Brittain after whom by our Brittish History and Ponticus Virunnius Asclepiodotus Duke of Cornwall was made King deposing Alectus sent hither against Carausius with three Legions and Matthew of Westminster and Harding write was King three years untill Asclepiodotus deposed him next to Asclepiodotus was King Coelus Father to the most renowned Empress St. Helena married to Constantius Emperor and Mother to great Constantine their son our most glorious King and Emperor after which time our History will not be so obscure and confused as now it is for as in the succession of these I have now remembered there is question so concerning the time of their Government and their conversation also whether it were Christian or otherwise it is not free from difficulty Antiquaries say that Carausius was next King to Bassianus Therefore when Matthew West and some others would not have Carausius to be King till about the 286. year of Christ it must needs be an error either in them their Scribes or Printers for it is evident and all the Roman writers prove that Bassianus was dead many years and divers Emperors had succeeded long before this time and Math. Westm himself saith that Bassianus making war against the Parthians was circumvented and slain of his Enemies between Edissa and Carras in the year of Christ 213. which was above 70. years before he bringeth Carausius to attempt any thing for the crown of Brittain Florentius Wigorne followeth the same account and setteth down the very place of his death there to be Osdroena and Mercinus affirmeth the same with the Roman Histories saying it was in the year of Christ 218. And both our old Brittish History and Ponticus Virunnius Hect. Boeti Scot. Hist l. 6. ol 88 89. who gave the greatest light in this matter say plainly that Carausius lived in the time of Bassianus And add further that Carausius joyning with the Picts which Fulgenius had got together against Severus Father to Bassianus sought with his army and overthrowing it Galf. virun was made King of Brittain And these Picts and Scots must needs be those of which the Scottish Historians write when they say Bassianus made peace with them and the Brittains which followed Fulgenius Hect. Boe. ut supra fol. 100. Holenshed in Grathlint and so went from hence to Rome And whereas the Brittish History and Virunnius say that Carausius did kill Bassianus this was not Bassianus our King and Emperor son of Severus and Martia but one Quintus Bassianus a Legate of the Romans Now being the common Opinion received both of the Roman and other writers Catal. Reg. Britainie Hist Galf. Mon. that Severus dyed in the year of Christ 213. The Author of the Catalogue of our Brittish Kings thus setteth down their successions and Regiments with their continuance Bassianus Ceracel six years Carausius seven years Alectus six years Asclepiodotus thirty years Coelus twenty seven years After whom Constantius his son in law by marrying his Daughter St. Helena succeeded in the crown by which accompt we have between the death of Severus and Constantius his reigning here 76. years and from Carausius his death and the begining of Constantius his reign 65. years Harding maketh the distance shorter ascribing to Bassianus seven years to Carausius 4. to Alectus 3. Asclepiodotus 10. to Coel 11. years yet by this accompt also Carausius was dead many years before that time wherein Hector Boetius and some others make him to have first advanced any title to the Crown of Brittain Yet we may make some part of attonement between these opinions if we shall say with the Brittish and other Histories Math. West an 286. that Carausius was but a young man in the time of Bassianus or Heliogabalus the true Kings of Brittain And he went to Rome to procure his Commission there of the Senate to be Admiral to keep the Brittish Seas Howe Hist Titul The Romans an 285. And after he was thus admitted Admiral long time and divers years must needs be spent before he could come to that power by Sea and Land with Brittains Picts and Scots to be King of Brittain although he was as divers hold of the Kingly race Ex regio Stemate and Unkle to that renowned Christian King of Scots Grathnitus Carausius of Kingly race though some stile him to have been of base lineage unprobable in a man obtaining such honour of the Roman Senate Hect. Boet. Scot. Hist l. 6. and renown among Princes Kings and Emperors and divers of them Christians But to go no further out of my way whether Bassianus or his Son Heliogabalus both Emperors and Brittains by parentage or Carausius was in Brittain at this time we are by this which is said assured Hâ—lenshed in Scot. in Grathlint that the Christians here were in quiet and peace for if Bassianus still continued King he had made peace with all Christians here whether Brittains Picts or Scots before his departure hence to Rome And although Heliogabalus Hoel Boet alii sup Harding c. 53. was otherwise a Man of such wicked conversation that I had rather refer any man desirous to know the manner both of his own and his Fathers life to forrain writers then fill my pen with the dishonour of their race in them yet no History maketh mention that he any way was a persecuter of Christians if Carausius was King it is not unprobable but he was a Christian advanced chosen and honoured with that Kingly dignity by the Christians confederate with and assisted by the Christian Scots and Picts their Kings or Rulers and against the Pagan Romans a professed Patron and Propugnator of the Right and Priviledges and Revenger of the wrongs and Injuries of the Christians here contending by all means he could even with the adventure of his life loosing in that quarrel to restore the Christians of this Kingdom to that quiet and honourable Estate to be free from the Thraldom of forraign Pagans which they happily enjoyed in the Government of King Lucian and the Roman Senate began now to infringe and violate This was the pretended end and scope of his designes although by some writers not with a little design of his own greatness and exaltation no strange disease amongst great Princes in any age Hollenshed saith that Alectus was sent from Rome with three Legions Hollenshed Hist of Engl. and slew him in the field Fabian tells us that in a Book which in French is called Merc de Histories
the cause ended This shall be sufficient for this time Some Authors write that Lhewelin ap Sitsylht who was after Prince of Wales assisted Edmund a Saxon King and entered Cumberland taking the two sons of Dummaille King of the Province put out their eyes and then gave that Country to Malcolme to be holden of him with condition to keep the North part of the Realm from incursion of enemies the which condition was afterwards but slenderly peformed This Malcome was the son of Donald King of Scotland and was the next King after Constantine the third being in number the 76. In the year 942. died Hubert Bishop of St. Davids and the year following Marclois Bishop of Bangor and Vssa the son of Lhavyr died the year 944. the Englishmen entered Wales with a stronge army and spoyled Strad Clwid and returned home At which time Conan the son of Elise was put in danger of death by poyson and Everus Bishop of St. Davids died In the year 948 died Howel Dha the noble and worthy King or Prince of Wales whose death was much lamented by all men for he was a Prince that loved peace and good order and that feared God he left behind him four sons Owen Run Roderike and Edwin betwixt whom and the sons of Edwal there ensued great wars for the chief rule of Wales as shall appear in the history following After the death of Howel Dha his sons did divide Southwales and Powis betwixt them And Janaf and Jago the second and third sons of Edwal Voel ruled North VVales because their elder brother Meyric was not a man worthy to rule who coming of the elder house would have had the chief rule of all Wales which the sons of Howel Dha denyed them And thereupon Jago or James and Janaf entred Southwales with a great power against whom came Owen the son of Howel and his brethren and fought together at the hills of Carno where Jago and Janaf had the victory And the year following the said brethren did twice enter into Southwales and spoyled Dinet and slew Dwnwalhon Lord thereof And within a while after dyed Roderike one of the sons of Howel Dha year 952 In the year 952. the sons of Howel gathered their strength together against Janaf and Jago and entred their land at the river of Conwy where they fought a cruel battail at a place called Gurgustu or Lhanrwst as some think where a great number were slain upon either side as Anarawd the son of Gwyriad or Vriel the son of Roderike the great and Edwin the son of Howel Dha in the which battail were overthrown the sons of Howel whom Janaf Jago pursued to Caerdigan destroyed their Country vvith fire svvord About this time Yarthyr the son of Mervyn vvas drovvned In the year 958 was a wonderful hot summer when Gwyan the son of Gwiriad the son of Roderike dyed After the which heat there followed a great plague in March ensuing In those dayes Jago and Janaf by force and strength ruled all Wales as they thought good And yet for all their power Abloic King of Ireland landed in Môn and having burnt Holyhead spoyled the country of Lhyyn year 961 In the year 961 the sons of Edwin the son of Colhoyn were slain after they had destroyed all the country to Towyn About this time Meyric the son of Cadvan Rytherch Bishop of St. Davids and Cadwalhon ap Owen departed out of this transitory life Not long after the country of Northwales was exceedingly spoyled by the army of Edgar King of England The cause of this was the not payment of the tribute that the King of Abersfraw by the lawes of Howel Dha was to pay to the Kings of London in the end there was a peace concluded Jo. Cast Holl. pag. 232. Wolves destroyed by the Prince of W. for King Edgar understanding what hurt the Countrys of England and Wales received daily by reason of the great multitude of Wolves that then abounded especially in Wales which destroyed much sheep and otherwayes did great harme released the tribute of money appointed by the said lawes of Howel Dha and bound the Princes of Northwales to pay him yearly certain Wolves for his tribute so to be released of the other tribute in mony which the said Prince performed untill he had left never a Wolf in all Wales or England year 966 In the year 966. Roderike the son of Edwal Voel was slain by the Irishmen by whom Abersfraw was destroyed The next year after fell a great debate betwixt the two sons of Edwal Jago and Janaf which had ruled joyntly together from the death of Howel Dha till that time and shortly after Jago having taken his brother Janaf by force very cruelly kept him in prison a long time about the which time Eneon the son of Owen Prince of Southwales wan seised to himself the land of Gwyr And in the year â—69 Machis the son of Haroald with an army of Danes did enter into Anglesey and â—poyled 〈◊〉 year 969 Theâ—â— â—â—â—nes were suffered by Edgar to inhabit quietly through all England till they â—â—re as strong as the Englishmen and then they fell to such ryotousness and drinking that â—â—ch mischief ensued thereof A law against immoderate drinking whereupon Edgar made a law that every man should drink by measure and caused a certain mark to be set in every pot how deep they should drink and so by these means he somewhat stayed the immoderate ingurgation Not long after that Godfryd the son of Haroald did subdue to himself the whole Isle of Anglesey which he enâ—oyed not long year 972 King Edgar likewise in the year 972 did send a great army to Gaâ—â—â—â—on upon Vsk which shortly turned back without doing any notable act Caerleon upon Vsk The next year following Howel the son of Janaf raised a great power against his Uncle Jago for the deliverance of his father out of prison and overcame his Uncle in fight whom he chased out of the land and took his eldest Unckle Meyric the son of Edwal and put out both his eyes and kept him in prison where he dyed shortly after leaving behind him two sons Edwal and Jonaval of the which Edwal came afterwards the most worthy Princes of Wales Howel notwithstanding he had set his father at liberty yet took upon himself the whole rule of the land for his lifetime He had three brethren all men of great estimation Meyrich Janaf and Cadwallon whose lines shall ensue hereafter Howel Son of Janaf After that Howel the son of Janaf had expelled his Uncle from the land Dunwalhon goes to Rome he took the rule to himself And at that time Dwnwalhon Prince of Strad Cwlyd took his journey to Rome Then dyed Edwalhon the son of Owen year 976 The year 976 Eneon the son of Owen King of Southwales destroyed the land of Gwyr the second time the year ensuing Howel the son of Janaf with a great army both of Welshmen
himself but was ready to make peace with the Scottish King and the Earl of Chester but for all this Owen would not trust the King until such time as his Unkle Meredyth came from the King to him and counselled him not to forsake the King of Englands offer but rather to trust to his promise and to make haste before the Prince agreed with the King who offered him all his Lands without tribute Owen hearing this came to the King who received him graciously and told him because he had trusted the Kings word and promise he would not only perform that but also exalt him above all his â—kin and give him his lands without tribute The Prince also hearing of this sent to the King to have his peace which because the King could not come by him he obtained for a great summe of mony Some Brittish copies write that the submission both of Gruffith ap Conan and also of Owen ap Cadogan was procured by subtle policy of Meredyth ap Blethyn and the Earl of Chester the one working with Gruffith and bearing him in hand that Owen had submitted himself to the King and made his peace with him before it was so indeed so that the Prince something yeilding to the Earls request if Owen had so done contrary to his oath for they were sworn each to other the one not to agree without the assent of the other seemed to encline to peace On the otherside Meredyth going himself in person to his Nephew Owen This Nation still brought to ruine by the nobles thereof affirmed for a truth that the Prince and the Earl of Chester were throughly agreed concerning peace and that the Prince was on his journey towards the King to make his submission and in the mean time all messengers between Owen and the Prince were by the procurement of Meredyth intercepted where upon Owen willingly yielded himself to the King The King having finished his businesse in Wales called Owen to him and told him that if he would go with him into Normandy and be faithful unto him he would perform all his promises with him whereupon Owen went with the King into Normandie where he was made Knight and had all promises performed by the King at his return the Year following At which time dyed Griffith Bishop of Menevia and the King made one Bernard a Norman Bishop in his place contrary to the minds of all the Clergy of Wales who were alwaies accustomed to choose their Bishop At this time there was a rumour through all Southwales of Gruffith the son of Rees ap Theodore who for fear of the King had been of a child brought up in Ireland and had come over two years since which time he had spent privately with his friends and Kinsfolk and Allies as with Girald Steward of Pembrock his brother in law and others but at last he was accused to the King that he intended the Kingdom of Southwales as his father had enjoyed it which was now in the Kings hands and that all the Country hoped for Liberty by his means therefore the