is Prage which was taken by the Imperialists in this last quarrell the King and Queene being at that time in the Church celebrating Gods service were forced suddenly to flye for their safetie into Silesia 31 Silesia Eastward from part of Bohemia two hundred mile long and eightie one broad a fruitfull Countrey the people valiant Her principall Cities are Breselare and Neisse 32 Moravia on the East of Bohemia and South of Silesia Her chiefe Cities are Almusium Olmutz and Brin 33 Pomerania It is bounded on the East with Istula on the North with the Baltick Ocean Her Metropolis is Stetin Others chiefe are Wolgast Wallin c. On the West of this Region stands 34 Mecklinburg or Megalopolis a place Provinciall of it selfe and hath Townes of note Malchawe Rostock c. 22 35 Austria an Arch-Dukedome it lieth upon Hungarie and is esteemed by the Germans the Easterne bound of the Empire It was formerly called Pannonia superior It is a rich Countrey Her chiefe Cities are Vienna famous for beauty wealth and learning Emps Sr. Leopald c. There are reckoned to this Region the Provinces of Styria Carinthia Carinola and by some Tirolum The Description of the Kingdom of Bohemia IN our Description of Germany we reckoned Bohemia but as a Province among the rest and therefore she was mentioned there with no more solemnitie then the other parts were We purpose here to declare it an intire Kingdome of it selfe which besides her own compasse as she is most commonly limited by Geographers hath under-subjects Dukedomes and Marquisates such as doe her homage and make her well worthy of a particular Historie then we had before roome for 2 The ancient Inhabitant of these parts was the Bemorum magna gens as Ptolemie cals it and placeth it somewhat South toward Danubius undâ—r Suna sylva After them the Boii a people of Gallia Lugdunensis which had been before conquered by Caesar saith Quadus and packt over the Alpes to seek them a new seat in Italy But when they found the Romanes too hotte for their abode there they were forced to trudge farther and to passe the River Rhene into Germany as Strabo witnesseth where they found them a fit place to lurk in compassed with a large Wood called the Sylva Hercinia and like enough they joyned in with the Bemi to make up the name of Bohemia But neither here did they enjoy their peace long for they were in time nessled out by a potent people of Swevia called Marcomanni and they again had the like measure from the Slavonians a barbarous crue which came in upon them under the conduct of an exiled murderer of Croatia one Zechius about the yeare five hundred and fiftie 3 From that time there hath beene no generall expulsionâ— but the present Bohemians are the progeny of those Sclavonians whose very language and customes are in use among them at this day Doubtlesse it was at first a rude Common-wealth that had no other Governours but so ungoverned a multitude for so they continued above an hundred years after Zechius But when they had for a time endured the misery of such a confusion they were content to agree upon some one for their Prince that might rule them and the first which they elected was Crocus a man of great esteeme among them for his wisdome and goodnesse 4 Till the time of Vratislaus it had the title of a Dukedome onely He was the first King and was created by Henry the fourth of Germany anno one thousand eighty sixe Yet after that againe for the succession of sixe Princes it was governed by Dukes For the second King was Vladislaus the third crowned by Fredericke the Emperour in the yeare one thousand one hundred fiftie nine and the third Primaslaus Crowned by the Emperour Philip one thousand one hundred ninetie nine after sixe other Dukes from his Predecessor Vladislaus the third It hath beene now long since fully settled into a Kingdome and is the title of the right Noble Frederike Count Elector Palatine of the Rhene and husband to the illustrious Elizabeth Daughter to our late Soveraigne King IAMES They were both Crowned at Prague in the yeare one thousand sixe hundred and nineteene but have beene enforced ever since to maintaine their right by continuall warres against Ferdinand the second who by vertue of an adoption which declared him successor to Matthias layes claime to the Crowne of Bohemia But the case was before decided in their third Vladislaus who though as deeply interessed to the Kingdome as Ferdinand could be yet for that he had past no legall election according to their Customes and Priviledges he was deposed by the States and Vldarilaus chose in his roome 5 There remains no great difficultie concerning the name It appeares sufficiently to proceed either from her first people or first Prince who as some report was one Boemus And t is worth observing that though this Land hath in sundry ages beene so often ransackt and possest by strangers and Tyrants yet in her name she constantly preserves the memorie onely of her first Natives and hath not suffered that change as we have done from Albion to Britaine from Britaine to England And so indeed it is with almost all which have beene equally subject to the like Invasions 6 The scituation of this Kingdome is almost in the middest of Germany and is easily descried in our common Maps by the Hircinian Forrest held in the Romans time to be nine dayes journey in bredth and in length at least forty So Caesar in his sixth Com It closeth Bohemia on every side insomuch that to shew they are not unlike an Amphitheater it is Maginus his comparison The severall parts of this Wood are knowne by divers names which they take from the Countrey adjacent The portion North West is by Strabo called Gabreta Sylva that South toward Danubius Luna Sylva by Ptolemy non Sylva Passarica and so the rest Without this wall of Bohemia as Quadus calls it her limits are on the West Franconia on the North Lusatia and Misnia on the South Bavaria and Austria on the East Moravia and Sileâ—ia The figure of it is in a manner circular and the diameter is esteemed three dayes journey to a quick travailour The circuit containes five hundred and fiftie miles of good ground fertile and pleasant enricht as well by her Rivers as Land Commodities 7 Her principall are 1 Albis Elve which hath his rising in the Hercinian Wood and the name from eleven Fountaines which meet in one at the head of the River For Elve or Elbe in the Germane tongue signifies eleven It runs through a great part of the Countrey and by the chiefe Citie Prague and at last vents it selfe into the German Ocean Of this Lucan thus Fundat ab extremo flavâ—s Aquilone Suevos Albis indomitum Rheni caput 2 Multaria Mulda 3 Egra which gives a name to a Town 4 Sassava 5 Gisera 6 Missa And 7 Vatto They are received
of the Christian King of France his eldest son the Dolphin of France by their Salique Law no woman or heirs may inherit how justly I may not determine But yet the English have good reason to examine the Equitie For it cost our Edward the Third his Crowne of France to which he was heire in generall by marriage of a Daughter But the truth is we have beene ever easie to part with our hold there or at least forced to forgoe it by our civill dissentions at home else after all those glorious Victories of our Predecessors we might have had some power more to shew there as well as title FRANCE revised and augmented the attires of the French and situations of their cheifest cityes obserued by Iohn Speede. Are to be sould in Pops head alley by Geoâ—Humble Ano. 1626 THE SCALE OF MILLES 12 Aquitania lyeth on the West of France close upon the Pyrenaean Mountaines and Contunies 1 Another part of Biscay mentioned in the Mappe of Spaine and indeed differeth from that but very little 2 Gascoigne and Guien The first to this day keeps its name with a very little change from the Spanish Vascones The chiefe City is Burdigala or Burdeaux a Parliamentary and Archiepiscopall seat and Vniversitie of good esteeme was honoured with the birth of our Richard the second Another Citie of note is Tholouse a seate Parliamentarie and supposed to be as ancient as the Rule of Deborah in Israel This Gascoigne containes in the Earledomâ—s of Forie Comminges Armeniaci and the Dutch Albert. 3 Pictaria Poictu on the North of Guien a pleasant Region and a plentifull It containes three Bishopricks Poitiers Lucon and Mailazai Her chiefe Cities are Poictiers an ancient and the largest next Paris in all France Castrum Heraldi once the title of the Scotch Earles of Hamildon In this Province was fought the great Battel betwixt our Black Prince and Iohn of France where with eight thousand he vanquished fortie thousand tooke the King Prisoner and his sonne Philip 70. Earles 50. Barons and 12000. Gentlemen 4 Sonictonia severed from Poictiers but by the River Canentell and so differs but little from her fertility Her Metropolis Saints Her other chiefe Bourg Blay Marennes Saint Iohn D'angely and Anglosme Betwixt this Country Poictiers stands Rochell a place the best fortified both by nature and art of any in Europe And is at this time possest by those of the Reformed Religion where they stand upon their guard and defend their freedome of conscience against the Roman Catholikes of France 5 Limosin in limo sita saith some Maginus takes it from Liwoges her chiefe Citie toward the North which revolted was recovered by our Black Prince Her other Towns of note are Tulles and Vxerca and Chaluz where our Richard the first was shot It hath beene by turnes possest by French and English till Charles the Seventh Since we have had little hold there 6 Berry regio Biturigum from her chiefe City Bituris now Burges an Archiepiscopall See and Vniversitie It is exceedingly stored with sheepe and sufficiently well with other Merchandize of value 7 Burbone from her chiefe City Burbone heretofore Boya a Dukedome and much frequented by Princes and the Nobility of France by reason of her healthfull ayre and commodious Baths 8 Tureine the Garden of France Her chiefe Cities Bloys Amboys Trurs and a little higher upon the Loyre stand Orleance 13 Lugdunensis or Celtica lyeth betwixt the Rivers Loyre and Seyne and takes the name from Lugdunum or Lions her chiefe Citie This Province comprehends 1 Britany heretofore Armorica till subdued by Maximinus King of England about the yeare 367. since it hath had the name of Britany and for distinction from this of ours it is commonly styled Minor Britannia There is yet remaining a smatch of the Welsh tongue which it seemes the Invaders had so great a desire to settle in those parts as a trophie of their Conquests that when they first mingled in marriage with the Inhabitants they cut out their wives tongues as many as were Natives that no sound of French might be heard among their Children It hath few Rivers but that defect is in some measure made up by their neighbourhood of the Sea in so much that the Countrey is reckoned one of the most fertile in all France for Corne Wine and Wood. It breeds good Horses and speciall Dogges Iron Leade c. Her chiefe Cities are Nants Rhenes St. Brenie and Rohan It is divided into Britanniam inferiorem the base or lower Britanie Westward neerest England and Superiorem toward the Loyre Eastward Her chiefe ports are St. Malo and Breste 2 Normandie a part of the Region which was heretofore called Newstria and took the name it hath from the Norwegians Their first Duke was Rollo and the sixt from him our William the Conquerour It was lost from his Successors in the time of King Iohn Her chiefe Cities are Rhothomagus or Rhoan the Metropolis Constance and Cane memorable for the siege of our English H. the fift And Verveile besieged by Philip the second of France in the time of our Richard the first which when the King heard as he sate in his Palace at Westminster it is said he sware he would never turne his back to France till he had his revenge and to make good his oath brake through the wals and justly performed his threat upon the besiâ—ger Her principall parts are Harflew the first which King Henry the fift of England assaulted and New Haven given up by the Prince of Conde to Queene Elizabeth as a Pledge for such Forces as she would supply him with to maintaine Warres with the King in defence of Religion And Deepe c. 3 Anjoue regio Andegavensis a fertile Countrey and yeelds the best Wine of France excellent Marble and other faire stone for buildings Her chiefe Citie is Anjers which Ortelius takes to be Ptolemy's Iuliomagum It is now an Vniversitie To this Dukedome there are foure Earledomes which owe a kind of homage Manie Vandosme Beufort and Laval 4 Francia which gives name to the whole Kingdome and received it her selfe from the Germane Francones which before inhabited the great Forrest called Sylva Hircynia Her chief City and the glory of France is Paris or Lutetia auasi in luâ—o sita in compasse twelve miles is reckoned the first Academie of Euâ—rope consists of fiftie-five Colledges And here was Henry the sixt Crowned King of France and England In this Province stands St. Vincents where Henry the fift died and Sâ—isons and the Dukedome of Valoys c. 5 Campaigne and Brye partners in the title of Earledome it is severed from Picardie onely with the River A fertile Countrey and hath many eminent Cities The principall is Rheimes where the Kings most commonly are Crowned and annointed with an Oyle sent they say from Heaven which as oft as it hath beene used never decreaseth It is the Seat of an Arch-bishop and Vniversitie of â—ote especially with our
Worke more of worth The Palme wherein rare vertues be And for a Conquest crownes a King The Olive and the Cader Tree Faire fat and fruitfull these I bring In Egypt Syria and the Land Of Promise nam'd by holiest High I could not see nor understand For vertue any Trees come nigh As these worth praise are profitable They being of the worthiest kindes So in best sense hath Speed been able To please worth praise the worthiest Mindes In short to give him then his due This Art his better never knew IO SANDERSON THE CONTENTS OF THE CHOROGRAPHICALL PART THE FIRST BOOKE DESCRIBING THE WHOLE KINGDOME in generall with those Shires Cities and Shire-townes which are properly accounted for ENGLISH Countries and Counties Fol. BArk-shire 27 Bedford-shire 41 Buckingham-shire 43 Cambridge-shire 37 Chesse-shire 73 Cornewall 21 Cumberland 87 Darby-shire 67 Devon-shire 19 Dorcester-shire 17 Durham-Bishopricke 83 Englands Generall 5 Essex 31 Glocester-shire 47 Great Britaine 1 Hant-shire 13 Hertford-shire 39 Hereford-shire 49 Huntington-shire 57 Ilands 93 Kent 7 Lanca-shire 75 Leicester 61 Lincolne-shire 63 Man Island 91 Middlesex 29 Mounmouth-shire 107 Northampton-shire 55 Norfolke 35 North and East Ridings 81 Northumberland 89 Nottingham-shire 65 Oxford-shire 45 Rutland-shire 59 Saxons Heptarchie 3 Shrop-shire 71 Somerset-shire 23 Stafford-shire 69 Suffolke 33 Surrey 11 Sussex 9 Warwicke-shire 53 Westmorland 85 West-Riding 79 Wight Island 15 Wilt-shire 25 Worcester-shire 51 Yorkeshire 77 THE SECOND BOOK Containing the Counties of VVales Countries and Counties Fol. ANglesey Iland 125 Brecknock-shire 109 Caermarden-shire 103 Caernarvon-shire 123 Cardigan-shire 113 Denbigh-shire 119 Flint-shire 121 Glamorgan-shire 105 Merioneth-shire 117 Mountgomery-shire 115 Penbroke-shire 101 Radnor-shire 111 Wales Generall 99 THE THIRD BOOK Scotlands Kingdome in one Generall 131 THE FOVRTH BOOK Containing the Kingdome of Ireland Countries and Counties Fol. IReland Generall 137 Mounster 139 Leinster 141 Conaugh 143 Vlster 145 A Briefe Description of the Civill Warres and Battailes fought in England Wales and Ireland IN this platform here are contained Gentle Reader the severall Battailes fought by Sea and Land at severall times and in severall places of England and Ireland and the parts adjoyning within these five hundred yeares last past Descriptions of pictures after the manner of fight as the plot would give roome I have placed and in the margent by numbers marked observed the time yeare and event of every Battaile Which being undertaken in satisfaction of the honourable desire of certaine Martiall and Noble minded Gentlemen professours of Armes and followers of Fame desirous to see the passed proceedings of their owne professions dealt liberally with me to draw the plot and were most diligent themselves in giving directions to set downe the places persons and the issue of every Battaile fought either by Sea or Land in England Wales and Ireland And being finished in a farre larger platforme with the liking of the motioners and good acceptance of her that then was the mirrour of her sex and the maiden Martialist of the then knowne world the glorious and ever-living Queene ELIZABETH to whose sacred censure it was commended and dedicated I intended there to have staid it from further sight or publication Since indeed the silence of Englands civill warres better befitted Englands subjects they being the markes of her infamies and staynes to be washed away rather with repentance then any way revived by too often remembrance But these defects I saw could not be so smothered as to be quite forgot therefore I thought fit at least to make up her honour with our other proceedings in forraine parts and insinuate my penne into some little better applause by tracing the victories of the English as farre as the Sunne spreadeth his beames or the girdle of the earth doth any wise incircle it Not to mention then the fictions of Monmouth that makes our Authour another Caesar in his conquests nor Polydors proofes for Ethelstans title unto Scotland by the cut of his sword an ell deepe into a Marble stone things rather Poeticall then substantiall by truths testimonie In Syria the Long-shankes for the recovery of the holy Crosse made his sword drunke with bloud And before him the Ceur-de-Lion upon the same intent subdued Cyprus forced Cursat the King thereof into fetters of silver and gold assumed the Iland to himselfe whose title he intended to have changed for that of Ierusalem unto whom Guido the King thereof with Geffrey de Lenizant his brother and Raimund Prince of Antioch with Boâ—mound his sonne sware fealtie to be true and loyall subjects unto King Richard France felt the heavie hands of Edward and Henry our English Kings when the one of them at Poictiers tooke prisoners Iohn King of France and Philip surnamed the hardy his sonne And the other at Azincourt in a bloody battaile tooke and slew foure thousand Princes Nobles Knights and Esquiers even all the flowre of France as their owne Writers have declared And at Paris the Crowne of France was set upon Henry 6. his head homage done unto him by the French that Kingdome made subject and their Flower-de-Luces quartered with our Lions of England Scotland like wise felt the fury of Henry 2. when their King William was taken prisoner in the field And to omit the Bailiolls that made themselves subjects to England At Novils-Crosse David King of Scotland was taken in battaile by the English Queene Philip wife to King Edward the third being present in field and both the Kings of France and Scotland at one time retained prisoners in London till their liberty was obtained by ransome Nor was Spaine free from Englands power when that Thunderbolt of warre our blacke Prince re-established Peter their King upon his Throne at Burgus to say nothing of the ruines Spaine suffered at Cadez by the English led by Essex in revenge of their unvincible vincible Navy in truth the seale of their truth-lesse cowardize unto this day And not onely the Garter which King Richard the first tyed about the legs of his Souldiers remaines still the Royall bound of Englands Combinators but the Round Table of sixe hundred foote circumference erected at Windsor by King Edward the third with the allowance of an hundred pounds by weeke for the diet of his Martialists may like wise witnesse Where the Worthy admitted by conference and continuall practise got such experience in military affaires that that which was â—aid of the Gadites might have beene said of them They were all valiant men of warre apt for Battaile and could handle speare and shield their faces were the faces of Lions and were like the Roes in the mountaines for swiftnesse In whose imitation Philip de Valoys the French King erected in Paris the like though his Knights proved not in courage like unto Edwards And from this Academy of Military professors commenced such Masters of Military discipline as Maximilian the Roman Emperour held it such honour to be incorporated into their Societies as himselfe became the King of ENGLANDS professed Souldier wore the
