ENDERBIE CAMBRIA TRIVMPHANS OR BRITTAIN IN ITS PERFECT LUSTRE SHEVVING THE Origen and Antiquity OF THAT ILLUSTRIOUS NATION THE Succession of their Kings and Princes from the First to KING CHARLES Of Happy Memory The Description of the Countrey The History of the Antient and Moderne Estate The manner of the Investure of the Princes with the Coats of Arms Of the Nobility By PERCIE ENDERBIE Gent. LONDON Printed for Andrew Crooke and are to be sold at the Green Dragon in St. Paul's Church-Yard 1661. TO HIS SACRED MAJESTY Charles the Second KING of Great BRITTAIN and PRINCE of WALES c. Most DREAD SOVERAIGN HE who is so brain-sick as to question or dispute the Antiquity of KINGS and MONARCHICAL Government will put the choicest Wits to their Trumps to find out a Nomenclation to expresse his Folly the Word Fanatick being too weak and slender KINGS write in the plural Number Mandamus volumus facimus c. which is GOD's own Stile And in Scripture we oft find them called GODS and Man as a civil Creature was directed to that kind of subjection as if the sole Observation of Nature had necessarily led this Affections of Men to this kind of STATE Whence it is also that whilst Others of the most curious in Philosophy tell us of Angels and the Supreme Heavens being immediately Governed by the Maker of all things they add together that upon the Earth KINGS are in like sort of Government as if natural Reason had at first Ordained them on Earth by an unavoidable imitation of their Creators Providence and questionlesse MONARCHY as far exceeds Oligarchy Democratie Aristocratie or that so much lately gaped after Anarchy as the Sun in its purest and most perfect lustre the smallest Star Why then O why then should the Commons of England Vote the Office of King in this Nation and to have the Power thereof in any single person unnecessary and burdensome to the liberty and publick Interest of this Nation This pleased their palats whose proper Advance and not the common Good was sought after and therefore one King was more then laid aside to whom all Allegiance was due and Forty Tyrants set up to whom we owe no allegiance at all Great Monarch Man proposeth but God disposeth and therefore after a dark and tedious night of care and anxiety hath reduced and plac'd you in your proper sphere like to a morning Sun and Sun of Justice to drive away our cares and rectifie our miseries by this your auspicious return assured hope shines in us that the Prophesie is fullfil'd Carolus a Carolo descendens erit Carolo Magno Major This ensuing Treatise will lay open and unfold the manner of Great Brittains Government which was ever Princely contrary to this Chymerical Anarchy the which your Majesties most faithful and humble Subject with much of fear and reverence as being too rustick and homely to appear before so great a Majesty offers up begging of Almighty God to grant You a long and happy Reign Fruitful and Princely Off-spring adorned with all Vertues and heroick Endowments to Succeed You that You may say with the Prophetical King and Kingly Prophet Blessed be the Lord my God who hath caused my Eyes to see this day that one of my own Loyns shall sit upon my Throne And for this all Loyal Subjects ought pray and so shall he incessantly who is Your MAJESTIES Most Loyall And Obedient Subject P. E. THE GENEALOGY OF CHARLES THE II d. MONARCH of Great BRITTAIN from the WELSH Blood CAdeth King of South-wales Howell Dha Prince of South-wales Owen King of Wales who Married Augharad D. and Heir to Lhewely Prince of Powis Meredith King of Wales Lhewelyn ap Sissylht Descended from Anarawd King of North-wales by the Marriage of Angharad D. and H. of King Meredith was King of Wales Griffith ap Lhewelyn King Wales Nest the Daughter of Griffith ap Lhewelyn was Married Fleance Son of Banquo whose Issue was Walter Stuart Alan Lord Stuart Alexander Lord Stuart Walter Lord Stuart Alexander Lord Stuart John Lord Stuart Walter Lord Stuart Married Margery D. and Heir of Robert the first King of Scots and had Issue Robert the Second King of Scots Robert the Third King of Scots James the First King of Scots James the Second King of Scots James the Third King of Scots James the Fourth King of Scots Married Margaret Eldest Daughter to King Henry the 7 th King of England James the Fifth King of Scots Henry in Right of his Wife Queen Mary sole Daughter and Heir to James the Fifth King of Scots James Monarch of Great Brittain Charles Monarch of Great Brittain Charles the Second Monarch of Great Brittain whom God of his infinite Goodnesse protect from his Enemies TO THE Gentle Reader VVhether WELSH or ENGLISH P. E. wisheth all Happiness Courteous Reader LET it not seem strange unto you that being no Native of Waies but born as far remote as Caer luid Coyd I should attempt to compile a General History and entitle it The Ancient and Modern Brittish and Welsh History Sir Walter Raleigh wrote a History of the whole World Mr. Knolls composed the Transactions of the Turkish Empire both English both excellent and approved Authors many more have done the like The enducements which drew me on to attempt this work were first the marriage of a person of quality of that Nation Secondly my long continuance and aboad in that Country which hath rendered me in a manner a Native the civilities of the Gentry prick me forwards and the help of a good Library of Sir Edward Morgans of Lantarnam encouraged me to bring the Embrion to its full maturity many and those most learned both Accademicks honoured with the scarlet robe and Martialists enobled with sword and spurs have added much lustre to the almost perisht Brittish glory unto whose writings I must acknowledge my self highly engaged from their Hives I have ext acted many drams of hony and laid it up in store to present unto the VVorld in a whole Mass that many may undeceive themselves and rectifie there misled judgments who apprehend the thirteen Counties of Wales to produce nothing but Barrenness as for the language if any seem to make a question this I suppose may give satisfaction unto his curiosity That The beginning and original thereof as yet was never fully discovered some dream that it was had from the Gallick as Neighbouring others from the Romans as conquering yet is it so far different from all the Europaean and VVestern tongues at least as now they are and hath so little affinity and resemblance of them that its improbable from them to have either extraction or derivation They I think do not judge amiss who affirm that amongst the rest it received its first being at the confusion of Babel for it sounds most after the Eastern way having little or no congruence or affinity with the VVest unless some few words scattered and left by the subduing Roman and so lately
5 Henry Beauford 6 John Beauford D. of Somersetsh 7 Edmund Beauford E. and D. 8 Henry Beauford D. 9 Edmund Beauford D. 10 Edmund 3. Son of Henry 7. 11 Henry Fitz Roy base Son of Henry 8. D. of Somerset and Richmond 12 Edw. Seymor Lord Prot. of Ed. 6. D. of Somerset 13 Robert Carr E. of Somerset 14 William Seymor D. of Somerset 15 Seymor now D. of Somersetshire 1660 The Duke of Buckingham GEorge Duke of Buckingham married _____ sole daughter and heir of Thomas Lord Fairfax and _____ his wife sole daughter and heir of the Lord Vere by which affinity this illustrious Family is derived from the Brittish blood as shall more at large appear in the pedigree of the Earls of Oxford George Villers Duke Marquiss and Earl of Buckingham c. married Katharine the sole daughter and heir of Francis Mannors Earl of Rutland by which match this honourable Family apparently is derived from Brittish Noble Progenitors as is copiously declared in the Genealogy of the Earls of Rutland Buckingham as it is supposed takes it name from Bucken that is Beech Trees with which the Country is well stored It is generally a rich and plentifull soyl equally good for Corn and grazing and lyeth all along on the bank of Thames confronting Berkshire it contains in it 185. Parish Churches eleven of which are Market Towns and amongst them the chief in name is Buckingham a Town of no great note when it was at best but more considerable heretofore then at present being once fortified with a Castle now hardly to be found in the very ruins as also with a Rampire and certain Sconces built for the defence thereof against the Danes now more invisible then the Castle the greatest honour it can challenge that it hath given titles of highest honour to many a brave and worthy personage as well of the Blood-Royal as other Families who by the Kings of England have been hence denominated Dukes Marquesses and Earles of Buckingham 1 Walter Giffard Earl 2 Walter Giffard E. 3 Richard Strongbow E. 4 Thomas of Woodstock E. 5 Humphrey Plantagenet E. 6 Humphrey Stafford Duke 7 Henry Stafford D. 8 Edw. Stafford D. 9 George Villiers D. Marq. and E. of Buck. 10 George Villiers D. Marq. and E. of Buck. The Duke of Richmond GHARLES STEWART Duke of Richmond Earle of March and Lichfield c. 1660. by that Royal Progeny is descended from Cadelm King of Southwales Meruin K. of Powis Anarand King of Northwales and Gwaith voyd K. of Cardigan and by the genealogy of the Martiners from Gladiis Daughter and H. to Prince Llewelin and by the Daughter of Henry the 7. from Owen Tudor as is manifest in the Royal Descents of his Majesty King Charles the second and James Duke of York Richmondshire is no County of it self but a part of Yorkshire lying towards the Northwest the chief Town is Richmond first built by Alane E. of Bretagne the first Earl thereof after the Norman Conquest who fenced it with a Wall and a strong Castle and gave it the Name of Richmont as a place equally participating of strength and beauty The Earls of Bretagne for a long time together continued in the Titles and Possession of this Country since it hath been bestowed upon other Families who in their several Times have been adorned with the Stile of Dukes and Earles of Richmond 1 Alan the Red E. 2 Alan the black E. 3 Stephan E. 4 Alan E. 5 Conan E. 6 Jeof. Plantagenet who married Const D. to Conan E. 7 Arthur the Son of Jeof. E. 8 Guido Viscount Towers 2. Husband of Const E. 9 Randolph of Chester by his wife E. 10 Peter de Dreux D. of Bret. 11 Peter de Savoy Uncle to Queen Elinor 12 John de Dreux D. of Bret E. 13 John de Dreux D. of Bret. 14 John de Dreux D. of Bret. 15 John de Dreux D. of Bret. 16 John to Montfort D. of Rich. 17 John of Gaunt D. of Lan. E. 18 John de Montfort sirnamed the Valiant E. 19. Ralph Nevill E. of Richmond durante vita 20 John D. of Bedford 21 Edm. of Hadham half brother to K. Hen. 6. 22 Henry E. of Rich. after K. of England 23 Henry Fitz Roy D. of Rich. 24 Lodowick Stewart D. of Lennox E. of Rich. 25 Esme Stewart D. of Rich. Stewart D. of Rich. 26 Charles Stewart now living 1660. D. of Rich. The Duke of Albemarle George Monck Duke of ALBEMARLE Sir Thomas Monck of Powdrich or Potheridge Com. Devon Knight Eliz Daughter of George Smith of Madeworthy juxta Exceter Kt. Anthony Monck de eodem Armig. one of the Deputy Lieutenants Com. Devon Mary Daug. of Rich Arscot of Ashwater Esq Com. Devon Thomas Monck Esq de eodem Frances 2. D. and Coh to Arthur Plantagenet Viscount Lisle who as being an Inheritrix brought unto the Family of her Husband these Coats quarterly in the first France and England quartered in the 2. and 3. Vlster and in the 4. Mortimer a batune Argent Arthur Plantagenet Kt. of the Garter natural Son to Edw. 4. by the Lady Eliz. Lucy as is supposed was created Viscount Lisle at Bridewel in London the 26 of April 1533 This Arthur was Lieutenant of Calis which Town some of his Followers intended to betray to the French for which with their Fact he was sent unto the Tower but the truth appearing after much search K. Hen. the 8. sent him a Ring from his Finger with such comfortable words that at the hearing thereof he was so overjoyed that in the same night he died Eliz. Daughter of Edward Grey Viscount Lisle Sister and Coh to the Lord John Grey her brother in whose Right her Husband after the Surrender of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk he was Viscount Lisle King EDWARD the Fourth Richard Plantagenet Duke of York Cecely D. to Ralph Nevil first E. of Westmerland Richard Plantagenet E. of Cambridge Anne D. and Heir to Edmund Mortimer E. of March and Vlster her Brother Roger Mortimer E. of March Elinor D. of Thomas Holland E. of Kent Edmund Martimer E. of March Philip only D. and Heir of Lyonel Plantagenet D. of Clarence and E. of Vlster Roger Martimer E. of March Joan D. and Heir of Peter Tenivil or Genevil Lord of Mede Vancolour and Trim in Ireland This Roger lineally in the Male Line descended from Sir Ralph Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who married Gladis Daughter to Prince Llewelin and Sister and Heir to David by the whole blood who had Issue Roger Mortimer Lord VVigmore and by right of Inheritance Prince of VVales ALBEMARLE AVmerle or Albemerle is the Name of a small Town and Territory in the Dukedome of Normandy it belonged heretofore to Stephen Son of Odo descended from the Earls of Champagne who William the Conqueror made Earls of Albemarle as being the Son of his half sister by the Mothers side and gave unto him for the further Maintenance of his Estate the Territory of Holderness in
resigned to the King his Heirs and to the Crown of England the name and Title of Principality Cadel the youngest son and Prince of Demetia or South-VVales which the VVelshmen call'd Dehenbarsh that is the Right Side or South part this Country although it be very fruitfull and far greater then North Wales yet was it alwaies esteemed the worser part and the reason was for that the Nobles thereof refused to obey their Princes and the sea-coast was evermore infested and troubled with the invasion of the English men Normans and Flemings by which the Prince was enforced to leave his royal Seat at Marydune and place the same at Dynefar in Cantremaur And although these Princes had great Authority in VVales yet after Rhese the Son of Theodore the great was by Treason of his own people slain in the time of VVilliam Rufus Anno Domini 1093 they were no more called by the names of Dukes or Princes but onely Lords until at last by civil Wars amongst themselves and the Lands divided among strangers and many others the English seeking to possess all the Principality was so weakned and brought so low that after the death of Rhese the Son of Griffith a most worthy man they lost both Name and Authority of Principality and Lordship And all this while the Lines of the Princes of Venedosia or North-VVales did prosperously continue and held on their course as shall hereafter be specified by that which followeth THE SECOND BOOK TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ANTHONY GREY Earl of Kent Lord Grey of Ruthen Hastings and Valence John Mannors Earl of Rutland Lord Ross of Hamlake Trusbut and Belvoir Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery Lord Herbert of Cardiff Ross of Kendal Par Marnnon and Saint Quintin Edward Sackvil Earl of Dorset Lord Buâkhurst William Earl of Salisbury Viscount Crambourn Lord Cecil of Essenden David Earl of Exeter Lord Burley THE EARLES OF KENT GRiffith ap Meredith ap Blethin Owen Cynelioc Gwenwynwyn Griffith of Gwenwynwyn Owen ap Griffith Lord Powis John Charleton Lord of Powis by the gift of King Edward the first to whom he was Valectus Regis jure uxoris Lord of Powis Hawis Gardan i. e. the Hardy Son and Heir to Owen ap Griffith Lord of Powis John Charleton second Lord of Powis of that name John Charleton third Lord of Powis of that Name One of these Johns married a daughter to Roger Lord Mortimer by which means this Family descended from the Brittish blood Edward Charleton fourth Lord of Powis of that Name Alianor daughter and one of the heirs of Thomas Holland Earl of Kent Edward Charleton the last John dying without Issue fifth Lord of Powis and last of that Family who left onely two daughters his heirs  Sir John Grey Knight Jane daughter and co-heir to Edward Charleton Lord of Powis Henry Grey Lord Powis created Earl of Tankervile Antigone natural daughter to umphery Duke of Glocester Edward * Or Edmund Grey Lord of Ruthine descended from the Lord Grey Lord of Powis created Earl of Kent Katherine daughter to Henry Percy second Earl of Northumberland by which match the Brittish blood descended George Grey Earl of Kent Anne Daughter to Richard Woodvile Earl Rivers Richard Grey Earl of Kent sans Issue Elizabeth Daughter to Sir VVilliam Hussey Knight Lord chief Justice Reiginold Grey grand-child to George by his second Wife daughter of VVilliam Herbert Earl of Pembroke by which match comes in the Brittish blood sans Issue  Henry Grey Brother and Heir to Reginold Earl of Kent Sans Issue Mary daughter to Sir George Cotton of Cheshire Knight Charles Grey Brother to the two former Earls and their Heir Susan daughter to Richard Cotton of Hantshire squire Henry Grey Earl of Kent sans Issue Elizabeth daughter and co-heir to Gilbert Earl of Shrewsbury Anthony Grey of Burbage Com. Leic. son of George son of Anthony Grey of Branspath son of George Hrey Lord Grey of Ruthin second Earl of Kent by his wife Daughter to William Herbert Earl of Pembroke continueth the Brittish line Henry Lord Grey KENT Kent is a very rich and pleasant Country lying between the Thames and the narrow Seas A country very good for Corn and fit for pastorage according to the several Plots and parts thereof and wondrous full of fruitfull and well ordered Orchards from whence the City of London is supplyed with most sort of Fruit the Villages and Towns stand exceeding thick being in all three hundred ninety eight parishes besides lesser Hamlets which make up the two Diocesses of Canterbury and Rochester It hath also divers safe Roads and sure Harbours for Ships and those exceeding well defended with Forts and Castles Caesar when he arrived in Kent found here four Kings for so they called the chief of the principal Families and gives this Testimony of the People that they were the most courteous and civil of all the Brittains in the declining of whose Empire Vortiger gave this County unto the Saxons who being Heathens when the rest of the Isle were Christians gave an occasion to the Proverb Kent and Christendome at that time it was made a Kingdome as in the entrance of the Normans it was made an Earldome and so it hath continued in the persons of these Earles of KENT Odo Bishop of Baieux half Brother to the Conquerour Lord chief Justice and Lord Treasurer William of Ypres Hugh de Burg Lord chief Justice Edmund of Woodstock Son to King Edward the First Edmund Plantagenet John Plantagenet Thomas Holland Thomas Holland Thomas Holland Duke of Surrey Edmund Holland Lord Admiral Edmund Grey Lord Ruthin Earl of Kent George Grey Richard Grey Reginald Grey Henry Grey Charles Grey Henry Grey Anthony Grey now living 1661 Henry Lord Grey heir apparent The Earle of Rutland Owen ap Griffith Lord of Powis who left one only daughter and heir who married as followeth Iohn Charleton born in Appley near Wellington was Valectus Regis Hawis Guardan i. e. the hardy sole daughter and heir to Griffith L. of Powis formerly a Prinpality Iohn Charleton L. of Powis  Iohn Charleton L. of Powis  Iohn Charleton L. of Powis  Edward Charleton his brother dying without issue Lord of Powis who left two daughters his heirs Elinor one of the daughters and coheirs of T. Holland E. of Kent Iohn Lord Typtoft of Worcester Ioyce D. and Co-h. to Ed. L. Powis Iohn L. Typtoft E. of Wocester sans issue left his four sisters his co-heirs  Thomas L. Ross of Hamlack which line devolved into the family of Mannours E. of Rutland by the marriage of Elianor sister and heir of Ed. L. Ross of Hamlack Belvoir Trusbut to Sr Roger Mannours Grandfather to Thomas first E. of Rutland of that name Philip the eldest daughter and coheir to Iohn L. Tiptoft E. of Worcester Thom. Mannours first E. of Rutland Elinor daughter to Sr. Will. Paston of Norfolk Sir Iohn Mannours second son Kt. Elizabeth daughter and co-heir of George Vernon of Haddon in
Or Kemeys vert on a cheueron Arg 3 pheons Sable Gunter Sable a cheueron inter 3 gantlels clutchc Or Havert Arg a bulls head cabosed inter 3 mulets Gules Walbeise Arg 3 bulle pale wayes Gules armed vnguled Or Gamage Arg a bend losengy Gules on a chiefe Azure 3 escallops Or Wiston Gules a cherÌon Ermine Maunsell Arg a cherÌon betweene 3 Maunches Sable About this time or shortly after Bernard Newmarsh a noble man also of Normandy obtained by conquest the Lordship of Brecknock containing three cantreds and married Nest the daughter of Nest daughter to Gruffith ap Lhewelin Prince of Waleâ by whom he had issue Mahael and a daughter This Mahael being a worthy Knight was dis-inherited by the malice of his own mother who contrary to the matrimonial duty kept unlawful company with a Knight whom she set more by then her husband whereupon Mahael being offended with the dissolute life of his mother warned her to avoid infamy and on a time meeting with the said Knight coming from her fought with him and hurt him wherefore Nest to be revenged of her son for that fact went to K. Henry the first and solemnly Gerald Itin. Camb. rather of malice and revengement as Giraldus noteth then of any Truth sware upon the Evangelists that the said Mahael her son was not begotten by Bernard Newmarsh her Husband but by another Lover of hers by reason of which Oath or perjury rather as Giraldus thinketh Mahael was disinherited and his Sister whom the Mother affirmed to be the very Daughter of Bernard was by the said King with the whole Inheritance King Henry the First confesseth the VVelshmen to be the lawfull inheritours of the Country bestowed upon Milo the son of Walter the Constable who was after created Earl of Hereford Lord of Glocester Brecknock and the Forrest of Dean This Milo Earl of Hereford told King Henry the First of the singing and triumphing of Birds by the pool called Lhyn Sanathan at the passing of Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodor the said Milo a Pini-Fitz-John Lord of Ewyas Land being present whereunto the King answered that it was not a thing to be wondred at so much for in truth said he we by our great force and strength do offer injury and violence to that Nation yet are they well known to be the lawfull inheritours of hat Countrey The sons of this Milo dyed all without issue yet he left three daughters First Margaret married to Humphery de Bohune in her right Earl of Hereford Many if not most of the English Nobility by this match desceâdâd of the Welsh blood Henry the 4th descended from Lhewelin Prince of Wales and Constable of England from which match and so consequently from Bernard Newmarsh his Wife daughter of Nest who was daughter of another Nest daughter from Gruffith ap Lhewelyn Prince of all Wales most of the ancient Nobility descend from Lhewelyn the great Prince for the last Humphry de Bohune Earl of Hereford Essex and Northampton and Constable of England had issue two daughters and heirs Elianor the elder was married unto Thomas Plantagenet alias Thomas of Woodstock the sixth son of Edward the Third who was by King Richard the Second created Earl of Buckingham and after Duke of Glocester and in her right Earl of Essex Northampton and Constable of England Mary the second Daughter was married to Henry Plantagenet alias Bullingbrook Earl of Derby after King of England by the name of Henry the Fourth Plantagânets Staffords and Bouochier from Lhewelin Prince of Wales The said Thomas Plantagenet Duke of Glocester c. had Humphry Lord of Brecknock who dyed without Issue and four daughters heirs after their Brother Ann the elde stmarried to Edmund Stafford Earl of Stafford who by her had Issue Humphry Earl of Stafford Hereford and Northampton Lord of Brecknock c. and afterwards the said Ann was married to William Viscount Bourchier created Earl of Ewe in France by King Henry the Fifth Father of Henry created Earl of Essex by King Edward the Fourth This Humphry Earl of Stafford was created Duke of Buckingham by King Henry the Sixt and so the Lordship of Brecknock came to the Dukes of Buckingham and by the Attainder of Edward the last Duke of that family came to the Crown But let us return again to the daughters of Milo you see what gallant Issue proceeded from the first Secondly Bersa the second Daughter was married unto Philip Bruse created by King Stephan Lord Bruse of Gower Bould and Brimber and in his Wives Right Lord of Brecknock Thirdy Lucia the third daughter was married to Herbert the son of Herbert a base son to King Henry the First who was in her Right Lord of all the Forrest of Dean of whom descended the Fitz-Herberts of Derbyshire Awbery Walbeif Gunter and Hanara no Welshmen properly With Bernard Newmarsh before spoken of there came many Gentlemen at that time to Brecknock upon whom he bestowed divers Mannors as to the Awberies the Mannor of Abercynrick and Slowch to the Walbeifes the Mannor of Lhanhamlack and Taly Lhyn and to the Gunters the Mannor of Gilston to the Hanards the Mannor of Pont Willym an easie matter to cut large thongs out of another mans Hide About this time Cadogan ap Blethyn ap Convyn destroyed all Dynet in the end of April and shortly after the same summer the Normans in great companies landed in Dynet or Westwales and Caerdigan and builded Castles there and so began to inhabit the Countrey upon the Sea-shore The Normans having gotten into their hands all the lands and livings of the Nobility of England began to pry and peep into the commodities of Wales and seeing that Robert Fitz-Hamon and other Knights that went with him had sped so well they made suit to the King to grant them the lands of the Welshmen whereupon the King thinking that to be the best way for him as well to encourage them to be more willing to serve him as also to provide for them at other mens cost granted to divers of his Nobles sundry Countries in Wales to hold of him by Knights Service for the which they did Homage and sware fealty unto him as followeth First Roger Montgomery Earl of Arundel and Salop did his homage for the Lordship of Powis and Caerdigan Secondly Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester did homage for Tegengel and Rynonioc with all the Land by the Sea-shore unto the River of Conwey Thirdly Arnulph a younger son of Roger Montgomery for Dinet Fourthly Bernard Newmarch for Brecknock Fifthly Ralph Mortimer for Eluel Sixthly Hugh de Lacie for the land of Ewyes Seventhly Eustace Cruer for Molde and Hopedale and many others for other Lands Montgomery why so called Then Roger de Montgomery to whom the Conquerour had given Powis entred the land and wan the Town and Castle of Baldwyn which he fortified and called it Montgomery after his own name About this time also Gruffith ap Conon
chased to their ships and thus the King being not able to do any more Mat Paris p. 917. manned and victualled his Castles and so returned home Of this Voyage a certain Nobleman being then in the Kings Camp wrote thus to his friend about the end of Septemb. 1245. year 1245 The King with his army lyeth at Gannock fortifying of that Strong Castle and we lie in our Tents thereby Gannoc castle watching fasting praying and freezing with cold we watch for fear of the Welshmen who are wont to invade and come upon us in the night time we fast for want of meat for the half penny loaf is worth five pence The Welshmen teach the Englishmen three excellent vertues of watching fasting praying we pray to God to send us home again speedily we starve for cold wanting our winter Garments and having no more but a thin linnen cloth betwixt us and the wind there is an arme of the sea under the Castle whereunto the tide cometh and many ships come up the haven thither and bring victuals to the Camp from Ireland and Chester this arme of the sea lyeth betwixt us and Snowdon where the Welshmen abide now and is about a flight shot over when the tide is in There came to the mouth of that haven a certain ship from Ireland with victuals to be sold upon Munday before Michaelmas day which being negligently look't unto Maâ Par. p. 924. was set on drie ground at the low ebb at the further side of the water over against the Castle which thing when the Welshmen saw they came down from the hills and assaulted the vessel being now upon drie ground whereupon we on the otherside beholding the same sent over by boats 300 Welshmen of the borders of Cheshire and Shropshire with certain Archers and armed men to the rescue of the said ship whereupon the Natives withdrew to their accustomed places in the rocks and woods whom our men followed as far as two miles being on foot by reason they could transport no horses and slew many of them Our men being over geeedy and covetous spoiled the Abbey of Aberconwey and burned all the houses of Office belonging to the same Which doing caused the Welshmen to run thither Aberâonwey Abbey plundered by the English who like desperate men set upon our Souldiers being loaden with spoyles and slew a great number of them following the rest to the water side of whom some got to the boats and so escaped and some cast themselves into the water and were drowned and such as they took they hanged and beheaded every one In this conflict we lost many of our men The Welsh revenge the sacriledge especially of those that were under the conduct of Richard Earle of Cornwal and Sr. Alen Buscel Sr. Adam de Maio Sr. Geffry Estuemy one Raymond a Gascoyne whom the King highly fancied and divers others besides 100. of common Soldiers In the mean time Sr. Walter Bisset worthily defended the said ship untill the tide came and then came away with the same manfully wherein there were 60 Tuns of wine besides other provision c. Many other things are contained in the said writing of the hard shifts that we made in the Kings camp for victuals and the dearth of all things that were to be eaten In the beginning of the year 1246. David Prince of Wales after he had gotten the love of his subjects and atchived many notable victories dyed and was buryed at Conwey by his father after he had ruled Wales five years leaving no issue of his body to the great discomfort of the Land Mr. Mills speaking of this David saith he was disquieted with a number of cares in his life time he wasted and destroyed his Country he did many slaughters and after perjury and killing of his brother was overwearied with sundry tribulations He left Wales most miserably desolate and disquiet so as they found this saying true Every Kingdom divided in it self shall be made desolate he caused the Nobles to swear fealty unto him and so continued Prince 6. years and died Anno 1246. Lhewelyn and Owen the sons of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn When all the Lords and Barons of Wales understood of the death of their prince they came together and called for Lhewelin and Owen Goch the sons of Gruffith son to Prince Lhewelyn brother to David as next Inheritors for they esteemed not Roger Mortimer son to Gladis Râg Mortimer right heir put by his right sister to David and right inheritor by order of Law and did them homage who divided the principality betwixt them two The King hearing of the death of prince David sent one Nicholas de Miles as Justice of Southwals to Caermarthin and with him in commission Meredyth ap Rees Gryc K. H. 3. makes another attempt against Wales but in vain and Meredyth ap Owen ap Gruffith to dis-inherit Maelgon ap Vachan of all his lands wherefore the said Maelgon fled to the princes into Northwales for succour with Howel ap Meredith whom the Earle of Clare had by force spoyled of all his lands in Glamorgan against whom the King came with a great army who after he had remained a while in the Country and could do no good returned home again The Prince of Northwales was a superiour prince of all Wales to whom the other princes of Southwales and Powis did pay a certain tribute yearly as appeareth by lawes of Howel Dha and in divers places of this history and was the right heir of Cadwalader as is evident by all writers whose line of the heir male from Roden Mawr endeth in this David the son of Lhewelin the son of Jorwerth the son of Owen Gwineth the son of Gruffith the son of Conan the son of Jago the son of Edwal the son of Meiric the son of Edwal Voel the son of Anarawd the son of Roderi Mawr the son of Eselht the daughter and sole heir of Conan Tindathwy the son of Roderike Molwynoc the son of Edwal Ywrich the son of Cadwalader the last King of the Brittains Lhewelin ap Jorwerth prince of Northwales father to David married two wives the first Jone Daughter of K. John by whom he had David who dyed without issue and Gladis married to Mortimer from which match the Kings of England are descended by the mothers side from Cadwalader About this time Harold King of Man came to the Court and did homage to K. Henry M. Paris p. 938 The K. of Man doth homage to the K. of England and he dubbed him Knight the Summer following Rees Vachan son to Rees Mechyl got the Castle of Carvec Cynnen which his mother of meer hatred conceived against him had delivered to the Englishmen The Abbots of Conwey and Stratflur made sute to the King for the body of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn which he granted unto them and they conveyed it unto Conwey where he was honourably buryed In the year 1254.
Howell Sais Lord of St. Clere y moch Esq Llewellin ap Ivor Lord of S. Clere Esq Lleykye d to Griffith ap Eli Lord of Gilfeild in Powis Ivor ap Llewellin Lord of S. Clere Esq Nest daughter to Cadwgan and Great Grandchilde to Elistan Pr of Ferlix Llewellin ap Ivor Lord of S. Clere and Tredegar Esq Augharand daughter and heir to Sir Morgan Meredith Knight Lord of Tredegar Morgan ap Llewellin Lord of Tredegar Esq Maud daughter to Rhun ap Grono ap Llwarch Lord of Kybor Esq Llewellin Morgan of Tredegar Esq Jonet daughter to Dd. Ychan of Rydodyn Esq Evan Morgan of Tredegar Esq Denis daughter to Tho ap Howell Ychan Esq Sir John Morgan of Tredegar Kt. Jonet daughter and heir of John Matthewes of Landaff Esq Thomas Morgan of Machen Esq his Brother Sir John dying Sans Issue Rowland Morgan of Manghan Esq Thomas Morgan of Maughan and Tredegar Esq Sir William Morgan of Tredegar Knight Daughter to Wintour Kt. Com. Glonc. Thomas Morgan of Maughan and Tredegar Esq now living 1661. Daughter and Heir to Windham Com Somer William Morgan Esq Heir apparent I Have seen a Pedegree of this noble Family deduced even from Brute but because I affect brevity I have only selected what serves for my purpose giving you to understand that all Morgans or of what Name else soever who either bear for their Armes Argent a Lion Rampant gardant sable or else Or a Griffon Sergreant sable for their Paternal Coat must acknowledge themselves to descend from this ancient Family THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE Antient and Modern Brittish and Welsh HISTORY The Princes of VVales of the blood Royal of England collected for the most part out of the Records of the Tower Edward of Caernarvon KIng Edward albeit he had brought all Wales under his subjection and by a statute made at Ruthland An. 12. Edw. I. incorporated and united the same to England in the which Statute there be many good lawes concerning the division of Wales into Counties and concerning divers Offices and Officers and concerning Trial and the divisions of actions and the the formes of many writs and the proceeding therein much like to the lawes of England yet he could never win the good will of the common people of the Country to accept him for their prince except he were of their own nation for the Welshmen having experience of the government of the English Officers and knowing that the King would rule the Country by his Deputies could not abide to have any English man to be their Rulers who often times upon the Kings motion answered that they were content to take for their prince any man whom his Majesty would name so that he were a Welshman and no other answer could he ever get from them by any means whereupon the King sent for Q. Elianor out of England in the deep of Winter being then great with child to the Castle of Caernarvon and when she was nigh to be brought to bed the King went to Ruthlan and sent for all the Barons and best men in Wales to come unto him to consult concerning the Weale publick of the Country And when they were come he deferred the consultation till he was certified that the Queen was delivered of a son then sending certain Lords to the Christening of his child and informing them how he would have him named he called the Welshmen together declaring unto them that whereas they were oftentimes suiters unto him to appoint them a Prince he now having occasion to depart out of the Country would name them a prince if they would allow and obey him whom he should name To the which motion they answered that they would so do if he would appoint one of their own Nation to be their prince whereunto the King replyed that he would name one that was born in Wales and could speak never a word of English whose life and conversation no man was able to stain and when they all had granted that such an one they would obey he named his own son Edward born at Caernarvon Castle a few dayes before Then the King having the whole country at his will gave whole Towns and Lordships in the midst of Wales unto English Lords as the Lordship of Denbigh to Henry Lacy Earle of Lincolne the Lordship of Ruthin to the Lord Reginald Grey second son to J. Grey of Wilton and other lands to many of his Nobility This Hen. Lacy Lord of Denbigh was the son of Edmund Lacy the son of John Lacy Lord of Halton Pomfret and Constable of Chester who married Margaret the Eldest Daughter and one of the heirs of Robert Guincy Earl of Lincolne the said Henry married Margaret the daughter and sole heir of William Longesped Earl of Sarum and had Issue Edmund and John which both dyed young of whom the one perished by a fall into a very deep well within the castle of Denbigh and a daughter named Alicia married unto Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster who was in the right of his said wise Earl of Lincolne and Sarum Earl of Denbigh Halton Pomfret and constable of Chester After the death of the said Thomas King Edward the second gave the Lordship of Denbigh to Hugh Lord Spencer Earl of Winchester After whose death the said Lordship was given by King Edward the third Anno regni sui primo as it appeareth on record to Roger Mortimer Earl of March with divers other Lordships in the Marches in performance of the Kings promise while he remained in France with his mother for the provision of 1000 l. lands of a reasonable extent for the said Roger as soon as by Gods grace he should come to the possession of the crown and Kingdom of England which in few years after the Earl of March being attainted the said Lordship of Denbigh was given by the said King to the Lord Mortague Earl of Sarum but shortly after Anno 29. Edward 3. it was restored again with the Earldom of March to the Mortimers in the which family the same remained untill the whole inheritance of the Mortimers came with a Daughter to the house of York and so to the crown A help to English History fol. 263. and it was given by Queen Elizabeth Anno regni 610. to Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester who was created Baron of Denbigh it is accounted one of the greatest and best Lordships of England This Town is well seated on the banks of the River Istrad which from thence runneth into the Cluyd the fairest River of this Country a Town well peopled and inhabited especially since it became the head of the Country which was not till the 27. of Hen. 8. what time the 5. new shires were added to the rest of Wales of which this was one but before that it was the head Town of the Barony of Denbigh being conceived to be one of the goodliest Territories of all England as having more Gentlemen holding thereof in Fee and by service then any other
Black Prince about 300 years ago without deductions amounted to 4681 l. 12 s. 5 d. q. is now worn and wasted to the sum of 1865 l. 8 s. 10 d. ob q. and with the ordinary deductions and reprizes taken out of it at this present in charges fees to Officers and other Reprizes is brought to the sum of 1335 l. 2 s. 3 d. ob q. Which small sum also as the Revenue was to Queen Eliz. was much lessened for that a greater sum in the whole amounting yearly to 1789 l. 13 s. 2 d. which did partly arise by reason of the allowance of the diet of the councel of the Marches being yearly 1106 l. 13 s. 4. the fees of the Barons of the Exchequer in Wales the Auditors fees Woodwarps fees Receivers fees Surveyers fees and for the portage of money was charged as well upon this Revenue of the Prince as upon other Lands or Revenues belonging to the Crown within the several Counties of Wales Prince Henry Mr. Holl. pag. 247. James King of Scotland onely son and heir of Henry Stewart King of Scotland the name of Stewart here first presenting it self as concerning the right of succession to the Crown of England I think is convenient to shew unto my Readers out of Mr. Hollenshed the descent of that Noble Antient and Regal Family which hath much of the Welsh blood in it Mackbelih after he had obtained the Crown of Scotland by indirect means fearing the posterity of Banquho a Nobleman whose children and off-spring the three women told should enjoy the Crown and sway the Regal Scepter invited the father Banquho with his son Fleance to his Palace to supper but caused certain of his wicked adherents and Ministers treacherously to murther them before they entred his Court which assascination fell too heavy upon the father for there he lost his life the son by the Divine assistance escaped the massacre and having intelligence by some private friends in the Palace that his life was sought after to avoid the further peril he fled into Wales where by reason of his carriage proportion and Court-like behaviour he found such courteous entainment that better he could not desire from the Prince the Courtiers admire his gallantry the Ladies his person his pleasing and charming behaviour the Princes daughter is so ensnared with Cupids bewitching allurements that she admits him privately into her most secret closet where what hearts content they enjoyed unseen by any but themselves appeared openly to the world in a short time by the encrease and exuberance of Her belly in revenge whereof Fleance is slain and the poor Lady kept in miserable condition for having thus suffered her self to be deflowred by a stranger at the last she was delivered of a son named Walter who within a few years proved a man greater in courage fortitude than any commonly was found although he had no better bringing up by his Grand-fathers command than amongst the baser sort of people howbeit he shewed ever from his infancy that there reigned in him a certain stoutness of stomack ready to attempt high enterprises It chancing that falling out with one of his companions after many taunting words which passed between them the other to his reproach objected that he was a Bastard and begotten out of lawful Wedlock which so incensed him that he slew him forthwith This sad accident forced him to leave Wales and betake himself to Scotland to seek some rising fortune there where he happened into the company of certain Englishmen which came thither with Queen Margaret and behaved himself so soberly in all his actions that within a while he grew into high esteem amongst them Not long after by such means raising high esteem he was sent with a great power of men into the Western Isles and other places of the Realm to free the same from the Tyranous and Injurious oppressions there Walter made Steward of Scotland exercised by divers misgoverned persons which enterprise according to his Commission he atchieved with such prudent policy and manhood that immediately upon his return to the Court he was made Lord Steward of Scotland with assignment to receive the Kings Rents and Duties out of all parts of the Realm This Walter Steward had a son named Allan Steward who went after with Godfrey of Bulloin Duke of Loraine and Robert Duke of Normandy Alan Steward son to King William Conquerour into the Holy Land at what time they with other Western Princes advanced thither An. 1099. Allan had issue Alexander Steward that founded the Abbey of Pasley of St. Benedicts Order who had issue Walter Steward Alex. Steward Walter Steward whose valour was notable in the battail of Largis This same Walter had issue two sons the one named Alexander who fought right valiantly at the foresaid battail in defence of his father Alexander and Robert brothers from whence the Earles of Iénox and Dernly John James Walter inhetor of Bonkil The Crown of Scotland comes to the family of the Stewards John Steward alias Robert Rex Duke of Albanie and the other named Robert Steward got the lands of Terbowtoun and married the heir of Cruckeistoun from whom descended the Earles of Lenox and Dernly Moreover the abovenamed Alexander that founded Pasley had divers other sons as John Iames c. howbeit they took new sirnames by the names of those lands unto the which they succeeded The abovenamed Iohn Steward after the death of his brother Iames married the heir of Bonkil a virgin of great beauty and had by her Walter Steward that inherited the lands of Bonkil Runfrew Rothsay Bute and Stewardrown after that his father Iohn was slain at Fulkyrk He married Margery Bruce daughter to K. Robert Bruse by whom he had issue K. Robert the second of that name This Robert the second took to wife one Isabel Mure a Damosel of excellent beauty she was daughter to Sr. Adam Mure Knight and brought forth issue three sons three daughters the eldest son called John Steward and by some Robert who succeded immediately after his fafathers death in the Kingdom The second called Robert was made Earle of Fyfe and Mentrith also he was created Duke of Albanie and ruled the realm of Scotland under the name of Governour by the space of XV. years The third son named Alexander was Earle of Buchquane and Lord of Bondzenot The Earle of Buckquane a Steward The eldest daughter was married to James the son and heir of William Earle of Dowglas the second daughter was maried to John Dunbar brother to George Dunbar Earle of March and was made to his more honour Earle of Murray He got on her one only daughter that was married to the Dowglas and so Dowglas came to be Earle of Murray The third daughter was married to John Lyoun that was made afterward Lord of Glammis Moreover the foresaid Robert that was the first of the Stewards The Earle of Athol and
Stratherne Stewards which ware the crown of Scotland married Eufamia daughter to the Earle of Ross and had by her two sons Walter E. of Athol and David E. of Stratherne This Walter solicited Robert D. of Albanie to slay David Steward D. of Rothsay After that James the first was returned out of England Nec lex est justior ulla Quam necis artifices arte perire sua he did what he could to move him to put to death all the lineage of the said Duke still being in hope after the dispatch of his Kinsmen to come to the crown himself which hope moved him to procure his Nephew Robert Steward and Robert Graham his daughters son to murder K. James the I. also for the which crime the said Walter was convicted and destroyed with all his sons His brother David Earle of Buchquane died without issue and so the lands of both those brethren returned again to the crown without any memory of their blood Sir Robert Steward Duke of Albanie married the E. of Lenox daughter and had by her 3 sons Walter Alexander and James Duke Murdo himself with his first two sons were slain at Striveling by K. James I. and the third brother James in revenge thereof burnt Durbertane and was after chased into Ireland where he deceased without issue Robert the third of that name married Annabel Drommound daughter of Sir John Drommound of Stobhal Knight and had by her David and James the first dyed in Faulkland and the other attained the Crown and was called James the first and married the Lady Jane daughter to John Beauford Earle of Somerset in England he had by her two sons born at one birth Alexander and James the first died young the second reigned by the name James the second James the first had also 6 daughters James the 1. his issue the eldest whereof was given in marriage to the Dolphin in France the second to the Duke of Brittain the third to the Lord Feir the fourth to the Lord of Dalkeith the fifth to the Earle of Hantley and the sixt had no succession James the II. married Margaret daughter to the Duke of Gelderland and begot on her three sons and two daughters The first succeeded him in the Kingdom and was called James the III. the second named Alexander was Duke of Albanie and married the Earle of Orkneys daughter and had by her Alexander that was after Bishop of Murray and then parting with her went into France where he married the Countesse of Bullogne and begot on her John Steward D. of Albany who was Governour of Scotland many years in the minority of James V. The 3 son John Steward was E. of Marr whose chance was to be slain in the Cannogat in a Bath-fat The first daughter of James the second was married to the Lord Boyd who had by her a son that was slain by the Lord Montgomery and a daughter that was married to the Earle of Cassels After the death of the Lord Boyd she was married to the Lord Hamilton and by that means was the house of Hamilton decorate with the Kings blood which they have well requited in the late transactions The other sister was married to the Lord Creichton James III. married Margaret daughter to the K. of Denmark of which marriage was born James IV Alexander Bishop of St. Andrews and D. of Albanie and John Steward E. of Marr which two died without issue James the IV. married Margaret daughter to K. Henry VII of England and by her had James the fifth who marrying first the Lady Magdaline daughter of Frances the French King had no issue by her for that she dyed in the year next after her coming into Scotland and then shortly after the said James the fifth married the Lady Mary de Lorayne Dutchesse of Longuile a widdow and by her had he issue Mary Queen of Scotland that took to husband Henry Darnely alias Steward by whom she had issue Charles James after King of England only son as I said before of Henry King of Scotland and of Queen Mary his wife Dowager of France and heir of Scotland who married Anne daughter of Frederike the second King of Denmark by whom he had Issue Henry Frederike created Prince of Wales at whose creation Charles Duke of York Sir Rab. Bartu Lord Willoughby of Earesby after Earle of Lindsey and General for K. Charles at Edgehil and there slain Sir William Compton Lord Compton after Earle of Northampton Sir Grey Bridges Lord Shandos Sir Francis Norris Lord Norris of Ricot after E. of Berks. Sir Will. Cecil after Earle of Salisbury Sir Allan Percy brother to Henry Earle of Northumberland Sir Francis Mannors after Earle of Rutland Sir Thomas Somerset brother to the Earle of Worcester and Viscount Cassel after in Ireland Sir Thom. Howard second son to the E. of Suffolk after E. of Berks. Sir John Harrington son to John Lord Harrington of Exton Prince Charles Charles Duke of Albanie Marquesse of Ormond Earle of Roth and Lord of Ardmanoch the third son of James King of great Brittain was created Duke of York at Whitehal on Tueseday the sixt of January 1604. and after on the 4 of November 1616. he was likewise at Whitehal created Prince of Wales Earle of Chester c. at whose Creation these Knights of the Bath were made James Lord Matravers eldest son to Thomas Earle of Arundel Algernon Lord Percy after Earle of Northumberland James Lord Writchesly eldest son to the Earle of Southampton Kt. Theophilus Lord Clinton after Earle of Lincolne Edward Seymore L. Beauchamp grandchild to the Earle of Hertford George Lord Berckley after Lord Berckley Henry Lord Mordant after Earle of Peterborough The Earle of Mar his eldest son after Lord Fenton Sir Henry Howard after Lord Matravers c. Sir Robert Howard fift son to the Earle of Suffolk Sir Edward Sackvile after Earle of Dorset Sir William Howard sixt son to the Earle of Suffolk Sir Edward Howard seventh son to the said Earle after Lord Escricke in Yorkshire Sir VVilliam Seymor second son to the Lord Beauchampe after Earle of Hertford Sir Montague Bartu son to Robert Earle of Lindsey and after Lord VVilloughby and Earle c. Sir VVilliam Sturton son to the Lord Sturton Sir William Parker after Lord Morley and Monteagle Sir Dudley North after Lord Morth Sir Spencer Compton after Earle of Northampton Sir William Spencer after Lord Spencer Sir Rowland St. John brother to Oliver Earle of Bullingbrook Sir John Cavendish second son to William Earle of Devon Sir Thomas Nevel son to Henry Lord of Abergavenny Sir John Roper after Lord Tenham Sir John North brother to the Lord North. Sir Henry Cary Viscount Faulkland Prince Charles This Prince had the title of Prince of Wales but not the Investure and Creation as had his father and Uncle a thing formerly practised as before is shewed and is also of the Welsh blood though born in England by the line of King James from