King sent to secure him but Griffith ap Rees hearing of this sent to Griffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales desiring his and and that he might remain safely with him in his country which he granted and received him joyfully for his fathers sake Howel the brother of this Griffith being committed to prison Arnulph Earl of Chester in the Castle of Montgomery where he remained prisoner a long time made an escape and being sore hurt and bruised fled to Gruffith ap Conan where his brother was Which thing when the King heard he sent gentle letters to the Prince desiring him to come and speak with him which Griffith ap Conan did whom the King received honourably and gave him rich gifts and pretious Jewels after the usage of the Normans who make much of men to serve their turns afterwards he talked with him of Gruffith ap Rees promising him mountains of gold to send the said Griffith or his head unto him the which thing the Prince being deceived with the fair words of the King promised to do and so returned home joyfully But Gruffith ap Rees and Howel his brother had counsel given them to withdraw themselves out of the way awhile untill they understood what the Prince would do for their friends suspected the Kings message The Prince as soon as ever he came to his pallace at Aberfraw inquired for Griffith ap Rees and learning where he was sent certain horsemen for him to come to his Court and as they came towards his house where he was he had warning of their coming and with much ado escaped to the Church of Aberdaron and took Sanctuary there Then the Messengers returned again and declared to the Prince how all things fell out and the Prince being highly offended commanded him to be taken out by force but the Clergy of the whole Country with stood that and defended the liberties of their Church That night some who took compassion to see the young man innocent to be sought as a Lamb to the slaughter conveyed him away out of Northwales to Stratywy in Southwales where he was compelled for safeguard of his own life to rebell against the King and so gathering all the power he could to him made war against the Flemmings and Normans year 1116 The next year after to wit 1116. Gruffith ap Rees did gather his forces and laid seidg to a Castle that was over against Arberth and wan the same and utterly dismantled it laying it level with the ground which done he approached the Castle of Richard de Pwns at Lhanymdhyfry to whom the King had given the Cantref Bychan and would have burnt it but Meredyth ap Rytherck ap Caradoc Lieutenant of the same and the Garrison defended it couragiously yet Gruffith fired the outworks and slew many of the Souldiers but not without losse on his own part and then returned without any advantage From thence he went to Abertawy and beleagur'd a Castle which Henry Beaumont Earl of Warwick had built burning the outguards and destroying the Country of Stratywy Upon these transactions several haire-brain'd young men in great numbers from all parts adjoyned themselves to Gruffith So that his power began to be considerable which so elevated his thoughts that he made attempts and inroads into Ros and Dynet spoyling and plundering the Country The Normans and Flemmings seeing this mischief entered into consultation how to remedy so grand a tempest calling unto their aid and assistance all such as were the Kings friends amongst which were Owen ap Ritherck and Rytherck ap Theodore and his sons Meredyth and Owen whose mother was Heynyth the daughther of Blethin ap Convin and Owen ap Caradoo whose mother was Genlhian an other daughter of Blethin ap Convin and Meredyth ap Rytherck and asked whether they were true and faithful to the King of England who answered affirmatively If you be said they you
great Army to Caerdigan and first he fortified the Castle of Stratmeryc and afterwards the Castle of Humphrey of Dyny of Dynerth and Lhanristyd when these Castles were well manned and fortified VValter Clifford who had the Castle of Lhanyndhyfir made a road to the roads of Rees and returned with a booty after the slaughter of some of Rees his men Upon this Rees sent to the King to complain and to have a Redress who had only fair words and nothing else for the King winked at the faults of the Englishmen and Normans and punished the Welshmen cruelly Rees seeing this begirt the Castle of Lhanyndhyfri and in short space wan it And Enedon the son of Anarawd Rees brothers son being a lusty Gentleman and desirous to make his Countrey free from servitude and perceiving his Unkle to be discharged of his Oath to the King laid siege to the Castle of Humphrey and by force wan it putting the whole Garrison to the sword wherein he found Horses and Armour to furnish a great number of men Likewise Rees seeing he could enjoy no part of his inheritance but what he obtained by the sword gathered his power and entred Cardigan left not a Castle standing in the whole Countrey of those which his enemies had fortified and so brought all under his subjection Wherewith the King being highly offended returned to South Wales and when he saw he could do no good he suffered Rees to enjoy all that he had gotten and took pledges of him to keep the peace in his absence and then returning into England he sailed into Normandy and made Peace with the French King But the next year Rees Prince of South Wales did lead his power to Dynet and destroyed all the Castles that the Normans had fortified there and afterward laid siege to Caermarthyn which when Reignold the Earl of Bristoll the Kings base son heard he called to him the Earl of Clare and his brother in law Cadwalader the brother of Prince Owen with Howell and Conan Prince Owens sons and two other Earls and came to raise the siege with a great Army whose coming Rees stayed not but betook him to the Mountains called Kefu Rester and there kept himself and they camped at Dynwyl hîc and built a Castle there who after they could not heard of Rees returned home without doing any notable act year 1160 In the year 1160 dyed Madoc ap Meredith ap Blethyn Prince of Powis at Winchester This man was ever the King of Englands friend and was one that feared God and relieved the poor his body was conveyed honourably to Powis and buryed in Mynot He had by his wife Susanna the daughter of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales three sons Gruffith Maylor Owen Elise and a daughter also called Marred he had base sons Owen Brogynton Kynric Evelh and Endon Evelh which base sons were not basely esteemed for with the other they had part of their Fathers inheritance and so had others through Wales if they were stout and of noble courage And here I think it convenient to declare how Powis land came to be divided into so many parcels and thereby weakned and brought under the Normans before the rest of Wales Meredyth son to Blethyn ap Convyn Prince of Powis had two sons Madoc of whom we spake and Gruffith between whom Powis was divided Madoc had that part which was called Powis Vadoc which part again was subdivided into three parts betwixt his three sons Gruffith and Maylor had Bromfield Yale Hope Dale Manhewdwy Mochnant ù Rhayard Chirk Glynlhayth and Glyndoverdwy Owen Vachan had Mechain Iscoyd And Owen Brogynton had Dynmael and Edeyrneon The other part of Powis called after Powis Wenwynwyn was the part of Gruffith ap Meredyth after whose death his son called Owen Civilioc enjoyed it The Lordship of Powis before King Offa's time reached Eastward to the Rivers Dee and Severn from a right line from the end of Broxen hills to Salop with all the Country betwen Wy and Severne whereof Brochwel Yscithroc was possessed but after the making of Offa's ditch the plain Country toward Salop being inhabited by Saxons and Normans Powis was in length from Pulford bridge Northeast to the confines of Caerdiganshire in the parish of Lhanguric in the Southwest and in breadth from the furthest part of Cyvilioc Westwards to Elsmere on the Eastside This Country or principality of Powis was appointed by Roderike the great for the portion of his third sons Anarawd and so continued entirely untill the death of Blethyn ap Convyn After whom although the Dominion was diminished by limiting parts in severality amongst his sons Meredyth and Cadogan yet at length it came wholy to the possession of Meredyth ap Blethyn who had issue two sons Madoc and Gruffith between whom the said Dominion was divided Madoc married Susan the daughter of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales and had that part which was after called from his name Powis Vadoc which dominion and signiory was divided and so forth see Mr. Powel fol. 216. The same year Cadwalhon ap Madoc ap Ednerth was taken by his brother Eneon Clyd and delivered to Owen Prince of Northwales A help to English History printed by Abel Roper MDCIL who sent him to the Kings Officers to be imprisoned at VVinchester from whence he escaped presently after and came to his country The year next following dyed Meiric Bishop of Bangor Bangor another of the Bishopricks of VVales is of antient standing but by whom founded saith this Author not yet known the Cathedral there is dedicated by the name of St Daniel who was Bishop there about the year 516 Bangor which being cruelly defaced by the wretched Rebel Owen Glendour was afterward repaired by Henry Dean who was once there Bishop The ruine of this bishoprick came in the time of bishop Bulkhey a blessed Reformer questionlesse who not content to alienate and let out lands Sacriledge by miracle punished made a sale also of the bells and going to the Seashore to see them shipt in his return was stricken with a suddain blindnesse This Diocess containeth in it the entire Country of Carnarvon wherein Bangor standeth and the whole Isle of Anglesey together with parts of Denbigh Merioneth and Mongomery and in them to the number of 107 Parishes whereof 36 impropriated It hath moreover in it three Archdeaconries viz. of Bangor Anglesey and Merioneth one of which is added to the bishoprick for support thereof This Bishoprick was valued in the Kings books 131 l. 16 s. 4d. and answereth for the Clergies tenth 151 l. 14s 3d. q. Bishops of Bangor An. Ch.  516 1 St. Daniel  2 Hernaeus translated to Ely 1120 3 David 1139 4 Maurituis  5 Gulielmus  6 Guido alias Gwianus 1195 7 Albanus 1197 8 Robertus de Salopia 1215 9 Caducan alias Cadogan 1236 10 Howel 1267 11 Richardus 1306 12 Anianus  13 Cadogan II. 1306 14 Griffith 1320 15 Lodovicus 1334 16
Howell his son who had for a long time been pledge with him and then also he gave him day for the other Pledges and for his tribute till his return from Ireland The next day being the morrow after St. Lukes day the King took shipping there and had fair passage into Ireland where he landed at Dublin and there lay quiet that winter In the year 1172 there fell a great Plague among the Kings souldiers in Ireland by reason of the change of the air and victuals K. cometh to Pembrock and the solemnizeth the feast of the Resurction of our B. Saviour which caused the Kings return who landed in VVales in Passion week if such a week be now remembred and remained at Pembrock on Easter day which did it not constantly fall upon Sunday would be as well forgot or at least disesteemed as the Birth-day of our most Holy and Blessed Saviour and Reedeemer For he who honours not that blessed Nativity can we think that he reverenceth his glorious Resurrection and the day following and on Tuesday took his journey towards England the Lord Rees careful to comply with the King waits his coming at Talacharn and there presents his duty Caerlheon Castle anew repaired not built by King Hen. 2. The King as he passed from Caerdiff by the new Castle upon Vsk sent for Jorwerth ap Owen ap Cadogan to come and speak with him under safe conduct for him his sons and friends meaning to conclude a peace with him and so to quiet all Wales upon these summons or message Jorwerth took his journey towards the King and sent word to Owen his son being a lusty young Gentleman to meet him by the way but as he came at his fathers command the Earl of Bristolls men by this Earl of Bristoll I know not whom Mr. Powell means Reynold Earl of Cornwal and Bristoll as Mr. Mills calls him base son of Hen. 1. for in our usual accounts of Earls Mr. Mills fol. 69. John Lord Digby of Sherborne is accounted the first of that place being created Earl of Bristoll Sept. 15. Jac. 20. but in those dayes many were stiled Earls of places as Strongbow Earl of Strigull which are not numbred in the Catalogue of Earls hearing of it came out of the now Castle of Caerlheon upon Vsk and laid wait for him by the way being under the Kings safe conduct and trusting to his promise and suddenly set upon and murthered him traiterously and cowardly A most unworthy act being unarmed and having but a few in his Company Which hard and unchristianly act when his father understood by some of his followers that escaped he was much perplexed and returned home with all his friends and his son Howell A just revenge and would never afterwards trust neither the Kings promise nor any Normans but forthwith gathered all his power and friends that he could make and without mercy destroyed all the Countrey with fire and sword to the Gates of Hereford and Glocester to avenge the death of his son Howsoever K. Henry made Lord Rees chief Justice of all South Wales by Commission Usual then as now for the Welsh to have By-blows and look upon them as sons Abergavenny Castle suprised and took his journey into Normandy In the same year died Cadwalader ap Gruffith ap Conan Prince of North Wales who had by his wife Alice daughter of Richard Clare Earl of Glocester Cunetha Radulph and Richard and by other women he had Cadvan Cadwalader Eneon Meredyth Goch and Cadwalhon Towards the end of this year Sytsilt ap Dyfnwall and Jevan ap Syrsilt ap Riryd got the Castle of Abergavenny by surprise and took the Kings Garison prisoners and the year ensuing was the fairest winter that ever was seen About this time Rees Prince of South Wales sent unto King Henry his son Howell with a goodly Company of men to serve him which much pleased the King Hol. pag. 437. who returned cordial thanks to Prince Rees If I mistake not this Prince Rees as also other Princes of South Wales bore for his Ensignes of honour Mars The Arms of P. Rees a Lyon rampant and border endented Sol incensed Jupiter In the mean time Jorwerth ap Owen brought his Forces against Caerlheon and they of the Town fought with him whom he overthrew and took many prisoners of them and wan the Town and laid siege to the Castle Caerlheons Town and Castle taken which was yielded him forthwith in exchange for prisoners Then also Howell his son brought all Gwent ît Coed the Castle onely excepted the Castle here meant by Mr. Powell I conceive was Strigull which belonged to Earl Strongbow under his obedience and took Pledges of the Inhabitants Also at that time David ap Owen Gwyneth Prince of North Wales made war against his brother Maelgon who kept the Isle of Môn or Anglesey and brought his people over Mênai for so that arm of the Sea is called which separateth that Isle from the main land and chasing his brother out of the Isle to Ireland brought all the Isle under subjection also he expelled all his brothers and cousins out of North Wales A Turkish policy and took all their lands to himself and taking his brother Maelgon as he came from Ireland detained him close prisoner Then Conan his brother died In the year 1175. The Welsh much addicted to geld their kindred Howell the son of Jorwerth ap Owen of Caerlheon took his unkle Owen Pen Carne prisoner and putting out his eyes gelded him least he should beget children to inherit Caerlheon and Gwent but God provided a punishment for him for upon the Saturday following there came a great Army of Englishmen and Normans before the Town Caerlheon taken by the English and wan it with the Castle Maugre Howell and his father who was not privy to his sons lewd deed This year also David Prince of North Wales being bold of the King affinity did imprison his own brother Roderike in bolts because he desired part of his fathers lands This year also Rees Prince of South Wales came to the Kings Court at Glocester and brought with him such Lords of South Wales as had offended the King to do him homage which pleased his Majesty exceedingly whose names were these Cadwalhon ap Madoc of Melyenyth Reeses cousin german Eneon Clyt of Eluel Eneon ap Rees of VVerthrynion which two had married two of his daughters Morgan ap Caradoc ap Jestin of Glamorgan Gruffith ap Ivor ap Meyric of Senghennyth Silsyt of higher Gwent Caerlheon restored to Jorwerth by the K. of Engl. which three had married his sisters and Jorwerth ap Owen of Caerlheon whom the King received under his protection restoring to him Caerlheon again and so they returned home well satisfied But shortly after VVilliam de Bruse Lord of Brecknock desired Silsyt ap Dyfnwall Geffry his son and a great number of the Gentry and best men of