Northampton endammaged and the Countrey adjoyning spoyled through the civil dissention of the three brethren William Robert and Henry sons to the Conq. H. 1. An. 7. 1106. 8 Powes land invaded by King Henry 1. and resisted so by the Welch being strooke with an arrow on the breast that it had almost cost him his life An. reg 21. 1121. 9 At Cardigan a sore battell was fought in Octob. 1136. whereinmany thousands were slaine and men by women led away captives reg Steph. 1. 10 Bristow taken by Robert Earle of Glocester in the defence of his sister Maud the Empresse against K. Stephen reg 3. 1138. 11 David K. of Scots invading Northumberland made his spoyle as far as Alverton in Yorkeshire where being encountred by Thurstan Archbishop of Yorke William Earle of Albemarle Wa. Espeke Wil. Peverel and the two Lacies Aug. 22. was with his sonne Henry put to flight and ten thousand Scots slain 1139. Sep. 4. 12 Nottingham taken and burned by Rob. bastard Earle of Glocester in defence of his sister Maud the Empresse 1140. Steph. 5. 13 At Lincolne by Ranulph Earle of Chester and Rob. Earle of Glocester K. Stephen was taken prisoner had to Glocest. thence to Bristow and there laid in irons Feb. 2. 1141. reg 5. 14 From Winchester Maud the Empresse her Armies both of Scots and English dispersed overcome fled to Lutegarshall to Vies and thence to Glocester laid in a horse-litter fained to be her dead corps and her brother Rob. taken prisoner reg Step. 6. 1141. 15 From Oxford Maud the Empresse with five persons â—â—e apparelled in white sheets to deceive the Kings Scout-watch fled through the snow and so escaped that besieged Town An. 1142. Steph. 7. 16 At Edmundsbury Robert Earle of Leicester with Petronill his Countesse were taken prisoners and 20000. taken and slain by Richard Lucie L. chiefe Iustice and Humfrey dâ— Bohun high Constable of England Octob. 17. 1173. H. 2.19 17 At Aluwick W. King of Scots was taken prisoner by Rob. Scotvile Randulph Mandevile Barnard Bailiol W. Vescy Capt his army containing 80000. fighting men Iuly 7. 1174. he was sent to London and by K. Henry carried into Normandy imprisoned at Roan and ransomed at 4000. pounds 18 At Lincolne all the English Barons with 400. Knights that took part with Lewes were overthrown and taken May 19. 1217. and first of H. 3. 19 At Montgomery Llewellen Prince of Wales through the practise of a traiterous Monk overcame and slew many of the Kings power An. 1231. reg H. 3.15 20 At Chesterfield a conflict was done wherein Robert Ferrers Earle of Darby was taken and many slain An. H. 3.41 1256. 21 Northampton surprised by King Henry 3. agâ—inst his rebellious Barons April 4 1263. reg 48. 22 At Lewes May 12. 1264. King H. 3. by his unfaithfull Barons with his brother Richard King of Alman and his son Prince Edward were taken prisoners There were slain about 4500. by Simon Montfort Gil. Clare Earlâ— of Leicest Glocest. reg H. 3.48 23 At Evesham the 5. of Aug. 1265. a sore battell was fought wherein K. H. 3. prevailed against the Barons through their owne dissentions and most of them slain as Sim. Monfort Earl of Leicest and 17. Lords and Knights besides Humfrey Bohun and with him tenne men of great account taken prisoners and slaughter of all the Welch-men An. reg 48. 24 Berwick won and 25000. Scottish slain An. E. 1.24 1296. 25 At Bluith Leolin the last Prince that bare rule of the Britains coming from Snowdown by Rog. Strangb was slaine and his head crowned with Ivie set upon the Tower of London Edward 1.10 An. 1282. 26 At Mitton 3000. Yorkeshire men were slaine encountring with the Scots invading their Countrey called the white battell for that it consisted most of Clergieâ—men An. 1318. reg E. 2.12 27 Vnto Preston in Andernesse Rob. Bruse King of Scots invaded England burned the same Towne and haried the Countrey before him reg E. 2.14 An. 1322. 28 Borrowbridge battell fought betwixt E. 2. and his Barons Mar. 16. 1322. under the leading of Andr. Hercley Earle of Carlile where Tho. Earle of Lanc. was taken and with him 65. Lords and Knights Hum. Bohun being thrust into the fundament through a bridge was slaine An. reg 14. 29 At Blackamore the Scots following the English army took prisoners the Earle of Richm. and the French Ambassadour the King himselfe hardly escaped An. reg E. 2.15 1323. 30 At Glamorgan K. E. 2. by his unnaturall and cruell wife was taken November 16. 1326. and conveyed to Monmouth to Ledbery to Kenilworth to Corffe to Bristow thence to Barkley Castle and there lamentably murdered Septem 21. 31 At Stannop park the Scots intrenched themselves and against the English made rimes of disgrace as followeth An. Edw. 3.2 1328. Long beards heartlesse painted hoods witlesse Gay coates gracelesse make England thriftlesse 32 At Halidow-hill a great battell fought against the Scots wherein were slaine 8. Earles 1300. horse-men and common souldiers 35000. and their chiefe Champion Turnbul overcome by Rob. Venall Knight of Norfolke An. E. 3.7 1333. 33 Southampton sackt by Genoway Pirates under the leading of the King of Sicils son yet the Townes-men slâ—w 300. of them and their Captaine brained by a husbandmans club An. 1338. E. 3.12 34 Carleil Penreth and many Towns else burnt by the Scots under Wil. Dowglas yet lastly are overcome by the manhood and policy of Tho. Lucy Rob. Ogle the B. of that sea An. reg E. 3.19 1345. 35 At Nevils Crosse David Bruse King of Scots invading England with 60000. souldiers was taken prisoner by Io. Copland Esquire and conveyed to London with many of his Nobility besides many noble men slain in the field under the leading of Wil. Yong. Archb. of Yorke vicegerent the Lords Mowbray Percie and Nevill Q. Phillip in her owne person present encouraging her people to fight reg E. 3.20 1346. 36 The insurrection of the commons under the leading of Iack Straw Wat. Tiler and others after many rebellious acts done in Kent and Essex from Black-â—eath Mile-end and Smith-field were dispersed where the said Wat. Tiler was worthily slain by Wil. Walworth Maior of Lond. on Saturday Iun. 15. reg Rich. 2.4 An. 1381. 37 At North-Walsham the rebellious commons by the instigation of Io. Wraw who had gathered 50000. in Suffolke and under the leading of Iohn Litisar of Norwich Dyer calling himselfe King of the Commons were by Henry Spencer Bishop of that City overcome and their rusticall King drawn hanged and beheaded who had by violence carried with him the Lord Seales the Lord Morley Stephen Hales and Robert Sale Knights to serve at his Table and take his assayes Rich. 2.4 1381. 38 Neare Hatfield the rebellious commons of Essex were overcome and 500. of them slaine by Thomas Woodstock Duke of Glocest. An. 1382. Ric. 2.5 39 At Radcot-Bridge Tho. Duke of Glocester the Earls of Arundel Warwick Darby and Nottingham encountring
City famous before that time by the conversion of these Saxons unto Christianity and in building a most magnificent Church to Gods service wherein eight of their Kings have been interred but all their Monuments since overshadowed by the height of Beckets Tombe that for glory wealth and superstitious worships equalized the Pyramides of Egypt or the Oracles of Delphos yet now with Dagon is fallen before the Arke of God This City hath been honoured with the presence and Coronations of King Iohn and Queen Isabel his wife with the mariages of King Henry third and of King Edward the first and with the interments of Edward the Black Prince King Henry the fourth and of Queen Ioan his wife as Feversham is with the burials of King Stephen and of Maud his Queen and wife But as in glory so in adversity hath this City born a part being divers times afflicted by the Danes but most especially in the dayes of King Ethelred who in that revenge of their massacre made havock of all and herein slew forty three thousand and two hundred persons the tenth besides reserved to live Afterward it recovered breath and beauty by the liberality of Bishop Langford Charters and Priviledges by King Henry the third strength in trench and Fortifications from King Richard the second and lastly wals for her defence by Simon Sudbury Archbishop of that See whose Graduation is placed for Latitude 51.25 and parallelized for Longitude 22.8 her sister Rochester differing not much in either degree 9 Which City as Beda saith was built by one Rof Lord of the same though some ascribe the foundation of the Castle to Iulius Caesar and hath been often ruinated by the injuries of warre both in the times when the Saxons strove for superiority among themselves wherein this City was laid waste Anno 680. as also in the assaults of their common â—nemy the Danes who about the yeare 884. from France sailed up the River Medway and besieged the same so that had not King Elfred speedily come to the rescue it had been overthrown by those Pagans And again in Anno 999. the Danes miserably spoiled this City in the time of King Ethelred neither hath it stood safe from danger since though not defaced so much by war for twice hath it been sore endamaged by chance of fire the first was in the reigne of King Henry the first An. 1130. himself being present with most of his Nobility for the consecration of the Cathedrall Church of S. Andrew And again almost wholly consumed about the latter end of the Reign of King Henry the second Anno 1177. Yet after all these calamities it recovered some strength again by the bounty of King Henry the third both in buildings and in ditching her about for defence 10 Civill broyles and dissentions hath this Countie been burdened with and that not only under the Saxons and Danes whose desolations were many and grievous but also by other rebellions since the Normans Conquest both in those infamous insurrections called The Barons Warres in the reigne of King Henry the third wherein much harme was done as also under King Richard the second when Wat Tilar Captaine of a dreadfull commotion assembled at Black-heath Mile-end and in London doing many outrages where in Smithfield he was lastly struck down by William Walworth then Major of the City and worthily slaine for his notorious treasons Again upon Black-heath Michael Ioseph the Lord Dawbeny with their Cornish Rebels were overthrowne by King Henry the seventh Anno 1497. 11 Kent in the time of Iulius Caesar was governed by four severall Kings Vnder Vortigern the Britain by a Lieutenant called Guorong from whom the said King gave it to Hengist the Saxon in favour of his Daughter Rowen who seeking to make himself absolute King thereof eight yeares after his first entrance fought a victorious Battell against the Britaines neere unto Crayford and thence-forth accounted that Province his owne Yet afterward Vortimer the valiant Britaine gave him battell at Aylesford in the which both Horsa and Catigern brethren to both the Generals were slaine and the Saxons driven into the Isle of Thanet their first assigned habitation not daring to enter the Continent so long as Vortimer lived Catigern was interred upon the Plaine where to this day remaineth his Monument being foure stones pitched in manner of the Stonehenge and is vulgarly called Citscotehouse The like Monument was of Horsa at Horsted which storms and time have now devoured Hengist made this Province a Kingdom for himselfe and successors which name and power it retained the space of three hundred and twenty years when Egbert King of the West-Saxons subdued and joyned it to his own in which subjection it stood untill the time of the Normans Then was it given under the title of an Earledome by the Conqueror unto Otho Bishop of Bayeux his halfe-brother whose successours in that dignity were those most honourable Families whose Armes and Names within this Plot are blazed and expressed It is divided principally into five Lathes subdivided into 66. Hundreds and them againe into 398. Parishes â— and wherein had been seated three and twenty Religious Houses KENT WITH HER CITIES AND EARLES Described and observed LATHES DIVIded into Hundreds and Hundreds into Parishes Sutten Black-heath 7. Sutten Broâ—eley 2. Sutten Lesnes 4. Sutten Axtane 16. Sutten Rookesley 15. Sutten Godsheath 8. Sutten Westerham 4. Sutten Somerden 6. Aylesford Hoo 5. Aylesford Shamele 11. Aylesford Toltingtroe 6. Aylesford Chetham 3. Aylesford Wortham 4. Aylesford Larkfield 15. Aylesford Littlefield 3. Aylesford Twiford 6. Aylesford Tunbridge 2. Aylesford Watchlingston 5. Aylesford West Barnefield Aylesford Brenchley 3. Aylesford Marden 2. Aylesford Eyhorne 13. Aylesford Maldstone 7. Seray Milton 23. Seray Tenham 4. Seray Feversham 17. Seray Boâ—â—on 4. Seray Felboro 5. Seray Chart 9. Seray Wye 5. Seray Byircholt 1. Seray Galehill 8. Seray Ashford Seray Blackborne 5. Seray Tenderden 1. Seray Barkley 1. Seray Cranbrooke 3. Seray Rolvenden 2. Seray Selbrightenden 1. Seray East Barnfield 1. Seray Newyadene S. Augustine Ringsloe 4. S. Augustine Blengate 7. S. Augustine Whirestable 3. S. Augustine Westgate 4. S. Augustine Downchamford 6. S. Augustine Preston 2. S. Augustine Bredge 7 S. Augustine Kinghamford 5. S. Augustine Seasalter S. Augustine Wingham 5. S. Augustine Eastâ—y 11. S. Augustine Corâ—iloe 8. S. Augustine Bewesbrough 13. S. Augustine Longport Shepwey Folkestane 8. Shepwey Lovingboroe 4. Shepwey Stowting 5. Shepwey Heane 2. Shepwey Pyrcholt stan 2. Shepwey Streats 3. Shepwey Worth 2. Shepwey Ilam 3. Shepwey Langport 1. Shepwey S. Martin Shepwey Newchurch 4. Shepwey Alowsbridge 6. Shepwey Oxney 3. A ACryse Shep. Acton Sera Addesham Aug. Addington Ayles Akkam Shep. S. Albans August Aldington Ayles Aldington Shep. Aldwecke Shep. Alhallowes Ayles Alkham Shep. 〈◊〉 Ayles 〈◊〉 Coltham Ayles Allington Shep. All Saints August APPLEDORE Sera Asâ—â—ey August 〈…〉 ASHEFORD Seray Ashâ—ey August Ashâ—â—â— Ayles Aylesford Ayles Aynsford Sutten