bear sway and Government either over the Syrians or Assyrians nor that he had thirty daughters who all slew their Husbands of which this Albine is supposed one and came into this Island from whole body sprung those Giants which Brute here found at his first arrivall Such peradventure might be but rather conveyed hither by shipping then produced by the copulation of any such murdering Harpies This Isle is encircled by Neptunes curled tresses and watry furrows round The Content of this Island and extends it self in length from the South to the North. The longitude from Totness in Cornwall to Cateness 800. miles and in latitude from St. Davids or Menevia in Wales to Dover Clifts most men account 300. miles and from Menevia to Yarmouth in Norfolk as divers affirm it containeth 300. miles Venerable Bede saith that it is 200. miles over First The three several names of this Isle therefore we see it was called Albion Secondly Brittain from Brute Thirdly Egbert commanded it to be called Auglia from a Nation of which himself descended some forsooth will have it so called from a Queen thereof whose name was Auglia but if you consult with skilfull Astrologers and such as pretend Art in calculating and casting Nativities with which sort of people this Island now aboundeth especial cashierd Troopers they will positively tell you that this Lady was born in Vtopia and much about the Greek Kalends Albeit this Island hath had but three several names yet hath it been four times conquered first by the Romans secondly by the Saxons Brittain four times conquered thirdly by the Danes and fourthly by the Normans Brute descended of that ancient noble warlike off-spring of the so much admired Trojans had to his Fore-father Ãneas who had married Creusa a legitimate daughter of Priamus who descended from Dardanus second son of Camboblascon and his wife Electra daughter of Atlas Italus King of Italy the eldest brother of this Dardanus was called Jasius Janigena who married Cibeles and lived in such happy condition that now there wanted not any terrene The Travels of Noe into Europe translated by Rich. Lynch or earth-born delight or felicity which might make this happy-seeming Potentate more fortunate mighty or contentfull but it is a common humour of Fortune that amidst the thickest and most abundance of her graces and favour she in some angry or fantastick imagination suddenly snatcheth away her so liberally bestowed gifts and leaveth the late possessors thereof involved and wrapt in a world of the miserablest unhappiness and foul vexations that may be invented as by the fatal Success and end of this Kings life most plainly appeareth For when Dardanus his younger brother a man indeed of a proud heart great courage and inward ambition saw his brother Jasius thus to float on the calmer Seas of prosperity and to taste of the sweet cup of Nectar he infinitely repined as living privately and without command as an inferior or some base born person or slave whereupon he goes to his brother to demand leave and licence that he might depart out of the Country to seek his better fortunes which request Jasins refused to condescend unto and would by no means allow of his purposes Whereupon Dardanus began secretly to enter into deadly hostility and to gather many Factions and Parties to his side which by reason that he was exceeding well beloved grew to a great number this hapned much about the time saith my Author Rich. Lynch ut supra that Sharan King of Egypt persecuted Moses and the children of Israel The fire of discontent between the two brothers being now wholly set on flame and divers attempts passed between them it hapned that Dardanus received the worst and upon many encounters was still put to his shifts so that in the end he awaited a time when the King his brother went privately to a fountain to bathe himself where Dardanus most unnaturally slew him which done terrified with his own conscience he presently ships himself at the next Haven and with all his Jewels and what else riches portable he could carry with him away with many of his Friends Followers and Servitors he secretly set sayl and departed After long travel Dardanus comes to Altius the younger who was of the same blood and descent and in respect thereof willingly entertains him and in fine desires of him his Country being over peopled and victuals scarce That since he must needs send forth such people for the finding out of new places that he would bestow the Charge Conduct and leading of them upon him and that he would joyn with them for the provisions and necessaries needfull and convenient for the setling of themselves in such their new places of abode This thing King Altius very willingly entertained especially for that Dardanus was of his own kindred and consanguinity This request of Dardanus thus obtained he knew no other means to requite so great a favour and to be occasion to draw on further kindness but to offer unto Altius and utterly to resign all his right title interest and claim in the Kingdom of Italy for one of his sons unto which of them the Father was contented This proffer of Dardanus being well considered was thankfully accepted by Altius in lieu and exchange whereof was alotted unto Dardanus a certain quantity or piece of Land in Phrygia for him to erect and build a City upon Thus Dardanus with his people and associates began to build in Phrygia By whom Troy was first built and at what time Noe his travels ut supra and in short space fully finished a City which he called after his own name Dardania which was before the Incarnation of the Son of God Christ Jesus 1487. and before the building of Rome by Romulus 427. years and before the City of Paris 70. years as Eusebius and most writers do affirm In few years Dardanus began to grow unto great mightiness riches and power who had also a neighbour Prince of mighty puissance wealthy and fortunate whose name was Teucrus whereupon many Authors call this place Teucria Why Troy called Teucria and the Inhabitants Teucri and this Teucrus was the son of Scamander and Idea and had also himself a beautifull and fair daughter which he married shortly after unto Dardanus which was called Batea of whom Dardanus begot a son called Ericthonius who succeeded him in the Kingdom of Phrygia this Ericthonius in process of time arose up unto a wonderfull greatness and large possessions who as many writers do affirm was accounted to be one of the richest Kings in those days in that part of the World who had at the least three thousand horses of his own continually feeding in his Pastures This Ericthonius begat a Son whom he named Tros whom he left to succeed him and from whom the people were after called Trojans This Tros very much enlarged and beautified the City of Dardania now called Troia Dardania from
King Tros is called Troia which name long time after it retained This King had three Sons Ilus Assaricus and Ganimedes all which he brought up in the knowledge of Arms and Martial Discipline unto which kinde of study he himself was much addicted and had many years together maintained Wars with the King of Grete named Jupiter the fourth of that name there In which Wars his Son Ganimedes was taken prisoner even by the hands of Jupiter himself who for that in his Ensign and Colours The Antiquity of bearing of Arms and badges of honour he gave an Eagle being his arms it should seem that Poets for that cause have feigned that Ganimede as he was hunting was snatcht up to heaven by Jupiter then transformed unto an Eagle and that he is now taken for one of the 12. Signs of the Zodiack called Aquarius Some other Authors also write that one Tantalus King of High Phrygia and Paphlagonia a most miserable covetous and avaricious Prince had laid certain snares and private means to entrap Ganimede and to take him prisoner as he used to sport himself in Hunting thinking by that devise to get a mighty ransom from Tros for redeeming of him and that this Tantalus sent him to Jupiter for to secure him and to have half the ransom that should be payed for his delivery and hence it may be that the Poets feign that Tantalus is plagued and tormented in Hell standing up to the chin in water and apples hanging down to his lips and yet can neither touch the one nor taste the other Tros thus having lost his son studied upon revenge and in the mean time comforted himself with his two other sons Ilus and Assaracus and this Ilus called Troy afterward Ilion who begot a son named Laomedon the father of the renowned Priamus and of Assaracus issued and came Anchises who was father to Ãneas who as we said before married Creusa a legitimate daughter of King Priamus so that we see both by the Male and Female line in this marriage our Warlike Brute derives his lineal descent from Dardanus and so from Noe. Ãneas after the fatal destruction of Troy gathered together the remnant and parcel of the War-shaken and distressed Trojans with whom he embarked and hoysing sail committed himself with the lives and fortunes of all his followers and fellow Adventurers to Fate and the protection of the Supream and highest Providence three years was he tossed not only with the merciless billows of the ever-unconstant Ocean but also by such Destinies as seemed no ways to favour his designs at last smiling fortune wasted his weather beaten Navy unto the Italian Continent where no sooner arrived having scarce refreshed his over-toyled Troops but Mars puts him upon present action Latinus king of the Country endeavours to impeach his setling and denies him admittance from words they come to blows Bellona seems to take no small pleasure to hear the groans of souls departing from their bodies ready to forsake their long enjoyed habitations many are the assaults approaches conflicts and combats which daily pass betwixt the two enraged parties the one labouring to encroach the other to keep his own Venus not willing to have Mars too long kept from her charming and soft embraces contrives to set a period to those bloody broyls a match must be concluded between the unparalleld Trojan Heroe and the fair Lavinia Latinu's daughter and sole inheritrix of that vast Kingdom Lucina favours the design and from this new married Couple of Matchless Progenitors in due time is born a son from whose loyns the worlds greatest Emperours and Brittains Warlike Kings deduce their Progenies From this branch budded forth our Brutus Some Writers will have him to descend from Silvius Posthumus Policronica Guido de Columna with others affirm that Ascanius the first son of Aenaeas by his first wife had a son named Sylvius Aenaeas who was Father to Brutus It is commonly held that the mother of Brutus died in Child-bed of this son and that at his coming to the age of fifteen years casually many and secret are the designs of the Celestial Star-chamber shooting at a wild and savage beast unfortunately though not ungraciously as being an act contrary to his will or intention slew his own Father for which Act divine Providence having designed him for this our Iland by the common consent and decree of the Magistrates of Latium he was adjudged to exile and for ever to be banished from his Country Necessity compels him to shift for himself neither yet so distressed or ill beloved but that he is followed by Troops of the noblest and most Heroick Spirits of his time who partly attracted by that worth which they finde innate in him and partly pusht forward with an ardent desire to purchase honour to their never dying fames engage both lives and fortunes âith him being now sufficiently stored with all manner of Provisions they put to Sea shaking hands for ever with their beloved Country Friends and Parents as having Spirits not confin'd to any one place Their propitious stars bring them to a province of Greece where they find encouragement as finding there many scattered Trojans so that of this unexpected aid I may say with the Prince of Poets Quid minime veris Graia pandetur ab urbe The Prince or King of this place according to some was called Vandrasus other Writers call him Vandarus Geffery of Monmouth proceedeth further and tells us that he was lineally descended from Achilles that mortal enemy of the Trojan glory and Hectors valour but Brute gathering these dispersed or it may be captived and enthralled Trojans which he found there and old Innicie received from Vlisses Agamemnon and other Chieftains of Greece sticking in their stomacks of the firing of old Ilium and the Dardanian Towers galls the almost closed sore whets his memory to call to mind things past and those once raked out of the embers of oblivion gather new flames and set all on fire with an unquenchable desire of Revenge which is so sweet and tickles the souls of those male-contents that nothing but fire and sword will serve their turn Pandrasus is assaulted in his own Court and so hardly put to â that he is enforced to purchase his own peace by bestowing his daughter Ignogen upon Brutus and such other conditions as the almost conquering strangers please to demand the Solemnitie of these constrained Nuptials orderly finished the Trojans mutually consent to leave that place and put themselves upon new Adventures Ships are provided and questionless Vandrasus is not backward in the business willing to be rid of such unruly Guests who will take all things upon score at their own price and rates once more to Sea goes this gallant Chieftain with his new espoused Consort and Post varios casus tot discrimina rerum the whole Fleet safely arrives at an Isle in Africa as saith Guido and others called Lergesia or Leogetia in which the Superstitious
Co-heir to Randolph Blundevill her Brother John Fitz Alan Lord of Clun and Owalstre two Lordships in Wales Isabell D. and Coh after the death of her brothers William and Hugh to William de Albeneio or Albany Richard Fitz Alan Grandchild to John 1. E. of Arundel of that Name Alizan D. to the Marquesse of Sluce in Italy Edmund Fitz Alan E. of Arundell Alice D. of William and Sister and Co-h. of John E. Warren and Surrey Richard Fitz Alan E. of Arundel c. Lord of Yale Bromfield Chirkland and Dinas Bran in Northwales Elinor D. to Henry Plantagenet E. of Lancaster Richard E. of Arundell c. Eliza. D. to William de Bohun E. of Northampton Thomas E. of Arundell c. Beatrix base D. to John King of Portugall Thomus E. of Arundell c. sans Issue so the Lands of the Earldome of Surrey were divided betwixt the Sisters and the Earldome of Arundell fell to John Fitz Alan being entailed John Fitz Alan E. of Arundell Knight of the Garter great Grand-child to John Maud. D. and H. of Robert Lovell and Eliz. his wife D. and Co-h. to Sir Guy Bryan To John Fitz Alan and Elinor his wife sister and Coh of Henry Lord Maltravers Humphrey Earle of Arundell sans Issue William Fitz Alan Uncle and Heir to Humphrey Margaret D. of Richard Woodvile E. Rivers Sister and Co-h. to E. Rich. her Brother William Fitz Alan Earl of Arundell Ame D. of Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland by which Match this Honourable Family also descends from the Welsh Line as in that Pedegree shall appear Henry Lord Maltravers sans Issue Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Mary D. and Co-h. of Henry Fitz Alan Earl of Arundell Philip Howard eldest Son of D. Thomas did assume the Name and Title of Earl of Arundell Anne D. of Thomas Lord Dacres of Gilestand and Sister and H. of George Lord Dacres Thomas Howard Earl of Arundell Alathen D. and Co-h. and at last sole H. to Gilbert Talbot E. of Shrewsbury by which Match the Honourable Family descends from the Welsh Line as in its proper place shall appear Henry Earl of Arundell c. Eliz. D. to Elsme Stewart D. of Lennox by which Match this House again springs from the Welsh blood as the Princely Line of the Stewarts do shew Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Henry Howard second Son Heir apparent Anne Daughter to Edward Marquesse and Earl of Worcester c. by which Conjunction the Welsh Alliance is strengthned NORFOLK is the greatest County of England next to Yorkshire but far more populous then that as comprehending in the whole 660 Parish Churches of which 27 are Market Townes The soyl according to the variety of places is of different nature some fat rank and full of moisture in others very light and sandy yet so that one contributing to the other and the Sea giving help to both it is a very plentifull County for Corn Sheep and Fish It is observed by a great Antiquary of this Kingdome that in this County are 100 Families of ancient Gentry were never attainted of High Treason The Dukes and Earls of Norfolke have been as followeth year 1070 1070. 1 Ralph de Ware Earl of Norfolk 2 Hugh Bigot 3 Roger Bigot 4 Hugh Bigot 5 Roger Bigot 6 Roger Bigot 7 Thomas de Brotherton Son of K. Edw. 1. E. of Norfolk 8 Margaret Daughter of Thomas de Brotherton Duch. of Norfolk 9 Thomas Lord Mowbrey Son of Marg. D. of Norfolke Duke of Norfolk 10 John Mowbrey D. 11 John Mowbrey D. 12 John Mowbrey D. 13 Richard D. of York and Norfolk 14 John Lord Howard Descended from the Lady Marg. Daughter to Thomas Duke of Norfolk 15 Thomas Howard D. Lord Treasurer and Admirall 16 Thomas Howard D. L. Treas 17 Thomas Howard D. of Norfolk 18. Thomas Howard D. of Norfolk 1660. The Duke of Somerset THis Honourable Family hath been Seated formerly in Wales whose Habitation was Penhow in Monmouthshire where I find their Arms cut in stone and depicted in glasse in the Church Windows which Church was Dedicated to St. Maurus from which Name questionlesse that illustrious Family took the Name De S to Mauro and yet to this day there is a Piece of Ground called Park Seymour and to confirm this I judge it not amisse to shew you parcel of an ancient Record The Saturday after the Feast of St. Michael in the full Court of Strigull in the 55. year of Hen. the Son of K. John before William de Walste then Steward of Strigull who ought to have House Bote and Hey-bote in Wentwood The JVRY The Abbot of Tynterne the Prior of Strigull Lord Robertson of Pagan William Bloet William Denford of Creeke Richard de More Robert de St. Maure Bartholomew of More Knights Matthew Denbane Robert de More and John Morbell who say in their Faith that William Lord Bloet ought to have to his House at Langston House Bote by complaint or request Lord William de St. Maure to his House or Castle of Penhow by the same means c. Henry Gray Marquess Dorset and Duke of Suffolk Descended from Sir John Gray Kt. Lord Powis who married Jane Daughter and one of the Heirs of Edward Charleton Lord Powis Son of John of another John Charleton who married Hawis Daugh. and sole Heir of Howel ap Griffith lineally descended from the Princes of Powis Frances D. and Co-h. to Charles Brandon D. of Suffolk and Queen Mary D. to Hen. 7. who by Owen Tudor descended lineally from the Princes of Southwales and from Rees ap Tewdor King of Demetia who died 1090. and was buried at St. Davids Edward de S to Manro Earl of Hertford Joan D. to L. Hen. Piercy E. of Northumberland by which Match this Family is the 3. time descended from Wales Edward Seymour E. of Hertford and Duke of Somerset Katharine D. to Henry Grey and Frances D. and Co-h. to Charles Brandon D. of Suffolk and Mary Queen of France William Seymor Duke of Somerset who married Sister and Co-heir to Robert Earle of Essex Seymor Lord Beauchampe Daughter to the Lord Capell that Loyall and Heroick Spirit who lost his life on the Kings behalf SEYMOR now DUKE of SOMERSET 1660. Somersetshire is a Country of a fertile Soyl both for Corn and Pasture exceeding populous as comprehending in the whole 385 Parish-Churches whereof 33 are Market Towns and furnished also with commodious Havens for Trade and Traffick in the parts towards Wilts it is hilly and stony which places about Mendip especially afford rich veins of Lead the rest of the Country is very fertile abounding with rich Meadows and Pastures it hath formerly been known by the name of Somertonshire but now it is ordinarily called Somersetshire by which name it hath given the Honorary Title of Dukes and Earles of Somerset 1 William de Mohun E. 2 William Longespe E. of Salisbury and Somerset 3 Reynald de Mohun 4 John Beauford eldest Son of John of Gaunt by his 3. wife
Sermone vis infinita est Brittanicarum aictionum atque vetus cultus Hibernorum ut ait Cornelius Tacitus non multum differt à Brittanico Denique à Scriptoribus antiquis omnibus Insula ea Brittanica nominatur praefertius cum Romani suum imperium undique propagassent multi proculdubio ex Hispanis Gallia Brittannia se receperunt in Hiberniam ne potentiae Romanae subjicerentur quae res fecit Julium Agricolam persuadere Romanis capere Hiberniam si Britannos in officio continere vellent Attamen Hibernia licet ipso situ fuerit Imperio Romano summè necessaria ejusque aditus Portus per commercia cognita Romanis Julius Agricola quendam Hibernum Regulum seditionis expulsum retinuerit ad occasionem capiendae Insulae nunquam tamen à Romanis in ditionem accepta fuit If it be true which the Irish Writers affirm their Island may justly be called Ogygia that is very ancient for they aver Cesara to have there inhabited before the Deluge and the History of Brittany avoucheth that Hiberus and Hermio two Spaniards many ages after by the appointment of Gurguint King of Great Brittaine inhabited it with their Colonies and Planters I will neither say it nor gain-say it quoth Cambden but certainly it is very probable that Ireland was very anciently Inhabited when mankind was dispersed and spread abroad over the face of the whole earth and manifest it is the first Inhabitants to have come thither out of Brittannia for in the Irish Speech there are a multitude of Brittish words and accents and as Cornelius Tacitus tells us the mode of the Irish differs not much from the Brittains And for a Conclusion of this Discourse by the most ancient Writers that Island is called Brittanica or Brittish and evident it is that when the Roman valour and glory had conquered and spread it self almost throughout the whole known world divers as well out of Spain as France and Britttain fled thither for shelter not willing to submit their necks and shoulders under the Roman yoke which was indeed the very cause that moved Julius Agicola to perswade the Romans to get Possession of Ireland if they ever meant to keep the Brittains in s bjection And although that Iland was of great consequence and necessary to the Romans neither were their Ports and Haven by reason of the constant and dayly Commerce and Trafick to them unknown And Julius Agricola having got a certain Irish petty King into his clutches driven by sedition from his native soyl intended to make him his decoy to seize and fasten upon the Irish jurisdictions yet for all these stratagems Ireland never came under the Roman slavery or obedience Gurguint being hitherto victorious and fortunate returns home having his head enriched with Laurels of choicest honour and renown being a Prince of singular prudence and justice and having laid the Sword aside he applies himself to build Cities and Towns for the great beauty of his Kingdome The first place which he erected was as saith Howes citing J. Rouse Caierwerith that is Lancaster of which place the Learned Cambden speaking Lancaster built by Gurguim hath these words ' Vbi sub Britanniarum duce ut est in Notitia Provinciarum numerus Longovicariorum qui è loco suum nomen sunt mutuati stationem habuit Whereas we find in the notice of Provinces a company of the Longovicarians under the Lieutenant General of Brittain lay which took their name from the place that is from the River Lon which gave name also to Loncaster and Longovicum this is onely a Market town at this day the ancient Town stood where after was a Cloyster at the foot of the hill are fragments of old walls and oft-times Roman Coyns are found but above all there are the ruins of a very antique structure which is called Werywall Recentiori ut videtur hujus oppidi nomine Hoc enim oppidum saith Mr. Cambden ilii Caerwerid i. e. Vrbem viridem dixerunt à viridanti forsitan illo colle This Town the Brittains called Caerwerid that is to say the Green town perchance taking its Name from the Green hill which is there The first time this place became an Earldome was when K. Hen. 3. conferred that Title on his second Son Edm. and it was destinate to greatnesse in the first Foundation there being laid unto it at the very first besides this County the whole confiscated Estates of the Earls of Leicester and Derby and the Barony of Monmouth And into this by Marriages accrued in time the great Estates of William de Fortibus Earl of Aumerl and Lord of Holderness Beauford and other goodly Lands in France the Earldom of Lincoln and good part of that of Salisbury the Lordships of Ogncare and Kidwelly in Wales which were once the Chaworths John of Gaunt added thereunto the Castles and Honors of Hertford and Tickhill and his Son Bullingbroke a moiety of the Lands of Bohun being Earl of Hertford Essex and Northampton so that it was the greatest Patrimony as I verily think of any Subject Prince in Christendome Lancaster finally was made a County Palatine by King Ed. the 3. and hath been honoured with these Dukes and Earles of Lancaster Edmund Plantagenet 2. Son to K. Hen. 3. E. of Lan. Thomas Plantagenet Henry Plantagenet Henry Plantagenet first D. of Lan. John of Gaunt Son to K. Ed. 3. married the Lady Blanch Daughter of Henry D. of Lan. Henry of Bullinbroke Son of John of Gaunt after King of England by whom this County Palatine and all the Lands and Honors belonging and incorporate into the Dutchy of Lancaster were brought unto the Crown of England though governed as an Estate apart then by its proper Officers as it continued till the time of K. Ed. 4. who did appropriate it to the Crown and dissolved the former Government thereof to which it was restored again by K. Hen. 7. and so still remaineth under the guidance of Chancellor and other Officers of the same The next Town which Gurgunstus as Howes calls him built was Porchester in Hampshire of which place Cambden speaking of those parts saith In cujus interiori recessu olim floruit Port Peris ad quem Vespasianum appulisse nostri produnt Saxones novo Nomine Portchester dixerunt non à Porta Saxone sed à portu Ptolomaeo enim ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã i. e. portus magnus vocatur castrumque sanc amplum superest quod in subjectum portum longe lateque prospectat where in times past Port Peris flourished where in succeeding Ages our Writers affirm Porchester built by Garguint Vespasian when he came into Brittain first landed the Saxons changed the Name into Portchester but not deriving it from Porta the Saxon Chieftain but from Port i. e. Haven or Harbour in which sense Ptolomy useth ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã the great Harbour or Port this by the ancient Brittains was called Caer Peris and was one of the eight and twenty Sees
Author that he both was a Christian and Converted by St. Joseph and plainly alledgeth Nennius Authority Thus he writeth Joseph converted this King Arviragus By his Preaching to know the Law divine And baptized him as written hath Nennius The Chronicler in Brittain Tongue full fine And to Christ's Law made him incline The Antiquity of the Crosse for England And gave him then a Shield of silver white A Cross end long overthwart full perfect Thus writeth this Author but without Warrant of any thing I can find for whereas as he citeth Nennius to have written thus in the Brittish Language it is evident by all Antiquities that Nennius which wrote in that Tongue was long before the Birth of Arviragus or St. Joseph and dead 50 years before the Nativity of Christ and was Brother to King Lud and Cassibelin and was named Nennius Helius and he could not write any such thing the other Nennius called Bancharensis as all Authors agree wrote onely in Latine and consequently could not write so in the Brittish Tongue as that Author thinketh or our best modern Authors affirm they find no such thing in any copy of Nennius Codices ii quos consuluisse me Nennii antiquos contigit hnjusce rei parum sunt memores Neither is King Arviragus or St. Joseph named by him The places which he allowed to St. Joseph and his companions were propter munitiones Arundineti fluminis paludis so compassed and invironed with Reeds River and Fens that they builded a poor Oratory themselves of such base Elderwands as that Fenny wildernesse afforded which giveth sufficient testimony how far Arviragus was from being a Christian that had nothing but such abject and outcast things to allow to Christ and his servants when for the maintenance of the Pagan Idolatry which he professed both as the Brittish History Matthew of Westminster Ponticus Virunnius and as well Modern as Ancient are witnesses he was Author of stately and sumptuos buildings and so far from diminishing any honour that was then given to the false gods of the Brittains that he added more unto them namely worshipped the wicked Emperor Claudius whose Bastard-daughter he had taken as wife as god dedicated a costly Temple unto him soon after his death yet after this his acquaintance with S. Joseph for as I find in an old Manuscript-history and others do not dissent the City of Gloucester then Caer Glou Anonymus his Maps in Glocestershire the City of Claudius was built by King Arviragus in the year of Christ 66. This City was first won from the Brittains by Chenlin the first King of the West Saxons about the year of Christ 570. and afterwards under the Mercians it flourished with great honour where Offirick King of Northumberland by the sustenance of Ethelred of Mercia founded a most stately Monastery of Nuns whereof Kinelburgh Eadburgh and Eve Queens of the Mercians were Prioresses successively each after other Edelfled a most renowned Lady Sister to King Edward the Elder in this City built a fair Church wherein her self was interr'd which being overthrown by the Danes was afterwards rebuilt and made the Cathedral of that See dedicated unto the honour of St. Peter in this Church the unfortunate Prince King Ed. 2. under a Monument of Alabaster doth lie who being murdered at Berkley Castle by the cruelty of the French Isabell his wife was there intombed And not far from him an other Prince as unfortunate namely Robert Curthose the eldest Son of William the Conqueror lyeth in a painted wooden Tomb in the midst of the Quire whose eyes were pluckt out in Cardiff Castle where he was kept Prisoner twenty years with all contumelious indignities until through extreme anguish he ended his life and before any of these saith our Brittish Historian the body of Lucius our first Christian King or rather at Caerleon in Monmouthshire was Interred and before his days the Brittain Arviragus This City hath given Honourable Titles to these Dukes and Earls 1 Robert Base Son to K. Hen. 1 Earle Gules three rests Or. 2 William 3 John Sansterre Son to K. Hen. 1 who Married Isabell Daughter and Coheir of Will E. of Gloucester England a bend Azure 4 Geofry de Mandevile E. of Essex 2d Husband of Isabell Quarterly Or and Gules over all an Escurbuncle Pomet and Flory Sable 5 Almerich de Evereux Son of Mabell another Coheir of E. William some put this Almerich before Geofry but erroneously as I conceive Partly perpale endented Arg. and Gules 6 Gilbert de Clare Son of Annice another of the Coheirs 7 Rich. de Clare 8 Gilbert de Clare who Married Joan of Acres Daughter to King Edw. 1. Or 3 Cheverons Gules 9 Ralph de mont Hermen 2 d. Husband of Joan of Acres Or an Eagle displayed Vert membred and leaked Gules 10 Gilbert de Clare Son of Gilbert and Joan. Or three Cheverous Or. 11 Hugh de Audley Married Isabell sister and Coheir of Gilbert Gules Alfret Or. border argent 12 Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester and Lord Constable Quarterly France and England a border arg 13 Thomas Lord Spencer Grand-son to Elinor Coheir of Gilbert Earl Quarterly the 1. and 4. or 2. and 3. Gules there on a fret Or a bend sable 14 Rich. Plantagenet Brother to K. Edw. 4. Lord Adm. and Constable D. Quarterly France and England a Label of 3 Ermine as many Cantons Gules 15 Humphrey Plantagenet son to King Hen. 4. This Hump. place immediately before Rich. Quarterly France and England a border argent 16 Henry 3d. Son of the late King Charles declared by his Royal Father Duke of Gloucester Anno 1641. but not create And to demonstrate that he both lived and died a Pagan this King Arviragus was and that by his own order buried in that Pagan Temple in the year of our Lord Christ 73. ten years after St. Josephs coming hither Arviragus ut dies suos explevit sepultus est Claudiocestriae in quodam templo quod in honore Claudii dedicaverat ut construxerat And Scut Virunnius further addeth that he did every month offer sacrifice in that Temple after the Pagans manner so much be loved him singulis mensibus sacrificabat tanto eum amore prosequibatur And it is further evident by many Antiquities that Arviragus did many publick acts besides this which Christian Religon could not permit as that after he had been long time Married to Voada sister to Cataracus King of the Scots and had divers Children by her he disinherited the Children put away and imprisoned the Mother and Married Genuisse the supposed Bastard Daughter of Claudius and kept her the other yet living and left the Kingdome to Marius her Son and was so far from repenting this barbarous act contrary to Christian Religion that being challenged for that impiety he wrote a book in defence of this his wickednesse Mr. Bron. fol. 132. affirming therein that it was lawful for him to have plurality of Wives because
was made greater then indeed it was to terrifie the new Governor who also made use of the same policy to serve his own turn for by encreasing the Fame of that which he heard reported he supposed either to win greater praise if he prevailed or to purchase a more favourable Censure of his actions if he miscarriede The Silures had made many roads into the subdued Country wasting and spoiling round about when Didius the Lieutenant upon his first arrival entering into the Field restrained their outrage and for a while kept them in some awe After Caracticus was taken Venutius a Prince faithfull to the Romans and protected by them so long as Cartismandua his wife and he agreed together upon private discontentment began a new rebellion For Cartismandua whom the Romans specially favoured for the Delivery of Cataracticus abounding now in peace wealth and plenty which are commonly the Nurses of licentious living fell in love with Velocatus one of her husbands servants and forgetting in the end her own honour preferred him before Venutius who being deeply touched with such an open injury and disgrace raised a power to expell her and her Paramour out of the Kingdome The War seemed at the first to have been maintained between themselves and their private followers onely till Cartismandua by pollicy had taken Venutius his brother and certain of his kinsmen and then the Inhabitants round about fearing the event and disdaining to be brought under the servile yoak of a Woman declared themselves for Venutius and with a choice number of youthful and well experienced Souldiers invaded the Country whereof Didius having timely intelligence sent certain Cohorts to encounter them Hereupon issued a sharp Conflict the Successe whereof was much doubted in the beginning but in the end the Romans prevailed The like Fortune also had Caesius Nasica with his Legion for Didius himself as a man stricken in years and fitter to direct then execute used for the most part the Ministery of other men keeping that which his Predecessors had gotten and building onely some few Castles and Places of Defence within the Land to win thereby a Fame of augmenting the Office The year following Claudius the Emperor by the treachery of Agrippina his wife who practised to prevent Brittanicus and to prefer her own Son Nero to the Empire died of poyson leaving to posterity no greater Fame of any thing by him attempted during his Government then of his fortunate Expedition into Brittany Finis Libri Secundi To the Right Honourable and Illustrious EDWARD Marquess and Earl of VVorcester Earl of Glamorgan Lord Herbert c. HENRY Marquess Dorchester Earl of Kingston Viscount Newark c. The Marquess of WORCESTER Bernard Newmarsh Lord of Brecon Nest D. of Griffith ap Llewellyn Prince of Southwales Milo Earl of Hereford Sibill D. and H. of Bernard Newmarsh Henry Fitz Herbert Lord oâ the Forrest of Deane Lucy Daughter and Coheir of Milo Fitz Walter Earl of Hereford Peter Fitz Herbert Alice D. and H. of Blethin Broad-Spear Lord of Lhanthloell in Monmothshire a Welsh Prince Reinold Fitz Peter Lord of Llanthloell jure matris Margaret Daughter of Sir John Welsh Adam ap Reinold Lord of Llanthloell Christian D. and H. of Gwaren ddy of Gwaren ddy the armes belonging to this Family are the same which Inyr King of Gwent did bear Viz. party per pale S. B. 3. de liz Or. Jenkin ap Adam Gwenllian Daughter to Sir Aron ap Bledry Lord of Kilsant Guillim Jenkin Esquire Gwenllian D. to Howell Vichan ap Howel ap Jorworth Thomas ap Guillim Jenkin Esquire Maud Daughter to Sir John Morley Knight Sir William Thomas Knight Gladis D to Sir David Gam Knight this was that valiant Knight who when the French so over numbered the English as to be ten for one boldly told his King there were sufficient to kill sufficient to take prisoners and a jolly company left to run away William Herbert Earl of Pembroke Anne D. to Sir Walter Devereux William Herbert Earl of Huntingdon Mary D. to Richard Woodvile Earl Rivers Charles Somerset Earl of Worcester Elizabeth sole daughter and heir of William Herbert Earl of Huntingdon Henry Somerset Earl of Worcester Eliz. D. to Sir Anthony Brown William Somerset Earl of Worcester Christian D. to Edward Lord North. Edward Earl of Worcester Eliz. D. of Francis Hastings Earl of Huntingdon Henry Earl and Marquess of Worcester Anne Daughter and sole Heir of John Lord Russel Son and Heir apparent to the Earl of Bedford by which means also this family descends from the Welsh blood Edward Earl and Marquess of Worcester and Earl of Glamorgan Elizabeth D. to William Lord Dormer Henry Lord Herbert D. to the Lord Câpel Widow to the Lord Beauchamp and Mother to the Duke of Somerset The Marquess of DORCHESTER John Lord Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury descended from Gilbert Talbot Mr. Brock fol. 291. temp Hen. 3. who married Gwenllian D. to Rees ap Gruffith Prince of Southwales and assumed for his armes G. a Lyon rampant d' Or ala bordure endente de mesne which armes were Rees ap Gruffith's Prince of Southwales Maud Daugher and only Heir of Thomas Nevil Lord âurnival John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury Lord Verdon by which family also comes in the Welshblood for Theobald Lord Verdon married Maud daughter of Edm. Mortimer L. of Wigmore son of Ralph who married Gladis d. and h. to Llewellyn ap Jorworth P. of Northwales Eliz. D. of James Butler E. of Ormond John L. Talbot E. of Shrewsbury Iatherine D. to Humphrey D. of Buckingham George Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury Anne D. to William Lord Hastings Francis Lord Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury Mary D. to Thomas L. Dacres of Gilsland George Lord Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury Gertrude D. to Thomas Lord Mannors by which match this Honourable Family again descendeth from a Welsh line as in the descent of the Earls of Rutland Henry Talbot fourth son of Earle George Eliz. D. to Sir William Reyner Robert Pierpoint Earle of Kingston c. Gertrude D. and coh of Henry Talbot Son to the Earl of Shrewsbury Henry Pierpoint Earl of Kingston and Marquesse of Dorchester Cecely D. of Paul Viscount Banning THE ANCIENT AND MODERN BRITTISH and WELSH HISTORY Beginning with BRVTE and continued untill KING CHARLES the First The Third Book The Succession of the Roman Emperors from Nero unto Domitian 6 Nero 14 years 7 Galba 7 Months 8 Otho 4 Months 9 Vitellius 8 Months 10 Vespasian 9 years 11 Months 11 Titus 2 years 12 Domitian 15 years LIeutenants under Nero. Veranius Suetonius Paulinus Petronius Turpilianus Trebellius Maximus Lieutenants under Vespasian Petilius Cerealis Julâus Frontinus Julius Agricola Lieutenant under Galba Trebellius Maxmius Lieutenant under Titus Julius Agricola Lieutenant under Otho Trebellius Maximus Lieutenants under Domitian Julius Agricola Salustius Lucullus Lieutenant under Vitellius Vectius Bolanus  The Princes and Men of Note among the Brittains In the time of Suetonius Paulinus Government under Nero
punishment towards their adversaries was justly interpreted to be a revenger of their wrongs and former calamities The common opinion is that he reigned between six and seven years although I find in an old Manuscript French History entreating much of the affairs of this Kingdom written above 400 years since that he was King of Brittain 29. years Bassian tenoit le Roilme d Brittanie 29. ans Jacob. Senuon Epis in Caral Sanctor in S. Amphibalo Author of the English martyrologie Joan Lydgate Monac Buriensis in ejus vita Gerard Leigh in his Accidence of Armory Verumne apud Hect. Boerius Scot. Hist l. 6. f. 102. Hollins of Scotland in Cyathlint Jacob. Genuen in vita St. Amph. Harris Manusc Hist Brit. l 3. c 35 Girald Camb. Item Camb. l. 1. c. 5. David Powell Annot. 16. in c. 4. disc Cambriae Dio in Macrino Dio in Caracalla Spartian in Caracalla Manusc Gall. Antiq. c. 14. Compilatio M. S. de gest in Carausio Fab. in Bass fol. 47. b. In this Emperours time St. Zepherine was Pope who converted our renowned countriman St. Amphibalus who won by his preaching life and death after so many thousands of this Nation to Christ of whom a late Authour citing divers antiquities thus writeth St. Amphibalus being a noble young man of Brittain and going to Rome with Bassianus son to Severus was there by Pope Zepherinus instructed secretly in the Christian faith baptised made Priest and sent back into Brittain there to preach unto others Neither may we with prudence judge that so great a concourse of our Brittish Nation and Nobility being then at Rome and St. Amphibalus thus converted a great Noble Man and termed in antiquities the son of a Prince and so not without attendance that he alone was thus converted and employed by that holy Pope at this time and not unprobable but some of those holy Apostolick men which are yet remembred in Histories to have assisted St. Amphibalus afterward in preaching Christ in these parts or received their Ordination and instruction from the same at Rome now about this time such as were Modicus Priscus Calanus Ferranus Ambianus and Carnocus there is no repugnancy in the time for these were old men when the persecution of Dioclesian raged here and St. Alban was martyred Jacobus Bishop of Genua and so to be termed of that City in Italy a Roman writer writing fourscore years or thereabouts before Matthew West who calls this Saint Clericus only not expressing his name testifies that his name was Amphibalus a Brittain of this Kingdom and son to a Prince thereof relating his History and life at large But our Monck might without blame be ignorant of that Author And this forreign bishop addeth that he went from hence to Rome with Bassianus in the time of Severus and was there Knighted amongst that noble company most part of this Nation recounted in number 1540. of which St. Alban was also one and that St. Amphibalus was there made priest by the Pope of Rome and sent home into his Country Giraldus Cambrensis saith he was borne as Caerlegeon the renowned City and School in Wales So have divers others the old manuscript History of the Church of Winchester saith he was an holy Monck and Doctour in the Church of Caermardyn in Wales And this is the last certain place of his Residency which that Antiquity giveth him before his persecution and going to the Scots and so it seemeth not unprobable but he was also Bishop of that city Caermardin or without question of some other City there for otherwise how could he be consecrated Bishop among the Scots by whose Annals he is accounted the first Bishop they had resident among them but more of him hereafter About the year of our Lord 220. or a little before Bassianus Emperour and King of Brittain was murdered between Edissa and Carras by Mardianus a Centurion he marrying with the sister of the holy christian Lady Mammea left their son Heliogabalus behind him who soon after was Emperour An old French Manuscript History saith that Bassianus was slain by Carausius who after reigned 38 years The same hath the manuscript compilation in these words Et tandem faventibus Britonnibus Carausius demicavit cum Bassiano interfecit eum sic gubernaculum regni in sese suscepit of this opinion also is Fabian Howes saith Bassianus was cruelly given to sensuality and lust insomuch that he espoused his mother-in-law Juba others call her Julia as Hollenshed Fabian Juliana who saith that Bassianus on a certain time breaking in to his brother Geta's chamber slew him even in his mothers lap and that himself was after slain at Edissa by one of his souldiers but names him not as he was about to untruss his points Now the affairs of Brittain for the space of almost fifty years together were passed over in silence as being either omitted through negligence of Writers in that age or perishing through the calamity of the times that ensued under the Emperours following namely Popilius Macrinus the successor of Bassianus Varus Heliogobalus Alexander Severus Maximinus Gordianus the first second and third Philippus Arats Decius Valerianus These are the words of the Authour of the Brittish History but we will leave him a while to try what other Authours say Fabian tells that Carausius c. Finis Libri Tertii To the Right Honourable HENRY Earle of Oxford Lord Bulbeck Samford Badlesmere Scales Knight of the Garter c. ALGERNON Earle of Northumberland and Lord Percy Lucy Poynings Fitz Pain Bryan and Latimer Knight of the Garter c. JOHN Earle of Shrewsbury Lord Talbot Furnival Verdon and Lord Strange of Blackmore The Earle of OXFORD Henry Very the Eighteenth Earl of Oxford of that name Lord Bulbeck Samford c. Descended as Mr. Brooke York Herald fol. 162. and others say from Aubrey de Vere who married Mabel Daughter of Robert Consull Earl of Glocester and natural Son to Henry the first by Nest daughter to Rees Prince of Southwales which Rees married Gladis D. and sole heir of Rees ap Kenvin Prince of Powis whose successor Robert de Vere third of that name and sixth Earl of Oxford of that family married Margaret daughter of Roger Lord Mortimer son of Edmund Lord Mortimer descended from Roger Lord Mortimer who married Gladis sister and heir of the whole blood to David son to Llewellyn Prince of Northwales and Joane daughter to K. John which Llewellyn was son to Jorworth the son of Owen Gwineth the son of Gruffith the son of Conan the son of Jago the son of Edwal the son of Meiric the son of Edwal Voel the son of Anarawd the son of Rodery Maur the son of Esylht daughter and sole heir of Conan Tyndaythwy the son of Roderike Molwynoc the son of Edwal Ywrch the son of Cadwallader last King of the Britains Mr. Powel fol. 224 NORTHUMBERLAND Llewellin ap Jorworth Prince of Northwales married Joane natural daughter to K. John Mr.