was Lord at this time the King passing the river of Conwey encamped there by the river side and sent part of his Army with guides of the countrey to burn Bangor who did so taking Rotpert the Bishop prisoner A strange ransome for a Bishop who was afterwards ransomed for 200 Hawks The distressed yet couragious Prince seeing all England and Wales against him and a great part of his land won from him thought it best to capitulate with the King and thereupon he sent Joan his wife the Kings daughter to her father The Inland of NorthWales granted to K. John for ever to make a peace who being a discreet woman found the means that upon pledges given for safe conduct the prince came to the King and made peace with him and did him homage And giving pledges promised towards his charges 20000 heads of Cattel and forty Horses Moreover he granted to the King the Inland for ever whereupon the King returned to England with great triumph after he had brought all Wales under his subjection saving Rees and Owen the sons of Gruffith ap Rees Therefore at his departure he gave strict command to Fulk Visconnt of Caerdâ—ff called Warden of the Marshes a cruel Tyrant Caerdif honoured with a Viscount yet well beloved by the King to take an army with him that he joyning with Maelgon and Rees Vachan might compell the aforesaid sons of Gruffith to obey him This Foulk calling to him Maelgon and Rees came to the Cantref of Penwedic when the young Lords seeing no remedy sent to him for peace and safe conduct to passe to the Court upon their submission to the King with the gift of all their Lands betwixt Aeron and Dynâ— All Wales in homage to K. John they were received by him very gently and courteously entertained and after they had done him homage they returned home again Fulk before his departure out of the Country fortified the Castle of Aberystwith and manned it to the Kings use But within a while after Maelgon as he was very unconstant and Rees Vachan repented them of the peace they had made with the King and thereupon sat down before Aberistwyth and getting the same destroyed it When the Nephews Rees and Owen perceived that their Uncle had broken the Kings peace they made a road into Maelgons country and slew a great number of his men and returned home with great booty The next year prince Lhewelin being not able to endure the displeasures which the garrisons left in his Nephews castles in Northwales did to his people called to him Gwenwinwyn from Powis Maelgon ap Rees from Southwales Madoc ap Gruffith Maylor from Bromfield Meredyth ap Rotpert from Cydewen and opened to them this miserable case how they which were wont to have a prince of their own Nation now by their own willfulness were brought under subjection to a stranger and declared also unto them how that if they would agree among themselves they might defend their antient Estate still which they all promised to do and swore fealty to prince Lhewelyn and forthwith gathered an army and wan all the Castles except Ruthlan and Dyganwy then coming to Powis they laid siege to the Castle which Robert Vepont had made at Mathraval Mathraval Castle razed by K. Johns command The King no sooner had notice of these transactions but he leavied an army and came thither to raise the siege and after caused the Castle to be razed and then returned home having greater matters in hand between him and his Nobles and being at Notingham he caused all the pledges out of Wales to be hanged A tyrannous execution as Howel the son of Cadwalhon Madoc the son of Maelgon and others to the number of 28. striplings also Robert Vepont did hang at Shrewsbury Rees the son of Maelgon not being yet 7 years of age and so cruelly murdred the innocent to revenge the the offences of others Rees the son of Gruffith ap Rees who was heir to prince Rees seeing he could have no part of his Fathers Lands but that his Uncles did keep all from him by force made his complaint to the King and the King pittying his Estate sent to Foulk Viscount of Caerdyf and to the Steward of Hereford commanding them to take all Stratywy from Rees Vachan whom others call Rees Gryc unlesse he would let his nephews enjoy the castle of Lanymdhfry with the territory belonging thereunto and they sent to Rees to know his resolution who answered them stoutly that they should not have one foot of Land of him Therefore Foulk gathered a great army together and met with young Rees at Talhwynelgain where he looked for him with a number of men that he had gotten in Brecon and thence they marched in three battails towards Dynevowr of which young Rees had the leading of the first Foulk the second and Owen brother to Rees the third Rees Vachan notwithstanding came boldly to give them battail where in the end he was put to flight with great losse of his men whereupon he went immediately and manned the castle of Dynevowr and set fire to the town of Lhandeilo vawr keeping himself in the wild and rough places his enemies seeing this besieged the castle of Dynevour and at the first assault they wan the first ward so that they of the garrison were compelled to take the Koxe for their defence which they manfully defended but the assailiants made engines to cast stones of great bigness and began to undermine the walls in such sort that the Captain fell to that composition that if he were not succoured by the next day at noon he would deliver up the castle upon condition that all his men might depart with their armour and weapons and so they did for they had no relief Afterward they brought the Cantref Maur under subjection which caused Rees Vachan to remove his wife and children to his brothers country and left the castle of Lhanymdhfry well fortified and manned After the departure of Fulke young Rees came with an army of Welshmen and Normans to Lhanymdhfri but before they were encamped the Captain delivered up the castle and the garrison departed their lives granted And shortly after Rees Vachan was taken at Caermarthyn and committed to the Kings prison At this time prince Lhewelyn laid siege to the castle of Dyganwy and Ruthlan won them both so that he left the King neither hold nor castle within his land After this fortunate success and happy attempts Lhewelyn in the head of a gallant Army marched to Shrewsbury which Town and Castle were delivered unto him without any resistance and there he remained a while In the mean time Giles de Bruse the son of William de Bruse a man of great power and nobility was consecrated Bishop of Hereford Godwin in Hereford Sept. the 24 1200. In the Barons Wars he took part with them against the King and at last was fain to flye the land afterwards being
Semy 17 VVilliam Herbert 18 VVilliam Herbert Party per pale B. and G. 3 Lyons Ramp Arg. 19. Edward Prince of VVales son of K. Edw. IV. Quarterly France and England a Label Arg. 20 Anne Bullen Marchioness of Pemb. wife to Hen. 8. Arg. a Cheveren G. between 3 Bulls heads coupe Sable 21 VVilliam Herber created Earle by Edw. 6. 22 Henry Herbert 23 VVilliam Herbert Lord Steward and Chancellour of Oxford 24 Philip Herbert Earle of Pembroke and Montgomery 25 Philip Herbert now living Quarterly Band G 3 Lions Ramp Arg. a border Gotone of the second and Or besants this border is now laid aside Lex Talionis This Earle hearing that Lhewelin had taken his Castles and put his men to the sword returned from Ireland with all speed and recovering his forts used the same courtesy towards Lhewelins men as he had shewed to his and then entring further into the Princes Country destroyed all before him as he went Mat. Paâ—is 423 who saith that the Earl had the victory and â—hat there were slain â—000 persons These tidings coming to Lhewelins ear did much vex him whereupon he sent Gruffith his son with a power of men to impeach the Earl from passing further Griffith went to Cyeweli and understanding that the Burgesses of the town meant to betray him burned the town churches and all to the ground Then VVilliam Marshal passed the River Tywy at Caermardhyn where Gruffith met with him and gave him battail which was long time doubtful and endured until night and then either party withdrew themselves and the River betwixt and after they had abode so for certain dayes Gruffith for lack of victuals for his men were about 9000 persons returned back Cilgerran Castle built and the Earle went to Cilgerran and began to build there a very strong castle but receiving letters from the King to come speak with him he went to the Court by sea and left his army to continue the work which he had begun The King and the Archbishop being at Ludlow sent for the Prince and would gladly have composed matters between him and the Earl but it would not be and so they departed And when the Earle would have passed to Pembrock by land with the strength of the Earle of Derby and Henry Pigot Lord of Ewyas the prince sent his son to keep the passage at Carnwylhion and he himself came as farr as Mabedryd which when the Earle understood He retreated back to England and the prince bent his course for North VVales year 1226 The year 1226. Rees Vachan son of Rees Gryc took his father prisoner and would not set him at liberty till he had delivered him the Castle of Lhanymdhfry At this time Meredyth Archdeacon of Caerdigan son to prince Rees was interred by his father at St. Davids The year following K. Henry the III. now King of England came with a great army into Wales as far as Ceri and encamped there K. Henry 3. of England Mat. Paris p. 463. and on the other side Lhewelyn called to him all the power of VVales encamped not far off and there passed divers great skirmishes and chiefly upon one day the most part of both armies was in the field and many of the Kings men at which time William de Bruse son to Reynalt was taken prisoner who offered for his ransom the Country of Buelht P. Lhewelin a worthy prince and a great summe of money beside Then was a peace concluded between the King and the prince whereupon the Prince came and did honour unto the King but not as his King and Lord and every party returned home Mr Powel fol. 282. This History saith Mr. Powel is somewhat otherwaies set down by Matt. Paris which I have thus translated out of the same Author About the same time those Souldies which lay in Garrison in the Castle of Montgomery went out with some of their Neighbours to amend a certain passage in the highway leading through a great wood thereby where the Welshmen were wont to rob and slay such as traveled that way and coming to the place with their axes and other weapons began to fell trees and to cut down the bushes whereby the way might be enlarged which thing when the Welshmen understood they came with a great power and setting upon their enemies compelled them to take the Castle for their defence certain being slain on both sides and then casting a trench about the same laid siege to it The Castle honour of Mâ—ntgâ—mery given to Hubert de Bâ—â—g This being speedily carried to Hubert de Burge Chief Justice of England to whom a little before the same castle and honour was given The King himself with convenient speed coming raised the siege and when his whole army came unto him for few Souldiers came with him thither he went to the said wood which was very large being five miles in length and by reason of the thick growth of the same very hard to be mooted howbeit the King caused the same with great diligence and travail to be asserted and consumed with fire King Henry causeth â—â—â—d a Abbey to be burnt Then leading his army further into the Country he came to an Abbey of white Monks called Cridia being a refuge for the Welsh to fly unto which he caused to be burnt to Ashes where Hubert de Burg to whom the place seemed very fit for fortification having the assent of the King caused a castle to be built but eâ—e the work could be finished many were slain on both sides and Will de Bruse a valiant Souldier and Chieftain who went out to make provision for the army was taken by the Welshmen and secured and divers others went out for the like purpose whereof one being Knighted a few dayes before seeing some of his fellows in danger like to be distressed rushed boldly into the midst of his enemies killing many about him yet in the end with many others of the Kings men was slain several also of the Kings men being confederates with P. Lhewelyn did very remisly defend themselves his cause with whome they came thither whereupon the King wanting necessary provision and perceiving the double dealing of some of his own men was constrained to conclude a dishonourable peace with the Welshmen giving his assent that the Castle which with so great expences of men and money was almost finished should be razed at his own charges An ignoble peace to the English taking of P. Lhewelin 3000 pound toward the same the peace being thus confirmed both parties went homewards Thus the King of England after he had bestowed three moneths in the building of the said Castle and disbursed an incredible some of mony in vain leaving William de Bruse one of his nobles in the Prince his prison returned home with great stain of honour The name also which Hubert the Chief Justice had given to the Castle viz. Huberts folly Stulitia Huberti