6 The place of most account in this Shire is Chichester by the Britaine 's called Caercei and by the Saxons Cissan-Ceasr a Citie beautifull and large and very well walled about first built by Cissa the second King of the South-Saxons wherein his Royall Palace was kept And when K. William the first had enacted that Bishops Seas should be translated out of small Townes unto places of greater resort the Residence of the Bishop untill then held at Selsey was removed to this Citie where Bishop Raulfe began a most goodly Cathedrall Church but before it was fully finished by a sudden mischance of fire was quite consumed Yet the same Bishop with the helping liberalitie of King Henry the first began it again and saw it wholly finished whose beauty and greatnes her fatall enemy still envying againe cast downe in the dayes of King Richard the first and by her raging flames consumed the buildings both of it and the Bishops Palace adjoyning which Seffrid the second Bishop of that name reedified and built anew And now to augment the honour of this place the Citie hath born the Title of an Earldome whereof they of Arundell were sometimes so stiled Whose Graduation for Latitude is removed from the Equator unto the degree fiftie fiftie five minutes and for Longitude observing the same point in the West whence Mercator hath measured are twentie degrees 7 With whom for frequencie bignesse and building the Towne Lewes seemeth to contend where King Athelstan appointed the mintage of his Moneyes and William de Warron built a strong Castle whereunto the disloyall Barons of King Henry the third in warlike manner resorted and fought a great Battle against their own Soveraigne and his sonne wherein the King had his horse slaine under him Richard King of the Romans surprized and taken in a Wind-mill and Prince Edward delivered unto them upon unequall conditions of Peace But a greater Battle was fought at Battle when the hazard of England was tried in one dayes sight and Harold the King gave place to his Conquerour by losing of his life among sixtie seven thousand nine hundred seventie foure Englishmen besides whose blood so spilt gave name to the place in French Sanguelac And the soyle naturally after raine becomming of a reddish colour caused William of Newbery untruly to write That if there fell any small sweet showers in the place where so great a slaughter of the Englishmen was made presently sweateth forth very fresh blood out of the carth as if the evidence thereof did plainely declare the voice of blood there shed and cryed still from the earth unto the Lord. 8 But places of other note in this Shire are these From Basham Earle Harold taking the Sea for his delight in a small boat was driven upon the coast of Normandie where by Duke William he was retained till he had sworne to make him King after Edward Confessors death which oath being broken the Bastard arrived at Pensey and with his sword revenged that Periurie At West-Wittering also Ella the Saxon before him had landed for the conquering of those parts and gave name to the shore from Cimen his son But with greater glory doth Gromebridge raise up her head where Charles Duke of Orleance father to Lewes the twelfth King of France taken prisoner at Agincourt was there a long time detained 9 The commodities of this Province are many and divers both in Corn Cattell Woods Iron Glasse which two last as they bring great gaine to their Possessors so doe they impoverish the Countie of Woods whose want will be found in ages to come if not at this present in some sort felt 10 Great have been the devotions of Religious persons in building and consecrating many houses unto the use and only service of Christ whose Bead men abusing the intents of their Founders have caused those foundations to lament their own ruines for in the tempestuous time of King Henry the Eight eighteene of them in this Countie were blowne down whose fruit fell into the lappes of some that never meant to restore them again to the like use This Country is principally divided into six Rapes every of them containing a River a Castle and Forrest in themselves besides the severall Hundreds whereunto they are parted that is the Rape of Chichester into seven of Arundell into five of Bramber into ten of Lewes into thirteene of Peuensey into seventeene and of Haslings into thirteene in all fiftie six wherein are seated ten Castles eighteene market Towns and three hundred and twelve Parish Churches as in the Table following appeareth SUSSEX Described and divided into Rapes with the fiâ—sation of Chichester the cheife citie thereof And the armes of such Nobles as have bene dignified with the title of Earles since the conquest and other accidents therein observed Hundreds and Rapes in SVSSEX Chichester Rape 〈…〉 hund 〈…〉 hund Dump or hund 〈…〉 Manbou◠〈◊〉 Bex and 〈…〉 hundred Alâ—weck hund Arundel Rape West A 〈…〉 Botherbridge 〈◊〉 Pâ—ling 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Bary 〈◊〉 Bramber Rape West 〈◊〉 hund 〈…〉 hund 〈◊〉 hund 〈◊〉 hund 〈…〉 〈…〉 Fisheâ—gatâ— hund Tipnoke hund 〈…〉 hund Sâ—ingleâ—â—â—sse hund Lewes Rape Barkâ—â—â— and Hamsey 〈◊〉 S 〈…〉 H 〈…〉 I 〈…〉 U 〈…〉 H 〈…〉 F 〈…〉 P 〈…〉 Battinghill North hund Battinghill South hund Wyncham hund 〈◊〉 North part Streat South part Peuensey Rape East griâ—â—teâ— hund H 〈◊〉 hund Rutherfield hund Foxâ—â—ald Kings hund Tinfield and Bucklie hun Ringomer hund Iâ—field hund Rushmonden hund Danchill horsteâ— hund Danchill Sheffeild hund Sheplake hund Dill hund Longbriâ—ge hund Willington hund Eastborne hund Alsiston hund Flexborow hund Hastings Rape Foxenall hund Dâ—nill hund Shewswell hund Goldespure hund Staple hund Hanksborough hund Nethersfeild hund Boxhill hund Baâ—sloc hund Gestling hund Gostrowe hund Nenvill hund Henhurst hund A ADrington Arund Alberton Bramb Alborne Bramb Adingborone Chich. Adrington â—ewes Almanington Chich. Aldfrisian Pâ—uâ—n Alsiston Peuen Amberlie Arund Amersham Chich. Angleton Lewes Angmering West Arund Angmering East Arund Angton Arund Anstye Lewes Apoledrum Chich. Apslâ—y Bramb Ardingleigh Lexes Arundell forrest Arund ARVNDEL Arund Arundel flu Ashburnham Hast. Ashefeuld Arund Athurst Bramb Assington bramb Aylworth chich B Badwâ—rth parke Arun. Balcombe Lâ—wâ—â— Balesdâ—ane lewes Balteslow Beacon hast Barcombe lewes Barlavington arund Barlugh archeâ— lewes Barnham arund BATTLE hast Bayles Court arund The Beach peuen. Beawbush bramb Beckley hast Bedingham peuen. Bedingstreat bramb Bentley peuen. Bepton Chich. Bersted South chich Bersted North chich Berwyke peuen. Bexill hast Bidlington bramb Bigmoâ—e arund Bignor arund Billinghurst arund Bilson arund Binderton chich Binsted arund Bishophurst bramb Blackdow Beacon chich Blackhouse peuen. Blackston bramb Bletchington lewes Bletchington peuen. Bogner â—ocks chich Bodgiham hast Bolbroke peuen. Bolney leâ—es Bonyâ—k bramb Borcham Chappâ—ll hast Bormer lewes Borsill hast Borstye lewes Boscham chich Bosgravâ— chich Bowes bramb Bowley chich Bramber bramb Bramble peuen. Brantsnap lewes Breed
Tablehurst peuen. Tangmer chich Teâ—â—combe lewes Teâ—ring peuen. TERRING bram 〈◊〉 lewes Tâ—â—â—ngton arund Tâ—â—hurst hast Thakam bramb Themens arund Thorney Iâ—e chich Thorney chich Tortington arund Torton arund Tottington bramb Tottington arund Tratton chich Trâ—fort chich Truly bramb Turwick chich Tustons hast Twinâ—ham lewes Tyes lewes V Vâ—â—feild peuen. Vdymâ—re hast Vertwood peuen. Vpwaltham arund W Wadâ—hurst peuen. Wakehurst lewes Walberton arund Walderne peuen. Walderton chiâ—h Walchech peuen. Waltham chich Wamingore lewes Wapinghâ—r â—ramb Wapsburne lewes Waâ—bleton hast Warminghurst brâ— Warmingcampe arâ— Warnham bram Wartling hast Wasshinton bramb Water downe Forrest peu Waynway channell hast Weeke arund Wellingham Peu Wepham arund Westborne chich Westergate chich Westerton chich Westfeild hast Westgate chich Westham peuen. Westmiston lewes Westwolves bramb Whildeâ— lewes Whiteden peuen. Wickham bramb Wiggenhoult arund Wigsill hast Willington peuen. Willington peuen. Winchelsey old hast WINCHELSEY H. Windeham bramb Winton peuen. Wiston bramb Wittering West chich Wittering East chich Wivelsfeild lewes Wodmancote bram Wogham lewes Wolbeding chich Wollavington arun Worsham hast Worth Forrest lewes Worth lewes Worting bramb Wotton peuen. Wotton lewes Wulbow lewes Wyke chich Wylie peuen. Wythyham peuen. SVRREY CHAPTER VI. SURREY by Beda called Suthry and by the Saxons written Suðrea lyeth separated upon the North from the Counties of Buckingham and Middlesex by the great River Thamesis upon the East Kent doth inbound it upon the South is held in with Sussex and Hampshire and her West part is bordered upon by Hampshire and Bark-shire 2 The forme thereof is somewhat square and lyeth by North and by East whereof Redrith and Frensham are the opposites betwixt whom are extended thirty foure miles The broadest part is from Awfold Southward to Thamesis by Staines and them asunder twenty two the whole in circumference is one hundred and twelve miles 3 The Heavens breathing ayre in this Shire is most sweet and delectable so that for the same cause many royall Palaces of our Princes are therein seated and the Countrey better stored with game then with graine in so much that this County is by some men compared unto a home-spunne freeze cloth with a costly faire lift for that the out-verge doth exceed the middle it selfe And yet is it wealthy enough both in Corne and Pasturage especially in Holmesdale and towards the River of Thamisis 4 In this Shire the Regni an ancient people mentioned by Ptolemie were seated whom he brancheth further thorow Sussex and some part of Hampshire And in the wane of the Romanes government when the Land was left to the will of Invaders the South-Saxons under Ella here erected their Kingdome which with the first was raised and soonest found end From them no doubt the Countie was named Suth-rey as seated upon the South of the River and now by contraction is called Surrey 5 And albeit the County is barren of Cities or Townes of great estate yet is she stored with many Princely houses yea five of his Majesties so magnificently built that of some she may well say no Shire hath none such as is None-such indeed And were not Richmond a fatall place of Englands best Princes it might in esteem be ranked with the richest for therein died the great Conqueror of France King Edward the third the beautifull Anne daughter to Charles the Fourth Emperour and intirely beloved wife to King Richard the Second the most wise Prince King Henry the Seventh and the rarest of her Sexe the mirrour of Princes Queene Elizabeth the worlds love and Subjects joy 6 At Merton likewise Kenulph King of the West-Saxons came to his untimely end and at Lambeth the hardie Canute and last of the Danish Kings died among his Cups But as these places were fatall for the last breath of these Princes so other in this County have beene graced with the body and beginning of other worthy Monarkes for in Chertsey Abbey King Henry the Sixth who was deposed and made away in the Tower of London was first interred without all funerall pompe but for his holy life was imputed a Saint and lastly translated and intombed at Windsor At Kingstone likewise stood the Chaire of Majestie wherein Athelstan Edwin and Ethelred sate at their Coronation and first received their Scepter of Imperiall power Guildford likewise hath been farre greater then now it is when the Palace of our English Saxon Kings was therein set And seeing it is the midst of the Shire the graduation from hence shall be observed where for Latitude the Pole is raised from the degree 51.22 scruples and her Longitude from the West in the degree 20. and 2. scruples 7 Neither can we account Okam and Ripley two small villages the least in this Shire which have brought forth the well-known men William de Okam that deepe Philosopher and admirable Scholar and George de Ripley the ring-leader of our Alchymists and mysticall Impostors both of them borne in this County and very neere together But why speak I of these sith a place neerer to sight and greater for fame even Lambeth is the high Seat of Ecclesiasticall Government Piety Learning and Palace of Canterburies Archbishops the Metropolitans of England First erected by Arch-bishop Baldwin and ever since hath been the residing of al those worthy Prelates of our Church who in a long succession even from An. 596. have continued to him that now most worthily sits at the Churches sterne George by Gods providence Lord Arch-bishop of that See a most faithfull and prudent Counsellor unto King Charles and a most learned and provident Guide of our most flourishing Church whose gracious favour undeservedly conferred upon me hath been a great encouragement to these my poore endevours 8 Memorable places for Battles fought before the Conquest were Wembledon where when the fulnesse of prosperitie burst forth into Civill Dissentions among the Saxons a bloudy Battle was fought betwixt Cheaulin the West-Saxon and young Ethelbert of Kent wherein he was discomfited and two of his principall Leaders slaine about the yeere of Christ 560. and three hundred thirtie three yeers after King Elfred with a small power overcame the Danes with a great slaughter at Farnham in this Countie which somewhat quelled the courage of his savage enemie 9 Religious houses erected in this Shire by the devotion of Princes and set apart from publike uses to Gods Divine Service and their owne Salvation as then was taught the best in account were Shene Chertsey Merton Newarke Rygate Waverley Horsleg and in Southwarke Bermundsey and S. Maries These all flourished with increase till the ripenesse of their fruit was so pleasing in sight and taste unto King Henry the Eighth that in beating the boughes he brake downe body and all ruinating those houses and seising their rich possessions into his own hands So jealous is God of his honour and so great vengeance followeth the sinne of Idolatrie 10 In this Shire
Wales And upon what ground I know not let Lawyers dispute it the Inhabitants in some part of this Shire enjoy a private custome to this day that the goods and lands of Condemned Persons fall unto the Crown but only for a Yeare and a Day and then returne to the next Heyres contrary to the custome of all England besides 5 The generall Commodities of this Shire are Corne Iron and Wools all passing fine besides Pasturage Fruits and Woods which last are much lessened by making of Iron the only bane of Oke Elme and Beech. 6 These with all other provisions are traded thorow twenty five Market-Townes in this County whereof two are Cities of no small import The first is Glocester from whom the Shire taketh name seated upon Severne neere the middest of this Shire by Antonine the Emperour called Glevum built first by the Romans and set as it were upon the necke of the Silures to yoke them where their Legion called Colonia Glevum lay It hath been walled about excepting that part that is defended by the River the ruines whereof in many places appeare and some part yet standing doth well witnesse their strength This City was first won from the Britaine 's by Cheulin the first King of the West-Saxons about the yeare of Christ 570. and afterwards under the Mercians it flourished with great honour where Osrik King of Northumberland by the sufferance of Erhelred of Mercia founded a most stately Monastery of Nuns whereof Kineburgh Eadburgh and Eve Queenes of the Mercians were Prioresses successively each after other 7 Edelfled a most renowned Lady Sister to King Edward the elder in this City built a faire Church wherein her self was interred which being overthrowne by the Danes was afterwards rebuilt and made the Cathedrall of that See dedicated unto the honour of Saint Peter In this Church the unfortunate Prince King Edward the second under a Monument of Alablaster doth lye who being murdered at Barkley Castle by the cruelty of French Isabel his wife was there intombed And not far from him another Prince as unfortunate namely Robert Curthose the eldest sonne of William the Conquerour lyeth in a painted woodden Tombe in the middest of the Quire whose eyes were pluckt out in Cardiffe Castle wherein he was kept prisoner twenty six yeares with all contumelious indignities untill through extreame anguish he ended his life And before any of these in this City say our British Historians the body of Lucius our first Christian King was interred and before his dayes the Britaines Arviragus The graduation of this County I observe from this City whence the Pole is elevated in the degree of Latitude 52. and 14. minutes and in the Longitude from the West 18. and 5. minutes 8 The other City is Bristow faire but not very ancient built upon the Rivers Avon and Froâ—me for trade of Merchandize a second London and for beauty and account next unto Yorke This City standeth partly in this County and partly in Sommerset-shire but being a County of it selfe will acknowledge subjection to neither 9 A City more ancient hath been Circester by Ptolemy called Cerinium by Antonine Durocornovium by Giraldus Passerum Vrbem The Sparrowes City upon a flying report that Gurmund a Tyrant from Africke besieging this City tyed fire unto the wings of Sparrowes who lighting in the Towne upon light matter set flame upon all The circuit of whose walls extended two miles about wherein the Consular Port or wayes of the Romans met and crossed each other This City was won from the Britaine 's by Cheulin first King of the West-Saxons afterwards it was possessed by the Mercians and lastly by the Danes under Gurmund the former no doubt mistaken for him wherein a rable of them kept the space of a yeare Anno 879. and never since inhabited according to the circuit of her walles 10 Places of memorable note are these the Iland Alney neere unto Glocester wherein Edmund Iron-side the English and Canutus the Dane after many battels and blood fought in single combat hand in hand alone untill they compounded for the Kingdomes partition Barkley Castle where King Edward the second was thorow his fundament run into his bowels with a red burning Spit Tewkesbury the fatall period of King Henry the sixt his government and the wound of the Lancastrian Cause for in a battell there fought in Anno 1471. Prince Edward the only son of King Henry had his braines dashed out in a most shamefull manner the Queen his Mother taken prisoner and most of their favourites slaine and beheaded And at Alderley a little Towne standing eight miles from the Severne upon the hilles to this day are found Cockles Periwinkles and Oysters of solid stone which whether they have been Shel-fish and living creatures or else the sports of Nature in her workes let the Naturall Philosophers dispute of and judge 11 The places of piety set apart from other worldly Services and dedicated to religious uses by the devotions of Princes erected in this Shire were Tewkesbury Deorhust Glocester Minching Barkley Kingswood Circester Winchcombe and Hales which last was built with great cost by Richard Earle of Cornwall King of the Romans wherein himselfe and his Dutchesse were interred Their son Earle Edmund brought out of Germany the blood of Hales supposed and said to be part of that which Christ shed upon his Crosse. In this place with great confluence and devotions of Pilgrimage it was sought to and worshipped till time proved it a meere counterfeit when the glorious light of the Gospell revealed to eye-sight such grosse Idolatries and the skirts of Superstition were turned up to the shew of her owne shame 12 Dukes and Earles that have borne the title of Glocester the first of every Family are by their Armes and Names within the Card expressed ever fatall to her Dukes though the greatest in blood and birth The first was Thomas Woodstocke son to King Edward the third who in Callis was smoothered in a Feather-bed to death The second was Humfrey brother to King Henry the fift by the fraudulent practise of the malignant Cardinall and Queen made away at Saint Edmundsbury And the last was Richard brother to King Edward the fourth who by the just hand of God was cut off in battell by King Henry the seventh 13 This Shires division is principally into foure parts subdivided into thirty Hundreds and them againe into two hundred and eighty Parish-Churches whose names are inserted in the Table upon the other part of this Card. GLOCESTERSHIRE contriued into thirty thre seuerall hundreds those againe in to foure principall deuisions The Citie of Glocester Bristow discribed with the armes of such noble men as haue bene dignified with the titlles of Earles Dukes therof HUNDREDS in Glocester-shire 1. BErkley 2. Grombaldashe 3. Langley and Swinshed 4. Thornebury 5. Henbury 6. Pockle-Church 7. Kings Barton 8.