overthroweth the other that she was a stranger and basely born for excepting those that wander in that Tract all agree she was the sole daughter and heir of the Noble Brittish King Coel far from being either an Alien or of base parentage and descent and the more easily to overthrow them it first fighteth with and so overthroweth it self Some which encline to this errour say that she did secretly fly out of her Countrey and went to Rome and there was so familiar with Constantius the Emperour but it is evident by all Histories that Constantius at the first acquaintance with Helena was not Emperour nor long after neither was he at Rome but in Brittain in this time sent hither by Aurelianus the Emperour in the year of Christ 273 and as both Zosimus and Suidas say lived most here and being sent hither by Aurelianus the Emperour as so many agree to have long imployment and great cause to stay here he must needs come hither about that time Marti Polo Coxton fol. 38. Hollinshed Hist of Eng. l 4. Capg in St. Helen Nicep l. 7. c. 18. Andre Chesne l. 4. Hist Marie l. 2 aetat 6. in Const Flor. Wigorn. Chronico Regi in an 243. Mar. Polo In supputa an 307. Otto Frigen l. 3. c. 45. Bede l. Hist c. 8. Martin Polo sup an 309. col 66. Papinian l. prefect F. de ritu Nuptiarum Joan. Capg in Catal in praefat in vita S. Helenae M. Aurelius Cassidorus in Chron. Zosimus Comes in Constantine l. 2. Mari. an 292. c. 301. Maria. l. 2 aetat 6. an 305. col 303. Bede Hist l. c. 8. Floren. Wig. Chron. an 328. 306. Galli Orat. Panyg ad const apud Baron Tom. 2. an 306. Hen. Spond ibid Harris Hist eccl Tom. 4. Nichol. Vignier Billiosh Histor ad an 306. Pompo Laelus in camp Hist Rom. in Const Max. Eutropius l. 10. Hist Rom. Constan Manasses l. Annal Hanibald apud Frithem l. de orig Franc. Euseb Cron. an 294 Eutrop. l. 9. Hist Rom. Victor in Diocle Maximi for by all Antiquities Aurelianus died soon after and was Emperor but a short time so that neither Constantius nor Queen Helena could be either at Rome or in any place but in Brittain at this time Nicephorus and some later after him would have her to be born in Bithinia at Drepanum and the Daughter of an Inkeeper there with whom Constantius passing that way to the Persians fell in done but this is made unpossible by that is said before of the being of both Constantius and Helena in Brittain so remote from any part of Bithinia at that time and neither of them coming to or neer Drepanum or any part of Bithinia at or after this time but when she an holy Widdow many years after Constantius death passed by Greece in her pilgrimage to Hierusalem as is evident in all kind of Antiquaries and will most manifestly appear in its due place Others there be which do term this renowned Empress by the name of Concubina as Marianus and Florentius Wigorniensis as they have been lately published and Regino without speaking any thing of her parentage or country and Martinus Polonus who confesseth she was Daughter to the King of Brittain but it is evident that either Martinus or his publisher hath with gross Ignorarance abused the Readers for he saith that Constantine not Constantius begot Constantine the great in the year of Christ 307. when by common opinion Constantius was dead before And not content with this they bring in Constantine the great to be Emperor in the year 309. when by their account he could not be two years old The other three if their Publishers have not abused them speak in the phrase of the Pagan Romans who in those times called all the Wives of their Lieutenants taken for strangers though never so lawfully joyned in true marriage by the rude term of Concubine as their old Pagan Decree is still witness against them when I shall make it as clear as the Sun that St. Helen was from the beginning the only true lawfull wife to Constantius This I have written here to answer these frivolous Cavils against that blessed woman and with John Capgrave call their Allegations no better then dreams and to speak still in his words That opinion doth not only blemish the fame of so holy a Woman but maketh that most Noble Constantine to be a Bastard begot out of marriage and so disableth him to have been the Heir of Constantius either King or Emperor when all Men know he came to the imperial Dignity by right of Inheritance And thus he taxeth the Authors of Ignorance these things pleased them because they knew not the truth Ipsos forsan qui ista scripserunt talia placuerunt quia potiara veriora invenire minime potuerunt Divers forraign Historians as Baronius Spondanus and others write as plainly in this matter and may with great warrant for as Cassiodonus is an able witness it is but a Pagan report and raised first by Zosimus that most malicious Ethnick and Rayler against Constantine for professing and advancing of Christian Religion and renouncing Idolatry and this is evident by the best learned Authors themselves which in any sense called St. Helena by that name for they do plainly confess as namely Marianus that St. Helen was the true wife of Constantius and he forced by Maximian the Emperor to put her away and take Theodora his wifes Daughter And further saith Constantine was the true Son and heir of Constantius and by that title succeeded him in the Kingdom and Empire which could not be truly said if Helen had not been his lawfull wife neither could Constantius by this learned and holy Author be named a Religious Father if he had not begot his Son lawfully in true marriage And St. Bede confesseth from Eutropius that Constantine succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of Brittain and so by him also must needs be his lawfull son Florentius Wigorn writeth in the same manner and confesseth St. Helen to have been here in Brittain long after her son Constantine was Emperor yet these be the chiefest Authors that in any sense have termed St. Helen by that name It is evident by all histories not only of Christians that St. Helen was a most chast and holy Woman and that Constantius also lived in conjugal chastity marrying when he was but young but also even by the Pagan writers themselves as witnesseth Gallicanus the Orator that lived in this time in his publick oration to his son Constantine and others therefore St. Helen being the first woman that was thus wedded unto him in marriage she must needs be his true lawfull wife by their own testimonies And the same Author witnesseth before Constantine at the publick solemnity of his marriage with Fausta in most plain and express words that Constantine was born in Brittain so testifie divers Authors even of the Roman History among whom one plainly saith that Constantine was
this place by the Brittains we have already spoken Conon of Meriadoc now Denbighland in the year of Grace 384. was the first Prince of the Brittish blood in Armorica or Little Brittain the second was 2. Graldonus 3. Solomon I. The names of the Kings of little Brittain 4. Auldranus 5. Budicus I. 6. Howellus Magnus This Howel was with King Arthur in his wars 7. Howellus II. 8. Alanus I. 9. Howellus III. 10. Gilquellus 11. Solomon II. 12. Alanus II. Of whom mentions is made in this place who descended of a daughter of Rune the son of Mailgon Gwyneth King of Great Brittain who was married to the forenamed Howel II King of Little Brittain 13. Conobertus 14. Budicus II. 15. Theodoricus 16. Rualhonus 17. Daniel Dremrost i. e. with the red face 18. Aregstanus 19. Maconus 20. Neomenius 21. Haruspagius 22. Solomon III Who was slain by his own men and then was that Kingdom turned into an Earldom whereof Alen was the first Earl who valiantly resisted the Normans and vanquished them oft at last it was a Dukedom Cadwallader bein in Brittain was certified that a great number of strangers as Saxons Angles and Juthes had arrived in great Brittain and finding it desolate and without inhabitants saving a few Saxons who had called them in and certain poor Brittains who lived by roots in Rocks and Woods had overrun a great part thereof and dividing it into Territories and Kingdomes inhabited that part which was then and yet at this day by the Welsh who are the ancient Brittains called Lhoyger and in English England with all the Cities Townes Castles and Villages which the Brittains had builded ruled and inhabited by the space of 1827. years under divers Kings and Princes of great renown whereupon he purposed to return and by strength of Brittish Knights to recover his own Land again After he had prepared and made ready his Navy for the transporting of his own men with such succours as he had found at Alan's hand an Angel appeared to him in a Vision and declared that it was the will of God that he should not take his voyage towards Brittain but to Rome to Pope Sergius where he should end his life and be afterwards numbred among the blessed Which vision after that Cadwallader had declared to his friend Alan he sent for all his books of prophesies as the works of both Merdhines or Merlins to wit Ambrose and Sylvester surnamed Merdhin Wylht and the words which the Eagle spoke at the building of Caer Septon to be now come whereof they had prophesied To this very day the Welsh the very real ofspring of the Brittains are much addicted unto prophesies and so confident that out of their old books I know some my self and those of good quality they doubt not to tell you things to come but those prophesies are never discerned to have come to pass till it be too late as in Ragland Castle in Monmothshire and others which it concerns me not to speak of Alan upon the relation of Cadwallader his vision or dream counselled him to fullfil the will of God who did so and taking his journey to Rome lived there eight years in the service of God and dyed in the year of Christ 688. So that the Brittains ruled this Isle with the out-Isles of Wight Mon in English called Anglesey Manaw in English Man Orkney and Ewyst 1137. years before Christ until the year of his Incarnation 688. and thus ended the rule of the Brittains over the whole Isle This glorious King bore for his armes Azure a crosse firmie fitched Or. He slew Lothayre King of Kent and Aethelwald King of the South Saxons Ivor the son of Alan After Cadwallader had taken his journey towards Rome Gerard Leigh in his accidence of armory fol. 33. leaving his son named Edwal the Roo and his people with his Cousin Alan which Alan taking courage to him and not despairing of the conquest of Brittain manned his ships as well with a great number of his own people as with those which Cadwallader had brought with him and appointed Ivor his son and Inyr his Nephew to be leaders and chieftains of the same who sailing over the narrow seas landed in the West parts of Brittain of whose arrival when the Saxons were certified they gathered a great Army and gave Ivor battail where they were put to flight and lost a great number of their people and Ivor wan the Countries of Cornwall Devonshire and Somersetshire and peopled them with Brittains Whereupon Kentwinus King of West-Sex gathered a great number of Saxons and Angles together and came against the Brittains which were ready to abide the battail and as the armies were both in sight they were not very desirous to fight but fell to a composition and agreement that Ivor should take Ethelburga to wife who was Cofin to Kentwin and quietly enjoy all that he had during the reign of Ivor This Ivor is he whom our English Chronicles call Ive or Jew King of West Saxons H. Lhoyd that reigned after Cedwel and they say that he was a Saxon for Kentwin reigned full five years after Ivors coming into England and after him his Nephew Cedwel who after he had reigned over the west Saxons two years went to Rome and left his Kingdom to Ive his Cousin This Ive or Ivor whom the Brittains call the son of Alan and the Saxons the son of Kenred being King of the Saxons and Brittains which inhabited the West parts of Brittain after many victories atchived against the Kings of Kent Southsex and Mercia left his Kingdome to Adelred or as some call him Adelerdus his Cousin and took his journey to Rome where he made a godly end about the year of our Lord seven hundred and twenty Roderike or Rodri the Son of Edwal Yworch Roderike over the Brittains began his reign Anno. 720. against whom Adelred King of the West Saxons raised a great Army and destroying the Country of Devonshire The Brittains victorious against the Saxons in three battails entered Cornwall where Roderike with the Brittains gave him battail in with the Brittains had the victory over the Saxons the year after the Brittains obtained two other victories over the Saxons one in Northwales at a place called Garth Maelawc and an other in Southwales at Pencoed At this time Belin the Son of Elphin a noble Man among the Brittains died Ethelbaldus King of Mercia desirous to annex the fertile soil of the Country lying between Severn and Wye to his own Kingdom gathered an Army and entered into Wales A battail near Abergevenny and destroying all before him he came to the Mountain Carno not far from Abergevenny where a sore battail was fought between him and the Brittains Anno seven hundred twenty eight This Mercian King called to his aid Adelard King of the West Saxons and gave battail to the Brittains where after a long and terrible conflict he obtained a bloody victory
Masbrook Chitbury Caurs Clonn which are now in Shropshire Ewyas Lacy Ewyas Harold Clifford VVinsorton Yardley Huntington VVhitney Loghardneis in Herefordshire Also this country of Southwales as all the rest of Brittain was first inhabited by the Brittains which remain there to this day saving that in divers places specially along the sea shore they have been mingled with Saxons Normans which the VVelsh history calleth Frenchmen and Flemings For that the Princes of VVales since the conquest of the Normans could never keep quiet possession thereof but what for strangers and what for disloyalty of their own people vexation and war were for the most part compelled to keep themselves in Caermardhenshire This shall suffice for the description of the Country After this great King had as it is said before disposed of his affairs had had war with Burchved King of Mercia which by the aid of Ethelwaph entred Northwales with a great power and destroyed Anglesey fought with the VVelshmen divers times and slew Meric a great Prince amongst them 846. Math. West Kongen P. of Pendieth at Rome 871. The year 846. was Ithel King of Gwent or Wetland slain in fight by the men of Brechnoch and in the year 854 Kongen King of Powis died at Rome being slain or choaked as some say by his own men Much about this time dyed Gwyan King of Cardigan This was that noble Gwyan ap Mevric ap Dunwal ap Arthen ap Sitsylt King or Prince of Cardigan who as some Brittish books have was at this time drowned by misfortune The Danes having entred the land being with shame and ignominy beaten and repulsed and compelled to abjure the Isle they bent whether equivocally or perfidiously their force against Wales and entred the Isle of Môn with a great army in the year of Christ eight hundred seventy three where Roderick gave them two battails one at a place called Menegd in Anglesey Dav. Powel fol. 34. 879. I find also saith my Authour that about this time Halden and Hungare two Captains of the Danes arrived in Southwales and overrun the whole Countrey destroying all before them with fire and sword neither sparing Churches nor Religious houses but within a while after they received their deserved reward at the hands of the West Saxons who awaiting for them on the coasts of Devonshire slevv both Halden and Hungare vvith 1200 of their people At this time Endon Bishop of Menevia or St. Davids died and Hubert was installed in his place And within two years after Dungarth King of Cornwal was drowned by a mischance In the year 876 the Englishmen entred into Anglesey and fought with the Welshmen a sore battail who in the year following slew Roderike King or Prince of Wales and Gwyriad his brother or as some say his son This Roderike had by his wife Enharad the daughter of Meyric the son of Difnwal or Dunwal the son of Arthen ap Sytsylt divers sons as Anarawd his Eldest son to whom he gave Aberfraw with Northwales Cadelh the second son vvho had Dinevour vvith Southvvales and also took Mathraval and Powis land by force from his brethren after the death of Mervin the third son to whom the father had given the same A Welsh manuscript which I have saith Rodri the great did bear G. a cheveron between three Roses arg Quarterly Gules and Or four Lions passant gardant Counterchange The Authour who sets down this coat as belonging to this King or Prince Mr. Mills catologue of honour fol. 209. compendiously gives us this relation Roderike the great in Welsh called Rodero Mawr Prince of all Wales a man of much strength and courage the son Essilt begotten by Mervin King of the Isles whose Grandfather by the Mothers side was Conan the son of Roderike the son of Idwall the son of Cadwallader the last King of the Brittains This Idwall conveyed the miserable Brittains that were oppressed and afflicted with the invasions and inroads of the Saxons into Cambria now called Wales and worthily governed them under the name and title of Prince of Wales Some are of of opinion that the Cambres were called Welshmen by this Idwallo as in old time the Brittains took their name from Brute But this is of no more truth then theirs is that would have them of one Wallo their Duke and governour or of Wendola a Queen of whom there is no mention made among them This Roderike of all the Princes of Wales The Authour also put Camber before Albanact preferring Wales before Scotland was the first that caused the histories of the Brittains to be written He renewed good Lawes he caused strong Castles to be built and procured that Churches or Temples should be kept and maintained for Divine Service at his decease he left the Principality of all Wales to be divided unto his three sons following the example of Brute who made Locrine Camber and Albanact Kings This matter of division was the very true and first Originall of the Welsh mens ruine as being divided into three Kingdomes which they called Principalities For allbeit whilst they lived one man held and maintained his own with much stoutness and magnanimity yet their posterity being distracted and falling to war among themselves were enforced every each to defend his part as well from their general enemies the English as from their Neighbours and Countreymen the Welsh by which the whole Kingdome of VVales was wrackt and overthrown Roderike ended his life in the eighty ninth year of his Age Mr. Wills ut ante and in the year of Christ eight hundreed seventy seven Alured the son of the godly King Ethelwolph being then King of the English Saxons He was buryed at Keyby Castle in Anglesey Engharad Princesse of VVales Wife of Roderike the great was daughter and heir to Meirich the son of Dyfnwal the son of Arthen ap Sytsilt King of Cardigan Their Issue Mervin Prince of Venâdosia or North-Wales of whom more hereafter Anarandus was second Son to whom his Father gave the 105. Cantreds or hundreds of Powis Land and for that of all his Brethren he was the most valiant and approved Warriour he seated him in the Marches or Borders of VVales his principal Seat and Mannour was at Mathraval The patrimony of this Anarandus namely the Principality of Powis in process of time devolved and came into the hands of a Woman named Hawis as her Right and Inheritance She being married to one John Chorlton an Englishman enfeoffed him with her Right and made him Lord of Powis From this Family it descended at last to the Greys of the North and thereby utterly lost that Name and Title of Principality For Andornus or Owen the Father of Hawis or Avis being called and sent for to a Parliament which King Edward the First held at Shrewsbury by the Decree and Judgment of the King and Barons took his Lands to be held in Capite under the Title and Tenure of Free Baronage of England and
the Peak in Darbyshire Esq Note that Iohn Vernon son of Sir Henry Vernon married Anne daughter to Iohn Ludlow Esq son to Sir Richard Ludlow and Elizabeth his wife daughter of Richard Grey L. of Powis and Margaret daughter of Iames Audley both which families are derived from Welsh progenitors George Mannors of Haddon Esq Grace daughter to Sir Henry Peirpoint descended from Brittish line as in the Marquess of Dorchesters pedegree Iohn Mannors L. Ross Belvior and Trushat E. of Rutland 1661. Francis daughter to Edward Lord Montague RUTLAND Rutland for quantity is the least County of England for quality not inferiour to the best as being a pleasant and fruitfull Country especially about the vale Catmoss The earth thereof is generally very red of colour so red that even the Fleeces of the sheep are coloured with it in which regard it had the name of Rudland the Saxons calling it Rud which we now call red Heretofore it was reckoned for a part of North-hamptonshire not made a County till of late it containeth in it 48. Parishes in the whole the chief of which are Uppingham and Oakham two small Market Towns of which the last is the Shire town for the Assises Sessions and all publick business yet small and little though it be it can shew the seats and titles of four Parliamentary Barons and besides that it hath honoured many a noble person with the name and title of Earls of RUTLAND 1. Edward Plant. son of Edmund of Langley Duke of York 2. Edmund Plant. second son of R. D. of York 3. Thomas Mannors descended by his mother from the Duke of York Earl of Rutland 4. Henry Mannors 5. Edward Mannors 6. Iohn Mannors 7 Roger Mannors 8. Francis Mannors 9. Iohn Mannors Iohn Mannors now Earl of Rutland 1661. The Earle of Pembrock Bernard Newmarsh or Newmark L. of Brecon Nest daughter of Grissith ap Lhewellin Prince of Southwales Milo Earl of Hereford Sibil daughter and heir of Bernard Newmarsh Herbert Lord of the Forrest of Dean Lucy one of the daughters and co-heirs of Milo Earl of Hereford Peter ap Herbert Esq Alice daughter and heir of Blethin Broadspear Lord of Llanthloell and Beachley Reginald ap Peter Esq Margaret daughter to Sir John VVelsh Kt. Adam ap Reginald Esq Crisley daughter and h. to Gwaindy Lord of Gwarendy Esq Ienkin ap Adam of Gwarendy Esq Gwenllian d. to Aron ap Bledri Kt. Gwinllin Ienkin of Gwarendy Esq Gwenllian daughter to Howel ap Ioroth or Yorrath of Tylegles Esq Thom. Gwillin Ienkin of Gwarendy Esq Maud daughter and heir of Sir Iohn Borley Kt. Sir VVilliam Thomas Kt. Gladys d. to Sr. David Game Kt. VVilliam Herbert created E. of Pembrook temp Hen. 4 Anne daughter to Sir Walter Devereux K. William Herbert of Ewyas of Sir Matthew Câadoc Kt. William Herbert created Earl of Pembrock 1468. Anne daughter of Thomas Par Baron of Kendal and sister and co-heir of William Par Marquess of Northampton and Earl of Essex Henry Herbert Earl of Pembrock Mary daughter to Sir Henry Sidney Kt. L. Deputy of Ireland William Herbert Earl of Pembrock sans issue Mary eldest daughter and co-heir to Gilbert Talbot E. of Shrewsbury Philip Herbert E of Pembrock Montgomery Susan daughter and at length co-heir of Edward Vere Earl of Oxford by which match this honourable family again descends from the Brittish line Philip Herbert E. of Pembrock and Montgomery 1661. PEMBROCK Pembrockshire is a County plentifull of Corn and Cattel and not distitute of Pitcoale and which is far above all the rest as Giraldus tells us considering that it is so near to Ireland of a temperate and wholesome air It contains in it 140. Parish Churches and five Markets that which is most of note being Milford renowned for its safe and capacious haven but that from which it takes denomination is the Town of Pembrock seated upon a forked arm of Milford haven and in the best part of all the Country a Town consisting principally of one long street on a long narrow point of the Rock and hath within the walls thereof two Churches The Earls hereof in former times were County Palatines and passed all things that concerned that Country under the Seal of the Earldom and it continued so untill the reign of K. Henry VIII when as Wales was reduced to England and the authority of the great Lords there dissolved by Parliament since when the Earls of Pembrock have been meerly titular as of other places and of each sort were those in their several ages the Marquesses and Earles OF PEMBROCK Gilbert de Clare Richard de Clare surnamed Strongbow VVilliam Marshall married Isabel daughter and heir of Richard Strongbow VVilliam Marshal L. chief Justice Richard Marshall Gilbert Marshall VValter Marshall Anselme Marshall VVilliam de Valence half brother to K. Henry III. whose wife was daughter of a sister of Anselme Marshall Agmer de Valence Laurence Hastings who married the Lady Isabel de Valence John Hastings John Hastings Humphrey D. of Glocester William de la Pole D. of Suffolk Jasper of Hatfield D. of Bedford William Herbert William Herbert Edw P. of Wales son to K. Ed 4. Anne Colen Marchionesse of Pembrock wife to K. Henry 8. William Herbert Lord Stewarâ âreated Earl of Pembrock by K. Edw. 6. Henry Herbert William Herbert Lord Stuard and Chamberlain of Oxford Philip Herbert E. of Pembrock and Montgomery Philip Herbert E. of Pembrock and Montgomery 1661. Earles of Dorset THomas Sackvile Earle of Dorset Cecily daughter to Sir John Baker Kt. Robert Sackvile E. of Dorset Margaret sole daughter of Thomas Duke of Norfolk by which match this right honourable family is diversly descended from the Brittish blood as at large appeareth in the pedegree of the Dukes of Norfolk Richard Sackvill E. of Dorset Anne d. and sole h. of George E. of Cumberland descended by a daughter and co-heir from Char. Brandon Duke of Suffolk and Mary Queen of France daughter to King Henry VII and Elizabeth his wife heir general to the house of York and consequently to the Mortimers E. of March of which family Raph L. Mortimer of Wigmore married Gladis sister and heir to David and daughter to Lhewellin Prince of Northwales as likewise Henry the 7th descended from Owen Tweder lineally sprung from the Princes of Southwales Edward Sackvil E. of Dorset Mary sole daughter of Sir George Curson Kt. Edward Sackvile now E. of Dorset 1661. DORSET The County of Dorset abutteth upon that of Devon having the Sea upon the South and Somersetshire upon the North. The air good and of an healthful constitution the soil fat and rich in many places and wherein that is defective it yields good store of Woods and Pasture The Country generally very pleasant in her situation as being no less beholden to the Inner-land Rivers then the bordering Ocean the one yielding Merchandise from far the other the commodity of conveyance to the most parts thereof and both of them good store of Fish It
contains in it 248. Parishes and in them 18. Market Towns the chief whereof is Dorchester as that which doth denominate the whole County A Town not much famous for much else then that it hath long been and doth still continue the honorary title of those noble Personages which have been severally Marquesses and Earls OF DORSET 1 Osmond de Sees E. 2 John Beaufort Marquess L. Adm. 3 Thomas Beaufort Earl Duke of Exceter Lord Chancellor and Lord Admiral 4 Edmund Beaufort E. and Marque 5 Henry Beaufort Marq. 6 Edmund Beaufort Marq. 7 Thomas Grey Marq. 8 Thomas Grey Marq. 9 Henry Grey Marq. D. of Suffolk 10 Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst created Earl of Dorset 10 Jacobi Lord Treasurer and Chancellour of Oxford 11 Robert Sackvile E. 12 Richard Sackvile E. 13 Edward Sackvile E. Lord Chamberlain to the Queen 14 Edward Sackvile now Earl of Dorset 1661. The Earles of Salisbury and Exceter RObert Sitsylt came into Wales with Robert Fitz Hamon who conquered Jestin Prince of Glamorganshire an inheretrix by whom he had Halterennis and other lands in Herefordshire and Glocestershire James Sitsylt Esq  Iohn Sitsylt Esq The Lady Maud de Frenes Eustace Sitsylt Esq Elianor daughter to Sir VVill. Pembridge Knight Sir Baldwin Sitsylt Knight temp Hen. secundi daughter to Maurice de Brampton Esq Gerald Sitsylt Esq Mavil daughter to Sir Moygne Knight Robert Sitsylt Esq Alice daughter to Sir Rob. Trogois Knight James Sitsylt Esq Isabell daughter to Sir John Knell Knight Gerald Sitsylt Esq Margaret Daughter to Stephan de Ber. John Sitsylt Esq Sibil daughter to Robert of Ewyas Esquire Sir John Sitsylt Knight Alicia sister to Sir Richard Baskervile Knight Iohn Sitsylt Esq Jone daughter to sir Richard Monington Knight Thomas Sitsylt Esq Margaret daughter and heir to Gilbert de Winston Esq Philip Sitsylt Esq Margaret daughter to Iohn Philips Esq Richard Sitsylt Knight Cecil Esq Margaret daughter to Philip Vaughan Esq David Cecil Esq  Sir William Cecil Baron Burley Knight of the Garter c. Mary sister to Sir Iohn Cheek Kt. Rob. Cecil E. of Salisbury Elizab. d. to W. Brook L. of Cob. Will. Cecil E. of Salisbury 1661 Katherine d. to Tho. Howard E. of Suffolk Charles Lord Cranbourne Iane daughter to Maxwell Esq groom of the bed-Chamber to K. Charles of glorious memory Tho. Cecil E. of Exceter Dorothy d. and co-h to I. Nevil L Latimer Will Cecil E. of âxceter Eliz. d h. of Ed. Mannors E. of Rutland D. Cecil now E of Exceter 1661 descended from a younger son of William L. Burley Eliz. d. to Iohn Egerton Earl of Bridgwater SALISBURY Salisbury is the chief City of Wilts it was at first seated high upon an hill as being a place designed for strength and war yet honoured for a while with a Bishops See and a fair Cathedral But the Bishops and the Clergy finding no good quarter amongst the Soldiers which were there in Garrison and being destitute of water upon so high an hill about the time of Rich. I. began to leave it and plant themselves down lower by the water-side being once setled there and raising a new Cathedral for Gods publick service the people also followed after and left old Sarum to it self which in short time became so totally deserted that now the ruines of it are hardly visible but for new Salisbury that grew up presently to a great renowne pleasantly seated on the river with water in every street thereof and for the populousness of the place plenty of provision and spacious market place and a fair Town hall is esteemed to be the second City of all that Tract and which adds no small lustre to it a place that hath been very fortunate in those eminent persons on whom the Kings of England have bestowed the title of Earls of Salisbury Earles of Salisbury Patrick d' Eureux Will. d' Eureux VVill Longespee base son to K. Henry 2. who married Ella daughter of VVill. d' Eureux VVilliam Longespee VVill. de Montacute VVill. de Mont. John de Mont. Tho. de Mont. Richard Nevil who married Elianor daughter of Thomas Mont. Lord Ch. Richard Nevil Earl of VVarwick George Duke of Clarence who maried Isabel daughter of Richard Earl of VVarwick Edward eldest son of King Richard 3. and Anne the second daughter of Richard Nevil Margaret daughter of George Duke of Clarence created Countess of Salisbury by King Henry 8. Robert Cecil Viscount Crambourne created Earl of Salisbury 3. Jacob. VVilliam Cecil now Earl of Salisbury 1661. EXCETER Exceter is now the chief City of Devonshire a fair and goodly seat it is placed upon the Eastern bank of the River Ex from whence it had the name of Exceter In circuit it contains within the walls about a mile and a half besides the suburbs which every way stretch out to a great length and in the circuit there are numbered fifteen Parish Churches besides the Cathedral the whole environed with deep ditches and very stronge wals having many Towers therein very well disposed and yet the animosity of the Inhabitants is a greater strength unto it then the walls or ditches whereof they have given notable proof in these later times to their great honour here followeth a Catologue of the Dukes Marquesses and Earles John Holland E. of Huntington made Duke of Exceter by Richard 2. Thomas Beaufort E. of Dorset Lord Ch. and Adm. made Duke of Exceter by King Henry 5. Iohn Holland Duke Lord Adm. Henry Holland Duke Lord Adm. Henry Courtney E. of Devon created Marquesse of Exceter by K. Henry 8. Thomas Cecil Lord Burley created Earl of Exceter 3. Jaco VVilliam Cecil David Cecil now Earl 1661. THE SECOND BOOK Arma Paterna year 877 ANARAWD the Son of Roderick began his Reign over VVales in the year of Christ 877. year 878 The year 878. died Fedan the son of Melht a noble man of VVales and the second year following there was a great Battel fought by the Danes and the Englishmen of Mercia against the Welshmen upon the River Conway where the VVelshmen had the Victory and this was called the Revenge of the Death of Roderick year 879 About this time Eveneth the Son of Bledrid a Baron of VVales died Forrain and alwaies pernicious and Anarawd King or Prince of North-Wales came with a great Army of English-men and made War against his Brother Cadeth and spoiled the country of Caerdigan and Ystradgwy The Danes being put hard to their shifts by Alfred left their Wives and children in Essex and passed spoiling the Land to * Forsan Cowbridge Quadbridge upon Severn and so passed the River and spoiled the countries of Brechnock Gwentland and Gwenthwg About the year 900. Igmond with a great number of Souldiers came to Anglesey and the Welshmen gaue him a Battel at Molerein There be some Brittish Copies of this History which affirm that this battel between Igmond Captain of the black Nations and the Brittains wherein Mervin was slain was
and Englishmen made war against such as succoured and defended his Uncle Jago and spoyled the Countries of Lhyyn and Kelynnoc Vawr whereby shortly after Jago was taken by Howels men who enjoyed his part of the land peaceably year 979 About the year 979. Edwal Vachan the son of Edwal Voel was slain by his Nephew Howel At this time Custenym Dhu that is Constantine the black son to Jago which then was prisoner hired Godfryd the son of Haroald with his Danes against his Cosin and they both together destroyed Anglesey and Lhyyn whereupon Howel gathered his army together and setting upon them at a place called Gwath Hirbarth overthrew them where Constantine was slain year 981 The year 981. Godfryd the son of Haroald gathered a great army and entred West Wales where spoyling all the Land of Dynet with the Church of St. Davids he fought the battail of Lhanwanoc Likewise in the year next ensuing Duke Alfred with an army of Englishmen spoyled and destroyed Brechnock and great part of the lands of Owen Prince of Southwales against whom Eneon the son of the said Owen and Howel King of Northwales did raise all their power and overthrow them in battail where the greatest part of Alfreds army was slain and the rest put to flight The year following the Gentlemen of Gwentland rebelled against their Prince and cruelly slew Eneon the soâ of Owen which came thither to appease them This Eneon was a worthy and noble Gentleman who did many notable acts in his fathers time and left behind two sons Edwin and Theodor or Tewdor Mawr of whom came afterwards the Kings and Princes of Southwales In the year 984. Howel the son of Janaf King of Wales entered England with an army where he was fought and slain valiantly fighting This Howel had no son but his brethren reigned in his place Cadwallon the Son of Janaf After the death of Howel his Brother Cadwallon the second Son of Janaf took in hand the government of Northwales and first made War with Jonaval his Cofin the Son of Meyric and right heir to the Land and slew him but Edwal the youngest Brother escaped away secretly The year following Meredyth the Son of Owen King or Prince of Southwales with all his People entred into Northwales and in fight slew Cadwallon the son of Janaf and Meyric his Brother and conquered the land to himself wherein a man may see how God punished the wrong which Jago and Janaf the Sons of Edwal Voel did to their eldest brother Meyrick who was first disinherited and afterwards his eys put out and one of his Sons slain for first Janaf was imprisoned by Jago then Jago with his Son Constantine by Howel the Son of Ianaf and afterward the said Howel with his brethren Cadwallon and Meyric were slain and spoiled of their Lands Meredyth the Son of ap Howel Dha year 986 This Meredyth ap Owen havingslain Cadwallon obtained the Rule and government of Northwales in the year 986. Godfrid the Son of Haroald the third time entring the isle of Anglesey where having taken Lywarck the Son of Owen with two thousand prisoners besides he cruelly put out his eys whereupon Meredyth the Prince with the rest escaped and fled to Cardigan and the same year there was a great murrain of cattel throughout all Wales year 987 In the year 987. dyed Ianaf the Son of Edwal who had lived many years a private life The same year also dyed Owen the son of Howel Dha prince of Southwales This Owen had three Sons Eneon which dyed in his Fathers life time Lhywarck which lost both his eyes and Meredyth which as ââfore is declared had won Northwales and after his Fathers death took also into his possession all Southwales having no respect to his Brother Eneon his Sons Edwin and Theodor or Tewdor About the same time the Danes sailed from Hampton alongst the Sea coast The Tribute of the black Army spoiled Devonshire and Cornwall and so at last landed in Southwales and destroyed Saint Davids Lanbadarn Lhanrystid and Lhandydock which were all places of Religion and did so much hurt in the country besides that to be rid of them Meredyth was fain to agree with them and to give them a penny for every man within his land which was called the Tribute of the black Army year 989 The year 989. Owen the son of Dyfnwal was slain within a year after Meredith King of Wales destroyed the Town of Radnor at which time his Nephew Edwin the son of Encon having to his aid Duke Adelf and a great army of Englishmen and Danes spoiled all the land of Meredith in Southwales as Caerdigan Dynet Gwyr Kydwch and Saint Davids where Edwin took pledges of the chief men of those Countries In the mean time this Meredith with his people did spoil Glamorgan so that no place was free from Sword and fire but at the last Meredith and Edwin fell to an agreement and were made Friends Soon after Cadwalhon the son of Meredith dyed Meredith being thus imployed had so much to do in Southwales that Northwales lay open for the enemy which thing when the Danes perceived they arrived in Anglisey and destroyed the whole Isle Matth. West pag. 383. Jâa Castor 992. whereupon the Inhabitants of that country received Edwal the son of Meyric the right heir of Northwales for their Prince in the year 992. After these great troubles there followed within a year after such famine and scarcity in Southwales that many perished for want of food Edwal ap Meyric the son of Meredith This Edwal being in possession of the principality of Northwales studied to keep and defend his people from injuries and wrongs But Meredith gathered together all his power intending to recover again Northwales with whom Edwal met at Lhagwm and overthrew him in plain battel where Theodor or Tewdor Manor Meredith his Nephew was slain who left behinde him two Sons Rees and Rytherck and a Daughter called Elen. A little after this Swain the son of Haroald destroyed the Isle of Man and entring into Northwales slew Edwal the prince thereof who left behinde him a son called Jago In the year of Christ 998. the Danes came again to Saint Davids destroying all before them and there they slew Morgency or rather Vrgency Bishop of that See the same year also dyed Meredith the son of Owen King or Prince of Wales leaving behinde him one only Daughter called Angharad which was married to Lewellin ap Sitsylht and after his death to Convyn Hirdref or as other do think to Convyn ap Gwerystan who had children by either of them which was the cause of much war and mischief in Wales as shall appear hereafter Aedan the Son of Blegored The death of both these Princes forsomuch as Meredith had no Issue male and Edwal left behinde him a childe within years not able to take the charge of a Common-wealth did cause much trouble to ensue for in Northwales divers did aspire
1038. Hernon Archbishop of Menevia or St. Davids died a man both learned and godly the next year following Howel King of Southwales gathered a great power of his friends and strangers and entered the land intending to overcome it again wherefore Gruffith like a worthy Prince came with all speed to succour his people and meeting with Howel at Pencadair after he had incouraged his Soldiers gave him battail and overthrew him and pursued him so narrowly that he took Howels wife whom he had brought to the field to see the overthrow of Gruffith which chanced otherwise whom Gruffith liked so well that he kept her for his Concubine year 1041 In the year 1041. Howel came again to Southwales and remained there a while and shortly after a number of strangers landed in Westwales and spoyled the Country against whom Howel gathered his forces and fought with them and drove them to their ships with much loss At this time Conan the son of Jago who had fled to Ireland to save his life with the power of Alfred King of Develin whose daughter Ranulph he had married entered Northwales and by treason had taken Gruffith the King and carried him towards the ships but when it was known the Country upon a suddain followed the Irishmen and overtaking them rescued their Prince requiting their foes with much slaughter forcing them to their ships who returned with Conan to Ireland The year following Howel the son of Owen Lord of Glamorgan dyed being a man full of years Then Howel ap Edwin called to his succour Danes and Englishmen with all the power he could make in Southwales whereof Gruffith being certified gathered his power together in Northwales and came couragiously to meet his enemies whom he had twice before discomfited and overcame them and chased them as far as the spring of the River Towy where after a long and dangerous battail Howel was slain and his army routed and so narrowly pursued that few escaped alive After whose death Ritherck and Rees the sons of Ritherck ap Iestyn aspiring again to the rule and government of Southwales which their father had once obtained gathered a great army as well of Strangers as out of Gwentland and Glamorgan and met with Gruffith King of Wales who after his accustomed manner detracting no time but couragiously animating his men with the remembrance of their former fortune and divers victories under his standard joyned battail with his enemies whom he found disposed to abide and to win again the honour they had lost wherefore when they met the fight was cruell and bloody and continued till night which easily departed both armies being weary with fighting and either fearing other returned to their Countreys to gather more strength This year Ioseph Bishop of Teilo or Lhandaf died at Rome The Bishop of Landaff dyeth at Rome The land being thus quieted Gruffith ruled all Wales without any trouble till about two years after the Gentlemen of Ystrad Towy did by treason kill 140 of the Prince his best Soldiers to revenge whose death the King Gruffith destroyed all Dinet and Ystrad Towy Here is also to be noted that such snow fell this year that it lay upon the earth from the Kalends of Ianuary to the fourteenth of March. In the year 1050 Conan the son of Iago did gather an army of his friends in Ireland minding to recover his inheritance again as he sailed towards Wales there arose such a tempest that it scattered his navy abroad and drowned the most part of his ships so that he was disappointed of his purpose and lost his labour This Earl Godwin that wicked Earl of Kent whose lands were swallowed up by the Sea and as this day called Godwins sands pernicious and terrible to Navigators as late experience hath taught us About this time Godwin being summoned to appear and answer before King Edward Conf. at Glocester the guilty Earl Godwin fearing the Kings displeasure who could never brook him since the death of his brother Alfred gathered an army out of Kent and other Countries where his sons ruled or had power and so came tovvards Glocester reporting abroad that all his preparation was made to resist Gruffith Prince of Wales who as they affirmed was ready with an army to invade the Marches but King Edward being certified by the Welshmen that there was no such thing in hand commanded Godwin to send back his army Matth. West writeth that about this time to wit anno 1053. Rees the brother of Gruffith King of Wales was slain in a place called Balendane which place since was called Pen Rees and lately belonged to Sir Ed. Morgan Baronet but sold from the house as he did much more to the ruin of his family though the fault be laid upon upon his son I say no more but God knows how ãâã whose head was presented to the King at Glocester the day before the Epiphany According to the computation of Authours neer these times Machbeth King of Scotland caused a noble man named Bancho to be cruelly murthered whereupon Fleance the son of the sad Bancho escaping the hands of Macebeth fled to Gruffith ap Lhewelyn Prince of Wales where being joyfully received and entertained courteously he grew into such favour with the said Prince that he thought nothing too good for him But in processe of time Fleance forgetting the courtesy to him shewed fell in love with the Princes daughter and got her with child which thing the Prince took in ill part that he in rage caused Fleance to be killed holding his daughter in most vile estate of servitude for so suffering her self to be de flowered by a stranger At length she was delivered of a son which was named Walter who in few years proved a man of great courage and valour in whom from his childhod appeared a certain noblenesse of mind and ready to attempt any great enterprise This Walter on a time fell out with one of his companions who in that great heat of contention objected unto him that he was but a bastard begotten in an unlawful bed which reproach so grieved Walter that he fell upon the other and slew him whereupon fearing the punishment of the law he fled into Scotland and there fell into the company of those Englishmen which were come thither with Queen Margaret the sister of Edgar Edeling amongst whom he shewed himself so discreet and sober in all his demeanour that he was highly esteemed of all men and so attaining to higher reputation and credit was afterwards imployed in the affairs of the Commonwealth at length made Lord Steward of Scotland receiving the King revenues of the whole realme Of the which Office he and his posterity retained that Sirname of Steward ever after from whom descended the most noble Kings of Scotland besides many other Dukes Marquesses Earls and Barons of great fame and honour Whosoever desireth to be more fully satisfyed in this matter let him read and peruse E. Holenshed and he