intending to deceive them who went about to do the like by him when the Enemies therefore came to the place where the Ambuscado was Haâ—m watch haâ—m catch the Earl Marshals army gave a great shout and so set upon their Enemies being unprovided and suddainly put them all to flight putting to the sword an infinite number of them as well Poictavians as others John of Monmoth himself escaped by flight whose Country with the villages buildings and all that he had therein the Earl Marshall did spoil and plunder leaving nothing but what fire and sword could not destroy and so full fraught with spoil returned home Salop taken by P. Lhewelyn Afterward in the week of Epiphanie Lhewelyn P. of VVales together with the Earl Marshall joyning their forces and entering the Kings land destroyed all with fire and sword from the confines of Wales unto the town of Salop which they also took and burnt a great part thereof enriching themselves with the plunder of the Country The King of England being all this while with the Bishop of Winchester â—t Glocester The K. careless of his honour little regarding war who for want of sufficient strength durst not meet his enemies in the field but being ashamed of the matter departed towards Winchester leaving the marches to be destroyed by the Enemies as any man might imagine The same year Richard Marshall Earl of Pembrock by councel of Geffrey de Marisco went with an army to Ireland where he was slain in fight by treason of his own Men after whom his brother Gilbert succeeded in the Inheritance Mr. Brook reporteth the story thus that whilst he with Lhewelyn was thus busied against the King word was brought him that Morice Fitz Girald and other Irish had sacked his Countries and Lands in Ireland Mr. Brook Alias Yorke fol. 270. upon the hearing whereof he hasted thither with fifteen Knights to encounter with his Enemies and joyned battail with them upon Saturday the first of April 1234. and fought eleven hours untill his horse was slain under him And then he falling to the ground one of the Irish perceiving his back part ill-armed lifted up his Habergeon and thrust a knife into his back up to the halft giving him his deadly wound and then brought him to a Castle of his own named Kilkenny which the said Morice had taken a little before from him where he died fifteen dayes after without issue What K. Hen. cannot do by the sword he thinks to do by the word In that year the King sent the Archbishop of Canterbury with the Bishops of Rochester and Chester to intreat with Lhewelyn to make peace with the King but they returned without doing any good Mathew Paris saith that the King going at this time to meet Edmond Archbishop of Canterbury and other Bishops which he had sent to conclude a peace with Lhewelyn Prince of Wales came to VVoodstock where being certifi'd of the death of the E. Marshall by certain messengers which came from Ireland he fell into great weeping and sorrow for the death of so valiant a Knight affirming withall that he had not left his Peer behind him in the Realm From thence he went to Glocester where the said Archbishop and Bishops coming unto him declared the treatice and form of peace taken between him and the said Lhewelyn The Welsh constant to their confederates in concluding of peace yet nevertheless upon this condition that the Noblemen of England which were confederates with the said Lhewelyn and by evill councel were exiled should first be reconciled to the King whereby the said peace might be more firm and stable Moreover the Archbishop said that with much ado they had brought the matter to that pass adding sometimes threatnings on the Kings behalfe with his Clergy To the which threatnings the said Lhewelyn is reported to have answered that he more regarded the Kings almes-deeds and his holy behaviour then he did fear the war of all his Clergy Then the King who wished peace with all his heart caused by his letters all the Nobles that were outlawes to be called again unto him to Glocester and Sunday before Ascension day next following to have their pardons and to receive their Inheritance Osculum paâ—â—â— which the King had seised into his own hands then Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent came to the King and obtained his favour whom the King reverently embraced and kissed Prince Lhewelyn also this year set Gruffith his Son at liberty whom he had kept in prison six years for his disobedience and this year Cadwalhon ap Maelgon dyed and the next year Owen the Son of Gruffith ap Rees being a Noble Gentleman and very well beloved was buried by his brother Rees at Stratflur The year after Madoc the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of the lower Powis or Bromfield Chirk and Pale a Man very just and mercifull dyed and was buried very honourably at the Abbey Lhan Egwest or Vale Crucis which he had built and left behind him a son named Gruffith to inherit his Lands also Owen ap Meredyth ap Rotpert ap Cydewen departed out of this World Marchan Castle The same year Gilbert Earl of Pembrock by treason got the Castle of Morgan ap Howel called Marchan and fortified it very strong for fear of the Prince The next spring Joan the daughter of King John Princess of VVales was buried upon the Sea-shore within the Isle of Anglesey at Lhanvaes as her pleasure was Lhewelyn builds a Fryery at Lhanvaes over his Wives Sepulchre where the Prince did build a house of barefooted Fryers over her grave In the year 1237. Lhewelyn Prince of VVales called all the Lords and Barons of VVales if any such title as Baron was amongst them it being altogether Norman as I conceive before him to Stratflur and there every one of them swore to be faithfull subjects and did homage to David P. Lhewelyns son An Act of a discreet Prince At this time Lhewelyn being impotent by reason of a palsey which had taken him and sore urged and disquieted by his son Gruffith sent Embassadours to the King to signifie unto him that forasmuch as his years were now well near spent The Prince of Wales whom power could not compel voluntarily submits himself he was desirous to lead the rest of his dayes in peace and quietness and therefore purposed now to submit himself to the government and protection of the King of England and that he would hold his lands of him promising withal that whensoever the King should stand in need of his aid he would be ready to help him with men and money to the utmost of his power There were sent as Mediators in this behalf the Bishops of Hereford and Chester who travelled about the same with the good liking of many of the Nobles of Wales although some openly opposed it and in no case would except of any such peace Then the said David
to him that searcheth out their Histories but I intending to finish the History during the Government of the Brittains have sought out in other Chronicles written in the Latine tongue especially in the Chronicle of Nicholas Trivet King Hen 3. dyeth who wrote from the begining of the raign of King Stephen to the Coronation of Edward the second and such other as much as I could find concerning this matter In the year 1272. dyed King Henry the third and Edward his Son coming from the holy Land two years after was crowned at Westminster King of England to which Coronation the Prince of Wales refused to come although he was sent for alledging for his excuse that he had offended many Noblemen of England and therefore would not come in danger without he had for pledges the Kings brother with the Earl of Glocester and Robert Burnell Chief Justice of England wherewith the King was highly displeased year 1274 King Edward could never brook P. Lhewelyn since the time that he was compelled to flight by him at their meeting in the Marches as before Thom. Walsh on the other side Lhewelyn liked no better of the King then the King did of him again those Noblemen who for their disobedience were dis-inherited by Lhewelyn were received and entertained by King Edward which things caused the Prince to fear some evil practice by those and other such as hated him if he should have been at the Kings Coronation to do his homage and fealty according to the writ directed unto him in that behalfe as appeareth by an instrument sent by the said Prince to Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury the Archbishop of Yorke and other Bishops sitting then at their Convocation in the new Temple at London Anno. 1275. wherein the causes of this war are contained which instrument it self as it was then sent is extant to this day written in parchment with the Princes great seal thereunto appendant which I have seen saith this Author and copied out of the Original verbatim Mr. Lhoyd being then in the custody of Thomas Yale Doctor of Law of late Dean of the Arches a great searcher and preserver of the antiquities of Wales which I thought convenient here to lay down for the fuller understanding of this History Reverendissimis in Christo Patribus Dominis Roberto Dei gratia Archiepiscopo Cant. totius Angliae Primati Archiepis Eborum ac eorum suffraganis c. To the most Reverend Fathers in Christ and Lords Robert Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of England and the Archbishop of Yorke and their Suffragans being now together at London in Councel Their devote Son Lhewelyn Prince of Wales and Lord of Snowdon greeting with due Obedience Reverence and Honour in all things Be it known unto your reverend Father-hoods that where heretofore contention and discord whereof war followed and long continued arose betwixt the King of Noble memory Henry King of England of the one party and us of the other party the same contentions and strife were at the last appeased by authority of the See Apostolick and means of the reverend Father Lord Otobanus Deacon and Cardinal of St. Adrian Legate into England as it appeareth in the form of Treaty and Peace betwixt the said King and Edward his first begotten Son Lord Edward now King of England and their Successors on the one party and us and our Successors on the other party by the corporal Oath of both parties assured Which form of peace was committed to writing with the said Legate with the seal of the said King and the seal of the said Lord Edward now King and with our seal also in the which peace it is contained amongst other things as you do well know as we believe that we and our Successors should hold of the King and his Successors the Principality of Wales So that all Welsh Barons should hold their Baronies and Lands of us and our Successors in Capite and should do homage and fealty to us and to our heirs one Baron excepted for the which we and our Successors should do homage and fealty to the Lord the King and his Successors It is further contained in the same peace that neither the said King nor his Successors should receive any of our Enemies or any running from us or our Successors nor should help or maintain any such against us or our Successors The which all are contained in the form of peace the Tenor whereof the Reverend Fathers of Strata Florida and Aberconwey bearers hereof can shew you But see Reverend Fathers the Lord Edward now King of England after the said peace taketh into his hands certain Barons Lands in Wales of which they and their Ancestors have been long possessed and keepeth a Barony in his hands which should be ours by the form of peace other Barons of our Land being from us fugitives runing to him he keepeth helpeth and maintaineth David ap Gruffith and Gruffith ap Gwenwynwyn who purposed our death and destruction Notwithstanding that since their departure they have robbed within our Land committed slaughter and burning of houses do daily the like against the peace aforesaid and although we have often sent our griefs and complaints by solemn messengers to the said Noble Lord Edward as well before he was King as since yet unto this day he never did any redress therein also that which is more perilous he called us unto a place not to us safe amongst our deadly Enemies our fugitives and fellons and their spies and murderers to do him homage and fealty to which place we can no wayes come without danger of our body especially seeing our Enemies above said to be in that place at the Kings table and sometimes in Councel and openly brag themselves And though lawfull and reasonable excuses were alledged by our messengres before the King and his Councel why the place was not safe nor indifferent yet he refused to allow or appoint any other place indifferent for us to do homage and fealty which we were and are ready to do unto him in any safe place by him to be appointed if he will appoint any and to perform the other articles of the peace concluded and sworn And for that it pleaseth him not to come to any place where we could with safety do him homage we were suiters to him to send any from him to receive our oath and homage untill it pleased him to appoint a place where we shall do our homage to him personally the which thing he utterly denyed to do We therefore beseech your Father-hoods earnestly that it may please you to consider what danger should happen to the people both of England and of Wales by reason of the breach of Covenants of peace abovesaid if now wars and discord should follow which God forbid attending and calling to remembrance the prohibition of the Holy Father the Pope lately in the Councel at Lyons that no war should be moved amongst Christians least thereby the
affairs of the holy Land should be neglected that it would please you also to help with your Councel with the Lord and King that he would use us and order us according to the peace agreed upon the which we will no way infringe And if he will not hearken to your Counsel therein which God forbid that you will hold us excused for we will no waies as much as lieth in us procure the trouble and disquietness of the Realm And if it may please you to give credit to our messengers which we do send to the King at the day by him to us appointed to alledge our lawful excuses in those things which they by mouth shall on our part shew unto You resting to do Your will and pleasure if it please You to write again Dated at Talybont the eight Day of October Anno 1275. year 1277 Shortly after the King came to Chester Thom. Walsh fol. 6. Mar. West p. 364. willing the Prince to come thither and do him homage which when the prince detracted to do the King gathered an army to compel him thereto The year following the Countesse of Leicester wife to Simon Montfort which remained at a Nunnery in France sent her daughter to Wales to marry the prince as it was ' agreed betwixt them in her Fathers time and with her came her brother Admerike and a courtly company who fearing the coast of England bent their voyage to the Isle of Sylly whereby chance they met with four ships of Bristol which set upon and took them and brought them to the King who entertains the Lady houourably sending her brother to be kept prisoner in the castle of Corff from whence he was removed to the castle of Sherburne Then the King prepared two armies A prodigious Omen to Wales whereof the one he conducted himself to Northwales as far as Ruthlan and fortified the castle and the other he sent with Paganis de Camurtiis a worthy Souldier to Westwales they burned and destroyed a great part of the Country and this year itrained blood in divers places of Wales The year ensuing the Lords of Southwales came to the Kings peace The jangling of the Welsh among themselves their utter overthrow and did him homage and delivered the Castle of Stratywy unto the K. Lieutenant Paganus de Camurtli if his sirname be not mistaken for de Cadurcis it is the family of Chaworth in Notinghamshire This Prince understanding this and seeing that his own people had forsaken him sent to the King for peace which was agreed upon these conditions 1. First that all such as the Prince kept prisoners of the Kings and for his cause should be set at liberty 2. Item That the Prince should pay to the King for his favour and good will 50000 marks to be paid at the Kings pleasure 3 Item That four Cantreds should reman to the King and his heirs for ever which Cantreds I think were these cantref Ros where the Kings Castle of Teganny stood cantref Rynivioc where Denbigh cantref Tegengl where Ruthlan standeth and cantref Dyffryn Clwd where Ruthin is 4 Item That the Lords Merchers should quietly enjoy all the Lands that they had conquered within Wales 5. Item That the Prince should pay yearly for the Isle of Môn or Anglesey 1000 marks which payment should begin at Michaelmas then next ensuing and that also he should pay 5000 marks out of hand and if the prince dyed without issue the Isle should remain to the King and his heirs 6 Item That the Prince should come to England every Christmas to do the King homage for his lands 7. Item That all the Barons in Wales should hold their lands of the King except 5. in Snowden who should ackowledg the