Longon off Longnor tot Longton pyr Loxley tot Loynton pyr M Madeley pyr Madeleholme tot Mair pyr Manye flu Marbroke tot Marchington tot Marchingdon tot Marston pyr Marston cud Marton great cud Mason off Materfeild tot Mavestone Ridware off Meare pyr Meare cud Meare pyr Milwich pyr Mitton cud Moreland hilles tot Moreton cud Morocopp hill pyr Morsall off Mose flu Moseley seis Muckleston pyr N Nedwood Forrest tot Newborowe off Newbold off NEW CASTLE VNDER LINE pyr New Chappell pyr Newton cud Newton pyr Norbury cud Narrowdale tot Norton pyr Norton cud Norton off Norton off Norton in the Mores pyr O High Ofâ—ley pyr Oken seis Okover tot Oldbury off Oncot tot Onely pyr Orgrave off Orton seis Otherton cud Overpen seis Ousley bridge cud P Painsley tot Parkhill tot Patsell seis Pattingham seis Pelfalle off Over Pen seis Nether Pen seis Penclâ— pyr Pencle pyr Penkirch cud Penke flu Penford seis Penset chase seis Peribury off Peryhall off Perton seis Pellington cud Pellington hall cud Pipe off Placdwick cud Ponke flu Prestwood seis Prestwood tot R Ramsor tot Rannton pyr Rannton Monastery pyr Rickardscott cud Rickardscott pyr Ridgley cud Ridware off Pipe Ridware off Hill Ridware cud Robaston cud Rolston off Rowcester tot Rowley seis Rowley seis Rowley parke off Rudiard tot Rushall off Rushton tot Rusheles seis Riddsley cud S Salte pyr Sandon pyr Sandwall off Sardon great cud Sardon little cud Sawe flu Scotfeild off Season seis Sedgeley seis Seigford seis Seisdon pyr Shareshull Cud. Shawford pyr Shene tot Shenston off Sherishales cud Shire Okes off Shitterford seis Shobnall off Shredicott cud Shugborow cud Skelton pyr Smestall flu Smethwick off STAFFORD pyr Stafford Castle cud Standon pyr Stanton tot Statford off Stoke pyr Stokeley off The three Shire-Stones tot STONE pyr Stowe pyr Stranshill tot Stratton Castle off Stretton off Stretley hall off Stretlie off Stretton cud Stoure flu Stubby lane off Sturton Castle seis Sutton cud Swinford Kings seis Swinfeld hall off Swinshead pyr Swithanley tot Swynerton pyr T Talke pyr TAMWORTH off Tatenell off Teane tot Teane flu Terley pyr Tettenhall Kings seis Tettenhall Clice seis Thickbrome off Thorne hill tot Thorpe off Thorpe off Throley tot Tillington pyr Tipton seis Titterfore pyr Tixall pyr Treislie seis Trent flu Trent flu Trentham pyr Trescott seis Trisell seis Tunstall Court pyr Tunstall pyr Turburie off Tyne flu Typton off V Voxall off VTTOXCESTOR tot W Walgrang tot Wall off WALLSHALL off Wallfall Forrest off Walton pyr Walton cud Warslawe tot Waterfall tot Weddsbury seis Wednesfeild off Wednesbury off Weford off Welobridge parke pyr Weston pyr Weston Jones cud Weston under Lisiard cud Weston upon Trent pyr Wharnford tot Whattley hall off Whichnor off Whitmore pyr Whitstone cud Whittendon off Whittenton seis Whittgreene pyr Whittington off Wichnor off Wiggendon off Wilbrighton cud Wilenhall off Wilnall seis Witton tot Woâ—ley off Woken seis Wolaston cud Wolstanton pyr WOLVERHAMPTONâ— Womborne seis Worley little seis Worley great seis Wotton tot Wrottesley seis Y Yardley pyr Yendon flu Yoxall off SHROP-SHIRE SHROP-SHIRE by the ancient Saxons writen Sciripscyre is both large in circuit well peopled and very fruitfull for life It lieth circulated upon the North with thâ— County Palatine of Chester upon the East altogether with Stafford-shire upon the South with Worcester Hereford and Radnor-shires upon the west with Mountgomery Denbigh 2 The form thereof is almost circular or round whose length from Wooferton below Lodlane South to Over neere unto the river Trent in the North is thirtie foure miles the broadest part is from Tong in the East to Oswestre sited at the head of Morda in the West twentie and five the whole in circuit about extending to one hundred thirtie and foure miles 3 Wholesome is the ayre delectable and good yeelding the Spring and the Autumne seed time and harvest in a temperate condition and affordeth health to the Inhabitants in all seasons of the yeare 4 The soile is rich and standeth most upon a reddish clay abounding in Wheat and Barley Pit-coales Iron and Woods which two last continue not long in league together It hath rivers that make fruitfull the Land and in their waters containe great store of fresh-fish whereof Severne is the chiefe and second in the Realme whose streame cutteth this Countie in the middest and with many windings sporteth herselfe forward leaving both pastures and meadowes bedecked with flowers and greene colours which every where shee bestoweth upon such her attendants 5 This River was once the bounds of the North-Britaines and divided their possession from the Land of the Saxons untill of latter times theirs began to decay and the Welsh to increase who enlarged their lifts to the River Dee So formerly had it separated the Ordovices from the Cornavij those ancient Inhabitants mentioned by Ptolâ—mie The Ordovices under Caractacus purchased great honour whilst he a Prince of the Silures removed his Warres thence among them where a while he maintained the Britaines libertie with valour and courage in despight of the Romans His Fort is yet witnesse of his unfortunate fight seated neere Clune Castle at the confluence of that River with Temd where in remembrance of him the place is yet called Caer-Caradoc a fort of his wonne by P. Ostorius Lieutenant of the Romans about the year of grace 53. The Cornavii were seated upon the North of Severne and branched into other Counties of whom we have said 6 But when the strength of the Romans was too weake to support their owne Empire and Britaine emptied of her souldiers to resist the Saxons set foot in this most fair soile and made it a part of their Mercian Kingdome their line likewise issued to the last period and the Normans beginning where these Saxons left the Welshmen tooke advantage of all present occasions and brake over Severne unto the River Dee to recover which the Normans first Kings often assayed and Henry the second with such danger of life that at the siege of Bridge-north he had been slain had not Sir Hubert Syncler received the arrow aimed at him in stepping betwixt that Shaft and his Soveraigne and therewith was shot thorow unto death In the like danger stood Henry Prince of Scotland who in the strait siege of Ludlow begirt by King Stephen had beene plucked from his saddle with an iron-hooke from the wall had not Stephen presently rescued him Anno 1139. 7 This then being the Marches of England and Wales was sore afflicted by bloody broiles which caused many of their Townes to be strongly walled and thirtie two Castles to be strongly built lastly into this Countie the most wise King Henry the seaventh sent his eldest sonne Prince Arthur to be resident at Ludlow where that fair Castle
became a most famous Princes Court And here King Henry the eight ordained the Counsell of the Marches consisting of a Lord President as many Counsellors as the Prince shall please a Secretary an Atturney a Solicitor and foure Iustices of the Counties in Wales in whose Court were pleaded the causes depending and Termely tried for the most part in presence of that honourable President 8 But the Shire-towne Shrewesburie for circuit trade and wealth doth for exceed this and is inferiour to few of our Cities her buildings faire her streets many and large her Citizens rich her trade for the most part in the Staple commodities of cloth and freezes her walls strong and of a large compasse extending to seventeene hundred pases about besides another Bulwarke ranging from the Castle downe unto and in part along the side of Severne thorow which there are three entrances into the Towne East and West over by two fair stone bridges with Towers Gates and Barres and the third into the North no lesse strong then them over which is mounted a large Castle whose gaping chinckes do doubtlesse threaten her fall This Towne is governed by two Bailiffes yearly elected out of twentie-foure Burgesses a Recorder Town-Clerke and Chamberlaine with three Sergeants at Mace the Pole being raised hence from the degrees of Latitude 53.16 minutes and from West in Longitude 17. degrees 27. minutes 9 Yea and ancienter Cities have beene set in this Shire such was Roxalter or Wroxcester lower upon Severne that had been Vriconium the chiefest Citie of the Cornavii Vsoconia now Okenyate neere unto the Wreken and under Red-castle the ruines of a Citie whom the vulgar report to have beene famous in Arthurs dayes but the pieces of Romish Coines in these three doe well assure us that therein their Legions lodged as many other Trenches are signes of warre and of blood But as swords have been stirring in most parts of this Province so Beads have been bid for the preservation of the whole and places erected for the Maintenance of Votaries in whom at that time was imputed great holinesse in Shrewsbury many at Coulmere Stowe Dudley Bromefeild Wigmore Hamond Lyleshill Bildas Bishops-castle and Wenloke where in the raigne of Richard the second was likewise a rich Mine of Copper But the same blasts that blew down the buds of such plants scattered also the fruits from these faire trees which never since bare the like nor is likely any more to do That only which is rare in this Province is a Well at Pichford in a private mans yard whereupon floteth a thick scum of liquid Bitumen which being cleare off to day will gather the like againe on the morrow not much unlike to the Lake in the Land of Iewry This Shire is divided into fifteen Hundreds wherein are seated fourteen Market Townes and hath in it one hundred and seventie Churches for Gods sacred and divine Service the names of which are in the Table as followeth SHROPSHYRE DESCRIBED THE SITTUATION OF SHROWESBURY SHEWED With the Armes of thos Earles and other Memorable things observed HVNDREDS in Shrop-shire 1 BRadford North. 2 Pimbill 3 Bradford South 4 Brymstry 5 Wenlock 6 Condover 7 Oâ—westrey 8 Forde 9 Chirbury 10 Clunne 11 Purslawe 12 Munslawe 13 Overs 14 Stotâ—â—sdoâ— 15 Shrewsbury liberty A Abbaforiâ—t cond Abcot purs Aberbury ford Abertanocke Osw. Abton wen. Accleton stott Acton Burnell cond Acton purs Acton scott mun Adcott Pim. Admaston B. south Adney B. south Albrighton pim Albrighton brym Alderton pim Alkynton b. north Allerton b. north Alscott brym Alscott in Brimstry h. south Alstretton cond Alveley stott Anchmarch cond Appley b. south High Arcole brad Arcole childs b. north Arlscot ford Ashbaston b. south Ashbaston b. south Ashe great b. north Ashe little b. north Ashford mun Ashford Bondmore mun Ashford stot Ashton b. north Aslanton purs Asterley ford Astley b. south Astley wen. Aston oswest. Aston b. south Aston mun Aston brym Aston purs Aston purs Aston Butlers stot Aston Rogers chir Aston Piggot chir Church Aston b. south Atcham b. south Atherley b. north Atterley wen. Atton pym Aveley stot Aulcaston mun Auldon mun B Babins wood forrest osw. Badget wen. Baggoteshop over Baggeley pim Balderton pim Barrowe wen. Barwicke b. south Baryate stot Baschurch pim Battlefeild b. south Bearston b. north Bechfeild chir Beckbury wen. Beckley purs Bedston purs Belaport b. north Belserdyne con Bentall wen. Bergill oswest. Berley purs Besford pim Bestow b. south Bettons cond Betton b. north Bettus clun Beuston cond Bickton clun Bickton shrew Bildas b. south Bildas little b. south Billey cond Birche pim Blackemere manor b. nor Blechley b. north Blodwall oswest. Bolas little b. north Bolas great b. south Boningall brym Boreatton slot Boreatton oswest. Bowe flu Bracemel shrew Bradston wen. Bradfeild flu Brampton chir Brampton purs Brampton cond Bramcroft castle mu. Bramslowe chir Bratton b. south BRIDGNORTH Broadway purs Brocard castle ford Brockton mun Brockton purs Brocton chir Brockton b south Brome purs Bromfeild mun Bromiche oswest. Bromlowe chir Broseley wen. Broughton purs Broughton pim Browncle-hill wen. Brunslawe purs Bucknell purs Butford over Burghall b. north Burlton pim Burton cond Burton wen. BVSHOPS CASTLE purs Byllingsley stot Bynweston chir Byrrington cond Bitterley over C Caer-caradoc purs Calloton wen. Camlet flu Cantloppe cond Cardington mun Carndon hill chir Carleton castle b. sou Carson shrew The new Castle clun Caynham stot Cause ford New Chappell clun Chatford cond Chatwall cond Lady Chaulton mun Chaulton purs Chelmarsh stot Cheswardine b. nor Chetwyn end b. sou Chetwyn aston b. so Chetton stot Cheyney longerfeild pu Chilton cond Chipnall b. north Chirbury chir Chirington b. south Chirhill b. north Claverley hall b. nor Claverleigh brym Claverley b. north Clebury forreine sto Clebury north stot Clebury parke stot Clebury stot Cleeton over Cleve pim Clunbury purs Clungâ—nas purs CLVN castle con Clun flu Clunne forrest clun Clunton purs Cockshut pim Colmington mun Comyton mun Condover cond Cound cond Conam over Copty venny prim Cordigate forrest os Cordoke hill cond Coreley stot Corove flu Corsham Castle mu. Corston mun Cotes new wen. Cotton b. north Cottall b. south Coston purs Coulmere pim Cowbatche purs Creketh oswest. Crouckhill cond Crosmeere pim Cructon ford Crudgington b. sou Curlhurst b. north D Dalaley castle b. sou Darlaston b. north Dawley little b. sou Dawley great b. sou Daywell oswest. Deane parke over Diddleston Chappell oswest. Dodington cond Dodington b. north Dorrington b. north Dothull b. south Dotton stot Dowles stot Dowles flu Downesay purs Downton b. south Downton mun Draton cond Draton brym DRAYTON b. nor Dridston chir Dufaston oswest. Dunnington b. south Dunnington brym Dydles bury mun Dydmaston tot Dynchop Chappell mun Dytton wen. Dytton stot E Eardington stot Easthop mun Eaton Constantine b. s. Eaton wen. Eaton b. north Eaton purs Eaton cond Ebnall oswest. Eddesley b. north Edgebalton b.
Vppington b. south Vpton great b. south Vpton Creslet stot W Wall mun Wallford pim Wallopp ford Walcot chir Walcot b. south Walcot purs Walliborne ford Walton chir Walton b. north Walton wen. Wambridge b. south Warren flu Waters Vpton b. sou Watlesborough for Watlingstreet b. sou Weenyngton ford Welbeche cond WELLINGTON Wellington forrest b. sou Wem b. north Wenlock lit e wen. WENLOCK GREAT wen. Wentner purs Westbury ford Westhoppe mun Westley ford Westley cond Weston pim Weston b. north Weston purs Weston chir Weston oswest. Weston chappel wen. Wettleton mun Wheat naston Whelbache cond Whettle stot Whichcot chappell o. Whitcott kysett clun Whitcott yevan clun Whitbatche purs Whitcott purs WHITCHVRCH Whittinslaw purs Whittington oswest. Whitton over Whixall b. north Wigwigge wen. Wike wen. VVikey oswest. VVillaston b. north Willaston great for VVislcott pim VVire forrest stot VVistanton purs VVistanslow purs Withiford great b. n. VVobury stot VVolston oswest. VVoodcote shrew VVoodcott b. south VVooderton chir VVoodhouseâ— b. sou VVoodhouses oswest. Old VVoodhouses b. n. VVoodlands b. nor VVoodseves b. north VVooferton mun VVooslaston cond VVorse flu VVorthyn chir VVorvill brym VVotton oswest. VVrekin hill b. south VVrentnall ford VVrockerdyne b. so VVullerton b. north VVulston mun VVygmore ford VVyllmyngton chir VVyllye wen. VVynsbury chir VVythington b. sout VVytton ford Y Yernstree parke mun Yockleton ford CHESSE-SHIRE by the Saxons written Cester-scyre and now the County Palatine of CHESTER is parted upon the North from Lanca-shire with the River Mercey upon the East by Mercey Goit and the Daâ—e is separated from Darby and Stafford-shires upon the South toucheth the Counties of Shrop-shire and Flint and upon the West with Dee is parted from Denbigh-shire 2 The forme of this County doth much resemble the right wing of an Eagle spreading it selfe from Wirall and as it were with her pinion or first feather toucheth York-shire betwixt which extremes in following the windings of the Shires divider from East to West are 47. miles and from North to South 26. The whole circumference about one hundred forty two miles 3 If the affection to my naturall producer blind not the judgement of this my Survey for aire and soile it equals the best and farre exceeds her neighbours the next Counties for although the Climate be cold and toucheth the degree of Latitude 54 yet the warmth from the Irish Seas melteth the Snow and dissolveth the Ice sooner there then in those parts that are further off and so wholesome for life that the Inhabitants generally attaine to many yeares 4 The Soile is fat fruitfull and rich yeelding abundantly both profit and pleasures of man The Champion grounds make glad the hearts of their Tillers the Medowes imbrodered with divers sweet smelling flowers and the Pastures make the Kines udders to strout to the paile from whom and wherein the best Cheese of all Europe is made 5 The ancient Inhabitants were the CORNAVII who with Warwickeshire Worcester-shire Stafford-shire and Shrop-shire spread themselves further into this Countie as in Ptolomy is placed and the CANGI likewise if they be the Ceangi whose remembrance was found upon the shore of this Shire on the surface of certaine pieces of Lead in this manner inscribed IMP. DOMIT. AUG GER DE CEANG. These Cangi were subdued by P. Ostorius Scapula immediatly before his great victory against Caractacus where in the mouth of Deva he built a Fortresse at the back of the Ordovices to restraine their power which was great in those parts in the reign of Vespasian the Emperour But after the departure of the Romans this Province became a portion of the Saxon Mercians Kingdom notwithstanding saith Ran. Higden the City it selfe was held by the Britaine 's untill all fell into the Monarchy of Egbert Of the dispositions of the since Inhabitants heare Lucian the Monk who lived presently after the Conquest speak They are found saith he to differ from the rest of the English partly better and partly equall In feasting they are friendly at me at cheerfull in entertainment liberall soone angry and soone pacified lavish in words impatient of servitude mercifull to the afflicted compassionate to the poore kind to their kindred spary of labour void of dissimulation not greedy in eating and far from dangerous practises And let me adde thus much which Lucian could not namely that this Shire hath never been stained with the blot of rebellion but ever stood true to their King and his Crowne whose loyalty Richard the second so farre found and esteemed that hee held his Person most safe among them and by authority of Parliament made the County to be a Principality and stiled himselfe Prince of Chester King Henry the third gave it to his eldest sonne Prince Edward against whom Lewlyn Prince of Wales 〈…〉 mighty Band and with them did the Coun 〈…〉 even unto the Cities gates With the 〈…〉 it had oft-times been affrighted which th 〈…〉 â—efenced with a Wall made of the Welshmens 〈◊〉 on the South-side of Dee in Hanbridge The Shire may well be said to be a Seed-plot of Gentilitie and the producer of many most ancient and Worthy Families neither hath any brought more men of valour into the Field then Chesse-shire hath done who by a generall speech are to this day called The chiefe of men and for Natures endowments besides their noblenesse of mindes may compare with any other Nation in the world their limbs straight and well-composed their complexions faire with a chearefull countenance and the Women for grace feature and boâ—nty inferiour unto none 6 The Commodity of this Province by the report of Ranulphus the Monke of Chester are chiefly Corn Cattle Fish Fowle Salt Mines Metals Meares and Rivers whereof the bankes of Dee in her West and the Vale-Royall in her midst for fruitfulnesse of pasturage equals any other in the Land either in graine or gaine from the Cow 7 These with all other provision for life are traded thorow thirteeâ—e Market-Townes in this Shire whereof Chester is the fairest from whom the Shire hath the name A City raised from the Fort of Osterius Lieutenant of Britaine for Claudius the Emperour whither the twentieth Legion named Victrix were sent by Galba to restraine the Britains but growne themselves out of order Iulius Agricola was appointed their Generall by Vespasian as appeareth by Monies then minted and there found and from them no doubt by the Britaine 's the place was called Caer Legion by Ptolemy Deunana by Antonine Deva by the Saxons Legea-cesder and now by us West-chester but Henry Bradshaw will have it built before Brute by the Giant Leon Gaver a man beyond the Moone and called by Marius the vanquisher of the Picts Over Deva or Dee a faire stone-bridge leadeth built upon eight Arches at either end whereof is a Gate from whence in a long Quadren-wise the wals doe incompasse the City high