great Army to Caerdigan and first he fortified the Castle of Stratmeryc and afterwards the Castle of Humphrey of Dyny of Dynerth and Lhanristyd when these Castles were well manned and fortified VValter Clifford who had the Castle of Lhanyndhyfir made a road to the roads of Rees and returned with a booty after the slaughter of some of Rees his men Upon this Rees sent to the King to complain and to have a Redress who had only fair words and nothing else for the King winked at the faults of the Englishmen and Normans and punished the Welshmen cruelly Rees seeing this begirt the Castle of Lhanyndhyfri and in short space wan it And Enedon the son of Anarawd Rees brothers son being a lusty Gentleman and desirous to make his Countrey free from servitude and perceiving his Unkle to be discharged of his Oath to the King laid siege to the Castle of Humphrey and by force wan it putting the whole Garrison to the sword wherein he found Horses and Armour to furnish a great number of men Likewise Rees seeing he could enjoy no part of his inheritance but what he obtained by the sword gathered his power and entred Cardigan left not a Castle standing in the whole Countrey of those which his enemies had fortified and so brought all under his subjection Wherewith the King being highly offended returned to South Wales and when he saw he could do no good he suffered Rees to enjoy all that he had gotten and took pledges of him to keep the peace in his absence and then returning into England he sailed into Normandy and made Peace with the French King But the next year Rees Prince of South Wales did lead his power to Dynet and destroyed all the Castles that the Normans had fortified there and afterward laid siege to Caermarthyn which when Reignold the Earl of Bristoll the Kings base son heard he called to him the Earl of Clare and his brother in law Cadwalader the brother of Prince Owen with Howell and Conan Prince Owens sons and two other Earls and came to raise the siege with a great Army whose coming Rees stayed not but betook him to the Mountains called Kefu Rester and there kept himself and they camped at Dynwyl hîc and built a Castle there who after they could not heard of Rees returned home without doing any notable act year 1160 In the year 1160 dyed Madoc ap Meredith ap Blethyn Prince of Powis at Winchester This man was ever the King of Englands friend and was one that feared God and relieved the poor his body was conveyed honourably to Powis and buryed in Mynot He had by his wife Susanna the daughter of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales three sons Gruffith Maylor Owen Elise and a daughter also called Marred he had base sons Owen Brogynton Kynric Evelh and Endon Evelh which base sons were not basely esteemed for with the other they had part of their Fathers inheritance and so had others through Wales if they were stout and of noble courage And here I think it convenient to declare how Powis land came to be divided into so many parcels and thereby weakned and brought under the Normans before the rest of Wales Meredyth son to Blethyn ap Convyn Prince of Powis had two sons Madoc of whom we spake and Gruffith between whom Powis was divided Madoc had that part which was called Powis Vadoc which part again was subdivided into three parts betwixt his three sons Gruffith and Maylor had Bromfield Yale Hope Dale Manhewdwy Mochnant ù Rhayard Chirk Glynlhayth and Glyndoverdwy Owen Vachan had Mechain Iscoyd And Owen Brogynton had Dynmael and Edeyrneon The other part of Powis called after Powis Wenwynwyn was the part of Gruffith ap Meredyth after whose death his son called Owen Civilioc enjoyed it The Lordship of Powis before King Offa's time reached Eastward to the Rivers Dee and Severn from a right line from the end of Broxen hills to Salop with all the Country betwen Wy and Severne whereof Brochwel Yscithroc was possessed but after the making of Offa's ditch the plain Country toward Salop being inhabited by Saxons and Normans Powis was in length from Pulford bridge Northeast to the confines of Caerdiganshire in the parish of Lhanguric in the Southwest and in breadth from the furthest part of Cyvilioc Westwards to Elsmere on the Eastside This Country or principality of Powis was appointed by Roderike the great for the portion of his third sons Anarawd and so continued entirely untill the death of Blethyn ap Convyn After whom although the Dominion was diminished by limiting parts in severality amongst his sons Meredyth and Cadogan yet at length it came wholy to the possession of Meredyth ap Blethyn who had issue two sons Madoc and Gruffith between whom the said Dominion was divided Madoc married Susan the daughter of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales and had that part which was after called from his name Powis Vadoc which dominion and signiory was divided and so forth see Mr. Powel fol. 216. The same year Cadwalhon ap Madoc ap Ednerth was taken by his brother Eneon Clyd and delivered to Owen Prince of Northwales A help to English History printed by Abel Roper MDCIL who sent him to the Kings Officers to be imprisoned at VVinchester from whence he escaped presently after and came to his country The year next following dyed Meiric Bishop of Bangor Bangor another of the Bishopricks of VVales is of antient standing but by whom founded saith this Author not yet known the Cathedral there is dedicated by the name of St Daniel who was Bishop there about the year 516 Bangor which being cruelly defaced by the wretched Rebel Owen Glendour was afterward repaired by Henry Dean who was once there Bishop The ruine of this bishoprick came in the time of bishop Bulkhey a blessed Reformer questionlesse who not content to alienate and let out lands Sacriledge by miracle punished made a sale also of the bells and going to the Seashore to see them shipt in his return was stricken with a suddain blindnesse This Diocess containeth in it the entire Country of Carnarvon wherein Bangor standeth and the whole Isle of Anglesey together with parts of Denbigh Merioneth and Mongomery and in them to the number of 107 Parishes whereof 36 impropriated It hath moreover in it three Archdeaconries viz. of Bangor Anglesey and Merioneth one of which is added to the bishoprick for support thereof This Bishoprick was valued in the Kings books 131 l. 16 s. 4d. and answereth for the Clergies tenth 151 l. 14s 3d. q. Bishops of Bangor An. Ch.  516 1 St. Daniel  2 Hernaeus translated to Ely 1120 3 David 1139 4 Maurituis  5 Gulielmus  6 Guido alias Gwianus 1195 7 Albanus 1197 8 Robertus de Salopia 1215 9 Caducan alias Cadogan 1236 10 Howel 1267 11 Richardus 1306 12 Anianus  13 Cadogan II. 1306 14 Griffith 1320 15 Lodovicus 1334 16
Carnarvon whose loyal Fidelity to his King hate to Tyranny love of his Countries Liberty and contempt of Rebellion made him appear in in the field like a true Son of Mars where he did wonders beyond expression and for justice religion and loyalty sacrificed his life upon the Altar of never-dying Fame He married the Daughter of Philip Earle of Pembrock Montgomery c. by which means this now Earle of Carnarvon is many wayes descended from the Brittish Princely line as doth most amply appear in the Genealogie of the Earle of Pembrock which for brevity I forbear to expresse CARNARVON CARNARVON is a Shire of Northwales butting upon the Irish Seas and parted from the Isle of Anglesey by a streight or fretum a Mountainous and Rockie Countrey but the defects thereof are supplyed plentifully by the Isle adjoyning It took name from Carnarvon the chief Town thereof heretofore strongly walled and fortified with a very fair Castle Edward II. King of England was born there and hence according to the custom of those times entituled Edward of Carnarvon for the occasion of it I referr you to the common Chronicles The Princes of Wales had in this place their Chancery and Exchequer for all Northwales which was no small improvement to it Earle it never had any till this present Age in which King Charles of ever blessed memory conferred the Title on Robert Lord Dormer created Earle of Carnarvon 4 Caroli Aug. 2. Lord Dormer Earle of Carnarvon 1661. The Earles of CARBURIE Gwaith Voed Lord of Cardigan Gweriston Prince of Powis Second Son of Gwaith Voed Kynvyn Blethyn Meredith Madoc Lord of Powis Vadoc Griffith Mailor Einon Edvel alias Elvel Rhyn Jevan Esq Madoc Cough Esquire Madoc Kyffin Esquire David Vaughan Esquire Griffith Esquire Hugh Vychan Esquire John Vychan Esquire Walter Vychan Esquire Sir John Vaughan of the Golden Grove Knight Richard Vaughan Earle of Carburie Lord Vaughan Baron of Emlyn now living 1661. Alice Daughter of John Earle of Bridgwater FRANCIS Viscount MONTAGUE Sir George Brown Knight of the Garter temp Hen. 8. Lucy Daughter to John Nevil Marquess Montague and Coheir to her Brother George Duke of Bedford This John Marquess Montague married Isabel Daughter and Heir to Sir Edward Englethorp or as Mr Powel fol. 217. calls him Edmund who married Joan third Daughter to John Lord Typtoft Earle of Worcester and Coheir to Edward her Brother which Earle John married Joyce Daughter and Coheir of Edward Charleton Lord Powis descended lineally from John Charlton Lord Powis in right of his wife Hawis the hardy sole Daughter and Heir to Owen ap Griffith Lord Powis whose Forefathers were Princes of Powis Anthony Brown Knight of the Garter created Viscount Montague tem Phil. Mariae at Hampton Court Iane Daughter to Robert Ratcliff Earle of Sussex Anthony Brown Esquire obiit ante patrem Mary Daughter to Sir William Dormer Anthony Viscount Montague Joan or Iane Daughter to Thomas Earle of Dorset Francis Browne now Viscount Montague 1661. Elizabeth Daughter of Henry Marquesse of Worcester by which Match the Heir apparent with the rest of that honourable issue are descended from the Brittish line as is manifest in the Genealogie of the Marquesse of Worcester Brown Heir apparent LORD ABERGAVENY Iohn Lord Nevil Baron of Abergavenny descended from Sir Edward Nevil Knight Elizabeth Daughter and Coheir of Iohn Chamberlain alias Tankervile of Sherburn Castle Com. Oxfor Sir Edward Nevil Knight third Son of Ralph Nevil Earle of Westmerland Elizabeth Daughter and Heir of Richard Beauchamp Earle of Worcester and Lord of Abergavenny in whose right the said Edward was Lord of Abergavenay This Elizabeth descended from William Beauchamp Baron of Burgavenny who was fourth Son of Thomas Beauchamp Earle of Warwick Marshall of England under King Edward III. and one of the Founders of the Noble Order of the Garter who married Katherine Daughter of Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore son of Edmund son of another Roger by right of inheritance I have seen a Deed of the Advowson of St. Bride in Monmothshire granted to the Forefather of William Iones of Lansanfride i. e. St. Bride the very place where this Advowson is thus Edwardus Nevill Miles Elizabetha de Beauchamp as Mr. Powel saith fol. 316. Prince of Wales as being son to Sir Roger Mortimer who married Gladys Heir to her brother David and Daughter to Llewelin ap Iorwerth Prince of Northwales and Ioan Daughter to King Iohn Domina de Burgavenny omnibus ad quos praesentes literae pervenerint salutem Noveritis nos pro bono consilio laudabili servitio Philippo Thomas dedisse concessisse hoc praesenti scripto confirmasse Philippo heredibus assignatis suis dominationem Ecclesiae beatae Frigittae in nostro Dominio de Burgavenny habendum tenendum c. Sigilla nostra apposuimus in Castro nostro de Burgavenny vicessimo secundo die Julii anno regni Regis Henrici sexti post Conquestum vicessimo septimo The Arms upon the Seal Quarterly Beauchamp and Warren in the First and in the Second Nevill the Third as the Second the Fourth as the First THE LORD STURTON VVilliam Lord Sturton descended from John Sturton created Baron Sturton tempore Henrici Sexti one of whose Successours Charles Lord Sturton married the eldest Daughter to Edward Earle of Derbie and Dorothea Daughter of Thomas Duke of Norfolk by which Match this Honourable Family descends from Brittish Princes as plainly appears in the Genealogies of the Duke of Norfolk and Earle of Derbie The Heir apparent of this Right Honourable Lord married a Grandchilde of VVilliam Lord Petre of VVrittil in Essex and Katharine his VVife Second Daughter to Henry Earle of VVorcester by which Match this right Honourable Family again descends from Brittish Progenitors as in the Pedegree of the Marquesse of VVorcester VVilliam Sturton Esquire Second Son to VVilliam Lord Sturton married Margaret Daughter to George Morgan of Lansore in the County Monmoth Esquire descended from Kydivor Vawr Lord of Kilsant who was one of the Peers of Wales of the Blood-Royal of Brittain paternally descended from Bely the Great King of all the Brittains who died in the year 1084. and was buried at Caermarthyn This Family of the Morgans whose ancient seat is Maughan in Monmothshire from whence have sprang many flourishing Families descended also from Rees ap Tuder King of Southwales from Ivor king of Gwent from Rhiallon ap Kinvin Prince of Powis Gwillim ap Ayddan Lord of Grismond all which Coats this Noble Family quarters HENRY LORD ARUNDEL OF WARDOR COUNT of the SACRED ROMAN EMPIRE Sir Thomas Arundel Knight Margaret Daughter and Coheir to Edmund Lord Howard third Sonne to Thomas Duke of Norfolk by which Coheir the Brittish Bloud descends upon this Honourable Family as appears in the Genealogie of the Dukes of Norfolk Thomas Arundel Count of the Empire and Baron of Wardor Grandchilde to Sir Thomas Arundel Mary Daughter of Henry Writchsley Earle of South-Hampton Thomas Arundel Count
undermine the walls which when the garrison discovered and knowing that their enemies were three to one they were content to yield up the Castle upon condition that they might depart with their armes freely whichafter the Archbishop took suffering them to pass quietly fortifying the Castle strongly to the Kings use and placing therein a garrison for defence thereof departed into England But immediately VVenwinwin or Gwenwinwin begirt it again and in short space reduced it upon the same conditions that his men had surrendred it and kept the same to his own use P. Rees dieth Hol. p. 534. The next year after the fourth of May Rees the son of Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodore P. of Southwales died the only hope and stay of all that part of VVales as he that brought them out of the thraldom and bondage of strangers and set them at liberty and had defended them divers times in the field manfully Mr. Powel Fol. 249. daunting the pride and courage of their cruel enemies whom he did either chase out of the land or compelled by force to live quietly at home The Encomiums of prince Rees woe to that cruel destiny that spoyled the miserable land of her defence and shield who as he descended of noble and princely blood so he passed all other in commendable qualities and laudable vertues of the mind He was the overthower of the mighty the setter up of the weak the overturner of the holds the separater of troopes the scatterer of his foes among whom he appeared as a wild bore among the whelps or a Lyon that for anger beateth his tail to the ground See more of him in Polychronicon and Grafton The Kings of England descend from this P. Rees This Prince had many sons and daughters as Gruffith who succeeded his father Cadwalhon Maelgon Meredyth Rees and of his daughters one called Gwenlhian was marryed co Ednivet Vachan who was ancestor of Owen Theodore or Tudor that married Queen Katharine the widow of K. Henry the fifth and the rest were marryed to other Lords in the country After the death of Rees Gruffith his son subdueth all the country to himself and enjoyed it in peace untill Maelgon his brother whome his father had dis-inherited made league with Gwinwynwyn the son of Owen Civelioc Lord of Powis who both together levied forces and came suddainly upon Gruffith and slaying many of his people took him prisoner and so recovered all the Country of Caerdigan with the Castle Thus Maelgon having taken his brother sent him to be imprisoned with Gwinwynwyn who in despite delivered him to the English Then Gwenwynwyn gathered his power and entred Arustlie and subdued the same to himself About this time there was a great war in Northwales for the late Prince David ap Owen came with a great army as well English as Welsh purposing to recover the land again but Lhewelin his Nephew who was the lawful heir and then in possession thereof came boldly and met him Powis Wenwynwyn why so called add gave him battail and putting his people to flight took him prisoner and secured him by which means he injoyed his country in quiet tranquillity Towards the end of this year Owen Cyvelioc prince of higher Powis died and left his territories to Gwenwinwin his son after whom that part of Powis was called Powis Gwenwinwin for a difference from the other called Powis Vadoc which was in the possession of the Lords of Bromfield At this time also dyed Owen the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield and Brichtyr the son of Howel ap Jevaf likewise Maelgon the son of Cadwalhon ap Madoc Lord of Melienyth Not long after Traherne Vachan a man of great power in the Country of Brecknock as he came to Lancors to speak with William Bruse Lord thereof was suddainly taken A cruel murther and by the Lords command tyed to a horse tail and drawn through the town of Aberhodny or Brecknock to the gallows and there beheaded and his body hanged up by the feet three dayes This cruelty shewed upon no just cause caused his brother wife and Children to avoid the Country The year ensuing Maelgon the son of Prince Rees after he had imprisoned his elder brother got his Castles of Aberteini and Stratmeiric also the youngest son of P. Rees wan the Castle of Dinevowr from the Normans The Summer following Gwenwinwin intending to extend the limits of VVales to the old Meers gathered a great army and laid siege first to the Castle of Paine in Eluel which was of the possessions of VVilliam de Bruse making a Proclamation that as soon as he had won the Castle he would burn all the whole Country to Severne without mercy in revenge of the murder of Traherne Vachan his Cosen but because he had not Engins and Miners he lay three weeks at the Castle whilst the murderer sent to England for aid whereupon Jeffrie Fitz Peter Lord Chief Justice of England raised forces and joyning with him all the Lords Marchers came to raise the seige And because Fortunes in battails are various and uncertain he sent first Gwenwinwin to have a treaty of peace concluded but he and his adherents would by no means condescend thereunto but answered that they would that journey revenge their old wrongs The Welsh still made instruments to one anothers ruine Whereupon the English Lords did first enlarge Gruffith the son of Prince Rees of Southwales whom they knew to be an enemy to Gwenwynwyn which Gruffith gathered a great power and joyned with the English Lords and so they came towards the Castle against whom Gwenwinwin advanced very stoutly and there began a cruel fight with much slaughter on either side but at the last the English carryed the victory and Gwenwynwyn lost most of his men among whom were Anarawd son of Eneon Owen ap Cadwalhon Richard ap Jestin and Robert ap Howel also Meredith ap Conan was then taken prisoner with divers others Matthew Paris saith that this battail was fought before Mauds Castle and that of the Welshmen were then slain 3700. 3700 Welshmen slain A. Lhoyd Mat. Paris pag 259. and after this victory the English Lords returned with great honour And forthwith Gruffith son to P. Rees recovered by force and favour of the people all his land except the two Castles Aberteini and Stratmeiric which his brother Maelgon by the aid of Gwenwinwin had wrongfully taken from him This his brother Maelgon fearing his displeasure took a solemn Oath before both noble and religious men which endeavoured to make peace betwixt them that if his brother Gruffith would give him pledges for assurance of his own person he would deliver him by a Day the Castle of Aberteini whereupon Gruffith did so Perjury never prospers but as soon as Maelgon got the pledges he fortified the Castle and manned it to his own use and sent the pledges to Gwenwinvvin who hated Gruffith to death there to be kept in
took from his brother Gruffith Arustly Ceri Cyvelioc Wowthwy Mochant and Caerneon and let him onely enjoy the Cantref of Lhynn This Gruffith was the elder brother and a lusty Gentleman but base born This David son to Lhewelyn did contrary to his Oath take his brother Gruffith being in in safe conduct with the Bishop of Bangor upon whose promise he was content to speak with his brother and imprisoned him in the Castle of Crickieth The year 1240 Lhewelyn ap Jorwerth the most valiant and noble Prince who brought all Wales to his subjection and had so often put his enemies to flight and defended his country enlarging the Meers thereof further than they had been many years before passed out of this transitory life and was honourably buried at the Abbey of Conwey after he had governed Wales well and worthily 56 years this Prince left behind him one son called David begot upon his wife Joane daughter of King John by whom also he had a daughter called Gladys married to Sr. Ralph Mortimer Mr. Mills fol. 307. Mr. Powell calls his other son Gruffith base but Mr. Mills saith he was lawfully begotten and that Lhewelyn ap Jorwerth married Tanglosta daughter of Lhoirth ap Brooi of Anglessa to his first wife by whom he had this Gruffith S. John Dodridge Knight late one of his Majesties Judges of the Kings Bench saith That the Dominion of Wales ever was holden in chief and in fee of the Crown of England and the Prince thereof being then of their own Nation compellable upon Summons to come and appear in the Parliaments of England and upon their rebellions and disorders the Kings of England devised their Scutagium or Escuage Les auncient Tenures fol. 116. Com. Plow as it is called in the Lawes of England that is to levy aid and assistance of their Tenants in England which held of them per ser vitium militare to suppress the disordered Welsh tanquam rebelles non hostes as rebels and not as forreign enemies And hence it is that King Henry the 3d. upon those often revolts of the Welsh endeavoured to resume the Territory of Wales as forfeit unto himself Edw. 1. took upon him the name of P. of Wales Record Turris Lond. 29. Hen. 3. conferred the same upon Edw. Longeshanks his heir apparant yet nevertheless rather in title than possession or upon any profit obtained thereby for the former Prince of Wales continued his Government notwithstanding this between whom and the said Edward wars were continued whereof when the said Edward complained the said King made this answer as recordeth Matthew Paris a Cosmographer living in that time Quid ad me terra tua Est ex dono meo Matth. Paris anno 1257. exere vires primitivas famam excita Juvenilem de caetero timeant inimici But the Charter of this gift is not now readily to be found among the records for after this time it appeareth by the records of the Tower of London that by the mediation of Othalon Deacon Cardinal of St. Andrews Patent 51. Hen. 3. pars prima a peace was then concluded betwen the then Prince of that Welsh blood and the said King Henry the 3d. which nevertheless as it seemeth continued not long for sundry battels were a fought between them viz. Edw. of England and Lhewelyn last Prince of Wales David the son of Lhewelyn David to whom all the Barons in Wales had made an Oath of Fidelity took the Government of Wales after his father who within a month after came to the King to Glocester and did him homage for the principality of Wales and also all the Barons of Wales did to the King homage for their lands But forthwith the Englishmen began to trouble the Welsh after their accustomed use for Gilbert Marshall came with an Army and fortified the Castle of Aberteini The year ensuing the King came with a great Army into Wales and many noble men yielded to him because they hated David betrayer of his brother and accursed by the Pope or as Paris saith excommunicated by the Bishop of Bangor Thus he writeth When Richard Bishop of Bangor saw that David dealt so hardly with his brother Gruffith contrary to his faithful promise made unto the said Bishop he excommunicated him and then withdrawing himself out of Wales made a grievous complaint to the King against David most instantly requesting the King to deliver Gruffith out of prison least the rumour of that fact being notified in the Court of Rome and other Countries out of the realm should be some stain of the Kings honour if he should not withstand such outragious and unlawful dealings The King therefore greatly blaming David his nephew for abusing his brother in such sort as he did requested him with most pithy perswasions to set his brother at liberty as well for the preserving of his own credit and fame as also for the avoyding of the excommunication and other eminent dangers which might ensue of that matter To the which request of the King David answered plainly that he would not deliver his brother out of prison affirming constantly that if his brother were enlarged the Countrey of Wales would be in great disquietness Whereof when Gruffith was certified he sendeth privately to the King promising that if he would forcibly deliver him out of his brothers prison he would hold his lands of him and pay him 200 marks yearly offering not only to be sworn upon this and deliver Pledges for performance thereof but also to aid the King to bring the rest of the Welshmen under his subjection Further Gruffith Lord of Bromfield did assure the King of aid if he would come to Wales with an Army to chastize David for his falshood and injury used towards his brother Moreover the Bishop of Banger procured the land of David to be interdicted Hen. 3. being allured by these promises on Gruffiths behalf levied a puisant Army to go into Wales straightly commanding by his Writs all such as ought him service in time of War to give attendance upon him ready with Sword and Armour at Glocester the first day of August following to set forward against his enemies whether the King came at the day appointed and from thence went to Salop and remained there 15 dayes During the Kings abode at Salop divers noble men were great suters unto him in the behalf of Gruffith as Ralph Lord Mortimer of Wigmore Walter Clifford Roger de Monte alto Steward of Chester Maelgon the son of Maelgon Meredyth ap Rotpert Lord of Cydewen Gruffith ap Madoc Lord of Bromfield Howell and Meredyth the sons of Conan ap Owen Gwyneth and Gruffith the son of Gwenwynwyn Lord of Powis these wrought so with the King that there was a league concluded between him and Senena the wife of the said Gruffith in the behalf of her husband lying then in his brothers prison according to the Articles comprized in this Charter following
the said Prince should accomplish the age of 14. years which was performed by them accordingly in all leases dispositions and grants of the revenues of the said prince The said K. Edw. by another Charter composed in English and bearing date 10 of Novem. 13o. regni appointed the said E. Rivers being brother unto the Queen to be governour of the person of the said prince and to have the education and institution of him in all vertues worthy his birth and to have the government and direction of his servants King Edward the fourth having reigned full 22. years left this mortal life 24. regni at VVestminster and was enterred at VVindsor Edward his Son and Heir then being at Ludlow neer the Marches of Wales for the better ordering of the Welsh under the Government of the Lord Rivers his Unkle on the Mothers side and upon the death of his Father drawing towards London to prepare for his Coronation fell into the hands of his Unkle by the Fathers side Richard D. of Glocester and the said Lord Rivers being upon his way to London Dulce vennum regnum was intercepted and lost his head at Pomfret for what cause I know not other then this that he was thought to be too great an obstacle between a thirsty Tyrannous desire and the thing that was so thirstily and Tyrannously desired Edward the 5. King of England for so he was although he enjoyed it not long being thus surprised under the power of his natural or rather most unnatural Unkle and mortal enemy was brought to London with great solemnity and pompe and with great applause of the People flocking about to behold his person as the manner of the English Nation is to do whose new joyes cannot endure to be fettered with any bonds His said Unkle calling himself Protector of the King and his realm but indeed was a wolfe to whom the lamb was committed for having thus surprised the Kings person he laboured by all means to get into his possession also the younger brother being D. of Yorke knowing that they both being sundered Vindex nocentes sequitur a tergo Deus the safety of the younger would be a means to preserve the elder and therefore by all sinister perswasions and fair pretences having obtained the younger D. from his mother the King and the D. both for a time remained in the Tower of London Ed. v. upon his return to England and there shortly after both in one bed were in the night smothered to death and buried in an obscure and secret place unknown how or where untill one of the Executioners thereof after many years being condemned to dye for many other his manifold crimes confessed also his guilty fact in this tragical business and the circumstance thereof of which by reason of the secresie and incertainty divers had before diversly conjectured And by this means all for the Coronation of Innocent Edward served the turn to set the Crown upon the head of Tyrannous Richard Out of which by the way I cannot but observe how hatefull a bloody hand is to Almighty God the King of Kings who revenged the bloodshed of those civil broyles whereof Edward the Father had been the occasion and the breach of his oath upon these his two Innocent Infants Edward Son of Richard III. This Tyrant and stain of the English story Inter warr ad magnum sigillum in Cancellaria Henricus rosas Richard D. of Glocester usurped the Kingdom by the name of Richard the third and became King yet as our Records of Law witness de facto non de jure and in the first year of his reign created Edward his son being a child of ten years of age Prince of Wales Lieutenant of the Realm of Ireland But for that the prosperity of the wicked is but as the florishing of a green tree which whiles man passes by is blasted dead at the roots and his place knoweth it no more so shortly afterwards God raised up Hen. Earl of Richmond the next heir of the house of Lancaster to execute justice upon that unnatural and bloody Usurper and cast him that had been the rod of Gods Judgment upon others into the fire also for in the third year of his reign at the battail of Bosworth whereunto the said Richard entered in the morning crowned with all Kingly pomp he was slain and his naked carkass with as much despight as could be devised was carried out thereof at night and the said Henry Earle of Richmond the Solomon of England Reigned in his stead by the name of King Henry the Seventh Arthur Son of K. Henry VII Henry the VII took to wife Elizabeth the eldest daughter and after the death of her brothers the Relict heir of King Edward IV. by which marriage all occasions of contention between those two noble Families of York and Lancaster were taken away and utterly quenched and the red Rose joyned with the white The said K. Henry the seventh by his letters patents dated the first day of December 5. regni created Arthur his Eldest son heir apparent being then about the age of three years Prince of Wales But before we proceed any further treating of the Princes of Wales let us consider from whence this Arthur descended and admire the goodnesse and providence of the highest and great God towards the VVelsh nation to bring the honour and principality to one descended of the Ancient Welsh or British blood I will bring the pedegree ascendent the noble Prince Arthur was son to Henry the VII Arthur The King of England from the Welsh blood first thus Henry VII Elizabeth Eldest Daughter to K. Edward IV. Edmund Earle of Richmond Margaret Daughter and Heir to John Duke of Somerset Sr. Owen Tudor Katherine Queen Dowager to K. Henry the V. Meredyth son to Tudor Tudor son to Grono Grono son to Tudyr Tudyr son to Grono Grono son to Ednivet Ednivet Vachan married Gwenlhian daughter to Rees Prince of Southwales Gruffith King of Southwales Rees ap Tudyr King of Southwales Whose Armes were Gules a Lyon Ramp within a border indented Or. I could deduce this family from several English matches as Holland Tuckets Norris but I should be too prolix and seem to exspaciate beyond my bounds and therefore I will return to our Prince of whom we now speak Dodridge fol. 28. Also there was a Charter of the Grant of the Lands of the said principality Earledom of Chester and Flint dated the 20 of February in the said fift year of the said King made unto the said Prince The said King Henry the VII by his Charter bearing date the 20. day of March in the eight year of his reign did constitute and appoint the said Prince Arthur to be his Justice in the County of Salop Inter war ad magnum sigillvm in Cancellaria Hereford Glocester and the Marches of Wales adjoyning to the said Shires to enquire of all liberties priviledges and
the Stewards whose original came out of Wales from Henry VII who descended from Owen Tewdor ut ante who descended from Blethin King of Powis Gruffith ap Conan King of Northwales Jestin Lord of Glamorgan Meyric King of Gwent Cadeth King of Southwales Anarawd King of Northwales and from Cadwalader last King of the Brittains thus Henry the seventh married Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward the IV. who was son of Richard Plantagenes Duke of York descended from Richard Plantagenet of Conesbourgh Earle of Cambridge by Anne his wife sister and co-heir of Edmund Mortimer the fift Earle of March who was son and heir of Rog. Mortimer fourth E. of March who succeeded Edmund Montimer the third Earle of March who was heir unto Roger Mortimer Grandchild to Roger Mortimer first Earle of March and son to Edmund Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who died in the Castle of Ludlow and was buried in the Abbey of Wigmore whose Father was Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who was created the first Earl of the Marches of Wales in the second year of King Edward III. at a Parliament held at Salisbury c. he was son to Edmund Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who was son to Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore and by right of inheritance Prince of Wales for he was son to Ralph Lord Mortimer of Wigmore and Gladys his wife who was daughter and heir her brother David being dead to Lhewelin ap Iorwerth Prince of Northwales from this Gladys her brother being dead sans Issue as I said thus descendeth from Cadwalader Gladys daughter and heir to Lhewelyn who was the son of Iorwerth the son of Owen Gwineth the son to Gruffith the son to Conan the son to Iago the son to Edwal the son to Meyric the son of Edwal Voel the son of Anarawd the son of Rodery Mawr the son of Esylht the daughter and sole heir of Conan Tindaythwy the son of Roderick Molwynoc the son of Edwal Ywrich the son of Cadwalader the last King of the Brittains what transactions have happened while this prince had the stile of that Principality I will forbear to speak or relate in this place and only give you a copy of the Charter used at the Creation of the Princes of Wales Here should have been the Picture The Kings Charter for the Creating of the Princes of Wales HENRY by the grace of God King of England and of France Lord of Ireland c. To all Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Dukes Earles Barons Iustices Viscounts Governours Ministers and to all our Bayliffs and Faithful subjects Greeting out of the excellency of Royal preheminence like as beames from the Sun so do inferiour honours proceed neither doth the integrity of Royal lustre and brightnesse by the natural disposition of light affording light from light feel any losse or detriment by such borrowed light yea the royal scepter is also much the more extolled and regal throne exalted by how much the more Nobles Preheminencies and Honors are under the power and command thereof And this worthy consideration allureth and induceth us which desire the encrease of the name and honour of our first begotten and best beloved son Edward in whom we behold and see our selves to be honoured and our royal house also and our people subject to us hoping by the grace of God by conjecture taken of his gracious future proceedings to be the more honourably strengthened that we may with honour prevent and with abundant grace prosecute him who in reputation of us is deemed the same person with us wherefore by Councel and consent of the Prelates Dukes Earles Viscounts and Barons of our Kingdom being in our present Parliament we have made and created and by these presents make and create him the said Edward Prince of Wales and Earle of Chester and unto the said Edward we give and grant and by this Charter-have confirmed the Name Stile Title State Dignity and honour of the said Principality and County And him of the said Principality and County that be may therein in governing rule and in ruling direct and defend we by a Garland upon his head by a ring of gold upon his finger and a verge of Gold have according unto the manner invested him To have and to hold the same unto him and his heirs the Kings of England for ever wherefore we will and straitly command for us and our heirs that Edward our son aforesaid shall have the name stile title state dignity and honour of the principality of Wales and county of Chester aforesaid unto him and his heirs the Kings of England aforesaid for ever these being witnesses the reverend Fathers John Cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England our Chancellour and William Archbishop of York Primate of England Thomas Bishop of London John Bishop of Lincolne William Bishop of Norwich our most well beloved Cosens Richard Duke of York Humphry Duke of Buckingham our well beloved Cosens Richard Earle of VVarwick Richard Earle of Salisbury John Earle of Wiltshire and our beloved and faithful Ralph Cromwel Chamberlain of our house VVilliam Faulconbridge and John Stourton Knights Dated at our Pallace at VVestminster the 15 day of March in the year of our reign 32. By the King himself and his Councel Things required unto the Creation of the Prince of Wales First an honourable habit viz. a Robe of purple Velvet having in it about 18 elles more or lesse garnished about with a fringe of gold and lined with Ermines A Surcote or Inner garment having in it about 14 elles of Velvet of like colour fringe and fur Laces Buttons and Tassells as they call them ornaments made of purple silk and gold A girdle of silk also to gird his inner gown A sword with a scabbord made of purple silk and gold garnished with the like girdle he is girt withal thereby shewing himself to be Duke of Cornwal by birth and not by Creation A cap of the same Velvet that his robe is of furred with Ermines with laces and a button the tassels on the crown thereof made of Venice gold A garland or a little coronet of gold to be put on his head together with his cap. A long golden verge or rod betokening his government a ring of gold also to be put on the third finger of his left hand whereby he declareth his marriage made with Equity and Justice All these things were almost with royal sumptuousness prepared for Edward son to King Henry VIII to have been created Prince of Wales but prevented by his fathers death he was crowned King sixt of that name yet the forme with the rights and ceremonies belonging to the investing of the Prince into the Principality of Wales you may perceive by what is above set down FINIS
which Nomen-clation it yet keeps and Camber imitating his Father and Brother named his Moiety from Camber Cambria This partition or Cambers portion was formerly divided from that of Loegria by the River Severne in the East and on the North side by the River Dee and on the South by the River Vaga now called the River Wye at the Castle of Stringlinge Fabian fol. 11. a name which I find not elsewhere or rather Chepstow Castle but of this place what Mr. Cambden speaks take these his own words Chepstow in Monmouthshire Hinc fluctuoso volumine descendit in Austrum Vaga in quo Copiosa est Salmonum piscatura à Septembri ad Aprilem and by the way give me leave to tell you that when Salmons grow out of kind or season in Wye in the River Vsk which runneth through Caerlegion but ten Miles distant in the same County Salmons come in season so that in the County of Monmouth all the whole year Salmons are fit to be presented to an Emperors Table and if a Wye Salmon chance to come into Vsk or e contra the Fishermen are so skilfull as to tell you this is an Vsk Salmon this of Wye limes hodie inter Glocestrenses Monumethenses olim inter Anglos Wallos juxta illud Nichami versiculam Inde Vagos Vaga Cambrenses hinc respicit Anglos Qui cum jam ad ostium ferè devenerit Chepstow praeterfluit id est si e Saxonico interpreteris Forum viz. Negationis locus Brittannis Castle-went and is this day called Cass Gwent Oppidum hoc est celebre clivo a flumine surgenti Impositum manibus circumvallatur magno cambitu quae agros hortos in se includunt Castrum habet ad occiduum latus flumini impeudens in which Castle there is a stately Fabrick called Longius or Longinus Tower supposed to be built by that Centurion who was present at the death of our most sacred and blessed Saviour and out of this opinion it is hard to beat many of the Natives but who so pleaseth to read Surius xv Martii shall find That Longinus the Centurion one of the Jews who thirsted after his blood who most willingly shed it for the Redemption of Mankind signis prodigiis discussis tenebris veritatis splendorem Christi ipsius gratia quem in Crucem sustulerat videre meruit and detesting the impiety of the Jewes freely manifested the most glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus this his so confident and publick affirming of the truth for Crucis ei custodia ut Centurioni mandata postquam autem vivificum Christi Corpus sepulturae mandatum fuit eadem sacrosancti corporis custodia Longino commissa fuit caused the Jews to procure from Caesar a Sentence of death against him Longinus flies from Hierusalem leaving all his military Preferments with some religious and devout Christians he betakes himself into Capadocia where he converted many by his instruction and exemplar Life and Vertues to the faith knowledge and adoration of the true Messias Jesus Christ In Capadocia he is aprehended and there obtains the glorious Crown of Martyrdome his Head as a great Trophee is sent unto Pilate who to ingratiate himself and please the perfidious and stony-hearted Jews caused the holy relique to be placed before one of the Gates of that once holy City Hierusalem so that Longinus could not be the Founder or Erecter of that Edifice before spoken of But to follow Mr. Cambden a little further concerning Chepstow he continueth his Discourse saying Et e rigione stetit Prioratus cujus parte meliore demolita quod reliquum est in Ecclesiam parochialem convertitur Pons vero quo Vaga jungitur sublicius est admodum excelsus quia accedente aestu in magnam altitudinem fli vius exsurgit hujus Domini fuerunt e Clarensium familia nobiles a proximo castro Strigul quod incoluerunt Striguliae Pembrochiae comites dicti quorum ultimus Richardus vir infracto animo projectissimis brachiis StrongBow cognominatus quod arcu intentissimo uteretur nihil levi brachio ageret c. This place after by a Daughter and Heir came to the Bigots and now the Earls of Worcester or at least before the late Wars enjoyed both Town and Castle the eldest Son of that Family being stiled Lord Herbert of Chepstow To Albanact the third Son of Brutus was given the third part of great Britain now called Scotland which as it is now is called the second Kingdom of Great Britain and the North part of this Iland hath on the East the German Ocean on the North the Orkneys and Deucalidon Sea the West affronted by Ireland on the South it hath the River Tweed the Cheviot Hills and the adjacent Tract reaching to the Sulway Sands whereby it is separated from England This Kingdome is spacious and from the South borders spreadeth it self wide into the East and West till again it contracts it self narrower into the Northern Promontories furnished with all things befitting a famous Kingdom both for Air Soil Rivers Wood Mountains Fish Fowl Cattle and Corn so plenteous that it supplieth these with other Countries in their want Their Nobility and Gentry are very studious of learning and all civil knowledge for which end they not only frequent the three Universities of their own Kingdom St. Andrews Glasco and Edenborough the Nurseries of their Muses but also much addict themselves to travel into Forraign Countries especially France whose King hath a Guard of Scots the double Treshure florie in the Arms of the Kingdome makes manifest the French Interest in former time in that Nation If it is desired to know more of Scotland read their own Authors it is enough for me to say that Albanack from his own name called it Albania This Country is divided from Loegria or England as saith Venreable Bede by two arms of the Sea but they meet not The East arm of which beginneth about two Miles from the Minster of Eburcuring in the West side of Penulton The West arm had some time a strong City named Alclino which in the Brittish Tongue was called Clincston and stood upon the River Clint. Thus Brute having divided Britain into three Parts after he had ruled twenty two or four years after most Concordance of Writers he died and was interred in Troynovant commonly called London or Luds Town Locrinus second King of Brittain LOcrinus the first and eldest Son of the late deceased Brutus takes possession of his Kingdom of Loegria now England in the year from the Creation of the World four thousand fourscore and seven This Kingdome as it was the largest so was it the most beautifull rich and commodious both in respect of Navigable Rivers Ports and Havens as also fruitfulness of the Soils and abundance of stately Woods and Groves and according to the relation and assertion of Policronica and Guido de Collumna it stretched forth and extended it self as far as to the River Humber as
medicinable and necessary to purge sad humors and cure diseases even so Tyrants are necessary to purge the sins and cure the vices of wicked Subjects To which end saith he Phalaris the Tyrant was ordained by Almighty God to govern the Agrigentins and Marius the Romans As for the brutish sin of Mempricius holy Gildas brings it in as one amongst the rest for which God so severely punished the Britains De excidio Britanniae and touching briefly the lives of some of the Kings and Princes that were in his time as of Constantius Aurelius Conanus Vortiporius Cuneglasus and Maglocus taxing them with Tyranny perjury sacrilegious murders and parricides committed even before the holy Altars c. yea and two of them of Sodomy for which and other general corruptions and wickedness Gildas threatneth or rather prophesyeth the utter ruine and destruction which was to follow which also Geffrey of Monmouth acknowledgeth saying that King Cadwallader the last of the Race of the Britains used these words as he fled by the Sea into France with the reliques of the Brittish Nation Vae nobis peccatoribus ob immania scaelera nostra c. And truly so great is the sin of Lust especially in Kings and great Dukes and other Commanders in the sight of God how little soever in these our sinful times we make of it that whole Kingdomes for it have been destroyed The Kingdom of Spain when it had flourished as well in Religion as Power from the time of King Richard the first Catholick King thereof for the space of 120 years the wicked King Vitiza being a man given over to all lust and carnality infected and corrupted all Spain not onely with the bad example of his one dissolute life having many Wives at once besides Concubines but also with abominable lawes whereby he gave leave to all sorts of men to have as many Wives and Concubines as they listed yea and forced Priests and such as lived Chast to Marry by which means all Spain became within a while to be no better then a common stew or brodel and although Almighty God according to his accustomed manner expected their conversion and amendment all the time of his Reign and layed only the penalty thereof upon him whom he deprived both of his Crown and of his Eye-sight by the means of Roderick who succeeded him in the Kingdome yet when the said Roderick followed his steeps as well in his vicious life as in the maintenance of his abominable Laws it pleased God of his justice to permit him to give the occasion both of his own ruine as also of the overthrow of all Spain by the sin of the flesh wherewith the whole Kingdome was as it were overflowed For as whereas King Roderick had sent a Kinsman of his own called Count Julian Ambassador into Africk and in the mean time Ravished his Daughter or as some write his Wife the Count understanding it at his return was so incensed therewith against the King that for revenge thereof he practised with the Moores to bring them into Spain who with his assistance Conquered it so speedily and with such destruction of the people that the punishment of God was most evident therein for having first overthrown King Roderick whose body could never after the battel be found they subdued almost all Spain in Eight months or in Fourteen as some say and slew 700000. of all sorts of people besides great numbers of Captives which they sent prisoners into Barbary and from that time forwards they remained in the possession of that Kingdome or in some great part thereof for the space of 700 years This example of the Conquest and subversion of Spain for the sins of the flesh was so famous and so much observed by Godly and Wise men at the same time when it hapned that St. Bonifacius a Countryman of ours and Bishop of Mentz in Cermany who lived in the same age and converted the Saxons and Frisons from Paganisme to the Christian Faith proposed it to one called Etholbud King of the Mercians to withdraw him from his dissolute life and tells him that in old Saxony where there was no Christianity there if either Maid or Wife did commit Adultery or Fornication she was first strangled and after burnt and he that corrupted her Hanged over her or else she was stripped naked to the middle and whipped by chast Matrons from Town to Town and prickt with sharp Knives till shee dyed therewith EBRANCK EBranck after the unfortunate death of his Father by the general consent and Approbation of both Nobles and Commons is invested in the Regal Dignity Anno mundi Creationis Policronica Gaufride and others 4182. Authors affirm that he had a thing in those times not unusual one and twenty wives by whom he was enriched with a plentifull and numerous off-spring to wit twenty Sons and thirty daughters whereof the most fair and beautifull was named Guales or Gualea these daughters intending to uphold the Trojan blood he sent to Alba Silvius the eleventh King of Italy or seventh of the Latines there to be espoused unto Trojans This Ebranck was a comely man Majestical and well proportioned of incomparable valour and as desirous of Martial Attempts as his Progenitor Brutus and therefore providing all Warlike Engines and Furniture correspondent to his designs he attempts to invade France which is testified by Jacobus Bergomas in the sixth of his Chronicles and Jacobus Lessabeus in the description of Henalt affirmeth the same and that he was driven back by Brunchildis Lord of Henalt with some loss of his men Yet Fabian affirmeth this Voyage to have been prosperous and successfull insomuch that what by his own fancies judgement and policie being assisted by the Trojan-Latines or Latine-Trojans where he had espoused his daughter he over-ran and conquered a great part of Germany Some Authors ascribe this Conquest and good fortune to Assaracus the second Son of Ebranck with the rest of the younger brothers and esteem it no great service or enterprise of moment for that Europe was then scarce peopled and Colonized unless towards the Sea Coasts as Dalmatia Italy and the coasts of France of these Brethren had Germany the name à Germanis fratribus who subdued it Ebrank thus fortunate either in his own undertakings or in these of his children having setled his affairs to his hearts desire begins to take into consideration the beautifying and strengthning Britannia and as Brutus about an hundred and fourty years if he built it in the second year of his Reign before to his eternal glory had built Troynovant Ebranck with no less ambition to continue and perpetuate his name and memory layeth the foundation of a glorious City calling it being fully finished after his own nomenclation Caer Ebrank which now we call York A late learned Author saith it is a common received opinion among our Antiquaries Mr. Brough fol. 280. 2. that Ebrancus son to Mempricius a hundred years after the