Prince to be their Lord. 8. Items that he should for his lifetime enjoy the name of Prime and none of his heirs after him so that after his death the foresaid five Barons should hold of the King and none other 9. Item that for the performance of the Articles the prince should deliver for hostages ten of the best in Wales without imprisonining disinheriting or time of deliverance determined and also the King to choose twenty within Northwales that should take their oathes with the prince for performance of these Articles and if the Prince should swerve from any of them and being thereof admonished would not amend and redresse the same Th. Walsh p. 7 they should forsake him and become his enemies The prince was also bound to let his brethren enjoy their lands in Wales of whom David had long served the King whom the King had made Knight contrary to the manner of Wales and had given him in marriage the daughter of the Earle of Derby whose first husband was lately deceased to whom the King gave Denbigh in Northwales and 1000l lands therewith And his other brother Roderike was lately fled to England out of prison and Owen the third was delivered at this composition This peace was concluded in the Kings absence who appointed one his Commissioners Mr. Trinet Sol p. 787. to wit the Lord Ripiost to take an oath of him and authorised the said Robert Antonio Becke and William de Southampton Prior Provincial of the Friers predicant Commissioners appointed on his behalf to receive the like oath of the said Lhewelyn for whose part Theodor or Tudor ap Ednivet and Grono ap Heilin were Commissioners At this time the King builded a Castle at Aberystwyth returned into Eng. with much honour unto whom the people granted a subsidy of the twentieth part of their goods towards his charges in this war The year following the marriage was celebrated at Worcester betwixt Elianor daughter to Simon Montfort and prince Lhewelin where the King Queen and the most part of the Nobility of England were present Also the year after Roger Mortimer set up at Killingworth a round table for a hundred Knights to be exercised in the feats of arms The Kof Scots sucâ—ouâ—eth against the Welsh and thither resorted many Knights from divers Countries At this time the King of Scots did homage to K. Edward and obtained the Kings letters that his succours in the last wars of Wales were not done by the name of service but good will The peace concluded betwixt the prince of Wales and the King of England did not long continue by reason of the severe and strict dealing of such Officers as the King appointed rulers in the Marshes and the Inland country of Wales who hunting after their own gains oppressed the Inhabitants burdening them with new exactions contrary to the custom of the country and also shewing themselves too much affectionate and partial in matters of controversy betwixt party party especially when any Englishman had to do in the matter which poling and partiality did altogether alienate the hearts of the people from the King of England so that they had rather die then live in such thraldom whereupon assembling
his own hands shall hold and enjoy the same as freely as they did before the time of the wars and shall use the same liberties and customs which they used before contrary to this Article the Lord Reginald Grey hath brought many new customs against the Form of peace aforesaid 5. All Controversies moved or to be moved betwixt the Prince and any other shall be decided after the Law of the Marches if they have their beginning in the Marches and after the Laws of Wales such as in Wales have their beginning contrary to this Article the King doth and sendeth Justices to Anglesey who presume to judge there the men and subjects of the Prince setting fines upon them contrary to the Lawes of Wales seeing neither this nor any like was ever heard of in times past imprisoning some out-lawing others when the Prince is at all times ready to do justice to all men that complain upon any of his men 6. Where it is in the peace That Gruffith Vachan should do homage for the land in Yale and to the Prince for the land in Ederneon The Kings Justices brought the Lady of Maylor into the said land of Ederneon The knowledge of which cause onely pertained to the Prince and not to the said Justices and yet for peace sake the said Prince tollerated all this being at all times ready to minister justice to the said Lady 7. And though the said Prince submitted himself unto us and our will yet we nevertheless will and grant that our will in no case go further than is contained in those Articles Contrary to this Article Gold was exacted for the Queens works at every payment made to the King which Gold was never demanded in the time of King Henry or any other King of England which Gold yet for quietness sake the Prince paid though it were not spoken of or mentioned in the peace And now further it is exacted for the old Queen the Kings mother that now is for the peace concluded with King Henry 2000 Marks and a half and unless it be paid the King threatneth to occupy the goods and lands of Lhewelyn and his people which he could find in his Realm and sell men and beasts till the sum were paid 8. When the King invited the Prince at his Feast at Worcester promising with very fair words that he would give his kinswoman to him for wife and enrich him with much honour nevertheless when he came thither the self same day they should be married before Mass the King required a Bill to be sealed by the Prince containing amongst other things That he would never keep man against the Kings will nor never maintain any whereby it might come to pass That all the Princes forces should be called from him the which Letter sealed he delivered the King by just fear which might move any constant man yet was not this contained in the peace whereas the conclusion of peace was That the King should require nothing that was not contained in the same 9. Where in the peace all Customs be confirmed to the said Prince as his ancestors of long and daily observed Custom have received to their own use all Wrecks hapning upon his own lands The Justice of Chester took a distress of the Prince for goods of Shipwrack received by him before the wars contrary to the Form of the said peace by the which all trespasses on either side were remitted and contrary to the Customs aforesaid and if in case it were forfeited yet he took such a distress 15 pounds of honey and many horses and imprisoned his men and this he took of the Princes own proper goods And further took booties of Bagiers which came to Lyrpool with Marchandize and never delivered the same until he had taken so much money for the same as it pleased him 10. When certain men of Geneurglyn had taken certain goods of some of their Neighbours of Geneurglyn when they were in the Dominion of the Prince in Meyreon the Kings men of Lhanbadarn did take away the said goods out of the said Dominion of the Prince and when the Princes men came thither and asked the cause why they took the said prey the Kings men killed one of them and wounded others and the rest they did imprison neither could the Prince get any justice for the said goods to this day 11. And where it is contained in the peace That all things committed in the Marches shall be redressed in the Marches yet the Kings men would no where hear the Princes men but put them in the Castle of Lhanbadarn which is against the peace aforesaid In these Articles and divers others the King standeth sworn to the Prince and his people And although the Prince as well by himself as by his people have often requested the King to cause the said peace to be kept yet was it in no point kept but daily the Kings Justices did more and more heap injuries and griefs upon the people of those parts So that it cannot be blamed if the Prince did assent to them that first began the wars seeing the Oath which the Lord Robert Typtoft sware unto the King was kept in no point and chiefly seeing the Prince was forewarned that he should be taken as soon as the King came to Ruthlan as he had been indeed if the King had come thither after Christmas as he purposed These Griefs following were done by the King and his Officers to the Lord David ap Gruffith 1. When the said David came to the Lord Edward then Earl of Chester and did him homage the said Lord Edw. did give by his Letters Patents to the said David two Cantrefs Dyffryn Cluyd and Crinmeyrch with all the appurtenances afterwards when he was made King he confirmed the said gift to the said David and gave him possession of them After when Gwenlhian Lacy died who held some Towns in the said Cantrefs for term of life which after her decease appertained to David by force of the aforesaid grant which Towns yet the King took from him contrary to his Letters Patents 2. Item When the said David did hold of the Lord the King the Villages of Hope and Eston in Wales of the which he ought to answer no man but according to the Laws of Wales yet the Justice of Chester caused the said David to be called to Chester at the suite of one William Venable an Englishman to answer for the Title of the said Villages and although the said David did often and instantly desire him the said justice not to proceed against him injuriously in the County of Chester where he was not bound to answer by the form of the peace yet he plainly denied him to be judged either in Wales or after the Laws of Wales 3. Item The said Justice of Chester to the injury of the said David did cut down his Wood of Lhyweny and his Woods at Hope as well by the Dwellers of Ruthlan as others and yet the
said Justice had no jurisdiction in those patts and not being contented to get Timber there for building as well of Ruthlan as of other places but also destroyed the same Woods sold it and carried it into Ireland 4. Item Where the said David took certain Out-lawes and Rovers in the Woods and caused them to be hanged yet the said Justice accused David to the King for succouring and maintaining the Thieves aforesaid which was not like to be true seeing he caused them to be hanged 5. Item It is provided in the peace that all the Welshmen and their causes should be judged after the Lawes of Wales This was in no point observed with the said David and his people Of these aforesaid griefs the said David required often amends either according to the Laws and Customs of Wales or of special favour but he could never obtain any of them both at his hands Further the said David was warned in the Kings Court that as soon as Reginald Grey should come from the Court Good service ill requited the said David should be taken and spoiled of his Castle of Hope his Wood should be cut down and his Children taken for Pledges who seeing he had taken great pains and peril for the King in all his wars as well himself as his people both in England and Wales and had lost thereby the most part of the Nobility of his Countrey and yet nevertheless could obtain neither Justice Amends nor favour at his hands having such great wrongs offered unto him and fearing his own life and his Childrens or else perpetual prison being enforced as it were against his will began to defend himself and his people Griefs and Injuries offered by the King and his Officers to the men of Ros. 1. This is the Form of peace which the King of England did promise the men of Ros before they did him homage which he promised them to observe inviolably That is to say That the King should grant to every of them their Right and Jurisdiction as they had in time of King Henry according as the said men do report that they had in the time of King Henry 2. Item The Lord the King did promise the same men that they should have Justice in their Suites after granting of the which Articles the said men did homage unto the King And then the King promised them with his own mouth faithfully to observe the said Articles This notwithstanding a certain Nobleman passing by the Kings high way with his wife in the Kings peace met certain English Labourers and Masons going to Ruthlan where they did then work A notorious ouragious murther and iniustice committed against the Welsh who attempted by force to take away his wife from him and while he defended her as well as he could one of them killed his wife and he who killed her with his followers were taken and when the kindred of her who was slain required Law at the Justice of Chesters hands for their kinswoman they were put in prison and the murtherers delivered 3. Item A certain man killed a Gentleman who had killed the son of Grono ap Heilyn and was taken but when certain of the kindred required justice before the Justice of Chester certain of them were imprisoned and the Offender set at liberty and justice denied to the kindred A profitable Judge to himself but unjust to the oppressed 4. Item Certain Gentlemen claimed some lands and offered the King a great sum of money to have justice by the Verdict of good and lawful men of the Countrey then the lands being adjudged to the Claimers Reginald Grey took the same lands corn goods and all upon the ground so that they lost their lands money corn and cattel 5. Item It is our right That no stranger should cut our Woods without our leave yet this notwithstanding A hard case there was a Proclamation at Ruthlan That it should be lawful for all other men to cut down our Woods but to us it was forbidden 6. Item Where divers honest men had lands of the gift of the said David the Justice taketh the said mens lands away A slavery worse than Jewish 7. Item When any cometh to Ruthlan with Merchandize if he refuse whatsoever any Englishman offereth he is forthwith sent to the Castle to prison and the Buyer hath the things and the King hath the price then the Souldiers of the Castle first spoil and beat the party and then cause him to pay the Porter and let him go 8. Item If any Welshman buy any thing in Ruthland and any Englishman do meet him he will take it from him and give him less than he paid for it 9. Item The King contrary to his promise made to the men of Ros hath given the Territory of Maynan Penmayn and Lhysuayn 10. Item Certain Gentlemen of the Cantref of Ros bought certain Offices and paid their money for the same yet the Justice of Chester took the said Offices from them without cause 11. Item Grono ap Heilyn took to Farm of Godfrey Marliney the Territory of Maynan and Lhysuayn for the term of four years yet Robert de Cruquer with Horses and Armes and 24 Horsemen came to vex the said Grono so that he had no safe going neither to Ruthlan nor Chester without a great guard of his kindred and friends 12. Item Certain Gentlemen were arrested for trespasses done before the wars and imprisoned and could not be delivered until they had paid 16 Mark which was contrary to the peace concluded 13. Item Our causes ought to be decided after the custome of our Lawes but our men be compelled to swear against their Consciences else they be not suffered to swear Furthermore we spent 300 Marks in going to the King for justice in the aforesaid Articles Sr. Reginald Gâ—ey a cruel Tyrant over the Welsh And when we believed to recover full justice the King sent to our parties the Lord Reginald Grey to whom the King hath set all the land to farm to handle the men of the said Cantref as it pleaseth him who compelled us to * To swear by his hand whereas we should swear by the hand of the King swear in his name whereas we should swear in the Kings name and where the Kings Cross ought to be erected he caused his Cross to be erected in token that he is the very true Lord and the said Reginald at his first coming to those parts of Wales sold to certain servants of the King Offices for 60 Marks which the said servants bought before of the King for 24 Mark which Offices ought not to be sold at the choice of the Lord. 14. Item The King gave Meredyth ap Madoc a Captainship for his service Reginald Grey took it from him neither could he get any remedy at the Kings hand for the same 15. Item One of the Councel of the said Reginald Cynwric Vachan told us by mouth that as soon as the