with the River Ouse with the bounds of Lancashire and with the South limits of the Shire and beareth towards the West and South East-Riding bends it selfe to the Ocean with the which and with the River Derwent shee is inclosed and looks into that part where the Sunne rising and shewing forth his beames makes the world both glad and glorious in his brightnesse North-Riding extends it self Northward hem'd in as it were with the River Tees and Derwent and a long race of the River Ouse The length of this Shire extended from Harthill in the South to the mouth of Tees in the North are neere unto 70. miles the bredth from Flambrough-head to Horncastle upon the River Lun is 80. the whole Circumference 308. miles 5 The Soile of this County for the generalitie is reasonable fertile and yeelds sufficiency of Corne and Cattle within it selfe One part whereof is particularly made famous by a Quarry of Stone out of which the stones newly hewen be very soft but seasoned with winde and weather of themselves doe naturally become exceeding hard and solide Another by a kinde of Limestone whereof it consisteth which being burnt and conveyed into the other parts of the countrey which are hilly and somewhat cold serve to manure and enrich their Corn-fields 6 That the Romans flourishing in Military prowesse made their severall stations in this Countrey is made manifest by their Monuments by many Inscriptions fastned in the walles of Churches by many Columnes engraven with Roman-worke found lying in Churchyards by many votive Altars digd up that were erected as it should seeme to their Tutelar Gods for they had locall and peculiar Topick Gods whom they honoured as Keepers and Guardians of some particular places of the Countrey as also by a kinde of Bricks which they used for the Romans in time of Peace to avoyd and withstand idlenesse as an enemie to vertuous and valorous enterprises still exercised their Legions and Cohorts in casting of Ditches making of High-wayes building of Bridges and making of Bricks which having sithence been found and from time to time digd out of the ground prove the antiquitie of the place by the Romane Inscriptions upon them 7 No lesse argument of the pietie hereof are the many Monasteries Abbeys and Religious houses that have been placed in this Countrey which whilest they retained their owne state and magnificence were great ornaments unto it but since their dissolution and that the teeth of time which devoures all things have eaten into them they are become like dead carkasses leaving onely some poore ruines and remaines alive as reliques to posteritie to shew of what beautie and magnificence they have beene Such was the Abbey of Whitby founded by Lady Hilda daughter of the grand childe unto King Edwine Such was the Abbey built by Bolton which is now so razed and laid levell with the earth as that at this time it affords no appearance of the former dignitie Such was Kirkstall Abbey of no small account in time past founded in the yeere of Christ 1147. Such was the renowned Abbey called S. Maries in Yorke built and endowed with rich livings by Alan the third Earle of little Britaine in Armerica but since converted into the Princes House and is called The Mannour Such the wealthy Abbey of Fountaines built by Thurstin Arch-bishop of Yorke Such the famous Monastery founded in the Primitive Church of the East-Saxons by Wilfrid Arch-bishop of Yorke and enlarged being fallen down and decayed by Odo Arch-bishop of Canterbury Such was Drax a Religious House of Chanons Such that faire Abbey built by King William the Conquerour at Selby where his son Henry the first was born in memory of Saint German who happily confuted that contagious Pelagian Heresie which oftentimes grew to Serpentine head in Britaine These places for Religion erected with many more within this Provinciall Circuit and consecrated unto holy purposes shew the Antiquitie and how they have been sought unto by confluences of Pilgrimes in their manner of devotions The mists of which superstitious obscurities are since cleared by the pure light of the Gospell revealed and the skirts of Idolatry unfolded to her own shame and ignominie And they made subject to the dissolution of Times serving onely as antique monuments and remembrances to the memory of succeeding Ages 8 Many places of this Province are famoused as well by Name being naturally fortunate in their situation as for some other accidentall happinesse befallen unto them Halifax famous as well for that Iohannes de sacro Bosco Author of the Sphere was born there and for the law it hath against stealing and for the greatnesse of the Parish which reckoneth in it eleven Chappels whereof two be Parish Chappels and in them to the number of twelve thousand people YORK SHIRE Pomfret is famous for the Site as being seated in a place so pleasant that it brings forth Liquorice and great plentie of Skiriworts but it is infamous for the murther and bloodshed of Princes The Castle whereof was built by Hildebert Lacy a Norman to whom William the Conquerour gave this Towne after Alrick the Saxon was thrust out of it 9 But I will forbeare to be prolixe or tedious in the particular memoration of places in a Province so spacious and onely make a compendious relation of Yorke the second Citie of England in Latine called Eboracum and Eburacum by Ptolemy Brigantium the chief Citie of the Brigants by Ninnius Caer Ebrauc by the Britaines Caer Effroc and by the Saxons Euor-ric and Eofor-ric The British History reports that it took the name of Ebrauc that founded it but some others are of opinion that Eburacum hath no other derivation then from the River Ouse running thorow it It over-masters all the other places of this Countrey for fairenesse and is a singular ornament and safeguard to all the North parts A pleasant place large and full of magnificence rich populous and not onely strengthened with fortifications but adorned with beautifull buildings as well private as publike For the greater dignitie thereof it was made an Episcopall See by Constantius and a Metropolitane Citie by a Pall sent unto it from Honorius Egbert Arch-bishop of Yorke who flourished about the yeere seven hundred fortie erected in it a most famous Library Richard the third repaired the Castle thereof being ruinous and King Henry the eight appointed a Councell in the same to decide and determine all the causes and Controversies of the North-parts according to equitie and conscience which Counsell consisteth of a Lord President certaine Counsellers at the Princes pleasure a Secretary and other Vnder-officers The originall of this Citie cannot be fetcht out but from the Romanes seeing the Britains before the Romanes came had no other towns then woods fenced with trenches and rampiers as Caesar and Strabo doe testifie And that it was a Colonie of
the daughter of Humber the Scythian King that invaded this Land and both of them drowned in this River by Guendolena King Locrinus surviving widow let Ieffrey relate and Poets enlarge whereof one among them in good account thus writeth In flumen praecipitatur Abren Nomen Abren fluvio de Virgine nomen eidens Nomine corrupto deinde Sabrina datur Into this streame faire Abren head-long cast Gave name of Abren to those waters wast Corruptly call'd Sabrina now at last 4 This River maketh the East part of this Shire for fruitfulnesse to bee compared with most of the Land and to exceed any other Shire in Wales the West side is more hilly and lesse inhabited yet surely those Mountaines breed innumerable Cattle especially of horses whose portraiture for making and incomparable swiftnesse Giraldus Cambrensis Archdeacon of Breknocke doth greatly commend 5 The ancient Inhabitants that were seated in Guineth and Powâ—ysland whereof this Shire was a part were to the Romans knowne by the name of ORDOVICES a puissant and courageous Nation whose hearts and hilles held them the longest free from the yoke of subjection either of the Romans or English for unto the dayes of Domitian they kept plea with the Romans and were not brought to the will of the English before the raigne of King Edward the first Those ORDOVICES inhabited the Counties of Mountgomery Merioneth Caernarvan Denbigh and Flint which are of us called now North-Wales a people generous and of affable conditions goodly for feature faire of complexion courageous of minde courteous to strangers and that which is most commendable most true and loyall to the English Crowne Townes for Trades and commerce in this County are sixe the chiefest thereof and Shire-Towne is Mountgomery very wholesome for ayre and pleasant for situation upon an easie ascent of an hill and upon another farre higher mounted stands a faire and well-repaired Castle from the East Rocke whereof the Towne hath been walled as by some part yet standing and the tract and trench of the rest even unto the North-side of the said Castle may evidently be seen whose Graduation for Latitude is placed in the degree 53. and for Longitude 17. the lines cutting each other in the site of this Towne This Towne hath lately received the honour and Title of an Earledome whereof Philip Herbert the second sonne of Henry Earle of Pembroke was created the first in Anno 1605. And the Shire divided into seven Hundreds wherein are seated sixe Market-Townes and forty seven Parish-Churches the names whereof are inserted in the Table annexed MONTGOMERY SHIRE ¶ An Alphabeticall Table of all The Tovvnes Rivers and memorable places mentioned in Mountgomery Shire HVNDREDS in Mountgomery-shire 1 MEchavi 2 Kare Eynion 3 Ystrad Marchel 4 Kidriorn 5 Kery 6 Ykrostly 7 Kyfy Log. A Aberhafais Kidriorn Agaiere Ystrad Angle Flu. B Bacho Flu. Llyn Barre Ykrost Becham Flu. Llyn Begelyn Kyfy Beryw Kydriorn Berechlaid Ykrost Bettus Kidriorn Biga Flu. Brethen hill Ystrad Brughan Flu. Buttington Ystrad C Caerfuse Castle Ykrost Carlion Hill Ystrad Carno Flu. Churchstoke Ystrad Cregynog Hâ—ll Kidriorn Castle Engerrimon Kare D Dolevoren Castle Kidriorn Dornoll Flu. Dorowen Kyfy Dulâ—s Flu. Dâ—las Flu Dulas Flu. 3. Dungum Flu. F Chappell Fordyn Ystrad G Garth-beibio Kare Llyn Glastyn Kyfy Gnedall Flu. Gogh Castle Ystrad H Haus Flu. Heldray Ystrad Hirnant Mech Hyssinton Ystrad K Karno Ykrost Kegidfa Ystrad Kemes Kyfy Kerig Flu. Kery Kery L Llanbrim Maire Kyfy Llanddosilio Mech Llanddynam Ykrost Llandissil Kidriorn Llandrenio Ystrad Llanfair Kare LLANFILLYN Mech Llanfynhonwen ystrad Llangadfan Kare Llangirrich ykrost Llangunoth Mech Llangynyw Kare Llanllochaiarne Kidriorn Llanllygan Kidriorn Llanfauntfred yn Mecham Mech Llanuthin Mech Llanuaier ynghareynion kare Llanuyhangell ynghery kare Llanwryn kyfy. Llanwunog ykrost Llanwydelan kydriorn LLANYDLOES ykrost Llany Rewic kidriorn Llanyruill kare Lleding Flu. Lleighton ystrad Llevenant Flu. Lloyd Flu. Lloydyerd Mech M MACHENLLETH Kyf Maismaure ystrad Manafon kidriorn Mathavern kyfy. Mathravall Hall kare Meifod Mech Middleton Hall kery Moghtree kery MOVNTGOMERY Ystrad Moylnadion Hill kyfy. Mulle Flu. Penant Mylangell Mech N NEWTOWNE Kidriorn P Penegos kyfy. WELSH POOLE ystrad Penprice ykrost Penstrowed ykrost Plymllymon Hill kyfy. R Riader Flu. Rue Flu. S Severns head kyfy. Severne Flu. Severne Flu. T Tagarell Chappell ykrost Tanot Flu. Taramon Flu. Towynmyn Flu. Trefeglos ykrost Chappell Treflistin ystrad Tregynon kidriorn Turgh Flu. V Vurnuey Flu. W Wurway Flu. Wye Flu. Y Llanvihangell Ynghronfa Mech MERIONETH-SHIRE CHAPTER XI MERIONETH-SHIRE which the Britaines call Scire-Verioneth and in Latine Mervinia is bordered upon the North by Carnarvon and Denbigh-shires upon the East with Montgomery upon the South by the River Dowy is parted from Cardigan-shire and the West side altogether washed with the Irish-Seas whose rage with such vehemencie beateth against her Bankes that it is thought and said some quantity of the Land hath been swallowed up by those Seas 2 In forme this Shire somewhat resembleth a Welsh-Harpe though small is the Musicke that to her Inhabitants she makes being the roughest and most unpleasant to see to as Giraldus their owne Historian writeth in all Wales The Ayre for great pleasure nor Soile for great profit I cannot greatly commend unlesse it be for the many and mighty great windes that for the most part therein do rage and the spired hilles clustered together so neer and so high as the same Author affirmeth that Shepheards upon their tops falling at oddes in the morning and challenging the field for fight before they can come together to try out the quarrell the day will bee spent and the heat of their fury shut up with their sleepe 3 These Mountaines formerly did abound with Wolves for whose avoydance Edgar the peaceable did impose as Malmesbury writeth a yeerely Tribute of three hundred Wolves upon Ludwall Prince of that Countrey whereby in three yeers space they were quite destroyed and now their faces are covered with fruitfull flocks of Sheepe besides Neate and other Cattle that therein abundantly doe grase wherein the onely riches of this Shire doth consist for by reason of the unevennesse of the soyle and rockes so neere the face of the earth the Plough cannot bee drawne nor the Corne prosper which some have imputed to the idlenesse of the Inhabitants wherein they have beene greatly wronged 4 These people are a part of the Ordovices of whom we have spoken who by the advaÌ„tage of these mountaines held out with the longest against the Romanes and their necks not brought under the yoke of bondage before the dayes of King Edward the first since when they have attempted to cast off their subjection to the English upon some stirs raised by Owin Glendover who having been a favorite of King Richard the second and discontented by King Henry the fourth in a quarrell with the Lord Gray of Ruthin that intruded upon his demaines quarrelled with the King and entred into open rebellion and confederacie with all other his rebels drawing the Welsh-men wholly to his side in hope to have had Princes restored
at one end and narrow at another is not much unlike in fashion to a wedge a peece of which is cut off by the meeting of Cheshire and Denbigh-shire South-East in distance some foure miles It borders East-ward with part of Cheshire from whence it is garded in length with the River Dee unto the North which parteth Worral and Flint-shire till you come to a little Iland called Hell-bree Northward it is bounded with the Virginian Sea on the West a little River called Cluyd parteth her and Denbigh-shire asunder and on the South altogether by Shrop-shire 2 This Countrey is nothing Mountainous as other parts of Wales are but rising gently all along the River of Dee makes a faire shew and prospect of her selfe to every eye that beholds her as well upon the River being in most places there-abouts foure or five miles broad as upon the other side thereof being a part of Cheshire 3 The Ayre is healthfull and temperate without any foggy clouds or fenny vapours saving that sometimes there ariseth from the Sea and the River Dee certaine thick and smoky-seeming mists which neverthelesse are not found hurtfull to the Inhabitants who in this part live long and healthfully 4 The Clime is somewhat colder there then in Cheshire by reason of the Sea and the River that engirts the better part of her by which the Northerne winds being long carried upon the waters blow the more cold and that side of the Countrey upward that lyeth shoaring unto the top having neither shelter nor defence receiveth them in their full power and is naturally a Bulwarke from their violence unto her bordering neighbours that maketh the snow to lye much longer there then on the other side of the River 5 The Soile bringeth forth plenty both of Corne and grasse as also great store of Cattle but they be little To supply which defect they have more by much in their numbers then in other places where they be bigger Great store of Fish they take in the River of Deâ— but little from the Sea by reason they have no Havens or Creekes for boates No great store of Woods either there or in any other part of Wales are found it having beene a generall plague unto all the Countrey ever since the head-strong rebellions of their Princes and great men against the Kings of England that in time tooke away the principall helpes of their Innovations by cutting downe their woods whereof in this Shire there hath heretofore beene great plenty Fruits are scarce but Milke Butter and Cheese plenty as also store of Honey of the which they make a pleasant Wine in colour like in taste not much unlike unto Muskadine which they call Matheglin Yea and in the dayes of Giraldus Cambrensis neere the place now called Holy-Well was a rich Mine of Silver in seeking after which men pierced and pryed into the very bowels of the earth 6 The ancient Inhabitants of this Country were the Ordovices a sturdy people against the Romans but now most kind and gentle towards the English and indeed make much of all strangers except they be crossed and then they are the contrary 7 Places of defence are the Castles of Flint Hawarden vulgarly Harden Treer Rudland Mold Yowley and Hope of which Flnt and Harden are the two principall The Castle of Flint famous for the benefit it received from two Kings and for the refuge and reliefe it gave unto the third It was founded by Henry the second finished by Edward the first and long after gave harbour and entertainment to that Noble but unfortunate Prince Richard the second comming out of Ireland being within her walles a free and absolute King but no sooner without but taken prisoner by Henry Bullinbroke Duke of Lancaster losing at that time his liberty and not long after his life This standeth in the graduation of Latitude 53 55. minutes in Longitude 17. For the Castle of Hawarden no record remaines of the first Founder but that it was held a long time by the Stewards of the Earles of Chester Howbeit their resistances did not so generally consist in the strength of their Castles and Fortifications as in their Mountaines and Hills which in times of danger served as naturall Bulwarkes and Defences unto them against the force of enemies As was that which standeth in a certaine strait set about with Woods neere unto the River Alen called Coles-hull that is Coles-hill where the English by reason of their disordered multitude not ranged close in good array lost the field and were defeated when King Henry the second had made as great preparation as might be to give battell unto the Welsh and the very Kings Standard was forsaken by Henry of Essex who was Standard bearer to the King of England in right of inheritance 8 This Country hath many shallow Rivers in it but none of fame and note but d ee and Cluyde Howbeit there is a Spring not farre from Rudland Castle of great report and antiquity which is termed Fons Sacer in English Holy-Well and is also commonly called Saint Winefrids Well of whom antiquity thus reporteth That Winefrid a Christian Virgin very faire and vertuous was doated upon by a young lustfull Prince or Lord of the Countrey who not being able to rule his head-strong affections having many times in vaine attempted and tryed her chastitie both by rich gifts and large promises could not by any meanes obtaine his desires he therefore in a place of advantage suddenly surprized and ravished her weake yet resisting body After the deed done the cruell Tyrant to stop her cryes and acclamations slew her and cut off her head out of which place did suddenly arise a Spring that continueth to this day carrying from the Fountaine such a forcible streame and current as the like is not found in Christendome Over the head of the Spring there is built a Chappell of free-stone with Pillars curiously wrought and ingraved in the Chancell whereof and Glasse-window the picture of the Virgin is drawne together with the memoriall of her life and death To this Fountaine Pilgrims are accustomed to repaire in their zealous but blind devotion and divers others resort to bathe in holding firmely that the water is of much vertue There be many red stones in the bottome of this Well and much greene mosse growing upon the sides the superstition of the people holding that those red spots in the stones were drops of the Ladies blood which all the water in the Spring can never wash away and that the mosse about the wall was her haire which though some of it be given to every stranger that comes yet it never wasteth But howsoever this be carried for truth by the tradition of time the mosse it selfe smells exceeding sweet There is also hard by Kilken a small village within this County a little Well of no great note that at