then known neither were there any Kings the inhabitants being called Galli and Tributaries to the Romans and so continued till the time of Valentinianus the Emperor hearing Cordeilla's beauty so highly extolled her vertue so superlatively commended deems her a fit companion for his Princely bed and fortunes if so rare a Jewel may be purchased Upon a mature resolution he sends his Agents to the court of King Leir with full instructions to demand Cordeilla in Marriage The offerd Fortune pleaseth the King yet he fears the success by reason of his own folly which had given all to the two sisters and left nothing for the third Leir returns thanks to Aganippus by his Embassadors shews a willingness to comply with their Masters request and withall lays open his unsufficiency to bestow any Dowry upon her Aganippus enformed by Letters of these passages is glad his suit and motion finds friendly acceptance and far valuing the rich endowments of his so much affected Cordeilla before all terrene riches so he enjoy the beloved treasure of his heart desires no more the espousals are with all solemnity celebrated and Cordeilla answerable to the greatness of her birth and quality conveyed to Aganippus who by the opinion of those who write that France was then governed by twelve Kings was one and so Cordeilla a Queen Leir having thus happily as might be thought disposed of his three daughters being aged betakes himself to ease and quietness and so intends to spin out the remnant of his time but his Sons in Law Monaghlanus and Henninus the Dukes of Cornwall and Albania envy the happy tranquility of the feeble old King and each daughter for all their deep and large expressions of filial love and duty Patris inquirit in annos Leir lives too long too much at ease his bones would better become a Sepulchre then a Throne and since the fatal Sisters will not of their own accord cut off his thred of life his daughters by the hands of their ambitious and covetous husbands will undertake that task nothing is now heard in Brittaine but the clashing of arms neighing of horses thundering of Trumpets and warlike Musick The impotent King is begirt on all sides with Martial Troops and not able to resist two such powerfull enemies to preserve that small span of life is forced to flie for succour being quite forlorn to his daughter Cordeilla whom formerly he had so much slighted The arrival of the Father is not long unknown to the daughter who acquaints her husband with so sad an accident Aganippus out of an heroick spirit compassionating the calamity of a distressed Prince especially his wives Father puts on a resolution to chastise and revenge so gross an injury and to reinvest him in his throne again Cordeilla is not idle in the mean time but with all obsequious behaviour like a dutifull childe cherisheth her drooping Father accomodates him with all Princely provision with pleasant speeches drives away his melancholy thoughts and leaves nothing undone or said which may add vigour and alacrity to his pierced heart Aganippus arrives in Brittain with his Father in Law gives battel to the disobedient Rebels gives them the overthrow and again establisheth Leir in his Regal dignity but the Author of so great happiness lived not long after leaving Cordeilla a sad and disconsolate widow King Leir once more holding and guiding the stern of the Brittish Monarchy passed his time with perfect quietness the space of three years after which time he left this transitory world leaving his daughter Cordeilla as well she deserved to succeed him in his Kingdom his body was buried at Leicester in a Vault under the River side John Rous apud How 's in Stow. which he himself had built and consecrated to Janus Bifrons where the workmen of the Town when the solemnity of the day came began all things which they had to do the year following Those who undervalue the Brittains call this History in question yet divers Authors relate it out of which I will produce one in the same Language in which he writ Cum in Senectutem vergere Leir coepisset Vitus ex Gaufrid fol. 173. Regnum dividere filiasque tres suas idoneis Maritis in manus cum parte regni bene gubernanda tradere cogitavit Prius tamen ex amore singularum tentare voluit quaenam illarum potiore regni parte censeretur digna Itaque Gonorilla interrogata respondit Patrem sibi chariorem esse corde atque anima suae propria qua viveret Ragana dixit ipsum super omnes creaturas se diligere Cordeilla videns his adulationibus acquiescere senem vicissim tentando quaesivit An usquam filia sit quae patrem plus quam patrem amare presumat Ego te semper ut patrem dilexi diligo siquid amplius requiris audi signum amoris in te mei Quantum enim habes quantum vales tantum te diligo Pater Iratus eam cum stomacho sic loqui putabat quasi suam senectutem sprevisset proinde dixit illam cum sororibus nullam in suo regno partem habituram consilio procerum regni duas primas nuptui dat Cornvalliae Albaniae ducibus una cum parte media Insulae donec ipse viveret alteram dimidiam post obitum ejus accipere jubebat Quo tempore Francorum Rex Aganippus fama motus pulchritudinis Cordeillae nunciis missis eam petit in matrimonium sibi dari Quibus humaniter acceptis pater ait se daturuni sed sine terra vel pecunia Aganippus qui tertiam Galliae ut Zerixaeus ait Belgicae partem possidebat virgine tam nobile sola contentus erat Polidorus Virgillius Quam Polidorus Virgilius naturâ praecocis ingenii fuissi dicit sed interogatam de amore in patrem respondisse se quidem i lum oculis ferre semperque laturam licet deinde contingeret de Marito intelligens amaret ardentius Quo responso tam etsi pleno sapientiae Leir indignatus indotatam nuptui collocat Regulo Gallo inquit Polidorus puellae forma capto Sed haud multo poste à generis ejus mortem expectare censentibus esse nimis longum spoliatus regno ad Cordeillam fugere coactus est a qua restituitur in Regnum generis interfectis triennium regnat Hanc inter novem Bellicosas hujus insulae foeminas numerat Gerardus Leighus Thus much I have added to confirm the History of our Brittish Leir and his daughters I forbear to translate it having already out of other Authors related the same in effect Robert Bossu having put his Soveraign King Hen. 2. to much trouble in repentance of these mischiefs built the Monastery of St. Marie de Pratis wherein he became a Canon Regular and for fifteen years continuance in sad lamentation served God in continual prayers with the like devotion Henry the first Duke of Lancaster built an Hospital for an hundred
militum instructorum quatuordecim Millia quorum contemptu Brennus prae numero suorum de victoria non dubitat sed ad acuendos animos militibus ostendit ubertatem praedae statuasque cum quadrigis fusas auro solido quarum rerum animadversione Galli magis incitati ac pridie vino pleni ruunt in bellum sine ulla cogitatione periculorum Delphi contra plus in Deo quam in viribus suis subsidii ponunt Gallosque scandentes de summo vertice montis Parnassi quo templum Apollinis est partim Saxis partim Armis obruunt maximoque terrae motu parte montis ejusdem erupta Gallorum Exercitum prostravit confertissimique cunei vulneribus dissipati cadebant Dux ipse Brennus cum non poterat amplius ferre dolorem vulnerum suorum vitam pugione finivit Brennus having vanquished the Inhabitants of Pannonia and hearing of the Victory which his Souldiers had obtained under the Command of Belgius their Commander against the Macedonians who fled away leaving the booty and spoils behind them rallying up fifty thousand foot and fifteen thousand horse he suddenly and with great violence enters Macedonia where whilst he plundered ransackt and destroyed both Fields and Villages Sosthenes with an Army well appointed made Head and Resistance against him but being far fewer in number and overwhelmed with multitudes of his Enemies he was forced to Retreat and give way to his present Fortune the Macedonians being thus put to the worst by necessity are compelled to hide and secure themselves under the protection of their walled and fortified Townes and Castles mean time Brennus having none to oppose him fleeceth and wasteth the Countries round about and seeing these spoils too slender for his avaricious and aspiring mind he devours and swallows up in his all-devouring thoughts the opulency of the Gods deridingly and as he thinks wittily though profanely saying The wealth-abounding Gods must supply the indigent wants of poor distressed mortals and therefore bends all his power for Delphos preferring their rich and massie oblations and consecrate golden offerings before the just and most deserved anger of the Gods saying The Gods could never want busying himselfe with these imaginations he comes within the sight and view of great Apollos Temple where he pauseth considering with himself whether it were better suddenly to assault or rather give that nights rest unto his wearied Souldiers to refresh their tired bodies Euridanus and Thessalonus Captains of great skill and experience who had associated themselves meerly for lucre and spoil advise him by all means to cut off delays as dangerous and suddenly to set upon the attempt the Enemy as yet being altogether unprovided in regard whereof a sudden motion would strike them into a terrible fear But the Gauls having suffered hunger and hard marches finding the Country well furished with Wines and other welcome Provisions leaving their Colours disperse themselves every one according to his own pleasure and liking and as if already all were their own like Conquerors they strut it up and down This remisnesse gives opportunity to the Delphians by the Auxiliary Forces of their Friends and Neighbours to fortifie their Town and reinforce their Garrison which Brennus perceiving sends out Command for every man speedily to repair to his Colours whose minds were set upon nothing but looking to their bellies and quaffing lusty bowls The Army of the Gauls consisted of sixty thousand Foot the Citizens of Delphos had only fourteen thousand fighting Men Brennus undervaluing this slender handfull of Men in respect of the numerous Troops of his Souldiers made himself cock-sure of the Victory and therefore to encourage his Men the more he wish'd them to behold and consider the richness of the Treasure and greatness of the Spoil which was like to fall unto their share the Statues and Images together with their Chariots if not made at least covered over with pure and solid Gold The greedy Souldier easily swallowed up his golden Bait and elevated and inebriated with the blood of the lusty grape without either Order or command being sufficiently armed with Bachus to set all danger at defiance runs headlong into Battel on the contrary the wary Delphians confiding more in the protection of their God than strength of their humane Forces from the high and towring Top of the cloud kissing Parnassus where stood Apollos stately Temple with stones and other such Materials besides the help of their Weapons beat down and headlong precipitated the aspiring Gauls this their endeavour was seconded by a sudden and hideous Earthquake which so broke the Ranks of the amazed yet furious Assailants and so disordered their best ordered Squadrons that what with a sudden fear what with those unwonted kinds of wounds they were totally disperst and overthrown Brennus whose haughty spirit not long before was puft up with presumption of winning golden Mountains is now no longer able to endure his late received wounds and therefore with one stroke to put a period to all his miseries he sheatheth his fatal Dagger with a more then manlike thrust in the most remote angle of his own entrails Bellinus together with his brother began their Reign anno Mundi according to Fabian four thousand eight hundred and eight according to which Author jointly and alone ellinus reigned twenty six years leaving a Son after him called Gurguintus Gurguint Brabituc or after some Writers Gurguint Barberous that is to say Gurguint with a red Beard Finis Libri primi To the High and Mighty PRINCES THOMAS HOWARD Duke and Earl of Norfolk Earl of Arundel and Surrey Lord Howard Fitz Alan Mowbrey Matravers Segrave Bruse and Clun SEYMOUR or De S to Mauro Duke of Somerset Marquesse and Earl of Hertford Baron Beauchampe and Seymour c. GEORGE VILLIERS Duke Marquesse and Earl of Buckingham Viscount Villiers and Baron of Whaddon Knight of the Noble Order of the Garter CHARLES STEWART Duke of Lennox and Richmond Earl of March and Lichfield Lord Awbigney Darneley Tarbolton and Nethven in Scotland and Baron of Leighton Bromswould in England GEORGE MONCK Duke of Albemarle Earl of Torrington Baron Monck of Potherige Beauchampe and Teyes Capt. General and Commander in Chief of all his MAJESTIES Land Forces in his Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland and all other his Majesties Dominions and Territories Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter Master of his Majesties Horse one of the Lords of his Majesties most honble privy Councel The Duke of Norfolk ROBERT commonly called Consull Earl of Glocester Son to King Hen. 1. by Nest Daughter to Rees ap Tewder K. or Prince of South-Wales which Rees married Gladis Daughter and sole Heire of Rees ap Kenvin Prince of Powis Randolph sirnamed De Gernoniis E of Chester Matildis or Maud Daughter of Robert E. of Glocester Hugh Kavilioc Earl of Chester Bertrude Daughter of Simon Earl of Montford William de Albeneio Earl of Arundel Mabell Daughter to Hugh Kavilioc and Sister and
Yorkshire this Title he enjoyed and left to his Posterity who enjoyed it also and when his Issue failed the Kings of England honoured others with it though they had long since lost their Estate in Normandy The Dukes and Earls whereof take thus in order Dukes and Earles of Aumerle Stephen Son of Odo Earl of Bloys William le Gros. William de magna Villa E. of Essex who married Hawys D. to William le Gros. VVilliam de Fortibus VVilliam de Fortibus VVilliam de Fortibus Thomas de Fortibus Thomas of Woodstock D. of Glocester Edw. Plantagenet D. Thomas D. of Clarence E. Richard Beauchampe E. of VVarwick created E. of Aumerle by K. Hen. the 6. George Monck created Duke of Albemarle by King Charles the Second in the Twelfth year of his Reign 1660. THE ANCIENT AND MODERN BRITTISH and WELSH HISTORY Beginning with BRVTE and continued untill KING CHARLES the First The Second Book GVRGVINTVS GVRGVINTVS or Gurguint Brabtruc or according to others Barbarous which is as much as to say with the red Beard or red-bearded the Son and Successor of the Renowned Bellinus began to sway the Scepter of Great Brittain in the year of the worlds Creation 4834. This King in the English Chronicle you shall find named often Corinbratus or Corinbatus Vitus Comel Palatinus calls him Gurguntius Ahenobarbus and saith Lib. 3. fol. 198. He was Vir admomodum prudens qui gesta patris imitanda sibi proposuit maximus amator pacis aequitatis A most prudent man and one who set before his eyes the glorious Acts of his Father as a patern for himself to follow and imitate a great lover of equity peace and justice Being now fully setled in his Regal Throne and having purchased the Loyal affection of his Nobles and Commons he begins to cast his eye upon Denmark which as you have heard before by the taking of Guilthdacus the Prince thereof was made Tributary unto the Brittain by imposing a yearly Tribute of one thousand pounds to the Successive Kings of this Isle which by what reason induced or upon what hopes encouraged utterly refused to be any longer subject to a Forreign Power Gurguint not willing to be baffled by those whom his Father had subdued nor desirous to pocket up the losse of a thousand pounds per annum musters up his Forces and in short time appears in the head of a gallant Army which being in all points equipide he ships his men in a Navy furnish'd and with prosperous successe in short time arrives in Denmark where not delaying any opportunity he falls to destroy waste and ransack the Country supposing that to be the speediest and most ready way to bring his businesse to a wish'd Catastrophe The Danes startle at the sudden and unexpected approach of so dangerous and unlook'd for a Guest the Danish King at his wits end not knowing which way to turn himself seeing all things go to rack and no way to give redresse or remedy thinks it better to enjoy his Kingdome paying a small Tribute rather then to be unking'd and thrust out of all and compell'd to beg Assistance from neighbouring Princes be reinvested Upon these cogitations he consults with his Nobles and Barrons who all accord to avoid the extremity of peril to pay the Tribute and to give what security the conquering Enemy shall think fit Gurguintus is not mispleased with their submission but after so victorious an enterprize with great glory and triumph endeavoureth a speedy return into his own Kingdome but being now with his whole Fleet on the main Ocean a Navy of about thirty sayl is discovered upon the Coast of the Isle of Orcades which seemeth to make towards them yet upon a nearer approach they appear to be Men Women and Children who being expulsed from their native soyl wander up and down to seek some place of rest and habitation Gurguint commands the Commander in Chief whom our Histories call Bartholomew to be brought aboard his ship who after some few interrogatories in a lamentable Oration setting forth both his own and his Companions disasterous calamities he gave the King to understand that they were of Spain and of that Province whose Inhabitants were called Balenses and that they had long travelled and wandered up and down to find some propitious Prince who would compassionate their most sad and lamentable condition and grant them some small Angle or Canton to settle themselves and Posterity for the obtaining of which laudable favour they would become his most faithful Liege-people and Subjects otherwise their Victuals and Provision being now almost quite spent they were in all probability like to starve and be utterly ruined These sad accidents were spoken with such a doleful Expression by Bartholomew that Gurguint being a King endued with the vertues of Justice and Mercy gave compassion free accesse into his bosome and consulting with his Councel it was generally decreed that they should have allotted unto them the then void and wast Country which was and is the furthest of all the Isles towards the West called Ireland which was in the time of Aristotle or the ancient Author of the Book ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã of the world called Ierna so doth Theodoret name it Claudius Ptolomaeus calls it Ivernia or Hibernia and Claudianus Hyberne Scotorum Tumulos flevit glacialis Hyberne And if Ireland hath been at any time named Scotia or Scotland Mr. Br. f. 28. it was only among the Scottish and Irish Writers and such as followed them therein these Irish Historians willing to give that denomination unto it because many of the Scots with other people dwelt there when the true name and among strangers was not so but as I have declared before from ancient Histories Author of the Book of Estates in Ireland the state of the Q. of Great Brittain p. 22. and to speak out of a late Writers mouth whose words are these Ireland which some of the Ancients called Hibernia others Ivernia Innernia and Irene and Ogygia and by the Irish themselves Erim called by Ptolomy little Brittaine lies between Brittaine and Spain where we see the Name of Scotland is never attributed simply unto it by these Authors judgements either by the Irish themselves or other Writers Late or Ancient Concerning the Nomenclation Ogygia the Count Palatine citing Cambden tells us Si sit verum quod Hiberni Historici narrant eorum insula merito dicta fuit Ogygia id est perantiqua Cesaram enim ante Diluvium incoluisse scribunt post secula plurima Hiberum Hermionem Hispanos Gurguntis Regis Brittannorum permissu Colonias deduxisse in hane Regionem pestilentia exhaustam Historia Brittanica demonstrat Haec neque affirmare neque denegare mihi in animo est inquit Cambdemus certe ut Hiberniam antiquitus habitatam crediderim cum genus humanum seminaretur per universam terrarum orbem ita perspicuum est ex Brittania primos Incolas illic migrasse nam in Hibernico
where the Flamens were seated in our times it is a Garrison where in King James his time Sir Cornewallis was Captain The third and last place which this Fortunate Prince built was Warwick Cambden saith Warwick built by Gurgaint That the Saxons called this place Warryng-wyc Mennius and the Brittains Cair Guarvie and Caer leon all which Names seem to take their derivation from the Brittish word Guarth which signifieth a Garrison Sconce or place of Defence Hoc illud oppidum est quod praesidium Romanis in Brittannia dicebatur ubi ut est in provinciarum Notitia praefectus equitum Dalmatarum sub dispositione Ducis Brittanniorum egit The situation of this place is most pleasant upon a Hill rising from the River over which is a strong and fair stone Bridge and her sharp stream upon the Town side checked with a most fair and sumptuous Castle It seemeth this Town hath been walled about as appeareth by the Trench in some places seen and two very fair Gates whose passages are hewed out of the Rock as all other into the Town are over which two beautiful Chappels are built that towards the East called St. Peters and on the South-west St. James two fair Churches are therein seated called St. Maries and St. Nicholas beside these in and about the Town suppressed St. Laurence St. Michaels St. John Baptist and St. John of Jerusalem and the Nunnery in the North of the Town the Castle which we named was ruinous but was of late Repaired at the great cost and charges of Sir Fulk Grenil the late Lord Brook who therein dwelt so was it anciently the Seat and abiding Place of the Dukes and Earles of Warwick 1 Henry de Newburgh E. 2 Roger de Newburgh 3 William de Newburgh 4 Walleran de Newburgh 5 Henry de Newburgh Lâsengè Or and Azure on a border Gules 8 plates 6 Thomas de Newburgh Chechy Or Azure and a Cheveron ermin 7 John Marshall first Husband of Margery Sister and Heir of Thomas de Newburgh Gules a bend fusile Or. 8 John de Placetis second Husband of the said Margery Ar 6 annulets Gules 321. 9 Walleran de Newburgh Uncle and Heir of Thomas de Newb. Losengè Or and Azure on a border gules 8 plates 10 William Manduit Son of Alice Sister and Heir of Walleran Ar 2 bars Gules 11 William Beauchamp Son of the Lady Isabella Sister and Heir of William Manduit 12 Guido Beauchamp 13 Thomas âeauchamp E. Marst 14 Thomas Beauchamp 15 Rich Beauchamp Reg. of France 16 Henry Beauchamp D. of Warwick Gules a fess between 6 cross croslets Or. 17 Richard Nevill who married Anne sister of Henry Beuchamp D. of Warwick Gules a saltoir arg a label of three gob A B. 18 George D. of Clarence who married Anne D. of Ri. Nevill England and France quartered on a label of 3 points arg as many cantons G. 19 Edw. Plant. Son of George arma paterna 20 John Dudley descended from the Lady Margaret Daughter of Rich. Beauchamp E. of War 21 Ambrose Dudley Or a Lyon rampant his tail double-sorked veet 22 Robert Lord Rich created E. of VVarwick 16 Jac. Aug. 2. 23 Robert Rich. Gules a cheveron between 3 cross croslets Or. Gurguntius buried at Caerleon After Gurguint had ruled this Kingdom by the space of twenty nine years in great peace and tranquillity he departed out of this transitory life and was buried at Caerleon leaving to succeed him his Son Guinthelinus or Guintellius GVINTHELINVS GVINTHELINVS or Guintellius the Son of Gurguint his Father being dead took upon him the Government of this Island and was crowned King of Great Brittain in the year of the World four thousand eight hundred fifty and three The English Chronicle calleth this Prince Gwentoline a man of singular Parts and Education understanding exactly both the Greek and Latine Language he governed his Subjects with such moderation and judgement that his Memory deserveth to live for ever and to make him the more glorious the heavenly Providence bestowed upon him a Lady for his wife who equalized him in all the Excellencies that can be exprest in her Sex she was so transcendent being but a woman that she had beautified her intellectual parts with the knowledge and perfection of many Sciences insomuch that she might justly be stiled learned but above all these rich Treasures of her mind she imployed not to ostentation or vain-glory that thereby she might be praised but made use of them for the common good and utility of the Kingdome Martiae who was the Paragon of her time and nature also she composed a Law so conducing to the good of all that in memory of her it was called the Martian Law and continued in full force and power many years and so well approved of by Aluredus the Saxon Prince that he thought it an honour to him to translate it himself out of the Brittish Language for the good of his Subjects into the Saxon Tongue and called it Mathehelage that is the Law of Martia great was her assistance to her Kingly Consort in the Administration of the Republick insomuch that after his decease their Son being in his minority and very young all Orders of the Kingdome as well Nobles as Commons for her great Wisdom and Discretion made choice of her to be Queen Regent till her Son came to full Age and in this condition she ruled for the space of some years though they be not numbred by reason that her Son had the Title of King yet the Count Palatine tells us That Deinceps Martia uxor ejus Vitus à qua conditae sunt Martiae Leges regnat annis septem cum Filio suo and then viz. after the death of her Husband Martia his wife who made the Martian Law reigned jointly with her Son seven years De quo Polidorus Polidorus Nutu Dei factum inquit est ut Guintolinus ad Regnum civilibus dissensionibus quassatum perveniret quod reduceret illud in pristinum statum id quod graviter fecit Eo enim potitus Rempublicam Brittanicam ejus Legibus ac moribus velut de integro condere ac ornare maxime studuit sed ante omnia civiles discordias quae adhuc tanquam reliquiae factionum durabant penitus sedavit Huic uxor erat nomine Martia mulier praeter caeteras pulchra sapiens quae peperit unicum filium Sicilium iste mortuo patre cum nondum esset maturus imperio Martia multarum rerum perita Regni curam interim suscepit quod Reipublicae erat id imprimis sibi faciendum rata leges tulit quas posteri Martianas appellarunt This King was called by some Guttelinus and by others after the Roman Dialect Guintelinus who after he had ruled six and twenty year left this world and was buried at Troynovant or London leaving his onely Son Sisillius to succeed him in his Kingdome SISILLIVS SISILLIVS or Cecilius Son to Guinthelinus began his Reign over the
Brute entered Brittain eleven hundred and thirty six After Alexander the Great near upon a eleven hundred and twenty five After the building of Rome seven hundred and twenty nine GVIDERIVS GVIDERIVS the first Son of Kimbeline was advanced to the Legal command of the Brittains who were under his Fathers subjection he was invested in the year of the world 5216. Anno Dom. 170. This King was potent and abounded in Treasure which indeed are the sinews of War and was alwaies a Prince of Haughty courage and where wealth and courage meet almost miracles may be wrought if the cause be good and guided by a celestial providence but self-Love Pride and Arrogancy often bringeth confusion Guiderius bolstered up with these supporters denies the covenanted Tribute to the Romans which if thus confirmed by Authors Expletis diebus vitae suae cessit gubernaculum Regni Guiderio Mr. Bro. fol. 23. 8. cum ergo Tributum quod appetebant Romani ipsis denegaret supervenit Claudius qui in Imperium subrogatus fuerat When Kimbeline was dead Guiderius succeeeded in the Kingdome therefore when he denied the Tribute the Roman Claudius came hither being then Emperor Mr. Br. 335. And I have read in a very good Author That in Claudius the Roman Emperors time he with his Romans brought the Orchades and after them Anglesey under the Roman subjection though this Act be commonly ascribed to Julius Agricola Fabian confirms my Authors Assertion saying Wherefore Claudius who was Uncle to Caius Caligula the Fourth Emperor of Rome arrived in Brittain with a great Army and not only as writeth Polychronican constrained the Inhabitants to pay the Tribute but also subjected to the Roman yoke the Iles of Orchades or Orkeys which are scituate beyond Scotland and at the end of six Months returned to his Imperial City In this Army as tells us the English Chronicle and Gaufride was a Captain called Hame or Hamo who to compasse his purpose against the Ilanders changed his Armour and Shield arming himself like a Brittain and in this Disguise did extreme Damage unto his Enemies and still pressing forward at length came to the very place where King Guiderius was fighting and by this unexpected Stratagem and Policy slew him which his Brother Arviragus perceiving used the like policy immediately investing himself in Princely Array that the Fall of the King was not perceived and thus personating a Soveraign in his Regal Ensignes he encouraged the Brittains and by his own Example Courage and Valour so animated them that they did Feats beyond belief insomuch that they put the Romans to flight Thus was Guiderius by the opinion of several Authors slain by Hamo after he had reigned the space of twenty eight years leaving his Brother Arviragus by reason that he had no Issue of his own to succeed him ARVIRAGVS ARviragus the youngest Son of Kimbeline and brothor to Guiderius was Crowned King of Great Brittain in the year of Christs Incarnation forty and four The English Chronicle calls him Armiger he was a Prince of a high Spirit and skilful in warlike Affairs maintaining with great resolution and prosperous successe his Wars against the invading Romans neither suffered he the death of his Brother to passe unrevenged For with his own hands he slew Hamo the Murderer of Guiderius near a Port or Haven which by reason of that Fact was called Hamons Haven and now with some alteration South-Hampton a Town populous rich and beautiful from which the whole Shire deriveth her Name most strongly walled 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 fair Churches for God's divine Service besides an Hospital called God's House wherein the unfortunate Richard Earl of Cambridge beheaded for Treason lyeth inter'd On the West of this Town is mounted a beautiful Castle in form Circular and wall within wall the Foundation upon a hill so topped that it cannot be ascended but by stairs carrying a goodly prospect both by Land and Sea and in the East without the Walls a goodly Church sometimes stood called St Maries which was pulled down for that it gave the French direction of Course who with fire had greatly endangered the Town instead thereof is newly Erected a small and unfinisht Chappel In this place saith Learned Cambden stood the ancient Clausentium a Fort of the Romans whose Circuit on that side extended it self to the Sea this suffered many depredations by the Saxon Pirates and in Anno 980. was by the Danes almost quite overthrown In K. Ed. 3. time it was fired by the French under the conduct of the King of Sicills Son whom a Countryman encountred and struck down with his Club he crying Rancon that is Ransome but he neither understanding his Language nor the Law that arms doth allow laid on more soundly I know thee a Francon and therefore thou shalt die And in Richard the Seconds time it was somewhat removed and built in the place where now it is In this Clausentium Canute to evict his Flatterers made tryal of his Deity commanding the Seas to keep back from his Feet but being not obeyed acknowledged God to be the only supreme Governour and in a religious Devotion gave up his Crown to the rood at Winchester Earls of this Southampton have been 1067. 1 Bevis of Hampton that famous Souldier so much talked of Azure 3 Lyons passant gardant Or. 2 William Fitz-Williams Losenge arg and Gules 3 Thomas Wricthesley L. Ch. created E. by Ed. 6. and King at Arms. 4 Henry Wricthesley 5 Henry Wricthesley 6 Thomas Wricthesley 1641. Azure a Cross Or 4 fulcons closed argent Policr l. 4. c. 8. cited by Fabian fol. 41. After divers changes and alterations in War and Peace an Agreement was concluded between Claudius the Roman Emperor and Arviragus insomuch that the Emperor sent to Rome for his Daughter Genniss or Gennissa and espoused her to the Brittish King who had by her his Son and Heir Marius his Successor in the Kingdome This King Reigned in Brittain when St. Joseph came hither Mr. Bro. f. 22. who gave to him and his Followers a place of Residence in lateribus suae Regionis in the outside of K. Arviragus his Countrey in Regionis suae finibus saith the first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury in the very end of his Dominion Math. Parker A late Writer speaking of King Arviragus saith Quidam Historici testantur ipse omnium Regum Brittannorum primus Joes Pitseus Rel. Hist in Arvirago Fidem Christi cum Sacramentis Christianis Christianus factus suscepit Some Historians witness that of all Brittish Kings he was the first that being made a Christian received the Faith of Christ with the Christian Sacraments Another thus plainly writeth of St. Joseph He converted to the Christian Faith Marius and Coillus Son and Nephew to Arviragus and John Harding is
hath been whether this Marius was a Christian or not Harding and other witnesse that he was of a Child brought up at Rome with the Emperour Claudius and his Mothers kindred Who nourished was at Rome in his Juventâ With his Mothers Kin the best of the Empire Harding Chro. in Marius c. 49. fol. 41. With Claudius also that was his own Grandfire And not returning into Brittain untill the death of Arviragus his Father to inherit the Kingdome after him for any thing we read in History and by the common computation of Antiquaries King Arviragus and St. Joseph dying within three years together it is not a thing to be easily believed that Marius did or could learn Christianity of St. Joseph Neither did or could Christian Religion allow Marius a notorious known Bastard to inherit the Kin dom of Brittain as Heir to K. Arviragus he having divers legitimate children by his lawful Wife Voada Daughter of King Caraââcus Ex qua filium unum duas filias susceperat All which by Christian Religion should have inherited before him and he whether they had been living or dead by that could not claim Title to inherit or possesse the crowne of Brittainas he did And the Scottish Historians who had best reason to keep these things in memory do tell us that he was so far a Roman as by all Antiquities by his Mother and Education he truly was They stile him Marius the Roman Marius nobilis Romanus And he was so far from having any true Title to the Crown by being the bastard son of Arviragus that he was declared King by the Emperors Authority Caesaris autoritate Britonum Rex appellatus and to take all controversie away was forced to marry his own Sister by his Father the eldest Daughter of Arviragus and his lawfull wife Queen Voada Harum natu majorem ut jam Insulae status pacatior foret Matrimonis sibi copulavit which all men know no Christian could doe And yet this was after the great Victory of Marius against the Scots and Picts with their Captain Rodericke which was as Matthew Westminster and others write not above a year before the death of St. Joseph that chancing in the 75. and in the 76. year of Christ In which battel the two Daughters of Queen Voada their brother as it seemeth being dead were taken Prisoners and the oldest the next Heir of Brittain after the matters pacified which was not in any probability before St. Joseph's death was as is said before married to Marius her bastard-brother which Marriage if I may so term it was still continued and by them was begotten in it Coilus after King and Father to our first Christian King Saint Lucius So that if we speak properly and strictly of Christians and name them onely such which actually and really both in Faith and Profession do hold onely the Christian Religion and no other it is evident that none of these three Kings of Brittain Arviragus Marius or Coillus was a Christian much less converted or baptized by St. Joseph But if we speak of Christianity in an ample and extended sense as Tertullian and some Ancients have done of Tiberius Caius and some other Emperors not actually Christians but so affected especially in some points as as he doth of Pilate which washed his hands and said he was innocent of the putting of Christ to death Innocens sum à Sanguine justi bujus I am innocent of the blood of this just person that he was in conscience a Christian pro sua conscientia Christianus We may speak the like of these Kings and go so far with Harding's Author as to say with him Joseph converted this King Arviragus By his preaching to know the Law Divine For it is not unprobable but he was perswaded the Law and Religion which St. Joseph professed was true But whereas Harding addeth And baptized him as written hath Nennius A Chronicler in Brittain Tongue fall fine Except we take Baptizing in a very large and amplifying construction and say Harding a Poet did thereby understand the true knowledge of Baptisme and not the receiving thereof neither Nennius nor any approved Author doth or can prove any such thing By this also we are sufficiently assured that neither St. Joseph of Arimathea nor any of his company though otherwise most Holy and most Renowned Saints and excellently deserving of this Nation none of them converting either the King Nobles or People of Brittany as so many worthy Authors and Antiquaries have told us may be named the Apostles which converted this Kingdome to the Faith of Christ Mr. Bro. f. 166. or first founded Christian Religion here Marius King of Brittain by the opinion of all was both a Friend and Benefactor unto Christians confirming unto the Eremits of Avalon St. Joseph and his Associats those donations liberties and immunities which his Father Arviragus had formerly granted unto them and the Emperour Vespasian was so friendly and favourable unto holy Christians that when he was in Brittain before he was Emperour as Harding from more ancient Authors hath testifyed he procured those immunities and exemptions for S. Joseph and his company which King Arviragus endowed them with and I do not doubt but that he was so far a Christian in judgement that I may recount him in the number of those first Emperours of whom Tertullian writeth Tert. Apol. contr gentil c. 21. The Emperours themselves would have believed in Christ if the Emperours had not been necessary to the woâld or Men that were Christians might have been Emperours Sed ' Caesares credidissent super Christo si aut Caesares non essent saeculo necessarii aut si Christiani potuissent esse Caesares This King Marius as Matth. Westm and divers others do testifie died the 78. year of Christ Math. West ao 78. and left Coillus his Son his Successor in the Kingdome Anno gratiae 78. Marius Brittannorum Rex ab hoc saeculo transiens Coillum Filium habuit successorem by whom he reigned but a short time not above six years Others affirm that he reigned a far longer time the Publisher of the Brittish History ascribe Mr. Bro. f. 169. 52 years Harding avoucheth that he died When he had Reigned sixty years and three His Tribute paid full well to Roman City Hard. in Chron. in Reg. Marius c. 50. fol. 42. Of Christs Faith somewhat he was informed But much more he needed to have been reformed But howsoever the question about his Regiment long or short be resolved certain it is that he was a Friend to Christians and if he Reigned long longer was their peace by his permission Fabian in the life of this King tells us that the Chronicle of England calls him VVestmer and that during his Reign a certain Chieftain whom Gaufride calleth Londricus of the Picts Landing with a great Navy in the Province of Albania now Scotland began to make havock with fire and sword which ungrateful
Binius when it is evident that St. Claudia our Brittish Lady was the only wife of St. Pudens and Mother to those Saints Therefore to excuse the one from Errour and the other from Contradiction they must hold that both the Mother of St. Claudia and her self also was sometime called Priscilla as she was in Vmbria called Sabinella of her Husbands house at Sabinum there and this may sufficiently be gathered from those Antiquities Baronius citeth in which one St. Priscilla is called Priscilla senior the Elder or old Priscilla to make which justifiable Mr. Bro. f. 60. 8. we must also have Priscilla Junior the younger or young Priscilla and this is usual for distinction sake where the Mother and Daughter Father and Son be of one and the same name to call the Father and Mother by their names with the addition of Old or elder then the Sonne and Daughter with the distinction of young and younger added to them and there be other distinctions between these two The eldest Grandmother to these holy Children as the Roman Martyrology with others testifyeth who died at Rome having imployed her self and her goods to the service of Martyrs where we see her Festivity kept upon the 16. day of February Martyr Rom. 16. Feb. and that she dyed at Rome Of the other the younger if by any called Priscilla we find no such observation nor that she dyed at Rome but quite otherwise that after her husband St. Pudens death she lived so long at his house at Sabinum in Vmbria that she thereupon took her name Sabellina and by all writers died there far from Rome Secondly St. Pastor who lived in the Apostles time and familiarly in that our Brittish house in witnesse even Baronius acknowledging it that the elder St. Priscilla the Grandmother to St. Novatus Timotheus St. Pastor in actis St. Praxedis apud Baron in Anno Mart. Rom. die 16. Jan. Pudentia and Praxedes which were St. Claudia her Children was foundresse of that renowned Church-yard in via Salaria at Rome which bare her name and was founded before St. Claudia was of years to be foundresse thereof And it must needs be this and no other which prepared that most charitable Christian costly work for we find no other Saints of that name especially in that time but only her and St. Priscilla wife to St. Aquila divers times mentioned by St. Paul being a Jew who could not be Author of that foundation at Rome being at Corinth and there saluted by St. Paul in his first Epistle to the Corinthians and was with her Husband Coadjutrice to St. Paul in those parts as the same Apostle testifyeth 1 Cor. c. 16. Neither did she with her Husband stay so long at Rome to effect such a businesse for as St. Luke proveth they came from Rome upon the banishment of the Jews from thence by Claudius Rom. 16. which was soon after their coming thither Acts 18. and they were at or near Ephesus a little before St. Pauls death as he proveth writing in his 2d Epistle then to St. Timothy 2 Tim. 4. Salute Priscilla and Aquila and the old Roman Martyrology with others give evidence they ended their lives in Asia the less upon the 8th day of July when the other St. Priscilla died as before Mart. Rom. 8. July at Rome far from thence the 16. of Jan. And Baronius who was an eye-witnesse of the chargeable work of that foundation found in his time shall prove all the wealth both of this St. Priscilla and her Husband St. Aquila being but Tent-makers as the scripture testifyeth was not able to effect such a work Baronius who had seen and often visited it Baronius Annal Tom. 2. An. 130. The costly and admirable building of a Brittish Lady in Rome Marty Rom. 21 Jul. Act. St. Prax. in Breviario die 2 Jul. St. Pudentianae die 19 Mai. St. Peters first Church and Seat at Rome in the house of a Brittish Lady compareth it to a City for largenesse and streets under the Earth relating that the whole City of Rome was amazed to see it so wonderful and chargeable a work with such streets turnings Churches places for divine service and Conventions Images of Saints and other things of great price as they argue the rich and noble decree of the blessed Foundresse so for a Lady of Brittain a stranger there to be at such excessive charge and expences to provide such a sanctuary for the honour of Christ safety reliefe and comfort both temporal and spiritual of his servants in a Forraign Country must be a perpetual Glory to this Nation and too give further testimony that this our renowned Country-woman was Foundresse thereof we find expresly that divers of her family and posterity namely St. Pudens her son in Law her Grandchildren his Daughters St. Pudentia and St. Praxedes as likely St. Timotheus and Novatus were honourably interred there And yet besides this memorable foundation for the publick good of the Church of Christ these Romans themselves do tell us and the late continued buildings do testifie that there was another such secret Church-yard at her own house to hide protect and bury holy Martyrs in And thus we have found out now at the last the house of our noble Christian Brittains at Rome to have been the first lodging of the great Apostle St. Peter there his first Church and seat the harbour of St. Paul and many of their Disciples and successors Popes of Rome after them the first Seminary Colledge or Mother of Christian Learning there or in the Western world the common and ordinary place of holy Christian Assemblies and Exercises from whence as from the Originall Well and Fountain the water of life did take course and current to diffuse it self unto all parts and Nations of the Occidental world we may make some estimate and apprehension of the wonderful charitable help and assistance this most happy house of our Noble Brittish Christian parents of St. Claudia yielded to the holy work of converting this and all other Western Countries if besides their extraordinary love to their own Nation we do reflect upon that the old Roman Martyrology hath told us of this Priscilla imploying her self and her substance to serve the Saints and servants of Christ That she and her husband were two of the chiefest of the Nobility of the Brittains kept Hostages at Rome for this Kingdome and yet after so many years spent and their Honourable Revenues much exhausted in these pious works in maintaining and relieving distressed Christians by themselves substance and great number of Attendants and servants attending also to those holy ends they left so much to posterity that in the Family of their Grand-child St. Pudentia in the same House there were Ninety six Christian men ordinary Attendants and St. Praxedes her sister being there nineteen holy Christians were Martyred in that House at one time Theat of great Brit. l. 9. c.