Tegengl bought their Offices for 30 Marks of the King but afterward Reginald Grey spoiled them of their Offices and money contrary to the Laws and Customs of England 13. Seven Gentlemen were wrongfully killed by the Englishmen but as yet the Parents of the Gentlemen can have no amends and though the offenders were taken yet the said Constable let them go without punishment 14. The Constable of Ruthlan kept two of the Kings souldiers in prison for that they took an Englishman who had wounded a man All these things contained in these Articles are contrary to the priviledge liberty and right of the said men and contrary to the Laws and Customs of Wales neither dare the Inhabitants send their Complaints to the King for fear of Reginald Grey which fear any constant man might have because the said Reginald said openly that if he could come by any such their messengers he would cut off their heads as it is certainly told us by one of his Councel further neither tongue can tell nor pen write how cruelly the men of Tegengl have been ordered Humbly complaineth to your Lordship my Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England Lhewelyn ap Gruffith ap Madoc of the Constable of Oswalds Cross the King and of the men of that Town who have spoiled the said Lhewelyn of the third part of a Town called Lhedrot and his fathers house without any Law or Right or Custom of the Countrey Further the said Constable and his Complices have against the Laws and Customs of the Countrey spoiled the said Lhewelyn of his Common and Pasture which he and his predecessors have used time out of mind and further condemned the said Lhewelyn for the said Pasture in 70 Marks And further the King of England granted certain Letters to a Bastard called Gruffith Vachan of Cynlhaeth to law with the said Lhewelyn for his whole Lordship and possessions by the occasion of the which Letters the said Lhewelyn hath spent 200 l. of good money Also the said Constable compelled the said Lhewelyn to send two Gentlemen to him whom when they came to him he caused to be hanged which Gentlemen ought not by right to have been hanged whose parents had rather have given him 300l Afterward the said Constable imprisoned 60. of the Men of the said Lhewelyn no cause alledged but that a certain Page spake a word who could not be delivered out of prison untill every one of them paid 10 s. When the Men of the said Lhewelyn came to the said Town to sell their Oxen the said Constable would cause the beast to be driven to the Castle neither would he restore the beasts nor mony for them Further the said Constable and his men took away the Cattle of the said Lhewelyn from his own ground and did their will with them Further the Kings Justices compelled the said Lhewelyn contrary to the law and custome of Wales to deliver to the Sons of Eneon ap Gruffith a certain Town which both he and his Ancestors ever had held The said Constable took the horse of Lhewelyns Baliffe when the said Baliffe owed him nothing who could never get his horse again nor any satisfaction for it Furthermore when the said Lhewelyn should have gone to a Town called Caerlheon to appear there as he was appointed the Sons of Gruffith ap Gwenwynwyn and the Soldiers of Robert Strange by the Councel of the said Roger took the said Lhewelyn and his Men and imprisoned them to their great damage which the said Lhewelyn would not for 300 l. starling who could by no means be delivered untill they had found sufficient sureties The Archbishop receiving these and other Articles came to the King and requested him to consider these wrongs and to cause amends to be made or at the least excuse the Welshmen having so just cause of grief who answered that the Welshmen were to be excused yet he said he was ever ready to do Justice to all them that complained Whereupon the Archbishop besought the King again that the Welshmen might have free access to his Grace to declare their griefs and to seek remedy the King answered they should freely come and depart if it should seem that by Justice they deserved to depart The Archbishop hearing this went and came to the Prince of Wales in Snowdon that he might move him and his Brother David and the other company to submit themselves whereby he might incline the King to admit them to which after much talke and conference with the Archbishop the Prince answered that he was ready to submit to the King reserving two things that is to say his conscience which he ought to have for the rule and safe-guard of his people and also the decency of his State and calling which answer the Archbishop brought and reported to the King At the which the King said that he would not any other treaty of peace then that the Prince and his people should simply submit themselves But the Archbishop knowing well that the Welshmen would not submit themselves but in form aforesaid or in other form to them tolerable and of them liked requested the King that he might have conference in this matter with all the Noble Englishmen then present who after much conference agreed to all these Articles following The which Articles the Archbishop did send in writing to the Prince by John Wallensis These are to be said to the Prince before his Councel 1. First that the four Cantreds and the Lands by the King given to his Nobles and the Isle of Anglesey we will have no treaty of 2 Item Of the Tenants of the four Cantreds if they will submit themselves he purposeth to do as becometh a Kings Majesty and we verily believe he will deal with them mercifully and to that end we will labour and trust to obtain 3. As touching the Lord Lhewelyn we can have none other answer but that he shall submit himself simply to the King and we believe certainly he will deal mercifully with him and to that end we travail all we can and verily believe to be heard The following are to be said to the Prince in secret 1. First that the Nobility of England have conceived this form of a favourable peace That the Lord Lhewelyn should submit himself to the King and the King should honourably provide for him 1000l starling and some honourable County in England so that the said Lhewelyn would put the King in quiet possession of Snowdon Durum telum necessitas and the King will provide honourably for the daughter of Lhewelyn according to the State and condition of his own blood and to these they hope to perswade the King 2. Item if it happen that Lhewelyn marry a wife and so have by her any heir Male they trust to intreat the King that the same heir Male and his heirs for ever shall have the same 1000l and County 3. Item to the people subject to the said Lhewelyn the
undermine the walls which when the garrison discovered and knowing that their enemies were three to one they were content to yield up the Castle upon condition that they might depart with their armes freely whichafter the Archbishop took suffering them to pass quietly fortifying the Castle strongly to the Kings use and placing therein a garrison for defence thereof departed into England But immediately VVenwinwin or Gwenwinwin begirt it again and in short space reduced it upon the same conditions that his men had surrendred it and kept the same to his own use P. Rees dieth Hol. p. 534. The next year after the fourth of May Rees the son of Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodore P. of Southwales died the only hope and stay of all that part of VVales as he that brought them out of the thraldom and bondage of strangers and set them at liberty and had defended them divers times in the field manfully Mr. Powel Fol. 249. daunting the pride and courage of their cruel enemies whom he did either chase out of the land or compelled by force to live quietly at home The Encomiums of prince Rees woe to that cruel destiny that spoyled the miserable land of her defence and shield who as he descended of noble and princely blood so he passed all other in commendable qualities and laudable vertues of the mind He was the overthower of the mighty the setter up of the weak the overturner of the holds the separater of troopes the scatterer of his foes among whom he appeared as a wild bore among the whelps or a Lyon that for anger beateth his tail to the ground See more of him in Polychronicon and Grafton The Kings of England descend from this P. Rees This Prince had many sons and daughters as Gruffith who succeeded his father Cadwalhon Maelgon Meredyth Rees and of his daughters one called Gwenlhian was marryed co Ednivet Vachan who was ancestor of Owen Theodore or Tudor that married Queen Katharine the widow of K. Henry the fifth and the rest were marryed to other Lords in the country After the death of Rees Gruffith his son subdueth all the country to himself and enjoyed it in peace untill Maelgon his brother whome his father had dis-inherited made league with Gwinwynwyn the son of Owen Civelioc Lord of Powis who both together levied forces and came suddainly upon Gruffith and slaying many of his people took him prisoner and so recovered all the Country of Caerdigan with the Castle Thus Maelgon having taken his brother sent him to be imprisoned with Gwinwynwyn who in despite delivered him to the English Then Gwenwynwyn gathered his power and entred Arustlie and subdued the same to himself About this time there was a great war in Northwales for the late Prince David ap Owen came with a great army as well English as Welsh purposing to recover the land again but Lhewelin his Nephew who was the lawful heir and then in possession thereof came boldly and met him Powis Wenwynwyn why so called add gave him battail and putting his people to flight took him prisoner and secured him by which means he injoyed his country in quiet tranquillity Towards the end of this year Owen Cyvelioc prince of higher Powis died and left his territories to Gwenwinwin his son after whom that part of Powis was called Powis Gwenwinwin for a difference from the other called Powis Vadoc which was in the possession of the Lords of Bromfield At this time also dyed Owen the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield and Brichtyr the son of Howel ap Jevaf likewise Maelgon the son of Cadwalhon ap Madoc Lord of Melienyth Not long after Traherne Vachan a man of great power in the Country of Brecknock as he came to Lancors to speak with William Bruse Lord thereof was suddainly taken A cruel murther and by the Lords command tyed to a horse tail and drawn through the town of Aberhodny or Brecknock to the gallows and there beheaded and his body hanged up by the feet three dayes This cruelty shewed upon no just cause caused his brother wife and Children to avoid the Country The year ensuing Maelgon the son of Prince Rees after he had imprisoned his elder brother got his Castles of Aberteini and Stratmeiric also the youngest son of P. Rees wan the Castle of Dinevowr from the Normans The Summer following Gwenwinwin intending to extend the limits of VVales to the old Meers gathered a great army and laid siege first to the Castle of Paine in Eluel which was of the possessions of VVilliam de Bruse making a Proclamation that as soon as he had won the Castle he would burn all the whole Country to Severne without mercy in revenge of the murder of Traherne Vachan his Cosen but because he had not Engins and Miners he lay three weeks at the Castle whilst the murderer sent to England for aid whereupon Jeffrie Fitz Peter Lord Chief Justice of England raised forces and joyning with him all the Lords Marchers came to raise the seige And because Fortunes in battails are various and uncertain he sent first Gwenwinwin to have a treaty of peace concluded but he and his adherents would by no means condescend thereunto but answered that they would that journey revenge their old wrongs The Welsh still made instruments to one anothers ruine Whereupon the English Lords did first enlarge Gruffith the son of Prince Rees of Southwales whom they knew to be an enemy to Gwenwynwyn which Gruffith gathered a great power and joyned with the English Lords and so they came towards the Castle against whom Gwenwinwin advanced very stoutly and there began a cruel fight with much slaughter on either side but at the last the English carryed the victory and Gwenwynwyn lost most of his men among whom were Anarawd son of Eneon Owen ap Cadwalhon Richard ap Jestin and Robert ap Howel also Meredith ap Conan was then taken prisoner with divers others Matthew Paris saith that this battail was fought before Mauds Castle and that of the Welshmen were then slain 3700. 3700 Welshmen slain A. Lhoyd Mat. Paris pag 259. and after this victory the English Lords returned with great honour And forthwith Gruffith son to P. Rees recovered by force and favour of the people all his land except the two Castles Aberteini and Stratmeiric which his brother Maelgon by the aid of Gwenwinwin had wrongfully taken from him This his brother Maelgon fearing his displeasure took a solemn Oath before both noble and religious men which endeavoured to make peace betwixt them that if his brother Gruffith would give him pledges for assurance of his own person he would deliver him by a Day the Castle of Aberteini whereupon Gruffith did so Perjury never prospers but as soon as Maelgon got the pledges he fortified the Castle and manned it to his own use and sent the pledges to Gwenwinvvin who hated Gruffith to death there to be kept in