Henry the seaventh 101.7 His tomb ibid. Saint Edmunds bury how named in the Saxons time 33.6 Saint Edmunds-Bury Abbey and Towne praised ibid. King Edward the second first of the English Race Prince of Wales 123.6 Murdered by the meanes of Isabel his wife 47.7 Enterred in Glocest. Church where his Monument remaineth ibid. Einesbury alias Arnulphsbury 58.10 Elden hole 67.8 Eleanor wife to King Edward the first commended 63.7 Eleanor widow to King Henry the third becommeth a Nunne 25.9 Elfred or Alfred the first that divided his Kingdomes into Shires 3 4. 5 His noble care in restoring the Vniversitie of Oxford 45 7 Elie 37.5 Ella King of Northumberland slaine 78.9 Elmet 78.10 Elmham a Bishops See 35.8 Emerill stone found in Garnsey 94.6 England on this side Humber how divided into Hides 3.3 Little England beyond Wales 101.4 England shared into Principalities by whom and to what purpose 57.30 Enis-Kelling a strong Fort in Vlster 145.9 Eorles i. Earles 4.7 11 Erdini people in Ireland 145 5 Erminstreet 37.7 Essex why so named 31.1 The forme and dimension 1.2 How bounded ibid. 3 The aire and soile 31.4 The ancient Inhabitants 31.5 What commodities it yeeldeth 31.6 What religious houses therein 31.9 Hundreds and townes therein 32 Excester Citie whence it named that name 19 6 It was a Dukedom Marquisate and Earledome 19 8 The description thereof 19 6 Her magnificent Cathedrall Church by whom built ibid. The Bishops See ibid. It withstood the Saxons 465 yeares ibid. How valiant against all her Sieges ibid. VVhat losses it hath felt ibid. Resisted William Conquerour till the walles fell downe ibid. How loyall to King Edward the sixt ibid. The Climate thereof ibid. How governed ibid. The birth-place of the matchlesse Poet Iosephus Isanus ibid. Exchequer Court first erected 5.3 Exmore Monuments in Devon-shire 19.7 F Falmouth Haven commended 21.7 Farne Isle how bounded 93 The form aire soile and commodities ibid. Feldon or Felden a part of Warwick-shire 53.3 Finborow a Citie where now the Chamber in the Forrest 73.7 Fingall King of Man 9.2 Rich. Fitz-Ralph against Mendicant Friers 145.9 Flamins and Arch-Flamins 6.5 Their places converted into Bishops Sees ibid. Flavia Caesariensis a part of Britaine why so called 2.15 How limited 2.16 Fleg a part of Norfolke 35.1 Flemins inhabiting Rosse in Wales 101.4 Flint-shire how bounded and of what form 121.1 The dimension ibid. 2 The aire and Climate 121 3. 4 The commodities 121.5 The ancient Inhabitants 121.6 Hundreds and Townes there 122 Flint castle by whom founded and finished 121.7 The graduation thereof ibid. Flodden-field 89 10 Foelix Bishop of Dunwich 35.8 A Font of solide brasse 39.5 Forrest both name and thing whence it came 57.2 Forrest justice 57. â— Forresters office ibid. Fotheriaghay Castle and Collegiate Church 55.8 Fouldage in Norfolke what it is 35.2 Fountain ebbing and slowing 85.9 Fountaines Abbey 77.7 Freshwater Isle 15.14 Friburgi 57.4 G Gallena See Wallingford Galloglasses what they are 138.19 Galloway County how commodious 143.4 Galway the third City in Ireland and an Episcopall See 143.6 Gangani a people in Ireland 143.5 Gaothel with his wife Scota come into Ireland 137 11 Garnsay Island how it is situate 94.1 The dimension thereof ibid. The forme of it 942. Sometime called Sarnia 94.1 The government originall and language of the Inhabitants 94 5 8 Market-Townes Castles and Parishes therein 94 8 No Toade Snake or venomous creature there 94.3 Order of the Garter 27.8 Gateshed 89.8 Pierce Gaveston beheaded 53.4 Gessrey ap Arthur of Monmouth why so called 107.4 Geese where they sail as they slie 81.6 Saint Germane confuteth the Pelagian Heresie 77.7 Hâ— sinâ—ieth at Oxford 45.7 Giants teeth and bones digged up 31.8 Giants dance translated out of Leinster to Salisbury Plaine by Merlin 141.14 Gildas the old Britaine Student in Oxford 45.7 Gilling Monastery 79.5 Gisburg Abbey 81.8 Glamorgan-shire how limited 100.19 109.1 What Cantreves and Commots it hath 100 19 The forme and measure of iâ— 105.2 The aire and soile thereof 105.3 The Commodities it standeth upon 10â— 3 Castles and religious houses in it 105.8 Hundreds Townes and memorable places therein 106 Glastenbury Abbey first begunne by Ioseph of Arimathea 23.9 Glocester-shire how it is bounded 47.1 The dimension of it 47.2 The forme aire and soile 47.3 The commodities thereof 47.3 5 By whom in ancient time inhabited 47.4 Hundreds and Towns therein 48 Glocester Citie how called in old time 47.6 A Cathedrall See 47.7 The graduation of it ibid That Dukedome fatall ever to her Dukes 47 11 Godiva Earle Leofrikes wife released Coventry of Tributes by riding naked thorow it 53.5 Godmanchester or Gormanchester 107.4 Godred the sonne of Syrricke King of Man 92.1 His death 92.2 Godred Crovan warreth upon the Manksmen 92.3 Conquereth the Isle of Man and is King 92.3 Buried in Ila an Island ibid. Godred sonne of Olave King of Man 92.7 King of Dublin 92.7 He vanquished and slew Osibeley 92.7 Hee tyrannizeth in Man ibid. Put to slight by Summerled 92.7 King of the Isles also 92.9 His death buriall and issue ibid. Godred Don sonne of Reginald King of the Islands slaine 92.10 Goodwin Sands dangerous shelves 7.6 Gog-Magog 21.1 Gog-Magog hilles 37.7 Grantbridge 37.4 Grantcester an ancient Citie 37.4 Arthur Baron Grey suppresseth Desmonds Rebellion 139.9 Gromebridge in Sussex 9.8 Grounds in the Irish Sea what they be 141.7 Grounds made fruitfull with burning ashes 119 4 Guartiger Maur 111.5 Gwent a part of South-Wales now Monmouth-shire how confined 100.20 How it is divided into Cantreves and Commots ibid. Guith i. the Isle of Wight 15.7 Guy of Warwicke beheadeth Piers of Gaveston 53.4 Guy-Cliffe 53.7 Guorong the Lieutenant of Kent 7.11 H Hadrians Wall limiting the Romane Province in England 6.9 Hadriaâ— 4. Pope where borne and his death 36.6 Hales Monastery 47.11 Blood of Hales ibid. Halifaâ— a great Parish why so called 77.8 Halifas Law ibid. Haly-werke folke 83.6 Hant-shire how bordered upon 13.1 The dimension thereof 13 2 The aire and soil thereof 13.3 4 What Havens Creekes and Casâ—les it hath 13.5 By what people inhabited in old time 13.6 What commodities it yeeldeth 13.8 What Religious Houses Hundreds and Townes therein 13.11 Hardy-Canute his death 11.6 Lord â—ohn Harrington Baron of Exton 59.5 His draught of Rutland-shiâ—â— ibid. Harbâ—h a great towne in Merioâ—th-shire 99.10 Harbâ—h towne castle 117.6 The position thereof 117.7 Harod Godwins sonne King of England vanquisheth Harold Harfager King of Norway 92.1 Harold Olaves sonne King of Man drowned in a tempest 92.12 Havering how it tooke name 31.9 Hawadâ—n Castle 121.7 Heglâ—andmen 2.12 Heil Saxon Idol 17.6 Helbâ—ks 79.3 Hellâ—ettles 83.7 Helâ—et of gold digged up in Liâ—oln-shire 63.6 Henâ—st beheaded 78.10 Henâ— Prince of Wales Duke of â—ornwall Englands great hoâ— 21.6 Henâ— Prince of Scotland haâ—y escapeth death at the sieâ— of Ludlow 71.6 Heâ— the 4. Emperour of Amaine buried in Saint Wâ—burgs Church at Chesteâ— 73.7 Phil Herbert first
Buckingham Recorders of Stafford Thomas Werswick Leichfield Iohn Rosse An. D. 606. An. D. 676. An. D. 718. An. 1148. Houses of Religion Castles Alton Carswall Chesterton Madeley Chatley Stafford Leichfield Tamworth Hely Newcastle Duddeley Tutbury Eccleshall The Saxonish names of this Shire The limits The forme Aire Soyle Severne Severne once the bounds of the North-Britaines Ordovices Caractacus Caer-Caradoc Cornavii This Shire a part of the Mercian Kingdome Henry the second Sir Hubert S. Clerc Henry Prince of Scotland King Stephen Shrop-shire the Marches of England and Wales King Henry the seaventh Prince Arthur King Henry the eight Shrewsbury the chiefe Towne Commodities Strength for warlike defence Magistracie Graduation Roxalter * Berry a Citie famous in Arthur dayes Castles 1. Whittenton 2. Ellismere 3. Oswestree 4. Wem 5. Red-castle 6. Morton-Corbeti 7. Knockin 8. Shrawerdon 9. Watlesburgh 10. Rowton 11. Brocard 12. Cause 13. Ponderbach 14. Atton-Burnell 15. Carleton 16. Dalaley 17. Tong. 18. Bridgnorth 19. Howgate 20. Bramcroft 21. Corsham 22. Clebery 23. Ludlow 24. Shipton 25. Hopton 26. Clâ—n 27 Newcastle 28. Bishopscastle 29. Bruges 30. Shrewesbury 31. Holgod 32. Lavemuste The borders of Chesse-shire The forme The Ayre and Climate The Soyle The ancient Inhabitants CORNAVII CANGI Tacit. Annal. lib. 12. cap. 8. * Chester Romans Saxons Annal. Britan. Cheshire made a Principality Nic. Trevet A. D. 1255. The Gentility of Chesse-shire Cheshire chiefe of men Cheshire women very faire Ranulph Cest. lib. 1. cap. 48. An. Do. 70. Hen. Bradshaw Chester described The Minster built Henry the 4. Emperour of Almaine buried in S. Wereburgs Eadesburg Finborow Eadgar triumph Marianuâ— Scotâ—â— Ioh Fik. Wil Malmes Ran. Higden Roger Hoven Alfrid Beverid Flores Hist. The Causey The Earles The confines Forme Dimensitie Ayre Soyle Commodities Woods carefully preserved in this Shire The old Inhabitantâ— Roman Saxon. Dane Norman Manchester Riblechester Lancaster more pleasant then full of people The grant of King Edward the third unto the Towne of Lancaster It is severed in some places by the force of the Sea Winander-mere It was last made subject to the West-Saxon Monarchy Arthur put to flight the Saxons Duke Wade put to the worst The civil wars of Yorke and Lancaster Their happy conjunction Castles Hundreds Market towns Parishes The benefits of Antiquitie Yorkeshire a great Province Mens affections most set to moderne matters Yorkeshire how bounded Full of Trees How bounded North. East West South Humber Yorkeshire divided West-Riding East-Riding North-Riding The Soile The Antiquities Columnes Altars Bricâ—es Abbeys Whitby Bolton Kirkstall S. Maries in Yorke Fountaines Monast. Saint Wilfrid Drax. Selby Causes of diminishing Church-livings Memorable places Halifax Pomfret Yorke Citie Yorke a pleasant Citie Egbert Arch-â—ishop of York Rich. the third Hen the eight Severus Empeâ—our Goddesse Bellona Constantius surnamed Chlorus Osbright and Ella Athâ—lstan The Citizens cost since Will. Conquerour The Magistracie of Yorke Citie The Battles Conisborough Aurelius Ambrosius Kirkstall Casterford Palme-Sunday Battle Lancastrians put to flight Places of other note Giggleswicke S. Wilfrids Needle Constantius Sepulchre An ancient Romane custome Yorkâ—shire delightfull The bounds of the West-Riding The Ayre The Sâ—yle Copper Lead Stone-Coale Lead-Oare Inhabitants Richmond the câ—iefe towne The occasion of building it Oswy King of Northumberland The Mâ—giâ—trâ—cie of Richmond The graduation Matters memorablâ— A Copper Mine Cockles on the top of the Mountaines Swale River Paulinus Archbishop of York Places of Antiquitie Bayntbridge Bowes or Levatrae A Thracian Cohort there Exploratores band there Spittle Maiden Castle Burgh Aurelius Commodus Statue Catarick Religious Houses Richmond Coverâ—ham Fois Ignorance Fâ—ith Castles Market towns The bounds of the North and East-Ridings The Aire The Soile and other Commodities Hâ—rrings Kingstone upon Hull Stock-fish Beverly a Sanctuary Places where are stones found like Serpents Where Geese fall Where a Sea-man was câ—ught Water for diseased eyes Black Amber or Jette Round stones with stone-Serpents in them The Battle of Battlebridge The Battle of the Standard David King of Scots Mowbray King Henry the second Religious houses Dunsley Gisburgh Kirkham Deirwaâ—d Market-Townes The bounds of this Province The Forme The Dimensitude The Ayre The Soyle Coale-pits Cambden The ancient Inhabitants The priviledge of this people S. Cuthbert The devotion of divers kings to S. Cuthbert Beda his tomb The Monks idlenesse the cause of their overthrow Hell-kettles A salt proceeding of stones Binchester Condercum Castles Hilton Branspâ—th Raâ—ye Durham Lumlâ—y Waâ—ton Baâ—nard The bounds of Westmorland The Length The Bredth The Forme The Soyle Inhabitants Commodities Kendale the chiefe Town Earles of Kendale The Magistracy of Kendale Graduation of it Places of chief 〈◊〉 verterae Apelby Roman Coyns here sound Sessions at Apelby Castle A Romane Station at 〈◊〉 King Iohn One House of Religion Notes of Anquitie Amble side The River Caâ— The Commodities of it Market towns Cumberlands bounds The forme The Ayre The Commodities The ancient Inhabitants Marian Scotus King Edmund King Stephens gift to the Scots Henry the Second Oliver S. Clere. Iames the sixt King of Scotland Carlile the chiefe Citie Edward the First Castles 1. Bâ—w 2. Askirton 3 Scalâ—y 4. Nowath 5. Castlesteed 6. Castle-carock 7 Corhy 8 Lyndstok 9. Rawcliffe 10 Drumbugh 11. Aâ—â—allwat 12. The Roseca 13 Highâ—ate 14 Wulsly 15. Cladâ—k 16. Haton 17 Grastok 18. Pemeth 19 Daker 20. Pape Cast. 21. Cokermouth 22. Werkinton 23 Hay 24 Egremand 25. Millum The bounds of Northumberland The Forme The Aire The Soyle Inhabitants Commodities New-castle A rich towne The occasion of naming it New-castle Richard the second Henry the sixt Barwick The situation of Barwick The Governour Battels in this Country Battels at Otterburne Anwick Brumridge Flodden-field Hexam Dilston Antiquities Halyston Busy-gap Light Horsemen A Martiall kinde of men Morpeth Market-towns Diversitie of names Forme Dimensitie Aire Soile Oaten-bread Commodities Freedom from vexation in Lawing The Magistrates manner of warrant for summoning a partie before him Bala-Curi the Bishops palace Religiousnesse of the people Matters worthy of note The womens girdles when they go abroad The manner of death for Malefactors The partition of this Isle 1 Syrric King of Man 2 Fingall 3 Godred Crovan King 4 Lagman King 5 Dopnald King 6 Olave King 7 Godred the second King 8 Raignald King of Man 9 Olave the second King 10 Harrold King of Man 11 Raignald the second King 12 Magnus King of Man Beda in the life of Cuthbert Verstegan lib. Restâ—s cap. 5. Offa made Mâ—ar between his Kingdome and Wales The breadth and length of Wales Rodericus Magnus divided it into three Regions Ann. Christ. 870. * Shrewsbury * D. Powel Gwyneth or North-wales * Anglesey * Caernarvon * M. Tate * Hist. of Wales Mon or Anglesey the first part of North-wales Beau-marish the chiefe towne of Anglesey Arvon or Caernarvon the second part of North-wales Caernarvon the Shire-towne of the Countie of Carnarvon Merioneth the third part of North-wales Y Bervedhwlad the fourth part of