into the province leaving his son Bassianus to take charge of the army which after the Emperors departure grew carelesse and dissolute wherewith the General seemed nothing displeased either for that he was by his own nature inclined to the worst or else for that he hoped thereby to win the Souldiers favour as a mean for his advancement to the Empire after his fathers death which he had oftentimes attempted by indirect practises most unnaturally to procure In the mean while the Calidonians notwithstanding the late contract understanding what disorders were in that Roman camp suddainly invaded it killing and taking booty which they shared with their Neighbours borderers of the province that had assisted them in in the enterprise Severus being greatly incensed therewith sent part of his army to pursue the Calidonians expresly commanding that they should be all put to the sword without respect of age or fex This sharp manner of proceeding did somewhat quaile the hope of the Northren Brittains who fled into remote parts of Calidonia and Severus having rather stayed then ended the troubles as intending to prosecute the war with more advantage spent some time in repairing and enlarging Adrians wall which he carried thwart the Island from sea to sea entrenching and fortifiing it with Bulwarks and square Towers in places most convenient to give warning one to another upon any suddain assault for defence of the borders Then being wearied with age sickness and travail York having his mind also much grieved with the disloyal and unnatural practises of his son Bassianus he withdrew himself to Eboracum a Colonie of the Romans being then the station of the sixt Legion called Victrix and afterwards growing to be one of the chief places of account among the Brigantes for these stations of the Roman Legions were commonly the seed plots of towns and cities both in this Isle and divers other parts of the Empire It was reported that in his passage thither a Moor with a Cypress Garland on his head did meat and salute him by the name of a God and at his entrance into the City he was by error of the Southsayer that guided him brought into the Temple of Bellona and that black beasts being appointed for Sacrifice did of themselves follow him to his pallace These things howsoever thew fell out accidentally yet they were interpreted as ominous in respect of the event and now Severus perceiving his death to approach called before him some of his Councellors and chief Captains unto whom he is said to have spoaken in this manner It is now above eighteen years since I was first declared Emperor by the army in Pannonia during which time with what care pain and travail I have weilded this vast body of the Empire my continual employment in wars both at home and abroad may witness sufficiently For at my first entrance I found the State encumbered every where and now I shall leave it peaceable even to the Brittains The future prosperity whereof must depend upon the mutuall agreement of my two Sons For neither multitude of men nor abundance of treasure are so available to defend and maintain Commonwealths as amity and unity between Governors For by concord we see that small things grow to greatness whereas by discord the greatest fall to ruine I must now leave to them my Successors the imperial Diadem that which Bassianus hath so long thirsted after though he know not yet whether it be a thing to be wished or feared as having not proved the difference betwixt a Prince and a private person But ambition mindes are carried blindfold they know not whether in desiring that which having once obtained they can neither keep without great care nor leave without extream peril such a thing is Soveraignty whose greatness is not contained in it self but consisteth for the most part in the opinion and dependeth on the dispositions of other men it is vertue only not glorious titles which makes men truly great My self at this present may serve for an example to shew upon what a weak foundation humane greatness is built I have seen all things though now it avail me nothing seeing I must pay my debt to nature and after all my exploytes in the East and West parts of the World I must dye as I may say out of the World in a strange Country if any Country may be termed strange to the Romans who have now by conquest made all Countries their own I exhort you therefore as you tender the welfare of the Roman Empire of your own selves of your posterity be true and faithfull to my sons as you have been to me assisting them with your Councel and perswading them to mutual concord as the main pillar to support both their Estates and your own When he had uttered these or the like speeches he turned a side and shortly after yielded up the Ghost Baron Tom. 2. Annal. an D. 105 Manusc Gal. lic c. 100. Ma. West an 206. Galf. Mon. Hist 4 Reg. Bâit l 5. c 2. R. vit Hist l. 4. Selden Analeâ c. 7. Gal. Mont sup l. c. 3. Pro. Cata Reg. Brit. in Severa Magdebur Cent. 3 c. 16. Flo Wigorn. 198 220. Mat West an 205 206. Baronius with others confess that Severus was descended of most noble Parents Constat Severum fuisse majorum Claritudine nobilissimum and yet not able to describe his Auncestry doth sufficiently prove him a stranger to those Countries and their Historians and to make further manifestation herein although he was born in Africk about Tropolis so far from Brittain yet he married a Brittish Lady as divers of the same Authors and others testifie and had by her Basianus his Son after King of Brittain and Emperor also some say her name was Martia and the first wife of Severus and sister of Fulgentius the Brittain that warred against and slew Severus at York Fulgentius Matris Basiani Frater And this Brittish Lady could not be married to Severus after his coming into Brittain but long before where he then lived in the East parts of the World For in Brittain he lived but a short time by our Modern calculation in their Catalogue of the Kings of Brittain four years The Magdeburgians have the like account following Eusebius Florentius Wigorniensis maketh his aboad here but three years The Monck of Westminster scarcely alloweth him two years continuance here The like have others all agreeing he was old and feeble at his coming hither yet Bassianus his Son by our Brittish Lady was so old at his death that he succeeded him both in this Kingdom and the Empire who being Emperor but six or seven years was as Dio and others witnesse at his death going on his 29 âh year of age Almost twenty years old when his Father first landed in Brittain Divin Caracalla The Brittains continuing in variance and contention about a Successor to Lucius King of this Kingdom Severus the Emperor came hither some say to quiet the
Brook in K. John begotten on Agatha daughter of William Earl Ferrers and Derby 1204. with whom her father gave in marriage the Castle and Lordship of Ellinsmere or Ellesmere in the Marches of Southwales which deed beareth date at Dover 17. April 6. Johannis this Llewellin and Agatha had issue David Prince of Northwales sans issue Roger Lord Mortimer Gladis sister of the whole blood to David Prince of Northwales and his heir Powel fol. 314 Roger L. Mortimer and by right of inheritance Prince of Northwales Maud daughter to William de Bruse L. of Brecon Edmund Lord Mortimer Margaret Fendlesse Roger L. Mortimer created Earl of March by K. Edw. III. Joane daughter and heir to Sir Peter Genivill or Jenevill Edmund Mortimer Earl of March Daughter and co-heir of Bartholomew Badelsmere L. of Leeds in Kent Roger Mortimer restored in blood Earle of March an 29. Edw. III. Philippa daughter of William Montague Earl of Sarum Edmund Mortimer Earl of March Philippa sole daughter and heir of Lyonel D. of Clarence Sir H. Percy Knight son and heir to Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland Eliz. daughter to Edm. Mort. E. of March Philippa heir to Lyonel D. of Clarence Henry Percy Earl of North. Elinor daughter to Ralph Nevil first Earle of Westmerland of that name Henry Percy Earl of North. Elinor D. and h. of Richard Lord Poynings Henry Percy Earl of North. Maud daughter of Will. Herbert E. of Pembroke by which match this honourable family descends from divers Welsh branches as shall appear in the pedegree of the Earle of Pembroke Henry Lord Percy Earl of North. Mary D. to George Lord Talbot E. of Salop. Tho. Lord Percy E. of North. nephew to E. Henry Anne d. to H. Somerset E. of Worcester where again this family descends from the Welsh as in the genealogy of Worcester Sir Henry Percy brother to Earle Thomas Earle of North. Katherine one of the daughters and co-h of J. Nevil L. Latimer which family of the Nevils streams from the Welsh as in the pedegree of Abergavenny Henry Lord Percy Earle of Northumberland Dorothy daughter to Walter Devereux Earle of Essex Algernon Percy Earl of Northumberland Anne d. of Will. Cecil E. of Salisbury by which this right honourable Family to whom God grant a long and prosperous posterity descends from many Brittish progenies as in the pedegrees of Salisbury and Exceter The Earle of SHREVVSBURY John L. Talbot E. of Sbrewsb descended from Gilbert L. Talbot temp H. 3. who married Gwenllian d. to Rees ap Gruffith P. of Southw Maud d. and sole heir to Thomas Nevil L. Furnival which family of Nevil descends from the Welsh as in Abergavenny John L. Talbot E. of Shrewsbury L. Furnival and Verdon Eliz. daughter of James Butler Earle of Ormond By this match of Verdon by which the title of Lord Verdon came appears an other stream of Welsh blood for Theobald Lord Verdon married Maud daughter of Edmund Mortimer descended from Llewellyn Prince of Southwales ut ante in Oxford John Lord Talbot Earle of Salop. Katherine d. to Humphrey D. of Buckingham George Lord Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury Anne d. of William Lord Hastings descended from the Prince of Wales Francis Earle of Shrewsbury Mary d. to Thomas L. Dacres of Gilesland George Earle of Shrewsb Gertrude daughter to Thomas E. of Rutland descended from the Welsh line Gilbert Earl of Shrewsbury Mary daughter of Sir William Cavendish Edward Earle of Shrewsbury Joan daughter and co-h of Cuthbert L. Ogle George Talbot son and heir to Talbot of Grafton Esq heir male of Sir Gilbert Talbot of Grafton Knight Banneret and Knight of the Garter second son to John Lord Talbot second Earle of Shrewsbury of that name was by King James admitted to the Earledom of Shrewsbury but he dying without issue the Earledome fell to the issue of John Talbot Esquire his brother  John Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury Mary daughter to Sir Francis Fortescue Kt. George Lord Talbot daughter of Sir Percy Herbert L. Powis by which match many Welsh branches devolve unto this honourable family THE ANTIENT MODERN BRITTISH AND WELSH HISTORY Beginning with BRUTE and continued until King CHARLES the first The Fourth Book CARAVSIVS a Brittain of unknown birth Matth. West an 286. was of the Brittains made Ruler Anno Dominicae Incarnationis 218. Hollenshed also placeth Carausius next to Bassianus though others name him not Galf. Mon. Hist l. 5. c. 4. Pont. Virun l. 5. Matth. West an 292 293. 294. Harding Chron. c. 56 57. Galf. Mon. lib. 15. Pont. Virun l. 5. Hard. Chron. c 59. Matth. West 302. Cat. Reg. Britt alii Matth. West an 286. Harrison Discr of Brit. Hollenshed Hist of Eng. l 4. c. 23. The learned Mr. Broughton searcheth this business to the quick and therefore to give more life to this History you shall hear what he saith Bassianus being as before murthered Macrinus a Mauritanian or Moriscan by Nation with his son Diadumenus or by some Diadumenianus obtained the Empire but they were both slain by their own Souldiers rebelling against them when they had been Emperours but one year and two moneths after whom Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Heliogabalus or Elagabalus son of Bassianus Caracalla before spoken of was chosen Emperour by the Army his mother was named Soemiades or Semiamira the daughter of Mesa sister of Julia the Empress the second wife of Severus and this Soemiades or Semiamira or Semiamides was sister to that renowned Christian Lady Mamea mother to Alexander the Emperour Henry of Huntington and Florigerus ascribe four compleat years to the Emperour Heliogabalus Martinus alloweth him not fully so long a reign yet Martinus saith with Roman Writers that he was Emperour four years and eight moneths Florentius Wigorniensis hath the like words both for that continuance of his Empire and authority of the Roman History affirming it that he was true and immediate next King of Brittain not onely during the time of his Empire but in that space also when Macrinus and his son Diadumenus were Emperours even from the death of Antoninus Bassianus Caracalla his father the undoubted King of Brittain both by his fathers and mothers title For although Martinus saith that Severinus son of Bassianus was Emperour with his father yet seeing this Authour who so writeth consenteth with all others that Macrinus immediatly succeeded to Bassianus Caracalla and Heliogabalus to Macrinus he must needs too justifie that his Testimony of Severinus being Emperour with his father Matth. West an 213. Otto Frising Chron. l. 3. c. 29. Floren. Wigorn an 204. 226. Marian Aetat 6 an 218. in Cara alla Galf. Mon. Hist Reg. l 5. c. 3. Pont. Vir. l. 5. that this Severinus died with his father or before or was the same son of Bassianus which others do call Heliogabalus Marcus Antoninus and other names which Heliogabalus is stiled by in Histories While these things were acted with the Romans the State of Brittainy was
unquiet and although Heliogabalus and his brother Severinus also if Bassianus had any such son was next true King of Brittain yet neither of them enjoyed it for by all Writers one named Carausius was King of Brittain not onely after Bassianus but by divers Authours sometime also while he lived giving an overthrow to Bassianus the Emperour or rather some Lieutenant or General of his of the same or the like name here in Brittainy and so made himself King of Brittain after whom by our Brittish History and Ponticus Virunnius Asclepiodotus Duke of Cornwall was made King deposing Alectus sent hither against Carausius with three Legions and Matthew of Westminster and Harding write was King three years untill Asclepiodotus deposed him next to Asclepiodotus was King Coelus Father to the most renowned Empress St. Helena married to Constantius Emperor and Mother to great Constantine their son our most glorious King and Emperor after which time our History will not be so obscure and confused as now it is for as in the succession of these I have now remembered there is question so concerning the time of their Government and their conversation also whether it were Christian or otherwise it is not free from difficulty Antiquaries say that Carausius was next King to Bassianus Therefore when Matthew West and some others would not have Carausius to be King till about the 286. year of Christ it must needs be an error either in them their Scribes or Printers for it is evident and all the Roman writers prove that Bassianus was dead many years and divers Emperors had succeeded long before this time and Math. Westm himself saith that Bassianus making war against the Parthians was circumvented and slain of his Enemies between Edissa and Carras in the year of Christ 213. which was above 70. years before he bringeth Carausius to attempt any thing for the crown of Brittain Florentius Wigorne followeth the same account and setteth down the very place of his death there to be Osdroena and Mercinus affirmeth the same with the Roman Histories saying it was in the year of Christ 218. And both our old Brittish History and Ponticus Virunnius Hect. Boeti Scot. Hist l. 6. ol 88 89. who gave the greatest light in this matter say plainly that Carausius lived in the time of Bassianus And add further that Carausius joyning with the Picts which Fulgenius had got together against Severus Father to Bassianus sought with his army and overthrowing it Galf. virun was made King of Brittain And these Picts and Scots must needs be those of which the Scottish Historians write when they say Bassianus made peace with them and the Brittains which followed Fulgenius Hect. Boe. ut supra fol. 100. Holenshed in Grathlint and so went from hence to Rome And whereas the Brittish History and Virunnius say that Carausius did kill Bassianus this was not Bassianus our King and Emperor son of Severus and Martia but one Quintus Bassianus a Legate of the Romans Now being the common Opinion received both of the Roman and other writers Catal. Reg. Britainie Hist Galf. Mon. that Severus dyed in the year of Christ 213. The Author of the Catalogue of our Brittish Kings thus setteth down their successions and Regiments with their continuance Bassianus Ceracel six years Carausius seven years Alectus six years Asclepiodotus thirty years Coelus twenty seven years After whom Constantius his son in law by marrying his Daughter St. Helena succeeded in the crown by which accompt we have between the death of Severus and Constantius his reigning here 76. years and from Carausius his death and the begining of Constantius his reign 65. years Harding maketh the distance shorter ascribing to Bassianus seven years to Carausius 4. to Alectus 3. Asclepiodotus 10. to Coel 11. years yet by this accompt also Carausius was dead many years before that time wherein Hector Boetius and some others make him to have first advanced any title to the Crown of Brittain Yet we may make some part of attonement between these opinions if we shall say with the Brittish and other Histories Math. West an 286. that Carausius was but a young man in the time of Bassianus or Heliogabalus the true Kings of Brittain And he went to Rome to procure his Commission there of the Senate to be Admiral to keep the Brittish Seas Howe Hist Titul The Romans an 285. And after he was thus admitted Admiral long time and divers years must needs be spent before he could come to that power by Sea and Land with Brittains Picts and Scots to be King of Brittain although he was as divers hold of the Kingly race Ex regio Stemate and Unkle to that renowned Christian King of Scots Grathnitus Carausius of Kingly race though some stile him to have been of base lineage unprobable in a man obtaining such honour of the Roman Senate Hect. Boet. Scot. Hist l. 6. and renown among Princes Kings and Emperors and divers of them Christians But to go no further out of my way whether Bassianus or his Son Heliogabalus both Emperors and Brittains by parentage or Carausius was in Brittain at this time we are by this which is said assured Hâlenshed in Scot. in Grathlint that the Christians here were in quiet and peace for if Bassianus still continued King he had made peace with all Christians here whether Brittains Picts or Scots before his departure hence to Rome And although Heliogabalus Hoel Boet alii sup Harding c. 53. was otherwise a Man of such wicked conversation that I had rather refer any man desirous to know the manner both of his own and his Fathers life to forrain writers then fill my pen with the dishonour of their race in them yet no History maketh mention that he any way was a persecuter of Christians if Carausius was King it is not unprobable but he was a Christian advanced chosen and honoured with that Kingly dignity by the Christians confederate with and assisted by the Christian Scots and Picts their Kings or Rulers and against the Pagan Romans a professed Patron and Propugnator of the Right and Priviledges and Revenger of the wrongs and Injuries of the Christians here contending by all means he could even with the adventure of his life loosing in that quarrel to restore the Christians of this Kingdom to that quiet and honourable Estate to be free from the Thraldom of forraign Pagans which they happily enjoyed in the Government of King Lucian and the Roman Senate began now to infringe and violate This was the pretended end and scope of his designes although by some writers not with a little design of his own greatness and exaltation no strange disease amongst great Princes in any age Hollenshed saith that Alectus was sent from Rome with three Legions Hollenshed Hist of Engl. and slew him in the field Fabian tells us that in a Book which in French is called Merc de Histories
the lawfull son of Constantius and Helen and born in Brittain and that his Father Constantius was compelled by Herculius the Emperour to be divorced from Helen his true wife to take Theodora Daughter in Law of that Emperor Eutropius plainly saith that Constantine was son of Constantius in true marriage Constantinus Manasses saith St. Helen was the wife of Constantius and a most blessed Woman Hunibaldus above 1000. years since relateth the History of the composition between Constantius and our Brittish King Coel as our writers do As soon as Coel heard that Constantius was arrived he sent Embassadours desiring peace and promised to pay the tribute so that he might enjoy his Kingdom to which Constantius agrees this thus composed Coel within 40. dayes dyed whose Daughter Helen to whom for beauty and loveliness knowledge in the liberal sciences and rare skill in musick Theoph. Ceram in Chron. Egbert Albas Ser. 3. de mere manif Catho fidei Berengosus Abbas l. de in vent laud. S. Crucis c. 1 Brittain never bred the like Constantius took to wife by whom he begat Constantine who not only succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of Brittain but also prevailing against Maxentius in the Empire Victor Eutropius Eusebius and other ancient Authors are witnesses that when Dioclesian made Constantius and Galerius Cesars he compelled then to put away both their lawful wives Constantius to put away St. Helen and to take Theodore his daughter in law and Galerius Veleria his own daughter which account of theirs that St. Helen was thus put away in the year 294. invincibly proveth how according to Eusebius and many others before setting down the age of Constantine to have been about 60 years that St. Helen had been the wife of Constantius 20. years Severus Sulpitius doth not only call St. Helen the true wife of Constantius but saith she was Empresse both in her husbands and sons time which proveth her daughter and heir to Coel our Brittish King by which title only she reigned with Constantine Theophilus Cepameus an old Greek writer saith there were Arrian Hereticks and Pagans which denied Constantine to be legitimate and that the lyed therein mentiuntur Egbertus saith she was Queen and mother of Constantine Beringosus an eyewitnesse of the most things writing of her saith first she was a Queen and so the lawful wife of Constantius for a Concubine of the greatest Emperour that ever was is not thereby a queen as the Authors name her Queen to Rule to Governe nor can the lawful true wives of Kings be termed Queens by such worth Authours except they were Queens by title of Inheritance or such like as our Antiquaries write of Queen Helen that she was daughter and heir to her father King Coel this worthy author doth also though a stranger to us confirme when he proveth she was of most noble parentage and by experimental arguments because he had seen the old buildings of her stately pallace continuing to in his time the pavement whereof was marble and Touchstone the most Regal Palace in all those parts the walls were gilded with old her chamber was so sumptuous that the like was not in the World Stately building of St. Helen Q. of Brittain and to free her from all slanders the chamber of her heart and soul was far more pure in all things she was obedient to the will of God and yet externally pleasing to her husband Constantius although more pleasing to God then to her husband Thus we see how far this most blessed and noble Queen and Empresse Bernigosus ibid. was in all times from being base either by birth or conversation such sanctify of life could never agree with that foule name by which some have so wrongfully termed her such parentage Pallaces and Revenues able to entertain the greatest Princes according to their state and dignity must denominate their noble owners with better termes and attributes The Hostesse Inkeeper Stabularia except we will expound them in so large a sense that we shall so stile Abraham and Lot that lodged the Angels those that entertained Christ all receivers of Kings Princes and Emperours and all Harbourers or Exercisers of Hospitality for so both St. Helen and King Coel entertained Constantius the one a husband the other a son in law as Princes use It seemeth this Pallace and lands in and about Trevers to have descended to St. Helen by her mother or some Ancestour of that Country for both Beringosus saith St. Helen was brought up at Trevers and Otho Frigensis saith she was by some of her Ancestours come from thence And Trevers being at that time the most renowned place of those countries for Nobility Learning and Christianity and she the only child of her father King Coel and to succed him in the Kingdom of Brittain he sent her thither to have the most noble education and there it was probably where she first came to be acquainted with Constantius then living in those parts And this made the Attonement between the Romans and K. Coel to be so soon and peacebly effected without any effusion of blood as our Antiquities tell us The marriage of Constantius and Helena is by what is said so clear that it is needlesse to speak any more of that subject I will only add this for the present The old Inscription of the Church of St. Gereon at Cullen founded by her proveth her to be a Queen and an example to Kings Regibus exemplum sacroque chrismate plena Condidit hoc Templum Sancti Gereonis Helena A patterne unto Kings this heavenly light St. Helen shining with all vertue bright In honour of St. Gereon here did raise This stately Church to her eternal praise At the agreement betwixt Constantius and Coel besides paying the Tribute Galf. Mon. H. Reg. Brit. l. 5. c. 6. Pont. Virun and Coel to enjoy the Kingdom during his natural Life it was further agreed that Constantius should take again his wife St. Helen daughter and her to King Coel and by her right be King after the death of her father By which covenant and article agreed upon and truly executed as it was the first marriage between Constantius and Helen was even by Roman Pagan lawes themselves proved and declared to be true and lawfull and the children therein begotten legitimate and the taking of Theodora living with her and children by her to be adulterate and utterly unallowable in any sense even by their own Pagan constitutions for although those Pagan wicked decrees did allow to the Presidents of Provinces which were unmarried without penalty to keep Concubines prophanely thinking as some new seeming Christians have done that men unmarried could not live chast yet they never permitted it to married Praefects and Presidents such as Constantius was Elius Lamprid in Alex. Sever. as their own Historians witness By which Heathenish Roman Law Helena was not only the Concubine and no wife of Constantius but a Concubine prohibited
in their own proceedings and her children in like case of reproach with her Math. West alii supra Manusc Hist Eccles Winton Caius Hist Cantabr Acâademiae p. 19. Therefore Constantius being against his will by power of Maximian separated from St. Helen his true wife and a Christian from that time ever in affection could not but be ever most ready and joyfull to be so quietly and honourably reconciled unto her again which is sufficiently insinuated by our Authors testifying that Constantius in all things granted to King Coel his commands requiring nothing of him for the Romans but their old Tribute which as our Antiquaries say was 1006. pounds only in money one of our Historians saith of this matter in this manner Harding c. 60. Of which Constance was glad of his entent And here aboad at prayer of the King Whereby he did sufficiently declare the great content and joy he had of this reconciliation to his wife St. Helen and her Father his Father in Law King Coel rather chusing and preferring during his life to make his aboad here as a Subject then now being chosen and designed Emperor to continue in any other Nation with that greatest temporal glory and command He retook Helen Daughter of the King to conjugal society Thus he signified this so long and much desired attonement Helenam Coeli Regis filiam in societatem Thori recepit which word RECEPIT that Constantius did at that time receive Helen again if we had no other argument or authority used by divers our ancient Antiquaries proveth that this was the reconciliation and not the first marriage of those noble persons And impossible it is that any of these Authors which speak of this union should take it for the first union in marriage for all of them acknowledge that Constantius died soon after this Reconciliation the Monck of Westminster sayeth within three years by Merianus within two years Math. West an 302. 305. Mari. Sc. anno 305. 306. by Martinus Polonus the same year The like have others by which account and confession Constantine should be either unborn or not above two years old at the most when he was King of Brittain and Emperor also after his Fathers death Shortly after this coming of Constantius and this attonement between him and King Coel thus made King Coel dyed within five weeks saith Harding a moneth and eight dayes saith Galfridus Viruunius saith within one moneth Hard. Chron. c. 6. Galf. Mon. Hist Reg. Brit. l. 5. c. 6. Pont. Virun Hist l. 5. Harding c. 61. Howe 's fol. 44. so likewise doth the Monck of Westminster Harding writeth that Constantius was Emperor before he was King of Brittain But King Constance of Rome was high Christain By the Senate first made the Emperor After King of Brittain and Governour Howe 's in his Chronicle bringeth in Peter de Jeham to was tell us that Coel Duke of Caric Glow of Glocester Holinshed saith he was Earl of Golchester but where he died or where buried no mention is made Fabian sayeth he ruled after the accord of most writers 27. years Constantius Constantius began his Empire with Galerius the Empire was devided between them so that Constantius should possess Affrica Italy France and Brittain Galerius should have Ilyrica Asia and the East parts which done they substituted under them two Caesars Constantius holding himself content with the dignity of Augustus refused to sustain the trouble which he should have endured through the administration of the affairs of Italy and Africk He sought by all means how he might enrich the people of the Empire He abolished the superstition of the Gentiles in his Dominions so that afterwards Brittain felt no persecutions The year following he prepared war against the Picts at which time his Son Constantine who then served under Galerius perceiving his destruction to be contrived posted to his Father in all hast houghing and killing all the Post horses which way so ever he passed Holinshed Hist of Eng. 45. Fab. Sozom. Hist Eccle l. 1. c. 6. Euseb l. 2. de vita Const Mr Bro. fol. 460. and came safely to his Father in Brittain Holinshed saith Constantius was the Daughters Son of one Crispus that was brother to the Emperor Claudius and that he began his reign over the Brittains 289. and so also saith Fabian Constantius was not against the law for Christians in Brittain to profess the Christian Religion in his time but preferred the most constant Christians to highest preferments and greatest trust And so consecrated his whole family to God that his Court was as a Church wherein were both Clergy men and Godly Christians truly serving God This blessing and benefit he brought to our Christians here in Brittain and publickly maintained it even in those times when the name of Christian in other places was so odious that without danger it could not be spoken of which he further Viz. Eusebius confirmeth in another place Euseb Hist Eccle. l. 8. c. 14. where speaking in the name of Christians he saith that among the Emperors of that time only Constantius did neither in any sort persecute Christians nor in any sort participate with them that did but kept all them that were under him without hurt and secure from all trouble neither pulled down Churches Idem apud Baron Spon an 304. or did any thing against them and elsewhere he teacheth again that the parts of the West Empire did generally receive quietness from persecution when Constantius reigned which although Baronius and Spondanus do not so well allow upon Eusebius his words in all places of the West because as they alledge Constantius neither presently could nor would he be against the Edicts of the Emperors still living when he himself remained in Brittain in the end of the World and Italy was then full of wars But Eusebius writteth not this singularly but Sozomen and others testifie as much that when the Churches of God were persecuted in all other parts of the World Sozomen l. 1. c. 6. only Constantius granted liberty of conscience to the Christians under him and again generally of all Christian Churches in the part of his Empire and were not only quiet under him but thus lived in great joy and did encrease being honoured and rewarded by him And relating his experiment to prove constant Christians before remembred and how he admitted such for his nearest friends and Counsellors he gathereth from hence that the Gauls Brittains and others under him were by him exempted from all penall lawes of the persecutors he taking away and making them frustrate in his Dominions And the objections which Baronius maketh do rather prove then disprove the quietness of Christians in this Nation when Constantius was here For first the inquietness of Italy rather helped then hindered our peace our persecution proceeding from thence now not able to persecute us nor take revenge of Constantius for protecting us And his being in Brittain
all and his Son Jesus Christ he alone by right obtained this honour by the will of God to have that which was buried in death to reign among men Howe 's of the Romans f. 45. In the 20. year of this Constantine was held as saith Mr. Howes the Councel of Nice with great Solemnity wherein were condemned and suppressed the damnable Heresies of Arius Bigot the vain-glorious and dissembling Minister whereof the Arian Heresie took the Name and for a long space after much troubled Christendom And at this time the Nicene Creed was commanded to be sung and said in all Churches And the forenamed Arius pretending to make a Retract of all his Heresies took his leave of the Emperor The fearfull end of an arch Heretick as if he had great necessity to take Physick to purge his Body which Purgation never ceased working till it had purged him of all his bloud and bowels and so he died most miserably and shamefully How es ibid. About this time saith the same Author Octavius whom Constantine left Governor in Brittain rebelled against whom Constantine sent Traherne his Uncle with a Legion of Romans who after divers Conflicts was slain Old English Chronic. f. 34 p. 4. The old English Chronicle saith When Constantine went from this Land to Rome he took all his lond to keep to the Earl of Cornwall that was called Octavian And anon as this Octavian wist that his Lord dwelt at Rome incontinent be ceased all the lond into his hands and therewith did all his will among hy and low and they held him for King But other Historians both Brittish and English Domestical and Foreign affirm that Constantine at his going from Brittain to Rome committed the Government of this Countrey to the Roman Proconsuls and the named Octavian or Octavius took arms against them slew them and so obtained to be King here The Monk of Westminster saith this Octavius was a King before a Regulus or Prince of the People in and about Worcestershire Harding saith he was Duke of West Sex he must mean where the West Saxons after ruled for they came not into Brittain till a long time after this But after his day came one Octavius Duke of West sex that crowned was for King That slewgh the Werdins of Constantinus Which that he set for Brittain governing In his abscence to keep it in all thing Besides this there be other difficulties among the Historians about this Octavius and such as will discredit him for having had many great and chief and long Commands as a King in this Nation Math Westm setteth down his conquering the Roman Proconsul here in the year of Christ 314 when divers more ancient and received Historians say that S. Helen our Queen and Empress continued here long after that time Br. fol. 543. 4. And her Son Constantine Emperor now at the highest of his Glory Power and Victories and having so many Brittish Soldiers without imployment in France so near unto us cannot be immagined to have suffered any Enemy in his own native Countrey so to have prevailed or how could such a man as Octavius is supposed to be assemble such an Army in Brittain where that victorious Emperor was undoubted King and whence he had so great an Army of Brittains so lately before that by them as our Historians write he vanquished all most innumerable Companies of his most potent Enemies And as these Relators of Octavius his proceedings themselves are Witnesses the power with Constantine was so great that the Romans which came hither unto him seeing his power said No Prince in the world was comparable to him for strength Where then in Brittain could Octavius gather an Army so soon to encounter and overthrow three Legions of Roman Soldiers besides their Adherents as these men say And Eusebius saith that Constantine himself came hither again and was here longer after this pretended Revolt and at his death gave Brittain the ancient Patrimony to his Eldest Son Again these men say Octavius was King here until Maximus his time and married his only Daughter and Heir unto him when it is a common consent in Antiquities that this Maximus or Maximinianus was not King in Brittain till after the 380. year of Christ Therefore he must needs be granted to be very young of too few years at the going of Constantine hence for him to commit the Government of Brittain unto him or for himselfe to have so soon Usurped against it so rightfull and potent King and Emperour Our most ancient and best Historians S. Gildas S. Bede Marianus Florentius Wigorniensis Ethelwardus Henry of Huntington and William of Malmsbury although as diligently as they could recounting our Kings of Brittain never mention any such Octavius or Octavian but the chiefest and most ancient among them S. Gildas plainly saith that this Island was at this time and until Maximus or Maximinian a Brittain took upon him the Empire a Roman Island Insula nomen Romanum tenens And divers Historians both late and ancient do particularly set down our Kings after Constantine the Great and Roman Leivtenants here until these daies as Constantine Constantius Julian Valentinian Gratian Emperors or Kings Martinus Lupicinus Nectaridius Theodosius Fraomarius and other Roman Lievtenants and Governors here And when the Councel of Ariminum was kept about the year of Christ 360 and the 23. year of Constantius son of Constantine the Great it is certain that this Constantius was our King in Brittain and bore the charge of the poorest Bishops of this Kingdom as then under his Government which were present there and he was so far from losing Brittain or any other Countrey of his Empire then as Sozomen and others testifie that Councel thus wrote unto him Epist Arimin Conc. ad Constant Imp. apud Sozoni Hist l. 4. c. 47. at this time this Empire so encreased that all the World was under his Government this was above twenty years after the death of the great Constantine in whose time this Revolt of Brittain from him is thus supposed and above twice so long time of the imagined usurpation here by Octavius And Zonaras writeth that this Constantius in the fourteenth year of his Empire banished or rather carried with him Athanasius into Brittain at his coming hither Therefore I dare not assent that in this time of the greatest flourishing Estate of the Roman Empire and the power thereof in Brittain Harding Cron. c. 63. f. 51. Galf. Mon. Hist Reg. Bri. l. 5. cap. 9. Pont. Virun Hist l. 5. Math. West an 379. especially from whence the glory of it grew to that greatness either Octavius or any other so much prevailed here to bar the Emperors of that honour But he might towards the time of Maximus or Maximianus when the Empire had more Enemies and less power prevail in some such sort as these Historians have written of him although they differ also in Maximian as well as in Octavius one saith he
Tiranidis jugo liberavi civitatem S. P. Q. R. libertatem vindicans pristinae amplitudini splendori restitui You have here viewed Illustrious Prince our first Christian Emperor and his Father fit patterns for imitation Cast your Gracious eyes upon our first Catholick King Lucius and you shall find him Christianity being now established thus Charactered Interea gloriosus ille Britonum Rex Lucius cum intra regnum suum cultum vere fidei magnificatum esse vidisset maximo gaudio fluctuans possessiones territoria quae prius templa Idolorum possidebant in meliorem usum vertens Ecclesiis fidelium permancre concessit quia majorem honorem ipsis impendere debuerat augmentavit illas amplioribus agris mansis omnique libertate sublimavit And a little after Lucius the first Christian King of this Land then called Brittain founded the first Church in London that is to say St. Peters Church upon Cornhill where he setled an Archbishops See making that Church the Metropolis of his Kingdom neither was his zeal and piety confined to that City for you shall find him erecting a goodly Cathedral at Caerlegion in that part of England abusively called Wales which now is known by the name of Monmothshire as also the famous Vniversity of Bangor in the remotest parts thereof This holy King saith my Author granted made and signed many writings Charters and donations for defence maintenance and preservation of Religion as to the Vniversity of Cambridge the School of Shaftsbury with others and when he had done all this Anno 201. Inclitus Britannorum Rex Lucius in bonis actibus assumptus ab hac vita Claudiocesbriae migravit ad Christum in Ecclesia primae sedis sepultus honorifice King Arthur sealed many grants for the advancement of Religion and Learning and by reason of his great victories thrice changed his armorial ensignes at last advancing the cross for my Author saith King Arthur that mighty conquerour and worthy had so great affection and love to this sign that he left his armes which he used before wherein were figured three Dragons another of three crownes or as some say of thirteen and depicted in his shield a cross silver in a field vert and on the first quarter thereof he figured an Image of our B. Lady with her Son in her armes and with this sign he did wonders in Arms. And to this hour we see the Knights of the Noble order of the Garter of which number your Grace the flower of chevaldry is one to bear Argent a plain cross Gules the field signifying pureness of life the cross the blood that Christ shed for this our people whom Trevisa calleth the people of God and the Realm of Gods Land the same ensign did Joseph of Aramathia give unto Arviragus King of Brittain not many years after our Saviours passion Cadwalader the last Brittish Monarch for his armes bore Azure a cross for my fitched Or whole volumes may be compiled of this Subject and the worthy and most Christian acts of your sanctly progenitors But least I should convert an Epistle Dedicatory into History or Chronology I will proceed no further humbly offering up these my weak endeavours before the shrine of your goodness with all integrity beseeching Almighty God that you may if not excel at least equal the most valiant and vertuous of your Royal Progenitors which shall be the daily prayers of Your Royal Highness Most faithful and humble servant PERCY ENDERBY The Duke of York Anarawd King of Northwales Eidwal King of the same Meurick or Meirick Eidwal II. Jago Conan Griffith King of Northwales Owen King of Northwales Jorwerth Son and Heir to Owen married Marret D. to Madoc Prince of Powis Lhewelyn Prince of Northwales Gladis sole Daughter and Heir married to Ralph Lord Mortimer who in her right should have been Prince of Northwales Roger Lord Mortimer Edmund Lord Mortimer Roger Lord Mortimer Earl of March Edmund Lord Mortimer c. Roger Lord Mortimer Edmund Earl of March married Philip D. and H. to Lyonel D. of Clarence Roger Mortimer Earl of March left one only Daughter and Heir married to Richard Earl of Cambridge Richard Duke of York King Edward the Fourth Elizabeth sole daughter and heir married to King Henry the seventh descended from Owen Tudor Margaret eldest daughter to Henry the seventh and in her Issue his Inheretrix was Grandmother to Mary Queen of Scotland France and England Mother to King James King of great Brittain France and Ireland c. Grand-Father to James Duke of York who married Anne daughter to Sir Edward Hyde Baron of Henden and Lord Chancellor of England and hath Issue Charles Duke of Cambridge YORK The City of York anciently called Eboracum is seated upon the river Vre which we call Ouse in the VVest-riding of this County and is the second City of England both for fame and greatness a pleasant large and Stately place all well fortified and beautifully adorned as well with private as publick edifices and rich and populous with all seated on the river Ouse which cutteth it as it were in twain both parts being joyned together with a fair stone-bridge consisting of high and mighty arches a City of great fame in the Roman times and of as eminent reputation in all ages since and in the several turnes and changes which have befallen this Kingdom under the Saxons Danes and Normans hath still preserved its ancient lustre adorned it was with an Archiepiscopal See in the time of the Brittains nor stooped it lower when the Saxons received the Faith Richard the second laying unto it a little Territory on the VVest side thereof made it a county of it self in which the Archbishops of York enjoyed the rights of Palatines and for a further lustre to it Henry the eighth appointed here a councel for the Government of the Northern parts consisting of a Lord President certain Councellors a Secretary and other Officers and yet in none of these hath York been more fortunate then that it adorned so many Princes of the Imperial line of Germany and blood Royal of England with stile and attribute of Dukes and Earls of YORK 1. Otho of Bavaria Earl of York 2. Edmund of Langley fift Son to Edward the third Duke of York 3. Edward Plantagenet Son of Edward of Langley Duke of York 4. Rich. Plantagenet Nephew of Ed. of Langley Duke of York 5. Rich. of Shrewsbury Son of King Edw. Duke of York 6. Henry second Son to King Henry seventh Duke of York after King of England 7. Charles second Son of James King of England 8. James second Son to King CHARLES now Duke of York The Duke of CUMBERLAND It is needless to set down at large the Brittish line of this Heroick and VVarlike Prince Rupertus being sufficient to tell you that he is Son to that Peerless and unparallel'd Princess Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia daughter to James King of great Brittain sister to Charles King of great Brittain
And the next year after he gave the Brittains an other overthrow and then departed this life About this time died Theodor the Son of Belin a Man of great estimation among the Brittains Not long after there was a great battail fought betwixt the Brittains and the Picts at a place called Magedawc where the King of the Picts was slain About this time Rodri or Roderike Molwynoc was driven by the Saxons to forsake the West Country and to come to seek his own inheritance in Northwales where ruled at that time the Children of Bletius or Bledericus Prince of Cornwall and Devonshire who was one of them that gave Adelred and Ethelbert the overthrow at Bangor upon the River De and injoyed the Government of Northwales ever since Cadvan was chosen King of Brittain untill this time Powels Chronic fol. 16. By this history it should seem saith my Author that the Brittains continued their Government in the VVest part of Lhoegria untill this time But surely the consent in a manner of all writers is that the Brittish Kingdom ended in Cadwalader after whom the Brittains had nothing to do beyond Severne being constrained to keep themselves within the Countries of Cambria and Cornubia It is also written by divers that Ivor and Inir at their first arriving in Brittain were expelled by the Saxons and driven into Wales where Ivor ruled as Prince many years whom this Rodri the Son of Edwal the Son of Cadwalader succeeded VVhen Rodri or Roderike the King of the Brittains had reigned above 30. years he died leaving two Sons after him Conan Tindaythwy and Howel Conan Tindaythwy the Son of Roderike Conan Tindaythwy began his reign over the Brittains Anno Domini 755. About two years after there was a great battail fought at Hereford between the Brittains and the Saxons where Dyfnwal the Son of Theodor was slain Jo. Castorius In the year 776 the men of Southwales destroyed a great part of Mercia with fire sword and the summer following all the Welshmen gathered together and entered the Kingdom of Mercia and did much harm The Saxons which bordered upon the Country of Cambria or Wales did daily encroach upon the Lands of the Welshmen beyond Severn especially towards the South part of the Country Wherefore the natives put themselves in armour and set upon the Saxons and chased them over Severn again and then returned home with great prey and booty and thus they did oftentimes killing and destroying all before them and alwaies bringing home with them much Cattel which thing caused Offa to conclude a peace with other Saxon Kings and to bend his whole force against the Welshmen Whereupon Offa King of Mercia caused a great ditch to be made large and deep from Sea to Sea Powel John Castor Math. West betwixt his Kingdom and Wales whereby he might the better defend his Country from the incursions of the Welshmen And this ditch is to be seen in many places as yet and is called Clawdh Offa Viz. Offa's ditch at this day Offa's ditch Shrewsbury the ancient Court of the Welsh Princes of Powys After Offa had made this deep ditch and chased the Welshmen from the plain Countries unto the Woods and Mountains the seat of the Kings of Powys was translated from Pengweru now called Salop or Shrewsbury to Marthrual where it continued long after About the year 795 there was a battail fought at Ruthlan between the Saxons and the Welshmen where Caradoc King of Northwales was slain This Carodoc was the son of Gwin the son of Golhoyn the son of Ednowen the son of Blethin the son of Bletius or Cledericus Prince of Cornwal and Devonshire Nole In the year 800. died Arthen the son of Sitsylth the son of Clydawc King of Cardigan and Run King of Dinet and Kadelch King of Powis died in the year 808. This was a troublesome time and as yet no staid government in Wales and therefore such as were chief Lords in any country were called Kings In the year 810. the Moon was Ecclipsed on Christmas day and the same year St. Davids was burnt by the Saxons There was also a general murrain and death of Cattel throughout all Wales the next year ensuing Owen the son of Meredith the son oâ Terudos died the Castle of Degaunwy was destroyed with thunder Conan Prince of Wales and his brother Howel fell at variance in somuch that they tryed the matter by battail wherein Howel had the victory This Howel the brother of Conan King or Prince of Northwales did claim the Isle of Môn or Anglesey for part of his fathers inheritance which Conan refused to give him and thereupon they fell at variance and consequently to make war the one against the other The next year there was much hurt done by thunder in divers places many houses burnt to the earth The same year dyed Gruffith the son of Run and Griffri the son of Kyngen was slain by the treason of Elico his brother Howel gave his brother Conan another battail and slew a great number of his people whereupon Conan levied an army in the year 817 and chased his brother Howel out of Anglesey compelling him to fly into Man And a little after died Conan chief King of the Brittains or Welshmen leaving behind him a daughter called Esylht who was marryed to a Noble man called Mervin Vrich the son of Gwyriad or Vriet the son of Elidur and so forth in the right line to Belinus the brother of Brennus King of the Brittains and his mother was Nest the daughter of Cadelth King of Powis the son of Brochwel Yscithroc that fought with the Saxons at Bangor who was Prince of Powis This Brochwel is called by the Latine writers Brecinellus and Brochmaelus of whom Galfride J. Cast Math. West Mr. Powel fol. 22. saith Mr Powel I find thus written in Historia Divae Monacellae Fuit olim in Powisia quidam princeps illustrissimus nomine Brochwel Yscithroc Consul Legecestriae qui in Vrbe tunc temporis Pengwern Powis nunc vero Salopia dicta est habitabat cujus domicilium seu habitaculum ibi steterat ubi Collegium Divi Ceddae nunc situm est That is There was sometimes in Powis a Noble Prince named Brochwel Yscithroc Consul or Earl of Chester who dwelt in a town then called Pengwern Powis and now Salop whose dwelling house was in the very same place where the Colledge of St. Chad now standeth This man with Cadvan King of Brittain Morgan King of Demetia and Bledericus King of Cornwall gave an overthrow to Ethelfred King of Northumberland upon the river Dee an 617. of whom the Ancestours of divers in Wales living at this day are known by ancient books and records to have descended Mervin Vrich and Esylht the Daughter of Conan The first year of the reign of Mervin Vrich and Esylht his wife Egbert King of the Saxons entered into VVales with a great and puissant army and destroyed the whole Country unto