coming Thirdly that for performance of these they should deliver forthwith to the Prince twenty pledges of the best in all the country which things they did Then the Prince returned into Northwales with much honour Caerleon taken by the E. of Pembrock Shortly after William Marshal Earl of Pembrock got the town of Caerlheon and made war against the Welshmen whom contrary to their promise the Barons left out of the conclusion of peace The Barons were very glad of the friendship and aid of the P. of Wales to serve their own turne The Barons pacifying France and England conspire against Wales but now in a general conclusion of peace contrary to their oath and promise they reserve out Wales to keep them play withall hoping to get some more land thereby therefore let us take heed how we trust to self serving friendship Hereupon Rees Vachan razed the Castle of Senghennyth and all the Castles he had in his custody in that Country and banished all the English there inhabiting with their wives and Children for ever Strangers banished out of Wales and divided the Country amongst the Welsh who have kept it ever since The year ensuing Prince Lhewelyn put Garrisons into the Castles of Caermarthyn and Aberteini Then young Rees by the Prince his consent went to the King and did homage for his lands In the year following Rees Gryc married the daughter of the Earle of Clare and John de Bruse married the daughter of P. Lewelin The Flemmings violate the Oath year 1220 The year 1220 Lhewelyn Prince of Wales conducted an army to Pembroke against the Flemmings who contrary to their Oath and League had taken the Castle of Aberteini which Castle the Prince won and destroyed putting the Garrison to the sword razed the Castle and went thence to Gwys where he razed that Castle and burned the town Also he caused all Hanerford to be burned to the Castle gates and destroyed all Ros and Dongledhan and they who kept the Castle sent to him for truce till the first of May which was concluded upon conditions and so he returned home year 1221 Also this year certain Lords of Wales besieged the Castle of Buelht which belonged to Reynalt de Bruse therefore the King came with an army to the Marches and raised the siege and came as far as Montgomery and built a Castle there Montgomery castle built by K. John The year following there fell a great difference betwixt Prince Lhewelin and Gruffith his son for this Gruffith enjoyed the Cantref of Merioneth without his fathers consent and therefore his father sent for him to come unto him which he denied to do Therefore the Prince sware that he would be revenged upon him and his confederates for that dishonour and then came with a great army to Merioneth but the son not fearing his father got his people into the field ready to abide the battail but as they were in fight there was a peace concluded and Gruffith yielded to his father and cryed him mercy Then Lhewelin although he forgave his son the offence yet he took Merioneth and Ardydwy from him and building a Castle there returned home again At this time young Rees forsook Prince Lhewelyn because Aberteini was not delivered him as the promise was at the division of South Wales and went to William Marshal Earle of Pembroke which caused Prince Lhewelyn to come to Aberystwyth and seize the castle and all the Territories to his own use Young Rees hearing this went to the King to complain upon Prince Lhewelin and the King sent for the prince to Shrewsbury and made him and Rees friends the prince promising to deale with Rees for Aberteini as he had done with Maelgon for Caermarthyn This Winter John Bruse by the consent of prince Lhewelyn fortified the Castle of Senghennyth Young Rees dies and is buried at Stratâ—lur The year after young Rees departed out of this life being a lusty Gentleman and endued with many notable vertues and was buryed at Stratflur whose inheritance Lhewelin divided between his brother Gwen and his Vncle Maelgon year 1223 In the year 1223. William Marshal came from Ireland and landed at St. Davids with a great army and shortly after laid seige to Aberteini and got it and from thence marched to Caermarthyn and likewise got the same Lhewelin prince of Wales at what time William Marshal Earle of Pembrock prosecuted the wars in Ireland took the two castles in VVales belonging to the Earle And now speaking of this Earof Pembrock as formerly I have done I will set down a Catalogue of the Earles of that place with their armes Pembrockshire was inhabited of old by the Dimetae a Country quite surrounded by the sea save where it joyneth unto Caerdegan and Caermarthynshires a country plentiful in corne and cattel and fish not destitute of pitcoale and which is far above the rest as Giraldus tells considering that is so near to Ireland of a wholesome and temperate air it contains in it 140. parish churches and 5. Markets that which is most of note being Milford renowned for its safe and capacious haven but that from which it takes its denomination is the Town of Pembrock seated upon a forked arme of Milford haven and in the best part of the country the Town consisting principally of one long street on a long narrow point of a rock and hath in the walls thereof two churches The Earles hereof in former times were County Palatines and passed all things that concerned that County under the seale of the Earldom and it continued so until the reign of K. H. VIII when as VVales was reduced to England and the authority of the great Lords there dissolved by Parliament since which the Earles of Pembrock have been meerly titulan as of other places and of each sort were these in their several ages the Marquesses and Earles of Pembrock 1 Gilbert de Clare 2 Richard de Clare surnamed Srongbow Or 3 Cheverons G. a Cressant for difference 3 William Marshal married Isabel daughter and heir of Rich. Strongbow 4 William Marshal Lord Chief Justice 5 Richard Marshal 6 Gilbert Marshal 7 Walter Marshal 8 Anselme Marshal Party per pale Or and vert a Lyon Rampant Gules incensed Azure 9 William de Valence half brother to Henry III. whose wife was daughter of a Sister of Anselme Marshal 10 Aymer de Valence Ten Clossets Argent and B as many Martlets in Vrle Gules Mr. Brochcals larnly of 10. pieces 11 Laurence Hastings who married the Lady Isabella Valence 12 John Hastings 13 John Hastings this John bore quarterly Brotherton Hastings Or a Manch Gules Valence and Brotherton 14 Humphrey Duke of Glocester Quarterly France and England a border Arg. 15 VVilliam de la Pole Duke of Suffolk B. a fess between three Leopards heads Or. 16 Jasper of Hatfield brother to King Henry the Sixt after Duke of Bedford Quarterly France and England in a border B. 8 martlets Or Mr. Brock calls them
themselves together they so moved David the Lord of Denbigh to be at unity with prince Lhewelin and to take pitty upon their affliction and misery that he being agreed with his brother became their Captain year 1281 This reconciliation consisted chiefly in this that David should never after serve the King of England as he had done before but become his utter enemy who laid siege to the castle of Hawarden and took Roger Clifford a noble Knight slaying all that resisted The Welsh impatient of servitude and after spoyling all the country he with his brother the prince laid siege to the Castle of Ruthlan the King hearing of this hasted thither with a great army to raise the siege whereupon the prince retreated with his army Seek to recover their liberty Aberystwyth castle built by the King taken Godwin in Canterbury fol. 77. Also the same time Rees the son of Maelgon and Gruffith ap Meredith ap Owen which other noble men of Southwales tooâ— the castle of Aberystwyth and divers other castles in the Country spoyling and plundering all the Kings people that inhabited thereabouts Therefore the King sent the Archbishop of Canterbury to confer with the prince and his brethren but he returned without doing any good so that he denounced an excommunication this Archbishops name was Jehn Beckham who as B. Godwin saith took great pains in labouring a peace between K. Edw. l. and prince Lhewelin of Wales unto whom he went in person and travailed long with him but all in vain Articles sent from the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury to be intimated to Lhewelin Prince of Wales and to the People of the same Country 1 Because we came to those parts for the spiritual and temporal health of them whom we have ever loved well as divers of them have known 2. That we came contrary to the will of the Lord our King whom our said coming as is said doth much offend 3 That we desire beseech them for the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ that they would come to an unity with the English people and to the peace of our Lord the King which we intend to procure them as well as we can 4. We will them to understand that we cannot long tarry in those quarters 5. We would that they considered that after our parting out of the Country they shall not perhaps find any that will so tender the preferring of their cause as we would do if it pleased God with our mortal life we might procure them an honest stable and firm peace 6. That if they do contemn our petition and labour we do intend forthwith to signifie their stubbournesse to the high Bishop and the Court of Rome for the enormity that many wayes happeneth by occasion of this discord this day 7. Let them know that unlesse they do quickly agree to a peace that war shall be aggravated against them which they shall not be able to sustain for the Kings power encreaseth daily 8. Let them understand that the realm of England is under the special protection of the See Apostolick and the See of Rome loveth it better then any other kingdom 9. That the said See of Rome will not in any wise see the state of the Realm of England quaile being under a special protection 10. That we much lament to hear that the Welshmen be more cruel then Saracens for the Saracens when they take christians they keep them to be redeemed for money but they say that the Welshmen by and by do kill all they take and are only delighted with blood and some time cause to be killed them whose ransom they have received 11. That whereas they were ever wont to be esteemed and to reverence God and Ecclesiastical persons they seem much to revolt from that devotion moving sedition and war and committing slaughter and burning in the holy time which is a great injury to God wherein no man can excuse them 12. We desire That as true Christians they would repent for they cannot long continue their begun discord if they had sworn it 13. We will That they signifie unto us how they will or can amend the trouble of the Kings peace and the hurt of the Common-wealth 14. That they signifie unto us How peace and concord may be established for in vain were it to form peace to be daily violated 15. If they say That their Laws or Covenants be not observed that they do signifie unto us what those be 16. That granting it That they were injured as they say which we in no wayes do know they which were Judges in the cause might so have signified to the Kings Majesty 17. That unless they will now come to peace they shall be resisted by decree and censure of the Church The Answer of Prince Lhewelyn to the above-written Articles To the most Reverend Father in Christ the Lord John by Gods grace Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England his humble and devote son Lhewelyn Prince of Wales and Lord of Snowdon sendeth Greeting With all Reverend Submission and Honour we yield our most humble and hearty thanks unto your Fatherhood for the great and grievous pains which at this present for the love of us and our Nation you have sustained and so much the more we are beholden unto you for that besides the Kings pleasure you would venture to come to us In that you request us to come to the Kings peace we would have your Holiness to know That we are most ready and willing to the same so that our Lord the King will duely and truely observe and keep towards us and ours Moreover although we would be glad of your continuance in Wales yet we hope there shall not be any delay in us but that peace which of all things we most desire and wish for may be forthwith established and rather by your travel and procurement than by any other mens so that it shall not be needful to complain unto the Pope of our wilfulness neither do we despise your Fatherhoods requests and painful travel but with all hearty reverence according to our duty do accept the the same neither yet shall it be needful for the Lord the King to use any force against us seeing we are ready to obey him in all things our Rights and Laws as aforesaid reserved And although the Kingdom of England be under the special protection of the See of Rome and with special love regarded by the same yet when the Lord the Pope with the Court of Rome shall understand of the great dammages which are done unto us by the Englishmen to wit The Articles of the peace concluded and sworn unto violated and broken the robbing and burning of Churches the murthering of Ecclesiastical persons as well religious as secular the slaughter of women great with child the children sucking at their mothers breasts the destroying of Hospitals and Houses of Religion killing the men and women professed in the Holy Places and even before
the Altars We hope that your Fatherhood and the said Court of Rome will rather with pity lament our case than with rigor of punishment augment our sorrow Neither shall the Kingdom of England be in any wise disquieted or troubled by our means as is affirmed so that we may have the peace duely kept and observed towards us and our people Who they be that are delighted with blood-shed and war is manifestly apparent by their deeds and behaviour for we would live quietly upon our own if we might be suffered but the Englishmen coming to our Countrey did put all to the sword neither sparing sex age or sickness or any thing regarding Churches or sacred Places the like whereof the Welshmen never committed That one having paid his ransom was afterwards slain we are right sorry to hear of it neither do we maintain the offender who escaping our hands keepeth himself as an Out-law in the Woods and unknown places That some began the war in a time not meet or convenient that understood not we of till now and yet they who did the same do affirm that in case they had not done as they did at that time they had been slain or taken prisoners being not in safety in their own houses and forced continually for safeguard of their lives to keep themselves in Armour and therefore to deliver themselves from that fear they took that enterprise in hand Concerning those things which we commit against God with the assistance of his grace A true Christian resolution in Lhewelyn we will as it becometh Christians repent and turn unto him neither shall the war on our part be continued so that we be saved harmless and may live as we ought but before we be disinherited or slain we must defend our selves as well as we may Of all injuries and wrongs done by us we are most willing and ready upon the due examination and trial of the trespasses and wrong committed on both sides to make satisfaction to the utmost of our power so that the like on the Kings side be performed in like manner towards us and our people and to conclude and establish a peace we are most ready But what peace can be established when as the Kings Charter so solemnly confirmed is not kept and performed Our people are daily oppressed with new exactions We send unto you also a note in writing of the wrongs injuries which are done unto us contrary to that Form of the peace before made we have put our selves in Armour being driven thereunto by necessity for we and our people were so oppressed trodden under foot spoiled and brought to slavery by the Kings Officers contrary to the Form of peace concluded against justice none otherwise then if we were Saracens or Jewes whereof we have oftentimes complained unto the King and never could get any Redress but alwayes those Officers were afterwards more fierce and cruel against us and when those Officers through their ravine and extortion were enriched other more hungry than they were sent afresh to flea those whom the other had shorn before so that the people wished rather to dye than to live in such oppression And now it shall not be needful to leavy any Army to war upon us or move the Prelates of the Church against us so that the peace may be observed duely and truly as before is expressed Neither ought your holy fatherhood to give credit to all that our adversaries do alleadge against us for even as in their deeds they have and do oppress us so in their words they will not stick to slaunder us laying to our charge what liketh them best Therefore forasmuch as they are alwayes present with you and we absent from you they oppressing we oppressed we are to desire you even for his sake from whom nothing is hid not to credit mens words but to examine their deeds Thus we bid your Holiness farewell Dated at Garth Celyn in the Feast of Saint Martin Certain Griefs sent from Lhewelyn to the Archbishop translated word by word out of the Records of the said Archbishop Where that it is contained in the Form of Peace concluded as followeth 1. If the said Lhewelyn will claim any right in any lands occupied by any other then by the Lord the King without the said 4 Cantress the said Lord the King shall do him full justice according to the Laws and Customs of those quarters or parts where the said lands do lye Which Article was not observed in the lands of Frustly and betwixt the waters of Dyni and Dulas for that when the said Lhewelyn claimed the said lands before the Lord the King at Ruthlan and the King granted him the cause to be examined according to the Laws and Customs of Wales and the Advocates of the parties were brought in and the Judges which vulgarly they called Ynnayd before the King to judge of the said lands according to the Lawes of Wales and the Defendant appeared and answered so that the same day the cause ought to have been fully determined according to the appointment of our Lord the King who at his being at Glocester had assigned the parties the said day and though the same cause was in divers places often heard and examined before the Justice and the lands were in North Wales and never judged but by the Laws of Wales neither was it lawful for the King but according to the Laws of Wales to prorogue the cause All that notwithstanding he prorogued the day of his own motion contrary to the said Laws and at the last the said Lhewelyn was called to divers places whither he ought not to have been called neither could he obtain justice nor any judgement unless it were according to the Laws of England contrary to the said Article of peace and the same was done at Montgomery when the parties were present in judgement and a day appointed to hear the Sentence they prorogued the said day contrary to the aforesaid Laws and at the last the King himself at London denied him justice unless he would be judged according to the English Laws in the said matter 2. All Injuries Trespasses and Faults on either part done be clearly remitted unto this present day This Article was not kept for that as soon as the Lord Reginald Grey was made Justice he moved divers and innumerable accusations against the men of Tegengl and Ros for trespasses done in the time of King Henry when they bare rule in those parts whereby the said men dare not for fear keep their own houses 3. Whereas it was agreed That Rees Vachan ap Rees ap Maelgon shall enjoy his possessions with all the land which he now holdeth c. After the peace concluded he was spoiled of his lands in Geneurglyn which he then held with the men and cattel of the same 4. Also our Lord the King granteth That all Tenants holding lands in the 4 Cantrefs or in other places which the King holdeth in