the Lord Cromwell Say and Mountjoy the slaughter in all amounted to 10000. saith Hall 1471. Edw. 4.11 60 At Towkefoury King Ed. 4. obtained the diadem in subduing H. 6. under the leading of Prince E. who was there slaine and Q Margaret taken prisoner there died likewise Tho. Courtney E. of Devonshire Ioh. Sommerset Marq. Dorset and the Lord Wenlake of Knights Hamden Whitting Vans Harvy Deluys Filding Leukenor Lirmouth Vrman Seamer Roos and Henry Edm. D. of Sommerset was there taken and beheaded with Iohn Bough Lord Prior of S. Iohns May 4. 1471. E. 4.11 61 Bosworth-field fought upon Redmore Aug. 22 1458. and 3. of Ric. 3. where himselfe was slain with Iohn D. of Norfolke Wa. L. Ferres Richard Ratcliffe and Rob. Brakenbury Knights and 4000. more of his company on the Earle of Richmonds part only 10. persons the chiefe where of was Wil. Brandon Knight his Standard-bearer Earle Henry was there crowned in the field and the union of Lancaster with Yorke effected whose civill dissentions had cost more English bloud then twice had done the winning of France 62 Stoke-field Iun. 16. 1487. was fought to arrest Lambert a counterfeit Warwick against King Henry 7. where 4000. with the naked Irish were slain and with them died De la Pole Earle of Lincolne Francis L. Lovel Tho. Gerardine Chancellour of Ireland Martin Swart and Sir Tho. Broughton Knights generall against the King Lambert was there taken and made a turn-spit Hen. 7.2 63 At Cockeledge â—â—r Yorke the Commons rose and slew Henry Earle of Northumberland for a tax collected by him granted in Parliament their Captain named Iohn a Cumber was hanged at Yorke 1489. H. 7.4 64 Excest besieged by Perkin Werbeck a counterfeit naming himselfe Ric. Duke of York before murdered in the Tower of London after he had in dammaged the North and Northâ—â—berl was from this City expulsed to Bewdley Sanctuary and lastly executed as Tiburn 1497. reg H. 7.13 65 This same City was again besieged by the rebels of Devon-shire aâ—d Cornwall the 3. of E. 6. under the leading of Hum. Arundel Holmes Winslow and Bury but was rescued by Iohn L. Russel with the Lord Grey and 4000. of them slain 1549. 66 On Black-heath again was fought a sore battell by Thomas Flaâ—â—ock gent. Michael Ioseph Blackesmith and Iam. Twichet L. Andley with the Cornish rebels where 2000. of them were slaine by Giles L. Daubeney generall for the King and 1500. taken prisoners Iune 22. 1497. H. 7. 67 Flodden-field the 9. of September and 5. of King Henry 8. was fought against the Scots by L. Tho. Howard Earl of Surrey lieutenant generall for the King where Iames 4. King of Scots with 3. Bishops 2. Lord Abbots 12. Earles 17. Lords and 8000. souldiers were slaine and the dead body of K. Iames wrapped in Loâ—dâ— was brought to shine in Surrey and there cast into a corner not long since remaining and seen 68 At Solommosse 15000. Scots under the leading of the L. Maxwell by Thou bastard Dacres and Iack Musgrave were valiantly vanquished and 21. of their Nobilitie whereof eight were Earles brought as prisoners to London and 200. mere of great account besides 800. common souldiers slaine and taken for very griefe whereof K. Iames fell sick and shortly after died 1542. H. 8.32 69 Muscleborrow-field fought September 10. 1546 by Edward D. of Sommerset L. Protector and Iohn Dudley Earle of Warw. against the Scots where 14000. were slaine 1500. taken prisoners onely 60. English then slaine E. 6.1 70 At Norwich in a commotion led by Rob. Ket Tanner of Wind 〈◊〉 Wil. Lord Marquesse of Northampton was put to flight and the Lord Sheffield slain the Citie fired and many outrages done 1549. E. 6.3 71 At Mount Surrey the Rebels with their leader Rob. Ket were by Iohn Dunley E. of Warwick overcome and forced to yeeld 5000. of them being slain and Ket taken and hanged on the Castle of Norwich or as some have upon the Oke of reformation Aug. 27. 1549. E. 6.3 72 Sir Tho. Wist with his company of Kentishmen driven to march from Southworke to Kingstone and thence to S. Iames yeelded himselfe at Temple-bar with the losse onely of 40. persons on both parts Feb. 7. 1554. Mary 1. 73 At Tadcaster Thomas Piercie Earle of Northumberland and Charles Nevil E. of Westmerland in thier commotions tooke 200. footmen repairing toward York for the defence of the City against those rebels 1596. Eliz. 12. 74 Durhaâ—â— taken by the rebels of the North under the leading of Piercy and Nevil Earles which had gathered 7000. and surprised Barnards Castle were by the Earle of Sussex Lieutenant generall for the Queens forced into Scotland and many of their Associates worthily put to death 1569. And lastly which God grant may be the last Thomas late Earle of Northumberland was beheaded in Yorke Aug. 20. 1572. Eliz. 14. THE BRITISH ILANDS PROPOSED IN ONE VIEVV IN THE ENGLISH MAP WITH A GENERALL DESCRIPTION OF GREAT BRITAINE UNDER THE ROMANES CHAPTER 1. THE State of every Kingdome well managed by prudent Government seemes to me to represent a humane Body guided by the soveraignty of the reasonable Soule the Countrey and Land it selfe representing the one the Actions and State affaires the other Sith therefore the excellencies of the whole are but unperfectly laid open where either of these parts is defective our intendment is to take a view as well of the outward body and Lineaments of the now-flourishing British Monarchy the Ilands Kingdomes and Provinces thereof in actuall possession for with others no lesse justly claimed in the Continent we meddle not which shall be the content of our first or Chorographicall Tome containing the foure first Bookes of this our Theater as also of its successive government and vitall actions of State which shall be our second or Historicall Tome containing the five last Bookes And here first we will by example of the best Anatomists propose to the view the whole body Monarchy intire as farre as conveniently we could comprise it and after will dissect and lay open the particular Members Veines and Ioynts I meane the Shires Rivers Cities and Townes with such things as shall occure most worthy our regard and most behovefull for our use 2 The Iland of Great Britaine which with her adjoyning Iles is here first presented containeth the Kingdomes of England and Scotland and is of many accounted the greatest Island in the World though Iustus Lipsius gives that praise to Cuba in America as the Orientall Navigators do unto Sumatra taken for Ptolomees Taprobana or to Madagascar the Island of S. Laurence both which are neere unto or under the Equinoctiall Line In which we will not contend as pleasing our selves with her other praises greater then her Greatnes yet with this honour also that is was without question the greatest Island of the Romane World and for any thing yet certainly knowne of all the rest Concerning whose
themselves to Iulius Caesar and whose chiefe City was Vindonum Caer Segonte now Silcestâ—r and upon the South by the Belgae and Regni who were subdued by Plantius and Vespasian the Romans where Titus rescuing his father straitly besieged by the Britaines as Dio and Forcatulus doe report was grasped about with an Adder but no hurt to his person and therefore taken for a signe of good luck Their chiefe Town was Rincewood as yet sounding the name and more within Land inhabited the Manures as Beda calles them whose Hundreds also to this day give a relish of their names 7 Neere Ringwood and the place once YTENE from God and peoples service to Beast and luxury thirty-six Parish-Churches were converted and pulled downe by the Conquerour and thirty miles of circuite inforrested for his Game of Hunting wherein his sonnes Richard and Rufus with Henry the second sonne to Duke Robert his first felt by hasty death the hand of Iustice and Revenge for in the same Forrest Richard by a blasting of a pestilent aire Rufus by a shot taken for a Beast and Henry as Absalom hanged by a bough came to their untimely ends At so deare a rate the pleasures of dogs and harbour for beasts were bought in the blood of these Princes 8 The generall commodities gotten in this Shire are Woolles Clothes and Iron whereof great store is therein wrought from the Mines and thence transported into all parts of this Realme and their Clothes and Karsies carried into many forraine Countries to that Counties great benefit and Englands great praise 9 The Trade thereof with other provisions for the whole are vented thorow eighteene Market-Townes in this Shire whereof Winchester the Britaines Caer Gwent the Romans Venta Belgarum and the Saxons Windaneasder is chiefe ancient enough by our British Historians as built by King Rudhudibras nine hundred yeares before the Nativity of Christ and famous in the Romans times for the weavings and embroderies therein wrought to the peculiar uses of their Emperours owne persons In the Saxons times after two Calamities of consuming fire her walles were raised and the Citie made the Royall Seat of their West-Saxons Kings and the Metropolitan of their Bishops See wherein Egbert and Elfred their most famous Monarches were crowned and Henry the third the Normans longest raigner first tooke breath And here King Aethelstane erected six houses for his Mint but the Danish desolation over-running all this Citie felt their fury in the dayes of King Ethelbright and in the Normans time twice was defaced by the mis-fortune of fire which they againe repaired and graced with the trust of keeping the publique Records of the Realme In the civill Warres of Maud and Stephen this City was sore sacked but againe receiving breath was by King Edward the third appointed the place for Mart of Wooll and Cloth The Cathedrall Church built by Kenwolf King of the West-Saxons that had beene Amphibalus Saint Peters Swythins and now holy Trinitie is the Sanctuary for the ashes of many English Kings for herein great Egbert Anno 836. with his sonne King Ethelwolfe 857. Here Elfred Oxfords Founder 901. with his Queene Elswith 904. Here the first Edmund before the Conquest 924. with his sonnes Elfred and Elsward Here Edred 955. and Edwy 956. both Kings of England Here Emmâ— 1052. with her Danish Lord Canute 1035. and his sonne Hardicanute 1042. And here lastly the Normans Richard and Rufus 1100. were interred their bones by Bishop Fox were gathered and shrined in little guilt coffers fixed upon a wall in the Quire where still they remaine carefully preserved This Cities situation is fruitfull and pleasant in a valley under hils having her River on the East and Castle on the West the circuit of whose walls are well-neare two English miles containing one thousand eight hundred and eighty paces thorow which openeth six gates for entrance and therein are seven Churches for divine service besides the Minster and those decayed such as Callendos Ruell Chappell Saint Maries Abbey and the Fryers without in the Suburbs and Soâ—ke in the East is Saint Peters and in the North Hyde Church and Monastery whose ruines remaining shew the beauty that formâ—tly it bare The Graduation of this City by the Mathematicks is placed for Latitude in the degree 51 10 minutes and for Longitude 19 3 minutes 10 More South is South-hampton a Towne populous rich and beautifull from whom the whole Shire deriveth her name most strongly walled about with square stone containing in circuit one thousand and two hundred paces having seven Gates for entrance and twenty-nine Towers for defence two very stately Keyes for Ships arrivage and five faire Churches for Gods Divine Service besides an Hospitall called Gods house wherein the unfortunate Richard Earle of Cambridge beheaded for treason lyeth interred On the West of this Towne is mounted a most beautifull Castle in forme Circular and wall within wall the foundation upon a hill so topped that it cannot be ascended but by staires carrying a goodly prospect both by Land and Sea and in the East without the walles a goodly Church sometimes stood called Saint Maries which was pulled downe for that it gave the French direction of course who with fire had greatly endangered the Towne In stead thereof is now newly erected a small and unfinished Chappell In this place saith learned Cambden stood the ancient Clausentium or Fort of the Romans whose circuit on that side extended it selfe to the Sea This suffered many depredations by the Saxon Pirats and in Anno 980. was by the Danes almost quite overthrowne In King Edward the thirds time it was fired by the French under the conduct of the King of Sicils sonne whom a countrey-man encountred and strucke downe with his Club. Hee crying Rancon that is Ransoms but hee neither understanding his language nor the law that Armes doth allow laid on more soundly saying I know thee a Frankon and therefore shalt thou dye And in Richard the seconds time it was somewhat removed and built in the place where now it standeth In this Clausentium Canute to evict his flatterers made triall of his Deity commanding the Seas to keepe backe from his seat but being not obeyed he acknowledged God to be the only Supreme Governour and in a religious devotion gave up his Crown to the Rood at Winchester More ancient was Silcester built by Constantius great Constantines sonne whose monument say they was seene in that City and where another Constantine put on the purple Roabe against Honorius as both Ninius and Gervase of Canterbury doe witnesse Herein by onr Historians record the warlike Arthur was crowned Whose greatnesse for circuit contained no lesse then fourscore acres of ground and the walles of great height yet standing two miles in compasse about This City by the Danish Rovers suffered such wrack that her mounted tops were never since seene and her Hulke the
favour of the Conquerour disseised Aluric and his heires forfeited it to the Crowne but since it hath passed by annuall election and hath united to it the Countie of Cambridge 5 Having thus farre spoken of the Shire in generall next in observation falleth the Shire-Town Huntingdon Hundandun or the Hunters Downe North seated upon a rising banke over the rich meadowed River Owse interpreted by some Authors the Downe of Hunters to which their now common Sâ—ale a Hunter seemeth to allude Great and populous was this in the fore-going age the following having here buried of fifteene all but three besides the Mother-Church S. Maries in their own graves At the raigne of the Conquerour it was ranged into foure â—eilings or Wards and in them 256. Burgenses or Housholds It answered at all assesments for 50 Hides the fourth part of Hurstingston Hundred in which it standeth The annuall rent was then 30. l. of which 25 of three Minters there kept the King had two parts the Earle the third the power of Coynage then and before not being so privatively in the King but Borowes Bishops and Earles enjoyed it on the one side stamping the face and stile of their Soveraigne in acknowledgement of subordinacie in that part of absolute power and on the reverse their own name to warrant their integritie in that infinite trust 6 The Castle supposed by some the work of the elder Edward but seeming by the Book of Domesday to be built by the Conquerour is now known but by the ruines It was the seat of Walthcof the Great Saxon Earle as of his succeeding heires untill to end the question of right between Sentlice and the King of Scots Henry the second laid it as you see yet doth it remaine the head of that honour on which in other Shires many Knights Fees and sixteene in this attended Here David Earle of this and Anguise father of Isabel de Bâ—â—s founded the Hospitall of S. Iohn Baptist and Lovetote here upon the Fee of Eustace the Vicount built to the honour of the blessed Virgin the Priory of Blacke Channons valued at the Suppression 232. l. 7. s. ob Here at the North end was a house of Fryers and without the Town at Hinchingbrooke a Cloister of Nunnes valued at 19. l. 9. s. 2. d. founded by the first William in place of S. Pandonia at Elâ—esley by him suppressed where neer the end of the last Henry the family of the Cromwels began their Seat To this Shire-Town and benefit of the neighbour Countries this River was navigable untill the power of Grey a minion of the time stopt that passage and with it all redresse either by Law or Parliament By Charter of King Iohn this Town hath a peculiar Cotoner profit by Toll and Custome Recorder Town-Clerkes and two Bayliffes elected annually for government as at Parliament two Burgesses for advise and assent and is Lord of it selfe in Fee-Faâ—me 7 The rest of the Hundred wherein this Shire-Town lyeth is the East part of the County and of Hurst a Parish in the center of it named HURSTINGSTON it was the Fee-farme of Ramsey Abbey which on a point of fâ—rtile land thrust out into the Fennes is therein situate founded in the yeare 969. to God our Lady and S. Benedict by Earle Aylwin of the Royall bloud replenished with Monks from Westbury by Oswold of Yorke and dedicated by Dunstan of Canterburie Arch-bishops By Abbat Reginald 1114. this Church was reedified by Magnavill Earle of Essex not long after spoyled and by Henry the third first of all the Norman Princes visited when wasted with the Sicilian warres Regalis mensae Hospitalitas ita abbreciata fuit ut cum Abbatibus Clericis viris satis humilibus hospitia quaesivit prandia This Monastery the shrine of two martyred Kings Ethelbright and Ethelreâ— and of Saint Ivo the Persian Bishop by humble pietie at first and pious charitie ascended such a pitch of worldly fortune that it transformed their Founder religious povertie into their ruine the attribute of Ramsey the rich for having made themselves Lords of 387 Hides of land whereof 200 in this Shire so much as at an easie and under rent was at the Suppression valued at 1903. l. 15. s. 3. d. q. but by account of this time annually amounts to 7000. l. they then began to affect popular command and first inclosing that large circuit of land and water for in it lyeth the Mile-square Meere of Ramsey as a peculiar Seignory to them called the Baâ—cuc or Bandy bounded as the Shire from Ely and from Norman-Crosse with the Hundred Meere by Soveraigne Graunt they enjoyed regall libertie And then aspiring a step further to a place in Parliament made Broughton the head of their Baronie annexing to it in this Shire foure Knights Fees Thus in great glory it stood above 400 yeares untill Henry the eight amongst many other once bright Lamps of Learning and Religion in this State though then obscured with those blemishes to wealth and case concomitant dissolved the house although Iohn Warboys then Abbot his 60 black Monks there maintained were of the first that under their hands and conventuall Seale protested Quod Romanus Pontiâ—ex non habet majorem aliquam Iurisdictionem collatam sibi a Deo in Regno Angliae quam quivis aliâ—s externus Episcopus A Cell to this rich Monastery was S. Iâ—oes Priory built in that place of Slep by Earle Adelmus in the raign of the last Edmund where the incorrupted body of S. Ivo there once an Hermit in a vision revealed was by Ednothus taken up in his Robes Episcopall and dedicated in the presence of Siward Earle of this Countie and that Lady of renowned pietie Ethelsleda to the sacred memory of this Persian Bishop Not farre from this is Somersham the gift of the Saxon Earle Brithnothus to the Church of Ely before his own fatall expedition against the Danes It is the head of those five Towns of which the Soke is composed and was an house to the See of Ely well beautified by Iohn Stanley their Bishop but now by exchange is annexed to the Crown As these so all the rest of this Hundred was the Churches land except Rippon Regis ancient Demaine To which Saple reserved Forrest adjoyned and the greater Stiveâ—ly given by the last David Earle of Huntingdon in Fee to his three Servants Sâ—mliâ—e Lakervile and Camoys HUNTINGTON BOTH SHIRE AND SHIRE TOWNE WITH THE ANCIENT CITIE ELY DESCRIBED 9 LETTUNESTAN HUNDRED hath that name from Leighton a Town in the middest of it given by Earle Waltheof to the Church of Lincolne which after shared it into two Prebendaries One the Parsonage impropriate which still remaineth the other the Lordships was resumed by Henry the eight and now by the Heire of Darâ—y matched to the Lord Clifton is become the seat of his Barony This Hundred had in it no house of Religion but Stonley a Priory of seven