number of Lay brethren of that house which lived by the labour of their hands This Brochwel retired over Dee hard by Bangor and defended the Saxons passage till Cadvan King of Northwales Meredith King of Southwales 1066. Saxons slain by the Brittains and Bledrus or Bletius Prince of Cornwall came to succour him and gave the Saxons a sore battail and slew of them the number of 1066. and put the rest to flight After which battail Cadvan was chosen King of Brittain and was chief ruler within the Isle after whom his son Cadwallon who was father to Cadwallador the last of the Brittish blood that bare the name of King of Brittain This was writ by a Northwales man but Southwales far exceedeth it for beauty profit and pleasure was King The third time that Northwales came to a Woman was to Esylht daughter to Conan Tindaythwy the son of Edwal Ywrch the son of Cadwalador She was wife to Mervin Vrich and Mother to Roderike the great as hereafter shall be declared By this you may understand that Northwales hath been a great while the chiefest seat of the last Kings of Brittain it was and is the strongest countrey within this Isle full of high mountains craggy rocks great Woods and deep valleyes straight and dangerous places deep and swift Rivers as Dev which springeth in the hills of Merioneth and runneth Northwest through Mouthwy and by Machinlaeth and so to the sea at Aberdini dividing North and Southwales asunder d ee called in Welsh Dourdwy springeth also in an other side of the said hills runneth East through Penlhin and the lake Tisgyd down to Corwen and Lhangolhen between Chirkland and Bromfield where it boweth Northward toward Bangor to Holt and to Chester and thence Northwest to Flint Castle and so to the sea There is also Conwel rising likewise in Merionithshire and dividing Caernarvon from Denbighshire runneth under Suowdon North-east by the Town of Aberconwey to the sea Also Clwyd which rising in Denbighland runneth down to Kuthin and plain North not far from Denbigh to St. Asaph and so by Kuthlan and to the sea there be many other fair Rivers of which some run to the sea as Mawr at Traethmawr and Avon Y Saint at Caernarvon and others that run to Severn as Murnwy in Powis and to Murny Tanat some other to d ee as Ceirioc betwixt the Lordships of Chirk and Wittington Alin through Yal and Moldes dale and Hopedale and so to Dee a little above Chester And this shal suffice for the perfect description of that which in old time was called Gwineth and Powis and at these dayes the six Shires of Northwales Now remaineth the last Kingdom of Wales called Dinevowr which although it was the greatest Dinevour yet was it not the best as Giraldus writeth chiefly because it was most molested by Flemmings and Normans and also that in divers parts thereof the Lords would not obey their Prince as in Gwent and in Morganwc which wrought their own confusion as shall hereafter appear This was divided into six parts of which Caredigion was the first and contained four Cantrefs and ten comots Caerdigion as Cantref Penwedic had in it these comots Geneurglin Perueth and Crenthin Cantref Canawl had these Mevenith Anhunoc and Pennarch Cantref Castelh had these comots Mabwinion and Caerwedros Cantref Sirwen had these Gwenionith and Iscoed and this part is at this day called in English Caerdiganshire and in Welsh Swidh Aberleini This is a champion country without much wood and hath been divers times overcome by Flemmings and Normans who builded many Castles in it and at last were beaten out of them all It hath on the East Northwales with the River Dini and part of Powis upon the South Caermarthenshire upon the West Pembrockshire with the river Teini and upon the North the Irish sea In this part is the Town of Cardigan upon Teini not far from the sea The Town of Aberystwyth upon the river Ystwith by the sea and Lhanbadern Vawr which was a great Sanctuary and a place of religious and learned men in times past and in this Shire was a great number of Castles as the Castle of Strat Meyric of Walter of Lhanristed of Dynerth of the sons of Mineaon of Aber Reidol and many more with the Towns of Tregaron Lhandhewibreni as you shall understand hereafter The second part was call Dinot and at this day Pembrockshire and had in it eight cantrefs and 23. comots which where these cantref Emlin that had these comots Vwchluch Iscutch and Lenethir Cantref Arberth had these Penrhin or Elays Esterolet and Talacaarn Cantref Dangeld had these Amgoed Pennant and Eudfre Cantref Ycoed had these Lhanhayaden and Castelh Gwis Cantref Penvro had these Coedychaf Maenorbyir and Penvro Cantref Ros had these Hulfforth Castelh Gwalhmai and Ygarne Cantref Pubidioc had these Miniw Pencaer and Pebidioc Cantref Cemas hath these Vwchnener Isnener and Trefdracth In these parts are divers towns and havens at this day as Pembroch Tenby in Welsh Denbigh Y Pis Heref. in welsh Hulforth with the fair haven of Milford called in Welsh Aberdangeldhen S. Davids or Menevia called in Welsh Miniw the chiefest see in all Wales Then Friscare called Abergwain Newport named Trefdraeth these be along the sea coast and not very far of besides these there be divers Castles as Cilgarran Arberth Gwys Lanhayaden Walwin and divers others This part was wan first by the Montgomeries Earls of Shrewsbery and after given to the Marshalls and so to Valence and from thence to the Princes of Wales most troubled with the Normans and Flemmings who do remain and inhabit about Pembrock Tenbie and in Ros to this day which can neither speak Welsh nor good English as yet Dinet for so I will call it hereafter hath on the West and the North the Irish sea upon the South the Spanish sea and upon the East Caermarthenshire and on the North-East Caerdiganshire The third part of Caermardhinshire having 4 cantrefs and 15. comots as cantref Finioc with the comots of Harfryn Dervedh and Isgeneny Cantref Eginoc with these Gwir now in Glamorganshire Cidwel and Carnwillheon Cantref Baehan with these Melhaen Caeo and Maenor Deilo Cantref Mawr with these Cethineoc comot Mab Elvyw comot Mab Vchdrid and Widigada In this Shire are the Townes and Castles of Caermadhin Dinevowr which was the Princes seat of that Country Newton Lhandeilo Lhauymdhyfry Elmin Swansey now in Glamorganshire called in welsh Abertawy upon the sea the Castle of the sons of Vchtryd of Lhanstephan and others It hath upon the West Dinet or Pembrockshire on th North Caerdigââshire upon the Southwest the sea and upon the Southeast Glamorgan and upon the East Brechnockshire This is counted the strongest part of all Southwales as that which is full of high mountains great Woods and fair rivers specially Tywy In this and in the other two parts of Southwales were the notablest acts that their History treateth of atchived and done The fourth called
to the Government and sought the rule of the Land as Conan the son of Howel and Aedan the son of Blegored who tried the matter in open field where Conan was slain in the year 1003. I do not know saith my Author neither could I ever finde what colour or pretence of Title this Aedan ap Blegored had to the principality of Northwales nor yet of whom he de cended or who descended from him whereas all the other Princes are notoriosly known of what families they did descend and who from them neither yet do I read of any Blegored whose son he was except it be that Doctor of Law of whom mention is made in the Laws of Howel Dha whose estate was too mean to challenge a principality he is reported to have governed about twelve years Of his Acts by him atchieved there is very little written saving of those two battails the one wherein he overcame Conan ap Howel and the other wherein he was overcome himself and slain with his four sons by Lhewellin ap Sitsylht In the year 1015. Lhewelin the Son of Sitsylht raised a great power against Aedan who by force had taken upon him the rule of Northwales and slew him with his four sons in battel and having no respect to Jago or James the son of Edwal the right heir took upon him the name and authority of King of Wales This Lhewellin was descended from the Kings of Wales by his mothers side whose name was Trawst daughter to Elise second son to Anarawd which was eldest son to Roderik the great who also had to wife Angharac the only daughter of Meredith Prince of Southwales and so by these means he claimed and enjoyed the right of either country as hereafter shall be shewed Lhewellin the son of Sitsylht and Angharat the Daughter of Meredith After that Lhewellin son of Sitsylht had taken into his hands the government of Wales all things did prosper in the Land for the earth brought forth double to the time before passed the people prospered in all their affairs and multiplyed wonderfully the cattel encreased in great number so that there was neither begger nor poor man from the South to the North sea but every man had plenty every house a dweller and every Town inhabitants In the year 1019. Meyric the son of Arthpoel did raise a great army against Lhewelin King or Prince of VVales which met with him in the field and manfully slew him and discomfited his people In the year 1020. a certain Son of low birth came to Southwales and named himself Run the son of Meredith their late King whom the Nobility which loved not Lhewelin exalted to the regal Throne and took him for their King which thing when Lhewelin heard he gathered his power in Northwales and came towards the supposed Run who had gotten all the strength of Southwales together at Abergwili where with great pride he abode the coming of Lhewelin but when both the armies met and were ready to joyn Run full of brags and cracks encouraged his people to fight promising them the Victory yet he himself following the Proverb which biddeth a man to set on his dog and not to run after him set on his people to fight it to the uttermost and withdrew himself privately out of the way whereas upon the contrary part Lhewelin like a bold and couragious Prince came before his people calling for the vile Scot Run that durst so bely a Princes Blood and so both the Armyes joyned together with much malice and hatred for the one party was so couragious to defend the quarrel of so worthy a Prince of their own blood as the other was obstinate in the cause of a stranger in the end after great slaughter upon either part the Northwales men remembring their old Victories and encouraged by the prowess of their Prince put their enemies to flight and pursued Run so narrowly that all his Scottish shifts could not save his life and returned home with great spoil and prey Then Lhewelin ruled all the land quietly till the year following he was slain by Howel and Meredith the Sons of Edwin leaving behinde him a son named Griffith ap Lhewelin After the death of Lhewelin Jago or James the son of Edwal took upon him the rule of Northwales as right heir thereof and Rytherick the son of Jestin governed Southwales by strong hand year 1031 About the year 1031. the Irish Scots entred Southwales by the means of Howel and Meredith the sons of Edwin ap Eneon ap Owen ap Howel Dha who hired them against Rytherick ap Jestin whom they discomfited and slew and by that means attained unto the government of Southwales which they two ruled jointly but yet with small quietness for the sons of Rytherick gathered a number of such as were their fathers friends to avenge his death with whom Howel and Meredith met at Hyarthwy and after long fight put them to flight But in the year following Meredith was slain by the sons of Conan the Son of Sitsylt brother to the worthy Prince Lhewelin to revenge their fathers death whom Meredith and his Brother had slain The year next ensuing certain Englishmen entred the Land of Gwent with whom Rytherick ap Jestin fought and was by them slain In the year 1037. Gruffith the son of Lhewelin ap Sitsylt sometime King of Wales raised a great number of people against Jago then enjoying the Principality or Kingdom of Northwales whom Jago likewise provided for as well as he could but the more part better souldiers were of Gruffiths side for the love they bare to his Father which afterward well appeared for the Armies meeting Jago was soon overthrown and slain This Jago left behind him a son called Conan by his wife Avandred daughter to Gweir the son of Pilh Gruffith ap Lhewlyn ap Sitsylt and Angharat Gruffith ap Lhewlin after he had slain Jago governed Northwales worthily in all things following his fathers steps who overcame both the Danes and the Englishmen divers times and defended his Country and people manfully all his reign In the first year of his government he fought with the Englishmen and Danes at Crosford upon Severn and put them to flight and from thence he led his army to Lhanpadarn Vawr in Caerdiganshire and destroyed it utterly and from thence passed all Southwales throughout and received the people to his subjection for Howel ap Edwin their King fled before his face and forsook the land This Howel procured Edwin the brother of Leofrike Earl of Chester or Mercia to come with an army of Englishmen and Danes to his aid against Prince Gruffith who met his enemies in the field and overcame them and slew the said Edwin but Howel escaped by flight after the which victory Gruffith made sundry invasions upon the Marshes toward Hereford and alwayes returned with great spoyles year 1038 When Gruffith had brought all Wale under his dominion he returned to Northwales again The year ensuing
Angharat daughter to Meredith King of Wales did govern Northwales Conan the son of Jago being all this time with his Father in law in Ireland Caradock ap Gruffith ap Rytheryc was the first that procured Haroald to come into Wales against Gruffith ap Lhewelyn hoping by him to attain unto the Government of Southwales but it fell ontotherwise for when Haroald understood that he should not get that which he looked for at the hands of Caradock which was a certain Lordship within Wales nigh unto Hereford and knowing also Caradoc to be a subtile and deceitfull man compounding with Meredith ap Owen for that Lordship he made him King or Prince of Southwales and banished Caradoc out of the Countrey Afterward Haroald having obtained that Lordship builded there a stately and princely house at a place called Portashlyth and divers times earnestly invited the King to come and see the same and at length the King being then at Glocester not far of granted him his request whereupon Haroald made such preparation as was most wonderfull and as much abused Soon after this the said Caradoc ap Gruffith came to the same house and to be revenged upon Haroald killed all the workmen and labourers that vvere at vvork and all the servants and people of Haroald that he could finde and defacing the vvork carried avvay those things that with great labour and expences had been brought thither and set out and beautified the building William commonly called the Conquerour was now King of England and Edrik Sylvaticus the son of Alfrike Earl of Mercia refusing to submit himself as ohers had done when he saw that the King was departed to Normandy rose against such as were left in his absence to keep the Land in obedience whereupon those that lay in the Castle of Hereford Richard Fitz Scroop and others oftentimes invaded his Lands and wasted the goods of his Tenants but as often as they came against him they alwaies lost some of their own men at length he calling to his aid the Kings of VVales Blethyn and Rywalhon wasted the Country of Hereford even to VVye bridge and then returned with great booty This year also 1068. Meredith and Ithel the sons of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn raised a strong army against Blethyn and Rywalhon Kings of Northwales and met with them at a place called Mechain where after a long fight there were slain upon the one part Ithel and upon the other Rywalhon and Meredith put to flight whom Blethyn pursued so straitly that he starved for cold and hunger upon the mountains and so Blethyn son of Convyn remained the only King of Powis and Northwales Carodoc the son of Gruffith ap Rytherck ap Jestyn caused a great number of Frenchmen for so the Brittish book calleth the Normans to enter Southwales to whom he joyned his power of Gwentland and gave Meredith the King of that countrey an overthrow and slew him upon the River Rympyn About this time the Normans brought great forces into Westwales by sea and destroyed Dynet and the Country of Caerdigan and carried away much spoil and did so likewise the year following Bleythyd Bishop of Menevia or Saint Davids died about this time and Sulien was Bishop in his place Radulf Earl of East Angles his Mother came out of Wales which was the cause of the Welshmens assisting him against William the Conquerour Matth. West lib. 2. fol. 6 Math. Parker p. 11. for Ranulf sent for many of his Mothers friends and kinsmen to come unto him meaning through their aid and procurement to get the Princes and people of VVales to joyn with him in his enterprise but VVilliam having notice of this plot and coming before he was sent for he hanged some of the VVelshmen among others put our the eyes of many and banished the rest In the year 1073. Blethyn ap Convin King of VVales was traiterously and cowardly murthered by Rees ap Owen and the Gentlemen of Ystrad Tywy after he had governed VVales thirteen years This man was very liberal and mercifull doing Justice and Equity all his Reign he had divers weomen and many children First Meredith by Haer daughter to Gythyn Lywarck and Cadogan by another woman Madâe and Ryrid by the third Jorwerth by the fourth Trahern the Son of Caradoc After the death of Blethyn Trahern ap Caradoc his cosin German took upon him the rule of Northwales and Rees ap Owen with Rytherck ap Caradoc did jontly rule Southwales Then Gruffith son to Conan son to Jago or James right Inheritour of Northwales came from Ireland with succour with his brethren Encumalhon King of Vltonia and Ranalht and Mathawn had delivered him and landed in the Isle of Môn or Anglesey and brought it to his Subjection At this time Kynwric ap Rynalbon a noble man of Maelor or Bromfield was slain in Northwales This year also Gronow and Lhewelin the sons of Cadogan ap Blethyn did joyn their powers with Caradoc ap Gruffith ap Rytherck to revenge their Grandfathers death and then fought at a place called Camdhwc where the Sons of Cadogan obtained the Victory shortly after Gruffith ap Conan passed over the water from Môn to the main land and Trabern ap Caradoc met with him at Bronyrew where Gruffith was put to flight and retired back to the Isle year 1074 In the year 1074. Rytherc ap Caradoc was slain by Treason of his own cosin German Meyrchaon ap Rees ap Rytherc and Rees ap Owen ruled Southwales alone Nevertheless the sons of Cadogan gathered their powers and came against him and fought with him the second time at Gwaynyttyd where he was put to flight but yet he gathered new forces and kept the land still Then Trahern ap Caradoc King of Northwales moves his forces against Rees who boldly met him with all the power of Southwales at a place called Pwlhgwttic where after long fighting Rees was put to slight and after great slaughter of his men he fled from place to place fearing all things like a stagg that had been lately chased which mistrusteth every noise but at the last he with his Brother Howel fell into the hands of Caradoc aâ Gruffith who slew them both in revenge of the wise and noble Prince Blethyn ap Convyn At this time Sulien Arch-Bishop of Saint Davids did forsake his Bishoprick and Abraham was chosen Bishop in his place year 1077 In the year 1077. Rees the son of Theodore the son of Eneon the son of Owen the son of Howel Dha as right Inheritor to the Kingdome of Southwales claimed the same and the people received him with much joy and made him their Prince The next year Menevia was all spoiled and destroyed by strangers and Abraham the Bishop died after whose death Sulien was compelled to take the Bishoprick again In the year following Gruffith the son of Conan did bring a great Army of Irishmen and Scots into Wales and joyned with Rees ap Theodore as two right heirs of the
whole Countrey Gruffith of Northwales and Rees of Southwales descending both lineally from Roderic the Great against whom came Trahern ap Caradoc and Caradoc Gruffith and Mailer the sons of Rywalhon ap Gwyn his cosin Germans for Gwyn ap Blethin was their Grandfather who in those daies were the chief Rulers of all Wales and after they had met at the Mountains of Carno they fought a cruel battel and were the more eager because upon that daies work lay the lives and honour of either party but at length the victory fell to Gruffith and Rees and Trahern with his cosins were all slain and most part of their people then the Kingdomes of Wales came under the rule of the right heirs again At this time also a noble man in VVales called Vrgency ap Sitsylht was slain by the sons of Rees Sais i. e. Rees the Englishman for so they used to name all such as had served in England or could speak English Gules three Lyons pass Gardant or other say onely passant which I rather approve of Gruffith the Son of Conan The Welsh Princes do homage to VVilliam the Conquerour After the death of Trahern Gruffith ap Conan did quietly rule Northwales and Rees ap Theodore Southwales In the year 1079. William commonly called the Conquerour entred VVales with a great Army and passed as far as Saint Davids where he offered and took homage of the Kings of the Land And not long after the Sepulchre of VValwey King Arthurs Sisters Son was found upon the sea shore in the Countrey of Ros the body by estimation upon viewing of the bones was thought to be fourteen foot in length VValwey in his life time was a right noble and valiant Warriour of very good reputation who ruled that Country which to this day from him is called VValwethay Caerdiff built And this year Sulion forsook his Bishoprick the second time and VVilfrid was enstalled in his place and in this time also the Town of Caerdyff was built year 1087 About the year 1087. the sons of Blethyn ap Convyn sometime King of VVales gathered their strengths together against Rees of Tewdor who not being able to meet them fled to Ireland and there he purchased to himself great friends and got an Army of Irishmen and Scots to whom he promised great Rewards when he should obtain his Kingdome and so landed in Southwales with those strangers which when his friends heard of they drew to him and the other came in all haste thinking to fight with him before his power should encrease and at Lhechryd they gave him battel where they were overthrown and two of the Brethren slain to wit Madoc and Riryd and the other fled and forsook the Countrey As soon as Rees was in quiet possession of his Kingdome he sent home his strangers with great rewards About this time the Shrine of Saint David was stollen out of the Church and when all the Jewels and Treasures were taken away the Shrine was left where it might be found again About this time the Earls of Hereford and Shrewsbury with the VVelshmen burned all VVorcestershire and Glocestershire to the very gates of VVorcester And in the year 1088. there was a terrible Earthquake through all the land and the year following dyed Sulien the godliest and wisest man and the greatest Clerk in all Wales being 89. years old About this time certain strangers which were Rovers upon the seas landed at St. David and robbed it and burned the Town at which time also Cadinor the the son of Colhoyn Lord of Dinet dyed whose sons Lhewelyn and Eneon moved Gruffith the son of Meredyth to make war against their Lord and Prince Rees ap Tewdor and so joyning all their strength together came against him to Lhandydoc where Rees was who gave them battail and putting them to flight pursued them so sore that he took Gruffith ap Meredith and put him death but Eneon son to Cadinor ap Colhoyn fled to Jestin Lord of Morganwc who likewise rebelled against Rees ap Theodor and promised upon condition to have Jestins daughter in marriage and certain other covenants then agreed upon between them to bring to their succours an army of Normans for he had served in England before and was well known and acquainted with all the English Nobility which things being thus concluded they were fully determined to be revenged upon Rees And so Eneon went to England and wrought such means that he procured Robert Fitzhamon in the reign of William Rufus which twelve other Knights to gather a great army of Frenchmen and Normans to come to their aid who shortly after landed in Glamorganshire where Jestin ap Gurgent Lord of the Land received them with much honour and joyning his power to theirs burned and spoyled Prince Rees it grieved him exceedingly whereupon he suddainly gathered his people and met him not far from Brecknock where after a terrible fight he was slain with whom fell and decayed the Kingdom of Southwales This Rees had by his wife the daughter of Rywalhon ap Convin a son called Gruffith who at his fathers death was but a very child and one Grovo that was in the Kings prison These Normans after they had received their promised Salary and great rewards of Jestin returned to their ships When Eneon burthened Jestin with the promise of his daughter in marriage Jestin laughed him to scorn and told him that he would bestow his daughter otherwise whereupon Eneon full of anger and despite followed the Normans and when he came to the shore they were all a shipboard Then he shouted to them and made a sign with his cloak to call them back and they returned again to know his meaning Then he went to the chiefest of them and shewed his abuse at Jestins hands declaring withall how easie it was for them to win that fair and pleasant Country from Jestin whom for his treason to Rees none other Prince of Wales would succour whereunto they easily perswaded turned all their power against him for whose defence they had come thither and at whose hands they had been well entertained and recompenced with rich gifts and rewards And first they spoyled him of his country who mistrusted them not and took all the fertile and valley land to themselves and left the barren and rough mountains for Eneon his part the names of Robert and the twelve Knights and parcels which fell to each ones share were these Azure a Lyon rampant gardant Or encensed gules Those men whose Coats are mentioned and their Heirs have enjoyed the Country to this day who were the first strangers that ever Inhabited Wales since the time oâ Camber Of this King or Prince Master Mills saith Griffin Prince of Northwales son and successour of Conan the Prince between this Griffin or rather Gruffith and Blethyn Prince of Powis and Rees the son of Theodore Prince of Demetia there was a great search and enquiry made concerning their Armes and military Ensigns as
those Strangers into Wales who openly went with his power to them and did lead them to the Isle of Anglesey which thing when Gruffith and Cadogan perceived they sailed to Ireland mistrusting the Treason of their own people Then the Earls spoiled the land and slew all that they found in the Isle and at the very same time Magnus the son of Haroald came with a great Navy of Ships towards England minding to lay faster hold upon that Kingdome then his Father had done and being driven by chance to Anglesey would have landed there but the Earl impeached his landing there and there Magnus with an arrow stroke Hugh Earl of Salop in the face that he dyed thereof and suddenly either part forsook the Isle and the Englishmen returned home and left Owen ap Edwyn Prince thereof who had allured them thither year 1098 In the year 1098. returned Gruffith ap Conan and Cadogan ap Blethyn from Ireland and made peace with the Normans and gave them part of their Inheritance for Gruffith remained in Môn and Cadogan had Caerdigan and a parcel of Powis Land About this time the men of Brercnock slew Lhewelyn the son of Cadogan then Howel ap Ithel of Tegengel went to Ireland Also Rythmarck the Arch-Bishop of Saint Davids dyed the godliest wisest and greatest Clerk Sulien except that had been in VVales many years before About this time also dyed Crono ap Cadogan and Gwyn ap Gruffith year 1101 In the year 1101. Robert de Blesmo son to Roger de Montgomery Earl of Salop and Anulph his Brother Earl of Pembroke did rebel against the King which when the King heard he sent for them to come unto him but they made blinde excuses and gathered their strength and fortified their Castles and then gave great gifts and made large promises to the sons of Blethyn ap Cadogan and Jorwerth Cadogan and Meredyth and inticed them to joyn their powers with them Robert fortified four Castles Arundel Tekinhill Shrewsbury and Brugg which Castle was the cause of the War For Robert had erected it without the Kings leave and Arnulph fortified his Castle of Pembroke Then they entred the Kings Land and burned and spoiled it carrying away rich booties And Arnulph to have more strength sent Gerald his Steward to Murchard King of Ireland to desire his Daughter in marriage which he obtained with promises of great succours which did encourage him the more against the King but Henry the First gathered a great Army and first besieged the Castle of Arundel and took it as also he did Tekinhil and then led his power before Brugg which for the scituation and depth of the ditches being also well mann'd and victualed the King doubted the speedy winning thereof There he was counselled to send privately to Jorwerth ap Blethyn promising him great gifts if he would forsake the Earl and serve him recounting what wrongs the Earls Father Roger and his Brother Hugh had done to the VVelshmen Also the King to make him more willing to stick unto him gave him all such Lands as the Earl and his brother had in VVales without Tribute or Oath which was a Moity of Powis Caerdigan and Dynet and the other half had the son of Baldwyn with Stradtywy and Gwyr Jorwerth being glad of these offers received them willingly and then coming himself to the King he sent his powers to the Earls Land which doing their Masters command destroyed and spoiled all the Countrey for the Earl had caused his people to convey all their cattel and goods to VVales little remembring the mischiefs that the VVelshmen had received at his and his Brothers hands When these tydings came to the Earl to Cadogan and Meredyth Jorwerths Brethren they were all amazed and despaired to be able to withstand the King for Jorwerth was the greatest man of power in VVales And at this time Arnulph was gone to Ireland for his wife and succour also a little before Magnus again had landed in Anglesey and received of Gruffith ap Conan and hewed down as much Timber trees as was needfull for him and so returning to the Isle of Môn which he had won he builded three Castles there and sent to Ireland to have the Daughter of Murchard in marriage for his son which he obtained and made his son King of Môn The Earle Robert hearing this sent to him for aid but obtained none therefore seeing no remedy he sent to the King desiring him that he might forsake the realm which the King granted and he sailed to Normandy And likewise the King sent word to his brother Arnulph that either follow his brother and depart the land or yield himself to the Kings mercy and pleasure but he chose the former proposition he should and so went away Things thus transacted the King returned home and Jorwerth took his brother Meredyth and sent him to the Kings prison for his brother Cadogan agreed with him to whom Jorwerth gave Caerdhyth and a piece of Powis Then Jorwerth himself went to the Kings Court to put the King in remembrance of his promise but Henry when he saw all quiet forgot the service of Jorwerth and his own promise and contrary to the same took Dynet from Jorwerth and gave it to a Knight called Saer and Stradtiwy and Gwyr he gave to Howel ap Grono and Jorwerth was sent home empty At this time K. Henry gave divers Castles and Lordships in Wales to Normans and Englishmen of whom there is mention oftentimes in this history This year died Grono the son of Rees ap Theodore in prison And in the end of this year the King sent divers of his Councel to Shrewsbury and willed Jorwerth ap Blethin to come to meet them there to consult about the Kings business and affairs but when he came thither all the consultation was against him whom contrary to all right and equity they condemned of treason because the King feared his strength and that he would revenge the wrongs which he had received at the Kings hands and so he was committed to prison About this time as Bale noteth the Church of St. Davids began to be subject to the See of Canterbury being alwaies before the Metropolitan Church of Wales since the Pall was carried from Caerleon upon Vsk year 1103 In the Year 1103 Owen ap Edwyn died after great Misery and long sickness Then also Richard the son of Caldwin did fortifie the Castle of Ridcors and chased Howel ap Grono out of that Country to whom the King had given the custody of that Castle who nevertheless returned shortly after and burned all the country houses corn and hay and slew a great number of the Normans as they returned homeward and kept all the Country in his subjection except the Castles and Garrisons At this time the King took the rule of Dynet from Saer to whom he committed the same and gave it to Gerald who had been sometimes Steward there under Arnulph Then the Normans who were in the
Castle of Ridcors and other castles thereabouts seeing they could not have the upperhand of Howel ap Grono in open fight fell to their accustomed practice of treason and so obtained their purpose in this manner There was one Gwgan ap Meyric who had nursed a son to Howel ap Grono and therefore very well trusted and beloved of him as the Custome of Wales is An odious detestable treason This Traitour being corrupted by the Normans procured his Masters death inviting him one night to his house to make merry whether he came willingly Then Gwgan gave notice to the Garrisous of the Castles who in the dawning of the day entred the Town and coming about the house gave a great shout which awaked Howel who couragiously leaped out of his bed and sought his weapons but the Traitor Gwgan had conveyed them away when he was asleep Then he called for his men but they were all fled to save their lives and as he would have gotten away The Welshmen still overthrown by their own nation he was taken by Gwgan and his company and strangled which cut off his head and brought it to the Castle of Ridcors and this traiterous murder of the Kings Lieutenant was left unpunished for whatsoever fault the Normans committed was alwaies winked at and if the VVelshmen did never so little offend the Laws of the King it was thought a most heinous and unpardonable Crime which was the cause that afterward they rebelled against the King who sought nothing but their utter destruction About this time Meirick and Gruffith the sons of Trabern ap Caradoc Easie for an Enemy to overcome where the natives destroy one another were both slain by Owen ap Cadogan ap Blethyn and Meredith ap Blethyn brake the prison where he had been a long time and recovered again his own Inheritance which he enjoyed in peace and Tranquillity The year 1108. the Rage of the Sea did overflow and drown a great part of the Low-Countries of Flanders in such sort that the inhabitants were forced to seek new dwellings and places of abode who came to King Henry and desired him to give them some void place to remain in who being very liberal of that which was none of his own gave them the land of Ros in Dynet or VVestwales where Pembroke Tenby and Hanerford are now built and there they remain to this day as well may be perceived by their speech and conditions far differing from that of the Countrey At that time Gerald the Steward dyed who built again the Castle of Pembroke in a place called Congarth Vechan and brought thither all his householdstuff and other goods with his wife and children Then also Cadogan ap Blethyn made a great feast in Christmas Christmas observed in those dayes and invited all the Lords of his Countrey to his house in Dynet among whom came Owem his son who being at his Fathers house and hearing Nest the Wife of Gerald Steward of Pembroke praised above all the Weomen in the land he was inflamed with a desire to behold her And forasmuch as Gladis daughter of Rees ap Theodore or Tewdor and Mother to Nest was daughter to Rywalhon ap Convin and cozen Germane to Cadogan his Father he with a few under the colour of Friendship or cosenage went to see her and finding the truth to surmount the fame he came home wounded with Love and in that doting humour the same night returned thither again with a crew of wild companions or Hectors entred the castle privately and compassed the chamber about and set the house on fire which awaked Gerald and his wife who would have issued out to know the cause of the Noise but his wife fearing some Treason impeached him and advised him to go to the Prince where drawing up the board she helped him out that way which done she came to the Chamber door and said that there was no body but she and her children yet they forced in and sought round about but not finding him they seized on her and her two sons and a son and a daughter born by a Concubine to Gerald and carried them away to Powis and burning the Castle they spoyled all the Country When Cadogan understood this rumour he was much displeased fearing the Kings heavy displeasure and forthwith went to Powis and commanded his son to send to Gerald his Wife and Children with his goods but Owen by no means would depart with the Lady yet at her request he sent unto Gerald his Children again And when Richard Bishop of London The Welsh still made authors of their own ruine whom the King had appointed Warden of the Marshes being at Shrewsbury heard of this he was highly offended and sent for Ithel and Madoc the sons of Kyrid ap Blethyn to whom he promised rich gifts and great rewards besides the rule of the Country if they could take or kill Owen to revenge the dishonour that he had done to the King and to them he added Lhywarch the son of Traburne ap Caradoc whose two brethern Owen had slain and Vchtrid the son of Edwyn which four promised the Bishop to bring him Owen and his father either alive or dead and thereupon forthwith gathered their power to destroy the whole Country but Vchtryd sent word privately before that all such of the People as would have their lives saved should come to him And when the Country heard this some fled to Arustly some tâ Melienith and some to Stradtywy and some to Dynet where Gerald was destroying the Country And at that time Walter Bishop of Hereford gathered an army to defend Caermarthyn and met with such as fled to Arustly and Mehenyth and destroyed a great number of them Those that went to Stradtywy were gently received by Meredyth ap Rytherck and Vchtryd saved all such as came unto him and thus these four came with their powers to the Castle of Rydcors and thought best to have entered the Country by night for fear of Ambuscado and to take Cadogan and Owen unawares but Vchtryd disswaded them from that stratagem counselling them to enter by day with their men in good order In the mean time Cadogan and Owen got a ship at Aberystwyth which was lately come from Ireland and escaped away so that the day after when they entered the Land they found none of those whom they sought for laying all the fault upon Vchtryd therefore they burned and plundered all the Country except the Sanctuaries of Padam and Lhandhewi Breni yet they took divers men out of those places and carried them away Prisoners and thus returned to their Castles again Owen with such as had been with him at the rape of the Lady and firing the Castle fled for Ireland to King Murcard who received him with great expressions of joy for he had been there before in time of the war of the two Earles in Anglesey or Môn and had brought the King rich gifts from Wales but
Cadogan kept himself privately in Powis and sent to the King to declare and manifest his innocency The King allowed of his submission and allegations and granted that he should remain in the Country and enjoy the town and lands which he had by his Wife for she was daughter to a Lord of Normandy called Pigot de Say Then Madoc and Ithel his two Nephews divided such Lands as he and his son Owen had in Powis betwixt them and ruled it very evil for they could never agree amongst themselves Within a while after Cadogan made such friends to the King that paying 100 pound fine he should injoy his lands again in Caerdigan and that the inhabitants should return to their houses and manure and till their ground for the King had given commandement that no Welshmen nor Norman should dwell within Caerdigan when they that were in Ireland understood this they returned privately and hid themselves in the houses of their kindred and friends after whom Owen followed but not to Cadogan for his father had received that Land upon such condition that he should not suffer Owen to come therein nor aid him either by counsel money or men Howbeit Owen came to Powis and would gladly have sent Messengers unto the King but he could get no man that would venture to speak to him Much about this time there happened âome variance between Madoc ap Riryd and the Bishop of London Lieutenant of the Marshes about certain fellows of England that had fled to him for succour whom the Bishop sent for but could not get wherefore he was highly displeased with him Riryd understanding hereof sent to Owen and desired his friendship whose greatest enemy he was before and by this means they were made friends and swore each to other that neither of them should betray the other nor agree by himself with the King or his Officers without the other and thereupon they burned and spoyled the lands of such as they loved not and destroyed all things that they met withall This year appeared a terrible Comet and the King took into consideration Jorwerth ap Blethyn whom he had kept long in prison and sent to know of him what fine he would pay to have his liberty and he promised the King 300 pounds or the worth thereof in cattel or horses then the King set him at liberty and gave him his land again and gave ten pounds of that mony to Henry the son of Cadogan by the daughter of Pigot All this while Owen and Madoc were burning and plundering the Englishmen and Normans and ever withdrew themselves to the land of Jorwerth which thing grieved him greatly whereupon he sent word of his danger desiring them to spare his land and Cadogans For if it were known that they came in any of theirs the Land was forfeited to the King when Owen and Ryrid heard this they frequented his territories the more often then formerly which Jorwerth perceiving chased them quite away Then he went to the country of Vchtryd in Merionethshire and the sons of Vchtrid sent word to their people to withstand them and so they did for meeting them by the way they set upon them and Owen and Madoc defended themselves manfully but at the last they and their men were driven back so that they were forced to fly Owen to Caerdigan to his Fathers Country and Madoc to Powis Then Owen with his companions made divers roads to Dynet and spoyled it carrying away both men and cattel to the ships that came from Ireland and after ransomed them and then gathering fresh recrutes he set upon a town of the Flemmings and fired it returning from thence to Gaerdigan nothing valuing his Fathers danger or the Kings displeasure At this time it chanced that Owens men among other mischiefs Owen guilty first of a Rape and now murder and sacriledge laid wait for a Bishop belonging to the King whose name was William de Brabant and slew him and all his Men Whilst these things were in agitation Jorwerth and Cadogan were at the Court to treat with the King concerning certain business of their own and as the King talked with them behold there came in a Flemming brother to the murdered Bishop who made an exclamation how Owen ap Cadogans men had slain his brother and many more and how they were succoured in Cadogans land The King hereupon highly displeased asked Cadogan what he could say to the matter and he laying all the fault upon his Son excused himself as well as he could Then said the King to Cadogan Seeing thou canst not keep thine own but that thy Son and his adherents shall be succoured there in their disorder I will give it to one that shall keep them out here I will maintain thee all thy life at my proper charges charging thee upon thy Allegiance that thou enter not into Wales until such time as I have taken further order And so the King gave him twenty dayes and set him at liberty to go whether he would Wales excepted when Owen and Madoc heard this they departed to Ireland The King forthwith sent for Gilbert surnamed Strongbow this Gilbert was youngest Son of Gilbert de Clare Lord of the honours of Clare in Suffolk and Grand-child of Robert Fitz-Gilbert and Rohesia his wife daughter to Walter Gilford Earl of Longeville in Normandy Chepflow and Strigul once belonged to the Clares Tyntern Abbey founded by Walter Clare Lord of Caerwent and Unkle to Gilbert Strongbow Earl of Strigul 1131. this Gilbert was Lord of Chepstow and Strigul Castle in Monmothshire part of whose ruines yet remain who for his much keeping of that Castle was commonly called Earl of Strigul he gave Doglesdon to the Church of Worcester and in a certain deed where he gave Lands to an Abbey Gilbert de Gurney Richard Son of the Earl and Henry Maltravers being witnesses he is entitled Earl of Pembrock and Lord of the Rape of Penensel his Unkle Walter de Clare was Lord of Caerwent in Monthmoshire and the Marsh of Leigh by Tunbridge And founded Tyntern Abbey in Wales not far from Strigul 1131. This Gilbert the fourtenth of King Stephen 1149. had been Earl of Pembrock and Strigul ten years whose armes were Or three Cheverens Gules a labell of five B. But to return to our History the King therefore sent for Gilbert Earl of Strigul who was a Valiant and worthy Knight to whom he said thus Thou hast been divers times a suitor to me to have some Lands in Wales and now I give thee all the Lands and Inheritance of Cadogan ap Blethyn win it and take it Gilbert received it joyfully and thanked the King and gathered forces and landed in Caerdiganshire and brought the Country to his subjection without any opposall where he builded two fair Castles one towards Northwales upon the River Ystwyth at the Sea shoar a mile from Lhanbadarn an other towards Dynet upon the River Teini at a place called Dyngerant where Roger
understood that Owen was there with so little company they thought the opportunity very seasonable to be revenged for their old vvorngs and so pursued them to the Woods Owen having intelligence by his men that a great number pursued him advised him to make haste away who utterly refused it Drinking no new vice among the Dutch because he conceived them that followed him to be the Kings friends and nothing doubting of them But when they approached nigh they began to shout at his men who would have had Owen to fly but he turned manfully to his Enemies and encouraged his men to fight A just punishment for one that assisteth a forreign enemy against his own kin and Country affirming that although their enemies were seven to one yet they were but Flemmings and such as feared their names and were good for nothing but to empty cups and with that set upon them couragiously And it chanced that at the first meeting Owen was stricken with an arrow to the heart and slain which when his men perceived they fled and brought word to Lywarck ap Traherne and their followers who suspecting the Kings army seeing they could not trust them in the Kings service returned to their Country After the death of Owen his brethren divided his Lands between them The Children of Cadogan ap Blethyn saving that which he had taken by force from his Unckle Meredyth being the Lands of Madoc ap Riryd ap Blethyn the names of his brethren were these Madoc whose mother was Gwenlhan the Daughter of Gruffith ap Conan Eneon whose mother was Sanna the Daughter of Dyfnwall This Family of Picot if I mistake not were Lords of Ragland Castle in Monmothshire one of which married the d. and h. of Sir Rich. Enderby brother to Sir Will. Enderby from whom descended Percy Ence by the collector of this history Morgan whose Mother was Evelbivv or Elhiw the Daughter of Cadivor ap Colhoyn Lord of Dynet Henry and Gruffith whose mother was the Daughter of the Lord Pigot Cadogans wedded wife Meredyth by Eururon Hoedliw Owen was Son of Inerth the daughter of Edwyn After this Eneon ap Cadogan and Gruffith ap Meredyth ap Blethyn did lead their forces against a Castle that Vchtryd ap Edwyn had built at Cymmer in Merionyth for Cadogan had given to his cosin Germain Vchtryd Merionyth and Cevilioc upon condition that he and his should be friends to his friends and Enemies to his Enemies in all causes but contrary to that condition he and his Sons were ever against Cadogans children in every enterprise that they went about Therefore after they had set upon the Castle and slain divers of the Garrison the rest yeilded unto them and thus when they had won all the Country they divided it betwixt them whereupon Gruffith ap Meridith had Mowthwy Cyneliock and halfe Penlhyn and the other half of Penlhyn and Merioneth came to Eneon In the year 1116. dyed William Strongbow of a Consumption and the next year following fel a great variance betwixt Howel ap Ithel Lord of Ros and Rivonioc now Denbighland and Riryd and Lhywarch the Sons of Owen ap Edwyn Ingratum dixeris omnia dixeris Then Howel sent to Meredyth ap Blethyn and to Eneon and Madoc Cadogans Sons for succour who came down from Merioneth with 400. Men well appointed and met with the Sons of Owen in the vale of Clwyd their own Land which Sons of Owen sent for their cosins the Sons of Vchtryd to come with their aid to relieve and succour them All these met together with enraged hearts and fought manfully but in the end after great slaughter Lhywarch the Son of Owen ap Edwyn was slain and with him Jorwerth the Son of Nudh who was a Noble man and a worthy Soldier and Riryd fled So that Howel ap Ithel had the victory but he was so sore wounded that he dyed within 40 dayes after Meredyth ap Blethyn and the Sons of Cadogan hasted home for fear of the Frenchmen who lay in garrison about Chester About the year 1121. King Henry the first prepared a great army against Wales and came to Powis Land which when the Lords of the Land Meredyth ap Blethyn and the three Sons of Cadogan Eneon Madoc and Morgan saw they sent to Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales to desire succours from him but he answered that they should not have any from him nor enter within his lands for that he had made peace with the King Thus having no hope of aid from him they purposed to defend themselves within their own Land after the best manner they could and set men to keep and defend the Straits whereby the Enemies must needs pass And as it chanced the King himself with a small number came unto one of those defended places for this whole Army had gone a further way about by reason of their carriages at whose coming the Men who kept the straits skirmished with the Kings Men and with their arrowes having the advantage of the ground slew some and hurt many Among those one drew his bow and shooting towards his foes by fortune struck the King a great blow upon his brest but by means of his coat of Male the arrow hurt him not nevertheless he was wonderfully dismaid and considering how rashly by misfortune he might lose in that wild Country the honour and fame which he had won before did send to parle with them that kept the passage and to will them under assurance to come and speak with him which they did then he asked them whose men they were and how they durst be so bold as to put the King in such dangers and they said that they vvere Meredyth ap Blethyns men and did nothing but their masters command in keeping the passage vvhereupon the King vvilled them to go for their master and counsel him to enbrace the Kings peace and he should receive no hurt vvhich he and his cozens did and fined to the King for their offences 1000. year 1122 heads of cattell and the King returned into England leaving the Lord Fitz-VVaren Warden Jo. Cast or Lieutenant of the marches The year ensuing Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodor did kill Gruffith ap Sulbaern and Eneon the Son of Cadogan dyed and gave his part of Powis and Merioneth vvhich he had vvon to his brother Meredyth but his Unckle Meredyth ap Blethyn put him back by force and took it to himself At this time the King did set at liberty Ithel ap Riryd ap Blethyn vvhom he had kept prisoner many years vvho came home thinking to enjoy his Lands When Gruffith ap Conan Prince of Northwales heard that Meredyth ap Blethyn had taken by force the Lands of his Nephevv Meredyth ap Cadogan he sent his Sons Cadwalhon and Owen vvith a povver to Merioneth vvho brought all the Country under their subjection and carried the chiefmen and the cattel to Lhyn And after the Sons of Cadogan destroyed
the Lands of Lhyarch ap Trahern Murder upon Murder because he joyned vvith the Sons of the Prince The year 1125. Meredith ap Blethyn slew his brothers son Ithel ap Ririd And shortly after Gadwalhon ap Gruffith ap Conan slew his three Unckles Crono Riryd and Meiler the sons of Owen ap Edwin And also Morgan ap Cadogan slew his be brother Meridith with his own hands About the year 1127 Gruffith ap Rees was put besides his lands which the King had suffered him quietly to possesse by the false accusations of the Normans which dwelt in the Country with him And then also Daniel Arch-Deacon of Powis died a man both learned and pious who travelled all His life time to set Peace and Concord betwixt His Countreymen Anno 1128. died Gruffith ap Meredyth ap Blethyn and the same year Lhewelin the son of Owen ap Cadogan took Meredyth ap Lhywarck and delivered him to Pain Fitz John to be kept safe in the Castle of Bridgnorth this Meredyth had slain Meyric his cosen german An easy matter for the Normans to conquer when the Welsh murder and betray their own kindred and countrymen and had put out the eyes his two cozen germans the sons of Griffith The year ensuing Jevaf the son of Owen put out the eyes of two of his brethren and banished them the country Also Lhewelin ap Owen slew Jorwerth ap Lhywarck And Meredyth ap Blethyn took the same Lhewelyn ap Owen his Nephew and putting out his eyes gelded him to the end he should beget no children that he might have his lands and slew Jevaf ap Owen his brother Putting out of eyes a common revenge in those times Also Meyrick slew Lhywark and Madoc his son his own cozens who himself was so served a while after Then Morgan the son of Cadogan repented exceedingly for the murder of his brother Meredyth wherefore he took his journey to Jerusalem and died in his returne at Cyprus About the year 1133. Cadwalhon the son of Gruffith ap Conan was slain at Nanhawdwy by Eneon the son of Owen ap Edwin his Unkle whose three brethren he had slain with Cadogan ap Grono ap Edwin That year also dyed Meridyth ap Blethin and Convin the greatest Lord and chiefest man in Powis as he that had gotten his brethren and nephews lands by hook and crook into his own hands An excellent character of Cadwalader Owen Gwyneth the sons of Gruffith ap Conan About the year 1135. Richard before spoken of and Gilbert his son were slain by Morgan and Owen And shortly after Cadwalader and Owen Gwineth the sons of Gruffith ap Conan in whom remained the hope of all Wales for they were gentle and liberal to all men terrible and cruel to their enemies meek and humble to their friends the succour and defence of widdow and fatherlesse and all that were in necessity and they transcended all other in good and laudable exercises and vertues so they were paragons of strength beauty and well proportion'd bodies gathered a great power against the Normans and Flemmings Walter Especs Aberystwyth Castles taken who entred Caerdigan subdued destroyed and fired the whole Country with the Castle of Walter Espec the Castle of Aberystwith which was very strong and well manned And thither came Howel ap Meredyth and Rhees ap Madoc ap Ednerth who went forward and razed the Castle of Richard de la Mare and the Castle of Dynerth and Caerwedros The Castle of Rich de la Mers Dynerth Caerwedros taken from the strangers and returned home with much honor Afterward towards the end of the same year they returned again with 6000 footmen and 2000 horsemen well armed to them came Gruffith ap Rees Howel ap Meredyth ap Breckaock his son Madoc ap Ednerth who subdued the whole Country to Aberteini placing again the old inhabitants and chasing away the strangers Against this army came Steph. Constable of Aberteini R Fitz Martin the sons of Girald Will Fitz John with all the power of Normans and Flemmings and Englishmen that were in Wales or the Marshes And after a most fierce and cruel battel the strangers according to their manner put all their hope in their forts and forsooke the field and the Welshmen followed so close that besides 3000 that were slain The Natives obtained a glorious victory over the strangers a great number were drowned taken and carried away Captives This victory atchived Owen and Cadwaladen âârran the whole Country and returned home with rich spoyles in armour and horses as well as in other things with much triumph The year 1137. dyed Gruffith ap Rees ap Theodore the light The praise of Rees ap Theodore honour and stay of Southwales who had by his wife Gwenlhian the daughter of Gruffith ap Conan Rees commonly called the Lord Rhees Floren Wigorn. saith that this Gruffith ap Rees Prince of Southwales died by the deceitful practise of his wife Towards the end of the same year died Griffith ap Conan King or Prince of Northwales Flor. in r. Sc ot Ma the only defence and shield of all Wales after he had escaped many great dangers by sea land in Ireland and Wales and after many worthy victories when he had brought Northwales which he found full of strangers to peace and quietnesse having ruled the same worthily 50 years 1. This Prince had many children by divers women first by Angharat the daughter of Conan ap Edwin he had sons Owen Cadwalador and Caddalhon who was slain before his father died and daughters Marret Susanna Ranulht Agnes and Gwenleban 2. And by his second wife he had Jago Iscani Edwal Abbot of Penmon Dolhing who was also a Priest and well learned and Elen the wife of Hova ap Ithel Velyn of Yal he reformed the disordered behaviour of Welsh Minstrels by a very good sttatute which is extant to this day There are three sorts of Minstrels in Wales The first sort named Beirdh which are makers of songs and odes of sundry measures wherein not only great skill and cunning is required but also a certain natural inclination and gift which in Latine is called furor poeticus these do also keep records of Gentlemens armes and pedegrees till of late the Welsh are so mingled with the English that these kind of Heralds are to seek and of no such estem as formerly using yearly visitations and are the best esteemed and accounted of amongst them The second sort of them are players upon Instruments chiefly the Harp and the Croutch whose musick for the most part came into Wales with the said Gruffith ap Conan who being on the one side an Irish man by the mother grandmother also borne in Ireland brought over with him out of that Country divers cunning Musitians into Wales who devised in manner all the instrumental Musick that is now there used as appeareth as well by the books