ordained that the lands so conquered should be holden of the Crown of England in Capite and upon this and such like occasions divers of the nobility of England having lands upon the said borders of Wales made roads and incursions upon the Welsh whereby divers parts of that Country neer or towards the said borders were won by the sword from the Welshmen and were planted partly with English Collonies and the said lands so conquered were holden per Baroniam Another policy and were called therefore Baronies Marchers In such manner did Robert Fitz Hamon acquire unto himself and such others as assisted him the whole Lordship of Glamorgan using in some resemblance the Roman Policy to enlarge Territories by stepping in between two Competitors and by helping the one he subdued the other and afterward turning his sword against him whom he had assisted making this the pretence of his quarrel alledged that he whom he had assisted had denyed to make unto him sufficient recompence for his sustained travels and so made himsel absolute owner of all Likewise Bernard Newmarsh conquered the Lordship of Brecknock containing three cantreds and established his conquest by a marriage in the Welsh blood The Original of the Baronies Marchers but she proved a blemish to her country Hugh Lacy conquered the lands of Ewyas called after his name Ewyas Lacy and others did the like in other places of the borders all which were Baronies Marchers and were holden by such the conquerours thereof in capite of the Crown of England and because they and their posterity might the better keep the said lands so acquired Sr. J. Dod. fol. 38. 13 Fitzh Jur. 23 47 Ed. 1. 5 6 7 6 H. 5. Fitzh Juris 34 7 H. 6. 35. 36. 30. b 6. 6. b and that they might not be withdrawn by sutes of law from the defence of that which they had thus subdued the said Lordships and Lands so conquered were ordained Baronies Marchers and had a kind of palatine Jurisdiction erected in every of them and power to administer Justice unto their Tennants in every of their territories having therein courts with divers priviledges franchises and immunities so that the writs of Ordinary Justice out of the Kings Court were for the most part not currant amongst them Nevertheless if the whole Barony had come in question or that the strife had been between two Baron Marchers touching their Territories or Confines thereof for want of a superiour they had recourse unto the King their supreme Lord and in these and such like cases where their own jurisdiction failed justice was administred unto them in the superiour Courts of this Realme And this was the state of the Government of the Marches of Wales both before and after the general conquest thereof made by K. Edw. I. untill the 27 year of K. Henry VIII And as touching the first councel established in the Marches of Wales it is conceived by the best and most probable opinions amongst Antiquaries that the same began in or about 17o. Edw. IV. when as prince Edward his son was sent into the Marches of Wales under the tuition of the L. Rivers his Unckle by the mothers side at what time also John Bishop of Worcester was appointed L. president of Wales Prince Arthur the son of K. Henry VII in the 17. of his reign went into VVales at what time Dr. VVill. Smith after Bishop of Lincolne and there buried was then president of the Councell of the Marches he founded Brasonnose Colledge in Oxford and bore for his arms arg a fess dancette inter gules This man was also president in the time of King Henry VIII untill the fourth year of the reign of the said King At what time Geffry Blyth Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield succeeded in the Office of president in the said Councel There succeeded him in the office of president of the councel of the Marches of VVales Rowland Lee Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and this was the state and government of the principality of VVales 27o. H. 8. The said King by a Statute made 27o. regni Wales annexed to England the English laws brought into Wales united and annexed the principality and Dominion of VVales unto the Realme of England altering in many parts the former Jurisdiction and Government thereof bringing the same to the like administration of Justice as was and yet is usual in England apponting that the lawes of England should take place there and that all Welsh law Welsh lawes abrogated sinister customes and tenures not agreeable to the Lawes of England should be thenceforth abrogated and abolished Of which union and Annexion First for that thereof hath ensued great peace tranquility and infinite good to the inhabitants of that country of Wales Secondly because in some respect it may serve as a project and president in some other union and annexion of as much of more consequence and importance Peradventure the annexion of Scotland was meant And thirdly because the said union doth contain an expresse Image of the politique Government of this Realme of England I have presumed with convenient brevity upon this good occasion here in this place to expresse the same Therefore whereas in former time there had been in Wales anciently 8 several Shires or Counties Judge Dod. fol 40. Statutum de 24. b. 8. cap. 26 besides the county of Monmoth which was the ninth and that some other Territories in Wales were then no Shire Grounds by reason whereof the Lawes of England could have no currant passage therein For all the ordinary Ministers and Executioners of the processe of the Lawes of England or which have Viscountile Jurisdiction are the Officers of particular Shires as the Sheriffs the Coroners the Escheaters and such like Therefore by the said Act of Parliament there were erected in Wales 4 other new ordained shires of the lands not formerly so divided namely the several shires of Radnor Brecknock Montgomery and Denbigh so that now the shires are 13. viz. 1 Radnor shire 2 Brecknock shire 3 Monmoth shire 4 Glamorgan shire 5 Carmarthyn shire 6 Pembrock shire 7 Cardigan shire 8 Montgomery shire 9 Merionith shire 10 Caernarvon shire 11 Denbigh shire 12 Flint shire 13 Anglesey shire And these four last also with the former antient Shires together are by that Act of Parliament and by Statute of 38. H. 8. subdivided into Cantreds The Marches divided betwixt the Welsh and English Shires and all the March ground being then neither any part of Wales although formerly conquered out of Wales neither any part of the Shires of Engl. The said King by the said Act of Parliament did annex unite partly unto the said Shires of Engl. partly unto the Shires of Wales next adjoyning as was thought then by reason of vicinity of place other correspondency most convenient as by the said Act of Parliament appeareth which the said King was the rather occasioned to do for most of
Kings bench And if the said erroneous judgment shall be in any Action personal the same shall be reversed by bill before the Lord president of the Marches and councel there Officers Ministers Clerks and Writers for the expediting of the said great Sessions First there are the Chamberlains of every the said circuits as hath been said who are properly and Originally the Treasurers of the Revenue within their charge and by the said Statutes are also Keepers of the seals as aforesaid therein they do undertake in part the Office of a Chancellour And in every of the said circuits there is the Atturney or Regius Advocatia and Sollicitor There is a Protonotary or chief Register who draweth all the pleadings Protonotary Clâ—rk of the Crown entereth and engrosseth the Records and Judgments in civil causes and ingrossing Fines And there is also a Clerk of the Crown which draweth and ingrosseth all inditements and proceedings arraignments and judgments in criminal causes and these two Officers are at the King or States appointment There is a Marshal to attend the persons of the Judges at their common sitting and going from the Sessions or Court There is a Marshal There is a Cryer Tanquam publicus preco to call forth such persons whose apparences are necessary and to impose silence to the people And these two Officers last remembred are deposed by the Justices And thus much touching the Justices of the great Sessions There are also other ordinary Officers appointed for every Shire in Wales by the said Statute 34. Henry 8. such and in like manner as in other the Shires in England There is a commission under the great Seal of England to certain Gentlemen What a Justice of peace giving them power to preserve the peace and resist and punish all turbulent persons whose misdemeanour may tend to the disquiet of the people and these are called Justices of peace and every of them may well be termed Eirnarcha the chief of them is called Custos Rotulorum in whose custody all the Records of their proceedings are resident Others there are of that number called Justices of the peace and Quorum because of their Commissions whereby they have power to sit and determine causes concerning breach of peace and misbehaviour the words of the Commission are conceived thus Quorum such and such Vnum vel duos c. Esse volumus and without some one or more of them of the Quorum no Sessions can be holden and for the avoiding of the superfluous number of such Justices 8. Justices onely allowed in every County of Wales for through the ambition of many it is accounted a credit to be burthened with that Authority The Satute of 34 Hen. 8. hath expresly prohibited that there shall be above eight Justices of Peace within every of the Counties and Shires of Wales which if the number were not indefinite for the Shires in England it were the better These Justices do hold their Sessions quarterly And it is further ordained by the Statute of 34 Hen 8. that two Justices of peace whereof one to be of the Quorum may hold their Sessions without any greater number In every of the said Shires where the said Commission of peace is established There is also a Clerk of the peace for the entring and engrossing of all proceedings before the said Justices and this Officer is appointed by the Custos Rotulorum Sr. John Dod fol. 49. Every of the said Shires hath a Sheriff which word being of the Saxon English is as much as to say a Shire-Reeve or Minister or Bailiff of the County his Function or Office is twofold Ministerial and Judicial As touching his Ministerial Office he is the Minister and Executioner of all the Process and Precepts of the Courts of Law and thereof ought to make return and certificate Why the Tourne Court so called and as touching the Judicial Office he hath Authority to hold two several Courts of distinct natures the one called the Tourne because he keepeth a Tourne or Circuit about the Shire holding the same in several places wherein he doth enquire of all offences perpetrated against the common Law and not forbidden by any Statute or Act of Parliament The County Court derived from Justice Communicative And the Jurisdiction of this Court is derived from justice distributive and is for criminal offences The other is called the County Court where he doth determine all petty and small causes civil under the value of 40 s. arising within the said County and thereof it is called the County Court And the Jurisdiction of this Court is drawn from Justice Communicative and is held every Moneth The Office of the Sheriff is annual by the Statute of 34 Hen. 8. it is ordained that the Lord President Councel and Justices of Wales or three of them at the least whereof the President to be one shall yearly nominate three fit persons for that Office of whom the King or State may elect one who thereupon shall have his Patent and be Sheriff of the said Shire Escheator why so called Every of the said Shires hath an Officer called an Escheator which is an Officer to attend the Kings Revenue and to seize into his hands all lands either Escheated goods or lands forfeited therefore he is called Escheator and he is to enquire by good enquest of the death of the Kings Tenants and to whom the lands are descended and to seize the bodies and lands for Ward if they be within age and is accountable for the same And this Officer in Wales is nominated Escheator 34 Hen. 8. cap. 16. by the Lord Treasurer of England by the advice of the Lord President Councel and Justices or three of them at least whereof the Lord President to be one There are also in every of the said Shires two Officers called Coroners they are to enquire by enquest in what manner and by whom every person dying a violent death came to his death and to enter the same of Record which is matter criminal and a plea of the Crown Coroners why so called and thereof they are called Coroners or Crowners as one hath written because their enquiries ought to be publick Et in Corona Populi These Officers are are chosen by the Free-holders of the Shire by vertue of a Writ out of the Chancery De Coronatore Eligendo And of them I need not speak more because these Officers are elsewhere The Goal Forasmuch as every Shire hath one Goal or Prison appointed for the restraint of liberty of such persons as for their offences are thereunto committed until they shall be delivered by course of Law Finally in every hundred of every of the said Shires the Sheriffs thereof shall nominate sufficient persons to be Bailiffs of that hundred and under Ministers of the Sheriff and they are to attend upon the Justices in every of their Courts and Sessions The Government of the Marches of Wales