and strongly built with foure faire Gates opening into the fouâ—e winds besides three posternes and seven Watch-Towers extending in compasse one thousand nine hundred and forty paces On the South of this City is mounted a Strong and stately Castle round in forme and the base Court likewise inclosed with a circular wall In the North is the Minster first built by Earle Leofrike to the honour of Saint Werburga the Virgin and after most sumptuously repaired by Hugh the first Earle of Chester of the Normans now the Cathedrall of the Bishops See Therein lyeth interred as report doth relate the body of Henry the fourth Emperour of Almaine who leaving his Imperiall Estate led lastly therein an Hermites life This City hath formerly been sore defaced first by Egfrid King of Northumberland where he slew twelve hundred Christian Monkes resorted thither from Bangor to pray Againe by the Danes it was sore defaced when their destroying feet had trampled downe the beauty of the Land But was againe rebuilt by Ethelfleada the Mercian Lady who in this County and Forrest of Dilamer built Eadesburg and Finborow two fine Cities nothing of them now remaining besides the Chamber in the Forrest Chester in the dayes of King Edgar was in most flourishing estate wherein he had the homage of eight other Kings who rowed his Barge from S. Iohns to his Palace himselfe holding the Helm as their supreme This City was made a County incorporate of it selfe by King Henry the seventh and is yearly governed by a Major with Sword and Mace borne before him in State two Sheriffes twenty foure Aldermen a Recorder a Town-Clerke and a Sergeant of Peace foure Sergeants and six Yeomen It hath been accounted the Key into Ireland and great pity is it that the port should decay as it daily doth the Sea being stopped to scoure the River by a Causey that thwarteth Dee at her bridge Within the walls of this City are eight Parish-Churches S. Iohns the greater and lesser in the Suburbs are the White Fryers Blacke Fryers and Nunry now suppressed From which City the Pole is elevated unto the degree 53.58 minutes of Latitude and from the first point of the West in Longitude unto the 17. degree and 18. minutes 8 The Earledome whereof was possessed from the Conquerour till it fell lastly to the Crowne the last of whom though not with the least hopes is Prince Henry who to the Titles of Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall hath by Succession and right of inheritance the Earlddom of Chester annexed to his other most happy Stiles Vpon whose Person 〈…〉 of Iacobs God may ever attend to his 〈…〉 Britaine 's happinesse 9 If I should urge credit unto the report of certaine Trees floating in Bagmere onely against the deaths of the Heires of the Breretons thereby seated and after to sinke untill the next like occasion or inforce for truth the Prophecie which Leyland in a Poeticall fury fore-spake of Beeston Castle highly mounted upon a steepe hill I should forget my selfe and wonted opinion that can hardly beleeve any such vaine predictions though they be told from the mouths of credit as Bagmere Trees are or learned Leyland for Beeston who thus writeth The day will come when it againe shal mount his head aloft If I a Prophet may be heard from Seers that say so oft With eight other Castles this Shire hath been strengthened which were Old-Castle Shoclach Shotwitch Chester Poulefourd Dunham Frodesham and Haulten and by the prayers as then was taught of eight religious houses therein seated preserved which by King Henry the eight were suppressed namely Stanlow Ilbree Maxfeld Norton Bunbery Combermere Rud-heath and Vale-Royall besides the White and Blacke Fryers and the Nunnery in Chester This Counties division is into seven Hundreds wherein are seated thirteene Market-Townes eighty six Parish-Churches and thirty eight Chappels of ease THE COUNTYE PALATINE OF CHESTER With that most aNCIENT CITIE described Hundreds in Cheshire 1. Wyrehalo 2. Eddesbury 3. Broxton 4. Northwiche 5. Bucklow 6. Nantwiche 7. Macclesfeild A Acton Eddes Acton Nant. Acton Grange Buck. Adynton Mac. Aggeton Brox. Akedone Buck. Nether Alderleigh Mac. Over Alderleigh Mac. Aldelym Nant. Alford Brox. Aldresey Brox. Allostock North. Almare Hall Brox. Alpram Eddes Alsacher Nant. Alstanston Nant. Alton Eddes ALTRINGHAM B. Alvandeley Eddes Alvaston Nant. Anderton Buck. Appleton Buck. Arclydd North. Areley Buck. Armitage North. Arwe Wyre Ashefeild Wyre Assheley Buck. Asheton Eddes Assheton Buck. Aston Nant. Aston Grange Buck. Aston Chappell Buck. Ayton Eddes Ayton North. B Bache Brox. Backford Wyre Badileigh Nant. Baggeleigh Nant. Bagmere Mere North. The Baites Brox. Barkesford Nant. Barnshaw North. Barnston Wyre Little Barrow Eddes Great Barrow Eddes Barterton Buck. Bartherton Nant. Barthynton Buck. Barton Brox. Bartumleigh Nant. Bathynton Nant. Over Bebynton Wyre Nether Bebynton Wyre The Beacon Mac. Becheton Nant. Beeston Eddes Beeston Castle Eddes Bexton Buck. Bickerton Brox. Beleigh North. Birkin Flu. Blakenhall Wyre Blakenhall Nant. Bnyrton Brox. Bolyn Mac. Bollyn Flu. Bolynton Buck. Bolynton Mac. Boseleigh Mac. Bostock North. Boughtâ—n Brox. Bouthes Buck. Bowdon Buck. Bradford North. Bradley Brox. Bradley Buck. Bradwell North. Bredbury Mac. Brereton North. Briddesmeyre Nant. Brindeleigh Nant. Brinston Wyre Bromall Mac. Bromehall Nant. Bromley Nant. Broton hils Brox. Broxton Brox. Broxton hils Brox. Brunburgh Wyre Brunscath Wyre Brunynton Mac. Bucklow Buck. Budeston Wyre Budworth Eddes Great Budworth Buck. Buglawton North. Bukkeley Brox. Bunbury Eddes Bureton Nant. Burland Nant. Burton Eddes Burton Wyre Burton Brox. Burwardley Brox. Butteleigh Mac. Byrches North. Byrchelles Mac. C Caldey Wyre Great Caldey Wyre Caldecott Brox. Calveleigh Eddes Capenhurst Wyre Capensthorne Mac. Cardyn Brox. Caringham North. Carrynton Buck. Chalkyleigh Nant. Chad Chappell Brox. The Chamber in the Forrest Edde Chappell in the street Buck. Chedle Mac. Chelford Mac. WEST CHESTER Bro. Childer Thotron Wyre Cholmton Eddes Cholmundley Brox. Cholmundeston Nant. Chorleigh Nant. Chorleigh Mac. Chorleton Nant. Chorleton Brox. Chorleton Wyre Chowley Brox. Churchenheath Brox. Churton Brox. Chydlow Brox. Clareton Brox. Claughton Wyre Clifton Buck. Clotton Eddes Clutton Brox. Clyve North. Codynton Eddes Coddynton Brox. Coggeshall Buck. Coiley Nant. Combermere Nant. CONGLETON Nan. Conghull Brox. Church Copenhall Nant. Coton North. Coton Brox. Crabball Wyre Cranage North. Crauton Eddes Crew Nant. Crew Brox. Church Cristleton Brox. Little Cristleton Brox. Rowe Cristleton Brox. Croughton Wyre Croxton North. Cumberbache Buck. D Dane Flu. North. Dane Flu. Mack Dane Inche North. Dareley Eddes Darford Nant. Darnall Grange Eddes Davenham North. Davenport North. Delamere Forrest Edd. Deresbury Buck. Disteleigh Mack Dodcot Nant. Doddynton Nant. Dodleston brox Dodynton Brox. Dokenfeild Mack Dokynton Brox. Downes Mack Dunham Buc. Dunham Eddes Dudden Eddes Dutton Buc. E Eaten boat Brox. Ecchelles Mac. Eccleston Bro. Edlaston Nant. Edge Bro. Eggerton Bro. Elton Eddâ—â— Elton North. Erdley hall Mac. Estham Wyre F Fadisleigh Nant. Fallybrome Mac. Farndon Bro. The Ferye Wyre Finborow Eddes Flaxyards Eddes
of their own blood and he maintained the same with wonderfull pride policie and obstinacie for a long time untill his confederates followers and favorites and his owne courage credit and maintenance were brought so low by that powerfull King that in the end he perished for very want of food 5 Their Townes are not many neither those that they have of any stately buildings whereof Bala Dolgeâ—he and Harleâ—h are the Markets By Bala in the North-East of this County in the Welsh Lhintegid in English Pimble-meare a great Poole of water doth drowne at least eight-score Acres of ground whose nature is as the report doth passe that the high-land floods though never so great cannot make her to swell bigger by their receipts but if the aire be troubled with over-great blasts and tempests of windes she in as great a rage riseth and passeth her bankes as if she would encounter that enemy in fight Into the South whereof the two-headed Dee with a pretie sharpe streame entreth and thorow the same glideth without any mixture of the same water as the Inhabitants beleeve more strongly conceited in their opinion for that the Salmon usually taken in Dee is never found in that Poole and the fish called Guiniad bred in that Meare never is seene in the River Dee South thence neere Dolgelhe in a lower hill a great Rampire of stone and compasse is seene and hath beene some fortification or defence in warre which whilst we were curious to finde out some instructions thereof by report this onely we learned that is was called Caddoryrita Dren according to the name of her neighbour and farre higher hill 6 Upon the West and Sea-shore of this Shire Harlech a Market and Major Towne standeth bleake enough and barren but onely for Fowle and Fish houses not many neither curiously built wherein standeth a little Chappel decayed and without use in which lieth buried Sir Richard Thimblebye an English Knight who for the delight hee tooke in that game removed his abode from a farre better soyle Here also standeth a most strong and beautifull Castle mounted upon a hill and with a double Bulwarke walled about commanding the Sea and passage of entrance of such as seeke to invade the Coast. And surely a great pitie it is to see so faire a worke fall to decay the Constable whereof by Patent is ever the Major of this Towne neere unto which are two great Inlets of Seas which at low water may be passed upon the Sands with Guides Upon whose Shore as upon all the Sea-coasts in this County abundance of Herrings are caught for which cause they are much frequented in the season of the yeere by many people from divers Countries 7 This Towne being the chiefest of the Shire the Pole shall be elevated onely from thence whose height for Latitude standeth in the degree 53.29 minutes and for Longitude in the 15.47 minutes The whole being divided into six Hundreds wherein are seated thirtie seven Parish-Churches whose names in the Table following are to be seene MERIONETH+-SHIRE Described 1610 ¶ An Alphabeticall Table of all the Tovvnes Rivers and memorable places mentioned in Merioneth-Shire HVNDREDS in Merioneth-shire 1 ARdydury 2 Penllyn 3 Ydeirmon 4 Talybont 5 Mowthy 6 Ystymanael A Aberdowye Ystymanael Alwen Flu. Alwen Flu. Angell Flu. Artro Flu. Avon vane Flu. B BALA Penllyn Barmouth Ardydury Benrose Wood Talybont Traeth Bychan Ardydury Buttus ydeirmon C Cayne Flu. Cleton Flu. Clowedok Flu. Mowthy Llyn Cotwry Penllyn Cotsegeddol Ardydury Corwen ydeirmon Cunuell Flu. D Dee Flu. Derye Flu. Desunney Flu. Talybont Desunney Flu. ystymanael Dole ydeirmon DOLGELHE Talybont Douye Flu. Druryd Flu. Dynas Mothus Mowthy E Llyn Eithaye Ardydury F Farles Flu. Festimog Ardydury Funnondo Verduwy Penllyn G Glanllintegid Penllyn Gwannas Mowthy Gwyddelwern ydeirmon H HARLECH Ardydury Hirgum Flu. K Kelyn Flu. Kemmer Abbey Talybont Kessilgum Flu. Kevenreage ydeirmon L Llanagbrethe Talybont Llanaelhairn ydeirmon Llanbeder Ardydury Llandderfel Gadern Penllyn Llandanog Ardydury Llandeber Flu. Llandekwyn Llandegryn Talybont Llandryllo ydeirmon Llaâ—fawr Yn Melyn Penllyn Llanfechraith Talybont Llangor ydeirmon Llanglynnin Talybont Llangower Penllyn Llansansfred ydeirmon Llanenthowin Ardydury Llanthoyway Ardydury Llanwrothen Ardydury Llanvihangell Y Pennant ystymanael Llanyhangell ydeirmon Llanvair ydeirmon Llanunier Llanullyn Penllyn Llanyhangell y traythe Ardyd Llanykill Penllyn Llanymorothwy Mowthy Llanywhyllyn Penllyn Llavern Flu. Llavyltyd Ardydury Llenegryn Talybont Lleyngoryl Flu. Llue Flu. Llyn y combe Ardydury Llyn Tegid Penllyn Llyn Troweryn Penllyn Llyn Teckoyn Ardydury Llyn Eithaye Ardydury M Monach doure Flu. Mothvaye Flu. Maynlloyd Mowthy Maynturog Ardydury N Nanney Talybont P Penal ystymanael R Rarannare Hill Penllyn Rhedok ydeirmon Rhedok ydeirmon Rulace Penllyn S Sarnabugh Point Talybont Skethye Flu. T Taly Llyn ystymanael Thehery Castle ystymanael Llyn Tegid Penllyn Towin Meryonidd ystymanael Traeth Mawer Ardydury Traeth Bychan Ardydury Trawffynydh Ardydury Troweryn Flu. Llyn Troweryn Penllyn V Velynrydd Flu. Y Llyn Ycombe Ardydury DENBIGH-SHIRE called in Welsh Siâ—e Denbigh retiring more from the Sea within the Countrey on this side of the River Conwey shooteth Eastward in one place as farre as to the River Dee on the North first the Sea for a small space and then Flint-shire encompasseth it on the West Caernarvon and Merioneth-shire on the East Cheshire and Sâ—ropshire and on the South Mountgomery-shire 2 The forme thereof is long growing wider still towards the North-west narrower towards the East It is in length from East to West one and thirty miles and in breadth from North to South seventeen miles in the whole circuit and circumference one hundred and foureteen miles 3 The ayre is very wholesome and pleasant yet bleake enough as exposed to the winds on all sides and the high hils wherewith it is in many places environed long retaining the congealed snow The tops whereof in the Summer time are the harvest mens Almanacks by the rising of certain vapours thereon in the mornings and foreshew a faire day ensuing 4 The Soyle is but barren towards the West part yet the middle where it lieth flat in a valley is most fertile The East side when it is once past the valley findeth Nature to be a very sparing niggard of her favours but next unto Dee it feeleth a more liberall extent of her blessings The west part is but here and there inhabited and mounteth up more then the other with bare and hungry hils yet the leannesse of the soil where the hils settle anything flattish hath been now a good while begun to be overcome by the diligent pains and carefull industrie of the husbandmen for they paring away the upper coat of the earth into certaine Turfes with a broad kind of spade pile them up artificially on heaps and fire them so as being turned into ashes and thrown upon the ground so pared they fructifie the hungry barrennesse and
old time 57.5 Cole in pits of what substance 83.4 Cole-pits in the Bishopricke of Durham 83.4 Cole in pits at Cole-Overton in Leicester-shire 61.1 Colchester by whom built 31 7 In Colchester Constantine the great borne 31.7 Colchester how fortified 31.7 whereof it taketh name 31 7 The civill government and graduation of Colchester ibid. Colledges which were first endowed with lands in all Christendome 45.7 Columbkill where the Kings of Scotland Ireland and Norway were entombed 132.18 Combat betweene Edmond Ironside and Canutus 47.10 Comius Attrebas or of Arras 27.5 Commodus the Emperour his Hercules-like Statue 79.7 Concani See Gangani Concha mother to Saint Patricke 101.7 132.12 Condercum See Chester in the Street Coning i. King why so called 4.7 Connaught Province how it is bounded 143.1 The forme and dimension thereof 143.2 The Aire and Bogghes ibid. 3 By whom inhabited in old time 143.5 Extream famine there 143.8 What religious houses there 143.9 Counties and Townes there 144 Constantius Chlorus the Emperour died at Yorke 78.9 His Sepulcher 78.11 Conwy river how named in old time 123.6 Iohn Cobland a famous and valiant Esquire In the Map of Durham Bishopricke Cobland a part of Cumberland 87.2 Copper-Mine at Wenlocke in Shropshire 71.9 In Cumberland 87.4 Corinaeus 22 Coritani where they inhabited 55.4 59.6 61.4 67.4 Corham or Coverham Abbey 79.8 Corke Countie in Ireland sometime a Kingdome 139 Corke Citie in Mounster how seated 139.6 An Episcopall See ibid. The marriage of the Citizens ibid. Cornavii what countries they held 51.4 53.4 69.5 71.5 73.5 Cornwall why so called 3.2 21.1 Of what temperature for aire it is 21.2 Almost an Isle 21.4 The soile 21.3 The dimension thereof 21.3 The ancient and moderne Inhabitants 21.5 It giveth title of Earle and Duke 21.6 What commodities it yeeldeth 21.7 Religious houses therein 21.10 Hundreds and Townes therein 22 Cottons Family of Coningham in Huntingtonshire 58.8 Coventry a well walled Citie 53.5 A Corporation and Countie by it selfe 53.5 Counsell of the Marches of Wales ordained 71.7 Counsell at Yorke erected 78 9 Courts of Iustice altered by King William Conquerour 5.3 Caway Stakes 29.6 Crediton or Kirton a Bishops See translated to Excester 19.6 Cretingsbury 58.10 Sir Adam de Cretings ibid. Robert Bossu Crouch-backe Earle of Leicester rebelleth 61.6 Buildeth the Abbey of St Maries de Pratls neere Leicester 61.6 Hee becommeth a Canon Regular 61.6 Cuba an Island 1.2 Cumberland how bounded 87.1 The form and aire of it 87 2.3 Whence it tooke name 87.5 Commodities thereof 87.4 The ancient Inhabitants 87.5 A Kingdome ibid. Antiquities therein 87.6 Townes therein 88 Cumri 99.2 Custodes See Lieutenants Cuthbert Bishop of Lindâ—ssarne 93 The tutelar Patron of Northerne English-men against the Scots 83.6 A Saint and much adored 83.6 His Tombe much visited by Kings in Pilgrimage ibid. D Lord Dalbney or Daubney with Cornish Rebels overthrown upon Black-heath 7.10 Danelage 5.3 Danish Law 4.8 Danmonii where placed Danewort hearb why so called 31.5 Darby-shire how bounded 67.1 The forme and dimension of it 67.2 The aire and soile thereof ibid. 3 The Inhabitants of it in old time 67.4 Commodities thereof 67 5 What Religious Houses therein 67.9 Hundreds Towns thereof 68 Darby Towne how named in times past 67.6 Alhallowes Steeple there by whom built ibid. The government and graduation thereof ibid. Darnii people of Ireland 145.5 David Disciple of Dubricius uncle to King Arthur Arch-bishop of Menevia 6.6 David 2. King of Scots prisosoner in Nottingham castle 65.6 Saint Davids Citie 101.7 A Nurcerie of holy men ibid. An Archiepiscopall See 101.6 The Cathedrall Church thereof ibid Saint David Bishop refuteth the Pelagians 113.7 Dee River glideth through Pimple meere without mixture 117.5 Deemsters in the Isle of Man 91.5 Deheubarth i. South Wales 110.15 Deirwand 81.8 Dela his five sonnes seated in Ireland 137.10 Demetia or Dimetia i. South-Wales 100.15 Demetiae what Nation and where planted 101.4 103.4 Or Dimetae 113.5 Denbigh Towne and Castle in North wales 99.11 119.7 An Earth-quake there without harme 119.7 How governed ibid. The graduation of it ibid. Denbigh-shire how limited 119.1 The forme and dimension thereof 119.2 The aire and soile thereof 119. 3.4 By whom inhabited in old time 119.5 The Commodities thereof 119.6 Hundreds and Townes thereof 120 Depopulation in England complained of 4.10 Derwent River 67.3 Earle of Desmonds Rebellion suppressed 139.9 Himselfe beheaded by a Souldier ibid. Deucalidonian sea 99.1 Devils arse in the Peake 67.8 Devils ditch 33.7 37.7 Devon-shire name whence derived 91.1 How bounded 91 1 The dimension thereof 19.2 The aire and soile of it 19.3 What Ports and Havens it hath 19.4 What commodities it yeeldeth 19.5 It giveth titles of Duke and Earle 19.8 What Religious houses in it 19.9 Hundreds Towns therein 20 Diamonds gotten in Cornewall 21.7 In Somerset-shire 23.6 Dyffrin Cluid 119.6 The fairest valley within Wales 99.11 Divelin or Dublin Countie destitute of wood 141.3 Divelin Citie the chief in Ireland why called in Irish Bala Cleigh 141.6 Loyall to the Crowne of England 141.10 How adorned ibid. 11 How governed ibid. Divet i. Pembroke-shire 100 17 Division of this whole worke or Theatre 1.1 A division of England fourefold in Canute his days 4.11 Division of England according to Iurisdiction Archiepiscopall 5.4 Dobuni where seated 45.4 47.4 Domesday booke why so called 5.8 Dopnald King of Man tyrannizeth and flieth into Ireland 92.5 Dorchester by Oxford an Episcopall See 45.4 Removed to Lincolne 6.9 Had Archiepiscopall jurisdiction 6.8 How seated 17.5 The civill government thereof 17.5 The graduation of it 17.6 Dorcester-shire whence it took name 17.1 How bounded ibid. The forme and measure of it 17.2 The aire and soile thereof 17.3 By whom possessed in old time 17.4 The commodities it yeeldeth 17.5 What memorable places there 17.6 What religious houses 17 7.8 What Castles 17.9 Divisions Hundreds and Townes therein 18 Dover the Locke and Key to England 7.5 Downes in Sussex 9.4 Sir Francis Drake compassed the Globe of the earth by Sea 19.4 Drax an Abbey 77.7 Dropping Well 78.11 Dubricius Arch-bishop of Caerlion 6.6 Dunstan against Priests marriage his supposed Stratagem 2â— 6 Duwich an Episcopall See 339 Durol rivae 58.8 Duro sipont See God-Manchester Durotriges where seated 17.4 Durham Bishopricke how bounded 83.1 The forme and dimension of it 83.2 The aire and soile 83.3 4 The ancient Inhabitants of it 83.5 Townes in the Bishopricke 84 Bishops their Royalties 83.6 Durham Citie a Bishops See Ibid. A Countie Palatine Ibid E Eadesburg where now the Chamber in the Forrest 73.7 King Eadgars triumph at Chester ibid. Ealdermen who in times past 4.7 East-England 4.11 East-Riding how bounded 81 East-Riding how seated 77.4 The aire soile and commodities 81.2 3 In East-Riding what Hundreds and Townes 82 Edelâ—fleda built Glocester Church 47.7 Edel-fleda beneficiall to Leicester 61.6 Edith a Saint 45.7 Edmund Earle of Richmond father to King