well hired ships of Ireland as his own and upon the suddain he brake up his Camp and gave both ships and men leave to depart The same year Rees Prince of South Wales laid siege to the Castle of Aberteini Aberteini Castle won by the Welsh and wan it and laid it flat with the ground and likewise wan Pilgeran and razed it At which time he took prisoner Robert the son of Stephen his cozen German son to Nost his aunt who after the death of Girald had married Stephen Constable and so returned home with great honour and rich spoil About the same time died Lhewelin son to Pr Owen a worthy Gentleman and of great towardness In the year ensuing the Flemmings and Normans came to West Wales with a great power against the Castle of Cilgerran which Rees had fortified and laid siege unto it assaulting it divers times but it was so manfully defended that they returned home as they came and shortly after they came before it again where they lost many of their best men and so departed The same year Owen Pr. of North Wales laid siege to the Castle of Basygwerke which the King had fortified and in short time wan it and dismantled it About the same time Jorwerth Goch was spoiled of his lands in Powis by Owen Cyvelioc the son of Gruffith ap Meredyth Lord of Powis by Owen Bachen second son to Madock ap Meredyth which lands they divided betwixt them so that Owen Cyvelioc had Mochant above Rayader and Owen Vachan Mochnant beneath Rayader In the year 1167 Owen Prince of North Wales Cadwalader his brother and Rees Prince of South Wales brought an Army into Powis against Owen Cyvelioc and wan all his lands and chased him out of the Countrey and gave Caereneon to Owen Vachan the son of Madoc ap Meredyth to hold of Prince Owen and the Lord Rees had Walwern because it stood within his Countrey but within a while after Owen Cyvelioc returned with a strength of Normans and Engleshmen to recover his Estate and laid siege to the Castle of Caereneon and winning the same burnt it to the ground Also the same year the aforesaid Princes Ruthlan Castle taken by the Welsh which King Henry had built Owen Rees and Cadwalader laid siege to the Castle of Ruthlan which the King had lately built and fortified where the Garrison defended it most valiantly yet the Princes would not depart until they had won it which they did at two months end and razed it After that they gat the Castle of Prostatyn and destroyed it and then brought all Tegeugl to Owens subjection and returned home with much honour In the year following Conon the son of Prince Owen slew Vrgeney Abbot of Lhwythlawr and Lhawthen his nephew In this year also Robert the son of Stephen the Constable was released out of his cozens the Lord Rees his prison and was sent to Ireland with great Forces to Dermot the son to Murchart who landed at Lochgarmon and won it and so went forward In the year 1169 Meyric ap Adam of Bueltht was murthered in his bed by Meredyth Bengoch his cozen german A Giants body 50 foot found Also this year there were found the bones of a Gyant cast up by the Sea of such length that his body seemed to contain after fifty foot in height This year Owen Gwyneth the son of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of North Wales passed out of this life he had Governed his Countrey well and worthily 32 years This Prince was fortunate and victorious in all his affairs he never took any enterprise in his hand but he atchived it he left behind him many children begotten by divers women which were not esteemed by their mothers and birth but by their prowess and valiantness first he had by Gladus the daughter of Lhywarch ap Trahevern ap Caradoc Jorwerth Drwyndwn that is Edward with the broken nose Conan Maelgon and Gwenlhian by Christian the daughter of Grono ap Owen ap Edwin he had David Roderik Cadwalhon Abbot of Bardsey and Augharat wife to Griffith Maylor he had besides these Conan Lhewelin Meredyth Edwal Run Howell Cadelh Madoc Enâon Cynrwric Philip and Riryd Lord of Clocharn in Ireland by divers women of whom Run Lhewelyn and Cynwric died before their father the rest you shall hear of hereafter THE Third Book OF THE ANTIENT MODERN BRITTISH AND WELSH History TO THE Right Honourable JOHN Earle of Bridgwater Baron of Elsmere Viscount Brackley Earle of Carnarvon Lord Dormer RICHARD Earle of Carburie Baron of Emlyn ANTHONY Viscount Montague c. JOHN Lord Abergavenny WILLIAM Lord Sturton c. HENRY Lord Arundel Count of the sacred Roman Empire and Baron of Wardor The Earles of BRIDGWATER Edward Earle of Derbie Dorothea Daughter of Tho. Howard Duke of Norfolk by which Match this Honourable Family of the Egertons by Frances Daughter and Coheir to Ferdinando Earl of Derbie descends from the Brittish line as appears at large in the Pedegree of the D. of Norfolk Henry Earle of Derbie Margaret Daughter to Henry Clifford Earle of Cumberland and Elinor his wife Daughter and Coheir of Charls Brandon Duke of Suffolk and his wife Mary Queen of France Daughter to K. Henry VII and Elizabeth Heir general to the house of York and Lord Mortimer whose Ancestour Ralph Lord Mortimer married to Gladis sister and Coheir  to David and Daughter to Llewelin Prince of Northwales and K. Henry VII was Grand-childe to Owen Tudor lineally descended from the Princes of South Wales Ferdinando Earle of Derbie Alice Daughter to Sir John Spencer Knight Sir John Egerton Knight of the Bath Lord President of Wales Earle of Bridgwater Baron of Elsmere Frances Daughter and Coheir of Ferdinando Earle of Derbie John Egerton Baron of Elsmere Viscount Brackley Earle of Bridgwater now living 1661. BRIDGWATER but more properly in old Records Burgh-walter that is VValters Burgh so called of VValter de Duaco who came in with the Normans and had fair Lands given him in those parts by the Conquerour is a Town in Sommersetshire A great and populous Town descending by the Chawworths to the Dutchy of Lancaster and was by King Henry VIII Heir of the Lancastrian line adorned with the Title of an Earldom which he bestowed on Sir Henry Daubeney son of that Giles Daubeney who came in with King Henry the Seventh from Brittain in France and was by him made Lord Chamberlain and Knight of the Garter which Henry dying without issue this Title lying long asleep was afterwards awakened in another Family ordained to be a Seminary for the Earles of Bridgwater Henry Lord Daubeney created Earle of Bridgwater 30. Hen. John Egerton Viscount Brackley created Earle of Bridgwater May 15. Lord President of Wales c. John Viscount Brackley created Earle of Bridgwater now living 1661. The Earle of CARNARVON THis Right honourable Earle now living is the worthy Heir of that most worthy and Heroick Robert Lord Dormer and Earle of
of the Empire and Baron of VVardor Blanch Daughter of Edward Earl of VVorcester by which Match this Honourable Family severall wayes descends from the Brittish bloud Royol Henry Arundel Count of the Empire and Baron of VVardor now living 1661. Cicely Daughter to Sir Henry Compton Knight of the Bath Thomas Arundel Heir Apparent THE THIRD BOOK OF THE Antient and Modern Brittish and Welsh HISTORY THis Owyn with five of the chiefest of Wales did homage to Henry the second and likewise to his eldest son Henry at Woodstock in the eighth year of Henry the father Anno Dom. 1165. Quarterly Gules and Or 4 Lyons pass gard Counter-change David the son of Owen Gwyneth AFter the death of Owen his sons fell in debate who should inherit after him for the eldest son born in Matrimony Edward or Jorwerth Drwndwn was counted unmeet to Govern because of the maim upon his face Howell base son of Owen slain and Howell who took upon him all the Rule was a base son begotten upon an Irish woman Therefore David gathered all the power he could and came against Howell and fighting with him slew him and afterwards enjoyed quietly the whole land of North Wales until his brother Jorwerths son came to age as shall hereafter appear Madoc another of Owen Gwyneths sons Mahoc betakes himself to Navigation left the land in contention betwixt his brethren and prepared certain ships with men and ammunition and sought Adventures by Sea sailing West and leaving the cost of Ireland so far North that he came to a land unknown where he saw many strange things This land must needs be some part of that which the Spaniards affirm themselves to be the first Finders of H. Lhoyd since Hanno's time for by reason and order of Cosmography this land to which Madoc came must needs be some part of Nova Hispania or Florida whereupon it is manifest that the Countrey was long before by Brittains discovered India first discovered by the Brittains before either Columbus or Americus Vespasius conveyed any Spaniards or Portugues thither Of this Voyage and return of this Madoc there be many fictions as the common people do use in distance of place and length of time rather to augment than diminish but sure it is that there he was And after he had returned home and declared the pleasant and fruitful Countreys that he had seen without inhabitants and upon the contrary part for what barren and wild ground his brethren and nephews did murther one another he prepared a number of ships and got with him such men and women as were desirous to live in quietness and taking leave of his friends Madocs second voyage to the Indies took his journey thitherward again Therefore it is to be supposed that he and his people Colonized part of those Countreys for it appeareth by Francis Lones that in Ancusanus and other places the people honoured the Cross whereby it may be gathered that Christians had been there before the Spaniards but because this people were not many they followed the manners of the land unto which they arrived and used the Language they found there This Madoc arriving into that Western Countrey unto which he came in the year 1170. Mr. Powel left most of his people there and returning back for more of his own Nation Acquaintance and Friends to inhabit that fair and large Countrey went thither again with ten Sails as I find noted by Gutyn Owen I am of opinion that the land whereunto he came was some part of Mexico the causes which makes me think so are these 1. First The common report of the Inhabitants of that Countrey who affirmed that their Rulers descended from a strange Nation that came thither from a far Countrey which thing is confessed by Mutezuma King of that Province in an Oration made for quietting of his people at his submission to the King of Castile Hernando or Fernando Curtâââ being then present which is declared in the Spanish Chronicles of the conquest of these Indies Evident proofs that the Welsh first discovered the West Indies 2. Secondly The Brittish words and names of places used there even unto this day do argue the same as when they talk together they use this word Gwrando which is hearken or listen Also they have a certain Bird which they call Pengwin that is Whitehead but the Island of Corroeso the Cape of Bryton the River of Gwyndor and the white Rock of Pengwyn which be all Brittish or Welsh words do manifestly shew that it was that Countrey which Madoc and his people inhabited About this time Rees Prince of South Wales came with great power into Powis and subdued Owen Cyvelioc the Lord thereof and took Pledges of him and then returned home with honour K. Henry and P. Rees attoned Rees supplyeth the King in his journey towards Ireland When King Henry prepared for the Conquest of Ireland Prince Rees came and met him who received him courteously and confirmed all what formerly had been accorded insomuch that Rees promised the King towards his expedition into Ireland 300 Horses and 400 Oxen and gave him 14 Pledges Thus done the King came to South Wales and entring Caerlheon upon Vsk took the formerly sumptuous City from the Lord thereof Jorwerth ap Owen ap Caradoc keeping the same to his own use The Arms of of this Lord were Gules 3 Towers Arg. now quartered by the Morgans wherefore Jorwerth departed from the King and calling to him his two sons Owen and Howell who was called Howell of Caerlheon and bare for his Arms Gules 3 Towers Argent which Coat is now quarted by the Morgans of Mahan and Lantarnam c. and his sisters son Morgan ap Sylsit ap Dyfnwal gathered forces and upon the Kings departure entred the Countrey spoiling and burning as they went and took the Town of Caerlheon and destroyed it saving the Castle now ruined by time which they could not get The destruction of the once famous Caerlheon The King kept on his journey to Pembrock and there he gave Rees all Caerdigan Stratywy Aberustly and Eluel Rees coming to Aberteini which he had won from the Earl of Glocester and lately fortified removed from thence to Pembrock in the Kalends of October and spake with the King returning the day after and then culled out of his Horses the promised number or at least 86 and sent them to the King who chose out 36 and sent the rest back with many thanks K. Hen. 2. offereth at St. Davids The same day the King went to St. Davids and offering there dined with the Bishop the son of Girald cousin german to Rees Whether Rich. Strongbow Earl of Strigull an antient Castle formerly in Monmothshire part of whose ruines yet remain came from Ireland to confer with the King and after dinner the King returned to Pembrock within a while after the King being at the white house rendred to Rees
noblemen of his time died and was buryed at Mynot Mynot he had by his wife Angharat the daughter of Owen Gwyneth Prince of Northwales a son called Madoc who succeeded his father in that part of Powis called Powis Vadoc And prince Rees wone the Castle of Dinevowr and Owen his son died a Stratta florida or Stratflar and shortly after Maelgon his other son escaped out of prison where his Father had kept him long time Lhanhayaden castle won But the Lord Rees got the Castle of Lhanhayaden and the Country about At which time Gruffith ap Cadogan died In this year Roderike the son of Owen Gwyneth by the help of Gothrick King of Man entred the Isle of Môn and reduced it under his subjection bââ before the End of the Year the sons of his brother Conan chased him out of the Isle and got it to themselves And at this time Maelgon laid sieg to the Castle of Strat-Meiric and wan it Stratmeiâc castle takeâ Also Howell surnamed Saer that is to say the Saxon or English because he had served in England son to the said Prince Rees got the Castle of Gwys by surprise and took Philip de Gwys his wife and his two sons Prisoners therein Gwys castle surprised but because he had more Castles then he could well defend he determined to dismantle the Castle of Lhanhayaden whereof the Flemmings having notice gathered all their power and came thither the day appointed to raise the Castle and fiercely assaulted the men of Howel and Maelgon and put many of them to the sword the rest escaping by flight neverthelesse shortly after they gathered new forces and came thither again and demolished the Castle without any impeachment Lhanhayaden castle destroyed Upon this Anarawd another son of Prince Rees moved with filthy ambition and covetousness of lands took his two brethren Howel and Madoc prisoners under pretext of friendship and put out both their eyes year 1194 In the year 1194 Maelgon the son of Prince Rees gave his brother Anarâwd the Castle of Stratmeiric for his prisoners whom he set at liberty then Rees himself did re-edifie the Castle of Rayader Gwy and his own sons laid wait for him and took their father prisoner fearing least he would revenge their cruel and unnatural deeds The sons imprison the father but by means of Howel who was blind he escaped out of prison and took the Castle of Dynevowr which Maelgon kept and destroyed it also the sons of Cadwalhon wan the castle of Rayader Gwy and fortified it for themselves At this time Lhewelin the son of Jorwerth Drwyndwn who was the eldest son of Owen Gwineth prince of Northwales remembring his right and title to his inheritance in Northwales although his father had been dis-inherited by his brother David called together his friends by his mother which was Marred daughter of Madoc ap Meredyth P. of Powis also drew to his side his cosens the sons of Conan ap Owen Gwineth then challenged the rule of Northwales and entered the country to whom the people willingly yielded and took him for their Lord and so without bloodshed he received all Northwales into his protection and tuition except three castles which his Uncle David kept by force of Englishmen in whom was all his trust having married Emma daughter of Jeffrie Plantagenet Earle of Ancow and Cevoman or Maine and Maud the Empresse and sister to King Henrie the second and thus David lost his land and Lewelin got his birthright 1194. Quarterly G. and Or 4. Lions passâguar counterchang Lhewelin or Leoline magnus After that Lhewelin or Leoline the great as Mr. Mills call him the son of Jorwerth Mr. Mill f. 306 had gotten the principality of Northwales Roger Mortimer came against him with great forces to Melyenith and built the castle of Cimaron and so brought that country under his command Cimaron castle built and chased away the two sons of Cadwalhon ap Madoc Lords of that place About the same time Rees and Meredith the sons of Prince Rees being two valiant Gentlemen gathered together a company of Madcaps or Hectors as we now call such hair-baind fellows and came to Dinevowr and got the Castle from their Fathers Garrison and after that exployt they went to Cantred Bachan where the whole Country received them gently and delivered the castle to their hands which much displeased their father who laid privy wait for them and by treason of their own men who were afraid any further to incense their Lord and Prince they were taken and brought to their father who presently secured them Caermarthyn destroyed The year ensuing Prince Rees listed a gallant army and laid seige to the town and castle of Caermarthyn and in short time wan them both spoyling and destroying the same and then returned with great plunder Clun Castle fired by P. Rees After which conquest he conducted the same forces to the Marshes before the Castle of Clun which after a long siege and many a fierc assault he got and burned it and from thence he marched to the Castle of Radnor and likewise wan it to the defence wherof caââ Roger Mortimer and Hugh de Says with a strong army of Normans and English but Reââ who had won the Castle determined not immure his men within the walls but boldly like a worthy Prince came into the plain besides before the town and gave them battail where his men although for the most part unarmed and not accustomed to field discipline declared that they descended of Brittish blood A brave resolution of the Welsh and a famous victory against the English whose title the Noble Roman Emperours did so much desire as a token of manhood and worthinesse chosing rather to dye with honour in the defence of their Country then to live with shame and did so worthily behave themselves that their enemies forsook the field with great losse of their men whom Rees pursued till the benefit of the night shadowed them with her darknesse and forthwith he laid siege to the Castle of Paine in Elvel and got it Thither came William de Bruse the owner thereof Payne Castle taken The Archb. of Cant. led an army against the Welsh Matth. Park pag. 138. and made peace with Rees from whom he received the same Castle again Not long after the Archbishop of Canterbury whom Richard who was then King of England had substituted his Lieutenant in England came with a huge power towards VVales and laid siege to the Castle of Gwenwinwin at the pool but the garrison defended the hold so manfully that he lost many of his men but could do no good for the Welshmen made him know that it was better and more secure to be in a pulpit then a pavilion and that the miter and helmet fitted not the same head yet the Martial Prelate would not so be bafled but sent for Miners and set them on work to
prison but shortly after by Gods help they broke the prison and escaped home In the year 1199. Maelgon son to prince Rees laid seige to the Castle of Dinerth and getting it slew all the Garrison which his brother Gruffith had left to defend it But at the same time Gruffith won the Castle of Cilgarran and fortified it This year as King Richard did view the Castle of Chalens in France The end of K. Rich. and beginning of K. Johns reign he was strucken with a quarrel and sore wounded whereof he dyed the ninth of Aprill and left by his Testament John his brother Inheritor of all his lands having no respect to Arthur who being son of an elder brother was right heir The year after Gruffith son of Conan ap Owen Gwineth a noble man died Noblemen buried in Monks habits and was buryed in a Monks Cowle at the Abbey of Conwey and so were all the Nobles for the most part of that time buried This year Maelgon ap Rees seeing he could not well keep Aberteini The Key of Wales sold treacherously of very spite to his brother and hatred to his Country sold it to the Englishmen for a small summe of money being the very key of VVales The same year Madoc the son of Gruffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield did build the Abbey of Lhannegwest called in English commonly Vale Crucis The year 1201 Lhewelyn ap Jorwerth Prince of North Wales being a proper young Chivalier banished out of the land his cozen Meredyth the son of Conan ap Owin Gwyneth suspected of Treason and seized the Cantref of Lhyyn and Evvyonyth to his own hands which were Conans lands Then shortly after Meredyth the son of P. Rees was slain at Carnwelhion by Treason year 1202 whose elder brother Gruffith seized upon his Castle in Lhanymdhfri and all his lands this Gruffith was a wise and discreet Gentleman and one who was like to bring all South Wales to good order and obedience who in all things followed his Fathers steps whom as he succeeded in Government so did he in all Martial prowess and nobility of mind but cruel fortune which frowned upon that Countrey suffered him not long to enjoy his land this Prince died on St. James day ensuing and was buried at Stratflur with great solemnity he left behinde him a son called Rees as right Inheritor of South Wales whose mother was Maud the daughter of William de Bruse Gwerthryneon Castle destroyed The next year after certain Lords of Wales got the Castle of Gwerthryneon which was Roger Mortimers and laid it plain with the ground Then Lhewelyn ap Jorwerth P. of North Wales calling to memory his Estate and Title and how all the other Princes by the Ordinance of Roderike the great and by the lawes of Howell Dha ought of right to acknowledge the King or P. of North Wales as their liege Lord and hold their lands of him and of none other notwithstanding that of late years by negligence of his predecessors they had not used their accustomed duty but some held of the King of England A Parliament called by the P. of Wales others ruled as Supreme power within their own Countries wherefore he called a Parliament of all the Lords in Wales which for the most part appeared before him and swore to be his liege men but Gwenwynwyn Lord of Powis would not come thither nor take the Oath of Allegiance which disobedience the Prince declared to all his Lords and they all thought that it was requisit that Gwenwynwyn should be constrained by force to do his duty or else to lose his lands yet one of his Lords named Elise ap Madoc would not condescend to hurt Gwenwynwyn in any case but departed away suddenly Then Lhewelyn came with an Army to Powis but by the means of certain learned men Gwenwynwyn and the Prince were made friends and Gwenwynwyn became the P. his liege man and confirmed that both by Oath and Writing Then Lhewelyn remembring how Elise ap Madoc had served him seized upon all his lands and Elise fled the Countrey but afterward yielded himself to the Princes mercy who gave him the Castle of Crogen and 7 townships withal Concerning the by-name Crogen And here I think it not amiss to declare the cause why the English call the Welsh Crogens as a word of reproach and despite but if they knew the beginning they should find the contrary for in the voyage which K. Henry the 2d. made against the Welshmen to the Mountains of Berwin as he lay at Oswalstred certain of his men that were sent to try the passages as they would have passed Offas ditch at the Castle of Crogen at which place there was and is at this day a narrow way through the same ditch these men I say as they would have passed the strait Adwy'r bedhev were met withal and a great number slain as doth appear by their graves there yet to be seen whereof the strait beareth the name Therefore the Englishmen after not forgetting the slaughter used to cast the Welshmen in the teeth in all their troubles with the name of Crogen as if they would signifie unto them thereby that they should look for no favour but rather revenge at their hands which word in process of time grew to be taken in another signification Balani Castle fortified Lhanymdhyfri Castle taken Now when Lhewelyn had all those parties in good order he returned to North Wales and by the way fortified the Castle of Balani Penlhyn about the same time Rees son of Gruffith ap Rees by right P. of South Wales got the Castle of Lhanymdhyfri upon Michael-Mass day The Prince of Wales marrieth the King of Englands Daughter About this time Lhewelyn Prince of Wales took to wife Jone daughter of K. John with whom the said King gave the Lordship of Elsmere in the Marches of Wales The year next ensuing the aforesaid Rees ap Gruffith ap Rees got the Castle of Lhangadoc and fortified it to his own use but shortly after Maelgon his Unkle with his friend Gwenwynwyn came with a stronge power before the Castle of Lhanymdhyfri and wan it and from thence they removed to Lhangadoc year 1204 got the same likewise suffering the garrison to depart Gwenwynwyn From thence Maelgon went to Dinerth and finished the Castle which he had begun there About this time David sonne of Owen Gwyneth after that Prince Lhewelyn his nephew had set him at liberty fled to England and got an Army to restore him to his antient estate in North Wales but all in vain for his nephew met him and overthrew him in the way whereupon he returned into England and there shortly after died for very grief and sorrow The next year to this Howell the son to Prince Rees being blind was slain at Cemaes by his brother Maelgons men and buried by his brother Gruffith at Stratflur Although this Maelgon in those dayes bare
did now move many to laugh at those things who seeing that costly and sumptuous building to be laid even with the earth said that Hubert was a prophet and much more then a prophet so much out of Paris About the year 1230 Lhewelyn the son of Maelgon deceased and was entombed at Conwey Adultery punished by death Abergaveny businesse revenged Prince Lhewelin caused William Bruse to be hanged being as t is reported taken in adultery with his wife who was the Sister of K. Henry About this time Maelgon was buried at Stratflur whose patrimony young Maelgen his son inherited after his father This year the King led a great army to Wales and after he had remained in the Marshes a while he returned into England and left Hubert de Burge Earle of Kent with his army to defend the Marshes and hereby his spies understood where certain Welshmen had entred the Marshes to plunder and set upon them by Montgomery killing many of them The Prince herewith being much troubled gathered his forces and to revenge his men A gallant revenge entering the Marshes he destroyed all with fire and sword who withstood him and burnt the Castles and Garrisons without mercy year 1231 and first the Castle of Montgomery for the Earle withdrew himself for fear then the castle of Radnor Aberhodny Rayader Gwy and so he went to Caerlheon and after long fight and loss of many of his men got the Town and left nothing therein but Ashes the like he did with the Castles of Neth and Cydwely The utter destruction of Caerlheon Therefore the King came to Hereford with a mighty army and sent a great number of his nobles with the most part of his army to VVales who using the direction of a Fryer of Cymer met with a company of VVelshmen which at the first encounter sled whom the Englishmen followed to the Straits where the ambushments lay which fell upon them A Fryer ventureth his life in behalf of his country Maud Castle built by K. Henry the III. The Welsh well enough required for deâerring their own Countrymen and slew a great number of the best Souldiers the rest escaped by flight Therefore the King would have burnt the house of Cymer yet the Prior redeemed it by paying 300 marks and so the King returned into England after he had built the Castle of Maud whilst these things were in agitation Maelgon the son of Maelgon ap Rees laidsiege to Aberteini and got the Town and destroyed it to the Castle gates putting all the inhabitants to the sword And shortly after he returned with his cozen Owen son to Gruffith ap Rees with certain of the Princes Captains and brake down the bridge upon the River Teini and laid siege to the Castle and with engines and mines threw down the same and so with much honour returned home The next year this gallant and heroick Brittain Lhewelyn entered England and brought back a rich spoyle both of goods cattel and men which forced the King to impose a subsidy to subdue the Brittains About this time John Earle of Chester surnamed Le Scot from the place of his birth Mr Brook York Herald fol. â5 The murder at Abergaveny punished in the Family of de Bruse Earl of Huntington and Cambridge c. son of David brother to the King of Scots who bore for his armes Or three garbs Gules married Helin daughter to Lhewelin P. of Northwales also Ephraim Bishop of Lhanelwy died and John de Bruse falling off his horse his foot sticking fast in the stirrup was drag'd till he dyed most miserably The year following Richard E. of Cornwal fortified the Castle of Radnor which the Prince had lately destroyed Shortly after Prince Lhewelin came with an army to Brecknock and destroyed all the towns and castles of the Country and lay a moneth at the siege of the Castle of Brecknock P. Lhewelin a scourge to the English adherents but yet went without it and burning the town retreated home with great plunder In his journey by the way he burned the Town of Clun and recovered all the Country called Diffrin Teneidiat which was the possession of John Fitz Allen but he could not get the Castle After that he overthrew the Red Castle in Powis now the house of the Right Honourable Sir Percy Herbert Lord Powis a right worthy Gentleman Red castle in Montgomery shire a Garrison formerly for the Parliament and at this present and burned the town of Oswestre and so came home And about this time Richard Marshal fell at variance with the King who with Huber de Burge that escaped out of the castle of Devises where the Bishop of Winchester intended to have starved him came to Wales and joyned with the prince against the King Then the Earle with Owen ap Gruffith ap Rees came to Menevia or St. Davids The English with the Welsh against their King Abergavenny with other Castles taken K. Henry by Grismont lost 500. Horse and killed and spoiled all the Kings Friends within the Town Also Maelgon and Rees Gryc with the power of the prince joyned with them who in that voyage wan all these Castles Caerdiff Abergaveny Pencelhy Blaynlhefyini and Bwlchy Dynet which they razed all except Caerdif This so incensed the King that he raised a mighty army as well Flemmings Normans and Gascoines and Englishmen and entred VVales thinking to destroy the whole Country and encamped at Grismont where the Earle with the power of Wales encamped hard by him and as the Kings men would have entred further they were met withall and lost 500 horse and so upon better consideration returned home after whose departure the Earl with the power aforesaid lay before Caermarthyn three moneths but it was so manfully defended that they went without it and at last there came in the Kings ships and manned and victualed the town which caused the besiegers to rayse their siege and depart About this time Rees Gryc Son to the Lord or prince Rees dyed at Lhandeilo vawr and was buried honourably by his Father at St. Davids and then also Maelgon the son of Maelgon finished the Castle of Tresilan which his father had begun John of Mermeth forced to ây In the year 1234. John Lord Monumetensis a noble warriour Captain or General of the Kings Army being made Ward of the marches of Wales levied a power and came against Earl Marshall and the Welshmen but when he had once entred Wales he came back in post leaving his Men for the most part slain and taken behind Maâ Paris p. 520. This History is reported by Mathew Paris after this manner About the feast of St. John Baptist John of Monmoth a noble and expert warriour who was with the King in his wars in Wales gathered a great army meaning to invade the Earl Marshal at unawares but he being certifi'd thereof hid himself in a certain wood by the which lay the way of his Enemies
a staff being unarmed and knew him not and his men being but a few stood and fought boldly ever looking for their prince till the Englishmen by force of Archers mixt with the horsemen wan the hill and put them to flight and as they returned Francton went to spoyle him whom he had slain and when he saw his face he knew him very well and struck off his head and sent it to the King at the Abbey of Conwey who received it with great joy caused it to be set upon one of the highest Turrets of the Tower of London This was the end of Lhewelyn betrayed by the men of Buelht who was the last prince of the Brittains blood who bare dominion and rule in VVales so that the rule and government of the Brittains over continued in some place of Brittany from the first coming of Brutus Mr. Powel fol 374. which was as Mr. Powel saith in the year before Christs incarnation 1136. to the year after Christ 1282 by the space of 2418. years Varium mutabile semper vulgus Shortly after that the King had brought all the Country under his subjection the country men themselves brought to him David the princes brother whom he kept in Ruthlan Castle and after put him to death at Shrewsbury Then the King built two strong castles in Northwales Conwey and Carnarvon castle built by K. Edw I. the one at Conwey and the other at Caernarvon when Rees Vachan heard how all things went he yielded himself to the Earle of Hereford who at the Kings commandement sent him to the Tower of London to be imprisoned there and so the King passed through all VVales and subjected the whole Country to the Kingdom of England Mr. Mills fol. 310. Two religious men the one a VVelshman the other an Englishman have written late in Verses in praise and dispraise of this Lhewelyn not unworthy to be remembred the substance whereof is this The VVelshman thus The Englishman thus Here lyeth he that terrifieth the English men and Wales he did as valiantly defend Lhewelyn the Prince of Northwales the bulwark the jewel of his time a flower of Kings past a pattern of future ages the Captain the light the beauty and law of the People Here lyeth the Prince of error the spoyle of men traitor to England bright firebrand of the guilty the VVelshmens God a traitor Captaine and death of the godly the scum of Trojans a lying stock and cause of much mischief His Issue Katherine Lackland or without land married to Malcome Earle of Fyke in Scotland Madoc was his bastard son who in the latter time of K. Edward I. raised war in Northwales but where the King came he builded the Castles of Beaumarish and cut down there woods which yielded them succour and refuge in time of war he fortified the Castles about the sea coast Shortly after he was taken from that time the Welshmen ceased to make war and the King gave to his eldest son the Principality of Wales and with it the Earldom of Chester THE Fourth Book OF THE ANTIENT MODERN BRITTISH AND WELSH History TO THE Right Honourable Sir PIERCY HERBERT Lord Powis EDWARD HERBERT Baron of Cherbery in England and Castle-Iland in Ireland Sir CHARLES SOMERSET Knight of the Bath and Son to the Right Honorable Edward Earl of Worcester Sir EDWARD STRADLING alias ESTERLING of St. Donats Baronet Sir EDWARD MORGAN of Lantarnam Baronet Sir TREVOR WILLIAMS of Langibbie Com Mon Baronet WILLIAM LEWES of the Van Esq RICHARD LEWES of Edigton Esq THOMAS MORGAN of Maughan Esq The Lord POWIS Sir EDWARD HERBERT of Red-Castle Montgomeryshire descended lineally from Brittish Progenitors as in the Geneology of the E. of Pembrock largely appears Sir William Herbert created Lord Powis Elianor Daughter to Henry Earl of Northumberland by which match this honorable Family descends from the Brittish line as appears in the Genealogy of the Earl of Northumberland Sir Piercy Herbert Lord Powis sister to the Lord Craven William Herbert Esq Heir apparent Elizabeth Daughter to Edward Marquesse of Worcester by which the Brittish bloud is again renewed and conjoyned as appears in the Pedegree of the Marquess of Worcester The Lord HERBERT Baron of Cherbery and Castle-Iland Edward Lord Herbert of Cherbery Anne Daughter of Sir Thomas Middleton of Cherck Castle descended anciently from Brittish noble Progenitors Richard Lord Herbert c. Mary Daughter to John Egerton Earl of Bridgewater by which match the honourable Family is linked into the Brittish bloud as appears in the Genealogy of the Earl of Bridgewater Edward Lord Herbert c. Mary Daughter and Heir to Sir William Herbert of St. Julians Com Monmoth Here take natice that these two honorable Families both Male and Female by a long continued Series and Genealogy descend from Noble and Princely Brittish Progenitors The first whereof Herbert Lord of the Forrest of Dean married Lucy Daughter and Coheir of Milo Earl of Hereford who married Sibil Daughter and Heir of Bernard Newmarsh Lord of Brecon and his Wife Nest Daughter and Heir of Griffith ap Llewellin Prince of Southwales the first of this Family who setled in Wales was Peter ap Herbert who married Alice Daughter and Heir of Blethin Broadspear he was Lord of Llanthloell in Monmouthshire and Beachley in Glocestershire and from this branch are sprung The Earl of Pembrock and Huntington the Marquess of Worcester The Earl of Pembrock and Montgomery the Lord Powis and several Noble ancient and mighty Families who do and have born several honorable Offices in this Kingdom Sir CHARLES SOMERSET of Troy in the County of Monmouth Knight of the Bath SIR Charles Somerset Knight of the Bath at the creation of Henry Prince of Wales third Son to Edward Lord Herbert of Chepstow Ragland and Gower Earl of Worcester and Elizabeth Daughter of Francis Hastings Earl of Huntington and Katherine his Wife Daughter and Heir of Henry Poole Lord Mountague descended from the Brittish line married the sole d and h of Sir William Powel of Troy Knight extracted from an ancient and long continued series of Brittish Progenitors and hath three Daughters and Coheirs the eldest married to Squire Anderton of Lostock Com Lan Esq and hath Issue Male the other two as yet unmarried I shall need to say no more concerning the extraction of this honorable and most vertuous Knight from the Brittish line the Genealogy of the Marquess of Worcester will make it appear only I shall dayly pray that Almighty God will prolong his life for the good of the poor and at his departure crown him with a crown of glory bless his posterity Sir EDWARD STRADLING Baronet SIR Edward Esterling was one of the twelve Knights who came into Wales for the subduing of Glamorganshire and for his good service had St. Donats Castle and Mannor given him where this Knightly and Noble Family hath hitherto continued Sir John Esterling Knight Sir Morris Esterling Knight Sir Robert
Esterling commonly called Stradling Knight Sir Gilbert Stradling Knight Sir William Stradling Knight Sir John Stradling Knight Sir Peter Stradling Knight Julian sole Daughter and Heir to Tho. Hawey Esq Sir Edward Stradling Knight Elianor Daughter to Gilb. Stradling of a yonger Family Esq Sir Edward Stradling Knight Wenlian Sister and Heir to Sir Lawrence Beccols one of the twelve Knights Sir William Stradling Knight Isabell Daughter and Heir to Joht St. Barbe Com. Somer Esq Sir Edward Stradling Knight Jane Daughter to Henry Beaufort after Cardinal Sir Henry Stradling Knight Eliz. Sister by the whole bloud to William Earl of Pembrock Thomas Stradling Esq Jenet Daughter to Tho. Matthew of Kayder Esq Sir Edward Stradling Knight Eliz. daugh to Sir Tho. Arundel of Llanheyron Com. Devon Kt. Sir Thomas Stradling Knight Katherin d. to Sir Tho. Gamage Kt. Sir Edward Stradling Knight Agnes d. of Sir Edward Gage Kt. Sir John Stradling Knight created Baronet by K. James being the 6th Baronet so created  Sir Edward Stradling Baronet d. to Sir Tho. Maunsel Baronet Sir Edward Stradling Bar A Lady from London Sir Edward Stradling Baronet now living 1661. Sir EDWARD MORGAN of Lantarnam Com. Mon. Baronet Kidivor Vawr Lord of Kylsant one of the Peers of Wales of the Royal bloud of the Brittains paternally descended from Bely King of Brittain Kydivor Vawr Lord of Kilsant Elen d. and h. to Llewelen Vawr one of the Peers of Wales Bledry Lord Kilsant Clydwen d. and h. to Griffith ap Kydrych Lord of Gwenvay Ivor ap Bledery de eodem Tauglust d. and h. to Howel Sais Lord of S. Clere. Llewelin ap Ivor Lord of St. Clere. Augharand d. and h. to Sir Morgan Meredith L. of Tredegar Kt. Morgan Llewellin Lord of S. Clere and Tredegar Mallt daugh to Rhyn ap Gronwey Lord of Kybor Philip Morgan of Langston Com. Mon Esq a second brother daughter and heir of Sir John Norris of Langston Knight Jenkin Philip of Langston Esq Cicely d. to Sir John Welsh Kt. Morgan Jenkin of Langston Esq Eliz. d to Roger Vaughan Esq Sir Thomas Morgan of Penloyd Kt. Com Mon Joan d and h to John Gwillym Herbert of Itton Esq John Morgan of Caerleon a second Son Esq Eliz. d to Lewes ap Richard Wyn of the Van Com. Glamor Esq Will Morgan of Lantarnam Esq Eliz d to Sir Rees Maunsel Kt. Edward Morgan of Lantarnam Esq Eliz d and h to Hugh Smith of Long Ashton Com Som Esq William Morgan of Lantarnam Esq The Lady Frances daughter to the Earl of Worcester Sir Edward Morgan of Lantarnam Baronet Mary daughter to Sir Francis Englefeild Baronet Sir Edward Morgan of Lantarnam Baronet now living 1661. Frances daughter to Tho Morgan of Maughon Esq Edward Morgan Esquire Heir apparent Sir TREVOR WILLIAMS of Langibbie Com. Mon. Baronet Cradoc Vraych Vras E of Ferlix Tegayr d and h to K. Pallinor Maynarck Lord of Brecon Elinor d to Synon L. of Cwnwe Rees ap Maynarck Lord of Istradyw Joan d to Kydwayn ap Elistan P. of Ferlix Ruylhyn ap Rees Goch Lord of Istradywe Jonet Daughter and Coheir to Howell of Caerleon Kynvyn ap Kuylhyn Esq Gladys d to Sitsilt ap Difnwall ofVpper Gwent Esq Arthur ap Kynvyn Esq Elinor daughter to Meirick ap Cradoc Esq Howel ap Arthur Esq Joan d to Gronwey Vychan Esq Griffith ap Howell Esq d and h to Gronwey Vychan ap Gronwey ap Ririd of Penllin David ap Griffith Esq Maud d and heir to Llewellin ap Kynvrige Vychan Esq Howell Gam David Esq Joyce d to Sir Scudamore Kt. Evan ap Howell Esq Alice d to Morgan Vawr Esq Philip ap Evan Esq Jonet daughter to Meirick Hanard Esq Howell ap Philip Esq Jonet d to Rog David ap Meirick Gwillym ap Howell Esq Gwellian d to Jenken David ap Rees ap Gronwey Esq Tho Guillym Howell Esq Gwellia d to Meirick ap Evan ap Gronwey Esq John Thomas Esq Anne d to David Goch ap Jenkin Grant Esq William Jones Esq Margaret d to Edward Jenkin ap Roger of Martholy Esq Roger Williams Esq Dorothy d to Sir Baynam Kt. Rowland Williams Esq Cicely daughter to Sir Edward Maunsel Knight and Baronet Sir Charles Williams Knight Anne daugh to Sir John Trevor Sir Trevor Williams Baronet now living 1661. Eliz daughter to Tho Morgan of Maughan Esq and Coheir by her Mother to that never sufficiently admired Ralph Lord Hopton her Uncle Williams Esq Heir apparent WILLIAM LEWES of the Van and RICHARD LEWES of Edington Esquires and Brothers Cloddien ap Gurgan Prince of Dryswyn Morvid d and sole h to Odwin ap Teith Lord of Cardigan Gwaith Voed Lord of Gardigan in right of his Mother Morvid one of the daughters and Coheirs of Iuyr K. of Gwent Kydrych ap Gwaith Voed Lord of Gwyn Vai Nest daugh to Tango ap Cadvael Pr. of Ardydwy Cadivor ap Kydrych Lord of Twch Cayack Mevamwy daughter to Gurgan King of Morganog Moirick ap Cadivor Lord of Ywch Cayack Gladys daughter to Eiddyn King of Gwent Ivor ap Meirick alias Ivor Petty Lord Royal of St. Sein henidd Nest daugh and heir to Madoc ap Cradoc Lord Royal c. Griffith ap Ivor c. Elen daughter to Griffith ap Rees Tudor Prince of Wales Howell ap Griffith or Howell Velin Esq Sarah d and coheir to Sir Mayo Sore Lord of St. Fagans Madoc ap Howell of Marthyr Esq Efnydd d and one of the Heirs of Lewes descended from Minarch Lord of Brecon Llewellin ap Madoc of Marthyr Esq Llewellin Vychan of Marthyr Esq Rees ap Llewellin Vychan of Marthyr Esq Llewellin ap Rees of Marthyr Esq Joan d of Howel Gam Lord of Penrose Com Mon Esq Richard Gwyn of Marthyr Esq Jonet Lady of Marthyr sole d and Heir to Jeuan Esq Lewis ap Richard Gwin Esq Gladys d and sole h to Jenan ap John descended lineally from Brecon Lord of Brecknoc Edward Lewis of the Van Esq Anne d of Sir William Morgan of Pencoed Kt. John Morgan of Caerleon 2. son of this Sir William married Eliz. sister of this Edw Lewis from which cross match the Lewisses of the Van and Morgans of Lantarnam are desscended Tho Lewis of the Van Esq Margaret d to Robert Gamage Lord of Coyty Esq Sir Edward Lewis of the Van Knight Blanch d to Thomas Morgan of Tredegar Esq Sir Edward Lewis of the Van Knight The Lady Anne d to Robert Earl of Dorset and widdow to the Lord Beauchamp William Lewis of the Van Esq now living 1661. sole d and h to Banister Esq Rich Lewis of Edington Esq now living 1661. d and h to James Esq Lewis Esq Heir apparent Lewis Heir apparent THOMAS MORGAN of Maughan Esq Kydivor Vawr Lord of Blain Cych paternally descended from Bely the Great King of Btittain married Elen Daughter and Heir to Llewellen Vawr Bledry ap Kydivor Vawr Lord of Kylsant Clidwen d and h to Griffith Cederch Lord of Gwnfay Ivor ap Bledry Lord of Kylsant Esq Tanglust d and h to
franchises being possessed or claimed by any person or persons and which were to be seized into the Kings hands and of all escapes and Fellons and those inquisitions so from time to time to be taken to certifie into the Chancery And by the same Charter gave him power to substitute and appoint others under him for the better execution of the same which afterwards by Commission was executed accordingly And the said King also by his Charter bearing date 14 Junii 8º regni made and constituted the said Arthur Prince of Wales and Governour and Warden of the Marches towards Scotland and substituted as his Lieutenant and Vice-Warden under him Thomas Earle of Surrey for the due execution thereof Likewise the said King by his letters Patents dated 5. Novemb. 9. regni in augmention of the Revenue of the Prince did grant unto the said Prince the Honour Castle and Lordship of Wigmore and divers other Castles Mannours and Lands which some time had been belonging to the Earldom of March which came to the Crown by King Edward the IV. who was himself Earle of March before he assumed the regal estate To have and to hold during the pleasure of the King yielding yearly the Rent of 200 l. A Councel assigned the P. The Prince was sent unto the Marches of Wales for government of that Country and in the 17 regni Henry VII had a Counsell of wise and very worthy men assigned unto him as namely Sr. Richard Pool chief Chamberlain of the said Prince Sir Henry Vernon Sir Richard Crofts Sir David Philips Sir William Vdal Sir Thomas Inglefield and Sir Peter Newton Knights John Wilson Henry Marian Doctor William Smith after Bishop of Lincolne where he was buryed President of the Councel and Doctour Charles where not long afterwards the said Prince died in the Castle of Ludlow without issue I may not let passe what Mr. Lhoyd writeth concerning Sir Owen Tuder he saith that Sir William Stanley then Lord of Cromfield Mr. Lhoyd fol. 391. Yale and Chirkland aided Henry VII being followed by the Welshmen and that the said Henry knowing and pittying the thraldom and iniuries of that Nation from whom he descended took order to reform the same and granted vnto them a Charter of liberties The bondage of Hen. IV. taken from the Welsh by Hen. VII whereby they were released of that oppression wherewith they were afflicted by lawes I have set down before more heathenish then christian and here I cannot omit but some thing answer the reproachful and slanderous assertions of Joannes Bernardus Pontus Henlerus and others I my self have seen a manuscript where he is called a Shereman but rather ignorantly I hope then maliciously who go about to abase the noble parentage of Owen Tuder the Kings Grandfather following more their own affections then any good proof or authority for if they would read that noble work of Matthew Paris they shall find in page 843. of the printed book that Ednivet Vachan one of his Ancestours was the chiefest of Councel to Lhewelin ap Jorwerth otherwise called Leolenus Magnus and to David ap Lhewelin Princes of Wales as formerly They may also find in the Records of the Tower of London in an 29. Edward I. in the general homage done to Prince Edward of Caernavon first prince of Wales of the English bloud that Tuder ap Grono another of the Ancestours of Owen did his homage among the Nobles of Wales Owen Tuder descended from the K. of England as appeareth in the said Records Further the said Owens Grandmother the wife of Tuder ap Grono was Margaret the daughter of Thomas the son of Elianor which was the daughter of the County of Barr by Elianor his wife daughter to Edward I. King of England Besides all this there was a Commission at this time directed by King Edward VII to the Abbot of Lhan Egwest Doctor Owen Pool Canon of Hereford and John King Herald to make inquisition concerning the parentage of the said Owen who coming to VVales travelled in that matter and used the helps of Sir John Levof Guttin Owen Bardh Gruffith ap Lhewelin ap Evan Vachan and others in the search of the Brittish or Welsh books of Pedigrees out of the which they drew his perfect Genealogy from the Antient Kings of Brittain and the Princes of VVales and so returned their Commission which return is extant to be seen at this day And I God willing will set forth what I have in a compendium which I intend to annex to this present treatise of many things which cannot be well digested in method of History yet much conduce to the Glory of the Welsh the several princely stems from whence Owen Tuder and consequently the succeeding Kings of England descended Henry Duke of York After the death of Prince Arthur King Henry VII Charta creationis P. Wal. by his letters patents dated the 18 of February 19 regni in a parliament created Henry then his only son who after was King Henry VIII and whom before that in the 11. he had made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by an other Charter of the same year Constable of the Castle of Dover to be Prince of Wales Earle of Chester being then about the age of twelve years To have and to hold to him and his heirs Kings of England for ever being the like limitation of Estate and with the like investure as in former times had been acustomed But whether the King did grant the lands and revenues belonging to the said principality unto the said Henry or no as he had done unto Prince Arthur his brother doth not appear by any Charter therof that as yet can be found After the death of King Henry VII the said Prince Henry was King of England by the name of King Henry VIII he had a issue son called Henry who dyed very young he likewise had issue the Lady Mary afterwards Queen and the Lady Elizabeth and lastly prince Edward the youngest in years who first reigned after the death of his said father by the name of Edward the Sixt. Mary The Lady Mary daughter to the same King Henry the VIII Mr. Lhoyd fol. 393. by the Queen Catherine his first wife was Princesse of Wales and in the 17. year of King Henries reign he sent John Voiseie Bishop of Exeter to be Lord President of the Councel of the said Princesse in the Marches of Wales Elizabeth Elizabeth daughter to King Henry the VIII Mr. Lhoyd fol. 394. was in a Parliament begun the 15 day of January in the 25 regni declared Princesse and Inheritrix of the Crown of England with all the Dominions to the same belonging in default of issue male of the body of the said King Henry Sr. John Dodridge doth not approve of King Edward VI. Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth to have been Prince or Princesse formally for he saith there cannot be found any Charter among the records whereby it may appear that any of